ABC News(CHICAGO) -- Nearly 100 Chicago area high school students became sick with a stomach virus after attending their prom.



Victor J. Andrew High School seniors attended the rite of passage at the Shedd Aquarium in downtown Chicago when more than 90 of the attendees became sick with flu-like symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.



The school was closed Monday while administrators investigated the outbreak. High school student Kacie Johnston was too sick to leave her house on Monday.



"I was vomiting, I had diarrhea, I had a fever, I had everything," she told ABC-owned station WLS-TV in Chicago.



About 500 students attended the suburban high school's prom at the indoor aquarium.



The Shedd Aquarium has been working with the food vendor, Sodexo to identify the source, according to its statement to ABC News.



"The care and well-being of all our guests is a top priority for Shedd Aquarium and something that is taken very seriously," the Shedd Aquarium said in a statement.



"The safety, health, and well-being of our clients and customers is our top priority. We are aware of the alleged food-related illness at the Shedd Aquarium, which has affected students from Victor J. Andrew High School," a Sodexo spokesperson told WLS-TV. "We are conducting a thorough internal investigation in close partnership with the Shedd team and the local health officials. We are committed to food safety and have enjoyed a longstanding and strong performance of food safety procedures and operations at Shedd Aquarium."



One parent claims she wasn't the only one seeking medical attention for her child from an urgent care facility shortly after the Friday night event.



"I was messaging with a few parents last night from immediate care," Edith Paez, whose daughter Elizabeth was among those ill, told WLS-TV.



"Some of them were in the hospital. Some of them were at the actual immediate care where we were," she added.



The city and county health departments are investigating, and the Illinois Department of Public Health said they are aware of the situation.



Bob Nolting, the school's principal, assured parents in a message, which was obtained by WSL-TV, that the school and the district were getting to the root of the cause.



"I have spoken with Shedd Aquarium administration and the Cook County Department of Public Health regarding this information," Nolting wrote. "The Cook County Department of Public Health is conducting an investigation to identify the source of this illness."



The school was cleaned, according to Nolting, overnight to assure no virus seeps its way into the school.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.Alex Wong/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump Tuesday morning tweeted the leak of the list of questions special counsel Robert Mueller wants to ask him is disgraceful, claiming that there are no questions on Collusion, despite the fact that one of the four main topics in the leaked list includes campaign coordination with Russia.

So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media. No questions on Collusion, the president tweeted.

ABC News has confirmed a list of roughly four dozen questions, first obtained by the New York Times, that describes issues the special counsel wants to address with the president.

Trumps legal team and the special counsel's office both declined to comment to ABC News on the questions.

The questions were developed in part by Trumps legal team after they recently met with investigators from Muellers office, multiple sources familiar with the list told ABC News. They are a result of the ongoing negotiations between Trumps lawyers and the special counsel and based on four topic areas Mueller is interested in probing, the sources said.

ABC has previously reported on a list of categories that Mueller wants to ask Trump about that include: the firing of former FBI director James Comey, the firing of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, the June 2016 meeting with a Russian attorney in Trump Tower, and the presidents business dealings.

Among the questions leaked on Michael Flynn: What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, in late December 2016?

Flynn has pleaded guilty to lying about his conversations with Kislyak and has been cooperating with the special counsel. On the decision to fire James Comey, Mueller has a series of questions, including: When was it made? Why? Who played a role? What did you mean when you told Russian diplomats on May 10, 2017, that firing Mr. Comey had taken the pressure off?

For the last several months, the Trump legal team has been having active negotiations with the Mueller team working toward a potential interview which would have included either a face to face interview with parameters, a written questionnaire or some mix of both, sources have told ABC News.

ABC News reported last month that Trump was less inclined to sit down with Mueller for an interview following the FBI raid on his personal attorney Michael Cohen.





Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.MONTREALCanadian airlines are planning to resume service to a couple of hurricane-stricken Caribbean islands next winter amid repairs to key infrastructure.

Air Transat said Tuesday that seasonal flights will return to St. Martin, St. Maarten and San Juan, Puerto Rico from Montreal and Toronto for four months starting just before Christmas.

The Montreal-based airline has flown to the French-Dutch island since 1992, the last few years offering one flight a week from each of the Canadian airports.

Read more:

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The hurricanes that heavily damaged parts of the Caribbean last September forced the cancellation of its plans to launch that new destination a year ago.

Were coming back now because the infrastructure is back  airports and everything, Transat spokeswoman Debbie Cabana said in an interview.

Both destinations are embarkation ports for cruise packages. Many of these passengers only purchase flights and stay for a couple of days before cruises, she added.

When the authorities started building back the airport and everything, we had a team from the product team that went there to make sure that everything was on (par) and that the offer was good for the customers.

Transat took a $5-million hurricane hit in the first quarter and expects another $10 million to $15 million in the second quarter because of changed travel patterns resulting from the storms.

Air Canada says it is monitoring the situation on both islands and is expecting to operate its normal schedule to these seasonal destinations.

Air Transat and Air Canada resumed service to other affected islands where it flies earlier in the last winter season.

Transats airline operations to Varadero and Holguin resumed a few days after the hurricanes, while service to Santa Clara and Cayo Coco returned in mid-November.

Air Canada said operations resumed across Cuba and to Turks & Caicos in January.

Neither WestJet nor Sunwing could be immediately reached for comment.

The Calgary-based airline has previously said it planned to resume service to St. Maarten in May while Sunwing had said flights would be suspended until this spring.

Sunwing said it hopes to return as soon as practicable to St. Maarten, which has always been a popular destination for its customers.

We are in close contact with our hotel partners there and hope to be able to resume operations in 2019, said Andrew Dawson, president of tour operations.

In the meantime, flights have been increased to other popular destinations, including Antigua from Montreal and Toronto, he added.

A recently released study says last falls hurricane season resulted in an estimated loss of 826,100 visitors to the Caribbean and about $741 million (U.S.) in spending that would have supported 11,000 jobs.

The World Travel and Tourism Council added that research on past natural disasters suggests it could take up to four years for hard-hit areas to fully recover, resulting on the region missing out on more than $3 billion.

Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in the Caribbean. Nearly 47 million passengers spent $31.4 billion in 2016. It contributes 15 per cent of the Caribbeans GDP and nearly 14 per cent of employment.

Islands that experienced the most damage were Cuba, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, St. Maarten, Barbuda and Dominica.

Two-thirds of the region avoided damage.

Islands such as Grand Caymans, St. Lucia along with St. Vincent and the Grenadines benefited as more travellers visited those countries.

Read more about:New YorkGibson Brands Inc. filed for bankruptcy with a turnaround plan that gives some of the companys lenders equity ownership of the iconic American business thats supplied guitars to B.B. King, Elvis Presley and Pete Townshend.

Support from senior secured noteholders will help Gibson repay bank loans while going through a change of control transaction, according to papers filed Tuesday with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware. The petition shows the company owes as much as $500 million (U.S.) and that lenders will provide a new loan of up to $135 million to keep Gibson in business.

The change in control will give noteholders equity in a new company, replacing current stockholders such as Chief Executive Officer Henry Juszkiewicz. According to court filings, current noteholders include Silver Point Capital, Melody Capital Partners and funds affiliated with KKR Credit Advisors. The restructuring will also allow the instrument business to unburden itself of a consumer-electronics unit that Gibson blamed for its financial woes.

Leadership plan

Juszkiewicz, who has found himself at odds with creditors in recent months, will continue with the company upon emergence from bankruptcy to facilitate a smooth transition, according to the agreement. Court papers call for a one-year consulting deal and compensation package for Juszkiewicz. A representative for the company didnt immediately respond to questions about whether Juszkiewicz will remain as CEO or in a separate role.

A group of bondholders led by KKR-affiliated funds and advised by investment bank PJT Partners Inc. and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP had been pushing for a restructuring that would hand them ownership of the guitar maker and let them install new leadership. Working with Jefferies LLC, the company had sought a sale or recapitalization, approaching 58 businesses and signing 27 nondisclosure agreements. Still, it said it didnt have enough capital to pay down its debt and get more time to strike a deal, according to court filings.

The group had declined to invest new funds in Gibson while Juszkiewicz remained in charge, Bloomberg previously reported.

Gibson was engaged with negotiations with the creditor group in March, talks that ended because shareholders and KKR were significantly divergent in their views regarding the appropriate consideration for the various parties involved, according to a company statement. The company had also been talking with other potential investors in hopes of receiving new money to refinance its debt and take out the existing creditors.

Failed diversification

Gibson, founded in 1894, sells more than 170,000 guitars annually in 80 countries. Its guitars are U.S.-made, with factories in Nashville and Memphis, Tenn., and Bozeman, Mon. It also sells studio monitors, headphones, turntables and other musical instruments. Units also include the companys Baldwin Piano business.

Its Gibson Innovations business, acquired in June 2014 from Koninklijke Philips NV, was the source of its financial woes, according to a court statement from Brian J. Fox, a managing director at Alvarez & Marsal who will serve as the companys chief restructuring officer. Acquired through a leveraged transaction, the business faced significant sales declines due in part to a loss of credit insurance overseas. The unit will be wound down, according to a Gibson news release.

Read more:

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Now is the time for Loblaw to show whos the boss

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Music lifestyle

Juszkiewicz bought the audio and home entertainment business from Philips for $135 million as part of a bid to relaunch Gibson Guitars as Gibson Brands Inc., a music lifestyle company. He also bought a line of consumer electronics from Japanese company Onkyo Corp. in his bid for diversification. But the purchases drained cash, and earnings plunged. The company ran out of time for a turnaround as a bond maturity and springing term loan loomed in July.

Management, creditors and consumers alike see strong potential for Gibsons iconic music business. But challenges have abounded, beyond the ill-fated expansion into consumer electronics.

In recent years, Gibson faced tighter credit terms from its suppliers and growing pressure from new import regulations on rosewood, a crucial material for the companys high-end instruments, according to S&P Global Ratings. Gibson had also developed a broken relationship with some retailers, a number of whom have stopped selling the brand, citing unmanageable demands that range from annual credit checks to upfront orders for a years merchandise.

Exit path

With the noteholder agreement, the company has an exit path from Chapter 11 as a deleveraged business, poised for continued growth, Fox said in the filing. The hope is that a more nimble, reorganized company will be able to address its problems and return focus to the core guitar business.

Fox described the electronics business as having become trapped in a vicious cycle in which it lacked the liquidity to buy inventory and drive sales. Cross-defaults had threatened the musical instruments business, and the company has been working with advisers since late 2017 to try to solve the problem.

The company was able to reach an arrangement with major constituents to its musical instruments business, but not the consumer-electronics business, Fox said.

The Gibson name is synonymous with quality and todays actions will allow future generations to experience the unrivaled sound, design and craftsmanship that our employees put into each Gibson product, Juszkiewicz said in a statement.Can the CEO be his own boss?

Easy to answer, no? Yet decades have passed and that question is still being asked, posed this spring in a shareholder proposal attached to the order of business for Loblaw Cos. Ltd.s annual general meeting, being held Thursday.

Not for the first time, the words of Andrew Grove have been deployed to underscore the point that every corporate leader needs a boss, even the CEO. Grove was chairman of Intel Corp. when he expressed these views to Jeffrey Garten, then the dean of the Yale School of Management: The separation of the two jobs goes to the heart of the conception of a corporation. Is a company a sandbox for the CEO, or is the CEO an employee? If hes an employee, he needs a boss, and that boss is the board. The chairman runs the board. How can the CEO be his own boss?

At Loblaw that trick is being performed by Galen G. Weston, who has shaken off the G2 moniker, having been trained up in the company before taking on the dual roles of chairman and CEO last year. The family firm, George Weston Ltd., is the largest Loblaw shareholder.

In the Loblaw shareholder proposal, the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union General Fund asks the board to adopt a policy that the chair of the board be independent, and urges shareholders to vote in favour. In our view, shareholder value is enhanced by an independent Board Chair who can provide a balance of power between the CEO and the Board and support strong Board oversight. Independent board leadership would be particularly useful, the proposal states, in light of disclosures in 2017 that Loblaw participated in a price fixing scheme. That reference, of course, is to the bread-gate price-setting scandal.

A similar attempt in shareholder reform was made last year at Facebook, and failed of course. Mark Zuckerberg controls the stock, and remains CEO and chairman of the social media giant. That, surely, is a big part of the problem. But 31 per cent of minority investors voted in favour of the proposal, and that was before the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The proposal put to Facebook investors, by the way, was introduced by the corporate watchdog SumOfUs, which will be presenting the Loblaw resolution in collaboration with the B.C. union.

In the case of Loblaw, Glass Lewis, the influential shareholder advisory firm, is throwing its weight behind the proposal. That should be worrying for Mr. Weston but encouraging for investors. The San Francisco-based company includes in its client list asset managers and pension plans that manage more than $35 trillion (U.S.) in assets. In 2007, the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan purchased Glass Lewis. Alberta Investment Management Corp. partnered five years ago, buying a 20 per cent stake.

Governance experts have had the splitting of the chair/CEO roles under study since at least the early 1990s. We still harken back to the Cadbury Report in the U.K., borne from sudden corporate collapses and inadequate oversight, and the way in which Sir Adrian Cadbury drew a clear road map for governance reform. That a majority of the board be comprised of outside directors was a Cadbury rule. Separating the chair from the CEO was another. Otherwise, he wrote in 1992, the dual function represents a considerable concentration of power.

So Europe has been ahead on this for decades, followed by Canada, albeit with far fewer fully independent chairs, defined broadly as having no direct or indirect material relationship with the issuer. A material relationship is one that could be reasonably expected to interfere with the exercise of a members independent judgement.

In the U.S., change was spurred by crisis, specifically the collapse of Enron. Dual functioning leaders at S&P 500 companies declined to 52 per cent in 2015 from 71 per cent a decade earlier and, last year, the balance at last shifted in favour of separate roles, if only by one per cent.

Does corporate performance improve when the roles of CEO and chair are separate? The research does not conclusively support this belief. Glass Lewis acknowledges the contradictory and inconclusive performance studies in its general discussion of the issue, concluding that it nevertheless generally favours the installation of an independent chairman in order to ensure independent board leadership on behalf of shareholders. We believe that the presence of an independent chairman fosters the creation of a thoughtful and dynamic board, not dominated by the views of senior management. Further, we believe that the separation of these two key roles eliminates the conflict of interest that inevitably occurs when a CEO is responsible for self-oversight.

In the case of Loblaw specifically, Glass Lewis acknowledges the companys appointment of a lead independent director. Nevertheless, it states in its proxy paper, adopting a policy requiring an independent chair sets a pro-shareholder agenda and may serve to protect shareholder interests by ensuring oversight of the Company on behalf of shareholders is led by an individual free from the insurmountable conflict of overseeing oneself.

In recommending that shareholders vote against the proposal, the Loblaw board argues that combining the Chair and Chief Executive Officer positions under the strong leadership of Mr. Galen G. Weston benefits all stakeholders, allowing for one person to represent both the Corporation and the Board.

At the annual general meeting the controlling Weston interests will stand strong, and win, on this. But young Weston would do well to tread carefully here. He needs to connect now to a younger generation of investors who expect progressive, diverse values. (If we take Weston out of the mix, the average age of the slate of directors is 66. And as far as I can figure, theyre all white.) Proactively reforming the board would be a good first step.

jenwells@thestar.ca

Read more about:HALIFAXHalifax police have arrested a Cole Harbour man wanted in connection with an upcoming murder trial.

In a media release, Halifax District RCMP said Markel Jason Downey, 22, was taken into police custody without incident at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

Police took him into custody following an RCMP traffic stop on Caldwell Road in Cole Harbour.

Downey was a passenger in the vehicle when it was stopped.

A Canada-wide warrant was issued for Downey on April 20. He was wanted in connection with a triple shooting that occurred in Cole Harbour on Nov. 30, 2014.

One of those hurt during the shooting was a young woman left paralyzed from the chest down who now uses a wheelchair.

Downey is facing a new trial in relation to three charges of attempted murder connected to the 2014 incident.

When the April 20 Canada-wide warrant was issued on April 20, RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dal Hutchison told StarMetro Halifax that officers had exhausted all their options in trying to bring Downey back into custody, leading to the release of the warrant.

Police extended their thanks to members of the public for their assistance, including all their shares and retweets on social media.

Read more about:HALIFAXAfter getting an in-person apology, the Jamaican Cultural Association of Nova Scotia (JCANS) wants PC MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin to make a formal apology in the legislature for her comments during a cannabis debate.

President Olive Phillips and members of the associations board met last Thursday with Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin, where they discussed recent comments Smith-McCrossin made about Jamaicans in the legislature during a cannabis legislation debate.

She told the assembly about her Jamaican friend who warned her legalized cannabis would make Nova Scotians less productive, as it has done to people in Jamaica.

I have a best friend in Amherst who is from Jamaica. She said to me, Elizabeth, smoking marijuana in Jamaica is completely accepted, and theres a completely different work ethic and very low productivity in Jamaica. I think we already have a productivity problem here in Nova Scotia. We do not need something else making it worse, she told the assembly.

The comments caused a backlash and Smith-McCrossin issued an apology. According to a news release from JCANS on Tuesday, Smith-McCrossin also apologized in person at their meeting.

She was very emotional, too, because she didnt realize how much damage her words had caused, and she really lamented that, Phillips said in an interview.

Members of JCANS asked that she make a formal apology on the floor of the legislature, take diversity training and advocate the same for her colleagues.

In addition, they want her to support programs and projects for the development and awareness of the Jamaican community in Nova Scotia.

I believe that you cannot stay mad and angry because it destroys you, it destroys the society. We have to harness the anger, turn it into constructive energy and do something, Phillips said.

Phillips thinks its important to shed light on misconceptions, and she believes increasing awareness was the goal of their meeting.

There are many others who need to be educated, she said. So that they will know a little bit more of what the truths are.

Phillips is feeling optimistic in light of the meeting with Smith-McCrossin.

Together we (JCANS) were like one voice speaking out against what we thought was injustice, Phillips said.

Smith-McCrossin did not respond to a request for interview by press time.

With files from Canadian Press

Read more about:For more than 30 years, Dr. Eugene Ignacio had a spotless record in Nova Scotia.

If any patient of his family practice in Sydney Mines looked up his professional history on the Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons website, they would have found no trace of mistakes, misconduct or discipline.

That is until March, when a notice appeared that Ignacio was reprimanded for using foul language and displaying disruptive behaviour toward a nurse in 2017.

The incident is described in detail because it occurred here in Nova Scotia but the colleges website makes no mention of discipline in New York in 2008 after Ignacio failed to properly diagnose and treat an unconscious patient who urgently needed to be put in intensive care.

The New York state medical board found Ignacio guilty of negligence on more than one occasion, a finding that would lead in May 2008 to the physician surrendering his New York licence and agreeing to never re-apply in exchange for having his three-year probation lifted.

Ignacio is one of more than 159 doctors identified by the Star in an 18-month investigation into cross-border discipline. The investigation shows that doctors who face discipline in one jurisdiction can move to a new province or state and start again with a clean record, highlighting a patchwork of laws and regulations that make it difficult  and sometimes impossible  for patients to access their doctors complete discipline history.

Read part one of the Stars Medical Disorder investigation

Ignacio did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The Nova Scotia college confirmed that it knew that Ignacio lost his medical licence in New York but keeps this information secret.

The College does not publish findings of other organizations or other jurisdictions, but takes these decisions into consideration when assessing issues before it, wrote college spokesperson Pattie LaCroix in an email to the Star.

Investigative reporters Diana Zlomislic and Rachel Mendleson discuss the doctors discipline investigation which took 18 months to complete.

According to New York medical board discipline documents, on July 9, 2003, a patient was rushed into the emergency room of the Claxton-Hepburn Hospital in Ogdensburg, New York. The patient, who had been discharged from the ER the previous day, had a fever and a racing pulse, a distended stomach, mottled skin and had been vomiting.

The doctor on call was Eugene Ignacio.

In January 2007, the New York board found that Ignacio failed to meet accepted standards of medical care when he pulled out the intubation tubes that had been applied only 90 minutes earlier, then failed to administer antibiotics and send the patient to the intensive care unit.

Ignacio received three years probation. In May 2008, Ignacio applied to have his probation lifted in exchange for surrendering his licence and agreeing to never re-apply.

Ignacio has held a Nova Scotia licence ever since he graduated from Dalhousie in 1985. Its unclear when he returned to Cape Breton to practise.

Lacroix, the college spokesperson, said the college reviewed the New York decision when Ignacio applied for renewal in 2006.

According to the eight-page disciplinary finding posted by the Nova Scotia college last month, a nurse had called Ignacio asking for instructions concerning a patient who had just been admitted. Ignacio refused and said: Can you let me eat my God DAMN lunch and stop bothering me, before slamming down the phone.

Ignacio did offer a brief apology to the nurse when he came to hospital that night. A week later, after a workplace complaint had been filed, Ignacio went to the hospital and, according to three witnesses, sought out the Nurse, pointed his finger in her face and screamed at her, Youre a f bitch why dont ya report that one, according to the report.

Ignacio was reprimanded and ordered to enrol in a support program.

Secrecy surrounding doctors discipline records in Canada, where medical colleges are self-regulating, exists in contrast to the transparency found in most of the United States, where many medical boards act under consumer protection legislation.

In California, for example, any doctor who has ever practised in the state has an online profile that contains all their disciplinary history from anywhere in North America. This record is continually updated, even if the doctor leaves the state.

In Nova Scotia, a doctors profile is removed as soon as they stop practising in the province.

Read more about:HALIFAXCharges have been laid against two former hospital employees in connection to the preventable death of an elderly patient who was found unresponsive outside in February.

According to a Cape Breton Regional Police release on Tuesday, former employees of the Nova Scotia Health Authority Tammy Carrigan-Warner, 41, of Sydney River and Valerie MacGillivary, 47, of Glace Bay are both charged with forgery.

The charges are related to the death of a 79-year-old male patient of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, who police say was found unresponsive on the sidewalk outside the hospital in the early morning hours of Feb. 23.

In an interview Tuesday, Janet Knox, CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, offered no specifics about the incident, saying an internal review is still underway.

What I can say is we believe the incident was preventable, said Knox. The Nova Scotia Health Authority takes patient safety seriously, so we have apologized directly to this patients family ... we deeply regret whats happened.

Knox wouldnt answer any questions about the patient, his condition, or how he died, citing patient confidentiality.

Cape Breton Regional Police began an investigation into the circumstances of the death at the request of the Medical Examiners Office.

Through the course of the investigation, police say officers discovered that documentation relating to the status of the patient during the overnight hours of Feb. 22 had been allegedly forged.

With files from the Canadian Press

Read more about:OTTAWARecovery of Canadas declining caribou herds is being hampered because provincial agencies that license development on the habitat of the threatened species arent required to follow federal environmental laws.

It is a concern, said Jonathan Wilkinson, parliamentary secretary to Environment Minister Catherine McKenna.

On Monday, Environment Canada released a report assessing how provinces are doing in protecting habitat for caribou, a threatened species in every jurisdiction that has them. The idea, Wilkinson said, was to examine actions on the ground and a provinces legal architecture to see if it was equivalent to federal legislation.

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What we have found is they are not, he said. There are gaps with respect to protection relative to species at risk nationally.

In every province, agencies that issue permits for forestry or energy development arent required to conform to the federal Species At Risk Act.

The phrase the discretion to authorize these activities is not subject to constraints consistent with those under SARA appears again and again. Those constraints include requirements that at least two-thirds of critical habitat be left undeveloped.

When the act was passed in 2002, the government of the time anticipated provinces would pass similar legislation.

With just a couple exceptions, the provinces havent done that, Wilkinson said.

British Columbia is developing such legislation. Ontario has an endangered species act, but it exempts forestry.

The federal report also concludes that little conservation is taking place on the ground. Measures in almost every case are still in planning or draft stages.

We do need to start to see action on the ground, Wilkinson said. Weve had several years of planning exercises. We need more action on the part of the provinces.

Saskatchewans Environment Ministry released a statement in response to the federal report saying it is committed protecting woodland caribou.

Saskatchewan is confident that it currently has all of the legislative tools necessary to protect critical habitat for woodland caribou.

A spokesperson for the Manitoba government said it considers the Species at Risk Act when reviewing development proposals and will have caribou range action plans by 2020.

Eric Hebert-Daly of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society said the report emphasizes what groups like his have been saying for years.

At the provincial level, we have a lot of work to do, he said. Provincial laws are either missing or their flexibility is too flexible.

The latest assessment of woodland caribou suggest 81 per cent of Canadas herds are in decline. Loss of another one-third of the population is expected in the near term.

The main threat to their numbers is alteration of habitat, which reduces its productivity and allows access by predators.

Wilkinson said the federal government is able to oblige provinces to immediately enforce the Species At Risk Act.

But for now, he said, Ottawa will continue to work with the provinces on conservation agreements funded from allotments in the most recent budget.

That allows us to bring some money to the table around reforestation or a range of other things the provinces need to do to protect the caribou.

Caribou conservation is often seen to be in direct conflict with forestry and energy and the jobs they generate. In late March, Alberta delayed its own caribou range plans over economic concerns.

There tends to be a lot of fear in those (resource) communities about what those impacts would be, Wilkinson said. We have to avoid this being seen as an environment versus economy issue.OTTAWATimothy Vavilov, a Toronto-born son of Russian spies, has won a court victory that effectively affirms his Canadian citizenship, four years after the government rebuffed an attempt to renew his passport.

The Federal Court of Canada ruling follows a similar decision in the case of his younger brother, Alexander.

However, the Supreme Court of Canada will have the final say on whether the young men are Canadian citizens. The high court is expected to rule soon on whether it will examine the legal issues at the heart of the unusual espionage saga.

Read more:

Sons of Russian spies battle for their birthright

Toronto-born son of Russian spies wins fight to regain Canadian citizenship

Feds appeal ruling that handed Canadian citizenship back to Toronto-born son of Russian spies

The brothers  Timothy, 27, and Alexander, 23  were born in Canada in the 1990s to parents using the aliases Donald Heathfield and Tracey Ann Foley.

The parents were arrested eight years ago in the United States and indicted on charges of conspiring to act as secret agents on behalf of Moscow.

In all, 11 people  four of whom claimed to be Canadian  were indicted on charges of conspiring to act as agents in the U.S. on behalf of the SVR, successor to the notorious Soviet KGB.

Heathfield and Foley admitted to being Andrey Bezrukov and Elena Vavilova.

Timothy tried to renew his Canadian passport in 2011, but was told to first apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate. He did so in 2013, and in November the following year the application was denied by a federal citizenship official.

The analyst concluded that Timothys parents were employees of a foreign government when he was born and therefore, under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, he was not a Canadian.

Just months earlier, the government had used the same rationale to strip Alexander of his citizenship.

Alexander successfully challenged the decision, with the Federal Court of Appeal ruling in his favour last year. The appeal court said the provisions shouldnt apply because the parents did not have diplomatic privileges or immunities while in Canada.

Alexander has since been able to renew his Canadian passport, and he hopes to live and work in Canada  calling his relationship with the country a cornerstone of his identity.

Although it involves the same central issue, Timothys case has proceeded through the courts separately.

In his April 25 decision, Federal Court Justice Patrick Gleeson said the ruling in the younger brothers case equally applies to Timothy, making him a citizen.

But the brothers face what is likely a final legal hurdle.

The federal government wants to contest the Federal Court of Appeal decision in Alexanders case in the Supreme Court.

In its application to the high court, the government says the citizenship registrars conclusion  that Alexander is not Canadian  was rational and defensible.

Hadayt Nazami, lawyer for the brothers, says in a filing with the court that acceptance of the federal position would result in uncertainty about an individuals fundamental right to citizenship.

The Supreme Court could decide as early as next month whether it will hear the case.

Read more about:EDMONTONAlberta Premier Rachel Notley says more initiatives to combat sexual violence are on the way and will include teaching the concept of consent in schools.

Well be looking at some work at all grade levels. How do we talk about consent as early as kindergarten and moving all the way through to Grade 12? Notley told a news conference Tuesday.

We need everybody to learn what consent is and how fundamental it is to relationships between people. They need to learn that at a very young age and be comfortable talking about it.

Read more:

In Ontario sex ed, consent the hot issue

Opinion | Editorial: Ontario is right to include consent in sex education

Opinion | Edward Keenan: Teaching consent to youngsters makes sense

Education Minister David Eggen said teaching consent is part of the governments ongoing curriculum review.

He said consent is already being taught in some schools but not in others, and a consistent approach is needed.

The safety of our children is paramount. Its very important to have boundaries that students know about, (and) being able to say no, said Eggen.

At the younger levels, he said, its more about basic respect around personal space, saying that you have to ask permission to touch and hug somebody (so that) even little kids understand that that is their right as well.

Notley made the comments as she proclaimed May sexual violence awareness month.

She also announced that officials from 10 government ministries and community organizations are to meet to build on previous provincial initiatives to combat sexual violence. It will be headed by Stephanie McLeans Status of Women Ministry.

The department said a number of strategies are to be rolled out this year, including a project related to how police services respond to sexual assault offences.

The province will also be giving out seven grants to community organizations to address sexual violence. Community and Social Services will be rolling out grants for community agencies.

The Labour Ministry is expected to announce new rules on how workplaces address sexual harassment and assault.

The province has already made legislative changes to allow sexual violence survivors more latitude in filing civil claims and in getting out of leases without penalty.

The government has also allocated an extra $8.1 million to provide more police and court support along with more counselling.

Lise Gotell, a professor of womens and gender studies at the University of Alberta, said Notleys announcement is a good first step, but the program needs benchmarks, details and dedicated funding.

I dont believe we can effectively intervene in this incredibly pervasive and complicated social problem with no budget commitment, said Gotell.

She said there are still long waiting lists for counselling and supports, particularly for residents in rural areas and for Indigenous people.

She said Alberta needs to do more on the justice side of the issue akin to projects in Ontario that provide four hours of free legal advice for anyone who has experienced sexual violence and is considering going to the criminal courts.

I know theyre thinking about it and thats good, but we need to be doing more, said Gotell.

The province estimates sexual assault is the most under-reported crime in Canada. Just one victim in 20 comes forward to report assaults to police.

Debra Tomlinson, head of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, said its important to focus on an issue that has been ignored for decades.

Nobody wanted to talk about this issue. Nobody even wanted to say the words sexual violence because they were just too ugly, said Tomlinson.

And so survivors lived in secrecy and shame and silence. The abuse and the assault continued and the health and the safety of our communities were left to suffer.

Read more about:OTTAWAA top Israeli intelligence official is in Ottawa seeking support for his countrys new allegations that Iran concealed a nuclear weapons program before signing its deal with world powers three years ago.

Chagai Tzuriel, the director general of Israels Ministry of Intelligence, is also briefing the government on how Israel views the wider threats posed by Iran in Syria, relations with Russia and the growing problem of how to curtail the fallout from populism.

Tzuriel was to meet officials from Global Affairs Canada and the Privy Council office on Tuesday after a Monday meeting with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

Read more:

Pompeo says U.S. with Israel in fight against Iran as nuclear deal decision looms

Israel reveals tens of thousands of documents that they say prove Iran lied about missile programs

Iran nuclear deal should stay, EU foreign policy chief says

Some of his assessment may strike Canadian officials as anathema: he sees co-operation with Russia as essential, and says U.S. President Donald Trumps hard-nosed foreign policy could curb Iran and North Koreas nuclear ambitions.

So far his heavy-hand approach  we could call it the Heavy-Hand Doctrine  is yielding right now, more than before, Tzuriel said in a wide-ranging interview.

The visit to Ottawa was originally intended as a way to learn more about the federal governments efforts to track and predict emerging trends such as the current populist wave  something Tzuriel said is reshaping intelligence work across the globe.

But the visit has proven especially timely, considering Mondays televised multimedia presentation by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu was trumpeting Iranian documents obtained by Israelis intelligence agency, Mossad, that he said show Iran lied about pursuing nuclear weapons before signing the 2015 deal.

While there was no direct evidence in Netanyahus presentation that Iran violated the deal after signing it, it may have given Trump more reason to pull the U.S. of out of the pact as a May 12 deadline approaches.

Im certainly hoping that I can convince anyone in the international community  especially the West, especially Canada, which we view as a friend  to support wherever it can, possibly support us on this issue, Tzuriel said.

Canada is not part of the so-called P5 plus one club  the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany  that negotiated the agreement with Iran to curtail and monitor its nuclear program.

That said, Tzuriel said it is in Israels interest to get support from Western countries for either cancelling or strengthening a deal that his government views as flawed and ultimately ineffective in stopping Irans pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Canada supports the deal and last fall gave $1.5 million to the UNs International Atomic Energy Agency to support its work in verifying Irans compliance, and that support remains unchanged after Netanyahus latest pitch.

Tzuriel said Irans malign influence goes beyond the nuclear issue. Iran has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to support Syrian President Bashar Assad, a military presence Israel views as a threat that must be stopped.

A Sunday night missile strike killed Iranian fighters in Syria, and while there has been no official confirmation, Israel is widely assumed by many to have carried it out.

Tzuriel wouldnt confirm the attack either, but he stressed we will not accept Iran basing itself militarily in Syria because it crosses a red line for Israel.

He described Syria as a microcosm like no other in the world, where so many international, regional and local relationships and power balances converge. That includes tensions between Russia and the U.S., and between Israel, Iran and Turkey, the presence of various terrorist groups and the fallout that has given rise to disruptive populist forces.

The export of terror and the export of refugee immigrants changed the socio-economic situation, he said. It influenced the outcomes of elections in the United States, in Germany, in Italy, in Hungary, in Poland.

Canada has a good reputation for being able to recognize and adapt to the disruptive influence of populism, said Tzuriel, and he wants to learn more about that this week.

Tzuriel said the ongoing instability requires a huge change in how intelligence agencies such as his need to operate.

There is an abundance  a huge amount of information  and the focus has moved from collecting to processing the information. From getting it to, What do you do with it now?

Tzuriel said Israel has no issues with Russias widely criticized disinformation campaign, which was a focus for Canada and its G7 allies last week. He said there has been no foreign interference in Israels elections.

Co-operation with Russia, which is propping up Assad, is essential to resolving the long-running civil war, he added.

Israel and Russia are frenemies who share a common interest in stabilizing Syria one day. Despite the political turmoil in the U.S. over possible Russian election interference there, Tzuriel said it is inevitable that both those countries will have to co-operate on resolving Syria.

Read more about:MONTREAL  A judge has ruled the so-called marry out, get out provisions of a membership law on the books of a Mohawk community near Montreal are unconstitutional.

The sections, which Kahnawake authorities said were designed to preserve Mohawk culture, are discriminatory and violate the federal Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Quebec Superior Court Justice Thomas Davis wrote in a ruling.

The case was heard in court last year over provisions commonly referred to as marry out, get out, which state anyone who marries a non-Indigenous person can no longer live on the reserve just south of Montreal.

Read more:

Mohawk community members near Montreal challenge marry out, move out rule

In his ruling, the judge said federal government actions over the years have disadvantaged the Mohawks because they had lands expropriated and for many years were discouraged from practising their own culture.

But Davis noted that none of the chiefs who testified were able to provide objective evidence that mixed marriages have an impact on land use or erosion of Mohawk culture.

The evidence allows the court to draw the conclusion that sections of the KML (membership law) are largely, (if not solely) grounded in a stereotypical belief that non-native spouses will use the resources and land of the band in a way that is detrimental to it and that this will have a negative impact on the ability of the band to protect its culture and its land, Davis wrote.

However, this belief is not supported by any empirical evidence.

A group of 16 plaintiffs banded together to challenge the membership policy they called discriminatory.

Some left the community, while others remained. They told the court they were exposed to protests, threats and expulsion notices.

At first glance, I think were very happy this rule was deemed unconstitutional because it was quite problematic, Genevieve Grey, one of the lawyers who represented the plaintiffs, said in an interview.

The membership rule has existed for more than three decades and the council argued in court it was theoretical because no one has ever been removed by force from the territory.

But Davis wrote it was clearly demonstrated that peoples lives had been affected and he ordered the council to pay seven complainants a total of $35,000 in moral damages.

The judgment gives the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake a certain level of autonomy in dealing with the matter as well as the possibility of finding another measure to protect lands, language and culture  but one that respects the Charter.

The court notes that in many of its sections the KML recognizes the importance of commitment to language and culture by people applying to be members, the judge wrote.

Perhaps going forward, the (Mohawk Council of Kahnawake) should consider placing more importance on that commitment than on the origins of ones spouse.

In response to Mondays ruling, the Mohawk council said in a statement its legal team is reviewing the judgment and will present its findings later this week.

Obviously we maintain the position that matters that are so integral to our identity have no business in outside courts, said Grand Chief Joe Norton.

However, a decision on the case has been rendered. We are now taking the time to analyze the decision and will inform the community further in the coming days.

Grey said the plaintiffs recognize the matter remains a very emotional issue on all sides.

Our hope is that eventually things will change, she said. I think that right now everyone is stuck with their own perspective. With this judgment, we hope attitudes will change.Dr. Richard Cunningham has fought alcoholism for much of his career, something his patients wont learn from Albertas medical regulator.

A difficult Friday night in one of the provinces emergency wards last December sent him over the edge and back into the abyss, an inevitable slide that started with a glass of wine and ended with shots of single malt Scotch.

Come Monday morning, I wasnt fit to do anything, he said in a recent telephone interview.

While practising across North America during the last two decades, Cunningham has been arrested and charged with numerous alcohol-related offences. He went to jail for threatening to kill his wife. And in Alabama, he lost his licence after an incident related to his alcoholism.

After a stint in rehab in 2014, the Newfoundland native started a practice in the small town of Fort Macleod, a two-hour drive south of Calgary, where he now lives.

Patients will find no trace of his checkered history on his public profile in Alberta because the provinces medical regulator has withheld his disciplinary and criminal records.

According to the Fort Macleod Medical Clinic, Cunningham has yet to return to practice since December.

Hes one of more than 159 doctors identified by the Star in an 18-month investigation into cross-border medical discipline. After doctors face sanctions in one jurisdiction, they can move to a new province or state and start again with a clean slate, the Star found.

Read part one of the Stars Medical Disorder investigation

Nine doctors in the Stars database have held licences in Alberta. Three were able to get licences here after disciplinary issues in other jurisdictions and four have active licences in the province today. Five were disciplined after leaving Alberta. No trace of their disciplinary histories can be found on their public profiles.

Patients rely on medical regulators to protect them and the public interest. Across North America, the public physicians profiles on medical college and board websites play a vital role in the function. But the 64 North American regulators each have different bylaws, rules and laws that govern what is made public.

Disciplinary records from other jurisdictions arent posted publicly by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta as they are in Ontario. Records for discipline that occurred in Alberta, no matter how severe, are scrubbed after five years, but are kept public indefinitely in Ontario and New Brunswick. Criminal convictions arent on Alberta profiles as they are now in Ontario.

College spokesperson Steve Buick said the Alberta regulator is reviewing whether more of a physicians history should be revealed.

Its really an open question, Buick said, about what our priorities should be going forward to be more transparent.

Cunningham believes the public doesnt have a right to know about his past.

Patients should know as much as they can about their physician. But not whether or not I have a certain illness, he said. Im not a threat to my patients.

Edmonton-based medical malpractice lawyer Carol Robinson said patients have the right to make that call themselves.

These are people that you disrobe in front of, these are people that give you advice and make decisions and help you make decisions on your very life and death and your familys life and death, Robinson said.

People are grownups and they can decide if they will dismiss the history when making a choice as to what doctor to see.

In the summer of 2000, Cunningham had been practising family medicine in Lucedale, Miss., for almost a decade and, following a diagnosis of alcoholism, had joined the Mississippi Recovering Physicians Program.

It would be my professional opinion that the continued, unrestricted practice of medicine by Dr. Cunningham could pose an immediate threat to the public, Dr. Gary Carr, the programs director told the states medical board.

He was charged with professional misconduct, but, barely a month later, the charges were dropped  or placed in abeyance for an indefinite period of time  because Cunningham allowed his licence to lapse.

Investigative reporters Diana Zlomislic and Rachel Mendleson discuss the doctors discipline investigation which took 18 months to complete.

Before giving up his Mississippi license, Cunningham obtained a licence in Alabama and was able to move there to practice.

Cunningham called his frequent moves a geographic cure for his alcoholism and said that as long as he hasnt harmed his patients, he is fit to practise medicine.

Cunningham said he has disclosed his alcoholism, his professional discipline and his criminal history to medical regulators each time he moved to a new province or state, and said its up to the local regulator to decide whether he can practise.

They dont let you go working if they think youre a danger, he said.

The Alberta college declined to comment on Cunninghams case, citing privacy laws. In general, however, the college is aware of any disciplinary history and takes that information into account, wrote college spokesperson Kelly Eby.

Every situation is different, but we need to find a balance between informing the public and keeping them safe, and treating the physician fairly, Eby wrote in an email.

In Alabama, Cunningham practised apparently without any problems from 2000 until 2004, when he agreed to a voluntary restriction on his licence that prevented him from consuming alcohol or drugs. Theres no record of the incident that led to this restriction.

Four months later, at the Bayfest Music Festival in Mobile, Ala., Cunningham was arrested by for public intoxication.

Dr. Cunningham had difficulty standing and communicating and was trying to get into a vehicle which was determined not to be his, according to Alabama medical board records.

The state regulator revoked his licence after Cunningham skipped his disciplinary hearing.

Having previously obtained a licence in the Northwest Territories, Cunningham moved to Yellowknife.

While Cunningham has no disciplinary record in the N.W.T., he had repeated run-ins with the law. Between 2008 and 2011, he was criminally convicted for drunk driving, falsely declaring to have explosives at an airport and uttering a death threat.

According to media reports, Cunningham arrived at the Yellowknife airport in October 2009 intoxicated and refused to show his boarding pass while attempting to get on the aircraft. He was asked to identify his luggage and replied I hope my bag blows up your plane. He pleaded guilty and was fined $3,000.

In 2011, he was convicted of threatening to kill his wife and of violating a restraining order. He was sentenced to 90 days and served his time on weekends.

Cunningham told the Star that colleagues know about his alcoholism. Until last June, he said he was in a mandatory monitoring program with the Alberta medical college that required him to blow into a breathalyzer daily. That information isnt posted on his public profile.

Im quite open about the fact that Im an alcoholic, but Im in recovery, he said. I had some guilt and things to be paid for, but I did that. Its a consequence of what Ive done when Im drinking. Ive accepted that. Im monitored every day.

Cunningham was one of 234 Alberta physicians in a health monitoring program in 2016. Nearly one in five of those doctors had a substance abuse or addictions issue.

Two months after his mandatory monitoring program ended, Cunningham said he had his first relapse since starting his practice in Alberta, something he admits he kept secret at the time.

To be honest, I didnt report in August because it was a short thing but I knew by December that I was getting in trouble again, he said.

The Alberta college ordered him to take a leave and Cunningham said he is now in another five-year mandatory monitoring program, visits a psychiatrist and addictions counsellor regularly, and undergoes daily testing.

I want to continue to be monitored for my own sake, Cunningham said, because if I dont document that Im sober, then people can say I dont want to deal with this idiot anymore.

With files from Diana Zlomislic, Rachel Mendleson, Robert Cribb and Marco Chown Oved

Read more about:The man accused of bludgeoning his lovers husband to death testified Monday he was nowhere near the crime scene when Allan Lanteigne was killed inside his Toronto home on March 2, 2011.

Testifying in his own defence, Michael Ivezic, 58, gave the jury a detailed account of his whereabouts that day and told the jury he was picking up his son from University of Torontos Erindale campus between 5:15 and 5:30 p.m. This is around the time prosecutors say Ivezic, then weighing more than 300 pounds, was lying in wait and attacked the much smaller Lanteigne.

While Ivezic has been representing himself, defence lawyer Jack Gemmell handled his questioning. He asked Ivezic how he could remember so vividly what he did that day when he wasnt arrested until Jan. 7, 2013.

All the records assist me put pieces together, Ivezic replied, noting he has received email logs and phone records and, most critically, a receipt dated March 1, 2011 for the purchase of his sons first laptop computer.

The receipt triggered a flood of memories about his trip to the computer store with his then teenage son and how, the following night of the murder, he, a computer nerd, was at the family home in Mississauga helping his son finish installing software.

Ivezic and Lanteignes husband, Demitry Papasotiriou-Lanteigne, have been on trial for first degree murder since November. Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein told the jury this should be the final week of evidence.

The Crown alleges the pair conspired to kill the U of T accounting clerk and part-time caterer in order to collect $2 million in life insurance benefits. Papasotiriou-Lanteigne was in Greece when his husband was killed.

Ivezic testified he met the lawyer on a online dating website in late 2008 or early 2009, the kind where men are looking for hookups.

Ivezic has already reminded the jury that adultery is not a crime in Canada and they should not judge him for his infidelity. While his affair with Papasotiriou-Lanteigne intensified, he testified he managed a friendship with Lanteigne, despite being the other man in the relationship.

We werent the best friends in the world, but he became a friend he was a really decent guy, a hard working person, Ivezic said. Our common thread between us was business, he loved to talk about business, but our common thread obviously was Demitry.

The last time Ivezic says he saw Lanteigne was Feb. 28, 2011. Ivezics DNA was found underneath Lanteignes fingernails, which he has referred to as the elephant in the room.

According to his evidence, Ivezic said he picked Lanteigne up at work and they stopped for a quick lunch at a Gryos shack on Queens Quay Blvd., beside Lake Ontario at the foot of Yonge Street.

They talked and ate in Ivezics vehicle. He used a bunch of napkins to clean up the mess, dropped Lanteigne off, and headed back to Mississauga for a conference call.

Gemmell asked Ivezic if he knew about Lanteignes life insurance policy naming Papasotiriou-Lanteigne as his designated beneficiary.

No, I was not aware of anything no.

Mr. Ivezic did you kill Allan Lanteigne? Gemmell asked.

No I did not.

Did you ever discuss killing Allan Lanteigne with Demitry?

Never.

The trial continues Tuesday.Andrea Bradden was one of three victims of last weeks devastating van crash on Yonge St. who made their home outside Toronto  and with footprints left in different communities, the impact of her death is felt beyond the citys borders.

Caledon is at an all-time low, said Allan Thompson, mayor of the town an hour north of Toronto where Bradden, 33, went to high school. She was Andrea Knafelc back then.

Ive gotta tell you, as a parent, my kids are about the same age, Thompson said, sighing into the phone as he passed along a written statement to the Star that says hes respecting the familys private grief.

Maurizio Bevilacqua, mayor of Vaughan  which includes Braddens more recent home in Woodbridge  wrote in a statement that communities across the world had been shaken by this unthinkable act of violence.

The pain is felt even closer to home here in Vaughan, Bevilacqua wrote. Our city is mourning, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of Ms. Bradden.

And while her family requests privacy, Braddens life is remembered in small moments.

There was a day, only weeks ago, when she and colleague Hung Le Hong took a plane to a small mining town, an on-site analyst visit for their work at Gartner Canada. Bradden had turned up with coffee for both of them and a sense of humour, Hong wrote in a company tribute blog, later taken down.

When their flight was delayed, and the pair got to chatting, about a mutual love for dogs and a family she loved very much.

Then there were the early days at Gartner, when Jay-Jay Roboz, another colleague, had been her mentor: She was full of energy, determined and eager, Roboz wrote on the same blog.

And all the while, Bradden nestled into pockets of community  a Slovenian Roman Catholic church in Etobicoke, or a cultural association for Slovenians in the GTA.

Andrea, people from Simon Gregorcic club love you, a message placed at the Olive Square Park memorial reads. The cultural association was named for the 19th century Slovene poet Simon Gregorcic. Pocivaj v miru, their note signs off. The phrase, in Slovenian, means rest in peace.The Canadian Journalism Foundation is launching an initiative to mark the United Nations World Press Freedom Day on Thursday.

CJF is calling it World News Day and will celebrate the work reporters in newsrooms across Canada do to support freedom and democracy.

The initiative will come a few days after nine journalists were killed in Kabul, Afghanistan. Mondays attack was the deadliest assault on reporters since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. Those killed include an Agence France-Presse photographer, a cameraman for the local Tolo TV station and several reporters for the Afghan branch of Radio Free Europe.

CJF is marking the day by hosting an event entitled Why real news matters more than ever. The event will be moderated by Ian Hanomansing, co-host of CBCs The National, and feature journalists including Sara Mojtehedzadeh, Toronto Stars work and wealth reporter; Vicky Mochama, columnist for StarMetro; Robyn Doolittle, investigative reporter with The Globe and Mail; Kevin Newman, host and managing editor of CTVs W5; and Jane Lytvynenko, reporter with BuzzFeed News, among others.

Were living in a time of increasing wealth but also increasing inequality, said Mojtehedzadeh. So now more than ever, journalism plays a vital role in afflicting the comfortable. 

Journalists put in a lot of hard work to sift through fiction and spin, to uncover half-truths and lies. Thats how we hold our leaders to account, she said. Its also how we make space for the less powerful to be heard ... journalism is a vital tool in levelling the playing field.

The event will also include citizens who can speak about how journalism changed their lives, such as Carol Todd, mother of Amanda Todd, the teenager in Port Coquitlam, B.C., who took her own life after a harrowing experience of being stalked and bullied online and at school.

The event will be held at CBCs Barbara Frum Atrium at 6 p.m.

In announcing the event, David Walmsley, chair of the CJF and editor-in-chief of The Globe and Mail, said in a news release that we belong to an industry that for too long has acted without confidence or clarity.

Never have more people consumed news or been more interested in news on so many platforms, but too few understand how journalism gets done. World News Day is a moment to pause and for our industry and our audience to join in explaining why journalism matters.Ontarios physician watchdog should dismiss more public complaints, given that more than 80 per cent require little or no action be taken, according to a new report.

Released Monday, a report on Streamlining the Physician Complaints Process in Ontario suggests that the system is clogged because the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) is currently compelled to investigate all public complaints.

Too many complaints and investigations are in the system too long, wrote Stephen Goudge, a former justice on the Ontario Court of Appeal.

He was asked by the province to make recommendations as to how the college could speed up its work and reduce the number of hearings while at the same time maintain a fair process.

Goudge, who submitted his report to the government more than two years ago, wrote that there were an average of 2,412 new complaints filed annually to the college between 2010 and 2014.

The college publication Dialogue reveals those numbers have increased. There were 2,685 complaints in 2016 and the projected total for 2017 is 3,076.

Complaints about doctors from the public are the single most expensive and resource-consuming aspect of the physician complaints process workload, for both the college and the CMPA (Canadian Medical Protective Association), Goudge wrote.

The CMPA, often described as a legal insurer to doctors,provides legal representation to doctors and is paid for by provincial governments, which reimburse doctors for their membership fees.

The CMPA pays for the legal defence of doctors facing a complaint.

A 2015 Star investigation revealed that since the province began subsidizing CMPA fees in 1987, the cost to taxpayers grew by more than 3,200 per cent. Three years ago, taxpayers footed 81 per cent of the total bill, or more than $200 million.

Goudge wrote that more than 80 per cent of public complaints are disposed of either as no action or by way of advice to physicians. Despite that, the college is compelled to investigate them.

The colleges Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee is legally obliged to dispose of complaints within 150 days but that deadline is not met on many occasions, Goudge wrote, noting that the median length of time is 200 days.

Goudge said Albertas college is much more efficient and recommended that the Ontario college follow its lead by creating the position of complaints director.

That individual could conduct early reviews of public complaints and be given the power to approve the withdrawal of a complaint by the complainant or dismiss a complaint outright where satisfied there is no reasonable prospect of an outcome other than no action.

Patients would have a right to appeal in cases where their complaints have been dismissed.

Goudge also recommended the college create a patient advocate position. This individual would interact with patients as soon as complaints are filed.

For a significant number of complainants who are simply not aware of the limits on the scope of their jurisdiction of the CPSO, a proper explanation from someone who is sympathetic to their patients perspective may well satisfy them that their complaint can be withdrawn or does not fall within the jurisdiction of the (college), and that their remedy may lie elsewhere, he wrote.

Goudge also urged that a new alternative dispute resolutions process be created.

His report was met with alarm by prominent medical malpractice lawyer Paul Harte, one of the most outspoken critics of the health regulatory system:

Members of the public, the courts and the government have all expressed concern with the adequacy of physician oversight. This report recommends limiting investigations and complainant appeal rights in an effort to save money. The government should be focused on rebuilding public confidence in the College, not saving money at the risk of public safety, Harte said.

In addition to being prompted by public complaints, college investigations can also be ordered by its registrar, often in response to concerns raised by other health professionals, hospitals and the media.

These investigations are much more time-consuming than public complaints, Goudge wrote, noting that the median time to complete them is 450 days.

He said the annual number of such investigations varies between 280 and 380.

But the colleges Dialogue publication showed there were 377 such investigations in 2015 and a projected 636 in 2017, for an increase of 69 per cent.

These investigations are more complex than public complaints, with a greater proportion of these cases categorized as high-risk based on potential patient and public safety issues, the magazine said.

To streamline these investigations, Goudge recommended reducing the number of physician charts reviewed by investigators to 10 from 25.

As well, the scope of such investigations should be limited to avoid scope creep, he said.

Laura Gallant, spokesperson for Health Minister Helen Jaczek, said the province is taking Goudges recommendations into consideration as it modernizes oversight of the health-care workforce.Ontarios ailing social housing stock will benefit from a $4.2 billion investment based largely on a pledge to protect and preserve at least 130,000 units across the province.

It is important to us that the agreement supported stability and predictability for the hundreds of thousands of Ontario families who live in social housing, said provincial Housing Minister Peter Milczyn, speaking Monday at the Bayside neighbourhood, at Queens Quay E., near Lower Sherbourne St.

Of the 130,000 units, about 45,000 are in Toronto, he said and are a mix of co-operative, non-profit and Toronto Community Housing units.

After many years of advocating for the federal government to return to the housing game we now have a national government that has listened, said Milczyn.

The new deal between Ontario and Ottawa is part of a broad, 10-year, $40-billion National Housing Strategy, announced in November. The strategy builds on Ottawas $11.2 billion budget commitment in March 2017 and aims to lift 530,000 families out of unaffordable and substandard housing and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent.

Milczyn and Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, signed off on the deal between the federal and provincial governments as part of a news conference Monday, but full details were not released.

The $4.2 billion investment is split between the federal and provincial governments. Combined with about $2.4 billion in previously planned federal investments in social housing, it will result in the preservation, repair and renewal of more than 130,000 social housing units, according to a joint news release. Part of the $4.2 billion will also be put towards the development and implementation of a portable housing benefit, or rent supplement program.

In Toronto, the active wait-list for subsidized housing hit almost 92,500 households in late 2017, according to city data.

The agreement between Ottawa and Ontario cannot be undone if there is a shift in parties following the June 7 provincial election, said Adam Vaughan, Ducloss parliamentary secretary.

While it may have taken us a long time to build the entrance to this program, there is no exit, said Vaughan. He said the exact dollar amounts will be worked out by the next government, so finer details are tied to the outcome of the election. Multilateral agreements include a requirement that provinces cannot spend less than 20 per cent of money on housing repairs.

If you are in a (Toronto Community Housing) building you can be assured of three things: one, your subsidies are protected; two, the repair money is locked in for the next 10 years; three, the opportunity for new housing to emerge in your community is also a possibility, said Vaughan.

Read more about:Chris Moise, a Black, gay and unabashedly progressive school trustee, does not see much of himself in Torontos mostly pale, very straight and largely conservative city council.

Moise, 46, is hoping to help change that by getting elected to council in the new Ward 25 which includes the Gay Village. The Oct. 22 civic election officially starts Tuesday with Mayor John Tory facing, for now, no high-profile challenger to his re-election bid.

Moise is not alone in hoping for a council shakeup that could, in a system where the mayor has only one vote plus levers of persuasion, dramatically shift the citys direction even with Tory at the helm.

Read more:

With Toronto's new ward map, here's what you need to know for the 2018 municipal election

Opinion | Keenan: Toronto election may look like a snooze but it could shape the city's future

The city is supposed to represent people directly and help them in their day-to-day lives and I dont think weve done that very well, says the former St. Michaels Hospital addictions and mental health counsellor. If we have enough progressive councillors at city hall, that will change.

There are similar pushes every election but council is ripe this time, observers say, for real churn. Even a single vote can turn huge decisions such as the fate of the Gardiner Expressway.

Boundary changes have made four new wards  three downtown and one in Willowdale. Those open seats will be augmented by others left by the late councillors Pam McConnell, downtown, and Ron Moeser in Scarborough.

Its a common election complaint that not enough new faces are elected to council but this year may be different. Shelley Carroll has already resigned her Don Valley East council seat to run provincially. Colleagues Denzil Minnan-Wong will not run in a neighbouring Don Valley ward, or fellow veteran Chin Lee in Scarborough, if they become MPPs.

Mary-Margaret McMahon has said she will not seek re-election. And there could be more.

Also new this time is an organized movement, Progress Toronto, to help get left-leaning citizens elected to council. Another group, Women Win TO, is helping train and prepare female council candidates to win so they can fight for a more progressive and equitable city.

Myer Siemiatycki, a Ryerson University politics professor, says the ward races this election are shaping up to be more interesting, and potentially more important, than the mayoral tilt.

There could easily be double-digit number of new faces around city council, he says. That's something we haven't seen in a very, very long time in this city. We can look for an injection of new faces, new ideas, coming into this election campaign.

Tory retains high approval ratings but Siemiatycki says the new council could be a de facto referendum on his monolithic and one-dimensional handpicked executive committee that often votes with a suburban-eyed view on the Scarborough subway, the Gardiner and more.

Michal Hay, the former aide to Councillor Mike Layton who founded Progress Toronto, says: One of things exciting about Toronto is the mayor is only one vote and council is supreme.

She adds: The majority of our city is made up of both women and people of colour but only a third of councillors are women, only one of them is a woman of colour, and I don't think millionaire mayors help with the disconnect that I'm describing.

A less competitive mayoral race should mean more media focus on council candidates, and more of a chance for challengers to overcome incumbents big advantage of name recognition, Hay says.

Progress Toronto aims to help candidates in the suburbs as well as downtown, run on issues including more affordable child care and housing, expanded, inexpensive transit options, and increasing city recreation opportunities.

The groups first target will be open seats, Hay says. Then well look at wards represented by what well probably be calling villains  somebody not representing the needs of their constituents at all. Some (councillors) represent the most low-income and racialized Torontonians but they vote in ways that only perpetuate and widen the gap people are experiencing.

In the last election Dyanoosh Youssefi, a Humber College law studies professor, finished third in the Eglinton-Lawrence ward won by Tory-endorsed Christin Carmichael Greb with just 17 per cent of the vote. Youssefi plans Tuesday to launch her campaign for what will now be called Ward 14.

People want a councillor who is engaged and responsive, Youssefi says. Residents of my ward want a vibrant, inclusive city with transit that's integrated and comprehensive, and council making decisions based on long-term impacts.

She is promising a different tack including opposition to the Tory-backed Scarborough subway extension. Still Youssefi, whose Jewish Iranian family arrived in Canada when she was 12, knows she faces an uphill battle and not just against the power of incumbency.

Studies show when you have a name that sounds different, or is difficult to pronounce, or is alphabetically at the bottom of the ballot, those are challenges, she says. But I'm confident we'll overcome that by going to every door and meeting even more people this time.

Unknowns between now and the late-October vote include how the outcome of the Ontario election will impact civic voters views, and whether Tory himself will run a slate of supportive council candidates or like last time, just endorse a handful.

Amanda Galbraith, a volunteer on Torys re-election campaign, says no decisions have been made about supporting council candidates.

This is an important election, there's been a lot of work done for the city on everything from the King St. pilot project to SmartTrack, and those things cross political lines, says Galbraith, a former Tory communications director.

It's great to have other voices involved, that's the better for the city. I think the mayor would welcome that and is happy to have a big fulsome discussion about what's right for Toronto.

Correction: This article has been updated from a previous version that misspelled the surname of Ward 14 candidate Dyanoosh Youssefi.

Read more about:When is the municipal election?

Election day is Oct. 22. The nomination period, when candidates can submit their forms to run, begins May 1. That means the campaign will officially be underway in May.

Read more:

Why Toronto council races could be more important than mayoral election

Opinion | Keenan: Toronto election may look like a snooze but it could shape the city's future

Who can vote?

Any Toronto resident who is a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old. Anyone who owns or leases property within the city, or whose spouse owns or rents property, can also vote even if they dont live within the citys borders. You can only vote in the ward where you live or where your business is located. If you live in the city and own a business here, you must vote in the ward where you live.

What do I get to vote for?

Everyone eligible can vote for both a council candidate to represent the ward youre voting in and a mayor, who represents the city at large. If youre a resident, you can also vote for a school board trustee for your area.

How can I make sure Im on the voters list?

You can check if youre signed up and verify your address at voterlookup.ca.

Why should I vote?

No one can make you vote, but its important to know city council is responsible for everything from garbage pickup to building new, multi-billion-dollar transit projects. Every year, they are responsible for an $11-billion operating budget largely funded by property taxes and the municipal land transfer tax. In 2014, 54.67 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot, which is an improvement over previous elections of 50.55 per cent in 2010 and 39.30 in 2006.

Where will I vote?

This election, there are new ward boundaries that all voters should be aware of. Council approved increasing the total number of wards to 47 from 44. There is one councillor elected per ward. The new ward structure involved shifting several boundaries across the city, which means you may not be voting in the ward you currently live in and the councillor who currently represents you may not be running in the ward youre now eligible to vote in. There are seven suburban wards that remain unchanged. Starting in May, voters can check on thestar.com and the citys elections website at toronto.ca/elections to find out which ward they live in and who is running to represent them. Some ward boundary changes are slight and are not immediately obvious by looking at a citywide map. Polling station locations, where you cast your ballot in your neighbourhood on election day, will be available closer to the election.

What will the wards be called?

Wards will only be identified by numbers 1 through 47. Wards have traditionally had community-centric names, such as Davenport, which will no longer be used.

How will the ward boundaries affect the election?

The ward boundary changes created four new wards. Three existing wards were collapsed into two wards. Because of the new wards and shifted boundaries there will be some open-seat races and incumbent head-to-head contests that could change the overall politics of council, where every member, including the mayor, have one equal vote on all issues.A shakeup is in store for Torontos city council in the 2018 municipal election.

Some incumbents are running provincially rather than in the municipal election, three councillors have said they wont run again, and several new seats are up for grabs. For a couple incumbents, its unclear if theyll win again.

With 12 seats to watch, this election could result in a more diverse council. Right now, 86 per cent of councillors are Caucasian, despite more than half of Toronto identifying as a visible minority, according to 2016 census data. Of the current 44 councillors, only 14 are women.

NEW SEATS

Ward 16

New ward boundaries will leave centrist incumbents Ana Bailao and Cesar Palacio to fight for what will become one seat on Torontos next city council.. Both were chosen by Mayor John Tory to sit on his executive committee: Bailao is a deputy mayor and housing advocate, while Palacio is chair of the licensing and standards committee.

Region: Downtown

Population: 68,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 37 per cent

Largest visible minority: Black

Ward 20

This new ward was created by the splitting of the current Trinity-Spadina ward. Incumbent Councillor Joe Cressy is expected to run in the other half (which will be Ward 24), leaving the new Ward 20 open.

Region: Downtown

Population: 36,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 44 per cent

Largest visible minority: Chinese

Ward 21

The majority of this new ward was carved out of the Centre-Rosedale ward, which is currently represented by Councillor Lucy Troisi.

Region: Downtown

Population: 28,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 39 per cent

Largest visible minority: Black

Ward 25

This new ward used to be part of Ward 27. Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam is expected to seek re-election in Ward 27, leaving an open race for Ward 25.

Region: Downtown

Population: 43,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 43 per cent

Largest visible minority: Chinese

Ward 29

A new seat will be filled in Ward 29, which includes roughly one half of what used to be the Willowdale ward. Incumbent Councillor David Shiner is expected to run in the other half.

Region: North York

Population: 57,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 69 per cent

Largest visible minority: Chinese

PAST PROMISES

Ward 22

Council appointed Lucy Troisi, a former parks manager, to fill Councillor Pam McConnells seat when McConnell died last summer. Troisi, a strong ally of Mayor John Tory, vowed not to run in the 2018 election (although nothing is legally preventing her from doing so).

Region: Downtown

Population: 41,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 53 per cent

Largest visible minority: Chinese

Ward 37

Following through on a previous campaign promise, Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon wont be seeking a third term. The fiscally conservative Beaches councillor committed to only serving two terms when she first ran in 2010, recognizing a need for new terms and new leadership as she wrote in an op-ed last October.

Region: Downtown

Population: 54,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 23 per cent

Largest visible minority: Chinese

Ward 47

Council chose former city staffer Jim Hart to fill this seat after longtime Councillor Ron Moeser died in April 2017. Like fellow appointee Troisi, Hart is a Tory ally and promised to not run in the 2018 election.

Region: Scarborough

Population: 49,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 56 per cent

Largest visible minority: South Asian

NARROW VICTORY

Ward 14

Despite an endorsement from Tory and other conservative politicians, Councillor Christin Carmichael Greb won by the slimmest of margins in the 2014 election, beating out the runner-up by a mere percentage point. This term shes maintained a low profile at city hall and resigned from two boards, raising speculation about whether shell secure enough votes to win again.

Region: North York

Population: 57,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 22 per cent

Largest visible minority: Filipino

PROVINCIAL CALLING

Ward 31

For the first time since 2003, former Councillor Shelley Carroll (she officially resigned earlier this month), a centre-leftist, will not run for city council. She is focusing her energy on the provincial race as the Liberal candidate in Don Valley North.

Region: North York

Population: 61,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 71 per cent

Largest visible minority: Chinese

Ward 32

Right-wing Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong will run as the PC candidate for Don Valley East in the provincial election, leaving his city council seat open for the first time since amalgamation.

Region: North York

Population: 67,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 51 per cent

Largest visible minority: South Asian

Ward 44

Centrist Councillor Chin Lee who was first elected in 2006, is leaving municipal politics to run for the Liberals in the Scarborough North riding.

Region: Scarborough

Population: 62,000

Residents who identify as a visible minority: 92 per cent

Largest visible minority: Chinese

Population data according to the 2016 StatsCan census

Correction - May 1, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that stated councillors Ana Bailao and Cesar Palacio were running in Ward 18. In fact, they are running in Ward 16.

Read more about:Did an already cracked pipe simply attract the attention of a thirsty plant, or did the roots of a city-owned tree penetrate and damage a healthy drainage system in a Glen Park home? Its a question one family says could cost them $10,000.

Anna Arniotis, 84, has been living on Steven Ave., near Marlee and Glencairn Aves., for 40 years. When her son Nick Arniotis visited last Friday, he was shocked to see the basement flooded with water. Anytime they tried to flush a toilet or send water down a sink drain, water would come up, he said.

He called the city to complain about the damage, which he said was caused after the roots of a city-owned Norway maple entered the basement and damaged pipes. When a city inspector came to assess the situation, Nick Arniotis said the response he was given was simply, Its not our problem.

They said, its on your side, he recalled. But its their tree.

Nick Arniotis said his mother, whos been living in the house alone for 10 years after her husband died, has had ongoing issues with the tree, which he estimates is around 55 to 60 years old. City inspectors have been called nearly 30 times, by his estimate.

Usually they can do something, but now they go, Oh, its out of our hands.

He said a plumber told the family on Friday it could cost up to $10,000 to replace the damaged pipe.

Roots were coming out of the drain, Nick Arniotis said. Thats how bad it was.

Bill Shea, director of Toronto Water, Distribution & Collection, said the damaged pipe is past the property line and is owned by the family, meaning it is not the citys responsibility to replace it.

The city owns the stretch of sewer pipe that runs from the sewer main under the street up to the property line. Although the tree itself is owned by the city, Shea said its likely the crack in the pipe was not originally caused by the tree.

The issue with tree roots can be complicated  tree roots do not typically create cracks in sewer pipes  rather a cracked pipe starts to leak and the tree root, searching for water, then invades the crack in the pipe, he said.

Shea said he could not say whether that was true in this case, but that is typical of what is seen when a tree root is the cause of a sewer blockage.

Shea said he recognizes this homeowner has experienced many issues, and said the city is committed to working with the family on a solution.

However the city will not replace pipes on private property, he said.

Nick Arniotis said he doesnt understand that position. The city is saying This is our tree, but those arent our roots, which doesnt make any sense to me, he said.

If the roots werent there, thered be no issues.

The tree is listed as in good condition, and is protected under the trees on city streets bylaw, said Jane Arbour, a spokesperson for the citys parks and recreation department. Arbour noted that in order to remove the tree, the homeowner would be required to apply for a permit.

In a similar case, realtor Waleed Khaled Elsayed told the Star last month that the roots of a 300-year-old red oak were threatening to undermine the structural integrity of a house in North York.

The city had earlier expressed interest in purchasing the home to save the ancient tree, potentially one of Torontos oldest, Elsayed said, adding that if it doesnt, the homeowner will be forced to cut it down.Over the past month, commuters have been entertained and enraged by a pair of accordion performers playing the hit song Despacito on the TTC, but the wheeze of at least one of those accordions has been silenced by a court summons delivered by TTC officers.

There are numerous videos online of the musicians  one in a red jacket, one in black who are thought to be brothers.

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said several transit officers were on patrol just before noon Monday on a train moving through St. Andrew Station when they heard the distinctive song coming from further down the train. When they walked toward the music, they found the man in black, accordion in hand.

At Union Station, the man was escorted off the train. Green says the man was respectful and polite  very co-operative and he was very pleasant to our transit enforcement (officers), although English was not his first language.

The accordion musicians have been warned twice before, Green said, and this was the third strike.

Although transit users sharing tweets and videos online have been split as to whether the players are good or bad, and the TTC hasnt had specific complaints about them, Green said the men are breaking a bylaw: interference with ordinary enjoyment of the transit system.

The accordion player could have faced a $235 fine, but transit officers instead issued a 104 summons: a justice of the peace will decide if he should be fined if found guilty.

He could also be let off with a warning.John Torys campaign team will be co-chaired by a Conservative and a Liberal stalwart with experience on Bay Street and political backrooms.

Torys current principal secretary at city hall, Vic Gupta, and Toronto Community Housing (TCH) board member Vince Gasparro will helm his 2018 bid for re-election to the mayors seat, the Star has learned. The campaign period officially begins May 1. Its not clear yet when Tory will register for the race.

Gupta will be taking a leave of absence from Torys mayoral office, a source confirmed, and Gasparro stepped down from TCHs board Monday ahead of the announcement expected Tuesday.

Gupta landed the job in the mayors office after working on Torys successful 2014 campaign. The position was created specifically for him when Chris Eby, a senior campaign member, was picked for the top job of chief of staff.

Gupta has twice been a Progressive Conservative candidate and worked at Sussex Strategy Group, a large national firm that has pushed various city hall issues over the years.

I'm ready to help John Tory win re-election. I know the Mayor will be taking nothing for granted and that's why we will start building this campaign on Day 1, Gupta told the Star on Monday.

Gasparro has been on TCHs board since 2015 and currently works in private equity, dealing with mergers and acquisitions. He is a senior adviser at Lynx Equity, a Toronto-based fund.

I will be actively supporting Mayor John Tory in his bid for re-election and I will serve in any capacity I am asked to, Gasparro said in a statement when contacted by the Star.

Gasparro was previously an adviser to prime minister Paul Martin.

Read more:

Desmond Cole announces he wont run to become Toronto mayor

As vote looms, here are the facts on Mayor John Torys SmartTrack plan

Council approves $1.46-billion SmartTrack plan

Read more about:A man in his 50s was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after he was stabbed in Parkdale early Tuesday morning.

Emergency crews were called to King St. and Dunn Ave. at around 4:40 a.m. The man, as well as an unidentified second person, were taken to hospital, Toronto Paramedic Services said.

The second person, whose age and gender wasnt given, had less serious injuries.Mobster Rocco Zitos daughter still loved him, even though he called her useless and sometimes hit another daughter with his cane, court heard Tuesday.

My father was good family man, Zitos daughter, Laura Scopelliti, testified in University Ave. court.

Her former husband, Dominic (Mimmo) Scopelliti, 54, is charged with murder. He is accused of shooting Zito, 87, dead in his family home on Playfair Ave. near Caledonia Rd. and Lawrence Ave. W. on Jan. 29, 2016.

Zito was considered by police to be a figure of significant power and authority within organized crime, specifically the Italian Mafia, according to a joint statement from the defence and Crown.

The jury also heard that Zito once killed someone in a loansharking dispute.

Despite that, Laura Scopelliti said her father was a loving dad, most of the time.

He wasnt like that, she said. He was nice to us.

He called you useless sometimes? asked defence lawyer Brian Ross.

I dont know, she replied. Maybe  He did it to everyone. Everyone understood  Im not going to hold a grudge. You just let it slide. Its life.

What about when your father used to hit your sister Franca with his cane? Ross asked.

That was just a gesture, she replied. It wasnt like he wanted to hurt her  just a little tap to get his point across.

She seemed okay ... She wasnt hurt.

She said she also wasnt troubled when her father threatened her then-husbands life days before Zito was shot dead.

Laura and Dominic Scopelliti have divorced since Zitos death.

Pretty important thing, right? Ross said.

When somebody says something out of anger you dont know what he meant, she replied. My father was a family man. He wouldnt do that to his own grandkids or daughter.

Court has heard Zito had five daughters and no sons. Laura and Dominic Scopelliti and their four children and another of Zitos adult daughters lived with him at the time of his death.

There was a dispute over the division of Zitos property in the days before his death, as Zito talked of getting court papers to divide his assets.

There also were tensions over timber rights in property Zito owned in Italy. He accused Dominic Scopellitis family of cheating him over timber rights, Laura Scopelliti said.

Zito wanted to get his affairs in order in his final days, she said.

He said he might soon die? Ross asked.

Yes, she replied.

Under questioning from Ross, she acknowledged that one of Zitos sons-in-law, Dominic Buda, hadnt set foot in Zitos home for a decade and that Zitos nephews and nieces also stayed away.

They didnt come over to visit much either? Ross asked.

Not like on a regular basis, no, she replied.

Court also heard Dominic Scopelliti didnt have a regular job and spent much time in Zitos basement, trying to build a silencer out of tubing to muffle the sound of gunshots.

He sometimes test-fired guns out the basement window and asked her about the volume of the gunshots, she said.

I dont know why Mimmo was doing those things, shooting out the window, she said.

On the final days of Zitos life, she said Dominic Scopelliti ordered her to stay in their basement apartment and not communicate with her parents.

You couldnt go upstairs and you couldnt provide assistance to your parents, right? Ross asked.

Right, she said.

She said she saw her then husband fire a shot up from the basement towards her father at the top of the stairs. Shortly after that she heard three more shots and shouting.

She said she rushed upstairs, to see her father lying on the floor.

I told him I loved him and I caressed his face, she said.

She said her then husband was nowhere to be seen by the time she got up the stairs.

You heard your sister pleading with him (Dominic Scopelliti) to leave? Ross asked.

Yes, she replied.

The trial continues.How did Peel police fail to view the deaths of Bill and Bridget Harrison as homicides until after their son was killed? The only organization probing the missteps in the Harrison family murder investigations is the force that made them  and Peels internal review has already come under fire.

Chief Jennifer Evans launched the internal investigation in February, suspended it in March, then reinstated it after relatives of the Harrison family called the suspension unacceptable and fired off emails to the Peel Police Services Board, the mayor of Mississauga and the Peel Crown attorneys office.

Limiting the investigation into what went wrong with the Harrison case to internal reviews means asking our family to trust the very institutions and individuals who repeatedly failed us while our family members were murdered, year after year, Wanda Jamieson, a close family friend who has been co-ordinating efforts to hold authorities to account, told the Star. We cannot accept that.

Three members of the Harrison family died in their home, one after the other, between 2009 and 2013  first Bill, then Bridget, then Caleb. A Star investigation documented the failures of police, coroners and pathologists in the first two death probes. Police did not treat the deaths of Bill and Bridget as homicides until after their son was murdered. Relatives and friends believe two deaths could have been prevented if the first had been properly investigated.

READ MORE: CLICK ON THE PHOTO below to read the Stars investigation: Improbable Cause: How authorities failed the Harrisons.

Peel police have not responded to the familys request for an independent third-party review. Jamieson said the family has been told they will not see the report that comes out of the internal review, and it wont be made public.

A spokesperson for Peel police told the Star information may be released, where appropriate.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie expects to see the full report. I have spoken with Chief Evans and relayed my expectation that the findings of the internal investigation be released and made public, Crombie said in a statement. If I am not satisfied with the outcome of the internal investigation being conducted by both Peel Police and the Chief Coroner, I will call for further action.

The Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service are conducting their own internal review that the provinces chief coroner said will likely be followed by an independent review. Dr. Dirk Huyer, who had a teleconference with the family in March along with chief forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Pollanen, has promised transparency.

In January, Calebs ex-wife, Melissa Merritt, and her common-law spouse, Christopher Fattore, were convicted of first-degree murder in his 2013 death. Fattore was also found guilty of first-degree murder in Bridgets 2010 death, and not guilty of second-degree murder in Bills 2009 death.

Their convictions followed a three-month criminal trial in which prosecutors argued the Harrisons were murdered at key moments in a bitter custody battle over Merritt and Calebs two children.

Merritt and Fattore have both filed appeals.

The family has asked Attorney General Yasir Naqvi for a public inquiry.

Internal reviews offer no guarantee of impartiality, transparency or accountability to the family, or to the public, Jamieson said.

Naqvis office has not given the family an answer. In a statement emailed to the Star, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General did not rule out an inquiry, but said it is important that criminal proceedings be allowed to continue without interference or influence, so as not to jeopardize the integrity and independence of those proceedings.

In February, a few weeks after the trial concluded, Peels police chief tapped Insp. Joseph Paolini to lead the internal review. Soon after, the Harrisons met with Paolini and shared their concerns. Jamieson said the family was told they would have little input or involvement in the review and would not see the final results.

On March 21, Paolini called Jamieson with news. The review had been suspended, he said, because Merritt and Fattore had filed appeals. It was a strange announcement, given that the appeals had been filed weeks before the internal review started, and given that most murder convictions are swiftly appealed. Jamieson, who took notes during their conversation, said Paolini told her that Peel police had only just learned of the appeals, two months after they were filed.

Jamieson said the suspension was unacceptable. She pointed out that appeals can take years, that it has already been nine years since the first death, and that the family was promised that a review would take place after the trial.

Paolini told Jamieson that he had spoken with David Maylor, senior Crown attorney for Peel Region, and that Maylor had suggested an internal review could jeopardize the appeal.

Jamieson wrote to Maylor, asking if he had recommended that police cancel the internal review.

Any decision by the Peel Regional Police to launch or suspend an internal review rests squarely with Chief Evans and her leadership team, Maylor replied.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General said police services operate independently from the Crown. The Crown does not have the authority or supervisory powers to direct police services in relation to any internal operational or administrative functions, the ministry said in a statement.

A few days after learning the review had been suspended, Jamieson wrote to the Peel Police Services Board to voice the familys concerns, and asked the board: What action will you take? In her March 26 email to board chair Sue McFadden, Jamieson copied the Peel police chief and the Mississauga Mayor.

Two days later, Evans replied to all and said the review was back on. It was the first and only time the Harrison family heard from the police chief directly.

In a statement emailed to the Star, Sgt. Josh Colley, a spokesperson for Peel police, offered this explanation about the on-again, off-again review: Chief Jennifer Evans ordered a review after the courts rendered their guilty verdicts. She later suspended it pending the appeals process in order to ensure that the review does not in any way interfere with the integrity of that process. After consulting with the Crown the decision was made to carry on with the review.

Police would not comment on Paolinis interactions with the family.

Colley said Paolini is a senior officer and experienced investigator. The review is in its early stages and the Harrisons will continue to be informed of the process, and any pertinent findings will be communicated to the family and the members of the public, where appropriate, he said.

Robert Serpe, executive director of the Peel Police Services Board, refused to comment on the Harrison case. Peel Regional Police has launched an internal review of this case, he said in an email. At this time, we do not have further information nor would it be appropriate to comment while the review process is underway. Serpe did not respond to questions about whether the board had asked to see a copy of the report or a summary of its findings.

Chief Evans is no stranger to the importance of independent reviews in bringing accountability and restoring public trust in the aftermath of flawed police investigations. She has led or assisted in reviews of police conduct for inquiries into how Canadas most notorious serial killers  Robert Pickton and Paul Bernardo  escaped capture for years.

Peels handling of the Harrison family murders echoes concerns now being raised about Toronto police in connection to alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur  including whether red flags went unnoticed during missing persons investigations connected to Torontos Gay Village.

Years before McArthurs arrest, three of the men he is now alleged to have killed were the subjects of a special missing persons probe called Project Houston. That investigation closed in 2014, with no evidence of criminal activity.

Faced with serious questions about Project Houston and other missing persons cases, the Toronto Police Services Board in March voted unanimously to commission an independent investigation into how the force conducts probes into disappearances, a move supported by police Chief Mark Saunders.

No such independent investigation has been called to explore systemic issues in the Harrison murders, even with the criminal trial concluded.Seven people injured in last weeks deadly van rampage on Yonge St. remain in Sunnybrook Hospital.

In a press release on Tuesday, Sunnybrook said four people remain in serious condition and three in good condition. One person has been discharged from their care.

On April 23, a van that mounted the sidewalk near Yonge St. and Finch Ave. and drove down a major stretch of the street, killing 10 people and injuring 16 others.

Most of the injured were taken to Sunnybrook, which prompted the hospital to call a Code Orange  a hospital-wide alert for a mass casualty situations.

A 25-year-old who plowed a van into a crowded Toronto sidewalk was ordered held April 24 on 10 counts of murder 13 of attempted murder. (The Associated Press)

The hospital received a total of 10 patients, all arriving in the span of 45 minutes. Sunnybrook said two of the patients arrived in the hospital without vital signs and were pronounced dead upon arrival. Five arrived in critical condition while three were in serious condition.

The #TorontoStrong Fund, launched last week to help victims, their families and others who were seriously impacted by the attack, has already raised more than $2 million as of Monday evening.

Alek Minassian, 25, has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder. Toronto police said they expect to charge him with three more counts of attempted murder.

The last time there was a major Code Orange at Sunnybrook was in 2012, when six victims of the Danzig St. shooting in Scarborough were transported there.All Toronto-bound lanes on the section of the Skyway Bridge in Burlington will be closed for construction on a number of occasions this year, so expansion joints can be replaced on the structure.

The first two full mainline closures this year are scheduled for Saturday, May 5 and 12 at 9 p.m. through to 10 a.m. the next day.

All lanes on the eastbound, or Toronto-bound, QEW on the Skyway Bridge will be fully closed. Toronto-bound traffic will be detoured through Eastport Drive and merged back onto the QEW at North Shore Boulevard.

QEW Niagara-bound traffic will not be affected.

After 10 a.m. Sunday, traffic on the QEW will resume on the Toronto-bound lanes of the Skyway Bridge.

To help assist the flow of traffic on Eastport Drive during the closure, access to Beach Boulevard from Van Wagners Beach Road and Eastport Drive will be restricted to local traffic only.

Police officers will be posted at these locations to assist with the traffic control.After losing three Toronto seats in the last provincial election, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is betting on a new urban strategy to revive the partys GTHA fortunes in the June 7 vote.

Promising cheaper daycare, more affordable housing, improved public transit, a 15 per cent cut on auto insurance rates, better protection for tenants and money to fix crumbling schools, Horwath is taking a different tack than in her 2014 campaign.

Our platform ... really does speak to the issues that are of concern to people living in Toronto, Horwath said Tuesday at the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club in the west-end riding of Davenport, which was wrested from the NDP by Liberal MPP Cristina Martins in the last election.

There are many pieces to the puzzle to make this city a livable city and a great place to work and to raise a family.

Defeated Toronto MPPs blamed their 2014 losses on the partys lack of preparedness after toppling Premier Kathleen Wynnes minority Liberals on a budget vote, and on Horwaths pledge to be a better custodian of public finances, which was seen by some as a tack to the right.

Having respect for taxpayers was a message to many people in the Annex and Seaton Village that reminded them of Mike Harris, former Trinity-Spadina MPP Rosario Marchese, who lost the riding to Liberal Han Dong, told the Star at the time.

An NDP platform did not come until the third week of that campaign, while in this springs effort a 97-page volume was unveiled two weeks ago, with GTA and Hamilton promises  a nod to Horwaths hometown  broken out in a separate booklet Tuesday.

We need to elect a lot of people in Toronto, veteran New Democrat MPP Peter Tabuns (Toronto-Danforth) said after Horwaths campaign-style appearance at the boys and girls club, where she spoke for 25 minutes to a small crowd on a variety of urban issues.

The Toronto platform is much more tuned to what people are concerned about, Tabuns added, noting the NDPs main competition in the city is the Liberals, and the Progressive Conservatives in the suburbs.

Tabuns is the lone New Democrat MPP in Toronto after the retirement of Cheri DiNovo in Parkdale-High Park. Other New Democrat MPPs in the GTHA are Jennifer French (Oshawa), Paul Miller (Hamilton East-Stoney Creek), and Monique Taylor (Hamilton Mountain).

At Tuesdays event, Horwath, who was outflanked on the left by Wynne in 2014 and faces another challenge from the Liberals on that front, tried to portray herself as the only alternative for progressive voters tired of 15 years of Liberal rule.

People have already decided the premier has got to go, Horwath said, standing in front of a bevy of Toronto-area candidates and MPPs, including Davenport hopeful Marit Stiles, a public school trustee, and federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singhs younger brother Gurratan Singh, who is seeking a seat in Brampton East.

You dont have to choose between Kathleen Wynne and Doug Ford, she added, criticizing the Progressive Conservative leader for his planned $6 billion in government spending cuts.

Mr. Ford is certainly not going to make life any better.

New Democrats also lost the riding of Beaches-East York in 2014, when Liberal Arthur Potts defeated Michael Prue.

Horwath described the experience as bittersweet, given the three seats lost in Toronto were offset by ones gained by Lisa Gretzky in Windsor, French in Oshawa and Joe Cimino in Sudbury, although Cimino quit after five months for family reasons and the Liberals regained the seat in a byelection.

Read more about:Doug Ford has made a rapid retreat from his controversial scheme to open up the Greenbelts protected land to housing development.

The Progressive Conservative leader backed down one day after it emerged he had privately assured property developers he would open a big chunk of the 800,000-hectare swath of environmentally sensitive land around the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area if the Tories win the June 7 election.

The people have spoken  we wont touch the Greenbelt. Very simple. Thats it, the people have spoken. Im going to listen to them, they dont want me to touch the Greenbelt. We wont touch the Greenbelt. Simple as that, Ford said Tuesday afternoon.

There have been a lot of voices saying that they dont want to touch the Greenbelt. I govern through the people; I dont govern through government.

The rookie PC leader, who took the reins of the party on March 10, said the forthcoming PC election platform would increase the supply of affordable housing across the GTA while protecting the Greenbelt in its entirety.

Fords policy U-turn came as PC candidates confided they were taking heat from voters over his Feb. 12 video, unveiled by the Liberals on Monday, where he dismissed the Greenbelt as just farmer fields.

Its right beside a community. We need to open that up and create a larger supply, Ford said at the time.

Ive already talked to some of the biggest developers in the country, and, again, I wish I could say its my idea, but it was their idea as well.

On Monday, Ford stood by his February comments.

Earlier Tuesday, Premier Kathleen Wynne warned his proposal would promote urban sprawl and damage the environment.

When that land is gone, its gone forever. You cannot get that land back, Wynne said at the Charles Hastings housing co-op on Elm Street where she was touting tenant protections.

The point of the Greenbelt is to keep in place the integrity of water systems, the integrity of agricultural land. Making the map look like Swiss cheese  makes it much less viable and really undermines those water protections and agricultural land protections.

Wynne noted there is already enough available land in the GTHA to build two more cities the size of Mississauga without tampering with the Greenbelt.

Marcy Burchfield, executive director of the Neptis Foundation, which has been studying anti-sprawl growth plan, said there are already almost 45,000 hectares of land around the GTHA ready to be developed.

Our research shows that its totally unnecessary to go into the Greenbelt, said Burchfield, noting the land is protected by provincial legislation that is not due for review until 2027.

Opening up that whole Greenbelt Act  definitely wouldnt be an easy thing to do. The idea is that you dont open it up every year, she said.

Reaction to the revelation of Fords plan had been swift.

The Town of Oakville council voted unanimously Monday night to work with neighbouring municipalities to maintain the current Greenbelt, which includes massive parts of Halton Region.

Sprawling development creates traffic jams and tax increases. Hes saying hell be moving the sprawl line outwards. Sad, Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said in Twitter.

PC candidates in and around the GTHA had privately confided that the gaffe was hurting them with some voters.

Everyone was wondering where this came from, said one incredulous Tory candidate, speaking on background in order to discuss internal matters.

Another said the new leaders derisive reference to just farmer fields was causing problems with some voters in rural Ontario

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath panned Ford, who leads in every public opinion poll.

There is no reason whatsoever to even contemplate paving over the Greenbelt unless youre trying to make a good buck for your friends in the development industry, Horwath said in campaign swing in the Toronto riding of Davenport.

Paving over farms and wetlands and green spaces is absolutely not good public policy, she said.

The Greenbelt was enshrined in law by former Liberal premier Dalton McGuinty in a bid to limit urban sprawl and conserve ecologically sensitive land.

With files from Rob Ferguson

Read more about:Amber Phillips stepped on an American Airlines flight from Raleigh-Durham to Washington, D.C., on Thursday evening and immediately noticed how small the plane was. There were 65 seats, just two in each row.

When Phillips sat down, her arm rested next to that of the passenger in the adjacent seat, she said. Their arms were touching.

I was thinking, I really hope she doesnt treat me mean, said Phillips, 28, who lives in Washington. She was fidgeting, and finally she looks at me and goes, Can you move over? 

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Phillips told her: No, I actually cant. Im in the window seat.

Phillips said she noticed the woman was growing increasingly annoyed at the tight space they were in.

I wasnt going to say anything because I know how hard it is for people who are perceived as fat to say, I was mistreated,  said Phillips, who shared her experience in a series of viral tweets, including one that said, The cops were called on me for flying while fat & Black.

But soon, Phillips decided not to hold her tongue. As the flight progressed, the woman rested her ankle on her own her knee, so the bottom of her foot was facing Phillips, she said.

Phillips said she felt that the woman was trying to push her closer to the window.

I said, youre being awful, dont let the bottom of your foot touch me,  Phillips said.

The woman, Phillips said, responded.

She turned my words and said I was being mean, said Phillips, co-host of the podcast The Black Joy Mixtape.

Things were tense.

The whole time I was sitting there I was trying not to cry, Phillips said. I dropped my headphones, and I was afraid to pick them up.

Phillips said she then grabbed her cellphone and started recording the woman on the plane. The woman tried to block her face from Phillips camera. Then the woman complained to a flight attendant about Phillips, she said.

They got off the plane at Reagan National Airport and headed to a shuttle bus that would bring them to a terminal.

Phillips said she was surprised moments later when a flight attendant announced that she was calling the police.

An officer with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police arrived and approached Phillips and told her to get off the shuttle, she said. He told her he was called for an assault investigation and asked her some questions. After a few minutes, the officer told both Phillips and the other woman they could leave. The incident delayed Phillips about 30 minutes, she said.

All of this because my arm was touching this woman, Phillips said.

The Washington Post could not locate the woman or identify her. Neither the airline, nor the police who were eventually called, would release her name.

In a news release American Airlines said: Two passengers seated next to each other engaged in a verbal altercation while on board. Upon landing in DCA shortly after 8 p.m. ET, one of the passengers requested the flight attendant contact law enforcement.

Airline spokeswoman Kristen Foster said that American employees had an obligation to call the police. We contacted law enforcement at the request of another passenger on the flight, she said in an email. We have an obligation to contact law enforcement if any passenger requests it (just as we would if someone requested medical assistance, for example).

MWAA police said they were called because of an in-flight incident.

Assistance was requested following an in-flight incident involving two passengers, which continued on an American Airlines shuttle bus at Reagan National Airport  Both passengers complied with police requests and it was determined that there was no immediate threat to passenger safety. There were no arrests, no charges were filed and both passengers continued on their way.

Phillips said she was scared, upset and shaken.

White people literally need to stop calling the cops on Black people who make them uncomfortable, she said. Theyre calling the cops like they need to speak to the manager or something. Youre not allowed to call the cops for things that arent true.BEIRUT  Airstrikes killed at least 23 civilians on Tuesday in one of the last pockets of Daesh-controlled territory in Syria, according to Syrian state media and an opposition-linked monitoring group, as U.S.-backed forces in the area announced they have resumed their campaign against the extremists.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear if the airstrikes in the Hassakeh province were carried out by the U.S.-led coalition or the Iraqi air force. It said the strikes killed 10 children, six women and seven elderly people. The state-run Syrian News Agency said 25 civilians were killed in the airstrikes south of the town of Shadadi, blaming the U.S-led coalition.

The strikes took place in an area where the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are battling Daesh.

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Lelwa Abdullah, an SDF spokesperson in the adjacent Deir el-Zour province, said Tuesday the final phase of a large operation against Daesh in eastern Syria has begun. She said the SDF will liberate those areas and secure the Syrian-Iraqi border and end the IS (Daesh) presence in eastern Syria once and for all.

The SDF had redeployed hundreds of its forces to western Syria after Turkish troops attacked the Kurdish-held Afrin enclave earlier this year, effectively putting operations against Daesh on hold.

Abdullah said Daesh attacks have increased in recent weeks in parts of eastern Syria near the border with Iraq as the extremist group seeks to regroup. She said the clearing operations will take place with the help of the U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi forces across the border.

Elsewhere in Syria on Tuesday, more than three dozen Syrians held for years by Al Qaeda-linked insurgents in the countrys northwest were released as part of a deal to hand over areas around Damascus to the government, state media reported.

State-run Al-Ikhbariya TV broadcast images of the released men, women, children, who arrived by bus at a government-controlled checkpoint in Aleppo province. Many were in tears, and they could be seen kissing and hugging Syrian soldiers. The captives had been held by the insurgents in northern Syria since 2015.

It is the latest in a series of evacuation deals for areas around the capital that have been besieged for years and subjected to heavy bombardment by government forces. The UN and rights groups have criticized the deals, saying they amount to forced displacement.

The latest deal concerns Yarmouk, a Palestinian refugee camp that was a built-up residential area before the civil war. Daesh militants still control parts of the camp and a neighbouring area, where they are battling government forces.

The 42 people freed on Tuesday are the first batch of more than 80 to be released. Under the deal, fighters from the al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group will withdraw from Yarmouk, while about 5,000 people in Foua and Kfraya, two northwestern villages besieged by insurgents, will be allowed to relocate to government-held areas.

Al-Ikhbariya said nearly 20 wounded or ill from the two besieged villages were evacuated Tuesday. But the evacuation has apparently stalled amid security concerns, with the residents asking that they all be evacuated together instead of in batches.

The Observatory said five buses carrying around 200 insurgents from Yarmouk arrived at the handover area south of Aleppo.

The UN has warned of catastrophic consequences for the remaining inhabitants of Yarmouk as the fighting continues.

The camp was established in 1957 for Palestinians who fled the 1948 war with Israel, and later evolved into a densely populated urban neighbourhood that was home to tens of thousands of Palestinians and Syrians. It has seen heavy fighting since the early days of the seven-year-old civil war, and Daesh pushed into the district in 2015.

Yarmouk and its inhabitants have endured indescribable pain and suffering over years of conflict, Pierre Krahenbuhl, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said last week.

The latest fighting has displaced around 5,000 civilians from Yarmouk into the neighbouring area of Yalda, the UN said. Its not clear how many civilians remain in Yarmouk.

Read more about:LONDONBargain booze has become a little more expensive in Scotland, which says it is the first country in the world to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol.

From Tuesday, retailers must charge at least 50 pence (88 cents) per unit, amounting to about 70 pence for a bottle of beer or 5 for a bottle of wine.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised Scotland for being bold enough and brave enough to take the step.

Read more:

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All of the evidence says that minimum unit pricing will reduce deaths from alcohol-related illnesses, reduce hospital admissions and generally reduce the damage that alcohol misuse does to our society, she said.

A measure public health advocates call a watershed moment has been a long time coming.

Scottish lawmakers approved minimum pricing in 2012, but it was delayed for six years by legal challenges from the Scotch Whisky Association, which argued the move unfairly hit responsible drinkers on low incomes.

Britains Supreme Court finally rejected the distillers challenge last year.

Health campaigners say minimum pricing will save lives and money. Almost a fifth more alcohol is sold per adult in Scotland than in other parts of Britain, and Scottish authorities say alcohol misuse causes about 697 hospital admissions and 22 deaths a week.

Scotland sets its own health policies, and campaigners are pressing for similar action in other parts of the U.K. The Alcohol Health Alliance, a coalition of medical groups, says there are almost 23,000 alcohol-related deaths a year in England, which has roughly 10 times Scotlands population of 5 million.

Norine Aslam, who runs the Top Cellar liquor store in the Edinburgh suburb of Leith, said she was all for the move.

Its like everything, change is difficult, she said. But I think its a positive change so its just a hurdle that everyone needs to get over.

I think its more positive than negative, so I think it will be good.

Read more about:NAYPYITAW, BurmaA UN Security Council delegation on Tuesday visited Burmas Rakhine state, from where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled military-led violence. Delegation members said they hope to help the refugees return quickly and safely to their homes there.

Around 700,000 Rohingya fled the troubled area to squalid camps in Bangladesh last year as Burmas army launched a brutal crackdown following insurgent attacks on security posts.

State television showed the ambassadors touring the border area. Travelling by helicopter, they visited two villages, one transit centre and one reception camp, where refugees who return will initially be housed.

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They also met with members of different groups affected by the violence and upheaval, including Rakhine Buddhists, Hindus and some Rohingya Muslims who did not flee.

The ambassadors visited refugees in Bangladesh over the weekend, and on Monday held talks with Burma officials, including the countrys leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and military commander in chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

At a news conference in Burmas capital, Naypyitaw, before flying out of the country, the ambassadors reminded Burmas government of its obligations as a member of the United Nations. The envoys represent the 15 countries making up the Security Council, the UNs most powerful body.

We are not asking Burma government something new. They are a member of the United Nations and they are a member and state party to many UN conventions. The return of refugees should be in conformity with international standards, said Kuwaits representative, Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi.

Bangladesh and Burma agreed in December to begin repatriating the refugees in January, but there were concerns among rights groups and Rohingya that they would be forced to return and face unsafe conditions in Burma.

In its counter-insurgency sweeps in Rakhine state after the attacks last August on security personnel, Burmas military was accused of massive human rights violations, including rape, killing, torture, and the burning of Rohingya homes, that UN and U.S. officials have called ethnic cleansing.

The Muslim Rohingya face official and social discrimination in predominantly Buddhist Burma, which denies most of them citizenship and its rights because they are looked on as immigrants in the country illegally after leaving neighbouring Bangladesh, even though many settled in Burma generations ago.

Basically the message we convey is it is very important to improve the security conditions for the return of the refugees, and also collaboration with the international organization, particularly the United Nations, said Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, ambassador of Peru. And we also mentioned the importance of the investigation regarding what happened here before the refugees went to Bangladesh.

The UN refugee agency and Bangladesh recently finalized a memorandum of understanding that said the repatriation process must be safe, voluntary and dignified, in line with international standards.

The Security Council delegation has asked Burmas government to sign the memorandum.

We believe that if the memorandum of understanding can be signed quickly and the UN agencies given unconditional access, that would be the best thing to do with the scale of the problem, said Karen Pierce, Britains ambassador to the United Nations.

Pierce parried a journalists question about whether the UN should make a referral to the International Criminal Court to investigate the atrocities alleged to have been carried out by Burma security forces, acknowledging only that it could be one avenue of investigation.

In New York, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq noted at a briefing that around 500,000 Rohingya still live in Rakhine, facing continued discrimination and marginalization, including around 130,000 men, women and children who are trapped in appalling conditions in camps.

Severe restrictions on their freedom of movement persist, grossly restricting their access to health care, education and livelihoods, he said. This is the reality that must be changed if refugees are to be reasonably expected to return.

He also pointed out that many of the Rohingya refugees sheltering in Bangladesh, already living in poor and crowded conditions, face further misery with the early onset on the monsoon season, with a strong risk of landslides and flooding.

An international appeal for $951 million (U.S.) for humanitarian aid for the refugees and their host communities was only 10 per cent funded, he added.

Burmas government agreed to allow the Security Council to visit after previously rejecting UN requests for a trip by a specially appointed independent fact-finding committee.

The team said in March that it found evidence of human rights violations against the Kachin, Shan and Rohingya minorities in all likelihood amounting to crimes under international law.Prime Minister Trudeau has stated it is time for Canadians to have a discussion about payment for surrogacy, eggs, and sperm.

This comes on the heels of a press conference held on March 27, in which Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather announced his plan to introduce a private members bill that would create an open market in reproductive capabilities and tissues.

The Assisted Human Reproduction Act permits reimbursement of receipted expenditures for surrogacy and gamete donation and prohibits payment for same.

Housefather wants to eliminate the acts commitment to prohibit trade in the reproductive capabilities of women and men and the exploitation of children, women and men for commercial ends. And, more specifically, he wants to remove the prohibitions on payment for surrogacy and the sale of human eggs and sperm.

While the arguments in support of this plan have been swirling around for some time, they perpetuate a great deal of misinformation.

First, there is the claim, that Canadians are forced to go to the United States to engage in assisted reproduction because of a lack of availability in Canada. According to Housefather, Canadian couples should not have to go to the U.S. and pay to have their baby.

This claim is problematic for several reasons, including that Canadian couples do not have to go anywhere to use assisted human reproduction. They can access reproductive technologies in Canada if they are willing to abide by Canadian law. A problem only arises for those who want to act outside of the law, which limits payments to reimbursement.

Furthermore, this claim elides the fact that currently there is more surrogacy in Canada than ever before. Nearly 650 attempts at creating surrogate pregnancies were reported by the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society in 2016, up from less than 300 in 2010.

Moreover, Canada is becoming known as a surrogacy destination for other places, in part because surrogates receive high-quality care from the public health care system. Surrogacy services (without payment to surrogates) is growing in Canada, not shrinking.

Second, the suggestion that the Assisted Human Reproduction Act was drafted at a time when the voices of LGBTQ people and infertile families where silent (or silenced) is simply untrue. The Act is based on the work of the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies in the 1980s and 1990s, and most of the drafting occurred in the early 2000s. The act finally came into force in 2004 at a time when LGBTQ people were advocating around all sorts of family issues, including marriage, pensions, adoption rights, and so on.

Real Menard, one of the first openly gay members of parliament, worked with LGBTQ stakeholders at the time to include provisions to ensure that clinic doors would be open to people regardless of their sexual orientation.

Further, infertile people were included in every stakeholder and public consultation on the act, often advocating for the reimbursement of expenses, but not the commercialization of eggs, sperm, or surrogacy.

Third, Housefather and others argue that Canada should modernize its law so it aligns with practice in the United States and conforms to the mores of contemporary global society. But globally commercial surrogacy is the exception, not the rule.

Very few jurisdictions around the world  some American states, Russia, Georgia, Ukraine and Iran  permit payment for surrogacy. Some countries that previously welcomed Westerners seeking to pay for surrogacy  including Nepal, Thailand, India, and Mexico  are now increasing regulations to control (and in some cases to eliminate) their commercial markets.

Countries with which Canada has historically been aligned (including, the United Kingdom, Denmark, New Zealand, and most of Australia) have laws banning commercial surrogacy that are very similar to ours.

What Canada needs is improved federal intervention to ensure that assisted reproduction is well-regulated, and that the care of surrogates and others is not left to the open market.Ken Lam is now widely known as the hero cop who arrested the suspect in last weeks van rampage without firing a shot. He says hes just a cop who was doing his job, and hes right.

But the reason the hero accolades settled so rapidly and abundantly on his shoulders is because of so many other high-profile cases that came before this one, where police officers did not do their job so well.

Its fitting, then, that a week after Lam showcased good police training in action  defusing a tense situation rather than ending it in a hail of bullets Ontarios highest court upheld the conviction of a Toronto police officer who demonstrated quite the opposite.

Five years ago, Sammy Yatim was a mentally ill 18-year-old armed with a small knife and cornered on an empty streetcar. But less than a minute after arriving on the scene, James Forcillo fired nine shots in two distinct volleys.

The first three bullets were the ones that killed Yatim. But it was the second volley of six for which Forcillo was convicted of attempted murder. He delivered those without even trying to speak to the teenager dying on the floor of the streetcar, clearly no threat to anyone.

In a welcome decision issued on Monday, the Ontario Court of Appeal dismissed Forcillos appeal and upheld his six-year prison sentence.

Yatims death was one in a string of cases across North America that raised deep-seated concerns about how readily police resort to lethal force, particularly when dealing with people in emotional distress or in the midst of a mental health crisis.

Forcillos conviction and prison sentence delivered an extraordinary (for its rarity) and necessary message that misuse of police power will not go unpunished. And in their unanimous ruling, the Chief Justice of Ontario, George Strathy, along with justices David Doherty and Gary Trotter, reinforced that.

Police officers on duty are not above the law and their lives are not the only ones theyre meant to protect.

A distinguishing feature of this case, the court said, is the appellants egregious breach of trust in using lethal force against a person who was not an imminent threat.

Another distinguishing feature is that it was caught on video. That allowed the jury  and ultimately the public  to know just what happened on that streetcar. In too many cases of police shootings, information is hard to come by, police close ranks and its impossible to prove what really happened.

After his death, Yatims mother said Toronto police need to do better if the force is to remain a source of confidence, security and respect.

Lams action last week fit her plea perfectly.

Again with the help of a citizen video, the public knows what happened in that incident. They know that Lam arrived on a fraught scene and turned off his siren so he could speak to and hear the suspect. He refused to be baited into shooting him and ultimately put his own gun away in favour of a baton and made the arrest without incident.

Its one of the things that made the city proud on such a terrible day.

Police are afforded special privileges and protections under the law to carry out their enormous responsibilities. But that, the appeal court has reaffirmed, does not give them carte blanche to behave however they want.

The firearms given to police are meant to be used to protect themselves and others, all within the bounds of reasonableness and necessity and in accordance with police training.

Forcillo did not do that. Lam, thankfully, did.Migrants leaving the United States are telling Canada that our neighbour to the south is not a safe place for them.

Under Canadas Safe Third Country agreement with the U.S., refugee claimants have to request protection in the first safe country they arrive in, unless they qualify for an exception. And the U.S. is, officially, safe.

But there is the law, and there is real life.

The RCMP recently reported that, compared to the same time last year, the number of people walking across the border to claim asylum has tripled.

Of the 7,800 people seeking asylum who have so far been processed by the immigration department, over 3,000 were intercepted as they walked across the border. The vast majority crossed into Quebec. The RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency anticipate more people will make the journey now that the warmer months have arrived.

Leaders at all levels are asking the federal government to solve their problems with regard to refugees. The mayor of Toronto, John Tory, has said refugees now account for 40 per cent of shelter spaces and that higher levels of government should provide help. In a city that largely fails in its promise to be a sanctuary city, the request is notable.

Meanwhile, Quebec and Manitoba have been asking for financial and bureaucratic relief from the federal government. (These two provinces are where the most people have chosen to cross, with Quebec accounting for the majority.) The president of the union representing border staff says Ottawa needs to spend more money hiring border security.

In some ways, the federal government has heard these requests and warnings. In the last budget, the government put $74 million into alleviating the backlog in processing refugees. Another $100 million was allocated for security.

At a committee hearing last October, the minister for immigration said Canada had not broached renegotiating the Safe Third Country Agreement.

The agreement assumes Canada and the United States have comparable systems of asylum. But the United States under Donald Trump is exercising a hostility to migrants of all origins: the travel ban on Muslims, the minuscule acceptance rate for refugees, and the cruel rapid expansion of deportation are three major elements of Americas anti-migrant stance. And thats on top of the presidents rhetoric.

We have our problems, but Canada does not share those traits. For now.

For migrants, the Safe Third Country Agreement is not working. Thousands of people, so far, have voted on its effectiveness with their feet. Some have paid for it with the loss of their limbs to frostbite. In one case  a woman from Ghana who died of hypothermia trying to cross the border in Manitoba  it has resulted in the loss of life. The cost paid to brokers and taxis is another burden borne by the people who can least afford it.

When the law forces people into dangerous and unnecessary situations, something must give way. The law cannot just be a machine; it should serve human rights.

Correction - May 7, 2018: This column was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said that people can't claim refugee status in Canada if they already tried in the United States. In fact, refugee claims can be made in Canada even if the individuals have tried in the U.S if they have not crossed into Canada at an official port of entry.

Read more about:Video transcript:

Trump is winning his war with U.S. political comics. How? By dragging them down to his level. I cite Saturdays Washington Correspondents Dinner. Its not easy to generate sympathy for Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Thats not humour, its rancour, with no payoff in laughs or insight.

In the George W. Bush years, the same people were heroic. They were as appalled as they are by Trump but maintained distance and perspective. Stephen Colbert, in his 9-year-run as a parody of Bill OReilly, was brutal yet so compelling, OReilly came on as a guest.

They slipped in the Obama years. He was so graceful. He was often funnier at those dinners than they were.

As a result, they failed to puncture his flaws, like letting the rich off the hook for the 08 crash. That didnt serve their country well.

Now Colbert has simply lost his sense of humour.

Samantha Bee has too and seems to know it.

The worst part isnt that theyre not funny, its that they lost their sense of audience too. They think its people who agree with them. Thats no challenge for comics. The point is politicians are their targets, not their enemies and their audience is their audience, not their team.

It may be time for a strategic withdrawal, like guerrilla war. They can search for that mislaid sense of humour and maybe rediscover their lost audience. I exempt some, though, like John Oliver who can and must, fight on.

Rick Salutins video commentary appears Tuesdays. video commentary appears Tuesdays.

Read more about:The more things change, the more they stay the same, sometimes dangerously so.

In all the discussions around Incels or involuntary celibates  a term violently wrested out of an obscure internet subculture and thrown into mainstream lexicon after last weeks van rampage in Toronto  a less talked about aspect is the overlap of its foundational misogyny with racism.

Theres a reason for that. Its complicated.

When you have these communities that dont have coherent ideologies on a lot of things, theyre united in their misogyny, not necessarily united on the racial stuff, says Arshy Mann, a reporter for Xtra, a Toronto-based LGBTQ magazine, who has been surfing the larger manosphere subculture for a decade and researching Incels for the past six months.

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Who is Alek Minassian, the man accused in the van rampage?

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Taking a virtual gander through some of these Incels threads is like entering the byzantine paths of a twisted mind. Whatever adjectives cross your mind, healthy is unlikely to be one of them.

Mann has come across East Asian men upset that white men have an easier time sleeping with East Asian women. He has come across brown men who fetishize whiteness.

Often, the racism is specifically anti-Black, he says.

All hail the Supreme Gentleman Elliot Rodger, says the now-deleted Facebook post on the wall of Alek Minassian, the man charged with murders after the Toronto van rampage.

Rodger, the half-Asian 22-year-old Santa Barbara, Calif., killer of six people (and then himself) in 2014, hailed as some sort of patron saint for the Incels, was so fixated on whiteness he bleached his hair and fantasized about tall, blonde girls. He saw their rejection as a rejection of his non-white parts. So he reserved in his so-called manifesto particular venom for boys of colour who got attention from white girls.

How could an inferior, ugly Black boy be able to get a white girl and not me? I am beautiful, and I am half white myself. I am descended from British aristocracy. He is descended from slaves. I deserve it more 

Rodgers rage wasnt reserved just for Black people, though.

How could an inferior Mexican guy be able to date a white blonde girl, while I was still suffering as a lonely virgin?

How could an ugly Asian attract the attention of a white girl, while a beautiful Eurasian like myself never had any attention from them?

While experts caution against assuming that it was Minassian who authored his Facebook post, its content offers a window into this miserable world.

The Incel Rebellion has already begun! We will overthrow all the Chads and Stacys! it says.

Chads are the attractive white men who get all the attention from Stacys, usually white women. But if Chad is the hated white guy in this warped world then Tyrone is the Black Chad, even more to be reviled.

Yet, there is a large non-white, or ethnicels participation on these forums.

A significant number of these people who self describe as Incels identify as non-white, says Mann. I see a lot of South Asian and east Asian men and boys  or people of south Asian and east Asian origins.

The currycels and ricecels.

And, of course, there are nazicels.

Theres a real overlap with other parts of the alt-right, says Mann. The manosphere more broadly is an entry point into more racist, anti-Semitic and white nationalist ways of thinking.

Because these are parallel subcultures there is a lot of movement from one to the other.

On one incels.me thread, there is a discussion on should Incels and alt-right form an unholy alliance?

Not everyone is on board automatically. They get some pushback, says Mann. At the same time, he says, its a topic placed within the window of legitimate discussion.

On that same thread, a poster asks: should anti-miscegenation laws be enforced globally or should prostitution be made legal around the world?

Its difficult to take seriously what appears to be juvenile jockeying around, a venting if you like, a play for who is worse off, who is uglier, who has it tougher  until theres an actual body count.

Of course, not all of them are violent, says Mann. But the groups create a permission structure to engage in violence, he says. Theyre explicitly saying this is a good thing to do  Its a way to prove their masculinity to engage in public violence.

In one discussion on Minassian, a poster calling himself blackcel says, While I do not condone killing or rape, I would be a lot more proud of a methodical Incel serial killer who carefully picked his victims and possibly raped them before death.VANCOUVERThe BC Wildfire Service says some of last summers monster forest fires could still be smouldering deep underground and may flare up with little warning.

So-called overwintering fires are the result of huge burns such as last summers Elephant Hill fire near Kamloops. They can continue to smoulder for weeks or months, sometimes popping up again in the spring when the snow recedes.

Last season, given the prolonged drought that we had and the severity of the wildfire season, because those fires burned so hot they were able to go deep into the organic soil layers, said Claire Allen, a fire information officer with the BC Wildfire Service.

The areas of concern include the Kamloops and Cariboo regions, which bore the brunt of last summers infernos.

Allen said the most likely places for these underground fires to re-emerge are locations where the original fire burned hottest and longest, where there are deep layers of organic soil and where the ground stays relatively dry through the winter.

Thankfully, that also means that in some cases these fires pop up in the spring to find nothing but scorched earth and no new fuel to burn. In those cases, they can be left to burn themselves out, Allen said.

But other cases need to be handled by wildfire crews. She said BC Wildfire has already seen some small overwintering fires flare up again. Theyve been taken care of, but shes asking anyone in the Kamloops and Caribou regions to keep their eyes open.

If they do see any wildfire behaviour, whether its smoke or smouldering ground, it would be great to get a call about it, she said. Contact information can be found at the BC Wildfire Service website.

While its still early days, the Canadian Forest Service said this spring is starting to mirror the weather B.C. experienced last year, which was a major contributing factor to 2017s record-setting firestorms. Environment Canada is forecasting warmer-than-usual temperatures for the coming months.

One of the things we are cautious about is the southern interior and the area in the Chilcotin mountains were pretty dry going into the fall, said Richard Carr, an analyst with the Canadian Forest Service.

Allen agrees with the assessment but cautions that a lot can happen between now and mid-June. Unlike last summer, this year B.C. mountains saw a significant buildup of snow. Much of that still has to melt before things really start catching fire, which could offset worries about a looming lack of rain.

Jesse Winter is an investigative reporter based in Vancouver. He can be reached at jesse.winter@metronews.ca.

Read more about:VANCOUVERGlobal fish stocks are in real danger without fast action from governments to better manage fisheries suffering from the effects of climate change, researchers and experts say.

William Cheung, an associate professor with the University of British Columbias Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, said the way data is used to figure out safe guidelines for fisheries could quickly be rendered useless by the effects of a warming planet.

Climate change is actually changing the baseline that fisheries management measures are working on, Cheung said. So its likely those (measures) that are working now ... they may not work in the near future.

Nearly 850,000 metric tonnes of seafood were landed by Canadian commercial fisheries in 2016, according to a report from Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The United Nations latest data shows total capture for global fisheries was 93.4 million tonnes in 2014, the most recent year on record.

Cheung points to the salmon treaty between the United States and Canada as one example of an approach that has been historically effective, but may quickly become obsolete.

Salmon is what we call a trans-boundary stock, he said. Many of the populations go beyond the jurisdictions of Canada. Climate change affects the distribution of these stocks and  would then have an effect on the effectiveness of this joint agreement.

Aaron Hill, executive director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society, said salmon stocks are particularly vulnerable to climate change, with wild variations in numbers of returning salmon recorded in recent years.

While the federal government has begun to account for factors such as climate change, Hill said in fisheries management, more needs to be done.

The government does recognize that unpredictability requires further precaution, he said. Theyre just not adapting quickly enough.

A failure to adapt, he added, puts many of the worlds marine species in peril, and by extension, the fishing industry as a whole.

When the majority of the stocks that are swimming through our waters are endangered, should we still go fishing? Hill asked.

Peter Chandler, an oceanographer with Fisheries and Ocean Canada, said the federal government has been factoring climate change into its fisheries management plan for some time now. This means quotas for fish capture and plans for ocean and river preservation have become constantly moving targets.

One of the most important things is to recognize just because (a plan) worked last year, or just because it worked the last 10 years, dont get complacent, Chandler said. Its so important to realize we dont know it all. Once we start deceiving ourselves that we have a good handle on it, thats the real danger.

Ussif Rashid Sumaila, a professor and director of the Fisheries Economics Research Unit at the UBC Fisheries Centre, said fisheries preservation is no longer a local or even national issue.

Most fish, Sumaila said, spend time both in coastal waters governed nationally, and in the deep ocean where international governance applies.

We have boundaries for administrative convenience, he said. But the fish dont know this and they dont really care.

For this reason, Sumaila suggested that creating international agreements to protect the high seas from overfishing by treating them as a fish bank would mean individual countries know their local fisheries were better protected, even in the face of a changing climate.

Then, even if we mess up and make mistakes in country waters, at least we have (the high seas) that might be able to seed the system again, he said. So its a mechanism to really help ensure that we can continue benefiting economically from the system rather than taking it down, as it seems we are doing.

Sumaila pointed to last years moratorium on unregulated commercial fishing in the Arctic Ocean as a sign of hope that international partners can work together to protect a rapidly changing ocean as a resource.

International will can effect meaningful change, Sumaila said, adding he will be presenting his research on high seas fish banks to the UN in June, and felt hopeful he would find sympathetic ears.

This is why we do this work. You pick up a little idea and then before you know, the world is actually looking at it. It just blows my mind.

Read more about:VANCOUVER B.C.s Attorney General has decided to cancel a community town hall planned for the evening of May 1, over concerns that residents angry about a tax increase on their multimillion dollar homes would flood the venue beyond capacity and make the event unsafe.

The subject of the meeting was the NDPs plan to increase the portion of property taxes that go toward school funding. In the February budget, B.C. Finance Minister Carole James announced an increase of property tax and property transfer tax on homes worth over $3 million.

David Eby, B.C.s Attorney General and MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey, has long been an advocate for measures to reign in Metro Vancouvers runaway home prices. His riding saw some of the most extreme increases in the 2015-2016 price run-up, with many single-family homes now worth in excess of $4 million.

Under the school tax increase announced in the budget, B.C. homeowners will pay 0.2 per cent more on the assessed value over $3 million, and 0.4 per cent on the value that exceeds $4 million.

In a Facebook message Tuesday, Eby said ads taken out by two real estate offices and a letter sent by B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson prompted the decision to cancel the event. The three messages asked the public to attend even if the hall was full, or even if they did not have a ticket.

The final straw was the rescheduling of the protest for angry people to march in to the event an hour and a half before the event itself, making it impossible for us to secure the venue in advance, Eby wrote. He added that his constituency staff and supporters have now become the personal target of some individuals.

Along with other realtors in the Sutton Group West Coast Realty Kerrisdale office, Phil Gustin took out an ad worth $4,000 in the Vancouver Courier. Gustin lives in Point Grey and has seen his home rise in value from $350,000 to over $3 million.

Although homeowners aged 55 or over can defer their property taxes indefinitely, Gustin said thats unfair to the children of the property owners who could inherit, for instance, an $8 million house, but could be forced to sell it because they cant afford to pay the extra $18,000 property tax.

Gustin said he encouraged people to come to the forum even if the hall was full because its a relatively small venue. Eby had planned to stream the town hall online, but, Gustin said, If people sit at home and watch, hes not going to know how they feel.

Gustin also pointed out that in 1993 Westside homeowners rallied at Oakridge against a similar tax increase and were successful in getting the NDP government of the days decision rolled back.

He said he had one client who owns a $5 million house and rents it out for $5,000 a month, but because of the tax increase, expects to realize only $4,500 of the rent.

Gustins fellow realtors chipped in for the ad, because, he said, they fear the tax increase will negatively impact their industry. Would you buy a real estate asset thats going to go down in value? he asked.

Commenters on Ebys Facebook message expressed support for the tax increase and observed that the NDP MLA appeared to be making the real estate industry nervous.

Its hard to face reality now that the lights have been turned on at the real estate party, wrote Gero Farkas in response to the post.

Jen St. Denis is a Vancouver-based reporter covering affordability and city hall. Follow her on Twitter: @jenstden

Read more about:An expert panel is pushing for a more holistic and localized approach to wastewater management as the list of potential contaminants flowing to treatment plants across the country continues to expand.

The panel, which was supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Water Network, undertook a six-month review of contaminants in municipal wastewater and examined how communities can address them moving forward.

An advanced copy of the final report, which is set to be released Tuesday at the annual Blue Cities conference, was provided to StarMetro. It outlines a major challenge ahead for wastewater facilities tasked with treating an increasingly complex chemical soup.

Read more: Untreated sewage pollutes water across the country

Canada has made significant progress on wastewater treatment over the years, which the report calls an important success story in protecting human health and the environment.

For years, the Europe Union and the U.S. had more stringent wastewater standards than Canada, the report notes. As of 2012, Canada beefed up its requirements but some communities have until 2040 to bring them in.

We have fallen behind and we have to start catching up and get back on track again, said Don Mavinic, the panel chair and a professor of civil engineering at the University of British Columbia.

Treatment plants that were initially developed to handle organic waste are just holding their own, Mavanic said, and struggling to keep up with the ever-growing list of new chemicals that could pose a threat to both human and environmental health.

Environment Canada, which provided $400,000 for the panels work, is looking forward to reviewing the expert panels findings, said Caroline Theriault, a spokesperson for federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, in a statement.

Canadians depend on our waterways to swim, drink and fish: water is critical to our health, environment and economy, she said, adding that the government is committed to protecting freshwater.

While treatment plants have reduced many health risks, concerns related to pathogens, viruses, parasites and bacteria  including worries like Salmonella and parasitic worms  remain. Other risks stem from chemicals, like mercury, which can accumulate in the environment and contaminate fish, and newer contaminants that could expose people and wildlife to antibiotic-resistant organisms.

Traditionally, treatment plants focused on organic waste and nutrients, sometimes causing excessive algal growth and choking the oxygen out of the rivers and causing everything to die downstream, said Mark Servos, a panel member and Canada Research Chair in water quality protection based at the University of Waterloo.

Over the last several decades, other chemicals flushed down the toilet or washed down the sink  including pharmaceuticals and skin care products  have gotten more attention, he said.

But new contaminants that may threaten environmental and human health emerge every year and wastewater treatments plants and regulators are struggling to keep up.

Alongside Canadas current approach of regulating individual contaminants, the panel concluded increased environmental monitoring and a flexible approach that allows systems to adapt to new threats are also needed. Existing regulations should be considered the bare minimum.

Each treatment plant is kind of unique and each treatment plant discharges into a unique environment, Servos said. They need to meet standards for the environment youre trying to protect.

That will require a holistic and localized approach. In some cases it will require upgrading treatment plants or separating sewer systems to address overflows of untreated wastewater. But not everything is solvable by the wastewater treatment system itself, said Theresa McClenaghan, executive director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association and one the expert panelists.

The report called for a comprehensive approach to wastewater management that aims to prevent pollutants from flowing into the watershed in the first place  substances like triclosan, a chemical used in anti-bacterial products such as mouthwash, and microplastics, both of which are difficult to treat and pose potential risks.

Microplastics are small pellets, beads, and fibres, less than five millimetres in diameter. Many come from grooming products, cleaning supplies  even clothing  that enter the water bodies when consumers wash them down the drain.

For those types of products, we should be looking at source control, McClenaghan added. Maybe this is a chemical that shouldnt even be in commerce. Nobody anticipated when that product was introduced that it was going to create the problems in the environment that it does.

The federal government banned the manufacture and import of grooming products containing microbeads this year, but fibres from washed polyester clothing still flow into water bodies. A recent study referenced in the report shows that a single fleece garment can release more than 100,000 microfibres during every wash.

When consumed by marine life, such as mussels, these plastics can accumulate in tissues and affect their immune systems.

The risks of other potential contaminants arent well known, so the panellists are also calling for enhanced environmental research and monitoring to ensure unexpected effects of new contaminants are detected.

Without that kind of work, the risks of estrogen in birth control pills to fish might never have been realized, Servos said.

Estrogen that ends up in waterways can feminize fish, triggering male fish to behave as females and grow eggs in their testes, he explained.

That effect was observed in the environment and scientists worked backwards to find the case, Servos said.

Cecelia Brooks, a panelist and Indigenous Water Grandmother who works with the Canadian Rivers Institute, said shes relieved with the call for a more holistic approach. People need to be more aware of what theyre flushing down the toilet, she said.

The flush is really nice. People love it because they can flush it and forget about it, she said.

But what theyre forgetting is that water goes to a treatment plant that may not have the capabilities needed to remove all the contaminants. The situation varies significantly across Canada, from communities that have no treatment at all to cities like Vancouver that have a mix of primary and secondary treatment  and a lot of room to improve, according to Mavanic.

Calgary, meanwhile, is positioning itself as an industry leader, the report said.

The city currently collects data on 60 chemical compounds, including flame retardants, hormones, pharmaceuticals and common cleaning agents. The city has also invested in a partnership with the University of Calgary, called Advancing Canadian Wastewater Assets, to test out new technologies and the impacts of certain substances on the watershed.

With more than 1.2 million people nestled along the banks of the relatively-small Bow and Elbow rivers  and more living in communities downstream  the city prefers to be vigilant about its impact on the watershed, said Calgarys director of water quality, Nancy Stalker.

Its a river thats used a lot, she said. We need to be extra careful and really cautious.

Stalker said the biggest challenge moving forward for Calgary, is staying ahead of technology  and sometimes, what the law requires. As the city advances, new contaminants enter the waterways. But new systems to manage those substances are also being developed all the time, and the city has to try new things to be able to be prepared for new situations as they arise.

Were meeting all the regulations, Stalker said. Whats unknown is whats coming next.

Read more about:ALTON  Marquette Catholic High School students recently once again took part in the Veterans Heritage Project (VHP) to tell the stories of veterans in the Riverbend area.

This chapter of the Veterans Heritage Project started here about five years ago, said Mary Rivera, academic advisor at Marquette and chapter advisor for VHP.

It started in Arizona prior to us and a Marquette alumni, Barbara Hatch, got us started here at Marquette with the goal of preserving the stories of veterans in the Riverbend area, said Rivera.

Students in VHP interview veterans and write their stories for a book that will be sent to the Library of Congress to be preserved for future generations. What we do is, if we know a veteran or we advertise and they call us or we call them to set up an interview, said Kathleen Botterbush, a senior at Marquette.

Botterbush is in her fourth year with VHP and has written her fifth story. Ive always supported veterans, and I fell in love with it immediately. It helped me find what I want to do in my future. Botterbush said she plans on majoring in bio-medical engineering to be an orthopedic surgeon or prosthesis with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

I love seeing the closure they get from being interviewed, she said. For some of the veterans, this is the first time they have ever had a way to tell their story and it gives them peace.

Rivera said a lot of the students really dedicate themselves to documenting the stories. A lot of these students are in honor classes and have balanced a large workload while also interviewing the vets.

Fred Delano, who served in Vietnam as a lab technician, said he was a little apprehensive at first when it came to being interviewed. The experience was really great, he said. It was something that should have been done after WWII while everyones memories are fresh, but I met with Kathleen and told my story and it was painless.

Alvin Roderfeld served in World War II. He said it was nice of the students to recognize veterans.

You have to think about what you did and so much time goes by, you forget so much, he said.

Our goal is maybe one day to be able to write enough stories to do our own book just from the Riverbend area, said Rivera. Most of the stories come from the VHP chapter in Arizona. We are the only chapter in the area and it would be great to have enough stories to make our own book.

A total of six veterans were honored at the first book signing held Tuesday afternoon, including: Delano, who served in Vietnam; Roderfeld, who served in WWII; Bill Meyer, who served in WWII; Chuck Ford, who served in Air Force and National Guard; Jim Baze, who served in the Navy in Vietnam; and Tom Taul, who served in Vietnam.

We would love people to reach out to us, said Rivera. We have seven seniors graduating, but will have nine members looking for stories.

Any veteran wishing to take part in the project can contact Mary Rivera at mrivera@mymchs.org.

Reach reporter Kelsey Schulz at 618-208-6452.A resolution that will amend the Tennessee Constitution to include the statement We recognize that our Liberties do not come from governments, but from Almighty God passed the Tennessee House last year by a vote of 69 to 17.

Rep. Micah Van Huss, a Republican who sponsored the bill, was ecstatic. Weve never lived in a time such as we do now. Its important that we give the citizens of Tennessee the opportunity to reaffirm that their liberties do not come from Donald Trump, Barack Obama, or the King of England. They come from God.

The fact that this measure passed the Tennessee House by such an overwhelming margin is hardly surprising. The state that sent Al Gore to the U.S. Senate decades ago is now as red as a fire engine, and todays Republicans like their religion as conservative as their politics.

Rep. Darren Jernigan, a Nashville Democrat, possessed the courage to point out a serious flaw in the reasoning behind this measure. Dont you see the irony here? Jernigan asked Van Huss, noting the sentence would be added as a new section to Article I of the state Constitution, which is a declaration of citizen rights. You want to put this phrase into the document you say doesnt give us liberties, Jernigan pointed out.

Van Huss said that some liberties come from God, while others come from government. When Jernigan asked Van Huss which liberties in particular come from God, the Republican ducked the question. However, he voiced the opinion that abortion is not a God-given liberty.

Do our rights come from God? Jeffersons words in the Declaration of Independence indicate that he thought so. Not only is it a self-evident truth that all men are created equal, the future president wrote, they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Its one of the great ironies of American history that the Founding Father who wrote those noble words was a slave-owner. In fact, at least forty of the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence owned slaves. In Jeffersons day, men meant all human beings. Perhaps these patricians were able to rationalize their ownership of slaves with the belief that human beings are endowed by God with the right of liberty because they didnt regard blacks as humans.

If, as Van Huss believes, our liberties come from God, can we discover which liberties God has granted us by studying scripture? It would appear not. An estimated 100,000 slaves in pre-Civil War America found liberation through the Underground Railroad. The Christian abolitionists who participated in this enterprise quoted, Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee (Deuteronomy 23:15), which provided a moral justification for aiding escaped slaves. Anti-slavery Christians also quoted let the oppressed go free.break every yoke (Isaiah 58:6).

Pro-slavery Christians, however, noted that the Bible never explicitly condemns slavery and even includes such passages as Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling (Ephesians 6:5) and Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things (Titus 2:9). Anti-slavery and pro-slavery Christians read the same Bible, but came to very different conclusions regarding the moral legitimacy of the Peculiar Institution. Some denominations, such as the Methodists and Baptists, even split into northern and southern wings.

Slavery wasnt abolished by consulting scripture or heavenly decree. It was challenged by the Underground Railroad, wounded by Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation, put at deaths door by the Union armies that entered the Confederate states during the Civil War and placed six feet under by the Thirteenth Amendment. Black Americans  indeed, all Americans  owe their liberties to government, not Divine Providence.

John J. Dunphy is the author of Lewis and Clarks Illinois Volunteers and Abolitionism and the Civil War in Southwestern Illinois. He owns The Second Reading Book Shop in Alton.The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite...Many years ago, a school bus fell into the Yamuna in Delhi. Several children trapped in it could not be pulled out to safety, because the bus windows had been barred. Following a public outrage, the city fathers ordered that school buses should not have their windows barred.

A few years later, a child was killed when he leaned out of the window of his school bus and his head hit a pole. Again, the city fathers listened to public opinion, and ordered all schools to have their bus windows barred.

Law-making in India, like the two executive orders cited above, which have been recounted earlier in this column, has become whimsical, reactive to public outcries, and self-defeating.

Narendra Modis latest ordinance is one such. Following a public outcry over the rape of a child in Kathua, Modi got an ordinance issued that would hang those who rape children. There is now a government in Delhi that listens to people, and decides, Modi claimed later.

Indeed, rulers in representative regimes ought to listen to public opinion. But, as Benjamin Disraeli, one of Britains greatest Prime Ministers, said, what we call public opinion is generally public sentiment.

Illustration: Bhaskaran

Dead right! The public sentiment in the Kathua case has been angerperfectly justified. The legislative sentiment that prevailed while making the law was also angernot at all justified.

Regimes ought to make laws in wisdom, not in anger. Laws made in haste will be regretted in leisure; laws made in anger will be regretted in wisdom. So will be this lawa futile one with horrible consequences.

Futile, because this law will make no difference to the Kathua case, over which the public is angry. No law can be used for punishing a crime that had been committed before the law was made. Secondly, even without this law, the Kathua rapists can be hanged. They have committed pre-meditated murder, a capital crime.

The consequences of the law could be horriblenot for rapists, but for rape victims. No rapist gives any thought for the law when he attempts to rape. But what if he does? Perish the thought, literally! He would realise that if the child names him afterwards, the law would hang him. So, what would he do? Horror of horrors! To save his own neck, he would kill the child then and there. The dead will tell no tales.

Modis ordinance is the third rape law made in anger. First, in a knee-jerk response to the Nirbhaya rape, Manmohan Singh amended the criminal law so as to enable courts to hang repeat rapists. Till date, we have not seen one rapist going to the gallows under that law.

The next was after the court let off one of the Nirbhaya rapists lightly, finding that he was only 16. Heeding to a public outcry, Modi got the juvenile law amended, so as to make 16-year-olds also subject to the laws that govern adults. No use. Several 16-year-olds have committed obnoxious crimes even after that.

Modis party-men say, the Kathua and Unnao cases have been communalised and politicised; hence the outcry. Pray, why not? The crimes, as alleged by the police and the prosecutors, also had a communal motive and political undertones. The Kathua fiends, as the charge-sheet goes, wanted to scare away Muslim goatherds from a Hindu habitat, and two ruling party MLAs came out in defence of the fiends. The Unnao case has a ruling party MLA as the accused, who used the police to silence the victim and torture her father.

The public anger was as much over the communal motive, and the shameful political conduct, as over the fiendish crimes. Any new law to address these?

India does not need more laws to reduce these crimes, and douse these bouts of public anger; India needs better law-enforcement. What dissuades the criminal is the certainty of punishment, not the severity of punishment.

prasannan@theweek.inThe recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London would have struck many as easy to dismiss as a byproduct of an acute colonial hangover.

On the contrary, however, I strongly believe that this years summit presented a historic opportunity for the Commonwealth to address its twin, and often complex legacies: empire and industrialisation. How? It can do this by using CHOGM as a launch pad for renewing, reaffirming and restructuring its global leadership on climate change.

Under the slogan of Towards a common future, the stated aim of the meeting was to reaffirm our common values, address the shared global challenges we face and agree how to work to create a better future for all our citizens, particularly young people.

Perhaps, unwittingly, this provides the perfect, galvanising context for discussing climate change, the greatest of all our challenges, and what is at stakethe next generation.

The threat we face is ultimately an existential one, and countries like India are on the front line. In 2016, India reported the highest number of deaths worldwide from extreme weather.

The Global Risk Index 2018, released at Cop 23, identified India as the sixth most vulnerable nation on earth when it comes to climate change, and the International Monetary Fund has pointed to a similar level of exposure. Meanwhile, millions of people have had their health blighted and their lives cut short by Indias world-beating levels of air pollution, with the country home to half the earths worst-polluted cities.

Despite this, we cannot escape the fact that 240 million Indians cannot take for granted what every Irishman or Icelander canthe simple joy of flicking a switch on a wall and being bathed with light. With 240 million of our 1.3 billion strong population still without electricity, India cannot forego the fruits of economic development enjoyed

by the west.

It is equally clear that, not withstanding its current reliance on coal, it cannot achieve this in the same way that the UK has, without imperilling the wellbeing of millions, if not billions of people. With Indian energy consumption predicted to double by 2030, it is universally acknowledged thatwhether or not the world succeedskeeping warming under 2C may ultimately be determined by the path that India takes.

But, the fate of Indiaand perhaps the worlddoes not rest in its own hands. And, that is where the UK (and the Commonwealth at large) comes in.

After leaving the European Union, Britain, to mint a phrase, has lost a continent and is looking for a role. Prime Minister Theresa Mays government has identified a comprehensive free-trade deal with India as key to making a new global role for Britain a reality. The basis for seeking this is self-evident. India is already the worlds third-largest economy in purchasing power parity terms, and will become the worlds fifth largest economy in actual dollar terms this year (overtaking the UK). Trade between the two has stalled since the turn of the century, while trade with the EU has tripled. To reverse that trend, the UK must seek to strike a new kind of partnership with India to the mutual benefit of both. The shared opportunities and challenges in tackling climate change and pursuing clean growth offer a way forward. A misguided weakening of environmental standards, in order to strike a trade deal with the US, is not compatible with these aims.

Given US President Trumps well-publicised denunciation of the Paris Agreement and his refusal to engage with the reality of climate change, there is a global leadership vacuum on climate change. Europe has sought to fill that, especially under Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, but is handicapped by the fact that it belongs entirely to the global North.

The Commonwealth is different. The UK began to show the way almost 10 years ago by passing the worlds first Climate Change Act and has since become a world leader in offshore wind power. The north and south both have a strong voice in the Commonwealth.

A new, even bolder vision and set of commitments is now required to meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. It has also become increasingly clear that growth, trade and climate mitigation can walk hand in hand.

Just as important in tackling climate change will be scaling up investment to the levels required. The city of London, as a world financial centre, will continue to have a key role in developing green finance and moving it into the mainstream.

These are all reasons for cautious optimism. There can be no Empire 2.0; Empire 1.0 was too disastrous to be replicated. But, there can be a New Commonwealth. The UK must seize the moment.

editor@theweek.inVeteran actor Dharmendra and director Rajkumar Hirani were honoured for their contribution to Indian cinema at the 55th Marathi Film Award Ceremony 2018 hosted by the Maharashtra government here.

Dharmendra received the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award at the gala on Monday night.

He shared screen space with Raj Kapoor in Mera Naam Joker. When asked about his feeling upon receiving an award in the legendary actor-director's name, Dharmendra said: "I have received many awards in my life but this honour is special. I am not only happy from heart but my entire soul is happy. When you take the name of Raj saab (Raj Kapoor), there is an electrifying feeling in the heart and body."

Hirani received the Raj Kapoor Special Contributions Award while Marathi actors Vijay Chavhan and Mrinal Kulkarni were also honored for their contribution to Marathi cinema

TV actress Ankita Lokhande said: "Today for the first time, I am attending the Marathi Film Awards ceremony. I am thankful for the invitation because I am a Maharashtrian. I like connecting with my Marathi roots because if you see Marathi theatre or films, we have taken our culture way forward so..."

Asked if she was willing to work in Marathi films, Ankita said: "I really hope to work in Marathi films provided I get a good role."

Apart from film celebrities, the award ceremony was also attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis and Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Vinod Tawde.Screaming fans greeted former boy band NSync on Monday just like it was the turn of the last century as the group that helped catapult Justin Timberlake to stardom was honoured with their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Timberlake reunited with Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick along Hollywood Boulevard for the unveiling of the emblematic terrazzo and brass star that is one of the citys major tourist attractions.

Were really a family, Timberlake, 37, said, addressing the crowd.

I dont really think I could put into words how much the four of you mean to me. ... I just love all of you so much, he added.

One of the most successful groups of the teen pop era that also launched the careers of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, NSync was greeted with adoring screams and a spontaneous sing-a-long to hit Tearin Up My Heart.

The bands second album, 2000s No Strings Attached, held the US record for first week sales with 2.41 million for 15 years.

Spectators chanted reunite and sing during the ceremony.

NSync last released an album of new music in 2001 and performed together full time in 2002. They last performed together at the 2013 MTV Music Video Awards.

Bass, who revealed he was gay in 2006, spoke about how he feared for the groups success if he came out.

I wanted to so badly let you know I was you; I just didnt have the strength then, Bass said.

NSync has sold more than 40 million records worldwide. They were founded in 1995 in Orlando, Florida.A couple was reportedly harassed and beaten up for standing too close inside a Kolkata metro compartment.

In the images surfaced in social media platforms, the woman is seen trying to shield the man with her body as a group of men surrounds them with hands and fist raised.

People around shouted at the couple. Comments like "Go to a pub" and Why dont you get a room? were hurled at them.

The couple was dragged off the metro at Dum Dum station and was thrashed by a mob of middle-aged to elderly passengers.

No FIR has been filed against the incident.

A spokesperson from the metro station said that the CCTV footage does not show any incident of assault. However, photos and videos captured by eyewitnesses have surfaced in various social media platforms.

Later on Tuesday, citizens of Kolkata held demonstrations outside the Dum Dum metro station to protest against the alleged thrashing of a couple for hugging in the metro.

"Waiting for Freedom" and "Stop moral policing" were some of the messages on the placards held by the protesters who demanded strict actions over the incident.

With inputs fom ANISouth Korea, China and Japan will hold a trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced today, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea.

The gathering on May 9 will bring together the South's President Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in the neighbours' first such meeting for more than two years.

It follows a historic and headline-grabbing summit between Moon and the North's leader Kim Jong Un last Friday. They vowed to pursue denuclearisation and a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, setting the mood for Kim's much-anticipated face-to-face encounter with US President Donald Trump.

But analysts have urged caution, warning that similar previous pledges have come to nothing, and that the North has yet to make clear what concessions it is willing to make with its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

All three of the neighbours are deeply involved with North Korea -- the South as its neighbour, key US ally Japan as a sometime target for its threats, and China as its key diplomatic backer and business partner.

Friday's summit, in which Kim and Moon exchanged smiles, handshakes and warm words in front of the world's cameras, was a marked contrast to the tensions of last year.

The North staged its most powerful nuclear test to date and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland as Kim and Trump traded threats of war and personal insults, sparking global security fears.

The thaw between the Koreas, triggered by the Winter Olympics in the South, has repercussions for the geopolitics of the region.

Japan has long maintained a hardline position on negotiations with Pyongyang but has found itself left on the sidelines.

With concerning growing in Tokyo over whether it should change tack, a hawkish Abe expressed a willingness to meet Kim  a message which Moon relayed to the North's leader during the summit.

Kim said in response he was "willing to talk to Japan any time", Moon's office said on Sunday, adding the South's leader would be "happy to build a bridge" between the two nations.

But Moon's trip to Tokyo will be the first visit by a South Korean leader to Japan in more than six years, with relations between the two US allies marred by disputes over history and territory.

During a day-long visit to Tokyo, Moon will "share the result of the inter-Korea summit and discuss ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean peninsula", Moon's office said in a statement.

Moon also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday for UN inspectors to observe the promised shutdown of the North's only known nuclear testing site at Punggye-ri.

In Tokyo, Moon will also have a separate summit with Abe to discuss ways to develop "future-oriented ties" with Japan, it added.

The South and Japan face a common threat from the North's rapidly-advancing nuclear weapons and missile technology, but have locked horns over the issue of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a row over Seoul-controlled islets claimed by Tokyo.

The two Koreas share a bitter resentment over Japan's brutal 1910-45 occupation of the peninsula and the so-called "comfort women" are a hugely emotional issue in the South.

Moon's predecessor Park Geun-hye reached a controversial deal with Japan in 2015 under which Tokyo offered one billion yen ($8.3 million) to the victims.

But some of them slammed the deal, saying it did not oblige Japan to take legal responsibility, and Moon has repeatedly urged Tokyo to do more.

Life-size bronze statues of a girl symbolising "comfort women" have been installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Dozens of activists clashed with police today as they attempted to set up another statue commemorating slave labourers at the Busan site.

Ties are further strained by the islets called Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima by Tokyo. This dispute was referenced by Seoul at the inter-Korean summit with a banquet dessert featuring a peninsula map including them, drawing an angry protest from Japan.

The last visit by a South Korean head of state to Japan was 2011 when then-President Lee Myung-bak met then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. But ties soured after Lee made a surprise visit to Dokdo a year later.US-backed Syrian militias on Tuesday relaunched their offensive to seize the last territory Islamic State controls in the east near the border with Iraq.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, had paused the battle after Turkey launched an assault in January against their northwestern Afrin region.

We have rearranged our ranks, said Lilwa al-Abdallah, spokeswoman for the offensive in oil-rich Deir al-Zor province.

Islamic State militants stepped up attacks there in recent weeks in a bid to reorganize, she told a news conference at an oilfield on the eastern bank of the Euphrates river. Our heroic forces will liberate these areas and secure the border... We welcome the support of the Iraqi forces.

Ahmed Abu Khawla, commander of the Deir al-Zor military council fighting under the SDF, said they were working with the Baghdad government and Iraqi army through a joint operations room to defeat the jihadists.

Joint efforts had increased, but neither side would cross the border, he told Reuters.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said last week that he expected a re-energized effort soon against the ultra-hardline militants in eastern Syria.

Syrian fighters, backed by US air strikes and troops, have dealt heavy blows to Islamic State but the jihadists still hold a swathe of land along the desert frontier with Iraq. They are widely expected to revert to guerrilla tactics if they lose the last remnants of their once self-styled caliphate.

The SDF alliance, spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, has seized vast tracts of territory from Islamic State in north and east Syria. US support for Kurdish forces there has infuriated Turkey, which sees the YPG as an extension of an outlawed Kurdish insurgency at home.

Ankaras offensive to expel the YPG from Afrin  where the United States has no presence  led to a pause in the campaign against Islamic State, the Pentagon has said.

Arab SDF militias redeployed 1,700 fighters from eastern fronts against Islamic State to help fight Turkish forces, which then captured Afrin in March.

Abu Khawla said those SDF forces have now returned to the east. The assault on Afrin distracted from eliminating Daesh, he said, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

It had a very big and wide impact on the liberation, which was stalled for months.Hayoun Jessie Ryou

Young Koreans support the move towards peace. The latest efforts give some sort of hope to all generations for two reasons: first, we can expect a peaceful reunification of the two Koreas and, second, at least some form of stability would be possible. Reunification is more of a long-term prospect, but stability could be achieved in the near future. While all Koreans want the summit outcomes to bring peace to the Korean peninsula, young people would be the main stakeholders of the process as they have to carry the burden of reunification, and they have to serve in the military.

Young South Koreans, especially men, face quite a unique position in this sense; they live in an affluent country where the GDP per capita is around $30,000. Their sense of connection to North Korea is weaker than the older generations, and there is a growing cultural gap between the north and the south. However, they have to perform two years of compulsory military service, and if another war breaks out, they will be on the frontline. Simply put, they are the generation carrying the burden of reconciliation, but with much less motivation. So, an unstable peninsula gives an additional burden to the South Korean youth, in addition to the existing stress from the threat of unemployment.

Moreover, many South Koreans felt betrayed by the north, as the south has assisted the north in many ways, but what it got in return was the nuclear weapons programme. This feeling has started changing slightly after the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and the South Korean K-pop concert in Pyongyang in early April, which was attended by Kim Jong-un.

We look at the seven decades of division as an abnormal interruption in post-war history. In that sense we, as Koreans, have already reached some sort of consensus on reunification.

A recent survey asked South Korean youth this question: Will North Korea give up its nuclear weapon? Seventy per cent answered no. The summit, however, is a good sign, and we hope to have a genuinely peaceful outcome. But, we are waiting to see how North Korea sticks to its summit commitments.

As a typical Korean, I do think unification is important. It is the shared view of Koreans, regardless of generations. It is deeply related to the history of the Korean peninsula, which goes back to some 4,000 to 5,000 years. Reunification is our manifest destiny as both north and south have the same language and culture. Our pronunciations and accents have small differences, but the writing system is the same, which means there is no real problem of communication. Simply put, Korea is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, with our own unique ethnic and historical identity. Thus, we look at about seven decades of division as an abnormal interruption in post-war history. In that sense we, as Koreans, have already reached some sort of consensus on reunification.

However, I have to say that the timeframe for unification would be different for different people. A poll held in April showed that one-third of young Koreans were not in favour of unification. The reason is mainly economic. According to the Korean Statistics Bureau, South Korean unemployment rate is around 4 per cent, but for those aged between 19 and 29, the rate is significantly higher, at 10 per cent.

After taking the national college entrance exam, South Korean students have to think of jobs immediately. It is no longer abnormal to find many graduate and postgraduate students working in harsh conditions where significant amount of physical work is involved. Cheap labour from North Korea can be a real threat. So, these young South Koreans want real solutions before the unification.

I understand these concerns, but I hope to see unification soon. Because I do believe that the overall benefits for the Korean peninsula are bigger than the risks associated with it. The natural resources of North Korea, and its high rate of population growth (South Korean birth rate has been decreasing) and the absence of uncertainty and insecurity about the future of Korea are some of them.

Jessie, a PhD candidate at the University of Tennessee, is from Seoul.Etta Ng, Jackie Chans estranged daughter, is claiming she and her girlfriend Andi Autumn are homeless due to homophobia.

Ng, 18, and Autumn, 30, recorded an almost two-minute video explaining their situation.

We had to read off of a paper due to PTSD and being extremely flustered about the whole situation. please understand. Please repost and share so that people who do care about us know what is happening, the video description reads.

Weve been homeless for a month due to homophobic parents, Ng says in the video. We pretty much slept under a bridge, and other things.

Autumn says she and Ng cant go to shelters because they fear they will be split up. Ng adds that she and Autumn have also asked for help from police, food banks and LGBT centers.

We dont know what to do at this point, Ng continued. We just want to let people know whats going on because at this point it seems ridiculous that no one can help. I dont understand.

Ng, who is the daughter of Chan and Chinese actress Elaine Ng, came out as a lesbian on Instagram last October. She has stated in the past that she does not have a relationship with Chan and doesnt consider him her father.

 Mariah Cooper, Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.Skand Tayal

What a difference a few months have made on the Korean peninsula. The searing winds of impending war last autumn have now been replaced by the spring breeze of peace and reconciliation. The summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on April 27 has been transformational and the outcome has surprised the world.

The two Korean leaders have declared that there would be no more war on the Korean peninsula, which leaves the United States, with 28,500 troops in South Korea, in a rather ambiguous position. The joint declaration makes a bold commitment to build a future of co-prosperity and unification led by Koreans. This is a clear hint to outside powers to keep away from the process of reconciliation between the two long separated brothers. The two Koreas would together celebrate the forthcoming anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit of 15 June, 2000. The 2000 declaration promised to move towards reunification considering both the Souths concept of a confederation and the Norths formula for a loose form of federation. The two leaders are likely to move towards a one country-two systems situation.

South Korea has been mindful of Kims efforts for development of Norths economy and the two countries would now implement the economic projects agreed in the second summit in 2007 between Moons political mentor Rho Moo-hyun and Kims father, Kim Jong-il. In fact, in his opening remarks at the summit, Kim rued the loss of 11 years without any progress. As first steps, rail and road between the two Koreas would be reconnected and modernised.

The two Korean leaders have declared that there would be no more war on the Korean peninsula, which leaves the United States, with 28,500 troops in South Korea, in a rather ambiguous position.

The two leaders have set ambitious goals to transform the heavily fortified demilitarised zone into a peace zone and to declare an end to the war and establish a permanent and solid peace regime. To achieve this objective, talks will be held with the two other main antagonists of the Korean Warthe US and China.

Surprisingly, the two Koreas have confirmed the common goal of realising, through complete denuclearisation, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. The catch here is that a nuclear weapons-free peninsula would imply that visiting American naval ships would also be prohibited to carry nuclear weapons. The US would find this difficult to accept. Notably, Kim did not mention the word denuclearisation in his statement to the media.

The talks lay the ground for the planned US-North Korea summit in end-May or early June. President Donald Trumps focus would be on denuclearisation of North Korea to which Kim has already agreed, in principle. But in the US-North Korea negotiations, the hurdles to cross would be the continued presence of US troops in South Korea and the definition of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. There was no mention of any easing of the UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea. Perhaps this would await a nod from Trump after his own talks with Kim.

During the highly publicised events around the summit, the body language of the two leaders was very positive and friendly. Kim displayed a high level of self confidence and was comfortable before the world media. The summit was meticulously planned, and was rich in symbolism. The meeting room had a large painting of Mount Kumgang, which signifies cooperation between the two Koreas, and the two leaders planted pines dating back to the year of the armistice1953in a mixture of soil from Mount Paektu in the North and Mount Halla in the South.

The historic summit has shown that strong leaders can alter the course of history. The two Korean leaders have also demonstrated how to keep outside powers at a safe distance. The marginalisation of China in the ongoing peace process would have implications for the future strategic architecture in northeast Asia.

The summit has set out a clear vision for the destination, but the path is likely to be bumpy and treacherous with expected hurdles and unexpected pitfalls.

Tayal is former Indian ambassador to South Korea.A survivor of the Pulse Nightclub shooting claims he is no longer gay and has found God.

Luis Javier Ruiz, who was hospitalized after the incident that killed 49 people in Orlando, Florida, said in a Facebook post he was now religious. Ruiz posted photos of his friends who were killed in the attack along with the post.

Going through old pictures of the night of Pulse a memory were my struggles of perversion, heavy drinking to drown out everything and having promiscuous sex that led to HIV my struggles were real, he said. The enemy had its grip and now God has taken me from that moment and has given me Christ Jesus I'v (sic) grown to know his love in a deeper level.

Ruiz urged others to share his story of change.

I should of been number 50 but now I have the chance to live in relationship and not religion not just loving christ but being in love with christ and sharing his love I know who I am and I am not defined with who the enemy says I use to be but who christ Jesus says I am.

Check out this update...7 hours ago

Workers at all of Kellogg's U.S. cereal plants go on strike

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Work at all of the Kellogg Company's U.S. cereal plants came to a halt Tuesday as roughly 1,400 workers went on strike, but it wasn't immediately clear how much the supply of Frosted Flakes or any of the company's other iconic brands would be disrupted. The strike includes plants in Omaha, Nebraska Battle Creek, Michigan; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Memphis, Tennessee.

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The robotic programming competition took place at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex April 17-19. Their developments may lead to technology that could help astronauts find needed resources while exploring the Moon or Mars.

In her welcoming remarks, Deputy Center Director Janet Petro noted that work is ongoing to prepare for NASA's new rocket that will send humans to deep space. The Space Launch System with the Orion spacecraft is designed to carry astronauts well beyond low-Earth orbit.

"That will set the stage for you to contribute as part of the teams that will use code similar to what you are using today to help robotics as humans explore the Moon and Mars," she said.

For this year's competition, students participated in the programming competition by developing software code to operate the innovative robots called "Swarmies."

Swarmies are small robotic vehicles measuring about 12 inches by 12 inches by 8 inches. Each Swarmie is equipped with sensors, a webcam, a GPS system and a Wi-Fi antenna. They operate autonomously and can be programmed to communicate and interact as a collective swarm. In the competition, robots searched walled arenas looking for "resources" in the form of small cubes with AprilTags, which are similar to bar codes.

NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) hosted the competition as part of the agency's on-going efforts to increase the number of NASA-focused science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, experiences that engage underrepresented groups in education.

According to Theresa Martinez, MUREP STEM Engagement manager in Kennedy's Education Projects and Youth Engagement Office, participants develop practical skills that could aid NASA's exploration goals.

"Swarmathon students gain experience with code integration, hardware testing, software engineering, project management and team collaboration critical to their future success in robotics and computer science," she said. "Their efforts will further advance 'swarm robotics' technology for future NASA space exploration missions and we hope some of the students will return and help us in the future."

At the conclusion of the event, Durham Technical Community College, in Durham, North Carolina, was presented the first-place award capturing a $5,000 cash prize. First place in the virtual competition went to City College of New York, in New York, awarded a $3,000 prize.

The Swarmathon is the brainchild of Dr. Melanie Moses, associate professor of computer science at the University of New Mexico. It is a cooperative effort with NASA's MUREP program in partnership with the Kennedy Swamp Works, allowing a diverse group of students to use their programming and code skills in a real-life project.

The Swarmie robots were originally developed in Kennedy's Swamp Works, which was established for rapid, innovative and cost-effective exploration mission solutions through partnerships across NASA, industry and academia.

Moses says she's hopeful that some of these students will ultimately choose to pursue computer science or STEM as a career.

"Students are able to take the technical skills they learn in programming class and put it to work in a collaborative environment where they must overcome numerous challenges," she said. "One of the most important things they learn is that these are complex problems and there are no right answers, but many approaches to creatively come to a solution."

Martinez noted that interest in the popular Swarmathon is growing. In the spaceport's first annual Swarmathon, 12 colleges participated. Interest increased last year, with 20 teams joining in. In this year's Swarmathon, 23 teams represented 24 universities and community colleges involved in the effort. Additionally, seven teams participated in a virtual competition.

Swarmathon participation is designed to improve students' skills in robotics and computer science, further advancing technology for future NASA space exploration missions. The aspiring computer engineers developed search algorithms for robotic swarms. Algorithms are self-contained, step-by-step operations to perform calculation, data processing and automated reasoning. Computer code similar to those designed for Swarmie robots also could be used for other applications, such as cleaning up hazardous waste.

Successful exploration of the Moon and Mars requires the location and retrieval of local resources on the surface of these locations well beyond Earth. Such technologies are needed to find and collect materials such as ice (convertible into liquid water, hydrogen fuel and oxygen to support human life) and rocks, minerals and construction materials to build human shelters.



Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.The old last-to-first sweep move came into play for Mohawk Warrior who won as he pleased in Mondays $11,500 Preferred 2 Handicap for horse and gelding pacers at The Raceway at Western Fair District.

Colin Kelly got away sixth with Mohawk Warrior while Mister X fired to the top and supplied the field with fractions of :28.3, :58.1 and 1:26.2. Kelly tipped his charge three-wide going to the three-quarter pole, and then used a :28.2 closing panel to seal the deal. It was a half-length decision over Mister X in 1:55, with Reel rounding out the top three.

Richard Moreau trains the six-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover-A And Gs Confusion for owner Brad Grant of Milton, Ont. The win improved his 2018 record to 2-0-1 from 11 attempts, and it went down the 18th lifetime victory for the career winner of $318,651.

AGCO Judges declared the eighth race on Mondays card a No Contest as a result of an accident that took place going to the quarter pole.

Tomitta Bayama, who was sitting in the pocket for driver Garrett Rooney, got rough and then made a sudden break in stride. Master Smile, who was directly behind Tomitta Bayama, appeared to hit the wheel of the breaking horse and as a result Garrett Rooney was tossed from the sulky. Horses in the backfield either came to an abrupt halt or scattered to get around the incident.

Tomitta Bayama galloped around the track before being apprehended. Officials from The Raceway told Trot Insider all horses and drivers came away from the incident unscathed.

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results  The Raceway at Western Fair District.ALBANY  Galway's police chief and two other senior officers were arrested Tuesday on charges accusing them of systematically falsifying records that documented state-mandated training courses for officers on the tiny village police force.

The charges were the result of a two-year investigation by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office. Those arrested included Chief Leslie R. Klein, 72, who allegedly sanctioned the filing of official forms with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services that falsely stated officers completed mandated training courses when they had not. Klein also works as a Broadalbin-Perth school district janitor.

Also charged were Mark E. LaViolette, 49, a former Schenectady officer who is a Galway sergeant and works full-time as Schenectady County's director of emergency management, plus Galway sergeant David Goodwin and Mark Kirker, currently a deputy with the Schenectady County sheriff's office who at the time of the alleged crimes was a Glenville police officer.

PAUL BUCKOWSKI/Times Union

All four pleaded not guilty at their arraignments in Albany City Court.

Attorney general investigators obtained time and attendance records for both Klein and LaViolette from their other jobs, and compared those records with certification forms that stated when they had allegedly conducted training of Galway officers.

More for you Fired police officer accuses small department of corruption

Some of the officers whose training credentials were allegedly falsified have taken jobs at other police agencies, including the Watervliet Arsenal, Saratoga County Sheriff's Department and the Albany Police Department.

The four officers stand accused of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, a felony.

As reported last week in the Times Union, the probe by Schneiderman's office was spurred by allegations made by two former Galway police officers  both of whom joined the department after retiring from other police agencies  about misconduct and illegal activity on the small force, including the falsification of documents that certified their officers had received required training.

Through the years, the Galway department has mostly been a landing spot for officers who retired from other agencies and took a job there to keep their police certification active, which allows them to carry a handgun and a badge. Under state law, an officer's certification expires four years after their last police job.

PAUL BUCKOWSKI/Times Union

The Galway police force has also been a training ground for those who joined the part-time force to become certified as a police officer so that other departments would be more likely to offer them full-time positions. The officers must pay their own training academy costs and purchase their own weapons because the village doesn't budget for that.

The Galway department, at its peak, has employed about 10 part-time officers who sporadically patrol a village of less than a square half-mile and has only about 200 residents. There is no police station and the department's headquarters is a rented office on the second floor of a small law firm in the heart of the village.

The rented office is also used by the Village Board for its monthly meetings.

On most days, the two patrol cars owned by the village sit unused in the parking lot of a recreation complex where the local school district's school buses are parked.

Galway Mayor William Hyde said last week he was "aware of an ongoing situation" but had not been provided any information about the imminent arrests. The mayor said he could not recall the department's annual budget. But some officers are paid only a few hundred dollars a year, sources said.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter.

The former officers who made the allegations are Fred Scheidt, who was a State Police sergeant, and Richard Schoonmaker Sr., who retired as a Troy police sergeant in 2009, according to two people briefed on the investigation.

The attorney general's probe has examined allegations that police officers in Galway had destroyed evidence in criminal cases, that one officer unlawfully possessed fully-automatic weapons, and that others illegally voided traffic tickets that carried potential fines worth tens of thousands of dollars, and accessed a state criminal database for unlawful reasons.

Another accusation was that a police officer systematically used a mobile-data terminal to get information about drivers from their license plates  such as outstanding warrants or suspended licenses  before finding a reason to pull them over and make an arrest.

Scheidt retired from the State Police in 2009. He went to work for the Galway police force in 2013 and submitted a letter of resignation about two years later in which he said his decision to leave was a result of the misconduct he said was occurring in the department. The letter was sent to the mayor and the police chief.

Last week, Scheidt and Schoonmaker declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

In a related federal lawsuit filed last year, Schoonmaker  who was hired by the small department in June 2013 -- said he became aware of "illegal and/or improper practices" after Klein promoted him to a captain's position in 2014.

Schoonmaker, a Rensselaer County resident, said he reported his concerns to Klein, who responded by demoting him to patrolman rather than taking any action, according to the lawsuit. His claim seeks $800,000 in damages and was filed against Klein and the village.

In the federal lawsuit, Schoonmaker said he contacted an official at the state attorney general's office about two years ago and the agency opened an investigation. He claims Klein fired him in March 2016 after the chief became aware of the attorney general's involvement.



Saratoga Springs

Ajit Manocha was CEO of GlobalFoundries when President Barack Obama visited SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Albany in May of 2012 to tout advanced manufacturing inside the school's NanoFabX building, which was still under construction.

But six years ago, Obama didn't initially want to make his speech at SUNY Poly.

Originally, Obama wanted to tour GlobalFoundries' Fab 8 computer chip plant in Malta, Manocha recalled during a return visit to the Capital Region on Monday.

Manocha, who was at the Saratoga Hilton for a computer chip manufacturing conference being presented by the trade group SEMI that he now leads, says the White House reached out to him in April 2012 after Obama saw an episode of Made in America, a series aired by ABC World News with Diane Sawyer.

The episode featured ABC news correspondent David Muir visiting Fab 8 in its early days, even flying over the massive computer chip factory in a helicopter and donning a "bunny suit" to get inside the clean room.

"This video inspired President Obama," Manocha recounted while showing the video during a luncheon event at the SEMI conference that featured about 100 Capital Region business, academic and political leaders gathered to hear about a book exploring the rise of the local computer chip industry.

Manocha said he was actually very wary back then about hosting Obama at Fab 8.

Security protocol for the visit would have required GlobalFoundries to stop chip production and drain all of the chemicals out of the manufacturing equipment and plumbing in the clean room, leading to potentially tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue and production costs at the fledgling facility.

"We got very nervous," Manocha said.

As it turns out, Alain Kaloyeros, then president of SUNY Poly, saved Manocha from having to make those types of decisions surrounding Obama's visit.

Kaloyeros and the Cuomo administration convinced the White House to visit SUNY Poly instead. In addition to speaking inside the NanoFabX building, Obama toured a clean room at SUNY Poly.

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Manocha was still asked to be involved in the event and helped to introduce Obama at SUNY Poly.

"It is an honor to welcome President Obama, a champion of American innovation, who recognizes the importance of manufacturing, the value of technology, and the critical need to build a skilled workforce, as the cornerstones for staying competitive in the global economy," Manocha said during his introduction during Obama's May 8, 2012 visit.

Manocha was somewhat relieved he was giving his remarks in Albany instead of at Fab 8 in Saratoga County.

Not only did SUNY Poly have to drain all the chemicals out of the machines before Obama's visit, but the Secret Service had its bomb-sniffing dogs go through the entire clean room, even the sub-floor where all the utilities for the clean room are located. No one, not the press or the president himself, wore a bunny suit into the clean room, which also would have caused contamination of the machinery.

"I don't know how much damage it did (to SUNY Poly)," Manocha said Monday.President Donald Trump's last-minute decision to hold off slapping steel and aluminum tariffs on U.S. allies has drawn mixed reactions from business leaders in the Capital Region.

The White House said Monday it would delay the tariffs on the European Union, Canada and Mexico until June 1. Announced in March, the tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on imported aluminum were scheduled to take effect Tuesday.

Officials also said they reached agreements with Argentina, Australia and Brazil that would enable them to avoid the tariffs for the time being with details to be finalized in 30 days. The administration previously imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum exports from China, which led the country to strike back with its own tariffs on some American products.

Michael Elmendorf, president and CEO of the Associated General Contractors of New York State, said the tariffs would increase the cost of building materials and open the door to a trade war. Uncertainty in the financial markets doesn't help, he added.

"There's nothing like taking a bad policy and making it more confusing," he said.

Despite the delays, some companies are already taking a hit. Several of the organization's more than 200 members have already seen costs rise and are worried things will get worse, Elmendorf said. He compared the administration's approach and the delays to playing hokey pokey: "One foot in, one foot out."

Dimension Fabricators in Glenville has also seen prices skyrocket, in some cases more than 20 percent, said President Scott Stevens. The bulk of the materials the steel fabrication company buys are produced domestically.

While Stevens wonders whether the tariffs will actually be imposed, the possibility is unsettling to companies, he said.

"That doesn't do much good for anybody," Stevens said. "It's confusing and it doesn't answer any questions."

While the tariffs would have a "broad impact" and have concerned some members of the Business Council of New York State, the possibility of alleviating higher costs would be helpful, Vice President Ken Pokalsky said.

"Delaying and avoiding some of the cost increases would be a positive development," he said.

Trade is a major concern for the agriculture industry, and tariff delays heighten farmers' uncertainty about the future, said New York Farm Bureau spokesman Steve Ammerman.

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"It's better than it kicking in, but there's still uncertainty about what it means and what the president will do," he said. "Farmers have a lot to lose in a trade war, and we will certainly be watching this."

Canada is New York's largest trading partner, and companies are worried about how the state would be affected by trade tensions. About 15 percent of Clinton County's workforce is employed by a Canadian or border-related company, and Quebec-based companies have more than 100 locations in the Plattsburgh area, said Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, in March.

The relationship between Canada and the United States is "much like the Hippocratic oath: do no harm," Douglas said, calling the delays "welcome news."

In January the president instituted a 6.5 percent tariff on imported newsprint from Canada, which the Times Union uses in its press. Newspapers have watched their costs go up, in some cases by double digits, said Diane Kennedy, president of the New York News Publishers Association.

The financial hit will harm the ability of newspapers to provide journalism and affect home delivery of newspapers, especially in rural areas like pockets of upstate New York, she said. "It will certainly result in costs having to be cut somewhere."

miszler@timesunion.com  518-454-5018  @madisoniszlerRestaurant reviewer Susie Davidson Powell said the village of Chatham has emerged "more confident and connected" over the last five years, and points to Ben Gable Savories as another success story.

"Dinner attracts early seatings, and music draws a relaxed, wine-sipping crowd. Barrington Stage, the Mahaiwe Theatre and Hotel on North are just some of Pittsfield's (somewhat) recent additions  a leap from a decade ago when I lived close by and the opening of Dottie's coffeehouse signaled nascent change. This time, I spot a reborn sushi lounge not far from Methusaleh, another option for cocktails and small bites, where a laughing crowd spills onto the street on a warm Friday night.Troy

Seventeen years ago, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute made a mistake. It declared Bill Cosby a "great American" and gave him an honorary degree.

The mistake can be forgiven. At the time, the country was still buying Cosby's carefully cultivated but entirely phony public image. He was America's dad, a cultural star with the moral rectitude to decry single parenthood and the clear-eyed gumption to tell black teenagers to pull up their sagging pants. He was Dr. Cliff Huxtable, or so we thought.

"You have to respect everyone," Cosby said as he delivered the RPI commencement address in 2001. "I want you to be honest with people so they know who you really are."

We now know who Cosby really is. He is not a great American. He doesn't deserve moral authority. By his own admission, Cosby repeatedly gave women quaaludes so he could have sex with them, and he did so for decades. He is a sick and terrifying predator.

Last week, in a courtroom near Philadelphia, Cosby was convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault. It was a milestone moment, proof that even the biggest of celebrities with the deepest of pockets can be held to account.

In light of the conviction, RPI should admit its mistake, as some students are pushing it to do.

"Allowing Cosby to continue to hold this degree is a disgrace to this university," Chase Roberts, a senior studying math and computer science, wrote in the online petition he launched.

In a column three years ago, I more or less said the same, generating more heat from readers than I expected. Many noted that Cosby had not been convicted of a crime. What about due process? What if the comic is being wrongly accused?

At the time, the evidence against Cosby was significant and damning. More than 50 women had stepped forward, often with remarkably similar stories about being drugged and raped in hotel rooms. At least 15 colleges and universities already found the accusations, along with Cosby's words, incriminating enough to rescind honorary degrees.

But I'll grant that the column's critics did have a point. Innocence is supposed to be our default presumption until a judge or jury says otherwise.

Cosby's presumed innocence is gone. He is a convicted felon facing the possibility of a 10-year prison sentence.

More Information Contact columnist Chris Churchill at 518-454-5442 or email cchurchill@timesunion.com See More Collapse

Immediately after the conviction, at least four universities  Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, Carnegie Mellon and Indiana  took back honorary degrees for Cosby. So did Temple University, Cosby's alma mater and the school with which he has been closely associated.

And RPI?

So far, nothing. I asked about Cosby's degree on Monday and was told by school spokesman Richie Hunter that there would not be a response by the end of the day.

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Roberts, the student who started the petition, suggests that the school's inaction on Cosby's degree might signify a larger problem with how it views sexual assault. "They're not giving the issue the respect it deserves," he told me.

Roberts points to a letter recently published by the RPI student newspaper. Written by Hannah Merlow, a senior at the school, it warns prospective female RPI students that the school might not have their best interests at heart.

"The odds are stacked against you if choose to report a sexual assault at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute," Merlow writes. "Now that my time at RPI has come to an end, I wish I had been at a school that placed more importance on my safety and well being."

Part of me hesitated to mention Merlow's letter here. She's raising a complex topic with real-life impact for students, and her concerns are obviously more important than Cosby's honorary degree. But Merlow told me she sees the debate over Cosby's degree as related to the issues she raised in her letter, which was ignored, she said, by the RPI administration.

"I'm disappointed that they didn't revoke his honorary degree earlier," Merlow said. "Now that he's been convicted, there's even more urgency for them to do so."

As I said in that earlier column, rescinding Cosby's honorary degree would show that honesty matters at RPI. It would show the school is willing to acknowledge the truth about an icon it once honored after the facade is revealed as false.

Revoking the degree would recognize that the ground has shifted for sexual predators since the claims against Cosby became known  and that the career-destroying allegations against Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer and Charlie Rose and so many others are evidence of progress for women and men alike.

It would show that RPI takes sexual assault seriously and that the school stands with the women who were brave enough to stand up and tell their stories, speaking words nobody wanted to hear about Bill Cosby.

He was an icon. We didn't know the truth.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchillALBANY  Though most employers in Albany County provide paid sick days to workers, those working in retail, transportation and food service more often must choose between missing a days pay and roughing it through work sneezing and coughing.

An Institute for Womens Policy Research report estimates roughly 40 percent of workers living in Albany County have no paid sick days, with the service and transportation sectors ranking lowest for paid sick day access.

But a proposed county law requiring employers to allow workers to accrue a minimum of one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked could address this.

According to Local Law C, both full-time and part-time workers for employers who have 10 or more employees would be able to earn and use up to 72 hours, or nine days, of paid sick time per year. The number of total hours provided for sick time decreases with a smaller staff. Practices laid out in union contracts wont be superseded by the county law.

For 42-year-old Albany resident Michelle Brady, who relies on food service jobs to make ends meet, the legislations passage would provide job security.

Anything can happen to me, and theres nothing I can do. Its scary, she said. The initiative wouldnt just give an employee sick days, she said: Youre actually earning it by your job performance, youre earning your hours.

New York City enacted similar legislation in 2013. Meanwhile, New Jersey is poised to mandate the practice statewide after the measure was passed in April, following the governors signature.

According to officials at Citizen Action of New York, Westchester County also is considering a bill, while other counties have expressed interest.

County Executive Daniel McCoy championed the proposal in his State of the County address earlier this year, and many local organizations have come out in support of the mandate. However, some fear the law could negatively impact small, local businesses while causing employers looking for a place to set up shop to go elsewhere.

"To miss hours means they can't put food on the table, pay the rent," McCoy said. "If you do give them paid sick leave, you get better production and it's better for the county."

A public hearing on the proposal is slated for May 29, subject to approval by the Albany County Legislature at its May 14 meeting.

The Capital Region Chamber on Tuesday sent out a call to action to members encouraging businesses that are worried about the impact of the proposal to speak out.

Chamber president and CEO Mark Eagan said the chamber isnt opposed to the intent of the legislation, but believes private-sector businesses should be able to make the determination without government influence.

"I think for a company that wants to provide it, it is an appropriate benefit. We just don't think it's up to local government to mandate it," he said. "We're a regional economy. If you look at it compared to Rensselaer, Saratoga or Schenectady counties, it would put Albany at a competitive disadvantage."

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If the proposal was on the federal level, it would even the playing field, Eagan said.

He also expressed concern over businesses having to take on the costs of increasing minimum wage pay.

How much can one business take at one time? Eagan said.

Proponents of the measure say paid sick time is good public health and business policy, and will help ensure job security for those who rely on minimum wage jobs that often don't provide paid sick time.

"It is bad health policy and business policy to discourage people from staying home when they're sick," said Blue Carreker, campaigns manager for Citizen Action. "Like paid family leave, like child care, these are the things that allow families to not fall into poverty. I think they deserve the benefits, and they need the benefits. If they get them, we all benefit."

Employees can face further repercussions when they call in sick, possibly losing hours or their job altogether, advocates for the law say.

Gwen Pope, president of NAACP Albany Chapter, said keeping people employed benefits the overall economy and pointed out that employers who fire workers because they take off when sick wind up having to advertise for the job, interview and train a new person.

You lose time, you lose money. When you allow people to get well, they come in and pick up where they left off, she said. The economy does better when you have people working because theyre putting money back into the community.ALBANY  With enrollment lagging at many upstate community colleges, but growing at four-year campuses, State University of New York Chancellor Kristina Johnson said officials are looking to even things out, in part by making it easier for students to transfer from two to four-year schools.

True seamless transfer, in which students can, with an adequate grade point average, move from a community to four-year college is one way to deal with the disproportionate enrollment numbers.

Johnsons remarks came Tuesday during a meeting with members of the state Assembly higher education committee.

With a long-term population decline and demographic drop in high school graduates, many community colleges, especially upstate, are seeing the decline, said Johnson.

Hudson Valley Community College, for example, has about 11,000 full and part-time students now, according to SUNY records. Thats down from about 13,000 in 2009.

At the same time, however, the states Excelsior Scholarship, which provides free tuition for students from families with incomes of $110,000 or less, appears to have caused a jump in applications to the four-year campuses. Applications were up 9 percent as of December, according to state data.

The prospect of free tuition has also impacted private colleges and universities, although it hasnt dented their applications and enrollments as much as feared, said college officials.

We knew that it would have some impact on our schools, said Mary Beth Labate, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.

A study by Georgetown University, for instance, predicted a drop of between 7 percent and 15 percent, but the decrease wasnt that severe, said Labate.

Private colleges have also received some state help, with creation of the Enhanced Tuition Awards, which require a match from participating school.

Recruiting efforts have helped private schools compete as well. The College of Saint Rose, for instance, had started recruiting nationally several years ago, noted President Carolyn Stefanco.

Saint Rose was one of the approximately 30 colleges that participated in the Enhanced Tuition Award program this year.

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Stefanco was among the speakers at a Hearst Media Center breakfast Tuesday in which college officials discussed trends and policies in the higher education field.

The Excelsior Scholarship is a last dollar in program, which means it comes after other forms of financial aid such as Tuition Assistance Program or Pell grants are accounted for, noted Marion Terenzio, president of SUNY Cobleskill. And the Enhanced Tuition Awards provide up to $6,000 including TAP money and matching funds.

Johnson, speaking to the Assembly members, added that she has added a new initiative to her list of priorities  student safety. That stems from the recent killings of two SUNY Binghamton students allegedly at the hands of other students in separate incidents in March and April.

She later said that some of the safety plans at Binghamton will likely include increased surveillance cameras and an enhanced alert system.

SUNY is also planning to conduct a root cause analysis in which officials attempt to determine the underlying conditions that led to the events.

rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTUOAG/OAG Report on the Investigation into The Death of Edson Thevenin

OAG/OAG Report on the Investigation into The Death of Edson Thevenin

OAG/Report on the Investigation into The Death of Edson Thevenin

TROY  Mayor Patrick Madden's administration expects to hire expensive law-enforcement shooting experts as the city mounts a defense against a federal unlawful death lawsuit filed by the widow of a Watervliet man killed by a police officer during a 2016 DWI traffic stop.

The City Council Law Committee will be briefed Thursday about the city's plan to pay an initial retainer of $2,500 to a firm of retired law enforcement officials for a preliminary review of the fatal April 2016 shooting.

Theyre going to be expensive, Corporation Counsel James A. Caruso said Monday.

Cinthia Thevenin is suing the city in U.S. District Court in Albany over the April 17, 2016 fatal shooting of her 37-year-old husband, Edson Thevenin, by Sgt. Randall French, who fired multiple shots from his service pistol, killing Thevenin. Troy police defended the shooting, saying Thevenins vehicle was a weapon against French.

The city has hired John D. Aspland and Asish Nelluvely of the Fitzgerald, Morris Law Firm in Glens Falls to defend the municipality and French.

The forensic shooting and accident experts were recommended by Aspland, Caruso said. He declined to name the firm and its members or to discuss the fees for forensic analysis while discovery for the trial is underway. The discovery deadline is May 31, according to docket entries in the federal file.

The Law Committee will get its first insights into how expensive the case will be when it meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.

Caruso said the Law Committee was being briefed so the council members could understand the expenses the city will face. In addition to the law firm and the law enforcement experts, the city also is hiring a certified public accounting firm to analyze the financial claims for damages in the case.

The citys costs are expected to mount to carry out its defense. The lawsuit is projected to have an eight-day trial, according to court records.

Caruso said the city will have to bear some of the costs before its insurance coverage takes over but he was not certain about what costs the city must pay. Councilman Mark McGrath said he understood those costs would be at least $250,000.

French will not face prosecution for the April 2016 fatal shooting, but state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in January in a detailed report contradicts the officer's version of events and criticizes the investigation conducted by the city police department.

The report chronicling Schneiderman's year-long investigation into the shooting death of Thevenin, 37, highlighted the controversial decision by Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel E. Abelove to secretly grant immunity to French when the officer testified before a grand jury that cleared him of wrongdoing.

The report concluded that because of the immunity agreement, "criminal prosecution of Sgt. French for the shooting would be impossible" under state law regardless of the attorney general's findings.

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In addition, poor evidence gathering and other factors prevented the attorney general's office from being able to "disprove that Sgt. French's use of deadly force was unjustified," the report said.

The lawsuit, filed Sept. 13, 2016, against the city and French said: "At no time was Sgt. French, or any member of the Troy Police Department in physical danger when French opened fire into Edson's car."

If the Troy police had body cameras, there's over a 90 percent chance we wouldnt be in this situation, said McGrath, a Republican.

Caruso spoke about the case after Madden, a Democrat, said the city would be as transparent as possible in dealing with questions about the federal lawsuit.

The analysis of where French was standing is expected to be an important part of the lawsuit. The attorney generals office asked FBI to evaluate the shooting and also also hired Precision Simulations, a forensic investigation firm from California, to reconstruct the shooting scene for a report it issued into the shooting and the handling of the case by Abelove.

A county grand jury convened at the request of the attorney general indicted Abelove on a felony count of first-degree perjury and two counts of official misconduct for his role in presenting the shooting case to another grand jury.

Abelove is scheduled for a June 20 trial in Rensselaer County Court.It was announced today (Tuesday, May 1) that there will be some additional racing opportunities in Michigan this summer.

According to an article by The Detroit News, the Michigan Gaming Control Board has announced that 24 live racing dates that had been scheduled for September through December at Northville Downs have been moved forward on the calendar.

The dates will now be contested throughout the summer months. Northville had previously scheduled a break in live racing from June 10 to September 1.

Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Richard Kalm has issued an order that will allow Northville to offer live racing on Fridays and Saturdays from June until September.

The MGCB supports Northville Downs and the Michigan Harness Horsemens Association as they look for ways to keep live racing viable in Michigan, said Kalm, who added, They believe the live racing calendar changes are in the best interests of the industry.



A drone captures the action while high above Northville Downs (Image courtesy Northville Downs)

Kalm had earlier given approval for Northville to host programs of live racing on three upcoming Thursdays (May 3, May 17 and June 7).

It was announced last month that Northville Downs was in the process of being purchased by a housing developer, but that it will continue to offer live harness racing at the track through 2020.

The April announcement also stated that Northville was in the process of exploring multiple other locations to develop a first class, state-of-the-art racing and gaming facility that Michigan will be proud of. The announcement went on to say that Northville will continue to work closely with state and local representatives to implement the necessary changes that neighbouring states have, so that it can bring racing back to its finest day.

(With files from The Detroit News)Louisville

The crowd began to gather outside trainer Bob Baffert's Churchill Downs' barn early Tuesday morning.

Real early. As in it's-still-dark-outside early.

Horses that are running in Saturday's 144th Kentucky Derby get a special 15-minute window to train in the days leading up to the Run for the Roses. 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

So, if you wanted to get a quick glimpse at what some are thinking is the next great thoroughbred race horse, you got to Baffert's barn early on Tuesday.

Print and photo journalists, of course, were there. But it seemed like the whole city of Louisville was also taking up any available real estate within eyeshot of Baffert's barn. They all wanted to see Justify.

And, just before 7:30 they did. The chestnut colt came rumbling out from under the shedrow and into the sunlight with exercise rider Humberto Gomez on his back.

Justify walked behind Baffert and his wife, Jill, for his first tour of the Churchill dirt. And people followed the horse. Men and women. A dad carrying his son so he could get a better view. A mom pushing a baby in a stroller.

"He has always been a superior animal," Baffert said after the horse was back at the barn following a light exercise. "When you are that big and beautiful and can run ... all the ingredients are there."

To no one's surprise, Justify, despite having just three lifetime starts (none as a 2-year-old) was made the 3-1 morning line favorite late Tuesday morning at the Kentucky Derby draw, which was held in the Aristides Lounge on the second floor in the Churchill clubhouse.

Baffert didn't get around to seeing what position his prized thoroughbred would be starting from in the Churchill Downs starting gate. That's because he didn't get to the draw in time, although he pleaded it wasn't his fault.

He said he and his wife got stuck in the parking lot and, when he finally parked the car, he didn't know where to go.

"It's hard to get in here," he said. "We were coming in and Jill said, 'I think they are done already.' So, I didn't have the chance to get nervous."

Justify has won his three starts by a combined 19 lengths. The last one, the Grade I Santa Anita Derby, came over the highly touted Bolt d'Oro. Justify won by three lengths.

Now comes the real acid test. A big, bulky field with the best 3-year-olds in the nation. Twenty horses that include Juvenile champion Good Magic (12-1), Florida Derby winner Audible (8-1). Wood Memorial winner Vino Rosso (12-1), Bold d' Oro (8-1) and the intriguing Irish shipper Mendelssohn, who won the UAE Derby in Dubai by 18 lengths and is the second choice in the Derby at 5-1.

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D. Wayne Lukas, who owns four Derby wins and is running longshot Bravazo Saturday, isn't concerned about the lack of seasoning of Justify. He knows the horse can run, and will run on Saturday.

"Not with A Bob Baffert horse," Lukas said when asked if he would question a horse with so little experience. "If might be with John Doe, who is here for the first time and got lucky with a horse. Bob will have this horse ready."

Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby four times, including 2015 when American Pharoah went on to win the Triple Crown. Despite his horse's lack of experience (no horse since Apollo in 1882 has won the Derby as an unraced 2-year-old), Baffert has a good feeling about Justify.

He won't crow too much, though, because that has happened before and guess what? He lost. That came in 2001 when Point Given, the big favorite, could only finish fifth. He would go on to win the Preakness and Belmont, but Baffert has never really gotten over the sting of Point Given's Derby dump.

More Information PP, Horse, Jockey, Trainer, Odds 1.Firenze Fire, Paco Lopez, Jason Servis, 50-1

2. Free Drop Billy, Robby Albarado, Dale Romans, 30-1

3.Promises Fulfilled, Corey Lanerie, Dale Romans, 30-1

4.Flameaway, Jose Lezcano, Mark Casse, 30-1

5. Audible, Javier Castellano, Todd Pletcher, 8-1

6.Good Magic, Jose Ortiz, Chad Brown, 12-1

7.Justify, Mike Smith, Bob Baffert, 3-1

8.Lone Sailor, James Graham, Tom Amoss, 50-1

9. Hofburg, Irad Ortiz Jr., Bill Mott, 20-1

10.My Boy Jack, Kent Desormeaux, Keith Desormeaux, 30-1

11.Bolt d'Oro, Victor Espinoza, Mick Ruis, 8-1

12.Enticed, Junior Alvarado, Kiaran McLaughlin, 30-1

13.Bravazo, Luis Contreras, D. Wayne Lukas, 50-1

14.Mendelssohn, Ryan Moore, Aidan O'Brien, 5-1

15.Instilled Regard, Draden Van Dyke, Jerry Hollendorfer, 50-1

16. Magnum Moon, Luis Saez, Todd Pletcher6-1

17.Solomini, Flavien Prat, Bob Baffert, 30-1

18.Vino Rosso, John Velazquez, Todd Pletcher, 12-1

19.Noble Indy, Florent Geroux, Todd Pletcher, 30-1

20.Combatant, Ricardo Santana Jr., Steve Asmussen, 50-1

AEBlended Citizen, Kyle Frey, Doug O'Neill, 50-1 When: Saturday, 6:46 p.m. (scheduled post time) Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky. TV: NBC-13 (2:30 p.m.-7:25 p.m.) See More Collapse

"We feel good about this horse," Baffert said. "We don't get too excited. We were so overconfident with Point Given. The bigger the buildup, the letdown is pretty low."

Promises Fulfilled, owned by Voorneesville's Bob Baron, drew post position No. 3 and was given morning line odds of 30-1.

"I am happy with it," Baron said. "I was hoping (for a post) of 10 or under. I'm just glad I am not all the way inside or way outside."

twilkin@timesunion.com  518-454-5415  @tjwilkinSomething bad is happening with smart phone sales. And it's becoming a big problem for Samsung  and Apple.



(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Samsung sold 707,000 Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ units in March and April, collectively, Korea's The Investor is reporting, citing data obtained from the country's three biggest telecom partners. According to the report, that's the lowest sales figure mark ever posted for a Galaxy S handset during its first two months on store shelves.

To put that into perspective, during the same period in 2017, the Galaxy S8 line tallied nearly 1 million unit sales during its first two months of availability. What's worse, sales appear to be declining: Samsung carrier partners sold 476,000 Galaxy S9s in March and 231,000 in April.

MORE: Here Are the Best Galaxy S9 and S9+ Deals

The report is the latest in a string of rumors that Samsung's Galaxy S9 sales have been sluggish. In fact, a report earlier this year suggested that Samsung is pushing up the release of its Galaxy Note 9 to as early as July to bolster its smartphone division and keep its earnings up.

But it's not just Samsung.

There have also been reports that Apple is suffering from poor iPhone X demand and could on Tuesday (May 1) when it announces its earnings, acknowledge that iPhone sales are off.

In addition to discussing Samsung sales, The Investor said that Apple sold 475,000 units in Korea over the four months it's been on store shelves in that country. Once again, that's the lowest-ever sales for a newly released iPhone in Korea.

Like the Galaxy S9, sales are similarly on the decline: Apple reportedly sold just 70,000 iPhone X units in February, down from just 103,000 in January.

The news becomes all the more troubling when one considers Apple and Samsung have been largely fighting a battle with each other. In fact, one carrier official told The Investor that the companies have faced "no new phone launches" from competitors. That alone makes the sales figures even worse in the official's eyes.

Looking ahead, Apple and Samsung obviously hope to turn the tide. But a carrier source told The Investor that it appears consumers have grown weary of expensive phones. And it's possible that Apple and Samsung will continue to face trouble selling their smartphones for the foreseeable future.Does the Grand Commander provide hints as to what we will get from the Wagoneer? Its difficult to say given that the latter is still a couple of years away, but lets take a closer look at the China-spec SUV for now.

The new SUV is heavily based on the Grand Cherokee design-wise, and it appears to be focused more on hauling people rather than off-roading. While the Grand Commander wont make it to the United States, a three-row SUV will be offered here, but under the Wagoneer name. Jeep plans to build both Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, which will be based on the body-on-frame platform of the latest Ram 1500 truck.

Discontinued in 2010 after only five years on the market, Jeeps seven-seat SUV, the Commander, makes a comeback in 2018. But unlike its predecessor, which was a global model, the new SUV is only available in China. Production also shifted to the Asian country, while the nameplate was updated to the Grand Commander. The midsize hauler was unveiled at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show.

2019 Jeep Grand Commander Exterior

Familiar Jeep looks

Boxy design

Seven-slat grille

Unique glasshouse

Chrome trim

Upscale appearance

Although its a brand-new model, the Grand Commander looks very familiar

Although its a brand-new model, the Grand Commander looks very familiar. Thats because it shares many design cues with the Grand Cherokee. This is particularly obvious up front, where the seven-slat grille is identical, while the headlamps are very similar. The fact that theyre a bit longer and that the LED daytime running lights below are placed a bit higher gives the Grand Commander a wider stance. Below, the new SUV boasts a more utilitarian look. While the Grand Cherokee has big, sporty intakes, the Grand Commander showcases a thin center vent and rectangular foglamp bezels.

Similarities with the Grand Cherokee continue onto the sides, where we can see the same squared-off wheel arches and a high waistline. But the Grand Commander becomes significantly different toward the rear. While the Grand Cherokee has a slightly sloping roofline, the Grand Commander is boxier. It also has a different lower window line that moves upward toward the tailgate.

As far as dimensions go, the Grand Commander is significantly larger than the Grand Cherokee

Its the rear section where the Grand Commander stands out even more. Not only the tailgate is almost vertical, without sporty cues like seen on the Grand Cherokee, but the taillights are smaller too. Whats more, the chrome trim around the taillights and the strip above the license plate recess give the Grand Commander a more upscale look. The bumper is standard SUV stuff and includes a dual exhaust pipe layout.

As far as dimensions go, the Grand Commander has a total length of 191.85 inches and a wheelbase of 110 inches, making it significantly larger than the Grand Cherokee. The latter is 182 inches long and has a 106.3-inch wheelbase.

2019 Jeep Grand Commander Interior

Seven-seat layout

Modern dashboard

Small infotainment display

Analog instrument cluster

Faux wood trim

Three-zone A/C

The instrument cluster has simple, analog dials

The cabin is again very familiar because it shares some details with the Grand Cherokee. The center stack, for instance, is flanked by tall A/C vents, while the dashboard has a similar design. However, the A/C vents on the sides are slightly wider, while the controls below the infotainment system are spread on a wider console. The center console is different too.

The infotainment display in the center seems to be FCAs eight-inch unit, which is a bit disappointing given that the competition offers bigger screens. The graphics and the navigation display dont seem that high-tech either, so its pretty clear that the Grand Commander didnt get the companys latest tech. The instrument cluster has simple, analog dials. The uConnect infotainment system does include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity though.

The three-zone independent air conditioning system provides comfort in all compartments

The presentation model features Nappa leather seats, but dont expect the base model to have this upholstery. The wood trim doesnt look real unfortunately, but the two-tone finish on the door panels and the aluminum inserts save the day. The third row roomy enough for two people and the cup holsters on each side add convenience. Both the second and third rows can be folded flat to obtain a massive cargo area. Or as shown in the photos, you can just fold the second row and sit in the third row with all the legroom you want.

The three-zone independent air conditioning system provides comfort in all compartments, so passengers will not be treated differently because of where they sit. The third row didnt get much attention in the past, but Jeep made sure that traveling in the back is as comfortable as it gets.

2019 Jeep Grand Commander Performance

Turbo 2.0-liter engine

230 horsepower

258 pound-feet of torque

Nine-speed automatic

All-wheel-drive

Needs a more powerful V-6

With 230 horsepower, the Grand Commander isnt exactly powerful given its size

Unlike other Jeeps, the Grand Commander doesnt come with a V-6 engine. At least not for a while. According to FCA, the three-row SUV is restricted to a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The mill is new and was recently unveiled in the Wrangler, but while the U.S.-spec Jeep comes with 264 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the Grand Commander uses a detuned version with 230 horses and 258 pound-feet.

This isnt necessarily an issue, but only if Jeep will introduce a more powerful mill. With 230 horsepower, the Grand Commander isnt exactly powerful given its size and a bit more oomph would bring more customers into dealerships. Whats more, the competition is available with larger V-6 engines, including the Volkswagen Teramont, Chinas version of the Atlas, which benefits from 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of twist.

The standard SUV has a FWD layout, but an AWD system is available

The four-cylinder engine mates to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard SUV has a front-wheel-drive layout, but an all-wheel-drive system is available.

Theres no much info about the suspension setup, but its safe to assume that the Grand Commander was designed with urban driving in mind and its not as off-road capable as the Grand Cherokee. However, it rides on the same underpinnings as its U.S. counterpart, a stretched version of FCAs Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform.

2019 Jeep Grand Commander Pricing

It even has the seven-slat grille for that upscale appearance

Pricing for the Grand Commander starts from CNY279,800. This converts to around $44,140, but as mentioned before, this SUV wont be offered in the U.S.

2019 Jeep Grand Commander Competition

Introduced in 2017, the Volkswagen Atlas is produced and sold in China as the Teramont. The German SUV is very similar to the Grand Commander, sporting a boxy design and a three-row layout inside the cabin. However, it comes with better equipment lines and includes the VW Digital Cockpit with the TFT instrument cluster as standard. It also has a bigger engine, in the form of a 2.5-liter V-6. The turbocharged unit cranks out 295 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. However, the base 2.0-liter turbo is closer to the Grand Commander at 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet. All-wheel-drive is standard with both drivetrains. Pricing starts at CNY308,900, with the range-topping model coming in at CNY518,900.

Read our full story on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

Unlike other markets, China offers quite a few seven-seat models to choose from. One of them is the Ford Edge, which was launched in this configuration here in 2015. Three trims are offered, including a sportier S model with black inserts and the more luxurious Titanium version with extra equipment. Engine choices include two gasoline units. Theres a 2.0-liter turbo with 245 horsepower and 258 pound-feet and a 2.7-liter V-6 rated at a solid 329 horses and 370 pound-feet. Both engines mate to a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. AWD is standard on the V-6 model and optional on the four-cylinder SUV.

Read our full review of the 2019 Ford Edge.

Final Thoughts

Its powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder With 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet

All in all, the Grand Commander looks to be deserving of the Jeep badge and the iconic seven-slat grille. Its massive, boxy, and it rides high above the ground, offering everything youd want from a Jeep in the design department. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Teramont is a better choice when it comes to interior appointment and technology. Another drawback is that the Grand Commander doesnt have a V-6 engine. While the four-cylinder is good enough against four-pot versions of the Teramont and Edge, Jeep doesnt have a competitor to go against the more powerful SUVs. And this could be an issue in the long run. Hopefully, Jeep will offer a V-6 sooner than later.

Love it Commanding design Roomy interior with extra seating Efficient engine

Leave it Needs a V-6 Not available outside China



References

Read our full driven review on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee.

Read our full speculative review on the 2018 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

Read more Jeep news.

Read more 2018 Beijing Auto Show news.Citroen has a reputation in the auto industry for designing some of the most extreme concept cars in the business. The Survolt and the Cxperience are two that come to mind. Since the company launched the DS sub-brand in 2009, that design creativity has extended to give us creations like the Divine DS and the E-Tense concept vehicles. Today, DS takes us on another wild ride with the arrival of its latest brainchild, the DS X E-Tense concept, a car that the company describes as a vision of what a dream car might resemble in the year 2035.

2018 DS X E-Tense Exterior

Nothing about this concept makes sense, and yet, its in that convoluted space between being bizarre and impractical that it actually creates its singular identity

Designing a concept car can be a tedious exercise for auto designers. There are so many variables to consider because concepts are usually gateways that help give us a glimpse of what an automakers future is going to look like. For better or worse, the DS X E-Tense Concept throws all that thinking out the window. I suppose thats what happens when you give designers a black sketch pad and tell them to think of what a dream car would look like in 17 years. You get some pretty outrageous results, like, you know, the DS X E-Tense.

I dont even know where to start, though I should point out that the word asymmetrical will probably pop out a few times in the course of this review. Thats probably the best way to describe the X E-Tense. Its so weird and mental that you almost have to give DS designers a standing ovation for not only thinking out of the box but throwing the box out into the ocean.

Nothing about this concept makes sense, and yet, its in that convoluted space between being bizarre and impractical that it actually creates its singular identity. Take a look at the cars shape, example. From the side, it looks like a proper concept. There are curves, sharp edges, and an overabundance of body lines spread throughout the body. In other words, its nothing we havent seen from a concept vehicle in the past.

There are curves, sharp edges, and an overabundance of body lines spread throughout the body

But once you move to the front (and rear), thats where things take a turn for the bizarre. Remember when I said that the X E-Tense is described as being asymmetrical? Well, the front and rear sections of it literally are. Both sections are completely off-center that you have to wonder if this is really the design DS was going for. The front grille, which traditionally sits in the center of all cars, has been moved completely on one side of the car, creating enough space for the other side to be dominated by what is admittedly a fancy lighting setup. Its the same story in the rear where everything is completely off-center.

Its tempting to say that the concept is dripping in eccentricity, but even describing it in those terms feels like it doesnt do justice to how peculiar this concept really is. And I havent even gotten to the fact that the concept also has scissor doors. How DS managed to fit those in everything thats going on in this concept is a remarkable achievement in its own right.

2018 DS X E-Tense Interior

Youre probably not going to believe this, but the interior of the DS X E-Tense offers just as many surprises as the exterior

Youre probably not going to believe this, but the interior of the DS X E-Tense offers just as many surprises as the exterior. First, it has a cockpit that can apparently be accessed by an Elytre door  its a scissor door, really  that is trimmed with a combination of leather and carbon fiber weave. Theres one seat in the cockpit, and its described as having a pyramidal architecture. But just as you might start thinking that the concept only has space for one individual, the asymmetrical nature of the car actually creates enough space for a passenger that, according to DS, can be enclosed in a sensuous capsule with a ventilated massaging seat that stretches back like a deployed birds wing. All in all, the concept is actually capable of seating as many as three people.

Throw the eccentricity aside, and youre also looking at an interior thats dressed to the hilt with premium materials like Millennium Blue and Navy Blue Aniline leather, as well as a number wood and metal trims scattered throughout the cabin. Apparently, these materials will still be important enough 17 years from to get included in one of the wildest concepts weve ever seen. Oh, the cabin also comes with a see-through electro-chromatic glass floor that drivers and passengers can look into to see how many speed bumps it drivers over.

2018 DS X E-Tense Performance

The motors are said to be capable of producing 1,341 horsepower

Now that we can move past the exterior and interior of the DS X E-Tense Concept, we can turn our attention to the concepts power and performance capabilities. Since the concept is merely an interpretation of what a future DS model would look like 17 years from now, DS took some liberties in piecing together an ideal powertrain for the concept. Turns out, the companys version of an ideal powertrain involves a pair of electric motors located in the two front wheels. Together, the motors are said to be capable of producing 1,341 horsepower, a seemingly innocuous number that DS is throwing around to give the car the performance street cred it needs to justify its liberal use of the term concept car.

Final Thoughts

I could come out and tell you that I love the DS X E-Tense Concept. That may be true in some respects, but Ive never been down with concept cars that are created specifically for the purpose of envisioning a future that doesnt exist yet. Thats what I think of the DS X E-Tense Concept. I appreciate the audacity behind its design, but at the end of the day, if this thing is a vision of a car that wont arrive for another 17 years, then I might as well start asking Chrysler what the heck happened to the 1995 Atlantic Concept.

I appreciate the vision and the work that was put into the DS X E-Tense Concept. But it looks like something that the company created because it had nothing better to do.

References

Read our full review on the 2016 DS E-Tense Concept.

Read our full review on the 2016 Citroen Cxperience.

Read more 2018 Beijing Auto Show news.Ownership of Hazel Park in Michigan officially changed hands this past Friday (April 27), and the new ownership group has announced its intention to erect buildings on the premises.

It came as a surprise to both employees and industry insiders on April 5 when Hazel Park locked its doors and announced its closure via notices in windows and social media outlets.

According to an article by Crains Detroit Business, New York City-based industrial/warehouse developer Ashley Capital completed the purchase of the track last Friday. The purchase price was not revealed.

The company is planning on erecting a pair of buildings on the property. One is planned to be roughly 600,000 square feet. A specific size for the second building has yet to be released, but it has been noted that a roughly 900,000 square-foot building could also fit there.

It is estimated that it could cost $32.5 million to build the 600,000 square-foot building. Construction is expected to wrap up by May of next year.

The article explains that, in 2017, Ashley Capital built a sprawling commercial warehouse on the lands of a former racetrack. The warehouse is now home to operations for Bridgewater Interiors, LG Electronics and Amazon.com.

Hazel Park Raceway first hosted Standardbred racing in 1953. Decades later, the track would go on to host live harness racing exclusively from 1985 to the spring of 2014, after which it solely offered live Thoroughbred racing. Hazel Park had been scheduled to kick off its 2018 live meet on May 4. The closure also means the end of simulcasting at the facility.

(With files from Crains Detroit Business)Facebook Blocks 70 Million People from Christian and Pro-President Trump Posts; USA.Life Starts Conservative Facebook Alternative

Contact: Steven Andrew, USA.Life , 877-537-8734SAN JOSE, Calif., May 1, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- Facebook continues censoring conservatives and now faces competition. After Facebook blocked 70 million people from Steven Andrew's Christian and Pro-President Trump posts, Andrew started the USA.Life social network . USA.Life is the conservative alternative to Facebook and hopes to launch this summer. Andrew is a Silicon Valley technology and Christian leader, who has led Fortune 500 Internet initiatives.Andrew believes "Facebook lied to Congress and America" during CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Congressional testimony in April.Using Facebook's data, Andrew shows in a video how 70 million people were censored from getting conservative posts from the Pastor Steven Andrew page since November 2016.Zuckerberg told Congress, "We consider Facebook to be a platform for all ideas" on April 10th in reply to Sen. Ted Cruz. However, Andrew says, "Zuckerberg misled Congress.""Facebook blocks more than 98% of my reach. That means 4.9 million people per month are missing. Facebook increased censorship after President Trump was elected," Andrew said. Instead of communicating to 5 million people per month as in 2016, Facebook showed Andrew's posts to 97,685 people last month. Andrew has almost half a million followers."Facebook's censorship caused millions of fewer people to follow God and strengthen their families, a financial loss of donations likely in the millions of dollars and a reduction in communicating with millions of more people by email and our website," he said.Andrew often reaches just hundreds of people now per post instead of the 30,000 to 70,000 people earlier. "Facebook is anti-American, since they censor those who believe like the founders," he believes.Andrew says USA.Life "is America's hope to save the Internet." He invites people to get a free account at USA.Life to enjoy "American freedom, real news and privacy." Those who sign up now get preferred access to usernames.He hopes grass roots activism, conservative news stations and churches quickly spread the news about USA.Life, because "our national security is at stake, due to liberals attacking Christianity, the Constitution and President Trump."USA.Life is crowdfunding the completion of the new pro-America community. A summer launch is expected, provided they raise the remaining $693,000 required now. Supporters are given a thank you reward."Freedom and privacy could be lost forever without USA.Life. However, we can save the Internet if 70,000 people give $10, or if 7,000 people give $100. If people want privacy, it is at USA.Life," Andrew said.Treehugger and our third-party partners use cookies and process personal data like unique identifiers based on your consent to store and/or access information on a device, display personalized ads and for content measurement, audience insight, and product development. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Treehugger.com, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, click below. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. List of Partners (vendors)Doug Ford, now leading in the polls, wants to open up more of it for development.

Ontario, Canada is big- it has 40 percent of the country's population and 40 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Provincial governments are powerful compared to US state governments; you can't even take a case of beer across provincial borders.

So a lot of people were shocked when Doug Ford was elected leader of the Progressive Conservative party- he is the "populist" brother of the late Rob Ford, known to TreeHugger for trying to put a monorail and Ferris wheel on the waterfront instead of a park.

And now, people are shocked, shocked that Doug Ford promised developers that he will open up the Greenbelt that surrounds the City of Toronto for development. In the video, released by his Liberal opponents, Ford says:

Ive already talked to some of the biggest developers in this country, and I wish I could say it was my idea, but it was their idea as well, he said. Give us property and well build and well drive the cost down.

Greenbelt plan/CC BY 2.0

The Greenbelt, created by the Liberal government in 2005, "protects environmentally sensitive areas and productive farmlands from urban development and sprawl." The trouble is that the developers already own most the land and they have been fighting the Liberals' development policies ever since. Nobody should be shocked at all that the first thing the PCs would do is pave it.

Backtracking a bit, Ford is quoted in Macleans:

I support the Greenbelt in a big way. Anything that we may look at to reduce housing costs, because everyone knows housing costs is through the roof and theres no more property available to build housing in Toronto or the GTA....I give you my commitment, that anything that we look at on the Greenbelt will be replaced. So, therell still be the equal amount of Greenbelt.

Other conservatives (like this one from Niagara in the middle of the Greenbelt) are touting the same line.

Unfortunately, Doug Ford doesn't understand how watersheds and ecosystems work; you can't just push here and pull there. It is also not true that there is no more property available to build on; the plan included a "white belt" of unprotected land that was planned for development. As economist Frank Clayton told the Globe and Mail: "Theres lots of land for the next 20 or 30 years within the white belt. So you dont have to touch the Greenbelt for residential land to keep the prices from going up." (John Michael McGrath has a nuanced view of the white belt, noting that it is not exactly open for development, and that the Liberals are not totally clear of any fault in all of this).

Chris Ballard, the current Minister for the Environment says:

(Ford) will bulldoze a great swath of the Greenbelt and turn it into the largest condo farm this province has ever seen. We moved to protect it forever so that our kids and grandkids would never have to worry about having access to nature and that we would have productive farm lands well into the future. So, its essential this area stay protected.

Many people think that the Conservatives will have to backpedal on this; a lot of their rich voters near the greenbelt have their houses already and don't want anymore in their backyard. I suspect that the GreenBelt will just get nibbled away, bit by bit as the developers control the land, the local councils and soon, the government.

Kathleen Wynne, the Premier who Ford is trying to replace, is blunt:

If you open up the Greenbelt and make it into a Swiss cheese map you never get that back. You never get that water protection back. You never get that agricultural land protection back. It is absolutely wrong-headed. I could not disagree with (Ford) more.

But many people are tired of her. Many people hate her simply because she is a woman and she is gay. They would rather vote for the loudmouth who would roll back sex education and carbon taxes.

But anyone who cares about the environment should recognize that her party created the GreenBelt and they got rid of coal fired electricity. These were both a very big deal. I wonder if people shouldn't thank them for the things they have done instead of throwing them out.

UPDATE: That was fast. He has backtracked totally.

Progressive Conservatives of Ontario/viaSo, I just read an article complaining about how the flood of single-use straw bans is "annoying" and doesn't have any impact aside from making "liberal enviros" feel good about themselves. I am pretty sure that the marine animals with straws stuck in their noses might beg to differ, but hey, I'm just a liberal enviro (thank you very much) so what do I know?

What I do know is that plastic pollution is an enormous problem, so regardless of the specific statistics, the war on plastic straws is working double-time as an effective public awareness campaign. Plastic straws are also completely unnecessary for most of us (excluding those who truly rely on straws for physical reasons)  they are a frivolous contraption and can be a great introduction to breaking up with single-use plastic.

(And for the record, an analysis by a group of pollution research nonprofits called Better Alternatives Now estimates that 7.5 percent of plastic in the environment comes from straws and stirrers. Meanwhile, a recently published study estimated as many as 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world's beaches That is not nothing.)

But to anyone who is feeling annoyed that they may soon be deprived of the luxury of a plastic straw  even though humans somehow managed to live without them for hundreds of thousands of years prior to the 1960s  you may want to consider that straws aren't just bad for the environment, but may be bad for you as well. (I mean, what's bad for the environment is also generally bad for human health, but I'm talking more directly.)

I have long wondered if sucking on plastic via straws had any health implications, and while my curiosity didn't go much further than the plastic chemicals that might be leaching into one's drink and mouth, registered dietitian and nutrition writer Christy Brissette has been kind enough to lay it all out in an article for The Washington Post.

Here's what she's thinking.

1. Gas and Bloating

Nobody likes gas and bloating. They are uncomfortable, both physically and socially. Brissette says that sipping from straws delivers air into the digestive tract, which can cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms, like, yes, gas and bloating. "When Im counseling clients who are experiencing these symptoms, I always ask them about lifestyle habits, such as whether they drink from a straw often. Some of my clients have experienced significant improvements by ditching straws," she writes.

2. Dental Health

When drinking sugary or acidic drinks with a straw, it acts like a hose hitting a specific area of the teeth with a stream of concentrated sugar/acid, which can lead to the erosion of enamel and cause tooth decay. That said, if you put the straw behind your teeth, it can spare them  and since this will probably excite your gag reflex as well, you won't even want to drink the junky thing in the first place, a win-win!

3. Chemicals

This was my worry, and Brissette confirms my concerns  the fact that straws are made from petroleum, and something about sucking on a petroleum product sends up a red flag somewhere in the heart of my liberal enviro brain. Single-use plastic straws are primarily made of polypropylene, which the over-aloof and industry-lobbied FDA says is food-safe in certain amounts. "But there is evidence that chemicals from polypropylene can leach into liquids and may release compounds that could affect estrogen levels," writes Brissette, "especially when exposed to heat, acidic beverages or UV light."

But wait, there's more! There is so much plastic in the ocean that it is finding its way back to us: We ingest microplastics in things like seafood and sea salt. Fewer straws means less plastic in the ocean means less plastic for us to eat when consuming products from the sea.

4. Excess Sugar and Alcohol Consumption

Brissette notes that the idea of drinking something through a straw has been argued by some to contribute to excess sugar intake and/or faster intoxication (when drinking alcohol). While the jury is still out on those, I know for a fact that when I used to use straws, they encouraged me to drink a beverage much more quickly. Brissette writes that, "The thought is that straws cause you to gulp down a greater volume of liquid more quickly than drinking from a glass or cup. Plus, people arent very accurate about estimating how much liquid theyre taking in, especially if theyre distracted by a movie or smartphone screen."

5. Wrinkles

Because if the environment and health don't convince you, perhaps vanity will! For people concerned about wrinkles, using straws regularly can lead to pucker lines, like the ones smokers get from pulling on a cigarette.

For anyone very attached to their straw habit, there are paper straws and reusable straws. Yes, plastic straws may be convenient, but doesn't it seem strange to use something for five minutes that could pollute nature for hundreds of years to come? You don't have to be a liberal enviro to see that there's a problem in that logic.FINANCE Minister Colm Imbert yesterday defended the 2022 national budget, insisting it was not a fiscal package for the rich man.

He said Government could not control the price of food, and all Government could do was remove taxes.We would like to believe the flimsy treatment given to the agricultural and cultural sectors in Mondays budget will be compensated for by substantial contributions from portfolio ministers Clarence Rambharat and Randall Mitchell, respectively, in the budget debate.Agree tih Mac and captk. The hime highway is a very boding drive and there are no nice towns IMO worth stopping, unless you want to detour to Canberra.

The so called coastal road is too long to do in 2 days and still see something.

Fly and use that time somewhere else, maybe GOR.On the Gold Coast Apex have a shuttle which collects you, and returns you, to the airport. Imagine it will be the same at all their locations.

You will get an idea when they pick you up how much room there is on the shuttle for bags. It might be worth dropping your bags first, but this would be a bit inconvenient. I'd be inclined to roll up at their depot and let them sort it.

Allow plenty of time (1 hour?). The shuttle might be away doing pickups, waiting for other passengers, or there could be traffic holdups. Always pays to have time up your sleeve.I have just returned from a charity cycle around Vietnam starting in Hanoi and through some rural areas. I want to say from the outset that anywhere i travel to i take time to try to understand and respect the culture and practices no matter how different they are. I also appreciate that in the UK, being a dog lover, that we can mollycoddle our pets and other countries see animals very differently.

Our first stop in Halong Bay left me very upset after witnessing a number of dogs on short chains extremely distressed - some of the images will haunt me for a long time. I asked our guide who told us that they are left on chains 24/7 and often this is a deliberate ploy to "fire them up" to become more agressive so they are good "protectors".

That was only the start of what we were about to see. The entire journey we witnessed dogs locked in cages, sometimes just ones, other times in 2s or 3s - often very distressed. Other times we saw them on short chains shaking with fear as we went anywhere near. We also passed animal markets where i have had to erase some of the images or they would keep me awake at night.

It wasnt only dogs - we saw many many animal welfare issues and even saw cats and hens tied up in restaurants and to properties - bizarre!

The Vietnamese people were absolutley a delight and it was such a pleasure to spend time in such a wonderful country but i would be lying if the animal welfare issues didnt disturb me deeply. I am a seasoned traveller and have been to many countries including other Asian areas and do not recall seeing so many horrific sights.

As we entered into the more rural areas, i was delighted to see so many happy dogs off chains and whilst by UK standards, they looked a little ropey - it was a great relief to see them roaming naturally.

I write this really as therapy for myself but also to a) alert anyone who is a big animal lover about what they may see and b) to see if anyone can point me in the direction of some charities working on the ground in this area.

I really do not want to judge the country in any way and do accept and respect cultural differences but this trip did leave some horrible images with me and i just want to do my bit to make a difference.Yes, some ryokans have western beds and serve meals in a restaurant, rather than at a table in your room, which requires sitting on the floor. Some also have a bath in the room. However, if you get all of those things, I wonder how much of a ryokan experience you're really getting. It's just like a hotel. At least, I'd recommend that you go to the onsen. No one will look at you, and men and women are separated. Often, the bath in the room is not onsen water, but just regular heated water. A nice onsen is a wonderful and cultural experience.

Anyway, those are my opinions. To find such a place, go to booking.com and enter your date and area of choice. After it presents a list of places to stay, filter by ryokan on the left side of the page. Then you can look at each available ryokan by date and area, and find something with the particulars you're looking for. Good luck!Where are you from? Remember, we drive on the left side of the road. Be sure to stay in your lane, especially on the curves. (And there are many curves as Hakone is a mountain.)

No need to stay in Hakone for 3 nights, especially if you have a car. Go explore! Ditto Sammy' suggestions. You can go to Izu, Fuji Five Lakes (or just one or two). You can even go to Tanzawa, Enoshima, even Kamakura!

Part of the fun of going to Hakone is to ride on all the various modes of transportation. If you have a car, it might be better to go elsewhere where the roadways are better than public transport. .

I drive in Japan and choose my destinations by which mode of transportation will work the best. The last time I drove to Hakone was 20 years ago with my mother-in-law who just wanted to get to the hotel and soak in the onsen. lol

Edited: 3 years agoRe: Driving in and staying for the weekend

7. Re: Driving in and staying for the weekend

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We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.I have travelled to NYC from Glasgow numerous times with BA via Heathrow, Aer Lingus via Dublin, KLM via Amsterdam and direct with United. On my most recent trip in March this year I flew from Edinburgh into Stewart which is a small airport some 60 miles north of Manhattan. The cost for March flights was 200 return per person.

There is a bus service that operates from Stewart airport and with no stops, goes straight to Port Authority Bus Terminal. It is timed to meet flights and the cost is $20 per person each way. For anyone who is put off by the 90 minute bus journey, I would point out that from leaving the plane to sitting on the bus outside, took about 20 minutes and that included collecting checked bags and immigration. When added together thats still under 2 hours and would be less than the time it would take to get through JFK or Newark and travel into Manhattan. I would definitely do it again.

For hotels, I check booking sites such as booking.com and hotels.com which is part of expedia. I then compare prices with the hotels own websites and if there isnt much difference I book direct with the hotel. The benefit to doing this is that it cuts out the middleman, so to speak, and makes it easier to communicate with the hotel if you need to. When you book through a third party, the hotel will not even discuss your booking (even to make a note about late arrival in my case) and refer you back to whomever you booked with.

I think packages have their place but for NYC its very easy to book separately. Also, I have looked in the past at BA packages but the ones within my budget are not really hotels that I want to stay at.

If you need advice on hotels, the experts on this forum are amazing and if you give exact dates and budget, they will find you something great!- The Embakasi East lawmaker labeled Miguna as a noisy pretender who thrives in chaos

- He told the exiled self-styled NRM Kenya general to desist from attacking Raila

- Miguna had accused Raila of abandoning his followers by agreeing to work with Uhuru

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has launched a scathing attack on lawyer Miguna Miguna for persistently disparaging Opposition leader Raila Odinga's name over the peace deal he signed with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Owino took to social media to express his rage at Miguna's relentlessness abuse of the former prime minister in the name of fighting for justice for the 2017 post-election violence victims.

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The Embakasi East lawmaker Babu Owino issued stern warning to lawyer Miguna Miguna over his persistent criticism of ODM party leader Raila Odinga. Photo:TUKO.

READ ALSO: Mama Baha wa Machachari karibu aonyesha Wakenya uchi wake kwa picha zinazozua mjadala mitandaoni

"Miguna would want us to believe that he has the best interest of the families of those who perished as a result of last year's general election at heart when we know that he is a pretender. He never contributed a coin to the families not to mention paying any of them a visit," Owino said in a Twitter post seen by TUKO.co.ke on Tuesday, May 1.

The vocal lawmaker claimed Miguna was a conman being bankrolled by someone to attack the former prime minister by pretending he was speaking for a section of Kenyans who were not happy with the reunion between Raila and Uhuru.

"We all know on whose payroll Miguna Miguna rants...Uhuru-Raila peace agreement put a drastic stop to his foreign public lectures which was a booming business where he charged entry and fees for those who took pictures with him. This con man must be exposed!" Owino said.

READ ALSO: Narrow escape for Babu Owino after court withdrew arrest warrant moments after issuing

Miguna has been on Raila's case since the signing of the famous Harambee House deal with Uhuru on March 9, 2018.

The fiery barrister accused the NASA coalition leader of causing the deaths of over 500 innocent Kenyans while pursuing his dream of becoming the president of Kenya.

READ ALSO: Miguna, ODM official savagely attack each other over Raila-Uhuru peace deal

In an unexpected rant on Twitter, Miguna called out Raila and asked him to fight for justice instead of making peace pacts with the Jubilee government.

"Raila Odinga sacrificed 500 innocent lives needlessly, had thousands...and disenfranchised millions of voters on October 26, 2017. He has nothing to laugh about. He should be mourning the dead or fighting for justice; not dining with despots," Miguna Tweeted.

Raila is yet to directly react to Miguna's tirades.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Miguna Miguna's return: Chaos at Jomo Kenyatta Int. Airport (JKIA) - On Tuko TV

Source: Tuko.co.ke- The senator challenged Duale to sell Jubilee agenda of improving the livelihood of Kenyans

- Gideon claimed the vocal Jubilee politician was looking for cheap political mileage through name calling

- The senator is facing fierce criticism from Jubilee party members allied to Ruto

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has lashed out at the National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale for his recent outbursts against him.

Speaking at Kapchepkor village in Baringo North, Moi on Monday, April 30, told off the Garissa Member of Parliament for incessantly insulting him over the 2022 succession politics.

The senator challenged Duale to instead sell the Jubilee agenda of improving the livelihood of Kenyans instead of engaging in petty insults noting he has never insulted anyone before.

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READ ALSO: Julie Gichuru atetemesha ardhi kwa gari la kifahari, thamani yake yawaacha wengi vinywa wazi

Moi challenged Duale to sell Jubilee agenda of improving livelihood of Kenyans instead of engaging in petty insults noting he has never insulted anyone before. Photo: Gidion Moi/Faebook.

READ ALSO: Rift Valley leaders ask Duale to apologise to Moi after saying this about him

I want to ask people, especially our leaders, I have never insulted anyone, why would you wake up and start insulting me? he asked.

Moi claimed the vocal Jubilee politician was looking for cheap political mileage through name calling, adding leaders should shun such propaganda only aimed at causing more division.

Talking about me wont help. I know that earns you little mileage. However, you should sell your ideologies and let the people decide, he stated.

On Jubilee development, the Kanu chairman urged politicians from both divide to help President Uhuru Kenyatta drive the government Big Four agenda.

READ ALSO: Handshake with Moi does not affect Ruto's 2022 presidential ambition - Duale

Moi on Monday, April 30, lashed out at the Garissa Member of Parliament for incessantly insulting him over the 2022 succession politics. Photo: Aden Duale/Facebook.

READ ALSO: Moi differs with Ruto on Raila's proposed constitutional amendment

Moi who is a likely presidential candidate in the next General Election was reacting to an earlier report by TUKO.co.ke in which Duale bashed his suitability to lead Kenya.

The senator is facing fierce criticism from Jubilee party members aligned to Deputy President William Ruto as the race to succeed Uhuru intensifies.

They claim Moi is spoiling for Ruto by attempting to divide the DP's votes in the Rift Valley and elsewhere by declaring interest in the top seat come 2022.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga's surprise meeting with retired president Moi on April 12, 2018, following peace deal with Uhuru on March 9, 2018, has further complicated the 2022 political equation.

Some political pundits claim Uhuru and Raila could be plotting to stop Ruto from transcending to the top office by using the Baringo senator.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Amazing Story of Kenya's Oldest Makanga ( Documentary) | Faces of Kenya - on TUKO TV

Source: Tuko.co.ke- The soldier reportedly left the barracks with loaded automatic rifles

- It's yet to be established why the highly trained and armed soldier escaped

- The rogue officer has reportedly been arrested

A Ugandan soldier who vanished from the barracks armed with loaded rifles, 120 bullets and in full military gear has been arrested.

The rogue Uganda's Special Forces Command (SFC) solider, believed to be one of President Yoweri Museveni's guards, was reportedly nabbed in Jinja District after news went round he had escaped from the Entebbe barracks under unclear circumstances.

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READ ALSO: Julie Gichuru atetemesha ardhi kwa gari la kifahari, thamani yake yawaacha wengi vinywa wazi

This was not the first time a solider had escaped from the barracks.The biggest escape happened in 2013 when over 400 soldiers left. Photo: Muslim Community Report.

READ ALSO: Museveni condemns military coup against Mugabe

According to Uganda's Daily Monitor, the unnamed soldier went missing from a high security surveillance base in Kasenyi, Entebbe, in early April 2018.

The base commander, Brigadier Don Nabasa, told the local daily they managed to trace the dangerously armed solider to the eastern Jinja and immediately arrested him.

When a soldier disappears, we arrest you. We do not wait. That is what happens in the forces,  Nabasa said.

READ ALSO: Museveni finally speaks on reports that Uganda has sent the MILITARY along Kenyan border

TUKO.co.ke gathered this was not the first time a solider had escaped from the military base.

The biggest escape, according to local media outlets, happened in 2013 when over 400 soldiers including 37 presidential guards deserted the barracks.

READ ALSO: Museveni reshuffles 9 senior military officers after Mugabe was ousted by military

The historic desertion was linked to the August 2012 deployment of the soldiers as labourers at President Museveni's farm.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Top 5 Tone-Deaf Quotes About Africa - On Tuko TV

Source: Tuko- Atwoli said Uhuru had nothing to worry about as long he worked with Raila

- He claimed Raila had loyal supporters who would automatically support the president

- Uhuru announced a 5% increment on minimum salary

The handshake that symbolised the peace pact between President Uhuru Kenyatta and the opposition leader Raila Odinga continues to receive praises and pieces of advise on how the two should run their agenda.

Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli on Tuesday, May 1, said Uhuru had nothing to worry about as long as he is with the former prime minister.

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READ ALSO: Mwanamuziki chipukizi wa Kikalenjin - Msupa S - amepoteza njia? Video yake yasisimua Wakenya

When you are with Raila, you don't need any support in Kenya - Atwoli tells Uhuru

READ ALSO: Please help our drunk sons - Gatundu women plead with Uhuru

Addressing a gathering during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru park, Atwoli said Uhuru did not need any support as long he was around Raila.

The unionist explained that was because Raila had loyal and passionate supporters who were willing to automatically support Uhuru.

READ ALSO: Don't allow Babu Owino to be thrown out of parliament - Atwoli pleads with Uhuru

''When you are with Raila Odinga, you don't need any support in Kenya because he has suicidal supporters from Nyanza and across the country, '' said Atwoli.

Atwoli added that following the peace pact between the two leaders which he claimed to have championed, it had resulted to an improved economy.

READ ALSO: Landslide displaces families in Tharaka-Nithi following heavy rains

When you are with Raila, you don't need any support in Kenya - Atwoli tells Uhuru

Na wakati nilianza kusema hawa watu wasalamiane mlisema kichwa yangu ni mbaya. (people called me crazy when I said these two Uhuru and Raila) should shake hands). The economy is now up! said Atwoli.

He also called for equity, fair sharing of national resources and jobs for all, urging Kenyans to supports Uhuru's four pillars of development.

Our unity as a nation has earned us much as COTU. We must support the four pillars mentioned by our President. They are close to our hearts, continued the COTU leader.

Atwoli remarks on improved economy were echoed by Cabinet Secretary for Labour Yattani Ukur.

Speaking on behalf of Uhuru , CS Yattani announced a 5% increase in minimum wage.

He also said the government was working to create more jobs by widening investments and stabilising the countrys political environment.

Yattani also called for dialogue to end the ongoing strikes.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

ALSO WATCH: Willy Paul Interview for Tuko Buzz: Willy Paul Reveals it All - on TUKO TV

Source: Tuko- The president said those lamenting about low wages were enemies of Uganda

- He went as far as revealing how much he reportedly takes home every month

- Museveni was reacting to pay rise demands by Ugandan doctors

Uganda's Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday, May 1, claimed he was one of the least paid employees in the country and he was not complaining about it despite being the president.

Museveni made it clear he will not tolerate people demanding for more pay and warned any Ugandan employee lamenting about salary will be declared an enemy of the state.

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Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni on May 1 warned Ugandan employees demanding for pay rise will be declared enemies of the state. Photo:The Insider.

READ ALSO: Museveni's guard who escaped with machine guns and 120 bullets arrested

"I am the president of Uganda, but I am not complaining about my pay, which is one of the lowest in Uganda," Museveni said during the Labour Day celebrations.

The president argued majority of Ugandans were not actively employed and therefore would wish to even have the little pay that some were complaining about.

There are 400 Ugandan civil servants, which is only 1% of the country's 40 million. If you are agitating for pay increase, do not forget the other Ugandans who are not in your category, Museveni said.

READ ALSO: Museveni condemns military coup against Mugabe

The president revealed his monthly take home was USh 3.6 million (about KSh 97, 000), one of the lowest salaries for civil servants in Uganda.

Museveni, TUKO.co.ke understands, was reacting to the recent pay rise demands by Ugandan doctors.

The country's National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU) boss, Usher Wilson Owere, had reportedly pleaded with the president to consider reviewing upward the medics' salaries.

READ ALSO: Museveni reshuffles 9 senior military officers after Mugabe was ousted by military

Owere was perhaps hoping the president would listen to the doctors grievances during the Labour Day celebrations, arguably the most important day for workers worldwide.

Clearly, he was wrong.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Top 5 Tone-Deaf Quotes About Africa - On Tuko TV

Source: Kenyan Breaking NewsAfrican tradition teaches women marriage is a lifetime commitment which you should never walk out of.

Some mothers even advise their kids to stick around even after their men batters them or abuses them.

READ ALSO:Photo of Rose Muhando looking completely emaciated appears months after she went underground

Others advise their girls never to walk out of a rich man as another lady will swoop in and take what rightfully belongs to her.

Some women however have stated the only reason they stand by an abusive man is because they want to give their children a stable family.

READ ALSO:16 ridiculous reasons most Kenyan men run into marriage including loneliness

Others have been tied by religion, stating their faith does not allow them to abandon their marriage no matter what happens.

Kenyan women opened up on why they never walk away from toxic relationships and some of their reasons will bring tears to your eyes.

READ ALSO:Actress Joyce Maina appeals to Kenyans after father mysteriously goes missing

1. Staying for the sake of the children.

2. She has nowhere else to go.

3. She has no job and cannot provide for herself.

4. Clinging onto the 'Mrs' title.

5. Religion does not allow her to walk out of her marriage.

6. She'll feel like a failure.

7. To avoid judgement from parents and society.

8. He is the only man you have ever loved.

9. She cannot imagine starting allover again.

10. Because the next man she meets might be worse than her hubby.

READ ALSO: Mwanamuziki chipukizi wa Kikalenjin - Msupa S - amepoteza njia? Video yake yasisimua Wakenya

11. She is already used to a particular kind of lifestyle.

12. She doesn't want to split assets in case they breakup.

13. She doesn't want another woman to inherit what she struggled to built with her husband.

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news.

Amazing Story of Kenya's Oldest Makanga ( Documentary) | Faces of Kenya

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Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Four Ukrainian servicemen have been wounded in the area of the Joint Forces Operation in Donbas as a result of enemy shelling over the past 24 hours.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Maksym Prauta said this at a briefing on Tuesday, May 1, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"Four of our defenders have been wounded as a result of enemy shelling. The health of three of them is estimated as satisfactory, and one soldier is in a state of moderate severity," Prauta said.

According to him, the situation on the contact line has not changed significantly over the past 24 hours. The Russian occupation forces do not stop shelling the defensive positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, in particular from weapons proscribed by the Minsk agreements.

"In general, all 44 cases of enemy shelling recorded on the contact line over the past 24 hours were identified as aiming. In order to preserve the life and health of the personnel, Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemen returned fire 14 times, using weapons strictly permitted by the Minsk agreements," he said.

opUkrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has discussed bilateral cooperation with Egyptian government representatives as part of his official visit to Egypt on April 29-30, the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has reported.

"The visit was a logical continuation of the agreements reached by the heads of the foreign ministries during their latest meeting in New York in September 2017, which took place against the backdrop of positive changes in the bilateral dialogue," the ministry said.

In particular, the visit began with Klimkin's meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, during which priority attention was paid to the ways of intensifying cooperation in the field of trade and economic relations, in particular, the prospects for participation of Ukrainian companies in large-scale projects in Egypt. The sides also noted a revival of contacts between ministries and business circles of both states, in particular in the context of the recent visit to Ukraine by Minister of Public Sector Affairs of Egypt Khaled Badawy.

During the talks between Klimkin and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry the sides emphasized the importance of maintaining an active dialogue at the level of the foreign ministries, cooperation in trade, economic, educational, cultural spheres, and other sectors. Separately, the sides discussed the state and prospects of the activity of the joint intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation, and spoke in favor of finding new modalities for its activities.

The ministers also expressed their readiness for active cooperation as part of international organizations and exchanged views on the global and regional agenda of international relations.

"The fight against terrorism was separately discussed. Klimkin stressed the need to join the efforts of the international community in this area and expressed support for the leadership of the Egyptian state in eradicating its manifestations in its own territory," the Foreign Ministry reported.

The ministers also noted the mutual interest of the parties in implementing significant potential for cooperation in the tourism industry.

During talks with Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Ali Abdel Aal, the sides stressed the need to intensify inter-parliamentary cooperation. Klimkin noted the establishment in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the Egypt-Ukraine friendship group. In this regard, the Speaker of the House of Representatives said that in order to establish direct contacts between parliamentarians, a similar group would be set up in the Egyptian parliament in the near future.

At a meeting between Klimkin and Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, the parties expressed their interest in intensifying contacts between the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and the Arab League. The sides also discussed topical issues of the regional agenda, the fight against terrorism and prospects for the development of the situation in the Middle East and North Africa.

Klimkin also met with representatives of the Ukrainian community in Egypt and told them about cooperation between the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and the Ukrainian diaspora in order to meet the cultural and spiritual needs of Ukrainians abroad.

During his stay in Egypt, Klimkin met with Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II, during which the issue of the creation of a single local church in Ukraine was raised.

opThe detainees have been declared suspicious under Part 2 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hooliganism committed by a group of persons).

Kyiv Prosecutor's Office has announced suspicion to perpetrators involved in beating of Ukrainian Member of Parliament Mustafa Nayyem.

Read alsoUkrainian national assaulted in occupied Crimea over car stickers

"Three participants in the conflict related to the attack on the Member of Parliament and his beating have been detained under Article 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. The men were born in 1999 anda 1996. Two of them are Russian citizens, staying in Ukraine under temporary resident certificates, while the other one is a Ukrainian native," the Kyiv Prosecutor's Office press service reported.

The detainees have been declared suspicious under Part 2 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hooliganism committed by a group of persons). A preventive measure is being considering now.

"In addition, another person was declared a suspect in absentia, as he struck the MP in the face, causing the latter injuries of moderate severity. His actions are qualified under Part 2 of Article 296 and Part 1 of Article 122 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (intended bodily injury of medium gravity). The man was put on the wanted list.

The perpetrators' Mercedes-Benz G Class was seized and placed on a penalty area.

As was earlier reported, an incident involving the MP from the Petro Poroshenko Bloc Nayyem took place in the center of Kyiv on the evening of April 30. He was attacked by unidentified individuals as a result of a road conflict.The enemy opened fire from 120mm and 82mm mortars, as well as small arm.

Russia's hybrid military forces attacked Ukrainian army positions in Donbas 44 times on the first day of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) on April 30, with three Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action (WIA).

Read alsoJoint Forces Operation kicks off in Donbas

The enemy has opened fire from 120mm and 82mm mortars six times and fired small arm as of 7:00, not complying with international agreements, the JFO's press center said in a morning update on Tuesday, May 1.

"Three Ukrainian soldier were wounded and evacuated to a hospital to receive medical assistance. Doctors say they are out of danger," the press center added.

As reported, the Ukrainian units fired back if needed to deter the enemy's firing activity, but without violating the Minsk accords.

Last night, it was relatively calm. The militants shelled the Ukrainian positions five times.

The enemy suffered losses as a result of the fight, namely five were wounded, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

As UNIAN reported earlier, on April 30, an Anti-Terrorist Operation officially completed in Donbas, giving way to the Joint Forces Operation (JFO).

The format change is laid down in the Donbas reintegration law signed off by President Poroshenko February 20.

From now on, the Joint Operational Staff shall be authorized to regulate the situation in the Donbas war zone instead of the ATO Staff.The Ukrainian Armed Forces need to be reformed according to NATO standards.

Michael Carpenter, a former Pentagon official, senior director of the Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement at the University of Pennsylvania, says the delivery of Javelin antitank missile systems to Ukraine will help to protect the country from Russia's unyielding war of aggression, however the military's command structure needs to be reformed.

Read alsoU.S. confirms delivery of Javelin antitank missiles to Ukraine

"Finally Ukraine gets Javelin anti-tank missiles. On a moral, political, tactical, and strategic level this is the right decision and will help Ukraine defend against Russia's unyielding war of aggression, which has claimed over 10,000 lives," he tweeted on April 30.

At the same time, Carpenter stressed that no one should fool themselves into thinking that Javelin missiles are a game-changer.

"Javelins are useful weapons that will have a limited deterrent effect, but they won't fundamentally change the warfighting capabilities of the Ukrainian military. Far more important is the military's command structure, which desperately needs to be reformed according to NATO standards, and the training and readiness of Ukraine's troops, which both need urgent attention," he added.

"Finally, it's important to remember that Ukraine is paying for these missiles. It would be far better in the long-run if Ukraine reformed its defense industry (i.e. made it more transparent and less susceptible to corruption) so it could produce anti-tank weapons itself," the official summed up.

As was earlier reported, the United States confirmed its delivery of American-made, Javelin antitank missile systems to Ukraine on April 30. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko thanked the U.S. President for the move, noting a "keen interest" in strengthening Ukraine's defense capability both within the state and abroad.(@rukhshanmir)

Over 3,000 participants including finance ministers, central bank governors, private sector representatives, development partners, academics, members of civil society, and the media are expected to gather on May 3-6 at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters here for the 51st Annual Meeting of ADB's Board of Governors.

MANILA (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018 ) , May 01 (APP):Over 3,000 participants including finance ministers, central bank governors, private sector representatives, development partners, academics, members of civil society, and the media are expected to gather on May 3-6 at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters here for the 51st Annual Meeting of ADB's board of Governors. Federal Minister for Finance Dr Miftah Ismail and Secretary Economic Affairs Division are also likely to attend the ADB's 4- day annual meeting. The Pakistani Finance minister will hold meeting specially with the Finance Ministers of various Asian Countries. After celebrating its 50th anniversary last year, ADB will be pivoting to the future and discuss its new strategy to meet new and emerging challenges for the region and how new technologies and globalization will affect job creation in developing Asia. The latest draft of ADB's long-term strategy, Strategy 2030, will also be discussed at the Governors' Plenary as ADB aims to finalize the document this year. The theme of the 2018 Annual Meeting is "Linking People and Economies for Inclusive Development." The meeting will look at global and regional issues affecting development in Asia and the Pacific, while exploring how ADB and its development partners can work together toward a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable region by 2030.

Various other events will be held during the Annual Meeting in Manila, including seminars focused on addressing gender gaps through women's entrepreneurship and economic empowerment; the private sector's increasing role in meeting Asia's huge infrastructure needs, estimated at $1.7 trillion annually until 2030; new technologies in finance; investing in community-led solutions for climate and disaster resilience; and promoting inclusive growth through inter-subregional cooperation.

See schedule of events. The Philippines, as the host country, will also organize an array of events gathering representatives from the public and private sectors and civil society to discuss the country's economic direction and development prospects.

This year's Annual Meeting is the first-ever carbon neutral AM held in Manila. ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members 48 from the region.(@FahadShabbir)

Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile Pervez Malik met Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair at the Governor House here.

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018 ) :Federal Minister for Commerce and Textile Pervez Malik met Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair at the Governor House here. The two leaders discussed in detail economic development and promotion of the fields of textile and commerce as well as the steps taken for encouraging textile industry, investment in new textile industries and other matters, said a press release issued here on Tuesday. The Sindh Governor said Pakistan is rich in natural resources and human resource, and there is need for maximum utilization of these resources.

He stressed the need for encouraging the people associated with the textile industry as well as investors to achieve the required results. The federal minister told the Governor Sindh that steps for promoting and encouraging textile industry at every level and attracting local and foreign investors towards this field are drawing positive results. He said both local and foreign investors are investing in textile industry which is helping in eradication of poverty and unemployment.(@FahadShabbir)

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will hold second national conference on early childhood care and Education (ECCE) here on Wednesday.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018 ) :Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will hold second national conference on early childhood care and Education (ECCE) here on Wednesday.

The event is the part of series of conferences and seminars being arranged by the University on regular basis to address the society-related issues, said a press release. It is the second such activity being organized by the University in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.

The proposed event will provide a forum to ECCE stakeholders for sharing experiences, researches, developments and innovations in the field of early childhood care, development and education.

According to the Faculty of Education, the conference will envisage for re-conceptualizing the concept of ECCE keeping in view the current practices, challenges and trends at national/global level.

It also aimed at appraising latest trends and address challenges in Early Childhood Care and Education. The AIOU is in process of setting up Early Childhood Care and Education Centre in collaboration with Ministry of Education and Professional Development and some other relevant institutions.Setting a new precedent of technology transfer to industry, National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) has licensed two Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) to the industry, relating to fleshing and shaving blades used in Pakistani tanneries sector

Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018 ) Setting a new precedent of technology transfer to industry, National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) has licensed two Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) to the industry, relating to fleshing and shaving blades used in Pakistani tanneries sector.

The licencing agreements were signed between NUST and M/s Shafi Reso Chemical (SRC), Lahore, in a special ceremony held at Pearl Continental Lahore. The inventor of the IPs belongs to NUST College of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, Rawalpindi.

Besides Rector NUST Lt Gen Naweed Zaman, HI (M), (Retd) and President Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), over 50 industrialists from the region attended the ceremony. Dr Nassar Ikram, Pro-Rector Research, Innovation & Commercialisation (RIC) NUST, and Mr.

Abrar Ahmed, CEO M/s SRC, signed the agreement. There are about 150 leather processing firms in Pakistan that spend nearly PKR 5 Million per firm per year on the import of fleshing and shaving blades, making an annual market of PKR 750 Million.

In the absence of locally available quality blades, the leather manufacturers have no choice but to opt for imported ones.

M/s SRC is a chemical company dedicated to the development and innovation of industrial chemicals that will ultimately contribute to improving the quality of life of the masses.

Under the licenced agreement, M/s SRC Lahore will now manufacture these blades locally, thus offering quality indigenous blades at significantly reduced cost, leading to substantial savings in foreign exchange.

Speaking at the occasion, Rector NUST highlighted the importance of university-industry linkages in advancing innovation and industrial research. He appreciated the support of industry and growing realisation of making these relations strong and fruitful for the society.

In his remarks, CEO M/s SRC lauded the professionalism of NUST team in the entire process from innovation to technology transfer. It merits mention here that the licencing agreement is the first-ever for any Pakistani university to transfer its intellectual property rights to the industry.

NUST is also currently in talks with a few other companies to license out its other IPs having societal impact and are in a market-ready state.The world must redouble efforts to halt global warming before it is too late, the UN's climate chief said Monday as nearly 200 nations kicked off talks in Bonn

Paris, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2018 ) :The world must redouble efforts to halt global warming before it is too late, the UN's climate chief said Monday as nearly 200 nations kicked off talks in Bonn.

"Our window of time for addressing climate change is closing very quickly," Patricia Espinosa told journalists. "We need to dramatically increase our ambition." The 12-day technical talks are focused on hammering out an "operating manual" for the landmark 2015 Paris climate pact, which calls for capping global warming at "well below" two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and 1.5C if possible.

Earth's average surface temperature has already risen by 1.0C since the mid-19th century, enough to push up sea levels and boost the severity of cyclones, drought, and deadly heat waves. Voluntary national pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, annexed to the Paris agreement, fall well short of the target, and would yield a 3C world that scientists say would strain the fabric of human civilisation.

"A rise of this magnitude would be extremely destabilising," Espinosa said at a press conference, webcast live. "We cannot allow this to happen." The Paris Agreement calls for revisiting nations' carbon-cutting pledges in 2023, but on current trends, experts warn, that may be too late.

After remaining flat for three years, global CO2 emissions in 2017 went up by 1.4 percent, dashing hopes that they had peaked. The 197-nation treaty also promises $100 billion (82 billion Euros) a year from 2020 to help developing nations green their economies and prepare for climate change impacts already in the pipeline.

"The international community must act now to ensure our Paris goals do not slip out of reach," said Gebru Jember Endalew, a diplomat from Ethiopia who heads the Least Developed Countries (LDC) negotiating bloc of nearly 50 nations.

"There remains a vast gap between the support needed and support received," he said in a statement. Diplomats in Bonn are mindful of the need to build bridges between the political process and the global economy, which has started to needed shift away from fossil fuels towards renewables and low-carbon energy.

"The Paris Agreement is important because it has a huge impact on what the market does," Canadian Environment Minister Catherine McKenna told AFP ahead of the meeting. "We need the money to flow, we need to go from billions to trillions in order to move to a low-carbon future." The Bonn meeting is one of a dozen climate-related gatherings this year that will culminate in a UN climate summit in Katowice, Poland, in December -- the cutoff for adopting a nuts-and-bolts "rule book" for implementing the Paris Agreement.

The issue is also on the agenda at the Quebec G7 summit in June, and the Buenos Aires G20 in November, as well as half-a-dozen ministerial meetings. The treaty goes into effect in 2020.The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) and Milli Coordination Council (MCC) of Azad Jammu Kashmir in a joint meeting held in AJK's capital city devised different ways and means for maintaining inter-sect harmony

Mirpur,AJK, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018 ) :The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) and Milli Coordination Council (MCC) of Azad Jammu Kashmir in a joint meeting held in AJK's capital city devised different ways and means for maintaining inter-sect harmony, tolerance and peace in Azad Jammu Kashmir here on Monday The meeting held at Prime Minister House was chaired by Chief Justice of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Ibrahim Zia, who is also Chairman of the council while president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan was chief guest on the occasion.

Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology Council Pakistan, Qibla Ayaz and Chairman AJK Ulema and Mushaikh Council Moulana Ubaidullah Farooqi were also among participants of the meeting. Addressing on the occasion, President Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan said it is matter of great satisfaction that AJK enjoys exemplary inter-sect harmony and religious tolerance.

The credit of this goes to Ulema of different schools of thoughts who spare no efforts to promote brotherhood, tolerance and the sense of peaceful coexistence in the society. The president said both Pakistan and AJK were come into being to provide the Muslims of this land an opportunity to live their lives in accordance with the golden principles of islam by following the Holy Life of Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him).

He said most of the Muslim countries had achieved their political freedom but unfortunately they are still striving hard to gain their ideological identity. The president strongly condemned the Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir and observed that Muslims in the held valley are being persecuted on basis their religion and in negation of the principle of the religious freedom.

He called upon the religious scholars and ulema to promote and highlight the religious tolerance and brotherhood that is an important feature of Islamic polity. Speaking on the occasion Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology, Qibla Ayyaz said Muslim across the world are facing numerous challenges that can only be addressed by equipping the Muslims with the modern science including the knowledge of science and technology.

Chairman Islamic Ideology Council Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Chief Justice, Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Ibrahim Zia urged the ulema to maintain and value the religious harmony in the liberated area. The Chief Justice highly appreciated the government for passing necessary laws to protect the creed of Muslims about last prophet hood.(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Amidst an environment of neglect and apathy over the miseries of people affected by the Kashmir conflict, around 30 eminent businessmen, journalists, civil society activists, politicians, lawyers and young leaders gathered here Tuesday at the launch of a study titled "Tales of Separation and Reunion"

MIRPUR (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018 ) ; May 01 (APP):Amidst an environment of neglect and apathy over the miseries of people affected by the Kashmir conflict, around 30 eminent businessmen, journalists, civil society activists, politicians, lawyers and young leaders gathered here Tuesday at the launch of a study titled "Tales of Separation and Reunion".

Speaking on the occasion, the author of the report, Qaiser Khan said through the report, he had drawn public attention towards the sufferings and oppression of a divided populace that has faced violent conflict and its catastrophic consequences, resulting in tragedies of great magnitude with broken human relationships, dejected mothers and thousands of children forcibly 'orphaned' despite their parents being alive.

Seven decades had already lapsed and there was a threat that the tragedy of partition would continue till the final resolution of the Kashmir issue, he added. Most of the participants present on the occasion were natives of the old Mirpur city whereas some of them belonged to the divided families also who led the conversation to a different level where stories of memories and separation were narrated.

Sabir Shah, Sr. Vice President of the AJ&K Chamber of Commerce shared in an emotional tone, his mother's story of separation from her family and applauded the author on his efforts to enrich the humanitarian discourse on Kashmir.

Advocate Ramzan Dutt opined that the miseries of the people of Mirpur got multiplied after division as the entire old city had to submerge in the Mangla Dam.

Thus, the people were not only separated from their families but from their memories also.

Expressing his views on the occasion, Station Director Azad Kashmir Radio, Mirpur Muhammad Shakeel stressed the need for taking initiatives, both strategic and diplomatic to eradicate the miseries of the shattered families and the deep-seated sense of deprivation in their hearts which can be made possible by re-establishing the cross- LoC linkages.

He stated that structures of oppression that divided the humanity on political lines such as Berlin Wall were doomed to perish and the Line of Control in Kashmir shall meet the same fate in near future.

Executive Director, Center for Peace, Development and Reforms (CPDR), Ershad Mahmud focused on the need for addressing the under-reported human rights abuses by creating an indigenous and humane narrative on this intractable conflict through action oriented research publications.

He referred to the likes of Basharat Peer and Mirza Waheed who have actually transformed the contested Kashmir narrative and applauded Qaiser Khan for his contribution in this regard. The final words came from the noted businessman and former President AJ&K Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Ex founder President of Jammu & Kashmir Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry Zulfiqar Abbasi who underlined the importance of using soft power to project the cause of Kashmir at the regional and international level.

He also pressed upon the students present on the occasion to come up with more research of such kind.Records 44751 To 44775 (Total 281370 Records)

World News

Due to the diverse and sudden change in global politics and international relations, everyone is interested to see world news about their friends and enemy states both. There are very less sites that are doing unbiased reporting about global scenario. Urdu Point gives world news today. The site provides world news live streaming for its users. BBC world news is one of the accurate news giving and it tries to do unbiased reporting but still not every news group is totally unbiased. Urdu Point gives latest world news. The site provides accurate breaking world news.

Urdu Point gives unbiased, accurate and timely news world. It provides exclusive world news headlines for the users. CNN world newsis also a news group, covering whole world political and social events. PTV world news gives a little biased news towards government. Urdu Point provides world latest news for its users. All the important world breaking news are given by the site. CPEC is a project of global importance. Urdu Point gives accurate CPEC news. After a lot of proceedings in China Pakistan relationswhole world is looking forward to the results of these relations for both nations.

Urdu Point gives accurate news about Pak China relations. Urdu Point gives all the latest news about America and Pakistan relations. Indo Pak relations are of great importance for both states. Urdu Point provides news about India Pakistan relations. It gives all the scenario of India Pakistan dispute. As we are getting close to China, politically and socially. People of both states want to know the news about neighboring country. Urdu Point all the China news. The site also gives accurate India news. The site also provides perspective of Indian news Pakistan. Urdu Point gives all the accurate Kashmir news for the global readers.

There is no state who is not interesting in knowing USA news. Urdu Point gives American news. All the concerned countries wants to know white house news as soon as it is possible for them. Guardian is also covering news reports about global politics and society. Urdu Point gives accurate international news. The site have the privilege of breaking international news with great accuracy and timeliness. It also have the facility of breaking global news with accuracy. Urdu Point posts all the news from the world. People are concerned about knowing news from globe.JHANG, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd May, 2018 ) ::Distribution of bardana (gunny bags) for wheat procurement is continued in the district and the process is transparent and merit based. This was stated by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mudassar Riaz Malik while visiting different procurement centers.

He said that small farmers were given priority in distribution of bardana.

He said that Punjab government was fully supporting wheat growers and all sources were being utilized to facilitate the farmers.

He said that representatives of growers were present at all wheat procurement centers to accommodate the visitors of these centers. He listened to the problems of wheat growers present in the center and ordered to resolve them at the earliest. APP/dba/ia/zqrRawalpindi Police have have busted a four-member inter-district dacoits gang, recovering looted cash, gold ornaments and weapons from their possession.

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018 ) :Rawalpindi Police have have busted a four-member inter-district dacoits gang, recovering looted cash, gold ornaments and weapons from their possession.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Rawalpindi Muhammad Bin Ashraf, City Police Officer Afzaal Ahmed Kosar constituted a police team under his supervision, comprising SDPO Gujar Khan, Sardar Babar Mumtaz, SHO Gujar Khan Police Station Inspector Ishtiaq Masood and others.

The team after hectic efforts managed to arrest the accused including Asghar Ali Shah resident of Kalar Syedan, Muhammad Siddique resident of Islampura, Mukhtar Hussain resident of Pind Dadan Khan and Sheikh Muhammad Zayarab resident of Gujar Khan, who were members of an inter-district dacoits gang members and involved in many dacoities and street crime cases, he said.

During investigation, he said, the accused had confessed to have committed dacoities, snatching mobiles and motorcycles, and other crimes in Rawalpindi and other districts.

The police also recovered gold ornaments worth Rs 150,000, Rs 400,500 and 490 Pounds in cash, mobile phones worth Rs150,000, a Kalashnikov with 20 rounds, a 44-bore rifle with 15 rounds and two 30-bore pistols with 11 rounds from their possession.

Meanwhile, a police spokesman said the Gujar Khan Circle Police had registered 55 first information reports (FIRs) against 55 drug peddlers, who were arrested with 21,630 grams charras, and 62 bottles and 231 liters liquor during April.

The police also held 43 accused for having weapons, including five rifles, a 12-bore gun, two revolvers, 29 pistols, 189 rounds of different bores and a dagger. The spokesman said 15 gamblers were also arrested during the period and the police recovered over Rs 1.3 million in cash, 10 mobile phones, a carry van and five motorcycles from them.

About 13 proclaimed offenders were also sent behind the bars during last month, he added.Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA), the national airline of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has selected SITA to support its strategic expansion plans by introducing modern, world-class IT infrastructure across 200 of the airlines offices located in 100 cities and airports in 60 countries. The solution will support the airlines global IT infrastructure which connects all SAUDIA outstations with its headquarters and various data centers worldwide.

SITA, the IT provider to the air transport industry, will introduce its unique ATI Cloud solution, which will allow SAUDIA to manage and distribute its business applications, information and business services on-demand, anywhere in the world. The agreement also includes infrastructure, IT support and round-the-clock service through a dedicated service center. SAUDIAs incremental growth and global expansion has seen the airline open new offices in key cities and in turn, has developed new IT requirements to support the demand for the carriers continued growth in passenger numbers in the Kingdom and beyond.

Airlines are increasingly looking for specialized content and service providers to meet their requirements. SITA, with its global presence and expertize, was identified as a trusted partner to implement a solution that would drive greater efficiency and productivity. Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser commented: As the national carrier moves forward with expansion plans across the entire organization and operations, it is crucial that we continue investing in leading-edge, modern technology. SAUDIA has a critical role to play in the nations Vision 2030, and continues to grow both in the Kingdom and beyond.

SITA has had a long working relationship with SAUDIA, and we believe this investment in new IT infrastructure will be vital in supporting our growing operations globally. SITA showcased very quick turn-around time and a future-proof solution that is adaptable to any site. Hani El-Assaad, SITA President Middle East, India and Africa, said: With the rapid progress of hosted applications and cloud-based environments, it is the right time for SAUDIA to adopt cloud solutions across its network. From a commercial perspective, quick responses to IT services requests are essential for running a successful operation and ensuring happy passengers. We are delighted to continue working with the airline as it embarks on its new phase of growth.

@Technuter.com News ServiceFAISALABAD, May 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd May, 2018 ) :Like other parts of the country, Labour Day was observed in the district on Tuesday with renewed pledge to acknowledge and promote the dignity of labourers.

Different labour organizations and NGOs held rallies and seminars to mark the day and highlight the rights of workers and pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886 for the rights of the labourers.

Jamaat-e-Islami Youth Wing and All Faisalabad Goods Transport Labour Union jointly organized a rally, participated by cyclists, motorcyclists and vehicles from Truck stand Jhang Road to District Council Chowk.

JI youth district president Rana Adnan Khan, Union President Rana Tanveer led the rally. Addressing the participants, Rana Adnan urged the government to take measures for the welfare of labour community.

He demanded the government for provision of free education, health and other basic facilities besides protection of labourer rights.

Ghulam Muhammad, in his message said that Labourer was back bone of economic development of any country.

No country can make progress and prosperity without giving basic rights to labourer. He also pays tribute to those who laid down their lives in Chicago for their rights. Pasban Rickshaw driver union Punjab, Pasban Wagon Workers Association Punjab, Pasban Power Loom Worker union Punjab also held rallies in different areas of the district.

Labour Federation of Pakistan held a seminar at district council hall to highlight the significance of the day. Dr Mian Zahid Malik Director Health Services, President Labour Federation of Pakistan Aneesur Rehman, General Secretary Main Mahboob Hussain, Chairpoerson Labour Federation Ruqayya Ibrahim and others addressed the seminar.

Dr Mian Zahid Malik said that labour federation of Pakistan is the only body working for labourers' rights in the country and struggling for their welfare. APP/asf/zqr(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Political and regional organizations held a demonstration in Parachinar, Kurram Agency, to protest the target killing of Hazara community in Quetta and urged the government to take measures to safeguard them

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018 ) :Political and regional organizations held a demonstration in Parachinar, Kurram Agency, to protest the target killing of Hazara community in Quetta and urged the government to take measures to safeguard them.

The protesters called for arrest of those involved in the killing. They were holding banners and placards inscribed with their demands.(@rukhshanmir)

Counter Terrorism Department (ctd) On Tuesday Arrested Two Suspected Terrorists Hailing From The Banned Outfit From Sialkot Hours Before Religiously Important Night Is Going To Be Observed.

Sialkot May 01 (inp) : Counter Terrorism Department (ctd) On Tuesday Arrested Two Suspected Terrorists Hailing From The Banned Outfit From Sialkot Hours Before Religiously Important Night Is Going To Be Observed.

The Terrorists Were Nabbed From The City Area Of Orah Chowk, (Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2018): Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Tuesday arrested two suspected terrorists hailing from the banned outfit from Sialkot hours before religiously important night is going to be observed.

The terrorists were nabbed from the city area of Orah Chowk, said the CTD of Punjab police. "The detained saboteurs wanted to launch a terrorist activity on Shab-e-Bara'at," said the CTD sources.

The arrested terrorists were identified as Wajahat Hussain and Sajjad Ahmad belong to Sialkot. Police seized explosives from their possession and shifted them to an undisclosed location for interrogation.

INP/LK/AK ========= Power shortfall hikes to 1,200MW as NTDC lines trip ISLAMABAD, May 01 (INP): A spokesman of the Power Division informed on Tuesday that 1,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity have disappeared from the national grid owing to tripping of power lines of the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC).

The news explained intermittent power cuts across the country since late Monday. The spokesman stated that the power plants affected by the tripping include plants one to four of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant.

He added that three LNG plants Haveli, Bhikki and Baloki with a combined production capacity of 3,600 MW, are also not operating due to testing. He assured that Chashma's plants one and two could be operational by evening whereas restoring the other two will take time.

The Neelum-Jhelum Power Plant is also in a testing phase at present, he informed. Power distributors will thus be carrying out load-shedding to cater to the loss of electricity, he said, adding that outages will take place keeping in mind high and low loss areas.Page Content

A public flag retirement ceremony and food drive will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at 3 p.m. Friday, May 4.

Organized by students in a Psychology 395 capstone course, the event will be held on the front lawn of Old Main. Joining students will be members of the UW-Stevens Point Veterans Club, ROTC cadets, Alliance of Non-Traditional Students and music majors as well as members of the VFW Post 10262, Stevens Point Police Department Color Guard, Mayor Mike Wiza and State Senator Patrick Testin. Attendees are welcome to gather for refreshments in the Dreyfus University Center Laird Room after the ceremony.

Those attending may bring torn, faded or damaged flags for retirement, as well as a non-perishable food donation. Proceeds will be distributed to the UW-Stevens Point's The Cupboard food pantry and the Salvation Army.

According to class member and retired U.S. Army combat veteran Paul Morrison of Wisconsin Rapids, few people have seen a flag retirement ceremony.

"It is fitting that when a flag's service to our nation is over, it be given the highest honors," he said. "This ceremony is personal to me, and to other veterans and citizens. I believe that everyone could benefit from seeing it."

Donations for the food pantry also will be accepted at the Stevens Point YMCA, 1000 Division St.; Stevens Point Police Department, 933 Michigan Ave.; VFW Plover Post, 2970 Hickory Dr.; or the Dreyfus University Center, 1015 Reserve St.

For more information, go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/events/741246576222334.



Pope Francis meets today with about 400 members of the staff of the Avvenire newspaper, along with their families, to commemorate the newspapers 50th anniversary.

By Vatican News staff

The daily newspaper of the Italian Bishops Conference, Avvenire, was founded in December 1968 with the merging of two other newspapers, Bolognas LAvvenire di Italia and Milans LItalia. According to the journals website, its existence is connected with a person, a choice, and an event.

The person

Blessed Pope Paul VI gave much support to the newspaper, particularly its efforts to provide Italian Catholics with a common cultural medium.



The choice

Avvenire was founded as a popular instrument of information and comment on the reality of the contemporary world. It was a concrete choice made in response to the Second Vatican Council as a means to communicate the Gospel and the spirit of that same Council.



The event

The event that characterizes the foundation of this daily Catholic journal is the publication of Inter Mirifica (Decree On the Media of Social Communication) which was approved on December 4, 1963.



Avvenire Today

Pope Francis himself gave an interview to Avvenire in November 2016, just a few days before the end of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. He answered 23 questions by Italian journalist Stefania Falasca, a personal friend of the Pope whom he contacted by telephone a few moments after his election to the See of Peter. Mercy, ecumenism, and his reflections on the legacy of the Second Vatican Council were among the topics that he discussed.



Avvenire is one of the few newspapers in Italy whose circulation is growing, despite competition from online news sources. Recent innovations at the paper, such as including regular features on bioethics and culture, as well as a jobs and employment section, are said to be key factors in the rise in circulation.

In addition to church news, the paper covers topics as diverse as politics, international affairs, economics and history. An entire section of its website is devoted to the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the paper.

The entire Las Vegas valley is invited to celebrate Independence Day at the 24Th Annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, Southern Nevadas largest and most colorful Fourth of July parade.

The parade features more than 70 entries, including traditional floats, giant inflatable balloons, American military heroes, bands, musical groups and a variety of kids favorite storybook and cartoon characters. More than 2,500 people are participating in the parade and more than 500 volunteers from dozens of local schools and community groups are assisting with parade operations. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the parade.

This year, several new entries are added to the parade roster, including Escape from Jurassic World; Octonauts: Ready for Action; Hamiltons America; Cocos Fiesta Espectacular; The Greatest Show; and appearances by The Incredibles, Black Panther, Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band and Paw Patrol. More than 16,000 cubic feet of helium will be used for more than 25 giant inflatables.

Returning to the parade are fan favorites The Fourth Awakens float featuring the Neon City Garrison Star Wars costuming club; The Black Pearl pirate ship float featuring Captain Jack and his swashbuckling adventure; Moanas Ocean Journey float featuring dancing water fountains; America Standing Tall float featuring a 15-foot Miss Stars and Stripes; Guan Strong Lion Arts traditional Chinese dancers; Southern Nevada Military Vehicle Association; Danza Del Carrizo Native American performing group; the Palo Verde and Las Vegas High School marching bands; and A Salute to the Military float featuring service men and women from Nellis Air Force Base. Members of the American Legion, USO and Marine Corps League will also participate in the festivities.

The parade is organized by The Summerlin Council, the non-profit arm of the Summerlin Community Association dedicated to the social, educational and recreational enrichment of residents. The parade is open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, bring water and wear sunscreen.

Title Sponsor is The Howard Hughes Corporation/Summerlin. Premier Sponsor is QI Security Services. Major sponsors include Summerlin Hospital and Medical Center; Station Casinos; Pardee Homes; Nevada State Bank; Hanratty Law Group; Southwest Medical Associates; Palmer Electric; Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance; and Downtown Summerlin.

On May 17, burrito-lovers with an appetite for supporting a worthy cause will be able to help Three Square Food Bank by visiting any Las Vegas Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants and mentioning Three Square at checkout. By doing so, 50 percent of sales during this special fundraiser will be donated to Three Square (Pictured: Chicken Burrito).

This fundraiser will help Three Square Food Bank continue hunger relief efforts by providing food assistance to the residents of Lincoln, Nye, Esmeralda and Clark Counties.

Get ready to bust your belt buckles laughing the night away with comedian and actor Rodney Carrington. He will return to the David Copperfield Theater at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino December 6  15 during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR).

The comedian has been entertaining guests during this festive week for decades and knows how to make guests laugh their cowboy boots off.

Carrington is a staple on the comedy scene and has recorded eight major record label comedy albums, collectively selling more than three million copies. Morning Wood has been certified Gold and Greatest Hits has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. He co-wrote and co-starred with Toby Keith in the feature film Beer for My Horses, in addition to starring in his own TV sitcom, Rodney, which ran for two seasons on ABC.

According to Pollstar, Carrington has been one of the Top 10 highest grossing touring comedians for the last 10 years and is on track to be in the Top Five in 2017. Carrington regularly performs to sold-out crowds across the U.S. and Canada. His Netflix special Here Comes The Truth as well as his latest album of the same name was released in October 2017. The album is available on iTunes and Google Play.[Editors Note: In recent years, Chinas influence in Cambodia has continued to grow, both in terms of politics and investment. China remains Cambodias largest donor and more and more Chinese tourists flock to the country each year. But while the political relationship between the two countries continues to grow in strength, signs of tensions have begun to show as fears over criminal activity circulate. Over the past five years, more than 1,000 Chinese nationals have been arrested in Cambodia and deported. VOAs Neou Vannarin spoke to Ear Sophal, the co-author of The Hungry Dragon: How Chinas Resource Quest is Reshaping the World, about this new trend and what it means for Cambodians.]

VOA: On a recent visit to Cambodia, the head of Chinas international cooperation department, Liao Jingrong told his Cambodian counterpart that the government must do more to protect Chinese in Cambodia, a request Prime Minister Hun Sen responded positively to. Is this a reflection of Chinese influence in Cambodia?

Sophal: Sure, its a win-win-win-win for China. Excess Chinese capital is invested in Cambodia; no tender or tendered to Chinese (likely state) firms only; these overwhelmingly employ Chinese male construction workers (there are 30 million too many men in China compared to what ought to be gender demographics of that country due to sex-selection), which is win number three; if things go wrong, there can be a debt/equity swap.

VOA: Cambodian debt to China is more than $3 billion. China is also a major investor in Cambodia. Is this a negative or positive thing?

Sophal: I know I use this African proverb too frequently, but it is absolutely true: if your hand is in another mans pocket, you must walk where he walks. To be overly dependent on anybody, whether it be China or America, is bad. Diversifying is good. Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Cambodia is putting all of its eggs in China's basket.

VOA: There are concerns that Cambodia would become a Chineses satellite state, particularly Sihanoukville. What are your thoughts?

Sophal: Absolutely. Chinese casinos are everywhere in Sihanoukville; meanwhile, the sellers on Ochheuteal beach are kicked out. These are Khmer people, the owners of Cambodia. They are not disposable. At the same time, Chinese mafia has arrived to kidnap Chinese investors to the point of alarming the Governor to the point of writing a memo that got leaked and causing the Chinese embassy to encourage Cambodia to enforce local laws. Easier said than done when there is little respect for the rule of law and money speaks when politicians don't.

VOA: Would you compare Cambodias situation to other countries in Asia or Africa?

Sophal: I would say Cambodia is far too deep in compared to other Asian and African countries that deal with China. I've used it before, and I'll use it again, Cambodia cannot become a province of China nor a wholly-owned subsidiary. Cambodia must always remain independent and sovereign.

VOA: Hun Sen has argued that Cambodia needs China for its economic and construction workers. Does Cambodia need China to build the country?

Sophal: Sure, but Cambodia can do a lot on its own  why only rely on China? Seventy percent of roads and bridges are courtesy of China for example in recent years. That's insane! Twenty percent of Cambodia's coast to a Chinese company? Twenty percent of Cambodia's debt to GDP ratio to China? In the commercial sector, ghost cities are being created as units are snapped-up and left empty, driving up real estate prices for Cambodians who can already ill-afford to buy. "Houses are built to be inhabited, not for speculation, said Xi Jinping. This applies to Cambodia too.

VOA: What is behind the recent upsurge in Chinese nationals flocking to Cambodia?

Sophal: They go to Palau too, and destroy the priceless coral (some of the last unbleached in the world) because they dont seem to know about conservation. The numbers are so large that it can lead to problems. On our end, we only have one Angkor Wat. And if you think about it, why are they investing on a private level in buying up real estate? Is it money-laundering? We should be careful, as global banks do, to KYC: Know Your Customer. When someone comes into an international bank branch and attempts to deposit $10 million, questions must be asked. Where did this money come from? I hope we are asking those critical questions in the motherland.

Note: This interview was edited for length and clarity.Scientists have expressed shock at the speed at which resistance to powerful antibiotics is able to spread from animals to humans. New research has shown how anti-microbial resistance to a key medicine likely spread from a pig farm in China, to affect human and animal species around the world, in the space of just a few years. Henry Ridgwell reports.Violent crime, terror attacks, and epidemic levels of sexual assault in Europe are not linked to mass migration, Emmanuel Macron has said, blaming discrimination and inequality for the phenomena.



Speaking to George Washington University students in the U.S. last week, the French President also acknowledged that 90 per cent of African migrants arriving in Europe are economic migrants and not refugees.



Macron was prompted to address the topic after a student stood up to say that Americans have watched as mass immigration from the Middle East and Africa to Europe  over the years, resulting in the rise of violence, crime, and terror attacks on the continent.



Highlighting an increase in sexual assault and rape of women to the point that many women are too afraid to leave home and an increase in anti-Semitism to the point that in many cities Jewish citizens are advised not to wear religious garb for fear of being attacked, she asked the President what his government is doing to ensure the national security and the cultural identity of France and Europe.



I am absolutely not naive. In our societies, we have a need for more security, more national security, especially for women, Macron said, before stating: I do not believe that these phenomena are linked to migration.

Front National President Marine Le Pen wants to send a kind word of warning to President Donald Trump following the recent state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the United States: hes not the one you want.



Speaking exclusively to Breitbart London following a large rally of supporters in Nice, France, Ms. Le Pen said President Trump should not be mistaken about President Macron and his ambitions.



Macron is not the new cycle [of politics], she said. He is the end of the old cycle.



Speaking to a crowd of over 1500 supporters in the southern French city, Ms. Le Pen talked of the new wave of European populists and patriots ready to take control and govern across the continent.



The rally  hosted by her pan-European political group Movement for a Europe of Nations  included speakers from Austrias new governing Freedom Party, as well as counterparts from Greece, Bulgaria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Poland, and more.



Another way has now opened. Everyone sees that the EUs project is out of breath and that it is cracking from all sides, she told the crowd.

Here's Emmanuel Macron using an approach that's potentially hurtful *Ahem* Maybe they're not linked to migration per se, but they most certainly are linked to Islam. And if he's only placing the blame upon native Europeans and not the Muslims and interlopers from north Africa themselves, that's inicredibly insulting and does no favors for anybody. So he's not helping by claiming he's not naive. Marine Le Pen had the following to say about Macron at a gathering in Nice:Sooner or later, that's just what'll happen, and the EU had best come to terms with how its horrendous policies. Macron will have to recognize reality sooner or later as well.

Labels: Africa, anti-semitism, belgium, dhimmitude, Europe, France, immigration, islam, jihad, misogyny, Moonbattery, poland, political corruption, racism, terrorism, war on terrorKenya has banned a new film by the celebrated Kenyan director Wanuri Kahiu saying it violates Kenyan law and morals. Her new film, "Rafiki," is a coming-of-age tale of two girls falling in love, inspired by an award-winning short story by a Ugandan author. In May, the film will become the first feature-length movie from Kenya ever to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival (May 8  May 19). VOAs Daniel Schearf met with Kahiu in Nairobi and has this report.The URL has been copied to your clipboard

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U.S. President Donald Trump called for a closer trade and security relationship with Nigeria, as he met the countrys leader, Muhammadu Buhari, at the White House Monday. As VOAs Bill Gallo reports, Buhari is the first sub-Saharan African leader that Trump has hosted.U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed his decision on whether to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico until June 1. The announcement Monday provides more time to negotiate deals to exempt those countries from U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. The Trump administration announced broad tariffs in early March that went into effect for China, Russia, Japan and many other exporters. VOA's Zlatica Hoke reports.As World Press Freedom Day approaches, the Afghan media community has suffered a severe blow by losing nine of its members in a single day.

Islamic State (IS) terror group militants killed nine Afghan journalists and injured five other reporters Monday in a twin suicide bombings in the heart of Kabul, the capital city of Afghanistan.

Frustrated by the Afghan media's reporting, IS is trying to spread fear and force Afghan journalists to be silenced, analysts say.

IS wants to squash media freedom in Afghanistan by creating fear among the Afghan media community. It does not want the truth about its activities to come out. It seeks to force the media not to report against it and to present its own distorted propaganda, Walter Dorn, a professor at Royal Military College of Canada & Canadian Forces College told VOA.

The brave journalists of Afghanistan who continue to write and speak on important issues of the day should be praised and appreciated, not maligned and killed. They uncover corruption of governments, arms and drug dealers, and they need support, he added.



Also Monday, unknown gunmen killed a BBC local reporter in eastern Khost province of Afghanistan. In a similar incident last week, unknown gunmen shot dead another Afghan journalist in southern Kandahar province. No group has claimed the responsibility for the attacks.

Journalists Targeted

During the past 15 years, more than 80 journalists, local and international, were killed in Afghanistan, more than 20 only in 2017, according to Afghanistan Journalists Safety Committee.

IS and other terror groups are affected by media coverage of their gory attacks and are trying to force reporters into self-censorship. They are very much interested in preventing or limiting the coverage of human suffering aspects of their attacks, Sediqullah Tawhidi, Chairman of Afghanistan Journalists Safety Committee told VOA.

We have shown [to terrorists] in the past 15 years that the killing of our colleagues and targeting of the media community, will neither stop the news coverage nor they can silence the freedom of speech. Fear and terror cannot bar us from reporting, he added.

Condemnation poured after the twin suicide attacks in the capital city of Kabul that killed 26 and wounded at least 50 others.

I am furthermore outraged by the attack which appears to have deliberately targeted journalists; this attack, coming just ahead of World Press Freedom Day, is a direct assault on freedom of expression, said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of United Nation Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in statement to media.

Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, president of Afghanistan in a statement also expressed his support for Afghan media community. Freedom of speech is an important achievement of the Afghan government and people, and we will preserve and protect it with everything we have in power.

US should do more

General John Nicholson, U.S.-led NATO commander in Afghanistan said that such attacks will not weaken the Afghans.

Make no mistake; the enemies of Afghanistan cannot win. Actions like this only strengthen our steadfast commitment to the people of Afghanistan, Nicholson said.

Afghanistan experts, however, argue that what the U.S. is doing in Afghanistan is not enough, given the recent attacks in the country and that Washington needs to do more to eliminate IS from Afghanistan.

I see a need for further U.S. airstrikes against ISIS targets in Afghanistan. The bombing, however, must be done patiently, precisely and without error so that the people of Afghanistan do not suffer collateral damage during the strikes, Dorn added.

Kabir Ranjbar, Kabul based Afghanistan expert disagrees and says that violence in Afghanistan, either by the Taliban or IS, has roots in Pakistan.

President Trump should fulfill his pledge and fully utilize his South Asia strategy. As I recall him warning Pakistan to stop supporting militants and insurgents groups, but he did not push it enough. The situation will change drastically in Afghanistan, if Mr. Trump imposes economic sanctions on Pakistan and its military intelligence, ISI [Inter-Services Intelligence], Ranjbar told VOA.

We are the biggest ally of the U.S. in the region. Afghans blood is being shed and the U.S. is only watching. This scenario has generated a negative reaction among Afghans, he added.

Pakistan denies the charge that it is supporting any militant or insurgent groups.Scientists have expressed shock at the speed at which resistance to powerful antibiotics spreads from animals to humans, as new research has shown how genetic mutations in pathogens likely spread from a pig farm in China to affect human and animal species across the world in the space of just a few years.

The antibiotic Colistin is known as a medicine of "last resort," used to save people's lives when all other drugs have failed. Lead researcher Professor Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London says it has become an important last line of defense as other antibiotics have become less effective.

It was used a bit in the clinic. And then there were some worries about toxicity and side-effects. And it was mostly used in agriculture then, in pigs and a bit in chickens. But recently, as we are running out of drugs, people actually have become a bit more interested in using it, and it has been used quite extensively recently over the last five to 10 years in the clinic, says Balloux.

Now even Colistin is losing its potency against so-called "superbugs".

Fast mutation

Deadly pathogens like E. Coli or salmonella can mutate and develop resistance to antibiotics. Ballouxs research identifies the speed at which the mutant gene that gives resistance to Colistin emerged in the mid-2000s.

It was a single mergence, it happened only once. And it jumped very, very likely from pigs, probably in China, and it spread extremely rapidly throughout the world. And it also spread in all sorts of different species, and affects humans. So now we find it in in many of the most important pathogens we face in hospitals. And it is absolutely everywhere, Balloux told VOA.

The resistance has even been found in pathogens in the seawater on Brazilian beaches. Balloux notes his study focused on just one resistant gene, but many pathogens are developing other forms of resistance.

Britains chief medical officer warned recently that anti-microbial resistance could lead to the "end of modern medicine."

Think about common operations, caesarean sections, replacement hips. Those would become much more risky if we did not have effective antibiotics. Superbugs kill and they're on the rise, Professor Sally Davies told delegates at an October conference on anti-microbial resistance in Germany.

Scientists are working on "boosting" existing drugs like Colistin to give them added power against resistant pathogens.

Longer-term, researchers say more investment is needed in developing new drugs, along with a rethink of the way antibiotics are used in agriculture and in the clinic.Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan became the sole candidate for the post of interim prime minister on Monday after a key deadline passed without other candidates registering.

Whether or not he gets the job, left open by the resignation of long-time leader Serzh Sarksyan after two weeks of anti-government protests, depends on a parliamentary vote to be held Tuesday.

Pashinyan has received the support of all opposition parties in parliament, who hold 47 seats in the 105-seat legislature, but he will require a majority to win.

Anti-government demonstrations, driven by public anger over perceived political cronyism and corruption in the South Caucasian former Soviet republic, led to Sarksyan's resignation a week ago.

At a meeting with the governing Republican party on Monday, as well as with the opposition bloc Way Out, Pashinyan said that a vote for him on Tuesday would be a vote for an end to the crisis.

"I think this is a unique and great opportunity to resolve the domestic political crisis and to register the victory of the people, the kind of victory in which there are no losers," said Pashinyan, a former journalist turned lawmaker.

After a break during the day, protests restarted in Yerevan toward the evening, with a column of demonstrators marching to the capital city's main square.

Speaking with journalists Monday, Pashinyan said his main project as interim prime minister would be to organize new free and fair parliamentary elections for the post of prime minister.

Although demonstrations have been peaceful, the upheaval has threatened to destabilize Armenia, an ally of Russia, in a volatile region riven by Armenia's decades-long, low-level conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan.The leader of an Armenian protest movement that forced the country's veteran leader to step down announced on Tuesday a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience after the ruling party thwarted his bid to take over as prime minister.

Addressing tens of thousands of people gathered in a square in the Armenian capital, Nikol Pashinyan said that starting from 8:15 (0415 UTC) on Wednesday morning, his supporters would block roads, railways and airports.

The planned day of protest in the small ex-Soviet state sets up a standoff between Pashinyan's movement, which has mobilized thousands of people to take to the streets, and a ruling elite that is determined to hold on to power and still controls the security apparatus.

"We will block the streets, the airports, the metro, the railway, everything that can be blocked," Pashinyan told his cheering supporters on Yerevan's Republic Square.

"If everyone participates in a total act of civil disobedience, this will be a total victory of the people of Armenia. Our struggle is a struggle of nonviolence; it is a peaceful act of civil disobedience."

After days of protests, veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan stepped down as prime minister last week. That seemed to signal a dramatic shift in power in Armenia, an ex-Soviet state closely aligned to Russia that has been run by the same cadre of people since the late 1990s.

Pashinyan, 42, a former journalist who spent two years in jail for fomenting unrest, was submitted to parliament as the only nominee for the vacant prime minister's job.

But the ruling Republican Party, allied to Sarksyan, has a majority in the legislature, and after hours of acrimonious debate it withheld its support for Pashinyan's candidacy, leaving him short of the support he needed.

Wave of anger

Earlier on Tuesday, Pashinyan had warned the ruling elite it could face a "tsunami" of anger from the people if it stymied his move to become prime minister.

Supporters of Pashinyan, who had spent the day in the capital's Republic Square to watch the parliamentary debate on two huge screens, shouted "shame" when the result of the vote was shown.

"It showed once again that they don't care about us, about the ordinary people," said Gurgen, 61, an unemployed man who was among the crowd.

The crisis in Armenia, which has a population of only about 3 million and has Russian military bases on its territory, is being closely watched in Moscow.

Officials there are wary of a repeat of a popular revolt in Ukraine in 2014 that swept to power new leaders who pulled away from Moscow's orbit.

Protests flared when Sarksyan, an establishment veteran, announced he was seeking to become prime minister. He had previously been president, but was limited by the constitution from seeking another term.

Some Armenians saw Sarksyan's bid for the prime minister's job as a cynical ploy to extend his grip on power. Some voters accuse Sarksyan and his associates of cronyism and corruption, allegations they deny.

Pashinyan has pledged to keep Armenia close to Moscow, saying the changes he wants to make would instead focus on rooting out graft.

During the parliamentary debate, Republican Party lawmakers accused Pashinyan or being an irresponsible rabble-rouser. They alleged he recruited children to join his protest movement and said he lacked the qualities to command the Armenian armed forces.Former government officials and citizens in Armenia expressed reservations about the ruling party's decision to block a bid by opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan to become prime minister, setting up a standoff between the elite, which has run the state for more than a decade, and thousands of Pashinyan's supporters camped on the streets.

Armenia's former defense minister, Seyran Ohanyan, told VOA's Armenian Service he expected to see Pashinyan elected prime minister, which in his opinion would have resolved the unfolding political crisis.

Armenia's parliament voted 45-to-55 against Pashinyan, leaving him eight votes short of the majority needed to capture the South Caucasian nation's most powerful office.

"Nikol Pashinyan, indeed, deserved to be the prime minister in this new situation and implement changes expected and demanded by people," Ohanyan said.

He also stressed that the ruling party's stated rationale for not appointing Pashinyan  that electing an opposition figure as prime minister would imperil national security  should be questioned.

"Otherwise, we will never have any political changes!" Ohanyan told VOA. "Just the opposite, political changes are the major pillar of the military strength of our country, which is linked to the economy. Whoever raises the economy, will also help the army."

While observers have expressed fear that any unexpected political turmoil resulting from Tuesday's parliamentary sessions could destabilize the Moscow-allied nation, which has been locked in a territorial dispute with Azerbaijan for decades, Pashinyan had met Sunday with Russian lawmakers, telling them his premiership would not threaten Yerevan's close ties with Moscow.

Stepan Demirchyan, Armenia's former opposition leader 2004 presidential candidate, said Pashinyan's "movement can't be stopped."

"This is a continuation of the previous struggle, and it should reach its logical goal," he told VOA. "I have no doubts Nikol Pashinyan will eventually become a prime minister. Yet, the major goal is to have snap and fair elections in our country."

Citizens react

Ambassador Richard Kauzlarich, the former top U.S. diplomat to Azerbaijan, told VOA he thinks the Armenian people should have the right to decide their own fate by themselves.

The more external powers involved, he said, the higher the level of uncertainty.

"The outside powers  in particular, Moscow and Washington  need to stand back from this process, and that will be easier to do for Washington than for Moscow," he said.

People on the streets of Yerevan, who did not want to share their names, seemed to echo these opinions.

"There is no alternative. Nikol should sit on the prime minister chair," said one pub patron as he watched the political coverage on television.

"The people's candidate should be the prime minister," said a woman sitting nearby.

Pashinyan, who addressed a rally of his supporters immediately after the vote, vowed to continue his movement.

On Monday, Pashinyan promised to stage nationwide strikes if the legislature failed to appoint him.

The 42-year-old opposition lawmaker, who had led 11 days of street demonstrations over an alleged power grab by former prime minister Serzh Sargsyan that threw the former Soviet republic into a political crisis, was widely expected to receive the 53 votes required to secure the post from the 105-member parliament.

Former president Sargsyan

As the only candidate officially nominated for prime minister, Pashinyan, a member of the Yelk or "Way Out''-led alliance, which holds 47 votes among its loosely allied opposition constituents, had secured assurances of further support from Sargsyan's ruling Republican Party.

Sargsyan, who was elected prime minister by parliament on April 17  some eight days after his two-term presidency ended due to term limits  previously had said he would not seek to become prime minister after recently-implemented constitutional changes, which he championed during his presidency, made the office of prime minister more powerful than that of the presidency he was forced to vacate.

According to statistics by the United Nations, more than 11 percent of Armenians live below the poverty line, earning less than 1,530 Armenian drams ($3.20) per day, and as Bloomberg reports, emigre remittances from Armenia's 8-million-strong diaspora comprise 14 percent of national GDP.

Under Sargsyan, Armenia barely recovered from a GDP decline of 14 percent in 2009, only to witness a 7.5-percent surge of economic growth in 2017.

By the end of last year, however, the economy faced deflation and extremely weak domestic demand.

The government has grappled with constant budget deficits, and the unemployment rate remains above 16 percent.A friend of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad who was once one of Lebanon's most powerful men is trying to make a comeback, with the backing of

the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

Jamil al-Sayyed rose to become Lebanon's feared intelligence chief during Syria's 15-year domination of the country after its 1975-90 civil war. He quit in 2005, weeks after former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri was assassinated, and spent four years in jail until he was released without charge over the killing.

Now 68, the retired general and former spymaster is running on Sunday in Lebanon's first parliamentary election since 2009.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, a Sunni Muslim, is expected to remain in power though he is likely to lose some seats to rivals, including candidates allied to Hezbollah.

But Hariri, who is backed by the West and leads a government that includes Hezbollah and nearly all Lebanon's other main parties, has signaled his concern by indirectly identifying Sayyed as "Bashar al-Assad's candidate."

The Baalbek-Hermel constituency in eastern Lebanon, where Sayyed is running as an independent candidate, has become one of the most important battlegrounds in the election.

Sayyed says Hezbollah's opponents have chosen it "as a point of confrontation."

"I am an independent but not neutral," Sayyed told Reuters in an interview in his home village of Nabi Ayla in the fertile Bekaa Valley.

Making clear his allegiance is with Hezbollah, he said: "I have firm political convictions in support of the resistance."

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said he will go to the district if necessary to support Hezbollah and its allies against Hariri's Future Movement and the Lebanese Forces party led by Samir Geagea, a former Christian militia leader.

Sayyed's critics say his potential comeback and that of his wartime opponents from the anti-Syria camp, such as Geagea, could entrench old divisions. One of the biggest anti-Syria dissidents of that time, Christian politician Michel Aoun, is now president of the country of 4 million.

But Sayyed said he was unfazed that Lebanon is mostly run by leaders from the civil war era.

"I know their secrets and what they hide  their history  because I worked as required in the state in security, in politics," he said.

Criticism of Washington

Sayyed criticized U.S. financial support for the Lebanese army, saying it was intended to provoke a confrontation with Hezbollah, which Washington considers a terrorist organization.

But he said the Lebanese army and Hezbollah continue to operate in such a way as to complement each other. Hezbollah remained "a necessity [for the army] all the while the West and America do not supply the army with necessary deterrent capabilities," he said.

Sayyed's candidacy in the election has revived memories of a turbulent period that ushered in a sometimes violent power struggle between allies and opponents of Damascus.

If he makes it into parliament, he could become a candidate to one day succeed Nabih Berri as the assembly's speaker  a post reserved for a Shiite in Lebanon's sectarian power-sharing system.

At the peak of his influence, Sayyed inspired fear among opponents of Syrian influence in Lebanon. A career soldier, he was central to what critics saw as a Syria-controlled security order that suppressed voices opposed to Syrian dominance.

Sayyed shaped the politics of that era alongside top Syrian officials and Lebanese leaders, many of them militia leaders from the 1975-90 conflict.

At the time of Rafik Hariri's killing, Sayyed was head of the General Security Directorate intelligence agency. He was the most powerful of four Lebanese generals detained in 2005 at the request of Detlev Mehlis, the German prosecutor who headed the early stages of the U.N. investigation into the

assassination and implicated Syrian and Lebanese figures.

A U.N.-backed tribunal ordered their release in 2009 for lack of evidence and has charged five members of Hezbollah over the assassination. Hezbollah denies any role in the killing.Imprisoned former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, along with the current leader of the Workers Party he founded, were hit on Monday with fresh corruption charges by federal prosecutors.



Authorities allege that Lula, along with Senator Gleisi Hoffmann, who is leading the beleaguered Workers Party, were given access to a $40 million slush fund in 2010 funded by construction company Construtora Odebrecht, in exchange for government decisions that would benefit the company.



Lula's lawyers and Odebrecht did not immediately respond to comment request. The Workers Party said in a statement that the accusations were unfounded.



Also charged in the alleged scheme were Antonio Palocci, who served as Finance Minister under Lula and who last week signed a plea deal with prosecutors, along with Paulo Bernardo, who was Lula's planning minister. Palocci has been in jail since 2016 and was found guilty in a different graft trial last year.



Lula was jailed on April 7 and is serving a 12-year sentence for a bribery conviction. The former leader already faces another six separate trials on graft charges.



Hoffmann and Bernardo, her husband, are both also facing a separate trial in the sweeping Lava Jato corruption probe, an unprecedented push against corruption in Latin America's biggest economy that has seen scores of powerful politicians and businessmen jailed for corruption.Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive DemocracyCambodia began registering political parties Monday for a July general election likely to extend the 33-year-old rule of Prime Minister Hun Sen after the Supreme Court dissolved the main opposition party.

The National Election Committee (NEC) said Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP) was the first to register along with the little known, pro-government Cambodian Youth Party (CYP). Registration will end on May 14.

"Many political parties will register  16 parties have collected forms to fill in," NEC spokesman Dim Sovannarom told Reuters.

The registration comes amid a campaign by Hun Sen against his critics, including the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party. The CNRP was dissolved and its lawmakers banned from politics in November after the Supreme Court ruled that it had tried to overthrow the government with U.S. help.

Both the CNRP and the United States deny the accusation.

The CNRP, which had drawn the support of a new generation of voters not content with what they see as the corruption and nepotism that has stalked the Southeast Asian nation's politics.

The dissolution of the CNRP was followed by the arrest of its leader, Kem Sokha.

Rhona Smith, a U.N. human rights expert on Cambodia, said Hun Sen's party has "one final opportunity to reverse the current trajectory" and called for the immediate release of opposition leaders and removal of a ban on the opposition.

"No election can be genuine if the main opposition party is barred from taking part," Smith said in a statement Monday. "A liberal multiparty democracy is an essential, entrenched and non-amendable feature of the Constitution of Cambodia."

Hun Sen defended the election, saying it would involve multiple political parties with different viewpoints and take place as planned on July 29. "The process of multiparty democracy continues," Hun Sen told students at a university graduation ceremony Monday.

Mu Sochua, a deputy leader of the CNRP, said the election would not be fair. "No CNRP, no free and fair election, means that the next government will be illegitimate," Mu Sochua told Reuters.U.S.-supported Syrian forces have launched a new offensive to remove Islamic State from the militants last stronghold, the oil-rich eastern province of Deir al-Zour.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, Global Coalition forces and other local partners resumed their effort after suspending operations following Turkey's January attack against Syria's northwestern region of Afrin.

IS has intensified attacks in the area in recent weeks in an effort to reorganize, SDF spokeswoman Lilwa al-Abdallah said Tuesday.

"ISIS retains a significant presence near the Iraqi borders from which it seeks to retain safe haven to plan attacks around the world and expand its territory in Syria and Iraq," al-Abdallah said Tuesday, using an acronym for Islamic State.

The Deir al-Zor military council is fighting under the command of the SDF. Commander Ahmed Abu Khawla said they were collaborating with the Iraqi government and army to defeat the jihadists.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert predicted Tuesday, "The fighting will be difficult, but we and our partners will prevail."

U.S.-supported Syrian forces have inflicted heavy damage on IS, but the militant group still controls an area along the desert frontier with Iraq. IS is expected to resort to guerrilla warfare as it loses the last remnants of the territory.

The SDF alliance, led by the Kurdish YPG militia, has taken control of large tracts of land from IS in northern and eastern Syria. U.S. support for Kurdish forces there has angered Turkey, which views the YPG as an extension of an outlawed Kurdish rebellion in the country.The Indian Ocean state of Comoros will hold a constitutional referendum in July on presidential term limits that could result in the next vote behind held two years ahead of schedule, its president has said.

The move could allow the President Azali Assoumani, who won the last election in 2016, to run the country for two fresh five year-terms instead of the one five-year term allowed in the constitution. The next vote is scheduled for 2021.

The referendum if passed would do away with a constitution meant to rotate power every five years between the archipelago's islands.

That system was intended to promote stability and power-sharing in a coup-prone country. Comoros has had more than 20 coups or coup attempts since it declared independence from France in 1975.

"In a case where the referendum will win the support of the population, the presidential election will be held in 2019, not in 2021," Assoumani said on Sunday during a visit to the island nation of Anjouan.

Under the constitution, the presidency of the Union of Comoros rotates between the three islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli every five years.

Assoumani hails from Grande Comore.

Although details of the referendum are yet to be released, a recently completed national dialogue recommended that a president could be re-elected. This would open the door for a leader to run the country for two five-year terms.

Assoumani, a former military officer, first seized power in a coup in 1999 and ruled until 2006 after winning the country's first multi-party poll in 2002. He won re-election in 2016.

The president said that, like anyone else holding public office, he would resign ahead of seeking re-election. He did not say when this would happen.

The president also said that he would bring together legal teams to tackle the scandal over the sale of Comoros citizenship, which a parliamentary investigation said had led to millions of dollars in government revenues going missing.

"The economic citizenship affair is very delicate. The credibility and pride of our country have been damaged .. It must be used as an example because those who run states must always know that they can, at any moment, be held accountable for the way they manage public office."When the United States, Britain and France bombed Syria earlier this month, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis showed support for his Western partners one day before rowing back the next.

The military strike turned from "inevitable" to an act described as changing nothing after Babis was rebuked by the far-left Communist party, showing the fine line the billionaire businessman is walking as he tries to form a government.

Babis is aiming for a pro-Western administration but political fragmentation in October's election means he needs the pro-Russian Communist party to either support it or abstain, ending the party's pariah status since communism fell in 1989.

The Communists and President Milos Zeman will push Babis  whose ANO party is pro-EU and pro-NATO  toward a softer tone on Moscow, but he is not expected to move far despite the fall of his first minority cabinet in a confidence vote in January.

Shunned by most parties over charges of fraud in a 2-million-euro EU subsidy case he says is a plot, Babis is now negotiating a coalition with the center-left Social Democrats that would also lean on Communist votes.

The Communists' limited role, with no cabinet seats, would not bring the kind of changes to core policies that have sparked conflict between the EU and Hungary and Poland, but would still anger many Czechs who suffered under their rule.

The current Communist rank and file, with average age well over 70, are nostalgic about life behind the Iron Curtain, and the party pledges to fight global capitalism and leave NATO.

"Security threats do not come from the east, security is under threat from those who commit aggressive attacks against sovereign countries in violation of international law as the United States, Britain and France have done in Syria," party leader Vojtech Filip said at a party congress on April 21.

Foreign Policy

The Communists would like to end EU sanctions on Russia and follow Moscow's line on Ukraine: party officials have traveled to separatist-controlled Donbass and Crimea.

They oppose Czech participation in military missions lacking U.N. approval  which means any opposed by Russia as permanent U.N. Security Council member.

The Czechs have hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, a number Babis's cabinet aims to boost this year by several hundred. The Czechs also plan to help protect NATO airspace in the Baltic.

"We have an elevated sensitivity to any pressure for escalation of tensions toward the post-Soviet region, we would have to react very strongly to anything like that," Communist member of parliament Richard Dolejs told Reuters.

The Communists also criticized Babis's government for handing a suspected Russian hacker in March to the United States, and for expelling Russian diplomats after the attack on a former Russian spy in Britain.

Falling Support

It is unclear what concessions the Communists would secure from the two coalition parties, but their influence will be limited by their waning popularity. They scored their worst post-Communist election result, 7.8 percent, in October, bleeding half of their votes to the far-right and to Babis.

"They have become very pragmatic over the last two decades," said Lubomir Kopecek, political science professor at the Masaryk University.

"The request to leave NATO does not appear in the talks...A large part of the party's elite wants to experience some recognition at the end of their political careers."

A senior source from one of the negotiating parties said the Communists would be satisfied with positions in administration and state-owned firms. In foreign policy, the government could seek support elsewhere in parliament.

Dolejs said the party wanted to have a say on issues such as social benefits.

"Tolerating the government will raise our legitimacy. We see a chance to show our voters...that we can get at least a bird in the hand."

More Trouble Elsewhere?

Involving the Communists is not a sudden turnaround. They have been part of regional governments and former party members, who include Babis himself, have held prominent jobs.

For the center-right, the party remains a no-go. "Andrej Babis is fulfilling his dream at too high a cost," Petr Fiala, leader of the Civic Democrats, said in a post last week.

But elsewhere views are finely balanced. A Median agency survey last month showed 45 percent of Czechs could accept a Communist-backed government, while another 41 percent reject it.

Thousands protested in March after Zdenek Ondracek, a Communist lawmaker who had been in a police unit that beat up pro-democracy protesters in the 1980s, was elected to lead a police inspection oversight body. Babis withdrew his support and Ondracek resigned.

Within the Social Democrats, there is more debate about the risks of joining Babis, due to his legal problems and visions of streamlining political decision-making, than the Communists.

And Social Democrat leader Jan Hamacek said on Saturday he was more worried about the rising far-right, anti-Islam, anti-NATO and anti-EU party SPD, which won 10.6 percent of the vote.Americas European allies are drawing a sharply different collective conclusion from the U.S. about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus dramatic presentation Monday of "evidence he says demonstrates Iran lied about its nuclear program.

And European diplomats suspect the Israeli leaders presentation, during which he urged President Donald Trump to scrap the nuclear accord signed in 2015 between Tehran and six foreign powers, was choreographed with the White House. Netanyahu did not directly accuse Iran of violating the accord, but his aim, say analysts, was to counter the intense lobbying of Trump by the Europeans, who say the deal shouldnt be discarded.

Netanyahu said half a ton of secret Iranian documents obtained in an intelligence coup showed Iran was brazenly lying when it said it never had a nuclear weapons program, and that it had not honored the agreement by intensifying efforts to hide secret files after signing the deal that obliges Tehran to limit its nuclear energy program.

The Israeli leader based his allegations on approximately 55,000 pages of documents and 183 CDs of secret information Israeli intelligence operatives obtained from a Tehran facility.

Britains foreign minister Boris Johnson joined European counterparts Tuesday in defending the 2015 deal, which Trump has to decide by May 12 to renew or walk away from.

The Israeli prime ministers presentation on Irans past research into nuclear weapons technology underlines the importance of keeping the Iran nuclear deals constraints on Tehrans nuclear ambitions, Johnson said.

He added: The Iran nuclear deal is not based on trust about Irans intentions; rather it is based on tough verification, including measures that allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency unprecedented access to Irans nuclear program. The fact that Iran conducted sensitive research in secret until 2003 shows why we need the intrusive inspections allowed by the Iran nuclear deal today.

A spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May underlined Johnsons remarks, saying, We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions, that is why the International Atomic Energy Agency inspection regime agreed as part of the Iran nuclear deal is one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords.

A spokesman for France's foreign ministry says the pertinence of the deal is reinforced by the details presented by Israel. And the European Union's foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, said Prime Minister Netanyahus disclosures have "not put into question Iran's compliance.

A French diplomat told VOA the view in Paris is that Netanyahu coordinated his presentation with the White House  underlining the French governments conclusion that Trump is likely to walk away from the nuclear accord, despite French and European efforts to dissuade him from doing so. Last week, after a three-day visit to Washington, Macron told reporters on his departure from the U.S. capital that he thought that Trump would scrap the deal if only for domestic political reasons.

Providing some credence to the French suspicion of coordination between Israel and Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday he had personally reviewed many of the Iranian files. He argued, What this means is the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency. It was built on Iran's lies.

Several analysts VOA spoke with say the Netanyahu disclosures about secret files show only that Iran once covertly pursued nuclear weapons, a widely held view, though always denied by Tehran. But that the major goal of the Israelis leaders presentation Monday was a public relations one. Netanyahus press conference was likely aimed at shaping U.S. public opinion, says Hasnain Malik, head of research at the Dubai-based investment bank Exotix Capital.

It is unclear whether any new information regarding Irans nuclear activities was revealed, he said. To a degree, this makes it easier for U.S. President Trump to scupper the deal and it raises the ultimate probability of restrictions on Iranian oil exports.

Other analysts say Netanyahus presentation likely will strengthen the hand of those around Trump who want the accord scrapped, including National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Netanyahus speech Monday comes as a shadow war between Israel and Iran escalates dramatically in neighboring Syria, where Israel has struck several times at the military bases in the country used by Hezbollah, the Tehran-tied Lebanese Shiite militia, and Iranian Revolutionary Guard units. On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike on a base dug into a mountain near the city of Hama killed two dozen Iranian-linked fighters, according to monitors.

Sundays airstrike, timed as it was hours before Netanyahus speech, underlined the Israeli leaders overarching message of his readiness to act against Iran, regardless of what happens to the nuclear accord, say European diplomats.An Australian court ruled Tuesday that Cardinal George Pell, one of the Vatican's highest-ranking officials and a close adviser to Pope Francis, must face trial on charges of historical sexual offenses.

Pell will be the highest-ranked Catholic official to be tried on such charges during the church's decades-long sexual abuse scandal involving clergy.

He has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty Tuesday.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington dismissed half the charges Pell was facing, including some his lawyer said were the most serious.

Pell was released on bail, but is not allowed to leave Australia where he returned last year after Pope Francis granted him a leave of absence.

The Vatican said in a statement it has "taken note" of Tuesday's court decision and that Pell's leave of absence remains in place.

Pell has long been under criticism for his handling of priests accused of sexually abusing children during his years as archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney. He was interviewed twice by a special commission formed to investigate allegations of sexual abuse committed by clergy, many of them dating back decades.The head of popular messaging service WhatsApp is planning to leave the company because of a reported disagreement over how parent company Facebook is using customers' personal data.

WhatsApp billionaire chief executive Jan Koum wrote in a Facebook post Monday, It's been almost a decade since (co-founder) Brian (Acton) and I started WhatsApp, and its been an amazing journey with some of the best people. But it is time for me to move on, he said.

Koum did not give a date for his departure.

The Washington Post reported Monday that Koum is stepping down because of disagreements over Facebooks attempts to use the personal data of WhatsApp customers, as well as efforts to weaken the apps encryption.

Action left the company last fall and since then has become a vocal critic of Facebook, recently endorsing a #DeleteFacebook social media campaign.

The Post, citing people familiar with internal WhatsApp discussions, said Koum was worn down by the differences in approach to privacy and security between WhatsApp and Facebook.

When WhatsApp agreed to the companys sale to Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion, it said WhatsApp would remain an independent service and would not share its data with Facebook.

However, 18 months later, Facebook pushed WhatsApp to change its terms of service to give the social network access to the personal data of WhatsApp users.

WhatsApp is the largest messaging service in the world with 1.5 billion monthly users. However, Facebook has been struggling to find ways to make enough money from the app to prove its investment was worth the cost.

Facebook has faced intense criticism since March when news broke that the personal data of millions of Facebook users had been harvested without their knowledge by Cambridge Analytica, a British voter profiling company that U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign hired to target likely supporters in 2016.

Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg testified before Congress earlier this month and apologized for inadequately protecting the data of millions of social media platform users.

Facebook also recently announced it would allow all its users to shut off third-party access to their apps and said it would set up firewalls to ensure users data was not unwittingly transmitted by others in their social network.

Some members of Congress said Facebooks actions to rectify the situation did not go far enough and have called for greater regulation of the internet and social media.For New Delhi, the key takeaway of a recent meeting between the leaders of India and China is an agreement to maintain peace and tranquillity along their disputed, unsettled borders.

Held months after a dangerous military standoff in the Himalayan mountains raised fears of a wider conflict between the Asian giants, the talks - billed as an informal summit - last week in Wuhan, China, aimed at repairing their frayed ties.

However, analysts caution that New Delhi will have to wait to see whether the display of goodwill between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi actually results in lowered border tensions.

Indias foreign ministry says the two leaders have issued "strategic guidance to their respective militaries" to strengthen communication and build trust and that both sides agreed to handle differences with maturity and through discussions.

Really speaking that is the nub of the issue, of seeing that the number of transgressions and violations at the LAC (line of actual control) come down. We have to wait and see whether that happens or not, said Jayadeva Ranade, head of the Center for China Analysis and Strategy in New Delhi. The track record between China and India has not been very smooth, he adds.

By "transgressions," Ranade refers to confrontations along the border that have occured when the two sides accuse each other of straying into each other's territory along un-demarcated stretches of their 3,500 kilometer long border. The incidents are for the most part minor, such as shouting matches between soldiers. At times, they have become serious.

India counted 426 incidents last year, sharply up from 273 in the previous year. It was seen as a sign of growing Chinese military assertiveness on the border.

Calming tensions

Some small steps have been taken to defuse tensions. An annual exercise between their armies is set to resume and officials say there is progress in setting up a long-pending hotline between their central military headquarters.

Such high level military communication is seen as necessary because existing mechanisms failed to prevent the 73-day face off at Doklam Plateau when India obstructed Beijing from building a road on a strip of territory at a mountain junction between China, India and Bhutan.

Neither side has lowered its guard at Doklam, even after troops stepped back last August. Both have reinforced their positions in the area, according to reports and satellite imagery. The Chinese made upgrades to airfields, helipads and other infrastructure just behind the standoff point, while India too reinforced its air power.

Srinath Kondapilli, a professor of Chinese studies at New Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University said the meeting did appear to send a signal from the civilian leadership to cool border flare-ups. If this percolates down to the military level, then we may possibly see some stability on the border area. But the breakthrough has not been achieved, he said.

There is also little indication from the meeting between Modi and Xi that the two sides will expedite the resolution of their border dispute, which has made little headway despite many rounds of talks held since the 1980s say analysts. Each side claims large chunks of the territory controlled by the other.

Saying that both leaders had agreed they could handle their differences peacefully, Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, on the issue of the India-China boundary question, the two leaders endorsed the work of the special representatives in their efforts to find a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement.

Ranade questioned whether this will translate into anything concrete on the ground. Its been said before. Its been said at every meeting. Whether it does happen or not, we will see.

Others point out that no concrete agreements were reached on issues that trouble the two countries, including a trade imbalance that has reached half a trillion dollars in Chinas favor.

New Delhi has refused to change its position on staying out of Xi's grand Belt and Road initiative to build ports, railways and roads to expand trade across Asia, Africa and Europe and remains deeply suspicious of Chinas investments in countries bordering India such as Nepal and Bangladesh.

"It appeared both sides are trying to buy time, no major announcements were made at this meeting, said Kondapalli of Jawaharlal Nehru University.India's Supreme Court Tuesday ordered high courts to ensure speedier investigations of child rape cases, amid outrage over recent rapes and killings of young girls and other attacks on children.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, also ordered the creation of task forces to investigate the fast-track cases and that they be decided by special courts.

"Efforts have to be made by high courts to provide child-friendly courts," the court said.

As the political fallout heightened over the surge in rapes and killings of children, the Indian government approved the death penalty last month for those convicted of raping children under the age of 12.

The move was seen as an effort to signal the government's commitment to fight crimes against young girls and infants as it faces mounting criticism for not doing enough to tackle what some call India's epidemic of sexual violence.

Indian cities have recently seen street protests by agonized citizens after details emerged about the gang rape in January in Kashmir of an 8-year-old Muslim girl, who was kidnapped, drugged, and raped for days and then murdered. Anger grew because Hindu activists had demonstrated in support of the eight arrested men.

Separately, an Indian spiritual guru with millions of followers was sentenced to life in prison last month for raping a teenage girl.

Asaram Bapu, one of India's most charismatic and controversial "godmen," was sentenced at a closed hearing inside the prison where he is being held in the city of Jodhpur, due to concerns his followers may resort to violence.

The trial was the most recent in a string of high-profile rape cases in India that have sparked public protests and raised questions about how law enforcers handle rapes and treat victims.

The 77-year-old self-styled religious preacher, who urges followers to live a life free of sexual desires, has repeatedly denied raping a then 16-year-old girl five years ago during a spiritual retreat.Iranian workers have held several unauthorized protests in the country to mark May Day, prompting security forces to break up the gatherings and arrest some of the participants.

The state-run Iran Labor News Agency (ILNA) said police dispersed a rally by teachers and other workers outside Tehran's parliament Tuesday, arresting at least six people. It said the protesters were demanding government action to address labor problems. The news agency quoted an intelligence source as saying authorities detained "only people who intended to create turmoil."

Elsewhere, an Iranian pro-labor union group reported a security crackdown on a May Day gathering in the Iranian Kurdish city of Saqqez. The overseas-based Iran Kargar website said plainclothes security forces broke up the event and detained several labor activists, taking them to an unknown location.

But there were no reported arrests at a May Day rally of hundreds of Iranians in another part of Tehran on Tuesday. Supporters of Iran's national trade union rallied outside the group's headquarters, known as Workers' House at the corner of Ravenmehr and Aboureyhan streets, holding banners and chanting slogans, such as "down with tyranny, long live laborers."

WATCH: Protesters Flock to May Day Rally

ILNA, which is run by the union, said the workers had wanted to demonstrate outside the health ministry to protest alleged wrongdoings by Health Minister Seyyed Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi. But it said the protesters remained outside the Workers' House because they lacked a permit to move elsewhere.

ILNA quoted a Workers' House leader, Hassan Sadeghi, as saying Iranian laborers want a "decent living and job security." Sadeghi also said that if Iran's Islamist leadership wants to remain in power, it must satisfy the workers' demands.

Iran has seen a wave of small-scale protests around the country this year by workers protesting nonpayment of wages, low salaries, job losses and water shortages.Iranians angered by lost deposits at one of Iran's major financial institutions have staged protests outside the lender's branches in two major cities.

Videos uploaded to YouTube by several Iranian opposition groups Tuesday showed protesters rallying outside of one branch of the Caspian Credit Institution in the northern city of Rasht.



Caspian is one of five non-bank credit institutions authorized by Iran's central bank. In the video clips, a group of women can be seen banging on the entrance of the institution and chanting slogans accusing Iranian authorities of stealing their money. Caspian, formerly known as the Arman Iranian Credit Institution, has debts that have left it unable to repay principle and interest owed to its depositors.

A Caspian branch in the northeastern city of Mashhad also drew protesters. Iran-based rights group Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) tweeted a video of what it said was a demonstration outside the branch Tuesday. In the clip, women lead a group of several dozen protesters, including men, in chanting slogans against President Hassan Rouhani, saying: "Rouhani the liar, where is our money?"

Iran's Financial Tribune newspaper has reported that unlicensed financial institutions have been plagued by huge debts and unmet commitments to depositors in recent years. It said the central bank has been trying to dismantle, consolidate and register the institutions to deal with the problem.Iran's judiciary has banned the popular Telegram instant messaging app to protect national security, Iran's state TV reported Monday.

"Considering various complaints against Telegram social networking app by Iranian citizens, and based on the demand of security organizations for confronting the illegal activities of Telegram, the judiciary has banned its usage in Iran," TV reported.

The order was issued days after Iran banned government bodies from using Telegram, which is widely used by Iranian state media, politicians, companies and ordinary Iranians.

A widespread government internet filter prevents Iranians from accessing many sites on the official grounds that they are offensive or criminal.

But many Iranians evade the filter through use of VPN software, which provides encrypted links directly to private networks based abroad, and can allow a computer to behave as if it is based in another country.

"The blocking of Telegram app should be in a way to prevent users from accessing it with VPN or any other software," Fars said. The app had over 40 million users in Iran.White House chief of staff John Kelly is denying a report from NBC News that he called U.S. President Donald Trump an idiot.

"I spend more time with the president than anyone else, and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship," Kelly said Monday in a statement issued by the White House.



"He always knows where I stand, and he and I both know this story is total BS," he said. "I am committed to the president, his agenda and our country."

NBC reported Monday that Kelly has on multiple occasions criticized Trump's knowledge on issues such as immigration and has cast himself as protecting the country from Trump's impulses. The report added that Trump was growing tired of Kelly's attitude.

NBC quoted unnamed sources as saying Kelly was known to make fun more generally at what the chief of staff saw as the presidents lack of knowledge about policy and government.

The chief of staff, who oversaw immigration enforcement as Homeland Security secretary, believed that Trump was prepared to make too many concessions to Democrats because he did not understand the issue.

"He doesn't even understand what DACA is. He's an idiot," Kelly said in one meeting, two officials who said they were present told NBC News. "We've got to save him from himself."

The report, despite Kelly's denial, is likely to renew questions about Kellys future in the White House. The retired Marine Corps general, who was brought on board last summer to instill order and discipline in the West Wing, has been losing clout as Trump has tired of his style.

David Cohen, a political science professor at the University of Akron in Ohio appeared to give credence to the concerns over Kelly's future in the White House.

"The knives are out for Kelly  many of them. #POTUS soured on Kelly several weeks ago. He wont survive in job much longer. Probably days, maybe weeks. Kelly is dead man walking," Cohen tweeted Monday.Malawi has always relied on paper registration for voters, but electoral authorities say that hasn't worked so well.

"We used to have a lot of problems in the past" with the passports and driver's licenses used for registration "because photographs may fall off" or names may get misspelled, said Yahya Mmadi, a member of the Malawi Electoral Commission.

But the southeast African country's recently unveiled biometric system, being put in place before the 2019 general elections, "will be 100 percent correct," he said. It relies on unique markers such as fingerprints.

The new system has another advantage, according to Mmadi: It is faster, so people will spend less time on registration than when passports and driver's licenses had to be verified and checked.

The commission wants to see the national ID card  which uses biometric data and is issued by the National Registration Bureau (NRB)  as the only acceptable document for voter registration.

There's one problem: Only about 9 million of 16 million Malawians have registered for the national ID card.

Plan of action

Mmadi said the electoral commission is working on that.

"What is going to happen is that we will go out with members of NRB to the registration centers," he said. "Those without registration cards will actually be advised to go and get registered with the NRB."

Some voting rights groups are concerned about the change. Steve Duwa, chairman of the Malawi National Electoral Support Network, said he expected a legal challenge to the new system.

"The law, as it stands now, allows different forms of identification apart from the national ID," Duwa said. The electoral commission promotes biometric voter registration "as easier to implement and therefore would love as much as possible for the prospective voters to only use the national ID. But the question is: What will happen to the law?"

The commission already has asked the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to amend the law so that the national ID will be the only document used to identify eligible voters.

Malawi is expected to start the voter registration campaign next month.Workers and protesters throughout the world observed May Day Tuesday with rallies and strikes demanding their governments address better working conditions and other labor issues.

In addition to being an international day honoring workers or a traditional spring time festival, Tuesday is also International Workers Day in many countries.

Cuba

Nearly one million Cubans gathered in Havana to commemorate their first May Day since Raul Castro stepped down as the country's leader, the beginning of a post-Castro era.

New President Miguel Diaz-Canel was accompanied by his predecessor at the capital's Revolution Square, where an estimated 900,000 people gathered for the annual Workers' Day march.

Castro, who still leads the country's powerful Communist Party, presided over the parade.

Russia

In Moscow, about 120,000 people marched from Red Square to the main streets in a traditional May Day parade.

In St. Petersburg, Russia, several hundred citizens upset over the Kremlins efforts to restrict internet freedom, joined the official May Day celebration. They protested the ban of the messaging application Telegram, a move that triggered a rally in Moscow that was attended by 10,000 people.

Spain

Marches calling for gender equality, higher salaries and better pensions were held in more than 70 cities in Spain. Thousands of people turned out for the largest rally in Madrid, displaying a show of unity behind the slogan Time to Win.

General Union Workers' Union of Spain leader Pepe Alvarez said meeting the demands of feminists, youths and workers are necessary to "redistribute wealth."

Spain's economy has been among the fastest growing in Europe in recent years.

United States

May Day Demonstrations for immigrant and labor rights were planned in California, New York, Florida and other U.S. cities.

The Trump administration has made very clear that theyve declared war on the immigrant community on all levels, said Javier Valdez of the advocacy group Make the Road New York.

Immigration rights organizations have participated in May Day activities for over a decade to resist anti-immigration legislation. Now the advocates are focusing on voter turnout in the November mid-term elections.

South Korea

In downtown Seoul, South Korea, about 10,000 labor union members took to the streets to call for a higher minimum wage and to make other demands.

The rally, organized by the Korean Federation of Trade Unions, urged the government to approve a $9.34 minimum wage and convert non-regular workers to regular employees with equal pay.

France

French police fired tear gas and used water cannon against some 1,200 hooded and masked protesters who appeared on the sidelines of the annual demonstration in Paris that was planned by labor unions.

Police said more than 200 of the protesters were arrested after they smashed store windows and threw gasoline bombs.

The protesters shouted anti-fascist slogans and carried Soviet flags and anti-government banners.

Iran

Hundreds of Iranians ignored a ban on protests to observe International Labor Day, leading to the arrest of at least six people outside the gates to parliament in Tehran.

Protesters gathered there and at another location in the capital, where workers held rallies and demanded higher wages, more favorable working conditions and improved retirement plans.

Turkey

Dozens of demonstrators were detained during May Day events in Istanbul, most of whom tried to march toward the citys main square in defiance of a government ban.

Citing security concerns, the Turkish government declared Taksim Square off-limits. Nevertheless, small groups of people chanting Taskim cannot be off limits on May 1 tried to push their way into the square, resulting in scuffles and the detention of 45 demonstrators.

Taksim Square is symbolically significant to Turkeys labor movement. Thirty-four people were killed there during a May Day event in 1977 when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.

Indonesia

Some 10,000 workers rallied near the presidential palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, urging the government to raise wages and to refrain from outsourcing. They also called for a ban on foreign laborers in Indonesia, saying their presence reduces job opportunities for local workers.

Greece

Thousands of Greeks marched through central Athens in several May Day demonstrations.

Museums were closed and public transportation operated on a reduced schedule.

Police said at least 7,000 people attended one rally in Athens that was planned by the communist party-led union. They marched past parliament toward the United States Embassy.

Cambodia

Prime Minister Hun Sun observed May Day in Cambodia with about 5,000 garment workers just outside the capital of Phnom Penh.

About 2,000 other garment workers gathered at a park in Phnom Penh for a rally. They wanted to march to the National Assembly to convince lawmakers to assist them with labor issues, but the group was stopped by riot police.

Philippines

Some 5,000 people demonstrated near the presidential palace in Manila to protest Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes failure to fulfill a campaign promise to halt the practice of short-term employment.

They also demanded that the government provide higher wages and address joblessness and trade union repression.

South Africa

Separate May Day marches organized by rival trade unions were held in the coastal South African city of Durban and in other parts of the country.

Riot police were deployed as members of the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Federation of Trade Unions marched through routes that were designed to put distance between the two unions.

On Monday, COSATU President Sdumo Diamini said at a news conference, We call upon all workers to work together. Their enemy is one: Monopoly capital.The United States and its allies would not want to pull troops out of Syria before diplomats win the peace, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Monday, one of the strongest signs yet a full U.S. withdrawal was unlikely anytime soon.

U.S. President Donald Trump said last week he wants to withdraw American troops from Syria relatively soon, but appeared to temper that position by voicing a desire to leave a "strong and lasting footprint."

A footprint, in military-speak, usually refers to a U.S. troop presence.

Mattis said the United States and its allies were on the cusp of victory against Islamic State and added they would not want to simply abandon Syria while it remained in a state of war.

"We do not want to simply pull out before the diplomats have won the peace. You win the fight  and then you win the peace," Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon.

Mattis said he was due to meet later on Monday with U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura to "see where the Geneva process is and what we can do to assist."

Efforts are stuck to forge a negotiated end to Syria's civil war, which has killed half a million people over seven years and displaced millions.

The Pentagon and State Department have also held that a longer term U.S. effort will be needed to ensure a lasting defeat of Islamic State. The group seized large swathes of Syria and Iraq but has gradually lost its territory since the United States and its allies started a military offensive in 2014.

Some of the harshest critics of a potential withdrawal from Syria come from Trump's own Republican party, which blasted President Barack Obama when he withdrew U.S. troops from Iraq in 2011. Iraqi forces began to unravel and eventually collapsed in the face of Islamic State's advance into the country in 2014.U.S. Senator John McCain, in a farewell memoir as he battles brain cancer, lashes out at President Donald Trump as failing to uphold American values.



"He has declined to distinguish the actions of our government from the crimes of despotic ones," the 81-year-old McCain said of Trump in an excerpt from his new book, The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations.



"The appearance of toughness, or a reality show facsimile of toughness, seems to matter more than any of our values," McCain wrote.

McCain, a one-time prisoner of war in North Vietnam in the 1960s, the losing Republican candidate for the presidency in 2008 and six times elected as a senator from Arizona, says he has no regrets as he serves what his illness has forced him to admit, that it is his last term in the Senate.



"'The world is a fine place and worth fighting for and I hate very much to leave it,' spoke my hero, Robert Jordan, in For Whom the Bell Tolls," McCain says in his book.

"And I do, too," he continued "I hate to leave it. But I don't have a complaint. Not one.I t's been quite a ride. I've known great passions, seen amazing wonders, fought in a war, and helped make a peace.I made a small place for myself in the story of America and the history of my times."



He wrote, "I'm freer than colleagues who will face the voters again. I can speak my mind without fearing the consequences much. And I can vote my conscience without worry."



"I don't think I'm free to disregard my constituents' wishes, far from it," he said." I don't feel excused from keeping pledges I made. Nor do I wish to harm my party's prospects. But I do feel a pressing responsibility to give Americans my best judgment."



He decried the "decline in civility and cooperation, and increased obstructionism" he has witnessed in Congress and politically fractious Washington. He said there are government officials and lawmakers who are "committed to meeting the challenges of the hour. They might not be the most colorful politicians in town, but they're usually the ones who get the most done."



"Before I leave I'd like to see our politics begin to return to the purposes and practices that distinguish our history from the history of other nations," he wrote. "I would like to see us recover our sense that we are more alike than different."



"We are citizens of a republic made of shared ideals forged in a new world to replace the tribal enmities that tormented the old one," McCain said. "Even in times of political turmoil such as these, we share that awesome heritage and the responsibility to embrace it."

The outspoken McCain has had a contentious relationship with the Republican Trump. During Trump's long run to the presidency, he belittled McCain's 5 1/2 years in captivity in North Vietnam after the naval fighter pilot was shot down in a bombing run over Hanoi.

"He's not a war hero," Trump said. "He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured."



Last year, McCain defied Trump and cast the deciding vote against the Republican plan supported by the president to repeal national health care policies that had been championed by Trump's Democratic predecessor, former President Barack Obama.



Since December, McCain has undergone treatment in Arizona, occasionally offering his commentary on national and international issues, but staying away from Washington.The caravan of largely Central American migrants waiting to request asylum at the U.S. border is bigger and far more visible than in previous years. Here's a look at why this year's caravan had more attention and more participants.

What is the caravan?

Caravans have been a fairly common tactic for advocacy groups to bring attention to asylum-seekers. The latest group pales in size compared to previous border surges, but it gained huge visibility when President Donald Trump unleashed strong criticism after it began March 25 in the Mexican city of Tapachula, near the Guatemala border.

The caravan drew as many as 1,000 people as Trump and top aides portrayed it as a significant threat and evidence of a dysfunctional border. Over 100 Central Americans are now attempting to seek asylum in the U.S.

The largest single group of migrants in the caravan is from Honduras, although there are also many Guatemalans and Salvadorans.

In Honduras, political protests broke out after a disputed November election in which President Juan Orlando Hernandez won a new term and his opponent alleged fraud. At least 17 people died as police cracked down on protesters, and some caravan members are opponents of the president.

Why are asylum-seekers coming?

Violence in Central America continues to cause people to flee, despite falling homicide rates. Murders in Honduras and El Salvador fell by about 25 percent in 2017, but both are still among the most violent countries in the world. Street gangs known as "maras" are also ubiquitous and prey on small-business owners and families through extortion.

Many migrants this year said they joined the caravan because they felt there was safety in numbers while they traveled along the route from Mexico to the U.S. border. There is significant violence perpetrated by gangs who prey on migrants on the final leg north.

Staying behind

Some Central Americans are requesting asylum or humanitarian visas in Mexico, but more than half of those who filed asylum requests in Mexico in 2017 have not received an answer. Mexico says its application procedure was slowed down by damage to its offices caused by the Sept. 19 earthquake. It has temporarily suspended the 45-working-day deadline for ruling on applications, which may have led some migrants to look for refuge in the United States.

In the headlines

Trump and members of his Cabinet have been tracking the caravan, calling it a threat to the U.S. since it started. Trump has cited the caravan as justification for the border wall he wants to build and said he ordered the Homeland Security Department to "stop the caravan."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions called it "a deliberate attempt to undermine our laws and overwhelm our system," pledging to send more immigration judges to the border to resolve cases if needed.

But comments urging Mexico not to allow the caravan to reach the U.S. border may have given the group more publicity than it has had in the past and inspired the migrants to continue on.

What's next?

The caravan members are slowly beginning to enter a U.S. facility at San Diego's San Ysidro border crossing, with eight entering Monday and six more Tuesday. About 120 others are still waiting for initial screenings by U.S. asylum officers, after which they may be deported if their claims are rejected.

They could also be detained or released with ankle monitors while their cases wind through immigration court, which can take years.More than 20 people were killed Tuesday when suicide bombers set off explosives outside a mosque in the northeastern Nigerian town of Mubi.

There was no claim of responsibility, but the attack bore the hallmarks of Islamist radical group Boko Haram.

Dozens of others reportedly were injured in the midday explosions. Witnesses say one bomber detonated his explosives at the mosque, while the other struck a few minutes later in a crowd of worshipers who had fled to a nearby market.Morocco has severed diplomatic ties with Iran over Tehran's support for the Polisario Front, a Western Sahara independence movement, the Moroccan foreign minister said on Tuesday.

Morocco has claimed Western Sahara since colonial power Spain left in 1975. But Polisario fought a guerrilla war for independence for the Sahrawi people until a United Nations-backed ceasefire in 1991, monitored by U.N. peacekeepers.

Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita accused Iran and its Lebanese Shi'ite ally, Hezbollah, of training and arming Polisario fighters via the Iranian embassy in Algeria.

"This month Hezbollah sent (surface-to-air) SAM9, SAM11 and Strela missiles to the Polisario with the connivance of Iran's embassy in Algiers," he told reporters.

There was no immediate Iranian reaction to the Moroccan move or accusation. Iran has backed Polisario in the past.

Hezbollah denied in a statement that it was training and arming Polisario and said Morocco had taken its decision under "American, Israeli and Saudi pressure."

Algeria, Morocco's neighbor, hosts camps for people displaced by the conflict region and Polisario members but denies giving military aid to the group.

Bourita said he had just returned from Iran after informing it of Morocco's decision to sever relations. Rabat's ambassador has already returned home and Iran's charge d'affaires will be expelled on Tuesday with immediate effect, he said.

The Western Sahara region has effectively been split by an earthen wall separating an area controlled by Morocco that it claims as its southern provinces and territory controlled by the Polisario, with a U.N.-mandated buffer zone between them.

Morocco also cut diplomatic ties with Shi'ite Iran in 2009 after accusing it of questioning Sunni rule in Bahrain, a Gulf Arab island that has a Shi'ite majority.

Diplomatic relations were restored in 2014, but they were never strong, with Rabat enjoying close ties with Tehran's regional rival, Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia.Taiwan is becoming the next battleground for the world's top offshore wind developers as they seek a foothold in Asia for a technology that has been expanding fast in Europe.

Taiwan announced results Monday of its first major offshore wind farm auction that aims to add 3.8 gigawatts (GW) of capacity to its existing network of just 8 megawatts (MW).

The island's offshore wind market is expected to expand to 5.5 GW by 2025, and the government aims to invest $23 billion on onshore and offshore wind projects by 2025, law firm Jones Day says.

Taiwan is making a big push to attract investments in renewable technology as it phases out nuclear power by 2025, after the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan highlighted the risks of using nuclear energy in a region prone to earthquakes.

For developers in Europe, where expanding offshore wind projects particularly in the North Sea has driven down costs, Taiwan is seen as a route into Asian markets, such as Japan and South Korea, where the technology is still barely used.

Denmark's Orsted and Germany's wpd were Monday's biggest winners, securing contracts to install 900 MW and 1 GW of capacity, respectively.

"We see Taiwan as a stepping stone into Asia-Pacific," said Matthias Bausenwein, the regional general manager for Orsted, the world's largest owner of offshore wind power sites that was previously known as DONG Energy.

Taiwan's auction drew bids from the world's biggest international players, attracted by the island's strong winds, a stable regulatory framework and the offer of 20-year power purchase agreements with a feed-in-tariff above European benchmarks.

"We have aggressive targets in Taiwan and, with things going on in China, South Korea and other markets, that amounts to it becoming the fastest-growing region globally," said Bausenwein.

Falling costs

Offshore wind power is costlier than onshore projects or solar power, and still only accounts for about 3.5 percent of global wind energy capacity.

But Europe has been leading the way in using the technology, adding 3 GW last year and taking total offshore capacity to 19 GW, according to the Global Wind Energy Council.

Costs have plunged as a result. In last week's auction in Germany, the world's second-biggest offshore wind power market, some bids offered capacity with no subsidies. In Britain, the world's biggest market, the cost of wind power fell below new nuclear generation for the first time last year.

This has been encouraged by an expanding regional grid, greater ability to manage variable wind power supplies and the growing scale of turbines, expected to have capacity of 10 to 15 MW each in two or three years, roughly twice as powerful as today.

Taiwan is not considering firms from China, the world's third-biggest offshore market and which claims Taiwan as Chinese territory. Chung-Hsien Chen, director of the energy technology division at Taiwan's Bureau of Energy, said Chinese bids were excluded "due to concerns of national security."

Alongside Orsted and wpd, other bidders included Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Canada's Northland Power, Yushan Energy, a subsidiary of Singapore based Enterprize Energy and Taiwanese firms China Steel Cooperation and Taipower.

After awarding 3.8 GW capacity Monday, a further 2 GW will be allocated through a competitive price tender this summer. Monday's auction had included an assessment of factors such as the amount of local content included.

European firms want local suppliers to avoid the cost of shipping bulky equipment used in the turbines from Europe.

"The requirements for local content are increasing step by step," said Andreas Nauen, offshore chief executive for Siemens Gamesa, adding some European equipment would initially be used.

Siemens Gamesa is working to develop the Port of Taichung as a regional hub and has signed non-binding agreements with some local partners that could provide gear locally.

MHI Vestas, a venture between Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Danish turbine maker Vestas, is also considering developing local manufacturing.

"We want to produce locally because we want to be competitive," the joint venture's chief executive, Philippe Kavafyan, told Reuters.Pakistan has formally reopened a major trade route with landlocked Afghanistan after nearly four years.

Authorities had closed the remote Ghulam Khan border crossing in North Waziristan in 2014 after launching a major army-led counter-militancy offensive in the tribal district, once condemned as the epicenter of international terrorism.

Military officials say the Waziristan region has since been almost completely secured and rehabilitation as well as reconstruction activities are currently under way there.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi traveled to the tribal region on Monday and inaugurated a newly constructed terminal to formally resume cross-border trading activities.

Ghulam Khan is the third-largest official crossing point on the nearly 2,600-kilometer, largely porous frontier between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Torkham and Chaman are the other two crossings that Afghans use for bilateral trade and transit through Pakistani land and sea routes. Additionally, the two installations are used by visitors traveling in either direction.

The United States and NATO also rely heavily on Pakistans ground and air lines of communications for ferrying supplies and non-lethal military equipment to thousands of international troops stationed in Afghanistan.

Pakistans relations with Afghanistan have deteriorated in recent years over mutual allegations of supporting militant attacks against each other.

Political tensions often have prompted Pakistani authorities to abruptly close the Torkham and Chaman border crossings, reducing bilateral trade to just over $1 billion from $2.6 billion about two years ago.

Officials and traders on both sides have welcomed resumption of trade through Ghulam Khan, hoping the move will help ease political tensions and increase bilateral trade.

Afghan and Pakistani traders have long urged their respective governments to segregate business and trade ties from political and security tensions for promoting mutual trust.

Lately, troubled relations have prompted Afghans to look for alternate routes and they have turned their attention to the India-funded Iranian port of Chabahar for transit trade, bypassing Pakistan.

The Pakistani port of Karachi, however, is still the most economical route for Afghan transit trade, say business leaders in both countries.Pakistani authorities have charged a U.S. Embassy security officer with trying to obstruct an investigation into a traffic accident involving an American diplomat on Sunday.

The case increases diplomatic tensions with the United States, weeks after another American diplomat ran a red light in the capital and was involved in an accident in which a motorcyclist was killed.

Police said Sunday's accident occurred when two motorcyclists collided with a U.S. Embassy vehicle driven by the diplomat. One of the motorcyclists was charged with reckless driving. Police accused the embassy security officer of trying to stop officers from detaining the diplomat.

The U.S. Embassy said the American diplomat's role in the accident had been resolved.

On April 7, authorities said, the defense attache at the U.S. Embassy, Colonel Joseph Emanuel Hall, ran a red light on a main Islamabad road and collided with a motorcycle carrying two people. One was killed and the other was seriously injured.

U.S. officials expressed their "deep sympathy to the family of the deceased and those injured," and pledged to fully cooperate with local authorities in the investigation.

Hall's name has since been placed on Pakistan's "black list," preventing him from leaving the country pending a court case against him.

Raja Khalid, deputy attorney general, informed the high court in Islamabad last Tuesday that the U.S. defense attache could neither be tried nor arrested because the Vienna Conventions guarantee immunity to designated diplomats against criminal jurisdiction.

Khalid emphasized the diplomat could be tried only if the U.S. waived his immunity. The court will reconvene this week for a fresh hearing.

Diplomatic tension

The two accidents come amid Islamabad's increased diplomatic tension with Washington over allegations Pakistan harbors terrorist sanctuaries. Pakistani officials say these allegations are baseless.

Last week, a senior State Department official, Alice Wells, visited Islamabad and took up, among other subjects, Hall's case in meetings with top foreign ministry officials.

During the talks, Pakistani officials demanded a waiver of diplomatic immunity so that Hall could be prosecuted. But Wells reportedly refused the demand.

The U.S. government also has recently notified Islamabad that Pakistani diplomats in the United States could be placed under new travel restrictions. It remains unclear when the measures could take effect.Thousands of people marched through Moscow, throwing paper planes and calling for authorities to unblock the popular Telegram instant messaging app on Monday.

Protesters chanted slogans against President Vladimir Putin as they launched the planes - a reference to the app's logo.

"Putin's regime has declared war on the internet, has declared war on free society... so we have to be here in support of Telegram," one protester told Reuters.

Russia began blocking Telegram on April 16 after the app refused to comply with a court order to grant state security services access to its users' encrypted messages.

Russia's FSB Federal Security service has said it needs access to some of those messages for its work, that includes guarding against militant attacks.

In the process of blocking the app, state watchdog Roskomnadzor also cut off access to a slew of other websites.

Telegram's founder, Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, called for "digital resistance" in response to the decision and promised to fund anyone developing proxies and VPNs to dodge the block.

More than 12,000 people joined the march on Monday, said White Counter, a volunteer group that counts people at protests.

"Thousands of young and progressive people are currently protesting in Moscow in defense of internet freedom," Telegram's Durov wrote on his social media page.

"This is unprecedented. I am proud to have been born in the same country as you. Your energy changes the world," Durov wrote.

Telegram has more than 200 million global users and is ranked as the world's ninth most popular mobile messaging service.

Iran's judiciary has also banned the app to protect national security, Iranian state TV reported on Monday.Rwandan police fired teargas on Monday at refugees and injured at least one child after senior police officers and government officials visiting their camp were pelted with stones, the refugees said.

A police spokesman did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment, while the government said it was taking measures to "normalize the situation" at the Kiziba camp in western Rwanda, home to about 17,000 Congolese refugees.

The refugees said they feared the police intended to arrest the executive committee that helps to run the camp.

In February police killed at least five refugees and injured 20 at the camp after protests over cuts in food rations turned violent.

"They are firing teargas. One child was injured in (the) head and was transferred to Kigali," Muligande Ntabana, a refugee at the camp told Reuters by telephone.

Another refugee, Captain Ferdinand, 32, a father of three, said: "We hear they want to arrest the committee. We need to go back home. I don't know if requesting to go back should (be replied) with bullets and tear gas."

In a statement, Rwanda's Ministry for Disaster Management and Refugees blamed the refugees' executive committee for the unrest and said the protests must end immediately.

"Violent, unruly and provocative conduct in the camp is unlawful and must stop immediately to allow the restoration of peace, law and order," it said.

In February, the refugees staged a protest walk of 15 km (10 miles) over a 25 percent cut in food rations provided by the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR due to a funding shortage.

In total, Rwanda hosts about 174,000 refugees, including 57,000 people from neighbouring Burundi who fled violence in 2015. Most of the rest fled the Democratic Republic of Congo during bouts of instability there over the past 20 years.New U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is vowing to bring back the "swagger" to the State Department.



"The United States diplomatic corps need to be in every corner, every stretch of the world, executing missions on behalf of this country, and it is my humble, noble undertaking to help you achieve that," said Pompeo on Tuesday.



The chief U.S. diplomat introduced himself to hundreds of the department's personnel who gathered in the State Department lobby as he arrived for his first full day in Washington.



"I feel like I know you. I've worked alongside you as a member of the Congress when I traveled," said the secretary of state.



Pompeo takes the helm of the State Department after U.S. President Donald Trump fired then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in March, hours after Tillerson had returned from a trip to Africa.

Unlike with Tillerson, Trump is said to have a close working relationship with former CIA Director Pompeo. The president and several Cabinet members will be on-hand at the State Department on Wednesday for Pompeo's ceremonial swearing-in, a clear sign that Pompeo enjoys the trust and backing of the president.



"Mike Pompeo is someone who I think has the close ear of the president," said Nile Gardiner of the conservative-leaning Washington-based think-tank, The Heritage Foundation.

Tuesday, Pompeo took selfies with several State Department employees, vowing to reach out to as many staff members as he could.



"I'll spend as little time on the 7th floor" and meet people in "many parts of this organization," said the new secretary of state.



A U.S. foreign service officer, who did not want to be named, told VOA he hopes Pompeo's experiences in Congress, the U.S. military, and the intelligence community "highlight that the United States faces real adversaries abroad, and that the [State] Department's career employees are resources  not the enemy."

WATCH: Mike Pompeo

Tillerson was under fire at the State Department for leaving many senior vacancies unfilled and proposing dramatic budget cuts, lowering the morale of the diplomatic workforce.



Pompeo, who was confirmed last week, boarded a plane just hours after being sworn in Thursday, traveling to the NATO foreign ministerial in Brussels. He continued on to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Jordan.



"I do think he is going to be a far bigger presence on the world stage than Rex Tillerson was," said The Heritage Foundation's Gardiner.



And while former Secretary of State Tillerson brought just one reporter on his first foreign trip to Asia, Pompeo left Washington with six journalists on his plane last week. He picked up two more reporters as he continued his overseas trip to the Middle East, before returning to Washington on Monday.



"I think I have the record for the longest trip on the first day of work," Pompeo joked on Tuesday.But corrected figures, provided by the U.S. military and published Tuesday by SIGAR, suggest that the actual decline was 17,980.

Pentagon officials acknowledged originally providing inaccurate figures to SIGAR because of a failure "to account for the transfer of most of the Afghan Border Force from the Afghan National Police to the Afghan National Army," according to a SIGAR statement.

According to the new figures, there were 313,728 members of the Afghan defense forces as of January 31, 2018. That compares to a total of 296,409, as previously reported.

"SIGAR receives all of the (Afghan National Defense and Security Forces) personnel strength numbers published in the quarterly report from USFOR-A and has no means of independently verifying them," the statement added.

The new figures still amount to a sharp decline.

Some numbers classified

Afghan forces suffered unprecedented casualties in 2017, reportedly losing about 10,000 personnel, according to reports. SIGAR has been unable to publicly disclose the exact number of Afghan forces killed, because that information continues to be classified by Washington and Kabul. The violence has led to increased reports of Afghan military desertions, but that information too has been classified.

S

Senior U.S. military officials repeatedly have acknowledged the nearly 17-year-old conflict remains a stalemate, even while touting some successes under the new strategy announced by President Donald Trump in August.

Those success include the increasing capability of the Afghan military, which began conducting airstrikes two years ago. The Afghan air force carries out between four to 12 airstrikes every day, according to the Afghan Ministry of Defense.

But the Kabul government controls just over half of the country's districts, SIGAR says.

More bombs

Trump's strategy appeared to commit the U.S. to Afghanistan indefinitely. It involves pressuring Pakistan to end its support for Afghan militants, supporting Kabul's effort to engage the Taliban in peace talks, and dropping more bombs on the country.

The U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan dropped more bombs during the first quarter of 2018 than it has in the same period in any of the last 15 years, according to a VOA analysis of monthly data released by the Pentagon.

The violence in Afghanistan is expected to worsen as fighting picks up during the warmer months. The Taliban recently announced the start of its annual spring offensive, rejecting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's offer of peace talks without preconditions.

Islamic State also has carried out numerous high-profile attacks.Special counsel Robert Mueller has given a list of almost four dozen questions to lawyers for President Donald Trump as part of his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and whether Trump obstructed justice, according to a report published in The New York Times.



The Times obtained a list of the questions, which range from Trump's motivations for firing FBI Director James Comey a year ago to contacts Trump's campaign had with Russians.

Although Mueller's team has indicated to Trump's lawyers that he's not considered a target, investigators remain interested in whether the president's actions constitute obstruction of justice and want to interview him about several episodes in office. The lawyers want to resolve the investigation as quickly as possible, but there's no agreement on how to do that.



Many of the questions obtained by the Times center on the obstruction issue, including his reaction to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from the Russia investigation, a decision Trump has angrily criticized.



Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday night, as did White House lawyer Ty Cobb.



The questions also touch on the Russian meddling and whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin in any way. In one question obtained by the Times, Mueller asks what Trump knew about campaign staff, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, reaching out to Moscow.

Mueller has brought several charges against Manafort, but none are for any crimes related to Russian election interference during the 2016 campaign. And he has denied having anything to do with such an effort.



The queries also touch on Trump's businesses and his discussions with his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, about a possible Moscow real estate deal. Cohen's business dealings are part of a separate FBI investigation.



One question asks what discussions Trump may have had regarding "any meeting with Mr. Putin," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another question asks what the president may have known about a possible attempt by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel with Russia before Trump's inauguration.

Additional questions center on Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his discussions on sanctions against Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition. Flynn is now cooperating with Mueller's investigators.



"What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?" reads one question. Another asks if there were any efforts to reach out to Flynn "about seeking immunity or possible pardon."



Flynn was fired Feb. 13, 2017, after White House officials said he had misled them about his Russian contacts during the transition period by saying that he had not discussed sanctions.



The following day, according to memos written by Comey, Trump cleared the Oval Office of other officials and encouraged Comey to drop the investigation into Flynn.Fresh violence in northwestern Cameroon has forced hundreds of teachers and students from their classrooms. Separatist rebels are targeting schools for not observing calls to strike.

Heavy rains fall as we arrive at Saint Bedes school in the English-speaking town of Ashing.

Dozens of students are carrying boxes out of the school. 17-year-old student Ambe John is leaving.

"I am going home due to what happened in school and for the sake of my principal. I need to go home so he can be rescued," said Ambe John.

Armed men attacked the school on Monday, abducting the principal and the school chaplain. Government officials told VOA for the two men were targeted by anglophone separatists for violating instructions to remain closed in support of the Ambazonian independence movement.

The chaplain was later released but the principal has not been found.

Godlove Nformi left his home in the nearby French-speaking town of Bafoussam to pick up his son when he got news of the attack.

"The matron gave us the information that we should come and take our children home," he said. "I am feeling too bad because I think that with everything children should have been going to school at least to see that their future is guaranteed."

Schools in Cameroons two English-speaking regions  the northwest and the southwest  were shuttered for nearly a year starting in November 2016. Teachers and lawyers were on strike demanding reforms to address what they say is the marginalization of Anglophones in mostly French-speaking country.

Some schools reopened last October, but the crisis has intensified. Late in November, President Paul Biya declared a state of war in the Anglophone regions.

The government says at least 30 schools have been attacked this year, with at least a dozen teachers either killed or wounded in the northwest and southwest regions. Hundreds more have fled.

Johnson Itoh, the most senior education official in the northwest region, says they have been pleading with the teachers to return since the government has deployed the military to protect them.



"We are having personnel of secondary education especially school heads shot at in the northwest here. The going is tough, the tough must get going. So what we are trying to do is to raise up the morale of those in the field," said Itoh.

Adolph Deben Tchoffo, governor of the northwest region of Cameroon, has been visiting the villages to encourage parents to send children to school.

The governor says he has come on behalf of President Biya to call on the population to seal a pact of collaboration with the military and administrative authorities so that the rebels, which the government has deemed terrorists, can be defeated. He says all village heads and traditional rulers should create self-defense groups to ward off infiltration.

Since early 2017, the government has responded forcefully to the unrest in the Anglophone regions. Rights group say the crackdown, which has included the detention of hundreds of people and at one point a three-month internet blackout, inflamed tensions, making dialogue more difficult.

The conflict has killed dozens on both sides this year and displaced at least 20,000 people.Sen. Marco Rubio says big businesses aren't investing much of their windfall from President Donald Trump's tax cuts into their workers despite GOP promises during last year's debate.



"There is still a lot of thinking on the right that if big corporations are happy, they're going to take the money they're saving and reinvest it in American workers," Rubio, R-Fla., told The Economist in a story release Monday. "In fact they bought back shares, a few gave out bonuses; there's no evidence whatsoever that the money's been massively poured back into the American worker."



Rubio's comments run counter to the cheerleading seen from other Republicans  and Democrats quickly jumped on the remarks.



"We couldn't have said it any better ourselves," said Matt House, a spokesman for top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York.



The GOP tax cut reduced the top corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and also lower rates on individuals. Democrats say too much of the cuts went to the wealthy and businesses while hastening the arrival of $1 trillion-plus annual budget deficits.



GOP leaders are making the tax cuts the centerpiece of the fall midterm campaign and credit the tax cuts for boosting the economy. But the tax cuts have been underperforming in opinion polls, such as a Gallup survey earlier this month that found 39 percent of respondents approved of the GOP tax measure, with 52 percent disapproving.



Rubio, a rival contender to Trump for the GOP nomination in 2016, voted for the tax cuts in December after unsuccessfully pressing to make the $2,000 per-child tax credit fully refundable for lower-income workers.



"Sen. Rubio pushed for a better balance in the tax law between tax cuts for big businesses and families, as he's done for years," said Rubio spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas, adding that Rubio still believes that "cutting the corporate tax rate will make America a more competitive place to do business."An agreement brokered by Russia to evacuate neighborhoods in southern Damascus was reached Monday between the Syrian government and rebel groups controlling the enclave of southern Damascus.

The parties agreed to evacuate trapped civilians and fighters in southern Damascus in exchange for sending away civilians and fighters in the two towns of Fua'a and Kafriyeh, predominately-Shiite towns under the regime's control in rebel-held Idlib province.

Local sources said the agreement excluded IS militants in Yarmouk Camp.

Mattar Ismael, a journalist based in southern Damascus, told VOA that people started preparations to leave southern Damascus, and the first convoy of civilians is expected to be bused out Tuesday morning.

"The majority of civilians will go to Idlib and Jarablus in northern Syria, a small group chose to go to Deraa in the south, and there are a number of civilians who refused to leave," Ismael said.

He added that thousands of civilians live in areas under the control of Free Syrian Army (FSA) in the towns of Yalda, Babila and Beit Sahm, and about 400 civilians are still in Yarmouk Camp under IS.

The FSA started handing over a number of its locations to the Russian Military Police, according to Syrian opposition news sources.

An estimated 3,500 civilians fled Yarmouk Camp in one week, many of whom are sleeping in the streets of neighboring areas.

"Those stark figures tell their own tragic story, of the destruction of a once-thriving refugee community, now reduced to abject, untold suffering," Chris Gunness, spokesperson for United Nations Agency to help Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), told Al Jazeera.

Yarmouk Camp was established for the Palestinian refugees who fled the 1948 war with Israel. According to UNRWA, the camp was home to about 160,000 Palestinians before Syria's conflict began in 2011.

Monday's agreement will also evacuate 1,500 civilians and militants in the towns of Fua'a and Kafriyeh in Idlib province, and release 80 civilians kidnapped in 2015 by former the al-Qaida-affiliated group, Tahrir.

The towns of Fua'a and Kafriyeh have been under siege since 2015, when rebel groups launched the Operation to Free Idlib Province against the Syrian government.

Despite the agreement, airstrikes and clashes did not stop in southern Damascus, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.The Dominican Republic severed ties with Taiwan and switched its allegiance to China on Tuesday, in another diplomatic blow to the self-ruled island, which accused the Caribbean nation of accepting false promises of aid from Beijing.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own, has formal relations now with only 19 countries, many of them poor nations in Central America and the Pacific. China says Taiwan is simply a wayward province with no right to state-to-state ties.

China and Taiwan have tried to poach each other's allies over the years, often dangling generous aid packages in front of developing nations, though Taipei struggles to compete with an increasingly powerful China.

Panama ended its long-standing relationship with Taiwan last year in a major diplomatic victory for China.

China has stepped up the pressure on Taiwan since the 2016 election as president of Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party. Beijing fears she will push for Taiwan's formal independence, but Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo.

The news on the Dominican Republic drew strong and swift condemnation from Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, who told reporters that China had offered financial incentives to attract their support.

"President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic has ignored our long-term partnership, the wishes of the people of the Dominican Republic, and the years of development assistance provided by Taiwan, to accept false promises of investment and aid by China," Wu said.

Taiwan "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies.

Beijing's attempts at foreign policy have only served to drive a wedge between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, erode mutual trust and further harm the feelings of the people of Taiwan," he added.

The Caribbean country had been a diplomatic ally of what is formally the Republic of China - Taiwan's official name - for 77 years, including when the government ruled all of China before being forced to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists.

Taiwan's presidential office said that despite the severe challenges, the government would not bow its head in pressure to Beijing, and vowed to do all it could to protect Taiwan's interests.

The Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, lauded the decision, in comments to reporters in Beijing at a hastily arranged news conference.

"This important and correct decision by the Dominican Republic absolutely accords with the basic interests of the country and its people," Wang said. "We highly appreciate this."

Growth potential immense

The Dominican Republic said it had taken the decision after a long process of consultation, taking its needs and potential into account, according to a statement on the president's website.

It said that even without formal diplomatic ties, China was already its second largest supplier of imported products.

"Of course we know that now we're establishing diplomatic relations, the growth potential of our trade links is immense," presidential legal advisor Flavio Dario Espinal said.

Espinal said that the government was grateful to Taiwan.

"We are deeply grateful for the cooperation we've shared for years," he said. "However, history and the socioeconomic reality force us now to change direction."

In Taipei, Wu said China had failed to follow through on its promises to former Taiwan diplomatic allies, including $140 million in aid to the small West African country of Sao Tome and Principe in late 2016.

"Developing nations should be aware of the danger of falling into a debt trap when engaging with China," he said.

Neither Wang, nor Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas Maldonado, who stood by his side at the Beijing news conference, took questions from reporters.

Speaking in March, Wang said it was in the best interests of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies to recognize an "irresistible trend" and ditch Taipei in favor "one China" ruled by Beijing.

The Vatican is possibly next on the list, as the Holy See and China edge closer to an accord on the appointment of bishops in China.Texas and six other Republican-governed states on Tuesday sued the Trump administration to try to end a program launched by Democratic former President Barack Obama that protects immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children.

The states filed suit in federal court in Texas in the latest twist in an ongoing policy and legal fight over the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that Republican President Donald Trump already has tried to rescind.

Trump said in September he would terminate DACA and end its protections for immigrants sometimes called "Dreamers," but gave the Republican-controlled Congress until March 6 to replace it.

Policy differences between Trump and lawmakers in both parties led to Congress failing to act.

In the meantime, courts ruled that the program can stay in place for now, although new applications will not be accepted.

The program protects around 700,000 young adults, mostly Hispanics, from deportation and gives them work permits for two-year periods, after which they must re-apply.

Texas, joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and West Virginia, argued in the lawsuit that the Obama administration exceeded its authority by creating the program without congressional action.

"Our lawsuit is about the rule of law, not the wisdom of any particular immigration policy," Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement.

"Texas has argued for years that the federal executive branch lacks the power to unilaterally grant unlawfully present aliens lawful presence and work authorization," he added.

The lawsuit asks the judge to wind down DACA, which would prevent any new permits from being issued or renewed but would not cancel current permits.

The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera, who was appointed by Obama.The number of Americans sickened each year by bites from infected mosquitoes, ticks or fleas tripled from 2004 through 2016, with infection rates spiking sharply in 2016 as a result of a Zika outbreak, U.S. health officials said Tuesday.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that some 96,075 diseases caused by bites by mosquitoes, ticks and fleas were reported in 2016, up from 27,388 in 2004, in an analysis of data from the CDC's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.

Infections in 2016 went up 73 percent from 2015, reflecting the emergence of Zika, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe birth defects. Zika was the most common disease borne by ticks, mosquitoes and fleas reported in 2016, with 41,680 cases reported, followed by Lyme disease, with 36,429 cases, almost double the number in 2004.

The increases may be a result of climate change, with increased temperatures and shorter winters boosting populations of ticks, mosquitoes and other disease-carrying creatures known as "vectors."

"It enables these ticks to expand to new areas. Where there are ticks, there comes diseases," said Lyle Petersen, director of the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases.

Warmer summer temperatures also tend to bring outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses, Petersen said.

While Zika stood out as the latest emerging threat in the report, it also showed a long-term increase in cases of tick-borne Lyme disease, which can attack the heart and nervous system if left untreated.

Researchers warned that their numbers likely do not include every case, as many infections are not reported.

These increases are due to many factors, including growing populations of the insects that transmit them and increased exposure outside of the United States by travelers who unknowingly transport diseases back home.

The CDC said more than 80 percent of vector-control organizations across the United States lack the capacity to prevent and control these fast-spreading, demanding illnesses.

Petersen said that federal programs are increasing funding for those organizations.Basque separatist group ETA is due to announce its final dissolution this week, ending Western Europe's last major armed insurgency, a 50-year campaign which killed more than 850 people in Spain.

Here is a timeline of major events since the founding of ETA, whose initials stand for Euskadi ta Askatasuna (Basque Country and Freedom), and its gradual weakening.

1959  Students in Madrid form ETA during dictatorship of Francisco Franco, who suppressed Basque culture, to fight for an independent state in northern Spain and southern France.

1968  ETA carries out first known killing, shooting Melito Manzanas, secret police chief in Basque city of San Sebastian.

1973  Franco's prime minister and heir apparent Luis Carrero Blanco is killed when his car drives over explosives planted by ETA in Madrid.

1974  Explosion at Rolando cafe in Madrid kills 12.

1975  Spain becomes democracy but ETA continues its violent campaign, altering perceptions of movement as force for resistance against fascism.

1978  ETA founds political wing Herri Batasuna.

1980  In its bloodiest year, ETA kills about 100 people.

1983  Government officials set up illegal death squads known as Anti-Terrorist Liberation Groups (GAL).

1985  ETA car bomb explodes in Madrid. A U.S. tourist is killed and 16 Civil Guards wounded.

1986  Twelve Civil Guards are killed and 50 wounded in Madrid in July. Juan Manuel Soares is later sentenced to 1,401 years in jail for killings.

1987  Twenty-one shoppers are killed by bomb at Barcelona supermarket in June. ETA apologises. Car bomb outside barracks in Zaragoza kills 11.

1991  Ten people killed by car bomb outside Civil Guard barracks in Barcelona.

1995  ETA members attempt to kill Jose Maria Aznar, leader of right-wing Popular Party, with car bomb. He survives and becomes prime minister in March 1996.

1995  Attempt to assassinate King Juan Carlos in Mallorca.

1997 Police foil plot to assassinate King Juan Carlos at Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. One officer dies in shootout, ETA member Eneko Gogeaskoetxea escapes.

1997  ETA kidnaps and kills Basque Popular Party member and Ermua town councillor Miguel Angel Blanco. Outrage spreads through Spain and 6 million take to streets.

1998  ETA announces truce which ends in Dec. 1999.

1998  Former Interior Minister Jose Barrionuevo, his deputy Rafael Vera and a former civil governor, Julian Sancristobal, are jailed for their role in GAL actions. The three were granted a partial pardon and released later that year.

1999  ETA meets Spanish government in Switzerland. In November, it announces ceasefire for Dec. 3.

2000  Car bombs in Madrid mark return to violent campaign.

2003  Supreme Court outlaws Batasuna party, which denies links to ETA but refuses to condemn attacks.

2003  Two bombs in resort towns of Alicante and Benidorm injure more than 10 people. Santander airport is also bombed.

2004  Suspected leader Mikel Albisu Iriarte, alias "Mikel Antza" is arrested in France. Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero appeals to ETA to give up fight.

2005  Parliament lower house approves resolution authorising government to negotiate disarmament.

2006  ETA declares permanent ceasefire in March. Zapatero tells parliament he will seek peace talks. In December, car bomb explodes at Madrid airport killing two Ecuadorians. Zapatero breaks off peace process.

2007  Zapatero rejects an offer from Arnaldo Otegi, leader of Batasuna, to restart peace talks without demanding major concessions from Spain. In April, ETA says it is willing to compromise if Spain stops arresting militants in Basque Country.

2007  ETA announces end to ceasefire in June. In December, two undercover Guardia Civil officials are killed in France.

2008  Zapatero rules out any chance of peace talks with ETA and says only option is unilateral surrender. Isaias Carrasco, former Socialist Party councillor, is killed in Mondragon. In November, ETA claims responsibility for 10 bombings and says it will press its campaign for Basque rights.

 Suspected military leader, Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubina, known by his alias "Txeroki" or "Cherokee", is arrested in France.

 In December, Ignacio Uria, owner of construction company Altuna y Uria which was building high-speed train line, is shot dead in Azpeitia. French police arrest man identified as Balak, presumed successor to Txeroki.

2009  Jurdan Martitegi, ETA's new military leader known as "the giant", is arrested in France in April. Two Civil Guard officers are killed in explosion at barracks in Mallorca, near royal holiday home, in July.

 French police arrest three suspected members in ski resort and raid 13 weapons stashes in southern France in August, dealing heavy blow to the group.

 In November, Batasuna calls for talks between ETA and Spain based on principles used in Northern Ireland's peace process. Spain rejects overtures the next day.

2010  Ibon Gogeascoechea, ETA's latest leader and on run since escaping scene of assassination attempt on King Juan Carlos in 1997, is arrested in Normandy.

 French police officer is shot and killed near Paris after suspected rebels fire on his patrol. French Prime Minister Nicolas Sarkozy vows to pursue group.

 Suspected military leader Mikel Kabikoitz Karrera Sarobe, known as "Ata", is arrested in France.

 In September, ETA says it has decided to stop carrying out armed attacks. Spain is sceptical and insists ETA must lay down its arms for good. ETA lays out conditions for end to its violent campaign.

 Batasuna says it will reject violence in its drive to be legalized but government says it must go further to be allowed to participate in elections.

2011  ETA declares permanent, general and verifiable ceasefire in January. The government rejects it and demands ETA permanently renounce violence and all its activities.

 In October, ETA announces "definitive end" to violence and moves to negotiate with France and Spain, which demand it gives up weapons. ETA makes no mention of possible weapons handover or disbanding.

 ETA says deal with France and Spain would be a condition to end armed fight but Spain says it must disband unconditionally.

2015  Egoitz Urrutikoetxea arrested in Paris. Incumbent leader Mikel Irastorza arrested in France.

2017  ETA effectively ends its armed campaign on April 8, surrendering its caches of weapons, explosives and ammunition to authorities in the French city of Bayonne. Spain's government says the move is positive but insufficient, and calls on the group to formally dissolve and apologise to its victims.

2018  Leaders ask members to vote on whether to dismantle completely by summer after months of internal debate, the group says in February.

 In April, Basque public television reports ETA plans to announce its full dissolution on the first weekend in May. Later the same month, the group apologises for harm caused to victims and their relatives. Spain welcomes the apology, but says it should have been offered a long time before.Algeria plans to lift a ban on imports of cell phones, household appliances and food and bring in high customs duties instead, its trade minister said on Monday, a new attempt to generate more tax revenue to ease pressure on state finances.

The North African country brought in the import ban at the start of this year with the aim of reducing spending after a fall in energy earnings.

The ban replaced a license system the government imposed in 2016 in a failed attempt to ease the imports bill.

"We consider imposing additional customs duties for finished goods. This is part of our search for (a) more efficient instrument," the trade minister, Said Djellab, told a conference.

"This plan will be discussed by the government in June," he said. He did not say when the ban on imports would be lifted.

Energy accounts for 60 percent of the state budget and 95 percent of total export revenues for the OPEC member country.

Oil and gas earnings have almost halved since crude oil prices started falling in mid-2014, hitting state finances significantly.

"These are temporary preventive measures. The crisis taught us lessons," Djellab said.

In apparent reference to discontent from Algeria's partners after the import restrictions, the minister said the government had started talks with suppliers including the European Union.

"We explained to our partners, inlcuding the European Union, that we are experiencing a difficult period. They understood the situation. A dialogue is still going on with them," he said.

Measures regarding imports will be accompanied by steps to boost domestic production and a five-year plan aimed at diversifying exports will be discussed in July, he said.

Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo discussed on Sunday possible exports to the African country of some industrial products including buses, household appliances and electrical industry equipment.

"We are targeting African markets but we need to improve the quality of our products," Djellab said.U.S. President Donald Trump fired new broadsides Tuesday at the criminal investigation into his 2016 election campaign's links to Russia and his White House actions.

The U.S. leader derided special counsel Robert Mueller's probe, said it was "disgraceful" that more than four dozen questions investigators want to ask Trump were leaked in a The New York Times story and contended that it would be "very hard" to obstruct the probe if, as he says, there was no collusion with Russia to help him win the election.

The Times report said Mueller's team wants to probe Trump's thinking about issues that occurred during the campaign, in the nearly three months between the election and his assuming power in January 2017 and during his 15 months in office.

The questions include ones about Trump's motivation behind some of his most incendiary comments on Twitter, where he often attacks the investigation and political opponents, but most more broadly focus on allegations Trump has obstructed justice by trying to thwart Mueller's probe.

Firing of James Comey

The investigators want to explore Trump's thinking in firing former FBI director James Comey a year ago while he was leading the Russia probe. Mueller's team also has questions about Comey's claim that Trump asked him to end his probe of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, whom Trump had also ousted and has since pleaded guilty to lying to Mueller's investigators about his contacts with Russia's ambassador to Washington.

The questions show that Mueller also wants to know when Trump knew about a middle-of-the-campaign meeting at his Trump Tower headquarters in New York arranged by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., with a Russian lawyer on the pretense that she would offer the campaign incriminating material on Trump's opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton. The younger Trump says the attorney had no such political dirt on Clinton. But news accounts charge when news of the meeting surfaced months later, President Trump played a role in writing a misleading characterization of the June 2016 meeting.

Business affairs

In addition, Mueller has questions about Trump's business affairs, especially possible deals linked to Russia, and what happened on Trump's 2013 trip to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant he owned at the time. A former British intelligence official, Christopher Steele, compiled a dossier on the trip, with uncorroborated, anonymous allegations Trump cavorted with prostitutes in a hotel room, which Trump has denied.

Whether Mueller and his team will actually get to ask Trump any questions is an open question. The president at various times has said he wants to answer Mueller's inquiries, but some of his defense lawyers have advised against it, fearing that Trump, who is often prone to exaggerations or outright falsehoods, could get trapped by the questioning.

Trump's attorneys have discussed the possibility of an interview with the prosecutors, but no agreement has been reached.

In one of his Tuesday tweets, Trump said, "So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I see... you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!"



Later, he contended, "It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened! Witch Hunt!"The two top officials in charge of security and toxic-waste cleanups at the Environmental Protection Agency have abruptly left their jobs, days after EPA administrator Scott Pruitt told lawmakers his subordinates were to blame for ethics problems that have imperiled his political future and prompted more than a dozen federal investigations.



In statements Tuesday, Pruitt praised the two men  Pasquale "Nino" Perrotta, the security chief, and Albert Kelly, who ran the EPA's Superfund program  and gave no reason for their unexpected departures.



Perrotta was expected to appear Wednesday for a transcribed interview by staffers of the House oversight committee, one of the congressional bodies and federal organizations probing reports of excessive spending by Pruitt and other issues at the agency. Committee aides said Perrotta's resignation was not expected to derail his appearance.



EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox said that the departures were unrelated to the ongoing federal investigations and that the agency was fully cooperating with the congressional probe, led by House oversight chairman Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C.



Pruitt's spending on security and some of the security contracts with Perrotta are among the topics of the federal probes involving the EPA under Pruitt, a former Oklahoma attorney general. Pruitt, an ardent advocate of minimizing regulation, has survived the kind of scandals that have brought down several other Cabinet appointees of President Donald Trump's.



At House hearings last week, Pruitt weathered six hours of scathing questions, criticism and a couple of calls from congressional Democrats to resign over the steady flow of news reports and announcements of new investigations allegations of ethical lapses at his agency. They include spending on Pruitt's behalf for round-the-clock security guards, first-class plane tickets and a $43,000 soundproof telephone booth.



Pruitt repeatedly deflected blame last week, describing subordinates as going too far in carrying out their duties, in excesses that occurred without his knowledge.



In the case of the $43,000 booth, for example, Pruitt acknowledged to lawmakers he had asked for a private and secure phone line when he arrived at the agency, but he said staffers took it upon themselves to spend tens of thousands of dollars on it. It was security officials, not Pruitt, who decided he should fly first class, he said.



Pruitt pledged last week to take care of the problems.

"Ultimately, as the administrator of the EPA, the responsibility of identifying and making necessary changes rests with me and no one else," Pruitt told lawmakers then.



Notably, most Republican lawmakers at the hearings declined to join the Democratic dogpile on Pruitt.



It was unclear Tuesday whether lawmakers from Pruitt's majority party would take the internal shakeup as a needed and promised house-cleaning by Pruitt or an indication of even greater trouble at the agency.



"I don't know how to take this, yet," Rep. Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania, one of the few Republican lawmakers last week to fault Pruitt on expenditures such as taking bodyguards with him to Disneyland and the Rose Bowl, said in a statement by email. "I'm waiting on more details ...to shed more light on what, if anything, to make of it."



Pruitt said in his statements that Perrotta was retiring after a 23-year government career that included time in the Secret Service and under previous EPA administrators. He praised Perrotta for hard work and dedication.



Pruitt thanked Kelly for what he said was his "tremendous impact" in Kelly's year overseeing the nation's Superfund program, charged with handling the cleanup of toxic waste sites.



Pruitt hired Kelly, an Oklahoma banker, at the EPA after federal banking regulators banned the man from banking for life. Regulators have not publicly specified the actions that led to the banking ban. Days ago, Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., pressed Pruitt for more details about why Kelly had been sanctioned.



"I think Mr. Kelly, if he's willing to share that with you, he should do that," Pruitt said Thursday.



The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., believing Kelly "violated a law or regulation," a year ago fined him $125,000. The undisclosed incident involved a loan by SpiritBank  which Kelly's family has owned for generations  allegedly made without FDIC approval.



Democrats in Congress also are asking for federal investigations of Kelly's reported loans to Pruitt while the two were still in Oklahoma. Kelly is not among the EPA officials summoned by House oversight committee members for questioning.



Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who has pushed for investigations of ethical problems under Pruitt, said in a statement Tuesday that "Pruitt should be the next to go."



"Albert Kelly was never qualified to run Superfund, his banking ban was a huge red flag and his resignation is a positive development," Beyer said.Britain and the United States launched a $25 million project on Monday to study the risks of a collapse of a giant glacier in Antarctica that is already shrinking and nudging up global sea levels.

The five-year research, involving 100 scientists, would be the two nations' biggest joint scientific project in Antarctica since the 1940s. Ice is thawing from Greenland to Antarctica and man-made global warming is accelerating the trend.

The scientists would study the Thwaites Glacier, which is roughly the size of Florida or Britain, in West Antarctica, the U.K. Natural Environment Research Council and U.S. National Science Foundation said in a joint statement.

Rising sea levels are a globally important issue which cannot be tackled by one country alone, U.K. science minister Sam Gyimah said.

Thwaites and the nearby Pine Island Glacier are two of the biggest and fastest-retreating glaciers in Antarctica.

If both abruptly collapsed, allowing ice far inland to flow faster into the oceans, world sea levels could rise by more than a metre (3 feet), threatening cities from Shanghai to San Francisco and low-lying coastal regions.

The scientists would deploy planes, hot water drills, satellite measurements, ships and robot submarines to one of the remotest parts of the planet to see whether the glaciers collapse could begin in the next few decades or centuries, the statement said.

Despite satellites, there are still many aspects of the ice and ocean that cannot be determined from space, said Ted Scambos, of the National Snow and Ice Data Center and the lead U.S. scientific coordinator.

Other scientists from South Korea, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Finland would also contribute.

The United States is keeping up research even though U.S. President Donald Trump doubts mainstream scientific findings that human activities, led by the burning of fossil fuels, are the main cause of global warming.A U.N. Security Council delegation on Tuesday visited Myanmar's Rakhine state, from where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled military-led violence, and said they hope to help the refugees return quickly and safely to their homes.

Around 700,000 Rohingya fled the troubled area to squalid camps in Bangladesh last year as Myanmar's army launched a brutal crackdown following insurgent attacks on security posts.

State television showed the ambassadors touring the border area. They were shown reception camps where refugees who return will first be housed. They also met with members of different groups affected by the violence and upheaval, including Rakhine Buddhists, Hindus and some Rohingya Muslims who did not flee.

The ambassadors visited refugees in Bangladesh over the weekend, and on Monday with Myanmar officials, including the country's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and the military commander-in-chief.

At a news conference in Myanmar's capital, Naypyitaw, before flying out of the country, the ambassadors reminded Myanmar's government of its obligations as a member of the United Nations.

The return of refugees should be in conformity with international standards, said Kuwait's representative, Mansour Ayyad Al-Alotaibi. It has to be safe and voluntary and dignified, without conditions, without restrictions, without any complications.

Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed in December to begin repatriating the refugees in January, but there were concerns among rights groups and Rohingya that they would be forced to return and face unsafe conditions in Myanmar.

In its counterinsurgency sweeps in Rakhine state after the attacks last August on security personnel, Myanmar's military was accused of massive human rights violations, including rape, killing, torture, and the burning of Rohingya homes, that U.N. and U.S. officials have called ethnic cleansing.

Basically the message we convey is it is very important to improve the security conditions for the return of the refugees, and also collaboration with the international organization, particularly the United Nations, said Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, ambassador of Peru. And we also mentioned the importance of the investigation regarding what happened here before the refugees went to Bangladesh.

The U.N. refugee agency and Bangladesh recently finalized a memorandum of understanding that said the repatriation process must be safe, voluntary and dignified. in line with international standards.

The Security Council delegation has asked Myanmar's government to sign the memorandum.

We believe that if the memorandum of understanding can be signed quickly and the U.N. agencies given unconditional access, that would be the best thing to do with the scale of the problem, said Karen Pierce, Britain's ambassador to the United Nations.

Pierce parried a journalist's question about whether the U.N. should make a referral to the International Criminal Court to investigate the atrocities alleged to have been carried out by Myanmar security forces, acknowledging only that it could be one avenue of investigation.

Myanmar's government agreed to allow the delegates to visit after previously rejecting U.N. requests for a trip by a specially appointed independent fact-finding committee. The team said in March that it found evidence of human rights violations against the Kachin, Shan and Rohingya minorities in all likelihood amounting to crimes under international law.With cities facing their fastest growth ever, the head of the United Nations' agency for urban development is on a mission  to revitalize the organization and ensure people, particularly women, are central to future planning.

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, the former mayor of Penang who took up the role of UN-Habitat executive director in January, said cities need to more liveable for women to succeed if they are home, as expected, to 70 percent of the population by 2050.

But first, she said, she had to put UN-Habitat back on track to ensure it could help meet the United Nations' latest set of global goals calling for cities to become inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by 2030.

For UN-Habitat has struggled in recent years to attract funding from national governments  its primary donors  with the Nairobi-based agency receiving just $2.5 million of a two-year $45 million budget for core operations.

"Before I see change in cities I want to see change in UN-Habitat to make sure it is relevant," Sharif, a professional planner, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on Monday on the sidelines of a workshop on sustainable cities.

Since Sharif took office she has stressed that the U.N. General Assembly has adopted a resolution on strengthening UN-Habitat as the organisation's focal point on sustainable urbanization and human settlements and that is her aim.

Sharif said one of her most immediate challenges is to reform UN-Habitat so that it can be a global driving force in implementing the New Urban Agenda (NUA), a 20-year-road map adopted by global leaders in 2016.

This sets non-binding goals such as developing cities that do not harm the environment, redeveloping informal settlements with residents involved and reining in urban sprawl.

Part of this includes working on a new six-year strategic plan to address urban challenges such as income inequality, affordable housing, climate change and resilience.

Sharif said making cities more liveable for women is one ofbher priorities because the benefits will be far-reaching. "If we plan the city for a woman, we plan it for all," Sharif said.

"If pavements are more accessible for women with children, it's also good for men and it's also good for people with mobility issues."

Sharif said participatory budgeting, in which ordinary people have a say in how city funds are spent, is an effective way to make sure women are included in key planning decisions.

Sharif added that urban planning was not just a "check-box" of building the school, the park, the road but you need to create "inclusive communities" involving the public, public sector and private companies.

"When you ask people what they want, you can make good decisions," she said.Britain will be able to impose sanctions on people who commit gross human rights violations under a so-called "Magnitsky amendment" backed by members of parliament on Tuesday.

The amendment to a new Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering

Bill going through parliament passed without a vote, because it was backed both by the ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labor Party.

Lawmakers referred to it during their debate as the Magnitsky amendment, in reference to Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who was arrested in 2008 after alleging that Russian officials were involved in large-scale tax fraud. He died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after complaining of mistreatment.

The amendment is not specifically aimed at Russians, but it comes at a time of crisis in relations between Britain and Russia following a nerve agent attack in England on a Russian ex-spy and his daughter, which London blames on Moscow.

Russia has denied any involvement in the attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal. The standoff has led to tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats and fiery rhetoric on both sides.

Boris Johnson, Britain's foreign minister, called the passage of the amendment through the House of Commons an "important moment."

"These [provisions] will allow U.K. to act against those responsible for serious offenses worldwide. U.K. stands up for human rights globally," he said on Twitter.

The United States passed a law known as the Magnitsky Act in 2012 under which it has imposed visa bans and asset freezes on Russian officials linked to the lawyer's death.

Prime Minister Theresa May spoke May 14 about bringing forward a Magnitsky Act-style amendment in one of her statements responding to the attack on the Skripals.

Bill Browder, an investment fund manager who employed Magnitsky and has led a campaign to punish Russian officials he blames for the lawyer's death, took to Twitter to thank lawmakers who played a part in the British Magnitsky amendment.

"Thank you for making a UK Magnitsky Act happen," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed allegations that Magnitsky's death was linked to mistreatment, saying he died of heart failure. A Russian court sentenced Browder in absentia in December to nine years in prison after finding him guilty of deliberate bankruptcy and tax evasion, allegations

Browder denies.The White House said Tuesday that it expected to wrap up trade talks with the European Union, Canada and Mexico within the 30 extra days of freedom from tariffs that President Donald Trump granted the previous day.

"Hopefully, we can get something that works for everybody," spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters.

Trump extended tariff exemptions on aluminum and steel exports from the EU, Canada and Mexico late Monday, just hours before they were to run out.

These are the same tariffs the U.S. has already imposed on China, Japan, Russia and other exporters.

The U.S. has finalized a deal on steel exports with South Korea, granting it a permanent exemption, while reaching agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil. The White House said it was giving negotiators 30 more days to work out similar deals with the EU, Canada and Mexico.

"We're having some potentially fruitful discussions about an overall reduction in trade tensions," U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told CNBC television Tuesday. "I don't think we have any intention to grant protracted extensions. That defeats the whole purpose."

Opposition to 'threat'

The European Commission criticized the new 30-day extension Tuesday, saying the EU "will not negotiate under threat."

"The U.S. decision prolongs market uncertainty, which is already affecting business decisions," it said. "The EU should be fully and permanently exempted from these measures, as they cannot be justified on the grounds of national security."

Trump has called the tariffs a national security issue because overproduction by some countries makes U.S. exports more expensive and undesirable on the global markets.

In March, Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum imports on China, Russia, Japan and other exporters for what he said was a remedy for unfair competition.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is part of a senior delegation heading to China this week for trade talks.

Lighthizer told the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday that he would like to see China integrate more foreign competition into its economy.

"It's not my objective to change the Chinese system. ... It seems to work for them. That's fine. ... I have to be in a position where the United States can deal with it, where the United States isn't a victim of it. And that's where our role is," Lighthizer said.After more than a month of travel by foot, bus and train, the Central American caravan of more than 150 people has stalled at Tijuana's U.S.-Mexico port of entry, where many are hoping to receive asylum  a U.S. safeguard against deportation for individuals believed to have a "credible fear" of persecution.

Upon the group's arrival, immigration officials said the port of entry, which has capacity to process roughly 300 people, was already full.

WATCH: At the U.S. Mexico border

Late Monday, the first of the migrants were allowed to enter the United States for processing, a group organizers said included eight people.

Nicole Ramos, an immigration lawyer with the nonprofit organization "Al Otro Lado," is among those faulting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for delays.

"They knew the caravan was coming, so the lack of preparation is not the refugees' fault," Ramos said. "How is it that the American government, which is the most powerful country in the world and one of the richest, doesn't have the capacity to process 200 refugees  kids?"

Awaiting their turn, many migrants camped overnight with their belongings and loved ones. A mix of hope and anxiety was palpable outside the gate.

"I'm happy for the opportunity, and doubtful because of what could happen," one Honduran told VOA.

"A part of me is sad, but I'm happy to see so many friends here," said Adan Alberto Ramirez, an 18-year-old father from El Salvador.

The right of asylum

"We've been watching it. We've been watching it," President Donald Trump said in reference to the caravan on Monday. He called U.S. immigration laws "weak and obsolete."

In addition to calling for Congress to act, Trump criticized a policy known as "catch and release," which allows migrants to be released from prolonged detention while their asylum cases are pending.

"If they touch our property, if they touch our country, essentially you catch them and you release them into our country. That's not acceptable to anybody," Trump said. "We need a change in the law."

Asylum-seekers who enter through ports of entry are abiding by the current law. CBP emphasizes the importance of entering this way, and not elsewhere.

"If they come to the ports of entry, they identify themselves correctly and state their claim, and do it officially, absolutely," said CBP Public Affairs Specialist Meredith Mingledorff. "What we ask is that you don't go around the ports of entry and try to come into the country illegally between them."

"We understand that they have a dream, they have a need," added Jorge Rivera, a U.S. Border Patrol supervisor with California's El Centro Sector.

"There are laws in this country. We need to abide by them. We expect everybody that's coming to our country to abide by those laws, and we're here to enforce them."

The Justice Department announced Tuesday it has filed criminal charges against 11 migrants suspected to be members of the caravan for illegally entering the country.

"These 11 defendants face charges now because they believed themselves to be above the law," said United States Attorney for the Southern District of California Adam L. Braverman. "Those seeking entry into the United States must pledge fidelity to the law, not break them, or else face criminal prosecution.

Deportation, a death sentence

Stymied in their attempt to apply for asylum, the migrants were facing another chilly night in the open air Monday. The temperature in Tijuana was forecast to drop to 11 degrees Celsius, and Tuesday was expected to be rainy.

Roughly half of the caravan are minors accompanied by their parents. And not all think they will be granted asylum. Upon learning their rights and chances of entry, some families have opted to stay in Mexico rather than face the risk of deportation, which they view as a death sentence.

Honduran native Luis Pavon is one. While he traveled with his girlfriend and baby daughter to the U.S.-Mexico border, he will stay on the Mexico side while his family presses on. He said he lost his father and brother to gang violence, but he feels his daughter and partner's chances of receiving asylum are greater than his own.

"Donald Trump wants to separate families, and in my case, I am going to be separated from my family," Pavon said. "In Honduras, [others] are already dead. I wouldn't be able to see my daughter again. But at least here, on this side of the border, I have the possibility of one day seeing her again."The Trump administration risks igniting a trade battle with Europe just as it's preparing for tense trade talks in China this week.

Facing a self-imposed deadline, Trump is considering whether to permanently exempt the European Union and five other countries from tariffs that his administration imposed last month on imported steel and aluminum. The White House provided temporary exemptions in March and has until the end of Monday to decide whether to extend them.

If it loses its exemption, the EU has said it will retaliate with its own tariffs on U.S. goods imported to Europe.

The confrontation stems from the president's decision in March to slap tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on imported aluminum. Trump justified the action by saying it was needed to protect American metal producers from unfair competition and bolster national security. But the announcement, which followed an intense internal White House debate, triggered harsh criticism from Democrats and some Republicans and roiled financial markets.

At the time, Trump excluded several vital trading partners  the European Union, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil  from the tariffs.

Two people familiar with the process said the Trump administration has been considering whether to provide a short-term extension of the exemptions to allow for more time to review the countries' efforts to secure permanent exemptions.

One of the officials said the U.S. trade representative has been overseeing the process for all of the countries except the European Union, whose tariffs are being evaluated by the Commerce Department.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations.

The EU and other countries have been asked to spell out what limits they could accept on the amount of steel they export to the United States, how they would address the issue of excess production of steel and aluminum and how they would support the U.S. before international bodies like the World Trade Organization. Security relationships with the U.S. have also been part of the criteria.

South Korea agreed to limit its exports to the United States as part of broader discussions involved in updating its bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. and was granted a permanent exemption.

China, Japan and Russia haven't received exemptions from the duties. That will likely reduce steel shipments from those countries over time. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said late Friday that quotas on imports from Europe and other countries are necessary so imports from those countries don't simply replace Chinese imports. The goal of the tariffs is to reduce total steel imports and boost U.S. production, Ross said.

"If you let everybody back out of the tariff, and you let them out of any kind of quota, how would you ever reduce the imports here?" Ross asked at a conference of business journalists. Ross is set to discuss the issue Monday with EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.

Germany, the EU's largest steel exporter to the U.S., accounted for about 5 percent of U.S. steel imports last year. South Korea made up the largest share, shipping about 13 percent of U.S. imports, according to an American Iron and Steel Institute analysis of government data.

The EU has compiled a list of retaliatory tariffs worth about $3.5 billion it will impose if its steel and aluminum isn't exempted.

European leaders have resisted the idea of a quota. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement Sunday that she discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May after returning from a White House visit Friday.

The three European leaders "agreed that the U.S. ought not to take any trade measures against the European Union," which is "resolved to defend its interests within the multilateral trade framework," Merkel's statement said.

In her meeting with Trump, Merkel said, she saw little progress in obtaining permanent exemptions. "The decision lies with the president," she said Friday.

Battle with China

In a separate trade battle with China, the United States has threatened to impose tariffs on $150 billion of Chinese goods in retaliation for what it argues are Beijing's unfair trade practices and its requirement that U.S. companies turn over technology in exchange for access to its market. The White House also wants China to agree to reduce its $375 billion goods trade surplus with the U.S.

China has said it would subject $50 billion of U.S. goods to tariffs if the U.S. taxes its products. Trump has announced that an administration delegation led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and trade adviser Peter Navarro will visit Beijing for negotiations on Thursday and Friday this week.

In addition to Mnuchin, Lighthizer, Ross and Navarro, the group will include economic adviser Larry Kudlow, U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad and Everett Eissenstat, deputy assistant to the president for International Economic Affairs.

"We're going to have very frank discussions," Mnuchin in an interview broadcast Monday on Fox Business.

Most analysts, however, think it's unlikely the talks will reach permanent agreements and will more likely mark the start of longer-term negotiations.U.S. President Donald Trump is extending tariff exemptions on aluminum and steel exports from the European Union, Canada, and Mexico for at least another month.

The temporary exemptions of the tariffs already imposed on such nations as China, Japan, and Russia, were to have expired Tuesday.

But the White House says it is giving negotiators 30 more days to work out a deal.

The European Commission criticized the temporary extension in a statement Tuesday, saying the European Union has been willing to discuss the issue and "will not negotiate under threat."

"The U.S. decision prolongs market uncertainty, which is already affecting business decisions," it said. "The EU should be fully and permanently exempted from these measures, as they cannot be justified on the grounds of national security."

Trump has called the tariffs a national security issue because overproduction by some countries makes U.S. exports more expensive and undesirable on the global markets.

WATCH: US trade and tariffs

The White House also announced late Monday it reached a final deal on steel exports with South Korea, granting it a permanent exemption, while reaching agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil.

"These agreements underscore the Trump administration's successful strategy to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminum industries," a White House statement said.

Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum in March on China, Russia, Japan, and other exporters to for what he says is a remedy for unfair competition.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and other senior U.S. officials head to China this week for trade talks, as reminded by Trump in a post on Twitter.

"Delegation heading to China to begin talks on the Massive Trade Deficit that has been created with our Country. Very much like North Korea, this should have been fixed years ago, not now. Same with other countries and NAFTA...but it will all get done. Great Potential for USA!"



Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum would be a major disruption because U.S. and Canadian industries - including U.S. car and fighter jet manufacturing - are closely integrated.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is warning of a possible trade war if the United States does not grant the European Union a permanent exemption.The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that one of its workers has been shot dead in the Somali capital.

An official with WHO told VOA that Mariam Abdullahi, a logistics officer for polio vaccinations, was killed in Mogadishu Tuesday afternoon.



Abdullahi was based out of Baidoa town but had been in Mogadishu in recent days. A relative of Abdullahi's family said she came to Mogadishu to buy some furniture and other items for her upcoming wedding. Witnesses told VOA Somali she was killed by gunmen armed with pistols in Mogadishu's busy Bakara market.



No one has claimed responsibility for the killing.



On March 28, another aid worker with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was killed after an explosion caused by a device fitted to his car. Abdulhafid Yusuf Ibrahim, communication and legal liaison officer, was fatally injured while leaving the ICRC office in Mogadishu.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for that attack.A top sympathizer of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also a regional minister, bit the dust in ZANU PFs primary elections conducted over the weekend, setting social media on fire with some people saying the stage is set for grueling general elections to be held between July and August this year.

Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister, Abednico Ncube, was beaten hands down by political novice Omphile Marupi, a radio disc jockey working for the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

Marupi, whose relatives have a strong background of Zimbabwes liberation struggle, faced an uphill task before the primary election as his supporters were forced to flee after Ncubes group allegedly threatened to set their homesteads on fire.

Some people immediately reacted soon after Ncube lost to Marupi with some of them mocking Ncube and his mentor, Mnangagwa, who became Zimbabwes second executive president after toppling former president Robert Mugabe last November in conjunction with the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Order Sibanda, one of the respondents to several Facebook threads on Ncubes fall, said, if you are above the age of 65 forget about winning in the forthcoming general elections because this is a #generationalconsensus.

We dont care whether its ZANU PF (which l support) or opposition parties. Ncube is a good example of how we will vote in the general elections. We know that Ncube is Mnangagwas ally and this is a warning sign for the president. Its our time to take the button stick from old politicians. For anyone above 65, bhora musango (abandon someone who let you down).

Bhora musango is a campaign tool used by some disgruntled Zanu PF activists in the 2008 harmonized election which targeted Mugabe, who had become unpopular in the ruling party. He was defeated by the late Movement for Democratic Change founding president Morgan Tsvangirai in the first round of the presidential election though Tsvangirai did not have enough votes to form a government. Tsvangirai abandoned the presidential run off citing widespread political violence allegedly perpetrated by Zanu PF supporters.

Andrew Mahachi echoed Sibandas sentiments, noting that some people who liberated Zimbabweans from white colonial domination have ruined Zimbabwe, once regarded as southern Africas bread basket.

Mahachi wrote in one of the Facebook threads, You fought during the liberation struggle to liberate us but enslaved us for more than 37 years as you dined with former president Robert Mugabe. You decided last November to get rid of him in order to join the gravy train. We will not accept this anymore. If you dont rig the elections, you will see exactly what lm writing about here. Mnangagwa, Ncube, (Retired General Constantino) Chiwenga are all history. We want our country back from these dinosaurs.

But a Mnangagwa supporter, using the pseudonym Mandibaya, said, You are all day dreaming because #EDHasMyVote. I will vote for him and anyone participating in the election under the banner of Zanu PF. Forget about defeating Zanu PF. We will always win any election.

Zanu PF used #EDHasMyVote as part of its election campaign ahead of the crucial forthcoming presidential, senatorial, parliamentary and council elections.

Another Facebook enthusiast, Cain Jongwe, shot back saying,  Wait and see. We will beat you all in the elections hands down with our #generationalconsensus focus. We are going to vote Nelson Chamisa as the next president of Zimbabwe. Ncube, Mnangagwa and all are about to learn the hard way. We will not vote for them. MDC-T Chamisa has our future at heart.

The MDC-T led by Chamisa, who is the MDC Alliance presidential candidate, uses #generationalconsensus in its election campaigns.United States Democratic Senator Chris Coons says time is running out for Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwas government to conduct free, fair and credible elections this year.

In an interview with Washington Correspondent Daniel Ryntjes of the CGTN Africa, Coons said President Mnangagwa has not made significant moves in ensuring that the country will address previous electoral challenges, which will result in the lifting of sanctions imposed on former President Robert Mugabe and some top ruling party officials.

Coons, who recently visited Zimbabwe with a delegation comprising senators from the Republican and Democratic parties, said,  President Mnangagwa, both in our personal meeting, which was positive and terrific and very long, and in public statements, both in the press conference afterwards and in an editorial published in the New York Times has committed himself to democracy, to free and fair elections, to protecting human rights, towards returning to a rules-based, open economy.

If he takes those steps, sanctions relief should be forthcoming from the United States and Senator Flake and I would take the action necessary in the American Congress to accomplish that. But, frankly, after what was a very encouraging meeting a few weeks ago, weve seen no concrete steps in response. The amount of time left before the elections is shrinking, so the importance of taking prompt, concrete steps to demonstrate the presidents commitment to democracy is becoming more and more important.

Asked if his confidence on Mnangagwas commitments are declining, Coons said, Well, there is less and less time for the president to take concrete action. Its been wonderful hearing his encouraging private and public comments about welcoming international observers, about publishing the list of those who are enrolled for the vote, of identifying the list of places where polling will take place, providing access to state media for opposition candidates, a whole variety of things that are a basic indicators of free and fair elections. But no steps have been taken yet, at least that Im aware off.

He said Mnangagwa should take immediate action to ensure that he sticks to his promises.

Thereve been some encouraging initial meetings with opposition parties but no concrete steps. So whether you look at EU Standards, AU Standards, SADC Standards, there are standards for free and fair elections, that dont vary significantly. I just urge President Mnangagwa and his administration to take concrete steps, soon.

On prospects of lifting sanctions imposed on Zanu PF officials, Coons said, Relieving sanctions would provide significant economic lift for Zimbabwe, both because it would then encourage foreign direct investment, re-establishment if robust economic ties, and it would bring engagement with the Western world for Zimbabwe which has been an increasingly isolated challenged and impoverished country, over the decades of former President Mugabes rule.

He noted that the United States as well as the United Kingdom and a number of other countries have long had sanctions in place against Zimbabwe.

Those sanctions are complex and have several different sources, but Senator Flake and I have introduced a Bill, and recently revised that Bill, that would provide some sanctions relief for Zimbabwe. Its not our role to dictate exactly what the Zimbabwean people will do through their elected leadership, but this sets up a couple of steps that they should take.

Responding to a question on Americas readiness to provide held in reviving Zimbabwes economy, the Democratic Senator said, I think Zimbabwe is widely recognized as a country with terrific potential. Its got a wonderful human resources in terms of very well educated citizenry, its got a legacy of infrastructure and development and agricultural potential, its got great natural resources as well, and I think they would find interested partners from all around the world that would gladly come and invest in their development and re-engagement with the region.

But as long as there are significant sanctions in place by western countries on Zimbabwe, that raises both direct and indirect challenges for them 

The United States and other nations imposed targeted sanctions on Mugabe and his colleagues due to alleged human rights abuses and electoral fraud.Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue.

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View ResultsTwo girls who reported an attempted kidnapping to Freeport Police on Friday face criminal charges after police discovered that they fabricated the story in order to prank their friends, said Freeport Police Chief Ray Garivey.Is the female gender just revived in a much more fascinating way? IRMA met three women designer who each work differently in their own way and had a chat about how their role as a female creative in a male dominated business has changed.

IRMA wonders if the male dominated design scene has changed in the last years Quelle: IRMA

Kelly Wearstler

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The US, California based interior designer is known for her spontaneous, sophisticated and eclectic style, pairing vintage finds and inspiring modern designs that incorporate a mix of materials and influences. Wearstlers studio houses 50 staff (including interior designers, architects, graphic designers, product designers and artists) in Los Angeles, where she loves the multicultural spirit and the ease of the west coast vibe. Her latest projects are three new hotels for The Proper Hotel Group, with the first one just opened in San Francisco and forthcoming properties in Downtown LA, Austin, Texas and Santa Monica, CA. You can shop her home designs, furniture, lighting and lifestyle accessories at kellywearstler.com.

Kelly Wearstler: There are really strong women in my family. My two grandmothers both worked for fifty years and my mother always worked. They taught me that there is no one who will take care of you better than yourself. Having strong female role models and a great work ethic helps to bolster your independence and confidence in yourself. I definitely attribute their strength and resilience to the formation of my own.

There is that cliche, that when you enter a construction site in a nice dress and heels the workers look at you as if you just landed in the wrong place. Early in my career I may have felt intimidated at a construction site, surrounded by men in their hard hats and construction boots. But once we start to engage in the work and get talking, they see my confidence and knowledge and I gain their respect for my work. For me, this is female power.

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IRMA: Do you think that the male dominated design scene has changed in the last years?

Wearstler: Absolutely, one hundred percent. I think women are killing it in the design world. Just look at Zaha Hadid  she was a trailblazer and a force to be reckoned with. Her designs are soulful and push the boundaries. Annabelle Selldorf is another incredible architect who sculpts powerful spaces with the most thoughtful of strokes. With more and more talented women forging unique paths in the design world we will continue to see a greater shift in the gender dynamic.

Jasmin Khezri aka IRMA talking with Kelly Wearstler in Milan Quelle: IRMA

IRMA: Which benefits do you see working as a woman?

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Wearstler: Women bring a unique perspective to design and everything they do. A different sensibility and thoughtfulness that encompasses a world view inclusive of their own ways of moving through life.

IRMA: What was your biggest success, I know there are many but if you are only to mention one?

Wearstler: My first restaurant design, BG at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Designing this space for such a legendary company gave me a real sense of accomplishment.

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IRMA: Do you have an icon/ idol in the world of interior design?

Wearstler: The work, philosophy and career of Andree Putman was and remains such an inspiration. Her diverse talents and striking, streamlined, modernist designs are timeless. She was the pioneer for boutique hotel design.

Jennifer Jane Martin aka JJ Martin

J.J. Martin during Milan Fashion Week Quelle: Getty Images/Jacopo Raule

The long-time journalist, editor and vintage collector JJ Martin has founded her brand La Double JJ in 2015 in Milan.

The Los Angeles born Designer keeps developing her design signature not only in her Pret-a-Porter Collection but also in-home wear, glass design and most recently with a collaboration of the Design firm Kartell for an all new take on Kartells 70-year legacy.

IRMA: Do you feel that women have more power, freedom and possibilities to explore, produce and interfere in the design world today?

JJ Martin: I think women always had this freedom, but they have not always chosen to do it. And the reason they didnt was because they didnt feel welcome or admitted into the design world. But theres no one whose job it is to welcome people into any industry. Architects are known as some of the most egocentric people on earth, and most architects are men. Its a very clubby business. But I dont think that women are purposefully excluded. No one is saying no. Its a matter of women finding their own self confidence and voice to say what they want, when they want to. Women in general are not accustomed to doing this or are called bossy and controlling if they do it.

Cristina Celestino

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The Italian architect Cristina Celestino established her architectural studio, ATTICO in Milan in 2010. She creates lambs, furniture and living accessories under her label. She is known for her many collaborations with international brands like Fendi, Nilufar, Botteganove and Sergio Rossi to name a few. She took part in the SaloneSatellite where the product Atomizers got nominated and is now part of the permanent collection of the Italian Designers at Triennale Museum of Milan.

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For this years Milan Design Week she created the Tram Corallo for Rubelli and designed the interior of a typical Milanese tram.

Schnappschusse von der Tram sind auch dabei Milan Design Week, Tagebuch Ein geheimes Apartment und endlich Neues vom Eames-Chair

IRMA: How would you describe your role as a female designer, tell me all about the advantages of being a woman working in design these days?

Cristina Celestino: I don't think there are any advantages to be a woman. I don't believe that just for being a female designer and architect I have to be part of a different category.

On the contrary this thing of making gender differences leads to categorize the female design as a more decorative, frivolous, romantic one (while the male one should be more functional and long-lasting).

I don't see myself closed in any category, I just know that many companies ask me to work for them and that my interiors and my projects have a great commercial success, and also an important recognition from press and public. And I am not sure that this is something about gender difference.

IRMA: When a client decides to work with you they are looking for your feminine approach and design language, do you think that in our digital high technical world this kind of femininity will expend?

Celestino: Clients usually approach me because of my personal design language. I think I get awarded because there is consistency in my work. Be it for personal projects or commissioned work, there is a clear and recognizable style and visual identity. (Keeping in mind the clients will).

I try to create emotional visions, I try to understand traditional materials and their qualities to finally add a contemporary aesthetic and create new typologies.

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I think the market is looking for this kind of interiors and products, distinguished by a greater sensitivity and care of the detail.

Read more about our contributor IRMA here and on IRMASWORLD.

Do follow us under the name ICONISTbyicon on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.THOMAS SAMSON / AFP /Getty Images

Nearly five years after acquiring Naugatuck-based YoCrunch, Danone filed notice with the state of Connecticut to close the plant early next year at a cost of nearly 150 jobs, with a company spokesman saying production would be moved to other sites in the United States..

Danone acquired YoCrunch in August 2013 from the predecessor firm of Greenwich-based L Catterton, with the Naugatuck company at the time generating annual sales of $110 million from yogurts with toppings like granola, cookie crumbs or candy.On the heels of a $5 billion contract last year to develop a new ballistic missile submarine for the U.S. Navy, General Dynamics is investing $850 million in its Electric Boat operations in eastern Connecticut with up to $83 million in assistance from the state.

General Dynamics plans to add nearly 1,900 workers in Groton and New London over the next 17 years to push its total employment there to more than 13,000 people. Electric Boat also has a large plant on Narragansett Bay in North Kingstown, R.I.

Electric Boat plans to ramp up production to three new vessels a year by 2021, requiring a new dry dock in Groton for the construction of the new Columbia class of ballistic missile subs. The Navy wants a dozen Columbia subs to replace aging Ohio-class missile boats, with Electric Boat one of two U.S. sub manufacturers, along with the Newport News Shipbuilding yard in Virginia, owned by Huntington Ingalls Industries.

Falls Church, Va.-based General Dynamics supports a vast network of some 700 Connecticut suppliers and vendors in addition to its own workforce  including more than three dozen in the southwestern corner of the state  with the company pledging to increase spending on that network by $250 million. In 2016, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy negotiated a similar pledge of support for local suppliers in a $220 million incentive package with Sikorsky Aircraft parent Lockheed Martin, which had considered moving Sikorsky operations elsewhere after acquiring the helicopter maker the year before from United Technologies.

With one Virginia-class attack sub under construction currently in Groton, the Department of Defense wants $7.4 billion for construction of two more as part of a proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year, as well as $3.7 billion for a Columbia-class ballistic missile sub. In the first quarter of 2018, General Dynamics earned $799 million on revenue of more than $7.5 billion, up 5 percent and 12 percent respectively from a year ago.

We began material purchases early this year to support construction on the first ship for Columbia (ahead of) full construction in 2020, said General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic, speaking last week on a conference call. As we move from our engineering and detailed design into the early phases of construction ... our (profit) margins are going to bop around.

General Dynamics is among the four largest U.S. defense contractors, behind only Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Raytheon. Jeffrey Geiger has led Electric Boat since 2013, previously working at the General Dynamics-owned Bath Iron Works destroyer plant in Maine, among myriad combat systems General Dynamics produces from the Abrams battle tank to cybersecurity systems.

Under the First Five incentive program created by Malloy, General Dynamics will receive a $35 million loan that will be forgiven if it fulfills its hiring and spending goals. The company will also get $20 million in sales tax exemptions on new construction and equipment at the Electric Boat campus in Groton and New London, as well as an $8 million grant for training programs at area community colleges, technical high schools and via the Eastern Workforce Investment Board.

The state also pledged $20 million to dredge the Thames River in readiness for the new dry dock.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulmanConnecticuts regular tax revenue will see a small boost this year and next, even as a windfall in one-time tax receipts this past winter came in larger than expected, a new report released by the state Monday showed.

State tax collection predictions for fiscal year 2019 rose by $328 million  in state budget of $20 billion  according to the governors Office of Policy and Management and the nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis.

Meanwhile, total tax collections for the year ending June 30 will be up by $586 million, much of that part of the windfall.

Both of those numbers are up modestly compared with total taxes collected in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 and continuing Connecticuts slow economic growth, which lags the rest of the country.

A surge in tax collections over the winter  by $1.2 billion  created hopes that the added money this year would translate to faster growth in future years. The bad news is that didnt happen; as it turns out, according to Mondays calculations, the $1.2 billion was one-time revenue resulting from a tax rule in 2017 and the stock market gyrations.

The report is a milestone we should all recognize and appreciate, said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Monday evening.

Ranking member of the General Assemblys Finance Committee, Rep. Chris Davis, R-Ellington, was less jubilant.

Its a mixed bag, he said. The underlying numbers, if you look past just the income tax numbers, give us troubling signs of the states economy, when it comes to the sales tax and corporate taxes.

Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, called the report very welcome news.

The reforms adopted as part of the bipartisan budget will lead to more than $1.5 billion being deposited into the states Rainy Day Fund and a stronger, more stable economic outlook, he said in a statement.

The Rainy Day Fund increase includes the $1.2 billion plus a portion of the added tax collections for next year, which by law must be saved for emergencies. It could be used to erase a small deficit for this year and cushion the state against possible downturns in the next few years.

Mondays report showed that the shortfall for this year now stands at $382 million, which lawmakers and Malloy will have to chop down. Much of that is the result of delayed federal payments for Medicaid, which should come over the summer.

The state also faces climbing unfunded liabilities for pension and health obligations, despite a state budget that already made deep cuts in certain corners.

Even a few hundred million dollars extra will likely ease the legislatures job of crafting a revised budget for fiscal year 2019  which it must do in the next nine days, unless it decides to keep the budget plan approved in October. More money could mean fewer cuts, shorter negotiations and more happy constituents.

Now that we have the consensus revenue report, I look forward to working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues on making adjustments to the bipartisan budget in order to better fund public education, protect aid to cities and towns and to end the year with a balanced budget, Looney said.

The new revenue forecast did prompt the Office of Policy and Management to revise its deficit estimate from earlier this month up $18.3 million.

According to their budget plan released just over a week ago, Democrats hope to funnel an extra $100 million toward education in 2019, including kicking off a new free college tuition program for more than 3,000 incoming freshmen. The spending plan also eliminates transportation rate hikes and keeps bus and train services at current levels while maintaining the statewide car tax mill rate topped at 45.

Republicans criticized the Democrats plan as a political ploy, and pitched a much more draconian spending guide that scooped money out of the Rainy Day Fund and privatized state services in order to eliminate the states deficit and make a payment toward the State Employees Retirement Fund, Teachers Retirement Fund and Retired Teachers Health Fund.

Common ground between the two parties included restoring some funding for the Medicare Savings Plan, school health clinics and Department of Social Services Hispanic programs. Both budgets increased municipal and education grants to towns. They also reduced cuts to the Care 4 Kids preschool program and retired teachers health care.

Staff Writer Dan Haar contributed to this storySTAMFORD  It was an unusual gathering of three murder defendants and their attorneys in a closed courtroom this week.

Attorneys Darnell Crosland, Robert Bello and Frank OReilly met with their clients Monday to discuss the states plea offer in a fourth-floor courtroom under tight judicial marshal supervision. Their clients, Deshawn Hayes, Jhonel Telenin and Morris Moore, have been jailed since they were charged with the 2015 murder of Maxine Gooden in Lione Park.

I have never seen this happen before in any case involving multiple defendants, Supervisory Senior Assistant States Attorney Paul Ferencek said of the rare meeting that was granted by Judge Gary White.

While the defendants have not made a decision whether to accept the states offer, which has not been made public, Crosland said the meeting was effective.

In an extraordinary turn of events, the judge approved a three-way conference between the defendants to discuss the prosecutions offer and to see whether there would be any issues at trial as far as a conflict between them, said Crosland, who represents Hayes.

Crosland said it does not appear the defendants are going to turn on each other.

It was helpful for me to know that the parties arent pointing their fingers at one another, Crosland said.

OReilly, who is representing Telenin, declined to comment about the 20-minute meeting he spearheaded.

Bello, who is Moores attorney, said he felt the defense was headed in the right direction.

Crosland said the evidence shows his client was sleeping in a Jeep when the shots were fired.

Police say Gooden, 43, a mother of five who was selling her home-cooked Jamaican food in the West Side park, was an innocent bystander.

Goodens daughter Andrina Roberts, said she and her younger sister were standing next to their mother when the shooting occurred.

After hearing four blasts from a pistol, Roberts said she turned around and saw her mother facedown on the ground. Gooden suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and died shortly after at the hospital.

Police say a witness followed the two shooters and took pictures of the getaway vehicles license plate. The Jeep was pulled over near Strawberry Hill Avenue and the three occupants were arrested.

Police said they found the gun stashed in the dashboard of the Jeep.

The defendants are scheduled to appear June 19 in court, but no plea decision is expected.

jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.comGATINEAU, Que.  Manitobas northern grand chief, Sheila North, is running for national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the Free Press has learned.

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 1/5/2018 (1253 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

GATINEAU, Que.  Manitobas northern grand chief, Sheila North, is running for national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the Free Press has learned.

"Youre the first audience that Im telling that Im going to be running for national chief," North told a room of 30 gathered midday Tuesday, just outside Ottawa at an AFN summit on federal legislation.

"I dont take it lightly."

North, 46, is the head of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, which represents more than 30 First Nations communities in the provinces north.

The grand chief has risen to national prominence for her advocacy around missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and calling out the ongoing inquiry for mismanagement and communications issues, especially for grieving families.

"I believe that my voice and my social-justice (activism) is what people see and what people are asking me to bring forth in a bid for leadership," she said.

"The pendulum was so far in one way that the government called the shots, and now were seeing it go the other way and theyre trying to contain it, and I dont think they can contain it much longer."

North said she envisions the AFN becoming more of a conduit between Ottawa and 634 sovereign First Nations on treaty issues. The AFN is meant to co-ordinate First Nations support and advocacy, but it is not a governing body, unlike the Metis National Council.

"The AFN also has to transform, so were not answering on behalf of your nations," she said. "We cant conform to what the government is telling the AFN to tell us to do."

The move comes after weeks of speculation. North told fellow chiefs she was asked last fall by Chief Tony Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta, as well as chiefs in British Columbia.

"This has been a long process for me to try and decide how I was going to answer the call."

A handful of chiefs from various provinces were visibly supportive of Norths bid, angling to talk to her on the sidelines of the AFN meetings. But the most enthusiasm has come from her fellow Manitobans.

"We certainly want to promote our good leadership among us, and I think she's one of them," Peguis Chief Glenn Hudson said in an interview.

"I think she's very much capable, and is highly skilled in terms of working issues out for our people. She's done a very good job in the north, in terms of representing our northern communities in Manitoba."

Chief Cathy Merrick of Cross Lake wished North luck without saying whom shed support for AGN chief. But she did say its time First Nations women take on more leadership roles.

"As a woman leader, we follow our hearts to be able to provide for our people and our children; our grandchildren," she said. "We bring them forward, as our ancestors did."

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The AFN has had 11 chiefs since it was started as the National Indian Brotherhood in 1968  all of them have been male. Wendy Grant-John, a former chief from British Columbia, ran for leadership in 1997.

North is withholding media interviews until she meets with her fellow Manitoba chiefs. She is expected to make a formal announcement Wednesday morning.

The grand chief, who recently went by the last name North Wilson, grew up on the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, at Oxford House, a fly-in community 575 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg that relies on winter roads.

She moved to Winnipeg as a teenager, and, with her two children, escaped an abusive relationship.

North worked a journalist for both CBC and CTV, as well as spokeswoman for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. In September 2015, North was elected the first female grand chief of MKO, and recently announced she is not seeking another term.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.caWhen Riverview Health Centre built its first unit for residents with Alzheimers disease and dementia nearly 20 years ago, it was considered state of the art, says president and chief executive officer Norm Kasian.

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When Riverview Health Centre built its first unit for residents with Alzheimers disease and dementia nearly 20 years ago, it was considered "state of the art," says president and chief executive officer Norm Kasian.

Today, the notion of a locked, 60-bed unit with nowhere to go and not much to do seems almost jail-like.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Cindy Roger shows off Circadian lighting panels in the ceiling of the Alzheimer Centre of Excellence project at the Riverview Health Centre.

"It was really an incarceration model," Kasian said. "The residents were in units that they never left."

Riverview is transforming how it houses and cares for such residents with its Alzheimer Centre of Excellence (ACE). On Monday, the first of four groups of 15 residents moved into a redeveloped section of the Alzheimers wing. It has smaller, more family-like groupings of five residents, with more room to safely wander, activities, cues to help them find their own rooms and more natural lighting.

"Were hoping this will go a long way to making this a more domestic situation," Kasian said.

The entire 60-bed Alzheimers unit and addition will be completed by February, and the goal is for it to be "world class," Kasian said. The aim is to provide exemplary patient care, with staff members getting extra and ongoing training in practical strategies for working with Alzheimers residents, and to conduct research using technology that tracks patients movements and responses to their new home.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Cindy Roger shows off Circadian lighting panels in the ceiling of the Alzheimer Centre of Excellence project at the Riverview Health Centre.

"This is really going to be a living, evolving, clinical laboratory," Kasian said during a recent tour of the first redeveloped unit. "Were introducing a dozen modes of innovation that were going to evaluate with the University of Manitoba."

Researchers will interview staff, professionals and families, "to find out which features were a success and which did not contribute to their quality of life."

Improving Alzheimers care is an urgent matter for Manitoba, community health researchers say.

An estimated 22,500 Manitobans have been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia  and that number is expected to hit 40,000 in the next 20 years. Its expected the dementia boom will be a soaring cost to the province.

"Alzheimers is like a tsunami coming down the tracks," Kasian said.

Riverview looked to the Netherlands for some of its best practices in caring for people with dementia  such as giving them room to move, said ACE interior designer Cindy Rodych. "Its about freeing up the residents and moving them from a locked-down facility to a more protected one with a larger geographical footprint so they can move throughout it."

The 6,000-square-foot pavilion still under construction will have a recreational and therapeutic area, including a kitchen, dining area and a sensory experience room. The pavilion will have access to an outdoor courtyard residents can freely move through.

Each redeveloped unit will have a theme to help residents recognize home. The first unit opened this week has a sunflower theme, but each residents door is different: Riverview hired a photographer take pictures of different colours and designs of doors in the area; the images were enlarged and affixed to each residents door, helping them to recognize their room.

"No two doors are the same," Rodych said.

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Next to each unique door is a digital picture frame  a "memory box"  displaying photos of the resident and family members. When the door is opened, a curio cabinet containing a few familiar keepsakes is visible (ensuring residents they are in the right room); inside the room, there are no obvious handles or pulls on cupboard doors or drawers, preventing residents from rummaging through a neighbours belongings, said Rodych.

Exits for staff will be disguised, to reduce the agitation of exit-seeking behaviour common among residents with Alzheimers disease. Rodych said the goal is make the place seem like home.

A real-looking cat that appears to be breathing as it naps in a wicker basket is in the family room. Theres a life-like baby doll in a carriage waiting to go for a walk or to be picked up and cradled. Familiar household activities such as folding and cleaning will be available at times throughout the day. The hallways have activity boards available.

Instead of fluorescent lights  which have been connected with "sundowning," a term describing dementia patients who wander after dark  each family-room area will have a circadian lighting system: faint blue during the day and a reddish hue towards sundown. With the help of U of M researchers, Riverview will be tracking whether or not the costly lighting system helps, and if it is worth expanding throughout the pods.

"The strength of the research component  thats a really important addition that we havent see in Manitoba," said Wendy Schettler, chief executive officer of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, who toured the first ACE pod last week. "I think they really have moved the bar forward, and thats an important thing."

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.caOTTAWA  As rumours continue to clog up the airspace over Portage la Prairie, the federal government isn't saying whether it plans to have all of the military's pilot training land in Saskatchewan.

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OTTAWA  As rumours continue to clog up the airspace over Portage la Prairie, the federal government isn't saying whether it plans to have all of the military's pilot training land in Saskatchewan.

The Royal Canadian Air Force does its initial pilot training at Southport Airport  a non-profit privately run facility established after the military closed CFB Portage la Prairie in 1992  and advanced training at CFB Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan.

Personnel who will fly fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters return to Southport for final training; jet pilots stay at the Saskatchewan base. But military sources say RCAF is considering consolidating everything in Moose Jaw, which would mean a loss of 350 jobs in Portage la Prairie.

"I want to make sure that where there's already great training happening, it's how we can continue, and enhance things," Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan told the Free Press.

"This isnt about cutting, this is about supporting the work we're doing  great work."

Portage-Lisgar Conservative MP Candice Bergen said shes been working behind the scenes for the last nine months in an effort to keep things as they are.

"I've been talking to people, having a lot of meetings, making calls, writing letters. It's a big issue, not (just) as jobs in Southport. It's good for our aerospace industry in Manitoba, and I think good for the Canadian military."

Bergen said she was trying to boost Southports strengths to federal officials, well before the Free Press reported the rumours April 20.

"I have been doing everything I can to ensure a fair, open, transparent procurement process; I think in Southport, that's what theyre asking for," she said. "They're not asking for favouritism. I believe they can compete and do very well; theyre very healthy and a very strong bid."

Sajjan said a fair process is exactly how the military will proceed. "They're going to go through the analysis, and once that is done, it will be vetted up to me, and then decisions will be made."

Southport CEO Peggy May told the Free Press earlier this month that the Department of National Defence indicated it would issue a request for proposals before the end of 2019 for a single contractor to provide pilot training beginning around 2023.

Its not known whether that means it would have to be done at one location, or if Manitoba would have a better chance of being selected over Saskatchewan.

In any case, Sajjan claimed that wasnt the militarys priority.

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"I'm not looking at any single source, or anything like that. I'm looking at in terms of what is the best way to help train the Canadian Armed Forces."

The defence minister said the military had been waiting for his governments defence policy, which the Liberals released last June, to start making long-term plans. That included a boost to air force personnel and fleet.

"We're going to have to hire more pilots. But, when it comes to the actual planning, the implementation piece, that's starting now"

Bergen said she was thrilled Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister raised the issue with officials during his visit to Ottawa this past weekend. He also called on Portage residents to rally for Southports future.

"It's gone through so many challenges, and that area has fought so hard," she said.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.caA nurse who scrolled through the private records of some 1,600 patients of the Grace Hospital emergency department was motivated by a desire to learn, according to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

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A nurse who scrolled through the private records of some 1,600 patients of the Grace Hospital emergency department was motivated by a desire to learn, according to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The nurse -- who the region refused to identify -- had access to the WRHAs emergency department information system as a result of his or her ongoing work in another hospitals ER. However, for several months while working as a general staff member at the Grace, the nurse used that access to look through the records of ER patients.

"There was no pattern to the access and certainly no specific individuals that were looked at on frequent occasions," WRHA chief operating officer Lori Lamont told reporters Tuesday. "The individual felt this was an appropriate learning activity."

The WRHA was alerted to the privacy breach March 12. Concerns about the nurse, who worked with the health authority for several years, were raised to a manager and to the regions privacy officer. While the manager advised the nurse to stop, the privacy officer took steps in keeping with the health authoritys strict policies on such breaches, which do not allow for warnings.

The nurse no longer works for the WRHA.

Lamont would not answer questions about any repercussions the manager may be facing for their handling of the breach, although, "This is not something that generally there is a grey zone on whether its appropriate or inappropriate access."

An audit into the breach wrapped up several weeks ago, identifying roughly 1,600 patients whose files were accessed. There is no evidence any of the patient files were copied, downloaded or printed, Lamont said. There is also no evidence the nurse inappropriately looked at patient information contained in any other regional systems.

The information accessed was "basic," Lamont said. The nurse looked at what illnesses brought patients into the ER, reading basic emergency care and treatment reports.

How extensively the nurse snooped in a persons file will be divulged to each individual. The WRHA is sending out notices advising those whose records were accessed, offering up contact information should the former patients have further questions.

"Were really sorry for any concern or distress that this would have caused for any patients and families," Lamont said.

The WRHA delayed in alerting affected patients because it wanted to make sure it had "all of the information," she said. If one person in particular had been targeted, as has happened in the past, Lamont said the WRHA would have notified patients "much more quickly."

That was the case in 2014, when a retired police officer looked at the personal records of his estranged daughter while working as an auditor for Manitoba Health. The man was fined $7,500 for those actions, although an ombudsmans report released in December found he also sent unauthorized personal health information to the RCMP and the Winnipeg Police Service.

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In 2015, the WRHA parted ways with a Grace Hospital pharmacist who looked through the medical records of 56 patients from around the province, "out of curiosity."

Last year, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba fined a nurse $1,000 for inappropriately accessing confidential patient information. In its decision, the college said while theres no evidence to suggest the nurses actions caused any particular harm, "there is potential for harm to the profession as a whole. Inappropriate access undermines the publics trust."

Information about the nurse at the centre of the latest breach at Grace Hospital has been forwarded to the college for "follow-up around professional conduct," Lamont said.

Overall, she said, shes confident one of the WRHAs routine audits would have caught the nurses unauthorized access if someone hadnt first alerted the privacy officer.

"Its important for all staff to recognize that they need to follow the appropriate personal health information policies and guidelines," Lamont said.

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.caManitoba Government and General Employees Union president Michelle Gawronski sees no coincidence Premier Brian Pallisters cabinet will decide on privatizing water bombers and air ambulances next year  just as its no-layoff collective agreement expires.

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Manitoba Government and General Employees Union president Michelle Gawronski sees no coincidence Premier Brian Pallisters cabinet will decide on privatizing water bombers and air ambulances next year  just as its no-layoff collective agreement expires.

"Our members are very, very concerned  do they have a job or not?" Gawronski said in an interview. "Theyre an essential service  they shouldnt be auctioned off for a profit."

However, the provincial government insists privatization isnt a done deal; it is just testing the market to see if Manitobans can get better value for money.

Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said Manitobans want him to be the smartest shopper possible. Schulers timeline for putting a recommendation before cabinet could take him into early 2019, but he emphasized privatization is still up in the air.

While Schuler has thus far refused in question period to tell the Opposition NDP whom hes hired, he said WSP Global Inc. consulting firm is handling the development of a request for proposals, which will go out by the end of August.

WSP Global would study any proposals submitted, then it would go to cabinet  maybe to privatize, maybe to forget the whole idea, he said.

He wont prejudge what the consulting firm will learn or recommend, should anyone make a proposal, Schuler said. "Its not for us to decide if this is money-saving. We said: would anyone even be interested in bidding on this?"

When Manitoba first hinted at privatizing the air services, the province received six expressions of interest from companies Schuler refused to name.

Some were interested in acquiring the entire service, some just taking over government flights, some running the air ambulance, some the water bombers, he said. "Some companies would key into certain parts of what we provide."

"The RFP would be very clear that they have to provide us with our service as it currently exists," Schuler said. He added that its WSP Globals job to figure out how the quality of service can be maintained at a lower cost while the provider turns a profit.

"I would be under the assumption they would buy our aircraft," Schuler said. However, "We wouldnt view this as a money generator."

As for the public employees, there are no guarantees theyd be retained, Schuler said. "We are putting very few conditions in."

One widely-voiced concern is a private operator of water bombers could contract them out in winter months to fire-prone parts of the United States, and it might be more profitable to leave them in California should forest fire seasons overlap.

Schuler wont speculate what private operators might charge the province, but said any contract would ensure Manitobas needs always came first.

"The expectation is, at the minimum, we have the services we have now," Schuler said. "We would want to have a contract thats pretty tight."

If a private operator sent water bombers elsewhere, "Will they come back to Manitoba when we need them?" asked University of Manitoba business Prof. Barry Prentice, a leading researcher in transportation issues.

Operating as a public service, "Obviously, its always there when we want it... I dont see where the savings are," Prentice said.

Exchange Income Corp. said its interested in the air ambulance service. Among many companies, it owns Perimeter Aviation LP, Calm Air International LP, Bearskin Airlines and Keewatin Air LP.

"We look forward to the (request for proposals). We provide medevac services in Manitoba and other jurisdictions in Canada. In particular, we look forward to examining the segment of medevac services that is not already handled by private companies in Manitoba should such an RFP be issued," said Michael Pyle, chief executive of Exchange Income Corp.

Sources suggested B.C.-based Conair Group Inc. would bid on taking over the water bombers.

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"We are aware the government of Manitoba is considering the privatization of their government air services. We are not prepared to comment publicly about this, or any other pending business opportunities currently under consideration," said Jeff Berry, Conair director of business development.

When at full complement, the government air services have 91 staff, including pilots, nurses and mechanics.

Liberal MLA Judy Klassen (Kewatinook) said northerners, such as her home community of St. Theresa Point First Nation, are wary of what could happen if essential services are run on a profit.

"Theyre not part of the system that does it as social justice. Thats too much of a risk  thats peoples lives," Klassen said. "Private enterprise will always seek a profit. How can it be cheaper?

"We need Pallister to realize that its better to be a public good."

nick.martin@freepress.mb.caWinnipeg Harvests cupboard is almost bare, and it is looking for the help of Winnipeggers to restock.

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Winnipeg Harvests cupboard is almost bare, and it is looking for the help of Winnipeggers to restock.

Keren Taylor-Hughes, Harvests executive director, said in a statement Monday the amount of food the organization has is at "a critically low level."

"We havent seen support from the community decrease, however, demand for food for families in need never decreases and April through May are typically tough months for the food bank as donations dwindle after the holidays," Taylor-Hughes said.

The charity is asking, in particular, for the following donations: protein (canned stew, beans and fish, as well as peanut butter); carbohydrates (rice, pasta, instant potatoes, macaroni and cheese mix); canned soup, vegetables and fruit.

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Last year, Harvest helped 63,791 individuals and moved 13.2 million pounds of food.

TONA GETS NDP NOD IN ST. BONIFACE VOTE

The New Democratic Party of Manitoba has nominated community activist Blandine Tona to run in the upcoming St. Boniface byelection to replace outgoing MLA Greg Selinger.

The decision was announced Sunday by Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew.

Tona has a masters degree in public law and political science, and is currently a PhD candidate in peace and conflict studies at the University of Douala in Cameroon. Shes an active community organizer in St. Boniface, where she lives with her husband, two daughters and stepson, according to the NDP.

The Manitoba Liberal Leader Dougald Lamont announced his candidacy last week.

No date has yet been set for the byelection, which was called after Selinger, a former premier, retired from politics.Medtronic Plc is a medical technology company, which engages in the development, manufacture, distribution, and sale of device-based medical therapies and services. It operates through the following segments: Cardiac and Vascular Group; Minimally Invasive Technologies Group; Restorative Therapies Group; and Diabetes Group. The Cardiac and Vascular Group segment consists of products for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiac rhythm disorders and cardiovascular disease. The Minimally Invasive Technologies Group segment focuses on respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, renal system, lungs, pelvic region, kidneys, and obesity diseases. The Restorative Therapies Group segment comprises of neurostimulation therapies and drug delivery systems for the treatment of chronic pain, as well as areas of the spine and brain, along with pelvic health and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. The Diabetes Group segment offers insulin pumps, coninuous glucose monitoring systems, and insulin pump consumables. The company was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

Read MoreUSG Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells building materials worldwide. The company's Gypsum division manufactures and markets gypsum and related products to construct walls and ceilings of residential, nonresidential, and institutional buildings; and agricultural and industrial customers. This segment offers gypsum wallboards and compound portfolios, as well as corner beads, joint tapes, and plasters under the USG Sheetrock brand; glass mat sheathing portfolios under the Securock brand; construction plaster products under the Red Top, Imperial, Diamond, and Supremo brands; and lightweight gypsum panels under the USG Sheetrock brand, as well as ultralight panels, USG Sheetrock brand ecosmart panels, and industrial gypsum. Its Performance Materials division manufactures and markets products for interior and exterior building applications of residential and nonresidential buildings, as well as industrial applications. This segment provides cement boards, backer boards, shower systems, performance floorings, air barrier systems, roof board portfolios, and structural panels under the USG Durock, Fiberock, Levelrock, Securock, ExoAir, Securock, and USG brands. The company's Ceilings division manufactures and markets ceiling tiles under the Radar, Eclipse, Mars, and Halcyon brands; ceiling grids under the Donn, DX, Fineline, Centricitee, and Identitee DXI brands; specialty ceilings under the Curvatura, Compasso, Radians, Illusions, Multiples, Runways, Barz, Planx, Mirra, Corniche, Wallforms, and Parti brands; and acoustical drywall ceilings under the Ensemble brand. Its USG Boral Building Products division manufactures, distributes, and sells building products, mines raw gypsum, and sells natural and synthetic gypsum under the USG Boral Sheetrock, USG Boral NextGen, Elephant, Jayaboard, Durock, and Donn DX brands. The company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Aramark: 1ST & Fresh LLC, AIL Servicos Alimenticios e Participacoes Ltda., AIM Services Co. 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Ltd., Campbell Catering Holdings Limited, Campbell Catering Limited, Campbell Catering Ltd., Campbell Catering Services, Canadian Linen and Uniform Service Co., Canyonlands Rafting Hospitality LLC, Catering Alliance Limited, Caterwise Food Services Limited, Central Multiservicios S.R.L., Central de Abastecimiento Limitada, Central de Restaurantes Aramark Limitada, Central de Restaurantes Aramark Multiservicios Limitada, Central de Restaurantes S.R.L., Centrapal S.R.L., Centro de Innovacion y Servicio S.A., Cliff House Hospitality, Comertel Educa SLU, Comertel Residencia SLU, Comertel SA, Complete Purchasing Services Inc., Corporate Coffee Systems LLC, Crater Lake Hospitality, D.G. Maren II Inc., Delicious on West Street LLC, Delsac VIII Inc., Distributor JV Limited, Dongguan Best Property Management Co., Doyon/Aramark Denali National Park Concessions Joint Venture, Effective Partnerships Limited, Filterfresh Coffee Service, Filterfresh Coffee Service LLC, Filterfresh Franchise Group LLC, Fine Host Holdings LLC, Food JV Limited, Freedom Ferry Services, GTB Gastro Team Bremen GmbH, Gestion de Alimentacion y Limpieza Colectivadades SLU, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Concessions LLC, Glen Canyon Rafting Hospitality, Glenrye Properties Services Limited, Golden Collar, Good Uncle Services, Gourmet Aramark Services LLC, Guaranty Energy Group 1981, HPSI Purchasing Services LLC, Harrison Conference Associates LLC, Harrison Conference Services of North Carolina LLC, Harry M. Stevens Inc. of New Jersey, Harry M. Stevens Inc. of Penn., Harry M. Stevens LLC, Hunters Catering Partnership Limited, Institutional Processing Services, Instituto ICS S.A., Inversiones Aramark Chile Limitada, Inversiones Centralcorp Limitada, Inversiones Palm Limitada, Inversiones en Aseo y Mantenimiento S.A, Irish Estates (Facilities Management) Limited, L&N Uniform Supply LLC, Lake Tahoe Cruises LLC, Landy Textile Rental Services LLC, Lifeworks Restaurant Group LLC, Lotus Facilities Management, MESA, Masterplan, Medical Equipment Solutions & Applications Sagl (MESA), Mill Mount Weavers Limited, Muir Woods Hospitality, MyAssistant Inc., New Aramark LLC, Nissho Linen, North Rim Hospitality, Old Time Coffee Co., Olympic Peninsula Hospitality LLC, Orange Support Services Limited, Overall Laundry Services Inc., Paradise Hornblower LLC, Pelican Procurement Services Limited, Philadelphia Ballpark Concessions Joint Venture, Prem Hospitality Limited, Premgroup Franchise Services Limited, Premier Management Company (Dublin) Limited, Premier Partnership (Catering) Limited, Quebec Linge Co., ReMedPar, Restaura Inc., Rocky Mountain Hospitality LLC, Rushmore Hospitality LLC, SeamlessWeb, Seguricorp Servicios S.A., South Rim Hospitality LLC, Spokesoft Technologies Limited, Stuart Cabeldu Catering Limited, Sun Office Service Inc., Tarrant County Concessions LLC, The Aramark Foundation, The Original Food Company Limited, Travel Systems LLC, Trinity Hospitality Services GmbH, Trinity Hospitality Services SARL, Trinity Purchasing N.V., Vector Environmental Services Limited, Vector Workplace and Facility Management Limited, Veris Plc, Veris Property Management Limited, Veris UK Limited, WearGuard, Wilderness River Adventures, and Yosemite Hospitality LLC.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..CoreLogic, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides property information, insight, analytics, and data-enabled solutions in North America, Western Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates in two segments, Property Intelligence & Risk Management Solutions (PIRM) and Underwriting & Workflow Solutions (UWS). The PIRM segment combines property information, mortgage information, and consumer information to deliver housing market and property-level insights, predictive analytics, and risk management capabilities. It also offers proprietary technology and software platforms to access, automate, or track the information and assist its clients with decision-making and compliance tools in the real estate and insurance industries. This segment primarily serves commercial banks, mortgage lenders and brokers, investment banks, fixed-income investors, real estate agents, MLS companies, property and casualty insurance companies, title insurance companies, government agencies, and government-sponsored enterprises. The UWS segment combines property, mortgage, and consumer information to provide comprehensive mortgage origination and monitoring solutions, including underwriting-related solutions, and data-enabled valuations and appraisals. This segment also provides proprietary technology and software platforms to access, automate, or track the information and assist its clients with vetting and onboarding prospects, and meeting compliance regulations, as well as understanding, evaluating, monitoring property values. It primarily serves mortgage lenders and servicers, mortgage brokers, credit unions, commercial banks, fixed-income investors, government agencies, and property and casualty insurance companies. The company was formerly known as The First American Corporation and changed its name to CoreLogic, Inc. in June 2010. CoreLogic, Inc. was incorporated in 1894 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Sysco: 2234829 Alberta ULC, 2234842 Alberta ULC, A. M. Briggs Inc., A.M. Briggs, Almacen Fiscal Frionet Caldera S.A., Almacen Fiscal Frionet Limon S.A., Appert's Foodservice, Arnotts (Fruit) Limited, Asian Foods, Bahamas Food Holdings Limited, Bahamas Food Services Limited, Brake Bros, Brake Bros Foodservice Ireland Limited, Brake Bros. Foodservice Limited, Brake Bros. Holding I Limited, Brake Bros. Ltd., Brakes Foodservice NI Limited, Buchy Food Service, Buckhead Beef Co., Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Houston Inc., Buckhead Meat Company, Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc., Buckhead Meat of Dallas Inc., Buckhead Meat of Denver Inc., Buckhead Meat of San Antonio LP, Buzztable Inc., CAKE Corporation, Central Seafood Co., Christys Wine & Spirits Limited, Clafra Aktiebolag, Colorado Boxed Beef Co - Specialty meat-cutting division, Corporacion Frionet Sociedad Anonima, Crossgar Foodservice, Crossgar Foodservice Limited, Crown I Enterprises Inc., Cucina Acquisitions (UK) Limited, Cucina Finance (UK) Limited, Cucina French Holdings Limited, Cucina Fresh Finance Limited, Cucina Fresh Investments Limited, Cucina Lux Investments Limited, Curleys Quality Foods Limited (Third Party), Davigel Belgilux S.A., Davigel Espana S.A., Desert Meats & Provisions, Distagro, Doerle Food Service, Doughtie's Foods Inc., Dust Bowl City LLC, Eko Fagel Fisk o mittemellan AB, Enclave Insurance Company, Enclave Parkway Association Inc., Enclave Properties LLC, European Imports, European Imports Inc., Figg Inc., Freedman Meats, Freedman Meats Inc., Freedman-KB Inc., Fresh Direct (UK) Limited, Fresh Direct Group Limited, Fresh Direct Limited, Fresh Holdings Limited, FreshPoint, FreshPoint Arizona Inc., FreshPoint Atlanta Inc., FreshPoint California Inc., FreshPoint Central California Inc., FreshPoint Central Florida Inc., FreshPoint Connecticut LLC, FreshPoint Dallas Inc., FreshPoint Denver Inc., FreshPoint Hawaii LLC, FreshPoint Inc., FreshPoint Las Vegas Inc., FreshPoint North Carolina Inc., FreshPoint North Florida Inc., FreshPoint Oklahoma City LLC, FreshPoint Pompano Real Estate LLC, FreshPoint Puerto Rico LLC, FreshPoint San Francisco Inc., FreshPoint South Florida Inc., FreshPoint South Texas Inc., FreshPoint Southern California Inc., FreshPoint Tomato LLC, FreshPoint Vancouver Ltd., Freshfayre Limited, Fruktservice i Helsingborg AB, GHS Classic Drinks Limited, Gilchrist & Soames Inc., Gilchrist & Soames UK Limited, Guest Packaging LLC, Guest Supply, Guest Supply Asia Limited, Guest Supply Singapore Pte. Ltd., International Food Group, Isakssons Frukt & Gront AB, J & M Wholesale Meats, J. Kings Food Service Professionals, J. Kings Food Service Professionals Inc., Kent Frozen Foods, Les Ateliers Du Gout, Liquid Assets Limited, M&J Seafood Holdings Limited, M&J Seafood Limited, Manchester Mills LLC, Mayca Autoservicio S.A., Mayca Distribuidores S.A., Menigo Foodservice AB, Mitshim Etatu Supply LP, Newport Meat Company, Newport Meat Northern California Inc., Newport Meat Pacific Northwest Inc., Newport Meat Southern California Inc., Newport Meat of Nevada Inc., North Star Holding Corporation, North Star Seafood, North Star Seafood Acquisition Corporation, North Star Seafood LLC, PFS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Palisades Ranch Inc., Pallas Foods, Pallas Foods Farm Fresh Unlimited Company, Pallas Foods Unlimited Company, Pauleys Produce Limited, Promotora del Servicios S.A. de C.V., Restaurangakdemien AB, Restaurant of Tomorrow Inc., Rohan Viandes Elaboration SAS, SMS Bermuda Holdings, SMS GPC International Limited, SMS GPC International Resources Limited, SMS Global Holdings S.a.r.l., SMS International Resources Ireland Unlimited Company, SMS Lux Holdings LLC, SOTF LLC, SYY Netherlands C.V., SYY Panama S. de R.L., Serca Foodservice, Servicestyckarna I Johannes AB, Servicios Ameriserve S.A. de C.V., Shenzhen Guest Supply Trading Co. Limited, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Bianchi Montegut, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Boiseau, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Garcelles, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) J.D. Lanjouan, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Le Dauphin, Specialty Meat Holdings LLC, Stockflag Limited, Stockholms Fiskauktion AB, Supplies on the Fly, Sysco Albany LLC, Sysco Asian Foods Inc., Sysco Atlanta LLC, Sysco Autoservicio S.A., Sysco Baltimore LLC, Sysco Baraboo LLC, Sysco Bermuda Partners L.P., Sysco Boston LLC, Sysco Canada Holdings S.a.r.l., Sysco Canada Inc., Sysco Central Alabama LLC, Sysco Central California Inc., Sysco Central Florida Inc., Sysco Central Illinois Inc., Sysco Central Pennsylvania LLC, Sysco Charlotte LLC, Sysco Chicago Inc., Sysco Cincinnati LLC, Sysco Cleveland Inc., Sysco Columbia LLC, Sysco Connecticut LLC, Sysco Corporation, Sysco Corporation Director's Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Employee's 401(k) Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Good Government Committee Inc., Sysco Corporation Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Plan Trust, Sysco Detroit LLC, Sysco Disaster Relief Foundation Inc., Sysco EI VI S. s.r.l., Sysco EU II S.a.r.l., Sysco EU III S.a.r.l., Sysco EU IV Capital Unlimited Company, Sysco EU IV S. s.r.l.., Sysco EU V S. s.r.l., Sysco Eastern Maryland LLC, Sysco Eastern Wisconsin LLC, Sysco Foundation Inc., Sysco France Holding SAS, Sysco France SAS, Sysco George Town II LLC, Sysco George Town Limited S. s.r.l.., Sysco Global Finance LLC, Sysco Global Finance LLP, Sysco Global Holdings B.V., Sysco Global Resources LLC, Sysco Global Services LLC, Sysco Grand Cayman Company, Sysco Grand Cayman II Company, Sysco Grand Cayman III Company, Sysco Grand Rapids LLC, Sysco Guernsey Limited, Sysco Guest Supply Canada Inc., Sysco Guest Supply Europe Goods Wholesalers LLC, Sysco Guest Supply Europe Limited, Sysco Guest Supply LLC, Sysco Gulf Coast LLC, Sysco Hampton Roads Inc., Sysco Hawaii Inc., Sysco Holdings II LLC, Sysco Holdings LLC, Sysco Indianapolis LLC, Sysco International Food Group Inc., Sysco International Inc., Sysco Iowa Inc., Sysco Jackson LLC, Sysco Jacksonville Inc., Sysco Kansas City Inc., Sysco Knoxville LLC, Sysco Labs Europe Limited, Sysco Labs Pvt. Ltd., Sysco Leasing LLC, Sysco Lincoln Inc., Sysco Lincoln Transportation Company Inc., Sysco Long Island LLC, Sysco Los Angeles Inc., Sysco Louisville Inc., Sysco Memphis LLC, Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Canada Inc., Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Inc., Sysco Metro New York LLC, Sysco Minnesota Inc., Sysco Montana Inc., Sysco Nashville LLC, Sysco Netherlands Partners LLC, Sysco North Central Florida Inc., Sysco North Dakota Inc., Sysco Northern New England Inc., Sysco Philadelphia LLC, Sysco Pittsburgh LLC, Sysco Portland Inc., Sysco Raleigh LLC, Sysco Resources Services LLC, Sysco Riverside Inc., Sysco Sacramento Inc., Sysco San Diego Inc., Sysco San Francisco Inc., Sysco Seattle Inc., Sysco South Florida Inc., Sysco Southeast Florida LLC, Sysco Spain Holdings SLU, Sysco Spokane Inc., Sysco St. Louis LLC, Sysco Syracuse LLC, Sysco Technologies Cayman Ltd., Sysco Technologies LLC, Sysco UK Holdings Limited, Sysco UK Limited, Sysco UK Partners LLP, Sysco USA I Inc., Sysco USA II LLC, Sysco USA III LLC, Sysco Ventura Inc., Sysco Ventures Inc., Sysco Virginia LLC, Sysco West Coast Florida Inc., Sysco Western Minnesota Inc., The SYGMA Network Inc., Upsys, Victua SAS, Walker Foods Inc., Waugh Foods, and Wild Harvest Limited.Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. engages in the management of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. It operates through the following segments: Asset Management, Real Estate, Renewable Power, Infrastructure, Private Equity, Residential Development, and Corporate Activities. The Asset Management segment includes the management of its listed partnerships, private funds and public securities. The Real Estate segment is comprised of the ownership, operation and development of core office, core retail, LP investments and other properties. The Renewable Power segment encompasses the ownership, operation and development of hydroelectric, wind, solar, storage and other power generating facilities. The Infrastructure segment consists of the ownership, operation and development of utilities, transport, energy, data infrastructure and sustainable resource assets. The Private Equity segment refers to the broad range of industries, and is mostly focused on business services, infrastructure services and industrials. The Residential Development segment represents homebuilding, condominium development and land development. The Corporate Activiti

Read MoreAmeresco, Inc. engages in the provision of energy services, including energy efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, asset sustainability, and renewable energy solutions for businesses and organizations throughout North America and Europe. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Regions, U.S. Federal, Canada, Non-Solar Distributed Generation (DG), and All Other. The U.S. Regions, U.S. Federal, and Canada segments offers energy efficiency products and services, such as design, engineering and installation of equipment and other measures to improve the efficiency and control the operation of a facility's energy infrastructure; and renewable energy solutions and services. The Non-Solar DG sells electricity, processed renewable gas fuel, heat or cooling, produced from renewable sources of energy, other than solar, and generated by small-scale plants; and operations and maintenance services for customer owned small-scale plants. The All Other segment focuses on the provision of enterprise energy management services, consulting services, and integrated-photovoltaic. The company was founded by George Peter Sakellaris on April 25, 2000 and is headquartered in Framingham, MA.

Read MoreMullen Group Ltd. provides trucking and logistics services in Canada and the United States. The company operates through three segments: Less-Than-Truckload, Logistics & Warehousing, and Specialized & Industrial Services. The Less-Than-Truckload segment delivers general freight consisting of smaller shipments, packages, and parcels; and pharmaceutical and package products. The Logistics & Warehousing segment offers multimode transportation services, such as full truckload, specialized trucking, intermodal, and transload to customers through a network of terminals and transload facilities; and warehousing and distribution services. The Specialized & Industrial Services segment provides production services, such as well servicing, production fluid transportation, transportation of fluids for disposal, frac support, and industrial cleaning and turnaround services; and specialized services comprising dredging and dewatering services, large diameter pipe stockpiling and stringing services, water management, environmental services, civil construction, municipal development and emergency services, hydrovac excavation services, hydrostatic testing services to the pipeline industry and midstream sector, and transporting of oversize and overweight shipments. This segment also offers drilling and drilling related services, consisting of transportation, handling, and storage of oilfield fluids, tubulars, and drilling mud; drilling rig relocation; general oilfield hauling; well disposal facility; core drilling; setting surface casing; and conductor pipe setting services. Mullen Group Ltd. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Okotoks, Canada.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of NRG Energy: 3279405 Nova Scotia Company, 3283764 Nova Scotia Company, 7549709 Canada Inc., 7644868 Canada Inc., 7711565 Canada Inc., AC Solar Holdings LLC, Ace Energy Inc., Agua Caliente Borrower 1 LLC, Agua Caliente Solar Holdings LLC, Agua Caliente Solar LLC, Allied Home Warranty GP LLC, Allied Warranty LLC, Arthur Kill Gas Turbines LLC, Arthur Kill Power LLC, Astoria Gas Turbine Power LLC, Bayou Cove Peaking Power LLC, Beheer-en Beleggingsmaatschappij Plogema B.V., Berrians I Gas Turbine Power LLC, BidURenergy Inc., Big Cajun I Peaking Power LLC, Bluewater Wind Delaware LLC, Bluewater Wind Maryland LLC, Bluewater Wind New Jersey Energy LLC, Boquillas Wind LLC, Cabrillo Power I LLC, Cabrillo Power II LLC, Camino Energy LLC, Carbon Management Solutions LLC, Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, Chester Energy LLC, Chickahominy River Energy Corp., Cirro Energy Services Inc., Cirro Group Inc., Citizens Power Holdings One LLC, Commonwealth Atlantic Power LLC, Connecticut Jet Power LLC, Cottonwood Development LLC, Cottonwood Energy Company LP, Cottonwood Generating Partners I LLC, Cottonwood Generating Partners II LLC, Cottonwood Generating Partners III LLC, Cottonwood Technology Partners LP, Delaware Power Development LLC, Devon Power LLC, Doga Enerji Uretim Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Doga Isi Satis Hizmetleri Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Doga Isletme ve Bakim Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Dunkirk Gas Corporation, Dunkirk Power LLC, EHI Development Fund LLC, EME Eastern Holdings LLC, EVgo Services LLC, Eastern Sierra Energy Company LLC, Ecokap Power LLC, El Segundo Energy Center II LLC, El Segundo Power II LLC, El Segundo Power LLC, Elkhorn Ridge Wind II LLC, Energy Alternatives Wholesale LLC, Energy Choice Solutions LLC, Energy Curtailment Specialists, Energy Plus Holdings LLC, Energy Plus Natural Gas LLC, Energy Protection Insurance Company, Everything Energy LLC, Forward Home Security LLC, GCP Funding Company LLC, GenOn Energy, Geostellar Inc., Gladstone Power Station Joint Venture, Goal Zero, Goal Zero Europe GmbH, Goal Zero LLC, Granite II Holding LLC, Granite Power Partners II L.P., Green Mountain Energy, Green Mountain Energy Company, Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, Gregory Partners LLC, Gregory Power Partners LLC, Hanover Energy Company, Huntley IGCC LLC, Huntley Power LLC, Independence Energy Alliance LLC, Independence Energy Group LLC, Independence Energy Natural Gas LLC, Indian River Operations Inc., Indian River Power LLC, Intellastar LLC, Ivanpah Master Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project I Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project II Holdings LLC, Ivanpah Project III Holdings LLC, James River Power LLC, Kaufman Cogen LP, LSP-Nelson Energy LLC, Long Beach Generation LLC, Long Beach Peakers LLC, Long Beach Power LLC, Louisiana Generating LLC, MEC Esenyurt B.V., MEC San Pascual B.V., Maplekey UK Finance Limited, Maplekey UK Limited, Meriden Gas Turbines LLC, Middletown Power LLC, Midway-Sunset Cogeneration Company, Midwest Finance Company LLC, Midwest Generation EME LLC, Midwest Generation Holdings I LLC, Midwest Generation Holdings II LLC, Midwest Generation LLC, Midwest Generation Procurement Services LLC, Midwest Peaker Holdings LLC, Mission Bingham Lake Wind LLC, Mission Del Cielo LLC, Mission Energy Construction Services LLC, Mission Energy Holdings International LLC, Mission Energy Wales LLC, Mission Funding Zeta LLC, Mission Midway-Sunset Holdings LLC, Mission Midwest Coal LLC, Mission Minnesota Wind LLC, Mission Watson Holdings LLC, Mission Wind Boquillas LLC, Mission Wind New Mexico II LLC, Mission Wind Owaissa LLC, Mission Wind Pinnacle LLC, Mission del Sol LLC, Montville IGCC LLC, Montville Power LLC, NEO Chester-Gen LLC, NEO Corporation, NRG Acquisition Holdings Inc., NRG Advisory Services LLC, NRG Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Alexandria LLC, NRG Arroyo Nogales LLC, NRG Arthur Kill Operations Inc., NRG Asia-Pacific Ltd., NRG Astoria Gas Turbine Operations Inc., NRG Astoria Power LLC, NRG Audrain Generating LLC, NRG Audrain Holding LLC, NRG Bayou Cove LLC, NRG Berrians East Development LLC, NRG Bluewater Holdings LLC, NRG Bluewater Wind Massachusetts LLC, NRG Bourbonnais Equipment LLC, NRG Bourbonnais LLC, NRG Brazoria Energy LLC, NRG Business Services LLC, NRG CTA Holdings LLC, NRG Cabrillo Power Operations Inc., NRG Cadillac Inc., NRG Cadillac Operations Inc., NRG California Peaker Operations LLC, NRG Capital II LLC, NRG Carbon 360 LLC, NRG Cedar Bayou Development Company LLC, NRG Chalk Point CT LLC, NRG CleanTech Investments LLC, NRG Coal Development Company LLC, NRG ComLease LLC, NRG Common Stock Finance I LLC, NRG Common Stock Finance II LLC, NRG Connected Home LLC, NRG Connecticut Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Connecticut Peaking Development LLC, NRG Construction LLC, NRG Cottonwood Tenant LLC, NRG Curtailment Solutions Canada Inc., NRG Curtailment Solutions Inc., NRG DG Development LLC, NRG Development Company Inc., NRG Devon Operations Inc., NRG Dispatch Services LLC, NRG Distributed Energy Resources Holdings LLC, NRG Distributed Generation PR LLC, NRG Dunkirk Operations Inc., NRG ECOKAP Holdings LLC, NRG ESA Joint Development LLC, NRG El Segundo Operations Inc., NRG Energy Center Eagles LLC, NRG Energy Center Oxnard LLC, NRG Energy Fuel LLC, NRG Energy Fuel Services LLC, NRG Energy Gas & Wind Holdings Inc., NRG Energy Holdings II Inc., NRG Energy Holdings Inc., NRG Energy Inc., NRG Energy Labor Services LLC, NRG Energy Petroleum LLC, NRG Energy Services Group LLC, NRG Energy Services International Inc., NRG Energy Services LLC, NRG Equipment Company LLC, NRG Fuel Cell CA1 LLC, NRG Fuel Resources LLC, NRG Fuel Transportation LLC, NRG GTL Holdings LLC, NRG Gas Development Company LLC, NRG Generation Holdings Inc., NRG Gladstone Operating Services Pty Ltd, NRG Granite Acquisition LLC, NRG Greenco LLC, NRG HQ DG LLC, NRG Holding Leasing Vehicle 7 LLC, NRG Home & Business Solutions LLC, NRG Home Services LLC, NRG Home Solutions LLC, NRG Home Solutions Product LLC, NRG Homer City Services LLC, NRG Huntley Operations Inc., NRG Identity Protect LLC, NRG Ilion LP LLC, NRG Ilion Limited Partnership, NRG Independence Solar LLC, NRG International LLC, NRG Kaufman LLC, NRG Latin America Inc., NRG Lease Co LLC, NRG Lease Development LLC, NRG Limestone 3 LLC, NRG Maintenance Services LLC, NRG Mesquite LLC, NRG Mextrans Inc., NRG MidAtlantic Affiliate Services Inc., NRG MidCon Development LLC, NRG Middletown Operations Inc., NRG Middletown Repowering LLC, NRG Midwest Holdings LLC, NRG Midwest II LLC, NRG Montville Operations Inc., NRG NE Development LLC, NRG Nelson Turbines LLC, NRG New Roads Holdings LLC, NRG NewGen LLC, NRG North Central Operations Inc., NRG Northeast Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Norwalk Harbor Operations Inc., NRG Ohio Pipeline Company LLC, NRG Operating Services Inc., NRG Oswego Harbor Power Operations Inc., NRG Oxbow Holdings LLC, NRG PacGen Inc., NRG Peaker Finance Company LLC, NRG Portable Power LLC, NRG Potrero Development LLC, NRG Power Marketing LLC, NRG Procurement Company LLC, NRG Project Company LLC, NRG Reliability Solutions LLC, NRG Renter's Protection LLC, NRG Repowering Holdings LLC, NRG Residential Solar Solutions LLC, NRG Residential Solar Solutions Leasing II LLC, NRG Retail LLC, NRG Retail Northeast LLC, NRG Rockford Acquisition LLC, NRG Rockford Equipment II LLC, NRG Rockford Equipment LLC, NRG Saguaro Operations Inc., NRG Security LLC, NRG Services Corporation, NRG Sherbino LLC, NRG SimplySmart Solutions LLC, NRG Solar Arrowhead LLC, NRG Solar CVSR Holdings 2 LLC, NRG Solar Dandan LLC, NRG Solar Guam LLC, NRG Solar Ivanpah LLC, NRG Solar Ring LLC, NRG Solar SC Stadium LLC, NRG Solar Sunrise LLC, NRG South Central Affiliate Services Inc., NRG South Central Generating LLC, NRG South Central Operations Inc., NRG South Texas LP, NRG Sterlington Power LLC, NRG Storage Fabrication & Delivery LLC, NRG Storage on Demand NY LLC, NRG SunCap Leasing I LLC, NRG Telogia Power LLC, NRG Texas C&I Supply LLC, NRG Texas Gregory LLC, NRG Texas Holding Inc., NRG Texas LLC, NRG Texas Power LLC, NRG Texas Retail LLC, NRG Trading Advisors LLC, NRG Transmission Holdings LLC, NRG ULC Parent Inc., NRG Victoria I Pty Ltd, NRG Warranty Services LLC, NRG West Coast LLC, NRG Western Affiliate Services Inc., NRG Wind Development Company LLC, NRG Wind Force LLC, NRG Wind LLC, NRG dGen Advisory Services LLC, NRGenerating German Holdings GmbH, NRGenerating International B.V., NRGenerating Luxembourg (No. 1) S.a.r.l., NRGenerating Luxembourg (No. 2) S.a.r.l., New Genco GP LLC, New Jersey Power Development LLC, Norwalk Power LLC, O'Brien Cogeneration Inc. II, ONSITE Energy Inc., One Block Off The Grid Inc., Oswego Harbor Power LLC, Pacific Generation Company, Petra Nova CCS I LLC, Petra Nova Holdings LLC, Petra Nova LLC, Petra Nova Parish Holdings LLC, Petra Nova Power I LLC, Pure Energies Group, Pure Energies Group ULC, Pure Energies Installation Inc., Pure Energies Solar Services Inc., Pure Group Inc., RDI Consulting LLC, RERH Holdings LLC, Reliant Charitable Foundation, Reliant Energy, Reliant Energy Northeast LLC, Reliant Energy Power Supply LLC, Reliant Energy Retail Holdings LLC, Reliant Energy Retail Services LLC, Restoration Design LLC, Roof Diagnostics Solar Holdings LLC, Roof Diagnostics Solar and Electric LLC, Roof Diagnostics Solar and Electric of NY LLC, Saguaro Power Company a Limited Partnership, Saguaro Power LLC, San Gabriel Energy LLC, San Joaquin Energy LLC, San Juan Energy LLC, San Pascual Cogeneration Company International B.V., Sherbino I Wind Farm LLC, Solar Partners I LLC, Solar Partners II LLC, Solar Partners VIII LLC, Solar Power Partners, Solar Pure Energies ULC, Somerset Operations Inc., Somerset Power LLC, South Texas Wind LLC, Station A LLC, Sunrise Power Company LLC, Sunshine State Power (No. 2) B.V., Sunshine State Power B.V., TCV Pipeline LLC, Tacoma Energy Recovery Company, Taloga Wind II LLC, Texas Coastal Ventures LLC, Texas Genco GP LLC, Texas Genco Holdings, Texas Genco Holdings Inc., Texas Genco LP LLC, Texas Genco Services LP, US Retailers LLC, Valle Del Sol Energy LLC, Vienna Operations Inc., Vienna Power LLC, WCP (Generation) Holdings LLC, Watson Cogeneration Company, West Coast Power LLC, XOOM Alberta Holdings LLC, XOOM British Columbia Holdings LLC, XOOM Energy BC ULC, XOOM Energy California LLC, XOOM Energy Canada ULC, XOOM Energy Connecticut LLC, XOOM Energy Delaware LLC, XOOM Energy Georgia LLC, XOOM Energy Global Holdings LLC, XOOM Energy Illinois LLC, XOOM Energy Indiana LLC, XOOM Energy Kentucky LLC, XOOM Energy LLC, XOOM Energy Maine LLC, XOOM Energy Maryland LLC, XOOM Energy Massachusetts LLC, XOOM Energy Michigan LLC, XOOM Energy New Hampshire LLC, XOOM Energy New Jersey LLC, XOOM Energy New York LLC, XOOM Energy ONT ULC, XOOM Energy Ohio LLC, XOOM Energy Pennsylvania LLC, XOOM Energy Rhode Island LLC, XOOM Energy Texas LLC, XOOM Energy Virginia LLC, XOOM Energy Washington D.C. LLC, XOOM Ontario Holdings LLC, XOOM Solar LLC, and eV2g LLC.The following companies are subsidiares of Bristol-Myers Squibb: 1096271 B.C. ULC, 345 Park LLC, A.G. Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc..Stantec Inc. provides professional consulting services in the area of infrastructure and facilities in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company provides consulting services in engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics. It also offers water, transportation, and public works; transportation planning and traffic engineering; and resource assessment, mine development, reclamation, hydrology, and geotechnical and infrastructure engineering services, as well as urban planning, traffic assessments and optimization, environmental impact assessments, and public consultation services. In addition, the company provides structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and hydraulics engineering services. It serves urban regeneration, infrastructure, education, public and private sector, tourism and leisure, and waste and water sectors, as well as office and commercial, residential, and retail and town centers. The company was formerly known as Stanley Technology Group Inc. and changed its name to Stantec Inc. in October 1998. Stantec Inc. was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada.

Read MoreTravis Perkins plc distributes building materials to the building, construction, and home improvement markets in the United Kingdom. It operates through four segments: Merchanting, Retail, Toolstation, and Plumbing & Heating. The Merchanting segment distributes interior building products, which include drywalls, ceilings, external envelopes, fire protection products, flooring and partitioning products, and tools and accessories to professionals within the construction industry; civil, drainage, and heavy building materials to specialist contractors and trade professionals; and pipeline and heating solutions. This segment also distributes building materials, plumbing and heating products, landscaping materials, timber and sheet materials, painting and decorating products, dry lining and insulation products, doors and joinery, and hand and power tools to trade professionals and self-builders. The Retail segment operates as a home improvement retailer, which sells kitchen, bathroom, paint, and timber products. The Toolstation segment supplies products to the trade, home improvers, and self-builders industry through approximately 350 branches, as well as online, call center, and a mobile website. The Plumbing & Heating segment supplies its products to the trade, home improvement, and DIY markets. The company also offers kitchens and joinery products to specialist joiners, kitchen fitters, house builders, local authorities, and national house builders; and operates as a tile retailer. The company was formerly known as Sandell Perkins Public Limited Company and changed its name to Travis Perkins plc in October 1988. Travis Perkins plc was founded in 1797 and is headquartered in Northampton, the United Kingdom.

Read MoreOn Monday, nearly 50,000 Arizona educators and supporters continued their walkout against underfunded schools and low pay for a third day. Although the teacher unions have done everything to isolate the teachers and wear them down with fruitless appeals to hostile politicians, educators came out to the state capitol in Phoenix en masse Monday to demonstrate their determination as the strike began its second week.

Several of the largest districts announced they would remain closed on Tuesday as the Arizona Education Association and the national teacher unions scramble to come up with some justification to end the strike without meeting teachers demands, as the unions did in West Virginia and Oklahoma.

Over the weekend, AEA President Joe Thomas had called Mondays rally the final remedial opportunity for the state legislature to listen to teachers demands before the union shifted its focus to electing Democrats in the November elections. On Monday, he said, The real work is getting them to pass a budget and you have to do that today, adding, Break bread with your legislators and find common ground. But teachers have no common ground with legislators who have cut roughly $1 billion from Arizona schools over the past decade.

The teacher unions above all want to prevent the strike from spreading across the United States and coalescing into a movement for a nationwide strike. This was made clear by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten who was questioned by a World Socialist Web Site reporter during a press conference in Phoenix Monday. Asked for her response to the growing demands by teachers for a nationwide strike, Weingarten insisted that education is a statewide issue. She added, We want to make sure that these walkouts become walk-ins to the voting booth in November.

The claim that education is a state-by-state issue is absurd on the face of this. Since the early 1980s, the federal government, whether led by Democrats or Republicans, has waged an unending war against schoolteachers and public education. The Obama administration, with the assistance of the AFT and the National Education Association (NEA) sharply expanded for-profit charter schools, and used standardized tests to scapegoat teachers, cut their pay and fire them. Trump and his education secretary, Betsy DeVos, a billionaire enemy of public education, are escalating the attack.

It is also the case that states are subjected to relentless demands for tax cuts by corporations that operate nationally and internationally. Governor Ducey, his predecessor Jan Brewer, both Republicans, and Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano all slashed taxes for corporations and the richest Arizonans, resulting in falling revenue that has been paid for through slashing education and other vital services.

Weingartens reference to transforming teacher walkouts into walk-ins to the voting booth in November describes precisely how the unions are trying to crush the wave of teacher rebellions and divert it into a campaign for Democrats. Weingarten, who is a member of the Democratic National Committee, would like educators to forget about Obamas anti-teacher Race to the Top program and the attack on education in New York, California, Colorado and other states run by the Democrats.

The unions have been aided in their efforts by the Facebook group Arizona Educators United (AEU), which has promoted the unions and state Democrats. Although teachers are demanding a 20 percent pay raise and the restoration of funding to pre-2008 levels, the AEU organizers have avoided setting specific conditions for ending the strike. AEU was even uncertain about continuing the protest into Monday but a poll of over 1,100 site liaisons showed 93 percent in favor of the Monday protest.

On Sunday AEU leader Rebecca Garelli published a video where she said the decision to continue the walkout will be a day-to-day call, and that the AEU leadership will have to make these decisions without polling teachers. She made it clear the AEU has no perspective to carry the strike forward and would only react to the governor and legislators: Every day, its going to be reactionary [sic]. Theyre going to do somethingor not do something, which means were going to do something There is no play book for this; there is no extended plan in our minds.

It is harder to think of a clearer declaration of political bankruptcy. It is clear that both big-business parties and the unions have an extended plan, and that is to crush the resistance of teachers. This must be opposed. Teachers should take the conduct of the struggle out of the hands of the unions and the AEU and elect rank-and-file committees to reach out to every section of the working class and to teachers across the US to fight for a nationwide strike to defend public education. Such a movement must be completely independent of both big-business parties and insist that the social rights of the working class, including for high quality public education, take priority over the profit interests of the corporations and super-wealthy.

In contrast to the union officials, regular teachers have growing hostility to all the big-business politicians who have been carrying out attacks on social services. Many teachers expressed support for uniting teachers across the country in a common fight.

Jonathan, a teacher from Tucson told the WSWS, I dont think we should appeal to Democrats or Republicans. I dont think we should compromise. Otherwise, I feel like Im wasting my time. Matt, whose fiance is a teacher, added, This has been a long time coming; I dont think being either Republican or Democrat has anything to do with it.The Colorado Education Association (CEA) is collaborating with the Democratic-controlled state government to suppress the resistance of teachers in the state and prevent them from uniting with striking educators in neighboring Arizona.

Last week, rolling sickouts and protests led to the shutdown of dozens of school districts, including the 10 largest, and rallies by thousands of educators at the state capitol in Denver. Like their counterparts in other states, Colorado teachers are demanding higher pay, improved pensions and the restoration of school funding cuts.

Unlike West Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona, where teachers confront Republican-controlled state governments, in Colorado the Democratic Party is spearheading the assault on public education. Colorado teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation and the cost of living is driving many teachers and other workers to seek less expensive places to live and work.

During the protests, one teacher held up a sign reading, After 15-years of living in Colorado I can no longer afford to stay. Eight-years of teaching and my 2017 salary was less than my first year of teaching. The cost of living in St. Paul, MN is 26% less then Denver. I have accepted a job there (in the same position) and will make a 41% increase in my salary. Colorado we need to change.

During the protests in Denver the CEA paraded several Democrats before teachers echoing their false claims to be defenders of public education. This included current governor John Hickenloopera multimillionaire proponent of charter schoolsalong with Cary Kennedy, another supporter of charter schools who is the union-endorsed candidate to succeed Hickenlooper. Outgoing CEA President Kerrie Dallman urged teachers to volunteer to campaign for Kennedy.

Jenny, a teacher in the Jefferson County system, derided the spectacle in a Facebook post. The superintendent of our district cancelled school today, so all of our teachers could attend a campaign rally! Pathetic. So here we have itThe 4/27 teacher walkout / Capitol rally is a Cary Kennedy for Governor campaign rally. It was never intended to be anything more. The two pro-charter Democrats are the enemy of the protestors. Why?

Since 2008, the Democrats have slashed an estimated $8.6 billion from school funding. Addressing the teachers, Hickenlooper said during the Great Recession the state borrowed over a billion dollars from the education fund under Amendment 23 and was greeted with boos from the gathered teachers.

Over the last seven years weve put over $1.8 billion dollars back into the schools and over the last two years weve increased K-12 by nine percent. I know thats not enough.

The funding scheme that passed the Democratic-controlled House 54-7 on April 20 is currently in the state senates appropriations committee and has been referred to the Senate Committee of the Whole. The Democrats control the House holding 36 seats. Eighteen Republicans crossed over to pass the bill.

House majority whip Democrat Brittany Pettersen along with Republican James Wilson sponsored the bill in the House and Republican Owen Hill sponsored the bill in the Senate. The Republicans control the Senate with 18 members while the Democrats hold 16 seats and only one Independent is seated in the senate.

The scheme is a move by the political establishment to pacify the teachers anger by increasing per-pupil funding by either a positive addition of funds or by removing less from the education budget for the 2018-2019 school year.

The 2018-2019 school year will see an increase of 500 additional students in the funded pupil count from 870,641 in the 2017-2018 school year, to 871,141 for the 2018-2019 school year. The total program costs will see increased funding from $6.9 billion in 2017-2018 to $7.1 billion in the 2018-2019 school year, an increase of $154 million. Per pupil funding will increase $172 from $7,965 to $8,137.

The meager increases do little to make up for more than a decade of funding cuts. In addition, the deeply underfunded pension plan is opening teachers in Colorado, like their counterparts in Kentucky and other states, to cuts in retirement benefits.

The teacher unions and mouthpieces for the Democratic Party such as the New York Times have tried to portray the teachers rebellion over the last two months as a revolt against Republicans in the so-called Red States. In reality, these struggles have erupted in these states chiefly because the unions have a far weaker grip and therefore have been incapable of suppressing the resistance of teachers to the decades-long bipartisan assault on public education.On April 22, the French National Assembly passed the repressive Asylum-Immigration Bill by a vote of 228-139, with 24 abstentions. The Assembly discussed this politically criminal bill for seven days before passing it. The measure tramples on the fundamental democratic right to asylum, allowing police to detain asylum seekers without charge for up to four months, deny them appeal hearings, and deport them back to their war-torn countries.

Significantly, though the neo-fascist National Front (FN) voted against the bill as a whole, it voted for the provision restricting appeals of deportation proceedings.

The bill was passed despite broad popular opposition. Thousands marched against the measure in cities including Paris, Lyon, Rennes, Caen, Montpellier, Valence, Toulouse, Grenoble, Bourges, Briancon, Avignon, Lille and Calais. Lawyers and administrative staff of the national asylum court struck for several days.

The bill is bound up with expanding imperialist wars across the Middle East and Africa and the turn to authoritarian forms of rule in France and across Europe. Interior Minister Gerard Collomb first presented the bill in the Assembly just two days before Paris, along with Washington and London, launched illegal missile strikes against Syria. With Trump threatening to suspend the Iranian nuclear treaty, the NATO powers are expecting an even broader flow of refugees after tens of millions have already been displaced by their wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Yemen and beyond.

This bill cuts the period for the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA) to examine an asylum application from 120 to 90 days. Crucially, it reduces the time for asylum seekers to appeal a negative decision to the National Asylum Court (CNDA) from 30 to 15 days. Since police prefectures typically take a month to schedule appeal hearings, this would effectively allow the police to rapidly expel refugees after a negative OFPRA ruling. Refugees are to be denied sufficient time to obtain a lawyer and interpreter and raise funds.

The bill increases the administrative detention period from 16 to 24 hours and allows the maximum period of incarceration in notorious administrative detention centres to be increased from 45 to 135 days. Children are to be held in these centres with their families. Last year, 275 children were detained.

The bill strengthens existing French immigration law, which punishes people who facilitate illegal entry, movement or residence of refugees in France. The bill allows for sentences of up to five years in prison and a fine of 30,000 for using false identification papers.

It also intensifies checks by border patrol and customs officers on immigrants in migrant and homeless shelters, in subway stations and on the street. Since the imposition of the state of emergency in France three years ago, thousands of troops and heavily armed police are permanently deployed across the country. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) is also intensifying its border controls on land and sea, deploying ships, aircraft, helicopters and high-tech equipment, condemning thousands to drown in the Mediterranean before they reach Fortress Europe.

Refugees and undocumented immigrants are to be obliged to stay at a place stated as their residence for a fixed number of hours each day. This helps the police track them and, if necessary, deport them back to the countries they fled.

French President Macron, who is waging wars in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Mali, said arrogantly in an interview with BFMTV last month, We cannot take in all the misery of the world. According to media estimates, France forcibly deported some 26,000 immigrants last year, a 14 percent increase over the previous year.

The Macron governments rhetoric on the law was virtually impossible to distinguish from the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the FN. Interior Minister Gerard Collomb, as he introduced the bill in the National Assembly, claimed that it was necessary because regions of France are falling apart because they are submerged by a flood of asylum seekers. He claimed that if this continued, we should not be surprised tomorrow if certain excesses take place in our country.

This immigration law is a political exposure of all those who argued that in last years presidential election voters had to support Macron, who was backed by the European Union, against FN candidate Marine Le Pen in order to protect immigrants rights. In fact, as Macron rams through social attacks on the working class, bombs Syria and prepares for even broader wars, he is predictably turning to the right on immigration.

He is calling for a return of the military draft and plans to spend 300 billion on the army over the next six years. He is aligning himself with sections of the ruling class that believe a fascistic, anti-immigrant atmosphere is the only way to push through the militarist policy of French imperialism.

In particular, the immigration law exposes numerous forces, including Jean-Luc Melenchons Unsubmissive France (LFI) and the New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA), which accommodated themselves to media claims that Macron was a lesser evil to Le Pen. They are politically implicated in Macrons attacks on immigrants rights.

After the bill passed in the Assembly, Melenchon shed a few crocodile tears, complaining that the new bill was barbaric. This demonstrates only the political hypocrisy of Melenchon, who called in 2012 for a vote for Socialist Party presidential candidate Francois Hollande, who went on to wage war in Syria and Mali, impose austerity measures, and deport tens of thousands of Roma from France.

In the 2017 presidential election, despite receiving more than 7 million votes in the first round, Melenchon helped Macron win the election. In the second round, he and the NPA refused to take a position on whether workers and youth should vote for Macron against FN candidate Marine Le Pen.

Their abdication of their political responsibilities to the millions of people who voted for them to express their left-wing opposition to Macron allowed the media to promote virtually unchallenged the lie that Macron was the democratic alternative to Le Pen. The Parti de legalite socialiste, the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, was the only party that called for an active boycott of the second round. It insisted that this was the best way to prepare a struggle of the working class against the reactionary policies of whichever candidate won.In a blatant violation of international law, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Tijuana-San Ysidro border checkpoint in southern San Diego County refused to process asylum requests for nearly 200 Central American migrants for the second day in a row. The move comes under a direct order from President Donald Trump, who tweeted last week: I have instructed the Secretary of Homeland Security not to let these large Caravans of people into our country.

Late last night, the Department of Justice announced it was criminally prosecuting 11 members of the caravan for illegal entry, which carries a possible 2-year prison sentence for first offenders and a 20-year sentence for immigrants with certain pre-existing criminal convictions. Attorney General Jefferson Sessions said in a statement: The United States will not stand by as our immigration laws are ignored and our nations safety is jeopardized.

The standoff at the border marks another milestone in the assault on democratic rights in America. The right to asylum is an internationally protected human right, established by Article 14 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention. The declaration was signed in the aftermath of World War Two in response to the decision by many governmentsincluding the United Statesto deny entrance to Jewish refugees and other targets of Nazi persecution.

The Trump administrations decision to violate international law has been met without opposition from the Democratic Party, which has maintained almost total silence over the matter. Moreover, Trumps action to block the asylum seekers was made possible by Californias Democratic Governor Jerry Brown, who recently agreed to Trumps request that governors send National Guard troops to their borders with Mexico to block the supposed threat posed by the migrant caravan.

The group currently seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border is part of a yearly caravan of Central Americans who make the grueling 2,500-mile trek by foot, train and bus from the Guatemala-Mexico border. The caravan is organized by Pueblo Sin FronterasPeople Without Bordersa nonprofit based in San Diego, California. The migrants are predominantly from the northern triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, and are fleeing three of the most violent and poverty-stricken countries in the world, all of which have been ravaged by US imperialism for decades.

The organization arranges groups to travel in large numbers annually for the safety of the migrants. The trek is one of the most dangerous and deadly migration routes in the world. Thousands of men, women and children fall victim to the violent drug cartels along the path each year, enduring the most grotesque crimes, including kidnapping, extortion, robbery and rape. An estimated 80 percent of women are sexually assaulted or raped on the journeya fact that has gone unreported by the self-absorbed millionaires in the #MeToo campaign.

The 180 migrants who reached the border on this years trip were first refused entry on Sunday after their arrival in the Mexican border city of Tijuana on Friday. The CBP commissioner absurdly claimed that the agency was at capacity and could not process any requests despite months of advance notice and high-profile media coverage of the trip.

Despite the frigid temperatures, the asylum seekers were forced to camp outside overnight Sunday in front of the US border in a plaza at the Mexican entrance to wait for CBP agents to hear their asylum requests. About 50 migrants reportedly have been trapped inside the port of entry between the two countries after officials allowed this group of the most vulnerable to enter the pedestrian walkway, ostensibly to start the process. Officials then provocatively barred them from stepping foot on US soil. Reports are unclear as to what has happened to the group.

Human rights experts have publicly denounced CBPs cynical claim to be at capacity. An attorney for the caravan told reporters, They have been well aware that a caravan is going to arrive at the border... We can build a base in Iraq in under a week. We cant process 200 refugees? I dont believe it.

The refusal to process the asylum request has nothing to do with an absence of resources. Republican and Democratic administrations have repeatedly increased funding for CBP over the last decade and hundreds of national guard troops were deployed to the border earlier this month. However, these resources were never meant to help immigrants seeking asylum, but were instead meant for just the opposite: to keep them out.

The Trump administration made a calculated decision to draw attention to this years caravan, viciously targeting it to further escalate his right-wing, anti-immigrant agenda. Trump has spent the month denouncing the migrants traveling in the caravan in a series of tweets suggesting they are criminals and rapists. Referring to a possible government shutdown this fall, Trump said at a rally in Michigan over the weekend: If we dont get border security, well close down the country.

The callous attitude of the administration was underscored on Monday when Vice President Mike Pence took a tour of the construction site for a border wall in El Centro California, just 100 miles east of the scene unfolding in Tijuana.

Pence lauded CBP and the Department of Homeland Security as great and brave American heroes. He brought special greetings from the great champion of law enforcement in the United StatesPresident Trump. Upon conclusion of his remarks, CBP employees presented him with a piece of the original Border Patrol fence as a gift.

The actions taken by the Trump administration to deliberately and publicly block asylum seekers from exercising their rights is a watershed moment in the ongoing war on immigrants. The moves by the Trump administration are a direct a continuation of the policy of his predecessor, Barack Obama, who was nicknamed the deporter-in-chief after deporting more immigrants than any other president in history during his time in office.The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH), a worker safety advocacy group, has named a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) freight provider, the New York and Atlantic (NYAR) as one of what it calls the Dirty Dozen, the 12 most dangerous employers in the US.

Criteria for inclusion in this group of companies include severity of injuries to workers; exposure to unnecessary and preventable risk; repeat citations by relevant state and federal authorities; and activity by workers and allies to improve their health and safety conditions.

A group of 18 immigrant laborers, from Mexico, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, sued NYAR in New York courts in February of this year for doing dangerous work such as repairing broken rails in rail yards and operating chain saws while being exposed to toxic chemicals.

They were hired in parking lots and from there to get to their jobs had to climb a wall and jump over a fence. Since the workers did not have proper certification, training or equipment, company supervisors told them to hide in bushes or behind rail cars whenever either federal or state inspectors came on the site.

As a result of these conditions, the National COSH found that the laborers suffered amputation, brain injury, impaired vision and rashes.

The workers are also suing for wage theft and racial discrimination. They were paid off the books, in cash, $120 a day for 12 hours shifts or longer. They were also continuously abused by the supervisors with ethnic slurs.

While company president James Brewer has denied the charges, the Federal Railroad Administration has raised serious concerns about the companys safety practices. One example was in 2015, when a train crashed and an uncertified locomotive engineer fled the scene.

NYAR is a subsidiary of Chicago-based Anacostia Rail Holdings. The advocacy groups report was issued just after the company renewed its contract with the LIRR, guaranteeing that it would operate on its tracks for another 10 years. The company, based in the borough of Queens in New York City, has been the railroads freight provider since 1997.

The safety council also included Amazon, based in Seattle, Washington, finding that seven workers have been killed in its warehouses since 2013; and Patterson UTI Energy, based in Houston, Texas, responsible for an explosion in Quinton, Oklahoma in which five workers died. Patterson has also received 110 safety violations, and 13 of their workers have been killed on the job in the last 10 years.

The objective of the COSH reports is to put pressure on employers to implement effective workplace safety actions. This is, however, belied by its own statistics, which show continuous declines in workplace safety.

The report refers to US Bureau of Labor statistics that show that 5,190 workers were killed on the job in 2016, a 7 percent increase compared to 2015, and a 12 percent increase since 2012.

The report also takes note of the fact that the budget for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has declined by 12 percent since 2012 and that OSHA has 132 fewer employees. It further points out that in fiscal year 2018 various safety agencies, such as the US National Institutes for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), are being targeted for budget cuts.

The LIRR justified the renewal of its contract with NYAR with the claim that the railroad would monitor the companys performance. In reality this deal is part of the general disregard for health and safety, with the object of obtaining the cheapest labor and the overall cheapest cost of operation.

Another safety crisis in the LIRR involves the failure of its federally required installation of Positive Train Control (PTC), a technology designed to prevent train crashes and derailments. The system failed in 16 out of 52 factory tests in March of this year.

PTC works with a system of radio transponders on the tracks and trains which automatically slow down a train if it is going too fast, bypassing a signal, or is about to crash into another train. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that installment of this technology could have saved lives and equipment.

The US Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, passed after a horrific train crash in Chatsworth, California that killed 25 people, requires all railroads to install PTC by 2018 or risk heavy financial penalties. According to the federal Government Accountability Office, two-thirds of all the railroads, including the LIRR, are at significant risk of missing the deadline. However, the law also provides for a two-year extension if it is found that significant progress has been made.

The 2008 legislation originally called for the railroads to install PTC by 2015, but under conditions where very few of them were meeting the deadline, the government extended it until 2018, along with the provision for a two-year extension.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which runs the LIRR, has been financing the PTC project with a $1 billion federal loan. This is under conditions where the transit agency is already suffering from increasing unmanageable debt motivating its search for cheap labor and the minimizing of safety measures, as revealed in the National COSH report.

The MTA is currently involved in a capital improvement program, which now has a cost estimation of $33 billion, in addition to a long-term bond debt approaching $40 billion. As a result, the transit agency has, with the collaboration of the unions, been negotiating concession contracts, and has also been increasing the fare every two years, increases that are scheduled to continue even as passengers experience deteriorating service.

The MTA reported that for the month of January this year, on-time performance was 58.1 percent for weekday travel, down from 64.1 percent for January of last year. The numbers for weekend travel were 64.7 percent this past January, compared to 74.2 percent in January last year.

The LIRR had its worst on-time performance in 22 years in January. As a result, the transit authority earlier this month installed a new president for the railroad, Phillip Eng. Eng has promised to be more visible than his predecessor. The promise is little more than a public relations gambit, designed to mask the fundamental contradictions inherent in the very nature of a system that is based on the needs of corporate profit-making at the expense of working peoples health, safety and living standards.This is the second article in a two-part series. The first article was published on April 28.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and claims of Russian meddling in the Mexican elections

Recent deals between the Mexican National Electoral Institute (INE), the organization charged with carrying out elections in Mexico, and Google, Facebook and Twitter are aimed at manipulating the outcome of the upcoming election on July 1.

The deals are intended to help powerful sections of the Mexican and US ruling classes advance the lie that left candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who is currently the heavy favorite to win the election, is a pawn of Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Lopez Obrador is not a Russian agent, willing or otherwise. He is a tried and tested bourgeois politician who has been a major political figure for over two decades. He ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 2006, losing by less than 1 percent in what is widely regarded as a stolen election, and in 2012 against the current president, Enrique Pena Nieto.

In what is now his third run for the presidency, Lopez Obrador is running his most nationalist, right-wing and explicitly anti-socialist campaign to date. His campaign has benefited from the crisis of all the deeply discredited major parties, while his populist slogans against the mafia in power and talk of reversing the Pena Nieto administrations energy and education reforms have won a hearing among millions who are deeply dissatisfied with falling living standards and over 11 years of the war on drugs.

Lopez Obrador has sought to reassure both domestic and foreign capital that his administration represents no real threat to their interests. Addressing a meeting of the Association of Mexican Banks in March of this year, he stated: We are not going to confiscate assets nor are we going to carry out expropriations or nationalizations.

His advisers have also signaled that he is backtracking from his previous promises to reverse the countrys 2013-14 oil privatization legislation. In February, Lopez Obradors chief economic adviser noted that it would be an error for the next administration to cancel all that has been accomplished in this one ... We are changing the perception that we are closing the door on the energy reform and all the economic benefits it has provided.

At the same banking convention, Lopez Obrador reassured his paymasters that he would not seek to organize the working class in the case of electoral fraud. He said, A fraud would release a tiger, and I wont stop it. He would simply choose to retreat to his million-dollar hacienda in Chiapas.

Despite these efforts, the political instability resulting from the Trump administrations attacks against immigrants and his threats to pull out of the NAFTA agreement have convinced dominant sections of the US and Mexican ruling elite that Lopez Obrador is not the best candidate to suppress social unrest in the coming period.

Facing the historic crisis of US capitalism, Washington has made clear that it will prevent any new left bourgeois governments in its backyardlike those associated with the so-called Latin American pink tidethat might try to exploit an upsurge of popular, anti-imperialist sentiment to seek closer ties with Washingtons rivals in the region, principally China.

These geopolitical considerations are at the root of recent statements by the US military-intelligence apparatus, which is seeking to use the anti-Russia campaign in an effort to prevent Lopez Obrador from winning the election.

Then-US national security advisor Gen. H.R. McMaster signaled the start of this campaign in December 2017 when he warned that there were initial signs of Russian interference in Mexicos elections, allegedly through subversion, misinformation and propaganda.

In February, a group of US senators, including Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Tim Kaine, issued what amounted to a demand for direct US intervention in Mexicos elections, claiming that Russian meddling was simply the latest chapter of Russias malign influence throughout Latin America that threatens to destabilize the region.

For its part, the corporate media parroted the unproven claims of the military-intelligence apparatus to add fuel to this campaign. The Washington Post led the pack by claiming that Moscow was aiding Lopez Obrador by amplifying the message on social media that Mexicos democracy is flawed and their politicians are prone to corruption, as if these facts of life were a Russian invention. Urging social media companies to protect their platforms from foreign meddling, Bloomberg wrote: Facebook, Twitter and Google are important sources of information for many Mexicans  Mexico needs to learn from the US experience and safeguard its electoral process from outside tampering.

The Mexican ruling class is confident that US imperialism will be successful in installing its hand-picked candidate. As recently as February, Bloomberg reported that a stock market boom and favorable credit ratings seemed to indicate that the business and finance elites are discounting [Lopez Obradors] possible win. In a survey of senior Mexican executives (CEOs, CFOs, COOs and CIOs) surveyed by Santander Bank, 85 percent predicted that Lopez Obrador would be defeated in the election.

Mass protests and Internet censorship

Mexico ranks among the most unequal countries in Latin America. A recent study by the United Nations revealed that the top 10 percent controls two-thirds of the countrys wealth and 80 percent of financial assets. Meanwhile, half of the population lives in poverty, with over 2 million more falling below the official poverty rate during the Pena Nieto administration.

Against the context of these explosive social conditions, mass protests have shaken the country in recent years. In 2014, tens of thousands took to the streets after the disappearance of 43 student teachers at the hands of the military, while 2016 saw mass protests by teachers in the state of Oaxaca against the Pena Nieto administrations education reform.

The year 2017 opened with country-wide protests against a 20 percent oil price hike, which was dubbed the gasolinazo. According to Aristegui Noticias, a study by the digital analysts Espinosa y Asociados found that hundreds of thousands of workers and students took to social media, with 51 percent of gasolinazo tweets aimed at convoking marches against the privatization of the countrys oil and for Pena Nietos resignation. It also reports that Facebook erased pages and groups on the pretext that they were calling for looting, while the Pena Nieto administration created bots to share false information to quell demonstrations and bury oppositional content.

For a sweeping expansion of these efforts, the Mexican Senate has been discussing changes to the Federal Penal and Civil Codes to force US Internet corporations to censor all deliberations that are critical of the ruling elite. A bill was unanimously approved in the Chamber of Deputies to make it criminally unlawful to share any information truthful or untruthful and on any electronic means that discredits or exposes to contempt any individual.

Amid a resurgence of working class militancy internationally, several South American governments facing explosive levels of social unrest have also taken steps toward censoring the Internet:

Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro demanded authority over social media after deadly protests last year, and banned oil workers in February from following prohibited pages on social media.





The Ortega government in Nicaragua, which is now deploying the military in a deadly crackdown on student and worker protesters, recently called on social media access to be revised since it harms the ability to live in harmony.





In response to mass protests against an electoral fraud last November that shook the foundations of the Honduran death-squad regime, that countrys Congress has been discussing a bill to censor social media content.





This year, the Colombian elections chief, Armando Novoa, said the popular vote against the 2016 peace accord with the FARC guerrillas was the product of social media and that is something that needs to be controlled. In response to such concerns, Google told that countrys El Espectador in March, two months before the May presidential elections, if we find evidence [of deceptive behavior in the platform], well take action.





Ahead of the October polls, Brazils High Electoral Court has used the fake news and Russian interference hysteria to promote censorship as a national security issue, meeting regularly with Google, Facebook and Twitter representatives to guarantee that oppositional content is blocked or downgraded.





Blaming fake news online for losing the 2016 constitutional referendum on a new bid for reelection, Bolivias Evo Morales declared earlier this year that social media takes down governments. The legislators of the ruling party MAS are currently preparing a bill to regulate social media use.





In May 2017, the Ecuadorian president introduced a bill to demand that social media platforms remove all content which the Internet corporations or the government deem illegal within 24 hours. In March 2018, the government blocked all Internet and other communications to Julian Assange, who has been confined in Quitos embassy in London for six years.

As the ruling elites in Mexico and across the region further intensify the exploitation of a restive working class and US imperialism seeks to reaffirm its hegemony globally against geopolitical rivals, freedom of speech and political discourse online are coming under wholesale attack.

The defense of the right to free use of the Internet is clearly tied to the defense of the basic right to vote. In its efforts to subjugate Latin America to the diktats of the banks and corporations, American imperialism is updating its methods for repression and foreign interference to keep up with the technological advances.

For the working class, on the other hand, social media and the Internet are tools for the organization of protests, demonstrations and strikes. They provide workers with connections around the world and access to information like never before in human history. For this reason, the ruling classes believe it must be shut down or censored.

The World Socialist Web Site is leading the fight for the formation of a coalition of socialist, antiwar and progressive websites, organizations and activists to expose this criminal conspiracy and organize against it. We urge people in Mexico and across Latin America to sign our petition demanding Google halt its censorship efforts, read our Open Letter to Google and join the fight to build the International Committee of the Fourth International.The March 25 Kemerovo fire, which took the lives of at least 60 people, 41 of them children, has shocked and angered people in Russia and throughout the world. It was not an accident, but a social crime, committed by the oligarchy that has ruled Russia since the destruction of the USSR in 1991.

The tragedy has, in many ways, brought to the fore the social relations shaping Russian society amid an ongoing war campaign by the imperialist powers against Russia that threatens humanity with nuclear annihilation. The growing international and economic instability, which has already led to an upsurge in working class struggles in the US, Northern Africa, Iran and Europe, will also bring the Russian working class back onto the scene.

However, there is no way forward for the working class without a conscious assimilation of the lessons of betrayals of Stalinism and the criminal character of capitalist restoration, which have created the conditions for both the Kemerovo Tragedy and the imperialist encirclement of Russia. This series will review the lessons of the miners strike of the late 1980s, which was centered on the Kuzbass region, the results of capitalist restoration and the alternative put forward by the Trotskyist movement, the International Committee of the Fourth International.

What happened to the miners strike?

The Kuzbass, where the fire occurred, has historically been one of the politically and economically most important working class regions in Russia. It was here that, almost 30 years ago, in 1989, a massive, union-wide strike of coal miners was launched.

The strike came at the height of the perestroika policy that had been announced four years earlier by Mikhail Gorbachev, the secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU). Hailed by Western governments and petty-bourgeois left forces alike, it signified an open embrace of capitalist restorationist policies by the Soviet bureaucracy.

The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) was the only political force at that time warning the working class of where the Soviet bureaucracy was headed. In one of the many statements that the ICFI published at that time, David North, the current chairman of the international editorial board of the WSWS, stated:

Gorbachevs policy consists essentially of two interrelated components. Within the USSR, the bureaucracy has sought to expand its social base by encouraging the growth of a new bourgeois strata within the cities and countryside based on the restoration of private property. Internationally, Gorbachev has moved to integrate the Soviet economy into the capitalist world market. The bureaucracy is seeking to undermine the socialist tendencies within the Soviet economy, while politically weakening the position of the proletariat. Taken as a whole, the program of Gorbachev is directed toward the political, economic and social liquidation of all that remains of the conquests of the October Revolution. [1]

This prognosis was based on the analysis of Stalinism and the USSR by Leon Trotsky, who had led the October Revolution together with Lenin in 1917 and, after the Lenins death, became the main opponent of the Stalinist bureaucracy in the 1920s and 1930s, and the founder of the Fourth International in 1938.

From 1924 onward, under conditions of a protracted international isolation of the Russian Revolution, the Stalinist faction of the Communist Party advanced the nationalist program of socialism in one country, which attacked the very programmatic foundations of the October Revolutionthat of international socialism and permanent revolution. The nationalist reaction to the revolution by the Stalinist bureaucracy culminated in the 1930s in the genocidal murder of the leadership of the October Revolution, the Trotskyist Left Opposition and tens of thousands of Communists and Marxist intellectuals.

Explaining the transitional and contradictory character of the USSR, the Transitional Program of the Fourth International, authored by Trotsky, stated:

The Soviet Union emerged from the October Revolution as a workers state. State ownership of the means of production, a necessary prerequisite to socialist development, opened up the possibility of rapid growth of the productive forces. But the apparatus of the workers state underwent a complete degeneration at the same time: it was transformed from a weapon of the working class into a weapon of bureaucratic violence against the working class and more and more a weapon for the sabotage of the countrys economy. The bureaucratization of a backward and isolated workers state and the transformation of the bureaucracy into an all-powerful privileged caste constitute the most convincing refutationnot only theoretically but this time practicallyof the theory of socialism in one country. The USSR embodies terrific contradictions. But it still remains a degenerated workers state. Such is the social diagnosis. The political prognosis has an alternative character: either the bureaucracy, becoming ever more the organ of the world bourgeoisie in the workers state, will overthrow the new forms of property and plunge the country back to capitalism; or the working class will crush the bureaucracy and open the way to socialism. [2]

These contradictions were massively intensified by the globalization of production, particularly from 1980 onward, which threw into crisis all nationally based bureaucracies, be it the Stalinist bureaucracies in the USSR and Eastern Europe, or the trade unions in Western Europe and the US. In one way or another, the Soviet Union, and the Stalinist-ruled countries in Eastern Europe, had to be integrated into the world economy: either through the destruction of the USSR and the restoration of capitalism by the bureaucracy, which would transform itself into a new ruling class, or by the working class overthrowing the bureaucracy in a political revolution and extending the October Revolution of 1917 to the countries of Western Europe and the United States.

Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987

The Soviet bureaucracy, facing growing pressure from both the working class and imperialism, concocted a major conspiracy to reintroduce capitalism and resolve this crisis in its own interests. This drive to restoration was dramatically accelerated through the eruption of major working class struggles in Poland in the early 1980s under the leadership of the trade union Solidarity.

Starting in 1982 under the leadership of Yuri Andropov, the hangman-in-chief of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the Politburo (PB) took concrete steps toward preparing the all-out restoration of capitalism. Economic institutes, specialists and sociologists were asked by the PB to prepare reports on possible ways to restore capitalism. Economic experiments were conducted with increasing frequency.

Yuri Andropov with Wojciech Jaruzelski, the general secretary of the Polish United Workers Party, in December 1981, after the proclamation of martial law in Poland

In a secret session in April 1984, all members of the PB, which was then headed by Konstantin Chernenko, agreed on the Concept, which outlined the basics of the program of perestroika and included policiesincluding the gradual lifting of the state monopoly of foreign trade and the permission of cooperatives and individual economic activitythat were not introduced until 1986-1988. The text of this Concept was distributed only to members and candidates of the PB, the secretaries of the Central Committee and first secretaries of the Party, and chairmen of the Councils of Ministers of the Union Republics, as well as three to five other people. In other words, capitalist restoration, later clothed in vague terms like perestroika (rebuilding in Russian) and glasnost (transparency or openness), was a criminal conspiracy by the Stalinist bureaucracy. [3]

However, while the bureaucracy was pushing rapidly to advance its solution to the crisis, the working class started rebelling against it. The outbreak of the miners strike in 1989 was a confirmation of the Trotskyist movements analysis of the irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the working class and those of the bureaucracy.

It was not a coincidence that this massive strike movement was launched by and centered among the coal miners. The coal mining industry had been critical to Soviet industrialization. The Kuznetsk Basin (short: Kuzbass) in southwest Siberia had been a central energy source for the Soviet economy since the mid-1920s. Under Stalins first five-year plan in the 1930s, the region was heavily industrialized, with mining towns and cities being constructed at a breathtaking pace and at a large human cost.

Virtually all the regions major cities and mining centers were built as part of Soviet industrialization: the local capital Kemerovo emerged from the autonomous industrial colony of the Kuzbass, which was formed in 1921 with the aim of developing the local coal industry, resorting, in particular, to the help of highly skilled American workers who, for this purpose and at Lenins invitation, emigrated to the USSR. Novokuznetsk and many other formerly small towns or assemblies of villages became full-blown industrial cities in the 1930s.

Wartime production and the evacuation of entire factories and significant sections of workers from European Russia to Siberia during the Nazi war onslaught against the Soviet Union further accelerated the industrialization of the region. The Kuzbass remained, after the Donbass in what is now Ukraine, the most important coal region of the USSR. It was also the only mining region where high-quality coal was produced that could be sold on the world market, upon which the Soviet economy became increasingly dependent.

Kuzbass Autonomous Industrial Colony seal

Miners remained one of the most critical sections of the working class throughout the post-war decades and formed the backbone of the Soviet economy. Yet while relatively highly paid, the miners suffered dire working and living conditions. In addition to the generally widespread food and soap shortages, they were exposed to catastrophic hygiene and unsafe conditions at their workplaces. According to official data, 365,000 miners were waiting for flats in 1989 and 67,000 children from miners families had no nursery school places. The average life expectancy was far below the national average due to the dangerous working conditions and heavy environmental pollution.

During perestroika, bonuses for workers were cut back and the deliveries of food and essential supplies fell. Workplace accidents, many of them deadly, were a constant occurrence and the mines were known as the second front.

In January 1989, the Kremlin ordered that mines should switch to self-financing (khozrashchet). As a result, the price received by a mine for one ton of extracted coal was roughly half of the extraction costs. The majority of mines were quickly running at a loss, and many were threatened with closures. Coal miners responded with several wildcat strikes in the winter and spring of 1989.

In July, the scattered strikes reached a new dimension, spreading from the mono-town Mezhdurechensk (July 10) to the entire Kuzbass, the Donbass in Ukrainethen the Soviet Unions most important coal mining regionand Karaganda in Kazakhstan. The immediate trigger for the walk-out in Mezhdurechensk was the lack of soap available to the miners. It was the largest working class struggle the Soviet Union had seen in decades, and it shook the Soviet bureaucracy to the core.

A resolution by the regional committee (obkom) in April 1989 warned against those who would like to turn democratization into indiscipline, lawlessness and general license. In particular, this is shown by the refusal of workers to work, taking place in enterprises in Kemerovo, Novokuznetsk, Mezhdurechensk, Osinniki, Kiselevsk.

Party members were banned from participation in strikes under the threat of immediate expulsion. [4] A few weeks later, the secretary of the regional party committee, Aleksandr Melnikov, warned the Central Committee of the seriousness of the situation. The political crisis was also underscored by the shattering defeat most party nominees suffered in the vote for peoples deputies of the USSR in March 1989.

The Kuzbass strike was the first Soviet strike in decades to take place above grounda particularly courageous and militant step, given that one of the last major demonstrations against the Stalinist regime in Novocherkassk in 1962 had been put down by the military in a horrific bloodbath that Soviet workers remembered all too well. (The deployment of the military against the striking miners was, in fact, also briefly discussed in Moscow in 1989, but dismissed quickly by Gorbachev as a viable option for resolving the crisis.)

Yet despite the militancy and courage of the miners, the strike not only ended in defeat but was subordinated to the bureaucracy and its accelerating drive toward capitalist restoration. How could this happen?

Reflecting both the economic grievances of workers and the widespread hatred of the bureaucracy, the demands of the strikers included the establishment of a general holiday and pay and pension increases, as well as the abolition of privileges of the administration and party apparatus on all levels of our state. The demands also included economic independence for the individual mines. However, this demand had initially not been put forward by the workers. It was pushed by the city and regional committeesthat is, the local bureaucracywhich, in correspondence with the prevailing ideology of perestroika, told the workers that independence of the mines and more concessions to the market economy would provide the solution to their social and economic grievances. Simon Clarke, who wrote a detailed account of the strike, explained:

As soon as the strikes moved outside the individual mines, the local authorities very quickly hitched their interests to the strike movement, cautiously aiding, if not supporting, the miners and adding their own demands to those of the miners for presentation to Moscow. The result was that the diverse grievances of the miners were swiftly swept aside, to be subsumed under the one central demand that the mines should be switched to full financial independence, on the basis of an increase in the price of coal, although this had not figured in the original demands of the workers. [5]

The committees worked closely with the local administration and quickly took over many of the functions of the local soviets, including the distribution of goods. For the leaders of the strike, the committees (not only in Kuzbass) became the stepping stone to a lucrative political or commercial career. [6] The strike was called off after a few weeks. The Kremlin agreed to grant the mines independence and made limited concessions to the economic demands of the minersmost of which were never met.

The argument that the miners protested for capitalist restoration, thus, is a vicious slander. It covers up for what was a criminal conspiracy of sections of the Stalinist bureaucracy, the Pabloites and the trade unions, which were working hand in glove with US imperialism, acting through the AFL-CIO, to gain control over the strike, disorient the workers and channel their movement behind support for the Yeltsin faction of the Kremlin, which was then pushing for a more aggressive pursuit of restoration.

This cannot be understood without taking into account the lasting and profound impact of decades of Stalinism, which had disoriented the workers and destroyed the leadership of the October Revolution and the Soviet Left Opposition. Moreover, the Soviet working class remained isolated from the program of Trotskyism, through the combined impact of Stalinism and revisionist tendencies within the Fourth International, especially Pabloism. As a result, the political confusion among the Soviet workers was so deep that the bureaucracy and layers of the petty bourgeoisie were able to push through their agenda on the backs and at the expense of the working class.

The AFL-CIO intervenes

US imperialism welcomed the restorationist efforts of the Stalinist bureaucracy and rushed to intervene in the evolving process in order to secure the interests of the US bourgeoisie. The main front organization for the State Department and CIA was the AFL-CIO. Starting in 1988, the AFL-CIO provided a substantial amount of funding for the NPG (Independent Miners Union), as well as other so-called independent trade unions that supported the Yeltsin faction in the power struggle in Moscow against the faction around Gorbachev.

The NPG was formed in the wake of the defeated miners strike of 1989. From the very beginning, the US, through the AFL-CIO, as well as layers of the bureaucracy, sought to subordinate its leadership to their interests.

Even before the formation of the NPG, several trade unionists from the workers councils active in the miners strike had been invited to the United States, where they met with representatives from the State Department and the AFL-CIO. The first congress of the union was financed by the Soviet coal ministry. Richard Wilson, the director of programs for the Free Trade Union Institute, was present from the AFL-CIO.

A visit by Richard Wilson and the secretary-treasurer of the United Mine Workers, John Banovic, to the Soviet Union in 1990 helped prepare not only the founding conference of the NPG but also the setting up of the Partners in Economic Reform (PIER) project. The PIER brought together the US coal industry association, the UMWA, the US governments Mine Safety Administration, the Russian coal ministry, and the independent coal miners union, and the NPG in a joint effort to restructure the Soviet coal industry. The FTUI described the goals of the PIER as providing technical assistance and promoting US investment in order to revitalize these coal regions, and to provide a model for other sectors of the Soviet economy in terms of adapting to a market economic system. [7]

Support for Yeltsins radical reform program, later known as the shock therapy, stood at the center of the NPGs agenda. The NPG itself worked as a combination of business entity and police force among the miners. It threw its support behind Yeltsin, as well as the World Bank and the US-funded Coal Project, and their restructuring program for the coal industry, which resulted in mass closures of mines and lay-offs. Anatoly Malykhin, one of the leaders of the NPG, who started demanding the resignation of Gorbachev in 1990 on behalf of the miners who had initially put forward only economic demands, became the representative of President Yeltsin in the Kemerova oblast, while his ally from the NPG, Mikhail Kisliuk, was made governor of the oblast until he was succeeded in 1997 by Aman Tuleeev.

The role of the Pabloites

Neither the AFL-CIO nor the Stalinist bureaucracy could have played the role that they did had it not been for the avid and conscious support provided by the Pabloite revisionists. This tendency had emerged within the Fourth International after the end of World War II, and advocated the liquidation of the Trotskyist movement into the existing bureaucracies that dominated the workers movement.

With regard to the Soviet Union, the Pabloites argued that, instead of preparing the working class for a political revolution to overthrow the bureaucracy, the Fourth International had to work to pressure presumably reformist sections of the Stalinist bureaucracy to reform socialism in the USSR. In essence, they were counterrevolutionary enemies of the Trotskyist program, opposed to the toppling of the bureaucracy in the USSR and of the bourgeoisie in the US and Western Europe.

From the very beginning, the orthodox Trotskyists described and fought the Pabloites, who destroyed entire sections of the Fourth International, as petty-bourgeois agents of imperialism within the revolutionary movement. This description was fully born out in their role as a handmaiden for imperialism and the Stalinist bureaucracy in their destruction of the Soviet Union.

Under the guise of pressuring the reformist faction of the bureaucracy, the Pabloites in the West, and their agents in the Soviet Union, supported first Gorbachevs perestroika and then the Yeltsin faction of the bureaucracy and its shock therapy.

This was the official line of the Pabloite International Secretariat, which advanced this counterrevolutionary line while posturing as Trotskyist. In the GDR (German Democratic Republic), the head of the International Secretariat, Ernest Mandel, sided fully with the Stalinist bureaucracy, which was heading toward all-out capitalist restoration. Mandel went so far as to denounce the struggle undertaken by the German section of the ICFI, then called the Bund Sozialistischer Arbeiter (BSA), to orient workers in the GDR toward a political revolution against the bureaucracy as an illegitimate intervention of outside provocateurs.

The Pabloites also intervened directly in favor of the process of capitalist restoration in the USSR. In the Soviet Union, they established ties to the so called informal movement. The informals which spread throughout Soviet cities during perestroika included representatives of various petty-bourgeois left tendencies (above all the left socialists, anarchists, and environmental activists), liberals as well as far-right nationalists and monarchists.

The anarchist author Alexander Shubin, who was an active participant in the informal movement, indicated in his book about it that various Trotskyists, meaning Pabloites, played a central role in establishing contacts between these left socialists like Kagarlitsky, Grigory Pelman and liberal dissidents like Gleb Pavlovsky (who later became an advisor to Putin and is now working for the US imperialist think tank Carnegie Foundation), people they oftentimes had already known for years.

They were involved in the establishment of the Club of Social Initiatives (CSI), which was formed in 1986, and essentially functioned as a think tank for capitalist restoration. The CSI emerged out of a group of informals that gathered at the apartment of the influential dissident Mikhail Gefter, where they had discussions with Andrei Sakharov, Len Karpinsky as well as Yuri Afanasiev, who was a consultant to Alexander Yakovlev, a member of the Politburo who pushed for the most radical reforms to reintroduce capitalism. Sections of this circle aligned with a circle headed by Boris Kagarlitsky, which included Mikhail Maliutin, a candidate for the Central Committee of the CPSU. Together, they formed the CSI, an organization they consciously modeled after the Polish Workers Defence Committee (Komitet Obrony Robotnikow, KOR).

Formed by left wing radical intellectuals amid an upsurge of working class struggles in the 1970s, the KOR played a central role in politically disorienting the mass working class movement of the Solidarity union in the 1980s, channeling it, with the full support of the Pabloites, into a pro-capitalist direction. Precisely this function of the KOR was what the perestroika lefts sought to emulate, in a perhaps more open and crasser form.

The CSI organized public discussions with the sociologist Tatiana Zaslavskaya, who had co-written the reform program for Gorbachev. The CSI also closely collaborated with the club Perestroika, where many of the leading shock therapy economists of the early 1990s (Yegor Gaidar, Anatoly Chubais, and others) gathered. It supported the cooperative-movement, the first privately owned enterprises allowed under Gorbachev, and organized its first events with sociologists Zaslavskaya and L. Gordon about cooperatives and the future of the USSR in 1987. Many informals became businessmen; the CSI itself began to receive financing from a cooperative that was co-run by Grigory Pelman. After that, the Club continued to collaborate closely with the Soviet Association of Sociologists. Pelman, who had studied under Zaslavskaya, recalled in an interview:

We behaved very unceremoniously, using our contact with the Soviet Association of Sociologists; we often went to various Raikoms [regional committees] of the Komsomol and the party and said: We are for perestroika, we are for glasnost, we want to work, give us a place to stay. [8]

They were granted the best locations in Leningrad and Moscow for their public events and round tables.

Boris Kagarlitsky

These lefts had begun to orient themselves toward Yeltsin as early as 1987. Toward late 1987, they distributed material propagating reform measures, proving, in the words of Alexander Shubin, that the informals could better formulate the positions of Yeltsin than he himself. Thus, the radicals began to aspire to the role of think tanks of the oppositional oriented nomenklatura. [9]

In an interview with Rick Simon from April 4, 1989, Kagarlitsky described Yeltsin as a kind of real popular hero. His differences with Yeltsin, he indicated, were not over his programme or slogans but how those slogans will be interpreted, and although there is a real Yeltsin movement growing and sometimes becoming organized, Yeltsins movement lacks a detailed and well-developed political and economic programme and also lacks real political organizationwith its structures, rank-and-file, expertsin comparison with a real political movement. In that sense Yeltsins movement is sometimes really weak and that is why it sometimes depends very much on the support of the Moscow Popular Front which has less people but is a permanently functioning political machine.

In his Dialectic of Change, published by the leading Pabloite publishing house Verso in 1990, Kagarlitsky openly called for the final destruction of the workers state, insisting that radical reforms [must] affect not only the sphere of distribution but also the sphere of production, management and ownership. They must be directed at securing an irreversible shift in the social structure. [10]

The encouragement of the NPG ( (Independent Miners Union) in the miners regions was part of that line. While the Pabloites supported these supposedly independent organizations, the ICFI correctly warned that: They serve as agencies of international capital, which, in the final analysis, is the function of the Stalinist bureaucracy itself.  Such unions are necessary to undermine the resistance of the working class [against capitalist restoration] from within. Therefore, the bourgeoisie supports them financially and organizationally to the best of its abilities. [11]

The argument employed by the Pabloites and the informals to support the call for independence by the mines was that of economic self-management. While presented by them as a left-wing demand, and one that corresponded to the anti-bureaucratic sentiments within the working class, to the extent that it was entirely divorced from a political revolution by the working class and the principles of a planned economy, the demand was bound to be exploited in the interests of the bureaucracy as it was pushing for the reintroduction of private property relations. As the IC explained in 1989 with regard to the demand in Poland, where it had also been advanced by the Pabloites:

Restricting self-management to the individual factory precinct undermines the foundations of the workers state and, with its attack on planned economy and on the monopoly of foreign trade, opens the gates wide to the profit interests of capitalism. Far from aiding the emancipation of the working class from the bureaucratic regimentation, this route could, contrary to the intentions of its advocates, be taken by the bureaucracy itself to solve the economic crisis at the expense of workers and secure its privileged position and system of rule. [12]

This is precisely what happened, both in Poland and in the USSR.

In the wake of the miners strike, the drive toward all-out restoration at a quicker pace than that proposed by Gorbachev, who was wavering mostly out of fear of a social explosion, gained a new momentum among layers of the intelligentsia and the radical reform wing of the bureaucracy. They supported the so called Popular Fronts, which had emerged in 1987-1988 throughout the Soviet Union and were essentially mobilizing support for the respective local and national radical reform-candidates and nationalist movements.

Thus, the Popular Front in Leningrad supported Anatoly Sobchak, who later became the mentor of Vladimir Putin and Dmitri Medvedev; in Moscow it supported Yeltsin and in the Baltics the respective nationalist and pro-capitalist nationalist movement. They were marked by an increasingly systematized collaboration between the left, the liberals and the far-right, and signified a further shift to the right among broad layers of the intelligentsia, who felt that Gorbachevs course of reforms was too slow and threatened upheaval by the working classlike the coal miners strike. The Popular Fronts were to form the nuclei for the new ruling elites in the respective cities, many of whom have remained in power ever since the early 1990s.

Gleb Pavlovsky

Having paved the way for the shock therapy during perestroika, the left was taken into the government in 1990-1993 to manage its first stages. The government in Moscow was until 1993 dominated by self-branded social democrats like Pavel Kudyukin or Boris Kagarlitsky and relied to a significant extent on the independent unions, which continued to disorient workers struggles and channel them into support for Yeltsin. The high-point of the independent unions influence was reached in the wake of the failed August putsch against Yeltsin when they helped mobilize support for his radical reforms. During 1993, the social democrats lost most of their portfolios. At this point, they were already thoroughly discredited in the working class. By 1994, capitalism had been introduced, the bulk of the Soviet economy and welfare state was destroyed, and the new bourgeois order was legally legitimized by the Russian Constitution.

The trade unions and capitalist restoration

In 1991, the Tripartite Commission was established at the direct suggestion of the AFL-CIO and modeled on existing labor relations in the United States: Labor agreements were to be elaborated jointly by union representatives, management and the local government. It was a mechanism not to provide the working class with any political representation, but, on the contrary, to implement restoration and stifle any working class struggles against it in a coordinated way. In the first years of the Commission, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FNPR), which emerged directly out of the official Soviet trade unions, dominated with nine seats, while the independent unions Sotsprof and the NPG had three and one seats, respectively.

While usually lining up behind different rival factions of the emerging oligarchy, both factions of the trade union bureaucracy supported shock therapy. In early 1992, on the eve of the freeing of prices, which plunged tens of millions into poverty, the FNPR imposed upon itself a four-month strike ban, on the grounds that strikes were pointless and would paralyze economic activity. The president of the NPG, Victor Utkin, stated just before the price explosion that the priority now was not increasing pay, but radical economic reform . [13] Khramov, the head of the independent union Sotsprof stated an interview back in December 1991: We believe it is possible and necessary for the trade union to provide a cover for enterprises which will give part of their profits to the trade union for the needs of its members.

The unions and the pseudo-left also backed the voucher-privatizations, in which the Soviet economy, which had been built with tremendous sacrifices by the working class over decades, was sold for peanuts to former red directors, rising stars of the gangster-elite and Western hedge funds. Judging by the sale of equity in privatized Russian companies, the total value of Russian industry amounted to $5 billion in June 1993 and rose to $12 billion in 1994, which was less than the worth of companies like Kellogg or Anheuser-Busch. [14] The privatization of Gazprom was led by the gas minister Chernomydrin, the ex-head of the former Soviet ministry of gas (which was transformed into Gazprom under perestroika). The company was sold for some $100 million in 1993-1994. Its net worth in 2006 was $100 billion. [15]

While the red directors managed for the most part to maintain their positions and expand their property, a few individuals and Western hedge funds gobbled up a substantial share of the privatized assets. The most famous case was that of Boris Jordan, also called the Russian Czar. Jordan, a young hedge fund manager from Boston with Russian ancestors, acquired 17 million of the 144 million vouchers distributed to Russians for use in bidding for shares in the privatized companies and, on this basis, bought stakes in many of Russias most important companies. Boris Jordan today co-heads and is one of the main sponsors of the Jordan Center for Advanced Russian Studies at New York University, which was named after him, and a member of NYUs Board of Trustees.

The union bureaucracies themselves assisted and participated in the privatizations. Unions like Unity at AvtoVAZ, the largest auto-company in Eastern Europe, were complicit in the privatization of the respective companies. The NPG played a crucial role in the privatization of the Russian coal industry. Throughout the 1990s, the AFL-CIO, at the invitation of the Russian government, was advising the misnamed independent unions, which continued to provide critical support for the shock therapy.

One of the biggest acts of looting of state property was undertaken by the so-called independent union federation, the FNPR. After long negotiations and despite protests from independent unions, which demanded a larger share for themselves, in September 1992 a contract between the FNPR and the government formally established the transfer of the whole property of the Soviet unions to the FNPR.

According to a 2009 article by the the Nezavisimaya Gazeta, the property transferred included 100,000 pioneer camps, over 25,000 sports facilities, around 1000 sanatorium complexes and 23,000 clubs and culture palaces. According to the newspaper, the most modest estimates put the total worth of real estate, controlled by the FNPR in 1992, at $6-7 billion. However, this figure does not include the worth of the land on which the real estate is built. Some estimates put the total worth of the property transferred at up to $100 billion.

In the following months and years, the FNPR founded the Sanatorium association, now the Closed Joint-Stock Company SKO FNPR Profkurort, the joint-stock company TsSTE-INTUR (in control of the health and tourist complexes) and the Closed Joint-Stock Company Profstroi. The Russian state was a major shareholder in these companies. The union also sold part of the property, often to the state and local governments.

Mikhail Shmakov, president of the FNPR since 1993

Another huge source of profit for the FNPR became the lending of its real estate to companies and banks. The most famous example is the Moscow restaurant complex Izmailovo which yields the FNPR-leadership an estimated $15 million annually (NG, 2009). Meanwhile, membership dues contribute only around 15 percent of the total income of the FNPR, according to the Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Mikhail Shmakov, the head of the FNPR since 1993 and a close ally of Vladimir Putin, is considered to be one of the richest men in Russia, with a private fortune that is comparable to that of oligarchs like Roman Abramovich ($11.5 billion) or Oleg Deripaska ($5.3 billion).

Aleksandr Buzgalin

This property transfer was co-directed by Kagarlitsky, Alexander Buzgalin (a member of the Central Committee of the CPSU in 1991) and other academics and intellectuals posturing as lefts. In December 1992, Kagarlitsky, Buzgalin, Andrei Isayevs Confederation of Anarchist-Syndicalists as well as numerous Greens formed the Labor Party. The party had been built on the initiative of former CPSU-bureaucrats and FNPR president Shmakov. It was entirely financed by the FNPR and virtually ceased to exist in 1994. During its brief life span, it functioned simultaneously both as a left propaganda department of the FNPR and its economic advisory board.

Isayev continued his career in the FNPR, and became the general secretary of the ideology department. Today he is a state-duma deputy, leading member of the ruling United Russia party and vice-president of the FNPR. Kagarlitsky and Buzgalin headed for a career in academia and journalism and still pose as leading lefts in Russia. They are regularly invited to congresses of the pseudo-left in Western Europe.

The involvement of the trade unions in capitalist restoration in Russia was a concentrated expression of the role that the trade unions had assumed internationally: they were functioning, ever more openly, not as organizations fighting for limited economic gains for the working class, but as corporatist entities and instruments of the state and business to control the working class.

The role of the AFL-CIO in the restoration of capitalism in Russia, and the formation of the Russian independent unions speaks volumes about the pro-capitalist character of these organizations and their hostility to the interests of the working class, both at home and on an international scale. For the layers of ex-lefts that worked within the trade unions, the role of the unions in the destruction of the social gains of the working class became a career path that furthered their own personal enrichment. They defended and continue to defend them not as workers organizations but as organizations that represent their class interests against the working class.

The Trotskyist warning that the Stalinist bureaucracy, unless stopped by the working class, would eventually move to destroy the degenerated workers state and become a new property-owning class was fully confirmed by what happened in the 1990s.

One Russian sociologist described the process quite pointedly:

A minister became the holder of controlling shares in a concern; an administrative head in the Ministry of Finance became the president of a commercial bank; a senior manager in Gossnam [the former Soviet agency responsible for distributing the means of production] became the chief executive of the stock exchange. [16]

Proportion of Yeltsin-era Business and Political Elites Drawn from the bureaucracy

The open criminality of the new bourgeoisie was stunning. According to a survey among Cheliabinsk entrepreneurs in the early 1990s, 30 out of 40 possessors of large holdings considered it impossible to do business without breaking the law; 90 percent were convinced that they couldnt engage in business without giving bribes to various state agencies; 65 percent had bribed workers in financial auditing bodies and 55 percent had bribed deputies at various levels.

In a private conversation with the economist Anders Aslund, who helped elaborate and implement shock therapy, one of the oligarchs who came to wealth and power during the loans-for-shares privatization of the mid-1990s explained,

There are three kinds of businessmen in Russia. One group is murderers. Another group steals from other private individuals. And then you have honest businessmen like us who only steal from the state. [17]

This perverse and criminal orgy of self-enrichment by former bureaucracy was based on the destruction of the productive forces that had been created by the Soviet working class, and the reckless and short-sighted selling-off of raw materials. The Kuzbass and the Russian coal industry are a particularly stark example for the social criminality and ruthlessness of this process.

After the United States, Russia has the worlds largest coal reserves. The remnants of the Soviet coal industry were thus among the most tempting parts of the booty that both Russian and Western businessmen hoped to secure during the capitalist restoration. The US had already laid the basis for a massive intervention with the above documented PIER project launched in 1990, well before the final destruction of the USSR in late 1991. Throughout restoration and much of the 1990s, the US remained heavily involved in the so-called restructuring of the Russian coal industry.

In the first years of capitalist restoration, the government, while privatizing the coal industry, backed away from cutting all of its subsidies, largely out of fear of a renewed explosion of the struggles of the coal miners, who continued to go on strikes throughout the 1990s. The coal industry also remained under the administration of the former Soviet ministry Rosugol, whose president, Yuri Malyshin, numbered among the most powerful figures at that time. While already completely privatized, the fact that the coal industry was under the de facto control of one large Russian state-business entity could not but be a thorn in the side of international, and especially American, finance capital.

The main lever through which the complete subordination of the coal industry to the profit interests of large American, Australian, Austrian and Russian companies was guaranteed, was the World Bank. Determined to send the Russian coal industry along the Thatcher route, the World Bank outlined a program of massive cuts and mine closures as a condition for a $500 million loan. The Russian government for whom the coal industry was, according to one author, a political noose around its neck, accepted the proposals of the World Bank in 1995, which included the zeroing out of all coal subsidies, and a plan to cut employment in the coal industry in half within three to five years.

The World Banks program was closely tied to the US-funded Coal Project, and both were fully supported by the independent miners union, the NPG, which by then had lost much of its membership and influence.

The impact of the restructuring program on the coal industry was devastating. Coal mining employment in Russia plunged from 900,000 to roughly half that by 2000. Production, which had peaked in 1988 with 400 million tons, dropped to just 225 million in 1997. Rosugol became an open-type joint-stock company in 1996, with Malyshev as its president. In 1998, after the closure of at least 58 mines, the government announced plans to shut down another 86 out of the remaining 200 coal mines in Russia.

Workers were going without wages for months and even years. While this was a general phenomenon in the Russia of the 1990s, the situation was particularly dire in the coal industry. In one particularly infamous case, the Kuznetskaya mine in the Kuzbass, one of the largest iron mines that had been privatized in 1991 as a joint-stock company with an Austrian firm, did not pay its workers for two years. Driven by despair, miners and their wives eventually resorted to locking the mines top management in their office and holding them hostage until their wages were paid.

Coal workers, once the most highly paid group within the Soviet working class, dropped to seventh place by the late 1990s. [18]

Like aluminum, steel and other raw material and energy industries, the coal industry was the subject of violent battles within the state, and among the rising oligarchs and organized crime, with the lines between these three sectors being all but non-existent. Dozens of Kuzbass mine managers were assassinated as part of the mafia wars in the 1990s. The Kuzbass had the third-highest murder rate in the nation. One mine director who was asked by the Moscow Times about the influence of organized crime on the coal business, answered briskly: They dont influence it. They run it.

The social disaster resulting from the mine closures and elimination of hundreds of thousands of jobs was aggravated by the fact that, due to a serious housing shortage in Russia (which is still ongoing), it proved all but impossible for laid-off miners to move with their families to different regions to find other employment. One local government official from the Kuzbass who had formerly worked for the KGB laconically told the New York Times: These days they [the coal miners] dont care about soap. They want food.

Strikes by the miners in the Kuzbass and beyond occurred throughout the 1990s, drawing in between 400,000 and 600,000 miners. Overall, millions of workers continued to go on repeated strikes throughout this period, protesting against the extreme social crisis. However, under conditions of extreme political confusion, these strikes could be manipulated and exploited by rival factions within the unions and among government officials and businessmen, who were trying to use the striking workers in order to push for their own interests in Moscow or the region.

While very stark, the situation in the Kuzbass is broadly representative of the political and economic chaos, the criminality and the social despair that have come to mark the 1990s more generally, a period which many Russians, for good reason, still remember as traumatic.

According to the Russian journal Expert, total industrial production in Russia collapsed by as much as 55 percent in the 1990s. By comparison, during the Great Depression in the US, production declined by 30 percent. In Russian history, only the combined effect of WWI and the Civil War after the October Revolution had been worse. Between the first half of 1993 and the first half of 1994, industrial production in sectors like armaments, electronics and construction  key industries of the Soviet Union  declined by 40 to 50 percent. Industrial production as a whole in 1994 was 47 percent of its 1990 levels. Domestic investment was 35 percent of its 1990 level by 1995, and in 1996, 75 percent of all companies didnt make any capital investment at all. Foreign capital would flow to the stock markets and financial institutions, but not into industry.

Graph: Decline in hospital beds per 1,000 between 1991 and 2011. Graph compiled based on WHO data

Privatization and the dismantling of substantial sections of industry also meant the destruction of a social welfare state that was in large measures tied to the Soviet industrial infrastructure.

Moreover, the past few decades have seen relentless cuts to the health care system, in particular. The social crisis and lack of any political perspective have driven millions into suicide, and into drug and alcohol abuse.

Social infrastructure has been neglected to an extent that is patently criminal. In Russia, by territory the largest country in the world and with a population of 140 million, there are only some 5,000 fire stations. The much smaller  and socially also devastated Poland  has over 15,000 for a population of 40 million. In 2014, 9,405 people died in fires in Russia. The number of dead per 1,000 fires was 64.5, a rate surpassed only by Belarus which had 78.8 dead per 1,000 fires. By comparison, in the US, which has a population of 320 million, 3,280 people died in fires with a death rate of 1.7 per 1,000 fires.

The March 25, 2018 Kemerovo fire was one of the worst, but hardly the only major fire that was caused by the criminal disregard of basic fire safety regulations. In 2003, a fire in a student dorm of Moscow University took the lives of 44 people, injuring 156; a fire in a nursing home in Krasnodar in 2007 killed 60 people; a fire in a nightclub in Perm in 2009 killed 154; and, in 2015, a fire at a mall in Kazan killed 19 people, and injured 61.

Every year, an estimated 15,000 workers die in workplace accidents, according to numbers of the International Labor Organization. A horrifying 190,000 workers die annually as a result of exposure to dangerous conditions at work.

A former factory hall of the Kirovsky factory in St. Petersburg. Picture taken in 2014

In short, contrary to the claims of capitalist triumphalists and most bourgeois academics, the restoration of capitalism was anything but peaceful. It was a one-sided class war in which the working class, disarmed and beheaded by decades of Stalinism and the intervention of Pabloism, was bitterly attacked by both the rising oligarchy and imperialism.

The death toll of this counterrevolution has never been drawn up. But any serious estimate would have to take into account not only the tens of thousands who died in the civil wars which erupted in the Caucasus and Central Asia; but also the over one million suicides in Russia alone since 1991; the horrific spike in deaths from previously eradicated diseases like tuberculosis; the millions of victims of the ongoing heroin and HIV epidemic; the tens of thousands of workers who have died in workplace accidents; and the many millions of victims of the decrepit state of the social infrastructure and the health care system. The Kemerovo fire adds another 60 people to this account, but it is in many ways only the tip of the iceberg.

Only a tiny oligarchy and a very small upper middle class have benefited from this criminal process. The Credit Suisse global wealth report for 2016 revealed that among all major economies, Russia had by far the highest concentration of wealth in the hands of an oligarchy. The report found that the top decile owns a stunning 89 percent of all household wealth in Russia, compared to 78 percent in the United States and 73 percent in China. 122,000 individuals from Russia belong to the worlds wealthiest 1 percent, and the country has no less than 79,000 US-dollar millionaires. Russia also has the worlds third largest number of billionaires, 96, topped only by the 244 living in China (which has almost 10 times the population of Russia) and the 544 billionaires in the US. Only about 4 percent of the population qualified as middle class.

By contrast, according to an article in the Nezavisimaya Gazeta from April 2017, some 56 percent of Russian workers make less than 31,000 rubles ($531) a month. The official subsistence level was recently lowered by the government to less than 9,691 rubles ($166), a wage that is impossible to live on. Official statistics indicated that the number of extremely poor people, living beneath this low threshold, stands at around 19 million.

The Kuzbass today

Coal production in Russia has seen a resurgence in recent years with Russia ranking as the worlds sixth largest producer. The coal industry employs around 151,000 people, with another 500,000 working in related industries. Coal is the fifth most important export product for Russia.

In 2016, Russia produced 385.7 million tons of coal, of which 171.4 million tons were exported. The Kuzbass has produced between 54 and 60 percent of all coal that is mined in Russia, and up to 76 percent of Russias coal exports. Coal companies account for well over half of the regions budget.

With a record low of only 70 mines as of 2016, this increase in output has been achieved above all by a massive increase in productivitythat is, a ruthless intensification of the exploitation of the working class.

The profits of the coal companies have risen even more significantly than the output. In 2017, when output rose by 13 million tons to 270 million tons a year, the profits of coal companies rose by 2.8 times, according to official statistics.

Coal extraction in Russia, like all extraction of raw materials, has proceeded in the most reckless and environmentally destructive manner. While this was always an issue in the Soviet period, and the subject of one of the demands raised by striking miners in late 1980s, it has gone from bad to worse since 1991 as the ruling oligarchy has been pursuing the exploitation of the working class and the raw material resources in total disregard of the consequences for the lives of ordinary people.

According to a report by the NGO Ecodefense, the average life expectancy of the Kuzbass population is three to four years shorter than the average in Russia. No less than 93.8 percent of the drinking water sources in the region are polluted. The region is experiencing black snowfall, with snow containing sulphur compounds, nitrites, chlorides, potassium and manganese.

Many diseases are more widespread here than in the rest of the country. The rate of tuberculosis, which made a comeback in the 1990s after having been virtually eliminated in the Soviet Union, is 1.7 times higher here than on average in the country. The Kuzbass had the highest rate of child cerebral palsy in Russia in 2011 and the second highest in 2012. Fifteen types of cancer are more common in the region than in the rest of the country.

Infant circulatory system anomalies are 1.6 times higher, and female reproductive system anomalies are 3.3 times higher. Infectious and parasitic diseases among children are two to three times higher than the national average of 988 per 100,000 children.

The poor state of health is a result of a combination of serious environmental pollution, poor infrastructure and extreme poverty. In a poll from 2015, several of the major mining centers in the Kuzbass were counted among the poorest cities in Siberia with a population of more than half a million. Kemerovo was the worst off, with 56 percent of the population describing themselves as low-income, meaning that they had enough money only for groceries and items of first necessity. Barnaul and Novokuznetsk, both also major centers of the mining industry, each had 55 percent.

Miners salaries depend to what extent the plan is fulfilled. The average salary for a fulfilled plan (i.e., meeting a set quota for the extraction of coal), is usually around 25,000 rubles ($437) a month. Since this is a salary impossible to live onand many workers have to feed families of three to five on their wagesminers are forced to take significant security risks to overfulfill the plan. Even then, however, miners receive an average salary of 35,000 rubles ($603). In other words, while performing highly difficult and dangerous work, the miners and their families live in severe poverty.

Deadly accidents at Russian mines are extremely common. Between 2004 and 2012, there were 10 major mine explosions, which took the lives of 391 miners. Among the biggest were the explosion at the Ulyanovskaya mine in 2007, which killed 110 miners, the Raspadskaya mine disaster of 2010, which killed 91 men, and the Severnaya disaster that same year, which killed another 36.

According to a 2016 report by the business daily Vedomosti, only 8 out of the 70 mines in Russia were considered not dangerous. Thirty-eight of them, which produce a total of 18 million tons of coal a year, were deemed highly dangerous by the heads of Russias largest coal companies, and 12 were deemed critically dangerous.

In one of the all-too-rare social reports about the situation of the Russian working class, a reporter for the journal Takie dela visited Mezhdurechensk in 2017 and spoke to a family of miners. One young miner, Vova, told her it was a regular occurrence for their employers to withhold substantial parts of their salary: They might cheat you a little. Say you go 200 meters down, they are supposed to pay you 100,000 [rubles, or $1,748], but they pay you 80,000 [rubles, or $1,398]. But you will not get this money back, because youre a simple worker and no one will listen to you.

Virtually the entire town of 50,000 people depends on the mines, which are run by the Raspadskaya Coal Company. Its headquarters are in the same building that used to house the regional committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The workers told her: Just like you previously couldnt write anything bad about the party, now you cannot write anything bad about the mining companies!

The Raspadskaya Coal Company is one of Russias leading coal producers and runs the Raspadskaya mine, the largest coal and largest underground mine in the country. It is notorious for disregarding basic safety measures, with dozens of accidents over the past decades. The worst, in 2010, killed 91 miners.

In 2013, large shares in the company were sold to the owners of EVRAZ, a major international coal and steel company: Roman Abramovich (net worth $11.5 billion), Alexander Frolov ($2.4 billion) and Alexander Abramov ($5.8 billion). Abramovich in particular counts among the oligarchs closest to Putin. EVRAZ also owns Yuzhkuzbassugol, another major coal-producing company in the Kuzbass, and six other mining facilities in the Kemerovo oblast. Overall, EVRAZ controls some of the most important mines in Russia and East Ukraine.

The family that the reporter of Takie Dela spoke to was so desperately poor that they couldnt even offer anything to eat while housing hersomething that is standard in Russian culture, even in the poorest families. The reporter noted at the end of her piece:

A few days later, I talk to Yekaterina, the wife of the miner Yura. She is very emotional and loudly screams into the receiver: You know, Ive been thinking a lot. A working person should live with dignity [dostoino]! Precisely this wordwith dignity! Then she sharply lowers her voice and adds, quiet and tired: Because the workers hold the earth on their shoulders [zemlya derzhitsia na rabochikh]. We go to work, we pay taxes. But when you came I didnt even have anything to put on the table.

Covering about a fifth of the earths landmass, Russia contains some of the worlds largest raw material resources, including about 22 percent of the forests, 20 percent of fresh water and 16 percent of the mineral reserves. These include about 6 percent of the worlds oil deposits, a third of the worlds natural gas deposits, the second largest coal reserves, between 25 and 40 percent of the worlds unmined gold reserves and 10 percent of the worlds uranium reserves.

At this point, almost all of these resources are controlled by a handful of oligarchsmuch to the chagrin of Western companies and especially US imperialism, which have been virtually barred from owning and extracting raw material resources. Almost all of Russias 30 richest businessmen, who have combined wealth of over $200 billion, are involved, to a greater or lesser extent, in oil, gas, aluminum, steel and coal, and it is no coincidence that several of them are now the target of US sanctions.

Their control over significant sections of the worlds resources and the exploitation of the Russian working classresources that imperialism thought it could begin exploiting without impediment after the dissolution of the USSRis a major economic motive for the relentless campaign by the Western media and especially the US government against Putin and the oligarchs closest to him.

To the extent that imperialism fails to achieve its aims by means of economic warfare and regime change operations in countries allied to Russia, it will resort toand is already actively preparing to resort todirect military aggression, which would have the most catastrophic consequences for the working class in the former Soviet Union and internationally.

Fundamentally, the tragedy in Kemerovo and the danger of imperialist world war have the same historical and economic roots: the betrayal of the October Revolution by Stalinism, which culminated in the massacre of generations of Marxists and Trotskyists in the 1930s, and the dissolution of the USSR and restoration of capitalism a half-century later.

A way out of this social devastation and the threat of imperialist war can be found only through an assimilation of the lessons of the crimes of Stalinism, and on the basis of a program that seeks to unify the working class internationally on a socialist basis. This requires a break from the trade unions and all existing bourgeois forces in Russia, all of which were implicated in the counterrevolution of 1985-1991 and horrendous crimes against the working class, and a building of a section of the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement, in Russia and throughout the former USSR.

Notes:

[1] David North, /Perestroika vs. Socialism. Stalinism and the Restoration of Capitalism in the USSR/, Detroit: Labor Publications 1989, p. 13.

[2] Leon Trotsky, /The Transitional Program/. https://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1938/tp/tia38.htm

[3]Michael Ellman and Vladimir Kontorovich (ed.), /The Destruction of the Soviet Economic System: An Insiders History/, New York: Routledge 1998, pp. 16, 104.

[4] Quoted in Simon Clarke, Peter Fairbother, Vadim Borisov, /The Workers Movement in Russia/, Aldershot/Bloomfield: Edward Elgar Publishing House 1995,p. 22.

[5]Ibid., p. 40.

[6] Ibid., p. 82.

[7] David Bacon, The AFL-CIO In Moscow: The Cold War That Never Ends.

[8] Quoted in Aleksandr Shubin, Predannaya demokratiya. SSSR i neformaly, 1986-1989 [Democracy Betrayed. The USSR and the Informals, 1986-1989], Moscow: Evropa 2006.

[9] Ibid., p. 134.

[10] Boris Kagarlitsky, The Dialectic of Change, London/New York: Verso, p. 331. Emphasis in the original.

[11] Statement by the International Committee of the Fourth International, Cliff Slaughter Renounces Marxism (April 19, 1991), in: Fourth International, Vol. 18 No. 1 (Summer-Fall 1991), p. 53.

[12] Wolfgang Weber, Solidarity in Poland 1980-1981 and the Perspective of Political Revolution, Detroit: Labor Publications 1989, p. 102.

[13] Clarke 1995, p. 149.

[14] Neil Robinson, The global economy, reform and crisis in Russia, in: Review of International Political Economy, Vol. 6, No. 4 (Winter 1999), p. 559.

[15] Anders Aslund, Russias Capitalist Revolution. Why Market Reform Succeeded and Democracy Failed, Washington 2007, p. 141.

[16] Olga Kryshtanovskaia, Transformation of the Old Nomenklatura into the New Russian Elite, in: /Obshchestvennye nauki i sovremennost/, 1995, no. 1, pp. 58-59.

[17] Aslund 2007, p. 160.

[18] Numbers from: Stephen Crowley, Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Russias Troubled Coal Industry, in: Peter Rutland (ed.), Business and State in Contemporary Russia, Boulder: Westview Press 2001, pp. 129-149.Country

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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of ZimbabweThough Bill Cosby was found guilty Thursday of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004, Janice Dickinson will not feel satsisfied until he is in prison.

I dont feel vindicated yet. I want to know what the sentencing is, Dickinson told PEOPLE on Sunday at a fundraising event for Katie Hill, a Democrat running for Congress in Californias 25th District. The event was hosted by Dickinsons attorney, Lisa Bloom.

Dickinson, 63, a former model and Americas Next Top Model judge, said in 2014 she was drugged and raped by Cosby more than 30 years before.

Im still walking on eggshells. I can say that the eggshell factor for me is I dont understand why he was able to walk out of the courtroom and go home. Whereas any other sexual predator or convicted felon wouldve gone straight to jail, because the detectives told me he was going straight to jail. So that put a thumbtack in it, Dickinson said.

Dickinson believes Cosbys celebrity status helped spare him from being immediately sent to jail.

Well, theyre taking in the factor that hes old. So what? He did it when he was young, she said. Aging is a natural process. He should be in a cell.

RELATED: Bill Cosby Might Never See Prison: Legal Expert

Janice Dickinson; Bill Cosby

Cosby was convicted on three charges in connection with sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, mansion, when she worked at Temple University.

Cosbys sentencing date has not yet been set. Each charge carries a prison sentence of 10 years: aggravated indecent assault: penetration with lack of consent; penetration while unconscious; and penetration after administrating an intoxicant.

Cosby has been accused of similar crimes by more than 60 women. He has denied all the allegations.

RELATED: Janice Dickinson Breaks Her Silence After Bill Cosby Is Found Guilty: I Hope He Rots in Prison

I dont understand why a monster like that could walk out of court just because hes old and blind  which I dont believe hes blind because I could see him looking around, Dickinson said, referring to when she testified against Cosby on April 12 during his sexual assault retrial.

Story continues

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Dickinson referenced Cosbys profane outburst following his conviction, saying, He actually walked out of the courthouse without his cane and wagging it in the air, calling the prosecutor an a-. I mean, what kind of man does that to our court system and to the law? We dont talk like that.

In 2015, Dickinson sued Cosby for defamation after his response to her allegations. That case is still pending.

Janice has gone from victim to survivor to standing up for other women. Weve been fighting her defamation case against Bill Cosby for three-and-a-half years and winning every step of the way, Bloom, Dickinsons attorney, told PEOPLE.

WATCH: Janice Dickinson Speaks Out About Bill Cosby

Were still fighting. Well still probably be fighting it for another year or two or however long it takes. Bill Cosby, if I have to go to your prison cell to take your deposition then thats what Im going to do, Bloom continued.

Dickinson said Cosbys crimes are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to powerful men abusing their posisions.

Its an epidemic, she said. Its not just here or in this particular case with Cosby. Its an epidemic. Its a breakthrough, but more is to be revealed.Massive high-rise fire causes building to collapse in Brazil, at least 1 dead

A massive fire engulfed two high-rise structures in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Tuesday, causing one of the buildings to collapse.

Video posted on social media early Tuesday showed a 24-story building crumbling to the ground as flames raced toward the top floor, killing at least one person. Half of the floors in a second building were engulfed in flames, but authorities said it was not in danger of collapsing.

At least three people, including a mother and her twins, were missing, the Sao Paulo Fire Department told ABC News.

"I heard two explosions. It was terrible," one witness told ABC News. "My girlfriend was asleep with our daughter. I don't know if I will ever be able to sleep again."

Jacqueline Silva, 20, told ABC News she started running out of the building when she heard people shouting "Fire!"

"I did not know if I had to take any belongings with me. The firemen told us to slow down. I was so terrified," she said.

Posted by Patthy Custodio on Monday, 30 April 2018

The man who died had been talking to a firefighter while clinging to a rope, but the building collapsed just before he could be rescued, the fire department said.

The collapsed building was a former federal police headquarters that had since been occupied by squatters, officials told ABC News. The Sao Paulo government said that the building was being occupied illegally, with at least 50 families living there. It was unclear how many were able to escape.

Witnesses said they saw people standing on top of buildings, screaming for help, as flames ripped through the structures.

PHOTO: Video posted on social media early Tuesday showed a multi-story buildings crumbling upon itself as a fire raced towards the top floor. (Facebook/ Patthy Custodio (via Stroyful) )

The fire started on the first floor around 1:30 a.m. local time and spread upward, officials said. It took about 15 minutes for the fire department to arrive on the scene.

Its unclear if the second building was inhabited at the time of the fire.

There was no word on what may have caused the fire, although a man who said he was part of a squatter occupation nearby told The Associated Press that residents believed a gas leak may have started it.

The collapsed building, known as Edificio Wilton Paes de Almeida, was built in 1966 and had been abandoned since 2002, the fire department said.The family of a newlywed nurse who died after suffering from an embolism during an American Airlines flight in 2016 is suing the airline for wrongful death claiming the pilot refused to land.

Brittany Oswell, 25, was flying from Hawaii to Texas with her husband, Cory, when she began to feel dizzy and disoriented just three hours into the seven-hour flight, according to the familys complaint obtained by WIS 10.

Her family alleged in their complaint that Oswell began slurring her speech and fainted, later vomiting and defecating over herself. They claimed a doctor on the flight, also a passenger, treated Oswell and told flight attendants an emergency landing needed to be made in order for the nurse to receive medical attention.

In the suit, the family alleges the doctor spoke to the planes pilot about Oswells symptoms, but he refused to land after speaking with another doctor on the ground.

Oswells family were told that her breathing and pulse stopped, causing the doctor and flight attendants to attempt to use a defibrillator on her, although no shock was administered despite three attempts, according to their complaint.

Brittany Oswell with husband Cory

Oswell never regained consciousness after she stopped breathing, the complaint said. She was immediately taken to Baylor Medical Center after the plane landed, but she was declared brain dead three days later and taken off life support, according to court documents.

Her mother, Tina Starks, told ABC News she blamed American Airlines for her daughters death and that she believed they should have diverted the flight.

We absolutely felt like this was not taken very seriously, Starks said. Shes no longer here to do anything with us and its all because someone made a business decision to keep flying a plane when she needed emergency medical help that they could not provide because of inadequacies on board the flight.

Her father, Chris Starks, added, One person makes a decision and it changes our whole life, our outcome, everything.

Oswells cause of death was due to an embolism and cardiac arrest during the flight, her familys attorneys told ABC Columbia. Oswells family is now suing American Airlines for negligence for failing to divert the plane.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the airline said, We were deeply saddened by this event and our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Mrs. Oswells loved ones. We take the safety of our passengers very seriously and we are looking into the details of the complaint.Hawaii Wants to Ban Chemical Sunscreen to Save Its Coral Reefs To combat coral reef damage, Hawaii senators have introduced Senate Bill 2571, which would ultimately ban the sale of sunscreens made with ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate.

UPDATE (January 4, 2020 10:45 A.M. EST): As of January 1, Hawaii's ban on chemical sunscreens is in full effect. Specifically, the ban applies to the sales and distribution of sunscreens made with ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate, that research shows can contribute to the damage to coral reefs when washed off skin and into the water.

According to the New York Times, the ban has been opposed by some makers of chemical sunscreens, who point out that both ingredients banned are FDA-approved and can prevent skin cancer. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of reef-safe sunscreens out there that provide all the same UV protection with physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The minerals in a sunscreen must be considered "non-nano" (meaning bigger than 100 nanometers) in order to be considered safe for the ocean.

Look for a sunscreen labeled "reef-safe" or "marine-safe" like Tropic Sport  and be sure to pick one that's SPF 30 or higher.

UPDATE (May 2, 2018 3 P.M. EST): It's official: Hawaii is the first state to pass a bill to ban the sale of sunscreens made with ingredients typically found chemical-based sunscreens.

Senate Bill 2571 passed on May 1, which will prohibit the sale and distribution of sunscreens made with ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate, is currently awaiting the signature of the Hawaii governor. The bill will go into effect January 1, 2021.

UPDATE (April 30 6 P.M. EST): The fight to save the country's coral reefs continues. Last spring, we reported that oxybenzone, a chemical compound found in many non-mineral sunscreens, can cause major damage to coral reefs. To combat said damage, Hawaii senators introduced a bill to the state's Congress that would ultimately ban the sale of sunscreens made with ingredients oxybenzone or octinoxate.

The newly proposed bill, Senate Bill 2571, aims to prohibit the sale of chemical-based sunscreens made with the aforementioned ingredients. "It shall be unlawful to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in the state any SPF sunscreen protection personal care product that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate, or both, without a medically licensed prescription," states the proposed bill.

Story continues

On April 27, lawmakers gathered to vote on the bill, which passed with amendments. A final decision will be made Tuesday, May 1, during which lawmakers will decide whether or not Hawaii will be the first state to ban the sale of sunscreen formulated with oxybenzone or octinoxate. If passed, the ban is set to go into effect within the next couple of years.

This story was originally published on April 21, 2017.

You've heard it before, from everyone, really  your mom, certainly your dermatologist, and maybe, the most obvious of sources, from us  the importance of slathering on sunscreen before heading outdoors. Some would argue that applying SPF 30 head-to-toe is almost as crucial as sipping your daily dose of water. But even as we continue to wax poetic about the dangers of sun damage and potential for skin cancer, it turns out recent studies have found that one of the most common ingredients found in chemical sunscreens could be threatening the health of the world's coral reefs.

A 2015 study found that oxybenzone, a chemical compound associated with causing photoallergic reactions and is found in many non-mineral sunscreens, can cause major damage to coral reefs. When the ingredient washes off into the water  an inevitable occurrence as the EWG points out that an estimated 25 to 60 million (yes, million) bottles worth of sunscreen chemicals dissolve in the ocean in areas where there are coral reefs every. Single. Year. And about a quarter of the sunscreen applied to the skin is released into the water within 20 minutes of getting in it  the chemicals can make their way into the coral reefs. This can cause young coral to be trapped in their own skeletons, which hinders their growth and can ultimately lead to death.

The researchers analyzed six coastal regions in South Carolina and discovered oxybenzone in a whopping 90 percent of samples from the six sites. Another study found heavily touristed areas, including the Virgin Islands, to have a high concentration of the ingredient.

While incredibly terrifying for the future state of coral reefs, these findings aren't going unnoticed. In fact, this past January, Hawaii state senator Will Espero introduced a bill to his state's Congress, which suggested banning the sale of sunscreens containing the harmful-to-the-reefs ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate in the state of Hawaii.

Because coral reefs are located across the globe (and not just in Hawaii), here's how you can help minimize the damage to coral reefs in the meantime: When shopping for sunscreen, read the label and check the ingredients before you buy. Does the formula contain oxybenzone? If so, consider swapping out your go-to chemical SPF for something mineral-based and made with active ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (like the Readers' Choice Award-winning Coola Mineral Sunscreen Cucumber Matte Finish Broad Spectrum SPF 30).

Mineral-based sunscreens tend to be heavier than their chemical counterparts, so, before applying, remember to shake the formula to separate and activate it, Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist in Miami, previously told Allure. Even if it comes in a tube, give it a shimmy before applying, that way, the active ingredients will be evenly dispersed on the skin.

More sunscreen facts to know:

Now, here's a recap on the history of sunscreen:

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Originally Appeared on AllureChicago is a lot of things  a city, a style of pizza andthe nameofKim Kardashian Wests third child with her husband,Kanye West.

What Chicago is not is a one-syllable name, which was something that confused hostEllen DeGenereswhen Kardashian West visited her show Monday.

So her name is Chicago, DeGeneres said of the 37-year-olds baby girl, who wasborn via surrogate in January. But  when I waspitching names, yousaid you wanted one syllable.

And I did, Kardashian West responded.

Right, so, Chicago is not one syllable, DeGeneres quipped.

Yeah, it kind of messes with me, Im not gonna lie. I really like the one syllable thing, the mother, whose two other children are named North and Saint, replied.

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian)on Mar 17, 2018 at 7:15am PDT

Kardashian West then listed a few names that were in the running for baby Chicago, including the name of her husbands late mother, Donda.

We were gonna name her Jo, because my grandma Mary Jo  Or we were going go with Grace  and then it was Chicago, Kardashian West said with an air of exasperation.

When DeGeneres asked if it was a nod to Wests hometown, Kardashian West replied that Chicago is a place that made [West] and that the name is cool and different. But she never truly acknowledged why the couple decided to bestow their infant with the Windy Citys name.

Duringan earlier interview with DeGeneresin November, the expecting mother was pretty adamant about giving her unborn child a short, easy to spell, one-syllable name, adding that the tradition was kind of my vibe.

But Kardashian West somehow, some way,didnt get to name her child exactly what she wanted.

Still, she told DeGeneres that shes decided to nickname Chicago Chi (pronounced Shy).

So, its like North, Saint and Chi, Kardashian West explained.

Slick, Kim. Slick.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.Charli Howard always wanted to be a model. From the age of 11, the London girl who dreamt of a life in front of the camera did everything she thought would get her there. Like some hopefuls, that included battles with bulimia and anorexia which, dozens of episodes later, would send her back to where she started: in front of the mirror.

In many ways, Howard's journey is similar to that of most models. "I was obsessed with being a model. That's all I ever wanted to be," she tells Refinery29. "For someone who is in control of their food, that kind of thing was perfect, because it meant that if I became a model, I would be perfect  and all of the hard work I was doing to keep my weight down wouldn't have been in vain; it would mean something."

Delphine Manivet slip and dress. Photographed by Heather Hazzan.

But after getting dropped from her first agency after just three years for weighing 100 pounds (which was allegedly higher than the industry standard for straight-sized models at the time), she stopped being polite about her figure. She wrote a letter unequivocally denouncing the industry  and it went viral.

"I refuse to feel ashamed and upset on a daily basis for not meeting your ridiculous, unobtainable [sic] beauty standards, whilst you sit at a desk all day, shoveling cakes and biscuits down your throats and slagging me and my friends off about our appearance," she wrote in a Facebook post in October 2015. "The more you force us to lose weight and be small, the more designers have to make clothes to fit our sizes, and the more young girls are being made ill. It's no longer an image I choose to represent." Howard credits her success to "staying true to her shape."

She recounts what, she says, her agent told her via phone: "'We really appreciate how much you go to the gym, but some people just arent designed to be models. Not everyone's body shape is. We're sure that another agency might take you on, but we cant work with you'." Howard wasn't having it. "I was like, 'Uhh okay, fuck you,' and that's when I wrote the letter." At last, she saw in the mirror what was actually there.

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Preen by Thornton Bregazzi top, Adam Selman skirt, G. Viteri basket, Bario Neal ring and earrings, and Vanessa Montiel bracelets. Photographed by Heather Hazzan.

Throughout her childhood, Howard lacked stability at home; moving around Europe as the military brat to an Air Force father activated an impulse to control. "It started off with obsessive compulsive disorder, but then religion came into it," she begins. Howard attended Catholic school because it was "the only good school" in the Peckham area, she says. According to her, people were more afraid of priests than police. "Despite the fact [my family] wasn't Catholic, I think it put the fear into me about doing things 'wrong.' I'd start overanalyzing everything 'bad' I'd done throughout the day," she explains.

"I got hold of a Christian bible and suddenly thought that if I read it, I'd be 'pure.' It became a game of seeing how many passages I could read at night to prove to God that I was pure and true to my word," she says. "If someone came to me and said, If you repent your sins, you'll be fine, it'd make me super anxious because I felt like someone was watching me or that I was doing something wrong." That obsession would eventually manifest in other ways, including another form of anxiety: intrusive thoughts.

Hannah Kristina Metz top and Luisa Beccaria dress. Photographed by Heather Hazzan.

Photographed by Heather Hazzan.

"It's a form of OCD where your mind makes you think you've done stuff that you haven't. Some people think they've framed someone or touched a child inappropriately, or that they've done these horrific things," Howard explains. "I had that with religion. I started to get obsessed with what God thought, and then what other people thought  so when you get to the age of nine or 10 and you're looking at your friends who are paranoid about their weight because their moms say things to them, you start thinking, Oh, well maybe theres something wrong with me."

Because Howard's eating disorder stretched beyond food (as many do), it became an addictive stress reliever that couldn't be solved with quick fixes. Her mother wouldn't find out about her eating habits until she began her recovery in the U.S.. For years, she staved off questions about her thin appearance, telling her parents it was natural. Avoiding them altogether meant she didn't have to face full plates of food, which, to her, would set her progress back. The last time she'd purge was when she moved to New York in 2015.

These days, circa spring 2018, Howard may not be the model she thought she would be (starving, tired, walking the runways), but she wouldn't change a thing. In 2015, Howard joined Muse NYC, a lower Manhattan modeling agency that prides itself on representing unique and diverse talent. "They were so supportive, but everyone was kind of confused where I fit in because I started to put on weight  and, though it was no way a personal goal, I was starting to get a bit too big to be on the runway," she says, noting that at one point, she only had two jobs on her schedule. But before she found "the fun side of modeling," as her agent put it, she needed to get something off her chest.

"At the end of that year, I remembering bringing it all up to the head of the agency and saying: 'If you want to drop me, just drop me. Because I'm not making any money and I'm letting you guys down.'" It was this same type of phone call that preceded her being dropped by her London agency. But this time, the person on the other end of the line disagreed. "Why would you say that? We believe in you and we believe you've got something to offer," he told her. By the start of the next year, Howard went in to speak with the vice president and director of the Muse+ board, who told her to relax and let go. "Then I found myself eating what I wanted and working out, but still battling those demons."

Misfit by Charli Howard. Photo: Courtesy of Penguin Random House.

Since signing, she's appeared in the December 2017 issue of British Vogue, fronted campaigns for Desigual, Express, and Mango, and co-founded her own body-diverse e-initiative called the All Woman Project. She can now add author to her resume too: Her book, Misfit (which hit shelves in March), details her struggles with eating disorders, her fight to normalize body diversity in the modeling industry and how humor can be a coping mechanism, among other topics.

"It's been really good for me to purge all of this, for lack of better words," she says of the eight months it took her to write Misfit. "It's been like therapy for me. But I didn't write every traumatic thing I've been through, because it's still difficult to talk about. These memories, they become locked away in your head, and as you try to think about stuff that's happened, suddenly they all come at you. And you lose control of your brain."

More than ever, models are speaking out  via social media and books like Howard's  against the injustices of the fashion industry. From Ashley Graham to Edie Campbell, theyve come forward in droves with new demands for body inclusion, accounts of professional misconduct, and more  helping to reshape what it means to be a model. With an entire book confronting issues that many famous faces confine to personal essays or Instagram stories, Howard has helped to extend the conversation offline.

But with increased visibility comes increased criticism. She hears words like "fat" and "disgusting" regularly, but doesn't let it go to her head. "The worst comments are people who say, 'Oh, you're not as thin as you once were.' As someone who is trying to recover, you're like, Shit, I have put on weight. Does that mean I'm failing? What do I do?," she admits. Howard says the success of the #AllWoman campaign (now on its fourth run after a collaboration with Aerie) has helped evolve her perspective on the modeling world and her peers. "Seeing girls who were thinner than me but had stretch marks on their back or their tummy helped me. Because even though I was a model, and even though I knew my own images were photoshopped, for some reason my brain wasn't connecting that other girls and their photos were being photoshopped, too."

Delphine Manivet slip and dress. Photographed by Heather Hazzan.

"I do give a shit about my body," she continues, adding that she goes to the gym "two or three times a week, but I don't kill myself there." Howard also hears regularly from "straight-size models" still struggling to stay unnaturally thin. "Thank God I have an agent who actually lets me be me and books me jobs where I can be myself," she says.

Today, Howard has an entire career  and life  ahead of her. In just a few difficult but transformative years, she's helped redefine what it means to be a model: not a curve model, not a plus-size model, but a model on her own terms  and an author and activist, too.

"It's a very personal thing when youre letting the world know that your mind isn't as perfect as we all like to think [it is]. Now, Im just like  I don't give a fuck."

Welcome to MyIdentity. The road to owning your identity is rarely easy. In this yearlong program, we will celebrate that journey and explore how the choices we make on the outside reflect what we're feeling on the inside  and the important role fashion and beauty play in helping people find and express who they are.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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Have You Noticed Janelle Monae Is Wearing Color Now?Jakarta, Indonesia Laborers from various unions rally to mark the May Day (International Workers Day) in front of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 1, 2018. (Photo: Eko Siswono Toyudho/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

International Workers Day on May 1 is a public holiday in many countries, though some governments have clamped down on rallies and protests.

Anti-capitalist protesters torched a McDonalds restaurant and clashed with police in Paris on the fringes of a May Day rally in Paris. Shouting slogans such as Rise up, Paris and Everyone hates the police, over 1,000 youths with black jackets and face masks joined the traditional union-led demonstration for workers rights.

More than 100,000 people came out on the streets on Moscow to march in the traditional May Day parade. Moscows Federation of Trade Unions said about 120,000 people marched from the Red Square on the main streets of the Russian capital to mark May Day.

Police detained dozens of demonstrators during May Day events around Istanbul, most of them protesters who tried to march toward the citys symbolic main square in defiance of a ban. Turkey declared Taksim Square off-limits to May Day demonstrations citing security concerns. Police blocked roads leading to the square but allowed small groups of labor union representatives to lay wreaths and flowers at monuments there.

In the Philippines, an estimated 10,000 workers marched in the capital, Manila, to protest against short-term employment contracts. Protestors burned an effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte labeled Liar King, a reference to the presidents 2016 campaign promise to stop employers hiring workers on short-term contracts without sufficient benefits. Trade unions say the practice has continued.

See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr.Washington (AFP) - The strength of local security forces has declined sharply in Afghanistan while the Taliban and other insurgent groups have gained increasing control over the Afghan population, a US government watchdog warned Tuesday.

The latest report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) paints a grim picture of the security situation in the war-torn country, and comes even as the US military asserts that Afghan troops and US-led NATO forces are seeing progress in the grueling, 16.5-year-old conflict.

It also comes on the heels of another deadly day in the capital, when twin blasts killed at least 25 people, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer for Afghanistan Shah Marai and eight other journalists.

According to SIGAR, the strength of the Afghan security forces dropped by about 10 percent over the course of a year -- falling to a total size of 296,409 personnel in the army and police forces as of January 31.

Militants including the Taliban and the Islamic State group have stepped up their attacks on beleaguered Afghan troops and police in recent months, sapping morale already hit by desertions and corruption.

When asked about the issue, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that Afghan forces are actually being bolstered in the most important area -- special operations forces.

"The Afghan military is being made more capable," he told Pentagon reporters.

"You'll notice that more of the forces are special forces, advised and assisted, accompanied by NATO mentors and these are the most effective forces."

He added that this expansion was why the Taliban had not taken any district centers or provincial centers.

- Population centers -

US forces used to provide SIGAR with the number of Afghan troops being killed -- the figures were more than 5,000 each year -- but that information is now classified at the request of the Afghan government.

At the same time, the Taliban and other insurgent groups now control or influence 14.5 percent of Afghanistan's 407 districts -- the highest level since SIGAR started recording such data in late 2015.

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This is "only a slight increase from last quarter, but a more than three percentage-point increase from the same period in 2016," the report notes.

The government, meanwhile, controls 56.3 percent of the districts, with the remainder considered "contested."

The varying population sizes of each district means that since August 2016, Afghan government control over its people has decreased.

"The overall trend for the insurgency is rising control over the population (from nine percent in August 2016 to 12 percent in January 2018)," the SIGAR report states.

"The Afghan government's control of districts is at its second lowest level, and the insurgency's at its highest level, since SIGAR began receiving district control data in November 2015," it adds.

The document also found increasing numbers of civilian deaths as the Afghan air force has stepped up its operations while NATO has reduced its air strikes.

The facts on the ground paint a different narrative than the one pushed by the Pentagon, which insists the Taliban are weary and now have elements willing to negotiate for peace.

Ten journalists were among dozens killed in multiple attacks across Afghanistan on Monday, in the deadliest day for the country's media since 2001.

Two suicide blasts in Kabul killed 25 people including AFP's Marai along with at least eight other journalists, in what Reporters Without Borders said was the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

The attack was claimed by IS, which has established a footprint in Afghanistan, especially in Nangarhar.

A BBC reporter was killed in a separate attack in eastern Khost province.

"The murder of journalists and other innocent people is a great testimony to what it is we stand for -- and more importantly what we stand against," Mattis said.

"We'll stand by the Afghan people, we'll stand by the Afghan government and the NATO mission will continue as we drive them to a political settlement," he added.At first, it seemed like any other tragic blast in Kabul, Afghanistans beleaguered capital. On Monday, a man on a motorbike blew himself up near an office of the national spy agency in the Sash Darak neighborhood, a part of town that has often come under attack. Except this time, there was a follow-up. As a large crowdincluding media and first respondersrushed to the site of the explosion, a bomber who had disguised himself as a journalist triggered another blast.

All in all, at least 25 people lost their lives in those twin bombings in Kabul on April 30, but what made this attack stand out from the others was that among its victims were nine journalists. They included Shah Marai, the chief photographer in Kabul for Agence France-Presse (AFP), and other media workers from Radio Free Europe, ToloTV and 1TV.

The Afghan branch of ISIS (also known as Daesh) was quick to claim responsibility for the attack. Whoever was behind it, one thing is clear: The conflict in Afghanistan is taking an increasingly devastating toll on the media.

A few hours after the twin blasts in Kabul, news broke that another journalistAhmed Shah, a 29-year-old correspondent with the BBCs Afghan servicehad been killed in the eastern province of Khost. He was on his way to work when two unknown men on a motorcycle approached him and shot him dead. Khost, a province straddling the border with Pakistan, is largely controlled by the feared Haqqani Network, although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

With 10 casualties across the country, the day has already been labeled the deadliest on record in Afghan media history since the fall of the Taliban.

Afghan journalists do heroic work under incredibly difficult circumstances. As international interest wanes and foreign correspondents dwindle, Afghan outlets play an increasingly important role in holding power to account. Crucially, they are also filling the information gap in some of the countrys most insecure provinces, where the conflict has made it too dangerous for others to travel.

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In some ways, Afghanistans media scene has been a remarkable success story since the days of the Taliban, when the extremist group only allowed one radio station, banned TV outright, and destroyed video cassettes, stringing miles of unspooled tape from tree branches. Since 2001, a plethora of outlets have been established, thought to number dozens of TV stations, some 170 FM radio stations and hundreds of print media. The Moby Group media house is one of Afghanistans most successful private companies, and its flagship outlet ToloTV is watched by millions of people. Other outletslike the independent news agency Pajhwokare also know for quality journalism and have a reach across the country few Western outlets can rival.

But as the conflict has intensified, so has the toll it has taken on Afghan media. At least 21 journalists were killed in 2017, according to the Afghan media watchdog Nai, many of them in targeted attacks. Nai reports that it was the deadliest year on record and an increase from 14 deaths in 2016. Just three years ago, AFP lost another staffer when the reporter Sardar Ahmad was killed along with his wife and two children. They were dining in the upscale Serena Hotel when Taliban gunmen stormed the restaurant and killed nine people. (Ahmads young son survived the attack.)

There is no question that militant groups like the Taliban and ISIS are the deadliest threats to journalists. In some provinces, theres also evidence that these groups have started imposing exorbitant media taxes, forcing outlets to scale back or even shut down. But it is important to remember that government officials and security forces often harass, threaten or even assault journalists, often as retaliation for stories exposing corruption. In a telling incident, a correspondent with Shamshad TV in Helmand was threatened and physically assaulted in September last year. His reporting on how a government hospital had not received its allocated budget money had apparently angered a local government official.

To his credit, President Ashraf Ghani has taken steps to better protect media workers. His government has appointed a freedom of expression ambassador and called on government agencies to allow better access to information. But media groups say this is not enough, especially as violent incidents against journalists almost always go unpunished. This impunity is fueling widespread self-censorship. International donors cannot forget Afghan media, even as aid money to the country dries up, to help protect and support journalists as they try to avoid tragedies like the ones in Kabul and Khost this week.

In the wake of Shah Marais killing, a heart-wrenching blog post he penned a couple of years ago has been widely shared on social media. He described the pain of gradually losing hope amid devastating and rising violence: I dont dare to take my children for a walk. All I think of are cars that can be booby-trapped, or of suicide bombers coming out of a crowd. His words proved all too prophetic.The Daily Beast

Clodagh Kilcoyne via ReutersROMEMarie was placed in a French Catholic boarding school for young girls from good families when she was in the fifth grade. She remembers a nun who would come to her class every day to choose a student to help her with Mass. But the nun wasnt looking for someone to help her. She was looking for a victim.I was 11 and looked 9. She would choose me once every two or three times, she recalls. She would take me to her office, lock the door, and then draw the curIn a March meeting with Bill Gates, President Trump reportedly asked the billionaire philanthropist if he wanted the prestigious job of White House science advisor, a role that's been left unfilled up to this point.

Apparently, without hesitation, Gates declined the proposition, according to Stat News, which recently sat down with Gates to discuss the rather unsettling possibility of another virulent global flu pandemic. (In 1918-1919, a now common strain of flu killed as many as 50 million people worldwide.)

SEE ALSO: You're more likely to get the flu from a sick flight attendant than a sick passenger: study

After getting Trump excited about the potential of a universal flu vaccine  which Gates hopes innovative scientists will achieve with his financial backing  Gates is said to have asked why the president still hadn't filled the important position of White House science advisor.

I mentioned: Hey, maybe we should have a science advisor', said Gates.

In response, Trump asked if Gates wanted the job, to which Gates replied, "That's not a good use of my time."

That's a diplomatic, if not completely honest response. Gates is a lot of things: a computer programmer, philanthropist, celebrity, businessman, etc. But he's not technically a scientist.

Mashable contacted the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for confirmation that the event took place, and will update this story upon hearing back.

In any case, there's little doubt the intelligent Gates understands much about the realms of sciences that he's actively engaged in  notably vaccines and public health  but the science advisor vacancy is surely better filled by a practicing scientist. The last scientific advisor to grace the White House, John Holdren, served President Obama for eight years. Following Obama's departure, Holdren returned to his post at Harvard University, where he is a professor of environmental science and policy in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.

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Trump is the first president in more than half a century, since President John F. Kennedy, who hasn't nominated a science advisor in the first year of his term. It's unknown whether Trump will ever nominate anyone, though it would likely be to his benefit. While president, Trump has failed to recognize that weather and climate are substantially different phenomena, for instance.

In Ghana to discuss public health solutions, Bill Gates gives a child a rotavirus vaccine against diarrhea on March 26, 2013.

Image: PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images

Gates called the meeting "the longest conversation about universal flu vaccine that the presidents ever had." So, perhaps the president  who still has no science advisor  came to better recognize the benefits of the sciences, particularly those in the public health realm, to greater society. Perhaps.

A flu pandemic, according to the CDC, is what happens when a new flu strain leads to a global outbreak, which is what humanity experienced in 1918-1919. Since our bodies have never encountered the bug before, we have little to no immune defense. A universal vaccine  still just a medical hope for scientists around the world  could dramatically limit a new pathogen's ability to overtake our hapless bodies.

One things for sure: No matter what your framework is, even if its that human benefits outside the country count for zero, stopping pandemics is a smart thing, said Gates.Imagine you are sailing on the ocean but your boat is incapable of turning. What would be the longest straight path you could take without hitting land?

This question was the focus of a post that sparked much debate back in 2012 on Reddit. On the subreddit /r/MapPorn, a user known as kepleronlyknows shared a map of the world supposedly showing the longest straight-line journey possible on Earthan overseas path stretching more than 32 089.7 kilometers (19939.6 miles) from southern Pakistan to northeastern Russia.

A number of users made attempts to prove or disprove the claim, while others discussed how to solve the problem of determining the longest distance that can be traversed on land without hitting a major water body.

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(In case you were wondering how a seemingly curved line on a map could actually be straight, kepleronlyknows also posted a video, seen below, explaining the concept using Google Earth).

After coming across the debate, computer scientists Rohan Chabukswar from the United Technologies Research Center in Ireland and Kushal Mukherjee at IBM Research India set out to test the claimand it turns out kepleronlyknows was correct, according to a new study published on the pre-print server arXiv.org.

The duo looked at data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Global Relief Model of Earths surface, which shows the entire planet at a resolution of around 1.8 kilometers.

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One way you could calculate the longest straight-line path over the ocean is by investigating every possible great circleone of the many imaginary circles that extend across the maximum distance around a sphere (the equator, for example).

However, at a resolution of 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles), you would be left with more than 230 billion great circles to consider, each containing around 21,600 individual points to process, meaning more than five trillion points verify in total. This would take a significant amount of time to compute.

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So, Chabukswar and Mukherjee decided to develop an algorithm based on a mathematical method known as branch and bound, which they used to work out the path faster by optimizing the search for solutions.

The algorithm returned the longest path in about 10 minutes of computation for water path, and 45 minutes of computation for land path, on a standard laptop, the researchers wrote in the study.

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Their results were visually the same as the straight line found by kepleronlyknows. This path originates in Sonmiani, Balochistan, Pakistan, before travelling between Africa and Madagascar, then Antarctica and Tiera del Fuego in South America, and finally ending in Karaginsky District, Kamchatka Krai, Russia.

Screenshot (14)

Rohan Chabukswar / Kushal Mukherjee

The duo also calculated the longest straight-line path over land, finding that it begins near Jinjiang, Fujian, in China and ends close to Sagres in Portugal, after passing through Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, and Spaina distance of over 11 241.1 kilometers (6984.8 miles).

The authors stress that the problem was approached purely as a mathematical exercise and they do not recommend sailing or driving along the paths that they calculated.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekA list obtained by the New York Times reveals the more than four dozen questions that special counsel Robert Mueller plans to ask President Donald Trump as part of an investigation into Russian election interference, and whether the president obstructed justice.

Two key figures from the early days of the administration, former FBI director James Comey and ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn, make up the bulk of the exhaustive set of inquiries, which offer rare insight into the year-long probe.

A smaller set of questions revolve directly around Russia, including Trumps discussions with his campaign staffers, and the now-infamous Trump Tower meeting during which a Russian lawyer allegedly offered dirt on Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump Jr.

Trump has repeatedly denied that he or his campaign team colluded with Russia, and dubbed the probe a witch hunt. Some speculated that Trump might try to fire Mueller, after a confidante suggested he had considered doing so. While the White House has urged a swift resolution of the investigation, the special counsel and Trumps team appear locked in a standoff over a possible presidential interview, with the questions reportedly provided as part of those negotiations.

Here is a broad outline of the queries the president could face should he agree to sit down with the special counsel, according to the Times.

Did the president try to shield Michael Flynn?

What does the president know about calls his former national security adviser made to Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in December 2016? Did Trump know those calls may have violated a law prohibiting private citizens from interfering in U.S. foreign policy? Why were Trumps lawyers talking about a possible pardon, Mueller wants to know.

Flynn was ousted from the administration in February 2017, and ultimately pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his contact with Kislyak during the presidential transition. But what exactly the president knew about this episode remains unclear.

Story continues

Who made the decision to fire James Comey, and why?

Former FBI Director James Comey appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee in Washington, DC, on June 08, 2017.

The Comey questions revolve around whether President Trump fired the former FBI director in order to protect Flynn from prosecution. Trump has offered conflicting explanations for axing Comey, initially pinning the decision on his alleged mishandling of the investigation into Hillary Clintons use of a private email server. Later on, he suggested that dismissing Comey relieved some of the pressure he faced over Russia.

I just fired the head of the F.B.I. He was crazy, a real nut job, Trump told Russian officials in the Oval Office the day after pushing Comey out, the Times reports. I faced great pressure because of Russia. Thats taken off.

What happened when Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself?

Jeff Sessions, U.S. attorney general, removes his glasses during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on June 13, 2017.

The line of inquiry around Sessions focuses on what happened when Sessions recused himself from the Russia investigation in March 2017. Trump reportedly attempted to stop the recusal, according to the Times, and Muellers questions aim to determine whether the president viewed the Attorney General and other law enforcement officials as a form of protection. Trump has previously praised attorneys general who were seen as loyal to their presidents.

Did you discuss whether Mr. Sessions would protect you, and reference past attorneys general? Mueller reportedly plans to ask. He would also like to know whether Trump had plans to fire the special counsel himself, whose appointment the president reportedly blames on Sessions recusal.

What did Trump know about Russia, and when did he know it?

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7, 2017.

During the campaign, what did you know about Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign? the special counsel will ask.

Among other topics, the wide-ranging Russia questions will reportedly touch on the 2016 Trump Tower meeting, possible attempts at arranging a rendezvous with Russian president Vladimir Putin, a failed bid to erect a Trump property in Moscow, Wikileaks, campaign manager Paul Manaforts outreach to Russia and Jared Kushners alleged attempts to set up a backchannel line of communication using secure phones inside the Russian embassy.

Trump has repeatedly denied any campaign collaboration with Russia, but Muellers probe has so far resulted in criminal charges against 19 people and three Russian companies, as well as indictments of two former campaign aides and the guilty plea of a third former adviser.Apple (AAPL) announced its Q2 2018 financial results on Tuesday. The tech giant sold 52.2 million iPhones during the quarter, which was just about in line with analysts estimates, which called for the company to sell 52.3 million iPhones.

The company posted earnings of $2.73 per share on $61.1 billion of revenue. Those numbers beat analyst expectations of $2.64 earnings per share on $60.9 billion of revenue.

This is likely a relief to investors who were concerned about soft sales of the iPhone X due to its high price, and warnings from component manufacturers.

Customers chose iPhone X more than any other iPhone each week in the March quarter, just as they did following its launch in the December quarter, said CEO Tim Cook. We also grew revenue in all of our geographic segments, with over 20% growth in Greater China and Japan.

Tim Cook presents the iPhone X. (Getty Images)

IPad sales were down versus the previous quarter, with Apple selling 9.1 million units in Q2 compared to 13.2 million in Q1. Year-over-year sales of the slate, however, were up versus 8.9 million in Q2 2017.

Interestingly, Apples Mac division saw sales decrease both sequentially and year-over-year. The company sold 4 million Mac desktops and laptops in Q2, which was lower than the 5.1 million it sold in Q1 and 4.2 million it sold in Q2 2017.

Apples board approved a new $100 billion share buyback authorization and a 16% increase in its quarterly dividend.

Shares were up 4% on the news in after hours trading.

More from Dan:

Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@oath.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedInCampaigners described the results as a 'landmark' - PA

Scientists have expressed optimism for women with hard-to-treat breast cancer after a new chemotherapy regime proved it can shrink tumours twice as fast as normal methods.

Women with aggressive "triple-negative" disease fare much better on a non-standard chemotherapy drug if they have inherited BRCA gene mutations, the results of a trial showed.

Currently most patients with this type of breast cancer, which does not respond to hormone therapies or the targeted drug Herceptin, are treated with the chemotherapy agent docetaxel.

But the new trial findings show that those with defective versions of the genes BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 are much more likely to benefit from a different chemo drug, carboplatin.

A total of 376 women with advanced triple-negative breast cancer took part in the trial, including 43 who had BRCA gene faults.

Among the BRCA mutation carriers, carboplatin shrank tumours in 68 per cent of cases, while docetaxel only had a 33 per cent success rate.

Carboplatin also produced fewer side-effects and delayed tumour progression for months longer in women with BRCA mutations.

The results are likely to change international guidelines by introducing genetic testing for women with triple-negative breast cancer.

Lead researcher Andrew Tutt, Professor of Breast Oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, said: "Our study has found that women with triple-negative breast cancer who have BRCA 1 or 2 mutations are twice as likely to respond to carboplatin as they are to standard treatment.

"It strongly suggests that many women with triple-negative breast cancer should be considered for testing for faults in the BRCA genes so those who test positive can benefit from carboplatin.

"Using this simple test enables us to guide treatment for women within this type of breast cancer.

I am keen for these findings to be brought into the clinic as soon as possible."

BRCA 1 and 2 | The Facts

BRCA mutations may impair the ability of cancer cells to repair the genetic damage caused by carboplatin, the scientists believe.

Story continues

The study, funded by the charities Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and Breast Cancer Now, is published in the journal Nature Medicine.

Professor Charles Swanton, CRUK's chief clinician, said: "This exciting study brings us a step closer to delivering precise care to patients with breast cancer.

"Rather than offering all women the same standard of care, these results show that, for patients with inherited BRCA mutations, the drug carboplatin is not only a more effective treatment option, but also comes with fewer side-effects, sparing patients possible health problems, physical discomfort and emotional distress."

Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, described the findings as a "landmark and long-awaited step forward".The Blue Ridge Tinder Fire that started April 27 in Arizona's Coconino National Forest, near Happy Jack, had spread across 8,000 acres of land by Sunday evening, according to the Incident Information System.

The Coconino County sheriff ordered evacuations in all of the Blue Ridge Tinder Fireaffected communities north, east and west of Highway 87, stated a Facebook post on Sunday evening. Highway 87 was closed in both directions in the area. The Arizona Department of Transportation tweeted updates about the road closures due to the fire. Updates were also available on the DOT website.

The closure stretches from milepost 290 at Clints Well to milepost 312, two miles north of the Elks Picnic Grounds, read the site Monday morning.

Trending: Omarosa Tweets He Said It' After Trump Seemingly Defends Shithole Countries Remark Alongside Nigeria President

High winds in the area pushed the fire to the north and east on Sunday. Structures were lost due to the fire, but it was unclear as of Monday morning what those structures were, said InciWeb.

More than 500 people were working to contain the fire, including seven hotshot crews (firefighters assigned to the hottest part of the fire) and three initial-attack crews, according to InciWeb. The cause of the fire was listed as under investigation and "human" on InciWeb. Officials asked that everyone in the area refrain from flying drones because they could interfere with monitoring and fighting the fire.

Two other Arizona fires burned on Monday but were closer to containment than the Tinder Fire. The Rattlesnake Fire that started on April 11 burned more than 25,000 acres and was 63 percent contained as of Monday morning. The smaller Indian Meadow Fire, which started on April 23, was also mostly contained.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekBy Hasmik Mkrtchyan and Margarita Antidze YEREVAN (Reuters) - The leader of an Armenian protest movement that forced the country's veteran leader to step down announced on Tuesday a nationwide campaign of civil disobedience after the ruling party thwarted his bid to take over as prime minister. Addressing tens of thousands of people gathered in a square in the Armenian capital, Nikol Pashinyan said that starting from 8:15 (12.15 a.m. ET) on Wednesday morning, his supporters would block roads, railways and airports. The planned day of protest in the small ex-Soviet state sets up a standoff between Pashinyan's movement, which has mobilised thousands of people to take to the streets, and a ruling elite which is determined to hold on to power and still controls the security apparatus. "We will block the streets, the airports, the metro, the railway, everything that can be blocked," Pashinyan told his cheering supporters on Yerevan's Republic Square. "If everyone participates in a total act of civil disobedience, this will be a total victory of the people of Armenia. Our struggle is a struggle of non-violence, it is a peaceful act of civil disobedience." After days of protests, veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan stepped down as prime minister last week. That seemed to signal a dramatic shift in power in Armenia, an ex-Soviet state closely aligned to Russia that has been run by the same cadre of people since the late 1990s. Pashinyan, a 42-year-old former journalist who spent two years in jail for fomenting unrest, was submitted to parliament as the only nominee for the vacant prime minister's job. But the ruling Republican Party, allied to Sarksyan, has a majority in the legislature and after hours of acrimonious debate it withheld its support for Pashinyan's candidacy, leaving him short of the support he needed. Earlier on Tuesday, Pashinyan had warned the ruling elite it could face a "tsunami" of anger from the people if it stymied his move to become prime minister. Supporters of Pashinyan, who had spent the day in the capital's Republic Square to watch the parliamentary debate on two huge screens, shouted "shame" when the result of the vote was shown. "It showed once again that they don't care about us, about the ordinary people," said Gurgen, a 61-year-old unemployed man who was among the crowd. The crisis in Armenia, which has a population of only about three million people and has Russian military bases on its territory, is being closely watched in Moscow. Officials there are wary of a repeat of a popular revolt in Ukraine in 2014 that swept to power new leaders who pulled away from Moscow's orbit. Protests flared when Sarksyan, an establishment veteran, announced he was seeking to become prime minister. He had previously been president, but was limited by the constitution from seeking another term. Some Armenians saw Sarksyan's bid for the prime minister's job as a cynical ploy to extend his grip on power. Some voters accuse Sarksyan and his associates of cronyism and corruption, an allegation they deny. Pashinyan has pledged to keep Armenia close to Moscow, saying the changes he wants to make would instead focus on rooting out graft. During the parliamentary debate, Republican Party lawmakers accused Pashinyan or being an irresponsible rabble-rouser, they alleged he recruited children to join his protest movement, and said he lacked the qualities to command the Armenian armed forces. (Writing by Christian Lowe and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber; Editing by Richard Balmforth)London (AFP) - With Prime Minister Theresa May on the ropes over her Brexit strategy and immigration policy, Britain's main opposition Labour Party hopes to deliver a further blow in local elections on Thursday.

Labour is targeting traditional strongholds for May's Conservatives such as Wandsworth, south London, just days after the resignation of top ally Amber Rudd as interior minister.

"We need a change," Beverley Shillingford, a 54-year-old social worker living in a tower block in Wandsworth, told AFP as Labour Party supporters went canvassing door-to-door one evening in April.

Shillingford accused the borough's Conservative leaders of "letting this place fall down" and fellow residents in the 16-storey building complained about everything from a lack of services to a mouse problem.

Defeat in the local council polls would pile further pressure on May, who is struggling to keep her party united on Brexit and whose leadership has been on borrowed time ever since she lost her party's parliamentary majority in a general election last year.

Rudd's departure for misleading parliament over migrant deportation targets also deprives May of a key ally at a difficult time.

"The big attention will be on London and the Tories are going to do badly," said Robert Hayward, a Conservative peer and polling expert.

"Although essentially people are supposed to be voting on local issues, the reality is that turnout is often driven by perceptions of national politics."

Paul Scully, the Conservatives' vice chairman for London, told AFP: "It's going to be really tough.

"We are trying to hold on to what we've got," he said.

- 'Signal' to national government -

The elections are set to highlight Britain's burgeoning divides between urban and rural areas, and eurosceptic and pro-European voters, according to analysts.

John Curtice, politics professor at Strathclyde University and one of Britain's top polling experts, believes May will make gains outside the big cities, cementing her party's move away from the more cosmopolitan conservatism of predecessor David Cameron.

Story continues

When results come out, expect to see Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn celebrating in London and the prime minister in England's provincial heartlands, agreed Hayward.

Nonetheless, losing Wandsworth would be a stinging and symbolic Conservative defeat.

The borough was former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's favourite local authority for pioneering free-market policies and has low local tax rates and a reputation for sound management.

Conservative voters stayed true even when Labour swept its three parliamentary seats in the 1990s and while similar urban areas have shifted leftwards.

Ravi Govindia, the incumbent leader, said he is "hopeful" of retaining control.

"There is not a single Labour authority in London that has the kind of low tax levels that our Wandsworth has," he told AFP in his office in the borough's town hall.

His plea to voters: "Why change a winning formula -- why risk it?"

Labour would need to pick up 12 council seats to pull off what their local leader Simon Hogg describes as "a political earthquake".

"I think it would send a signal to the national government," he said.

Hogg believes Brexit will prove crucial.

"It has severed the tribal connection between a lot of Conservative voters and the Tory party," Hogg said.

"I think you'll find lots of Tory councillors are going to lose jobs because of the extreme and chaotic hard Brexit that they're pushing through."

- Expectations for May 'very low' -

The parties are courting Europeans allowed to vote in local polls -- but not national elections, nor the EU referendum -- as well as disaffected Tories.

Wandsworth has 230,000 eligible voters and typical turnout of around only a third, leaving the 26,000 EU citizens on its rolls ready to play a potentially pivotal role.

Despite reassurances of support for EU citizens after Brexit from Wandsworth's Tories, few appear poised to vote Conservative.

"It would be a mismatch between what they're doing on the local level and the national level," said Costanza de Toma, 45, an Italian voting in Wandsworth.

The trend could be replicated across London, where EU nationals comprise around 12 percent of the population.

May meanwhile will hope that success outside London can offset potentially losing local crown jewels like Wandsworth.

"The expectation is very, very low for Theresa May," said Simon Hix, professor of political science at the London School of Economics.

"This would be seen as a victory for her relative to those expectations."Curitiba (Brazil) (AFP) - More than 2,000 leftist supporters of Brazilian ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva demonstrated Tuesday near the prison in Curitiba where he is serving a 12-year sentence for corruption.

The crowd, mostly dressed in the red of Lula's Workers' Party, converged on Curitiba to mark May Day and to show support for the leftist icon who despite his jailing remains frontrunner in presidential opinion polls.

Many were part of a vigil camp set up after Lula was incarcerated in the city's federal police headquarters on April 7.

Although mostly peaceful, the pro-Lula camp has seen tensions rising.

Shots were fired Saturday into the camp, injuring two people -- an incident echoing shots fired in March, without causing injury, at buses used on a Lula election campaign tour.

Lula was imprisoned after being convicted of taking a seaside apartment as a bribe from major construction firm OAS.

He claims the case -- and seven others opened against him -- is part of a political attack to prevent him from running in October presidential elections.

His Workers' Party ally Dilma Rousseff -- who succeeded him in the presidency before being removed from office in 2016 after impeachment proceedings -- tweeted a letter to supporters from Lula.

Expressing support for the two shooting victims, Lula wrote: "We don't know who fired at you, but we know the trigger was readied by the forces spreading hatred and political violence in our country."

"I've been politically active for almost 50 years and I've never seen anything similar to what is happening in Brazil since we rebuilt democracy in 1988," at the end of the two decades military dictatorship, he added.

- New charges -

There was more bad news for Lula and his once dominant party with the unveiling of new charges against him and top allies late Monday.

Prosecutors accused Lula and Senator Gleisi Hoffmann, along with former Lula government ministers Antonio Palocci and Paulo Bernardo, of being handed a $40 million slush fund by corruption-riddled construction giant Odebrecht.

Story continues

The fund "was in exchange for political decisions that would benefit the group," the prosecutor's office said in a statement late Monday.

It said Workers' Party politicians used the money to finance campaigns, including Hoffmann's failed 2014 run for governor of Parana state.

Hoffmann, who now leads the Workers' Party, said the allegations are "false" and "don't make sense."

The charges are part of operation "Car Wash," Brazil's biggest ever anti-graft crackdown. It has targeted several former presidents, current President Michel Temer and politicians from all major parties.

Investigators discovered that politicians and their parties were allegedly taking money from Odebrecht and other big companies in exchange for political favors and contracts with state oil company Petrobras.London (AFP) - British lawmakers on Tuesday backed a measure to impose sanctions against people guilty of human rights violations in memory of late Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

Similar legislation in the United States has been used to target Russians, and the change received new political impetus in Britain following a March nerve-agent attack blamed on Moscow.

The amendment to the sanctions and anti-money laundering bill would allow the government to impose sanctions to "provide accountability for or be a deterrent to gross violations of human rights".

It was passed without a vote in the House of Commons after agreement with the main opposition Labour Party, although it must now be approved by the House of Lords.

It comes after a campaign led by William Browder, a former Moscow financier turned anti-Kremlin activist for whom Magnitsky worked when he revealed a massive fraud by state officials.

Shortly afterwards Magnitsky himself was charged with tax evasion, and after 11 months in squalid prisons, he died in detention on November 16, 2009.

"This is a huge milestone for Britain and our campaign. It's a really huge win for justice, I'm delighted," Browder told AFP.

"Russian human rights abusers have been sheltering their money in the UK without any fear of the consequences for the last two decades, and this should put the fear of God into them that their assets will be seized."

He added: "This would have happened with or without the Salisbury attack but that focused everybody's minds on the bad intents of the Putin regime."

Prime Minister Theresa May had promised to bring forward the law after the poisoning of a former Russian spy in the English city of Salisbury on March 4, also vowing new powers against "hostile" actors.

She said at the time: "We will play our part in an international effort to punish those responsible for the sorts of abuses suffered by Sergei Magnitsky."

The US Congress in 2012 passed the Magnitsky Act, which has allowed Washington to slap tough sanctions on dozens of senior Russian officials, blocking them from visiting the United States or affecting their finances.

British authorities already had limited powers to freeze the assets of foreign officials who abuse anti-corruption and human rights activists.SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgaria urged the European Union on Monday to eliminate "double standards" used by food companies in selling products of varying quality under identical labelling in the bloc's eastern and western regions.

EU Justice, Consumer Protection and Gender Equality Commissioner Vera Jourova said the European Commission had issued a legal opinion that such quality differences were unfair and the problem "could be resolved very soon".

The practice is legal in the EU as long as food ingredients are clearly listed.

Officials in ex-communist Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria, however, have said it is unethical for food items sold under the same brand to be inferior in quality in "new" EU member states in the east compared with "old" member states in the west.

"Double standards in food products in the European Union have left 100 million people (in the EU's east) feeling like aborigines," Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov told a conference on consumer law and consumer protection in Sofia.

"I would be very ashamed if I was in place of these chains and manufacturers. Does it not seem a shame? Who is this clever guy in Europe who decided a Bulgarian baby prefers palm oil to milk?"

Borissov, whose Balkan nation holds the EU's rotating presidency, said he would ensure food from Bulgarian supermarkets was served to EU leaders at a forthcoming EU-Western Balkans summit in Sofia next month.

"EU unity means one standard," he said.

Three weeks ago the European Commission proposed a so-called New Deal for Consumers entailing directives against unfair business-to-customer commercial practices as well as action to protect collective consumer interests. The proposals will be discussed by the European Parliament and the EU Council.

"We are introducing harmonisation of penalties that should be imposed in cases of cross-border infringements," Jourova told the conference, with new legislation expected to be passed by the bloc's parliament in the spring of 2019.

Story continues

"There must be no second-class consumers in the EU, it is not fair," she said.

Last week a study found differences in ingredients and prices of some brands of food products between those sold in Bulgaria and in four western EU countries, Sofia's Agriculture Ministry said.

Consumer groups in Bulgaria have repeatedly complained about the use of different ingredients in identically branded goods.

Lab tests have shown that some multinational brands use different, often cheaper ingredients in food sold on the east side of Europe's old Iron Curtain divide than in products sold in adjacent Austria and Germany.

Companies have explained differing composition of products sold in less competitive, poorer eastern markets by saying they are catering to local tastes and preferences.

(Reporting by Angel Krasimirov; Editing by Mark Heinrich)Ottawa (AFP) - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government unveiled legislation Monday aimed at safeguarding Canada's elections from cyber threats and "foreign interference."

The draft bill -- coming after accusations of Russia meddling in the last US election, which Russia has denied -- would also place caps on campaign spending, impose privacy rules on voter information and limit campaigns to no more than 50 days.

Canada's next federal election is scheduled for 2019.

"With the passage of this bill," acting Democratic Institutions Minister Scott Brison told a news conference, "foreign entities will no longer be able to spend money to influence federal elections."

Currently, foreign entities can spend up to Can$500 ($390 US) on election advertising. Under the proposed measure, Canadian advertisers would not be allowed to knowingly accept monies from foreigners to influence elections.

Political parties would also have to disclose what voter information they collect and how they use it, in an effort to make data use more transparent.

And, the bill would repeal a statute passed by the previous Tory administration that prohibits Canadians living abroad for more than five years from voting, affecting more than one million Canadians abroad.Ottawa (AFP) - Canada is pressing Pope Francis to apologize to children who were plucked from indigenous communities and put in Catholic boarding schools where sexual abuse took place.

Canadian MPs by a large majority passed a motion Tuesday asking the pontiff to apologize personally to Canadian aboriginal children who were torn from their families and sexually abused at residential schools.

Voted in the House on Tuesday, 260 MPs voted in favor and 10 against a motion urging the pope to comply with one of the 2015 findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Lawmakers were seeking "official papal apology for the role played by the Canadian Catholic Church in the development, operation and abuse of residential schools," the text said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has expressed disappointment over the Catholic Church's decision not to apologize for its role in residential schools.

His minister of Crown-indigenous relations, Carolyn Bennett, went further, saying: "Sorrow is not enough."

"One has to take responsibility for the harm that was done, not only to the children that were taken but for the families left behind and what happened to them," she said, vowing to continue to pressure the Vatican to change tack.

In an open letter, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote: "After carefully considering the request and extensive dialogue with the Bishops of Canada, (the pope) felt that he could not personally respond."

At the same time, however, the pontiff encouraged bishops to engage "in an intensive pastoral work of reconciliation, healing and solidarity" and to work collaboratively to improve the lives of indigenous peoples.

The reconciliation commission urged an apology from the Catholic Church in its extensive list of recommendations in a 2015 report.

The report collated evidence over six years from some 7,000 former students in Canada.

Trudeau sought an apology for the abuses when he met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2017.

Story continues

Some 150,000 Indian, Inuit and Metis youngsters were forcibly enrolled into 139 residential schools set up to assimilate native people, many of which were operated by church groups on behalf of the Canadian government.

Students were physically and sexually abused by headmasters and teachers who stripped them of their culture and language.

Today, they blame their experience for a high incidence of poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence, as well as high suicide rates, in their communities.

The first of the schools opened in 1874 and the last one closed in 1996.

At least 3,200 students never returned home.The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option.By Delphine Schrank

TIJUANA, Mexico (Reuters) - U.S. immigration officials accepted a slow trickle of asylum applications on Tuesday from a caravan of Central American migrants camped at the U.S.-Mexico border, despite criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump of their attempt to enter the country.

Border agents slowly admitted 17 of the asylum seekers on Tuesday, according to organizers with the Pueblo Sin Fronteras immigrant rights group, after eight were allowed to request protection on Monday night.

That still left roughly 115 migrants waiting in a makeshift camp outside the busy border post in the Mexican city of Tijuana.

The weary group of migrants - who have already spent two cold nights at the border - showed no signs of breaking up as the afternoon passed.

News that more migrants were allowed into the port of entry on Tuesday meant those next on the list inched a little closer.

"Here's hoping," said 20-year-old Honduran Bryan Claros, on the possibility of being next on the list.

The caravan set off more than a month ago from southern Mexico on a 2,000-mile (3,220-km) trek to the California border, gathering people along the way.

Its progress has drawn attention from the U.S. news media after Trump demanded such groups be denied entry and that stronger immigration laws be enacted.

Trump's hard line against illegal immigration has been a centrepiece of his presidency, as he pursues an "America First" agenda that includes a proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border that he has said is needed to stem the flow of immigrants and drug trafficking.

But on asylum applicants, the Trump administration's hands are tied by international rules obliging the United States to accept some applications. Most in the caravan said they were fleeing death threats, extortion and violence from street gangs.

Bundled in blankets and donated clothes to ward off the cold, the mood on Tuesday morning was muted among the men, women and children camped in a square by the border crossing.

Story continues

By the afternoon, in a narrow circle on the square, boys tossed a ball about and others chatted with new friends forged on the long journey north.

The majority of asylum claims by Central Americans are ultimately unsuccessful, resulting in detention and deportation. Asylum seekers must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution at home, most often from a state entity.

Central Americans fare badly in such claims because the state is rarely seen as directly responsible for the life-threatening situations they leave behind.

Crawling under her narrow tarpaulin tent, Yolanda Hieron Meraz from Honduras hurriedly packed a few clothes and a pillow to enter the port of entry with her 15-year-old son, a huge smile on her face.

But it was a conflicted moment for her as she left behind her common law partner, Jose Cristobal, 48, who waited soberly beside their tent. Cristobal, who tried to hold back his tears, knew he could not follow because his claim for asylum was probably not as strong.

(Additional reporting by Edgard Garrido in Tijuana, Dan Levine in San Diego, Sarah Lynch and Roberta Rampton in Washington and Frank Jack Daniel in Mexico City; editing by Daniel Flynn, Will Dunham and G Crosse)Santiago (AFP) - Two Chilean municipalities have announced they will begin issuing fines of up to hundreds of dollars to anyone guilty of street harassment of women.

The measures are aimed at curbing gender-based crime which according to the United Nations is rife across the Latin American region, where a culture of "machismo" prevails.

On Monday, the mayor of the upmarket Santiago suburb of Las Condes introduced the law which the municipality said aimed to eradicate street harassment "experienced by people moving through public spaces."

The mayor, Joaquin Lavin, pointedly launched the initiative on a construction site, of the kind from where men typically aim catcalls at passing women in the street.

"What we want to do is raise the level of respect on public streets," Lavin told journalists.

Last week, the nearby suburb of Recoleta in northern Santiago implemented a similar measure, with fines of between $77 and $385 for offenders.

The Las Condes law provides for anti-street harassment signs being erected in various public places, including construction sites, bus stops and metro stations.

"We don't bother or offend anyone here. We are against street harassment," the signs say.

Those accused of the offence will be fined up to $390 dollars, imposed on the spot by municipal inspectors or police.

The measures are part of a fight against gender-based violence, which in 2015 saw 1,700 women murdered in 17 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Women also run the guantlet of street and political harassment throughout the region, the report by the Santiago-based UN agency says.People are alarmed over the privacy implications (Getty)

Its something from our darkest science fiction nightmares  the idea that bosses actually scan the emotions of workers using brain caps.

But several Chinese companies are already using the technology to scan when workers are stressed, anxious or sad  and claim it boosts profits.

Hangzhous State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power told the South China Morning Post that using the technology had improved profits by $300 million in four years.

The theory is that by scanning when workers are stressed, bosses can adjust peoples workloads so that the building runs more smoothly.

But experts at MIT say the efficiency claims are incredibly doubtful, as the technology to scan peoples brains via EEG caps is still in its infancy.

MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO

Its the latest surveillance scary story from China, after police in the country showed off hi-tech smart glasses which use facial recognition to pick out suspects in a crowd.

Police tested the equipment at a train station in the central city of Zhengzhou, and picked out seven suspects, accused of crimes from hit-and-runs to human trafficking.

Critics have already voiced fears that Chinas communist party will use the glasses to identify dissidents.

China is a world leader in facial recognition technology, and already has a network of 170 million CCTV cameras, many armed with AI or facial recognition technology.

The regime plans to install 400 million more cameras in the coming years.Paris (AFP) - Anti-capitalist protesters torched a McDonald's restaurant and clashed with police in Paris on the fringes of a May Day rally in Paris Tuesday.

Shouting slogans such as "Rise up, Paris" and "Everyone hates the police", over 1,000 youths with black jackets and face masks joined the traditional union-led demonstration for worker's rights, AFP journalists reported.

Some carried placards with the Anarchist symbol and banners with references to the far left "black bloc" protesters who regularly clash with police at international summits.

Along the route of the march they looted and set fire to a McDonald's restaurant and also torched a car, a mechanical digger and a scooter. The police used tear gas and water cannon to try disperse them.

At least two people were arrested over the unrest, which comes at a time of heightened tensions over President Emmanuel Macron's reform of the public sector.

"Macron makes us mad," read a banner held by one masked demonstrator.

Interior Minister Gerard Collomb condemned the violence.

"Everything is being done to end this serious disturbance to the peace an find those responsible for these unspeakable acts," he tweeted.

Trade unions had set out to try rally workers on May Day against Macron's reforms of state rail operator SNCF and public universities, which they see as part of a rollback of France's cherished public service.

Tens of thousands of people took part in marches nationwide, including over 20,000 in Paris, the police said.

Some of the participants took aim at Macron's fiscal policy, seen as favouring business and the rich over the working- and middle classes.

"Macron is the president of the rich," Genevieve Durand, a retired public servant who took part in a march in the central city of Clermont-Ferrand told AFP, echoing a label that has clung to the 40-year-old centrist.

burs-cb/nlaIn an interview with Fox and Friends Tuesday, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who stepped down from his post in March, deserves credit for North Koreas willingness to come to the negotiating table.

We really did isolate the North Koreans more successfully this time, Rice told the hosts on Fox and Friends. And I have to tell you, the former secretary, Tillerson, really does have a lot of credit for that.

President Donald Trump, however, was famously at loggerheads with his former secretary of state, and did not approve of his approach to diplomacy with North Korea. Trump once tweeted, "I told Rex Tillerson, our wonderful Secretary of State, that he is wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man," in reference to hermit kingdom's leader.

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Rices comments were made as some Trump supporters suggest that the president should get the Nobel Peace Prize for fostering peace between North and South Korea. During a rally in Michigan over the weekend, the president was greeted by a crowd who chanted that he should receive the prize. South Koreas President Moon Jae-in later said he agrees that Trump should get the award if peace is restored in the Korean Peninsula for the first time since the Cold War.

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On Tuesday, South Koreas Defense Ministry began dismantling loudspeakers that were placed at the border to blast propaganda into North Korea. The move aimed to complete a promise made at a historic summit held Friday between the two Koreas.

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Trump has pledged to meet with the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the first time as early as next month to discuss an end to the rogue nations nuclear program. But Rice cast doubt on whether North Korea is serious about fostering peace.

The North Koreans have a tendency to do this when theyre under pressure. They come to the table, they make promises, and then they break those promises, she told the hosts. But you have to give the administration a lot of credit for having turned up the heat on China, by saying to the Chinese we will defend the United States of America, even if it means using military force.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekKUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - A Malaysian court convicted a Danish citizen on Monday for inaccurate criticism of police on social media, the first person to be prosecuted under a new law against fake news. Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, 46, was charged with spreading false news after he posted a video on YouTube accusing police of taking 50 minutes to respond to distress calls following the shooting of a Palestinian lecturer on April 21. Police said they took eight minutes to respond to the shooting in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. The charge against Sulaiman said he had "with ill intent, published fake news through a video on YouTube". Sulaiman, who was unrepresented at the court hearing, pleaded guilty, but said the video was posted in a "moment of anger" and he did not mean any harm. "I agreed I made a mistake ... I seriously apologize to everybody in Malaysia, not just in the Malaysian police," said Sulaiman, a Danish citizen of Yemeni descent. Malaysia is among the first few countries to legislate policing of fake news. Critics say the law is aimed at curbing dissent and free speech ahead of Malaysia's May 9 general election. Offenders could be fined up to 500,000 ringgit ($128,000) and face a maximum of six years in jail. The judge fined Sulaiman 10,000 ringgit ($2,552) but he opted to spend a month in jail because he could not pay. Palestinian lecturer Faid al-Batsh was shot dead by two men on April 21. Police have yet to identify the suspects, but believe they are still in the country. Malaysia's inspector-general of police, Mohamad Fuzi Harun, said a day after the shooting that their records showed a distress call was received at 6:41 a.m. and a patrol car arrived at the scene eight minutes later. The Anti-Fake News Act defines fake news as "news, information, data and reports which is or are wholly or partly false" and included features, visuals and audio recordings. The law covers digital publications and social media and also applies to offenders outside Malaysia, including foreigners, if Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen are affected. A Malaysian media company filed a suit seeking to declare the law unconstitutional. Governments elsewhere in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and the Philippines, have also proposed laws aimed at clamping down on the spread of "fake news", to the dismay of media rights advocates. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Writing by Joseph Sipalan; Editing by Praveen Menon and Darren Schuettler)Washington (AFP) - US President Donald Trump once more attacked the Iran nuclear deal as "horrible" Monday, as he faces a May 12 deadline to decide on the fate of the accord.

"In seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons," Trump told a joint press conference with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari.

"That is not acceptable," Trump charged. "This is an agreement that wasn't approved by too many people. And it's a horrible agreement for the United States."

The US president has been threatening for months to pull out of the 2015 deal negotiated between Tehran and six world powers, rejecting it as "insane" partly because its restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.

Most world powers say the deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

"I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know," Trump said. "On or before the 12th, we'll make a decision."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- a fierce critic of the accord who has called for it to be altered or scrapped -- asserted earlier he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

Netanyahu leveled the accusations in a televised address, but did not provide evidence that Tehran had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 deal was struck.

The US president remained evasive when asked about the new Israeli charges.

"What Israel has done today in the news conference was right," Trump said, without elaborating.

The White House later issued a statement about Netanyahu's speech.

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the statement said.

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"The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbors and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons."

The US president also rebutted the suggestion that walking away from the Iran deal would send a disastrous signal to North Korea -- as Washington seeks to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

"No, I think it sends the right message," Trump said.Millennials may not be as loyal to the Democrats as previously thoughtand it could hurt the party at the ballot box in November.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday found that support among voters ages 18 to 34 has fallen by roughly 9 percentage points over the last two years. That means just 46 percent of registered millennial voters now identify with the Democrats, as compared to 2016, when the majority of the voting bloc backed the party.

Though an overwhelming two-thirds of the poll's 16,000 respondents said they don't like President Donald Trump, many of these young voters are being pulled to the right by a Republican Party they see as being stronger on economic issues. Some respondents voiced support for the Republican tax legislation and the party's messaging on jobs, which they said have made a material difference in their lives under a GOP-controlled Congress.

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Experts said that when it comes to party allegiance, millennials are both more fluid and more easily swayed than the generations that came before them.

"Theyre not as wedded to one party," Donald Green, a political science professor at Columbia University, told Reuters. "Theyre easier to convince than, say, your 50- or 60-year-olds who dont really change their minds very often."

Bernie-Sanders

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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This trend may make some Democrats uneasy, especially going into a competitive midterm election with the goal of winning back at least one chamber of Congress. But others say there's little reason to panic.

"While people may not register for a particular party, they show up for a candidate who shares their values," Amanda Litman, the cofounder and executive of Run for Something, a group dedicated to running and recruiting young candidates, told Newsweek. "And with young people, those candidates are most often those who care about progressive causes like climate change, marriage equality and a woman's right to make her own health care decisions."

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For proof, Litman said to look no further than Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's November win: The Democratic candidate defeated his Republican opponent, Ed Gillespie, by winning 69 percent of the millennial vote.

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Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders overwhelmingly won over the young vote in 2016, outperforming both Hillary Clinton and Trump with the voter bloc. In fact, Sanders garnered more votes from Americans under 30 than Clinton and Trump combined, according to a June 2016 Washington Post report.

Sanders made tuition-free college and student debt relief prominent platforms in his presidential campaign, which perhaps explained his appeal to millennials, a generation burdened with roughly $33,000 of student loan debt on average.

But Litman said there's no lesson to be learned from Sanders in particular, adding that Democrats don't necessarily need to adopt all of his platforms or mimic his campaign. If they want to win over millennials, they just need to be genuine.

"Young people want candidates who are authentically themselves and who aren't bullshitting us," said Litman. "Candidates should have a problem they want to solve. We tell our candidates, 'You're not running to be something. You're running to do something.' To win, voters need to understand what that 'something' is."

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekAvengers: Infinity War (Photo: Marvel Studios)

Warning: This post contains big spoilers for Avengers: Infinity War.

Avengers assembly? A lucky group of students at an Iowa City-area high school were treated to a one-on-one Q&A session with Avengers: Infinity War co-director Joe Russo this week, and like any plugged-in high school student, one of them has shared the scoop on Reddit. I was there too in the front row, the poster teased, before going on to list the pearls of spoilery wisdom that Russo dropped on the crowd. Read on to learn the answers to some of your burning questions about 2018s biggest movie.

Valkyrie (and Korg) live to fight another day.

After watching his surviving subjects be blown out of the sky by Thanos, its fair to ask whether Thor should rename himself the Last Son of Asgard. According to Russo, however, at least two other passengers survived that attack  and no, neither of them is Loki. The filmmaker told the group that Tessa Thompsons hard-drinking, hard-fighting Valkyrie is definitely still alive and kicking, having absconded via an escape pod. As for Korg  the rock creature (voiced by Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi) that the God of Thunder befriended on Sakaar  Russo declined to address his fate one way or the other. If you ask us, that means hes definitely gonna take down Thanos in Avengers 4.

Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok. (Photo: Marvel Studios/courtesy of Everett Collection)

Avengers: Title War

Speaking of the still-untitled fourth Avengers film, dont expect to be able to call it by its name anytime soon. Russo says that the sure-to-be-revealing title will remain under wraps for a while. Our guess? Its announced to great fanfare during Marvels victory lap at this years Comic-Con in San Diego.

Whose death speech is it anyway?

Robert Downey Jr. is famous for inventing dialogue for Tony Stark, so its only natural that his onscreen protege, Tom Holland, aka Spider-Man, would follow in the footsteps of the (iron) man his alter ego calls boss. According to Russo, the young actor improvised the wall-crawlers final moments before crumbling to dust. Did you ever see that old movie Terms of Endearment? Because were tearing up just thinking about Spideys heartbreaking goodbye.

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Tom Holland as Spider-Man. (Photo: Sony Pictures)

A Strange victory

Asked by students why Dr. Strange would part so willingly with the Time Stone  the glowing green gem that the Sorcerer Supreme was supposed to give his life to defend  Russo emphasized the good doctors final words: This was the only way. Dont forget that Strange viewed more than 14 million possible futures and found only one in which victory was remotely possible. And that future involved surrendering the Time Stone.

Iowa City, represent!

Never let it be said that Russo is ashamed of his Midwest origins. The director confirmed that he put Iowa City on the Marvel Cinematic Universe map by including a throwaway reference to a high school valedictorian in Iowa City in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which he co-directed with his brother, Anthony.

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:

Watch: The Avengers: Infinity War cast members reveals their (hypothetical) death faces:

Beijing (AFP) - The Dominican Republic and China announced Tuesday they were establishing diplomatic relations as the Caribbean country became the latest nation to dump Taiwan, leaving it with just 19 diplomatic allies around the globe.

Taipei said it was "deeply upset" at the decision, which it blamed on "dollar diplomacy". The move deepens the island's international isolation while its giant neighbour flexes its economic and political might on the global stage.

The Dominican Republic said it believed its switch to ties with China would be "extraordinarily positive for the future of our country", in an official statement.

"The Dominican Republic recognises that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory," it added.

Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy which sees itself as a sovereign nation but has never formally declared independence from the mainland. Beijing considers it a renegade province to be brought back into the fold and is increasing international pressure to prevent any recognition of the island.

Beijing announced Tuesday morning that it would exchange ambassadors with the Dominican Republic "as soon as practicable".

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said the government "deeply regrets that Dominican Republic and China established ties on May 1".

Wu said the ministry "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies" and accused Beijing of failing to honour its promises to those countries it had wooed away.

Its actions had damaged cross-strait relations and eroded trust, said Wu, who blamed China's financial incentives for ending Taiwan's 77-year alliance with the Dominican Republic.

The foreign ministry had summoned the Caribbean country's ambassador to deliver a protest and tell him to close the embassy, Wu said.

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- Vatican next? -

Taiwan now has 19 diplomatic allies left -- 10 in Latin America and the Caribbean, two in Africa, six small island nations in the Pacific and the Vatican.

Beijing and the Holy See severed diplomatic relations in 1951 and remain at odds over who should appoint bishops.

But an apparent warming of relations between China and the Vatican -- considered Taiwan's most powerful remaining official ally -- has triggered concerns that the Holy See may also switch allegiance in what would be a crushing blow to Taipei.

Wu insisted that ties with the Holy See "would not be in immediate danger" even if there were a breakthrough agreement on designating bishops in China.

In June last year Panama cut ties with Taipei to open relations with Beijing while Costa Rica did so in 2007.

"This latest development is proof, yet again, that Taiwan needs to focus its energies developing solid and multifaceted ties with unofficial diplomatic allies," said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottingham's China Policy Institute.

The Dominican Republic joins a long list of small countries that "in a heartbeat will throw principle out the window for the sake of getting more from China", Cole added.

Taipei's Mainland Affairs Council slammed the Dominican Republic's move, blaming Beijing for undermining cross-strait ties.

"We call on China to immediately stop provocative actions of exerting extreme political and military pressure on Taiwan," it said.

- 'A warning' -

The government of President Tsai Ing-wen is trying to enhance Taiwan's international profile but faces a concerted attempt by Beijing to shrink its space on global platforms.

Taiwan is regularly shut out of influential forums as organisers come under pressure from Beijing.

Mainland China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949, when the defeated Nationalist government fled to the island.

Beijing has consistently said it wants Tsai to recognise that Taiwan is part of "one China" but she has not done so.

Comments by premier William Lai expressing his personal support for Taiwan's independence have further riled Beijing.

"Given the current cross-strait political climate, things like this (losing an ally) are bound to happen sooner or later, it's just a matter of when and which country," said political analyst Tang Shao-cheng at the National Chengchi University in Taipei.

"The timing of China establishing ties with the Dominican Republic is meant as a warning for Taiwan not to cross the red line to show support for Taiwan independence, since (Beijing's) recent verbal intimidation and sabre-rattling did not yield desirable results," she said.

burs/lm/smIstanbul (AFP) - Istanbul police on Tuesday detained more than 80 people and placed a security lockdown on the city as the Turkish metropolis marked a tense May Day.

The annual workers' holiday has traditionally been a place for confrontation between protesters and police but in recent years the authorities have left nothing to chance by entirely barring access to key protest areas.

The central Taksim Square was entirely barricaded off by police, with images taken from the air showing the usually thronged urban space deserted apart from officers.

Authorities also barred access to the city's main shopping street, the pedestrianised Istiklal Avenue, which has in the past been the scene of protest marches.

Almost all shops and cinemas were closed and boarded up the length of the street, with the public only set to be allowed through in the evening, an AFP photographer said.

Only police officers could be seen strolling down the eerily deserted thoroughfare.

Protesters seeking to defy the ban on demonstrations in Taksim by marching towards the square were roughly arrested, with police pinning detainees to the ground, an AFP photographer said.

In total, police arrested 84 people in Istanbul, Istanbul police said, with most of the detentions coming in the Besiktas area. They were taken away in buses for questioning.

Meanwhile, thousands of people took part in officially-sanctioned May 1 events in the Istanbul district of Maltepe at a vast meeting area specially designated by the authorities to host the May 1 marches.

"Today's march is a way for the working class to breathe and to raise our demands," said protester Huda at Maltepe.

Similar events were taking place across the country, including the capital Ankara and Turkey's third city of Izmir.

Political tensions are high in Turkey as the country prepares for snap parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be seeking a second term as head of state and a thumping parliamentary majority.

Anadolu said that over 26,000 police were on duty in Istanbul supported by three helicopters, 85 water cannon vehicles and 67 armoured vehicles.Al-Eis (Syria) (AFP) - Dozens of jihadists arrived in northern Syria on Tuesday under a deal with the regime for them to leave their enclave in southern Damascus, an AFP correspondent said.

The fighters from Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate were transferred out of the Yarmuk district late Monday under a deal announced the previous day.

Early Tuesday, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters and civilians arrived in the northern province of Aleppo ahead of their transfer to the neighbouring province of Idlib.

In Aleppo's Al-Eis area, the AFP correspondent saw masked gunmen step off a bus and fire a volley of gunshots into the air before hugging those who had arrived to greet them.

State news agency SANA said 200 people had left Yarmuk late Monday, but an official from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham said the convoy that arrived in Al-Eis included just 108 fighters, 17 women and 16 children.

In parallel under the same deal, SANA said dozens of civilians had arrived in Al-Eis from various Shiite-majority areas in Idlib.

They included five patients and 18 people accompanying them from the besieged areas of Fuaa and Kafraya, along with 42 people from the area of Ishtabraq, where they had been held hostage since 2015.

For over a week, the army has been pressing a military offensive to retake Yarmuk and surrounding areas, where the Islamic State group also retains a presence.

On Tuesday, another AFP correspondent saw regime war planes pound Yarmuk, once home to the country's largest Palestinian refugee camp, as the battle against IS fighters there continued for a 13th day running.

The jihadists have held large parts of Yarmuk since 2015.

The regime launched its offensive there after pro-government fighters reconquered what was once the former rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta east of the capital last month.

The Damascus regime has retaken large parts of Syria since 2015 with the backing of Russia, but most of Idlib province still lies outside its control.Applying for college can be stressful for any student, but Rosa Sanchez says her immigration status has made it worse.

As an undocumented immigrant brought to the United States as a child, Sanchez has been protected from deportation by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which faces an uncertain future amid the Trump Administrations pledges to wind it down.

I saw my classmates and they were really excited, the 18-year-old tells TIME. I felt like something was being taken away from me.

DACA has shielded some 700,000 undocumented immigrants, allowing them to attend school and take jobs, but DACA recipients are not eligible for federal student aid and their access to state- and college-based aid varies.

Despite being a leader in her California high school and one of the top students in her class, Sanchez struggled to grapple with the idea that she may not be able to attend school because she could not afford it. I felt really hopeless and sometimes I really wanted to give up.

Last week Sanchez found out she is one of 1,200 students who will gain a financial boost from TheDream.Us, the nations largest scholarship program for so-called Dreamers, a group that includes recipients of DACA and temporary protected status, a program designed for refugees.

TheDream.Us was launched to fulfill what the leaders thought would be a temporary need  after DACA was established under the Obama Administration, many believed Congress was making real progress toward immigration reform. But four years later, Dreamers are still in limbo, leaving TheDream.Us to continue providing scholarships, helping nearly 3,000 during the current academic year. This spring, 400 of the students they awarded in 2014 will be completing their college education.

The past few months have brought challenges to the population of immigrants known as Dreamers. Last September, the Trump Administration announced that DACA would be ending and gave Congress until March 5 to come up with a long-term solution. But in the time since, lawmakers have not passed any legislation that would offer them permanent protections.

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Ongoing court battles have offered some reprieve  decisions early this year have allowed DACA recipients whose documents have expired to renew, which was not allowed under the Trump Administrations decision to end the program. And last week, a federal judge ruled that if the government could not adequately explain why the program was ended in 90 days, those who have not been able to apply may be able to access the program. That could include some 23,000 young people the Center for American Progress estimates turned 15-years-old after Sept. 5, 2017.

Gaby Pacheco, who serves as TheDream.Uss director of advocacy, development, and communications, says that after September, the organization braced for a drop in applications. We were thinking, oh, this is really whats going to deter people from going to school, she says. Theyre probably going to use the last two years that they have to work and save money. Theyre not going to even want to go to college.

Instead, she says, a record number of students applied for their tuition scholarships this year, and, as a result, around 1,200 students will be awarded up to $29,000 to help them obtain a Bachelors Degree or $14,500 if theyre seeking their associates degree at one of TheDream.Uss 76 partner schools. Nearly 200 students who live in states where they face unique challenges in getting an education  states where they would have to pay out-of-state tuition or are barred from attending public schools  will receive up at $80,000 to help them cover tuition, fees, housing, and food through the organizations Opportunity Scholars program, says Pacheco.

In the U.S. right now, I think one of the safest places for an undocumented student is on a college campus, she says. Aside from the scholarship, TheDream.Us program also works to build cohorts of students on their 76 partner campuses that can support each other throughout their college experiences. But, Pacheco says, that means when things are not necessarily going well for one of them, they all kind of feel it.

The Trump Administrations approach to immigration, generally, and DACA, specifically, have tested leaders at colleges and universities across the country.

Losing DACA protection puts a student at risk for deportation, but it also means that student is unable to work, putting their financial stability in jeopardy. Recently, it has become more difficult for students with DACA to afford college in some areas. In April, the Arizona Supreme Court issued a ruling that bars public schools from offering DACA recipients in-state tuition. For students at Arizona State University and Maricopa Community College, that means their tuition could nearly triple. Students from mixed-status families are also dealing with the prospect of their relatives facing deportation, which could contribute to anxiety.

What weve tried to do is make it clear to our students that we will try to do everything we can within the law to support them in any way we can, says James Milliken, the Chancellor of the City University of New York, a TheDream.Us partner which has one of the countrys largest university-based immigration counseling programs, which is available to students and non-students.

Some colleges have been trying to stave off the impact of the political climate. Before the president was even inaugurated, many colleges came out and declared themselves sanctuary campuses, meaning they would limit their cooperation with immigration enforcement. Around 700 college and university presidents signed on to a statement led by Pomona College urging lawmakers to uphold and expand DACA last fall. In December of 2017, more than two dozen college leaders launched the Presidents Alliance for Higher Education and Immigration, to call for protections for Dreamers and solutions for other immigration-related issues on campus.

Milliken estimates that there are thousands of undocumented students at CUNY right now, though he says he does not have exact numbers because the school does not ask applicants about their citizenship. Right now about 720 TheDream.Us scholars attend CUNY schools and over 200 of this years scholars have been accepted, he says.

These are talented, ambitious, hard-working students, says Milliken. They are the kind of people that we would want to have get an education and contribute to our communities and support their families and pursue their dreams.

Liam Kande, 30, is another one of this years TheDream.US scholars. In high school, he says, he was eager to attend college and even took some pre-college courses during his junior year. But when he went to fill out a federal student aid form, he discovered that he was undocumented. Learning that, he says, was discouraging.  I just thought, OK, I guess Im just going to have to work, he tells TIME. So he did and eventually, he found his passion and taught himself how to code.

Now its my turn to live the dream that I thought I was never going to get again, he says of the opportunity to attend CUNY. I feel like Im not afraid anymore.

Sanchez is also looking ahead to the future. Like students across the country, she will spend May 1 making her final decision about where shell attend school and start working toward becoming a neurosurgeon. It should be an exciting time, and yet, the realities of her life are still weighing on her as she prepares to pen the speech she will deliver to her senior class on graduation day.

Im a DACA student and Im really afraid of what people might think of me if I go up to them at the stadium and say hey, this is me. Im your valedictorian, she says. What are they going to think, you know?Sofia (AFP) - Brussels is rolling out new tests to target inferior versions of the same food products in different member states, EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner Vera Jourova said Monday.

They were developed following an outcry in some eastern European countries, where recent comparisons of food samples showed that big Western brands use cheaper ingredients in products sold in former communist countries.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, will roll out the tests across all member states in the coming days for immediate use, Jourova said.

"We hope to present the first results of this EU-wide testing by end-year," she told a forum on the issue in Sofia, organised by Bulgaria as part of its EU Council presidency.

"We want the consumers to see the fair EU in their shopping basket as soon as possible... meaning the same quality everywhere on the single market," Jourova added.

Recently published results of tests in Bulgaria showed differences that ranged from less cocoa and butter in chocolate to the use of fructose-glycose syrup rather than sugar in soft drinks.

In addition, a price comparison showed that consumers in the EU's poorest member state often paid more for the same food products than consumers in richer members.

Results in other eastern European countries have found -- among other discrepancies -- a lower amount of caffeine in coffee and less fish in fish fingers.

In response, Brussels has proposed a "new deal for consumers" outlawing the practice -- referred to as "food apartheid" by affected countries -- and which would introduce harmonised penalties in the case of cross-border infringements.

Jourova said Monday she hoped to push this new legislation through the European parliament by early 2019.

"There must not be second-class citizens in the EU. It is unfair and it is humiliating," she pointed out, reiterating a keynote statement of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker last September condemning the practice.

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The companies involved have sometimes claimed that any differences across the continent merely reflect variations in local tastes.

"There might be objective reasons,... but the producers should be able to explain the objective reasons," Jourova said.

"If they are not able to explain that or give evidence, the authorities should start the procedure against such producers... for unfair commercial practice," she added.Zachary Keck

Security, Europe

Beyond drills, there are increasingly frequent real life opportunities to hone the alliances ASW skills by tracking Russian submarine patrols.

NATO Is 'Hunting' Its Own Submarines. And Russia is the Reason Why.

While much attention was given to the recently concluded NATO Summit, the alliance has quietly been busying trying to hunt its own submarines.

From June 25 to July 6, 2018, seven NATO members participated in the annual Dynamic Mongoose exercise. Held off the coast of Norway, the exercise seeks to sharpen the alliances anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities at a time when Russia is replenishing its undersea fleet.

Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Turkey, and the United States were the members that took part in the exercise, according to a NATO press release. The drill consisted of two Norwegian submarines trying to evade the combined capabilities of the eight participants. Norway's only submarines are its six Ula-class diesel electric boats.

Among those hunting the Ula subs were seven surface ships from Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Turkey operating under the command of Standing Maritime Group One (SNGM61). Although the press release did not identify the ships that participated, Naval Today said the fleet consisted of two Dutch frigates, one frigate each from the four other countries, as well as a Polish tanker.

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To better enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills, each surface ship will have the opportunity to devise and execute a variety of tactics to locate and track submarines, the NATO press release said.

The surface ships were joined by Maritime Patrol Aircraft from Germany, Norway, and the United States. These aircraft flew out of the Andoya Air Base in Norway and were under the operational command of NATO Maritime Air Command (COMMARAIR).

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Once again, the press release did not identify the specific aircraft that participated but Germany and Norway typically use P-3 Orions for maritime patrols. Other reports said that the United States contribution was the P-8A Poseidon anti-submarine warfare aircraft, which are replacing the P-3s. Norway is among the countries buying the P-8s.

NATOs annual anti-submarine-warfare exercise DYNAMIC MONGOOSE remains one of the most challenging exercises and an excellent opportunity for NATO nations naval forces to practice and evaluate their Anti-Submarine skillset in a challenging environment, Rear Admiral Andrew Lennon, NATO Submarines Commander, was quoted as saying in the press release.

He added: This exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance naval forces warfighting skills in all three dimensions of Anti-Submarine-Warfare in a multinational and multi-threat environment.

Dynamic Mongoose is not the only ASW exercise NATO conducted this year. The much larger Dynamic Manta was held in March in the Mediterranean off the coast of Sicily.

A NATO press release from that time revealed that Dynamic Mantra featured Canadian, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, and American submarines operating under NATO Submarine Command.

They were joined by nine surface ships provided by the United States, United Kingdom, France, Greece, Belgium, Spain, and Turkey. Rounding out the exercise was ten Maritime Patrol Aircraft and 8 Helicopters from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Beyond drills, there are increasingly frequent real life opportunities to hone the alliances ASW skills by tracking Russian submarine patrols.

Last year Admiral Vladimir Korolyov, the head of Russias Navy, claimed Moscows submarines spent 3,000 days at sea in 2016. Assuming each patrol is between four and six months long, that means Russia conducted between 17 and 25 submarine patrols that year.

Some of these patrols are tracked by NATO. For example, during the spring and summer of 2017 the alliance spent months following a Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarine, which Moscow bills as "the quietest submarines in the world.

In a November 2017 article in the Wall Street Journal , Julian Barnes details the enormous lengths the alliance went to over the course of three months to track the submarine on a journey that took it from the North Sea to the Mediterranean.

NATOs efforts began with the Dutch following the Russian sub while it was in the North Sea, before a British ship took over when it approached the English Channel. A Spanish patrol boat temporarily helped out before the submarine reached Gibraltar, when an American cruiser assisted by a P-8 followed the vessel into the Mediterranean.

Once there the submarine launched missile attacks on Syria and lingered for weeks in a cat and mouse game with NATO. At one point, the U.S. Navy became concerned that it could target an American aircraft carrier in the region.

Its unclear from the article how well the Western naval forces fared in keeping tabs on the Russian sub when it was submerged. A U.S. naval officer said that the submarines second missile salvo into Syria was monitored by a French frigate and U.S. naval aerial surveillance.

The episode does make clear that NATO has to devote extensive resources to tracking Russian submarines and that interoperability is crucial. Hence, the need for drills like Dynamic Mongoose and Dynamic Mantra.

Zachary Keck (@ZacharyKeck) is a former managing editor of The National Interest.

Image: Creative Commons.

Read full articleThis article originally appeared on The Daily Signal.

The Israeli government on Monday unloaded a massive intelligence data dump that demonstrated Irans efforts to hide its nuclear weapons program.

The revelations come weeks before an anticipated decision by the U.S. to fix or nix the Iran nuclear deal.

Trending: Rod Rosenstein Responds to Impeachment Articles: Justice Department Is Not Going To Be Extorted

Netanyahu Iran

REUTERS/ Amir Cohen

Reactions to the Israeli intelligence revelations ranged from ding-dong the deal is dead to nothing to see here, move along people. Neither of these extreme assessments accurately characterize the likely impact this intelligence data will have on the final U.S. decision.

Here are the five takeaways from the intelligence dump that the Trump administration will no doubt take to heart.

1. Trust but verify.

The information is true. It is highly unlikely that Mondays briefing from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the first the administration has heard about the Israeli intelligence. U.S. officials have already confirmed the veracity of the documents. That doesnt happen in a vacuum.

Sure, the White House knows the Israeli government dumped the information at a strategic time so as to add pressure to the White House to dump the deal. That doesnt make the intelligence any less true.

Don't miss: ISIS Drops Human Bomb In Graphic Execution Footage As Russia and Syria Close In

2. Measure means and intent.

The documents dont necessarily prove that Iran has violated obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (i.e. the Iran nuclear deal) negotiated by the Obama administration. But the documents do conclusively prove the regime lied when it said it had no interest in building a nuclear weapons program, and it shows they clearly have the technical knowledge to pursue a program in the future.

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3. The nuclear deal is not enough.

These revelations will only strengthen the administrations belief that the Iran nuclear deal is inadequate to derail Irans nuclear threat.

Reports that suggest the U.S. is trying to amend the deal are accurate. What the administration wants is agreement from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to add more demands and restrictions to the deal. If those European partners dont agree, then the U.S. will nix the deal and press on.

4. Put Jack back in the box.

Most popular: Catholic High School Faces Backlash over 'Modesty Ponchos' for Prom

Israels intelligence and offensive actions in Syria targeting Iranian assets are a reminder of how dangerous Iran has become since he Iran deal was signed.

Iran has sought to build a strategic land bridge to the Israeli border and equip Hezbollah with precision-guided long range missiles, which could overwhelm Israeli missile defenses. There is no question the potential for a larger war is real, unless the Iranian regime is put back in its box and deterred from its destabilizing activities.

5. The U.S. must lead.

There is a simple cause and effect at play in the Middle East. When he U.S. backs off, Iran runs wild. When the U.S. steps up, everyone else gets a backbone to join, and Iran backs down.

The Iranian regime is fragmented. Irans economy is in freefall. Its people are protesting in the streets. Other nations in the region want to the U.S. to step up.

In private, even Germany, France, and the U.K. will admit that President Barack Obama negotiated a weak deal. If the U.S. leads, there is a chance to put things right. If not, things will only get worse.

However the White House acts on the deal, dont bet there is a serious voice in this administration that doesnt take these five truths to heart.

James Jay Carafano, a leading expert in national security and foreign policy challenges, is The Heritage Foundations vice president for foreign and defense policy studies, E. W. Richardson fellow, and director of the Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Institute for International Studies. Read his research.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekFormer Trump administration aide Omarosa Manigault attends a nomination announcement at the East Room of the White House: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Former White House aide Omarosa Manigault has confirmed that President Donald Trump called certain African nations s***hole countries" during an immigration meeting earlier this year.

Ms Manigault  a former star of Mr Trumps reality show The Apprentice and a one-time assistant to the president  confirmed the remarks in a tweet during Mr Trumps press conference with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

Asked about the comments during the press conference, Mr Buhari said he was not sure about  the validity of whether that allegation against the president is true or not.

"So the best thing for me is to keep quiet, he added.

Mr Trump did not deny making the comments, as he has done previously, instead saying that Mr Buhari knows me and he knows where I'm coming from.

He added: "And you do have some countries that are in very bad shape and very tough places to live in."

Shortly thereafter, Ms Monigault tweeted at the Nigerian president: FYI he said it.

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said he heard Mr Trump make the derogatory comment during a meeting about immigration this January.

Asked about protections for immigrants from multiple different countries  including Haiti, El Salvador, and several African nations  Mr Durbin said the president responded: Why are we having all these people from s***hole countries come here?

Mr Durbins account of the meeting sparked international outcry, with everyone from Haitis former prime minister to the UN Human Rights Commissioner condemning the alleged remarks.

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Mr Trump denied making the comments, tweeting that he had never said anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country.

Ms Manigault left the Trump administration in December. She later claimed to have seen things in the White House that made her uncomfortable.

As the only African American woman in this White House as a senior staff and assistant to the President, I have seen things that have made me uncomfortable, that have upset me, that have affected me deeply and emotionally, she told ABCs Good Morning America.

During Mr Buharis visit on Monday, Mr Trump said the two men had developed a great relationship. He added that they planned to discuss a major military equipment trade deal and the issue of terrorism.

"We have many things that we do together, as you know, especially on terrorism, terrorism-related," Mr Trump said in the Oval Office before the meeting began. "It's a hotbed, and we're going to be stopping that."

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Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View.A New York doctor who served as President Donald Trumps personal physician is alleging that Trumps lawyer, bodyguard and an unidentified large man raided his office for medical records.

Dr. Harold Bornstein tells NBC News that the alleged raid took place in February 2017, just two days after Bornstein told The New York Times he had been prescribing the hair growth medicine Propecia for Trump for years.

Bornstein, a Manhattan-based doctor, told NBC that White House aide Keith Schiller, Trumps longtime personal bodyguard; Alan Garten, Trump Organization chief legal officer and a third unidentified man raided his home. The trio showed up at Bornsteins office without notice and took all the presidents medical records.

Bornstein said the incident left him feeling raped, frightened and sad, according to NBC News.

They must have been here for 25 or 30 minutes. It created a lot of chaos, Bornstein added.

Bornstein said he was never given a HIPAA release form signed by Trump. The confiscation of medical documents without a signed form is a violation of patient privacy law.

A source familiar with the incident told NBC News that then-White House doctor Ronny Jackson wrote a letter to Bornstein requesting the records, but it was unclear if there was a release form attached.

Dr. Harold Bornstein was a personal physician to Donald Trump. (Photo: New York Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

Bornstein said they took the original and only copy of Trumps charts, including lab reports under the presidents name, as well as those under the pseudonyms the office used for Trump.

Adding insult to injury, the men told Bornstein to take a framed photo of him and Trump off the waiting room wall. It now lies under a stack of papers on Bornsteins bookshelf.

At least one legal expert thinks the raid was sort of a burglary because medical records were taken without proper authorization.

Michael Zeldin, a former special assistant to Robert Mueller, told CNN on Tuesday that Trump should have informed Bornstein that he was changing doctors and needed copies of the medical records sent to the new doctor.

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He may have, under HIPAA or other things, an obligation to retain those files himself, Zeldin said. So, in a sense, its sort of a burglary. They just sort of took out this stuff without any sort of legal process that authorized them to do that. And its a little bit frightening.

HuffPost reached out to the White House, which did not immediately respond.

But press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said removal of the medical records was standard procedure for a newly elected president, according to a tweet from Boston Globe reporter Matt Viser.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders says that taking possession of Trumps medical records from his longtime doctor was a standard procedure" for a newly elected president.  Matt Viser (@mviser) May 1, 2018

Meanwhile, Bornstein still doesnt understand why Trump was so angry about the Propecia revelations. He added that he told the Times that Trump was also taking drugs for rosacea and cholesterol as well.

I couldnt believe anybody was making a big deal out of a drug to grow his hair that seemed to be so important, Bornstein told NBC News. And it certainly was not a breach of medical trust to tell somebody they take Propecia to grow their hair. Whats the matter with that?

Bornstein made the news in 2015 after he issued a four-paragraph letter describing Trumps health as astonishingly excellent, claiming he would be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.

Also on HuffPost

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US President Donald Trump waits ahead a working session on the first day of the G20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany, on July 7, 2017

Tourists walk past a graffiti by street artist Lushsux, depicting US President Donald Trump kissing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drawn on the controversial Israeli separation barrier separating the West Bank town of Bethlehem from Jerusalem, on October 29, 2017.

A man takes a picture of a mural by English street artist Bambi depicting British Prime Minister Theresa May dancing with US President Donald Trump in London on February 22, 2017.

A man takes pictures of a graffiti of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Barcelona on June 7, 2016.

A mural of U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'shotgunning' a marijuana joint is seen on March 17, 2017 in Vilnius, Lithuania.

A visitor looks at a painting representing US President Donald Trump (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin made by Nepalese artist Sunil Sidgel at the India Art Fair in New Delhi on January 2, 2017.

A collage shows Pope Francis kissing US President Donald Trump with a caption by Italian artist TvBoy reading in English and Italian 'The Good forgives the Evil' in tiny letters along Francis belt, on May 11, 2017 near Castel Sant'Angelo in central Rome.

Mural depicting US President Donald Trump is seen on a wall as part of Mural Festival in the village of Staro Zhelezare, Bulgaria, Wednesday 26 July 2017.

View of a graffiti painted against US President Donald Trump in Mexico City on June 27, 2017.

This photo taken on December 24, 2016 shows a giant chicken sculpture outside a shopping mall in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi province. A Chinese shopping mall is ringing in the year of the cock with a giant sculpture of a chicken that looks like US president-elect Donald Trump.

Picture of a graffiti against US Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump painted by an unknown artist on the embankment of the Bravo River on the border with the United States, in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua State, Mexico, on June 28, 2016.

Detail of the mural paint made by Mexican artist Luis Sotelo called 'We are migrants not criminals' (Somos migrantes no delincuentes) in Tonatico, Mexico, on 25 June 2016. The mural is part of the cultural movement 'Stop Trump'.

A man cycles past graffiti condemning US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on a street in Surabaya, Indonesia's east Java on October 17, 2016.

A man photographs a mural on a restaurant wall depicting US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin greeting each other with a kiss in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on May 13, 2016.

A mural lampooning US President Donald Trump in Dublin's Temple Bar by artist ADW.

A mural of Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump is painted on April 14, 2017 in Belgrade, Serbia. The text reads 'Kosovo is Serbia'.

A woman runs along a towpath near graffiti depicting U.S. President Donald Trump on a canal bridge in east London, Britain, February 18, 2017.

A Donald Trump mural covers a building in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, Florida, on October 27, 2016.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.PARIS (Reuters) - France's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that an Israeli intelligence haul on Iran's past nuclear weapons program could form the basis of a push for long-term assurances on Tehran's nuclear activities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled on Monday what he said was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program that could encourage the United States to pull out this month of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. "This information should be studied and evaluated in detail," foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement. "The new information presented by Israel could also confirm the need for longer-term assurances on the Iranian program, as the president has proposed." Since traveling to the United States last week, French leader Emmanuel Macron has spoken to leaders in Israel, Russia, Britain, Germany and Iran to propose a new negotiation on a wider agreement. That would tackle Iran's nuclear activities post-2025 when the existing deal begins to expire, as well as Iran's ballistic missile program and its regional influence. Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahu's presentation, in a prime-time television presentation, did not seem to have a "smoking gun" showing a violation by Iran but it could strengthen the hand of advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement. Von der Muhll said the information presented by Netanyahu confirmed in part the non-civilian nature of the program revealed by European powers in 2002, but that it merely proved the need to ensure the nuclear deal and U.N. inspections remained, given they were among the "most comprehensive and robust in the history of nuclear non-proliferation." "It is essential that the IAEA can continue to verify Iran's respect for JCPOA (nuclear deal) and the peaceful nature of its nuclear program," she said. She added that a commission of the countries that agreed the deal - China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the United States and Iran - could review the Israeli information. (Reporting by John Irish, Editing by Alison Williams, William Maclean)A tree taken from a World War I battlefield in France and planted during French President Emmanuel Macrons state visit last week has disappeared from the White House lawn.

President Donald Trump, Macron, his wife Brigitte and Melania Trump all posed for photo ops on the south portion of the White House lawn last Monday as they used shovels to unearth a setting for the sapling. The gifted sessile oak tree originated from the site of the Battle of Belleau Wood in Belleau, France, in which American, French and other allied troops fought the Germans during World War One. But a Reuters photograph from Saturday shows the tree is no longer in place.

RTS1P3XD

Yuri Gripas: Reuters

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The photos taken by Reuters photographer Yuri Gripas blatantly show that the French tree has since been removed from the White House lawn. Although speculation has been rampant on social media, the White House has not officially responded to the former foliage now replaced by a yellowed spot of grass. Macron's visit last week saw news media and social media make jokes about the seemingly intimate body language of Trump and Macron.

Although many highlighted this "bromance" between the two leaders, the French president's Wednesday address to Congress was not well-received by some Republicans who saw it as taking shots at Trump's foreign policy and climate change stances. French President is a socialist militarist globalist science-alarmist...the dark future of the American Democratic Party, tweeted Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie.

But others are offering a more logistical and less political reason behind the sudden disappearance of the tree.

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The website for U.S. Customs and Border Protection notes that foreign plants "intended for growing (propagative) require a foreign phytosanitary certificate in advance" prior to being brought into the country. The French radio network Franceinfo notes that such an oak tree has a better shot of healthy growing when planted in the fall. "The tree may be back in October," the network speculated.

RTS1P3XI

Reuters Yuri Gripas

Macron intended for the tree to remind the two countries of "these ties that bind us" in remembering the World War I battle against the Germans that saw the deaths of 2,000 U.S. soldiers in north-east France.

Huffington Post reports an unnamed official from the Elysee Palace saying the tree is doing well.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekLibreville (AFP) - Gabon's government resigned on Tuesday, the day after the constitutional court dissolved the national parliament and also called for the country's leadership to step down over election delays.

Prime Minister Emmanuel Issoze-Ngondet "submitted the resignation letter of his government following the decision of the constitutional court to put an end to the powers of the current legislature, resulting in the resignation of the current government," a statement said.

According to the court, the government should have organised twice-delayed elections by April 30 at the latest.

The powers of the disbanded National Assembly will be transferred to the upper house Senate until elections are held, the court added. A date for the ballot is yet to be announced.

President Ali Bongo's re-election in 2016 led to opposition accusations of electoral fraud.

Violence broke out days after the vote, and opposition figures say more than 50 people were killed in clashes. The official toll was only three dead.

Bongo took over power from his father Omar Bongo, who had ruled for 41 years until his death in 2009.

Gabon has large oil, mineral and tropical timber resources, and its per-capita national income is four times greater than that of most sub-Saharan nations.

But about a third of its population of 1.8 million still live below the poverty line -- the result, say experts, of inequality, poor governance and corruption.The recent arrest of a man who police say is the notorious Golden State Killer has some investigators taking a fresh look at another string of cold case murders.

Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, was arrested April 24 and named as a suspect in the Golden State Killer case  a series of a dozen murders and some 50 sexual assaults that gripped California in the 1970s and '80s.

But around that same time, another series of murders that began in 1979 had authorities in and around Santa Barbara struggling to identify a suspect. Those four brutal slayings, and two attempted murders, were believed to have been committed by one man police dubbed the "Original Night Stalker."

In a bid to determine whether DeAngelo is connected to the Original Night Stalker murders, police have asked anyone who recalls seeing DeAngelo in the Santa Barbara County area from between 1978 and 1986 to contact authorities.

The first of those incidents occurred in October 1979 when a couple was attacked during a home invasion in Goleta.

While they survived, Dr. Debra Alexandria Manning, 35, and her husband, Dr. Robert Offerman, 44, weren't so luckily during a similar attack months later, which led to their deaths.

Then, two years later, 35-year-old Cheri Domingo and 27-year-old Gregory Sanchez were also murdered inside a Santa Barbara area home.

In their request for the public's help catching the Original Night Stalker, the Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office referred to DeAngelo as a "suspect."

"The Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help in establishing a timeline for the ongoing investigation involving the murders," the statement reads. "The suspect, 72-year-old Joseph James DeAngelo of Citrus Heights, California, was believed to be in Santa Barbara County between the years of 1978 and 1986, specifically the areas ranging from Santa Maria to Carpinteria."

The Santa Barbara Police Department has released photos of DeAngelo, who was once a police officer, and a sketch of the Original Night Stalker from the seventies.

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"If you believe you saw him anywhere in Santa Barbara County, or personally know him, please contact the Sheriffs Criminal Investigations Bureau," the statement reads.

Since his arrest, DeAngelo has been charged with four murders in Orange County, two more killings in Ventura County and two in Sacramento County.

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Related Articles:A high school student in Washington state was targeted by a vice principal as retaliation for making a complaint about the officials racially insensitive comments, a school investigator has found.

As Seattle TV K5 News reports, sophomore AZhane Harris first butted heads with the vice principal at Foss High School in Tacoma about remarks allegedly made about the cheerleading squads routines. Harris, who is a member of the squad, claims that the vice principal complained that the chants were ghetto. The vice principal is a white woman, and Harris says the squad is majority black.

Ghetto isnt a term you call a group that has majority black girls on it, the teen told K5. She didnt apologize. She still hasnt apologized about it.

Rarely would you call a group of white girls ghetto, her mother, Emily Harris, added. You just wouldnt degrade them that way. When you work in a school whose student base is a large ethnic base  you have to have that knowledge. You have to have that understanding.

The ghetto mention prompted an official complaint filed with the school district in January. A month later, in the aftermath of the fatal Parkland, Fla., shooting, Harris found herself embroiled in another conflict with the same vice principal  which resulted in the teens suspension.

AZhane Harris (not pictured) says her suspension all stemmed from a tone-deaf comment about her cheerleading squad. (Photo: Steve Allen/Getty Images.)

Harris says she was given a 15-day suspension on charges of cyberbullying after writing a Facebook post accusing a fellow student of making threats of shooting up the school. She claims that she first reported the students threats to her principal but took matters into her own hands when she felt that nothing had been done.

According to the Harrises, it was the vice principal with whom she had bad blood who complained about the Facebook post. Harris was accused of cyberbullying and inciting fear, but she and her mother insist that the fallout all stemmed from the officials desire for payback over the cheerleading incident.

The reason why I feel like this vice principal came after me is because of the cheer situation and because she knows I am a cheerleader and she knows that I was involved with [the complaint against her], and I think she was mad and targeted it toward me and another cheerleader, she said.

Story continues

To punish a kid for blowing the whistle when she hears a viable threat and to say that she bullied the student back just made no sense, her mother added.

Her school district agrees. An independent investigator hired by Tacoma Public Schools determined that Harris was indeed the victim of retaliation. Her record will be cleared, while district spokesperson Dan Voelpel acknowledged that sometimes, in our effort to err on the side of safety, we dont always get it right.

It is unclear if the vice principal in question will face repercussions.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

This school is handing out modesty ponchos to cove up female students inappropriate dresses

There are crazy rules governing how NFL cheerleaders act, look, and weigh

Cheerleader goes on strike after being asked to perform for free

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.A Catholic high school in Michigan has devised an inventive strategy to keep students covered up on prom night, which is slated for May 12.

As Detroits Fox 2 reports, female students at Divine Child High School in Dearborn will be given modesty ponchos if school officials deem their prom dresses to be inappropriate or revealing.

If your dress does not meet our formal dance dress requirements  no problem! Weve got you covered  literally. This is our Modesty Poncho, which youll be given at the door, reads a note attached to the garments, according to a student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Dearborn Catholic high school to hand out 'Modesty Ponchos' for teens dressed inappropriately for prom, reports @JDupnackFOX2https://t.co/FWksXFrHX1 pic.twitter.com/fYvZIz4DMM  FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) April 30, 2018

The ponchos come in different colors and prints and are meant to be draped like a collar, concealing plunging necklines in the process.

But many students arent on board with the cover-up, which they think shames females and how they dress.

I do believe the school has gone too far with this, the anonymous student said. As we walk into prom, we are to shake hands with all the teachers, and if you walk through and a teacher deems your dress is inappropriate, you will be given a poncho at the door.

Who knows what will happen to those who try to speak out against it, she said.

She added that one girl was punished for speaking out and that she would personally rather skip prom than wear the garment.

Its a method of shaming  and degrading to females in its interpretation [of] whats modest and what isnt, added a parent.

Theology teacher Mary Pat OMalley, who is credited with coming up with the modesty-poncho plan, defended the idea. She suggested that seeing the ponchos ahead of time might cause female students to rethink their dress options for the evening.

Story continues

We are trying to focus on inner beauty and not draw attention to something that doesnt need attention drawn to it, OMalley told Detroits Fox 2. It was really intended as a deterrent and a lighthearted one at that.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

Teen shamed for wearing Chinese dress to prom sparks cultural appropriation debate

This movie theater had to issue a dress code banning pajamas, onesies, and bathrobes

Teens protest school dress code for the right to go braless

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.



Tegucigalpa (AFP) - Riot police fired tear gas on Tuesday to disperse thousands of May 1 demonstrators in Honduras' capital staging an opposition-led protest against President Juan Orlando Hernandez.

Protesters were seen running to get away from the choking gas, including some carrying children who had been overcome.

Journalists estimated around 20,000 workers, rural residents, students and members of unions and associations took part in the march before they were confronted by about 1,000 riot police.

Protesters had yelled "JOH out," in reference to the president's initials, and: "In our country, Honduras, we don't want dictatorships."

The demonstration was organized by unions and the left-wing Opposition Alliance Against the Dictatorship.

Opposition leader Manuel Zelaya -- a former president ousted by the military in 2009 -- arrived by bicycle.

The opposition says Hernandez, a conservative backed by the United States, was illegitimately re-elected in a November 2017 vote marred by delays and alleged fraud.

At least 22 people died in post-election clashes, according to the UN.

Zelaya told the UneTV network that the police action against the protesters on Tuesday was "a demonstration of the weakness of the dictatorship."

The television station said similar May 1 marches in other cities in Honduras were also targeted by police.

May 1 sees traditional workers' demonstrations in Latin America, where the day is celebrated as an international labor holiday.A truck driver transporting potato chips got lost in the wilderness for four days  and didnt eat one chip. (Photo: Getty Images)

A truck driver carrying a load of potato chips got lost in the snowy wilderness for four days without food or water and walked 14 miles to safety  yet he refused to eat even one chip.

According to the Associated Press, Jacob Cartwright, 22, a driver for Little Trees Transportation in La Grande, Ore., got lost on Tuesday after typing an incorrect address on his GPS while en route from Portland to the town of Nyssa.

At one point, according to an Oregon State Police report, Cartwrights truck got stuck in the woods and began sliding toward a snowy embankment. Facing 30-degree weather at night and limited cellphone coverage, he decided to abandon his truck and walk to find help.

Over the course of four days, Cartwright walked 14 miles across snow-filled terrain until he reached Interstate 84 on Saturday and flagged down a driver who drove him home. Hes currently being treated at Grande Ronde Hospital.

He looks to be pretty good, nursing supervisor Danita Thamert told local news station CBS Pittsburgh. Hes a big boy. He kept moving and stayed warm enough. So it doesnt look like hes going to have too many injuries.

Cartwrights boss, Roy Henry, who did not return Yahoo Lifestyles request for comment, told CBS, He told me the last night, he wedged himself under a log and the ground to stay warm and stay out of the elements. He added, He was so dehydrated that his kidneys stopped functioning.

Henry was puzzled as to why his employee didnt break open any of the bags of potato chips in order to keep his energy up and to avoid malnutrition, a process that occurs after two to three days without food or water and involves the body breaking down fat to use as brain fuel.

Thats the way he was raised, says Henry, that stuffs not yours, you dont touch it.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.Tehran (AFP) - Iran on Tuesday branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "infamous liar" over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi called the accusations that Tehran lied about its nuclear ambitions "worn-out, useless and shameful".

Netanyahu's comments came from a "broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits," Ghasemi said in a statement.

"Netanyahu and the notorious, child-killing Zionist regime must have reached the basic understanding that the people of the world have enough awareness and cognisance," he added.

Netanyahu said in an elaborate televised presentation on Monday that he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

But he did not provide evidence that Israel's main enemy had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

His accusations came as the United States considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

On the streets of Tehran, driver Seyed Ahmad Moghadasi rejected Netanyahu's statements as "ridiculous" and doubted the US would pull out of the nuclear deal.

US President Donald Trump "will stay because 99 percent of the world has accepted (the agreement). The remaining one percent -- that's Netanyahu and Trump -- aren't worth anything in the face of the whole world," he said.

But Alireza, an office worker, didn't share such optimism.

The gamble of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in backing the nuclear deal has failed to pay off, he said, leaving Tehran "besieged" by Washington.

"I think that a war could break out in some time" against his country, Alireza said, worried by the deployment of US forces around Iran.Kyle Mizokami

Security, Middle East

Tehran fears the bomband rightfully so.

Iran Fears Israel for One Reason: Nuclear Weapons

Not much is known about early Israeli weapons, particularly their yield and the size of the stockpile. The strategic situation, in which Israel was outnumbered in conventional weapons but had no nuclear adversaries, meant Israel likely had smaller tactical nuclear weapons to destroy masses of attacking Arab tanks, military bases and military airfields. Still, the relatively short ranges between Israel and its neighbors meant that the Jericho missile, with only a three-hundred-mile range, could still hit Cairo and Damascus from the Negev desert.

In a private email leaked to the public in September of 2016, former secretary of state and retired U.S. Army general Colin Powell alluded to Israel having an arsenal of 200 nuclear weapons. While this number appears to be an exaggeration, there is no doubt that Israel does have a small but powerful nuclear stockpile, spread out among its armed forces. Israeli nuclear weapons guard against everything from defeat in conventional warfare to serving to deter hostile states from launching nuclear, chemical and biological warfare attacks against the tiny country. Regardless, the goal is the same: to prevent the destruction of the Jewish state.

Israel set off to join the nuclear club in the 1950s. David Ben-Gurion was reportedly obsessed with developing the bomb as insurance against Israels enemies. Although an ambitious goal for such a small, initially impoverished country, Israel did not have any security guarantees with larger, more powerful statesparticularly the United States. The country was on its own, even buying conventional weapons off the black market to arm the new Israeli Defense Forces. Nuclear weapons would be the ultimate form of insurance for a people that had suffered persecution but now had the means to control their own destiny.

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Story continues

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Ben-Gurion instructed his science adviser, Ernst David Bergmann, to direct Israels clandestine nuclear effort and set up and chair the Israel Atomic Energy Commission. Shimon Peres, who later went on to serve as president and prime minister of Israel, cultivated contacts with a sympathetic France that resulted in the latter agreeing to supply a large, heavy water nuclear reactor and an underground plutonium reprocessing plant, which would turn spent reactor fuel into the key ingredient for nuclear weapons. The reactor was built at Dimona in the Negev desert.

By the late 1960s the United States assessed Israeli nukes as probable, and U.S. efforts to slow the nuclear program and get Israel to join the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty went nowhere. Finally in September 1969, Nixon and Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir reportedly reached a secret agreement that the United States would cease its demand for inspections and Israeli compliance with antiproliferation efforts, and in return Israel would not declare or test its nuclear weapons.

Israel didnt have long to wait for its first nuclear crisis. The 1973 Yom Kippur War saw Arab armies achieve strategic surprise, sending Israeli ground forces reeling in both in the Sinai desert and the Golan Heights. Israeli nuclear weapons were placed on alert and loaded onto Jericho I surface-to-surface missiles and F-4 Phantoms. Determined Israeli counteroffensives were able to turn the situation on both fronts around, and the weapons were not ultimately used.

Not much is known about early Israeli weapons, particularly their yield and the size of the stockpile. The strategic situation, in which Israel was outnumbered in conventional weapons but had no nuclear adversaries, meant Israel likely had smaller tactical nuclear weapons to destroy masses of attacking Arab tanks, military bases and military airfields. Still, the relatively short ranges between Israel and its neighbors meant that the Jericho missile, with only a three-hundred-mile range, could still hit Cairo and Damascus from the Negev desert.

Israel does not confirm nor deny having nuclear weapons. Experts generally assess the country as currently having approximately eighty nuclear weapons, fewer than countries such as France, China and the United Kingdom, but still a sizeable number considering its adversaries have none. These weapons are spread out among Israels version of a nuclear triad of land-, air- and sea-based forces scattered in a way that they deter surprise nuclear attack.

Israels first nuclear weapons were likely gravity bombs delivered by fighter aircraft. The F-4 Phantom is thought to be the first delivery system; as a large, twin-engine robust fighter, the Phantom was probably the first aircraft in the Israeli Air Force capable of carrying a first generation nuclear device. A new, smaller generation of nuclear gravity bombs likely equips F-15I and F-16I fighters. While some might argue a gravity bomb is obsolete in light of Israeli advances in missile technology, a manned aircraft allows a nuclear strike to be recalled right up to the last minute.

Israels first land-based nuclear weapons were based on Jericho I missiles developed in cooperation with France. Jericho I is believed to have been retired, replaced by Jericho II and -III ballistic missiles. Jericho II has a range of 932 miles, while Jericho III, designed to hold Iran and other distant states at risk, has a range of at least 3,106 miles. The total number of Israeli ballistic missiles is unknown, but estimated by experts to number at least two dozen.

Like other nuclear-armed nations, the Israeli Navy has reportedly deployed nukes to what is generally agreed to as the most survivable seagoing platform: submarines. Israel has five German-built Dolphin-class submarines, which experts believe are equipped with nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. The cruise missiles are reportedly based off the Popeye air-to-ground missile or the Gabriel antiship missile. This ensures a so-called second-strike capabilityas long as one submarine is on patrol, some portion of Israels nuclear deterrent remains invulnerable to a nuclear first strike, guaranteeing the ability to launch a nuclear counterattack.

The establishment of a nuclear triad demonstrates how seriously Israel takes the idea of nuclear deterrence. The country will likely not declare itself a nuclear power any time soon; ambiguity over ownership of nukes has served the country very well. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and general instability across the Middle East has ensured that Israel will likely remain the only nuclear-armed state in the region for the foreseeable future, but a collapse of the agreement or some new nuclear program could easily change that. In the meantime, Israels ultimate insurance policy isnt going anywhere.

Kyle Mizokami is a defense and national-security writer based in San Francisco who has appeared in the Diplomat, Foreign Policy, War is Boring and the Daily Beast. In 2009, he cofounded the defense and security blog Japan Security Watch. You can follow him on Twitter: @KyleMizokami.

This article first ran in 2017.

Image: U.S. Air Force

Read full articleThe nuclear deal with Iran is vitally important to ensure the countrys atomic programme is exclusively peaceful, the UK has said, despite accusations from Israel and the US that the agreement has been breached.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, unveiled what he claimed were documents which reveal Tehran covertly pursued nuclear weapons before signing a deal with world powers in 2015.

The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, said the information showed Irans leaders lied about a nuclear weapons programme known as Project Amad.

Netanyahu unveils what he claims is evidence that Tehran covertly pursued nuclear weapons (Reuters)

However, a spokesman said the British government has never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions.

Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, said Mr Netanyahus speech underlines the importance of keeping the Iran nuclear deals constraints on Tehrans nuclear ambitions.

He said: The Iran nuclear deal is not based on trust about Irans intentions; rather it is based on tough verification, including measures that allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency unprecedented access to Irans nuclear programme.

He added: The fact that Iran conducted sensitive research in secret until 2003 shows why we need the intrusive inspections allowed by the Iran nuclear deal today. The verification provisions in the Iran nuclear deal would make it harder for Iran to restart any such research. That is another good reason for keeping the deal while building on it in order to take account of the legitimate concerns of the US and our other allies.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powers  Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Russia and China  Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return for relief from crippling sanctions.

Donald Trump has signalled he will pull out of the agreement, which he has called the worst deal ever, but he faces intense pressure from his European allies to stick with it.

The US president gave Britain, France and Germany a deadline to fix what he views as the deals flaws  its failure to address Irans ballistic missile programme, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and sunset clauses under which some of its terms expire  by 12 May, or he will reimpose US sanctions.

Story continues

Netanyahu says he believes Trump will make the correct decision about the Iran nuclear deal (Getty)

On Monday, Mr Netanyahu stood in front of stacks of files representing what he said was a half ton of Iranian nuclear documents collected by Israeli intelligence.

Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons programme, he said. One hundred thousand secret files prove it did. Second, even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge for future use.

The White House said in a statement: This information provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons.

These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people.

An earlier statement by the White House made the extraordinary claim Iran has a clandestine nuclear weapons programme, before it was corrected due to what it said was a clerical error.

Iran has denied ever seeking nuclear weapons and accuses Israel of stirring up world suspicions against it.

A spokesman for the countrys foreign ministry called Mr Netanyahus performance a threadbare charlatanism show.

The state-run IRNA news agency quoted the spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi, as saying Mr Netanyahus speech was part of fruitless efforts of a bankrupt and scandalous liar.

France and Germany also confirmed they will continue to back the nuclear agreement.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of having secretly continued its nuclear activities in spite of a 2015 agreement in which it pledged to curb uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.

In a special address Monday, Netanyahu said Israel obtained half a ton of top-secret data relating to Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program. Netanyahu stood before a slideshow presentation and claimed Iran secretly pursued Project Amad, a plan to "design, produce and test" five nuclear warheads, each with 10 kilotons of explosive yield and designed to be fitted onto a missile. He claimed that he had 100,000 "exact copies" of Iran's atomic archive to prove it.

"These files conclusively prove that Iran is brazenly lying when it says it never had a nuclear weapons program," Netanyahu said.

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"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons program for future use," he added. "The nuclear deal is based on lies. It's based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception."

Israel said the documents show Iran has been dishonest in saying it never sought a nuclear weapons program, had plans to continue Project Amad at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant near the city of Qom and lied to the U.N.s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about its nuclear activities in December 2015, ahead of the deal's implementation the following month. He also said the current deal did not go far enough to block Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.

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Israel has repeatedly accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, but Iran has argued its nuclear program was always intended for peaceful purposes. Nevertheless, the U.S. and other Western countries hit Iran with heavy sanctions that have since been slowly rolled back after Iranian President Hassan Rouhani struck a deal with former President Barack Obama.

Story continues

Related: U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia want Muslims at war, Iran says

Capitalizing on conservative outrage toward the deal, President Donald Trump vowed to oppose it as he ran for office in 2016. The Republican leader shared the deep concerns about the deal expressed by Israel and Saudi Arabia while raising suspicions that Iran could covertly continue nuclear activities and devote unfrozen assets to bolstering allied Shiite militias across the Middle East and developing ballistic missiles. These activities are not covered by the agreement as it now stands.

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While Iran has maintained the deal is non-negotiable, Trump has decertified it and has threatened to scrap it by May 12 unless its signatorieswhich include China, France, Germany, Russia and the U.K.come up with a better version.

RTS1PBLU

Amir Cohen/Reuters

Mounting tensions between Iran and its top foes, the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia, over the nuclear deal have coincided with an increase in strikes against suspected Iranian positions in Syria, where Iran has joined Russia in supporting President Bashar al-Assad against an uprising backed by the West, Turkey and Gulf Arab states, and against jihadis such as the Islamic State militant group (ISIS). Iran has vowed to retaliate against both these attacks and an anticipated U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal.

Multiple reviews by the IAEA and Trump's State Department have so far failed to turn up any evidence that Iran has violated the agreement. Trump, however, may be in violation of it for actively discouraging other countries to engage in business with Iran, a practice the deal prohibited.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekThe Israeli parliament voted in favor Monday of granting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the ability to declare war with the sole approval of his defense chief under certain conditions.

Following a 20-minute presentation in which Netanyahu accused Iran of covertly pursuing nuclear weapons, reports emerged that the Israeli Knesset approved 62 to 41 the amendment to Israeli law regarding the authorization for the declaration of war. The new regime included a clause suggested by Netanyahu himself, one that requires only Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman's approval to initiate a war "in extreme situations," according to the state-run Kann News and Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

The vote also came as President Donald Trump, seen as a key ally of Netanyahu, mulled scrapping a landmark nuclear deal negotiated with Iran by his predecessor in 2015. Trump has joined his top Middle Eastern allies Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as conservatives at home, in criticizing the deal for being too lenient and has threatened to walk away if its terms were not renegotiated by May 12.

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GettyImages-953162074

JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Netanyahu proposed the change prior to his presentation during a debate on whether to transfer war powers from the prime minister's entire cabinet to a smaller, security-focused cabinet, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported. It was reportedly opposed by the Foreign Affairs, Defense and Constitution, Law and Justice Committees, but it was later voted on by the Knesset plenum. Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee chairman Avi Dichter brought it to another vote during the second and third readings of the bill.

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The original war powers law dates back to Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon, where Palestinians were one of the numerous factions contending for power in what would be 15-year civil war. Palestinians there were displaced by the creation of Israel and a failed uprising in Jordan, and Palestinian movements used the small Mediterranean country as a base to launch operations against Israel.

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Breaking: Israel's Netanyahu claims he has proof Iran is breaking nuclear deal with U.S.

In response to Israel's incursion, Iran helped create the Lebanese Shiite Muslim movement Hezbollah, which went to war with Israel a second time in 2006 and has clashed with it multiple times. Hezbollah has since developed into a powerful paramilitary force with international ties and has boosted its presence in Syria in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Iran and Russia. Israel has launched numerous airstrikes in Syria, targeting positions held by Iran and its allies, despite warnings of retaliation from Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who helped Iranian President Hassan Rouhani negotiate the nuclear deal with the administration of President Barack Obama, dismissed Netanyahu's accusations Monday. He compared it to Netanyahu's 2012 appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, in which the Israeli leader brought a drawing of a cartoon bomb to illustrate Iran's alleged path toward a nuclear weapon.

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"BREAKING: The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again. Undeterred by cartoon fiasco at UNGA. You can only fool some of the people so many times," Zarif tweeted.

"Pres. Trump is jumping on a rehash of old allegations already dealt with by the IAEA to 'nix' the deal. How convenient. Coordinated timing of alleged intelligence revelations by the boy who cries wolf just days before May 12. But Trumps impetuousness to celebrate blew the cover," he added.

Multiple reviews by the International Atomic Energy Agency and Trump's State Department have failed to turn up any evidence of Iran violating the nuclear agreement. Zarif has compared the Trump administration's Iran policy to former President George W. Bush's path to war with Iraq, which he accused of harboring weapons of mass destruction, a charge that later turned out to be unfounded.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekBy Stephen Farrell and Lesley Wroughton TEL AVIV/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled on Monday what he said was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program that could step up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the information showed that Iran's leaders lied to their people about a nuclear weapons program known as "Project Amad". But Pompeo declined to say whether the documents provided evidence of a violation of the nuclear deal. Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahu's presentation, in a prime-time television presentation, did not seem to have a "smoking gun" showing a violation by Iran but it could strengthen the hand of advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement. Most of the purported evidence Netanyahu presented dated to the period before the 2015 accord was signed, although he said Iran had also kept important files on nuclear technology since then, and continued adding to its "nuclear weapons knowledge". Tehran dismissed Netanyahu as "the boy who cried wolf", and called his presentation propaganda. As he traveled back from Amman, Jordan, to Washington on Monday, Pompeo told reporters he and Netanyahu discussed the documents in Tel Aviv during a meeting on Sunday. Pompeo said that while the existence of the Amad nuclear project was known for some time, the new material discovered by the Israelis will help better understand the scope and scale of the program. He added that the documents make "very clear that at the very least the Iranians have continued to lie to their own people. Asked whether the information indicated a violation of the Iran nuclear agreement, Pompeo responded: Ill leave that to lawyers. The president will ultimately have to make a determination about that too. Trump has threatened to pull the United States out of the international deal unless it is renegotiated by May 12. After Netanyahu spoke, Trump repeated his criticism of the deal, suggesting he backed the Israeli leader's remarks. At Israel's Defence Ministry, Netanyahu stood in front of stacks of files representing what he described as a vault full of Iranian nuclear documents obtained weeks before. "Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons program," he said. "One hundred thousand secret files prove it did. Second, even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge for future use." Although the presentation was live on Israeli television, Netanyahu made clear his audience was abroad, delivering most of his speech in English, before switching to Hebrew. Netanyahu said he had shared the intelligence with the United States and would dispatch envoys to France and Germany to present it. He also spoke by phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House later acknowledged receiving the information from Israel, saying it was examining it carefully. "This information provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons. These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the White House said in a statement. An earlier statement by the White House stated that Iran "has" a clandestine nuclear weapons program before it corrected it to due to what it said was a clerical error. A 2007 National Intelligence Estimate judged with "high confidence" that Tehran halted its nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003. The IAEA later reached a similar judgment. Iran has denied ever seeking nuclear weapons and accuses its arch-foe Israel of stirring up world suspicions against it. A White House official said the information provided compelling details about "Iran's past efforts" to develop nuclear weapons. ANALYSTS, DIPLOMATS SKEPTICAL Under the 2015 nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from U.S. and other economic sanctions. Trump gave Britain, France and Germany a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as the deal's flaws - its failure to address Iran's ballistic missile program, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and "sunset" clauses under which some of its terms expire - or he will reimpose U.S. sanctions. Much of what Netanyahu presented is unlikely to surprise world powers, which have long concluded that Iran was pursuing atomic weapons before the agreement was signed in 2015. That is in part why they imposed sanctions in the first place. The French ambassador to Washington, Gerard Araud, tweeted that information about past Iranian nuclear activity was in fact an argument in favor of the nuclear deal, not against it. A German government spokesman said it was vital to keep the independent inspections provided for under the deal. Some independent analysts and diplomats said Netanyahu appeared to be presenting old evidence. A British government spokesman defended the accord, saying in a statement: "We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions." "That is why the IAEA inspection regime agreed as part of the Iran nuclear deal is one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords," the spokesman added. Speaking after Netanyahu's presentation, Trump told a White House news conference the nuclear deal was "a horrible agreement for the United States". He said it would let Tehran develop nuclear arms after seven years and had "proven right what Israel has done today" with Netanyahu's disclosures. Washington itself has concluded, however, that Iran has not violated the deal's terms. Two U.S. intelligence officials who have monitored Irans nuclear weapons program for years said nothing in Netanyahus remarks appeared to contradict that view. "We have seen no new and credible evidence that Iran is violating the agreement, whether in the Prime Ministers remarks today or from other sources," said one of the officials, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity. Moments before Netanyahu spoke Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted: "The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again". Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, although it neither confirms nor denies possessing atomic weapons. (Reporting by Stephen Farrell; Additional reporting by Rami Amichay, Stephen Farrell, Ori Lewis, Ari Rabinovitch, Dan Williams, Arshad Mohammed, John Irish, John Walcott, Steve Holland, Parisa Hafezi, Francois Murphy, Eric Beech and Alistair Smout; Editing by James Dalgleish and Peter Cooney)(JERUSALEM)  Israels prime minister on Monday unveiled what he said was a half ton of Iranian nuclear documents collected by Israeli intelligence, claiming the trove of information proved that Iranian leaders covered up a nuclear weapons program before signing a deal with the international community in 2015.

In a speech delivered in English and relying on his trademark use of visual aids, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the material showed that Iran cannot be trusted, and encouraged President Donald Trump to withdraw from the deal next month.

Iran lied big time, Netanyahu declared.

Netanyahus presentation, delivered on live TV from Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, was his latest attempt to sway international opinion on the nuclear deal. The agreement offered Iran relief from crippling sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.

Netanyahu furiously fought the deal while President Barack Obama was negotiating it, and he has been a leading critic since it was signed. He says it does not provide sufficient safeguards to prevent Iran from reaching a nuclear weapons capability.

Netanyahu has found a welcome partner in Trump, who has called the agreement the worst deal ever.

Trump has signaled he will pull out of the agreement by May 12 unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so. Netanyahu said he would share the newly uncovered information with Western allies and the international nuclear agency.

There was no immediate response from Iran, which has adamantly denied ever seeking nuclear weapons. Irans semi-official Fars news agency, believed to be close to the hard-line Revolutionary Guard, dismissed Netanyahus speech as a propaganda show.

Netanyahu said Israel had obtained some 55,000 pages of documents and 183 CDs of secret information from an Iranian nuclear weapons program called Project Amad. He said the material was gathered from a vaulted Iranian facility a few weeks ago in a great intelligence achievement.

Story continues

He began his presentation with a series of video clips of Iranian leaders saying their country never pursued nuclear weapons.

Netanyahu provided no direct evidence that Iran has violated the 2015 deal. Also, the deal is not believed to have banned Iran from keeping its old records.

But Netanyahu said the existence of the documents proves that Iran is waiting to resume its race to build a bomb.

We can now prove that project Amad was a comprehensive program to design, build and test nuclear weapons, he said. We can also prove that Iran is secretly storing project Amad material to use at a time of its choice to develop nuclear weapons.

Trump has set a May 12 deadline to decide whether to pull out of the Iran deal  something he appears likely to do despite heavy pressure to stay in from European allies and other parties.

Both Trump and Netanyahu say the deal should address Iranian support for militants across the region and Irans development of long-range ballistic missiles, as well as eliminate provisions that expire over the next decade.

Ahead of Netanyahus presentation, Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, mocked the Israeli leader by tweeting out a photo of Netanyahus famous 2012 U.N. speech in which he used a cartoon-like drawing of a bomb to rail against Irans nuclear program.

The boy who cant stop crying wolf is at it again, Zarif said. Undeterred by cartoon fiasco at UNGA. You can only fool some of the people so many times.

___

Associated Press writers Amir Vahdat and Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report.Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas Tuesday his country would not move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, official media reported, two weeks before the United States completes its controversial relocation.

Meeting in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, Abe told Abbas his country "will not move its embassy to Jerusalem," a readout on Palestinian official news agency Wafa said.

The United States is due to transfer its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14 in a move that sparked anger among Palestinians, who view the eastern part of the city as their capital.

President Donald Trump's decision broke with decades of international consensus that the future of the disputed city should be negotiated between the parties, but Israel is hopeful other countries will follow the US lead.

Wafa said the Japanese premier reasserted his country's support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the framework of the two-state solution.

It said Abbas thanked Abe for his country's support for the Palestinian people and told him Palestinians remained "ready to cooperate for the success of any international effort to find a political process," provided it was based on international law and the creation of a Palestinian state.

The Palestinians are currently refusing to meet Trump's negotiating team over the embassy row and Abbas has called for other countries to step in to facilitate a new process.

Abe is on a tour of the Middle East and will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.

His visit also included trips to the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Representatives of Japan, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians held a meeting on the Jordanian banks of the Dead Sea on Sunday evening to discuss their "corridor for peace and prosperity" initiative.

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono told reporters the initiative -- which aims to promote regional cooperation including through the creation of an agro-industrial park in the West Bank -- was making progress.

"Our efforts have finally started to bear fruit," Kono said.

He said the initiative is vital for economic development in the Palestinian territories and the Jordan valley.By Brendan Pierson

(Reuters) - A New Jersey man was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday after he pleaded guilty to traveling to Jordan to join Islamic State and plotting attacks on behalf of militant groups, federal prosecutors announced.

Nader Saadeh, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton in New Jersey, according to the Department of Justice. He will be subject to lifetime supervision by federal authorities after his release.

A lawyer for Saadeh could not immediately be reached for comment.

Saadeh was arrested in 2015, one of five young men charged with taking part in a conspiracy to support Islamic State. The others include his older brother, Alaa Saadeh, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to support Islamic State and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in May 2016, according to prosecutors.

Nader Saadeh traveled to Jordan in May 2015 with the intention of joining Islamic State, but was detained by Jordanian authorities, according to prosecutors.

Saadeh admitted that before his arrest, he learned of plans by two of the other people who were charged, Munther Omar Saleh and Fareed Mumuni, to set off homemade bombs in New York City, including in Times Square and the World Trade Center, prosecutors said.

Mumuni and Saleh both pleaded guilty to related charges. Mumuni was sentenced to 17 years in prison in Brooklyn federal court last week, and Saleh was sentenced to 18 years in February.

Another man who was charged with taking part of the plot, Samuel Rahamin Topaz, is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday in New Jersey.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Tom Brown)By Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New Jersey man was sentenced to eight years in prison on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to taking part in a conspiracy to support Islamic State, federal prosecutors announced.

Samuel Rahamin Topaz, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton in Newark, who also imposed a lifetime term of supervised release. A lawyer for Topaz could not immediately be reached for comment.

Topaz was arrested in June 2015 and pleaded guilty to conspiring to support Islamic State. He admitted that he made plans with several other young men to travel to the Middle East to join the militant group, prosecutors said.

One of the others in the group, Nader Saadeh, actually traveled to Jordan in 2015 and was arrested by authorities there. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison by Wigenton on Monday.

Topaz was the last of five people arrested in connection with the plot to be sentenced. The others, who all pleaded guilty, were Saadeh's brother, Alaa Saadeh, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in May 2016; Munther Omar Saleh, who was sentenced to 18 years in February; and Fareed Mumuni, who was sentenced to 17 years last week.

The Saadehs were also charged and sentenced in New Jersey federal court, while Saleh and Mumuni were charged and sentenced in Brooklyn federal court. Prosecutors said Saleh and Mumuni made plans to detonate homemade bombs in Manhattan's Times Square and World Trade Center.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Tom Brown)John Kelly - Getty Images North America

John Kelly, the White House chief of staff, has denied a report that he called Donald Trump an "idiot"

In a rare public statement Mr Kelly called the report by NBC News "total BS".

The US network reported on Monday that Mr Kelly has privately criticised the president's knowledge on issues including immigration.

According to the report Mr Kelly had also cast himself as protecting the country from Mr Trump's intentions.

In his statement Mr Kelly said: "I spend more time with the president than anyone else and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship.

"He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS."

John Kelly and Donald Trump Credit: AP

He added that he was committed to Mr Trump and his agenda.

"This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump and distract from the administrations many successes," he said.

NBC reported that Mr Kelly used the word "idiot" with staff in his office during a meeting about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) programme.

It protects the co-called Dreamers, illegal immigrants who were brought to the US as children.

According to NBC News the chief of staff felt Mr Trump did not fully understand the issue and was planning to give ground to Democrats.

Profile | General John F Kelly

Mr Kelly, a former Marine Corps general, was reported to have said: "He doesn't even understand what Daca is. He's an idiot. We've got to save him from himself."

A series of White House officials denied the report.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that Mr Kelly last month said the president was "becoming unhinged'.

The comment was alleged to have been made during a meeting with Jim Mattis. the defence secretary, and senior national security council officials.

An admin official confirms Kelly sometimes used "salty" language when talking about Trump after the president clashed with the COS over who would become DHS Sec.  Jim Acosta (@Acosta) April 30, 2018

An official told CNN the alleged comment was made in a "moment of frustration" after Mr Trump said he wanted to get US troops out of Syria.

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There was no immediate response from Mr Kelly to that report.

Last year, Rex Tillerson was reported to have called Mr Trump a "moron".

The incident was similarly denied but Mr Trump subsequently challenged his then secretary of state to an IQ test, and later fired him.Seoul (AFP) - South Korea, China and Japan will hold a trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced Tuesday, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea.

The gathering on May 9 will bring together the South's President Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in the neighbours' first such meeting for more than two years.

It follows a historic summit between Moon and the North's leader Kim Jong Un last Friday. They vowed to pursue denuclearisation and a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, setting the mood for Kim's much-anticipated face-to-face encounter with US President Donald Trump.

But analysts have urged caution, warning that similar previous pledges have come to nothing, and that the North has yet to make clear what concessions it is willing to make regarding its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

All three of the neighbours are deeply involved with North Korea -- the South as its neighbour, key US ally Japan as a sometime target for its threats, and China as its key diplomatic backer and business partner.

"We want to confirm cooperation with President Moon ahead of a summit between the US and North Korea," Abe said during a visit to the Jordanian capital Amman, describing the upcoming summit as "very significant".

"I want to thoroughly discuss how we can have North Korea walk on a right path, resolve the abduction, missile and nuclear issues and create a bright future," he added, referring to the North's abduction of Japanese in previous decades to train as spies.

Friday's summit, in which Kim and Moon exchanged smiles, handshakes and warm words in front of the world's cameras, was a marked contrast to the tensions of last year.

The North staged its most powerful nuclear test to date and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland as Kim and Trump traded threats of war and personal insults, sparking global security fears.

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The thaw between the Koreas, triggered by the Winter Olympics in the South, has repercussions for the geopolitics of the region.

Japan has long maintained a hardline position on negotiations with Pyongyang but has found itself left on the sidelines.

With concerning growing in Tokyo over whether it should change tack, a hawkish Abe expressed a willingness to meet Kim -- a message which Moon relayed to the North's leader during the summit.

Kim said in response he was "willing to talk to Japan any time", Moon's office said on Sunday, adding the South's leader would be "happy to build a bridge" between the two nations.

But Moon's trip to Tokyo will be the first visit by a South Korean leader to Japan in more than six years, with relations between the US allies marred by disputes over history and territory.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying confirmed that Li will attend the trilateral meeting in Japan, in a statement reported by the official Xinhua news agency. No further details were provided.

- 'Comfort women' -

During a day-long visit to Tokyo, Moon will "share the result of the inter-Korea summit and discuss ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean peninsula", Moon's office said in a statement.

Moon also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday for UN inspectors to observe the promised shutdown of the North's only known nuclear testing site at Punggye-ri.

In Tokyo, Moon will also have a separate summit with Abe to discuss ways to develop "future-oriented ties" with Japan, it added.

The South and Japan face a common threat from the North's nuclear and missile technology but have locked horns over the issue of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a row over Seoul-controlled islets claimed by Tokyo.

The two Koreas share a bitter resentment over Japan's brutal 1910-45 occupation of the peninsula and the so-called "comfort women" are a hugely emotional issue in the South.

Moon's predecessor Park Geun-hye reached a controversial deal with Japan in 2015 under which Tokyo offered one billion yen ($8.3 million) to the victims.

But some of them slammed the deal, saying it did not oblige Japan to take legal responsibility, and Moon has repeatedly urged Tokyo to do more.

Life-size bronze statues of a girl symbolising "comfort women" have been installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Dozens of activists clashed with police Tuesday as they attempted to set up another statue commemorating slave labourers at the Busan site.

Ties are further strained by the islets called Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima by Tokyo.

The last visit by a South Korean head of state to Japan was 2011 when Park's predecessor Lee Myung-bak met then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. Ties soured after Lee made a surprise visit to Dokdo a year later.In response to the outrage sparked by Michelle Wolfs performance at the White House Correspondents Dinner, late night hosts were quick to point out the hypocrisy in that outrage. One point of contention was that the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) put out a statement condemning Wolfs performance. On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Colbert, who hosted the event in 2006, said, This was a roast, and youre the ones who hired Michelle Wolf. Being mad at her is like being mad at a valet for briefly stealing your car.

Besides condemnation from the WHCA, much of the anger aimed at Wolf is coming from conservatives who support Donald Trump. One of her jokes that has drawn particular ire was misconstrued as making fun of White House press secretary Sarah Sanderss appearance. Others were considered vulgar, and thats where the hypocrisy lies, as Trump himself has made inappropriate comments about womens appearance, said things many consider vulgar, and made jokes some would consider inappropriate for a sitting president. Colbert even brought back his ultra-conservative persona from Comedy Centrals The Colbert Report to illustrate the hypocrisy.

Im so proud that the press is defending her [Sanders], despite the fact her boss joked about throwing reporters in jail, Colbert said. Thats comedy the press likes. More jokes like that, Michelle!

On The Daily Show, where Wolf used to work, Trevor Noah said conservatives need to take Sanderss advice when she defended Trump. Maybe you guys should get a sense of humor and try it some time, but he simply made a joke, Sanders said in a press conference. Noah responded, Exactly. Get a sense of humor, snowflakes.

On Late Night with Seth Meyers, where Wolf also used to work, Meyers, who hosted the Correspondents Dinner in 2011, admitted that Wolf is filthy and mean, and that she bears similarities to the president. She is filthy and she is mean, which is what we love about her, Meyers said. Because those are wonderful qualities for comedians and terrible qualities for free-world leaders.

Story continues

Watch late night hosts have a ball with Trumps rambling Fox & Friends phone call:

Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram  or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.A man who put his Tesla (TSLA) on autopilot then moved into the passenger seat on a busy freeway has been banned from driving.



Bhavesh Patel, 39, from Nottingham, England, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. He was banned for 18 months.

St Albans Crown Court heard how he was driving his Tesla Model S at around 40 miles per hour on the M1 motorway just outside London. He had put on the Tesla's autopilot feature and then moved over to the passenger's seat.

Footage filmed by a witness in another car showed Patel sat in the passenger seat.

The local police force in Hertfordshire, a county to the north-west of London, said that Patel admitted to officers that he knew his actions were "silly" but that the Tesla was capable of something "amazing"..The offender added that he was just the "unlucky one who got caught."

A Tesla engineer who contributed to the investigation said that the semi-autonomous features in a Tesla are intended to provide assistance to a "fully-attentive driver."

"What Patel did was grossly irresponsible and could have easily ended in tragedy. He not only endangered his own life but the lives of other innocent people using the motorway on that day," investigating police officer Kirk Caldicutt said in a statement Friday.

"This case should serve as an example to all drivers who have access to autopilot controls and have thought about attempting something similar. I want to stress that they are in no way a substitute for a competent motorist in the driving seat who can react appropriately to the road ahead."

Autonomous features on cars have come under scrutiny in recent months following a number of accidents. A Tesla vehicle, which had the autopilot feature enabled , was involved in a fatal crash in March in California.

Also in March, a woman was killed by an Uber driverless car in what is believed to be the first pedestrian death linked to an autonomous vehicle.

WATCH: Elon Musk's big ambitions may be killing TeslaThis originally appeared on Quora. Answered by Ian Jackson.

62,980,160 but then, you could probably have just googled that. Its more interesting to take a look at what that actually means. Which is that some 54% of those who voted, cast their ballot for somebody else, most likely Clinton.

Of course, that figure is well below the VEP in 2016 since turnout is estimated to have been around 58.4 percent which is actually quite high for a US election despite earlier reports of a much lower figure. What that does to Trumps share of the vote is not easy for a person of limited mathematical skill such as me to determine.

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10_27_TrumpVoters2

Carlos Barria/Reuters

VEP should not be confused with VAP. The latter is a measure of how many people are old enough to vote whereas the former details only those eligible to vote and as such does not include people who have lost that right for various reasons including incarceration. In 2012 for example, 235,248,000 Americans were old enough to vote whereas in 2016 the estimated VAP was 250,065,000. The VEP is always more difficult to garner and alas, I have no good data available for 2016 but we can engage in some educated guesswork.

We know for example that in 2014a non-presidential race yearthe turnout by VAP was 33.2% but by VEP it was 36%. I other words 33.2 percent of those old enough to vote turned up to do so but that number is skewed by the number of people who were old enough to vote but could not. There were 3,329,718 ineligible felonsold enough to vote but unable to do so due to their being in prison and/or on probation. Throw in the non-citizens and you have two different numbers, one more accurate than the other. The number of ballots counted as a percentage of VEP will always be higher since the VEP is a smaller number than the VAP.

Story continues

Got that?

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So, in 2014 the VEP was 227,157,964 and the VAP was 245,712,915 which means that 18,554,951 people living in America were old enough to vote but could not. Thats about a 7 percent difference which is not insignificant but hardly surprising because you Americans love to lock people up.

Using the principle of a martingale we can assume that the VEP differential in 2016 was the same as the VEP differential in 2014 which means all we have to do is decrease the VAP by around 7 percent.

Unless thats not it. I might be doing this wrong.

I hate maths.

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Still, thats what comments are for.

So, if the VAP in 2016 was 250,065,000 the roughdont quote me in publicestimate for the VEP would be 232,560,450.

All of which means that in America, of the 232,560,450 people able to vote for Donald Trump 169, 580, 290 did not do so. And of the 250,065,000 old enough to vote for him, 187,084,840 of themfor a variety of reasons some smellier than othersdid not do so.

In fact, Donald Trump was elected by around 25.1 percent of the the VAP or around a quarter of the adult population. By VEP he did slightly better; 27 percent of those people able to cast a vote voted for Trump whilst a staggering 73 percent were either actively opposed to him or else were far too disinterested in his snake oil to go out and vote.

Which is #Sad!

For general musings or indeed if you want to contact me / yell at me or ask for my phone number, you can contact me via Twitter. You can also read my work at Progressive Liberal or my medium page and for a break in politics, or if you just want to enjoy my British accent I host a regular podcast called the Sanfu Revue where I discuss having forced myself to watch terrible movies so that you dont have to.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekParis (AFP) - Nearly 300 protesters were arrested Tuesday after May Day riots in central Paris, where hooded youths torched a McDonald's restaurant and several vehicles during a march against President Emmanuel Macron's public sector reforms.

Shouting "Rise up, Paris" and "Everyone hates the police", around 1,200 people in black jackets and face masks joined the traditional May 1 union-led demonstration for workers' rights, according to a count by Paris police.

After trying to hold up the march a group of protesters ran amok along the route, destroying a McDonald's restaurant near Austerlitz station, east of the city centre, and setting it ablaze.

They also torched vehicles at a car dealership, along with a mechanical digger and a scooter, leaving a trail of destruction and plumes of dark smoke billowing into the air.

The worst unrest in months in Paris comes at a time of heightened tensions over Macron's reform of the public sector and follows a showdown between police and anti-capitalist squatters at a sprawling commune in western France.

The police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the demonstrators.

On Tuesday night 102 people remained in custody out of 276 who were arrested, police said, adding: "31 businesses were damaged, of which two were burned, 6 vehicles were burned and 10 others damaged."

Macron condemned the violence, posting on Twitter during his trip to Australia: "Everything will be done so that the perpetrators are identified and held responsible for their actions."

He added the demonstrations would be treated with "absolute firmness".

- 'Macron makes us mad' -

The police had warned of the risk of extremist groups using May Day to set up a rematch of the clashes seen during demonstrations last year over Macron's labour reforms and at an anti-capitalist camp in western France that was demolished by police earlier this month.

Story continues

"Macron makes us mad," read a banner held by one masked demonstrator.

"We're tired of this capitalist system that destroys everything and of brutal police repression of all those who oppose it," a 19-year-old student who was part of the group told AFP.

The scenes of looting and destruction overshadowed the May Day march, which drew between 20,000 and 55,000 peaceful protesters according to police and union estimates.

Countrywide, around 143,000 people took part in labour marches, according to government estimates, up slightly on 2017.

Trade unions and students' unions have been trying to rally the French against Macron's shake-up of indebted state rail operator SNCF and access to public universities, which they see as part of a rollback of France's cherished public service.

Polls show the French supporting those reforms but being more critical of Macron's fiscal policy, seen as favouring the wealthy over the working and middle classes.

"Macron is the president of the rich," Genevieve Durand, a retired public servant who took part in a march in the central city of Clermont-Ferrand, told AFP, echoing a label that has clung to the centrist leader.

The energetic 40-year-old, who vowed during campaigning to make France more competitive, has insisted he will not budge from his course.

"I'm doing what I said I would," he said during a recent television interview to mark the first anniversary of his election on May 7.

burs-je/amuThreats of prosecution and arrests did not deter hundreds of Central American migrants from coming to the U.S.-Mexico border to seek asylum.

The migrant caravan reached the border on Sunday after weeks of travel from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Around 150 people queued up to seek asylum in the U.S. at the San Ysidro port of entry in San Diego, California  a legal way of coming to the U.S. and asking for help.

The caravan was organized by the nonprofit Pueblos Sin Fronteras to draw attention to the plight of migrants.

Members of a caravan of Central Americans who spent weeks traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border ask U.S. authorities for asylum on April 29, 2018. (Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)

But the Trump administration has framed the caravan as a dangerous threat. President Donald Trump sent National Guard troops to the border in response, although they cannot and will not actually interact with the caravan members.

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and Attorney General Jeff Sessions warned in public statements that the U.S. would prosecute those who make false immigration claims, help others to do so or enter the country illegally. Nielsen also urged the migrants to stay in Mexico.

But they came anyway.

The U.S. did not allow them to make claims right away  instead, many of them spent the night on the Mexican side of the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Sunday it would limit the number of people who could make claims at the San Ysidro port of entry based on capacity.

Migrants arrive at U.S. ports of entry and seek asylum every day, but this situation is unique because of the caravans size, the Trump administrations aggressive response and the intense media coverage.

Members of a caravan of migrants from Central America sleep near the San Ysidro checkpoint along the United States border.

Migrant caravan demonstrators climb the U.S.-Mexico border fence during a rally.

Members of a caravan of migrants from Central America walk towards the United States border.

Caravan members pass by signs marking the way to the United States border.

People climb a section of border fence to look into the U.S.

Children look through the U.S.-Mexico border wall at Border Field State Park.

Adults in the migrant caravan carry small children.

People sit on top of the border wall during the March Without Borders at Friendship Park.

People get ready to spend the night near the San Ysidro checkpoint.

Sleeping near the San Ysidro checkpoint.

People climb a section of border fence to look into the U.S.

Caravan members walk toward the United States border and customs facility.

Pro-migrant caravan demonstrators rally at the west end of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Members of a caravan of migrants from Central America and supporters gather on both sides of the border fence.

Pro-migrant caravan demonstrators, including a woman waving a Honduran flag, rally as some people climb the border wall.

Members of the caravan that traveled across Mexico walk next to the border fence.

People sit on the top of the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

People stand along the border wall to look at the march on the U.S. side of the border at Friendship Park.

People climb a section of border fence to look into the U.S.

A child traveling with a caravan of migrants from Central America sleeps near the San Ysidro checkpoint.

Central American migrants walk to El Chaparral border crossing.

William Rafael Carranza Martinez looks through the border wall before marrying his partner at the beginning of the March Without Borders at Friendship Park.

Also on HuffPost

In this May 17, 2012 photo, migrants, mostly from Honduras, rest on railroad tracks as they wait for a train headed north, in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

In this May 12, 2012 photo, Central American migrants walk on a railway in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Edwin Omar Fuentes, a migrant from Honduras, stands by the train tracks as he recovers from an injury he got the night before in an altercation over a piece of clothing, in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Local officials estimate one thousand immigrants are stranded in this town after a rail bridge collapsed blocking the passage of cargo trains used by the travelers heading to the United States. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Miguel Juarez)

In this May 17, 2012 photo, Maria Campos, waits for customers to sell them food from her car, parked near the train tracks where migrants, mostly from Honduras, wait for trains going north, in Lecheria on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

In this May 17, 2012 photo, migrants, mostly from Honduras, watch a southbound train pass by as they wait for one going north, in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

In this May 17, 2012 photo, migrants, mostly from Honduras, wait for a train going north in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

In this May 17, 2012 photo, Krambilm Kennedy, a migrant from Nicaragua, leans up against a wall and eats, on the opposite side of the street of a shelter for migrants, where a sign hangs from a wrought iron fence that reads in Spanish: "The neighbors of Lecheria demand the closure of the migrant house," in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

In this May 17, 2012 photo, migrants sit outside the mayor's residence after protesting violence against migrants in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

In this May 12, 2012 photo, Central American migrants rest at a migrant shelter while waiting for a northern bound train in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

In this May 12, 2012 photo, a Central American migrant, who lost a leg when he fell from a train, walks on crutches along the tracks while waiting for a train to continue his journey to the US-Mexico border, in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

In this May 12, 2012 photo, Manuel de Jesus Chavez, 16, a migrant from El Salvador, waits for a north bound train to continue his journey to the US-Mexico border, at a shelter in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

In this May 12, 2012 photo, Central American migrants watch television while waiting for a north bound train to continue their journey to the US-Mexico border, at a migrant shelter in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

In this May 12, 2012 photo, Eric Acosta, a migrant from Honduras, recovers from a fall he suffered while trying to climb a north bound train, at a migrant shelter in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

In this May 17, 2012 photo, Mexican street artist Ezer Alvarado performs in front of migrants waiting for a north bound train, in Lecheria, on the outskirts of Mexico City. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)

In this photo taken Tuesday, July 10, 2012, hundreds of Central American migrants make their way by foot as they leave the city of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. Local officials estimate one thousand immigrants are stranded in this town after a rail bridge collapsed blocking the passage of cargo trains used by the travelers heading to the United States. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez)

Central American migrants line up for bread and coffee during their wait for a northern bound train, in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Local officials estimate one thousand immigrants are stranded in this town after a rail bridge collapsed blocking the passage of cargo trains used by the travelers heading to the United States. While the number of Mexicans heading to the U.S. has dropped dramatically, a surge of Central American migrants is making the 1,000-mile northbound journey this year, fueled in large part by the rising violence brought by the spread of Mexican drug cartels. (AP Photo/Miguel Juarez)

Marlon Roberto Cortes poses for a portrait in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Sunday, June 18, 2012. Cortes was working in a suburban Boston supermarket when he was summoned to the back office and deported to his country last March, missing by three months President Barack Obama's decision last week to allow hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants no older than 30 with high school degrees and no criminal history a chance to stay and work in the country.(AP Photo/Alberto Arce)

FILE - In this June 20, 2014 file photo, a woman is helped from one boxcar to another, as Central American migrants wait atop the train they are riding north, hours after it suffered a minor derailment in a remote wooded area outside Reforma de Pineda, Chiapas state, Mexico. Many migrants who say they are fleeing criminal violence generally are not eligible for political asylum, which is reserved for groups persecuted for their beliefs or identities. U.N. officials say there is no way of forcing the U.S. and Mexico to accept Central Americans as refugees, but a broad-based change in terminology could bring pressure on the two countries to do more. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

Iker Velasquez, 4, who came from Honduras with his parents, holds a U.S. glad as he listens while Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., speaks to the media with children and families from Central America, to speak about the conditions for Central American immigrants who he describes as refugees from violence, during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he personally reviewed Israels cache of documents about Irans alleged nuclear weapons programme and believes Tehran lied to the world.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented what he said was evidence that Iran secretly pursued a nuclear weapons programme both before and after the controversial deal in 2015 to curb its nuclear research in exchange for a relaxation of economic sanctions, breaching the historic agreement.

Tehran has always maintained that its nuclear programme was solely for civil energy purposes. Iran accused Netanyahu of rehashing old intelligence to make a political stunt as President Trump mulls whether to pull the U.S. out of the Iran deal, which he opposes. Trump will decide by May 12.

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For many years, the Iranian regime has insisted to the world that its nuclear program was peaceful, Pompeo said in a statement. The documents obtained by Israel from inside of Iran show beyond any doubt that the Iranian regime was not telling the truth.

Pompeo Netanyahu

Thomas Coex/Pool via Reuters

Pompeo said the State Department had worked to analyze tens of thousands of pages and translate them from Farsi, and that this work would continue for many months, but officials already think the documents are authentic.

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The documents show that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program for years. Iran sought to develop nuclear weapons and missile delivery systems, Pompeo said.

He also said Iran lied repeatedly about its nuclear weapons programme to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) instead of turning over its files to the agencys inspectors and admitting what it was doing, which it had many opportunities to do.

Story continues

They also lied about their program to the six nations who negotiated the Iran nuclear deal, he said, referring to the signatories of The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015.

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What this means is the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency. It was built on Irans lies. Irans nuclear deception is inconsistent with Irans pledge in the nuclear deal that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop, or acquire any nuclear weapons.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused Netanyahu of "crying wolf."

"Pres. Trump is jumping on a rehash of old allegations already dealt with by the IAEA to 'nix' the deal," Zarif wrote on Twitter. "How convenient. Coordinated timing of alleged intelligence revelations by the boy who cries wolf just days before May 12. But Trumps impetuousness to celebrate blew the cover."

Zarif added a few hours later: "On 4/12, Pompeo testified no need to worry about nixing JCPOA as Iran 'not racing to a weapon before the deal', nor would 'turn to race toweapon' after. Now says 'time to revisit question of whether Iran can be trusted to enrichany nuclear material'. So, which one is it?"

The other signatories of the JCPOA are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Germany. They remain committed to the deal and are lobbying President Trump to stick with it.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekRabat (AFP) - Morocco on Tuesday cut diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing the Islamic republic of using its ally Hezbollah to deliver weapons to the separatist Polisario Front in Western Sahara.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the decision had nothing to do with "current regional or international developments", referring to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and its allies on one side and Shiite Iran its camp on the other.

The Lebanese Hezbollah quickly rejected Rabat's accusations, blaming the decision on foreign "pressure".

At a press conference in Rabat, Bourita said "a first shipment of weapons was recently" sent to the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which is seeking independence, via an "element" at the Iranian embassy in Algiers.

"Morocco has irrefutable proof, names and specific actions to corroborate the complicity between the Polisario and Hezbollah," he told reporters.

The decision to sever ties with Tehran is "in response to Iran's involvement, through Hezbollah, in allying itself with the Polisario over the past two years in order to target the security and higher interests of Morocco".

Bourita was speaking upon his return from Tehran, where he said he informed his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif about Morocco's decision.

The foreign minister said he departed Tehran along with Morocco's ambassador to Iran.

"I will ask the Iranian embassy's charge d'affaires to leave the kingdom as soon as possible," Bourita added.

- 'False accusations' -

Morocco and Iran have had strained relations and severed diplomatic ties in the past, the last time in 2009 when Rabat cut ties with Tehran but they were restored at the end of 2014.

According to Bourita, Iran and Hezbollah have had ties with the Polisario Front since 2016, when the Lebanese Shiite militant group set up a committee to support the Polisario.

Story continues

After that, he said, a Hezbollah military delegation visited the Polisario Front in the Tindouf area in southwest Algeria.

Hezbollah quickly denied that it was arming the Polisario, accusing Morocco of caving to "pressure from the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia to direct these false accusations".

Hezbollah said Bourita was "free... to look for a more convincing argument to sever ties with Iran".

Washington, Riyadh and Israel have frequently condemned Iranian interference in the Middle East.

Iran and Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations in January 2016 and are engaged in a regional power struggle.

Both countries support opposing camps in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.

The Polisario and Morocco fought for control of Western Sahara from 1975 to 1991, with Rabat taking over the desert territory before a UN-brokered ceasefire in the former Spanish colony.

Rabat considers Western Sahara an integral part of Morocco and proposes autonomy for the resource-rich territory, but the Polisario Front insists on a UN referendum on independence.

On Friday the UN Security Council backed a US-drafted resolution that urges Morocco and the Polisario Front to prepare for talks on settling the decades-old conflict.

It also renewed for six months the mandate of a UN mission that has been monitoring the ceasefire in Western Sahara since 1991.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have been deadlocked since the last round of UN-sponsored talks in 2008.

Morocco maintains that negotiations on a settlement should focus on its proposal for autonomy for Western Sahara and rejects the Polisario's insistence on an independence referendum.By Michelle Nichols MAUNGDAW, Myanmar (Reuters) - Britain's U.N. envoy on Tuesday suggested that the U.N. Security Council could consider ways to help Myanmar collect evidence of crimes committed during a military crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in the past couple of years that was denounced by the world body as ethnic cleansing. "What we've got to do on the council is to think how best to turn that into something operational, so that the evidence gets collected and given either to the Burmese authorities or to some sort of international mechanism," Britain's U.N. Ambassador Karen Pierce told Reuters, as the Security Council wrapped up a four-day visit to Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday. Britain's Pierce told reporters that an investigation needs evidentiary standards to achieve accountability. "There are two ways of doing that basically, one is an International Criminal Court referral, the second would be the Burmese government do that themselves," Pierce said. The Myanmar mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Pierces suggestion. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged investigations if credible evidence was provided and military chief Min Aung Hlaing vowed "harsh action" over sexual violence during separate meetings with Security Council envoys in the country's capital Naypyitaw on Monday, diplomats said. But Suu Kyi's civilian government has little control over the Myanmar military. Members of the U.N. Security Council traveled to Myanmar's Rakhine state, where the United Nations and rights groups say nearly 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since August. Fleeing refugees have reported killings, rapes and arson. Rohingya insurgent attacks on Rakhine security posts led to the military operation that Myanmar deemed a legitimate response. In Rakhine, data from the U.N. Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) has shown hundreds of villages once inhabited by the Rohingya have now been burned down. Many such villages could be seen from the Myanmar military helicopters that carried the U.N. envoys to northern Rakhine. Security Council envoys were shown a reception center Myanmar has built for repatriating Rohingya, aiming to accept a total of 150 people a day, and a transit camp that can house 30,000 returnees. The envoys passed two bulldozed villages near the camp. INVESTIGATIONS AND OPTIONS Last November, the Myanmar's military released a report denying all accusations of rape and killings by security forces. But the U.S. government is conducting an intensive examination of allegations of atrocities against the Rohingya that could be used to prosecute Myanmar's military officials for crimes against humanity, U.S. officials have told Reuters. Meanwhile the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has asked it to rule on whether it has jurisdiction over the deportations of Rohingyas to Bangladesh, a possible crime against humanity, but Suu Kyi's government has expressed "serious concern" over the move. Bangladesh is a member of the ICC but Myanmar is not, so if the ICC rules that it does not have jurisdiction, the U.N. Security Council could then choose to refer the situation in Myanmar to the court. In December, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Myanmar must allow an "independent, transparent and credible investigation into what has happened." One way the Security Council could help Myanmar could be to mandate a U.N. investigative team to collect, preserve and store evidence, just as it did in Iraq last year when it investigated acts by Islamic State that may be war crimes. The United Nations General Assembly could alternatively create an international inquiry into the most serious crimes committed against the Rohingya, similar to what the U.N. has done in Syria. Russia's deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy was wary of Security Council involvement though because Myanmar said it was willing to tackle the issue. Any Council resolution would need nine votes in favor and no vetoes by either Russia or China, an ally of Myanmar. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols and Yimou Lee in YANGON; Editing by Robert Birsel, Darren Schuettler and Grant McCool.)Early Saturday morning, if all goes well, NASA will make history, with its first ever launch from California of a spacecraft bound for another planet. To date, all such missions have left from Florida, where launching is logistically easier.

The feat is possible because the new mission, a lander called Mars InSight, is relatively small, and the rocket being used to launch it, a United Lanch Alliance Atlas V, is relatively large.

For the people behind the Mars InSight mission, the west coast launch is particularly exciting, since the mission is based out of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. InSight principal investigator William "Bruce" Banerdt, a planetary scientist at the lab, has already been to see the launch preparations. This includes watching technicians carefully hoist the nose cone, with InSight packed inside, onto the top of the rocket.

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"That was an amazing experience," he told Newsweek. "I've been a crazy space fan ever since I was a little kid, and this is so many dreams come true it's hard to keep count of them."

Read more: Mars 2020 Rover Heat Shield Flaw Won't Stop Lander Mission Launch Next Week

InSight's launch pad is located on Vandenberg Air Force Base in southern California, about halfway between Monterey and Los Angeles. The site is regularly used for rocket launchesmost recently a SpaceX launch on March 30.

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But for launching large spacecraft, Florida has two natural advantages. First, it's right on the coastrocket scientists like to send launches over the ocean just in case something goes terribly wrong.

04_30_mars_insight_vandenberg

Gene Blevins/Reuters

Of course, California's coast has the same benefit, but from here rockets have to head west. That means traveling the opposite direction of Earth's rotation, which makes gathering enough speed to escape orbit just a little bit harder, especially for heavy loads.

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That's where InSight comes into play. The mission, a lander designed to crack secrets of what's hidden below the surface of Mars, doesn't carry as many instruments as, for example, the Curiosity rover currently on the red planet. "Not only are we much cheaper, we're also much lighter," InSight deputy principal investigator Suzanne Smrekar, a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, told Newsweek.

Add to that a relatively powerful rocket, and you have a recipe for California launch-site dreaming.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekVIENNA (Reuters) - A group that represents survivors of a Nazi-era concentration camp said on Monday the far-right Freedom Party (FPO), junior party in Austria's coalition government, had not been invited to a memorial service, prompting an angry response from the FPO. The Austrian Mauthausen Committee holds a ceremony every May to mark the liberation of the Mauthausen-Gusen camp near the city of Linz in northern Austria by U.S. troops in 1945. Up to 320,000 people are believed to have died there from 1938, when it opened after Adolf Hitler's annexation of Austria, to 1945. The committee has barred the anti-immigrant FPO, which was founded by former Nazis, from the memorial services since the 1960s. But the FPO became the junior coalition partner of the ruling conservatives last year, it has publicly disowned its Nazi roots and has been trying to project a more moderate image. Willi Mernyi, the committee's head, told Austrian newspaper Der Standard that having officials from the FPO at the May 6 memorial service would be a "renewed humiliation" for survivors. He said the FPO supported a far-right publication called Aula, which once called freed prisoners from the concentration camp a "plague on the country". "Should such people march by the survivors? Perhaps we should also invite the (nationalist) student fraternities to sing something for us?" Mernyi added. The FPO says it has left its founders' Nazi past behind and now denounces anti-Semitism while openly courting Jewish voters, with little obvious success. It has, however, had to expel several officials in recent years over Nazi allegations. FPO General Secretary Harald Vilimsky said in a statement he regretted the committee's stance. "Such an important commemoration on Austrian soil should be far removed from partisan calculations. Mernyi does himself no service here, let alone the victims and their descendants," he said, calling for a "culture of awareness and remembrance". The FPO is setting up a committee of historians to look into its past after two of its members' right-wing fraternities were involved in an anti-Semitism scandal. Austria's main Jewish body, the IKG, and Israel also maintain a boycott of FPO officials. About 40 percent of FPO lawmakers, several FPO ministers and numerous FPO ministry staff are members of right-wing fraternities, the IKG says. Nazi Germany annexed Austria, Hitler's homeland, in 1938, on the eve of World War Two, when the Nazis murdered at least six million Jews as well as other groups such as the Roma and disabled. (Reporting by Michael Shields; Editing by Gareth Jones)WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday Israel was not seeking war with Iran, one day after unveiling what he said was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program. Netanyahu made his case as U.S. President Donald Trump considers whether to withdraw the United States from a 2015 deal between Iran and six major powers aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program. Both Netanyahu and Trump have long criticized the agreement and in several U.S. television interviews on Tuesday, Netanyahu made his points directly to the American people. Trump himself is known to watch and tweet his reactions to early morning American programs. Asked if Israel is prepared to go to war against Iran over the issue, Netanyahu told CNN: "Nobody's seeking that kind of development. Iran is the one that's changing the rules in the region." Iran, which has always said its nuclear program was for strictly peaceful means, dismissed Netanyahu's presentation on Monday as propaganda. Trump faces a May 12 deadline to decide whether to pull the United States out of the 2015 agreement, which offered Tehran relief from international sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. "I trust his judgment," Netanyahu told Fox News' "Fox & Friends" program, a show Trump has frequently praised. "He'll do the right thing." Netanyahu said the nuclear deal would need "a major overhaul," but that Trump would have to make that decision. The prime minister also echoed Trump's book "The Art of the Deal." "This regime had a secret nuclear weapons program and they're trying under a very bad deal to get a nuclear arsenal. They shouldn't get it," he told Fox, adding: "It really needs a new deal." (Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Frances Kerry)Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel began sharing an intelligence trove on Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions Tuesday, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced accusations his televised unveiling of it lacked evidence a 2015 accord had been violated.

The IAEA, the United Nations atomic watchdog, said it would evaluate any new relevant information, but cited its assessment from three years ago that it had no "credible indications" of an Iranian nuclear weapons pursuit after 2009.

Netanyahu's elaborate presentation live on television Monday night came ahead of a crucial decision by US President Donald Trump by May 12 on whether to withdraw from the nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran.

The Israeli premier said tens of thousands of documents recently recovered by intelligence operatives in Tehran proved his country's main enemy Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme it could put into action at any time.

But the presentation that included props, video and slides immediately led to accusations from some that the White House and Netanyahu coordinated it as Trump considers whether to pull out of the nuclear deal he has harshly criticised.

Video: Israeli PM Claims Iran Lied About Nuclear Weapons Program

For more news videos visit Yahoo View.

Some analysts and proponents of the nuclear agreement also said Netanyahu had presented previously known details and failed to produce evidence that showed Iran was not abiding by the accord.

"I have not seen from Prime Minister Netanyahu arguments for the moment on non-compliance, meaning violation by Iran of its nuclear commitments under the deal," European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said.

"And again, the deal was put in place exactly because there was no trust between the parties, otherwise we would not have required a nuclear deal to be put in place."

France's foreign ministry said Tuesday Netanyahu's claims reinforced the importance of the nuclear deal.

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- 'Infamous liar' -

Iran lashed out at Netanyahu, with foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi on Tuesday calling him an "infamous liar."

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said immediately after the presentation that Netanyahu was "the boy who cries wolf."

Trump however welcomed Netanyahu's presentation, as did his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who met with the Israeli leader on Sunday in Tel Aviv.

The White House caused some confusion with its statement on the Israeli trove, at first saying it showed Iran "has" a secret nuclear weapons programme before later changing it to "had".

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the statement said.

"The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbours and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons."

Trump and his Middle East allies, particularly Israel, argue that the agreement approved by Barack Obama was too weak and needs to be replaced with a more permanent arrangement and supplemented by controls on Iran's missile programme.

The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord -- which Iran signed with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- to either be altered or scrapped.

In Monday night's presentation, Netanyahu accused Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, saying Israel had recently obtained tens of thousands of files in a "great intelligence achievement."

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Netanyahu said the files had been moved to a secret compound in Tehran in 2017 that looked dilapidated from the outside.

- Half a tonne -

The material obtained weighed a half a tonne, he said, speaking in English in the staged presentation in front of a bookcase laden with binders he said held copies of original documents and cases of CDs.

He detailed an alleged programme -- "Project Amad" -- that he said Iran was forced to shelve in 2003, but kept ready to put into action at any time while improving its "know-how".

He alleged the 2015 nuclear deal was "based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception."

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use," Netanyahu added.

Pompeo, until last week director of the CIA, called the intelligence trove authentic and said much of it was new to US experts.

But others argued it failed to show the nuclear accord was a "terrible deal," as Netanyahu called it, with some saying his presentation in fact furthered the case for the agreement.

"The information in the documents Netanyahu revealed is not new," Dan Shapiro, US ambassador to Israel under Obama, said on Twitter, echoing the reactions of many other proponents of the deal.

But he added that Netanyahu's presentation will be "useful to Trump when he announces he is leaving the deal by May 12. I believe he has already made that decision. This presentation, coordinated with his team, will be cited as evidence to justify it."My meeting with President Donald Trump today (Monday, April 30) at the White House will provide an opportunity for reflection on the important relationship that Nigeria and the United States have forged over the last five decades of Nigerias democracy.

The United States was one of the first countries I visited after I was sworn in as president in 2015. It was a necessary trip, aimed at rebuilding what was at the time a troubled relationship between the two countries. I am pleased to note the success of the rapprochement; nowhere has the impact of this been more visible than in the remarkable progress we have made, with American support, in the fight against Boko Haram.

Before my administration assumed office, the terrorist group controlled an area the size of Massachusetts, New Jersey and Connecticut combined. Today, they are a substantially degraded force, with a capacity limited largely to cowardly attacks on soft targets. The Global Terrorism Index report for 2017 indicated that the number of terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria attributed to Boko Haram dropped by 80 percent in 2016.

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An arms sales embargo imposed on Nigeria by the U.S. government during my predecessors time in office has since been lifted. When President Trump and I spoke by telephone in February 2017, he expressed full support for the sale of U.S.-built A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Nigeria, to boost the capacity of the Nigerian Air Force to respond decisively to the threat of terrorism and banditry. That deal has now been finalized. I expect that we will continue to enjoy similar levels of U.S. enthusiasm in our security cooperation.

Only two weeks ago, our two militaries collaborated to host the largest gathering of African Army chiefs to discuss cooperation aimed at improving security on the continent, in Abuja, Nigeria.

My administration came to office on the back of a three-pronged agenda: to secure the country, rebuild the economy, and to determinedly fight corruptionthe biggest single threat to our development and the prosperity of our people.

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In trade and investment, as in security, U.S. companies have been worthy and supportive investment partners over the last couple of years.

In recent years, the Coca-Cola Company entered a strategic allianceestimated at $400 millionwith Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group to increase its footprint in Nigerias consumer foods sector for the long term. Similarly, Kellogg Company commissioned a $30 million cereal factory in Nigeria, in a joint venture with a Singaporean conglomerate, and both partners have disclosed plans to invest another $50 million on expanding the factory.

The future of U.S.-Nigeria collaboration in the technology sector is similarly bright. Andela, a startup backed by American venture capital and which trains young Africans as software engineers, has its biggest campus in Lagos, Nigerias commercial capital.

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RTX5T9RB

REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

The U.S. governments Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) also continues to support various private sectorled clean energy infrastructure projects through the Power Africa and the Blackstone-sponsored 540 MW power project in Nigeria.

In 2017, the U.S. and Nigerian governments established the "U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Dialogue," to strengthen business and investment ties between both countries. The Dialogue, co-chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and Nigerias Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, has since agreed to focus its work on these five sectors: infrastructure; agriculture; digital economy; investment; and regulatory reform.

Extremely pleasing to us in Nigeria is the commitment of an international consortium initiated by General Electric (GE), Transnet, SinoHydro and APM Maersk, to giving Nigeria a modern and efficient rail network. A few days ago, in Washington, D.C., we signed the interim phase agreement that kick-starts the long-term concession agreement with the consortium. This initial deal will begin regular operations on the way to securing the full range of direct investments for the long overdue revamp of Nigerias 3,500-kilometer narrow-gauge rail network.

Few things, it must be said, have been more emblematic of the declining state of Nigerias national infrastructure than our national railway system. The network was built over 50 years ago, between 1916 and 1961. Yet, by the end of the 1990s it had completely collapsed. Not only did we become a country compelled to move most of our people and freight by road, generations of our young people also ended up missing out on what it means to travel around their country by train.

As a young officer in the Nigerian military decades ago, my work took me around Nigeria and made me familiar with the convenience of the railway network, as well as its unifying impact in a country as geographically large and culturally diversewith more than 500 spoken languagesas ours.

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In addition to the concession arrangement with the international consortium, we have completed a $900 million rail network linking Abuja, Nigerias capital, to one of the key agriculture hubs in the north; commenced construction of a $1.2 billion Standard Gauge Line to facilitate trade and travel between the commercial capital of Lagos and two major cities in the south; and are set to commission West Africas first Intra-City light rail projects in Abuja.

In the last two years, we have committed over $1 billion to upgrading our road infrastructure, and recently we established a significant infrastructure initiative to modernize major national motorways and complete the development of a 3,050 MW hydroelectric power project.

In fact, very few major infrastructure projects were completed in Nigeria in the years leading to my inauguration as president, a period during which the country enjoyed its highest crude oil prices in recent history. The grand corruption of our recent past, that saw tens of billions of dollars frittered away on fraudulent oil deals and bogus military contracts, put paid to all opportunities for an infrastructure revolution.

Now we have seized the chance to do things better. We have cleaned up falsified civil service payrolls and commenced the prosecution of payroll impostorssaving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

We set up a whistleblower policy aimed at deterring corrupt practices in government, and committed to the Open Government Partnership. In January this year, Nigeria was elected to the Partnerships Steering Committee.

A lot of work still lies ahead, of course. We need to build on the gains we have made in fighting terrorism in the Northeast, and in attaining peace in the Niger Delta region.

Climate change, amplified by our rapidly growing population, is another challenge we are facing head-on. The depletion of grazing land and water, arising from intensifying desertification, is triggering often fatal tensions between crop farming communities and nomadic cattle farmers. To cite one example, Lake Chad, the marine mainstay of Northeastern Nigeria and the landlocked countries of Chad and Niger, has shrunk by more than 80 percent over the last five decades.

We are working hard to resolve these challengesthrough improved law enforcement, peace-building efforts, and necessary reforms in the management of our land and water resources. Last December, Nigeria became the first African country to issue a Sovereign Domestic Green Bond, to raise financing for clean energy infrastructure.

Our commitment to restoring Nigeria to the path of growth and development is not in doubt. I am enormously confident that we can continue to count on the friendship and support of the American government, and people, as we work to fulfil our vision of a NigeriaAfricas largest economy and most populous countrythat is secure, stable and prosperous.

Muhammadu Buhari is the President of Nigeria.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekGeneva (AFP) - More than 90 percent of the global population is breathing in high levels of pollutants, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, blaming poor air quality for some seven million deaths annually.

Fresh data from the UN health body showed that every corner of the globe is dealing with air pollution, although the problem is far worse in poorer countries.

"Air pollution threatens us all, but the poorest and most marginalised people bear the brunt of the burden," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

WHO's study, which examined health-hazardous levels of both outdoor and household air pollution, found that "around seven million people die every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air".

More than 90 percent of deaths linked to air pollution occur in low- or middle-income countries, mainly in Asia and Africa, it found.

"This is a very dramatic problem that we are facing," Maria Neira, the head of the WHO's department of public health and environment, told reporters in a conference call.

The data focused on dangerous particulate matter with a diameter of between 2.5 and 10 micrometres (PM10), and particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5).

PM2.5 includes toxins like sulfate and black carbon, which pose the greatest health risks since they can penetrate deep into the lungs or cardiovascular system.

- Strokes, cancer, pneumonia -

They can cause diseases like strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory infections such as pneumonia, WHO said.

Particularly worrying, the agency added, was that more than 40 percent of the global population still does not have access to clean cooking fuels and technologies in their homes.

The use of dirty cooking fuel, like burning charcoal, is a major source of household air pollution, which is estimated to cause some 3.8 million premature deaths each year.

"It is unacceptable that over three billion people -- most of them women and children -- are still breathing deadly smoke every day from using polluting stoves and fuels in their homes," Tedros said.

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Wednesday's report said access to clean fuels was increasing in every region, but warned "improvements are not even keeping pace with population growth in many parts of the world", pointing especially to sub-Saharan Africa.

Outdoor air pollution was meanwhile linked to 4.2 million fatalities annually.

In around one million of those cases, a combination of indoor and outdoor pollution was to blame, WHO said.

The report provides air quality data from more than 4,300 cities and towns in 108 countries, constituting the world's biggest database of ambient, or outdoor, air pollution.

- Monitoring key -

WHO hailed that more than 1,000 more cities had been added to its database since its last report two years ago, noting that monitoring can prompt action towards addressing the problem.

The data shows that the highest ambient air pollution levels are found in what WHO dubs the Eastern Mediterranean region -- which basically covers the Middle East and North Africa -- and in South-East Asia.

In these regions air pollutants are often found at levels more than five times higher than what WHO considers safe.

In the city of Gwalior in India, for instance, the levels of both PM10 and PM2.5 measured in 2012 were around 17 times higher than what WHO recommends.

Several Middle Eastern cities count similar levels, including Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia, but WHO experts noted that particulate levels are often pushed higher by sand in cities and towns near deserts.

The report meanwhile stressed an unevenness in the information received, with a dire lack of data from Africa and parts of the Western Pacific region.

Only eight of the 47 countries in Africa have provided air quality information about one or more of their cities.

And while the database lists information on 181 Indian cities, it provides data for only nine Chinese cities.Kim Jong-un speaks to Moon Jae-in during the official dinner at their historic summit in Panmunjom - AFP

US President Donald Trump has revealed that he would like to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the demilitarised zone separating North and South Korea for a much-anticipated upcoming summit.

Last week the president said that the location for the unprecedented meeting, the first time a sitting US president will meet a North Korean leader, had been narrowed down to two or three locations. Reports name Ulan Bator, the Mongolian capital, or Singapore as possible options.

However, Mr Trump made his own preference clear in a tweet on Monday, suggesting that the Peace House in the truce village of Panmunjom, where Kim met South Korean leader Moon Jae-in for a historic summit last Friday, could be a good location.

Numerous countries are being considered for the MEETING, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the border of North & South Korea, be a more Representative, Important and Lasting site than a third party country? Just asking! he said.

Expectations are building for the high stakes summit, scheduled for late May or early June, after a successful meeting between Kim and Mr Moon, during which the two leaders hugged and committed to working towards complete denuclearisation and a peace treaty.

Numerous countries are being considered for the MEETING, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the Border of North & South Korea, be a more Representative, Important and Lasting site than a third party country? Just asking!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 30, 2018

Their efforts were widely praised for setting a positive tone ahead of talks with Mr Trump, but President Moon argued modestly on Monday that it was the US president who deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end an international standoff with Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons programme.

His suggestion came in response to a congratulatory message from Lee Hee-ho, the widow of late President Kim Dae-Jung, in which she said Mr Moon deserved to win the prize in recognition of his efforts, said an official from the presidential Blue House in Seoul.

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Mr Dae-Jung won a Nobel himself for his role in the first summit between North and South Korea in 2000, which he achieved by championing the so-called Sunshine policy of engagement with North Korea. There have only been two more summits since, including last Fridays meeting.

But Mr Moon deflected the praise. President Trump can take the Nobel prize. All we need to take is peace, he told his senior aides.

Kim could meet Japan's Shinzo Abe

On Monday it was also revealed that Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, and Kim are exploring a possible meeting to discuss the abduction of Japanese nationals and Pyongyang's pledge to move towards denuclearisation.

Kim told Moon Jae-in, the South Korean president, on Friday that he was "ready for dialogue with Japan at any time." The message was relayed by Mr Moon in a phone call to Mr Abe on Sunday.

South Korean intelligence chief, Suh Hoon, also debriefed the Japanese leader about the inter-Korean summit, during a visit to Tokyo. Mr Abe had expressed "deep interest", he later told reporters.

Mr Abe is now expected to start taking steps towards arranging the suggested bilateral Tokyo-Pyongyang summit.

Before leaving on a five-day Middle East tour, he thanked Mr Moon for his sincerity for keeping his word to raise the long-standing and sensitive issue of Japanese abductions with Kim.

At least 17 Japanese citizens were abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s to help train their spies, an issue that Mr Abe has repeatedly pledged to tackle throughout his political career.

The abductions, in addition to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, would dominate the agenda of any bilateral summit.

However, Japan has reacted cautiously to the joint North-South Korean pledge at Fridays meeting to work towards complete denuclearisation, pointing to the absence of a clear roadmap for doing so.

We shouldnt be caught up in the moment and swing too far in a reconciliatory direction, an anonymous senior foreign ministry official source told the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper.

However, North Korea appears keen to show it is acting in good faith. On Monday, Pyongyang said that it would reset its clocks by half an hour this coming Saturday to realign with South Korea, in the latest conciliatory gesture in leader Kims ongoing international charm offensive.

Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un meet in the truce village of Panmunjom Credit: REUTERS

Pyongyangs time zone has been 30 minutes behind Seoul since 2015, but Kim said it was a painful wrench to see clocks showing different times as he met with the Souths President Moon Jae-in for a historic, and amiable, summit on Friday.

Since it was we who changed the time standard, we will return to the original one. You can make it public, Kim was quoted as saying by Mr Moons chief press secretary Yoon Young-chan. His decision was backed by North Koreas leadership on Monday.

State newswire, KCNA, reported that the Presidium of the Supreme Peoples Assembly had decreed that the change would be the first practical step for national reconciliation and unity.

The move will precede a more dramatic pledge by Kim to dismantle his countrys main nuclear testing site, Punggye-ri, at a later date in May, in full view of South Korean and US experts.

Both decisions appear to be part of a determined recent effort by Kim to transform his international image from reclusive, war-mongering dictator to that of an international statesman committed to pursuing peace.

Panmunjom - locator map

Pyongyang Time was created in 2015 as a swipe at Japan, to cast off the legacy of Japanese imperialists. It was enforced on August 15, to mark the 70th anniversary of the countrys independence from Japanese rule at the end of World War II.

The proposed meeting with Mr Abe is a sign of rapidly shifting diplomacy in East Asia, and one of several key meetings likely to take place over the next few months.

China will also send the governments top diplomat, Wang Yi, to visit North Korea on Wednesday and Thursday, its foreign ministry announced on Monday.

Fridays extraordinary meeting, heavy on the symbolism of renewed friendship but short on fresh policy decisions, prompted a mixed response from US officials over the weekend.

Panmunjom - North Korea

National Security Adviser John Bolton, a known sceptic towards North Korea, told Fox News that the Trump administration was not starry-eyed over Kims recent promises, adding that Washington was not ready to ease sanctions before Pyongyang fully committed to denuclearisation.

Mr Bolton said the US had the Libya model in mind, referring to a 2003 agreement that resulted in the country relinquishing its nuclear weapons.

The location of a future summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump was still under negotiation, he said. But if, in fact, Kim has made a strategic decision to give up his entire nuclear weapons programme, then I think deciding on the place and date should be fairly easy, he added.

Meanwhile newly appointed secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, who met personally with Kim over Easter while still CIA chief, told ABC news that the US had an obligation to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to North Koreas nuclear weapons issue.

Korea summit | Read more

He said he saw a real opportunity for progress since meeting with Kim, adding that they had a "good conversation" on the "hardest issues that face our two countries."

The North Korean leader was "prepared" to "lay out a map that would help us achieve that objective," he said, referring to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation.(DALLAS)  Attendees at the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Dallas can carry their firearms  except during the forum where President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence speak Friday.

A White House official said Monday that Trump will attend Friday. Pence had already been slated to speak at Fridays leadership forum,

The NRA has said on its website that due to Pences attendance, the U.S. Secret Service is responsible for security then. Its standard for the Secret Service to bar firearms from being carried into places visited by the people they protect, regardless of state laws.

Some students at the Parkland, Florida, high school where 17 people were killed in February criticized the NRA on social media for what they see as hypocrisy.

Guns were also banned during Trumps appearance at the NRAs annual meeting in Atlanta last year.5_1_Eye

Ocular melanomaan incredibly rare eye cancer that affects just six people in every millionhas mystified doctors in Auburn, Alabama, and Huntersville, North Carolina, showing up in an unusually large number of people with connections to the towns.

Three friends that attended Auburn University have developed the cancer, CBS News reported. Tens more people have since contacted a Facebook page for former Auburn students to say whether they've been affected by the disease, the outlet said. Doctors have also diagnosed 18 people in Huntersville. Although unusual, doctors are still hesitant to call the groups of cases clusters, CBS News reported.

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Former Auburn University student Ashley McCrary was shocked when diagnosed with the rare disease after witnessing friends Juleigh Green and Allison Allred lose their eyes to the cancer. "What's crazy is literally standing there, I was like, 'Well, I know two people who've had this cancer," she told CBS News.

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So what is this rare and dangerous disease, and why has it sprung up in these local groups?

Pigment-producing cells tan your skin, tint your hair and even color your eyes. The vulnerability of these cells in the skin is well-known, and many of us are aware of the risks of skin melanoma. But melanoma can also affect the mouth, intestines and the eyes. Pigment-producing cells in the eyes can develop ocular melanoma.

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5_1_Eye

Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

Eyes are made up of three layersthe outer sclera, the inner retina and the uvea in between. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cancerous cells usually clump together in the middle of these three layers, where they can be difficult to detect.

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The Ocular Melanoma Foundation estimates that doctors diagnose between 2,000 and 2,500 cases per year in the U.S. Although the disease may cause no symptoms early on, it can lead to blurry vision, the sensation of flashing lights and a change in pupil shape. Eventually, it may require radiation therapy, chemotherapy and even the surgical removal of tumors. Some patients lose affected eyes to treatment. Like other cancers, it can spread throughout the body, impact other organs and eventually lead to death.

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"Most people don't know anyone with this disease," Dr. Marlana Orloff, an oncologist from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia treating McCrary, told CBS News. "We said, 'OK, these girls were in this location, they were all definitively diagnosed with this very rare cancerwhat's going on?'"

Although the exact causeor causesof the Auburn and Huntersville groups of cases are unknown, things like sun exposure, light eye color, pale skin and older age are often linked to the disease.

Doctors think an environmental factor may have a role in these cases, but they are hesitant to pinpoint any individual target just yet, CBS News reported. Investigators are searching for links between the cases but, in Huntersville at least, they have failed to find any concrete explanation, WCNC reports.

Alabama legislatures and Auburn University have so far failed to fund an investigation into the Auburn cases, WLTZ reports. Researchers at the university are searching for answers, however. Dr. Frederick Kam, medical director at Auburn Universitys Medical Clinic, is planning to lead a committee that may shed light on the mysterious cases.

This is not a good type of cancer for a person to have. Theres no known cause, which makes it more challenging," he told WLTZ. "I strongly believe and Auburn University strongly believes we need to be involved and help with the process because its the right thing to do, and we will continue to pursue those efforts."

McCrary, who will sit on the committee, added, They are going to see when were these people here, what did they major in, where did they live, where did [they] work and then go forward from there."

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekSydney (AFP) - Emmanuel Macron arrived in Australia Tuesday on a rare visit by a French president, with the two sides expected to agree on greater cooperation in the Pacific to counter a rising China.

Fresh from meeting President Donald Trump in Washington, Macron touched down for the first foray Down Under by a French leader since Francois Hollande came to Brisbane for a G20 summit four years ago.

His advisers said he wanted to discuss a "common response" to security and climate tensions in the South Pacific, which includes the French territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia.

Macron told reporters he intends to "anchor" the Franco-Australian relationship "strategically, economically, but also scientifically, culturally and linguistically".

He described ties between the two countries as historic, recalling how Australian soldiers helped defend France in World War I and II.

France envisages a "strengthened strategic relationship" through a new axis grouping Paris, New Delhi and Canberra, he told reporters.

French ambassador Christophe Penot said earlier that Paris sees Canberra as a "pivot" for broader involvement in the Indo-Pacific.

"What the president will tell your prime minister is that we are ready and willing to do much more with Australia in the South Pacific," he told the Australian Financial Review Tuesday.

"We must support the South Pacific islands in their development and give them options when they want to develop infrastructure.

"That doesn't mean we want to oppose China on that. It is just that we want to be complementary and make sure they have all the options on the table."

Australia has become increasingly alarmed at China's push into the Pacific, which could potentially upset the delicate strategic balance in the region.

A senior Australian minister recently called Chinese infrastructure projects in the Pacific "white elephants" while reports last month, that were denied, said Beijing wanted to establish a permanent military base in Vanuatu.

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Australia's Lowy Institute estimates China provided US$1.78 billion in aid, including concessional loans, to Pacific nations between 2006-16.

Macron will also be keen to talk defence and trade, building on a Aus$50 billion (US$37 billion, 31 billion euros) deal agreed in late 2016 for France to supply Australia's new fleet of next-generation submarines.

The French president will Wednesday sign several cooperation agreements covering health, space, research, universities as well as defence technology, and discuss the common fight against terrorism.

France wants to strengthen its economic partnership "when Brexit destabilises a historic partner of Australia", he explained in refeence to Britain.

Macron's May 1-3 trip comes hot on the heels of his pomp-filled visit to Washington and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's journey to Normandy for World War I Anzac Day commemorations last month.

It will have a strong cultural flavour, with France's 40-year-old leader discussing food Wednesday at a lunch with Australian and French chefs.

As often on his foreign trips, Macron will also meet local artists, specifically Aboriginal artists whose work deals with the climate change -- a subject on which Macron, custodian of the 2015 Paris Agreement, has taken a leadership role.

Following the Australia visit, the French leader will travel to the French territory of New Caledonia, where an independence referendum is due in November.The leader of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, delivered a conspiracy theory-laden speech on Monday, claiming that the Holocaust was a result of the social behavior of Jews.

Speaking at the first session of the Palestinian National Council since 1998 in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Abbas delivered what he called a history lesson, claiming Israel was established as a European colonial project and has nothing to do with Judaism, the Times of Israel reported.

Abbas also alleged that the Holocaustin which more than 6 million Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany and its allieswas caused by Jewish social behavior, [charging interest] and financial matters.

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Mahmoud Abbas

REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman

The leader has long been accused of Holocaust denial. In 1982, he published his doctoral dissertation that claimed the death toll of the Holocaust was exaggerated and alleged that Zionist leaders worked with the Nazis. The dissertation formed the basis for a 1984 book titled, The Other Side: The Secret Relationship Between Nazism and Zionism.

In the mid-1990s, Abbas tried to excuse his allegations, explaining that Palestinians were at war with Israel when the book was written. Today I would not have made such remarks, he said.

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Abbas cited a common conspiracy theory that Ashkenazi European Jews are in fact descended from Turkic people, not ancient Israelites. Abbas claimed this means European Jews have no historical ties to the land of Israel. He added that the creation of Israel was simply a colonial project to safeguard European interests. Those who sought a Jewish state werent Jews, he told the audience, thus Israel has nothing to do with Judaism.

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However, he did say that this does not mean we should uproot them. We should co-exist with them on the basis of a two-state solution. Abbas was one of the first Palestinian political leaders to recognize Israel in 1995.

The National Council is meeting to elect a new 18-person Executive Committee. According to The Times of Israel, in recent years the committee has simply served to rubber stamp decisions made by Abbas. A new set of loyalists will likely be elected this week, cementing the president's control of the executive.

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Abbas

REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman

The 82-year-old, who has led the Palestinian Authority since 2005, also preemptively rejected any peace deal proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S.-Palestinian relations are at a low ebb as a result of Trump's decision to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with decades of unwritten diplomatic protocol. We will not accept this deal, and we will not accept the U.S. as the sole broker, Abbas said.

He told the council he plans to take tough steps in the near future against Israel and the U.S., though he did not specify what this meant. His speech comes amid ongoing protests in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, where Palestinians are calling for the right to return to the lands their families left or were forced to flee from upon the creation of Israel in 1948.

Forty Palestinians have been killed and over five thousand wounded in the protests since they began on March 30, according to U.N. figures released on April 25, Haaretz reported. Abbas lauded the brothers in Hamas who he claimed had been engaging in peaceful resistance. Israel has alleged that Hamas is using the protests as a cover for attacks on its positions, and some protestors have reportedly launched kite-delivered fire bombs into Israel and attempted to breach the border fence.

Abbas urged protest organizers to keep children away from the border fence. Israeli forces say Hamas has been using children in its attacks as soldiers are more hesitant to shoot at them. Keep the young men from the border, move the children away, we do not want to become handicapped people, he warned.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekCalexico (United States) (AFP) - US Vice President Mike Pence blasted "weak" and "ineffective" immigration laws Monday during a trip to the border with Mexico, as a caravan of immigrants two hours to the west prepared to claim asylum in America.

Pence's remarks came as he toured a construction site for a barrier in the Californian border town of Calexico, 120 miles (200 kilometers) east of the San Diego-Tijuana crossing where the group of at least 150 people has amassed.

"I stand before you today when most of the attention of the nation has been focused on the so-called caravan," Pence said.

"As the president said on Saturday night, this situation is a direct result of our weak immigration laws and our porous border."

The visit came after the Central American migrants arrived Sunday in the border town of Tijuana, part of a caravan of more than 1,000 people who set out from southern Mexico in late March.

Pence described them as "victims" of activists, smugglers and the media and called on Congress to close "dangerous loopholes" allowing people to claim asylum in the US rather than the first safe country they enter.

Eight members of the caravan crossed into the US Monday, according to the Washington Post, where immigration authorities had launched the process determining whether their asylum claims would grant them entry.

The Department of Justice meanwhile announced late Monday it had filed criminal charges against 11 "suspected members of the so-called 'caravan,'" accusing them of illegally entering the United States.

The department said one of those charged had allegedly already been deported once.

"When respect for the rule of law diminishes, so too does our ability to protect our great nation, its borders, and its citizens," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions in a statement.

Media coverage of the US-bound caravan has triggered a flurry of furious tweets from Trump, who ordered thousands of National Guard troops to the border and called on Mexico to stop the migrants.

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"We don't have borders, we don't have a country. And I've been watching for weeks as the caravan came up," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday.

"And, you know, the Mexican laws are very tough on immigration, extremely tough."

He reiterated his call for an end to the "catch and release" protocol under which people detained by US authorities as unlawful immigrants can be released while they wait for a hearing.

"You've got to have a wall. And we need border security, and we will have border security. As you know, we're sending many, many National Guardsmen down to the border," Trump said.

"Most of them are already there. And that's having a big impact. But we need a change in the law. Catch and release is ridiculous."

Pence's visit comes four weeks after Trump toured wall prototypes in Otay Mesa, just north of the border.

Plans were launched in 2009 for the Calexico structure -- which replaces around two miles of decades-old barriers according to the Los Angeles Times -- although Trump sowed confusion last month when he tweeted photos and wrote: "Great briefing this afternoon on the start of our Southern Border WALL!"

Officials have emphasized that the Calexico barrier shouldn't be confused with the yet-to-be-built wall that Trump made a central plank of his 2016 presidential campaign.Lima (AFP) - Peruvian ex-president Ollanta Humala and his wife have left preventative detention ahead of their corruption trial, authorities said Monday.

The pair have been in prison since July awaiting trial on money laundering charges.

They allegedly received millions of dollars in illegal campaign donations from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht ahead of the 2011 election.

"Now my thoughts, my heart, are all with my family," Humala, who led Peru from 2011-2016, told reporters when he left prison four days after winning a green light to do so from the constitutional court.

His wife Nadine Heredia left about an hour earlier for their home in Lima.

The ex-president said he would stop to greet party loyalists before heading home to be with his wife and three children.

Humala is one of four former Peruvian heads of state caught up in the vast Odebrecht corruption scandal that has engulfed Latin America -- although he is the only one who had been jailed so far.

The other three also implicated in the scandal are Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018), Alan Garcia (2006-2011) and Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006), who is currently in the United States fighting off Peruvian extradition efforts.

Also under investigation for receiving illegal Odebrecht money: top opposition leader Keiko Fujimori, daughter of ex-president Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) and the key player in the political power move that ousted Kuczynski from office.The Philippines on Tuesday welcomed an olive branch from Kuwait in a migrant labour row, days after its President Rodrigo Duterte announced a permanent ban on workers going to the Gulf state.

The dispute, simmering for months, erupted last week when Kuwait expelled the Philippine ambassador over videos of embassy staff helping Filipino workers flee allegedly abusive bosses in Kuwait.

But the Kuwaitis sought to calm the crisis after Duterte said on Sunday that he was making permanent the departure ban in place since February, when a murdered Filipina maid was found in her bosses' freezer.

Kuwait's Deputy Foreign Minister Nasser al-Subaih said on Monday the row was "largely a misunderstanding" and "we do not believe in escalation".

Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano welcomed that conciliatory message on Tuesday.

"This gesture on the part of Kuwait, a country with which we have a shared history and strong people-to-people ties, will allow us to move forward," Cayetano said in a statement.

"We affirm our friendship with the government of Kuwait and its people. The strength of that friendship will withstand this misunderstanding," he added.

Cayetano apologised last week for the rescues, but Kuwait called them violations of sovereignty before expelling the Philippine envoy and recalling its own ambassador from Manila.

Before relations plunged, Kuwait and the Philippines had been negotiating a labour deal that could have resulted in the lifting of the ban on Filipinos leaving to work in the Gulf state.

Around 262,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait, nearly 60 percent of them domestic workers, according to the Philippine foreign ministry.

Duterte said workers returning from Kuwait could find employment as English teachers in China, citing improved ties with Beijing.

The Philippines has sent millions of its people to work abroad, seeking salaries they cannot get in their relatively impoverished nation.

The money they send back home accounts for about 10 percent of the Philippine economy.The 1991 stamp that served as the rallying cry for the New Horizons mission to Pluto is updated by members of the New Horizons science team on July 14, 2015, the day the spacecraft flew past Pluto. Principal investigator Alan Stern is at far left. (Credit: Bill Ingalls / NASA)

It took nine years for NASAs New Horizons spacecraft to get to Pluto, and laying the groundwork for that history-making space mission here on Earth took nearly twice as long.

The drama and intrigue surrounding New Horizons during those decades, as chronicled in a new book titled Chasing New Horizons: Inside the First Mission to Pluto, might be enough for any planetary scientist. But Alan Stern  the books co-author, the missions principal investigator and arguably Plutos most ardent defender  is ready to do it all again.

Stern doesnt expect his campaign to send an orbiter to Pluto to face quite as many challenges, now that the world knows so much more about the dwarf planet with a giant heart.

I hope its a more straightforward process, Stern told GeekWire. First of all, there are now a lot more people who are interested in going back to Pluto.  Now that weve done the flyby, there isnt a planetary scientist in the world that isnt impressed.

Last month, Stern and other New Horizons scientists signed onto a white paper calling for NASA to fund an in-depth study of potential Pluto orbiter missions. That grass-roots approach mirrors how the Pluto Underground campaign for New Horizons got started around a restaurant table in Baltimore, back in 1989.

Chasing New Horizons by Alan Stern and David Grinspoon. (NASA / SwRI / Zitane / Picador / LeeAnn Falciani Jacket Design)

Chasing New Horizons, written by Stern and astrobiologist David Grinspoon, traces the twists and turns that led from there to the piano-sized spacecrafts launch in 2006 and its Pluto flyby in 2015.

Stern and Grinspoon recount how their team worked with  and competed against  more experienced mission planners at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory; how they tried and failed to get the Russians involved in doing a more ambitious mission; how they kept New Horizons alive after one NASA official declared it dead, dead, dead; and how they joined forces with the underdogs at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to pull off a mission many said couldnt be done.

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The most harrowing crisis came just days before the flyby, when the spacecraft went out of contact with ground control due to an unanticipated computer glitch. The probe came back online, but New Horizons engineers had to scramble day and night to retransmit and verify the detailed instructions for the Pluto encounter.

They did literally months of work in just a few days, Stern recalled.

Why go through decades worth of trouble for the sake of one of the lesser-known, less appreciated members of the solar systems planetary menagerie?

What space engineer wouldnt want to be on the first mission to the last planet? Stern asked in reply.

When New Horizons was launched, Pluto was still widely considered the solar systems smallest and farthest-out planet. But only months into the trip, a controversial vote by the International Astronomical Union reclassified Pluto and other worlds of its ilk as dwarf planets  and declared that dwarf planets should not be regarded as true planets.

Stern said he and Grinspoon originally wrote a whole chapter about the planethood debate. But when the publisher told them to trim their manuscript by 40 percent, that section was shrunk down to a mere three pages in a 320-page book.

Downplaying the debate was the right choice: It helps keep the focus on the mission, and lets the authors talk about Plutos planethood without provoking an argument. Besides, there are plenty of other books (including The Case for Pluto, by yours truly) that address the IAU decision in depth.

pluto

Science journalist Alan Boyle is the author of "The Case for Pluto: How a Little Planet Made A Big Difference."

This whole IAU debacle will be some sort of a weird trivia question 30 years from now, because I think our side has all but won, Stern said. The only problem we really have is that we dont think voting is the appropriate way to do things in science, so we dont want to take it back to another vote. Were trying to just change minds by consensus  which is working.

Whether you call it a planet, a dwarf planet or a Kuiper Belt object, Plutos status has definitely risen thanks to the pictures and data sent back by New Horizons.

The smooth, heart-shaped region now known as Tombaugh Regio, in honor of Plutos discoverer, has become a bonafide internet meme. Other pictures reveal the blue glow of Plutos thin atmosphere, backlit by the sun; evidence of clouds and ice volcanoes; and towering mountains thought to be made of frozen water. Plutos biggest moon, Charon, is a book-worthy subject by itself.

All these discoveries, and the additional scientific questions they raise, are whetting Sterns appetite for a follow-up mission to Pluto. But thats not the only thing on his mind.

For example, the New Horizons team has to get ready for another flyby, past a smaller object in the icy Kuiper Belt known as 2014 MU69 or Ultima Thule. Thats due to take place on Jan. 1, and the resulting data will keep the team busy for months afterward.

Stern is also on the science teams for NASAs Europa Clipper mission to a mysterious, ice-covered moon of Jupiter; NASAs Lucy mission to a set of asteroids captured in Jupiters orbit; and a Kuiper Belt mission that could be proposed next year. And if thats not enough, he has yet another book in the works, titled Launch to Leadership: Nine Business Lessons From the Exploration of Pluto.

Those are a lot of new horizons for Stern to keep track of. Fortunately, hes the kind of scientist who revels in the chase.

Stern and Grinspoon will discuss the book and the New Horizons mission during a talk titled Inside the First Mission to Pluto, presented at Seattles Museum of Flight in partnership with Town Hall Seattle at 7:30 p.m. on May 17. The talk is part of a nationwide book tour that begins this week in Washington, D.C. For the full list of tour dates, check the events page online at AlanStern.space.

More from GeekWire:Melbourne (AFP) - Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell arrived at a Melbourne court amid a heavy police presence Tuesday for a crucial decision on whether he will stand trial on historical sexual offence charges.

The 76-year-old, the most senior Catholic cleric to face criminal charges linked to the Church's long-running sexual abuse scandal, denies all the claims.

The exact details and nature of the allegations have not been made public, other than they involve "multiple complainants".

Until now, he has not had to formally enter a plea, although he instructed his lawyer from the outset to make clear he intended to plead not guilty.

Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington presided over a sometimes fiery committal hearing last month to determine whether there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

Her decision will be handed down Tuesday with the hearing due to start at 10:00 am (0000 GMT) and run for about 90 minutes.

If Pell -- a top advisor to Pope Francis -- is committed to stand trial, he will then face a directions hearing at a later time before a date is set for the trial.

The committal hearing over four weeks -- which was closed to the public and media for the first 10 days -- heard witness statements and cross-examinations by Pell's lawyers.

At one point, his barrister Robert Richter accused Wallington of being biased towards the prosecutors, and said the case should be thrown out as the complainants were unreliable and not credible.

He also suggested the cleric was being targeted to punish the Catholic Church.

A number of the charges were also dropped due to the death of one of the complainants and another being found medically unfit to give evidence.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago. He has regularly attended the court.

His case has coincided with an Australian national inquiry into child sexual abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia.

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The commission spoke to thousands of victims and heard claims of abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools.

Pell appeared before it three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome over the Church's handling of complaints against paedophile priests.

Australia's Catholic leaders have spoken out in support of him, describing Pell as a "thoroughly decent man".Prom night took a troubling turn for more than 100 students at an Illinois high school, Chicago news station WGN 9 reports.

Officials have confirmed that 111 students from Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Ill., have reported symptoms ranging from chills and a fever to vomiting and diarrhea since the school hosted its 2018 prom on April 27. Approximately 400 students are said to have attended the dance, which means that more than a quarter of them were struck by the unidentified illness.

Roughly a quarter of the students who attended an Illinois schools prom on April 27 have come down with flu-like symptoms. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Getty Images)

The venue for the prom, Chicagos Shedd Aquarium, may hold clues as to what befell the students. A spokeswoman for the aquarium said that other guests have not reported any illness, but an extra-precautionary deep clean of the space was ordered to be on the safe side.

At this time, we do not believe there are any safety concerns related to food or drink being served to our guests visiting the aquarium, spokeswoman Andrea Rodgers said in a statement.

Sodexo, the food vendor for the aquarium, is investigating the matter, while school officials are working with affected students and parents to pinpoint common symptoms, meals, and activities that may explain the cause of the outbreak.

The school district continues to work with Shedd Aquarium and the Cook County Department of Public Health to determine the source of the illness, District 230 spokeswoman Carla Erdey told the Chicago Tribune.

Though the symptoms are in line with norovirus, local health officials have yet to confirm the exact illness.

Clearly, my heart goes out to all our kids and their families who were affected, Principal Bob Nolting said in a statement posted to the schools website. We have many individuals who work very hard on creating a prom experience that is enjoyable and meaningful. It is saddening to see the excitement of an otherwise positive and memorable event dampened by this situation.

Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:

This high school is handing out modesty ponchos to cover up female students inappropriate prom dresses

Teen shamed for wearing Chinese dress to prom sparks cultural appropriation debate

High school cheerleader says vice principal who called her squad ghetto punished her in cyberbullying case

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Special counsel Robert Mueller hopes to ask President Donald Trump dozens of open-ended questions as part of his inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

Many of those questions, which were published by The New York Times on Monday, focus on determining if Trump obstructed justice through his firings of FBI Director James Comey and national security adviser Michael Flynn, or his attempts to fire Mueller himself, among other events.

What efforts were made to reach out to Mr. Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon? reads one of the queries supplied to the Times by an unnamed official separate from the presidents legal team. What consideration and discussions did you have regarding terminating the special counsel in June of 2017? another asks.

Read the full list here.

The questions shed light on whats been a tight-lipped investigation and show Mueller is homing in on the presidents behavior in office. Some of the inquiries hope to shed light on Trumps interactions, if there are any, with Russian officials or those connected to the Kremlin during the campaign.

Trump himself has publicly said hed be willing to talk with Mueller and has vehemently denied there was any collusion with the Russians during the campaign. He said in January he was looking forward to speaking with the special counsel.

In response to the Times report, Trump on Tuesday lashed out at the investigation.

So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I see...you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2018

It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened! Witch Hunt!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2018

The presidents lawyers have cautioned against the interview and have sought to strictly limit the terms of any sit-down, worried that Trump could go off-script and end up making false statements. The Times noted that four people in the presidents orbit have already pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators.

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The questions obtained by the Times are said to be the result of months of negotiations between the special counsel and Trumps squadron of lawyers. The Times noted that the back and forth led to Mueller providing his ideal list to Trumps former lead lawyer in the Russia inquiry, John Dowd, in March.

Dowd, who had urged Trump to reject any request for an interview in the investigation, was reportedly even more wary about a meeting after seeing the list. But the lawyer resigned later in March amid reports that his relationship with the president had frayed and that Trump planned to ignore his advice.

Dowd was replaced last week by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Trump has ramped up his criticism of the special counsels office in recent weeks following FBI raids at the home and offices of his longtime personal attorney Michael Cohen. Its a total witch-hunt. Ive been saying it for a long time, Trump said at the time.

The president, however, has since moved to distance himself from Cohen, saying on Fox & Friends last week that the lawyer handled only a tiny, tiny little fraction of his overall legal work.

Muellers list of questions also includes some involving Cohens business deals in Moscow, according to the Times.

This article has been updated with Trumps tweets, and with additional details on the questions and Trumps changing legal team.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is surrounded by police and security after briefing members of the Senate on his Russia investigation last year. (Photo: Joshua Roberts / Reuters)

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.Melbourne (AFP) - Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell on Tuesday became the highest-ranked Catholic ever to be sent to trial for sex offences, adding to a series scandals facing the church globally.

Here is a rundown of notable cases:

- Australia -

Cardinal George Pell, the third highest member of the Vatican hierarchy, has been ordered to stand trial on "multiple" historical sex charges, which he denies.

His case coincided with a public enquiry that found that seven percent of priests were presumed to have committed paedophilic acts in Australia between 1950 and 2010.

- Austria -

Two scandals forced the Vatican to revoke two high-ranking ultra-conservative clerics, Viennese Archbishop Hans Hermann Groer in 1995 and the bishop of Sankt-Poelten, Kurt Krenn in 2004.

- Belgium -

In 2010, the bishop of Bruges, Roger Vangheluwe, resigned after acknowledging sex abuse of two nephews. Since 2012 the Catholic Church in Belgium has received hundreds of complaints and paid almost 4.13 million euros in compensation.

- Canada -

In the late 1980s, a huge scandal broke out regarding the mistreatment of children at an orphanage in Newfoundland in the 1950s-1960s.

- Chile -

Some 80 members of the Chilean clergy have been implicated in a series of sex abuse affairs over the past few years.

Controversy over the bishop Juan Barros, accused of covering for a paedophile priest, marred Pope Francis' trip to the country in January 2018 when he hugged and defended the bishop.

- France -

In 2016 the case of priest Bernard Preynat, accused of abusing scouts in his Lyon parish, tainted the image of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin for allegedly covering up for him.

Barbarin will be tried along with six co-defendants in January 2019.

- Germany -

Since 2010, hundreds of cases of sex abuse against children or adolescents in religious institutions have emerged. The most high-profile ones involve Jesuit-run Canisius college in Berlin.

- Ireland -

Accusations against Catholic institutions began to emerge early in the millenium, and covered several decades prior to that. The number of underaged victims was estimated at around 14,500. Several bishops and priests accused of committing or covering up the abuse have been punished.

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- Mexico -

Mexican bishop Gonzalo Galvan Castillo was forced to resign in 2015 after being accused of protecting a paedophile priest. The late founder of the ultraconservative Legion of Christ congregation, Marcial Maciel, was forced to resign in 2006, was accused of committing sexual abuses of minors.

- The Netherlands -

In late 2011, a study found that several tens of thousands of minors had been sexually abused within the Dutch Catholic Church institutions between 1945 and 2010. Some 800 suspects have been identified.

- Poland -

In 2013 Pope Francis sacked the Vatican nuncio, or ambassador, to the Dominican Republic, Poland's Jozef Wesolowski who was charged with sexually abusing minors. He died in 2015 on the eve of his trial.

- United States -

Between 1950 and 2013, the Catholic Church in the US received 17,000 complaints from people who said they had suffered sexual abuse from 6,400 clerics between 1950 and 1980.

In 2012, specialists in contact with the Vatican mooted the figure of 100,000 cases of child sex abuse in the US.

Among the senior church members forced to resign for protecting paedophile priests were Cardinal Bernard Law in Boston and Roger Mahony in Los Angeles.Russias so-called nuclear Titanic is moving toward western Europe for a controversial maiden voyage that has alarmed U.S. allies and environmentalists alike.

The vessel, named the Akademik Lomonosov, is Moscows first floating nuclear power plant, designed to provide energy to hard-to-reach coastlines such as Russias subarctic regions. On its way to its first northern destination, the power plant has already worried a handful of countries along its planned route, as well as the Greenpeace organization.

Nuclear reactors bobbing around the Arctic Ocean will pose a shockingly obvious threat to a fragile environment which is already under enormous pressure from climate change, Jan Haverkamp, nuclear expert for Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe, said in a statement shortly after Akademik Lomonosovs launch over the weekend.

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When fully fueled, the power plant, currently scheduled to enter service in 2019, will reportedly operate two nuclear reactors. Its mobility is advantageous for Russia in its efforts to power northern port towns, especially near large energy deposits in the Arctic. If it completes testing, Russia's nuclear agency Rosatom will deploy Akademik Lomonosov to its Siberian coastline.

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Russia initially intended to fill the floating plant with nuclear fuel and test it near its St. Petersburg shipyard, in waters shared with Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania and Sweden, according to Greenpeace. After an outcry from locals and foreign governments, the plant is traveling without nuclear fuel onboard as it will tow the plant through and around busy Baltic Sea waters in order to test it in a more secluded area.

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This still has not allayed concerns about the Akademik Lomonosovs potential for causing a nuclear catastrophe. To test a nuclear reactor in a densely populated area like the center of St. Petersburg is irresponsible, to say the least, Haverkamp said. However, moving the testing of this nuclear Titanic away from the public eye will not make it less so.

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04_30_Akademik_Lomonosov

Greenpeace/Nicolai Gontar/Reuters

The environmental group warned that an onboard mishap in a plant such as the Lomonosov could cause a Chernobyl on ice, an allusion to the deadly Soviet-era nuclear disaster.

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The Akademik Lomonosov is currently sailing to Russias city of Murmansk, first making its way toward the narrow straits that separate Denmark and Sweden, then changing course northward and sailing along Norways coast.

Maritime authorities in Estonia, the first country the vessel sailed around, complained that the limited maneuvering ability of the power plant meant that other ships had to make way for it, as well as any Russian military escorts that shadowed it, public broadcaster ERR reported.

The plant will approach Sweden next week; the Radiation Safety Agency told state broadcasters it is monitoring the journey, which will continue through the Oresund straits, shared with Denmark, news site The Local reported.

Russia is one of five countries with competing claims over Arctic waters, and its current naval strategy calls for establishing a stronger foothold in the region. More plants similar to the Akademik Lomonosov will be developed if it proves to be a success as it undergoes testing this year.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekFox News host Sean Hannity was confronted on-air Monday night with news that the New York Times had obtained dozens of questions special counsel Robert Mueller was interested in asking President Donald Trump  and it did not go well.

I am told by my sources tonight, that the New York Times is full of crap, said Hannity A lot of those questions are not the questions that the special counsel is asking. Clearly a leak by the special counsels office again with anonymous sources.

Its unclear who Hannitys sources are given that he routinely insists he is not a journalist and prefers the label of talk show host.

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It is a disinformation campaign, Hannity added later. How stupid is it? They want to get in the presidents mind.

Hannitys talk of an anonymous leak from Muellers team contradicts the conventional wisdom that the questions were leaked by someone from the Trump legal team  likely in an effort to make the president reconsider his earlier eagerness to sit down with Mueller under oath.

In his own report, Times reporter Michael Schmidt said that he had been provided the questions from someone only after they were read over the phone and transcribed by the Trump legal team.

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The NYT bombshell, which dropped during Hannitys show last night, revealed several juicy nuggets and lines of inquiry that Mueller would go in on if he ever got Trump alone in a room.

Among the subjects covered  which you can read here  were how much and when did Trump know about Gen. Michael Flynns involvement with Russia, details about Trumps interactions with ex-FBI director James Comey, and what he knew about the tick-tock of that meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer in Trump Tower.

Many of the questions are the direct results of tweets or press interviews the president has given since he took office.

Story continues

Related stories from TheWrap:

Sean Hannity Smacks Down Stormy Daniels Lawyer's Offer to Come on Show: 'Old News'

Hannity Bought 11 Homes From Property Dealer Convicted of Bank Fraud and Conspiracy (Report)

Stormy Daniels Lawyer Asks to Go on 'Hannity': 'We Are Both Street Fighters'

Sean Hannity Defends Investments in Low-Income HousingMarco Rubio may have committed the ultimate heresy for a Republican: The senator from Florida admitted that recent corporate tax cuts are doing little to help American workers and that increased public spending might be in order.

In an interview with the Economist, Rubio said he doubts that the tax cuts or Trumps America first protectionism will stop people from losing their jobs to automation.

There is still a lot of thinking on the right that if big corporations are happy, theyre going to take the money theyre saving and reinvest it in American workers, he said. In fact, they bought back shares, a few gave out bonuses; theres no evidence whatsoever that the moneys been massively poured back into the American worker.

Rubio also threw cold water on Trumps stated promise to bring back manufacturing jobs to the U.S.

I have no problem with bringing back American car-manufacturing facilities, but, whether theyre American robots or Mexican robots, theyre going to be highly automated, he explained.

But Rubio really risks alienating the GOP with some of the solutions he is proposing to help the country because they involve  cue the horror movie screams  public spending.

The senator suggests spending more tax dollars on programs focused on technological research and on education programs prioritizing vocational skills.

Government has an essential role to play in buffering this transition, he said. If we basically say everyone is on their own and the markets going to take care of it, we will rip the country apart, because millions of good, hardworking people lack the means to adapt.

Also on HuffPost

I knew Marco Rubio's hug looked familiar pic.twitter.com/r83yLkhhTI  A Cold Rog (@iamtherog) June 20, 2017

when you file the draft and you think it's clean, but your editor says "actually..." pic.twitter.com/e9AYPrDZgJ  Elon Green (@elongreen) June 20, 2017

When you go in for the hug and immediately regret it pic.twitter.com/RgZTpvruRK  Mark Gongloff (@markgongloff) June 20, 2017

Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.Stormy Daniels speaks to reporters as she exits the United States District Court Southern District of New York: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Stormy Daniels, the adult film actress who claims to have had an affair with Donald Trump, has sued the president for defamation.

The suit centres around a tweet from Mr Trump, claiming parts of Ms Daniels story were a "total con job". Mr Trump has denied having an affair with Ms Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford.

"Moments ago, we filed this lawsuit against Mr Trump for his recent irresponsible and defamatory statements about my client," Ms Daniels' attorney, Michael Avenatti, said on Twitter. "He is well aware of what transpired and his complicity. We fully intend on bringing it to light."

Ms Daniels claims she had an affair with Mr Trump in 2006, months after the birth of his son, Barron. When she tried to speak out about it in 2011, she claims, she was approached by a stranger and who told her to "leave Trump alone".

Recounting this story on The View last month, Ms Daniels also released a forensic sketch of the man she says threatened her. Mr Avenatti offered a reward for anyone with information on the man.

Mr Trump shot back on Twitter, writing: "A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!"

In the defamation suit filed in federal court in Manhattan on Monday, Mr Avenatti alleges the tweet was "released by Mr Trump with the intent that it be widely disseminated and repeated".

"Indeed, Mr. Trump knows that his personal Twitter account has an audience of over 50 million followers and that the Twitter post would be repeated and reported upon by other news and media outlets online, in print, and on television and radio," the lawsuit states.

The suit claims Ms Daniels was exposed to hatred, contempt, and ridicule as a result, and is owed at least $75,000 in damages.

The filing comes just days after a federal judge put a 90-day hold on Ms Daniels' lawsuit against Michael Cohen, the president's lawyer.

Story continues

Ms Daniels is suing Mr Cohen in an attempt to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she signed shortly before the election, in exchange for $130,000. She says the agreement was an attempt to silence her claims of an affair.

The White House has denied Ms Daniels' allegations.

"I've had conversations with the president about this," Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said last month. "..There was no knowledge of any payments from the president and he's denied all of these allegations."

Mr Cohen has admitted to paying Ms Daniels the $130,000, but said it was out of his own pocket. Mr Trump says he was unaware of the deal.

US District Court Judge James Otero put a three-month hold on the case last Friday, in light of a new criminal investigation involving Mr Cohen.

Mr Avenatti said he planned to appeal the ruling, adding: "Justice delayed is justice denied".

More follows...On February 10, an unmanned Iranian reconnaissance aircraft lifted off from a military base in central Syria and penetrated Israeli airspace over the Golan Heights. An Israeli Apache helicopter tracked the drone, filmed it and blasted it from the sky with an air-to-air missile. Israeli warplanes then roared into Syria and bombed the military base where the drone had been launched, destroying an Iranian control center. Amid the strike, Syrian anti-aircraft missiles shot down an Israeli F-16, the first Israeli fighter downed since 1982.

It was two months before Israel responded, but on April 9, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conferred with President Donald Trump, Israeli warplanes attacked Iranian forces in Syria head-on. In addition to destroying additional Iranian drones, the Israelis wiped out an advanced Iranian air-defense system that had been shipped from Tehran to Syria and killed seven members of Irans elite Quds Force, including the commander of the drone unit.

Hard as it is to fathom, these skirmishes between Israel and Iran represent yet another conflict on the blood-soaked battleground of Syria.

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The country is already host to one war between government troops and Sunni rebels; another between a U.S.-trained Arab militia and the Islamic State militant group (ISIS); and a third pitting invading Turkish troops against Kurdish fighters. Yet even after seven years of fighting that have left half -million dead and uprooted two-thirds of Syrias 18 million people, the country is bracing itself for a fourth war, this one between Israel and the Iranian forces that have established a sizable military presence in Syria. As both sides trade military blows there, current and former Israeli officials warn that a larger battle between the Jewish state and its archnemesis Iran is just a matter of time. The confrontation with Iran is unavoidable, former Major General Yaakov Amidror recently told the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot.

Story continues

Military analysts in Washington agree. The trend line that both countries are taking seems headed in the direction of a serious clash, Michael Eisenstadt, director of military and security studies at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a think tank with close ties to the Israeli military, tells Newsweek.

On April 29, Israel confirmed those predictions once again when its military aircraft attacked and destroyed a major Iranian weapons cache near the Syrian city of Hama that included surface-to-surface missiles. The explosions registered as a 2.6-magnitude earthquake in the Hama area, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.

The attack, which Syrian officials said killed 16 people, including 11 Iranians stationed at the base, may have been an effort to prevent an Iranian response to Israel's earlier strike against the airbase, Israeli analysts said.

Eisenstadt and other analysts say that dynamic began to develop as far back as 2012, when Israeli warplanes began attacking shipments of Iranian missiles and other weapons after the hardware had arrived by air in Damascus and was being trucked overland to the Hezbollah, Irans proxy militia in Lebanon. Over the past five years, Israeli warplanes have bombed these weapons convoys more than 100 times, Israeli officials now acknowledge.

FE_IsraelSyria_06_916458858

JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty

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But those airstrikes represented indirect attacks on Iran, part of a shadowy war between the two rivals that also included Israeli cyberattacks on Irans nuclear program and assassinations in Europe of Iranian nuclear scientists. Israel refrained from taking credit to avoid provoking Iranian retaliation. When Iran did strike back, it also chose to act indirectly, using proxies to strike at distant Israeli targets, such as the attacks in 2012 on Israeli diplomats in India, Turkey, Thailand and the Republic of Georgia.

That shadowy dynamic changed when Iranian forces sent their drone into Israel, setting in motion the retaliatory Israeli airstrikes. Initially, Israel didnt claim credit for the April 9 attack, which came just five days before the U.S., Britain and France launched missiles against three Syrian chemical weapons facilities in response to an alleged Syrian poison gas attack on a Damascus suburb. It was Russia that identified the Israelis.

But since then, Israeli military officials have admitted they launched their attack in response to what they deemed to be an attempted Iranian strike against Israel. The evidence: According to The New York Times, further Israeli study of the film of the Iranian reconnaissance drone that penetrated Israeli airspace back in February showed it was carrying explosives. The one who takes this path must know that it ends with a difficult war, said Amidror.

Newsweek has been unable to confirm the veracity of the Israeli claim, but events on the ground have rendered it a moot point. Iranian officials have vowed revenge. The big question now is how General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Quds Force will respond.

FE_IsraelSyria_08_607574930

Pool/Press Office of Iranian Supreme Leader/Anadolu Agency/Getty

Eisenstadt, who has closely studied Soleimanis tactics, says he expects the Iranian military leader will press ahead with his strategy to turn Syria into a missile platform against Israel. The role of the estimated 2,000 Iranian troops now in Syria, he adds, is to set up the military infrastructure for that endeavor, including factories to produce sophisticated GPS-guided missiles with increased accuracy to hit high-value military and economic targets in Israel. Once this has been accomplished, he said, Soleimani will turn these bases over to Hezbollah and allied Shiite militias. The goal is to surround Israel on almost every side with proxies equipped with rockets to be able to bombard Israel, Eisenstadt says. He wants to do in Syria what he did for Hezbollah in Lebanon and, to a lesser extent, for Hamas in Gaza.

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As Israel braces for Irans response, its military officials have vowed they will not allow Iran to do in Syria what it did in Lebanon, which was arm Hezbollah with enough missiles so that the Lebanese Shiite militia presented Israel with a serious threat. Israel eventually went to war against Hezbollah in 2006, resulting in massive damage to Lebanons infrastructure, a stinging blow to Hezbollahs political popularity in Lebanon and an enduring state of calm along Israels northern border. Still, Israeli military intelligence estimates Hezbollah now has more than 120,000 missiles in southern Lebanon that could be unleashed in any war between Israel and Iran.

As Iranian forces populate forward air bases in Syria, Israeli military officials recently indicated they are drawing up target lists for counterstrikes against a broad range of Iranian military installations in Syria. These officials recently publicized satellite images and a map showing five air bases in Syria that Iran allegedly uses for its drones and cargo aircraft. The officials also provided the names of three senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers allegedly commanding missile units and related projects in Syria. Eisenstadt says the disclosure was a clear warning to Iran. The message is Youre totally exposed. If you retaliate, these targets are next, he said.

Last year, Israels land, air, naval and intelligence forces also conducted their largest military exercises in two decades along the countrys northern border in what was seen as preparations to invade Lebanon in the event of another war with Hezbollah. The aim of any invasion, Israeli military officials said, would be to vanquish Hezbollah so that it either has no ability or desire to attack anymore.

FE_IsraelSyria_04_687249136

Kobi Gideon/GPO/Getty

Another danger is the threat that Israeli and Russian forces in Syria could come to blows during any future Israeli airstrikes against Syria. Russian officials recently announced that Moscow will soon supply Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with advanced S-300 air defense missile systems. They add that if Israel attacks these missile systems, it will suffer what an official called catastrophic consequences.

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman threw the threat right back at the Russians. One thing should be clear, he told Yediot Ahronot. If someone fires on our planes, we will destroy them. Whats important to us is that the weapons systems that the Russians transfer to Syria are not used against us. If they are used against us, we will act against them. It doesnt matter what systemS-300, S-700 or something else.

Dennis Ross, a former Middle East adviser to both Republican and Democratic presidents, notes that while Israel, Iran and now Russia are rattling their sabers, Trump has publicly stated his intention to pull U.S. troops out of Syria, an announcement that Ross says has emboldened Iran and Russia and signaled Israel that its on its own.

As time goes by, the potential for war increases, and it increases precisely because the U.S. is on the sidelines, Ross tells Newsweek. And with the U.S. on the sidelines, Israel cant send its signals with words; it has to send them with actions. He adds that Trumps threats to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions on Tehran play into the hands of Iranian hard-liners like Soleimani, who never trusted the United States in the first place and sees the Quds Force as the spearhead of Irans drive to dominate the Middle East and confront Israel.

Ever since Israels founding, in 1948, its defense forces have followed a dictum found in the Babylonian Talmud, the fourth-century compendium of Jewish religious law and theology: When an enemy awakes in the morning to kill you, wake up earlier and kill him first. As the tensions with Iran escalate, that advice appears, once again, to be Israels order of the day.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekThe Dominican Republic severed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Tuesday, forging an allegiance with China and sparking anger in Taipei.

The Caribbean nation's chancellor, Miguel Vargas, signed an agreement in Beijing with the country's top diplomat, State Councilor Wang Yi, recognizing "that there is but one China in the world," according to the state-controlled news outlet Xinhua.

The move signals an end to the ties the Dominican Republic forged 77 years ago with Taiwanthe self-ruled island where the Chinese Nationalist Party established a government in 1949 after losing the civil war to the Chinese Communist Party. Beijing considers the island a breakaway province and eyes reunification.

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05_1_ China

Greg baker/AFP/Getty Images

Taipei reacted angrily at the move. In a statement, the Taiwanese foreign ministry said it was "deeply upset" at China and that it would immediately cease all projects and assistance to the Caribbean nation since it accepted Beijing's "false promises of investment and aid."

"We strongly condemn China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwans diplomatic allies," the statement read. "Beijing's attempts at foreign policy have only served to drive a wedge between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, erode mutual trust, and further harm the feelings of the people of Taiwan."

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A foreign ministry source in Taipei told Reuters that China offered $3.1 billion in aid and investment projects, an offer Taiwan could not match. The Chinese foreign ministry denied that any funding was attached to the decision, but said that now that relations were established, bilateral cooperation would follow.

Story continues

05_01_Taiwan_FM

Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Taiwan now only counts 19 diplomatic relations with foreign governments, mostly island states in the Pacific (Kiribati, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Palau) and small countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Guatemala, Paraguay, Honduras and Saint Lucia).

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Taiwan also only counts two allies in Africa, Burkina Faso and Swaziland, and only one in Europe, the Holy See. The latter is rumored to be considering a switch in its pursuit of better relations with China, as The New York Times indicated earlier this year, mostly depending on a deal on the appointment of bishops.

China, who won over Panama from Taiwan last year, warned Taipei's remaining allies in March that recognizing Beijing as the "one China" was the "general and irresistible trend."

Upholding the one China principle and not having official contacts with Taiwan has already become one of the international norms for countries to follow, Wang said, quoted in Reuters.

Burkina Faso foreign minister Alpha Barry told Bloomberg last year his country had received "outrageous proposals" from China, but that it would not reconsider its relationship to Taiwan.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekBy Jess Macy Yu and Ben Blanchard

TAIPEI/BEIJING (Reuters) - China offered the Dominican Republic a $3.1 billion package of investments and loans to get them to sever ties with Taiwan, a Taiwan official said on Tuesday, after the Caribbean nation switched allegiance to China in a diplomatic blow to the self-ruled island.

China said there were no economic pre-conditions.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own, has formal relations now with only 19 countries, many of them poor nations in Central America and the Pacific like Belize and Nauru. China says Taiwan is simply a wayward province with no right to state-to-state ties.

China and Taiwan have tried to poach each other's allies over the years, often dangling generous aid packages in front of developing nations, though Taipei struggles to compete with an increasingly powerful China.

Panama ended its long-standing relationship with Taiwan last year in a major diplomatic victory for China. The Vatican is possibly next on the list, as the Holy See and China edge closer to an accord on the appointment of bishops in China.

The news on the Dominican Republic switch, announced in both Beijing and Santo Domingo, drew strong and swift condemnation from Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.

"President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic has ignored our long-term partnership, the wishes of the people of the Dominican Republic, and the years of development assistance provided by Taiwan, to accept false promises of investment and aid by China," Wu told reporters.

"(Taiwan) strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies. Beijing's attempts at foreign policy have only served to drive a wedge between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, erode mutual trust and further harm the feelings of the people of Taiwan."

A Taiwan Foreign Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that, according to initial calculations, China dangled at least a $3.1 billion package of investments, financial assistance and low-interest loans for the Dominican Republic, which shares an island with Haiti to the west.

Story continues

That included $400 million for a new freeway, $1.6 billion for infrastructure projects and $300 million for a new natural gas power plant.

"It was a cost that Taiwan could not match," the official said.

China's Foreign Ministry said the move was a political one with no economic pre-conditions, but that now they have established ties, China will "proactively promote mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas".

A person who answered the telephone at the Dominican Republic's Beijing representative office said it did not know about the situation and declined further comment.

China has stepped up the pressure on Taiwan since the 2016 election of Tsai Ing-wen, from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, as president. Beijing fears she will push for Taiwan's formal independence, but Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo.

The Dominican Republic had been a diplomatic ally of the Republic of China - Taiwan's official name - for 77 years, including when the government ruled all of China before being forced to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists.

Taiwan's presidential office said that despite the severe challenges, the government would not bow its head in pressure to Beijing, and vowed to do all it could to protect Taiwan's interests.

The Taiwan official said the Dominican Republic move was not unexpected.

"We've always known things were not looking rosy here," the official said.

GROWTH POTENTIAL IMMENSE

The Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, lauded the decision as in line with the trend of the times and history, in comments to reporters in Beijing at a hastily arranged news conference.

"This important and correct decision by the Dominican Republic absolutely accords with the basic interests of the country and its people," Wang said. "We highly appreciate this."

The Dominican Republic said it had taken the decision after a long process of consultation, taking its needs and potential into account, according to a statement on the president's website.

It said that even without formal diplomatic ties, China was already its second largest supplier of imported products.

"Of course we know that now we're establishing diplomatic relations, the growth potential of our trade links is immense," presidential legal adviser Flavio Dario Espinal said.

Espinal said that the government was grateful to Taiwan.

"We are deeply grateful for the cooperation we've shared for years," he said. "However, history and the socioeconomic reality force us now to change direction."

In Taipei, Wu said China had failed to follow through on its promises to former Taiwan diplomatic allies, including $140 million in aid to the small West African country of Sao Tome and Principe in late 2016.

"Developing nations should be aware of the danger of falling into a debt trap when engaging with China," he said.

Neither Wang, nor Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas Maldonado, who stood by his side at the Beijing news conference, took questions from reporters.

Speaking in March, Wang said it was in the best interests of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies to recognise an "irresistible trend" and ditch Taipei in favour "one China" ruled by Beijing.

(Reporting by Jessica Macy Yu and Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Josephine Mason in BEIJING, Fabian Hamacher in TAIPEI and Frank Jack Daniel in MEXICO CITY; Editing by Nick Macfie)By Jess Macy Yu and Ben Blanchard TAIPEI/BEIJING (Reuters) - China offered the Dominican Republic a $3.1 billion package of investments and loans to get them to sever ties with Taiwan, a Taiwan official said on Tuesday, after the Caribbean nation switched allegiance to China in a diplomatic blow to the self-ruled island. China said there were no economic pre-conditions. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own, has formal relations now with only 19 countries, many of them poor nations in Central America and the Pacific like Belize and Nauru. China says Taiwan is simply a wayward province with no right to state-to-state ties. China and Taiwan have tried to poach each other's allies over the years, often dangling generous aid packages in front of developing nations, though Taipei struggles to compete with an increasingly powerful China. Panama ended its long-standing relationship with Taiwan last year in a major diplomatic victory for China. The Vatican is possibly next on the list, as the Holy See and China edge closer to an accord on the appointment of bishops in China. The news on the Dominican Republic switch, announced in both Beijing and Santo Domingo, drew strong and swift condemnation from Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. "President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic has ignored our long-term partnership, the wishes of the people of the Dominican Republic, and the years of development assistance provided by Taiwan, to accept false promises of investment and aid by China," Wu told reporters. "(Taiwan) strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies. Beijing's attempts at foreign policy have only served to drive a wedge between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, erode mutual trust and further harm the feelings of the people of Taiwan." A Taiwan Foreign Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that, according to initial calculations, China dangled at least a $3.1 billion package of investments, financial assistance and low-interest loans for the Dominican Republic, which shares an island with Haiti to the west. That included $400 million for a new freeway, $1.6 billion for infrastructure projects and $300 million for a new natural gas power plant. "It was a cost that Taiwan could not match," the official said. China's Foreign Ministry said the move was a political one with no economic pre-conditions, but that now they have established ties, China will "proactively promote mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas". A person who answered the telephone at the Dominican Republic's Beijing representative office said it did not know about the situation and declined further comment. China has stepped up the pressure on Taiwan since the 2016 election of Tsai Ing-wen, from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, as president. Beijing fears she will push for Taiwan's formal independence, but Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo. The Dominican Republic had been a diplomatic ally of the Republic of China - Taiwan's official name - for 77 years, including when the government ruled all of China before being forced to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. Taiwan's presidential office said that despite the severe challenges, the government would not bow its head in pressure to Beijing, and vowed to do all it could to protect Taiwan's interests. The Taiwan official said the Dominican Republic move was not unexpected. "We've always known things were not looking rosy here," the official said. GROWTH POTENTIAL IMMENSE The Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, lauded the decision as in line with the trend of the times and history, in comments to reporters in Beijing at a hastily arranged news conference. "This important and correct decision by the Dominican Republic absolutely accords with the basic interests of the country and its people," Wang said. "We highly appreciate this." The Dominican Republic said it had taken the decision after a long process of consultation, taking its needs and potential into account, according to a statement on the president's website. It said that even without formal diplomatic ties, China was already its second largest supplier of imported products. "Of course we know that now we're establishing diplomatic relations, the growth potential of our trade links is immense," presidential legal adviser Flavio Dario Espinal said. Espinal said that the government was grateful to Taiwan. "We are deeply grateful for the cooperation we've shared for years," he said. "However, history and the socioeconomic reality force us now to change direction." In Taipei, Wu said China had failed to follow through on its promises to former Taiwan diplomatic allies, including $140 million in aid to the small West African country of Sao Tome and Principe in late 2016. "Developing nations should be aware of the danger of falling into a debt trap when engaging with China," he said. Neither Wang, nor Dominican Republic Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas Maldonado, who stood by his side at the Beijing news conference, took questions from reporters. Speaking in March, Wang said it was in the best interests of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies to recognize an "irresistible trend" and ditch Taipei in favor "one China" ruled by Beijing. (Reporting by Jessica Macy Yu and Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Josephine Mason in BEIJING, Fabian Hamacher in TAIPEI and Frank Jack Daniel in MEXICO CITY; Editing by Nick Macfie)TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwanese chip designer MediaTek Inc said it will comply with a government order to apply for a permit to export products to ZTE Corp, a Chinese telecoms equipment maker subjected to restrictions in the United States.

The U.S. government this month banned American firms from sales to ZTE for seven years, saying the company had failed to comply with a settlement related to ZTE shipping U.S.-made goods to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.

ZTE said the ban, imposed as the United States and China spar over import tariffs, threatened its survival.

On Monday, a Mediatek representative told Reuters that the order from the Taiwanese economic ministry's foreign trade bureau was more a routine measure to protect Taiwanese firms than about Sino-U.S. trade relations.

"Our company is actively preparing related documents to apply for an export permit to ZTE," Mediatek said in a stock exchange filing on Saturday. "With hopes that we can quickly obtain the export permit, we will then follow the law and proceed with smooth shipping."

The filing also quoted co-CEO Rick Tsai in a local news article saying "the short-term impact will be limited" while Mediatek complies with the order.

David Hsu, deputy director general at the Bureau of Foreign Trade, confirmed to Reuters that companies wanting to ship goods to ZTE will now need to apply for permission.

"We need to confirm that their shipments are not related to nuclear bombs, chemical bombs, and the like, then after that it is permissible," Hsu said by phone. "In the past, we had similar regulations, we just didn't name a company. But now we've made it a bit clearer."

(Reporting by Jess Macy Yu and Hong Kong newsroom; Editing by Christopher Cushing)The Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank in Washington that has been sharply critical of the Republican tax overhaul, published an analysis Tuesday that compares the tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent of households to the revenue required to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, in each state.

While clearly an exercise with a point to make  the authors write that comparing the tax cuts for the top 1 percent with the relatively modest cost of providing nutrition to families in need highlights the misguided priorities of the current administration and congressional majority  the analysis produced some startling results.

For example, the wealthiest 1 percent of households in Alabama will receive a $1.2 billion tax cut in 2019  a remarkable number for a state with a population of less than 5 million and a median income of $46,257 in 2016  which would fund SNAP for about 826,000 state residents, more than currently projected to be in the program.

Overall, the top 1 percent of households in the U.S. will receive $84 billion in tax cuts in 2019, while the cost of SNAP in 2019 is estimated to be $58 billion. This means that the tax cuts to the top 1 percent alone could finance the entire SNAP program for nearly 1 1/2 years, the authors Galen Hendricks and Alex Rowell write.

The largest tax cut for the wealthiest households will occur in Florida, where the top 1 percent will receive $10.7 billion in 2019, enough to fund SNAP for 7.2 million people in the state, more than twice the projected number of recipients. Texas is a close second, with the wealthiest 1 percent of households seeing a tax cut worth $10.1 billion in 2019, enough to fund SNAP for nearly 7 million people, or almost twice the projected level.

At the other end of the spectrum, the smallest aggregate tax cut will occur in Vermont, where the wealthiest households will get a tax cut of about $110 million  though thats still enough to fund the states SNAP program and then some. In terms of the percentage of the SNAP program funded by the tax cuts, New Mexico and West Virginia come in last; the aggregate tax cuts for the top 1 percent of $348 million in New Mexico and $250 million in West Virginia would cover about 57 percent of each states SNAP program.

Click here for the full analysis and chart.

Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter.BANGKOK (Reuters) - Over a thousand people gathered in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai on Sunday, police said, to protest against the building of a government luxury housing project on forested land, in one of the largest demonstrations under military rule. The gathering was one of the largest since Thailand's junta took power following a 2014 coup. The junta imposed a ban on public gatherings of over five people and has largely curbed freedom of expression through various orders and used military and police force to block public gatherings. Ariel images of the housing project for judges, circulated on social media over the past few months, showed construction has carved into the forested foothills of Chiang Mai's Doi Suthep mountain, inciting public anger. The police estimated over a thousand people took part in the protest on Sunday which it said proceeded in an orderly fashion. "Around 1,250 people took part in the protest," Police Colonel Paisan, deputy commander of Chiang Mai Police told Reuters. "The protesters were focused on environmental issues and not politics, and they cleaned the street afterwards," Paisan said. He said the organizers made a proper request for the gathering beforehand and so the protest was allowed to proceed. Protesters, many wearing green ribbons, demanded the government demolish the new buildings that encroach into Doi Suthep mountain, saying the government must comply in seven days or face more protests. Public officials have defended the project, pointing out construction was legal and on state-owned land which does not encroach into the national park that covers the mountain. Officials also said protesters could face legal action if the housing is demolished and that the homes should be used for 10 years before the public can reassess any environmental impact. Construction started in 2015 and has faced opposition from local environmental groups who regard the mountain as sacred for Chiang Mai and as a "natural lung" for the north's largest city. The military government, which has promised to hold an election next year, has faced a growing number of public protests in recent months, including a pro-democracy demonstration in Bangkok last month demanding the military withdraw support for the ruling junta. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-umEditing by Christopher Cushing)Actors Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Monday with some then-and-now pics.

Wilson tweeted:

A short time later, Hanks tweeted the same pic with his own words of love:

30 years on April 30. 88 To 18. Magic numbers. Hanx and @RitaWilson pic.twitter.com/ZhVISOia6o  Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) April 30, 2018

Hanks said in an interview last year that he was smitten from the start.

I will say that right from the get-go, I thought there was something crazy great about her, he told the Sooo Many White Guys podcast. I met her and I thought Oh lord ... theres something cookin here.

Wilson also looked back on their relationship in a 2012 interview.

Ill never forget, we were standing on the corner of 57th and 5th in New York, or 58th and 5th, she told CNN. We were holding hands and we were waiting for the traffic light to change. And he looked at me and he said, You know, I just want you to know, that you never have to change anything about who you are in order to be with me.

Related...

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Also on HuffPost

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Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks on the red carpet in 2012.

Tom Hanks And Wife, Rita Wilson

Hanks with his wife and Huff/Post50 editor-at-large Rita Wilson in 2012.

'Da Vinci Code'

(Clockwise from top left) Writer Akiva Goldsman, author Dan Brown, Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and director Ron Howard in 2006.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks arrives on the red carpet for the film "Larry Crowne" in 2011.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.On the back of a historic meeting between the leaders of North and South Korea, for which he has sought to take full credit, President Donald Trumps approval rating has jumped to its highest mark in almost a year.

Related: Where Will Trump Meet Kim Jong Un? President Names His Favorite Place for North Korea Summit

Trumps rating with Gallup as of Sunday stood at 42 percent, the highest it has been with the polling company since the start of last May. The presidents disapproval rating is also at its lowest, 53 percent, in nearly 12 months.

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The findings came just days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, met for a historic summit in which they pledged to bring a formal end to the Korea War, 65 years after fighting was suspended by an armistice deal.

Trump, who regularly tweeted insults and threats at Kim through much of last year, has been credited by many, not least himself, for helping to create the landscape for peace talks.

I spoke to the President of South Korea this morning for a long time. They just had a very good meeting. He gives us tremendous credit. He gives us all the credit, Trump said Saturday during a rally in Michigan during which he was cheered with chants of Nobel, referencing the Nobel Peace Prize.

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trump

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Trump is planning his own meeting with North Koreas dictator in the coming weeks.

"The United States has never been closer to potentially having something happen with respect to the Korean Peninsula that can get rid of the nuclear weapons, can create so many good things, so many positive things, and peace and safety for the world. So well see what happens, Trump said Monday during a press conference alongside Nigerias president.

Story continues

Trump has battled lowoften record lowapproval ratings throughout his 15 months in the White House and, with Gallup, has yet to match the high of 45 percent he received a week after his inauguration.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekPresident Trump lashed out Tuesday over the apparent leak of a list of questions special counsel Robert Mueller is seeking to ask him in the federal investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia and the presidents possible obstruction of the probe.

So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media, Trump tweeted. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I see  you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!

The president added: It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened! Witch Hunt!

According to federal law, someone can obstruct an investigation of a potential crime even if that inquiry ultimately finds no crime was committed. In other words, someone only has to interfere with a federal investigation to be guilty of obstructing justice.

On Monday night, the New York Times published a report including more than 40 questions that Mueller would like to ask Trump. The Times said it obtained the questions, which were given to the presidents lawyers, from a person outside of Trumps legal team.

Mueller, who has reportedly been seeking an interview with Trump for months, appears to want to know about a broad array of issues, including Trumps thinking surrounding the firings of national security adviser Michael Flynn and FBI Director James Comey.

The questions also address Trumps attacks on Attorney General Jeff Sessions, as well as the presidents knowledge of his campaigns interactions with figures tied to the Kremlin. In particular, the special counsel is interested in the June 9, 2016, meeting at Trump Tower  arranged by Donald Trump Jr.  with a Russian lawyer who offered dirt on Hillary Clinton.

When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting? Mueller reportedly wants to ask Trump, according to the Times.

The questions also indicate that Mueller is interested in what Trump meant when he declared in an interview with NBCs Lester Holt that he had been thinking about the Russia investigation when he fired Comey.

Story continues

I was going to fire Comey knowing there was no good time to do it, Trump told Holt shortly after Comey was ousted. And in fact, when I decided to just do it, I said to myself  I said, you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story. Its an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they shouldve won.

Mueller also reportedly wants to know what Trumps purpose was for his tweet warning Comey of tapes of their conversations.

James Comey better hope that there are no "tapes" of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2017

Trump has said he is willing to sit down with Mueller but has so far deferred to his legal team on the matter.

Read more from Yahoo News:President Donald Trump has condemned the disclosure of a list of questions Special Counsel Robert Mueller recently handed the U.S. leader's lawyer, slamming the leak as "disgraceful."

Trump's outrage comes after a list of four dozen questions covering a wide range of topics Mueller wants to ask the president about was leaked to the New York Times.

"So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were 'leaked' to the media," Trump wrote on Twitter early on Tuesday morning.

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GettyImages-953145042

Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty

"No questions on Collusion. Oh, I see... You have made a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!" he tweeted.

So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I see...you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice! Don't miss: Middle School Teacher With Hells Angels Ties Charged With Cocaine Trafficking  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2018

The questions predominantly concern any Russian coordination with the U.S. leader's presidential campaign, as well as whether Trump tried to obstruct justice to protect his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, from prosecution. They also include queries about former FBI Director James Comey and his firing, as well as questions about Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Story continues

Read more: Trump Superfan Sean Hannity Dismisses 'Crap' Mueller Questions Story in New York Times

The list includes questions such as, "What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December, 2016?" and "What was the purpose of your Jan. 27, 2017, dinner with Mr. Comey, and what was said?"

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While Mueller's team has indicated that the president is not considered a target in his Russia investigation, investigators are still interested in whether Trump's actions in connection with the probe constitute an obstruction of justice.

It is unclear whether Trump was referring to a specific person in his Tuesday morning tweet about the leak.

Fox News anchor Sean Hannity has also blasted the leak, attacking the New York Times over its story and dismissing the newspaper as being "full of crap" during his show on Monday evening.

I am told by my sources tonight that the New York Times is full of crap, Hannity said on his show during a discussion with Fox News contributor Sara Carter. That a lot of those questions are not the questions that the special counsel is asking," he added, claiming that the disclosure was "clearly a leak by the special counsel's office."

Hannity recently faced criticism over his failure to disclose his relationship with Trump's longtime personal attorney, Michael Cohen, who is currently under investigation in New York. Hannity publicly defended him on his show, which was the most-watched program in the U.S. in 2017.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekActing ICE Director Thomas Homan announced his retirement on April 30, 2018. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst / Reuters)

Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thomas Homan will retire from government service, he announced Monday, after spending the last 14 months serving as the most controversial deportation chief in the agencys brief history.

It has been the honor of my life to lead the men and women of ICE for more than a year, Homan said in a statement. The decision to leave federal service after more than 34 years is bittersweet, but my family has sacrificed a lot in order for me to serve and its time for me to focus on them.

Widely respected by law enforcement officials, but reviled among immigrant rights groups, Homan was plucked from retirement last January to lead President Donald Trumps controversial deportation crackdown.

Homan had initially filled the position on an interim basis last year while the White House looked for a formal nominee, an ICE official said Monday. Though the White House nominated Homan to the position in November, he informed the Department of Homeland Security early this year that he intended to step down because of family considerations, according to the official.

Homan told HuffPost earlier this month that his family had received threats since he took charge of the agency.

But Homan had also recoiled at the notion of passing through a politically contentious Senate confirmation hearing, according to the The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news.

Despite receiving the nomination to head ICE six months ago, Homans confirmation hearing had yet to be scheduled. A group of 17 mostly Democratic senators penned a letter Friday pressing DHS to cough up documents it had given to the Senates Homeland Security Committee and questioned whether he should continue to head the agency after 14 months without confirmation.

The absence of a Senate-confirmed head of ICE for more than a year hinders Congressional oversight and the efficient operation of the agency and is troubling in any circumstance, the letter said. We understand that the Trump Administration may be concerned about Mr. Homan answering questions under oath about his leadership of ICE, as well as the possibility that Mr. Homans nomination could be defeated in the Senate.

Story continues

The Senators went on to accuse Homan of carrying out radical  and in some cases possibly illegal  changes in immigration enforcement policies and practices. The cited the separation of hundreds of undocumented children from asylum-seeking parents after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, reversing the presumptive release of pregnant women from immigrant detention, and discarding a decades-long policy of halting deportations for individuals at the request of Congress.

Those changes were accompanied by inflammatory and inaccurate statements, the letter said, noting Homans alleged use of the derogatory epithet tonk to refer to unauthorized immigrants, which HuffPost first reported in a lengthy profile earlier this month. The term is a Border Patrol slang that derives from the sound of bashing an immigrant over the head with a metal flashlight. (Homan denied using the term.)

In an administration bogged down by infighting and high turnover, Homan had appeared to easily win Trumps confidence, pressing ahead with the White Houses deportation agenda enthusiastically, despite the political blowback.

But Homans abrupt departure leaves the signature agency charged with Trumps deportation efforts leaderless and without a clear successor.

Everyone is surprised, a former DHS official told HuffPost. ICE has never had a deep bench and over the last year and a half its become increasingly weak. I would hope theyre looking outside the agency for someone with fresh ideas.

Homan had also recently complained to co-workers that hed been increasingly marginalized by DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who left him out of negotiations with lawmakers on immigration reform earlier this year, according to The Washington Post.

But as recently as Jan. 24 of this year, Homan told the radio show John and Ken on Demand that he planned to move forward with confirmation.

Theres a lot of paperwork involved, Homan said at the time. Were on the finishing touches.

President Donald Trump and acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thomas Homan talk during a law enforcement roundtable on sanctuary cities in the Roosevelt Room at the White House on March 20, 2018. (Photo: The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Mondays announcement brings to a close a three-decade career in law enforcement that began when Homan joined the police department of the 2,000-person village of West Carthage in upstate New York. After serving four years as a Border Patrol agent in the 1980s, Homan steadily rose through the ranks of immigration enforcement, first as an investigator with the now defunct Immigration and Naturalization Service, and later as an administrator with ICE, which was created in 2003.

Homans background in the rank-and-file brought with it an uniquely detailed understanding of all aspects of immigration enforcement and his tenure was characterized by a glorification of the deportation officers whom he views as unfairly vilified by legal groups and the national news media. Even among critics of Trumps immigration crackdown, Homan himself has remained widely respected among current and former DHS officials.

But he also brought a uniquely combative attitude to a position that has traditionally been filled by lawyers who shy away from making contentious statements about immigration enforcement  one of the countrys most divisive political issues. Homan earned the ire of both immigrant rights groups and Democratic politicians by asserting that, under his watch, unauthorized immigrants should look over your shoulder, and you need to be worried.

In perhaps his most bombastic statement, Homan in an appearance on Fox News urged the Justice Department to consider prosecuting local officials who embrace sanctuary policies that limit local cooperation with ICE.

Even as he prepared to exit government service, Homan remained a booster of his deportation officers and took a jab at the national press.

I am humbled and inspired by the 20,000 American patriots who serve this agency and protect our nation, increasingly in the face of unfair and false criticism from politicians and the media, Homan said in Mondays statement. Because of their tremendous dedication and hard work, we have made significant progress this past year in enforcing our nations immigration and customs laws, and in protecting public safety and national security. I will continue to be a strong advocate for the workforce and for the ICE mission.

Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.President Donald Trump skipped the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday and instead held a rally in Michigan, during which he skewered the media, his political opponents and immigration supporters.

Much like his presidential campaign rallies, the president brought up his prized border wall and fury over illegal immigration. At one point, the president said he would "close down the country" if "we don't get border security" and riffed that a "vote for a Democrat in November is a vote for open borders."

His comments came shortly before a migrant caravan carrying asylum seekers arrived at the Mexico-California border from Central America. The group of migrants, including women, men and children, has become a flashpoint for the immigration debate, with Trump tweeting that he wouldn't let them through.

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Approximately 1,500 people left the Mexico southern border city of Tapachula on March 25, although that number has dwindled to an estimated several hundred. Many told media and immigration rights activists that they were fleeing gang violence and drug wars.

"Are you watching that mess that's going on right now with the caravan coming up? Are you watching this and our laws are so weak, they're, so pathetic. Given to us by Democrats," Trump told the raucous crowd on Saturday. Trump eventually suggested that Democrats only rallied behind immigrants as a political power play meant to expand the left's voter base.

One of the reasons [Democrats support immigrants and sanctuary cities] is because the Democrats actually feeland they are probably rightthat all of these people pouring across are going to vote for Democrats," Trump said. "Not for Republicans."

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Story continues

Mexican-caravan

GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP/Getty Images

On April 3, Trump tweeted that the caravan should be stopped from moving any further toward the U.S. border.

"The big Caravan of People from Honduras, now coming to Mexico and heading to our Weak Laws Border, had better be stopped before it gets there, Trump tweeted. "Cash cow NAFTA is in play, as is foreign aid to Honduras and the countries that allow this to happen. Congress MUST ACT NOW!

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On April 23, he reiterated the statement, shining a spotlight on the caravan aided by Pueblo Sin Fronteras, a nonprofit group.

"Despite the Democrat inspired laws on Sanctuary Cities and the Border being so bad and one sided, I have instructed the Secretary of Homeland Security not to let these large Caravans of people into our Country," Trump wrote. "It is a disgrace. We are the only Country in the World so naive! WALL!"

Elected on a wave of fiery rhetoric about immigration, Trump has continued to make closing the southern border a priority in his administration's plans. Much to his ire, Congress has yet to approve funding needed for the "big, beautiful" wall he touted during stump speeches in 2016.

Nevertheless, his allies have also attempted to use the caravan to drum up support for Trump's re-election campaign in 2020. Mirroring the president's tweets, a fundraising email sent out in April touted Trump's orders to STOP the caravan of illegal immigrants trying to cross our WIDE-OPEN BORDER."

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekWhite House Chief of Staff John Kelly has denied a report that he called President Donald Trump an idiot.

He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS, Kelly told NBC News on Monday. I am committed to the president, his agenda, and our country.

But that hasnt stopped the insult from taking on a life of its own online:

John Kelly called Donald Trump an idiot but thank God he didnt talk about his eye makeup or journalists would go bananas.  Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) April 30, 2018

I miss the days when all the President's men weren't constantly having to deny calling him a moron or an idiot.  Randi Mayem Singer (@rmayemsinger) May 1, 2018

John Kelly: I DID NOT CALL TRUMP AN IDIOT THAT IS TOTALL BS!



Michelle Wolf: pic.twitter.com/8MWlRNuDrO  m i t h (@ManInTheHoody) April 30, 2018

North American Idiot Coalition demands apology from John Kelly for unfair comparisons to Trump  John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) May 1, 2018

If JOHN Kelly is calling Trump an idiot behind the scenes, all the more reason to keep him. Smells like Ivanka and Jared leaking.  Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) April 30, 2018

Tillerson is chuckling https://t.co/choIoGl0Y8  Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) May 1, 2018

What would be worse: if John Kelly thinks Trump is an idiot or if he doesnt?  Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) May 1, 2018

I don't know if it's more shocking that John Kelly called the President an idiot or that someone in the Trump Administration told the truth.  Eric Michael Brehm (@EM_Brehm) May 1, 2018

DO YOU THINK I'M AN IDIOT? pic.twitter.com/FG0pCUxkPV  Brian Tashman (@briantashman) April 30, 2018

Of course it goes without saying that John Kelly calling Donald Trump an idiot is a direct attack on Sarah Huckabee Sanders looks.  Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) May 1, 2018

Feedback from Trump employees. @RealDonaldTrump is:

"a moron" (Tillerson)

"dumb as shit" (Cohn)

"a dope" (McMaster)

"an idiot" (Priebus, Mnuchin, Kelly)

(last updated Apr. 30)  West Wing Reports (@WestWingReport) April 30, 2018

It doesnt take John Kelly calling Trump an idiot or Tillerson saying hes a fucking moron for us to know what a complete an utter fool we have in the WH. Its just unfortunate that the wheels of justice move so slowly. Confident the just end will come to the lying criminal.  Rob Reiner (@robreiner) April 30, 2018

So to recap: Trump's chief of staff has reportedly called our male president an idiot and "unhinged," while that same chief of staff has also allegedly created a toxic work environment for women partly due to his belief that they're more emotional than menhttps://t.co/zthJVmyVvP  Astead (@AsteadWesley) May 1, 2018

Kelly can deny the report he called Trump an idiot, but given his record there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to believe him.  Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) April 30, 2018

Remember when people from the Obama administration called Obama an idiot?



Nope, me either.  Denizcan James (@MrFilmkritik) May 1, 2018

Also on HuffPost

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.Benjamin Netanyahu's presentation on Irans nuclear program broadcast live on television yesterday was striking in its style, scope and content.

Netanyahulike U.S. President Donald Trumpis a long-time critic of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and wants to scupper the agreement. Yesterdays show was clearly aimed at the American leader, who seems to be committed to withdrawing from the Obama-era deal.

Trump is the most importantand volatileplayer in the Iran nuclear equation. The Israeli prime minister seemingly considers him the key to scrapping the JCPOA. Netanyahus warnings seem only to have struck a chord in the U.S., with the other signatories reiterating their support for the pact.

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Two camps seem to be forming. In one, the U.S.with Israeli encouragementappears to be stepping away from the deal. In the other, Iran and the other signatories are trying to save it.

Netanyahu Iran

REUTERS/ Amir Cohen

Though U.S. partners have said they are willing to consider new provisions to the dealfor example to include Irans ballistic missile program and growing influence in the Middle Eastall have continually reiterated their support for the agreement.

In the U.K., a government spokesman said the JCPOA remains a vitally important way of independently verifying that Iran is adhering to the deal. Though Netanyahu claimed the intelligence shows Iran was not being transparent, the spokesman said: We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions.

British Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt told the BBC that the U.K. is working very hard to persuade Trump to stick with the deal. We support the JCPOA [and] we will stick to its provisions because we believe it contributes to peace in the region, he said.

Story continues

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A German government spokesperson said the point of the deal was to address doubts about Tehrans nuclear program. The official said the JCPOA was vital in order to maintain independent supervision of Irans nuclear activity.

French President Emmanuel Macron was in Washington, D.C. last week to meet with Trump. A significant portion of his visit was dedicated to convincing the president to stick with the agreement. As he left the country, he told reporters he may well have failed. My view is that he will get rid of this deal on his own, for domestic reasons, Macron explained.

Macron and Trump

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

A French Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that while the evidence produced by Israel needs to be examined, The pertinence of the deal is reinforced by the details presented, suggesting there was no new information in Netanyahus speech. The spokesperson called the agreement one of the most exhaustive and the most robust in the history of nuclear non-proliferation."

This weekend, the French, British and German leaders spoke to announce their continued and united support for the deal. Though the meeting preceded Netanyahus announcement, a joint statement said that all three leaders were convinced that the JCPOA was the best way to stop Iran developing nuclear arms.

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Russia too underlined its continued support for the agreement. According to the Kremlin Press Service, President Vladimir Putin stressed the JCPOAs paramount importance in terms of international stability and security, and said it must be strictly observed by all its signatories. China has also been steadfast in its support for the deal.

The European Union was also a signatory on the deal. The blocs foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that although Netanyahus presentation cast doubt on Tehrans trustworthiness, this is nothing new. The deal was put in place exactly because there was no trust between the parties, Mogherini explained, otherwise we would not have required a nuclear deal to be put in place.

Pompeo Netanyahu

Thomas Coex/Pool via Reuters

While other signatories are lining up behind the JCPOA, the U.S. seems to be preparing to walk away. On Tuesday, new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the new evidence showed beyond any doubt that the Iranian regime was not telling the truth.

Meanwhile, the White House was forced to correct an erroneous statement from Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders that claimed, Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program. The White House later explained she meant to say Iran had such a program.

Last week, Trump said the JCPOA was a bad deal, its a bad structure and should have never, ever been made. He has previously criticized its terrible flaws and repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the agreement before May 12, when the U.S. must decide whether to reimpose sanctions on Tehran that were lifted in exchange for signing the deal.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump refused to discuss his final decision. I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know, he said.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekBy Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Democratic lawmakers asked Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt on Monday for documents related to proposed changes to vehicle fuel emission standards and California's authority to set its own measures, and accused him of misleading Congress of the agency's plans. U.S. Representatives Doris Matsui of California and Paul Tonko of New York sent the letter after reports on Friday that the EPA and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration had prepared a proposal that would likely freeze fuel economy standards from 2020 through 2026 and assert that a 1975 federal law pre-empts states from imposing their own emissions rules. Matsui said the reports, which came a day after Pruitt testified about ethics and travel concerns before two House committees, contradicted his response to her question about whether the EPA would revoke California's Clean Air Act waiver that enables it to set more stringent fuel economy standards. He said: "Not at present." "If true, these reports directly contradict your testimony last week. As you were reminded at the start of that hearing, it is a violation of the law to knowingly make false statements to a Congressional committee," the letter said. The lawmakers requested all emails related to the development of the proposal, drafts, a list of staff that participated in the proposal and a list of all meetings held with industry and stakeholders about it. They also asked for data used by the EPA earlier this month when it determined earlier proposed standards were too stringent. "The Agency is continuing to work with NHTSA to develop a joint proposed rule and is looking forward to the interagency process," EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said. Bowman said the proposal had not yet been sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review. An administration source familiar with the proposal said it would be sent to the OMB by the end of the week. Other California lawmakers raised concerns about reports that the EPA could undermine California's waiver. Like many Californians from across the political spectrum, I support our states long-standing waiver and I have shared my views with Administrator Pruitt on many occasions," said Republican Representative Ken Calvert, who said he would "facilitate" a discussion between the EPA and California officials in the coming days and weeks. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said his office was monitoring the EPA's plans. "I'm ready to take any and all action necessary to defend our progress," the Democratic official said. (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Peter Cooney)London (AFP) - Brexit minister David Davis said Tuesday he has "no intrinsic objection" to the idea of an association deal between Britain and the European Union similar to one the bloc has with Ukraine.

The European Parliament has suggested that an association agreement based on four key areas -- trade, foreign policy and security, internal security and "thematic" cooperation -- could form the basis for ties with Britain after it leaves the bloc next year.

Asked about the proposal by a parliamentary committee, Davis said it depended on the details "but as a concept I have no intrinsic objection to it".

"Some association agreements are stepping stones to membership," he told the House of Lords EU committee, pointing to the example of Ukraine.

"It depends on what's included. We would not for example want to see it bring ECJ (European Court of Justice) jurisdiction in."

The European Parliament had called for the creation of a "coherent and solid governance system" to oversee the agreement, with a mechanism for resolving any disputes that arise.

The parliament's Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt said in March that talks he held with the British government had left him confident London would "see the advantages of such an approach".

Davis said on Tuesday that Verhofstadt was "thoughtful... so I do listen to what he says fairly carefully".

The EU-Ukraine deal, agreed in 2014 but not ratified until last year, is intended to promote deeper political and economic ties as Ukraine looks to join the bloc one day.

Britain has called for a broad and close relationship with the EU after Brexit, that goes beyond a typical free trade deal, including encompassing security.

Erika Szyszczak, a fellow at the UK Trade Policy Observatory at Britain's University of Sussex, suggested in a November briefing paper that the Ukraine association deal could provide a model.

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It offers "tariff-free access for goods and passports for services, and customs cooperation", with the requirement to align on competition, state aid, anti-dumping and public procurement rules.

There is no freedom of movement -- a major reason Britain is leaving the EU -- but instead a system of visas and work permits, Szyszczak said.

Ukraine also has the option of joining certain EU programmes, for example in science and research -- something Britain has left open.

Davis confirmed he wants to agree the outline of the new relationship by October, ahead of Brexit at the end of March 2019.Al-Tanak (Syria) (AFP) - A US-backed Kurdish-led alliance announced Tuesday it is launching the final stage of its battle to expel the Islamic State jihadist group from its desert holdouts in eastern Syria.

The United States confirmed the start of the military operation.

Backed by the US-led coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces have driven the jihadists out of large parts of the country.

But IS fighters have retained a presence in a few areas of the country, including in the eastern oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor near the border with Iraq.

The SDF's Deir Ezzor Military Council on Tuesday said it would press its efforts to oust IS from remaining areas.

"Our forces with the forces of the international coalition have started the last stage" of the anti-IS campaign, it said in a statement.

IS holds dozens of villages in eastern Syria, from the eastern banks of the Euphrates River that cuts across Deir Ezzor to the border with Iraq, and in the south of the adjacent province of Hasakeh.

"Our forces will liberate these areas and secure the Iraqi border once and for all," the military council announced at the Al-Tanak oilfield east of the Euphrates.

The US State Department said later that the coalition and its "partners, including the Syrian Democratic Forces, are launching operations to liberate the final ISIS strongholds in Syria".

"The fighting will be difficult, but we and our partners will prevail... The days of ISIS controlling territory and terrorising the people of Syria are coming to an end," it said in a statement.

Deir Ezzor Military Council head Ahmed Abu Khawla told AFP there was a "shared operations room with Iraqi forces".

The US-led coalition including French forces had increased their numbers and would support the SDF in "the final stage" of their operation, he said.

French special operations forces arrived in Syria last month to help boost US-led efforts against IS, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said last week.

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IS jihadists swept across large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, declaring a so-called "caliphate" in areas they controlled.

But the jihadists have since lost much of that territory to various offensives in both countries.

In a separate assault, Russia-backed Syrian regime forces have expelled IS from areas to the west of the Euphrates including the provincial capital of Dier Ezzor.

In Syria, regime forces are also battling IS in the southern suburbs of the capital including the neighbourhood of Yarmuk.Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given a waiver to meet fuel standards to a fossil fuel company owned by a billionaire former adviser of President Donald Trump.

Carl Icahns refinery in Oklahoma, the state where EPA administrator Scott Pruitt was once Attorney General, has been given a pass on meeting US fuel standards normally reserved for smaller oil refineries  which produce less than 75,000 barrels of crude oil a day  financially struggling to meet the baseline Renewable Fuel standard. The move could save Mr Icahn tens of millions of dollars.

Reuters reported that two sources in the industry said Mr Icahns CVR Energy will not have to follow the regulation that requires mixing gasoline with ethanol, a corn-based fuel product. The rule is meant to reduce pollution, support US corn farmers, and reduce petroleum imports, according to the news outlet.

According to the US Energy Information Administration, an office within the US Department of Energy, through the first six months of 2017, US weekly ethanol production averaged 1.02 million barrels per day...Corn is the primary feedstock of ethanol in the United States, and large corn harvests have contributed to increased ethanol production in recent years.

Brooke Coleman, head of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council, an industry group that is part of the powerful corn lobby in the US, said This ones going to be hard for [Mr] Pruitt to explain. Corn farmers have already criticised the president and the EPA for what they deem as abusing the financial hardship waiver provision because it reduces demand for ethanol.

The previous administration under president Barack Obama had denied the same refinery the waiver in question, according to Reuters. It had also granted an average of six waivers per year.

The agency said that since Mr Trump took office it has approved 24 waivers for small refineries and rejected one request but Reuters also reported that oil giants like Chevron and Exxon have applied to get the waiver. One EPA official said 38 US refineries currently qualify for the waiver by their standards for approval.

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The EPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment but spokesperson Jahan Wilcox said in a statement: The criteria used to grant waivers has not changed since previous administrations. EPA follows a long-standing, objectively determined process where the Agency uses a Department of Energy analysis to inform decisions about refiner exemptions/waivers, for refineries that are below the statutory threshold...EPA decisions on waivers are based on refinery-specific information that is subject to confidential business information protections.

Mr Icahn, 82, was an early and ardent supporter of the US leader. He reportedly left the presidents election night victory party to make a $1bn bet on the stock market because he was certain stocks would jump the next day, which they did.

However, he stepped down as Mr Trumps adviser in August 2017 after allegations from Congress members that he was using his position close to the presidents ear to benefit his own businesses. He wrote in a letter to Mr Trump at the time: I chose to end this arrangement (with your blessing) because I did not want partisan bickering about my role to in any way cloud your administration.

His departure had come at a time of tumult for the White House with several members of the senior staff leaving including chief of staff Reince Priebus, press secretary Sean Spicer, and advisor Steve Bannon.

Mr Icahn made headlines again in March 2018 when he sold $31m worth of shares in Manitowoc Company Inc which manufactures construction cranes, requiring massive amounts of steel for their products. The move, spread out over two weeks, was completed just one day ahead of Mr Trump announced higher tariffs on imported steel and aluminium.Washington (AFP) - Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday the US would stand by the Afghan people and the Kabul government, a day after attacks killed dozens of people including 10 journalists.

"The murder of journalists and other innocent people is a great testimony to what it is we stand for, and more importantly what we stand against," Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon.

"We'll stand by the Afghan people, we'll stand by the Afghan government and the NATO mission will continue as we drive them to a political settlement," he added.

The Pentagon chief had earlier said that weakened militants were targeting journalists in Afghanistan in order to undermine the electoral process ahead of an expected vote in October.

Monday's bloodshed saw a double suicide blast in Kabul that left 25 people dead including AFP's chief Afghanistan photographer Shah Marai and eight other journalists.

The Islamic State group, which has dramatically stepped up its attacks in Kabul in recent months, claimed the attack.

A separate shooting in eastern Khost province killed a BBC reporter.

"We anticipated and are doing our best and have been successful at blocking many of these attacks on innocent people, but unfortunately once in a while they get through," Mattis said as he greeted Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Radmila Sekerinska.

"This is simply what they do: They murder innocent people."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also condemned the "senseless and barbaric attack." He said the work of those journalists who died "helped lay the foundation for Afghanistan's thriving and resilient independent media."

As the Pentagon asserts that Afghan troops and US-led NATO forces are making steady progress in the 16.5-year-old Afghanistan war, a US watchdog on Tuesday warned that the Taliban and other insurgent groups are gaining control over increasing numbers of the Afghan population and the strength of local security forces has declined sharply.New York (AFP) - A 38-year-old Colombian vet appeared in a New York court Tuesday, accused of injecting liquid heroin into puppies to evade border control in a drug smuggling ring.

Andres Lopez Elorez was arrested in Spain on a US warrant and extradited to the United States on Monday. If convicted on conspiracy charges, he risks spending at least 10 years and potentially life behind bars.

His arrest was part of a 12-year DEA investigation and he was remanded into custody, pending trial, US officials said.

Prosecutors say he used his vet skills to surgically implant packets of liquid heroin into the bellies of puppies transported from Colombia to the United States. Once in America, the heroin was surgically removed, officials said.

Ten puppies were discovered in a raid on a makeshift clinic in Colombia in 2005. The New York Times said three of the dogs later died as a result of infections.

"As alleged in the indictment, Elorez is not only a drug trafficker, he also betrayed a veterinarian's pledge to prevent animal suffering," said Richard Donoghue, the US Attorney based in Brooklyn.

"Dogs are mans' best friend and, as the defendant is about to learn, we are drug dealers' worst enemy."

US officials say Elorez was part of a Colombian-based conspiracy from September 2004 to January 2005 that smuggled heroin into the United States using various methods to conceal the narcotics from detection.A Venezuelan veterinarian accused of sewing bags of liquid heroin into puppies to smuggle the drug into the U.S. was extradited from Spain to New York on Monday.

The vet, Andres Lopez Elorza, was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Madrid in 2015 after more than a decade of investigations by U.S. and Colombian authorities.

New York Drugs Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials and a DEA task force in Colombia had received a tip off about criminals smuggling drugs into the U.S. using dogs.

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puppies

DEA

When agents raided a clinic that Lopez Elorza ran in Medellin, Colombia, in 2005, they found 6.6 pounds of heroin surgically implanted in six puppies. All of the puppies were rescued, but three died from infections of incisions.

"Throughout my 25-year career, this is one of the most outrageous methods of smuggling that I personally have encountered," John P. Gilbride, the special agent in charge of the DEA's New York Field Division, told the New York Times in 2006.

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Police arrested 22 Colombians in connection with the raid, and charged them with smuggling 40 pounds of heroin into the U.S., reported NBC 4 New York.

However, Lopez Elorza went into hidingbefore being tracked down to Spain. He was arrested in 2013, then released while his extradition was considered and re-arrested in 2015.

The groups distribution network spread from New York to Miami, and they used a range of methods to transport illegal drugs into the U.S. Lopez is expected to appear in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekActivists protested at Waffle Houses Atlanta headquarters on Monday, demanding the restaurant chain drop charges against customer Chikesia Clemons, who was violently arrested at an Alabama location on April 22.

Waffle House, however, doubled down on its defense of employees who called the police, and claimed Clemons was threatening the workers with violence.

The activists, including those representing causes like March for Our Lives, the Georgia Alliance for Social Justice, and the NAACP, asked Waffle House to withdraw charges against Clemons, who was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The activists also asked Waffle House to release video of the incident that will prove officers threatened Ms. Clemons, issue a statement rebuking the mishandling of Clemons and take disciplinary action against employees involved.

The activists called for a nationwide boycott of Waffle House beginning on Friday.

Clemons, 25, was in a Waffle House in Saraland, Alabama, with a friend when three police officers, summoned by employees, forced her to the floor, exposing her breasts, and handcuffed her, according to a video taken by Clemons friend that has since gone viral. Police said Clemons and her friend were drunk and brought alcohol into the restaurant. Clemons, they said, told officers she would shoot this place up.

Waffle House quickly released a statement defending the appropriate actions of the Saraland Police Department.

On Monday in Atlanta, Waffle House spokesman Pat Warner told demonstrators the chains employees are specifically trained to contact police anytime there is concern about their personal safety or that of their customers.

Previously, we stated that upon reviewing security video and eyewitness statements, it was our belief that our associates calling the police was necessary and appropriate, the company said in a statement.

In the days since, we have gathered additional details and information. Witnesses say several threats were made to our associates including threats of violence, and thats why the police were called.

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Just got my hands on an official statement from @WaffleHouse @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/1tDnSM9Ewd  Audrey Washington (@AudreyWSBTV) April 30, 2018

The statement said the companys investigation into the incident will conclude this week.

Police have said they are investigating actions of the officers involved.

Clemons herself spoke publicly for the first time on Sunday, appearing on the MSNBC show PoliticsNation with the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Clemons said the arrest has been so hard on her. I cant eat, I cant sleep, Im constantly crying. I have a 6-year-old daughter, Im trying to be strong for her, she said.

She sees me crying, she starts to cry, so its very hard on me at the time right now.

Clemons expressed gratitude to those supporting and defending her.

I ask you guys continue to be behind me as you fight for justice for me, she said.

Her attorney, Benjamin Crump, told Sharpton: There are two independent white women who were in the restaurant that night that said what the waitress did, and, more importantly, what the Saraland police did, Reverend Al, was just unacceptable.

#ChikesiaClemons (Waffle House police assault victim) asks for the public to continue to stand with her live on #PoliticsNation w/ Al Sharpton pic.twitter.com/OJtN4CsNIY  Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) April 29, 2018

Civil rights Attorney Ben Crump discusses #ChikesiaClemons, racism, and hate in the Trump era live w/ me on #PoliticsNation pic.twitter.com/jzBwJIvaBk  Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) April 29, 2018

Crump implored viewers to stand up for our unarmed black women.

Sharpton, Crump, and other activists will be in Mobile, Alabama, a short drive from Saraland, on Tuesday for a town hall meeting on the incident.

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Join me @AttorneyCrump @NationalAction & more to stand with & for #ChikesiaClemons, the young woman assaulted by police officers in a #WaffleHouse in Alabama. Join us 5/1 in Mobile, Alabama at Bethel AME Church for an important townhall to discuss action around this matter. pic.twitter.com/DNbPp9vgPM  Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) April 26, 2018

Clemons was arrested the same day that another Waffle House location outside Nashville, Tennessee, was the scene of a mass shooting. The lone gunman shot four people to death and injured two others.

Also on HuffPost

THANK YOU @serenawilliams for giving us joy in the midst of all this darkness. #BlackGirlMagic   Doc McDabbins (@javeauriel) July 9, 2016

#heyblackgirl Share something positive & uplifting for/to our community.



(Black Men & Boys included)

  Hey Black Girl (@Hey_BlackGirl) July 6, 2016

We ain't about to let these executions steal our joy



Brothers, it's OK to smile



We Love you!!!#BlackManJoy  Feminista Jones (@FeministaJones) July 9, 2016

About to hit the stage and sing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" #DerayHasBeenReleasedParty pic.twitter.com/mQ7rXBIEmk  Kristopher Chenet (@Krischievous) July 10, 2016

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.San Francisco (AFP) - WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum on Monday put out word that he is leaving Facebook, which bought the smartphone messaging service four years ago for $19 billion.

Koum said in a post on his Facebook page that he is taking time off to pursue interests such as collecting air-cooled Porsches, working on cars and playing ultimate Frisbee.

US media reports indicated that a disagreement with Facebook over the privacy of user data may have also been a factor in Koum's decision to quit his position as a high-ranking executive and likely leave his seat on the board at the leading online social network.

"It's been almost a decade since Brian (Acton) and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people," Koum said in the post.

"But it is time for me to move on."

Acton left Facebook last year to start a nonprofit.

WhatsApp boasts more than 1.2 billion users worldwide.

In a reply to Koum's post, Facebook co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said he would miss working closely with the WhatsApp co-founder.

"I'm grateful for everything you've done to help connect the world, and for everything you've taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands," Zuckerberg said in his written reply.

"Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp."

WhatsApp last week raised its minimum age for users in the European Union to 16 years, as the bloc prepares for a new online privacy law to come into force next month.

In an update to its terms of service, WhatsApp said the minimum age for users outside the EU was still 13 years.

WhatsApp parent Facebook has pledged to change how it handles private data to comply with the forthcoming law change.

But unlike WhatsApp, which will only apply the new law to its European users, Facebook plans on rolling out changes for its users worldwide.

The change in the European law was already planned prior to the recent privacy scandal involving Facebook and Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg has spent most of the past month on the fallout from revelations on the hijacking of personal data by the political firm, seeking to assuage fears that the California-based internet colossus can safeguard privacy while making money by targeting ads based on what people share about themselves.Ocean Infinity, the company searching for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, or MH370, that disappeared more than four years ago, has found no new signs of the airplane or its passengers, it said in a release Monday.

Whilst its disappointing there has been no sign of MH370 in the Australian Transport Safety Bureau search area and further north, there is still some search time remaining," said the companys CEO, Oliver Plunkett, in the release. "Everyone at Ocean Infinity remains absolutely determined for the remainder of the search.

The flight disappeared with 239 passengers on board while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Minimal debris has been recovered from the plane, and it is still unknown what happened to it.

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The Ocean Infinity team has been using the companys technology for capturing high-resolution data of the seabed while on board the Seabed Constructor vessel. Since this search began in January, the team has covered almost 30,000 square miles in search of the aircraft.

Just over a week into the search, the Seabed Constructor disappeared from radar and was missing for three days, The Guardian reported. Neither the company nor the government of Malaysia explained the disappearance.

Ocean Infinitys technology is built to explore the seabed in an efficient way that allows for multitasking, says the company's website. The company uses autonomous vehicles, some traveling thousands of feet underwater to collect data as they go. Others stay at the surface of the ocean to provide support.

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ocean infinity boat

Tony Ashby/Getty Images

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The ship and its crew are set to arrive back in Port of Fremantle in Western Australia soon to pick up a new crew along with fresh supplies before the search continues, the company said.

The company cant send out a crew for the entire year because of weather conditions, so the next phase will be some of the last search efforts the company can make for the year, said a release.

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The Malaysian government accepted the companys offer to only pay for the services of the search if some sort of evidence came from it, the company announced in January.

Whilst there can be no guarantees of locating the aircraft, we believe our system of multiple autonomous vehicles working simultaneously is well suited to the task at hand, Plunkett said in a statement.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekThe White House condemned Tuesday the "heinous" twin suicide attacks that killed at least nine journalists and 16 others the day before in Kabul, the deadliest assault on Afghan media since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

"We strongly condemn yesterday's suicide bombing in Kabul," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters.

"Afghanistan's press corps is a powerful illustration of how that country has transformed. There is absolutely no justification for such a senseless and heinous act."

Sanders was echoing comments by Pentagon chief Jim Mattis, who insisted the US would stand by the Afghan people and the Kabul government.

"The murder of journalists and other innocent people is a great testimony to what it is we stand for, and more importantly what we stand against," he said.

"We'll stand by the Afghan people, we'll stand by the Afghan government and the NATO mission will continue as we drive them to a political settlement."

A separate shooting in eastern Khost province killed a BBC reporter.The White House blamed a clerical error last night for a statement claiming that Iran has nuclear weapons, which if true would have constituted a clear violation of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders released the statement Monday, hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a press conference outlined why he thought President Donald Trump should abandon the nuclear deal.

GettyImages-487400716

Getty Images

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"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the statement from Sanders read.

The statement contradicts the official position of the U.S. intelligence community, which says that Iran has suspended its nuclear program.

Trump has in the past strongly criticized the deal, and said that it has done nothing to curb Iranian aggression in the Middle East or curtail its ballistic missiles program. However, he has never accused Iran of breaking the agreement and attempting to build nuclear weapons.

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The White House was quick to correct the initial statement, changing the word has to had in line with official intelligence assessments and the view of international monitors.

"Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," read the revised statement.

NBC News reported that the White House blamed a clerical error for the mistaken claim.

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Trump is widely expected to scrap the nuclear deal, under which Iran agreed to increased international inspections of its nuclear facilities in exchange for economic sanctions imposed by the West being lifted.

In his press conference Monday, Netanyahu claimed Israel had evidence that Iran had covertly sought to develop a nuclear weapon, and lied to the international community about it.

At the White House earlier Trump would not be drawn on what he intends to do when the May 12 deadline for ratifying the deal comes round.

I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know," Mr. Trump said. "And on or before the 12th, we'll make a decision."

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekClaims by Israel and the US that Iran "lied" about its nuclear programme have caused international disagreement.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said "half a ton" of secret Iranian documents obtained in a "great intelligence achievement" by his government showed Iran was "brazenly lying" when it said it never had a nuclear weapons programme.

After signing a deal in 2015, Iran was obliged to limit its nuclear energy programme, amid fears the country could use the technology to make a nuclear weapon. Economic sanctions were lifted in return. Iran has denied ever seeking nuclear weapons.

Mr Netanyahu claimed Iran did not honour the agreement and instead intensified its efforts to hide secret files after signing the deal.

Some intelligence experts and diplomats said the presentation did not seem to have a "smoking gun" showing a violation - but could strengthen the hand of those around Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had "personally reviewed many of the Iranian files".

They showed that Iran "had a secret nuclear weapons program for years", he added.

"What this means is the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency. It was built on Iran's lies," Mr Pompeo said.

Mr Trump described a presentation from Mr Netanyahu as "good" and said Iran's behaviour was "just not an acceptable situation".

The US President has set a 12 May deadline to decide whether to pull out of the deal.

But in what it called a "clerical error", the US appeared to soften its rhetoric.

In a statement sent to reporters, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders initially said the Iranian documents were "consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme".

It later changed "has" a programme to "had".

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The views of Israel and the US are at odds with those of the UK and EU.

A British Government spokesman said the 2015 agreement remained a "vitally important way of independently verifying that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful".

"That is why the IAEA inspection regime agreed as part of the Iran nuclear deal is one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords," he added.

The European Union's foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, said: "What I have seen from the first reports is that Prime Minister Netanyahu has not put into question Iran's compliance."

And a spokesman for France's foreign ministry said the "pertinence of the deal is reinforced by the details presented by Israel".

Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, said Mr Netanyahu's allegations were old and had already been dealt with by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Mr Zarif tweeted: "BREAKING: The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again. Undeterred by cartoon fiasco at UNGA. You can only fool some of the people so many times."

He added: "Trump is jumping on a rehash of old allegations already dealt with by the IAEA to "nix" the deal.

"How convenient. Co-ordinated timing of alleged intelligence revelations by the boy who cries wolf just days before May 12. But Trump's impetuousness to celebrate blew the cover."

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused Washington of trying to stoke a "regional crisis".

"Americans are trying to provoke Saudi Arabia against Tehran," he said.

"Their aim is to create more regional crisis... to push Muslims to fight against Muslims.

"If these governments gain more wisdom, they will not confront Iran. If they confront Iran, they will be defeated."

Mr Netanyahu's statement came after a missile strike on government outposts in northern Syria on Sunday night, which reportedly killed several Iranians.

The strikes sparked speculation that Israel may have carried them out amid soaring tensions with Iran.The White House pushed back on reports that White House physician Ronny Jackson would not be returning to his role after a string of reports about his conduct led him to withdraw from consideration to head up the Department of Veterans Affairs.

On Sunday, Politico first reported that Jackson would remain within the medical unit of the White House, but he would not be serving as the presidents personal doctor going forward. The White House said Monday that it has no personnel changes to announce.

Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson is currently on active duty, assigned to the White House as Deputy Assistant to the President, said White House spokesperson Raj Shah. Despite published reports, there are no personnel announcements at this time.

Jacksons selection took many by surprise given his lack of experience heading up a major organizationVeterans Affairs is the second-largest federal agency after the Pentagon.

But last week, the office of Montana Sen. John Tester, a Democrat, released a litany of allegations against Jackson, including claims that he was often drunk at work and overprescribed drugs.

Jackson denied the allegations, but withdrew from the nomination process. The Secret Service also came to Jacksons defense, releasing a statement denying a report that officers had to intervene to stop Jackson from potentially disturbing President Obama while on an overseas trip.

Trump has defended Jackson and called for Tester, who is up for re-election, to resign.

Secret Service has just informed me that Senator Jon Testers statements on Admiral Jackson are not true. There were no such findings. A horrible thing that we in D.C. must live with, just like phony Russian Collusion. Tester should lose race in Montana. Very dishonest and sick!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018

Allegations made by Senator Jon Tester against Admiral/Doctor Ron Jackson are proving false. The Secret Service is unable to confirm (in fact they deny) any of the phony Democrat charges which have absolutely devastated the wonderful Jackson family. Tester should resign. The.....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018Kiley Lane died after contracting Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. Image via Facebook.

A 27-year old mother from Aztec, New Mexico has died of a rare, rodent-borne disease known as hantavirus.

In January, Kiley Lane visited San Juan Regional Medical Center after experiencing severe nausea and abdominal pain. Doctors diagnosed Lane with the flu, and prescribed laxatives to help ease her discomfort. The next day, Lanes symptoms began to worsen and she was immediately admitted to hospital where she remained for several days.

Lanes mother, Julie Barron, visited her daughter on Feb. 1, after she was sent home from the hospital. Lane was struggling to breathe, and was unable to walk on her own. Lanes husband, Kevin, insisted she go to hospital straight away.

ALSO SEE: A 4-year-old almost died from dry drowning  a doctor weighs in on how to stay safe

Our family doesnt really go to the doctor a lot. But in this particular case, her husband just had the gut instinct that they didnt need to wait around, and he took her into the ER, Barron told People magazine.

Doctors immediately hooked Lane up to a ventilator and began running tests. On Feb. 5, they diagnosed Lane with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a respiratory illness transmitted through airborne particles from rodent droppings, urine and saliva.

The Centre for Disease Control notes that early symptoms of HPS include fever and muscle aches, especially in the thighs, hips, back and shoulders and general fatigue. Like Lane, approximately half of all patients will experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and diarrhea. Four to 10 days after the initial illness appears, patients experience coughing, shortness of breath and lungs fill with fluid.

Kiley Lane leaves behind her husband, Kevin, and their two-year-old daughter. Image via Facebook.

Lane, the mother of a two-year old daughter, was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for treatment. She was immediately admitted to intensive care and put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), otherwise known extracorporeal life support to assist her failing heart and lungs.

Story continues

After more than a month in intensive care, the CDC tested Lane for HPS and confirmed that the disease had left her system. However, the damage was too great to Lanes body and her kidneys began failing.

ALSO SEE: Actress shares shocking photo after losing an inordinate amount of weight

With a mortality rate of 38 per cent, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a serious life-threatening disease. In the past 25 years, hantavirus has been reported in 36 states. Almost 15 per cent (109) of all cases have come from Lanes home state of New Mexico. Colorado (104), Arizona (78) California (61) and Washington (50) round out the list of the states with the highest number of reported hantavirus cases.

In Canada, a majority of the 109 confirmed cases of HPS have occurred in the western provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Each year, anywhere from zero to 13 new cases of HPS are reported.

On April 18, after multiple complications and infections, Lanes family made the difficult decision to disconnect the machine.

At this time, Lanes official cause of death has not been released.

A YouCaring page has been set up by a Lane family friend to assist the family with expenses.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA!

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Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.Sdot Negev Regional Council head Tamir Idan is right. He and the residents of his council have the right to live in peace and security, just like any other person in Israel.

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One might add that every person in Gaza is entitled to the same right. Idan has other rights too. He can, for example, go out and protest for that justified right. Unlike Gazas residents, he knows that if he does that, he wont risk being killed by a sniper.

We, members of four human rights organizationsYesh Din, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), Gisha and HaMokedwhich petitioned the High Court of Justice against the rules of engagement, allowing the use of lethal weapon against unarmed protestors, want reality to change and want Idan, the residents of the Sdot Negev Regional Council and all the residents of the Gaza vicinity to live in peace.

Snipers facing the March of Return on the Gaza border fence (Photo: Reuters)

We dont think and we have never claimed that the State of Israel isnt allowed to defend its border, or that sending burning kites to set fields on fire or planting explosive devices near the fence is justified. Furthermore, international law allows the use of lethal force and firearms against civilians by law enforcement officialsbut only in a life-threatening situation.

Gazas residents are allowed to protest against Israel. Some parts of the public may not like it, but they have a right to do so. Gazas residents are also entitled to hold wild protests. It may be scary, but it doesnt justify using firearms against them. The protestors may also be Hamas members, but the fact that they are part of a terror organization is not an offense justifying death without a trial.

It is the State of Israels duty to defend its citizens. The IDF soldiers standing in front of the fence were deployed there to prevent an infiltration. Thats their job, and were not saying that they should be prevented from doing so. International law and Israeli law do not contradict that duty; they reinforce it.

The issue can be emphasizes in military briefings held ahead of the Friday protests, and the soldiers can be given the tools to deal with the protests. But the attempts to intimidate the Israeli public into believing that a murderous crowd is about to cross the border and destroy everything in its way have been revealed in reality as a fiery rhetoric aimed at justifying indiscriminate shooting at thousands who do not pose a risk.

Gaza border protest (Photo: AFP)

The IDF, the Border Guard and the police have a variety of non-lethal means for dealing with protests, and these means can also be used to prevent damage to the fence or an infiltration into Israel. Firearms should only be used to defend soldiers lives and civilians lives. This is not only argued by human rights organizations and the law; its the IDFs spirit as well. IDF soldiers will not use their weapons and force to harm human beings who are not combatants and will do all in their power to avoid causing harm to their lives, bodies, dignity and property, the IDFs Code of Ethics and Mission states.

Nevertheless, the defense minister and the senior military command have chosen to ignore the law and allow the soldiers to shoot anyone who approaches the fence or is perceived as a main instigator, even if he is unarmed and poses no risk to anyone.

The result is that 39 people have been killed, including teenagers and journalists, and hundreds have been wounded from live fire. Did they all threaten the soldiers lives? That must be investigated, but its clear that the real problem is the illegal orders they were given, and those ordered must be revoked before they claim more lives.Yesh Atid Chairmain Yair Lapid slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government on Monday ahead of the opening of the Knesset's summer session. Lapid talked about the future of Israeli politics, saying "may this not only be the shortest parliamentary session, but also the last one, since Israel's politics has became its number one problem.

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"Netanyahu doesnt want a unified nation. The more we fight with one another, the more we hate one another, it's better for him," Lapid charged.

Lapid and Gabbay slam Netanyahu (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

"He wasn't always like that, something has happened to him. It's not the Netanyahu we used to know," Lapid went on to say.

"This coalition, this government and its prime minister are busy with instigating conflicts, fighting and sparking disputes about everything that unites us as a nation. They have not been working for Israel's citizens for quite some time now, they have been working only for their own benefit."

"While they are corrupting, the Yesh Atid party will continue leading the fight against corruption in the State of Israel," he concluded.

Lapid mentioned the override power bill and stated his party is completely against it. "It's an attack on the rule of law in Israel which joins the attack being made on the police and the general attack on the courts."

"We'll stand firm in our fight against the attack on the rule of law in Israel," he added.

The Zionist Union's faction meeting took place earlier Monday. Party leader Avi Gabbay said the Knesset's summer session might be the most important one in the history of the State of Israel. "This session will determine whether we'll continue to exist as a democratic country or we'll become a pseudo democracy like Turkey."

Avi Gabbay (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

"This session clearly emphasizes the differences between the Zionist Union that believes in equality, in the values of the Declaration of Independence, in the superiority of basic rights and in peace with the Palestinians and separation from them, and between a party that is willing to abandon all of its values in order to survive and be in power," he added.

In reference to the override power bill the coalition is trying to get approved, Gabbay said that if this bill goes through, Israelis' lives would change completely. "We could be arrested for a Facebook postit will be a reflection of the majority's tyranny," he said.

"We'll fight against every bill that jeopardizes democracy, it doesn't matter if it's 61 mandates. Basic Laws can't be bypassed by new legislation," Gabbay added.

"Our fight will continue in and outside the Knesset, in the same way we demonstrated in front the High Court of Justice 10 days ago," Gabbay concluded.

Meretz leader Tamar Zandberg made her first speech since being elected. "Today we convene for a session that shouldn't have taken place. We should have been in the midst or at the end of an election campaign," Zandberg said.

Tamar Zandberg (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

Meretz leader Tamar Zandberg made her first speech since being elected. "Today we convene for a session that shouldn't have taken place. We should have been in the midst or at the end of an election campaign," Zandberg said.

"A lot of bad tidings are expected to rear their ugly heads during this summer session, including the Nationality Bill, the override power bill meant to paralyze the High Court and make a constitutional revolution in Israel, while the man who is leading it is suspected of bribery," she went on to say.

"Our role is to fight for what the public needs and wants," Zandberg concluded.The White House said on Monday that information released by Israel on Irans nuclear program provides new and compelling details about Tehrans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons.

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These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people, the White House statement said.

US President Donald Trump is due to decide by May 12 whether to pull the United States out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

US President Trump says Israel 'proven right' after Netanyahu's exposure of Iran's nuclear weapons archive (Photo: AFP)

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the information showed that Iran's leaders lied to their people about a nuclear weapons program known as "Project Amad". But Pompeo declined to say whether the documents provided evidence of a violation of the nuclear deal.

Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahu's presentation, in a prime-time television presentation, did not seem to have a "smoking gun" showing a violation by Iran but it could strengthen the hand of advisers to US President Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement.

Most of the purported evidence Netanyahu presented dated to the period before the 2015 accord was signed, although he said Iran had also kept important files on nuclear technology since then, and continued adding to its "nuclear weapons knowledge."

Tehran dismissed Netanyahu as "the boy who cried wolf", and called his presentation propaganda.

As he traveled back from Amman, Jordan, to Washington on Monday, Pompeo told reporters he and Netanyahu discussed the documents in Tel Aviv during a meeting on Sunday.

Pompeo said that while the existence of the Amad nuclear project was known for some time, the new material discovered by the Israelis will help better understand the scope and scale of the program.

He added that the documents make "very clear that at the very least the Iranians have continued to lie to their own people."

Asked whether the information indicated a violation of the Iran nuclear agreement, Pompeo responded: I'll leave that to lawyers. The president will ultimately have to make a determination about that too.

Trump responds to information released by Israel (Video: Reuters) (: )

X

Trump has threatened to pull the United States out of the international deal unless it is renegotiated by May 12. After Netanyahu spoke, Trump repeated his criticism of the deal, suggesting he backed the Israeli leader's remarks.

At Israel's Defense Ministry, Netanyahu stood in front of stacks of files representing what he described as a vault full of Iranian nuclear documents obtained weeks before.

"Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons program," he said. "One hundred thousand secret files prove it did. Second, even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge for future use."

Although the presentation was live on Israeli television, Netanyahu made clear his audience was abroad, delivering most of his speech in English, before switching to Hebrew.

Netanyahu said he had shared the intelligence with the United States and would dispatch envoys to France and Germany to present it. He also spoke by phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The White House later acknowledged receiving the information from Israel, saying it was examining it carefully.

An earlier statement by the White House stated that Iran "has" a clandestine nuclear weapons program before it corrected it to due to what it said was a clerical error.

A 2007 National Intelligence Estimate judged with "high confidence" that Tehran halted its nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003. The IAEA later reached a similar judgment.

Iran has denied ever seeking nuclear weapons and accuses its arch-foe Israel of stirring up world suspicions against it.

A White House official said the information provided compelling details about "Iran's past efforts" to develop nuclear weapons.

Analysts, diplomats skeptical

Under the 2015 nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powersBritain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United StatesTehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from US and other economic sanctions.

Trump gave Britain, France and Germany a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as the deal's flawsits failure to address Iran's ballistic missile program, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and "sunset" clauses under which some of its terms expireor he will reimpose US sanctions.

Much of what Netanyahu presented is unlikely to surprise world powers, which have long concluded that Iran was pursuing atomic weapons before the agreement was signed in 2015. That is in part why they imposed sanctions in the first place.

Netanyahu presents 'conclusive proof' Iran lied 'big time' about nuclear weapons program (Photo: Orel Cohen)

The French ambassador to Washington, Gerard Araud, tweeted that information about past Iranian nuclear activity was in fact an argument in favor of the nuclear deal, not against it.

A German government spokesman said it was vital to keep the independent inspections provided for under the deal.

Some independent analysts and diplomats said Netanyahu appeared to be presenting old evidence.

A British government spokesman defended the accord, saying in a statement: "We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions."

"That is why the IAEA inspection regime agreed as part of the Iran nuclear deal is one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords," the spokesman added.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, issued a statement saying Netanyahu's presentation will be assessed.

"I have not seen from Prime Minister Netanyahu arguments for the moment on non-compliance, meaning violation by Iran of its nuclear commitments under the (nuclear) deal," she said.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says Netanyahu's presentation will be assessed (Photo: AFP)

Speaking after Netanyahu's presentation, Trump told a White House news conference the nuclear deal was "a horrible agreement for the United States." He said it would let Tehran develop nuclear arms after seven years and had "proven right what Israel has done today" with Netanyahu's disclosures.

Washington itself has concluded, however, that Iran has not violated the deal's terms. Two US intelligence officials who have monitored Iran's nuclear weapons program for years said nothing in Netanyahu's remarks appeared to contradict that view.

"We have seen no new and credible evidence that Iran is violating the agreement, whether in the Prime Minister's remarks today or from other sources," said one of the officials, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Moments before Netanyahu spoke Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted: "The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again."

Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, although it neither confirms nor denies possessing atomic weapons.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled on Monday what he said was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program that could step up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the information showed that Iran's leaders lied to their people about a nuclear weapons program known as "Project Amad". But Pompeo declined to say whether the documents provided evidence of a violation of the nuclear deal.The Knesset plenum on Monday night approved Basic Law: Israel as the Nation State of the Jewish People in its first reading. Sixty-four Knesset members supported the proposition, while 50 MK voted against it. The bill passed a preliminary reading in May of last year.

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The bill will now go to a special committee chaired by MK Amir Ohana (Likud) for preparations for its next readings.

The bill, commonly known as the " Nationality Law ", was drafted by MK Avi Dichter and other lawmakers and seeks to anchor in a Basic Law the definition of Israel as the Jewish and democratic nation state of the Jewish people, as well as the state's symbols, Jerusalem as the country's capital, Hebrew as its official language and Arabic as a language with special status.

The Nationality Law passed its first reading in the plenum overnight (Photo: Yitzhak Harari, Knesset spokesmanship)

"That is a clear, hard fact, but despite it all70 years onit is unfortunately not yet clear to everyone, and is certainly has not been anchored in any law," the Likud MK lamented.

Tackling criticism levied against the bill, Dichter explained, "Each individual has rights as an individual, and the law does not address the rights of a populace or a resident as individuals, but rather the national character of the country. I think quite a few of the law's detractors have failed to actually read it."

Bill's main sponsor MK Dichter said the bill did not refer to individuals as such but rather the basic character of the state (Photo: Knesset Channel)

One such detractor was Meretz Chairperson MK Tamar Zandberg, who said, "This law is a perfect example of the phrase 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it' also has a second portion: 'If you try to fix something that isn't broken anyway, you can do damage, and lots of it.' This is what this law does: it doesn't do any good, but rather a lot of damage."

"What's so wrong with the phrasing of the Declaration of Independence? Could we not take that and make it a Basic Law? As a Jewish person, as a member of the Jewish people, who have received national recognition in the form of the State of Israel, I'm ashamed," she exclaimed.

Zionist Union MK Tzipi Livni spoke against the bill as well, professing her belief that "defending our Jewish and democratic sate from enemies is a task for the highest order, but the country should also be protected from the actions of its current government. A government that thinks, says and tells that democracy means the majority rules alone? Someone needs to send it to civics class."

Opposition MK Livni said the government should be sent back to civics class (Photo: Amit Shabi)

Yesh Atid parliamentarian Yael German echoed Livni's sentiments, who said, "The government thinks democracy is majority rule, and that alone. Democracy is not majority rule, democracy is a system of government in which values, civil rights and above all minority rights are preserved."

The law did not face objections from merely the opposition, however, as Likud MK Benny Begin also spoke out against the law's language. "I'll hazard a guess that a Nationality Bill that does not afford equal rights to all of Israel's citizens will not pass its third reading, but in the meantime those annulling such a statement have the upper hand, making the bill faulty. I therefore cannot support it, both for what it omits and for what it includes," he stated.

Begin's fellow party member MK Ohana, meanwhile, said he "did not know many laws that have been afforded special committees that will hold so many discussions on each article and each letter of the bill," adding the bill was sent to its first reading after a considerable number of changes were implemented.

Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi concluded objections, saying, "What the law actually declares is that there are two kinds of civilians. One group comprised of Jews that has rights, and the other comprised of tolerable guests. The law practically determines Jews-only communities. If that's not racism, I don't know what is."

Joint List MK Tibi said the law will divide the country to Jews and 'tolerable guests' (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

Among the bill's other articles are ones setting the Hebrew calendar as the country's official calendar and enshrines Independence Day and other Jewish holidays, events and memorial days in law.

The bill's explanatory remarks said, "The bill's aim is to enshrine in basic legislation the identity of the State of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, as well as adding a series of instructions to its constitutional framework dealing with the country's fundamental characteristics as a Jewish state."

"The proposed Basic Law will join existing Basic Laws, anchoring other components in the State of Israel's character as a Jewish and democratic state, in light of the principles contained in the country's Declaration of Independence," the remarks concluded.

Before reaching the first reading phase, the bill drew ire and scathing criticism from all flanks of the opposition, especially members of the Joint List. Haredi parties, however, were also uneasy with a bill defining Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, thereby detaching the country's attachment to Judaism and the Torah, as per their members.The White House is quietly walking back a charge that Iran maintains an active nuclear weapons program, saying it really meant that Iran had one before the 2015 nuclear agreement.

A statement sent to reporters Monday by Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said a cache of Iranian documents released by Israel is "consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program."

But intelligence agencies in the US and overseas have stated that the 2015 nuclear deal has frozen Iran's nuclear program.

The version of Sanders' statement posted to the White House website has been modified to make clear Iran "had" such a program. The White House is calling it a "clerical error."The State Attorney's Office filed an indictment with the Jerusalem District Court against three east Jerusalem residents. The indictment includes charges of contacting a foreign agent, membership in the Hamas terror organization and conspiring to commit a terrorist act.

The defendants were arrested by the security forces after their Hamas terror cell was recently exposed and thwarted in Jerusalem.

The cell members were allegedly planning to execute terror attacks in Israel. The State's Attorney's office asked to arrest the defendants until the completion of the legal proceedings against them.In his speech Monday evening, divulging that Israel had obtained 100,000 files from Iran's secret nuclear archives, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned a shadowy figure heading the nuclear weapons project, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, which he said still played a central role in the Islamic republic's nuclear program.

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"Remember that name," the premier said when he first mentioned Fakhrizadeh, fingering him as the person leading the "weapons group" on the secret Iranian project, discontinued in 2003.

Portion of PM Netanyahu's speech dealing with Fakhrizadeh

X

Netanyahu's speech marked the first time a photo of Fakhrizadeh surfaced

SPND is the Persian acronym for the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, an engineering unit behind the country's nuclear program. The group, first exposed in 2011, is comprised of seven departments, each overseeing a different aspect of the Iranian nuclear weapons research program.

"You will not be surprised to hear that SPND is led by the same person that led Project Amad, Dr. Fakhrizadeh," Netanyahu added. "Not coincidentally, many of SPND's key personnel worked under Fakhrizadeh on Project Amad."

Netanyahu's presentation

Despite his paramount importance to the Iranian project, Fakhrizadeh has thus far been cloaked in mystery. In 2014, the New York Times dubbed him an Iranian counterpartwith the requisite changes, naturallyof American physicist Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the American nuclear program and head of the Manhattan Project that led to the development of the first nuclear bombs in the 1940s.

For more than a decade, Fakhrizadeh was pinpointed as the driving force behind the Iranian plans to develop nuclear warheads for the multitudes of ballistic missiles the Islamic republic already possesses.

Present at a North Korean nuclear test

"If Iran one day attains nuclear weapons, Fakhrizadeh will be known as the bomb's father," a Western diplomat told the Reuters news agency in the past. A senior Iranian official echoed his sentiments, dubbing the shadowy figure an "asset" and an expert.

The PM presenting Fakhrizadeh's role in Project Amad

Fakhrizadeh dedicated all of his time to the country's technological development, he added, and was afforded the full support of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The 57 year old is considered to have headed Iran's nuclear program, known as Project 111 or Project Amad. An IAEA report from 2010 noted that Fakhrizadeh, then a senior officer for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was still in positions relating to Iranian efforts to attain nuclear weapons.

In fact, the nuclear scientist was the only one explicitly singled out by name in the annex to the international nuclear watchdog's serious report on Iran's nuclear program.

His name was again floated in a 2007 United Nations resolution regarding his alleged involvement in nuclear research and ballistic missiles. Another IAEA report published the following year once again mentioned him briefly.

(Photo: Orel Cohen)

In 2013, Western intelligence sources revealed that Fakhrizadeh had attended a North Korean nuclear weapons test held that same year.

Iranian media, on the other hand, has almost never made mention of the scientist. In 2006, the Iranian news agency Mehr described him as a scientist working for the Defense Ministry and former head of a physics research institute. Several Iranian websites, meanwhile, characterized him as a university physics professor.

Sanctions on Fakhrizadeh to be removed

Very few people in the West have actually seen Fakhrizadeh. "He's a mystery man," said in 2010 an official who refused to be named from a country accusing Tehran of developing nuclear weapons.

One American activist noted that one sign pointing to Fakhrizadeh's importance was the fact that IAEA "has looked for him for a long time to interview him, but the Iranians refused."

Another activist named Mark Fitzpatrick, who serves as a director of an American anti-nuclear proliferation group, said that if the atomic watchdog had a wanted list, Fakhrizadeh would probably sit stop it.

(Photo: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO)

American nuclear expert David Albright, meanwhile, previously noted that Fakhrizadeh was "gravely concerned" with the order to bring Project Amad to a stop in 2003.

Another sign pointing to the elusive nature of the nuclear scientist is that he never attended the innumerable meetings between his country and the West concerning the 2015 nuclear deal

"He tried to evade assassins," one of the members of the Iranian delegation to talks explained to the Times, hinting at the elimination of members of Fakhrizadeh's scientific team, which the West attributed to Israel. "Wouldn't you run away?"

Despite the nuclear scientist's indelible mark on the program, the nuclear deal included a proviso stating that sanctions against him will be removed in the future . He will be removed from the West's blacklist in 2023, according to reports.

Netanyahu's speech, given a short time before US President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision on whether to stay in the nuclear deal or withdraw from it, may lead to a change in that regard.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's press conference Monday has become the talk of the town among former Mossad officials and Israeli experts on Iran. Most of them were impressed by the intelligence achievement, but less by what it contained.

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In fact, some of them say that while Netanyahu's performance was perfect, it lacked one thing: Proof of a current violation of the nuclear agreement by Iran.

"As a former operations official, I take off my hat to those who obtained this information," former Mossad official Gad Shimron told Ynet. "Obtaining your biggest enemy's archive is an amazing operation by the Israeli intelligence community, but it's not something that should be shared with the public."

After praising the Mossad people, Shimron went on to harshly criticize the prime minister and "the very unsuccessful use of the information by a politician disguised as a salesman or a salesman disguised as a politician.

"It's a disgrace to present this information on prime-time television," Shimron added. "There's no way of knowing which Mossad agent he endangered by doing that. If you have information, you must share it with your allies, and even then you must do a thousand tricks to avoid exposing the source."

Gad Shimron. 'An amazing operation'

Shimron said he had discussed the issue Monday night with former Mossad colleagues. "They were shocked by the aberrant use of this information. If Netanyahu wanted (US President Donald) Trump to see this information, he could have shared it with him through the acceptable channels."

'Iranian interest is to avoid a war with Netanyahu and Trump'

Dr. Soli Shahvar, founding director of the Ezri Center for Iran and the Persian Gulf and a scholar of Iranian studies, said that the information presented Monday had the power of influencing Washington, but not Tehran.

"The Iranians certainly didnt know that the files had been taken by Mossad people, and it's possible that they only found out today who stole them. But apart from denials and saying that it's an old program which no longer exists, I dont think they'll do anything."

According to Dr. Shahvar, the Iranians will probably focus their efforts now on denying the information ahead of May 12, when Trump announces whether he is pulling the US out of the nuclear agreement.

"They will likely say that it's an Israeli provocation," he said. "I am certain that there are a few Revolutionary Guards commanders who are trigger happy and will won't to take revenge, but there is a council and there is a balance between the different streams there.

"At the end of the day, the Iranian interest is to avoid a war with a militant Israeli prime minister and a militant American president."

(Photo: Roee Idan)

Researcher Roee Kahanovitch agrees with most of his colleague's remarks. "Netanyahu's comments," he believes, "are aimed at convincing the Europeans and Trump to walk away from the agreement. As far as the Iranians are concerned, his presentation isn't surprising and these aren't things we didnt know."

According to Kahanovitch, "The Iranians see themselves as a regional power. They have turned Syria into their backyard, where they develop the weapons."

Like his colleague, Kahanovitch is also skeptical regarding a direct Iranian attack on Israel. "Their air force is extremely outdated, but I imagine there will be a response, possibly abroad or in the Golan Heights."

Prof. Uzi Arad. 'I dont know what Netanyahu wanted to achieve' (Photo: Akex Kolomosky and AFP)

Former National Security Advisor Prof. Uzi Arad believes "there was no new information here that wasn't known before.

"If the intention was to create a justification for quitting the nuclear agreement in the form of a 'smoking gun' exposing a current violation of the agreement's components, he would have definitely dropped a huge bomb. In practice, however, there was nothing new in the presentation. It included historical things and no proof of an Iranian offense or violation of the agreement since it was signed.

"I don't know what Netanyahu wanted to achieve. He may have wanted to shine a spotlight on the fact that the Iranians lied blatantly in the past. But since there is a global anticipation for Trump's decision in the coming days, Netanyahu wanted to illustrate that Iran is working to produce weapons and that it lied about it in the past as well."South Korean President Moon Jae-in has asked the United Nations to help verify North Korea's planned shutdown of its nuclear test site, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said Tuesday.

Moon made the request in a phone call Tuesday with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Yonhap reported.Three east Jerusalem residents planned shooting attacks against soldiers, indictments filed Tuesday morning with the Jerusalem District Court showed, attributing offenses of contact with a foreign agent, membership in a terror group, conspiring to commit terrorism and more to the three.

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The three Palestinians were said to be part of a Hamas terror cell in east Jerusalem's Sur Baher neighborhood, near the East Talpiot neighborhood, and are known terror operatives as per the defense establishment.

The defendants are Nasim Hamada, 39, who was the group's leader and chief recruiter, Azz a-Din Aton, 24, and Obeida Amira, 29. The identity of another person involved with the group has been withheld.

File photo. Hamas operatives (Photo: AP)

Security forces' investigation into the matter turned up that Hamada was in contact with Hamas operatives expelled to the Gaza Strip as part of the prisoner swap deal securing the release of Gilad Shalit in 2011.

Hamada was recruited by the same terrorists to plan and carry out shooting attacks, prompting him to recruit Aton and the unnamed accomplice.

The three then conspired to recruit another Hamas operative to the group, and attempted to purchase armaments to carry out attacks against soldiers. The indictment added they held observations near the Seam Zone settlement of Oranit, where they planned to shoot at soldiers standing at a nearby bus stop.

The Shin Bet's investigation also discovered that two of the group's membersAton and Amiravisited two Hamas operatives released as part of the Shalit deal in Turkey last year. During the visit, Aton received thousands of dollars from Hamas.Transportation and intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz told Ynet in an interview that Iran likely knew Israel had obtained the nuclear program documents.

"It's unprecedentedto obtain tons of authentic documents, take them and bring them here" said Katz.The Knesset reconvened Monday for the opening of its summer session, in which it is expected to debate the override power Nationality Law and other matters. The first items on the agenda, however, were votes of no confidence by Meretz and the Joint List, which were voted down.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was originally slated to speak before the plenum, but his speech was aborted in favor of the speech and presentation he gave the same evening about Iran's secret nuclear archives

Opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) opened his remarks by commenting on the same issue, saying Iran "must not be allowed to entrench in Syria and position itself near our border."





Opposition Chairman Herzog said PM Netanyahu and his government's attack against the courts was a 'clear and present danger to democracy' (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

"At a time like this, we are obliged to security determination and political savvy, sound judgment, assertiveness, caution and responsibility on all matters," Herzog concluded.

The Zionist Union chief then spoke about the controversy engendered by the override power, an initiative by Netanyahu's government to delimit the High Court of Justice's authority to strike down Knesset legislation.

"Despite security-related background noises, it is still important to say that the coalition and government are attempting to dismantle (State Visionary Theodor) Herzl's vision by mortally wounding equality between its citizens and undermine the judiciary," he cautioned.

"The attack on the court by the prime minister and his colleagues is a clear and present danger to Israeli democracy. Our Supreme Court is an object of admiration and esteem in the entire world. It's one of our sources of power in the international arena. I reiterate my demand of the government and its head: hands off the Supreme Court," Herzog insisted.

Knesset Speaker Edelstein reassured Israelis the IDF is keeping them safe (Photo: Yitzhak Harari, Knesset spokesmanship)

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein's opening remarks also addressed the tenuous security situation.

"It's no secret that in the past 24 hours, winds from the north have been blowing. I have seen unfounded rumors causing undue stress in public. Without specifying or knowing what the future holds, I appeal to every Israel citizen to say they can count on the IDF's commanders to do everything required to keep us safe," he said.

Tourism Minister Levin said Israel will take a stand against all those who 'seek to annihilate it' (Photo: Yitzhak Harari, Knesset spokesmanship)

Tourism Minister Yariv Levin (Likud) provided his own take on recent events, saying, "This has been our home for thousands of years. We will stand tall against all those who threaten to annihilate us, and ensure the safety of Israel's citizens."

Earlier Monday, Coalition Chairman MK David Amsalem (Likud) commented on the override power, saying, "We are going to strengthen both the people of Israel and the High Court. The bill isn't circumventing the court and I believe it'll pass. There's no dispute that the Knesset should have the option of telling the court, 'We don't agree with you striking down this law.' The only question is what majority will be required."

Coalition Chairman Amsalem said the override power was not truly controversial (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

In addition to Meretz and the Joint List's votes of no confidence, Yesh Atid and the Zionist Union also submitted motions of their own, but withdrew them due to the security situation.

Lapid: Let this be last session for government

Nevertheless, at a Yesh Atid parliamentary group meeting earlier Monday, chairman Yair Lapid attacked the government and Netanyahu.

"Let it be not only the shortest session, but also the last, because politics have become the State of Israel's number one problem. Netanyahu doesn't want a single, united people. The more we squabble, the more we hate one another, the better off he'll be," Lapid accused.

Aside from Herzog, the leader of the Zionist Union and the Labor Party Avi Gabbay also spoke, albeit at his party's parliamentary group meeting. "This summer session will be perhaps the most significant in Israel's history. It will determine whether we continue being a democratic state or a pretend democracy like Turkey," he opined.

Zionist Union chief Gabbay compared his democratic party with the the party will to 'forsake all values to stay in power' (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

"This session will put into sharp focus the differences between the democratic Zionist Unionwhich believes in equality, the values of the Declaration of Independence, supremacy of fundamental rights and peace and parting with the Palestiniansand a group willing to forsake all values in order to remain in power," he added.

Commenting on the override power, the Labor Party's leader said that if it passes, "our lives will be inexorably changed. We could be arrested over a Facebook postthat will be the form of majority tyranny."

"We'll fight against any law chipping away at democracy and it doesn't matter what majority it will require. Basic Laws are Basic Laws and cannot be overruled by other legislation. We'll fight here both within and without the Knesset, as we have encircled the Supreme Court ten days ago," Gabbay reminded, concluding his remarks.State Attorney Shai Nitzan closed the Umm al-Hiran case, in which Yacoub Abu Al-Qiaan, a Bedouin citizen, was shot dead by the police after Police Officer Erez Shaul Levy was killed by Al-Qiaan's vehicle.

After reviewing the case's materials and the Police Internal Investigations Department's findings, the state's attorney decided to conclude that there is "no reasonable suspicion of criminal act by the police officers involved in the incident."The police on Monday placed the principal of the Bnei Zion pre-military academy, Yuval Kahan, under a five-day house arrest following last week's Zafit Stream flash flood disaster, which left 10 teenagers dead. Instructor Aviv Bardichev, who took part in planning the fatal trip, was placed under house arrest as well.

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Police Investigators decided to change Bardichev's suspected offense to manslaughter instead of negligent homicide whereas Kahan is still suspected of negligent homicide.

Aviv Bardichev, Yuval Kahan

Kahan and Bardichev were forbidden to enter the Bnei Zion association's offices and contact anyone related to the investigation for 10 days.

Manslaughter attributes the results of an offense to indifference or recklessness, while in negligent homicide cases the suspect is believed to not have been able to foresee the outcome.

Instructor Bardichev, who is represented by Attorney Zion Amir, is suspected of deciding to go on the hike despite stormy weather warnings.

The Zafit Stream disaster sent shock waves through the pre-military academy schools. On the one hand, the academies' managers are concerned about losing their independent decision-making ability which will make the year spent in the academies similar to another regular school year with restraining regulations.

On the other hand, many instructors are now asking basic questions that show how bewildered they are, according to sources that spoke with the instructors.

Teens killed in flash flood disaster

The Joint Council of the Pre-Military Academies released a documented protocol in 2016 meant for students and instructors that entails a specified chapter about fieldtrips. Unfortunately, the academies' principal used it as a recommendation only.

Following the disaster that took the lives of 10 students, the council appointed former Police Commissioner Shlomo Aharonishky as a safety and fieldtrip security external advisor.

The Joint Council will hold a meeting with all the pre-military academies schools' heads on Wednesday in Beit Berl.

Yoni Konforti, who until recently has been in charge of the Neveh Tzuf's pre-military academy school and today serves as an advisor to several academies, wrote on social media that a year and a half ago he had asked the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Education to include the pre-military academies under the safety rules binding every educational institution in Israel.

"I insisted on legislation on the matter before tragedy strikes, unfortunately, nobody listened," he said.

Several pre-military academy principals say they are free to act as they see fit on the matter of fieldtrips. According to Rabbi Eliav HaCohen, who heads the Pre-military Orot Academy, every academy formulates its own protocols.

Rescue effort in Zafit stream (Photo: Reuters)

HaCohen said that his academy uses a SUV with a paramedic and an armed escort as a safety measure during fieldtrips. "It costs a lot of money, but it's for the best interests of keeping the students safe," he said.

HaCohen told that a few months ago he had to cancel a trip amid route works, and that two weeks ago he canceled a trip to Menashe Heights due to stormy weather.

The head of another pre-military school academy also said strict preparations are made prior to each trip. "We have a person in charge of the fieldtrips. We meet before every activity done outside the school and go through it thoroughly."

The heads of the academies hope that the flash flood disaster in the south where 10 teens lost their life won't be subjected to restricting rules and regulation which would prevent the academies from fulfilling their goals.

Amihai Noam, head of research in the Kfar Etzion Field School and an experienced instructor, described the matter as an unregulated domain.

"Many pre-military academies contact me for consultation before going on trips, they call since they know me, but my recommendations have no legal power," Noam told Ynet.

Zafit Stream (Photo: AFP)

"Sometimes they ask basic questions about the quantity of water required for a certain tripwhere should they spend the night and if they can hike when flood warnings are present. That show how lost they are and their lack of seriousness," he went on to say. "Unfortunately many instructors don't even call to consult.

"The Ministry of Education refuses to give information and instruct people that don't represent known establishment in the education system. I think we should create a national call center that will provide private hikers and especially non-formal education establishments with answers."

"The pre-military academies are only the tip of the iceberg," Noam warned. The yeshivot also have nobody to consult with and their lack of knowledge in hiking and lack of access to information are even bigger.

Families going out to hike have the same problem," he lamented.

"The solution lies in the establishment of a public body that would be able to guide and assist, and by doing so, will definitely save lives," Noam concluded.

Another pre-military academy head said the Zafit Stream disaster "clearly requires a thorough self examination on a national level as well on a local level in every academy." Unfortunately we had to experience this disaster to understand a change has got to be made," he said.France's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that information provided by Israel of Iran's past nuclear weapons program could be a basis for long-term monitoring of Tehran's nuclear activities.

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The ministry said Israeli intelligence information presented on Monday in part confirmed the non-civilian nature of the program revealed by European powers in 2002, but that it merely proved the need to ensure the nuclear deal and UN inspections remained.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman calls Netanyahu's accusations 'worn-out, useless and shameful' (Photo: EPA)

Meanwhile, Iran branded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "infamous liar" over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi called the accusations that Tehran lied about its nuclear ambitions "worn-out, useless and shameful."

Netanyahu's comments came from a "broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits," Ghasemi said in a statement.

"Netanyahu and the notorious, child-killing Zionist regime must have reached the basic understanding that the people of the world have enough awareness and cognizance," he added.

Netanyahu presents information on Iran's nuclear program (Video: Roee Idan) (:  )

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Netanyahu said in an elaborate televised presentation on Monday that he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

But he did not provide evidence that Israel's main enemy had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

His accusations came as the United States considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic program was for civilian purposes.Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said on Tuesday she was aware of the hard work done by the State Attorney's Office and the Police Internal Investigations Department in the Umm al-Hiran Case.

"I back the State Attorney Office's decision to close the Umm al-Hiran case," Shaked said.State Attorney Shay Nitzan announced Tuesday the closure of the investigation case into riots in the Bedouin community of Umm al-Hiran in January 2017, which claimed the lives of local resident Yaqoub Abu al-Qiyan and policeman Erez Levi, and determined that there was "no reasonable doubt concerning criminality on the part of police officers."

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The state prosecutor added that the question of whether Abu al-Qiyan had intended to carry out a terrorist attack could not be answered with a high degree of certainty, but that such a determination was unnecessary to decide whether to launch a criminal investigation against any of the officers involved.

Footage of the Umm al-Hiran incident

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In the incident at the heart of the matter took place on the night between January 17 and 18, 2017. Security forces were operating in the village to evacuate residences deemed to have been illegally constructed.

State Attorney Nitzan closed the case against policemen involved in the Umm al-Hiran shooting (Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch)

During the operation, officers feared that a driver that drew near to themAbu al-Qiyanwas about to run them over, and therefore opened fire at him. He was hit, lost consciousness and his car ran over policeman Erez Levi. Abu al-Qiyan himself later succumbed to his wounds and passed away.

The police initially claimed the vehicle was traveling rapidly and without its headlights turned on, and insisted that the driver was a "terrorist active in the Islamic Movement, whose affiliation with the Islamic State was being examined."

Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan echoed the statement, quickly accusing that an "Islamic Movement terrorist raced at our forces in order to kill as many officers as he could before the evacuation began."

Yaqoub Abu al-Qiyan (L) ran over policeman Erez Levi and was shot

Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh, for his part, said at the time, "I called the driver a 'terrorist' because all signs pointed to a car attack, and no findings contradicted that assumption."

The findings of a Police Internal Investigations Department's inquiry into the matter published a month a later, however, pointed to serious failings in the police's conduct during the incident, and found no evidence of Abu al-Qiyan's intentions to carry out a terror attack.

Moreover, the inquiry's findings showed with a high degree of likelihood that even the warning shots fired at him were not justified by any operational necessity. The inquiry also pointed at the supposedly disproportionate fire directed at the resident, which failed to take into account the positions of other officers on the scenecausing policemen to exchange friendly fire.

The Internal Investigations Department's inquiry began the day of the incident, Nitzan's statement said, and dealt both with the shooting directed at Abu al-Qiyan and the medical treatment he received thereafter.

The actions of the officers involved, State Attorney Nitzan said, which were purportedly motivated by a fear to their lives, were not beyond the realm of reason vis-a-vis legal justification to use firearms.

Drone footage of Abu al-Qiyan's car

In his decision, the state attorney also commented on the question of whether Abu al-Qiyan hit the officer intentionally as part of a "terrorist attack" or merely lost control of his car after being fired upon.

"The collected investigative materials reflect certain inconclusive indications that could be taken both ways," he said. "Shin Bet, which canvassed the scene in the first hours following the incident, decided not to pursue the investigation while clarifying it could not determine whether the incident constituted an attack or not."

Nevertheless, the country's chief prosecutor forwarded to Commissioner Alsheikh and head of the police's disciplinary department several issues to be examined in a disciplinary context, including to review whether the force was adequately prepared for such a complex task, whether professional fault could be found in the shooting officers' conduct, whether medical attention the deceased received was faulty and certain changes and inconsistencies in the accounts of the officers involved.

'Police murdered Yaqoub'

Morad Abu al-Qiyan, a relative of the deceased, commented to say, "They can decide whatever they want. We're in a state of inequality. The incident left behind nothing but grief. We regret everything that happened and are certain it wasn't a terror attack, something both the state and police know as well."

The investigation, he concluded before thanking those who stood by his family's side, was meant simply as a cover.

The scene of the crash (Photo: Police spokesmanship)

Head of the Umm al-Hiran residents' committee Raad Abu al-Qiyan added, "We didn't expect much. The State Attorney's Office is part of the state and, unfortunately, did not reach the truth as far as the murder is concerned."

"Yaqoub was fired upon and left bleeding and wounded in the field. We will not relent and demand the investigation be reopened," he declared. "It doesn't stand to reason that no one is guilty. Cops acted improperly. I saw what happened, we saw how people were beaten up. It's racism, and the timing of the announcement will scuttle the evacuation agreement with residents."

"Police murdered Yaqoub," was his final conclusion.

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked commented on the decision at an event in the northern region, and threw her support behind the State Attorney's Office's conclusions. "I know very thorough work was carried out in both Internal Investigations and the State Attorney's Office," she explained.

Justice Minister Shaked supported Nitzan's decision (Photo: Shamir Elbaz)

Nitzan himself participated in the event as well, and add, "We left no stone unturned because we wanted to be convinced every conceivable aspect was reviewed. At the end of the day, due to the matter's sensitivity, it was my own decision."

"We found no cause to charge any of the officers," he continued. "It's a regrettable incident, but the cops did their duty as they perceived it."

When asked about not ruling out the possibility it was a terror attack, Nitzan replied it was not his role to determine that. "It's also irrelevant to the question of whether the officers acted lawfully or not, because in their subjective perceptions they were of the opinion it was a terror attack, or at least that cannot be ruled out," he said.

Erdan: Incident should not leave gaping wound in society

Minister Erdan welcomed the State Attorney's Office's decision. "Now that it has been determined the officers acted impeccably, the Shin Bet and police investigation should be resumed and the public should be presented with all its findings, to avoid the events at Umm al-Hiran leaving a gaping wound in Israeli society," a statement on behalf of the minister said.

Public Security Minister Erdan said the incidents should not leave a gaping wound in Israeli society (Photo: Barel Efraim)

The Israel Police welcomed the State Attorney's Office's decision, according to which "the policeman acted lawfully and finding were wholly congruent with the initial inquiry on the field by the police."

Now that the Internal Investigation's inquiry concluded, the police added, it will be able to resume its own inquest into the matter.The Eshkol Regional Council said Tuesday that loud artillery noise was expected to be heard on the Israeli-Gaza-Egypt border due to Egypt's attacks on ISIS in the Sinai Peninsula.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday Israel was not seeking war with Iran, one day after unveiling what he said was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program.

Netanyahu made his case as US President Donald Trump considers whether to withdraw the United States from a 2015 deal between Iran and six major powers aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program.

Both Netanyahu and Trump have long criticized the agreement and in several US television interviews on Tuesday, Netanyahu made his points directly to the American people.

Trump himself is known to watch and tweet his reactions to early morning American programs.

Asked if Israel is prepared to go to war against Iran over the issue, Netanyahu told CNN: "Nobody's seeking that kind of development. Iran is the one that's changing the rules in the region."Economy Minister Eli Cohen met on Sunday with Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono, Jordan's Minister for Regional Cooperation Imad Fakhuri and Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki to promote the Peace Corridor project and the joint Agro-Industrial Park.

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The meeting took place in anticipation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's arrival in the region Wednesday, following the end of the diplomatic crisis between Jordan and Israel and the return of an Israeli ambassador to Jordan two weeks ago.

Diplomatic meeting to promote peace infrastructures

This is the first ministerial meeting between the Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian ministers since September 2016, and the first one including Israel and Jordan's representatives since the crisis between the two countries came to an end.

The goal of the Agro-Industrial-Park project in Jericho is to create an economic infrastructure for peace in the region.

The Agro Industrial park funded by Japan's government symbolizes the heart of the project and exports the biggest Palestinian produce coming from local factories.

Economy Minister Eli Cohen said promoting the industrial park was an interest shared by both sides. "Our policy is to provide relief measures whenever possible and to make our best efforts to provide those who are not involved in terrorism with normal lives," Cohen said.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus latest accusations about Irans past nuclear activities received a warm welcome in Washington but a far cooler reception in Europe on Tuesday  deepening divisions among Western allies ahead of President Donald Trumps decision on whether to withdraw from the international nuclear deal later this month.

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US would discuss Israels newest purported evidence with the other global powers that negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal. But Britain said the information reinforced the need to keep the deal in place.

The UN nuclear agency said it considered the matter of whether Iran had previously pursued nuclear weapons to be closed.

Netanyahu at the press conference (Photo: AP)

Netanyahu has been an outspoken critic of the deal, which offered Iran relief from crippling international sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Netanyahu says the deal will not prevent Iran, Israels most bitter enemy, from reaching a nuclear weapons capability.

After clashing with President Barack Obama when the deal was negotiated, Netanyahu has found a close ally in Trump, who has called the agreement the worst deal ever. Trump has signaled he will withdraw from the agreement by May 12 if it is not renegotiated and changed.

Netanyahus presentation late Monday, delivered in English on live TV and making heavy use of visual aids, appeared to be aimed at swaying global opinion ahead of Trumps decision.

He unveiled what he said was a half ton of Iranian nuclear documents he said were illicitly seized by Israeli intelligence. Netanyahu said the documents provided evidence that Iran attempted to develop a nuclear bomb in the previous decade, especially before 2003.

Although he gave no explicit evidence that Iran has violated the 2015 deal, he said Iran had clearly lied in the past and could not be trusted. Iran has denied ever pursuing nuclear arms.

Netanyahu's anouncement (:  )

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Speaking on Fox News Tuesday, Netanyahu said Israel had obtained the documents in February and shared all of the information with the US.

Netanyahu said the trove of documents showed that Iran is trying to bamboozle the entire world and expressed hope that Trump would pull out of the deal.

Pompeo, who was returning to the US after his first official visit to the Middle East, said he had discussed the material with Netanyahu during a stop in Israel this week and would raise the matter with European allies.

He said the documents showed Iran sought nuclear weapons and hid a vast archive of information from the world and the UN nuclear agency.

What this means is the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency. It was built on Irans lies, he said.

Netanyahu presenting the data Israel stole from Iran (Photo: AP)

The initial European reaction , however, was cool.

Britains foreign minister, Boris Johnson, said Netanyahus presentation underlines the importance of keeping the deal, with its tough constraints on Iran, in place.

The Iran nuclear deal is not based on trust about Irans intentions; rather it is based on tough verification, he said.

The UN nuclear watchdog, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency, has said Iran in the early 1990s may have received design information for a nuclear explosive device from a clandestine nuclear supply network. It says Iran also worked in the 2000s on explosive detonators that have characteristics relevant to a nuclear explosive device, as well as done other work, though all that appears to have stopped in 2009.

Responding to Netanyahus speech, the IAEA issued a statement Tuesday reaffirming that the agency had no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009. The IAEA has repeatedly certified that Iran is in compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal.

Boris Johnson (Photo: AFP)

In a preliminary reaction, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Netanyahu had not provided evidence that Iran is violating the current deal and noted its continued compliance.

Yoel Guzansky, senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies, an Israeli think tank, said Netanyahus message was unlikely to change minds in Washington or Europe.

Although Iran has threatened to withdraw from the deal if the US pulls out, Guzansky said Tehran would likely be more cautious, and much will depend on the reactions of major companies.

Its in Irans interest to stay in the agreement, he said. It matters if Renault, Total and other European companies will continue to do business with Iran.

Iran dismissed Netanyahus move as a ridiculous show but did not address the documents he produced.

Israel and Iran are currently involved in a standoff in Syria, where Iranian troops are supporting President Bashar Assads forces.

Israel has warned that it will not allow Iran to establish a permanent military presence in Syria, fearing it will use its positions to strike Israel. Israel has been suspected in a pair of airstrikes on Iranian targets in recent weeks, though it has not confirmed involvement, and Iran has threatened revenge.

Israeli Cabinet Minister Yoav Galant said the seizure of the Iranian nuclear documents would deter Iran from trying to strike.

Anyone who saw the intelligence achievement can also understand what our military capabilities are, he told Army Radio. I assume that everyone around us will think long and hard before they try to harm Israel.An Afghan official says an airstrike targeting Taliban fighters has killed six civilians in the southern Helmand province.

Mir Ahmad, a provincial council member in Helmand, says two other civilians were wounded in the airstrike by the Afghan air force late Monday in the Nad Ali district. He says the strike killed around a dozen Taliban insurgents.

Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, confirmed the airstrike but said all the killed and wounded were Taliban members.

Elsewhere in Helmand province, a roadside bomb struck a vehicle in the Gareshk district, killing at least three civilians, according to the district chief, Mohammad Saleem Roodi.A top Israel official said Monday that his government has never had a more favorable ally in the White House than Donald Trump and therefore it should welcome his administration's forthcoming peace plan regardless of its content.

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Michael Oren, the deputy minister for diplomacy in the prime minister's office, said the US president's much-anticipated plan will undoubtedly require Israeli concessions, but that Israel would be foolish to reject it.

"I have never known a team to be more favorably disposed to us," Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington, told foreign journalists. "My own feeling is to strongly recommend that the Israeli government accept this plan with an open mind, if not open arms, that we engage with it energetically and that we certainly don't reject it out of hand."

Michael Oren (Photo: AP)

Trump has promised to pursue the "ultimate deal" between Israelis and Palestinians and both sides are eager to see what his plan entails.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has developed a close relationship with and lavished praise on Trump, who has broken with decades of tradition by appearing to openly side with Israel in the Middle East conflict.

The Palestinians have essentially boycotted contacts with Washington since Trump announced in December that the United States was recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalemcaptured by Israel in 1967 and then annexedas the capital of a future state.

The new US Embassy in Jerusalem is to be opened on May 14 with a huge American delegation expected to attend, perhaps including Trump himself.

US President Trump (Photo: AFP)

Oren said he did not know what the Trump plan would include, but he expects it to come out soon, perhaps after the embassy move. Netanyahu's current coalition is made up primarily of hardliners who are opposed to the establishment of a Palestinian state and reject any Israeli territorial concessions.

Oren, who belongs to the Kulanu party, the most moderate faction in the coalition, said Trump's business-minded team was the best mediator Israel could ever hope for.

"The current president, unlike the previous president, views Israel as the solution and Iran as the problem," he said. "In the world of business, if you leave the table you pay a price, you don't get rewarded. In the world of business negotiations. the first offer on the table is the best offer, the second offer is a less good offer, the third offer is less than that -- just the opposite than in the world of diplomacy."German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas says the International Atomic Energy Agency should quickly follow up on allegations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claims that Iranian leaders covered up a nuclear weapons program before signing a deal with world powers in 2015.

Maas told the Bild daily on Tuesday that "the IAEA must as quickly as possible get access to Israeli information and clarify if there are indeed indications of a violation of the deal."

He said that, "precisely because we cannot allow an Iranian grab for nuclear weapons," the control mechanisms of the agreement need to work well.

Maas added that "Israel's safety is at the center of German policies," and promised that Germany would thoroughly analyze the information provided by Israel.

Netanyahu provided no direct evidence that Iran has violated the 2015 deal, which it signed with the U.S., Germany, Britain, France, China and Russia.A senior Iranian official said Tuesday the Islamic Republic will respond "at the appropriate time and place" to a purported Israeli missile strike that killed several Iranian troops in Syria.

The comments by Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the chairman of the Iranian parliament's national security committee, were the first to directly address the attack Sunday night on outposts in northern Syria, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel.

A war monitoring group and an Iranian news agency said the strikes killed more than a dozen pro-government fighters, many of them Iranians.

"Aggression of the Zionist entity against the presence of our military advisers in Syria gives us the right to respond at the appropriate place and time," Boroujerdi said at a press conference in the Syrian capital.Israeli Air Force F-15 planes on Sunday attacked a military facility housing the 47th Brigade of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after Iran transferred arms to it, three US officials told NBC Wednesday.

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According to the US officials, inter alia, surface-to-air missiles were transferred to a base in Syria.

Israeli F-15 and the aftermath of the attack (Photo: Boeing)

Yesterday, the New York Times reported that 200 missiles had been destroyed in the missile strikes on the bases in the Hama and Aleppo countryside. According to the latest report, about 25 people were killed, most of them Iranians, and 35 others were injured.

"On the list of the potentials for most likely live hostility around the world, the battle between Israel and Iran in Syria is at the top of the list right now," said one senior U.S. official.

Government sources said that Israel appeared to be preparing for war with Iran.

They noted that even though Israel had not requested permission from the United States for further actions, "some cautionary notes were sent." According to them, Israel has returned to a campaign of deliberate air strikes.

Video of the missile strike

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The same sources said that Israel is increasingly concerned about Iran's influence in Syria. The sources said that while Russia is responsible for the pro-Assad aerial forces in Syria, Iran is responsible for the ground forces.

According to NBC, in the past two weeks, Iran has increased military shipments to Syria.

The supplies included ground-to-air missiles, which, according to two US officials, were meant to strengthen Iran's forces in Syria in preparation for an attack in Israel.

Syrian rebels claimed some of the arms caches struck in the attack held chemical weapons.

According to Syrian state television, the missile attacks took place at 10:30 pm. Al Akhbar reported the targets of the strike were Syrian army bases being used by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The explosions were registered as a 2.6 magnitude earthquake by the European Mediterranean Seismological Center.

Attack on Iranian base in Hama (Photo: Getty Images)

A day after the attack, the Iranian ISNA news agency reported that a senior official in the Islamic Republic was killed in an attack.

The Syrian Center for Human Rights confirmed that most of those killed in the two attacks were Iranian.US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he may go to Jerusalem, where the United States is moving its embassy from Tel Aviv later this month after Trump broke with other world powers last year to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Trump made the comment to reporters at the White House. The embassy is expected to open May 14 at a provisional site while a more permanent location is built.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News in an interview that he would "love" to have the US president attend.

Trump last month suggested he might help open the embassy, which aggravated Arab allies but strengthened his bond with Netanyahu.

"Would love to have him here. It's his decision. He's got an open invitation," Netanyahu told the "Fox & Friends" program.

The decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem has outraged Palestinians, who want a capital for their own future state in eastern parts of the city, and has sparked criticism from around the world.Syrian state media say rebels have agreed to surrender an enclave near Syria's third largest city to the government.

Al-Ikhbariya TV says rebels have agreed to allow government forces into the countryside north of Homs and re-establish state institutions. Rebels will have the option of pledging their allegiance to the government or relocating to rebel-held territory in northern Syria.

The station says the international highway running through the region will reopen in three days.

The agreement is the latest in a string of capitulations by rebels worn down after seven years of war. Earlier this year, the government took back control of suburbs around Damascus and two neighborhoods held by the Islamic State group inside the capital. Tens of thousands of people have departed to northern Syria instead of living again under President Bashar Assad's rule.The leaders of the Falash Mura community in Ethiopia told President Reuven Rivlin, who is visiting the country, that if the issue of immigration to Israel is not pushed up the agenda, they will go on a hunger strike.

The Falash Mura, a name given to the Jewish community in Ethiopia and Eritrea, have had issues with immigrating to Israel for years, which resulted in families being split between the countries.

Rivlin said he would pass on their demands to Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, who is also committed to the issue.News

Washington, DC - Secretary Pompeo met with King Abdullah on April 30, and reaffirmed the strong bond and strategic partnership between the United States and Jordan.

During their meeting, the leaders recommitted to defeating ISIS, working together to support bilateral ties between the United States and Jordan, and making progress on key regional issues, including the administrations dedication to pursuing a lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians that promises a brighter future for both. In this regard, the Secretary and King Abdullah agreed on the urgent need to confront Irans destabilizing presence and malign behaviors in Syria and the region.News

Washington, DC - As Americans filed their taxes this spring, they wrestled for the last time with a system that for decades plundered their paychecks and made American businesses uncompetitive.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Trump in December is already benefiting American families, workers, and companies. The United States will continue to reap the economic benefits generated by tax reform for years to come.

The tax cuts mean a typical family of four earning $75,000 a year with two children will see a tax cut of more than $2,000 in 2018. Tax reform increased take-home pay for millions of workers as the updated withholding tables that were phased in earlier this year have increased regular take-home pay for millions of workers.

Working Americans will see several tax benefits from the new law, including: lower tax rates; a doubling of the child tax credit; and the standard deduction nearly doubled. In addition, the tax penalty from the Obamacare mandate was repealed for individuals.

The benefits also extend to businesses, which now operate under a globally competitive tax system for the first time in decades. Reducing the top statutory federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, shifting from a worldwide system of taxation to a mostly territorial tax system, and encouraging the immediate expensing of capital expenditures all are allowing companies to invest and grow here in the United States.

Indeed, over 500 companies have announced that this law is having a favorable impact, resulting in over 5.5 million American workers receiving bonuses, raises, and other benefits.

Since his election, President Trumps focus on boosting economic growth has driven the unemployment rate to near record lows. After more than a decade of stagnation, tax cuts, regulatory reform, and a renewed trade policy have driven GDP growth to a sustainable, healthy level of almost 3 percent.

And almost 3 million jobs have been created since the Presidents election, including more than 290,000 in the manufacturing sector, which had been losing jobs in the months leading up to the Presidents election.

The greatest advocate for much-needed economic reform is the President himself. On the campaign trail, he promised to fight on behalf of millions of Americans who were ignored by previous Administrations beholden those willing to export American jobs and American wealth.

The new tax law is just one part of the Presidents tireless efforts to help hardworking families and rebuild the economy by creating the necessary incentives for companies to invest and grow in America.

Since signing the bill into law, the President has continued to crisscross the country, holding events with workers, families, and business owners. He is committed to doing what few recent Presidents have done before: Listen to the needs of the American people.

In West Virginia, the President spoke with Tony Hodge, a mail carrier, and his wife, Jessica, who said that tax savings are a big deal for our family. In Iowa, John Anfinson, a small business owner, was equally pleased, telling the President that revisions to the tax code would ensure his family was going to have about an additional $6,000 that we get to keep.

Business owners throughout the country continue to praise tax reform, stating that the savings is allowing them to invest, raise wages, and hire more employees. Small business confidence has reached record highs since passage of the bill, according to a March 2018 CNBC/Survey Monkey survey.

The American people finally have a tax system that treats them fairly and provides them with new opportunities. President Trump has once again kept his promise to the American people, and thanks in part to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, America is open for business.

This op-ed appeared in CNBC on April 30, 2018.News

Washington, DC - Presidential Proclamation Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

1. On January 19, 2018, the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) transmitted to me a report on his investigation into the effect of imports of aluminum articles on the national security of the United States under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862).

2. In Proclamation 9704 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), I concurred in the Secretarys finding that aluminum articles are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States, and decided to adjust the imports of aluminum articles, as defined in clause 1 of Proclamation 9704, by imposing a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on such articles imported from all countries except Canada and Mexico. I further stated that any country with which we have a security relationship is welcome to discuss with the United States alternative ways to address the threatened impairment of the national security caused by imports from that country, and noted that, should the United States and any such country arrive at a satisfactory alternative means to address the threat to the national security such that I determine that imports from that country no longer threaten to impair the national security, I may remove or modify the restriction on aluminum articles imports from that country and, if necessary, adjust the tariff as it applies to other countries, as the national security interests of the United States require.

3. In Proclamation 9710 of March 22, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), I noted the continuing discussions with the Argentine Republic (Argentina), the Commonwealth of Australia (Australia), the Federative Republic of Brazil (Brazil), Canada, Mexico, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), and the European Union (EU) on behalf of its member countries, on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of aluminum articles from those countries. Recognizing that each of these countries and the EU has an important security relationship with the United States, I determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to national security posed by imports of aluminum articles from these countries was to continue the ongoing discussions and to exempt aluminum articles imports from these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704 until May 1, 2018.

4. The United States has agreed in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil on satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to our national security posed by aluminum articles imported from these countries. I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to national security posed by imports of aluminum articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil is to extend the temporary exemption of these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, in order to finalize the details of these satisfactory alternative means to address the threatened impairment to our national security posed by aluminum articles imported from these countries. In my judgment, and for the reasons I stated in paragraph 10 of Proclamation 9710, these discussions will be most productive if aluminum articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil remain exempt from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, until the details can be finalized and implemented by proclamation. Because the United States has agreed in principle with these countries, in my judgment, it is unnecessary to set an expiration date for the exemptions. Nevertheless, if the satisfactory alternative means are not finalized shortly, I will consider re-imposing the tariff.

5. The United States is continuing discussions with Canada, Mexico, and the EU. I have determined that the necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security posed by imports of aluminum articles from these countries is to continue these discussions and to extend the temporary exemption of these countries from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, at least at this time. In my judgment, and for the reasons I stated in paragraph 10 of Proclamation 9710, these discussions will be most productive if aluminum articles from these countries remain exempt from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704.

6. For the reasons I stated in paragraph 11 of Proclamation 9710, however, the tariff imposed by Proclamation 9704 remains an important first step in ensuring the economic stability of our domestic aluminum industry and removing the threatened impairment of the national security. As a result, unless I determine by further proclamation that the United States has reached a satisfactory alternative means to remove the threatened impairment to the national security by imports of aluminum articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU, the tariff set forth in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704 shall be effective June 1, 2018, for these countries.

7. I have determined that, in light of the ongoing discussions that may result in long-term exclusions from the tariff proclaimed in Proclamation 9704, it is necessary and appropriate, at this time, to maintain the current tariff level as it applies to other countries.

8. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, authorizes the President to adjust the imports of an article and its derivatives that are being imported into the United States in such quantities or under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security.

9. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), authorizes the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) the substance of statutes affecting import treatment, and actions thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.

Now, Therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, do hereby proclaim as follows:

(1) Imports of all aluminum articles from Argentina, Australia, and Brazil shall be exempt from the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 1 of Proclamation 9710. Imports of all aluminum articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU shall be exempt from the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704 until 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2018. Further, clause 2 of Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 1 of Proclamation 9710, is also amended by striking the last two sentences and inserting in lieu thereof the following two sentences: Except as otherwise provided in this proclamation, or in notices published pursuant to clause 3 of this proclamation, all aluminum articles imports specified in the Annex shall be subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, as follows: (a) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and the member countries of the European Union, (b) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 1, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the European Union, and (c) on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on June 1, 2018, from all countries except Argentina, Australia, and Brazil. This rate of duty, which is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported aluminum articles, shall apply to imports of aluminum articles from each country as specified in the preceding sentence..

(2) The exemption afforded to aluminum articles from Canada, Mexico, and the member countries of the EU shall apply only to aluminum articles of such countries entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, through the close of May 31, 2018, at which time such countries shall be deleted from the article description of heading 9903.85.01 of the HTSUS.

(3) Clause 5 of Proclamation 9710 is amended by inserting the phrase , except those eligible for admission under domestic status as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which is subject to the duty imposed pursuant to Proclamation 9704, as amended by Proclamation 9710, after the words Any aluminum article in the first and second sentences.

(4) Aluminum articles shall not be subject upon entry for consumption to the duty established in clause 2 of Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 1 of this proclamation, merely by reason of manufacture in a U.S. foreign trade zone. However, aluminum articles admitted to a U.S. foreign trade zone in privileged foreign status pursuant to clause 5 of Proclamation 9710, as amended by clause 3 of this proclamation, shall retain that status consistent with 19 CFR 146.41(e).

(5) No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed on any aluminum article pursuant to Proclamation 9704, as amended by clause 1 of this proclamation.

(6) The Secretary, in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant executive departments and agencies, shall revise the HTSUS so that it conforms to the amendments and effective dates directed in this proclamation. The Secretary shall publish any such modification to the HTSUS in the Federal Register.

(7) Any provision of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that is inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation is superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.

DONALD J. TRUMPYuma News

Yuma, Arizona - On Saturday, at approximately 9:09 a.m. Yuma Police Department responded to the area in the 1000 block 11th Street regarding shots fired. When officers arrived they found a male subject lying on the ground who was struck by gunfire.

The victim was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

The male subject succumbed to his injuries and was identified as 42 year old Fernando Fuentes-Perez.

The incident is still under investigation.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department Detective Daniels at (928) 373-4702 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Remember if your information leads to an arrest you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - Each year, the City of Yuma Utilities department sets up a month-long display in City Hall to remind residents of the value of the Citys water service. This year, the City invites residents to help spread the news  and will send five random participants to the movies for doing so.

The City of Yuma announces its #yumawater18 photo contest, which will take place through the month of May on Instagram, a free, social networking app that encourages sharing of original photos. At the end of each week, one participant will be drawn at random to receive a pair of tickets to a local movie theater.

To enter, please follow these steps:

Follow the City of Yumas official Instagram account, @cityofyumaaz.

Take a photo of the topic of the week illustrating Yuma, Arizona examples.

Post your own original photo using the hashtag #yumawater18.

Tag your account and @cityofyumaaz in the photo.

If your Instagram account is private, simply take a screenshot of your post once it is published and send it to us via direct message, or email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (participants do not need to have a public account to be included in the contest).

Winners will be selected at random from among that weeks entries. Winners will be notified via direct message on Instagram.

Here are the topics for each week of the #yumawater18 photo contest:

May 1-4 Your favorite Yuma water feature (natural or manmade).

May 7-11 An example of water conservation in Yuma.

May 14-18  Water infrastructure in Yuma.

May 21-25  Your favorite Yuma water feature (natural or manmade).

May 28-31 - An example of water conservation in Yuma.

Examples of water features could be fountains, pools, tanks, sprinklers, irrigation systems, or the play places using water at Friendship Park and Carver Park.

Examples of water infrastructure include water meters, water tanks, water lines under construction, water treatment facilities, and canals.

The City is holding this contest in conjunction with Drinking Water Week, when the American Water Works Association and the water community across North America will celebrate by recognizing the vital role drinking water plays in daily lives. This years week is May 6-12 and will focus on ways in which water consumers can take personal responsibility in caring for their tap water and protecting water sources.Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - On Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 the Fraternal Order of Police, Yuma Lodge #24 will host the Annual Peace Officer Memorial Day Services at the Quartermaster Depot, 201 North 4th Avenue.

This annual event is a special time to honor and remember our dedicated law enforcement professionals for their sacrifices in making the Yuma area a safer place to live.

The memorial service will start at 7:00 p.m. The one-hour program consists of remembering law enforcement professionals who have either been killed or died in the line of duty, as well as honoring those who still serve. The Yuma Police Departments Honor Guard Team will post the United States Flag and conduct a 21-gun salute in remembrance of our fallen brothers and sisters.

The entire community is invited to help us remember and honor the 36 Law Enforcement Officers who gave their lives while serving the Yuma area communities.

All members of the press are encouraged to attend. If you need more information on the event please contact F.O.P. Yuma Lodge #24 President, Eric Egan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - The community is invited to the Distinguished Visiting Writer Series on Wednesday, May 9, featuring The Book of Duels author Dr. Michael Garriga.

The series will begin with Garriga discussing his work, fiction, and craft from 1:40 to 2:55 p.m. in room BA 111 of the AWC Yuma Campus. He will also give a public reading of his work at 6:30 p.m. at the AWC Theater.

Both events are free and open to the public.



The Book of Duels consists of 33 short stories, each comprised of three separate dramatic monologues rendered in the final seconds before an ultimate confrontation. The multi-perspective narratives range from biblical, mythical, and historical reimaginations of duels and the moments just before one combatant dies, and the other walks away.



A native of the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, Garriga comes from a long line of notable Creole outlaws and storytellers. Hes worked as a bartender, shrimp picker, and a soundman in a blues bar. Now he earns his keep teaching writing as an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and two sons.



The Distinguished Visiting Writer Series is sponsored by the Creative Writing School of AWC in conjunction with KAWC and the AWC Alpha-Zeta Chapter of the National English Honor Society.

For more information, contact Dr. Eric Lee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at (928) 344-7738.Gone are the days when students used to spend so much time in queues just to submit their registration forms. Nowadays, most learning institutions are opting for online registration services and the University of Ghana, Legon has not been left behind. Located in Legon, this university can help jumpstart a career that will land you in a fulfilling field. Do you want to study in one of the most prestigious universities in Africa? Then start filling your Legon online application before the set deadline.

Source: Flickr

Whats great about this university is that apart from having a main campus in Legon; it also has other campuses in various parts of Ghana. This means that you can choose the campus located closer to you and still get the knowledge and skills from experienced and qualified lecturers.

Who is eligible for Legon online application?

University of Ghana welcomes all qualified students from every part of the world and all backgrounds, regardless of whether they are from a small town, busy urban centers, private or public schools. The university also admits disabled students on a concessionary basis.

University of Ghana, Legon is one of the few universities in Africa qualified to teach nuclear engineering and nuclear physics programs. Given that this learning institution is the largest public university in Ghana, it attracts some of the brightest and most talented students. Therefore, after sending your online application for Legon, the school will carefully review every submission and give admission to students who want to achieve academic excellence, stretch the limits of their talents and gain knowledge and skills that will enable them to become competent leaders in their respective fields. So what should you consider in your application?

READ ALSO: Valley View University admissions 2018-2019

Legon admission requirements

When it comes to University of Ghana, Legon, admission requirements the most important considerations is the cut off points for each course. The approved cut off point works to ensure that amongst the tons of applications sent, only those who meet the set cut off points get admitted to their preferred course. It also acts as a guide for the aspirants of the University of Ghana, Legon to select courses that match with their grades.

The cut off points for the various undergraduate courses offered at the University of Ghana are grouped on whether your preferred program is in college of basic and applied sciences, college of education, college of health science, or college of humanities. For example the cut off points for university of Ghana undergraduate admission 2018 for Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering is 11, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science is 20, Bachelor of Arts in Education 24 while for bachelor of laws the cut off point is 7. Before making your online application for university of Ghana Legon make sure that you meet the cut off points for the program you want. The following are some of the programs offered at this university and their cut off points.

University of Ghana, Legon cut off points 2018 for College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of dental surgery 7

Bachelor of nursing 8

Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery 6

Bachelor of Science Medical Laboratory Sciences 10

Bachelor of Pharmacy, 8

Cut off points for programs in the college of education

Bachelor of Science, Information Technology, Distance Education 30

Bachelor of Science in Education 24

Bachelor of Science in Administration, Distance Education 26

Bachelor of Arts in Education 24

Bachelor of Arts, Distance Education 30

Cut off points for programs in the College of Humanities

Bachelor of Fine Arts 24

B.Sc. Administration Regular 8

Bachelor of Arts-Business/Science/Vocational Background 12

B.Sc. Administration Fee-paying 22

Bachelor of Laws 7

Cut off points for courses offered at College of Basic & Applied Sciences

Bachelor of Science, Actuarial Science 12

Bachelor of Science, Computer Engineering 10

B.Sc. Marine & Fisheries Science 24

B.Sc. Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology 12

B.Sc. Nutrition & Food Science 20

If you meet the cut off points, then the next step is the Legon online registration. The introduction of online application has cut down on the time it requires for this University to review all the application. Even if you meet the stated requirements, you need to make your application as early as possible because the preferred choice of an applicant is subject to the availability of space. And, any applicant can get an admission to a course that they didnt apply for depending on the departmental requirements during that years admission process.

Application for mature entry undergraduate admission

Because of the need to avail education to all students and enhance knowledge in the society, University of Ghana offers mature entry programs. You're eligible for the mature entry program if:

You are 25 years and above

Completed high school but took some time off before joining the university

Have no relevant academic qualification for the last several years that can be used as a basis for admission to the university

You write and pass the entrance examination offered by the University of Ghana.

To write this examination you must enrol in the schools preparatory course and pay an examination and registration fee of GHC 400. University of Ghana has 11 learning centers from which students can take their preparatory courses.

You can register for the preparatory courses at any of the learning centers of the School of Continuing and Distance Education which include Accra UG Learning Centre, Kumasi UG Learning Centre and Koforidua UG Learning Centre. After passing the entrance examination you will then have to purchase an e-voucher that will make you qualified to fill in the Legon online application form.

Legon online application for undergraduates

Legon online application undergraduate can be divided into two groups: Ghanaian applicants and international applicants including students applying from abroad.

Ghanaian online applicants

While the University of Ghana Legon fees vary depending on the course, Ghanaians can make their Legon online application using the e-voucher which cost GHC 200. Payment can be made in various banks such as fidelity bank, Ecobank, Agricultural Development Bank, Ghana Commercial Bank and Zenith Bank. At any of these banks the WASSSCE/SSSCE applicants will include their names as they appear on the Identification cards, email addresses and mobile phone numbers on the voucher.

The voucher will then be used to submit the online form. Those who want to transition from diploma to degree will need to need to buy the e-voucher, scan and attach their diploma, transcripts, and certified copies of O and A Level certificates in their Legon online application form.

Legon online application for international students

Whether you are a Ghanaians applying from abroad or an international student, you can still pursue your education at University of Ghana. However, unlike WASSSCE/SSSCE applicants international students will not buy the e-voucher. These students will need to pay a non refundable processing fee of $110 and attach the payslip and your certificates to their application form.

Source: Ghana Campus News

When it comes to deciding your higher education studies, University of Ghana, Legon has lots of options from which you can choose from and apply through the Legon online form. Be it a diploma, degree, mature education, PhD, masters and even online education, this institution has it all. If you prefer to complete your ideal course in the comfort of your home, then opt for the distance learning education offered by university of Ghana.

The entry requirement for distance learning admission, including the aggregates will vary depending on the specific program you want to pursue. The processing fees will also vary depending on whether you are the Ghanaian or international applicants.

Postgraduate

Students all over the world are opting for postgraduate studies to improve their career prospects. According to research, people with postgraduate education qualifications have higher chances of getting work and tend to earn a higher wage than undergraduates. You can improve your salary and skills by enrolling in the University of Ghana. University of Ghana postgraduate admission requires a first degree with a minimum of second class lower. Some postgraduate courses require work experience so its best to contact the department for any inquiries. For example, one of the requirements needed to qualify for an admission for MBA in Management Information System is that applicants must have 2 years working experience in an IT environment.

In this Legon university, Masters which take one year and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) two years are full time programs while PhD takes four years as a full time or six years as a part time program. As for the University of Legon Online Application for Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), only university of Ghana graduates of not less than 10 years are eligible for this degree. If you have a PhD in any of the medical fields and less than 5 years of service, then you are qualified for the MD degree. Students who wish to pursue a Masters degree for instance, in Actuarial science must be able to afford the university of Ghana, Legon fees which can cost up to GH4, 971.50 per semester. For other programs that are not related to the business, the fees per semester is GH4, 573.50.

The university of Ghana Legon online application makes it easier for students to apply for postgraduate admissions. Applicants who didnt graduate from university of Ghana but wish to pursue their postgraduate degrees can do so by submitting their scanned transcripts and bachelor degree certificate through the Legon online portal. Those who graduated from this university are required to attach their bachelors degree certificate only. Before your application can be processed you need to pay a non refundable fee, which will act as proof of your interest in the postgraduate studies. Also, you may be required to take an entrance examination or attend an interview to assess your eligibility.

Legon residential application online

University of Ghana has three campuses: the primary campus is located in Legon and they also have the Korlebu campus and Accra city campus. When you become a student of this university you have the option to either reside in the campuses or stay off campus. To get accommodation in Legon and Korlebu campuses, newly admitted full time students have to fill the Legon online residential application and submit it through the residential application portal.

Source: Resume Templates

You will need the provided student ID number and pin to access the portal and use it to fill in your residence application before the stipulated deadline. It is better to live on campus if you want to incur fewer expenses. However, if you prefer to stay off camps, then you should tick the non residence option during your Legon registration process.

How to fill the Legon residential application online

To fill your Legon residential application online first start by opening the university of Ghana website then click on the residential application link. Then key in your student ID number and pin on the login page. Click the login button and select your ideal hall of choice and room. Make sure the room is available and print out the room allocation letter. Next, go to the bank and pay both the academic and residential fees.

Finally, go to the Legon online registration system and complete your online registration process. Remember, even if there are no available rooms for you to reside in campus, you can still proceed with your online application as a non-residence student which means that you will look for accommodation and stay off campus.

Both the fees and cut off points requirements for legion online application are likely to change. Therefore, interested applicants need to check the official university of Ghana, Legon website for any recent updates or contact the relevant officials before making any fee payment.

Source: YenGhanaians woke up on the morning of Saturday, April 28, 2018, to hear of the passing away of Jewel Ackah.

The news of his death was met with surprise from all corners of the country. In his lifetime, Jewel contributed his quota to mother Ghana through music.

YEN.com.gh brings to you 7 facts about the life of the late music icon:

The late Jewel Ackah

READ ALSO: Photos of policeman killed by armed robbers at Bogoso

1. The musician, who was known supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), passed away on Friday, April 27, at the age of 73 years.

2. He is on record to have composed the NDCs anthem, Arise.

3. He was known to have been battling stroke and other sicknesses for about a decade.

4. His real name was 'Jewel' Francis Kofi Ackah snd he hailed from Nzema in Ghana's Western region.

5. Jewel began his career with C.K Mann's group in 1967. He then moved on to a succession of bands: Ebo Taylor and the Railway Band, the El Dorados (of the Aboso Glass Factory) and the Lantics, the resident band of the Atlantic Hotel, Takoradi.

6. In 1974, he recorded his first album 'Gyaki Me' that he sang in Nzima and which won him several award

7. Later, he began releasing gospel albums such as 'Me Su Fre Wo' in 1994 and 'Ahwere How' in 1995.

READ ALSO: 12 photos that prove most pastors will go straight to hell

Top 4 Scandal Quotes from Moesha Boduong CNN Interview:

Use the comments section below to share your views on this story. Do you have a story to share or you have information for us? Get featured on YEN.com.gh. Message us on Facebook or Instagram

Source: YenPopular Ghanaian pastor, Mensa Otabil has revealed to his congregation that his mother described him as her ugliest child when he was young.

The founder of International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) made the revelation while teaching his congregation about the power of words and how words are strong and can impact one, positively or negatively.

"My mother used to say I was very ugly when I was young, she used to tell me. She said: 'Of all my children, you were the ugliest, Pastor Otabil said on Sunday, 29 April.

Pastor Mensa Otabil

READ ALSO: Singer Becca reveals the faceless love of her life

"She used to tell me that. I don't know whether it was a joke or she was serious but she used to tell me that. She used to say when she carried me on her back  she used to sell around  and she'll say: 'When I carry you on my back and people ask me': 'Is that your child?' 'I say: No'. I think she was joking anyway because I'm handsome. What do you think? Look what the Lord has done. But she said of all the children, 'you were the ugliest, he added.

Pastor Otabil opined during the sermon that he had seen very ugly people in life but today everybody hails them.

Join YEN on Instagram to be always informed and entertained!

He concluded by saying: "I know people who when they were young were very ugly, and have become beauty queens, you see their head running backwards and forwards and everybody says: 'This girl, your head is like a hammer', and now they are 'Miss Something' or the other, they've won a beauty contest. Because God, when he speaks about you, it's not based on your current reality, he calls the things which be not as though they were.

Top 4 Scandal Quotes from Moesha Boduong CNN Interview:

READ ALSO: Nana Aba pokes fun at herself; says shes born-one

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now.

Source: Yen.com.gh- A photo of another random lady who looks almost like actress Jackie Appiah has surfaced on the internet

- Many social media users have expressed awe over the striking resemblance between the two

- There have been more than 2 random ladies who have been noted to have the same facial features as the top actress

A new photo of a young lady has gone viral on social media due to her striking resemblance with actress, TV personality and brand ambassador, Jackie Appiah.

The photo that was spotted by YEN.com.gh showed a photo of the actress and the young lady who was dressed in the same color of outfit as the actress.

Jackie Appiah

READ ALSO: My mum says I was her "ugliest child"  Otabil

If the photo is anything to go by, it can be considered to be the closest in resemblance between a random lady and the TV personality yet.

It appears very hard to tell who is who in the picture if you had to judge with just one glance.

The resemblance between the two ladies was so striking and it has led many people to believe the actress had a twin sister who was not known by the general public or by the actress.

This is not the first time another lady has been said to look like the actress. There have been at least two other ladies who have also been reported to look exactly like the actress.

READ ALSO: 12 photos of fake pastors and prophets doing bad things

Not too long ago, YEN.com.gh reported on a story of one of her look-alikes that took the internet by storm with their striking resemblance.

Jackie Appiah is one of Ghanas most sought-after actresses and is also touted as one of the movie industrys richest females.

She came into the limelight after she had starred in family series, Things we do for love.

She has starred in over 200 Ghanaian and Nigerian produced movies and has also made appearances on billboards.

The actress, known in Liberia as Ciara, was mobbed by her fans and followers when she attended the swearing in ceremony of George Oppong Weah.

READ ALSO: Zylofon Media's Halifax Ansah pays off Wisa Greid's GHc 8,400 court fine

Watch the trending news on YEN.com.gh this week:

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.

Source: Yen.com.ghThe Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has stormed the streets of the Nations capital, Accra, to seize some cars they say did not go through the necessary custom clearance.

The Commissioner General of GRA, Kofi Nti, on Monday told Accra-based Adom FM that owners of the vehicle failed to pay the necessary duties for the vehicles.

Some GRA officers storm the streets of Accra on Monday

READ ALSO: George Afriyie reveals 'dirty secret' about Kwesi Nyantakyi

According to him, most of the cars were brought through unapproved routes thereby evading the necessary duties hence the move to impound them.

Mr. Nti in media interview revealed that same exercise was carried out last year by the GRA, leading to the confiscation of 754 vehicles.

The GRA boss added that some owners came to pay the required duties with penalties while owners who failed to do so, had their cars auctioned subsequently.

Some vehicles confiscated by GRA

Mr Nti says a number of seized cars have currently been parked at the garage of the GRAs offices near Airport.

READ ALSO: Rex Omar breaks silence over Shatta Wale's 'Gringo'

Head of Public Education and Media Relations, Johnson Yankey, in an interview told Adom FM that owners of the vehicles have failed to pay the required duties even though the GRA has given them ample grace period to do so.

Mr Yankey added that the said vehicles will be auctioned on May 1,  May 2, 2018 as required by law for interested persons to bid for them.

Top 4 Scandal Quotes from Moesha Boduong CNN Interview:

READ ALSO: Photos of police officer killed by armed robbers in Bogoso

Yen.com.gh 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. Message us on Facebook.

Source: Yen.com.gh- Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams says Ghanaians, unlike Nigerians, do not celebrate wealth

- According to him, Nigerians freely flaunt their wealth, rich Ghanaians would not dare to do same out of fear of victimisation

Founder of Action Chapel International (ACI), Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has urged Ghanaians to emulate Nigerians when it comes the creation and celebration of wealth.

The preacher believes Nigerians are better off when it comes to the creation and celebration of wealth, unlike their Ghanaian counterparts who tend to destroy wealth.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams

READ ALSO: Cecilia Marfo slapped me five times  Bro Sammy

Speaking at last Sundays church service, he said while Nigerians freely flaunt their wealth, rich Ghanaians would not dare to do same out of fear of victimisation.

He observed that Ghanaians like good things, but rarely celebrate the wealth of others due to an erroneous mentality that all wealthy people are corrupt.

You know I was telling them the other day and because we are Ghana there certain things I dont want to say because Ghanaians were a very different people because even when you are giving testimony, they think you are bluffing, wo kyere wu ho dodo, who does he think he is?, Archbishop Duncan-Williams said.

Nigerians celebrate good things, Nigerians celebrate success, Ghanaians we dont, Ghanaians we like good things but we are afraid to celebrate it. I know some Ghanaians outside and if you see where they live youd be shocked, but over here: Let me mind my own business; we have to get to a place where everybody who succeeds is not corrupt, we have to be very careful, if everybody that makes it is corrupt, then well have a society of poor people, nobody will be rich in this country because everybody who gets something is corrupt.

He added that whiles there are some people who made their wealth through corrupt means, there are equally genuine wealthy Ghanaians who need to be celebrated rather than victimized.

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According to the preacher, there is the need to create the enabling environment for Ghanaians to thrive and make wealth and, this can be done by first eschewing the idea that all wealthy Ghanaians are corrupt.

Im not saying we shouldnt check corruption or check how people make it but I think we should focus on how we can encourage people to make it. We have to develop a society where we create an atmosphere for Ghanaians, irrespective of background, political persuasions or culture, whatever or tradition, we must create an atmosphere for Ghanaians to flourish and not just foreigners.

He opined that every Ghanaian must succeed and when they succeed, they will pay their taxes and doing the right thing.

Im not talking about government and Im not talking about politicians, Im talking about Ghanaians as a society, lets begin to have a mentality that creates wealth, and lets also accept people when they make it the right way to enjoy their wealth, without antagonising people and making people afraid enjoying what they have, the Archbishop added.

Top 4 Scandal Quotes from Moesha Boduong CNN Interview:

READ ALSO: Wisa Greid convicted for indecency

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now.

Source: YenPopular Ghanaian actor John Dumelo will emerge victorious if he contests for the presidency against Deputy Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

This was revealed in a social media poll conducted by YEN.com.gh.

According to the poll results, 53 percent of respondents preferred a John Dumelo presidency to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah's.

Answering the question, "If these two young politicians stood for a Presidential election in Ghana, who would you vote for?", 783 respondents chose John Dumelo while 704 voted for Oppong Nkrumah.

READ ALSO: 'Italian borga' claims Nana Aba Anamoah's son as his

John Dumelo is known as a supporter of with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

After coming into the political limelight by endorsing the NDC in the run-up to the 2012 general elections, John Dumelo has been part of the party and was actively involved in the party's campaign for the 2016 elections which they lost.

After the NDC lost power, John Dumelo's name came up as one people who were keeping a V8 Land Cruiser belonging to the state.

Though John has on many occasions denied those allegations, he has not been able to get it out people's minds and he occasionally mocked over the scandal.

READ ALSO: 12 photos that explain why most pastors will go to hell

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on the other hand, is widely known as an accomplished broadcaster with Joy FM where he hosted the stations Super Morning Show.

After leaving Joy FM in 2014, he set up a private equity firm, West Brownstone Capital and joined active politics a year later winning the ruling New Patriotic Party's (NPP) parliamentary primary for the Ofoase Ayirebi constituency in 2015.

He went ahead to win the seat in the 2016 general elections.

Kojo is considered as one of the finest young politicians in Ghana currently and is highly tipped for future success.

READ ALSO: After Patapaa's 'One Corner' dance; New dance craze 'banging' taking over social media (Video)

So what do you think? You can also make a choice in the comment box below.

Check out some of the trending news in Ghana in YEN.com.gh's video below:

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh?

Please contact us on Facebook or Instagram now

Source: Yen- Moesha Boduong has been lashed on social media for an interview she granted CNN

- She was accused of being immoral for openly saying that she sleeps with someones husband for cash

- Moesha has released a new photo, an indication that she has gotten over her CNN pressure

Moesha Boduong has been at the center of attraction for sometime now after her infamous interview with CNN.

Moesha has told Christian Amanpour of CNN that she sleeps with older men who are other peoples husbands for survival.

According to Moesha, Ghanas economy is so hard that that is the only way she finds herself surviving the countrys economy.

Moesha Boduong

READ ALSO: Our break-up is coded  Shatta Wale speaks about Shatta Michy

She added that Ghanaian ladies have been reduced to that level of sleeping with men for money because it is hard to live in Ghana.

Ghanaians did not take Moeshas comments lightly, and so she was castigated on social media.

She was called all sorts of names, and finally, Moesha was left with no option than to apologize to Ghanaians and her African sisters for her comments.

READ ALSO: Wisa lied for saying it was a dildo  Female judge reveals reason for his GHC8,400 fine

But the latest photo of Moesha Boduong sighted by YEN.com.gh shows that Moesha seems to have gotten over the many criticisms.

She posted this photo to her Instagram page with a caption suggesting that she indeed missed her fans and followers all that while that she was being lashed.

Moesha Boduong wrote: Happy new month I miss you all .

READ ALSO: Check your armpit well if you want to become a celebrity - Social media user jabs Shatta Wales "new girlfriend"

READ ALSO: 5 reasons why Shatta Wales new girlfriend can never win over Shatta Michy

Her photo has attracted many comments from her fans. Read some of them here

jason77jay: Wooow what a beauty, l Missed seeing you here sweetie, welcome back.

siibamohammed: Mama born you well.

efiabarbie: U beautiful but stop saying bad things abt Gh women u disgraced ur self n us are u that childish.

bra_joe_snr_14: Yoooooo The Only Boss chick every Ghanaian do respect.

alfredanaa: It is well yh. Miss u too but jux be careful.

Given her outstanding features in this photo, it is no wonder that Moesha's "oluman" boyfriend can't do without her.

Meanwhile, Moesha Boduong has stated recently that the wife of the old man she sleeps with is aware of their relationship.

READ ALSO: Ebony's response to her managers when they asked her about her 17 tattoos

Check out this video of Opoku Onyinah VS Theresa May | Duncan Williams Warns the Government against homosexuality in Ghana

READ ALSO: John Mahama was sending Jewel Ackah GHc 2,000 every month - Sister of late singer speaks

Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook now!

Source: YenJourney to Freedom Day: The Story of the Vuong Family Told With Items In Our Chinese Canadian Archive

On April 30, we celebrate Journey to Freedom Day. This day remembers the massive number of boat people who fled from Vietnam to Canada in the late 1970s.

Many of these refugees were ethnic Chinese, some of whom had lived in Vietnam for generations. The Chinese Canadian Archive at Toronto Public Library preserves documents of Chinese who joined the exodus and chose Toronto as their final destination. This includes documents that tell the story of the Vuong family.

Storage for archived materials of the Vuong family in our Chinese Caanadian Archive.

Background: Chinese in Vietnam

China and Vietnam have close geographical and historical connections. Major waves of Chinese immigration to Vietnam go back as early as the 1400s. Prior to 1976 approximately 1.2 million Chinese were living in Vietnam. In the century leading to 1975, Chinese played a leading role in Vietnam's private business sector. They made up a high percentage of the middle and upper classes.

When tension increased between China and Vietnam after the Vietnam War, both ethnic Chinese and native Vietnamese fled the country between 1975 and 1979 due to political and economic changes. In commemorating the Vietnamese refugees' endeavors for freedom, we also acknowledge the ethnic Chinese who took part in this migration.

The Vuong family collection

One of the collections related to boat people in our Chinese Canadian Archive is that of the Vuong family. This family originated from Tongan of Fujian Sheng in China () and moved to Vietnam in the early 1900s. Below is a photo of Vuong Jin Sha () and Hong Yu Man(), the patriarch and matriarch of the family. The image was kept in family shrine and was paid tribute to by later generations at family events and holidays.

Hong Yu Man () [left] and Vuong Jin Sha () [right]. The two vertical scrolls state that Vuong family originated from Tong'an, Fujian (China). Chinese Canadian Archive.

Perilous journey to Canada

On June 9, 1978, seven members of the Vuong family, including a three-year-old boy, fled Saigon. The group escaped from one place to another, passed border inspections, were detained in refugee camps, packed into junk ships, floated on the ocean and eventually reached Canada in August 1979.

During the 14-month journey, numerous letters and photos were mailed home, narrating daily happenings. Below is the first letter from the family one week after they escaped, along with a translated excerpt. The letter narrates the happenings in the first week after they left Vietnam, including border inspections, transportation and accommodations.

We left Saigon via United passenger ship June 9th and arrived the coast border inspection on the afternoon of the 11th. On the 13th we arrived at the City of Hanoi on a bus and then took a train to the border area of Tongdeng. 5 oclock in the morning of the 14th, we entered China safely

Two sides of letter from the Vuong family after their escape from Saigon. Letter written on June 15, 1978. Chinese Canadian Archive.

This next photo was taken of the family at Yingde Tea Plantation in Guangdong Province of China () in November 1978. The location was one of the refugee camps they were detained at for a few months. The picture was captured illegally because photography was prohibited in the camp.

Vuong family at Yingde Tea Plantation in Guangdong Province of China, November 1978. Chinese Canadian Archive.

Arriving in Canada

The Vuong family finally arrived in Toronto in August of 1979. The group felt safe and welcomed in Canada. They quickly settled and established new lives. They attended English classes, searched for employment, built businesses and grew their families. One of the very first family outings was to have their photo taken in High Park with the maple-leaf flowerbed as background, to commemorate the new-found start of life.

Vuong family in High Park, Toronto, circa 1979. Chinese Canadian Archive.

Document certifing My Vi Vuongs completion of Communication and Business Procedure class offered by Ontario Ministry of Education in 1981. Chinese Canadian Archive.

Living in Toronto, the family's peace and enjoyment of life was restored. The have an annual family event to celebrate Canada Day at Queens Park. The below photo of Sing, the family's three-year-old boy, was taken on Canada Day in the year following their arrival. From then to 2000, they took a family photo every July 1 at the same location; all of these are now preserved in our Chinese Canadian Archive.

Sing poses on motorcycle at Queen's Park July 1, 1980. Chinese Canadian Archive.

Looking back

Forty years have now passed since the exodus. The familys experiences have formed a brave and encouraging history for younger generations to learn from. They left a war-torn country behind looking for a new home, surviving border inspections, diseases, starvation, ocean storms and pirate robberies. In remembering the refugees journey to Canada, we also recognize the Chinese peoples involvement, because its not only family history but also a nations history that should be always remembered and valued.

Contact us

Have questions about the Chinese Canadian Archive? Interested in donating items? Get in touch at trlspc@torontopubliclibrary.ca

Edit: Revised formatting and links in post, April 2021.The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (Sama), in collaboration with Deloitte Middle East, plans to develop a financial technology (FinTech) ecosystem aligned with the Kingdoms Vision 2030 programme to enhance its economic competitiveness.



In the next decade, Saudi Arabia aims to expand the size and scale of its financial services sector such that it becomes the regions primary market.



FinTech is recognized as one of the most important, and rapidly evolving, innovations in the financial services industry; by building a FinTech ecosystem, the Kingdom will be able to diversify its investment base and reshape how financial services are provisioned and consumed. The FinTech ecosystem will also support Saudi Arabias goal of becoming a premier, cash-less, digital economy.



Deloitte Middle East has been appointed as the professional services provider for this project. The ceremony to mark the signing of this agreement took place recently in the presence of Dr Ahmed Alkholifey, Sama governor; Abdulaziz Alfuraih, Sama vice governor; Punit Renjen, Deloitte Global CEO; David Sproul, Deloitte North West Europe and Deloitte UK CEO; and a number of officials from both parties.



Aligned with the National Transformation Program 2020 and Saudi Vision 2030, Sama is committed to supporting FinTech activity in the financial services industry. We acknowledge the value added by technology products and services to the Saudi Arabian financial services industry, whilst also appreciating there are risks associated with FinTech innovation, said Dr Ahmed Alkholifey, Sama governor.



Therefore, Sama has adopted a risk-based approach to testing and regulating FinTech innovation  we are currently developing a regulatory sandbox that will provide a light-touch approach to testing innovative products. This way Sama can understand the risks associated with the solutions and regulate them effectively before they are launched into the marketplace, he added.



Punit Renjen, Deloitte Global CEO said: Deloitte has an excellent track record building FinTech ecosystems, and in producing cutting-edge thought leadership on the state of digital financial services around the world. Our global reach provides us with strong relationships with key stakeholders in the broader FinTech ecosystem and enables us to draw FinTech-related insights and expertise from our extensive network of SMEs. This agreement will foster growth, innovation and collaboration across the financial services industry in Saudi Arabia.



We are very excited for the launch of Fintech Saudi, which will be an important catalyst in the development of a thriving FinTech industry in the Kingdom and the region. Saudi Arabia truly has the right ingredients to host a FinTech hub, not least of all because of its burgeoning and tech-savvy youth, said Ziad Al-Yousef, director general of Payment Systems at Sama.



The work of FinTech Saudi fits within the Kingdoms Vision 2030 objectives, particularly in increasing financial inclusion and the prominence of small and medium enterprises. In the coming weeks and months, I am confident that we will see a positive uptick in innovation and the growth of an active FinTech ecosystem. he added.



FinTechs have the potential to reshape customer experience and transform financial services, and having an effective ecosystem became a necessity to unlock this potential. Sama recognizes the importance of the FinTech ecosystem and we are glad to be supporting them in a number of activities, including setting up Fintech Saudi, defining a blueprint and roadmap for the future of FinTech in KSA, developing talent, and contributing to shaping the FinTech regulatory landscape said Rushdi Duqah, senior director, Consulting, Deloitte Middle East.  TradeArabia News ServiceOmans largest cement producer Raysut Cement Company has appointed Ashley Bryan as general manager of Pioneer Cement Industries, which is owned 100 per cent by Raysut Cement Company.



Bryan will report to Raysuts CEO Joey Ghose.



Aged 49, Bryan brings with him over 30 years of experience of the cement industry. He began his career in the cement industry in 1988 and since then has worked in various engineering and operational roles in the UK, Nigeria and South East Asia.



I am delighted to be joining the Raysut Group at such an exciting time in the companys development. The integration of Pioneer and the organizations appetite for business expansion will be priority area of focus for me in my new role. I also look forward to bringing a fresh prospective to Health & Safety, people development and performance improvement, said Bryan.  TradeArabia News ServiceOpen Hybrid LabFactory (OHLF) Germany has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) at the Precision Engineering Centre of Innovation (PE COI) Annual Conference, to collaborate on lightweight structure technologies.



SIMTech is a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).



The collaboration aims to establish a globally recognised competence for lightweight structure technologies across the entire value chain of the automotive and aerospace industries in Germany and Singapore, said a statement.



OHLF and SIMTech share a common vision of promoting lightweight design and fabrication for the sustainability of the manufacturing sector, it said.



Located in Wolfsburg, Germany, OHLF offers excellent possibilities and resources for research, development, production and testing of hybrid and lightweight components for the future of the automotive industry, where digitalisation and resource efficiencies are key.



OHLF is well-connected to the German automotive industry, with Volkswagen as one of its founding members while SIMTech has strong partnerships with the precision engineering, automotive, and aerospace industries in Singapore.



As SIMTech has a broad spectrum of expertise and leading manufacturing capabilities, its collaboration with OHLF will lead to industry-oriented cross-sectoral transfer of knowledge and technology.



The agreement signing was witnessed by Professor Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, president of Technische Universitat Braunschweig and vice chairman of the OHLF advisory board; Dr Ulrich Sante, Ambassador of Germany to Singapore; and Ted Tan, deputy CEO of enterprise Singapore, as well as Professor Tan Sze Wee, executive director, A*STAR.



Kaysser-Pyzalla said: We are very honoured to have this signing of the MoU. With SIMTech, OHLF has been able to find a research partner that operates on an equal playing field and conducts similar, strong industry-related research.



The first joint project ideas have already been discussed and will be developed in the upcoming months, he said.



Dr Lim Ser Yong, executive director, SIMTech, said: We have built strong competencies and capabilities in the precision engineering of lightweight structures, especially in the aerospace sector.



With the mutual collaboration between us and OHLF, we are able to share ideas and skills across two important industrial sectors, he said.



This collaboration is aligned with our development of advanced manufacturing technologies to propel Singapores aerospace sector where manufacturing of lightweight structures are crucial for its competitiveness, he added.  TradeArabia News ServiceGlobal trade enabler DP Worlds flagship Jebel Ali Port handled 158,000 tonnes of tea in 2017, the equivalent of 50 billion tea bags, said a report from Dubai Media Office.



The volumes reaffirm Dubais leading position as one of the worlds largest trading hubs for the commodity and Jebel Ali Port as the leading hub for the global tea business as Dubai hosts the 6th Global Dubai Tea Forum organised by DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre).



DP World will highlight investment opportunities in the Mena region amid industry expectations that tea sales will grow by 4.9 per cent between 2018 and 2022, according to a recent report by Business Monitor International.



Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of DMCC, said: We have helped position Dubai as a global leader in the tea industry which complements the growing food and beverages sector here. Dubais world class infrastructure providing access to international markets has played a crucial role with more than 86 per cent of tea imports and exports passing through Jebel Ali Port, offering a wide range of services such as sorting, packaging and re-exporting to regional markets that cover over 2.5 billion people.



Dubai has focused on long term growth in the commodity by integrating innovation into the tea supply chain and ensuring sustainable development. Meeting customer expectations is our top priority and flexible logistics services link manufacturers, distributors and consumers.



The three-day Global Dubai Tea Forum will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing regional tea markets and highlight Dubais position connecting manufacturers, importers and consumers.



The Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 offers incentives for enhancing the competitiveness of the Food and Beverage sector, including the tea industry. It aims to make Dubai an international hub for knowledge-based, innovation and sustainable industrial activities, creating new opportunities through integration between economic sectors, including commodities such as tea.More than 100 speakers will take part in the inaugural Future Blockchain Summit, set to become the worlds largest and most influential and creative blockchain festival, opening tomorrow (May 2) in Dubai, UAE.



Hosted by Smart Dubai and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event will conclude on May 3 at Dubai World Trade Centre.



Future Blockchain Summit will showcase top UAE blockchain leaders including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, who will deliver a keynote address, and Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, director general, Smart Dubai, who is driving the Dubai Blockchain Strategy.



With over 100 hours of content across five stages, in-depth workshops, Future Blockchain Summit will demystify blockchain and spotlight how the technology is transforming business and daily lives.

Dr. Larry Sanger, Co-Founder of Wikipedia and CIO of Everipedia, a Wikipedia 2.0 built on the blockchain and keynote speaker at Future Blockchain Summit said: Blockchain has immense untapped potential. Having raised $30 million, Everipedia is very busy putting the world's largest English encyclopedia on the blockchain, incentivizing the sort of knowledge-sharing activity that was formerly purely voluntary. We aim, moreover, to create the infrastructure needed to catalog and rate all the encyclopedia articles in the world, motivating people to create more. I'm intrigued that UAE has put so many resources into their ambition to become a global blockchain, and I'm excited to learn about their progress. I look forward to connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and blockchain enthusiasts at the Future Blockchain Summit.

The Future Blockchain Summit will also feature the worlds first Global Leaders Exchange program, in partnership with PwC. This program will include exclusive invitation-only closed-door sessions, gathering senior government blockchain champions and C-Level industry enablers. The white paper developed through these sessions will advance worldwide progress in resolving legislation and regulations issues of the industry.

"The Future Blockchain Summit is the worlds first gathering of the most influential blockchain thought-leaders and trail-blazing practitioners from public service to private enterprises across all businesses in the worlds future blockchain capital of Dubai, said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Events Management, DWTC.



Blockchain protagonists and enthusiasts shall jointly exchange and challenge in a bid to accelerate the global blockchain agenda. The Summit will offer tremendous discovery, collaboration and pioneering opportunities in blockchain for society and businesses in the UAE and worldwide. Its blockchain for business and social good. Never before has Dubai hosted more blockchain powerhouse influencers at the same time.



Future Blockchain Summit will also host the Global Blockchain Startups Marketplace. Global breakthrough startups include SettleMint, a Belgium-based software company that provides high quality distributed middleware and solutions to companies that want to leverage the blockchain technology; Block Gemini, a Dubai-based blockchain development and consultancy firm; and Medical Chain, a platform that provides personalised healthcare to optimise patient outcomes by improving the visibility of electronic health records for patients and providers.



Other notable startups in participation are: Arabian Chain Technology, Alissia, VR 360 Tech, Block Obi, FEGI (Future Edutainment Games Innovator) and Xeru.  TradeArabia News ServiceHumtap, an innovative music generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) start-up, is expanding into creating Arabic and Middle Eastern music - a pioneering achievement in the field.



Speaking on side-lines of the Gulf Information Security Expo &Conference (Gisec) and the Internet of Things Expo (IoTX) - two events being held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) under the Future Technology Week banner - Tamer Rashad, founder and CEO of Humtap, revealed the ambitious start-up is homing in on regional users at a dedicated AI Conference.



We created Humtap because we believe everyone is creative and enjoys connecting with others through user-generated content, said Rashad. All of us are blessed with an expressive voice and we want to empower our users  in any corner of the world - to express themselves and connect with others by providing a seamless, intuitive and ultimately creative experience.



With the Arab world counting some of the global leaders in internet-ready mobile phone penetration per capita, Rashad believes regional users will flock the Humtap platform, which has a partnership with Universal Music Groups (UMG) famous Abbey Road Red incubation program.



By understanding the minds of music composers and producers through A.I., we turn your expressive voice into any music. We are very excited by the opportunities that will be created when we apply our technology to compose Arabic and Middle Eastern music, added Rashad.



Humtap also recently launched the latest version of its app and is committed to adding new music styles every week; styles inspired by legendary artists from divergent genres, such as Drake, David Guetta, Travis Scott, Calvin Harris, Depeche Mode and Metallica.

Industry veteran Ty Roberts, former CTO of UMG, stated: Humtap enables a new class of composers to create music and empowers existing recording artists to better leverage their repertoire by enabling new forms of collaboration  we are bringing new models of monetization for record labels and publishers.



The Humtap team collaborates with the global music industry via its strategic bases in San Francisco, London, Berlin and Dubai. Their technological lead, reinforced by the scale of their vision, presents a unique opportunity for the music industry as a whole to become a more significant part of the social media experience.



Beyond creating music, Humtap will offer users a music network and social experience, enabling everyone to connect and interact with one another through music.



Welcome to a future where anyone can produce music quickly and easily through an innovative AI-assisted composition, added Rashad.  TradeArabia News Service

The TransGriot is available for speaking engagements, college lectures, panel discussions, media interviews, conferences or Trans 101 education efforts for your school, business or professional organizations.



For local Houston area, Texas or national events, you can e-mail me at transgriot@yahoo.com



For events outside the Houston metro area, I ask that my travel and lodging expenses be covered.



This is separate from my speaking fee.



If you are interested in having me appear as a speaker or panelist, you can e-mail me with the date and details of your proposed event.

Please book as early as possible because my speaking and event calendar slots during the year rapidly fill up.In the days leading up to a key vote last week over the fate of his nominee for secretary of state, President Trump found a way to win over one of the biggest skeptics in the Senate.





Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.), a rare noninterventionist Republican, was signaling that he would oppose Trumps pick, then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo, a hawkish former congressman who had backed the Iraq War.





But the more Trump and Paul spoke, including three calls April 23, the more assured Paul became that the president was moving back toward the noninterventionist worldview that Trump had championed on the campaign trail. The conversations left Paul with a particularly enticing notion: that Trump was prepared to end the war in Afghanistan.





The president told me over and over again in general were getting the hell out of there, Paul said in an interview Thursday in his Senate office. I think the presidents instincts and inclination are to resolve the Afghan conflict.





The two men discussed no exit dates and did not strike a written agreement, as Trump urged Paul to meet one-on-one with Pompeo and ultimately secured the senators support ahead of a key Foreign Relations Committee vote that paved the way for confirmation.





It is unclear just how much Trumps private conversations signal a public shift in policy or, rather, if they are just maneuvering by a famously transactional leader who often says what he needs to say to make a deal and then reverses himself. The White House declined to comment for this story, but an official confirmed the outlines of the interactions that Paul described.





Nonetheless, Trumps talks with Paul reflect an area of growing tension between the president, whose instinct is to pull out from overseas entanglements, and his military, whose leaders argue that swift withdrawals would spark dangerous instability. In Afghanistan, one indication of the militarys nervousness is its eagerness to open peace talks with the Taliban and try to negotiate an end to the conflict.





The Trump-Paul conversations also point to an effort by the dovish senator and former Trump rival, long treated by his party as a foreign policy gadfly, to assert influence over a president who chafes at being managed by his advisers and the Republican foreign policy establishment.





The odds are steep for Paul, even as he tries to nudge Trump into being more like Trump, or at least the Trump he came to know on the campaign trail. Pauls efforts have been complicated by a recent spate of attacks in the country, including two bombings Monday that killed at least 25 people. An affiliate of the Islamic State asserted responsibility.





The White House is increasingly full of hawks, such as national security adviser John Bolton, whose views Paul has fiercely opposed. And Trump has long been courted by Pauls foreign policy nemesis in the Senate, Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.).





Senator Paul is an outlier, Graham said.





Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters Monday that Trump had not given any indication that he wants to withdraw from Afghanistan.





Were there to do a job. Were not there to stay forever. But the job comes first, he said. Matter of fact, we have a number of nations looking to add forces as we speak.



TCN News

Hundreds of Indian Americans came together in cities across the United States for candlelight vigils and demonstrations demanding fair and speedy trials of the accused in the now infamous Kathua and Unnao rape cases. Vigils were held over the weekend in San Jose (CA), San Diego (CA), and Ft. Lauderdale (FL), with hundreds of Indian Americans showing an outpouring of support for the rape victims.

The vigils railed the Indian governments failure to properly investigate the cases for several months after the crimes. In the previous weeks, similar vigils were held in several other cities including Washington D.C., New York (NY), New Jersey, Baltimore (MD), Boston (MA), Seattle (WA), Raleigh (NC) and Minneapolis (MN).

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Earlier this year, an eight-year-old girl was abducted in Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir state, imprisoned for a week in a temple, where she was starved, drugged and gang-raped repeatedly before being murdered. According to the police charge sheet of those arrested, the rape and subsequent murder was planned and executed in order to terrorize the local Bakarwal Muslim community and drive them out of the area. The attempts to file a charge sheet against the accused at a local court was repeatedly blocked and followed by violent protests in their defense by extremist groups aligned with the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). In yet another incident from Unnao, a powerful BJP lawmaker in the Uttar Pradesh State Assembly, Kuldeep Singh Sengar, is accused of raping a teenage girl, obstructing justice, and then conspiring with his brother to kill the girls father after the family filed a police report.

Words cannot do justice to the terror that the victims of these crimes have had to suffer. The preachers of Hindutva, who are feted not punished, are responsible for an epidemic of hate-inspired brutal rapes and mob lynchings. Sometimes these crimes are justified on the pretext that the victims have consumed beef or slaughtered cows. Sometimes simply being a Muslim is enough to invite violence, said Mr. Ahsan Khan, the President of Indian American Muslim Council  the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States  and one of the organizers of yesterdays candlelight vigil in San Jose (CA).

In the four years of Prime Minister Modis rule, the intimidation of religious minorities and violence against them have reached levels that have not been witnessed in the history of independent India. In both Kathua and Unnao rape case, we demand speedy trials free of all political interference as well as thorough investigations into the role of extremist outfits like Hindu Ekta Manch in spreading hate and obstructing justice, added Mr. Khan.[April 30, 2018] Matrix to Showcase Field Proven Security and Telecom Solutions at International Police Expo

Matrix aims at increasing the networking opportunities by explaining decision makers the application of latest Telecom and Security solutions at the International Police Expo. The event organized on 10th and 11th May18 gathers high level professionals of defense forces and gives them an overview of technologically advanced solutions.







From Telecom domain, Matrix will be showcasing Enterprise Meeting Solution - PARISAT VC at the event. The conferencing server is engineered for 12+ video and 80+ audio participants enabling police force to collaborate from different locations and solve critical situations at the earliest. At the event, Matrix will exhibit Pure IP Solution - PRASAR UCS that enables armed forces personnel to connect wirelessly from remote locations. Matrix Unified Communication Server  SARVAM UCS will also be highlighted at the event. Equipped to support radio ports and in-skin GSM connectivity, the solution enhances connectivity between field personnel helping them manage emergency situations effectively in less period of time. Matrix will also showcase its GSM and VoIP Gateways that allows police and defense forces to make an easy switch to the modern network while retaining their existing infrastructure.



Matrix will showcase its Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Device. Its the only Linux based device available in Indian market with card and finger authentication. The device comes with multiple connectivity options like Wi-Fi, PoE, Ethernet and USB. COSEC VEGA FAXQ i.e. our Aadhaar based authentication device is purposely designed for marking attendance of government employees and is the only embedded device available in Indian market currently.





Matrixs Video Surveillance Domain will showcase a new range of Audio compatible IP cameras incorporating SONY STARVIS series sensors with EXMOR technology. This gives the cameras an edge over others in terms of exceptional low light performance, consistent image quality during varying light conditions (True WDR), better bandwidth optimization and many other features. These cameras, when coupled with Intelligent Video Analytics, provide excellent perimeter security and intrusion alerts through various means like SMS, Email, etc. We will also exhibit our Video Management System (VMS) SATATYA SAMAS which can seamlessly automate the parallel working of various systems integrated in an organization. Alongside, we are going to present the recently launched new range of Network Video Recorders with 4K decoding capacity and are equipped with characteristics like Cascading, Camera-wise Recording Retention, Database Level Integration and plenty of other distinct features.



We are enthusiastic about explaining our latest products features and applications to the key people of the defense industry. We will give brief insight on how our solutions can help the armed forces serve the society in a better way, said Ganesh Jivani, Managing Director.



Matrix cordially invites you to visit us at Stall Number: C32-33, Hall Number: 7ABC, International Police Expo 2018, Pragati Maidan Delhi on 10th and 11th May to have a sneak peek at the future of Telecom and Security solutions.



About Matrix Established in 1991, Matrix is a leader in Telecom and Security solutions for modern businesses and enterprises. Matrix, an innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization, is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, VoIP Gateways and Terminals, GSM Gateways, Access Control, Time-Attendance and Video Surveillance solutions. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global footprints in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa through an extensive network of more than 1,000 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many international awards for its innovative products.



Head Office: 394-GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara-390010, India Ph.: +91 265 2630555 E-Mail: Customer.Care@Matrixcomsec.com www.matrixcomsec.com As a community-building service, TMCnet allows user submitted content which is not always proofed by TMCnet editors. If you feel this entry is of inferior quality or wish to report it for some reason, please forward the URL to "webedit [AT] tmcnet [DOT] com" with your comments.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][April 30, 2018] InGenius Named Winner of the West Ottawa Board of Trade Tech Award

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- InGenius, a computer telephony integration innovator, has won the Tech Award in the 2018 West Ottawa Business Excellence Awards. Winners were selected by the West Ottawa Board of Trade, an organization dedicated to creating a prosperous environment for businesses and individuals to thrive, and were announced at a gala on April 5. The West Ottawa Business Excellence Awards recognize local businesses for their contributions to the economy and community. InGenius was chosen by the selection committee for demonstrating innovation and business sustainability in the technology industry, and for contributing to the overall recognition of Ottawa as a city of tech excellence. InGenius is a software company that helps companies connect existing telephone systems into leading CRMs, easily adapting to their unique contact center needs. Through its product, InGenius Connector Enterprise, InGenius empowers sales and service teams to deliver world-class, phone-based customer experiences. The solution helps contact centers increase productivity and improve customer satisfaction. InGenius has established itself as a world-leader in computer telephony integration, a criticaland complex technology niche.



"The quality of recipients at this year's awards was amazing to see," said Sueling Ching, CEO of the West Ottawa Board of Trade. "The win for InGenius in the technology category was well deserved. We've been impressed at the impact the organization has had on West Ottawa and with the service they provide to their customers. We can't wait to see what our members will achieve by this time next year." "The success of InGenius is attributable to three factors," said Dale Gantous, CEO of InGenius. "We have a fantastic team of people, dedication to continuous innovation, and a fiscal management policy that combines a focus on continuous profitability with strategic risk-taking. We're very proud to be recognized for making our community a vibrant hub of tech and economic growth. Expect much more to come!"

InGenius is a proud member of the West Ottawa Board of Trade that employs talented individuals across a range of disciplines in the high-tech sector. For more information about its solution, InGenius Connector Enterprise, go to ingenius.com. About InGenius

InGenius easily adapts to unique contact center needs with next-generation computer telephony integration (CTI). As a CTI innovator, InGenius connects existing telephone systems into leading CRMs with maximum flexibility, for world-class customer experiences. Backed by reliable expertise and superior customer care, InGenius helps contact centers increase productivity and customer satisfaction. Visit ingenius.com for more information. Media Contacts

Kari Simpson

InGenius

VP, Product Management and Marketing

(613) 591-9002 x2550

194107@email4pr.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ingenius-named-winner-of-the-west-ottawa-board-of-trade-tech-award-300638379.html SOURCE InGenius

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] LGS Innovations to Support the Largest Base Relocation in Army History

LGS Innovations has been awarded a five-year contract in support of the Yongsan Relocation Plan Increment 3 (YRP-3) by the U.S. Army under the GSA (News - Alert) Alliant contract. LGS Innovations is responsible for relocating and upgrading Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems and infrastructure as part of the migration of assets and capabilities from the U.S. Army facilities throughout the Republic of Korea to U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Humphreys. "This large-scale project is an extension of our 25-year footprint with the U.S. Army in the Republic of Korea," said LGS Innovations CEO Kevin Kelly. "Recognizing the magnitude of the relocation and impact on warfighters, LGS Innovations stands ready to ensure smooth transition and improve capabilities to help the U.S Army sustain readiness and a strong posture in the country and throughout the Pacific Theater," he added. LGS Innovations will perform all necessary program management, engineering, and installation for C4I systems including insideoutside plant, voice, Voice over Internet Protocol/ Unified Communications (News - Alert) (VOIP/UC), wireless, cybersecurity information assurance, fiber-optic sensor alarms, and C4I communications infrastructure.



LGS Innovations has been involved in the Yongsan Relocation Plan (YRP) since May of 2014. The Increment 3 contract supports the YRP, Land Partnership Plan, and Yongsan Residual and Combined Forces Coalition's planning, design, engineering, and deployment of communications systems throughout the Republic of Korea. About LGS Innovations

LGS Innovations is a technology company delivering mission-critical communications products, R&D, and supporting services to U.S. defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies and commercial customers around the world. We create advanced solutions in wireless communications, signals processing and analysis, optical networking, photonics, routing and switching, and spectrum management. These solutions drive mission success in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), cyberspace operations, and network assurance. LGS Innovations is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, with offices across the U.S. and overseas. We employ over 1,200 associates around the world, including 750 scientists and engineers. LGS Innovations: Listen. Innovate. Deliver. www.lgsinnovations.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005113/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]McGugan Comes Back to Avaya

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By Paula Bernier

Executive Editor, TMC By Paula BernierExecutive Editor, TMC

Chris McGugan is back with Avaya (News - Alert) Holdings Corp. But this time around his title is chief technology strategist.





McGugan has a quarter century of experience in the communications industry. That included time as Avayas vice president of emerging products and technology and of contact center solutions and marketing.

Hes most recently been an operations executive with a major retailer. While there, he built out cloud and IoT operations to support strategic initiatives. McGugan also has been in executive and management positions at Belkin, Cisco (News - Alert) , and Motorola/Symbol Technologies. And hes served on various board advisory positions at technology companies.

Companies are just now beginning to understand how strategic communications technologies can benefit their business, said McGugan. As we build our next-generation portfolio, it will be grounded in customer business cases, and combined with our deep communications expertise along with a path to modernization that leverages cloud and IoT, to take businesses to the next level of innovation.

Avaya late last year emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, about a year after its filing. As we reported around that time, analysts generally consider Avayas cloud communications portfolio to be solid. The company is profitable. And most sources indicate the company has strong leadership.

Yet Avaya was struggling under a heavy debt load. The company had $400 million to $600 million in interest payments annually. It had $6 billion in debt and $1.7 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. As a result, it had to generate $900 million of EBITDA just to cover its debt payments, pension payments, and other costs. And its revenues were decreasing.

The company sold its networking business to Extreme Networks Inc. for about $100 million. That, Avaya said, would enable it to focus on its core unified communications and contact center solutions.

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Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349Hundreds of supporters of Armenias opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan are gathering on Republic Square in downtown Yerevan ahead of the parliaments election of the new prime minister on Tuesday.

Addressing the crowd on the square, a spokesman for the oppositions party Civil Contract Tigran Avinyan said the Republican Party of Armenia sought to disrupt the voting. "We will stay here and wait for the instructions of Nikol Pashinyan," TASS cited him as saying.

However, a spokesman for the Republican Party, Eduard Sharmazanov said earlier that should three oppositions factions support Pashinyans nomination the RPA would not stonewall the election.

However, the Armenian opposition leader, a lawmaker with the Yelk faction, is the only candidate for the prime minister, he still lacks six votes to ensure a simple majority in the election. The Republican Party, which has 58 out of 105 seats in the parliament, has not announced its plans on the upcoming voting.

Several days before the election, Pashinyan had called on his supporters to gather outside the parliament early in the morning. He later changed his mind inviting the supporters to gather on Republic Square at 11 a.m. local time (10 a.m. Moscow Time).

The parliament is scheduled to elect the prime minister at noon (11.00 a.m. Moscow Time) on May 1. Three parliamentary factions - the Tsarukyan bloc, Dashnaktsutyun and Yelk - have already announced they would vote for Pashinyan. The Republican Party has not nominated its candidate.Armenian president Armen Sarkisyan issued a statement, addressing the nation on the day when the parliament is set to elect a new prime minister.

"At this decisive moment I call on all members of the National Assembly, political forces, the entire state system, various strata of our society and the young people to show high civic responsibility and wisdom, to stay within the law and the Constitution in carrying out any step and action for our state and people," ARKA cited the statement as saying.

The parliament is electing the prime minister at the moment. However, the Armenian opposition leader, lawmaker with the Yelk faction Nikol Pashinyan, is the only candidate for the prime minister, he still lacks six votes to ensure a simple majority in the election. The Republican Party, which has 58 out of 105 seats in the parliament, has not announced its plans on the upcoming voting. Three parliamentary factions - the Tsarukyan bloc, Dashnaktsutyun and Yelk - have already announced they would vote for Pashinyan. The Republican Party has not nominated its candidate.Kazakh citizens are celebrating the National Day of Unity of People of Kazakhstan today. This public holiday is marked since 1996. On October 18, 1995, President Nursultan Nazarbayev has signed the order declaring May 1 as the Unity Day of People of Kazakhstan and abolished the Labor Day marked since the Soviet Union time.

Addressing the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan on April 28, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev underlined the unity of people was, is and will remain the main condition for development of the country.

"Dear compatriots! I sincerely congratulate you on May 1 - the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan! This truly national celebration is a vivid symbol of our patriotism, love and devotion to our native land. Thanks to unity and agreement, we have achieved great success in building an independent state, having earned a high prestige and recognition in the world. Awareness of the importance of unity and harmony is the main factor in the harmonious and sustainable development of our country," said the president.

Nazarbayev also added that the true wealth and well-being of Kazakhstan depends on unity, friendship and mutual respect.

"These key values determine the worldview of our society and serve as a clear guide to its further consolidation and rallying. I am confident that the ongoing major renewal of all spheres of the life of the state will contribute to strengthening our unity and stability on the path of new achievements and victories. I wish everyone prosperity and new successes," Nazarbayev said.

The National Day of Unity of People of Kazakhstan is a public holiday in the repubic. Concerts, massive celebrations, childrens festivals, sport contests will be held across the country. Exhibitions, performances devoted to the holiday of unity and friendship will be held in libraries, museums, theaters and other cultural spots of the country.Ararat Mirzoyan, a member of the Armenian Yelk parliamentary group, has nominated Nikol Pashinyan, an opposition figure who has been leading protests in the country, as a candidate for prime minister during the special session of the country's parliament.

"We propose Nikol Pashinyan's candidacy for the post of the head of the Armenian government," Ararat Mirzoyan said at the parliamentary session.

Meanwhile, Ara Babloyan, the president of the Armenian National Assembly, described the situation with the election of a new prime minister as unprecedented.

"The parliamentary majority has not nominated its candidate and is discussing the candidate proposed by the minority," Babloyan said.

The Yelk candidate has also enlisted the support of two other parliamentary parties  Tsarukyan and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. The three parties take a total of 47 of the parliament's 105 seats, and thus Pashinyan needs at least six votes in favor from the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) to be elected as prime minister. On Sunday, RPA faction head Vahram Bagdasaryan said that the party would not impede Pashinyan's election.Russia is celebrating Spring and Labour Day today, May 1st. Being a traditional European spring celebration, May Day is a national public holiday in a majority of countries. The date is currently celebrated specifically as 'Labour Day' or 'International Workers' Day'.

Moscow traditionally will meet the holiday with mass demonstrations and meetings in the city center. In total, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia said that 378 marches and 499 rallies will be held today in Russia.The chairman of Russian independent labor unions, Mikhail Shmakov, said that the events will be attended by 2 million 767 thousand people, according to data from the country's trade unions.

A march in downtown Moscow on occasion of Spring and Labor Day has drawn 130,000 people, the Russian Interior Ministrys press service said.

"A festive demonstration organized by representatives of the Moscow Trade Union Federation is held in the center of the capital," TASS cited the press service as saying.

Police together with the National Guard and voluntary peoples patrols are ensuring security.

The demonstrators are chanting traditional slogans: "Peace, Labor, May!", "For Peace and Stability," "Jobs For the Youth," "Care About Pensioners."

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin led the march of trade unions on Red Square, promising to make every effort to improve living standards of citizens. Lawmakers of the State Duma and Moscow City Duma took part in the demonstration.

Some 3500 people are taking part in a march of the Russian Communist Party devoted to Labor Day, the Interior Ministrys press service said.

"A march organized by the Communist Party has started in downtown Moscow and will end by a rally on Teatralnaya Square," a spokesman said.

More than 245,000 personnel of ministries, agencies and services are ensuring security, a spokesperson for the Emergencies Ministry said. Over 4400 festive events are scheduled in the Russian regions today.

A total of 735 cities and district centers will hold marches and rallies today. The largest events, in addition to the capital, are planned in Yakutsk, Krasnodar, Surgut.US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi discussed the situation in the Middle East and the bilaterial cooperation, the US State Department said on its website.

It is reported that their meeting reaffirmed the United States and Jordan partnership on key regional issues from the defeat of ISIS to the Middle East peace process.

"Both of our countries know the threat that Iran poses to the region. This morning we had a chance to discuss how best to counter Irans malign influence and activity in the region, and with all of our allies weve had discussions with respect to the JCPOA," Pompeo said.THANH HOA  Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical LLC (NSRP) in Nghi Son Economic Zone in Thanh Hoa Province launched its first shipment of refined product, GASOLINE RON 92 (MOGAS92), on May 1.

Crude oil imported from Kuwait has been successfully processed at the US$9 billion refining complex to make petroleum products, meeting all the technical specifications. The product will serve commercial buyers in the Vietnamese market.

Turki Alajmi, CEO of NSRP and member of NSRP Management, was present during the launch.

We are very proud of this significant achievement for NSRP, its sponsors, lenders as well as the Vietnamese Government. It shows that we can achieve great things through hard work, strong cooperation and friendship for mutual benefits, Alajmi said.

We are grateful to the Vietnamese Government, Vietnamese people and local partners who have provided tremendous support to NSRP to reach this milestone. We look forward to contributing strongly to the oil and gas industry and economy of Viet Nam, he added.

The launch marks the success of more than four years of investment, financing, construction and commissioning of this mega refinery, with strong joint efforts by many stakeholders.

NSRP is the second refinery in Viet Nam with a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day (10 million tonnes per year). Its four sponsors are Viet Nam Oil and Gas Group, Kuwait Petroleum Europe BV, Idemitsu Kosan Co Ltd and Mitsui Chemicals Inc, who together invested some $4 billion.

The remaining $5 billion were loaned from a large syndicate of almost 40 international commercial banks led by Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, Export and Import Bank of Korea and several European export credit agencies from the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany, which makes NSRP the largest project finance deal in Viet Nam so far.

With an international EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor consortium led by JGC Corporation from Japan, construction of the NSRP Project started in July 2013 and was completed in April 2017. Since then, NSRP has been commissioning almost 3,000 systems in the refinery for almost a year, with over 1,000 employees, both Vietnamese and international, working full-time on site.

World-class technology in the refining industry has been applied to operate this complex refinery. Crude oil was delivered from Kuwait on a number of large crude carriers arriving for the first time in Viet Nam, unloaded at a delivery point 35km offshore and then transported through a pipeline to the refinery for processing. The products of NSRP will be mainly offtaken by PetroVietnam (petroleum products) and some major international offtakers (petrochemical products).

NSRP, a project of national importance in the petroleum sector, has received strong support from the Vietnamese Government as well as the authority and people of Thanh Hoa Province. The development of the NSRP Project and its need for many supporting industries and services has also had a positive impact on the economic developments in Thanh Hoa and other areas in Viet Nam. In fact, many businesses have set up facilities in Thanh Hoa to cooperate with NSRP on a long-term basis.  VNSEmail To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required.

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(13) Apr 11 (14) Apr 10 (16) Apr 09 (20) Apr 08 (36) Apr 07 (22) Apr 06 (11) Apr 05 (28) Apr 04 (20) Apr 03 (29) Apr 02 (32) Apr 01 (18) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (15) Mar 28 (22) Mar 27 (24) Mar 26 (17) Mar 25 (17) Mar 24 (13) Mar 23 (5) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (15) Mar 20 (18) Mar 19 (19) Mar 18 (16) Mar 17 (10) Mar 16 (6) Mar 15 (18) Mar 14 (24) Mar 13 (18) Mar 12 (18) Mar 11 (17) Mar 10 (13) Mar 09 (12) Mar 08 (18) Mar 07 (25) Mar 06 (16) Mar 05 (16) Mar 04 (22) Mar 03 (17) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (23) Feb 29 (19) Feb 28 (25) Feb 27 (26) Feb 26 (23) Feb 25 (12) Feb 24 (13) Feb 23 (15) Feb 22 (26) Feb 21 (31) Feb 20 (12) Feb 19 (21) Feb 18 (15) Feb 17 (10) Feb 16 (15) Feb 15 (19) Feb 14 (15) Feb 13 (25) Feb 12 (20) Feb 11 (9) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (28) Feb 08 (20) Feb 07 (22) Feb 06 (20) Feb 05 (19) Feb 04 (14) Feb 03 (16) Feb 02 (28) Feb 01 (37) Jan 31 (27) Jan 30 (31) Jan 29 (18) Jan 28 (14) Jan 27 (10) Jan 26 (18) Jan 25 (26) Jan 24 (34) Jan 23 (21) Jan 22 (21) Jan 21 (18) Jan 20 (18) Jan 19 (18) Jan 18 (26) Jan 17 (24) Jan 16 (23) Jan 15 (30) Jan 14 (20) Jan 13 (18) Jan 12 (24) Jan 11 (11) Jan 10 (23) Jan 09 (22) Jan 08 (17) Jan 07 (17) Jan 06 (9) Jan 05 (18) Jan 04 (15) Jan 03 (19) Jan 02 (14) Jan 01 (6) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (15) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (7) Dec 26 (10) Dec 25 (16) Dec 24 (13) Dec 23 (16) Dec 22 (11) Dec 21 (26) Dec 20 (28) Dec 19 (14) Dec 18 (25) Dec 17 (23) Dec 16 (19) Dec 15 (22) Dec 14 (38) Dec 13 (26) Dec 12 (25) Dec 11 (27) Dec 10 (31) Dec 09 (15) Dec 08 (30) Dec 07 (31) Dec 06 (27) Dec 05 (38) Dec 04 (25) Dec 03 (27) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (36) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (17) Nov 28 (23) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (16) Nov 25 (14) Nov 24 (18) Nov 23 (21) Nov 22 (21) Nov 21 (24) Nov 20 (20) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (17) Nov 17 (17) Nov 16 (34) Nov 15 (25) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (21) Nov 12 (18) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (12) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (4) Oct 29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1)According to Americas Society/Council of the Americas analyst, Elizabeth Gonzalez, almost half of the eligible voters are under 35 years old.

The Superior Court of Electoral Justice (TSJE) started giving the preliminary results soon after polls closed across Paraguay at 4:00 p.m. local time for the country's seventh post-dictatorship general elections, since 1989.

With 35.5 percent of the ballots reviewed, the TSJE reported that Mario Abdo Benitez obtained the support of about 47.7 percent, while Pedro Alegre scored 41,9.

As of 3:00 p.m. local time, the elections had more than 50 percent turnout in the general elections while also giving details about overseas turnout in different countries.

Voters were choosing a new president, a vice-president, 45 senators, 80 deputies, 17 governors, 17 departmental congresses and 18 envoys to the Mercosur Parliament. There are 10 candidates vying for the presidency. The ruling Colorado Party's Mario Abdo Benitez and Ganar Alliance's Pedro Efrain Alegre are the main candidates.

#Paraguay | @TSJE_Py has registered at 14:00 local time a 42% national participation in the general elections.



Details of external participation:#Spain  32 percent#Argentina  17 percent#Brazil  29 percent#UnitedStates  38 percent pic.twitter.com/CsORBg9xBg  teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) April 22, 2018

Paraguay has a population of about 6.9 million, approximately 4.2 million of which are eligible voters. A little more than 2.1 million of that number are men and 2.0 million are women.

According to Americas Society/Council of the Americas analyst, Elizabeth Gonzalez, almost half of the eligible voters are under 35 years old.

This year, 43 percent of the electorate will be 18-34 years old, most of whom wont have a personal connection to the years of the dictatorship, she said. This makes them less likely to have a strong affiliation to either the Colorado Party or the Authentic Radical Liberal Party, the largest member of Ganar.

The Organization of American States (OAS) will send a team of observers to monitor the elections, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro previously announced.

Elections are underway in #Paraguay as people start going to the polls in today's general election. #ParaguayElige #ParaguayVotes pic.twitter.com/higMyNh4et  teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) April 22, 2018

"The objective of any electoral observation mission is to contribute to the strengthening of the electoral processes in the continent, promoting integrity, impartiality, transparency, and reliability," Almagro said.

The South American nation has about 38,000 overseas voters  spread across Argentina, Brazil, the United States and Spain  who will participate in the polls.

The president-elect will assume office on Aug. 15.

The Colorado Party has run the country for the past 70 years and is poised to extend rule, according to pre-election polls. Forty-six-year-old Benitez has held leads of up to 20 percentage points ahead of his counterpart. He is the son of Mario Abdo, the personal secretary to dictator Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled Paraguay from 1954 to 1989.

Benitez is a former Senate president who campaigned on judicial system reform. Alegre, on the other hand, has pledged free health care for the poorest and slash the cost of electricity bills.

Conservative President Horacio Cartes will wrap up a five-year term.Abortion, gay marriage, immigration rights are divisive and debatable issues, but in the eyes of the Roman Catholic church those are issues where there is little if any room for debate.

In an interview with Toledo Bishop Daniel Thomas, we get a closer look at the church's position on what is perhaps the most hot button issue in our country right now, gun control.

Bishop Thomas addresses questions over assault weapons, the second amendment and arming teachers more.Retinal Vein Occlusion Market

The Global Retinal Vein Occlusion Market Opportunities, Drivers, Top Players, Analysis and Forecasts Till 2025, the report gives industry size, shares, Global Vendors analysis and Forecasts

Worldwide Retinal Vein Occlusion Market Insights:

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is the second most prevalent cause of vision loss across the globe after diabetic retinopathy. RVO usually occurs when a blood clot blocks the retinal vein. There are several common diseases that can cause RVO, these include glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, macular edema, high cholesterol and other blood disorders that could affect clotting. People over the age of 60 are particularly at risk and those with a smoking habit are also susceptible to RVO.

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published a comprehensive market report on retinal vein occlusion. The report delves into the various market segments that make up the market and identifies upcoming market trends, projected growth as well as market restraints for the forecast period.

Extensive research of retinal vein occlusion has given rise to various treatment options, some of which can also reliably restore vision. The market has seen a lot of growth and change due to this and current treatment options are limited.

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The Retinal Vein Market is projected to grow at a significant CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period 2017-2023. This growth can largely be attributed to the growing number of key players investing in research and development of RVO treatment options. It is in the recent years that the advent of anti-VEGF drugs and steroid use has changed the retinal vein occlusion market. Anti VEGF drugs have gained significant traction among doctors as the primary choice of treatment, however these drugs are being developed on a continuous basis, thus facilitating growth of the retinal vein occlusion market.

Retinal Vein Occlusion Market Segmentation:

The global Retinal Vein Occlusion Market can be segmentally evaluated based on type, condition, diagnosis, treatment and end user.

Based on type the market is segmented into branch retinal artery occlusion and central retinal vein occlusion.

Based on condition the market is segmented into non-ischemic and ischemic.

Based on treatment, the market is segmented into anti vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF), corticosteroid drugs, laser retinal photocoagulation and others.

Based on end users, the market is segmented into hospitals & clinics, research & academic centers and others.

Retinal Vein Occlusion Market Regional Analysis:

On the basis of region, the market has been segmented into the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa.

The Americas are the current dominating market segment in the global retinal vein occlusion market, this can be attributed to the existence of many key players in the region, an increasing number of patients, increase in surgical success and an ongoing improvement of treatment methods. North America also enjoys strong economic conditions and has an active focus on research and development which encourages growth. Meanwhile, due to the huge potential for this market, South America is expected to contribute substantial growth in the market. By 2023, the evaluation of this market segment is expected to reach USD 6018.6 million.

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Retinal Vein Occlusion Market Key Players:

The competitive landscape is led by prominent key players including, Allergan, Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ellex Medical Lasers, Iridex Corporation, Novartis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Quantel Medical Inc., GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Zeiss, Lumenis, Topcon Medical Systems Inc., Sanofi Aventis, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Alimera Sciences, Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA, Icon Biosciences, Suzuken Co. Ltd., Genentech Inc., Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical, Pfizer Inc., Astrazeneca, Aerpio Therapeutics Inc., Annexin Pharmaceuticals AB and others.

Europe, which has the second largest market share, is also expecting to sustain growth due to strong support from the government and the allocation of significant funds for healthcare expenditure. The massive geriatric population is another motivator for growth in this market. Past trends of health care expenditure in European countries are a strong indicator for continued growth of the retinal vein occlusion. In 2014, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported that healthcare expenditure for that year was EUR 321 billion in Germany and EUR 237 billion in France.

Asia Pacific (APAC) is the fastest growing market for retinal vein occlusion. A high number of developing countries in this region like India and China are focusing on providing up to date healthcare options, this extends to retinal vein occlusion as well. Like South America, this region also possesses a great potential and rapid growth is expected for this region during the forecast period.

Middle East and Africa is another region that expects to see growth during the forecast period, however due to the presence of many under developed and developing countries there may be restricted growth in this region. Low availability of medical facilities and poor development in the healthcare sectors are the key factors restricting growth. However, some Middle Eastern countries like Qatar and Kuwait are focusing on these problems which could mean modest growth for the region.

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Latest Retinal Vein Occlusion Industry News:

Novartis presently has plans to submit an application seeking FDA approval for a new anti-VEGF class of drugs called RTH258 (Brolucizumab). The investigational drug is expected to be launched commercially in 2019 and will be a contender for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

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Website: https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=5377

Appendix 4C and Commentary

Sydney, May 1, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Brand Protection and Consumer Connection solutions company YPB Group Ltd ( ASX:YPB ) presents a summary of activities for the quarter ended 31 March 2018.Review of Q1 2018 Activities- Temporary increase in operating cash consumption in Q l to reverse in Q2- Recurring revenue improving and costs stable- Highly significant strategic developments in Q 1 with Motif Micro, AliHealth, Australian Made, proposed Blockchain Token Sale EventDevelopments in Q 1 2018Highly significant corporate developments occurred in Q 1:1. Motif Micro. In January 2018, the acquisition of the global rights to the Motif Micro technology developed at MIT was completed. Motif Micro is the most significant development in Anti- Counterfeit technology in a generation. Its key value lies in being able to offer unfakeable, forensic level Anti-Counterfeit protection that is smartphone readable. That is, it provides a low-cost, easily deployed solution for mass market application with the highest level of counterfeit protection. Directors are strongly of the view that the value-creation capacity of Motif Micro will more than offset the dilution of the equity issuance to fund the acquisition. There are numerous routes to monetising Motif Micro with solid interesting in licencing the technology the most significant near term opportunity.2. Proposed Blockchain Token Sale Event. Blockchain specialist, Enhanced Society, was appointed to explore the undertaking of a Token Sale Event (TSE) for YPB. While still under consideration, a successfully executed TSE would be highly value-creating for shareholders.3. AliHealth. In March 2018, YPB China was appointed the first commercial distribution partner for the serialisation and customer connection platform of AliHealth, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group. YPB has struggled with sales traction in China despite the enormous counterfeit issues there. The AliHealth relationship is expected to open previously closed doors and provide a clear path to strong revenue growth and profitability of YPB's China business. Broader opportunities with AliHealth are possible in future.4. Australian Made. In March 2018 an MOU was signed with the Australian Made Campaign to offer YPB's full PROTECT DETECT CONNECT product suite to Australian Made licensees. The collaboration has no fixed term and took immediate effect but will launch officially in May 2018. Under the agreement Australian Made commits to (amongst other things) recommend YPB's solutions to its 2700+ licensees. This relationship opens a significant opportunity for more rapid sales cycles to a broader market and to drive revenues of the Australian business.To view the full report, please visit:About YPB Group Ltd

DEACTIVATED

High Grade Gold Intercepts at Southwark Bottle Creek

Canberra, May 1, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Alt Resources Ltd ( ASX:ARS ) (Alt or 'the Company') is pleased to announce the first results from the RC drilling program at the Southwark deposit, Bottle Creek Gold Project, WA. Southwark lies 1 km to the north of the Emu deposit (see Figure 1 in link below) and the first results indicate continuity of the broad gold zones encountered at Emu(see Note 1 below). Gold assays have been received from drillholes SWKRC001 to SWKRC018 with individual assays up to 65.6 g/t Au(see Note 2 below). Significant results are listed in detail in Table 1 (see link below). High grade gold zones occur within and alongside broad, consistently graded zones such as 23m @ 3.1 g/t Au(see Note 3 below). These broad zones are a positive feature for potential future mining operations, ensuring a minimal 'nugget' effect and a more easily extracted bulk target.HIGHLIGHTS:- Results from first modern drilling at Southwark indicate significant gold zones- 3200 metres of RC drilling for 44 holes completed at Southwark with all samples despatched for assay- Significant intercepts from Southwark include:o 13m @ 11.1 g/t Au, including 7m @ 18.9 g/t Auo 11m @ 8.5 g/t Au, including 5m @ 16.6 g/t Auo 13m @ 6.4 g/t Au, including 3m @ 12.7 g/t Auo 9m @ 5.6 g/t Au, including 4m @ 9.0 g/t Auo 6m @ 5.3 g/t Au, including 2m @ 14.4 g/t Auo 23m @ 3.1 g/t Au, including 12m @ 4.3 g/t Auo 13m @ 3.1 g/t Au, including 4m @ 6.4 g/t Au- Broad gold zones at southern margin of Southwark indicate mineralisation is open along strike and at depth- High grade gold shoots identified with several holes ending in mineralisation- Consistent gold grades intercepted in the laterite cap above Southwark mineralisationThe initial results from Southwark demonstrate that mineralisation is open to the south, with the southernmost line of drilling including drillhole SWKRC005, with 23m @ 3.1 g/t Au (see Figure 2 in link below). This broad zone of gold mineralisation has not been closed off at depth or by either modern or historical drilling to the south. Continuity of the mineralisation is evident in the next section to the north (see Figure 2 in link below; SWKRC010). In addition, mineralisation appears to be broadening with depth, and several holes were found to end in mineralisation.Drilling at the un-mined Southwark deposit has been completed, for a total of 3,200m. Approximately 1,300 assayed metres are included in this announcement. The concluding stage of the RC drilling program is currently underway at the Emu deposit, ahead of resource modelling. This phase of RC drilling at Bottle Creek will be completed on the 7th May, 2018; well ahead of schedule and within budget. Alt will have completed in excess of 12,000m of RC drilling in 7 weeks.Alt CEO James Anderson said; "The Southwark drilling is returning some solid results, with grades and widths that are consistent with the Emu deposit. The project has significant extra scope, considering that we are drilling only two mineralised zones over 1,000m, whereas the Bottle Creek strike length is around 7 to 8 kilometres. Southwark is shaping up to be another shallow asset with excellent gold grades and possible open-pit potential. The new drilling we've completed shows that it has been poorly tested in the south. We have excellent results, including over 20m at 3 g/t gold, in our southernmost drill fence. This is definitely an area we will be drilling in the future. The Southwark deposit is 1,000 metres from the northernmost drill fence we've completed at Emu. Historical drilling between the two has not sufficiently tested the extent of mineralisation, as we've seen. This makes the ground between Southwark and Emu quite prospective."Significant gold intercepts from Alt's new drilling at the un-mined Southwark deposit are listed in detail in Table 1 (see link below), and include:- SWKRC001: 1m @ 5.8 g/t Au from 41m- SWKRC003: 1m @ 3.8 g/t Au from 52m- SWKRC004: 10 @ 1.6 g/t Au from 68m- SWKRC005: 23m @ 3.1 g/t Au from 79mo including 12m @ 4.3 g/t Au from 81m- SWKRC006: 2m @ 1.1 g/t Au from 20mo and 1m @ 2.7 g/t Au from 29m- SWKRC007: 6m @ 5.3 g/t Au from 53mo including 2m @ 14.43 g/t Au from 54m- SWKRC008: 2m @ 1.4 g/t Au from 5mo and 1m @ 7.0 g/t Au from 50mo and 4m @ 1.9 g/t Au from 55m- SWKRC009: 1m @ 1.0 g/t Au from 72m- SWKRC010: 8m @ 1.4 g/t Au from 79mo and 2m @ 1.4 g/t Au from 92m- SWKRC011: 8m @ 1.2 g/t Au from 31m- SWKRC013: 12m @ 2.2 g/t Au from 20mo and 13m @ 3.1 g/t Au from 50mo including 4m @ 6.4 g/t Au from 51m- SWKRC014: 9m @ 5.6 g/t Au from 71mo including 4m @ 9.0 g/t Au from 73m- SWKRC015: 6m @ 2.2 g/t Au from 3m- SWKRC016: 13m @ 11.1 g/t Au from 53mo including 7m @ 18.9 g/t Au from 57mo including 1m @ 65.6 g/t Au from 61m- SWKRC017: 10, @ 1.1 g/t Au from 1mo and 11m @ 8.5 g/t Au from 51mo including 5m @ 16.6 g/t Au from 56m- SWKRC018: 13m @ 6.4 g/t Au from 73mo including 3m @ 12.7 g/t Au from 79mFigure 2 and 3 (see link below) show cross-sections with new drilling and significant intercepts through the Southwark deposit, located approximately 1 km north of Emu. The location of new drillholes discussed in this release is given in plan view in Figure 4 (see link below). Section A-A' (see Figure 2 in link below) shows the widening of mineralisation with increasing depth. This section is also the southernmost drill line completed by Alt at Southwark and demonstrates the potential for good continuity of mineralisation both to the south towards Emu and at depth.Mineralisation at Southwark shows the same structural and lithological setting as that encountered at Emu. The 'mineralised zone' is hosted within a black shale sequence and dips steeply to the south-west. The host rock is interpreted to be a quartz-sericite schist, discussed in more detail in the section below.In Alt's previous announcements for the Bottle Creek project, the geology had been interpreted in line with that described in detail in historical reports. As part of our new intellectual ownership of the project, Alt commissioned a petrographic study of key rock types, to generate greater understanding of the key lithologies associated with mineralisation. Preliminary results from that study suggest that the country rock surrounding the mineralised black shale unit is not a quartz porphyry, as described by historical explorers. Instead, microscopic analysis suggests a metamorphosed quartz-sericite schist with quartz phenocrysts. This rock type has a sedimentary, rather than igneous origin as previously thought. Alt will be conducting further analysis to understand the Bottle Creek geology in more detail.Regional Setting and Exploration HistoryThe Bottle Creek gold mine lies 100 km north east of Menzies in the Mt Ida gold belt (see Figure 5 in link below). The gold mine is located on the northern extremity of the Mt Ida-Ularring greenstone belt extending from Davyhurst to Mt Alexander (see Figure 5 in link below). The Ularring greenstone belt forms the western part of the Norseman-Wiluna Province of the Yilgarn Craton. The location of mineralisation and local geology, is shown in Figure 6 (see link below).During historical operation from 1988-1989, 90,000 oz Au was produced from two open pits (Boags and VB; see Figure 7 in link below). Significant historical drilling along a 9.8 km strike outlined the Emu, Southwark and XXXX deposits. However these were never mined. The historical RC drill fences were spaced at 100m, with infill drill line spacing at 50m and 25m at various locations. The majority of drilling targeted oxide mineralisation and reached no deeper than 80m vertically below surface.Alt's new drilling results continue to provide confirmation of historical intercepts, improve confidence in historical data, proves the continuity and grade of mineralisation in key parts of the Emu deposit. Further, gold mineralisation appears to continue at depth, with several drillholes ending in mineralisation. Additional drillholes are being planned at Emu and other areas of the Bottle Creek Project to test the continuity of gold mineralisation at depth. RC drilling for resource definition is ongoing.Notes:1 e.g. See ARS announcement, 27th March, 2018: http://www.abnnewswire.net/press/en/92549 2 From drillhole SWKRC016, 61-62m3 From drillhole SWKRC005, 79-102mTo view tables and figures, please visit:About Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd

Aurenne Alt Resources Pty Ltd is an Australian based mineral exploration company that aims to become a gold producer by exploiting historical and new gold prospects across quality assets and to build value for shareholders.The presidential campaign of 2016 Green Party candidate Jill Stein told CNN on Monday she has objected to turning over some documents to the Senate Intelligence Committee related to the campaign's contacts and discussions related to Russia.

Stein's campaign provided some documents last month as part the Senate committee's Russia probe, but the campaign objected to several requests as overly broad and infringing on "constitutionally protected materials," according to a letter from Stein's attorney, Mara Verheyden-Hilliard of the Washington-based Partnership for Civil Justice.

The Green Party candidate provided documents related to communications with officials tied to Russian media organizations and the Kremlin, as well as documents related to Stein's 2015 trip to Moscow for the RT dinner that was also attended by both former Trump administration aide Michael Flynn and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But the campaign objected to the committee's request for communications with "Russian persons, or representatives of Russian government, media, or business interests," arguing it was broadly targeting the communications of people "because they happen to be Russian immigrants or of Russian dissent."

In an interview with CNN Monday, Stein said she felt the investigation into her campaign was "completely unjustified," but she said she was willing to cooperate with the panel's questions about election interference -- not when the committee infringed on her campaign's civil liberties.

"We thought that where requests were made that violated basic constitutional protections, that wasn't a good idea, not for anybody, and we did not want to be part of setting a precedent that intrudes further on our civil liberties," Stein said. "Legitimate concerns about interference in our election should not be twisted into a campaign of censorship, war-mongering and political intimidation against opposition to the bipartisan establishment."

Stein has been connected to the Senate panel's investigation into Russia's 2016 election meddling in part because of her appearance at a now-infamous dinner that was hosted by RT, the Russian television network. Flynn, President Donald Trump's former national security adviser who has since pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, was sitting at a table with Putin at the dinner -- along with Stein.

The Green Party candidate also praised WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange in 2016 after WikiLeaks posted a trove of hacked Democratic National Committee emails, saying there was "no question" he was a hero.

The intelligence community and congressional panels investigating Russia's election meddling have concluded that the Kremlin was behind the hacking and facilitated the dissemination of the DNC emails as well as the hacked emails of former Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.

Online trolls from the Kremlin-backed Internet Research Agency used social media to promote Stein's candidacy during the 2016 campaign, according to an indictment brought by special counsel Robert Mueller against the Russian organization and 13 of its employees. The Russians' pro-Stein efforts included paid advertisements on Facebook that explicitly encouraged Americans to vote for Stein, according to the indictment.

But it was Stein's presence at the 2015 dinner that initially generated questions about whether the Kremlin was also seeking to prop up the third-party campaign.

Stein has argued that the event received no US press coverage anyway, and said the photo with her, Flynn and Putin was "extremely misleading." She didn't speak to Putin at the dinner, she said, and spoke no more than a "few innocuous words" to Flynn, who was not "interested in her elevator pitch."

"The Green Party's agenda hasn't really changed," Stein said. "Our stuff was all about nuclear weapons, the need for disarmament, the need for the US to participate in the new UN treaty" on nuclear weapons.

Stein has not been accused of wrongdoing or colluding with the Russians. But her political views often align with the Kremlin and mirror talking points heard on Russian state TV: She claims the American political system is rigged, opposes the notion of American exceptionalism, is a vocal critic of US military operations overseas and downplays the impact of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

In November, the Senate Intelligence Committee sent Stein's campaign a letter requesting documents in the panel's Russia probe, which is still ongoing. Senate Intelligence Chairman Richard Burr, a North Carolina Republican, said that the committee was seeking to learn whether there was "collusion with the Russians."

"I said at the beginning we would look at all the campaigns and possible collusion by any campaign," Burr said.

Verheyden-Hilliard said the campaign did provide documents detailing communications with representatives of the Russian government and media organizations, but that the committee's larger request amounted to "a hunt for identification of persons based on nationality or descent."

The campaign also would not provide the committee documents related to the campaign's policy discussions involving Russia, writing in its response that the committee's request "intrudes on political and associational privacy rights established by the First Amendment," Verheyden-Hilliard wrote.

Stein says that the material turned over was "completely trivial," such as scheduling the timing for interviews with RT. She said the campaign also provided evidence that it paid in full for Stein's 2015 trip to Moscow.

Stein's campaign said that it did not have any records of communications with Fusion GPS or Christopher Steele, the ex-British intelligence agent who compiled the opposition research dossier on Trump and Russia, nor did it have records of communication with WikiLeaks related to disseminating information about the 2016 election.

A spokeswoman for Burr did not respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the committee's top Democrat, declined to comment.

Verheyden-Hilliard said that since the campaign sent its letter to the committee last month, there have been ongoing discussions about the document request, and a handful of additional material has since been provided.

Stein said Mueller's team has not contacted her.Oroville, Calif.-- A California man lives on after his death.

The firefighter donated his heart, which now beats inside another man's chest.

Angela Musallam reports.

Aletha Gomez, the partner of the organ donor said, "It was loud, it was strong, as strong as his love for us actually."

Emotions ran through Aletha Gomez, as she heard the heartbeat of her son's father, for the first time in nearly a year.

Perry Choy's heart, now beating strong inside this Oroville man.

Aletha Gomez, the partner of the organ donor said, "I feel thankful and grateful that he lives on."

Choy, a San Francisco firefighter, unexpectedly passed away last year, after suffering from a stroke.

His last wishes to Gomez she said, "He told me, 'You know when I pass away, when I die, what am I gonna do with it? Might as well donate it and save more lives.'"

Choy's sudden death became the gift of life for many, including 63-year old Jim Donovan.

Jim Donovan the organ recipient said, "Im proud, really proud."

It's been a rough journey for Donovan, who moved from Bakersfield several years ago, hoping his valley fever would go away.

The condition transformed into "congestive heart failure".

Jim Donovan the organ recipient said, "I actually gave up and I gave u for a long time and I didn't think anything would happen."

Donovan waited almost two years before his doctors found an exact match, for a heart transplant, last august.

That match came from Choy, who had passed just days before Donovan received his new heart.

Aletha Gomez, the partner of the organ donor said, "This is his will, this is what he wants."

Choy's spirit now breathes life in Donovan, and other people who may have never gotten the chance.

Jim Donovan the organ recipient said, "I'm gonna go see my grandchildren and celebrate life again, a second life."

Roughly 12-thousand people died in 2017 waiting on an organ transplant, according to Sierra Donor Services.Paradise, Calif--Some residents of one retirement home in Paradise got to experience a dream flight today as they flew around Butte County in an open cockpit airplane for about 20 minutes.

Luckily those flights were free thanks to one foundation.

"I'm a little bit scared, but excited," said 92-year-old Leo Classen of Paradise.

Classen has flown in a small plane before, but nothing like the Boeing Stearman Biplane he's about to ride.

"I'm anxious to see how Paradise looks like from the air and where we stay. I've lived in Paradise for 40 years and I'd like to see it from on top," he said.

He's one of eight residents from the Feather Canyon Retirement Home who experienced a dream flight all thanks to the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation.

The non-profit, volunteer based organization offers free flights to seniors and U.S. Military veterans.

"Even though it's a small thing, it's something just to say thank you. Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice. And for the elderly, thank you for your great life," said Irvin Miten, a ground worker with the foundation.

Classen is a veteran himself who was drafted and worked as an attendant for soldiers in a Livermore hospital.

The plane used today is the same kind used to train military pilots during World War II.

For many of the veterans, the flight is a trip down memory lane.

"This makes a huge difference in these individual's lives. People who have served, people who are in these care homes--it really brings them back to their youth, it brings them back to their sacrifices," Miten said.

Since launching in 2011, the foundation has been able to offer more than 1,900 flights, and many passengers leave with just one more thrilling to experience.

"It's all very positive, they said they loved it, so it's a good feeling to hear them say that," Classen said.

The foundation will be providing flights tomorrow to more residents in Chico and a lot of those participating have served in Germany, the Korean War and World War II.

If you'd like to donate to the foundation, you can do so by visiting their website, www.agelessaviationdreams.org.

NEWS APP:

DOWNLOAD OUR NEWS APP FOR LATEST UPDATES: iOS | AndroidChico, Calif. -- Monday is the first day of jury selection for Marc Valcarenghi's murder trial.

The 35-year-old Chico homeless man is accused of brutally attacking and killing 34-year-old Audra Houston at the Safari Inn motel in Chico last July.

The hiding of the body under the bed is unusual. Also unusual is the brutality of the murder, said Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.

Investigators believe Valcarenghi violently beat and strangled Houston before wrapping her body in plastic and hiding it under the bed.

Lawrence White is the resident manager at the Matador motel in Chico. He says Valcarenghi stayed there for about a week, but White asked him to leave after he says he was inviting homeless people in the room, fighting with other guests, and not letting the housekeepers come in to clean his room.

He said Valcarenghi would then go around the back and try to climb through people's windows.

Ramsey says this case has gone along fairly quickly, and is happy to have a trial within a year.

Valcarenghi's dad is a well-known doctor in Chico, but Ramsey doesn't think that will be a problem for selecting the jury, which he says should take about a week.

Those people in Chico that know his father and feel that's going to cause a difficulty for them will be excused, but that will be a very small percentage of the entire jury pool.

He doesn't think it will be an issue of whether this was a murder, but whether it's first or second degree.

He says the defense will likely use something like a heat-of-fashion argument, saying the two had an interaction that got out of control.

We're going to be saying, yes, that interaction got out of control, but the fact of the strangulation and the beating beforehand shows a deliberate and premeditated murder, Ramsey said.

He believes they will be able to convince the jury this was a first degree murder.

Valcarenghi previously pleaded not guilty to the murder. He faces 25-years to life in prison if he's found guilty.

Ramsey said he expects this trial to go for three to four weeks, and he said no possible motive for the murder has been released.

NEWS APP:

DOWNLOAD OUR NEWS APP FOR LATEST UPDATES: iOS | AndroidA strategic partnership between AJW Group and COMAC has seen the first advanced regional jet developed by the Chinese manufacturer successfully complete crosswind testing at Icelands Keflavik International Airport.





COMACs ARJ21 aircraft has been flying since June 2016 and the completion of these tests will now enable COMAC to broaden the operating parameters of the aircraft. This is a huge strategic achievement for COMAC and the Chinese government which will allow the manufacturer to fulfil the 453 orders placed to date.



Keflavik International Airport is the location of choice for major aircraft manufacturers to conduct crosswind testing due to the angle of the runway and the high winds in the region.



AJW has been working closely with COMAC and Icelands airports authority, ISAVIA, since September 2017 to manage the five-week testing programme, which involved a delegation of more than 100 engineers, meteorologists, pilots and support staff travelling to Iceland from China to carry out the tests. AJW coordinated the logistics, flight plan approvals, test flight assessments and spares and maintenance support throughout the tests.





Christopher Whiteside, President and CEO of AJW Group, said: This partnership with Chinas flagship aircraft manufacturer is a great example of the increasingly bespoke and strategic way in which we are working with customers. I attended the tests in person to witness this strategic milestone for COMAC and I look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.



Zhao Yuerang, President of COMAC, who was also in attendance, said: These tests mark an exciting milestone in the development of the ARJ21 and a huge strategic breakthrough for COMAC. AJWs unrivalled commitment to COMAC has added tremendous value to our team.



COMAC is based out of Shanghai, and has been working closely with AJWs China office as well as their Iceland-based team to facilitate this strategic partnership.



AJW Group is an independent specialist in the supply, exchange, repair and lease of airframe and engine spare parts. The company delivers supply chain, asset management and channel partner solutions to transform aviation efficiency. A



JW offices are based in London, Dubai, Dublin, Montreal, Moscow, Shanghai and Singapore, and elsewhere in North America with further inventory hubs across Europe, Asia and the US.There is no autism epidemic, however. The numbers are likely changing due to improved diagnosis and services, more inclusive diagnostic criteria and reduced stigma rather than a change in the actual number of autistic people. 

The Centers for Disease Control this week released the latest autism prevalence numbers, which suggest that approximately 1 in 59 children are autistic. 

Especially within minority groups, parents and doctors are getting better at identifying the condition.

April 28, 2018, Vox: The CDC just announced 1 in 59 children are autistic. Heres why thats not evidence of an epidemic. By Ari Ne'eman

Good luck with that. They tried it in Britain in 2011. Using survey questions, researchers surmised that autism affects adults at the same rate as children. Finding middle aged adults who would rather stay home and read a book than go to a party was supposed to be equivalent to masses of handflapping, headbanging, nonverbal six-year-olds.

The only malfeasance here is societys failure to something about all the autism plaguing adults. Weve ignored them for far too long. Its time to right that wrong and find the undiagnosed/misdiagnosed in the adult population, according to Neeman.

Notice the piece below by Ari Neeman in which he is adamant: THERE IS NO EPIDEMIC. Its all just better recognition of a disorder thats always affected a significant number of people.

The rate is up again, but theres no need to worry. Its just more of the better diagnosing that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been famous for, for the last twenty years.

By Anne Dachel How fitting that the people who run the ever-expanding vaccine schedule (the one rife with charges of fraud, collusion and cover-up) also get to keep track of the autism numbers.

The idea that autism represents a recent and unprecedented phenomenon is an article of faith among those parents who continue to believe that autism is caused by vaccines, despite a wealth of scientific evidence debunking the idea. Just as science has debunked the vaccine causation hypothesis, it also casts strong doubt that any autism epidemic exists.

Grasping that the numbers represent better identification of a population that has always existed should lead to important policy shifts. Rather than searching for the cause of a non-existent surge in the condition, we can focus on the needs of autistic people as a population long misidentified, or not identified at all.

And if the rate of autism has long been stable, policymakers and funders should rethink the public response to autism. If rates are increasing, it follows that there are fewer autistic adults, relative to autistic children; if rates are not increasing, then adults are underdiagnosed. Its the latter thats likely to be true. Yet only about 2 percent of autism research funding goes towards the needs of adults.

This pretense goes on because it has to. Our health officials have to maintain the myth that nothing is different in kids today. The alternative is a massive cover-up of man-made damage affecting now an entire generation of children and making inroads on a second one.

PBS, a trusted media source, is in agreement.

April 27, 2018, PBS: The autism rate is on the rise, CDC says. Heres what that actually means

This finding indicates the prevalence of autism is slightly higher than previously thought, but does it mean autism is becoming more common? Here is what you need to know.

The new rate, in context: The latest figure from the network represents a small  less than a quarter of a percentage point  increase compared to the autism rate released in 2016 (one in 68). CDC officials partially attribute this rise to improved surveillance and diagnosis in minority communities.

Socioeconomic factors into whether or not a child will receive access to autism screening, and prior research has found white and Asian children are more likely to be diagnosed than black and Hispanic kids. In 2012, the ADDM survey detected 20 percent more cases of autism in white versus black children. Compared to Latino children, the gap was even larger, at 50 percent.

But if its the case that the rate grew only because of better diagnosis, that would mean that autism spectrum disorder isnt becoming more common among American children. Doctors are just better at spotting it.

PBS predicts that probably every state has New Jerseys rate.

Why it matters: There is huge room for improvement when it comes to diagnosing autism. Based on the latest survey, doctors had noted developmental concerns early on with 85 percent of the children with autism, typically by age 3. But physicians only referred them for specialized evaluation 42 percent of the time. The autism rate also varied dramatically by region, with New Jersey reporting a prevalence that is twice what is found in Arkansas.

Until screening becomes level across the nation, it will be difficult to fully determine the degree to which regional, environmental and socioeconomic factors contribute to autism. 

Even in New Jersey, where its one in every 34 children, one in every 22 boys, there is denial.

NJ expert Dr. Walter Zaharodny who worked on the state numbers can be found saying the increase is real and not real.

ITS A REAL INCREASE:

April 26, 2018, NJ.com: Autism rates continue to skyrocket, N.J. leads nation in latest study

Walter Zahorodny, an associate professor of pediatrics at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School who led New Jersey's portion of the study, said even though New Jersey may be more aggressive in diagnosing autism, he doesn't believe that alone can explain the rising trend.

Autism in New Jersey has climbed roughly 200 percent since 2000, Zahorodny noted, adding that he believes that increase is far too dramatic to attribute solely to better diagnostic techniques, especially since rates are going up across the country.

"That's similar to what they find in all other states ... It all points to some factor that is causing autism rates to increase," Zahorodny said, adding that he believes it must be due to some "unknown, environmental factors."

ITS NOT A REAL INCREASE:

April 27, 2018, New Jersey Patch: Big Jump In NJ's Autism Rates: Now Among Highest In America

Researchers caution that high rates don't necessarily mean more children with autism live in New Jersey. Instead, the data could mean that children with autism are more likely to be diagnosed if they live here, but there's not enough information to know for sure.

"Other states could be underestimating the rate of autism," Walter Zahorodny, an associate professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the lead investigator on the study, said.

Google News does have sources speculating that the increase is real, like Thomas Frazier, chief science officer for Autism Speaks, who points to older parents and saving preemies who used to die as the cause of the increase.

The rest of the media is losing no time telling us that all is well and diagnosing is getting even better. That must mean that no matter how bad the numbers eventually get, officials will never be worried.

April 28, 2018, St. Louis (MO) Post Dispatch: Autism on the rise again: 1 in 59 children in St. Louis is diagnosed by age 8

Doctors said the recent rise in the autism rate reflected continued improvements in identifying the disorder, particularly among black and Hispanic children. The CDC campaign Learn the Signs, Act Early, which launched in 2004, could also be a factor.

Theres no such thing as an autism number, theres no test that you run, so this is clinicians applying their judgment to who is impaired by this condition, said Dr. John Constantino of Washington University, one of the authors of the CDC report.

Constantino said that when todays definition of autism is applied to populations of children studied in the 1960s, the true rate of the disorder is virtually unchanged.

Its just that we were either missing it and not aware of it, or not diagnosing it, or for many cases diagnosing it as intellectual disability, he said.

April 28, 2018, Georgia Sun: CDC: 1 in 59 children are on the autism spectrum

Some of the change in prevalence could be due to improved identification of autism in minority populations, the CDC said.

 The higher number of black and Hispanic children now being identified with autism could be due to more effective outreach in minority communities and increased efforts to have all children screened for autism so they can get the services they need. 

We have seen non-white children get diagnosed at much lower frequency, said Chris Gunter, associate professor of pediatrics and human genetics at Emory School of Medicine and director of communications operations at Marcus Autism Center. So the new data show that kids who need services are getting them more often, she said.

Theres not an epidemic of autism, she said. Autism is not spreading. Were still grappling with the changes in diagnostic criteria in the last decade, as well as seeing how kids change over time.

April 28, 2018, Coeur DAlene (ID) Press: A blueprint for the future: Columbia holds first ever Autism Speaks Walk

The increase could be due to better identification in minority populations, according to the report, although these populations have fewer diagnoses compared to white populations.

April 29, 2018, Atlanta Black Star: More Kids Are Being Diagnosed with Autism as Testing Increases In Minority Children

The government estimates that autism is becoming more common, but its only a small increase and some experts think it can be largely explained by better diagnosing of minority children. 

That increased recognition in minority kids is likely a big reason for the overall increase, CDC researchers said.

April 29, 2018, Fox News, Springfield, IL: Increase in Autism diagnosis causes concern for parents

There's some debate whether more children actually have autism, or if the numbers have increased because we are now able to better detect it. 

April 30, 2018, Newburgh (IL) Gazette: Autism prevalence increases: 1 in 59 United States children Newburgh Gazette

The government estimates that autism is becoming more common, but it's only a small increase and some experts think it can be largely explained by better diagnosing of minority children. 

That number is significantly higher in Minnesota, where one in 42 children has autism. 

April 30, 2018, Press of Atlantic City: As autism's prevalence rises, understanding its symptoms is key

Nina Radcliff, MD:Researchers attribute most of this increase to changes in how the prevalence is measured, increased awareness of the condition and shifts in the criteria for diagnosing autism.

All those in denial have to be very scared. The day is fast approaching when the children with full-blown autism will be adults. How will society react to this highneed population that simply isnt here now at any level similar to whats coming? I cant imagine. Weve pretended that autism is just a difference in people that we werent really aware of previously for so long, Im sure reality will hit right between the eyes.A consumer health app that its creators say already has more than 100,000 users around the world is making its U.S. debut today in Huntsville.

K, which uses artificial intelligence applications to offer free health information, has partnered with Integrity Family Care of Madison, a primary care practice.

"We were looking for smart, tech saavy consumers open to using new technology, and finding forward thinking providers," said Laura Cave, marketing coordinator. "It just came together."

K, short for knowledge, was founded in 2016 and is a venture-backed health technology company based in New York City and Tel Aviv. The app launched in Israel in January.

Users download it and then chat about any symptoms they have. K then asks detailed questions and compares the user's case to similar issues among people of the same age and gender. The user then sees how those people were diagnosed and treated.

If the user prefers, they can share the information with Integrity Family Care if they wish for a provider to take a look.

K is geared to work for adults ages 18 to 85 years old. Its creators say it can address primary care conditions like cold and flu, allergies, UTI, eye infections, back pain, headaches, and chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and COPD.

Cave said K was developed using 25 years' worth of health maintenance organization data from Israel, involving millions of patients and their doctors' visit notes. The data was used while preserving anonymity, she said.

Using artificial intelligence programming, the app takes the data provided by the user, looking at its database information, and connects to similar cases.

"It's not a treatment, it's not a diagnosis," Cave said. "They can share their report with a provider as long as they've established care with just one visit."

The report may result in advice, a prescription or a visit, but care is always delivered by a doctor.

"About 80 percent of the people who share their report are able to manage their condition from home," Cave said.

For more information, visit the website.The controversial leader of a biohacking company who was a graduate of the University of Montevallo was found dead Sunday in Washington D.C.

Vice News is reporting that Aaron Traywick, who headed Ascendance Biomedical, died Sunday. Traywick headed a company that encouraged medical research outside traditional routes such as academia and pharmaceutical companies. Biohacking is termed as a do-it-yourself movement in biology, medicine and genetics.

Traywick's social media profile identified him as a 2008 graduate of Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook and a 2013 graduate of Montevallo, with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies, including philosophy, environmental studies and sociology.

According to the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, Traywick was found dead at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday in a spa room downtown. Traywick was 28 years old. He was reportedly discovered in a flotation therapy tank. Investigators currently say there is no evidence to suggest foul play.

Known for his sometimes theatrical behavior, Traywick injected himself with an untested herpes treatment earlier this year before an audience at an Austin, Texas convention in February, according to the Mirror.

Tristan Roberts, who worked with Traywick, said he was a "passionate visionary." Roberts last year injected himself with an untested gene therapy, according to the BBC. Traywick, who identified himself as a "community organizer," was in attendance.

"While many in the biohacking scene disagreed with his methods, none of them doubted his intentions," Roberts said. "He sought nothing short of a revolution in biomedicine; the democratization of science and the opening of the flood gates for global healing."Birmingham's Dobbins Group has begun construction on a $43 million luxury apartment development in Louisiana.

The development company announced its recent closing on 203 acres in Covington, La., a fast growing New Orleans suburb. Dobbins Group plans a 272-unit development.

The apartments, located near the intersection of Interstate 12 and US 190, will feature one, two and three-bedroom homes. The units will have nine-foot ceilings, wood plank floors, granite countertops and side-by-side refrigerators.

The community will also feature a 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, resort style salt-water pool, fitness center, gated entry, grilling and picnic areas, fire pits, car care center, and attached garages for many units.

Dobbins Group will lead the development and Capstone Building Corporation has been named the general contractor. Synovus Bank is providing construction financing. The community is expected to be completed in late 2019.

"We look forward to bringing a new design to luxury apartment living in Covington," David Ball, Principal of Dobbins Group, said. "This community will provide our residents with upscale apartment homes in one of the metro area's premier destinations for living, working, and shopping."First Commercial Bank locations are beginning the transition today to the Synovus brand name.

Company officials say signage and other legacy branding at all First Commercial Bank branches will be updated with Synovus branding by the end of May.

First Commercial Bank is one of 26 non-Synovus branded bank divisions to complete the footprint-wide brand transition, which will conclude in June.

First Commercial Bank operates nine branches in the metro Birmingham area, including Synovus' Alabama headquarters at 800 Shades Creek Parkway. Birmingham is home of Synovus Mortgage Corporation, and the bank also operates five branches in Walker County through its First Bank of Jasper affiliate. First Bank of Jasper will transition to the Synovus name later this month.

First Commercial Bank was founded in Birmingham in 1985 and acquired by Synovus in 1992. The acquisition was among more than 60 that would make Synovus one of the largest financial institutions in the Southeast, with $31 billion in assets.

A Georgia-chartered bank, Synovus has 250 branches in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Alabama.

"Adopting the Synovus name while maintaining our local, relationship-centered delivery model will increase awareness of our regional presence, our financial capabilities, and our ability to meet the needs of customers and prospects," Nelson Bean, Synovus division CEO for Alabama and Tennessee, said.WestRock Co. in Lanett is expanding its paper and packaging operation, in a move that will add about 50 jobs.

In addition, Scannell Properties is developing a 375,000-square-foot distribution center on 30 acres less than two miles from WestRock's facility. The center, which will also create jobs, is being planned for Valley Industrial Park to support WestRock's plant.

The Chambers County Development Authority and the Alabama Department of Commerce announced the moves this morning.

WestRock's Lanett moves will include a building expansion, new shipping docks, more office space and equipment and upgrades. About 300 people are currently employed there. WestRock has Alabama locations in Athens, Coatopa, Cullman, Cottonton, Demopolis, Eutaw, Huntsville, Montgomery, Newville and Stevenson.

Pete Durette, president of WestRock's Enterprise Solutions, said the company appreciates "the support of the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Chambers County Development Authority as we increase the scope of our operations in Lanett."

Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield paid tribute to the company's role in the area.

"Over the past two decades, WestRock has grown to become a major employer in Lanett and a solid member of the community," he said.One of Alabama chef Chris Hastings' favorite times of the year has come to an end and another has only just begun.

On Monday, Hastings and his youngest son, Vincent, squeezed in one last hunt before Alabama's spring turkey season officially ended on April 30.

Today, the James Beard Award-winning chef will be back in the kitchen at his Hot and Hot Fish Club restaurant in Birmingham, where he will prepare his celebrated Hot and Hot Tomato Salad, a seasonal favorite that returns to the menu on May 1.

"It's always a fun transition," Hastings says. "We will pack up the guns, and then we'll pull out our serrated knives and start slicing tomatoes the next day."

The tomato salad has been a spring and summer favorite since Hastings and his wife, Idie, opened Hot and Hot Fish Club on Birmingham's Southside in 1995.

It is a perennial on the Alabama Tourism Department's culinary bucket list of "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die," and its arrival each year is the first sure sign that spring has definitely sprung and summer is just around the next bend.

As appealing to the eye as it is to the palate, the tomato salad is both a towering achievement in presentation and the perfect marriage of flavors and textures.

Thick slices of tomato, tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette, are carefully stacked one on top of another and garnished with lady peas, corn kernels and pods of fried okra. The salad is topped off with Applewood-smoked bacon and finished with a chive aioli.

"Of all the dishes that I came up with and have developed over the 23 years of Hot and Hot, nothing has come close to having the same kind of resonance with people," Hasting says.

The origins of the tomato salad go back to Hastings' youth, when, as a kid growing up in North Carolina, one of his favorite dishes was succotash, a summer vegetable medley that is typically made with of okra, corn, tomatoes and lima beans, and usually, pieces of bacon.

"I just had really fond memories of those flavor profiles," Hastings recalls. "And for years before we opened Hot and Hot, it was kind of rolling around in my head how to reinvent succotash."

As much as he loved succotash, Hastings says he was never a fan of the "sliminess" of the boiled okra in the dish, so he decided to fry it instead. And rather than serve it warm, he preferred it at room temperature or slightly chilled.

He spent several months tweaking the recipe before he tested his new dish at a guest-chef cooking demonstration at Bud & Alley's restaurant in Seaside, Fla.

"I nailed it just in time for that demo, which was about six months before we opened Hot and Hot," he remembers. "It met with absolute rave reviews and has been an instant classic from the minute it all came together."

Five years ago, Hastings tinkered with tradition and began offering a second tomato salad on the menu, an entree featuring twin stacks of tomatoes served with fresh Alabama Gulf shrimp from Dominick's Seafood in Bayou La Batre.

"The only way you could make something that's arguably perfect better is to slap some beautiful Dominick Ficarino Bayou La Batre shrimp on there," Hastings says.

"To me, Dominick's shrimp taste more like lobster than they do shrimp," he adds. "They have this richness to them that is out of this world, different from any shrimp that I've eaten."

The traditional Hot and Hot Tomato Salad is available as an appetizer for $15, and the entree version with shrimp is $36.

The debut of the Hot and Hot Tomato Salad each spring depends on when the first crop of restaurant-quality tomatoes from Immokalee, Fla., arrive at the Alabama Farmers Market on Finley Avenue, where Hastings buys his early-season tomatoes.

Typically, that is on or about May 1.

"Each year kind of has its own rhythm," Hastings says. "May 1 is usually what you can depend on. Sometimes it's a week before. Sometimes it's a week after."

Later in June and throughout most of the rest of the summer, Hastings will use Alabama-grown tomatoes for the salad.

The tomato salad will remain on the menu at Hot and Hot Fish Club through Aug. 31, at which time it's time to say goodbye to summer and to the end of another season.

"Even if you could serve a tomato salad in September, it just doesn't feel right," Hastings says. "If I'm true to my commitment to seasonality, then you've just got to walk away."

Hot and Hot Fish Club is at 2180 11th Court South in Birmingham. Dinner hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

For reservations, call 205-933-5474 or go here. For a full menu and more information, go to www.hotandhotfishclub.com.Birmingham police are investigating after a man arrived at Princeton Hospital with gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries Monday night.

Sgt. Bryan Shelton said the victim is a black male believed to be in his early 30s.

Police were notified after a man arrived at Princeton Hospital with gunshot wounds around 9:15 p.m., Shelton said. The victim was taken to this hospital by private vehicle, he said.

Officers then learned the shooting happened at 40th Street Ensley and Court K, he said. Police believe multiple shots were fired at the location.

Police do not have a motive or suspect at this time.

Additional details about the shooting were not immediately available.Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin on Monday announced the formation of a task force to help the formerly incarcerated reacclimate into their communities.

The Re-Entry Task Force, at the same time, will work to lower the recidivism rate in Birmingham.

"This task force will rebuild families and communities after the incarceration of a loved one, and help reduce the recidivism rate in our city," Woodfin said at a Monday afternoon press conference. "I can tell you that there are people who have been released from prison, and they are living right here in our city. What I can't tell you is if they are receiving the help they need."

Woodfin said those leaving jail or prison often have trouble finding a place to live and work. Research shows that two-thirds of state prisoners are rearrested within three years of release, he said.

"Clearly, there is a need, a genuine need, and a sense of urgency to examine how we can improve the system and help those wanting to be helped," he said. "I can't change state law or federal law by myself. I don't proclaim to, but if there is anything I can do as mayor to address this problem, I will."

The task force will include Brandon Johnson, director of the city's Community Engagement Office; Stephanie Hicks of the Offenders Alumni Association; and Kerri Pruitt of the Dannon Project, which provides re-entry services to previously incarcerated persons.

Woodfin said he committed his administration to meeting these five key goals:

Establishing a task force membership with firsthand experience in dealing with incarceration

Establishing the scale and nature of recidivism in Birmingham

Supporting families and communities affected by recidivism

Identifying key stakeholders to affect recidivism

Providing actionable recommendations to the mayor's office

Johnson said while 25 percent of the state population is African-American, 53 percent of the state prison population is African-American. The goal of the task force is to rebound from that disparity and "to create a safer city for all residents of Birmingham."

Hicks, a former state inmate, said she reached out to Woodfin to let him know that offenders are left behind. She told him the city needs a concerted effort to do something about it.

"One thing we don't do is take the opportunity to understand the challenges involved in returning back to society," she said, adding that even those with an education, like herself, have trouble finding jobs and an apartment after being in prison.

"The stigma with incarceration is real, and it will not change unless we do something about it," Hicks added.

Woodfin also clarified remarks he made at an April 23 Birmingham Association of Black Journalists meeting that grabbed media attention.

At that meeting, he said if someone gives him a gun, then he would personally help someone get a job.

"While that statement was heard in my position as mayor, it was made from my heart as a citizen," Woodfin said on Monday. "And I hope that other citizens will be willing to do the same for their city.

"One of the things I've heard as mayor is that people commit crime because they don't have a job or they want a job," he added. "As mayor I'm willing to do anything to help, including help you find a job. So if you bring that gun, through our partnerships, we'll assist in any manner we can. We have to leverage every idea and creative way to reduce crime in this city."

Woodfin announced that a Second Chance Job Fair will be held Wednesday, May 30 at the Bill Harris Arena from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A job readiness workshop also will be held Tuesday, May 22 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the Birmingham Career Center, 3216 Fourth Avenue South.Two Texas fugitives are behind bars after they were captured in east Alabama.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver on Tuesday announced the arrests of Kayanda T. Jackson, 19, and Steven G. Hammock, 22. He said they were sought in connection with crimes committed in the Austin area

The pair was taken into custody Monday at a Cedar Bluff home by deputies and U.S. Marshals.

Kayanda T. Jackson

The sheriff said Hammock is charged with aggravated robbery, and Jackson is wanted for aggravated assault. Additional details of the crimes weren't immediately available.

Hammock and Jackson are being held in the Cherokee County Detention Center awaiting extradition to Texas.The decomposed body found in the trunk of an abandoned vehicle four days ago has now been positively identified as a man who has been missing for several weeks.

Birmingham police on Tuesday identified the victim as 47-year-old Michael Steven Matthew. His death has been ruled a homicide.

He was last seen at his apartment in the 1100 block of Pebble Creek Parkway in early April. A missing person's report was filed April 9 and on April 27, police distributed his photo asking for the public's help in finding him.

At that time, police said Matthew was considered endangered because he is diabetic and did not have his medication with him. He was believed to be driving his 2010 white Dodge Avenger with the tag number 1CV2816.

Just hours after the police announcement - about 3:30 p.m. Friday - an officer from the city's West Precinct was dispatched to the 10 block of Pike Road on the report of a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot. Upon arrival the officer was shown to the vehicle in question and began looking into why the vehicle may have been left there.

Upon checking the tag, on the vehicle, the officer discovered it belonged to the victim. Matthew was found dead in the trunk of the vehicle. Authorities have not said how Matthew was killed. Most of his family lives in New York, and he was identified through dental records.

No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.Birmingham police are investigating a Tuesday-morning shooting that has left a man with critical injuries.

The shooting happened about 8:30 a.m. in the 2800 block of Dawson Avenue in southwest Birmingham. Lt. Pete Williston said the victim was shot multiple times in the residential neighborhood.

He has been taken to UAB Hospital. No other information was immediately available.A Pelham woman is afraid someone may shoot her lost cat.

Felicia Wilson posted on social media Monday, asking for help locating her African serval. She said the cat, an 8-month-old serval named Juno, got out of the front door of her home on Chandalar Court as her daughter was leaving for school.

"This is a pet, not a wild animal. Please do not shoot," she posted. "There has (sic) been no sightings of him and I have had animal control, Pelham police and the city of Pelham all out looking for him and nobody can find him. The police said if push comes to shove they will have no choice but to shoot him if they can't catch him."

Wilson said because servals like Juno are very fast, the best way to catch him would be using a tranquilizer.

"I'm also asking the public if you do see him do not be afraid he won't hurt anyone just please tell the Pelham police or message me DO NOT APPROACH HIM it will only make him run!," she posted.

State law permits owning an African serval.

"I'm desperate he is my whole world and I am at my breaking point and don't know what to do, I need my baby back!!! Please somebody help me," Wilson posted.

Anyone who spots the cat should call Wilson at 205-499-7289 or Pelham police.No, Roy Moore said he does not plan to run for public office.

Yes, Roy Moore said he is still seeking funds from supporters for his courtroom battles.

Beyond the headline of Moore announcing he was filing a political conspiracy lawsuit against five people - including four women who either made allegations of unwanted romantic or sexual advances or dated him when they were teenagers - the former Alabama chief justice gave his first public comments since narrowly losing the Dec. 12, 2017 U.S. Senate special election to Doug Jones.

Moore has repeatedly denied the allegations and did so again on Monday.

Moore spoke for about nine minutes at the press conference in the Etowah County Courthouse in downtown Gadsden. It was the first time he has answered questions in an open media setting about the allegations made against him by several women.

Here's a summary of Moore's Q&A with the media:

Opening statement: "If you read the complaint, you're going to see a political conspiracy," Moore said. "And even the press should be able to see a political conspiracy. It's what it is. We've got it documented. I'm prepared to go through depositions. I've taken a lie detector test. Have you heard of anyone else taking a lie detector test? I don't think so. We're saying that this has been warped by the press, by the media and the people have been blinded and cannot see the proof.

"But fortunately in Alabama, a lot of people did - 650,000 saw the proof, the truth and voted for me in this election. Etowah County itself went nearly 60 percent for me in this election. This is where I came up, this is where I practiced law and some of these people were before my court. Some of them were clients or relations to clients. There's a lot to be known. You'll have to read the complaint. Yes, we're prepared to go through depositions. The question is, are they?"

Why did it take so long to speak since the election or file the lawsuit? "It takes a long time to find out the truth in the conspiracy," Moore said. "What we've documented in this complaint will show the people of Alabama that these people knew what they were doing, they set it out and described what they were going to do and they did it. And they bragged about doing it after."

You've been out of the spotlight for a while? "I think it's altogether proper to bring this case at this time," Moore said. "And bring it in Etowah County to show where this conspiracy went on. It's taken a lot of time to put together the facts that we've got. And we're going to show it in this trial."

Moore was asked about his refusal to answer questions about the allegations during the Senate campaign.

"We're answering the questions now," Moore said in response. "Read the complaint."

Could you share how difficult this has been on you and your family? "I think the complaint will cover the fact that it's been very difficult for my family," Moore said. "It's been very difficult for my wife. And that's a point here. We've got more than one or two women making complaints. We've got people on the other side who are women and have suffered because of these false complaints. We're going to make it very clear in this case."

Do you have any plans to run for public office? "I have no plans at this time for running for anything," Moore said.

Are you still seeking funds from the public to help in the lawsuits? "The people on the other side of this case are attorneys from San Francisco, Washington D.C. and Birmingham, Alabama," Moore said. "You think it's not political when three attorneys from San Francisco come here to Alabama on a case? We have to raise money, yes."

Are you planning further litigation beyond this lawsuit? "Time will tell," Moore said.

Moore was also asked about his appeal to transfer the lawsuit filed against him in Montgomery County by Leigh Corfman to Etowah.

"We think the proper venue is here," Moore said in response. "It's where all the witnesses are. This is where all the facts are. This is where Ms. Corfman is from. One must wonder why she wants to file in Montgomery and not in Etowah County where she's well-known. We think this is the proper venue (for the suit Moore filed Monday) and as (defense attorney Melissa Isaak) has said, this is the only place this case can be filed. Three of the defendants are from Etowah County. One is from Calhoun County, contiguous. The other is from Florida, who used to be in Etowah County. Both plaintiffs are in Etowah County. The tort occurred in Etowah County. This case has to be in Etowah County."

No truth at all to the allegations? "I never knew them, no truth to them," Moore said.

Would you have won the election if not for the allegations? "That's something I can't say," Moore said. "I'll say that it didn't help."

Moore was asked about his apparent confidence because he brought the lawsuit.

"I'm fueled by the truth," he said in response. "And truth is laid out in very plain paragraphs in the complaint that was filed today. Unfortunately, you don't have it now. But when you read it, you will see it was about politics from the beginning. As Ms. Isaak pointed out, 32 days after 70 years, that should raise your attention. Look at the nature of the allegations. We're going to bring it to the people of Alabama and the people of Etowah County."

Roy Moore lawsuit filed April 30, 2018 by pgattis7719 on ScribdThe Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the University Systems of Georgia are investigating reports of sexual misconduct and hazing tied to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. sorority at Fort Valley State University, a HBCU in central Georgia.

The sorority's national office is also looking into "unauthorized activities and misconduct involving current and former members, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The sorority is banned from participating in chapter activities during the investigation.

The investigations come after a series of allegations that members of the sorority were involved in a sex ring to raise funds to pay pledging fees. The allegations also include claims of hazing and employee misconduct. One university employee, Alecia Johnson, former executive Assistant to the President and Director of Special Events at FVSU and a graduate member of the sorority, has resigned over the matter. Johnson's attorney said her client is innocent and is cooperating with the GBI.

According to a statement released by the University Systems of Georgia, the current allegations involve two separate reports of wrongdoing.

Alpha Kappa Alpha issued a statement regarding the matter: "These allegations are in no way representative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's 110-year service-based mission or its nearly 300,000 members. We condemn these allegations in the strongest possible terms. We remain dedicated to our mission to encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, promote unity, alleviate problems concerning girls and women, create opportunities for them to pursue higher education and be of service to millions of people around the world annually."

AKA was founded in 1908 at Howard University. It is one of the "Divine Nine," nine historically black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic council. Its mission has five goals: to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards; to promote unity and friendship among college women; to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women to improve their social stature; to maintain a progressive interest in college life; and to be of "Service to All Mankind".WASHINGTON (AP) -- Special counsel Robert Mueller has given a list of almost four dozen questions to lawyers for President Donald Trump as part of his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and whether Trump obstructed justice, according to a report published in The New York Times.

The Times obtained a list of the questions, which range from Trump's motivations for firing FBI Director James Comey a year ago to contacts Trump's campaign had with Russians.

Exclusive: Robert Mueller wants to ask President Trump dozens of questions to determine if he obstructed justice. The Times has the list. https://t.co/rneGf2KBCb  The New York Times (@nytimes) May 1, 2018



Although Mueller's team has indicated to Trump's lawyers that he's not considered a target, investigators remain interested in whether the president's actions constitute obstruction of justice and want to interview him about several episodes in office. The lawyers want to resolve the investigation as quickly as possible, but there's no agreement on how to do that.



Many of the questions obtained by the Times center on the obstruction issue, including his reaction to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from the Russia investigation, a decision Trump has angrily criticized.



Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday night, as did White House lawyer Ty Cobb.



The questions also touch on the Russian meddling and whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin in any way. In one question obtained by the Times, Mueller asks what Trump knew about campaign staff, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, reaching out to Moscow.



Mueller has brought several charges against Manafort, but none are for any crimes related to Russian election interference during the 2016 campaign. And he has denied having anything to do with such an effort.



The queries also touch on Trump's businesses and his discussions with his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, about a possible Moscow real estate deal. Cohen's business dealings are part of a separate FBI investigation.



One question asks what discussions Trump may have had regarding "any meeting with Mr. Putin," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another question asks what the president may have known about a possible attempt by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel with Russia before Trump's inauguration.



Additional questions center on Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his discussions on sanctions against Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition. Flynn is now cooperating with Mueller's investigators.



"What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?" reads one question. Another asks if there were any efforts to reach out to Flynn "about seeking immunity or possible pardon."



Flynn was fired Feb. 13, 2017, after White House officials said he had misled them about his Russian contacts during the transition period by saying that he had not discussed sanctions.



The following day, according to memos written by Comey, Trump cleared the Oval Office of other officials and encouraged Comey to drop the investigation into Flynn.

By the Associated PressOne Orlando Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights of LGBTQ individuals and was formed in response to the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, has named former Alabama state Rep. Patricia Todd as its first executive director Tuesday.

Todd, the state Legislature's first openly gay member who declined to run for re-election this year, is set to begin her new role June 1.

The alliance includes more than 30 LGBTQ organizations and ally groups in Central Florida.

"The work of One Orlando Alliance serves as a national model for how to pull community together in the wake of unimaginable tragedy," she said in a statement released by the organization on Tuesday. "I'm humbled to help tell that story of the origin and even more excited about our shared vision for a stronger, more unified future. Together, the Alliance will ensure that justice and equality are rights of all who call Central Florida home."

Jennifer Foster, chair of One Orlando Alliance's board of directors, said Todd was a "natural fit" because of her long record of advocacy, including stints as Alabama state director of the Human Rights Campaign and executive director of AIDS Alabama.

"Patricia has been training for this her whole life," Foster said in a statement. "She's a natural fit and we're delighted she'll be joining the coalition in this important work."

Foster suggested that Todd's experience in government would also be an asset to the alliance.

"What excites board members the most about Patricia is her collaborative spirit," she said. "While she is steeped in policy experience, she understands that change happens through strong trusted relationships and she's not afraid to have open and honest conversations that further progress for all."Sen. Richard Shelby said Tuesday in Mobile that he thinks enlarging the Mobile Ship Channel will be a "once in a lifetime" development that will drive growth for the port and the city, but there's a catch: Funding.

"I would like to tell you it's going to happen, but I can't quite do that," Shelby said of the project, speaking at a Tuesday morning forum presented by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. "I believe it's going to happen."

Deepening the channel and widening a section of it would allow bigger ships to travel up Mobile Bay to the port. Jimmy Lyons, Director and CEO of the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA), has said this is necessary for the port to remain competitive, particularly in the area of container shipping.

The proposed project has been under extensive study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "We hear from the Corps it's going to be very positive," Shelby said of the study, which will undergo public comment and revision after a draft version is released.

But assuming the study gives the green light to the plan, Shelby said, it's still not a done deal. "That's not going to be cheap, and it's not going to be easy," Shelby said.

He cited a ballpark cost of $500 million, with 25 percent coming from ASPA and the state, and 75 percent from federal funding. Judith Adams, ASPA's vice president for marketing, said a firm price tag hasn't yet been put on the project.

Shelby touched on other topics of economic interest in the Mobile area at the Forum Alabama breakfast, which was sponsored by ASPA. But he made clear that his top legislative priority for the area was the channel project.

As of April, Shelby heads the Senate Appropriations Committee. He said Tuesday that "I just went on there to make sure Alabama was represented on the day of distribution. And we haven't had any distribution yet."

"There's going to be, we hope, an infrastructure package," Shelby said. "President Trump has talked about an infrastructure package."

In February Trump called for an approach using $200 billion in federal funds to leverage $1.5 trillion in state, local and private investment. That outline hasn't been translated into legislation and may not be until after midterm elections later this year.

Shelby said "there's a lot of private money in this country" that could be invested in infrastructure, but "the question is, how do we tap it?"

Shelby said that on a tour of the port on Monday, he'd been accompanied by R.D. James, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, who is responsible for civilian oversight of the Corps of Engineers. "I hope he carried a favorable impression of our needs, our goals, our vision, our hopes here in Mobile back to Washington," Shelby said.

Adams said it was important to have James get a first-hand impression of Alabama's port. "We have, nationwide right now, every port in the country looking at modernization," she said.

"We're working very diligently at the state level to make sure the state funding is there," Adams said. "Sen. Shelby is working diligently at the federal level to make sure the federal funding is there."

"The timeline here, it'll take at least 5-6 years to do this," Shelby told his audience of area business and political leaders on Tuesday. But the question of funding will come up on a tighter timetable, he said.

"I'd say this year is crucial and the next year is too," he said.Sen. Richard Shelby's clout may have risen in Washington this year, but he said Tuesday that won't give him more influence over a Navy shipbuilding contract that could be a boon for Mobile-based Austal USA.

In 2020 the Navy plans to award a contract for 20 frigates called the FFG(X) class. Five designs are under consideration, including two that would be built on the Gulf Coast. Austal's candidate is closely based on the aluminum trimaran Littoral Combat Ship it builds on the Mobile waterfront; Huntingdon Ingalls Industries has offered a design based on the National Security Cutter it builds in Pascagoula.

When Mississippi Republican Sen. Thad Cochran retired effective April 1, Shelby was selected to fill his position as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Shelby also chairs the panel's subcommittee on defense.

Shelby spoke Tuesday at a Forum Alabama breakfast presented by the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Alabama State Port Authority. Taking questions afterward, he said he didn't think his new appropriations role gave him any more influence over the decision of which design will be picked as the new Navy frigate.

"I don't do the selection," he said. "That's a procurement. The Navy does that. My role and the committee's role is to fund various programs. So we can fund the program, but they will have to fight it out who's going to get the award."

However, Shelby went on to say that "I believe that Austal's got a very good chance to do this. They're becoming more and more efficient. The Navy likes them. But ultimately that first decision will have to be made somewhere else."

Also on Tuesday, Austal announced that it had delivered its eighth Littoral Combat Ship to the Navy on Monday. When commissioned, LCS 16 will become the USS Tulsa, the 13th LCS to enter the fleet. (Another shipbuilder builds odd-numbered LCSs using a steel monohull design.)

"The Austal team is excited to turn over another incredible ship to the Navy that will serve our great Sailors," Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said in a statement released by the company. "The maturity and success of the LCS program is a direct result of the dedication of Austal's talented employees, the excellent teamwork with our suppliers and the full support of our local, state, and federal legislators."

Austal has five LCSs under construction. According to information released Tuesday, LCS 18 (the future USS Charleston) is preparing for sea trials; LCS 20 and 22 (the Cincinnati and the Kansas City) are being assembled and modules are being built for LCS 24 and 26 (the Oakland and the Mobile). Work on LCS 28 (the Savannah) is to begin later this year. Austal also has a contract to build LCS 30; in March, U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that it will be christened the Canberra.

Three more LCS contracts could be awarded this year, but it remains to be seen how many of those contracts will go to Austal. It received two of the three contracts awarded in 2017.

Austal also builds a multipurpose fast transport ship for the Navy, and has delivered nine of the 12 ordered.

The FFG(X) program would be a boon for any shipyard. In Austal's case, it would guarantee years of work after the conclusion of the LCS program, with a new ship that would draw on the existing workforce and manufacturing process.

Other competitors for the frigate contract include Lockheed-Martin, with a design based on its Freedom-class LCS built in Wisconsin; Fincantieri Marinette Marine, which is offering a version of a ship it builds for the Italian Navy and which also would be built in Wisconsin; and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, with a design based on a European frigate that would be built in Maine.With just over a month until voters go to the polls, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tommy Battle has released his first television ad.

Battle was preceded by Gov. Kay Ivey -- who has released at least three TV ads -- and state Sen. Bill Hightower, who released his first TV ad in March among competitors for the Republican nomination leading up to the June 5 primary. Evangelist Scott Dawson is yet to advertise on television.

The Battle ad is perhaps unique in that the candidate - while appearing on screen throughout the 30-second spot - does not speak himself.

Battle's name, however, is interspersed visually throughout the ad and said repeatedly during the voiceover narration.

The ad begins, "There's a battle brewing in Alabama, a battle to make our great state better" as Battle's name is superimposed on a red barn.

"The commercial focuses on the ongoing battle to make Alabama better than it is today," the press release announcing the TV ad said. "It also touts Tommy Battle's values, stances, and success in recruiting 24,000 jobs to the state. The final line of the commercial reads, 'If the battle is to make Alabama better. Then maybe we need a Battle to lead us."

In a Facebook post, Battle described the TV ad as "a big deal."

The ad will begin airing statewide on Wednesday on network and cable TV as well as digital media.

Updated today, May 1, 2018, at 4:42 p.m. with Bill Hightower having released a TV ad in March.Woodfin address actions in wake of issues at BJCTA

Randall Woodfin has no authority over the Birmingham Transit Authority or any other public agency. The mayor can't appoint members to the Board of Directors, either, that being the purview of the Birmingham City Council.

What he has is a checkbook. A huge checkbook. One slated to provide the BJCTA with $10.8 million over the next three years, as per an agreement approved in January by the Birmingham City Council--far more than any other municipality that contributes to the agency's more-than-$40 million annual budget.

Let's call it the BJCTA's allowance, remuneration for providing transportation to the city's residents.

For, say, making your bed, keeping your room clean and being civil.

And for, as any allowance should require, simply acting right--for behaving in a manner that is ethical and forthright.

For not embarrassing us. For not acting like petulant siblings pointing fingers, arguing, fighting with each other and wrestling over their shiny toys instead of doing their homework.



On Monday, Woodfin threatened to snatch the BJCTA's allowance right from its fingers because, at minimum, the agency has embarrassed us with allegations of financial improprieties, flauntingly excessive spending, petty infighting and head-spinning turnover among board leadership--including four board chairs in five months and five executive directors in the last eight years.

The mayor said the city will provide "no additional funding" for the agency in his proposed $436 million fiscal 2019 operating budget--which he is scheduled to present to the city council on Tuesday--unless three conditions are met:

* development of a "leadership stability plan attributed to a timeline"

* requiring a minimum of 12 hours of governance training for board members

D* establishing rules and procedures for length of terms for board leadership

"The current situation at BJCTA shakes public confidence and demands public accountability and transparency," Woodfin said at a press conference outside the new $34 million Intermodal transportation facility downtown. "The city is committed to its strategic partnership with the BJCTA, but must insist on a clear oversight process forward to ensure accountability and transparency.

It wasn't really an old-school don't-make-me-get-my-belt moment. More like the mayor put the BJCTA in a more new-age timeout, wielding the only leverage his office has with the authority: money.

"I must protect the city's interest," he said.

City Councilman Darrell O'Quinn, who heads the council's transportation committee, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the mayor. "I'm in complete agreement with Mayor Woodfin's statements," he said. "As I have said previously, reports of recent actions at the BJCTA have been a cause for concern. The citizens of Birmingham want to see public transit grow and flourish. Instability in BJCTA leadership runs counter to that objective, and therefore counter to the interests of City Hall."



"[The actions] should have happened years ago," Woodfin said.



None of this is to suggest that BJCTA board of directors are children. They're clearly grownups, which makes what's transpired among them in recent weeks even more egregious.



They should, as every parent has said at some juncture, know better.



Instead, we have an executive director, Barbara Murdock, who is suspended without pay pending the investigation into the alleged use of the BJCTA credit card for personal charges. Murdock allegedly paid her personal Alabama Power bill totaling $477.25 with a BJCTA credit card in September 2017, according to sources. She reimbursed the authority in November 2017.



The allegations are being investigated by the state attorney general's office.



Instead, we have a fresh new board chair who was elected Last week before taking a single vote as a board member. In fact, Darryl Cunningham, a chaplain for the Birmingham Fire Department and one of the two new board members, had barely been sworn in last week before long-time board member Patrick Sellers pulled a power move--motioning to add electing of new officers to the agenda, then nominating Cunningham, who proved to be the only "candidate.



After a quick vote, Cunningham musical-chaired into the middle seat in the BJCTA's opulent boardroom, replacing attorney Ruby Davis, who in February replaced Tameka Wren, who last October replaced--yep--Sellers.



Instead, we have Murdock receiving two checks in September 2016 totaling $20,000 for "relocation expenses" when she was promoted from chief of staff to replace Ann August as executive director. The funds were not approved by the board, according to a former board member, nor are relocation expenses specified in Murdock's employment agreement.



Two check requisition forms were obtained by AL.com--one for $18,000, which was signed by Murdock and then-board chair Patrick Sellers; the other for $2,000, signed by BJCTA finance director Karen Jacobs and Sellers.



Instead, we have an agency spending $70,398.46 on its grand opening and to honor a long-time board member by naming the boardroom after her. According to figures obtained by AL.com, $10,540.40 was spent on flowers.



Instead, we have August retaining Birmingham attorney Greg Yaghmai in the wake of remarks about her made by Sellers during last Wednesday's meeting prior to a vote on whether to retain her as a consultant to interim executive director Christopher Ruffin.



Sellers charged that August, who helmed the BJCTA from 2013 to 2015, "did the same thing" as Murdock, referring to using the BJTCA credit card for personal charges.



August, through her attorney, denies the allegation "without hesitation," said Yaghmai, who attended the press conference Monday.



"He called her a thief on open audio without any basis of fact," Yaghmai said. "This is a rare occasion where you have someone defame someone on audio and video, knowing they were on audio and video."



Instead, we have this mess.



Despite the threat, the mayor said the city is "committed to its strategic partnership with the BJCTA" and that the $10.8 million budgeted for transportation would be spent on transportation, assuring that riders will not be affected by the board's dysfunction.



He also said other public agencies should adopt the conditions he is calling on the BJCTA to enact.



Before he threatens to yank their allowance, too.





Roy S. Johnson's column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Hit me up at rjohnson@al.com or/and follow me at twitter.com/roysj.Last year two non-profits, the Southern Center for Human Rights and Alabama Appleseed, sought to answer what should have been a simple question: How are Alabama sheriffs spending money given to them by federal, state and local governments to feed prisoners?



Under a law that seemingly everyone believes is antiquated if not outright stupid, sheriffs in Alabama are allowed to "keep and retain" surplus jail food funds, which many sheriffs have interpreted to mean they get to keep that money as a sort of performance bonus.

PREVIOUS: 49 Alabama sheriffs hide jail food funds, flout open records law



There's a distinct problem here. The law incentivizes sheriffs to spend as little as they possibly can to feed prisoners -- a recurrent problem in Alabama, with a federal court even sending one sheriff to jail for starving prisoners.



Alabama Appleseed and the SCHR wanted to see how widespread that problem was.



But they hit a snag. When the two nonprofits requested those documents under Alabama's open records law, 49 Alabama sheriffs refused to comply. The organizations are now suing to force the sheriffs to follow the law.



The sheriffs, meanwhile, have insisted that the jail food funds are their private money and that feeding prisoners is their private business.



Where do the AG candidates stand?



As frustrating or even frightening as this situation seems, I saw an opportunity. Why not ask candidates for Alabama attorney general where they stand on the issue? After all, if elected, it will be their job to enforce Alabama's open records law, among all the others, and it's a chance to test who's got the right stuff for the state's top law enforcement position.



Last week I sent the following in an email to each of the candidates:

Last year, Alabama Appleseed and the Southern Center for Human Rights submitted public records request to Alabama sheriffs requesting records of expenditures from their jail food funds. As of today, 49 of those sheriffs have refused to turn over those records and have argued in court that jail food funds are their private money and not subject to the state's open records law.

My questions to you, as a candidate for attorney general, are:

Do you agree with these sheriffs that these food funds are the sheriffs' personal money and not subject to public records requests?

If not, should they be subject to open records requests?

If you believe they should not be subject to open records requests, please give the statutory exemption you believe applies.

Feel free to elaborate in your answer as you feel necessary.

Here are their answers.

Appointed by Gov. Robert Bentley to replace Luther Strange as attorney general, Steve Marshall is the incumbent.

Steve Marshall, Republican, Incumbent

Do you agree with these sheriffs that these food funds are the sheriffs' personal money and not subject to public records requests?

As Attorney General, it is my responsibility to enforce the law. To that end, since 2008, the formal position of the AG's Office has been that under current law, surplus funds from the food allowance may be retained by sheriffs as personal income. Without having knowledge of how the food allowance is distributed to individual sheriffs, generally, if monies are received by or distributed to the sheriff in a public account prior to that money becoming "surplus" and "personal income," it would be public money held in a public account. Thus, records of such expenditures from such a public account would be subject to Alabama's open records law, barring a statutory exemption.

If not, should they be subject to open records requests?

See above.

If you believe they should not be subject to open records requests, please give the statutory exemption you believe applies.

See above.

Alice Martin, Republican, former chief deputy Attorney General and United States Attorney

Do you agree with these sheriffs that these food funds are the sheriffs' personal money and not subject to public records requests?

No. While there was arguably a historical practice to retain excess funds as 'personal money' in Alabama prior to 2011 (AG Opinion 2008-061), I find no legal justification for this practice after April 20, 2011. In AG Opinion 2011-053, the Office of Attorney General stated "...neither the sheriff nor the county may use the surplus for any purpose other than future expenses in feeding prisoners".

If not, should they be subject to open records requests?

Yes. Public funds, transferred to the sheriffs for the feeding of inmates, are a business activity required and reasonably subject to the Open Records Act. ALA. CODE 36-12-40 (2013). Public funds are a public resource and subject to public view and inspection unless law requires otherwise.

(Martin also annotated her answers with legal footnotes. You can read her complete reply here.)

Chess Bedsole, Republican

Transparency in government spending is paramount to the proper function of government. Citizens need the ability to measure the impact of our dollars and to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. It is for these reasons that the food funds should be subject to public records requests. However even today, the underlying measure of what's legal is a heavily outdated law written during the Great Depression by men most likely born in the 19th century. Therefore it should come as no shock that results are far less than ideal.

As years passed, different sheriffs interpreted and applied the law differently, and local practices were passed down from one to the next. Many (if not most) sheriffs interpret their liability in the jail food law to be personal liability. Accordingly, they open personal accounts, with their own social security numbers, to operate the food fund.

The majority of our sheriffs are working hard to protect their communities and adhere to their responsibilities in overseeing the jail. In fact, I've heard from sheriffs who have been forced to take out additional personal loans or mortgage their homes to cover shortages in jail food funds -- and I've heard how those loans affected their lives, their families and their marriages. No government should be allowed to dump its burdens on the shoulders of any one individual.

Undoubtedly, there are those who have found ways to cut corners and personally profit from the overages. In no way can this be good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. While government funding is subject to public records requests, in some cases, the food funds are tied up in the personal finances of the sheriff and may not be as easily tracked through public records requests or ethics reporting alone. This is unacceptable and must be reformed.

I would advocate for a more uniform approach to the administration of jail food funds across the state. No sheriff should be forced to take out a personal loan to cover government shortfalls, nor should any elected official be incentivized to personally profit from a budget surplus. It is well past time for this issue to finally see legislative reform.

Troy King, former Alabama Attorney General

King did not answer any of the questions directly and instead gave this statement:

"The current law allows county commissions to opt in to managing the inmate food funds at anytime they choose. Until the Alabama legislature chooses to change that law, that is the statute that is in effect. The role of the Attorney General is to enforce the law as it is written."

Joseph Siegelman, Democrat

Do you agree with these sheriffs that these food funds are the sheriffs personal money and not subject to public records requests?

To the extent the statute makes the funds personal money if it is not used for inmate meals, I think the system is wrong. Any Sheriff who feeds inmates corn dogs three meals a day is violating the law. In a few particular cases, what this money has been used for speaks for itself: a beach house, a failed investment in a used car dealership. That said, our compensation system for Sheriffs is antiquated, and we must make sure they are paid appropriately.

If not, should they be subject to open records requests?

Yes. I believe that as both a legal matter and a matter of good government, this information should be subject to open records requests.

If you believe they should not be subject to open records requests, please give the statutory exemption you believe applies.

I believe they are subject to open records requests (see above).

Chris Christie, Democrat

Thank you for asking me to comment. Unfortunately, the questions below are part of pending litigation. As one who expects to be the Alabama Attorney General, I am not in a position to comment with a legal answer to the questions you asked. I do not want to have to recuse myself.The United States has postponed imposing Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium imported from the European Union, Canada and Mexico until June 1.

President Donald Trump's administration announced the extension of temporary exemptions for the key trading blocs at the last moment on Monday April 30. A 10% import tax on aluminium and a 25% import tax on steel were due to come into effect on Tuesday.



The administration is extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico and the European Union for a final 30 days. In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment and protect the national security, the White House said in a statement.



The administration has agreed to permanent exemptions from tariffs for Australia, Brazil and Argentina it said, without disclosing further details.



US physical markets at multiyear highs

The physical market reaction to tariffs has been for spot prices to rise sharply.



The US is a major importer of both steel and aluminum; although domestic production is expected to be boosted as a result of import restrictions, and metal for nearby delivery has been priced up considerably.



US Midwest delivered premiums for P1020 commodity grade aluminium have risen by 135% since the start of the year and were averaging 22.25 cents per lb as of April 27.



US hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices remain close to their highest levels in seven years and have risen 16% since US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross filed a January 19 report to the US president recommending the imposition of tariffs.



American Metal Market's hot-rolled coil index was last assessed at $43.21 per hundredweight ($864.20 per tonne) on April 26.



The US had already agreed on a tariff exemption with South Korea, which accepted a quota system for its steel exports to the US.





Posted on: May 1, 2018 1:55 PM

An informal but officially-sanctioned ecumenical dialogue between Anglican and Roman Catholic theologians has met to consider the difficult question of Anglican Orders. The Malines Conversation Group was originally established in the early 1920s by Cardinal Desire-Joseph Mercier, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Malines-Brussels; some 24 years after Pope Leo XIII declared that Anglican Orders were absolutely null and utterly void. The 1920s Malines Conversations Group envisioned the restoration of communion between Anglicans and Roman Catholics in the phrase lEglise Anglicane unie non absorbee  united, but not absorbed.

Since then, a number of formal dialogues and relational groups between the two churches have been established, including the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC), which undertakes theological dialogue; and the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM), an episcopal commission which seeks ways to put joint agreements into practice.

But in 2013, with the blessing of both Lambeth Palace and the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, a group of Anglican and Roman Catholic theologians began to meet once again to, explore matters which the official theological dialogue is not mandated to do, including the difficult question of Anglican Orders, the Suffragan Bishop in Europe, David Hamid, said.

The group met last month at the San Alfonso Retreat House in Long Branch New Jersey. The intense theological discussions are driven by our common commitment as Anglicans and Roman Catholics, in obedience to Our Lord's command, to walk together as the one Body of Christ in our divided world, Bishop David said.

In the groups communique, they say that like its predecessor, it is an informal group while at the same time it keeps in close contact with the official mandated ecumenical bodies in both communions; it includes members of ARCIC and IARCCUM.

Last years meeting at Clare College, Cambridge, UK, continued work of previous meetings on questions of sacramentality and ordination, with particular focus on liturgical theology, canon law, and the relation between theological anthropology and ordination in both communions.

This sixth meeting developed each of these areas in greater depth as resources for ecumenical theology, continuing to sharpen the focus on the question of order.

The group discussed a number of papers, including on the ecclesial grammar of scripture, the reality of life at the root of the reality of holy order, perspectives on gender and the human person, .

The Revd Prof Paul McPartlan from the Catholic University of America presented a close reading of ecclesial texts, asking the question: can it be said that the church of Christ subsistit in the Anglican Communion?

A number of themes recurred throughout the sessions, most notably the recognition that liturgical language, rich in symbol, sign, word and gesture, offers rich possibilities for expressing the reality of unity and communion we share already, the group said in their communique. And it gives rise to possible methodologies for developing new layers of unity as we continue to explore the reception of orders and fuller communion together.

The Group will continue their work when they meet in the UK city of York next Spring.Posted on: May 1, 2018 10:12 AM

[Anglican Journal, by Tali Folkins] At least one diocese has begun raising funds to support a northern Manitoba parish whose church burned to the ground last month. St Johns Anglican Church in Shamattawa First Nation, Manitoba, was destroyed in a fire caused by a malfunctioning furnace on 18 April. No one was hurt, but the churchs priest, the Revd Mary Ann Miles, said in an interview with the Anglican Journal that all the church property was lost in the fire  the building and everything in it, from church records to vestments and other items. Its very difficult right now, because I dont have a church. I lost everything in the fire, she said.

Since the incident, the 30-member congregation has been worshipping at another Christian church in the community, which has offered to share its space with them, she said. But parishioners were attached to their old church, and they hope to rebuild it. Our community is devastated, but ready to rebuild from the ashes, Miles wrote on a GoFundMe Internet fundraising page. We need to raise money to purchase the building materials to be shipped in on the winter road next winter. Then it can be rebuilt the following summer.

Its too early to say how much it will cost to rebuild the church, Miles said. An insurance investigation is underway. Today (Tuesday), the GoFundMe campaign had raised $250 [CAD, approximately 142 GBP] of its $50,000 target.

The Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh is helping with fundraising, she said. Meanwhile, people from nearby communities, as well as Anglicans and members of other denominations from as far away as the US have been contacting her and offering to help, Miles said.

On Thursday, 26 April, John Watton, the Bishop of Central Newfoundland, announced through Twitter that the diocese was planning to help replace some of the items lost in the fire. In the days after the blaze, Watton said, a number of people from different parishes in his diocese emailed him, wondering if they could help. He contacted Lydia Mamakwa, bishop of the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh, to which St Johns church belongs, to let her know the diocese was praying for them and to ask how they could assist. Mamakwa, he said, told him the parish was in urgent need of Bibles, prayer books, a chalice and a paten  as well as prayers.

The diocese, he said, would provide the chalice and paten, and is inviting its parishioners to make donations for the purchase of about 30 new Bibles and prayer books. We just want them to let them know that we care about them, and thats one way to do it, Watton said.

Watton said he had no doubt enough funds would be raised to do that within a few days. Any excess money, he said, would be forwarded on to the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh to help the parish recover.John Kelly: Trumps an idiot (and Moon Jae-in agrees)

All that guff about Donald Trump single-handedly bringing peace to the Koreas via the power of tweeting is cut through by Chief of Staff John Kelly who has, reportedly, referred to his boss as an idiot.

The news that North Korea and South Korea are moving towards peace and unification is joyous. But while the selfless Moon Jae-in, the South Korean president, gets on with the hard work, not least of all appealing to a wary electorate at home, Tump thunders: KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!

Moon understands who hes dealing with, which is why he thinks Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize: something shiny, lucrative and prestigious is what Trump really craves. Peace in Korea is nice, but you cant hang it about your throat.

And maybe Kelly knows Trump, too. The NBC News checks eight present or former White House staffers as sources for its scoop. You might laugh. Dont. Last week, Michelle Wolfs monologue called bullshit on the role laughter has been performing in Trumps America. 

Heres an excerpt (via):

The officials said Kelly portrays himself to Trump administration aides as the lone bulwark against catastrophe, curbing the erratic urges of a president who has a questionable grasp on policy issues and the functions of government. He has referred to Trump as an idiot multiple times to underscore his point, according to four officials who say theyve witnessed the comments. Three White House spokespeople said they dont believe its accurate that Kelly called the president an idiot, adding that none of them has ever heard him do that or otherwise use that word. Officials said Kellys public image as a retired four-star general instilling discipline on a chaotic White House and an impulsive president belies what they describe as the undisciplined and indiscreet approach hes employed as chief of staff. The private manner aides describe may shed new light on why Kelly now finds himself  just nine months into the job  grappling with diminished influence and a drumbeat of questions about how long hell remain at the White House.

Not long.

Paul Sorene

Posted: 1st, May 2018 | In: News, Politicians Comment | TrackBack | PermalinkEmirates is celebrating its 25th anniversary to Dammam. Originally operating two flights a week, Emirates now flies four times daily between Dammam and Emirates hub in Dubai. Since the start of the Dammam service in 1993, the airline has carried more than 3.8 million passengers.

Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President, Gulf Middle East and Iran for Emirates Airline said: "We are embarking on a real milestone as we celebrate 25 years of service to Dammam. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a major market for Emirates and we take great pride in the role we play in providing global connectivity both for business and leisure passengers in Dammam and in the Eastern Province of KSA. We remain committed to this market and look forward to continue working closely with our industry partners in KSA to provide the best possible services to our customers.

The Emirates team in Dammam has grown to over 14 employees, while over 66 Saudi Arabian nationals are employed across the Group.Etihad Airways is offering one nights free accommodation in Abu Dhabi to all guests travelling in Economy Class from destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, and stopping over in the nations capital.

The offer is valid from 1 May 2018 until 15 September 2018 and the travel period is until 30 September 2018. The hotels included in the offer are the Radisson Blu on Yas Island and the Yas Island Rotana.



Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways Executive Vice President Commercial, said: Etihad Airways is delighted to invite guests to experience Abu Dhabi, a city which has so much to offer every type of traveller, especially during a short stopover.



Five million guest arrivals were recorded in Abu Dhabi in 2017, proving that the emirate continues to attract greater numbers of leisure visitors each year.PODCAST 38: How one African airline is preparing for return of tourism

PODCAST 39: Optimism as Africa and Middle East sees positive growth for 2021

PODCAST 37: How Qatar rode the storm and Dassaults new Falcon

PODCAST 35: Change abounds at IATA and new cargo boost while ATM has a new approach

PODCAST 34 : Why India is vital to Middle East aviation recoveryJazeera Airways is to launch three weekly flights to Tbilisi, the capital and largest city in Georgia from 13 June 2018.

Following our successful launch to Baku last year, we are extending our reach to address a growing travel demand for popular choices outside of the region. Tbilisi is a fascinating city with wonderful architecture and provides a really diverse and unique cultural experience, which travelers from Kuwait will enjoy. Additionally, the new route will open connections from Tbilisi to Kuwait and onwards to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and India, said CEO of Jazeera Airways, Mr. Rohit Ramachandran.

Ideal for all travelers looking to explore short breaks, Jazeera Airways will provide a frequency of three weekly flights scheduled for departure at 14:50 pm and arrival at 18:20 pm in Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport and departure at 19:10 pm with arrival in Kuwait at 20:45 pm.

Visa procedures  Visa free policy for nationals and residents of GCC countries. Furthermore, valid visas from Shengen states, United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea are also granted visa free entry into Georgia. For travelers who arent in the above category, an e-visa online service is available at www.evisa.gov.ge with a fee.

Located between Europe and Asia, Tbilisi is an industrial and multicultural city that features many art galleries and renowned artists tourist attractions, including the Memorial history of Georgia, Dancing fountains, Tbilisi Opera and ballet theatre, Freedom Monument, Jumah Mosque, Tbilisi Great Synagogue, Rustaveli Avenue, Narikala Fortress and the Mtatsminda Pantheon.

Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration, George Chogovadze said: We are delighted to welcome Jazeera Airways to the Georgian market. The GCC region is among our top priority markets and it is the fastest growing market for in-bound tourism. Our team will closely collaborate with Jazeera Airways on joint marketing campaigns to further promote Georgia in Kuwait and the rest of the GCC region.

Jazeera has appointed Voyager as its general sales agent in Georgia as its partner to promote and sell flights through the Georgian travel trade.

Mariam Kvrivishvili, general director of Voyager commented, It is an honour and privilege to represent Jazeera Airways on Georgian market. They have built a great reputation as a low cost champion in Kuwait and the Gulf region, hence I believe this truly is an important step for the development of Georgias tourism sector, as well as the promotion of the countrys travel potential across Jazeera Airways network. I strongly believe that the partnership between Voyager and Jazeera Airways will develop dynamically and further support the achievement of mutually beneficial goals set forth by both countries.The first Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, touched down today at Cardiff Airport, where it was welcomed with a celebratory water cannon salute and greeted by the Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Janice Charles.

The new service will connect Cardiff to more than 150 business and leisure destinations worldwide.



To celebrate this special occasion, the award-winning airline flew its ultra-modern Airbus A350-900 to Cardiff, providing VIP guests the opportunity to experience the state-of-the-art aircraft. This was the first time a commercial passenger Airbus A350-900 aircraft, whose wings are built by Airbus in Wales, has landed on Welsh soil. Going forward, Qatar Airways will operate its daily Cardiff service with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which has a two-class configuration including 22 seats in Business Class offering passengers direct aisle access with its 1-2-1 configuration, as well as 232 seats in Economy Class

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: Today marks an especially important milestone for both Qatar Airways and Cardiff Airport. The new service, our fifth gateway into the U.K., now provides the people of Wales and the South West with an extensive network of more than 150 destinations globally. We are delighted to welcome Cardiff into our route network, and to be able to provide the Welsh people with a new gateway to the world. We look forward to welcoming our new Welsh passengers on board and to connecting them to Doha and many points beyond.

Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: The first direct flight from Cardiff to Qatar plugs Wales straight into an area of massive investment and an airport with 150 onward destinations around the world. This is the fast track for Welsh companies doing business in the Gulf.

Todays announcement is the culmination of months of Government activity in public and behind the scenes. The ambition for a daily flight was on the agenda when I met Qatar Airways Chief Executive H.E. Akbar Al Baker more than a year ago at a UK investment summit, and the UK Government has continued to press that case supported by the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence. The UK Government Qatari trade mission last September was all about growing links and unlocking the region for Welsh exports.

Qatar is the UKs third largest export market in the Middle East and accounts for 35 billion of existing investment. Passengers disembarking from the first direct flight from Doha to Cardiff will get the unmistakable message that Wales is open for business.Spatial, a provider of cabin crew training simulators, is to exhibit an A320 Door Trainer at the IATA Cabin Operations Safety Conference next week.

The device will enable conference delegates to experience how cabin crew are comprehensively trained using Spatials A320 L1 Door Trainer and Overwing Exit. The Door Trainer has been tailor-made for Thai Flight Training and is expected to come into service at their Flight Training Academy later this month.

This years IATA Cabin Safety Conference is being held in Bangkok from 8-10 May and will bring together hundreds of cabin safety experts from airlines, regulatory agencies, governments, manufacturers and suppliers to discuss the airline industrys key safety challenges. For more information regarding the conference, please click here.

Marc Van den Broucque, Managing Director at Spatial said: "Were very much looking forward to showcasing our A320 Door Trainer for Thai Flight Training at next weeks IATA conference. This years event looks very well attended and we cant wait to catch up with some of our clients and colleagues in Bangkok at what will surely be a valuable few days for the cabin safety industry.Zimbabwe has generated a lot of interest as a tourist destination ever since the inauguration of the New President for the Republic of Zimbabwe, CDE E. D. Mnangagwa in November 24 last year.

The President has emphasised that economics and trade cooperation rather than politics would be his priority in order to catch up with the region. He has also stated that "Zimbabwe had lagged behind in many areas as a result of isolation for the past 18 years.

One of the very first positive actions that were taken by the new government was to relook at all the legislation that had been constraining investment inflows into Zimbabwe. Now the new administration has put in place supportive measures that seek to rebuild confidence and increase Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in order to revive the national economy.

The tourism industry in Zimbabwe has taken heed in reengaging the international markets, pushing the Zimbabwe tourism brand and Zimbabwe is open for tourism philosophy. The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Priscah Mupfumira has led delegations to South Africa, UK and Germany, reengaging the travel and tourism industry worldwide with the same message. Following those missions, the Middle East is the next key market firmly targeted by Zimbabwe for engagement.

In an effort to increase arrivals from the Asian and Middle East markets the Minister will be leading a tourism delegation to Dubai to attend the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Middle Easts largest tourism exhibition, set for 22-25 April 2018. During the show the Minister is set to meet with strategic decision makers including leading tour operators, airlines and other government officials.

Whilst the Middle East if full of potential, Zimbabwe has not invested much in destination marketing in this region in a long time and the visit by the Honorable Minister will help open this huge lucrative market for the country.

Tourist arrivals have increased from a mere 657 in 2003 to 3,148 in 2004 and only reached a peak in 2009 when 10,077 tourist arrivals were recorded. In 2017 the country recorded 7,537 arrivals, a 58% increase from 4,783 arrivals recorded in 2016.

Zimbabwe is now ready for the Middle East market, where access from Dubai is through Emirates, Kenya Airways, Rwanda Air, South African Airways and Ethiopian Airways. The destination offers a wide range of luxury accommodation options for the Middle East market ranging from city hotels, lodges and tented camps across the country. The country has a variety of activities that suits different market segments from thoughtful to soft adventure for all ages. Bungee jumping, white water rafting, zip lining, rhino trekking and mountain climbing are some of the adrenaline activities Zimbabwe has to offer, while bird watching, horse riding, sunset cruises and visiting rock art sites are just some of the soft activities to be enjoyed.Incidentally, Computer Baba had unsuccessfully tried for AAP ticket in the last Assembly elections.

Bhopal: Computer Baba, aka Namdeo Das Tyagi, who along with four other Hindu religious leaders has been granted minister of state status by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government recently, on Monday demanded tickets for seers for the upcoming Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, leaving the ruling party in an uneasy situation.

The 54-year-old religious leader claimed that sadhus wanted their representation in the Assembly and, hence, sought BJP tickets for some of them in the year-end elections.

The saints wanted me to negotiate with the BJP leadership to allot them tickets. I assured them to convey their demand to the chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, he said, adding, The BJP should field sadhus in at least two Assembly constituencies.

Computer Babas demand seemed to have caused anxiety in BJP. The party has not been approached by any religious leader with such proposal so far. Hence, it does not merit reaction by the party on the issue, a senior BJP leader told this newspaper unwilling to be quoted. He, however, admitted that the seers demand has caused uneasiness in the party.

Incidentally, Computer Baba had unsuccessfully tried for AAP ticket in the last Assembly elections.The CMs' meet is on the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Tripura CM's office said.

The official's statement came in the wake of reports in a section of the media that Modi had summoned Deb to Delhi over the chief minister's controversial statements on a range of issues. (Photo: PTI)

Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has been invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend a meeting in the National Capital on May 2, a senior official said on Monday.

Deb had received the invitation to the meeting of chief ministers a month ago, additional secretary in the chief minister's office Milind Ramteke said. The CMs' meeting was on the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, he said.

The official's statement came in the wake of reports in a section of the media that Modi had summoned Deb to Delhi over the chief minister's controversial statements on a range of issues.

Read: Modi summons Tripura CM over repeated 'questionable' remarks

It was yet to be confirmed whether the chief minister would be going to Delhi, the official said.

Deb had recently courted controversy when he said the Internet existed in the Mahabharata era.

Also Read: Internet, satellite existed during Mahabharata: Tripura CM

Last week, he had questioned the rationale behind Diana Hayden being crowned "Miss World" 21 years ago. Deb was all praise for Aishwarya Rai, who won the "Miss World" crown in 1994, saying she represented "Indian women".

Deb had also claimed that international beauty pageants were a farce.Black Cat commandos will assist the army, para-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir police in counter-terror offensive.

The Union home ministry and other security agencies have been for long planning to deploy Black Cat commandos in the Valley. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Home ministry is working on a proposal to deploy NSG's elite Black Cat commandos in the Kashmir Valley for the first time since the start of militancy.

Sources said the ministry plans to deploy a unit of these Black Cat commandos in the Kashmir Valley for high specialised anti-terror operations, particularly to deal with hostage situations.

These Black Cat commandos will assist the army, para-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir police in counter-terror offensive.

It is not that Black Cat commandos would be deployed for every operations. But these will be kept on standby and used only in specialised offensive to counter militants. The routine counter insurgency work would be done by the army and para-military forces, the Black Cats will only assist them in some difficult operations, a senior security official said.

The Union home ministry and other security agencies have been for long planning to deploy Black Cat commandos in the Valley. Sources said the move has been delayed as the security establishment had been analysing different aspect of whether such a specialised force should be deployed in the terror infested region.

There is considerable concern among security establishments over an "unprecedented increase'' in the number of youth joining militancy in the Kashmir valley. The security sources said the trend was particularly alarming in the April when as many as 16 youth have joined terror.American Audrey Truschkes shocking translation of some verses from the Ramayana have raised the hackles of Hindu traditionalists.

American professor and author Audrey Truschke recently stirred up a hornets nest after she tweeted that Sita had called Ram a misogynist pig and uncouth and accused Lakshman of lusting after her. Naturally, the professor became the target of many angry Hindus, for whom the Ramayana is more than just a piece of ancient literature.

She has received death threats on social media, but Audrey still stands by her statement and shares that she has read Maharishi Valmikis Ramayana for about fifteen years. Explaining how she arrived at the translation, Audrey says, Uncouth is a straightforward translation of prarta (6.104.5 of the Critical Edition of Valmikis Ramayana). The term has previously been translated into English as vulgar, as stated by Goldman and Goldman in Yuddhakanda, 2009. Misogynist pig is a loose, colloquial translation. Many intellectuals and people who have read the various versions of the great epic claim that Audreys translations are baseless and unethical. Amish Tripathi, who has written many books on Hindu mythology, says, If you write an interpretation of the Ramayana, then you have the right to put any word in there. However, if you claim that what you are saying is a translation, then its unethical as a writer that you use words which werent originally used by the author, which in this case, is Maharishi

Valmiki ji. As for the shlokas that Audrey put on Twitter, Amish laughs and adds, Most Indians know what is written in their ancient texts. While many Westerners write about ancient Greek, Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Indian mythology, Hindus still follow the religion and know most of their mythology. We dont need a Westerner to tell us what our ancient texts state.

Author Chitra Divakaruni feels that the wording of Professor Truschkes translation is badly chosen. Sita does not use these words, or anything similar, although she does express her anger and sorrow in this scene, she says. On Sita accusing Lakshman of being lustful, Chitra adds, When he (Lakshman) refuses to go searching for Ram and the golden deer (he was following Rams orders not to leave Sita alone), she accuses him out of desperation, because she thinks Ram is wounded and needs help.

Experts also believe that concepts such as misogyny and feminism may not have been prevalent in ancient society. Shedding more light on the same, author Anuja Chandramouli says, The reason why Audreys tweets received backlash is because she claimed that they were a translation of the Ramayana. However, the terms that she has used are extremely colloquial and may not have been valid back then. So, it cant be an authentic translation and is very disrespectful towards the Adi Kavi Valmiki.

With many on Twitter claiming that Westerners are trying to portray Hinduism in a bad light, Anuja opines, The concept of white supremacy has always existed. But I wouldnt go so far to say that Audreys tweets were meant to demean Hinduism.

Shockingly, Professor Robert Goldman, whose translation of the Ramayana Audrey Truschke cited, says, Neither the great poet (Valmiki) nor we have used such a vulgar diction and certainly, Sita would never have used such language to her husband even in the midst of emotional distress. However, Audrey defends her translation, saying that it was based on her own research. I offered the colloquial summary as my own scholarly opinion on how to understand the passage, not based on Professor Goldmans translation. That said, Professor Goldman has also described Sita as accusing Rama of misogyny, using that term, in this same passage, she asserts.

FOR anyone unfamiliar with these episodes, in Valmikis telling (Im loosely translating here): During the Agnipariksha, Sita basically tells Rama hes a misogynist pig and uncouth. During the golden deer incident, Sita accuses Lakshmana of lusting after her and setting up Rama (sic)

 Audrey Truschke, professor and author

In the loose translations of Ramayana, when Ram asked Sita for Agnipariksha, the harshest words Sita used is, You address me like a low born man talking to a lowly woman. Nowhere does she call him a misogynist pig! Also, the words used by Audrey are amusing, as in ancient times, the pig or boar was worshipped as Varaha, an avatar of Vishnu

 Author Anand Neelakantan, the writer of Asura:Tale of the Vanquished (a book about Ravana and his people), on the two incidents mentioned in Audreys tweetRegularisation of sexual relationship is one of the important objects of marriage, says HC.

Mumbai: Holding that when a woman claims that there was no physical relationship between her and her husband, the burden of proof is on the husband to prove that there was a physical relationship, the Bombay high court has nullified a marriage as per the wifes demand. Though the husband in the petition had claimed that their marriage was consummated and the wife has had a miscarriage, the HC disbelieved his claims as the man could not produce any evidence of miscarriage.

One of the most important objects of the marriage is a regularisation of the sexual relationship between the two parties and in the absence of such relationship, the object of marriage is frustrated, Justice Mridula Bhatkar observed while granting the wifes plea, which was earlier rejected by a Kolhapur court.

The judge also held that while an irretrievable marriage is not a ground under Special Marriage Act for divorce, but non-consummation of the marriage is a ground.

The woman wanted to end the marriage on the grounds of non-consummation for nine years and had filed an appeal in the high court challenging the Kolhapur court order. The woman had filed a petition for divorce on two grounds  that there was no consummation of marriage; and the husband allegedly married her using fraudulent methods and made her sign blank documents. On her first demand, the HC held that there was no evidence that there were sexual relations between the couple in the span of last nine years and allowed the petition. On her second demand, Justice Mridula Bhatkar said that there was no proof of fraud. The husband had clai-med that he had maintained sexual relationship with his wife and she even had a miscarriage, the court disbelieved him, as he could not produce any evidence backing his claims.

The HC held that the wife denied having sexual relationship and therefore the burden of proof was on the husband. If the opinion of a gynaecologist about a pregnancy test was available, evidence could have been produced on record. However, it was not brought and therefore, the fact ofnon-consummation of the marriage is to be believed and accepted, said Justice Bhatkar.

The judge also noted that all the courts dealing with matrimonial issues have to consider that the age of the parties in marriage proceedings has an important bearing on the issues.

In the present case, when no evidence is brought by the respondent (husband) when he claims that there was sexual relationship, then in absence of such evidence, the contention of the respondent is not accepted while the appellant (the wife) establishes the case of non-consummation of marriage, Justice Bhatkar observed.The investigators also apprehended Singh for accepting first instalment of the bribe allegedly on behalf of the accused officers.

The accused Customs officers, who are attached to the Rummaging and Intelligence Wing, had sought and accepted a bribe of Rs 50 lakh via the private person to clear a consignment. (Representational image)

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested five Customs officers in Mumbai in connection with its probe into an alleged bribery complaint pertaining to the clearance of a consignment. Those arrested by the agency were identified as deputy commissioners Mukesh Meena, Rajeev Kumar Singh, Sudarshan Meena, Sandeep Yadav, a superintendent  Manish Singh  and a private person. The accused Customs officers, who are attached to the Rummaging and Intelligence Wing, had sought and accepted a bribe of Rs 50 lakh via the private person to clear a consignment.

A team of CBI officers laid a trap and caught two of the accused deputy commissioners and the private person, Nilesh Singh, soon after they accepted Rs 5 lakh from the partner of the complainant. Searches were conducted at the accuseds residences, in which allegedly incriminating documents were found, said CBI officials.

The investigators also apprehended Singh for accepting first instalment of the bribe allegedly on behalf of the accused officers.

The officers sought Rs 50 lakh for arranging to release a Customs consignment. The bribe was to be paid in instalments and Rs 5 lakh was the first instalment, said a CBI officer.

The person concerned approached the CBI and lodged a complaint against the demand of bribe for managing the clearance of the consignment, which was illegally kept on hold and for not holding his consignments that were in pipeline.

It was further alleged that Singh had assured the partner of the complainant that he would manage the officers of Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB), Marine and Preventive (M & P) and R & I Wings of Customs and would clear the consignments without any hurdle.

During the subsequent investigation, officials also discovered the alleged roles of two more deputy commissioners and the superintendent following which they were also arrested.Officials from the state government claim that the policy will be unveiled before June 5, World Environment Day.

Mumbai: Activists want to know why the introduction of a policy to tackle marine litter, which was promised by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in December last year, has been delayed. Officials from the state government claim that the policy will be unveiled before June 5, World Environment Day.

There has been no update on the formulation of a draft policy to address the problem of marine litter in our state, says activist Irfan Machiwala.

Activists and residents of Mahim have formed a beach committee to clean Mahim Beach. Over the past year, they have organised regular beach cleaning drives along with the BMC. Members of the Committee have asked MLA Waris Pathan to enquire with the Chief Minister about the introduction of the policy.

A marine litter policy needs to be formulated to tackle the problem of marine debris, one of the biggest threats to aquatic ecosystems. Researchers had found micro-plastics inside fish, which means that plastics have entered the marine food chain. Stringent rules and regulations are needed to control the accumulation of plastic debris in the sea. Fishermen in Mumbai net the largest amount of marine debris, says Anwar Khan, chairman of the Advanced Local Management (ALM) of Durgah Street.

The Maharashtra government has set World Environment Day as the deadline for the formulation of a marine litter policy.

Afroz Shah is helping us formulate the guidelines. The policy will be unveiled before June 5 this year, says an official from the environment department.Not only smartphones, the report even mentions the presence of a backup OS for tablets and desktops.

Huawei has shown the world that China can make notable mobile devices adhering to global standards. The Google Nexus 6P in 2015 and the recently unveiled P20 Pro have set new benchmarks in the world of smartphones. However, Huawei, like most manufacturers, is dependent on several third-party suppliers to make its products  be it hardware or software. We know that Huawei relies on its home-brewed Hisilicon chipsets for its entire lineup of smartphones. And now, if reports are to be believed, they might be honing an alternative to Googles Android OS  their own mobile operating system.

A South China Morning Post report has claimed that Huawei has been developing a mobile operating system for use in its smartphones. However, the operating system isnt meant to substitute Android on their Huawei or Honor branded phones. Instead, its mentioned that the new operating system has been forged to keep the company alive in case it has to face a ban that fellow Chinese manufacturer ZTE has faced.

ZTE has been served a ban from using American products and services on its products following a disagreement between it and the government. Therefore, ZTE faces the probable chance of losing its license to Googles Android as the operating system that runs its lineup of smartphones and tablets. This means that the manufacturer, who introduced a foldable smartphone last year, could be left with no alternative platform or operating system to keep its products running.

Huawei, therefore, has kept its backup ready, should it face such worst case scenarios in the future anytime soon. However, the report mentions that sources close to Huaweis have hinted about the backup OS not on par with Googles Android when it comes to app compatibility and overall user experience quality. Therfore, Huawei hasn't made it public yet. And not only smartphones, the report even mentions the presence of a backup OS for tablets and desktops.

Samsung tried something similar with its Tizen OS a few years ago. It was supposed to be an alternative platform to Android and was seen to replace Android from its portfolio in the future. However, the lack of developer support for Tizen has only limited to Samsungs range of smart televisions. While Huawei has cleverly chosen not to put it into the market yet, we expect that they will keep polishing it over the time to make it as powerful to sustain the progress they have made with the help of Android.

Update: Huawei has released a media statement, stating that they have no such undergoing project. Huawei claims that they have no such intentions in the 'foreseeable future' for now. The company states that they are dedicated to making several mobile products powered by Google's Android. However, Huawei cleared it that while they don't have an intention of making a mobile OS right now, they are very well capable of coding one it if they want to.

(source)The cardinal has again declared himself "not guilty". Some charges judged "inconsistent" were dropped. Other accusations date back to the 1990s and 1970s.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The Holy See has confirmed the period of leave granted to Card. George Pell to defend himself against the accusations of sexual abuse. The confirmation arrived today, after the Melbourne court ruled that the cardinal will be tried on charges of sexual abuse dating back decades ago. The Magistrate Belinda Wallington rejected some of the most serious allegations, which had been heard during the preliminary hearing four weeks ago, considering them "inconsistent", but decided that there are sufficient elements to justify a trial before a jury. One of the accusations dates back to the 1990s when Card. Pell was archbishop of Melbourne; another dates back to the 1970s, when he was a simple priest in Ballarat.

The cardinal, 76, one of the closest collaborators of Pope Francis, for the reform of the economy in the Vatican, has once again declared himself "not guilty" before the court.

Many analysts suggest that the campaign against Card. Pell is a "transverse revenge" of the mafia groups who today, thanks to the reform he led, find themselves unable to use the Vatican bank anymore as a way to launder their money.

The statement issued by the Holy See Press Office Director reads: "The Holy See has taken note of the decision issued by judicial authorities in Australia regarding His Eminence Cardinal George Pell. Last year, the Holy Father granted Cardinal Pell a leave of absence so he could defend himself from the accusations. The leave of absence is still in place."Decisive information gathered by a Christian organization active in the fight against trafficking in human beings. The couple who were trying to marry two young women, who had been promised 4 thousand US dollars. The aspiring spouses also stop.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The authorities have ordered the arrest of four people for the alleged attempt to traffic some Cambodian women to China. Two of their potential victims managed to escape the criminal plan only thanks to the intervention of the security forces.

Ji Jiaxin, a Chinese citizen, and his wife Khmer Teo Oeun (photo), were arrested three days ago following the information gathered by Agape International Missions (AIM), a Christian organization active in the fight against trafficking in human beings. According to reports from the military police in Phnom Penh, activists discovered that the couple was trying to marry two young women to Chinese husbands.

The two bridegrooms, Zhang Liang, 27, and Yan Fan, 28, were also arrested in the raid conducted by the military police in a guesthouse in the Meanchey district, in the capital. The authorities declare that the couple of intermediaries has already led three women to China through Vietnam, but their current position and state of health are still unknown.

In a note published on social media, military police reveal that the two young women rescued by the security forces operation are a 24-year-old and a 27-year-old from Takeo, who had been promised 4 thousand US dollars if they married Chinese men. The document also states that the alleged traffickers were stopped thanks to some environmental interceptions in a Meanchey cafe, where the couple discussed plans and documentation for a wedding.

On April 22nd, a wedding ceremony had taken place for Liang and the youngest of the two victims. The group of six people arrived in Phnom Penh the following day to finalize the documents for passports and visas.Currently there are 19 countries that have diplomatic ties with Taipei, most of them small developing countries. These include the Vatican. Taiwanese Foreign Minister: Relations with the Vatican remain firm and solid. The China-Holy See dialogue concerns only the appointments and ordinations of the official bishops.

Taipei (AsiaNews) - The government of the Dominican Republic has announced its intention to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing, breaking its relations with Taipei. The poor Caribbean country is the latest in a growing list countries to come under Beijings influence to increasingly isolate the island.

Last year Panama decided to establish diplomatic relations with China, abandoning those with Taiwan.

Currently there are 19 countries that have diplomatic ties with Taipei, most of them small developing countries. These also include the Vatican.

For years Beijing has engaged a "war of diplomacy" against the island, considered a "rebel province" to be reconquered. Through donations and trade facilitation, China is making inroads among the countries that still recognize Taiwan.

The Dominican minister Miguel Vargas and the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi held a brief meeting to greet the new diplomatic relations (see photo).

According to Taipei Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, Beijing spent "astronomical figures" to coax the Dominican Republic away from Taiwan. Taiwan has also donated millions of dollars for development projects in the past.

Since dialogue is taking place between Beijing and the Vatican, many wonder whether this will not lead to a break between the Holy See and Taipei. In a press conference, Minister Wu said that for now relations with the Vatican remain firm and solid: "As far as we have learned, their talks do not involve politics and there is no imminent risk [of a switch in ties] at the moment ". In fact, the dialogues between China and the Holy See concern only an agreement for the nomination and ordination procedures of the bishops of the official Church. But even on this point it seems that China is delaying its agreement.By Nathan Scudder, PhD Researcher, University of Canberra

Findagrave

Technologies for amplifying, sequencing and matching DNA have created new opportunities in genomic science. In this series When DNA Talks we look at the ethical and social implications.

When Joseph DeAngelo was arrested in the United States last month over a series of 30-year-old murders and assaults, attention quickly focused on how the suspect was found.

In their search for the so-called Golden State Killer, police looked for DNA matches on a public genealogy database that people use to build family trees. This approach led police first to a close relative, and then to the suspect.





Read more:

How cops used a public genealogy database in the Golden State Killer case





Applying genealogical research techniques to forensic DNA analysis is a useful tool in solving cold cases.

However  as many who have traced their family tree would know  genealogy is not for the fainthearted. It is a complex and difficult process, prone to error and misinterpretation. Family trees have been described as entangled meshes.

Without expert knowledge, false assumptions can be made and investigative resources wasted. The technique also raises legal, ethical and policy challenges.

Identifying human remains

In 1981, a woman wearing a buckskin jacket was found murdered on a roadside in Ohio. The unidentified Buckskin Girl was buried in a Jane Doe grave. While investigators pursued various leads, DNA obtained from retained blood yielded no matches.

In 2018, the DNA Doe Project  a new charity applying a technique called forensic genealogy to unsolved missing person cases  agreed to work on the case.

Using crowdfunding, the volunteers collected donations to undertake whole genome sequencing. This generated enough genetic data, consistent with the markers used by online DNA providers, to allow upload to a public genealogy site.

The search returned a possible first cousin, once removed. By searching that individuals shared family tree, a presumptive identification was made. The family tree included a comment about a relative: Death - Unknown Missing - Presumed Dead.

In a matter of hours, genealogists had provided a solid lead in a 37-year-old case, leading to the identification of the victim as Marcia King.

There are about 500 sets of unidentified human remains in Australia. Given the success of genealogists at the DNA Doe Project, applying this approach could help bring closure to families.





Read more:

Australia has 2,000 missing persons and 500 unidentified human remains  a dedicated lab could find matches





Where things can go wrong

Law enforcement use of forensic genealogical data has not always yielded such results.

In 1996, Angie Dodge was murdered in Idaho. DNA was recovered from the crime scene and, nearly 20 years later, the profile was searched against a genealogy database. A close match was returned and investigators identified that individuals son, Michael Usry Jr., as a suspect.

However, Usry, who was coincidentally on vacation in Idaho around the time of the murder, later provided a DNA sample and was ruled out as the culprit. Usry says that it took a month to clear his name through DNA.

Search engines still return results linking him to the investigation. While almost all hits make clear that he was eliminated as a suspect, one asks: Do you think Michael Usry Jr. could be involved in Angies murder?

Will people be put off genetic testing?

The potential for online genetic databases to be used to help law enforcement is increasing  the DNA testing market is expected to more than triple by 2022, to A$388 million. In 2017, AncestryDNA  the largest provider  reportedly sold 1.5 million test kits in a single sales weekend alone.

But use of forensic genealogy also has the potential to undermine consumer trust in genetic testing and online genealogy.

Genetic providers may be more susceptible to consumer backlash about privacy concerns than social media companies such as Facebook, which has continued to grow in spite of recent concerns about its data storage practices. Many users do not find the need to engage with genetic providers on an ongoing basis, like they do with Facebook. After initial testing, users wishing to minimise privacy risks could potentially download their data and then delete their accounts, preventing the company from further using their data.





Read more:

New cryptocurrencies could let you control and sell access to your DNA data





Genetic providers are also limited in their ability to implement privacy safeguards, such as identity verification, due to the very nature of their products. Individuals may legitimately use the tool without knowing their true birth name or names of family members.

In each of these cases, investigators uploaded of some form of genetic data, of unknown origin, to a public database. This could amount to a breach of a providers terms and conditions, but there may be little the company can do to prevent such use.

We should proceed with caution

Forensic genealogy is just one example of the growing intelligence value of publicly accessible data. Police have also used social media to track suspects. A coroner in Idaho noted that:

Facebook is not something we thought wed be using to find next of kin. We use it every single week.

This kind of law enforcement activity online has been litigated in the past.

In a 2014 US case, evidence was admitted despite police obtaining access to a social media account by inviting the defendant to accept a fake friend request. Here the defendant explicitly consented, but genealogical websites often promote the sharing of family tree and genetic information, without requiring consent to share with each new connection.

This followed a 2013 example where the US Drug Enforcement Administration allegedly created a fake social media account in the name of the owner of a seized mobile phone. In that case, the social media provider wrote demanding no other fake accounts be created on its platform.

Similar arguments may arise with forensic genealogy. Courts may need to balance the benefits to society of solving crime with whether the user has given implied consent, both for themselves and their relatives.

Privacy legislation may also kick in at the point where a profile is identified, or is reasonably identifiable. When that occurs, the forensic genealogist has created an online genetic profile for a third party, without their consent.

The use of forensic genealogy brings us closer to a point where it may be possible  given enough data and resources  to identify any genetic sample. Crowdsourcing and crowdfunding means this technique is available to all.

Achieving an approach that is privacy compliant, balanced and cautious is essential to maintaining public trust and minimising potential harm. Otherwise individuals who, having parted with $99 and a small vial of saliva, may suddenly find themselves part of a criminal investigation.

Research for this article was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. This article also draws on research funded by the Endeavour Fellowships and Awards, a Department of Education and Training initiative.

Dennis McNevin has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Discovery Translation Fund (ANU Connect Ventures), US Army International Technology Center - Pacific and the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering.

Originally published in The Conversation.Hi all,My partner was granted a 309/100 visa on 25 May 2016 (coming up to 2 years)We are seeing mixed message online about submitting new evidence or not? The Home Affairs website says you may not need to submit new evidence if you were in a long term relationship prior to the original application? (We have been married for 6 years now)Do we need to submit a Stage 2 application?Thank you in advance for your help!!Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Expect widespread areas of smoke and haze, reducing visibility at times. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Expect widespread areas of smoke and haze, reducing visibility at times. Low 62F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.PARIS (AP)  French far-right leader Marine Le Pen joined other anti-immigration populist leaders from around Europe for a May Day gathering Tuesday aimed at energizing their campaigns for next year's European Parliament elections.

Populist leaders Harald Vilimsky of Austria's Freedom Party and prominent Czech nationalist Tomio Okamura descended on the southern French city of Nice as part of a joint effort to trumpet the gains far-right parties have notched up across the continent recently and to rail against their common foe  the European Union.

The head of Italy's nationalist Northern League party Matteo Salvini declined his invitation but sent a video message of support. Salvini is attempting to form a coalition government following this year's inconclusive elections where many Italian voters shunned mainstream parties.

Geert Wilders of the Dutch Party for Freedom had been expected but didn't show up.

In a speech to hundreds of supporters, Le Pen, who heads the National Front party, set out a vision of "another Europe," warning that the EU is having "catastrophic consequences for our countries."

Other senior figures of the European far-right also spoke.

They are all members of the Movement for a Europe of Nations and Liberties, which is hoping to make gains in European Parliament elections in 2019. Le Pen said she hoped to get enough legislative momentum to "fundamentally change" the EU from within.

Le Pen used Nice  a French Riviera hub that boasts a diverse population  to forward her anti-immigration stance, saying it has "suffered from very strong pressure from migration that has partly changed the face" of the city.

France's National Front has been struggling since its defeat in last year's presidential election that elected centrist Emmanuel Macron.

Le Pen has been trying to cleanse the party of the racist stigma that has clung to its image while maintaining its core closed-borders agenda.

In March, former White House strategist Steve Bannon tried to re-energize the party by speaking at a congress in France. Some commentators warned that support from figures like Bannon could hinder the party's rebranding efforts.

Before heading to Nice, Le Pen laid a wreath at a monument of France's nationalist icon Joan of Arc in Cannes.

Holding her rally in Nice allowed Le Pen to distance herself from her father Jean-Marie Le Pen's annual May Day gathering at a Joan of Arc statue in Paris. The party severed ties last month with Jean-Marie, its 89-year-old firebrand founder, by eliminating his title of honorary president-for-life  but he held his gathering Tuesday anyway.

___

Associated Press video journalist Milos Krivokapic in Nice contributed to this report.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.The Brooksville City Council officially voted Monday evening to dissolve the city's police department in favor of contracting with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office for its law enforcement needs.

Only one dissenting vote on city council

Opinion on change mixed among residents, business owners

Change takes effect June 1

The transition is something that's been talked about for awhile, and it was a decision council members stressed was not easy.

Some residents and business owners, however, welcomed the change.

I really feel a huge relief," said Gregory Kirshy. "I own a restaurant within the city limits, as well with my father, and [the Sheriffs Office] responded to that restaurant as well in a quick time.

Others dont think it was the right choice.

Here we have our city government, it seems like they are working against us in this situation, because were trying to grow revenue, were trying to grow a city at the same time that were dealing with a city government who is trying to cut back on everything, Jason Sager explained.

Councilwoman Natalie Kahler was the only dissenting vote on the plan, which will bring two full-time sheriffs deputies into the Brooksville city limits 24 hours a day. It will cost the city around $1 million.

The city will get some of that cost reduced with some money coming in from the Sheriffs Office. They plan to buy over $200,000 worth of equipment from the city, and also will be paying rent when they turn the old Brooksville PD Office into their District 1 site.

With these reductions, city leaders say they will save around $1.7 million compared to what they were paying for Brooksville PD.

As for the remaining Brooksville PD officers, some will be taken in by the Sheriffs Office, while others have already lined up positions at other agencies.

But some residents still worry about whats next.

Its going to be upsetting for the long term, and its going to be interesting to see what happens in the city of Brooksville over the next several years, Sager explained.

The change goes into effect on June 1.GET OUR NEW APP Our new Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here.ST. PETERSBURG -- The man accused of showing off a body in a St. Petersburg shed is now facing murder charges.

Victim in St. Petersburg murder ID'd as Cheyenne Snyder, 29

Angelo Dante Beckford facing murder charge

RELATED: Police find woman's body in shed

St. Petersburg police are still working on identifying the woman's body found in the shed behind a home. Police arrested Angelo Dante Beckford, 40, and he is now facing murder charges.

The woman found dead has been identified as Cheyenne Snyder, a 29-year-old mother of two originally from Ohio. St. Petersburg Police Maj. Shannon Halstead said Snyder has lived in St. Petersburg for about nine years.

Halstead said Beckford shot Snyder during an argument over a mess she allegedly left in the house.

Snyder's father in Ohio, Scott Snyder Sr., commented on social media:

Thanks the Detective I have talked to is great guy. I need reach out state attorney this animal deserves more than a cage, we just hope pray they upgrade these charges so death penalty on table  Scott Snyder Sr (@ScottSnyderSr1) May 1, 2018 <_script charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js">

Beckford has been charged with second-degree murder, along with aggravated assault, possession of crack cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police were tipped off Monday by residents who reported a man telling neighbors he had a body stored in a house.

Officers responded Monday afternoon to 524 16th Ave S. after receiving reports of a possible kidnapping. The area is in south St. Petersburg.

A SWAT team responded to the area and located the body in the shed in Beckford's backyard.

According to police, Beckford had just been released from prison, getting out on April 1 after serving time for armed robbery.

On Monday, Beckford tried to elude police, who quickly caught up with him.

Police have not said how the woman died or anything about the circumstances leading up to her death.

"Apparently, according to the information we have, he was showing off," said Yolanda Fernandez, with SPPD. "It concerned them enough, they came right to the Police Headquarters and reported it. So we were able to follow up rather quickly because, again, our concern was someone could still be alive in there."Two Polk County teachers have been placed on administrative leave following accusations they told a seven-year-old student to scrub the floors with a toothbrush as punishment.

Student got in trouble for talking in class

Parents say they were not informed of their child's punishment

School district has begun investigation

The student reportedly got in trouble for talking in class at Lake Alfred Elementary. She told her parents her teacher sent her to the classroom next door, where another teacher allegedly make her scrub the floors with a toothbrush.

"Really, you can't believe that this happened to your child in a place where they're supposed to be safe, and teachers are supposed to look after them and take care of them," said Kenneth Gamble, the child's father.

Gamble said neither he nor the girl's mother was informed about the punishment by the school. He said his daughter came home complaining of back pain, and that's when she told them what had happened.

Gamble said his daughter told them she was forced to scrub the floor in front of other students, and wasn't able to take part in regular classroom activities.

"I don't care who it is, my child or another child, it's wrong on so many levels," he said.

Polk County Schools issued a statement:

"We are deeply concerned about the allegations regarding two teachers at Lake Alfred Elementary. We have begun a formal investigation, and both teachers have been placed on administrative leave. This matter is also being investigated by law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families, with our full cooperation."

"Our schools are required to follow a Code of Student Conduct; it is expected that all disciplinary measures be handled in a manner that is respectful to the student and preserves their dignity. If true, the allegations described at Lake Alfred Elementary are completely unacceptable."

Lake Alfred Police said they have conducted an investigation and turned the findings over to the state attorney's office, but at this time no criminal charges are being filed.NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla -- The Pasco County School Board approved a school safety plan on May 1 geared toward bringing the district into compliance with recent state legislation on school security.

District will add up to 50 school safety guards

District will also hire a Director of School Safety

See estimated costs, job descriptions for new position HERE

Florida law is requiring all schools to have an added security plan in place by the fall. Options of Gov. Rick's Scott's plan is now being debated in all of Florida's 67 counties.

There were three options under the new school safety law: Put a school resource officer at each school, put a school safety officer at each school, or train teachers to carry guns.

Option 3 really received no attention from school administrators. So options 1 and 2 were the ones on the table.

Pasco County schools already has SROs in its middle and high schools, so the only additions it needs to make are at its 50 elementary schools.

Superintendent Kevin Browning's plan recommended option 2 -- school safety officers. The district preferred SROs because they are employed by the sheriffs office, but it says it cant afford it.

School safety officers will cost an additional $2.9 million dollars, where SROs would cost around $3.1 million.

School safety officers will need 132 hours of training with the sheriffs office - and also complete the guardian program to allow them to carry a gun and taser.

In addition, state law requires each district to appoint a school safety specialist. In Pasco County, that will be the Director of School Safety and Security, a position where hiring will require approval by the school board.

To see the job descriptions and responsibilities for school safety officers and the director of school safety and security, as well as estimated costs and Browning's full proposal, click here.For Immediate Release, May 1, 2018 Contact: Diana Dascalu-Joffe, (720) 925-2521, ddascalujoffe@biologicaldiversity.org Trump Fracking Leases Threaten Already Smog-choked Communities Utah, Colorado, Texas Among Areas Exceeding Federal Smog Limits WASHINGTON New federal fracking leases threaten to worsen ozone pollution in communities across the country  within and near places the Environmental Protection Agency today designated as exceeding federal limits for deadly ozone pollution. The Trump administration declared new nonattainment areas today in some of the same places where it has approved massive fracking leases  including urban centers and rural communities in Utah, Colorado and Texas. However the EPA today failed to declare part of Colorados Weld County as a nonattainment area despite pollution from thousands of oil and gas wells that contribute to some of the highest smog levels in the state. People who live in places with unhealthy levels of air pollution are at risk for premature death, lung cancer, asthma attacks and cardiovascular problems. Living in these areas also increases the risk of stillbirths and developmental delays in children. Its despicable for the Trump administration to gamble with the lives of children to appease fossil fuel interests, said Diana Dascalu-Joffe, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. Allowing oil and gas development in areas already choking on pollution is making a bad situation much worse. Theyre creating toxic environments for communities and wildlife and destroying public lands in the process. Ozone, commonly known as smog, stems from tailpipes, smokestacks and industrial activities like oil and gas development. The EPA strengthened its ozone standard following an exhaustive scientific review in 2015. According to the agencys own estimates, meeting the standard will prevent hundreds of deaths, as well as 230,000 asthma attacks in children, each year. Pollution exceeds new federal limits in several metropolitan areas along Colorados Front Range, including in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins. Since 2017 the Bureau of Land Management has issued multiple leases to oil and gas companies in or near these nonattainment areas. Public health problems from fracking along the Front Range have been well documented. Still EPA failed to designate heavily polluted northern Weld County as exceeding federal ozone limits. Seven counties in Utahs Uintah Basin and near Salt Lake City exceed the new federal ozone limits. Under Trump the BLM approved 60 new fracking leases spanning 62,060 acres in Uintah and Duchesne counties, even though fossil fuel development is a primary source of ozone pollution in the Uintah Basin. Every day more than 250 truckloads of oil from Uintah Basin are shipped to Salt Lake City refineries, causing more ozone pollution. More oil and gas development in the Uintah Basin could worsen smog along the Wasatch Front. Ozone pollution in California is already so severe that most of the state and Central Valley exceeds federal limits. The BLM is now considering a plan to open more than 1 million acres of public lands in the area to new oil and gas leasing, which would significantly worsen regional ozone pollution. Following a lawsuit from the Center and other conservation and public-health groups, a federal judge ruled in March that the EPA broke the law when it failed to enact nationwide standards to curb ozone pollution. The decision affects cities and rural areas across the country where ozone pollution levels are too high, including metropolitan New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, the Bay Area and Utahs Uintah Basin.For Immediate Release, May 1, 2018 Contact: David Miller, Ohio Environmental Council, (614) 487-7506, DMiller@theOEC.org

Jonathon Berman, Sierra Club, (202) 459-3033, Jonathon.berman@sierraclub.org

Taylor McKinnon, Center for Biological Diversity, (801) 300-2414, tmckinnon@biologicaldiversity.org Motion Challenges Fracked-gas Pipeline Threatening Ohio's Only National Forest COLUMBUS, Ohio Conservation groups are challenging a fracked-gas pipeline that would slash through Ohios Wayne National Forest, threatening forests, waterways, wildlife and thousands of people who visit the area. The project is owned by TransCanada Corp., which was responsible for a massive oil spill when its Keystone pipeline broke last fall. The Ohio Environmental Council, Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity on Monday filed a motion to intervene in a federal permitting process for the Buckeye Xpress pipeline in southern Ohio. The proposed 66-mile fracked-gas pipeline would cut through Ohios only national forest and cross 336 streams and 134 acres of wetlands. Building this pipeline through the Wayne would also increase pressure for more fracking leases in the national forest. If approved, the project will only further incentivize the expansion of oil and gas development in the Wayne National Forest, said Chris Tavenor, an attorney at the Ohio Environmental Council. Last year the OEC and its partners sued BLM because of the immense environmental damages that will occur if the Wayne is fragmented for oil and gas lease sales. The Wayne is Ohio's only national forest, and federal agencies need to recognize the importance of these ecological treasures beyond their potential for pipelines and well pads. Columbia Gas Transmission, a subsidiary of TransCanada Corp., is applying for a permit with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to build the pipeline from its Leach Xpress pipeline south through the Wayne National Forest and across the Ohio River to West Virginia. It would expand and replace an existing pipeline and dig up 225 acres as it crosses 12 miles of the Wayne National Forests Ironton unit. Theres no such thing as a safe fracked gas pipeline, just like theres no such thing as a safe fracking operation, said Cheryl Johncox with the Sierra Club. The Buckeye Xpress pipeline will threaten communities, Ohioans only national forest, and waterways while encouraging even more fracking operations. It must be halted. Pipeline construction would conflict with the Wayne National Forests land and resource management plan, which limits utility corridors to 50 acres while encouraging more fracking leases in the forest. Eclipse Resources Corp., which purchased approximately 60 percent of the leases available when the Wayne first began leasing its land for oil and gas development, has contracted with Columbia for transportation of its fracked gas.



New pipelines mean more deadly explosions, leaks and fracking pollution, said Taylor McKinnon with the Center for Biological Diversity. This would leave a gaping wound in the Wayne, which people treasure for its clean streams and wild forests. A pipeline would be an insult to this beautiful place and a threat to public health and wildlife. The Buckeye Xpress pipeline comes as the region is still reeling from gas-pipeline explosions, fires and spills over the past year, including Rover Pipelines 2 million gallon spill in a wetland along the Tuscarawas River and a massive explosion of the Seneca Lateral Pipeline in Noble County in January. More than 400,000 gallons of oil spilled from TransCanadas Keystone XL pipeline in South Dakota in November. In October a worker was killed in an explosion at a Columbia Gas Transmission pipeline metering station in Stark County, Ohio.



The Bureau of Land Management has auctioned off more than 2,300 acres of the Wayne National Forest since it opened 40,000 acres to fracking leases in 2016. Conservation groups have sued the BLM and U.S. Forest Service because the agencies failed to analyze and disclose frackings damage to forests, streams, public health, the climate and endangered species.There are times, in modern-day South Africa, when you feel as though you have woken up in some sort of Twilight Zone - where things are upside down, or not where you expect them to be.

It stood out like the proverbial sore thumb because, clearly, it had been written by a journalist or writer, no doubt with some tabloid experience  and to a scare them s#itless brief from the client.

There were plenty of other instances of tabloid language  hot issue, chilling message to labour and dire consequences  making the overall ad radically different from the often mealy-mouthed government communication.

Screengrabs from the ad.

But, overall, the ad is quirky and intriguing. Volvo is still considering whether the Care scheme can be introduced in this country we will only know sometime next year.

So, in the past week or so, we have seen the Democratic Alliance  via Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba  proposing a highly socialist and anti-free market housing policy which will force property developers to set aside portions of any new development for low-cost rentals. The policy did not originate from the comrades at either the ANC or the EFFThen we have the almost surreal picture of the new ANC administration under President Cyril Ramaphosa preparing to do battle with labour unions in a manner which would have done the Iron lady  former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher  proud.Most stunning aspect about the new tough stance on the unions was a piece of marketing communication from the Department of Labour. It was a no-holds-barred warning to unions by Thembinkosi Mkalipi, Chief Director for Collective Bargaining in the Department of Labour, which ran as an ad in a number of newspapers recently.Mkalipi used very un-bureaucratic language in warning the unions that, if they did not get their houses in order with regards to strike ballots and picketing issues, We will deregister you and you know the consequences.Among those consequences, would be that the union would not be able to represent its members at CCMA hearings and the union would not be able to go to the Labour Court, either.All hell will break loose. Your competitor will approach your members saying: you are wasting your time with this union.Very strong stuff indeed, especially from a department which has long been accused of being a sucker for workers and an enemy of business and of hampering the process of job creation and even investment.Mkalipi also resisted the temptation to have his photo adorn the piece, as many other ministers, MECs and even directors-general often do.The message will not have gone down well with labour  but that is not what we are discussing here. The departments ad set new standards for plain-talking government communication. It was easy, and interesting, to read.Long may it continue  and lets hope other departments follow this example.An Orchid to the Department of Labour and to whoever wrote this take no prisoners piece of communication.There is a weird, but attractive Volvo ad flighting on TV at the moment for the companys XC40 SUV.Set to a new version of the song, from the Sound of Music (yes, really), the ad supposedly tells the story of a young woman looking, in a disillusioned way, at the hectic, shallow modern world around her  in which consumerism and advertising play a major part.The way the ad has been edited for South Africa focuses on the car itself, ending up with it being one of her favourite things  somewhere she can get back to her happy space.As such it does work, but it will be interesting to see if Volvo follows through with the full ad, which promotes a programme called Care  where people can rent, rather than own the XC40. Or, as Volvo puts it, the car you can subscribe to.The punchline in that, overseas, version is clever, and thought-provoking: By not owning things, you are not owned by things.Thats a direct appeal to all the modern and the modern-at-heart who are financially comfortable enough to make such statements. Its alluring: I am free. I go where I want.Of course, I live in a nice apartment, no doubt I know where to get the best espresso and I rent my car But, still part of the system, lovey.But, even as it stands, the ad has a magnetic quality, luring you in by piquing your curiosity. And it works here to sell (as opposed to subscribe to)a car, so it gets an Orchid from me.The Onion this week goes to Telkom. They want me to take fibre and, oddly enough, just as they set up their little marketing gazebo on the corner near us, my ADSL line goes on the blink as does the phone.Funny coincidence, guys? I dont think so. I think it is cynical marketing to push me to go fibre while you allow the copper-based system to continue to deteriorate.My question: Why should I reward you for treating me like dirt? Do I look like an ANC supporter in Mahikeng?Forcing me to even ask that question means you have one very irate customer. Thats bad marketing. Thats an Onion, Telkom.

A representational photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): In a first, arch rivals India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in Russia in September, which will also be joined by China and several other countries.



The military exercise will take place under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a China-dominated security grouping which is increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO, officials said.



They said the military drill will be held in the Ural mountains of Russia and almost all SCO member countries will be part of it.



They said the main aim of the exercise, Peace Mission, will be to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the eight SCO member countries.



The officials said India's participation at the exercise was confirmed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a meeting of SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Beijing last week.



It will be for the first time since Independence that India and Pakistan will both be part of a military exercise, though the armies of the two nations have worked together in UN peace keeping missions, they said.



The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.



India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc last year.



India's membership was strongly pushed by Russia while Pakistan's entry into the grouping was backed by China. With expansion of the grouping, SCO now represents over 40 per cent of humanity and nearly 20 per cent of the global GDP.



India feels that as an SCO member, it will be able to play a major role in addressing the threat of terrorism in the region. It is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.



India has been holding military exercise with China. The two countries are likely to resume their bilateral military exercise in September. Last year the drill was suspended following a tense standoff between their troops in Doklam.





NEW DELHI (PTI): India is likely to seal a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems from Russia before top leaders of the two countries hold an annual summit around October, official sources said.



Negotiations for the deal are nearing completion and differences over price and other peripheral issues were almost bridged, they said.



Sources told PTI that both Russia and India were eyeing inking of the contract before summit talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin which may take place either in September or October in India.



They said India was confident of finalising the mega deal with Moscow notwithstanding provisions of a US law that seeks to punish Russia for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016.



Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which came into effect in January this year, mandates the Donald Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia.



US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis last week appealed to the Congress to urgently provide India the national security waiver, saying imposing sanctions under CAATSA for the S-400 air defence missile deal would only hit the US.



India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the nearly 4,000 km Sino-India border.



In 2016, India and Russia had signed an agreement on the 'Triumf' interceptor-based missile system which can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.



China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of unknown number of the S-400 missile systems to China.



Negotiators from India have been in talks with their Russian counterparts for over one and half years for the purchase of at least five systems of S-400 which are capable of firing three types of missiles.



The S-400 is an upgraded version of the S-300 systems. The missile system is manufactured by Almaz-Antey and has been in service in Russia since 2007.



An internet imagery.

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Defence Ministry has approved military procurement worth Rs 3,687 crore which included acquiring anti-tank guided missile NAG for the Army and long-range guns for the Navy.



The capital acquisition proposals were cleared at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.



The DAC approved procurement of thirteen 127 mm calibre guns for the Navy from BAE Systems of the United States at a cost of over Rs 3,000 crore, officials said.



The NAG missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be procured for the Army at a cost of Rs 524 crore, officials said.



The system includes a third generation anti-tank guided missile along with the missile carrier vehicle (NAMICA).



The NAG missile has top attack capabilities that can effectively engage and destroy enemy tanks during day and night.



"This will give a quantum boost to the Army's capability against enemy armour," the Defence Ministry said.



It said the thirteen 127 mm calibre guns for the Navy will be fitted on board the newly constructed ships and will enable naval vessels to provide fire support.



"These guns have engagement range of 24 kilometres, which could be extended further by using Extended Range Gun Munitions (ERGM)," the ministry said.



The ministry said the DAC also reviewed the progress of DRDO's programme to develop indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS).



In all, military procurement worth Rs 3,687 crore was approved, it said.

Degraded coral reefs are far quieter than five years ago, and no longer sound like suitable habitat to young fish searching for a place to live and breed, according to research co-authored by the University of Bristol and published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.

Baby fish looking for a home can use noisy coral reef sounds including snapping shrimp clicks, damselfish chirps, and clownfish chattering to locate and select suitable habitat. But that coral reef orchestra has been quietened following recent cyclone and coral bleaching damage on the Great Barrier Reef, raising fears that young fish may no longer hear their way home.

An international team of scientists led by the University of Exeter carried out field experiments on the Northern Great Barrier Reef, and found that reefs sound much quieter and less acoustically diverse than they did before three years of cyclones and coral bleaching. The soundscapes of these recently degraded reefs are less attractive to juvenile fishes, attracting 40 percent fewer fish compared to the sound of previous healthy reefs.

Lead author Tim Gordon, a marine biologist at the University of Exeter, said: Its heart-breaking to hear. The usual pops, chirps, snaps and chatters of countless fish and invertebrates have disappeared. The symphony of the sea is being silenced.

This loss of attractiveness of reef sounds to fish in the sea could have devastating consequences for reefs. Fish communities are instrumental in maintaining healthy reefs, by removing algae, facilitating coral growth, contributing to nutrient cycles and keeping food webs in balance. Damaged reefs with healthy fish populations recover faster than reefs that have lost their fish.

Harry Harding, co-author from the University of Bristols School of Biological Sciences, explains: If fish arent hearing their way home anymore, that could be bad news for the recovery prospects of reefs. Fish play critical roles on coral reefs, grazing away harmful algae and allowing coral to grow. A reef without fish is a reef thats in trouble.

Coral reef animals produce a dazzling array of sounds to communicate with each other while hunting, to warn each other about the approach of predators and to impress each other during courtship. Together, these sounds combine to form a soundscape that can be heard for miles around. This soundscape provides a valuable cue for young fish to locate and select habitat after a period of early development in the open ocean.

Gordon said: Being able to hear the difference really drives home the fact that our coral reefs are being decimated. Some of the most beautiful places on Earth are dying due to human activity, and it is up to us to fix it.

The scientists from the University of Exeter, University of Bristol, Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), Duke University (USA), the Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University (Australia) built experimental reefs from coral rubble on sand flats, then used underwater loudspeakers to broadcast healthy coral reef sounds or degraded coral reef sounds, to see which sounds attracted more young fish.

Senior author Steve Simpson, Associate Professor in Marine Biology & Global Change at the University of Exeter, said: Over the last 15 years my research group have discovered how important sound can be for fish to locate and select specific reefs. We have marvelled at the remarkable diversity and complexity of coral reef soundscapes. But in the last few years the reefs we know and love have died before our eyes. And the deserted and crumbling rubble fields have turned eerily quiet.

Professor Simpson added: If the reefs have gone quiet, then the chances of the next generation of fish recolonising the reefs are much reduced. Without fish, the reefs cant recover.

Warming seas increase the frequency and severity of coral bleaching events worldwide, as higher temperatures cause a breakdown in the relationship between corals and the zooxanthellae that they host in their tissue, providing their energy through photosynthesis. This bleaching recently killed up to 80% of corals in some areas of the Great Barrier Reef, and bleaching events of this nature are happening worldwide four times more frequently than they used to.

Reductions in carbon emissions are needed to reduce this damage, as Gordon explains: The damage weve done to reefs worldwide is horrific, but the fight isnt over yet. If we can fulfil our international commitments to dramatically reduce carbon emissions, its still possible to protect some of the reefs that are left. The time for action is now.LANGHORNE >> The U.S. Senate last week passed H.R. 2278, bipartisan legislation that authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to designate the September 11th National Memorial Trail, a trail route linking the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Introduced by...Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

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Digital EditorWalmart Incs urgency to stem market share losses to rivals around the world is driving it to partner with local players in the UK and India, even as it scales back in some other markets like Brazil. The worlds largest retailer is in talks to merge its UK arm ASDA with J Sainsbury Plc in which it will hold a minority stake. Walmart is also looking to acquire a majority stake in Indias leading online retailer Flipkart for $10 billion to $12 billion after years of underperformance there. The moves underscore Walmarts renewed focus on catching up with ...Former Chief Justice of India Justice R M Lodha on Tuesday termed as "disastrous" the prevailing situation in the apex judiciary and said though the CJI is the master of roster, the allocation of cases has to be "fair and in the interest of the institution." Asserting that the "independence of judiciary is non-negotiable", Justice Lodha said it was for the CJI to take the institution forward by showing "statesmanship qualities" and taking his colleagues together. "The phase we are seeing at the Supreme Court today is, to say the least, ...

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

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As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.



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Digital EditorDespite all-around ridicule and the embarrassment of reportedly being summoned by Prime Narendra Minister Modi, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb seems to be unfazed, and his spree of controversial remarks goes unabated. In a video that surfaced on Monday, Deb is heard threatening his government's critics by saying that the nails of those who pierce his government should be pulled out. "If someone pierces or interferes, his nails should be pulled out.

No one can touch my government," The Economic Times quoted Deb as having said in the video. When it comes to ...Siddhlingaiyya, a Dalit poet of Kannada literature and a professor in Karnataka University, aspires for a safe and prosperous Karnataka. Prof Natraj Huliyar, an eminent critic of Kannada literature, is more worried about protecting the secular threads of Kannada society, which have been its strength.

Prof Gauda, a sociologist, admires Rahul Gandhis use of various tools during the recently held elections of Gujarat, regardless of the final results and beyond the dimensions of victory and defeat. He appreciates his hard work in the Karnataka election. Most of the intellectuals I ...

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal. They do not reflect the view/s of Business Standard.Telecom consumers will soon have an ombudsman who will address grievances related to poor quality or any telecom service related query and also punish telecom operators.

Telecom Commission has approved the creation of the ombudsman, which will be set up by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will initiate the necessary amendments in the Trai Act so as to empower the regulator to set up the ombudsman. The regulator had said they do not have the powers to create the ombudsman, therefore it is now proposed to give them the ...A graduate from the University of Dacca and post-graduate in economics from Benaras Hindu University, Mitra was also an alumnus of the newly established Delhi School of Economics in the early 1950s. He also taught Economics at the University of Lucknow before proceeding to the Netherlands, where he earned a doctorate from the Institute of Social Studies. Mitra taught at the UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East in ...

Dear Reader,

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.

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Digital EditorActor Prakash Raj has hit the campaign trail in Karnataka with a single-point message for the people: keep doubting, keep asking. A known critic of the BJP, he has left the comfort of social media and is canvasing extensively on the ground against the saffron party.

As much as he would like to assert his independence, he has had to face much criticism for his overtly political role from sections of the Right. However, he says that does not bother him because defeating BJPs communal and divisive politics is his top priority at the moment. Raj met with ...Ten journalists were killed on April 30 in Afghanistan in two different attacks. Nine died in a s0uicide bomb attack that seemed to be targeting journalists. The incident is the single deadliest since 31 journalists were killed in a massacre in the southern Philippines in 2009. Almost 1,300 journalists have died while working since 1992 when the Committee to Protect Journalists began tracking the dataUS President has said he will decide on whether to withdraw from the deal within 12 days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran covered up a secret nuclear weapons programme.

Netanyahu on Monday said he has proof about Iran's "secret nuclear weapons programme". The Israeli Prime Minister gave Trump "plenty of ammunition for pulling out of the 2015 pact" on Monday, CBS News reported.

Under the deal, Iran agreed to stop its nuclear programme in return for sanctions being lifted. But Netanyahu insists Iran didn't live up to its end of the bargain.

"I'm here to tell you one thing: Iran lied. Big time," Netanyahu said.

Unveiling bookshelves full of binders, Netanyahu said his government had captured tens of thousands of documents proving Iran pursued nuclear weapons while it told the world it only sought civilian nuclear power.

"Incriminating charts, incriminating presentations, incriminating blueprints, incriminating videos and more," he said.

Netanyahu said the material was taken from a secret government facility he called Iran's "atomic archive."

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use. Why would a terrorist regime hide and catalogue its files if not to use them at a later date?" Netanyahu asked.

On Monday evening, the White House issued a statement saying Netanyahu's information is "new and compelling."

"This information provides new and compelling details about Iran's efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons," the statement read. "These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people."

The statement ended with: "The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbours and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons."

Netanyahu's speech comes ahead of a May 12 deadline for Trump to decide whether the US will stay in the Barack Obama-era nuclear deal. The agreement called for inspections of its nuclear facilities.

At the White House, Trump said he was keeping his options open.

"I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know," Mr Trump said. "And on or before the 12th, we'll make a decision."

Informed sources said the Israelis shared their intelligence with the US before Monday's press conference. Trump said it proved the agreement was a bad deal.

"And I've been saying that it is happening. They're not sitting back idly... they're setting off missiles which they say are for television purposes. I don't think so," Trump said.

The president's new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned Iran at his confirmation hearing earlier this month.

"With the information, I have been provided, I have seen no evidence they are not in compliance today," Pompeo said.North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has agreed to meet US President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, an informed source told CNN.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in convinced Kim to meet Trump at the DMZ during their historic summit in the border village of Panmunjom on April 27 that led to an agreement to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and formally end the Korean War, the source said on Monday.

According to the source, there was a "strong possibility" the summit will be held at the site, with some events possibly scheduled on the northern side of the military demarcation line separating the two countries.

The venue makes the most sense logistically for Kim, the source told CNN, because media facilities and equipment are already in place, which could the allow the summit to take place "in late May".

The idea of meeting at the DMZ was not a complete surprise to aides since Trump has been talking about it all weekend and raised it in his Sunday phone call with Moon, a senior US official told CNN.

Trump loved the images from the Kim-Moon summit and the fact the entire meeting was televised, the official said. The US President wants to be involved in similar scenes when he becomes the first sitting US President to meet a North Korean leader.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said he was enthusiastic about the idea of holding the summit in the DMZ.

"There's something I like about it, because you're there, if things work out, there's a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third party country," he said.

Millions watched Moon's meeting with Kim, the first meeting between two leaders of North and South Korea in over a decade.

Cameras followed the leaders' movements throughout the day, from Moon's departure from Seoul to the moment Kim crossed the demarcation line into the south -- and encouraged Moon to cross to the North.

However, administration officials were still arguing for Singapore as a possible location for the talks, telling Trump it presents a more neutral option, the source told CNN.

A close ally to the US during the Cold War and currently host to a US military presence, Singapore also has a diplomatic relationship with North Korea.

It is one of only 47 countries to feature a North Korean embassy.

Another option previously suggested by both sides was Ulaanbaatar, the sparsely-populated capital of Mongolia to the northwest of North Korea.Pornstar Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Donald Trump in 2006, filed a lawsuit against the president on Monday for defamation.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, lodged the complaint with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

In the suit, Clifford said that Trump made "false and defamatory" statements about her in an April 18 tweet.

Trump's tweet was in response to the release by Clifford the previous day of a sketch of a man whom she claimed warned her in 2011 to "leave Trump alone."



Clifford claimed she was threatened in a Las Vegas parking lot after agreeing to an interview with "In Touch" magazine about her alleged affair with Trump.

After Clifford released a drawing of the man she said threatened her, Trump tweeted: "A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!" "Mr Trump's statement falsely attacks the veracity of Ms Clifford's account of the threatening incident that took place in 2011," the lawsuit said.



A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)! https://t.co/9Is7mHBFda  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018



"Mr Trump's statement is false and defamatory," it said. "Mr Trump used his national and audience of millions of people to make a false factual statement to denigrate and attack Ms Clifford.

"Ms Clifford has suffered damage as a result of Mr Trump's false and defamatory statement in an amount to be proven at trial but in excess of $75,000," it said.

Since Trump's statement, Clifford has received further threats and has had to hire bodyguards, the complaint said.

"Ms Clifford has been exposed to death threats and other threats of physical violence, causing her both emotional and economic damages," it said.

Trump has denied having an affair with Clifford but acknowledged last week that his personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, represented him in negotiations with the porn star.

Cohen has admitted paying $130,000 to Clifford -- a payment the porn star says was made to keep her quiet just days before the November 2016 presidential vote.

Clifford has sued Trump in Los Angeles seeking to have the "hush agreement" invalidated. The next hearing, in that case, has been set for July 27.Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday expressed concern over the rise in violence in the name of religion, and said that respect and acceptance of all faith is the only way of ensuring peace of harmony in the age of growing religious crisis and conflict.

"The world today is increasingly witnessing violence, division and hostility in the name of religion. It is a cause of grave concern for us," Singh said.

"I firmly believe that ancient Indian thought of respect and acceptance of all faith is the only way of ensuring peace of harmony in the age of growing religious crisis and conflict," he added.

Singh was inaugurating the civic reception in Thiruvananthapuram accorded to honour Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan on completion of 100 years of age.

At the event, he praised Mar Thoma as an inspiration to the people of Kerala, the Christian community, as well as entire India.

Singh hailed India as a land where religious freedom has been exercised for centuries and a country which has a long standing tradition of religious freedom, compassion and tolerance. He further added, "I have no hesitation in accepting the fact that almost every government in this country has been tolerant towards all religions and faith."

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presided over the function. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Prof. P.J. Kurien, Minister for Tourism and Co-operation Kadakampally Surendran, Leader of Opposition Shri. Ramesh Chennithala, Shashi Tharoor (MP), V. Muraleedharan (MP), Mayor V.K. Prashanth and a host of other dignitaries including Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan were present on the occasion.

Earlier in the day, the Home Minister inaugurated the 19th Navaoli Jyothirdinam celebrations at Santigiri Ashram in Thiruvananthapuram. Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh lauded the activities of Santigiri Ashram for spreading spirituality as well as taking care of comprehensive healthcare of the society.

Singh offered floral tributes at the lotus Parnasala at Santigiri Ashram and interacted with Ashram inmates. Bahrain Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa was the chief guest at the function.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Centre has ensured the nation that the passing of an ordinance for hanging the rapists will be implemented.

Addressing a public gathering at the MGM College in Udupi, the Prime Minister said, "In Karnataka, where Lokayukta can be attacked, the common man cannot be safe. As a deterrent against the monstrous attitude towards women, we have passed an ordinance for hanging the rapists. And if we take decisions, we ensure its implementation."

The Prime Minister also said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were murdered in Karnataka because they believed in a different ideology.

"Violence has no place in a democracy. However, in the last two years scores of BJP karyakartas have been murdered because they believed in a different ideology," he added.

Recently, the Centre on April 21 cleared the amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to award death sentence to the rapists of children below the age of 12.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Uttar Pradesh minister S.P. Maurya said on Tuesday that the contribution of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah before partition cannot be ignored.

Talking to media, Maurya said, "Jin maha-purushon ke yogdaan is rashtra ke nirmaan mein raha hai, yadi unn par koi ungli uthaata hai to ye ghatia baat hai. Desh ke batwaare se pehle Jinnah ka yogdaan bhi iss desh mein tha (It is bad that fingers are being raised on people who have contributed to nation's development. Before the partition, even Jinnah had contributed to the nation)."

Maurya's view is in stark contrast to his fellow party man and MP Satish Gautam, who had sought an explanation from Aligarh Muslim University's Vice-Chancellor over a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the Students' Union Office of the AMU.

"I have heard a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is hung inside the campus. Kindly gather more details on this and give reasons behind it," the Aligarh MP wrote in a letter to AMU Vice-Chancellor Tariq Mansoor.

"The whole world knows that Jinnah was the main force behind the partition of India. In this case, how logical is it to hang his portrait in the University?" the letter further reads.

Shafey Kidwai, PRO Aligarh, however, clarified that the administration had nothing to do with the portrait.

Kidwai told ANI, "In 1938, Muhammad Ali Jinnah came to Aligarh University and he was given an honorary degree like many others by the union. The administration had nothing to do with it.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Disgruntled over his non-inclusion in the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet after the recent rejig, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Dina Nath Bhagat on Tuesday termed the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP coalition government 'anti-Dalit' and anti Jammu.

"BJP-PDP government is anti Jammu and anti Dalit. They are doing good work in Delhi but are not doing any good in Jammu," Bhagat told ANI.

The MLA from Chanani constituency also slammed newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta for his controversial remark on the Kathua rape and murder case.

"Recently sworn in Deputy Chief Minister called the Kathua incident a small thing. I condemn such statements by the members of ruling party," Bhagat said.

The Jammu and Kashmir state cabinet underwent a major reshuffle on April 30, and eight new faces were introduced in the 25-member cabinet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Satish Gautam on Tuesday wrote a letter to Aligarh Muslim University's Vice-Chancellor Tariq Mansoor, seeking an explanation for a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah hung in the Students' Union Office.

"I have heard a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is hung inside the campus. Kindly gather more details on this and give reasons behind it," Gautam wrote in the letter.

The letter further read, "The whole world knows that Jinnah was the main force behind the partition of India. In this case, how logical is it to hang his portrait in the University?"

Shafey Kidwai, PRO Aligarh, however, clarified that the administration had nothing to do with the portrait.

"In 1938, Muhammad Ali Jinnah came to Aligarh University and he was given an honorary degree like many others by the union. The administration had nothing to do with it," Kidwai told ANI.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the people of Karnataka have decided to punish the ruling Congress party in state in the upcoming assembly elections.

Addressing a public gathering at the MGM College in Udupi, the Prime Minister said, "People of Karnataka have decided to punish the Congress in the assembly elections. We will leave no stone unturned to fulfill aspirations of people of Karnataka and ensure all round development of the state."

Prime Minister Modi accused the Congress of playing over banking schemes for poor.

He said that the party has so far only abused the banking sector and played in the name of schemes for the poor.

The Prime Minister said that the grand old party has allowed a handful of people to "loot" banks.

"We opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If the Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy. Congress allowed a handful of people to "loot" banks", Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi further said that the Congress believes in 'Ease of doing murder' in the country.

"Violence cannot be accepted in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP Karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes. We are talking about enhancing 'Ease of doing business' in the country, but Congress believes in 'Ease of doing murder'. This is the culture they have developed," he added.

The Prime Minister also said that love between him and people of Udupi is such that language cannot act as a barrier

He thanked the people for waiting for his rally in scorching heat and added that he will repay the people's love with development.

"We will leave no stone unturned to fulfill aspirations of people of Karnataka and ensure all round development of the state," Modi said.

He also said that the Congress' disrespect towards former prime minister Deve Gowda is unacceptable.

"Congress leaders and Congress President's disrespect towards Shri Deve Gowda ji is not acceptable. If such is their mindset, how can they think good for people of Karnataka? There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former Prime Minister Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time. The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful," he said.

The Prime Minister also alleged the Congress for haulting the coastal projects in Karnataka.

He said that Udupi was naturally blessed with coastal plains and yet it had failed to develop under the Congress.

"Congress has halted work on crucial projects in the state," Prime Minister Modi said while concluding his speech.

After this, the Prime Minister headed towards Belagavi district where he will address his final public rally of the day.

Prime Minister Modi will be addressing a total of 15 rallies in five days in poll-bound Karnataka.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Students from different universities located across the United Kingdom, have unanimously called for the introduction and implementation of tighter counter-terrorism policies.

Strongly condemning the growing radicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir and terrorist infiltration along the Line of Control (LoC), the students, in a resolution, "called for an assessment of (current) measures at the LoC in order to address the cross-border terrorism and the illegal transport of arms."

Participating in a day-long conference on the theme, "Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir" organised jointly by the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) and the University of Leicester United Nations Society, the students also endorsed the "opening of a trilateral dialogue between China, India and Pakistan on the legality of the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in relation to the disputed territory of Gilgit-Baltistan."

The resolution also called on both India and Pakistan to de-escalate the level of violence in the region and focus on ensuring protection and respect for human rights.

Director of EFSAS and well-known Kashmiri writer Junaid Qureshi used the platform of the conference to highlight the many acts of violence across Jammu and Kashmir since 1989, and was particularly severe in his criticism of the Pakistan military establishment and allied intelligence agencies "providing arms and training to militants an relocating them to Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists engaged in communal violence among different religious groups and specific targeting of the Kashmiri Pandits."

Qureshi further described the violence in Jammu and Kashmir as being a "proxy war against India in essence", with Pakistan determined to "impose a heavy political and economic burden" on the former.

He said it was good on the part of the students to deliberate on the initiatives that could liberate the region from terrorism, violence, and fear.

University of Leicester lecturer Dr. Paul Stott gave a historical perspective on the topic, saying terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir could be traced to the time when former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher visited Pakistan in 1981.

He also said British endorsement for a 1993 speaking tour of Masood Azhar of the Harkat ul-Ansar could also be blamed for the growth of the terror menace in Jammu and Kashmir.

He provided several other instances of South Asian attacks and plots with a UK link to back his views.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Telangana Chief Minister and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) supremo K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) on Wednesday will meet Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav at Pragathi Bhavan here in his bid to stitch a federal front for 2019 general elections.

On April 29, KCR had reached out to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leadership envisaging to form a federal front ahead of the general elections next year.

KCR had visited DMK president M. Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence and sought his blessings. After meeting with Karunanidhi, KCR went to DMK working president M.K. Stalin's residence for a luncheon discussion.

Later addressing a joint press conference, Stalin had said, "We had a discussion on KCR spoke on secularism and federal front. There are certain parties in Tamil Nadu which have aligned with us and we will discuss about KCR's ideology with them. After discussing with DMK's high level committee, I will give an answer to KCR."

Stalin added that he had also conveyed his idea to conduct a rally to emphasise on states' authority.

Meanwhile, KCR said that his ongoing effort was not aimed at some kind of a 'third front' and it was not a mere alignment of political parties but "that of the people" of the country.

"This is neither the beginning nor the end. We haven't taken any decision yet. But, across the nation there is a debate on the and governance of India," the TRS supremo said.

KCR also informed reporters that he and Stalin spoke to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the phone.

Earlier, KCR had warned the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of a 'Federal Front' which he said will 'replace the two.'

Speaking at the 17th plenary session of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Rao said, "I warn the Congress and BJP leaders to be alert as the federal front is going to come."

"This country will see a new ruling in the coming months. We will break the foundation laid by Congress and BJP to rule the country. Better infrastructure, better ports, better highways, better airports and better railways will be developed in a wonderful way by us to the country," he said adding that a Maha Sabha will be held in October.

He also hit out at the Congress and the BJP for 'mismanagements' in their governance, which he alleged was the primary reason behind China being so far ahead of India in terms of development.

KCR will also meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik this week.

The two are most likely to discuss the possibility of a third front in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress.

Rao had recently mooted the idea to form a 'Third Front'.

Pitching for the formation of a new front 'third front', Rao had said that it would not be a 'silly political front', but will work for India's masses.

After meeting former prime minister and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) chief H. D. Deve Gowda last week, the Telangana Chief Minister had said that the Congress and the BJP have failed the nation miserably.

"The Congress Party and BJP ruled India for over 65 years and they have miserably failed the nation. This (third front) is not a silly political front, it'll be coming together of India's masses," Rao had said.

The Chief Minister further announced that they will come out with a big agenda for farmers before 2019.

Earlier on April 10, Yoga Guru Ramdev met the daughter of Rao and Nizamabad MP K. Kavitha and hinted to extend his support to Telangana over the demand for third front.

Last month, Rao had said that idea of 'third front' pitched by him, will be for the people of the country.

In March, Rao had met the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the same. Interacting with the media after meeting his West Bengal counterpart, Rao had said that the third front would not be a mere alliance of a few political parties but for the people.

Mamata had also urged all the opposition parties to work closely together against the NDA.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed a caveat petition before the Supreme Court in connection with the Gutkha scam in Tamil Nadu.

The Madras High Court had on April 26 ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the multi-crore scam in Tamil Nadu that allegedly involves ministers and incumbent Director General of Police T.K. Rajendran.

On April 27, hundreds of DMK workers also staged a protest outside the office of Rajendran demanding his resignation.

The scam surfaced in July, 2016 when the Income Tax department raided the residences, offices, and godown of a gutkha manufacturer who was accused of evading taxes to the tune of Rs 250 crore.

The scam pertains to a report of the Income Tax Department sent to the then Chief Secretary P. S. Rama Mohana Rao and Director-General of Police Ashok Kumar that contained details of alleged payoffs made by the gutkha manufacturer to some officials to allow the sale of banned tobacco products in Chennai.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Haryana Government on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that water in the Yamuna River is about 3/4th as compared to last year, due to which, the water supply in Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh is expected to be affected.

Haryana has however agreed to release the required 150 cusecs of water to Delhi till May 15.

The Supreme Court on April 23 directed the Chief Secretaries of Delhi and Haryana to hold a meeting with the Secretary of Water Resources Ministry of Centre in order to sort out the dispute of sharing Yamuna's water.

The move came after the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said it was not receiving enough water to supply to the capital.

The top court was hearing a plea filed by the Delhi Jal Board, alleging that Haryana had reduced by one-third the supply of Yamuna water, leading to a grave water crisis.

The Delhi government earlier sought the apex court's direction to request the Haryana government to provide more water to Delhi.

According to reports, the top court had accused Haryana government of not releasing 450 cusecs of Yamuna water daily to Delhi for drinking in accordance with a 1996 order.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar on Tuesday defended his wife Twinkle Khanna, who is being trolled for auctioning naval uniform from the film "Rustom".

Addressing the media at New India Conclave here, Akshay said, "I am with my wife....She is doing it for a good cause. Mujhey Kuch fark nahi padta kon kya bolta hai (I don't care about who says what)."

Producer-author and entrepreneur Twinkle Khanna said on April 29 that she believes in taking legal action instead of retaliating with "violent threat" online.

"As a society do we really think it's all right to threaten a woman with bodily harm for trying to raise funds for a charity by auctioning a uniform used in a movie, a piece of film memorabilia," Khanna said on micro-blogging site Twitter while replying to a troll.

The report about the auctioning of the uniform from the movie was first posted by Akshay himself on his social media handle, followed by a post from his wife Twinkle. According to both of them, the auction will go towards the cause of animal welfare.

The movie "Rustom" for which Akshay won a National Award was based on the real life incident of naval officer K.M. Nanavati and businessman Prem Ahuja.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)White House chief of staff John Kelly has denied calling United States President Donald Trump an "idiot" and has branded the reports doing the rounds as "total BS".

"I spend more time with the President than anyone else and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship. He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS," CNN reported, Kelly as saying in a statement.

"I am committed to the President, his agenda, and our country. This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump and distract from the administration's many successes," the statement added.

The NBC News report quoted officials as saying Kelly portrays himself as fighting a lonely battle to curb Trump's erratic impulses and preventing Trump from making reckless policy decisions.

According to the report, "He has referred to Trump as 'an idiot' multiple times to underscore his point, according to four officials who say they've witnessed the comments."

The situation is similar to when reports surfaced that then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Trump a "moron."

The US President took to Twitter to deny such reports and branded them as "false stories" which is based on "only unnamed sources (who don't exist)."

"The Fake News is going crazy making up false stories and using only unnamed sources (who don't exist). They are totally unhinged, and the great success of this Administration is making them do and say things that even they can't believe they are saying. Truly bad people!," Trump tweeted.

NBC News has fired back in its own way.

A journalist on the network Stephanie Ruhle, wrote on Twitter, "As one of the people who worked on the story, I can tell you, it is WELL sourced. As for 'smearing' the President, those on your team recount stories of you (not us) undermining his credibility.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A joint exercise 'Harima Shakti' 2018 is being held at Wardieburn Army Camp in Kuala Lumpur, as a part of the ongoing Indo-Malaysian defence cooperation.

The Indian and Malaysian armies commenced the joint military exercise on Monday.

Lieutenant Colonel Irwan Ibrahim, commanding officer of the First Royal Ranger Regiment of Malaysian Army, welcomed the Indian contingent and wished the Indian and Malaysian troops for a successful and mutually beneficial joint exercise, as per a government press release.

The two-week long military exercise began with a formal handing over of the regimental flag to the Malaysian Army, signifying the merger of the Indian and Malaysian contingents under one commander.

Further, there were customary briefings to the joint contingent on Malaysian country brief, exercise settings, and security aspects.

The day ended on a sporty note as the two armies played a friendly volleyball match which was won by India.

The joint operation was conducted with respect to the United Nations (UN) mandate to improve counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism tactical and technical skills.

Emphasis will be laid on increasing the interoperability between the Indian and Malaysian military forces.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Fishermen from Mangaluru have pinned their hopes on the upcoming Karnataka Elections and are keeping their fingers crossed anticipating that whichever party forms the government in the state will address the woes of the community.

At a time when the political temperature in the state is on all time high and in the three coastal districts of the state, the Congress is putting up a battle to retain the seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stone unturned to make a comeback and the JD(S) is simply attempting to make inroads, it remains uncertain for whom will the fishermen community vote for.

Some fishermen were in favour of the present state government coming to power again because after the Congress government came to power in 2013 they increased the compensation given to the kin of fishermen who died to 6 lakh rupees from 2 lakh rupees.

Some fishermen also expressed their desire to vote for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming elections. They think that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes to power in the next Lok Sabha election they may get some more relief in the diesel prices.

Fishermen said that it will be helpful for them if the government gives them the subsidy and diesel rates come down. They also said that they will vote for that government which will help them.

Most of the fishermen community in the coastal region of Karnataka are somewhere in favour of Congress as the party in its 2013 manifesto promised the present fishermen that they will give them subsidy in diesel price and had fulfilled their promise of increasing compensation for the family of the fishermen who died.

Karnataka fisheries minister Pramod Madhwaraj said that they will demand a separate ministry for fisheries from Government of India where a huge chunk of funds need to be made available for infrastructure development of fisheries.

"We promise that we will demand Government of India to have a separate ministry for fisheries where huge chunk of funds will be made available for infrastructure development of fisheries," Madhwaraj told ANI.

Of the 19 seats in coastal Karnataka, the Congress has 13, the BJP 3 and 3 seats have been won by Independents (one of who is now with the Congress).

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 224-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has agreed to hold his upcoming meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone (DMZ).

There is a "strong possibility" the summit will be held at the site, CNN reported, citing an anonymous official as source with in-depth know-how of North Korea's take on the matter.

The venue where the summit is likely to take place "in late May" is a rational choice for North Korean leader as media facilities and equipment are already in place, according to the report, which quoted the unnamed official as saying.

In addition to this, on Friday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in met at the same location in Panmunjom.

Additionally, the source revealed to CNN that some events could be held on the northern side of the DMZ.

The "historically significant" event was televised worldwide and led to an agreement to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and formally end the Korean War.

The source added that the South Korean President may be involved in the summit in some capacity.

"(We) think Panmunjom is quite meaningful as a place to erode the divide and establish a new milestone for peace. Wouldn't Panmunjom be the most symbolic place?" a spokesperson for the South Korean president said.

The US-North Korea summit is scheduled to take place either in May or June. It would be the first time a sitting US President would meet with a North Korean Supreme Leader.

Trump on Monday hinted in a tweet that the bilateral summit may be conducted at the Peace House in Panmunjom or the Freedom House in Singapore.

"Numerous countries are being considered for the MEETING, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the Border of North & South Korea, be a more Representative, Important and Lasting site than a third party country? Just asking!" the US President tweeted.

However, the source further told CNN that administration officials were still pressing for Singapore as a possible location for the US-North Korea summit, adding that it was a more neutral option for Trump.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Citizens of Kolkata held demonstrations outside the Dum Dum metro station on Tuesday to protest against the alleged thrashing of a couple for hugging in the metro.

"Waiting for Freedom" and "Stop moral policing" were some of the messages on the placards held by the protesters who demanded strict actions over the incident.

The incident took place on Monday night, when elderly co-passengers objected to their hugging in public and following a heated argument, a livid mob gathered and beat up the couple at the next stop.

No FIR has been filed against the incident.

A spokesperson from the metro station said that the CCTV footage does not show any incident of assault. However, photos and videos captured by eyewitnesses have surfaced in various social media platforms.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad on Tuesday afternoon reached Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi after being discharged from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to continue his treatment.

Dr. Lal Manjhi, who checked Lalu's health in the ambulance on the way to RIMS, said his health is better now.

"All in all, his health is better now but all age-related complications are there," the doctor told media.

The AIIMS PRO, in a statement on Monday, had said that Lalu was admitted to AIIMS with an acute medical condition and now as he has improved significantly he was referred back to Ranchi Medical College for management of his chronic issues.

However, Lalu expressed dissent over it and said that he was confused as to why the authorities are planning to transfer him in the midst of his recovery.

The RJD chief, who has been serving a jail term in connection with the fodder scam, was admitted to AIIMS on March 29 for a specialised treatment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday appealed to the United Nations to oversee the North Korea's planned shutting down of a nuclear test site.

In a telephonic conversation with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Moon called for UN's role in verifying and ensuring Pyongyang's full commitment to peace and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom's statement.

The South Korean President referred the same over North Korea's assurance to shut down a nuclear testing site in Kilju town in North Hamgyeong Province of the country.

Interestingly, this was the site, where six nuclear bombs were detonated by Pyongyang last year.

In the historic inter-Korean summit on Friday, at Panmunjom in the DMZ, the two Korean leaders agreed to sign a formal peace treaty to end the 65-year-old Korean War and to pursue the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula.

Moon also requested Guterres to "monitor" the implementation of the joint summit declaration with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in an effort to turn the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into a genuine peace zone.

On April 21, Kim announced the suspension of the country's nuclear and missile tests and shut down a nuclear test site in the northern area.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement founder Altaf Hussain called for a separate province for Mohajirs and threatened to further increase their demand if Pakistan doesn't reverse its bullying tactics.

Addressing the MQM affiliates under MQM Los Angeles chapter on Sunday, Hussain blamed Pakistan army of conspiring with the Supreme Court to attain their vested goals.

He further accused Pakistan's army of assassinating Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pakistan's first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan who was also a mohajir.

While levying blame upon Pakistan politician Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to conspire against Mohajir, Altaf said "Bhutto introduced discriminatory Quota System to oppress mohajirs" who were more educated than Sindhis.

He further blamed Zulfikar's daughter Benazir Bhutto for carrying out carnage of hundreds of mohajirs at Pukka Qila in Pakistan's Hyderabad.

Further, a large number of Mohajirs were executed in fake encounters and are kept in custody, as told by Hussain.

He also highlighted the cold-blooded extrajudicial assassination of Pashtoon, Naqeebullah Mehsood.

He also accused former Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari of creating a terrorist organisation Peoples Amn Committee and further using that organisation against Mohajirs.

Further, those mohajirs who had raised their voices to demand basic rights have been extra-judicially executed in custody by Pakistan's army.

He further reiterated his demand for equal rights for oppressed communities in Pakistan including Mohajirs, Seraikis, Hazarwalls, Pashtoons and residents of Balochistan, Gilgit and Baltistan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Janakpur [Nepal], May 1 (ANI): Nepal's historical and ancient city of Janakpur has revamped the preparations to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month.

The Janakpurdham, which is the foundation of the religious beliefs between Nepal and India, will be hosting the felicitation ceremony in honour of Prime Minister Modi after he performs puja in the temple.

"From the Province No. 2 government, honourable Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit is almost fixed for May 11. We are making the preparations to make it grand and with utmost fervour. We have got into it with all our efforts and force," Province 2 State Chief Lal Babu Raut told ANI.

The Province No. 2 government has made the preparations to give public honour to Prime Minister Modi in the Barhabigha ground, which will draw about one hundred thousand people.

The state government also has revamped the tasks of clearing the demolished structures on the way to Janaki Temple from the Barhabigha ground.

It is planning to set up welcome gates, along with a Kalash (a metal pot with a large base and small mouth, large enough to hold a coconut) and flowers to decorate the road and other places.

Along with these, the government is expecting Prime Minister Modi to address the people present in the ground during the felicitation ceremony.

"This Barhabigha will host his (Prime Minister Modi's) public felicitation ceremony. During the programme, there is a possibility of address by the Indian Prime Minister. He will address the people here and representatives of the assemblies. He has the tradition of including the agendas of national and international issues during his addresses and I think that he will continue it while stepping on the land of the Janaki," Jitendra Sonal, Minister of Infrastructure and development from Province 2 told ANI.

The Province 2 cabinet meeting also had decided to carry out special preparations last month by forming a major welcoming committee and five other committees to prepare for Prime Minister Modi's visit.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri recently went on a visit to Janakpur to hold talks with the provincial government and priests at the Janaki Temple.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday issued notices to the Government of Madhya Pradesh over stamping of castes on the chests of aspiring constables from the reserved categories in Dhar city.

A statement released by NHRC read as, "Have taken suo motu cognizance of media reports about the stamping of castes on the bare chests of aspiring constables from the reserved categories during their medical examination at the Dhar district hospital in Madhya Pradesh".

"Reportedly, the caste stamps were used to avoid any kind of confusion among candidates, as height and chest measurement norms are different for constables belonging to general and reserved categories. However, candidates from the general category were not labeled," the release added.

The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh calling for a detailed report in the matter, along with action taken against the delinquent officers, within four weeks.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media reports carried on the April 30, 2018, if true, indicate discriminatory and derogatory treatment meted out to the candidates, belonging to the reserved categories.

Such despicable act on the part of the authorities cannot be tolerated under any circumstances in a civilised society, as it is tantamount to violation of right to equality and dignity.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh on Monday assured strict action and ordered probe in a case.

The candidates appearing for the post of Police Constable were labelled with their respective castes on their chest during medical examinations at a district hospital on April 29.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)At least 24 people were killed on Tuesday in a double suicide attack on a mosque and a market in northeast Nigeria.

The death toll is likely to increase.

The incident took place in the town of Mubi in Adamawa State at around 1pm local time as worshippers amassed for afternoon prayers, CNN reported, police as saying.

No terror outfit or group has claimed the responsibility for the attack. However, the Islamist militant group Boko Haram has launched previous attacks in Mubi, according to the reports.

"The first bomber went into the mosque while they were praying and detonated his explosives killing four people," spokesman for the Adamawa State police, Othman Abubakar told CNN.

The second bomber who was a few hundred meters afar detonated his device as well, as worshippers fled the mosque, which claimed another 20 lives.

The bombings come just a day after suicide bombers killed four people in Maiduguri, Borno State.

It is pertinent to mention that this also came a day after Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari met with his US counterpart Donald Trump in Washington and discussed national security and economy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, will visit border areas in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the last week of May, according to sources.

The Committee will review the situation in the aftermath of the crisis in Doklam, wherein a military stand-off had risen between Indian and Chinese troops last year over the Chinese's construction of a road in the area.

The situation was later resolved, following diplomatic discussions between the two nations.

The face-off, which lasted for 78 days, was called off after both sides arrived at an understanding for the disengagement.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi while challenging him to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of his party in Karnataka without reading from paper.

Addressing a public rally in Chamarajanagar district in poll-bound Karnataka, Prime Minister Modi said, "I challenge you (Rahul Gandhi) to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from any piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue."

Further taking a dig at Congress president for not wishing the nation on Labour Day and said, "Perhaps due to over-excitement, the newly-elected Congress president forgets decency. He did not even bother to congratulate the hardworking labourers due to whom India's villages are getting electricity," Prime Minister Modi noted.

Taking a jibe over 'dynasty politics', Prime Minister Modi referred Rahul as 'namdaar' and called himself 'kaamdaars'.

"We are kaamdaars. Our level is not such that we can sit with people like the Congress president, who look down upon us," Prime Minister Modi said.

He further questioned former prime minister Manmohan Singh's 2005 promise of providing electricity to every village by 2009.

"During the time of Sonia Gandhi's government, then prime minister Manmohan Singh had said that he would provide electricity to every village by 2009. What happened to that," the Prime Minister asked.

Highlighting the achievements of Democratic Alliance (NDA), Prime Minister Modi said that the NDA is behind electrification of 39 villages in Karnataka.

"There were 39 villages in Karnataka which did not have electricity in 2014. But because of our governance at the Centre, these villages were electrified. What did Congress government do for these villages before we came to power at the Centre," asked Prime Minister Modi.

"Those who keep abusing us day and night do not tell why there are still four crore households without electricity. We have vowed to electrify these four crore households through Saubhagya Yojana," Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi also alleged that the Congress has a habit to stall, stop and misdirect.

He also slammed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's government over lack of development in Chamarajanagar district.

"Why are the people of Chamarajanagar not getting access to proper drinking water, jobs and why is the tourism potential here not being harnessed. What is the state government doing? Congress has a habit of doing even in progress. For five years, the rail project in Chamarajanagar has been stalled under Congress rule," Prime Minister Modi said.

Concluding his speech, Prime Minister Modi hit out at the 'family politics' in Karnataka and also mocked Siddaramaiah by referring him the chief minister who often falls asleep during public rallies.

"There is 2+1 formula which being practiced in Karnataka. It is a version of the Congress's family in Karnataka. This is the political innovation of the chief minister who often falls asleep during rallies or meeting)." Prime Minister Modi added.

"If chief minister has a 2+1 formula, then his ministers have 1+1 formula. The relatives of those ministers are fighting polls. This is hurting the workers of the Congress," Prime Minister Modi stated.

The Prime Minister, who kick-started the BJP campaign in Karnataka today, is scheduled to hold two more rallies in Karnataka's Udupi and Belagavi district today.

He will address 15 rallies in total over a period of just five days.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) carried out a protest rally in Rawalpindi city against the Karachi Agreement.

Executed on April 28, 1949, between the Government of Pakistan and the then Government of Azad Kashmir, the Karachi Agreement was very much in Pakistan's favour and deprived the people of PoK of significant powers and responsibilities.

Jamil Maqsood, a leader of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), Brussels said, "While critically analysing the agreement, we get to know that Pakistan was made responsible for the administration of the region, not for the development of the region. Not even a single point is mentioned about Pakistan establishment developing the region. You took control of a large area and declared 4,000 square miles of area independent (Azad Kashmir), while you gave control of the 28,000 square miles to Pakistan without taking assent of the legitimate local administration."

The 1949 Karachi Agreement was essentially formulated by Islamabad to ratify Pakistan's administrative control over the region without consulting any shareholder of the region.

Pakistan has since then been perpetrating worst forms of humanitarian crimes on the people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan.

"When Pakistan took control of this region, then instead of giving people their fundamental, political, social, democratic and national rights, they declared the name of the region as Northern areas. This region was removed from our syllabus and was added to Pakistan and a narrative was built for the people of Pakistan that this region was being added to Pakistan and this is not even remotely connected with the reality," Maqsood added.

The people in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are now demanding an immediate abolishment of the agreement with all rights conferred to citizens in letter and spirit.

"We reject all aspects (of agreement) in fact, the whole Karachi Agreement. Today, the circumstances are completely different from the time when the agreement was signed and if the Pakistani government is really serious about resolving the issues of these two regions (Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan), then it should abolish both the councils of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and merge them into one with an appropriate representation from both regions," Maqsood said.

The people of PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan have suffered decades of discrimination and persecution, owing to skewed policies and agreements framed by Islamabad.

There have been massive social and economic depredations in the region at the hands of state-sponsored machinery. It is high time that Pakistan takes cognizance of the growing resentment amongst the people of the region before it transmutes into something unmanageable.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday condemned the "barbaric and senseless" suicide attacks in Afghanistan's Kabul, which claimed 29 lives.

In a statement, Pompeo said, "The United States strongly condemns today's (April 30) senseless and barbaric attack in Kabul that killed 29 people and wounded dozens more, including several brave journalists and media professionals. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who were injured and killed, and we mourn all those who lost their lives."

"The United States, along with our Afghan and international partners, is committed to defeating ISIS (Daesh) in Afghanistan, which has claimed responsibility for this attack. We stand with the people, the independent media, and government of Afghanistan and remain committed to supporting the Afghan people's efforts to achieve peace, security, and democracy for their country," the statement read, citing TOLOnews.

Condemning the deaths of the journalists in the attack, Pompeo added that 'independent media is a cornerstone of democracy.

"Despite today's attack, the vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure, in large part due to those journalists and media professionals who tragically died in today's attack, but whose courageous and steadfast work helped lay the foundation for Afghanistan's thriving and resilient independent media. The international community's commitment to the Afghan people and a lasting peace in Afghanistan will not be shaken by such attacks," the statement further read.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the twin suicide blasts in Kabul, saying that he was "outraged" by the series of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, causing heavy casualties to citizens, emergency responders and journalists.

The embassies of US and UK in Kabul also strongly condemned the "savage" suicide blasts in the Afghan capital.

Among the 29 people killed, nine of them were journalists in the twin suicide explosions. 50 others were also injured in the blasts.

The journalists were covering the incident of the first blast when the second explosion took place.

According to local media, Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai confirmed the explosions, saying that the first bomber was on a motorbike and the second one was on foot.

The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Hours after the twin blasts in Kabul, 11 students from a nearby religious school were killed in a suicide car bomb attack in Kandahar. 16 others were also injured which included five Romanian soldiers.

According to TOLOnews, the attacks were aimed at Romanian troops who were patrolling the area.

No terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday extended a greeting and good wishes to 'hardworking workers' on Labour Day.

President Kovind took to Twitter, saying, "On Labour Day, greetings and good wishes to our hardworking workers, both men and women. The discipline and dedication of our countless workers continue to build our country and lay the foundations for a new India. They are our true nation builders #PresidentKovind" (sic)

International Labour Day, also known as International Worker's Day or May Day is observed every year to promote and encourage the international labour associations.

The day marks the victory of workers' movement for eight hours of work. It also aims to pay tribute to workers sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights all over the world.

In India, Labour Day is known by the name Antarrashtriya Shramik Diwas or Kamgar Din.The first Labour Day or May Day was celebrated in India in the year 1923.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted people of Maharashtra and Gujarat on their respective statehood day.

President Kovind took to Twitter and said, " On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come #PresidentKovind"

"On the occasion of Gujarat Day, warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Gujarat. May the state scale newer heights of development in the years to come #PresidentKovind," he said in another tweet.

Prime Minister Modi also took to Twitter and extended his greetings of the special day, "Greetings on Gujarat Diwas. The state's people are known for their simplicity and entrepreneurial zeal. Gujarat has made a significant contribution in our nation's history, especially during the freedom movement. May Gujarat continue to add impetus to India's progress."

"Best wishes to the people of Maharashtra on their Statehood Day. I pray for the continued progress and prosperity of Maharashtra. May the state scale new heights and keep contributing to the development journey of our nation," Prime Minister Modi said in another tweet.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Day parade was held at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, commemorating the formation of the state of Maharashtra.

The Governor C. Vidya Sagar Rao was present at the ceremonial parade.

May 1 marks the day when Maharashtra and Gujarat came into existence. It was on this day in 1960 when the states were formed on linguistic grounds.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a bid to reduce expenditure on procurement, the Ministry of Railways has issued a new set of guidelines for electronic auction/reverse auction for works, services and earnings tenders.

As per Railway Board guidelines, purchase through reverse auction (RA) shall be the preferred method for procurement of stores tenders valued at more than Rs.10 crores, and for works and services for tenders valued higher than Rs. 50 crores in each case. However, it notified that the process would be followed only when at least three approved vendors or three proven/likely competitive sources would be present and financial bids are undertaken in single currency/parameter.

The new guidelines state that each tender should clearly specify essential technical and commercial parameters in a transparent manner. The Board said the convener of the tender committee constituted for the purpose will ascertain the initial electronic RA period (e-RA), auto-extension period and minimum decrement in percentage value of the last successful bid.

After submission of the initial bid, the ministry said tenderers would not be allowed to revise taxes and other levies. It further noted that during the auction period, identities of the participating tenderers would not be disclosed

On the other hand, bidders will be required to electronically submit a technical and commercial bid and initial price offer (IPO). Once the last offer is made, bidders will not be permitted to withdraw the same.

Once the bids are submitted, the Tender Committee will undertake technical and commercial evaluation of the same, as per guidelines, delegation and estimated value of tender. IPO of those bidders categorised as 'Qualified for Award of Contract', the Mministry said, would be assesses separately.

The selection process for the financial bid has been divided into sub-categories, based on the number of tenderers that qualify for award of contract or bulk order. In case less than three tenderers qualify, no tenderers would be selected for reverse auction. If three to six tenderers qualify, three would be selected, and if more than six qualify, half of the number that applied would qualify.

However, the board notified that the bids that are disqualified from the reverse auction procedure would be the highest bidder(s) in the tabulation of IPO. Moreover, it stated that micro and small enterprises (MSEs) barred from the reverse auction procedure but within the range of 15 percent of lowest Initial Price Bid (IPB) would be permitted to participate in the process.

Another exception to the rule has been made in lieu of bidders eligible for benefits under the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order - 2017, found qualified for bulk order/contract and are within the specified range of price preference of lowest IPB.

In June last year, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had stated that purchase preference would be given to local suppliers in all procurements undertaken by procuring entities, in a bid to encourage and promote domestic manufacturing and production of goods and services under the Centre's flagship 'Make in India' initiative.

A Standing Committee was also constituted to oversee the implementation of the aforementioned order, suggest changes to Nodal ministries and procuring entities, and examine any other issues arising subject to the Order.

In this regard, the Railway Board notified that bidders fulfilling the above criteria would be permitted to participate in the RA, irrespective of their inter-se ranking on the basis of the IPB, Furthermore, such bidders, the Board said, would be over and above the number of vendors selected for RA, as mentioned above.

In case of store tenders, the Board stated that the quantity to be covered on developmental orders shall be limited to 20 percent of the net procurable quantity.

After obtaining final bids of the RA, tenders would be finalised as per the existing policy, taking into account price preference to MSEs and Make in India Order, 2017, wherever applicable. Thereafter, the final price offers shall be determined based on the IPO of the bid qualified for contract in case of works and tenders, and those which qualify for bulk order in case of store tenders.

Meanwhile, the Railway Board ruled that for earning contracts, all tenders would be done only using the electronic mode, thereby enabling the manual mode to be discontinued. Furthermore, it noted that for all earning tenders, e-auction method would be followed.

However, the Board stated that the e-auction method would apply only after successful proving out of appropriate module for earning contracts by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).

"Any earning tender to be done manually after rollout of earning tender module by the CRIS shall require personal approval of the Principal Head of Department of Indian railways," it added.

The Board further ruled that e-tendering is to be followed for all types of tenders on Indian Railways and public sector units (PSUs) in the department.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A mysterious poster of hard rock band Guns N' Roses featuring all five original members of the band has been spotted in London's Camden area conceiving the reunion rumours.

Several media reports stated that, the recent poster, featuring the original members Axl Rose, Slash, Duff, Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler, suggests that all five of them might be coming together for the first time since 1991.

The billboard links to a site called gnr.fm, which is blank, save for a message that says "Destruction is Coming" with, "#APPETITEFORDESTRUCTION" hashtag.

It reportedly also provides links to the band's social media pages.

The gnr.fm URL is reportedly registered to Universal Music Group, by virtue of which a few have drawn conclusion that the publicity campaign is meant to tease a reissue of Appetite for Destruction.

Speculations are also rife that the billboard is teasing a full reunion of the Appetite-era lineup of Guns N' Roses.

Appetite for Destruction is the debut studio album Guns N' Roses. Released on July 21, 1987, by Geffen Records to massive commercial success, the album topped the Billboard 200 and became the best-selling debut album as well as the 11th best-selling album in the United States.

With about 30 million copies sold worldwide, it is also one of the best-selling records of all time.

It is likely that the billboard has got nothing to little to do with the original lineup reunion. They could be promoting something else relating to the 30th anniversary of the record, according to the media reports.

"Is a MAJOR Guns N' Roses Announcement Coming?," a Twitter user wrote.

"What the hell? What is happening? New billboard in Camden, could this mean an original linup tour for guns n' roses? Let's hope so! Would be seriously EPIC!," a Twitter user tweeted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three rallies in the poll-bound Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that he has no objection with his rallies, while adding that it would not have any impact on the people of the state.

Speaking to media here, Siddaramaiah said, "It is a democracy; we have no personal enmity with Prime Minister Modi. We have no objection to him coming here (Karnataka), but it is not going to have any impact."

It is to be noted that, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold three rallies in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar, Udupi and Belagavi district today.

Siddaramaiah further hit out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and cornered it over the appointment of Lokpal and Lokayukta.

"What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For last 4 years, the Central Government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed Lokayukta," he added.

Further training guns at BJP chief ministerial candidate for Karnataka BS Yeddyurappa, Siddaramaiah said they are cases against him and he needs to go to jail.

"There are cases against Yeddyurappa so better he goes to jail. I have not done any crime. They (BJP) talk CBI inquiry but don't do anything. The CBI is under them. They have a split tongue," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking on the Lingayat issue, the Chief Minister said, "Lingayat it is not an election issue for them but for BJP."

Recently, the Siddaramaiah government granted religious minority status to Lingayat community, which is being seen as the 'election motivated move' by the BJP.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Tuesday, claimed that despite the alleged lack of support from the Central government, his state is on the path of progress, as proved by the uninterrupted electricity supply in the state.

"Our government is now providing 24 hours of electricity to the industries, which leads to an uninterrupted and quality power supply. Andhra Pradesh is growing, however, with least support from the Central Government. Our growth is least in the southern part of India," Naidu said in a speech during an event commemorating Labour Day.

Stating that labour exploitation used to be predominant earlier, he claimed that his government is working towards their welfare.

"We are using labour at optimum level and working for their welfare. We introduced the Chandranna Bima (insurance) scheme for labour welfare. The insurance can be settled within hardly 10 days. We have 14 other labour laws. We have integrated them, to ensure efficient service to the labour," he said.

He added that his government would soon launch a housing scheme while adding that he wanted to develop the state as a knowledge hub.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Adult film actor Stormy Daniels, who publicly claimed a 2006 sexual encounter with United States President Donald Trump, has filed a defamation suit against him, escalating the ongoing legal battle.

This lawsuit has been filed against the US President for a tweet that said a forensic sketch of a man who allegedly threatened her in 2011 was "a total con job."

"By calling the incident a 'con job,' Mr. Trump's statement would be understood to state that Ms. Clifford was fabricating the crime and the existence of the assailant, both of which are prohibited under New York law, as well as the law of numerous other states," CNN reported, Daniels' lawyer, Michael Avenatti, as writing in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit says Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, suffered damages in excess of $75,000.

The suit is separate from another lawsuit in which Daniels is suing Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen.

California judge James Otero has temporarily put a hold on Daniels' lawsuit against Trump and his personal attorney Michael Cohen for 90 days.

She has claimed that Cohen orchestrated a payment to keep her quiet during the election.

Daniels has been locked in a legal battle with President Trump, seeking to invalidate a nondisclosure agreement she and Cohen had signed more than a decade ago.

Daniels, in her lawsuit, is asking whether the hush agreement was legal, and is looking at whether Trump consented to it, according to the report.

.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In an effort to minimise road accidents across the state, the Rajasthan High Court has passed an order directing authorities to suspend driving licenses of those who are found talking on their mobile phones while driving.

A bench comprising of Justices Gopal Krishan Vyas and Ramchandra Singh Jhala ordered the traffic police authorities to ensure that no driver shall speak on the mobile phone while driving a vehicle.

The high court also directed the Regional Transport Organisation (RTO) and transport department authorities to initiate proceedings to cancel licences after giving an opportunity for a hearing.

The order was passed after the additional commissioner of police (traffic) told the court earlier that a large number of four and two-wheeler drivers were using mobile phones while driving, which was not permissible under the law, thereby causing accidents.

On a related note, 13 students from Divine Public School in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar died after their school bus collided with a train at an unmanned crossing.

Using mobile phone while driving is illegal in India under the Motor Vehicles Act. However, the ban is rarely enforced.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), individuals using mobile phones while driving face four times the risk of accidents than others.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range SP Pani on Monday said that the terrorist who was involved in civilian killings and attacks on security forces has been neutralised.

"It was on a specific input that forces launched a cordon. Two terrorists have been killed. Most important is that Sameer Ahmed Butt was killed, he was active since 2016 and was involved in civilian killings and attacks on security forces," Pani said.

Earlier, two terrorists were gunned down during an encounter with the security forces at Jammu and Kashmir's Drabgam in Pulwama district.

The two terrorists were identified as Sameer Tiger and Aaqib Khan.

The encounter broke out at 10:00 a.m. yesterday after a cordon and search operation (CASO) was launched by troops of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 182 Battalion and 183 Battalion, along with 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) Pulwama.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)United States President Donald Trump on Monday has announced May to be observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month.

While highlighting the initiatives taken by the country to provide treatment and recovery support services to the mentally ill patient, President Trump reflected his disappointment over the stigma attached with mental illness.

He said, "The negative stereotypes surrounding mental illness deter people who may experience these disorders from getting the help that can improve their lives and their ability to achieve their full potential."

Trump urged people to raise awareness regarding mental health as he said, "I call upon all Americans to support citizens suffering from mental illness, raise awareness of mental health conditions through appropriate programs and activities, and commit our Nation to innovative prevention, diagnosis, and treatment."

Further reflecting on the statistics involving those affected by mental illness, the proclamation noted that one in every five Americans is experiencing a mental illness.

Trump then mentioned of the 2019 budget as he requested the US Congress to include $10 billion to combat the opioid epidemic and serious mental illness.

The allocated money is said to be used to improve access to evidence-based treatment services for those who are seriously mentally ill.

He further requested to fund the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to ensure adults suffering from serious mental illness receive Assertive Community Treatment.

Also, the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant will also be given economic support by the government. The suicide prevention activities will also be funded.

Trump had earlier appointed the first Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use to ensure that all agencies are working together to increase access of the mentally-ill to the best treatment and recovery services possible

He emphasised on the need for research and innovation in the Department of Health and Human Services.

Further, the Trump administration had also launched Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee to improve the lives of mentally-ill individuals and their families.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Trump administration on Monday (local time) announced that it has extended a decision on implementing steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union (EU), Canada and Mexico.

The decision has been delayed for another 30 days. The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and 10 per cent on aluminum were set to go into effect on Tuesday, reported the New York Times.

Negotiations will continue for the next 30 days with the 28-member bloc, as well as Canada and Mexico. The White House said this would be the final period to reach a deal with the key trading partners.

Those extensions will affect the EU, Canada and Mexico.

The administration has also reached agreements in principle on tariffs with Australia, Argentina and Brazil and they will also receive a 30-day extension so details can be finalized.

The US had been seeking concessions from these countries in exchange for not permitting the tariffs to go into effect.

South Korea's exemption from tariffs is permanent because it agreed to quotas as part of a new trade deal, according to the reports.

Trump's trade team is heading to Beijing this week to try to work out an agreement with China's leaders over another round of proposed tariffs.United States President Donald Trump, who welcomed his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari in Washington, on Monday (local time) maintained, that his reported "shithole countries" comments didn't come up during the discussions between the two leaders.

"We didn't discuss it, because the President knows me, and he knows where I'm coming from and I appreciate that," quoted the Hill, Trump as saying during a joint news conference alongside the President of Nigeria.

However, Trump, who earlier had denied making such remarks to describe the African nations, apparently did not make such denial this time.

"And you do have some countries that are in very bad shape and very tough places to live in," Trump added.

In January, reports surfaced that Trump asked a room of lawmakers in the Oval Office why the United States is "having all these people from shithole countries come here," referring to African countries and Haiti.

Buhari who is the first African president Trump has hosted at the White House did not dwell upon the "shithole countries" comments because he was unsure of the authenticity of the media reports doing the rounds.

"I'm not sure about, you know, the validity of whether that allegation against the President is true or not. So the best thing for me is to keep quiet," Buhari said.

According to the reports, the discussions between the two leaders revolved around national security and economy.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)United States Secretary of Defense James Mattis is focusing on establishing peace in Syria with the help of the US diplomats to Syria.

"We do not want to simply pull out before the diplomats have won the peace, so you win the fight and then you win the peace," Mattis said in a Pentagon press conference, as quoted by the Anadolu Agency.

While responding to the question about how the United States would ensure stability in Syria after the withdrawal of US troops, Mattis noted that he would meet with UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The US defence services in Syria are fighting against the Islamic State militants while attempting at reviving the Geneva peace talks aimed at ending the Syrian civil war, Mattis added.

Further talking about the on-going differences between the US and Turkish government at Manbij city in northern Syria, Mattis said that negotiations between the two conflicting sides are underway while refraining from going into details.

Earlier there had been instances where the US military has supported the PYD/PKK terrorists at Manbij causing conflicts between Ankara and Washington. Since then the two NATO allies fear military clashes in Manbij.

Anadolu further reports that Washington had been providing arms and equipment to the Syrian Democratic Forces which are said to help the US in fighting against the Islamic State militant groups.

PKK has been waging a war against Turkey since 33 years that has led to the death of thousands including civilians.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The United States on Tuesday refuted reports of its involvement in the strikes in Syria on April 30.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis said the United States has nothing to do with the Syrian strikes, according to the Sputnik news agency.

Reportedly on Monday night, there were missile attacks in Aleppo and Hama provinces.

The target of these missiles is said to be ammunition depots.

Sputnik quoted the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as saying that the attack is likely to have been conducted by the Israeli military.

There have been no official statements from the Syrian government on the incident yet.

Earlier the US along with the United Kingdom and France launched precision attacks in the war-torn country in retaliation to the chemical attack on Syria's rebel-held town of Douma in Eastern Ghouta on April 7.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The United States is soon going to hold talks with China on trade deficit in line with the recent trade tariffs imposed by Donald Trump administration.

President Trump took to his Twitter account to inform about the US delegation heading towards China to hold talks on the trade deficit between the two countries.

"Delegation heading to China to begin talks on the Massive Trade Deficit that has been created with our Country. Very much like North Korea, this should have been fixed years ago, not now. Same with other countries and NAFTA...but it will all get done. Great Potential for (the) USA!" Trump tweeted.

Trump on April 8 called upon China to "end unfair trade take down barriers and charge only Reciprocal Tariffs." He further asked to only charge the reciprocal tariffs while claiming that the US is losing billion dollars due to unfair trade regime.

He further mentioned of the constant trade deficit with North Korea due to the on-going sanctions by the US to curb the trade activities.

Trump re-emphasised his dislike for North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as part of which Canada, Mexico and the United States eliminated tariffs, duties and quantitative restrictions on their trilateral trade.

He had earlier blamed NAFTA for illegal immigration to the US via the US-Mexico border.

Trump had also called for a revised NAFTA deal as he offered to drop the 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum in return for the stricter NAFTA.

Further Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on April 6 supported President Trump's call for revised NAFTA as he praised the United States, Canada and Mexico for handling the National Alliance Free Trade Agreement in a significant manner.

On March 23, Trump had imposed massive trade tariffs amounting to USD 60 billion on China, in an effort to stop the latter from stealing "intellectual property" from American companies.

In retaliation to that China threatened to impose a 25% tariff on $50 billion worth of US exports.

None of the said tariffs came into effect.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Recalling the ghastly incident, the Ghazipur rape victim revealed that the prime accused took her to the Madrassa by force and threatened to kill her family.

"He (main accused) forcefully took me to the Madrasa, threatened to kill my family and took my phone. Madrasa owner also threatened me," said the 12-year-old rape victim.

While speaking to ANI she said that on drinking the water given to her she fell asleep.

"When I woke up next day, I found my clothes were wet," added the victim.

According to reports, the girl went missing after she went to the market on April 21.

After a case was registered in this regard by the victim's father, the police found a CCTV footage in which the accused was seen taking the girl along with him.

It was found that that a juvenile had kidnapped and raped her.

The police subsequently traced the juvenile and apprehended him, they and rescued the girl, on April 22.

The accused minor was sent to a juvenile justice home.

But on April 27, police authorities arrested the prime accused, a cleric under POCSO. But the cleric claims to be innocent.

This comes at a time when cases of rape from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao came to the fore.

In Kathua, an eight-year-old victim, who was allegedly abducted, drugged, gang-raped, tortured and killed and in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, where a teenager alleged BJP MLA, Kuldeep Singh Sengar of raping her.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)WhatsApp co-founder, CEO and Facebook board member Jan Koum on Monday (local time) announced, in a post, that he is leaving the Facebook-owned company.

"It is time for me to move on . . . I'm taking some time off to do things I enjoy outside of technology, such as collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars and playing ultimate frisbee," Koum said in his statement.

"And I'll still be cheering WhatsApp on -- just from the outside," the statement added.

Koum is departing from the company after clashing with Facebook over its attempts to weaken encryption and make use of user data, according to The Washington Post.

Techcrunch reported that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg commented on Koum's Facebook post about his departure, citing encryption as one of the things he learned a lot about from Koum.

"Jan: I will miss working so closely with you. I'm grateful for everything you've done to help connect the world, and for everything you've taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands. Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp," Zuckerberg wrote.

Koum leaves the company more than 9 years after he and Brian Acton created the messaging app.

He has been with Facebook since February of 2014, when Facebook acquired the messaging startup for $19 billion, according to the reports.

The tiff and Koum's departure come in the backdrop of Facebook's, massive data breach by the analytics company Cambridge Analytica.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended a greeting and good wishes to 'hardworking model workers' in China on International Labour Day.

Xi sent the greetings in a reply letter to a group of model workers, studying at the China University of Labour Relations in Beijing on Monday, Xinhua reported.

"Both socialism and the creation of a new era can only be achieved through hard work. I have high expectations for the model workers to make new achievements and inspire others by demonstrating their passion, motivation and persistence," President Xi wrote in the letter.

He also heaped praises on the model workers of China University of Labour Relations for their notable contributions to the country and to the Communist Party of China (CPC), the main dominating party.

Underscoring that work is "the most honourable, noble, greatest and most beautiful" cause, the Chinese President called on the society to honour the contributions made by the model workers and promote honest work and dedication.

International Labour Day, also known as International Worker's Day or May Day is observed every year globally to promote and encourage the international labour associations.

The day marks the victory of workers' movement for eight hours of work. It also aims to pay tribute to workers sacrifices in achieving economic and social rights all over the

The International Labour Day is a three-day holiday in China and people usually celebrate by going on shopping sprees and visiting scenic spots around the country. It is celebrated as a public holiday since 1950.

Speeches are also delivered by officials and award ceremonies are held for model workers, who make noteworthy contributions to China and CPC Party respectively.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Three people, including the driver and guard of an express train, were arrested here on Tuesday for smuggling 10 cartons of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), police said.

A joint team of the Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force raided the Ahmadabad-Patna Express at Danapur station and seized five cartons from the engine.

According to the police, the raid followed a tip that the three men were involved in liquor smuggling from Uttar Pradesh to Bihar.

"The driver and guard admitted the five cartons were for delivery in Patna and five more were already delivered at the Ara station in Bhojpur district," a police official said.

According to official records, over 1 lakh people have been arrested for violating the liquor ban in the state imposed by the Janata Dal-United government on April 5, 2016.

--IANS

ik/ksk/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The strength of the Afghan security forces has declined sharply over the last year, a US government watchdog has said amid reports of desertions and high casualty rates.

The report, released by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (Sigar), said that the number of security forces personnel decreased by about 10 per cent to just under 300,000 in the past 12 months.

The findings come a day after a wave of attacks in Afghanistan killed 41 people.

However, the Afghan Defence Ministry rejected the findings, telling the BBC that the Army had enough soldiers to fight the militants.

"We have enough soldiers, enough Afghan National Army units to fight the militants and other mafia groups. We reject the Sigar report on numbers. It's not 100 per cent fact," a Ministry spokesman told the BBC.

"The morale of our soldiers is very high and as of now there are 11 on going operations across the country."

The report said more of the population was falling under the control of militant groups including the Taliban.

It said the Taliban and other militant groups control or influence 14.5 per cent of Afghanistan's 407 districts -- the highest level since the group started recording such data in late 2015.

According to an earlier BBC study, Taliban fighters are openly active in nearly three-quarters of the country. The research also suggested that the Islamic State (IS) militant group is more active in Afghanistan than ever before, although it remains far less powerful than the Taliban.

On Monday, twin attacks claimed by the IS in the capital left 30 people dead, including nine journalists and photographers. One BBC reporter was shot dead in a separate attack in Khost province.

In August 2017, with the Taliban gaining ground and the security situation deteriorating, US President Donald Trump announced that the US military would stay in the country indefinitely. The Pentagon later said it would send 3,000 extra troops.

More than 8,000 US special forces remain in the country supporting Afghan troops, although NATO combat operations officially ended in 2014.

--IANS

soni/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Assam government's Water Resources Department has missed a deadline to repair river embankments in the state resulting in fear and panic among residents living in flood-prone areas ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.

In February, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had asked the Department to complete all its repair work by April 30.

Assam has about 5,000 km of embankments which were built way back in the 1950s. Most of them, which have deteriorated over the years due to poor maintenance, are prone to breaches during the floods.

"We have heard about the Chief Minister's instruction to the Water Resources Department to repair the embankments. However, nothing has changed here. The repair works are yet to begin," said Ikramul Hussain of Kaladoba along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district.

"A project to repair the embankments of Gangadhar river had started long time ago which is yet to complete. The contractors have just dumped sand which is not sufficient to prevent the floods," he added.

Another villager said: "Every year we bear the brunt of floods and erosion. Large tracks of agricultural lands have already been eroded. Many farmers have lost their income source. The government spends large amounts of money every year in repairing embankments as well as to protect lands from erosion. But we become the victims every year.

"We just want some permanent solution to the flood problem. Every year we have to vacate our houses and we are displaced for several days. It is difficult to rebuild the houses again. We lose people and our cattle besides losing large amounts of lands."

Meanwhile, state Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta had recently claimed that 26 embankments which were breached during the monsoon season last year, have been repaired.

According to the Assam government, the state had suffered an estimated loss of Rs 2,939 crore, in the monsoon season last year affecting over 25 lakh people in 29 districts.

The floods also damaged 1,012 roads.

--IANS

ah/ksk/vm

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An Australian court on Tuesday established that there was enough evidence to open a formal trial against Cardinal George Pell, the Vatican's financial chief who has been accused with paedophilia and numerous other historical sexual offences.

The decision was taken by Judge Belinda Wallington, who was reading the ruling behind closed doors in the Magistrates' Court of Melbourne, reports Efe news.

The ruling is part of a preliminary trial that began on March 5.

It is expected that Pell, 76, will plead not guilty to all charges, as his lawyer Robert Richter had earlier announced.

Pell must respond to "multiple charges relating to multiple complainants" in accordance with the decision delivered by Judge Wallington, who has also "thrown out" seven allegations against the Australian Cardinal.

The trial against Pell began after the cardinal testified on three occasions as a witness before the Royal Commission which investigated Australia's public and religious institutions and their involvement in alleged sexual abuse against minors.

According to the Commission, the Catholic Church received complaints from 4,500 people between 1980 and 2015 for alleged child abuses committed by around 1,880 members of the institution, especially priests, and some cases dated back to the 1920s.

However, the Royal Commission did not investigate the alleged cases of Pell's child sexual abuse.

He stood down from his post as Vatican treasurer in June last year to fight the case in his home country of Australia after being charged by Victoria state police.

The trial is the first time such a senior figure in the Holy See has faced criminal charges.

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Celebrated music director Bappi Lahiri was feted by London's World Book of Records for his contribution to global music with his immortal song "Jimmy Jimmy aaja aaja".

Bappi told the media: "It has been one long journey with innumerable accolades over nearly five decades and over 600 films. But there is something special about 'Jimmy Jimmy'. It always has followers in every part of the globe. Such adulation brings tears to my eyes. It is the love of my fans that keeps me going."

An informal event took place at the residence of the artiste who played the tabla. It was graced by Santosh Shukla, President, World Book of Records.

Shukla said: "We all are born with a specific purpose to contribute something exclusive to the world through our exclusivity, through our hidden and extreme potential. It is a platform for all humans in this world to showcase their unique and remarkable talent and inspire the world to go one step further and progress from strength to strength."

World Book of Records - London catalogues and verifies a huge number of world records across the world with authentic certification.

The song "Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja", originally picturised on Mithun Chakraborty in the 1982 film "Disco Dancer", has been translated in Russian and Chinese and has been a part of the original score of Adam Sandler's "You Don't Mess with the Zohan".

--IANS

aru/rb/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a breather for former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a special CBI court on Tuesday granted him bail in a multi-crore rupee Manesar land scam.

Hooda appeared before the special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Panchkkula, adjoining Chandigarh, on Tuesday.

The bail was granted after Hooda furnished two bonds of Rs 5 lakh each through his counsel.

Alleging a multi-crore scam of prime land in Manesar in Haryana's realty goldmine district of Gurugram, the CBI, in February this year, filed a chargesheet in the land deal against Hooda, senior bureaucrats and others.

The chargesheet named 34 accused including senior bureaucrats Chhattar Singh, S.S. Dhillon and M.L. Tayal and promoter of Gurgaon-based real estate company ABW Builders, Atul Bansal.

All three officers were powerful principal secretaries to the Chief Minister.

The CBI registered a case against the accused in September 2015 following allegations that private builders, in conspiracy with public servants of the Haryana government, had bought around 400 acres of land from farmers and landowners of Manesar, Naurangpur and Lakhnoula villages in Gurugram (then Gurgaon) district at throwaway prices.

The land was valued, at that time, at around Rs 1,600 crore but it was bought by the builders for around Rs 100 crore.

The land was bought in the period from August 2004 to August 2007. The Congress government in Haryana, led by Chief Minister Hooda, remained in power from March 2005 to October 2014.

The CBI alleged that ABW Builders conspired with officers during the tenure of the previous Congress government to purchase the land.

--IANS

js/him/vm

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)About a year and a half after the infamous Una Dalit flogging case, an assault on a Dalit villager in Saurashtra region of Gujarat went viral on the social media on Tuesday, the Founding Day of the western state.

In the video clipping, Devshibhai Roshiya of Surajkaradi village in Devbhoomi Dwarka district, can be seen lying on the ground and three persons beating him with sticks. He was later saved due to the intervention of an elderly person.

Police identified the two accused as Sikandar Pir Khan and Salman Pir Khan while one remained unidentified. One of the accused is a son of the victim's neighbour Pir Khan Umarkhan Pathan, whose family lives opposite Devshibhai Roshiya's house in Surajkaradi.

Police sources said an FIR was got registered by Devshibhai on April 26 under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against 17 named members of the Pathan family, including women and children, and five unnamed persons for barging into his house, snatching money from him and using abusive language.

When the accused came to know about the FIR, they caught hold of Devshibhai and thrashed him in front of his house.

Devbhoomi Dwarka Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand said: "The incident occurred in Surajkaradi in Mithapur area around 9.30-10 a.m. on April 28. The Local Crime Branch is looking for three accused, who are neighbours of the victim. The investigation is being carried out by Deputy Superintendent of Police (SC/ST Division) R.K. Patel."

"In the past too, both sides were involved in altercations and lodged complaints against each other. As soon as we came to know about the crime, we registered a complaint."

Police security has been provided to Devshibhai, who is admitted in a hospital.

--IANS

amc/tsb/bg

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A 29-year-old Dalit woman set ablaze by her estranged husband in public view here died early on Tuesday, police said.

The husband, who is on the run, may have committed the crime as the woman sought divorce over compatibility issues, according to police.

The incident took place on Sunday when Jithu emerged from the Kudumbashree meet -- a women's meeting. Viraj approached her and set her on fire by pouring petrol over her, according to a witness.

"The Kudumbashree workers and the local village council member were present at the spot but no one came to her help. All of them stood as mute spectators as the woman was being burnt," said the witness.

Her father tried to save her and took her to a hospital. He also suffered burn injuries.

The couple, who had no children, separated sometime back as they used to have frequent fights. The divorce proceedings were about to start, said police who suspect that Viraj is now in Mumbai.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The government proposes to amend the Electricity Act to ensure that companies applying for power distribution rights in an area have signed sufficient power purchase agreements (PPAs) to ensure uninterrupted supply to consumers, Power Minister R.K. Singh said on Tuesday.

Briefing reporters here on the achievement of bringing electricity to all villages in the country, R.K. Singh said the changes to the law were being proposed in order to help achieve the next target of universal household electrification in India by December 2018.

"The regulator giving rights to a distribution company (discom) over an area of 2 crore consumers, for instance, has to ensure that it has enough power to meet up to the peak demand.

"We are going to propose amendments to the (Electricity) Act that if a discom's demand is 5,000 MW, then it should have entered into PPAs for that amount of power," he said.

The Minister said although there was a power market in the country in the way of exchanges, it commanded supplies that were limited and variable.

He said since there was no longer a state monopoly, "discoms have fallen into the habit of not entering into PPAs, but preferring to depend on the spot market".

"The root of the problems is the discoms' incapacity to buy power because they are running losses and this fundamental problem needs to be addressed."

The government has set the next target of providing electricity connections to over four crore remaining rural and urban households by March 2019 under the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) initiative.

According to officials here, the average actual household electrification level in rural areas is more than 82 per cent with variations across states.

Singh also noted that the government's budget on rural electrification in the current fiscal at around Rs 22,000 crore was almost at the level spent over the last four years at around Rs 24,000 crore.

On Saturday evening, Leisang village in Manipur's Senapati district became the last village to be connected to the national power grid.

The work of bringing power to India's nearly 6 lakh villages had been undertaken under the government's Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana.

As per government data, 1,236 villages are uninhabited and 35 have been notified as grazing reserves.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)France on Tuesday called for more independent inspections of Iran to ensure full implementation of a nuclear deal that Tehran signed with world powers in 2015.

France's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Agnes Von der Muhll said that his country took note of the information given by Israel on Iran's plan to develop nuclear weapons, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Iran deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is an international agreement reached on July 14, 2015 between Iran and six countries -- China, France, Russia, Britain, the US and Germany, plus the EU.

Iran, in a pact with the world powers, had agreed to halt its nuclear programme in return for an easing of economic sanctions on Tehran.

"It is essential that the IAEA can continue to verify Iran's respect for JCPOA and the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme," Von der Muhll said.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed what he called "great intelligence achievement", allegedly proving a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Israel's announcement came as US President Donald Trump, who repeatedly threatened to decertify the 2015 deal, was pondering whether to withdraw from the accord and reimpose sanctions on Iran before a May 12 deadline.

Reiterating the necessity to maintain the agreement, France noted that the Israeli report "confirmed the need for longer-term assurances on the Iranian programme, as the President has proposed," according to the Foreign Ministry's spokesperson.

French President Emmanuel Macron had talks with Israel, Iran, Russia and Germany leaders to promote new global talks on Tehran that would include its ballistic missile programme and its regional influence.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Grammy winning composer Ricky Kej was awarded a 'Certificate of Appreciation by The House of Commons of Canada.

During Kej's visit to Canada, Randeep Sarai, Member of Parliament, British Columbia Province, Canada, presented the Certificate of Appreciation for his Outstanding Musical and Humanitarian Achievement on April 28.

"I am extremely grateful to receive this honour from The House of Commons of Canada. Being a global artiste, conservationist and a proud representative of India, it means a lot that a progressive and inclusive country such as Canada has recognized and appreciated my efforts in the field of music and environment," Kej said in a statement to IANS.

He was invited to Canada for having inter-disciplinary discussions on arts and environmental consciousness with state departments, the Mayor's office of British Columbia and prominent universities, among others.

"Through my music, I would like to foster closer relationships between Canada and India. Taking the first step towards this, a mega concert by me is being organized at the Holland Park, BC, on July 22. This will be a soulful musical collaboration between our two countries," he said.

His repertoire of work consists of 15 studio albums released internationally, over 3,500 commercials and three feature films.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Haryana Police has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident of rape of a minor girl belonging to nomadic tribe, a police spokesman said on Tuesday.

"Police has also taken DNA samples of all the three alleged accused for testing and has started further investigation," the spokesman said. The SIT, to be headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police, set up following the cognizance of the case taken by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

The minor girl was reportedly raped at Narnaund on April 18.

"Police has arrested paternal uncle of the victim. The family members of the victim and members of nomadic tribes had accused police of accusing the victim's uncle and started protesting at the Civil Hospital, Narnaund. Thereafter a request was made for taking statement of the victim in front of the magistrate. In her statement, the victim accused three persons of the village," the spokesman said.

Further investigations are being made, he added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An Indian-origin family has been rescued after a fire in their residential complex here, officials said.

The fire broke out in the complex in Abu Dhabi's Navy Gate area late Saturday. All the residents, including the Indian-origin family of eight, were rescued due to the intervention of the Civil Defence members, the Khaleej Times reported on Tuesday.

Saju George John, his wife Kochumol Mathew, their four children and his elderly parents had been living in the residential complex for several years.

During the evacuation, John's 84-years-old father, who is paralysed, slipped off his wheelchair as the family was coming down the stairway of the building.

"Someone had opened the main door at that time and the civil defence authorities heard our cries for help. A few officers rushed up the stairway and immediately carried my father, my mother and us to safety," John said.

The elderly man, who wasn't able to speak since 2013, got his voice back during the incident. "It was a terrifying moment because I haven't heard my father speak since long," said John while recounting the incident.

He said his father only suffered visible head wounds.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disclosed files which he said could "prove" Iran's secret development of nuclear weapons.

In an address broadcast live on all main TV channels in Israel, Netanyahu on Monday lifted a curtain, revealing shelves housing what he said was part of Iran's nuclear archive, Xinhua news agency reported.

Israeli spy agencies obtained 55,000 pages and 183 CDs from Iran's "secret nuclear archive", he noted.

These files provide a "conclusive evidence" that Iran had deceived the international community since the deal was signed in 2015, Netanyahu said.

The nuclear deal was designed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of international sanctions on Iran.

"Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons program," the Israeli prime minister said. "Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use" at the Fordow nuclear testing site.

The disclosure came ahead of US President Donald Trump's looming deadline to decide whether to extend the waiver on nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to scrap the deal, which was signed between Iran and the world powers during the presidency of Trump's predecessor Barack Obama.

Netanyahu said Israel has shared the documents with the US.

Trump "will do the right thing for the US, the people of Israel and the peace of the world", Netanyahu concluded.

On Monday evening, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif accused Netanyahu of deception.

"The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again. You can only fool some of the people so many times," Zarif wrote on his Twitter account.

Israel has been increasingly worried over Iran's growing efforts to develop long-range missiles and establish a military foothold in war-torn Syria.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Attacking Jammu and Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta for his remarks that the Kathua rape-murder case was a "minor issue", the Congress on Tuesday said it is "absolutely blasphemous" and demanded that he be sacked.

The party also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not reacting to Gupta's remarks.

"This is an absolutely blasphemous statement from the Deputy Chief Minister of J&K. We expect the Prime Minister and his party to take this matter seriously," said All India Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev.

"Such casualness is the very reason why young children and women are not safe in this country. If it comes from a person who is holding an important position in the government, it is even more blasphemous," she said.

Dev added: "We are shocked to see that the leaders, who had supported the people who are accused in the Kathua rape case, have been placed in the newly-formed Jammu and ministry.

"This shows the casual, insensitive and negligent attitude of the BJP and the parties who have allied with the BJP. It has been proved that the BJP and its allies (PDP) are not serious about woman safety."

Slamming the Prime Minister for being silent on the issue, Dev said: "He is not just silent on the issue, he is also standing behind the Deputy Chief Minister and those who backed the accused in the case."

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Actor Jackie Chan's estranged gay daughter and her partner claim they have been homeless and have been sleeping under a bridge "due to homophobic parents".

Etta Ng, 18, and her girlfriend Andi Autumn posted a short video to YouTube last week claiming that they have run out of options because their friends and family have refused to offer them support, reports people.com.

"We have been homeless for a month due to homophobic parents. We pretty much slept under a bridge, and other things," Ng said.

"We have gone to the police, we have gone to the hospitals, the food banks, the LGBTQ community shelters and all of them just don't give a s***," she continued.

Autumn added: "We will have to be split up if we go to any kind of government facility."

"We don't know what to do at this point," Ng continued. "We just want to let people know what's going on because at this point it seems ridiculous that no one can help. I don't understand."

Ng is Chan's daughter with former beauty queen Elaine Ng, with whom the actor had a relationship with while married to his current wife Joan Lin.

The actor, who made $49 million last year according to Forbes, has not spoken publicly about his daughter but has acknowledged he had an affair.

Elaine denounced her daughter's claims, saying she needs to find a job.

"I feel that if they have no money, they should go find work," she said. "They shouldn't film a clip telling others they are broke and who Etta's father is. People all over the world work hard and don't rely on someone else's fame to get money."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)RJD chief Lalu Prasad was shifted to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here on Tuesday, a day after he was discharged from AIIMS in New Delhi where he was being treated for heart and kidney related ailments.

The former Bihar Chief Minister reached Ranchi by Rajdhani Express. He was taken to RIMS in an ambulance and was admitted in the cardiology department.

"We are waiting for a medial report from RIMS. Based on it, we will take a decision on Lalu Yadav," an official of the Birsa Munda Central Jail told IANS.

Lalu Prasad was admitted to RIMS on March 17 following complaints of uneasiness in the Birsa Munda Jail where he was serving a prison term since December 23, 2017 in connection with the fodder scam.

He has been convicted in four fodder scam cases since 2013 -- the latest being the Dumka treasury case in which a special CBI court sentenced him to 14 years in jail.

Lalu Prasad on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his sudden shifting from the AIIMS, shortly after Congress President Rahul Gandhi called on him.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a major relief to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and ex-Minister Eknath Khadse, the Maharashtra Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) gave him a clean chit in an alleged land scam, official sources said on Tuesday.

The ACB filed its final report in a court here to say that the allegations of "misuse of power and position as Minister" in the Bhosari MIDC land deal have not been proved.

It said the contention that the state suffered a huge revenue loss in the purported deal was also not proved.

The most senior state BJP leader, Khadse lost ministership in June 2016 following a complaint lodged by former Aam Aadmi Party leader Anjali Damania.

Reacting to the development, Khadse reiterated on Tuesday that he had done no wrong and that the case was without basis or merit.

"The allegations against me were levelled with malicious intent. They have been proved false. Those who levelled charges against me have fallen flat on their faces. I don't want to discuss how some people very close to me betrayed me, but I will continue to work in the same spirit as before," Khadse told media persons in Mumbai.

On his re-induction in the Cabinet by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said: "I will abide by whatever decision the party takes."

Damania said she would challenge the ACB clean in the Bombay High Court.

"This is how the BJP saves their corrupt ministers. I had given all proof in the Bhosari land (deal) to the ACB in August 2017," Damania said.

On January 25, a peeved Khadse attended a Congress function and demanded from the BJP leadership as to what corruption he had indulged in and how much wealth he had accumulated so far even as several Congress leaders tried to get him into the party fold.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)After remaining out of bounds for traffic for around five months, the Manali-Leh Highway is likely to be reopened to motorists in 10 days as snow-clearing operation is on, an official said on Tuesday.

"The work to clear the snow is going on at a fast pace. If the weather remains favourable, traffic between Manali and Leh is likely to be restored in 10 days," Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Commander Col A.K. Awasthi told IANS over the phone.

He said that in some stretches close to the Baralacha Pass, snow accumulation was more than 20 feet, a big challenge for those involved in snow clearance.

He said work to repair the entire 475-km stretch -- which links the Himachal Pradesh tourist city with Leh in Jammu and Kashmir -- was also underway.

The route is crucial to the movement of armed forces and their supplies and wares to forward areas in Ladakh.

The Manali-Leh highway winds its way through the Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft), Baralacha Pass (16,020 ft), Lachlungla Pass (16,620 ft) and Tanglangla (17,480 ft).

The BRO maintains strategic highways in the country.

BRO's 'Project Deepak' is responsible for clearing snow on the 222-km Sarchu-Manali highway while 'Project Himank' takes care of the 253-km Leh-Sarchu highway.

A Himachal Road Transport Corp official told IANS here that it would take at least 10 days to restart the bus service between Delhi and Leh via Manali and Keylong once the highway was opened to traffic.

The Rohtang Pass -- the main tourist attraction located 52 km from here -- has already been opened for tourists after snow clearance.

Only 1,200 taxi or private vehicle permits -- 800 petrol vehicles and remaining diesel -- are issued online daily on first-come-first-served basis to visit the Rohtang Pass.

A mobile app for the issuance of permits to motorists to cross the Rohtang Pass was launched on Monday by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

Earlier, a permit was available online on payment of Rs 550 through the district administration's website.

On every Tuesday, when the BRO repairs the Rohtang road, vehicles are not allowed to go beyond the Gulaba barrier from Manali.

The idyllic settings of the Himalayas draw an increasing number of backpackers, especially foreigners, for adventure activities like mountain biking, rock climbing and jungle trekking.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Eminent Marxist economist Ashok Mitra, who served as Chief Economic Adviser during Indira Gandhi's prime ministerial tenure and as Finance Minister of West Bengal, passed away at a nursing home here on Tuesday following old age complications. He was 89.

The Sahitya Akademi awardee was a widower.

Mitra, who was minister in the state's Left Front government, was hospitalised for almost a month with complaints of diarrhoea and later developed respiratory problems. He passed away at 9.15 a.m.

Rated as a brilliant scholar, Mitra chaired the Agricultural Prices Commission for four years from 1968 and served as Chief Economic Adviser to the Central government between 1970 and 1972.

After the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Front came to power in West Bengal in 1977, Mitra was one of the first five ministers to be sworn in alongside Chief Minister Jyoti Basu after he won the Assembly polls from Rashbehari.

Handed the Finance portfolio, Mitra vigorously sought more powers for the states. He campaigned countrywide on the issue, playing a good part in forcing the Central government to set up the Sarkaria Commission that examined the relationship and balance of power between state and the Centre and suggested changes within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

Mitra lost the election in 1982, but was brought back to the Cabinet after he won the bypolls from Jadavpur.

However, he developed differences with the Chief Minister and CPI-M topguns on the matter of restructuring payscales for principals of state government-aided colleges, and resigned in 1986.

In 1991, Mitra volunteered to contest from the Chowringhee Assembly constituency against Congress candidate and former West Bengal Chief Minister Siddhartha Ray, whom he had often berated for his "semi-fascist rule" in the state in the 1970s. Mitra campaigned hard, but lost.

In the mid-1990s, the CPI-M made him a member of the Rajya Sabha, where he served as Chairman of the Parliament's Standing Committee on Industry and Commerce.

Born in Dhaka in 1928, Mitra did his graduation from the University of Dacca and post-graduation in economics from Benaras Hindu University.

He also studied in the Delhi School of Economics in the early 1950s.

As an academician, he taught Economics at the University of Lucknow before proceeding to the Netherlands, where Mitra got his doctorate in 1953 from University of Rotterdam (now The Netherlands School of Economics) under Jan Tinbergen (who later won the Nobel Prize). His doctoral thesis was titled "Share of Wages in National Income".

He also worked with the National Council of Applied Economic Research and briefly served as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Finance.

Mitra had a stint with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific at Bangkok and in 1961, joined as a teacher at Economic Development Institute in Washington.

On his return to India, Mitra became a professor of economics at the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-C).

A prolific writer in both English and Bengali, Mitra penned regular newspaper columns, and even reported on the 1996 cricket World Cup for The Telegraph.

In 1996, his collection of Bengali essays "Tal Betal" won the Sahitya Akademi award.

Mitra's repertory of Bengali books include "Okhatha-Kukatha", "Ochenake Chine-Chine", "Kabita Theke Michhila, "Nastikatar Baire", "Charitrabali", "Tal-Betal" and the much-acclaimed memoir Apila Chapila.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled Mitra's death.

"Saddened at the passing away of noted economist, former Finance Minister of Bengal and former Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Ashok Mitra. He had a long career with the World Bank, IIM Calcutta and as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India. Condolences to his family & well wishers," she said in a tweet.

--IANS

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(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and separatist leaders on Tuesday condemned the killing of three civilians in Baramulla.

"I am pained to see young boys getting killed in an unending cycle of violence which ought to be put to an end," the Chief Minister said referring to the three civilians shot dead by militants in Khanpora area of the town on Monday.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), a separatist conglomerate headed by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, said in a statement: "Time and again, people are killed in such a manner and no one knows who kills them as the killers remain unidentified.

"While state authorities conveniently blame the armed youths, militant organisations in fact condemn the killings and many times blame the state agencies. In the process the culprits never get identified."

The statement said: "We reiterate that any killing on grounds of political or party affiliations is inhuman and un-Islamic and unacceptable to the people and leadership of Kashmir."

The separatists appealed to the UN to set up an impartial inquiry into these killings.

In a statement to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Burhan-ud-Din, operational spokesman of militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, strongly condemned the civilina killings and blamed the security forces and urged the people to help identify the killers.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Launching his election campaign in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of being obsessed with " of dynasty" and dared party chief Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government without a piece of paper.

Addrrssing election meetings, he also charged the Congress with blocking development and blamed it for political violence that led to the death of several RSS and BJP cadres in the state.

Referring to Gandhi's challenge to face him in Parliament, Modi sought to turn the tables by asking him to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the government in Karnataka without reading from a piece of paper.

The Prime Minister's attack came in the wake of Rahul Gandhi's challenge last week that if he was allowed to speak for 15 minutes in Parliament, Modi would not be able to withstand it.

Modi took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying: "He is correct. There is no way ordinary people like me, who do not even dress well, can sit with such high and mighty people like the Congress President."

But immediately he changed gear and launched a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi.

"The Congress President is a 'naamdaar'. So how does he know about the efforts of 'kaamdaars'. We are kaamdaars (known by our work). What is our level that we can sit with people like the Congress President who look down upon us," he asked.

Challenging Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government "without reading from any piece of paper", he said: "You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue (Italian)."

He also challenged Rahul Gandhi to take Visveswaraya's name five times in the 15-minute speech. "That is enough. The people of Karnataka will measure the strength of your words."

Modi also lamented that all development in Karnataka has been blocked by the ruling Congress due to its obsession with family

"Where there is Congress, all roads that lead to development are blocked. There is only family politics, corruption and lack of harmony," Modi said.

Modi also attacked the Congress for indulging in "family politics" by allowing a party's leaders kith and kin to contest in the Assembly elections and hit out at Siddaramaiah.

"For the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) the rule is '2+1'. He will contest from two seats and has given his old seat (Varuna in Mysuru) to his son (Yathindra) and for the other ministers (in the state cabinet) the rule seems to be '1+1', allowing their relatives to fight polls.

"For the Congress, it has always been about family But for us (BJP), it is about people's politics. People of the state will decide which kind of politics they will choose (in the upcoming election)," Modi said.

Law and order in Karnataka has collapsed under Congress rule, Modi said.

"When the Lokayukta in the state is not safe, how can one expect the common people to be safe under the Congress government?"

Karnataka's anti-graft ombudsman Justice P. Vishwanatha Shetty was stabbed at his office by a man in the state capital on March 7.

The Prime Minister also attacked former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over their promises of providing electricity to every village by 2009.

"Perhaps due to over excitement, the newly elected Congress President forgets decency. He did not even bother to congratulate the hardworking 'mazdoors' due to whom India's villages are getting electricity."

Modi said that in 2005 Manmohan Singh had said he will provide electricity to every village by 2009.

"Manmohan Singh said we will electrify villages by 2009. Sonia Gandhi went a step ahead and said we will provide electricity to every house by 2009. But what happened? In any case, we saw how the Congress treated Manmohan Singh. They tore off ordinances and disrespected him."

He said the Congress had nothing but contempt for the poor and labourers.

Modi said the government was now going to provide electricity to every household in India and asked those who ruled India for a majority of the years since 1947. "Why did they not think about the 18,000 villages lacking access to electricity."

In Udupi, Modi held the Congress government in Karnataka responsible for "political violence that led to the death of several BJP cadres" in the state.

"It is extremely shameful that the Congress government allowed violence in the state and several BJP workers were murdered. The Congress must provide an answer to the rising crime," Modi told a BJP rally at M.G.M. College Grounds in this coastal district city.

"While the BJP is talking about the 'ease of doing business' in our country, the Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'. This is the kind of culture they have developed."

Accusing the Siddaramaiah government of allowing the "sand mafia" to operate in the state, Modi appealed to the people to vote for change and development.

"Those who loot cannot remain in power and must be ousted," Modi said.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi loved him like a son.

"There is no truth in the (media) reports of Modiji summoning me to Delhi. The (Delhi) trip was long planned. In fact, Modiji loves me like a son," Deb tweeted.

He denied media reports that the Prime Minister had called him to Delhi in view of his recent controversial statements on various issues.

An official of the Chief Minister's Secretariat said Deb left for New Delhi on Tuesday to attend a series of programmes in the national capital.

"From Delhi the Chief Minister will go to Bengaluru to join BJP leaders to campaign for the party ahead of the May 12 Karnataka Assembly elections," the official added.

The Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, Milind Ramteke, said the Chief Minister would attend a meeting chaired by Modi on Wednesday of a national committee set up to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.

"Deb is also likely to meet several central ministers including Prakash Javadekar. He will attend a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj where all Chief Ministers from the other northeastern states will be present," the official added.

Deb has courted controversy with his comments.

An arts graduate from Tripura University, Deb had stated that the Internet and satellite communication existed during the Mahabharata era. He also questioned the crowning of Diana Hayden as Miss World in 1997.

The 47-year-old Chief Minister also stated that mechanical engineers should not opt for civil services, but civil engineers should.

He asked the educated youth to set up paan shops instead of running after political parties to get government jobs. He asked youths to explore a career in the dairy field and keep cows.

He suggested that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee must consult doctors for mental treatment.

Deb's controversial statements have drawn criticism from media, twitterati, intellectuals and political adversaries.

Asked about his statements, Deb told the media: "I am not quoted accurately. You know better what I want to say. Inner meaning of my comments have not appeared in the media."

Recently, the Prime Minister advised BJP leaders not to give "masala" to the media by commenting on every issue, saying they affect the country, the BJP and the individual's image.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held the Congress government in Karnataka responsible for "political violence that led to the death of several BJP cadres" in the state.

"It is extremely shameful that the Congress government allowed violence in the state and several BJP workers were murdered. The Congress must provide an answer to the rising crime," Modi told a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally at M.G.M. College Grounds in this coastal district city.

Through his 40-minute speech in Hindi, the Prime Minister addressed hundreds of people, including party cadres, gathered on a sunny afternoon.

This was Modi's second rally after the one in Chamarajanagar district earlier in the day, kick-starting BJP's poll campaign for the May 12 Assembly elections.

The opposition BJP has been holding the Congress responsible for the murders of party workers in the state's coastal region in the last five years.

"While on the one hand, the BJP is talking about the 'ease of doing business' in our country, the Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'. This is the kind of culture they have developed," Modi said.

Accusing the government led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of allowing the "sand mafia" to operate in the state, Modi appealed to the people to vote for change and development.

"Those who loot cannot remain in power and must be ousted," Modi said, adding that the Congress had promoted intolerance and violence.

"When the state's Lokayukta is not safe, how can the common man be?"

Karnataka's anti-graft ombudsman Justice P. Vishwanatha Shetty was stabbed at his office by a man in the state capital on March 7. Shetty returned to work a few days ago.

Hailing the Udupi district's residents for starting for several national banks, Modi said that his government had been working towards making these banks accessible to the poorest of the poor.

Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank, Corporation Bank, and Vijaya Bank are some of the oldest banks in the country that were set up in what are now the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.

Over 31 crore bank accounts for the poor have been opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Modi said.

Modi will address another party rally at Chikodi in Belagavi district.

The BJP is contesting all 224 Assembly seats to return to power.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Confident of a BJP victory in Karnataka too, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ruled out a hung Assembly after the May 12 elections.

"There is no way there will be a hung Assembly as is being predicted. We are confident of coming to power in Karnataka too," said Modi at a huge public meeting in Karnataka's northwest region, about 500 km from Bengaluru.

Recalling that the Congress had lost nearly 12 states that it was ruling, Modi told the gathering that as that party feared a loss in the ensuing polls, its leaders were spreading lies and fear among the people about a hung Assembly.

Opinion polls by various agencies have projected a hung Assembly for the southern state with the ruling Congress or the opposition BJP having an edge in the 225-member legislative house, including one nominated.

"I appeal to you all to vote for a party with full majority. That is when you can hold the government responsible," Modi said.

Urging voters to bring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power under the leadership of its chief ministerial nominee B.S. Yeddyurappa, Modi said his party was ready to answer for its every action and be accountable to the people.

Yeddyurappa, 75, was the party's maiden Chief Minister in the state and south India when it was elected to power for the first time in May 2008, but lost to the Congress in the May 2013 Assembly elections after he split the BJP and formed the Karnataka Janata Party, leading to a division of votes.

The state's veteran politician of the dominant Lingayat community, however, returned to the BJP in 2014 and contested in the 2014 general elections, winning from the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency in the Malnad region.

Accusing the Congress government in the state of shielding sand mafias, Modi said those who loot cannot be accepted to remain in power. They must go," he reiterated.

"The Congress promotes intolerance and violence. There can be nothing worse than attack on the Lokayukta," charged Modi alluding to the knife attack on the state's anti-graft watchdog in Bengaluru on March 7.

State's Ombudsman Justice P. Vishwanatha Shetty, was stabbed in his office by a disturbed man for not getting a government order through a tender.

Shetty, 74, survived the knife attack and returned to work on April 24.

Modi also accused the Congress of disrespecting former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, which was not acceptable.

"If such is the mindset, how can they think good for the people of Karnataka," wondered Modi, as the grand old party had also never respected Babasaheb Ambedkar or accepted his views.

"Ambedkar had visited Belagavi district years ago. The Congress never gave him the respect he deserved. He was never conferred a Bharat Ratna for so long that Congress was in power," Modi said.

Likening the ruling party in the southern state to a fish that cannot survive without water, Modi said the Congress too could not live without power.

"That's why they (Congress leaders) are spreading lies, dividing people on the grounds of caste. Congress cannot tolerate that our government that got the majority, a person from a humble background like me became the Prime Minister," added Modi.

He also claimed that the Congress could not tolerate the fact that the BJP-led government at the Centre got a majority in the 2014 general elections.

"The Congress must answer people of the state what work they have done in Karnataka," added Modi.

Besides Yeddyurappa, central ministers from the state, thousands of party workers, cadres and supporters were present on the occasion.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Nepali Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on Tuesday said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the country on May 11 will be religious and cultural and there will be no political agreements.

Thapa said the Indian leader will fly directly to Janakpur to visit the Janaki Temple and will be welcomed by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Modi will also take part in a civil felicitation programme at Bahra Bigaha area, the Kathmandu Post reported.

From Janakpur, Modi will fly to Mustang where he will pray at the Muktinath temple. He will then reach Kathmandu, according to the travel itinerary made public by the government.

Thapa and Home Secretary Dev Kumar Rai and chiefs of all three security agencies reached Janakpur on Tuesday to take stock of the security measures for Modi's welcome. In 2014, Modi's plan to enter Nepal through Janakpur was foiled over "security threats".

"His (Modi's) visit this time is for religious purpose, not a political one. This visit will take the centuries-old social and religious relationship between Nepal and India to a new height," Thapa told the media.

He said there will be no programmes for political agreements this time during the Indian Prime Minister's visit. "Modi's visit will help strengthen the religious and cultural relations between the two countries."

Modi will also lay a foundation stone of hydroelectricity Arun III project in Nepal on May 11. The 900 mw run-of-the-river project is developed by the Indian government and is slated to come into operation by 2020.

Last week, there was a blast at the office of hydroelectricity project that damaged the wall of the building in Tumlingtar, 500 km from Kathmandu.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Marrakech, May 1 (IANS/MAP) Morocco plays the role of a "champion" in terms of migration management at the African level, Belgian special envoy for migration and asylum Jean Luc Bodson said here on Tuesday.

Bodson said: "Morocco decided to play, under the auspices of King Mohammed VI, a role of champion in migration matters at the African level."

He called the Kingdom "a key partner in migration for both Belgium and the European Union".

Bodson also noted that much of the migration was internal to Africa, adding that Morocco, especially since its reintegration into the African Union, played an important role in the migration policy in the continent.

The Belgian diplomat's comments came on the sidelines of the meeting of senior officials held as a prelude to the 5th Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development.

The first Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development was held in 2006 in Rabat, while the next three editions were held respectively in Paris (2008), Dakar (2011) and Rome (2014).

--IANS/MAP

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russias election interference, has at least four dozen questions he wants to ask President Donald Trump to learn more about his ties to Moscow, a media report said.

The open-ended queries appear to be an attempt to penetrate the President's thinking, to get at the motivation behind some of his most combative Twitter posts and to examine his relationships with his family and his closest advisers, The New York Times report said on Monday.

The questions deal mainly with Trump's high-profile firings of former FBI Director James Comey and his first National Security Adviser Michael Flynn; his treatment of Attorney General Jeff Sessions; and a 2016 Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and Russians offering dirt on former presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

They also touch on the President's businesses; discussions with his longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen about a Moscow real estate deal; whether Trump knew of any attempt by his son-in-law Jared Kushner to set up a back channel to Russia during the transition; any contacts he had with Roger J. Stone Jr., a longtime adviser who claimed to have inside information about Democratic email hackings; and what happened during Trump's 2013 trip to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant.

"What efforts were made to reach out to Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon?" Mueller planned to ask, according to questions read by the special counsel investigators to the President's lawyers, who compiled them into a list.

A few questions reveal that Mueller is still investigating possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia.

In one of the inquiries, Mueller asks what Trump knew about campaign aides, including the former chairman Paul Manafort, seeking assistance from Moscow, The New York Times reported.

Mueller has sought for months to question the president, who has in turn expressed a desire, at times, to be interviewed, viewing it as an avenue to end the inquiry more quickly.

So far, four people, including Flynn, have pleaded guilty to lying to investigators in the Russia inquiry.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Nearly seven years after journalist Jyotirmoy Dey was gunned down in suburban Mumbai, a Special Court here will pronounce its verdict in the sensational case on Wednesday.

Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Adkar had on April 3 fixed May 2 for the verdict.

Several high-profile accused include mafia don Rajendra S. Nikhalje alias Chhota Rajan, currently lodged in Tihar Central Jail in New Delhi, and former Mumbai journalist Jigna Vora.

The final arguments in the Special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) Court had started in February and concluded early last month.

According to investigators, Chhota Rajan ordered the killing of Dey, a veteran crime reporter of Mumbai.

The mafia don was deported from Indonesia's Bali in November 2015 and subsequently made an accused in the case.

Dey, 56, was the Editor (Investigations) of Midday eveninger, and was shot dead on June 11, 2011, near his Powai residence in central suburban Mumbai, sending shockwaves in the media circles across the country.

The investigations were initially conducted by police but were taken over by the Crime Branch due to its ramifications.

There was a sensational twist to the case when police arrested Vora, then Deputy Bureau Chief of The Asian Age, Mumbai, on November 25, 2011, besides 10 others. It emerged during the probe that Vora was allegedly in regular contact with Chhota Rajan and provoked him to eliminate Dey.

The 11th accused Vinod Asrani alias Vinod Chembur, who was allegedly the main co-conspirator and financier of the entire operation, died of natural causes in April 2015 at a private hospital. He had "pointed out" Dey to the gunmen that morning.

In June 2015, the Special MCOCA court framed charges against the remaining 10 accused, including Vora.

The accused are Rohit Thangappan Joseph alias Satish Kalya, 28; Abhijeet Kasharam Shinde, 27; Arun Janardhan Dake, 27; Sachin Suresh Gaikwad, 35; Anil Bhanudas Waghmode, 35; Nilesh Narayan Shendge alias Bablu, 34; Mangesh Damodar Agawane, 25 (all who conducted recce and/or were shooters); Jigna Vora; weapon supplier Deepak Sisodia, 28, of Dehradun; Joseph Paulson, 43; Vinod Chembur (since deceased).

After Chhota Rajan's arrest, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the Dey murder probe and made him an accused in a supplementary chargesheet.

As much as Rs 500,000 was paid for the contract killing, including Rs 200,000 as advance.

According to Special Public Prosecutor Pradip Gharat, three accused had got recorded in the court their confessional statements on their roles in the crime. A total of 155 witnesses were examined during the trial.

"Chhota Rajan's deposition was recorded via videoconferencing from Tihar jail. He is not likely to be brought here for the verdict," he added.

Dey had authored two books: "Khallas: An A to Z Guide to the Underworld", and "Zero Dial: The Dangerous World of Informers", and was penning his third book, "Chindi: Rags to Riches".

He had reportedly portrayed the mafia don as 'Chindi' (petty) in his upcoming book, which apparently irked Chhota Rajan.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Nepal will deploy over 7,000 security personnel during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit on May 11 that will begin from Janakpur where he will spend 45 minutes in prayers.

Modi will fly directly to Janakpur from Patna and will be welcomed by his Nepali counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli at the Ram Janaki Temple. The Indian leader will perform a special 'puja' at the temple and then take part in a civil felicitation programme at Bahra Bigaha area.

The Indian leader will later inaugurate the Ramayan Circuit, which is one among the 13 tourist circuits under the "Swadesh Darshan Scheme" of India.

According to officials, over 7,000 security personals will be deployed in five layers for the security of the Indian Prime Minister.

From Janakpur, Modi will fly to Mustang where he will pray at the Muktinath temple. He will then reach Kathmandu, according to the travel itinerary made public by the government.

Nepali Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa said the Indian leader's visit will be religious and cultural. There will be no political agreements.

Thapa and Home Secretary Dev Kumar Rai and chiefs of all three security agencies reached Janakpur on Tuesday to take stock of the security measures for Modi's welcome. In 2014, Modi's plan to enter Nepal through Janakpur was foiled over "security threats".

"His (Modi's) visit this time is for religious purpose, not a political one. This visit will take the centuries-old social and religious relationship between Nepal and India to a new height," Thapa told the media.

He said there will be no programmes for political agreements this time during Modi's visit. "The visit will help strengthen the religious and cultural relations between the two countries."

Modi will also lay a foundation stone of hydroelectricity Arun III project in Nepal on May 11. The 900 mw run-of-the-river project is developed by the Indian government and is slated to come into operation by 2020.

Last week, there was a blast at the office of hydroelectricity project that damaged the wall of the building in Tumlingtar, 500 km from Kathmandu.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has talked over the phone with several world leaders to update them on Iran's nuclear weapons programme, his office said.

Netanyahu spoke on Monday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, said a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Prime Minister and the leaders agreed that in the next few days, he would send professional teams to share with Germany and France the detailed materials about Iran's efforts to obtain nuclear weapons," it said.

After the evening live presentation of Israeli documents on Iran's nuclear moves, Netanyahu also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on this matter, the statement said.

"The two also discussed the situation in Syria and agreed to meet as soon as possible," it added.

Netanyahu also planned to update the leaders of Britain and China as soon as possible, it revealed.

Israel had already shared the materials with the US ahead of the presentation.

On Monday evening, Netanyahu presented what he said was "half a ton" of pages and CDs containing information about Iran's nuclear program.

Speaking in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, where the files are stored, Netanyahu said the materials were obtained recently by Israel's security agencies.

The files reportedly show that Iran "lied" about never having tried to develop nuclear weapons and had continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge even after signing the 2015 deal with world powers.

As part of the deal, international sanctions on Iran were lifted.

Iran rejected the allegations, as Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that the accusations were "old allegations already dealt with by the IAEA (the International Atomic Energy Agency)."

The Israeli presentation was made ahead of the looming deadline for US President Donald Trump to decide whether to extend the waiver on the nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to quit the deal, which was signed between Iran and the six world powers, including the US, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany, as a result of the efforts by Trump's predecessor Barack Obama.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)There is no possibility of any new political realignments ahead of the Lok Sabha elections next year, says Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, who has also ruled out his quitting the NDA to join an opposition front.

He says there is no alternative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the opposition, which is disunited and the much-touted SP-BSP unity would not be there in the general elections. While UPA Chaiperson Sonia Gandhi is in the background, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has no Charisma, Paswan feels.

Paswan, who heads Bihar's Lok Janshakti Party, concedes that in an election year, even "small" issues get magnified which is dubbed as anti-incumbency and the government needs to change the "perception" at the ground level.

"No. Earlier it used to happen. There was a time when realignments used to happen. Now the people have tested all the political parties.

"People like me do of self-respect. Those who have self-respect can never stay with (RJD chief) Lalu Prasad. In Congress if somebody wants to meet Rahul Gandhi it will take three months. Even then, the meeting is not sure," Paswan told IANS in an interview.

Asked about the possibility of a realignment of political parties ahead of next year's elections, especially after the coming together of SP-BSP in the recent Lok Sabha bye elctions in Uttar Pradesh.

Paswan also ruled out the possibility of quitting the NDA and join an anti-BJP, anti-Congress front.

"There is no dilemma. It's unthinkable to leave NDA. The question does not arise," he asserted.

In Uttar Pradesh, the minister said, the SP-BSP alliance is not going to happen.

In the last parliamentary polls they contested in all the 80 seats in the state on their own but in case of an alliance each of the two parties would have to contest in 40 seats each.

In this case, Paswan asked "what will happen to those who would not get a ticket despite spending their life for tickets in a particular seat? They are not going to remain silent. Obviously they will spoil the chances of others."

He said some 25 per cent of voters who swing before elections will vote in favour of NDA because they will see Narendra Modi as the candidate for the Prime Minister's post as there are half a dozen leaders in opposition for the post.

"The voters will see that here is Modi and on the other side are are Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Chandrababu Naidu and many more in opposition. In such circumstances the voters would never think of spoiling his vote and would go for Modiji," he asserted.

On Sonia Gandhi's allegation that Modi's call for "New India" is going to prove to be a mere slogan like the "India Shining and "Feel Good" campaigns during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government (1998-2004), Paswan said: "The situation during Vajpayee-ji's time was different. He was running a coalition government. Modiji is running a government of a single party majority.

"That time (Vajpayee) the government used to move ahead after taking political allies into confidence while this government takes risks. Did any government have the courage to take decisions like demonetisation and the GST?

"When there was India Shining under Vajpayee, there was only one big face in opposition and she was Sonia Gandhi. Now, she has receded into background. There is no charisma in Rahul Gandhi. There are many regional satraps who have emerged as leaders. These things count in elections. In fact, the opposition is not united and will not unite in future."

Asked about Modi's "ache din" promise in the 2014 election campaign, Paswan said:

"For those who are angry with Narendra Modi, what are options for them? Who are they going to support? Had Rajiv Gandhi fulfilled the promises he had made? Will people now vote for Rahul Gandhi...There is no alternative to Modi. There is no vacancy for the Prime Minister's post."

Talking about four years of theModi government, Paswan said when the government enters into election year, even small issues are given the shape of national concern and thisis dubbed as an anti-incumbency against the government.

"What needs to done by the government is to propagate properly the development work done at the ground level. The perception needs to be changed. This government has done noting against the interest of the Muslims but there is a perception about the government that it is anti-muslim.

"Similarly, the government has done a lot for the SCs and STs but the perception about the government is of being anti-Dalit. The Prime Minister never spoke a word on controversial issues like construction of Ram temple, Article 370 or any Hindutava issue."

Asked about the Prime Minister not speaking on issues in time when controversies rage, Paswan said: "It is not that the Prime Minister remains silent on every issue. He never spoke on Hindutva. After becoming Prime Minister when he first went to the Parliament he had said that the our constitution is our religion."

Queried about the accusation that the Prime Minister does not take any action against fringe elements who give a bad name to the government, Paswan said: "Its an internal matter of the BJP and I am only an alliance partner. But I can say he is taking steps to control the hardcore Hindutva line of the some the leaders."

In this context, he referred to former VHP working President Pravin Togadia as an example in the wake of his being sidelined in the organisation during the recent election.

On the defeat of BJP-JD(U) in the Lok Sabha and Assembly by-polls in Bihar recently, Paswan said it was on expected lines.

"The sympathy wave played a major role in win of the candidates. "MY" (Muslim+Yadav) equation of RJD chief Lalu Prasad is not new for the state. It's an old practice of the RJD. Besides this, Lalu has no support of any other caste group. Lalu Prasad is in jail and facing corruption charges. People will soon forget him."

When it was suggested that Lalu Prasad may get the sympathy of the people of Bihar, Paswan said: "After some days, the people will forget him. In India, people forgot the emergency. What happened in Haryana when Om Prakash Chautala was jailed? People forgot him. New leadership will emerge in Bihar."

As far as NDA is concerned, he said "we are intact. Nitish has his own vote bank."

In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the minister said, the biggest issue is of caste. "In Bihar, if Scheduled Caste does not support the RJD, it can't do anything. But there will be problem if the SCs join him. The issue of development is secondary in Bihar. Social issues like caste remain on top."

(V.S. Chandrasekar can be contacted at chandru.vs; Brajendra Nath Singh can be contacted at brajednra.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill making Odia language mandatory on signboards of all shops and commercial establishments.

The Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2018 and its rule provides for all shops and establishments to comply within a month or pay fines ranging between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 for a first violation and rising to between Rs 2,000 and Rs 25,000 for the second violation.

The Assembly also passed Odisha Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2018, which makes penal provisions for the government officials for not using Odia language in official work.

In order to encourage maximum use of Odia language, it has also the provision to provide rewards to the officials, according to the bill.

In August 2016, the state government enacted the rules of the Odisha Official Language Act, 1954, formally bringing it into force for official work in Odia language.

A total of eight Bills were passed in the budget session of the Assembly, which culminated on Tuesday, four days ahead of schedule.

The budget session was held in two phases beginning on March 20.

On Monday, the house passed the Odisha Appropriation Bill, 2018, allowing the state government to utilise the annual Budget of Rs 1.22 lakh crore for the current fiscal.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan and Russia on Tuesday marked the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations.

The Pakistan Foreign Office, in a statement on Tuesday, paying tribute to the seven decades of relations between the two countries, said the Pakistan-Russia friendship is fast evolving into a mature partnership, Geo TV reported.

"Relations between the two countries are today characterised by mutual trust, commonality of interests, and convergence of views on important regional and global issues. Both countries have similar stakes in durable peace and stability in their common neighbourhood, and harbour shared aspirations for regional development and prosperity," the statement read.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism, economic, trade and other fields, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministers exchanged messages on Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Both Lavrov and Asif expressed satisfaction about the development of bilateral relations and their two countries' constructive interaction concerning global affairs within the frameworks of the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), it said.

"Russia has been a strong supporter of Pakistan's membership of SCO which affords another useful platform for close cooperation on matters of common concern," the Pakistan Foreign Office said in its statement, Geo TV reported.

"Pakistan views Russia as an important global power, a significant development partner, and a salient contributor to regional stability. We believe that long-term multidimensional strategic partnership between the two countries will be mutually beneficial for the people of Pakistan and the Russian Federation and would contribute towards regional peace and stability," the statement added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An upcoming joint military exercise between Indian and Pakistani troops is a promise in the novel progression of New Delhi-Islamabad ties, a leading daily said on Tuesday.

The exercise will take place under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), The Nation daily said in an editorial.

This is the first time the militaries of the two countries will come together for a joint effort since Independence in 1947.

"The new-fangled initiative is far from an independent cognisant initiative on the part of both the countries at mitigating grievances, and is in fact an enterprise broached under the aegis of the SCO," it said.

The editorial has welcomed the initiative for thawing of hostilities between the two nations due to alleged ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC).

It also hailed the Indian media for "proclaiming the collaboration as positive turn in the bilateral relationship", adding the "sentiment must be reciprocated".

"Where the exercises aim to build trust and mutual understanding, with eye towards coming up with a formula to manage border affairs, any endeavour in this area between the two acrimonious neighbours can go a long way in side stepping their tenuous relationship," the editorial said.

The editorial said that at a time when even the two Koreas have agreed to denuclearise the Peninsula, "the idea of a truly amicable Pakistan-India engagement may not be the stuff of dreams".

"Even though it might be too optimistic to ascribe all hopes of an all-out compromise on this one venture, it is nevertheless a first in the strained Pakistan-India relationship and should be carried forth outside the ambit of multi-nation forums," it concluded.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani doctor serving 33 year prison sentence for helping the CIA track down and kill Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in 2011, is expected to be released in May after authorities remitted 10 years of his sentence, according to his lawyer.

Afridi's lawyer Qamar Nadeem told BBC Urdu on Monday that his client, who has received several remissions in sentence, will complete his jail term this month.

Nadeem said that his client was sentenced to a total of 33 years jail term on four different charges. He was given 30 years on three counts and three years on one count.

However, after an approval of his appeal, 10 years of imprisonment had been remitted, the Express Tribune reported citing the BBC report.

The lawyer said that if Afridi's total jail term and remissions were taken into consideration, then he was likely to be freed this month.

Afridi was shifted to Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi from Peshawar Central Jail under strict security measures on Friday.

According to earlier reports, Afridi was moved in a helicopter but no official statement was issued from the government. However, it was still not clear as to whether he will be kept in Adiala jail or shifted to another location.

He was kept under strict security measures and additional guards were posted at his barracks, the report said, adding that there was a chance that after his release Afridi might move to the US permanently.

Afridi ran a phoney vaccination campaign in Abbottabad to help the CIA track down Bin Laden in his compound and kill him in a controversial raid on May 2, 2011. He was arrested from Peshawar in late 2011.

In 2012, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison for having links with banned militant groups.

US President Donald Trump, two years ago, had said in an interview that during his campaign for presidential elections that he could have Afridi released in two minutes.

However, Pakistan condemned his statement and said the fate of Afridi would be decided by Islamabad and not Washington.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Grooming is essential not just for women but for men too. Regular pedicures, weekly deep cleansing sessions and sweat prevention is a must, say experts.

Ragini Mehra, Founder, Beauty Source and Milan Sharma, Co-founder, Magnifique, have suggested tips:

* Incorporate regular pedicures into your routine: Besides being relaxing, pedicures are an absolute must. Of course, a pedicure will leave you with smooth and nourished skin, but most importantly - it will ensure your toenails are cared for and help you avoid the terrifying ingrown nail.

* Pick your signature fragrance with care: Your favourite winter fragrance could react with heat and sweat to smell like something completely different, so pick your summer perfume with care. Try a few variations and see how they perform before settling on a staple.

* Amp up hair care but cut down on hair styling products: It's summer, so you will perspire. The trick to maintaining a well-coiffed hairdo when the temperature rises is minimum interference. Cut down on styling products that could go wrong, but at the same time, showing your scalp some love with the right hair care routine. A cooling shampoo and a mild leave in conditioner are all you need.

* Sun protection: Using a good sun block is mandatory as sun protection is essential if you are out in the sun during the daytime, in order to avoid sunburns and tan that do not go easily.

* Exfoliate/ deep cleanse weekly: One of the most important parts of any skincare routine, exfoliation will help to remove any oil, grease or dirt build up that inevitably comes with warmer, muggier days.

* Sweat prevention: There's little that can be done in terms of sweat prevention, but simple measures like opting for natural fibres over synthetics, choosing loose fitted clothing and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help. Use a good quality deodorant for keeping body odour at bay.

* Before and after shave: During summer, moisturise the face before shaving, and once you are done, use a toner to keep the skin firm and clear throughout the day. You can, then, apply the after shave cream to keep your skin moisturised and irritation-free.

* Stay hydrated: For flawless skin and hair, make sure to stay hydrated, especially during summer. It helps in keeping acne and skin dryness at bay, which are two major summer issues.

* Shampoo regularly: You need to shampoo on alternate days if your scalp gets excessively oily. Shampoo your hair twice or thrice weekly to get rid of the oil and dirt.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wished the people of Gujarat, and Maharashtra on their Statehood Day.

"On the occasion of Gujarat Day, warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Gujarat. May the state scale newer heights of development in the years to come," Kovind tweeted.

"On Maharashtra Day, greetings and good wishes to the people of Maharashtra. May the state continue to prosper and develop in the years to come," he said in another tweet.

Modi also took to Twitter to wish people of the two states on the occasion. He said people of Gujarat were known for their simplicity and entrepreneurial zeal.

"Gujarat has made a significant contribution in our nation's history, especially during the freedom movement. May Gujarat continue to add impetus to India's progress," he tweeted.

Extending his greetings to Maharashtra, he said: "I pray for the continued progress and prosperity of Maharashtra. May the state scale new heights and keep contributing to the development journey of our nation."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A protest was held on Tuesday outside a Kolkata Metro station after a young couple was reportedly harassed and beaten for "being too close" after boarding the metro train on Monday late evening.

However, no complaint was lodged with the metro rail authority, an official said on Tuesday.

"A group of older men beats up a couple in Kolkata Metro for hugging and being too close. Just everyday bhadralok anger at a hint of pleasure punctures myth of Kolkata as some liberal utopia that not even it's most deluded citizen believes," read the twitter post of a citizen.

The young couple was reportedly bombarded with embarrassing questions followed by punches, kicks, and slaps.

"A young couple embraced in Kolkata metro. It made a bunch of frustrated old losers angry. They beat them up. Scenes of hatred are allowed. Scenes of love are considered obscene," writer Tasleema Nasreen said in a tweet.

"Unfortunately there has been no complaint lodged as yet and this makes it very difficult to conduct an inquiry. Had there been some sort of a complaint from somebody, we could have proceeded," Kolkata Metro Railway CPRO Indrani Banerjee told IANS.

"It is becoming very difficult to get to the bottom of the incident," she added.

Asked how they would handle the protests being staged outside Dumdum Metro Station, she said: "I have just come to know about the protest. People are well within their rights to register their protest but this should not disrupt our services in any manner."

She also said that the metro railway is "against moral policing".

--IANS

bnd/bdc/ssp/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)June 19, 2019, Wednesday

All private universities in Uttar Pradesh will now have to give an undertaking to the government, saying that their campuses will ...The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the Taj Mahal's colour turning brown as it pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government and the Archaeological Survey of India.

Asking if anybody had any clue about the colour of the white marble monument turning brownish, a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta asked the Central government to take the assistance of Indian experts or from abroad to see the extent of damage and if it can be reversed and the steps that can be taken to check it.

The court expressed its concern after petitioner-in-person M.C. Mehta produced some photographs showing that the Taj was turning brownish. The court was hearing an application for the cutting of trees in the Taj Trapezium Zone.

On February 8, the top court sought from the state government a detailed vision document for protection and preservation of the centuries-old monument.

It also inquired why there was a "sudden flurry of activities in and around the Taj Mahal and the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)" and why leather industries and hotels were coming up there.

During its February 8 hearing, the court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to give details of the number of trees planted in and around the Taj Mahal and in the TTZ -- a 10,400 sqkm area spread over the districts of Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras and Etah in Uttar Pradesh and Bharatpur in Rajasthan.

On December 8, 2017, the court asked the state government to plan for the protection and preservation of the Taj Mahal and the environment around it so that the historic monument could be there for another 400 years and not just for a generation.

--IANS

pk/him/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Central and Jammu and governments' response on a plea seeking declaration that the Constitution's Article 35A was unconstitutional as it deprived the generations of outside settlers in the hill state their right to property and employment under the state government.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud tagged the plea with similar petitions pending hearing.

The petitioners have contended that the President could not have amended Article 35 by incorporating Article 35A through a presidential notification.

Article 35A bars all, other than the original inhabitants of the state, from owning immovable property, settling, getting jobs under the state government or availing state scholarship.

The petitioners also included some of the 272 sanitation workers who had in 1957 moved from Gurdaspur and Amritsar in Punjab to settle in Jammu to work as sweepers in the wake of an indefinite strike by the employees of the Jammu Municipal Corporation.

The petitioners contended that they represented the subsequent generation of the settlers who had gone to the hill state at the instance of the J&K government.

The petitioners, the PIL says, were born in J&K and have been permanently residing and living in the State.

The PIL has contended that the denial of right to settle in the state and avail facilities available to original inhabitants was violative of the Constitution's Article 14, 15, 16, 21 and 32 as well certain clauses of Articles 19 and 29.

"The denial of right to seek admission in state-funded higher technical educational institutions, denial of right to get state scholarship and... denial of opportunity of employment in the state services and public sector undertakings and local bodies under the state government, denial of right to acquire and hold property for the purpose of shelter and settlement and denial of remedy of judicial review under impugned Article 35A, to the descendents of a 272 persons... has rendered the life of each one a without any meaning of being a human...," says the PIL.

--IANS

pk/him/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of repeating lies for political purposes, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday challenged him to take part in an open debate with him on the issues of crime, and the law and order situation in Karnataka compared to the BJP-ruled states.

Responding to Modi's allegations that the law and order in the state under Congress rule had collapsed, Siddaramaiah tweeted: "Crime is not increasing in Karnataka abnormally. PM repeats the lie of increasing crime rate for political purposes.

"I challenge him for an open debate on a single platform on crime and law and order situation in Karnataka viz-a-viz BJP-ruled states."

The Prime Minister, addressing a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in the coastal district of Udupi on Tuesday, held the Congress government responsible for the alleged murders of BJP party workers in the state.

"It is extremely shameful that the Congress government has allowed violence in the state and several BJP party workers were murdered. The Congress must provide an answer to these rising crimes," he said.

The state police, however, earlier said the killings of a few people were "neither communal nor political".

Siddaramaiah also hit out at Modi for his remarks that the Karnataka Chief Minister was contesting from two constituencies and changing his seat, fearing defeat.

"Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Vadodara in Gujarat) Mr. PM Narendra Modi? Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation," Siddaramaiah wrote.

Modi had contested from both Varanasi and Vadodara in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

"Forget two seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party (BJP) will not cross 60-70 (seats in the upcoming election)," Siddaramaiah added in his tweet.

The Congress leader also took a jibe at Modi's comments that the party was allowing kith and kin to contest the elections.

"For the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) the rule is '2+1', where he will contest from two seats and has given his old seat (Varuna in Mysuru district) to his son (Yathindra) and for the other ministers (in the state cabinet), the rule seems to be '1+1', allowing their relatives to fight polls," Modi said at a rally in the southern state.

Siddaramaiah has filed nominations for the May 12 election from Chamundeshwari in Mysuru district and Badami in Bagalkot district, while his son Yathindra is contesting from Varuna in Mysuru district.

Though Siddaramaiah had won from Varuna twice since the 2008 Assembly elections, he shifted to Chamundeshwari, making way for his son Yathindra to contest from his home constituency.

Reacting to the allegations, Siddaramaiah tweeted: "Today PM avoided talking about his complicity in closing CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) cases against the Reddy brothers. Instead he spoke about some '2+1' formula. Here is the explanation to his formula to win election: 2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy (referring to party's chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa)."

The Karnataka Chief Minister, along with his tweets posted a picture of the scam-tainted mining baron from Ballari district G. Janardhana Reddy, his brother G. Karunakara Reddy who will be contesting from Harpanahallli in the same district, along with Yeddyurappa.

Janardhana Reddy, who was the state Tourism and Infrastructure Minister between 2008-11 when Yeddyurappa was the Chief Minister, was arrested and jailed for about two years after the state's anti-graft watchdog (Lokayukta) named him in the multi-crore iron ore mining scam that rocked Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for about a decade (2001-10).

Yeddyurappa, too, was forced to step down from the Chief Minister's post over his alleged involvement in a land scam.

The BJP is contesting from all the 224 assembly segments in the state in a bid to return to power after it lost to the Congress in the May 2013 elections.

--IANS

bha/nir/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Sitanshu Ranjan Kar, a 1983-batch officer of the Indian Information Service, has taken over as the 27th Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India and the Director General of Press Information Bureau (PIB), an official release said on Tuesday.

He succeeded Frank Noronha, who superannuated on Monday.

Kar joined the PIB in 2003 and anchored publicity of several key ministries including the Defence Ministry.

As per the release, he is the longest serving Spokesperson of the Defence Ministry, for over a decade at a stretch.

Kar joined the News Services Division of the All India Radio for a short stint before moving to Doordarshan News, where he spent nearly 17 years.

"In 1988, Kar became the first Indian to win the prestigious Visnews Fellowship of London in a world-wide competition," the release said.

--IANS

spk/nir

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Thespian Soumitra Chatterjee and veteran film maker Buddhadeb Dasgupta were on Tuesday conferred lifetime achievement awards for their contribution towards Indian cinema on occasion of the third edition of the Bengal International Short Film Festival (BISFF) here.

While Chatterjee was presented the 'Hiralal Sen Award' by iconic Bengali actor Prasenjit Cahtterjee and West Bengal Information Technology Minister Bratya Basu, the 'Devaki Kumar Bose Award was handed over to Dasgupta's assistant as the septuagenarian filmmaker could not be present at the event owing to illness.

Young actor Riddhi Sen who bagged the best actor award in the 65th National Film Awards this year was given a special felicitation at the event.

Shree Venkatesh Films, one of eastern India's leading film production houses was also awarded for their efforts in production and distribution of Bengali films across the country.

A total of 54 short films including 44 Indian and 10 foreign films would be screen in the three day festival organised by the Bengal Film and Television Cahmber of Commerce (BFTCC), from May 2 to May 4.

Film Federation of India President Sakshi Gopal Mehera, who was present at the inaugural ceremony, said such events are important in promoting the the short length films that are becoming increasingly relevant in the age of digitalisation.

"The event is providing a platform for the young and upcoming filmmakers to showcase their talent besides felicitating the stalwarts of Bengali cinema. I am sure with more such opportunities, the next generation would be ready to produce more such brilliant talents," he said.

--IANS

mgr/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Adult film star Stormy Daniels is suing US President Donald Trump over a "defamatory" tweet about alleged threats against her, her lawyer says.

Daniels, whose real name Stephanie Clifford, says she was threatened by a man in a Las Vegas car park to drop her allegations of an affair with Trump, BBC reported on Monday.

Trump retweeted a sketch of the man, calling it "a total con job".

But Daniels' lawyer tweeted that Mr Trump was "well aware of what transpired".

"Trump used his national and international audience of millions of people to make a false factual statement to denigrate and attack Ms Clifford," the filing to a New York federal court reads.

The suit says the president's tweet was defamatory as it accused Daniels of "committing a serious crime" - namely, falsely accusing a person of threatening her.

Trump retweeted the sketch of the person earlier this month, calling him "a nonexistent man".

Daniels says she and the president had an affair, starting in 2006. The president strongly denies the allegation.

She told CBS News' 60 minutes programme that following the end of the relationship, a man approached her and her daughter in a Las Vegas car park and told her to "forget the story, leave Donald Trump alone".

Daniels previously sued Mr Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen to end an alleged non-disclosure agreement about the relationship, which she says Trump never signed.

Cohen has previously admitted giving Ms Daniels $130,000 out of his own pocket, but has not said why he did this.

This case was, however, halted for 90 days, when the presiding judge said Cohen's rights could be put in danger if the case continued while he was under criminal investigation.

Cohen is under scrutiny as part of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election and alleged collusion with President Trump's campaign.

--IANS

pgh/

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Synergies Castings Ltd, a leading aluminium alloy wheel manufacturer, will establish a major greenfield aluminium casting and specialty alloy wheel manufacturing facility in this port city of Andhra Pradesh, it was announced on Tuesday.

The company said it had signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government, in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, for this purpose.

This new facility with an annual production capacity of 2.4 million wheels per year, benchmarked at 18" wheel size will have the most sophisticated casting, machining, painting facilities with embedded digital manufacturing technologies.

The project cost of $100 million will be financed by the existing shareholders, accruals and bank debt, the company said in a statement.

Andhra Pradesh, which is emerging as major auto hub in the country, has attracted an investment of $3.7 billion (about Rs 25,000 crore) in the auto sector. The state now boasts of presence of auto companies like Korean Kia Motors, Japanese auto major Isuzu, two-wheeler major Hero Motocorp, Apollo Tyres, Bharat Forge and Brakes India among others

Shekhar Movva, President, Synergies, said together with its ancillaries, this venture will provide more than 2,000 skilled jobs in the region.

Together with the ongoing expansion at the existing location, the new greenfield plant being built in Oman, and this proposed new greenfield, the company is on-course to becoming a 6-million-wheel capacity company by 2022-23.

Synergies already has its presence in Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone and it has been supplying to leading OEMs in India and overseas for more than 17 years.

--IANS

ms/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Congress leader and former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday slammed the BJP government for the "crushing tax burden" due to the prices of petroleum products, saying it has become a "people vs government" issue.

Chidambaram in a series of tweets said that people were seeking relief from the tax burden of the prices of petroleum products.

"Every rupee cut in tax on petrol/diesel will result in LOSS of Rs 13,000 crore says government. Every rupee tax on petrol/diesel will result in BURDEN of Rs 13,000 crore say the people," he said.

"Whose interest should prevail? The interest of the government or the welfare of the people? Crushing tax burden on petrol and diesel has made this into a People vs Government issue," he added.

The Congress has been accusing the Narendra Modi government of failing to curb the rise in the prices of petroleum products.

Last week the petrol price in Delhi was the highest in nearly five years and diesel prices also touched fresh record levels.

--IANS

ps/nks/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Under a new scheme to be launched on May 10, Telangana government plans to distribute Rs 6,000 crore among farmers as investment support.

Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Tuesday said that the required funds and cash reserves for Rythu Bandhu scheme are deposited in the banks and the government will start distributing cheques among the farmers from May 10.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister's office, as on Tuesday, Rs 4,114.62 crore was kept ready in various banks. The state Finance Secretary is also meeting Reserve Bank of India officials to get another Rs 2,000 crore.

"By the time cheques are to be dispersed, Rs 6,000 crore cash reserves would be kept ready with the banks," he said. The funds are kept with SBI, Telangana Grameena Bank, Grameena Vikas Bank, Canara Bank, IOB, Corporation Bank, Andhra Bank and Syndicate Bank.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, directed the bank officials not to use funds meant for the farmers for other purposes. The authorities have printed required number of cheque books and passbooks of the farmers.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government has announced that it will give financial assistance of Rs 8,000 per acre per year for two crops.

"We have decided to distribute 57.33 lakh passbooks to farmers all over the state. Out of this, 4.60 lakh did not link their Aadhar cards. For 52,72,779 farmers who have linked their Aadhar cards, passbooks and cheques will be distributed," KCR said.

--IANS

ms/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Matt Groening, creator of "The Simpsons", has brushed off criticism over the Apu character, saying people love to fake taking offence.

Asked if he has given any thoughts to the criticism of Apu as a stereotype, Groening said: "Not really."

"I'm proud of what we do on the show. And I think it's a time in our culture where people love to pretend they're offended," usatoday.com quoted Groening as saying.

Groening is the latest member of "The Simpsons" to comment on the criticism. Apu had to grapple with the troubling stereotype of a convenience store clerk with an exaggerated, fake Indian accent since the show's inception.

Actor Hank Azaria, who plays Apu, said he would consider stepping aside so that a south Asian actor could take over the role.

"The Simpsons" has become the longest running scripted show in American TV history.

--IANS

sug/rb/bg

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump has declined to apologise for his campaign-era proposal to ban all Muslims from the America, saying "there's nothing to apologise for", the media reported.

"There's no reason to apologize," Trump said on Monday during a joint news conference alongside the Nigerian President when asked if he would apologise for his call during the 2016 presidential campaign for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the US.

"There's nothing to apologize for. We have to have strong immigration laws to protect our country."

Trump's refusal to apologise for or rescind his calls during the 2016 campaign for banning all Muslims from entering the United States has been repeatedly cited during court cases concerning the travel ban he put in place last year, reports CNN.

Trump said he did not believe an apology would change the course of the legal case.

He continued to slam current US immigration laws during the conference on Monday.

"Our immigration laws in this country are a total disaster. They're laughed at all over the world."

He also derided the laws as "weak", "pathetic" and "obsolete".

"Just look at our southern border and look at our weak and obsolete immigration laws. And they are obsolete and they are weak and they are pathetic," Trump said.

"And there's no country in the world that has laws like we do and they've got to change and they've got to change now for the safety of our country."

Trump's comment came as he discussed loopholes in US immigration laws that he said can be exploited by terrorists and traffickers, CNN reported.

The Prseident said his administration is closely monitoring developments involving the caravan and has previously pledged to keep any migrants from entering the US illegally.

The latest iteration of Trump's travel ban is now before the US Supreme Court, which last week heard oral arguments in the case.

During the arguments, several justices pressed the government on Trump's campaign promise to ban Muslims from the US.

The US solicitor general, Noel Francisco, argued that campaign statements "should be out of bounds".

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Donald Trump administration in the US has extended negotiations on steel and aluminium tariffs for 30 days with Canada, the EU and Mexico.

It has also reached an agreement in principal with Argentina, Brazil and Australia, BBC reported on Monday.

In March, US President Donald Trump imposed worldwide tariffs of 25 per cent on US imports of steel and 10 per cent on aluminium.

Some countries were then exempted temporarily from those tariffs, including Canada, the EU and Mexico.

China was not included in the exemptions and it later retaliated with its own duties on some US imports.

Trump responded by calling for further US tariffs against China, escalating trade tensions between the two giants.

South Korea was given an indefinite exemption in return for a 30 per cent cut in its steel exports to the US.

"In all of these negotiations, the Administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent trans-shipment, and protect the national security," a statement from the White House said.

The statement said the details of the agreements with Argentina, Brazil and Australia would be "finalized shortly".

Canada and Mexico had previously been given exemptions until 1 May while talks took place over Nafta (the North America Free Trade Agreement), as had Argentina, Australia, Brazil and the EU.

Those talks are due to resume next week.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday his government had been in regular contact with the White House on Canada's temporary exemption to metals tariffs.

Canada is the biggest importer of steel into the US.

The EU meanwhile had said it expected a "permanent and unconditional" exemption to replace the temporary measure that was set to run out on 1 May.

It said it would launch a series of countermeasures if that failed.

Meanwhile, the UK's International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, had said placing tariffs on UK exports would be "illogical" because some products sold to the US were destined for the American military.

--IANS

pgh/

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump's administration said that it would delay a decision to impose steel and aluminium tariffs on the EU, Canada and Mexico for another 30 days, giving Washington's key allies a reprieve, the media reported.

The 25 per cent tariffs on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium were slated to go into effect on Tuesday, reports The New York Times.

The administration, which granted temporary exemptions to a handful of countries in March, said on Monday it had reached initial agreements with Argentina, Australia and Brazil that would allow them to avoid the tariffs, at least for now.

Details of those agreements will be finalised in the next 30 days, the White House said in a statement.

"In all of these negotiations, the Administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security," CNN quoted the statement as saying.

The White House said it has also "reached a final agreement with South Korea on steel imports", which were part of the administration's renegotiation of the US-South Korea free trade agreement.

The decision comes days after French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel personally lobbied Trump in Washington last week not to bring the steel and aluminium tariffs down on the European Union.

The prolonged exemptions for Canada and Mexico come as the Trump administration is working to renegotiate the North America Free Trade Agreement among the three countries.

If the tariffs do go into effect after the 30-day reprieve, Europe has promised swift retaliation, The New York Times reported.

It has drawn up a lengthy list of American products it would penalise in return, including orange juice, cranberries, motorcycles and jeans.

It has also asked to join a dispute China brought at the World Trade Organisation against the tariffs.

In a statement late Monday, the British government said the move was "positive" and that it would work with American and EU negotiators for a permanent exemption.

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump has announced he will again postpone imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada, Mexico and the EU for another 30 days, giving key allies a reprieve.

The move on Monday gave key trading partners -- and three of Washington's four largest trading partners time till June 1 to reach a deal with the Trump administration to avoid duties of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium exports sent to the US.

The tariffs were slated to go into effect on Tuesday if Trump had not moved to extend the deadline, the US media reported.

The administration has also reached preliminary agreements with three other countries that had initially been granted a temporary exemption -- Argentina, Brazil and Australia -- allowing them to escape the duties as details get finalized over the next 30 days, the White House was cited as saying by the New York Times.

Trump said he would consider reimposing the tariffs if the agreements were not finalized "shortly".

"In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment and protect the national security," the White House said in a statement.

It said it also "reached a final agreement with South Korea on steel imports", which were part of the administration's renegotiation of the US-South Korea free trade agreement, CNN reported.

The decision came days after French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel personally lobbied Trump in Washington last week not to bring the steel and aluminium tariffs down on the EU.

The prolonged exemptions for Canada and Mexico came as the Trump administration was working to renegotiate the North America Free Trade Agreement among the three countries.

The EU, which has been a vocal critic of the tariffs, threatened $3.5 billion in retaliatory tariffs on jeans, motorcycles, cranberries and orange juice if Trump follows through with metals tariffs.

Trump's trade team is heading to Beijing this week to try to work out an agreement with China's leaders over another round of proposed tariffs.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross earlier said that the nations seeking waivers were asked to agree to impose quotas on steel and aluminium in exchange for getting a permanent break from tariffs.

In a statement late Monday, the British government called the move "positive" and that it would work with American and EU negotiators for a permanent exemption.

--IANS

soni/mr

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The UN has received 54 complaints of sexual abuse or exploitation during the first three months of this year, Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said Tuesday.

The allegations were reported from all UN entities and partners implementing its programmes.

Haq said that the allegations involved 66 victims of whom 13 were girls under the age of 18.

"Combating this scourge (of sexual abuse), and helping and empowering those who have been scarred by these egregious acts, continue to be key priorities for the Secretary-General in 2018," he said.

Peacekeeping operations accounted for 14 allegations, 18 were from UN agencies, funds and programmes, 21 related to implementing partners and one to a member of a non-UN international force, he said.

The nationalities and other details of the alleged perpetrators and victims were not disclosed.

Haq added that 17 of the allegations were of sex abuse and 34 were of sexual exploitation, which involves exchange of money, favours or goods for sex.

Two of the allegations have been substantiated and and two were found to be unsubstantiated, while the rest were under various stages of investigation or review, Haq said.

"With over 95,000 civilians and 90,000 uniformed personnel working for the UN, sexual exploitation and abuse are not reflective of the conduct of the majority of the dedicated women and men who serve the Organization" in "some of the most dangerous places in the world," he added.

He said that a separate report covering sexual harassment of UN employees would be issued later.

During the last three months of last year, the UN reported 40 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse, of which 15 were from peacekeeping operations.

Making a commitment to zero tolerance, Guterres has declared: "We will not tolerate anyone committing or condoning sexual exploitation and abuse. We will not let anyone cover up these crimes with the UN flag."

In one of his initiatives to combat sex crimes in the UN, Guterres appointed a Victims Rights Advocate last year and improved the system for reporting complaints.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

al/vd

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The members of the UN Security Council have met Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss the issue of more than one million Rohingya refugees who have fled into neighbouring Bangladesh, the chief UN spokesman said.

"The Security Council, as you know, has a mission that has been traveling in Asia," Stephane Dujarric told reporters at UN Headquarters on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. "That team met this morning (Monday) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka."

"Following that meeting, the Security Council delegation flew to Naypyidaw, the Myanmar capital, where it metMyanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and with General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces," the spokesman said.

There was no word of what was discussed in the meetings, but a news conference was promised for Tuesday in the capital.

However, one of the objectives for the council was spelled out in a letter last week from the president of the council on the "terms of reference" for the trip.

Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra of Peru, this month's president of the panel of 15, said the objective of the visit was compliance with a November 2016 council Presidential Statement.

That document called for protection of civilians and said the council "urges the Government of Myanmar to work with the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations to allow the voluntary return of all refugees in conditions of safety and dignity to their homes in Myanmar."

That was expressed as the main objective, at this point, ambassadors said before leaving UN Headquarters late last week.

"The council mission also met with civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives in the Myanmar capital," Dujarric said.

"Tomorrow (Tuesday), the Security Council will fly to Rakhine State, where the delegation will meet with the local government and civil society," he said. "They will visit Northern Rakhine State and then have a press conference upon returning to Naypyidaw."

More than 670,000 ethnic Muslim Rohingya have fled northern Rakhine State since August 25, 2017. On that date, Rohingya activists are alleged to have carried out a deadly attack on security posts, prompting alleged retribution by Myanmar forces and vigilante groups.

--IANS

pgh/

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Investors from the US and China will meet in the US city of Omaha, the hometown of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, on Friday to explore cooperation opportunities between the two countries.

Yahoo Finance, partnering with the China General Chamber of Commerce USA and the Asian Cultural Center US, is hosting the first "US-China Investor Forum" in Omaha -- in Nebraska state -- a city on the Missouri river, during the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting weekend, Xinhua news agency reported.

The forum will focus on business and investment opportunities between the US and China, how both countries can continue a stable and healthy bi-lateral relationship, how Warren Buffett is viewed in China and his investing principles.

The forum will feature panel discussions like Interview with Warren Buffett, China's EV Revolution, New US-China Partnerships, Hot Properties, Transforming Global Banking and US-China Trade at a Crossroads.

--IANS

pgh/

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump's administration is considering strict measures to block Chinese citizens from performing sensitive research at American universities and research institutes over fears they may be acquiring intellectual secrets, the media reported.

The White House is discussing whether to limit the access of Chinese citizens to the US, including restricting certain types of visas available to them and greatly expanding rules pertaining to Chinese researchers who work on projects with military or intelligence value at American companies and universities, informed officials told The New York Times on Monday.

The exact type of projects that would be subject to restrictions remain unclear, but the measures could clamp down on collaboration in advanced materials, software and other technologies at the heart of Beijing's plan to dominate cutting-edge technologies like advanced microchips, artificial intelligence and electric cars, known as "Made in China 2025".

The potential curbs are part of a broad set of measures the administration says are necessary to combat a growing national security threat from China, which it has accused of pressuring or coercing American companies into handing over valuable trade secrets.

But blocking Chinese citizens' access to American laboratories over fears of spying would be a significant escalation in an emerging Cold War with the Chinese over which nation will claim technological dominance, according to the officials.

The details are still under discussion and it is not known how many people could be affected, but restrictions would probably fall most heavily on graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and employees of technology companies in the US on temporary visas.

More than one million foreign students study in the US each year, with roughly one-third coming from China.

This week, a delegation of administration officials, including Treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, will head to China for discussions to help avoid a trade war, The New York Times reported.

Trump has threatened tariffs on roughly $150 billion of Chinese goods in retaliation for unfair trade practices.

The administration is expected to detail new plans for restrictions on Chinese investment in the US by the end of May.

Congress is also considering giving the US broader authority to restrict Chinese investments.

--IANS

ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a jolt to Facebook, WhatsApp co-founder and CEO Jan Koum has decided to move on amid reports that he had a difference of opinion with parent company Facebook over data privacy, encryption and other issues.

Koum announced his exit from WhatsApp immediately after The Washington Post on Monday reported his plans to depart "after clashing with its parent, Facebook, over the popular messaging service's strategy and Facebook's attempts to use its personal data and weaken its encryption".

"I'm leaving at a time when people are using WhatsApp in more ways than I could have imagined. The team is stronger than ever and it'll continue to do amazing things," Koum said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

"I'm taking some time off to do things I enjoy outside of technology, such as collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars and playing ultimate frisbee. And I'll still be cheering WhatsApp on - just from the outside. Thanks to everyone who has made this journey possible," he added.

According to the report, Koum who sold WhatsApp to Facebook for more than $19 billion in 2014, "also plans to step down from Facebook's board of directors".

"The independence and protection of its users' data is a core tenet of WhatsApp that Koum and his co-founder, Brian Acton, promised to preserve when they sold their tiny start-up to Facebook," the report added.

Koum further said in his post that "It's been almost a decade since Brian and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people.

"But it is time for me to move on. I've been blessed to work with such an incredibly small team and see how a crazy amount of focus can produce an app used by so many people all over the world," he added.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg quickly replied via a post: "I will miss working so closely with you. I'm grateful for everything you've done to help connect the world, and for everything you've taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralised systems and put it back in people's hands".

According to Tech Crunch, One possible candidate for the new WhatsApp CEO role would be its top business executive Neeraj Arora.

Arora has been WhatsApp since 2011 -- well before the Facebook acquisition.

With 1.5 billion monthly users, WhatsApp is the biggest mobile messaging service in the world. Over 3 million people are actively using WhatsApp Business app.

After the Cambridge Analytica data scandal, Facebook has warned investors that more users' data scandals in the future may adversely affect the social networking giant's reputation and brand image.

In its quarterly report shared with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), without mentioning Cambridge Analytica, Facebook said that its ongoing investments in safety, security and content review will identify additional instances of misuse of user data.

"We may also be notified of such incidents or activity via the media or other third parties," Facebook said.

Appearing before the US Congress, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told the lawmakers that his own personal data was part of 87 million users' that was "improperly shared" with the British political consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica.

--IANS

na/nks/ksk

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nuclear allegations against Tehran as a "worthless show".

Ministry spokesman Baharm Qasemi said that the "ridiculous propagandist presentations" of Netanyahu are "one of the latest shameful and worthless shows about Iran's nuclear programme", reports Xinhua news agency.

Netanyahu on Monday disclosed files that he said could prove Iran has secretly worked on nuclear weapons even after it signed an agreement in 2015 to halt ts nuclear programme.

The Iranian nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed between Iran and six world powers, was designed to limit Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for the removal of international sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use" at the Fordow nuclear testing site, said Netanyahu.

However, Qasemi said the allegations were "merely aimed at spreading lies and deception".

Netanyahu's disclosure comes ahead of Trump's May 12 deadline to decide whether to extend the waiver on nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to quit the deal.

--IANS

ksk/vm

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)As the risk of a US-China trade war mounts, creating a geopolitically neutral and fair monetary system has become increasingly urgent. The shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world order has not been particularly orderly. Instead, it has produced a kind of monetary non-system that depends on a debt-driven, dollar-based model that is too pro-cyclical, fragile, and potentially biased to support the management of trade conflict.

At the root of the problem are the structural trade and current-account imbalances that arise from the so-called Triffin dilemma: In order to meet global demand for the US dollar as a reserve currency, the United States must run persistent current-account deficits with the rest of the world. Last year, that deficit reached $474 billion, or 2.4 per cent of US GDP.

To be sure, the guarantee that the US, as the issuer of the dominant international reserve currency, can acquire low-cost funding for its fiscal deficit and national debt amounts to what former French president Valery Giscard dEstaing famously called Americas exorbitant privilege. But that privilege can erode the countrys fiscal discipline, as it has in recent years, resulting in high federal deficits ($833 billion, or 4.2 per cent of GDP, in 2018) and growing federal debt ($21 trillion, or 104 per cent of GDP, as of March).

The policies favoured by US President Donald Trumps administration exacerbate this tendency. Recent tax cuts and increased military spending have led the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to estimate that the US international investment position will deteriorate in the coming years, with net liabilities reaching 50 per cent of GDP by 2022.

Moreover, Trumps threats of trade and currency wars are fuelling fears that the US dollar could become a weapon in geopolitical disputes. Such a step would trigger immense volatility throughout the international monetary system, throwing many economies  such as those that link their currencies to the US dollar or hold a large volume of dollar reserves  into crisis.

Of course, the Triffin dilemma can be avoided, and Americas outsize influence over the monetary system reduced. All that is needed is a major reserve currency that is not issued by a national authority. Gold was once supposed to fill this role, but it couldnt meet the demand for global liquidity and a store of value.

Illustration: Ajay Mohanty

A better option is the IMFs Special Drawing Right (SDR), which the second amendment of the bodys Articles of Agreement asserts should become the worlds principle reserve asset. Some  including former Peoples Bank of China governor Zhou Xiaochuan and former Colombian finance minister Jose Antonio Ocampo  have since advocated following through on that plan.

Yet, the SDR is not used widely enough to serve as a major international reserve currency. According to a Palais Royal Initiative report, a key way to raise the SDRs global standing is through regular allocations of SDRs under appropriate safeguards or even allocations in exceptional circumstances. The report also calls for the IMF to work with the private sector to explore ways in which the SDR could be more widely used in private transactions.

A key hurdle for the SDR has always been the geopolitical interests and priorities of the reserve-issuing central banks (not just the US, but also the eurozone, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom). But the advent of cryptocurrencies may offer another way: The private sector can work directly with central banks to create a digital SDR to use as a unit of account and store of value.

Such an e-SDR would, in a sense, be the quintessential reserve asset, because it would be fully backed by reserve currencies, in the IMF-determined ratio. The supply of e-SDRs would be completely dependent on market demand.

Of course, to enable a gradual shift from the US dollar to an e-SDR as the dominant international reserve currency, a sufficiently large e-SDR-denominated money market would need to be created. To that end, a politically neutral body, owned by the private sector or central banks, should be established to issue the asset. Participating central banks and asset managers would then have to swap their reserve-currency holdings for e-SDRs.

Once the private sector comes to view the e-SDR as a less volatile unit of account than individual component currencies, asset managers, traders, and investors could begin to price their goods and services and value their assets and liabilities, accordingly. For example, the Chinese governments massive Belt and Road Initiative could be conducted in e-SDRs. In the longer term, an international financial centre, such as London or Hong Kong, could spearhead experimentation with e-SDRs using blockchain technology, with special swap facilities being created to make the asset more liquid.

Another imperative would be to create an e-SDR-denominated debt market, which would appeal to countries that want to avoid getting caught in the crossfire between reserve-issuing countries. Multinational firms and regional and international financial institutions should provide the needed supply of assets. On the demand side, e-SDR-denominated long-term bank debts could be used by pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign-wealth funds.

The e-SDR-denominated debt market would even be good for all reserve currencies  except the US dollar  as their weight in determining the assets value exceeds their current shares in foreign-exchange markets. In the longer term, the e-SDRs rise could put added pressure on the US to rein in it's spending.

The rise of cryptocurrencies has created a unique opportunity for market forces to spearhead a shift toward a truly neutral reserve asset. With US leadership more unpredictable than ever, it is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Andrew Sheng is Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Global Institute at the University of Hong Kong and a member of the UNEP Advisory Council on Sustainable Finance. Xiao Geng, President of the Hong Kong Institution for International Finance, is a professor at the University of Hong Kong.

Copyright: Project Syndicate, 2018Samuel Taylor Coleridges often misquoted poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, came to my mind the other day when I received a WhatsApp from a friend who has recently moved from Gurugram to Cape Town, informing me about Day Zero and how Cape Town expected to be out of the water.

With nothing but a vast coastline enveloping it, water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink  often misquoted as not a drop to drink  for once sounded apt to me. However, the good news was that it was an empty threat, a panic created by the then mayor Particia de Lille. ...It is a surprise that the high court bench took so long to just say that the court cannot interfere in the powers of the Speaker and give its verdict in the case pertaining to the 10 AIADMK MLAs including Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, O Panneerselvam, who had voted against the AIADMK government.

One wonders how the courts became aware only now that they cannot interfere in the matter of the Speaker after sitting on the verdict for so many months. It is a surprise that the court has upheld the appointment of the three Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs unilaterally appointed by the ...The government's May Day function in the national capital began with Minister of State for Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar asking a gathering to take an oath of cleanliness, in line with the government's pet Swachh Bharat Abhiyan programme. The audience stood up to read out from a piece of paper, kept on each seat, with the oath written in Hindi.

The audience pledged to devote two hours to cleanliness-related work every week and also convince 100 other people to take the same oath. As the crowd dispersed at the end of the event, the oath papers were found lying here ...A man died and two were injured after a fire broke out in a three-storeyed nail polish factory in outer Delhi's Mangolpuri, an officer from the Delhi Fire Service said today.

A call about the blaze was received at 4.15 pm and eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The fire was doused by 5.30 pm, he said, adding the second and the third floor of the factory were affected by the blaze.

Three men were present on the second floor of the building and had inhaled copious amount of smoke. They were rushed to a hospital, where one of them was declared 'brought dead', the officer said.

The other two are undergoing treatment, he said.

Further details were awaited.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)One man was killed and four people were injured in two road accidents in outer Delhi's Narela area, police said today.

A speeding truck rammed into a motorcycle, crushing Sahil Khatri to death and injuring his friend when the duo were headed to Alipur, they said, adding that the truck driver fled from the spot with the truck after the accident.

Khatri was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared "brought dead", officials said.

In a separate incident, a car driver lost control and rammed his vehicle into a truck parked by the side of the road in Narela. Three people, including a minor, were injured, they added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Over 3.17 lakh students from countries covered by the China's Belt and Road Initiative studied in China, the government said.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a pet initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping was proposed in 2013, and four years on, over 100 countries and international organisations have supported and got involved in this initiative.

A total of 317,200 students from BRI countries studied in China in 2017, up 11.58 per cent over 2016, accounting for 64.85 per cent of the total international students in China, the Ministry of said in a statement yesterday.

About 4.90 lakh foreigners from 204 countries and regions studied in China in 2017, more than any other country in Asia.

That included about 15, 000 Indian students, according to unofficial estimates. The Indian students mainly comprised of those studying medicine in colleges across China.

India has not backed the BRI as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, (CPEC) is its flagship project. India protested to China over the CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

China has been offering special scholarships for the students from countries under BRI.

Some Chinese universities have launched programmes inspired by the BRI to attract students from countries covered by it.

Renmin University of China, for instance, established a new college, named after the Silk Road, earlier this month on the campus in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou.

The college will officially open in September, offering a two-year postgraduate programme on contemporary Chinese studies. It will provide full scholarships for international students.

Six other universities also signed an agreement with the Belt and Road Institute of the National Development and Reform Commission to enroll more international students from B&R countries, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Three workers were killed and two others injured when rocks fell on them at a gravel quarry near Vadipatti in the district today, police said.

The three were crushed to death on the spot in the mishap that occurred in Poochampatti village.

The injured had been admitted to a hospital, police added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A special court today awarded four-year jail term to the director of Gondwana Ispat Ltd in a coal scam case relating to the allocation of a coal block in Maharashtra.

Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar, who is exclusively dealing with coal scam cases, also imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on its director Ashok Daga and Rs 60 lakh on the firm.

Daga has been in custody since April 27 after the court had held that he and the company were guilty of cheating and criminal conspiracy to get the Majra coal block in Maharashtra allocated to it.

The director and the company were convicted under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC and also for the substantive offence under section 420 of the IPC.

Gondwana Ispat Ltd (GIL) was allocated the Majra coal block in 2003 and an FIR was lodged against it in 2014.

The CBI had alleged in the chargesheet that it had found during the probe that Daga had made "unsubstantiated claim even towards the financial preparedness and the tie-up regarding iron ore with Odisha government".

It had alleged that as the Ministry of Coal (MOC) then was not following any system of checking the information provided by an applicant company, GIL and Daga in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy had misrepresented to various government authorities and induced them to reserve or allocate the Majra coal block in their favour.

According to the CBI, on April 22, 2000, Daga had applied to the MoC for allotment of the Ekarjuna Extension coal block in Maharashtra to set up a washery cum sponge iron plant of 60,000 tonne per year capacity in Warora area. This application was rejected.

On September 25, 2001, Daga applied for allotment of Warora West coal block in Maharashtra to set up 1.2 lakh tonne per annum washery cum sponge iron plant. the CBI alleged that in continuation of its earlier application, GIL requested MoC to consider the allotment of Majra-Belgaon coal blocks, having extractable reserve of 8 to 10 million tonnes as an alternate to the Warora North coal block.

MoC, in its 18th Screening Committee meeting held on May 5, 2003, considered the application of M/s GIL and Chandrapur Ispat Ltd for allocation of Majra-Belgaon coal block.

The agency had said that based on the documents and representation submitted by the company, the ministry on October 29, 2003, reserved Majra coal block for M/s GIL subject to certain conditions.

CBI had alleged that during the probe it was found that though after allocation of the coal block in 2003 Daga had filed an undertaking to MOC that he will install a plant or carry out its extension and develop the coal mine, he sold off the company to Nand Kishore Sarda while earning huge profit in October 2005.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court was today informed that the Supreme Court has stayed its order forming a temporary Internal Complaint Committee (TICC) in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to proceed with 31 pending complaints of sexual harassment.

The high court's bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Chander Shekhar said it would not be appropriate for it to proceed with the plea challenging the formation of Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) by JNU administration, as of now, as the matter is pending before the apex court.

"We cannot proceed till the Supreme Court order is there. We should not proceed. As far as final hearing in the matter is concerned, we will not proceed today," the bench said.

The bench was hearing a plea filed by a group of teachers and students of JNU opposing the office order disbanding the Gender Sensitisation Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) committee and replacing it by ICC.

They had also opposed a registrar's circular putting on hold the election of students' representatives to the dissolved body.

The JNU has moved the top court challenging the two orders of the high court passed on December 19 last year and February 22 this year.

The Supreme Court had on April 23, issued notice on the plea and said that "until further orders, there shall be stay of operation of the impugned order/s passed by the High Court. However, we make it clear that the ICC may proceed with all complaints in the meanwhile."



The high court on December 19, 2017 had formed the three-member TICC saying that it will consist of one member each of the present ICC and erstwhile GSCASH and the third member would be nominated by them from an NGO or an association committed to the cause of women.

In its February 22 order, the bench had asked the authorities to comply with its December 19 order.

During the day's hearing, senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for petitioner teachers and students, said the court should hear her arguments on the main petition as it was different from the interim order.

She further claimed that the JNU administration had broke open locks of the disbanded GSCASH's office and took all the documents in their custody.

The bench, however, listed for July 19 the petition challenging the varsity administration's decision on disbanding the GSCASH and forming the ICC instead.

The high court had earlier asked the JNU to maintain status quo on the sealing of the office of GSCASH committee which was superseded by the ICC.

The JNU administration had in its 269th Executive Council meeting held on September 18 ordered the dissolution of the independent body GSCASH.

As an interim relief, the petitioners had sought a stay on the operation of the order to disband GSCASH and a direction to JNU to preserve all records of GSCASH from 1999 till date in consultation with GSCASH.

The petition was filed by three teachers and three students Prof Madhu Sahni, Prof Rajat Dutta, Prof Hemant Adlakha, Ritika Kar, Rituraj Sharma and Sonam Goyal.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The government today extended the deadline for submission of initial bids for Air India stake sale till May 31 and issued a slew of clarifications on the divestment process, including that individuals other than the airline employees are barred from bidding.

Coming out with a set of clarifications in the form of 160 questions and respective answers, the government also made it clear that it would have the rights of a "minority shareholder" with 24 per cent stake in Air India post disinvestment.

Providing more time, the last date for submission of Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for Air India disinvestment has been extended to May 31 from the earlier deadline of May 14. The qualified bidders would now be known on June 15, whereas the earlier date was May 29, according to an official communication.

Starting the disinvestment process of the debt-laden national carrier, the preliminary information memorandum for the proposed sale of up to 76 per cent stake in Air India along with management control to private entities was issued on March 28.

The divestment would include profit-making Air India Express and joint venture AISATS, an equal joint venture between the national carrier and Singapore-based SATS Ltd.

The Air India employees in Mumbai staged a massive protest against the government's disinvestment plan.

As per the clarifications, post stake sale, the government would have "rights similar to that of a minority investor as per Companies Act and shareholders' agreement.

"It is a considered decision by Government of India to divest 76 per cent stake and retain a 24 per cent stake. It is noted that ESOPs will also be provided from GoI's shareholding," the government said.

According to the 19-page document, the government has clarified that "individuals (other than employees) are not allowed to bid".

"Details of existing slots and code share agreements will be provided at RFP (Request for Proposal) stage. It is expected that there will not be any impact of disinvestment on existing slots and bilateral rights.

"Bidders are advised to undertake their own assessment for the impact of disinvestment process on the existing code share agreement," it noted.

This was in response to the queries on whether privatisation would impact renewal of existing slots and bilateral flying rights.

For more than 50 queries, the government has said details would be provided at the time of RFP stage.

To a query related to staff, the government said, "employee concerns are being suitably addressed".

While noting that currently there is no VRS (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) for Air India, the government said employees are eligible for gratuity on completion of 5 years of service or more and the same is capped at Rs 20,00,000. "This limit has been recently increased from Rs 10,00,000 to Rs 20,00,000 based on amendment to Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972," it added.

Further, it has been clarified that majority ownership and control of the consortium should be with resident Indian citizens. "No more than 49 per cent of the 76 per cent offered for disinvestment can be directly or indirectly owned by foreign entities," the document said.

The document noted that "operational synergies span the full range of business activities associated with running a large global airline including inter alia, HR policies, operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, procurement and contracting, financial management and business strategy". Details in this regard would be made available at the RFP stage.

About impact of withdrawal of government guarantees on debt terms, the document said that would "inter-alia, be dependent on the credit quality of the potential bidders".

It is the bidders themselves who are in the best position to estimate the impact, if any, due to government guarantees not continuing post strategic disinvestment, the government said.

"Grounded aircraft are assets of Air India. Successful bidder/ Air India post strategic disinvestment can deal with them/ dispose as deemed fit subject to the terms and conditions of the Shareholders' Agreement," it said.

As per the information memorandum, issued in March, the government would retain 24 per cent stake in the national carrier, the winning bidder would be required to stay invested in the airline for at least three years.

Regarding AISATS, the government said it would be party to the joint venture agreement "even after the change in ownership of Air India from the government to a private investor".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A Chinese man has been detained after he opened the emergency exit on a plane as he felt "stuffy" while waiting to disembark.

The man, identified only by his surname Chen, was waiting to leave the flight at Mianyang airport in the southwestern province of Sichuan when he decided he could do with some fresh air.

Unfortunately for him, the handle he pulled was attached to the emergency exit and not only did the hatch come free from the plane, but it also activated the escape slide, the Hong Kong- based South China Morning Post reported quoting a Thepaper.cn report yetaerday.

Chen, 25, who was returning from the island of Hainan, insisted he did not know that it was an escape route, adding: Because it was so stuffy, so hot on the plane, I just pushed down on the window handle beside me. When the door fell out, I panicked.

The crew alerted police and he was detained for 15 days for the unauthorised removal of aviation facilities. He will also be fined 70,000 yuan (USD 11,000) to cover the airline's costs.

The airline, which was not named in the report, said it would cooperate with public security agencies in their investigation.

This is the latest in a string of safety incidents in recent years involving Chinese travellers opening emergency exits.

In April 2016 a 30-year-old bulldozer driver, who had never travelled by air before, ignored warnings by cabin crew and opened the emergency exit door to get some fresh air just before his flight took off from Shenzhen airport in the south of the country.

The man, who said he was worried about getting air sick, was detained for a week and fined 500 yuan after the flight was delayed for an hour.

The previous year a man who said he thought the emergency escape handle was a handrail was given 10 days' detention and a second passenger was given a similar sentence for opening an escape hatch while waiting to board a flight at Nanjing airport.

China's civil aviation industry has responded by imposing a slew of penalties, including flying bans in addition to existing fines, on blacklisted travellers, the Post report said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today proposed a strategic tie-up between PHD Chamber of Commerce and the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber to boost trade between the two countries.

The proposal came during talks with Canadian Consulate General Christopher Gibbins, who called on him here this evening, according to an official spokesperson.

Gibbins told the chief minister that Canada was keen to forge strategic business alliances with Punjab in the sectors of Dairy, Animal Sciences, IT, Agriculture and Food Processing, citing Punjab's proven track record and expertise in these fields. Canada, he said, was keen to exploit the potential of Punjab in these fields.

The chief minister, on his part, suggested collaboration between the two chambers to facilitate visits by Canadian delegations to Punjab to explore investments in the industrial sector.

Pointing to the excellent air connectivity from Punjab's two international airports -- Amritsar and Mohali -- in addition to a robust network of domestic air terminals from various cities, the chief minister said the infrastructure of Punjab was designed to propel industrialisation.

With many international carriers showing interesting in starting direct flights from Chandigarh to Canada, United States, South East Asian Countries etc, the connectivity will get a further boost, enabling promotion of trade and commerce, he added.

Amarinder apprised the Consulate General about the investor and industry friendly initiatives taken by his government to encourage entrepreneurship and industry.

He gave the examples of Single Window, lucrative incentives, cheap power, affordable and peaceful labour besides congenial industrial climate as some of the major factors aimed at promoting Punjab as the most favoured investment destination.

The Chief Minister invited the Canadian industry to participate, in a big way, in the proposed investors' meet planned to be held soon under the aegis of Invest Punjab.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Days after Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb advised youth to rear cows for regular income rather than running after government jobs, Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) chief R S Sodhi today came out in his support saying it is a practical suggestion to eliminate unemployment.

Sodhi, Managing Director of GCMMF which sells its products under the 'Amul' brand name, said the dairy sector is very lucrative, providing good income to many educated youths as well.

GCMMF is considered as India's largest food products marketing organisation with a turnover of Rs 40,000 crore.

Recently, Deb had advised the youths that income can be generated by rearing cows, pigs or poultry birds, triggering sharp reactions from critics who slammed his remarks saying the state government should rather talk about generating jobs.

However, Sodhi said that cow or buffalo rearing is a far better option, especially in Tripura, which has to import milk worth crores of rupees every year despite having favourable geographical conditions for dairy sector.

"Deb's advice is a practical one, as Tripura imports milk worth crores of rupees every year. People in Tripura do not have many employment opportunities. If the educated youths of Gujarat and Punjab can take up cow-rearing in a commercial way, what is the harm if youths of Tripura do the same?" Sodhi told PTI today.

"In Gujarat alone, there are around 8,000 commercial dairy farms run by educated youths. There are many state and central schemes to help you in setting up dairy business. Cow rearing is the best option to solve the problem of unemployment in rural areas," Sodhi said.

Earlier yesterday, he had tweeted also to support Deb's remarks.

"It is a very practical and logical idea as Tripura is importing crores of rupees worth milk from other states including Gujarat. A youth can earn Rs 6-7 lakh per annum by rearing 10 cows or buff by taking loan from banks... in Gujarat (there are) more than 8000 such farms," Sodhi tweeted in response to some critical tweets targeted at Deb.

To make his point, Sodhi also tweeted a photo of a woman farmer receiving an award from Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Chairman of Banas Dairy Shankar Chaudhary at a function here for depositing milk worth lakhs of rupees.

"Cow breeding can be a very remunerative business. Today, Kanuben Patel of Banaskantha district of Gujarat was awarded Pride of Gujarat by CM Gujarat and Shri Shankarbhai Chaudhary, Chairman Banas Dairy for pouring milk worth Rs 84 lacs in a year. Good source of livelihood," Sodhi said in his tweet.

He also cautioned that if educated youths do not come into the dairy sector, India may have to import milk like the crude oil.

Asked about his tweets, Sodhi said, "I responded on Twitter as people were making fun of dairy sector, as if it is meant for only uneducated persons. They do not understand that it's a very remunerative business and many educated youths are earning good income out of it. This is certainly a better option than to do a mundane job."



He added that the entire dairy product business in India stands at Rs 6 lakh crore and is growing at a healthy rate of 10-12 per cent per annum, which makes it a good business.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)On her 30th birthday, Bollywood star Anushka Sharma today announced she is building an animal shelter on the outskirts of Mumbai.

The actor, who is an animal lover, said she always dreamt of doing something to support her "fellow living beings".

"I'm building an animal shelter just outside Mumbai - a home for those animals that are stranded, left to fend for themselves, have to brave harsh surroundings. A home where they will be cared for, loved, protected and nurtured.

"This has been my calling for years now and my dream is finally coming true. I will seek your time, support and advice to make this home a place that looks after fellow living beings with utmost care and compassion - all in due course of time," Anushka said.

The "Pari" actor urged people to take care of those species who are not as strong as human beings.

"Think about how they live, how they are treated, think about their rights, think if they are treated fairly? And what's worse, even if they aren't being treated well, they have no means of doing anything about it and that's where we have to come in as humans who stand up for all living beings.

"It is our responsibility. The whole purpose of being the strongest species is to look out for the welfare of all those, not so strong ones around us, so that we truly can give back to our great Mother Earth and live harmoniously," she added.

Anushka said Dalai Lama's words inspired her to work for the welfare of animals and "make the world a better place for them".

"I was deeply moved by something His Holiness, The Dalai Lama said and his words have stayed with me since then. It incepted an idea deep within me and has propelled me to act on my thoughts of working for animals and trying to make the world a better place for them.

"His Holiness had said, 'Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to a man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.' On my birthday, in my own little way, I'm starting something that will give our fellow living beings equal rights, equal care and equal love," she said.

On the work front, Anushka will next be seen in Yash Raj Films' "Sui Dhaaga", opposite Varun Dhawan and Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Zero".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Over 20,000 troops of the strike formations of the Army's South Western Command are engaged in the "Vijay Prahar" exercise to fine-tune the Army's jointmanship with the Indian Air Force (IAF) near Suratgarh in Rajasthan.

The exercise is being held in the wake of the IAF testing its might in the "Gagan Shakti" exercise in the western sector of Rajasthan, which shares an over-1,000-kms border with Pakistan.

During the exercise, the formations are practising and operationalising certain concepts of operating in the network-centric environment, integrated employment of modern-day sensors with the weapon platforms, employment of attack helicopters in the air cavalry role and a bold offensive of application of the Special Forces.

The exercise that began a couple of weeks ago will conclude on May 9 and Army chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officers are likely to witness the final phase.

"Strike formations of the command are going through the exercise in the Mahajan area, near Suratgarh in Rajasthan, in which over 20,000 troops are participating with fighting equipment for a couple of weeks," Brigadier Anil Gautam, Brigadier General Staff (Information Warfare), South Western Command said.

"The aim of the exercise is to fine-tune the jointmanship with the Air Force. The IAF carried out the Gagan Shakti exercise and demonstrated its capabilities and strength. In the immediate wake of Gagan Shakti, this exercise is being held for testing and refining our jointmanship and maximising the impact of the joint operations," he added.

The brigadier said some of the areas in focus during the exercise were real-time information, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, deployment and using satellite-based surveillance capabilities, drones, electronic warfare capabilities and radars.

The other aspects in focus were the fighting capabilities through armed helicopters and fighting and operating in a nuclear environment, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)As Gujarat celebrated its foundation day today, Karamsad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's native place in Anand district, observed a 'bandh' to press the demand of inclusion in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The call for shut-down was given by Karamsad Heet-rakshak Samiti, an organisation formed by some elderly residents of the town.

Major markets and commercial establishments remained shut, said Rakesh Patel, one of the agitators.

"People joined in the bandh voluntarily. Though we had appealed vegetable and milk vendors to keep their businesses open so that people do not suffer, they too joined in by lowering the shutters halfway," said Patel.

The agitation started yesterday with three residents - Bipin Patel, Jagdish Patel and Mahendra Patel - sitting on a fast unto death.

To give them moral support, around ten residents would sit on a symbolic hunger strike every day, said Rakesh Patel.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first home minister, was born at Nadiad, but his early schooling took place in Karamsad.

"Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, got this status (inclusion in the JNNURM) many years ago, but Karamsad, with a population of 40,000, is not given that status yet," Rakesh Patel had said yesterday.

"It would help us in getting Central funds for infrastructure as well as for maintaining the Sardar Patel Memorial here. Above all, it will put Karamsad on the national map. We want recognition for this town. Otherwise its identity (as Sardar Patel's hometown) will fade away," he had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb will attend a meeting in New Delhi tomorrow on schemes to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, official sources said today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the chief ministers' meeting which will be chaired by President Ram Nath Kovind.

Sources in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) here said Deb had also been chosen as a member of a committee for the commemoration of Gandhi's birth anniversary.

He will leave for the national capital tomorrow, the sources said.

Media reports had earlier claimed that Deb had been summoned to New Delhi by Prime Minister Modi for the chief minister's controversial comments on issues such as beauty queens and pageants.

Milind Ramtake, the additional secretary to the chief minister, said Deb's visit to Delhi was "pre-scheduled".

He had earlier said the chief minister would attend two events during his three-day stay in Delhi.

A letter from the PMO had informed the CMO that the first meeting of the full committee of chief ministers was scheduled to be held on May 2 at 5 PM.

It appealed to all chief ministers to share their thoughts on spreading the Mahatma's message.

"The committee is mandated to consider policies and lay down guidelines for the commemoration and decide on a timeframe for related activities," the letter said.

Deb is also slated to attend a meeting chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on May 4.

The second meeting, to be attended by the chief ministers of the eight North-Eastern states, would focus on border problems, the sources added.

Last week, Deb had said international beauty contests were a farce and questioned the rationale behind Diana Hayden being crowned "Miss World" 21 years ago. He was all praise for Aishwarya Rai, who won the "Miss World" crown in 1994, and said she represented "Indian women".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The contractual workers unions of Cachar Paper Mill in south Assam's Barak Valley staged a day-long protest, alleging non-payment of salaries for the past 20 months.

Members of several contractual workers unions staged the protest yesterday in front of the mill, demanding immediate payment of pending dues.

Cachar Paper Mill Project Workers Union president Manabendra Chakraborty told reporters today that an indefinite hunger"strike was to be staged by the contractual workers on April 23, but it was deferred after the mill's management assured three months' outstanding salaries within this month.

The management, however, paid only one month's salary to the workers and said that the remaining two months' salaries would be paid before April 30, Chakraborty said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Centre will work with the states for innovative measures for capacity augmentation of airports in the country and revise regulatory framework for airports, apparently to attract private capital into the aviation sector.

At a meeting between the Civil Aviation Ministry and Airline representatives here today, proposals for a new urban planning and multi-modal connectivity to the airports was discussed as part of the NABH (NextGen Airports for Bharat) Nirman initiative.

The initiative seeks expansion of the airport capacity more than five times to handle a billion trips a year. The aviation industry at present is growing at a rate of about 30 per cent.

During the meeting chaired by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha, it was felt that further amendments to the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority Act is needed to address the capacity constraint issue, sources said. Airport Authority of India chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra was also present at the meeting.

The collective concerns of the airlines was that the steps being initiated now should have been taken four to five years ago. The capacity constraint has come to such a point that airports such as Delhi and Mumbai are unable to provide further slots for new services, they said.

The Civil Aviation Ministry tweeted that the Minister of State has kick-started periodic discussions with airline and airport stake-holders on NABH Nirman-our plan for expansion of airport capacity. "We are committed to building India's airport infrastructure ahead of future aviation demand," the tweet said.

The meeting today assumed significance in light of a recent report by Airports Council International, which projected that India is poised to become the second fastest aviation market in the world by 2040, leaving behind China at the eighth place.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Children raised in a rural environment, surrounded by animals and bacteria, grow up to have more stress-resilient immune systems and may be at lower risk of mental illness than pet-free city dwellers, according to a study.

The study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) adds to mounting evidence supporting the "hygiene hypothesis," which posits that overly sterile environments can breed health problems.

The researchers from the University of Ulm in Germany and the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder in the US also suggest that raising kids around pets might be good for mental health, for reasons people might not expect.

"It has already been very well documented that exposure to pets and rural environments during development is beneficial in terms of reducing risk of asthma and allergies later in life," said Christopher Lowry, a professor at CU Boulder.

"This study moves the conversation forward by showing for the first time in humans that these same exposures are likely to be important for mental health," said Lowry.

The scientists recruited 40 healthy German men between 20 and 40 years old. Half had grown up on a farm with farm animals. Half had grown up in a large city without pets.

On test day, all were asked to give a speech in front of a group of stone-faced observers and then asked to solve a difficult math problem while being timed.

Blood and saliva were taken five minutes before and five, 15, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after the test.

Those who grew up in cities had significantly higher levels of immune system components called peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after the stressful experience.

They also showed prolonged elevation of the inflammatory compound interleukin 6 and muted activation of the anti-inflammatory compound interleukin 10.

"People who grew up in an urban environment had a much-exaggerated induction of the inflammatory immune response to the stressor, and it persisted throughout the two-hour period," Lowry said.

Surprisingly, while their bodies launched a hair-trigger response to the stress, the city kids reported feeling less stressed than their rural counterparts did.

"This exaggerated inflammatory response is like a sleeping giant that they are completely unaware of," Lowry said.

Previous studies have shown that those with an exaggerated inflammatory response are more likely to develop depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later in life.

Research has also shown that our immunoregulatory response to stress develops in early life and is shaped largely by our microbial environment.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today launched a water conservation drive at Kosamadi village in Bharuch district on the occasion of the 58th Foundation Day of the state.

In a function held in Bharuch, located around 200 kms away from here, Rupnai rode a JCB machine to deepen a lake, as part of the month-long statewide drive. Once deepened, the lake is expected to provide water to 25 nearby villages.

The water conservation initiative "Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan" aims to increase state's water storage capacity by 11,000 lakh cubic feet by deepening 13,000 lakes, check-dams, and reservoirs. It also envisages revival of 32 rivers, and cleaning and repairing of canals, among other activities.

Gujarat is staring at acute water crisis in the wake of deficient rains in the catchment areas of the Narmada river last year.

"Let's remember that we are mere custodian of the natural resources we inherit from our ancestors and they must be passed on to our next generation as it is, if not improved. Since we can't add to the resources, we don't have any right to exhaust them by exploiting them senselessly," Rupani said in a tweet.

Addressing a gathering, the chief minister appealed to the people to work for ensuring "clean and green" Gujarat.

Rupani also launched the Chief Minister Apprenticeship Yojana and LNG-LPG scheme at a function in Bharuch to mark the Gujarat Gaurav Divas.

The water conservation initiative was launched across the state with several ministers attending functions.

Union ministers Jaswantsinh Bhabhor and Mansukh Mandaviya launched the drive at Chhota Udepur and Junagadh districts, respectively.

State cabinet minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama launched the initiative to clean and modernise Ahmedabad's Kharicut canal.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel attended an event in Mehsana.

As part of the state Foundation Day, Governor O P Kohli inaugurated an arts and commerce college at Amod in Bharuch district which was built on the grant received from private donors.

Before leaving for Bharuch, Rupani paid a floral tribute to two statues of Indulal Yagnik, who led the Mahagujarat Movement for the formation of the separate state on May 1, 1960, in Ahmedabad.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Jammu and Kashmir unit of CPI(M) today condemned the killing of four youth in separate incidents in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of the state.

Last night, Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) militants struck at the Old Baramulla town in Jammu and Kashmir and gunned down three men, in their early 20s.

A police spokesperson said all the three persons were shot at from a very close range in Iqbal market of Old Baramulla town, killing them on the spot.

While in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including Sameer Ahmed Bhat alias 'Sameer Tiger', were gunned down and a civilian killed in an encounter. The civilian was killed when security forces were trying to chase away a stone pelting mob, the officials said.

"We strongly condemn the killing of a youth in security forces firing in Pulwama district and killing of three other youth at the hands of 'unidentified gunmen' in Baramulla district," State Secretary CPI(M) Ghulam Nabi Malik said in a statement.

Malik asked how long the blood of civilians will continue to flow in Kashmir.

"Condemnation and ordering a probe after every killing is not a solution to the problem, but time has come when political leadership rising above the ideological difference should come together to stop these killings," he said.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, he demanded an immediate end to the civilian killings in the valley.

"Killing of civilians can never be solution to any problem. Whether a civilian is killed by the bullet from one side or the other side, it is loss of precious human life. Whose cause is fulfilled by the killings of civilians? Unfortunately, it is a Kashmiri who is getting killed every day," Malik said.

Yesterday,Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had condemned the killing of civilians.

Former Chief Minister and National Conference working president Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack and said he would like to see how the separatists leaders would react to this "brutal murder of three young people".

"Three civilians have been murdered by terrorists in Baramulla just now. I'd like to see the separatist leaders issue the sort of condemnation they usually reserve for when civilians are killed by security forces," he tweeted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A crucial meeting of the Supreme Court Collegium is likely to take place tomorrow to reconsider the name of the Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice K M Joseph for elevation as a judge of the apex court which was sent back by the government last week, an official said today.

The five-member collegium, comprising Chief Justice Misra and justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph, is likely to discuss threadbare the note sent to the CJI by Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad while returning the file relating to the recommendation to elevate Justice Joseph as an apex court judge.

Justice Joseph's name was recommended along with the senior advocate Indu Malhotra on January 10 for their elevation as apex court judges. The government had on April 26 declined to accept the recommendation of the Collegium and asked it to reconsider his name.

Malhotra was sworn in as the judge of the apex court on April 27.

Justice K M Joseph, who had headed the bench that had quashed the Narendra Modi government's decision to impose President's rule in the Congress-ruled hill state in 2016, was not considered to be elevated as a Supreme Court judge by the Centre which said the proposal was not in accordance with the top court's parameters and there was adequate representation of Kerala in the higher judiciary from where he hails.

His seniority was also questioned by the Centre which said "he stands at Sl. No.45 in the combined seniority of High Court Judges on all-India basis."



Justice Joseph, who turns 60 this June, has been the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court since July 2014. He was appointed a permanent judge of the Kerala High Court on October 14, 2004 and assumed charge of the Uttarakhand High Court on July 31, 2014.

The members of the collegium including Justices Chelameswar, Gogoi, Lokur and Kurian Joseph had expressed concern over the delay in clearing the name of the Uttarakhand Chief Justice as the apex court judge.

Notwithstanding the letters written by the collegium members to the CJI, which had come into the public domain, the centre disregarded the recommendation about Justice Joseph.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A fifth person has died after a group of 14 skiers were caught up in a storm, police said today, after the bodies of two climbers were also found elsewhere in the Swiss Alps.

"Late in the evening on April 30, a fifth victim died," police in Valais canton said in a statement.

Bad weather in the Pigne d'Arolla area of the Swiss Alps on Sunday had caught the group of skiers by surprise.

The group had set out from the Dix rest-stop and had intended to make it to Vignettes to sleep, trekking along a route called The Serpentine.

The manager of a rest-stop in the remote mountain region sent out a call for help at dawn yesterday, triggering a major relief operation that involved seven helicopters, police said.

One person was found dead on the scene, and was believed to have died in a fall.

Three others died soon after they reached hospital, followed by the fifth death late yesterday.

That person was likely among the five initially listed in critical condition by police.

Others in the group were merely suffering from "mild hypothermia".

The victims were Italian, French and German nationals, police said, adding that efforts were under way to formally identify them.

All the families had been informed of the tragedy, police said.

Police said separately that the bodies of two climbers, aged 21 and 22, were found further east yesterday, in the Alps in Bern canton, after the alert was sounded late Sunday but the bad weather foiled rescue efforts.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A deed writer and a clerk posted at the sub registry office in Baran district were arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB), a top official said today.

Deed writer Abhishek Saxena and clerk Dhirendra Saxena were caught red-handed last evening while accepting the bribe from businessman Vijay Bhadur Mahajan, Additional Superintendent of Police (ACB), Baran, Rajendra Singh Gogawat said.

The duo were sent to 14 days' judicial custody by the ACB court in Kota, the ASP said.

The businessman had recently got his shop registered under his wife's name, he said, adding that the accused demanded the bribe for issuing a copy of the registry papers, following which Mahajan approached the ACB yesterday morning.

A trap was laid after verifying the complaint.

The accused had asked the businessman to meet them on the tehsil office premises, where the sub registry office was also located, Gogawat said.

ACB sleuths already deputed at the spot nabbed them as soon as they accepted the money, he said, adding that the bribe amount was recovered in full.

No other valuables or significant documents were recovered from their residences during a search operation, Gogawat added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Scores of employees of the Delhi government today took out a peaceful march with black bands on their mouths to protest against non-regularisation of contractual workers.

The march was held under the aegis of Joint Council of All Employees Organisations Delhi on the occasion of the International Labour Day.

It started from the Vidhansabha Metro Station and concluded at the office of Lt Governor Anil Baijal.

Later, the Council members submitted memorandum to the offices of L-G, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Labour Commissioner with regard to their demands.

Sandeep Kapoor, the general secretary of the Council, said that hundreds of employees working in various departments of the Delhi government participated in the protest march which mainly focused on the demands of contractual workers this year.

Among the demands being raised by Council are regularisation of contractual workers, equal pay for equal work in line with verdict of the Supreme Court and doing away of discrimination with contractual workers.

Kapoor said that the Joint Council has already requested all concerned authorities on these demands pertaining to contractual employees.

Meanwhile, several trade unions held a public meeting outside the Town Hall in north Delhi's Chandni Chowk area on the occasion of the International Labour Day.

All India Trade Union Congress and several other trade unions including AITUC, CITU, AICCTU participated in the meeting.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi government has warned students and parents against 12 fake boards operating in the national capital.

"There is no state board of government of Delhi. Further, the Directorate of (DoE), which regulates government, private, unaided and aided schools in Delhi, does not grant any recognition to any board," a DoE order said.

"As far as Delhi is concerned, there are only three relevant boards -- Central Board of Secondary (CBSE), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)," it said.

The boards which have been declared as fake by DoE include Urdu Education Board, Gramin Mukth Vidhalyai Shiksha Sansthan, Delhi Board of Secondary Education, The Central Board of Higher Secondary Education, National Open School and Board of Secondary Open Education, Delhi.

Higher Secondary Education Board of Delhi, State Council of Senior Secondary Open Education, Delhi Board of Senior Secondary Education, Board of Higher Secondary Education, Delhi, Council of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Delhi, and The Central Board of Higher Education, Delhi, are the other fake boards operating in Delhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by the owner of a gym in south Delhi's Safdarjang Enclave area, police said today.

The 27-year-old accused was arrested yesterday.

According to police, he met the girl when she visited her uncle in Faridabad and the two became friends and exchanged phone numbers.

The girl told police that he allegedly raped her three days ago and threatened her of dire consequences if she revealed the incident to anyone.

The girl's parents had lodged a missing complaint at the Safdarjang Enclave police station.

Later, the police learnt that the girl, with the help of her uncle, has filed an FIR in Faridabad, alleging she was raped.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump today said that details on the location and date for his meeting with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would be announced in the next couple of days.

Trump has accepted an invitation to meet the North Korean leaders, which would be the first ever between heads of States of the two countries. A day earlier Trump had floated the idea of having the meeting in the demilitarised zone or DMZ. Singapore is another option.

Responding to shouted question, Trump told reporters that details on a location and date should be coming in the "couple of days."



In response to another question, Trump said his priority is to get peace in the Korean Peninsula, and not the Nobel Peace Prize.

The South Korean President had recently suggested that he be given the Nobel Peace prize. "I thought it was very generous of President Moon" to suggest he should be given the honour. "We want to get peace," he said.

Trump also said that he "may" be visiting Jerusalem for the opening of the new American embassy there.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Seven DMK local functionaries were arrested here today for leading a demonstration seeking a detailed inquiry into the unearthing of a unit manufacturing banned tobacco products like gutka and paan masala, police said.

Leaders, including former president of Kannampalayam panchayat Murugesan, were held for holding the protest in front of the unit without permission, they said.

Police said they were searching for DMK MLA N Karthik, who also participated in the protest during which the agitators alleged that the ruling AIADMK was "attempting to hush up the case."



Those arrested were produced before Sulur Court, where Magistrate C Vediyappan remanded them to 15 days judicial custody, they said.

Police had unearthed the unit and recovered large quantities of finished products and raw material from a godown in Kannampalayam on April 28 and arrested four workers of the unit.

A police team is searching for the owner of the unit Amit Jain, who hails from New Delhi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Packs of stray dogs attacked and killed three children in separate incidents in the Khairabad police station area here today, officials said.

Two girls, Shamli (11) and Komal (12), and a boy, Khalid (12), were attacked and killed by stray dogs in Tikaria, Gurpulia and Khulia villages respectively, Khairabad police station incharge Sachin Kumar Singh said.

"We are forming teams with the help of villagers to counter the menace," he said.

The children were attacked by pack of dogs when they were alone and before any locals could rush to their rescue, he said.

Taking note of the incidents, the district administration has sought help from Lucknow Municipal Corporation for catching dogs as there is no dog-catching squad in Sitapur, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Cash-rich China continues to lure away handful of countries still maintaining diplomatic links with Taiwan as the Dominican Republic today became the latest country to breakaway from Taipei and establish diplomatic ties with Beijing.

Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas signed a joint communique here on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Beijing and the Caribbean nation.

"The Government of the Dominican Republic recognises that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," the communique said.

"Hence the Government of the Dominican Republic (DR) severs 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan as of this day," it said.

China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunited with the mainland.

The Dominican Republic's decision to end the ties is the latest setback for Taiwan which is recognised by handful of small countries.

Last year, Panama broke away from Taipei and established ties with China, recognising Taiwan to be a Chinese territory.

With this the number of countries that maintain full diplomatic ties with Taiwan has now been reduced to 19, which are mainly small, developing countries, 10 of whom are in Latin America.

The 'One China' policy, which states Taiwan and Tibet as part of China, forms part of basis for all the countries to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Taiwan has been accusing China of luring small countries, backing it with big investment offers.

Last year, Taiwan expressed "anger and regret" over the "very unfriendly" diplomatic turn by Panama and accused it of "bullying" Taipei while "ignoring the many years of friendship" between the two countries.

Taiwan said it would "not compete with the Beijing authorities for money diplomacy".

The countries those have diplomatic links with Taiwan include Belize, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Guatemala, Paraguay, Honduras and Saint Lucia, Burkina Faso and Swaziland, The Holy See, Kiribati, Nauru, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and Palau.

Establishing diplomatic ties with China brings the Dominican Republic great opportunities and will benefit the people of DR, the state-run Xinhua quoted Wang as saying.

According to media reports, Taipei said it was "deeply upset" at the decision, which it blamed on "dollar diplomacy".

"The government deeply regrets that Dominican Republic and China established ties on May 1. The ministry strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies," Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said.

He accused Beijing of failing to honour its promises to those countries it had wooed away.

"Its actions had damaged cross-strait relations and eroded trust," said Wu.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)MNS chief Raj Thackeray today appealed the farmers in Maharashtra not to give up their land for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.

Addressing a public rally at Vasai in neighbouring Palghar district, Thackeray said, "People here should not sell their land for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, as well as for the Mumbai-Vadodara expressway.

"It is a ploy to purchase land in the name of bullet train and evict Marathi people from Mumbai (and surrounding area), which was separated from Gujarat in 1960," Thackeray said, referring to the creation of the separate states of Maharashtra and Gujarat on May 1, 1960.

"It is high time we Marathi people forgot our differences over caste and creed and fought against such projects which are being imposed on us," the MNS chief said.

Thackeray also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the claim of achieving 100 per cent rural electrification.

"The prime minister claims that all villages in the country have been connected with the electricity network now. Were we living in the dark before 2014?" Thackeray asked.

On Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's claim of digging 1,20,000 wells in the state, Thackeray said, "Fadnavis must have counted potholes in the streets as wells.

"He can't take any decision, as he is merely a stooge of Modi and (BJP chief) Amit Shah," Thackeray alleged.

"There is no water in many villages but the chief minister claims to have constructed four lakh toilets. How can it be true if there is no sufficient water?"



The MNS chief also asked how some outsiders came to know about the proposed Nanar oil refinery project in the coastal Ratnagiri district and bought land in the area in advance. "It is suspicious," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Dr Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani doctor serving a 33-year jail term for helping the CIA in tracking down al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden to Abbottabad in 2011 could be released this month after authorities remitted 10 years of his sentence, according to his lawyer.

The US has been pressing Pakistan to release Dr Afridi, who was involved in a CIA-linked plan to find bin Laden with a fake vaccination operation in the Pakistani garrison city of Abbottabad.

Advocate Qamar Nadeem told the BBC Urdu service that Afridi, who has received several remissions in sentence, will complete his jail term this month.

He said that Afridi was awarded a total of 33 years jail term on four different charges in which he was awarded 30 years on three counts while three years on one. However, after an approval of his appeal, 10 years of imprisonment had been remitted, the Express Tribune reported.

According to Nadeem, if Afridi's total jail term and remissions are taken into consideration, then he is likely to be freed this month.

Afridi, 56, was shifted to Adiala Jail of Rawalpindi from Peshawar central jail on Friday, apparently due to security concerns.

According to media reports, he was moved in a helicopter but no official statement was issued by the government. However, it is still not clear as to whether he will be kept in Adiala jail or shifted to another location, the report said.

There is a chance that after his release, Afridi might move to the US to settle there permanently, it said.

A team of expert doctors has reportedly examined him in Adiala jail and declared him completely fit. According to jail sources, he has been kept under strict security measures and additional guards have been posted at his barracks, it said.

Afridi, the former surgeon of Khyber Agency, had run a false vaccination campaign in the Pakistani garrison city of Abbottabad to help the CIA track down bin Laden in his compound and kill him in a raid by US Navy Seals on May 2, 2011.

He was arrested from Peshawar later that year.

In 2012, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison by the political administration of Khyber Agency under the Frontier Crimes Regulation, the colonial-era laws that govern the tribal regions, for having links with banned militant groups.

The issue of Afridi's release is reportedly one of the major obstacles to the improvement of ties between the US and Pakistan.

Soon after the death of bin Laden, the US media reported that Afridi had contributed to the success of the CIA operation by collecting DNA samples of bin Laden's family through the fake vaccination campaign in Abbottabad.

Two years ago, US President Donald Trump had said during his campaign for presidential elections that he could have Dr Afridi released in two minutes and he was certain that the Pakistani officials would not object, the report said.

The US State Department has previously said that Dr Afridi has been unjustly imprisoned in Pakistan and Washington has clearly communicated its position to Islamabad in his case, both in public and in private.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Hyderabad city police today launched the eOffice System in the city Police Commissionerate office as a citizen-friendly initiative.

"Today, Hyderabad city police launched the eOffice system as a citizen friendly initiative with the help of National Informatics Centre (NIC)," Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar said.

eOffice is a 'product suit' developed by NIC and it aims at handling files in a more efficient and transparent manner to improve the responsiveness to citizens, a city police release said.

The system helps in faster clearance of files and it envisions a paper-less office, it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Haryana government today told the Supreme Court that it was facing a "huge distress" for water as it has been receiving only half the supply from the Hathni Kund barrage located in the Yamuna Nagar district.

The state submitted this before a bench, comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta, which was hearing a matter relating to Yamuna water sharing between Delhi and Haryana.

Haryana's counsel, however, said the state would continue supplying 150 cusecs of water to Delhi till May 15.

"We are receiving only 50 per cent water from the Hathni barrage. There is a huge distress of water level in Haryana," the counsel told the bench.

The bench was also informed that a meeting of the chief secretaries of Delhi and Haryana and secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources was held on April 23 and its minutes has been placed on record.

The court posted the matter for hearing on May 11.

On April 23, the apex court had asked chief secretaries of Delhi and Haryana and secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources to hold a meeting immediately to discuss and sort out the issues relating to supply of Yamuna river water to the national capital.

Delhi had earlier said that there was a shortfall of 120 cusecs of water of Yamuna river daily for the national capital.

The court was hearing a plea filed by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) alleging that Haryana had reduced by one-third the supply of Yamuna water to the national capital, leading to a grave water crisis.

The DJB had contended that Haryana was supplying Delhi only 330 cusecs of water daily as against 450 cusecs per day, which was agreed upon between the state and the Union Territory. Due to the curtailment in water supply to the Wazirabad reservoir, the plant was running at reduced capacity leading to a "grave water crisis" in the city.

It had sought directions from the apex court to Haryana government to supply the entire 450 cusec of water per day continuously and daily to the Wazirabad reservoir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)An FIR has been registered against five unidentified persons for allegedly killing a youth after a video went viral on social networking sites in which they were seen purportedly beating a youth, police said today.

The FIR was registered yesterday after Charan Singh of Pitaura village claimed that his son Ajab Singh (20), who went to Delhi for a job, was killed by some persons.

He said that he had got a video on WhatsApp in which five persons were beating a youth, who is his son.

Taking note of the complaint, an FIR has been registered in the matter, Omkar Singh Yadav, Circle officer said, adding that probe is on to ascertain the identity of the accused and also the victim, shown in the video.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Former Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Chief Marshal Idris Hassan Latif, who died aged 94, was laid to rest here today.

The funeral was conducted with full military honours at a cemetery in the Old City of Hyderabad, Defence sources said.

Latif, who was the IAF chief from September 1978 to August 1981, passed away at a private hospital here yesterday after a brief illness.

After his retirement in 1981, Latif held the posts of Maharashtra Governor and Indian Ambassador to France.

He had joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1941 at the age of 18 and was commissioned the next year.

On completion of his training at Ambala, he was posted in Karachi, where he flew vintage biplanes like the Wapiti, Audaxes and Harts, on Anti-Submarine flights over the Arabian Sea.

During 1943-44, he was one of the few Indian pilots to be seconded to the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, where he underwent training on more contemporary aircraft like the Hurricane and Spitfire.

He returned to India in 1944 and took part in the Burma campaign.

At the time of partition, he chose IAF though he was reportedly urged by some to join the Pakistan Air Force.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)President Ram Nath Kovind will present the Visitor's Award for research in the fields of basic and applied science, humanities, arts and social science during a meeting of vice chancellors of central universities at the Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow, a statement from the President's office said.

He will also present the Visitor's Award for technology development, it said.

The Visitor's Award for research in the field of basic and applied science will be jointly presented to two academics -- Sanjay K Jain of Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, and Ashis Kumar Mukherjee of Tezpur University, Assam, it said.

The Visitor's Award for research in the field of humanities, arts and social science will be presented to Pramod K Nayar, University of Hyderabad, Telangana, and the award for technology development will be presented to Ashwani Pareek of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, it added.

Jain is being given the award for "his contribution to the development of a drug delivery system using folic acid conjugated liposomes containing oxaliplatin for targeted delivery of colon tumours. This has the potential to reduce toxicity, dosage, regimen and cost of cancer treatment," it said.

Mukherjee is being awarded for his research "leading to clarity on the molecular complexity and toxicity of the components of the snake venom from different locales of India. This too has likely utility as a new drug for treatment," the statement said.

Nayar is being honoured for "his research and publications particularly covering the important areas of poetry for the underprivileged, memoirs and fiction, the Bhopal gas tragedy and other episodes," it said.

Pareek will be bestowed with the honour "for developing Stress Tolerant Rice of the Next Generation (STRONG). This has the potential to enhance farm incomes."



The winner were selected by a committee headed by Sanjay Kothari, Secretary to the President, and comprising other eminent persons on the basis of online applications invited from all central universities for each category.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Four minors were apprehended here today in connection with the alleged molestation of a girl, after a video of the incident went viral on the social media last week, police said.

With this, the total number of persons held in the case went up to eight, they added.

The four minors were apprehended a day after four other residents of Bharthua village, including a minor, were held in connection with the case, Jehanabad Superintendent of Police (SP) Manish Kumar said, adding that the village was located within the Kako police station limits.

The incident came to light last Saturday when the video clip, shot by one of the alleged perpetrators, went viral on the social media, he added.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), set up by the Inspector General of Police of Patna Zone, Naiyar Hasnain Khan, nabbed four persons, including a minor, from Bharthua yesterday with the help of clues obtained from the video clip, in which the accused are seen trying to outrage the modesty of the girl.

A case was registered under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act in this regard.

The victim was produced before a court this afternoon, where her statement was recorded by a magistrate under section 164 of the CrPC, the SP said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A special court today awarded a four-year jail term to the director of Gondwana Ispat Ltd in a coal scam case related to the allocation of the Majra coal block in Maharashtra.

Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar, who was appointed to deal exclusively with coal scam cases, also imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on the firm's director Ashok Daga and Rs 60 lakh on the firm.

Daga has been in custody since April 27 after the court had held that the firm and its director were guilty of cheating and criminal conspiracy to get the coal block in Maharashtra allocated to it.

The court had earlier summoned Daga and the firm as accused for misrepresenting facts to get the Majra coal block allocated to it.

Daga and the firm have been convicted under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC and also for the substantive offence under section 420 of the IPC.

The firm was allocated the Majra coal block in 2003 and an FIR was lodged against it in 2014.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today left the city for New Delhi to attend a meeting of the national committee set up to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair tomorrow's meeting of the national committee, where all chief ministers and representatives from across the political spectrum have been invited to plan the grand Gandhi Jayanti next year.

Banerjee went to the NSCBI Airport here after attending the oath-taking ceremony of the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.

It is not known if Banerjee will hold meetings with other chief ministers or national leaders during her stay in New Delhi.

Banerjee, also Trinamool Congress supremo, has raised protests against the Modi government's policies and sought to form of a federal front against the saffron party before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tension gripped Gandhidham city in Gujarat's Kutch district today after members of the Maheshwari community resorted to stone pelting over a social media post which they claimed has portrayed their religious head Dhani Matand Dev in derogatory manner, police said.

As the word spread, members of the community gathered at Oslo Circle in the city and placed burning tyres on road.

They also stopped vehicles entering Kutch and hurled stones, prompting the police to baton charge the mob and lob tear gas shells, said a police official.

The community members were demanding action against those who uploaded the "offensive" post on Facebook.

"As the mob suddenly started pelting stones, police resorted to baton charge and lobbed around ten tear gas shells to disperse them," the official said, adding that around ten police personnel were injured in the incident while some police vehicles were also damaged.

The situation is under control now, he said, adding that nobody is detained so far.

As per traditional belief, Dhani Matang Dev had established Barmati Panth in the Maheshwari Meghwar community in the 10th century CE.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Germany today called for a "permanent exemption" on steel and aluminium tariffs, after the US decided to postpone a decision on the issue.

"The German government has taken note" of the decision by US President Donald Trump to hold off on imposing controversial tariffs on steel and aluminium from the EU, Canada and Mexico, a government spokeswoman said.

But Germany "is still waiting for a permanent exemption" from the tariffs and wants the European Commission to "continue dialogue with the United States".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The government today came out with a set of clarifications on the proposed strategic disinvestment in Air India and said individuals other than the airline's employees would not be allowed to bid.

It had issued preliminary information memorandum on March 28 for the proposed sale of up to 76 per cent stake in Air India along with management control to private entities.

The disinvestment would include profit-making Air India Express and joint venture AISATS, an equal joint venture between the national carrier and Singapore-based SATS Ltd.

The government has put out clarifications for 160 questions from interested bidders on the disinvestment of Air India and its two subsidiaries -- Air India Express and AISATS.

According to the 19-page document released today, the government has clarified that "individuals (other than employees) are not allowed to bid".

Clarifications have been provided on various other aspects, including those related to slots, bilateral rights and employee rights.

"Details of existing slots and code share agreements will be provided at RFP (Request for Proposal) stage. It is expected that there will not be any impact of disinvestment on existing slots and bilateral rights.

"Bidders are advised to undertake their own assessment for the impact of disinvestment process on the existing code share agreement," the government said.

This was in response to queries on whether privatisation would impact renewal of existing slots and bilateral flying rights.

For more than 50 queries, the government has said details would be provided at the time of RFP stage.

To a query related to staff, the government said, "employee concerns are being suitably addressed".

"Grounded aircraft are assets of Air India. Successful bidder/ Air India post strategic disinvestment can deal with them/ dispose as deemed fit subject to the terms and conditions of the Shareholders' Agreement," it said.

As per the information memorandum, issued in March, the government would retain 24 per cent stake in the national carrier, the winning bidder would be required to stay invested in the airline for at least three years.

In the set of clarifications, it has been emphasised that "it is a considered decision by Government of India to retain 24 per cent stake".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij today said an MoU was signed with PGIMER, Chandigarh for training ophthalmologists posted in government hospitals for screening of retinopathy of prematurity in premature babies.

Apart from this, a sum of Rs 545.7 lakh has been sanctioned for tertiary-level treatment of 511 children, he said.

Vij said the training had been completed for Ambala, Karnal, Hisar and Fatehabad districts.

About 31 lakh children were screened under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram (RBSK) during 2017-18, he said.

He said that 3.8 lakh children were confirmed to have some health conditions, out of which 3.6 lakh availed treatment at various health facilities.

These included 277 children with clubfoot, 97 children who were surgically treated for cleft lip and palate, 254 children who were treated for congenital heart disease and 106 children who were treated for other health conditions, he said.

These facilities were being provided at private empanelled hospitals such as Fortis Mohali, Narayana Hrudalya Jaipur and Artemis Gurgaon, he added.

The health minister said that 21 district early intervention centres have been set up at level of civil hospital.

The idea behind early intervention is to minimise disability.

Once the disability is already established then the intervention would include enhancement of child development for the child to reach the highest potential possible and prevent progression to handicap that may arise from activity limitation, he said.

As many as 62,396 new cases and 29,255 follow-up cases were registered and accessed early intervention services, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court today reserved its order on a plea of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) seeking contempt action against its students' union office bearers for holding protests within 100 metres of the administrative block.

Justice V K Rao heard the counsel for both parties and directed them to file written submissions by tomorrow. "Parties heard. Order reserved. Counsel shall file written submissions by tomorrow evening," the judge said.

During the hearing, central government standing counsel Monika Arora, appearing for JNU, submitted that the students had on February 15 violated the August 9, 2017 order of the high court by obstructing access to the administrative block of the varsity in protest against compulsory attendance.

Arora, who showed pictures of the protest to the judge, reiterated that the students had created a threatening atmosphere in the university and called other students for mass signature campaign against the mandatory attendance issue.

However, advocate Govind Manoharan, appearing for the protesting students of JNU, contended that the contempt petition was incomplete and without bonafide.

Manoharan, along with advocate Abhik Chimni, argued that an adverse inference should be drawn against the university for suppression of evidence, as it had not produced the CCTV footage of the alleged incident before the court.

The counsel claimed that the JNU had procured some footage from social media, which it was using against the students, and these were not authentic.

The university counsel countered these submissions and said they had resorted to protest despite warnings and notices from the authorities asking them not to disrupt the functioning of the institution and carry out peaceful protests at the Sabarmati lawns.

The court had on February 16, in an interim order, directed the JNU students not to obstruct the vice chancellor and other staff from entering the administrative block to carry out their work.

The interim order was passed on JNU's plea that the protests near the administrative block was hampering its day-to-day functioning, including the disbursal salaries in connection with the Seventh Pay Commission.

The students had on February 15 allegedly blocked the administration block demanding a meeting with the vice chancellor on the issue of compulsory attendance and had allegedly stopped the two rectors from leaving the building.

The varsity had moved the high court when the students were protesting against the JNU's admission policy based on a University Grants Commission notification slashing the seats for MPhil and PhD courses.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court today sought response of ITC on a plea by Dabur seeking that it be restrained from issuing any material on its campaign '#SayNoToConcentrate' or any other advertisement disparaging the "goodwill" of Dabur and its juices.

Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw listed the fresh suit along with a previous one which has also sought direction to restrain ITC from publishing and broadcasting its advertisements which allegedly belittled Pepsico India Holdings Pvt Ltd's 'Tropicana' and Dabur's 'Real' juices.

The court fixed the matter for hearing on May 9.

Senior advocate Sudhir Makkar, appearing for Dabur, contended that after the high court passed an interim order restraining ITC from publishing and broadcasting its new controversial advertisements which allegedly disparage rivals Pepsico and Dabur's juices, ITC has increased the frequency of airing its last year's ad starring a Bollywood actress, which also harms Dabur's reputation.

ITC, represented by senior advocates Abhishek M Singhvi, said that the company was complying with the court's earlier order.

Dabur said in its plea that the conduct of ITC, which is the manufacturer of B Natural juice, was grossly inequitable and fraudulent.

It sought an injunction order restraining ITC from issuing, broadcasting or publishing any material in furtherance of its campaign '#SayNoToConcentrate" or in any other manner directly or indirectly, disparaging the goodwill and reputation of Dabur and any of its products in 'fruit juices category' including through any other advertisements.

It also sought that ITC be restrained from using "the misleading caption of 'Not From Concentrates' on its product or the publicity material" during pendency of the suit.

In the suit filed by Pepsico, ITC had earlier told the high court that it has made changes to its controversial advertisements which allegedly disparaged the juice marketed and sold by its rivals, Pepsico and Dabur.

ITC had said it has dropped the words 'Tropicana' and 'Real' from its advertisements which will be seen on hoardings, in print and electronic media.

Pepsico had objected to the advertisement in which ITC stated, "Dear Tropicana and Real, come join us in making Indian juices concentrate-free. At 7 pm on 9th April. Venue: Bandstand, Bandra West, Mumbai. Yours truly, B Natural.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A special CBI court here today granted bail to former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in a case related to the alleged irregularities in Manesar land deals, a senior lawyer said.

Former chief minister Hooda appeared before the court of special CBI judge Jagdeep Singh. "He was granted bail by the court," the former chief minister's counsel Arshdeep Singh Cheema said here.

The court granted bail to Bhupinder Singh Hooda after accepting two surety bonds of Rs five lakh each, said Cheema. He has also been asked not to leave the country without seeking the permission of the court, Cheema added.

The next hearing in the case has been fixed for May 31, the lawyer said.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda had not appeared before the court during the last hearing on April 19 citing medical reasons. The Congress leader had stated he was admitted in AIIMS in Delhi.

Several Congress leaders including MLAs were present outside the Panchkula court complex today. They included former Haryana Vidhan Speaker and MLA Kuldeep Sharma, MLAs Raghuvir Singh Kadian, Anand Singh Dangi, Karan Dalal, Lalit Nagar and the former chief minister's son and MP Deepinder Hooda.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda and 33 others were charge sheeted by the CBI in a case of alleged corruption in Manesar land deals worth over Rs 1,500 crore, in which around 200 farmers were cheated.

The 33 persons against whom the charge sheet was filed included, former principal secretary Murari Lal Tayal, former additional principal secretary and former UPSC member Chattar Singh -- both retired IAS officers and former Director of Town and Country Planning Sudeep Singh Dhillon.

They were booked under IPC sections related to criminal conspiracy and cheating and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

It was alleged on August 27, 2004 and August 25, 2005, the Haryana government had issued separate notifications for the acquisition of 912 acres of land for setting up an industrial model township at Manesar, Naurangpur and Lakhnoula villages in Gurgaon.

Threatening the farmers with the governments acquisition process, builders allegedly purchased around 459 acres from farmers at prices in the range of Rs 20-25 lakh per acre to Rs 1.50 crore per acre, the CBI had alleged.

Around 350 acres of land were bought at throwaway price of Rs 20-25 lakh per acre, while another 50 acres at the rate of even Rs 1.50 crore (approx) per acre, it had said.

In 2007, the builders allegedly gave a plea in the office of the then chief minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, seeking withdrawal of the acquisition process which was done two months later on August 24, the CBI had alleged.

The CBI had claimed that the government allegedly cited frivolous grounds such as the shape of land not being appropriate for acquisition and many properties being under litigation to keep the land out of the acquisition process.

The CBI had further alleged that land measuring more than 400 acres, whose market value at that time was above Rs 4 crore (approx) per acre, totalling about Rs 1,600 crore was thus allegedly purchased by the conspirators from the innocent land owners for only about Rs 100 crore, thus causing an alleged loss of more than Rs 1,500 crore to land owners.

The BJP, after coming to power, had ordered a CBI probe in the matter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India is ready and willing to assist in the development of southern African countries, Union Minister Suresh Prabhu said at a business summit here, asserting that the region holds a "huge potential" for trade.

Commerce and Industry Minister Prabhu was leading a high level business delegation to Johannesburg to participate in the two-day India-South Africa Business Summit 2018 which began on April 29.

"We feel that there is a huge potential that exists between these two regions," Prabhu said as he shared the platform with his counterparts from Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique at the summit.

He said a meeting in New Delhi just a month delibrated on what could be done in each of these countries.

"It was quite an eye-opener for us, because we realised that some of these countries have so much capability which we were not aware of, so we can actually use that and bring it into India as well. We are preparing for each and every country what it is that we can do together," the minister said.

"We don't want to offer one single solution to all the countries, but something befitting each of the countries in the southern African region," Prabhu said.

He said India's commitment to trade relations with Africa was "very strong" and efforts are on to find out how the credit extended for project financing in some of these countries can be further improved.

Prabhu said such steps would further benefit the countries where these projects are going to be implemented.

Despite the optimism about the pledge of support from India, Prabhu cautioned that these projects "should not be overambitious".

"Often the ideas don't work because of the very high ambitions that we start with, feeling that everything should be done immediately. That is not possible, even for India, which is a country much larger (than its African partners)."



Prabhu proposed that a Joint Study Group be set up to explore these ideas further.

"The relationship at political level is very high and very good, but we need to transcend that relationship into the economic sphere as well to benefit both the populations from that interaction," he said.

Botswana's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Bogolo Kenewendo supported Prabhu's view about people in her country benefiting from any partnership with India.

"Development should not be just about GDP figures the development we are looking for is now mainly focused on what is being translated to the livelihoods of our people," Kenewendo said.

"The world is looking to Africa for the next growth opportunities, and it would be wise to partner with a country that knows the struggle of Africa during the colonial times," said Swaziland's Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Prince Hlangusemphi.

"I consider this a win-win situation based on mutual interest, which is why we encourage India to partner with our local businesses in various sectors of our economy," he added.

Lesotho's Minister of Trade and Industry Tefo Mapesela proposed that components for Mahindra vehicles, which were very popular in the region, could be made in Lesotho.

He also sought India's agro-processing expertise and assistance in processing of apples, which are an abundant crop in Lesotho.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor arrived in Kinshasa today, the ICC said, following requests to investigate deadly violence in DR Congo.

Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda is due to meet with government officials and judicial institutions and hold a press conference on Thursday, the court said.

In January, a European Parliament resolution urged "the ICC and the UN to investigate allegations" of crimes against humanity in Kasai in the centre of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On March 1, the Congolese citizen movement Debout (Arise) also asked the ICC to investigate the crackdown on peaceful protests.

Sixteen people have been killed since December 31 as three marches, organised by the Catholic Church, were met with deadly force.

The marchers called on President Joseph Kabila to declare publicly that he would step down.

Kabila, in power since 2001, refused to leave office when his term expired in December 2016.

Elections, twice delayed, are due to be held on December 23, but opposition groups say they have little hope that the vote will be fair and credible.

Public rallies have been banned since September 2016, when dozens of demonstrators were killed.

Last year, at least 47 people were killed, according to a UN report seen by AFP last month.

Set up in 2002 in The Hague, the ICC is the world's only permanent war crimes court and acts to prosecute the worst abuses including genocide in places where national tribunals are unwilling or unable to act.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Indian Information Services (IIS) officer Sitanshu Ranjan Kar today took over as the director general of the PIB, an official release said.

The 1983-batch officer succeeded Frank Noronha, who superannuated yesterday, and is the 27th principal spokesperson of the Government of India.

In a career spanning nearly 35 years, Kar has worked in key positions in various media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

After attending the 'Foundation Course' at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie and the 'Orientation course' at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Kar joined the Services Division of the All India Radio (AIR) and after a short stint there moved to Doordarshan News, where he spent nearly 17 years.

In 1988, he became the first Indian to win the prestigious Visnews Fellowship of London and he travelled throughout Europe and North America to experience cutting-edge technologies being used in television production by leading broadcasters, the release said.

Kar had joined the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in 2003.

He has anchored the publicity of several key ministries, namely the Environment and Forests, Rural Development, HRD, Science and Technology, Atomic Energy and Space ministries, before joining the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, as its principal spokesperson in August 2005.

Kar has the distinction of being the longest serving spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence. He has served the ministry for over a decade at a stretch.

In December 2015, he was appointed as the director general of the AIR's Services Division.

Kar graduated in humanities from the BJB College, Bhubaneswar, and earned his post-graduate degree in political science and M Phil in Chinese and Japanese Studies from the Delhi University.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Students at IIT Roorkee have developed a mobile application -- 'Dhadkan' -- for monitoring the health of people suffering from heart ailments and provide them with medical assistance in case of emergency.

The app, developed by Computational Biology group at IIT-Roorkee, can automatically send notification to both the doctor and the patient, in case of any drastic changes in patient's health data indicating the possibility of an imminent heart attack.

"Named 'Dhadkan', this mobile application will be of tremendous benefit to India which has about 10 million patients at risk of heart failure. The app is available for free and no charges are involved to avail the benefits," Deepak Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, who led the group, said.

The mobile application has been designed in collaboration with experts from AIIMS.

Explaining how the app works, Sharma said it collects patient's data (at any desired interval) including blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, and transmits it to the authorised care-giver (a doctor, nurse or paramedic) who is linked to the patient during initial registration.

"It also provides for two-way communication between doctors and patients. In addition, patients can send ECG report(s) to the doctor (if needed). The app not only eliminates the need for manual monitoring of each patient by the doctor but also helps them in proactively recommending precautionary action during the treatment period," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Armies of India and China today held a Border Personnel Meeting during which both sides resolved to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control, besides agreeing to work on additional confidence building measures.

It was the first such meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit last week in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they agreed to strengthen strategic communication between the two sides on security-related issues.

The BPM took place in Chusul, Ladakh.

It was a ceremonial BPM and issues related to border management were discussed during the meeting, government sources said.

They said the deliberations focused on bringing down tension along the disputed borders and ways to bridge the trust deficit.

In their informal summit, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communication and build trust and understanding between the border guarding forces of the two countries.

The decisions came months after Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a 73-day long standoff in Doklam.

The sources said the armies of India and China would undertake a series of measures to bring down tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto boundary between the two countries.

They said building trust between the two sides would be a focus area and the measures being contemplated to bring down tension along the border include carrying out "coordinated patrols".

A senior Army official said under coordinated patrol, each side would provide advance information to the other side when a patrolling team goes to a disputed area.

They said both the sides will also try to resolve local incidents as per provision of a 2003 agreement to address boundary disputes.

Sources said both sides were also working on setting up a long-delayed hotline between the Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and the Chinese officer holding a similar position.

The Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) took place on the occasion of Labour Day and troops and their families were part of the celebrations, the sources said.

They said both sides also exchanged gifts at Wacha border post in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh.

According to government data, the number of transgressions by the Chinese Army into the Indian territory rose to 426 in 2017 from the 273 in 2016. India and China share a nearly 4,000 km-long border.

Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

The two sides hold BPM at five points -- Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India continued to sit at the top of the latest ICC Test Team Rankings, ahead of South Africa and Australia.

Not only that, with the results from 2014-15 being removed from the equation and those from 2015-16 and 2016-17 being weighted at 50 per cent, India have actually stretched their lead over South Africa from four to 13 points.

For India, who played four Tests in the 2014-15 season losing 2-0 in Australia and had earlier lost the five-Test tour of England 3-1 in the summer of 2014, the move up was expected following an excellent run since, highlighted by 10 wins in 13 Tests in the 2016-17 season.

India have reached an aggregate of 125 while South Africa have lost five points and slipped to 112. South Africa, are however, still comfortably ahead of the remaining sides.

Australia are placed third with 106 points after gaining four points following the update, taking back the position from New Zealand, who had overtaken them at the last cut-off date of April 3.

England have gained one point and sit fifth on the rankings table.

That change saw New Zealand assure themselves of USD 200,000 for finishing third. India and South Africa had won USD 1 million and USD 500,000, respectively for finishing first and second at the cut-off date. After the update, New Zealand remain on 102 points while England have inched closer, reaching 98 after gaining one point.

In another interesting movement, Bangladesh have moved ahead of the West Indies, who are in ninth position for the first time ever.

The Windies have lost five points and are now on 67 points while Bangladesh have gained four points to reach 75, eight points clear of the Caribbeans.

Sri Lanka remain in sixth position after losing one point while Zimbabwe have gained one point to reach two. The table will see new additions in the form of Afghanistan and Ireland after they play their first Tests following their Full Membership status.

Ireland are due to play their first Test against Pakistan in Malahide, Dublin, from May 11 to 15 while Afghanistan's first Test will be against India in Bengaluru from June 14 to 18.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India and Singapore today discussed ways to boost defence and security cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain.

Several key issues relating to defence ties figured during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's meeting with



Singapore's Permanent Secretary of Defence Chan Yang Kit, officials said.

It is learnt that the issue of implementation of an agreement to deepen bilateral maritime security cooperation in strategically key sea lanes and access each other's naval bases also figured during the discussion.

In November last year, the two countries had inked the pact under which Singapore will provide its naval bases for refuelling and berthing of Indian ships, which is expected to add teeth to India's operational reach in Malacca Strait and nearby areas.

Under provision of the pact, India will provide logistics support to Singapore include live firing drills in the Andaman.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it tried but failed to hide from the world and from its own people, a top White House official has alleged.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the recent information released by Israel provided new and compelling details about Iran's efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons.

Sanders and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued strong statements yesterday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of having secretly pursued a nuclear weapons programme.

Netanyahu said he had conclusive proof that Iran had lied about its nuclear weapons programme.

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," Sanders said.

"The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbours and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons," she said.

Pompeo said the documents obtained by Israel from inside of Iran showed beyond any doubt that the Iranian regime was not telling the truth.

"I have personally reviewed many of the Iranian files. Our nonproliferation and intelligence officials have been analysing tens of thousands of pages and translating them from Farsi. This analytical work will continue for many months. We assess that the documents we have reviewed are authentic," Pompeo said.

The documents show that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme for years. It sought to develop nuclear weapons and missile delivery systems and hid a vast atomic archive from the world and from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he alleged.

Pompeo said that among the flaws of the Iran nuclear deal was the whitewashing of Tehran's illicit activities related to its military nuclear programme.

Iran had many opportunities over the years to turn over its files to international inspectors from the IAEA and admit its nuclear weapons work. Instead, they lied to the IAEA repeatedly, he alleged.

Pompeo also alleged that Tehran had lied about their nuclear programme to the six nations who negotiated the Iran nuclear deal.

He said what it meant was the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency and was built on Iran's lies.

Iran's nuclear deception is inconsistent with Iran's pledge in the nuclear deal "that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons," he alleged.

"We are therefore assessing what the discovery of Iran's secret nuclear files means for the future of the The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Allowing restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme to sunset was a mistake. One has to ask: Why exactly was Iran hiding half a ton of nuclear weaponisation files while implementing the Iran deal?" Pompeo said.

He said that as US President Donald Trump's May 12 deadline to fix the Iran deal was approaching, he will consult with European allies and other nations on the best way forward in light of what they now know about Iran's past pursuit of nuclear weapons and its systematic deception of the world.

Earlier in the day, Trump threatened to end the Iranian deal.

"In seven years that deal will have expired, and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons. That's not acceptable. Seven years is tomorrow. That's not acceptable," Trump said, responding to a question during a joint conference with the visiting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

"That is just not an acceptable situation. I've been saying that's happening. They're not sitting back idly. They're setting off missiles which they say are for television purposes. I don't think so," he said.

Trump has to make a decision by May 12 on America's continuation in remaining in the deal.

"We'll see what happens. I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know. On or before the 12th, we'll make a decision. That doesn't mean we won't negotiate a real agreement. You know, this is an agreement that wasn't approved by too many people. And it's a horrible agreement for the United States," Trump said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Iran is ready to participate in a gas swap between Pakistan and Turkmenistan as it thinks that the ambitious, multi-billion dollar TAPI gas pipeline that includes India is unlikely to become operational, a top Iranian official has said.

The USD 10 billion TurkmenistanAfghanistanPakistanIndia (TAPI) gas pipeline project will help ease energy shortages in South Asia.

Hamid Reza Araqi, the CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) expressed Iran's readiness to participate in the Turkmen gas swap to Pakistan.

"It is unlikely that the Turkmen gas pipeline to Pakistan will be constructed, and Iran is ready for this swap," Iranian agency FARS quoted Araqi as saying.

"I see it unlikely for the TAPI pipeline to become operational," he said.

Given Iran's location in the centre of the region, "we can join every gas pipeline that passes around the country," he said.

Araqi, who is also the deputy petroleum minister for gas affairs, added that Iran is the best pathway for gas transmission from Turkmenistan to Pakistan, adding, "We are able to receive Turkmen gas and deliver it to Pakistan."



He said Iran had conveyed its readiness to Turkmenistan to export their gas to Pakistan but was yet to receive any response from them.

Turkmenistan, which sits on the world's fourth-largest gas reserves, started building its section of the pipeline in December 2015. The TAPI pipeline will have a capacity to carry 90 million standard cubic metres a day (mmscmd) gas for 30 years and is planned to become operational this year.

The project will bring clean fuel to the growing economies of India and Pakistan. It will provide energy-hungry India gas to run its power plants.

India has concerns relating to the safety of the pipeline and safe transit of gas through restive areas in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Under the pipeline project, Pakistan and India will be provided 1.325 bcfd gas each and Afghanistan will be getting a share of 0.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) gas.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, until last week director of the CIA, said today that Israel's newly released package of intelligence on an Iranian nuclear weapons program was authentic and much of it was new to US experts.

Pompeo met Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday at Israeli military headquarters and was briefed on the material, which was released as Washington's new top diplomat flew home.

"We've known about this material for a while and we certainly discussed this material yesterday when we were together," Pompeo told reporters on his plane.

"It's been something that's been in the works for a while. I know that there are people talking about these documents not being authentic. I can confirm with you, for you, that these documents are real, they are authentic."



Asked whether the United States had been aware for many years that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program -- dubbed Project Amad -- before 2004, Pompeo said: "That's partly true. The existence of the Amad program ended roughly in December 2003, January 2004.

"It's accurate to say that the knowledge of that, the fact of that, has been known for quite some time, but there are thousands of new documents and new information," the top US diplomat added.

"We're still going through it, there's still a lot of work to do to figure out the scope and scale of it, but it is the case that there is new information about that program."



Supporters of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which President Donald Trump is expected to pull the US out from on May 12, have argued that Netanyahu's intelligence release deals simply with a historic Iranian program and does not prove they are in breach of the 2015 accord.

But Pompeo argued that it has some value in the current debate.

"This will, I think, spell out the scope and scale of the program that they undertook there, and I think that it makes clear that at the very least the Iranians have continued to lie to their own people," he told reporters.

"The Iranians have consistently taken the position that they've never had a program like this. This will belie any notion that there wasn't a program." Pompeo said that Trump would have to determine whether the United States feels Iran is in violation of the deal, and said US translators and analysts are still trawling through the intelligence provided by the Israelis.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena founder Pawan Kalyan today said his party would contest in all 175 assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh in the 2019 polls.

"I have never stated that Jana Sena is confined to only a few constituencies. Jana Sena will contest in all 175 constituencies," Kalyan said at a meeting here with key party workers from the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The details of his 'mass-contact programme' would be announced before May 11, he said.

Kalyan announced Dev as the party's chief political strategist on the occasion.

Dev, who has been working with the party for 10 months, would focus on election plans and other matters, Kalyan said in a party release.

The party's election plan for Telangana would be announced by August second week, he said.

" Kalyan, younger brother of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, had formed the Jana Sena in 2014.

He supported the TDP-BJP alliance in undivided Andhra Pradesh in the 2014 assembly polls.

He, however, has been critical of TDP and BJP on different issues, including the NDA government not according special category status to Andhra Pradesh as promised by the saffron party.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The body of a 70-year-old Japanese man was found from a rented accommodation in south Delhi's Defence Colony today, police said.

The police were informed by the locals in the morning that Yoichi Nishimura, the Japanese national, was not opening the door to his room.

The police reached the spot and looking through a window of the room, spotted the deceased lying on the floor of the washroom.

The door to the room was broken open and it was found that Nishimura had died.

The deceased worked as an engineering consultant for the NIPPON company. He was suffering from diarrhoea for the last few days and was on medication.

The autopsy result would throw more light on his medical condition, the police said, adding that there was no external injury on his body.

The family of the deceased has been informed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas met Shinzo Abe today as part of the Japanese Prime Minister's Middle East tour.

Abbas welcomed Abe at his presidential headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah before heading into a bilateral meeting without addressing the media. Abe is on a tour of the Middle East and will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday, the Israeli foreign ministry said.

His visit also included trips to the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Representatives of Japan, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians held a meeting on the



Jordanian banks of the Dead Sea on Sunday night to discuss their "corridor for peace and prosperity" initiative.

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono told reporters the initiative -- which aims to promote regional cooperation including through the creation of an agro-industrial park in the West Bank -- was making progress.

"Our efforts have finally started to bear fruits," Kono said.

He said the initiative is vital for economic development in the Palestinian territories and the Jordan valley.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas his country would not move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, official media reported, two weeks before the United States completes its controversial relocation.

Meeting in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, Abe yesterday told Abbas his country "will not move its embassy to Jerusalem," a readout on Palestinian official agency Wafa said.

The United States is due to transfer its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14 in a move that sparked anger among Palestinians, who view the eastern part of the city as their capital.

President Donald Trump's decision broke with decades of international consensus that the future of the disputed city should be negotiated between the parties, but Israel is hopeful other countries will follow the US lead.

Wafa said the Japanese premier reasserted his country's support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the framework of the two-state solution.

It said Abbas thanked Abe for his country's support for the Palestinian people and told him Palestinians remained "ready to cooperate for the success of any international effort to find a political process," provided it was based on international law and the creation of a Palestinian state.

The Palestinians are currently refusing to meet Trump's negotiating team over the embassy row and Abbas has called for other countries to step in to facilitate a new process.

Abe is on a tour of the Middle East and will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today.

His visit also included trips to the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Representatives of Japan, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians held a meeting on the Jordanian banks of the Dead Sea on Sunday evening to discuss their "corridor for peace and prosperity" initiative.

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono told reporters the initiative -- which aims to promote regional cooperation including through the creation of an agro-industrial park in the West Bank -- was making progress.

"Our efforts have finally started to bear fruit," Kono said.

He said the initiative is vital for economic development in the Palestinian territories and the Jordan valley.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A BJP MP has asked Aligarh Muslim University to explain why it displays a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, triggering a row days after a student sought permission to hold an RSS shaka on its premises.

In a letter written to Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor yesterday, Aligarh MP Satish Gautam objected to Pakistan founder's picture on the walls of the AMU student union office.

AMU spokesman Shafey Kidwai today defended the portrait, apparently hanging there for decades, saying that Jinnah was a founder of the university and granted life membership of the student union.

Traditionally, photographs of all life members are placed on the walls of the student union, he told PTI.

"Jinnah was also accorded life membership of the AMUSU in 1938. He was the founder member of the University Court in 1920 and also a donor, the spokesman said.

He was granted membership before the demand of Pakistan had been raised by the Muslim League," he said.

The spokesman said no national leader had raised any objection to the photo even after Independence. These included Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, C Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Shafey said AMU student union has a long tradition of granting life membership to prominent people in politics, social and educational fields.

Their photographs were a part of the rich heritage of undivided India and no one ever thought of raising this issue before, he said.

The first recorded life membership by the student union was the one granted to Mahatma Gandhi on October 29, 1920, he said.

This was followed by a long list of luminaries including Rajagopalachari, Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, C V Raman and British writer E M Forster, he said.

Last week, the AMU Vice Chancellor received a letter from an "RSS activist" Amir Rasheed seeking his permission to organise a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh 'shakha' on the campus.

Kidwai said, "The University is not considering any proposal for allowing any camp or shakha organised by any political party."



"We have a tradition of not allowing political parties to put up their candidates either for contesting the Students' Union polls or the Teachers' Association elections," he said.

He said AMU had "no intention" of allowing any "direct intervention" of political parties inside the campus.

AMU was not under any sort of pressure from any government agency," he added.

He said the student union enjoyed a certain autonomy within the legal framework of the University's constitution as enshrined by an Act of Parliament.

"No vice chancellor or governing body has ever tried to infringe upon such rights and hence, while we may have different views from the student union on many matters, the AMU authorities have always tried to avoid directly intervening in their matters," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A BJP MP has asked Aligarh Muslim University to explain why it displays a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, triggering a row days after a student sought permission to hold an RSS shakha on its premises.

The Congress termed the MP's demand a "diversionary tactic" of the BJP to avoid issues which impact common people.

In a letter written to Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor yesterday, Aligarh MP Satish Gautam objected to the Pakistan founder's picture on the walls of the AMU student union office.

AMU spokesman Shafey Kidwai today defended the portrait, apparently hanging there for decades, saying that Jinnah was a founder member of the University Court and granted life membership of the student union.

Traditionally, photographs of all life members are placed on the walls of the student union, he told PTI.

"Jinnah was also accorded life membership of the AMUSU in 1938. He was the founder member of the University Court in 1920 and also a donor, the spokesman said.

He was granted membership before the demand of Pakistan had been raised by the Muslim League," he said.

The spokesman said no national leader had raised any objection to the photo even after Independence. These included Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, C Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Shafey said AMU student union has a long tradition of granting life membership to prominent people in politics, social and educational fields.

Their photographs were a part of the rich heritage of undivided India and no one ever thought of raising this issue before, he said.

The first recorded life membership by the student union was the one granted to Mahatma Gandhi on October 29, 1920, he said.

This was followed by a long list of luminaries including Rajagopalachari, Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, C V Raman and British writer E M Forster, he said.

Asked about Gautam's letter on Jinnah's portrait, Congress spokesperson Sushmita Dev said it was a diversionary tactic as development, women's security and health services for children were not on the BJP's agenda.

"This is yet another diversionary tactic to divert the minds of the people from real issues to polarising issues, rather than address those that impact the common man of India," she said.

Last week, the AMU Vice Chancellor also received a letter from an "RSS activist" Amir Rasheed seeking his permission to organise a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh 'shakha' on the campus.

Kidwai said, "The University is not considering any proposal for allowing any camp or shakha organised by any political party."



The RSS, however, says it is not a political organisation.

"We have a tradition of not allowing political parties to put up their candidates either for contesting the Students' Union polls or the Teachers' Association elections," the AMU spokesman said.

He said AMU had "no intention" of allowing any "direct intervention" of political parties inside the campus.

The AMU was not under any sort of pressure from any government agency," he added.

He said the student union enjoyed a certain autonomy within the legal framework of the University's constitution as enshrined by an Act of Parliament.

"No vice chancellor or governing body has ever tried to infringe upon such rights and hence, while we may have different views from the student union on many matters, the AMU authorities have always tried to avoid directly intervening in their matters," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Dozens of journalists protested in front of the office of Mathura District Magistrate Sarvagya Ram Mishra today in solidarity with their colleagues, against whom the Ghaziabad district administration has filed an FIR.

The FIR was filed on April 28 against journalists of two TV channels for allegedly running a report claiming Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ritu Maheshwari had taken bribe to allow construction of shops in residential areas.

"Filing of the FIR against journalists by the District Magistrate of Ghaziabad and the Ghaziabad Development Authority is a direct attack on the freedom of the press, since journalists only tried to expose the rampant corruption in the government department," the state vice president of the UP Journalist Association, Kamal Kant Upamanyu, said.

Upamanyu, who led the demonstration, said journalists would be forced to intensify their stir and surrender their pen and camera, if the FIR is not withdrawn and the Ghaziabad district magistrate is not shifted.

The journalists submitted a memorandum of their demands, addressed to the chief minister, to Mathura Chief Development Officer Pawan Gangwar.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Madhya Pradesh Congress' newly elected chief Kamal Nath today arrived here to formally take charge of the party in the state where the Assembly elections are due later this year.

The nine-time MP from Chhindwara, who is on his maiden visit to the state capital after being made the MP Congress president, was given a rousing welcome on his arrival at the airport here.

The former Union minister travelled in a huge procession to the party office Indira Bhawan, located about 15 kms from the airport.

Braving the scorching heat of over 41 degree Celsius, the Congressmen welcomed Nath by beating drums and dancing on the roadsides, causing traffic snarls at some places.

The state Congress' new election campaign committee chairman, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and senior party leader Digvijay Singh accompanied Nath in his vehicle.

Nath was last week appointed the MP Congress president to revive the party's fortune in the BJP-ruled state ahead of the Assembly polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today dismissed an interim bail plea of Yug Tuli, the co-owner of the Mojo's Bistro restaurant and an accused in the December, 2017 fire incident at Kamala Mills compound in Mumbai in which 14 people were killed.

Tuli had filed the writ petition in the apex court seeking interim bail till the bail application before the Bombay High Court was decided.

The Maharashtra government opposed Tuli's plea saying that the Bombay High Court had last week rejected his bail plea and therefore the present writ petition filed by him seeking interim relief has become infructous.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan today said that since Bombay High Court had rejected his plea on April 27, he can challenge that order through an appeal.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Tuli, said that he was the co-owner of the restaurant situated in the compound, where the fire incident had taken place, and the other accused have been granted bail by the courts.

"He should be given at least interim bail till the appeal against the high court order is adjudicated by the apex court," Rohatgi said.

Maharashtra's standing counsel Nishant Katneshwar opposed the plea and said the accused has even filed an appeal against the high court order.

The bench said it will look into the aspect of interim bail when the appeal is taken up for hearing.

Tuli had claimed that the high court bench, which is hearing his bail matter, is seized of various bail petitions and it would take some time for his plea to be decided.

He had also sought direction that his bail application be decided by the high court expeditiously.

The high court had on April 27 rejected his bail plea saying that it will pass a detailed order later.

Tuli, who was arrested in mid-January, had approached the high court after his bail plea was rejected by the sessions court on April 11.

In his plea before the high court, Tuli had claimed that the tragedy occurred due to the "mistake" of the staff at "1 Above", the other restaurant that was gutted in the blaze on the intervening night of December 28-29.

He had claimed as per the police inquiry, none of the guests at his restaurant were among the dead.

The state government had, however, opposed the bail plea before the high court and said there was gross negligence on the part of Tuli and all the other accused.

It had submitted that as per the inquiry reports of the police as well as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the fire was caused by the flying embers emanating from a hookah being served illegally at Mojo's Bistro.

Tuli had claimed that he had no role in the day-to-day operations of the hookah parlour. A total of 14 persons have been arrested in the case and booked under various sections of the IPC, including those related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and causing death by negligence.

The accused include the owners of the Kamala Mills compound, Mojo Bistro and 1 Above and two BMC officials.

On the fateful night, a massive fire had swept through the two resto-pubs at the Kamala Mills compound in central Mumbai, resulting in the death of 14 people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Centre today said the Karnataka government's proposal to approve an official flag for the state was put on hold as the election code of conduct came into force due to the upcoming Assembly polls.

The Home Ministry's comments came after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve the state flag.

"The request for a separate flag was received from Karnataka. Since the election code of conduct has come into force, the consideration has been put on hold," an official spokesperson said.

The Assembly elections in Karnataka would be held on May 12. Modi visited the state today for campaigning for the BJP.

Invoking Kannada pride, Siddaramaiah had yesterday asked Modi to approve the state flag.

"Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has declared himself a Kannadiga. Becoming Kannadiga means accepting Kannada language, naada geete (state anthem), naadadwaja (state flag)," he said.

"Will you become true Kannadiga by giving approval to Karnataka's nada dwaja? #AnswerMadiModi," Siddaramaiah tweeted in Kannada.

Flagging "Kannadiga pride" ahead of the Assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had unveiled the proposed official state flag for the state in March.

The state's flag, in hues of yellow, white and red, has the state's emblem 'Gandaberunda', a two-headed mythological bird, at its centre.

The proposal was forwarded to the Centre for mandatory approval.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a major push to transform Kerala as an investment-friendly destination, the



CPI(M)-led LDF government has banned the obsolete



'Nokku Kooli' practise used by headload workers to extract exorbitant wages without doing any work.

"The order, which was issued last night, comes into effect from today on Labour Day," an official statement said.

"NokkuKooli, which literally means 'gawking wages,' is a euphemism for extortion by organised labour unions in the state under which wages have to be paid to trade union workers for loading and unloading works done by other workers or by machines," it said.

The practise is widely considered a product of militant trade unionism that resulted in frequent altercation between workers and businessmen.

"The order was issued after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held discussions with labour union leaders on March 8," the statement said.

Overcharging and 'Nokkukuli' had been causing difficulties in entrepreneurship development in the state, the labour department said.

According to the new order, entrepreneurs can now pay the wages fixed by the district labour officers. For non-listed works, wages need to be paid on the basis of bi-party agreement, while for domestic loading and unloading works and those related to farming, workers of their choice can be hired.

In case, trade union workers are employed, they can be paid as per the rate fixed by the government, it said.

The state government said strict warnings had been issued to trade unions against threatening entrepreneurs demanding more money or the right to work.

The major trade unions-- Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) of the ruling CPI(M) and Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) of the opposition Congress-- have welcomed the decision.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)RJD chief Lalu Prasad was today admitted to the cardiac ward of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, hours after he arrived at the Jharkhand capital from Delhi.

Prasad, who is serving jail sentence in fodder scam cases, boarded the Rajdhani Express from Delhi last evening after doctors at the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he underwent treatment for various ailments over the past one month, discharged him, citing "significant improvement" in his condition.

The former Bihar chief minister was taken to RIMS as soon as he alighted from the train around 10 am, said a police officer at the Ranchi railway station.

A medical team, constituted to look after Prasad, collected his blood samples for pathological tests after he was admitted to the cardiac ward, a doctor at the hospital said.

"A team of five doctors -- Umesh Prasad of the medicine department, R G Baxla of the surgery department, Prakash Kumar of the cardiology department, Bindu Bhusan Sinha of the eye department and Ashraf Jamal from the Urology department -- are looking after Prasad. They are waiting for his reports to arrive to decide on the further course of action," he said.

In an official statement yesterday, AIIMS had said, "Lalu Prasad was referred from the Ranchi Medical College to AIIMS for management of his acute medical condition. He has improved significantly and as per advice of the medical board constituted for his treatment, he is being referred back to the Ranchi Medical College."



Prasad, however, alleged a "political conspiracy" behind his discharge.

In a letter to the director of AIIMS, the RJD supremo had said yesterday that doctors should not act under pressure from "certain individuals or political parties".

Prasad has been convicted in four fodder scam cases since 2013 - the latest being the Dumka treasury case, in which a special CBI court sentenced him to 14 years in jail.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A fresh plea was today filed in the Supreme Court seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against Divya Spandana alias Ramya, Kannada actress and social media in-charge of the Congress, for her alleged defamatory statements on social media against Chief Justice Dipak Misra.

The contempt petition was mentioned before a bench comprising the CJI and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, for urgent listing and hearing.

Lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha, appearing for petitioner advocate Arun Kumar, said the statements and tweets were against the judiciary and issued after the Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu rejected the motion of opposition parties led by Congress to impeach the CJI.

The bench however declined urgent hearing and said the plea would come up in due course.

The petition alleged that Spandana, who looks after the AICC's social media section, had made certain "scandalous" remarks against the CJI in relation to the 'impeachment motion'.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Around 100 Congress workers were taken into custody here today for staging a protest against Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, condemning what they called her recent bid to "dislocate" the free rice scheme in rural areas.

The protesters raised slogans 'go back' against Bedi while she was on her way to Aayi Pond to plant saplings to 'conserve' water bodies for posterity and make the Union Territory 'water-rich.'



The protesters, who were led by PCC general secretary A K D Arumugham, were taken into custody, police said.

Speaking to newsmen, Arumugham said the imposition of a 'condition' by Bedi that villages not maintained properly would not get the benefit of free rice scheme was "utterly unwholesome and objectionable."



Bedi, however, withdrew the directive hours after she issued it, as it drew flak from opposition parties.

The ruling Congress, its ally DMK and Left parties had yesterday staged a demonstration near Raj Nivas here.

Party leaders condemned Bedi's recent announcement that implementation of the scheme in rural areas was subject to the maintenance of hamlets and keeping them 'open defecation free and garbage free.'



On April 28, the former IPS officer had directed authorities to clean villages, a pre-condition for distribution of free rice, but withdrew it within hours after protests by Opposition parties.

She had cited poor sanitation conditions in rural pockets during her visits and to make a turnaround, directed linking rice distribution to good sanitation in villages.

Bedi also set a May 31 deadline for villages to be made clean.

Ever since she became Lt Governor in May 2016, Bedi and the Congress government have been at loggerheads over various issues.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)(M&M) has signed a share subscription agreement to acquire up to 10 per cent share capital of Canada's IT firm Resson Aerospace Corporation for up to CAD 6.63 million to be paid in cash.

"The company has today signed a share subscription agreement for subscribing up to 8,00,402 Class C preferred shares of Resson Aerospace Corporation, Canada, which would result in the company holding up to 10 per cent of the share capital of Resson on a fully diluted basis," M&M said in a regulatory filing.

M&M said the cost of acquisition is up to CAD 6.63 million (equivalent to approximately Rs 354 million) to be paid in cash.

Resson is focussed on providing technology solutions for agriculture. It has developed a system which captures and interprets images to give farmers information about the state of their fields and crops. It operates primarily in Canada and the US.

Resson had a turnover of CAD 1.43 million in the calendar year 2017.

M&M said the acquisition of shares in Resson is expected to support its businesses by developing technology solutions for the company's farm division.The bone ossification test report of an accused held in connection with the rape of a 10-year-old girl inside a madrassa in Ghaziabad has indicated that he is a major, police said today.

The report was submitted to juvenile justice board today and the matter has been listed for hearing tomorrow, said a senior police officer.

A bone ossification test was carried on the accused since his family had failed to submit documents that could help the police to ascertain if he was below 18 years of age, he said.

"The test report indicates that he is a major," the officer said.

Earlier this week, the police had also arrested Ghulam Shahid, the madrassa cleric, for allegedly being aware of the presence of the girl on the premises.

The police were informed on April 21 by the girl's father that she had gone missing from Ghazipur in east Delhi after she went to the market.

Subsequently, the girl was rescued from the madrassa on April 22 by a Delhi Police team and the "juvenile" apprehended, the police said.

The victim had recorded her statement in front of a magistrate on April 23. She had said the accused had taken her to the madrassa to meet his friends.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Major airlines, including Air India and Vistara, today welcomed the Telecom Commission's nod for use of WiFi and voice services in-flight, with Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu saying he will ensure earliest implementation of the proposal.

When the decision comes into effect roughly in three to four months time, passengers can use mobile phones for both voice and data services in the Indian airspace in domestic and International flights.

We welcome the decision as it will mean more convenience to air travellers. We will study the recommendations in details and in due course determine the economics of offering on domestic and international route, Vistara, which is gearing up for international operations, said in a statement, welcoming the development.

The major take away from the decision is access to net connectivity and Internet access which can be provided once the aircraft is ready for take-off.

Prabhu said that he will ensure "earliest implementation" of the proposal as the government remains committed to improving services of air passengers and making their travel delightful and hassle-free.

Providing passenger amenities have been the endeavour of the Narendra Modi government. We are constantly upgrading our services. This (decision) will go a long way in making sure people will be using the flying time more productively and efficiently, the Civil Aviation minister said in a video message from South Africa.

This move will also help so many hours not being wasted which would be fruitfully and gainfully, he added, describing the move as "exciting times ahead in Indian skies".

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha wrote on Twitter, "Approval for Voice & Data services in Indian airspace has been granted by the @TRAI. We are a step closer for fliers to access & use mobile services in-flight. Enhancing passenger experience in the aviation ecosystem has always been at the forefront for @MoCA_GoI. @DoT_India."



According to Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence at global consultancy KPMG, passengers may not be averse to paying Rs 200-300 for a 2-3 hour flight and it could be more for international flights.

Premium and corporate passengers may get the service free, he told PTI.

Dubey said in 12-24 months, the WiFi service may become completely free like it is in hotels. For the airlines, it may provide alternate revenue opportunity to airlines through advertisements and fee from online transactions.

Overall, it's a great move albeit a bit late, he said.

The Telecom Commission's approval today is a win-win situation both for the airline and the travellers in general and we welcome it, said an Air India spokesperson, stating that they are analysing the announcement made in detail before commenting further on the issue.

Both IndiGo and SpiceJet said they are also studying the matter in detail before making any comments.

Dubey, however, felt that airlines would find it difficult to ground the aircraft for retrofitting with necessary equipment. This may be easier to implement through new aircraft deliveries.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A man who admitted discussing plans to explode bombs in Times Square and other New York locations received a 10-year prison sentence Monday for conspiring with others, including his older brother, to support a terrorist organisation.

Nader Saadeh had faced a maximum of 15 years but received a lighter sentence because his cooperation helped the government prosecute four other men, including his older brother, Alaa.

One of the others, former New York resident Munther Omar Saleh, was making plans to detonate bombs in Times Square and at the World Trade Center and the Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Queens, Assistant US Attorney Dennis Carletta said in court today.

Alaa Saadeh, a resident of Fort Lee in northern New Jersey, worked as a supervisor at a Staples office supply store. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years in 2016.

Saleh also pleaded guilty and is serving an 18-year sentence.

At Nader Saadeh's plea hearing in 2015, he acknowledged looking at diagrams for making the bombs and discussing plans to use them at the New York locations.

At the time of his 2015 arrest, prosecutors said the former Rutherford resident had recently travelled to the Middle East to join the Islamic State group but was detained in Jordan and held there before being returned to the US.

Nader Saadeh, then 19, "was the guinea pig" of the group who went to the Middle East at the urging of the others, his attorney, Frank Arleo, told US District Judge Susan Wigenton on today.

"I don't know if the other guys were ever going to go," Arleo said. "They sent Nader to be the test case." Citing Nader Saadeh's cooperation, prosecutors had sought a sentence of 10 to 12 years. Arleo had sought a sentence of about seven years.

Another defendant, Samuel Rahamin Topaz, also of Fort Lee, pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday.

From 2012 to 2013, Nader Saadeh expressed his hatred for the United States and his wish to form a small army, prosecutors said. After the Islamic State group's leader declared an Islamic caliphate in parts of Syria and Iraq in July 2014, authorities said, Saadeh posted images of the group's flags on Facebook.

Prosecutors alleged the Saadeh brothers had numerous meetings and exchanged text messages and phone calls with Topaz and Saleh, who was a college student in New York at the time.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Seven gold bars, worth Rs 32 lakh, were seized today at the airport here by the CISF from a passenger, who had concealed them in his footwear, a senior official said.

Moosa M, travelling to Mangalore from Mumbai, was intercepted early this morning by a CISF official after he found something suspicious in his footwear during the mandatory frisking at the terminal area, the official said.

"Seven gold bars, weighing 1.06 kg, were recovered from the footwear. The man has been handed over to Customs authorities," he said.

The gold is worth Rs 32 lakh, the official said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A man today allegedly made obscene gesture to a woman in Vijay Vihar area of Rohini, following which she beat him up and handed him over to the Delhi Police.

The woman was on her way to deposit money to a bank when the man came near her and started making lewd gestures, the police said.

She initially ignored him but the man later started harassing a 12-year-old girl standing nearby, the police said.

The woman caught hold of the man and pushed him to the ground. Local residents also joined her in thrashing him. They later handed him over to the police.

The woman alleged she was made to wait for three hours at the police station for getting the case registered.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Mel Gibson's "Hacksaw Ridge" follow up film is once again a World War II story, based on the Battle of Okinawa.

The 62-year-old actor-director will helm "Destroyer", which tells the story of American naval ship USS Laffey.

The ship withstood multiple kamikaze attacks from the Imperial Japanese Army and earned the nickname "The Ship That Would Not Die".

Gibson's last directorial venture "Hacksaw Ridge" also revolved around the Battle of Okinawa but showed the battle on ground.

The new film is based on the non-fiction book "Hell From the Heavens: The Epic Story of the USS Laffey and World War II's Greatest Kamikaze Attack" by John Wukovits.

Gibson's girlfriend Rosalind Ross, who has worked on the TV series "Matador", has penned the script for the film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Besides this project, Gibson is in negotiations with Warner Bros. to co-star with Mark Wahlberg in "The Six Billion Dollar Man".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched his campaign blitzkrieg in Karnataka, unleashing a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi and daring him "to speak in any language" for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government without reading out from piece of paper.

He accused the state's Congress government, which he claimed was steeped in corruption, of thwarting the Centre's efforts for development.

Hitting out at the Congress president, Modi also said those currently leading the party had "no understanding" of history and the country's legacy.

"I dare the Congress president to speak in Hindi, English or the mother tongue of his mother to deliver a speech in Karnataka for 15 minutes, without reading out from a piece of paper, on the achievements of the party government... people of Karnataka will draw their own conclusion," he told an election rally here.

Modi was responding to Rahul Gandhi's dare to him to allow him to speak for 15 minutes in Parliament on various issues, including corruption, and that the prime minister will not be able to sit for 15 minutes.

"His speaking for 15 minutes will itself is a big thing. And when I hear that I would not be able to sit, I think...wow, what a scene it is? Congress president, Sir, we cannot sit before you. You are 'naamdar' (famous), while I am 'kaamdar' (ordinary worker). We have no status to sit in front of you," he said.

Addressing the first of the 15 election rallies he is scheduled to address over the next few days, Modi claimed, "A storm and not a simple wave" was blowing in the BJP's favour in the state.

Greeting the workers on the occasion of "May Day", Modi also took a dig at Gandhi for not acknowledging the contribution of workers towards 100 per cent electrification of villages achieved under his government.

"April 28th is a day that will be written in golden" letters in country's history, because our hardworking people" made electricity reach the last unelectrified village Leisang in Manipur.

"But the new leader of the Congress did not utter two words of praise for the workers who made it possible," Modi said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wished Gujarat and Maharashtra on their statehood day, hoping that they would contribute to the country's economy.

"Greetings on Gujarat Diwas. The state's people are known for their simplicity and entrepreneurial zeal. Gujarat has made a significant contribution in our nation's history, especially during the freedom movement. May Gujarat continue to add impetus to India's progress," he said.

Modi also prayed for the "continued progress and prosperity" of Maharashtra.

"May the state scale new heights and keep contributing to the development journey of our nation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The NATO mission to Afghanistan would continue till the time the Taliban are driven to a political settlement, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said today.

In a brief interaction with reporters, Mattis said the Pentagon never promised things would be getting better in Afghanistan anytime soon.

"I don't know that's been the message from this building, I would not subscribe to that," he said in response to a question.

"We said last August NATO is going to hold the line, we knew there would be tough fighting going forward. The murder of journalists and other innocent people is a great testimony to what it is we stand for and more importantly what we stand against," he said.

His comments come a day after a double suicide blast in Kabul killed 25 people, including an AFP photographer and at least eight other journalists.

The Afghan military is being made more capable, Mattis said, adding that more of the forces are special forces, advised and assisted, accompanied by NATO mentors and these are the most effective forces.

"We'll stand by the Afghan people, we'll stand by the Afghan government and the NATO mission will continue as we drive them to a political settlement," Mattis said.

"So the expansion there is why the enemy has been unable to take any district centers provincial centers or make any advances there, Mattis said in response to a question.

"We anticipated and are doing our best and have been successful at blocking many of these attacks on innocent people but unfortunately once in a while they get through because any terrorist organisation that realizes it can't win by ballots and turns to bombs -- this is simply what they do, they murder innocent people," he said.

Mattis' remarks are in stark contrast to the upbeat assessment given by US commanders just a few months ago.

In November, Army Gen. John Nicholson, the top US commander in Afghanistan, called President Trump's new Afghan strategy a "game changer" that he said put the Afghan government forces on a path to a win.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) today directed that status quo be maintained in the case pertaining to the sale of debt ridden Electrosteel Steels to Vedanta Ltd.

NCLAT direction came over a petition filed by Renaissance Steel which saw its resolution application being rejected by the Committee of Creditors (CoC) of Electrosteel Steels.

A two member bench of the tribunal headed by Chairman Justice S J Mukhopadhaya admitted Renaissance Steel's plea and issued notices to Vedanta and its lenders.

In the pendency of the appeal, the parties and the adjudicating authority will maintain status quo, the tribunal said.

The appellate tribunal has directed them to file their replies with 10 days and the matter to be listed on May 17.

Counsel appearing for Renaissance submitted before NCLAT that Vedanta is not eligible to bid for Electrosteel under section 29 A of the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code.

According to the counsel the Renaissance bid was higher than the Rs 5,320 crore bid accepted the CoC of Electrosteel Steel.

Last month, the Kolkata bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had cleared Vedanta's Rs 5,320-crore resolution plan for Electrosteel, rejecting objections by Renaissance Steel.

Electrosteel Steels owes lenders more than Rs 13,000 crore, of which about Rs 5,000 crore is to State Bank of India alone.

Renaissance Steel, which was one of the resolution applicants for Electrosteel Steels, had contested that Vedanta and Tatas were not eligible to bid.

Electrosteel operates an integrated steel manufacturing facility near Bokaro, Jharkhand which has a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum.

The Reserve Bank of India had in June last year identified 12 large corporate accounts for insolvency resolution, including that of Electrosteel Steels.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Media firm NDTV has sold 7.38 per cent stake in subsidiary Red Pixels Ventures to A R Chadha And Co, the landlord of its office premises in the national capital, to meet working capital requirements and pay outstanding rent.

"The board of directors of the company...considered and approved transfer of up to 7.38 per cent stake of the company at the rate of Rs 59,824 per equity share in Red Pixels Ventures Ltd (RPVL), a material subsidiary of the company, to A R Chadha And Co (India) Pvt Ltd, the landlord of the office premises in New Delhi," NDTV said in a BSE filing.

NDTV and NDTV Convergence currently hold 37.04 per cent and 55.57 per cent, respectively, in RPVL.

"Transfer of aforesaid shareholding by the company will be reduced basis the exercise of the tag along right by other shareholders of RPVL. The sale proceeds will be utilised by the company for working capital including in relation to payment of outstanding rent by company," the company added.

Last year, NDTV said it had initiated a turnaround plan to bring down costs and improve profitability.

NDTV has also been exiting from non-core business verticals. In September, its shareholders had approved sale of its automobile e-commerce firm Fifth Gear Ventures to Autobyte Pvt Ltd. It owned and operated automobile e-commerce portal carandbike.com.

In June, they had approved the sale of its Indian wear e-commerce firm NDTV Ethnic Retail to Nameh Hotels & Resorts.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's televised unveiling of an intelligence trove on Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions led to scepticism today from backers of a landmark 2015 accord, with European nations saying it showed the deal's importance.

The IAEA, the United Nations atomic watchdog, said it would evaluate any new relevant information, but cited its assessment from three years ago that it had no "credible indications" of an Iranian nuclear weapons pursuit after 2009.

Netanyahu's elaborate presentation live on television Monday night came ahead of a decision by US President Donald Trump, expected by May 12, on whether to withdraw from the nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran.

The Israeli premier said tens of thousands of documents recently recovered by intelligence operatives in Tehran proved his country's main enemy Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme it could put into action at any time.

But the presentation that included props, video and slides immediately led to accusations from some that the White House and Netanyahu coordinated it as



Trump considers whether to pull out of the nuclear deal he has harshly criticised.

Some analysts and proponents of the nuclear agreement also said Netanyahu had presented previously known details and failed to produce evidence that showed Iran was not abiding by the accord.

"The Israeli prime minister's presentation on Iran's past research into nuclear weapons technology underlines the importance of keeping the Iran nuclear deal's constraints on Tehran's nuclear ambitions," British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said.

Johnson said the agreement was not "based on trust about Iran's intentions; rather it is based on tough verification" by the IAEA.

European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said "I have not seen from Prime Minister Netanyahu arguments for the moment on non-compliance, meaning violation by Iran of its nuclear commitments under the deal."



"And again, the deal was put in place exactly because there was no trust between the parties, otherwise we would not have required a nuclear deal to be put in place." France also said Netanyahu's claims reinforced the importance of the nuclear deal.

Netanyahu, speaking Tuesday in an interview with CNN, defended his presentation but also refused to respond to questions over Israel's nuclear capabilities.

Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed nation in the Middle East, but it has never acknowledged the capability.

Iran lashed out at Netanyahu, with foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi on Tuesday calling him an "infamous liar".

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said immediately after the presentation that Netanyahu was "the boy who cries wolf".

Trump however welcomed Netanyahu's presentation, as did his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who met with the Israeli leader on Sunday in Tel Aviv.

The White House caused some confusion with its statement on the Israeli trove, at first saying it showed Iran "has" a secret nuclear weapons programme before later changing it to "had".

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the statement said.

Trump and his Middle East allies, particularly Israel, argue that the agreement approved by Barack Obama was too weak and needs to be replaced with a more permanent arrangement and supplemented by controls on Iran's missile programme.

The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord -- which Iran signed with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- to either be altered or scrapped.

In Monday night's presentation, Netanyahu accused Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, saying Israel had recently obtained tens of thousands of files in a "great intelligence achievement." Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Netanyahu said the files had been moved to a secret compound in Tehran in 2017 that looked dilapidated from the outside.

The material obtained weighed half a tonne, he said, speaking in English in the staged presentation in front of a bookcase laden with binders he said held copies of original documents and cases of CDs.

He detailed an alleged programme -- "Project Amad" -- that he said Iran was forced to shelve in 2003, but kept ready to put into action at any time while improving its "know-how".

He alleged the 2015 nuclear deal was "based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception", and said the trove had been shared with the US and would be shared with the IAEA and the rest of accord's signatories.

British officials confirmed to AFP that the invitation to inspect the files had been accepted, but gave no further details.

Pompeo, until last week director of the CIA, called the intelligence trove authentic and said much of it was new to US experts.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Pakistan's biggest and first greenfield airport here was today inaugurated by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after years of delay.

The Islamabad International Airport, costing more than Rs 100 billion, became operational after first commercial flight, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) PK-300, landed from Karachi.

PIA spokesman Mashood Tajwar confirmed that the national flag carrier safely landed at the airport.

"Another PIA plane will be the first flight to depart from the airport when PK-301 commercial flight will take off for Karachi at around 12.30pm," he said earlier.

"The New Islamabad International Airport spans over an area of 4,238 acres of land, and it is the first greenfield airport in the country. The airport is equipped with the latest technology and best services for the passengers," Pakistan's press information department tweeted.

It is capable of serving nine million passengers and 50,000 metric tonne of cargo every year in its first phase, while the modular design enables expansion to serve up to 25 million passengers every year by 2025.

The plan to construct a new airport in Islamabad had been conceived just under 40 years ago in 1980 but work on the international-standard greenfield airport hit a number of snags and delays over the years.

Abbasi said that although Pakistan's "liberal, open sky scheme" has been criticised, the policy has been kept in place because the government believes that the "passengers should have choices".

"Aviation is a challenging, dynamic field. It keeps changing rapidly and if we don't change ourselves we will be left behind," he stressed.

"It is very easy to criticise and hurl accusations," he said, adding that those in government have to deal with challenges unknown to critics.

Abbasi further said that the project was nowhere in completion when Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government took over in 2013 but it was completed due to sheer hard work and determination.

Strict security measures were in place for the inauguration which was initially panned on April 20 but delayed due to some technical problems and security issues.

Officials said that full flight operations will be shifted to the new airport on May 3 from the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport (BBIA).

The new airport is located about 35 kilometres in the west of the capital, close to M-1 and M2 modern motorways. The government has also been criticised by opposition for hasty inauguration when civic work on the main highway and modern public transport lane linking airport with capital is still continuing.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities for passengers, the new airport is also the largest airport of Pakistan.

The airport is connected to the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The UN's nuclear watchdog reiterated today it had "no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009", citing its assessments from 2015.

A spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that its board of governors had "declared that its consideration of this issue was closed" after it was presented with a report in December 2015.

The statement came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled what he said was new "proof" that Iran's nuclear weapons programme could be reactivated at any time.

Without referring to Netanyahu's claims directly, the IAEA spokesman said the agency "evaluates all safeguards-relevant information available to it".

"However, it is not the practice of the IAEA to publicly discuss issues related to any such information," he added.

Netanyahu said on Monday that he would share the material with other countries and with the IAEA.

Netanyahu's presentation comes as US President Donald Trump considers whether to pull out of the 2015 atomic accord between Tehran and six world powers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Putting to rest speculations on raising limit in public sector banks, Economic Affairs Secretary said there is no such proposal and also ruled out their privatisation.

"There is no such proposal for relaxing limit (in public sector banks)," Garg told PTI in an interview.said there is no such proposal and also ruled out their privatisation.

Currently, 20 per cent foreign investment is permitted in PSU banks under government approval route.

However, the same is 74 per cent for private sector banks provided there is no change of control and management of the investee company.

When asked if the government is considering any proposal for privatising state-owned banks, Garg said: "I don't think there is any proposal for privatisation of any bank."



According to experts, increase in foreign investment would result in the flow of capital which PSU banks require urgently. The government can provide limited support to these banks as the resources are limited.

Last year, the government announced an aggressive Rs 2.11 lakh crore capital infusion for the NPA-hit public sector banks (PSBs) over a period of two years.

Out of this, the government has already infused Rs 88,139 crore in 20 in 2017-18, with IDBI Bank getting the most - Rs 10,610 crore.

While got Rs 8,800 crore, Bank of India received Rs 9,232 crore.

UCO Bank received Rs 6,507 crore; - Rs 5,473 crore; Bank of Baroda - Rs 5,375 crore; Central Bank of India - Rs 5,158 crore; Canara Bank - Rs 4,865 crore; Indian Overseas Bank - Rs 4,694 crore and Union Bank of India - Rs 4,524 crore.

Non-performing Assets (NPAs) of have increased to Rs 8.31 lakh crore as of December 2017, from Rs 2.78 lakh crore in March 2015.

In the last three-and-a-half years, the government pumped in more than Rs 51,000 crore capital inMadhya Pradesh Congress chief Kamal Nath, who arrived here today to formally take charge of the party in the state where Assembly polls are due this year, said he did not crave any post.

"I do not have the hunger for a post. I want that a Congress government is formed in Madhya Pradesh and its future is secured," he told reporters, when asked whether he was in the race for the CM's post.

"Today the question is not about a person but it's about Madhya Pradesh's future," he said.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was unmindful of the plight of people, farmers and youth, said Nath, a nine-time member of the Lok Sabha from Chhindwara, when asked about Chouhan's remark that he was not scared by Nath taking over the state Congress's reins.

"Chouhan is not even frightened of people, farmers and the youth. His words do not count for me," Nath said.

The state Congress's election campaign committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was by Nath's side, said the BJP-ruled state's economy was in ruins. "MP is under a debt of over Rs 2 lakh crore. This means every person in the state owes Rs 26,000," he said.

Earlier, addressing party workers after taking charge of the state unit, Kamal Nath said people were fed up with the BJP government, and he, along with Scindia and the Congress cadres, would ensure BJP's defeat in the coming elections.

"75 per cent of the state's economy is agrarian, but farmers and others associated with it are not happy with the government," Nath said.

He also recalled his long association with the Gandhi family.

"I had the privilege of working with Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and now (Congress president) Rahul Gandhi who has given me this responsibility of strengthening the Congress in Madhya Pradesh," Nath said.

"The BJP government in MP organised several investor meets with a lot of fanfare, but no investment came," he said.

Scindia said in his speech that the Congress government will work for peasants, give employment to the unemployed and protect women's honour. The Guna MP slammed BJP leaders for making irresponsible statements on the recent rape cases that shocked the country.

Former chief minister Digvijay Singh said the BJP government had filed a large number of false cases of murder or attempt to murder against Congress workers, and the Congress leaders, when they come to power in the state, should look into them.

All India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge of Madhya Pradesh Deepak Babaria, outgoing state unit president Arun Yadav and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Ajay Singh also spoke at the meeting.

Earlier, Nath was given a grand welcome after his arrival at the airport. The former Union minister travelled in a huge procession to the party office 'Indira Bhawan', about 15 km away. The journey took nearly six hours.

Braving a scorching heat of 42.6 degree Celsius, Congress workers welcomed Nath by beating drums and dancing in the streets, causing traffic jams.

Scindia, Digvijay Singh and former Union minister Suresh Pachouri accompanied Nath in his vehicle.

Nath was last week appointed the MP Congress president to revive the party's fortunes in the state where it is out of power for over a decade.

The welcome he received here today is being seen as an attempt by the state Congress to give a message that it is united in the face of coming elections.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)*NSYNC members reunited in almost two years to receive a star for their group at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.

The boy band -- that comprised Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick -- made a rare appearance at 7080 Hollywood Boulevard for the event yesterday, People magazine reported.

The honour comes in the anniversary year of the group's first album '*N Sync' they released in 1997.

Famous for single hits such as "Bye Bye Bye", "I Want You Back", "This I Promise You" and "Girlfriend", their LP 'No Strings Attached' also sold 2.4 million albums in its first week. In 2015, Adele shattered the record with her '25'.

Timberlake, who was present along with wife actor Jessica Biel, thanked the audience for turning up in droves.

"This is so surreal. You guys are the best fans in the world... These four guys mean so much to me. We're really a family and the memories that we have and the times that we've shared and the families that we've built from it... I don't think I could really put into words how much the four of you mean to me," he said.

Kirkpatrick also gave a shout-out to his six-month-old son Nash.

"Nash, you got some of the best uncles on the planet here. If you ever got any problems, you got them," he said.

Bass opened up about why he chose to stay inside the closet while *NSYNC was active.

"I thought if I came out, *NSYNC would be over, so I kept my secret and our wildest dreams were coming true. But so many nights on stage I'd see young gay fans singing their hearts out, and I just wanted them to know, 'I was you'. I just didn't have the strength then." he said.

Chasez did a funny wordplay on their song "It's Gonna Be Me" and grabbed the microphone and said, "By the way in case any of you guys didn't know, tomorrow 'it's gonna be May'."



Ellen DeGeneres and Carson Daly were present at the ceremony to offer tributes to the former band.

The band spilt in 2003 after announcing their hiatus in 2002.

Timberlake and Chasez went on to pursue solo careers in music, unlike the other three members.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Legislative Assembly has passed the Odisha Appropriation Bill, 2018, allowing the state government to utilise the annual Budget of Rs 1.22 lakh crore for the current fiscal from its consolidated fund.

The bill, introduced by state Finance Minister S B Behera, was passed by voice vote yesterday.

"The government under the leadership of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has stressed on agriculture, health, irrigation, social security, food security, skill development, education, and drinking water," Behera said.

Stating that the state government has made a provision of Rs 1,250 crore under the 'Ama Gaon, Ama Bikas' scheme, the finance minister said adequate stress has also been given on the health sector.

On the debt burden of the state, Behera said it was "well under the permissible limit" and that the state government has been successful in managing the fiscal situation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Odisha government would urge the Supreme Court to modify its April 19 order on the appointment of the Lokayukta in the state, the Assembly was



informed today.

The Supreme Court, in its order, had said the state in an affidavit submitted earlier that the Odisha Lokayukta Act, 2014 has come into force with effect from January 16, 2015 and presently steps for framing of the Odisha Search Committee Rules were under process.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister B K Arukha told the Assembly that the state government would move the apex court, seeking a modification of the order as it had not filed any such affidavit to the court.

Arukha's statement followed Speaker P K Amat's ruling to the state government to give a statement on the issue.

The speaker had given the ruling after the opposition Congress and the BJP stalled the House for two days, accusing the state's BJD government of filing a fake affidavit in the Supreme Court, saying that the Odisha Lokayukta Act has come into the force from 2015.

However, the state government has denied the accusation and maintained that it had not filed any such affidavit.

Stating that the Assembly had passed the Odisha Lokayukta Bill, 2014 on February 14, 2014, the minister said the Bill got the presidential assent on January 16, 2015.

After receipt of the presidential assent, other formalities such as various Rules are under process, Arukha said.

"After completion of the formalities, a suitable date is required to be fixed by the government in order to bring the Act into force," the minister said in the statement.

Arukha said, "An affidavit, sworn by the chief secretary on April 9, 2018, containing the above facts, has been filed in the Supreme Court of India. In the said affidavit, it is no where stated that the Act has come into force.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A fortnight before Karnataka goes to polls, PSU oil firms have stopped revising petrol and diesel prices even though benchmark international rates have gone up by almost USD 2 per barrel.

With finance ministry refusing to cut excise duty to give relief to the common man from petrol hitting a 55-month high of Rs 74.63 a litre and diesel at a record high of Rs 65.93, oil PSUs have since April 24 not changed fuel rates.

Daily price notification issued by oil firms showed static petrol and diesel price since April 24.

This is despite the benchmark international rate for petrol going up from USD 78.84 per barrel, which was used for raising the price to Rs 74.63 a litre on April 24, to USD 80.56 now, according to sources privy to fuel pricing methodology.

The benchmark international diesel rates during this period have climbed from USD 84.68 per barrel to USD 86.35. Also, the rupee has weakened to Rs 66.14 to a US dollar from Rs 65.41, making imports costlier.

Oil PSU executives refused to discuss pricing saying they have been asked not to speak on the issue.

"We have been told not to discuss pricing," said a top official at one of the three state-owned oil marketing firm said. "You can neither quote me or my company on this," he said.

Oil ministry officials said they don't have anything to do with pricing and its up to the companies how they price fuel.

Karnataka goes to polls on May 12.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had last month denied reports of a directive to state oil firms to absorb at least Re 1 a litre of hike by not raising prices in line with cost.

The prices at petrol pumps of state-owned fuel retailers like Indian Oil Corp (IOC) were cut by 1-3 paisa every day in the first fortnight of December 2017 before Gujarat went to polls.

They started moving up immediately after polling for assembly elections in Gujarat concluded on December 14, leading to speculation that government may have asked oil companies to hold on to the prices.

State-owned oil companies in June last year dumped the 15-year old practice of revising rates on 1st and 16th of every month and instead adopted a dynamic daily price revision to instantly reflect changes in cost.

If this practice was followed in letter and spirit petrol and diesel prices should have been increased by 50-60 paisa a litre in last one week, an analyst tracking the sector said.

The government had in June 2010 freed petrol price from its control and the diesel rates were deregulated in October 2014. Prices have since then moved more or less in tandem with international rates barring a few exceptions like the period before a crucial election.

Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia had last month and Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg had last week ruled out any immediate reduction in excise duty to cushion the increases warranted from spike in international oil price.

The BJP-led government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre.

The government had between November 2014 and January 2016 raised excise duty on petrol by Rs 11.77 a litre and that on diesel by Rs 13.47 per litre to take away gains arising from plummeting global oil prices. This led to its excise mop up more than doubling to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.

The central government had cut excise duty by Rs 2 per litre in October 2017, when petrol price reached Rs 70.88 per litre in Delhi and diesel Rs 59.14. Because of the reduction in excise duty, diesel prices had on October 4, 2017, come down to Rs 56.89 per litre and petrol to Rs 68.38 per litre.

However, a global rally in crude prices pushed domestic fuel prices far higher than those levels.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said today his government is making efforts to start the OPD services at AIIMS in Gorakhpur, his hometown, by March 2019.

The foundation of AIIMS-Gorakhpur was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2016. The Out Patient Department (OPD) services at the hospital was scheduled to start by September this year, but the chief minister said today that the government plans to start it by March next year.

"It was a long-pending demand of the people of the area for better medical facilities in Purvanchal region and PM Modi gave this gift to east Uttar Pradesh. We are trying to start AIIMS OPD by March 2019. All formalities related to the state government has been completed," Adityanath said.

He said it is his government's priority to start an Ayush block and other services at AIIMS-Gorakhpur in time.

On the last day of his three-day visit here, Adityanath also distributed appointment letters to assistant teachers.

More than 850 Basic Training Certificate (BTC) and Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) pass trainees were given the letters.

The chief minister said until last year, schools in the state were in poor condition as teachers largely did not attend classes.

"I have seen many teachers knitting sweaters instead of teaching," he said.

"In 2017, 1.54 crore children were admitted to schools and in 2018 the number will increase to 1.64 crore. We have made 2,500 schools ideal schools," Adityanath said.

"Government of India has declared 115 districts as most backward, among which eight are in Uttar Pradesh. These assistant teachers will be appointed there as it is the duty of teachers to motivate children for education," he added.

The teachers pledged to work towards cleanliness.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Paris Hilton believes people had a lot more fun before social media existed.

The socialite says that now people are too busy glued to their phones.

''I'm actually happy I grew up before Instagram and all this, because back in New York, we used to have so much fun because no one had a camera out unless it was like, one of those disposable ones. So everyone was actually talking and having fun, dancing.

"And nowadays I feel like everyone is just always on their phone, they're texting, they're Snapping, taking pictures. Nobody really has a good time like they used to. So I'm happy that I got to live it before," Hilton told E! online.

The DJ, however, had previously said that social media has brought her closer to her fans.

"I'm constantly travelling; 250 days a year I'm on a plane, in a different country. So it gets really lonely sometimes. I love my fans just as much as they love me. I feel closer with them than I do most people that I know. They're really like my family," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)"The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening has responded to the Apu controversy, saying people love to express fake offence nowadays.

The animated sitcom, which recently became America's longest running scripted show with 636 episodes till date, has been criticised for its stereotypical portrayal of the South Asian community which came to light after Hari Kondabolu called out the makers through his documentary, "The Problem with Apu".

When asked if Apu Nahasapeemapetilon's part, who is a South Asian, was meant to be a stereotype, Groening told USA Today, "Not really. I'm proud of what we do on the show. And I think it's a time in our culture where people love to pretend they're offended."



Recently, the show addressed the controversy in the April 8 episode where one of the characters Lisa said some things "started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive, is now politically incorrect".

But this explanation did not go down well with the critics.

When asked what did it mean when Marge said, "Some things will be addressed at a later date" and Lisa said, "If at all", Groening said, "We'll let the show speak for itself".

Following the debate, Hank Azaria, who voices Apu's character, has said he was "perfectly willing to step aside" from the role.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The CBI today told the Delhi High Court that a preliminary enquiry against Adani Enterprises Ltd, Maharashtra Eastern Grid Power Transmission Company Ltd (MEGPTCL) and various PSU banks on alleged over-invoicing of coal and equipment imported by power generating firms of Adani group for its plants has been closed.

The CBI, in its affidavit, said not much progress could be made in the enquiry and the Preliminary Enquiry (PE) was closed on July 15, 2015, on jurisdictional issue as the project was under the Maharashtra government.

A bench of justices S Ravindra Bhat and A K Chawla listed the matter for further hearing on July 4.

The court had earlier sought the CBI's response on its inquiry into alleged over-invoicing of coal and equipment imported by power generating companies of the Adani group for its plants.

The agency, in its response, said the core issue of the PE was pertaining to the transmission network, which was within Maharashtra, i.e. the Intra-State Transmission System, and thus, it was a project under the Maharashtra government.

It said the PE was registered on June 12, 2014, against "MEGPTCL, PMC Projects India Pvt Ltd, Adani Enterprises Ltd, Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd and unknown officials of public sector banks (PSB) -- SBI, PNB, Vijaya Bank, OBC, SBM and Canara Bank -- to enquire into the allegations of availing various credit facilities for the purpose of procurement of power generation and power transmission equipments/machineries from various vendors of South Korea, China etc, through UAE-based intermediary Electrogen Infra FZE, Dubai, (an Adani group company), which were allegedly imported by gross over-valuation/over-invoicing thereby siphoning off the funds of various PSBs".

The court had earlier asked the agency to indicate on the affidavit the status of the FIR registered by it against state-run entities -- Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation (MMTC) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) -- in connection with the alleged over-invoicing of coal imports.

It had also asked the CBI to state what steps it took on the alert issued by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) allegedly naming 40 other entities, which indulged in over-invoicing of the fuel and equipment for power plants.

The DRI had told the court that pursuant to investigation against the companies mentioned in the petition, show cause notices were issued and thereafter, the adjudication of the cases are at different stages.

The submission was made on an affidavit in which the DRI had also said since several transactions were conducted outside India, "there is material evidence, which is required to be recovered from overseas as well, for which appropriate legal steps have been initiated".

Besides, the DRI had said it was "in the process of issuing Letters Rogatory (LRs) to overseas courts in Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Switzerland and Indonesia to gather evidence/documents in accordance with the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties in place with these countries".

The court was hearing two petitions, one by a private individual and another by two NGOs alleging that the power firms belonging to the two corporate groups were allegedly inflating the value of imports for their power plants to siphon off money abroad and avail higher power rate compensation.

The NGOs claimed that the DRI had earlier unearthed that public and private sector energy companies were siphoning off several thousands crores of rupees abroad.

"Most of these over-invoicing instances have been reported from the power sector, the impact of which is felt by millions of electricity consumers in the form of higher tariff," the NGOs claimed in their PIL.

"The modus operandi is identical in all these cases. The coal or power equipment, even though (these are) shipped directly to India, but the invoicing is routed through a different company incorporated abroad, which is directly owned and controlled by the promoters of the project in India," the NGOs' PIL claimed.

The plea has also claimed that the CBI had registered a PE based on the DRI show-cause notice to Adani in May 2014.

However, the CBI apparently closed the PE without registering an FIR during the tenure of the then CBI director Ranjit Sinha, the PIL has alleged.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)September 26, 2021, Sunday

Canada will allow direct flights from India from Monday, lifting the ban on them after a gap of more than five ...Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fly directly to Janakpur, famous for Janaki Temple, from Bihar's capital Patna on May 11 during his two-day official visit to Nepal, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa said today.

Thapa said that Modi's visit will take the centuries-old social and religious relations between the two countries to a new height.

Security has been stepped up in Janakpur, 225 km south of Kathmandu, which is famous for Janaki Temple, the early 20th century shrine.

Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli will welcome Modi, who will take part in a civil felicitation programme, said Thapa, who was in Janakpur to take stock of the situation and check security arrangements.

He was accompanied by Nepal's Home Secretary Dev Kumar Rai and chiefs of all three security agencies, the Himalayan Times reported.

Modi will be in Nepal on May 11 and 12.

The Indian Prime Minister will board an Indian Air Force airplane from New Delhi to reach Patna airport, from where, he along with other delegates and his security will fly to Janakpur on three helicopters, the report quoted Thapa as saying.

The choppers will land at Bahra Bigha in Janakpur, where Modi will offer worship at the Janaki Temple and later fly to Mustang, the report said, quoting the travel itinerary made public by the government.

Later in the day, Modi will arrive in Kathmandu, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has asserted that special category status (SCS) was the right of the state as he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of going back on the assurance made at an election meeting here in 2014 to accord the same.

He also accused the BJP and YSR Congress of joining hands and hatching political conspiracies against him and the TDP.

Addressing a huge rally of the ruling TDP, christened "Dharma Poraatam" (fight for justice) here yesterday, he said Modi as then BJP Prime Ministerial candidate had publicly made promises, including granting of SCS, at the meeting four years ago.

At the rally, a video clip was played purportedly showing Modi making the assurance on SCS in his speech delivered in Hindi and translated into Telugu by then senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu, now the Vice-President.

The chief minister said at the election campaign meeting in this "most sacred" city of Tirupati that Modi had promised to offer SCS, a beautiful capital city and other infrastructure to Andhra if the NDA was voted to power.

He demanded that the prime minister clarify whether or not he made the promise.

The rally was organised to remind Modi of his promise and to register the voice of Andhra Pradesh against the rejection of SCS, Naidu, who recently snapped ties with the BJP-led NDA, said.

He also said it was to highlight "political conspiracies being hatched" against the ruling TDP.

"Special category status is the right of residual Andhra Pradesh as it was Constitutionally offered when the state was bifurcated," he said.

"I have visited New Delhi 29 times to convince the Modi- led NDA regime for the grant of SCS but to no avail," the chief minister said asserting that he would continue his fight till justice was done to the state.

Before the 2014 elections, the Congress had betrayed Andhra Pradesh by splitting the state in "lawless manner" and left the residual part to its own fate without a capital city, Naidu said.

Despite several challenges encountered by it, the TDP government had developed Andhra Pradesh in all sectors in a big way, Naidu added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi High Court was today informed that the Delhi Police was in the process to appoint a special standing counsel to effectively pursue the appeal filed by former TV anchor and producer Suhaib Ilyasi, who was sentenced to life term for killing his wife 18 years ago.

The Delhi Police, which sought eight weeks for completing the process of appointing the special standing counsel, was given 10 days by the court to do so.

"The matter was listed for final hearing on the appeal. It is made clear that the appointment be done positively within 10 days from today," a bench of justices S Muralidhar and I S Mehta said.

The bench orally indicated that if the police kept on asking for more time for appointing the special standing counsel for the case, it might suspend the sentence.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on May 14.

The bench had on April 26 granted interim bail for a month to Ilyasi to take care of his ailing second wife.

The former TV anchor was taken into custody on December 16 last year after his conviction.

The trial court had on December 20, 2017, sentenced Ilyasi to life term for stabbing his wife Anju to death, saying he "committed murder and gave it a colour of suicide".

It had also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on him and directed that Rs 10 lakh be paid as compensation to Anju's parents. The expense would be borne by him.

Anju was rushed to a hospital on January 11, 2000 with stab wounds she received at her East Delhi residence.

Ilyasi, who had shot into limelight for hosting the TV crime show 'India's Most Wanted', was arrested on March 28, 2000. Charges were framed against him in the case after his sister-in-law and mother-in-law alleged that he used to torture his wife for dowry.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Taking a photo each day and posting it online can improve wellbeing, say researchers who found that the trend allowed people to indulge in self care and become mindful of the new, unusual things they encounter everyday.

Posting a photo online everyday is a popular social phenomenon, with Instagram having over 1.5 million photos tagged #365 for each day of the year while there are thousands of members of Blipfoto, a key photo-a-day site.

Researchers from Lancaster University and University of Sheffield in the UK recorded what photos people took, what text they added and how they interacted with others on the photo-a-day site for two months.

They found that taking a daily photo improved wellbeing through self-care, community interaction, taking a moment to be mindful, and looking for something different or unusual in the day were seen as positive well-being benefits of the practice.

It also led to more exercise and gave a sense of purpose, competence and achievement.

One of the participants said that taking a moment to capture a photograph of something interesting during a stressful work day can feel very positive.

"It encourages me out of the house sometimes when I could just sit on my backside with a cup of tea. I'll think maybe I'll take a walk down on to the seafront and before I know it I'm two miles along the coast," another participant said.

The online contact helped people to manage loneliness and grief as well as meeting new people with shared interests. Several participants had taken early retirement and found that the contact established via photo-a-day replaced some of the daily office chatter that they missed.

The online interactions created a community based on the photos and accompanying text.

The online text was used to provide personal narratives, reminiscences, and explanations of repeated images.

"I'm ever feeling down or something it's nice to be able to scroll back and see good memories. You know, the photos I've taken will have a positive memory attached to it even if it's something as simple as I had a really lovely half an hour for lunch sitting outside and was feeling really relaxed," a participant said.

The researchers said the practice is "an active process of meaning making, in which a new conceptualisation of wellbeing emerges.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)India and Japan today discussed frameworks of greater cooperation in building LNG infrastructure in India and elsewhere in Asia, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

After a meeting with Japan's Trade Minister Hiroshige Seko, Pradhan said the two nations discussed possibilities for joint venture energy projects in Asia and Africa.

"Met Mr. @SekoHiroshige, METI, Japan. Discussed about greater synergies between India & Japan in areas of mutual interest specially in oil & gas. Explored opportunities to establish a global LNG market reflecting true LNG demand & supply," he said in a tweet.

The two also discussed frameworks for "greater cooperation in building LNG infrastructure in India and Asia".

"Discussed abolition of destination restriction clause & reliable LNG spot price to achieve destination flexibility & cargo swapping between India & Japan," he said.

Most of long-term contracts for supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are currently restricted by Destination Restriction Clause, which prevents buyers from re-selling imports to third parties.

Japan, the world's largest LNG importer, and India, which is the fourth biggest importer, have been pushing for more flexible supply contracts. They want suppliers like Qatar and Australia to move away from being locked into fixed supply contracts that run for decades and make buyers take fixed amounts on monthly volumes irrespective of demand, with no right to re-sell surplus supplies to other users.

Last October, India's Cabinet approved signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with Japan to help diversify gas supplies, strengthen energy security and lead to more competitive prices.

"Dwelled on India's concrete plans of transforming into a gas based economy. Explored Opportunities for Japanese investments in India's gas infrastructure & SPR Program. Discussed possibilities of JV projects in the energy sector in Asia & Africa," Pradhan said in another tweet.

He also asked the Japanese minister for "technical collaborations, technology transfers, increased investments and greater cooperation" to enhance India's skill ecosystem.

That pact followed Japanese Fair Trade Commission's June 2017 ruling that all new contracts for liquefied natural gas (LNG) must not contain restrictions on the resale of cargoes after it completed a formal investigation into the destination clauses.

LNG buyers have been for years urging the need for more flexible LNG contracts, especially when it comes to destination clauses that restrict them from reselling or swapping cargoes.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)President Ram Nath Kovind will tomorrow chair the first meeting of a 'national committee' set up to plan events to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, former prime ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda are members of the committee, which also has senior political leaders and several chief ministers as its members.

The committee is mandated to approve policies, plans, programmes and also supervise and guide the commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary in 2019.

Union ministers, and BJP veteran L K Advani, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BSP chief Mayawati, SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale are also part of the 114-member committee.

The government has set aside Rs 150 crore to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma.

Government sources said Prime Minister Modi recently wrote to the members of the panel to attend the meeting, where they can brainstorm on ideas which can be implemented to mark the occasion.

According to a notification, the committee will decide on the dates for the detailed programme of the celebrations.

"The recommendations of the committee will be considered by the government for implementation, subject to extant rules, instructions and practices," it said.

The Culture Ministry is the nodal body for the planned celebrations.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Two railway employees were arrested from a Patna-bound train near here today for trying to smuggle liquor to dry Bihar, police said.

The train was travelling to Patna from Gujarat, the police said.

Acting on a tip-off, the Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel raided the train's locomotive at Danapur, about 15 km from Patna, and arrested the loco pilot and his assistant after the GRP found liquor in the locomotive's cabin, they said.

The liquor was being carried in tetrapacks and the GRP recovered five bags full of such tetrapacks from their possession, a GRP officer said.

"We had received information that liquor was being brought by the Azimabad Express coming from Ahmedabad. We conducted a raid and found the five bags full of liquor hidden inside the engine's cabin," the Station House Officer (SHO) of Danapur GRP police station, Abhay Kant Chandra, said.

The SHO said that the bags contained close to 300 tetrapacks containing liquor and "the loco pilot along with assistant loco pilot were arrested".

"The two are being interrogated for further details such as from where they had brought the consignment and where they intended to deliver the same," Chandra said.

Sale and consumption of liquor was completely banned in Bihar by the Nitish Kumar government two years ago.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today asserted that religion is a "personal choice" and it should always remain free from any "coercion or allurement".

The senior BJP leader made the assertion while observing that Indian tradition takes pride in giving freedom to have, to retain and to adopt a religion or belief.

He also appealed to all religious sects to act with restraint and respect everyone, stressing the need to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in society



Singh said the country's long standing convention for openness to new ideas, tolerance towards other faiths and giving them respect was as old as Indian civilisation itself.

The home minister was speaking at a civic reception accorded to Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan on his 101 birthday celebrations here.

"I have no hesitation in accepting the fact that almost every government in this country has been tolerant towards all religions and faiths. This principle of equality and tolerance for all faiths has been a part of India's character and sensibilities for thousands of years," he said.

"Religion is a personal choice and it should always remain free from any coercion or allurement".

"Unity is our strength and we must work to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in our society", Singh said, adding the spirit of tolerance has also been enshrined in India's Constitution.

The minister said India stands united not because of one religion or some theological thought holding the political power or exercising control over the system, but because it provides space to peaceful co-existence of multiple thoughts of theologies.

The country's entire system is guided by the Constitution, which has roots in the ancient cultural traditions of the country, Singh said.

Singh said Indian culture today was nothing but a long standing tradition of religious freedom, compassion and tolerance.

He said the problems faced by the country had always been addressed through a unique interplay of ideas and the biggest living proof of this was the Constitution which "we all swear by and have taken a pledge to defend it".

"Therefore, we must maintain the Sarva Dharma Sambhav' in this country and continue cementing the pillars of a united India. Unity is our strength and we all must work to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in our society," he said.

The home minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was running a government at the Centre which firmly believes in taking every section of the society along and building a New India.

The goal is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas', which means development with unity, he said.

Pointing out that the dream of making India great can be realised only when people of the country are united, he said 'United we stand, Divided we fall'.

The minister also expressed concern at the increasing violence, division and hostility in the name of religion the world over, adding the ancient Indian thought of respect for all faiths is the only way of ensuring peace and harmony.

"The world today is increasingly witnessing violence, division and hostility in the name of religion. It is a cause of grave concern for us. I firmly believe that the ancient Indian thought of respect and acceptance for all faiths is the only way to ensure peace and harmony in the age of growing religious clashes and conflict," he added.

Describing Chrysostom as a 'great man who has lived his life by example', Singh said the metropolitan's life was an 'inspiration' not only to the people of Kerala or to the Christian community, but to the entire nation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar, Pulwama and Kulgam of Jammu and Kashmir today in view of a strike call by separatists to protest the killing of a civilian near the site of an encounter with security forces.

A police official said the curbs have been imposed in police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maisuma, Kralkhud andMaharajgunj.

The restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, he said.

Two militants, including top Hizbul Mujahideen ultra Sameer Ahmad alias Tiger, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Drabgam area of Pulwama District yesterday. Meanwhile, a civilian was killed in the security forces' action against protestors near the scene of gun battle.

Separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), had called for a strike to protest the killings.

The strike affected normal life in the Valley as most of the shops and other business establishments were shut, while public transport was off the roads, officials said.

Schools and colleges remained closed while universities postponed the examinations scheduled to be held today.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Dozens of South Korean activists clashed with police today as they tried to install a statue to former slave workers in front of one of Tokyo's consulates.

South Korea and Japan are both democracies, market economies and US allies that face North Korea's nuclear threats and China's growing economic might, but ties between them are marred by historical issues.

Many South Koreans bitterly resent Tokyo's brutal 1910-45 colonisation of the Korean peninsula, when millions are known to have been forced into slave work for Japan, and former wartime sex slaves are another hugely emotional issue.

The activists tried to set up a bronze statue of an emaciated man holding a flaming torch in front of the Japanese consulate in the southern city of Busan to commemorate the forced labour victims.

The 2016 installation at the site of a statue of a girl symbolising women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops drew angry protests from Tokyo, which for a time withdrew its ambassador.

"The worker's statue next to the girl statue! Move over!" activists chanted during an overnight standoff with hundreds of police.

Dozens of campaigners tried to force their way through police lines in front of the Japanese mission today, before the protest was broken up.

"We stopped them because they tried to make their way into the area within 100 meters from the consulate office where any public protest is banned," the Yonhap agency quoted a police official as saying.

Several protesters were wounded, it added.

The labourer statue would be the first of its kind.

A statue to the wartime sex slaves -- so-called "comfort women" - was installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul in 2011, and several more have since been put up in South Korea and abroad, including the US, earning Tokyo's ire.

Many slave workers are believed to have perished while working at factories of Japanese firms including Mitsubishi, with some survivors seeking damages in court in the South or Japan.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)South Korea, China and Japan will hold a trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced today, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea.

The gathering on May 9 will bring together the South's President Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in the neighbours' first such meeting for more than two years.

It follows a historic and headline-grabbing summit between Moon and the North's leader Kim Jong Un last Friday. They vowed to pursue denuclearisation and a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, setting the mood for Kim's much-anticipated face-to-face encounter with US President Donald Trump.

But analysts have urged caution, warning that similar previous pledges have come to nothing, and that the North has yet to make clear what concessions it is willing to make with its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

All three of the neighbours are deeply involved with North Korea -- the South as its neighbour, key US ally Japan as a sometime target for its threats, and China as its key diplomatic backer and business partner.

Friday's summit, in which Kim and Moon exchanged smiles, handshakes and warm words in front of the world's cameras, was a marked contrast to the tensions of last year.

The North staged its most powerful nuclear test to date and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland as Kim and Trump traded threats of war and personal insults, sparking global security fears.

The thaw between the Koreas, triggered by the Winter Olympics in the South, has repercussions for the geopolitics of the region.

Japan has long maintained a hardline position on negotiations with Pyongyang but has found itself left on the sidelines.

With concerning growing in Tokyo over whether it should change tack, a hawkish Abe expressed a willingness to meet Kim -- a message which Moon relayed to the North's leader during the summit.

Kim said in response he was "willing to talk to Japan any time", Moon's office said on Sunday, adding the South's leader would be "happy to build a bridge" between the two nations.

But Moon's trip to Tokyo will be the first visit by a South Korean leader to Japan in more than six years, with relations between the two US allies marred by disputes over history and territory.

During a day-long visit to Tokyo, Moon will "share the result of the inter-Korea summit and discuss ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean peninsula", Moon's office said in a statement.

Moon also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday for UN inspectors to observe the promised shutdown of the North's only known nuclear testing site at Punggye-ri.

In Tokyo, Moon will also have a separate summit with Abe to discuss ways to develop "future-oriented ties" with Japan, it added.

The South and Japan face a common threat from the North's rapidly-advancing nuclear weapons and missile technology, but have locked horns over the issue of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a row over Seoul-controlled islets claimed by Tokyo.

The two Koreas share a bitter resentment over Japan's brutal 1910-45 occupation of the peninsula and the so-called "comfort women" are a hugely emotional issue in the South.

Moon's predecessor Park Geun-hye reached a controversial deal with Japan in 2015 under which Tokyo offered one billion yen ($8.3 million) to the victims.

But some of them slammed the deal, saying it did not oblige Japan to take legal responsibility, and Moon has repeatedly urged Tokyo to do more.

Life-size bronze statues of a girl symbolising "comfort women" have been installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Dozens of activists clashed with police today as they attempted to set up another statue commemorating slave labourers at the Busan site.

Ties are further strained by the islets called Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima by Tokyo. This dispute was referenced by Seoul at the inter-Korean summit with a banquet dessert featuring a peninsula map including them, drawing an angry protest from Japan.

The last visit by a South Korean head of state to Japan was 2011 when then-President Lee Myung-bak met then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. But ties soured after Lee made a surprise visit to Dokdo a year later.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed has met Pakistani Sikhs in a bid to woo them for furthering his anti-India agenda and seek their support for his newly formed political party in the upcoming general elections.

Saeed held a "special meeting" on Friday with a group of Pakistani Sikhs in Nankana Sahib where a large number of Sikhs reside.

The Milli Muslim League (MML) chief Saifullah Khalid accompanied Saeed to the meeting with Sikh leaders. The MML is the political face of Jamaat-ud-Dawah. It has so far not been registered by Pakistan's election commission on the objection of the Interior Ministry.

Saeed held the meeting with the Sikh group led by Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) secretary general Gopal Singh Chawla at the JuD office in Nankana Sahib, some 80 kms from Lahore.

"Sikhs are a brave community but atrocities are being committed against it in India," Saeed claimed.

He said the Pakistan government was not raising a voice because it wanted India's friendship.

"Pakistan is ready to sacrifice anything for the sake of seeking friendship with India," he claimed.

The JuD head, who carries a USD 10 million American bounty for his role in terror activities, is the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.

"We want the support of your community across the country," MML chief Khalid said.

The MML intends to field candidates in most constituencies in the country despite not being registered with the election commission.

General elections are scheduled to be held in Pakistan in July this year.

When asked about the motive of Saeed's visit to Nankana Sahib, Ahmad Nadeem, a spokesman for JuD, told PTI it was a routine one to the JuD office.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today issued a slew of directions to all the high courts of the country regarding trial in sexual assault cases involving children.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra directed all high courts to ensure that the cases of sexual assault of children to be fast-tracked and decided by special courts.

The apex court also asked the the high courts to instruct the trial courts not to grant unnecessary adjournments during trial of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The bench, which also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said the high courts may constitute a committee of three judges to regulate and monitor the trials of sexual assault cases of children, as it disposed of a PIL filed by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava.

Srivastava, in his personal capacity, had approached the top court after the horrific incident of rape of an 8-month girl child allegedly by her 28-year-old cousin on January 28 in a locality near Netaji Subhash Place in north-west Delhi had come to light.

The Union Cabinet had on April 21 approved the ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years.

The move of the Centre came after a public outcry for award of death penalty to such sexual offenders, including the assaulters of an 8-year-old girl who was gang raped and killed at Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir recently.

Srivastava's plea had also sought the provision of death penalty in such cases and framing of guidelines that investigation and trial of cases involving rape of children below 12 years of age under POSCO Act, should be completed in six months from the date of registration of the FIR.

The police had said the accused had confessed to raping the baby under the influence of liquor.

The girl's parents used to go out for work leaving their daughter in the custody of their sister-in-law. It was a Sunday when their sister-in-law's son was at home, the police had said, adding that when the accused saw his mother was not around, he allegedly forced himself on the baby.

When the girl's mother returned home, she saw blood stains on the victim's clothes and informed her husband, they said, adding she was rushed to a hospital where it was found that she had been sexually assaulted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today expressed concern over the change of colour of the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra and said the monument had become yellowish earlier and was now turning brownish and greenish.

The apex court suggested that the Centre take the assistance of experts from India and abroad to first assess the damage and then take steps to restore the historic monument.

"We don't know whether you have or perhaps don't have the expertise. Even if you have the expertise, you are not utilising it. Or perhaps you don't care," a bench comprising Justices M B Lokur and Deepak Gupta said.

"Perhaps we need some expert organisation from outside India unless there is a decision that the Taj has to go," the bench said sarcastically, adding, "you can get experts from India as well as from outside."



The apex court perused the photographs placed before it by petitioner M C Mehta and asked Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni, who was representing the government, as to why the colour of Taj Mahal has changed.

"First it was yellow and now it is becoming brown and green," the bench observed.

Nadkarni told the bench that the management of Taj Mahal has to be done by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The apex court fixed the matter for further hearing on May 9.

Environmentalist Mehta has filed the plea seeking protection of the Taj from the ill-effects of polluting gases and deforestation in and around the area.

The top court has been monitoring developments in the area to protect the historic monument, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1631. The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today issued a slew of measures to monitor and fast-track trials across the country in sexual abuse cases involving children under stringent POCSO Act, including a direction to all High Courts to set up a panel of three judges to look into such cases.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra considered a report produced by lawyer Alakh Alok Srivastava and said that 30,884, 16,099 and 10,117 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, were pending at different stages of trial in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh respectively.

The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, felt the need of issuing directions to ensure that the mandate of the POCSO Act with regard to speedy probe and trial was complied with in letter and spirit.

"The High Courts may constitute a committee of three Judges to regulate and monitor trials of cases under the POCSO Act," the top court directed.

"The High Courts of all the states would see that the cases registered under the POCSO Act, as prescribed under the Act, are heard and decided by special courts," it said, adding that such courts "may be assigned" to deal with such cases exclusively.

It also asked the High Courts to issue a direction to special court judges not to grant adjournments during the trial of child abuse cases.

The top court also directed the Director General of Police (DGPs) or police officer of same rank of all states and UTs to ensure that probes in POCSO cases were conducted expeditiously and the witnesses produced in the courts for recording of testimonies.

It also asked the High Courts to ensure that the proceedings in such cases were conducted in "child-friendly" atmosphere in the trial courts.

With these directions, the bench disposed of the PIL filed by Srivastava in his personal capacity in a sensational case relating to the brutal rape of a 8-month-old child allegedly by her 28-year-old cousin on January 28 in a locality near Netaji Subhash Place in north-west Delhi.

The bench asked the Centre to ensure that the infant victim, who had to undergo two corrective surgeries after the rape, got proper medical care if the need arose in future too.

On April 20, the government had told the apex court it was actively considering amending the penal law to introduce death penalty to those convicted of sexually abusing children up to 12 years of age.

A day after, the Union Cabinet approved the ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years.

The move of the Centre had come after a public outcry for award of death penalty to such sexual offenders, including the assaulters of an 8-year-old girl who was gang raped and killed at Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir recently.

Srivastava, in January this year, had moved the top court seeking general reliefs for child victims across the country and specific reliefs for the baby victim of the case.

The girl child had developed health conditions and underwent emergency corrective surgeries. The PIL had sought reliefs like proper medical care of the victim at AIIMS and award of Rs 10 lakh as interim compensation.

It also sought provision of death penalty in such cases and framing of guidelines that investigation and that trial of cases involving rape of children below 12 years of age under POSCO Act, be completed in six months from the date of registration of the FIR.

The top court, which had said it cannot direct Parliament to amend the law had however asked the Centre to give details of pending cases of sexual assault against children across the country for taking a "national view" with an aim to figuring out how such trials could be fast-tracked.

The Centre had informed the court that the victim girl has been provided the due medical care and an FIR has been registered leading to arrest of her cousin who had already confessed to the crime before the police. The police had said the accused had confessed to raping the baby under the influence of liquor.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre on two separate pleas challenging section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises unnatural sex, including the carnal intercourse between consenting adults of the same gender.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud sought responses from the ministries of Law and Justice, Home Affairs and Health on two pleas filed by LGBT rights activists Arif Jafar, Ashok Row Kavi and others including Mumbai-based NGO Humsafar Trust which fights for LGBT rights.

Senior advocate Anand Grover, appearing for Jafar, said "this is the first time an arrested man is before the court with a plea to scrap section 377 of the IPC. He was in jail for 47 days."



Jafar claimed in his plea that he and his four colleagues, who were involved in an outreach and distribution of condoms among men having sex with men, were humiliated and beaten up in public before being arrested by the police under section 109 (punishment of abetment), section 120B (criminal conspiracy), section 292 (sale of obscene books) and section 377 (unnatural offence) of the IPC.

Jafar spent 47 days in jail before he was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court.

"Section 377 IPC violates the fundamental right to privacy and does not meet the three-fold requirements laid down by this Court ..., which may justify restraints on privacy.

"In particular, section 377 IPC fails to meet the second requirement, which is that of a valid law that serves a 'legitimate aim', or, in other words, a law that is not manifestly arbitrary. The only avowed objective of section 377 IPC is to prohibit sexual activity that is 'against the order of nature' - which, is ex facie arbitrary," Jafar said in his plea.

The apex court had on April 23 sought the reply of the Centre on a hotelier's plea for striking down Section 377. It had sought the 'right to choice of sexual orientation' to be declared as part of the fundamental Right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. LGBTQ are the initials for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer.

The bench had ordered tagging of hotelier Keshav Suri's petition with other similar pleas which have already been referred by the apex court to a constitution bench on January 8.

Section 377 of the IPC refers to 'unnatural offences' and says whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to pay a fine.

While agreeing to reconsider its 2013 verdict criminalising gay sex, the apex court had on January 8 said the section of people or individuals who exercise their choice should never "remain in a state of fear".

It had also said the determination of the order of nature is not a constant phenomenon as social morality changes from age to age.

The apex court is already seized of similar pleas filed by celebrities like dancer N S Johar, chef Ritu Dalmia and another hotelier Aman Nath challenging the validity of section 377 criminalising the consensual gay sex.

The Delhi High Court, on July 2, 2009, had legalised homosexual acts among consenting adults holding that the 149-year-old law making it a criminal offence is violative of the fundamental rights and making it not punishable.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Calcutta High Court today said that the State Election Commission's decision to hold the West Bengal rural polls on May 14 can be considered as a tentative date only and not the final one.

The final decision on the election date will be considered by a division bench headed by the chief justice of the high court, Justice Subrata Talukdar said passing the direction on petitions by political parties challenging the SEC's decision to hold the panchayat poll on a single day.

Opposition BJP, CPI(M) and PDS had moved the court of Justice Talukdar claiming that his earlier directions on announcing the date/dates for elections were also not complied with by the commission with regard to prior consultations with stakeholders.

They also claimed that the commission, which had earlier announced the date for elections in three phases, has now notified that it would be done in only one phase thus raising issues of voters' as well as candidates' security.

Justice Talukdar directed the SEC to place details on security arrangements for the elections before the division bench, which is scheduled to hear such matters on May 4.

He had earlier too directed the SEC to submit a detailed report on security arrangements before the division bench.

The commission claimed before the court that it had acted on directions of the court by first announcing the date for the extension of nomination which was followed by the announcement of the date for election.

Following petitions by opposition parties, Justice Talukdar had on April 20 quashed the commission's order cancelling the extension of the date for filing nominations as issued by it on April 10.

The court had directed the commission to issue a fresh notification extending the date for filing nominations upon consultation with the state and the major collective stake holders.

Justice Talukdar had directed the commission to then reschedule the further dates in the election process as per statutory framework and to then carry forward the electoral process from the extended date of filing of nominations.

The SEC had on April 21 issued a notification allowing the filing of nomination on April 23 and also notified the dates for scrutiny and withdrawal of nomination.

The commission in another notification on April 28 announced the date for election to be on May 14.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The new US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, in his first interaction with his State Department colleagues vowed to get their "swagger" back and urged his diplomats to deliver for President Donald Trump.

"I have an enormous amount to listen to you about and to learn from you. I talked about getting back our swagger, and I'll fill in what I mean by that, but it's important," Pompeo told State Department employees who had gathered in the lobby of its Foggy Bottom headquarters to welcome their 70th Secretary of State.

"The United States diplomatic corps needs to be in every corner, every stretch of the world, executing missions on behalf of this country, and it is my humble, noble undertaking to help you achieve that," Pompeo said.

Trump would be driving down to the State Department for the formal swearing in ceremony of Pompeo tomorrow. This would be the president's first trip to the State Department.

"Tomorrow the President will be here to do my official swearing-in. I think much of the cabinet will be here as well. It's an important day for the President's first trip to this important place, and I'm looking forward to being there with many of you and having the honor to have the President of the United States do my formal swearing-in," he said.

Later this week Pompeo said that he would more to develop my commander's intent, what it is he hopes to achieve with their help.

"I'll lay out for you my expectations and my hopes, and most importantly, share with you my leadership style. And this is very different. Like, one of the first rules is don't talk down to people, right? So I'll speak to you all right up here, exactly," Pompeo said.

"I look forward to meeting just as many of you as I can get a chance to do, to learning from just as many of you as I can, and to leading that team onto the field. I know that we will deliver for this President and for this country," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Separatists today condemned the killing of three youths by armed gunmen in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir and demanded a probe by the United Nations into the incident.

"The JRL (Joint Resistance Leadership) strongly condemns the killing of three youths in Baramulla. Any killing on grounds of political or party affiliations is inhuman, unIslamic and unacceptable to people and leadership of Kashmir," separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said in a tweet.

He demanded that the United Nations (UN) take note of the incident and probe the killings.

"The state authorities conveniently blame armed youths and vice versa. In the process, the culprits never get identified. It is a matter of serious concern and needs to be investigated. (We) appeal the #UN to take note of this and set up an impartial inquiry into these killings," the separatist leader said.

Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) militants had yesterday struck at the Old Baramulla town in Jammu and Kashmir and gunned down three men, in their early 20s, the police said.

"Preliminary investigation revealed complicity of LeT in the case. One Pakistan-based and two local militants of old town Baramulla are the principal suspects in this case. Police has started investigation into the matter," the police spokesman added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)BJP president Amit Shah today urged the people of Gujarat, especially the youth, to join a month-long water conservation drive of the state government.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani earlier launched the water conservation drive at Kosamadi village in Bharuch district, some 200 kms from Ahmedabad, on the occasion of the state's 58th Foundation Day.

The "Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan" initiative aims to increase the state's water-storage capacity by 11,000 lakh cubic feet by deepening 13,000 lakes, check dams and reservoirs.

It also envisages the revival of 32 rivers and cleaning and repairing of canals, among other activities.

Gujarat is staring at an acute water crisis in the wake of deficient rains in the catchment areas of the Narmada river last year.

"To conserve water and to nourish our water resources is the need of hour. I appeal everyone in Gujarat specially the youth to join "Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan" - a statewide initiative by CM @vijayrupanibjp ji (sic), Shah said in a tweet.

He also tagged a tweet of Rupani, in which the chief minister appealed to the people to join the initiative, and also a video clip about the initiative.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)"This is too much. This is exploitation of the poor," a "shocked" Supreme Court today told the government when it said it has set up a committee to fix a timeline to comply with its directions on a matter relating to the welfare of construction workers.

"Is this the attitude of the Government of India towards poor people," it asked the counsel appearing for the Centre while expressing anguish over the submission.

"For fixing a timeline, you have set up a committee? What is this going on? According to us, you are sitting on (Rupees) 20,000 crore to 25,000 crore. Is this the attitude of the Government of India towards poor people of the country," a bench, comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta, said.

"This is too much. This is exploitation of the poor," the bench said while asking the government what it has done with the huge amount of money meant for the welfare of construction workers. Incidentally, the strong observations of the top court came on the International Labour Day.

The top court also directed the Secretary of Ministry of Labour to remain present before it on May 7 to explain what was happening regarding the implementation of its order and two laws enacted by Parliament on the matter.

When the counsel representing some states told the bench that they have complied with the directions passed by the top court, the bench shot back, "what have you done except buying washing machines and laptops".

"This is shocking. Is this a joke? These (construction workers) are people who have no education, no money and builders are exploiting them and the Government of India is saying that they will not do anything," an angry bench observed.

Earlier, an affidavit filed in the court by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had said that a chunk of funds meant for construction workers' welfare had been spent to buy laptops and washing machines and less than ten per cent was spent for the actual purpose.

The court had on March 19 asked the Centre to frame a model scheme before September 30 to address the issues of education, health, social security and pension for construction workers.

It had said that more than Rs 37,400 crore had been collected for the benefit of these workers, but ostensibly only about Rs 9,500 crores was utilised for their benefit.

It had also questioned why millions of construction workers across the country were being denied the benefit of remaining Rs 28,000 crore.

The top court had also directed the state governments and union territories to constitute an expert committee and bring out statutory rules within six months.

It had said that its directions given from time to time for implementation of two laws have been "flouted with impunity".

These laws were the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (BOCW Act) and the Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Cess Act, 1996, (Cess Act).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Invoking Kannada pride ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's whirlwind election tour of Karnataka today, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked him to approve the state flag. " " "Complimenting Modi over his recent claim that he too is a Kannadiga, Siddaramaiah, in series of tweets late last night, also raised concerns over alleged imposition of Hindi. " " ""Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has declared himself a Kannadiga. Becoming Kannadiga means" accepting Kannada language, naada geete (state anthem), naada" dwaja (state flag)."



"Will you become true Kannadiga by giving"approval to Karnataka's nada dwaja? #AnswerMadiModi," Siddaramaiah tweeted in Kannada.

Flagging "Kannadiga pride" ahead of the"Assembly polls,"Siddaramaiah had unveiled the"proposed official state flag for Karnataka in March. " " "The state's flag, in hues of yellow,"white and red, has the state's emblem 'Gandaberunda', a two-headed mythological bird, at its centre. The proposal has been forwarded to the Centre for mandatory approval.

" " In another tweet, Siddaramaiah said becoming Kannadiga" means giving importance to Kannada and abandoning forcible" imposition of Hindi. " " ""Are you ready to be Kannadiga?" he questioned.

" "



" Seeking to strike a chord with BJP leaders, office bearers and elected representatives during an interaction with them through his mobile app on April 26, Modi had claimed he"was also a Kannadiga. " " ""Like you, I am also a karyakarta (worker) from" Karnataka. Believe this and move ahead. I am also a Kannadiga. Believe this and move ahead. I will work with you shoulder to" shoulder," he had said. " " "Noting that becoming Kannadiga means being committed"to protecting Karnataka's land, water and language, the Chief Minister asked, "Will you call meeting of Chief Ministers of three states to resolve Mahadayi river water sharing dispute?" "Karnataka has been demanding that the prime minister call a meeting of the chief ministers of riparian states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka to resolve"the Mahadayi dispute.

Maintaining that becoming Kannadiga entails protecting Kannada, Kannadiga and Karnataka's interest, he"asked, "Will you become Kannadiga by allowing Kannadigas to" write entrance exams of nationalized banks in Kannada?" " "



Siddramaiah wrote about Karnataka's tradition of brotherhood, and wondered how Modi could be a Kannadiga when the BJP has not fielded a single Muslim or Christian candidate. " "



Launching his campaign blitzkrieg today in poll-bound" Karnataka, Modi will address rallies at Santhemarahalli" in Chamarajanagara district, and Udupi and Chikkodi in" Belagavi.

Reacting to Siddaramaiah's tweets, Karnataka BJP in a" tweet said, "Tweeting at midnight? Looks like the perpetually" sleeping CM has lost sleep over Modi's visit! Fun begins now.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The bilateral trade for the year 2018 between the traders of India and China through the Nathu La border started today with traders and government officials from both sides exchanging gifts and greetings.

Last year, the trade was disrupted following the Doklam standoff. This year, the traders are hopeful that there would be no problem, an official of the Sikkim government said.

Traders from India and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) said they were optimistic that there would be no problems this year, the Sikkim government official said, adding that the trade was stopped in July last year.

"Last year, due to the Doklam standoff, trading through Nathu La was possible only for two weeks, as a result of which we incurred losses. However, we are optimistic this year," the general secretary of the Indo-China Border Traders' Welfare Association, Tenzing Tsepel, said.

In 2016-2017, goods worth Rs 3.54 crore were traded via the Sino-Indian border, Nathu La, an official of the Sikkim Commerce and Industries department said at the border today.

The trade between the two countries through Nathu La border, located at a height of 14,200 feet, was resumed in 2006, 44 years after it was closed.

The traders' association also informed that an official meeting was held between the representatives from both sides today, including officials of the ITBP and PLA, on how to make this year's trade more efficient and cordial.

Issues like currency exchange, road connectivity and problems due to inclement weather were discussed at the meeting, an official said.

While the Indian traders export oil, ghee, blankets, copper items, rice, textile and processed goods, among other items, to their counterparts in the TAR, the import comprises mostly quilts and jackets, the official added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)"With an aim of strengthening the newly raised coastal police stations of Kerala, the Southern Naval Command has begun a one month training course for 30 of their personnel.

The SNC commenced a one month 'On the Job Training Capsule' for 30 personnel of Coastal Police Kerala, from April 30 to May 30, a Defence press release said here today.

The training is being carried out by the Sagar Prahari Bal at the naval base here under the aegis of the Naval Officer-in-Charge, Kerala.

During training, the coastal police personnel will be trained on survival at sea, boat handling and maintenance on board Fast Interceptor Craft of the Indian Navy, firing in harbour and at sea and boarding exercises to investigate other vessels.

They will also be trained on fire-fighting, patrolling at sea, assistance to fishing boats, navigational safety, rules of engagement and force protection measures, rescue of life at sea, as well as first aid and cardio pulmonary resuscitation, it said.

The capsule includes both lectures as well as practical training, with focus on the practical aspects of coastal security so as to enable these personnel gain requisite experience and skills and be confident to handle emergencies at sea related to coastal security, survival at sea and maritime rescue operations, the release said.

These personnel will also be embarked on board Indian Naval warships proceeding to sea for familiarisation, it said.

This is a maiden course and subsequent training capsules would also be undertaken on monthly basis, with active participation and coordination between the Indian Navy and the Coastal Police, it said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The issue of Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin was raked up once again today when Prime Minister Narendra Modi dared Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to talk for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue".

Modi was responding to Rahul Gandhi's dare to allow him to speak for 15 minutes in Parliament on various issues, including corruption, and that the prime minister will not be able to sit for 15 minutes.

"I dare the Congress president to speak in Hindi, English or the mother tongue of his mother to deliver a speech in Karnataka for 15 minutes, without reading out from a piece of paper, on the achievements of the party government... people of Karnataka will draw their own conclusion," he said.

Senior BJP leaders, including its president Amit Shah, have often brought up the issue of Sonia's Italian origin while targeting her son.

At his election rallies Shah has frequently taken on 'Rahul baba', saying he was unable to see the changes brought about by the Modi government as he was wearing Italian spectacles.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had, in the run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, said Sonia was entitled to the "love, affection and respect" but not acceptable as the prime minister of the country.

"I have always maintained that Sonia Gandhi came to our country as daughter-in-law of Indira Gandhi and wife of Rajiv Gandhi and thus she is entitled to our love and affection. As the president of the Congress party she is entitled to our respect. But if she wants to become the Prime Minister then I say no," Swaraj had said.

Even Modi as the Gujarat chief minister had assailed Sonia, "a person not from our soil", for giving lessons in "swabhiman" (self respect).

"A person not of our soil should not give us lessons about 'swabhiman' (self respect)," Modi had told an election rally in Nashik ahead of the 2004 Lok Sabha polls.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Millions of travellers will soon get to use internet and voice services on mobile phones during flights in the Indian airspace, as the Telecom Commission today cleared a proposal for allowing wider in-flight connectivity that is now available in most of the developed markets.

Major airlines, including Air India and Vistara, today welcomed the Telecom Commission's decision, with Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu saying he will ensure "earliest implementation" of the proposal.

While mobile phone use will still be restricted during takeoff and landing, the Telecom Department's highest decision-making body has approved the lifting of a ban on the use mobile phones and internet services at cruising altitudes.

Globally, many airlines are already offering wi-fi for passengers, but they currently have to switch off the facility when they enter the Indian airspace. AirAsia, Air France, British Airways, Egypt Air, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic are amongst 30 airlines that are already allowing mobile phone use on aircraft.

The in-flight connectivity facility is expected to be rolled out in 3-4 months, once the modalities of the niche licences and back-end agreements are worked out, Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters after the two-hour meeting of the Telecom Commission here.

Under Indian civil aviation regulations, airlines at present order mobile phones to be turned off to avoid interference with aircrafts communication systems. However, use of other electronic devices, such as tablets that do not interfere with flight radio signals, is allowed once aeroplane reach cruising height.

Sundararajan said the Telecom Commission has largely agreed to the telecom regulator Trai's recommendations on 'in-flight connectivity' (IFC) -- provision of internet and mobile services during air travel - with exception to one aspect pertaining to foreign satellites and gateways.

"Trai had said that foreign satellites and foreign gateways should also be permitted...but there had been an earlier Committee of Secretaries meeting which decided that it should be an Indian satellite or Department of Space approved satellite and the gateway should be in India. So, the proposal is cleared subject to this...all the other recommendations of Trai have been accepted," said Sundararajan, who also chairs the Telecom Commission.

The decision of the Telecom Commission will be operationalised "immediately", she added.

"Exciting times ahead in the Indian skies as Telecom Commission approves data and voice services in flights over Indian airspace!," Prabhu said in a tweet.

Noting that he would follow up closely to ensure earliest implementation, Prabhu also said, "We remain committed in improving the services to our air passengers, making their travel delightful and hassle-free".

Trai had recommended that internet access through wi-fi onboard be provided once boarding is complete and the passengers start operating devices in airplane mode, and that mobile communication on aircraft be allowed at a minimum altitude of about 3,000 metres.

"We will have to create a separate category of licensees for providing such services...it will also provide for connectivity on ships in Indian territorial waters," she said, adding that the licence fee for such IFC providers will be pegged at Re 1.

Mobile services on ships or water vessels get hampered when subscribers travel over large water bodies due to unavailability of mobile towers. The provisions of IFC will facilitate mobile communications in such scenario with help of satellite connectivity within territorial waters.

Asked about the price at which these services will be offered to the airlines consumers, and whether the same would be market determined rate or at a premium, Sundararajan said, "It will have to be worked out on a mutually-agreed basis between the service provider and the aircraft (Airlines). Each will have a service provider of choice with whom they may have international agreements".

On the timeline for operationalising these services, she said that the licence norms will have to be framed and thereafter the applications will be invited.

"They will have to tie-up their back-end agreements with telcos, and satellite providers. We will try to expedite the process...I think (it may take about) 3-4 months definitely for consumers to get the service," she said responding to a specific query.

Trai, in January this year, had recommended to the government that in-flight mobile telephony and internet services can be allowed, using satellite and terrestrial network but after providing a mechanism for lawful interception and monitoring of wi-fi in aircraft cabins to ensure safety.

The regulator had recommended creation of an 'In-Flight Connectivity' (IFC) Service Provider at annual licence fee of Re 1 only initially, after entering into an arrangement with telecom licence holder having appropriate authorisation.

The Trai recommendations came after Department of Telecom, on August 2017, sought its views over proposal to introduce voice, data and video services over Indian airspace for domestic, international and overflying flights in Indian airspace.

In February, India's largest telecom operator Bharti Airtel had announced it has joined a new global collaboration to bring high-speed and uninterrupted in-flight data connectivity to mobile customers.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Steven Komarow, CQ Roll Call's executive editor and a longtime Associated Press and USA Today journalist steeped in the ways of Washington and war, has died at 61.

Komarow died in a hospital Sunday after a long illness complicated by a recent accident, his employer said.

The famously unflappable Komarow spent nearly 20 years with AP 1978 to 1993, and 2006 to 2010 and rose to become deputy chief of AP's Washington bureau before leaving for Bloomberg to steer defense, justice and White House coverage.

In 2015, he joined CQ Roll Call as vice president and director before his elevation a year later to executive editor and senior vice president.

Komarow also worked for a dozen years for USA Today, covering wars in Afghanistan and Iraq before returning to AP as assistant and then deputy international editor.

For all of Komarow's accomplishments in journalism, one of the most indelible episodes of his career came when he served as an impromptu hostage negotiator in December 1982. That tested his imperturbable nature.

Then an AP reporter, Komarow was assigned to "swing by" the Washington Monument, where "I learned that a wacko in a dark blue jumpsuit and full-face motorcycle helmet had driven a white-panel truck up the path to the monument doorway," he recounted in now-defunct George magazine.

"The truck was full of dynamite, the man claimed. There was no reason to doubt him." Norman D Mayer, a nuclear disarmament activist, had monument visitors trapped inside and demanded to speak face to face with a reporter who was single with no kids.

Komarow, who then fit the bill, volunteered, and visited him five times during the hours-long standoff, "trying to get him to relax and chat" and to turn the monument lights on at twilight. Mayer let the hostages go.

Mayer eventually tried to flee in his truck. Police snipers killed him. No explosives were found.

"Mayer seems less like a terrorist than a Don Quixote," Komarow wrote in the 2007 piece. "Even in bluff, he avoided harm to anyone but himself."



AP Executive Editor Sally Buzbee, who was Middle East regional editor for the service during four years of the Iraq war, said Komarow was "one of the smartest and nicest people I ever worked with at AP.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today stressed the need to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in society and appealed to all religious sects to act with restraint and respect everyone.

The senior BJP leader said the country's long standing convention for openness to new ideas, tolerance towards other faiths and giving them respect was as old as Indian civilisation itself.

Singh was speaking at a civic reception accorded to Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan on his 101 birthday celebrations here.

"Unity is our strength and we must work to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in our society", Singh said.

He also appealed to all religious sects or societies to act with restraint and respect everyone.

The Minister said India stands united not because of one religion or some theological thought holding the political power or exercising control over the system, but because it provides space to peaceful co-existence of multiple thoughts of theologies.

Indian tradition takes pride in giving freedom to have, to retain and to adopt a religion or belief, he said.

"Religion is a personal choice and it should always remain free from any coercion or allurement", he said.

Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes in taking every section of society along and build a New India. The goal is 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas', which means 'Development with Unity', he said.

Pointing out that the dream of making India great can be realised only when people of the country are united, he said 'United we stand, Divided we fall'. ""



He also expressed concern at the increasing violence, division and hostility in the name of religion the world over.

Singh said the ancient Indian thought of respect and acceptance for all faiths was the only way to ensure peace and harmony in the age of growing religious clashes and conflicts.

"I have no hesitation in accepting the fact that almost every government in this country has been tolerant towards all religions and faiths', the Minister said, adding the spirit of tolerance has been also enshrined in the Constitution.

Describing Chrysostom as a 'great man who has lived his life by example', Singh said the metropolitan's life was an 'inspiration' not only to the people of Kerala or to the Christian community, but to the entire nation.

State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurian were among those attended the function.

Earlier, Singh also attended the Navaoli Jyothirdinam celebrations at SanthiGiri Ashram, founded by Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru, at nearby Pothencode.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh said spiritualism, yoga and Ayerveda are India's contributions to the world and it was receiving wide attention.

Singh lauded the role played by the Ashram in spreading the traditional Siddha branch of medicine.

With the objective of promoting traditional Indian medicines, Singh said the BJP led NDA government had established a separate ministry of 'Ayush'.

The Government was for integrating wellness with health care, he added.

Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala and BJP leader Kummanom Rajasekharan were among those attended the function.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Air strikes killed at least 23 civilians including 10 children in a village held by the Islamic State group in northeastern Syria today, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

"We don't know for the moment if the US-led international coalition or Iraqi forces carried out the strike" on the village of Al-Qasr in the northeastern province of Hasakeh, the Britain-based monitor said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today assured help to the family of an Indian, who died in Italy, in bringing back his body.

A man named Didar Singh Bhatti, in a tweet, said Naik Singh was working in Ladispoli, Italy, to support his family in India.

Naik Singh died in Ladispoli and his family is really poor and cannot afford to get his body back for the last rites. They require help for getting his body back, he said, seeking Swaraj's help.

Responding to the request, Swaraj asked the Indian mission in Italy to help in bringing Naik Singh's body back.

Swaraj also asked the Indian envoy in Kyrgyzstan to help an Indian woman stranded at the Kyrgyzstan airport after her passport tore.

Another Indian, who is studying in the Philippines, also sought Swaraj's help claiming that there were "issues" students were facing at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Pinas. Swaraj asked him to get in touch with the Indian Embassy for help.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Telecom Commission today cleared proposals for allowing mobile services in flights and ships, use of internet telephony and creation of post of ombudsman to address consumer grievances.

The proposals were approved by the commission chaired by telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan.

"The in-flight connectivity (IFC) was approved by Telecom Commission (TC). It was decided to accept Trai's views except that the satellites used for providing services should be Department of Space-approved satellite and the gateway should be in India. We would be operationalising this immediately," Sundararajan told reporters after the meeting.

Trai had recommended to allow foreign satellite firms in facilitating in-flight mobile communication services.

IFC provider will have to take licence from DoT by paying annual licence fee of Re 1 to provide the services.

The inter-ministerial panel, whose members include NITI Ayog CEO, secretary from Department of Revenue, Department of Electronics and IT, DIPP etc, approved Trai's views on internet telephony services.

"On internet telephony, all recommendations of Trai have been accepted except the one to link calls to number. This will be fillip to voice telephony using data networks," Sundararajan said.

The approval puts an end to ambiguity around calling on mobile and landline phones through mobile application. As per Trai's proposal, companies who hold valid telecom licence can provide app-based calling service even by using wi-fi connection.

The service provider will be required to comply with all the interception and monitoring related requirements and calls will be charged by telecom operators and all rules related to normal calls will be applicable on them, according to Trai's suggestion.

The views address the issues raised by private telecom operators over state-owned BSNL's mobile calling app which aimed at facilitating international calls at local rates.

However, the service was put on hold after private players alleged that BSNL was attempting to bypass call connection charges with the help of the app.

In a major relief to consumers, the panel also cleared proposal for an ombudsman under Trai as recommended by the regulator.

Besides present mechanism of registering complaint with telecom operators, an unsatisfied consumer can now approach consumer courts seeking relief for their grievances and thereafter also approach ombudsman for redressal of their complaints.

"Ombudsman will be created by Trai. Trai had said they do not have powers to create them. Therefore it is now proposed to give them the powers to create an ombudsman...This will bring in much better and more satisfactory grievance redressal system in the telecom sector," Sundararajan said.

Earlier, a ruling of the Supreme Court in 2009 was interpreted that section 7B of the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 barred a consumer from seeking remedy under the consumer Act. The complaint thus remained limited between the subscriber and the telecom company.

Sundararajan said approximately 1 crore complaints are made every quarter.

The regulator will be free to set up as many ombudsman as per requirement, she said.

"It ( creating ombudsman) will require amendments in the Trai Act," Sundararajan said.

The TC also approved Trai's recommendation on 'Ease of doing business' in the telecom sector that aims at providing time bound clearances of various permits like licence, tower installation.

The regulator has recommended DoT to work a suitable matrix, linking the penalty to the severity of the incident and recurrence of the violation for imposition of financial penalties.

Telecom operators have been asked to pay highest penalty of Rs 50 crore per circle even for minor violations.

The panel has accepted Trai's proposal that will push the optimal use of public wi-fi network. Under the proposal, public data offices will be set up like yesteryears PCOs. Broadband connections of shops, malls, public places will be streamlined to provide wi-fi services to people in and around their premises. The move will enable entities to utilise their unused data by allowing public to consume it and in return get credit in their broadband account.

"TC was firmly of the view that the PDOs should not have cascading taxation effect. PDOs will provide significant job creation opportunity. We have been working with Trai to operationalise it with immediate effect," Sundararajan said.

The panel also approved cost of connecting Andaman and Nicobar islands with total outlay of Rs 1,224 crore which includes Rs 947 crore as capex funding and balance as opex funding.

"The opex of around Rs 276 crore is being borne by Ministry of Home Affairs," Sundararajan said.

The TC approved BharatNet project rollout in Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, UP East, UP West, West Bengal and Sikkim by BSNL and in Himachal Pradesh by Power Grid Corporation, she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)In a move aimed at empowering mobile consumers, the Telecom Commission today cleared a proposal for creation of an ombudsman under the sector regulator to resolve subscriber complaints.

The apex decision making body of the telecom ministry said necessary amendments will be initiated in TRAI Act for effective enforcement of the new complaint redressal mechanism.

Besides the present mechanism of registering complaint with telecom operators, consumers can now approach consumer courts seeking relief for their grievances and thereafter also approach the proposed ombudsman for redressal of their complaints, Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan told reporters.

"Grievance redressal in the telecom sector has been a long-pending demand and a lot of the Parliamentary Standing committees have also raised this issue...We get 10 million grievances and complaints per quarter.

"The current mechanism is that the operators have a mechanism internally to deal with complaints and after that it comes to the grievance redressal of telecom department. But this has not been fully satisfactory. What is being proposed is a three-tier mechanism," Sundararajan said.

Telecom grievances mechanism till date has largely remained within control of service providers. Under present the norm, telecom subscribers can register complaint with call centre of their service provider. It can be escalated to nodal officer of the telecom operator in case the complaint is not resolved and thereafter Appellate Authority set-up by the service provider.

In most of the cases, specially billing disputes, consumers complained of getting no relief from the three levels.

Earlier, a ruling of the Supreme Court in 2009 was interpreted that section 7B of the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 barred a consumer from seeking remedy under the Consumer Act. The complaint thus remained limited between the subscriber and the telecom company.

Sundararajan said the rules have been amended to enable consumers approach Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum.

"The consumer can choose to move to consumer grievance redressal forums...On top will be a telecom ombudsman, that has been approved. The Ombudsman will be created by Trai," she said.

Trai has recommended that Ombudsman should have the power to award compensation to the consumer, award costs and issue directions to the telecom service providers for the performance of specific obligations.

As per the decision of Telecom Commission today, the Ombudsman will be created by Trai, which in turn will be vested with more powers to for effective enforcement of the new complaint redressal system.

"Ombudsman will be created by Trai. Trai had said they do not have powers to create them. Therefore, it is now proposed to give them the powers to create an ombudsman ...This will bring in much better and more satisfactory grievance redressal system in the telecom sector," Sundararajan said.

The regulator will be free to set up as many ombudsman as per requirement, she said adding that the regulator can choose to have one ombudsman per operator or per region.

"It (creating ombudsman) will require amendments in the TRAI Act," Sundararajan said.

Asked about the timeline for the new system to come into place, Sundararajan said that it will be done on "priority basis".

On whether the amendment to TRAI Act will enable the regulator to penalise erring telecom service providers, she said, "It will be have to be worked out by Trai but obviously it will have to be an effective ombudsman".

Telecom operator's industry body COAI said that since overall complaints are miniscule in comparison to the subscriber base and the rupee values are not very large, existing mechanism of compliant redressal is adequate.

"We are not sure as to how setting up of an Ombudsman will add further value to the existing system of compliant redressal. Moreover, we believe TRAI currently does not have adjuratory powers to act as Ombudsman and this will need to be addressed in the context of the Telecom Act 1885 under which TSP Licenses are granted," COAI Directer General Rajan S Mathews said.

Besides the decision taken by the Telecom Commission on Ombudsman, there were expectation that it will decide net neutrality and allocation of backhaul spectrum in the E & V bands.

Sundararajan said that these issues were not taken up in the meeting today.

Mathews said that COAI is disappointed that no decision has been taken by Telecom Commission with respect to the allocation of E&V Bands as allocation of these bands at affordable prices can be a boon for the better customer experience.

"COAI is of the view that as India is expanding coverage and capacities for 4G in urban cities and taking broadband to rural India, these frequencies should be allocated immediately. These bands should be provided as a backhaul spectrum to the TSPs (telecom service provider) who validly hold access spectrum," Mathews said.

Telecom operators have been demanding allocation of E&V band to connect signals between mobile towers as it becomes difficult and sometime very expensive to connect cell sites with cables.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami will leave for New Delhi tomorrow on an official visit, amid speculation about a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the backdrop of strong pro-Cauvery protests in the state.

Palaniswami, who will attend a meeting of chief ministers called by Modi to discuss various schemes to be implemented on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, may meet some Union ministers but there was no official word on his interaction with the prime minister.

Palaniswami had earlier submitted a memorandum to Modi during the latter's visit here recently where he had urged the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) and Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) urgently.

Tamil Nadu has been witnessing protests by opposition parties, including the DMK, and some other outfits over the delay in constitution of the CMB despite the February 16 order of the Supreme Court.

In a significant verdict to resolve the decades-old dispute between southern riparian states over Cauvery river water sharing, the apex court had increased Karnataka's quota by 14.75 tmcft and reduced that of Tamil Nadu while allowing it to extract 10 tmcft of groundwater from the river basin.

The state government has also filed a contempt petition against the Centre in the Supreme Court for not constituting the CMB within six weeks from February 16, the day the apex court pronounced its verdict.

The top court has since asked the Centre to formulate a draft Cauvery management scheme and agreed to hear on May 3 its plea seeking two more weeks to finalise the scheme.

The Centre had sought time saying discussions were being held at various levels.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Delegates and industry leaders from India and South Africa have discussed ways to expand the trade relationship between the two countries and mooted the reintroduction of direct flights between Johannesburg and Mumbai.

The two-day India-South Africa Business Summit 2018 (ISABS 2018) saw scores of noted speakers and distinguished experts and diplomats from the two countries participating in parallel discussions on startups, automobile industry, healthcare and pharma, mining, agro-processing, women entrepreneurs in business and the fourth industrial revolution.

Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Civil Aviation, lauded the efforts of the High Commission of India and various South African government departments including the Department of Trade and Industry in organising the summit in the run-up to the BRICS Summit in July 2018.

"South Africa has a strategic relationship with India. Our bilateral trade is growing and has increased from R68 million in 2012 to R107 million in 2018. Investments has also grown seeing 130 Indian firms investing in South Africa and 29 South African FDIs in India for R10 billion," said South African Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies.

In her remarks, High Commissioner Ruchira Kamboj said the India-South Africa partnership goes beyond the "undeniably unbreakable ties of solidarity" that have linked the people and the liberation movements of the two countries.

"This partnership was also about a shared future through synergies, shared strengths and membership in multilateral settings where the two countries seek constantly to engage, deliberate and collaborate," Kamboj said.

Cautioning against the summit becoming just another 'talkshop', Prabhu has tasked a team led by the India-South Africa CEOs Forum to present an action plan to implement all the suggestions at the summit by the time he comes back for the BRICS summit in July.

The summit also witnessed the signing of an MOU between Invest SA and Invest India, strengthening a rapidly growing economic and trade partnership between the two strategic partner countries.

A CII sponsored white paper was also released, showing the good work being done by Indian businesses in South Africa, with a strong focus on localisation to skill South Africans in a collaborative spirit for mutually beneficial growth and progress.

One of the biggest concerns expressed by delegates from both countries was about the lack of a direct flight between Johannesburg and Mumbai, resulting in long delays.

Prabhu emphasised that most airlines in India had been privatised but promised to look into the matter, as did South African Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, under whose jurisdiction the state-owned enterprise South African Airways (SAA) falls.

Air India, SAA and Jet Airways all stopped direct flights between the two commercial hubs at various stages in the past decade, citing they were commercially unviable.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump has hailed Indian-origin Kalpana Chawla as an American hero for devoting her life to the space programme and inspiring millions of girls to become astronauts.

Trump's remarks came yesterday as he issued a proclamation declaring May as 'Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month'. The US Congress has also designated the month of May each year as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month."



Chawla was the first woman of Indian-origin in space. She was one of the seven crew members who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003 when the craft disintegrated during its re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.

"Indian American Kalpana Chawla was the first woman of Indian descent to fly in space, and became an American hero for her devotion to the Space Shuttle programme and its various missions transporting cargo and crew to and from the International Space Station," Trump said.

For her achievements, the Congress posthumously awarded her the Congressional Space Medal of Honour, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) posthumously awarded her the NASA Space Flight Medal and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, he said.

"Ms Chawla's courage and passion continue to serve as an inspiration for millions of American girls who dream of one day becoming astronauts," said Trump.

The proclamation noted that during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Trump administration recognises their tremendous contributions.

"Through their industriousness and love of country, our nation has enjoyed the privileges and enrichments of multiple innovations and societal advancements," Trump said.

There are more than 20 million Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders who call America home, including those living in Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.

America, Trump said, is a country that values hard work, an honest living, and a commitment to the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

"For these reasons, America cherishes its connections with the Indo-Pacific region, which shares an appreciation for these principles, he asserted. Americans of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage help to reinforce these relationships, which are stronger today than ever before," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)May day is celebrated today to hail hard work, but transwoman Vaishnavi Balakrishnan, who slogs 12 hours a day as an autorickshaw driver, says honour or recognition, however, does not come that easily to her.

Life is not easy for most, "but for those like us, it is much more tough, perilous and we all the time battle societal stigma as well," she told PTI.

She drives a share auto between Tiruvotriyur and Parrys area here before heading home to Ernavur in North Chennai late in the night.

Unlike regular autorickshaws, a share auto here and in other parts of Tamil Nadu carries several passengers and charges comparatively lesser rates.

Vaishnavi has been driving passenger vehicles, be it a mini van or an auto since 2004.

Around that time, when she also started coming out openly as a transwoman and dressing like a woman, business prospects began sliding.

"When I started telling the world who I am (a transgender), society did not take to it kindly. Also, due to heavy maintenance cost, interest on loan, insurance and not so predictable business, I began incurring losses," she says.

Not one to give up hope, she chose a share auto, instead of a mini passenger van (known locally by Tata magic brand).

She says when transwomen take up a profession, society does not respond positively.

"I have seen people who do not want pay for their ride. They solicit sexual favours for which they say they will pay. I am strong... I never succumb to such pressure," she says.

"Happily battling odds," she drives the share auto in the hope that society will come forward to reward working transwomen.

She says she is committed to repay her debts and eke out a decent living and live with dignity like any other professionals.

"I conduct myself with dignity. But society too should reciprocate more by honouring us through their support for our commitment to honest work and decent living."



A school dropout, Vaishnavi, who became a "complete" transwoman after a sex reassignment surgery about five years ago, says people were not very forthcoming in offering them work to their skills, due to stigma.

"A section of people wrongly assume we are just commercial sex workers. There are people who are afraid of us. It is only a minuscule population that empathise with us," she says.

"A young man did not even comfortably sit beside me in the front seat. Later, after several trips, he told me he was initially apprehensive I may commit inappropriate acts," she says, adding this was a "sample" of the fight they have to put up with every day.

Also, transwomen are subjected to violence by uncouth men, who view them as mere "sex dolls," she alleged.

More often than not, harassment or violence results when they decline sex services, she claims.

"Some transwomen should also be blamed. It is due to their boisterous behaviour and bad manners that people view the rest of us with suspicion."



Vaishnavi, briefly married after her sex reassignment surgery and appearing to be in her thirties, declined to reveal her age.

She also said she was not interested in revealing her name as she was a "man" in physical appearance.

Well-informed and articulate about the "sex-traps" faced by transwomen, she says she has volunteered for an NGO working in the field of prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV to bring awareness, especially among them on healthy living.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Left parties in West Bengal will hold a two-day-long demonstration in the city from March 3 to protest against the alleged violence by the TMC workers, ahead of the panchayat elections.

The ruling party is only bothered about winning the polls even if it comes at the cost of the democratic rights of the masses, a joint statement by 17 Left parties said here today.

"Several people have died during the filing of nominations. The TMC is trying to take away the right of the masses to participate in free and fair elections. We have decided to hold a two-day long sit-in demonstration in the state from May 3 at Esplanade area," the statement said.

The nomination filing for the panchayat polls was marred by violence and clashes between the ruling TMC and opposition parties, resulting in the death of four people.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Two men, who had inhaled toxic gas after they were trapped inside a sewage treatment plant of a prominent five star hotel in Lutyens' Delhi, died today at a city hospital, police said.

The incident was reported on April 29. The sewage treatment plant of the hotel is located in the adjoining building and that was where the incident took place.

Five men were trapped inside the plant and inhaled poisonous gas. They were not wearing safety gear, police had said.

Two of the victims -- Vikram (26), a contractual security guard of the hotel, and Ravindra (40), who worked as a contractual maintenance staff at the sewer plant run by Eco Pollutech Engineers company, succumbed today, Madhur Verma, deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi), said.

The other victims -- Nityanand, (51), a member of the plumbing staff at the hotel, Kamdev Patra (58), a contractual maintenance staff of Eco Pollutech Engineers, and Gaurav Sukheja (34), deputy chief engineer of the hotel are undergoing treatment and are stable, police said.

A case under Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide punishable with a maximum term of seven years and fine) of the Indian Penal Code was registered against officials of Eco Pollutech Engineers and the hotel in connection with the incident.

Police will also be adding Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder, punishable with a maximum term of 10 years and fine) of the Indian Penal Code to the FIR, following the death of the two victims.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)A member of Britain's House of Lords was today forced to deny that he is a racist after he called Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar a typical Indian on social media.

Lord Kilclooney, a former member of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) in Northern Ireland, was responding to a BBC headline on Twitter which read: DUP: Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland showed disrespect'. Kilclooney tweeted back yesterday with the words, Typical Indian.

"I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group), only yesterday I had a reply from 10, Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM (Varadkar) had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had," he later tweeted, after being accused of racism.

But many took to Twitter to condemn his words, including former Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt who said it could only be interpreted as a racist comment.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said Lord Kilclooney was "an embarrassment".

She said his latest comment was a "slur on all Indian people with his use of the word 'typical'" and demanded that the Speaker of the House of Lords raise the matter with the peer.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA Christopher Stalford tweeted: "I don't know what John Taylor (Lord Kilclooney) thinks he's playing at but he doesn't speak for me. Absolutely ridiculous behaviour".

The 80-year-old life peer defended his remark by saying Varadkar had been "most provocative" over the course of the Brexit negotiations and had "misunderstood the views of many unionists". He added that the Irish premier had a "dismal lack of knowledge" about Northern Ireland affairs.

The comments came after Northern Ireland's DUP accused Maharashtrian-origin Varadkar of breach of protocol saying he visited the region without informing local elected representatives of his visit to counties Armagh and Down. The Irish leader stressed that he followed standard protocol by informing the Northern Ireland Office of his visit.

I can assure anyone that I'm not an invader. I just want to be a good neighbour and I received a very warm welcome in Northern Ireland," Varadkar said.

"The only future that we have on this island is to work together and that's what I want to do. I'm not here to upset anyone or make anyone uncomfortable. I'm just here as a neighbour," he added.

Ireland and Northern Ireland have a long history of political troubles, brought to the fore by the ongoing Brexit negotiations which will leave European Union member-state Ireland bordering a non-EU member state, Northern Ireland. The border issue is seen as a major stumbling block in Britain and the EU finalising any exit deal.

This is not the first time Kilclooney has been caught up in a racism controversy. Last November, he acknowledged that a remark he made about Varadkar had caused "upset and misunderstanding" and withdrew his tweet that referred to the premier as "the Indian".

In Twitter one is restricted to a limited number of words and so for shorthand I used the term Indian for the new PM in Dublin. This has caused upset and misunderstanding and so I withdraw it. I am no way racist and accept that Varadkar is a 100 per cent Irish citizen, he had said at the time.

Varadkar was born in Ireland to a Mumbai-born father and Irish mother. In June, 2017, he became Ireland's first Indian-origin 'Taoiseach' or prime minister.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today praised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' new Development Plan (DP) 2034 for Mumbai, saying such a step will ensure the "ultimate transformation".

The steps taken by Fadnavis will bring about a qualitative change not just in the metropolis but all across the state, the housing and urban affairs minister said.

In the new DP announced last week, the state government has ensured infusion of new land that can be developed and increased the Floor Space Index (FSI) in the island city up to 3 for residential properties and up to 5 for commercial properties from the earlier 1.33.

"A few days ago, under the leadership of Fadnavis, a decision was taken to increase the FSI for residential and commercial projects coming up in Mumbai. We need such a kind of dynamic leadership which will ensure the ultimate transformation," Puri said at the MahaRERA Day event here.

For suburbs, the new FSI will be up to 2.5 and 5 for residential and commercial properties, respectively. The existing FSI for the two categories is 2 and 2.5, respectively.

The FSI is the ratio of the total built-up area to the total area of a plot. It is basically a tool that defines the extent of construction permissible on a plot.

Comparing Mumbai with Shanghai, the biggest city in China and a global financial hub, Puri said, "Till many years ago the two cities were at par. But, now look where Shanghai has gone."



"With the steps that Maharashtra has taken under Fadnavis, we will now see a qualitative change not just in Mumbai but throughout the state," he said at the event organised by the MahaRERA Conciliation Forum.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The United Nations Security Council members, who met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi during their mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar, will today visit Rakhine state, the epicenter of the Rohingya refugee crisis.

The council is continuing its mission to Bangladesh and Myanmar, taking a first-hand look at the plight of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who have fled across the border to escape violence.

The delegation of diplomats from the council's 15 member countries arrived yesterday in Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, holding meetings with Suu Kyi as well as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces General Min Aung Hlaing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters here. The council mission also met with civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives in the capital of Myanmar.

"Ambassadors also met with civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives. The council members will today fly to Rakhine state the epicenter of the mass displacement crisis, which has been caused by a recurring cycle of clashes between mainly Buddhist residents in the state, and Rohingya Muslims who have also lived there for decades," the spokesperson said.

In Rakhine, the delegation is expected to meet local government representatives and civil society.

According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), about 671,000 Rohingya refugees have fled targeted violence and serious human rights violations in Myanmar since last August.

Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the appointment of Christine Schraner Burgener of Switzerland as his new special envoy on Myanmar, to strengthen the world body's efforts to assist Myanmar's peace and reconciliation process.

The UN spokesperson added that over the weekend, the Council delegation visited Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, where they listened to testimony from refugees at the Kutupalong Camp. Before departing for Myanmar early on Monday, the delegation met with Hasina in Dhaka.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet today gave its approval to a number of road projects in the state which would be carried out with the help of Asian Development Bank (ADB) or the World Bank.

These projects would be completed in 18 to 24 months.

The Cabinet, in a meeting presided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, gave its assent to a number of road projects to come up with the help of ADB or the World Bank, state Power Minister Srikanth Sharma, who is also the spokesperson of the government, said.

All these projects will be completed in 18 to 24 months, he said.

Prominent among the road projects which got cabinet clearance are Mohanlalganj-Moraon- Unnao, Badaun-Bilsi- Bijnore, Bulandshahr-Anupshahr, Muzaffarnagar-Badaut and Gola-Shahjahanpur two lane road, Sharma said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)To help farmers increase crop production and augment their income, the Uttar Pradesh government will organise workshops tomorrow across the state.

Kisan Kalyan Karyashalas (workshop for welfare of farmers) will be held at all the state's development blocks tomorrow, Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi told reporters here.

The minister said, "A number of departments, including the agriculture department, of the state government are conducting the day-long workshops."



Information about various welfare measures and programmes of the departments and the Centre pertaining to farmers will be disseminated at the workshops, Shahi said.

"Apart from this, agriculture scientists will visit 500 places in the state and hold direct interactions with farmers, briefing them about high yielding variety of seeds and modern agricultural techniques," he said.

Lectures will also be delivered to farmers so that they can derive benefits from multiple cropping, which will help them in increasing their income, Shahi said.

"Seven progressive farmers from every block will also be honoured on the occasion. This will include a woman farmer and a farmer belonging to the scheduled castes category," he said.

The minister said ministers, MLAs and MPs from the state have been urged to participate in the workshops.

He also appealed to farmers to participate in the workshops.

"Success stories of farmers will be told to farmers by the farmers. This will definitely act as a source of inspiration," Shahi said.

Along with the agriculture department, the BJP's farmers' wing and office bearers of the party's district unit will also be participate in the event, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Strongly condemning the terrorist attack in Kabul, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today said America, along with its Afghan and international partners, is committed to defeating ISIS in Afghanistan, which has claimed responsibility for the twin suicide blasts.

A double suicide blast in the Afghan capital Kabul yesterday killed 25 people, including 10 journalists, in what Reporters Without Borders said was the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

"The United States, along with our Afghan and international partners, is committed to defeating ISIS in Afghanistan, which has claimed responsibility for this attack," the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said.

"We stand with the people, the independent media, and government of Afghanistan and remain committed to supporting the Afghan people's efforts to achieve peace, security, and democracy for their country," he said.

Pompeo, in a statement, strongly condemned "senseless and barbaric attack" in Kabul.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who were injured and killed, and we mourn all those who lost their lives," he said.

Asserting that the independent media is a cornerstone of democracy, Pompeo said despite the attack, the vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure, in large part due to those journalists and media professionals who tragically died in the attack, but whose courageous and steadfast work helped lay the foundation for Afghanistan's thriving and resilient independent media.

"The international community's commitment to the Afghan people and a lasting peace in Afghanistan will not be shaken by such attacks," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The US today postponed until June 31 the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico, avoiding for the time being a major trade skirmish with trading partners.

The delay will give Trump administration officials more time to work out deals with the EU and Mexico and Canada to address the U.S. national security concerns the administration cited for imposing the tariffs.

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to delay the implementation of tarriffs.

The administration has also reached a final agreement with South Korea on steel imports, the outlines of which were previously announced by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Republic of Korea Minister for Trade Hyun-chong Kim, the White House said in a statement.

The administration has also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil with respect to steel and aluminium, the details of which will be finalised shortly, it said.

Trump in March decided to slap tariffs of 25 per cent on imported steel and 10 per cent on imported aluminium. He justified the action by saying it was needed to protect American metal producers from unfair competition and bolster national security.

As per the proclamation, the administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days.

In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security, the White House said.

"These agreements underscore the Trump administration's successful strategy to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminium industries," the White House said.

According to The Wall Street Journal, top trade officials of the Trump administration met with the US president today to decide on a course of action as a self-imposed midnight deadline approached, with some allies uncertain until the last minute about which direction the US would choose.

Canada and Mexico, which have repeatedly said they expect a permanent exemption from the tariffs, were not given any guarantees despite weeks of recent negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Talks on the NAFTA, which have been ongoing for the past month in Washington, will resume on May 7.

Trade leaders in Mexico and Canada have rejected Trump's attempts to tie their tariff treatment to the outcome of the massive trade agreement.

The EU, which has been a vocal critic of the tariffs, has threatened USD 3.5 billion in retaliatory tariffs on jeans, motorcycles and orange juice if Trump follows through with metals tariffs.

Two European leaders French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel lobbied Trump to reconsider the tariffs during trips to Washington last week but received no public guarantee.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)US President Donald Trump today signed a proclamation to delay for 30 days the implementation of his steel and aluminium import tariff hike on the European Union, Canada and Mexico, the White House said, adding that it has also reached a trade agreement with South Korea.

The administration has reached a final agreement with South Korea on steel imports, the outlines of which were previously announced by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Republic of Korea Minister for Trade Hyun-chong Kim, the White House said in a statement.

The administration has also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil with respect to steel and aluminium, the details of which will be finalised shortly, it said.

Trump in March decided to slap tariffs of 25 per cent on imported steel and 10 per cent on imported aluminium. He justified the action by saying it was needed to protect American metal producers from unfair competition and bolster national security.

As per the proclamation, the administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days.

In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security, the White House said.

"These agreements underscore the Trump administration's successful strategy to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminium industries," the White House said.

According to The Wall Street Journal, top trade officials of the Trump administration met with the US President today to decide on a course of action as a self-imposed midnight deadline approached, with some allies uncertain until the last minute about which direction the US would choose.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The US has never been closer to getting rid of North Korea's nuclear weapons, President Donald Trump has said, exuding confidence that his planned summit with the reclusive country's leader Kim Jong Un will be a "success".

Trump has accepted an invitation for a meeting with Kim. The meeting is scheduled to take place soon, possibly in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) straddling the border between the two Koreas.

He also confirmed yesterday that Singapore was also on the list of possible sites.

Trump praised Kim for living up to his promise of not launching ballistic missiles and carrying out any nuclear tests before the planned meeting.

"The US has never been closer to potentially having something happen with respect to the Korean peninsula that can get rid of the nuclear weapons, can create so many good things, so many positive things, and peace and safety for the world," Trump said yesterday.

"So, we'll see what happens. You know, I often say, Who knows? Who knows? Maybe a lot of things change," he told reporters during a joint conference with the visiting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

Lauding Kim for his recent statements, Trump said everybody wanted to see the meeting happen and it had a chance to be a "big event".

"Kim



Jong Un, who has been very open and very straightforward so far - I can only say, again, so far. But he's talking about getting rid of the site, which was their big site.

"He's talking about no research, no launching of ballistic missiles, no nuclear testing. And he has lived up to that for a long period of time, a longer period of time than anybody has seen," Trump said.

"There's something that I like about it, because you're actually there - if things work out, there's a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third party country. So we are looking at the possibility of doing it in that location. We're also looking at various other countries, including Singapore," he said.

Noting that it would be "very interesting", Trump said it would be a "great celebration" if it worked out well.

He expressed confidence that the summit would happen.

"I think the summit is going to happen. They very much want it. We certainly would like to see it. I think the summit will happen. And personally, I think it's going to be a success, but we'll see," he said.

"If it doesn't work out well, that's the way it goes," he said.

"If it's not a success, I will respectfully leave. It's very simple," Trump said, seeking to strike a balance between optimism and scepticism about the upcoming summit.

Nigerian President Buhari congratulated the leaders of the North and South Koreas on their historic summit, and applauded them for the positive commitment they have shown towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Trump also came in for praise from Buhari.

"President Trump deserves a great deal of credit for his statesmanly role in transforming so dramatically the course of events in that region," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Immigrants say President Donald Trump's administration has become almost everything they feared, but while they rally across the United States on May Day, their focus is less on huge turnout today than on the first Tuesday in November.

Marches and other demonstrations for labour and immigrant rights were planned from Florida to New York to California on International Workers' Day and come amid similar actions worldwide.

"The Trump administration has made very clear that they've declared war on the immigrant community on all levels," said Javier Valdez, co-executive director of the advocacy group Make the Road New York.

Immigrant rights groups have joined in May Day activities for more than a decade, initially to push back against harsh legislative proposals and later to clamor for reform and legal status for immigrants in the country illegally who were brought to the US as children or overstayed their visas.

Now, they want to drive turnout in the midterm elections. Advocates hope voters target lawmakers who have pushed for measures that hurt immigrants and replace them with immigrant-friendly policymakers, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles.

"Elections have consequences, and the consequences for our community have been dire, and if we do not change the balance of power, we question our ability to remain free in this country," she said.

Protesters still are taking aim at policy changes under Trump, including a country-specific travel ban, the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, high-profile detention and deportation efforts, and proposals to cut back the overall numbers of people allowed to immigrate permanently.

Trump and his supporters say the enforcement and policy changes are needed for national security and economic benefits. Some of the new policies have gotten tangled up in court, and Trump hasn't secured funding for his coveted border wall with Mexico.

After the rallies, immigrant rights groups will join LGBTQ, African-American and women's organizations this summer to push for the election of new leaders, Salas said, adding that they hope to see more support from Americans who aren't immigrants.

"It is really a fundamental question about what kind of a country we're going to be," she said. "For us, the question of immigration is a question about race, and it is also a question about real equality in this country.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea against the delay in filling up the vacancies in the state human rights commission (SHRCs).

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud sought the response of Ministry of Home Affairs and 16 states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and others on a plea filed by retired lecturer Jammula Choudariah.

In his plea filed through advocate Sravan Kumar, Choudariah said that currently there were no chairpersons in 10 states while posts of members were lying vacant in many states.

"State of Andhra Pradesh has been committing atrocities on farmers, people and even women by using hundreds of police persons to execute projects, acquiring lands for private companies, stopping the people from conducting protests, rallies etc which is violation of Article 19, 21 of Constitution of India. Similar situation is prevailed in State of Telangana.

"There has been common state commission for both states but for the past one year chairman and member posts are lying vacant. Andhra Pradesh SHRC office exists in Hyderabad without chairman and member and in case of Telangana there is no commission itself," the plea said.

The plea sought directions to the states to appoint chairmen and members of State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) according to the top court's 2015 directions and direct National Human Rights Commission to proceed with the complaints wherever SHRCs were not functioning.

The apex court on July 24, 2015 had directed the states of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland to set up state human rights commissions within a period of six months.

It had also said that all vacancies, for the post of chairperson or the member of SHRC wherever they exist at present shall be filled up by the state governments concerned within a period of three months.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Italian fashion and lifestyle major Gianni Versace is planning to bring in its range of furniture in India to tap the fast-growing luxury market here.

At present, furniture is the only product category in Versace's portfolio that is not available in India.

"We are looking (at launching the furniture range).. We have no reason why we shouldn't," Gabriella Saracino, Worldwide Licensing and Home Division Director, Gianni Versace SpA told PTI.

However, she did not share the timeline of the launch of the furniture range in India. "We want to be 100 per cent sure (before launching) that it is the right location and the right partner."



On being asked whether Versace would partner locals here for its furniture range, she said, "In distribution, yes. But the production would be in Italy".

Saracino further added, "We do not want any compromise on our quality. Our furniture is made in Italy. If people want quality, they buy our products. Otherwise, there are several other options in the market".

Versace's furniture is made in Italy and exported to different markets. The home division, which includes furniture, accounts for 10 per cent of Versace's total turnover.

Founded in 1978 in Milan, Gianni Versace SpA is one of the leading international fashion design houses. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products, including haute couture, accessories, jewellery, watches, eyewear, fragrances and home furnishings.

Last week, Versace and realty firm Unity Group announced tie-up for developing the Delhi's tallest building, comprising 160 branded luxury apartments, with an investment of about Rs 500 crore.

This was Versace's second real estate project here, the first was in Mumbai with ABIL group, Saracino added.

On being asked whether the group is looking at partners for luxury real estate projects, she said, "At the moment, we want to concentrate of this (project).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The 'Vibrant North East 2018', an event in which people would be made aware of central government's schemes and programmes, will be held here from Thursday, organisers said.

Players from the agriculture, food processing, consumer affairs, civil supply, drinking water and sanitation sectors will participate in the three-day event.

Organised by Delhi-based NGO, Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), the 'Vibrant North East 2018' is supported by the North Eastern Council, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industry and All India Farmers Alliance.

"The main purpose of the event is to disseminate information about the schemes, grants and projects of the Central government to ensure that they are implemented as envisaged officially," CARD Resident Director Tushar Sharma told a press conference.

There is a lack of awareness about such schemes and projects among the farmers and other stakeholders of the North East, he said.

"We also seek to provide a platform to the industry to set up agri-business centres at the block level," he added.

This will be the fourth edition of the 'Vibrant North East' expo in Guwahati.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)Voters tend to choose politicians based on their looks, causing ineffective people to get elected to positions of power, according to a study.

Political parties are increasingly trying to achieve success by focusing on the personality of candidates rather than policies or party allegiance.

Researchers from the University of Kent and University of Exeter in the UK found that, while people vote for local councillors who they believe look competent and have agreeable or trustworthy personality characteristics, these same people are often ineffective politicians because they have the wrong sort of personalities to succeed in office.

Researchers asked 138 local politicians in the UK to rate their own personality. They also asked 755 of their colleagues, both other councillors and council officers, to anonymously rate their performance in office.

The team also showed 526 people from around the world pictures of the councillors and asked them to say what they thought their personalities would be like. They were not told they were serving politicians.

This is thought to be the first research to measure the impact of appearance and personality on voting and political performance in this way.

The researchers compared these personality profiles and ratings of facial appearance against the politicians' share of the vote in local authority re-elections, and their performance in office.

Candidates whose appearance was described as competent had more success than others at the ballot box, but were not judged by their colleagues as any more effective while in office.

Politicians who rated themselves as 'agreeable' and whose personality suggested they were trustworthy and cooperative, had performed better in elections, but were not judged as very effective by their colleagues after winning their council seat.

This may be because these traits may not be useful in politics, where debating and challenging others are key to success.

"We found that voters are not necessarily able to see what politicians are required to do in their day-to-day work and therefore have to rely on characteristics that might seem to matter for leadership, but may not actually be that important," said Madeleine Wyatt from Kent Business School.

"Our research highlights the potential for image consultants and PR teams to influence elections by manipulating the way political candidates are presented to the public," said Wyatt.

"This points to the need for greater transparency in the political process so that voters can get to know what political work really is, and who politicians really are," he said.

"Voters increasingly choose politicians based on personality traits such as how warm, reliable, or decisive they appear to be, judged often by how they look or how tall they are," said Jo Silvester from Exeter Business School.

"We found voters prefer candidates who are agreeable, but are won over less by people who look warm. Those "agreeable" politicians were less successful in office, possibly because being a good elected representative requires people to challenge and oppose and win arguments rather than avoid conflict," Silvester said.

"There is a mismatch between the types of politicians that voters say they want and those who are deemed to perform well once in office," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum has put out word that he is leaving Facebook, which bought the smartphone messaging service four years ago for USD 19 billion.

Koum said in a post on his Facebook page that he is taking time off to pursue interests such as collecting air-cooled Porsches, working on cars and playing ultimate Frisbee.

US media reports indicated that a disagreement with Facebook over the privacy of user data may have also been a factor in Koum's decision to quit his position as a high-ranking executive and likely leave his seat on the board at the leading online social network.

"It's been almost a decade since Brian (Acton) and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people," Koum said in the post.

"But it is time for me to move on."



Acton left Facebook last year to start a nonprofit.

WhatsApp boasts more than 1.2 billion users worldwide.

In a reply to Koum's post, Facebook co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said he would miss working closely with the WhatsApp co-founder.

"I'm grateful for everything you've done to help connect the world, and for everything you've taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands," Zuckerberg said in his written reply.

"Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp." WhatsApp last week raised its minimum age for users in the European Union to 16 years, as the bloc prepares for a new online privacy law to come into force next month.

In an update to its terms of service, WhatsApp said the minimum age for users outside the EU was still 13 years.

WhatsApp parent Facebook has pledged to change how it handles private data to comply with the forthcoming law change.

But unlike WhatsApp, which will only apply the new law to its European users, Facebook plans on rolling out changes for its users worldwide.

The change in the European law was already planned prior to the recent privacy scandal involving Facebook and Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg has spent most of the past month on the fallout from revelations on the hijacking of personal data by the political firm, seeking to assuage fears that the California-based internet colossus can safeguard privacy while making money by targeting ads based on what people share about themselves.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The Delhi government is working on a proposal for regularising the services of contractual workers and to abolish contract labour system in Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today.

The chief minister assured the labourers of taking action against those who are not abiding by the minimum wage norms.

He also urged all the labourers to send their students to school and assured that the government is taking steps to make its schools at par with the private schools.

"The government is also working on a proposal for regularising the services of contractual workers and to abolish contract labour system in Delhi," Kejriwal said, while addressing a gathering on the occasion of Labour Day.

"If Delhi was granted statehood, we would have made all contractual labourers permanent. We are facing certain hurdles but we will do it soon. We will take strict action against those not abiding by minimum wage norms for labours," he added.

Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai announced that the registered construction workers will soon receive passes for free travel in DTC buses plying across the city.

"The government is working on a proposal to provide free DTC bus pass facility to the registered construction workers, for which agenda will be placed in the construction board meeting," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)The world is increasingly witnessing violence and hostility in the name of religion, and the ancient Indian thought of respect for all faiths is the only way of ensuring peace and harmony, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.

Singh said almost every government in the country has been tolerant towards all religion and faith.

"The world today is increasingly witnessing violence, division and hostility in the name of religion. It is a cause of grave concern for us. I firmly believe that the ancient Indian thought of respect and acceptance for all faiths is the only way to ensure peace and harmony in the age of growing religious clashes and conflict," he said.

The home minister, while speaking at a civic reception for Philipose Mar Chrysostom, the emeritus Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, said the spirit of tolerance has also been enshrined in India's Constitution.

The country's entire system is guided by the Constitution, which has roots in the ancient cultural traditions of the country, Singh said.

"I have no hesitation in accepting the fact that almost every government in this country has been tolerant towards all religions and faiths. This principle of equality and tolerance for all faiths has been a part of India's character and sensibilities for thousands of years," he said.

Singh said Indian culture today was nothing but a long standing tradition of religious freedom, compassion and tolerance.

He said the problems faced by the country had always been addressed through a unique interplay of ideas and the biggest living proof of this was the Constitution which "we all swear by and have taken a pledge to defend it".

"Therefore, we must maintain the Sarva Dharma Sambhav' in this country and continue cementing the pillars of a united India. Unity is our strength and we all must work to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in our society," he said.

The home minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was running a government at the Centre which firmly believes in taking every section of the society along and building a New India.

The goal is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas', which means development with unity, he said.

"India has been united not because one religion or some theological thought held the political power or exercised control over the system. Our great nation is united because it provides space to peaceful coexistence of multiple thoughts and theologies," the minister said.

Singh also spoke about the history of Christianity in India, which goes back to 52 AD, when Saint Thomas visited Kerala.

"We are proud that Kerala houses, one of the oldest churches in the history of mankind. India is the land where religious freedom has been exercised for centuries," he said.

The home minister also referred to the valuable contributions of Mar Chrysostom to the Indian society for well over six decades.

The government honoured him for his contribution with the 'Padma Bhushan' this year, Singh noted.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)By Sujata Rao and Ritvik CarvalhoLONDON (Reuters) - A sudden drop in the stock of U.S. Treasury debt held in Ireland has fuelled speculation that U.S. multinationals may be shifting some of their gigantic cash piles back to the United States in response to changes in how foreign earnings are taxed.After rising s-fold since 2012, Irish-based holdings of U.S. Treasuries fell by $13.5 billion in February, according to data from the U.S. Treasury International Capital, or TIC --their biggest ever monthly drop."While one data point doesn't make a trend, this is the biggest monthly decline in ...BEIJING (Reuters) - China's top securities regulator has fined one firm for illegal disclosure of information, as well as some individuals for market manipulation in cases involving over 70 million yuan ($11.05 million), state news agency Xinhua reported on Tuesday.The fines are the latest from the China Security Regulatory Commission (CSRC) indicating increased stock market supervision. In mid-March, the regulator imposed a record 5.5 billion yuan fine in a case of stock manipulation.In the latest cases, the CSRC fined Shenzhen-listed software and hardware maker Geeya Technology Co Ltd ...(Corrects spelling of Todd Leebow's last name, 12th paragraph)By David LawderWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached agreements for permanent exemptions for Argentina, Australia and Brazil, the White House said on Monday.The decisions came just hours before temporary exemptions from the tariffs on these countries were set to expire at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on Tuesday.In a statement, the White House said that the details of the deals with Brazil, ...By Osamu TsukimoriTOKYO (Reuters) - Oil prices extended gains on Tuesday, supported by comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he was sure U.S. President Donald Trump would do "the right thing" in reviewing Iran's nuclear deal with western powers.U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for June delivery was up 24 cents, or 0.4 percent, at $68.81 a barrel by 0402 GMT, after settling up 47 cents on Monday. London Brent crude for new July delivery was up 21 cents at $74.90. The June contract expired on Monday, settling up 53 cents at $75.17.Trade was quiet in Asia as many markets ...SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Tuesday the country's economic growth for the year should exceed 2.5 percent "if all goes well", but brewing global trade tensions were clouding the outlook.The world's major economies were expected to perform well this year, which is positive for Singapore's growth as it depends largely on the external environment, Lee said in a Labour Day speech."We expect growth for the whole year to be 1.5 to 3.5 percent, and if all goes well, we should do better than 2.5 percent," Lee said.Singapore's economy expanded 3.6 percent in ...By David Lawder and Eric BeechWASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday.The decision came just hours before temporary exemptions were set to expire at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on Tuesday."The administration has reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil, details of which will be finalised in the next 30 days. The ...As virtual reality breaks into the art world at all levels, a host of questions about curation, conservation and commercial value is still being explored. The Berlin-based artist Olafur Eliasson said that we were only in the Stone Age or prehistoric period for the medium. There is a new space out there where a lot more people will have access to artistic experience, he said last week in a panel discussion here at the Art Leaders Network hosted by The New York Times. He added that the quality of the glasses is getting so much intensely ...One of the most significant factors impacting Central Asia is its landlocked geography. This situation affects almost every sphere of lifeforeign policy, national security and economy. However, Chinas BRI project may alter the impact of China on the region. Chinas BRI can transform Central Asia from its landlocked state to a transit region between Asia and Europe. Essentially, China is unlocking landlocked Central Asia. Recently, there have been two significant developments: the increase in volume of freight passing through the dry port of Khorgos, (in Kazakhstan), and the acceleration of the implementation of the China-Pakistan corridor leading to the Indian Ocean. Each of these developments plays a part in the Chinese initiative and in its impact on Central Asia. The BRI is, thus, the trigger for the geopolitical earthquake in the region.

BACKGROUND: The major geographic characteristic of the Central Asian countries established following the break-up of the Soviet Union is the fact that they are landlocked. This factor creates challenges in all spheres of development  foreign policy, security, and unique human development. Thus, the average GDP of these landlocked countries reaches only 57 percent of that of their maritime neighbors. The cost of shipping reaches 10 percent above that of maritime countries. The combination of geographic location, trade and economic growth explains the cost of being landlocked. Among the results is the fact that these countries suffer from a thirty percent handicap in comparison with their maritime competitors. Therefore, landlocked nations must receive ongoing assistance from international institutions, such as the World Bank and the IMF. They are perceived as countries with high import rates and low export revenues. According to the UN Human Development Index, most of such countries are at the bottom of the list.

From the beginning of their independence, the leaders of the new states of Central Asia recognized and articulated the limitations of their landlocked geography and sought increased transportation and connectivity as a means to deal with this handicap. Kazakhstani President Nazarbayev stated at that time that the lack of access to the sea could be detrimental to the countrys economic development, and to its political independence, as well as making participation in international economic relations difficult.

President Karimov of Uzbekistan expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need to continue to seek new solutions to these problems, with an effective transportation system and secure access to the sea.

For the first two decades of independence, there was considerable activity in rebuilding infrastructure and piecemeal efforts to connect Central Asia to the rest of the world. But much of this remained on the conceptual level. The European Unions Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) program was the first to envision the region as a transport corridor between east and west. But while it generated numerous smaller concrete projects, it did not have the magnitude to undo the effects of landlockedness.

The conflict in Afghanistan also impeded the attempts of Central Asian states to reach the Indian ocean, geographically the closest warm water ports for the region. While there have been continuous hope for a resolution to the conflict that would enable transit trade through Afghanistan, these hopes have yet to be realized. The U.S.-launched New Silk Road strategy, announced in 2011, offered to remedy this situation, but it never gained significant momentum. It suffered from a lack of top-level support in the U.S. government, and from the fact that it was originally an exclusively north-south affair, failing to include the Caucasus.

Against this background, some of the main advances have been made unilaterally by regional states. Leading among these is the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad, built by Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. (See December 7, 2017 CACI Analyst) But while these were separate affairs, a large-scale vision for transportation infrastructure that would relieve Central Asias landlocked nature did not arise until Beijing formalized its earlier disparate initiatives into the Silk Road Economic Belt, which subsequently came to be encompassed within the BRI.

Understanding this reality helps to explain why the states of the region have embraced Chinas BRI and do not see it as threatening. The BRI integrates the countries of Central Asia with a new and multi-faceted transportation network, as well as connecting Central Asia to far-away countries and markets.

IMPLICATIONS: The BRI, according to Chinese estimates, will encompass approximately sixty-five countries, 4.4 billion people and will improve connectivity over an area that produces approximately 55 per cent of the global GDP and includes close to 70 per cent of the population of the world. According to the BRI scheme, Central Asia becomes the main continental gateway for Chinese transportation routes westward. As such, an area that was isolated, cut-off and landlocked turns into a transit region of great importance to China as well as to other nations in the area.

There are several geopolitical trends resulting from this change in the region: The first is the intensification of the win-win basis of the relations between the Central Asian countries and China: BRI is currently Chinas main policy vector. It now will need to deepen ties with the states of Central Asia, and, while Chinese influence will grow in Central Asia, the reverse works as well, and Chinas dependence on good ties and cooperation with the region will grow.

Second, the importance of the Central Asian countries is rising. Central Asia will be more integrated with Chinas Western provinces and significantly contribute to the development of this part of China. This can lead to greater two-way influence between these regions, with potential political implications. In addition, China is even more invested than before in the stability of Central Asia, which will become a precondition to the success of the BRI.

Third, there is likely to be an intensification of Chinese security involvement in Central Asia. Chinese security and, potentially, even military involvement in the region may grow, as has been seen in Afghanistan and Tajikistan.(See April 12, 2018 CACI Analyst) Since Central Asia is key to the success of the BRI, its security challenges, mainly current threats from violent extremist Islamist groups, can be expected to lead to an increased Chinese security presence, and perhaps even to active military involvement in the area. The building of the first Chinese military base outside of China, in Djibouti on the Red Sea, is the first sign of a trend that can be expected to characterize Chinese conduct in critical places such as Central Asia. Chinas economic and political influence may not be enough to ensure stability in the area, however Chinese current activity, both in Afghanistan and in the area of Tajikistan, is an indication of these security trends.

Fourth, the importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will increase in the new developments in Central Asia: The Shanghai Organization (SCO), in which both China and Russia are leading participants, is an effective platform, both for the new pattern of activity for China in Central Asia and for a coordinated framework for Russian-Chinese cooperation in the area. The recent inclusion of India and Pakistan reflects the growing influence of the BRI on the focus and activity of the organization, including potential access of China and the Central Asian region to the Indian Ocean, through the port of Gwadar in Pakistan.

Fifth, an important issue to be watched is how Chinas growing presence affects Russian-Chinese relations in Central Asia and in general. The two countries claim to have an excellent relationship, and are aligned on many international issues. Both also have an interest in the stability of Central Asia. But it is also clear that their interests differ, in that Russia sees Central Asia as part of its sphere of influence. Moscow was willing to accept a situation where Beijing gained influence in the economic realm, while Moscow continued to dominate the regions security. When, as appears certain, Chinas interests require a stronger direct involvement in the regions security affairs, it remains unclear how Moscow will react to this.

Some liabilities of the BRI initiative should be noted. First, India is highly skeptical of the BRI, which it views as a way to exclude India from the region. Since relieving Central Asias landlocked nature will also require gaining access to South Asia, it is imperative that steps are taken to complement the China-Europe connection with one connecting to South Asia. Second, Central Asian states are well aware of the problematic experiences of some countries with Chinese investments  the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka being the most notable example  and of the fact that Chinese investments rarely generate employment opportunities for the local population, as construction is normally done by Chinese workers. Third, Chinese investments in hard infrastructure will need to be followed by the creation of the soft infrastructure needed for trade  from logistics to insurance and warehousing, matters where Central Asian states will seek to ensure they are not bypassed by outside actors. Overall, however, the prospect of escaping some of the consequences of being landlocked more than make up for these potential downsides.

CONCLUSIONS: Central Asia is going through a geopolitical upheaval. President Xi Jinpings BRI, declared in 2013, is about to change the geopolitical reality of this landlocked region.

There is no changing the geographic location; however, geopolitics can often be dynamic. Connectivity is a factor able to change the geopolitical reality in a region whose geographic location is naturally constant. The BRI stands to change Central Asia from a landlocked to a transit region and thus to create a new direction in its development. Success of the BRI and meeting the complex challenges it presents, as well as the level of its implementation will determine the degree to which this initiative will affect the geopolitical dynamics of Central Asia.

AUTHOR'S BIO: Dr. Avinoam Idan is a geostrategist and a non-resident Senior Fellow with the Washington based Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program. He is based in Israel. Prior to his academic career, he served in the Israeli Embassy in Moscow during the break-up of the Soviet Union.

Image source: By: en.kremlin.ru, accessed on 5.1. 2018Munyenge denizens fleeing from war in the village W. Musa

A great number of villagers from Bafia and Munyenge, in Muyuka subdivision, Fako division in the South West region of Cameroon have fled into bushes for fear of been killed or get involved in shootout between Cameroons Defense Forces and Ambazonia fighters, loyal to Activists fighting to restore the former State of Southern Cameroon.

Unparalleled sources say fighting began in Muyenge, a Cocoa producing village, Saturday night breaking Sunday April 29, 2018 but became tenser in the wee hours of Sunday as the fighters met face-to-face with Military exchanging shots which lasted for hours.

Early Sunday, the fight was extended to neighboring Bafia village forcing locals to flee from their homes. Men, Women, Children and even the elderly packed their bags and trooped in numbers heading for the bushes.

The situation could be worsened with presence of about 14 military trucks which stormed the area through Bafia.

The military seemed to have been overpowered Sunday with deaths, it retreated and came with reinforcement but Ambazonia fighters had fell a tree and blocked the road, where shooting has been intensive since Sunday night.

It is an uncertain atmosphere in the two villages this Monday as almost the whole villages have been deserted.

This is the umpteenth time Ambazonia fighters have attacked the Military in Munyenge. They have stood against the transportation of Cocoa, the cash crops in the area, out of the zone claiming that the wholesalers have been duping the farmers, paying less but taking more bags of Cocoa.

The fighters have also made it hell on earth to SABC, one of Cameroons Brewery Company, Les Brasseries du Cameroun, as their drinks have not been transported for weeks now into the villages following series of attacks on the trucks transporting them.Rev Fr Williams Neba W. Musa

Some unidentified men dressed in black have on Monday April 30, 2018 kidnapped the Principal of St Bedes College in Ashing- Kom, Belo division in the North West region of Cameroon. Rev Fr Williams Neba was picked up at the schools chapel in the wee hours of Monday.

According to the guard on duty, the men, four in number and all dressed in black attire storm the premises around 5 am when Christians were heading for morning mass. They met him, the guard at the gate and told him that they did not come for him.

Reports say the men caught up with the Catechist who was about to ring the bell at the Christ King Parish in Fuli and took him where Rev. Fr Neba was preparing for morning mass.

They took the Principal and the Chaplain of the school, Fr Valentine Tatah outside the chapel before releasing the latter and took the former to an unknown destination.

Shortly after, Rev Fr William still in the hands of the captors called the Vice Principal of the school to let him know that he is doing fine.

According to reliable sources in the Church, the captors are demanding a total shut down of Saint Bedes College.

The Archbishop and Auxiliary of Bamenda, in collaboration with administration have been on the field since morning to access the situation.

This is the first time a Man of God is being kidnapped since the start of the Anglophone crisis in 2016.

It remains unclear who carried out the kidnap, but schools have become targets recently in the two Enlgish speaking regions for the past one week with at least three attacks perpetrated by unknwon men. No group fighting to restore the Southern Cameroon State, described as Secessionists, has claimed responsibility.| BY Lynchy |

Standard Chartered has launched a new global brand campaign created by TBWA\Group

Singapore, refreshing the banks commitment of being Here for good.

The brand promise was introduced in 2010, and showed how a bank could be a force for

good by promoting economic activity that has a positive social impact.

But as the world progressed, Standard Chartered recognised that it must too, with a bold

new direction  Good enough will never change the world. The new campaign retains the

original brand promise but sharpens its focus on how banks can help tackle some of the

problems that stand in the way of global prosperity and commerce.

What is really exciting about the next chapter in Here for good is that its deeply rooted in

the Banks clients, employees and history and its not a marketing concept, said Emma

Sheller, Global Head, Brand and Marketing. Its also about being in tune with whats

happening in the world and were recognising that there is a lot that needs fixing. We set the

bar high with Here for good. Now we are setting it higher with Good enough will never

change the world.

Directed by award-winning film-maker Asif Kapadia, the launch film named Champions,

stars world record holder and Olympic champion Usain Bolt as part of a series of

inspirational short films featuring people who accomplished extraordinary things because

they didnt settle for good enough.

The film demonstrates Standard Chartereds belief that if they constantly challenge

themselves and their industry to be better, and if they never settle for good enough,

then theyll truly be Here for good, said Hagan de Villiers, Executive Creative Director at

TBWA\Group Singapore.

Follow-up films will tell stories of how Standard Chartered partnered with companies and

clients to overcome obstacles and deliver stronger performance, whilst making a positive

difference by driving commerce and prosperity in markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle

East.

Behind the campaign was an eighteen-month deep-dive into the brand. We worked closely

with the bank to redefine its purpose, then helped them reshape a set of values that underpin

Here for good, and finally establish what it means in todays world, said Robin Nayak, Chief

Strategy Officer, TBWA\Singapore & SE Asia. The new campaign encapsulates the banks

core belief, while providing a great platform to celebrate and inspire through remarkable

real-life stories.

Credits 

Executive Creative Directors: Hagan de Villiers, Gary Steele

Chief Strategy Officer: Robin Nayak

Global Business Lead: Melissa Hill

Strategy Director: Michele Bouquet

Group Brand Director: Sol Zoleta

Brand Managers: Vanessa Soh, Justine Chng

Creative Directors: John Sheterline, Stuart Mills

Copywriter: John Sheterline

Art Director: Stuart Mills

Production House: Black Label Productions

Director: Asif Kapadia

Executive Producers: Haydn Evans (SixToes) / Dom Freeman (Black Label Productions)

Producers: Richard Mayo-Smith (SixToes) / Tim Wild (Black Label Productions)

Post Production: The Mill

Music Supervision: Theodore

Music: Audiomachine

Audio: 750MPHAntiques: Romance in art has always been in favour

Q I am hoping you can discover the provenance of an oil painting I inherited. It is called Love Dream. There are two inscriptions on the back with old-fashioned European cursive. I was able to make out the word Liebe, which means love. I believe the painting is Austrian. Its very small, approximately 14 x 10 cm (5.5 x 4 inches). Thank you.Run for the Roses at the Southwest Florida Military Museum from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, May 5, as they celebrate Derby Day. Watch the Kentucky Derby on big screen TVs, have dinner, drinks, and take part in the silent auction, raffles, games, prizes for best decorated table and derby hats.

Tickets are $40 or $300 for a table of eight.

The Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library is at 4820 Leonard St.

For more information call 239-541-8704(Editors Note: This is part of a series of articles by members of the Sanibel Vegetation Committee dealing with vegetative matters of concern to island residents. For the other articles in the series, visit http://www.mysanibel.com/Departments/Natural-Resources>www.mysanibel.com/Departments/Natural-Resources.)

The use of native groundcovers versus turf grass makes so much sense. Native groundcovers require no watering once established, no fertilizing, no weeding as they suppress weeds, no mowing  although many may be cut  and they hold soil in place. Furthermore, they are generally not bunny food.

There is a bumper population of rabbits on Sanibel this year in case you have not seen them. Small mammal population boom/bust cycles are a common phenomenon. When resources like food and shelter are plentiful, rabbit populations can significantly increase. Subsequent to the rabbit population increase, predator populations will also increase since the rabbits provide them with an abundant food source. Eventually, the rabbit population growth is usually curtailed by predators preying on them.

You may have noticed that these rabbits have a voracious appetite and are eating everything they can reach, including turf grass. Not to worry though. There are native groundcovers suitable for Sanibel yards that are less appetizing and can be substituted for plants that are being grazed by rabbits. They include dune sunflower, gopher apple, mimosa, blanket flower, beach verbena, golden creeper and blue porterweed. Others to choose are: matchweed (Phyla nodiflora), spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), coontie (Zamia pumila) and blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), just to mention a few.

Many of these groundcovers attract butterflies and some produce food for other wildlife. They also cool the air surrounding the plants as water evaporates from the leaves. Turf grass is still an option where there is a lot of foot traffic, but groundcovers and mulch paths are aesthetically pleasing and need less maintenance like irrigation and fertilizer once established.

If you are unsure of what to plant, it is always best to consult your local native nursery to determine which native groundcovers are suitable for your yard. You can also visit the Florida Association of Native Nurseries website to view more information on native plants at www.afnn.org.

Where can you learn more about native plants on Sanibel? The Vegetation Committee hosts free plant walks from November through April at City Hall to view and discuss the use of native plants. Everyone and their questions are welcome  go native with the right help!

For more information, visit www.mysanibel.com/Departments/Natural-Resources or contact the Natural Resources Department at 239-472-3700. Photos of the invasive exotic plants Worst of the Worst and the citys The Alien Invasion brochure can also be found on the website.While people disagree about the TMX, oil shipments by rail continue to increase. The risk to freshwater ecosystems are higher from oil-by-rail than they are from a pipeline.

Washingtons Cherry Point oil refinery is about 25km away from Boundary Bay. It has been refining oil brought down the west coast by tanker from Alaska since 1971. The tankers sail outside the Canadian Tanker Exclusion Zone between 65-125 km offshore depending where they are on the coast of Boundary Bay, the Gulf Islands and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. If there were a spill from an Alaskan tanker the crude oil it would release wouldnt respect the 49th parallel.

B.C. cannot tell the U.S. to stop transporting oil or shutdown refineries. Would it not be better for everyone to work together to make sure oil by Canadian and U.S. tankers and pipelines is transported in the safest and high-tech way, and that both countries have a world-class oil spill response regime? Even if Kinder Morgan doesnt export dilbit to Asia there will still be oil tankers along the west coast and pipelines crossing the province.

Fear is the greatest form of control, environmental advocates say an oil spill is inevitable. Despite hundreds of millions of barrels of seaborne petroleum movements of Canadian and U.S. tankers over many decades, the only significant spill on the B.C. west coast didnt come from a tanker. It occurred when the BC Ferries vessel Queen of the North sank near Prince Rupert. What are the real marine risks of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion?



Changing over from fossil fuels will take decades and is going to be very, very expensive to implement. We cant protect everyone from the cost increases which means that the middle class are going to take a bigger hit. The revenue generated by oil gives us economic security and stability to make the transition towards a cleaner, sustainable future. We must all compromise to attain an energy system of regionally appropriate renewables. In order to work together, we must throw off, as much as possible, emotions, political biases, and assumptions.

Canada is an environmental leader when it comes to extracting and transporting resources. Protesters declare We must protect our coast, with clear, open minds we can work together to achieve that goal.

Corinne Aselton

Why should citizens care about ongoing news of data breaches, such as the major Aggregate IQ issue with Facebook? Lots of people dont even use Facebook, one might say. Also, why is our voting system particularly vulnerable to malicious use of harvested data?

Heres why: personal data mining, plus societys broad internet usage, means that anyone using the internet can be chosen as a target. It is hard to know what is true if we are flooded with fake news, sensationalized fear tactics, cherry-picked data, etc.

BCs antiquated voting system, often called First Past the Post (FPTP), doesnt require a majority of votes for a win, but rather the winner simply gets the most votes. In closely-contested ridings, even a 1 per cent minority change can determine who governs. Therefore, gullible voters in those ridings are clearly the targets of bombardment, using their harvested personal data to determine who receives malicious information.

Thankfully, BC can lessen these online influences by saying yes to Proportional Representation (PR) voting, in which 40 per cent of votes equals 40 per cent of seats equals 40 per cent of governing power. Using PR, a 1 per cent change in voter support is unlikely to change the government, thereby reducing the chance that online extremist or manipulated ideas can steal an election.

PR governments always exist with majority voter support, unlike FPTP governments, which typically garner 40 per cent or less of the vote but win 60 per cent of the seats and 100 per cent of the power, much to the dismay of the majority of voters, whose votes dont elect anyone. Find out more by visiting Fair Vote Canadas website.

Its time for a change to PR in our upcoming referendum!

Constance MorePhoto: Contributed

Proposed new laws designed to prevent and punish people who drive while high on cannabis are leaving some, including defence lawyers, scratching their heads.

B.C.'s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth introduced legislation last week to regulate recreational cannabis and amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act.

The proposed legislation includes a new 90-day administrative driving penalty for drivers found with cannabis in their system, in addition to introducing stiff penalties and zero tolerance for new drivers.

Exactly how the new laws will be enforced is less clear.

Paul Doroshenko, a criminal defence attorney with Acumen Law in Vancouver, says: "It's kind of entertaining the way they've done this. They've created a 90-day driving prohibition for people who are impaired by drugs. But instead of putting it in the 90-day immediate roadside prohibition of the Motor Vehicle Act, they put it under an older section of the Act which has had much less constitutional controversy."

The move means anyone pulled over will have to be tested by a specially trained drug recognition officer.

According to Doroshenko, "it looks like authorities will need to get confirmation that there is cannabis in a person's system before they can issue a driving prohibition," which he says is difficult to do at the roadside.

"First of all, there are very few officers that are trained to do this. Secondly, the drug recognition program has been rejected in the courts by 25 of 50 U.S. States, because it's very hokey. Thirdly, under Canadian law, we can't compel people to answer questions. You have a right to silence."

The current 90-day prohibitions are not immediate, which means a 24-hour prohibition would also have to be issued. "We recently succeeded in a case. When they issue a 24-hour prohibition at the detachment, it's unlawful. They've got to issue it at the roadside."

Doroshenko says: "I know they've been working on this for months, but it still seems barely considered. When they make it a subjective test with a significant punishment, the courts are not going to look at that favourably. It seems ill-considered."

There is still no roadside technology that can test the concentration of pot in a drivers blood.

Doroshenko says on top of the legislation issues, it's also difficult to determine how much cannabis is in a person's system.

Under federal rules, drivers caught with between two and five nanograms of THC per millilitre of blood within two hours of driving could be found guilty of a criminal offence and face a fine of up to $1,000.



"It's going to be costly for taxpayers because all of these things have to go to court, and I believe there will be lots of petitions, and each one of those will cost money  and I suspect it will lead to significant changes to the law and then the government will have to re-legislate."



Motorists convicted of driving while high could also face a lifetime ban from crossing the U.S. border.Photo: @RidgeRCMP

A tractor-trailer hauling a partial modular home flipped on its side in Maple Ridge Monday.

RCMP tweeted out photographs of the incident at Golden Ears Way and Lougheed Highway at about 2:15 p.m.

The trailer has been scheduled to be removed after 9 p.m. on Monday.

The westbound off-ramp is down to one lane at this time, and travellers should expect delays.Photo: Contributed

International Workers Day is being celebrated a few days late this year in Penticton with a May Day event set for Friday at the Penticton Safety Village.

The South Okanagan Boundary Labour Council is putting on a free family friendly event with live music and a BBQ from the Penticton Firefighters local 1399.

The day will also include a bouncy castle, sack races and face painting  kids are invited to bring a helmet and bike to cruise the village.

Traditionally, May Day has been held in Gyro Park but this year we welcomed the opportunity to provide an event that specifically reaches out to hard-working families, said organizer Tina Lee.

International Workers Day, or May Day, is celebrated in 80 countries around the world by unions and labour groups.

"Creating a robust local economy that allows families to thrive is a goal council shares with the labour community. Celebrating our local workers on May Day is a tradition for Penticton and it is great to see this years focus on families said Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.

The event runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 490 Edmonton Ave.Photo: Dave McDonald

UPDATE 8:55 p.m.

DriveBC reports Highway 3 has reopened to traffic in both directions.

ORIGINAL 6:15 p.m.

Highway 3 is closed in both directions east of Manning Park due to a semi-truck rollover.

The truck rolled over at Placer Corner, about 40 kilometres south of Princeton.

Witnesses at the scene report the driver was conscious but appeared quite disoriented as he was being loaded into an ambulance.

Crews are currently assessing the crash scene and it's not known when the road will reopen. Castanet will update as more information becomes available.The Penticton Fire Department has been preparing for summer this week with swift-water rescue training in the Penticton Channel and local creeks.

Deputy chief Chris Forster said it is typical practice for this time of year, like anything else we try to get our training right up there as soon as we can.

Last year the Penticton Fire Department was extraordinarily busy with rescues on the Channel, which was running fast all summer due to the high level of Okanagan Lake.

We will see what happens with how the freshet pans out, but hopefully it will be a normal year as opposed to what happened last year, he said.

A 20-year-old Quebec man drowned last June after getting tangled up on the Green Mountain Road bridge.Photo: CTV

Two men missing since Sunday were found Monday after getting stuck in the Vancouver Island backcountry.

The men were found safe near Jordan River after they went off-roading in the Metchosin area.

Their truck had become stuck in mud near Bear Creek Reservoir, and they tried unsuccessfully to dig out. They gave up about 2 a.m. and decided to get some sleep.

We werent too worried at any point in there, we werent stressed at all, said Olev Anniko.

The two men were able to flag down a passing vehicle about 1 p.m., and they were found just as search and rescue crews set out to look for them.

 with files from CTV Vancouver IslandPhoto: Contributed

In the old days it was the family photo album. And if ICBC wanted video footage, they had to send a creepy investigator with a video camera.

Now, there are smart phones, Facebook, Instagram and whatever else that captures and shares photographs and videos.

And all sorts of ways to post comments and exchange written comments.

Privacy settings can prevent snoopers from accessing that material. But our civil justice system is built on a principle of full disclosure enabling ICBC to ask the court to force access.

Is that such a bad thing? Why should you care if youve got nothing to hide?

You might have nothing to hide as you go through a security checkpoint, but would it not still feel invasive as all heck to be strip-and-cavity searched?!

Imagine handing over the passwords to your computer, smart phone and social media accounts!

Fortunately, our civil justice system has checks and balances. The push by insurance companies like ICBC for greater and greater invasions of privacy is pushed back by lawyers representing injured victims.

In one medical malpractice case (Dosanjh v. Leblanc and St. Pauls Hospital, 2011 BCSC 1660), the defence sought disclosure of the injured victims complete Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as the hard drives of her personal computer and iPhone.

The claim related to a stroke during surgery. While the injured victim had been able to return to school and maintain employment, it was with some difficulty because of some level of cognitive impairment.

In paragraph 23, the judge referred to legal pronouncements of our highest court, the Supreme Court of Canada, pertaining to our right to privacy and the balance that must be struck:

the common law must develop in a way that reflects emerging Charter valuesone such value is the interest affirmed by s. 8 of the Charter of each person in privacy; and

I accept that a litigant must accept such intrusions upon her privacy as are necessary to enable the judge or jury to get to the truth and render a just verdict. But I do not accept that by claiming such damages as the law allows, a litigant grants her opponent a licence to delve into private aspects of her life which need not be probed for the proper disposition of the litigation.

The judge concluded that what the defence was seeking was entirely too broad, noting: In fact, I am more inclined to call this application a classic fishing expedition, but without the appropriate bait.

The only way to guarantee a protection of privacy when it comes to photographs, videos and communications is to eliminate the generation and circulation of that material. But social media has become such a prevalent part of our lives that doing so would be a significant further victimization.

I have some suggestions for injured victims for whom social media interactions are important, but who want to protect their privacy:

Review and implement privacy settings:

I can almost guarantee that anything left unprotected will be rifled through and a lack of privacy protections is like leaving your underwear drawer on the street for the rifling; And if a court application is made to force access, your demonstrated wish to protect your privacy and the privacy of others will be taken into account.

Be very careful to ensure complete literal honesty and forthrightness about your symptoms and how they impact on you. At one end of the spectrum are those who are mortified about being viewed as a complainer."

At the other are those who can be overly dramatic when describing impacts on their lives. Neither is intending dishonesty.

Those at the dramatic end of the spectrum, however, can be prone to exaggeration, which can put their words in conflict with images and videos on social media, giving ICBC a foundation to force disclosure; and

Refrain from commenting/communicating to others in writing specifically about your injuries and their impact on you.

You might be surprised to learn that ICBC gets to pick and choose bits and pieces that cast a negative light on your claim, for example: Im feeling really good today. while you are not permitted to use anything helpful as evidence, for example: Ive got a really bad headache today."

Next week, I will write about what happens when ICBC gets their hands on happy, smiling pictures, holiday pictures and videos of activities and try to use them against injured victims in a trial.Photo: Contributed

A homeopathic remedy made with the saliva of rabid dogs will no longer be available in the country, Health Canada says, although it continues licensing similar products by other brands.

The department launched an investigation after a complaint about a Victoria naturopath who used lyssin to treat a four-year-old boy for sleep and behaviour issues, prompting British Columbia's health officer to say that could put patients at risk of contracting rabies.

Health Canada said in a statement Monday that lyssin, distributed by Helious Homeopathy in the United Kingdom, is not authorized for sale in the country and the individual involved has agreed to stop selling it.

In an earlier statement, the department said the company where the naturopath allegedly obtained the product does not hold a licence to distribute the ingredient.

The sale of unlicensed natural health products is prohibited and could result in a $5,000 fine or up to three years in prison, Health Canada said.

Practitioner Anke Zimmermann detailed her use of lyssin in a blog post earlier this year, saying it successfully treated the boy.

In an earlier interview, she likened the remedy to antivenin, which may include a small dose of venom to treat a snake bite.

Zimmermann said while the remedy begins with saliva that contains rabies, she doesn't believe any virus remains in a sugar pill that has been extensively diluted.

On Monday, she said the dispute was not based on the choice of treatment but on whether the product was authorized for use.

She said Helious Homeopathy has many other products that are authorized in Canada, and she didn't realize lyssin wasn't one of them.

On the Health Canada website, companies Natural Equivalents Incorporated and Homeodel Inc. are listed as holding active licences for lyssin in Canada.

Zimmermann said she intends to switch to a licensed product in order to adhere to Health Canada regulations.

"What's really important here is the child got better," she said, adding lyssin has been a successful treatment for other patients, including adults.Contributed TransBC

As May rolls around and the waters in the Okanagan and interior of B.C. continues to rise making sure you and your family are prepared for an emergency is more important than ever.

A video released by PreparedBC outlines what you should have to ensure your survival in the event of a disaster.

If an emergency happens it's important to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours.

Creating a home emergency kit can be done over time but it should be ready when you need it, which could be at a moments notice. It's a good idea to create grab-and-go bags for your work and vehicles that contain:Photo: CTV

A 20-year-old resident of Port Coquitlam, B.C., has been charged following a fatal crash that killed three people, including two young girls, on a busy Vancouver-area highway last year.

A news release from Coquitlam RCMP says the B.C. Prosecution Service has laid one count of driving without due care and attention against Hamed Darbarpar.

The charge is in addition to a similar count facing 31-year-old Adam Goulding of Surrey.

Police say neither man is under arrest and both will appear in court at a later date.

The nine-year-old and three-year-old cousins were in one vehicle and a 30-year-old woman was in another on April 28, 2017 when a total of three cars collided on the Lougheed Highway as one driver tried to pass another.

In a release issued last week after charges were laid against Goulding, Coquitlam RCMP said they conducted an extensive investigation, gathered "every possible piece of evidence," and hoped it would provide closure for the victims' families.The Hunter Museum will host a solo exhibition of works by Karen LaMonte exploring the tensions between body and spirit, perfect and imperfect beauty, permanence and temporality, east and west. Embodied Beauty: Sculptures of Karen LaMonte brings together Nocturnes and Floating World, two series of life-size evening gown and kimono sculptures in cast glass, clay, bronze and iron. Organized by the Hunter Museum, Embodied Beauty will be on view from Friday, May 25, to Sunday, Sept. 2, with an opening reception and artist presentation on Thursday, May 24, at 6 p.m.

Review for Embodied Beauty:

Haunting, shadow-colored dress figures, the Nocturnes reflect Ms. LaMontes interests in classical Greek and Roman figures. Made from a unique glass formula created by the artist and designed using live models, the Nocturnes seem to drape and cling like actual fabric, while suspended, unworn, in mid-air. The series was inspired by the Nocturne musical compositions of John Field (Irish, 17821837) and Frederick Chopin (Polish, 18101849), as well as the Nocturne paintings by James Abbott McNeill Whistler (American, 18341903).

Floating World emerged from Ms. LaMontes residency in Kyoto, Japan, and involved a thorough exploration of Eastern concepts of beauty. While in Japan, Ms. LaMonte explored all aspects of the kimonofrom weaving and construction to ceremonial function and historic meaning. For the kimono pieces, she built a mannequin based on biometric data, selecting the measurements for the 50th percentile of 40-year-old Japanese women in the year 2000. Ms. LaMontes kimono sculptures manifest a Japanese cultural norm in which the human figure is depleted of all curves, becoming an idealized cylindrical form.

Exquisitely detailed, Ms. LaMontes ethereal sculptures captivate the viewer with their beauty, but also challenge assumptions. The female forms in these works, absent, yet implied, raise questions about the role that clothing plays in society, and the impact it has on womens lives, whether in the east or the west.

The Hunter Museums permanent collection includes Ms. LaMontes Reclining Dress Impression With Drapery, a clear glass sculpture created in 2006, purchased by the Hunter in 2008 and on view now in the Hunters East Wing galleries. One of three identical castings, the sculpture can also be found in the Smithsonian American Art Museums permanent collection.

Originally from New York, where she was born in 1967, Ms. LaMonte has spent more than a decade in the Czech Republic challenging herself and the limits of cast glass to produce life-size dressesand now kimonosemptied of inhabitants. Since her graduation in 1990 from the Rhode Island School of Design, Ms. LaMonte has explored figuration through the motif of clothing as a stand-in for the human.

Among the many prestigious awards Ms. LaMonte has received are Corning Museum of Glass/Kohler Arts Center Joint Artist-in-Residence Program; Jutta Cuny-Franz Memorial Award; Virginia A. Groot Foundation Recognition Award; UrbanGlass Award for New Talent in Glass; Creative Glass Center of America Fellowship; Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Biennial Award; a 1999-2000 Fulbright fellowship, which allowed her to first work in the Czech Republic; and a Japan-United States Friendship Commission, National Endowment for the Arts Creative Artists Exchange Fellowship, which made possible a residency in Japan over the course of seven months to research kimonos and produce a series based on the kimono.

Her work is included in many museum collections, including the Corning Museum of Glass, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery, the deYoung Memorial Museum, Palm Springs Art Museum, Musee des arts decoratifs, National Gallery of Australia, Chrysler Museum of Art, Toledo Museum of Art, and the Museum of American Glass.





Voice of the People Audio Article This summer the Times of NW Indiana again suggested in an editorial that Dunes Action had been in opposition to the renovation of the State Park Pavilion. We never did. In fact, most of us had been waiting for it for decades. They did not...

Guest Commentary Audio Article This is a short history of the Morgan family farm before the possible development of the remaining 49 acres east of Chesterton. Jesse and Jane Morgan arrived in Northwest Indiana in 1833 after traveling through Ohio, northern Indiana, stopping off in LaPorte County for a...

Echoes of the Past Audio Article 10 Years Ago Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011  Bethlehem Lutheran Church will host a wellness screening event. . . CHS girls soccer team beats LaPorte 5-0 and clinches a share of the DAC title. Scoring goals are Rosie Biehl (2), Hannah Kollar (2), and Sam...

Voice of the People I can drive on the left lane of Ind. 49 and not have to deal with the truck traffic any more. I dont think I know you Jim Ton but apparently youre the one that made this happen. My life is a little better now....When United begins accepting new reservations for pets  on June 18, for pets traveling after July 9 in cargo holds on the same flight as their owners, or later in July for pets traveling alone  it will only accept cats and dogs, although some types of dogs and cats will not be allowed in cargo holds due to concerns about risks to animals' health. The banned dogs and cats are snub-nosed and strong-jawed breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Burmese cats. Six types of bulldogs and 18 types of mastiffs also are banned.What's all this mean for buyers? No. 1: Be aware that even if you are offered an appraisal waiver, the choice is yours. Fannie and Freddie require lenders to allow borrowers to opt for a traditional full appraisal. Also, careful as the two companies may be in offering waivers, the contract price you're paying for the house may be inflated. Lundquist cited a local realty broker who recently had clients who declined the no-appraisal option and saved thousands of dollars as a result. A full appraisal found the property to be overvalued  which the waiver apparently missed  and allowed them to renegotiate the final price lower."With the new 'Star Wars' movie coming out May 25, we wanted to give guests an opportunity to experience the world of 'Star Wars' like never before," said Mark Kwiatkowski, owner of Replay Lincoln Park in a press release. "'Star Wars' has been a fan favorite for decades, and we are so excited to transform Replay into such a unique and nostalgic environment."Letterman met with former President Barack Obama, Jay-Z, George Clooney and others for his six-part series. He interviewed University of Chicago student Hazim Avdal  an Iraqi refugee who is being sponsored by Clooney and his wife, Amal  at Clooney's home in Kentucky for a February episode. The series is slated to wrap May 31 with Howard Stern.Canosa said she worked for the company for years and that Weinstein began sexually assaulting in 2010 at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. The alleged abuse continued until September 2017 and took place in New York, Los Angeles and overseas in Malaysia and Budapest. She says he threatened that she would lose her job and he'd blackball her if she denied his advances.There are probably very few who believe we've seen the last of T'Challa: There's just too much money to be made in Wakanda. But the Black Panther turning into dust in this film opens the door for something we discussed previously here: the idea of Shuri (Letitia Wright) becoming the next Black Panther.Indeed, "We could have started an indie label from scratch  it probably would have been cheaper," says Barilari, an adjunct professor of Latin American music and jazz history at the University of Illinois at Chicago, host of the globally syndicated radio show "Fiesta" on WFMT-FM 98.7 and co-founder of the Chicago Latino Music Festival. He is now Delmark's vice president and artistic director.Maslanka's work-in-progress, "I Bet You Think This Dance is About You," began in conjunction with events held at Columbia College for sexual assault awareness month in April 2017. A solo was born out of that process, inspired, in part, by Rupi Kaur's "Milk and Honey" and traumatic events in her personal life. "It's a tribute to voice, and to finding your voice," said Maslanka. "It's about giving space to all those things you want to say, but never did. It doesn't have to just be the pain, but about healing, and moments of happiness, and showing gratitude despite where our pain comes from."When I first saw the show on Broadway in 2012, I remember writing that no other movie-to-musical adaptation had found so simple and rich a theatrical vocabulary, especially when traveling from one place to another. Now here we are some six years later. Every movie studio now has a theatrical office. Yet, still, no one else ever achieved what "Once" managed. The only comparable piece is "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," which happens to be the work of the same director in Tiffany, and as juicy as that J.K. Rowling story feels in the theater, it does not come with anything close to the poetic book that Walsh penned for "Once."Noah: (After clips of Trump saying "Would anyone vote for that?" about Carly Fiorina's face, and Trump talking about Rosie O'Donnell's "fat, ugly face," etc.) "Now that's how you insult a woman's face! Michelle's joke was about how Sarah Sanders creates makeup out of lies, you know, but when Trump insults a woman, he just says 'fat, ugly face.' None of that smart comedy with layers of meaning, just insults! That's why you don't send a woman to do a man's job."McNamara was determined to find the violent psychopath she dubbed "The Golden State Killer," who terrorized California in the late '70s and early '80s, committing 50 home-invasion sexual assaults and ten murders. He then disappeared for more than three decades, eluding multiple police forces and some of the best detectives in the area. On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, the Sacramento Sheriff's Office arrested former police officer Joseph James DeAngelo at his home in a nearby suburb, identifying him through DNA evidence as the notorious serial killer and charging him with a number of the crimes.Yes, you know it. Perhaps you have even walked across this 220-foot-long span that was built between 1917 and 1920, one of the city's more than 50 bridges that are works of art, as well as wonders of modern engineering. But have you ever stopped in the middle? Do so, pause and behold, for this is where Chicago comes together in a symphony of buildings and water and sky. Yes, you can see the future from the bridge, construction cranes abound. But this is also where the past whispers, telling of the Algonquins who found skunk cabbage and wild onion on the banks of the river and affixed to this site the Indian name for those earth products, Checagou; of Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, the black man who became the first non-native settler here when he built a cabin on the river's northern bank in the 1770s; of the Fort Dearborn massacre of 1812, and of the engineering geniuses who reversed the river's flow in 1900 to keep the lake clean. In the winter, the river is often jammed with ice and in the summer with boats. The view changes every day. That too is part of the attraction.One in three older Americans with Medicare drug coverage is prescribed opioid painkillers, but for those who develop a dangerous addiction there is one treatment Medicare won't cover: methadone.



Methadone is the oldest, and experts say, the most effective of the three approved medications used to treat opioid addiction. It eases cravings without an intense high, allowing patients to work with counselors to rebuild their lives.



Federal money is flowing to states to open new methadone clinics through the 21st Century Cures Act, but despite the nation's deepening opioid crisis, the Medicare drug program for the elderly covers methadone only when prescribed for pain.



Joseph Purvis, a former heroin and prescription painkiller user, said he went into a depressive tailspin because he initially feared he might have to stop methadone treatment when he went on Medicare at 65.



"I was terrified that I might have to leave the program. There's no way I wanted to go back to addiction on the streets," said Purvis, 66, of Gaithersburg, Maryland.



Methadone doesn't meet the requirement of Medicare's Part D drug program because it can't be dispensed in a retail pharmacy.



Instead, in the highly regulated methadone system, patients first are assessed by a doctor, then show up daily at federally certified methadone clinics to take their doses of the pink liquid. Or, like Purvis in Maryland, they prove through repeated urine screens that they have earned the right to weekly take-home doses.



In Congress, legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate, and a White House commission on the opioid epidemic also recommended the change.



The epidemic is "affecting all populations, including our seniors," said Rep. George Holding , R-North Carolina, a sponsor of the House bill. "Medicare beneficiaries have among the highest and fastest growing rate of opioid use disorder, but they don't currently have coverage for the most effective treatment."



"We have a sacred responsibility to find solutions that help everyone who may be affected," said Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pennsylvania, ranking member of the Special Committee on Aging and lead sponsor of the Senate bill.



An estimated 300,000 Medicare patients have been diagnosed with opioid addiction, and health officials estimate nearly 90,000 are at high risk for opioid misuse or overdose.



Buprenorphine, a more expensive and slightly less regulated treatment drug, is covered by Medicare but few doctors who accept new Medicare patients have obtained federal waivers to prescribe it. A recent study of Medicare claims found prescriptions for buprenorphine for only 81,000 patients.



More evidence that the crisis affects seniors: Opioid overdoses killed 1,354 Americans ages 65 and older in 2016, about 3 percent of the 42,000 opioid overdoses that year.



Medicare's policy means clinics often scramble to keep older patients in treatment if they've had commercial insurance that covered their care before turning 65, said counselor Angela Caldwell of Montgomery Recovery Services in Rockville, Maryland.



A national organization for methadone clinics says the clinics now have 25,000 Medicare beneficiaries who are either paying out of pocket (about $80 per week) or getting care through state-run Medicaid or block grant programs.



Mark Parrino, president of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence, thinks more people would seek methadone treatment if Medicare covered it.



Many older patients rely on surprisingly high doses of opioids for pain relief, which can turn into addiction, said Dr. Anna Lembke, an addiction specialist at Stanford University School of Medicine.



One of her addiction patients, a woman in her mid-70s, was referred to her because her daily dose of opioids had climbed over the years to many times more potent than that of a typical heroin user, Lembke said.



"She's had a gradual development of tolerance over many decades and now is on an astronomical dose," Lembke said. "If you took any random person and gave them (that much) they would die."



Lembke said she normally wouldn't consider methadone for this patient because of the stigma associated with the clinics. But Medicare coverage might make them more acceptable, Lembke said, and her patient "might actually do better with methadone."



In Maryland, Purvis remained on methadone treatment because his income is low enough that he qualifies for the state-federal Medicaid insurance coverage for the poor and disabled. Medicaid covers methadone treatment in Maryland and about 35 other states.



Purvis, who used heroin for more than a decade in his youth, later took opioids prescribed by specialists for back pain. After his pain doctor's office was shut down for overprescribing, he started methadone treatment.



"Some people think of methadone as a crutch for addiction but it's not," Purvis said. "It's a tool that allows people to live a somewhat normal life.""I grew up in the city," Juan Gutierrez, principal of Patrick Henry, told me. "I'm a product of Chicago Public Schools. I remember being in a traditional classroom where I just sat and took whatever they taught me. I wasn't empowered to lead any of my learning. And I feel like we're doing students an injustice if we don't create an environment where we're doing everything we can to value their differences and really support them in the areas they're good at and also the areas where they need to grow."The Lincolns spent 17 years in the only house Abe ever owned, enlarging it several times to accommodate their growing family of four boys. The 12-room Greek Revival has been restored to its appearance in 1860 when Lincoln won the presidency and prepared to move to Washington, D.C., never to return. Eldest son Robert inherited the house and sold it to the state for $1 after he was outraged to learn his tenant there was giving tours and charging admission. Now the home is part of the U.S. National Park Service, and rangers lead tours  which Robert insisted always be free  and point out some of the many original furnishings.The case also highlights two prominent policy objectives of the Trump administration. While the president has taken a harder line on immigration, he has singled out MS-13, which is known for its violence and brutality. In his State of the Union speech, he vowed to crack down on the gang. To send Yesica or her family members back to El Salvador would amount to a death sentence, advocates say.After ditching the Ford in the Gold Coast neighborhood, Moore allegedly approached the driver of a black Nissan Altima and tried to steal the car but ended up shooting the 37-year-old man in the shoulder and running away, according to police. The suspect then ran to the 1000 block of North Rush Street  not far from some such well-known restaurants and bars as Gibson's steakhouse and Tavern On Rush  and carjacked a black Jeep at gunpoint.Two workers were in critical condition with serious burns, fire officials said. One worker was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the other was taken to Stroger Hospital. A third worker was taken in good condition to Northwestern.The city clerk's office, which is handling all the IDs, will be processing applications Wednesday at the 18th Ward office at 8359 S. Pulaski Road and the cards will be available at other city neighborhood spots. Residents can make appointments to get their cards Thursday and Friday with the clerk's office at City Hall  and semiregularly after that, as the office also ramps up city sticker sales.The two were together at the hospital when the baby was born, they identified themselves as co-parents on the birth certificate and they sent out a birth announcement, the ruling noted. After the delivery, they both took time off from work to take care for the girl, who is now 4, and, according to Judd's testimony, called both women "mom," court records show.When Winner went to the bathroom, J.B. ran out of his apartment barefoot to a nearby Dominick's store and called for help. She said Winner followed her out into the street and asked where she was going.Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration could release a plan for the future of the home as early as Tuesday. The governor's point person on Quincy has said he'd have it ready by then. Meanwhile, Durbin's presence in Quincy on Monday and last week's announced resignation of the governor's Veterans' Affairs director has kept attention on the Legionnaires' outbreak that started in 2015 and left 13 residents dead.The caravan's numbers, while tiny compared to previous surges of Central Americans to South Texas and Haitians to San Diego, will be a test of Trump's tough words. Administration officials have railed against what they call legal loopholes and "catch-and-release" policies that allow people seeking asylum to be freed while their cases are adjudicated, but any significant changes must be addressed by Congress or in the courts.The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear if the airstrikes in the Hassakeh province were carried out by the U.S.-led coalition or the Iraqi air force. It said the strikes killed 10 children, six women and seven elderly people. The state-run Syrian News Agency said 25 civilians were killed in the airstrikes south of the town of Shadadi, blaming the U.S-led coalition."Hawkins' account is one of the liveliest tales of the Revolutionary War from the perspective of a boy sailor that exists," said Philip Mead, chief historian and director of curatorial affairs at the museum. "Until now, scholars have only known Hawkins' tale from the published version in 1864. Reading the stories from Hawkins' own hand brings the story to life in a new way. It is as close as we can get to sitting by a fireside and listening to the aging veteran tell his tale."Pruitt's late arrival in Rabat caused him to miss a scheduled U.S. Embassy briefing and roundtable there. The discussion focused on how American firms were pioneering technological innovation in Morocco and could benefit from an increased natural gas supply - an event Wilcox said that Smotkin also attended.The administrator had a single meeting after arriving on Dec. 11, according to his public schedule, with the chief executive of the Moroccan Agency of Sustainable Energy. A spokesman for Mustapha Bakkoury said he was not available for an interview and did not reply to a request that he confirm that the businessman met with Pruitt.President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he meets with crew and passengers of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 in the Oval Office on May 1, 2018. According to a Washington Post analysis, Trump has made more than 3,000 false or misleading claims since taking the oath of office. (Carolyn Kaster / AP)The knockoff, which its Italian maker calls "Barceloneta," materialized in late April on the sliver of riverfront open space outside AMA Plaza, the 50-story Mies high-rise at 330 N. Wabash Ave. There are about 40 of the outdoor sofas, which are black and arrayed in rows. Like all knockoffs, they are inferior in both materials and proportions to the original they imitate. But I like them all the same. They make up in welcoming small-scale design what they lack in authenticity.In grammar school no one would eat lunch with the girls, or play with them or sit with them on the bus. Smit remembers in sixth grade being part of the gang giggling at lonely Kathleen. The torments continued at Crete-Monee High School. "When we climbed the stairs to go to our other classes, if someone bumped into us, they'd run to the washroom to wash their hands," Lorraine said. "We only had each other," Kathleen said.Carl Reimann, who shot to death five helpless people in Yorkville in 1972 during a robbery, was just released from prison. According to the written law, he has paid his due. But those he murdered will never be released from their graves, and those who loved them will never be released from their memories."That's very sad. A lot of people in the community look forward to that," Aldaco said. "People come from all over the city to that event.  Of course, (the Little Village parade is) more established. They have a lot of years behind them, and we don't consider it a competition. But if people are looking for something else, they're more than welcome to come to our festival."Huntley was interviewed by investigators from the Plano Police Department and admitted to police that he entered the BP Amoco and robbed the cashier at gunpoint, using the black BB gun, the release stated. Huntley also admitted that, after taking all of the money from the cash drawer, he left the business and drove off with the cashier's car so that he could get to Chicago, according to the release.Yasmani Grandal has five home runs and 12 RBIs in 36 postseason games with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2015-18), Milwaukee Brewers (2019) and Chicago White Sox (2020). "Postseason, its a different animal. Ive been on the highs and Ive been on the lows. All you can do is just learn from it."Pueblo organization has served disabled community for three decades

Founded in 1981, the Center Toward Self-Reliance is an agency serving members of Pueblo's disabled community.Op/Ed by Michael Mudd, Managing Partner, Asia Policy Partners LLC

The EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is quietly working before its implementation.

Airbnb will revise their privacy policy on May 25. One of the revisions is that US users will now deem to contract with Airbnb in California, while the rest of the world, including Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong (but not for some odd reason, mainland China), the data controller is deemed to be in Ireland, but for payments it will be the UK.

RELATED: Chinas Cybersecurity Law: An Introduction for Foreign Businesspeople

This is markedly different to Facebook, which announced they will move all non-EU users data to the US before May 25. This does make a difference as certain types of data, such as browsing history, for instance, are considered personal data under EU law but are not protected as such in the US.

Similarly, LinkedIn announced new terms that take effect on May 8 to move non-European users to contracts with US-based LinkedIn Corp. Similarly, Microsoft Outlook email services announced on April 25 that non-EU resident data will be located in the US. Microsoft added that additional features to support the GDPR for European residents will be available by May 25.

Google appears to be passing the buck back to publishers to handle privacy issues for most of its services, except Gmail. New announcements regarding security options for Gmail are expected soon. A quick look at Verizon/Oath (ex-Yahoo!) reveals a privacy policy section that is not searchable by keyword and any reference to the GDPR is not immediately apparent.

Amazon last updated its consumer websites privacy policy in August 2017. A search under GDPR in the help section gets a single reference back to the privacy policy. However, there appears to be no specific reference to GDPR compliance.

AWS, on the other hand, has extensive paperwork on GDPR, as has Microsoft for their Cloud services compliance, which is searchable and comprehensive.

The issues that companies involved in online advertising face are complex. The average page load on an ad-supported website includes 172 network requests just for advertising, according to recent research from Ad Lightning.

Thats 172 opportunities for a publishers audience data to be collected, stored and re-monetized by other partners every time a page displays, all of which will be subject to the GDPR if the person accessing the webpage is located in Europe.

Some online marketing companies, such as Verve, which runs a mobile marketing platform powered by location data, and the appropriately named Drawbridge, are shutting down their European operations altogether to focus on their US business.

Information Technology Solutions from Dezan Shira & Associates

If the above is not enough, lurking in the background is the EU ePrivacy directive (the so-called cookie law), which pertains to electronic communications in Europe. This is not yet finalized, but may come into law soon after GDPR, most probably within 2019.

In the wake of well-publicized concerns over the apparent misuse of data, there are a number of legislative proposals working their way through the US Congress to tighten up privacy, including the Honesty in Ads Act, the Consent Act, and the My DATA Act.

One thing is for sure: privacy policies and terms of service for all online services are going to get longer and harder to understand.

This should be made easier; maybe there should be an app for that? It turns out there are, including this one. To update an old Chinese saying, We live in interesting online times.

This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on April 25, 2018

Mr Michael Mudd is the founder and Managing Partner of Asia Policy Partners LLC, an independent consultancy providing thought leadership on technology policy for digital transformation, security, privacy, compliance, standards and trade related business. An appointed expert to JTC-1 of the ISO, he is also a member of the Government of Hong Kongs Expert Group on Cloud Computing, specifically the working group on Cloud security and privacy where he advises on policy. He is a member of the Policy committee of the Hong Kong Computer Society and the chief representative of the Open Computing Alliance in the APAC and MEA regions. He is an associate member of the Middle East & Africa Cloud Alliance. He also has created and delivered executive training on technology risk, privacy and digital security for non-technical office staff to mitigate losses from fraud as well as CxO level guidance on the EU GDPR. He may be contacted at asiaitpolicy@live.comThe American pop-music Grammy Festival has landed in China for the first time, bringing award-winning musicians to Beijing.

The festival was held at the Changyang Music Theme Park on the second day of the International Labor Day holiday.

Grammy award-winning superstar Pharrell Williams was one of the artists performing at the festival.

The lineup also included other international acts such as One Republic, Carly Rae Jepsen, James Bay and Daya.

Chinese stars Nicholas Tse and William Chan also performed.

Imani Cheers is assistant professor of School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University.

"I would have thought that they would have done this a long time ago, acknowledging where again a large majority of these artists with their fans are based, but it's exciting to see that not only are they going to have this festival right now, but that they've already signed on to do four additional ones, said Cheers, so that tells them right there that the fans want it, it's going to be profitable, but it's also just really exciting to have this sort of platform for not only the artists, but also to introduce them to hopefully new and different fans that might not be familiar with their work."

Four more Grammy Festivals will be held in China in the future.

It's estimated that around 40-thousand people took part in this year's event.Scott Dudelson/WireImageCharles Neville, saxophonist for the Neville Brothers, has died of pancreatic cancer, according to the New Orleans Advocate. He was 79.

The second-oldest of four brothers, Charles was born and raised in New Orleans, and got his musical start in the '50s with R&B stars Johnny Ace, Jimmy Reed and B.B. King. Following a stint in the Navy, Neville was imprisoned for marijuana possession and spent the next 20+ years battling addictions to heroin and methadone. He successfully completed a treatment program in 1986 and remained drug-free for the remainder of his life.

The Nevile brothers' uncle, George Landry, recruited his four nephews -- Charles, Aaron, Art and Cyril -- to provide backing for Landry's own recording sessions, which gave birth to the Neville Brothers. A unique combination of New Orleans R&B, soul, and funk, the group enjoyed success in the '80s and early '90s, including a Grammy Award win for 1989's "Healing Chant."

The Neville Brothers disbanded in 2012, though Charles continued to tour with brother Aaron Neville's band. The Advocate notes that Charles moved to rural Massachusetts in the '90s after his wife's parents gifted the couple a parcel of land upon which to build their home. He continued to perform with two of his sons as the New England Nevilles.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.More than 2,500 government officials, senior executives, entrepreneurs and professionals in quality community met in Seatttle on Monday to share their insights, views and perspectives on global quality, innovation and disruptive technologies that may shape the future of the human beings at a 2018 conference on quality and improvement.

The annual conference, a flagship event of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) themed with "the Innovation of YOU," features in-depth discussions and exchanges on knowledge, improvement methodologies, quality tools and practices during its three-day meeting that opened Monday in Seattle, the largest city in Washington state on the U.S. west coast.

A Chinese delegation consisting of 60 government officials, entrepreneurs, professionals and quality workers from at least eight Chinese provinces and municipalities attended the ASQ conference, and Huang Guoliang, chief of the Chinese delegation, made a keynote speech on China's quality innovation and sharing in the digital era at the session, the first time that a Chinese representative ever invited to address the audience in the history of the ASQ conference.

Huang said data quality is the key to quality innovation in the digital era, and with the rapid advancement of science and technology, countries are interdependent and have a high degree of integration of interests, he said.

Therefore, it is no longer necessary for each component to be developed and manufactured by a single country itself, he said.

He noted that China stands for cooperation and win-win results in the field of quality work, and "we must respect intellectual property rights, share innovative achievements legally, and further promote innovation."

"All countries should share quality data, and to integrate all fragmented data. Great efforts should be made...to fully tap and apply data resources and enhance data exchanges, so as to effectively serve technological transformation, product research and development, and industrial upgrading, and to promote global quality innovation," Huang said.

David Dilgardo, whose packaging company has been a 28-old member of the ASQ, said he has been attending the ASQ conference over the past six years.

China's first appearance as one of the keynote speakers at the opening ceremony of the ASQ conference offers "a great opportunity for American quality professionals to know more about China's progress in quality work," he said.

"This is a perfect occasion for both China and global quality professionals to share their knowledge innovation and quality improvement," Dilgardo said, adding that he was thrilled to see a Chinese presenter at such a great conference.

In concurrence with the 2018 ASQ conference, which is being held between April 30 and May 2, the first China-U.S. Quality Summit, which is part of the Global Summit on Quality hosted by the ASQ, was held as a platform for the exchange of information between senior U.S. and Chinese executives, government officials and quality experts.

The summit attracted about 20 businessmen from major Chinese companies such as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited, Haier Group Corporation, and XiamenAir, a carrier mainly owned by China Southern Airlines, and 50 entrepreneurs from about 30 U.S. companies.

The World Conference on Quality and Improvement is the largest and most influential global meeting on quality, which attracts about 2,000 to 3,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions since its inception in 1947.Wang Xi, 32, a white-collar worker in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, often takes her 3-year-old daughter to a recreation park in a shopping mall at weekends. While there, her daughter can play games, draw pictures and attend classes.

The indoor amusement park named Mialand is operated by an e-commerce platform, mia.com, which is primarily engaged in selling maternity and baby products online. The company plans to open more than 30 Mialandsindoor theme parks for children aged from 0 to 12in major cities across the country by the end of this year.

China's maternal and infant goods e-commerce platforms are investing heavily and speeding up their steps to expand offline channels, such as opening indoor theme parks for children or brick-and-mortar stores, to seek new business growth avenues and enhance their "stickiness" among consumers.

Founded in 2011, mia.com offers flash sales of discounted imported diapers and baby formula on its online platform. It established partnerships with Amcare Corp, a leading private women and children's hospital chain in China, in 2016, enabling mia.com to reach more parents and would-be parents.

The company launched its first offline children's park in Beijing in July, 2016. While children are playing and making friends, parents can buy these products directly at the store or place an order online. The park adopts two models: the direct-sale store and franchised outlet.

"The market for baby and mom products in China is breaking boundaries by means of 'New Retail' business model, which integrates online with offline shopping, and provides a refreshing shopping experience," said Liu Nan, founder and chief executive officer of mia.com.You are here: Business

Jack Ma, founder and chairman of China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, landed in Israel on Monday.

Ma is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen during his visit to the Jewish country.

The Chinese entrepreneur is also slated to receive an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University on Thursday evening, after meeting its students and graduates in a question and answer session.

Alibaba completed a deal to acquire Israel-based QR codes startup Visualead in late 2017, as part of its efforts to establish R&D centers in Israel's tech hub Tel Aviv.President Xi Jinping has extended greetings to workers nationwide ahead of International Workers' Day, calling for hard work in the new era.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent the greetings in a reply letter to a group of model workers who are studying at the China University of Labor Relations and recently wrote him a letter.

Praising workers for their notable contribution to the cause of the Party and state, Xi said that the award and college education they have received can be regarded as an honor for their diligence and selfless devotion.

Both socialism and the creation of a new era can only be achieved through hard work, he said, expressing expectations for the model workers to make new achievements and inspire others by demonstrating their passion, motivation and persistence.

Noting that working is "the most honorable, noble, greatest and most beautiful" cause, Xi urged all of society to honor model workers and promote honest work and diligence.

The China University of Labor Relations started to enroll model workers in undergraduate programs in 1992.A law to protect the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs will take effect on May 1.

The law was adopted at the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Friday.

The country and the people should forever respect and remember the heroes and martyrs for their sacrifice and contribution to the Chinese nation and the people, according to the law.

The law, which promotes patriotism and socialist core values, bans activities that defame heroes and martyrs or distort and diminish their deeds.

It stresses that those who violate their rights of name, portrait, reputation, and honor will be punished.

It also outlaws acts that glorify invasions, with offenders facing administrative or criminal punishments according to the severity of their actions.

With the new law, the public will have a clearer understanding of what kind of behavior is not tolerated and what the consequences will be, and the government will have clear rules to follow when exercising their duty, said Xiong Wenzhao, a law professor at Minzu University of China and expert with the China Law Society.

The law includes content on the protection of memorials of heroes and martyrs, and publicity and education about them and their deeds.

A few recent incidents in which young people dressed in Japanese WWII army uniforms and spread photos online to glorify the war have provoked outrage among Chinese.

In another incident earlier this year, two young men were held by police after posing in front of ruins in Nanjing, dressed in the uniforms of Japanese invaders and holding "army weapons."

Nanjing is the site of the Nanjing Massacre. Japanese troops captured the city on Dec. 13, 1937. Over six weeks, they killed 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers.

"The new law encourages patriotic publicity and sends a loud warning against wrong behavior," said Zhang Jianjun, curator of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

Works of art involving national heroes and martyrs should also be based on historical facts and show respect, rather than mocking or excessively romanticizing them, said Wang Xingdong, a renowned screenwriter.

Besides allowing family members of heroes and martyrs to file lawsuits, the law also entrusts prosecutors to file public interest litigation cases against activities defaming heroes and martyrs.

"Defaming national heroes is in fact undermining the national spirit embodied by these heroes," Xiong said. "The state has the responsibility to protect the rights and interests of these heroes and the public interest behind them."Chinese political leaders have been commemorating a landmark event that preluded China's party system 70 years ago.

Monday marks the 70th anniversary of "May 1 Slogans," a call made by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on April 30, 1948 for non-communist parties, as well as people without party affiliation, to convene a political consultative conference and found a democratic coalition government while China was in the midst of a liberation war.

A meeting was held here to mark the historic occasion Saturday, at which Wang Yang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made a speech.

About 10 days ago, leaders of the non-communist parties and senior figures without party affiliation visited revolutionary sites in north China's Hebei Province to commemorate the "May 1 Slogans."

The call made by the CPC Central Committee was an important event in the history of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation system, said Zhu Jidong, research fellow with the Academy of Marxism of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Seven decades ago, the "May 1 Slogans" received an ardent response from leaders of non-communist parties, who echoed positively through public statements, phone calls and meetings with CPC leaders, according to Zhu.

"It indicated that non-communist parties and people without party affiliation began to openly and willingly follow the CPC's leadership and embrace new democracy and socialism," Zhu said.

In September 1949, the first plenary meeting of the CPPCC was held in Beijing, marking the establishment of the CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation system.

At a joint panel discussion with political advisors in March, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, had called the system "a new type of party system growing from China's soil" and "a great contribution to the political civilization of humanity."

Under this system, the CPC and non-communist parties share fundamental interests and work together effectively, Zhu said, stressing that non-communist parties are not opposition but consultants, aides, and co-workers of the CPC.

China's party system unites all political parties and people without party affiliation toward a common goal, effectively preventing both the flaws of the absence of oversight in one-party rule and power rotation and nasty competition among multiple political parties, he said.

It pools ideas and suggestions through institutional, procedural, and standardized arrangements and develops a scientific and democratic decision-making mechanism, avoiding another weakness of the old-fashioned party system, in which decision making and governance, confined by interests of different political parties, classes, regions and groups, tear society apart, he said.

The 70-year history of China's party system has demonstrated that it fits China's reality and traditional culture, he said.

In his Saturday speech, Wang Yang said it is necessary to unwaveringly uphold Party leadership and uphold General Secretary Xi's core status, as well as uphold the authority and the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, calling on non-communist parties to enhance their capabilities to perform their duties.

"Both the CPC and non-communist parties should not forget the original aspiration that drove leaders of older generations to jointly forge this system," Zhu said.Lin Tao's father, a farmer, sent him to college, expecting him to find a job in the city. But Lin defied his hopes and returned to the village.

"I didn't want him to live in the village back then," recalled Lin Chenglin, the father, when his son came back in 2013. "It's not a place for an ambitious young man."

In 2013, Lin's hometown of Qingxu village in east China's Anhui province was suffering from a loss of workers, with many young people leaving for jobs in cities and land left unattended.

Like many parents in rural China, the senior Lin considered college education an opportunity for his boy to break away from laborious physical work, and for the family to have something to be proud of.

Yet the son beat his father's expectations again by pursuing a career in farming in his hometown.

He started a family farm in his village. By persuading villagers to lease their unused plots of land, Lin amassed 900 Mu (60 hectares), on which he used agricultural machinery to boost efficiency.

In 2017, the younger Lin made more than 300,000 yuan from his new agricultural venture, four times the annual salary of his previous job working at a car company in the provincial capital.

His father has also changed his mind.

"He is educated and self-motivated. We need more people like him in the villages," Lin Chenglin said of his son.

Lin's success has come as China is implementing its strategy to revitalize the countryside, with agriculture being a priority.

Since the 1980s, the country has been shifting away from a preoccupation with producing enough grain toward improving rural incomes by incentivizing farmers to use arable land more efficiently.

Educated young people like Lin are increasingly contributing to the process.

His home province of Anhui registered 77,000 family farms in 2017. Of the 1,298 model family farms selected by the provincial agricultural bureau, more than 170 have been set up by college graduates returning to their hometowns.

"The local government has helped me with bank loans and offered a 30-percent subsidy for the large machinery I bought," said Lin Tao. "I also attended agricultural training sessions in the village."

Despite returning home, the college graduate has kept his city style. When field work is done, he puts on his shirt and neat trousers. "This should be a farmer's new look." he said.You are here: China

Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region is bracing for an annual fishing ban to go into effect Tuesday, said local authorities.

The region has made a list of all banned fishing ships, increased ocean patrols, and stepped up supervision in boat parking areas, said the local fishery department.

China has enforced an annual fishing ban to protect the ocean's ecosystem and biodiversity from excessive fishing since 1995.

During the ban, only fishing for scientific studies, taming and breeding purposes will be approved.

While the ocean fishing ban usually starts May 1, the river fishing ban usually begins March 1. The local government can extend the fishing ban according to need.

China has added an additional month to its ocean fishing ban since 2017, and started imposing a new fishing ban in the Yellow River, the country's second-longest river, earlier this year.The #MeToo movement [File photo]





The #MeToo movement has inspired women around the world to be more vocal about the harassment and discrimination they face, leaving many men to wonder: What role do we play in fighting misogyny?

Too often, it's viewed as a problem we can do nothing about. As long as we individually don't harass women, what more can we do? This is certainly a prerequisite, but a very basic one indeed. If we really care about ending sexual assault, there is much more we must do.

In today's society, men are afforded more freedom and power in setting social norms. Men have more flexibility in expressing themselves in ways that would have women labeled "unladylike" if they were to do the same. It is for these reasons that men must speak out and take responsibility for keeping our fellow men in line.

Sadly, many men only begin to realize the problem after hearing testimony from women they know personally. I recently spoke with a close female friend of mine about an incident that took place while we were at a bar together a few years ago. One of my male friends had aggressively hit on her that evening, and even followed her to the subway station. I only remembered the beginning of that night, when the guy was speaking intensely with her about a boring topic and she was responding politely, which I wrongly assumed to be genuine interest.

But the social norms that constrain women to "ladylike" behavior have created an asymmetry in communication between men and women.

While men can say whatever they want, many women still feel the need to be viewed as "nice." Why? Because many men demand it of them. A man will often view a woman as a "bitch" if she expresses any thoughts that are disagreeable to him  especially if she punctures his ego. That is what feminists mean by "fragile masculinity."

Rarely do women go on a mass shooting because they had been bullied or frustrated in their dating lives. Yet these factor into the motivations of so many young men who commit these kinds of antisocial acts. Dylann Roof, who killed nine black churchgoers in South Carolina in 2015, most of whom were women, cited "race mixing" as one of his litany of racist motivations. Elliot Rodger, who murdered six people in California in 2014, stated in a video posted before his attack on a sorority, "You girls have never been attracted to me.  I will punish you all for it."

While the vast majority of attacks on women's rights aren't so violent, misogyny often arises from the same sources, and manifests itself to different degrees. Some is unconscious, based on ideas that are so pervasive in society that we absorb them without thinking.

At that bar a few years ago, I had mistakenly thought my female friend was interested in the conversation. I myself wasn't  so I left. My decision to leave, driven both by some selfishness and also a misreading of the situation, resulted in her being alone with him.

It wasn't until this February that I learned what really happened that night. While my female friend could tell me her true feelings, she didn't dare do anything to antagonize my male friend, a stranger to her. When he called her later, she felt the need to express how "busy" she was. That a man will only tolerate a woman turning him down if she has a busy schedule is what feminists call "male entitlement."

Her story dismayed me, and I grappled over what to say to my male friend. I knew I was in a position to do something; if I didn't, I would be shirking my responsibility just to avoid a bit of unpleasantness. If simply telling a friend off was so difficult for me, I imagined how much harder it must be for a woman worrying about a random man on the street, or at a bar, or in the office.

Ultimately, I called my friend and told him. He was accepting, and hasn't contacted her since. There are much worse stories in the #MeToo universe.

For men, taking responsibility will mean having hard conversations like this, and maybe even some fights, with friends. Avoiding such discomfort only ensures that women face greater discomfort day after day. Taking responsibility also means not dismissing women's testimony. Men should listen carefully and non-judgmentally to the stories shared online and by female friends, and then see if we can't spot some of the behaviors they have described in us, our friends and the world around us.

I have struggled over how to present my own growing awareness of this issue. It is still difficult for me to write about, especially for a public audience. But if men are to combat misogyny, we cannot remain silent.

Mitchell Blatt is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/MitchellBlatt.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash

Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative Yang Jiechi on Monday held talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vowing to boost strategic partnership.

Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative Yang Jiechi (L), who is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, holds talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, April 30, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, extended Xi's warm greetings to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the crown prince.

Yang said that China pays great attention to its ties with the UAE, and has always regarded the UAE as a diplomatic priority in the Middle East.

The two countries have developed sound relations, deepened political mutual trust, and witnessed significant results through cooperation, Yang said.

"China is willing to further enhance pragmatic cooperation in all fields with the UAE, increase people-to-people exchanges, and boost strategic partnership to make greater achievements in developing the bilateral ties in the new era," he said.

China is also willing to integrate the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of the UAE, said Yang.

He expressed the belief that the bilateral cooperation will be reinforced in co-building the initiative to benefit both peoples, as a result of the efforts exerted by the leaders of the two countries.

Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.

The crown prince asked Yang to convey warm greetings to President Xi from the UAE president and himself.

The UAE admires China's achievements in development and cherishes its unique friendship with China, he said.

"The UAE is willing to increase communication and coordination with China, implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both sides, and deepen cooperation in all fields to uplift the bilateral relations to a higher level," the crown prince added.

Yang also met with UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.You are here: World

 Flash

Suspected militants shot dead three youth in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Tuesday.

The trio was killed Monday night at Baramulla town, about 60 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Last night militants fired upon three youth from a point-blank range here killing them on the spot," a senior police official posted in Baramulla told Xinhua. "The three were identified as local civilians."

Following the killings, police cordoned off the area to nab assailants. However, so far no arrests were made.

"Preliminary investigation reveals complicity of Lashkar-e-Toiba in the case," a police spokesman said. "One foreigner and two local militants are the principal suspects in this case and an investigation is underway in the matter."

So far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last week a political leader was killed and two policemen serving as his security guards were wounded in the region.

Militants in the region usually target families and individuals for their possible links with Indian police and defense agencies. Even people having associations with pro-India political parties are targeted at times.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Flash

U.S. exports to China have supported 1 million American jobs, making trade important to not only U.S. companies and consumers, but also U.S. workers, a report released by the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) on Monday showed.

Exports to China support one million American jobs annually across a wide range of industries and continue to contribute to U.S. economic growth, said USCBC President John Frisbie.

Over the last decade, U.S. exports of goods to China grew by 86 percent, compared with only 21-percent growth for the country's exports to the rest of the world, said the report.

As the third largest market for U.S. goods and services exports, China saw its imports of goods from the United States rise by 14 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, twice as fast as U.S. exports to the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, U.S. services exports to China grew by 12 percent in 2016, while the country's services exports to the rest of the world decreased by 0.6 percent.

Trade with China have also benefited most U.S. states, the report showed. A total of 49 states have increased their goods exports to China in the past decade, with 17 states experiencing triple-digit growth since 2008.

China-U.S. trade relationship is under great pressure, as the White House threatened to levy massive tariffs on about 150 billion dollars of goods imported from China.

American business community and trade analysts have been urging the White House to negotiate about the trade differences with China, warning that unilateralism and trade protectionism will inevitably harm others without benefiting oneself as the global economy is deeply integrated.

On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that an official delegation from the United States will travel to China to discuss the bilateral trade relationship beginning Thursday. Flash

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Tuesday met with Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, who came to Beijing to sign a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Dominican Republic.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (R) meets with Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Wang conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's greetings to Dominican President Danilo Medina, and extended congratulations on the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Wang said that while recognizing and upholding the one-China principle, the Dominican government has made a political decision to sever "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan and forge diplomatic ties with China, which conforms to the trend of the times and is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries and two peoples.

He said that the development potential of the bilateral relations will be fully unleashed with broad prospects.

"China will do follow-up work together with the Dominican side to constantly enhance political mutual trust, strengthen exchanges, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the building of a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for humanity, thus writing a new chapter in the history of our bilateral relations," Wang said.

Vargas conveyed President Medina's greetings and best wishes to President Xi.

He said that the Dominican Republic will abide by the one-China principle, vigorously carry out exchanges and cooperation with China, and be a reliable partner, to create a new prospect for the bilateral relations.Global Faith Group Calls on Organizations to put Prayer Back in America's Schools with Pray Live Prayer Wristbands



BALTIMORE, Md., May 1, 2018 /



In a moment of intense prayer God said: "'I need you to heal this nation by reminding school children and their parents that no matter what is going on around them, I am always there,'" she said. "'Remember, only prayer changes behavior and things.'"



"So, I created wristbands for mass distribution across the Country to remind our children that God is there with them, and that prayer changes things." She says the bands are red in color which is symbolic of the blood of Jesus, and they include a short prayer as well as the scripture Luke 18:1, "...Always pray and not give up."



"We have produced a simple red wristband for K-12 with a prayer for students to wear by doing so prayer is in the schools while the bands are worn," she says.



"This is not about religion or denomination it is about how prayer changes things to include behavior.



"There are critics who may say: 'how is a rubber wristband going to protect my child from gun violence?' My response to that is you never hear about acts of gun violence happening at faith-based schools where the Word is taught, and prayer is prevalent."



"So, we must take our pleas to a higher power, inviting God back in our schools, if we want to see real change in our schools."



She is asking for other members of the faith community and beyond to support this effort, so she can get Maryland Prayer Center's bands across America.



Sponsors who donate to the effort will receive mentions across Pray Live's 37,000-member social media network, and on Pray Live's website,



HOW YOU CAN HELP

To get Prayer into schools across America, through the Maryland Prayer Center, make your charitable donation to the Center whose EIN Number is: 27-3914435.



ABOUT PRAY LIVE AND MARYLAND PRAYER CENTER

A division of the Maryland Prayer Center, the Pray Live network is the only live 24/7 interactive prayer network around the world. A non-denominational network broadcasting live via google play and iPhone.



ABOUT PRAYER BANDS

Pray Live produces the prayer bands and ships them upon request. The demand for the bands has been overwhelming across the Nation (with a recent order of nearly 10,000 bands). Pray Live needs your support.



Share Tweet Contact: Christina Sykes, 240-277-8663BALTIMORE, Md., May 1, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- Pray Live, a division of the Maryland Prayer Center, and is responding to gun violence in America by giving concerned school children and their families prayer wrist bands to wear. Thousands of children have died or been injured from gun violence organization's founder, Wenda Royster, says God gave her an urgent message.In a moment of intense prayer God said: "'I need you to heal this nation by reminding school children and their parents that no matter what is going on around them, I am always there,'" she said. "'Remember, only prayer changes behavior and things.'""So, I created wristbands for mass distribution across the Country to remind our children that God is there with them, and that prayer changes things." She says the bands are red in color which is symbolic of the blood of Jesus, and they include a short prayer as well as the scripture Luke 18:1, "...Always pray and not give up.""We have produced a simple red wristband for K-12 with a prayer for students to wear by doing so prayer is in the schools while the bands are worn," she says."This is not about religion or denomination it is about how prayer changes things to include behavior."There are critics who may say: 'how is a rubber wristband going to protect my child from gun violence?' My response to that is you never hear about acts of gun violence happening at faith-based schools where the Word is taught, and prayer is prevalent.""So, we must take our pleas to a higher power, inviting God back in our schools, if we want to see real change in our schools."She is asking for other members of the faith community and beyond to support this effort, so she can get Maryland Prayer Center's bands across America.Sponsors who donate to the effort will receive mentions across Pray Live's 37,000-member social media network, and on Pray Live's website, praylive.com , which reaches more than 1 million people, and its APP which reaches 2 million people.HOW YOU CAN HELPTo get Prayer into schools across America, through the Maryland Prayer Center, make your charitable donation to the Center whose EIN Number is: 27-3914435.ABOUT PRAY LIVE AND MARYLAND PRAYER CENTERA division of the Maryland Prayer Center, the Pray Live network is the only live 24/7 interactive prayer network around the world. A non-denominational network broadcasting live via google play and iPhone.ABOUT PRAYER BANDSPray Live produces the prayer bands and ships them upon request. The demand for the bands has been overwhelming across the Nation (with a recent order of nearly 10,000 bands). Pray Live needs your support.Facebook Blocks 70 Million People from Christian and Pro-President Trump Posts; USA.Life Starts Conservative Facebook Alternative



SAN JOSE, Calif., May 1, 2018 /



Andrew believes "Facebook lied to Congress and America" during CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Congressional testimony in April.



Using Facebook's data, Andrew shows in a



Zuckerberg told Congress, "We consider Facebook to be a platform for all ideas" on April 10th in reply to Sen. Ted Cruz. However, Andrew says, "Zuckerberg misled Congress."



"Facebook blocks more than 98% of my reach. That means 4.9 million people per month are missing. Facebook increased censorship after President Trump was elected," Andrew said. Instead of communicating to 5 million people per month as in 2016, Facebook showed Andrew's posts to 97,685 people last month. Andrew has almost half a million followers.



"Facebook's censorship caused millions of fewer people to follow God and strengthen their families, a financial loss of donations likely in the millions of dollars and a reduction in communicating with millions of more people by email and our website," he said.



Andrew often reaches just hundreds of people now per post instead of the 30,000 to 70,000 people earlier. "Facebook is anti-American, since they censor those who believe like the founders," he believes.



Andrew says USA.Life "is America's hope to save the Internet." He invites people to get a free account at



He hopes grass roots activism, conservative news stations and churches quickly spread the news about USA.Life, because "our national security is at stake, due to liberals attacking Christianity, the Constitution and President Trump."



USA.Life is



"Freedom and privacy could be lost forever without USA.Life. However, we can save the Internet if 70,000 people give $10, or if 7,000 people give $100. If people want privacy, it is at USA.Life," Andrew said.



Share Tweet Contact: Steven Andrew, USA.Life , 877-537-8734SAN JOSE, Calif., May 1, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- Facebook continues censoring conservatives and now faces competition. After Facebook blocked 70 million people from Steven Andrew's Christian and Pro-President Trump posts, Andrew started the USA.Life social network . USA.Life is the conservative alternative to Facebook and hopes to launch this summer. Andrew is a Silicon Valley technology and Christian leader, who has led Fortune 500 Internet initiatives.Andrew believes "Facebook lied to Congress and America" during CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Congressional testimony in April.Using Facebook's data, Andrew shows in a video how 70 million people were censored from getting conservative posts from the Pastor Steven Andrew page since November 2016.Zuckerberg told Congress, "We consider Facebook to be a platform for all ideas" on April 10th in reply to Sen. Ted Cruz. However, Andrew says, "Zuckerberg misled Congress.""Facebook blocks more than 98% of my reach. That means 4.9 million people per month are missing. Facebook increased censorship after President Trump was elected," Andrew said. Instead of communicating to 5 million people per month as in 2016, Facebook showed Andrew's posts to 97,685 people last month. Andrew has almost half a million followers."Facebook's censorship caused millions of fewer people to follow God and strengthen their families, a financial loss of donations likely in the millions of dollars and a reduction in communicating with millions of more people by email and our website," he said.Andrew often reaches just hundreds of people now per post instead of the 30,000 to 70,000 people earlier. "Facebook is anti-American, since they censor those who believe like the founders," he believes.Andrew says USA.Life "is America's hope to save the Internet." He invites people to get a free account at USA.Life to enjoy "American freedom, real news and privacy." Those who sign up now get preferred access to usernames.He hopes grass roots activism, conservative news stations and churches quickly spread the news about USA.Life, because "our national security is at stake, due to liberals attacking Christianity, the Constitution and President Trump."USA.Life is crowdfunding the completion of the new pro-America community. A summer launch is expected, provided they raise the remaining $693,000 required now. Supporters are given a thank you reward."Freedom and privacy could be lost forever without USA.Life. However, we can save the Internet if 70,000 people give $10, or if 7,000 people give $100. If people want privacy, it is at USA.Life," Andrew said.We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to formWe attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message.Asociatia Obsteasca DEMOS anunta concurs pentru angajarea unui expert/grup de experti/a unei companii care sa presteze servicii pentru lansarea afacerii socialeBROADVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A North Olmsted company hired by the city to landscape and beautify a concrete median strip on Ohio 82 is still working on the project, even though the initial deadline to complete it was Dec. 31.

Schirmer Construction LLC was the only company to bid on the project in late October-early November. Its bid of $154,000 exceeded the engineer's $140,000 estimate by $14,000.

Other companies considered submitting proposals, but didn't bid. The tight Dec. 31 deadline, spelled out in the project's specifications, discouraged at least one company -- Sal's Landscaping in Brecksville -- from bidding.

"If I had known the (median) project was going into May, I would have bid," Sal Manera, owner of Sal's Landscaping, told cleveland.com.

In December, Manera said he would not have been able to even start the job by the end of 2017, let alone finish it, due to ongoing work for other clients.

Schirmer and city officials say the work could have been completed in seven to eight weeks -- from early- to mid-November to the end of December -- if not for inclement weather.

"It was cold in late November, and we're working in the center of the road," said Brett Iafigliola, project manager with Schirmer. "Road salt is sprayed over everything, so we didn't work through most of the winter."

Iafigliola said "substantial" onsite work on the median project, now scheduled for completion in June, didn't begin until April.

Meanwhile, at least two City Council members -- in an apparent misunderstanding with city administration officials -- thought the median project didn't have a Dec. 31 deadline. They believed the city only had to choose a contractor by that date to secure a Cuyahoga County grant, which is helping to pay for the project.

"There was no way it was going to be completed by the end of the year, because of the weather," Councilman Brian Wolf said. "We had to have a deal to install it by the end of the year in order to keep the grant."

Councilwoman Jennifer Mahnic agreed.

"As I understood it, we had to show we had hired someone," Mahnic said. "The project didn't need to be finished. You can't pour concrete in December."

Cleveland.com reached out to other council members to ask if seven to eight weeks, during traditionally cold months, was a reasonable timeframe to start and complete the median project.

Councilmen George Stelmaschuk and Glenn Goodwin didn't return calls. Councilman Tom Pavlica asked for questions to be emailed, then didn't respond.

Councilmen Robert Boldt and Joe Price left return voice messages, but couldn't be reached in time for this story.

Late starts

In March 2017, Cuyahoga County announced that it was distributing $1 million in casino tax revenue to 22 community development projects.

One county grant, for $50,000, was earmarked for the Broadview Heights median project on Ohio 82 at Interstate 77. The purpose was to beautify the area, which is an entrance into Broadview Heights.

The median, between the northbound I-77 exit ramp onto Ohio 82 and Old Royalton Road, is about 750 feet long and 16 feet wide. The plan was to install five planters, plant trees and shrubs, and mount a sign that welcomes drivers to Broadview Heights.

Mary Louise Madigan, county spokesperson, said Broadview Heights was required to use the grant by the end of 2017. However, the county granted an extension.

"We have good relationships with the cities we work with and are in regular communication with (Broadview Heights Economic Development Coordinator) Kristina Sorensen, to get a sense of how the project is going," Madigan told cleveland.com Monday.

"We are all on the same page," Madigan said. "We are very clear on where we're at with the city."

Madigan said that according to the grant terms, the Ohio 82 median project's initial start date was April 1, 2017.

However, it wasn't until late September and early October that Sal's and R.B. Stout Inc. in Akron prepared preliminary proposals for the median project, before the city decided to seek bids. Sal's quote of $142,500 included five flower boxes, 25 trees, flowering shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses.

R.B. Stout's proposal included unit prices, but not a total estimated price, for up to 23 median-strip planters and Hawthorn trees.

It wasn't clear how Sal's proposal was different from the city's final design. Nevertheless, Mahnic said the city decided to "go in a different direction."

An R.B. Stout representative said the firm didn't submit a formal bid on the median because the final design "was an entirely different project" than what the company initially envisioned.

As for council's misunderstanding of the project deadline, minutes of the Oct. 2 Service and Safety Committee show that Goodwin asked when the median had to be completed. Sorensen said at the end of the year -- Dec. 31.

Moving dates

According to a schedule in the project's "bid book," the city was to open bids on the median project Nov. 2 and city Engineer Gary Yelenosky was to recommend a contractor for the job the same day.

That date seems in conflict with a legal advertisement on the city's website, which said, "Sealed bids will be received ... on the third day of November 2017, until 2 p.m. ... and will be publicly opened and read immediately thereafter."

According to the bid book, the city notified Schirmer that it had won the contract Nov. 7. The project start date was Nov. 8 and the completion date was Dec. 31 -- leaving seven to eight weeks for Schirmer to perform the work.

Iafigliola said no one from the city, at the time of the project bidding in early November, indicated that Schirmer would be allowed to work past the Dec. 31 deadline.

"It's hard to say if it would have been possible or not to complete the project by Dec. 31, since it was weather dependent," Sorensen said in an email to cleveland.com. "We probably could have done it, but once we were able to have an extension from the county, it made more sense to work around the weather and avoid compromising the integrity of any structures or plantings."

Sorensen said the city didn't want road salt damaging the new construction or installations.

In addition to Sal's, four other companies picked up bid specifications for the Ohio 82 median project but didn't bid. They were The Builders Exchange in Valley View, Construction Market Data Group LLC in Norcross, Georgia, Perk Co. Inc. in Cleveland and Vizmeg Landscape Inc. in Stow.

Builders Exchange and Construction Market Data are not general contractors, but contractor associations that make members aware of construction projects. Association members decide on their own if they want to bid.

Kevin Covell, chief estimator at Perk, said his company chose not to bid on the project after seeing the plans.

"Once we saw the scope of the project, we just decided the job wasn't for us," Covell told cleveland.com. "It was nothing more than that. Completion dates usually don't bother us. That was not an issue."

A representative at Vizmeg, who asked not to be identified, said he had no comment.

Council awarded the contract to Schirmer instead of starting over and rebidding -- even though Schirmer's lone bid exceeded the engineer's estimate -- because the company's price was within an acceptable range, Yelenosky said.

Also, Schirmer had a "lengthy history" of similar projects and good references, Yelenosky said.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A trial that began in U.S. District Court in Cleveland on Tuesday pits the federal agency Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray once led against a law firm the agency accuses of conducting deceptive debt collection practices.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued Cleveland firm Weltman, Weinberg & Reis in April 2017, when Cordray was still director of the agency. Cordray left in November, shortly before announcing his candidacy.

The CFPB says the Cleveland firm's attorneys are not sufficiently involved in the process of sending out debt collection letters, even though the letters prominently mention that they were sent by a law firm and occasionally raise the possibility of legal action if a debt is not paid.

The firm says its tactics didn't appear to be problematic when Cordray appointed Alan Weinberg of the firm to collect debts for the state of Ohio when Cordray served as attorney general between January 2009 and January 2011.

A jury was selected Tuesday in Senior U.S. District Judge Donald Nugent's courtroom, with opening statements and testimony following.

Cordray, who is in the final stretch of campaigning prior to the May 8 primary, is on Weltman, Weinberg & Reis' witness list. The CFPB asked Nugent to block Cordray from testifying, arguing that the firm's used different practices and sent different letters when it worked for the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

Nugent on Tuesday ruled that defense attorneys could call Cordray to the witness stand, though it was not immediately clear if or when they would.

The CFPB accuses the Cleveland firm, which represents banks and creditors nationwide, of misleading those to whom they sent out thousands of collection letters. The letters prominently describe the firm as "Attorneys at Law" and say a balance is owed. Some letters reference "possible legal action" should the debt not be paid.

However, none of the firm's attorneys review the letters before they are mailed, CFPB attorney Sarah Preis told the jury. Lawyers also do not review a debtor's file or decide whether the debt is actually due before the letters are sent, she said.

Preis said it is wrong for Weltman, Weinberg & Reis to highlight its status of a law firm on the letters. These actions violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, the CFPB says.

The CFPB plans to have Georgetown University associate professor Ronald Goodstein testify that debtors are more likely to believe that an attorney reviewed their case if a law firm is mentioned in a letter.

"The evidence will show that these words matter," Preis said.

Jim Wooley, a Jones Day partner representing Weltman, Weinberg & Reis, told the jury that he represents "a law firm that honestly and ethically does its job." He said the jury will see no evidence that shows the firm said anything untruthful or hear from debtors that felt they were wronged.

He also said the evidence will show that attorneys were, in fact, involved in the debt collection process and that Weltman, Weinberg & Reis' protocols align with industry standards.

The firm also noted in court filings that Weinberg was required to use Ohio Attorney General's Office letterhead when Cordray appointed him as special counsel to the state. The letterhead contained Cordray's name, yet the collection letters did not say that Cordray had not personally reviewed the debtor's file, the filings state.

While Preis did not mention how much the CFPB is seeking for a penalty, Wooley claimed it would be enough to put the law firm "out of business."

The CFPB investigated Weltman, Weinberg & Reis for about three years prior to filing suit.Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com

Jim Jordan is among the most popular conservative politicians in America. The GOP congressman from Champaign County is a House Freedom Caucus co-founder and a perpetual thorn in the side of House Republican leaders.

He's so popular that organizations like the Tea Party Patriots and FreedomWorks have said they'd like Jordan to become Speaker of the House when current House Speaker Paul Ryan leaves Congress.

A House with Speaker Jordan at the gavel would actually pass laws, stand on principle and cut spending, said a statement from FreedomWorks president and CEO Adam Brandon. Speaker Jordan would make Congress work again.

This years anti-incumbent mood is so strong that even Jordan has a primary opponent on the ballot: Joseph Miller of Marion. Miller did not respond to repeated telephone calls and text messages seeking more information about his candidacy. The two Democratic candidates seeking Jordans seat were more eager to discuss their campaigns.

Here's more about Jordan and the candidates who want to replace him:

Don't Edit

Sabrina Eaton, cleveland.com

Incumbent Jordan seeks lower government spending, smaller government

Jordan says he's running for re-election to "stand up for the values" of people in his district.

"When I first ran for office, a friend showed me a sign he keeps in his office," says Jordan. "A set of letters that read the same forwards and backwards: DWYSYWD, standing for 'do what you said you would do.' That's the rule I've worked to follow."

If he's re-elected, Jordan says he'll continue fighting for lower taxes, a smaller, more responsive government, a strong defense, a secure homeland and a country that honors hard work and responsible behavior.

"I am excited for our country's future, but I know we cannot keep borrowing and spending taxpayer dollars like there's no tomorrow," he says.

Jordan says he's tried to practice what he preaches by consistently running a low-cost congressional office that returns millions of unspent dollars to taxpayers.

He also serves on the House Oversight Committee, where he's focused on "investigating waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government, providing checks and balance to the Justice Department of both the Obama and Trump administrations," says Jordan.

"If given another opportunity to serve, I will continue working toward the goals of open, accountable and limited government," said Jordan, whose campaign website is: jimjordanforcongress.com .

Don't Edit

Democrat Janet Garrett says Jordan is too "extreme" to represent the district in Congress

Janet Garrett, a retired teacher from Oberlin, is making her third bid for Congress against Jordan.

She calls him a "right-wing political extremist," and regards it as her civic duty to provide an alternative even though the congressional district was drawn to favor Republicans.

"If progressives want to be successful and bring about meaningful change, we need to run everywhereeven where we know it will be difficult to winbecause when we campaign on the issues that matter to people, we have the conversations essential to a competitive, healthy, and functioning democracy," Garrett said in her campaign announcement.

Garrett says Ohioans of all political stripes can unite on issues like fighting opioids, which are tearing communities apart.

"Government cannot be the sole answer to our problems, but it is clear that we agree more needs to be done to aid the organizations that are working so hard to fight this devastating epidemic," says Garrett.

She also supports eliminating "tax loopholes for corporations that ship jobs offshore" and using the money saved to make long-term investments in rebuilding transportation infrastructure, expanding Internet access to rural areas and increasing access to clean, renewable energy.

She supports stronger protections for labor unions, universal health care and automatic voter registration for 18-year-olds.

Her campaign website is: www.janetgarrett.com.

Don't Edit

Campaign photo by Danielle Ramsey

Democrat Cody Rose wants to change Washington's political climate

New Albany software developer Cody Rose isn't a fan of Jordan, President Donald Trump or political polarization. But he thinks one of the best things to result from Trump's election is that "people are paying more attention and caring more" about public policy.

That prompted him to make his first bid for public office. He's displeased that Jordan voted for a tax bill that would increase the national debt despite claiming to be a fiscal hawk, and that he seems more focused on obtaining an investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller than attempting to curtail mass shootings.

He's upset by efforts to roll back environmental rules, repeal the Affordable Care Act "with no plan in place except to put millions of people out of health care," and passage of a tax bill that gave large corporate breaks and smaller breaks to individuals. If elected, he says he'd like to reverse some of those changes.

"There are plenty of bipartisan issues that they could push through and they refuse to, because everyone is so polarized," says Rose. "It is not going to help the country."

His campaign website is: roseforohio.comLAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Lakewood won't be able to demolish Lakewood Hospital until a pending lawsuit is decided, the Eighth Ohio District Court of Appeals found Monday.

The temporary restraining order, issued by Judge Patricia Blackmon, brings redeveloping the site to a halt, even as council continued readings Monday night on an ordinance to raze the hospital.

If passed, the ordinance would be a step forward in the process to begin demolishing the former Lakewood Hospital buildings at the southwest corner of Detroit and Belle Avenues so that Carnegie Development can begin constructing the multimillion mixed-use development.

It would allow Mayor Michael Summers to sign a term sheet on the deal and further negotiate and sign a development agreement. After this, council would need to receive contracting authority to clear the site and also secure funding to complete the demolition.

The Court of Appeals must decide on whether a lawsuit against the closing of the hospital should be heard. It was dismissed in the Cuyahoga Court of Common Pleas by Judge John P. O'Donnell.

Plaintiffs Edward Graham, Marguerite Harkness, William Grulich, Deborah Meckes and Amy Dilzell alleged in their suit that the Cleveland Clinic Foundation illegally breached a lease with the city, and the city -- defined in the opinion as Mayor Michael Summers -- failed to represent residents' best interests when it shuttered the hospital.

After a months-long debate on closing the hospital and replacing it with a Cleveland Clinic family health center and emergency department, council voted to close it in December 2015.

A resolution to repeal the vote failed in November of 2016. The Cleveland Clinic, amid protests, broke ground on the new facility last April.

O'Donnell wrote in his opinion that the plaintiffs didn't have the grounds to sue and that it was impossible to define what is in Lakewood residents' interests.

Arguments in the appeals case took place March 20, but there's been no ruling yet.

"It stops potential irreparable harm," said Christopher DeVito, the attorney who filed suit.

City Council President Sam O'Leary said the plaintiffs "pulled a fast one" on the court. Even if council approved the ordinance -- which he said it is expected to do May 7 -- demolishing the hospital wouldn't happen immediately.

"That's never been the city's intention," he said.

Because of the emergency services center that the Cleveland Clinic is currently running out of the site while the new multimillion family health center is constructed across the street, the city wouldn't get access back until it's open. After that, the city would need to work through precautions in demolishing the old building.

The city filed a response to the temporary restraining order on Monday seeking its removal. The response claims that there is no basis for the order and there was no threat of immediate harm to the building because demolition couldn't occur until at least September of 2018.

Read the temporary restraining order and the city's response in the document viewers below.

This story has been updated to correctly reflect the steps Lakewood would need to take to demolish the former Lakewood Hospital building. It was also updated to include the city's response.

Temporary restraining order:

City's response:CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland police are searching for a teenage boy who went missing Monday afternoon.

Rajuan Jamal Jackson

Rajuan Jamal Jackson, 16, was reported missing at 5 p.m. from a home on Morrison Avenue following an argument with relatives, police said.

Authorities said he has asthma.

Anyone with information should call Cleveland police at 216-623-5000.

To comment on this story, visit Monday's crime and courts comments page.PARMA, Ohio -- Two Parma schools were placed on a soft lock down Tuesday morning after a teenager told a crossing guard that she had been kidnapped.

The 15-year-old girl was in a car with a male who was believed to be armed when the car stopped at West 54th Street and Grantwood Drive around 8 a.m., Parma police Sgt. Dan Ciryak said.

The male, whose age has not yet been determined, ran away from the car, and the girl told a crossing guard that she had been kidnapped in Cleveland, Ciryak said.

Police notified Parma Senior High School and Constellation Schools, both on West 54th Street, but Ciryak said there was no indication that the male was headed toward either of those schools or made any threats against them.

The girl drove off after speaking with the crossing guard, Ciryak said. Cleveland police are now handling the investigation, Ciryak said.

Parma City School District spokesman Dan Rajkovich said the lock down was in effect for about one hour, and it had been lifted by 10 a.m. Both he and Ciryak said the lock down was a precautionary measure.

A soft lock down means that students remained in classes and continued learning during the incident, Rajkovich said.

The male had not been found as of 11 a.m., Ciryak said.

To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A Cleveland man is accused of fatally shooting a 27-year-old man outside a liquor store in the city's Euclid-Green neighborhood.

Editor's note: Detectives mistakenly identified the man as a suspect in the shooting, officials said. Cleveland Municipal Court records show the aggravated murder charge against him has been dismissed.

The man is charged with aggravated murder in the death of Ashtin Williams of Cleveland.

He is not in police custody and a warrant was issued Sunday for his arrest.

The shooting happened about 9:45 p.m. Wednesday outside the Green Lite Beverage store on Euclid Avenue at Green Road, police said.

The man and Williams got into an argument in the parking lot. The man pulled a rifle from his 2008 Audi and fired several shots at Williams' car as he drove off with a 27-year-old woman inside his car, according to police.

A bullet ripped through Williams' car and hit him in the chest, police said. He drove about a half-mile down the road and stopped while the woman called 911, according to police.

Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was not hurt.

Williams was released from prison on Dec. 6 after serving a nine-year prison sentence for attempted murder.

To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mayor Frank Jackson has announced an aggressive plan to reduce crime and violence in Cleveland's neighborhoods, addressing it as a public-health issue and moving to check its causes.

A key part of the plan involves putting registered counselors in the city's 21 recreation centers. Those counselors will identify children who are suffering from trauma resulting from exposure to violence and "toxic stress" resulting from living in poverty.

Toxic stress is a condition caused by constant releases of stress hormones in the body. Children who are constantly exposed to poverty, crime and violence and a sense of helplessness are particularly susceptible to the condition. Research shows it has health consequences, can affect behavior and lead to violence.

The impacts also can continue into adulthood. Toxic stress has been linked to infant mortality rates, mental illness, diminished learning and memory skills, lower educational attainment, poverty, violence, substance abuse, lower life expectancy and dementia.

Jackson has said he knows the approach will be expensive, but that it's necessary to address violence. City Council has introduced legislation to pay for the counselors. Jackson hopes to have the counselors in place before summer.

What do you think? Is the mayor's plan the best approach to improving quality of life in Cleveland's neighborhoods? Do you think you have a better approach?

Join us from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. today for a constructive conversation on how best to address the issues of crime and violence.

Comments on this topic will be reviewed by a moderator before they are published.

In our Talk it Out pre-curated conversation, comments are published after they are reviewed -- promptly -- to ensure they adhere to our community rules, which prohibit indecent, hateful, abusive or harassing comments, personal attacks, vulgar nicknames, personal information including telephone numbers and addresses, email addresses belonging to others, anything inciting criminal behavior and copyrighted material for which you do not own the rights.CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish still refuse to share details of the region's failed bid to entice Amazon to build its second headquarters here despite a court recommending Friday that the bid should be made public.

Jackson and Budish each rejected a request Monday by cleveland.com to release the pitch following an Ohio Court Claims ruling that said the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency - which contributed information to the bid on their behalf -- has no grounds for keeping the details secret under Ohio's open records law.

The Ohio Court of Claims Special Master Jeffery Clark said in his ruling that NOACA, which produced maps and data related to site locations and was a central player in organizing the bid, failed to prove its contention that all of the information it generated qualified as a trade secret under Ohio law.

Clark recommended that the Ohio Court of Claims order NOACA to release the information to cleveland.com. NOACA was given seven business days from Friday's ruling to appeal the decision before the court rules or releases the records.

"I find [NOACA] has failed to show that any information in the HQ2 document constitutes trade secret," Clark wrote in an 18-page decision.

Cleveland.com reporter and columnist Mark Naymik filed a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims, which handles mediation in public records disputes. Melissa Bertke a partner of BakerHostetler, represented cleveland.com.

Nancy Griffith, an attorney representing NOACA, told cleveland.com on Monday that "NOACA continues to evaluate its next steps in this process."

Mary Louise Madigan, a spokeswoman for Budish's administration, said the county was not ready to release the information.

Jackson's administration said in a statement through Law Director Barbara Langhenry that the ruling on cleveland.com's complaint against NOACA is irrelevant to the city.

"The issue of the release of the Amazon bid by the City is the subject of separate litigation pending before the Ohio Court of Claims," Langhenry wrote. "The City will not release its records at this time."

Cleveland.com is among several media organizations that have requested City Hall records detailing Cleveland's bid.

Jackson and Budish agreed early in the bid process to allow Team NEO, the private, nonprofit economic-development group, to take the lead in part to keep the details of the bid hidden from public scrutiny. Team NEO said in January, after Cleveland's bid did not make the top 20, that the organization has no plans to ever release the report.

Jackson and Budish contend that the proposal's details - including tax incentives offered -- should be kept secret to preserve the region's bargaining position in future deals.

Clark said in his decision that such arguments lack credibility.

"Most of the information tailored for this specific bid will change over time, including statistics and available site locations," Clark said. "Both NOACA and future competitors will rely on different, updated information for future bids. Emphasis on relevant attributes, and incentives offered, will vary with the preferences of each business courted."NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio -- The city has permanently banned the growing, processing and selling of medical marijuana.

The City Council vote was 5-2. Larry Antoskiewicz, John Nickell, Dan Langshaw, Paul Marnecheck and Dan Kasaris voted for the ban, while Gary Petrusky and Cheryl Hannan voted against it.

"For the 18 months we had a moratorium on medical marijuana, I talked to residents, some whom don't have a problem with medical marijuana, and some who do," Antoskiewicz, who is council president, told cleveland.com.

"The one thing that stood out, whether they liked medical marijuana or not, was that they were not comfortable with having a dispensary or cultivating medical marijuana within city limits," Antoskiewicz said. "There was unease about how the process was going to work."

Langshaw, North Royalton's earliest and most vocal opponent of medical marijuana, agreed. He said Ohio's medical marijuana program has been marred by reports of corruption and other problems.

For example, errors have been found in how Ohio regulators scored applications to grow medical marijuana, although the Ohio Department of Commerce has said the errors will not affect 24 provisional medical marijuana licenses it awarded in November.

"The state has good intentions," Langshaw told cleveland.com in an email. "However, it is clear that the program is a disaster and (that it's) not in our community's best interest to have medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivators set up shop here."

Petrusky, who voted against the medical marijuana ban, told cleveland.com that he had no comment and hung up. Hannan, who also voted against the ban, didn't return calls.

North Royalton was one of several communities that established moratoriums on medical marijuana. The idea was to give city officials time to study a new state law, House Bill 523, that allows patients to use medical marijuana prescribed by doctors.

HB 523 authorizes municipal governments to restrict locations where marijuana is cultivated, processed and sold, or even ban the growing and sales of medical marijuana altogether. However, municipalities cannot stop residents from using medical marijuana purchased in other communities.

Greater Cleveland communities that have decided to allow the growing, processing and selling of medical marijuana within their borders include Cleveland, Parma, Euclid, South Euclid and Macedonia.

Debate and testimony

North Royalton first established a six-month moratorium on medical marijuana in September 2016. The moratorium was extended in March 2017 and September 2017, both times by another six months.

During that time, council debated and heard testimony on the issue, sometimes struggling to distinguish among the effects of marijuana in general, the merits of medical marijuana in particular and whether to allow the growing and selling of medical marijuana in town.

For example, in September, North Royalton police patrolman Jon Karl, resource officer for North Royalton City Schools, told council that substance abuse is a significant problem among young people. He said marijuana is a stronger drug today than it was in the past.

At the time, Antoskiewicz said that Karl's concerns were beside the point. He said the state has allowed the use of medical marijuana in all communities, even if residents must buy the drug in another town. He said North Royalton can only decide whether to allow cultivators and sellers here.

Complicating matters, Langshaw and Kasaris pointed out, was that HB 523 conflicts with federal law, which prohibits the growing and selling of marijuana under any conditions.

Hannan countered that 28 states allow the use of medical marijuana, and that the federal government has stated more than once that it would not interfere. She said doctors, not governments, should decide whether to prescribe marijuana to patients.

At a March 6 meeting of council's Review and Oversight Committee, Amy Kuntz -- coalition director of Partnership for a Healthy North Royalton, a community group that promotes alcohol- and drug-free lifestyles -- scolded council members for not reaching out to her organization for information about medical marijuana, according to meeting minutes.

Kuntz said THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is addictive and harmful. She said any municipal tax money generated by allowing medical marijuana growing, processing and selling was not worth exposing families to the drug's dangers.

Kuntz asked council members how they researched the drug and the medical marijuana issue, since the moratorium's purpose was to give the city a chance to look into the matter.

Hannan replied that she had read meeting minutes of Statehouse committees and task forces -- consisting of doctors, pharmacists, police officers, lawmakers and voters -- discussing whether to allow medical marijuana in Ohio. The committees and task forces sought feedback at town hall meetings throughout the state.

Hannan said a proposed state constitutional amendment, which would have allowed the use of both medical and recreational marijuana, prompted Ohio officials to permit medical marijuana, only because they believed it was something they could regulate and control.

Hannan said the committees and task forces heard testimony from both advocates and opponents of medical marijuana. Also, those with serious medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis, cancer and epilepsy, testified how the drug has helped them.

Weighing the merits

Council -- with no discussion, according to meeting minutes -- approved an ordinance establishing the ban on March 20.

Afterward, Nickell told cleveland.com that he initially considered voting against the ban. He thought the city might benefit from tax money generated by growers and sellers, and that North Royalton had plenty of open space where marijuana could be grown, perhaps in warehouses under tight security.

Nickell said he also took into account the testimonies of Karl -- the North Royalton schools' resource officer -- and Kuntz of Partnership for a Healthy North Royalton.

"My personal opinion remains the same -- there are benefits to medical marijuana," Nickell said. "But on my Facebook page, and just talking to people, the overwhelming response was residents didn't want dispensaries or selling of medical marijuana here."

Marnecheck said he took advantage of the moratorium to research, interview residents and read articles and materials about medical marijuana. He said he spoke to Kuntz over coffee immediately before the vote.

"I had hoped the state government would have used this extra time the moratorium provided to clear up uncertainty and produce clear guidelines," Marnecheck said in an email to cleveland.com.

"Sadly, there is still too much confusion at the state and federal level," Marnecheck said. "Even as recently as yesterday (Monday), I read an article about how discombobulated the rules and regulations are."CLEVELAND, Ohio - President Donald Trump is coming to Cleveland on Saturday to tout Republicans' tax reform legislation passed in December.

A White House spokeswoman said more details about the trip would be released in the near future.

The trip marks the second time Trump has come to Northeast Ohio on an official visit in as many months

In March, he visited a Richfield union training facility ostensibly to talk about infrastructure, but veered off on several subjects as well.

Trump's visit is just the latest from the administration, which has blanketed Ohio since the 2016 election.

Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and one of his senior advisers, came to Rocky River recentlyto discuss the tax plan. Vice President Mike Pence attacked U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, at a pro-Trump super PAC event in March for voting against the GOP tax plan.

While Trump's visit is official White House business, it comes just three days before a primary in which numerous candidates in bitterly contested races have tried to brand themselves as the most pro-Trump of the bunch.CLEVELAND, Ohio - Former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich's gubernatorial campaign released more details Tuesday about the roughly $120,000 he received from consulting.

Kucinich, a Democrat, released his tax returns for 2015 and 2016 on Monday, though he didn't specify where his consulting business, Kucinich Consulting, received $120,000 in consulting fees from in 2016. Kucinich campaign spokesman Andy Juniewicz said Tuesday the bulk of the money - $115,000 - came from the Center for Food Safety.

"In 2016, legislation was moving through the Congress that might have stripped states of their ability to test and label foods for safety and content, including (genetically modified organisms) and other safety-related criteria," Juniewicz said in an email. "Both Dennis and (his wife) worked with the Center for Food Safety on research, analysis, and strategy."

Juniewicz said the final $5,000 was from a public appearance in Connecticut on behalf of Fox News with other Fox News personalities. Juniewicz said he did not have a list of the other Fox News personalities who attended.

Kucinich's finances have been under scrutiny recently since an amended ethics filing showed he took a $20,000 speaking fee from a group supportive of Syrian President Bashar Assad. He later returned the payment amid mounting pressure.

Kucinich on Monday initially released the summary pages from his 2015 and 2016 taxes, prompting criticism from primary challenger Richard Cordray. On Monday afternoon, his campaign made Kucinich's full tax returns available for in-person review by reporters.SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The city has freed up $850,000 previously committed in Vision Fund loans to assist a pair of office anchor tenants moving into the Van Aken District.

Of its total $500,000 forgivable loan approved in mid-2016, ABA Insurance Services will receive half of that upfront to assist now with office build-out, then $25,000 annually over the course of the 10-year lease.

Approved last year, McGlinchey Stafford law offices will get a lump sum payment of $200,000 in May for build-out, with the remainder of its $350,000 loan to be paid in $15,000 increments over its 10-year lease.

Within three years, both businesses are expected to pay off what would be the equivalent loan amount through local income taxes -- as has been the case with eight of the 11 Vision Fund loans granted since 2011.

Only one relatively small loan for $19,000 has been written off so far, City Finance Director Bob Baker noted prior to council approval on April 23.

But over and above the roughly $540,000 that has been "repaid" on the original Vision Fund loans, the city has collected an additional $892,000 in local payroll tax in that time frame.

"This is the kind of economic development program where the taxes more than repay the original loan, many times over," Baker told council.

Councilman and Finance Committee Chairman Sean Malone agreed that the Vision Fund program has been "successful and instrumental in recruiting" and retaining business in the city, correcting current market imbalances.

With over $300,000 combined in projected annual local income taxes for the city, both ABA Insurance and McGlinchey Stafford plan to move into the new office building at Farnsleigh and Warrensville Center roads before the official grand opening in September.

City Council granted the release of the $850,000 from a local Economic Development and Housing account that will still have about $2.6 million remaining in unobligated funds.



In other Van Aken District business, council has also approved a Public Art Action Strategy for the "new downtown," an approach initiated last year with the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative.



More than 100 people turned out for a community meeting, survey and walking tour, followed up with two stakeholder meetings and a separate discussion with the developer, RMS Investment Corp.

The 10 agreed-upon artwork principles will provide a means to:

-- Extend out to connect with surrounding neighborhoods

-- Gather people in to the Van Aken District

-- Create a cohesive artscape that reflects a district identity

-- Express a fresh perspective, "something the city has not seen before"

-- Be inclusive of all residents, visitors and workers in Shaker Heights

-- Adapt to changing circumstances

-- Connect to nature, "a key part of the identity of Shaker Heights"

-- "Balance beauty and function for an artful district that works"

-- Anticipate the future of the district

-- "Embrace the community to which the district has strong ties"

Councilman Rob Zimmerman commended the Public Art Action Strategy as a "reflection of the collaborative process."

The "first call for art" will be done on a $10,000 budget and could be completed by September, followed up with signature artwork, with $100,000 set aside, noted City Planning Director Joyce Braverman.



Although not contiguous to the district, council also approved a plan from the Greater Cleveland RTA to improve the Van Aken-Farnsleigh Blue Line Rapid Station.

The anticipated two-month project should get under way in September and will feature a new ramp and shelters, signage, and landscaping to meeting federal accessibility standards.

Mayor David Weiss noted that council took a walking tour of its own through the Van Aken District on April 10, including the new buildings that are going up.

"You don't fully appreciate the scope and magnitude of it until you get inside, walk around and look out at everything from that perspective -- including the view right down Van Aken Boulevard," Weiss said.CLEVELAND, Ohio - April in Cleveland was frigid, wet and gloomy. But the tides are turning for May. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is sticking with the original prediction of a warm-up for the month and are increasing the chances of above-average temperatures.

We might just skip from winter straight to summer.

April 2018

This winter is engraved in many Clevelanders' brains as never-ending. The chilly weather leaked into April, and the majority of the month had a hard time creeping above the 40s. There were only a handful of pleasant, warmer days. Overall, the month landed below average for the high, low and mean temperature.

But it wasn't one for the record books.

Cleveland's coldest April on record was back in 1881 when the month finished with a chilling average temperature of 39.1 degrees. This year, we were at 43.7 degrees. In fact, the top five record-coldest Aprils were all before the year 1907. The top 10 coldest Aprils all fell at or before 1975.

April Cleveland weather records. (National Weather Service Cleveland)

While total precipitation, including both rain and the liquid equivalent of snow, was above average, we're again far from placing the month in the top 10 wettest. This year, we totaled 4.38 inches, while the record wettest was back in 2011 when 6.89 inches deluged the city. The top 10 wettest Aprils all saw over 5 inches.

Cleveland's April weather compared to normal. Data from the National Weather Service in Cleveland.

Akron followed a similar pattern to Cleveland, with the high, mean and low temperature below average, and both precipitation and snowfall above normal.

Akron's April weather compared to normal. Data from the National Weather Service in Cleveland.

May 2018 predictions

Two weeks out from May 1, NOAA originally predicted a 33 to 40 percent chance of above-normal temperatures for May 2018. But when the administration reevaluated the forecast on April 30, which is done monthly, NOAA increased the chance for a warm May.

All of Ohio, and the vast majority of the United States, is looking at a 40 to 50 percent chance of a warmer-than-average month. That's the highest probability out of the three possibilities of below, near, or above normal.

Chances of above or below the average temperature for May 2018. (NOAA)

The April showers may bring May flowers, but the rain could slow down in May. But not below normal. NOAA has Ohio under equal chances of above- or below-normal precipitation, meaning it's likely we'll hover somewhere around average.

Chances of above or below the average total precipitation for May 2018. (NOAA)

For Cleveland, those are temperatures warmer than the May average of 59.8 degrees, and likely around the same precipitation as the normal 3.66 inches. For those in Akron, that's a good chance of a temperature warmer than the average of 58.9 degrees, and roughly similar precipitation than the normal of 4.28 inches.

May temperature, precipitation averages for Cleveland and Akron. Data from the National Weather Service in Cleveland.

Keep checking cleveland.com/weather for daily weather updates for Northeast Ohio, and don't forget to submit any weather questions you may have!

Kelly Reardon is cleveland.com's meteorologist. Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter @KellyRWeather and Instagram.CLEVELAND, Ohio - Dry air and windy conditions are contributing to an increased risk of wildfires today across most of Ohio. The National Weather Service in Cleveland issued a "red flag warning" to alert locals and fire managers that outdoor burning, or prescribed burns, are not recommended through the evening.

It's not your usual warning from the weather service, and they are definitely not common in northern Ohio.

Typically, a fire weather watch is issued first in advance of the weather forecast to contribute to the risk of wildfires, and once the conditions are ongoing, the watch will be upgraded to a red flag warning. They have always been a product of the National Weather Service in Cleveland but we haven't experienced one in about six years.

"They are not common," said Karen Oudeman from the weather forecasting office at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, "We might get one or two a year depending on how the spring sets up."

Not only is the air unusually dry and winds particularly breezy, but lands are covered in dead litter and brush that are beginning to dry out with the warm temperatures and ample sun over the past few days, relayed Oudeman.

The last time these conditions set up to increase a risk for wildfires was just under six years ago, confirmed Oudeman, when the Cleveland office issued a red flag warning.

For Ohio, the threat is grass fires, not the typical forest fires that rage in the Appalachians and out west. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, each year an average of 1,000 wildfires burn 4,000 to 6,000 acres of forest and grassland within Ohio's forest fire protection district, which corresponds mostly to the state's hill country.

One of the most recent forest fires to occur in the region was back in November 2016, when a large brush fire expanded into a forest near the Whipps Ledges on the Hinckley Reservation. The fire spread over 20 and 30 acres, and it took over 50 firefighters to tame the flames.

HInckley Police along with Cleveland Metro-Park Rangers, Hinckley, Brunswick, Brunswick Hills, Granger, Sharon, Richfield, Medina, Medina Twp. Fire Departments are currently battling a very large brush fire. Posted by Hinckley Police Department - Ohio on Friday, November 18, 2016

In April 2017, a southwestern Ohio forest fire shut down all trails in the Shawnee Wilderness Area of Shawnee State Forest, Ohio's largest state forest, according to cincinnati.com. The fire extended across 493 acres at one point, and 42 firefighters were called in to monitor the situation. The fire eventually died down after officials allowed the fuel, dead trees and brush, to burn out. Officials told the local news website that this type of 300-plus acre fire occurs only once every two to three years.

While forest fires aren't all too common in Ohio, if the Buckeye state is to get them, this is the time of year, says ODNR.

"Ohio's wildfire seasons occur primarily in the spring," before vegetation has time to green-up, and again in the fall when leaf drop occurs.

Keep checking cleveland.com/weather for daily weather updates for Northeast Ohio, and don't forget to submit any weather questions you may have!

Kelly Reardon is cleveland.com's meteorologist. Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter @KellyRWeather and Instagram.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The National Weather Service in Cleveland upgraded the fire weather watch to a red flag warning for the majority of Ohio today, not including counties in Northeast Ohio. Dry air and breezy winds are contributing to a risk of wildfires, warranting the warning. The fire weather watch was originally issued for weather forecast to contribute to the fast spreading of wildfires, while the warning means the conditions are currently happening.

"Humidity levels across the region will drop to between 18 percent and 25 percent and winds are expected to exceed 15 mph. These conditions are favorable for the drying of fuels [trees and brush] and increasing the risk for the spread of fires," says the weather service. The red flag warning for Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Sandusky, Erie, Lorain, Hancock, Seneca, Huron, Medina, Wyandot, Crawford, Richland, Ashland, Wayne, Marion, Morrow, Holmes, Stark and Knox counties will expire at 8 p.m. tonight.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington says the red flag warning for the southwestern Ohio counties also expires at 8 p.m. today. The red flag warning for counties in southeast Ohio, controlled by the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, will expire at 8 p.m.

A red flag warning is issued when critical fire weather conditions are occurring or are imminent. A combination of winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire spread and fire behavior. Red flag warnings are not only to alert locals to not take part in any outdoor burning, but are also issued to alert fire managers on federal lands to conditions that are highly unfavorable for prescribed burns, and that may lead to especially dangerous wildfire growth.

Starting Wednesday, humidity levels start jumping over 40 or 50 percent for most areas in Ohio, which is moist enough to end the threat for spreading wildfires. Anyone included in the warning area can keep checking the National Weather Service in Cleveland's website to follow whether a wildfire has been reported. Anyone who sees a wildfire is urged to call 911 to report it.

Keep checking cleveland.com/weather for daily weather updates for Northeast Ohio, and don't forget to submit any weather questions you may have!

Kelly Reardon is cleveland.com's meteorologist. Please follow me on Facebook and Twitter @KellyRWeather.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The National Weather Service is asking the majority of Ohioans not partake in outdoor burning today. A combination of dry air, breezy winds and warm temperatures are increasing the risk of fast-spreading wildfires, warranting the red flag warning that covers most of the state.

The warning was recently upgraded from a fire weather watch.

Even on days without this type of weather, Ohio has strict outdoor burning laws.

Outdoor open burning and prescribed fires are prohibited during the months of March, April, May, October and November, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., even if the fire is contained in a proper burn barrel.

Specifications for a proper burn barrel. (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

An open burn refers to debris, brush and trash fires, while a prescribed burn is a curative measure lit under predetermined conditions to "meet various resource management objectives," says the ODNR. Most prescribed burns are lit to get rid of undesirable vegetation.

A prescribed burn can actually stimulate the growth of native vegetation and reduce accumulated dead, and dry, vegetation that acts as fuel to wildfires. Prescribed burns may only be conducted during the burn ban with the permission of the chief of the Division of Forestry.

There are several conditions that must be met for a burn to occur during the restricted period: anyone conducting the burn must obtain permission from the landowner, monitor the fire while it's burning, and take every precaution to prevent the fire from escaping and spreading out of control.

Anyone burning outdoors must set the fire at least 1,000 feet from a neighboring building, and there is no burning allowed during an air pollution alert, warning or emergency -- like today's red flag warning across most of Ohio. The fire, and resulting smoke, must be far enough away from local roadways, railways, or airfields to not obscure visibility. Food waste, dead animals, and materials including rubber, grease, asphalt and petroleum are never to be burned any time or place in Ohio.

ODNR officials say many types of open burns require notification and to contact the Ohio Division of Forestry or the Ohio EPA before setting one.

Keep checking cleveland.com/weather for daily weather updates for Northeast Ohio, and don't forget to submit any weather questions you may have!

Kelly Reardon is cleveland.com's meteorologist. Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter @KellyRWeather and Instagram.May 1, 2018

 Astronauts from today meet Miles from Tomorrowland in the next episode of Disney Junior's "Mission Force One."



The animated TV series, which follows the future space adventures of young Miles Callisto and his team of science, technology and art-skilled friends, looks "back" at our present day space program in "The Space Station Situation," the next episode of the series' third season. The episode, which features the voices and likenesses of real space explorers, will debut for everyone watching here on Earth on Monday (May 7), about two weeks after it was seen by the six people currently living off the planet.



"I had heard the ISS crew had watched the Ridley Scott movie 'The Martian' when it came out and thought that was so cool to have something current being watched in outer space," said "Mission Force One" creator and executive producer Sascha Paladino. "We had been doing so many events with NASA and looking for ways to bring our show beyond the television screen, so it seemed like it would be a really interesting possibility for us."



"I thought, 'How hard could it be?'" Paladino recalled. "Well, it is really hard to get something shown on the space station. There are a lot of hurdles and approvals that have to happen within NASA, but it seemed to be worth trying and fortunately Disney was really supportive of the idea."



Last week, the half hour episode became the first kids' television show to premiere on board the International Space Station. The setting was appropriate because the orbiting outpost is central to its episode's story.



Messing up vs. messing it up



"This was the first time we've ever had to get the look of something right, because usually we are inventing spaceships  we're creating our own crazy vehicles and inventions and gadgets and there are no rules, we are just using our imagination," explained Paladino. "We're often inspired by real technology or futuristic tech that we've seen plans for, but here it was a different challenge for us."







"The Space Station Situation" (clip) Click to enlarge and view in a new window. (Disney Junior)

The episode follows as Miles, his sister Loretta and their friends Mirandos, Blodger and Haruna as they travel back in time to prevent the space station from getting stuck in the future. The show's animators looked at NASA photography to get the details of the space station correct.



"This was our one chance over the course of the whole series to show an existing spacecraft, so it was really important to us to get it right," described Paladino. "We felt this tremendous responsibility. NASA agreed to let us do this and we wanted to show the ISS as it really is in its best light."



"It wasn't hard to find images because NASA is so great at sharing its photos," he added. "But there were so many iterations  over the years the ISS has changed and been added to until it reached its present state. We tried to make sure we had the most current version of the ISS."



A helpful tip came from one of the episode's voice talent, former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, who visited the show's animation studio and previewed the artwork for the space station.



"He did have one comment we took to heart and that was it was too neat. He said the ISS was much more messy. Our designs at the time were pretty clean in terms of the lines and look of it. He said there were a lot of cables everywhere," Paladino said.



"We didn't want to do anything that would show the ISS in a bad light, but we tried to mess it up a little bit," Paladino said.



Crew members 'cartoonized'



Joining Kelly lending their voices and likenesses to "The Space Station Situation" were U.S. astronauts Jeanette Epps and Yvonne Cagle of NASA, Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti with the European Space Agency and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko of Roscosmos. Cristoforetti, Kelly and Kornienko lived together on the space station during Expedition 43 in 2015.



"Glad I could help... and be cartoonized," wrote Kelly on Twitter on Monday (April 30). Kelly and Kornienko spent a record 340 days on the space station during the outpost's first yearlong mission.



"Haha! I recognize my haircut," tweeted Cristoforetti, referring to her animated self and a trim she received from Expedition 43 commander Terry Virts while she was on orbit.



NASA flight director Holly Ridings and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) scientists and engineers Randii Wessen, Diana Trujillo, Bobak Ferdowsi and Kevin Hand are also featured in the episode.



"This is how I look IRL [in real life]," tweeted Ferdowsi, who was dubbed "Mohawk Guy" by the press due to his hair style during the landing of NASA's Mars Curiosity rover in 2012.



Kevin Hand, who is the deputy project scientist for NASA's mission to Europa, has previously advised the show on depicting the moon of Jupiter. Padadino wanted to include Hand and his colleagues in the new episode, but knew that it would not be usual for JPL personnel to be at the station's mission control in Houston, where he wanted to show them.



"I asked everyone why a few JPL people would be in Houston and they said, 'Well, we would only be there if we were presenting a new design, talking about a new concept that mission control would need to help with,'" recounted Paladino. "They suggested a concept of a helicopter being thought about for Mars, so we used that idea."



Space facts and storytelling



Bill Nye, the "Science Guy" and CEO of The Planetary Society, also has a cameo in "The Space Station Situation," reprising his role as the alien scientist "Professor Rubicon." In addition, the episode features the talents of Grammy Award-winning banjo player Bela Fleck, who covers "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," the theme from Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress.







"The Space Station Situation" (clip) Click to enlarge and view in a new window. (Disney Junior)

"Mission Force One" (or "Miles from Tomorrowland," as the first two seasons were titled) incorporates space and science facts in each of its storylines. Experts from NASA, JPL, the Space Tourism Society and Google serve as consultants, but the facts they offer are weighed against the needs of the story.



"NASA was not thrilled that we proposed breaking the ISS in this episode. I don't think it was their first choice of how we'd portray the ISS, but it was important that our story still had the excitement and drama that all our episodes have," Paladino said. "So it was finding that middle ground between making sure the space facts never felt didactic or like a lesson  it should be fun and entertaining  and using this opportunity to highlight the ISS and what an incredible achievement it is."



"The Space Station Situation" marks the first time that the show has animated real astronauts (or any real people) and only the second time that it has had a real-life space explorer voice a character. Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin recorded the part of "Commander Copernicus," head of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, in a previous episode.



In addition to the premiere on the space station, a private screening of "The Space Station Situation" was held at Space Center Houston, the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas, this past weekend. The half-hour episode makes its television debut at 5:30 p.m. EDT on Monday (May 7) on Disney Junior and in the DisneyNOW app.Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili.

Cardiac Assist Devices Market : Global Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2013 to 2016 and Forecast 2017 to 2024

Cardiac Assist Devices Market overview:

Global cardiac assist devices market is expected to grow at significant rate. Cardiac assist devices are one of the promising treatment options for heart failure patients. Market players are focused on vertical integration in order to develop innovative products. For instance, in October 2013, Sunshine Heart Inc. (changed name to CHF Solutions Inc.) collaborated with Minnetronix Inc. to develop the transcutaneous energy transfer system to power the fully-implantable C-Pulse heart assist system. For instance Medtronic Plc. has expanded its product portfolio into the cardiac assist devices market by the acquisition of HeartWare International, Inc. in June 2016. Also in October 2015, St. Jude Medical, Inc.

A sample of this report is available upon request @

https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/cardiac-assist-devices-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx

Cardiac Assist Devices Market Dynamics:

Rising prevalence of cardiac disorders, surge in geriatric population and technological developments in cardiac assist devices, which minimize the chances of infection and improved efficiency. In addition, the rising number of cases of heart failure and shortage of donors for the late stage is expected to boost the cardiac assist devices market during the forecast period. However, factors such as the availability of alternative treatment options such as "peace makers" and "heart transplantation" expected to hinder the cardiac assist devices market growth. More chances of infection, high cost of devices and stringent regulatory procedures expected to act as restraints for the growth of the market over the forecast period.

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https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/cardiac-assist-devices-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu

Market Scope: Cardiac Assist Devices Market

Global cardiac assist devices are segmented based on product type, flow rate and end user

Based on the product type, cardiac assist devices market is segmented into

 Ventricular Assist Devices (VDS)

o External Ventricular Assist Devices

o Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVDS)

or Biventricular Assist Devices

o Right Ventricular Assist Devices

 Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps

 Total Artificial Heart

Based on flow rate, cardiac assist devices market is segmented into

 Continuous Flow

 Pulsatile

Based on end user, cardiac assist devices market is segmented into

 Hospitals

 Ambulatory Surgical Centers

 Others

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https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/cardiac-assist-devices-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3

Global Cardiac Assist Devices Market Region Overview:

Global cardiac assist devices market is segmented into following regions, viz. North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and Europe. North America is expected to be a major market for cardiac assist devices, as well as healthcare awareness and favorable reimbursement policies. Europe cardiac assist devices market expected to grow at significant rates. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at notable rates.

Cardiac Assist Devices Market Competition Assessment:

Global Cardiac Assist Devices are Calon Cardio-Technology Ltd. (UK) Syncardia Systems, Inc. (US), Medtronic (US), Berlin Heart GmbH (Germany), CHF Solutions, Inc. (US), Teleflex Incorporated (US), MAQUET GmbH & Co. (Germany), Abiomed (US) and Abbot Laboratories (US).

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Website @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.comThis way the other person will realize of which you gave importance him and then she listened to his point of view on that subject by which he is angry. 7.She enumerates the listened thing: When a person is angry begins by the part in which according to her she is right. Then you must enumerate the facts to him objectively to be able to reconstruct all the story and of that way to change the center to him of the anger. 8.No he has because to give the reason him, but he does not say either to him that he is mistaken. For other opinions and approaches, find out what Wendy's has to say. When somebody is very angry is very difficult to make change it of opinion.



But you can calm it with phrases like: " in place yours " would have done the same; or " I understand like you sents" , etc. 9.It secures a solution: If you do not know like helping that person, pregntele. If you know how to help she enumerates it the steps that must follow to solve the problem. If it sees that it is not in an suitable position to solve the problem it tries to look for aid. Dgale wants that it to help. Of that way the other person would notice that to you really you matter to him and who is arranged to help it. Dayton kingery has firm opinions on the matter. 10.It eliminates the following phrases: " If you calmed a little " " If you left hablar" me; " You are being irrazonable" " Exactly which is its problem? " These phrases which obtains are to exacerbate the problem and to intensify the wrath of the person who speaks to us.



To all this it is added, the suggestion, that if it observes that the person is uncontrollable the best thing than can do is to go away. The appropriate commentaries can be that it will find to which solves the problem to him and thus to be able to take off itself of the situation of which is not contributor. One remembers in addition, that if it deals with an angry person while he remains calm will be able to handle the situation. Really, it must be known how to manage the emotions, maintain the calm, be balance and to confront the situation with much serenity and optimism to leave ahead. basic *Referencia.: enplenitud.com Original author and source of the article.Innovative Ratings Approach Addresses Investors' Need to Understand Companies' Material Carbon Risks AMSTERDAM, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --A Sustainalytics, a leading provider of ESG and corporate governance research, ratings and analysis, today launched its new Carbon Risk Ratings, which measure companies' exposure to and management of material carbon risks. The Carbon Risk Rating captures a variety of carbon signals in a single, quantitative assessment designed to support investment analysis, decision-making and reporting. The Sustainalytics' solution provides insights related to material investment risk that cannot be calculated through the traditional approach of carbon footprinting. Investors are seeking to better understand their exposure to carbon risk given actions by influential groups such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the increase in climate change legislation worldwide. Sustainalytics' Carbon Risk Ratings enable investors to understand carbon-related risks and opportunities, engage with companies, develop new investment solutions and manage portfolio risk. "Given mounting regulatory and industry pressures around climate change, investors informed us they need deeper insights that go beyond carbon footprinting and that reflect a focus on risk and financial materiality," said Michael Jantzi, Sustainalytics' chief executive officer. "Sustainalytics' Carbon Risk Ratings symbolize our commitment to build and deliver innovative, high-quality products and services that support investors' decision-making processes." Sustainalytics' strategic business partner, Morningstar, today announced its new MorningstarA Portfolio Carbon Risk Scorea, a measure that will help investors evaluate a portfolio's exposure to carbon risk. In addition, the company is offering investors a larger set of 70 carbon indicators as part of its MorningstarA Portfolio Carbon Metricsa. "Together with Sustainalytics, we are advancing our shared goal to help investors make more informed decisions about their investments in low-carbon strategies," said Kunal Kapoor, Morningstar's chief executive officer. "Sustainalytics' Carbon Risk Ratings are the foundation for the Morningstar Portfolio Carbon Risk Score, which will allow investors to evaluate a portfolio's exposure to carbon risk and make a positive environmental impact." Sustainalytics' Carbon Risk Ratings span more than 4,000 publicly-listed companies and encompass 147 subindustries. In addition to the Carbon Risk Ratings, investors have access to Sustainalytics' underlying research, including assessments of carbon intensity, stranded carbon assets exposure risk, fossil fuels involvement, and carbon solutions involvement. "A holistic view of carbon risk is required by investors today," said Vikram Puppala, Sustainalytics' associate director of Carbon Solutions. "Our Carbon Risk Ratings look at unmanaged carbon risks in a company's operations and its products and services, offering investors a lens into the material carbon risks in their investments." To learn more about Sustainalytics' Carbon Risk Ratings and its entire suite of Carbon Solutions, please visit here. About Sustainalytics

Sustainalytics is a leading independent ESG and corporate governance research, ratings and analytics firm that supports investors around the world with the development and implementation of responsible investment strategies. For over 25 years, the firm has been at the forefront of developing high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of global investors. Today, Sustainalytics works with hundreds of the world's leading asset managers and pension funds who incorporate ESG and corporate governance information and assessments into their investment processes. With 13 offices globally, Sustainalytics has more than 390 staff members, including over 180 analysts with varied multidisciplinary expertise across more than 40 sectors. Over the last three consecutive years, investors named Sustainalytics among the top three firms for both ESG and corporate governance research in the Independent Research in Responsible Investment Survey! . For mor e information, visit www.sustainalytics.com. Media Contacts:

Sarah CohnA A Werner SchoemanA A sarah.cohn@sustainalytics.comA werner.schoeman@sustainalytics.comA A P) +1 646.963.6944A A P) +31 20 205 0048A A Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/655371/Sustainalytics_Logo.jpgThe Economist Events will host its third-annual 24-hour event spanning three cities globally to continue driving impactful discussions about how to push the global LGBT agenda forward as political shifts in the rich world threaten progress. NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --A On May 24, 2018, The Economist Events will host its third annual Pride and Prejudice Summit, a 24-hour event hosted by The Economist Events across three cities a Hong Kong, London and New York. This year's summit will continue to challenge and push forward the global conversation around lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) diversity and inclusion, with a focus on evaluating how advocacy can translate these discussions into meaningful action to improve the legal rights and societal treatment of LGBT people worldwide. Chaired by The Economist editors, Pride and Prejudice 2018 will include a panel of speakers comprising of chief executives, politicians and activists, such as: New York William Barber , pastor, Greenleaf Christian Church

, pastor, Cecilia Chung , senior director of strategic projects, Transgender Law Center

, senior director of strategic projects, Transgender Law Center Robin Diamonte , chief investment officer, United Technologies

, chief investment officer, United Technologies Ana Helena ChacAn EcheverrAa , vice-president, Costa Rica

, vice-president, Brian Krzanich , chief executive, Intel Corporation

, chief executive, Intel Corporation Daniel Lee , president, Levi Strauss Foundation

, president, Levi Strauss Foundation Jessica Matthews , founder and chief executive, Uncharted Power

, founder and chief executive, Uncharted Power Tony Prophet , chief equality officer, Salesforce

, chief equality officer, Salesforce Kenji Yoshino , chief justice earl warren professor of constitutional law, New York University School of Law London Vittorio Colao , chief executive officer, Vodafone Group

, chief executive officer, Vodafone Group Alison Brittain , chief executive, Whitbread

, chief executive, Whitbread Matt Brittin , president, EMEA business and operations, Google

, president, EMEA business and operations, Google Sir Roger Carr , chairman, BAE Systems

, chairman, BAE Systems Sir Nick Clegg , former deputy prime minister, United Kingdom

, former deputy prime minister, Bruce Daisley , vice-president, EMEA, Twitter

, vice-president, EMEA, Twitter Moya Greene , chief executive, Royal Mail

, chief executive, Royal Mail Tamara Ingram , worldwide chief executive, J. Walter Thompson Hong Kong Raymond Chan , member, Legislative Council, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

, member, Legislative Council, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Maureen DeROOIJ , chief executive, Asia-Pacific , ABN AMRO Bank

, chief executive, , ABN AMRO Bank Sean Fitzgerald , co-president, Federation of Gay Games

, co-president, Federation of Tadashi Fujita , executive vice-president, Japan Airlines

, executive vice-president, Japan Airlines Shane Hodges , vice-president, Asia-Pacific , American Airlines

, vice-president, , American Airlines Tomoya Hosoda , councillor of Iruma, Japan

, councillor of Iruma, Tomoko Nakagawa , mayor of Takarazuka, Japan

, mayor of Takarazuka, Nareeluc Pairchaiyapoom , director, international human rights division, department of rights and liberties protection, Ministry of Justice, Thailand

, director, international human rights division, department of rights and liberties protection, Ministry of Justice, Raghu Raman , group president, Reliance Industries

, group president, Reliance Industries Geraldine Roman , congresswoman, House of Representatives of the Philippines

, congresswoman, House of Representatives of Marina Walter , country director, India , United Nations Development Programme

country director, , United Nations Development Programme Wei Xiaogang , co-chair, Beijing Queer Film Festival Over the past several months, The Economist Intelligence Unit has conducted a global survey of executives to examine current attitudes towards advocacy and the perceived effectiveness of corporate advocacy initiatives, and to assess how advocacy correlates with corporate strength. The findings will be presented at each summit and will contribute to the discussions in each location. Pride and Prejudice is sponsored by AlixPartners, Morgan Stanley, T. Rowe Price, William Blair, Goldman Sachs, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., American Airlines, Biogen, Nomura, Ogilvy & Mather, Heidrick & Struggles, Manulife Financial Corporation and the United Nations Development Programme. Porter Novelli and Kreab are the public relations partners. For more information on the full program and speakers, visit the event website. MEDIA CONTACT:

Ravi SunnakA

Porter NovelliA

ravi.sunnak@porternovelli.comA

+1 212 601 8173A Lauren HackettA

The EconomistA

laurenhackett@economist.comA

+1 212 554 0639 About The Economist Events The Economist Events brings the rigour of informed analysis and intelligent debate that The Economist is known for to life on stage in international forums. They host over 80 events annually in over 30 countries on topics that convene world-class thought leaders on a range of strategic business issues. Follow @EconomistEvents on Twitter and check #EconPride for event updatesAcne is an inflammatory skin disease that, for individuals afflicted by it, can leave both physical and emotional scars. While acne is most often thought of as the terrible and inevitable bane of late adolescence, it can just as easily become a chronic problem for adults. In fact, acne is considered to be the eighth most prominent disease in the world, impacting nearly 10% of people (adults and adolescents) on a global scale1 and more than 80% of adolescents in developed countries.2

While acne itself is not normally considered to be a life-threatening disease, the social impact of acne can be utterly devastating; significant increases in depression and anxiety in acne sufferers can lead to a severe decline in quality of life.3 Considering how emotionally damaging the effects of this widespread disease can be, it is little wonder why the skin care industry has a strong interest in developing products to counter the effects of this dreaded skin condition.

In vitro Approaches to Anti-acne Testing

Acne is thought to be caused by an infection of the pilosebaceous unit by the Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria. The condition preferentially impacts areas of the skin with a high density of sebaceous glands, such as the face, back and chest. In general terms, acne is characterized by four major pathogenic factors, and in order for a material to be effective at treating acne, it should target one or more of them; these include:4

Localized skin inflammation;

An increase in sebum production by sebocytes;

Keratinocyte hyperproliferation; and

An overgrowth of the P. acnes bacteria.

Skin Inflammation

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The epidermal layer of skin essentially forms the first layer of defense between our bodies and the outside world. While the skin contains immune-specific cells, such as Langerhans, other types of non-immune-specific cells also possess an innate immune ability and can recognize microbial invasions. With respect to acne, the epidermal cells with innate immune ability to recognize and respond to the problematic P. acnes are the keratinocytes and sebocytes. This recognition is thought to occur through a specialized membrane protein found on these cells belonging to the Toll-like receptor (TLR) class of proteins.

The TLR family is a remarkable family of proteins designed to respond to various sorts of stimuli associated with bacterial, fungal and viral infection. Members of this family can respond to lipopolysaccharides from Gram-negative bacteria, unmethylated CpG DNA or ssRNA associated with viruses, bacterial specific ribosomal subunits and a host of other microbial components.5 With respect to how keratinocytes and sebocytes recognize P. acnes, this identification is thought to occur via TLR2, which recognizes peptidoglycan, a component of Gram-positive bacteria such as P. acnes.6, 7

As would be expected with a membrane receptor designed to recognize foreign microbial invaders, the TLR2 signaling pathway is linked to the activation of NF-kB, with the subsequent release of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and IL-8.6, 8 Intermediates in this signaling pathway between TLR2 and NF-kB appear to be MYD88, IRAK and TRAF6, although it also appears that cytokine production can occur via TLR2 activation using the p38/MAPK pathway, independent of NF-kB.9

Activation of TLR2 and the subsequent measurement of cytokine production using either cultured keratinocytes or sebocytes is a well-established model currently used to screen materials for anti-acne effects. While activation of TLR2 can be accomplished using cultured live P. acnes,9 heat-killed P. acnes or cell-free extracts of P. acnes,8 some labs my lack the equipment for microbiological culture or may be hesitant to introduce bacteria into an otherwise sterile cell culture facility. If this is the case, then TLR2 activation can be achieved using commercially available peptidoglycan agonists such as PGN-BS, PGN-EB, PGN-EK and PGN-SA.

In fact, the use of purified agonists may even be preferable to P. acnes since the concentrations of the TLR2 agonists can be more precisely controlled for experimental purposes. Regardless of the means to activate TLR2, the endpoint for the assay would involve the measure of cytokine release. This can easily be accomplished using ELISA-based methods, which provide effective measurements of how good any active would be at reducing the inflammation associated with P. acnes.

The interaction between P. acnes, skin cells and the pathogenesis of acne continues to be intensely researched.

In addition to TLR2 agonists, many compounds are available that can target specific parts of the TLR2 signaling pathway leading to inflammation. These include: TLR2 antagonists (sparstolonin B and CU-CPT22) or neutralizing antibodies (OPN-305); MYD88 inhibitors (ST2825 and NBP2-29328); IRAK inhibitors (AS 2444697); NF-kB inhibitors (JSH-23 and rolipram); as well as p38 MAPK inhibitors (SB 202190 and SB 203580). These compounds can provide a detailed analysis of whether given actives of interest may potentially impact TLR2 signalingand where in they process they may decrease the release of inflammatory cytokines.

It should be noted that not all effects mediated by the TLR2 signaling pathway result in the release of inflammatory cytokines. Activation of the TLR2 pathway can also promote the release of antimicrobial proteins such as human -defensin 4 from both sebocytes and keratinocytes, and also promote P. acnes uptake and digestion by sebocytes.7 Both of these responses promote a reduction in the P. acnes population in the infected area. Therefore, an ideal anti-acne active could preferentially reduce the excessive inflammatory response produced by TLR2 activation while also maintaining the release of antimicrobial proteins and uptake and destruction of P. acnes.

Sebum Production

In vitro models for sebocytes often employ immortalized versions of human sebocytes such as SZ95, SEB-1 and Seb-E6E7.11 However, the use of these cell lines can be restricted for certain applications or require a special licensing fee, which can prohibit their use in certain labs. Fortunately, in recent years, many commercial vendors for human cells have now started to offer primary cultures of normal human sebocytes. The growth of normal human sebocytes does require the use of specially treated cultureware, such as collagen or fibronectin coating of growth surfaces, but they are essentially simple cells to grow in a laboratory setting. These cells will typically can undergo a small, limited number of population doublings before requiring treatment with compounds such as insulin or IGF-1,12 adiponectin13 or LXR, which induce lipid accumulation.14

It is during this lipid accumulation phase that actives can be screened to determine if they impact the lipid accumulation process, which can then be used as an index on the material's ability to inhibit sebum production. In sebocyte lipid accumulation assays, the sebocytes are often fixed at the end of the lipid accumulation phase and treated with Oil Red O, a common stain that marks accumulated lipids within the cell with a vivid red color. The Oil Red O staining can either be visualized microscopically in the fixed cells and/or recovered and measured using spectrophotometric-based methods to get a quantitative index of lipid accumulation. Both the visualization of Oil Red O and its quantitation can provide data on how well an active can reduce or inhibit lipid accumulation within the sebocytes, and its potential to reduce sebum production.

Keratinocyte Proliferation and P. acnes Reduction

Assays for cell proliferation and antibacterial activity are well-established. Cellular proliferation assays normally involve measuring either: the number of viable cells using an assay such as MTT, or DNA synthesis using an assay such as BrdU incorporation. To screen materials for anti-acne effects, keratinocyte proliferation is first stimulated using an acne-relevant stimulus such as androgens,15 insulin/IGF-116 or even fatty acids,17 then effects of the test material are measured to see if they attenuate a proliferative response. Antibacterial assays commonly use classic methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of a compound versus P. acnes bacteria. This reveals whether the compound has antibacterial activity and the potential for use as an anti-acne active.15

It is little wonder why the skin care industry has a strong interest in developing products to counter the effects of acne.

Concluding Remarks

The anti-acne assays listed in this article are by no means comprehensive. The interactions between P. acnes bacteria, skin cells and the pathogenesis of acne are very complex and continue to be an intensely researched. However, these assays may provide a starting point from which to screen novel materials for their potential to benefit this all too common skin affliction.

References

JK Tan and K Bhate, A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne, Brit J Derm 172 (supplement 1) 312 (2015) DD Lynn, T Umari, CA Dunnick and RP Dellavalle, The epidemiology of Acne vulgaris in late adolescence, Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics 7 1325 (2016) CM Nguyen et al, The psychosocial impact of acne, vitiligo and psoriasis: A review, Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Derm 9 383392 (2016) JH Yang et al, Seeking new acne treatment from natural products, devices and synthetic drug discovery, Dermato-Endocrinology 2(1) e1356520 16 (2017) U Ohto, Conservation and divergence of ligand recognition and signal transduction mechanisms in Toll-Like receptors, Chem and Pharma Bulletin 65 697705 (2017) JL Selway, T Kurczab, T Kealey and K Langlands, Toll-like receptor 2 activation and comedogenesis: Implications for the pathogenesis of acne, BMC Dermatology 13 10 (2013) LD Hisaw et al, Antimicrobial activity of sebocytes agains P. acnes via Toll-like receptor 2 and lysosomal pathway, J Inves Derm 136 20982101 (2016) YC Huang, CH Yang, TT Li, CC Zouboulis and HC Hsu, Cell-free extracts of P. acnes stimulate cytokine production through the activation of p38 MAPK and Toll-like receptor in SZ95 sebocytes, Life Science 139 123131 (2015) JM Kim, JE Choo, HJ Lee, KN Kim and SE Chang, Epidermal growth factor attenuated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in human epidermal keratinocytes exposed to P. acnes, Annals of Dermatology 30 5463 (2018) YY Wang et al, Chlorin e6-mediated photodynamic therapy suppresses P. acnes-induced inflammatory response via NF-kB and MAPKs signaling pathway, PLoS ONE 12 e0170599 114 (2017) L Xia, CC Zouboulis and Q Ju, Culture of human sebocytes in vitro, Dermato-Endocrinology 1(2) 9295 (2009) TM Smith, Z Cong, KL Gilliland, GA Clawson and DM Thiboutot, Insulin-like growth factor-1 induces lipid production in human SEB-1 sebocytes via sterol response element-binding protein-1, J Inves Derm 126, 12261232 (2006) YR Jung et al, Adiponectin signaling regulates lipid production in human sebocytes, PLoS ONE 12(1) e0169824 (2017) L Hong, MH Lee, TY Na, CC Zouboulis and MO Lee, LXRalpha enhances lipid synthesis in SZ95 sebocytes, J Inves Derm 128(5) 126672 (2008) CJ Lee, LG Chen, WL Liang and CC Wang, Multiple activities of Punica granatum linne against Acne vulgaris, Intl J Mol Sci 18 141 (2017) O Isard et al, P. Acnes activates the IGF-1/IGF-1R system in the epidermis and induces keratinocyte proliferation, J Inves Derm 131 5966 (2011) BR Zhou, Palmitic acid induces production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1B and TNFa via a NF-kB-dependent mechanism in HaCaT keratinocytes, Mediators of Inflammation (2013)"The US$200 million transaction is subject to certain working capital adjustments and capital expenditures for project development through the closing date. The parties expect to conclude the transaction shortly after required regulatory approvals and customary conditions, which may take a few months," it noted.

Minsur expects to begin construction in the second half of this year, and forecasts the project will be operational by the end of 2020. With a total resource base of 432 million tonnes (0.75% average copper grade), Minsur expects the mine to operate for up to 18 years, including pre-stripping work.

Mina Justa is a transformational expansion that will strengthen Minsur's business model through greater diversification into copper and significant cash generation starting in 2021. Once fully operational, Mina Justa expects that annual production will reach as much as 150,000 tonnes in the mine's first four years of operation, and will produce about 100,000 tonnes per year of copper concentrates and cathodes during the mine's life.

Alxar

The project will require about a US$1.6 billion investment , 50% of which will be debt-funded, with the remaining 50% equity-funded by Minsur and. Even after selling the 40% stake, Minsur will incur a sharp increase in leverage and sustained negative free cash flow at least through 2020.FAY-WEST CALENDAR

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From the Pastors Desk

When you hear the word zeal, what comes to your mind? Websters New Collegiate Dictionary gives this definition: Ardor in the pursuit of anything; ardent and active interest. A synonym...

CHURCH NEWS

Rummage sale A rummage sale will be held at the Calvin United Presbyterian Church, 311 Mulberry St., Scottdale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7 and 9 a.m. to noon...Amber Rudd, without doubt, demonstrated incompetence and misled Parliament. As a result of her departure from the Cabinet, British public life is in a slightly purer condition today.

And yet the baying Left-wing mob which had been calling for her sacking have shamefully misrepresented the events that led to her resignation. They claim her policies were at fault rather than her lamentable execution of them.

That is why her Labour critics  from Corbynistas such as Diane Abbott to Blairites like Yvette Cooper  are calling for a change of the Governments immigration policy as a result of the Windrush scandal. These calls are either mistaken or a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.

The truth is that there was relatively little wrong with the immigration policies of Amber Rudd, or of her predecessor as Home Secretary, Theresa May.

Amber Rudd, without doubt, demonstrated incompetence and misled Parliament. As a result of her departure from the Cabinet, British public life is in a slightly purer condition today

Of course, everyone agrees that the Windrush generation immigrants have been treated abominably and the fiasco leaves an ugly scar on the Tory Government. Quite rightly, ministers are working overtime to undo the damage.

However, the Rudd debacle has allowed Labour to conflate treatment of those Caribbean immigrants who were welcomed here with attitudes towards illegal immigrants.

It is impossible to stress enough times that the Windrush generation were legal immigrants.

On the other hand, it is estimated that there are more than one million illegal immigrants living in Britain. This figure was given to a Commons select committee last October by a former director-general of immigration enforcement.

Although he argued that no one could ever remove them, he added: There needs to be seen that there is a risk that if you dont abide by the rules, and you overstay or you commit crimes, there is a consequence and a real risk of being removed.

Last weeks revelation that at least 27,000 have been arrested in the past four years gives some idea of the enduring scale of the problem.

Illegal immigrants include failed asylum-seekers who refuse to leave Britain and foreigners who have sneaked in by evading border controls.

The Governments policy to curb illegal immigration is correct. Any responsible government of any country would do the same.

Stopping illegal immigration is both morally right and popular, as well as being in the best interests of those immigrants here legally.

For many illegals have obtained access to public services  of which there are limited resources  such as the NHS, schools, roads and welfare payments.

The British people are a decent lot, and have always welcomed immigrants to these shores. We value fairness. That is why there was such outrage over the treatment of the Windrush generation.

Two weeks ago, at Prime Ministers Questions, Jeremy Corbyn insinuated that Mrs May had called for a hostile environment for all immigrants. Note, not illegal immigrants

The same attitude applies to citizens from other EU countries who have come here to work under EU freedom of movement rules. They have been told repeatedly by ministers that they will be allowed to stay after Brexit, and the Government is taking action to ensure they will not suffer.

Reassurance has been given, too, to asylum-seekers who come here to seek aid and protection from countries caught up in civil war and violence.

But illegal immigrants, just like those involved in any other kind of illegal activity, must be stopped and, if possible, once here, deported. Apart from anything else, this is often in their own interests.

People in this country illegally are commonly brought here on false promises by people-smugglers who steal their money or employ them as slave labour.

Some are forced into prostitution or become victims of brutal gang-masters.

Theresa May made all this very clear in her letter accepting Ms Rudds resignation. She said that illegals and over-stayers should expect to face the full force of the law and know that they will be removed if they will not leave this country voluntarily. She also paid tribute to those here legally and who have enriched the life of our country.

That said, her talk, as Home Secretary, of creating a hostile environment for all illegal immigrants could have been more felicitously phrased.

But the policy she was seeking to implement was reasonable and fair. It has, however, been grossly misrepresented.

Two weeks ago, at Prime Ministers Questions, Jeremy Corbyn insinuated that Mrs May had called for a hostile environment for all immigrants. Note, not illegal immigrants.

Yesterday, too, the BBC failed to make the difference clear, referring to Sajid Javid, Ms Rudds successor, as saying he disowned the hostile environment tag attached to the Governments migration policy. Note, again, not its policy towards illegal migration.

I suspect that Sajid Javid will get to grips with the Home Office and ensure that existing policies are carried out in an honest and competent way

Mrs May has never called for a hostile environment for all immigrants. Quite the contrary. She supports a compassionate approach to immigrants seeking a new life in Britain.

For her part, Ms Rudd resigned for inadvertently misleading Parliament.

On that basis, for deliberately misleading Parliament, at the very least Mr Corbyn should, if he was a man of honour, correct the record.

Indeed, Labours entire immigration policy is a total mess. Anyone who doubts this should search out footage of yesterdays interview with Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott by Piers Morgan on ITVs Good Morning Britain.

He asked her time and time again what her policy was towards illegal immigrants.

Did she agree with Boris Johnson that there should be an amnesty? Should they be deported?

Ms Abbott was unable to come up with any kind of answer. All she could do was to say again and again that she wanted a new approach. However, no clue was offered what that approach should be.

It has to be said that, for all her errors, Amber Rudd was an infinitely more reassuring presence at the Home Office than the prospect of Diane Abbott in the post  which would most likely be the case if Labour wins the next General Election.

Ms Rudds resignation is a personal tragedy but it ought not to lead to any change in Government policy.

I suspect that Sajid Javid will get to grips with the Home Office and ensure that existing policies are carried out in an honest and competent way.

Very few  on the Right or Left of politics  will want him to change policy, turn a blind eye to illegal immigrants and open our borders to uncontrolled mass immigration.

The ineluctable fact is that immigration is a sensitive matter, and rightly so.

In the 13 years between 1997 and 2010, net foreign migration totalled 3.6 million. And the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 578,000 migrants arrived here in the year to September 2017.

Most of these came during the Blair years as part of a policy, according to a speech-writer for New Labour ministers, to transform Britain into a new kind of society where British attributes would have no greater status than any other culture.

Anyone making a new life in a foreign country encounters a huge challenge. They are faced with a new language, a new culture and the need to take on new responsibilities. For such reasons, the British Government goes to great lengths to help immigrants adjust.

This kind of assimilation is much, much harder for illegal immigrants  many of whom are obliged to work in the black economy, dont learn English and sometimes turn to crime.

It is in this context that ministers want to tackle illegal immigrants  not all immigrants.

Sajid Javid, whose father moved to Britain from Pakistan and worked as a bus driver in Bristol, will understand this better than most.

As Home Secretary, he must stick to the policies that he has inherited from his predecessors Amber Rudd and Theresa May.In April, Tia Freeman, a 22-year-old first-time mother, made headlines after successfully delivering her own baby in a hotel room using tips on YouTube.

But Ms Freeman isn't the only person to turn to YouTube in a time of need, with countless Australians shockingly admitting to educating themselves about all kinds of bizarre things via the platform.

A number of callers rang into Australian radio show Kyle & Jackie O to reveal their experiences, with one woman dobbing in a friend who had taught herself how to do piercings and tattoos.

'My friend lives in Thailand and she's from England. She has created her own tattoo and piercing shop and she had never tattooed or pierced anyone in her whole life,' she said.

In April, Tia Freeman, a 22-year-old first-time mother, made headlines after successfully delivering her own baby in a hotel room using tips on YouTube

She recounted her friend as saying: 'Today I had a person come in who wanted her lady parts pierced. I told her I had another appointment, she went off and got something to eat and I just YouTubed it.'

I taught myself a whole physiotherapy degree via YouTube.

'She came back and looked at the video and did a bit of DIY and it all went smoothly,' she said.

Another woman, Mary, said she taught herself how to professionally groom her toy poodle.

'I have a toy poodle and to get him a haircut is really expensive and you've got to do it once a month. Because I am a single mum and working I couldn't afford it but I wanted a toy poodle,' she said.

'I was a bit of a slacker and didn't go to uni very much so I taught myself a whole physiotherapy degree via YouTube,' one woman said

'I YouTubed it and bought myself some clippers and I give him a proper poodle cut. They give you step by step on how to do ears, the top knot at the top of their tail - everything!'

Jessica taught herself the majority of her degree on YouTube - an admission that shocked the radio hosts.

'I was a bit of a slacker and didn't go to uni very much so I taught myself a whole physiotherapy degree via YouTube,' she said.

'Everything from cardio-respiratory to musculoskeletal, taught it all to myself on YouTube. I actually sat my exams for it but all the techniques - all the lectures I just didn't go so I would see what the topic was then just YouTube and just teach it to myself.

'I did do my exams and placements but I did teach myself everything on YouTube.

Another woman, Mary, said she taught herself how to professionally groom her toy poodle

'Even now as a practitioner you can jump onto certain physicians' YouTube channels and you can learn all these cool techniques.'

Ms Freeman, from Nashville, Tennessee, wowed people the world over when she shared her own YouTube birthing story.

The 22-year-old learned she was expecting late into her pregnancy, and continued to push it from her mind until she went into labor on a flight to Turkey.

Once at her hotel and surrounded by people who spoke a language she didn't understand, she took to the internet.

'In true millennial form, I decided to YouTube it. If no one else had my back, the internet would! So here my a** is in my hotel room, all by my lonesome learning, how to deliver my own baby,' Ms Freeman, now the mother of a healthy seven-week-old boy, said.

Others replaced toilet cisterns and/or taught themselves how to build things

Speaking to Kyle & Jackie O, Ms Freeman, who serves in the US Air Force, said she was Googling whether she was in labour before clicking onto YouTube.

'I didn't have any clue how labour worked, nobody spoke English, I didn't know how my insurance would work and I didn't know the emergency number so I was just like 'Okay looks like we are doing this',' she said.

'I figured I would figure it out the same way I figure everything else out in life - pull out the Internet. There were two videos I went back and forth between and I'm looking this up and watching it all while I am actively in labour.'

The videos showed Ms Freeman three potential birthing positions, what towels to use and what to do once the baby arrived.

Ms Freeman, from Nashville, Tennessee, wowed people the world over when she shared her own YouTube birthing storyA British woman has swapped the hustle and bustle of London life to set up home in a hut built by hand in the depths of the Amazonian rainforest.

Mari Muench, 52, married her husband Kurikindi in 2010 after meeting him while she was travelling Ecuador, where they lived together for a short time before making the move back to the UK.

But with Kuri, a shaman, aching to get back to his roots, the couple eventually made the decision to move back to his homeland along with their five-year-old daughter, Samai.

With the help of his tribe Kuri spent six months building a wooden hut for his family to live in, using only his bare hands to construct the shelter, which has no walls.

It took the family two days of travel on two flights to reach one of the most isolated parts of the world, where Mari is only the second non-white person to have ever entered the tiny community of just 26 people where the family now lives.

Their arrival marks the start of their new life in the rainforest, which is being documented by Channel 4 in the show Our Wildest Dreams.

Along with help from his tribe Kuri built a hut with no walls for his family with just bare hands

Mari left behind her home in Greenwich for something a little different after agreeing to return to her husband's roots

Mari was thrilled to see her newly built home, that she and daughter Samai would live in with Kuri

Mari agreed to follow Kuri back to his tribe after he began finding city life difficult, but agreeing to start from scratch in an wildly different setting was not easy for the born and bred Londoner.

Only able to speak Spanish to a few members of her new community, Mari found the new culture and habitat something of a culture shock.

'It's not Yarmouth thats for sure,' she told the Channel 4 cameras.

Mari previously ran a successful Go-Karting company before selling it to go travelling, on an adventure that took her to Ecuador, where she met her now husband.

The tribe shaman explained that when they first met he already knew she was the one: 'When I was 15 years old I saw Mari in a vision, so I was waiting, waiting, waiting and so arrived Mari.

Mari Muench left her cosmopolitan life in Greenwich to join her husband Kurkindi in his remote home in the Amazon rainforest joined by daughter Samai (pictured together)

The tribe spent two weeks clearing a plot of land in the jungle which was 45 minutes from the main camp

In the space of a few months Kuri had built a frame for his home using materials from the surorunding jungle

They used palm tree leaves from the jungle to tightly weave the roof and bark to make strong rope to secure everything in place

Mari settled into her new life with her tribe, sitting down for dinner together in the main village

The pair married within a few months of meeting, and Mari stayed with him in Ecuador before they returned to London together.

Now Mari is having to learn how to fend for herself in her jungle home; hunting fish, eating insects and cooking for her family - all while learning how to fit in with the members of the tribe.

She admitted to struggling with the language barrier, and said being unable to joke or make small talk was lonely at times.

Speaking on the show, she said: 'I am starting to miss the sense of familiarity, what life is like at home, or be able to crack a joke or a pun.

'Here I will have to learn to laugh at my own jokes which I do anyway,' she said with a smile.

Mari first met Kuri in 2010 while on holiday to Ecuador, they married within months and she began to build a life there

Mari had to learn the way of her fellow tribes people, often lamenting that she had no one to bond with over British culture

Kuri had to put a stop to his building plans after unprecedented rain storms hit the Amazonian jungle

Mari learns how to plant crops so she can provide for her family, digging in 40 degree heat

With no machinery to hand, it takes two weeks of intense labour just to clear a patch of land 45 minutes away from the main village camp, to make way for the family's new home.

Everyone chips in, with one tribeswoman explaining that 'work is not seen as being as a woman's or a man's - they all work and are equal'.

Four months of solid building later, the hut has begun to take shape - despite a significant hurdle in the shape of unprecedented rainstorms that hammered the camp.

Kuri was forced to put the work on hold for almost a month until the rains had passed.

Mari was seen weeping with joy on the show when, six months after they broke ground, she set sight on her new home for the first time - surrounded by fellow members of the tribe who had arrived to give them a housewarming.

Our Wildest Dreams returns on Friday, Channel 4 at 8pmAdvertisement

While nights out clubbing are traditionally enjoyed by young singles or parents who are child-free for the evening, a new game-changing event has exploded onto the scene.

One of the most unique concepts to hit the nightlife industry, the Big Fish Little Fish family rave is preparing to launch on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and will allow parents to party with their toddlers.

Described as 'family fun for the post-rave generation of parents', the event will be hosted at Platinum Nightclub in Broadbeach and include trance and house music, a multi-sensory dancefloor, craft tables, a licensed bar and a face painting stall.

While nights out clubbing are traditionally enjoyed by young singles or parents who are child-free for the evening, a new game-changing event has exploded onto the scene

One of the most unique concepts to hit the nightlife industry, the Big Fish Little Fish family rave is preparing to launch on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and will allow parents to party with their toddlers

Described as 'family fun for the post-rave generation of parents', the event will be hosted at Platinum Nightclub in Broadbeach and include trance and house music, a multi-sensory dancefloor, craft tables, a licensed bar and face painting

It will also have a play area with tents and tunnels and a baby chillout space.

Designed for families with children under eight, the event can only be attended by adults with children and there is a maximum of three children per adult for safety reasons.

'Big Fish Little Fish is a concept originally from London which at its core is a themed clubbing/rave experience in a safe environment for families, providing craft and chill out areas as well as a fully licensed bar,' the event's Queensland co-ordinator, Stuart Mattheson, told FEMAIL.

Designed for families with children under eight, the event can only be attended by adults with children and there is a maximum of three children per adult for safety reasons

'We book good quality nightclubs and the DJs are professionally renowned. The music they play isn't changed for the children but the volume is turned down to World Health Organisation guidelines to be safe for the littler ravers' ears,' Queensland co-ordinator, Stuart Mattheson, told FEMAIL

Mr Mattheson, who will be playing at the launch of the event with his group Binary Finary, said some of the key features include bubbles, lights, glow sticks and a big 'parachute finale' (pictured is the craft area at a previous event)

'We book good quality nightclubs and the DJs are professionally renowned. The music they play isn't changed for the children but the volume is turned down to World Health Organisation guidelines to be safe for the littler ravers' ears.'

Mr Mattheson, who will be playing at the launch of the event with his group Binary Finary, said some of the key features include bubbles, lights, glow sticks and a big 'parachute finale'.

'We have a baby change area and a baby chill out space with tents and a small ball ball pit. We also have a craft area for the little ravers to make and colour in bits and pieces. There are three or four choices of things to make and do,' he said.

'We also have a craft area for the little ravers to make and colour in bits and pieces. There are three or four choices of things to make and do,' he said (pictured is one of the performers at the Brisbane event)

To ensure the environment is safe, the nightclub runs the same as any other event with door staff and security and all venues are thoroughly risk assessed in advance of the doors opening

'We bring our own stewards as well to take care of areas and make sure everyone has information at hand should they need it. They are there to advise and help parents should they need it,' Mr Mattheson, a father himself, said

Packed food is also allowed to be taken into the venue.

To ensure the environment is safe, the nightclub runs the same as any other event with door staff and security and all venues are thoroughly risk assessed in advance of the doors opening.

'We bring our own stewards as well to take care of areas and make sure everyone has information at hand should they need it. They are there to advise and help parents should they need it,' Mr Mattheson, a father himself, said.

'This is a totally inclusive environment for families. The craft is tailored to two to eight-year-olds but really any child who would enjoy a fun filled music adventure is always welcome,' he said

'The response is always amazing. The smiling faces say everything. The events always have such a great vibe to them, they are wonderful to be involved in,' he said

Big Fish Little Fish first launched in Queensland in February and they have also ran sold out events in Sydney and Melbourne

'This is a totally inclusive environment for families. The craft is tailored to two to eight-year-olds but really any child who would enjoy a fun filled music adventure is always welcome.

'The response is always amazing. The smiling faces say everything. The events always have such a great vibe to them, they are wonderful to be involved in.'

Big Fish Little Fish first launched in Queensland in February and they have also ran sold out events in Sydney and Melbourne.

The Gold Coast event will take place on May 5th and run from 2pm to 5pm. Tickets cost $27 for adults, $18 for children and are free for 'pre-walkers'.Erica Garza was once addicted to bingeing on porn and seeking out potentially dangerous sexual encounters.

The release she got from these two experiences helped her forget about the 'more difficult emotions' she was seeking to bury.

She has opened up to FEMAIL about what it's like to be a sex addict in a bid to normalise the notion that women can be affected too - in fact, one third of all sex addicts are female.

The release she got from these two experiences helped her forget about the 'more difficult emotions' she was seeking to bury (Erica pictured)

For Mrs Garza, 35, it was a gradual realisation that she was becoming hooked on sex.

'Sometime in my late twenties I started noticing a patterns with my relationships,' she said.

'I didn't invest as much energy or care into platonic relationships and I often sabotaged romantic relationships when I felt myself caring too much.

'I liked to keep things loose and casual, but felt lonely all of the time. I was also bingeing on porn as a coping mechanism when difficult emotions came up, and I didn't know how to stop.

'Sex addiction manifests differently in every addict, but for me, it meant using sex as an escape route and feeling a deep sense of shame.'

Her addiction manifested from the age of twelve, after she was diagnosed with scoliosis and faced the taunts of bullies as a result.

'I started using masturbation and porn as an outlet for emotional distress and low self-esteem when I was twelve, the same year that I was diagnosed with scoliosis and started getting bullied at school for wearing a corrective back brace,' she explained.

'Sometime in my late twenties I started noticing a patterns with my relationships,' she said

'When I was trying to achieve orgasm, all of my worries and stress just melted away and I came to rely on sexual release as a crutch for dealing with difficult emotions. I continued relying on this method even after I had the brace removed and started focusing on my outward appearance to gain the attention of the opposite sex.

'Any time I feel that I may have lost interest in these methods or developed healthier ways of dealing with my problems, internet speeds went up or a new boy became interested in me and I could escape again and again.

'Later, I started to seek out the same feeling of shame and pleasure I got in the type of porn I watched in the sexual relationships I sought. If a man treated me poorly, this was okay, because the shame I felt in allowing myself to be mistreated mirrored the shame I felt in watching degrading porn.'

Watching hardcore porn was one of the more preferred methods Mrs Garza had for 'getting off' because 'shame was a part of her pleasure'.

'I watched hardcore porn in which women were degraded. I needed harder clips in order to feel something because I'd grown desensitised to softer porn,' she said.

Watching hardcore porn was one of the more preferred methods Mrs Garza had for 'getting off' because 'shame was a part of her pleasure'

'I also sought out sexual relationships in which men said or did degrading things to me just like I'd seen in the clips. I came to rely on porn and sexual experiences that produced shame in me because shame was an integral part of my pleasure.'

But despite the very intimate situations the Los Angeles native would find herself in, there was still a feeling of disconnection with her partners.

'Even if I was having a lot of sex, there was always a wall up between me and the other person. I was scared of being vulnerable and didn't trust intimacy.

'But coming clean about my addiction has allowed me to be more honest and open about who I am, and this has allowed me to connect more with others. I am now happily married to the first person I ever confessed my addiction to.'

Mrs Garza also raises a daughter with her now-husband, and hopes she never learns to associate shame with pleasure.

Mrs Garza's story doesn't fit into the usual framework of a stereotypical sex addict, with many people believing you need to have suffered some form of trauma

'I want her to feel worthy of expressing herself sexually and otherwise and to be comfortable in her body. I want to be a safe space for her, someone she could come to with questions without fear of being judged or turned away.'

Mrs Garza's story doesn't fit into the usual framework of a stereotypical sex addict, with many people believing you need to have suffered some form of trauma.

'When your story doesn't sit into that narrative of trauma or sexual abuse, you feel this extra layer of shame because you feel like you can't talk about it,' she told Business Insider Australia previously.

'Like your pain isn't justified. And I don't think anything diffuses shame more than being able to talk about it.'

Mrs Garza has released a book about her experiences titled 'Getting Off: One Woman's Journey Through Sex and Porn Addiction' which can be purchased here.It's easy to get tongue-tied when pronouncing beauty brand names aloud.

But now, experts at Harper's Bazaar have come up with a handy guide to ensure you have your pronunciation down to a tee when requesting your favourite cosmetics.

From L'Occitane to Illamasqua, many brand names are prounounced very differently to how you might expect.

Even the most famous beauty brands, including Lancome, are often pronounced incorrectly by most.

Aveda

Pronounced: ah-vay-da

Natural beauty brand Aveda's name comes from the Sanskrit word for 'all knowledgle'.

Its founder Horst Rechelbacher launched the brand in the late 1970s in a bid ot create 'holistic beauty through wellness'.

Swedish brand Byredo, pronounced: bye-ray-doh, has gained cult status among beauty fans

Byredo

Pronounced: bye-ray-doh

Launched in 2006, Swedish brand Byredo has quickly gained cult status among beauty fans.

The brand's name is a portmanteau of 'By Redolence', which means by the way something smells.

Dr Hauschka

Pronounced: doctor howsh-kuh

Founded by Austrian chemist Rudolf Hauschka, the Dr Hauschka brand has become known for its organic skincare range.

Since its first products launched in the 1960s, the brand has gone on to be stocked around the world - including at Marks & Spencer.

Glossier, pronounced gloss-ee-ay, was created by Emily Weiss in 2010 and has become a favourite among millennials

Glossier

Pronounced: gloss-ee-ay

A favourite among the millennial demographic, Glossier was created by Emily Weiss in 2010 to 'make beauty as much of an element of personal style as fashion'.

Known for its pretty packaging and natural-looking make-up, the brand's products are perfect Instagram material.

Guerlain

Pronounced: gher-lahn

French beauty brand Guerlain was first founded in 1828, making it one of the oldest cosmetic houses in the world.

The brand has had a number of celebrity ambassadors over the years, including Angelina Jolie.

Illamasqua, pronounced illa-mass-ka, is a British brand that was founded by marketing guru Julian Kynaston in 1998

Illamasqua

Pronounced: illa-mass-ka

Despite its unusual name, Illamasqua is actually a British brand that was founded by marketing guru Julian Kynaston in 1998.

The brand name is actually a combination of the words 'illusion' and 'masquerade'.

Kerastase

Pronounced: keh-ras-tass

French brand Kerastase is known for its luxurious haircare products, used in salons around the world.

Founded in 1964, the brand has gained a reputation for its specialists hair treatments - with the likes of Emily Ratajkowski being among its celebrity endorsers.

French brand Kerastase, pronounced: keh-ras-tass, is known for its luxurious haircare products

Lancome

Pronounced: lohn-cohm

Lancome was first founded as a perfume house in 1935, before expanding into other cosmetics products.

The name of brand was inspired by the forest of Lancosme, in the La Brenne region, central France.

The Lancome name, pronounced lohn-cohm, was inspired by the forest of Lancosme in France

L'Occitane

Pronounced: lox-ee-tahn

Beauty brand L'Occitane means 'the woman from Occitania', an ancient geographic area in southern France.

The brand's full name is L'Occitane en Provence, but is commonly known as L'Occitane.

Shu Uemura

Pronounced: shoo eh-moor-ah

Japanese beauty brand Shu Uemura is named after its founder, who launched his first cosmetics company in 1967.

The brand now has stores across the world, including London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong.Former jailbird Michaella McCollum has showed off her growing baby bump in a new Instagram snap.

The Peru Two drug mule, from Northern Ireland, posed in a figure-hugging palm print dress and floppy hat as she attended a recent daytime event.

She teased followers about the sex of her baby in the caption, asking whether she will have to buy a 'pink or blue' car seat.

Mother-to-be: The Peru Two drug mule, from Northern Ireland, posed in a figure-hugging palm print dress and floppy hat as she attended a recent daytime event

Surprise: She teased followers about the sex of her baby in the caption, asking whether she will have to buy a 'pink or blue' car seat

She wrote: 'Angle got me looking tiny. I guess I am gonna have to shop infant car seats soon. Pink or Blue?'

The post, which was shared yesterday, was met with dozens of comments from supportive followers who praised the 'gorgeous' and 'beautiful' mother-to-be.

McCollum has been keeping followers updated with her pregnancy on Instagram since announcing she was expecting with a picture in January.

In one recent image the mother-to-be is seen cradling her bump while wearing a skin-tight black dress. She added the caption: 'Blessed'.

Social media fan: McCollum has been keeping her 15,000 Instagram followers updated with the progress of her pregnancy and recently shared this one with the caption 'blessed'

In February McCollum posed in a red bikini as she enjoyed an evening dip at an indoor pool, believed to be at the Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort, in Cavan, Ireland

She shared another snap from the mini-break, showing her looking thoughtful by the poolside

McCollum shot to notoriety in 2013 when she and her friend Melissa Reid were arrested in Lima for smuggling drugs and were dubbed the Peru Two by the Press.

She has since become something of a public figure, attending events and escaping the chilly British weather on holiday.

In February she was spotted strolling along a palm tree-lined beach in Alicante, Spain.

McCollum was seen enjoying Rhonda Byrne's famed self-help book The Secret, which details how the 'law of attraction' can help you fulfill your dreams, simply by putting positive thoughts into the universe.

The 24-year-old, from Northern Ireland, confirmed her pregnancy in January by posting this image of her stomach on Instagram, pictured. She is seen nestling a mystery man

She has not revealed who the father is but there was a mystery man featured in the snap she posted announcing the pregnancy.

Wearing black and white Calvin Klein underwear, McCollum was pictured nestling between the legs of an unseen man, who was resting one hand on her bump.

Captioning the post, Michaella wrote: 'Wow had some crazy dreams... guess that's what happens when your dreaming for more than one.'

McCollum's agent later confirmed the pregnancy revealing that she was looking forward to motherhood.

Michaella McCollum Connolly, left, with Melissa Reid following their arrest in Peru in 2013

Speaking to the MailOnline they said: 'Michaella is pleased to announce her pregnancy, her journey since being back home has been life changing experience.

'Michaella is looking forward to her journey into motherhood. Couple this with the excitement of her book release and 2018 is set to be an amazing year for Michaella.'

In January McCollum was spotted shopping for baby clothes and was also seen leaving ultrasound specialist, babybond in Belfast.Officials at a Catholic high school are planning to hand out 'modesty ponchos' on prom night to students whose dresses are deemed too revealing.

The ponchos, some of which have bright colors and patterns, are currently on display at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan, a coed, $8,775-per-year institution.

'If your dress does not meet our formal dance dress requirementsno problem! We've got you coveredliterally,' a note attached to the ponchos reads. 'This is our Modesty Poncho, which you'll be given at the door.'

Scroll down for video

Garment: Officials at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan, are planning on handing out 'modesty ponchos' on prom night to students whose dresses are deemed too revealing

On show: The ponchos, some of which have bright colors and patterns, are currently on display at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan, a coed, $8,775-per-year institution

The message, which ends with a smiley face, is displayed next to a couple of other notes, including one that specifies the ponchos are available 'in short and long styles'.

Students at Divine Child High School, along with their parents, are already required to sign an agreement outlining the guidelines for prom attire.

The document, published by Fox 2, provides detailed instructions regarding the amount of coverage prom dresses must provide, prohibiting 'exposed cleavage, two-piece dresses, or visible midriffs' among other things.

One student, speaking anonymously to the network, said the school has now 'gone very far' by debuting the ponchos ahead of the dance, which is scheduled for May 12.

'As we walk into prom, we are to shake hands with all the teachers and if you walk through and a teacher deems your dress is inappropriate you will be given a poncho at the door,' she said.

Incentive: Mary Pat O'Malley (left), the theology teacher who came up with the idea for the ponchos, said the garments are meant to prompt students to respect the dress code

Student body: Divine Child High School (pictured) counts 51 per cent female students and 49 per cent male, according to its website

The student expressed concern at the thought of coming forward against the ponchos, adding: 'Who knows what will happen to those who try and speak out against it.'

Mary Pat O'Malley, the theology teacher who came up with the idea for the ponchos, told the network the garments are meant to prompt students to respect the dress code and make sure their dresses follow the guidelines.

'We are trying focus on the inner beauty and not draw attention to something that doesn't need attention drawn to it,' she said. 'It was really intended as a deterrent and a lighthearted one at that.'

Erin Wade, a junior at the school, purchased her prom dress in January but is now having second thoughts about her mermaid-cut gown.

The student told the Detroit Free Press that, although she and her mother both find the dress to be modest, she started worrying about the neckline after spotting the ponchos in the school lobby.

Policy: Students at Divine Child High School, along with their parents, are already required to sign an agreement outlining the guidelines for prom attire

Official rules: The document prohibits 'exposed cleavage, two-piece dresses, or visible midriffs' among other things

She has now resolved to buy another dress even though the dance is fast approaching, telling the newspaper: 'It's a very stressful time.'

O'Malley and the school principal told Fox 2 that parents have not complained about the ponchos.

One parents, however, strongly opposed the concept behind the garments.

'It's a method of shaming, a method of bullying, a method of degrading females,' the parent told the network anonymously.

While the note attached to the ponchos doesn't specifically mention female students, it does say the garments will be handed out if dresses do not meet school parameters, suggesting that the measure is primarily aimed at girls.

The agreement to be signed by students and parents does outline rules regarding tuxedos and suits, asking for example that students be 'clean-shaven' and specifying: 'We will have a razor at prom if necessary.'

Divine Child High School counts 51 per cent female students and 49 per cent male, according to its website.

The prospect of being asked to wear a modesty poncho might not deter every student from wearing the dress of their choice to the dance.

Faced with that possibility, the student who spoke to the network anonymously said that if she is asked to put on one of the ponchos, she will refuse it.

'If I'm not able to attend my prom, then that is fine,' she said. 'I would be OK with going to dinner somewhere else, dressed up.'Female high school students from a network of charter schools in Chicago are reportedly bleeding through their uniforms because strict bathroom policies prevent them from going to the toilet when necessary.

At Noble Network of Charter Schools, bathroom breaks are so limited, girls are stuck bleeding through their pants because they don't get enough opportunities to change their sanitary napkins or tampons regularly enough.

Since the number of students bleeding through their pants was so high, the administration of the 16 schools sent out a school-wide email with a bizarre solution - students would be allowed to tie a Noble sweatshirt around their waist if they bled.

Inhumane: Female high school students from Chicago charter schools are reportedly bleeding through their uniforms because of strict bathroom policies (pictured the Pritzker College Prep)

Horrible: At Noble Network of Charter Schools, bathroom breaks are so limited, girls are stuck bleeding through their pants because they can't change their sanitary napkins

Bad treatment: After hearing about the horrible treatment of female students, people took to the internet to share their disgust

Charter schools are funded by the government with many students coming from under-privileged families and according to NPR Illinois, more than 58 per cent of students don't have laundry machines at their homes.

Students not having a washing machine in their house makes the situation even worse because once the students stain their clothes, they have no way of washing them.

One teacher spoke to NPR anonymously through text message and had some of her students text through her phone as well.

A female student shared the bathroom situation at school revealing, 'We have bathroom escorts and they rarely come so we end up walking out of class and that gets us in trouble.

'But who wants to walk around knowing there's blood on them? It can still stain the seats. They just need to be more understanding,' the girl continued.

Some schools are slightly more understanding of the situation allowing kids to wear a Noble sweater around their waist but make it even more shameful for the students.

Respect: Someone suggested donating sanitary napkins to schools but this woman said they need respect before they need products

Prisoners: The students at Noble have to be escorted to the bathroom which this woman thinks is inhumane

WTF: This man just cannot get over what is wrong with the staff at the schools and why they're so mean

Shaming students even more for menstruating, the faculty sends an email out to everyone revealing the name of the girl who gets permission to wear her sweater so that the rest of the staff knows not to give her detention for violating the dress code if she's seen wearing it.

After news got out that these charter schools were treating their students so horribly, people took to the internet to share their disgust.

'WTF is wrong with these people?' one man wrote while someone else commented, 'Never once in college or any job I've had has someone limited my bathroom breaks or forced me to bleed through my pants.'

'I can't wrap my head around why this would ever be a policy... anywhere,' another user commented.

A very annoyed man told all of the female students to revolt writing, 'Girls, refuse the hoodie offer! Make everyone look at the blood. Do not join in on the cover up. Make them all see you are women and need a damn bathroom whenever you have your period. Period.'

'How is this an okay way to treat children?' one person asked while someone else shared, 'Imagine being a menstruating teenager and having an email being sent out to the school's entire staff about that fact.'

Abuse: One woman suggested putting laundry machines in the schools at least because 58 per cent of students don't have them in their homes

Adult world: Another person is curious how instilling this rule is preparing kids for the adult world

Change: Despite the horrible issues, in October 2017 two teachers from the Noble Pritzker College Prep helped female students convince administration to switch the uniform to black

'This is inhumane and treats them like prisoners,' one woman exclaimed while another wrote: 'They need to be treated like human beings with dignity and respect and allowed to go to the bathroom instead of having their every move policed.'

'Just when I thought I'd finished reading all the horrifying things on the internet today...,' one woman wrote in regard to the horrible news.

Meanwhile two people were absolutely disgusted as one woman wrote, 'This is horrific, shameful, and unnecessary,' while another said: 'Nothing noble at Noble.'

'What kind of adult world is this preparing them for?' a very confused user asked while another woman suggested a solution: 'This is abuse and a hygiene issue.

'Also they could give out free tampons and pads and install a washer and dryer at the school since so many kids don't have them at home.'

Although students are still facing these issues every day, some changes are slowly being made.

In October of last year two teachers from the Noble Pritzker College Prep campus helped their female students convince the administration to switch the uniform to black pants instead of khakis and it worked.Ashley Graham's rise to fame has turned her into a paparazzi darling  and she is using their constant presence in her life to her advantage.

The 30-year-old model has launched her Summer 2018 swimwear collection using unretouched paparazzi photos of herself, calling her latest Swimsuits For All campaign 'Power of Paparazzi.'

The stunning photos show the curvy star modeling sexy one-pieces and bikinis from her collection while on a beach in Miami.

Au naturel! Ashley Graham has launched her Summer 2018 swimwear collection with a campaign featuring unretouched paparazzi photos of herself

Brilliant: The curvy model can't leave the house without paparazzie taking her photos, and she used their constant presence to her advantage

Brilliant: The 'Power of the Paparazzi' campaign features photos of the 30-year-old modeling pieces from her latest Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All collection

Empowering: 'I hope these images instill a fearless belief in everyone to be happy in their own skin and enjoy living in the moment, no matter who is watching,' Ashley said of the campaign

Ashley explained that she wants women to feel comfortable in their skin despite any perceived 'imperfections,' and the pictures are meant to empower women to live their lives to the fullest.

'This campaign is different than any other I have worked on throughout my entire career,' Ashley said in a statement.

'I hope these images instill a fearless belief in everyone to be happy in their own skin and enjoy living in the moment, no matter who is watching.'

In one photo, Ashley is donning a sport black two-piece, gold heeled sandals, and retro sunglasses while she is standing on set.

Paparazzi darling: The photos were taken while Ashley was on set on a beach in Miami

Unconventional concept: Ashley said the campaign is 'different than any other' she has worked on before

Proud: The unretuched images show Ashley striking a pose without any concern that her photo is being taken by the paparazzi

Being herself: In one shot, the curvy star flashes her tattoo while wearing a high-cut one-piece with a plunging neckline

Another image shows her strutting her stuff in a racy black one-piece featuring a plunging neckline.

Her long brown hair is curled and blowing past her shoulders, and she accessorized her look with statement earrings and strappy stilettos.

Other pictures show Ashley rolling around in the sand, posing by the surf, and leaning against a vintage car parked on the beach.

The nine-piece Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All collection was inspired by the art deco style reminiscent of the 1920s, making Miami's art and architecture the perfect backdrop for the unconventional shoot.

Being watched: Ashley struck a pose near the surf during the unconventional 'shoot' in Miami

Added touches: The nine-piece Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All collection was inspired by the art deco style reminiscent of the 1920s

Eye-catching: Ashley's 'Whoopee' bikini (pictured) features straps, studs, and high-waisted bottoms

Fun in the sun: Ashley wore her long brown hair curled and loose around her shoulders while she posed on a pile of rocks on the beach

The Roaring Twenties even influenced the names of the suits, which feature monikers such as the 'Flapper' swimsuit and the 'Hotsy-Totsy' bikini.

The collection, which launched on Tuesday, comes in sizes 4 to 22 while prices range from $102 to $120.

Ashley is an advocate for body positivity, and just a few weeks ago she called out an Instagram troll who shared swimsuit photos of her while dubbing her a 'fat model.'

The images of Ashley were posted alongside pictures of Victoria's Secret stars Alessandra Ambrosio and Miranda Kerr, whom the person called 'real models.'

Getting comfortable: The model was even photographed lying in the sand while on the beach

Unveiled: The collection, which launched on Tuesday, comes in sizes 4 to 22 while prices range from $102 to $120

Hitting back: Just a few weeks ago, Ashley called out an Instagram troll who shared swimsuit photos of her while dubbing her a 'fat model.'

Take that: 'Your weight, your skin, your hair, your religious background, none of that determines whether youre a real model or not,' Ashley said of the photos

Ashley took the opportunity to fire back in a series of passionate Instagram Story posts, blasting anyone who dares to categorize women in such a vicious way.

I know Im being a little petty by posting these stupid photos of somebody who wrote real model and fat model but I will let you know, nothing defines what a real model or a fat model or fake model is,' she said.

'Your weight, your skin, your hair, your religious background, none of that determines whether youre a real model or not,' she added.

Her advice to others? 'To all those girls out there that have dreams and hopes, keep fighting for them and dont let all the losers on Instagram stop you.'Four out of every five Americans believe that children in the US need more mental health care than they are getting, a new survey reveals.

As many as 17.1 million adolescents are estimated to develop a mental health disorder by the age of 18, according to the Child Mind Institute.

Beginning in 2012, pediatric prescriptions of psychiatric drugs began to surge alongside diagnoses of mental illnesses, but parents' priorities are shifting way from medication and toward prevention and care, like therapy.

Public opinion seems to be catching up to clinicians' advise, according to a new Nationwide Children's Hospital poll that found that 87 percent of Americans want better mental health care for kids.

Four out of every five adults in the US now say that American children are in dire need of better mental health support, but most parents can't afford or get insurance to cover the care

Whether you blame social media, helicopter parents, sleeplessness or wealth disparities, every measure indicates that the mental health of American children is in a worse state than ever.

Between 2000 and 2015, rates of depression rose in all age groups in the US.

But the surge among teenagers over 12 outpaced other age groups by four-fold.

The story is similar for anxiety and depression, both of which have reached record highs among teenagers in recent years.

Even elementary school children are affected, with one in seven kids between three and eight suffering from a mental or behavioral disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In February, the country was forced to take note of mental health warning signs friends and acquaintances to the Parkland school shooter, Nikolas Cruz, came out of the woodwork, attesting to his unaddressed mental health issues.

In an unrelated - but timely - move, the American College of Pediatricians released new guidelines shortly thereafter, urging doctors to make mental health screening a part of every child's exam.

The new survey confirms that it isn't just clinicians that see a need for better childhood mental health care.

Contracting with the Harris Poll, which is one of the longest running surveys to track US public opinion, Nationwide Children's queried 2,000 Americans, including 500 parents of children under 18.

Out of the parents, 37 percent said that they knew a child - either their own or another in their life - that was in need of mental health support.

'The survey confirms the public knows what the research shows and what we see in clinic  the need for pediatric behavioral health services is significant,' said Dr David Axelson, MD, chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and medical director of Big Lots Behavioral Health Services at Nationwide Childrens.

Obvious though the need is, not one state in the US has enough child psychiatrists to meet standards set by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

With the exception of a handful of Northeastern states, all other states have a severe shortage of qualified professionals to give children mental health support.

Even if this weren't the case, the simple existence of these services and providers is not enough; they have to be accessible to the children that need them.

In the new study, 37 percent of Americans said that children don't get the mental health care they need simply because it is too expensive.

Another third of families reported that insurance coverage - rather, lack thereof - was prohibitive to the care their children need.

Often, the poorest children are at the greatest risk of mental health and behavioral issues.

Conditions that go undiagnosed and untreated worsen with time and increase the likelihood that a child will act out and struggle in school, and predicting 80 percent of adult mental health disorders.

Sadly, a higher household income is predictive of a better job and overall wellbeing prospects for children, as well as for a better chance at having their mental health concerns addressed early.

Medicaid covers mental health care for some children, but, as the Kaiser Family Foundation found in 2017, 'one in 10 (11 percent) children eligible for Medicaid based on income have a behavioral health diagnosis as of 2011.'

As the Affordable Care Act teeters in jeopardy, many questions as to the fate of funding for services like children's mental health care plague Americans, as the new study shows.

Nationwide Children's has introduced a program to screen and provide therapy to children even before they reach pre-school in order to reduce their risks of expulsion from school and prevent lifelong mental health struggles.

'The goal of programs like these is to remove barriers and intervene before a family ever needs to come to a providers office,' said Dr Axelson.Senior moments of forgetfulness might be caused by a lack of fitness, a study suggests.

Researchers who studied healthy older people found the fitter they were, the less likely they were to struggle to recall words that were on the tip of their tongue.

The study suggests improving physical fitness should result in better mental health as well.

The research, published in Scientific Reports, looked at the relation between aerobic fitness  how good the heart is at pumping oxygen around the body  and memory.

Researchers who studied healthy older people found the fitter they were, the less likely they were to struggle to recall words that were on the tip of their tongue

The study compared 28 adults  average age 70 for women and 67 for men  with 27 men and women aged on average in their early twenties. They were asked to name famous people based on 20 questions about them.

They were also given 40 definitions and asked to give the word being defined. An exercise bike test assessed their aerobic fitness.

Lead author Dr Katrien Segaert, of the University of Birminghams School of Psychology said: Older adults free from medical diseases still experience age-related cognitive decline.

In our study, the higher the older adults aerobic fitness level, the lower the probability of experiencing a tip-of-the-tongue state.A mother has pulled her son out of classes after officials at his New Mexico school refused to let him use medical cannabis pills on campus - even though the drug is legal under state laws.

For years, 10-year-old Anthony Brick has battled undifferentiated schizophrenia, PTSD and ADHD, which has left him in and out of hospitals with delusions, hallucinations, jumbled speech, disorganized thought and - at times - in a catatonic state.

His mother, Tisha, says things began to change after doctors prescribed him new medication, a pill with medical cannabis oil.

But staff at Estancia Elementary School have refused to let him use the medication in classes despite New Mexico being one of 30 states where medical marijuana is legal, insisting state laws allow campuses to ban the substance.

'He couldn't do his schoolwork. He really didn't talk to very many people - medical cannabis has changed it to where he is more sociable,' Tisha told KOB 4.

Tisha Brick (right), of New Mexico, was forced to pull her 10-year-old son Anthony (left) out of school after officials refused to let him use a medical cannabis pill in class

Anthony was prescribed pills with medical cannabis oil (pictured) to treat his years-long battle with undifferentiated schizophrenia, PTSD and ADHD

'He can actually learn a little bit better and he can be around people and function like a normal person.'

Early research has shown that one of marijuana's main compounds, cannabis-derived chemical cannabidiol (CBD), may be a type of treatment therapy for schizophrenia.

In the landmark 2017 study from the University of Wollongong in Australia, CBD was shown to act as an anti-psychotic and reduce hallucinations and delusions, common symptoms of the disorder.

Wollongong PhD candidate Ashleigh Osborne said at the time that CBD helped restore recognition and working memory 'as well as social behavior, to normal levels' and that research showed that CBD may help treat symptoms of schizophrenia that seem resistant to existing medications.

Additionally, the plant's main psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, affixes to brain cell receptors that help regulate mood, sleep patterns and pain perception.

Scientists also believe that THC reacts with the brain's limbic system, which controls emotion, and helps reduce anxiety, which would curb PTSD symptoms.

Despite the medication's benefits, school staff told Tisha that she would not be able to administer it on campus.

Despite the medication's benefits and his patient ID card, school staff told Tisha (pictured) that she would not be able to administer it on campus

Currently, Anthony (pictured) is one of more than 50,000 patients participating in New Mexico's medical marijuana program with about half listing post-traumatic stress disorder as a qualifying condition

The superintendent wrote in a letter to the family that, despite Anthony carrying a patient ID card saying he is a member of the medical cannabis program, marijuana is not allowed on school property according to a state law.

The Lynn And Erin Compassionate Use Act states that participation in the state's marijuana program does not prohibit schools from banning it on school grounds or property.

Tisha pulled Anthony out of school in November, which has left him unable to keep up with his studies or interact with other children.

'It's very frustrating,' she told KOB 4. 'He's been out of school for the whole school year. It's impacted our lives in ways you can't even imagine.'

Tisha says she wants state legislators to help change local laws so that marijuana will be allowed on school grounds.

It currently remains unclear whether or not Anthony will continue to be home-schooled.

Tisha pulled Anthony out of Estancia Elementary School (above) in November, which has left him unable to keep up with his studies or interact with other children

Medical marijuana is legal in 30 states with Utah and Oklahoma both believed to be legalizing the drug by this November as public opinion of the drug becomes increasingly positive

Currently, more than 50,000 patients are participating in New Mexico's medical marijuana program with about half listing post-traumatic stress disorder as a qualifying condition - one of Anthony's own diagnosed conditions.

Patients must meet at least one of 21 conditions for a medical marijuana card. The other most common qualifying conditions include severe chronic pain and cancer.

Medical marijuana is legal in 30 states with Utah and Oklahoma both believed to be legalizing the drug by this November.

A 2017 poll from the Pew Research Center found that 61 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana, nearly double the number from two decades ago in 2000.

Opinions of legalization differ by political party, with 70 percent of Democrats supporting it compared with 65 percent of Independents and just 43 percent of Republicans.

However, 90 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana for medical use.A toddler was left covered in an angry rash across her hands and wrists after catching herpes.

The unnamed three-year-old is believed to have developed the infection after her father, who had a cold sore, kissed her.

Doctors initially dismissed her symptoms as eczema and sent her home with antihistamines, as well as antibiotic and steroid creams.

When she was rushed back to Hospital de Braga, Portugal, a week later, after her rash failed to go down, the girl's mother revealed her father was battling a cold sore.

After being prescribed herpes medication, her rash disappeared in 10 days.

This comes after horrific photos released last month show a three-month-old baby covered in bleeding blisters after his herpes-infected mother gave him cold sores after kissing the infant on the lips.

Herpes can be serious in young children due to their immune systems not being fully developed.

A toddler was left covered in an angry rash across her hands and wrists after catching herpes

The unnamed three-year-old is believed to have caught the infection after her father kissed her

WHAT IS HERPES? Herpes viruses cause cold sores, which most commonly appear on the lips or genitals. Around seven in 10 people in the UK are infected with the viruses. However, only around one in three experience symptoms. In the US, around half of young adults are infected with the virus that causes cold sores around the mouth. One in eight have the virus behind genital herpes. Cold sores on the lips most commonly get passed on by being kissed by someone with an active cold sore. They begin as a small red patch that blisters before bursting, leaving a raw area that scabs. Cold sores that appear on the face are most commonly caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. Type 2 mainly affects the genitals. It is rare for cold sores to spread away from the site they first appeared in. And they are only transmitted by direct skin contact, not by sharing items such as towels or cutlery. Oral sex is a common way for cold sores to pass from a person's mouth to another's genitals or vice versa. Once infected, sufferers may initially experience a fever and flu-like symptoms. Cold sores can reappear if triggered by stress, illness, alcohol or too much sunlight. This is because the virus stays in a nerve junction near the spinal cord. Many feel an itch, tingle or shooting pain before a cold sore reappears. Antiviral medication may be prescribed if someone frequently suffers from outbreaks. Keeping sores moisturised can stop them cracking and becoming painful. Source: Herpes Viruses Association Advertisement

Infections can be serious in young children

Dr Ines Medeiros, who treated the girl, wrote in the BMJ Case Report: 'Herpes simplex viruses cause a variety of illnesses, depending on the anatomic site where the infection is initiated, the immune state of the host and whether the symptoms reflect primary or recurrent infection

'Common infections involve the skin, eye, oral cavity and genital tract.

'Infections tend to be unilateral, mild and self-limiting, except in the immunocompromised patient and newborns.'

Three-month-old baby also caught herpes from a kiss

The three-month-old boy who also caught herpes from a kiss was taken for medical treatment in China when his body broke out in sores and blisters.

He also had a high fever due to the infection going untreated for days.

The baby was first taken to a clinic before being transferred to a hospital in the Zhejiang Province, east China.

Doctors were concerned for the child and thought he was suffering from a skin condition until tests confirmed it was the herpes simplex virus 1/ HSV-1.

Doctor Zhu Haiqiao told The Sun: 'The three-month-old's body, and especially his face and head, were red and covered in sores. It was painful to look at.'

Luckily, the boy was treated and has been sent home.

Horrific photos show a three-month-old baby covered in bleeding blisters after his herpes-infected mother gave him cold sores after kissing the infant on the lipsMore than 100,000 men in Mozambique will be circumcised to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and AIDS.

Efforts will be focused in the districts of Ato-Molocue, Ile, and Gurue, where circumcision is uncommon, according to health authorities from the central province of Zambezia.

This is the second stage of a campaign that involved the circumcision of 84,000 men in Zambezia, one of the most populated regions of Mozambique, last year.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), male circumcision reduces the risk of straight men getting HIV by up to 60 per cent.

The delicate foreskin easily tears and is therefore highly vulnerable to HIV infection. It is the main route the virus enters a man's body during intercourse.

Over 100,000 men in Mozambique will be circumcised to help stop the spread of AIDS (stock)

HOW DOES MALE CIRCUMCISION PREVENT THE SPREAD OF HIV? Male circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is highly vulnerable to HIV infection. This is due to the foreskin being delicate and therefore tearing easily during sex, which allows the virus to enter the body. Tears also cause inflammation, which can further increase the risk of HIV transmission. There is also a higher concentration of cells, known as Langerhans, in the foreskin, which is what HIV tends to infect. HIV-infected fluids can also become trapped under the foreskin and remain there after intercourse. The World Health Organization recommends voluntary adult male circumcision as a method to prevent HIV transmission in places where its prevalence is more than 15 per cent. Male circumcision reduces heterosexual men's risk of HIV by up to 60 per cent but does not protect women or homosexual males. Source: Catie Advertisement

Circumcision prevents, not cures, HIV

Zambezia's governor Dr Abdul Razak, who is backing the campaign, told Standard Digital: 'Male circumcision and other measures are used to prevent diseases, such as HIV/Aids.

'They don't cure the patient.'

This comes after health officials revealed last November Europe's HIV epidemic is growing at an 'alarming pace' as infection rates reached their highest level in 2016 since records began.

Last year, around 160,000 people contracted HIV, which causes AIDS, in 53 European countries, according to a report by the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Over the past decade, the rate of newly-diagnosed HIV infections in Europe has risen by 52 per cent from 12 in every 100,000 people in 2007 to 18.2 for every 100,000 in 2016, the report adds.

According to the report, this increase was 'mainly driven by the continuing upward trend in the East', which accounts for around 80 per cent of Europe's cases.

Zsuzsanna Jakab, European regional director of the WHO, said: 'This is the highest number of cases recorded in one year. If this trend persists, we will not be able to achieve the target of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.'

Past findings suggest HIV rates are rising in eastern Europe, particularly in those over 50 who inject illegal drugs, due to a lack of awareness campaigns on the infection's risks or how to prevent transmission.

The delicate foreskin is the main route HIV enters a man's body during intercourse (stock)

Scientists edge a step closer to a HIV cure

Last July, research suggested scientists may be one step closer to developing a cure for HIV.

An injection may soon be available that prevents the virus spreading and could rid sufferers of the infection, a study implies.

Researchers, which included scientists from Texas A&M University, injected cows with HIV, all of which developed an immune response within as little as 35 days, the study found.

When the immune cells of the cows were analysed, one in particular was found to bind to a key site on HIV that the virus uses to spread infection, the research adds.

The researchers believe such immune cells could be incorporated into an injection to neutralise HIV in infected humans.

Currently, there is no cure for HIV, with patients usually being required to take lifelong medication that causes nausea, diarrhea and insomnia.A father-of-two almost died after developing sepsis from biting his fingernails.

Luke Hanoman, 28, from Birkdale, Southport, battled flu-like symptoms for two weeks after biting down the skin on the side of his nail.

After eventually going to hospital last July, Mr Hanoman spent four days under constant observation and was told he was lucky to be alive.

Now fully recovered, Mr Hanoman, a warehouse operator, is speaking out to raise awareness of sepsis' symptoms.

Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, kills around 44,000 people in the UK every year.

Luke Hanoman almost died after developing sepsis from biting his fingernails

After putting up with flu-like symptoms for two weeks, he was rushed to hospital where he spent four days under constant observation while having two drips fitted in his arm

WHAT IS SEPSIS? Sepsis occurs when the body reacts to an infection by attacking its own organs and tissues. Some 44,000 people die from sepsis every year in the UK. Worldwide, someone dies from the condition every 3.5 seconds. Sepsis has similar symptoms to flu, gastroenteritis and a chest infection. These include: S lurred speech or confusion

lurred speech or confusion E xtreme shivering or muscle pain

xtreme shivering or muscle pain P assing no urine in a day

assing no urine in a day S evere breathlessness

evere breathlessness I t feels like you are dying

t feels like you are dying S kin mottled or discoloured Symptoms in children are: Fast breathing

Fits or convulsions

Mottled, bluish or pale skin

Rashes that do not fade when pressed

Lethargy

Feeling abnormally cold Under fives may be vomiting repeatedly, not feeding or not urinating for 12 hours. Anyone can develop sepsis but it is most common in people who have recently had surgery, have a urinary catheter or have stayed in hospital for a long time. Other at-risk people include those with weak immune systems, chemotherapy patients, pregnant women, the elderly and the very young. Treatment varies depending on the site of the infection but involves antibiotics, IV fluids and oxygen, if necessary. Source: UK Sepsis Trust and NHS Choices Advertisement

Developed cold sweats, shaking and fever

Mr Hanoman, who has two sons aged six and five, thought nothing of biting his nails, which was a nervous habit, until he started developing cold sweats, shaking and fever.

He also struggled to focus, while his affected finger swelled and throbbed.

Thinking he just needed rest, Mr Hanoman dismissed his symptoms until his mother noticed he slept in until 2pm.

His concerned mother rang the NHS helpline 111, who said Mr Hanoman had to be rushed to A&E.

Doctors later told the father-of-two he was lucky to be alive after ignoring the signs

The warehouse operator was reluctant to take time off work, preferring to push through

'They told me I was lucky to be alive'

Mr Hanoman, who had two drips fitted in his arm, told The Mirror: 'I was close to septic shock.

'They told me I was lucky to be alive.

'Eventually they got to the infection in my finger and all of this puss came out.'

Mr Hanoman is keen to raise awareness that sepsis can strike people of any age, adding he was completely unaware of the condition's symptoms before he was struck down.

Like many others, he claims he was reluctant to take time off work when feeling unwell and just tried to push through the discomfort.

Mr Hanoman's employer Chemist-4-U.com is raising money towards sepsis research. Donate here.Soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder should be administered ecstasy to treat or even cure their condition, a new report says.

A study of veterans and emergency service personnel diagnosed with the condition found the illegal party drug reduced depression and improved sleep quality.

A month after treatment, more than half of the participants no longer met the 'diagnostic criteria for PTSD' - and that figure went up to around two thirds of patients in groups on a higher dose.

Ecstasy has long been a favorite at trance parties and raves because of its 'warming' feeling, flooding users with intense feelings of euphoria.

It also reduces fear and imbues users with a deep sense of love and acceptance of themselves and others - something which is now being increasingly viewed as a legitimate option for trauma therapy in mainstream medicine.

More than half of the 26 volunteers with PTSD no longer qualified as having the condition after a month of treatment with MDMA, also known as ecstasy (file image)

But PTSD sufferers were warned not to take the controversial pill without seeking medical advice first.

The US Food and Drug administration has already hailed the psychedelic drug as a 'breakthrough therapy' - setting it on a fast track for review and potential approval.

The researchers said carefully supervised administration of MDMA - better known as ecstasy - is safe and could boost treatment when combined with counselling.

Dr Allison Feduccia, of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Public Benefit Corporation in Santa Cruz, California, said it 'may have a role to play in the future treatment of PTSD.'

The illegal street drug is emerging as the most promising tool in years for the military's escalating PTSD epidemic.

There is no cure and available treatments are often ineffective.

Turning it into a government-sanctioned medication would be controversial - and has already led to scientists studying new uses for LSD and 'magic mushrooms'.

About one-in-six military personnel and veterans and up to a third of emergency service workers are affected by PTSD.

Prevalence in the general population is around eight per cent.

Treatments include drugs and counselling with the former more effective.

But drop-out rates are as high as 40 percent along with the use of pills prescribed for a different condition - underlining the need for new therapies.

The study involved 26 US volunteers - 22 veterans, three firefighters and one police officer - who were randomly selected to receive 30, 75 or 125mg doses of MDMA during counselling sessions.They included seven women,a dn their average age was 37.

All had PTSD for at least six months resulting from a traumatic experience during their service. Neither they nor their psychotherapists were told about the size of the dose.

One month after a second session took place seven out of 12 in the 125mg group (58 percent) no longer had PTSD according to diagnostic tests - increasing to six in seven or 86 percent of those taking 75mg.

This compared to only two out of seven given 30 mg, reports The Lancet Psychiatry.

On average the two higher dose groups experienced up to five times greater reductions in symptom severity. This included significant reductions in depression and improvements in sleep.

After a year, 16 were still clear of PTSD - although two had a renewed diagnosis.

Dr Feduccia said: 'Key elements that contribute to the safety and efficacy of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy include careful medical and psychological screening, preparing participants for the MDMA experience and treatment, close support by trained psychotherapists during the sessions as well as professional follow-up support.

'In this environment, our study suggests that MDMA might help augment the psychotherapeutic experiences and may have a role to play in the future treatment of PTSD.

'However, we would certainly not recommend that individuals try these drugs for the treatment of psychiatric disorders without the support from trained psychotherapists.'

She added: 'There were gains in psychological, occupational, and social functioning for participants treated with active doses of MDMA, and similar to the improvements in PTSD symptoms, these gains continued to grow in the year following treatment.'

Six (23 percent) of the participants had taken ecstasy on between two and five previous occasions.

All three groups reported side effects including anxiety, headache, fatigue, muscle tension and insomnia. There were also some temporary increases in suicidal thoughts.

Dr Feduccia said: 'This model of treatment is different to most pharmacological interventions in that its effectiveness appears to be mediated through pharmacological effects augmenting meaningful psychotherapeutic experiences.'

The findings build on two earlier studies by MAPS that came up with encouraging results.

One looked at the effect of two doses of MDMA and the other compared MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with a placebo.

Professors Andrea Cipriani and Philip Cowen, of Oxford University, reviewed the latest research for the journal, said its short-term use 'seems safe' under close medical supervision.

They said: 'MDMA is legally proscribed and there have been numerous safety concerns attached to its recreational use in the form of ecstasy, which might not contain pure MDMA, including acute fatal toxicity as well as the possibility of long-term cognitive impairment and damage to serotonin neurons.

'Recreational users can also experience a rebound - ie, lowering of mood a few days after MDMA ingestion - which is a particular concern in individuals vulnerable to depression and suicidal feelings.'

They added: 'The unmet need for better PTSD treatment, particularly in veterans and first responders, is undoubted.

'However, the generalisability of the benefit of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy to more mainstream psychiatry remains to be established.'

Dr Feduccia and colleagues said a bigger trial is now needed before the potential for the therapy to influence available treatments can be fully assessed.

PTSD can manifest itself through insomnia or hyper-alertness. Sufferers are six times more at risk of committing suicide and having marital problems.

Experts estimate if blights the lives of up to one in five soldiers who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. It often leaves its victims in sudden panic and prevents them from dealing with the original trauma.

An earlier trial of 107 patients found 61 percent reported major reductions in symptoms. Follow-up studies a year later found 67 percent no longer had PTSD.Analysts and unions have questioned how Sainsbury's boss Mike Coupe can promise that no stores will close following the merger with Asda that will create a 14.1billion supermarket behemoth.

After 'advanced merger discussions were confirmed yesterday, Sainsburys shares shot up nearly 20 per cent while the likes of Morrisons and Tesco floundered as the future of the traditional Big Four grocery giants was thrown up in the air.

Regulators will be ready to pounce on such a big, game-changing deal that would create a firm of some 330,000 employees, controlling nearly a third of the British groceries market.

Will the deal manage to get the go-ahead from the Competition and Markets Authority and what will it mean for the supermarket sector and shoppers if it does?

It is only right the merger is scrutinised given there would be some 330,000 employees and thousands of stores affected

No one is in any doubt as to the logic behind Sainsburys plan to combine forces with Walmart-owned Asda.

It makes a lot of sense in an industry where new market entrants such as Aldi and Lidl are slowly eroding away its traditional customer base, and where the big hitters such as Tesco have dominated a quarter of the market for years.

Helal Miah, investment research analyst at The Share Centre, said the move offered cost savings and a boost to buying power.

It addresses the groups geographical weakness in the north and keeping the two brands separate offers the diversification benefits of being exposed to two segments of the market, with Asda occupying the lower-priced, value end of the market, he said.

Miah added: This is useful at times of price and income pressures faced by consumers while Sainsburys exposure to the middle and higher quality segment of the market where margins could improve in better times.

With this move the combined group would have a hefty 31.4 per cent share of the total UK grocery market, outstripping Tesco (27.6 per cent) by a significant margin.

Asda has lost its position as a discount supermarket after the rise of Aldi and Lidl

For Asda the combined group would help shield it from the big discounters that have slowly stripped away its reputation as a store offering rock-bottom prices.

The merger could even lead to the bargain European brands pulling back from their longer-term growth aspirations in the UK.

Moodys vice president and senior credit officer David Beadle said: We still believe that continued store openings will help the combined market share of Aldi and Lidl reach 15 per cent by 2020 from 12.6 per cent now.

'However, the tougher competitive environment after this transaction could result in one or both of these discounters curbing their longer term growth aspirations in the UK.

Sainsbury's boss Mike Coupe (pictured) has insisted no stores will close and no jobs will be lost

Tesco, on the other hand, looks fairly well placed to weather the next few years.

Beadle adds: Our outlook for the credit quality of Tesco and Morrison during the next 12-18 months remains unchanged.

During this period we expect Tesco to make further operational progress and for its credit quality, which has improved markedly during the past year, to continue to strengthen.

There is even talk that other brands, namely the Co-operative Group and Morrisons could consider their own deal or merger to tackle the fast-changing retail landscape.

With Tescos recent merger with Booker getting the nod from the CMA, the precedent for further supermarket mergers has been set  though perhaps with some more conditions thrown into the mix.

The mergers of big supermarkets has left the door open for others to follow suit with the Cooperative Group and Morrison's tipped as potential partners

Sainsburys claim that no stores will close as a result of the merger and that no jobs will be lost has been widely sniffed at.

Union boss Tim Roache, the GMB general secretary, has said hundreds of thousands of workers will be affected.

He said: 'They all know such announcements tend to be followed by management speak like "rationalisation" in the name of "efficiency".

'What that usually means is job losses or cuts to pay, terms and conditions which would be wholly unacceptable.'

The chance to merge head offices and scale back on salary costs is one of the attractions of these deals, doing more and making more for a lot less.

Yet Sainsburys boss Mike Coupe has insisted this time it will be different. Only time will tell if the CMA sees the situation a little differently when looking at the impact it will have on shoppers.

The job of the CMA is to make sure competition and choice for consumers is not hit by any merger.

Analyst research has found there are 197 Asda stores that are within the same postcode district as a large Sainsburys, excluding Sainsburys Local stores, which could feasibly be at risk from a closure if the CMA sees consumer choice being restricted.

Patrick OBrien, UK retail research director at GlobalData, the group behind the initial research, said: Looking at it by the smaller postcode sector (the first half of the postcode plus the first digit of the second half), 75 Asda stores have a Sainsburys, excluding Locals, in the same sector.

We think these 75 stores would be the absolute minimum that the CMA will want disposed of.

The 75 stores in the 'red zone' would likely be closed in the event of any merger, analyst says.

Peel Hunt head of research Charles Hall agreed and said: While the Sainsbury's/Asda merger might look good on paper, we see no chance of it getting through the CMA without a major dismemberment of the combined business.'

Sainsburys may have the best of intentions, or could be keeping their fingers crossed that the CMA 'forces' its hand into store closures, but it is sure to be a move that transforms the grocery landscape no matter what.

Independent retail analyst Nick Bubb said the entire merger would have been 'unthinkable' a couple of years ago.

He added: 'The bizarre decision last year by the CMA to give the Tesco/Booker deal the go-ahead without any divestments inevitably opened the path to more sector consolidation.

'We therefore think that there's a pretty good chance the CMA will allow the merger to proceed in the end, but there will be a lot of arguing about local catchment overlaps, and the main debate is how many stores Sainsbury's/Asda will have to promise to sell to placate the CMA.'

Without the precedent of the Tesco/Booker merger perhaps the future for Sainsburys and Asda would look bleaker, but most agree the CMA will give the merger a thumbs up - but it doesn't mean there will not be casualties along the way.An ex-Pensions Minister is leading a chorus of critics against the Government, regulators and the industry for ignoring a 'secret scandal' that deprives low earners of pension cash.

Pensions campaigner Ros Altmann said she was horrified by the injustice of 'hidden' charges, and denounced those in power whom she claims have known about it for years but not bothered to sort it out.

They are 'passing the buck, claiming it is someone elses responsibility', while hard-up savers are losing more and more money, she says. Lady Altmann has vowed to keep fighting, saying: 'I will not let this go.' Read her full comments here and the Government's response below.

Tax technicality: Hundreds of thousands of low-paid workers are being denied up to 720 a year of free Government pension cash

Low paid workers are missing out on up to 720 a year in free Government pension cash due to an obscure tax quirk, This is Money reported last week.

Workers auto-enrolled into pensions are told the money they pay into their retirement pots will be topped up with both employer and Government cash.

But for many on a low pay-rung this is not the case. They never get the Government tax relief, because their employers - often unwittingly - sign up to one of the many 'master trust' pension schemes that don't pay it into their pots.

Those which use a 'net pay' system exclude low earners from getting tax relief, while those using a 'relief at source' system allow all workers to get it. See the box below for more about the two systems.

A Government spokesperson said: 'We are committed to helping people save for retirement and building on the success of automatic enrolment with 9.5million people now newly saving or saving more as a result.

Why are some lower earners losing pension top-ups? Most master trusts, which manage centralised funds for lots of employers at once, use a tax mechanism called 'net pay' that is convenient for top-paid staff but penalises lower earners. This allows higher rate taxpayers on 46,350-plus a year and additional rate taxpayers on 150,000-plus a year to avoid filling in annual tax returns to get Government pension top-ups, in the form of tax relief on their contributions. They get them automatically. But it means anyone in the workforce earning between 10,000 and 11,850 a year loses their top-ups for good, with no option available at present to claim them back. There is an alternative tax mechanism which master trusts can use called 'relief at source' that does not disadvantage people on low wages. It gives the low-paid workers their Government pension top-ups, which they would otherwise be denied, while better paid workers still end up getting their full whack by submitting a tax return. Basic rate taxpayers are not affected either way. Read more here.

'Both net pay and relief at source arrangements have advantages, with relief at source arrangements being particularly appropriate for lower earners  but ultimately is up to employers to decide what is most appropriate for their staff.

'NEST, which now has over 6 million members, operates a relief at source arrangement as do several other large schemes used for automatic enrolment.

Altmann's battle to get the Government to fix the tax anomaly, or to find a technical workaround on her own initiative, has attracted support from other campaigners and influential figures.

Andy Agathangelou, founding chair of the Transparency Task Force, called it a 'mis-selling scandal' and predicted that if the Government didn't sort out the issue it would end in 'PPI-like litigation' brought by tens of thousands of people.

Robin Williamson, of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, said: 'There can be no justification for treating those on low pay worse than the higher paid, simply because it would be administratively inconvenient or too costly to correct the inequity.'

Henry Tapper, founder of Pension PlayPen, a pension comparison site for employers, said: 'I totally agree with Baroness Altmann. It is a disgrace that the first taste for new savers is a false promise of "incentives" that do not arrive.

'Government is well aware of this and has chosen to sit on its hands as the problem gets worse.'

Meanwhile, Altmann's predecessor as Pensions Minister, Steve Webb, now policy director at Royal London, said: 'Through no fault of their own too many low paid workers are missing out on tax relief simply because of the provider that their employer has chosen for them. This cannot be allowed to continue.'

Full comments from those quoted above, plus responses from the Government, regulators and others criticised by Altmann, can be found below.

Altmann said: 'Government officials have told me workers are only losing small amounts of money, so it does not really matter.

'That is indefensible. Most low earners need every penny they can get. The money should be theirs, but they dont know they are losing out,'

Are you a low earner who is affected? If you are a low paid pension saver who is missing out on Government top-ups to your pot, we would like to hear from you. Email tanya.jefferies@ thisismoney.co.uk and put 'Auto enrolment' in the subject line.

'Pension providers, Government officials, Ministers, industry bodies and even the Pensions Regulator are allowing this injustice to continue.'

She fears a fresh pension scandal could derail the auto enrolment programme, which has seen more than nine million more people start saving for retirement, once low earners realise what is going on and tot up their mounting losses.

'I have no wish to undermine the successful auto enrolment initiative, but I fear this issue will end up harming people's faith in it,' warned Altmann.

A recent probe by pension consultant Hymans Robertson found 14 out of the 17 top master trusts use the payment system which prevents low earners from getting Government top-ups, while the rest pay them to all workers.

However, one of the 14 firms, NOW:Pensions, reimburses low-paid members their lost top-ups, so they do not end up out of pocket.

When This is Money asked all the firms Hymans investigated for a response last week, Smart Pension explained it was in the process of switching to the system that pays top-ups to everyone and Mercer said it was in discussions about doing so.

Scottish Widows said it was reviewing the issue after just finalising its takeover of Zurich's master trust.

Net pay and relief at source Employers and their pension providers have two options when handling pension tax relief for staff. Net pay means workers contribute directly into their pension before their tax bill is calculated, so their pension tax relief is already included and there is no need to claim it from HMRC. Under relief at source the pension provider claims the income tax relief directly from HMRC and adds it to each worker's pension. Ex-Pensions Minister and This is Money's pension columnist Steve Webb explains in more detail here.

The three master trusts that already pay top-ups to all workers are state-backed auto-enrolment scheme NEST, Legal & General, and The People's Pension.

In addition to its comments quoted above, the Government pointed out that The Pensions Regulator highlights the net pay vs relief at source issue to employers so that they can consider the most appropriate scheme for their staff here.

It believes this guidance provides a clear explanation of the differences between net pay and relief at source processes for employees who do not pay income tax, and signposts which sort of tax relief is offered by each scheme.

A spokesperson for The Pensions Regulator said: 'Thanks to automatic enrolment, saving into a workplace pension has become the norm. We want as many people as possible to gain the maximum benefits of this.

'We are working with the government and the pensions industry to ensure this success continues and look forward to receiving Baroness Altmanns letter.'

The regulator explained that it is for employers to choose a pension scheme that is suitable for their workforce, and this includes giving consideration to tax relief arrangements.

It pointed to its online guidance which provides employers with step-by-step help in doing this, and in how to communicate clearly how they manage tax relief to their staff.

To appear on TPR's 'master trust assurance' list, which helps employers find good pension plans, master trusts have to provide clear communications to employers, including about tax relief, so they can make an informed choice for their employees, it went on.

A spokesperson for industry body the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association said: 'We wholly agree with Baroness Altmann that this is an important issue, and we have raised it with Government on several occasions over the past three years.

What are master trusts? The Government drive to auto-enrol all workers into pensions led to the rise of dozens of master trusts, which manage centralised funds for several employers at once. It has passed legislation to protect savers using master trusts from losing their nest eggs.

'The tax anomaly, which is at the heart of this matter, is the challenge that must be overcome. So far, the Treasury has said that there is no "straightforward or proportionate" way of solving the problem but, clearly, the matter cannot be left to rest in this way.

'Currently pension schemes make a decision on whether to offer "net pay" or "relief at source" (RAS) on a variety of factors, in particular the likelihood of low income earners joining their scheme.

'Most people on low incomes affected by the tax anomaly are likely to be saving into what are, by far, the largest automatic enrolment schemes: NEST, The People's Pension and NOW.

'In the case of NEST and The People's Pension, this problem does not arise as they are RAS schemes. In the case of NOW, which is a net pay scheme, they will make good any shortfall if the saver contacts them about it.

'No saver should find themselves out of pocket because of a tax irregularity and this issue is a high priority for both our master trust committee, and for our wider membership.

'The PLSA and our members believe the best solution for savers is for Treasury to reform this area of the tax regime and it remains an ongoing topic of conversation in our discussions with Government.'

A spokesperson for the ABI, the industry body for big insurers and pension firms, said: 'It is important that everyone benefits from tax relief on their pension savings and all options to solve this anomaly should be explored.'

Andy Agathangelou, founding chair of the Transparency Task Force, which campaigns to improve financial services for users, said: 'Baroness Altmann is absolutely right to be demanding change.

Ros Altmann: 'Government officials have told me workers are only losing small amounts of money, so it does not really matter. 'That is indefensible'

'The Transparency Task Force set up our new Auto Enrolment Team in March to campaign on a range of issues that might jeopardise the success of AE and we identified the net pay/relief at source mis-selling scandal as a top priority for us.

'The financial services sector is crying out for exactly the kind of values-based leadership that Ros is showing, again. We need more people that will "stand up rather than stand by; people that wont accept that just because it is very difficult to solve a problem we somehow have the right to walk away from it.

'I accept that the picture of who is responsible for putting it right is blurred, but that must not be allowed to become an excuse for not putting it right.

'Where there is a will theres a way; and the proof is there to be seen  if Smart Pensions can reconfigure their systems to look after low earners properly then why cant all the others that need to follow their lead?

'The whole financial services industry must cleanse itself of a "profit before principle" mind-set; and everybody that thinks of themselves as a professional in this space has a moral and ethical duty to call out malpractice; Ros has been doing that for decades.

'Progress begins with realism and we need to wake up to the reality of the situation. I can virtually guarantee that this matter will get sorted; the variable will be whether it will get sorted through regulators and policymakers working collaboratively under the direct instruction of Ministers; or whether it will take PPI-like litigation.

'Its always a mistake to under-estimate people power  whether thats an individual such as Ros or tens of thousands of people putting together a group action through a suitably competent and opportunistic law firm.'

How does auto enrolment work? Workers aged between 22 and state pension age and earning at least 10,000 a year from one job are now automatically signed up for a pension, unless they make an active move to opt out. The slice of annual earnings used to determine the amount of contributions that ends up in someone's work pension fund is currently between 6,032 and 46,350. This is the minimum, but some employers choose to be more generous.

Robin Williamson of the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, a committee of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, said: 'In the interests of fairness and equity it is imperative that low-paid workers are given the same tax relief when saving for their pension as those on higher pay.

'The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group has often drawn the attention of the Government and the pensions industry to the anomalous situation that low-paid workers whose employers choose pension provision operated under net pay arrangements can simply lose the tax relief intended for their pension contributions, relief that remains available in full to the higher paid.

'The treatment of such low-paid workers is inexcusable given that there is an alternative relief at source model under which they would receive full tax relief on their contributions.

'There can be no justification for treating those on low pay worse than the higher paid, simply because it would be administratively inconvenient or too costly to correct the inequity.

'Government and the pensions industry simply must make the effort to resolve any administrative difficulties that stand in the way of curing this injustice, otherwise those who can least afford to lose a penny in pension provision will be put at a serious disadvantage.

'The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group remain willing to take part in discussions as to how this may be achieved.'

Henry Tapper, founder of Pension PlayPen, said: 'I totally agree with Baroness Altmann. It is a disgrace that the first taste for new savers is a false promise of "incentives" that do not arrive.

'Government is well aware of this and has chosen to sit on its hands as the problem gets worse. Hats off to Ros and to all who give this scandal national prominence.

'We also support Ros Altmanns remedy. Where employers choose a workplace pension denies low earners their rights, they should be required to set up a second scheme (such as NEST).

'We run www.pensionplaypen.com, a website that helps small employers choose pensions. We analyse their payroll data and, where theres a potential problem, flag this issue before employers purchase. Employers who ignore our warnings have only themselves to blame.'

Steve Webb, ex-Pensions Minister and now Royal London policy director, said: 'For the lowest earners the help given through tax relief is especially valuable.

'Through no fault of their own too many low paid workers are missing out on tax relief simply because of the provider that their employer has chosen for them. This cannot be allowed to continue.'A radio tower in regional South Australia has become an unlikely tourist attraction for unusual reasons.

Each year, millions of ladybirds make themselves at home near a remote radio tower near Mount Burr, a small town in the state's southeast 50 kilometres from Mount Gambier.

Steve Chapple has been closely watching and photographing the rapidly growing swarms of the insect in recent years.

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Millions of of ladybirds cover the ground under the radio tower and on nearby fence posts Mount Burr, a small town in South Australia

'I've been coming back every year since and now, I'd have to count them in the millions,' Steve Chapple said

'I started going out there a seven years ago when the numbers were lower,' Mr Chapple told Daily Mail Australia.

'I would have been able to count them in the hundreds. I've been coming back every year since and now, I have to count them in the millions. This is the thickest I've' ever seen it. Now they're covering spaces five by five metres, four inches thick.'

The mass population influx isn't all year round.

'They start turning up at the end of March and by the end of May, they're all gone,' Mr Chapple told Daily Mail Australia.

'They're not just in one location. There are swarms of them everywhere in the forest. And it's not just ladybirds. Monarch butterflies are also thick in numbers.'

He has been approached National Geographic and the BBC since sharing his recent photos and story with the ABC on Monday.

'This is the first year that the netballers at Mount Burr have them landing on them and poles during their game,' Mr Chapple told the ABC.

'They're there all day. They swarm during the middle of the day and then they land back in the crevices, the cracks, the pipes during the dark.'

Steve Chapple has been watching the ladybird population escalate in the last seven years

'Swarming everywhere today and up to three inches thick on the ground in places,' Steve Chapple recently posted on Facebook. 'That many that the photographers had to retreat to the car.'

The radio tower has also become a popular tourist spot.

'I went out there on the weekend to get some more photos and there were seven or eight cars parked there,' Mr Chapple told Daily Mail Australia.

'People are coming from far and wide to see it and photographers are coming from all over the world.'

University of Adelaide professor Andy Austin said there could be a number of reasons for the mass ladybird population.

'Two likely reasons are they are mating aggregations that attract beetles to one spot, essentially to make it easier to find a mate,' he told the ABC.

'The second possible reason is that it is for protection against predators, particularly birds.'

University of Adelaide professor Andy Austin said there could be a number of reasons for the mass ladybird populationA heroic off-duty cop has told how he tried to strangle a coyote to death after it grabbed a little girl by the arm and tried to drag her away.

Arcangelo Liberatore was in a park with his family in Thornwood, New York, on Sunday when the animal attacked five-year-old Natalia Petrellese.

After getting his wife and children to safety, Liberatore ran back to help the girl, throwing himself on top of the wild dog and trying to choke it.

Arcangelo Liberatore has told how he used his jiu-jitsu training to subdue and strangle a coyote after it attacked a five-year-old girl in a park

Natalia Petrellese was playing with her brother and mother in the park in Thornwood, New York, on Sunday when the animal latched on to her arm

After Liberatore restrained the animal police officers arrived and shot it dead. Its remains have now been sent for rabies testing

Liberatore, an officer from Irvington, the New York Daily News that he had been out for a run for an upcoming fitness test and was relaxing in the park with his wife and children, aged 4 and 2.

Around 4.40pm he spotted the coyote entering the park before breaking into a trot, and told his wife to grab their daughter and run for the car.

Liberatore passed his son to his wife as the trio made it to safety, before turning back and seeing a mass of fur and bodies on the floor.

One of those bodies was Kasey King-Petrellese, Natalia's mother, who was trying to wrestle her daughter away from the animal.

She told WNBC: 'I took my foot and I kicked him as hard as I could in his face, which knocked him to the ground and he stumbled a little.

'And when he got up he swung over to my daughter's side and bit her arm.'

'It was trying to get my brother but it didn't,' Natalia recounted. 'It made me bleed on the arm.'

Mother Kasey King-Petrellese (left) said she kicked the coyote in the face as she attempted to get it off her daughter, but it kept trying to drag her away

It was then that Liberatore arrived and threw himself on top of the animal, using his training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu to control its neck.

'I just made sure my gravity was kind of low and just kind of squeezed the heck out of it. I was basically strangling it,' he told the New York Post.

'If you control the neck, you control the entire body. And so literally, I was just holding it down by its head so it couldn't go anywhere.'

Eventually mount pleasant police arrived and told Liberatore to get off the coyote and run towards them, blasting the animal with a shotgun as it chased him.

The coyote's remains were sent to the Westchester County Health Department for testing, though results were not immediately available.

King-Petrellese, her two children and the off-duty officer all received rabies shots at a local hospital, according to WNBC. Natalia also needed stiches and antibiotics.

On Monday, Liberatore had a bandage on his hand to reduce swelling, according to the Journal News.

'It was a primal instinct. I was in a different mindset,' Liberatore added.An Arkansas man who was being investigated for claiming he tracked Bigfoot for the US government has been arrested on a child pornography charge.

Keith Barnes, 46, of Black Rock, was arrested last week on a charge of possessing or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child.

Lawrence County sheriff's officials say they received an anonymous tip about Barnes during their impersonation investigation.

Busted: Keith Barnes, 46, was being investigated for claiming he tracked Bigfoot for the US government when he was arrested on a child pornography charge

Bogus: In a Facebook post dated April 9, Barnes described himself as a 'cryptozooligist' working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service

The investigation began after people reported seeing Barnes wearing a uniform with a badge and claiming he was a cryptozoologist with the US Interior Department, reported Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

The federal agency says that job title does not exist and Barnes does not work for the department.

Barnes was released from jail after posting $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court June 18.

Barnes' Facebook page still displays a banner depicting the mythical ape-like creature known as Bigfoot or Sasquatch in North American folklore, accompanied by the words: 'The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization.'

The impersonation investigation began after people reported seeing Barnes wearing a uniform with a badge and claiming he worked for the US Interior Department

The social media account also features a photograph of the suspect dressed in a tan-colored uniform festooned with a badge and a 'BFRO' pin, paired with a hat similar to those worn by highway patrol officers or park rangers.

In a Facebook post dated April 9, Barnes described himself as a 'cryptozooligist' working for the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates under the auspices of the Department of the Interior.Sajid Javid yesterday took control of one of the great offices of state, the latest stage in the long journey from Stapleton Road in Bristol, where he spent his formative years.

Our new Home Secretary grew up one of five sons of a Pakistani immigrant called Abdul-Ghani, who arrived in the UK in 1961 with just 1 in his pocket and gained the nickname Mr Night and Day because, Sajid once recalled, he chose to work every hour that God sent his way.

After stints in a Rochdale cotton mill, and then as a bus driver, Javids father moved to Bristol, where he bought a small clothing store on the busy road, which connects the inner city with its north-eastern suburbs.

Sajid Javid grew up in Bristol as one of five sons of a Pakistani immigrant called Abdul-Ghani

His young family were billeted in a two-bedroom flat upstairs. Three brothers were in one bedroom and myself and a younger brother were with my parents in the other, Sajid later recalled.

Stapleton Road was once named Britains worst street by a Sunday newspaper, which dubbed it a lawless hellhole where murder, rape, shootings, drug-pushing, prostitution, knifings and violent robbery are commonplace.

Aged ten, Sajid witnessed race riots in the nearby St Pauls district, where ethnic minority residents did battle with the police.

If nothing else, his arrival in the Home Office ticks plenty of boxes. It means that the politician responsible for law and order will have experienced first-hand the ravages of crime. It places a Muslim (albeit rarely practising) in charge of counter-terrorism policy, and ensures that policing will be overseen by someone who has seen, with his own eyes, what happens when forces lose the trust of the communities they serve.

Most importantly, in the short term at least, Sajid Javids promotion also puts someone from an immigrant background in charge of clearing up the mess of the Windrush scandal. As he said, his first response on hearing of the affair was to think: It could have been me.

He was raised on Stapleton Road which was once named Britains worst street by newspapers

The MP for Bromsgrove, who is 48, owes his success in both business and Westminster to another successful shopkeepers child: Margaret Thatcher.

He keeps a 1,000 portrait of the former prime minister in his office, and often tells how her brand of free-market Conservatism occupies a special place in his heart.

The Iron Lady not only spawned his original interest in politics, but also turned Britain into the sort of country where a working-class kid from Bristol who had talent and was prepared to work hard, could one day achieve fame and fortune. He was educated at a gritty comprehensive, where teachers forced even the brightest students to do CSEs, rather than the more demanding O-levels.

However, academic talent saw him win him a place at Exeter University, where he gained a degree in economics and politics.

After graduating, he pursued a career in the City, which was being revolutionised by the Big Bang and other long overdue Thatcher-era reforms to deregulate the financial sector and turn it from a sort of closed shop for public schoolboys into a classless meritocracy.

At 24, he became the youngest ever vice-president of Chase Manhattan Bank. By his 30s, he was earning a reported 3million per year running the Asian trading division of Deutsche Bank.

With his spoils, he bought smart Range Rovers and rental properties in west London and Bristol, along with a large family home near Londons exclusive Parsons Green, which cost 1,027,500 in 2001 and is now worth around 3million.

Pictured: Britain's new Home Secretary with his wife Laura at the Tory Winter Ball this year

He lives there with wife Laura and their four privately educated children, who are at local day schools.

Theirs is a thoroughly modern family. Laura, who is a practising Christian (she goes to church more often than I go to mosque), met Javid when he was 18 and they both took a holiday job in the offices of an insurance company.

He wooed her in a manner which, in these censorious post-Weinstein times, might raise eyebrows. Every time I went to get the stapler, Id touch her finger. Then another finger. And there was no objection, he once told an interviewer. Eventually I managed to ask her if she would come to the sandwich shop with me. I never looked back.

She is believed to be responsible for his razored baked-bean scalp, persuading him to start wet shaving after he went prematurely bald in his 20s. She told me bald men look a lot sexier, Javid once recalled. By his late 30s, he was wealthy enough to retire from banking and pursue a career in politics. He was parachuted into the safe Midlands seat of Bromsgrove, and needless to say took a huge pay cut when he entered the Commons at the 2010 election.

He was almost immediately marked out as rising star by David Cameron and George Osborne, and within two years gained a frontbench role, as Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

From there, his fortunes have followed a neat upwards trajectory. A solid public speaker, who performs well in front of the camera, hes often put onto the airwaves when his party finds itself in a tricky spot.

Like all talented ministers, he is occasionally floated as a future Conservative leader. Supporters argue that his career and background represent a perfect foil to that of the middle-class Jeremy Corbyn.

Javids political nous has also helped him brazen out scandals that might have sunk less talented politicians.

In 2014, for example, it was reported that he was one of around 300 former employees of Deutsche Bank who elected to have bonuses paid via a Cayman Island company called Dark Blue Investments.

The scheme, designed to help high-earning staff reduce their tax bills, was later the subject of an HMRC probe. After a number of court hearings, including one at the Supreme Court in 2016 where a judge called it a sophisticated attempt by the Houdini taxpayer to escape from the manacles of tax, it was ruled unlawful, though staff who took part were not accused of wrongdoing.

Javid also faced another sticky situation as Business Secretary in early 2016, when Tata Steel decided to close plants in South Wales, threatening thousands of redundancies. As the crisis deepened, it emerged that hed disappeared to Australia on an official trip, with a daughter in tow, hoping to take a holiday afterwards. Amid mounting anger, he was called back to London.

Then came the Brexit referendum. Despite being a life-long Eurosceptic, Javid decided to endorse the Remain campaign, in an apparent effort to retain the affections of Project Fears George Osborne, his longstanding mentor.

To the dismay of Thatcherite allies, on the eve of the vote he published a newspaper article headlined: The only thing leaving the EU guarantees is a lost decade for British business. But immediately after the referendum, when the balance of power in the party had shifted, he effected a miraculous conversion. Only this month, he was using Twitter to warn that British people gave politicians clear instructions, which included leaving the customs union, an intrinsic part of the EU.

Some see these shifting pronouncements as evidence that Javid lacks principle, or has an unseemly lust for power, that will one day end in disaster. Others say they merely demonstrate that he possesses deft skills that could take him to the very top of politics.

We will doubtless find the truth in the coming months, as the bus drivers son from Britains worst street takes on Whitehalls most dysfunctional department.A thug who attacked a Pakistani student and left her for dead will not face trial for attempted murder because no-one can prove what happened during 35 minutes they were alone in a bloodied stairwell.

Mehreen Ahmad, 32, was found unconscious in the stairwell of her Perth apartment block with serious head injuries after a night out with friends on May 20 last year.

Eduardo Santos Abrahao Filho, 28, was arrested that night and later charged with attempting to murder her.

Mehreen Ahmad, who is a Pakistani National from the US, 32, was found unconscious in a pool of her blood on May 20

The primary education student was discovered in her Perth apartment stairwell (pictured)

But on Monday that charged was dropped because prosecutors said what happened in 35 minutes in the stairwell 'remains unknown.'

Filho, from Brazil, appeared in the WA Supreme Court via video link from Albany Prison and pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm.

The court heard the facts were yet to be agreed upon because the evidence of a police expert in blood spatter analysis was inconsistent with the claims made by the defence.

Ms Ahmad was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition after the attack

A trial of the issues is scheduled for May, which will require a Supreme Court judge to determine the facts ahead of sentencing.

Filho has been remanded in custody until next Monday when he will be back in court.

Ms Ahmad, a Pakistani national from the US who was studying primary education, had met Filho earlier on the night she was attacked.

Ms Ahmad was out with friends when the group returned to her apartment.

The international student then left to buy cigarettes but didn't return. Blood was later found on multiple levels of the stairwell.

Ms Ahmad was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition. In August 2017, her parents took her to America for advanced brain treatment and then home to Pakistan in December.

They say she has regained consciousness but may never lead a normal life again.

Ms Ahmad's brother Raza said last year her recovery was 'unpredictable and very, very slow'.

'It will be a very long time before she is able to regain any semblance of functional living and even that is not a guarantee,' he said.At least two former members of the Australian Defence Force have fought against Russian-backed separatists in the frozen trenches of eastern Ukraine.

Ethan Tilling, 23, a former Neo-Nazi from Queensland, and Jared Bennet, 30, from Melbourne, have both returned home after taking part in the conflict.

An ex-member of white supremacist group Right Wing Resistance, Mr Tilling spent just two months on the battlefield before he quit due to tough conditions.

Mr Tilling and Mr Bennet did not break Australian law by fighting for Ukraine, unlike others who have fought for ISIS or the Kurds in Iraq and Syria.

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At least two former members of the Australian Defence Force have fought against Russian-backed separatists in the frozen trenches of eastern Ukraine (pictured is Ethan Tilling)

Ethan Tilling (pictured, left), 23, a former Neo-Nazi from Queensland, and Jared Bennet, 30, from Melbourne, have both returned home after taking part in the conflict

Mr Tilling and Mr Bennet (pictured in Ukraine) did not break Australian law by fighting for Ukraine, unlike others who have fought for ISIS or the Kurds in Iraq and Syria

Mr Tilling, a former trainee soldier in the Australian Army, joined the Georgian National Legion, a militia group made up of foreign fighters, ABC News reported.

After being discharged from the army and spending six months as a member of Neo-Nazi group Right Wing Resistance, Mr Tilling looked into fighting overseas.

While a member of the New Zealand-based group he attended an anti-Islam Reclaim Australia rally in Brisbane wearing a Southern Cross flag as a cape.

Right Wing Resistance describe themselves as an 'organised unified resistance movement' and wear badges saying 'white pride worldwide'.

Unable to fight against Islamic State without falling afoul of strict foreign fighter laws, Mr Tilling decided to fight against separatists in Ukraine instead.

He was able to join the Georgian National Legion alongside fighters from the US and the UK, as it is not illegal for an Australian to fight for a foreign army in their territory.

After being discharged from the army and spending six months as a member of Neo-Nazi group Right Wing Resistance, Mr Tilling (pictured, left) looked into fighting overseas

Mr Bennet (pictured) served five years in the Royal Australian Air Force, and joined Ukrainian ultra-nationalist militant group Right Sector in 2016

Mr Tilling left the conflict zone after two months, describing the experience as 'mentally rough' and claiming to have witnessed war crimes.

'We found one of our guys with his fingers, toes, his testicles and his penis cut off in a field with his throat slashed,' he said.

'It certainly wasn't what I expected, and I would tell any Australian thinking about going there to fight in the war to think very carefully about what they want to do, whether it's something they want to endure.'

Mr Tilling said the fighting was like trench warfare, and claimed his unit's positions were shelled almost 24 hours a day.

Russian-speaking fighters were only 120metres away, food was scarce, and he was armed with an AK-47 and a rocket launcher, he claimed.

Mr Tilling (pictured), a former trainee soldier in the Australian Army, joined the Georgian National Legion, a militia group made up of foreign fighters

While a member of the New Zealand-based group he attended an anti-Islam Reclaim Australia rally in Brisbane wearing a Southern Cross flag as a cape (pictured)

Mr Tilling said he was not motivated by ideology, and had nothing to do with his Neo-Nazi past.

'I'm not a Neo-Nazi any more. I'm very much right wing, I'm a patriot, I'm an Australian nationalist,' he said.

The Queenslander said the fact he wanted to fight for the Kurds is proof he no longer has Neo-Nazi views.

He claimed his tattoos - of a Thunder Cross [a Baltic version of the swastika] and an Odin Cross - are not Nazi symbols and honour his ancestors from Scandinavia.

Mr Bennet served five years in the Royal Australian Air Force, and joined Ukrainian ultra-nationalist militant group Right Sector in 2016.

He said Facebook posts by a friend from the US military prompted him to fight in eastern Ukraine as part of Right Sector's Volvika Tactical Group.

Mr Tilling left the conflict zone after two months, describing conditions as tough and claiming to have witnessed war crimes (pictured are living quarters for soldiers)

Right Wing Resistance (Mr Tilling is pictured, right) describe themselves as an 'organised unified resistance movement' and wear badges saying 'white pride worldwide'

A spokesperson for the group claimed Mr Bennet fought with the same unit in 2017, but Mr Bennet did not respond to that claim.

Former Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Bret Walker SC said foreign fighter laws should be changed to cover ultranationalists.

He said his 2014 recommendation all foreign fighting be made illegal was ignored, leaving Australia vulnerable.

Mr Tilling was interviewed about his time in Ukraine by Queensland Police Counter-Terrorism Command, but said it was unnecessary as he is not a terror threat.

There is no suggestion from Daily Mail Australia that Mr Tilling or Mr Bennet are extremists or pose a threat to Australia.The number of sexual assaults reported by members of the US military increased by 10 percent last year - while the number of soldiers saying they faced retaliation for making a complaint rose by three-quarters.

In 2017, 6,769 allegations of sexual assaults were brought to the attention of officials, up from 6,172 in 2016, according to the report from the Defense Department's sexual assault prevention and response office.

For the period under review, the proportion of women in the armed forces increased slightly, from 16% at the end of 2016 to 16.3% at the end of December 2017.

In 2017, 6,769 allegations of sexual assaults were brought to the attention of officials, up from 6,172 in 2016. Pictured: An undated file photo of US soldiers

The number of reported assaults within the ranks of the Marines saw the sharpest increase (14.7%), while they rose 8.4% in the Army, 9.3% in the Navy and 9.2% in the Air Force.

'We will not rest until we eliminate this crime from our ranks,' said Admiral Ann Burkhardt, director of the Pentagon's sexual assault prevention and response office.

'We consider this desire to report [sexual assault] as the result of 10 years of efforts to improve victim support, criminal investigations and military justice.'

A single phone number has been set up for victims of sexual assault in the military, who can decide not to make their case public, even to their superiors. Only the prevention and response office is informed.

Officials had enough evidence to discipline 62% of the 3,567 suspects and of these, 53% received action ranging from fines to demotion and confinement.

However, the number who received a criminal conviction dropped from 413 in 2015 to 281 last year.

Defense Secretary James Mattis (pic at the Pentagon on April 26) has branded sex crimes a 'cancer' on the military and vowed to clamp down on offenders

The Pentagon also revealed the number of reported incidents of people retaliating against soldiers accusing them of sexual assault had increased.

There were 146 reports of retaliation last year, compared to 84 in 2016.

'Fear of ostracism and retaliation remains a barrier to reporting sexual assault or filing a sexual harassment complaint,' the report said, adding that many women fear it will damage their reputations and haunt them for the length of their careers.

The bulk of the retaliation cases involved women who had filed sexual assault complaints, while less than 20 percent involved service members who filed sexual harassment complaints.

In their complaints, many said they felt ostracized and faced cruelty or mistreatment.

Under the law, reprisal can involve a range of unjustified personnel actions, such as interfering with promotion, unreasonably downgrading someone's evaluation or unfairly denying an award. But victims also complain of bullying, including on social media.

Of the 85 people charged with retaliation in cases that were closed during the last fiscal year - which includes some that began in previous years - only 31 were substantiated.

And the department took action against just nine offenders. Disciplinary actions against 14 others are still being finalized.

Defense Secretary James Mattis has branded sex crimes a 'cancer' on the military and vowed to clamp down on offenders.

In a memo released on Thursday, Mattis said officers and commanders must act as substitute parents for their young troops, charging leaders to 'use their authority and force of personality to prevent and eliminate sexual assault from our ranks'.

In June 207, a soldier was court-martialed over the 'Marines United' scandal - which saw men share explicit pictures of their female comrades on a Facebook page.

The Marine was sentenced to ten days confinement, three grades rank demotion, and a loss of two-third of his monthly pay.

He pleaded guilty at the summary-court martial to a charged, 'related to the nonconsensual sharing of explicit photos on the Marines United Facebook group.'A high-tech camera system with the ability to scan 1000 cars in an hour is increasing parking fines and is set to be used more frequently after a successful trial.

Holdfast Bay Council in Adelaide has tested a licence plate recognition system which has proved effective, nabbing 30 times more drivers than traditional methods.

A car-mounted device was attached to parking inspectors' vehicles as they drove past car parks, before a second drive-by was carried out four hours later.

After scanning number plates the device is able to alert officers as to which cars have broken the three-hour limit, the Advertiser reported.

A high-tech camera system with the ability to scan 1000 cars in an hour is increasing parking fines and is set to be used more frequently after a successful trial

The trial on weekends and public holidays from October to March led to 266 fines issued compared with 24 in the entire year before that.

The system is similar to ones already in use at some private shopping centre carparks.

It can tell when drivers have tried to beat the system by moving their cars a few spaces away.

Holdfast Bay city assets general manager Steve Hodge said the system was about making it easier for people to find parks and for inspectors to work more efficiently.

'Residents and visitors will have a better chance of obtaining a carpark due to a greater turnover of parking spaces,' he said.

'This is also a much more efficient process than safety officers walking the streets marking up tyres, which will free them up to undertake more beach and school patrols.'

A trial of the system has proved effective, nabbing 30 times more drivers than traditional methods

The council says the new system will only increase revenue by 5 to 10 per cent each year.

Adelaide residents Neil and Deborah Spencer were not impressed with the system, and said it could have an impact on tourism in South Australia.

'It will put people off coming really. You only have to get fined a couple of times to decide that it won't be worth the trouble,' Mr Spencer said.A Maine man confessed to a friend that he shot a sheriff's deputy in the head before the smoked a crack pipe together, court documents have revealed.

John Williams, 29, was charged with murdering Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole, 61, and held without bail during his first appearance in front of judge on Monday.

He was captured in a remote cabin on Saturday during a massive manhunt, four days after he gunned down the veteran cop.

The friends described Williams as antsy and having body armor with him.

After killing Cole, Williams stole the deputy's cruiser and stole cigarettes from a convenience store before abandoning it, the affidavit indicated.

Lisa Marchese, chief of the criminal division of the attorney general's office, said the state is going to seek a life prison sentence. The case will be presented to a grand jury in the next month or so, she said.

A court-appointed defense lawyer told reporters that he wasn't ready to discuss specifics of the case.

John Williams confessed to fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy in Maine on Wednesday morning. The 29-year-old was captured in a wooded area on Saturday

Held without bail: John Williams, center, accused in the fatal shooting of Somerset County Sheriff's Deputy Eugene Cole, sits with an attorney during his initial court appearance on a murder charge, Monday, April 30, 2018, in Auburn, Maine

The affidavit stated that a police vehicle - it didn't specify whether it was Cole's - appeared as friends were dropping Williams off in front of a house early on April 25. Cole's body was later found outside the home.

Another friend said he met up with Williams after the shooting and that the two smoked drugs using a 'crack pipe.'

That same friend said he saw a shotgun in the trunk of a car that dropped off Williams at one point early Wednesday, according to the affidavit.

One friend says Williams confessed in a cell phone call, but the affidavit didn't point toward motive.

Friends said he had been frustrated by his arrest in Massachusetts the previous month and by his girlfriend's arrest in Maine days earlier - in which Cole had been involved.

Williams was due in court in Massachusetts the day of the shooting and had talked to a friend about becoming a fugitive.

Williams was not required to enter a plea Monday, and a judge ordered him held without bail.

He stared ahead and quietly answered the judge's questions. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation and, at the request of attorneys, moved future court proceedings from Somerset County to Portland to ensure that Williams gets a fair trial.

Authorities said Williams (left) shot and killed Somerset County Sheriff's Corporal Eugene Cole, 62, early Wednesday morning during an encounter

After the hearing, Williams returned to the state's maximum security prison, the Maine State Prison in Warren. Prison officials said it was not an unusual arrangement for an inmate with special security needs.

Several of Cole's family members, including his wife and son, attended the hearing but left without talking to reporters.

Cole's wife, Sheryl, posted on Facebook to thank people for their kindness and law enforcement officials for their service.

She said her husband talked about the 'crazies' being out on the night he was killed, but that nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary when he headed out to work.

'We said our ritual goodbye, ending with me saying (or yelling) 'be safe' and him responding 'absolutely,'' she wrote. 'The next time I saw my husband, he was lying in a casket.'

Cole's killing prompted a massive manhunt with more than 200 law enforcement officers pouring into the area in central Maine, along with tactical vehicles and helicopters.

Williams was arrested outside a remote cabin Saturday, the fourth day of a massive manhunt in the region.

He was shirtless and shoeless when he was captured and appeared exhausted when he was led out of the woods.

Colleagues of the 61-year-old Cole, meanwhile, praised him as a kind and patient deputy, one who was known for defusing volatile situations and treating those he arrested with respect.Robert Jones, 40, admitted to a spanking session with a junior employee on a colleagues desk at the London law firm, Lexlaw

A barrister who was sacked after a kinky tryst at work has accused his bosses of unfair dismissal.

Robert Jones, 40, admitted to having a spanking session with a junior employee on a colleagues desk at the London law firm, Lexlaw.

But the Cambridge graduate said he was sacked unfairly after bosses found out about the fling.

While the pair only had one such rendezvous at work, Mr Jones and his very junior partner would share explicit sex contracts and safe words over emails.

When the company found the exchanges he was dismissed for inappropriate workplace activities. Now Mr Jones is taking legal action against his former employer alleging constructive dismissal. He will also accuse them of breaching data protection laws by accessing his personal communications.

The lawyer has been open about the intricacies of his sexual activities as he takes his former employers to court.

The barrister said he had only been suspended after he upset Lexlaws managing director by rejecting a request to reconsider his own decision to resign.

Mr Jones told the legal blog RollOnFriday that the consensual spanking session, which did not involve sexual intercourse, had happened long before he had left the law firm.

Defending his position, the lawyer said: I had a consensual relationship with another employee, which included one brief incident in private on work premises several months before the disciplinary proceedings.

I was appalled to find out that my employer was monitoring my personal communications over a period of at least several months.

The lawyer has been open about the intricacies of his sexual activities as he takes his former employers to court. Pictured: The entrance to the Middle Temple, where Lexlaw's offices are based

The BDSM barrister said he had only been suspended after he had upset Lexlaws managing director by rejecting a request to reconsider his own decision to resign. Pictured: A stock image showing a riding crop

He said the firm had acted in retaliation after he handed in his notice rather than anything to do with the much earlier incident. Mr Jones earned a first class degree in mathematics from Cambridge and later studied law.

He joined Lexlaw in October 2012 and specialised in corporate finance. In June last year he was dismissed from the company and is now a freelance barrister.

Sources also told The Sun that Mr Jones was very keen to keep the identity of the very junior employee involved in the affair secret.

A spokesman for Lexlaw confirmed a senior barrister had engaged in inappropriate workplace activities last year.

The firm said: The activities that took place are as unacceptable in our workplace as they would no doubt be in any workplace.A driver has been left furious after the price at a petrol pump kept increasing without the man using any petrol.

The angered man appeared to be standing near his ute as the pump laid on the ground with nothing coming out.

The driver, who stopped to fill up his four-wheel drive at New South Wales, filmed the incident to show the price of petrol increase more than $1 in 10 seconds.

A petrol pump has left a driver furious after the price at the bowser kept increasing (left and right) without the man using any petrol at the station at a town in New South Wales

The angered man appeared to be standing between his ute and the bowser as the pump laid on the ground with nothing coming out but the price kept increasing

'F***ing check this s*** out,' a voice can be heard explaining during the video.

The petrol pump was laying on the ground while the price on the machine increased as if petrol was being put into a car.

Within 10 seconds, the bowser had 2.86 litres on it costing $3.92 but it quickly increased to 3.63 litres and $4.97.

The angered man appeared to storm into the service station demanding answers from the staff on Monday.

'Mate I haven't pumped no f***ing diesel in it at all and it was going up,' the man showed a staff member.

The owner told Daily Mail Australia the man who filmed the video was not charged for the diesel that did not come out of the nozzle.

'It has never happened before and there is nothing wrong with my pumps,' he said on Tuesday.

'I'm 200 per cent sure.'

The driver, who stopped to fill up his four-wheel drive, filmed the incident to show the price of petrol increase more than $1 in 10 seconds (pictured)

The angered man appeared to storm into the service station demanding answers from the staff (pictured) on Monday who then inspected the petrol pump

He said for diesel to come out of the nozzle a person had to be holding down the pump.

'If you're not pressing the nozzle you can't deliver diesel,' he said.

The service station owner said he was unsure why the meter was running as no petrol flowed out of the nozzle but claimed it was because someone 'made the video' and edited the vision together.

The 48 second video was shared online and received hundreds of views.

'It is not the normal service station I go to as it is too far away from my home,' the post read.

'I will never go back there again because of what happened today.'

The bizarre incident had people suggesting it could have been caused by an old pump or the petrol station was 'out of fuel'.

The service station (pictured) owner told Daily Mail Australia the man who filmed the video was not charged for the diesel that did not come out of the nozzleNoisily staccato, happy to assert his ethnic credentials, Sajid Javid had been Home Secretary less than seven hours when he entered the Commons to answer another Labour urgent question about the Windrush row.

Whack. There was an instant change in tone and pace. This Home Secretary is a confident sort. Likes bouncers.

Physically, the difference between smartly suited Mr Javid and his forlorn predecessor was striking.

Sajid Javid, who has replaced Amber Rudd as Home Secretary, addresses the House of Commons

Where Miss Rudd had looked angst-ridden, her brow corrugated by worries and her eyes a Chelsea bun of swirls, Mr Javid was a frown-free zone.

He uttered sympathetic words about the Windrush fiasco but they did not sound particularly cuddly. His despatch-box bearing was at-yer-throat.

Having arrived to loud hear-hears from the Tory benches, he went straight to the task of repairing the Tories Afro-Caribbean vote (er, what there ever was of it).

He spoke a direct pledge to the Windrush generation that he would do whatever it takes to get it right.

Next sentence: I am a second generation migrant. My parents came to this country from the Commonwealth in the Sixties. They, too, came to rebuild this country and offer all that they had.

So when I heard that people who were long-standing pillars of their community were being impacted for not having the right documents to stay in the UK, I thought that it could be my mum, my brother, my uncle  or me.

Everyone sought to be kind about Miss Rudd. Quite right. She is a decent stick and could do with a break.

But Mr Javid generated a few snorts when he said he intended to build on her decisive action.

For those who had not heard him first time round (they must have had candle wax in their lugholes, for he was bawling it out), he repeated: We will do right by the Windrush generation!

'Where Miss Rudd had looked angst-ridden, her brow corrugated by worries and her eyes a Chelsea bun of swirls, Mr Javid was a frown-free zone'

Diane Abbott, that doyenne of detail, that imperatrix of small print, seemed startled that her oppo Amber had just been destroyed by a failure to master minutiae of policy.

If a clever woman like that can come unstuck, what on earth could happen to dumbo Diane?

Yesterday Miss Abbotts voice and hands shook like the mudguards on an old London bus.

She reprised Mr Javids statement of his personal qualifications to discuss immigrant issues  the Windrush generation was my parents generation  and wondered if Mr Javid understood how much anger there was in the land.

'Physically, the difference between smartly suited Mr Javid and his forlorn predecessor was striking'

The new Home Secretary immediately seized on this. Of course were aware! he cried. Im angry too! She doesnt have a monopoly on that.

For some reason this infuriated Jeremy Corbyn and a Labour MP sitting behind him, Marsha de Cordova (Battersea).

Shame on you! they cried at Mr Javid. They were really steaming about it.

Boris Johnson, sitting beside Mr Javid, smiled at their aggression. The SNPs Joanna Cherry, serial droner, attacked Theresa May for her old migration targets.

Anna Soubry (Con, Broxtowe) agreed visibly with this criticism of the Prime Minister, nodding for all to see.

'Diane Abbott, that doyenne of detail, that imperatrix of small print, seemed startled that her oppo Amber had just been destroyed by a failure to master minutiae of policy'

Speaker Bercow noted that Miss Cherry had spoken for twice her allocated time, but what could you expect from a lawyer.

A Tory voice: She gets paid by the minute. Laughter.

Miss Soubry was twitchily excitable, pointing and harrumphing and muttering to herself  so much so that even her neighbour and spiritual lama, Dominic Grieve (Con, Le Champ du Beacon), leaned away from her.

There is a waxen oddness these days about Le Duc dAutosatisfaction (the zealously pro-EU Grieve).

He sits as though balancing a halo on his head. He moves with the poise of a man preparing to clinch his place in the history books.

With the House of Lords kicking up an anti-Brexit tantrum yesterday, who is to say he is mistaken?

There is a mood of hard-faced determination among the political Establishment.

With Mrs May apparently dithering, they fancy their chances to defy the electorate, both on the Leave referendum vote and on the populaces vulgar concern about immigration.Sajid Javid was under pressure to prove his Eurosceptic credentials last night by helping to block a Government fudge on Britains exit from the EUs customs union.

Downing Street yesterday confirmed that the new Home Secretary will replace Amber Rudd on Theresa Mays Brexit war cabinet, which meets to discuss future customs arrangements tomorrow.

Mr Javid backed Remain at the 2016 referendum, but friends say privately he is a lifelong Eurosceptic. Since Miss Rudd was a Remainer he could tip the balance on the 11-strong Cabinet committee that sets Brexit policy.

A Whitehall source said Mr Javids interventions at meetings of the full Cabinet had become much more Brexit-y in recent months.

Sajid Javid was under pressure to prove his Eurosceptic credentials last night by helping to block a Government fudge on Britains exit from the EUs customs union

Last year he confronted Chancellor Philip Hammond over the need to release billions of pounds to prepare for the possibility of leaving the EU without a deal.

A leading figure on the influential European Research Group of Tory MPs described Mr Javid as one of us.

The source told the Mail: It will help having Sajid in these meetings in the long term  its basically another member of the Brexit war cabinet for us. He was bullied into backing Remain, but anyone who knows him knows where his heart lies.

Former Brexit minister David Jones described the partnership proposal, which would see the UK collect EU tariffs on behalf of Brussels, as unworkable.

Mr Jones said: We want this idea buried as soon as possible and I would encourage all members of the Cabinet to see it for what it is.

It would require us to still have alignment on regulations with the EU and it would make us subject to the European Court of Justice.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, chairman of the ERG group, also urged ministers to abandon the customs plans he has previously described as cretinous

Q&A by Jack Doyle When is the meeting about the customs union? The PMs 11-strong Brexit war cabinet meets tomorrow to debate which of two plans for future customs arrangements with the EU Britain should pursue. Mrs May wants the package to resolve the issue of moving goods seamlessly, particularly across the Irish border, while also leaving the UK free to strike new trade deals after Brexit. Who is discussing it? Sajid Javid replaces Amber Rudd on a committee that also comprises Mrs May, Philip Hammond, Boris Johnson, Greg Clark, Liam Fox, David Lidington, Michael Gove, Gavin Williamson, Karen Bradley and David Davis. How does the reshuffle affect the decision? Technically, both Mr Javid and Miss Rudd were members of Remain. But while Miss Rudd is a diehard Remainer, who questioned whether the UK would leave the customs union, friends of Mr Javid say he has fully embraced Brexit  potentially tipping the balance of the group in favour of the Eurosceptics. What do Remainers want? Pro-Remain ministers are backing a complex plan drawn up by Mrs Mays chief Brexit adviser Olly Robbins for a customs partnership with the EU, which would require officials to track the final destination of all goods entering the UK and hand over relevant tariffs to Brussels on goods ending up in the EU. It would also require significant alignment with EU regulations in some sectors. Brussels has questioned whether the plan is technologically possible. What do Brexiteers want? Eurosceptic ministers are said to be instinctively opposed to the customs partnership proposal, fearing it would lead to the UK staying in the customs union by the back door. They favour a looser maximum facilitation which would use technology to streamline customs controls, particularly at the Irish border. The EU has raised doubts that controls could ever be seamless enough to prevent the need for a hard border in Ireland. What is Theresa May likely to go for? Whitehall sources say the customs partnership is her preferred option. But she is under pressure to back down. Mr Davis is said to have threatened to quit, while some MPs privately warn the PM could face a leadership challenge unless she opts for a clean break with Brussels. Advertisement

Were it to go ahead there would be a great deal of unhappiness, not just among Conservative MPs but among the public who voted to leave.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, chairman of the ERG group, also urged ministers to abandon the customs plans he has previously described as cretinous, saying: I dont think a customs partnership is going to help.

The customs plan has so many logical inconsistencies, I dont think it will survive much further.

Some Tory MPs are warning privately that Mrs May could face a leadership challenge unless she ditches the idea. One former minister said: We have been putting up with a lot  on the divorce bill, on the transition period and so on. I think this would be the final straw as it would mean us effectively remaining in the EU.

I dont think you would necessarily see an organised push to get rid of the PM, but people would just lose confidence. You could easily see a leadership ballot triggered.

Mr Javid has warned that staying in the customs union would be a betrayal of the referendum result. At the weekend he said: If you want to take the main message that resonated with those that voted Leave it has to be take back control. You wont be taking back control if you leave the EU and stay in the customs union. During the referendum campaign, the then-business secretary appeared one of the most reluctant Remainers, saying he would not shed a tear if Britain left the EU.

The Brexit war cabinet is finely balanced on the issue of future customs arrangements with the EU. A Whitehall source said Eurosceptic ministers, including David Davis, Boris Johnson, Liam Fox and Michael Gove were instinctively opposed to the proposal for a partnership.

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson is also said to be opposed.

They are pushing Mrs May to back an alternative proposal to use technology to remove the need for most customs checks, particularly on the Irish border.

Against them, Mr Hammond, business secretary Greg Clark, Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley and Mrs Mays deputy David Lidington are all in favour of the new customs partnership, which supporters claim would solve the Irish border problem at a stroke.

Miss Rudd, a leading light in the Remain campaign, was also in favour of the proposal. Mrs May has not indicated publicly whether she backs the idea, but one ally privately described it as being intellectually perfect.

Tomorrows meeting is expected to discuss the rival proposals, although sources said they did not expect a final decision to emerge.April 30, 2018, day 1 for Army Recognition online military magazine with its Online Defense and Security Web TV at the Warrior Competition 2018 in KASOTC, King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center. The Day event for the competitors is the TRijicon Top Shot.



Special Forces soldier fire with assault rifle during the Trijicon Top Shot event at the Warrior Competition 2018, that takes place in the KASOTC, King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center, Amman, Jordan. April 30, 2018. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Trijicon Top Shot starts with a blow horn. On the sound of the horn, each shooter will begin negotiating their first stage, forward and lateral movement. Once the shooter has completed the movement stage of the event, they will immediately lock and clear their primary weapon system and begin movement to the static stages.

The shooter cannot proceed forward unless all targets are successfully engaged. Should the shooter expend all their ammunition before finishing the designated stage, the shooter will be eliminated from the event.

The winning team in this years Top Shot will have the opportunity to select the Team order for the Kings Challenge in this years 10th Annual Warrior Competition. The "Kings Challenge" is the latest event of the Warrior Competition.

The first static stage will be a shotgun engagement. The weapon and ammunition for this stage are located on the table directly in front of the targets. After finishing the shotgun engagement, the shooter will lock and clear the shotgun, place it back on the table, and move to the five-plate steel rack. After successfully clearing the rack, the shooter will move to the final static stage, the Texas Star.

The first shooter to clear the Texas Star will be declared the winner. The winner progress to the next round in the bracket. Note, should both shooters expend all provided ammunition without clearing all targets both individuals will be eliminated from the event.



Day result of the Trijicon Top Shot.:



1st place : Kuwait National Guard



2nd place: Lebanon Black Panther



3rd place: Jordan special 2

Registered teams for the Warrior Competition 2018:



* USA Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department SWAT

* UAE Abu Dhabi Police - F7 Team 1

* UAE Abu Dhabi Police - F7 Team 2

* Lebanon Black Panthers - Team

* Moldova Guard Service Team

* Lebanon IDSF Team

* Brunei Royal Brunei Armed Forces Team

* Belarus Special Operations Forces Team

* Ukraine Ministry of Defence Team

* Turkey Gendarmerie Commando Special Operations Team

* Jordan Royal Guards Team

* Kosovo Police Team

* Turkey Gendarmerie Commando School Team

* Greece EKAM Team

* Austria Cobra Team

* Jordan Special Unit 1 - Team

* Oman Royal Oman Police Team

* Jordan Special Unit 2 - Team

* Lebanon Lebanese Armed Forces - Team 1

* Lebanon Lebanese Armed Forces - Team 2

* Kenya MOI Team

* Sudan Special Operations Forces Team

* Poland BOA Team

* Kuwait Commandos 25 Team

* Sweden Piketen Team

* USA 1-184th Infantry Battalion Team

* Jordan Gendarmerie Team

* Kazakhstan Army Team

* Kuwait Police Team

* Czech 102nd Reconnaissance Battalion Team

* Portugal CompOEsp - LAND Team (FOE)

* Qatar Special Operations Forces Team 1

* Qatar Special Operations Forces Team 2

* Saudi Arabia Land Force Team

* India NSG Team

* Kuwait National Guards Team

* China PAP Team 1

* China PAP Team 2

* USA ODA - 5233 Unit Team

* USA ODA - 5232 Unit TeamTensions between arch-enemies Israel and Iran once again threaten to plunge the two countries into direct military conflict  one that could all too easily lead to a new and terrifyingly unpredictable regional war.

In a flash, such a conflict could drag in other major regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the Lebanese-based Shia militia Hezbollah, which are aligned militarily with the Middle Easts two main opposing power brokers, the United States and Russia.

On Sunday, a ferocious Israeli missile strike on alleged Iranian military bases in Syria reportedly killed dozens of soldiers.

On Sunday, a ferocious Israeli missile strike on alleged Iranian military bases in Syria reportedly killed dozens of soldiers (picture taken from Syrian TV)

It is true that Israel has launched more than 100 such strikes inside Syria since the barbaric civil war broke out in that country seven years ago, targeting both Iranian and Hezbollah forces sent to the country to help prop up President Assads regime, which is still technically at war with the Jewish state.

However, the latest attack was the most brazen and deadly yet.

It was followed yesterday by a dramatic claim from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he has proof the mullahs in Tehran have been secretly developing nuclear weapons, in blatant contravention of an internationally brokered deal  sealed by Barack Obama in 2015  aimed at curbing Irans nuclear ambitions.

It saw the lifting of crippling economic sanctions on Iran, in return for limitations to the countrys controversial nuclear energy programme.

In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu said Israel recently uncovered 55,000 documents and 183 CDs of information from Iran's 'nuclear archives'

Mr Netanyahu accused Iran of having a secret plan called Project Amad, whose goal is to produce five ten-kiloton nuclear weapons.

This unverified claim will of course have been music to the ears of Donald Trump and the anti-Iran hawks the President has surrounded himself with in the White House.

Even before this dramatically theatrical display from Israel, Mr Trump appeared determined to scrap the controversial nuclear deal next month, because he sees it as being fatally flawed. The deal is still strongly backed by Britain, the EU, Russia, China and the UN-sponsored watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency. All remain adamant that inspections show Iran has and continues to abide by its principles.

Indeed, during a visit to the White House last week, French president Emmanuel Macron urged Mr Trump to stick to the agreement  echoing similar pleas by Theresa May and Angela Merkel.

The Israeli leader said that the 'atomic archive' where Iran kept its files was in the Shorabad District of the capital, Tehran

But is Mr Trump listening more closely to his old friend Mr Netanyahu?

What we do know is that, as the deadline nears for Mr Trumps decision on whether to re-ratify the nuclear deal, unprecedented threats and counter-threats of death and destruction are being hurled between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

In the past few weeks, each has promised to destroy the others major cities if threatened, raising fears that the proxy war they have been waging in Syria may soon explode into a direct military confrontation.

We should remember that over the past few decades Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly, but erroneously, suggested that Iran is just months away from declaring it has developed a nuclear weapon. Still, it is easy to see why he is so paranoid. Since the revolution in 1979 brought the Shia Islam mullahs to power, the Tehran regime has proudly promoted the destruction of Israel as its top foreign policy objective.

During a visit to the White House last week, French president Emmanuel Macron urged Mr Trump to stick to the agreement  echoing similar pleas by Theresa May and Angela Merkel

Worse for Israel, the civil war in Syria has resulted in thousands of Iranian fighters joining thousands more militia men from Hezbollah, Irans main regional Shia ally, which has already fought numerous wars with Israel.

Their ostensible aim was to help Assad fight Islamic State and other Islamist rebel groups, but that brutal experience means they are now battle-hardened, armed to the hilt and entrenched right on the Jewish states border.

Until now, Russia  which is allied with Assad, Iran and Hezbollah, but also has warm relations with Israel  has played a delicate diplomatic balancing act, backing Israels enemies while turning a blind eye to the Jewish state attacks against them in Syria.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin recently signalled his patience with Mr Netanyahu had run out

But Russian leader Vladimir Putin recently signalled his patience with Mr Netanyahu had run out, and he has promised to deliver the advanced S-300 air defence missile system to Assad to help him defend against such aerial attacks. Israel responded by saying that any such system would be destroyed before it could become operational.

It is easy to see, then, why the price of oil is soaring on the back of Mr Netanyahus claims yesterday. Its a sign that the international markets are afraid supply will be disrupted by strife and conflict in the region.

The great fear for diplomats around the world is that, if Mr Trump does decide to withdraw from the nuclear deal and reimposes sanctions, Israel will launch unilateral strikes against what it says are Irans nuclear facilities. That would almost certainly provoke a devastating military response  not just from Tehran, but also its allies in Syria and Lebanon.

And if that happens, it will take a massive effort of will to stop America and Russia coming to the aid of their allies  at which point the risks of a global conflict will rise sharply. Once again, the tinder box Middle East threatens to drag two of the worlds great powers to the edge of the abyss.Ken Clarke, who was Tory Home Secretary in the early 1990s, said ID cards would help deal with illegal immigration from Africa and the Middle East

Three former Home Secretaries last night demanded that Theresa May bring back compulsory identity cards in response to the Windrush crisis.

Alan Johnson and Charles Clarke, who ran the department for Labour in the 2000s, argued that biometric ID cards were the best way to prove and so protect a citizens identity.

Ken Clarke, who was Tory Home Secretary in the early 1990s, said ID cards would help deal with illegal immigration from Africa and the Middle East.

But it is understood Theresa May has ruled out bringing in such a scheme, which critics say would breach civil liberties.

A Whitehall source said: This Government is not going to introduce mandatory ID cards. It wasnt the right policy when Labour first proposed it, and that remains the case.

When Mrs May first entered the Home Office, she oversaw the destruction of Labours identity card database, scuppering a scheme which at that stage was voluntary.

Only around 15,000 cards were ever distributed.

A law abolishing ID cards and the national identity register was the first to come out of the Home Office during the coalition government.

At the time Mrs May said it would begin the process of reversing the erosion of civil liberties and restoring freedoms.

But yesterday Ken Clarke told the BBC: I agree with some of my predecessors you cannot control illegal immigration until you have identity cards in this country which unfortunately were proposed, supported by the Conservative Party at first and then ditched a few years ago.

When Theresa May first entered the Home Office, she oversaw the destruction of Labours identity card database, scuppering a scheme which at that stage was voluntary

Trying to control mass immigration of the kind we now have coming from Africa and the Middle East without an identity card law is I think impossible.

The Blair government made a bit of a mess of overcomplicating it, it would have taken years to introduce but an ID system would have helped.

What you dont want is these kinds of policies to be applied to elderly British citizens who came here legally and have been working, paying taxes all their lives.

Charles Clarke and Mr Johnson argued in a letter to the Times that the decision to abandon ID cards was ideological and unwise. Britain should adopt them like most major European countries, they argued.

They said Britain had an ID card system when the Empire Windrush migrants docked in 1948 and through until 1952.

Its time to put identity cards back on the political agenda and give everyone confidence that those using our services are fully entitled to do so, they said.A 37-year-old tattooist and 'body modifier' has been arrested over the alleged genital mutilation of a 33-year-old woman.

The man was arrested at his home on the NSW Central Coast on Tuesday morning and taken for questioning.

Police said a woman visited the man at his workplace in Newcastle West for a body modification procedure during 2016.

Shortly afterwards, the woman made a formal complaint about the modifications which allegedly left her mutilated.

A 37-year-old tattooist and 'body modifier' has been arrested over the alleged genital mutilation of a 33-year-old woman

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station to speak with police

Police have been investigating the incident since the woman made the complaint, and on Tuesday morning swooped in and arrested the man at home in Terrigal.

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station to speak with police.

Body modification is not legislated in NSW however members of the 'Skin Penetration industry' are required to follow public health regulations.The stock market clearly likes the idea of this mega-merger. Yesterday, shares in Sainsburys  Britains oldest established grocery chain  rocketed after it unveiled its plan for a deal with Asda to create a 14.1billion grocery colossus.

Sainsburys chief executive Mike Coupe, architect of the deal, wants to win consumer support with the promise of lower prices by 10 per cent on many of the products customers buy regularly.

If you believe his reasoning  and the deal is accepted by the monopolies watchdog the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as well as the supermarket ombudsman  then customers can expect to see a price drop in some key value items. But nothing about this transaction is a foregone conclusion.

Under the refreshed leadership of the forensic former chairman of the Treasury select committee, Andrew Tyrie, the CMA is not going to give Sainsburys or Asda an easy ride.

Since 85 per cent of what the big grocers buy comes from 100 big suppliers, the deal would give the Sainsburys-Asda conglomerate added muscle in its dealings

In these pages yesterday, I argued that the deal was misguided because it could limit choice and convenience for customers. And as the financial details of the merger were revealed early yesterday, my phone rang off the hook.

Sainsburys most senior executives were clearly fearful that regulators and politicians will be more concerned about potential harm to consumers and suppliers than with the positive impact for investors.

I was assured by one of the architects of the deal that it must be a win-win situation.

Since 85 per cent of what the big grocers buy comes from 100 big suppliers, the deal would give the Sainsburys-Asda conglomerate added muscle in its dealings.

There will doubtless be victories for the grocers as they negotiate with some of the less robust suppliers for lower prices. But the idea that reducing the number of mainstream grocery chains from four to three  Sainsburys-Asda, Tesco and Morrisons  will bring about across-the-board lower prices is fantasy economics.

Retail industry suppliers have been quick to pour cold water on the idea that prices will easily be driven down. Sainsburys and Asda have huge buying power that already provides them with rock bottom prices many [suppliers] will not be able to deliver, warned consultants Simon-Kucher.

The Federation of Small Businesses, meanwhile, is concerned the heft of such a giant new firm could lead to misuse of power to coerce small suppliers into accepting unfair contracts and payment terms.

Knowing my general scepticism about overseas takeovers, a Sainsburys boss suggested to me yesterday this was a deal the Daily Mail should welcoming because it will effectively return Asda  the old Associated Dairies  from its ownership by Arkansas-based Walmart back into the British fold.

Sainsburys chief executive Mike Coupe (pictured) wants to win consumer support with the promise of lower prices by 10 per cent on many of the products customers buy regularly

This is not quite true, however, because Walmart will be the biggest shareholder in the new Sainsburys-Asda set-up with 42 per cent of the shares and a third of the votes in the company. There is always excitement when a major merger is announced, but experience tells me that when the public-relations machine is running at full tilt, one should never allow spin to outweigh basic economics.

Consumers shouldnt kid themselves that Sainsburys boss Mike Coupes 10 per cent price reductions will necessarily mean an overall cut in the cost in a shopping basket across the huge range of branded, own label and fresh produce goods offered by the new group.

Other concerns were aired in Parliament yesterday, where MPs expressed fears not only about job security, but also on whether supermarkets would close in their areas.

Sainsburys says there are no plans to close stores, but the company will seek operational efficiencies of 500million  which will surely result in job losses in the long run. The thinking is that, if there are only Sainsburys and Asda stores in a given area, they could effectively operate a monopoly and so one would have to be sold off to a rival supermarket chain.

Analysis suggests that, as a result of such overlap, as many as 75 Asda stores will have to be disposed of if this merger is to have any chance of winning approval.

Such a large divestment could undermine the financial rationale for the deal, and could take years to complete at a time when the whole retail sector is under stress. It is suggested that the new merged company will seek to keep the Sainsbury and Asda brands separate, with the former maintaining its focus on quality, and Asda continuing to push cheaper own-brand products which will compete with the upstart discounters like Lidl and Aldi.

But Sainsburys tried this with Dutch discounter Netto, and ended up losing 20million after having to close a series of stores where the brands had been sited together.

Sainsburys says there are no plans to close stores, but the company will seek operational efficiencies of 500million  which will surely result in job losses in the long run

Largely the brainchild of Mike Coupe at Sainsburys and his ex-colleague Dave Cheesewright at Asda, this merger has been two years in the making. Both firms have been trying to figure out how to deal with the huge global threat from Amazon, which arguably has the best logistics, warehousing and delivery technology, as well as almost unlimited financial resources.

Amazon is challenging Asda owner Walmart in the US with the purchase of bricks-and-mortar retail firm Whole Foods Market, and starting to make incursions in the UK, too. Sainsburys argues it is in a strong position to integrate Asda because both companies have embraced the best of new technology.

Be that as it may, we should heed the lessons of last weeks disastrous IT meltdown at the TSB  that technological change can be chaotic if companies get it wrong.

Sainsburys is still digesting IT and distribution changes that came with the purchase of Argos owner Home Retail Group two years ago.

The Sainsburys-Asda merger gives the impression of being a sensible deal designed to create a new leader in British shopping. But like many big mergers, it is a roll of the dice designed in part to cover-up grave shortcomings in the strategy of the managements concerned.A man was caught on camera attacking his 38-year-old wife with a screwdriver as she was sitting in a New York barber's shop.

The couple, who share custody of a five-year-old daughter, ended up brawling in the store before taking the fight outside onto the street.

The attack was a brutal one as the man walked up to his unsuspecting wife with a screwdriver hidden in his hand.

Chilling video shows a man repeatedly stabbing his wife with a screwdriver while she sat in a Manhattan barbershop, cops said Monday

Shop owner Sierra Angel, seen here in the purple, attempted to wrestle the man away from his wife and to pull the screwdriver out of his hands but he was overpowered

The dramatic security footage first shows the man attempting to run back and plunge the tool into his spouse

The entire assault was caught on camera which saw the pair struggling from one end of the shop to the other.

Jose Castillo, 66, could be seen bludgeoning the woman with the tool as she fought desperately to escape.

One of the shop's owners, Angel Sierra, tried to intervene by attempting to drag Castillo away but he was simply too strong for him.

The man simply pushed him out of the way and began to attack his wife for a second time.

At one point, as the woman tried to escape she became trapped behind the glass door

The man got his wife outside and and fell to the ground while he continued to stab her

A passerby, in the red cap, saw what was going on and pulled the man away from his wife

The woman struggled to get up after a few moments without being assaulted. She is now in hospital being treated for multiple stab wounds and is said to be in terrible shape

The woman almost managed to escape but in the panic ended up opening the door the wrong way leaving her trapped behind the glass and allowing the beating to continue.

By the time the assault ended up on the sidewalk the woman was on the floor and a passerby also tried to stop the fight.

Police have arrested and charged Castillo with with attempted murder.

The store owner, Sierra, has been to visit the woman in hospital where she is recovering but says she is not doing well and is currently breathing through a tube.

The woman recently arrived from the Dominican Republic and had been working as a waitress.

She was taken to St. Luke's Hospital and was treated for multiple lacerations and stab wounds.Surrounded by family homes in a sleepy Melbourne suburb, Number 100 Johnston Street looks like a normal terraced house.

But inside is a seedy world of 'mischief, wonder and temptation.'

For the $1.85million home is actually a licensed brothel that has been going strong for 40 years.

The business, named Number 100, calls itself 'the home of the happy ending.'

Surrounded by family homes in a sleepy Melbourne suburb, Number 100 Johnston Street looks like a normal terraced house. But inside is a seedy world of 'mischief, wonder and temptation.'

Open seven nights a week, Number 100 advertises which women are working with a daily twitter post to loyal followers. Pictured: A prostitute's twitter post retweeted by the brothel

Open seven nights a week, it advertises which women are working with a daily twitter post to loyal followers.

The prostitutes themselves also advertise their services with teasing bedroom Tweets.

'Indulge in a nude, body-to-body sensual encounter with one of our gorgeous ladies and you'll want to come again,' the brothel's Twitter bio reads.

Now, the four-bedroom property with a brothel license is up for sale, with agents claiming to have several potential buyers in the running.

'We've got lots of interest so might even take this one to auction,' said Antonio Lorusso of Peter Markovic Real Estate.

New South Wales' Spank brothel at 19 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour Jetty is on the market for a cool $1.4million

Marketed as a leased investment, the brothel (pictured) is said to bring the owner around $98,000 a year

He said the brothel was earning its owner $120,000 a year - but a new owner could convert it into a family home and rent it out for around half that.

And Number 100 is not the only brothel currently up for sale in Australia.

New South Wales' Spank brothel at 19 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour Jetty is on the market for a cool $1.4million.

A description online reads: 'Open 7 days. Quality ladies available for in calls and out calls to surrounding suburbs, motels, hotels and resorts. Discreet off street parking available. Nine room establishment with two Spa rooms available for long bookings.'

Also on the market are two 'massage parlours' in Townsville (pictured), which have been operating as a brothel for 13 years

The Number 100 prostitutes themselves also advertise their services with teasing bedroom Tweets

Marketed as a leased investment, the brothel is said to bring the owner around $98,000 a year.

Also on the market are two 'massage parlours' in Townsville, which have been operating as a brothel for 13 years.

The premises was originally set up as part of the Australian Maid brothel business.

It is advertised online as having 'five fully equipped rooms' and being a 'legally approved brothel location.' Potential buyers have to inquire about price.

Another brothel up for sale is at 13 Carmel St, Garbutt, Queensland. Known as Blue Birds On Carmel, it's on the market for $1.3million.

The establishment boasts private spa baths, a manager's quarters and built-in security features.

A description online reads: 'The opportunity now exists to purchase this legally approved brothel (Blue Birds on Carmel) situated at 13 Carmel Street, Garbutt Qld.

Another brothel (pictured) up for sale is at 13 Carmel St, Garbutt, Queensland. Known as Blue Birds On Carmel, it's on the market for $1.3million

The establishment boasts private spa baths (pictured), a managers quarters and built-in security features

'The property offers five rooms all with amenities and spa baths to each and mezzanine managers quarters and office.

'The property is discreetly positioned with private entrance and parking.

'Attached is an undercover parking for five staff vehicles via electric roller door and full security throughout.'

Also on the market is a property in Artarmon, NSW, which has been built as a brothel but is currently vacant.

Also on the market is a property in Artarmon, NSW, which has been built as a brothel but is currently vacant

It has a large main room featuring a pole in the centre, eight car spaces on site and a discreet rear entrance.

With price available on application, the description reads: 'Freestanding building with an immaculate fit-out designed for a bordello.

'The property is comprised of a single large building split over two levels plus a basement car park.'Pharmacy-grade Xanax was being openly sold on social media last night  hours after a Daily Mail investigation revealed that chemists are diverting drugs to the black market.

Reporters contacting drug dealers online were offered next-day delivery of dangerous and highly addictive prescription-only medication.

Dealers claimed to offer discreet postage of Xanax tablets branded with the name of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer  identical to medication available in British pharmacies.

It comes after the Mail exposed rogue pharmacists acting like street drug dealers for illegally peddling medication which is being abused in schools and universities by vulnerable teenagers.

Reporters discovered that a pharmacy-grade version of the highly-addictive drug was being sold on Instagram

One pharmacist in central London, Anatolijus Kostiukevicius, sold Xanax and the highly addictive painkiller tramadol to an undercover reporter without a prescription. Both drugs are Class C controlled substances. Withdrawal symptoms from Xanax can include psychosis, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Yesterday, the General Pharmaceutical Council referred Mr Kostiukevicius, 53, to the Metropolitan Police. His boss at Al Razi Pharmacy confirmed he had been suspended from work, calling his actions unacceptable and intolerable.

But last night drug dealers were operating in plain sight on the photo-sharing app Instagram, which is owned by Facebook. Within seconds of being contacted by a reporter posing as a buyer, the owner of one account said he could deliver Xanax the following day after receiving payment via a bank transfer.

Another seller moved the conversation to the encrypted messaging app Wickr, preferred by dealers because messages are deleted after a period of time. He provided a menu of certified drugs such as Xanax, including bulk-buy offers such as 1,000 tablets for 600. Instagram did not respond to a request for comment.A pensioner has been duped out of his savings after a hacker claiming to be a Telstra employee scammed him.

Craig Kroker lost $8,000 collectively after a fraudster convinced him to spend $2,000 on iTunes vouchers before they hacked into his computer and stole thousands more.

The Horsham man had been dealing with NBN issues and was speaking with legitimate Telstra staff throughout the morning when the hacker made his mark moments later.

A pensioner has been duped of his savings after a hacker claiming to be a Telstra employee scammed him (stock image)

Craig Kroker lost $8,000 collectively after a fraudster convinced him to spend $2,000 on iTunes vouchers (stock image) before they hacked into his computer and stole thousands more

'They've cleaned me out,' Mr Kroker told The Courier.

Mick's Computer Repairs Horsham, who the disability pensioner called after the scam, wrote online the hacker claimed to be from the 'Telstra Technical Department'.

'(They said they) had a lot of error reports so they needed to get into (Mr Kroker's) computer to fix the problem,' the post read.

'He let them into his computer as he had only just been speaking with Telstra a few moments ago.'

The computer repair company, who Mr Kroker called after the incident, said the pensioner was asked by the hacker to buy $2,000 worth of iTunes cards.

The hacker then remotely logged on to Mr Kroker's computer, scamming him of thousands.

The Horsham man had been dealing with NBN issues and was speaking with legitimate Telstra staff throughout the morning when the hacker made his mark moments later (stock image)

'I'm not usually one to be sucked in, but I have something going on in the background of my life which made me more vulnerable to this,' Mr Kroker told the publication.

The disability pensioner, who lives in Victoria's central-west, said he was told not to touch his computer for a few days but because he was logged on to his online banking accounts, the hacker was able to take the money.

Mick Parish told the publication 'no software protection' would help since the scammer was given 'complete access' to the computer.

People are advised not to give anyone they don't know access to their computers - especially remote access.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Telstra for comment.Theresa May came out fighting over immigration yesterday following the resignation of Amber Rudd.

The Prime Minister pledged to keep up the fight against illegal immigration, despite Labour claims that the approach contributed to the Windrush scandal.

But, in a sign of the turmoil the issue has caused in Tory ranks, new Home Secretary Sajid Javid distanced himself from the idea of making the UK a hostile environment for illegal migrants.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused Mrs May of using Miss Rudd as a human shield on the issue and said she now has questions to answer about her record as home secretary.

The Prime Minister pledged to keep up the fight against illegal immigration, despite Labour claims that the approach contributed to the Windrush scandal

But Labours own chaotic stance on immigration also faced fresh scrutiny after Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott refused nine times to set out what Labour would do with illegal immigrants.

Mrs May defended the Governments target-driven approach to illegal immigration, saying it was important that officials focused on the need to remove those who have no right to be in this country.

If you talk to members of the public they want to ensure that we are dealing with people who are here illegally, she said.

It is only fair on hardworking taxpayers and on people who have come here legally and are contributing to our society that those here illegally are not able to carry on being here.

Mr Javid, who was promoted following Miss Rudds resignation on Sunday night, also pledged to clamp down decisively on illegal immigration. But he also told MPs he would be putting my own stamp on the Home Office  a department whose direction has remained unchanged since Mrs May left in 2016.

He vowed to do right by the Windrush generation. And, in a significant change of tone, he described the hostile environment phrase as unhelpful and said he would not use it.

Mr Javid, the first ethnic minority MP to rise to the rank of Home Secretary, told MPs: I dont like the phrase hostile so I think the terminology is incorrect.

I think it is a phrase that is unhelpful, and it does not represent our values as a country. So its about a compliant environment. Mr Javid said he was angry about the Windrush scandal, which precipitated Miss Rudds downfall, saying it could have affected his own family who settled in Britain in the 1960s.

When I heard that people who were long-standing pillars of their community were being impacted for simply not having the right documents to prove their legal status in the UK, I thought that it could be my mum, my brother, my uncle or even me, he said.

Mr Javid rounded on Labour attempts to exploit the scandal for a wider attack on the immigration system, telling Miss Abbott she did not have a monopoly on anger about the issue.

In a sign of the turmoil the issue has caused in Tory ranks, new Home Secretary Sajid Javid distanced himself from the idea of making the UK a hostile environment for illegal migrants

Miss Rudd resigned on Sunday night after accepting she had inadvertently misled parliament over the existence of internal targets for the removal of illegal immigrants. Mr Javid said he wanted to examine the removal targets in detail before deciding on their future. Some Tory MPs urged him not to allow the Governments guard to drop on the issue.

Philip Davies backed Mr Javid in righting the wrong against the Windrush generation, but warned him not to use this issue as a Trojan horse like the Labour Party to go soft on illegal immigration.

Mr Davies said the public backed the removal of those who had no right to be in this country.

Ex-work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith said the Government was right to pursue those who are here illegally.

In an indication he would not shy away from tackling illegal immigration, Mr Javid said that everyone in the country expects us to deal with that.

Senior Tories yesterday paid tribute to Miss Rudd, with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt describing her departure as devastating. In a gracious message, Miss Rudd congratulated her successor on an outstanding debut in his new job.

But her departure also sparked some calls for a change of tack on immigration, with former ministers Nick Boles and Anna Soubry both urging Mr Javid to rethink the Governments approach.

The views of Mr Javid, the son of an immigrant bus driver, on migration are notably more liberal than those of Mrs May. Yesterday he ducked opportunities to publicly endorse her target to slash the net figure to below 100,000 a year.Chief executive Mark Carne said he anticipated operators would come to him in the not-too-distant future

Trains could soon run 24 hours a day, according to the head of Network Rail.

The Government-funded company said it was paving the way for a round-the-clock timetable in the not too distant future amid demands for a modernised service.

Chief executive Mark Carne said the move was part of an overhaul to make the railway more relevant for the 21st century.

Trackside controls could be replaced by digital signalling on more than two-thirds of the Victorian network within 15 years, improving efficiency, he said.

But the move would pose difficulties for engineers who already struggle to carry out repairs overnight.

Mr Carne, who said in February he was quitting Network Rail this summer after four years in charge, told The Times: Over time what do people want from a railway? They want something that is more relevant to their lifestyle and today peoples lifestyles are 24-hour.

He said he anticipated operators would come to him in the not-too-distant future over 24-hour trains. The Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators, said firms would consider timetable changes where there is demand.A range of inter-community events dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide kicked off April 24 in Aleppo, Syria.

May 1, 2018, 11:11 Armenian Genocide commemorated in Aleppo, Syria

STEPANAKERT, MAY 1, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: A commemoration event took place in the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church, followed by the official wreath laying ceremony on behalf of the Consulate General of Armenia of Aleppo. The wreath was laid at the Armenian Genocide memorial outside the church.

Armenian Evangelical community leader Reverend Harutyun Selimyan and Consul General of Armenia in Aleppo Armen Sargsyan delivered remarks at the event, mentioning that the dedicated process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is also a measure to prevent similar crimes.

Another commemoration event was held in the Holy Mother of God Church of Aleppo. Local government officials and heads of all Armenian community institutions of the city were in attendance, the foreign ministry of Armenia said.

A candlelight ceremony took place in the AGBU branch.

Similar other commemoration events took place in the city.This is the British playboy millionaire who wrecked his 270,000 Rolls Royce after crashing into a shop in Majorca with two bikini-clad beauties

Jody Sanders reportedly lost control of his vehicle car after his sandals got caught in the pedals as he reversed up a road, and before smashing into a tobacco shop.

Locals said he vanished with his two young female friends before traffic cops arrived to breath-test him, abandoning his badly damaged Rolls Royce Dawn Coupe.

Crasher: Jody Sanders, believed to be in his 30s, lost control of his vehicle as he reversed the wrong way up a road near Magaluf, Majorca

Playboy: Sanders frequently flaunts both his body and wealth on social media

Footage of the moment the car crashed appear to show the exposed bottoms of one of the women - believed to be South Americans - poking out of the Rolls as she was hit by flying glass.

Sanders, thought to be in his 30s and from Warwickshire, flaunts his wealth on social media, with pictures showing him swigging from a bottle of champagne at the wheel of a expensive car thought to be the one he crashed in.

He drives a Lamborghini and Mercedes Sport as well as the Rolls with the personalised numberplate 'JODY' which he crashed.

Sanders, who makes no secret of his well-honed body with a string of photos showing off his rippling stomach muscles and biceps, is thought to divide his time between a mansion in the UK and a luxury villa on Majorca, near the crash scene.

The manager of the shop Maria Mamen said this morning that Mr Sanders had called her to ask for the insurance details.

She said: 'He was very polite and asked for the insurance details so he could start sorting things out with them.

'He said his foot had got caught under the pedals and he was very sorry for any problems he had caused.'

Footage of the moment the car crashed appear to show the exposed bottoms of one of the women - believed to be South Americans - poking out of the Rolls as she was hit by flying glass

Tobacco shop manager Mamen Maria said: 'I know the man who was at the wheel. He comes in here from time to time to buy cigarettes'

The millionaire entrepreneur lost control of his vehicle as he reversed the wrong way up the road by a packed restaurant terrace before smashing into a tobacco shop

Another local, who asked not to be named, said: 'We're hearing he could be let off with a fine for dangerous driving and that will be the end of the matter as far as police are concerned.

'But it's all hearsay at the moment. We're not really sure what's going on.'

People in Spain who drive in sandals risk being fined by police.

Wearing sandals is not specifically banned but if traffic cops feel a driver's footwear is potentially dangerous - and flip flops and high heels usually come under that category - they can impose fines of around 70.

Witnesses said he hit a kerb outside a packed restaurant terrace around 7.45pm on Sunday in Portal Nous in Majorca near upmarket port Puerto Portals - narrowly missing around 20 people - before smashing through the glass front of the shop next door.

Jose Martin, manager of a restaurant near the crash scene, said: 'We saw the car pass a few minutes earlier.

'The man was driving and the music was blaring and two very pretty South American women were in bikinis dancing and taking selfies.

'They pulled into the car park of a supermarket that was closed just down the road and were sat there for around five minutes.

Locals said he vanished with his two young female friends before traffic cops arrived to breath-test him, abandoning his badly damaged Rolls Royce Dawn Coupe (pictured), which is now in a police pound

'The next minute there was this tremendous noise and the car reversed up the road at speed and hit the kerb just outside the restaurant terrace before spinning round and smashing into the tobacco shop next door.

'If he had hit the kerb a few seconds earlier we could have been looking at a major loss of life. There were about 20 people on the terrace at the time.

'I took the number plate of the car down and called police but by the time they arrived the driver and the two women were gone.

'They seemed initially to be in a state of shock and they were covered in glass from the broken shop window.

'They left the area on foot.'

Another witness, who asked not to be named, said: 'I've got friends who work at Nikki Beach and he told me they were there during the day.

'The driver looked the worse for wear when he got out of his car. Shock is one thing but he seemed to me to be high on drink and possibly something else.

Jose Martin, manager of a restaurant near the crash scene, said: 'We saw the car pass a few minutes earlier. The man was driving and the music was blaring and two very pretty South American women were in bikinis dancing and taking selfies'

'He tried to drive away from the crash scene but the steering on the Rolls-Royce had gone and he had to abandon the car because it wouldn't go any further.'

A spokesman for Calvia Council, which covers the Portals Nous area, confirmed local police had been called to an incident in the village of Puerto Portals on Sunday evening.

She said: 'A UK-plated car smashed into a shop front after the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle.

'No other cars were involved in the incident.'

A Civil Guard source said yesterday morning: 'We are still searching for the driver and two women who were in the car with him.

'They left the scene of the crash before officers arrived to breath-test the driver and do a drugs test.'

The source said: 'The paperwork in the car didn't quite match the number plate so that's another thing the driver will be questioned about when he is tracked down.'Police have launched a desperate search for a high school student and a teacher who are believed to have run off with each other.

Cops in Hattiesburg, Mississippi issued the alert on Monday seeking teacher Nicole Jackson, 30, who is currently free on $10,000 bail on charges of sexual battery in a position of trust, and Oscar O'Neal, 16.

The pair could be in a dark blue Chevy Impala with plate number FRA-4454.

Oscar's father, Oscar O'Neal Jr, took to Facebook to issue a public plea for his son's safe return home.

Cops in Hattiesburg, Mississippi issued the alert seeking 16-year-old Oscar O'Neal and teacher Nicole Jackson, 30, who is currently free on $10,000 bail

'If u see my son please contact me or my wife Lisa Oneal. We got the police involved,' the elder O'Neal wrote. 'His nickname is Lil Pooh but his real name is Oscar Oneal.'

Oscar is also believed to go by the nickname 'Pooh Gotti'.

Jackson, the teacher, resigned from her position at the Earl Travillion Attendance Center and turned herself in to police on April 10.

Police said they began investigating her in mid-March receiving a tip that she had been conducting an inappropriate relationship with a student.

Oscar's father, Oscar O'Neal Jr, issued this public plea for his son's safe return home

Jackson had worked with the Forrest County School District for several years, officials said.

Based on her Facebook profile, Jackson is married with at least one child.

In Mississippi, the age of sexual consent is 16.

However, state law prohibits a person in a position of authority, including a teacher, from engaging in sexual penetration with a person under the age of 18.

Anyone with information about Oscar's whereabouts is urged to contact The Hattiesburg Police Department at 601-545-4500.It was the moment that shocked Australia - an angry step-father violently choked a teenage boy who had allegedly been bullying his stepdaughter.

But firefighter Mark Bladen's infamous Brisbane skate park assault did not follow 'random' schoolyard taunts, the girl's mother claimed.

Jen Bladen claimed to Daily Mail Australia that the incident was more targeted than previously known.

The teenagers knew each other for months before the assault, she said.

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Mark Bladen, 53, said he was giving the boy a 'good old fashioned talking to' when he said the 15-year-old smiled at him, causing him to 'snap' and choke the boy

Her daughter was 'scared and anxious of going to school' after the alleged bullying.

The revelation came after Mr Bladen told 60 Minutes he was 'not proud' of his actions but said he got the 'job done'.

His step-daughter - who claims she was called a 'Gorilla', 'King Kong' and given shaving cream for Christmas - is no longer being bullied.

When asked what triggered the attack, the Mr Bladen said his daughter had rang him in tears.

'She was crying, she was upset,' he said.

'She said he was at the skate park, and I said 'that's it, I'm going to talk to him'.

'I walked with purpose, had an aggressive demeanor,' Mr Bladen said.

Mr Bladen said he was 'not proud' of his actions but he got the 'job done', because his step daughter was no longer bullied relentlessly

When asked what triggered the attack, the Brisbane step father said his daughter called him in tears claiming she had been tormented yet again by the bully

'I snapped, and the next thing I knew my hands were around his neck,' Mr Bladen said

After he spoke to the boy, Mr Bladen said he was 'very very close to leaving, but then he smiled at me'.

'I snapped, and the next thing I knew my hands were around his neck,' he said.

His 15-year-old victim suffered bruising to the throat and scratches to his limbs in the fight.

The teenager told a court he was the victim of bullying himself and suffered nightmares following the attack.

When asked what was going through his mind after the brawl, Mr Bladen said 'job done'.

While his daughter was no longer bullied, Mr Bladen said he wouldn't do it again. He said he regretted his actions.

'If I could go back in time I wouldn't have been in that situation to start with.

'It was a stupid thing to do, stupid.'

Mr Bladen warned other parents not to make the same mistake he did.

Jen Bladen told reporter Liz Hayes her husband 'did what I think any parent would'.

'His initial intention was to go down there and speak to him and I was okay with that. But looking back, what he did was not right,' she said.

Mr Bladen's daughter claimed the boy relentlessly bullied her about her physical appearance.

'(He) called me names like gorilla and King Kong, he would buy me shaving cream for Christmas so that I would shave,' she said.

Mr Bladen pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm in a Brisbane court on March 20.

He was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and $500 in compensation. No conviction was recorded.

Daily Mail Australia first revealed Mr Bladen's identity in March.President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada and Mexico until June 1, a source familiar with the decision said.

The White House has also reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, the source said on Monday.

Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum in March, but granted temporary exemptions to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the European Union, Australia and Argentina.

The temporary exemptions were due to expire at 12.01am on Tuesday.

President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1

If it loses its exemption, the EU has said it will retaliate with its own tariffs on US goods imported to Europe, including bourbon, blue jeans and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Trump announced the tariffs on March 8, but exempted the European Union later that month.

The Trump administration has justified the tariffs - aimed primarily at Chinese overproduction - on national security grounds and told trading partners they must make concessions to win permanent exemptions.

The EU has insisted it will not negotiate without first obtaining a permanent exemption.

In a statement released on Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe was 'resolved to defend its interests within the multilateral trade framework'.

In a statement released on Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe was 'resolved to defend its interests within the multilateral trade framework'

This map shows the top 10 countries that export steel to the US, and their share of the total

The Trump administration was also expected to announce later Monday it had reached a deal to exempt South Korea from the tariffs.

Trump is working with South Korean President Moon Jae-in ahead of the US leader's expected summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks.

Last month, the government in Seoul said it had made concessions to secure a revised trade deal with Washington and escape its steel duties.

Extensions for Canada and Mexico had been expected, as Washington, Mexico City and Ottawa work on revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement.A man who has been charged after allegedly mutilating a womans genitals claims to specialise in split tongues, earlobe reconstructions and belly button removal.

The 37-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday morning at his NSW Central Coast home, as part of an investigation into the alleged body modification of a woman in 2016.

The man, who is not a qualified medical practitioner, was later charged with prohibition of female genital mutilation.

Police said the man allegedly mutilated a woman's genitals while she was undergoing a procedure.

A man arrested for allegedly mutilating a womans genitals claims to specialise in split tongues and belly button removal - a split tongue done by the man pictured

The tattoo shop where the man works in Erina Fair was raided by police as part of the operation

The 37-year-old mans current workplace Transition tattoo studio at Erina was raided this morning as part of the police investigation into the 2016 procedure

On the man's his social media accounts, he claims to have more than ten years experience in body modification.

His posts feature modification work from fake scars to 'subdermal horns' and silicon beads under his client's skin to tattooed gums and coloured-in whites of the eyes.

The man's current workplace Transition Tattoo Studio at Erina was raided on Tuesday as part of the investigation.

A 33-year-old woman made a formal complaint to police after undergoing a procedure by the man, when he was working at a Newcastle West business.

The man worked at Tribal Urge tattoo studio in Newcastle West, when the alleged body modification offence took place - Elf ears by the man are pictured

The man worked at Tribal Urge tattoo studio in Newcastle West, when the alleged body modification offence took place

The man worked at Tribal Urge tattoo studio in Newcastle West, when the alleged body modification offence took place.

A staff member at Tribal Urge told Daily Mail Australia they are 'under new management' with the current staff not in charge when the alleged mutilation occurred.

Police said the 33-year-old woman who has allegedly been mutilated made a formal complaint following the procedure - sparking their investigation

The 37-year-old was arrested at his home in Terrigal, on the Central Coast, on Tuesday morning.

He was then taken to Gosford Police Station to speak with officers.

Body modification is not legislated in NSW however members of the 'Skin Penetration industry' are required to follow public health regulations.

The man has been bailed to appear before Gosford Local Court on Tuesday May 15.

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station to speak with police



Australia's oldest scientist plans to fly business class to Switzerland next week to end his life.

Dr David Goodall, a former university lecturer from Western Australia, doesn't have a terminal illness but says he regrets having reached the age of 104 as his quality of life continues to deteriorate.

'I greatly regret having reached that age,' he told the ABC.

'I'm not happy. I want to die. It's not sad particularly. What is sad is if one is prevented.

'If one chooses to kill oneself, then that should be fair enough. I don't think anyone else should interfere.'

Australia's oldest scientist , Dr David Goodall (pictured), wants to fly to Switzerland to end his life

Dr Goodall (pictured middle) does not have a terminal illness but greatly regrets having lived to 104

Dr Goodall was born in London in 1914, and is an eminent botanist and ecologist.

He came to Australia to in 1948, taking up a lecturing position at the University of Melbourne.

Dr Goodall celebrated his 104th birthday in early April and has since decided it is time to access voluntarily euthanasia in Switzerland.

West Australia is still in the process of introducing voluntary euthanasia laws which would be restricted to people with a terminal illness.

Premier Mark McGowan said the government would not assist Dr Goodall due to the fact he is not suffering from a terminal illness.

Dr Goodall was born in London in 1914, and is an eminent botanist and ecologist

He came to Australia to in 1948 taking up a lecturing position at the University of Melbourne.

'My feeling is that an old person like myself should have full citizenship rights including the right of assisted suicide,' Dr Goodall told Seven News.

Taking matters into his own hands, Dr Goodall sought the help of Exit International, who created a GoFundMe page to help upgrade Dr Goodall's ticket from economy to business class.

Dr Goodall is expected to leave Perth in early May accompanied by his long-time friend and Exit's West Australian Coordinator, Carol O'Neil.A Middle Eastern man wanted by police over an alleged kidnapping is on the run in Sydney.

Police have issued a public appeal to find Bilal El Hassan, aged 37, who also goes by the name Dante Lamis.

He is wanted on two arrest warrants including an alleged kidnapping and failing to stop in a car crash.

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Middle Eastern man Bilal El Hassan (pictured) is wanted by police over an alleged kidnapping and failing to stop at a car crash.

He was previously known to frequent the Bankstown, Merrylands, Mt Druitt, Penrith, and Liverpool areas.

The community were warned not to approach the man, but contact police immediately if they find him.

Mr El Hassan is described as being of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern and 180-185cm tall with a muscular build.

He was last known to have short brown hair and a beard but police warned he may have changed his appearance.

Detectives from the Drug and Firearms Squad have conducted inquiries to locate the man, and are re-appealing for information.

Anyone with any information on Mr El Hassans whereabouts is urged to to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.

He also goes by the name Dante Lamis. Mr El Hassan is described as being of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern and 180-185cm tall with a muscular build.The questions that Special Counsel Robert Mueller handed to Donald Trump's lawyers have been leaked, and the president is furious.

Mueller recently sent the list of nearly four dozen questions to Trump's attorneys amid ongoing negotiations about what topics he might address if he agreed to meet with investigators. The New York Times first published the list.

The questions are wide-ranging and open-ended, and suggest a major interest in potential obstruction charges  a concept that the president was quick to mock on Tuesday.

Trump tweeted his fury at the leak on Tuesday morning, defending himself against what he sees as politically motivated, manufactured claims that motivated Mueller's appointment in the first place.

'So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media. No questions on Collusion,' he noted.

'Oh, I see...you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!'

Scroll down for the full question list

Special Counsel Robert Mueller (pictured) sent the list of 44 questions to Trump's lawyers amid negotiations on subjects Trump would be willing to discuss in an interview

Trump has not yet formally agreed to sit down with investigators for an interview. Advisers have warned it could be a perjury trap, and Trump's lawyers have been negotiating topics

The president lashed out Tuesday at the Mueller investigation, calling it a 'disgraceful' probe of a 'phony crime ... that never existed'

In a second tweet, Trump addressed Democrats' glee at the prospect of indicting him on obstruction of justice charges.

'It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened!' he wrote.

'Witch Hunt!'

The barb about classified information refers to former FBI director James Comey, whom Trump fired last year. Comey acknowledged during a later Senate hearing that he provided memos of his meetings with Trump to a law school professor-friend, instructing him to leak them to the media in the hope that it would generate an outcry for a special counsel.

Trump later said some of the material in those memos was classified.

Mueller's questions focus not only on alleged links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government  the special counsel's original mandate  but also dwell heavily on Trump's thoughts and actions after the election.

Eighteen of the questions focus on Trump's May 2017 decision to fire former FBI Director James Comey. Thirteen are about alleged campaign links to Russia, eight concern Attorney General Jeff Sessions and five aim at the saga surrounding former National Security Advisor Mike Flynn.

Mueller also wants to ask Trump what his 'reaction' was after Comey briefed him on January 6, 2017 in Trump Tower about the claims in the Democrat-financed 'dirty dossier,' which alleged that Russia had compromising information on Trump.

Other questions ask about Trump's reaction to Session's recusal from the Russian election interference investigation, and his decision to fire Flynn in February 2017.

The questions reveal publicly for the first time that the FBI may suspect Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, of 'outreach' to Russia during the presidential election.

'What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?' one question reads.

Manafort had not previously been publicly accused of contact with Russia during the campaign.

He has pleaded not guilty to tax fraud charges unrelated to the election, which Mueller brought in the course of the probe, and denies any involvement in Russian election interference.

One question asks what discussions Trump may have had regarding 'any meeting with Mr. Putin,' referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Another question asks what the president may have known about a possible attempt by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel with Russia after the election, but before Trump's inauguration.

The questions reveal publicly for the first time that the FBI may suspect Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, (above) of 'outreach' to Russia during the election

The bulk of the questions center on Trump's May 2017 firing of Comey.

The questions probe deeply into Trump's exact thoughts, motivations and actions surrounding the firing, which Trump said at the time was motivated by the mishandling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation.

Mueller's questions indicate his suspicion that the firing was motivated by concern that the FBI was investigating members of the Trump campaign over suspected links to Russia.

'Regarding the decision to fire Comey: When was it made? Why? Who played a role?' one question reads.

Additional questions center on Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his discussions on sanctions against Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition.

Flynn is now cooperating with Mueller's investigators in a plea deal which is expected to spare his son from prosecution.

'What did you know about phone calls that Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?' one question reads.

Another asks if there were any efforts to reach out to Flynn 'about seeking immunity or possible pardon'.

Flynn was fired February 13, 2017, after White House officials said he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about the phone call during the transition period by saying that he had not discussed sanctions. It was later reported that he had urged Russia not to overreact to Obama administration sanctions.

The following day, according to memos written by Comey, Trump cleared the Oval Office of other officials and encouraged Comey to drop the investigation into Flynn.

Many of the questions on the list appear to be based on anonymously sourced reports in the New York Times and Washington Post, citing intelligence and executive branch officials.

Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow declined to comment on the list to the AP on Monday night, as did White House lawyer Ty Cobb.

Although Trump has casually commented publicly that he'd be happy to speak with Mueller's investigators, he has yet to formally agree to an interview.

Many of Trump's close advisors have warned him not to give an interview, fearing that Mueller is setting a perjury trap. If Trump's statements in an interview contradict someone else's or other evidence, he could be charged with lying to investigators.

If Trump refuses an interview, Mueller would be forced to consider subpoenaing him to testify before a grand jury - an extraordinary step to take against a sitting president.

Although the US has a longstanding tradition of protecting the president from being compelled to appear in court, it is not clearly enshrined in law. A subpoena of Trump would almost certainly end in a legal battle all the way to the Supreme Court.A disgraced teacher who smuggled vile exploitation material showing children as young as three being sexually abused will serve his 22-month jail term at home - less than 300 metres from a kindergarten.

Alexander Anh Nguyen Tran, who was caught smuggling child pornography into Australia from Japan, will serve just 10 months under home detention before he is released under supervision.

Judge Liesl Chapman said Tran was spared jail because of his attempts to rehabilitate, according to The Advertiser.

'The images and videos you brought into this country are abhorrent... real children were abused, violated and degraded in the production of that material,' she said.

A disgraced teacher who smuggled vile exploitation material showing children as young as three being sexually abused will serve his 22-month jail term at home - less than 300 metres from a kindergarten (stock image)

'One only needs to see the look on the faces of those real children to appreciate the trauma being experienced by them in [its] production.'

But the judge insisted the 32-year-old had taken active steps towards rehabilitation since his arrest.

'I think you have got to the stage in rehabilitation such that the safety of the community will not be threatened by you serving a period on home detention,' she said.

Tran had been living 200m away from Wilderness School before prosecutors blocked him from serving his term at that home.

Tran had been living 200m away from Wilderness School before prosecutors blocked him from serving his term at that home

His parents then bought him another property - 250 metres from a kindergarten - where he has sought to serve his sentence, according to the paper.

Tran was arrested at Adelaide Airport last year after he was found with hard drives containing more than 2,000 illicit files.

Around half of those were cartoons and more than 800 showed real children as young as three, the paper reported.

He pleaded to guilty to importing child exploitation material, but his lawyer requested he receive a suspended sentence because he is an 'exceptional candidate' for rehabilitation.

Tran previously told the court his offences were a result of teenage rebellion - and that he should be spared jail because he had 'beaten his addiction.'Starbucks has removed the Jewish group the Anti-Defamation League from its racial bias following a backlash from activists.

The company will close 8,000 cafes for the afternoon on May 29 so 175,000 employees can undergo racial tolerance training.

The firm organized the session following the public outcry over two black men getting arrested for sitting at one of the tables without ordering a drink.

But the Anti-Defamation League, whose mission is to fight anti-Semitism, will not be present.

The civil rights organization will instead play an advisory role in the company's long-term efforts to combat discrimination.

The viral video that prompted the scandal showed police talking with the two black men while they were seated at a table. After several minutes they handcuff and led them away

Kevin Johnson, CEO of Starbucks, said the company's sales have not been affected by the scandal

Jaime Riley, a Starbucks spokeswoman, told Politico that the group will not be involved in developing the curriculum for Starbucks mandatory anti-bias training, as originally planned.

'When Starbucks asked for assistance, we agreed to help,' ADL spokesman Todd Gutnick said to Politico. 'As to whether Starbucks may or may not now want to utilize our expertise, you should ask them.'

Activists had attacked Starbucks over the ADL's involvement, citing the ADL's support for Israel and its arms-length relationship to the Black Lives Matter movement.

'The ADL is CONSTANTLY attacking black and brown people,' Women's March organizer Tamika Mallory posted on Twitter. 'This is a sign that they are tone deaf and not committed to addressing the concerns of black folk.'

The training came in response to protests and calls for boycotts after the arrest of two black men waiting in a Philadelphia store sparking accusations of racial profiling at the chain.

On May 29 8,000 U.S. Starbucks stores will close so employees can take part in racial bias-awareness training

The controversy is the biggest public relations test yet for new Starbucks Chief Executive Kevin Johnson, who already was fighting to boost traffic to Starbucks amid competition from coffee sellers ranging from hipster cafes to fast-food chains and convenience stores.

'While this is not limited to Starbucks, we're committed to being a part of the solution,' said Johnson, a former technology executive who took the helm about a year ago.

The 8,000 temporary store closures will almost certainly have an impact on sales. Starbucks did not say how many hours the stores would be shuttered on May 29, but the afternoon is the slowest time for Starbucks' business.

Starbucks is one of the most high-profile and beloved brands in the world and its long-time CEO Howard Schultz was not one to shy away from difficult conversations over thorny issues such as gay marriage, gun control and Congressional gridlock.

Center of storm: Rashon Nelson (left) was meeting his friend Donte Robinson (right) in Starbucks in Philadelphia Center City when they were arrested, sparking national outrage

The incident sparked accusations of racial profiling at the coffee chain and prompted activists to start protesting at the Philadelphia store on April 16

However U.S. race relations have proven more challenging, even for a company that touts its diverse workforce - minorities account for 18 percent of Starbucks executives with the title of senior vice president or higher and 43 percent of employees overall.

Johnson has apologized for the 'reprehensible' arrests of the two men in Philadelphia and took personal responsibility for the incident, which was captured in a customer video that was shared widely.

A video of the arrest went viral, prompting a public backlash and the trending hashtag #BoycottStarbucks.

Starbucks attorneys said Johnson and the men, who were released without charges, have 'engaged in constructive discussions about this issue as well as what is happening in communities across the country.'Nikol Pashinyan says he believes that the countrys military spending must be adequate to the regional situation.

May 1, 2018, 16:01 From military spending to Saakashvilis return to Georgia  HHK lawmakers questions to Pashinyan

STEPANAKERT, MAY 1, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS:Republican Party (HHK) faction MP Tajat Vardapetyan asked the candidate for Prime Minister during todays parliamentary hearing about his views on Armenias military spending. Do I find that today Armenia has a need for increasing military spending? Yes, I do. Today Armenia has a need to increase military spending. I am convinced that we will be able to significantly increase budget revenues, which will result in significant increases of military spending as well, Pashinyan said. In response to the MPs observation that former president of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili is expecting Nikol Pashinyans clear attitude regarding his return to Georgia, Pashinyan assured that he didnt have any ties and doesnt have any ties with Saakashvili. I dont personally know Saakashvili, I have never had any interaction with him. What is happening in Armenia has received a wide reaction in the world. If we now try to understand who were the ones that expressed attitude we will see that they were people of various nationalities and various orientations. This doesnt anyhow impact on what is happening. Saakashvilis return to Georgia is exclusively the domestic business of Georgia and Saakashvilis business, Pashinyan said. Vardapetyan also asked how Pashinyan imagines the NK conflict settlement without compromise. Pashinyan answered that it is unclear for him why one of the parties should speak about compromise when the other party is announcing about intentions of capturing Yerevan. Speaking about compromise makes sense when both parties speak about it. I have always said that it is ridiculous when the Armenian side responds to Azerbaijans threats with conversations about compromise, he said.The body of Wesley Belisle was found on Monday, days after he was swept by a wave in North Carolina

The body of a four-year-old boy has washed up on a beach, five days after a wave swept him away.

Wesley Belisle's body was found on Carova Beach, North Carolina by the Currituck County Sheriff's Office on Carova Beach, around 34 miles from where he was last seen, according to USA Today.

The New Hampshire boy went missing after he was swept into the sea on Wednesday while walking with his mother along a Kitty Hawk beach.

The Sheriff's Office said in a statement: 'We hope that the outpouring of compassion and offers of support, thoughts and prayers to the Belisle family from people all over the world can bring them some amount of solace in this time of tremendous grief.'

They added that Wesley's family is making arrangements to transport his body back to Manchester, New Hampshire.

Wesley's mother Lindsey frantically looked for him after he was swept into the ocean, and spotted him briefly. However, another wave crashed in and she lost sight of him in the surf, the US Coast Guard said.

Wesley, from New Hampshire, was on vacation with his family when tragedy struck

He was walking with his mother Lindsey along Lillian Street Beach in Kitty Hawk last Wednesday when tragedy struck

The New Hampshire Union Leader reported the family had visited an aquarium and went on a wild horse tour the day of the tragedy.

'Wesley was excited to visit the state of North Carolina. We spent some of our days on the beach: collecting shells, digging holes in the sand, building sandcastles, and walking on the beach as a family with our dog,' Wesley's family wrote to the organizers of a memorial service organized by volunteers on Sunday.

About 75 gathered at the Kitty Hawk beach to honor Wesley at Lillian Street Beach access in Kitty Hawk.

The Coast Guard deployed a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew to search for the boy before the mission was suspended on Wednesday night.

Video courtesy of 13 News Now

'We spent some of our days on the beach: collecting shells, digging holes in the sand, building sandcastles, and walking on the beach as a family with our dog,' Wesley's family said

A make shift memorial was erected for the boy on the beach at Lillian Street Beach in Kitty Hawk

Until Monday, the only trace of the four-year-old was his hat which turned up two miles north of where he went missing in the surf, according to 13 News Now.

Waves at the beach were as high as six-feet when Wesley went missing.

Jeremy Thomas with the Coast Guard said 'the currents in North Carolina are bad.'

'It's always a danger near the ocean,' Thomas said. 'It's just a tragic case. No one wants to see something like this happen.'

A makeshift memorial to the boy was set up along the beach where the boy went missing.

Wesley's family is making arrangements to transport his body back to Manchester, New HampshireJetstar has launched one of his biggest sales ever, giving travellers the chance to beat the winter blues.

The low-cost carrier is offering over 200,000 free return flights to celebrate its 14th year in operation.

Destinations include some of the world's most popular tropical hotspots, such as Bali, Hawaii, Thailand and Vietnam.

Jetstar has launched one of his biggest sales ever, giving travellers the chance to beat the winter blues (pictured is Bali)

The low-cost carrier is offering over 200,000 free return flights to celebrate its 14th year in operation (pictured is Waikiki Beach in Hawaii)

Destinations include some of the world's most popular tropical hotspots, such as Bali, Hawaii, Thailand (pictured) and Vietnam

Flyers taking off from Perth can pick up a return ticket to Bali for as little as $169, while Melbourne and Sydney travellers can visit Hawaii for just $339 (pictured is Ho Chi Minh City)

Flyers taking off from Perth can pick up a return ticket to Bali for as little as $169, while Melbourne and Sydney travellers can visit Hawaii for just $339.

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam can be reached return from Australia's two biggest cities for only $259, and Cairns holidaymakers can see Tokyo for $30 more.

Tourists flying out of Sydney can go to and from the Thai city of Phuket for $289, or jet to Christchurch for $169.

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam can be reached return from Australia's two biggest cities for only $259, and Cairns holidaymakers can see Tokyo (pictured) for $30 more

Melbourne is hosting a return flight to Auckland for $179, or a trip to Bali for $299, the same flight costing $20 less out of Sydney.

Jetstar CEO Gareth Evans said the airline has come a long way from its humble beginnings, hence the celebratory sale.

'Since we launched Jetstar in May 2004, with 14 aircraft flying to 13 destinations we have grown to more than 130 aircraft flying to more than 85 destinations across Australia, Asia and the Pacific,' Mr Evans told Escape.

Tourists flying out of Sydney can go to and from the Thai city of Phuket for $289, or jet to Christchurch (pictured) for $169

The return for free sale applies to Starter fares and begins at 12:00am on Tuesday May 1 and runs until 11:59 on Wednesday May 2, unless sold out.

Flights are available for selected dates throughout 2018 and in early 2019.

Tickets must be bought on Jetstar.com, and excludes checked baggage.An ISIS-sympathizer has received life in prison after shooting dead a high school student at a traffic light as part of a random spree of killings aimed at 'avenging' US action in the Middle East.

Ali Muhammad Brown, 33, was clad in camouflage when he shot 19-year-old Brendan Tevlin 10 times through a side window, hitting him with eight bullets, before opening fire on him again as he tried to stagger away.

Brown was later tracked down to a woodland camp where cops found a manual in which he pledged allegiance to Islamic State and noted 'must learn proper ways of jihadi training'.

Scroll down for video.

Ali Muhammad Brown, 33, (pictured in court on Tuesday) was clad in camouflage when, with the help of two associates, he surrounded 19-year-old Brendan Tevlin (right, in an undated photo) then shot him 10 times

Brendan's parents sit in the dock of a court in Newark, New Jersey, as their son's killer was sent down for life

Brown is due to be extradited to Washington state to face charges over the murders of two men while they were leaving a Seattle nightclub and another 30-year-old man in the suburb of Skyway.

On Tuesday, facing a courtroom packed with more than 100 of Tevlin's friends and family.

'Nobody could ever know the depth of the pain that one goes through when they lose child,' Brendan's mother Allison Tevlin told the court.

'It's something you never get over. It's the first thing you think about when you wake up, the last thing you think about before you go to sleep.'

His sister, Michaela, said: 'I assumed this pain would lessen after that summer my brother died. I thought the moment after I finished giving his eulogy to over 1,000 people at his funeral that life would move forward and somehow return to the way things were before.

'Inevitably, life did move forward, but not the way I wanted it to, because when Brendan's life ended did, a part of mine of did as well.'

Brendan was highly popular with his classmates and more than 1,000 people packed into a church for his funeral service

Brown initially apologized to the parents and then went off on a rambling lecture in which he repeatedly asked to be treated 'as a human being, not a monster.'

'I would like to say that I apologize to his parents and I apologize to those who are close to him and those who love him and respect him and honor him,' he said.

'I appreciate the things I did even though it hurt people I don't regret anything because it made me who I am today.'

Superior Court Judge Ronald Wigler called Brendan Tevlin's murder 'one of the most heinous, horrific, brutal crimes I have presided over' in eight years on the bench.

Brown's actions also didn't change US policy but only 'brought devastation and despair to a family who never did a thing to you,' Wigler told Brown.

About a dozen of Tevlin's friends and relatives delivered victim impact statements, including his mother, Allison, who called Brown 'a vile excuse for a human being.'

His sentencing 'will end this portion of our nightmare,' she added, but said the hole in their lives would remain.

The attack took place when Tevlin, from Virginia's University of Richmond, was driving home from a friend's house.

The attack took place when Tevlin, from Virginia's University of Richmond, was driving home from a friend's house. He is pictured playing the bagpipes during a parade

He was waiting at a traffic light less than 10 minutes from his home in the New Jersey town of Livingston, outside Newark, when Brown and two other men, following him in another car, jumped out and surrounded him.

Brown shot Tevlin through the passenger-side window, hitting him 10 times, and then shot him several more times as he tried to exit the car, Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Jamel Semper said Tuesday.

A few weeks after the murder, authorities found Brown (pictured in an undated police mug shot) hiding in nearby woods

A few weeks after the murder, authorities found Brown hiding in nearby woods.

Ballistics tests later showed that the same gun was also used in three killings in Seattle, according to New Jersey prosecutors.

His alleged accomplices, Eric Williams and Jeremy Villagren, were charged over Brendan's death but released due to insufficient evidence.

In court papers filed in Seattle in 2014, authorities said Brown described himself to detectives after his New Jersey arrest as a strict Muslim.

Brown was said to have been angered by the US government's actions in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, noting the deaths of innocent civilians and children as a result.

In a subsequent recorded interview in New Jersey, Washington authorities wrote, Brown described his idea of a 'just kill,' in which the target was men unaccompanied by women, children or elderly people.

During Brown's March plea, which occurred voluntarily and not as the result of a deal with prosecutors, he also took responsibility for fatally shooting Dwone Anderson-Young, 23, and Ahmed Said, 27, in Seattle in 2014 after they left a gay nightclub, and for the deadly shooting of Leroy Henderson, 30, in the Seattle suburb of Skyway. Brown said he killed the two in Seattle because he believed they were gay.

Washington state allows the death penalty, but authorities there have opted not to pursue it in this case, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert Laurino said Tuesday.

Washington state allows the death penalty, but authorities there have opted not to pursue it in Brown's case. He is pictured on January 20, 2016

Dwone Anderson-Young, 23, and Ahmed Said, 27, who were allegedly shot by Brown in Seattle in 2014Shocking photographs show the moment a construction worker who nearly slipped to his death from the 20th floor of a building was saved by a safety net.

The life-threatening incident happened early Monday near 8th Avenue and Lenora Street in Seattle, Washington.

The 30-year-old, who has not been identified, dropped 80 feet and landed onto the net by the 12th floor.

He was transported to the Harborview Medical Center where he was last listed in critical condition.

Photos show the moment a construction worker who nearly fell to his death Monday was caught by a safety net

The incident happened early Monday at 8th Avenue and Lenora street in Seattle, Washington

The 30-year-old, who has not been identified, dropped 80 feet and landed onto the net at the 12th floor

Hospital officials said he suffered injuries in the lower extremities, including broken bones, according to the Associated Press.

Several construction workers, fire and police officials were spotted at the scene assisting the man out of the net afterward.

Traffic had been stopped just before lunch hour.

Officials are investigating the incident and have not yet released details regarding the events leading up to the fall.The body modifier charged with genital mutilation after allegedly performing a modification procedure on a female customer has travelled the world promoting designer scarring and transformations.

Brendan Russell, 37, was charged on Tuesday with prohibition of female genital mutilation.

He was arrested earlier that morning at his home at Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast, after a lengthy police investigation into alleged body modification.

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Brendan Russell was arrested after police swooped in on his home in Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast after a female customer complained about the work done

Russell holds skin between his fingers in a photo showing off his scarification work

The 37-year-old mans current workplace Transition tattoo studio at Erina was raided this morning as part of the police investigation into the 2016 procedure

Police said a 33-year-old woman 'engaged the modifier to perform a procedure at a business in Newcastle West in 2016'.

Sometime after the procedure was carried out, the woman lodged a formal complaint with police.

Russell, a self-described 'body modifier', currently owns and operates Transition Studio at Erina Fair shopping centre, which was raided by police soon after his arrest.

According to his social media where he posts under the name 'BSlice', he also colours the whites of his client's eyes, and experiments with branding.

He claims to specialise in split tongues and belly button removal - a split tongue done by Russell pictured

Russell, originally from Newcastle wad then charged with prohibition of female genital mutilation

Russell removing a woman's belly button as part of a modification procedure

He has even branded himself adding 'two lines for two special people' to the side of his face.

On Russell's social media accounts, he claims to have more than ten years experience in body modification, and travels the world promoting his craft.

His posts feature modification work from fake scars to 'subdermal horns' and silicon beads under his client's skin to tattooed gums and coloured-in whites of the eyes.

The man worked at Tribal Urge tattoo studio in Newcastle West, when the alleged body modification offence took place - Elf ears by the man are pictured

Russell is pictured branding himself - marking two lines on his face for two special people in his life

Modifications done by Russell include items inserted under the skin

Body modification is not legislated in NSW however members of the 'Skin Penetration industry' are required to follow public health regulations.

At the time of the alleged procedure, Russell worked at Tribal Urge in Newcastle's west.

A spokesperson from Tribal Urge told Daily Mail Australia the store has been under new management since 2017.

Russell, who is due to appear before Gosford Local Court on May 15, claims to specialise in splitting tongues, earlobe reconstructions and belly button removal.

Police arrested Russell at his home in Terrigal on the central coast on Tuesday morning

The tattoo shop where the man works in Erina Fair was raided by police as part of the operation

The man worked at Tribal Urge tattoo studio in Newcastle West, when the alleged body modification offence took place

The man has been bailed to appear before Gosford Local Court on Tuesday May 15.

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station to speak with police



An Alaska man charged with killing five and wounding six after a shooting rampage at a Florida Airport will not face the death penalty.

Esteban Santiago, 28, will instead have to plead guilty and serve a life sentence. In order to save his own life, he will also have to give up all rights to an appeal of his sentence.

The deal was announced in court on Tuesday, but Santiago's plea and sentencing will take place at a later date.

Santiago, 28, of Anchorage, Alaska, is charged in a 22-count indictment in the January 2017 shooting in a baggage claim area at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Trial had been set to begin June 11.

Esteban Santiago will plead guilty to killing five a wounding six at an airport in Florida in January last year

Santiago, of Anchorage, Alaska, is accused of shooting at random through the baggage collection area (pictured) at Florida's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Santiago (left and right) originally pleaded not guilty to a 22-count indictment but will change his plea to avoid the death penalty

U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom asked Santiago, dressed in a tan jail outfit and bound in chains, if he understood the agreement he was making.

'Yes, your honor,' he replied.

According to the indictment, Santiago flew on a one-way ticket from Alaska to Fort Lauderdale with a 9 mm handgun in a box he put in checked luggage. After landing he retrieved the weapon, loaded it in a bathroom and came out firing randomly until he exhausted his ammunition.

The victims were identified as: Shirley Timmons, 70; Olga Woltering, 84; Michael Oehme, 57; and Terry Andres, 62; and Mary Louise Amzibel, 69.

Since his arrest, Santiago has been treated at a Miami jail for schizophrenia but his lawyers say he is mentally fit for trial. He complained of mental problems before the shooting but was not barred from possessing a gun.

Bloom said she wanted a mental evaluation done before accepting the plea deal because of the rights Santiago would be giving up. She set a mental competency hearing for May 23.

'That is the court's utmost concern,' she said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Del Toro said the agreement was approved by senior Justice Department officials and in consultation with families of the slain victims. In the federal system, all prosecutions in which the death penalty is a possibility must be approved by the attorney general.

Pictured: victim Shirley Timmons, 70, left, and Olga Woltering, 84, right

Santiago's reason for choosing the Florida airport has also not been disclosed. (Pictured from left to right: victims Michael Oehme, 57; Terry Andres, 62; and Mary Louise Amzibel, 69)

'The attorney general has given us the authority not to seek the death penalty,' Del Toro said.

After the shooting, the FBI says Santiago told agents in a confession that he acted under government mind control, then claimed inspiration by Islamic State extremists. No terrorism links have been found.

The FBI says numerous airport security cameras recorded the shooting on video and there are dozens of witnesses who can identify Santiago as the shooter.

Santiago, a National Guard Iraq veteran, was treated at an Anchorage psychiatric hospital last year after he showed up at the local FBI office saying he was under CIA mind control and was hearing voices. He was released after a brief stay and given anti-anxiety medicine.

His gun, which had been confiscated by police during that time, was returned to him and was used a few weeks later in the Florida shooting.

Pictured: what may be the weapon was used by the gunman in the January 2017 shootingA man ended up causing a scare in a movie theater in Manhattan on Sunday night after he ran into the auditorium and began shouting about guns.

Anthony Powell, 34, of the Bronx, entered the Regal Union Square cinema at 11:30pm and starting yelling 'they are killing us,' according to law enforcement sources.

The deranged outburst caused panic among customers at one screening.

A man sparked panic at a New York movie theater after shouting about people in the building killing people with guns (file photo)

Powell screamed 'people with guns were killing people in the theater,' which then caused chaos and panic according to law enforcement.

Such was the fear that one man ended up jumping from a low balcony and injured his leg and elbow as he attempted to escape. He was later taken to hospital.

Powell then grabbed the injured man by the throat and yelled, 'I got the Jew!,' according to the New York Post.

Other patrons also ended up suffering minor injuries as they were trampled in the rush for the doors.

Powell was eventually arrested and charged with strangulation, assault, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, and criminal nuisance.The woman who found the body of a slain Maine cop helped raise the man accused of his murder, who she considers her own child, it's been revealed.

Kimberly Sirois discovered the body of 62-year-old Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole in her backyard on Wednesday morning and was the one to call police.

She says John Williams, who has been charged with the murder, moved in with her when he was a freshman at Skowhegan High School and stayed with her and her family through school, as reported by WGME.

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Kimberly Sirois discovered the body of 62-year-old Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole in her backyard on Wednesday. She later learned the killer was a man she had helped raise

John Williams confessed to fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy in Maine on Wednesday morning. The 29-year-old was captured in a wooded area on Saturday

Sirous said the 29-year-old moved back in with her last September but she asked him to leave during winter.

'He was struggling when he was here and because I had children living in the house. It just wasn't a good living situation,' Sirois told the local station in an interview that took place when Williams was still on the run.

Sirous added that she has no idea what could have made Williams commit such a heinous crime, but said William's death would mean 'losing my child'.

Williams confessed to a friend that he shot the sheriff's deputy in the head before they smoked a crack pipe together, court documents revealed.

He was charged with murdering Cole and held without bail during his first appearance in front of judge on Monday.

The alleged killer was captured in a remote cabin on Saturday during a massive manhunt, four days after he gunned down the veteran cop.

The friends described Williams as antsy and having body armor with him.

After killing Cole, Williams stole the deputy's cruiser and stole cigarettes from a convenience store before abandoning it, the affidavit indicated.

Sirous said he moved back in with her last September but she asked him to leave during winter (pictured is her home)

Lisa Marchese, chief of the criminal division of the attorney general's office, said the state is going to seek a life prison sentence. The case will be presented to a grand jury in the next month or so, she said.

A court-appointed defense lawyer told reporters that he wasn't ready to discuss specifics of the case.

The affidavit stated that a police vehicle - it didn't specify whether it was Cole's - appeared as friends were dropping Williams off in front of a house early on April 25. Cole's body was later found outside the home.

Another friend said he met up with Williams after the shooting and that the two smoked drugs using a 'crack pipe.'

That same friend said he saw a shotgun in the trunk of a car that dropped off Williams at one point early Wednesday, according to the affidavit.

Held without bail: John Williams, center, accused in the fatal shooting of Somerset County Sheriff's Deputy Eugene Cole, sits with an attorney during his initial court appearance on a murder charge, Monday, April 30, 2018, in Auburn, Maine

One friend says Williams confessed in a cell phone call, but the affidavit didn't point toward motive.

Friends said he had been frustrated by his arrest in Massachusetts the previous month and by his girlfriend's arrest in Maine days earlier - in which Cole had been involved.

Williams was due in court in Massachusetts the day of the shooting and had talked to a friend about becoming a fugitive.

Williams was not required to enter a plea Monday, and a judge ordered him held without bail.

He stared ahead and quietly answered the judge's questions. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation and, at the request of attorneys, moved future court proceedings from Somerset County to Portland to ensure that Williams gets a fair trial.

After the hearing, Williams returned to the state's maximum security prison, the Maine State Prison in Warren. Prison officials said it was not an unusual arrangement for an inmate with special security needs.

Several of Cole's family members, including his wife and son, attended the hearing but left without talking to reporters.

Authorities said Williams (left) shot and killed Somerset County Sheriff's Corporal Eugene Cole, 62, early Wednesday morning during an encounter

Cole's wife, Sheryl, posted on Facebook to thank people for their kindness and law enforcement officials for their service.

She said her husband talked about the 'crazies' being out on the night he was killed, but that nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary when he headed out to work.

'We said our ritual goodbye, ending with me saying (or yelling) 'be safe' and him responding 'absolutely,'' she wrote. 'The next time I saw my husband, he was lying in a casket.'

Cole's killing prompted a massive manhunt with more than 200 law enforcement officers pouring into the area in central Maine, along with tactical vehicles and helicopters.

He was shirtless and shoeless when he was captured and appeared exhausted when he was led out of the woods.

Colleagues of Cole, meanwhile, praised him as a kind and patient deputy, one who was known for defusing volatile situations and treating those he arrested with respect.The iconic Aussie celebration known as the 'shoey' has been trademarked by the owners of Formula One.

The trademark was granted even though the shoey - in which beer or champagne is sculled from a shoe or boot - was invented by Aussie surfers 15 years ago.

Twins Dean and Shaun Harrington, founders of cult surf brand The Mad Hueys, claim to have done shoeys as early as 2002, and a relative was first to trademark the term.

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The iconic Aussie celebration known as the 'shoey' has been trademarked by the owners of Formula One (pictured is Daniel Ricciardo)

The trademark was granted even though the shoey - in which beer or champagne is sculled from a shoe or boot - was invented by Aussie surfers 15 years ago (pictured is Gerard Butler)

The shoey then shot to worldwide fame after being performed by Perth racing driver Daniel Ricciardo and Italian MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi on the winning podium.

Ricciardo has since been joined in shoeys by Gerard Butler and Patrick Stewart, Hugh Grant performed one live on TV, as did Australian UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa.

F1 was granted their trademark on August 24 last year, and it came into effect in 25 countries on January 4, The Independent reported.

The trademark applies to flasks, glasses, bottles, mugs, sculptures and figurines, and puts the F1 in conflict with the Australian surf industry entrepreneurs.

Twins Dean and Shaun Harrington, founders of cult surf brand The Mad Hueys, claim to have done shoeys as early as 2002, and a relative was first to trademark the term (pictured are Patrick Stewart, left, and Daniel Ricciardo)

Ricciardo (pictured, right) has since been joined in shoeys by Gerard Butler (pictured, left) and Patrick Stewart, Hugh Grant performed one, as did Australian UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa

Filings made to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) show a F1 applications applying to clothing was rejected due to the existing trademark, which belongs to Korinne Harrington.

Poll Do you think Formula One should be allowed to trademark the word 'shoey'? Yes No I don't know Do you think Formula One should be allowed to trademark the word 'shoey'? Yes 4 votes

No 55 votes

I don't know 2 votes Now share your opinion





The trademark application has led to suggestions F1 will soon be selling shoe-shaped drinking vessels or beer steins.

The Gold Coast-based Mad Hueys describe themselves as a surfing and fishing crew and now sell clothing, merchandise and their own craft beer.

In a 2016 interview the Harrington twins said the shoey was handed down to them by their ancestors at birth in 1985.

'Daniel Riccardio. I was so proud of him. Sculled it like a true champion,' one of the twins told Stab Magazine.

'After doing a race a couple of hours long and all that sweat in there building up  it was a bit watered down but you gotta respect it.'

In 2016 nine Australian men stripped down to their speedos in Malaysia were arrested after doing shoeys at the Malaysian Grand Prix, earning themselves the nickname 'Budgie Nine'.

News of the trademark caused outrage among Australian social media users, who insisted they would not let the trademark stop them performing the celebration (pictured is UFC fighter Tai Tuivasa doing a shoey)

News of the trademark caused outrage among Australian social media users, who insisted they would not let the trademark stop them performing the celebration.

'I'm still going to do a shoey when it's warranted and call it a shoey because it's a shoey, dude,' said one.

'Stop stealing Aussie intellectual property like drinking p*** out of a sweaty shoe,' said another.A prison has banned porridge because it's deemed to be a 'security risk' that could be used to 'block up' door locks.

Inmates at privately-run men's HM Prison Parc in Bridgend, in south Wales, have complained how they can't purchase porridge from the jail's canteen list.

One prisoner, called Stephen Bruno, said he'd been told by staff about the porridge ban.

Porridge has been banned at a prison because it's thought to be a security risk

One prisoner said Ronnie Barker, who played Norman Stanley Fletcher in BBC sitcom Porridge would be 'turning in his grave'

Writing in Inside Time, the national newspaper for prisoners, in the latest May edition out this week, he wrote: 'Here at Parc we have been told that we cannot purchase porridge from the canteen as it is a security risk.

'They claim it could be used to block up door locks.'

He said prisoners could still buy the porridge-like cereal Ready Brek from the canteen 'tuck shop' but that porridge was no longer being served.

He added: 'Porridge was served in prison for over a century, hence doing time in prison was known 'doing a bit of porridge', so it seems incredible that they will not serve it for breakfast here for the same reasons.

Prisoners said they were still able to buy the porridge-like cereal Ready Brek (pictured)

'Instead we get chocolate covered rice crisps on a daily basis - how crazy is this rule?'

One former prisoner, who asked not to be named, said porridge was a 'prison staple' and that Ronnie Barker - who starred in BBC1's hit sitcom Porridge in the 1970s - would be 'turning in his grave'.

He said: 'It seems doing a bit of porridge is now doing a bit or Ready Brek. Ronnie Barker would be turning in his grave.'

Janet Wallsgrove, director of the G4S-run prison, confirmed porridge was 'not available in the prison shop', although she didn't explain why.

She said today: 'While porridge is not available in the prison shop, and hasn't been for many years, Ready Brek (an alternative to porridge) is on offer for prisoners to buy.'Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia Eduard Sharmazanov doesnt see PM candidate Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister.

May 1, 2018, 17:54 Vice Speaker Sharmazanov doesnt see Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister of Armenia

STEPANAKERT, MAY 1, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS:Like yesterday, today as well, you, Mr. Pashinyan, didnt convince me, I dont see you in the role of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Sharmazanov said during the debate of the election of the PM in the Parliament on May 1.

Sharmazanov said today they are electing a leader of the executive who first of all should be distinguished by predictability of political steps and clear political ideology. Being predictable means to be consistent and unchanged. If you are elected, who is going to be the first deputy prime minister, the deputy PMs, the ministers of defense, finance, the Police chief, the head of the national security service? Who? No response, Sharmazanov said.

He recalled that several months ago Pashinyan and his faction urged the leadership to withdraw from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), but today they say a reality has changed. When we were talking about the change of realities, you were blaming us in lie. Excuse me, this is at least not fair, Sharmazanov said.

He added that Nikol Pashinyan didnt present any concept on the Artsakh issue. You didnt present any concept on how you are going to negotiate, what will be the price of your mutual concessions, whether you are ready for mutual concessions or not, what will be the fate of the 7 liberated territories. You say you are going to increase the military budget. Its good that you want, but how? I didnt receive the response to this question, the Vice Speaker said.

According to him, the most significant for politicians is the existence of ideology: he must have a concrete ideology. I hoped to listen to a conceptual speech of the PM candidate, but I witnessed a non-program speech. We as well are concerned over the bad phenomena existing in our country. We dont deny that corruption and injustice existed and continue existing in our country. Regardless of who will be the leadership, we must not move on through the path of ultimatums, but dialogue. My assessments are political and do not look for any personal attitude, Sharmazanov stated.

The Vice Speaker summed up his speech with the following words: If some people need shocks, we need a strong, united and democratic Armenia. God bless the Armenian people and every citizen of Armenia.This is the terrifying moment adults and children scream after being run over by a tank during a Russian military festival.

Two men and two children were thrown off the top of the T71 war machine after being taken for a ride at the event in St Petersburg.

One man, Pyotr Nazarov, filmed himself as he toppled off the tank and was dragged under the caterpillar tracks. He broke his leg while the children miraculously escaped unharmed after falling between the tracks and the other man was thrown clear.

The screams and moans of victims are caught on video while shocked onlookers shouted to the soldiers to stop the tank.

Footage captured the terrifying moment adults and children were being run over by a tank during a Russian military festival - and survived

Two men and two children were thrown off the top of the T71 war machine after being taken for a ride at the event in St Petersburg

One man, Pyotr Nazarov, filmed himself as he toppled off the tank and was dragged under the caterpillar tracks

The T71 went up and down a small embankment at the Combat Steel festival in a city park. As it came down four of the seven riders were thrown off the front.

Nazarov - in his 30s - was filming and he recorded the horrific moment he fell head over heels off the tank. The screen suddenly goes black as he is caught under the T71.

His leg was caught under the caterpillar tracks, and the other man was thrown clear. Two children fell right under the tank - but between the tracks.

Nazarov, who broke his leg and was covered in blood with scratches and bruises, said: 'I was the only one eaten by the tank.

The screams and moans of victims are caught on video while shocked onlookers shouted to the soldiers to stop the tank

Nazarov broke his leg while the children miraculously escaped unharmed after falling between the tracks and the other man was thrown clear

Nazarov, who broke his leg and was covered in blood with scratches and bruises, said: 'I was the only one eaten by the tank'

'They just did not care about security measures. Children should not have been there in the first place.

'If a child had fallen instead of me, they would have been killed.'

He said: 'There were about seven of us riding on the tank. The children were mostly sitting at the back and it saved them from being tipped under the caterpillar tracks.

'If they had been sitting at the front, there would have been many more victims.'

Another tank at the festival had special bars for people to hold onto, but not this one.

Police are investigating safety breaches at the event.Accused: Deng Diing, 18, was one of three teenagers arrested following a disturbance at Tarneit Central shopping centre on January 3

Two of three teenagers arrested after a wild brawl between African youths and police in Melbourne's western suburbs have faced court charged with offences including assault and resisting arrest.

Deng Diing, 18, appeared in Werribee Magistrates' Court on Tuesday when it was revealed an application would be made to have his matters dealt with by way of 'diversion'.

Such an application, if successful, could result in all reference to the charges ever having been laid against Diing removed from his record.

Diversions can involve the offender making an apology to a victim, undergoing counselling and education courses or even donating money to a charity.

Diing was one of three teenagers arrested on January 3 after a disturbance at the Tarneit Central shopping centre, about 25km west of Melbourne, which was photographed exclusively by Daily Mail Australia.

Up to 20 officers rushed to the shopping centre after a dispute began near a mobile police van about 2.45pm.

Court appearance: Deng Diing was charged with resisting arrest and failing to move on

Another teen - who was 17 at the time of the alleged offending (pictured) - was accused of spitting at officers

More than a dozen officers rushed to the western suburbs shopping centre on January 3 this year. Police are seen restraining one young man

The van had been placed at Tarneit Central as part of a high visibility operation in the suburb, where police had been trying to calm community fears about African youths.

Stunned shoppers watched as a 17-year-old allegedly spat at officers, one of whom threatened him with pepper spray.

'Walk away or you're going to get sprayed,' the officer told the teen.

Initially there were only four or five youths outside the shopping centre and just two police officers.

Mr Diing outside court

But as the confrontation escalated more youths quickly arrived, followed by about eight police cars.

Two 18-year-olds and one 17-year-old were arrested.

'What did I do wrong?' one of those arrested screamed at the scene.

Several of the young people at the shopping centre alleged the Sudanese community had been unfairly blamed for trouble in the area.

Officers stationed at a nearby community centre were among those to attend the scene.

Diing, from Tarneit, was charged with resisting arrest and behaving in a riotous manner.

A Point Cook teenager who was 17 at the time but has since turned 18 was charged with assaulting police, resisting arresting, behaving in a riotous manner, failing to move on and shop theft.

He is on bail and also faced court on Tuesday.

One of the teenagers is restrained by several police officers that afternoon in Melbourne's west

Another 18-year-old from Tarneit was charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest, behaving in a riotous manner and failing to move on.

He was due in court on Tuesday but did not attend as he was recently arrested, police said.

There has been a regular police presence at Tarneit since it was revealed in December that the Ecoville Community Park had been trashed.

Before the incident at Tarneit Central there had also been a near-riot involving African youths at a party being held at an Airbnb in nearby Werribee.

In an effort to allay the local community's fears, a number of Victorian politicians and top-ranking police publicly said the city had no problem with African gang violence.A Sydney drug dealer has been found guilty of murdering a teenage Comanchero bikie gang associate who was shot dead as he sat in a parked car.

Joseph Gatt, 27, had pleaded not guilty to murdering 18-year-old Bassil Hijazi at Bexley in south Sydney in July 2013, maintaining his friend George Borg pulled the trigger.

But the NSW Supreme Court jury rejected that defence and found him guilty on Tuesday. Borg has already been sentenced after pleading guilty to murder.

A jury found Gatt fired seven shots at 18-year-old Bassil Hijazi (pictured) as he sat in a blue Mitsubishi Lancer smoking cannabis with a friend

Gatt (centre) had pleaded not guilty to murdering 18-year-old Bassil Hijazi (pictured) at Bexley in south Sydney in July 2013

The prosecution had alleged Gatt went to the Bexley car park with Borg to find Mr Hijazi.

This followed a physical confrontation involving the teenager earlier that year and a shooting Gatt attributed to Mr Hijazi's associate.

Both Gatt and Borg were armed but Gatt was the only one to pull the trigger, the prosecution said.

However, Gatt testified he and Borg were in the area to deal cannabis when they approached the parked vehicle and 'a firearm was produced against us'.

'I braced for impact. I thought I was about to be shot,' Gatt said while giving evidence last month.

Gatt said Borg then produced a firearm and shot at the car.

Hijazi had links to the Comanchero bikie gang, and had survived a drive-by shooting where he was shot in the neck just two weeks before his death

A jury found Gatt fired seven shots at Hijazi as he sat in a blue Mitsubishi Lancer while smoking cannabis with a friend.

Hijazi had links to the Comanchero bikie gang, and had survived a drive-by shooting where he was shot in the neck just two weeks before his death, the Daily Telegraph reported.

He miraculously survived after being shot on Prince Street at Bexley, only a kilometre from where he was killed on July 29.

The court heard Hijazi was killed in retaliation for another drive-by shooting.

The case has been adjourned to June 13 for a sentence hearing.An environmental activist duped into entering a sexual relationship with an undercover Met police officer has today launched a new bid to have him prosecuted.

The woman, known only as Monica, wants to force the Director of Public Prosecutions to put Jim Boyling in the dock claiming his lies meant their sex was not consensual.

Scotland Yard has paid compensation to 12 women who entered relationships with police spies and some even had their children.

But the CPS has so far refused to prosecute any of the men for sexual offences or misconduct in public office.

Monica wants DC Boyling, who would later marry a different activist after confessing he was an undercover officer, to be the first prosecution and will now ask the High Court to intervene.

The woman, known only as Monica, wants to force the Director of Public Prosecutions to put Jim Boyling in the dock because she claims his lies meant their sexual relationship was not consensual

She told the BBC: 'I loved him in a way, I really felt strongly for him. At the time I thought he had genuine feelings for me. But now I look at that and I think actually this man was trained. He was a successful police officer. He was duping us all.

'And I was encouraged to be intimate and sexual with somebody who I would never ever have got involved with if I had known who he was: if I had known his true motives and his true identity'.

Mr Boyling, a policeman's son, used the name Jim Sutton for his undercover work, and Monica only learned who he was after his undercover unit was disbanded and officers were outed.

As 'Jim the Van', he drove for Reclaim the Streets, taking protesters around the country and would become a key player in the protest movement run by anarchists and anti-capitalists.

In that period he is understood to have entered sexual relationships with up to three women.

After around five years his assignment ended in 2000, he vanished and said he was off to South Africa.

As 'Jim the Van', he drove for Reclaim the Streets, taking protesters around the country and would become a key player in the protest movement run by anarchists and anti-capitalists.

One woman used up her savings trying to find him only for them to meet by chance in a bookshop in Kingston, South-West London.

He confessed to being a policeman and divorcee but they would later be married in 2005 and moved into a flat in East Molesey, Surrey.

Jim is even said to have persuaded his new wife to change her name by deed poll to hide their relationship from senior officers.

Their marriage, which ended in 2012, produced children now aged seven and five. Mr Boyling was known to be in Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism unit in 2014.

A secret disciplinary hearing is taking place this week over his relationship with a woman known as Rosa, which he claims was genuine and had nothing to do with his deployment.

He said: 'The disciplinary charge from the Met specifies that I had a relationship which constituted misconduct because it was 'without a police purpose'. The position of the Met appears to be that a relationship entered into as an operational tactic is acceptable, but a genuine one resulting in marriage and children constitutes misconduct.'

On the former officer's account, he and Rosa were a couple from November 1999 to August 2000, when Mr Boyling left the SDS.

Rosa tracked him down in November 2001, and they resumed their relationship, having two children and marrying in 2005.

He says he used his real name and registered his occupation as a police officer on the marriage certificate and both birth certificates, that Rosa knew he had worked undercover and had spoken to other officers about it.

'I was astonished to find, when some elements of our story appeared in the press in 2011, that the Met disclaimed all knowledge,' he said.

'I had in fact been discussing it fully with them only a few weeks previously and had made a full written declaration of our marriage to the vetting unit within a week of it taking place.

'We were divorced in 2009, which I again notified in writing to the Met. The Met does a good line in selective amnesia, as indeed they do in selective disclosure.'A rare vintage hot rod has been stolen from a garage in country Victoria.

The 1931 Ford V8 Hot Rod Tourer Tudor is believed to have been taken by a group of thieves who loaded it on to a car trailer.

Thieves also stole a $8,000 Minelab metal detector and a chainsaw from the address in Lawford Street, Barmah, about three hours north of Melbourne.

The 1931 Ford V8 Hot Rod Tourer Tudor is believed to have been taken by a group of thieves who loaded it on to a car trailer

Cobram Crime Investigation Unit is now looking to track the vehicle, with Victorian hot rod club registration 02301M, in the hopes they can find the thieves responsible.

Police believe the robbery happened sometime between 5.30pm and 10.30pm on Friday April 27.

Detectives urge anyone who sees the distinctive vehicle or any information in relation to the burglary to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auThe ABC's political editor has been slammed by the broadcasting regulator for describing former prime minister Tony Abbott as 'destructive'.

The 7.30 program's Canberra correspondent Andrew Probyn earned a rebuke from the Australian Communications and Media Authority for his October 2017 report.

'Tony Abbott, already the most destructive politician of his generation, now intends waging war on what he calls "environmental theology",' he said outside Parliament House.

An ABC political reporter has been slammed by the broadcasting regulator for describing Tony Abbott as 'destructive'

The broadcasting regulator said Probyn's piece-to-camera, on the ABC's flagship current affairs program, breached broadcasting standards of impartiality, describing the statement about Tony Abbott as 'declarative and not in keeping with the scope of the factual matters presented earlier in the report'.

'The ACMA considered the statement judgemental, not in language considered as analysis and one that the ordinary reasonable viewer would have understood as a pejorative descriptor,' it said on Tuesday afternoon.

It found the ABC had breached standard 4.1 of the code 'in that the report was not presented with due impartiality'.

But despite that October story Probyn, in December last year, was promoted to become the ABC's political editor in Canberra, following Chris Uhlmann's defection to the Nine Network to replace veteran journalist Laurie Oakes.

'The impartiality provisions in the ABC's own code require it to demonstrate balance and fair treatment when presenting news, and avoid conveying a prejudgement', ACMA chairwoman Nerida O'Loughlin said.

The broadcasting regulator said Probyn's piece-to-camera breached broadcasting standards of impartiality, describing the statement about Tony Abbott (pictured) as 'declarative'

The broadcasting regulator said Probyn's piece-to-camera breached broadcasting standards of impartiality

This was the ABC's second breach of the broadcasting code since Julia Gillard's Labor government introduced impartiality rules in 2011.

'While this demonstrates strong compliance with these important provisions of the code, the ABC did not get it right on this occasion,' Ms O'Loughlin said.

Andrew Probyn, a former Canberra press gallery reporter with The West Australian, said Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was unable to do anything 'to appease Tony Abbott'.

He argued Mr Abbott, who was overthrown in a September 2015 Liberal Party leadership coup, was frustrating the Turnbull Government on energy policy.Author Jojo Moyes has hit out against cliched cover designs for women's books and is advocating for more gender-neutral covers

Pink and glittery 'chick lit' book covers are putting men off from reading novels written by women, a best-selling author has said.

Jojo Moyes, the author of the critically acclaimed novel Me Before You, has hit out against cliche cover designs for women's books and is advocating for more gender-neutral covers.

The 48-year-old believes book covers shouldn't be judged so superficially, saying that male readers, who would otherwise like the book, steer clear of them simply because of the 'girly' cover.

Speaking to the BBC, Moyes said: 'So many women who write about quite difficult issues are lumped under the ''chick lit'' umbrella.

'It's so reductive and disappointing - it puts off readers who might otherwise enjoy them.

'If it was up to me, we would all discover things in a huge massive jumble.

'The boundaries are being blurred with women writing domestic noir and thrillers. I want to see covers that are a bit more gender neutral.

'Supermarkets wanted things that are easily categorised, but people don't want to read something pink and glittery.'

The 48-year-old believes book covers shouldn't be judged so superficially, saying that male readers, who would otherwise like the book, steer clear of them simply because of the 'girly' cover. Pictured: Two of Moyes' book covers

She continued: 'My favourite covers are just words on the front cover in very nice fonts, with just a tiny image, and it's no coincidence that I have a lot more male readers who aren't being put off.'

Moyes worked as a journalist for the Independent for nine years, before striking out and writing standalone novels.

Her most successful book, Me Before You, was adapted into a movie starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.

Moyes isn't the only female author taking a stand against 'chick lit' covers, including Jodi Picoult and Joanne Harris.

Picoult, whose My Sister's Keeper was also turned into a Hollywood film starring Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin, said female authors' books were marketed differently than men's.

Moyes isn't the only female author taking a stand against 'chick lit' covers, including Jodi Picoult and Joanne Harris

Speaking in 2014, Picoult said several books that are regarded as works of art would have 'pink fluffy' covers if a woman had wrote it, compared to the gender-neutral cover the male writer had.

And Harris added: 'There's an even more worrying tendency among publishers to announce the author's gender (and thereby the gender of their potential readers) via their book jackets, whatever the content of the book.'

She also highlighted the 'growing gender division' in both children and adult fiction, which has a 'sea of pastel-pink in the romance section (as if men were neither interested in romance, nor expected to participate in romantic relationships).'Images from inside the tattoo studio owned by a man charged over mutilating the genitals of a 33-year-old woman has revealed his extraordinary line of work.

Belly button removals, colouring gums in black ink and splitting tongues in two are just some of the day-to-day duties of Brendan Russell, charged on Tuesday with prohibition of female genital mutilation.

The body modifier who allegedly performed a modification procedure on the customer appears to have travelled the world promoting designer scarring and transformations.

Scroll down for video

Brendan Russell was arrested after police swooped in on his home in Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast after a female customer complained about the work done

This man had his gums tattooed black by Russell, according to social media posts

The studio was back to business as usual on Wednesday - with customers waiting in the lounge area

Russell holds skin between his fingers in a photo showing off his scarification work

This person had her belly button removed by the body modifier before he was charged

His current workplace Transition tattoo studio at Erina was raided on Tuesday morning as part of the police investigation into the 2016 procedure.

He was arrested earlier that morning at his home at Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast, after a lengthy police investigation into alleged body modification.

Photos posted to his Instagram account 'BSlice', shows work where has coloured the whites of his client's eyes, and experiments with branding.

In one picture Russell holds skin between his fingers in a photo showing off his scarification work.

Another shows a man who had an X etched into his head - between his two pre-existing horns.

Russell removing a woman's belly button as part of a modification procedure

The 37-year-old mans current workplace Transition tattoo studio at Erina was raided this morning as part of the police investigation into the 2016 procedure

The other staff continued to work following the police raid and arrest of Russell on Tuesday

Russell, a self-described 'body modifier', currently owns and operates Transition Studio at Erina Fair shopping centre, which was raided by police soon after his arrest.

Police said a 33-year-old woman 'engaged the modifier to perform a procedure at a business in Newcastle West in 2016'.

Sometime after the procedure was carried out, the woman lodged a formal complaint with police.

On social media accounts, Russell claims to have more than ten years experience in body modification.

This man had an X etched into his head - between his two pre-existing horns

He claims to specialise in split tongues and belly button removal - a split tongue done by Russell pictured

This photo shows the man's 'anti-tragus' removal - he posted this to show the healed ear

Modifications done by Russell include items inserted under the skin

His posts feature modification work from fake scars to 'subdermal horns' and silicon beads under his client's skin to tattooed gums and skull shaped objects inserted under the epidermis of others.

In one post Russell is seen removing a woman's belly button as part of a modification procedure.

Body modification is not legislated in NSW however members of the 'Skin Penetration industry' are required to follow public health regulations.

Another picture shows a skull-shaped plate under the skin on someone's hand

This man appears to be having his head marked with a branding iron

This hand print is made to scar and is another work done by the artist

Russell, originally from Newcastle wad then charged with prohibition of female genital mutilation

At the time of the alleged procedure, Russell worked at Tribal Urge in Newcastle's west.

A spokesperson from Tribal Urge told Daily Mail Australia the store has been under new management since 2017.

Russell, who is due to appear before Gosford Local Court on May 15, claims to specialise in splitting tongues, earlobe reconstructions and belly button removal.

The man has been bailed to appear before Gosford Local Court on Tuesday May 15.

This intricate scarification was done to cover up unwanted tattoos - Russell pictured left

The man worked at Tribal Urge tattoo studio in Newcastle West, when the alleged body modification offence took place - Elf ears by the man are pictured

Police arrested Russell at his home in Terrigal on the central coast on Tuesday morning

The tattoo shop where the man works in Erina Fair was raided by police as part of the operation

The man worked at Tribal Urge tattoo studio in Newcastle West, when the alleged body modification offence took place

The man was taken to Gosford Police Station to speak with police



Clinicians made 'repeated failures' that led to the death of a woman sent home after an abortion despite vomiting and feeling dizzy, an inquest heard today.

Aisha Chithira, 31, travelled to England from Ireland to have a late-stage termination at a Marie Stopes clinic in Ealing, West London, in January 2012.

But a coroner said complications followed the procedure, causing 'atypical symptoms and signs which were not appreciated as potentially sinister at the time'.

Nurses Margaret Miller (left) and Gemma Pullen (right) were both accused of manslaughter over the death, but later cleared when the prosecution offered no evidence

She was helped into a taxi to a cousin's home in Slough, Berkshire, by staff at the clinic but later suffered catastrophic internal bleeding and died the same night.

Dr Adedayo Adedeji and nurses Gemma Pullen and Margaret Miller were charged with manslaughter by gross negligence - but the case was dropped in 2016.

And Mrs Chithira's husband Ryan admitted this morning that it had been 'torturous' to see his late wife's case 'dragged through the courts over the past six years'.

In a statement released after today's verdict, he said: 'When Aisha was taken from me in such a shocking way my world was torn apart.

'Coming to terms with my loss was extremely difficult, but this has been compounded by the torturous process that has seen my wife's case dragged through the courts over the past six years. I am relieved that the facts around her death have been revealed and the inquest is finally over.'

Ms Chithira suffered a tear to her uterus during the 'blind' procedure performed under anaesthetic, as a surgeon struggled to remove a 22-week-old foetus from a womb that had not fully dilated.

Afterwards she vomited and complained of feeling unwell to her husband, but was helped into a taxi to a cousin's home in Slough by staff who had told her she could not stay overnight.

A group of protesters sit outside the Marie Stopes clinic in Ealing, West London, last month

Later that night the mother suffered catastrophic internal bleeding of around two litres and died.

Recording a narrative verdict, acting senior coroner for west London Dr Cummings said the case had been 'catastrophic' for all those concerned.

After the procedure Ms Chithira had 'light bleeding', complained of feeling hot, thirsty and dizzy and fell to the floor, staff at the clinic reported.

However, observations taken by a nurse showed her blood pressure and pulse were normal and doctors told the court her symptoms were 'atypical' or 'unlucky'.

This meant her position was 'difficult to diagnose and consequently the severity was missed', the coroner concluded.

Doctor Adedayo Adedeji was also cleared over the death of the 32-year-old woman

He said: 'Her death resulted from the manifestation of a recognised complication of the procedure resulting in sometimes subtle and atypical symptoms and signs which were not appreciated as potentially sinister at the time.

'There were repeated failures of recording of observations by different clinicians involved in her care.'

Ms Chithira, who was from Malawi but settled in the Republic of Ireland, had a history of non-cancerous growths around the womb called fibroids which made the procedure more complex.

She had decided to have an abortion after miscarrying twins at 30 weeks and then having her baby girl delivered by C-section, making her worry that childbirth was too much of a risk.

She had to wait a month to obtain a visa to travel to the UK after it became clear the procedure could not take place in Ireland, and consequently due to the late stage of the pregnancy a number of clinics would not accept her.

Dr Cummings identified an 'element of complacency' within the west London clinic, but said he could not return a verdict of neglect as invited because he was not satisfied there had been a gross failure.

Emma Doughty, a specialist medical negligence lawyer from Slater and Gordon, which represents the family, said: 'Ms Chithira died in tragic and avoidable circumstances leaving her husband and young daughter.

'It is crucial that lessons are learned to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again. I hope that today's verdict marks a turning point in Ms Chithira's family being able to rebuild their lives.'

Dr Anthony McCarthy, from the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), said: 'The tragic death of Aisha Chithira thanks to Marie Stopes highlights the low ethical standards of the abortion industry and their contempt not just for unborn children but for the women in crisis whom they betray.

'The coroner found of Aisha that there were 'repeated failures of recording of observations by different clinicians involved in her care', findings in line with the well over 2,600 failures found by the Care Quality Commission, alongside statements by staff to the effect that women patients were treated like cattle.

'Small wonder that Marie Stopes, which has shown little sign of reforming, wants a 'buffer zone' to stop mothers hearing about real help available to have their babies.'

Some 2,634 incidents were recorded between 2015 and 2016 after CQC inspectors visited 12 Marie Stopes sites in England, SPUC said.

Last month Ealing Council became the first in the country to create a protest-free safe zone outside the Marie Stopes clinic after concerns for patients.

Richard Bentley, managing director at Marie Stopes UK, said: 'We remain deeply saddened by the death of Aisha Chithira and our thoughts and sympathies are with her family.

'We have taken significant steps since 2012 to ensure that we are providing the best in abortion care and continue to do so. In particular we have effective processes in place to ensure our clients have been assessed as fit for discharge before they leave our clinics, however late in the day that may be.

'The safety and well-being of those we treat is fundamental to all that we do and we will ensure that all learnings from this case are acted upon as part of our relentless focus on delivering clinical excellence.'In a horrifying video, gunshots can be heard as a fistfight between two men turns into a nightmare.

At the beginning of the clip, two people can be seen wrestling and exchanging blows as the crowd shouts around them.

The two men then fight over the bonnet of a car in Pensacola, Florida, as the fighter dressed in white is pushed onto the car during the scuffle.

Two men were filmed in a savage fight as they wrestled in Pensacola, Florida, before shots could be heard

Suddenly, the men cannot be seen fighting on camera and shots can be heard, as someone screams in the background 'get down!'

After the shots stop, a man can be seen sitting on the floor, apparently injured, before he is loaded into the back of the car.

Two males aged 16 and 19 were shot during the pandemonium, with both of them being rushed to hospital, reports The Sun, and forensic officers found shell casings from multiple weapons where the shooting took place.

As the camera moves away from the fighting men, screams can be heard in the background as shots are fired

After the shooting stops, the camera pans to one man sat on the floor, who was then bundled into the back of a car

A spokesperson for Escambia County Sheriff's Office said: 'Deputies responded around 7:25pm Saturday to the Marie K. Young Wedgewood Community Center in Pensacola for shots fired in the parking lot.

'There must have been an event going on because there was a large number of people there.

'Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously at 433-STOP or the sheriff's office.'The French president wants to bring his Iranian counterpart to the negotiating table. Tehran rejects any changes to the existing deal, which remains "not negotiable", and refuses new restrictions. France, the United Kingdom and Germany back the JPCOA. US Secretary of State travels to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan to boost anti-Iranian front.

Teheran (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The various parties with an interest in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) seem to be moving in opposite directions. Some are trying to save it; others are trying to change it, if not cancel it outright.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who recently met US president Donald Trump during a state visit to the United States, spoke on the phone with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani to try to convince him to resume negotiations. The latter said that the deal his country accepted was "not negotiable".

In a call lasting more than an hour, Macron said talks would have to cover "three additional, indispensable subjects": the need to discuss what would happens in 2025 when the current deal expires, Iran's involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, and its ballistic missile programme.

These were the main topics of the face-to-face discussions between Trump and Macron last week.

President Rouhani told Mr Macron that Iran "will not accept any restrictions beyond the commitments already made.

The phone conversation between the presidents of France and Iran followed intense consultations over the weekend between Macron himself, British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. European leaders reiterated the importance of upholding the agreement.

In January, Trump waived re-imposing sanctions for another 120 days. However, stressing that it would be "the last time", the US leader signalled his intention of demanding major changes to what he calls the disastrous flaws in Barack Obamas policies. A decision from the White House is expected by 12 May.

In the meantime, the various stakeholders are lining up on opposite sides. European nations (plus Russia and the United Nations) want to maintain the JCPOA; by contrast, the United States (with Israel and Saudi Arabia) want more sanctions against Iran, which they blame for the regions instability and for sponsoring terrorism.

On his first overseas trip since taking office, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo travelled to Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan, the main US allies in the Middle East, and took shots at Iran.

Tehran "supports proxy militias and terrorist groups. It is an arms dealer to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. It supports the murderous Assad regime [in Syria] as well," he said at a news conference.

We remain deeply concerned about Iran's dangerous escalation of threats to Israel and the region and Iran's ambition to dominate the Middle East, Pompeo said after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In the Saudi capital, Pompeo had earlier reiterated Washington's full support for Riyadh in its war in Yemen, which has turned into a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. (DS)A sleepy Sydney convenience store worker who took a nap on the job was robbed by an opportunistic thief who left with $800 cash from the till, the safe and a drink.

In CCTV footage taken from the King Street store, the worker can be seen nodding off before he decides to abandon his post at the cashier for a nap in the storeroom.

A man dressed in a grey tracksuit wanders into the store just before midnight and upon realising the store is empty, walks behind the empty register.

Scroll down for video

A sleepy Sydney convenience store worker who took a nap on the job (pictured) was robbed by an opportunistic thief who left with cash from the till, the safe and a drink

The audacious thief makes no effort to conceal his identify and appears to pocket some cash before brazenly attempting to dislodge the till.

He returns for a second time, this time with some sort of tool, and successfully dismounts the till and carries it out of the store under his arm.

Returning for the third time, the man enters the store again and appears unfazed when the store's employee returns.

He nonchalantly grabs a bottle of water, offers to pay the convenience store worker in cash, and watches as the confused employee realises the till has gone.

The audacious thief (pictured) makes no effort to conceal his identify and appears to pocket some cash before brazenly attempting to dislodge the till

The employee initially told police that he had been threatened by two men who had robbed the store carrying scissors, Nine News reported.

However, after watching the in-store security camera video, the police and the owner saw the series of events unfold.

'I think that nobody should be robbed if they're a hard worker...He might lose his job, but I don't think he deserves this,' Mohammed Farooqi, another worker of the store, told Nine News.

Police have not been able to find the thief but were able to locate the stolen till nearby.

'It appears at this stage to be an opportunistic crime, it is strange footage for sure,' NSW Police Acting Crime Manager, David Gates, said.A concerned mother has found 'crude' and 'disgusting' text messages on her 15-year-old son's mobile phone from sex workers offering their services.

Melbourne mother *Gemma was furious when she found out her son had been in contact with the workers from the website backpage.com, which has now been taken down.

The messages contained 'graphic' sexual terms, according to the mother, who told news.com.au she had to look up the meaning of the words online.

A concerned mother has found 'crude' and 'disgusting' text messages on her 15-year-old son's mobile phone from sex workers offering their services

In one message, the teenager lied about his age and asked for unprotected sex, the publication reported.

'Can I come there?, Prob start first sesh for 2 hours and see if we hit it off, I'll bring some party so we can chill a little too,' he wrote.

All the women responded 'yes', according to the publication, with one of them offering to grab a nice apartment and a full (natural) service for $900.

Melbourne mother *Gemma was furious when she found out her son had been in contact with the workers from the website backpage.com, which has now been taken town

'Okay sweet well can we lock in a particular night? Like could you make it down here tomorrow night and I'll grab a nice apartment near the bay? Just FYI 2 hours is $900 full (natural) service.'

Gemma said she was not on a crusade against the sex industry but was concerned about how easy it was for her underage son to access it.

'We don't have an issue with legal prostitution, we understand it's a job for some people. It's just so wrong that this is so accessible,' she said.

It's not illegal to operate a brothel in Victoria but it is illegal to offer unprotected sex or to coax a minor into performing a sex act.

Gemma said she was not on a crusade against the sex industry but was concerned about how easy it was for her underage son to access it

Gemma said she feels there isn't enough policing of the classified sites - even though they are offering sex.

'We can't understand why nobody is doing anything about it, nobody really cares. I don't think anyone will care until it happens to their own child,' she said.

A spokesperson for Victoria Police told news.com.au that despite concerns from Gemma, nothing illegal had transpired.

The person receiving messages is given the benefit of the doubt that they could not have known the age of the sender without first being told.

Backpage.com was recently seized by the FBI and the sites co-founder Michael Lacey was charged with his role in 'masterminding' a site that sells sex.

*Gemma is a pseudo name used to protect her and her son's identity.Kim Jong-Un has reportedly agreed to hold his upcoming talks with Donald Trump at the border village where the peace summit with South Korea was held last week.

The North Korean dictator was convinced by South Korean President Moon Jae-In to meet the U.S. President in the same spot, following the success of their own summit, an official with 'deep knowledge' of the matter told CNN.

The source also claimed that some events during the talks could be scheduled on North Korean soil, with Trump making history in stepping across the border.

The news comes as South Korean soldiers were seen dismantling government loudspeakers along the border, which have been broadcasting propaganda and Korean pop songs at North Korean servicemen for decades.

Breaking down barriers: South Korean soldiers dismantle loudspeakers that were set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas

The suggestion to hold U.S.-North Korea talks in the Demilitarized Zone had already been touted by President Trump himself in a tweet on Monday morning.

'Numerous countries are being considered for the MEETING, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the Border of North & South Korea, be a more Representative, Important and Lasting site than a third party country? Just asking!' he wrote.

He reiterated that the Panmunjom Peace House was still very much on the table during a press conference on Monday evening.

'There's something I like about it because you're there -- if things work out, there's a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third party country,' Trump said.

'We're also looking at other countries including Singapore,' the US leader added. 'Everybody wants us -- it has the chance to be a big event.'

Other potential locations reportedly include Mongolia and Switzerland.

Making friends: South Korea silenced its battery of giant loudspeakers that blast messages at the North's soldiers on the border, in a conciliatory gesture after the historic summit

Sound of silence: The South's speakers would broadcast a mixture of news, Korean pop songs and criticism of the northern regime, while the North's would attack the southern government and praised its own socialist system

The Peace House in Panmunjom - the village in the DMZ where the 1953 armistice that halted the Korean War was signed - was where Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in met Friday in a major step towards easing tension on the flashpoint peninsula.

Preparations for a Trump-Kim meeting have gathered further momentum since Friday's Korean summit, which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearization of the peninsula and a permanent peace.

Speculation on the summit's location came as North and South Korea began dismantling propaganda loudspeakers which have been mounted at the border for decades.

The moves are the first practical, if small, steps toward reconciliation and come after an agreement in the joint declaration signed at Friday's summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the North's Kim Jong Un.

Meet you at the border: President Donald Trump has suggested that he would like to hold the talks in the border village of Panmunjom

I'm game: Kim Jong-Un was reportedly convinced by South Korean President Moon Jae-In, pictured at their summit in Panmunjom last week, that the village was the best spot for talks

Activity at several spots along the border indicated North Koreans were taking down the speakers, a defense official said. South Korea started doing the same at 2 p.m. local time, he said.

For decades, with only a few breaks, the two sides have pumped out propaganda from huge banks of speakers as a form of psychological warfare.

The South broadcast a mixture of news, Korean pop songs and criticism of the northern regime, while the North blasted the southern government and praised its own socialist system.

As a sign of goodwill, the South had stopped its propaganda ahead of the summit, and the North followed suit.

In another small sign after Friday's summit, North Korea said Monday it would shift its clocks forward half an hour to align with its southern neighbour starting May 5.Advertisement

Undergraduates from the University of St Andrews took part in the traditional May Day Dip this morning.

The students took the plunge on the East Sands in St Andrews, Fife, as the sun rose shortly before 5.30am.

Plunging into the freezing North Sea at dawn on the first of May is said to promote good luck in exams.

The university advises those who do not fancy it can help by looking after their friends' clothes on the beach.

Another St Andrews tradition after many students' final exam sees their friends shower them with cold water.

St Andrews, located 50 miles north of Edinburgh, is where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met in 2001.

Thousands of Britons are taking part in May Day celebrations today with many involved in may pole dances.

Students also flooded the streets of Oxford for the annual tradition of listening to the Magdalen College choir.

Students from the University of St Andrews protect their modesty with a Scottish flag after jumping into the North Sea today

Students from the University of St Andrews in Scotland take part in the traditional May Day Dip this morning

A student records the scene as undergraduates take part in the May Day Dip today on the East Sands in St Andrews, Fife

Students from the University of St Andrews run into the North Sea at dawn this morning on the first day of May

Two students - one wearing rather more than the other - pose for a photograph after taking part in the May Day tradition

The students took the plunge on the East Sands in St Andrews as the sun rose shortly before 5.30am this morning

Students from St Andrews University stand on the beach at East Sands in St Andrews after jumping into the North Sea

Four students post for a photo after their May Day Dip on the beach at St Andrews this morning

Plunging into the freezing North Sea at dawn on the first of May is said to promote good luck in exams

Students make a splash in the freezing North Sea at dawn this morning as they take part in the traditional May Day Dip

The university advises those who do not fancy the dip can help by looking after their friends' clothes on the beach

Three students from the University of St Andrews run into the water as they take part in the tradition of the May Day Dip

The May Day Dip is just one of the many traditions that take place at the 600-year-old institution in Scotland

Students from the University of St Andrews take part in the traditional May Day Dip on the East Sands this morning

Students strip off - with the men protecting their modesty thanks to carefully placed hands - after the May Day Dip

Two students hold the Scottish flag as they plunge into the freezing North Sea on the East Sands this morning

Students pose for a photo as the sun rises at about 5.30am over St Andrews in Scotland this morning

Dozens of students took to the water this morning as others waited for them on the beach at East Sands

The students plunging into the freezing North Sea at dawn on the first of May is said to give them good luck in exams

Four students pose for a photo as they take part in the traditional May Day dip on the Scottish coast this morning

The May Day Dip is one of many traditions at St Andrews, along with pouring cold water on students after exams

Students stand in towels after taking part in the May Day Dip - while others are more appropriately clothed with coats on

Four students raise their hands in the air at sunrise as they take part in the traditional May Day Dip on the East Sands

A May Day march and rally is held at Trafalgar Square in London today, to mark International Workers' Day

Demonstrators attend a rally to mark International Workers' Day, in Trafalgar Square this afternoon

From traffic cones on heads to sacred hymns at dawn, Oxford celebrates May Day with a variety of student traditions

It's a tradition that people will gather in Oxford on the first morning of May at dawn to listen to a sacred hymn.

But another student tradition was on show this morning  as one walked around with a traffic cone on his head.

Students gathered outside the Magdalen College Tower in the city to listen to the choir perform the hymn.

Many avoided the early start by simply staying up for an all-night party, and some needed a helping hand home.

The ceremony features the choir performing 'Hymnus Eucharisticus', a tradition going back 500 years.

An Oxford University student looks delighted to be holding a traffic cone during May Day celebrations this morning

A woman celebrates May Day in Oxford this morning as people gathered outside the Magdalen College Tower

The student with a traffic cone on his head is spoken to by a steward as students enjoy the all-night party

One young man wearing a toga outfit enjoys a takeaway after enjoying the May Day celebrations in Oxford this morning

One reveller gets a helping hand home as the people of Oxford enjoy the May Day celebrations at Magdalen Bridge

Two young women enjoy the May Day celebrations in Oxford this morning as thousands of people gathered to take part

A woman wears a space blanket as she walks through the streets of Oxford with a group of friends this morning

Many students avoided the early start by simply staying up for an all-night party in Oxford

The ceremony features the Magdalen choir College performing 'Hymnus Eucharisticus', a tradition going back 500 years

One student walks home barefoot as the May Day celebrations commence in Oxford this morning

Two young men wear sombreros as they gathered outside the Magdalen College Tower to listen to the choir perform a hymn

One student is given a piggy-back by another as they make the most of the May Day celebrations in Oxford this morning

A number of students wear Mexican fancy dress as the city of Oxford celebrates May Day this morning

Following the performance, which sees choristers sing from atop a church tower, bells ring out across the city

After the bells ring out of Oxford, festivities - including traditional Morris dancing - begin across the city

A comparatively new tradition of leaping into the Cherwell River from the city's Magdalen Bridge has now been banned

Hello, Glastonbury! Revellers blow horns and embrace as they mark May Day by watching the sunrise from the ancient Tor

For a few weeks of the year, the area of Somerset is teeming with hundreds of thousands of music revellers.

But there was a quieter start to the day in Glastonbury today as a group of people marked the start of May.

Pagans gathered to mark the ancient festival of Beltane from Glastonbury Tor, with some blowing horns.

Others embraced as they watched the sunrise, and tourists tried to capture the beautiful morning on camera.

The May Day 'King' and Queen' lead the Greenmen of Glastonbury carrying this year's Maypole, through the centre of Glastonbury

One of the Greenmen of Glastonbury is pictured celebrating the beginning of summer at the street festival in Somerset

People look towards where the sun is rising as they gather on Glastonbury Tor to watch the sun rise

Summer is on the way! St Michael's Tower provided the scenic backdrop for a party for the Greenmen of Glastonbury

Members of the Cam Valley Morris Dancers pose for a photograph as people gather on Glastonbury Tor to watch the sun rise

Teamwork: The revellers carry the Maypole to a ceremony at Bushy Combe below Glastonbury as part of the town's celebrations

Greenman and Greenwoman! Men and women alike danced and cheered as they got together for the festivities

Rollo Maughfling, (left) the Archdruid of Glastonbury, conducts a May Day dawn celebration service in front of St Michael's Tower

A woman blows a horn as people gather on Glastonbury Tor to celebrate the May Day festival of Beltane this morning

People gather on Glastonbury Tor, a site with a long religious history that has evidence of pagan settlement on it

A woman enjoys the May Day ceremony at the historic Somerset site of Glastonbury Tor as the sun rises this morning

People look over Glastonbury, the site of the famous music festival in the summer, as May Day celebrations commence today

A woman dresses for the occasion at Glastonbury Tor where people gathered for the annual ceremony today

A horn is blown by a woman as people gather to mark May Day at Glastonbury in Somerset this morning

People gather for the May Day ceremony at Glastonbury Tor, a site which has spiritual significance for many people

A woman smiles for the camera as dozens of people gather on Glastonbury Tor to watch the sunrise this morning

The top of the Tor is believed to have been levelled in the 10th or 11th century to build a large stone church

A couple kiss as they watch the sunrise at Glastonbury Tor, while another woman tries to capture it on her phone

Glastonbury Tor is a prominent hill in Somerset that is often the site of pagan festivals, including the May Day ceremony

People gather on Glastonbury Tor to celebrates the pagan festival of Beltane on the first day of May in Somerset today

Legend has it that King Arthur and his knights of the round table once visited Glastonbury Tor

A woman drinks from a bottle as revellers watch the sunrise from Glastonbury Tor in Somerset this morning

The beginning of May was celebrated in ancient times by the Gaelic festival of Beltane - marked again in Glastonbury today

A woman holds a horn as people gather to celebrate May Day from Glastonbury Tor in Somerset this morning

And it wouldn't be a proper May Day without some Morris dancers...

One of the most famous traditions of May Day is Morris dancing, and this was in full flow in Huddersfield today.

The dancers made the most of the beautiful sunrise as they performed on Castle Hill above the Yorkshire city.

Morris dancing was first recorded in England in the 16th century and there are now participants worldwide.

But the English folk dance, often accompanied by music, is suffering due to a lack of youngsters taking it up.

The dance was also famously parodied by Dom Joly in the Channel 4 hidden camera series Trigger Happy TV.

The White Rose Morris Men 'dance in the dawn' on May Day on Castle Hill, above Huddersfield in West Yorkshire

The White Rose Morris Men perform a dance as the sun rises over the West Yorkshire countryside this morning

The dancers made the most of the beautiful sunrise as they performed on Castle Hill above the Yorkshire citu

Morris dancing was first recorded in England in the 16th century and there are now participants worldwide

The English folk dance, often accompanied by music, has suffered in recent years due to a lack of youngsters taking it up

One of the most famous traditions of May Day is Morris dancing, and this was in full flow in Huddersfield today

The Morris dancers perform on Castle Hill above Huddersfield in front of a beautiful sunrise this morning

The White Rose Morris Men dance as the sun rises in West Yorkshire on the first day of May this morning

Morris dancing also took place in Leicestershire today, where Morrismen could be seen throwing their hats in the air

Leicester Morrismen drink beer during May Day celebrations at Bradgate Park in Newtown Linford this morning

Morris dancers take part in May Day celebrations in Newtown Linford this morning at the start of the new month

A beautiful view of the Leicestershire countryside can be seen behind the Morris dancers this morning

A Leicester Morrisman smokes between dances during the May Day celebrations at Bradgate Park this morning

The Morris dancers enjoy performing at Bradgate Park in Newtown Linford on the first day of May this morning

Thousands watch as Iron Age Celtic ritual brings fiery scenes to Edinburgh

The skies of Edinburgh were lit up by fire last night as Celtic celebrants marked the beginning of summer.

The ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual of the Beltane fire festival was brought to Calton Hill in the Scottish city.

The Beltane Fire Society put on the show with a huge cast leading thousands of spectators on a procession.

It saw the May Queen transform the Green Man from his wintry guise so they can rule together in summer.

The ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual of the Beltane fire festival was brought to Calton Hill in Edinburgh last night

The show sees the May Queen transform the Green Man from his wintry guise so they can rule together in summer

The stunning performance took place at Calton Hill in Edinburgh, with performers wearing an array of colourful outfits

The Beltane Fire Society put on the show with a huge cast leading thousands of spectators on a procession

The skies of Edinburgh were lit up by fire last night as Celtic celebrants marked the beginning of summer

The Beltane fire festival, held in Edinburgh, is put on to celebrate the first signs of summerA woman who nearly died of organ failure while on a dream holiday in Cape Verde has been left with a 30,000 medical bill because she had not informed her insurer she was taking sleeping pills.

Juliet Thomas, 50, from Sychdyn, Flintshire, collapsed just four days into her trip and needed a blood transfusion and an emergency operation to remove a benign tumour from her kidney, which was causing internal bleeding and nearly led to organ failure.

She underwent the transfusion in Cape Verde, off the coast of north west Africa, before she was airlifted to Tenerife for the emergency operation, where she stayed for several weeks as she recovered.

Juliet Thomas, 50, from Sychdyn, Flintshire, collapsed just four days into her trip and needed a blood transfusion and an emergency operation to remove a benign tumour from her kidney

The council worker, who had never previously had any serious health problems or kidney issues, was in intensive care when her family were told insurer AXA would not cover the cost of her treatment - because she had not revealed she was taking sleeping pills.

But AXA say the holiday insurance policy she had taken out was for people with no pre-existing conditions and who have not taken prescribed medication in the past five years.

Ms Thomas told The Mirror: 'It's my life savings. I'm in tears constantly.

'When I needed them most, they gave me a slap in the face.'

She said that AXA paid around 12,500 of the 43,000 medical costs, leaving a balance of about 30,500.

An AXA spokesman said added: 'We sympathise with Miss Thomas but the policy she purchased is designed for customers without recent medical conditions.'

The council worker, who had never previously had any serious health problems or kidney issues, was in intensive care when her family were told insurer AXA would not cover the cost of her treatment because she had not revealed she was taking sleeping pills

AXA say the holiday insurance policy she had taken out was for people with no pre-existing conditions and who have not taken prescribed medication in the past five yearsThe Church of England is split of US plans to remove 'husband' and 'wife' from its marriage service in favour of gender neutral pronouns, in a bid to make it more gay-friendly.

Attempts by the Episcopal Church (TEC) - considered a more liberal wing of the faith - to change its service to a more modern version has come under intense criticism.

Among the plans for change are to remove the word 'procreation' and, optionally, 'husband' and 'wife', with the introduction of the gender neutral term 'spouse'.

The Church of England is split of US plans to remove 'husband' and 'wife' from its marriage service in favour of gender neutral pronouns, in a bid to make it more gay-friendly

The move towards a more gay-friendly version of the service was criticised in a letter from the Church of England's Secretary General William Nye last year.

In the letter, which emerged in April, Mr Nye suggested the church would split from its US wing - a fellow member of the worldwide Anglican Communion - if it follows through with plans to introduce a new, liberal service as standard ahead of the present Book of Common Prayer version.

But more progressive wings of the church were quick to distance themselves from Mr Nye's statements, with 300 members - including the bishop of Buckingham Alan Wilson - signing an open letter denouncing his threats.

The new service introduces the phrase 'the union of two people' ahead of the traditional 'the union of husband and wife'.

More progressive wings of the church including the bishop of Buckingham Alan Wilson (pictured) have welcomed the move from The Episcopal Church

While a passage which mentions marriage being intended for the 'procreation of children' is replaced with 'the gift of children', making it more acceptable to gay couples wishing to adopt.

The Episcopal Church have been urging other members of the Anglican Communion to conform to the new wording, which promoted Mr Nye's criticism.

In the letter he said the new service would increase 'pressure to dissociate' the Church of England from the US church, as more conservative members angrily reject a move in such directions.

Mr Nye's letter outlined fears any change would 'irrevocably redefine marriage', suggesting that the new liturgy 'constitute a clear divergence from the understanding of marriage held throughout the history of the Christian Church'.

Despite Mr Nye's threats, liberal members of the Church of England published their own response, saying they were 'grateful' for the move, adding that a 'gender neutral approach will enable us to become a loving and inclusive Church for all'.

Adding that the move would show 'the Church is not as homophobic as it can sometimes appear.'

The progressive move comes after a 2016 survey that indicated 45 per cent of British Anglicans were in favour of same-sex marriages, compared to 37 per cent against.Three animal rights activists have been arrested after disrupting a sea lion show at Antwerp zoo in Belgium.

One of the protesters was forced to jump into the pool after an angry audience member approached her as they held up placards saying 'stop shows with animals.'

The footage, which was caught on an audience member's phone, shows a trainer interacting with the animals during the sea lion performance at the zoo.

Members of the audience can then be heard booing as the protesters emerged carrying signs around the pool's perimeter, forcing the show to come to a halt in front of a packed audience.

The clip then shows a male audience member approach a female protester and appears to try to confront her but she manages to avoid him by jumping into the pool.

The audience can be heard applauding the man's actions as the woman is seen, still clutching her sign above her head, in the pool as he returns to his seat.

The animal rights activists disrupt the show by carrying placards around the pool perimeter before an audience member appears to try to confront a female protester

The shows announcer can be heard saying several times: 'You do not know what you are talking about. Just leave.'

All three protesters, believed to have come from the Netherlands, were later arrested by police for disturbing public order at the zoo.

The woman, here partially obscured by the man, continues to hold up her placard despite being submerged in water after she is forced to jump into the pool

Antwerp Zoo spokeswoman Ilse Segers later said the sea lion shows had been put on hold for three days following the incident.

'The shows are temporarily cancelled to give the animals and zookeepers some peace. They were of course scared by the incident,' she said.

'We are actually on the same side when it comes to the welfare of animals.'

Sea lions are said to be extremely social animals. Like many marine mammals, they are remarkably intelligent with excellent senses of sight, hearing and smell.

In captivity, and when interacting with humans, they are extremely quick to learn, and have been exhibited in shows and circuses for centuries.

Sea lions are extremely social animals. In captivity, and when interacting with humans, they are extremely quick to learn. Here, a sea lion interacts with a zoo keeper in Vienna

They swim at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour, dive deep into the ocean and remain underwater for nearly 10 minutes, and gather in huge colonies.

Critics of keeping animals in captivity say that the intelligent sea lions are being denied everything that is natural and important to them.

There have been reports that keeping them in the pools causes damage to their eyes, skin and mental health.

In 2016, a whistleblower and former employee of Sea Lion splash in Florida contacted PETA to reveal horrific abuse of the sea lions, including revelations that trainers beat them with pipes and poles.

Critics of keeping animals in captivity say that the intelligent sea lions are being denied everything that is natural and important to them

Speaking to Mail Online, PETA director Elisa Allen commended the protesters for highlighting the cruelty inflicted on animals in captivity.

She said: 'PETA US has interrupted SeaWorld shows like this before, and we commend these peaceful protesters for giving audiences pause to consider  perhaps for the first time  how cruel and shameful marine-animal captivity is.

'Sea lions belong in the sea, not in tanks or tents, deprived of everything that's natural or important to them and forced to perform for human amusement.

'To zoos and marine parks, these complex, intelligent animals are props, trained to do foolish tricks that are confusing and meaningless to them as they spend their days stuck in tiny enclosures.

'It's 2018, and we know now that wild animals belong in the wild, not behind bars. PETA will continue to protest and to encourage others to take a stand until every single abusement park and zoo has shut up shop.'Theresa May paid tribute to Amber Rudd today as she attempted to get the government back on track after her dramatic resignation.

The Prime Minister gathered her senior team in Downing Street in the wake of the Home Secretary's dramatic departure.

Sajid Javid, who was promoted from Communities Secretary to replace Ms Rudd yesterday, attended for the first time in his new role.

It has emerged that Mr Javid will not try to overhaul the government's target for bringing net immigration below 100,000 a year - despite appearing to dodge questions on the issue in the Commons last night.

Sajid Javid, who was promoted from Communities Secretary to replace Ms Rudd yesterday, was among the first to arrive for Cabinet this morning

Mr Javid, pictured on his way to work this morning, is set to play a crucial role in the looming clashes over a future trade deal with the EU. But Ms Rudd, pictured leaving her London home today, has returned to the backbenches

Amber Rudd's dramatic departure was a huge blow for the Prime Minister (pictured on a visit to Manchester yesterday) and potentially undermines her Brexit plans

Mr Javid has vowed to get a grip on the Windrush debacle and make changes to the immigration system - but it is understood he will not try to change the goal for reducing net inflows.

The new Home Secretary is set to play a crucial role in the looming clashes over the future trade deal with the EU.

The meeting in Downing Street was dominated by the Lords votes on Brexit and measures aimed at tackling the gender pay gap, on which there was 'more work to do'.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mrs May welcomed Mr Javid and Mr Brokenshire to their new roles and 'gave thanks for the great contribution made by Amber Rudd during her time as home secretary'.

Ministers agreed that the House of Lords had been wrong to vote to amend the EU Withdrawal Bill to toughen up the commitment to a 'meaningful vote' on any final deal.

A key moment could come tomorrow when a powerful sub-committee meets to thrash out the UK's position.

What is the Windrush scandal and how did the fiasco develop? June 22, 1948 - The Empire Windrush passenger ship docked at Tilbury from Jamaica. The 492 passengers were temporarily housed near Brixton in London. Over the following decades some 500,000 came to the UK. Many arrived on their parents' passports and were not formally naturalised as British citizens. 1973 - A new immigration Act comes into force putting the onus on individuals to prove they have previously been resident in the UK. 2010 - The Home Office destroyed thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants arrival dates in the UK. The move came despite staff warnings that the move would make it harder to check the records of older Caribbean-born residents experiencing residency difficulties, it was claimed 2014 - A protection that exempted Commonwealth residents from enforced removal was removed under a new law. Theresa May was Home Secretary at the time. Under a crackdown on illegals, Windrush immigrants are obliged to provide proof they were resident in the UK before 1973. July 2016 - Mrs May becomes Prime Minister. April 2018 - Allegations that Windrush immigrants are being threatened with deportation break. Theresa May issued a grovelling apology to Caribbean leaders after major backlash April 29 - Amber Rudd resigns after inadvertently misleading Parliament by wrongly claiming there were no deportation targets Advertisement

Brexiteers have been trying to kill off a plan for a 'customs partnership' with the EU, which would see the UK collect taxes on behalf of the bloc.

They say it might well be unworkable, and would risk Britain never really cutting ties with Brussels.

But Downing Street fears that the 'customs partnership' is the only compromise option that can avoid a hard Irish border and would be supported by a majority of MPs.

Mrs May has been warned by party managers that she could lose a crunch vote on her decision to leave the customs union.

The vote, which is expected in June, could potentially trigger the collapse of her Government if it binds her to stay in the union.

Trade Secretary Liam Fox today upped the pressure on Mrs May to hold her red line that the UK will not be in any form of customs union with the EU after Brexit.

'If we were in a customs union with the European Union we would have to accept what the EU negotiated in terms of market access to the UK without the UK having a voice,' he said.

'That's worse than the position in which we found ourselves today in the European Union.

'I don't think there is a customs union that could ever be acceptable.'

Mrs May's top team has been carefully designed to represent both Europhile and Eurosceptic factions within the Tory party.

But while Ms Rudd was a full-hearted Remainer, it is not clear where Mr Javid will fall in the debate.

He was seen as a reluctant backer of EU membership during the referendum two years ago.

The Brexit war cabinet is finely balanced on the issue of future customs arrangements with the EU.

A Whitehall source said Eurosceptic ministers, including David Davis, Boris Johnson, Liam Fox and Michael Gove were 'instinctively opposed' to the proposal for a partnership.

Housing Secretary James Brokenshire, the other beneficiary of yesterday's reshuffle, and Karen Bradley were among the ministers arriving for Cabinet today

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was among the arrivals at today's meeting in Downing Street with the Prime Minister

Brexit Secretary David Davis arrived for Cabinet with chief secretary Liz Truss (left) while Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also turned out for the meeting (right)

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson is also said to be opposed.

They are pushing Mrs May to back an alternative proposal to use technology to remove the need for most customs checks, particularly on the Irish border.

Against them, Mr Hammond, business secretary Greg Clark, Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley and Mrs May's deputy David Lidington are all in favour of the new customs partnership, which supporters claim would solve the Irish border problem at a stroke.

Miss Rudd, a leading light in the Remain campaign, was also in favour of the proposal.

Mrs May has not indicated publicly whether she backs the idea, but one ally privately described it as being 'intellectually perfect'.

Tomorrow's meeting is expected to discuss the rival proposals, although sources said they did not expect a final decision to emerge.

Amber Rudd was thought to have been backing Mrs May ahead of a crunch showdown on the customs union in the Brexit 'war Cabinet' sub-committee (pictured together in February). But it is unclear where Mr Javid will fall on the issue

Sajid Javid, pictured at the Home Office yesterday, has become the first ethnic minority minister to hold the Great Office of StateBBC presenters appealing a huge tax bill said the broadcaster put them on an elegant form of zero hours contracts, a court heard.

HMRC claims more than 100 BBC staff owe them more in tax and is claiming 920,000 from newsreaders Joanna Gosling, David Eades and Tim Willcox at the High Court.

In a test case, the household name broadcasters are arguing they were pushed into setting up personal service companies (PSCs) so the BBC could avoid paying National Insurance contributions.

Joanna Gosling, pictured, is one of three BBC newsreaders challenging an HMRC tax bill in a test case at the High Court

The HMRC is claiming 920,000 extra tax from Ms Gosling, David Eades and Tim Willcox, pictured presenting with Emily Maitlis, but the journalists say the BBC had them on contracts that essentially treated them as freelancers

According to the Telegraph, Jonathan Peacock QC, acting for the presenters, told the court they should be exempt from the tax bill because they were treated as freelancers and not staff.

He said: They were pushed by the BBC into contracting through personal service companies. The risk does not appear to have been explained to them.

They were henceforth treated as freelancers and not as staff so they got none of the benefits such as sick pay, holiday pay, maternity leave, insurance or pension.

He told the court their contracts were essentially no work, no pay and added Ms Gosling took unpaid maternity leave when pregnant with both her first and second children because her contract was suspended by the broadcaster.

The BBC News Channel presenter, who was married to David Camerons former communications chief Sir Craig Oliver from 1996 to 2014, was told the broadcaster would decide if and when it would have her back.

The court heard Ms Gosling, who has been with the broadcaster since 1999, was accidentally copied into an internal email which put pressure on her to set up a PSC and said she would be given a job as producer rather than presenter at a lower fee if she refused.

Meanwhile Mr Peacock told the court the BBC would not provide insurance for Mr Willcox when he reported from disaster zones, with the journalist covering major stories including the 2011 Japanese tsunami and the Chilean mining accident in 2010.

Mr Peacock said: If you are caught in a typhoon and you are injured you may hope the BBC send you a helicopter, but they have no obligation to do so.

Lawyers for the presenters, including Mr Eades, pictured, said they were pushed into 'no work, no pay' deals

Mr Willcox, regularly seen on BBC World News, previously worked for ITN and presented live from New York during the 9/11 terrorist attack while he has also produced a number of documentaries on Princess Diana.

Mr Eades has been with the BBC for decades and was its Channel Tunnel correspondent while it was being constructed. He has also presented The World Today programme.

The lawyer said the presenters, who have paid 609,000 of the 920,000 bill, were contracted for a minimum number of days per year but were unable to work for other employers because the BBC had first call on them.

Earlier this year a group of 170 BBC presenters accused the corporation of forcing them to set up special tax vehicles to allow it to avoid paying millions in National Insurance contributions.

In an open letter, representatives for the group accused the BBC of lying when it denied asking its staff to set up personal service companies (PSCs).

They said they were told they would no longer work for the company if they refused to set up a PSC.

The hearing continues.A baby was left injured after a thug appeared to stand on him as he got into a brutal fight with the infant's father.

Shocking CCTV security footage of the attack shows a 23-year-old man launch himself at a couple walking with their baby in a carrycot in Kemerovo, Russia.

Eventually the battered father drops the carrycot, and the thug apparently kicks it and stands on it as his foot gets tangled.

At the beginning the clip, the mother and father can be seen walking and carrying their child

While the baby's frantic mother scoops up the tot from the ground, the man continues to pummel her partner with his fists.

The 23-year-old man seen punching the baby's father, who has not been named, was arrested by police.

Officers say the baby is in hospital recovering from injuries caused in the brutal encounter.

Suddenly, a man appears and approaches the couple before the savage fight begins in Kemerovo, Russia

The infant's mother scoops up the child as the two men grapple with each other in a video recorded on CCTV

Investigators say the arrested man had been waiting for them to apparently settle a score between the two men.

A police spokesman told local media: 'Officers established that two men were engaged in some sort of a conflict. The 23-year-old suspect hit his opponent a few times.

'During this, the father dropped the cradle bag with his baby inside. The baby boy is hospitalised.'Lam, one of five booksellers kidnapped in 2016, has fled to Taiwan after breaking the mainlands gag order. In Hong Kong, publishing material critical of Beijing is no longer possible. He warns Taiwan that "reunification" means an ever-increasing control by the ruling Chinese Communist Party over every aspect of its citizens' lives. His two colleagues Lee Bo and Gui Minhai are still held by Chinese authorities.

Taipei (AsiaNews/RFA)  Lam Wing-kei, one of five Hong Kong booksellers detained in 2016 by Chinese authorities for selling "banned" political books to customers across the internal border in mainland China, says he will open a new bookstore on the democratic island of Taiwan later this year in a bid to raise awareness that there is a shared issue that is common both to Hong Kong and Taiwan: forcible control by mainland China.

After his release in June 2016, Lam, who has repeatedly spoken out in defiance of gag orders imposed by Chinese police, fled to Taiwan after giving a large number of media interviews, amid concerns that he may be detained again or kidnapped. Taiwanese authorities were more than happy to welcome him.

"I hadn't expected there to be so many people here in Taiwan who are subject to the mainland's influence, because maybe they have various transactions going on there," Lam said. "But I also understand it."

Now he hopes to open a new Causeway Bay Books store in September in Taipeis old-town district of Ximending. In Taiwan, the bookseller has found several people ready to support his mission, but he is still looking for funds to launch his new venture

The bookseller slams Beijing's grip on Hong Kong, where it is no longer possible to publish freely. He has also sought to warn the Taiwanese that what Beijing really means when it offers Taiwan "reunification" along the same lines as Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" arrangement is an ever-increasing control by the ruling Chinese Communist Party over every aspect of its citizens' lives.

If mainland China is a dictatorship, then of course we want to oppose it," Lam said. "We should do this under the banner of universal values [of democracy and human rights] and oppose anything that contravenes those values."

"Right now, China is anything but open, and a lot of people are saying that it is reversing recent progress," he said.

In fact, two of his colleagues at the now closed Causeway Bay Books store in Hong Kong, Lee Bo and Gui Minhai, are still in the custody of Chinese authorities.

Lee Bo was taken from his office in Hong Kong, whilst Gui Minhai was detained first in Thailand and then again in China, on a train bound for Beijing, accompanied by two Swedish diplomats.

In Europe, some Members of the European Parliament reacted to Gui Minhais case and demanded his immediate release.Labour's immigration policy was mired in fresh confusion today after a frontbencher backed the introduction of ID cards.

Shadow international trade minister Barry Gardiner said the government needed a better way to 'establish who is here legally'.

But both Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott voted against ID cards when they were proposed a decade ago. And party sources have played down the idea of reviving the policy.

The tensions emerged after Ms Abbott refused nine time to spell out whether Labour wanted to deport up to a million illegal immigrants said to be in the UK.

Shadow international trade minister Barry Gardiner told the BBC's Newsnight that the government needed a better way to 'establish who is here legally'

In a toe-curling GMB interview yesterday, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott dodged as she was pressed to spell out whether she would take action to expel illegal immigrants

In a toe-curling interview with Piers Morgan on ITV's GMB programme, she said she did not want an amnesty  but also rejected kicking them all out.

Mr Gardiner raised the idea of ID cards as he was pressed on how Labour would avoid a repeat of the Windrush fiasco.

You need to try and have a system that can establish who is here legally, he told BBC's Newsnight.

Asked if he was supporting ID cards, Mr Gardiner said: It was a policy the Labour Party had in 2009.

'Theresa May when she became home secretary actually abolished that policy. But it would have given the government a way of knowing through those biometric ID cards who was here legally and who wasnt.

Pushed again on whether he supported ID cards, Mr Gardiner replied: We need to have much better ways of tracking people through the system.

Former Foreign Secretary Lord Hague today added his voice to calls for ID cards.

It would be worth thinking again about bringing in universal identity cards, Lord Hague wrote in his Telegraph column. We Conservatives were against this a decade ago, but times have moved on.

Yesterday Alan Johnson, and Charles Clarke, who both ran the Home Office under Labour in the 2000s, argued that biometric ID cards were the best way to prove and so protect a citizens identity.

Jeremy Corbyn, pictured on the local election campaign trail yesterday, voted against ID cards during the 2000s

Ken Clarke, who was Tory Home Secretary in the early 1990s, also said ID cards would help deal with illegal immigration from Africa and the Middle East.

However, it is understood Theresa May has ruled out bringing in such a scheme, which critics say would breach civil liberties.

A Whitehall source said: This Government is not going to introduce mandatory ID cards. It wasnt the right policy when Labour first proposed it, and that remains the case.

When Mrs May first entered the Home Office, she oversaw the destruction of Labours identity card database, scuppering a scheme which at that stage was voluntary. Only around 15,000 cards were ever distributed.

A law abolishing ID cards and the national identity register was the first to come out of the Home Office during the coalition government.

At the time Mrs May said it would begin the process of reversing the erosion of civil liberties and restoring freedoms.Liverpool fans have been warned that knife-wielding Roma 'ultras' are looking to 'hunt down' supporters - a week after a Reds fan was critically hurt in an attack.

The first of thousands of Britons have arrived in the Italian capital for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Roma on Wednesday.

Liverpool supporter Sean Cox remains in intensive care following the first leg in England last Tuesday, when the 53-year-old was set upon by Italian fans.

Members of the Fedayn  the notorious Rome gang allegedly responsible for assaulting Mr Cox  have pledged to 'hunt down and hurt' more Liverpool supporters.

Liverpool fan Sean Cox remains in intensive care following the first leg in England, last Tuesday when the 53-year-old was set upon by Italian fans. Mr Cox is pictured with his wife Martina, who has travelled to Liverpool to be with him

Rome police have warned the English to avoid areas of the city where there have been 'ambushes and severe beatings' in the past. Italian police are pictured trying to control Roma Ultras before a derby against city rivals Lazio in 2015

Police chiefs will deploy 2,000 officers  more than has been known for any visiting side in recent times  amid intelligence reports that a fringe of Ultras are somehow seeking to avenge Roma's loss to Liverpool in the 1984 European Cup final and subsequent clashes on that night.

Liverpool have also launched an unprecedented level of instructions to help keep their expected 3,500 travelling fans safe.

The club detailed specific stations, buses and congregating places to stick to and urged fans to 'respect monuments of national importance with a particular emphasis placed on not hanging banners and/or scarves on fountains and statues'.

The club stated that on matchdays 'under no circumstances should supporters attempt to walk' and that they should avoid areas in the north of the city.

Rome police chief Giampietro Lionetti said: 'There is a lot of history between the two sets of fans, and it will our job to keep them all safe.

Mr Lionetti warned the English to avoid areas of the city where there have been 'ambushes and severe beatings' in the past.

These include the Duca d'Aosta (Duke of Aosta) bridge, which crosses the Tiber towards Roma's ground, the Olympic Stadium, and key squares in the city centre.

Manchester United supporters were attacked in such areas when their team was in Rome in 2007, while Liverpool fans suffered a similar fate in previous European cup clashes.

Injuries included slashes to the buttocks  wounds that the Fedayn are notorious for inflicting  and leather belt whips.

Mr Lionetti said supporters should not 'wander alone around the city, and instead should use shuttle buses and stick together'.

A Liverpool fan lies injured as clashes break out before their Champions League tie with Roma last week

Daniele Sciusco (L) and Filippo Lombardi (R) were charged over violence at Anfield last week

Two Italians  Filippo Lombardi, 20 and Daniele Sciusco, 29  have been charged with violent disorder and inflicting grievous bodily harm. They remain in custody and face trial in connection with the attack on Mr Cox, of Dunboyne, Ireland.

From Tuesday, there will be 500 extra police officers in the city, while 1000 more will be on duty at the stadium on Wednesday night.

Liverpool lead 5-2 from last week's first leg, when there were clashes between fans outside pubs and the English club's home ground, Anfield.

Liverpool have been deeply frustrated by the lack of information from the Italian authorities, whom they will see at a pre-match planning meeting on Monday.

Police in the Italian capital will be at full stretch this week. There are concerns that a huge May Day festival could create potential for clashes between fans of the two teams.

At least 5,000 Liverpool fans are expected to arrive in Rome today and tomorrow, some without tickets.

Some are veterans of the notorious 1984 European cup final between Roma and Liverpool, when thousands of English fans were attacked before and after their victory.

A bitter history between Liverpool and Italian fans also dates back to the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster in Belgium.

A wall collapsed as Juventus fans tried to escape charging Liverpool supporters, and 39 Italians died.

The disaster led to criminal convictions and English clubs being banned from Europe for five years.Philip Saunders, 69, launched a violent attack on Mohammad Ghadami, 63, a developer, whose son Davood appears in the BBC soap EastEnders

A top property lawyer who was caught on CCTV headbutting a property developer during a 100m legal battle at the High Court has been struck off.

Philip Saunders, 69, assaulted Mohammad Reza Ghadami, 63, after a hearing in the Royal Courts of Justice, London, leaving him with a fractured nose.

Mr Ghadami, whose son Davood plays Kush in the BBC soap EastEnders, required treatment under general anaesthetic after the incident on the first floor landing of the Rolls Building at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Saunders, a leading property conveyance solicitor who has worked on multi-million pound property deals during his 43-year career, claimed he lost his temper after Mr Ghadami made a 'vile antisemitic comment' but did not give further details of the exact words used.

He told the Solicitors' Disciplinary Tribunal: 'I am an observant religious Jew. I have a high moral standard.

'I completely lost all self-control as a result of this comment he made. I am bitterly ashamed that I lost my temper. I am not trying to justify my actions but to put them into perspective.

'I cannot see how my behaviour on that day in the face of a raw anti-Semitic comment negates the way I behaved and behave since.'

Mr Ghadami suffered a broken nose after the shocking incident in the Royal Courts of Justice

After a three-hour hearing Edward Nelly, chair of the disciplinary panel, said the panel found he had failed to act with integrity.

He said: 'You were convicted for a criminal assault. We have reflected on that and the initial unhappy context - as an unwise engagement with Mr Ghadami in the Rolls Building about the subject of costs.

'We have considered carefully what the behaviour of Mr Saunders demonstrates, on that unhappy day, and we accept the submissions of both persons that a single act may constitute a lack of integrity.

'We are sorry to find that allegation proved, while fully understanding the explanation Mr Saunders has offered. We must not conflate mitigation with fact.'

Mr Ghadami, whose son Davood plays Kush on EastEnders, had his nose broken and his eye injured

Saunders was given an 18 month suspended prison sentence after being convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Inner London Crown on 31 January 2017.

CCTV of the clash showed the property lawyer being stopped from passing by Mr Ghadami during an exchange inside the court in April 2016.

He then swung his case between Saunders' legs, prompting Saunders to lunge forwards and headbutt him, breaking his nose.

The pair had both been involved on opposing sides in an ongoing land dispute being heard at the court.

Mr Ghadami said the headbutting came 'out of the blue'.

Both men attended the misconduct hearing at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in London.

Saunders, who has been a solicitor for 43 years, said he had stopped practising immediately after the incident.

He admitted failing to uphold the law and failing to maintain public trust and confidence in the profession but denied failing to act with integrity.

Saunders, from Maida Vale, west London, was struck off the roll of solicitors and ordered to pay 4,611 in costs.Amazon chief executive has Jeff Bezos revealed meetings begin with half an hour of silence.

According to Bezos, the online retail giant has banned employees from making PowerPoint presentations.

Instead, executives are asked to prepare a properly written six page memo which is read in silence, for up to half an hour, before meetings begin.

Jeff Bezos speaking a the George W Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas

Amazon's headquarters in Seattle, Washington. Bezos revealed PowerPoint presentations are banned at the company

Only when everyone has read the memo does the meeting begin, Mr Bezos said in an onstage interview at the George W Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas.

'For every meeting, someone from the meeting has prepared a six-page, narratively structured memo that has real sentences and topic sentences and verbs,' The Times reported.

'It's not just bullet points. It's supposed to create the context for the discussion. No PowerPoints are used inside Amazon.'

Bezos said when new executives are hired they are warned: 'This is the weirdest meeting culture you ever encounter.'

He explained the meetings are 'so much better than the typical Power-Point presentation for so many reasons' because a 'brilliant and thoughtful' memo can 'set up the meeting for high-quality discussion'.

'We read in the room. Just like high-school kids, executives [elsewhere] will bluff their way through the meeting as if they've read the memo.

According to the Amazon chief executive, the memo's set up a 'high quality discussion'

'So you have to carve out time so everyone has actually read the memo - they are not just pretending.'

Earlier this year Jeff Bezos, already the world's richest person, added another $20 billion (14 billion) to his wealth after his firm Amazon reported its largest ever surge in profits.

In a recent letter to shareholders he said some executives believe memos can be written in a few hours when 'a great memo probably should take a week or more'.

'Not surprisingly, the quality of these memos varies widely,' said Bezos.

'Some have the clarity of angels singing. They are brilliant and thoughtful and set up the meeting for high-quality discussion. Sometimes they come in at the other end of the spectrum.

'It would be extremely hard to write down the detailed requirements that make up a great memo.

'Nevertheless, I find that much of the time, readers react to great memos very similarly. They know it when they see it. The standard is there, and it is real, even if it's not easily describable.'Kevin Thomas, 46, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman twice in 2015. The married man allegedly sent her emails that became 'suggestive' and then 'explicit'

A married school headmaster is accused of sending a mother emails addressed to Mrs Sexy and giving her a pair of white knickers before sexually assaulting her.

Kevin Thomas, 46, who joined Glan-Yr-Afon Primary School in Cardiff as headteacher in 2012, denies the sexual assault charges against him, as he is at trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

Roger Griffiths, prosecuting, said the alleged victim told police his behaviour made her feel 'uncomfortable' and she was scared of his 'wrath'.

The two counts of sexual assault relate to the period between May and August 2015.

The woman - who cannot be named - said she found it difficult to reprimand Thomas after he began sending her emails addressed to 'Mrs Sexy'.

She said: 'I tried tirelessly not to give this man the wrong impression.

'But if you upset this man he could turn. I've felt the wrath of this man a few times and I know other had.'

Asked by Judge Jeremy Jenkins how the deluge of personal emails made her feel - including ones where Thomas claimed he'd bought her underwear and asked to 'cuddle' - she said: 'It was awful.'

Prosecutors said the alleged victim described Thomas as 'a touchy-feely sort of person' and told the police: 'He would put his arms around me.'

Prosecutors said the alleged victim described Thomas as 'a touchy-feely sort of person' and told the police: 'He would put his arms around me'

The complainant stated she 'cringed' when he tried to hug her, pushed him away and told him not to do it again. Mr Griffiths told the court: 'It did not stop at that.'

Prosecutors said the woman did not know how to respond because she respected Thomas as headmaster.

She told the police: 'He got a lot more amorous and flirty. I did not want him to fancy me and I most certainly did not fancy him.'

The court heard he sent her emails that became 'suggestive' and then 'explicit'.

Prosecutors said Thomas called the woman 'gorgeous' and 'sexy' and told her he had a 'schoolboy crush' on her.

The alleged victim told police the messages made her feel uncomfortable and she started to keep a record of them.

Mr Griffiths read out one message which said: 'Wish I could have time alone with you.'

In another, the court heard, Thomas asked her for hug and a kiss for Christmas, adding: 'I've been a good boy this year.'

In a further message, the defendant told the woman he had a 'lovely dream' about her wearing white knickers.

She told the police he later bought her a pair of white knickers.

The complainant stated his messages became 'sleazy' and he made references to sexual positions.

In a further message, the defendant told the woman he had a 'lovely dream' about her wearing white knickers. She told the police he later bought her a pair of white knickers.' Pictured: Glan-Yr-Afon Primary School

Mr Griffiths told the jury: '[The messages] became more lewd and explicit.'

Byron Broadstock, defending Thomas, suggested the woman had requested 'hugs' from Thomas and sent him flirtatious emails, which the headmaster had simply reciprocated.

But she denied it, saying she was simply guilty of not being 'curt' enough with the father-of-two.

She said: 'I would never voluntarily give him a hug. I told him all the time I didn't like him by me. I didn't want to hug him.

'Perhaps I did say it in a friendly manner and I wasn't curt with him.

'I would not engage in any form of sexual banter. I wouldn't do that with anybody.'

Prosecutors said he told the woman he wished they could 'cuddle up in bed', adding: 'I want you so much.'

Thomas, from Beechley Drive in Fairwater, denies two counts of sexual assault

The complainant told the police there was an occasion when the headmaster picked her up by the waist and gave her a 'bear hug'.

She alleged he said: 'I could kiss this woman.'

Prosecutors allege Thomas touched the woman inappropriately in May 2015.

The court heard she asked him: 'What are you doing?' He held his hands up and replied: 'I did not do anything.'

She told the police she became more nervous around him, but did not feel ready to report the matter straight away because she regarded him as 'a pillar of society'.

The alleged victim added that she feared 'it was my word against his.'

Prosecutors say the second sexual assault occurred in July 2015.

The complainant said Thomas 'looked her up and down' and she thought he was going to kiss her. She told the police she pushed him back with both hands and screamed.

She stated he later told her: 'All I was trying to do was tell you how lovely you looked.'

The woman decided to report the matter to the authorities after receiving a message she described as 'really offensive' and 'completely unacceptable'.

She told the police she had done everything she could to 'repel' him - she stopped wearing perfume and became conscious about what she was wearing.

The woman said she reported Thomas' behaviour as well as two alleged sexual assaults after the headmaster's then wife publicly accused her of conducting an affair.

When he was interviewed by the police, Thomas denied behaving inappropriately towards the complainant.

Thomas, from Beechley Drive in Fairwater, denies two counts of sexual assault.

The case, presided over by Judge Jeremy Jenkins, is before a jury of six men and six women and is expected to last for four days.

The trial continues.Theresa May today told her Cabinet the House of Lords must not be allowed to tie her hands in Brexit talks as she vowed a 'robust' response to a crushing defeat.

MPs will be ordered to delete a wrecking amendment that strips ministers of the right to quit talks without a deal when the legislation returns to the Commons.

Defiant peers passed the plan last night by 335 to 244 in defiance of warnings it would hand 'unprecedented power' to Parliament.

Trade Secretary Liam Fox today accused peers of trying to 'thwart' Brexit by re-writing the flagship Brexit laws.

Brexiteers fear Tory rebels could join forces with the Opposition to defend the new amendment is an evolution of one the Commons has already passed.

But signalling her intent to strip it from the Bill, Mrs May's official spokesman said today: 'Cabinet expressed its disappointment at defeats inflicted on the EU withdrawal bill in the House of Lords, saying they risk tying the Government's hands behinds its back in the negotiations with Brussels.

'The Prime Minister said that in the House of Commons the Government would be robust. She said it was vital to ensure the legislation was able to deliver a smooth Brexit, which is in the interests of everybody in the United Kingdom.'

Theresa May (pictured in Ulverston yesterday) today told her Cabinet today the House of Lords must not try to tie her hands in Brexit talks as she vowed a 'robust' response to a crushing defeat

Liam Fox (pictured on Sky News today) has accused unelected peers of trying to 'block the democratic will of the people' after the latest huge vote against Government Brexit plans

EU negotiator Michel Barnier is in Derry today (pictured) as he continues a tour of the Irish border

The International Trade Secretary told Sky News: 'Now we have the unelected house actually trying to block the democratic will of the British people.

'This is a question about whether the will of the British people will be respected or not, and it must be.'

Asked by the BBC if Theresa May was now 'horribly weakened' he said: 'We don't have a parliamentary majority, that's for sure.

'That makes life harder.'

Last night's major amendment to the flagship Brexit laws going through Parliament radically strengthens the so-called 'meaningful vote' on the final deal.

Tabled by Viscount Hailsham - better known as the former MP Douglas Hogg, infamous for expense claims to clean his moat - it will remove the right of ministers to quit Brexit talks without a deal and hand the decision to Parliament instead.

Later the Government suffered another defeat when peers voted 270 to 233 to back plans giving Parliament a say on Britain's mandate for Brexit talks.

Viscount Hailsham - better known as the former MP Douglas Hogg, infamous for expense claims to clean his moat - said voters could not have made a final decision on Brexit without knowing the terms of the deal

He has secured support for a major amendment to the flagship Brexit laws going through Parliament that would radically strengthen the so-called 'meaningful vote' on the final deal

Former Tory leader Lord Michael Howard told the Lords the rebel amendment demonstrated the 'appalling lengths' Remain backers would go to frustrate the referendum vote

Viscount Hailsham was joined in the lobby by 18 other Tory rebels including ex ministers Michael Heseltine, Ros Altmann and David Willetts.

Following last night's vote, Brexit Minister Lord Callanan said the Government was 'disappointed' and would now consider the implications of the vote.

He said: 'What this amendment would do is weaken the UK's hand in our negotiations with the EU by giving Parliament unprecedented powers to instruct the Government to do anything with regard to the negotiations  including trying to keep the UK in the EU indefinitely.

'It is absolutely right that Parliament is able to scrutinise the final deal, and that is why we have already committed to giving both Houses a vote on the final deal.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer hailed the vote as a crucial moment in the wrestle for control over Brexit between Parliament and ministers.

He said: 'Labour won the argument at the end of last year for Parliament to be given a meaningful vote on the terms of our withdrawal from the EU. And we are clear that it must be just that: a meaningful vote.

'If Parliament votes down the Article 50 deal, then Parliament must decide what happens next.

'Under no circumstances can the Prime Minister be given a blank cheque to crash the UK out of the EU without a deal.'

Opening the debate, Lord Hailsham said: 'At the very best it was an interim decision.

'It was an instruction to the Government to negotiate withdrawal on the best terms that could be achieved.

'A final and conclusive decision can only be made when these options have crystallised.'

Lib Dem Lord Roberts (left) compared the legislation to that empowering Hitler, remarks that prompted Brexiteer Tory Lord Fairfax to attack a 'cabal of Remainers' in the Lords

Lord Roberts told peers: 'My mind went back to Berlin in March 1933, when the Enabling Bill was passed in the Reichstag.

'That Enabling Bill transferred democratic rights of the parliament into the hands of one man, that was the Chancellor. His name was Adolf Hitler.

'Perhaps I'm seeing threats that do not exist, but they are there, they are possible. Who'd have said before the 1930s that Germany, this cultured country, would involve itself in such a terrible war.'

Lord Hailsham said Parliament - led by MPs - must be able to decide whether to accept no deal, send ministers back to renegotiate, order a new referendum or even stay in the EU on the current terms.

Former Tory leader Lord Michael Howard told the Lords the rebel amendment demonstrated the 'appalling lengths' Remain backers would go to frustrate the referendum vote.

Conservative Lord Fairfax branded the Lords a 'cosy cabal of Remain' and attacker Remain supporters as 'fifth columnists' as he lashed the wrecking amendment.

Ahead of today's vote, Mrs May's spokesman said: 'Fundamentally, the British people voted to leave the EU and the Government is delivering on that.

'It is simply not right that Parliament could overturn this.

'It is absolutely right that Parliament is able to scrutinise the final deal, and that is why we have already committed to giving both houses a vote on the final deal.'

Theresa May (pictured at a school near Manchester yesterday) lashed out at unelected peers who are trying to 'overturn' the will of the British people with a series of Brexit Bill wrecking amendments

Later the Government suffered another defeat on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill after peers backed plans to give Parliament a say on Britain's mandate for Brexit talks.

An amendment led by Labour's Lord Monks and supported by a cross-party group of peers was supported by 270 votes to 233, majority 37.

Brexit minister Lord Callanan said it was for the Government rather than Parliament to set the mandate for negotiations over the UK's future relationship with the EU.

However, Labour indicated it was supporting the amendment, which would require parliamentary approval for this mandate.

Responding to the Government's second defeat on Monday, on parliamentary approval for the UK's negotiating mandate, a spokesman for the Department for Exiting the European Union said: 'We are disappointed that the House of Lords has voted for this amendment in spite of the assurances we have provided.

'Parliament has been updated regularly throughout the negotiations and we have already committed to giving both the House of Commons and the House of Lords a vote on the withdrawal agreement and the terms of our future relationship with the EU.

'But it is for the Government, not Parliament, to set our goals for the negotiations on the UK's exit from the EU and to conduct them.

'We will now consider the implications of this decision.'A driver ploughed into a crowd of people yesterday with his fast car in China, killing two and injuring three, according to police.

The car had been seen travelling back and forth on a street of Jingmen city, Hubei Province, said a police statement, before smashing onto a busy pavement.

The statement said the incident left two people dead, including one civilian and one policeman who had tried to shield the crowd from being hit.

Onlookers gather across the street as a driver slams his fast car onto a pavement and hits a crowd of people in Jingmen, China, last night. The incident left two dead and three injured

A video allegedly taken at the scene shows how the suspect's car had hit another parked car

The driver was arrested at the scene, and three other civilians were injured, the police said through a post on their social media account.

The shocking incident occurred at around 8:50pm local time in the Jingshan County of Jingmen, a city with about three million residents.

The police said the suspect had been driving on the street 'at speed' and they arrived at the scene after being informed by the pedestrians.

A video footage allegedly showing the scene of the incident has been released by Chinese news sites, including The Paper and BJ News.

The clip shows the car driving on the street as well as on the pavement which had crowds of pedestrians.

It then appeared to drive towards a group of people before ploughing into them. A lamp post was destroyed before the car hit the people.

The driver, yet to be identified, is detained by the police at the scene. It's said the man had not been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the police are investigating the case

The incident occurred at around 8:50pm local time in the Jingshan County, central China

The video also shows pedestrians screaming and trying to flee for their lives after the car had hit the crowd.

According to the police, officers tried to evacuate the civilians as soon as they were informed. They also had tried to stop the car.

A police officer, named Liu Guibing, died while trying to protect civilians.

The male driver, who is yet to be identified, had not been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. He was detained at the scene of the incident.

The police did not offer a possible motive for the suspect's behaviour.

Further investigation is under way.Alfie Evans' family are begging their supporters to stop adding halos and angel wings to photos of the youngster.

The little boy's aunt Sarah Evans said the images, which are being shared across social media, are causing more anguish for his mother Kate James.

Members of the so-called Alfie's Army have been doctoring pictures of Alfie in Facebook tributes posted after he died on Saturday.

The terminally ill 23-month-old, from Bootle, Merseyside, was being treated for a degenerative brain disease at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.

Scroll down for video:

Alfie's aunt Sarah Evans (left) pleaded with the little boy's supporter to stop adding halos and angel wings to photos of the youngster (right)

In the Facebook post she said the images were upsetting Alfie's mother Kate, and she also spoke about 'nasty rumours' that were going around

Ms Evans encouraged well-wishers to post more pictures of the little boy, but asked them to stop adding the halos and angel wings.

And she told them to ignore any 'nasty rumours' about the Ms James and the boy's dad Tom Evans - but she gave not detail on what they might be, the Daily Mirror reports.

She wrote: 'Alfies army, just a couple of things I have been asked to mentioned on behalf of Tom and Kate one is that there are nasty rumours going about that are not true and we ask that you dont listen to them.

'The second one is the pictures people are doing of Alfie with wings and halos saying R.I.P Alfie, its really upsetting Kate so if you want to have a picture of Alfie on your profiles that is fine but none of the above on them please.

Ms Evans said the images were upsetting Alfie's mother Kate James, left. Alfie with his father Tom Evans, right

'Thank you all for the flowers cards and love shown for Alfie our warrior is missed beyond belief.'

Alfie was at the centre of a life support battle between his parents, health officials and the justice system before he passed away.

Mr Evans and Ms James lost two rounds of fights in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights.

The little boy, who would have been two this month, was in a 'semi-vegetative state' and had a degenerative neurological condition which doctors had not definitively diagnosed.

Hundreds of balloons were released outside Alder Hey Children's Hospital after he passed away on Saturday

The balloons, with pictures of the youngster on them were released just hours after his death was announced

Alfie's parents, Mr Evans (pictured) and Ms James launched a legal fight to take him to Italy for treatment after being advised there was nothing else that could be done

The youngster was being treated for a degenerative brain disease at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool

His parents were fighting to take the boy to Italy for treatment after being advised there was nothing else that could be done.

His life support was switched off last Monday, and they were seeking permission to take him home.

Alfie stayed alive for nearly a week, breathing on his own until the early hours of Saturday morning.Father-of-two Narayan Gurung, 66, who was originally from Pokhara in Nepal, died following the collision near Guildford

A retired Gurkha was killed when he swerved to avoid a BMW with a dangerous electrical fault which left the car without power or lights on a dual carriageway.

Father-of-two Narayan Gurung, 66, who was originally from Pokhara in Nepal, died following the collision near Guildford early on Christmas Day, when his black Ford Fiesta swerved to avoid the BMW, left the road and hit a tree just after 6.30am.

Yesterday an inquest into his death held in Woking heard that BMW tried to play down the fault in tens of thousands of its cars, and claimed the electrical glitch was not 'critical'.

BMW had received dozens of complaints about the potentially fatal electrical fault but waited five years, until after Mr Gurung's death, before recalling a single British vehicle.

It insisted an electrical glitch, which led to its cars completely losing power, was not 'critical' because drivers were still able to steer and brake despite headlights, hazard lights and brake lights failing.

It was not deemed a safety defect because in the 'majority of cases' BMW drivers experienced other faults such as not getting the car to start which would act as a prior warning, the hearing heard.

Mr Gurung, 66, was killed when he had to swerve to avoid the 'blacked out' BMW which stopped suddenly in front of him after being struck by the fault, Woking Coroner's Court heard.

The Gurkha veteran, from Aldershot, was travelling with his wife on Christmas morning on a dark and quiet A-road at 6.20am in 2016.

He died at the scene and his wife was seriously injured when his Ford Fiesta collided with a tree, the hearing was told.

The inquest heard BMW received its first complaints about a cohort of 370,000 cars including the 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 models in 2011 when at least five cases were fixed under warranty.

The manufacturer received more vehicle safety defect complaints by the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency in 2014 but after a February meeting in 2016 convinced the agency to drop the probe.

But it was not until three months after Mr Gurung died that BMW customers were told of the potentially fatal flaw when it recalled 36,000 of the affected cars in February 2017.

In the 2016 meeting DVSA lead engineer Andrew Tudor told supplier quality engineer Mark Hill, responsible for technical support at BMW UK, 'we do not want a fatality'.

Ed Ramsay, on behalf of the family, questioning Mr Hills, said: 'The lead engineer from the DVSA has said to you in light of the concern, we do not want a fatality.

'In other words the risk that had been identified was a risk of death.

'If someone's vehicle suffers a total electrical failure on a motorway or on an A-road they lose the ability to use their brake lights or hazard lights and that gives rise to serious injury or death.

'No lights is the biggest concern, another road user cannot see the powerless car.'

But Mr Hill insisted: 'It is not a safety defect because of a prior warning is given to the user in the majority of cases.'

Explaining the fault, Mr Hill said: 'What happens is the terminal heats up because there is corrosion that is building up on the terminal as the cable is moving against it.'

He added: 'This is deemed not critical because the driver is still able to steer the car and brake the car. The car is still under control.'

Woking Coroner's Court heard the manufacturer had previously known about the electrical problem with their vehicles after more than 500,000 cars were recalled in the US.

Other recalls were also made in Canada, South Africa and Australia.

Questioning Mr Hill, John Williams, representing insurer Aviva, said: 'In that three-and-a-half year period why was it not addressed in this country? It is entirely unsatisfactory for BMW UK or Germany to have allowed the same problem to appear in this country in the same type of vehicles and institute no effective campaign. All of the series have got this component in them.'

Referring to British BMW customers he added: 'BMW has told them absolutely nothing about it, even though it has known about the pattern for over three years.

'BMW wanted to avoid the cost of recalling all those vehicles. Why did it wait for this fatal accident to occur before it issued any form of recall?'

Mr Hill replied: 'The decisions are made are made in Germany and not the UK to recall cars.'

Mr Ramsay read out the experiences of three BMW owners who made complaints to the DVSA known as VSD or vehicle safety defect reports.

One driver said: 'The vehicle cuts out at any time. The first time it happened I was driving on the A2 in Kent. I was in the third lane of a motorway and it just cut out, I had no lights and could not use my indicators or brakes as motorists behind me would not know that I was braking.

'I was stranded in the third lane of the motorway and there were cars just narrowly avoiding my car as they could not see it as it was quite dark.'

Another motorist said: 'Since the last callout the unlocking mechanism failed the fault has got worse. On three separate occasions the car has done it whilst driving.

'I was on a motorway at night and luckily I was able to pull over and narrowly missed a truck. My passenger was in tears due to this. It was lucky that this did not occur on an unlit A-road or on a bend.'

Another said: 'Driving on the M1 south the vehicle went out of electric and then came alive luckily after about 20 seconds. I was driving at 70mph and should I have panicked like most drivers I would not be here to complain.

'I went to BMW and they said they could not find anything. But this is untrue as I went for a diagnostics and they knew exactly what I was talking about.

The inquest continues.A mother-of-two was handed a 155 parking fine for overstaying by just seven seconds in a pub car park.

Furious Leonie Isaacson, 52, was hit with the huge bill when she left her car outside the Barley Mow pub in Histon, Cambridgeshire.

Her brief stay between 8:06:03 and 08:11:10 contravened the five minute grace period for motorists.

Ms Isaacson, from Cambridge, said she only stopped to buy bread at the bakery opposite.

Leonie Isaacson, from Cambridge, said she only stopped to buy bread at the bakery opposite

She said the parking policy was 'over the top.'

The learning development consultant, said: 'I go to Barkers Bakery to get some bread.

'I parked as usual at the Barley Mow and just nip across.

'I hadn't noticed that they had stuck up these notices about the parking so it was a bit of a surprise to receive that parking charge.'

The Barley Mow introduced a new parking system on February 6 to crack down use by drivers leaving their cars and not entering the pub.

Pub customers must register their car's registration number on a tablet to ensure they are protected for 12 hour free parking.

Penalty fees start at 85, falling to 50 if paid within 14 days.

She challenged her penalty with ZZPS, which provides customer services for Enterprise Parking Solutions Ltd.

But because of the extended correspondence she faces late payment and additional administration charges, taking her total bill to 155.

Ms Isaacson said: 'I feel for the Barley Mow.

'But it's not great for customers. I work with a number of people who live in Histon and they are all shocked.

The Barley Mow introduced a new parking system in February to crack down use by drivers leaving their cars and not entering the pub

'It's pretty tough. If it had been a couple of minutes I'd have gone 'fair dues'.

'At eight o'clock in the morning, there's no trade and the pub isn't open to get a permit. It's seems a little bit over the top and a bit unfair.'

The company said it could not check the calibration on the car park's camera unless an appeal was lodged with POPLA - an independent appeals service for parking charge notices.

But the Barley Mow's landlady Dore McCann has hit back saying people have misused her car park for years.

And she said she had received a barrage of abuse since the introduction of the new system.

Ms McCann said: 'For 24 years I've gave my car park free to the village,' she explained.

The Barley Mow's landlady Dore McCann has hit back saying people have misused her car park for years

'Unfortunately our car park is being used constantly by people for five minutes. It's being used permanently.

'I pay a huge amount of rates, a huge amount of rent. I've lost hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of business because I wanted to be neighbourly to the village.'

Ms McCann said that the car park was private property and there for the benefit of customers but was always being used by local shoppers.

Her stock-taker and delivery lorries have on occasion been unable to stop outside because the car park was full.

A total of 11 signs have been put up in the 16-space car park, but people still challenge penalty charges.

'I'm still verbally abused via my Facebook and TripAdvisor,' she said. 'I'm constantly under a barrage of abuse.

'If people used my car park correctly I wouldn't have done this. The car park is for customers only.'

Ms McCann said that she has a long list of tickets she has cancelled for people who have apologised for mis-using the car park.

But other drivers have entered the pub making demands and she claimed one person had even thrown a bottle at her.

'It's not an acceptable for people to behave like this,' she said.

'I parked in an Aldi for over an hour and a half, I got a ticket and I paid it immediately. As a driver I should look at the signs.'

She added that a lot of people in the village were on her side and understood she was protecting private property.We just lost a young priest, zealous and dedicated, one who smelled like his sheep, to an assassins bullet, Mgr Sergio Utleg said. What hurts us most is that he was killed while still in his soutane, said Fr Adalbert Barut. It was like the message was that he was killed because he was a priest. Local missionary fears for the security of priests and all men and women religious working for the rights of tribal minorities and workers.

Manila (AsiaNews)  The Archdiocese of Tuguegarao (Cagayan province) has appealed to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a swift probe into the murder of Fr Mark Anthony Ventura (pictured).

The 37-year-old parish priest from the outskirts of Gattaran, a town in northern of Luzon Island, was gunned down as he concluded Mass in Pena Weste gymnasium on Sunday.

In a statement, Tuguegarao Archbishop Sergio Utleg said that the special PNP task force set up should act swiftly solve Fr Venturas case.

Preliminary information from police indicates that the clergyman was blessing the children and talking to the members of the choir, when at 8.15 am, a still unidentified man, wearing a motorcycle helmet, got in through the back of the gym and shot him twice.

Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde said the suspect ran towards the highway and rode on a motorcycle driven by another unidentified companion and fled towards Baggao.

We make our appeal to the authorities, especially to the PNP Task Force, to act swiftly in going after the perpetrators of this crime and to bring them to justice, Archbishop Utleg said.

There have been too many murders already, done with impunity in our country by assassins riding in tandem. May this be the last, he stressed.

The prelate said prayers would be offered for all priests and men and women religious for their perseverance in their vocation, their good health and their personal safety.

We just lost a young priest, zealous and dedicated, one who smelled like his sheep, to an assassins bullet right after he said Mass and was baptising children, Utleg noted. Let us offer our prayers for him, for his bereaved family, and the lay faithful of our beloved Archdiocese.

In a statement released yesterday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) noted that Fr Mark was known for his actions against the activities of mining companies and for helping indigenous peoples of the province. The area around Gattaran is known for its copper and gold mines.

Fr Adalbert Barut, parish priest in Tuguegarao, said that every clergyman in Cagayan is in shock. What hurts us most is that he was killed while still in his soutane. [The killers] did not even wait until he [took] it off. It was like the message was that he was killed because he was a priest, Barut said.

Ventura is the second priest to be killed in Luzon in the last five months. In December of last year, retired priest Marcelito Paez, 72, was shot dead by unknown assailants in the city of Jaen, Nueva Ecija province. The case remained unsolved.

Interviewed by AsiaNews, a local missionary expressed fear about the security of priests and all men and women religious working for the rights of tribal minorities and workers.

"These killings, coupled with cases like the expulsion of Sister Patricia Fox, are fuelling fear, he explained. We are under pressure. It seems to be back in the days of President Marcos's dictatorship.

"Recently, we have held meetings with officials and civil authorities, he noted. But Throughout the country, especially in the south, tensions are also fuelled by the presence of rebel groups.

"In some cases, arrest warrants have been issued against tribal people working closely with the Church for alleged links to insurgents. This climate makes missionary work difficult, and the bishops do not intend to raise tension level with strong statements."The Christian owners of a bakery found to have discriminated in refusing to make a 'gay cake' are being forced to act against their religious beliefs, a lawyer has told the Supreme Court.

A lower court ruled the decision of family-run Ashers not to bake the product iced with the slogan Support Gay Marriage in 2014 was discriminatory after a legal challenge supported by Northern Ireland's Equality Commission.

The order was placed at its Belfast shop by gay rights activist Gareth Lee. Bakery owners Daniel and Amy McArthur have said the law risked 'extinguishing' their consciences.

Daniel Mcarthur, general manager of Ashers, and his wife Amy, arrive for their Supreme Court hearing in Belfast today

David Scoffield QC, for Ashers, said: 'This is a case of forced or compelled speech, unlike other cases which have come before the court.'

He added: 'Mr and Mrs McArthur have been penalised by the state in the form of the judgment at the County Court for failing through their family company to create and provide a product bearing an explicit slogan 'Support Gay Marriage' to which they have a genuine objection in conscience.'

The UK's highest court, sitting in Belfast, heard the case on Tuesday.

Beforehand Mr McArthur, general manager of Ashers, said: 'The Equality Commission has pushed for an interpretation of the law which extinguishes our conscience.

'They think that some people are more equal than others.'

Mr McArthur said he should enjoy a basic right to live by his beliefs.

'But some people want the law to make us support something with which we disagree.'

Ashers bakery, which has branches in Northern Ireland and is financially supported by the Christian Institute, is taking its claim to the supreme court on Tuesday

The case against Ashers was taken by Mr Lee with support from Northern Ireland's Equality Commission.

Controversy first flared when Mr Lee, a member of the LGBT advocacy group Queer Space, ordered a cake featuring Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia.

The firm has twice been found to have discriminated on the grounds of sexual orientation after it cancelled an order by gay activist Gareth Lee in 2014 for a cake decorated with the slogan: 'Support gay marriage'

He placed the order in person at Ashers' Belfast city centre branch in May 2014.

It was accepted and he paid in full but, two days later, the company called to say it could not proceed due to the message requested.

Mr Lee told the initial hearing in 2015 that the refusal made him 'feel I'm not worthy, a lesser person and to me that was wrong'. The firm maintained it was a response to the message, not the customer.

In the original court case, District Judge Isobel Brownlie ruled that religious beliefs could not dictate the law and ordered the firm to pay damages of 500.

Mounting an appeal, Ashers contended that it never had an issue with Mr Lee's sexuality, rather the message he was seeking to put on the cake.

The business said the slogan was inconsistent with its deeply held religious beliefs.

On Tuesday Mr Scoffield said the case, a simple transaction, raised an issue of principle since those with deeply-held religious or philosophical convictions could be compelled to act against their beliefs.

He added: 'The result of the approach taken by the district judge and Court of Appeal... is that someone providing bespoke goods must provide goods at the request of the customer, provided that is not unlawful - however offensive.'

He said the McArthur family were being forced to use their skills, trade and experience for a purpose inconsistent with their beliefs and claimed they must 'choose between operating their businesses or living and acting in accordance with their religious beliefs, and we say that cannot be the law'.

This is the first week the supreme court has sat in Northern Ireland.The most notorious criminals in American history have been brought into the 21st century after their mug shots were expertly colorized.

Vivid colour images show prohibition era gangster Al Capone with his hat still on, Lucky Luciano, considered the godfather of modern organised crime, and Vito Genovese who rose to power as an enforcer in the American Mafia during the same time period.

Other striking shots include infamous gangster and bank robber John Dillinger, Fred Barker, one of the founders of the Barker-Karpis gang, which committed numerous robberies, murders and kidnappings during the 1930s, and New York mobster Joe Adonis.

Al Capone is perhaps America's most notorious criminal and founder of the Chicago Outfit. His criminal career came to an end at the age of 33 when he was jailed for tax evasion

Vito Genovese rose to power a Mafia enforcer during the 1930s and later went on to be 'Boss of Bosses'

The original black and white photographs were painstakingly colourised by Gavin Wieszala, from Buffalo, New York, USA.

'This particular project was inspired by my love for the TV program about gangsters Boardwalk Empire and a general fascination with the gangsters of the 20s and 30s,' he said.

'It was interesting and exciting to bring life back to these eerie photos of notorious criminals. I love seeing the emotions of the people in mug shots or portraits.

'With these gangsters some of them have a creepy smile, as if they know they'll get out of prison somehow, and others seem to be on the brink of tears. Of course there are some who show no emotion, but it's very fun nonetheless.'

Carmine Galante was a feared and ambitious mobster who was once the acting boss of the Bonanno crime family

Lucky Luciano is considered the father of modern organized crime in the United States. He was also the first official boss of the modern Genovese crime family.

Frank Costello was nicknamed 'The Prime Minister of the Underworld' and controlled a vast gambling empire while also commanding political influence

Al Capone was an American mobster, crime boss, and businessman who attained notoriety during the Prohibition era as the co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit. His seven-year reign as crime boss ended when he was 33.

John Dillinger was an American gangster in the Depression-era United States.

John Dilinger was charged with the murder of an Indiana police officer but never convicted. He was eventually shot dead by police in 1934, bringing to an end his crime spree

He operated with a group of men known as the Dillinger Gang or Terror Gang, which was accused of robbing 24 banks and four police stations, among other activities.

Dillinger escaped from jail twice. He was also charged with, but never convicted of, the murder of an East Chicago, Indiana, police officer who shot Dillinger in his bullet-proof vest during a shootout, prompting him to return fire.

Despite his infamy, it was Dillinger's only homicide charge.

He courted publicity and the media of his time ran exaggerated accounts of his bravado and colourful personality, styling him as a Robin Hood figure.

In response, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover developed a more sophisticated Bureau as a weapon against organized crime, using Dillinger and his gang as his campaign platform.

Gavin, who used Photoshop to add color to these images, explained his method and the problems he ran into.

'I colorize these photos using Photoshop and each portrait has 50 individual layers of color,' he said.

Fred Barker, one of the founders of the Barker-Karpis gang, which committed numerous robberies, murders and kidnappings during the 1930

John Adonis was an associate of Lucky Luciano, with whom he ran a bootlegging operation in Manhattan. He was later deported back to Italy, where he died

'On average each of the portraits took one to two hours. When I started colorization I used a free photo editing program which restricted the quality of my work, my advice to everyone who wants to try colorization is to invest in Photoshop first, and it's well worth it.

'Some of the old photos were really damaged or overexposed - one was so bad that I decided to scrap it. It's important to spend a lot of time restoring the original photo before you colorize it.'

Striking images like these are featured in British author Michael D. Carroll's new book, Retrographic on the colourisation of historical images. It is available on Amazon now for $23.00 or 16.85.Advertisement

Protest marches have been held around the world to mark International Workers' Day, and while some remained peaceful parades, others escalated into violent clashes and destruction.

Riot police in Paris arrested more than 200 anti-capitalist demonstrators today as they went on the rampage to mark May Day.

Water cannon and tear gas were used against the protestors, many of whom were anarchists belonging to the Black Bloc movement.

They have mainly targeted places of business, including branches of McDonalds and banks, said a Paris police spokesman.

More than 200 people were arrested by late afternoon, and isolated incidents of violence are on going.

Worst hit was a McDonalds and Renault garage close to the Austerlitz railways station in the east of the city.

Cars and wheelie bins were also torched, while officers had rocks and other projectiles thrown at them.

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Paris is burning: A car and a motorcycle have been set alight outside a Renault automobile garage during the protest

French fries: A McDonald's restaurant is hit with petrol bombs thrown by activists during the traditional May Day rally in the center of Paris, France

Blasting off: A protester holds a strip of fireworks as they explode during a demonstration in Paris

Street weapons: A masked protester throws a rock during clashes at the May Day labour union march in Paris, France

Two sides: A riot policeman throws a teargas shell towards protesters outside a McDonald's in the French capital

Fighting fire: Emergency services put out a blazing car after thousands of people took to the streets of the French capital demonstrate on May Day

Social media posts had announced a Revolutionary Day to coincide with similar demonstrations across Europe, and other parts of the word.

The police spokesman said some 1,500 hooded and masked anarchists had turned up on the sidelines of trade union marches.

Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said the violence was completely unacceptable, adding that everything was being done to arrest those responsible.

Dictator fan: A man carrying a red flag and wearing a T-shirt showing the Stalinist dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, marches in London today

Red flag flying here: Demonstrators wave Communist flags in Trafalgar Square today to mark May Day, which is being celebrated around the world

Unity is strength: Demonstrators take over Trafalgar Square in London today to show their solidarity with workers around the world

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said there was particular anger at the protesters covering up their faces.

He said: When you have sincere convictions, you demonstrate with your face unmasked. Those who wear hoods are the enemies of democracy.

President Emmanuel Macron is in the process of reforming Frances employment laws, making it easier for bosses to sack workers.

Communist party: A man wearing a hoodie with 'Soviet Suprem' written on the front walks in front of a burning car in Paris while holding a can of beer

Inflamed passions: A car and motorcycle go up in flames after vandals set it alight during demonstrations in Paris to mark May Day

Police vs protesters: Crowds of demonstrators faced off against riot police during the events in Paris today to mark May Day

What's left? Vandals trash a street in Paris and spray a hammer and sickle on a wall during demonstrations to mark May Day today

Masked youth protesters with banners and placards block a road ahead of clashes with French police forces during a demonstration of workers from the private and public sectors as well as labour unions on the occasion of the annual May Day marches on the International Workers' Day in Paris

Railway workers are among those involved in three months strikes in a dispute over the governments reforms of the loss making state-run railway SNCF.

This years May Day protests were intended to send a message of defiance to Mr Macron, who is currently on an official trip to Australia.

French unions put the number of peaceful protesters at Tuesdays main May Day rally at about 55,000, though police put it at just under 20,000 - a figure well down on previous years.

Philippe Martinez, leader of the hard-Left CGT union said: If we do nothing, the government will not back down.

Fiery rhetoric: Protesters burn an effigy of US President Donald Trump during a demonstration marking May Day to honor workers in Bogota, Colombia

Anti-Americanism: A protester burns an US flag during a march through the streets of Medellin, Colombia, during May Day demonstrations

Rage: Demonstrators confront riot policemen during a May Day march in Medelin, Colombia today as protesters took to the streets around the world

Nazi Trump: Colombians in Bogota gather around a huge effigy of the US president featuring swastikas before setting it alight

No more tears: A protester returns a gas grenade launched by riot police during clashes between police and anti-government protesters at the annual May Day march, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Big stake: A protester attacks a police vehicle during clashes after a May Day march turned violent, in Santiago, Chile today

Big smile: A demonstrator hoists a sign opposing womb renting during the parade to commemorate the International Workers' Day staged by the Portuguese General Confederation of Labor and different political parties and groups on May Day in Lisbon

Rant: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro delivers a speech during a May Day rally in Caracas as crowds look on and cheer

Mr Martinez is furious at the way Mr Macron is making it easier for bosses to fire workers, while also attacking hard-won work conditions and pension rights.

In turn, the president believes France urgently needs to modernise, saying: We are going to continue reforming France in depth, with the certitude that our country needs this transformation to make up for the ground lost in previous decades.

This years May Day also fell on the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Spring riots in France, that made headlines around the world.

The government of President Charles de Gaulle was threatened, as his ministers feared civil war and economic collapse.

De Gaulle fled to Germany at one stage, before parliamentary elections in June 1968 saw the protests fizzle out.

Images also show more than a dozen protesters being detained in Istanbul on Tuesday after trying to march towards Istanbul's symbolic main square in defiance of a ban on protests there.

Police can be seen cracking down hard on defiant demonstrators - arresting them with brutal force as they protested against government reforms.

Taking to the streets: Masked demonstrators dressed all in black march through Paris while claiming to be acting in the interests of workers

Anger: Demonstrators wearing masks and eye-protection march while waving anarchist flags and flares in Paris

Escape: Demonstrators flee from clouds of teargas during a May Day workers' rally in Paris today

A man walks past a burning car outside several garages, which have been damaged by protesters in Paris

Protesters react as teargas clouds and fire rages during a demonstration on the sidelines of a march for the annual May Day workers' rally in Paris

Thick, dark smoke rises from a burning car during a demonstration on the side lines of the march for the annual May Day workers' rally, in Paris

'Anti capitalist': A female protester helps herself to a drink as demonstrators loot a McDonald's restaurant

Anarchy makes me hungry: A masked man holds a waffle cone as he looks onto broken monitors at the McDonald

Turkey declared Taksim Square off-limits to May Day celebrations, citing security concerns.

Roads leading to the square were blocked and police allowed only small groups of labour union representatives to lay wreaths at a monument there.

Still, a group of some 25 people chanting 'Taksim cannot be off limits on May 1' tried to push their way into the square but were rounded up by riot police.

Going right: Nationalists march in Warsaw, Poland for May Day today. Anti-fascist groups blocked their procession through the city

Salute: Nationalist demonstrators in Warsaw today attempt to march through the city to mark May Day celebrations

You shall not pass: Counter-demonstrators block the way of the nationalist protesters in Warsaw today

Flag-bearers: Members of nationalist organisations in Poland march with masks and flags in Warsaw to mark May Day in the country

Taksim holds a symbolic value for Turkey's labour movement.

In 1977, 34 people were killed there during a May Day event when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.

Meanwhile in the Philippines, around 5,000 people from various groups rallied near the presidential palace in Manila.

A masked and hooded protester uses a hammer to smash a pavement during clashes with French CRS riot police at the May Day labour union rally in Paris

Demonstrators pick up rocks and cobblestones and throw them towards police officers as teargas clouds rise during a demonstration in Paris

Demonstrators in Istanbul were confronted by armed police as they tried to break into the banned protest zone at Taksim square

According to reports more than a dozen protesters were arrested following violent clashes between civilians and armed cops in Istanbul

Dramatic pictures emerging from the scene show defiant demonstrators struggling against policemen as they are hauled away in Turkey

They were protesting over the failure of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfil a major campaign promise to end contractualisation, the widespread practice of short-term employment.

The protesters also demanded that the government address issues including low wages, unemployment and trade union repression.

In South Korea, thousands of labour union members rallied in central Seoul for a higher minimum wage and other demands.

In the Philippines workers took the opportunity of May Day to protest against controversial incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte

Demonstrators in the Filipino capital Manila set fire to a range of elaborate effigies which they had constructed as part of their protest

In South Korea, hordes of people gathered in the main square in Seoul to offer support to embattled trade unions in the country

They chanted slogans urging the government to implement a 10,000 won (6.82) minimum wage and convert all non-regular employees to regular workers with equal pay and treatment.

The rally was organised by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.

The police estimated the crowd at 10,000 people.

The union members also demanded that the government scrap the restructuring of the shipbuilding and car industries, and reform the huge conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy.

London involved: A march and rally marking International Workers Day is held in London's Trafalgar Square

Protesters set off flares and held up banners as they marched through the British capital

Men waving the flags of the Kudish YPG militia climbed one of the lions in Trafalgar Square

In Indonesia, about 10,000 workers from various labour groups rallied near the presidential palace in Jakarta to voice their demands.

Most of the workers came from Jakarta and nearby suburbs, but some travelled from West Java and Surabaya.

The protesters urged the government to avoid outsourcing, and to raise their wages.

They also asked the government to stop foreign labourers from working in Indonesia, saying it decreases employment opportunities for local workers.

About 2,000 garment workers also gathered at a park in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, for a rally organised by a garment union coalition.

In Jakarta, Indonesia, flag waving protestors graced the streets of the capital as part of their peaceful May Day celebrations

Several thousands also turned out in Colombo, Sri Lanka in a show of force from several of the country's main worker's unions

Cambodian workers also used International Workers' Day to protest about the lack of working-class rights in their country

The workers wanted to march to the National Assembly to urge politicians to help them address labour-related concerns, but the group was stopped by riot police.

Prime Minister Hun Sun spent May Day with some 5,000 garment workers just outside Phnom Penh. He thanked the workers by announcing that each of them will receive 50,000 riel (9.18).

With a general election coming up in July, Mr Hun Sen has for the past year been courting the large bloc of garment workers, whose unions have traditionally been strong supporters of the opposition.

Sri Lanka's government has postponed the rallies and processions that mark May Day because the week-long celebrations of the national festival of Vesak carry on until May 2 this year.

Big showing: Hundreds of thousands of Cubans march in the traditional May Day parade at Revolution Square in Havana, Cuba

Party time: Cubans assemble in their capital to mark May Day. In the background, pictures of Karl Marx and Che Guevara look on

Reliving the revolution: Huge crowds assemble in Havana to mark May Day, with many carrying banners and posters

The government said in a statement that the decision was taken following requests by leading Buddhist monks, who are very influential in the majority Buddhist country. Vesak is also known as Buddha Purnima and marks the enlightenment of Lord Buddha.

The government has asked political parties and trade unions not to hold rallies on May 1. Some have said they will ignore the government directive and mark the day.

Usually, Sri Lankan political parties and trade unions celebrate International Workers' Day with colourful parades and giant rallies to showcase their political and organisational strength.

The government said it will mark International Workers' Day on May 7.

Thousands of daring Russians staged a protest in the shadow of the Kremlin in a demonstration aimed at reinforcing the rights of workers

The army of workers could be seen crossing the famous Bolshoy Bridge in Moscow's city centre as part of their demonstration

The Russian May Day parade in St Petersburg was full of reminders of the country's past - including flags of past leaders like Lenin (pictured)

Police detain a protester during the May Day rally in St Petersburg, Russia, who appears to be draped in a rainbow flag symbolising gay pride

Members of the Russian Communist party and supporters took part in a huge march through the streets of the capital Moscow

In England the celebrations were slightly more tame, with the main event involving several pagans and druids climb Glastonbury tor to watch the sun come up

Hundreds of pagans perched themselves on the side of the hill to watch the sunrise over the fields of the West Country

People dressed up in strange ghoulish outfits to mark the occasion - also known as Beltane - which is believed to be the beginning of summer as well

The Archdruid of Glastonbury and Britain (left) led the ceremony in front of St Michael's Tower at the famous Somerset landmark

More than 100,000 people came out on the streets on Moscow to march in the traditional May Day parade.

Moscow's Federation of Trade Unions said about 120,000 people marched from the Red Square on the main streets of the Russian capital to mark May Day.

Over recent years, the parade became a highly orchestrated show of power by Russian authorities and the ruling United Russia party, with the demonstrators refraining from criticizing the government.

In St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, however, Russians unhappy with the Kremlin's attempts to curtail internet freedom joined the official May Day demonstration.

Several hundred people braved the rainy weather and joined the column marching across St. Petersburg to protest the government's ban of popular messaging app Telegram.

About 10,000 people rallied in Moscow on Monday to protest the blocking of Telegram.

Labour Day was celebrated in Paris with a larger version of the general strikes that have been gripping the nation over recent weeks

In Catalonia, thousands of working class people took to the streets to demonstrate over poor working conditions for labourers

The protests, which went through the center of Barcelona, saw people waving Catalan flags in yet another display of Catalonian nationalism

In Hong Kong protestors carried enormous banners in the shape of emojis as they walked in perfectly straight lanes through the city streets

Meanwhile in Tokyo, demonstrators employed their own wacky protest methods, carrying characters from Despicable Me through the streets on floats

In Pakistan the parades were slightly more conventional - as revellers in Lahore celebrated the day with a festival of singing and shouting slogans

In Germany, far-right groups massed in the city of Chemnitz carrying green flags and wearing identical uniforms for their march

Other Germans in Bavaria celebrated with a strange display in which they attempted to erect a maypole in front of gathered crowds

There then followed a traditional beer drinking element to the festivities as the revellers, near Munich in Bavaria, made the most of the day

In Lebanon, the Lebanese Communist party was out in full force campaigning for greater rights for poorer workers throughout the country

Supporters of the grassroots movement donned hammers and sickles as they marched through the centre of the city of BeirutJodie Gillett, a 19-year-old learner driver, (pictured) was killed in a horror car crash

The 19-year-old L-plate driver who was killed in a horror car crash as she was learning to drive with her father has been mourned by her tightly-knit community.

Jodie Gillett died at the scene when her Suzuki Swift collided with a Ford Falcon on the junction between Old Northern Road and Meriden Avenue in Glenorie, north-west of Sydney.

The teenager had just finished her shift as a waitress at Charlie Lovett cafe in Baulkham Hills and went for a driving lesson with her dad Garry, 58, who is currently in a critical condition in Royal North Shore Hospital.

The 19-year-old (pictured) had just finished her shift as a waitress and went for a driving lesson with her father. Her death has been mourned by the Castle Hill community

Jodie's best friend from high-school described her as 'beautiful' but told Daily Mail Australia she was too devastated to speak about the tragedy.

The 'elegant, family-oriented and hard working' 19-year-old had recently bought a car and was studying to be a primary school teacher, family and friends told the Daily Telegraph.

Her grandmother Heather also told the publication her granddaughter 'would never go over the speed limit' and 'was just so conscientious'.

'Jodie was kind, caring and a beautiful girl in every sense. This shouldn't have happened,' she said.

Chief inspector Frank Gilroy was unable to say what had caused the crash, but said police were looking into the possibility the young girl had been trying to perform a u-turn at the time

The 'elegant, family-oriented and hard working' 19-year-old had recently bought a car (pictured) and was studying to be a primary school teacher, family and friends said

'She's the most beautiful girl you could ever come across,' family friend Jane Harvey said

'She's the most beautiful girl you could ever come across,' family friend Jane Harvey who knew Jodie since she was a baby and works with her mother at UnitingCare Wesley Preschool in Castle Hill, told the Daily Telegraph.

'She was a natural teacher; a beautiful girl in every way. She was an angel,' Ms Harvey said.

Jodie was previously a student at Castle Hill High School and was on the HSC distinguished achievers' list in 2016.

She was also a hard worker and much-loved employee at Charlie Lovett cafe in Baulkham Hills.

'She was a hard worker - always happy, always making people happy and helping out,' Charlie Lovett chef Sky Lin told the Daily Telegraph.

Jodie was also a hard worker and much-loved employee at Charlie Lovett cafe in Baulkham Hills (pictured)

Chief inspector Frank Gilroy of the NSW Police was unable to say what had caused the crash, but did suggest police were looking into the possibility the young girl had been trying to perform a u-turn at the time.

'It's absolutely tragic when these things occur - all drivers should be aware to take care,' Inspector Gilroy said.

'Naturally, (the driver's) mum and (the passenger's) wife is absolutely devastated. She's been at her husband's bedside since last night.'

The Ford Falcon's driver, a 38-year-old man, was not seriously injured but was transported to Westmead Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing.Sarah Moore 27, who had repeatedly warned she intended to end her life, was found dead

A mother-of-two was allegedly released from a mental health unit after being told she could not be detained just because she wanted to kill herself.

Sarah Moore, 27, who had repeatedly warned she intended to end her life, was found dead after being released from the Radbourne Unit in Derby.

She had sent a detailed email to police telling them she had been sent home because 'keeping me safe was not a good enough reason for me to be there'.

Now her grieving father has revealed the emails Miss Moore sent police and entries from an emotional diary she kept while in hospital detailing the increasing anguish of her final days and hours.

Robert Moore says his daughter, who was found dead at a park on February 20 this year, wrote that she repeatedly told health staff at the psychiatric unit of her intentions to take her own life.

But rather than care for her the suicidal woman, who repeatedly spoke of her desire to kill herself, she claimed they 'handed me the opportunity on a plate'.

Miss Moore was discharged from the unit on February 19. Documents reveal she had attempted to take her own life while previously at the facility.

As her final act she wrote an email to police, saying: 'It's Sarah here. Thought I would let you guys know they discharged me today.

'(They) told me that just keeping me safe wasn't a good enough reason to keep me there and there was nothing more they could do for me.

'They know I left with a suicide plan. They felt it was worth taking the risk because realistically, how many people actually go ahead and go through with their suicide plans successfully?

Sarah Moore had sent a detailed email to police telling them she had been sent home because 'keeping me safe was not a good enough reason for me to be there'

'I made it clear to them my intent, they didn't care. So now I can finally go ahead with my decision with the knowledge that it's an OK thing to do because I have capacity to make that decision. If I want to die that is my right.

'None of my family know I am out of hospital so I have taken myself away somewhere quiet to do what I need to do. I'm sorry that the support of you guys and the services wasn't enough for me, but I have everything I need now to disappear quietly.'

In another email, she said the hospital 'knew of my plans when they discharged me', but she claimed they discharged her because it would 'reflect badly' on them if she absconded and killed herself while still a patient.

Miss Moore wrote: '(A staff member) also knew exactly what my plans were on leaving the hospital. They didn't want me to abscond the ward and kill myself because that would reflect badly on them.

'So instead they discharged me, stating there was nothing more they could do to help in hospital, keeping me safe was not a good enough reason for me to be there.

'So, I left the hospital and did exactly as I told them I would do. I don't feel anything. I'm not sad, angry, upset, happy, I don't feel anything. The staff knew of the plans and the fact I am not willing to leave this attempt to chance like I have other attempts.

'I trusted them to keep me safe this time. I was clearly wrong too.'

She said staff at the hospital had 'handed me the opportunity on a plate' and 'given me the perfect scenario to go ahead with my plans'.

Another email added: 'My phone is going to die so I can't talk much more. All I really wanted to say was thank you to those of you who tried to help me and encouraged me to try and get help.

'Unfortunately, I'm one person who isn't going to be saved. I haven't the strength or courage to keep fighting anymore. I feel completely dead inside and I can't stand to even live another day.'

Mother-of-two Miss Moore was allegedly released from a mental health unit after being told she could not be detained just because she wanted to kill herself

The emails were sent moments to a police force outside Derbyshire which Miss Moore had been speaking to.

In one diary entry written a month before her death, Miss Moore wrote about 'waiting for my opportunity to leave and kill myself'.

On January 26 she talked about different ways in which she wanted to take her own life.

She wrote: 'My phone will be dead so no one will be able to track my movements or get hold of me. I will take a pen and some paper to leave a brief suicide note as I don't want my death to be put down as misadventure.'

'I feel like I'm wasting people's time so much right now. The people around me need help so I don't want to waste their time.'

At the start of February, one diary entry read: 'I feel like I am now biding my time, for the right time to leave. They will let their guard down eventually. They can't keep me wrapped up in cotton wool forever.'

Two days later, she wrote: 'There are really poorly people who need the help and I'm sat here, if they just let me go and die then it would be one less problem.'

A diary entry, signed on the same day at 4pm, on February 11, read: 'So, finally I've been let go from the world. They can't help me. Which I knew they couldn't in the first place.

'Being in the community I can't be helped either. That's what we have been doing on and off for the last two years. I don't know what happens after death, but I'm not bothered about that.

'I know many people have felt as I do now and they have turned their lives around but I'm just not prepared to drag myself through that hell with the kids getting caught up in it. It's not right.

Miss Moore was found dead after being released from the Radbourne Unit (pictured) in Derby

'They deserve to be able to be happy in their lives they've had. Do I think more could have been done to help me with my mental health over the last few years? Yes I do.

'But our society has meant that is not a possibility. Do I think it will get better? No, not if they don't start paying attention to cases like mine and see how bad people are being let down.

'There is no single person that can bring about the changes that are needed. I have commented on several occasions how I have a great community psychiatric nurse but unfortunately the efforts of just that one professional is not enough.

'Communication between services is poor and their ability to cope with a person who does not fit their 'norm' is even poorer. Mental ill health shouldn't be a killer and it should not be left un-treated until it becomes a killer.'

On the day of her release, she wrote about her children giving her 'so much love and hope, they kept me going for so long. The two most wonderful, caring, loving human beings I have ever met'.

Her father said Miss Moore's mental health problems began at the age of 14, when she started self-harming after being badly bullied at school.

The problems plagued her for the rest of her life as she continued to self-harm and she tried to take her own life several times. Despite her battles, she had jobs including working at a nursing home and her own business baking cakes.

Her body was found just 18 hours after she was released back into the community.

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the unit, sent its 'deepest condolences' to her family and said an investigation is under way into whether more could have been done to prevent her death.

A spokesman for the trust said: 'As a trust we are committed to the monitoring of service users within our inpatient mental health units on an ongoing basis, to ensure they are receiving the most appropriate support for their individual clinical needs.

'When a serious incident occurs, we will undertake a thorough internal investigation in order to identify any learning or improvements that can be made to Trust services to prevent a similar set of circumstances happening again. Such internal investigations look at all available evidence and written documentation.

'These investigations also encourage the involvement of family members and will explore any issues they have raised, in order to provide further information and insight.

'The trust has a family liaison team in place, which is available to family members throughout this process, to help families understand and participate in the investigation process and also access appropriate support.'

For confidential support in the UK, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See samaritans.org for details.The blue heeler dog from Queensland who became an internet sensation for keeping his three-year-old family member safe for 17 hours while lost in the bush has become Queensland's first honorary police dog.

Little Aurora wandered off on a large property near Warwick in Queensland's Southern Downs on April 20, along with the 17-year-old family dog, Max, who is deaf and partially blind.

The youngster's disappearance sparked a frantic search involving more than a 100 State Emergency Service volunteers, police and members of the public.

Scroll down for video

Blue heeler Max, pictured with police on Tuesday, was hailed a hero for keeping his three-year-old family member safe for 17 hours while lost in the bush on April 20

'Max seemed pretty thrilled to be presented with a QPS collar and medallion,' a police statement said. 'Still such a good boy.'

Aurora went missing around 3pm on April 20 before being found 17 hours later at 8am on April 21. She was found with minor cuts and abrasions

Aurora and Max spent the night together in rugged bush in the cold and rain before they were found the following morning two kilometres away from where they disappeared.

Kelly Benston, the partner of Aurora's grandmother Leisa Marie Bennett, told the ABC Ms Bennett and other volunteers heard Aurora from the top of a mountain.

'She found the dog first. Max led her to Aurora,' he said.

Max looked very chuffed to meet his Queensland Police visitors on Tuesday

Blue healer hero dog Max, 17, is deaf and partially blind

Police visited Max on Tuesday to make good on their promises to make him Queensland's first honorary police dog

Ms Bennett added: 'He never left her sight. She smelled of dog, she slept with the dog.'

At the time, Queensland Police commended Max for his bravery and uploaded an image of the hero dog, accompanied with the lighthearted caption: 'Such a good boy, Max!

'He stayed with his three-year-old human last night whilst she was lost near Warwick. For keeping her safe until she was found, you're now an honorary police dog!'

Max was rewarded with pats and hugs from his visitors on Tuesday

Max was presented with a Queensland Police collar and medallion for keeping young Aurora safe for 17 hours

At the time, Queensland Police commended Max for his bravery and uploaded an image of the hero dog, accompanied with the lighthearted caption: 'Such a good boy, Max!

On Tuesday (May 1), Warwick Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant James Deacon and the Darling Downs District Dog Squad Officer in Charge Sergeant Trevor ONeil paid Max a special visit to recognise his bravery and loyalty and to make good on the promise police made on social media at the time.

'Max seemed pretty thrilled to be presented with a QPS collar and medallion,' a police statement said.

'Still such a good boy.'

Queensland Police filmed the proud moment, which attracted more than 6200 reactions, 1300 shares within two hours of being posted on its Facebook page.

'Onya Max..we Queenslanders look after each other,' one woman posted.

Police hope Max's services will not be needed again any time soon.

Queensland Police filmed the meeting, which attracted more than 6200 reactions, 1300 shares within two hours of being posted on its Facebook page

Police made good on their vow on social media at the time to make Max Queensland's first honorary police dogIran has branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an 'infamous liar' after he claimed Tehran still has a top secret nuclear weapons program.

Netanyahu says documents collected by Israeli intelligence show Iran covered up its nuclear ambitions before signing a deal with world powers in 2015.

But the Islamic republic's foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi, has described the Israeli leader as a 'broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits'.

Iran has branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an 'infamous liar' after he claimed Tehran still has a top secret nuclear weapons programme. Netanyahu is pictured describing his claims on Monday

US President Donald Trump and Mr Netanyahu met in the Oval Office of the White House during the Israeli leader's visit to Washington last month

Netanyahu's speech was delivered in English and relied on his trademark use of visual aids.

He claimed the material - some 55,000 pages of documents and 183 CDs of secret information Israeli Mossad operative obtained from a Tehran facility - shows Iran cannot be trusted and encouraged President Donald Trump to withdraw from the deal. Trump says the discovery vindicated his criticism of the deal.

Last night US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Iranian documents undercut the international nuclear deal it signed in 2015.

Pompeo said in a statement he 'personally reviewed many of the Iranian files' and US experts consider the documents they have reviewed so far to be authentic.

He says that 'the documents show that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program for years' while it was denying it was pursuing such weapons.

Pompeo says the Iranians lied to the six nations who negotiated the Iran nuclear deal. In his words, 'What this means is the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency. It was built on Iran's lies.'

France said today that Netanyahu's claims reinforced the importance of the 2015 deal that imposes controls on the Islamic republic.

'The pertinence of the deal is reinforced by the details presented by Israel: all activity linked to the development of a nuclear weapon is permanently forbidden by the deal,' said a foreign ministry spokesperson.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Netanyahu's presentation 'underlines the importance' of the controls imposed on Tehran three years ago.

Tehran, which has denied ever seeking nuclear weapons, dismissed Netanyahu's move as a 'ridiculous' show but did not address the documents produced by Netanyahu.

Israeli minister Yoav Galant told Israel's Army Radio he suspected Trump was leaning toward nixing the deal, which would likely lead to a growing confrontation between Israel and Iran.

Netanyahu's speech was delivered in English and relied on his trademark use of visual aids

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that Iran is keen to develop ties with the rest of the world, which is 'not merely' the United States and European countries

But he said Israel was prepared and doubted Iran would challenge Israel, given the humbling blow it was delivered.

'Anyone who saw the intelligence achievement can also understand what our military capabilities are,' he said. 'I assume that everyone around us will think long and hard before they try to harm Israel.'

Trump has signaled he will pull out of the agreement by May 12 unless it is revised, but he faces intense pressure from European allies not to do so.

Israeli officials said the information it gathered had been shared in advance with the Americans, in an apparent hope of influencing Trump's decision.

However, Netanyahu's presentation, delivered on live TV from Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv, did not appear to provide evidence that Iran has violated the 2015 deal, raising questions about whether it would sway international opinion ahead of Trump's decision.

Netanyahu claimed the material - some 55,000 pages of documents and 183 CDs of secret information Israeli Mossad operative obtained from a Tehran facility

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman called Netanyahu's performance a 'threadbare charlatanism' show.

The state-run IRNA news agency on Tuesday quoted Ghasemi as saying Netanyahu's speech was part of 'fruitless efforts of a bankrupt and scandalous liar.'

Israeli commentators lauded what was being described as one of the Mossad's greatest intelligence achievements in unmasking the true nature of the Iranian government's intent to the world.

Still, there was disappointment over the lack of a 'smoking gun' proving Iran had violated the nuclear deal.

Political opponents also bristled at Netanyahu's showmanship in presenting the find.

'I am convinced that an absolute majority of the intelligence and military officials were opposed to this presentation,' said Ram Ben-Barak, a former deputy Mossad director who currently belongs to the opposition Yesh Atid party.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman called Netanyahu's performance a 'threadbare charlatanism' show

'What was the point, apart from national pride, broadcasting it in such a dramatic way, as if you were unveiling a new and revolutionary telephone to the world,' he asked.

The display ratcheted up already heightened tensions between Israel and Iran. Israel considers Iran to be its biggest threat, citing Tehran's hostile rhetoric, support for militants and growing influence in the region.

Israel has said it will not allow Iran to establish a permanent military presence in neighboring Syria, where Iran supports President Bashar Assad.

Just before midnight Sunday, a missile attack in northern Syria killed more than a dozen pro-government fighters, many of them Iranians, a war monitoring group and an Iranian news agency said.

There was no official confirmation of the death toll or the target but Israel was widely suspected of being behind the attack.A fisherman has pleaded guilty to masterminding one of Australia's biggest cocaine smuggling syndicates after he was caught by police surveillance.

The images revealed Joseph 'Joe' Pirrello, 64, as the kingpin of a group who attempted to smuggle more than a tonne of cocaine into Australia.

A two-year investigation led to police catching the group on Christmas Day 2016 importing 500kgs of cocaine at Brooklyn, on Sydney's upper north shore.

Pirrello entered his plea on Monday, meaning seven members from the 17-man syndicate have pleaded guilty to being involved in the operation, which led to the seizure of 1.1 tonnes of cocaine and 32kgs of heroin worth $370 million, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Police surveillance has revealed fisherman Joseph 'Joe' Pirrello (pictured), 64, as the kingpin of a group who attempted to smuggle more than a tonne of cocaine into Australia in 2016

A two-year investigation led to police catching the group on Christmas Day 2016 (raids pictured) importing 500kgs of cocaine at Brooklyn, on Sydney's upper north shore

A total of 1.1 tonnes of cocaine and 32kgs of heroin worth $370 million was seized by police. Pictured: Drugs seized by police on Christmas Day 2016

Pirrello was found to be the common link between the 17 members, after more than 100 meetings between them were surveilled by police.

Police will allege that he was involved in most of the meetings with members of the syndicate, which includes former Sydney Roosters player John Tobin and former Bondi cafe owner Darren Mohr.

Pictures show Pirrello on the Dalrymple - a fishing trawler police allege was used to pick up drugs off-shore from a South American 'mothership'.

Photos of Pirrello show him meeting with other players at cafes in Pyrmont - where the Dalrymple is based - and in parks in Double Bay.

He said during one of the meetings that he was concerned about importing drugs into ports around Sydney because of cameras installed for 'terrorist stuff', the publication reported.

Police will allege that Pirrello was involved in most meetings between members of the syndicate, which included former Sydney Roosters player John Tobin (pictured)

Entrepreneur Benjamin Sara (pictured) has also pleaded guilty to being involved in the group

Pirrello also bragged during surveilled meetings that he was 'not even looked at' by police.

He pleaded guilty on Monday to two counts of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug and one count of conspiracy to import.

Other members of the syndicate to have pleaded guilty include Tobin, entrepreneur Benjamin Sara, Rueben John Dawe, Graeme Toa Toa, Simon Spero and his brother Peter.

Pirrello will be sentenced in the New South Wales Supreme Court next month.

Reuben John Dawe (pictured) is among the seven members who have pleaded guilty to being involved with the syndicateA man accused of stalking model Bella Hadid outside her Manhattan home wants to fight the charges against him over accepting a plea deal.

Brian Perez, 37, is up against a harassment and stalking rap after his arrest in February this year.

Perez allegedly posted a disturbing video on Instagram telling the model he was coming to visit her home without her permission, the New York Daily News reports.

'You want me to come? I'm going to come there now,' he reportedly said in the post on February 7.

Brian Perez (pictured left, on Monday) who is accused of stalking model Bella Hadid (right) outside her Manhattan home wants to fight the charges against him over accepting a plea deal

'Please don't make me come all the way down there and then there's a situation with your security or something.'

Perez, who lives in The Bronx, then showed up at the 21-year-old model's building in Tribeca, court documents say.

The criminal complaint says he shouted her name as she was rushed inside shortly before midnight.

The following day, Perez allegedly posted on Instagram: 'You know you could have gotten me in trouble yesterday.'

Perez allegedly posted a disturbing video on Instagram telling the model (pictured at Coachella in April) that he was going to visit

During an appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, prosecutors suggested Perez accept a deal to avoid jail time

During an appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court on Monday, prosecutors suggested Perez accept a deal to avoid jail time.

If he pleaded guilty to the charges, he would get time-served - and an order of protection would be made for Hadid, the Daily News reports.

However, Perez's attorney told the judge he believed he had a strong motion to dismiss the charges.

The case was adjourned until June 4.Advertisement

An amateur photographer has captured stunning videos and photos from inside breaking waves.

Surfer Brandon Imbriale, from Riverside, California regularly posts the stunning images and footage on Instagram for his 9,600 followers.

Imbriale, 34, who is a high school vice principal, captures the images while surfing and allowing the waves to roll over the top of him.

Brandon, who has been a keen surfer all his life, began wave photography five years ago after he was given a GoPro camera.

Since then he has become good friends with many people who also take pictures of waves and has discovered that there is a whole community of wave photographers that even meet up to shoot together.

Stunning: The pictures are taken in various locations off the shores of southern California. Here, a crystal clear image of the bright blue sky shines through the wave

'Magical feeling': A man is silhouetted by the dusk light as he walks along the shore taken from inside the wave by the photographer

'Growing up in Southern California, I always went to the beach and rode waves, whether it was surfing, bodyboarding or bodysurfing,' he said.

'The photography started when my in-laws got me a GoPro camera for Christmas a few years ago.

'At that point I decided I needed to start doing adventurous things to make use of my camera.'

Brandon, who has been a keen surfer all his life, began wave photography five years ago after he was gifted a GoPro camera

Imbriale describes the feeling of capturing the images, which are taken in different locations around southern California, as 'incredibly addictive.'

'It's a feeling that has made me come back time and time again,' he says.

'Being inside a wide-throwing shorebreak barrel is about as exhilarating as it gets.

'It's also extremely satisfying to know that you are providing a view for people that allows them to see the beauty of waves and the ocean they will never normally see.

Pink sky at night: The amateur photographer regularly posts the stunning images and footage on Instagram for his 9,600 followers

Sunset: He captures the images while surfing and allowing the waves to roll over the top of him

Although the footage may suggest that the work is serene, the surfer says that capturing the images is no easy feat and has been put in danger numerous times.

Writing on his blog, Average Surfer, he has told of the trials he is faced with while in the water.

'I've been washed across reefs, slammed onto the shore, hit in the head by my camera, held underwater and stung by stingrays but the satisfaction at the end product makes the risks worth it.'I had arrived in the midst of a standoff between the Australian government and the refugees and asylum-seekers it had imprisoned there.

Australia operated and financed this immigration detention centre in Papua New Guinea, 1,200 km from the Australian mainlands northernmost point.

Toilets overflowed with urine and faeces; campfires burned in litter-filled corridors; blood-red graffiti riddled the walls; and zombielike figures lay slumped at odd angles on dirty mattresses and tables.

MANUS - When I first entered the Manus Island detention centre in early November 2017, I was confronted with an apocalyptic scene.

After embarking on the treacherous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia, these men were intercepted by the Royal Australian Navy and transferred to Manus Island, where they were left for more than four years with little idea of what the future held and if they would ever be granted asylum.

In April 2016, PNGs supreme court ruled that the detention of refugees and asylum-seekers on Manus Island was unconstitutional. Because the people held there did not arrive in PNG of their own volition, the court ruled that they had not broken immigration law; therefore, keeping them in indefinite detention violated their constitutional rights.

Eighteen months later, the Australian government was trying to circumvent Papua New Guineas domestic laws by transferring detainees to three new open centres on the island. By allowing refugees and asylum-seekers free movement outside the centres, the Australian government could claim the people werent imprisoned.

After four years of incarceration, 600 refugees and asylum-seekers refused to leave the centre, claiming it was not safe for them to live outside its walls. Many of them had fled wars and persecution, and now Australia was placing them in danger once again.

Every refugee and asylum-seeker I met already living outside the detention centre in Manus Island among local citizens had a story of violence at the hands of locals.

One frail Bangladeshi man had been hit with a machete, fracturing his arm and slicing his skin. The refugees claimed they were the targets of robberies from local people who demanded money, cigarettes, and mobile phones. A Rohingya man I met had his right wrist in a brace. It was the fourth time he had been attacked since leaving the detention centre.

Having been brought to Manus Island by the Australian government, and without viable third-country resettlement options, these refugees were completely dependent on the authorities for their survival.

In response to the mens fears and their refusal to leave the centre, the Australian government cut off the facilitys water, electricity, and food supplies in late October 2017. Then it evacuated staff and terminated medical services, all in an attempt to starve the men into submission.

This is what we have come to expect in Australia, a country that has been persecuting asylum-seekers for decades.

People without visas have been seeking refuge by boat in Australia since the Vietnam War. But only since 1992 have Australian administrations  of both the traditionally centrer-left Labor Party and the centre-right Liberal Party  adopted a deterrence policy.

Put simply, the deterrence policy aims to prevent boats from ever reaching Australia, instead either transferring asylum-seekers to offshore detention centres or returning them to their point of departure before they can lodge an asylum claim.

Such a policy directly contravenes Australias protection obligations as a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its protocol.

In the aftermath of 9/11, then-prime minister John Howards Liberal Party government manipulated public fear and suspicion by enacting the controversial Pacific Solution, which established offshore detention centres on Manus Island and the tiny nation of Nauru (a five-hour, 3,200-mile flight from Brisbane).

Suddenly, Afghans and Iraqis fleeing war were labelled potential terrorists, illegal immigrants, and queue jumpers. This marked the dawn of a new era of dog-whistle politics in which Australian elections could be won or lost based on harshness toward people seeking asylum.

Howard and his immigration minister, Philip Ruddock, reasoned the best way to secure Australias borders was to punish refugees with indefinite detention, with no time limits, no future, and no hope.

It also encouraged people to voluntarily return to their countries of origin, even if those countries were still at war. This policy violated the principle, if not the strict definition, of the Refugee Conventions prohibition of refoulement (or returning asylum-seekers to danger).

The Australian government didnt monitor the fate of those deported. In the absence of any government verification of their safety, a small Christian NGO, the Edmund Rice Centre, decided to investigate and document what had happened to asylum seekers who were returned to countries such as Syria, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

The Edmund Rice Centre reported that of the 179 Afghan returnees in 2001, 31 had been killed  many of them by the Taliban. Despite these findings, and the worsening conflict in Afghanistan, the Australian government reportedly resumed deportations of Afghan asylum seekers in 2014.

____________

In addition to forcing refugees back into danger, proponents of deterrence are also fond of arguing that stopping the boats has been a humanitarian triumph.

This rebranding of a draconian policy goes back to 2008, when prime minister Kevin Rudds Labor government fulfilled its election promise to close the offshore detention facilities. Shortly after the centres closed, boats started arriving in Australian waters again, precipitated in large part by the violent conclusion to the Sri Lankan civil war.

From 2008 to 2011, 263 boats arrived, and by July 2013, 862 people had drowned. In September 2012, Prime Minister Julia Gillards Labor government reintroduced deterrence and reopened the offshore detention centres in Nauru and on Manus Island, claiming such policies would save lives at sea.

It is impossible to correlate this justification for deterrence with the horrific reality on the ground. My father visited Nauru as a paediatric specialist in December 2014. At that time, there were 100 children detained on the island. He treated a 6-year-old girl who had tried to hang herself with a fence tie and a 2-year-old boy with behaviour problems who had been prescribed anti-psychotic medicine.

More than three years later, 30 of those 100 children remain on the island. More recently, in February, an Australian federal judge ordered the government to transfer a suicidal refugee girl, not yet a teenager, from Nauru to a psychiatric treatment facility in Australia. The judge ruled that failure to remove the girl, who had spent more than four years on Nauru, would put her at risk of suicide.

The current home affairs and immigration minister, Peter Dutton, has refused to transfer refugees and asylum-seekers held on Nauru and Manus Island to Australia for medical treatment, claiming that some people are self-harming and people have self-immolated in an effort to get to Australia.

Dutton even refused the transfer of a suicidal 10-year-old refugee boy despite the well-documented deterioration of the boys mental health over four years of incarceration and advice from medical staff on the island. Australian Federal Court documents confirm that he tried to kill himself by swallowing pills and strangling himself with a curtain.

Over the last five years, it has become clear that however politicians justify deterrence, the effect is still the same. Australias offshore detention system has become synonymous with abuse and is a humanitarian disaster while costing more than $3 billion since 2012.

Children have been abused; women have been raped; the most desperate have set themselves on fire; and there have been numerous deaths, including the widely publicised murder of an Iranian asylum-seeker, Reza Berati, who was killed by a detention center security guard in February 2014.

Despite the clear human cost of detention, Australias two major parties refuse to heed calls for more humanitarian policies. Politicians argue that compassionate border control policies reward smugglers, encourage boat arrivals, and cause deaths at sea.

What they dont tell the Australian people is that offshore detention of asylum-seekers was always meant to be short term and was supposed to complement the establishment of viable alternatives to getting on boats. The centres were reopened in 2012 on the advice of an expert panel, which recommended that offshore processing would only work in coordination with a comprehensive regional cooperation framework.

____________

Australias leaders know that they cannot continue their policy of offshore cruelty indefinitely. Any viable resolution will have to ensure third-country resettlement and permanent protection for asylum-seekers not admitted to Australia.

Thus far, the Australian government has proved it is unable to provide adequate care for people seeking protection. And as much as Canberra might wish for a friendly future relationship between refugees and the indigenous communities of Manus Island and Nauru, the fact is that leaving refugees in these dire circumstances will only result in more harm and more deaths.

Unfortunately, it appears that the Australian government is willing to risk the loss of a few lives in order to maintain the illusion of safe borders.

Mark Isaacs is the author of The Undesirables: Inside Nauru and Nauru Burning: An Uprising and Its Aftermath. He worked in the Nauru detention centre from September 2012 to July 2013 as an employee of the Salvation Army, and he was commissioned by the Internationales Literaturfestival Berlin to visit Manus Island in November 2017 as part of an anthology for the State of Refugees projectA student was left suicidal after doctors misdiagnosed her endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as period pains for seven years.

Lucy Grainger, 20, was only diagnosed with the condition just weeks after she tried to kill herself in December last year.

The third year Lincoln University, from Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire, said she was told by paramedics she was 'delusional' and 'crazy' after collapsing in agony with stomach pains.

Lucy Grainger, 20, was only diagnosed with the condition just weeks after she tried to kill herself in December last year

She first started to experience pain when she was 13, and compared it to 'being stabbed in the pelvis with a knife, over and over again'.

Ms Grainger changed GP, who then transferred her to a private hospital and gynaecologist, who confirmed she needed emergency surgery.

She underwent a three-hour long laparoscopy operation in February and is now recovering at home.

Ms Grainger is now writing a blog and speaking to young girls in school to help to help raise awareness of the condition.

She admitted that she was 'relieved' to be finally taken seriously after being misdiagnosed for so many years - but has been told she may struggle to conceive in the future.

Ms Grainger said: 'I was in so much pain I knew it wasn't normal. It had a huge effect on my mental state and I was so depressed I tried to kill myself by self harming several times.

Ms Grainger (pictured above) said that she could have faced a six month wait after her scan if she waited for NHS treatment, but was sent to surgery within weeks

'I don't remember too much about it but I remember I was so desperate. I had missed so much of university because of the pain and no one was listening to me.

'All I remember is going to hospital and being discharged and coming home. I changed GP surgeries a few weeks later and told the doctor about my history.'

Ms Grainger said that she could have faced a six month wait after her scan if she waited for NHS treatment, but was sent to surgery within weeks.

She added: 'The cost was covered by the NHS but I was told I would have to pay for future operations.

'I don't know if my condition will mean I can have children in the future or not but time will tell. At the moment I am just trying to get on with my life.'

Ms Grainger said: 'Nothing ever came up on scans and tests - little did I know, endometriosis is only visible when surgery is completed - so I was just discharged and left to go home.

'This happened too many times for me to count. I was also misdiagnosed with IBS.

Ms Grainger is now writing a blog and speaking to young girls in school to help To help raise awareness of the condition

'It's the most frustrating thing being told you're just being "dramatic" or you're a "drama queen" because you can't hack the period pains or the IBS.

'I know my body better than anyone else, and I knew something was really wrong a very long time ago.

'It doesn't come and go, it is there every single day. Pain that affects me so much, I am almost left paralysed. The feeling in my legs go and I'm left unable to walk some days.'

Lucy's mother Tracey, 43, a cheque processor, said: 'I have lost count of the number of times I took Lucy to the GP surgery and hospital because she was in pain.

'The reaction was always the same, it was period pains or growing pains or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

'The situation should never have got to the stage it did but no one listened.

'Because of her age and because I had no history of the condition, everyone thought it was something else.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for detailsLiam Fox (pictured in Downing Street today) stopped short of saying explicitly that he would quit if Mrs May changed course, but left little doubt about his intentions

Liam Fox ramped up the pressure on Theresa May over Brexit today - making clear he is ready to quit if she drops her red line on leaving the customs union.

The Trade Secretary said any form of customs union with the EU would be 'unacceptable' and worse than the UK's current membership terms with the bloc.

The hardline stance comes as a Cabinet showdown looms over what trade arrangements Britain wants with the EU.

The PM has repeatedly pledged that there will be no customs union after Brexit, but is struggling to find a way of reconciling the demands of Brexiteers and Remainers.

Tory rebels are threatening to side with Labour and other parties in a Commons vote on staying in the customs union expected next month.

They say keeping the ties are the only way to protect the economy and prevent a hard Irish border.

The Lords has already passed an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill designed to maintain a customs union - although ministers believe it is so loosely worded as to have little real impact.

But Eurosceptic Tories say they could move against Mrs May unless she holds the line on the crucial issue and ensures the UK can strike trade deals around the rest of the world.

The Cabinet met this morning but is not thought to have discussed Brexit.

A key moment could come tomorrow when a powerful sub-committee meets to thrash out the UK's position - although it could delay a final decision.

Brexiteers have been trying to kill off a plan for a 'customs partnership' with the EU, which would see the UK collect taxes on behalf of the bloc.

Dr Fox, Boris Johnson, David Davis and Michael Gove are all thought to be lined up against it.

What is a customs partnership with the EU? A customs partnership is less formal than the current EU customs union the UK is a member of. Under the proposals, Britain would stay in a customs union with the EU for some sectors, while leaving it for others. This would mean it would impose the same tariffs as the Brussels bloc on some goods, but set its own on others. Backers of the plan say his would facilitate free trade in areas where Britain does a lot of its business with the EU, while freeing the country to sign new free trade deals with other countries. One possibility could be keeping the UK and EU in a customs union for trade in goods, but allowing divergence for the services sector. Under the so-called 'hybrid model', the UK would collect EU import tariffs on behalf of Brussels and then pay it to the EU. But Brexiteers are critical of the plan. which they think is unworkable and cumbersome. They fear it will effectively stop the UK from being able to negotiate free trade deals around the world after Brexit. Advertisement

They regard it as unworkable, and potentially risking Britain never really cutting ties with Brussels.

Dr Fox said today that staying in any form of customs union was not an option.

'I don't think we can stay in the customs union for a number of reasons, the main reason being that we would be in a worse position than we are today,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'If we were in a customs union with the European Union we would have to accept what the EU negotiated in terms of market access to the UK without the UK having a voice.

'That's worse than the position in which we found ourselves today in the European Union.

'I don't think there is a customs union that could ever be acceptable.

'If we are in a customs union of any sort we will have less ability to shape Britain's future than we have today. That is not what the public voted for.'

Dr Fox refused to say explicitly that he would quit if Mrs May changed course, but left little doubt about his intentions.

'Getting no answer you can draw your own inferences,' he said.

Mrs May's task might have been made more difficult by Amber Rudd's resignation amid the Windrush fiasco.

The Cabinet has been carefully designed to represent both Europhile and Eurosceptic factions within the Tory party - with Mrs May theoretically having a casting vote.

But while Ms Rudd was a full-hearted Remainer, it is not clear where her replacement Sajid Javid will fall in the debate.

He was seen as a reluctant backer of EU membership during the referendum two years ago.

The PM - pictured chatting with pupils at Brooklands Primary School in Sale, Manchester yesterday - is facing a battle to hold the Cabinet together behind her Brexit plans

Trade Secretary Liam Fox (pictured right arriving for Cabinet with Boris Johnson today) said any form of customs union with the EU would be 'unacceptable'

Mr Javid, pictured on his way to work this morning, is set to play a crucial role in the looming clashes over a future trade deal with the EU. But Ms Rudd, pictured leaving her London home today, has returned to the backbenches

Amber Rudd was thought to have been backing Mrs May ahead of a crunch showdown on the customs union in the Brexit 'war Cabinet' sub-committee (pictured together in February). But it is unclear where Mr Javid will fall on the issueOnce the face of Akubra with her beaming smile, Amy 'Dolly' Everett's tragic death shocked the nation.

Now, in a heartbreaking interview with the teenager's parents, further details behind the extent of their daughter's suffering have been revealed.

Suspended for drinking, blackmailed to send candid pictures to a boy and brawling with students formed the foundation of events which would eventually push the beautiful 14-year-old too far.

Tick and Kate Everett couldn't hold back tears as they explained their bullied daughter's torment before she tragically took her own life on on January 3.

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Amy 'Dolly' Everett's (pictured) tragic death shocked the nation after she took her own life

Her parents, Tick and Kate Everett, emotionally spoke about their daughter's death in an episode of A Current Affair on Tuesday night

Mrs Everett broke down as she explained the events that lead up to Dolly's untimely death

Both Dolly and her big sister Meg were to go to boarding school for their high school years - but from the beginning of her schooling, Dolly found difficulties fitting in at college.

'The first term she had issues, as any parent would I asked the school how they were dealing with it,' Mrs Everett explained.

Other students had called the then-12-year-old a 's***', shocking her parents who were unaware children so young would even know what the word meant.

Mr and Mrs Everett revealed insight into the ongoing suffering experienced by their teenager (pictured)

Dolly suffered many years of cyber and schoolyard bullying before her tragic death

Dolly had so much to live for. 'I wish she could see herself through my eyes and not through the eyes of the people who made her feel like that,' her mum told A Current Affair

Her parents offered their support and tried to reassured their daughter it would pass as bullies picked on her and continued to label her with harsh profanities.

Eventually, Dolly had enough and stood up to one of the male students who would always pick on her by calling her names and pushing her.

'It just got too much and she turned around and decked him and then the school suspended her so they were like ''we don't tolerate this behaviour'' but we were like ''but what's made this child, a 12-year-old girl go ''I need to defend myself'' against these kids,' both parents said.

Although they didn't agree with Dolly's snap decision to fight back, Mr and Mrs Everett couldn't grasp how only their daughter was punished when she was originally the victim.

Mr Everett said the school's position was they didn't tolerate the physical violence and it was Dolly's word against the bullies in regard to the verbal attacks.

To this day, the devastated couple don't believe the boys' behind the vicious name-calling were ever punished.

'Dolly will never know the great pain and emptiness she left behind,' her dad said

In her second year at high school, Dolly's phone privileges were taken away from her after 'inappropriate' photos were discovered to have been sent to another male student when she was 13 years old.

Her parents believe that triggered other girls to turn on their daughter and saw a change in Dolly as she started getting in trouble at school.

Mrs Everett accepts now there was a lot her and her husband did not know about going on with their beloved second child.

She was suspended again for drinking as one of a group of students, admitting to her parents she had done it.

Her mum suspected something was going on with Dolly as she couldn't understand the strange out of character behaviour which was letting her down.

Dolly had so much to live for: 'I wish she could see herself through my eyes and not through the eyes of the people who made her feel like that,' her mum told A Current Affair.

Dolly loved her family, animals, art and music, butterflies and books, labelled by her father as 'adventurous'

For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14.

For further support contact Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 and MensLine Australia1300 78 99 78.The Google Doodle for May 1 celebrates Labour Day, marking International Workers Day and celebrating the rights of workers and the working class.

While in some countries such as the US, workers are celebrated in September on Labor Day, in countries such as Russia and the UK, Labour Day is commemorated on May 1, also known as May Day.

Here is all you need to know about Labour Day including its history and why its celebrated on May 1.

Labour Day, also known as International Workers' Day is celebrated in today's Google Doodle

What is Labour Day?

Labour Day is also known as the International Workers Day and has its origins in the late 19th century workers movement and the emergence of powerful trade unions.

Labour Day is celebrated on May 1 to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which happened on May 4, 1886 in Chicago and was the culmination of a general strike that started on May 1.

On that date, workers went on strike in order to fight for the legal creation of an eight-hour working day. While the May 4 protest was peaceful at first, a dynamite bomb was thrown at the police, precipitating a riot and deaths of several policemen and protesters.

Three years later, in a first gathering of the labour organisation Second International in Paris, international demonstrations were planned for the 1890 anniversary of the Chicago strikes. The following year, in 1891, Second International formally proclaimed May Day to be an annual event.

This #MayDay - International Workers' Day - we celebrate the proud history of the trade union movement, which has improved the lives of working people and made workplaces safer and more productive. Interested in joining a trade union? Details here: https://t.co/5xvPEUyAaN pic.twitter.com/9y1lJnMn83  Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) May 1, 2018

Consequently, this resulted in the May Day riots of 1894, and, ten years later, the International Socialist Congress in Amsterdam called on all Social Democratic Party organisations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on the First of May for the legal establishment of the 8-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace.

Since then, May 1 has become a time for demonstrations and protests, but also national holidays in countries such as Russia and China.

Labour Day in the UK

It was Michael Foot, the then Labour Employment Secretary, who introduced the May Bank holiday in 1978 to be celebrated on the first Monday of May.

However, because May Day 2018 is actually a Tuesday, the 2018 Early May Bank Holiday will be on May 7.

What is May Day?

As well as being associated with the workers movement, May Day also has historical significance dating back to Gaelic and Roman times, specifically the holidays of Beltane and Floralia, which were held on, or just before, May 1 to celebrate the coming of summer and the Spring Equinox.

#May is named after the Greek goddess Maia. The zodiac sign of Gemini starts in May  this print shows the twins Castor and Pollux #MayDay pic.twitter.com/wjXm0S2Usr  British Museum (@britishmuseum) May 1, 2018

What is a Google Doodle?

Google Doodles are the tech company's way of marking important cultural events that happened throughout time. They are referenced on the tech giants homepage with a doodle - an illustration or animation - that is incorporated into the Google logo.

The very first Google Doodle commemorated the 1998 Burning Man Festival with a simple stick-man standing behind the second o in the Google logo. It was drawn by the search engine's co-founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, who attended that year's festival.

When people responded positively to the frequent changes to Googles homepage logo, the Doodles became an everyday feature.

Today, a team of Doodlers - illustrators, graphic designers, animators and artists - work on the Google Doodles. The logos are hyperlinked to a page that provides the reader with more information about the cultural event being celebrated.

The latest Google Doodle celebrates Labour Day with an illustration showing the Google logo being assembled by a variety of tools and surrounded by things such as builders helmets, a spade and pipes.

Recent Google Doodles include celebrations of the Prince of Mathematics Johann Carl Friedrich Gau, Dutch Olympic skier Fanny Blankers-Koen, and the Israeli Day of Independence Yom Haatzmaut.A Baltimore man who spent two decades of his life in prison for a crime he did not commit may receive a multi-million dollar settlement from the city.

James Owens, now 57, was released from prison a decade ago after DNA evidence cleared him and another man of the 1987 rape and murder of 24-year-old college student and phone company employee Colleen Williar.

Owens had spent 21 years of a life sentence in prison before he was freed.

Now, Baltimore may pay Owens $9million for the wrongful conviction, the largest settlement from the city in an alleged police misconduct case.

The settlement would come from Baltimore's regular budget and is set to go before the city's spending panel on Wednesday.

James Owens, pictured in an older photo, may receive a $9M settlement from the city of Baltimore after he was cleared of a crime he did not commit

Owens, and James Thompson, were charged in the robbery, rape and murder of Williar at her south Baltimore home. Police said at the time that Thompson, Williar's neighbor, and Owens broke into the woman's home then raped and strangled her.

Thompson told police a day after the crime that he had found the knife used to kill Williar outside the her front door. He turned the weapon over to police, along with a pair of bloody shorts he said he was wearing the day he found the knife.

Thompson implicated Owens, who he was friends with, in the crime and became the key witness against him.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Thompson changed his story so much that he was eventually named as an accomplice in the murder.

Although police had no physical evidence linking Owens to the crime, he was charged and convicted based on Thompson's testimony.

It wasn't until decades later when DNA evidence cleared Owens and Thompson of Williar's death. The newly discovered evidence also found that the blood on Thompson's shorts did not belong to the victim, the Baltimore Sun reports.

Owens spent more than 20 years in prison for the 1987 murder of 24-year-old college student Colleen Williar. He was released in 2008 after DNA evidence cleared him and another man police said was his accomplice

Owens was released in October 2008. Thompson was granted a new trial in 2010 and received a new sentence for time already served, which allowed him to be released.

Attorney Jeremy Eldridge, who represents wrongly convicted criminals and followed Owens' case, told Fox Baltimore that Owens' $9million settlement would be a bitter sweet solace.

'There needs to be accountability. That's where the real solace comes into play. The community needs to know that when prosecutors and police withhold evidence and deprive people of a fair trial and steal people's freedom, that they're going to be held accountable. Money can't buy accountability,' Eldridge said.Hundreds of dead newborn girls have been found dumped in garbage piles in Pakistan over the last year amid a cultural preference for boys, it has emerged.

A total of 345 babies have been found dead in refuse heaps in Karachi, Pakistan's most populous city, since the beginning of 2017 with 99 per cent of them found to be girls, according to local reports.

In one horrifying case, a four-day-old was found dead with her throat slit. Another newborn was left on the steps of a mosque only to be stoned to death when a cleric assumed it was an 'illegitimate baby', a charity reported.

Hundreds of dead newborn girls have been found dumped in garbage piles in Pakistan over the last year amid a cultural preference for boys, it has emerged (file picture)

According to The News International, activists from the Chhipa Welfare Foundation said it had come across 93 such cases in Karachi with 70 in 2017 and 23 this year.

Child infanticide is a criminal offence in Pakistan and police say poverty and illiteracy are root causes, the report says.

However, Anwar Kazmi, from Karachi's Edhi Center charity, said the majority of cases of infanticide were the result of births out of wedlock.

He said girls born in this situation were being killed because of social stigma with boys more often protected by families.

He said: 'We have been dealing with such cases for years and there are a few such incidents which shook our souls as much. It left us wondering whether our society is heading back to primitive age.'

Child infanticide is a criminal offence in Pakistan and police say poverty and illiteracy are root causes, the report says

The News also points to an Oxford Institute of Population Ageing study that highlighted 'son preference' in Pakistan and said the country needed to address 'inequitable gender norms that uphold the perception that sons are more valuable than daughters'.

A police official is quoted as saying that they can only properly investigate the causes of such deaths once a complaint has been registered.

Last year, the official said, only one case of infanticide was reported to Karachi Police.Advertisement

The birth certificate of Prince Louis has been made public after it was signed by proud father the Duke of Cambridge.

The document gives the full name of the latest member of the royal family as His Royal Highness Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge.

William and Kate's third child was born at the private maternity unit of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington on Monday April 23 at 11.01am, weighing 8lbs 7oz.

The Duke, who is taking a period off following the birth of his son, signed the birth certificate earlier on Tuesday at Kensington Palace with current Westminster registrar Patricia Gordon.

Although the birth certificate may seem a formality, it can be a stressful job as found by previous Westminster deputy registrar Alison Cathcart who revealed she received death threats over her 'messy handwriting' on Prince George's form in 2013.

Louis' document has been typed up which may have been an attempt to avoid a similar situation.

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Prince Louis' birth certificate (pictured) has been released this morning after being signed by proud father William

The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Louis last Monday. She is pictured here with Prince William presenting the child to the world outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington

The certificate was of standard type and the parents identified their occupations as Prince and Princess of the United Kingdom, as they had done previously on George's certificate, pictured

Both George and Charlotte's birth certificates, pictured, were handwritten but Louis' has been typed up

The Duke of Cambridge, pictured with the Duchess and Louis at the hospital, signed the birth certificate this morning

Louis' birth was the couple's third visit to the Lindo Wing, with George delivered there in 2013, left, and Charlotte in 2015, right

Louis' document listed the date and place of his birth and also gave the full name of his father and mother.

Normally, parents have to attend a register office within 42 days of a child being born but in this case the deputy registrar went to Kensington Palace.

Westminster City Council Registrar, Patricia Gordon, said: 'It has been a great honour to register, and formally welcome the latest addition to the Royal Family, Prince Louis Arthur Charles.

'This follows a long history of Westminster City Council registering royal births, including Prince Louis siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte.'

But Ms Cathcart found it a very different experience in 2013, after admitting she became 'flustered' when writing on the document while sitting next to Prince William at Kensington Palace.

In a 2014 interview with the Daily Mail, she said: 'I got death threats. One person said their cat had better handwriting, someone called for me to be fired and someone even said I was illiterate.'

She added: 'Let's just say I had to have more than one attempt. What can I say? It was a very hot day and I was flustered and trying to fill this thing in with Prince William sitting beside me.'

But the experience did not put her off entirely, as she described it as the 'highlight' of her career and returned to the palace two years later to write Charlotte's certificate - again by hand.

As reported by Mail Online, Louis' name serves as a poignant tribute to Prince Charles' beloved great-uncle, mentor and 'honorary grandfather', Lord Mountbatten, who was killed in 1979 when the IRA placed a bomb in his fishing boat.

Alison Cathcart, the registrar who filled out George and Charlotte's certificates, revealed she received death threats over the Prince's document because of her 'messy handwriting'

Prince Louis' name was officially revealed last Friday after fans and bookmakers waited five days for confirmation, with many other names being touted as contenders including Albert and Alexander.

It comes ahead of Princess Charlotte celebrating her third birthday on Wednesday.

The royal youngster, who is getting used to being a big sister to Prince Louis, turns three just nine days after the arrival of her baby brother.

Confident Charlotte delighted royal fans by waving and leading her father the Duke of Cambridge up the steps of the Lindo Wing when she was taken to meet her new sibling for the first time last week.

The princess, who is fourth in line to the throne, is now the Cambridges' middle child.

The past year saw another big change for Charlotte when she started nursery school. She attends Willcocks Nursery School, close to her Kensington Palace home.

The Duke and Duchess named Louis (pictured with his parents) in tribute to Prince Charles' beloved great-uncle, mentor and 'honorary grandfather', Lord Mountbatten, who was killed in 1979. Pictured right is Kate gazing adoringly at her newborn son

The release of the birth certificate comes just a day before Princess Charlotte's third birthday. She is pictured here waving to the media as she went to meet her baby brother last week

Confident Charlotte, left, was seen waving to the crowds last week as she and Prince George, right, were taken to St Mary's Hospital by father William

Charlotte is expected to take a starring role as flower girl or bridesmaid when her uncle Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in just over two weeks' time.

She has already been a bridesmaid for aunt Pippa Middleton, who wed last May.

The princess has a reputation for being feisty compared to her older brother Prince George.

Meanwhile revellers will be able to wet the royal baby's head at the first pub named after the new royal.

Drinkers in Great Notley, Essex, will be able to pop a cork and celebrate his arrival when the watering hole opens next week

And brewers McMullen's say they would be more than happy to welcome the happy couple if they wanted to bring the Royals to the alehouse for a celebration.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be able to have a mini pub crawl if they wanted - as it is just 20 miles from another of the Hertford-based firm's bar's named for Princess Charlotte, in Colchester.

The patriotic pub boasts the newest addition will allow families to enjoy the best of the 'British summer'.

It got its name as work finished on the day the baby was born and today painters were finishing up work on the establishment's sign.

Meanwhile a pub in Great Notley, Essex, pictured, has been named after the newest royal and will open next week

Brewers McMullen's, which run the new pub, said it was tricky to choose a 'timeless' name and wanted to pay tribute to the baby Prince

A rocking horse toy, pictured left, and a picture tribute of Kate kissing Louis' head are part of the decorations

Claire and Aaron Wood , general managers of The Prince Louis, said: 'We are thrilled to be opening in McMullen's newest pub, our team have commenced training and were excited as us to know the name of the baby and pub.'

The brewers have ploughed more than 1million in refurbishing the pub, which despite its regal name will give punters a humble offering of chicken, curry, and real ales.

Heydon Mizon , managing director, said: 'It is quite tricky to choose a pub that is timeless.

'We are a 190-year-old business and we own our pubs for along time, royal names don't date and for pubs it works well.

'Of course the happy couple would be welcome to wet the baby's head here, everyone is welcome.

The pub, pictured, has undergone a 1million refurbishment with the finishing touches being applied before the opening next week

Meanwhile a short distance away in Colchester is the Princess Charlotte, pictured, named after Louis' older sister

'It has worked out nicely as we handed back to the builders the day the baby arrived and that helped inspire the name.'

And added: 'We are delighted to have acquired and invested in this pub which will contribute to the warm and friendly community of Great Notley.

'We hope that the locals will be just as happy to see it being reopened as we are.'

As well as the two regal Essex pubs McMullen's runs The Prince George in Milton Keynes.

That's the money shot! Loving portrait of Prince Harry and his bride-to-be is emblazoned on a commemorative coin to celebrate their wedding - and the souvenir could set you back as much as 2,000

By Molly Rose Pike for MailOnline

With just weeks to go until their big day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have the nation gripped in royal wedding fever.

And the couple have reached another milestone in their relationship ahead of their nuptials - their first commemorative coin.

Harry and his bride-to-be sat for the portraits used on the Royal Mint souvenir, and are described as looking 'looking lovingly into each other's eyes'.

The coin ranges in price from 13 to 1,980 for a gold proof version.

The Royal Mint have produced coins to commemorate the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle later this month

The couple's likeness was taking in a private sitting at Kensington Palace, and it is Meghan's first appearance on a UK coin by the Royal Mint.

The Royal Mint revealed: 'Following the announcement of their engagement, the Royal Mint was granted a private sitting with Prince Harry and Meghan at Kensington Palace.

'The setting of their meeting was relaxed and informal, which is reflected in the portrait of the couple.

'The pair can be seen looking lovingly into each other's eyes and highlights the easy familiarity and connection between the royal duo.'

The couple had a private sitting not long after their engagement announcement in November last year

The coins cost 13 for one in brilliant uncirculated form, a silver proof for 82.50 and gold proof for 1,980

Harry and Meghan will wed on May 19 in the grand surrounds of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, after getting engaged following a 16-month whirlwind romance.

The coin design was crafted by Jody Clark, who created the current effigy of the Queen in 2015.

Anne Jessopp, the Royal Mint's chief executive, said: 'It has been an honour for the Royal Mint to work closely with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to create the authentic royal wedding coin celebrating this most British of celebrations.'

The 5 coin, which can be purchased from the Royal Mint website, is available in brilliant uncirculated form costing 13, a silver proof for 82.50 and gold proof for 1,980.

Harry featured on an Alderney coin by the Royal Mint in 2005 to mark his 21st birthday

The couple are just weeks away from the wedding at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19

Harry featured on an Alderney coin by the Royal Mint in 2005 to mark his 21st birthday.

A royal expert recently predicted that Meghan's transition from TV star to being a member of the royal family will be seamless thanks to her age and divorcee status.

Speaking on a new documentary Harry & Meghan: A Very Modern Romance , royal biographer Richard Kay explained how Diana and Fergie - who married into 'The Firm' aged just 20 and 26 respectively - found it difficult to cope with the pressures of royal life.

'Over the years, others have married into the royal family - think of Diana Spencer, Sarah Ferguson - and they couldn't cope with it,' he said. 'They found the expectation too high, too hard.

'Meghan is that much older, much more confident and more experienced and I think that gives her a very good chance of making a good shot at this.'They say hard work pays off - and in the case of one Chick-Fil-A employee, it paid off to the tune of $25,000.

Jacqueline Murphy, a seasonal manager at one of the chain's restaurants in North Carolina, was awarded the money last week to pay for university tuition.

Murphy was at work on Thursday when a customer pulled up to the drive-thru window and handed her a giant pot of Chick-Fil-A dipping sauce.

Jacqueline Murphy, a seasonal manager at a Chick-Fil-A in North Carolina, was awarded $25,000 toward university tuition

Murphy, who began working at the chain to overcome her shyness, broke down in tears as she was awarded the check on Thursday while at work

Inside was a tablet which played a message from the chain's CEO Dan T. Cathy, explaining that she had been chosen for the grant.

She was then presented with a giant check before her family, who were instructed to wait around the corner, joined her for an emotional hug.

The money is from Chick-Fil-A's Remarkable Futures scholarship, a $14.5million fund that helps employees get a higher education.

She now plans to use the money to study at Wingate University's School of Pharmacy where she will start in the fall

Murphy was working the drive-thru at Chick-Fil-A south of Charlotte, North Carolina, when she was awarded the money

Thirteen staff are given $25,000 each, while another 5,700 will be given $2,500.

She told WLTX19: You can say I'm blessed. I'm blessed by God, my family. From the prayers and support from my people. It's just insane. I love it.'

Murphy now plans to attend Wingate University to study at the School of Pharmacy, where she will start in fall.

The Charlotte native started working at the restaurant in order to overcome her shyness, according to WSOC.

Murphy was so dedicated to the task that she even went in on her off-days to shadow other staff and improve her social skills and customer manner.A deadly drug which is causing chaos in New Zealand, has now arrived in Australia.

The drug N-ethyl pentylone, which has caused 'mass-overdoses' in New Zealand, is three times more potent than MDMA.

N-ethyl pentylone was first detected in Australia at Canberra's Groovin' The Moo festival, which was home to the country's first ever pill testing tent.

N-ethyl pentylone was first detected in Australia at Canberra's Groovin' The Moo festival (revellers pictured) , which was home to the country's first ever pill testing tent

The drug N-ethyl pentylone, which has caused 'mass-overdoses' in New Zealand, is three times more potent than MDMA (Groovin' The Moo pictured)

The doctor working inside the tent, Dr David Caldicott, said the discovery of N-ethyl pentyone in Australia was particularly frightening because the mixture of toxic chemicals had proven fatal.

'The drug is known to cause mass-casualty overdoses, where you can have groups of 10-20 people just dropping at festivals,' he told News.com.au.

The psychoactive drug was the cause of a man's death in Florida and another person in New Zealand.

The drug was also responsible for scores of people hospitalised in Europe and the US.

The psychoactive drug was the cause of a man's death in Florida and another person in New Zealand (festivalgoer at Groovin' The Moo pictured)

The doctor working inside the tent, Dr David Caldicott, said the discovery of N-ethyl pentyone in Australia was particularly frightening because the mixture of toxic chemicals had proven fatal

N-ethyl pentylone was first detected in the United States in 2016, then in Europe and New Zealand in 2017, and now Australia.

In February this year, nine New Zealanders, including a 15-year-old, were taken to hospital after overdosing on N-ethyl pentylone in Christchurch.

The drug proved so problematic in New Zealand, the police were forced to issue a formal warning.

Detective Inspector Greg Murton said N-ethyl pentylone was three times more potent than MDMA or ecstasy, which meant people unknowingly ingested a higher amount of the drug than intended.

Detective Inspector Greg Murton said N-ethyl pentylone (pictured) was three times more potent than MDMA or ecstasy, which meant people unknowingly ingested a higher amount of the drug than intended

Australia's first official pill testing service in numbers explained

'The issue for the public is that a dose of MDMA/ ecstasy is generally 100mg, however to get the same effect only 30mg of N-Ethyl pentylone is required,' he said.

'If N-Ethyl pentylone is mistaken for MDMA/ ecstasy, the user will be taking three times the 'prescribed' dosage, posing a danger to themselves.'

Dr Caldicott warned there was an even greater risk of overdosing on the drug because it did not give users the same high as MDMA.

He said users were inclined to take more of the drug because they didn't think the initial dose was working.

While it did not give users the same high, Dr Caldicott said N-ethyl pentylone was more poisonous than MDMA.

Dr Caldicott said the person who brought a pill containing N-ethyl pentylone into Canberra's Groovin' The Moo festival at the weekend, thought it was MDMA.

He said that person decided to discard the drug after discovering how dangerous it was.

Dr Caldicott said the person who brought a pill containing N-ethyl pentylone into Canberra's Groovin' The Moo (pictured) festival at the weekend, thought it was MDMA

Nearly 130 partygoers took advantage of the pill-testing service, with staff testing 85 drug samples.

Half returned a result of 'other' and contained lactose, sweetener, paint and even toothpaste, according to the Ted Noffs Foundation.

The foundation's CEO Matt Noffs said the remaining 50 per cent contained pure MDMA, with two samples found to contain the deadly N-ethyl pentylone.Afrim Xhekaliu is charged with attempting to smuggle people into the UK after a group of Albanians were rescued in the Channel

An Albanian man has pleaded not guilty to people smuggling after nine people had to be rescued from a dinghy in the English Channel.

Afrim Xhekaliu, 40, was arrested after the group of Albanians had to be rescued from a dinghy which was adrift in gale force winds off the coast of East Sussex.

The eight men and a woman were trying to reach Britain but were forced to dial 999 when their small inflatable was caught in high winds in the world's busiest shipping lane.

As gales of up to 50mph buffeted the flimsy boat, they made the emergency call and two lifeboats and a helicopter were scrambled.

Rescuers discovered the 22ft rigid hull inflatable boat and rescued them some 20 miles south of Eastbourne. Their dinghy was later towed into the harbour.

They are believed to have set out from Boulogne in France during the afternoon of January 30 but had to be rescued in the early hours of January 31.

Despite the wintry conditions, some wore only jeans and hooded sweatshirts, and were given blankets and jackets by their rescuers.

Police and immigration officers deal with the group after the dinghy was pulled into harbour

All nine were taken ashore by lifeboat and handed over to Border Force officers for questioning.

Two of the men were arrested on suspicion of people smuggling and a third was held later.

Xhekaliu appeared at Hove Crown Court via video link today and he was charged with attempting to smuggle people into the UK and possessing criminal property, namely money.

The 40-year-old pleaded not guilty to both charges and told the court he could prove the money was his.

Judge Christine Laing QC told Xhekaliu that if the matter went to trial then it would be heard in July.

In May 2016, 18 Albanians were rescued from a sinking dinghy off the coast of Kent. Later that month another 17 were found on board a catamaran in West Sussex.After more than five years of legal challenges, an agreement has been reached that will allow for Thomas Cole's "Portage Falls on the Genesee," an 1841 painting that was on display in the Seward House Museum, to be sold.

The Emerson Foundation and Seward House Museum announced the terms of the agreement Tuesday. The accord allows for the painting's sale and all of the proceeds will benefit the Seward House Museum "and other organizations with a capacity to support a memorial for William H. Seward and his son, William H. Seward, Jr."

Judge Thomas Leone, who has presided over the years-long case, approved the sale plan.

"This agreement allows for Seward House Museum to evolve as a sustainable, independent institution, and to extend the legacy of William H. Seward and his family on a much broader scale," said Rich Hole, president of the Seward House Museum Board of Trustees."=

The painting was quietly removed from the Seward House Museum in February 2013 and was stored in an undisclosed secure location. The Emerson Foundation and museum board said the decision to sell the painting was due to security needs for the artwork and its value.A divorcee who claimed she fell in love with a silver-tongued 'conman' who posed as a cancer-stricken millionaire is now suing him for more than 600,000.

Sacher Barker, 47, fell for Richard Winter seven years ago following her divorce - but said that his lies made her squander her savings, the High Court in London heard.

She claimed he bragged of his 'fabulous wealth', with tales that he owned a valuable wine collection, a villa in Majorca, and that he had sold a business for 5million.

Sacher Barker (left), 47, fell for Richard Winter (right), 42, seven years ago following her divorce - but says that his lies made her squander her savings

Mr Winter, 42, also claimed to own a lucrative real estate portfolio and to be the beneficiary of two trusts, the court was told.

Justin Higgo, Mrs Barker's barrister, told the court: 'Ms Barker trusted and loved Mr Winter and believed his promises.

'He promised marriage, and he claimed his family had turned against him. He even falsely claimed in August 2012 that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.'

But his tales of riches were a fantasy - and Ms Barker ploughed her 400,000 savings into funding their high-rolling lifestyle after he complained of a 'temporary cash flow issue,' said Mr Higgo.

He told her he would not only repay her in full, but also help her buy a house in Wimbledon, South West London, which she had been planning to purchase when they met, he claimed.

'Ms Barker was persuaded by Mr Winter to postpone that investment on the promise that Mr Winter himself would provide her with the money to buy a similar property outright on payment of his next dividend,' he added.

'At the same time as boasting of his fabulous wealth, Mr Winter represented that he had a temporary cash flow issue, arising as a consequence of his assets being frozen in the context of his impending divorce from his wife.

'He then made a series of deceitful representations in order to procure that Ms Barker made all her capital available to fund the extravagant lifestyle that he had represented, and Ms Barker believed, he was capable of affording.'

Between July 2012 and late 2014, Ms Barker spent 400,000 'in reliance on his repeated representations', said the barrister.

'She sold her car to raise funds, she pawned various items of jewellery that she owned, or had been given by him, and incurred debts that she would otherwise not have incurred.'

Ms Barker says she was only finally confronted with the truth when her lover went out for a coffee in February 2015, never to return.

Sharing a flat with him in West Wittering, West Sussex, at the time, she was left to pick up the pieces and resolve matters with their landlord.

She is now suing Mr Winter for deceit, seeking over 600,000 to 'put her back where she was' before she met him.

But for Mr Winter's lies, she says she would have used her savings to buy a 330,000 home that would since have spiralled in value.

Instead, she was left without any savings and is now struggling to 'rebuild her life', said Mr Higgo.

'I was in a position where I trusted someone and now I have nothing,' she told judge Brian Rawlings. 'I got involved with a conman. We had an agreement, but he welshed on it,' she added.

It is now Judge Rawlings's task to a assess the 'damage Ms Barker claims to have suffered' due to her lover's alleged lies.

She wants compensation for the cash she splashed during the relationship, loss of profit on the thwarted property deal and for the 'distress' she endured.

Ms Barker says she would have kept a far tighter hold on her purse strings had she known Mr Winter was no millionaire.

But he insisted in a witness statement that 'he spent significantly more than she has lost in funding the lavish lifestyle they enjoyed'.

Ms Barker, he claimed, 'did extremely well out of me while I had money to spend'.

Their finances had been 'intermingled' during the relationship and he asserted that, had he been given the credit due to him, 'she would in fact owe me money.'

But Mr Higgo said Mr Winter had not put in a formal defence to the claim and, in July last year, Ms Barker secured a 'summary judgment on her claims in deceit' against him.

He added: 'Mr Winter's approach simply misses the point that she would not have allowed her money to be spent at all if he had not deceived her into believing that her capital was not at risk - and that he could fund the lavish lifestyle...'

Judge Rawlings reserved his decision on Ms Barker's claim and will give his ruling at a later date.A Michigan man who appeared with his family as the central figure in the TLC show Meet the Putmans has been charged with illegally possessing an AR-15 rifle that was converted to operate as a machine gun.

A federal indictment against 57-year-old William Putman II was unsealed on Monday.

The charge is a 10-year felony, but his defense attorney, Paul Beggs, believes Putman will be exonerated.

William Putman II (pictured), 57, who is the central figure in the TLC show Meet the Putmans, has been charged with illegally possessing an AR-15 rifle that was converted to operate as a machine gun

A federal indictment against 57-year-old Putman was unsealed Monday. His defense lawyer Paul Beggs said he believes Putman will be exonerated. Meet the Putmans aired on TLC last fall

'This is a case that is going to be vigorously contested,' Beggs told the Detroit Free Press late Monday.

'Mr. Putman has been caught in the crosshairs of a political hot potato.'

Beggs described Putman as an avid sportsman, hunter and 'responsible firearm owner'. Putman was released Monday on an unsecured bond of $10,000.

The indictment comes after Putman's son Brandon Putman was charged earlier this year after authorities say he tried to get copies of a component to convert an AR-15 into a machine gun.

Federal firearms agent Stephen Ross said Brandon Putman, 31, went to a machine shop and asked for 10 copies of a metal part.

The shop owner later contacted officials with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) agency, which launched an investigation.

The ATF examined the part that Brandon Putman wanted copied and confirmed that it was 'an authentic AR15 drop-in auto sear designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun'.

If the part was legally registered, Ross wrote, it would cost $40,000 apiece.

The indictment comes after Putman's son Brandon Putman (right) was charged earlier this year after authorities say he tried to get copies of a component to convert an AR-15 into a machine gun

The younger Putman also stars in Meet the Putmans, which aired on TLC last fall. The show features three generations of a family (pictured), 25 in total, living in one house in Michigan

But Brandon Putman was willing to pay $100 apiece, according to a conversation he had with an undercover ATF agent who called him and pretended to be a machinist.

Ross said Putman texted the undercover agent in January to ask about the parts.

About a week before his son was charged, William Putnam suffered a heart attack while they were in Las Vegas purchasing furniture for their new home that's under construction.

The younger Putman also stars in Meet the Putmans, which aired on TLC last fall.

The show features three generations of a family, 25 in total, living in one house in Michigan.

William and Barb Putman are at the head of the family and they've been married for 35 years.

They've raised four children together: Billy, 33, Brandon, 30, Blake, 28, and Blair, 26. And those four children married off and had children of their own.

The Putmans have not specified what type of religion they follow.

But when William Putman's daughter Blair gave birth to her third child last September, she had a difficult time during labor and had to have a C-section.

Her father tweeted at the time: 'God never gives us more than we can handle.'The father of a student killed in a mass shooting at a Florida high school is suing the armed officer who stood outside the building as kids were massacred inside.

Andrew Pollack said Scot Peterson, who was then a sheriff's deputy and the school's resource officer, is his main target in the wrongful death lawsuit filed Monday in Broward County.

Pollack's 18-year-old daughter Meadow was among the 17 killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14.

Peterson could have entered, but instead 'let all those people get murdered,' Pollack said.

Scroll down for video

Andrew Pollack's 18-year-old daughter Meadow (pictured) was among the 17 killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14

Andrew Pollack (pictured at the White House in February) is suing the armed officer who stood outside the building as kids were massacred inside

'I filed a wrongful death suit against Deputy Peterson today. I want to expose that coward so bad,' he wrote on Twitter.

'Where ever he goes I want people to recognize him and say that's one of the cowards of Broward.

'The SRO that let those children and teachers die on the 3rd floor!'

In another tweet, Pollack insisted the lawsuit wasn't for financial gain.

'This suit has nothing to do with money,' he wrote.

'I want to be sure anywhere he goes in this country he will be recognized as the coward that could have gone in and saved the students and teachers on the third floor.'

Peterson (pictured right), a 33-year law enforcement veteran, was suspended without pay after the shooting. He then resigned and retired

'I filed a wrongful death suit against Deputy Peterson today. I want to expose that coward so bad,' Andrew Pollack wrote on Twitter

Meadow' brother Hunter Pollack also branded Peterson a coward in a post on Twitter

Meadow' brother Hunter also branded Peterson a coward on Twitter.

'My family wants the world to know this is the guy that hid behind a concrete wall while kids and teachers were killed. He's a WEASAL [sic] COWARD, and no matter where he goes should be recognized as a failure. He failed to act, and then lied about it after. We will not forget!'

Pollack made headlines after he gave a powerful speech during a listening session at the White House with President Donald Trump in the wake of the shooting.

He has since founded a school safety organization and a memorial fund in his daughter's name.

Pollack's lawsuit also names 19-year-old shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz, the estate of Cruz's mother and the couple who took him in when she died.

Cruz is charged with killing 14 teenagers and three adult staff members with an AR-15-style automatic weapon.

The lawsuit also names 19-year-old shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz (pictured), the estate of Cruz's mother and the couple who took him in when she died

Peterson, a 33-year law enforcement veteran, was suspended without pay after the shooting. The 54-year-old then resigned and retired.

Sheriff Scott Israel said Peterson never went inside the building 'that was under attack.'

Instead, he 'took up a position outside which allowed him to view the western entrance of the building.'

Surveillance footage that later emerged showed he remained in the area outside for 20 minutes.

In a statement, his lawyer said allegations that Peterson 'was a coward and that his performance, under the circumstances, failed to meet the standards of police officers are patently untrue.'

Parkland activists Alex Wind, Cameron Kasky, Jaclyn Corin, David Hogg and Emma Gonzalez attend the 2018 Time 100 Gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 24

It comes after students demanding tougher gun laws walked out of classes across the United States on April 20 - the 19th anniversary of the Columbine shooting.

Thousands of teenagers held rallies from coast to coast marking the anniversary of the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado that left 1 dead, a massacre seen as the harbinger of an era of school violence.

The protests have been galvanized by the Parkland students, who spearheaded a grassroots campaign for gun control which included another school walkout on March 14 and nationwide rallies on March 24.A Muslim convert is accused of being inspired by Islamic State to try to mow down hundreds of pedestrians in London.

Lewis Ludlow, 26, is suspected of targeting Oxford Street and tourist landmarks including Madame Tussauds in a lone-wolf attack.

The former Royal Mail worker was arrested two weeks ago at the home he shares with his family in Rochester, Kent. Police claim they acted after receiving information Ludlow had sworn an oath of allegiance to IS.

He appeared before Westminster justices yesterday and was warned he could be jailed for life. Asked to stand for the chief magistrate, Ludlow refused and told the courtroom: Im not allowed to stand for anyone but God.

Lewis Ludlow, 26, is suspected of targeting Oxford Street and tourist landmarks including Madame Tussauds in a lone-wolf attack

A security van carrying terror suspect Lewis Ludlow leaves court in London today

Mark Dawson, prosecuting, said investigators believe he was groomed over the internet by a shadowy recruiter.

He said the main allegation focused on a large-scale, multiple-casualty, vehicle-borne assault, perhaps in the Oxford Street area of London.

Ludlow was prevented from flying to the Philippines in February where police believe he wanted to reach an area controlled by Islamic State fanatics.

The court was told he is accused of trying to fund terrorism under the guise of an antiques firm.

A second charge accuses him of setting up a Facebook account to illicitly transfer money.

In the third and most serious charge he is accused of plotting an attack on the capital.

The prosecutor said he purchased a phone in another name, wrote out attack plans and took photographs of potential targets.The alleged terrorist researched van rental and London destinations, including Oxford Street and Tussauds.

Ginger-haired Ludlow, wearing a khaki T-shirt, grey tracksuit trousers and a black skull cap, sat nodding with his arms folded during yesterdays hearing. Flanked by two police officers, he spoke loudly to confirm his name, date of birth, address and nationality. At one point he appeared to pray.

When the charges were read to him he said confidently after each one: I declare myself innocent of that charge.

Judge Emma Arbuthnot remanded Ludlow in custody and ordered him to appear at the Old Bailey on May 11. There was no application for bail.

Police sealed off his house in Rochester, Kent last month and he was charged yesterday

Fellow worshippers at a mosque in Chatham, Kent, said Ludlow converted at the age of 17 and had been a regular at Friday prayers.

They said he took the name Ali Hussein and would bring traditional Islamic clothes in a bag to the mosque to change into.

Neighbours of his semi-detached former council house said he worked Christmas shifts at a Royal Mail sorting office. They said he was interested in computers and spent long periods on social media, including Facebook.

Lukasz Pachiarek, 36, said: He was always wearing dark and he always wore a hood. His head was shaved and he had a big beard, so that was pretty Islamic.

Another neighbour suggested that Ludlow may have had a form of autism that made him impressionable. She said: He changed his appearance. He grew a beard, he was wearing the full gear. He wore a robe.

I would see people knock at the door with the gear on, what I call a gown. But then he changed back to normal. He still had a beard.

He was a nice boy.These pictures give a fascinating insight into the history of New York City through its forgotten rubbish.

The trash includes an old bagel, a love letter and old medicine boxes and are among more than 6,000 items found in the city and restored by the Tenement Museum.

Most of the rubbish was found in one home thought to have housed thousands of immigrants during the 1930s.

A packet of Lucky Strike found under floorboards in the kitchen of Apartment 14 at 97 Orchard Street

This doll's head was found in the northeast fireplace of the basement in the tenement block

A wedding invitation from 1899 which was donated to the museum by Leon Weintraub and Ada Finifter, the grandchildren of Emma Weinstein and Samuel Weintraub

Historians also found tins of aspirin, a doll's head and a library notice.

The museum tells the stories of immigrants lived in Manhattan's Lower East Side between the 19th and 21st centuries.

It has recreated apartment and businesses of real families in two historic tenement buildings.

According to the Atlas Obscura website, the trash in the archive turned up when the museum worked to stabilize the floors, ceilings and staircases of 97 Orchard Street.

The five-story, multi-family building went up in 1863 until 1935, when the owner decided to board it up rather than continue to maintain it.

Tens of millions of immigrants landed in New York City, and the museum estimates that roughly 7,000 of them passed through 97 Orchard.

A ticket written in Yiddish for services at 126 Allen Street starting at 12 midnight on 20th September. It advertises a famous cantor Joshua Weiser with a choir. The ticket was found in the floorboards of Apartment 7 when completing treatment on the ceiling below

A Durkees Curry Powder Can Found in the floorboards of Apartment 14 on the fourth floor

Items of partially eaten food were also found including a bagel (left) and a bag of raspberries

A love letter found among the trash. The tenement housed people from 1863 to 1935

This bottle of cough balsam bottle comes apartment 15 on the fourth floor while the shoe paste was found apartment 10 on third floor

A library notice for the New York Public Library. Some 7000 people lived in the apartments at 97 Orchard Street until they were boarded up by the owner

Aspirin tins found in the south side of the first floor air shaft. They are among the 6000 items found and restored by the museum

The tenants came from all over Europe, initially from Germany, Russia, and Eastern Europe, and later Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Italy.

People lived in the building until 1935, when the owner decided to board the apartments up rather than continue to update and maintain them.

Shopkeepers continued their business at street-level storefronts for decades after the apartment were vacated as new migrants from China and Puerto Rico arrived in the neighbourhood.

The museum's cofounders began leasing the building in 1988, and had purchased it by the time the first exhibition opened to the public in the mid-1990s.

Dave Favaloro, the museum's director of curatorial affairs, said: 'Imagine somebody came to your home 150 years from now and opened up your kitchen floor.



'This isn't the type of museum where an object stands alone and has meaning in and of itself.

'These objects acquire meaning in the context of the stories that we weave around them.'The 'angry' wife of an Army sergeant accused of trying to murder her by tampering with her parachute today admitted she lied to police about her cheating husband to make him look bad.

Victoria Cilliers, a physiotherapist and former Army officer, told Winchester Crown Court said she was not 'completely' telling the truth about Emile Cilliers and wanted to 'paint him in a bad picture'.

Mrs Cilliers also described the moment 'everything went black' as she came crashing to earth when her parachute failed over Salisbury Plain on Easter weekend 2015.

Her husband was in the midst of a mid-life crisis, was 22,000 in debt and believed he would get a 120,000 insurance payout in the event of his wife's accidental death, his attempted murder trial has heard.

He was also having affairs with a skydiver called Stefanie Goller and his ex-wife Carly Cilliers and had also arranged to have unprotected sex with a number of prostitutes, the jury was told.

Cilliers allegedly tangled his wife's main parachute and removed two vital links from her reserve canopy while in a toilet cubicle days after police believe he tried to murder his wife with a deliberate gas leak.

Telling officers about the terrifying parachute incident, Mrs Cilliers said she had been 'scared' when she realised her main parachute was not opening properly and soon crashed to earth.

Victoria Cilliers, pictured today, who survived a 4,000ft fall after her parachute was tampered with told her husband's trial she lied to police to make him look worse

Emile Cilliers, (left today and right on their wedding day) allegedly tangled his wife's main parachute and removed two vital links from her reserve canopy while in a toilet cubicle, causing both to fail on April 5, 2015 and sending her spiralling to earth

Today Mrs Cilliers said she had 'elaborated' about his possible involvement because she was 'angry' when she was interviewed a month after her parachute failed to open.

Prosecutors have alleged that Cilliers (pictured with Victoria) had wanted to get his hands on his wife's life insurance to pay off his debts

When asked today whether she was concerned about the amount of time Cilliers had spent in the toilet with the parachute, she said she was not.

In her original statement she said she had been concerned about the amount of time Cilliers had spent in the toilet with her parachute the day before.

Prosecutor Michael Bowes QC asked: 'In your statement were you telling the truth?'

'I elaborated,' she replied.

Mr Bowes said: 'Were you telling the truth?'

'No,' Mrs Cilliers responded.

'So what you are telling the jury is that when you made that statement you lied?' Mr Bowes continued.

'I'm not saying I'm lying completely. I was angry when I made that statement and lied throughout it in order to paint Emile in a bad picture,' she said.

Mrs Cilliers, 40 at the time, said when she realised her reserve canopy was also not working correctly she attempted to correct the problem, but was 'spinning' uncontrollably to the ground before 'eveything went black'.

She said: 'I was the last person out [of the plane]. Straight away I knew something was not right.

'My main parachute had a lot of twists. I made the decision to do my reserve drills and cut away the main parachute, I released it.

'I cannot remember if I pulled the reserve parachute or if the backup device activated. I could feel it pulling but straight away it was not right.

'I was spinning the opposite way to the way the twists were. It took a while to get those out, but when I got [the twists out the parachute lines] it made the situation worse.

'But I remember just trying to fight, to gain some control of it and then everything went black.'

Emile CIlliers was sleeping with his ex-wife Carly and extreme sports enthusiast Stefanie Goller (left to right) at the time police believe he tried to murder his wife

Mrs Cilliers (circled) is an experienced skydiver and has described the moment she came crashing to earth

Miraculously, Mrs Cilliers, then 40, survived the terrifying fall at Netheravon airfield, Wiltshire, but had to be rushed to hospital by air ambulance on April 5, 2015.

Prosecutors allege just a week before, Cilliers had damaged a gas fitting at the home he shared with his wife, now 42, in Amesbury, Wilts, in a bid to cause an explosion.

South African Cilliers, who was having affairs with two women and was in contact with prostitutes, had allegedly racked up debts of around 22,000 at the time.

It is claimed he thought he would receive a 120,000 life insurance payout if Mrs Cilliers had a 'fatal accident'.

In fact, prosecutor Michael Bowes QC said the insurance money would go to his wife's estate if she was to die, but Cilliers was not aware of this.

It was also heard that Mrs Cilliers had left a note with her will, saying Cilliers 'poorly manages money' and instructing that her estate go to their children in the event of her death.

Reading the letter, Mr Bowes QC said: 'Dear executors, in the event of my death I would like to leave my estate to my children.

'By his own admission, Emile poorly manages money and I am not confident [the money I leave] would be used for the benefit of the children.

'I do hope, Emile, that you understand my reasoning. I love you and you are an amazing father.'

However, she believed, as it is alleged Cilliers did, that her 120,000 life insurance payout would go to him.

Experts described her survival after the crash at Netheravon Army Parachute Centre in Wiltshire as a miracle

During her first interview with police after the alleged murder attempt, played to jurors at Winchester Crown Court, Hants, today Mrs Cilliers, revealed she thought her husband was having a 'mid-life crisis'.

Mrs Cilliers said: 'Everything seemed to be going well, then last year he went skiing for a long period.

'When he came home, [our relationship] was strained... he was having a mid-life crisis. He was not sure he wanted that sort of relationship. He felt we had grown in different directions.

'I know he was talking to someone, a counsellor type person, to address what he was feeling.

'He was adamant he did not want to call time on our relationship without investigating what he wanted.'

She added: 'He has a lot of issues with money and banking.'

It has been heard Mrs Cilliers, who was 16 when she completed her first parachute jump while living in Scotland, is an experienced jumper.

The former Army officer had succesfully completed around 2,600 jumps before the near-fatal fall in April 5, 2015.

During her police interview, on April 28, 2015, Mrs Cilliers, wearing a blue top, gilet and glasses, was asked about her husband's knowledge of parachuting.

She told officers he was not as experienced as her, having completed only around 200 jumps, but that he did know how to pack parachutes.

It has previously been heard that Cilliers, who now lives in barracks in Aldershot, Hants, went on to part complete a course in reserve parachute packing before the alleged tampering.

However, he never finished the full assessment, but prosecutor Michael Bowes QC said he had done enough to give him the knowledge to tamper with one if he wanted.

Mrs Cilliers told police: '[Emile] is not [as experienced as her]. I taught him. He does [jump] a bit, but not as much [as me].

'He has done about 200 jumps, he may have done some elsewhere but they were mostly at Netheravon.

'He has worked as a parachute packer, packing people's parachutes. I taught him how to pack [parachutes].'

Cilliers, who now lives in barracks in Aldershot, Hants, denies two counts of attempted murder and one of damaging property being reckless as to the endagerment of life.

The trial continues.Britons face a big squeeze on their finance this winter as fears grow of an eye-watering 1,800 cost of living hike for average families by the end of this year (pictured right: A graphic showing how costs have already risen). Families who have already endured Covid-caused uncertainty over last 18 months now face a triple-blow of rising energy bills, soar food prices and tax hikes (pictured inset: A graph showing the CPI inflation spikes in August). In a stark warning of what lies ahead, The Bank of England has already warned inflation could hit 4 per cent by the end of the year, while supermarkets have said food prices could increase by 5 per cent. Consumer polls suggest as many as half of Britons have already started cutting back, fearing they may have to penny pinch now in order to save up for what could be a pricey Christmas. But while many Britons fear the worst, Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured left yesterday the Conservative Party conference) struck a much calmer tone last night, saying he was 'not worried' about inflation. Asked about it during the Conservative Party conference yesterday, he told the BBC: 'Actually I think that people have been worried about inflation for a long time and it hasn't materialised.' When pressed on the nation's other big burning topic - the UK's HGV driver shortage - he attempted to deflect attention back to the private sector, saying 'it's not the job of government to come in and try and fix every problem in business and industry'.Washington DC cop Nathan Clinkscale, 25, was arrested after he was discovered in a 14-year-old girl's bedroom by her mother

A Washington DC officer is now the one behind bars after he was allegedly found in a 14-year-old girl's bedroom by her mother.

The girl's mother immediately called police after she discovered Nathan Clinkscale, 25, in her daughter's room around 1.30am on Monday.

Clinkscale told police that he had consensual sex with the girl, who he met on the dating site 'Interracial Cupid', according to WJLA.

He has been charged with a third-degree sex incident involving a minor.

Clinkscale works in the Fifth District of the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department.

He had been an officer for about a year before his arrest.

Clinkscale, who works in the Fifth District of the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department, has been charged with a third-degree sex incident involving a minor

Prince George County Police said he was off duty at the time of the incident. He has since been placed on administrative leave

Clinkscale was immediately put on administrative leave following the incident, authorities said.

Prince George County Police said he was off duty at the time of the incident, according to the Washington Post.

'The allegations against him are disgraceful, and do not represent the standards of ethics our sworn officers are committed to upholding every day,' the Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement

Clinkscale is currently in custody at the Prince George's County Department of Corrections.Advertisement

One person has died after a dust storm triggered a 29-vehicle pile-up in eastern Nebraska.

Nebraska State Patrol said visibility was reduced to 'practically zero' on Sunday as dust from farm fields blew across Interstate 80 near York, a city 50 miles west of Lincoln.

The hazardous conditions caused a chain-reaction crash that left 15 people injured. Franklin Owens, an 81-year-old from Colorado Springs, Colorado, later died in hospital, while his wife, Betty, was injured but survived.

Nebraska State Patrol said visibility was reduced to 'practically zero' on Sunday as dust from farm fields blew across Interstate 80 near York, a city 50 miles west of Lincoln, and caused this 29-vehicle pile-up

Drivers near the scene of the crash described clouds of dust 'eight to ten stories tall' suddenly enveloping the road creating a 'total blackout'. These photos show the visibility in front of a Nebraska state trooper's car

Winds gusts of 60mph were reported in the area of the crash, which saw two miles of the interstate closed for almost three hours. Other injured drivers were taken to hospitals in Aurora and York.

Drivers near the scene of the crash described clouds of dust 'eight to ten stories tall' suddenly enveloping the road creating a 'total blackout'.

Jaimi Railey, was returning home to Gothenburg with her husband and their 10-year-old son when the dust cloud descended around their Chrysler sedan.

'I was thinking, 'What's ahead of me, what am I going to run into?'' she told NCN21.com. 'I was absolutely worried that no one is going to see anybody, and it would keep piling up.'

Tyler Buettner, one of the two truck drivers who responded to the incident, said: 'You couldn't see through it. It was probably eight to 10 stories tall, and at least 80 yards wide.'

'One of our guys ran a tow truck in Iraq. He said it was a lot like Iraq, just dirt instead of sand.'

Jaimi Railey, was returning home to Gothenburg with her husband and their 10-year-old son when the dust cloud (pictured from above) descended around their Chrysler sedan

Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Charlie Cook said he helped clear the crash before heading home for a shower. 'I've been tasting dirt for the last couple hours,' he said. Pictured: A lorry that was caught in the pile-up

Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Charlie Cook said he helped clear the crash before heading home for a shower. 'I've been tasting dirt for the last couple hours,' he told the Journal Star.

The National Weather service said the cloud was caused by dry weather, with rain 2 inches below normal, combined with high winds.

This meant wind sweeping across tilled fields picked up dirt which was then flung into the air.

Tyler Buettner, one of the two truck drivers who responded to the incident, said: 'You couldn't see through it. It was probably eight to 10 stories tall, and at least 80 yards wide'A terminally ill lecturer says he should not have to undergo a 'distressing and undignified' death as top judges consider his challenge against a ban on assisted dying.

Noel Conway, who suffers with motor neurone disease, says he feels 'entombed' by his illness, and wants the right to get help from doctors to bring about his death.

The 68-year-old, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, is now dependent on a ventilator for up to 23 hours a day and only has movement in his right hand, head and neck.

He said his current options are to 'effectively suffocate' by choosing to remove his ventilator or to spend thousands of pounds travelling to Switzerland to end his life and have his family risk prosecution.

Terminally ill Noel Conway, suffers with motor neurone disease and is hooked up to a ventilator for 23 hours a day

Mr Conway was greeted by supporters at Telford Crown Court where he watched proceedings via a video link

Mr Conway wants to be helped to die - which the law currently prevents - when he has less than six months left to live, still has mental capacity to make the decision and has made a 'voluntary, clear, settled and informed' decision.

He has proposed that he could only receive assistance to die if a High Court judge determined that he meets all three of those criteria.

He is being supported by campaign group Dignity in Dying, with members outside court. But his appeal is opposed by the Secretary of State for Justice, with Humanists UK, Care Not Killing, who were protesting outside the Royal Courts of Justice during the hearing, and Not Dead Yet UK also making submissions.

Protesters gathered outside the High Court in central London today as the three day hearing began

Mr Conway (right) has began his challenge against a ban on assisted dying today, as supporters protested outside court (left)

Mr Conway appeared over a video link from Telford Crown Court to hear his lawyers make submissions.

After a short delay due to issues with the connection, Lord Etherton asked Mr Conway to indicate whether he could hear.

Mr Conway replied: 'I can hear you very clearly at the moment, thank you.'

Lord Etherton said: 'We are very glad you can join us.'

Mr Conway's lawyer Nathalie Lieven QC thanked the court for making arrangements so that Mr Conway could see and hear the proceedings.

Mr Conway was at Telford Crown Court with is wife Carol

Activists for the Campaign for Dignity in Dying were outside the hearing today

Also protesting was Nicki Kenward (left) and Elspeth Chowdharay (right) of Distant Voices, which campaigns against assisted suicide

Mr Conway, pictured here with his wife Carol, suffers from motor neurone disease and has to use a ventilator for 23 hours a day

She said: 'The question for this court is not a very generalised one of the morality or ethics of allowing doctors to assist patients to die.

'The question for this court is rather a focused one of whether for this very specific cohort, ie, terminally ill people with less than six months to live, the ban is justifiable because of an impact on the weak and vulnerable.'

Mr Conway previously asked the High Court for a declaration that the Suicide Act 1961 is incompatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which relates to respect for private and family life, and Article 14, which protects from discrimination.

His case was rejected in October last year, but a full appeal against that ruling began today.

Mr Conway is too unwell to travel to London for the hearing but is watching proceedings over a video link from Telford Crown Court.

Ms Lieven told the court there is 'serious objective evidence' upon which Mr Conway concludes there is a real risk his death would not be 'quick and painless' if he refuses ventilation.

She added: 'Mr Conway reiterates that, if suitable safeguards are in place, the wider interests of society cannot possibly be said to require him to undergo such a death in the name of securing against possible risks to weak and vulnerable individuals.'

The barrister argued that a proper analysis of the safeguards proposed by Mr Conway would have shown that the current 'blanket ban' on assisted suicide is not necessary.

Mr Conway at an earlier court appearance with wife Carol (left), stepson Terry McCusker (centre back) and Sarah Wootton, CEO of Dignity in Dying (right)

Mr Conway, from Shrewsbury, is seen here in 2011, with his wife and son Alex

She said the proposal of having a High Court judge oversee the process was 'at the heart' of the issue.

Ms Lieven also argued Mr Conway's proposals could not pose any 'wider risk' to society.

She said: 'Mr Conway is dying because of the effects of his illness any change in the law could not, itself, increase the number of those with terminal illnesses.

'It could not therefore, per se, give rise to any increase in risk of death amongst (for instance) those with disabilities who are not terminally ill, and hence any wider risk to the general community.

'Indeed, it could just as easily be said that the real question is not whether the wider interests of society require Mr Conway to be denied assistance with dying, but whether society, as a whole, can be said to have any legitimate interest in denying Mr Conway any choice in when and how he dies in circumstances where he is already dying in other words, to exercise one of the few meaningful decisions about his end of life that remain available to him.'

Ms Lieven said it was for Mr Conway to decide what he considers to be 'distressing and undignified' and that he is the 'best judge' on a matter as 'intimately personal' as how he dies.

The appeal before Sir Terence Etherton, Sir Brian Leveson and Lady Justice King is expected to last three days.

In an interview with Sky News this week he told how when he was diagnosed he said he 'felt like a condemned man awaiting execution on a date yet to be determined.'

He said: 'I became aware of how agonising it must be to be someone on death row for years and years not knowing when the order will come.'

He told Sky News: 'As my condition has continued to deteriorate and I have become more aware of what will happen, I have become increasingly focused on end-of-life concerns and what options are (or aren't) available to me.'

'Absurdly, the only way terminally ill people can extend our end-of-life choices is, where it is practicable, to take our own life alone at home, or rely on a loved one to help us at the end by accompanying us, if we have the means, to travel to Switzerland.'

He told the broadcaster the other option 'would give me the opportunity, in my final months, to decide when the time is right for me to go and to leave this world swiftly and with dignity.'San Antonio, Texas police say a woman has been jailed for slashing her husband with a kitchen knife after catching him looking at other women during a night out together.

Authorities say 27-year-old Star Perez was with her husband, Daniel Perez, Jr., 27, celebrating a city festival called Fiesta on Saturday night when she complained he was ogling others.

An argument erupted when they returned home and authorities allege Star grabbed the knife and swung at her husband, striking him in the left arm.

Star Perez, 27 (pictured), was arrested on Monday - two days after she allegedly stabbed her husband in the arm for ogling other women

He ran outside and called police. The man told officers that his wife said, 'I could f****** kill you right now. You don't even know. I could kill you.'

Star fled the scene but was captured on Monday and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

As of Tuesday, she was still being held at the Bexar County jail.

The couple have been together for 11 years and have one child together. It's unclear if the child witnessed the incident.

Online jail records don't indicate whether she has an attorney to comment for her.A sorority chapter at a Georgia university is embroiled in a sexual misconduct investigation after being accused of running a sex ring and pimping out its pledges.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter at the Fort Valley State University was suspended last week after the sex scandal allegations surfaced involving sorority members and a female administration employee at the college.

It involves allegations that the newest members were involved in a sex prostitution ring in order to pay for pledging for the historically Black Greek sorority.

Customers allegedly included local politicians and businessman, according to the Atlanta magazine Rolling Out.

Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter at Georgia's Fort Valley State University is embroiled in a sex misconduct investigation after being accused of running a sex ring and pimping out its pledges

Alecia Johnson, who was an executive assistant at the university and a AKA sorority advisor, is under investigation for allegedly pimping out the pledges.

Johnson resigned from her position when the criminal investigation started.

Alecia Johnson, who was an executive assistant at the university and a AKA sorority advisor, is under investigation for allegedly pimping out the pledges

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation have been looking into the allegations since mid-April but said no arrests have been made and authorities haven't yet confirmed any of the allegations.

An attorney representing Johnson told WSB-TV on Monday that his client was not a pimp.

'She's not a pimp, and she's not a madam. None of that,' lawyer Adrian Patrick said. 'She's not guilty. She did not do anything.'

He called the allegations that Johnson pimped out sorority pledges so they could pay to join 'incredulous'.

'I mean, I know people want to be in a sorority. I got that part. I just don't think you're going to sell your body. Plus, it's inconsistent with the reputation of Alpha Kappa Alpha,' he said.

The investigation started after the university received to separate complaints in early April, including one made anonymously through the campus hotline and another made by an employee.

Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter at the Fort Valley State University was suspended last week after the sex scandal allegations surfaced

The sorority said last month they were 'appalled' by the allegations and had launched their own internal investigation.

'These allegations are in no way representative of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's 110-year service-based mission or its nearly 300,000 members. We condemn these allegations in the strongest possible terms,' the statement said.

'We were appalled to learn of allegations of sexual misconduct against a Fort Valley State University employee who also is a graduate member of the sorority.'

Alpha Kappa Alpha is one of nine black Greek sororities and fraternities that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

AKA pledges are often required to pay initiation fees and monthly or yearly dues.

The average costs associated with a National Pan-Hellenic Council sorority ranges between $700 to $2,500.A 73-year-old grandmother was rescued after she became bogged and stranded in her car on a remote bush track in outback Western Australia.

Karen Neu, a grandmother of 14, had become lost after taking an unfamiliar road near her home in Mullewa, about 100km north-east of Geraldton.

Ms Neu was close to spending her third cold night in the deserted bushland after her mobile phone had died and her Toyota landcruiser had become stuck.

Scroll down for video

Karen Neu, (centre) a 73-year-old grandmother of 14, was rescued by Mullewa Police Sergeant Chris Martin (left) and Senior Constable Rickie Winikere (right) after she became bogged and stranded in her car on a remote bush track in outback Western Australia

She survived by rationing small sips of water from the two bottles she had brought with her and eating small amounts of bread and dried fruit.

The grandmother was down to her last drops of water on Monday night when she received a knock on her car door.

'I would have been out of water the next day,' Ms Neu told Seven News.

Police searched the roads in the area for two hours before deciding to change course and check lesser used back roads.

Karen Neu, a grandmother of 14, had become lost after taking an unfamiliar road near her home in Mullewa, about 100km north-east of Geraldton (pictured)

Ms Neu was close to spending her third cold night in the deserted bushland after her mobile phone had died and her Toyota landcruiser had become stuck (pictured)

'I had dozed a little bit ... I heard the knock and opened my eyes and saw the policeman standing there,' Ms Neu said

'I had dozed a little bit and when I heard the knock and opened my eyes and saw the policeman standing there, I thought 'oh you're wonderful!'' a relieved Ms Neu told Nine News.

Mullewa Police Sergeant Chris Martin gave the grandmother-of-14 a hug and praised her decision to stay with her vehicle.

'The main thing is she stayed with her motor vehicle and that's the most important thing in this whole case,' sergeant Martin said.

Ms Neu was concerned with 'how much longer she could remain in that condition without water, without food, without seeing another person in three days' but was eventually found 'dehydrated but otherwise well', sergeant Martin said.

The grandmother (right) was down to her last drops of water on Monday night when she received a knock on her car door by Sergeant Martin (left). She survived by rationing small sips of water and eating small amounts of bread and dried fruitA photo posted on social media of a man duct-taping his autistic grandson sparked a false Amber Alert in Washington state on Monday.

The photo shows a man standing over the 10-year-old boy with duct tape in his hand in Tacoma. The child is seen with tape along his wrists, ankles and mouth.

According to Puyallup police, the man in the photo was actually the boy's grandfather and not an abductor, prompting authorities to cancel the Amber Alert.

A photo posted on social media of a man duct-taping his grandson sparked a false Amber Alert in Washington state on Monday. The photo shows a man standing over the 10-year-old boy with duct tape in his hand in Tacoma

The grandfather was attempting to prevent his grandson from running into traffic outside DeLong Elementary School, where a group of kids playing near the school saw the man duct tape the boy and put him in a car (pictured)

'He was a special needs child who was being restrained by his Grandfather,' Puyallup police tweeted.

'This was a Tacoma Police incident. Thanks for helping spread the word. Better to be safe than sorry,' police added.

The grandfather was attempting to prevent his grandson from running into traffic outside DeLong Elementary School, according to Q13 Fox.

Officials said the boy does not attend Delong Elementary but was dropped off by a bus from the Tacoma school he does attend. His grandfather was there to pick him up.

A police spokeswoman told The News Tribune that the grandfather was 'having trouble controlling an autistic child so he opted to duct tape him', adding that duct-taping a child in any situation is 'not appropriate'.

A group of kids playing near the school saw the man duct tape the boy and put him in a car.

The kids took the photos and called police. Authorities said the photo was reportedly posted by a mother on Instagram

The kids took the photos and called police. Authorities said the photo was reportedly posted by a mother on Instagram.

The image was so disturbing that it was sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to WEWS.

The photo was then traced back to Cleveland where the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children were informed of it.

ICAC Commander Dave Frattare told the station that investigators believe 'someone at Instagram saw the picture or one of the unidentified woman's 23,000 followers saw the image and reported it to Instagram directly'.

Police were tipped off about the photo and a short time later officers headed to the the apartment of the 21-year-old mother and young son. The little boy was fine.

The boy's mother was arrested and appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court but the case was dismissed at the request of the county prosecutor's office.

An investigation will take place into the treatment of the boy, authorities said.Theresa May overruled three of her most senior ministers to block an increase in the number of doctors allowed to move to Britain from overseas.

The Prime Minister rejected pleas for more foreign medics to ease a staffing crisis in the NHS - risking a new immigration crisis at the top of Government.

The pleas came from Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and then Home Secretary Amber Rudd last week - while Ms Rudd was fighting a losing battle for her political life.

A maximum of 20,700 visas are available for professional migrant workers each year and monthly caps mean applications are routinely rejected.

Theresa May overruled three of her most senior ministers to block an increase in the number of doctors allowed to move to Britain from overseas

The pleas came from Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (right today in Downing Street) and then Home Secretary Amber Rudd (left today leaving home) last week - while Ms Rudd was fighting a losing battle for her political life

Business Secretary Greg Clark also lobbied the Prime Minister on the issue after the NHS went public with a need for more staff.

Downing Street has been lobbied for months over the number of 'tier two' visas available for medics and the issue came to a head on Friday, the Standard revealed today.

A Whitehall source told the paper Mrs May 'absolutely refused to budge' when asked to lift the cap in recent months.

'I think Jeremy and Amber were on the same page on this but No 10 were in a different place entirely,' said a separate source.

'The cap had been reached for several months consecutively and the pressures on business and the health service were building up.'

Asked about the reports today, Downing Street insisted the number of visas available to doctors was constantly monitored.

Business Secretary Greg Clark also lobbied the Prime Minister on the issue after the NHS went public with a need for more staff (file image of the NHS Bradford Royal Infirmary)

But Mrs May's official spokesman stopped short of saying the number would go up.

The annual limit for these Tier 2 migrant workers is 20,700 but if the monthly total is exceeded then professionals are refused.

Skilled-workers in the 'shortage' categories are given priority for places. Specialist doctors can qualify, as do NHS nurses, who are in short supply, leaving too few visas for ordinary doctors.

The new row over immigration emerged just two days after Ms Rudd resigned as Home Secretary amid a row over deportation targets.

And the entire Government has been engulfed in a major scandal over wrongful deportation of people from the Windrush generation of migrants to Britain.MPs today warned Mark Zuckerberg they are ready to issue a formal summons to force him to give evidence on the Facebook data scandal.

The Culture Committee has written to the billionaire insisting the 40million UK users of his site deserve 'answers'.

There was fury last week after it emerged Mr Zuckerberg has agreed to give evidence to the European Parliament - despite still snubbing the House of Commons inquiry.

He has already appeared before the US senate, but sent a deputy to be grilled by the MPs.

Furious MPs are demanding Mark Zuckerberg (pictured giving evidence to Congress last month) comes personally to answer their questions

The Culture Committee has written to the billionaire insisting the 40million UK users of his site deserve 'answers'

Culture, Media and Sport Committee chairman Damian Collins stunned his colleagues by revealing the development while they grilled another executive sent in Mr Zuckerberg's place

In a letter to Facebook UK's head of public policy Rebecca Stimson, committee chairman Damian Collins wrote: 'Following reports that he will be giving evidence to the European Parliament in May, we would like Mr Zuckerberg to come to London during his European trip. We would like the session here to take place by 24 May.

'It is worth noting that, while Mr Zuckerberg does not normally come under the jurisdiction of the UK Parliament, he will do so the next time he enters the country.

What are the accusations against Cambridge Analytica? Who are Cambridge Analytica? Cambridge Analytica has been thrown into turmoil after finding itself in the middle of Facebook data harvesting The firm, which has offices in London, New York and Washington, boasts to clients that it can 'find your voters and move them to action'. What are their ties to Aleksandr Kogan? The controversy centres around their use of the GSR app, developed by the Cambridge University research Dr Aleksandr Kogan. Facebook users used the app to answer a personality survey which plundered the data of 100million users. How was Cambridge Analytica used in the Brexit and Trump campaigns? It has been claimed that Cambridge Analytica used the information to assess peoples' personalities and come up with political strategies to sway voters to back Brexit and Donald Trump. The firm has insisted it did no actual work for the Brexit campaign - although it did pitch for work with Leave.EU. But whistleblowers say that Arron Banks - the co founder of Leave.EU - used the ideas gleaned from the itch to pursue his own CA-style model to predict and influence voters' behaviour in the EU referendum. Mr Banks denied the allegations Cambridge Analytica suspended its chief executive, Alexander Nix, after recordings emerged of him making a series of controversial claims. Why was Vote Leave embroiled in the scandal? It is also claimed that campaign chiefs at Vote Leave - the official pro Brexit campaign group - may have broken the law in the campaign. It is claimed that they donated 650,000 to the other pro Brexit group BeLeave in the final days of the campaign and told them to spend it on data advertising by the Canadian firm Aggregate IQ - breaking election rules. Whistleblowers have claimed that Cambridge Analytica has undisclosed links to the Canadian digital firm AggregateIQ Advertisement

'We hope that he will respond positively to our request, but if not the Committee will resolve to issue a formal summons for him to appear when he is next in the UK.'

Facebook's chief technical officer Mike Schroepfer testified before the inquiry on April 26 but Mr Collins complained that his evidence 'lacked many of the important details that we need'.

During the hearing last week, Facebook's chief technical officer was told his company was 'the problem' at the heart of the Cambridge Analytica crisis.

Mr Schroepfer vowed that by next year's local elections, British voters would have access to more information about how and why they see political advertising on Facebook.

In heated exchanges more than an hour into the hearing, Tory MP Julian Knight condemned Facebook's attempt to escape blame for Cambridge Analytica wrongly using users' data.

Mr Knight blasted: 'I put it to you that Facebook is a morality-free zone.

'You aren't an innocent party maligned by the likes of Cambridge Analytica: you are the problem.'

Mr Schroepfer replied: 'I respectfully disagree with that assessment.

'You want us to say we're responsible, which we have on multiple occasions, and you want transparency on ads and other things.

'The core of our job is to build a service which helps millions of people connect with each other around the world every day.'

Mr Schroepfer apologised for Facebook's decision to send legal letters to journalists covering the story in a bid to stop the expose coming out.

Turning to the 2016 EU Referendum, Mr Schroepfer said Facebook had found no evidence Cambridge Analytica had spent money on advertising during the referendum.

But Aggregate IQ, a linked company which multiple Brexit campaign groups spent large portions of their campaign budget with, 'spent two million dollars on the Brexit referendum in the UK in 2016,' he said.

Mr Schroepfer stressed that political advertising on Facebook is 'a very small, low, single-digit percentage of our advertising revenue' and the company believes transparency is the best way to protect voters from malicious political ads.

'There are a number of challenges you've raised and we need to do better,' he said, but added that, for people outside the political mainstream, the combination of Facebook pages and advertising on the platform is 'a powerful tool of free speech'.

The solution, he claimed, is greater transparency around who is paying for political adverts on Facebook and making the content of those adverts visible to everyone.

Facebook executive Mike Schroepfer (pictured in Parliament last week) was accused of working in a 'morality free zone' by MPs investigating fake news



A British tourist has died after being assaulted while on holiday in Majorca with his young family.

The man, named locally as Aaron Henderson from the Coleraine area of Northern Ireland, reportedly passed away in hospital on Monday.

Mr Henderson was allegedly assaulted in the party resort of Magaluf and the attack reportedly left him with head injuries.

Aaron Henderson and his partner Danielle Baxter who said 'life is cruel' after news emerged of his death

His partner Danielle Baxter said in a social media post: 'I love you Aaron Hendy Henderson always and forever'.

She said of her partner he 'made me the happiest I've ever been in my entire life' adding 'life is cruel.. Love and miss you always. . My babes xxxxxxxx'.

Local DUP Councillor Trevor Clarke told Belfast Live the news has shocked the local community.

'It's very sad news and has come as a shock to the local community. The young man was from a very well-known family here in the town who have a wholesale business.

'I don't know the family personally but I'd like to extend my sincere sympathies to them at this terrible time, I understand he has a young family as well and a partner so my thoughts are with them all.'

In a statement on Facebook, his family's business Paul Henderson Wholesales and Megastore posed: 'To all our valued customers, the store will be closed until further notice.

'We appreciate your patience and understanding and ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time.'

Mr Henderson, also pictured with his partner, was described as a 'lovely young fella who was always smiling'

Customers have been extending their support and sympathy to the family following the news.

'Can't believe what I am reading. Such a lovely young fella who was always smiling and having a joke anytime I was in the store. He will be extremely missed behind the counter. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.'

Another added: 'So so sorry Paul & Kim to hear this heartbreaking news Aaron was such a lovely fellow and I can't begin to imagine the pain you're going through! Thinking of you all at this sad time.'

Maurice Bradley MLA told the Causeway Coast Coast Community this morning: 'It is believed that Mr Henderson died whilst on holiday with his family in Magaluf.

'This is devastating news. Sadly, this young family were enjoying a break away.

'Aaron was a well-known young man, a keen Coleraine fan, he was well liked by his peers and known by customers to the family business.

'My thoughts go to Aaron's partner and his entire family circle.'

A Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: 'We are assisting the family of a British man following his hospitalisation in Majorca, and are in contact with the Spanish hospital services.'A nine-year-old girl born catastrophically disabled at King's College Hospital has won an NHS compensation payout worth more than 19 million.

The youngster was born with severe jaundice and her lawyers claimed there was a negligent delay in giving her a total blood transfusion.

NHS lawyers accepted that there had been 'shortcomings' in her care  and today agreed to what is believed to be a record settlement of her claim.

A nine-year-old girl born catastrophically disabled at King's College Hospital has won an NHS compensation payout worth more than 19 million. Approving the payout, Sir Robert Francis (pictured) said: 'This is very near to the top end of the scale for a brain injury'

Approving the payout, Sir Robert Francis said: 'This is very near to the top end of the scale for a brain injury'.

Stricken by severe behavioural difficulties, the youngster has 'insight' into her condition and has a very long life expectancy, he said.

The girl was delivered with high levels of bilirubin - which causes jaundice - in her blood, the High Court heard.

Her lawyers claimed that, had medics swiftly carried out a total 'blood exchange', she would have escaped permanent injury.

The girl's barrister, Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel QC, said King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust had accepted 85 per cent liability for her injuries.

Alexander Hutton QC, for the trust, said: 'This case did highlight shortcomings in the care that was provided.

'We are extremely sorry for those shortcomings and I am told that the trust has worked hard to ensure that this will not happen again in the future.'

Praising the girl's parents for their unstinting care, he added: 'They have done a wonderful job in very difficult circumstances.'

The girl's barrister, Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel QC (left) said King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust had accepted 85 per cent liability for her injuries. Alexander Hutton QC (right), for the trust, said: 'This case did highlight shortcomings in the care that was provided

Sir Robert said the girl would have led 'a very promising life indeed' had it not been for the tragic injuries she suffered soon after her birth.

She faced 'enormous difficulties' in her life and 'no amount of money' could ever compensate her for all she had lost.

Her mother had given 'a moving account' of what she and her husband had been through, and the judge added: 'This was a situation that no parent would ever want to deal with.'

But he told the court: 'They should feel a sense of pride for what they have done and society should be grateful to them.'

The girl will receive a 6.8 million lump sum, plus annual, index-linked, payments to cover the costs of her care for life.

Those payments will start at 130,000-a-year, before rising to 174,250-a-year in 2020.

When she approaches her twenties, in 2028, the payments will rise again to 228,000-a-year.

Miss Gumbel told the court that, given the girl's long life expectancy, the capitalised value of the settlement is 19,410,417.

Had the trust accepted 100 per cent liability for her injuries, the award's total value would have topped 22 million, she added.

Samantha Critchley, a partner at Fieldfisher law firm, pursued the civil claim on behalf of the child.

'This has been a long-drawn out and harrowing case for the family and we are pleased it is finally settled. This settlement will help provide the child with the right care and treatment she needs to live as full a life as possible and will give the parents the peace of mind that their daughter will have as bright a future as possible.

'Acknowledgement of the shortcomings in care from the hospital also provides important answers for the family and to some extent will help them move forward with their lives.

'The judge touched on their amazing devotion to their daughter's care and I would add it has been a true privilege to act for this child and witness first-hand the strength of the love and devotion shown by the parents and brother.'This is the moment a son surprises his 67-year-old mother on her birthday after flying to Spain to see her - and he gets an ecstatic reaction.

Brenton D'Silva, 45, sneaks into the restaurant in Los Alcazares, Murcia, south-east Spain where his mother's surprise birthday dinner is going on - to take the shock level a little bit higher.

His mother, Moira, is delighted to see her son. She wraps up Brenton, who lives in Essex, in a massive hug, showers him in kisses - and doesn't seem to want to let him go.

Surprise! Brenton's mother Moira beams and holds onto her son after he arrives

'Oh my God' she repeats as the birthday guests cheer in the background.

Moira was born in the UK but moved to Spain two years ago. The birthday surprise was planned with help from her friends Jackie and Angie, who is a professional party planner.

Brenton, who captured the moment with his fiancee, Kelly, said: 'They were all sworn to secrecy that we were going, and I think some struggled keeping it secret.

'Oh my God': The 67-year-old almost falls to the floor when she sees her son walk in to the restuarant with his fiancee Kelly

'It must be said that Angie and Jackie did an amazing job organising this surprise and without their help it wouldn't have been such a great day for my mum. All we did was turn up.

'Her first surprise was seeing her friends at the venue, which overwhelmed her, and the second was Kelly and I walking in.

'She had no clue whatsoever. We landed at Alicante airport and I called her to wish her happy birthday and said I would FaceTime her that night as I was busy at work.

Brenton, 45, said his mother had 'no clue whatsoever' that he and his partner would be arriving

'I must admit I felt nervous when we arrived outside the venue as all this planning that Angie and Jackie had done was at that moment very real.

'It was a weird feeling walking in and doing the actual surprise as I have never done anything like that.

'She couldn't believe that we were actually there and it took a few glasses of wine for her to take it in.

Moira had already been surprised that day with her birthday meal, so the cherry on top was seeing her son in the same country as her

The doting son said: 'She couldn't believe that we were actually there and it took a few glasses of wine for her to take it in'

'It was a lovely day and evening which started at the restaurant and carried on at a bar down the road.'

Brenton explains how the event was planned: 'I called her friend Angie who lives out there and explained what I wanted to do, and originally myself and Kelly were going to go to Angie's and then Angie would bring my mum there and that would be the surprise.

'Angie is a professional organiser and used to organise weddings for a living at a venue in Scotland she owned - so she was in her element for something like this.

'So her and mutual friend Jackie set about organising a surprise meal at the restaurant and invited a load of friends my mum has out there to it.'An underwater cameraman was excited to spot this rare sea creature feeding on the sea bed off Indonesia.

The Melibe viridis, a type of sea slug, has a transparent head which it flares  like the Demogorgon in sci-fi TV series Stranger Things  to capture its prey.

Diver Jace Green stumbled across the spooky-looking creature during a night dive in Raja Ampat.

The documentarian, 48, captured the peculiar movement on his camera by torchlight.

He later identified the deep sea dweller as a Melibe viridis, a rare type of carnivorous nudibranch.

The unusual creature eats by scanning the sea bed with its oral hood. When the small brushes inside the mouth detect food, the hood rapidly retracts, trapping the prey inside.

The rare sighting of the deep sea dweller was captured by underwater documentarian Jace Green during a night dive

Green, who has been a sea life documentarian for over 13 years, said: 'I have been diving since 2005 and this is my first encounter with this species - they are pretty rare and it was very exciting to witness this for the first time.

'I saw something moving on the sand in the beam of my torchlight, it looked very peculiar.

'All 17 species of Melibe nudibranchs or sea slugs typically feed in this way, which is very unusual.

The Melibe viridis, left, stretches its head to catch its prey much like Demogorgon in Stranger Things, right

'The Melibe, which can grow to 120 mm long, are all carnivores and active predators.

'Although it looks like a harmless blob of algae or seaweed sitting at the bottom of the ocean, its actually a voracious predator - I wouldn't want to be a shrimp with one of those around.

The creature eats by scanning the sea bed with its oral hood. The small bristles in its mouth detect food and the hood retracts

All 17 species of Melibe nudibranchs typically feed in this unusual way

'I'm a big nudibranch lover - there are so many to discover.

'Their colours and behaviour are fascinating to me. I have to put this in my top five bizarre animal encounters.'Please log in to keep reading.

Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever.Almost half of Australian university degrees are at serious risk of becoming obsolete in the next 10 years unless they're overhauled, a new research paper has revealed.

Ernest & Young has called on universities to future-proof or risk major disruption following the release of its latest report, titled The university of the future.

The dominant Australian university model is under threat of becoming unviable, and will leave graduates with more debt and poor job prospects, according to the report released on Tuesday.

More than 50 university leaders and policymakers were interviewed and more than 3000 students and employers were surveyed.

The dominant Australian university model is under threat of becoming unviable, and will leave graduates with more debt and poor job prospects, according to a new research paper

Large numbers of academics, teachers and employers consider that many of the degree courses offered will soon be obsolete unless they are overhauled to reflect the rapidly-changing nature of industry and employment, the report found

Around 42 per cent of current and past graduates felt their degree needed to be overhauled.

Only 36 per cent of those studying humanities, culture and social sciences and just 41 per cent of science and mathematics students thought their degree was relevant to their job.

The report follows a recent Grattan Institute prediction that more than 50,000 of the 250,000 students who started a bachelor degree in Australia this year will drop out.

'Australian universities are under threat from changing learner preferences, new competitive models and international competition,' Ernest & Young Oceania Education Leader Catherine Friday said.

'They need to move now to ensure they meet the needs of a changing society and changing economy. To succeed, they will need to deconstruct the higher-education value chain, offering new formats such as unbundled degree programs, continuous subscription-based learning and just-in-time learning options.'

Around 42 per cent of current and past university graduates felt their degree needed to be overhauled

The report urges universities to collaborate more closely with industry in creating course content to produce more work-ready graduates after 50 per cent of employers claimed that management and commerce degrees are not worthwhile.

'Australian universities are ranked last in the OECD ranking for the ability to collaborate with business on innovation,' Ms Friday said.

'Fixing that has become an urgent priority - 51 percent of international students believe their degree needs to be transformed and the university leaders we spoke to estimate that 40 per cent of existing degrees will soon be obsolete. Those institutions that can crack the new, flexible teaching learning models required will reap the benefits, as they outpace competitors that persist in delivering three to four-year degree programs that employers simply do not value.'

The report found that 87 per cent of nursing students and 80 per cent of education students interviewed say their degree was relevant to their job

Just 41 per cent of science and mathematics students interviewed thought their degree was relevant to their job

Ms Friday believes there's a role for governments to define what they want out of the sector and needs to motivate the development of future offerings in collaboration with industry.

'For better or worse the policy choices of the past 40 years have given us today's education sector,' Ms Friday said.

'The policy choices we make now will define the education sector of 2030. Policy makers need to step above the fray and start making decisions that encourages a more effective and efficient model that builds on existing strengths.'

Marketing executive Michael Nguyen said little of what he learnt from his commerce degree had been relevant in the workplace.

'When you get out there, you have to know how to use platforms and create campaigns on social media,' Mr Nguyen told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'You don't learn that at university, you only learn textbook theory on things like what consumers do.'

University of Technology Sydney vice-chancellor for education Peter Scott is already planning for the future.

'One of the things UTS is now doing is developing our strategy for 2027 and looking at unbundling the degree, redesigning the physical campus and working with industry,' Professor Scott told the Sydney Morning Herald.Darren Martin filmed himself on Instagram after he was questioned by several NYPD cops when a neighbor called 911 on Friday night because they thought he was breaking into his own apartment

A black former Obama administration staffer had the police called on him for being a suspected armed burglar while he was moving into his New York apartment.

Darren Martin was moving into his new five-floor walkup on the Upper West Side late on Friday night when one of his new neighbors reported him to police for trying to break into his own apartment.

Martin, who was moving back to the city after several years working for President Obama in Washington DC, said the 911 caller had told police he was suspected of breaking in through the roof of the 106th Street building and had a 'large' weapon.

He documented his encounter with police on an Instagram live video as at least six officers - some plain-clothed - searched his apartment and questioned him and his friend.

'Somebody called the cops on me in my own building,' he said in the livestream.

Martin said he noticed police arriving about halfway through the move while he was standing in the lobby collecting some of his valuables.

He said they demanded to be let in the building but didn't listen when he told them he lived there and was moving in.

His video showed police refusing to let him leave the lobby until officers had investigated the robbery reports.

He documented his encounter with police (pictured right) on an Instagram live video as at least six officers - some plain-clothed - searched his apartment and questioned him

Martin, who was moving back to New York after several years working for President Obama in Washington DC, said the 911 caller told police he was suspected of breaking in through the roof and had a 'large' weapon

Martin filmed himself surrounded by boxes in the apartment building.

Police eventually determined that Martin wasn't engaged in any criminal activity.

He took to Twitter soon after saying he wasn't entirely surprised by the ordeal.

'There are fewer moments less dignifying, than at the scene when the police and witnesses assess you to determine if you committed this crime or perceived crime - when you know you didn't. Hey, you already fit the profile so that's half their battle,' Martin said.

'I was blessed enough to be released and not become a hashtag. This was a tame encounter compared to others I've been in and witnessed.

'But the next and lingering pit in my stomach came from how my my neighbors viewed me. How they officially welcomed me into the building. Call the police on this Black man who DEFINITELY doesn't live here. The man who worked for President Obama and now serves his fellow New Yorkers.

'Yeah, him. I gotta say, moving up a 5th floor walk up is tough, but each of those 100 plus steps becomes increasingly grueling with the thought that you're feared or just not wanted in the building. I guess next time I'll wear a suit. #MovingWhileBlack.'

Martin filmed himself surrounded by boxes in the apartment building as police refused to let him leave the lobby until officers had investigated the robbery reports

Martin said he noticed police arriving about halfway through the move while he was standing in the lobby of his new five-floor walkup on the Upper West Side (pictured above)

Martin said he had initially planned to move in the daylight but got held up with work and had to do it at 11pm. He said he unexpectedly found himself recording a 'very unfortunate circumstance'.

'I lie when I say "unexpectedly." I partly expected this once I added up all the factors: I'm a Black man, late at night, moving valuables around in a gentrifying neighborhood. See, this checklist is something.

'Black men find themselves reviewing in a host of scenarios. "I should stay far away from this woman on this dark street clutching her purse". "It's casual Friday, but should I wear a suit so they know I'm part of the meeting?" "The Pokemon in that guy's yard may not be worth it".'

Martin had worked in Obama's administration for about five years advising senior White House officials and the President on legislative affairs.

He most recently worked for the US House of Representatives as a legislative associate before making the move back to his native New York to continue his public service career.

Martin currently works as the special assistant to the Commissioner at NYC Department of Social Services.Davide Buccheri, 25, was working for giant asset manager M&G in central London as a fund manager's assistant when he targeted Rebecca Baker

A City worker who posted fake photos of an intern on porn websites after she refused his advances has been jailed for four months today.

Davide Buccheri, 25, was working for investment management company M&G as a fund manager's assistant when he targeted 22-year-old Rebecca Baker.

Buccheri took photos from the Durham University graduate's social media and edited her face onto pornographic pictures of other women between September 2016 and May 2017.

He then told the woman's bosses about the photos to discredit her.

The Italian was convicted at Westminster Magistrates' Court of harassment and taken into custody before his sentencing on Tuesday. He was ordered pay 5,000 in compensation to his victim.

The court heard Buccheri made a series of 'unwanted romantic advances' when Ms Baker joined the firm as an intern in September 2016.

Buccheri explained that he took an interest in all of the interns starting at M&G and looked them up on social media.

The court was told that he joked to a friend: 'I stalked her and I only stalk people I like a lot.'

Buccheri invited her for coffee but Ms Baker hesitated as she felt uncomfortable before deciding to go.

He then asked for her mobile phone number, but refused to give him it out to him, before sending her messages on the internal email system.

Buccheri then uploaded pictures of Ms Baker from her social media accounts and put them on a porn site motherless.com in what prosecutor Aimee Emby described as an 'insidious' campaign.

Ms Emby said Buccheri had 'obsessive crush that ended in rejection for Mr Buccheri, damaging his pride and driving his desire to cause Ms Baker harassment, alarm or distress'.

Buccheri used the pseudonym 'Flying Gerbil' to post pictures of his colleague on the porn site before reporting her to Human Resources to embarrass her, the court heard.

District Judge Richard Blake found Buccheri guilty of one charge of harassment without violence and said: 'You were obsessed with this young woman.

'You were overwhelmed by her rejection of you and then you set about to destroy her.'

The judge said a custodial sentence was 'almost inevitable' and added: 'You conducted a quite wicked, calculated campaign against this young woman. It is shameful.'

Buccheri used the pseudonym 'Flying Gerbil' to post pictures of his colleague on the porn site before reporting her to Human Resources to embarrass her, the court heard

Giving evidence Ms Baker said she was left 'devastated' by Buccheri's campaign.

'At first the messages were friendly, and I felt obliged to keep it that way,' she said.

'I felt bad for him in that I did not have his interest. There had been email exchanges when I had made it quite clear that I wanted to maintain a professional relationship.

'I would say that someone with a little emotional intelligence would see that someone who tried to postpone the coffee had some reservations

'He sent me a long gushy email. He gave me his mobile number despite me not giving him mine. I felt uncomfortable.'

When Ms Baker was first told about the fake porn images on Motherless.com, she said she was left 'devastated and embarrassed.'

District judge Richard Blake had found Buccheri guilty of harassment after a trial which ended last week.

Passing sentence he told the Italian: 'You were obsessed with this young woman.

'You were overwhelmed by her rejection of you and then you set about to destroy her. You conducted a quite wicked, calculated campaign against this young woman.

'It is shameful.'

The judge likened Buccheri's behaviour to a '21st Century sort of revenge' by a tech-savvy young man.

'I was sure that you, having been spurned by her in a very professional and gentle and understanding way set about on a course of revenge against her,' he said.

'This is a 21st centre sort of revenge. You placed her images on those websites, you thereafter alerted M&G bosses in order to discredit her.

'This was all about you and the fact that you had not come to terms with the fact that this young woman had rejected you.

'Ms Baker is going to to live forever with the fear that someone will Google her name and some ghastly website will come up and she will be reminded of the offences that you invoked.'

Buccheri took photos from his victim's social media and edited her face onto pornographic pictures of other women between September 2016 and May 2017

The judge said he recognised that it was a tragedy for Buccheri also, adding: 'I am sure this is not how your parents expected your future to go.

'You are a young man, you clearly have intellect and the consequences of this conduct has destroyed your careet.'

The court heard Ms Baker had succeeded so well in her placement with the firm she was offered a role following her graduation.

'Before she took up that post, she was called to the HR department of that company and was told of evidence which had come to their attention that she had featured on pornographic websites,' the judge said.

'She knew nothing of these images.

'At the start of her career, an intelligent woman leaving university with every reason to be excited about the future suddenly found herself confronted with these ghastly images and the suggestion that rather than being the person she presented herself as to the company during her interview, there was a much darker side.'

He continued: 'She is going to have to live the rest of her professional life with the sniggers by the water cooler or whispers when she goes by.

'She doesn't deserve that.

'This young woman did absolutely nothing to bring about your disgusting behaviour.

'I hope anybody that knows her or works with her gives her the privacy of not acknowledging this case and allow this young woman to go on with her career.'

Buccheri, the son of a railway engineer was earning 44,000 a year with a juicy bonus of 66,000 in 2016, the court heard.

The court heard he was dismissed from his role at M&G following what happened and has since returned home where he is yet to find work.

Emily Baxter, defending, said Buccheri claimed to have only 60 left in his bank account after spending 'far too lavishly' while he was in employment and losing his job.

She said his behaviour was as an 'infatuation that went too far' where he was 'creating this online fantasy'.

'It is clear that he developed a complete infatuation with her, but he did not have the social skills to know what to do with that or the thinking skills to assess the consequences of his actions or the skills to deal with what he then felt when she politely turned him down,' she said.

She said he was 'completely besotted' with her and explained: 'Perhaps now we are seeing the beginnings of remorse.'

Buccheri was jailed for 16 weeks and was ordered to pay Ms Baker 5,000 in compensation.

He was also made subject of a restraining order against Ms Baker and any member of her family until further order.

Buccheri must also pay prosecution costs of 930.

His LinkedIn profile states that he worked for M&G after graduating from a 12-month rotational programme.

M&G is an investment company managing the long-term savings of millions of people across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

According to their website, customers' assets currently under their management total 281.5bn as of June 2017.

Buccheri denied but was convicted of one count of harassment without violence.A British University graduate has spent at least 5,000 on billboard adverts in London and the US in the hope Kanye West gives him a job.

Harry Dry, 22, who recently graduated from Durham University, said stunt may be the 'world's most expensive CV'.

He told MailOnline he had recently applied for a number of jobs but was inspired to invest his money in the adverts after the American superstar said he had 160 jobs to fill by the end of the year.

Mr Dry has targeted his adverts in London, New York's Times Square, Los Angeles and Wyoming - the four locations which Kanye West plans to fill his 160 job allocations.

Harry Dry, 22, an economics graduate at Durham university, spent 5,000 on the billboard adverts

Harry Dry has rented out billboard space in four cities in a bid to get Kanye West to hire him

One of the locations Harry Dry hired was in London

Last month, Kanye West tweeted that he was going to hire 160 people for his growing business

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Dry, who also works as a web developer, also launched a new website within the last hour to help promote his adverts to Kanye West.

Mr Dry said: 'I have been trying to stand out and thought there would be no better way than to this. He's got 160 jobs across four cities you have to be creative nowadays.'

He said that he managed to save up part of a his maintenance loan from university, as well as by working behind a bar and used his nous as a web developer to share his idea with the wider world.

He added: 'At the moment the adverts will be up for the next 24 hours but I've got the option to extend them for a little longer.

'The Wyoming billboard has not gone up yet but it should be showing soon.'

Mr Dry launched a new dating website dedicated to Kanye West fans called Yeezy.Dating last week, and plans to pitch the idea to the superstar.

'He has changed the face of music and fashion. I'm now hoping he will buy into the idea of changing dating as well.

'Apps like Tinder are great but they are quite superficial and are great for sex.

'But you can't really build that connection with someone and I'm hoping to change that.'

'There is a gap in the market and I would like to tempt him into that.'

Mr Dry described Kanye West as a 'free-thinker' and although not particularly political himself, supported the musician's decision to speak out in favour of Donald Trump.

'It's healthy stand up what you believe in, you cannot just have one train of thought. You have to stand up to the mob mentality and express how you feel.'

He added: 'Ive grown up not only listening to Kanyes music but also being inspired by his radical philosophies.

Kanye West was pictured with a Make America Great Again hat and has expressed some pro-Trump views

Mr Dry said 'Ideas are the new currency and free thinkers are the future. Im just waiting for the call'

'Once I saw Kanye was recruiting free thinkers and people with ideas I just had to do everything in my power, including spending my student loan, to contact him.'

Mr Dry says: 'We are living in a new world where the old business models are like dinosaurs, dying all around us. Kanyes philosophy is "Burn the excel spreadsheet".

'When I was thinking about how to contact him, the last thing on my mind was writing a CV. I thought to myself, what would Kanye do? It was time to go big or go home.

'Ideas are the new currency and free thinkers are the future. Im just waiting for the call.'

The new website to help gain Kanye West's attention was launched today. He has not yet reached out to Mr Dry.An historic stars and stripes flag hastily made for the burial of American soldiers on a Scottish island during the First World War is returning home after a century away.

The 'star-spangled banner' was hand-stitched by quilters on the island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides in 1918 following the tragic sinking of a British troopship.

The SS Tuscania sank after being hit by a torpedo from a German U-boat seven miles off Islay - with the loss of 210 British and US servicemen and crew.

The ship was loaded with around 2,000 men and women making their way from New York to the north of France at the time. Many of the dead washed up on Islay's shores.

An historic stars and stripes flag (pictured) that was hastily made for the burial of American soldiers on a Scottish island during the First World War is returning home after a century away

The SS Tuscania (pictured) was loaded with around 2,000 men and women making their way from New York to the north of France when it sank in 1918

The flag was made so soldiers who died after the sinking could be buried with honor under their own flag.

It was made by Jessie McLellan, Mary Cunningham, Catherine McGregor, Mary Armour, and John McDougall - who worked through the night at Islay House to complete it.

They finished the stitching around 2am just ahead of the first US funeral held on Islay.

The flag was later sent to President Woodrow Wilson and is now in the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

Islay residents (left to right) Catherine McGregor, Jessie McLellan, John McDougall, Mary Cunningham and Mary Armour hand-stitched the flag

The stars and stripes were sewn in less than a day after the troopship SS Tuscania was struck by a German U-Boat around seven miles from Islay. Pictured, the American monument on the island

But it will returned to the island of Islay ahead of the WW100 Scotland National Day of Remembrance, which is held there on May 4.

Jenni Minto, of the Museum of Islay Life, said she is delighted the flag will return home for the 100 year commemorations.

'Islay and Jura lost over 200 of their own men in WW1 and sadly those families never got the opportunity to bury their own,' she said.

'The sinking of the Tuscania and later the Otranto, gave the islanders the opportunity to look after those men, living and dead, as they hoped their own boys would be cared for at land and sea.

'The making of the flag 100 years ago is symbolic of that and I am delighted that it is to come home to Islay as part of our commemorations.'

A traditional funeral was held on Islay for the men killed when the Tuscania was hit by a German torpedo seven miles off Islay

The funeral procession was led by the British Union flag and the handmade American flag

Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian's Ambassador at Large, said the flag 'embodies an amazing story' and he is 'proud' it is returning home to Islay.

He added: 'It's a flag that exemplifies the long-standing bonds between the people of the United States and those of Scotland and the United Kingdom.'

And 100 years on, the ladies of the Islay Quilters have recreated the flag, working at Islay House.

The new replica flag will be used in the commemorative services later this month.

The original flag will be displayed in the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte for the coming months before returning to the US.

Marian Senior, one of the Islay Quilters team which made the replica flag 100 years on, said it will be a 'privilege' to see the original flag.

She added: 'As we sewed, we reflected on what it must have been like on the island 100 years ago, making the flag in the same spot that it was done so long ago but under very different conditions.'

Curator Jennifer Jones is pictured with the Islay Flag in the Conservation Lab at the National Museum of American History in Washington DC

The commemorative service on May 4 will remember the more than 200 Islay men who died during the war.

It will also pay tribute to the 700 US servicemen and British crew members who lost their lives in the sinkings of SS Tuscania and the HMS Otranto in October 1918.

The commemorations will be attended by HRH The Princess Royal and Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop.

Ms Hyslop said: 'World War One had a devastating impact across Scotland with no town or village unaffected.

'Islay and Jura not only lost a significant amount of men for such a small community, they had war brought to their shorelines.'



Hundreds of neo-Nazis holding anti-migrant banners have staged a rally in a German town and clashed with police on Labour Day.

About 750 supporters of the far-right National Democratic Party and 'Die Rechte' (The Right) demonstrated under the theme 'Greater justice for all Germans' during a rally in Erfurt, central Germany.

Many were dressed in black and covered their heads with hoods, sun glasses and even umbrellas as they made their way through the town.

Police watched the right-wing protesters as they marched - and there are reports that an officer was attacked this afternoon.

Carrying a banner saying 'we love our country but hate this state', they were later met with a counter protest with campaigners waving 'racists not welcome' placards.

Hundreds of neo-Nazis holding anti-migrant banners have staged a rally in the German town of Erfurt on Labour Day

Supporters of the far-right National Democratic Party and 'Die Rechte' (The Right) demonstrated under the theme 'Greater justice for all Germans' during a rally in Erfurt

Many of the members were dressed in black and covered their heads with hoods, sun glasses and even umbrellas as they made their way through the town

Police watched the right-wing protesters as they marched. Pictured: A supporter of the right-wing NDP in Erfurt today

They were later met with a counter protest with campaigners waving flags saying 'racists not welcome'.

The event comes as Germany, after a mass influx of asylum seekers since 2015, is witnessing a revival of far-right and ultra-nationalist groups and has seen the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) enter parliament.

According to the German Trade Union Confederation, nearly 9,000 people took part in rallies on May Day in the Thuringia region.

Its regional vice chairman said its own protesters had managed to assert themselves against neo-Nazis and right-wing populists, according to local media.

The NPD has seen a sharp decline in its support base since the rise of the more moderate, right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD).

But it remains the main party for many neo-Nazis, who in Germany exist in various political subcultures, including so-called 'empire citizens' ('Reichsbuerger') who refuse to recognise the German federal state, as well as neo-Nazi farmers and classic neo-Nazi post-skinheads

It came on a day when tens of thousands of workers marched across Germany and Austria rallying for their rights in the face of globalization.

According to the German Trade Union Confederation, nearly 9,000 people took part in rallies on May Day in the Thuringia region. Pictured: The NDP marching through Erfurt

The far-right protesters unfurled a banner saying: 'We love our country but hate this state'

About 750 flag-waving neo-Nazis marched through the town of Erfurt, prompting counter protests

Party activists used umbrellas to hide their identities as they marched through the town of Erfurt

There was a heavy police presence and German police closed roads as the May Day marches took place in Erfurt

The event comes as Germany, after a mass influx of asylum seekers since 2015, is witnessing a revival of far-right and ultra-nationalist groups and has seen the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) enter parliament

In Vienna, some 12,000 people gathered in front of city hall, some carrying banners with slogans against planned welfare cuts by the new government.

Meanwhile, around 4,000 union supporters marched on different routes through Berlin, before assembling at the German capital's landmark Brandenburg Gate.

'We have more rich and even richer people than we ever had before,' said protester Aimo Tuegel in Berlin. 'And, on the other hand, work and working conditions for workers continuing to get worse.'

In Nuremberg, where the German Confederation of Trade Unions, or DGB, held its main event this year, some 6,500 protesters cheered as the group's leader, Reiner Hoffmann, said the unions 'managed to civilize industrial capitalism some 100 years ago' and would also be able to tackle contemporary challenges like digitalization.

The DGB said that altogether some 340,000 people participated in almost 500 May Day events across Germany.

There are reports that a police officer was hurt during a clash amid heightened tensions in Erfurt this afternoon

The flags of 'Sektion Nordland' and flags of the far-right NPD political party were seen as members gathered to march on May Day in Erfurt, Germany

The NPD has seen a sharp decline in its support base since the rise of the more moderate, right-wing Alternative for GermanyMinisters have surrendered to MPs' demands they force British tax havens to be more transparent rather than face inevitable defeat at the hands of rebel Tories.

The Government has insisted for weeks the convention it does not directly impose rules on British Overseas Territories - such as the Cayman Islands and the Falklands - meant it could not accept a Labour amendment.

But after almost 20 Conservative MPs signed the proposal tabled by Labour grandee Dame Margaret Hodge ministers were forced to backdown.

Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan admitted the Government would lose any vote called on the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill amendment and announced he was withdrawing opposition.

Once law, the measure will require the Foreign Secretary to take steps to provide that British Overseas Territories establish publicly accessible registers of the beneficial ownership of companies.

Foreign Office MInister Sir Alan Duncan (pictured in today's debate) today signalled Government surrender to MPs' demands they force British tax havens to be more transparent

Sir Alan admitted the Government would lose any vote called on the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill amendment and announced he was withdrawing opposition

MPs and campaigners have said public registers would make it easier to uncover money-laundering, corruption and tax-dodging.

Before his climbdown Sir Alan insisted British overseas territories are separate jurisdictions with democratically-elected governments, responsible for their fiscal matters and unrepresented in the UK Parliament.

He warned that legislating without their consent 'effectively disenfranchises their elected representatives'.

Sir Alan added that a consensual approach with the territories would have been preferred to make the registers publicly available.

Sir Alan added: 'I give the overseas territories the fullest possible assurance that we will work very closely with them in shaping and implementing the order in council which this Act of Parliament might require.

'To that end we will offer them the fullest possible legal and logistical support that they might ask of us.

The Government has insisted for weeks the convention it does not directly impose rules on British Overseas Territories - such as the Cayman Islands and the Falklands - meant it could not accept a Labour amendment

'Alongside that we retain our fullest respect for the overseas territories and their constitutional rights and we will work with them to protect their interests.'

Shadow foreign minister Helen Goodman welcomed the Government's 'change of heart'.

She told MPs: 'I am extremely pleased that the minister said what he did about not opposing (Dame Margaret's) new clause 6.'

Ms Goodman also called for more transparency in the crown dependencies, after Labour former minister Liam Byrne warned that 'dark money will move to wherever the law is darkest'.

He said: 'If we bring transparency to the overseas territories most of it is simply going to relocate to the crown dependencies if we don't change the law there too.'

Almost 20 Conservative MPs signed the proposal tabled by Labour grandee Dame Margaret Hodge (pictured in today's debate) ministers were forced to backdown

Ms Goodman said: 'He's absolutely right and that's why I think we need to make changes on the crown dependencies because we are going to make changes on the overseas territories.'

Duncan Hames, Transparency International UK's director of policy, welcomed the Government's decision to accept the cross-party new clause on public registers for Britain's Overseas Territories.

He said in a statement: 'These jurisdictions have long been the Achilles Heel of our defences against dirty money. Agreement on this represents a hugely significant moment in the fight against corruption, not just in the UK but around the world.

'This afternoon, corrupt individuals everywhere will be deeply concerned that they are about to lose the secrecy afforded by the British Overseas Territories that has until now given them an easy route to launder their ill-gotten gains.'

'We hope that those territories will now use the opportunity they have over the next 18 months to implement these registers and shut the door to dirty money.'Pauline Hanson, the leader of One Nation, has denounced the government's new $320 million scholarship programme to help educate African students as a 'disgraceful waste of taxpayer money'.

Senator Hanson said she was 'absolutely furious' about the new programme - which is set to offer up to 10,000 students the opportunity to study in Australia.

Impoverished students from more than 40 African nations are eligible for the scheme, which opened in April, and will have access to both short courses and degrees.

But Senator Hanson argued the money would be better spent on much-needed public services in Australia.

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Pauline Hanson said she was 'absolutely furious' about the decision to offer the scholarships

In a video on her YouTube channel, the Senator said the scholarships were a 'disgraceful waste of taxpayer money'

'I talk to farmers who cannot afford to send their kids to schools or put them into boarding schools because of the costs,' she said.

'These people are on the bones of their backside, fighting drought and this is how much the Australian government thinks of our own kids'.

Liberal Senator Lucy Gichuhi posted the opportunity, run by the Department of Foreign Affairs, to her Facebook page on Monday.

But shortly after, Senator Hanson claimed the scholarship program would essentially provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Australia, including medical expenses, for so many African students while Australian families struggled to make ends meet.

The Australia Awards Scholarships 2018-19, which opened in April, offer two categories of Award.

The first, the Australian Awards Scholarship, allows lucky individuals to undertake higher degree studies in Australia at Masters level.

The second, the Australia Awards Short Courses, to undertake short-term, targeted professional training courses, in Australia and/or in Africa, in a range of development-focused sectors.

Senator Hanson with former Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the launch of the One Nation leader's book

Liberal Senator Lucy Gichuhi revealed the opportunity in a post on her Facebook account on Monday

A statement on the awards website describes the new prize as 'a cornerstone of the Australian Governments development assistance program for Africa'.

The website also says: 'On their return to the workplace, Australia Awards Alumni are expected to contribute actively to development in their home countries.'

The idea of increasing Australias foreign aid commitment is opposed by 80% of Australians - according to a recent statement from the minister for international development and the Pacific, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.

Australias foreign aid commitment currently stands at $3.9 billion, its lowest ever level as a proportion of the budget: 0.22% of gross national income.Holiday is a time to relax for most people, but apparently not in China.

Chinese citizens were out travelling and visiting tourist attractions in the three-day holiday including the Labour Day.

Footage has emerged showing thousands of tourists queuing at a traditional housing complex in Chongqing Municipality for its night view.

Thousands of visitors went to the Hongya Cave for its traditional suspended houses in Chongqing, China (left) The huge crowds are stuck in long queues in the holiday (right)

The Hongya Cave housing has become China's second popular tourist spots during a short getaway break with guests reaching up to 45,000 people in a day, according to Chongqing Evening Post.

Local police had to close the nearby bridges to arrange traffic control to direct the tourists getting to the attraction.

Visitors can be seen swarming on the streets and taking over the road as they try to get in the site.

Shuttle buses were forced to park in the middle of the road.

It was suggested that the suspended houses along the river were iconic landmarks to represent traditional Chinese housing in Chongqing.

The attraction was previously compared to a street scene of Spirited Away, an animated movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

But the scenic spot caught Chinese web users' attention as it was widely seen in videos on Dou Yin app (), a video-sharing app similar to Musical.ly.

Video also captured other tourists swarm to some other tourist attractions up in a mountain (left). They are all to visit the places during a three-day national holiday (right)

Other popular scenic spots were also packed with visitors. The massive crowd struggled to move an inch at a mountain.

Some web users commented on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform, as they shared advice to avoid going out during holidays.

'This is the reason why you should stay home during Labour Day holiday, just look at the crowd,' said 'Libra_WWL'.

'What's the point to visit those places when the nearby restaurants raised their prices in a bid to earn from more?' asked 'rexinshiminlishen'.Cardinal George Pell, Australias highest-ranking Catholic, will stand trial over historical sex offence charges after Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington found substantial evidence.

Pells lawyers argued that accusations he sexually abused multiple people in his home state of Victoria are untrue and should be dismissed.

George Pell, Australias highest ranking Catholic, will stand trial over sex offence charges

Pope Franciss former finance minister denies all charges and it was decided that the former Vatican treasurer would face trial after a four-week long hearing in the County Court.

Heres everything you need to know about who George Pell is, the allegations, the trial and the charges made against the former Vatican treasurer.

Who is George Pell?

Born on June 8, 1941 in Ballarat, Victoria, George Pell is Australias most senior Catholic and held many significant positions after being ordained in 1966.

Notably, his most recent position has been as the treasurer of the Vatican and the Holy See in Rome, Italy. The role puts George Pell third in charge after the Pope.

Prior to this, the Cardinal was the Archbishop of Sydney and the Archbishop of Melbourne; in the latter position, Pell set up the Melbourne Response diocesan protocol to handle and investigate complaints of sexual abuse.

His most recent position has been as the treasurer of the Vatican and the Holy See in Rome

While this protocol was the first of its kind, it garnered criticism because of Pells involvement and led to claims that he had knowledge of sexual abuse as a young priest, but also criticised him for procedures he established for handling cases.

On June 29, 2017, George Pell was charged with multiple historical sexual assault offences, but denied all charges. After this, the Pope permitted him to leave the Vatican and return to Australia to defend himself at a committal hearing.

Once believed to be in the running to replace the current Pope after his death, Pell is now the highest-ranking Catholic official to be facing trial for historical sexual offence allegations.

What is George Pell charged with?

Details of the nature and number of charges have not been revealed for legal reasons but in turn, has protected sexual abuse complainants from being identified.

Reporting on the committal hearing, held on March 5, 2018, proved to be difficult because of this reason, as it was closed to the media while evidence was given, but this is standard when sexual offence allegations are involved.

In 2012, Australias Prime Minister Julia Gillard ordered a formal inquiry into historical child sexual abuse and the Catholic Church was scrutinised. Pell was one of the first to give evidence during public hearings and there had been no suggestion that he was a perpetrator.

Cardinal Pell trial

George Pell has been ordered to appear at the Victoria state County Court where he will eventually stand trial on Wednesday, May 2, 2018.

His bail conditions state that he cannot leave Australia, contact prosecution witnesses and must inform police of a change of address.

He entered a plea of not guilty, but Belinda Wallington, the Melbourne Magistrate decided that the prosecutions case on some of the charges were strong enough to warrant a trial by jury.He didn't mention Rex Tillerson by name. But the contrast was clear as new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived at the State Department on Tuesday vowing to reinvigorate American diplomacy and help the United States get 'back our swagger.'

Pompeo was greeted with cheers and applause as he entered the marbled lobby of the Harry S. Truman Building for the first time as America's top diplomat and addressed a diplomatic corps left deeply dispirited by a tumultuous year under Tillerson, President Donald Trump's first secretary of state.

Pompeo described his mission as leading diplomats to execute Trump's foreign policy 'with incredible vigor and incredible energy.'

'I talked about getting back our swagger, and Ill fill in what I mean by that, but it's important,' Pompeo said.

'The United States diplomatic corps needs to be in every corner, every stretch of the world, executing missions on behalf of this country.

'It is my humble, noble undertaking to help you achieve that.'

Welcome: Mike Pompeo was applauded and photographed as he arrived at the State Department for the first time on Tuesday

Selfie time: Members of staff mobbed the new secretary of state, previously the director of the CIA, as he arrived

Ready to mingle: Mike Pompeo told hundreds of staff in the foyer of the State Department that they were 'getting their swagger back', which got an enthusiastic response and demands for selfies

Fist bump: Morale at the State Department had plunged under Rex Tillerson and the new secretary of state vowed not to spend all his time in the 'mahogany row' executive suite

Projecting a new image: Pompeo said that 'America...can't achieve its objectives absent you all.'

Trump planned to come to the State Department on Wednesday for a formal swearing-in ceremony for Pompeo, a former Republican congressman from Kansas who ran the CIA under Trump until being named as Tillerson's replacement.

Pompeo did not offer any details about what foreign policy issues would consume his focus in his first months, but a long list of pressing matters awaits him, including the president's upcoming decision on whether to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.

Pompeo is also playing a leading role in Trump's diplomacy with North Korea, and he secretly traveled to Pyongyang last month and met with Kim Jong Un ahead of Trump's planned summit with the North Korean leader.

In his brief speech to the State Department's workforce, Pompeo emphasized the need for an active U.S. presence beyond its borders - striking a somewhat different tone than the president, who has advocated putting 'America first.'

Pompeo noted that he described in his Senate confirmation hearing how the United States 'is so exceptional and so incredibly blessed.'

'The facts that derive from that is it also creates a responsibility, a duty for America all across the world,' Pompeo said. 'I know for certain that America can't execute that duty, can't achieve its objectives absent you all.'

Support: Mike Pompeo's wife Susan was present as he addressed his staff

Right-hand woman: Heather Nauert, the former Fox News anchor, is Pompeo's spokeswoman

That went well: Mike Pompeo did not mention his predecessor but the short speech made clear that he wanted a change of morale after Rex Tillerson's year in office

Pompeo's remarks were brief and without any detail on possible changes in store for the department. He is a former congressman who headed the Central Intelligence Agency from January last year until last week and is seen as a loyalist of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump would formally swear him into the new post on Wednesday, Pompeo said. It will be Trump's first visit to the department.

Trump fired his first secretary of state Rex Tillerson in March after public rifts on North Korea, Iran and Russia.

The United States is preparing for a historic meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the United States pushes for changes to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Trump has threatened to abandon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late on Monday that Israel would publish evidence it says it has of past Iranian nuclear arms work.

While Pompeo suggested the United States was still working on language to 'fix' the 2015 deal, Netanyahu said the evidence showed Iran lied going into the deal.

Additionally, tensions between Washington and Moscow have increased over U.S. intelligence agency allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. election and Moscow's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a seven-year war.Mystery surrounds the suspected murder of a popular Brazilian mining executive, 38, whose body was found floating in a Sydney river.

Kayakers discovered a woman's fully-clothed body floating in the Lane Cove River in Woolwich, Sydney's lower North Shore, about 10.15am on Sunday.

While not formally identified, police suspect it to be that of 38-year-old Brazilian national Cecilia Haddad.

Mystery surrounds the suspected murder of popular Brazilian mining executive Cecilia Haddad (pictured) whose body was found floating in a Sydney river

The 38-year-old businesswoman was reported missing just hours after police pulled a woman's body from the Lane Cove River (police pictured at the scene)

Ms Haddad, who enjoyed an active social life and made a large circle of friends since moving to Sydney, was at a barbeque with friends on Friday night.

NSW Police said she spoke to friends on Saturday morning but that was the last known contact with the Brazilian national.

Friends grew worried for Ms Haddad's welfare when she failed to turn up to various appointments on Saturday.

The 38-year-old businesswoman was reported missing just hours after police pulled a woman's body from the Lane Cove River.

It wasn't until Monday, officers connected Ms Haddad's disappearance with the body found in the river.

New South Wales Police said they were treating Ms Haddad's suspected death as suspicious.

Ms Haddad (pictured), who enjoyed an active social life and made a large circle of friends since moving to Sydney, was at a barbeque with friends on Friday night

Friends grew worried for Ms Haddad's welfare when she failed to turn up to various appointments on Saturday (pictured is the scene)

It wasn't until Monday, officers connected Ms Haddad's disappearance with the body found in the river (pictured is the scene)

Ms Haddad, who speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish, was working as the managing director of CHC Consulting, which she appears to have founded, when she went missing.

Previously, she worked as an executive at a mining company in Western Australia before moving to New South Wales in 2016.

She moved to Australia in 2007 to work for BHP after graduating with a degree in industrial engineering in Rio de Janeiro.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad, together with officers from the Ryde Police Area Command, have established Strike Force Bronwyn to investigate circumstances surrounding her suspected death.

Homicide Squad detectives have appealed for public assistance with their investigation.

Detectives asked for people to help piece together Ms Haddad's movements in the days before her disappearance.

A body, suspected to be that of Cecilia Haddad, was discovered in the Lane Cove River on Sunday morning, the same day the Brazilian national was reported missing

Homicide Squad detectives have appealed for public assistance with their investigation (pictured is the scene)

'We've been told her vehicle was seen outside her home on Saturday afternoon, so we are very keen to speak with anyone who may have seen her or her vehicle after that time,' NSW Police said.

Ms Haddad owned a red 2013 model Fiat 500 sedan with a black roof. Her registration was DJV50H.

The police said they were specifically seeking CCTV or dash-cam footage of Cecilia or her car in the Hunters Hill region, Ryde, Top Ryde, West Ryde and Woolwich areas at the weekend.

The police said they were awaiting results of a post mortem examination, but expected the results to come back on Wednesday.

NSW Police urged anyone that might be able to assist with the investigation to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Ryde Police Area Command on 02 9858 9299.Police in suburban Philadelphia have revealed that murder victim Meredith Chapman could have potentially been saved, had a neighbor who had seen her killer scoping out her house days earlier contacted them right away.

Instead, Radnor Township Police Superintendent William Colarulo received the tip about Jennair Gerardot's suspicious activities 16 hours after the 47-year-old woman broke into Chapmans home, shot her to death and then took her own life.

Chris Flanagan, with the Radnor Township Police Department, said that two days before the April 23 murder-suicide that shocked the community, Gerardot was observed standing in someone's driveway on Lowrys Lane and observing the home of her husband's mistress.

Scroll down for video

Too little, too late: Police have received information that Jennair Gerardot (left) was seen casing the Radnor Township home of Meredith Chapman (right), 33, two days before the murder-suicide - but they got the tip too late

An officer is seen entering Chapman's home on Lowrys Lane in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, in the days after the murder-suicide

Police said Chapman, 33, was having an affair with Gerardots husband, 49-year-old Mark Gerardot, and when the scorned wife found out about it, she concocted a plan to break into her rival's home, ambush and kill her.

Investigators do not believe Gerardot had planned to commit suicide, but she ended up taking her life after shooting Chapman in the head as she entered her house.

Police later recovered a pair of binoculars, latex gloves and a wig from her rented Cadillac. Also recovered from the vehicle was a receipt from a local gas station bearing the time stamp 2.40pm, indicating that Gerardot had spent some time in town.

Sixteen hours after the bodies of Chapman and Gerardot were discovered inside the victims home, police got an email from her neighbor, which began with the words: 'In light of the tragic incident that occurred on Lowrys [sic] last night, I feel compelled to tell you about something I observed on Saturday's reported Philly.com.

The author of the missive went on to describe how she observed a stranger, later identified as Gerardot, standing in her driveway with a 'grim, concerned or worried look' on her face on the afternoon of April 21.

The neighbor added that the woman was holding a pair of binoculars and it appeared as if she might be searching for a lost pet.

A few moments later, the stranger got into a black SUV with New Jersey plates and drove off. The tipster wrote that she did not contact police at the time because the woman's actions, while odd, did not strike her as criminal.

Police officers suggested that had they received the information about Gerardots spying on Chapman in a timely fashion, the deaths of the two women could have been averted.

Clearly that could have been a situation where we could have maybe easily avoided this by having an intervention, Flanagan told CBS Philadelphia.

Gerardot's car was later found on a nearby street. She had rented the Cadillac on April 13 in her hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, and used the vehicle to travel to Pennsylvania.

Philly.com reported last week that a month before the murder-suicide, Gerardot, went on the neighborhood social media app NextDoor asking for recommendations for 'an EXCELLENT marriage counselor for couple on brink of divorce.'

She went on, writing: 'We will need someone who is very educated and experienced dealing with couples issues including infidelity, depression, traumatic experiences, child/parent dynamics, being accountable for actions, etc.'

It remains unknown whether Jennair and Mark Gerardot ever went into counseling. What is certain, according to police in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania, is that on Monday, the scorned wife broke into Chapman's home and shot her when the woman as soon as the woman opened the door. She then turned the gun on herself.

Trouble in paradise? A month before Jennair Gerardot, pictured above with husband Mark, killed his mistress and then herself, she had tried to seek help to save her unraveling marriage

Jennair's March plea seeking help with her unraveling marriage was not her first foray into crowd-sourcing relationship advice.

In February, the woman went on the app, writing that she and her husband had just moved to Delaware for his new job at the University of Delaware, and that not long after Mark asked for divorce.

'I dont know anyone and am completely clueless to the area,' Jennair wrote. 'Can someone please recommend a reputable and successful and driven divorce attorney?'

Meredith, the newly hired assistant vice president of Villanova University, was having an extramarital affair with 49-year-old Mark Gerardot, according to police.

His wife Jennair somehow found about her husbands infidelity and set into motion a deadly plan of revenge targeting her younger romantic rival  a plan that she detailed in a series of text messages and emails.

Cry for help: Jennair went online in February, asking for recommendations for a divorce lawyer. A month later, she was trying to find an excellent marriage counselor

Detectives are still sorting that out, Police Superintendent William Colarulo said of Jennairs incriminating writings.

On Monday, Jennair grabbed a Taurus Tracker .357 revolver, got into her rental car and headed to Pennsylvania, where she knew Meredith had relocated about a week earlier for her new job at Villanova, reported Philly.com.

There, she broke into the three-store brick house and proceeded to wait for her nemesis to come home.

The 33-year-old woman was married to former Newark, Delaware, City Councilman Luke Chapman for nearly a decade, but Colarulo revealed on Tuesday that the couple had separated.

Meredith, a 2007 graduate of the University of Delaware, worked for the school in media relations and marketing and ran unsuccessfully for a state Senate seat in Delaware in 2016.

Mark Gerardot joined the staff at the University of Delaware as creative director earlier this year and briefly worked under Merediths supervision.

Calculated: Jennair Gerardot (left), detailed her deadly revenge plot in a series of text messages and emails. Mark Gerardot is seen right

Less than two hours before her death, Meredith gushed on her Instagram account about her new position at Villanova, writing that she couldnt be more excited.

Just a week on the job and Im already feeling the love from #NovaNation! #GoingNova #HigherEdMarketing#NewAdventures she posted at 5.42pm.

Later that evening, Meredith arrived at her new home on Lowrys Lane in Radnor Township, parked her Audi in the driveway, opened the door and walked straight into Jennair Gerardots ambush.

Mark and Meredith were supposed to meet up for dinner on Monday night, but the woman never made it to the restaurant.

While he was waiting for his girlfriend to arrive, Mark began receiving disturbing text messages from his wife, which led him to Meredith's home, according to police.

Officers who responded to Meredith's home were met by Mark, who warned them that his wife might be inside the residence.

Office romance: Police say Mark Gerardot (pictured with wife Jennair) at one time served as Meredith's subordinate

Hell hath no fury...: Jennair Gerardot (left and right) somehow learned of the affair and allegedly plotted to kill Meredith

Married bliss: Meredith is pictured as a bride with her groom Luke on their wedding day in 2009

Meredith had served as the director of digital communications and an adjunct professor at her alma mater, University of Delaware, until earlier this month

When police responded to the scene, they found the bodies of both women on the first floor of the residence, which was splattered with blood. The suspected murder weapon was found under Jennair's body in the kitchen.

Radnor Township Police Superintendent Colarulo shared additional details concerning the deadly plot, including how the jealous wife cleaned up the shattered glass from the window she used as her entry point so that her victim would not be tipped off that someone had broken in.

Meredith, a native of Pennsylvania, graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor's degree in communication and a Masters degree in education.

In 2016, she ran an unsuccessful campaign to unseat incumbent State Senator Dave Sokota in Delawares District 8.This is the astonishing moment an 'idiot Englishman' was spotted playing his guitar while driving down a motorway in Majorca.

The mystery musician behind the wheel of a British-plated car looked carefree as he got in some instrument practice on the holiday island.

He appears to steer his right-hand drive Megane with his knees as he drives along the motorway which runs between the Palma and Inca.

Local news website Cronica Balear, which published the footage, said the extraordinary incident happened on Saturday near the turn-off to Sencelles, a mountainous municipality in the centre of the island.

They wrote: 'We've seen all sorts of carelessness on the roads.

'Drivers using their mobiles, putting make-up on, map-reading, eating, and even drinking alcohol.

'Now in the Balearic Islands we can add this one to the list, an idiot driving while he plays his guitar.'

The car, which has a British registration number, is spotted on the motorway near Sencelles in Majorca

As the other vehicle pulls up beside the anonymous musician, we can see that he is playing the guitar

The Spaniard filming the surreal scene as he comes up behind the black Renault Megane can be overheard saying: 'Look at this video because it's legendary.

'An Englishman with the steering wheel on the other side, playing the guitar as he's driving.'

He and a friend in the car can be heard laughing as they drive past the anonymous musician, who realises that he is being filmed.

It is clear from the footage that he is using both hands to play his guitar - and can only be keeping a straight line by using his knees to steer.

It is not clear if traffic police are aware of the video or have taken any action to track down the driver.

He is using both hands to play his guitar - and appears to be steering with his legs

In February police in Murcia, south east Spain, stopped a car with a roof-rack piled so high it was leaning to one side.

They found a two-year-old girl underneath another pile of suitcases on the back seat of the vehicle.

The youngster was in an approved car seat - but the only thing visible to officers when they opened up the back door was part of her hair and the pink coat she was wearing.

Her legs were hidden under a mountain of luggage, household appliances and valuables.A family has won $20 million in damages against an imprisoned doctor who killed up to 13 people by over-prescribing opioid pain medication.

William Martin Valuck, 76, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of second-degree murder in August 2014. Five more deaths were subsequently linked to his grossly irresponsible prescribing.

Mary Degiusti sued Valuck for damages over the death of her daughter, Jennifer Zimmerman, who died of an overdose at the age of 34 just days after he had prescribed her 450 pills.

William Martin Valuck, 76, was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of second-degree murder in August 2014

The grieving mother and grandmother to Degiusti's child said while she expected Valuck to only be able to pay a fraction of the payout she hoped it would frighten over unscrupulous doctors.

'I just hope that no family has to go through this, and that every doctor will think before doing something like this,' she told NewsOK.

Zimmerman had been a patient of Valuck's for two years when he handed her the monster prescription of two opioid-based painkillers, hydrocodone and oxycodone.

This was meant to last one month - even though just 15 of these pills at their lowest strength taken each day would still greatly exceed safe prescribing guidelines.

Oklahoma County District Court Judge Patricia Parrish ordered Valuck to pay $10 million in wrongful death damages, and the same amount again in punitive damages.

Zimmerman's attorney accepted that the chances of collecting the total from Valuck was 'minimal', particularly after the doctor announced he had already spent most of his money.

The doctor now faces at least five more medical negligence lawsuits.

Investigators have said Valuck prescribed more controlled narcotic drugs than any other physician in the state, sometimes as many as 600 pills at a time.

Mary Degiusti sued Valuck (pictured in 2014) over the death of her daughter, Jennifer Zimmerman, who died of an overdose at the age of 34 after he had prescribed her 450 pills

He had originally faced first-degree murder charges, which carry up to life in prison.

Nearly two dozen of the victims' relatives attended his trial in 2014, including some who spoke to the court ahead of Valuck's plea.

James Lambert, whose daughter Victoria Lambert died from a drug overdose, said her death should send a message to physicians to prescribe such narcotics responsibly.

He said: 'Make sure they know what they're doing when they dispense medication. That way we don't have to go through this again.'

Stephanie Beesley, whose husband Paul Beesley died from a drug overdose, tearfully described his long-term fight with drug addiction as a large color portrait of him was displayed in the courtroom.

'He had a part in his own death,' she said, but added: 'I don't understand the manner in which the medications were prescribed.'

Michael Green, the brother of drug overdose victim Christina Green, said he felt no sympathy for Valuck.

Valuck (pictured in an undated mug shot) had originally faced first-degree murder charges, which carry up to life in prison

'He knew the chance he was taking,' Mr Green said. 'Eight years doesn't seem just to me. He knew this was unethical.'

First Assistant District Attorney Scott Rowland said the case should serve as a warning for physicians not to place financial gain ahead of their professional responsibility.

Valuck also prescribed as alprazolam, Valium and Soma.

Federal and state authorities began investigating Valuck in February 2012, after being called by pharmacies and patients' relatives concerned about the amount of narcotics he was prescribing.

Investigators later 'saw vanloads' of patients pull up at Valuck's pain management clinic in south Oklahoma City, where the parking lot was always full of vehicles, US DEA agent Mary Surovec testified during a hearing in April 2014.

Some pharmacies even faxed to authorities copies of prescriptions Valuck had written that the pharmacies refused to fill.

Surovec said DEA officials were concerned that some of the controlled drugs Valuck was prescribing in large quantities were being funneled into illegal markets and sold on the street.

She said Valuck accepted only cash for office visits by patients and would not bill health insurers.

After charges were filed in January, Valuck's patient files were seized and later examined by another osteopathic physician, Dr. Arthur Douglas Beacham III, who testified that drugs were prescribed by Valuck although there was no record that patients were examined to determine if the drugs were actually needed.

He said patient documentation, including assessments of patient complaints, was inadequate and that in some cases there was no documentation that Valuck even saw the patient on the day he wrote a prescriptions.Advertisement

Protesters marked International Workers' Day with a rally in London's Trafalgar Square today, with some marchers holding up pictures of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

It included workers involved in a long-running pay dispute at cinema chain Picturehouse, cleaners at the Ministry of Justice campaigning for the London living wage, and cleaners from King's College pressing for work to be brought in-house.

Millions of people died in Stalin's Russia, many of them transported to labour camps to work in extreme temperatures or executed in mass killings of political prisoners, while others died in disastrous famines.

Demonstrators marched through central London today holding flares and banners to mark International Workers' Day

Protesters holding flares and flags including Communist symbols walk along the strand during the May Day demonstration

Demonstrators hold up flags bearing the hammer and sickle as they mark International Workers' Day in central London

Demonstrators pictured on the march in central London today for a workers' day dating back to the early union movement

Some marchers were seen holding up pictures of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, under whose regime millions died in Russia

The action, marking International Workers' Day, which dates back to the early days of the trade union movement, coincided with a strike by some staff at McDonald's over pay and union recognition.

Hundreds of employees assembled in London's Trafalgar Square before taking part in a number of protests in the capital.

Kelly Rogers, a sacked union rep from the Ritzy cinema in Brixton, said: 'The links we are building between precarious workers - migrant workers, sex workers, workers on zero hours facing victimisation for union activity - could be the next stage of a desperately needed new movement against exploitation.'

One banner, pictured by Twitter users, featured a large portrait of Stalin, along with a quote from his work speaking of the 'dictatorship of the proletariat' and the transition from capitalism to communism.

Although there are many traditional May Day rites that have existed for hundreds of years, May Day was not linked to International Workers Day until the 20th century and is not known officially as Labour Day in the UK.

During the Cold War, May Day was marked with large military parades in the Red Square of the Soviet Union.

A protester wearing a mask holds up a flare as a police officer walks alongside the demonstrators in central London today

One man held up a sign referencing Amber Rudd's departure this week, while another held a flag with a hammer and sickle

Left-wing groups hold up signs calling for 'jobs, justice and equality' and demanding 'solidarity with the Windrush generation'

These protesters were pictured holding a picture of Anna Campbell, who died after joining a Kurdish fighting unit in Syria

A woman holds a flare during the demonstration to mark International Workers' Day in central London today

Protesters attend the rally in Trafalgar Square, Westminster, today which marks International Workers' Day

Demonstrators hold up a sign saying 'Long live May Day' and showing a picture of the world breaking free from its chainsBritain's aircraft carriers will never go into one-on-one combat with the enemy, the National Security Adviser admitted today.

Despite being just one of six nations to operate a carrier fleet, Sir Mark Sedwill said he expected Britain's new flagships would only sail to war alongside allies.

Britain sent its own fleet - including carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible - to recover the Falkland Islands in 1982, standing alone against Argentina.

Britain's new 3.5billion aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is nearing the end of its trials while HMS Prince of Wales is still under construction.

Despite being just one of six nations to operate a carrier fleet, Sir Mark Sedwill said he expected Britain's new flagships would only sail to war alongside allies

Giving evidence to the Commons defence committee today, Sir Mark said: 'We will be one of only about I think six countries in the world that has this kind of strategic projection capability when the carriers are fully operational.

'But it is our intention because of that to use them with allies and it is really important we keep allies in play in our thinking here so I would expect, particularly if they are in a contested deployment that there would be allied capabilities - ships, aircraft, whatever - as part of those groups.

'We will see what happens in the circumstances but that is part of the thinking about the use of the carriers.

'It is projecting them as a British sovereign capability but one that will almost inevitably, I would actually say inevitably, be used in a context of allied operations of some kind if used in a contested environment.'

In other evidence, Sir Mark said there were areas he would like to invest in but refused to be drawn on whether he had discussed extra cash with the Prime Minister.

Appearing before the Commons Defence Select Committee, Sir Mark said: 'There are areas of vulnerability, definitely, across our national security commitments that I would want to invest in.'

Britain's new 3.5billion aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (pictured) is nearing the end of its trials while HMS Prince of Wales is still under construction

He added: 'There are areas of vulnerability across the entire national security architecture, not just in government, a lot of this is outside government as well.

'Given the nature of modern warfare and the nature of non-state threats ... yes I would like to invest...'

Sir Mark said the Government did 'not yet' know who was responsible for the nerve agent attack on Russian former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury.

The adviser played a crucial role in helping to secure international support for Britain's response to Russia following the poisoning.

He told MPs that the Government took the unusual move of publishing a letter he sent to Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg setting out why the UK held Moscow responsible for the attack to help 'punch through' Russian propaganda.

Sir Mark said the attack on the Skripals had 'changed our appreciation' of which dissidents and defectors could be at risk of reprisals.

The Queen commissioned the carrier named in her honour last year, meeting its crew on the flight deck (pictured)

He added: 'The police who are responsible for the protective security of the various agencies alongside them are reviewing the security of all people who might be vulnerable in that way.'

Sir Mark said Russia is the primary 'direct military' challenge the UK faces, but the day-to-day security threat to Britons comes from terrorism and serious crime.

He said: 'The threat that kills more British citizens every year than any of those that we might spend the morning focused on is actually serious and organised crime.

'Whether you want to call it part of national security or part of a Government response, in the end the Government has to respond to that threat and deploy capabilities to do so, including potentially defence capabilities where that's appropriate.'Tom Brokaw was looking faded and fatigued as he exited NBC studios on Monday afternoon.

The embattled anchor, who still works as a special correspondent for NBC News, stared down a photographer as he made his way out of the plaza at 30 Rockefeller Center while outfitted in a body-hugging Patagonia top, khaki trench and sneakers.

Brokaw was accused of making unwanted advances towards two women in articles published last Thursday, allegations he vehemently denied just hours later in a letter sent to friends and colleagues.

The 78-year-old newsman may soon be forced to write another letter as well after a third women came forward on Tuesday with allegations against Brokaw.

Mary Reinholz writes about her alleged experience with Brokaw in The Villager, claiming that in 1968 he made an unwanted pass at her during a visit to her home in Laurel Canyon.

Brokaw and NBC News both declined to comment on these latest allegations.

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Hiding in plain sight: Tom Brokaw was seen exiting NBC offices in New York City on Monday (above) afternoon wearing a tightly fitted Patagonia top and khaki trench

Long weekend: The 78-year-old anchor looked pallid and drained as he made his way through the plaza at 30 Rockefeller Center

New accuser: A third woman came forward on Tuesday, with Mary Reinholz (left in the 1970s, right in recent years) claiming that Brokaw made an unwanted sexual advance towards her in 1968

Reinholz claims that Brokaw drove his motor scooter over to her home on the day in question, and that the two were sitting on the couch and talking when he allegedly made his move.

'We talked and then, abruptly, he was embracing me and giving me a French kiss,' writes Reinholz.

'I pulled away, reminding him that he was married and a tryst was out of the question. He said, "Yes, it would be unfair to Meredith," meaning his wife.'

At the time, Brokaw was working as a news anchor at KNBC in Los Angeles, while Reinholz was a writer for the Los Angeles Free Press.

Reinhol writes that she and Brokaw knew one another from having attended the same press conferences around the city, and she reached out to him for help obtaining a police report.

'I dont recall much else about the episode, and shrugged it off as progressive women of my generation were wont to do,' writes Reinholz.

'After all, we were overthrowing the sedate 1950s and its dictates that good girls should never engage in premarital sex.'

She then adds: 'I had been married but wasnt interested in Brokaw as a sex partner and the situation made me uncomfortable.'

After that she writes that she and Brokaw were in contact a handful of times, but had not seen one another or spoken on the phone for over 40 years.

Reinholz then explains why she waited until now to share her story.

'I wouldnt be writing this account if it wasnt for the #MeToo movement and Brokaws disparaging remarks about Linda Vester, a former NBC News reporter and war correspondent who accused him of groping and kissing her on two occasions and arriving at her hotel uninvited,' writes Reinholz.

She then asks: 'Why would the two women lie?'

Linda Vester - a former war correspondent for NBC who later anchored NBC News at Sunrise before leaving the network in 1999 to join Fox News - accused Brokaw of making unawanted advances on two ocassions.

She told The Washington Post and Variety magazine that Brokaw, 26 years her elder, forcibly tried to kiss her in 1994 and 1995, while he was the network's star anchor.

Brokaw said in response that he met Vester twice, 'both at her request' because she wanted career advice.

'The meetings were brief, cordial and appropriate, and despite Linda's allegations, I made no romantic overtures towards her at that time or any other,' he said in a statement.

The second woman claims that she was harassed by Brokaw while the then-24-year-old was working as a production assistant.

That anonymous woman accused Brokaw of taking her hands, placing them on his chest and asking her to meet him in his office later that night.

Brokaw denied the allegations made by Vester in a scathing email that was sent on Friday.

'It is 4:00 am on the first day of my new life as an accused predator in the universe of American journalism,' wrote Brokaw.

'I was ambushed and then perp walked across the pages of The Washington Post and Variety as an avatar of male misogyny, taken to the guillotine and stripped of any honor and achievement I had earned in more than a half century of journalism and citizenship.'

Smiles and skull: Kelly was in a good mood as she left her office at NBC around the same time as Brokaw on Monday (above)

Speaking out: On Monday, Megyn Kelly warned the over 60 female employees at NBC who defended Brokaw in a letter by saying: 'You dont know what you dont know' (Kelly above with Kate Snow and Stephanie Gosk)

Brokaw went on to write about the pain Vester's accusations have caused him, and made no effort to hide his disdain for the former NBC employee.

'I am angry, hurt and unmoored from what I thought would be the final passage of my life and career, a mix of written and broadcast journalism, philanthropy and participation in environmental and social causes that have always given extra meaning to my life,' noted Brokaw.

'Instead I am facing a long list of grievances from a former colleague who left NBC News angry that she had failed in her pursuit of stardom.'

He continued: 'She has unleashed a torrent of unsubstantiated criticism and attacks on me more than twenty years after I opened the door for her and a new job at Fox news.'

Brokaw then tried to explain what happened between himself and Vester on the night in question, while also criticizing how the press handled the claims.

'Linda Vester was given the run of the Washington Post and Variety to vent her grievances, to complain that I tickled her without permission (you read that right), that I invaded her hotel room, accepted an invitation to her apartment under false pretenses and in general was given a free hand to try to destroy all that I have achieved with my family, my NBC career, my writing and my citizenship,' stated Brokaw.

'My family and friends are stunned and supportive. My NBC colleagues are bewildered that Vester, who had limited success at NBC News, a modest career at Fox and a reputation as a colleague who had trouble with the truth was suddenly the keeper of the flame of journalistic integrity.'

The repercussions are already being felt by Brokaw, who elected to cancel his planned commencement speech at Sacred Heart University next month.

NBC initially appeared to looking into Brokaw's behavior after an internal memo sent by Chairman Andy Lack was released on Friday, but it is now unclear if that is the case.

'As you have all seen now in reports from last night, there are allegations against Tom Brokaw, made by a former NBC News journalist, which Tom emphatically denies. As weve shown, we take allegations such as these very seriously, and act on them quickly and decisively when the facts dictate,' wrote Lack.

'The same report included claims against Matt Lauer. As you know, since the week we terminated Matts employment, NBC Universal has been conducting a review, led by general counsel Kim Harris -who has extensive experience in conducting reviews of this kind- with a team of legal and HR leaders. Kim has advised us that the review is nearing its conclusion, and we will have findings and further steps to share with you as soon as next week.'

Lack then closed out the memo by stating: 'Once again, our highest priority is to ensure we have a workplace environment where everyone feels safe and protected. We are absolutely committed to making this a reality--there can be no exception.'

Brokaw visited the network's offices in New York City just a few hours after Megyn Kelly warned her co-workers to be careful about voicing their support for Brokaw in the wake of sexual misconduct claims.

'You dont know what you dont know, and thats not in any way to impugn Tom, who I love and whos been so good to me,' Kelly said on Today.

Two days earlier, over 60 women including Andrea Mitchell, Rachel Maddow, Mika Brzezinski and Maria Shriver signed a letter defending Brokaw.

'Tom has treated each of us with fairness and respect. He has given each of us opportunities for advancement and championed our successes throughout our careers,' read the letter signed by those women.

'As we have advanced across industries - news, publishing, law, business and government - Tom has been a valued source of counsel and support. We know him to be a man of tremendous decency and integrity.'

None of these women have responded to Reinholz's allegation.The former mayor of a Brazilian city has been jailed for 20 years for rounding up and killing over 400 dogs, it was reported today.

Marcelo Pamplona reportedly offered cash to locals for each canine they captured in Santa Cruz do Arari, on the mouth of the Amazon river in northern Brazil.

The animals were put onto vessels which were launched into the vast river and would eventually capsize.

Other dogs were dumped in remote locations in the Amazon rainforest where they would starve to death or become prey to other animals.

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The animals were put onto vessels which were launched into the vast river and would eventually capsize

Controversially, the mayor announced on local radio that residents would receive 2 for each male dog and 4 for each female they caught, specifying that the dogs needed to be tied up with rope

As dogs died from their injuries, their bodies were thrown into the water, police said. Pictured: A still from a video showing the dogs in the boats

Although the mayor claimed he was ridding the city of 'disease-ridden' stray dogs, many pet owners claim their dogs were stolen from their homes by locals for the cash reward they would receive.

Police began to investigate in May 2013, when Pamplona, then mayor of Santa Cruz do Arari, called on council workers and local people to capture stray dogs on the city streets.

Controversially, he announced on local radio that residents would receive 2 for each male dog and 4 for each female they caught, specifying that the dogs needed to be tied up with rope.

He claimed that stray dogs were causing the spread of disease in the city.

Photos and videos obtained during the investigation show the frightened animals being lassoed and dragged through the streets, with many sustaining fractures or having their fur and flesh torn off, according to police.

Locals took the captured dogs to the city's gymnasium, where they received their cash, before the animals were taken to two waiting barges which would take them to their deaths.

Another shocking video shows laughing men and children beating the dogs with pieces of wood as they push them into the hull of the barge, while another shows dogs with their muzzles tied shut with rope, whimpering as they try to free themselves.

As dogs died from their injuries, their bodies were thrown into the water, police said.

The vessels were later launched onto the local river Mocooes, where they eventually capsized and reportedly drowned most of the dogs, which were trapped under the deck. A video emerged of some dogs which survived, desperately trying to reach the river bank.

Following an outcry about the 'canicide', Pamplona said in a public meeting that the dog hunt would continue.

Yesterday judge Leonel Calvacanti, from the Cachoeira do Arari criminal court, condemned Pamplona to 20 years in jail and fined him around 400,000 for environmental crimes and animal abuse. Pictured: A dog being brought to the collection centre

A video emerged of some dogs which survived, desperately trying to reach the river bank

'People are losing their sight because of diseases transmitted by the dogs, and others who have been attacked in the street are declaring their support for me,' he said.

Following the investigation one witness, who claimed his two pet dogs were taken by council workers without his permission, was put under police protection after he claimed he had been threatened and beaten up by Pamplona's men.

Yesterday judge Leonel Calvacanti, from the Cachoeira do Arari criminal court, condemned Pamplona to 20 years in jail and fined him around 400,000 for environmental crimes and animal abuse.

Another six people involved in the dog hunt also received prison terms, including the Pamplona's brother and the city's former Transport Secretary who was jailed for two years and four months.A Russian fighter jet buzzed a US Navy spy plane while it was flying over the Black Sea on Tuesday, according to officials.

The Russian Su-27 plane came within 20 feet of the American P-8 aircraft in a maneuver military sources said was 'unprofessional' but safe.

It comes months after another Russian SU-27 fighter flew within five feet of a US Navy EP-3 Aries and crossed directly into its flight path, also over the Black Sea.

The Russian Su-27 plane came within 20 feet of the American P-8 aircraft in a maneuver military sources said was 'unprofessional' but safe

CNN quoted two defense sources testifying to the latest incident although Lt. Cdr. Zach Harrell, a spokesman for US Naval Forces Europe, declined to comment.

The other 'unprofessional' intercept happened on January 29 and prompted the US aircraft to abort its mission before completion, CNN reports.

The US aircraft was flying in international airspace during the incident, which lasted for two hours and 40 minutes, Navy Captain Pamela Kunze said in a statement.

The EP-3 flew through the SU-27's jet wash, or turbulence created by an aircraft, Kunze said in a statement deeming the interaction 'unsafe'.

The Black Sea borders Ukraine, Russian-occupied Crimea and Russia in addition to Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Georgia.

The area has a high concentration of Russian, US and NATO military forces.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 amid the Ukrainian revolution. The move has been officially recognized by 11 United Nations member-states, including Russia.

In November 2017, a similar incident occurred over the Black Sea when a Russian SU-30 crossed in front of a US P-8A Poseidon.

And in Syria in December, US F-22s fired warning flares at two Russian SU-25 planes that, according to US officials, crossed the country's de-confliction line.

Russian authorities denied their planes had crossed the line.A 40-year-old convict has been arrested for murder in Florida after inviting people round to his home to show them a dead woman's body in his backyard shed.

Angelo Dante Beckford was taken into custody on Monday after the incident in St Petersburg.

He had invited friends round to the property where he was living and when they arrived, took them to the backyard shed where Cheyenne Snyder's body was.

Angelo Dante Beckford, 40, is in custody for the murder of 29-year-old Cheyenne Snyder whose body he showed off to people after inviting them to his home in St Petersburg, Florida, on Monday

The 29-year-old had been shot dead.

The guests called 911 immediately and Beckford, who was released from prison on April 1 after serving 10 years for armed robbery, fled.

He was caught by officers and was charged with murder and possession of crack cocaine.

It is not known how long Snyder was in the shed before she was found.

Her father in Ohio has since revealed that she was a drug addict who struggled with mental health problems for most of her adult life.

Police say she and Beckford pair only knew one another for a week. The house belongs to Beckford.

He inherited it when his mother died and allows drug addicts to stay there.

Beckford told police he shot the woman after she made a mess in the home he inherited from his mother where he allowed drug addicts to stay (above)

Beckford and Snyder had only known one another for a week. Her family says she struggled with mental health issues and was a drug addict

According to police, he confessed to killing the woman once in custody and said he was angry she had made a 'mess' inside the property.

Beckford, 40, was released from prison on April 1 after spending 10 years behind bars for armed robbery

Beckford remains in custody on a charge of second degree murder, possession of crack cocaine and aggravated assault.

His lengthy rap sheet includes charges for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, armed robbery, simple battery and cocaine possession.

In 2008, he was jailed for 10 years for armed robbery.

Records reveal he was released just one month ago.

Police in St Petersburg say the guests he had invited round were horrified by the discovery.

They have not been named.

'He invited them to come and take a look at what he had.

This was disturbing to the folks,' spokesman Yolanda Fernandez told The Tampa Bay Times.A mother has told how she is 'haunted forever' by a picture showing her son being cuddled by his sister before he went blind.

Stone Josephs is being embraced by big sister Atlanta, just before he was struck down with meningitis when he was 11 months old.

His mother Lisa Zsentko, 43, took the photo when she was on hold to speak to a doctor trying to work out what was wrong with him.

Stone, now six, lost his sight and has been left severely disabled after he contracted the deadly infection.

the last photo taken of little Stone Josephs before he was struck down with meningitis

Stone, with his mother, left, and in hospital after being struck down with pneumococcal meningitis

Ms Zsentko told Mirror Online: 'It was Stone's last ever cuddle before losing his sight and everything else.

'This picture will haunt me forever. As much as I love it, it breaks my heart also.'

Ms Zsentko, from Stotfold, Bedfordshire, took her boy to see the doctor in October 2012 after he went off food.

She says she was told he likely had a viral infection and to give him Calpol, but after they returned home, he didn't get any better.

The youngster, who has been left with brain damage and cerebral palsy, loves swimming and is said to be 'really happy'

Stone, in hospital, left, is pictured with his mother, right, before he was struck down with the disease

She said he had no rash, but then suffered a seizure before he was about to have a bath, and didn't stop for the next hour.

He was taken to Stevenage's Lister Hospital, where his heart stopped for 19 minutes, but doctors were able to revive him.

What is Pneumococccal meningitis? Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the membranes that cover your spinal cord and your brain. Most forms of meningitis are caused by viruses. Pneumococcal meningitis, however, is a bacterial form of meningitis. It is a potentially deadly infection that causes the inflammation of the layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most cases occur in babies and children under 18 months old. Around 15 per cent of those with it will die, according to Meningitis Now. Symptoms of pneumococccal meningitis include a fever, drowsiness, vomiting, irritability, a severe headache and a stiff neck. Advertisement

Little Stone, who is now six-years-old, was then kept in an induced coma for five days, and he was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis with sepsis, and that he had suffered severe brain damage.

Doctors even told the family it was unlikely he would live, but against all expectations, he was able to return home and pulled through.

Ms Zsentko told Mirror Online: 'He's now blind and can't eat anymore.

'He has shadowing so if it's a really hot, sunny day, he'll squint his eyes.

So we know he sees light and dark. And his hearing is perfect.

'He knows if I'm there in the room, and he loves any noisy toy. I don't care as long as he is happy.'

As well as suffering brain damage, Stone, who was born with skin condition X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) has been left with cerebral palsy.

Ms Zsentko, who also has children Blaze, Atlanta, Devon, Alisha and Georgia, added: 'He's awesome, he's really happy'.

She is now urging other parents to look out for symptoms of meningitis, which include cold hands, drowsiness, floppiness and 'glassy eyes'.Advertisement

The tulips in Britain's last remaining bulbfields have put on an amazing spectacle for the past week - but now nearly all the 25 million heads are being chopped off.

But sadly, after just a few days, the fabulous flowers have been cut off in their prime so the plant's energy can go into making the bulbs bigger for next year's crop.

'We have to remove the tulip heads so all the goodness will go back into the bulbs, rather than the flowers,' said farmer Mark Eves, whose in-laws Janet and Peter Ward own Belmont Nurseries, which is Britain's biggest tulip bulb producer.

Fields turned the Norfolk landscape into an incredible kaleidoscope of colours when the magnificent crop of tulips bloomed

The tulips in Britain's last remaining bulbfields in King's Lynn have put on an amazing spectacle for the past week

'We have to cut the heads off the tulips before the petals fall off.'

Belmont Nurseries has been growing tulips for 20 years and supplies more than 25 million stems to supermarkets each year. They hire four fields in Norfolk, which have slightly sandy soil, and rotate them on an annual basis.

Peter Ward, who has worked in horticulture since he was 17, began the business 20 years ago and felt he could grow tulips as well as the Dutch. They now grow 37 different varieties and introduce new ones each year.

The fabulous flowers have been cut off in their prime so the plant's energy can go into making bulbs bigger for next year's crop

Belmont Nurseries has been growing tulips for 20 years and supplies more than 25 million stems to supermarkets each year

The heads are left in rows in the field to rot, while the leaves and stalks are left to decompose and the bulbs finally removed from the soil in June

A machine is used to guillotine the tulip heads from the stalks and a group of five pickers follow behind to remove any which are missed.

The heads are left in rows in the field to rot, while the leaves and stalks are left to decompose and the bulbs finally removed from the soil in June. They will then be taken to Belmont Nurseries near King's Lynn, where they will be sorted.

The larger bulbs are then planted indoors to grow tulips out of season and the smaller bulbs are planted outdoors for next year's crop. 'The process usually takes a couple of weeks,' added Mr Eves.

A machine is used to guillotine the tulip heads from the stalks and a group of five pickers follow behind to remove any which are missed

The larger bulbs are planted indoors to grow tulips out of season and the smaller bulbs are planted outdoors for next year's crop

At the beginning of the 20th century more than 3,000 acres of tulips were grown in Norfolk and Lincolnshire but today this has diminished to just 35 hectares.

Tulips first arrived in Britain in 1907 when Frederick Culpin brought in 100 bulbs of six different varieties and established the British tulip fields.

By 1935 more than 300 people were visiting the fields, arriving from London by train and bus to witness the coming of spring.

Tulips first arrived in Britain in 1907 when Frederick Culpin brought in 100 bulbs of six different varieties and established the British tulip fields

This number had increased to more than 100,000 people by 1949 and special daily sightseeing routes were established to enable the visitors to see the best of the day's blooming flowers.

But in more recent years many tulip growers have been forced to convert their land to more profitable vegetable and cereal crops and Belmont Nurseries is now the only tulip grower left in Britain.Shocking footage shows a teenager throw himself under an oncoming train to boost his social media following.

Alexey Derbilov, 19, wedged himself into a gap in the track at Vystavochnaya metro station in Moscow in a dangerous stunt - risking his life for 'likes'.

Seconds later, a fast-moving train zooms over the top of him and he disappears from view.

Derbilov's friend recorded the shocking moment on his smartphone as the danger junkie lay flat against the rails, covering his head with his hands.

The train pulls into the station over the top of him and passengers get off.

After it moves away, he can be seen cowering in the same position he was in before it arrived.

A female staff member on the platform shouts at him as he walks along the tracks after the horrific stunt.

Alexey Derbilov, 19, leaps onto the track at Vystavochnaya metro station in Moscow

Shocking footage shows him squeeze into a gap in the track and cover his head with his hands

The train pulls in over the top of him and passengers can be seen getting off

Derbilov then emerges from his hiding place and faces the wrath of a metro employee on the platform

The footage was posted online the following day and police have arrested Derbilov, according to local media reports.

He said: 'I did it to increase my social media popularity. I wanted to get some hype.

'Of course I am sorry that I did it now after it was explained to me that as well as hurting myself other people could have been hurt as a result of the driver making an emergency stop.

'This is not what I wanted to achieve.'

His antics failed to win him much support online, with one commenter Oleg Svistunov simply writing: 'Idiot!'A woman accused of killing a patient who died just minutes after a botched cosmetic buttock operation in New York claims it would be against her human rights to extradite her to America.

Donna Francis is alleged to have given Kelly Mayhew three silicone injections in her bottom in the basement of her house in New York.

But on the third dose 34-year-old Mayhew 'turned purple' and immediately went into shock.

Kelly's mother was with her for the procedure in May 2015 and said that when her daughter stopped breathing she begged Francis for help.

Donna Francis (left) allegedly gave Kelly Mayhew (right) three silicone injections in the basement of her house in New York, but on the third dose 34-year-old Mayhew 'turned purple'

But instead of calling an ambulance the 37-year-old allegedly cleared up her equipment and ran from the house, fleeing in a grey SUV.

The pair had traveled to see Francis from their home in Maryland and the victim's mother said she had five previous plastic surgeries.

Emergency services rushed to the house and found Mayhew unconsious. They performed CPR and rushed her to the hospital, where she died.

Francis fled to London after learning the young television producer had died.

The fake doctor had also given an injection to rapper Cardi B, New York Daily News reports.

NYPD detectives got an arrest warrant for Francis more than a year later and a jury indicted her for 'criminally negligent homicide' but she had already fled to Britain and had been living in Essex.

Emergency services rushed to the house and found Mayhew unconsious. They performed CPR and rushed her to the hospital, where she died

The 37-year-old was finally tracked down and arrested by police in London in December 2017.

She was working in her new job as a hospital driver, more than two years after Kelly's death, but was released on a monitoring bracelet.

She is wanted for 'unlawful killing' and an extradition was applied for by the US, which she is fighting claiming it would be against a her human rights to send her to America.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court today an expert witness was due to give evidence on the conditions of prisons in the US via video link from America.

But due to a technical fault with the link the hearing could not take place.

Her defence lawyers will argue she should not be extradited due to her article 8 - right to a family life - and article 3 - prevention of inhuman conditions and torture - under the European Conventions on Human Rights.

District Judge Robin McPhee released her on bail.

Francis, of Loughton, Essex, will face a full hearing held over two days on June 5 and July 16.A man was killed in a confrontation with Homeland Security agents in a neighborhood on the south side of San Antonio, Texas Tuesday morning.

Neighbors hear about 20 rounds of gunfire ring out just before 7am. Some said they saw a man being chased by officers, near the intersection of Vermont and Ferndale.

Photos from the scene showed a black car with several bullet holes in its front window.

Homeland Security later confirmed the shooting, saying the suspect died on the scene and that no agents were injured.

They refused to release further details.

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A man was killed in a confrontation with Homeland Security agents in San Antonio Tuesday morning. Above, a view of the scene

Homeland Security has not released the identity of the suspect who was killed

'On May 1, 2018, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) personnel were involved in an officer-related shooting. ICE can confirm the subject is deceased and that a firearm was recovered from the scene. Per agency protocol, ICEs Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is reviewing the incident. The agency has no further comment at this time,' the agency said in a statement.

The San Antonio Police were not involved in the operation, but came to the scene when they heard that a suspect had been shot.

They were on the scene later Tuesday morning, helping secure the scene so Homeland Security could investigate.

'We're just going to provide any support they need for securing the crime scene while they handle their follow-up investigation into what happened,' San Antonio Sgt. Darryl Rooks said.

At least a dozen Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents were also at the scene.Meghan Markle will become part of British history when she marries Prince Harry this month, but shell have to know it inside out in order to become a citizen of the UK.

As Prince Harrys communication secretary Jason Knauf said back in November, the princes bride-to-be, and, if royal commentators are to be believed, the future Duchess of Sussex, will go through the process of becoming a British citizen, one that will be done properly and officially.

The secretary added that Meghan would be compliant with immigration requirements at all times'.

'I can also say she intends to become a UK citizen and will go through the process of that, which some of you may know takes a number of years, he added.

In order to become a British citizen, Meghan Markle will have to take the Life in the UK Test

This means that Meghan, as a prospective UK citizen, will have to take a Life in the UK test in order to gain citizenship.

To pass the test, which costs 50 and is compiled from roughly 3,000 facts, Meghan has to answer 18 out of 24 questions correctly on a range of topics including the height of the London Eye, when Britain became permanently separated from the continent by the Channel, and British environmental charities.

Other typical topics include questions about how local councils are funded, what important event happened in 1066 and what are some examples of civil law.

However, the test is tough, so tough in fact that even British citizens are struggling to pass it.

A Reuters survey found that only 23 out of 41 Britons who took the test could answer the questions correctly - with many confessing that they were in fact guessing.

One survey participant, Tom Poston, failed the test, despite studying British history at school. I did history at school but some of them are just absolutely stupid, he said.

I would have been kicked out, amazing. I think shes [Markle] going to have to do a lot of studying because Im shocked.

Hopefully, Meghan will be better prepared for the Life in the UK Test than she was for Daves British knowledge quiz, when she failed to answer more than half of the questions correctly on topics such as British ale names and places, and the national animal of England.Roseanne Barr has defended her vocal support of President Donald Trump saying she doesn't 'give a f**k' about what outraged people think.

The 65-year-old made the comments during an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show on Monday.

After congratulating Barr on the high ratings her 'Roseanne' show reboot has received, Fallon acknowledged that some may not be happy with her success given her support for Trump.

'Oh yeah, people are mad about that. But you know, I don't give a f**k,' Barr said.

Roseanne Barr defended her support of President Donald Trump on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show, saying she doesn't 'give a f**k' about what outraged people think

'I mean, everybody had to choose for themselves, according to their own conscience, who they felt was the lesser of two evils.

'You know, everybody chose that, so I'm not going to put anybody down who didn't vote like me. This is America, it's a free country, and when you weigh it all together, I just felt like we needed a whole new thing. All the way. Bottom to top.'

The TV star has faced criticism given her support from Trump in the lead up to the 2016 election and the fact her character on 'Roseanne' is a supporter of the President.

Barr had earlier revealed that Trump called to personally congratulate her on the stellar ratings 'Roseanne' had received since its reboot in March following a 20-year hiatus.

'He's just happy for me,' Barr said on Good Morning America when she revealed details of the call.

'I've known him for many years and he's done a lot of nice things for me over the years, and so it was just a friendly conversation about working and television and ratings.'

After congratulating Barr on the high ratings her 'Roseanne' show reboot has received, Fallon acknowledged that some may not be happy with her success given her support for Trump

She also spoke of Trump's phone call during an interview at the Jerusalem Post Annual Conference in New York on Sunday.

'He said 'Congratulations on the ratings.' He's really into ratings like I am,' Barr said.

The comedian, who is Jewish, said she went on to thank Trump for moving the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

'I said, 'Mr President, on behalf of my mother, I want to thank you... for moving the embassy to Jerusalem. Thank you so much',' she said.

'And he said, 'Well, you know a lot of presidents have promised it, but I wanted to get it done'.'

During the interview, Barr also addressed the fact that her character on her eponymous show is a Trump fan, which she says has nothing to do with her own political leanings.

'I didn't have Roseanne the character become a Trump supporter because I am,' she said. 'I had her become a Trump supporter because she's a working class person and it is the working class that elected Donald Trump. So, in being true to that little demographic, I had to do it.

Barr (pictured left on Sunday at the Jerusalem Post Annual Conference in New York) had earlier revealed that Trump called to personally congratulate her on the stellar ratings 'Roseanne' had received since its reboot in March following a 20-year hiatus

The cast of the ABC's Roseanne reboot is pictured above, with Barr herself seated in the center. Barr's character on the show is a supporter of President Trump

'Besides, I just wanted someone to do it and none of the other actors  they were like, 'No way'.'

Barr added that she hoped one day to move to Israel, which is an act Jews call 'making Aliya'.

She said if she follows through with the dream she might even consider running for prime minister.

'I want to move to Israel and run for prime minister,' she said. 'I do have that fantasy. If God calls me, I'll go,' she said.

'I'm 65 years old and I'm running out of time to do what I always dreamed of doing [which] was to be living there and be able to study the things that excite me. I still have the fantasy of being an old Jewish lady living in the Jewish homeland, so someday I will do it.

'I want to buy a farm there and maybe bring my family.'The president's personal doctor says that Donald Trump's bodyguard led a 'raid' on his office last year that he believes was connected to his revelation that he prescribed his patient a hair growth medicine.

Dr. Harold Bornstein, who was the president's physician until he took office, told NBC News that Keith Schiller, head of Trump's security team in the private sector and a White House aide at the time, showed up at his office without notice in February 2017 and confiscated the president's medical records.

Bornstein says Schiller was with Alan Garten, the top lawyer for the Trump Organization, and a third man he did not know.

Harold Bornstein, the president's personal doctor says that Donald Trump 's bodyguard led a 'raid' on his office last year that he believes was connected to his revelation that he prescribed his patient a hair growth medicine

The doctor says that Keith Schiller (left) was head of Trump's security team in the private sector and a White House aide at the time, showed up at his office without notice in February 2017 and confiscated the president's medical records. Bornstein says Schiller was with Alan Garten, the top lawyer for the Trump Organization, and a third man.

The former Trump physician said he felt 'raped, frightened and sad' after the event that he's sure was linked to his admission that the president takes Propecia, a medication for combating male baldness.

'They must have been here for 25 or 30 minutes. It created a lot of chaos,' Bornstein said told the news network.

Bornstein ,70, says that Schiller and his partners took Trump's medical files, including charts and lab reports. There are no copies of them, Bornstein says.

A source told NBC that Bornstein was presented a letter requesting the records from White House physician Ronny Jackson during the Feb. 3 encounter that Schiller, who is no longer working for Trump, oversaw.

That person could not say whether there was a release form attached to the letter authorizing a hand-off of the records, however.

Bornstein says he never saw a signed one from Trump - meaning that the release, however it came about, of the records would have been in violation of a federal privacy act known as HIPAA.

While the men were in his office, Bornstein says they also asked him to take down a framed 8x10 photo of himself and Trump that has been hanging in the waiting room.

The president dropped Bornstein from his orbit, the doctor says, after he told the New York Times that he prescribed Trump the hair stimulant Propecia.

He also revealed prescriptions for rosacea and cholesterol to the Times.

'I couldn't believe anybody was making a big deal out of a drug to grow his hair that seemed to be so important. And it certainly was not a breach of medical trust to tell somebody they take Propecia to grow their hair. What's the matter with that?' Bornstein told NBC.

The Times' story ran on Feb. 1 and Bornstein told NBC News that Trump's personal assistant at his real estate business, Rhona Graff, called him that day to tell him his hopes of being the White House doctor would never come to pass.

Bornstein says he'd talked to her about his desire previously, and she called him on Feb. 1 and said, ' "So you wanted to be the White House doctor? Forget it, you're out." '

Schiller, Gartner and another individual harassed him in his office, he says, two days later.

The identity of the third person, who Bornstein described as a 'large man,' that was allegedly with Schiller at the doctor's office that day is unknown.

Garten was not originally with the duo, Bornstein says. He arrived after they were already at his office. Bornstein told NBC that his wife Melissa photocopied Garten's business card.

None of the men, or the White House, responded to requests for comment from NBC, the news network says.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders on Tuesday afternoon described the document collection was 'standard procedure.'

'As is standard operating procedure for a new President, the White House Medical Unit took possession of the Presidents medical records,' she explained.

Sanders said it was not her understanding that the incident was a 'raid' as she refuted Bornstein.

Bornstein had been Trump's physician for more than three decades before the former real estate mogul was elected to the presidency. He notoriously claimed that Trump would have the best health of anyone ever elected to the presidency during the campaign

Bornstein had been Trump's physician for more than three decades before the former real estate mogul was elected to the presidency. He notoriously claimed that Trump would have the best health of anyone ever elected to the presidency during the campaign.

'I like that sentence to be quite honest with you,' he told NBC in retrospect, 'and all the rest of them are either sick or dead.'

Jackson, the president's doctor at the White House, later came under scrutiny for arguing that Trump, 71, could have lived to be 200 if he'd taken better care of himself over the years.

His performance at a White House press briefing, where he chalked up the overweight president's good health to 'good genes,' ingratiated himself to Trump, who appointed him to lead the Veterans Affairs Department at the end of March.

Jackson crumbled under pressure last week, as Democrats claimed he'd been accused of excessively drinking on the job and passing out pills like candy on overseas flights.

He backed away from the promotion and his future at the White House is now uncertain.A federal judge has moved a suburban Fort Worth couple from a detention facility to house arrest as they await trial on forced-labor charges.

The defendants, Mohamed Toure and his wife Denise Cros-Toure, are the son and daughter-in-law of the first president of the West African country of Guinea, the Star-Telegram reported.

An arrest affidavit says they arranged for a girl, referred to in court documents as Jane Doe, to travel from her rural Guinean village in 2000, when she was just five years old, and forced her to work in their Southlake, Texas, home for 16 years without pay.

In the home, the girl was allegedly forced to cook, clean and care for the couple's children, the affidavit said.

Southlake, Texas couple Mohamed Toure (left) and Denise Florence Cros-Toure (right), both 57, have been charged with forced labor of a domestic servant after they allegedly brought a five-year-old girl from Guinea and forced her into servitude for 16 years

Despite being close in age to the children she was allegedly ordered to care for, it is alleged the girl was never able to go to school, and was never paid for her work.

The defendants allegedly also held the girl's documents, forcing her to remain in the US illegally when her visa expired.

The affidavit further claims Cros-Toure and Toure physically abused the girl when chores were not up to standard, and that her punishment was increased as her pain tolerance grew higher.

Cros-Toure is accused of slapping the girl and using a belt and electrical cord to harm her.

The mother-of-five is also accused of calling the girl a 'w****', a 'slave' and 'just a little nothing'.

Her plight was only revealed when she finally escaped the home and reported her ordeal to the authorities, leading to the Toure's arrests.

The girl was allegedly never taught to speak English, to swim or to use a computer.

The couple lived in this Texas home where the girl allegedly cooked, cleaned and cared for the couple's five children for 16 years before she escaped with the help of her former neighbors

But the attorneys for Toure and Cros-Toure told the court the girl was able to leave the home on her own, had social media accounts and had been taken on holidays within the US with the family.

Federal court documents show U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cureton signed the home detention order during a hearing on Monday, leading to celebration in the courtroom by family and friends.

Cureton also ordered them to surrender their passports while the case proceeds.

The couple's attorneys deny the charge, and their eldest daughter tearily testified in support of her parents on behalf of the five children.

'They love us,' she said in defence of her parents. 'I believe my father to be a good man, my mother a good woman.'

The maximum penalty for a forced-labor conviction is 20 years in a U.S. prison.The House Intelligence Committee quietly revealed on Friday that a shadowy group of wealthy donors has spent $50 million to continue the work that resulted in the 'dirty dossier' of unsubstantiated claims against President Donald Trump.

The dossier's creator, former British spy Christopher Steele, wrote that the Kremlin held compromising information about Trump including proof that he caroused with prostitutes during a viit to Moscow.

The president has denied everything in the dossier, but the Justice Department and FBI reportedly used it to obtain surveillance warrants targeting a member of the Trump campaign team.

Donald Trump continues to deny allegations in the infamous 'dirty dossier' but may never have known that researchers continued to build on it after he was sworn in as president

A footnote in a report issued by the House Intelligence Committee on Friday established that former Democratic Campaign Staffer Daniel Jones collected $50 million from wealthy donors and then hired the people behind the dossier to keep the ball rolling

The Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign paid Fusion GPS, an opposition research firm, to compile the salacious information.

Jones, who has kept the dossier work going, runs the shadowy Penn Quarter Group

But its eventual dissemination to reporters and the FBI failed to derail Trump's White House aspirations.

Now another Washington firm, the Penn Quarter Group, has collected $50 million from a handful of funders to keep the ball rolling.

It has hired Steele and Fusion GPS to take part, and promises to share its findings with the FBI and the media.

The Penn Quarter Group's founding principal, Daniel Jones, is a former senior staffer to Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and worked for her on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Glenn Simpson and his firm Fusion GPS started the work on the 'dirty dossier' with money from the Democratic National Committee and the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign

Christopher Steele, a former British spy, put together the widely mocked document, based on his sources in Russia

'In late March 2017,' a lengthy footnote in the House Intelligence Committee's report reads, 'Jones met with FBI regarding PQG [Penn Quarter Group], which he described as "exposing foreign influence in Western elections".'

'[Jones] told FBI that PQG was being funded by 7 to 10 wealthy donors located primarily in New York and California, who provided approximately $50 million [and] further stated that PQG had secured the services fo Steele, his associate [REDACTED], and Fusion GPS to continue exposing Russian influence in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election.'

Jones, the report continues, 'planned to share the information he obtained with policymakers on Capitol Hill and with the press,' and also offered to provide PQG's entire holdings to the FBI.'

Steele's file on Trump included one nugget claiming the future president cavorted with hookers in a 'golden showers' ritual in a Moscow hotel room

Jones's $50 million effort is operating under the name 'Democracy Integrity Project,' according to The Daily Caller.

The organization was incorporated in late January 2017, just 11 days after President Trump took office.

Fusion GPS founder Glenn Simpson refused to answer a Senate hearing question last year about whether he was still being paid for work related to the Steele dossier.

Steele's links to Jones were outed in February with the leak of a series of text messages between Jones and Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner.

In the March 2017 texts, Jones suggested that he was the point of contact for Steele.The man accused of fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy in the head last week had body armor and a weapon, and talked about becoming a fugitive.

Friends of the suspect, 29-year-old John Williams, told investigators that the day of the shooting Williams was seen with a bulletproof vest and a shotgun.

Williams is currently being held without bail for the murder of 61-year-old Somerset County Corporal Eugene Cole.

According to an affidavit, obtained by WGME, as friends were dropping Williams off at a Norridgewock home around 1:15am on April 25 a Somerset County Sheriff pickup truck was driving by.

John Williams confessed to fatally shooting a sheriff's deputy in Maine on April 25. The 29-year-old was captured in a wooded area on Saturday, April 28

Friends of Williams told police that the 29-year-old had a bulletproof vest and shotgun the day of the shooting. Williams is pictured during his arrest

Somerset County Corporal Eugene Cole, 61, was found dead in the backyard of a Norridgewock home hours after the shooting. He had been with the department for 13 years

The friends said they had witnessed Williams put bags, a bulletproof vest and a shotgun into the car before he was taken to the home. A friend told police that Williams had also talked about becoming a fugitive.

How Williams and Cole, a 13-year veteran, encountered each other still remains unclear. Williams' friend, Chris Williams, stated in the affidavit that the murder happened about 15 minutes after Williams was dropped off at the home.

'He (John Williams) had killed Corporal Gene Cole and stole his police cruiser after Cole snuck up on him, or he snuck up on Cole,' Chris said. The affidavit noted that Chris could not remember which man approached the other first.

After the shooting, Cole allegedly stole Williams' police car and drove to a nearby Cumberland Farms convenience store, where he stole a pack of cigarettes.

He then abandoned the car before having Chris pick him up. Chris told police he and Williams smoked drugs using a 'crack pipe' then he gave Williams his cell phone and kicked him out of the car.

One friend said Williams confessed in a cell phone call, but the affidavit didn't point toward motive.

Cole's body was not found until hours later when Kimberly Sirois found the deputy in her backyard and called police.

Held without bail: John Williams, center, accused in the fatal shooting of Somerset County Sheriff's Deputy Eugene Cole, sits with an attorney during his initial court appearance on a murder charge, Monday, April 30, 2018, in Auburn, Maine

Authorities said Williams was due in court in Massachusetts the day of the shooting. Friends said he had been frustrated by a recent arrest and by his girlfriends arrest - which Cole had been involved in, Fox News reports.

Williams appeared in court on Monday but was not required to enter a plea. A judge ordered him held without bail.

He stared ahead and quietly answered the judge's questions. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation and, at the request of attorneys, moved future court proceedings from Somerset County to Portland to ensure that Williams gets a fair trial.

Lisa Marchese, chief of the criminal division of the attorney general's office, said the state is going to seek a life prison sentence. The case will be presented to a grand jury in the next month or so, she said.

A court-appointed defense lawyer told reporters that he wasn't ready to discuss specifics of the case.

After the hearing, Williams returned to the state's maximum security prison, the Maine State Prison in Warren. Prison officials said it was not an unusual arrangement for an inmate with special security needs.

Authorities said Williams (left) shot and killed Cole after they had some type of encounter

Several of Cole's family members, including his wife and son, attended the hearing but left without talking to reporters.

Cole's wife, Sheryl, posted on Facebook to thank people for their kindness and law enforcement officials for their service.

'We said our ritual goodbye, ending with me saying (or yelling) 'be safe' and him responding 'absolutely,'' she wrote. 'The next time I saw my husband, he was lying in a casket.'

Cole's killing prompted a massive manhunt with more than 200 law enforcement officers pouring into the area in central Maine, along with tactical vehicles and helicopters.

Williams was arrested outside a remote cabin on April 28, the fourth day of a massive manhunt in the region.

He was shirtless and shoeless when he was captured and appeared exhausted when he was led out of the woods.

Colleagues of the 61-year-old Cole, meanwhile, praised him as a kind and patient deputy, one who was known for defusing volatile situations and treating those he arrested with respect.Former university lecturer Francis Beaumont, 79, was convicted of five offences of rape and jailed for 20 years

A depraved leturer who subjected a teenager to humiliating sexual abuse and threatened to dissolve her body in an acid bath has been jailed for 20 years.

Former university lecturer Francis Beaumont, 79, was convicted of five offences of rape against his victim, who is now a woman in her 50s.

The woman endured torture and was forced to have two abortions after he impregnated her as a teenager.

She was raped multiple times in Yorkshire and threatened with death if she spoke out.

Leeds Crown Court heard the victim suffered years of physical, sexual and psychological abuse at Beaumont's hands.

Jurors were told Beaumont, a university lecturer in histology, plied the youngster with alcohol, which led to her battling with alcoholism for years.

Beaumont, of Leeds, was found guilty of five offences of rape in the UK, between 1979 and 1985.

Judge Tom Bayliss, QC, described the abuse as 'a campaign of rape.'

The judge said: 'You are an intelligent man and you knew perfectly well what you were doing.

'It was calculated by you to degrade her, to make [her] compliant to you and... submit to your sexual demands.'

The victim, who gave evidence at the trial, described how she was 'petrified' as he threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the abuse.

Beaumont threatened to dissolve her body in sulphuric acid or dump her remains in the countryside.

She took the threat seriously as she knew he had access to chemicals during the course of his work.

Beaumont also kept a plastic carrier bag and threatened to use it to suffocate her.

The final offences took place at his home in Guiseley in 1985.

The trial heard the victim told her mother about the abuse in the same year.

She found the courage to go to police in 2015.Johnny Depp (pictured in November) has been sued by two of his former bodyguards

Johnny Depp is being sued by two of his former bodyguards who claim he overworked and underpaid them over an 'intolerable' two year period when they say they had to act as his babysitter.

Eugene Arreola and Miguel Sanchez filed a lawsuit against the actor in California on Tuesday.

They allege that between April 2016 and January 2018, they were not paid overtime and were deprived food and rest breaks while looking after Depp and his family.

The lawsuit contains explosive allegations including the claim that they once had to wipe drugs from Depp's face in a nightclub to stop others around him seeing the substance.

The men say that not only did they have to watch as Depp 'spiralled' into a 'financial hurricane', they also had to act as babysitters for his children.

One claims that one of his major responsibilities was ensuring that one of the children (he did not say which) was looked after properly because they lived in an outhouse on Depp's Los Angeles compound.

They are asking for unspecified damages and compensation to make up for the money they say they are owed.

Often times [they] were forced to protect Depp from himself and his vices while in public, becoming caretakers for him. An incident at a local nightclub involved [them] alerting Depp of illegal substances visible on his face and person while preventing onlookers from noticing his condition

Depp's representatives did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com on Tuesday afternoon.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star is currently embroiled in separate legal spats of his own with his former management company.

Last month, the second set of lawyers he hired to represent him fired him.

The lawsuit, which DailyMail.com obtained on Tuesday, describes how Sanchez and Arreola, a 38 year LAPD veteran, worked happily for Depp while employed by a security company which he had hired for years before the problems began.

Arreola stared working for him in 2007 and became close with his mother Betty Sue Palmer, the lawsuit states. It is not clear how long Sanchez worked for him.

'[They] witnessed Depp becoming increasingly embroiled in personal turmoil and detached from the reality around him.

The bodyguards said they were made to work round-the-clock, without food or rest breaks, at Depp's home in the Hollywood Hills (Above) and would sometimes accompany him and his children out

The bodyguards say they were told to give in to 'every whim' of Depp's children, 16-year-old John (left in 2015) and Lily-Rose, 18, (right in February)

'In early 2016, [they] began to notice a stark change in Depp and the atmosphere in his Hollywood Hills compound. Depp began making sudden and drastic changes to his staff and management team, causing a significant financial crunch for everyone surround him except for Depp himself,' the lawsuit reads.

In April 2016, in the midst of his tumultuous marriage with Amber Heard, Depp fired Premier Group International, the company which employed both Sanchez and Arreola.

According to the bodyguards, he and his entourage decided they would 'cut out the middle man' and hire the security guards themselves to avoid paying an agency fee.

One of the guards became close with the actor's mother Betty Sue Palmer after protecting her for years and still visits her grave on her birthday, the lawsuit claims

They then took charge of the two guards' pay checks and were irresponsible in keeping track of them, it is alleged.

Not only did they have to start working '12 hour days, sometimes back-to-back shifts', the guards say their duties started to include safeguarding Depp and others around him who were 'engaging in illegal activity'.

'[They] found themselves in situations that required more than what a bodyguard would be expected to do.

'[They] were constantly being used as drivers, driving back and forth at Depp's or his family's beckoning....[they] were asked repeatedly to drive vehicles that contained illegal substances, open containers and minors.

'They were asked to monitor unstable individuals in Depp's life and entourage,' the lawsuit says.

Sanchez claims he was tasked, for a while, with looking after one of Depp's two children. The lawsuit does not say which but the actor has two; 18-year-old Lily-Rose and 16-year-old John Depp III.

'Sanchez, whose primary detail was the protection of Depp's children, was more often than not the primary caretaker for Depp's minor child who lived off of Depp's compound in a separate home alone.

Sanchez was told to give into every whim of Depp's children and worried he would lose his job if he did not comply with their demands

'Worse yet, Sanchez was told to give into every whim of Depp's children and worried he would lose his job if he did not comply with their demands,' the lawsuit reads.

It also claims that they had to act as a caretaker for Depp whose struggles with drugs and alcohol have been well documented in the past.

'Often times [they] were forced to protect Depp from himself and his vices while in public, becoming caretakers for him.

'An incident at a local nightclub involved [them] alerting Depp of illegal substances visible on his face and person while preventing onlookers from noticing his condition,' it reads.

One worrying anecdote involves Leonard Damian, Depp's head of security who was put in charge of giving the men their checks and their schedules after their agency was fired.

In early 2016, when Depp was married to Amber Heard, the guards said they saw him becoming 'increasingly embroiled in turmoil and detached from reality'

The lawsuit claims that Damian once accidentally shot himself in the leg and that Sanchez had to care for him.

'While he was in the security control room located on Depp's compound when his supervisor, Leonard Damian, Sanchez heard a gunshot.

'He looked to Damian who had taken his gun out of his holster for some unknown reason. Damian, shocked and confused, asked Sanchez "Are you hit? Are you hit?"

'Damian then frantically started looking for where the bullet from his gun had gone.

[They] witnessed Depp becoming increasingly embroiled in personal turmoil and detached from the reality around him.

'Suddenly, Sanchez and Damian noticed the hole in Damian's pants and the blood gushing from his leg.

'Unbelievably, while playing with his weapon in a small control room on Johnny Depp's property, Leonard Damian, head of Depp's security detail, shot himself in the leg.

'Although stunned to find himself in such an unsafe and life threatening situation at work, Sanchez had no choice but to rush Damian to the hospital in response to Damian's demands,' the suit reads.

The men say they retired as a result of the 'toxic' and 'dangerous' work environment they were subjected to 'despite the fact that they enjoyed many of the people they worked with and had no ill will toward Johnny Depp.'

Depp has been pictured with other security guards since Sanchez and Arreola left their jobs.

He is still embroiled in a year-long dispute with The Management Group which he is accusing of fraud, claiming that two managers who used to work with him mismanaged him and his money.

The damage, he claims, totals $21million.

The bulk of it is over taxes which Depp claims brothers Joel and Robert Mandel paid late on his behalf while they represented him.

The star's financial woes have dominated stories about him for years and are coupled only with claims of his abusive behavior towards ex-wife Amber Heard.

The pair finalized their divorce in January 2017.A 'sadistic' murderer battered his partner to death with an iron after luring her to live with him following his release from a psychiatric hospital.

Atual Mustafa, 36, beat his partner Sohbia Khan to death at their home in the town of Normanton in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Mustafa killed Ms Khan, 37, less than two years after serving a hospital order for attacking his then wife.

A court sketch of Atual Mustafa in Derby Crown Court where he was found guilty of murdering his partner

Derby Crown Court heard that Mustafa met the 'confident, intelligent, bubbly' Miss Khan, originally from Bradford, and 'lured' her to live with him.

He then became controlling and subjected her to 'domestic violence on a savage scale'.

Miss Khan had been vulnerable and alone and believed she'd found love, the prosecution said.

Mustafa hid the fact he was declared mentally ill and sent to a secure hospital after brutally attacking his ex wife,

When he was freed from hospital in July 2015, he kept his violent past a secret and changed his name.

Mustafa killed Miss Khan in May last year but never offered an explanation as to what happened.

In police interviews he made no comment and he gave no evidence in court.

Detective Chief Inspector Emlyn Richards said: 'There are only two people who can account for what happened that night, Mustafa and Sohbia Khan and he is refusing to say.'

'I think it's cruel and calculating. Sohbia was terrified and all alone. She must have gone through the most horrendous ordeal.

'He branded her with an iron, attacked her with weapons, along with punching her and kicking her. There were bruises all over her body.'

Mustafa's previous conviction mirrored his attack on Miss Khan.

DCI Richards said: 'We familiarised ourselves with his attack on the victim in 2008 which was ferocious, sustained and premeditated.

'Anybody who can subject another person to such a horrendous ordeal is beyond words.

'It's clear, when you look at all of the evidence, that he tortured her over a number of days. It was degrading and humiliating.'

He said some of the elements in that case were 'prominent' in Miss Khan's killing.

Sohbia Khan suffered a total of 36 separate injuries at the home she shared with her killer in the town of Normanton in Wakefield, West Yorkshire

DCI Richards said some of the injuries were 'very similar'.

Emergency services were alerted to Miss Khan's sad ending in a call from Mustafa himself.

They found her bruised and battered body in her bath, where Mustafa claimed she died after falling.

He later claimed in his trial that he was mentally ill and denied murder.

On the same night as the killer, Mustafa booked a flight to Pakistan and had his passport at the ready.

DCI Richards said: 'It's all been about himself. His actions are an important element.

'We know that, on the night, he was withdrawing money, he has his passport and two phones.

'He put calls in to get 1,000 in cash and he was having conversations with a solicitor. There's a lot of planning and preparation.

'At the time, when he's supposed to be suffering from a mental illness, straight away he was calling his solicitor. It's morally abhorrent.'

'It's been incredibly difficult for her family. They have conducted themselves with true dignity throughout.

Mustafa hid the fact he'd been sent to a secure hospital for viciously attacking his ex wife. Pictured: 'Confident, intelligent, bubbly' Sohbia Khan, 37

'They have been faced with such a violent crime on a family member they loved dearly. And they feel a real sense of betrayal as they believe he concealed his identity to hide his previous offending.'

He said of the events in May 2017: 'Officers had got to the scene and arrested Mustafa after he phoned the emergency services to say he had struck her and she was not breathing.

'Her body had been found and it was apparent this was not a natural death.

'Mustafa had been arrested but he was deemed too unwell to be interviewed at that time. Based on what we got from the scene we approached the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision.'

Detectives built their case by replaying the emergency service call Mustafa made and also watched footage from officers' body-worn video cameras, while they waited for forensic analysis to come back.

DCI Richards added: 'Once we had established his movements we had to validate them. We had to think, could this be anybody else? We went through a series of hypotheses, but throughout all of this, we had absolutely nothing from Mustafa.

'While we worked very hard building the case together we had to wait a very long time for a defence statement. Only at the start of the trial was Mustafa admitting to causing most of the injuries found on Sohbia's body.

'We were working through lines of enquiry to establish exactly what had happened and what had happened to her when she died. It's been very unusual to be working on lines of enquiry so late. Usually, by the time it comes to trial, virtually everything is sorted.

'We had to wait for any potential defence arguments before they had even appeared at trial and then work out ways to knock them down.

'It has been really, really difficult and required a significant amount of work. It's been very complex.

'It's been very difficult because you have Sohbia's grieving family who have a lot of questions and are desperate for answers to those questions.'

Mustafa is due to be sentenced on Thursday at Derby Crown Court.Veterinarian Andres Lopez Elorza (pictured), 38, who was accused of stitching bags of liquid heroin in puppies for a Colombian drug trafficking ring is now in custody in New York

A veterinarian accused of implanting liquid heroin in puppies for a Colombian drug trafficking ring is now in custody in New York.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration said Andres Lopez Elorza was arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn Tuesday afternoon on an indictment charging him with conspiring to import and distribute heroin into the United States.

Judge Marilyn Go ordered Elorez detained pending trial.

'As alleged in the indictment, Elorza is not only a drug trafficker, he also betrayed a veterinarian's pledge to prevent animal suffering when he used his surgical skills in a cruel scheme to smuggle heroin in the abdomens of puppies,' stated United States Attorney Richard Donoghue.

'Dogs are mans' best friend and, as the defendant is about to learn, we are drug dealers' worst enemy.'

Elorza, who is Venezuelan, was arrested in 2015 in Spain. He was extradited to the US Monday afternoon.

US Marshals were seen escorting Elorza to a waiting black car after he arrived at the John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Elorza was wearing a green jacket with the hood up and a blue sweater that covered handcuffs on his wrists.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration said Elorza was arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn Tuesday afternoon on an indictment charging him with conspiring to import and distribute heroin into the US. The puppies pictured were rescued in 2005

Elorza was arrested in 2015 in Spain and extradited to the US on Monday. US authorities said Elorza stitched packets (pictured) of heroin into the bellies of the dogs

US Marshals were seen escorting Elorza (pictured on Monday) to a waiting black car after he arrived at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. He was wearing a green jacket with the hood up and a blue sweater that covered handcuffs on his wrists

DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James Hunt said that 'over time, drug organizations' unquenchable thirst for profit leads them to do unthinkable crimes like using innocent puppies for drug concealment, or nowadays pushing lethal amounts of fentanyl onto our streets'.

According to the superseding indictment and facts presented in court, between September 2004 and January 2005, Elorza was a member of a conspiracy, based in Colombia, that smuggled heroin into the US.

US authorities said Elorza stitched packets of heroin into the bellies of Labrador retrievers and other breeds that were sent on commercial flights to New York City.

Officials said the packets were then cut out of the puppies, who died in the process from infections caused by the incisions.

Elorza, 38, was arrested in June 2015, 10 years after police raided his clinic in Medellin, Colombia in 2005.

During the raid, they discovered ten dogs, three of them with three kilograms of heroin implanted inside them.

The married father-of-two then fled to Spain, where he lived for eight years and worked as a vet for two companies.

In May 2015, he went into hiding in the northwestern town of Santa Comba, after the National Court in the USA authorized his extradition so he could face drugs charges. He was arrested a month later.

Donna, a basset hound (pictured), is one of the dogs that was saved. She was adopted by an officer of the National Police of Colombia (CNP) and his family

Heroina, a rottweiler (left, now and right, after her rescue), was also saved. She became a narcotics dog, working for the CNP

Authorities said the gang had plans to pretend the puppies were show dogs to get them past customs inspectors in America.

The seven surviving dogs that were discovered by officials during the raid grew up and continued living in Colombia.

Donna, a basset hound, is one of the dogs that was saved. She was adopted by an officer of the National Police of Colombia (CNP) and his family.

Heroina, a rottweiler, was also saved. She became a narcotics dog, working for the CNP.

Elorza was also arrested in Spain in 2013 but released while his extradition was being considered.

A Civil Guard spokesman at the time said Elorza's employers spoke highly of him and he had no record of drug-trafficking in Spain.

If convicted of the crimes charged, Elorza faces a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence in prison, and up to life imprisonment.

Officials said the packets (pictured) were then cut out of the puppies, who died in the process from infections caused by the incisionsA mother from Virginia has been arrested for allegedly giving her five-year-old son an unknown substance that made him bleed and nearly killed him during a recent hospital stay.

According to a search warrant, 28-year-old Elizabeth Malone was taken into custody on April 25 at Inova Fairfax Hospital, after she was caught on a hidden camera injecting her child with a fluid that immediately made him ill.

Malone has been charged with child abuse and neglect. She is being held in the Fairfax County Jail without bond pending her next court appearance on May 25.

Mom charged: Elizabeth Malone, 28, has been charged with child abuse and neglect for allegedly giving her five-year-old son an unknown substance that made him bleed and nearly killed him

The warrant, first cited by NBC4, states that Malone brought her son to the hospital on April 19, saying he was bleeding from his mouth and tracheostomy tube.

Hospital staff said the boy had been admitted to the medical facility seven times since February, including twice for unexplained bleeding from his mouth, nose and the tracheostomy tube.

Doctors performed tests on the child that all came back normal, which raised concerns that it was Malone who was harming her son.

During the child's week-long hospital stay, staff contacted Child Protective Services and then the Fairfax County Police Department.

A hidden camera installed inside the boy's room at Inova Fairfax Hospital allegedly caught Malone in the act

Unbeknownst to Malone, a camera was installed inside her son's room. According to the warrant, on April 25 the device captured the mother taking a syringe from a medical cart, emptying its contents and filling it with an unknown fluid from her purse.

The 28-year-old was then observed administering the substance to her son through his mouth and nose, which caused a medical emergency, according to the document.

Doctors later told investigators that the five-year-old boy could have died without medical care.Two boating disasters off the coast of a small Scottish island during World War One saw hundreds of American military personnel buried by compassionate locals.

In an act being commemorated on the island of Islay this week, nearly 700 people were buried with dignity, in two horrific events just eight months apart, BBC reported.

In February 1918, American ship the SS Tuscania was torpedoed in 1918 by the German U-boat UB-77 just off Islays coastline.

The island, with a population of just 6,000 at the time, were already reeling from the loss of 150 of their own when they pulled together to retrieve the bodies of American soldiers.

The SS Tuscania (pictured) was torpedoed by a German ship in February 1918, killing nearly 200 soldiers off the coast of Islay, a Scottish island

The SS Otranto (pictured) landed in troubled waters after colliding with a friendly British ship. Despite the efforts of a British destroyer ship, more than 400 were left on board when the ship went down - only 16 survived

Pictured: Bodies laid out for burial after nearly 400 were killed on board the SS Otranto. When the bodies were found washed up on shore they were reportedly piled 15 feet off the ground

The ship  formerly a cruise liner - was carrying about 2,500  and many survived thanks to the Royal Navy, but those who had sought refuge in lifeboats found themselves shipwrecked once again on the rocky cliff face of the islands Oa peninsula.

Sergeant Malcolm MacNeill and his three fellow officers  the entirety of the towns police force, recovered, identified and buried nearly 200 soldiers with the help of the islanders.

Residents, feeling the mens burials deserved an American flag, laboured for hours and well into the night to handcraft one from the available materials.

It was made by Jessie McLellan, Mary Cunningham, Catherine McGregor, Mary Armour, and John McDougall - who worked through the night at Islay House to complete it.

They finished the stitching around 2am just ahead of the first US funeral held on Islay.

Locals retrieved and held funerals for the dead, and a group of women hand stitched a US flag in less than a day so the soldiers could be buried with honour

Pictured: A scene from the traditional funeral held for the hundreds of American dead in February 1918

Locals gathered to farewell the men at their funerals in the absence of their loved ones

Almost exactly five months later, a navigational error in inclement weather saw the SS Otranto hit by a friendly British ship.

Fearing a repeat of Februarys fatal disaster, the British ship and the rest of the convoy continued on.

British destroyer HMS Mounsey, commanded by Lieutenant FW Craven, was the first to respond to the SS Otrantos mayday calls, and hundreds of those on board, most of whom were American, were able to leap overboard to safety, Islay Blog reported.

But about 400 men remained on the warship, only 16 of who were able to swim to shore.

The next day, Islay residents were greeted with the sight of dead bodies piled up on the shore, and Sergeant MacNeill once again set to work on honouring the dead.

Members of the Red Cross and the army searched the shipwreck of the Otranto for more bodies (pictured)

An American monument was created on the southern shores off the island to remember the soldiers who died in both shipwrecks (pictured)

A book written on the devastating shipwreck and published in 2012, Many Were Held by the Sea: The Tragic Sinking of HMS Otranto, claims bodies were piled up to 15 feet high.

Sergeant MacNeill recorded details of every single body found on Islays shores, and those found on the nearby island of Muck, before the men were buried.

The notebook containing the Sergeants notes was preserved and is now showcased at the The Museum of Islay Life.

After the war, each body was exhumed from the Island and returned to the US  apart from one soldier, Private Roy Muncaster, who remains at the request of his family.Poet Benjamin Zephaniah has revealed that he hit one of his ex-girlfriends.

The 60-year-old told a radio presenter that the way that he had treated some former partners was 'terrible' and admitted he had lost his temper.

He said that as he had got older he had 'really regretted' his actions and had apologised to the ex-girlfriend.

It comes as his autobiography, The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah, is set to be released this week, BBC News reports.

The 60-year-old told a radio presenter that the way that he had treated some former partners was 'terrible' and admitted he had lost his temper

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'The way I treated some of my girlfriends was terrible. At one point I was violent.

'I could lose my temper sometimes. There was one girlfriend I had and I actually hit her a couple of times.

'As I got older I really regretted it and it burned my conscience so badly, it really ate at me.

Mr Zephaniah said that his increasing involvement in politics, especially race and gender issues in the UK and South Africa, gave him a different view of women.

He said: 'I remember I was on a march and I was saying Freedom! International Freedom!, and I thought, I just left my girlfriend at home and told her not to leave the house.

It comes as his autobiography, The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah, is set to be released this week

'I was being an oppressor and a hypocrite, and at that moment I just stopped and said, I'm going to think for myself.

He said the experience had inspired a poem in which he wrote about 'struggling together now' and includes the line: 'How you talk about life and justice when you can't handle domestic crisis?'

Mr Zephaniah broke into the literary world while performing dub poetry alongside stand-up comedians and punk bands in 1980s London.

He made himself known to a new generation through his role in BBC series Peaky Blinders.The race to be the next governor of Georgia is heating up, and the seven Republican candidates vying for the position are going out of their way to show how committed they are to protecting the second amendment.

One of those men, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, is being accused of taking things a bit too far, however, in a new ad that shows him holding a teenager at gunpoint.

The boy in the video, introduced as 'Jake,' is said to be a potential suitor for one of Kemp's three daughters, who is forced to answer questions as Kemp sits just a few feet away while holding a rifle.

The rifle is one of nine firearms that are visible in the ad, which some are demanding be taken off the air.

Scroll down for video

Fired up: Republican candidate for governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, is seen in a new ad asking a young man named Jake to state his three campaign promises while pointing a gun at him (above, with firearms in background circled)

Georgia rule: Kemp holds a rifle for the entire 30 second spot while just feet away from Jake, and in the final moments locks the weapon and points it at the boy (Kemp above with four handguns to his left)

Lovestruck: Jake is revealed to be a teenage boy who is interested in pursuing one of Kemp's daughters (above)

'I'm a conservative businessman with a 4-Point Plan to put hardworking Georgians first. I'm also the proud father of 3 teenage girls,' stated Kemp while sharing the ad on social media.

'Here's the thing: If you want to date one of my daughters, you better have respect for women & a healthy appreciation for the 2nd Amendment.'

Kemp holds a rifle for the duration of the 30-second spot that is not locked until the very end, at which point he aims the firearm directly at Jake.

'I'm Brian Kemp, and this is Jake, a young man interested in dating one of my teenage daughters,' states Kemp at the start of the ad.

Kemp then demands that a nervous Jake recite his three campaign promises, which the boy does while sounding like a hostage.

After he finished those talking points, Kemp asks: 'And two things to remember if you're gonna date one of my daughters?'

'Respect and a healthy appreciation for the Second Amendment, sir,' says Jake.

That is when Kemp locks up his gun and points it at the teenager while saying: 'I think we're gonna get along just fine.'

The ad has been earning Kemp a great deal of criticism from people outside his home state.

'In an ad showcasing his qualifications to serve as Georgias Governor, Brian Kemp threaten to shoot a teenage boy if he tries to have sex with his daughters. This recurring and uniquely American joke is tiresome,' said Shannon Watts, head of the gun reform group Mom's Demand.

'This is a terrible ad. To suggest women need to be protected like possessions is over the top. What does dating your daughters have to do with how successful you would be as a public servant????', commented one woman on Facebook.

Another person on Facebook noted: 'I come from a hunting family. My father taught me to never aim a gun at anything you were not willing to shoot, lest it accidentally fire. Brian Kemp, you are a poor roll model for youth and gun safety. You sir are crazy!'

It is not all bad though, with conservative radio host Erick Erickson responding in a tweet that read: 'This is a pretty funny intro ad for Brian Kemp, running for governor in Georgia.'

Political pundit and writer Eddie Zipperer was also a fan, stating: 'This is by far the BEST campaign ad in the GA governors race so far.'

Kemp responded to this by writing: 'We agree.'

That is the only comment Kemp has made about the ad since its release last week.

Explaining: 'Here's the thing: If you want to date one of my daughters, you better have respect for women & a healthy appreciation for the 2nd Amendment,' said Kemp (above)

Locked and loaded: One of his opponent's, Hunter Hill, recently released an ad that depicts him loading an assault rifle (above)

Cheers: Some have criticized the irresponsibility of the ad and others the poor safety message it delivers while a number of people are applauding the ad (above)

One of his opponent's, Hunter Hill, recently released an ad that depicts him loading an assault rifle, just two weeks after he was depicted as being an enemy to supporters of the Second Amendment in an attack ad from candidate Clay Tippins.

That ad showed Hill voicing his possible support for laws which would raise the legal age for buying a handgun or semiautomatic weapon to 21 in the state.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Michael Williams, who is also running in the Georgia race, responded to Kemp's ad in a statement to DailyMail.com, saying: 'It's a cute ad. Fortunately, Michael Williams doesn't have to try to prove his support for the 2nd Amendment, he has always been a solid defender of our Constitutional rights.

'Unlike Brian who wouldn't even sign the 2nd Amendment pledge from the Georgia Gun Owners organization. Instead of spending millions on cute ads, Michael Williams was fighting to implement Constitutional Carry and other conservative protections for gun owners.'A rescued hummingbird was nursed back to health after it flew into a wall outside of a Best Buy store.

'Found this little guy hanging out with it's wings splayed out. I picked him up and got in my car and started recording,' musician Sevrin Eldred said in the caption of his video.

Eldred is seen in the video holding the injured bird in the palm of his hand while sitting in his car.

A rescued hummingbird was nursed back to health after it flew into a Best Buy store. Musician Sevrin Eldred found the injured bird on the ground outside the store

Eldred said he knew the bird wasn't dead when he found it and decided to try and help it survive its injuries

'Now he's standing upright and I'm terrified he's going to fly around in my car,' Eldred is heard saying. 'I'm afraid he's going to see outside and think 'oh I can jump'.

Eldred said he knew the bird wasn't dead when he found it and decided to try and help it survive its injuries.

In a series of clips, Eldred shows the bird's road to recovery. One clips shows Eldred helping the hummingbird drink water.

Another clip shows Eldred standing outside and encouraging the bird to fly.

'Fly! You can do it!' the man is heard saying to the bird. The last clip in the video shows the hummingbird finally flying away toward a tree.

The bird made its recovery in Joplin, Missouri.The worried family of poisoned ex-spy Sergei Skripal fear they are being cruelly trolled by a Twitter account purporting to be the ex-spy's daughter.

The account @SkripalYulia claims to be Yulia Skripal, 33, who is recovering from an attack by a Novichok nerve agent along with her father.

Her messages, mostly in Russian, over several weeks alleged she was being 'stuffed with drugs' by Western doctors, and then left for the U.S.

One said: 'They want me to lose memory!!! Rescue me!!!'

Ex-spy Sergei Skripal (right) and his daughter Yulia (left) were poisoned with a nerve agent but survived and are recovering

Britain alleged it was 'highly likely' Russia poisoned the pair, leading to a major diplomatic scandal and deterioration in relations between London and Moscow

Another stated: 'I AM BEING KILLED BY DRUGS!!!! I FEEL LIKE I AM DRUNK!!!! PLEASE RESCUE ME!!!!'

But Skripal relatives in Russia - who have had only fleeting contact with Yulia since the poisoning - believe the account is a 'sickening' troll aiming to muddy the waters about the condition and whereabouts of Yulia and her father

The 66-year-old was a former Russian military intelligence officer who secretly spied as a double agent for Britain before being swapped in an exchange with glamour spy Anna Chapman in 2010.

Britain alleged it was 'highly likely' Russia poisoned the pair, leading to a major diplomatic scandal and deterioration in relations between London and Moscow.

'Much as we dream and want to hear from Yulia and Sergey, we are very sceptical about these tweets,' Yulia's niece Viktoria said.

'I wonder if this is someone's cruel trick on us, a prank.'

The account @SkripalYulia, using this picture of her as its profile image, claims to be the 33-year-old, who has not been heard from since April 5

Her messages, mostly in Russian, over several weeks alleged she was being 'stuffed with drugs' by Western doctors, and then left for the U.S.

'We love Yulia. All our family love her desperately, and want to know she is safe and healthy.

'And we seek any news at all about Sergei because again the British have gone quiet and tell us - his relatives - nothing at all.

'But about these tweets we feel and fear that we have been trolled.

'If so, it is a sickening trick on his loved ones - and also on others who want to know the truth about this awful case involving our family.'

One message from @SkripalYulia shows an unidentified nurse and is captioned: 'My guardian angel.'

Yet the badge of the registered nurse appears to be from New South Wales in Australia.

Another of the messages supposedly from Yulia read: 'I thought that I had been rescued, but now I don't trust THEM!!!! They are making a vegetable out of me!!! These blue pills are destroying me!!! They are forcing me to take them!!!!'

The author also tweeted: 'I am in utter desperation. I don't believe medics. I think they want to turn me into a vegetable..I AM MADE A VEGETABLE IN THE UK!!!! HELP!!!!'

One message from @SkripalYulia shows an unidentified nurse and is captioned: 'My guardian angel.' Yet the badge of the registered nurse appears to be from New South Wales in Australia

Another post said she had been saved 'thanks to these people'

A week later on 23 April, there was a message saying: 'My condition stabilised' and a day later 'I am in the USA'.

The family of the Skripals engaged with the account hoping that this was Yulia - who has made only one known call, on April 5, to her Russian family since the attack.

'Who are you? If you are the person you pretend to be, answer,' Yulia's cousin Yelena Skripal, 35, posted.

The reply came: 'Lena hello! I can't speak in details. I am in the US. Please tell everyone that we are doing well.'

Yelena replied: 'I am happy to hear that you are all right, if indeed this is you (smile).

The person claiming to be Yulia replied: 'Yes, everything is well, please share with everyone.'

But Yelena then asked a question, the answer which was only known to a few family members.

She tweeted: 'forgive me for this question, what was the name of that white cat me and you washed once? And I won't bother you with more '

Yulia's cousin Yelena Skripal, 35, engaged with the account hoping that this was Yulia - who has made only one known call, on April 5, to her Russian family since the attack

Yelena asked a question, the answer which was only known to a few family members, which the Twitter user claimed to not remember

Then 'Yulia' replied: 'I don't remember. This is the consequence of Novichok.'

Yelena replied: 'Get better both of you.'

She got the reply: 'Thank you! Say hi to everyone!'

Viktoria said Yulia would definitely remember the answer to the cat question.

There have been no more exchanges since 25 April.

It is almost thee weeks since Yulia was released from hospital and a statement was issued in her name from Scotland Yard.

In this she declined assistance by the Russian embassy and said she was now in a 'totally different life' since the poisoning in Salisbury where she was visiting her father from her home in Moscow.

'Much as we dream and want to hear from Yulia and Sergey, we are very sceptical about these tweets,' Yulia's niece Viktoria said. 'I wonder if this is someone's cruel trick on us, a prank.'

This said: 'I am safe and feeling better as time goes by, but I am not yet strong enough to give a full interview to the media, as I one day hope to do.

'Until that time, I want to stress that no one speaks for me, or for my father, but ourselves.

'I thank my cousin Viktoria for her concern for us, but ask that she does not visit me or try to contact me for the time being.

'Her opinions and assertions are not mine and they are not my father's.'

The Russian embassy and the Skripal family expressed doubts that this 'police PR-speak' statement was genuinely Yulia's words.

At the time, there was speculation that the pair might be given new identities and go to live in the US, Australia, or New Zealand.This is the shocking moment a speedy man runs straight through a glass door and it shatters around him.

CCTV footage at the Congress of Nuevo Leon in Mexico shows the man purposefully jogging up to the entrance.

But he runs straight into what he thinks is an open door, sending debris flying in all directions as he crashes through the glass.

The stunned employee sits motionless among the shards as concerned staff rush to see if he is alright.

Local media say the unfortunate man is Jose Juan Hernandez, a legal assistant for members of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

He did not suffer any serious injuries after the shocking accident.

Despite the mishap potentially causing serious damage, some commenters online were far from sympathetic.

Footage shows the employee jog towards the entrance of the Congress of Nuevo Leon in Mexico

But not realising the door is shut, he crashes through the glass - sending shards flying in all directions

'Penamoxo' wrote: 'If you work in that building every day, how can you not notice the glass?'

'KlaudyaYescas' said: 'Does he not remember how doors work?'

The painful-looking moment the man crouches down as the glass shatters around himPresident Donald Trump welcomed to the White House on Tuesday the pilot of a Southwest Airlines jet which lost an engine in flight and praised the 'incredible job' she did in landing the stricken plane.

Southwest Captain Tammie Jo Shults, other members of the crew of Flight 1380 and several passengers who were on the aircraft met with Trump in the Oval Office.

Shults, one of the first women fighter pilots in the US Navy, has been hailed as a hero for calmly landing the Boeing 737-700 on April 17 after a mid-air engine explosion.

After the explosion, shrapnel from the engine shattered the passenger window of Jennifer Riordan, 43, and her upper body was sucked out of the aircraft.

President Trump shakes hands with Southwest pilot Tammie-Jo Shults in the Oval Office on Tuesday two weeks after she successfully landed flight 1380 after a mid-air engine explosion which caused the death of a passenger

Shults is pictured with her first officer Darren Ellisor. President Trump said they both did an 'incredible' job

She died as a result but the heroic passengers tried to save her by pulling her back into the aircraft and performing CPR.

Flight 1380 was en route from New York to Dallas when its left engine suddenly blew apart.

Shults managed to safely land the plane, which had 149 people on board, in Philadelphia.

'I'm honored to have the heroic crew and passengers of Southwest Flight 1380 at the White House today,' Trump said.

'Tammie did an incredible job,' he said. 'I especially want to commend you for your life-saving actions.

'Everyone's talking about it,' Trump said. 'You drew from years of training and safety and you knew how to land that plane.

'We salute you and every member of this crew.'

Also there was EMT Andrew Needum (left), his wife (second left), ranchand Tim McGinty (third), and nurse Peggy Phillips (right, in yellow). McGinty and Needum pulled Jennifer Riordan's body back into the aircraft then Needum and Phillips performed CPR on her

All were saluted as heroes for their efforts during the unimaginable tragedy. Also there were other members of the flight crew

Trump shakes the hand of Darren Ellisor, the first officer, in the Oval Office on Tueasday

Jennifer Riordan (left), 43, died after her upper body was sucked out of the window. Pilot Tammie-Jo (right) stayed on the plane after the incident and spoke with every single passenger before disembarking

Also there was retired nurse Peggy Phillips and EMT Andrew Needum who performed CPR on Riordan after Tim McGinty and Needum pulled her back into the plane.

Riordan's family has told of their gratitude that the people on the plane fought to save her and made sure her body was kept in tact.

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered emergency inspections of jet engines like the one that ruptured during the Southwest Airlines flight.

Shults' expert handling of the emergency has drawn comparisons to the legendary 'Miracle on the Hudson' pilot Chesley Sullenberger, who landed a disabled US Airways airline in the Hudson River in January 2009 after a bird strike.

This was the seat Riordan was sitting in when shrapnel from the exploding engine smashed her windowNew documents reveal the timeline of events that led to sixth-grade teacher Brittany Zamora's (pictured) arrest for molesting a 13-year-old student

Officials at an Arizona elementary school were warned that a teacher was having a relationship with a 13-year-old student nearly six weeks before she was arrested for molestation.

The shocking revelation was made by the Arizona Republic, which recently obtained documents showing the timeline of events leading up to married Brittany Zamora's arrest on March 22.

The documents show that students complained to administrators on February 8 about Zamora favoring a student.

Some of the students went so far as to say that she was 'dating' or 'in a relationship' with the teen.

'Everyone talks about them having an inappropriate relationship outside of class and at recess,' one of the students said, according to notes taken by Principal Tom Dickey in an interview.

'I've heard other kids in my class say that they think they are dating,' another note reads.

The school district interim superintendent, Richard Rundhaug, told the Republic that they investigated the allegations at the time, but found no evidence of a romantic relationship.

The 27-year-old teacher is pictured above in court last month as she pleaded not guilty to the charges against her

At her initial court appearance on March 30 (pictured above), Zamora said: 'I'd love to go home to my husband.' The child's parents have slammed Zamora and called her a 'monster'

'We did investigate. We determined there were some elements of favoritism, and we gave the teacher some very specific direction on not allowing that favoritism to continue, and then we monitored to make sure those directions were followed,' Rundhaug said.

'Whenever we became aware of information, our response was pretty quick,' he added.

Zamora wasn't arrested until a little less than six weeks later, when the boy's parents discovered explicit text messages on his phone, thanks to a monitoring app.

The boy's father came in to tell administrators about the relationship on March 21, and a police report was made the same day. Zamora was arrested the next day and charged with 10 counts of sexual conduct with a minor, two counts of molestation, two counts of furnishing sexually explicit material to a minor and one count public sexual indecency. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. She has since been fired by the district.

Steven Weinberger, the lawyer that is representing the victim, told the Republic in March that the family is exploring a possible lawsuit against the school.

The teacher married Daniel Zamora, who she knew since she was 16, in 2015

'Based on what we know thus far, the school had ample opportunity to nip this in the bud,' he said. 'The school knew that there was an inappropriate relationship going on dating back to, at the very least, early February before this escalated into sexual molestation.'

Zamora had been at Las Brisas Academy Elementary School for less than a year

According to police, Zamora had sex with the student on at least three occasions, from about February 1 to March 8 - including performing oral sex on him in a classroom and in her car.

She is also said to have sent the boy nude pictures of herself, and other sexually explicit text messages.

After one of their trysts, the boy sent Zamora a text saying he wanted to have sex with her again. This was her response: 'I know baby! I want you every day with no time limit...If I could quit my job and (have sex with) you all day long, I would.'

The boy told cops that Zamora initiated the relationship by 'flirting' with him in a classroom chat room.

The boy's parents discovered the text messages on his phone thanks to an app called Sentry Parental Control which monitors messaging apps for 'suspicious content or behavior'.

Zamora had taught at the school for less than a year.

A week after her arrest the parents of the victim broke their silence to call Zamora a 'monster'.

The boy's father, who asked to remain anonymous, told AZFamily: 'You teach your kids there's no such thing as monsters at all. But in the real world, there are monsters. Brittany Zamora is a monster.'

According to the stepmother, who also asked not to be named, Zamora began grooming her pupil using a classroom group chat.

Zamora was taken into custody hours after the boy's parents reported the relationship to the school principal on March 21

Students who spoke to the local media outlet said Zamora's relationship with the student in question seemed irregular (pictured is Las Brisas Academy)

'It just progressed from there,' she said. 'He was taken advantage of. She was just using him for her own grotesque benefits.'

The father added: 'A big thing for us is that we want people to understand, just because it's a boy makes no difference.

'It's the same. It's a 13-year-old child who got taken advantage by a monster. I want her to spend the rest of her life in prison.'

The boy's parents recently claimed Zamora's husband Daniel called them and begged them not to report his wife to police after they saw her sexual texts, saying she had made a mistake.

A second student later came forward to police saying he had witnessed Zamora having sex with the 13-year-old and admitted to receiving naked photos from the woman as well.

The parents of the alleged victim told police that Zamora's husband 'harassed' the father over the phone, begging him not to go to the authorities and insisting that his wife had 'made a big mistake, but that she loved the kids,' according to the documents.

Daniel Zamora also allegedly suggested that he and the boy's dad 'meet up' and 'settle this,' but the parent turned down his offer and hung up on him.

Zamora and her husband, who she has known she was 16, married in 2015. They don't have any children.

'From the moment we first saw each other, we had been falling for one another. So, it was only appropriate to ask Brittany [to marry me] while falling; a.k.a. skydiving,' Daniel wrote on a blog about his over-the-top marriage proposal.The controversial founder of a biotech startup who once injected himself with a never-before-tested herpes treatment has been found dead in a flotation tank.

Aaron Traywick, 28, was found face down on Sunday morning in the sensory deprivation tank inside a Washington DC spa room.

Police, who are still investigating his death, said an autopsy was being conducted on Traywick's body and at this stage they had no evidence to suggest foul play.

Traywick was the CEO of the controversial biotech startup Ascendance Biomedical.

Aaron Traywick, the 28-year-old CEO of Ascendance Biomedical, was found face down on Sunday morning in the sensory deprivation tank inside a Washington DC spa room

His colleague Tristan Roberts said staff at the floating spa had described him as being 'sluggish' before they found him face down.

The spa where he was found uses a form of meditation flotation therapy, which involves a person lying in a shallow, sensory-free pool that is heated at body temperature and filled with Epsom salt.

The Epsom salt is used to make sure people stay afloat.

Traywick and his startup rose to prominence mostly due to their willingness to experiment on themselves in the hope of speeding up the process of getting medical treatments to patients.

He injected himself with a herpes treatment in February while on stage at biohacker conference in Austin, Texas.

Traywick, who had no medical background, had co-created the gene-altering herpes treatment he used on himself and it was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Traywick made headlines when he injected himself with a herpes treatment (pictured above) in February while on stage at biohacker conference in Austin, Texas

https://youtu.be/GR_jWexoA_Y?t=18m44s

He also provided his colleague Tristan Roberts with a HIV gene-editing substance to self-inject a few months earlier.

Both instances were filmed on Facebook Live.

Roberts said while many in the biohacking industry disagreed with Traywick's methods, none of them ever doubted his intentions.

He added that Traywick sought nothing short of a biomedicine revolution.

Andreas Stuermer, who worked with Traywick at Ascendance Biomedical, told VICE News that the CEO had 'lost touch' with colleagues in the past month.

He added that there had been disagreements about the company's direction.

'We all lost touch with him. It was radio silence. It was more than four weeks ago,' he said.

'The future is difficult to predict. He was willing to go where lots of people were afraid to go. I don't have the perfect answer to this, but stuff will go on.'YouTube stars have been accused of promoting cheating at schools and universities after promoting essay writing services on their popular channels.

Children are being encouraged by the stars to use the work of 'super smart nerds' in Ukraine, rather than do their own homework. Some of those who have marketed the services have millions of followers.

EduBirdie, a Ukranian company, can be enlisted to 'help' students all over the world by doing their work for them.

A BBC investigation found more than 250 channels are promoting EduBirdie through adverts or verbal endorsement.

YouTube star Alpay B said if a student chooses to use EduBirdie then it is their choice after he was questioned over endorsing it through his channel

Sam Gyimah, Universities Minister for England, told the BBC action should be taken immediately.

He said: 'It's clearly wrong because it is enabling and normalising cheating potentially on an industrial scale.

'I think YouTube has a huge responsibility here. They do incredibly well from the advertising revenue that they get from the influencers and everyone else.

'But this is something that is corrosive to education.'

YouTuber Drewsif Gilchrist - known as DrewIsSharing is said to have endorsed EduBirdie

The BBC Trending investigation discovered more than 1,400 videos more than 700 million views containing EduBirdie adverts.

British YouTuber Drewsif Gilchrist - known as DrewIsSharing was paid 250 by EduBirdie to share information about the service with his 133,000 followers.

Drew said YouTube has made it increasingly difficult for vloggers to earn a proper wage  leaving them with no option but to consider all offers for endorsement.

Drew told MailOnline: 'From 500,000 - 1,000,000 views per month I used to make $1000 - $2000 every month. So with that and live streaming I could sustain a decent living.

'YouTube has recently started demonetising content which i'm sure you've heard about. This has actually made me start earning only $50 from 500,000 views.

'I have to accept almost every sponsorship offer I get because if I don't, I wont make my rent payment anymore.'

Another British vlogger Alpay b, who has 45,000 subscribers and half-a-million views on some of his videos said he would consider all offers more carefully in the future.

He said: 'A company like Edubirdie are going to do whatever they can to get their companys name out there with a lot of promotion using YouTubers.

'If Edubirdie is really unacceptable, then the Government should use their power and take action and ban their website in the country.

'A young YouTuber like myself is going to of course make a lot of mistakes because I havent got the experience as some other YouTubers who are more professional than me. Im also not managed by anyone at the moment. Everything that I do is independent, which means I can easily make wrong decisions.

'This is a learning curve for me and Im going to be much more careful when I work with brands. And Im going to do what is ethically right.'

British gamer JMX who has two and a half million subscribers is also reported to have endorsed EduBirdie services.

Adam Saleh, 24, told followers they should use the service. The US-based video blogger  or vlogger- said: 'If I was back in school I would have used it so many times'.

'A super smart nerd will write it for you. It's not only if you are struggling with your essays, even if you don't have time to write the essay, you can get the super smart nerd to write it for you.

Services like the ones offered by EduBirdie are not illegal but can land students in big trouble.

Sam Gyima Universities Minister for England has called for action over YouTubers endorsing essay writing services based in Ukraine

However, the service has not received high ratings online.

Disgruntled students said the only lesson they had learned was to do their own homework.

One said: 'I honestly could've done better getting a child to write my paper. Grammatical errors EVERYWHERE, citations were incorrect, and I didn't receive a passing grade even after fixing the errors! Lesson learned.'

Another added: 'This website is not fair and the writers are horrible. I requested my refund and the refused to give my money back since i wasn't satisfied. After that they gave the writer all my money without my permission.'

Boosta which runs EduBirdiue said it does tell people the essays should be used for reference, and not wholly submitted.

It added: 'We cannot be held responsible for what social influencers say on their channels.

'We give influencers total freedom on how they prefer to present the EduBirdie platform to their audience in a way they feel would be most relevant to their viewers.

EduBirdie has been contacted for comment.An Illinois man convicted of killing five people in what is known as the 'pine village massacre' made his new residence near an elementary school - prompting the district to send a warning letter to parents and the community.

Carl Reimann, 77, was released from prison on Thursday after serving more than 45 years for the 1972 deaths of David Gardner, 35; Bob Loftus, 48; John Wilson, 48; Catherine Rekate, 16; and George Pashade, 75.

Reimann was convicted of murder after police said he walked into an Illinois restaurant in 1972 and fatally shot two customers and three employees after emptying the cash register.

Reimann's then-girlfriend, Betty Piche, was also convicted for her involvement in the robbery. She was released in 1983.

Carl Reimann, 77, was released from prison on parole after serving more than 45 years for murdering five people

Reimann moved across the street from the Seventh Avenue Elementary School in La Grange, according to a listing by the Illinois State Police Murder and Violent Offender

On Thursday, the Illinois Prisoner Review Board granted Reimann parole with an 8-4 vote, Fox News reports.

According to the outlet, the ex-convict already has a new home - across the street from the Seventh Avenue Elementary School in La Grange.

The Illinois State Police Murder and Violent Offender listed Reimann's residence in the 700 block of South Seventh Street, the same street the school is located on.

Upon learning of Reimann's new address, the La Grange School District 105 sent a letter to parents and the community saying they were working closely with police to increase 'presence during school arrival and dismissal times'.

'We have contacted the Illinois Department of Corrections, chief of paroles, to express our concerns about his residence being in such close proximity to our school,' the statement continued, according to Patch.

The address is also less than a half a mile from Sedgwick Park and a mile from Gurrie Middle School.

Police said Reimann walked into the Pine Village Steakhouse in Yorkville on December 29, 1972 with Piche with the intention to rob it. Court documents state that five people - two customers and three employees - were in the establishment when they walked in.

Reimann was arrested for the 1972 'pine village massacre' of two customers and three employees at an Illinois restaurant

Reimann's then-girlfriend Betty Piche was also arrested and convicted. She was released from prison in 1983

Police said Reimann and Piche walked into the Pine Village Steakhouse to rob it and during the robbery Reimann murdered two customers and three employees

As they were committing, court documents state that a family walked in. They were told if they sat down they would not be harmed. Before Reimann left the restaurant he 'methodically, carefully and slowly shot and killed' the five people originally in the restaurant.

Investigators said the family was spared because Reinmann ran out of ammunition.

Bruce Rekate, whose sister Catherine was killed, told the Chicago Tribune that he was angry at the parole board's decision.

'This man is free. Them five victims never got to be free no more. They don't get to walk this earth. Why should this man?'

A former Kendall County sheriff and Yorkville Police Chief, who was first on the scene the night of the shooting, said he was shocked Reinmann was released.

'The person who committed the crime will be walking free ... That's difficult to understand and comprehend, Richard Randall said.Theresa May was embroiled in a fresh row last night amid very disturbing claims that Home Office chiefs were paid bonuses for booting out illegal immigrants.

Immigration minister Caroline Nokes vowed to investigate allegations that senior civil servants received the perk for hitting targets to remove foreigners with no right to be in Britain.

Hugh Ind, the director general of the Immigration Enforcement unit, pocketed up to 10,000 extra in 2016-17.

Theresa May is facing a fresh Windrush row after claims that senior civil servants were paid large bonuses for hitting deportation targets

Immigration Enforcement, an agency of the Home Office, is responsible for tracking down illegal migrants, including those who have sneaked into Britain in the backs of lorries, arrived on visas but never went home and failed asylum seekers who have avoided deportation.

But it has emerged that Windrush citizens, who arrived in the UK from the Commonwealth between the 1940s and 1970s, were wrongly being threatened with removal, even though they had the legal right to stay.

It came as Labour said it will today try to force the Government to provide internal correspondence on the Windrush scandal.

Immigration minister Caroline Nokes has vowed to investigate the claims after saying she is not aware of a bonus system

It will bring an opposition day motion to try to obtain all papers, correspondence and advice on the issue since 2010. The motion, which Labour used to obtain 58 Government Brexit impact documents, is binding if passed.

Claims that the five-figure bonuses were linked to deportations were made by Labour MP Yvette Cooper during a Commons debate.

She said: I have heard rumours that the head of Immigration Enforcement, that senior enforcement officials, have had bonuses linked to enforcement performance including meeting removals targets.

In a system where there are no appeals  there are no individual appeals against a lot of these enforcement decisions  to have a target-driven system that rewards people for the removals they do would obviously be very disturbing.

Hugh Ind (pictured), the director general of the Immigration Enforcement unit, pocketed up to 10,000 extra in 2016-17

Miss Nokes said: I am not aware of any such system of bonuses, however I will undertake to go away and find out.

Mr Ind is one of two senior Home Office civil servants who are under fire for failing to inform former Home Secretary Amber Rudd of targets for the forced deportation of illegal immigrants, before she wrongly told MPs there were none.

She was said to have been badly let down by Mr Ind and Glyn Williams, the director general of borders, immigration and citizenship. Both men advised her in the lead-up to last Wednesdays fateful home affairs select committee hearing where she inadvertently misled MPs, prompting her to fall on her sword. A leak on Friday made it clear that Miss Rudd was made aware of the targets.

New Home Secretary Sajid Javid responds to an urgent question on the Windrush controversy in the House of Commons

Yesterday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and 20 Labour MPs joined Windrush victims at a parliamentary meeting. Miss Nokes was also present and apologised to the victims, telling them: Im sorry this happened on my watch.

One victim, Sylvester Marshall, who was denied NHS cancer treatment because of his status, said he had undergone his first round of chemotherapy.

He spoke of nightmare after nightmare of trying to obtain treatment and to get his right to citizenship recognised. He said he had suffered grief and stress after being branded an illegal immigrant.

Another victim, Sarah OConnor, spoke of how she considered taking her own life after losing hope.

When all this happened to me and I was told I was an immigrant, I refused to cry there... I went home and I broke down, she said.

I wanted at times to take my own life because I couldnt see the light at the end of the tunnel.John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, with his wife Sally in London

A former aide to John Bercow who signed a gagging order after receiving an 86,000 pay-off broke cover last night to accuse the Commons Speaker of bullying.

Angus Sinclair said he was repeatedly undermined by Mr Bercow, finding himself the victim of angry outbursts, foul-mouthed tirades and mimicry.

On one occasion an incandescent Speaker threw down his mobile phone during a row, shattering it.

Mr Bercow also attempted to physically intimidate Mr Sinclair, the former aide said.

Mr Sinclair, who was Mr Bercows private secretary, claimed that the Speaker was prone to over-the-top anger.

Im not sure he was completely in control of it, Mr Sinclair said.

The arms would wave around. Mr Bercow has previously faced claims that another private secretary, Kate Emms, left her job after less than a year after being signed off with post-traumatic stress disorder.

After leaving his job in 2010 Mr Sinclair received a lump sum of 86,250 from public funds as part of a deal that required him to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

But last night he breached the terms of the deal, saying it was in the public interest for the nation to know what the Speaker was really like.

The former aide told BBC2s Newsnight: I thought to myself, its in the public interest to know why I left. Yes, it breaks that non-disclosure agreement, but its the truth. There was bullying.

Mr Bercows office strenuously denied the bullying claims, saying many of his other staff had been happy to work with him for years.

The revelations come weeks after it emerged that a judge-led inquiry into alleged bullying and harassment of Commons staff would not investigate individual complaints.

It led to claims that the probe, ordered by the House of Commons Commission, will be nothing more than a whitewash. The Commission is chaired by the Speaker.

Angus Sinclair, who said he was repeatedly undermined by Mr Bercow, finding himself the victim of angry outbursts, foul-mouthed tirades and mimicry

Mr Sinclair served for 30 years in the Royal Navy and joined the House of Commons in 2005 as the private secretary to Michael Martin, the previous Speaker, who died on Sunday. Mr Bercow succeeded him in 2009.

As well as running the Speakers office, the private secretary also has a role in the Commons chamber, assisting him in his duties.

Describing Mr Bercows behaviour, Mr Sinclair said: The Speaker responded in a way that I can only say is a form of bullying.

And that is to show anger, to thump the table to say that someone has failed in front of others. It seemed to get more frequent.

Newsnight said other Commons staff have corroborated the account, saying he was undermined in meetings and held responsible for things that were beyond his power.

Mr Sinclair also recorded examples of the bullying in his diary.

He added: There was one afternoon I was working at my desk and he came in and was absolutely furious about something.

'He asked for some information from another part of the House.

It had been very slow coming and Id prodded for an early resolution and he knew that but he held me responsible.

'There was a tirade of how Id let him down and it was the worst thing...

There was a lot of bad language and suddenly his mobile phone which hed been holding was flung on the desk in front of me and broke into a lot of bits.

Mr Sinclair says that after the 2010 general election he was called in to see Mr Bercow who told him he was going to redesign the office and that he would not be needed.

He was given a compulsory early retirement with a severance package worth 86,250, which was more than a years pay.

The payment was explicitly dependent on his signing a non-disclosure agreement that would bar him from speaking to the media or raising a complaint about his treatment.

Mr Sinclair said: I can only think it was because of the detail of what had happened, you know, the bullying and the manner of my leaving. What Id done was sign a cover-up.

He was replaced in the role by Kate Emms, who it has been claimed was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after less than a year of working for Mr Bercow. The Speaker has also denied bullying her.

A spokesman for the Speakers Office told Newsnight: Mr Speaker strenuously denies that there is any substance to any of these allegations.

Mr Speaker has a superb team of dedicated, effective and long-serving staff  five of whom have worked for him very happily for a combined total of over 40 years.A popular American band has pulled out of performing on Sunrise after the Channel Seven program was accused of racism.

Portugal. The Man, who took home a Grammy earlier this year, announced on its Instagram on Tuesday night that it would no longer be performing on Sunrise on Wednesday morning, following the band's concert in Sydney.

The band alluded to a controversial segment aired in March discussing whether white families should be allowed to adopt Aboriginal children.

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Portugal. The Man (pictured), a popular American band, pulled out of performing on Sunrise in Sydney on Wednesday morning after the Channel Seven breakfast program was accused of racism

The Grammy winning band announced its decision on Instagram later on Tuesday night and alluded to a controversial Sunrise segment aired in March (pictured) discussing whether white families should be allowed to adopt Aboriginal children

'We were scheduled to appear on Sunrise tomorrow morning but we have decided, as a band, that we do not want to be part of that show at this time. We come from rural Alaska and hold very close to our hearts the indigenous people of our home.

'While we are by no means experts in your countries [sic] history we know there are problems that, like ours, are yet to be resolved and only being amplified by the recent statements on Sunrise. Uncle Allen Madden will be welcoming us all to our show in Sydney tonight. With love and respect, Australia.'

The show was blasted by angry viewers and accused of racism after airing the 'Hot Topic' segment on the controversial subject, during which children's minister David Gillespie called on rules prohibiting indigenous children being adopted by non-family members to be relaxed.

Panelist Prue MacSween argued in favour of removing Aboriginal children from abusive families, saying the move would be a 'no brainer'.

'Just like the first Stolen Generation, where a lot of children were taken because it was for their well-being, we need to do it again, perhaps,' she said.

The band said in its statement: 'We come from rural Alaska and hold very close to our hearts the indigenous people of our home'

Portugal. The Man are pictured on stage at the 35th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Beverly Hills

Weeks after the segement, a crowd of Indigenous protestors interrupted Sunrise hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch while they were filming on the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games

Protestors also blocked off a tram line and flooded a shopping centre later the same day

Her 'appalling' comments, along with the rest of the segment, was labelled highly offensive and 'nationally shameful'.

A Sunrise spokesperson defended the clip saying, 'editorial opinions, either written or articulated are a vital part of journalism.'

'At all times on Sunrise, respect for others and their values and opinions is a foundation principle in debates.'

Weeks later, a crowd of Indigenous protestors interrupted Sunrise hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch while they were filming on the Gold Coast during the Commonwealth Games.

Some of the protesters attacked host Sam Armytage, demanding she apologise for her controversial adoption discussion last month.

'Always was, always will be Aboriginal land,' the demonstrators shouted, along with 'Sam Armytage, we are still waiting on an apology.'

Protestors also blocked off a tram line and flooded a shopping centre later the same day.Labour was plunged into a new race row last night after its supporters bombarded Sajid Javid with abuse.

Party members, activists and followers of Jeremy Corbyn targeted the new Home Secretary with racially-charged slurs.

Mr Javid, the first ethnic minority MP to lead the Home Office, was branded a coconut and Uncle Tom  notorious terms used to accuse someone of betraying their heritage.

The race row comes as Labour leader Mr Corbyn continues to be dogged by claims that he is failing to stamp out anti-Semitism in the party. On Sunday it was revealed that his official Facebook page is littered with vile slurs against Jews, left by followers below a message Mr Corbyn posted about meeting Jewish leaders last week.

Mr Javid, the first ethnic minority MP to lead the Home Office, was branded a coconut and Uncle Tom  notorious terms used to accuse someone of betraying their heritage

Yesterday, a Labour mob took to social media to hurl racist insults at Mr Javid  who was born in the UK to Pakistani parents.

Omar Qureshi, a Labour member in Birmingham who is pictured wearing a Corbyn T-shirt, wrote on Twitter: Congratulations to Sajid Javid, the first coconut Home Secretary.

Tariq Mahmood, a Labour activist campaigning for the local elections in Peterborough, referred to Mr Javid as the new coconut Home Secretary on his Facebook page. Activist Salman Khan wrote on Twitter: Theresa May has appointed Sajid Javid as Home Secretary, a literal coconut to cover the Conservatives racist build-up to the Windrush scandal.

And a Twitter account which has 35,000 followers, including Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, Corbynite MP Chris Williamson called Mr Javid an Uncle Tom  an insult used against ethnic minority people to suggest they are subservient to whites. The racist posts were uncovered and exposed by the Guido Fawkes political blog. Friends of Mr Javid said they were appalled by the abuse.

One said: He is the first person of South-East Asian origin to become Home Secretary, one of the great offices of state. That is enough of a riposte to these racists.He has so much on his plate now with sorting out Windrush, national security and keeping the public safe, that there is no time to be messing about with these kind of people. It speaks volumes that this is the kind of people Jeremy Corbyn attracts.

A Labour spokesman said: Any complaints we receive which relate to party members are fully investigated and appropriate disciplinary action is taken.The founder of a major pro-Brexit think-tank was dramatically accused of being a Russian agent in the House of Commons last night.

Conservative MP Bob Seely used parliamentary privilege to cite French intelligence relating to billionaire Christopher Chandler.

Mr Chandler, a New Zealand-born tycoon, provides substantial financial support to the Legatum Institute. The think-tank described the accusations as complete nonsense.

Isle of Wight MP Mr Seely  a Leave supporter  quoted from copies of what he said were security files containing information from the Monaco police and French intelligence agency, the DST. The files identified Mr Chandler as being suspected of working for Russian intelligence services.

Conservative MP Bob Seely used parliamentary privilege to cite French intelligence relating to billionaire Christopher Chandler (pictured), who backs the Legatum Institute

Mr Seely made the claims under parliamentary privilege, meaning he cannot be sued for libel, and said he was speaking out because he believed it to be in the national interest.

These documents are brief, terse, factual files listing activities, associations and judicial action, he said. The files had been authenticated by intelligence sources in Britain, the US and France, he added.

The documents indicated a link to a noted individual in this country with Russian intelligence, he said.

These files are dated from 2005. They cover the period from the mid-1990s. The documents concern Christopher Chandler and his brother. In citing this evidence I note the words of Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter, who in November 2017 called for the Houses Intelligence and Security Committee to examine Mr Chandler.

Isle of Wight MP Mr Seely (pictured) quoted from what he said were security files with information from the Monaco police and French intelligence agency, the DST

According to the French security services, as recorded by their colleagues in Monaco  and clearly Im confident these documents are genuine  Mr Chandler is described as having been an object of interest to the DST since 2002 on suspicion of working for Russian intelligence services.

Remain-backing MPs have previously raised questions about the Legatum Institute in Parliament. In December, former Liberal Democrat minister Tom Brake claimed the Legatum Institute had adopted a rather biased position on Brexit and is very much pushing a hard-Brexit agenda.

The Legatum Institute, set up in 2007 by Mr Chandler, hosted a prominent event with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at the 2017 Tory conference, and has met Brexit and trade department ministers more than half a dozen times since the referendum.

A spokesman for the think-tank said: Christopher Chandler has never been associated directly or indirectly with Russian intelligence or the Russian state.

He has never been approached at any time by the French or any other authorities regarding Russia and maintains a sterling record of ethical business practices earned over many decades.

These accusations are complete nonsense, and have been previously rebutted by the Legatum Group.A white supremacist convicted of bludgeoning her ex-boyfriend to death with a hammer while he slept has protested her innocence.

Melony Jane Attwood, 37, insisted she was not involved in the killing of father-of-one Alan Taylor, 42, inside his house in Girrawheen in Perth's north in April 2016.

Mr Taylor was living with Attwood and her 22-year-old lover Robert Edhouse - the president of the Perth chapter of neo-Nazi group Aryan Nations - before the murder.

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White supremacist Melony Attwood (pictured right, left with lover Robert Edhouse), convicted of bludgeoning her ex-boyfriend to death with a hammer while he slept, has protested her innocence

Melony Jane Attwood, 37, insisted she was not involved in the killing of father-of-one Alan Taylor (pictured), 42, inside his house in Girrawheen in Perth's north in April 2016

The pair went on trial in the Supreme Court of Western Australia earlier this year along with Corey Joshua Dymock.

Dymock, 21, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of being an accessory.

A fourth person, and associate of the group who cannot be identified because he was 17, pleaded guilty to murder and was given a reduced sentence for testifying.

Prosecutor Carmel Barbagallo said the murder was planned and premeditated by Edhouse and Attwood, the mother of Mr Taylor's three-year-old child.

Mr Taylor was living with Attwood (pictured) and her 22-year-old lover Robert Edhouse - the president of the Perth chapter of Neo-Nazi group Aryan Nations - before the murder.

'It was a very brutal murder,' she said, WA Today reported.

Ms Barbagallo said Attwood and Edhouse's motive for the killing was getting hold of a $1million life insurance policy they believed Mr Taylor had and continuing their relationship unencumbered by him.

The trial heard the group went to a cinema to watch The Jungle Book after the killing in a bid to create a false alibi.

Attwood made a distressed-sounding call to triple-0 when she returned home, making it sound like Mr Taylor had been murdered in a botched robbery.

Ms Barbagallo said Attwood and Edhouse's (pictured) motive for the killing was getting hold of a $1million life insurance policy they believed Mr Taylor had and continuing their relationship unencumbered by him

Attwood, who led Aryan Girls, continues to insist she didn't take part in the murder and was in the shower when Mr Taylor was being killed, her lawyer Richard Utting said during sentencing submissions on Tuesday.

'Her position is she played no role in the death of Mr Taylor,' Mr Utting said.

Edhouse also maintains he didn't kill Mr Taylor but admits disposing of evidence including the hammer, his lawyer Lisa Boston said.

The hammer used to kill Mr Taylor has never been found, the court heard.

Edhouse (pictured) also maintains he didn't kill Mr Taylor but admits disposing of evidence including the hammer, his lawyer Lisa Boston said

Dymock's lawyer Justine Fisher said the most serious part of her client's offending was participating in the alibi bid and clean-up.

Ms Fisher said her client, who has since joined a Christian Fellowship group, was very loyal to Edhouse and had a 'follower' personality.

Dymock had found a sense of belonging and protection with Aryan Nations after being shunned by his deeply religious parents aged 12, Ms Fisher told the court.

She said he had severed contact with his co-offenders and was no longer a member of the group but retained 'white power' views, which elicited a smirk from Edhouse.

Edhouse (pictured) will also be sentenced for trying to attack Dymock in the dock moments after he was convicted

Justice Lindy Jenkins will sentence the trio at a later date.

Edhouse will also be sentenced for trying to attack Dymock in the dock moments after he was convicted.

He had to be restrained by security guards and police after he threw punches and threatened to kill his former friend and was later charged with contempt of court.The White House is chalking up a claim that Iran 'has' an illicit nuclear weapons program to a typo in a statement that it immediately corrected.

Press Secretary Sarah Sanders admitted today that a mistake had been made in the original copy of the text that it distributed, and the White House swiftly amended its statement to say that Iran 'had a robust clandestine nuclear weapons program.'

'But again, I think the biggest mistake is the fact that the United States ever entered into the Iran deal in the first place,' she rebutted. 'That, to me, seems to be the biggest mistake in this process, not a simple typo.'

The White House is chalking up a claim that Iran 'has' an illicit nuclear weapons program to a typo in a statement that it immediately corrected. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders admitted today that a mistake had been made in the original copy of the text that it distributed

Trump's White House has been responding to a evidence put forward by Israel that Tehran planed to pursue nuclear weapons despite a pact that the U.S. entered into with the country in 2015 because of concerns that the Middle Eastern nation was lying about its intentions.

Its statement originally said: 'This information provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons. These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people.

'The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbors and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons.'

A corrected version of the statement never went out. The change does appear, however, in a version of the release that's on the White House website now.

The National Security Council said it was an error, and Sanders said this afternoon that the White House press office responded to nearly every press inquiry on the matter as soon as possible.

She also said that the U.S. can't be sure that Iran is telling the truth about its nuclear program as a result of the findings that Israel presented.

''Particularly the fact that Irans nuclear capability were far more advanced and far further along than they ever indicated, which if this nuclear deal maintains as it is right now, when the sunset provision hits in seven years, they will be much further along in the process and able to make a nuclear weapon much quicker than theyve ever indicated before. And thats a big problem,' she said.

Sanders appeared to be making the case for the president to pull the U.S. out of the nuclear deal.

Trump faces a May 12 deadline to decide whether he will renew America's participation in a landmark 2015 agreement inked by Barack Obama and other Western leaders, intended to delay Iran from joining the global nuclear arms race.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed Monday that his nation had obtained thousands of documents proving Iran has maintained a secret nuclear program in violation of the deal.

'Iran lied,' Netanyahu said, 'big time.'

President Donald Trump said an hour later at a news conference that the stunning revelation shows that he was right about Tehran all along.

'What's happening today, and what's happened over the last little while, and what we've learned, has really shown that I've been 100 percent right,' the president told reporters at the White House.

President Trump bragged Monday that new revelations about a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program show he has been right all along

Trump has a May 12 deadline to decide whether or not to pull out of the arrangement that's supposed to keep Iran's nuclear ambitions in check. He warned Monday that even under the terms of the deal, Iran would be allowed to build WMDs in 2025: 'Seven years is tomorrow'

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed a cache of stolen documents proving Tehran has been pursuing nukes while telling the West its plans were on hold

Trump repeated many of his criticisms of the bargain, which he has called 'the worst deal in history.'

It calls for restrictions on Iran to run until 2025 but provides few de-nuclearization assurances after that.

'In seven years that deal will have expired,' Trump said of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, 'and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons.'

'That's not acceptable. Seven years is tomorrow.'

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, has expressed pleasure with the deal  partially because it unfroze $150 billion in Tehran's assets

Trump reminded reporters that he has long claimed Iran was flouting the deal, which also released $150 billion in frozen assets.

'I've been saying that it's happening. They're not sitting back idly,' he said.'They're setting off missiles, which they say are for television purposes. I don't think so.'

President Trump said that while the United States got 'nothing' from the Obama-era agreement, he reserved the right to come to a new arrangement instead of walking away entirely.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that the U.S. could indeed bail from the JCPOA.

In Tel Aviv, he said that 'if we can't fix it, he is going to withdraw.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) heard U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (left) pledge America's support on Sunday in the midst of a decision-making process that could see President Donald Trump withdrawing from a 2015 Iran nuclear bargain

Pompeo, who was back in Washington on Tuesday, used the Middle East leg of his first trip abroad as America's top diplomat to call for concerted international action to punish Iran for its missile programs.

The tough line was welcomed in Israel, which considers Iran its greatest threat and has been leading calls for the international community to revise its 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. He arrived after visiting Saudi Arabia, another fierce rival of Iran.

'We remain deeply concerned about Iran's dangerous escalation of threats to Israel and the region and Iran's ambition to dominate the Middle East remains,' Pompeo said after a nearly two-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 'The United States is with Israel in this fight.'Authorities in the Bay Area have found a floating homemade submarine that was initially thought to be a downed aircraft but was later learned to have been stolen.

Shanee Stopnitzky, a marine scientist, built Fang Tooth, a two-person sub that can reach 30 feet below the surface of the water and has enough air to last 30 minutes.

She says that somebody stole the sub and took it for a joyride, KGO-TV reported.

The Alameda County Fire Department tweeted photos of the sub after they pulled it out of the water near the Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco and Oakland.

Authorities in the Bay Area have found a floating homemade submarine that was initially thought to be a downed aircraft but was later learned to have been stolen

The Alameda County Fire Department tweeted photos of the sub after they pulled it out of the water near the Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco and Oakland

Shanee Stopnitzky, a marine scientist, built Fang Tooth, a two-person sub that can reach 30 feet below the surface of the water and has enough air to last 30 minutes

The sub is used for the volunteer group The Community Submersibles Project, a cooperatively owned club where anyone can learn how to use manned submersibles.

It's about giving people access to explore the oceans in a way where they ordinarily would never have access to, Stopnitzky said.

She said she was surprised that nobody got injured since operating the vehicle could be tricky for someone who hasnt been trained.

One of my biggest concerns is if someone might kill themselves in it, Stopnitzky said.

It's a simple set of systems, but you still need knowledge of how submarines work.

The sub was towed to an impound lot, and it will now cost the club $2,000 to recover it.

Stopnitzky said that her club currently doesnt have the money.At least 111 of about 400 students attending a high school prom held inside Chicago's Shedd Aquarium Friday night became severely ill, with some even needing to go to hospital.

Students from Victor J. Andrew High School started seeing symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting on Saturday.

It appears from the students that have been tested, a majority have the norovirus. 'I was vomiting, I had diarrhea, I had a fever, I had everything,' student Kacie Johnston, who was still too sick to leave her home Monday, said to ABC Chicago.

Some students went to Wisconsin Dells for the weekend, and started feeling sick there. Jack Condon was among them.

Jack Condon (pictured with his date Olivia Tesher) was one of several students whose magical weekend ended when he had to go to hospital after attending prom at the Shedd Aquarium

Kacie Johnston (pictured with her date) said she was so sick that she was still not able to leave her home on Monday

At least 111 students fell ill after their big prom night at the Shedd Aquarium (pictured)

A lot of them couldn't wait for their parents to come and get them to take them to the ER, so Condon checked himself in.

'He was very scared. He had a hard time breathing,' said his mother, Marci Condon. 'He's still very sick today. He hasn't gotten out of his room today. He has a fever, the chills. He's sweating.'

Norovirus is a highly contagious infection commonly spread through food or water.

'I was messaging with a few parents last night from immediate care,' parent Edith Paez told ABC7, whose daughter Elizabeth was sick enough to seek medical attention. 'Some of them were in the hospital. Some of them were at the actual immediate care where we were.'

Sodexo, the aquarium's food service provider, said they are in 'regular contact' with school officials and have 'reported all known details' to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

'At this time, we do not believe there are any safety concerns related to food or drink being served to our guests visiting the aquarium,' Andrea Rodgers, the aquarium's vice president of communications, told the Chicago Tribune.

'The school district continues to work with Shedd Aquarium and the Cook County Department of Public Health to determine the source of the illness,' District 230 spokeswoman Carla Erdey said on Tuesday.

The Tinley Park school is working to get to the bottom of how the students became sick, and are asking parents to contact the dean's office to give information about what they consumed, what other activities they participated in, when they first became sick and if they sought medical attention.

The large dolphin aquarium is the backdrop for many of the events held at the Shedd Aquarium

Victor J. Andrew High School says they are working to figure out how over a quarter of the students that attended the prom became ill

'We are deeply saddened that illness has dampened what was otherwise a very positive and memorable prom for our students,' Principal Bob Nolting said.

He added that as a precaution, the school would be cleaned Monday night in case the virus was introduced into the school as a result.'

The aquarium said they also did a deep clean as a precaution.

Both the Cook County and Chicago departments of health are working on the investigation.Happy tears were shed when a daughter was reunited with her birth parents after being kidnapped 21 years ago in south-west China.

Wang Xue, nicknamed Little Swallow, met her parents after a DNA test confirmed their biological relationship, according to Guizhou City Daily.

Wang was on her way to school when she was taken in 1997 aged just seven.

Mother Wang Yonghui cries as she hugs her long-lost daughter Wang Xue. The daughter was kidnapped on her way to school when she was only seven years old in 1997

Two decades later, hundreds of locals arrived at Wang's home to witness the emotional reunion, decorating the streets with balloons, flowers and banners to welcome the long-lost daughter.

'I have finally found my daughter,' the teary mother, Wang Yonghui, told the press. 'I finally got to see my daughter again in my lifetime.'

Back in 1997, Wang was living with her grandparents in Xingren county in Guizhou province, while her parents worked in the fields, she recalled.

Hundreds of locals arrived at Wang's home to witness the emotional reunion, decorating the streets with balloons, flowers and banners to welcome the long-lost daughter.

One day, a stranger came up to Wang and asked her to carry her belongings back home.

When the young girl refused, the woman dragged her onto a tricycle and drove away. She even gave her some food to snack on.

When Wang woke up, she found herself in Nayong County, more than 300 kilometers away from home.

Wang Xue was brought to the reunion by volunteers of Baby Back Home, an organisation that helps reunite families with their lost children. Wang registered on the website in March

She was then sent to live with her foster parents and was always 'locked in, beaten and threatened', she told Guizhou City Daily.

'It was a common occurrence,' she said.

Every so often, she would hear that someone was looking for her, but before she could do anything about it, her foster parents would lock her up in the house.

To prevent her from being discovered, Wang was later sent to their relatives' home to live for two years.

She tried to escape many times, but she was always caught immediately and beaten.

Despite the hardships, Wang forced herself to remember the names of her biological family. She knew the names of her grandfather Wang Kaiming and uncle Wang Yinghong, and that she had a younger brother.

Wang's mother couldn't eat for three days after she was told her daughter was kidnapped. It was a nightmare, but she never gave up hope.

Mother Wang Yonghui, cries as she tightly hugs her long-lost daughter among the crowd at the reunion. The family spent everything they had to find her kidnapped daughter

Wang's parents spent everything they had on the search for their daughter - but to no avail.

Eventually, they were forced to give up due to financial constraints. They also divorced and moved to different provinces.

In March, Wang registered on a Chinese website called Baby Back Home, a non-profit organisation that helps families track down lost children.

The organisation said they have reunited 2,382 families so far. A total of 41,225 parents are still looking for their children.

Daughter 'Little Swallow' reunites with her mother after two decades. Volunteers of Baby Back Home found Wang Xue's parents based on the little details she could remember about her past

Volunteers then reached out to Wang and launched an official search for her family based on the limited information.

When volunteers visited her family after narrowing down the search area, her grandmother produced childhood pictures of Wang that matched the ones the volunteers brought.

Blood samples were immediately taken from Wang and her parents, and on Apr 25, the results came back: A positive match.

'I said: "I'm going back right away",' Wang recalled. 'I'm not waiting any longer.'

Two days later, the long-lost mother and daughter burst into tears the moment they saw each other and embraced each other in a tight hug.

Wang's case is not unique.

Child abduction and trafficking has been a serious problem in China, with an estimated 70,000 children going missing each year for forced labor, adoption or prostitution, according to China Daily.On April 30, a list of questions that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigators has sent to President Donald Trump's lawyers was reported by the New York Times.

The list was created amid negotiations about what topics Trump would be willing to discuss in a potential interview with investigators. Trump has not yet formally agreed to such an interview.

The questions in the following list have been paraphrased and edited to add context. They are grouped according to the primary topic of the question.

CAMPAIGN 'COLLUSION' WITH RUSSIA

What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, (above) to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?

1. When did you become aware of the June 9, 2016 Trump Tower meeting between Don Trump Jr and a Russian lawyer offering dirt on Hillary Clinton?

2. What involvement did you have in the communication strategy, including the release of Donald Trump Jr's emails about the meeting?

3. During a 2013 trip to Russia, what communication and relationships did you have with the Agalarovs, who set up the Trump Tower meeting, and with Russian government officials?

4. What communication did you have with Michael D. Cohen, Felix Sater and others, including foreign nationals, about Russian real estate developments during the campaign? (Refers to a failed effort to build a Trump Tower in Moscow)

5. What discussions did you have during the campaign regarding any meeting with Putin? Did you discuss it with others?

6. What discussions did you have during the campaign regarding Russian sanctions?

7. What involvement did you have concerning Republican party platform changes regarding arming Ukraine?

8. During the campaign, what did you know about Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign?

9. What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?

10. What did you know about communication between Roger Stone, his associates, Julian Assange or WikiLeaks?

11. What did you know during the transition about an attempt to establish back-channel communication to Russia, and Jared Kushner's efforts?

12. What do you know about a 2017 meeting in Seychelles involving Blackwater founder Erik Prince and a Russian close to Putin?

13. What do you know about a Ukrainian peace proposal provided to Cohen in 2017?

EX-NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR MIKE FLYNN

What did you know about phone calls that Mike Flynn (left) made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, (right) in late December 2016?

14. What did you know about phone calls that Mike Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?

15. What was your reaction to news reports on January 12, 2017, and February 8-9, 2017, revealing Flynn had urged Russia not to overreact to Obama sanctions in the calls?

16. What did you know about Sally Yates's meetings with White House staff to warn that Flynn lied about the content of the calls?

17. How was the decision made to fire Flynn on February 13, 2017?

18. What efforts were made to reach out to Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon?

ATTORNEY GENERAL JEFF SESSIONS

Did you discuss whether Sessions (above) would protect you, and reference past attorneys general who had protected presidents?

19. What did you think and do regarding the recusal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions from the investigation into Russian election interference?

20. What efforts did you make to try to get him to change his mind?

21. Did you discuss whether Sessions would protect you, and reference past attorneys general who had protected presidents?

22. What did you think and what did you do in reaction to the news of the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller?

23. Why did you hold Sessions's resignation until May 31, 2017 before rejecting it, and with whom did you discuss it?

24. What discussions did you have with Reince Priebus in July 2017 about obtaining the Sessions resignation? With whom did you discuss it?

25. What discussions did you have regarding firing Robert Mueller, and what did you do when that consideration was reported in January 2018?

26. What was the purpose of your July 2017 criticism of Sessions, including that he had 'taken a VERY weak position on Hillary Clinton crimes'?

EX-FBI DIRECTOR JAMES COMEY

Regarding the decision to fire Comey: When was it made? Why? Who played a role?

27. What was your opinion of FBI Director James Comey during the transition?

28. What did you think about Comey's intelligence briefing on January 6, 2017, about Russian election interference?

29. What was your reaction to Comey's briefing that day about other intelligence matters, including the allegations in the Steele dossier?

30. What was the purpose of your January 27, 2017, dinner with Comey, and what was said?

31. What was the purpose of your February 14, 2017, meeting with Comey, and what was said?

32. What did you know about the FBI's investigation into Flynn and Russia in the days leading up to Comey's testimony on March 20, 2017?

33. What did you do in reaction to the March 20 testimony confirming the FBI was investigating members of the Trump campaign? Describe your contacts with intelligence officials.

34. What did you think and do in reaction to the news that the Mueller probe was speaking to then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo, NSA Director Michael S. Rogers and Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats?

35. What was the purpose of your calls to Comey on March 30 and April 11, 2017?

36. What was the purpose of your April 11, 2017, statement to Fox Business Network, including 'Director Comey was very, very good to Hillary Clinton, that I can tell you'?

37. What did you think and do about Comey's May 3, 2017, testimony about his handling of the Clinton email investigation?

38. Regarding the decision to fire Comey on May 9, 2017: When was it made? Why? Who played a role?

39. What did you mean when you told Russian diplomats on May 10, 2017, that firing Comey had taken the pressure off?

40. What did you mean in your interview with Lester Holt about Comey and Russia? (Trump said: 'I was going to fire Comey knowing there was no good time to do it. And in fact, when I decided to just do it, I said to myself  I said, you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story. It's an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should've won.)

41. What was the purpose of your May 12, 2017, tweet stating 'James Comey better hope that there are no "tapes" of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!'?

42. What did you think about Comey's June 8, 2017, testimony regarding Flynn, and what did you do about it?

43. What was the purpose of the September and October 2017 statements, including tweets, suggesting an investigation of Comey for giving false testimony to Congress?

44. What is the reason for your continued criticism of Comey and his former deputy, Andrew G. McCabe?The co-founder of WhatsApp, a messaging service owned by Facebook Inc with more than 1 billion daily users, said on Monday he was leaving the company, in a loss of one of the strongest advocates for privacy inside Facebook.

Jan Koum's plan to exit comes after clashing with the parent company over WhatApp's strategy and Facebook's attempts to use its personal data and weaken its encryption, the Washington Post earlier reported, citing people familiar with the internal discussions.

'It's been almost a decade since Brian and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people,' Koum, WhatsApp's chief executive, said in a post on his Facebook page referring to co-founder Brian Acton.

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The co-founder of WhatsApp, a messaging service owned by Facebook Inc with more than 1 billion daily users, said on Monday he was leaving the company, in a loss of one of the strongest advocates for privacy inside Facebook. File photo

'But it is time for me to move on.' He did not give a date for his departure and could not immediately be reached for comment.

Acton left the messaging service company in September to start a foundation, after spending eight years with WhatsApp.

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg commented on Koum's post, saying he was grateful for what Koum taught him about encryption 'and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands.

Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp.'

Facebook has battled European regulators over a plan to use WhatsApp user data, including phone numbers, to develop products and target ads.

The plan is suspended, but WhatsApp said last week it still wanted to move forward eventually.

Stanford alumnus Acton and Ukrainian immigrant Koum co-founded WhatsApp in 2009.

Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion in cash and stock.

WhatsApp, a pun on the phrase 'What's up?,' grew in popularity in part because its encrypted messages are stored on users' smartphones and not on company servers, making the service more private.

Jan Koum's (pictured) plan to exit comes after clashing with the parent company over WhatApp's strategy and Facebook's attempts to use its personal data and weaken its encryption, the Post earlier reported, citing people familiar with the internal discussions

HOW CAN USERS DOWNLOAD THEIR WHATSAPP REPORT? After updating its privacy settings in line with GDPR, WhatsApp is added a feature to increase transparency for its users. Called 'Request Account Info', this feature enables WhatsApp users to download their account information. It allows people to access all the data that WhatsApp has on them. This information is stored on WhatsApp's servers and includes information such as profile photos and even names of group chats. Other information includes the make and model of the device they used, their contacts and any blocked numbers. It is important to note that the report will not contain any messages, although that option is also available through a separate feature. How to request a report Go to WhatsApp Settings Select the Account option Press the new option that says 'request account info' Tap Request report The screen will update to Request sent WhatsApp claims the report will be available approximately 3 days after the date requested. Once the report has been created and is ready, users will be able to download it. How to download the report Go to WhatsApp Settings Click on Account Select the 'request account info' button Download report. A ZIP file will then be downloaded to the device and will include an HTML file. Once successfully downloaded, WhatsApp users will be able to export their report. Advertisement

Concerns about Facebook's handling of personal information have grown since the social network's admission in March that the data of millions of users was wrongly harvested by political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

Facebook has taken steps to generate revenue from WhatsApp, which unlike Facebook does not have advertising.

WhatsApp's management has fiercely opposed advertising, saying in 2012 that they did not want to be 'just another ad clearinghouse' where the engineering team 'spends their day tuning data mining.'

Instead, WhatsApp charged a $1 annual subscription. It dropped that in 2016, moving toward a plan to charge businesses for specialized accounts.It is the simple word that drives many parents mad  Why?

But children who constantly ask such questions should be encouraged, researchers say, as those who appear curious in conversation are more likely to perform better at school.

The study of 6,200 pre-school children found the most inquisitive were more focused in class and achieved better results in reading and maths tests.

And while children from less privileged backgrounds tended to fare worse at school overall, the most curious in this group performed just as well as their better-off peers, according to researchers.

Children who constantly ask questions such as 'why?' should be encouraged, researchers say

Lead author Dr Prachi Shah, of the University of Michigan, said: Promoting curiosity in children, especially those from environments of economic disadvantage, may be an important, under-recognised way to address the achievement gap.

The association of curiosity with academic achievement is greater in children with low socioeconomic status.

The researchers sent questionnaires to parents of 6,200 children, who commented on their youngsters level of curiosity at nine months, two years and around five  when they started school. Those children who showed the highest degree of curiosity tended to do better in early school tests, they found.

There is some evidence curiosity is more coveted in wealthier children, which may help them out-perform less privileged pupils, the study said. It appears in journal Pediatric Research.A lost city dating to the rule of King David from the Old Testament has been uncovered in Jerusalem.

King David is an ancestor of Jesus, according to biblical sources, which say he ruled around BC 1,000.

Experts say that recently-found ruins date to the 10th century BC.

This ties in with the timeframe for when the bible says King David existed, making the link between the two 'plausible', researchers claim.

The finding is likely to fuel the debate surrounding whether Biblical figures such as King David actually existed, however.

Some researchers believe the legendary figure is akin to King Arthur - an amalgam of myth and historical fact, the basis of which has been lost to the sands of time.

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A lost city dating to the rule of King David from the Old Testament has been uncovered in Jerusalem, according to the results of radiocarbon dating samples taken from the floors and foundations of a dwelling buried deep under an artificial mound near Hebron

The dig, which took place in the Judean Shephelah to the east of the Hebron hills, was led by Professor Avraham Faust of Bar-Ilan University.

The site, Tel Eton, is an artificial mound that is made up of the built up ruins of ancient cultures that existed in the same spot for millennia.

Some scholars say it is the site of the Canaanite city of Eglon, later listed in the bible as part of the Tribe of Judah, of which David was the founder.

Now, the results of radiocarbon dating samples taken from the floors and foundations of a dwelling - until recently buried deep under the surface of the mound - have been published.

They show it dates to around the same time as King David, who ruled in the highlands, and ties in to social changes in the region associated with the ruler.

However, some experts have warned about reading too much into the discovery.

Speaking to MailOnline, Francesca Stavrakopoulou, professor of the Hebrew Bible and ancient religion at the University of Exeter, said: 'As the excavators themselves confess, this isnt evidence of the existence of David.

'Its the Bible that credits David and Solomon with the formation of a kingdom in the land of Canaan, not archaeology.'

Experts say that the dating of the ruins to the Tenth Century BC tie in with this timeframe, making the link between the city and King David 'plausible'. The finding is likely to fuel the debate surrounding whether Biblical figures such as King David actually existed, however

Professor Faust and colleagues also found signs of a social transformation the region underwent during the Tenth Century BC.

That included buildings of a type known as a four-room house, or Israelite house, which were common in the ancient Israel but rare elsewhere.

This suggests the influence of David's kingdom, researchers say.

Speaking to Breaking Israel News, he said: 'Until 25 years ago no one doubted that King David was a historical figure.

'In the last 25 years or so, however, Davids historicity, and especially the size of his kingdom, are hotly debated.

WHO WAS THE BIBLICAL FIGURE OF KING DAVID? King David was the first king of a united Israel and the founder of a dynasty, according to the Old Testament's Books of Samuel. It claims that he was both astute and brave but not, however, completely virtuous. His adulterous desire for Bathsheba, whom he watched at her bath, is the subject of many paintings. King David was the first king of a united Israel and the founder of a dynasty, according to the Old Testament's Books of Samuel. He is sometimes represented playing a harp, as in this 1622 painting by Gerard van Honthorst In the southern Judean kingdom, the Davidic line was the only legitimate dynasty. Jesus Christ was said to be of the line of David by virtue of his father, Saint Joseph's lineage. In altarpieces, King David is often shown among biblical figures. He is sometimes represented playing a harp; he is recorded as a musician and traditionally is supposed to have composed the Psalms. The earliest archaeological evidence for King David is the Tel Dan stele, an inscribed stone which dates to the late ninth to mid-eighth century BC Also popular is the story of his slaying, with a stone from his sling, of the giant Goliath, a great enemy of Israel. This deed was accomplished in his youth. The earliest archaeological evidence for King David is the Tel Dan stele, an inscribed stone which dates to the late ninth to mid-eighth century BC. It claims that David was the legendary founder of a dynasty known as the House of David or perhaps the House of the Beloved - a religious title, rather than a proper name. The inscription on the stele is not direct proof of David, just proof that some people believed the dynasty was descended from a figure called David. Advertisement

'The new discovery at Tel Eton seems to suggest that the highland kingdom controlled larger areas than some scholars believe.

'This has bearings on the date in which social complexity evolved in Judah, on the debate regarding the historicity of the kingdom of David and (his son) Solomon.'

The earliest archaeological evidence for King David is the Tel Dan stele, an inscribed stone which dates to the late ninth to mid-eighth century BC.

It claims that David was the legendary founder of a dynasty known as the House of David or perhaps the House of the Beloved - a religious title, rather than a proper name.

The inscription on the stele is not direct proof of David, just proof that some people believed the dynasty was descended from a figure called David, according to Professor Stavrakopoulou.

'David is more akin to King Arthur - this figure probably didnt exist, but as a figure he evolved from a collection of legends and stories associated with different leaders and places,' she added.

'Unless we find solid references to King David in inscriptions dating to the Tenth Century BC, David can only remain a shadowy figure of legend, rather than history.

Some scholars say it is the site of the biblical city of Eglon, listed as part of the tribe of Judah. Radiocarbon dating shows it dates to around the same time as King David, who ruled in the highlands, tying in to social changes in the region associated with the ancient ruler

'If someone thinks that there was no King David, that person should come with a different name for the highland king in whose time the region was incorporated into the highland kingdom,' said lead research Professor Avraham Faust of Bar-Ilan University

'Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem and the Shephelah can only tell us what we already know - that the region at this time was peppered with small cities and towns - some old, some relatively new - that controlled local networks of agrarian communities.'

Professor Faust himself admits that the association with David is not based on any archaeological evidence, but rather on circumstantial grounds.

However, as the source of the social changes in the region seems to have originated in the highland kingdom from around the time when David was said to have ruled it, he believes the link is 'plausible'.

He added: 'We, of course, did not find any artifacts that said "King David" or "King Solomon" but we discovered at the site signs of a social transformation the region underwent.

'This seems to indicate that the inspiration or cause for the transformations are to be sought in the highland.

'If someone thinks that there was no King David, that person should come up with a different name for the highland king in whose time the region was incorporated into the highland kingdom.'

The full findings of the study were published in the journal Radiocarbon.

The dig took place in the Judean Shephelah to the east of the Hebron hills. This image shows an aerial view of the siteThe new space race took a dramatic turn when Elon Musk's SpaceX launched its Falcon Heavy - the world's most powerful operational rocket - earlier this year.

But according to competitor Boeing, the Falcon Heavy is 'too small' to challenge its Space Launch System (SLS) - a huge rocket it is building with Nasa.

In a post to its aerospace website Watch US Fly, Boeing said SpaceX's mega rocket 'failed to impress' Nasa's top brass and 'can't compete' with SLS.

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According to Boeing, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket is 'too small' to challenge its Space Launch System (artist's impression). In a post to its aerospace website 'Watch US Fly', Boeing said the Falcon Heavy 'can't compete' with the SLS

'The Falcon Heavy launch turned heads in February, but SpaceX's rocket is a smaller type of rocket that can't meet Nasa's deep-space needs,' the website reads.

'The SLS can bring equipment into space that is too large for the Falcon Heavy.'

SpaceX and Boeing are locked in a race to deep space as each firm attempts to build a rocket capable of carrying humans and cargo to the moon and beyond.

The ultimate goal is to take the title as the first company to carry humans to Mars - an achievement that could earn the victor billions as the world's space agencies flock for cargo space on its flights to the red planet.

According to the new Boeing post: 'Once the Boeing-built SLS is operational, it will be the most powerful rocket ever built.'

The website backs up this claim by quoting Nasa's Bill Gerstenmaier, who discussed the differences between SLS and the Falcon Heavy in March.

The new space race took a dramatic turn when SpaceX launched its Falcon Heavy - the world's most powerful operational rocket - earlier this year. Pictured is the rocket's maiden launch from the Kennedy Space Centre in February

WHAT IS NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM? Nasa's Space Launch System, or SLS, is an advanced launch vehicle that will 'provide the foundation for human exploration beyond Earths orbit', according to the space agency. Launching with unprecedented thrust power, SLS will carry crews of up to four astronauts in the agencys Orion spacecraft on missions to explore deep-space destinations. Offering more payload mass, volume capability and energy to speed missions through space than any current launch vehicle, SLS is designed to evolve over several decades to keep up with modern technologies and payloads. Nasa's Space Launch System, or SLS, is an advanced launch vehicle that will 'provide the foundation for human exploration beyond Earths orbit', according to the space agency (artist's impression) These include robotic scientific missions to places like the Moon, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. The rocket's first launch, which will be unmanned, is set for 2020 at Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The initial configuration for what SLS can carry past low-Earth orbit and on to the moon is more than 26 metric tons, with a final configuration of at least 45 metric tons. Nasa intends to send humans to 'deep-space' destinations such as Mars and the moon aboard the SLS, with a date for a mission to the red planet set for the 2030s. Advertisement

Elon Musk's (pictured) SpaceX launched its Falcon Heavy rocket for the first time in February

Gerstenmaier, chief of Nasa's human spaceflight program, said SLS had 'unique capabilities' that the Falcon Heavy lacks while speaking at a meeting of the Nasa Advisory Council.

Boeing's website reads: 'The Falcon Heavy failed to impress the spaceflight department at Nasa.

'Bill Gerstenmaier, the head of spaceflight at Nasa, said the Falcon Heavy is "too small" for NASA's needs. Ouch.'

SLS has been plagued by delays since it was announced in 2011, and the project is yet to progress further than a number of static booster tests.

These rocket boosters are still at least two years away from being ready for SLS's maiden, unpiloted flight.

Reports in November suggested Nasa engineers are expecting more development delays to materialise over the next couple of years during full-scale assembly and testing of the rocket's core stage.

SpaceX and Boeing are locked in a race to deep space as each firm attempts to build a rocket capable of carrying humans and cargo to the moon and beyond. Boeing and Nasa's Space launch System (artist's impression) has been plagued by delays since it was announced in 2011

HOW DOES THE SPACEX FALCON HEAVY MEASURE UP? Height: 70 meters (229.6 feet) Stages: Two Boosters: Two Re-usable Cores: Three Engines: 27 Payload to Low Earth Orbit: 63,800kg (140,660 lb) Payload to Mars: 16,800kg (37,040 lb) Total width: 12.2m (39.9 ft) Mass: 1,420,788kg (3,125,735 lb) Total thrust at lift-off: 22,819 kilonewtons (5.13 million pounds) When it launches, Falcon Heavy (left) will be the world's most powerful rocket, capable of carrying payloads far greater than even the Apollo 11 space shuttle (second from left) Advertisement

This unpiloted version of the SLS rocket is unlikely to come close to being the 'most powerful rocket ever built', as the website claims.

Nasa has said its first iteration of the SLS will be a stripped-down version of the model it plans to eventually send to Mars.

The 'most powerful' rocket ever built remains the Saturn V, which Nasa used in the 1960s and 1970s for its Apollo programme.

NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM ROCKET IS THE LARGEST EVER MADE AND WILL LET HUMANS EXPLORE THE SOLAR SYSTEM Space Launch System, or SLS, is a launch vehicle that NASA hopes will take its astronauts back to the moon and beyond. The rocket will have an initial lift configuration, set to launch in the mid-2020's, followed by an upgraded 'evolved lift capability' that can carry heavier payloads. Nasa is yet to set a timeline for SLS's second iteration. Space Launch System Initial Lift Capability - Maiden flight: Mid-2020's - Height: 311 feet (98 metres) - Lift: 70 metric tons - Weight: 2.5 million kilograms (5.5 million lbs) Space Launch System Evolved Lift Capability - Maiden flight: Unknown - Height: 384 feet (117 metres) - Lift: 130 metric tons - Weight: 2.9 million kilograms (6.5 million lbs) NASA's Space Launch System will have an initial lift configuration (second from right), set to launch in the mid-2020's, followed by an upgraded 'evolved lift capability' (far right) that can carry heavier payloads Advertisement

These rockets could list 118 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO) - significantly more than SLS's initial configuration, which will have a 70-ton LEO capacity.

The Falcon Heavy, which launched for the first time in February, could list 64 tons to LEO.

Nasa plans to upgrade SLS to a 105-ton configuration, but this will not occur until at least the mid-2020s.

SpaceX's 'Big F****ing Rocket' (artist's impression) was announced last year, with CEO Elon Musk claiming it will perform an unmanned cargo flight to the red planet in 2022

The update will likely cost several billion dollars as Boeing will need to build the rocket a brand new upper stage.

SLS's final configuration will lift 120 metric tons to LEO according to Nasa, but the space agency has no timetable for this version of the rocket.

SpaceX's 'Big F****ing Rocket' (BFR) was announced last year, with CEO Elon Musk claiming it will perform an unmanned cargo flight to the red planet in 2022.It is nearly impossible to become completely fluent in a second language unless you start before the age of 10, a new study reveals.

Although they struggle to speak fluently, children who start learning after the age of ten can still become 'very skilled' linguists.

Scientists have found the window for peak language learning expires around the age of 17 or 18.

This time-frame in childhood is dubbed the 'critical period' and scientists still don't understand why adults struggle with new languages.

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It is nearly impossible to learn a language fluently unless you start before the age of 10, a new study reveals. Children remain 'very skilled' at picking up new languages until they reach the age of 17 or 18. This time-frame is called the 'critical period' (stock image)

The 'critical period' makes the most of a supple mind that can absorb new information and adapt to differences in grammar.

Study author Doctor Joshua Hartshorne, an assistant professor of psychology at Boston College, said: 'If you want to have native-like knowledge of English grammar you should start by about 10 years old.'

Dr Hartshorne, who conducted the study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), added: 'We don't see very much difference between people who start at birth and people who start at 10, but we start seeing a decline after that.'

People who start learning a language between 10 and 18 will still learn quickly, but they have a shorter window before their learning ability declines.

This limited period of time means they don't achieve the proficiency of native speakers, according to the research.

The findings are based on an analysis of a grammar quiz taken by nearly 670,000 people, which is by far the largest data-set that anyone has assembled for a study of language-learning ability.

Study co-author Professor Josh Tenenbaum, of MIT, said: 'It's been very difficult until now to get all the data you would need to answer this question of how long the critical period lasts.

'This is one of those rare opportunities in science where we could work on a question that is very old, that many smart people have thought about and written about and take a new perspective and see something that maybe other people haven't.'

The researchers said that while it's typical for children to pick up languages quicker than adults - a phenomenon often seen in families that immigrate to a new country - the trend has been difficult to study in a laboratory setting.

Dr Hartshorne said: 'Whatever it is that results in what we see in day-to-day life with adults having difficulty in fully acquiring the language, it happens over a really long timescale.'

Following people as they learn a language over many years is difficult and time-consuming, so the researchers came up with a different approach.

CAN LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE PREVENT DEMENTIA? Learning to speak a second language at any point could help keep your brain sharp as you age, a 2015 study found. The University of Edinburgh detected a pattern of slower mental decline among the bilingual in a group of 835 people born in 1936. They were given an intelligence test in 1947 at the age of 11, then retested in their early 70s between 2008 and 2010. A total of 262 participants could communicate in at least one language other than English. Of those, 195 learnt the second language before the age of 18. Those who spoke two or more languages had significantly better cognitive abilities in their 70s than their peers. The strongest effect of bilingualism was seen in general intelligence and reading tests. Advertisement

They decided to take snapshots of hundreds of thousands of people who were in different stages of learning English.

By measuring the grammatical ability of many people of different ages, who started learning English at different points in their life, they could get enough data to come to some meaningful conclusions.

Within hours after being posted on Facebook, the 10-minute quiz 'Which English?' had gone viral.

Dr Hartshorne said: 'The next few weeks were spent keeping the website running, because the amount of traffic we were getting was just overwhelming.

'That's how I knew the experiment was sufficiently fun.'

After taking the quiz, users were asked to reveal their current age and the age at which they began learning English, as well as other information about their language background.

The researchers ended up with complete data for 669,498 people.

Dr Hartshorne said: 'We had to tease apart how many years has someone been studying this language, when they started speaking it, and what kind of exposure have they been getting: Were they learning in a class or were they immigrants to an English-speaking country?'

The 'critical period' makes the most of a supple mind that can absorb new information and adapt to differences in grammar, which drops off at the age of 17 or 18. Scientists do not know how long this period is or why adulthood makes learning a new language harder (stock image)

The researchers developed and tested a variety of computer models to see which was most consistent with their results.

They found that the best explanation for their data is that the ability to understand grammar remains strong until the age of 17 or 18, at which point it drops.

The findings, published in the journal Cognition, suggest that the critical period for learning language is much longer than cognitive scientists had previously thought.

Dr Hartshorne said: 'It was surprising to us.

'The debate had been over whether it declines from birth, starts declining at five years old, or starts declining starting at puberty.'

He said adults are still good at learning foreign languages, but they will not be able to reach the level of a native speaker if they begin learning as a teenager or as an adult.

Still unknown is what causes the critical period to end around age 18.

The researchers suggest that cultural factors may play a role, but there may also be changes in brain plasticity that occur around that age.

Prof Tenenbaum added: 'It's possible that there's a biological change.

'It's also possible that it's something social or cultural. There's roughly a period of being a minor that goes up to about age 17 or 18 in many societies.

'After that, you leave your home, maybe you work full time, or you become a specialised university student.

'All of those might impact your learning rate for any language.'

Dr Hartshorne now plans to compare native and non-native speakers of Spanish.Microsoft founder Bill Gates declined an offer to serve as Donald Trump's science advisor, telling the US President the role was 'not a good use of my time'.

In a new interview, Gates disclosed that Trump offered him the long-vacant White House science adviser position during a conversation in the Oval Office last month.

Without explaining his reasons, Gates said he turned down the offer and admitted he does not know if the US President was serious.

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Without explaining his reasons, Gates said he turned down the offer and admitted he does not know if the US President was serious

He told health sector website Stat News: 'I mentioned, 'Hey, maybe we should have a science advisor'. He said: Did I want to be the science advisor?

'I didn't put him to the test, whether that was a serious thing or not.

'He probably himself didn't know if he was serious. It was a friendly thing. He was being friendly.'

Gates said he told the President the role was 'not a good use of my time'.

Trump has taken longer than any other modern president to fill the science adviser position, which has remained vacant since the departure of John Holdren, who left at the end of the Obama administration in January 2017.

The White House's de facto senior science adviser is 31-year-old Michael Kratsios, a political scientist with no formal scientific training.

In a new interview, Microsoft founder Bill Gates disclosed that President Donald Trump offered him the long-vacant White House science adviser position during a conversation in the Oval Office last month

Microsoft founder Bill Gates discussed a meeting he had with President Donald Trump in a new interview with Stat News. The Microsoft founder discussed universal vaccinations and the vacant White House science adviser position in a 40-minute conversation with the President

While Gates is not a scientist by trade, he co-runs the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which directs a wealth of climate and infectious disease research.

Last month it was revealed the philanthropist was backing a start-up that plans to provide 'live and unfiltered' high definition footage of Earth from space.

The company, EarthNow, says it will launch 500 satellites to cover Earth's atmosphere in real-time video surveillance.

WHAT IS THE WHITE HOUSE'S 'SENIOR SCIENCE ADVISER'? The White House's senior science adviser provides advice and analysis on science and technology matters to the US President. The position provides the President with a science expert they can turn to for their opinions on issues such as disease outbreaks or environmental disasters. Donald Trump has taken longer than any other modern president to fill the science adviser position. The role has remained vacant since the departure of John Holdren, who left at the end of the Obama administration in January 2017. The White House's de facto senior science adviser is 31-year-old Michael Kratsios, a political scientist with no formal scientific training. Advertisement

As well as Gates, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son and aerospace giant Airbus have also backed the project.

The price of the project could run to $1 billion (700m).

Potential applications include tracking illegal fishing, monitoring the weather and tracking natural migrations globally.

Gates has previously said improved surveillance is vital to monitor malaria-carrying mosquitoes in vulnerable nations.A bone that is believed to be a relic of the fourth Pope has been found in a bin by waste collectors.

The tiny fragment - thought to belong to St Clement, who died around 2,000 years ago - was found by a waste disposal company.

Workers at the firm discovered the piece of bone in a red and gold wax-sealed case, and have now launched an appeal to find an appropriate final resting place for it.

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A bone that is believed to be a relic of the fourth Pope has been found in a bin by waste collectors. The tiny fragment - thought to belong to St Clement who died around 2,000 years ago - was found by a waste disposal company

Enviro Waste found the relic during a routine collection in central London last year, but workers did not realise what they had until several days later.

The casket was marked: 'Ex. Oss. S. Clementis. - the Latin words 'Ex Ossibus' means 'from the bones of'.

Candida Moss, Edward Cadbury professor of theology at the University of Birmingham, who specialises in the study of relics, told MailOnline: 'Right now what the waste company actually has here is a box, albeit a very special one.

'Its a reliquary, sealed with string and wax as a mark of authenticity, with a bone fragment labelled with the name of Clement, one of the Apostolic fathers and early popes.

'The box itself was created centuries after the death of Clement and, without carbon dating, there is no way to tell how old this bone is.'

She said the remains are not authentic because when Clement died, the concept of the relic had yet to be invented.

Pictured is an 11th-century fresco in the Basilica of San Clemente, Rome. It shows Saints Cyril and Methodius bringing Saint Clement's relics to Rome

'While early Christians were, like all ancient people, interested in burying their dead and memorialising them, they werent venerating their remains much less dividing up their bones into tiny pieces for distribution among the faithful. They wouldnt do that until hundreds of years later.' she said.

Professor Candida added that the he container for this bone is comparatively new.

'When the relic market boomed in the medieval period it made relics and the relics of key figures in Christianity especially valuable. Whenever you have anything of value be it bones, expensive handbags, or currency it is vulnerable to forgery.'

The researchers believes that in the case of Clement theres no reason to think that anyone has relics.

According to tradition, his body was supposedly tied to an anchor and thrown into the sea before being miraculously rediscovered over a century later and interred in Rome.

'But it is far more likely that his body was never rediscovered after his death.'

St Clement is thought to have been a disciple of both St Peter and St Paul.

Lists of early popes place him variously as the second pope after St Peter, but other lists have him as third or fourth pope.

The confusion arises because of different factions in the early church with some factions backing St Peter and others St Paul.

WHO WAS ST CLEMENT? St Clement was the head of the Catholic church for 11 years. He died attached to an anchor in the Black sea St Clement was the head of the Catholic church for 11 years, serving as Pope between the years 88 and 99AD. He was born in 35AD and became a leading member of the Roman church and the fourth bishop after St Peter. St Peter also immortalised St Clement, consecrating him and making him a saint. One of his writings survives to this day. Known as the Epistle of Clement, his letter addresses the Corinth church. This letter is known to be the oldest surviving christian text in existence, outside of the New Testament. St Clement was sent into exile towards the end of his life and sentenced to live out the rest of his days working in a quarry. Legend has it that when he arrived, there was a severe drought occurring. In response to this crisis, the religious man knelt down and prayed. Upon opening his eyes he saw a lamb on a hill. After climbing to the point where he saw the young animal, he struck the ground where the lamb had stood with his pickaxe and unleashed a gushing stream. This miraculous act converted many of the pagans living in the Crimean region to Christianity. In response to this religious mutiny, he was condemned to martyrdom and promptly dropped into the Black Sea whilst tied to an anchor. He is now the patron saint of both stone masons and mariners. Advertisement

He is known as St. Clement of Rome and was Pope from 92 to 101 AD.

It is said he died in 110 AD at the age of 75, making the bone nearly 2,000 years old.

The waste collection company says it collects rubbish from both homes and offices, so it cannot pinpoint where the bone was collected from.

James Rubin, owner of Enviro Waste said: 'You can imagine our amazement when we realised our clearance teams had found bone belonging to a Pope - it's not something you expect to see, even in our line of work.

'We often come across some weird and wonderful things on clearances, but we were definitely not expecting to find a bone fragment of an apostle.

'We know this is an important piece of history and are keen to find the most appropriate place for its final resting place, which is why we're asking for help from members of the public.'

Georges Kazan, a researcher specialising in saints' relics at the University of Turku in Finland said: 'It could have been stolen, it could belong to someone and been accidentally thrown out.

'If it's authentic, it's not the kind of thing you throw away. It looks like a nice piece, with quite a decent sized bit of bone.'French graffiti has been discovered on the walls of an English manor house in what is the largest selection of pre-19th-century prisoner art ever found in Britain.

A series of 250-year-old etchings found at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent reveal names and depictions of vessels used by French sailors serving under Louis XV.

Dating back to between 1756 and 1763, the graffiti comes from French sailors captured during the Seven Years' War and kept in 'brutal' conditions.

This was one of the first truly global conflicts which saw Britain and France fighting for each other's colonial possessions.

French graffiti (seen with overlay) has been discovered on the walls of an English manor house - in what is the largest selection of pre-19th-century prisoner art ever found in Britain

A series of 250-year-old etchings and drawings found at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent reveal names and depictions of vessels used by French sailors serving under Louis XV. Pictured is one with an overlay

A slew of detailed warships, alongside the names of captives were uncovered by archaeologists at the castle near Cranbrook, Kent.

Sissinghurst Castle closed its doors to the public for more than six months last winter for renovations during which the 18 graffiti pieces carved into previously-hidden walls were unearthed.

The discovery was made during work to repair the Elizabethan tower and adds to 16 pieces of prisoner-of-war art already discovered.

All of the 34 graffiti images are now undergoing detailed study.

Some 61,000 French and other enemy troops were held captive in a network of 'oppressive' detention centres throughout the UK during the Seven Years' War.

Many were locked up for between two and seven years, with thousands dying from typhus and other diseases.

At the time, Sissinghurst Castle was owned by Sir Horace Mann.

However, he never lived there, preferring to stay in Florence.

He leased the building to the Government, who converted it to a prison which was guarded by militiamen who had a reputation for being particularly disciplined and corrupt.

Like the British PoW across the channel, dozens of French soldiers were brutally murdered by their guards at Sissinghurst.

Dating back to between 1756 and 1763, the etchings, which included names, (pictured) come from French sailors captured during the Seven Years' War - one of the first truly global conflicts which saw Britain and France fighting for each other's colonial possessions

The historic property (pictured) closed its doors to the public for more than six months last winter for renovations during which the 18 graffiti pieces carved into previously-hidden walls were unearthed

The discovery was made during work to repair the Elizabethan tower and adds to 16 pieces of prisoner-of-war art already discovered. All of the 34 graffiti images are now undergoing detailed study

Of the thousands of French, German, Scandinavian and Italian prisoners incarcerated in Britain at the time, around 3,000 were kept in appallingly overcrowded conditions.

Sissinghurst was described as one of the worst in the country.

A painting of Sissinghurst from the time - thought to have been by an inmate - depicts fellow prisoners being shot and bayonet by their English guards.

To alleviate the boredom and hardship of their imprisonment, the men scratched vast numbers of ships into the walls.

The majority of these engravings have only been found in the past year.

A slew of detailed warships, alongside the names of captives were uncovered by archaeologists at the castle near Cranbrook, Kent

Some 61,000 French and other enemy troops were held captive in a network of 'oppressive' detention centres throughout the UK during the Seven Years' War. Pictured is one drawing (seen with overlay)

Many were banged up for between two and seven years, with thousands dying from typhus and other diseases. At the time, Sissinghurst Castle - really just a stately home - was owned by Sir Horace Mann

WHAT WAS THE SEVEN YEARS' WAR? The Seven Years' War between 1756 and 1763 was one of the first truly global conflicts which saw Britain and France fighting for each other's colonial possessions. It involved every great European power at the time and spanned five continents. In Europe the conflict was split into two coalitions - those led by the Kingdom of Britain (supported by Prussia, Portugal, Hanover and some small German states) and those led by the Kingdom of France (backed by the Holy Roman Empire, the Russian Empire, Spain and Sweden). The extent of the war has led some historians to describe it as 'World War Zero' due to its similar scale to other world wars. Britain was triumphant largely due to its superior Navy, which was itself a product of its expanding empire. Some 61,000 French and other enemy troops were held captive in a network of 'oppressive' detention centres throughout the UK. Many were banged up for between two and seven years, with thousands dying from typhus and other diseases. In the 16th to 18th centuries the British and French governments both licensed privateers to attack enemy shipping. During the Seven Years War more than 30 per cent of PoWs in Britain were from these vessels. Ordinary fishermen were also captured in anticipation of them being recruited by the French navy. In total only eight per cent of PoWs came from official French Royal Navy warships. Advertisement

Visitors to the National Trust property can still see their graffiti scratched into the tower's walls, including a ship in full sail and several names and dates.

It is believed there would have been much more graffiti in the past which has been lost due to the cracked walls it was painted on.

The prisoners, writing home to their families, often referred to Sissinghurst as the Chateau de Sissinghurst.

The name stuck and it is said to be thanks to them that it is now called Sissinghurst Castle (it was previously known as Sissinghurst Manor).

An unknown number of captives died during their imprisonment, and although they were buried in the grounds, the exact location of their graves is unknown.

Pictured is Sissinghurst Castle in a drawing from 1761. Visitors to the National Trust property can still see their graffiti scratched into the tower's walls, including a ship in full sail and several names and dates

It is believed there would have been much more graffiti in the past which has been lost due to the cracked walls it was painted on

An unknown number of captives died during their imprisonment, and although they were buried in the grounds, the exact location of their graves is unknown. Pictured is a name engraved into the wall

To alleviate the boredom and hardship of their imprisonment, the men scratched vast numbers of ships into the walls. The majority of these engravings have only been found in the past year

The prisoners, writing home to their families, often referred to Sissinghurst as the Chateau de Sissinghurst. The name stuck and it is said to be thanks to them that it is now called Sissinghurst Castle (it was previously known as Sissinghurst Manor)

Nathalie Cohen, archaeologist at the National Trust said: 'We knew that some French prisoners of war had been held at Sissinghurst and that they had left some marks behind in the tower.

'However, these new discoveries add a huge amount to our understanding of this period in Sissinghurst's history, and confirm that there were in fact a huge number of men held here in the 1760s.'

'The drawings of ships on the walls could well have been the work of prisoners dreaming of the open seas - and a journey home - a stay at 'the castle' was certainly not one for the fainthearted', she said.

It is believed some of the better preserved graffiti show privateers, small fishing vessels and merchantmen that would have been between 55ft to 70ft in length, writes the Independent.

The merchant vessels - which could have been in the 60ft to 110ft range - would have functioned as privateers or transport for French troops.

Experts believe the majority of men at Sissinghurst were sailors who owned privateers and were acting on behalf of the French government.

It is believed some of the better preserved graffiti show privateers, small fishing vessels and merchantmen that would have been between 55ft to 70ft in length

In the 16th to 18th centuries the British and French governments both licensed privateers to attack enemy shipping.

During the Seven Years War more than 30 per cent of PoWs in Britain were from these vessels.

Ordinary fishermen were also captured in anticipation of them being recruited by the French navy.

In total only eight per cent of PoWs came from official French Royal Navy warships.

Prisoners would get shot for not putting their lights out at the right time or not collecting their clothes hung out to dry at exactly the right moment.

The merchant vessels - which could have been in the 60ft to 110ft range - would have functioned as privateers or transport for French troops

Experts believe the majority of men at Sissinghurst were sailors who owned privateers and were acting on behalf of the French government

This is not the first time that inscriptions left by the French prisoners have been found.

In the 1930s, when writer Vita Sackville-West and her diplomat husband, Harold Nicolson, bought Sissinghurst, they set about a decades-long renovation project.

In the tower, the couple preserved some areas that had historic graffiti, but in others they applied plasterwork that obscured and covered the graffiti, until now.

Kate Shaw, programming and marketing manager at Sissinghurst Castle, said: 'We closed for six months and we took part of the roof off the turret and plaster off the walls.

'We found a lot more graffiti on the walls than we thought we originally had, it was intact.

Ms Shaw said that the graffiti forms part of 'fundamental' history seldom taught in schools.

'There were a few already at the castle and the archaeologists came in and found it had been engraved in the walls - it was a brutal time to be around', she added.

This is not the first time that inscriptions left by the French prisoners have been found. In the 16th to 18th centuries the British and French governments both licensed privateers to attack enemy shipping

During the Seven Years War more than 30 per cent of PoWs in Britain were from these vessels. Ordinary fishermen were also captured in anticipation of them being recruited by the French navyApple silenced some fears about waning phone sales as it revealed it sold 52.2 million iPhones in the last three months.

On Tuesday, the tech giant surged ahead of Wall Street's earnings and revenue expectations for its March quarter, while announcing it would return more money to shareholders.

Apple also predicted it would generate between $51.5 billion and $53.5 billion in revenue in the coming quarter, which was above analysts' expectations.

The outperforming results caused Apple shares to climb over 2% in after-hours trading on Tuesday.

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Apple silenced some fears about waning phone sales as it revealed it sold 52.2 million iPhones in the last three months. The firm reported earnings for the March quarter on Tuesday

Apple said that customers chose the $999 (999) iPhone X 'more than any other iPhone each week' during the March quarter like they did in the December quarter.

In a call with analysts, Apple CEO Tim Cook called the iPhone X a 'beloved product' among consumers.

'I think it's one of those things where a team wins the Super Bowl. Maybe you'd want them to win by a few more points, but it's a Super Bowl winner,' Cook explained.

'I could not be prouder of the product'.

Cook's comments and the numbers should serve to quell analysts' and investors' fears that Apple was struggling to persuade consumers to buy its high-end iPhone X, which went on sale last September.

Investors have watched Apple closely in recent weeks as a string of poor forecasts from the smartphone supply chain signaled that iPhone demand may be lower than previously expected.

They have also been watching carefully for signs of what Apple plans to do with its hundreds of billions of dollars in cash.

Investors have watched Apple closely in recent weeks as a string of poor forecasts from the smartphone supply chain signaled that iPhone demand may be lower than expected

The company sold 52.2 million iPhones versus expectations of 52.3 million, marking an increase from 50.7 million sold last year. Apple said consumers continue to buy the iPhone X

Apple posted revenue for its March quarter of $61.1 billion, up from $52.9 billion last year. Wall Street expected $60.8 billion.

Cook said that Apple experienced its sixth consecutive quarter of revenue growth, fueled by strong iPhone and iPad sales.

Profits were $2.73 per share versus expectations of $2.68 per share and up from $2.10 a year ago.

The company sold 52.2 million iPhones versus expectations of 52.3 million, marking an increase from the 50.7 million sold last year.

Average selling prices for iPhones were $728, compared with Wall Street expectations of $742.

Apple's chief financial officer Luca Maestri told Reuters that clearing channel inventory of 1.8 million iPhones - most of them iPhone X and iPhone 8 models - accounted for some of the difference.

The firm also boosted its capital return program by $100 billion, with repurchases from the increase set to begin in the June quarter, and said it bought $23.5 billion of stock back in the March quarter, a sign that it is bringing back most of its hundreds of billions of dollars in cash to the United States.

WHAT IS APPLE'S CURRENT IPHONE LINEUP AND WHAT ARE ITS RUMOURED RELEASES? Speculation has been building that Apple is slated to release a 6.1-inch iPhone next year that serves as a follow up to the 10th anniversary iPhone X. The second-generation iPhone X would feature an even bigger screen, yet it may have a cheaper price point at just $550 (550) vs. the $999 (999) iPhone X. A 6.1-inch screen would be the firm's largest iPhone yet. The second-generation iPhone X would feature an even bigger screen, yet it may have a cheaper price point at just $550 vs. the $999 iPhone X Here's how it stacks up to Apple's current iPhone lineup: iPhone SE - 4 inch screen

iPhone 6s - 4.7-inch screen

iPhone 7 - 4.7-inch screen

iPhone 8 - 4.7-inch screen

iPhone 8 Plus - 5.5-inch screen

iPhone X - 5.8-inch screen In August 2017, rumours from the supply chain said the iPhone 9 will be available in two sizes, including one with a massive screen. The 'Plus' size will reportedly have a 6.46-inch screen will be sold alongside a smaller 5.85-inch model in a bid to compete with Samsung's Galaxy Note, the leak claimed. It came from a source within Samsung Display, the sole OLED supplier for upcoming iPhones. The source also said the smaller version was originally going to be a 5.28-inch model but that the firm upped it because of growing consumer demand for bigger-screen phones. Advertisement

'We are returning the cash to investors as we have promised,' Maestri told Reuters in an interview.

Apple's services business, which includes Apple Music, the App Store and iCloud, posted $9.1 billion in revenue compared with expectations of $8.3 billion.

Heading into earnings, investors were hopeful that growth in that segment could help offset the cooling global smartphone market.

But investors have had concerns around Apple because of a brewing trade tensions with China.

While there has not yet been a tariff on devices such as Apple's iPhone, Cook last week traveled to Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss trade matters.

'We believe tariffs at the end of the day are a tax on the consumer,' Maestri said.

Apple has been emphasizing its contributions to the U.S. economy in recent months, outlining a $30 billion U.S. spending plan and highlighting the tens of billions of dollars it spends each year with U.S.-based suppliers.

In recent months, Apple has been emphasizing the size of its overall user base, which includes used iPhones, rather than focusing strictly on new device sales, a sign of the increasing importance of making money off users without selling them new hardware.Global sea levels could rise as much as 10ft (3 metres) if the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica collapses.

Sea level rises threaten cities from Shanghai to London, to low-lying swathes of Florida or Bangladesh, and to entire nations such as the Maldives.

In the UK, for instance, a rise of 6.7ft (2 metres) or more may cause areas such as Hull, Peterborough, Portsmouth and parts of east London and the Thames Estuary at risk of becoming submerged.

The collapse of the glacier, which could begin with decades, could also submerge major cities such as New York and Sydney.

Parts of New Orleans, Houston and Miami in the south on the US would also be particularly hard hit.

A 2014 study looked by the union of concerned scientists looked at 52 sea level indicators in communities across the US.

It found tidal flooding will dramatically increase in many East and Gulf Coast locations, based on a conservative estimate of predicted sea level increases based on current data.

The results showed that most of these communities will experience a steep increase in the number and severity of tidal flooding events over the coming decades.

By 2030, more than half of the 52 communities studied are projected to experience, on average, at least 24 tidal floods per year in exposed areas, assuming moderate sea level rise projections. Twenty of these communities could see a tripling or more in tidal flooding events.

The mid-Atlantic coast is expected to see some of the greatest increases in flood frequency. Places such as Annapolis, Maryland and Washington, DC can expect more than 150 tidal floods a year, and several locations in New Jersey could see 80 tidal floods or more.

In the UK, a two metre (6.5 ft) rise by 2040 would see large parts of Kent almost completely submerged, according to the results of a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science in November 2016.

Areas on the south coast like Portsmouth, as well as Cambridge and Peterborough would also be heavily affected.

Cities and towns around the Humber estuary, such as Hull, Scunthorpe and Grimsby would also experience intense flooding.The Seven Years' War between 1756 and 1763 was one of the first truly global conflicts which saw Britain and France fighting for each other's colonial possessions.

It involved every great European power at the time and spanned five continents.

In Europe the conflict was split into two coalitions - those led by the Kingdom of Britain (supported by Prussia, Portugal, Hanover and some small German states) and those led by the Kingdom of France (backed by the Holy Roman Empire, the Russian Empire, Spain and Sweden).

The extent of the war has led some historians to describe it as 'World War Zero' due to its similar scale to other world wars.

Britain was triumphant largely due to its superior Navy, which was itself a product of its expanding empire.

Some 61,000 French and other enemy troops were held captive in a network of 'oppressive' detention centres throughout the UK.

Many were banged up for between two and seven years, with thousands dying from typhus and other diseases.

In the 16th to 18th centuries the British and French governments both licensed privateers to attack enemy shipping.

During the Seven Years War more than 30 per cent of PoWs in Britain were from these vessels.

Ordinary fishermen were also captured in anticipation of them being recruited by the French navy.

In total only eight per cent of PoWs came from official French Royal Navy warships.Advertisement

Lolling under palm trees, swimming by waterfalls and gazing at sunsets from rugged cliff tops.

Beautiful Brigita Jagelaviciute, from Lithuania, lives the lifestyle of a multi-millionaire, but she doesnt earn six figures  she globe-trots to exotic places thanks to her job as an Emirates air stewardess.

And the hundreds of mesmerising snaps shes posted on Instagram of her jet-set lifestyle have earned her a huge number of fans - she now has almost 60,000 followers.

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Beautiful Brigita Jagelaviciute, from Lithuania, lives the lifestyle of a multi-millionaire, but she doesnt earn six figures  she globe-trots to exotic places thanks to her job as an Emirates air stewardess

The hundreds of mesmerising snaps shes posted on Instagram of her jet-set lifestyle have earned her a huge number of fans - she now has almost 60,000 followers

The 23-year-old goes from sightseeing in New York, to hand-gliding over Rio de Janeiro, to walking the Great Wall of China - and this could all be in a months work.

Brigita told MailOnline Travel: So far Ive ticked off 74 countries - and thats only 30 per cent of the world, so I still have a long way to go.

As for the amount of trips Ive had in the past 12 months - its about 80 officially scheduled trips.

The 23-year-old goes from sightseeing in New York, to hand-gliding over Rio de Janeiro, to walking the Great Wall of China - and this could all be in a months work

Brigita told MailOnline Travel: So far Ive ticked off 74 countries - and thats only 30 per cent of the world, so I still have a long way to go.' The image on the left was taken in Tokyo. The picture on the right was taken in Hatta in the UAE

'No filter needed because every backdrop in the Maldives is incredible,' Brigita said of this picture

There are so many places I always love returning to including the Seychelles, Singapore and Paris.

My latest favourite has been New York. There is just something magical about the Big Apple - the energy and the hustle and bustle of the city. It just always leaves me inspired.'

Brigita was first inspired to be a flight attendant when she saw Emirates cabin crew walking through Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport several years ago.

She said: I still remember that moment so clearly and when I saw the crew walking in the airport with their beautiful red hats I was taken aback as I have never seen or heard anything about the airline before.

Brigita said of the picture on the left: 'Had such a perfect day at Lake Como. I could stay here all summer. Italy, you never cease to amaze me with your beauty!' The photogenic traveller, who lives in Dubai, hates routine and loves the constant change that comes with the job

The photogenic traveller, who lives in Dubai, hates routine and loves the constant change that comes with the job.

She said: 'I dont like waking up at the same time and doing the same thing five days a week only to wait for the weekend.

Meeting new people when youre young is also lots of fun and this job is a great opportunity to make some long-lasting friendships.

But its not always a bed of roses.

Brigita admits that it can be lonely at times and then theres the jetlag  criss-crossing multiple time zones isnt for the faint-hearted and Brigita says she sometimes finds it exhausting.

The image on the left was taken in Cappadocia, with Brigita saying 'waking up at 4am for the last few days has been so worth it for this view. Have been dreaming of coming to this place for three years and it's such a surreal feeling to see so many hot air balloons float in the sky. Once in a lifetime kind of experience'. She said the worst part of her job is the jet lag

The picture on the left was posted to Instagram with the caption 'Dubai weekends! Love being at home, but also cant wait for a new destination tomorrow!' Brigita captioned the picture on the right: 'This rainy Milan weather is making me miss Dubai sunshine!'

She said: The worst part of being a flight attendant is most definitely jet lag. Its hard to even explain what you feel if you have never experienced it.

You have to be capable to quickly adjust to different temperatures, time zones and places and its not easy. I think even after having worked many years in aviation people still struggle sometimes to fight it.

A few months ago, I was in Japan and Brazil within a weeks time. It was just hard to comprehend that they are on completely different sides of the world.

Globetrotter: Brigita poses in Rio de Janeiro, left, and deploys a smouldering gaze on the right

Brigita first decided she wanted a job as flight attendant when she saw Emirates Cabin Crew walking through Nice Airport. The photogenic travellers favourite destinations include Seychelles, Singapore, Paris and New York

The experienced flyer has encouraged anyone who wants a career in the skies to be brave, take risks and learn about the world.

She said: Some of the most memorable things in my flying career have been when I had dared to step out of my comfort zone.

It is an adventurous career so be ready for anything and everything.

But most importantly, try to learn as much as you can because travelling this world is the best education you can ever have.

To see more of Brigita's photographs visit her Instagram profile.British tourists arriving in Majorca and Ibiza face a May Day shock if they haven't done their homework as the doubled tourist tax comes into operation today.

And to add to their woes, the overall charge for their stay on the holiday islands will also see VAT added at 10 per cent after Madrid ruled it wanted some of the proceeds from the so-called sustainable tourism tax.

The new rates for the increased tourist tax will apply from May 1st until October 31st for all those over the age of 16. The daily price then decreases by 50 per cent for the low season.

British tourists arriving in Majorca and Ibiza, pictured, face a May Day shock if they haven't done their homework as the doubled tourist tax comes into operation today

This summer will also be the first time cruise ship passengers will be subject to the charge as part of the Balearics' bid to bring in millions of euros of extra income.

Total revenue of around 120million euros is expected in 2018.

Hoteliers have already warned that the extra fee will make the islands less attractive to visitors who will seek out bargains elsewhere, particularly with the resurgence of destinations such as Tunisia or Egypt. They believe up to a million holidaymakers could be lost.

'Majorca and the rest of the islands will lose competitiveness as a holiday destination with respect to Turkey, Egypt or Tunisia, which will devalue their currencies to be much more attractive for German and British tourism,' says president of the Hotel Federation of Majorca, Gabriel Llobera.

The Balearic Government says the tax will still be 'the lowest in Europe' compared to Brussels (average cost of eight euros), Florence (five euros) and Amsterdam (three euros)

However, the Balearic Government has told the Association of British Travel Agents that the 'sustainable tourism tax' only represents between 1.4 to 2.1 per cent of the daily expenditure of tourists visiting the islands and the revenue, around 120 million euros in 2018, is being ploughed back into environmental projects.

The controversial tax was reintroduced in 2016 and tourism chiefs point out that it was set at the same level as when first charged but later dropped in 2011.

They have written to both Abta and Germany's equivalent, the DRV in defence of the charge to explain how the money is being spent, including on upgrading sewage treatment and water plants.

'The number of visitors coming to the Balearic Islands continues to rise year after year and this generates greater environmental impacts,' says the Balearic tourism department. 'The revenues of the tax are primarily invested in environmental protection projects in order to substantially reduce these impacts and preserve our territory.'

The doubling of the tourist tax from May 1st will mean guests staying in hotels, city hotels, five-star apartment hotels, five-star luxury and four-star superiors will pay four euros per day; those of four stars and three stars superior, three euros; those of one, two and three stars, two euros.

As for tourist apartments, holidaymakers staying in four keys and four upper keys will pay four euros per day; three keys upper, three euros; one, two and three keys, two euros.

In rural hotels, it will be two euros per day; in hostels, hostels residences, pensions, inns, tourist camps and campsites, as well as shelters, it will be two euros.

The tax decreases by 50 per cent on the ninth night of a holidaymaker's stay.

For the first time, the Government will also charge cruise ship passengers if they stop at a port in the Balearic Islands regardless of the berth time - up to now it was only charged after 12 hours. The fee will be two euros and this alone is estimated to generate revenue of about 1.8 million euros.

The Balearic Government says the tax will still be 'the lowest in Europe' compared to Brussels (average cost of eight euros), Florence (five euros) and Amsterdam (three euros).Sam Cochrane's proposal to Tara Pavlovic on Monday night's Bachelor In Paradise finale had audiences swooning.

So it will no doubt surprise fans to learn that the 28-year-old nanny once hooked up with her new fiance's cousin.

Tara told Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa on Tuesday that she and Sam, 34, had discussed the brief romance on their third day in Fiji.

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Keeping it in the family! Bachelor In Paradise's Tara Pavlovic has revealed she hooked up with her fiance Sam Cochrane's cousin years ago - so will he get an invite to their wedding?

Tara explained she had grown up in Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast, where Sam's cousins where also living.

'He was then like, "Do you know my cousin, Dax?" and I was like: "I hooked up with him when I was like 15!' she laughed.

When asked if Dax would be invited to their wedding, the couple had no problem with him being on the guest list.

'I hooked up with him!' Tara told Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa on Tuesday that she and Sam, 34, had discussed the brief romance on their third day in Fiji

'He is so coming to the wedding!' Tara confessed she hooked up with Sam's cousin when she was a teenager growing up in Terrigal - but he is still invited to their upcoming nuptials

'Yeah, Dax is so coming to the wedding, love ya Dax!' Tara said before Sam quipped: 'All in the family!'

'Don't love him too much,' radio host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli joked.

The reality TV lovebirds also revealed that a massive engagement party was on the cards before the get married.

Time to celebrate! The reality TV lovebirds also revealed that a massive engagement party was on the cards before the get married

Later in the interview, Tara explained they were looking forward to spending time together in public as an engaged couple.

'We've been together for five months but haven't been able to actually do anything together, so tonight we're actually allowed to go out and drink in public,' she said.

Host Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald even suggested: 'You can go out and see Dax tonight!'She's hoping to find the man of her dreams when she appears on The Bachelorette this year.

And it seems blonde beauty Ali Oetjen has been a little unlucky in love so far.

From failing to find love with Tim Robards on The Bachelor to a broken engagement and heartbreak with Grant Kemp on Bachelor in Paradise, Daily Mail Australia takes a look back at the bombshell's past romances.

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From failing to find love with Tim Robards, a broken engagement, to heartbreak with Grant: A look back at new Bachelorette Ali Oetjen's past romances

Ali first came to national attention in 2013 when she appeared on season one of The Bachelor with chiropractor and leading man Tim Robards.

The pair failed to find everlasting love, with Tim once rejecting Ali's advance for a kiss at a cocktail party.

She came second runner-up on the show.

Tim eventually chose Anna Heinrich as his leading lady, and the pair are now engaged and set to tie the knot this year.

Smitten: Ali first came to national attention in 2013 when she appeared on season one of The Bachelor with chiropractor and leading man Tim Robards. The pair failed to find everlasting love, with Tim once rejecting Ali's advance for a kiss at a cocktail party

Former flame: Ali meanwhile, soon found love with Dave Waldeck (pictured), who proposed to her at a German castle in 2015

Ali meanwhile, soon found love with Dave Waldeck, who proposed to her at a German castle in 2015.

The pair travelled Europe together and appeared completely smitten in snaps shared to her Instagram at the time, which have now been deleted.

It appears Ali was presented with a diamond engagement ring, which soon changed to a sapphire and diamond ring.

Different rings: It appears that Ali was presented with a diamond engagement ring (pictured), which soon changed to a sapphire and diamond ring

What an eye catcher! Seen is the diamond and sapphire ring Ali wore

In happier times: The pair travelled Europe together and appeared completely smitten in snaps shared to her Instagram at the time, which have now been deleted

She shared a video of her sparkling blue ring to Instagram back in 2016, saying it was 'more than I've ever dreamed.'

Last year Ali flashed the sapphire ring on Instagram, shortly before she began filming Bachelor In Paradise.

After arriving in Paradise, Ali became smitten with American reality star Grant Kemp.

The pair professed their love for each other on the show and things appeared to be getting serious.

Close: On Bachelor In Paradise, she became smitten with American reality star Grant Kemp (pictured)

Done: During the finale on Monday, firefighter and former Bachelor star Grant even gave Ali a commitment ring. However it was soon revealed on the show that the pair split

During the finale on Monday, firefighter and former Bachelor star Grant even gave Ali a commitment ring.

However it was soon revealed on the show that the pair split after Ali went to LA to be with Grant.

Ali appeared on KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O on Tuesday, and was asked if she'd had sex with Grant.

Possibly feeling awkward, Ali replied: 'We did have a really meaningful relationship. It was a natural relationship.'

'It was a natural relationship': Ali appeared on KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O on Tuesday, and was asked if she'd had sex with Grant

Her new role as The Bachelorette was announced on Monday at the end of the Bachelorette finale.

'I'm 32, I'm ready to be married and have kids but I'm willing to wait until I find the right one,' Ali wrote on social media shortly after the announcement.

'I'm so excited to have the chance to make meaning of my heartbreaks and pick wisely to find an everlasting love.'

She added: 'I have so much love to give.'She is one of few performers to have won a Academy, Olivier and Tony Award.

And Helen Mirren beamed with pride as she attended the 45th Chaplin Award Gala held to honour her five-decade career at Alice Tully Hall in New York on Monday.

The 72-year-old actress looked every inch the screen siren in a black floral gown as she hit the red carpet with her husband Taylor Hackford, 73 - who she passionately kissed in front of cameras.

National treasure: Helen Mirren beamed with pride as she attended the 45th Chaplin Award Gala held to honour her five-decade career at Alice Tully Hall in New York on Monday

Pucker up! The 72-year-old actress hit the red carpet with her husband Taylor Hackford, 73 - who she passionately kissed in front of cameras

Helen commanded attention in her stunning gown, which nipped her in at the waist before billowing out into a full-length skirt emblazoned with poppies and blue flowers.

The Queen star complemented the look with a thin choker necklace, red clutch bag and black peep-toe heels.

She styled her silvery white tresses in elegant curls and accentuated her youthful complexion with black eyeliner, blush-swept cheeks and a slick of red lipstick.

Loved-up: The pair posed happily for cameras arm-in-arm

Pop of red: Helen oozed glamour in the dress, which nipped her in at the waist before billowing out into a full-length skirt emblazoned with poppies and blue flowers

Elegant: She styled her silvery white tresses in elegant curls and accentuated her youthful complexion with black eyeliner, blush-swept cheeks and a slick of red lipstick

Achievement: The star is one of few performers to have won a Academy, Olivier and Tony Award

Hollywood icon: The annual event included movie and interview clips documenting the Calendar Girl star's glittering career, culminating in the presentation of the Chaplin Award

Meanwhile, her director husband Taylor was suited and booted for the occasion and couldn't have looked prouder as he wrapped his arm around Helen on the red carpet.

Later heading into the bash side-by-side, the pair happily greeted their fellow guests - and even indulged in a few passionate kisses in front of onlookers.

The annual event, which was attended by the likes of Vin Diesel and Tony Bennett, included movie and interview clips documenting the Calendar Girl star's glittering career, culminating in the presentation of the Chaplin Award by Jeremy Irons.

Helen recently hit out at the impact Netflix has had on filmmakers, including her husband of 29 years, Taylor.

Star-studded: Helen was later seen greeting iconic singer Tony Bennett inside with a quick peck on the cheek

Catching up: The pair happily joked and laughed together inside

Say cheese! The trio later beamed widely for a photo inside

Having a ball: The actress could not contain her excitement as she celebrated her career achievements with her family

Famous faces: Helen also greeted Katie Couric and David O. Russell inside

VIPs: Helen later posed with an array of high profile guests - including Vin Diesel, Robert De Niro, Julie Taymor, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Jeremy Irons, and husband Taylor (L-R)

The actress candidly discussed the streaming service shortly after it was revealed the controversial company had pulled out of next month's Cannes Film Festival.

The star, who confessed she watches movies on her iPad, told the i Newspaper: 'Its devastating for people like my husband, film directors, because they want their movies to be watched in a cinema with a group of people. So its a communal thing.'

Helen married her long-time partner Taylor on New Years Eve in 1997 and has admitted the thought of having children has never really crossed her mind.

Speaking to AARP Magazine in 2016, she said: 'I did very consciously choose my work over my relationships right up to the time that I met Taylor. I was 38 when I met [him], pretty late in life.

Happily married: Tony and his wife Susan Crow put on a loved-up display on the carpet earlier on as they posed arm-in-arm

Eye-catching: Karine Plantadit (L) and Kiera Chaplin (R) both slipped into metallic dresses for the glitzy bash

Looking sharp: Actor Vin Diesel cut a dapper figure in a three piece suit which he paired with a crisp white shirt

Animated: The actor appeared in high spirits as he larked around on the red carpet

Leading lady: Vin happily drew Helen in for a photo

High profile: Helen later posed with fellow Oscar winner Robert De Niro (R) and his wife Grace Hightower

'We got married in the end because we realised that we were going to be together forever.

The pair have been together for more than thirty years, and Helen has revealed she feels their relationship is stronger due to the late age they met.

She said on The Today Show last year: 'The great thing about finding a partnership later on [in life] is that you recognise it as such.

'You recognise the partnership level of this relationship as much as the love and the lust and all the rest of it.'Sam Cochrane and Tara Pavlovic shared their romantic proposal with Australia on Monday night's Bachelor In Paradise finale.

And Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal details of the stunning engagement ring featured in the episode.

It is understood that the piece, from GS Diamonds, is worth $11,000.

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She said yes! Sam Cochrane and Tara Pavlovic shared their romantic proposal with Australia on Monday night's Bachelor In Paradise finale

Exclusive details: Sam proposed to Tara with a stunning 1.5 carat diamond ring worth $11,000

The ring, which can be found online, appears to be a 1.5 carat Angeli Halo setting with a claw set band.

Tara, 28, looked overwhelmed with happiness when Sam bent down on one knee and presented the diamond ring.

'I want to spend the rest of my life with you,' a tearful Sam said before pulling out the magnificent sparkler and asking: 'Will you marry me?'

Tara gasped in shock and put her hands over her mouth, before replying: 'Yes!'

Special moment: Tara, 28, looked overwhelmed with happiness when Sam bent down on one knee and presented the diamond ring

Reaction: Tara gasped in shock and put her hands over her mouth, before replying: 'Yes!'

Tara appeared delighted with the accessory, shedding tears as she slid the engagement ring onto her finger.

It's unknown whether Sam chose the ring himself or was involved in designing it.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted GS Diamonds and Network Ten for comment.

What a beauty! The GS Diamonds ring, which can be found online, appears to be a 1.5 carat Angeli Halo setting with a claw set band

Picked a winner !It's unknown whether Sam chose the ring himself or was involved in designing it

'I want to spend the rest of my life with you': Tara appeared delighted with the accessory, shedding tears as she slid the engagement ring onto her finger

After the on-camera proposal, Tara suggested the couple should return to Fiji for their upcoming wedding.

'Let's have Osher (Gunsberg, Bachelor host) marry us!' she said, before suggesting that Keira Maguire should be her maid of honour.

Earlier in the episode, Keira had accepted a promise ring from her boyfriend, 32-year-old vineyard manager Jarrod Woodgate.

'Let's have Osher marry us!' After the on-camera proposal, Tara suggested the couple should return to Fiji for their upcoming wedding

'Keira will have to be my maid of honour!' Earlier in the episode, Keira Maguire had accepted a promise ring from her boyfriend, 32-year-old vineyard manager Jarrod Woodgate

Taking to Instagram after the finale aired, Tara shared a picture of herself and Sam holding hands in bed with the ring on full display.

Sam's proposal was not a first for the Australian Bachelor franchise, as 2014 leading man Blake Garvey infamously popped the question to Sam Frost.

Sam's engagement ring was estimated to cost $58,000 at the time.

Following their split, she sold the 3.01 carat cushion-cut Bunda ring via an auction website for $31,720.

'Going to roll over and kiss my fiance 3000 times': Taking to Instagram after the finale aired, Tara shared a picture of herself and Sam holding hands in bed with the ring on full displayTowards the end of their show on Tuesday, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson found themselves mindlessly scrolling through Troy Delmege's Instagram.

A producer chimed in to ask the duo whether they'd heard what the Married At First Sight star 'got in trouble for' over the weekend.

After hearing what Troy had done, Kyle explained: 'This guy's a "Simple Simon," so it's not as if he's... he's not trying to be offensive, he's just a dork.'

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'He's a dork': Kyle Sandilands says people shouldn't get angry at MAFS star Troy Delmege because he's just a 'Simple Simon'... after THAT tanning gaffe

Their Instagram session was spurred by a listener, who called in to discuss whether Troy's girlfriend Carly Bowyer 'approves' some of the content he posts.

'He always gets his chest out - and it's a white, pigeon thing,' Kyle said after seeing one of his Instagram photos.

Jackie giggled at another one further up, offering: 'There's a puppy licking his face! He looks a bit... overjoyed at that.'

'He's too much!' Kyle agreed, 'take it down.'

Excused: After hearing about Troy's heavily criticised race joke on Friday, Kyle explained: 'This guy's a "Simple Simon," so it's not as if he's... he's not trying to be offensive, he's just a dork'

But after seeing the content, the KIIS star concluded that Troy should perhaps being excused from public criticism, on account of his 'Simple Simon' status.

That extends to the reality star's blunder on the weekend, that saw him heavily criticised after making an odd race-related joke.

On Friday, Troy shared - then swiftly deleted - a video of himself and girlfriend Carly discussing the tans they were going to get on their Bali holiday.

Whoops! On Friday, Troy shared - then swiftly deleted - a video of himself saying that girlfriend Carly Bowyer would have a tan 'like an Aborigine' when they got back from their Bali holiday

He began: 'Couldn't be more excited! Can't wait to get the tan on, get some heat on me after being in Melbourne for a few weeks.'

Pointing at Carly, he added: 'I'm going to be dark, (but) she'll be darker, like an Aborigine!'

Troy was slammed by fans and even co-star Telv Williams' activist sister, who said: 'the fact hes laughing about being Aboriginal is disgusting.'

SLAMMED: Troy was slammed by fans and even co-star Telv Williams' activist sister, who said: 'the fact hes laughing about being Aboriginal is disgusting.

Kyle pleaded for calm from the outraged masses on Tuesday, offering a rather 'simple' mantra of his own.

'You forgive a dork,' he said.

And while they don't always see eye-to-eye, co-host Jackie could see no fault to that logic, instantly endorsing his comment.

Mantra: Kyle pleaded for calm from the outraged masses on Tuesday, offering a rather 'simple' mantra of his own: 'You forgive a dork'She's been in court fighting an appeal by Bauer Media, who have been ordered to pay her out a record $4.6 million in defamation damages.

And while Rebel Wilson was last seen back in Australia defending her case, the Pitch Perfect star has since jetted off back Los Angeles.

Appearing in high spirits, the funnywoman was seen leaving a meeting in the City of Angels on Monday.

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No time to waste! Rebel Wilson leaves an informal meeting in Los Angeles... after heading to court in Australia to defend record $4.6 million payout

Holding a printed folder in her arms, the 38-year-old beamed as she parted ways with a female companion.

Dressed casually for the unknown occasion, the Bridesmaids actress opted for a denim blue shirt and black skinny jeans to match.

Keeping warm on what appeared to be an overcast day, Rebel kept her look chic by adding a black leather jacket.

On the up and up: Appearing in high spirits, the funnywoman was seen leaving a meeting in the City of Angels on Monday

Casual chic: Dressed casually for the unknown occasion, the Bridesmaids actress opted for a denim blue shirt and black skinny jeans to match

Adding touches of femininity to her ensemble, the star slipped on a pair gold pointed-toe flats.

The actress opted to hold her belongings in a silver-studded black leather side bag and donned a pair of dark-rimmed sunglasses.

Flashing her pearly whites, the How To Be Single talent was all smiles as she left the vicinity, heading toward her Mercedes-Benz G-class SUV with keys in hand.

Accessorise! Adding touches of femininity to her ensemble, the star slipped on a pair gold pointed-toe flats

Rebel was recently back in Australia to fight an appeal by media giant Bauer, who were ordered to pay her a record $4.6 million in defamation damages.

'(Bauer) maliciously defamed me and I'm here to hold them accountable for that,' she said outside of the Supreme Court of Victoria during the court hearing in late April.

Bauer Media was found to have defamed the actress in a series of articles in 2015, painting her as a liar with regards to her age, real name and childhood.Art On The BBC: The Genius Of Leonardo Da Vinci

Rating:

Picasso

Rating:

Perched on a stool at a seedy bar, a thin cheroot smouldering in one hand and an array of cheap whiskies on the optics, Londons dodgiest art dealer beckons us over.

The crooked smile, the greying hair are unmistakeable  as is the crimson flock wallpaper. Its Arfur Daley, in his favourite haunt, the Winchester Club. Whats he doing in this documentary about Renaissance painting?

Actually, it was the Beebs self-appointed culture guru Alan Yentob, and he was just one of the experts summoned from the video vaults in Art On The BBC: The Genius Of Leonardo Da Vinci (BBC4).

Art on the BBC pays tribute to the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci. The lopsided smile of the Mona Lisa (right) catches Alan Yentobs attention in the show

Why he chose a dingy cellar bar to hold forth on the secrets of the Mona Lisa, in 2003, was never made clear. Presenter Dr Janina Ramirez, the historian who collated this sheaf of TV clips, seemed unsurprised but I kept expecting Dennis Waterman to dive across the set and belt a copper.

Peel your eyes off the wallpaper and what Yentob was saying was really quite interesting  how the background of the painting was deliberately lop-sided, to emphasise the models sloping smile.

But the real pleasure of this low-budget programme was not in its erudition. It lay in seeing how fashions had changed in educational telly, starting in the early Sixties with a suit, a blackboard and a supercilious smile.

You might expect that Sir Kenneth Clarks masterly Civilisation in 1969 could not be outdone for posh diction, but actor Sir John Gielguds lectures four years later made Lord Clark sound like a Cockney market porter.

Also in the early Seventies, art critic Robert Hughes was floating round galleries with long wavy hair and rubber lips, looking like hed escaped from the Rolling Stones.

Thats when arts TV started to get badly out of control. The writer Wolf Mankowitz popped up to claim the Mona Lisa was a fake and a con-trick. Then Yentob  emerging after too long in that bar, perhaps  demanded that someone had to take a Leonardo flying machine for a test ride. It crashed.

Thank heavens for Fiona Bruce, who arrived at the end with excerpts of an episode of Fake Or Fortune and a newly discovered Leonardo masterpiece.

But for her, viewers might have been left with the impression that BBC arts documentaries were either self-indulgent, pompous or simply silly.

Antonio Banderas as Pablo Picasso. With his hair plastered down in a combover, he lays on slabs of emotion with a trowel in this scripted drama

They could never be so outrageously hammy as Antonio Banderas playing the title role in Genius: Picasso (National Geographic channel). With his hair plastered down in a combover, he lays on slabs of emotion with a trowel in this scripted drama. Best of all, perhaps, was the expression of outraged disapproval as a German bullet pinged over his head.

Picasso was at his window, admiring a pigeon in the middle of World War II: the near miss convinced him to drive to Paris and, disguised by a flat cap, rescue all his paintings from under Hitlers nose. He made his escape in a Rolls-Royce. No wonder the Nazis didnt notice.

Every line of dialogue in this steaming heap of schlock comes with explanatory footnotes. Didnt I tell you? announced one character: Picasso is one of the most exciting young artists working in Paris today.

Despite this, the plot gets muddled with all the mistresses, as it hops between the Forties and the turn of the century.

Still, it looks sumptuous. Each scene is set up like a painting, and the costumes are a masterpiece in their own right.

Genius it aint, but this is good fun.Cape Town, South Africa, had a water shortage so severe that it was about to run out of water altogether. On Day Zero, Cape Town was set to turn off its taps. True, the ultimatum was abated for the time being, giving the city a temporary reprieve, but some consider Day Zero inevitable, a reality many cities may be faced with soon.

Considering water a right no one can take away from them, Cape Town citizens didnt heed the warnings or adhere to the daily water quota suggested: 50 litres. If Day Zero had materialized, citizens would have received even less: only 25 litres a day, which is about a 2-minute shower consumption, to be received in receptacles from water stations around the city.

Here is the terrifying thought. How does an urban city like Cape Town, where approximately four million citizens reside, have its citizens queue to fill containers and buckets with water after taps get shut off? The scenario and its ramifications are harrowing.

The reality is water shortage around the world is deemed unavoidable, for according to a recent UN report, water shortages could affect 5 billion by the year 2050. While 70 percent of the Earths surface is water, only 3 percent is fresh water, and as we waste, pollute, and consume it recklessly, many cities and regions are as vulnerable as Cape Town, so its time to raise the alarm and heed the warning signs.

Droughts in African countries like Angola, Ethiopia, and Kenya have left millions facing hardship and famine. Drought in Spains Catalonia regions was so severe in 2008 that Barcelona imported water by ship from France. Californias drought streak lasted for almost a decade as fluctuating rainfall and snowpack left it in severe drought conditions.

Californians, however, are getting innovative in preserving water as supplies dwindle. They now spray paint lawns and replace lawns with drought-tolerant plants or artificial grass. And all Californians are aware of the penalties they will face if they exceed consumption.

In 2015, in British Columbia, Canada, a most unlikely region to suffer shortages as the average rainfall is around 180 days per year, unanticipated dry conditions and no rainfall caused hundreds of wildfires to blaze across thousands of hectares. Water restriction measures came into effect banning outdoor tap use and all commercial use of water.

Water shortage is not new to Mexico City but the consequences are extreme. As citizens bore wells farther down to reach water, the city is sinking below sea level. Today residents of some areas in Mexico City get a few hours of water a week. Jakarta, Indonesia, is facing a similar scenario. The more residents dig up water the faster the city sinks. In 2015, San Paulo, Brazil, as reservoirs emptied, tap water was cut to a few hours every week.

Scorching heat waves, droughts, less rainfall, and water pollution, in addition to wasteful life styles, mismanagement, and over population, are all causes of water shortages. Unfortunately, such severe weather conditions may become the norm in the coming years.

Countries around the world are feeling the pinch, so, to survive in the new norm, countries, first, and individuals, second, are realizing strategies that would counteract the shortages.

What befalls the world will befall Egypt especially since over population, pollution, and climate change are affecting Egypt, too. Yes, Egypt is blessed with the longest river in the world, the Nile, passing through its land, but even the Nile flow may be curtailed in the days to come. And, because, weve always had an abundance in water supply, the concept of conserving water and not being wasteful about it is not easily recognized or believed to be important.

Consider these numbers. One leaking tap wastes up to 120 litres of water per day; an average of 12 litres of water is consumed if a tap is left running for a single minute; and each toilet flush wastes 26 litres of water; and about 15 percent of average household use goes to flushing toilets.

Yes, water preservation notions may not exist in Egypt, but, today, Egyptians must be made aware of how valuable water is and of measures that could curb water waste.

In addition to regulations and by-laws that would restrict the use of water, an expansive campaign that advises Egyptians on how to consume water wisely can be extremely effective.

In the mid sixties, an unforgettable TV commercial told Egyptians just that. The animated commercial admonished Sit Sanneya, a voluptuous, vivacious woman, when she left the water running without considering the consequences; he, another character in the animated commercial, wasted litres and litres of water daily by not buying a measly two piaster tap washer. A similar memorable tune with easy-to-follow lyrics would do wonders in todays environment.

If taught how to efficiently use water, Egyptians would do the same tasks with less water. Turning off the tap as one brushes teeth, shaves, or washes hands, or turning off water and reopening it for rinsing dishes and utensils would result in billions of litres of water saved. That a toilet is also not an ashtray or wastebasket where one flushes a cigarette butt or a facial tissue is essential.

Even Wudhu can be performed with less water if one puts his mind to it.

Egypt must also encourage the making of toilets that use less water per flush. Most toilets in Egypt still use litres of water when some toilets around the world use a fraction of this amount.

Many simple but effective suggestions would cut water waste significantly. After all, we are over 90 million; while wasting, we are wasting much, and while saving, we are saving much, too.

One can save water in many ways and huge amounts if one is aware of the notion that water is not abundant, and that water, in the future, may become more valuable than oil.Ashlee Simpson, 33, and Evan Ross, 29, were snapped as they headed back to the U.S. after spending the weekend in the Bahamas.

The couple joined a slew of celebrities on Eleuthera for Shanina Shaik and DJ Ruckus' wedding.

The couple were seen carrying their passports and luggage to their departing flight after spending the last few days celebrating.

Vacation: Ashlee Simpson, 33, and Evan Ross, 29, were snapped as they headed back to the U.S. after spending the weekend in the Bahamas

Dressed in a white t-shirt and high-waisted brown pants that were cuffed at the ankle, Ashlee glowed in the Caribbean sun as she carried her Stephen Sprouse-inspired, Marc Jacobs-designed Louis Vuitton travel bag.

It looked to be a humid day in the Bahamas as the musician's blonde locks fell heavily in waves down her neck as she she did her best to pull them into a messy bun.

She added a pair of sneakers and gold-rimmed circular sunglasses to complete her sun-drenched look.

Travel in style: Dressed in a white t-shirt and high-waisted brown pants that were cuffed at the ankle, Ashlee glowed in the Caribbean sun as she carried her Stephen Sprouse-inspired, Marc Jacobs-designed Louis Vuitton travel bag

Despite temperatures in the 80s, Evan elected to wear a blazer atop a black t-shirt.

He wore skinny black pants and carried a simple black backpack, which had multiple flat-brim hats clipped to it.

He added an elegant beige cattleman hat with a singular feather tucked in its beige band to complete the outift.

Hat game: He wore an elegant beige cattleman hat with a singular feather tucked in its beige band

Shanina Shaik and DJ Ruckus got married on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas over the weekend during a ceremony that couple managed to keep mostly under wraps.

Celebrity guests included Lenny Kravitz, who is Ruckus's cousin and has a home on the island, as well as model Nadine Leopold.

After the wedding, the Australian model and popular DJ flew on a private jet to Miami to continue their celebration at LIV nightclub.

Ashlee and Evan, meanwhile elected to stay on the island and continue their relaxed vacation.

Humid: It looked to be a humid day in the Bahamas as the musician's blonde locks fell heavily in waves down her neck as she she did her best to pull it into a messy bun

Ashlee and her husband tied the knot in 2014 in a wedding that was officiated by Evan's mother, Diana Ross.

They have two-year-old daughter Jagger together.

The Autobiography songstress also has nine-year-old son Bronx from her first marriage to Pete Wentz.She was spotted sharing a passionate kiss with ex boyfriend Zayn Malik yesterday.

But blonde beauty Gigi Hadid, 23, was flying solo on Monday in NYC where she was seen returning to her NoHo neighborhood apartment still looking lovely after a long day of errands.

Some time after the IMG represented talent touched down, however, her on-off love was seen stopping by her apartment building for what appeared to be a romantic rendezvous with the model.

Busy gal: Though Gigi Hadid was spotted smooching ex Zayn Malik yesterday in NYC, the model was flying solo while seen out and about on Monday

Even though the star had spent her whole day on the go, she appeared effortlessly elegant in her simple jeans and a tee shirt look while still offered up a hearty dose of sex appeal.

Gigi, full name Jelena Noura Hadid, gave up a glimpse of her flirty front in a low-cut white shirt tucked into ripped blue jeans that flashed hints of skin with frayed tears around across her thigh and knee.

For her outer layer, the Tommy Hilfiger collaborator added a canvas jacket with dark metal snap enclosures.

The three-time Vogue US cover girl jazzed things up a bit with a pair of leopard-patterned monk shoes and carried a classic black doctor's bag.

Just in the neighborhood? Some time after Gigi touched down at her apartment, a hoodie-clad Zayn was seen arriving at the starlet's apartment, further signaling that the couple was testing the waters once again

There is no denying it now! Gigi received a passionate kiss from her ex-boyfriend Zayn in NYC on Sunday proving they are very much back together

Jeans and tee shirt kind of gal! Gigi, full name Jelena Noura Hadid, gave up a glimpse of her flirty front in a low-cut white shirt tucked into ripped blue jeans

Fancy feet! The three-time Vogue US cover girl jazzed things up a bit with a pair of leopard-patterned monk shoes

Not needing a stylist to look her best, Gigi brushed her tousled blonde to one side to let her textured waves cascade down freely.

Underneath trendy oval sunglasses, a smokey eye paired with arched brows could be seen on the star's photogenic face.

Some time after Gigi arrived home, a hoodie-clad Zayn was seen arriving at the starlet's apartment, further signaling that the couple was testing the waters once again.

He hide closely cropped hair under a yellow hood with a green and purple polo on top.

Hair's to you! Not needing a stylist to look her best, Gigi brushed her tousled blonde to one side to let her textured waves cascade down freely

Mom's advice: Before what appeared to be a romantic rendezvous with her on-off love, Gigi's mom Yolanda Hadid was seen paying her daughter a visit

Though the supermodel split with the One Direction alum back in March, the couple appeared back on again Sunday in NYC, where they were seen sharing a passionate kiss.

Before meeting up with her on-off love in the evening, Gigi's mom Yolanda Hadid was seen paying her daughter a visit during the AM.

The Dutch beauty donned an outfit that was almost identical to her eldest child's, pairing a clingy white turtleneck with a black scarf while adding an oatmeal-hued peacoat and grey stiletto boots for the perfect mommy-and-me ensemble.

It's possible mom Yolanda was giving Gigi relationship advice. The model mom, 54, has been married twice before.

Matching! The Dutch beauty donned an outfit that was almost identical to her eldest child's, pairing a clingy white turtleneck with a black scarf and blue jeans

On a related note, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger told TMZ Monday that he was confident in Gigi's decision to rekindle things with Malik as someone who's 'very, very smart.

'She's got her head on her shoulders, if she thinks it's the right thing to do, it's the right thing to do,' said Tommy, who has past collaborated with Gigi on projects. 'Don't ever underestimate Gigi's intelligence.'

The designer, who was outside of Craig's in West Hollywood, described Gigi like 'another one of [his] daughters,' adding that 'years ago, models were beautiful, but not too smart; she's .... on another level.'Seth Rogen has opened up about longtime friend James Franco and the allegations made against him in recent months of sexual misconduct.

The 36-year-old actor sat down with Vulture to talk about his new Netflix special Hilarity for Charity as well as his work on The Disaster Artist which Franco directed.

'The truth is that my perspective on this is the least relevant perspective. I'm friends with these people and I'm a dude,' Rogen said.

Speaking up: Seth Rogen has opened up about longtime friend James Franco and the allegations made against him in recent months of sexual misconduct

'All that combined makes me the last person who should be talking about this.'

The Knocked Up star said the accusations haven't changed his willingness to work with Franco, 40, in the future.

On January 11, the Los Angeles Times revealed that five women had accused the Pineapple Express star of inappropriate behavior on set or during acting classes.

Franco said the allegations were 'not accurate,' but that he supports 'people coming out and being able to have a voice.'

The Breakfast Club actress Ally Sheedy also made accusations about him on Twitter, which she later deleted, during the Golden Globes Awards in January, where he won Best Actor In A Musical Or Comedy for The Disaster Artist.

'My perspective on this is the least relevant perspective' Rogen, 36, told Vulture when he was asked about the allegations against his longtime friend

Still friends: The Knocked Up star said the accusations haven't changed his willingness to work with Franco in the future

Appearing on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to address the claims, Franco said: 'I have no idea what I did to Ally Sheedy. I had nothing but a great time with her. I have total respect for her.

'If I have done something wrong, I will fix it - I have to. That's how that works. I don't know what else to do.'

Rogen told Vulture that he is very conscious of being a white man in Hollywood and that the issues of lack of diversity, gender inequality and sexual harassment in the industry have definitely influenced his projects.

'This is not in any way about pandering, but I think Neighbors 2 had an incredibly progressive message. I think Blockers has an incredibly progressive message.

On January 11, the Los Angeles Times revealed that five women had accused the Pineapple Express star of inappropriate behavior on set or during acting classes

'We hired Kay Cannon to direct it and she did an amazing job,' Rogen said.

'Were hyperaware of trying to be as representative as possible in the directors and writers and actors we work with. Im sure we could definitely be doing more to be ahead of the curve in that way, but, again, I couldnt be more aware that my perspective is not one people are clamoring for.'

Rogen and Franco are longtime pals and have starred in several movies and shows together including Freaks and Geeks, Pineapple Express, This Is The End and The Interview.They said 'I love you' to each other for the first time during theBachelor In Paradise's romantic finale on Monday.

But there could be trouble in paradise for Keira Maguire and Jarrod Woodgate, who reportedly refused to complete media interviews the morning after their heartfelt display.

While posting on social media, Keira Maguire, 31, and Jarrod Woodgate, 32, have yet to speak publicly on radio or television about their relationship.

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Trouble in paradise already? Bachelor couple Keira Maguire and Jarrod Woodgate abruptly CANCEL all interviews the morning after the romantic season finale

The couple were forced to hide their romance for almost six months after their emotional commitment ceremony in Fiji last year - which was aired this week.

Jarrod gave Keira a commitment ring during their joyous reunion, promising to one day exchange it for an engagement sparkler 'when it's the right time'.

Keira couldn't contain her excitement at his words, insisting: 'Oh, my God. And I would accept. I honestly see myself with you forever!'

Still loved-up? The couple were forced to hide their romance for almost six months after their emotional commitment ceremony in Fiji last year - which was aired this week

'I would accept!' Jarrod gave Keira a commitment ring during their joyous reunion, promising to one day exchange it for an engagement sparkler 'when it's the right time'

However, while newly-engaged Bachelor In Paradise couple Tara Pavlovic and Sam Cochrane were on Nova 100s Chrissie, Sam & Browny, host Chrissie Swan expressed concern for their loved-up co-stars.

'Lets talk Keira and Jarrod. Whats going on there? We were supposed to interview them today and they cancelled. Have they also cancelled their relationship?' she asked.

Tara responded in shock: 'I dont think so, no. Last time I spoke to Keira she was with Jarrod. I spoke to Keira last week, on the weekend maybe I think. Really recently.'

'Last time I spoke to Keira she was with Jarrod': Tara Pavlovic, who accepted a proposal from Sam Cochrane during the finale, insisted the pair were still together despite cancelling interviews the morning after the finale

Keira and Jarrod also cancelled their interview with Nova 96.9s Fitzy & Wippa and didn't appear on KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie 'O' despite Tara and Sam having an appearance on the popular show.

Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Channel Ten and Keira and Jarrod's management for comment.

Keira was seen updating her Instagram stories on Tuesday morning, telling her followers she was heading out to get her nails done with Jarrod's mother.

On Monday, the pair told Woman's Day they 'split their time' between Toms Cap Vineyard Retreat in Gippsland and Jarrod's home in Brighton, Melbourne.

Happily ever after? On Monday, the pair told Woman's Day they 'split their time' between Toms Cap Vineyard Retreat in Gippsland and Jarrod's home in Brighton, Melbourne

Farmer wants a wife? Keira proved she was willing to trade in her glamorous Sydney city lifestyle to be with her grape-growing beau on Tuesday morning, sharing a clip collecting eggs from the farm's chicken coop

Keira proved she was willing to trade in her glamorous Sydney city lifestyle to be with her grape-growing beau on Tuesday morning, sharing a clip collecting eggs from the farm's chicken coop.

The vineyard manager, who was previously rejected by Bachelorette Sophie Monk last year, took to Instagram shortly after the finale, gushing over his new girlfriend.

'Life without her would be unbearable,' he wrote alongside two loved-up pics of the couple, while Keira also wrote online: 'How Hot is My Boyfriend!!!!!!! Jarrod you Truely(SIC) are the man of my dreams.'On Monday morning, Kim Kardashian West unfollowed her 'heartbroken' younger sister Khloe Kardashian's philandering partner Tristan Thompson, who then returned the favor.

The Canadian 27-year-old still follows the rest of his 33-year-old babymama's family while Khloe, Kourtney Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Kris Jenner still follow him - according to ELLE.

Kim's social media slight against the Cleveland Cavaliers center happened just as her Ellen DeGeneres Show interview discussing the 'f***ed up' cheating scandal aired.

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He returned the favor: On Monday morning, Kim Kardashian West (M) unfollowed her 'heartbroken' younger sister Khloe Kardashian's (R) philandering partner Tristan Thompson (L)

'I think she just wants a clear head and just wants to be alone with her [18-day-old daughter True] and figure that out,' the 37-year-old mother-of-three said on the daytime talk show.

'She's still [in Ohio], yeah, she's still there, and she wanted to have some alone time with the baby and you know, figure out what her next steps are. I think it must be so hard to have your heart broken and fall in love all in a day or two, all happening at the same time and I think she just needs some [space].

'She's an amazing mom already in the few days that she's been a mom. She's the best mom.'

The KKW Beauty CEO explained that the Good American co-owner has a tendency to hide out and be secretive when it comes to 'tough' matters of the heart, like with her first husband Lamar Odom.

First of her family to unfollow: The Canadian 27-year-old still follows the rest of his 33-year-old babymama's family while Khloe, Kourtney Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Kris Jenner still follow him

'It's so f***ed up': Kim's social media slight against the Cleveland Cavaliers center happened just as her Ellen DeGeneres Show interview discussing the cheating scandal aired

The 37-year-old mother-of-three said: 'I think she just wants a clear head and just wants to be alone with her [18-day-old daughter True] and figure that out. She's still [in Ohio] and she wanted to have some alone time with the baby and you know, figure out what her next steps are. I think it must be so hard to have your heart broken and fall in love all in a day or two'

'She's always kept that from us and kind of dealt with it until it became public,' Kim said.

'You know, [the cheating and drug allegations] stuff with Lamar, things I guess were happening for a year, and we didn't know about it. And we always think we're so close but she does such a good job at keeping that so private.

'So because this is not so private, I think she's just like, "I need a minute to myself." So she's going to get through it.'

For her Ellen appearance - technically taped April 21 - Kardashian repped her third husband Kanye West's designs in a $535 Yeezy stretch pencil skirt and $546 Yeezy season six PVC mules.

'She's going to get through it': The KKW Beauty CEO explained that the Good American co-owner has a tendency to hide out and be secretive when it comes to 'tough' matters of the heart, like with her first husband Lamar Odom

Taped April 21: For her Ellen appearance, Kardashian repped her third husband Kanye West's designs in a $535 Yeezy stretch pencil skirt and $546 Yeezy season six PVC mules

'Narcotic elixir': The Glam Masters producer was there to promote her new fragrance, KKW Body, which hit shelves on Monday

The Glam Masters producer was there to promote her new fragrance, KKW Body, which hit shelves on Monday.

Meanwhile, Khloe gushed, 'I still can't believe I'm a mommy,' to her 26.3M Twitter followers on Monday.

The 15th season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians premieres June 3 as part of the family's massive $100M deal with the E! Network through 2020 - according to Variety.

I still can't believe I'm a mommy!' Meanwhile, Khloe gushed about first-time motherhood to her 26.3M Twitter followers on MondayMelissa McCarthy lived up to the title of her latest movie on Monday while visiting Auburn University in Alabama.

The 47-year-old actress promoted her new comedy Life Of The Party on campus along with her director husband Ben Falcone, 44, and her film co-stars.

Melissa kept it casual with a long-sleeved loose white top, faded jeans and white sneakers.

Campus visit: Melissa McCarthy visited Auburn University on Monday while promoting her back-to-college movie Life Of The Party

She had her light brown hair down around her shoulders and accessorized with brown round sunglasses.

Ben, who directed Life Of The Party, looked sharp in a blue sweater, matching tie, black trousers and black sneakers.

They were joined on campus by cast members Molly Gordon, Jessie Ennis, Gillian Jacobs, Debby Ryan and Adria Arjona.

Melissa didn't come empty handed as she presented a check for $50,000 to the Auburn University Foundation.

Dynamic duo: Ben Falcone, who directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Melissa, joined her for the campus visit

Fan favorite: Melissa was carted around campus as she was surrounded by fans

Good times: Ben and Melissa were joined by her co-stars in the upcoming comedy

School spirit: Molly Gordon, Jessie Ennis, Gillian Jacobs, Melissa, Ben, Debby Ryan and Adria Arjona showed some school spirit

The donation has been earmarked for the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center where a stage door will be named after Melissa.

Melissa in Life Of The Party stars as Deanna Miles who after divorcing her husband Dan decides to go back to college and ends up in class with her daughter Maddie, played by Molly Gordon, 22.

Ben and Melissa also wrote the screenplay for Life Of The Party together and are co-producers.

For posterity: A fan took a selfie with Melissa for posterity

Party time! Melissa handed out Krispy Kreme doughnuts to students

Popular star: The actress was the center of attention on campus

Auburn donation: Melissa presented a check for $50,000 to the Auburn University Foundation

Life Of The Party also stars Modern Family star Julie Bowen, 48, who portrays Deanna's nemesis.

Melissa during her college visit handed out doughnuts to students and also took part in a longtime Auburn tradition by rolling Toomer's Corner.

She enthusiastically tossed a roll of toilet paper at the oaks at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and College Street as part of a tradition stretching back decades.

The Life Of The Party opens in theaters on May 11.

Rolling Toomer's: Melissa and Ben rolled Toomer's Corner during their visit

Longtime tradition: Ben and Melissa looked up as she tossed a roll of toilet paper at Toomer's Corner

Having fun: Jennis and Adria laughed while touring the university

Rolling it: Adria and Gillian also rolled Toomer's Corner

Doughnuts giveaway: Molly, Adria, Melissa, Debby, Gillian and Jessie showed off their doughnutsBethenny Frankel attended the DoSomething.org 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Monday.

The 47-year-old entrepreneur grabbed attention on the red carpet as she donned a backless, see-through dress embroidered with silver-lined butterflies.

Held at Gotham Hall in Midtown, Frankel was solo as she joined a slew of celebrities on her way into the event.

Down the line: Bethenny Frankel attended the DoSomething.org 25th Anniversary Gala in New York City on Monday

The intricately stitched sheer black number featured floral designs along the sleeves.

The dress was backless displaying the television personality's taut figure, and reached down to just below her knees.

A pair of pointed black stilettos added a touch of elegance to the ornate outfit.

Hook: The 47-year-old entrepreneur grabbed attention on the red carpet as she donned a backless, see-through dress embroidered with silver-lined butterflies

Empire state of mind: Held at Gotham Hall in Midtown, Frankel was solo as she joined a slew of celebrities on her way into the event

Frankel's hickory tresses were teased into waves and fell onto her shoulders.

She wore light pink blush along with matching eye shadow adding a touch of brightness to her dark ensemble.

A soft rose lip was juxtaposed with dark eyeliner and well-manicured brows.

Intricate: The intricately stitched sheer black number featured floral designs along the sleeves

Showoff: The dress was backless displaying the television personality's taut figure, and reached down to just below her knees

It was a solo trip down the red carpet for the SkinnyGirl mogul, after she announced her split from Dennis Shields in May last year, after one year of dating.

And while she hasnt given up on love, the budding real estate honcho admitted her dating life has hit a dry spell.

Bethenny told Daily Mail Australia last week that she's 'not in any relationship whatsoever, I cannot even remember the last time I had sex!'

When asked about rumors that she is open to dating Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, she joked: 'He would have to ask me to find out. I really dont know anything about him.'

The latest season of her hit show recently premiered on the Bravo network.

A pair of pointed black stilettos added a touch of elegance to the ornate outfit

Cascade: Frankel's hickory tresses were teased into waves and fell onto her shoulders

Tim Robbins was also in attendance at the Empire City gala.

The 59-year-old actor wore a smart dark suit along with thin-framed glasses.

He added a patterned black-and-white tie and a pair of black Oxfords to complete the tasteful look.Jersey Shore's Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and baby mama Jen Harley have called it quits.

But the relationship may have been over long before it started.

'Ronnie still loves Sam. Everyone knows it,' an insider told Us Weekly on Monday in reference to Jersey Shore's Sam Giancola.

Heartsick: On Monday, Us Weekly reported that Jersey Shore's Ronnie Ortiz-Magro is still in love with ex-girlfriend Sam Giancola (Photo taken 2013)

'Ronnie still loves Sam. Everyone knows it,' an insider told the magazine

It's over: Ronnie and baby mama Jen Harley recently called it quits after a very public and vicious social media fight

Ron and Sam's long and complicated relationship began back in 2009 when they joined the cast of MTV's Jersey Shore.

The pair's on-screen romance was a series of highs and lows that sent ratings through the roof.

And it wasn't until March 2016 that the two parted ways for good.

Old flame: Ron and Sam's long and complicated relationship began back in 2009 when they joined the cast of MTV's Jersey Shore (Photo taken 2013)

Longtime love: The pair's on-screen romance was a series of highs and lows that sent ratings through the roof. And it wasn't until March 2016 that the two parted ways for good (Photo taken 2013)

Shortly after Ron's relationship with Famously Single's Malika Haqq fizzled out around February 2017, the 32-year-old reality star got together with Jen Harley.

The two later welcomed their daughter Ariana Sky into the world on April 3, 2018.

But as of Monday, Ron and Jen have called it quits.

The past 48 hours have included a vicious social media fight and an intense Instagram LIVE video that led to a physical altercation.

Fast track: Shortly after Ron's relationship with Famously Single's Malika Haqq fizzled out around February 2017, the 32-year-old reality star got together with Jen Harley. The two later welcomed their daughter Ariana Sky into the world on April 3, 2018

The video begins with Ronnie daring Jen to zoom into his phone, which he claims contained explicit content of Jen.

'If you wanna film, let's zoom in. Let's zoom in,' he said. 'Oh look at that! Let's zoom in! Oh yeah look at that! Oh that's f**king great! Oh yeah, let's zoom in on that! Look at that! Let's zoom in on that!'

'Get out of my face!' Jen can be heard telling Ronnie. 'Stop! Get off of me.'

But as of Monday, Ron and Jen have called it quits. The past 48 hours have included a vicious social media fight and an intense Instagram LIVE video that led to a physical altercation

The video begins with Ronnie daring Jen to zoom into his phone, which he claims contained explicit content of Jen. 'Show you f**king getting f**ked in your a** like a hooker,' he could be heard saying to his now ex-girlfriend

Ronnie continued to urge Jen to zoom into his phone, telling her: 'Why don't you want to show that? Huh?'

'Show you,' Jen said.

'Show you f**king getting f**ked in your a** like a hooker.'

'Put your hands on me again,' Ron urged.

'Seriously?' Jen said.

'Seriously,' he replied. 'I dare you. I f**king dare you,' he added.

Saying sorry: Ron apologized for his actions following the LIVE stream

Apology unaccepted: Jen clapped back with a hateful post and has since deactivated her Instagram account

The camera abruptly begins to shake as Ronnie seemingly attempts to wrestle the phone from out of Jen's hands.

'Get off of me!' Ronnie demands.

'Don't touch me Ron!' she can be heard yelling before the recording ended.

Jen's Instagram account appears to have since been deactivated.

Going strong: Sammi found love with New Jersey native Christian Biscardi, whom she has been dating since June 2017

Meanwhile, Sammi found love with New Jersey native Christian Biscardi, whom she has been dating since June 2017.

When the cast of Jersey Shore reunited in January for an on-camera family vacation in Miami, Giancola decided not to join.

Sam, better known as Sammi Sweetheart, gave an explanation for her absence on Instagram.

'I am at a completely different place in my life right now,' the 31-year-old reality star wrote to her 7.1M social media followers.

'I am not the same person as I was when I was 22. I am currently extremely happy in every aspect of my life and want to avoid potentially TOXIC SITUATIONS.'

When the cast of Jersey Shore reunited in January for an on-camera family vacation in Miami, Giancola decided not to join

Love hurts: In a recent episode of Jersey Shore Family Vacation, Ron revealed that he still has feelings for Sammi (Photo taken 2013)

And according to a recent Jersey Shore Family Vacation episode, it looks like her presence would have resulted in nothing but drama.

In an intimate conversation between Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi and Ronnie, he admitted to still having feelings for Sammi.

'What the f*** happened to you? You're being so negative! Why can't you marry this b--ch?' Snooki asked before Ronnie started saying, 'Because she's not...'

'Because you f--king love Sam?' she said finishing his sentence. 'I can't. Listen, you need to stop. Get over Sam. It's been f***** 10 years.'

Later in a confessional session, Ortiz-Magro was able to explain.

'Every man wishes he could be with the love of his life,' he said. 'Being with someone for seven years and then you don't end up with person? Yeah, it hurts.'

'Every man wishes he could be with the love of his life,' Ron said on the show. 'Being with someone for seven years and then you don't end up with person? Yeah, it hurts' (Photo taken 2012)

The chances of a reconciliation between the two is looking pretty grim.

Just days ago, Sam posted a loved up picture of her and boyfriend Christian with the caption: '#bestie #UGHIlovethisman.'

And back in 2017, Giancola made it clear in an interview with Wetpaint that she's not dwelling on the past.

'I wish Ron well,' she said. 'But I'm moving on now. That happened in my life and now it's time to focus on some other things.'They are the picture-perfect family.

But Spanish model Elsa Pataky has once again spoken about the struggles she and actor husband Chris Hemsworth faced during the early years of their marriage together.

Speaking to Vogue Australia, the mother-of-three confessed: 'We did everything very quickly  I dont know how we survived as a couple.'

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'I dont know how we survived as a couple': Elsa Pataky reveals the secret struggles that put 'pressure' on her marriage with Chris Hemsworth

Chris and Elsa met in early 2010 and married shortly after in December that year.

They welcomed their daughter India in 2012 and their twin sons, Tristan and Sasha, later in 2014.

'We were married and then a year after we had kids. It puts a lot of pressure on a marriage,' the Fast And The Furious actress admitted.

However, after recently celebrating their eight wedding anniversary, Elsa claims the couple couldn't be happier or more in love.

'It puts a lot of pressure on a marriage': Spanish actress Elsa has revealed she and actor husband Chris Hemsworth did struggle during the early years of their marriage

'Every marriage has ups and downs  its constant work to be in a successful marriage and stay together forever': Elsa claims their marriage is stronger than ever as they recently celebrated their eight-year wedding anniversary

'I think our years together have been great. Every marriage has ups and downs  its constant work to be in a successful marriage and stay together forever. Chris parents have been together all their lives, and thats such a beautiful thing, and their families are so close,' she continued.

The family of five now live in Byron Bay on the New South Wales' North Coast after relocating from Los Angeles.

Chris, known for playing Marvel's Thor, once told BW magazine that he relocated his family to the laidback coastal town because he felt living in LA was 'suffocating and overwhelming'.

'Looking for a new wife according to @womansdayaus and other misleading outlets!': The Thor star has poked fun of the split rumours in the past on social media

'Dont worry love, I would be mad too if some magazines keep trying to keep us apart': Elsa played along with poking fun of the rumours with Chris and confirmed to fans they were very much still happily wed

The more famous Chris becomes, the more rumours about his 'tumultuous' marriage to wife Elsa appear on the covers of magazines.

And the Thor star recently spilled about how he really feels about false rumours about his relationship making headlines.

Speaking to The Times in January, the former Home And Away star admitted he tries to avoid reading the rumours because they irritate him so much.

'I just try to ignore it,' Chris told the publication of how he deals with the reports.

'I stay off the internet but occasionally someone says to me, "You might want to react to this one." Most of the time I'm like, "Why did you even tell me that? There's nothing I can do about it. It just p**ses me off."'

'There's nothing I can do about it. It just p**ses me off"' Speaking to The Times in January, the former Home And Away star admitted he tries to avoid reading the rumours because they irritate him so much

It's not the first time the pair have expressed frustration about the 'rocky romance' rumours, with Chris previously taking aim at a specific publication.

Tagging Elsa, Chris wrote on Instagram: 'Looking for a new wife according to @womansdayaus and other misleading outlets! Honey you still love me right?'

In another post which featured Chris looking serious in a Tag Heuer advert, Elsa chimed in with: 'Dont worry love, I would be mad too if some magazines keep trying to keep us apart,' adding the hashtags #dontcrackunderpressure #seeyoutomorrow #loveyou.Colin Fassnidge slammed My Kitchen Rules stars Olga and Valeria on Tuesday's show, for cheating.

The Irish chef was brutally honest and upfront with the Russian villains, after they grilled their duck in a roast challenge.

Olga and Valeria were eventually sent packing from the show that evening, alongside hunky truffle farmer Henry and sister Anna, in a double elimination.

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'It was a roast challenge and you barbecued your duck!' MKR's Colin Fassnidge SLAMS villains Olga and Valeria as the cheating scandal shocks the show...and two teams are sent home

While judge Pete Evans commended Olga and Valeria for not giving up during the challenge, Colin told the girls how it was.

'Unfortunately though it was a roast challenge and you barbecued your duck,' Colin said.

Meanwhile, Pete said: 'I have to say you actually cooked it quite well for what you had. But was it a roast in a roast challenge?'

Straight to the point: While judge Pete Evans (R) commended Olga and Valeria for not giving up during the challenge, Colin (L) told the girls how it was

Scandal: Olga and Valeria overcooked their roast duck, and with minutes left on the clock during the challenge, grilled new duck breast

'You did well under the circumstances...you didn't give up.'

Olga and Valeria overcooked their roast duck, and with minutes left on the clock during the challenge, grilled new duck breast.

The challenge was to cook a three course meal with the judges choosing a soup for entree, a roast for main and a pastry dessert.

In the cook-off was Olga and Valeria, Anna and Henry, and Jazzey and Stella.

Unimpressed! Their rivals who weren't in the challenge looked on, with Nic (R) saying they 'didn't fit the brief'

They did it: Pictured are Stella (L) and Jazzey (R) who won the challenge

Their rivals who weren't in the challenge looked on, with Nic saying the Russians cheated.

'They didn't fit the brief, its as simple as that,' Nic said.

'It's a little bit of a cheat,' Alex added.

Jazzey and Stella were named winners of the challenge, going into the semi finals.A New And Very Dangerous Low For Malaysian Politics





M. Bakri Musa









The tampering of the plane that would have taken former Prime Minister Mahathir to Langkawi last Friday May 27, 2018, for his nomination for the upcoming election marks a new and very dangerous low in Malaysian politics.





Tinkering with your opponents car, sound system, or power supply is a standard ploy in third-rate, Third World politics, the Malaysian variety included. Those tricks could be performed with ease and by a saboteur with no to minimal skills. The results of such mischief are rarely catastrophic, except for the occasional car explosions. Not so with the tampering of airplanes.





For Malaysians, that brings back haunting memories of the plane crash of June 6, 1976, dubbed the Double Six Tragedy that killed the just-victorious Chief Minister of Sabah, Fuad Stephens, together with a number of his senior ministers. The report of that accident is still classified to this day.





What is stunning about Fridays incident is the uncharacteristic silence of Prime Minister Najib. He commented only much later. Najib, a man who could not figure out whether the hundreds of millions from Saudi Arabia that ended in his personal bank account was donation or a gift but at any rate he has returned the money, accused Mahathir of engaging in the politics of lying. The irony escapes Najib, of course!





arahan(orders from above). The Chief of Police and Chairman of Civil Aviation admitted in a bland statement that there was a minor and routine technical fault. They would be smarter and gain a modicum of credibility had they released the full report, if indeed one was done. Anymalfunction on a plane has to be taken seriously. There is no such thing as minor and routine. That comes only after a thorough inspection. I commend Transport Minister Liow for responding immediately. The others were in their typical civil service mode, still waiting for a report or(orders from above). The Chief of Police and Chairman of Civil Aviation admitted in a bland statement that there was a minor and routine technical fault. They would be smarter and gain a modicum of credibility had they released the full report, if indeed one was done.malfunction on a plane has to be taken seriously. There is no such thing as minor and routine. That comesafter a thorough inspection.





What the pilot did was spot on, that is, refuse to fly the plane. A true professional. It is his life plus that of his passengers he would be risking.





It would take someone highly skilled to tamper with an aircraft so as to avoid detection by the pilot during the routine pre-flight checkout as well as bypass a modern jets sophisticated warning systems. As such those saboteurs do not come cheap. They have to be either strongly motivated or highly compensated, or both. Meaning, there has to be a strong, elaborate, and well-funded background support system.





intraracial, among Malays. That can be even more volatile and explosive. This upcoming May 9, 2018 election already shows every sign of being very competitive, a novel experience for Malaysia in recent years. This election also brings many eerie reminders of a similar hotly contested one back in 1969 that resulted in a horrific race riot, except for two significant but not widely acknowledged differences. That election saw the ruling coalition defeated for the first time in many states. Voters polarization then was interracial, between Malays and Chinese. By contrast in the current contest it isracial, among Malays. That can be even more volatile and explosive.





UMNO and other Malay chauvinists try to inject into the current intracommunal schism racist elements in order to galvanize their base. They hope to subvert it into a Malay-Chinese conflict. Hence the constant harping on Malay unity and using the predominantly Chinese DAP in the opposition coalition as a convenient fuel and scapegoat. There was even a malicious suggestion that DAP members would assassinate Mahathir. Laughable and preposterous! Such sinister thoughts reflect more the desperation of Najibs supporters.





The other difference is that this election has been reduced to a contest between two personalities  Najib and Mahathir. Hatred, passion, and other strong emotions have been personalized and focused on the two.





Najib is a formidable campaigner not because of his personal magnetism (he has none) or oratorical prowess (he lacks that too) rather he is the incumbent and also Finance Minister. He holds the key to the Treasury. With that he has been disbursing cold cash to potential voters with the desperation of a hawker getting rid of his pile of unsold overripe durians. Like overripe durian, the stench is fast becoming overpowering.





Mahathir is a cool campaigner and has great aura about him, qualities so conspicuously deficient with Najib. Nobody could call Mahathir an amateur politician or statesman. Najib tried that and ended up making a fool of himself.





dedak-driven and conspicuous by their lack of personal enthusiasm for or commitment to their man. Once Najib runs out of dedak, as inevitably he would, his supporters would wither away or worse, turn against him. Many already have. Mahathirs supporters are bound to him by commitment, emotions, and most of all a missionary zeal in the singularity of their purpose  to get rid of Najib. Najibs supporters on the other hand are-driven and conspicuous by their lack of personal enthusiasm for or commitment to their man. Once Najib runs out of d, as inevitably he would, his supporters would wither away or worse, turn against him. Many already have.





Despite the airplane incident, I do not worry of any attempt at doing away with Mahathir (divine intervention excepted). Instead I fear for Najib. If ardent Mahathirs supporters feel that their man is being in any way threatened or even humiliated, the fury heaped by them upon Najib would be merciless. Imagine if harm were to befall upon Mahathir! Remember amok is a uniquely Malay word. No word in any other language could signify the furor, frenzy, or savagery of amok.





I couldnt care less of Najibs personal fate, but I worry about the impact of such an action on the nation. Once that dangerous line is crossed, there would be no turning back. Welcome to Pakistan!





Mahathirs supporters do not take lightly last Fridays plane incident. They and other Malaysians remember only too well the Double Six tragedy as well as what had happened to that Mongolian model, the banker Hussain Najabi, and prosecutor Kevin Morais. All happened under Najibs watch; all unbelievably gruesome. The pattern is hard to miss.





As for civil wars, Malays are not immune to that. Many had been camouflaged as insurrections against the sultans and their colonial backers. The most protracted (and also most gruesome) in the Malay world was the Padri War across the Strait of Malacca. That led the opponents of the Padris to seek help from the Dutch. The Dutch continued helping those natives for over a century.





alathe Dutch in Sumatra. What with Chinas already significant investments in Malaysia, such interventions could be with ease be justified on the world stage. The Padri War would be a ready historical precedent. The dynamics today remain the same, only the players have changed. If a civil war were to break out among Malays, and the minorities in particular the Chinese were threatened, rest assured that China would not remain idly by but would helpthe Dutch in Sumatra. What with Chinas already significant investments in Malaysia, such interventions could be with ease be justified on the world stage. The Padri War would be a ready historical precedent.





thNational Peoples Congress. Rest assured that he was not received there as an exalted guest rather as an emissary from a vassal state, reliving the memory of the 15thCentury Malacca Sultanate. UMNO recently sent its Secretary-General to Chinas Communist Party 18National Peoples Congress. Rest assured that he was not received there as an exalted guest rather as an emissary from a vassal state, reliving the memory of the 15Century Malacca Sultanate.





Ketuanan Melayu. Those thoughts ought to temper the excesses of and sober up those Malays within and outside of UMNO with their delusional





As a side observation, I am surprised that Mahathir, being a former Prime Minister, does not get the equivalent of Secret Service protection. In America, former presidents as well as all presidential candidates get that. Mahathir had it until recently. The withdrawal of such protection for him must have been a decision taken at the highest level.



She gave birth to her son Jett in July last year.

And model Nikki Phillips showed off her incredible post-baby body during a trip to Hawaii with her family on Monday.

Taking to Instagram to share a sweet snap with her nine-month-old son, the blonde beauty proved she's one hot mama as she posed for a photo on the hotel's sky-high terrace in a tiny two-piece.

One hot mama! Nikki Phillips flaunts her toned figure in a skimpy mint green bikini while posing with her nine-month-old son in Hawaii

Wearing a mint-hued matching bikini set, the 35-year-old accessoried with over-sized Celine sunglasses and a bright head scarf.

Looking adorable in a slanted snap-back, the mother-of-one was seen gushing over her little tot.

Enjoying her last day on the island, she captioned the post: 'That's a wrap!'

Idyllic: Nikki has been sharing pictures from her idyllic holiday all week

'I leave you with the most incredible memories, tan lines, a slightly heavier suitcase and an addiction to coconut mojitos.'

Completing the post, the New Zealand-born model added the appropriate hashtags: 'familyholiday', 'travel', 'honolulu', 'proudmumma', 'tanlines', 'blessed', 'bikini', 'mood' and 'allgoodthingscometoanend'.

Fans were quick to comment, with the snap rallying over 1,200 likes within hours of being posted.

'Looking amazing, as always!' One fan commented.

'Ummm...how did you have that baby?' Wrote another fan.She was confirmed as Australia's fourth Bachelorette after Monday night's Bachelor In Paradise finale.

And Ali Oetjen, 32, was spotted in public for the first time since the surprise announcement on Tuesday morning.

The Bachelor 2013 star looked a little downcast as she arrived at Mix 102.3's Adelaide studios.

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Tough day at the office? Bachelorette Ali Oetjen looked a little downcast the morning after her new role was announced as she faces awkward questions about her breakup with Grant Kemp

Ali, who is newly-single following her split with Grant Kemp, opted for smart casual in a white blazer, green shirt and skinny black jeans.

She attempted to keep a low profile in dark sunglasses and finished off her look with a monochrome handbag and stylish shoes.

The blonde personal trainer had been doing the media rounds on Tuesday, including several breakfast radio interviews.

Ali, who was announced as Australia's fourth Bachelorette after Monday's Bachelor In Paradise finale, opted for a smart casual outfit as she arrived at Mix 102.3's Adelaide studios on Tuesday

Her first round of interviews saw Ali address the rather awkward topic of her split with American intruder Grant.

The couple had decided to stay together at the end of Paradise, but the relationship fell apart when they met up in LA after filming the show.

Ali declined to provide details about the breakup during her telephone chats with Sydney's KIIS 106.5 and Melbourne's Fox FM.

Why suddenly shy? Ali's first round of breakfast radio interviews saw her address the rather awkward topic of her split with American Bachelor In Paradise intruder Grant Kemp (left)

When asked on The Kyle and Jackie O Show if she'd had sex with Grant, Ali offered the bizarre reply: 'We did have a really meaningful relationship.'

And when it was time to speak to Fifi, Fev & Byron on 101.9 Fox FM, Ali sounded just as uncomfortable talking about her ex-boyfriend.

'No' was her abrupt one-word response to a question about still keeping in touch with the American firefighter.

'It just didn't work out': The 32-year-old chose her words very carefully in her interviews, acknowledging there were 'lots of rumours' surrounding Bachelor in Paradise

She chose her words very carefully in her interviews, acknowledging there were 'lots of rumours' surrounding Bachelor in Paradise but saying she would prefer it if her breakup with Grant remained 'private'.

She told Fox FM: 'I want to respect that because we had a really meaningful relationship. It just didn't work out.'

It remains to be seen, however, if Grant - who has been speaking privately to friends about the circumstances of their split - will remain so tight-lipped.During their first day of interviews together, engaged lovebirds Sam Cochrane and Tara Pavlovic have been honest about their private time on Bachelor In Paradise.

And while speaking to Nova 96.9'S Fitzy and Wippa Show on Tuesday, Tara revealed the secret spot where the couple sealed the deal.

While she explained the pair enjoyed 'cabin time', the blonde beauty said they found a sneaky way to get frisky away from the cameras.

'Youre not going to propose unless youve tried the goods, are you?' Engaged lovebirds Sam and Tara reveal the secret spot where they had sex on Bachelor In Paradise... and you'll never guess where it is!

'There were cameras in there, so you couldn't really do too much... but there were no cameras in the shower,' she explained to a giggling audience.

'We didn't care,' Sam interrupted.

'Well, you're not going to propose unless you've tried the goods, are you?'

Tara, shocked at her beau's revealing admission, had to repeat his surprising turn of phrase 'try the goods?' to an equally shocked studio.

Alone time: While she explained the pair enjoyed 'cabin time', the blonde beauty said they found a sneaky way to get frisky away from the cameras

Elsewhere the couple also revealed that Tara had already dipped her toe into the Cochrane family pool, telling listeners she had once hooked up with Sam cousin when she was 15-years-old.

Tara explained she had grown up in Terrigal, on the NSW Central Coast, where Sam's cousins where also living.

'He (Sam) was then like, "Do you know my cousin, Dax?" and I was like: "I hooked up with him when I was like 15!' she laughed.

Cheeky! 'There were cameras in there, so you couldn't really do too much... but there were no cameras in the shower,' she explained to a giggling audience

In an interview with KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O, the couple also talked about the process of providing verbal consent to the show's producers before sex.

'You do the consent way early, like after dinner  so you're sorted for the rest of the night,' Sam explained.

The couple also joked about how many times they copulated before the big proposal, with their estimations ranging from 10 to 15 times.He engineered a reality TV empire as the creator of The Real Housewives franchise.

But Andy Cohen wasn't entertaining trainer Jillian Michaels' criticisms, after the celeb fitness expert claimed his Bravo shows was proof that the host/producer 'hates women.'

The Watch What Happens Live host, 49, was quick to point out the irony, saying: 'This is the woman who screamed at people for a living on The Biggest Loser. She should stay in her own lane,' while talking to The Hollywood Reporter Monday.

Pot, meet kettle: Andy Cohen (above in March) gave trainer Jillian Michaels a piece of his mind after the celeb fitness expert accused the host of 'hating women'

Andy defended the series, which began with The Real Housewives Of Orange County in 2006 and now has spin-offs set in New York, Atlanta, New Jersey, Beverly Hills, Miami, Potomac, and Dallas as well as its short-lived Washington, DC run.

'I think [Michaels] probably never watched it,' he said, 'I think she's probably seen a clip of Teresa [Guidice of RHONJ] flipping a table.'

The Boston University alum made it clear he was no chauvinist, explaining: 'I love women.

'Housewives is a show about women and it's predominately for women, even though so many men watch it so I think that's a really good question for the millions of women who watch the shows.

Look who's talking! The producer/host was quick to point out the irony, saying: 'This is the woman who screamed at people for a living on The Biggest Loser' adding: 'She should stay in her own lane'

Standing by it: Andy defended the series, which began with The Real Housewives Of Orange County in 2006 and now has seven spin-off set across the country. Above the host is seen with Real Housewives Of New Jersey stars Teresa Giudice

He explained how the series relates to women of all types, saying: 'It's a show about friendship. It's a show about being a wife. It's a show about being a mother. It's a show about being a sister,' he continued.

'And sometimes the experience of being a friend and a mother and a wife and a sister isn't pleasant and sometimes it's wonderful.'

The native Missourian wasn't finished until he added his thoughts about Jillian's own gig.

'By the ways, this is the woman who screamed at people for a living on The Biggest Loser,' he said, 'She should stay in her own lane.'

Watch out! Defending his show, Andy said 'I think [Michaels] probably never watched it,' he said, 'I think she's probably seen a clip of Teresa [Guidice of RHONJ] flipping a table.' Teresa is captured doing what she does best, above

This isn't the first time Andy's knocked the trainer.

Cohen declared Jillian Watch What Happens Live's worst guest ever in an interview with Bravo's DailyDish in 2013.

After asked if he's had any guests that were 'such a pain in the a** that they'll never be asked back' he named Michaels.

'[She] was so mean to my staff. She was yelling at them like they were on The Biggest Loser,' he explainedSamantha X has written an emotional Instagram post to mark 14 days without drinking alcohol.

The former escort, who has denied being an alcoholic, updated fans on her progress as she embraces a booze-free lifestyle.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 44-year-old explained she was struggling to resist the temptation of a glass of rose with friends.

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'I wanted to stop waking up with a feeling of dread': Former escort Samantha X celebrated two weeks sober on Tuesday after denying she is an alcoholic

Samantha, who successfully avoided drinking during a night out on Monday, wrote that it was important to stay disciplined while kicking the habit.

The former journalist, real name Amanda Goff, claimed: 'I met friends last night for drinks and found it incredibly hard to stick to sparkling water.'

Samantha explained how she called a friend for support, who reminded her why she decided to quit drinking in the first place: 'More energy, sparkling skin'.

'Found it incredibly hard to stick to sparkling water': Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 44-year-old explained she was struggling to resist the temptation of a glass of r ose with friends

That wasn't the only reason she decided to go teetotal, as Samantha claimed she also wanted to 'stop waking up with a feeling of dread at what I said / did / posted [while] under the influence.'

One of her Instagram followers asked Samantha directly if she was an alcoholic, and she soon clarified that she was not.

'I love your direct questions! You don't have to have a problem with drinking to stop drinking. Rather than put a label on it, I just wanted to stop feeling crap.' she replied.

'I didn't drink every day, or to excess, but booze doesn't suit me': Samantha clarified that she is not an alcoholic but simply wanted to improve her lifestyle by quitting booze

She added: 'I didn't drink every day, or to excess, but booze doesn't suit me.'

Samantha, who recently re-enrolled in a master's degree in psychology, added that sometimes drinking a glass to numb the 'stress' can make matters worse.

She concluded with a word of advice to her followers: 'When a voice hisses at you to have just one rose, just one... remember why you started this.'

Are you an alcoholic? She responded to an Instagram fan, 'You don't have to have a problem with drinking to stop drinking. Rather than put a label on it, I just wanted to stop feeling crap'

Since kicking the booze, Samantha has offered fans regular updates about her alcohol-free lifestyle.

'My head is clearer, sharper, and I am feeling feelings again,' she wrote on Instagram last week.

Samantha's decision to stop drinking was inspired by reading the book The Unexpected Joy Of Being Sober.

After picking it up while waiting for a flight to Sydney last month, she announced to her fans that she was giving up alcohol.She has been called the 'Queen of the AFL WAGs'.

And as she climbed the ranks of wives and girlfriends, it appears Rebecca Judd completely transformed her appearance.

Looking back on vintage snaps from before her marriage to Carlton legend Chris Judd, it's clear the 35-year-old has only improved with age.

 Slide me  My, how you've changed! Glamorous footy WAG Rebecca Judd looks VERY different today compared to photos taken before her marriage to Chris

As a parenting blogger and host of Channel Nine's travel series Postcards, Rebecca is well known for her immaculate dress sense and polished appearance.

She first came to the public's attention at the 2004 Brownlow Medal, arriving on the event's red carpet in a now-iconic plunging red dress.

In photos from the ceremony, she appears almost unrecognisable with heavy eye makeup, a sweeping fringe and a darker shade of brunette.

Transformed: Looking back on vintage snaps from before her marriage to Carlton legend Chris Judd, it's clear the 35-year-old has only improved with age. Pictured left in 2004

'That' dress: Rebecca first came to the public's attention at the 2004 Brownlow Medal, arriving on the event's red carpet in a now-iconic plunging red dress

Ageless beauty! In her 10-plus years in front of the camera, Rebecca has maintained her youthful appearance and wrinkle-free complexion. Pictured left in 2005, and right in 2018

Attending the prestigious soiree on the arm of then-boyfriend Chris Judd - who won the Brownlow Medal - Bec's daring frock received considerable media attention.

The red-hot look led to TV offers, and she landed a guest presenting role on Channel Nine Perth's lifestyle program Just Add Water.

In her 10-plus years in front of the camera, Rebecca has maintained her youthful appearance and wrinkle-free complexion.

She has admitted to seeing a dermatologist and undergoing Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment that combats everything from acne scars to age spots and wrinkles.

Glam! Rebecca appears almost unrecognisable in photos taken at the 2009 Australian Open (left), sporting darker hair and a more casual ensemble. Pictured right in 2017

Evolution: More than a decade after her Brownlow debut, Rebecca's brunette locks have been swapped for a softer tone to match her complexion. Pictured left in 2005 and right in 2015

More than a decade on from her memorable Brownlow debut, Rebecca's brunette locks have been swapped for a much softer tone, peppered with caramel highlights to better match her fair complexion.

Growing her hair longer, she is often pictured on the red carpet with rippling Hollywood waves and a centre parting that adds volume to her look.

The weather presenter's beauty credentials have also evolved over the years, and she now opts for thicker, power brows and a more pillowy pout.

Refined look: Rebecca has also progressed her style in the last decade and moved away from more risque ensembles since becoming a mum in 2011. Pictured left in 2004 and right in 2018

Meanwhile, contouring has made Rebecca's cheek bones appear more defined and she has ditched her glittery and colourful eye shadow in favour of neutral tones.

Rebecca, who shares four children with Chris, has also progressed her style in the last decade and moved away from more risque ensembles since welcoming her first child in 2011.

A more conservative sartorial direction hasn't meant less sex appeal, however.

Rebecca still regularly shows off her slim physique in figure-hugging and semi-sheer designer ensembles at red carpet events.

Happily ever after! Rebecca shared this throwback photo of herself and Chris in 2014 to celebrate their 11 years together as a couple

'From back when I was 17 until now': Rebecca once shared photos of herself preparing for her Year 12 formal, offering a glimpse of her appearance as a teenager

The speech pathologist once shared photos of herself preparing for her Year 12 formal, offering a glimpse of her appearance as a teenager.

Several years ago, she posted a series of throwback photos to Instagram alongside the caption: 'From back when I was 17 until now. Delving into my hair vault.'

In the flashback snaps, a young Rebecca wears a strapless, midriff-bearing top with a long skirt and elbow-length gloves.

Beautiful bride! Rebecca has been called the 'Queen of the AFL WAGs'. Pictured with husband Chris on their wedding day in late 2010

Bright career! Rebecca is well known for hosting Channel Nine's travel series Postcards

With a spiky updo, dark eye makeup and red lipstick, the school-aged Rebecca in the photo couldn't look more different to the stylish woman fans know today.

Describing her look, she wrote at the time: 'This look was all the rage. It was very kind of Spice Girls '90s inspired, although it was 2000.

'I remember I'd had it done professionally with copious amounts of glitter hairspray which couldn't have been good for my hair.'

These days, Rebecca appears to have learnt much about hair and makeup, no doubt having learned tips and tricks from her many stylists over the years.They met in high school and have been married since 2010.

And on Monday night, Lin-Manuel Miranda and wife Vanessa Nadal were in the spotlight at a special event held in New York City.

The Hamilton creator, 38, was honored with the Eugene ONeill Theater Centers 18th annual Monte Cristo Award.

Honored: Lin-Manuel Miranda and wife Vanessa Nadal were in the spotlight at a gala in New York City Monday night hosted by the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center

The award is handed out each year to a theatre artist whose work has had an extraordinary impact on American theatre.

The gala also raised money for scholarships for artists of color to attend the center's training program.

The ONeill Theater Center was the venue for the Tony Award winner's first professional production In The Heights in 2005.

A-list: The couple, who met in high school and married in 2010, share two young sons. Nadal, a lawyer, looked fabulous in a bold chequered sleeveless dress

Honoree: The Hamilton creator looked dapper in a charcoal gray check suit paired with a white shirt and a gray and black striped tie

Miranda looked dapper in a charcoal gray check suit paired with a white shirt and a gray and black striped tie.

Nadal, a lawyer, wore a bold chequered sleeveless dress with a round neckline and a knee-length hem.

She went bare-legged in a pair of white sneakers with gold zippers.

The couple share two sons, Sebastian, born in 2014, and Francisco, born this past February.

Influencer: The Hamilton creator, 38, was honored with the Eugene ONeill Theater Centers 18th annual Monte Cristo Award recognizing his impact on American theatre

For a cause: The gala also raised money for scholarships for people of color to attend the theater center's training program

Past recipients of the Monte Cristo Award include Judith Light, Meryl Streep, Nathan Lane, Christopher Plummer and James Earl Jones.

Veteran actress Light was among those who came out to support Monday night's event and to help honor Miranda.

Light, 69, looked great in a black long-sleeved blouse with sheer panel and wide-legged black trousers.

On hand, too, was Michael Douglas, 74, who wore a blue two-piece suit with white shirt and blue patterned tie.

Supported the event: Actress Light, 69, a previous Monte Cristo Award recipient, looked great in a black long-sleeved blouse with sheer panel and wide-legged black trousers

Paid tribute: On hand, too, was Michael Douglas, 74, who wore a blue two-piece suit with white shirt and blue patterned tieDoting dad Grant Denyer has revealed he's been 'shamed' for not having a son.

The 40-year-old radio host - who is the proud father of two daughters, Sailor, six, and Scout, two - said he frequently has to fend off remarks about his children's gender.

Speaking to Be, he said: 'What offends me is when people go, and Ive had this quite a few times: "Ahh youve got two girls, clearly you want to go for a boy" like you wouldnt be happy with two girls.

'I'm not currently the head of a royal family' 2DayFM radio host Grant Denyer lashes out at critics who 'shame' him for not having a son

'I adore my two girls and I dont need anymore in my life. They are the loves of my life and theyre daddys girls. We dont feel like theres anything missing.'

Grant recalled the one time when a man approached him to ask if he was disappointed that his first born wasn't male.

'Im not currently the head of a royal family,' Grant fumed. 'I was so angry.'

Adorable: The radio host said that his children - six-year-old Sailor and two-year-old Scout - are definitely 'daddy's girls'

The presenter - who has been married to wife Chezzi since 2010 - frequently shares snaps of his beautiful daughters with his 77,700 Instagram fans.

Last month he whisked his family away from their Bathurst farm to go on a bush adventure, which saw the youngsters trekking to remote land before taking a dip in a watering hole.

Sharing an adorable selfie with his eldest daughter Sailor, Grant gushed about the exciting day.

'Explorers!' Grant and his six-year-old daughter Sailor enjoyed an adventurous day out in remote bushland

He said: 'Sailor is a queen at climbing rocks & climbing up waterfalls. Lots of laughs, a few scraped knees & many adventures made.'

Although the Denyers are the picture of familial bliss now, power couple Grant and Chezzi have bravely opened up about their problems in the past in a bid to help others.

Chezzi, 38, was diagnosed with post-natal anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder back in 2012 caused in part by the horrific monster truck smash her TV star husband was involved in.

Proud dad: Grant is pictured with his wife Chezzi and their two little girls

Speaking to New Idea previously, Chezzi revealed she suffered a 'mini-breakdown' when Sailor was just eight-months-old, leading to her shock diagnosis.

'I feared that if I didn't get help, they were going to send me away and lock me up - because that's how crazy I felt at the time,' she told the magazine.

In order to help other women who may be dealing with post-natal anxiety and other mental health issues, Chezzi launched an online chat show, Mummy Time TV.She recently enjoyed a family vacation in Hawaii before her second baby arrives.

But Ali Fedotowsky was back on the mainland as she was spotted on a leisurely walk in Los Angeles on Monday.

The 33-year-old television personality showcased her growing baby bump as she was joined by her husband Kevin Manno and their one-year-old daughter Molly.

Ready: Ali Fedotowsky was spotted on a leisurely walk in Los Angeles on Monday.

Looking every inch ready to give birth, the gorgeous blonde covered her bump in a navy tank top.

She swathed her pretty pins in a set of black leggings as she stomped the sidewalks in a pair of leopard print slippers from Birdies.

Her trademark golden tresses were swept up in a messy ponytail allowing her youthful face to shine.

Kevin carried an Elmo doll as Molly explored the grassy knoll.

Family time: The 33-year-old television personality showcased her growing baby bump as she was joined by her husband Kevin Manno and their one-year-old daughter Molly

Almost there: Looking every inch ready to give birth, the gorgeous blonde covered her bump in a navy tank top

Later that day, Ali posted an Instagram story where Molly could be seen playing with a basket of toys.

Ali was recently spotted with Kevin - whom she married last year - as they took advantage of spring break to enjoy a babymoon to Hawaii.

Ali and Kevin started dating in 2013, two years after she split from her Bachelorette choice Roberto Martinez.

Stomped: She swathed her pretty pins in a set of black leggings as she stomped the sidewalks in a pair of leopard print slippers from Birdies

Hair story: Her trademark golden tresses were swept up in a messy ponytail allowing her youthful face to shine

The family trip included both of the Molly's grandmothers - on hand to give the parents-to-be some couple time.

Taking to her blog, Ali thanked her mother and mother-in-law for coming along on the trip.

'I cant believe this is our last vacation as a family of 3,' she wrote, before explaining the family dynamic.

Fame: Ali found fame on the Bachelor series

Child's play: Kevin carried an Elmo doll as Molly explored the grassy knoll

'Well were really a family of 5 this trip because were lucky enough to have both grammies come with us.

In an interview with ET, the Ali Luvs blogger said that she's not prepared for her second child.

'No, I'm not ready at all. I'm in a lot of pain this time,' she began . 'I don't know if it's like I'm more stretched out the first time or what.'

'...It's different this time. The doctor legit told me to stop eating so much. I'm not even kidding you. The doctor was like, "How much weight have you gained?" I was like, "25 pounds." I was 27 weeks, this was just a week ago. And she's like, "So maybe you shouldn't eat quite as much as you've been eating.'''She skipped out on Bachelor In Paradise's dramatic grand finale ceremony after expressing doubts over TV beau Jake Ellis' ability to commit.

And now Megan Marx has revealed that she feels 'frustrated' about how the show was edited, in particular the promos which showed her kissing a brunette figure in the sea.

In reference to Elora Murger, the Instagram influencer was quoted saying: 'Shes absolutely gorgeous. Shes definitely my type of girl.'

Queerbaiting: Megan slammed the editing of Bachelor In Paradise, which teased romance between her and Tahitian beauty Elora Murger

LGBTI fans slammed the show for teasing a same-sex relationship on screen - after it was revealed that Megan was in fact getting cosy with long-haired lothario Thomas Perras.

Megan, who is openly bisexual, believes the producers are guilty of 'queerbaiting' which means that the TV execs were using the assumed lesbian kiss to appeal to queer viewers.

She told News Corp: 'I was frustrated, and Channel 10 knows that. Its definitely queerbaiting, and I hate the idea of the queer community being offended and upset.

'I dont have control over editing or promotion or any of that stuff, so it was frustrating. Not a whole lot that I could do about it but make a public statement and say that it sucks.'

'It sucks': Megan seemed less than enamored with the prospect of returning to reality TV

Bachelor babes: Megan met her ex-girlfriend Tiffany Scanlon on Richie's season back in 2016

After appearing in Richie's season of The Bachelor back in 2016 - which resulted in a relationship with fellow contestant Tiffany Scanlon - and the first season of Bachelor In Paradise, Megan is planning on staying firmly out of the spotlight for now.

'Im done with reality TV,' she said, adding: 'Not keen on doing any more shows. Two is enough.'

Despite her Paradise experience seeming to end on a sour note, Megan did in fact go on to find love with Jake.

'In love': Despite skipping out on the commitment ceremony during the Bachelor In Paradise finale, Jake and Megan have been together for six months since filming wrapped

The blonde beauty confirmed that the pair have been together for six months since filming ended and that they're 'in love'.

Megan took to Instagram to dash rumours that she 'wasn't ready to make a commitment' after fans quizzed her over the grand finale episode which aired on Monday.

Gushing about Jake, she said: 'We needed more time, which we took.

'We're heading to Thailand together tomorrow. I wanted (us) to get to know each other on the outside world. And it turns out he's even more amazing than I thought.'Jackie Chan's Estranged Gay Daughter Says She's Been Homeless for a Month Due to Homophobia

By Mike Miller

Jackie Chans estranged daughter and her partner claim theyve been homeless and sleeping under a bridge due to homophobic parents.

Etta Ng, 18, and her girlfriend Andi Autumn posted a short video to YouTube last week claiming that theyve run out of options because their friends and family have refused to offer them support.

Weve been homeless for a month due to homophobic parents. We pretty much slept under a bridge, and other things, Ng said.

Weve gone to the police, weve gone to the hospitals, the food banks, the LGBTQ community shelters and all of them just dont give a s, she continued.

Autumn added, We will have to be split up if we go to any kind of government facility.

We dont know what to do at this point, Ng continued. We just want to let people know whats going on because at this point it seems ridiculous that no one can help. I dont understand.

Ng is Chans daughter with former beauty queen Elaine Ng, with whom the actor had a relationship with while married to his current wife Joan Lin. The actor, who made $49 million last year according to Forbes, has not spoken publicly about his daughter but has acknowledged he had an affair.

Speaking to the website Coconuts, Elaine denounced her daughters claims, saying she needs to find a job.

I feel that if they have no money, they should go find work, she said. They shouldnt film a clip telling others they are broke and who Ettas father is. People all over the world work hard and dont rely on someone elses fame to get money.

Ng previously told the Express that the actor, 64, has never existed in my life. I will never regard him as a father.

I would not say that he is my dad. I would say, Oh, Jackie Chan, an actor, she said.

Ng went public with her sexuality and introduced the world to Autumn in a series of touching emotional Instagram posts last October.

Sharing a photo of herself silhouetted against a rainbow back ground on Instagram, she wrote in the caption,  #lgbtqai #lgbt #lesbian#androgynous.

The teenagers partner, Canadian social media influencer Autumn, then took to Instagram to confirm they were dating.

The couple quickly received a lot of support from fans and commenters, which blew Ng away.

I am in awe at the amount of support and love poured my way, Ng wrote in the caption. I am speechless at how followers went to my Girlfriend @andiautumn and my account to show us both so much positivity.

People all over the world have been rooting us on as Hong Kong media continues to mock, she continued. Ive grown up in a world of negativity and close mindedness but I am at that point where I realise that I can use my experience to tell my truths and help others just like me.

Autumn shared with fans just what her girlfriend means to her.

Ive never met anyone like @stolenmilktea, she wrote in the caption. She has given me a chance to fully express the running thoughts in my head.

Weve been pushed down again and again but its worth it knowing we will get through it together, side by side, Autumn continued. We are living in such an international city and yet so many people have their minds closed off.

But, none of it matters when I know every morning your going to be next to me, she added. I love you . .

A request for comment from Chans rep was not immediately returned.In April, the MAFS star revealed she had split from her 'husband' of three years, Alex Garner, via an Instagram post.

And days after Zoe Hendrix turned to break-up books for comfort, the mother-of-one has detailed her ongoing 'stages of healing' in an emotional upload on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old beauty referred to the universal seven stages of grief, claiming: 'It's been around 6 weeks since our separation and I've only recently went past stage 1. Shock and denial.'

'Just like joy, pain isn't forever': MAFS star Zoe Hendrix is experiencing 'pain and guilt' as she progresses through her stages of grief after 'hellish' split from 'husband' Alex Garner

Zoe and Alex, 32, tied the knot for TV back in 2015, and had planned to say 'I do' for real after welcoming their baby girl Harper-Rose in November 2016.

'They say that there are 7 stages to healing from a broken heart, loss or trauma. That these stages are essential to the psychological processing of emotions, and it's possible to move across them in different patterns. You could stay in one for months. Years. Your could run through all 7 in a matter of weeks,' she pondered in the lengthy post.

Zoe identified with being within the second stage of grief, which she listed as 'pain and guilt', but offered herself and others advice: 'No matter where you are. What level of suffering you are in, know that just like joy, pain isn't forever. This too will pass. Be kind and compassionate to yourself.'

'It's been around 6 weeks since our separation and I've only recently went past stage 1. Shock and denial': Zoe put on a brave face in the picture upload, despite the emotional asd heartbreaking caption that accompanied it

'These stages are essential to the psychological processing of emotions, and it's possible to move across them in different patterns': Zoe listed the universal seven stages of grief within her lengthy post (PICTURED)

She suggested her split was an 'opportunity for personal growth', before quoting a 'wise friend' by reciting: 'Zoe you do not grow from standing on the mountain, you grow from walking the valley.'

If Zoe is to follow her seven-stage grief progression, she is still yet to experience anger, reflection and eventually acceptance.

In the meantime, Zoe recently revealed she had moved out of the family home, where Alex and daughter Harper-Rose once lived together.

On Friday, the single mum posted a picture of Dr Nikki Stamp's book 'Can You Die Of A Broken Heart?', with the caption: 'Ok then!'

New chapter: Zoe has moved out of the family home after announcing split from Alex

'Can You Die Of A Broken Heart?' MAFS' Zoe appeared to turn to break-up books earlier this week for comfort after her 'hellish' split from 'husband' Alex

In the mentioned book, Dr Stamp, an Australian heart and lung surgeon, explores the workings of the human heart and how our emotions affect its functioning.

The author refers to the death of actress Debbie Reynolds - which occurred shortly after that of her beloved daughter, Carrie Fisher - as she examines how the experience of sad events can have fatal consequences.

Single-mum Zoe then shows pictures of several other titles laid out side by side, with the caption: 'They all look so good!'

Heartbreaking: After splitting with Alex, Zoe bared her soul as she deals with the end of their relationship - this time posting books on the themes of love and loss to Instagram

Baby talk: Zoe, who welcomed daughter Harper Rose into the world in November 2016, has documented her fears about not being able to give her daughter everything she wants

Triple treat: Zoe and Alex were one of Married At First Sight's few success stories, meeting and falling in love when they were 'wed' in season one of the series

Say cheese! Zoe captioned this picture as her 'favourite photo'

Zoe, 29, recently took to Instagram to freely express her grief in a note to herself as she divulged the 'hole' she couldn't escape.

'Dear Self, I know it seems like such a hole right now. Living a nightmare you can't escape. A level of fear you weren't aware existed,' she wrote on social media.

Zoe, who welcomed daughter Harper Rose into the world in November 2016, also documented her fears about not being able to give her daughter everything she wants.

Grateful: Zoe, 29, recently thanked her fans on social media for their support

In the wake of the break-up, she further explained: 'Worried if you can give this child the quality of life and opportunities she deserves.'

She confirmed last month that the couple had split after three years together.

The mum-of-one revealed how much she is struggling in the wake of her separation from Alex, telling fans last Friday: 'I'm in a s**t place right now.'Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) is at the jaws of death when a mysterious character viciously strikes him in grisly scenes on EastEnders next week.

The unsuspecting Queen Vic landlord is beaten by a balaclava-clad assaulter when he is at his most vulnerable while running the pub on his own.

Viewers will be on edge as Mick investigates the Queen Vic's nooks and crannies following his realisation he is not alone after a loud noise in the barrel store room.

EASTENDERS SPOILER: Mick Carter left for dead in explosive showdown with mystery attacker amid fears Aidan Maguire has comeback

Although it is too early to say who the assailant is, no doubt fans will be left wondering whether Aidan Maguire (Patrick Bergin) is continuing his reign of terror.

The heinous Irish villain's last sighting saw the gangster locked in an explosive showdown with Phil Mitchell (Steven McFadden).

Fans rejoiced when the hard man burst into the Vic pub to rescue Mick amid their clash over the notorious New Year's Day heist.

Is he back? Although it is too early to say who the assailant is, no doubt fans will be left wondering whether Aidan Maguire (Patrick Bergin) is continuing his reign of terror

When Aiden was seconds away from bludgeoning Mick to death with a cane, Phil quickly turned the tables as he inspired fear in the gangster with a box of fake teeth.

Fans watched Aidan leave Albert Square following the feisty fight, not knowing whether it was the last time he would terrorise the residents.

Phil was later in touch with the evil Aidan to inform him Vincent Hubbard (Richard Blackwood) was trying to leak information about the New Year's Day heist to cops.

Will he return? The heinous Irish villain's last sighting saw the gangster locked in an explosive showdown with Phil Mitchell (Steven McFadden)

But it seems Mick may not be as lucky as the last time he came to blows with the gangster in the pub as Phil is seemingly no where to be seen.

Rumours have been swirling on the Albert Square as a car with blacked out windows was seen circling the area which sparked speculation of Aidan's return.

Recently, viewers were left in shock after Max Branning returned to Albert Square with his new wife and former sister-in-law Rainie Cross.They have shared the screen on Good Morning Britain for over three years.

But Piers Morgan quickly got in trouble with his co-host Charlotte Hawkins after his cup of tea got in the way of her shot as she read the news bulletin on the ITV breakfast show on Tuesday.

While Charlotte, 42, was talking directly to camera, the journalist, 53, took a sip of his hot drink, with the mug making its way on screen, much to the annoyance of his fellow anchor.

Annoyed: Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins, 42, berated her co-host Piers Morgan, 53, for interrupting her news bulletin with his cup of tea on Tuesday's show

Getting into a rare spat live on TV, Charlotte wasn't having any of Piers' antics, telling him off for 'making his presence felt'.

Charlotte told him: 'You may be making an effort to be quieter and not interrupt as much, but your still making your presence felt, because your cup of tea, literally as I was speaking  straight through the shot.'

Instead of apologising for the on-screen gaff, Piers instead teased the Strictly Come Dancing star further, much to her chagrin.

Spat: Instead of apologising for the on-screen gaff, Piers instead teased the Strictly Come Dancing alum further, much to her chagrin

Staying professional: Getting into a rare spat live on TV, Charlotte wasn't having any of Piers' antics, telling him off for 'making his presence felt'

'It's probably the most interesting thing about your news bulletin, my hand moving across.' quipped Piers.

Not backing away from the awkward bickering, Charlotte asked the broadcaster: 'Were you actually listening to it  and not reading the paper while I was reading the news?'

Piers didn't let up, passing off the blame to the director behind the cameras, arguing that he'd always raised his cup of tea in the same way every time.

Bothered: Not backing away from the awkward bickering, Charlotte asked the broadcaster: 'Were you actually listening to it  and not reading the paper while I was reading the news?'

It wasn't me! Piers didn't let up, passing off the blame to the director behind the cameras, arguing that he'd always raised his cup of tea in the same way every time

'It was the director's fault' Piers disputed. 'He can point these cameras from any angle, he's deliberately choosing to do it to embarrass you.

'I raised my tea inexactly the same way I've always raised it, he knows it, you know it, I know it.'

Not letting her co-host get the better of her, Charlotte amusingly waved her own mug in front of his face, and fellow host Susanna Reid soon joined in with her glass of water.

Getting her own back: Charlotte decided to get involved with her own beverage as the pair quibbled over Piers' interruption

Tables turned: Not letting her co-host get the better of her, Charlotte amusingly waved her own mug in front of his face, and fellow host Susanna Reid soon joined in with a glass of water

Instead of getting riled up, Piers simply laughed off their teasing, taking another sip from his own cup of tea.

On Monday, the GMB team had a much more jovial morning after they were left cringing at their throwback snaps in honour of Old Headshot Day.

Piers was seen in the 80s, back when he was a 'cub [inexperienced] reporter' for the Wimbledon News.

Admiring his own shot, the TV veteran quipped he was a 'handsome little devil', admitting that he would have been in his late teens or early twenties.

Throwback: On Monday, the GMB team had a much more jovial morning after they were left cringing at their throwback snaps in honour of Old Headshot Day

Flashback: Susanna and Piers were left cringing as their flashback snaps were shown to celebrate Old Headshot Day

Next up was Susanna, 47, who disappointed the panel with her 'recent' photograph, that she admitted was 'not that old'.

As Piers scoffed 'have you just chosen one from three years ago?' She confessed, 'I couldn't find an old one so I didn't even send one in! They've just looked for one.'

Charlotte delighted the group with her uber-glamorous shot, in which she posed coquettishly with her hands framing her face.

As she quipped 'because I always pose like this obviously', Piers and Susanna were left in shock, exclaiming: You look like Marilyn Monroe!'

Piers was also mocked online after he shared the snap on Twitter, with comedian Ricky Gervais commenting: Look at your hair, you hippy', to which Piers snapped back 'I was wild in my youth.'

Glamorous: Charlotte delighted the group with her uber-glamorous shot, in which she posed coquettishly with her hands framing her facePeter Kay has revealed his forthcoming new episodes of Car Share are ad-libbed from start to finish.

The comedian will return with two unscripted episodes over Bank Holiday weekend, exactly one year after revealing there were no plans to extend the show, in which he stars with Sian Gibson, beyond its second series.

Speaking to Closer, Kay, 44, said he wanted to try it because it is "something original", and that he "couldn't think of any other narrative comedies that have ever made a fully improvised episode".

Improvised: Peter Kay has revealed his forthcoming new episodes of Car Share are ad-libbed from start to finish

He said: 'As Sian and myself often ad-lib when filming, we thought we'd give it a go for an entire episode.'

The duo return as car-sharing colleagues John and Kayleigh, and Sian has said nearly all of the laughter in the forthcoming unscripted episode is "completely genuine".

'We were always laughing, and nearly all of the laughter you see in Car Share is completely genuine,' she said.

Coming soon: The comedian will return with two unscripted episodes over Bank Holiday weekend, exactly one year after revealing there were no plans to extend the show, in which he stars with Sian Gibson

'Peter knows how to make me laugh with just a look - so he constantly makes me giggle.'

She added that the pair always make each other laugh because they "find the same things funny".

Kay explained that, without a script, they "just reacted to whatever came on the radio and just went with it, good or bad."

Unique: Kay, 44, said he wanted to try it because it is "something original", and that he "couldn't think of any other narrative comedies that have ever made a fully improvised episode"

The comic, who recently screened the unscripted episode and the special finale to audiences in Blackpool, said: 'It's absolutely wonderful hearing an audience react to what you've been working so hard on for so long.

'We'd screened both series there in previous years and it's really rewarding, plus you get to raise a bit for charity too.'

Bowing as he left the stage, he added: 'So thank you. Lots of love, enjoy, take care, bye-bye.'

The event was held to raise money for The Lily Foundation, which Kay described as 'an inspiring charity' that improves the lives of children with Mitochondrial Disease.

Real deal: The duo return as car-sharing colleagues John and Kayleigh, and Sian has said nearly all of the laughter in the forthcoming unscripted episode is "completely genuine"

Go with the flow: Kay explained that, without a script, they "just reacted to whatever came on the radio and just went with it, good or bad"

Car Share will finally return to television after the second series of the BAFTA-winning show ended on an emotional cliffhanger last year as John failed to reciprocate Kayleigh's advances.

Viewers were dismayed when he said there were no plans to pen a further series.

However, the comic later announced special episodes - a finale to reveal what happens next for the pair and the improvised episode.

Winner: The show won Best Scripted Comedy at the 2016 BAFTA Awards (L-R): Peter Kay, Gill Isles, Sian Gibson and Paul Coleman

The show's return has been highly anticipated after Kay cancelled his live tour due to 'unforeseen family circumstances' in December.

He said in a statement the cancellation was due to 'unforeseen family circumstances', adding: 'This decision has not been taken lightly and I'm sure you'll understand my family must always come first.'

Peter Kay's Car Share Unscripted will air on BBC One at 10pm on Monday May 7.Sam Cochrane proposed to Tara Pavlovic during Monday night's grand finale episode.

And the 34-year-old revealed to Yahoo Be on Tuesday, the Bachelor In Paradise co-star who won't be invited to the wedding.

'He was quite arrogant in his comments and very un-Australian in the way that he approached,' the voice-over artist said of Daniel Maguire.

Scroll down for video

'He was arrogant and very un-Australian': Bachelor In Paradise's Sam Cochrane, 34, revealed the co-star BANNED from his and Tara Pavlovic's wedding, in an interview with Yahoo Be

'Daniel from Canada won't be at the wedding, I'll tell you that,' Sam revealed.

However it appears to be water off a duck's back for Daniel, 32, who told the publication that it would be 'weird' if he was invited, as he 'barely even knew' Sam.

On Monday night's grand finale episode of Bachelor In Paradise, Sam got down on one knee and asked Tara, 27, for her hand in marriage.

Not invited: Sam was referring to Daniel Maguire, 32, however the Canadian isn't too fussed as it would be 'weird' if he was invited

'I want to spend the rest of my life with you,' a tearful Sam stated before pulling out a ring and asking: 'Will you marry me?'

Before the proposal, Tara told Sam she was in love with him as they came face-to-face on the shore of a Fijian beach.

She emotionally stated: 'Everyone knows the loud and funny and often inappropriate side to Sam.'

'But I was lucky enough to find the deep and caring and affectionate side. And then I was lucky enough to fall in love with that,' Tara added.

Popped the question: Monday night's grand finale episode saw Sam get down on one knee and ask for Tara's hand in marriage

Declaration: Before the proposal, Tara told Sam she was in love with him

Sam told The Daily Telegraph's Confidential on Tuesday that he and his betrothed are already planning their big day: 'We've started planning the wedding.'

However the long-haired groom-to-be added that the pair are also enjoying doing normal, domestic things together after being in Fiji for so long.

'For now, I am looking forward to walking around Woollies [Woolworths] together,' Sam joked.They married in 2016 after two years of romance, and have since welcomed two children together.

But Rebekah and Jamie Vardy took a night off from their parenting duties on Sunday, to enjoy a romantic date in London.

The former I'm A Celebrity star, 36, looked stunning in a slinky lilac midi dress as she headed home from the swanky Japanese restaurant Sumosan with her husband, 31.

Quality time: Rebekah and Jamie Vardy took a night off from their parenting duties on Sunday, to enjoy a romantic date in London

Rebekah was the picture of a glamour in a lilac one-shouldered dress, which clung to her svelte frame all the way down.

Keeping things simply chic from head to toe, the beauty teamed the frock with nude heeled sandals and a bright white clutch bag, before layering a sleek leather jacket on top.

She swept her brunette locks into a loose ponytail and sported a glamorous, bronzed make-up look - complete with thick false lashes and a nude lip.

Stunning: The former I'm A Celebrity star, 36, looked stunning in a slinky lilac midi dress as she headed home from the swanky Japanese restaurant Sumosan with her husband, 31

Meanwhile the Leicester City striker kept all eyes on his wife in a simple white shirt, teamed with a casual navy bomber jacket, jeans and trendy leather trainers.

The pair looked happier than ever as they dined in the swanky restaurant, before making a giggly departure in the early hours.

Jamie and Rebekah share two children - Sofia, two, as well as a baby boy, Finley Jaiden, one.

She is also mother to Megan and Taylor, six, from previous relationships, while Jamie has five-year-old daughter, Ella.

Happy family: Jamie and Rebekah married in 2016 and have since welcomed two children - Sofia, two, as well as a baby boy, Finley Jaiden, one

Rebekah looked more confident than ever as she headed out, after undergoing surgery for her E cup breasts - which she assures was a decision nothing to do with her husband.

'Jamie loves my boobs, hes happy that Im happy, but he thought they looked great before,' she told The Sun.

However, she has also declared that she wished she'd 'never messed with them' in the first place, on a recent appearance on Loose Women.

The reality star, who had her first boob job in 2010, told the panel: 'I wish that Id never messed with my boobs in the first place, but my self-esteem was so low and I just did it to try and boost my confidence.'She famously vowed to never marry again after splitting from husband and father of her children, Dominic Cotton in 2014.

Yet Susanna Reid appears to be dipping her feet in the dating pool as she hinted at a secret romance while discussing Love Island couple Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville's split with her GMB co-host Piers Morgan on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old hit back at the journalist-turned-TV star, 53, as he jibed that she should apply for the ITV2 dating show as she 'is popular and single', before she queried mysteriously: 'How do you know I'm single?'

Happy days: Susanna Reid appears to be dipping her feet in the dating pool as she hinted at a secret romance while discussing Love Island couple Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville's split with her GMB co-host Piers Morgan on Tuesday

Following the news that Love Island couple Gabby and Marcel had split, the dynamic duo met with the show's resident showbiz expert Ross King to chat about the romance, which ended when he cheated on her during a shared holiday.

Piers stated: 'Who would have thought that a bunch of stupid dimwits on Love Island where theyre trying to have sex with each other all day long with multiple partners, who would have thought that they wouldnt have long, lasting relationships?'

Seizing any moment to tease his co-host, the sharp-tongued star then turned to Susanna and queried: 'Why dont you go in it?', as she replied: 'Shall I?'

Piers went on: 'Well you love it, youll be very popular, youre single', before she sent fans wild when she cheekily hit back: 'How do you know Im single?'

Hinting? The 47-year-old hit back at the journalist-turned-TV star, 53, as he jibed that she should apply for the ITV2 dating show as she 'is popular and single', before she queried mysteriously: 'How do you know I'm single?'

Seizing any moment to tease his co-host, the sharp-tongued star turned to Susanna and queried her about the possibility of appearing on the series: 'Why dont you go in it?'

Former love: She famously vowed to never marry again after splitting from husband and father of her children, Dominic Cotton in 2014

Mother-of-three Susanna said on the show earlier this year that she will never marry again, despite having a great relationship with her ex.

She said said: 'I never wanted to be married and don't want to change now... That's it. I think I'll probably at some stage have another relationship, but not marriage.'

Shortly after the confession, her love life was once again top of Piers' agenda when the bolshy co-host teased his blushing colleague about her perfect man.

He couldn't help but quiz his glamorous co-host after the pair had interviewed the hunky Four Oarsman about their upcoming charity sail, with Piers questioning whether Susanna had taken a fancy to them.

She said said of her failed relationship: 'I never wanted to be married and don't want to change now... That's it. I think I'll probably at some stage have another relationship, but not marriage'

Sad times: Tuesday's chat centered around the Love Island, who have been dating for nine months after coupling up on last year's series of the show

A typically brash Piers said: 'You're single. You've always said to me your ideal man would be about 6ft2 or 6ft3, ex-military possibly, and tattooed. You've got four strapping guys there, bristling with muscle. Probably military connections.'

Tuesday's chat centered around the Love Island stars, who have been dating for nine months after coupling up on last year's series of the show.

But Gabby and Marcel have reportedly split after the blonde beauty, 27, discovered he had cheated on her.

According to The Sun, the betrayal happened when the pair were enjoying a romantic holiday in Mexico last month, with the girl in question later sharing her flirty exchange with the 32-year-old to Gabby on social media.

Reacting: 'Marcel and the girl slept together in her room and he left and went back to Gabby's room, but promised to see her the following day when Gabby was at the gym'

A source told the publication: 'They had a row one night so Gabby went back to their hotel room to sleep while Marcel started chatting to another woman at the bar, where they kissed in full view of other guests.

'He insisted that he was staying there for promotional purposes and that it was over between him and Gabby.

'Marcel and the girl slept together in her room and he left and went back to Gabby's room, but promised to see her the following day when Gabby was at the gym.'She was catapulted into the spotlight nine months ago after appearing on ITV2's smash summer hit Love Island and not only found fame but also romance.

However not everything has been smooth sailing for Gabby Allen, 26, and beau Marcel Somerville, 32, after they were plagued with split and cheating claims in recent weeks.

And blonde beauty Gabby, who is the new lead trainer on fitness app Fiit, defiantly vowed that she trusted the Blazin' Squad star '100%', hours before their split to MailOnline.

Hitting back: Gabby Allen had defiantly vowed that she trusted Marcel Somerville '100%', hours before their split

Last week, it was claimed that they had split suddenly but were quick to deny and insisted that they were happier than ever when they arrived hand-in-hand to a Boohoo launch party in London.

Yet, the reality stars were once again accused of splitting up on Monday after Gabby discovered Marcel had cheated on her.

According to The Sun, the betrayal happened when the pair were enjoying a romantic holiday in Mexico last month, with the girl in question later sharing her flirty exchange with Marcel to Gabby on social media.

Acknowledging the previous claims, Gabby told MailOnline that she was 'baffled' by the reports and insisted that they were better than ever, despite hours later splitting after it was revealed he had indeed cheated.

Strong: Last week, it was claimed that they had split suddenly but were quick to deny and insisted that they were happier than ever when they arrived hand-in-hand to a Boohoo launch party in London

She said: 'I was baffled at where it had come from, Marcel obviously had texted me and said: "Who have you been talking to mate?" and I said: "What are you talking about?"

'Obviously people want a story and everyone wants us to fail but we're absolutely fine. We're quite good, we try to ignore all the input from the outside world. We're in a relationship together, not with anyone else. You have to take it with a pinch of salt.

'We trust each other, I trust him and I hope he trusts me too. We've never had any problems in that respect, I've never not trusted him in any way.'

The fitness fanatic revealed she was taking their relationship in her stride and while she admitted Marcel was the one, there was no need to rush their romance.

Looking forward: Acknowledging the previous claims, Gabby told MailOnline that she was 'baffled' by the reports and insisted that they were better than ever, despite hours later splitting after it was revealed he had indeed cheated

'Trust': She shared: 'We trust each other, I trust him and I hope he trusts me too. We've never had any problems in that respect, I've never not trusted him in anyway'

She shared: 'I was never one to rush into something and I think I'm only 26, although I know I want to be with Marcel long-term, I also know we have so much we want to do career-wise that as along as we're going in the same direction we're fine.

'It's still early days and we've only been together for a year and I think because we're in the public eye everything is magnified so everyone expects you to do things so much faster. I'm still a human, I still have feelings.'

The bubbly star admitted that her relationship with Marcel had its ebbs and flows like any romance but hoped that they could be follow in their footsteps of engaged Love Island stars Alex Bowen and Olivia Buckland in the future.

'People want to see you together. I would never want to be in relationship for the sake of everybody else,' she shared. 'At the end of the day, you only live once and life is so short so why would you spend it with someone you don't want to be with.

Romance: The fitness fanatic revealed she was taking their relationship in her stride and while she admitted Marcel was the one, there was no need to rush their romance

Goals: The bubbly star admitted that her relationship with Marcel has its ebbs and flows like any romance but hopes that they could be like engaged Love Island stars Alex Bowen and Olivia Buckland in the future (Pictured above)

'Don't get me wrong, we argue but we're human beings, we're going to bicker but not everybody needs to know that stuff. I think we deserve our own length of private.

Continuing: 'You never want to hear anything bad about anyone's relationship and it is a credit to Love Island that people manage to find love like Alex Bowen and Olivia Buckland.

'They are so besotted with each other, it's so lovely to see so it can happen. It's a credit to Love Island that they find somebody they want to be with. Hopefully we'll be next Alex [Bowen] and Olivia [Buckland].'

With their stars on the rise, Gabby explained it was difficult to find time together but insisted that they do schedule dates away from the media glare and off social media.

Social: With their stars on the rise, Gabby explained it difficult to find time together but insisted that they do schedule dates away from the media glare and off social media

'To be honest, we've been so busy work wise that we have to actively make time to hang out just the two of us,' she explained. 'That's where the public comes in because they will say "We don't see you together other than events" but we do see each other.

'I just don't feel the need to publicise my life on social media when I'm sitting on the couch... I've never been one to post stuff on social media like cryptic tweets where as that's not me. I rather keep as much drama out of my life if I'm honest.'

Gabby's comments come as she announced her new partnership with app Fiit as one of their founding trainers. The new app allows fitness lovers to train anywhere in the world with the reality star and a wealth of world class trainers.

Drama: She explained: 'I just don't feel the need to publicise my life on social media when I'm sitting on the couch... I've never been one to post stuff on social media like cryptic tweets where as that's not me. I rather keep as much drama out of my life if I'm honest'

New venture: Gabby's comments come as she announced her new partnership with app Fiit as one of their founding trainers. The new app allows fitness lovers to train anywhere in the world with the reality star and a wealth of world class trainers

The app, which you can subscribe to monthly for 20, guarterly for 45 or yearly 120, has everything from cardio to rebalance and it updated regularly with new classes straight to your mobile phone and TV.

Speaking about her new collaboration, Gabby said: 'The concept of it is so good. It's everything you need without having to leave your house. Everything about is so high tech and people are going to love it.

'You can challenge yourself in the workouts and go against yourself so you work even harder during your next workout.'

To find out more about Fiit and Gabby Allen's workouts visit Fiit.Ben Fogle was overwhelmed with emotion as he spoke with wife Marina during Tuesday's episode of Lorraine.

The 44-year-old broadcaster is currently climbing Mount Everest in a charity expedition with Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton, so has been separated from his other half and their two children for weeks.

Chatting about his trek via satellite phone, Ben welled up in a discussion with Marina, his voice cracking as he told her 'I love you so much and I think about you every day'.

Emotional: Ben Fogle was overwhelmed with emotion as he spoke with wife Marina during Tuesday's episode of Lorraine. The broadcaster, 44, is currently climbing Mount Everest

Earlier in the discussion, Ben admitted he was nervous of climbing to the next camp as he's actually afraid of heights.

He explained: 'Tomorrow we're actually climbing up to Camp 3. I have to admit is pretty scary. I have a fear of heights, it's over 7,000m high and it's a sheer climb.'

Yet he put his fear to one side to thank Marina for her support, explaining: 'I'm so lucky that she [Marina] has given me this chance.

Cute couple: Ben and Marina wed in 2006 and have two children, Ludo, seven, and Iona, six. He has been separated from his other half and their kids for weeks because of the trek

Emotional: Chatting about his trek via satellite phone, Ben welled up in a discussion with Marina, his voice cracking as he told her 'I love you so much and I think about you every day'

Kind words: Supporting her husband, Marina said: 'We're so proud of you Ben and the children can't stop talking about "daddy's challenge". They are so excited about you calling the school'

'In many ways it is a bit selfish leaving my beautiful family behind. I want to inspire them. I want my wife to be proud of me, I want my children to be excited about what I do. I'm going to give a call into their school in a week or so.'

He added to host Lorraine Kelly: 'There's so many excuses not to do this. Believe me Lorraine this is hard, it's testing me to my absolute limit. It's not easy sometimes but I feel like the luckiest person in the world.'

Supporting her husband, Marina said: 'We're so proud of you Ben and the children can't stop talking about "daddy's challenge". They are so excited about you calling into the school. That makes a big difference.

Oops: Earlier in the discussion, Ben admitted he was nervous of climbing to the next camp as he's actually afraid of heights and does not want to go to Base Camp Three

'It's such a privilege to be a part of this. I've always loved the idea of climbing Everest myself - there's no way, now I know what it involves, there's no way. But we've got a front row seat, we get to experience the adventure with him, that's something that really attracted him to me in the first place.'

Whilst it is not known exactly how long Ben and Victoria's trek will take, the former Countryfile star - who set off two weeks ago - previously revealed that he is 'hoping to be back for the most important date of all. May 26th. My daughter Ionas birthday'.

Ben and Marina wed in 2006 and have two children, Ludo, seven, and Iona, six.She recently decided to depart the soap, after facing backlash for her controversial plot choices.

But Coronation Street boss Kate Oates defended her darker storylines on Tuesday's Lorraine - and said she still feels there is a nice 'balance' on the Cobbles.

The 38-year-old, who has been responsible for male rape, sex trafficking and murder scenes, explained that she wanted to create 'stories that matter', and that the faster pace of drama is a natural progression for the soap which now airs six times a week.

'I want to create stories that matter': Coronation Street's Kate Oates defended her darker storylines on Tuesday's Lorraine - stating she still feels there is a nice 'balance' on the Cobbles

Moving forward: Kate, who has been responsible for male rape and grooming scenes (above), explained that the faster pace of drama is a natural now the soap airs six times a week

Speaking about her recent storylines, which have received a record amount of Ofcom complaints, Kate insisted there was still a balance of comedy and drama on the show, which has been the case since the soap began.

She said of her backlash: 'It's an interesting one, because I still think there's a balance in the show. The Phelan story is pretty dark but it's also an art story about a serial killer.

'If you're going to tell any story about a killer it's quite hard to not be dark. Whether that's Richard Hillman from classic Corrie - beating someone to death with a crowbar is pretty dark!'

Assuring there were lighter themes interwoven with the sadder content, she added: 'We've brought characters back like Peter, Daniel and Carla.

Balanced: Speaking about her recent storylines, Kate insisted there was still a balance of comedy and drama on the show, which has been the case since the soap began

Proud: Revealing ratings have gone up despite complaints, she said: 'I understand that people say this is dark and isnt for me, actually people arent turning off, more people are turning on

'And in the block of suicide episodes, we've also got some of the best Corrie comedy we've had in such a long time.

'For me, the best formula is to create stories that matter, good drama and add classic Corrie elements within that  that's the holy trinity that makes the soap so strong.'

Adding that ratings have soared despite the allegedly controversial scenes, she said: 'Were six episodes a week now. Theres more Corrie, but the ratings are higher.

'So, although I understand that people say this is dark and maybe this isnt for me, actually people arent turning off, more people are turning on and I cant fail but be happy about that.'

Strong: She defended: 'For me, the best formula is to create stories that matter, good drama with classic Corrie elements within that  that's the holy trinity that makes the soap so strong'

Kate also explained that the increase in Corrie episodes airing per week means producers have to provide more drama, in order to keep viewers engaged.

She continued: 'With six episodes a week there has to be constant drama. For every cliff-hanger we have to bring somebody back. When that episode finishes we have to have someone thinking, 'What happens next?'

'That's why the drama is pretty pacy at the moment. I can see why people who have watched it for a really, really, long time, when it was two or three episodes a week, and that pace could be gentler, it probably feels like a bit of a culture shock.'

The producer confirmed she was quitting the soap last month, amid criticism about her controversial plot choices, and record numbers of Ofcom complaints.

Kate said she was 'forever grateful' for the job as she stepped down after two years, with Emmerdale's Iain McLeod taking over the reigns.

Moving on: The producer confirmed she was quitting the soap last month, amid criticism about her controversial plot choices, and record numbers of Ofcom complaints

Kate is responsible for such storylines as David Platt's male rape ordeal, Pat Phelan's murderous spree and Bethany Platt's sex trafficking, all of which have earned ITV a barrage of official complaints from viewers.

The producer also recently defended Aidan Connor's harrowing exit, after it was revealed he will unexpectedly kill himself in scenes to air next month.

The producer admitted she understands if some fans decide not to watch the latest tragedy on the cobbles.

Speaking to The Mirror, she said: 'We have gone public with this now so people can decide whether they want to watch it or not, I don't like spoilers a lot of the time but this isn't that kind of story.

Speaking up: Kate also recently defended Aidan Connor's harrowing exit (actor Shayne Ward above), after it was revealed he will unexpectedly kill himself in scenes to air next month

'I would much rather people can say 'I am going to find it really hard, that is not for me'.

'However, I would hope that if people do feel that it is something they want to see and learn about how they might be able to help somebody or think a bit deeper about the person next door, we could all do with thinking about these things a bit more.'

In episodes to be screened the week of May 7, viewers will hear that Johnny Connor has discovered his son's body in the bathroom of his Victoria Street flat, after Aidan aka Shayne Ward failed to turn up for work at the factory.

As the news of what Aidan has done spreads, his devastated family and friends try to come to terms with the shock of their loss and begin to question why they hadn't spotted any signs that he was struggling to cope with life.

Shock: In episodes to be screened the week of May 7th viewers will hear that Johnny Connor has discovered his son's body at his Victoria Street flat

His final scene will see him crying alone on his sofa. No element of the suicide will be shown on screen.

Kate added Aidan's story 'dovetails' with David Platt's 'perfectly' after he decidea to confide in Shona about what happened to him once realising how close he was to going down the same route Aidan had.

Kate added it was important 'David had the last word' to ensure the soap's message of seeking help was not missed.

She said her biggest fear was the storyline could trigger a vulnerable person watching but concluded: '84 men kill themselves each week... not talking is not working'.

Heartache: Viewers will last see Aidan on screen on Monday May 7th when he goes to see Eva at the cottage where she is living after giving birth to baby Susie, before returning to a family party at the Rovers

Coronation Street has tackled the emotional subject of suicide before, with Ken Barlow's wife Janet poisoning herself in 1977.

Katy Harris also took her own life in 2005.

And in 2014, Hayley Cropper, who had terminal cancer, overdosed before dying in her husband Roy's arms.

Meanwhile Shayne, 33, who joined the soap in 2015, said: 'I am honoured to have been trusted with a storyline like this, it shows the confidence that Kate and the team had in me to be able to play it.

'When you get given a storyline like this it is a decision that is not taken lightly, I have played it with as much honesty and truth as I could. I am very proud of what I have done in my three years on the show and on this storyline in particular.

'Aidan is an 'everyman' figure, he is someone men can identify with, which is important in telling this story. We hope that anyone who recognises something of themselves in Aidan, will realise they can, and really should, talk about how they're feeling.

'Talking could have helped Aidan to turn his life around. It could have brought him relief from what he was going through. This is what his loved ones would have wanted. Suicide is a very permanent response to what are usually temporary problems.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.She got everyone talking about her in the 2016 Love Island villa.

And Katie Salmon, 22, sizzled in the limelight once again as she sauntered across the golden sands with her friend India Jennings in Marbella, Spain.

The Love Island star paraded her astonishing figure from every angle in the high-cut one-piece with an eye-opening keyhole design as she hit the beach in recent days.

Sizzling sirens: Love Island star Katie Salmon slipped her curves into a nude cutaway costume as she holidayed in Marbella, Spain with her female friend in recent days

Katie's cleavage threatened to spill out of her cutaway costume as well as some serious skin being on display thanks to the sexy cut-outs at her waist.

The brunette bombshell seductively ran her fingers through her tresses, which kept her cool in the sizzling Spanish sun at the same time as being sexy.

Katie readjusted her high-cut costume which very much showcased her peachy posterior thanks to its skimpy design.

Funny moment: Belly laughing, Katie showed her sense of fun as she giggled and splashed around in the sea with her female companion

Cheeky side! Katie readjusted her high-cut costume which very much showcased her peachy posterior thanks to its skimpy design

Belly laughing, the curvy brunette showed her sense of fun as she giggled and splashed around in the sea with her female companion.

The dumped Love Islander may have failed to find a long-lasting romance following the series but she has found happiness in her close friendships.

Ahead of her holiday, she wrote of her pal: 'Yay yay yay!!!!! Litreally cannot wait to watch sunsets with red wine and constantly laugh with you. Eeeekkk.' (sic)

Feeling hot, hot, hot: The brunette bombshell seductively ran her fingers through her tresses, which kept her cool in the sizzling Spanish sun at the same time as being sexy

So friendly! Katie and her female pal India showed their close friendship bond as they led out in the sun together on the sun loungers

Katie has ensured she has stayed well and truly in the limelight since she left the Love Island villa in 2016.

During the show, she enjoyed a brief flirtation with model Sophie Gradon before she coupled with Northern Irish wrestler Adam Maxted.



She impressed Love Island producers with her fiery nature and headline-grabbing antics during her stint on the show.

Ink-credible: The curvy brunette showcased her inkings on the back of her thighs when she relaxed on the sun lounger

So close: India rubbed the sun lotion into Katie's sun-kissed skin as they spent the day on the beach under the Spanish sunshine

What are friends for? Katie fussed over her female pal's tendrils to ensure her companion was looking her best during their sun-soaked swim

The glamour model was embroiled in a love triangle after catching the eye of Sophie, who was already coupled up with Welsh hunk Tom Powell.

She was left heartbroken after bravely coming out as bisexual on national television, only for Sophie to dump her and deny she had romantic feelings for her.

Katie and Adam finished in fourth place but their connection never blossomed into romance, with things fizzling out when the cameras stopped rolling.

Great time: The pair splashed around in the sea under the Spanish sun as they enjoyed their getaway together

How to accessorise: The dumped Love Islander shielded her face with huge tinted sunglasses and she wore a sunhat over her wet tendrils as she walked alongside her pal

Moving on: Katie has ensured she has stayed well and truly in the limelight since she left the Love Island villa in 2016

Together: The dumped Love Islander may have failed to find a long-lasting romance following the series but she has found happiness in her close friendshipsShe was well liked among her Celebrity Big Brother housemates for her bubbly personality when she took part in the show earlier this year.

And Jess Impiazzi was having so much fun at O'Neill's Wardour St, in London on Monday that she almost suffered a fashion faux pas as well as a tipsy stumble.

Narrowly avoiding a nip slip, the 28-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star showed off her breasts in her loosely-fitted T-shirt as she readjusted her bra.

Cheeky! Jess Impiazzi narrowly avoided a nip slip before she took a tipsy tumble on VERY boozy night out, in London on Monday

Although she managed to hold onto her Louis Vuitton handbag, the curvy brunette took a tipsy tumble from her seat after she decided to call it a night.

Jess had teamed her designer accessories with a trendy khaki army-style jacket, leggings and a pair of pristine white trainers.

The bleary-eyed reality star showed off her sense of fun as she kissed the window of her taxi and posed up a storm on her way home from the evening out.

Oops! Although she managed to hold onto her Louis Vuitton handbag, the curvy brunette took a tipsy tumble from her seat after she decided to call it a night

Jess was back on the London party scene after her gorgeous break away to Spain's Barcelona for some much needed sun.

With a series of television stints under her belt, the TV star's latest venture is a horror feature flick The Seven Film.

Aside from her stellar television career, Jess recently discussed her difficult childhood and how being accepted into famed Italia Conti stage school combated it.

Best time! Jess was back on the London party scene after her gorgeous break away to Spain's Barcelona for some much needed sun

But that amazing moment was immediately marred when on the same day her 13-month-old nephew passed away.

Jess recalled on Loose Women: 'The thing that got me out of that sadness was Italia Conti stage school. I auditioned and got in.

'Then I had a scholarship for college and it was the day I got the letter in 2006 that my nephew died of meningitis and septicemia. It took away the brilliance of that day. I got hit with depression. The head teacher let me go away for a couple of months.

'I went back for rehearsals and my favourite teacher told me the light in my eyes had gone out. I didnt want to see anyone. My confidence was gone. I just wanted to hide.'

Jess went onto reveal that she eventually dropped out of the prestigious stage school to care for her mum Debbie.

Debbie had lost her sight after suffering Uveal effusion syndrome, a rare condition that causes fluid to build at the back of the eyes.She's enjoying a sun-drenched trip to Bali with partner Troy Delmege.

And Married At First Sight star Carly Bowyer wasted no time showing off her envy-inducing figure as she shared a saucy bikini selfie to her Instagram page.

The reality TV star soaked up all the sunshine in a tiny white string bikini that put her taut stomach on full display.

Tantalizing: Married At First Sight star Carly Bowyer sizzled in a saucy white bikini as she soaked up the sun in Bali which she shared with fans on Instagram

Carly made sure to work her best angles for the sizzling shot, showcasing her ample cleavage and svelte pins in the skimpy ensemble.

Clearly enjoying her time in the tropical getaway, the TV beauty flipped her dampened golden tresses onto her shoulder.

Letting her sensational physique to all the talking, Carly left the accessories at home and flashed a huge smile with peachy pink lipstick.

Carly shielded her eyes from the blazing sunlight in classic black aviator shades as she effortlessly posed on the sand.

The stunner captioned the tantalising snap: 'Could get used to this place '

Mum-to-be? Despite her incredible toned figure, Carly is reportedly expecting her first child with MAFS beau Troy Delmege (pictured)

Despite her incredibly toned figure, Carly is reportedly expecting her first child with MAFS beau Troy Delmege.

NW reported the pair - who unveiled their romance just last month and recently moved in together in Melbourne - announced the news while shopping at a baby boutique earlier this month.

The publication claims the pair are having a daughter, and picked out pink goods in the store.

Baby? NW reports the pair are expecting and announced the news while shopping at a baby boutique earlier this month

Troy was even seen tenderly touching Carly's stomach as he held a pale pink rattle in his hands.

According to fellow shoppers, the pair were far from discreet about hiding their big baby news.

'Troy was running around the store shouting about how he can't wait to become a dad,' one onlooker allegedly told NW.

Expecting? The publication claims Carly is having a daughter, and picked out pink goods while in the store

'He kept saying how lucky he feels and couldn't keep his hands off Carly', they added.

However, the goofy groom was far more coy when contacted by the magazine for confirmation about a baby.

He refused to confirm or deny, stating: 'Everything is going great since we moved in together, but we don't want to confirm anything right now. As soon as we have news to share, you'll be the first to know'.She was catapulted into the Real Housewives hall of fame in season one after famously clashing with co-star Teresa Giudice, who branded her a 'prostitution w****' and flipped a table in anger.

And while she disappeared from Real Housewives of New Jersey for six seasons, Danielle Staub has made a welcome return on series eight of the reality favourite and has made jaw-drops with her close friendship with her former foe.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the 55-year-old author explained that viewers and housewives alike shouldn't be so shock about her friendship with Teresa as like all good friendships, 'the cream always rises to the top'.

Stronger than ever: Danielle Staub explained that viewers and housewives alike shouldn't be so shock about her friendship with Teresa Giudice as like all good friendships, 'the cream always rises to the top'

The RHONJ original burst onto the scenes in 2009 and then disappeared from the Bravo favourite after season two when she had her hair ripped out by Jacqueline Laurita's daughter Ashley following a dash through a country club.

In 2016, Danielle shocked fans when she was pictured enjoying yoga practise with her former nemesis Teresa following her release from her 15 months prison sentence for charges including bankruptcy fraud.

Fast forward two years, Danielle, who is now back on the show as a friend of the housewives, admitted that they have salvaged their relationship for the better.

'We speak more than once a day,' she said. 'We're legitimately friends, it was something that was worth salvaging and has turned into the relationship it should have always been.'

Moving forward: Danielle, who is now back on the show as a friend of the housewives, admitted that they have salvaged their relationship for the better

In the past: Danielle was catapulted into the Real Housewives hall of fame in season one after famously clashing with co-star Teresa, who branded her a 'prostitution w****' and flipped a table in anger (Pictured in 2009)

The RHONJ favourite admitted factors from outside their friendship caused the breakdown in the beginning and now Danielle isn't letting anything get in the way of that but welcomes the challenge.

She explained: 'When people got in the way of it, we're not letting people get in the way of it no more. 100% It's a lot stronger.

'I pity the fool who tries to come in and tear us down. We would welcome that challenge. I don't think anyone wants to see me and Teresa take opposite sides.

Adding: 'I think the world wants to see Teresa and I standing side by side, showing people what a real friendship looks like because we've been through the f***ing storm and back.'

Friendship: The RHONJ favourite admitted factors from outside their friendship caused the breakdown in the beginning and now Danielle isn't letting anything get in the way of that but welcomes the challenge

Challenge: She explained: 'When people got in the way of it, we're not letting people get in the way of it no more. 100% It's a lot stronger. I pity the fool who tries to come in and tear us down. We would welcome that challenge. I don't think anyone wants to see me and Teresa take opposite sides (Pictured with co-star Margaret Joseph)

And following the death of Teresa's mother Antonia Gorga, Danielle proved to be pillar of solace she needed while she recovered from the shock passing of the matriarch and admitted that she proved her friendship to Teresa when she really needed her.

'We started to reconnect and then her mother got sick,' she shared. 'I genuinely was reaching out multiple times a day sending nothing but love, light and friendship, a shoulder, prayers.

She added: 'You have to really be there if you care for your friends. You know who your friends are in those times and I don't drop that ball ever, it's too important to me. Even had a social relationship with somebody I would still monitor myself but I would reach out to them.

Support: And following the death of Teresa's mother Antonia Gorga, Danielle proved to be pillar of solace she needed while she recovered from the shock passing of the matriarch and admitted that she proved her friendship to Teresa when she really needed her

Picture perfect: Danielle with fellow housewives Dolores Cantania, Melissa Gorga, Teresa and Dorinda Medley (Pictured L-R)

The mother-of-two, who has been engaged 20 times, added that Teresa and her family are very important to her and nothing will tear them apart this time.

She continued: 'With Teresa, we are all heart and we fought so hard in the past because we didn't know what we were fighting about.

'Was is it really because of each other, or was it because of other people? We realised now that nobody can take that away from us. She's really important to me and to the rest of my journey. I genuinely love her and care for her family.'

Series 8 of Real Housewives of New Jersey is on Lifetime, Tuesdays at 9pm.

Reconnect: The mother-of-two, who has been engaged 20 times, added that Teresa and her family are very important to her and nothing will tear them apart this timeOn Monday night's season finale of Bachelor In Paradise former 80s dating show host, Debbie Newsome got to witness her very own daughter, Tara Pavlovic find her 'perfect match.'

And on Tuesday the bubbly blonde revealed her mother became 'so emotional' during the episode, in which her hunky fiance, Sam Cochrane, 34, proposed.

During her appearance on The Project 27-year-old Tara confessed: 'You could hardly hear what was going on though because mum was crying so loud.'

'You could hardly hear the show because mum was crying so loud': Tara Pavlovic reveals her famous mother Debbie Newsome became 'emotional' during the Bachelor In Paradise season finale

Tara proceeded to mimic her famous mother's dramatic teary-eyed moment to the panellists.

The blonde beauty joked she had to gently 'shush' her mother's 'loud' sobbing.

'Mum...shush, please!' Tara told The Project hosts.

'She was so emotional...it was so nice to have both our mums there...my stepdad was there too,' Tara revealed.

'Mum...shush, please!' The blonde beauty joked she had to gently 'shush' her famous mother's 'loud' sobbing

Earlier in the interview, the blonde beauty was quizzed by the panel about what 'rating' the former Perfect Match hostess matriarch would score her new relationship.

'She gave us (Tara and Sam) a pretty high compatibility rating,' Tara answered.

'She gave us (Tara and Sam) a pretty high compatibility rating': The blonde beauty was quizzed by the panel about what 'rating' the former Perfect Match hostess matriarch would score her new relationship.

The newly engaged beauty was joined by her husband-to-be on the Network Ten panel show.

During the interview Tara revealed she has already started shopping for the 34-year-old voiceover artist.

'I bought him new shoes the other day actually but they were too big, I was so devo when they came in the mail,' Tara revealed on The Project.

'You know what they say...small feet!' Sam joked.

Ready to wed: They may have only dated for four weeks before becoming engaged but Sam Cochrane and Tara Pavolvic are continuing to move at lightning speed with wedding plans

The pair's loved-up guest appearance on The Project comes after Sam told Sydney Confidential that he and his betrothed are already planning their big day.

'We've started planning the wedding,' the long-haired groom-to-be told the publication on Monday.

On Monday night's finale of Bachelor In Paradise, Sam got down on bended knee to ask the beauty for her hand in marriage.They have reportedly split after their romance was rocked by claims of infidelity during their Mexican getaway.

And now new allegations by The Sun state that Marcel Somerville cheated on Gabby Allen multiple times with different women over the course of a few months.

It is also revealed that the former Blazin' Squad star kissed another girl during a night out - but when Gabby's suspicions arose, he managed to convince her that nothing occurred.

Cheat: New allegations state that Love Island's Marcel Somerville cheated on Gabby Allen multiple times with different women over the course of a few months

The publication claims that Gabby had her doubts when it came to Marcel remaining faithful in their relationship.

Back in November, Marcel reportedly locked lips with a woman during a night out with former co-star Jonny Mitchell - and went on to enjoy a meal with her at London eatery STK before partying the night away.

'Marcel then invited her to join him at The Box before realising that Gabby has close pals that work there  so he quickly told her not to come.

'At that point the girl was irritated by him backtracking and threatened to tell Gabby what had gone on between them.

Shock: It is also revealed that Marcel kissed another girl during a night out - but when Gabby's suspicions arose, he managed to convince her that nothing occurred - (together on Love Island)

Claims: Back in November, Marcel reportedly locked lips with a woman during a night out with former co-star Jonny Mitchell - and went on to enjoy a meal with her at London eatery STK

However, it was continued: 'Gabby knew something had gone on that night but Marcel managed to convince her that she had nothing to worry about.'

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Marcel for further comment.

The shock new claims comes after blonde beauty Gabby, who is the new lead trainer on fitness app Fiit, defiantly vowed that she trusted Marcel '100%', hours before their split to MailOnline.

Last week, it was claimed that they had split suddenly but were quick to deny and insisted that they were happier than ever when they arrived hand-in-hand to a Boohoo launch party in London.

Infidelity: The publication claims that Gabby had her doubts when it came to Marcel remaining faithful in their relationship - but he always managed to convince her otherwise

Yet, the reality stars were once again accused of splitting up on Monday after Gabby discovered Marcel had cheated on her.

According to The Sun, the betrayal happened when the pair were enjoying a romantic holiday in Mexico last month, with the girl in question later sharing her flirty exchange with Marcel to Gabby on social media.

Acknowledging the previous claims, Gabby told MailOnline that she was 'baffled' by the reports and insisted that they were better than ever, despite hours later splitting after it was revealed he had indeed cheated.

Hitting back: This new claims come after Gabby defiantly vowed that she trusted Marcel Somerville '100%', hours before their split

Strong: Last week, it was claimed that they had split but were quick to deny and insisted that they were happier than ever when they arrived hand-in-hand to a Boohoo party in London

She said: 'I was baffled at where it had come from, Marcel obviously had texted me and said: "Who have you been talking to mate?" and I said: "What are you talking about?"

'Obviously people want a story and everyone wants us to fail but we're absolutely fine. We're quite good, we try to ignore all the input from the outside world. We're in a relationship together, not with anyone else. You have to take it with a pinch of salt.

'We trust each other, I trust him and I hope he trusts me too. We've never had any problems in that respect, I've never not trusted him in any way.'

The fitness fanatic revealed she was taking their relationship in her stride and while she admitted Marcel was the one, there was no need to rush their romance.

Looking forward: Gabby told MailOnline that she was 'baffled' by the reports and insisted that they were better than ever, despite hours later splitting after it was revealed he had indeed cheated

'Trust': She shared: 'We trust each other, I trust him and I hope he trusts me too. We've never had any problems in that respect, I've never not trusted him in anyway'

She shared: 'I was never one to rush into something and I think I'm only 26, although I know I want to be with Marcel long-term, I also know we have so much we want to do career-wise that as along as we're going in the same direction we're fine.

'It's still early days and we've only been together for a year and I think because we're in the public eye everything is magnified so everyone expects you to do things so much faster. I'm still a human, I still have feelings.'

The bubbly star admitted that her relationship with Marcel had its ebbs and flows like any romance but hoped that they could be follow in their footsteps of engaged Love Island stars Alex Bowen and Olivia Buckland in the future.

'People want to see you together. I would never want to be in relationship for the sake of everybody else,' she shared. 'At the end of the day, you only live once and life is so short so why would you spend it with someone you don't want to be with.

Romance: The fitness fanatic revealed she was taking their relationship in her stride and while she admitted Marcel was the one, there was no need to rush their romance

Goals: The bubbly star admitted that her relationship with Marcel has its ebbs and flows like any romance but hopes that they could be like engaged Love Island stars Alex Bowen and Olivia Buckland in the future (Pictured above)

'Don't get me wrong, we argue but we're human beings, we're going to bicker but not everybody needs to know that stuff. I think we deserve our own length of private.

Continuing: 'You never want to hear anything bad about anyone's relationship and it is a credit to Love Island that people manage to find love like Alex Bowen and Olivia Buckland.

'They are so besotted with each other, it's so lovely to see so it can happen. It's a credit to Love Island that they find somebody they want to be with. Hopefully we'll be next Alex [Bowen] and Olivia [Buckland].'

With their stars on the rise, Gabby explained it was difficult to find time together but insisted that they do schedule dates away from the media glare and off social media.

Social: With their stars on the rise, Gabby explained it difficult to find time together but insisted that they do schedule dates away from the media glare and off social media

'To be honest, we've been so busy work wise that we have to actively make time to hang out just the two of us,' she explained. 'That's where the public comes in because they will say "We don't see you together other than events" but we do see each other.

'I just don't feel the need to publicise my life on social media when I'm sitting on the couch... I've never been one to post stuff on social media like cryptic tweets where as that's not me. I rather keep as much drama out of my life if I'm honest.'

Gabby's comments come as she announced her new partnership with app Fiit as one of their founding trainers. The new app allows fitness lovers to train anywhere in the world with the reality star and a wealth of world class trainers.

Drama: She explained: 'I just don't feel the need to publicise my life on social media when I'm sitting on the couch... I've never been one to post stuff on social media like cryptic tweets where as that's not me. I rather keep as much drama out of my life if I'm honest'

New venture: Gabby's comments come as she announced her new partnership with app Fiit as one of their founding trainers. The new app allows fitness lovers to train anywhere in the world with the reality star and a wealth of world class trainers

The app, which you can subscribe to monthly for 20, guarterly for 45 or yearly 120, has everything from cardio to rebalance and it updated regularly with new classes straight to your mobile phone and TV.

Speaking about her new collaboration, Gabby said: 'The concept of it is so good. It's everything you need without having to leave your house. Everything about is so high tech and people are going to love it.

'You can challenge yourself in the workouts and go against yourself so you work even harder during your next workout.'

To find out more about Fiit and Gabby Allen's workouts visit Fiit.She pregnant with her first child and was recently forced to deny reports that she had secretly wed her other half.

And now Vogue Williams, 32, has pined after her beau Spencer Matthews on Instagram and posted a bump-flaunting snap of the pair following a week apart due to work commitments.

The Irish presenter had been visiting Hong Kong over the past few days filming the latest installment of her RTE travel series Getaways and took to the photo-sharing platform to share her joy at being reunited with her 28-year-old love with a throwback snap.

Reunion: Vogue Williams, 31, has pined after her beau Spencer Matthews on Instagram and posted a bump-flaunting snap of the pair following a week apart due to work commitments

Having recently returned from an idyllic breakaway to Greece, the model posted a fitting selfie of the couple during their trip, clad in their swimwear.

Vogue was sure to turn heads in her red triangle bikini top which drew attention to her blossoming stomach while she posed along the blissful shoreline.

The Jump alum teamed her eye-catching swimwear with a pair of printed bikini bottoms which hung low around her hips as she wrapped her arm around Spencer who donned a pair of palm tree printed trunks.

Vogue, who is set to travel to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle in the coming weeks for her travel show, captioned the snap: 'Im getting him back today after a week apart @spencermatthews' alongside a number of love heart emojis.

Travel: The Irish presenter had been visiting Hong Kong over the past few days filming the latest installment of her RTE travel series Getaways

Recently, Vogue posted a side profile shot after being forced to deny she photoshopped her baby bump in a front-on shot earlier this month.

The Irish beauty lashed out at trolls, explaining how two angles looked so different to one another.

She explained: 'These photos were taken within half an hour of each other. Front on no bump, side profile POW there he is! So glad my bump has finally popped.

Denial: Recently, Vogue posted a side profile shot after being forced to deny she photoshopped her baby bump in a front-on shot earlier this month

Angles: The Irish beauty lashed out at trolls, explaining how two angles looked so different to one another

'I never alter my body in any pictures, if you cant see my bump its just because of the angle although I may only take side profile shots from now on!'

Vogue posted a number of snaps from their getaway on social media, one of which saw the pair posing in front of the Greek sunset, with the TV presenter shielding her growing bump in a flowing yellow maxi dress.

Daddy-to-be Spencer captioned his post: 'Last night was magical... We are FAMILY... Can the Little one hurry up already @voguewilliams?'

Popped: She explained: 'These photos were taken within half an hour of each other. Front on no bump, side profile POW there he is! So glad my bump has finally popped

The couple's sun-soaked getaway came after Spencer and James's multi-millionaire father David Matthews was arrested and charged with sexual assault by French Police.

The 74-year-old was released on bail last month pending further investigation, and Spencer it yet to comment publicly on the news.

A spokesperson for the family said: 'David Matthews categorically denies the allegation and unequivocally contests the untrue and scandalous accusation.'She has been a model for fifteen years, and is best known for her work with lingerie giant Victoria's Secret.

And Doutzen Kroes proved her career was only going from strength to strength on Tuesday, as she unveiled her new swimwear range with Hunkemoller.

The Dutch beauty, 33, showed off her sensationally slender figure in an array of the 'jungle-inspired' bikinis as she embarked on a raunchy beach shoot to promote her stylish collection.

Bikini babe: Doutzen Kroes proved her career was only going from strength to strength on Tuesday, as she unveiled her new swimwear range with Hunkemoller

Doutzen first proved her supermodel status in a skimpy pale pink two-piece, which left her impressively toned stomach on full display.

The textured bikini plunged deeply at the neck to tease at her cleavage, while the skimpy bottoms pulled into single strings at the side, to display her long and slender legs to all as she posed.

Adding a raunchy gold body chain across her hips, the model let her famous figure take centre stage as she smouldered for the camera on the sandy beach.

Think pink: She later posed in a more vibrant pink two-piece, which pulled into a stylish quadruple-strap neckline and was embellished with a metallic brooch at the bust

Stunning: Styling her hair into loose, tousled waves and sporting minimal make-up, the mother-of-two proved her striking natural beauty as she worked her angles for the camera

She later posed in a more vibrant pink two-piece, which pulled into a stylish quadruple-strap neckline and was embellished with a metallic brooch at the bust.

Styling her hair into loose, tousled waves and sporting minimal make-up, the mother-of-two proved her striking natural beauty as she worked her angles for the camera.

First posing sexily in the shallows of the water, the beauty later reclined on the soft sand - with her head titled up to the sky as she basked in the sunlight.

Saucy: She rounded off the shoot in a barely-there black bikini - complete with a split front and high-rise bottoms - as she draped herself across drift wood for another sexy snap

Exciting: The collection, titled Doutzen's Stories, will be available online from May 4

She rounded off the shoot by changing into a barely-there black bikini - complete with a split front and high-rise bottoms - as she raunchily draped herself across some drift wood, with the stunning sea view in the background.

The collection, titled Doutzen's Stories, will be available online from May 4, but the model recently debuted the garments at a sun-soaked catwalk event in Barcelona.

Clad in vibrant blue paisley trousers and a simple white vest, the supermodel proved her chic sense of style as she introduced her new fashion range, and welcomed the stunning models onstage.

Debut: However the model recently debuted the garments at a sun-soaked catwalk event in Barcelona (above)

Striking: Clad in vibrant blue paisley trousers and a simple white vest, the supermodel proved her chic sense of style as she introduced her new fashion range

Summer chic: Doutzen added oversized sunglasses to her look as she posed with one of the models backstage

Doutzen first rose to prominence after being chosen as Vogue.com's 'Model Of The Year' in 2005.

She went on to be named a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2008, and represented the lingerie brand until 2015.

In a recent interview with FASHION magazine, Doutzen discussed her success in the modelling world.

Having a ball: The models playfully posed for cameras after the show in their nature-themed green and pale pink swimwear

Soaking up the sun: The models posed for guests and cameras in a stunning rooftop pool at the event

Say cheese! Before they all came together for a beaming snap in the sunshine

Success story: The collection (above) proves Doutzen's career to be going from strength to strength - having shot to fame as a Victoria's Secret Angel back in 2008

Claiming it was purely down to genetics, she confessed: 'I'm very lucky I was born a certain way.'

However, she acknowledged that the fashion world is completely different to when she first started, and that young models are now at an advantage.

'When I started out, the [fashion] industry was more playful and not as calculated,' she explained.

'Now, because of social media, everyone knows everything - there's all these 15-year-old girls who know all the big photographers and fashion designers.'Disney is slowly rolling out new Solo: A Star Wars Story posters to get fans excited about the May 25 release date of the film.

On Tuesday the studio was at it again as they shared the new Dolby poster for the movie that stars Alden Ehrenreich, 28, as a young Han Solo - a character Harrison Ford played in four films.

'Check out the exclusive Solo: A @StarWars Story Dolby poster and see the film in theaters May 25. #HanSolo,' the caption said.

So throwback: Disney released a new Han Solo: A Star Wars Story poster on Tuesday

The real deal: The poster featured Chewbacca and Alden Ehrenreich, 28, as a young Han Solo - a character Harrison Ford played in four films. Here Ford and Chewbacca are seen in The Force Awakens

In the poster Alden is holding a blaster out as he models his trusty leather jacket.

Emilia Clarke as Qi'ra is below him and she too is holding a blaster, but hers is pointed up.

Around them are Chewbacca, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian and Woody Harrelson as Tobias Beckett, among others.

Brand new character posters were released in April.

Movie magic! Character posters for Solo: A Star Wars Story promise a host of amazing characters that will capture attention. Above Emilia Clarke wows as love interest Qi'ra

Peer! Donald Glover's character Lando is an old favorite, playing one of Hans' fellow criminals

Joonas Suotamo returns to the role of Chewie, having played the character onscreen since Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015.

Glover's character Lando is an old favorite, playing one of Hans' fellow criminals, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge voices Lando's droid companion L3-37.

Meanwhile, new characters promise tons of fresh excitement.

Furry friend! Joonas Suotamo returns to the role of Chewie, having played the character onscreen since Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015

Double take! Ehrenreich takes the lead as the Hans Solo, appearing the spitting image of the ruggedly dapper Harrison Ford portrayal

Out of this world! Jon Favreau is the furry, blue Rio Durant

Role model: Harrelson plays Tobias Beckett, a sort of mentor to the space smuggler while Westworld's Thandie Newton plays the tough Val

Clake described her character Qi'ra as an old friend of Solo's, who 'grew up together' but there is 'obviously [a] romantic side of things' between them,' speaking to Collider back in February.

Harrelson plays Tobias Beckett, a sort of mentor to the space smuggler while Westworld's Thandie Newton plays the tough Val.

Paul Bettany takes the role of crime lord Dryden Vos.

The role that originally belonged to Michael K Williams but had to be reworked due to the actor's inability to complete the film's reshoots.

Grit: Westworld's Thandie Newton plays the tough Val in the highly anticipated origin story

Antagonist: Paul Bettany takes the role of crime lord Dryden Vos, a role that originally belonged to Michael K Williams

John Favreau voices an extraterrestrial with blue hair and four-arms named Rio Durant.

The actor described as 'a very cool and important alien character' on his Twitter earlier this month.

Press for the film describes the plot, saying: 'Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga's most unlikely heroes.

Last week fans were given there first look at the motion picture's main poster, which was perfectly styled in the Star Wars genre.

Leadership change! The film is directed by Ron Howard, who took over after original helmers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller departed over 'creative differences'

I'll take that! The Star Wars franchise which was given a new lease of life in 2012 when Lucas Film was purchased by Disney for a little over $4billion

The film is directed by Ron Howard, who took over after original helmers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller departed over 'creative differences'; they will retain an executive producers credit.

It is the latest spin-off/standalone in the lucrative sci-fi franchise which was given a new lease of life in 2012 when Lucas Film was purchased by Disney for a little over $4billion.

Since then two parts of a sequel trilogy  The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi  have been released, as well as the stand-alone prequel Rogue One, with many more unnamed projects planned.

Solo: A Star Wars Story hits UK theatres UK on May 24, and in the US the following day.She works hard to maintain her phenomenal figure.

And Lauren Goodger gave onlookers a glimpse of her phenomenal physique as she donned a scanty crop top and leggings to head to the gym in London on Tuesday.

Making the most of the sunshine, the 31-year-old reality star donned summery workout wear and shades as she prepared for a gruelling workout.

Stunning: Lauren Goodger gave onlookers a glimpse of her phenomenal physique as she donned a scanty crop top and leggings to head to the gym in London on Tuesday

Going braless for the outing, the brunette beauty donned a skimpy black crop top with a lace trim that grazed her taut stomach.

Highlighting her enviably peachy posterior, the former TOWIE star also donned figure-hugging black leggings, whilst she toted her belongings in a Chanel handbag.

Despite the London temperature being in the low teens, Lauren didn't seem to feel the cold as she beamed broadly while strolling past in her skimpy ensemble.

On the move: Making the most of the sunshine, the 31-year-old reality star donned summery workout wear and shades as she prepared for a gruelling workout

Lauren was flying solo for her gym trip, but will soon have a special someone back in her life, her ex-boyfriend Joey Morrisson.

She recently confirmed that she's still in touch with her jailbird partner and is determined to 'protect him' ahead of his release.

And The Sun claims that Lauren and Joey are set to be reunited next week as he's set to be 'released' early from his 16-year prison sentence, after being convicted in 2010.

Top of the crops! Going braless for the outing, the brunette beauty donned a skimpy black crop top with a lace trim that grazed her taut stomach

Leggy lady! Highlighting her enviably peachy posterior, the former TOWIE star also donned figure-hugging black leggings, whilst she toted her belongings in a Chanel handbag

On the move: Lauren showed off her shapely pins as she strolled to her car after the gym

She's still smiling: Despite the London temperature being in the low teens, Lauren didn't seem to feel the cold as she beamed broadly while strolling past in her skimpy ensemble

A source told the publication: 'Its a huge moment for Joey and for Lauren. Theyre going to be taking it slow when he comes out because its a huge change for him.

'But shes waited for this moment for a very long time. Its definitely going to be something special.'

Joey, who was convicted of a string of offences, including possession of a firearm, kidnapping, blackmail and actual bodily harm, and is due for a 2018 release, seems to be Lauren's main focus at the moment and she recently urged fans to 'respect' his privacy.

All about the accessories: Highlighting her enviably peachy posterior, the former TOWIE star also donned figure-hugging black leggings, whilst she toted her belongings in a Chanel bag

On the move: The star seemed in high spirits on the outing as she left the gym in the sunshine

Hair she comes: Lauren's glossy chestnut locks framed her pretty face and blew in the breeze

Last month, the TOWIE star was seen with personalised number plates adorned with her incarcerated lover's name while she focused her Now Magazine column this week on her widely-discussed romance too.

Lauren has reportedly been secretly in business with her convict ex-boyfriend Joey for a whole year, despite 'splitting' seven months ago.

And just two weeks after she was caught with a screen saver of his face, Lauren changed the license plate on her car to include the jailbird's name.

On the move: Lauren seemed chirpy on the outing whilst ensuring she'd turn heads

Plump it up: Lauren oozed glamour on the outing, donning a slick of mulberry hued lipstick on her plump pout

Bum's the word: Lauren's curvaceous posterior was on full display in the shapely leggings

Putting to bed rumours in their romance, Lauren seemed keen to set the record straight as she awaits his release from his lengthy prison spell.

In the column, she penned: 'Joey and I are still in touch, which I have never denied. For now, he is focused on coming out and after such a long time I was to protect him so I'm not discussing him or our situation. People have to respect that.

'The number plate thing seems like a big deal but it's not. They were ordered ages ago and not being used so I decided to put them on my new car to save him from being fined for not using them and - let's be honest - it's a wicked plate!'

Chic and cheerful: Lauren was a vision of beauty on the outing as she sashayed past

Finishing touches: Lauren accessorised with a pair of mirrored aviator sunglasses

On the move: Lauren showcased her sensational curves while waiting to get into her car

Dazzling: Lauren was a vision from all angles as she stepped out in the sunshine

The incident came after she accidentally flashed a sweet picture of herself and Joey on her phone screen as she headed out in Essex.

However, a source close to the star insisted that they had not reconciled, telling MailOnline: 'This is an old photo from 2016. Lauren is very fond of the picture, and of Joey, but remains single.'

After that, Lauren admitted that even though she was looking for new love, she would 'always care' for her ex-partner.

The star dated Joey for over a year having 'met' him when she picked up the phone at his sister's house while he was calling from HMP Highpoint South prison.She recently jetted to Tenerife with her best pal Danielle Armstrong and her baby daughter Sunday, to take her mind off her split from her new boyfriend.

But Ferne McCann was back to business on Tuesday, as she headed to the press day for the second series of her reality show, First Time Mum.

The former TOWIE star, 27, was effortlessly chic in high-rise orange trousers as she beamed for cameras in the London sunshine.

Leading lady: Ferne McCann headed to the press day for the second series of her reality show, First Time Mum, in London on Tuesday

The Essex native certainly turned heads in the colourful bottoms, which accentuated her slim figure with a paper-bag waist, before skimming her long legs to their cropped hem.

She added a simple black vest on top, to keep all eyes on the statement trousers, and tied her look together with barely-there black heeled sandals.

Clearly keen to embrace the sunny climes of the capital, Ferne opted to go without a jacket for the event, and accesorised with dark, oversized sunglasses.

Style icon: The former TOWIE star, 27, was effortlessly chic in high-rise orange trousers as she beamed for cameras in the London sunshine

Styling her hair into big, bouncy waves and sporting a typically bronzed and contoured make-up look, the mother-of-one exuded glamour as she posed for cameras outside.

Ferne was the picture of confidence at the event, after revealing she has split from her new boyfriend - her first romance since jailbird ex Arthur Collins.

Earlier this year, the star confirmed she was dating someone older who she had known professionally for years, but that it was still in the 'early stages'.

Glamorous: She styled her hair into big, bouncy waves and accessorised with glamorous, oversized sunglasses

However, the former I'm A Celebrity star recently confirmed to MailOnline she was not dating anyone, and instead embracing life as a single woman.

She said: 'I'm not taken and I'm not looking, because I've done that in my past and I'm not doing that.

'I've changed as a person as I used to go out looking for love. Yes I still believe in love and I'm still a true romantic, and I want that fairy tale and if it happens that's amazing.

'But I am and I'm not looking for love, but it changes all the time. I went out the other night in the sun and I just love it. I'm flirtatious personality and I love being in the sun and flirting. It felt so good.

Single and ready: Ferne recently confirmed she had split from her new boyfriend - her first romance since jailbird ex Arthur Collins - stating: 'I'm not dating and I'm not looking'

Ferne has returned to the UK to promote the second series of First Time Mum, after enjoying a sun-soaked holiday in Tenerife with Sunday.

The pair jetted abroad with her close pal Danielle Armstrong, who she has known since they starred together on TOWIE.

Ferne was no doubt keen to relax in Spain after a tough few months - which saw her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins jailed for his part in an acid attack last April.

At the time it was claimed Ferne had told Arthur he would never see her or Sunday again, however she reportedly visited him in prison last month.

Beach babes: Ferne has recently returned from a sun-soaked holiday in Tenerife with her baby daughter Sunday and former TOWIE co-star Danielle Armstrong (L)

The TV star made the 440 mile round-trip from Essex to the maximum security jail, where Collins is serving a 20-year sentence, after he asserted his legal right to see his daughter.

Ferne has candidly spoken about life as a single mother ever since she welcomed Sunday in November.

Speaking to MailOnline last month, the reality star admitted she sometimes gets jealous of two-parent families - but is proud that she is able to raise Sunday alone.

She said: 'Occasionally I feel jealous of two parent families and I talk about this on my show. On Instagram you can compare yourself to others, be that she's got the body I want... they've got the relationship that I haven't got...'

Before adding: 'Sometimes you think it would be nice to share the responsibility and sharing it with someone else, but being a single mum I feel a huge sense of pride.'She underwent a secret boob job to correct the 'uniboob' caused by a congenital condition.

Yet Charlotte Crosby sparked rumours that she'd been under the knife for a second time as she shared a series of busty selfies.

The 27-year-old Geordie Shore star was promoting her new crop top range when she posed braless in a montage of snaps on Instagram - causing a stir among her followers.

Enhanced? Charlotte Crosby sparked rumours that she'd been under the knife for a second time on Tuesday as she shared a series of busty selfies

The star posed braless in four mirror selfies for the past - with her seemingly fuller bust clear to see in the selection of casual T-shirts.

While she was excitedly promoting her new clothing range, it was her eye-popping display that caught the attention of fans, who proceeded to accuse her of having another boob job.

One fan kicked things off by writing: 'Has she had another boob job? Awfully big for her tiny frame xx'

Not happy: While she was excitedly promoting her new clothing range, it was her eye-popping display that caught the attention of fans

Enhanced: Fans claimed her boobs looked 'huge' and 'ridiculous', sparking enlargement rumours (pictured right in 2016)

While others pondered: 'Has she had a boob job? They look huuuuge' and 'Why get them soo big I just dont get it?'

Another follower did not hold back on their criticism, writing: 'Ur boobs look ridiculous, they r way to big, u need to go bk & get them fixed asap'

As further concerned fans added: 'Tbh Charlotte you shouldnt have gotten such a big enhancement Ive said it since you had them done, you look disproportionate!

Sticking up for her: However, a number of her loyal followers were quick to rush to her defense, and blast trolls for trying to 'tear down' her confidence

'It doesnt suit your body shape and the surgeon should have told you that.. All you needed was a lift and maybe a cup bigger x'

And: 'Im all for its your body and you can do whst you want with it.... but come on they look ridiculous..... thats not nasty its just a fact' (sic)

However, a number of her loyal followers were quick to rush to her defense, and blast trolls for trying to 'tear down' her confidence.

One wrote: 'Carry on doing what your doing babe at the end ov the day its no one elses body but yours and if your happy f*** what others wanna say'

Honest: Charlotte has previously confessed cosmetic surgery can become a 'slippery slope', but is open about her love of her lip fillers, eyebrow tattoos, and botox

While another added: 'Why are some of the comments on here horrible! Strong woman build each other up rather than tearing each other down. Charlotte I think you look fab! Also loving the Tshirts.'

MailOnline has contacted Charlotte's representatives for comment.

Charlotte has previously confessed cosmetic surgery can become a 'slippery slope', but is open about her love of her lip fillers, eyebrow tattoos, and botox.

The former Geordie Shore star last went under the knife in November 2017 for corrective surgery to fix her uniboob, after admitting she was left bereft by fans mocking her condition.

Confident: The former Geordie Shore star last went under the knife in November for corrective surgery to fix her uniboob, after admitting she was left upset by fans mocking her condition

She told Heat at the time: 'My uni-boob made me feel under-confident. It (congenital symmastia) really limited what I could wear without people saying, "What the f***'s wrong with her boobs?"'

'Because I'm famous, if a picture of me is online, people say things like "What is wrong with her boobs? They're deformed! They're stuck together"

However, Charlotte proved to be more confident than ever after the procedure last month, when she slipped into numerous raunchy bikinis during her holiday to the Maldives.

The beauty took to Instagram to share a number of sizzling snaps from the getaway, which she enjoyed with new boyfriend Joshua Ritchie.M.I.A. has revealed she was blocked from boarding a plane in London.

The rapper, 42, took to her Instagram platform on Tuesday to make the shocking announcement - admitting that she wasn't allowed to fly out to Canada for the screening of her documentary, Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.

The UK born, Sri Lankan star copied the pose of a poster behind her and held onto her passport as she continued to detail how a 'mysterious person added a stamp on her name' in a bid to stop her talking about her critically acclaimed new film.

'Jealousy is terrible': M.I.A. has revealed she was blocked from boarding a plane in London to Canada in a bid to stop her talking about her critically acclaimed new film

M.I.A. - real name Mathangi 'Maya' Arulpragasam - explained all in the lengthy caption: 'Jealousy is a terrible thing. At the airport in London they wont let me board a plane to Canada for screening of documentary.

'Apparently a mysterious person has added a stamp on my name in 2017 for some issue. No one knows who or what its about?!!!. Hummm I wonder who is that powerful in Canada/US who also doesn't want me to talk about the film???

'Cloak and daggers. Write ur suggestions below. It's basically criminal,' she concluded.

Hinting that she will be taking matter forth, the Paper Planes hitmaker asked her Twitter followers shortly after: 'Who is the best immigration lawyer on the right side of humanity?'

'It's criminal!' The rapper - real name Mathangi 'Maya' Arulpragasam - took to her Instagram platform on Tuesday to make the shocking announcement

'Best immigration lawyer?' Hinting that she will be taking matter forth, the Paper Planes hitmaker took to her Twitter account after

The documentary in question - Matangi/Maya/M.I.A - made its eagerly anticipated debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January after nearly a decade in the making.

Speaking of her excitement at the time in an interview with Billboard, she revealed: 'Im still trying to process it all' - her slight shock coming from director Steve Loveridge unexpected direction.

M.I.A had initially thought the documentary would focus on her style and music over the years.

Venture: The documentary in question - Matangi/Maya/M.I.A - made its eagerly anticipated debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January after nearly a decade in the making

'Not the film that I would have made': M.I.A thought the doc would focus on her style and music - however director Steve Loveridge centred on her Tamil origin which has helped her speak up in the face of injustice

She admitted: 'He (Steve) took all of my cool out. He took all the shows where I look good and tossed it in the bin'

Instead Loveridge focused on her humble Tamil origin which has helped her speak up in the face of injustice.

She admitted: 'He took all of my cool out. He took all the shows where I look good and tossed it in the bin. Eventually, if you squash all the music together from the film, it makes for about four minutes.

'I didnt know that my music wouldnt really be a part of this. I find that to be a little hard, because that is my life. Its not the film that I would have made,' she candidly expressed.

Her life: Despite being unsure about the final product, M.I.A has been hard at work promoting the venture



Blac Chyna is accused of being pregnant with her 18-year-old boyfriend YBN Almighty Jay.

But instead of addressing the rumours, the 29-year-old TV star shared several glam selfies to Instagram on Monday.

And the ex of Rob Kardashian also posted a photo of her left ring finger which was naked, making it clear she is not engaged to the rapper. In April, the teen had proposed to Chyna on Instagram.

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Not telling: Blac Chyna posted glam selfies on Monday afternoon, but refused to comment on whether or not she is pregnant with YBN's baby

Not getting married: The pinup also made it clear she is not engaged as she shared this photo of her naked left wedding finger

In the new posts, the beauty commented on her long silver nails and her 'doll face' look as she flashed her Chanel purse in three different Instagram posts.

They were shared hours after the pregnancy claims were made but she made no effort to deny those reports.

She already has daughter Dream, aged 17 months, with Rob and son King Cairo with Tyga, aged five, who used to date Kylie Jenner.

Jay suggested in March he had no problem with Chyna getting pregnant as he told No Jumper, 'I dont wear condoms. . . I would not want to f*** a bitch I did not want to get pregnant. If Chyna got pregnant, I would keep that s*** like "ohh daddy love you," I love that a**."'

Blinged out: The TV star wore a diamond necklace and rings with a filter that added a flower behind her ear

Cuddling up: Chyna shared an Instagram snap on Tuesday of her and YBN Almight Jay cuddling up

Tongue out: She also shared a selfie with her tongue out with an alien emoji as the caption

Media Take Out News was the first to report on Saturday that Chyna was pregnant.

The site claimed she was 'showing off her two and a half month along BABY BUMP' during an outing with her younger beau on Friday.

Another source with Page Six confirmed the report on Monday.

On Sunday at her Lashed Ladies luncheon event in Los Angeles, the star seemed to go out of her way to hide her midsection as she hugged her teen beau and put a hand over her waist.

Happy couple: She hit a Lashed Ladies event in LA on Sunday and put her arms around beau YBN Almighty Jay, 18, who she is reportedly going to have a baby with

Hiding something? On the pink carpet she also put a hand on her waist, making it impossible to see if there was a bump or not

Chyna - who wore a brown tank top and brown striped leggings with platform heels - not only pushed her front up against her boyfriend so that people could not get a good look at her midsection.

She also put a hand on her waist, making it difficult to see if there was a bump or not.

Normally the former best friend of Kim Kardashian has a flat stomach, but on Sunday - even though she tried her best to hide it - there did seem to be a curve on her tummy suggesting she could be as much as four months pregnant with her third child.

Telling: Jay revealed in an interview with No Jumper in March, 'I dont wear condoms. . . I would not want to f*** a bitch I did not want to get pregnant. If Chyna got pregnant, I would keep that s*** like "ohh daddy love you," I love that a**"'

Hiding a bump here too? Chyna was seen at LAX airport with her beau on Friday

There were also claims she may be engaged.

In April YBN asked Chyna 'Will You Marry Me?' on Instagram. Chyna declined to publicly respond to this message.

They first started dating in February.

YBN Almighty Jay established himself as an emerging talent with a single called Chopsticks that's racked up more than 10 million YouTube views. It's also garnered him media recognition from outlets including Complex, XXL and Hot New Hip Hop.

In his early going, he's already rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, such as Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne.

Former flame: Chyna was previously in a relationship with Rob Kardashian, with whom she shares a 17-month old daughter, Dream, as they are pictured together in March 2016They've been inseparable since falling in love on the US reality series Bachelor Winter Games.

And Courtney Dober looked absolutely besotted with his fellow TV love Lily McManus as he posted a sweet snap of the couple enjoying a romantic dinner in Los Angeles to Instagram.

The 32-year-old reality TV hunk beamed as he wrapped his arm around Lily, 21, who looked just as jubilant in the loved-up picture.

Loved up: Bachelor Winter Games hunk Courtney Dober, 32, looked utterly smitten with Lily McManus, 21, as they got cosy at dinner in LA and shared the picture on Instagram

Courtney donned a casual beige jumper as he raised his beer bottle in the air, while Lily followed suit in a classic white T-shirt.

The blonde beauty's golden blonde tresses were swept back into a soft half up'do, while Courtney's short chocolate locks were lightly tousled.

Playing around with their camera, Courtney attempted to take the selfie on a timer, evident with the showbiz couple slightly out of focus while the roses in front take centre stage.

Inseparable: Courtney and Lily have called Los Angeles home since finishing up on the Bachelor spin-off - Winter Games - earlier this year

Unfazed by the photography mishap, Courtney captioned the snap: 'Selfie timers are all about composure. #nailedit #selfie #art. Have a great weekend everyone!'

Courtney and Lily have called Los Angeles home since finishing up on the Bachelor spin-off - Winter Games - earlier this year.

The couple fell in love while filming the US reality show and have put on quite the amorous display recently while embarking on a road trip from New York to Los Angeles.

On the road: The couple fell in love while filming US reality show and have put on quite the amorous display recently while embarking on a road trip from New York to Los Angeles

The social media sensations have documented their loved-up journey for their YouTube travel V-log entitled Court & Lily's RV Road Trip.

Courtney first shot to fame vying for Georgia Love's heart on season two of The Bachelorette, while Lily tried to win the affection of The Bachelor New Zealand's Zac Franich.

The reality series sees 30 former Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants from around the world come together for a second chance at finding love.

Finding each other: The social media sensations have documented their loved-up journey for their YouTube travel V-log

Their co-star Tiffany Scanlon, who has been unlucky-in-love since her split from Megan Marx last year, managed to help them find love on the show.

Revealing the secret to her match making, she penned on Instagram: 'When we were standing behind our banners waiting our turn to march in the @thebachwintergames opening ceremony, we were checking out our competition/potential lovers.

'I said to Courtz, "I know who you should go for." He asked who and I said "the Kiwi girl on the right"...and who should that girl be? None other than @lilymcmanus.

'Call it a lucky guess, or insane intuition, or fate but I immediately thought they would make a cute pair and I was right! Love them both separately and together and cannot wait for LA visits soooooonnnn!!! Xoxox.' (sic)It might be imagined that Gwyneth Paltrow's middle school aged children would be a little embarrassed by her latest project.

The Oscar-winning actress turned lifestyle magazine boss is busy promoting a new book about modern sexuality.

But, says Gwyneth, the thought of her children learning about 'the birds and the bees' was one of the reasons she took on the project.

'We're living in a time where there's so much access to everything,' she said on Good Morning America on Tuesday morning. 'I have a 12-year-old boy and I live in fear that he's going to learn all about sex from the internet.'

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New book: Gwyneth Paltrow added that she was emboldened to write about sexuality openly because she thought about how her own children would learn about 'the birds and the bees'; she appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday morning

Out now: The 45-year-old said she was excited when the book was proposed to her, adding the 'editors came and said we want to write kind of ... a new Joy Of Sex for the modern person'

Gwyneth's newly released tome, titled The Sex Issue: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know about Sexuality, Seduction, and Desire, retails at $26 for the hard-back edition on Amazon.

The 45-year-old said she was excited when the book was proposed to her, adding the 'editors came and said we want to write kind of ... a new Joy Of Sex for the modern person.'

She said there was a need for the publication. 'Sexuality is an important topic,' she added. 'And I think sometimes people think it's taboo and they don't want to talk about it.'

Writer: Gwyneth's book, titled The Sex Issue: Everything You've Always Wanted to Know about Sexuality, Seduction, and Desire, retails at $26 for the hard-back edition on Amazon

Gwyneth also talked about her children's reaction to her impending wedding.

'They are excited,' said the mother of daughter Apple, 13, and 12-year-old Moses, born during her first marriage to Chris Martin.

Gwyneth is engaged to Brad Falchuk, a television writer and producer behind shows such as Glee and American Horror Story.

She said the whole wedding experience was a new one for her.

'Chris and I eloped so I've never had a wedding or any of these fun things,' said the Goop founder.

'Its a very happy time, I have to say.'

'Very happy time': The actress also opened up about her wedding on GMA

Set to wed: Gwyneth is engaged to Brad Falchuk, a television writer and producer behind shows such as Glee and American Horror Story; they are seen in a February Instagram shot

Gwyneth, 45, has not revealed the plans for her wedding day, although she did celebrate her engagement with a huge Hollywood party, attended by her showbusiness friends.

'Im super lucky in that I have these incredible relationships in my life,' she said on Tuersday. 'To feel that love and support from our community is really, really special. It just makes me cry every time.'

Gwyneth and Brad, 47, announced their engagement in GOOP Magazine in January, following months of speculation about their romance.

Family ties: Gwyneth with her ex Chris Martin, with whom she co-parents Apple and Moses

In a joint statement for the publication - which is owned by Gwyneth - the loved-up couple revealed they felt 'fortunate' to have found each other at the perfect point in their lives.

They said: 'We feel incredibly lucky to have come together at this junction in our lives when our collective successes and failures can serve as building blocks for a healthy and happy relationship.'Rafael de la Fuente has had the pleasure of sharing smooches with some Australian locals, on screen at least, and he's developed a love for the land Down Under.

The 31-year-old Dynasty actor tells the Daily Telegraph that his friends call him an 'honorary Australian'.

'I have a huge group of Aussie friends in LA, I've had two Aussie boyfriends on TV, I've been to Australia three times,' he tells the paper.

Almost local: Rafael de la Fuente has had the pleasure of locking lips with some Australian locals, on screen at least, and he's developed a love for the land down under

'My friends call me an honorary Australian,' the soap opera star adds.

Australian actor James Mackay, 33, plays Rafael's boyfriend Steven Carrington on the reboot of the classic 1980s soap opera, and the pair share some steamy scenes.

Rafael's love of all things Aussie extends to enjoying the country's favourite condiments and knowing the words to Advance Australian Fair.

The South American born actor says: 'I even know the Australian national anthem and I love Vegemite.'

The hunk is in town the wedding of his Dynasty co-star, Nathalie Kelleyto, who is Australian.

TV couple: Australian actor James Mackay, 33, plays Rafael's boyfriend Steven Carrington on the reboot of the classic 1980s soap opera, Dynasty

She is marrying Sydney bar owner Jordy Burrows, who is behind Bondi Beach bar and eatery The Bucket List.

Discussing playing a gay character on screen, Rafael tells Candid Magazine that he ensures the performance feels 'real'.

'I make sure its portrayed fairly. The way our character is written and portrayed and the writers, its not stereotypical,' he said.

Loved up character: Rafael and Aussie actor James share some steamy scenes on the soap

'I would definitely feel a responsibility to play a layered character, real human, multi-dimensional character whos not just a gay character,' he added.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, the actor lived in South America before going to college in the United States at the age of 19.Season three of the Netflix sensation Stranger Things has begun filming.

And three of its stars - Winona Ryder, David Harbour and Natalia Dyer - were spotted on set Tuesday morning in Canton, Georgia.

Winona, 46, who plays single mother of two Joyce Byers, looked a perfect fit for the show's 1980s setting, wearing a navy shirt open over a white tee.

Hard at work: Three of the stars of Stranger Things - Winona Ryder (pictured), David Harbour and Natalia Dyer - were spotted on set Tuesday morning in Canton, Georgia

The Heathers star complemented her wrap with faded jeans and accessorized with a camouflage visor with a long brim.

David, 43, who plays Jim Hopper, the alcoholic police chief of the show's fictional town Hawkins, Indiana, rocked a handlebar mustache.

The New York-born hunk, whose costume that day was his character's police uniform, sported a beard during season two of the series.

Natalia, 21, who stars as high school student Nancy Wheeler, looked straight out of the 1950s in a half-sleeved print dress cinched at the waist and hemmed at mid-calf.

New look Jim Hopper: David, 43, who plays the alcoholic police chief of the show's fictional town Hawkins, Indiana, rocked a handlebar mustache

Not only is Nancy dating Joyce's elder son Jonathan, but in real life Natalia has become an item with Charlie Heaton, who plays him, as well.

As love connections on the show go, there is also an undercurrent of possible romance between Jim and Joyce, though neither has acted on it yet.

Joyce's younger son Will (Noah Schnapp) becomes possessed by one of the show's fantastical creatures, a Mind Flayer, in season two.

It is Joyce, Jonathan and Nancy who ultimately perform the successful exorcism on Will - and they do so in Jim's cabin.

Coffee in hand: Natalia, 21, who stars as high school student Nancy Wheeler, looked straight out of the 1950s in a half-sleeved print dress cinched at the waist and hemmed at mid-calf

Stranger Things was created by The Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross, and dropped its eight-episode first season on Netflix in July of 2016.

The nine-episode second season was released on Netflix four days before this past Halloween, and season three is yet to get a release date.

Executive producer Shawn Levy told Glamour earlier this year that the characters will deal with 'new' evil forces in season three.

'We're going to give Will [Byers] a break,' Levy said.

'We're not going to put Will through hell for a third season in a row. He'll be dealing with stuff, but he won't be at rock bottom the way we forced the amazing Noah Schnapp to play. We're [going to be] dealing with forces of evil that are new.'Tensions are set to rise on the Square as Sonia Fowler kisses ex husband Martin after love rival Stacey Slater had made her intentions known with her former flame.

The love triangle comes as Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) and Martin (James Bye) grow closer while living in the same house with their daughter Bex ((Jasmine Armfield).

Not one to be outdone, Stacey (Lacy Turner) undergoes a makeover and heads to club E20 for a girls' night out with Whitney Carter (Shona McGarty).

Tension: Tensions are set to rise on the Square as Sonia Fowler kisses ex husband Martin after love rival Stacey Slater had made her intentions known with her former flame

But soon Stacey begins to get unwanted male attention, which leaves former beau Martin to jump in and protect her from the explosive situation.

However, Martin's heroics don't go to plan as he injures his back while trying to intervene, leaving Stacey to bring him home and in turn attempt to kiss him.

Left injured, Sonia makes it her duty to nurse him back to full health and leaves daughter Bex asking whether her parents could get back together.

Although shooting down her teasing, Sonia gets a change of heart when she sees her ex-hubby falling asleep and admits that she loves him before stealing a kiss.

Teasing: The love triangle comes as Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) and Martin (James Bye) grow closer while living in the same house with their daughter Bex ((Jasmine Armfield)

Love triangle: Sonia and Stacey are set to vie for Martin's attention

With love on the brain, Sonia soon swaps her causal threads for a glamorous appearance for a party in the cafe which Martin was attending.

But it's not all smooth sailing for Sonia after the arrival of the Slater gang causes mayhem at the cafe and a slagging match to ensue between the two.

Famously, Sonia and Martin lost their virginity to each other. The encounter left the soap favourite pregnant with daughter Chloe/Rebecca, who they gave up for adoption.

Helping hand: Left injured, Sonia makes it her duty to nurse Martin back to full health and leaves daughter Bex asking whether her parents could get back together

Love: Although shooting down her teasing, Sonia gets a change of heart when she sees her ex-hubby falling asleep and admits that she loves him before stealing a kiss

They later eloped but wedded bliss didn't last long after Sonia had an affair with student Naomi (Petra Letang) and then divorced four years ago.

Following their split, Martin moved in with Stacey and her daughter Lily Branning (Aine Garvey) and soon began dating.

But it wasn't meant to be when Stacey discovered she was pregnant with Kush Kazemi's son and was diagnosed with bipolar diagnosis. Later they let bygones by bygones and welcomed a child of their own, Hope.

EastEnders airs tonight on BBC One at 7:30pmShe became a mother of two in December.

And Nicky Hilton draped her enviably trim post-baby body in a black and white floral mini-dress when she was pap-snapped in New York City on Tuesday.

The Rothschild-by-marriage, 34, wore pearl earrings as she pushed along her one-year-old daughter Lily Grace Victoria in a stroller.

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Family time: Nicky Hilton draped her enviably trim post-baby body in a black and white floral mini-dress when she was pap-snapped with her daughter Lily in New York City on Tuesday

Nicky's outfit featured flared sleeves and a white Chelsea collar, and its mid-thigh hemline allowed the platinum blonde to show off her pencil-thin legs.

Accessorizing with a black-rimmed pair of cat-eye shades, she slung on a sleek leather purse and slipped into flats with bows on them.

Nicky - whose big sister is socialite, businesswoman and sex tape icon Paris Hilton - is married to James Rothschild, grandson of the 3rd Baron Rothschild.

On the go: The Rothschild-by-marriage, 34, was pushing along her one-year-old daughter Lily Grace Victoria in a stroller down the sidewalk

Oozing chic: Accessorizing with a black-rimmed pair of cat-eye shades, Nicky slung on a sleek leather purse and slipped into flats with bows on them

When you got it: Nicky's outfit featured flared sleeves and a white Chelsea collar, and its mid-thigh hemline allowed the platinum blonde to show off her pencil-thin legs

James and Nicky tied the knot at the Orangery at Kensington Palace, the London home of William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Nottingham Cottage, which is in the grounds of Kensington Palace, happens to be where Meghan Markle and William's brother Prince Harry will live as man and wife.

Before getting hitched in Valentino to James, Nicky married her old pal Todd Meister in Las Vegas in 2004, then had the union annulled before the year was out.

Father of her children: Nicky - whose big sister is socialite, businesswoman and sex tape icon Paris Hilton - is married to James Rothschild, grandson of the 3rd Baron Rothschild

Classy: James and Nicky tied the knot at the Orangery at Kensington Palace, the London home of William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Nicky and James welcomed their elder daughter in 2016, and their younger daughter Teddy was born five days before Christmas this past year.

Meanwhile, Paris, who has never been married before, is currently engaged to little-known actor Chris Zylka, whom she praised to TMZ recently.

After jaywalking across Rodeo Drive, she said of reports Tristan Thompson cheated on Khloe Kardashian: 'That would never happen to me. My man is amazing.'MEDIA RELEASE 1 May 2018

Three talented Kiwis shortlisted for Michael Gifkins Prize





Out of almost 200 entries, three outstanding manuscripts have been chosen for the 2018 shortlist. Text Publishing and the New Zealand Society of Authors are thrilled to announce the shortlist for the inaugural 2018 Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Novel.Out of almost 200 entries, three outstanding manuscripts have been chosen for the 2018 shortlist.

The shortlist is:

When Curlews Call by H. E. Crampton

Caught Between by Jeannie McLean

Slaughter Weight by Ruby Porter

Over the summer two New Zealand judges, Jill Rawnsley and James George, selected a beguiling and diverse longlist which then went to Text Publishing for the shortlist selection.



Text Publishing remarked that 'the selection revealed an extraordinary diversity of writing and an enviable depth of talent. It was a difficult process to arrive at our shortlist of three novels.'



The manuscripts are now with the shortlist judges; award-winning novelists Lloyd Jones and Patricia Grace, and a representative from Text Publishing. The winner will be announced at a ceremony on 19 May, 4pm-5pm in the Air NZ Foyer of the Aotea Centre, hosted as part of the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival (full programme here) .



Text Publishing's Michael Heyward, along with Lloyd and Patricia, will be there to announce the winner. All are welcome to this free public event.





H E Crampton is from Nelson and studied chemical engineering and classics at the University of Canterbury. When Curlews Call , was a thesis for her MA in creative writing at the International Institute of Modern Letters, Victoria University, and was shortlisted in the manuscript category of the Queensland Literary Awards. Crampton lives in Cairns and Golden Bay.











Jeannie McLean writes crime and mystery short stories and novels for both YA and adults. When not writing she is usually thinking about writing. In other spare time she likes to travel.







Ruby Porter is a writer of prose and poetry, and an artist. She tutors creative writing at the University of Auckland and in high schools. Ruby has been published in Geometry Journal, Argos, Aotearotica , the Spinoff and the Wireless , and a selection of her poetry is available on NZEPC as part of Six Pack Sounds.











The Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Novel was made possible by a generous sponsorship from Ann Hatherly and Andre Gifkins, partner and son of the late Michael Gifkins and Text Publishing. It pays tribute to the support and encouragement Michael Gifkins gave to NZ writers throughout his career. The award gives the winning author a $10,000 advance and publishing contract. The competition is open to previously published authors and new writers, who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and is administered by The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc.) Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa.



The 2019 Michael Gifkins Prize for an Unpublished Novel will open for entry on 20 July. Please see the New Zealand Society of Authors website for entry details. Find out more about the 27 longlisted writers.

Fo r media inquiries please contact Jenny Nagle (Auckland) director@nzauthors.org.nz +64 9 379 4801 or Stefanie Italia (Text Publishing Melbourne) stefanie.italia@textpublishing.com.auShe's never strayed too far from controversy.

And Jenelle Evans reportedly 'pulled out a gun' during a road rage incident in Bolivia, North Carolina, on Thursday, April 26, according to US Weekly.

The 26-year-old reality television star was traveling with her eight-year-old son Jace when she called the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office to report a male tailgater following her vehicle.

Trouble: Jenelle Evans reportedly 'pulled out a gun' during a road rage incident in Bolivia, North Carolina, on Thursday, April 26, according to US Weekly; seen on Instagram

'I had my son in the car because my son was at therapy,' Evans told the 911 in records obtained by US. 'He's been tailgating me the whole time in traffic  would not stop  and then he races in front of me and purposely slammed on the brakes at 70-something miles an hour.

'I almost got veered off the side of the road. And now this guy is trying his hardest for me not to be behind him anymore. He is literally going crazy, swerving in and out of lanes.'

The male driver of the vehicle said that the MTV star was 'blocking traffic' so he 'tried to pass her on the inside like everyone else, and she flipped out,' according to the police report.

Not great: The 26-year-old reality television star was traveling with her eight-year-old son Jace when she called the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office to report a male tailgater following her vehicle; seen on Instagram

'He made me slam the brakes so hard that my phone went flying. My son  his head almost got whiplash and almost hit the dashboard,' Jenelle said.

The driver also said that Evans 'followed him to his house,' hit two vehicles and a mailbox in his yard and then 'pulled the gun on him.'

He told authorities that he 'wants her stopped and charged,' according to the publication.

'I had my son in the car because my son was at therapy,' Evans told the 911 in records obtained by US. 'He's been tailgating me the whole time in traffic

Reality: She gave birth to a daughter, Ensley, more than one year ago, just months before her wedding to Eason; seen in August

Just two months ago, MTV cut ties with Jenelle's husband David Eason after he shared a series of homophobic tweets.

In a February statement to US, the network said that Eason's 'personal comments do not reflect the view of MTV.'

Jenelle shares son Jace with ex Andrew Lewis and is also the mother to son Kaiser, three, with ex-fiance Nathan Griffith.

She gave birth to a daughter, Ensley, more than one year ago, just months before her wedding to Eason.

Her difficult past has been a mainstay on Teen Mom, as Jenelle has reportedly been arrested 15 times for various criminal offenses, some of which include heroin possession and driving without a license.They were three of the founding stars of E4 show Made In Chelsea.

And despite the fact that Millie Mackintosh, Hugo Taylor and Caggie Dunlop no longer take part in the on-screen drama of the veteran structured reality series, they're still the best of pals.

The trio reunited in London on Tuesday, with Millie seen packing on the PDA with her fiance Hugo outside his new eye-wear boutique, Taylor Morris Space, having caught up with Caggie earlier in the morning over a coffee.

Reuniting in Chelsea: Millie Mackintosh packed on the PDA with Hugo Taylor... after joining fellow ex-Made In Chelsea star Caggie Dunlop for a London reunion

Millie, 28, looked typically on trend in a flowing summer dress, adorned with brightly scattered florals and a long black cardigan.

She wore white flats for comfort as she nipped off to run errands around the Royal Borough, a stylish black hat on her head.

She let her chestnut tresses fall sleekly around her shoulders and showcased a natural wash of make-up across her smooth complexion.

Millie cuddled up to Caggie, 29, as they clutched take-out coffees at Farmacy, Westbourne Grove.

Stylish: Millie, 28, looked typically on trend in a flowing summer dress, adorned with brightly scattered florals and a long black cardigan

Famously friends: Millie cuddled up to Caggie, 29, as they clutched take-out coffees at Farmacy, Westbourne Grove

Checking in: Hugo, 31, has recently opened his new eye-wear store Taylor Morris on the same street as Farmacy - with Millie seeming to greet him for a smooch in the doorway

Caggie wore her blonde locks in light waves around her smiling features and sported a pair of preppy spectacles.

She wore skinny blue jeans with light tan boots, matching these with a baggy beige sweater and a large loose scarf.

Having met up for a catch up with Caggie - who now resides in Los Angeles most of the time - Millie went to check on her beau Hugo, who looked smart in a light blue shirt and slacks.

Hugo, 31, has recently opened his new eye-wear store Taylor Morris on the same street as Farmacy - with Millie seeming to greet him for a smooch in the doorway before heading back to see Caggie.

Swinging by: Millie went to check on her beau Hugo, who looked smart in a light blue shirt and slacks

Busy day: Millie was seen packing on the PDA with her fiance Hugo outside his new eye-wear boutique, having caught up with Caggie earlier in the morning over a coffee

On trend: She wore white flats for comfort as she nipped off to run errands around the Royal Borough, a stylish black hat on her head

The same afternoon, Millie posted a pair of throwback snaps to her Instagram page, poking fun at her long friendship with Caggie.

In one snap, the pair of them sipped cocktails on a beach, with Millie's hair looking notably blonde.

'My blonde phase!' was the caption, which she seemed to regret going by the emoji she added on.

Plans: Hugo and Millie are busy prepping for their forthcoming nuptials - and are already believed to have set a date

Sleek: She let her chestnut tresses fall around her shoulders and showcased a natural wash of make-up across her smooth complexion

The blonde leading the blonde: The same afternoon, Millie posted a pair of throwback snaps to her Instagram page, poking fun at her long friendship with Caggie

She uploaded a second snap and captioned it '10 years ago' - with her, Caggie and other pals seen in a group larking around in their late teens in 2008.

Fans of Made In Chelsea hoping to one day see original starlet Caggie return to the series had their hopes dashed last month by fellow original star Oliver Proudlock - who joined the series in season two and is still a regular fixture on the show.

He told MailOnline exclusively that it's unlikely his friend will ever make a comeback.

The hunky fashion designer, 29, said: 'Shell never she lives in LA. Shes on a different path.

Looking back: She uploaded a second snap and captioned it '10 years ago' - with her, Caggie and other pals seen in a group larking around in their late teens in 2008

'She's on a new path now!' Made In Chelsea's Oliver Proudlock revealed why Caggie will NEVER return to the show

Old school: Veteran star Proudlock - who joined the series in season two and is still a regular fixture on the show - has admitted that it's unlikely Caggie will ever make a comeback [both pictured far right in 2012]

'Caggie is so great. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Very natural, true to herself. Shes a great person. But she wont come back.'

Meanwhile, Hugo and Millie are busy prepping for their forthcoming nuptials - and are already believed to have set a date.

With bridesmaids Caggie, Rosie Fortescue and Zara Martin reportedly in place, preparations are going full-steam ahead.

The couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Greece in August last year.

Made In Chelsea's current season airs on Monday evenings at 9PM on E4.This has been rather a big week for Kelly Ripa.

On Tuesday, the perky 47-year-old rang in her 22nd anniversary of the day she and actor Mark Consuelos eloped to Las Vegas.

May Day is also the one-year anniversary of when Ryan Seacrest was announced as Kelly's co-host on Live!, which she first joined in the Regis Philbin era.

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Decades on: On Tuesday, Kelly Ripa rang in her 22nd anniversary of the day she and actor Mark Consuelos eloped to Las Vegas; he posted an Instagram album for the occasion

Kelly posted an Instagram tribute to her husband on Tuesday, putting together a slideshow of photos showing the pair together.

'Feliz Aniversario lover! 22 years. Youre a human roller coaster that luckily Im tall enough to ride,' she captioned the video, which was set to an instrumental recording of Quirino Mendoza y Cortes' famous song Cielito Lindo.

Mark posted a four-photo Instagram album of himself and his wife through the years - including sitting in a sunlit car on their Italian honeymoon.

Throwback: Mark, Kelly's old All My Children co-star, included a '(honeymoon photo Capri, Italy ..were still banned from that hotel... it was worth it)'

Remember when: Mark gushed in his caption: '5-1-96...happy 22nd anniversary Boo.. seems like yesterday to me.. Im sure its feels a lot longer to you..'

Party of five: Over the course of their marriage, Kelly and Ryan have welcomed three children - Michael, 20, Lola, 16, and Joaquin, 15

'5-1-96...happy 22nd anniversary Boo.. seems like yesterday to me.. Im sure its feels a lot longer to you..(honeymoon photo Capri, Italy ..were still banned from that hotel... it was worth it),' vamped Mark, Kelly's old All My Children co-star.

Ryan and Kelly praised each other on the same day's episode of their breakfast talk show, as quoted by E! News.

'Thanks for this great last amazing year. You've been such a wonderful regular addition to my life on air and off,' said Ryan, who FaceTimed Mark on air.

Charisma: Kelly posted an Instagram tribute to her husband on Tuesday, putting together a slideshow of photos showing the pair of them together

'Feliz Aniversario lover!': '22 years,' Kelly wrote in her caption, effervescing: 'Youre a human roller coaster that luckily Im tall enough to ride'

Gazing into each other's eyes: Their slideshow was set to an instrumental recording of Quirino Mendoza y Cortes' famous song Cielito Lindo

Sizzling: The photo included an outdoor snapshot of Kelly giving the camera a smoldering glower through shades as Mark grinned

Said Kelly: 'Thank you for taking a chance and moving across the country and leaving your spectacular digs in California and coming to play with us because you have made every day of this job so much more fun.'

At one point, she also quipped: 'You can tell this show is trying not to overwhelm my tiny, little brain. They're like: "Well, just let Ryan's anniversary be on the same day as her actual anniversary."'

Kelly joined Live! in 2001 when her co-host was Regis Philbin, who departed in 2011, leaving Kelly to a rotation of co-hosts until Michael Strahan joined full-time.

So sweet: Mark modeled a dark suit and tie with a similarly dark dress shirt in one black-and-white snap, in which Kelly kissed the side of his mouth

Dining alfresco: Kelly and Mark were pictured at one semi-formal affair, sharing a cheerful embrace as they sat side by side at an outdoor table

Chillier climate: Kelly also shared a photo of herself with Mark wearing knit beanies in a snowy environment, their noses pink from the cold

Festive: The pair could be seen enjoying one New Year's celebration together

Live With Kelly And Michael ran from 2012 until he got a full-time job on Good Morning America in 2016, whereupon the show became Live With Kelly again.

This is what it remained until Ryan got the daily job last May.

Over the course of their marriage, Kelly and Ryan have welcomed three children - Michael, 20, Lola, 16, and Joaquin, 15.

Big day: May Day is also the one-year anniversary of when Ryan Seacrest was announced as Kelly's co-host on Live!, which she first joined in the Regis Philbin era

'Amazing year': Ryan and Kelly praised each other on the same day's episode of their breakfast talk show, as quoted by E! News

Ryan uploaded a two-selfie Instagram album this Tuesday - one taken that very day, and one taken a year before.

'Recreated the first selfie we took as #kellyandryan. Were getting better at this @kellyripa,' wrote Ryan in his caption.

On Tuesday's episode, Kelly threw a black blazer over a grey sweater, while Ryan teamed a navy suit with a midnight blue tie.A second trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp has arrived and it seems the superheroes have some explaining to do.

The 15-second trailer, released on April 30, 2018, features heroes from Marvel's Avengers: Infinity Wars answering a question that's been on a lot of fans' minds  why weren't Ant-Man and the Wasp in Marvel Studios's most recent film.

'Where were Ant-Man and the Wasp?' Scarlett Johannson, who plays Black Widow in the Marvel Comics Universe, questioned.

A new, hilarious, trailer for Ant-Man and the Wasp has been released by Marvel Studios

The latest Ant-Man and the Wasp trailer teases serious action to come when the film is released in July 2018

Doctor Strange actor Benedict Cumberbatch suggested: 'Maybe they were on their way but they went subatomic?'

This sentiment was echoed by Tom Hiddleston, who plays Loki.

'Maybe they were there but they were pretty tiny. There were definitely some ants in Wakanda, so....,' he said.

Then Ant-Man and the Wasp stars Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly, appear to answer the increasingly popular question with a simple in-unison shrug.

Can't get enough of Ant-Man and The Wasp? Here's what you need to know about the movie before it's released.

Ant-Man and the Wasp trailer

On Monday, April 30, Marvel Studios released a second teaser for Ant-Man and the Wasp. The 15-second clip featured stars from Avengers:Infinity Wars questioning Ant-Man and the Wasp having been absent from the recently released film.

The clip was a lead-in to a nearly three minute trailer released on Tuesday, May 1. In the trailer, which has been viewed more than 100,000 times, viewers catch up with Ant-Man and take a glimpse at the many perils he and the Wasp will have to take on together.

When does Ant-Man and the Wasp take place?

Ant-Man and the Wasp takes place in the midst of the drama that's unfolding in Avengers: Infinity War, which may explain why the sometimes-tiny heroes weren't in Marvel's latest film.

According to the official synopsis for Ant-Man and the Wasp it begins 'in the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War' and continues through Avengers: Infinity War.

Ant-Man and the Wasp plot

Ant-Man and the Wasp star Michael Pena's character, Luis, provides a pretty comprehensive breakdown of the sequel's plot in the recently released trailer.

In it, Luis recalls that Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) went into the Quantum Realm in the first movie. Hank was, more than likely, looking for his missing wife.

#Wasp ready arms. . They better be. First official day of shooting for me tomorrow! . #putmeincoach! pic.twitter.com/CtuCfBU8vw  Evangeline Lilly (@EvangelineLilly) August 6, 2017

Meanwhile, the tech he used was stolen.

Hank has enlisted Ant-Man and the Wasp to help him, but it's become clear that it's not enough. That's when the heroes decide to go to Luis and his band of thieves, whom it appears have gone legit since viewers last saw them.

Ant-Man and the Wasp Goliath

Goliath is not a character every Marvel fan will be familiar with, but he's one they should get to know before Ant-Man and the Wasp is released.

The character, according to IGN, is one of Marvel's first black heroes. Once a brilliant scientist called Bill Foster who worked for Hank Pym, he branched out on his own and stole the Pym Particle formula to become Goliath.

He first fought alongside Luke Cage, the Champions, the Thing and the Avengers. Although he's considered to have been a formidable fighter, he was killed in the events that preceded Captain America: Civil War.

Goliath's abilities include super strength and the ability to increase his size. His strength grows as he does. The downside is, the more he uses this power, the more exhausted Foster becomes.

The character was created by Stan Lee and drawn by Don Heck. He first appeared in The Avengers #32, but not yet as a hero.

The character will appear as Bill Foster in Ant-Man and the Wasp, though it's not clear in what form.

Ant-Man and the Wasp Ghost

Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) is introduced in one of the recently released trailers for Ant-Man and the Wasp. She can be seen showing off her ability to phase between solid matter.

Ant-Man and the Wasp cast

The Ant-Man and the Wasp cast includes Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly as Ant-Man and Hope Pym/the Wasp respectively. It also stars Michael Douglas as Hank Pym, Michael Pena as Luis, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost and Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet van Dyne.

T.I., Randall Park, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer and more are also slated to appear.

Ant-Man and the Wasp release date

Ant-Man and the Wasp will hit theaters on July 6, 2018.Somehow, she always manages to pull of casual with an air of chic.

And it was the same old story for Sienna Miller on Tuesday, as she stepped out in New York City, trying to flag down a cab.

The blonde actress, 36, was seen with a take out coffee in hand and her shades on as she waited on the side of the road in gym-inspired garb.

Chilled afternoon: Sienna Miller cut a laid back figure as she sauntered along in gym gear, wearing shades and carrying a coffee in New York

The Cat On A Hot Tin Roof star was seen in tight black Beyond Yoga leggings, which she wore with flip-flops, despite the chilly spring weather in the Big Apple.

She added an Adidas tee to the look, which she covered with a black leather bomber jacket.

She slung a matching handbag over one shoulder and wore her golden locks in a loosely tied ponytail.

The star's outing comes after she took to the stage Saturday to speak at the Time's Up event during the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.

Stylish: Sienna Miller was showing off her flair for fashion when she stepped out in New York City rocking a cool leather bomber jacket and Beyond Yoga leggings

Busy: The actress was seen doing her best to hail a cab

Beauty: The make-up free beauty looked beautiful as ever, wearing her golden locks down in a loose ponytail

The Cat On A Hot Tin Roof star was seen in tight black leggins which she whore with flip-flops, despite the chilly spring weather in the Big Apple

The British actress was one of a host of actresses including Julianne Moore, 57, and Jurnee Smollett-Bell, 31, to talk during the day of conversations about the movement.

Sienna wore a Time's Up pin as she took the microphone at Spring Studios in New York.

Saturday saw women from a variety of backgrounds including activists, storytellers, business leaders, filmmakers, lawyers share their stories and 'seek next steps to establish the parameters for lasting change across industries and the pay spectrum.'

Proceeds from the event will go to the Times Up Legal Defense Fund.

Raising awareness: Sienna was one of many stars taking to the stage at Saturday's Time's Up event at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York

The Time's Up initiative was created to raise awareness about gender inequality, abuse of power and harassment.

Also pictured at the talk were Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino who have been vocal about the harassment and abuse they have suffered at the hands of men in positions of power throughout their careers.

The duo have regularly appeared together at events since Time's Up was launched at the Golden Globe Awards in January.

Last month Sienna addressed United Nations' '#MeTooNow What?' panel to praise the movement.

Taking action: The 36-year-old actress wore a Time's Up pin as she addressed the crowd at Spring Studios in New York

Promoting change: The British star has been a big supporter of the movement which was launched at the Golden Globe Awards in LA in January

'I have really just had enough. Enough of being undervalued, enough of being undermined, enough of being disrespected, because of my gender.' she said.

'A few years ago I was offered a gutsy, powerful role in a play that was close to my heart. It was a two-hander on Broadway, but I was offered less than half what my male costar was being paid.

'The decision to turn down this particular role was difficult and lonely. I was forced to choose between making a concession on my self-worth and dignity and a role that I was in love with,' she said.

Taking the stage: Saturday will see women from a variety of backgrounds including activists, storytellers, business leaders, filmmakers, lawyers share their stories

No more: In October Julianne, 57, spoke out about harassment she suffered at the hands of director James Toback

'It turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life," she said. "Not because I did it. But because I didn't.'

Friday Night Lights star Jurnee meanwhile made a powerful speech at SXSW last month where she revealed she'd been harassed on set before she was even a teenager.

She said during the TIME'S UP! Shifting the Imbalance of Power panel: 'Enough is enough. We can't allow this to continue,

Speaking out: The Still Alice star looked stylish in a yellow sweater and navy pants

'This is about power and shifting the balance of paper,' adding that the majority of industries have solely straight white men in power and 'until that changes, we are going to continue being on the receiving end.'

In October Julianne spoke out about harassment she suffered at the hands of director James Toback.

The Time's Up movement emerged after dozens of women in Hollywood began speaking out last year about harassment they'd suffered in the workplace.

It aims to address the systemic inequality and injustice in the workplace that have kept underrepresented groups from reaching their full potential.She announced her engagement over the weekend.

And now Lea Michele is showing off her shiny new bling for the first time since her happy news.

The 31-year-old actress was spotted out and about with new fiancee Zandy Reich in New York City on Monday.

Just us: Lea Michele was spotted out and about with new fiancee Zandy Reich in New York City on Monday

Bling bling: The 31-year-old actress looked happy as she flashed her diamond engagement ring on the outing with the 32-year-old businessman

She looked happy as she flashed her diamond engagement ring on the outing with the 32-year-old businessman.

The two certainly seem close as Lea wrapped her arm around her man's as they strolled side-by-side in the Big Apple.

Lea looked fashionable in a long brown coat over a black top, ripped blue jeans, and black suede booties.

Loved up: The two certainly seem close as Lea wrapped her arm around her man's as they strolled side-by-side in the Big Apple

Aww: Lea looked fashionable in a long brown coat over a black top, ripped blue jeans, and black suede booties

Showing her style: She accessorized with a black designer bag draped over her shoulder and aviator shades

She accessorized with a black designer bag draped over her shoulder and aviator shades.

Her brunette tresses were down in a middle-part as she wore natural complimentary make-up on her face.

Zandy kept it casual in a grey jacket over button down shirt, blue jeans and brown leather shoes.

Natural beauty: Her brunette tresses were down in a middle-part as she wore natural complimentary make-up on her face

Chill: Zandy kept it casual in a grey jacket over button down shirt, blue jeans and brown leather shoes

This comes just days after she took to Instagram and Twitter on Saturday to flash the massive engagement ring she got from her beau with the simple caption: 'Yes'.

The couple have been dating for just under a year.

In the image, which was taken at the beach, Lea holds her hand in front of her face to show off a large emerald cut diamond in halo setting.

Happy news! Lea took to Instagram over the weekend to announce that she is engaged

Zandy, 32, is president of the women's fashion brand AYR (All Year Round) and was previously the head of business development for clothing brand Theory.

He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of business in 2012.

Reports first emerged the Glee star was dating her longtime friend in July last year as she was spotted holding hands with him in New York.

'They've been friends for a long time, a few years,' a source told People at the time. 'Things turned romantic recently and they're dating now.'

He's the one! Reports first emerged the Glee star was dating her longtime friend in July last year. The couple are pictured in March at the Elton John AIDS Foundation bash

Whirlwind romance: The duo were first pictured together in July 2017

The duo have kept the relationship relatively under wraps with Reich appearing in only a handful of Lea's Instagram photos in recent months.

Zandy doesn't appear to have any social media accounts.

Lea previously dated iZombie star Robert Buckley for several months before splitting around a year ago.

Before that, she romanced personal trainer Matthew Paetz for two years until 2016.

Lea also dated Glee co-star Cory Monteith from 2011 up until his passing in 2013.

Successful: Zandy, 32, is president of the women's fashion brand AYR (All Year Round) and was previously the head of business development for clothing brand TheoryShanina Shaik has shared the first images of her romantic Bahamas wedding and reception with husband DJ Ruckus, which took place over the weekend.

The 27-year-old Australian model simply stunned on the day, wearing an off-the-shoulder sheer white lace gown by British designers Ralph & Russo.

The Victoria's Secret catwalk star posted several pictures of the couple exchanging vows on the beach on her Instagram page.

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Here comes the bride! Inside top model Shanina Shaik's beach wedding and reception in the Bahamas as she ties the knot with DJ Ruckus in a stunning off-the-shoulder sheer white lace gown

Blushing bride! Shanina looked gorgeous in her figure-hugging romantic gown, which also featured a mermaid train

A day they'll never forget: Shanina and Ruckus looked overjoyed as they walked back down the aisle as man and wife

Shanina looked gorgeous in her figure-hugging romantic gown, which also featured a mermaid train.

It's widely reported that royal-to-be Meghan Markle has chosen Ralph & Russo to design her wedding dress for when she marries Prince Harry.

Shanina also wore a long white lace veil and carried a bouquet of Baby's Breath and greenery.

Special: Shanina was walked down the aisle by her mother Kim, who stunned in a blush gown

Diamonds are a girl's best friend! The brunette beauty was dripping in diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz, with her engagement ring also designed by the celebrity jeweller

Magical: Shanina looked beautiful as she made her way down the aisle, which was lined with lilies, lush greenery and candles

Nearest and dearest: Shanina was joined by several of her model friends on the day, including Maryna Linchuk

The brunette beauty was dripping in diamonds by Lorraine Schwartz, with her engagement ring also designed by the celebrity jeweller.

She decorated her decolletage with an elaborate necklace paired with matching chandelier earrings, which she showed off by wearing her long locks up in a simple up-do.

Meanwhile, her makeup was expertly applied by influential Australian makeup artist Rae Morris, who kept her look natural.

The exotic beauty was walked down the aisle by her mother Kim, who also stunned in a blush gown.

Standing in front of the idyllic backdrop of the sea, Shanina and Ruckus were married by Joseph Simmons, aka Rev. Run, who Brides.com reports performed at the wedding as part of a surprise planned by the model's beau.

Beautiful and simple: The bride carried a gorgeous bouquet of Baby's Breath

Two gowns! Brides.com reports the statuesque model changed into Jimmy Choo heels and a custom Michael Costello dress (pictured) 'for dancing' at the reception

Star power: Shanina and Ruckus were married by Joseph Simmons, aka Rev. Run

The publication also reports that the statuesque model wore Aquazzurra heels with her dress for the ceremony, and later changed into Jimmy Choo stilettos and a custom Michael Costello dress 'for dancing.'

DJ Ruckus meanwhile looked dapper on their wedding day in a black Tom Ford tuxedo.

At the couple's rehearsal dinner, Shanina slipped her lithe figure into a long sleeved plunging white Zimmermann gown.

Having a ball! The newlyweds were seen dancing to Usher in a video from the day

Looking chic: Shanina's reception gown featured sleeves, a plunging neckline and a sheer design, and she wore her locks out in loose tousled curls

Turning heads: At the rehearsal dinner, Shanina wore a flowing Zimmermann gown

All dolled up: The brunette stunned in this image shared to Instagram

Pucker up: The leggy star went barefoot at her rehearsal dinner as she walked along the beach with guests

On Instagram, the beauty thanked her new husband, her friends and her family for the special memories.

'MR & MRS ANDREWS - I love you so much Gregory Andrews, thank you for choosing me as your wife,' she wrote.

'Thank you to all of our guests who celebrated our love and union as man and wife. It was such a beautiful weekend in the Bahamas filled with love, joy and lots of dancing!!'

Honeymooners: The couple are now spending time in Miami following the nuptials

Eye-catching: Shanina flashed her new wedding band and engagement ring on the beach

'Thank you for choosing me as your wife': On Instagram, Shanina thanked her new husband, her friends and her family for the special memories

Romantic: Shanina told Brides.com that the pair married in the exact same spot where they first got engaged back in 2015, eight months after they met

'When you know, you know': The brunette beauty said when she first met her man at Coachella in 2015, she knew he was 'the one' straight away

Shanina told Brides.com that the pair married in the exact same spot where they got engaged back in 2015, eight months after they first met.

She said when she met her man at Coachella in 2015, she knew he was 'the one' straight away.

'Just before I was going to leave, Greg noticed that I was alone and came over to speak with me,' she explained. 'When you know, you know.'

Speaking about the couple's nuptials, she gushed: 'I have dreamt of this day with Gregory for so long and it felt surreal that we finally made it to that moment. I couldn't wait to hear that we were husband and wife!'

She added: 'I was nervous, excited, and overwhelmed with joy.'

Over the moon: 'I have dreamt of this day with Gregory for so long...I couldn't wait to hear that we were husband and wife!' she gushed

Sweet: The couple shared their first dance to Electric by Alina Baraz and Michael Jackson's Remember The Time

The loved-up couple shared their first dance to Electric by Alina Baraz and Michael Jackson's Remember The Time.

Meanwhile, guests enjoyed a seafood dinner at the reception, where drinks also flowed freely.

The couple wed on Lenny Kravitz's private island Eleuthera, surrounded by family and close friends, which included Ashlee Simpson Ross and Evan Ross, and models Nadine Leopold and Hannah Ferguson.

WAGS L.A.'s Nicole Williams, Natalie Halcro and Olivia Pierson were bridesmaids.

DJ Ruckus - real name Greg Andrews - is cousin to rocker Lenny Kravitz, and toured Australia in 2016.

Special spot: Shanina and Ruckus tied the knot in the Bahamas more than two years after the pair got engaged while holidaying in the archipelago

Shanina's friends learned about the nuptials around two months ago.

A source told Daily Mail Australia that Shanina shared a status update to her private Facebook account in late February, announcing her wedding date.

'Wow the feeling has arrived! I'm getting married in two months,' she is alleged to have written.

Last Friday, she posted an Instagram snap of herself standing beside a glistening blue ocean in a flowing, semi-sheer white dress.

The supermodel captioned the image: 'To warmer places'.

And last Wednesday she dropped a major hint that she was tying the knot, sharing a photo of two private jets, alongside the caption 'His & Hers' followed by bride and groom emojis.

The pair may have travelled separately to avoid seeing one another before their wedding day.An unqualified "body modifier" has been arrested on the NSW Central Coast after he allegedly mutilated the genitals of a woman who underwent a procedure at a Newcastle business.

The 33-year-old victim engaged the man's services in 2016 but later made a complaint of mutilation to police, who formed a strike force to investigate.

The 37-year-old was arrested at his home at Terrigal on Tuesday morning and is being interviewed at Gosford Police Station.

"Body modification is currently not legislated in New South Wales however members of the so-called Skin Penetration industry are required to follow public health regulations," police said in a statement.Thieves have raced away with a rare, vintage hot rod stolen during a burglary on the border of Victoria and NSW.

The 1931 classic royal blue Ford V8 Tourer Tudor car was stolen along with an $8000 metal detector and two chainsaws after the thieves broke into a Barmah garage, near Echuca in Victoria's north, late on Friday.

Police launched an investigation on Tuesday and believe the racer, bearing Victorian club registration 02301M, was likely loaded onto a car trailer and removed from the property.Daria Gavrilova has been dealt an injury blow before the French Open with the world No.24 forced to retire after rolling her ankle against fellow Australian Samantha Stosur at the Prague Open.

The first-round encounter was evenly poised at a set apiece when Gavrilova fell when scrambling for a drop shot in the first game of the third set.

The fourth seed immediately called for a trainer and was soon forced to pull the pin on the match at 6-3 4-6 0-40 when it was clear she had difficulty moving.

Former Prague finalist Stosur, who has slipped to No.57 in the rankings, will be looking to find some form on her favourite surface ahead of the Roland Garros major, which starts on May 27.

Top-seeded Karolina Pliskova, who won the Stuttgart Open on Sunday, withdrew from her home tournament before a ball was hit due to a right thigh injury.

She was scheduled to face her sister Krystina in the first round. Her spot in the draw was taken by Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus.

Lucky loser Tamara Korpatsch of Germany came into the main draw and made the most of her reprieve with a straight-sets win over Oceane Dodin.

Czech eighth seed Katerina Siniakova reached the second round with a 6-2 7-6 (7-4) defeat of Andrea Petkovic.

Other first-round winners were Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, Natalia Vikhlyantseva, China's Qiang Wang and Ekaterina Alexandrova.Maroons great Petero Civoniceva has urged State of Origin selectors to show faith in North Queensland's forwards despite their below-par form this season.

Queensland is certain to roll out a new-look pack for the series opener on June 6 with incumbent trio Josh McGuire (ankle), Matt Gillett (neck) and Tim Glasby (broken thumb) all set to miss out due to injury.

However, Civoniceva said despite the Cowboys' horrific form, there should still be a place in the team for Coen Hess, Gavin Cooper and veteran front-rower Matt Scott.The Northern Territory government has released a budget that aims to attract young women to the Top End as it tackles a falling population.

Financial incentives will be provided to attract and retain women aged 20 to 39 who can have families and address the gender imbalance, while employers that hire local workers will avoid payroll tax for two years.

However, the NT budget is in poor shape, with the deficit tipped to climb to a record $1.2 billion in 2018/19 and net debt to its highest ever level at $4.5 billion.The export company embroiled in a live trade furore, sparked by footage of animals dying on a voyage to the Middle East, has resumed shipments.

The Al Messilah's departure from a West Australian port on Monday night came as Emanuel Export's managing director Graham Daws admitted the industry would not stand for another "catastrophic" incident like the company's Awassi Express voyage in August, on which 2400 sheep died in filth and extreme heat.

Mr Daws told the ABC it "cannot possibly happen again" but maintained nobody was to blame for the deaths.The minister responsible for Australia's cyber security has stressed how crucial it was to publicly admonish Russian-backed hackers who waged attacks on hundreds of companies.

Angus Taylor copped some flack after joining with the UK and US to finger the Kremlin for the 2017 attacks last month, with some cyber experts worried attribution alone was not enough to deter more state-backed attacks.

"Given where we've come from, attribution is a big step forward," Mr Taylor told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

"There was a view out there in the IT community and to some in the intelligence community that attribution isn't possible for cyber attacks - well it is possible."

The minister said there was "of course" a case for further diplomatic escalation under certain circumstances.

"Attribution is the first and important step that the world hasn't done before," Mr Taylor said.

"To do that jointly with the UK and the US in strong terms, condemning those actions, is a very, very important step to starting to combat state-sponsored cyber attacks."

About 400 Australian companies were targeted in the 2017 attacks, when commercially available routers were used as a point of entry, but the federal government insists there was no "exploitation of significance".

Mr Taylor said despite the significant number of organisations affected, there was no indication Australian information had been compromised.

The Kremlin has previously denied any involvement in directing cyber attacks.Four Finks bikies have been arrested in dawn raids over an alleged kidnapping after cleaners at a western Sydney hotel found a room mysteriously splattered with blood.

Officers were called to the Vineyard Hotel on December 18 after cleaning staff found blood on furniture and walls, with detectives concluding a man had been seriously assaulted in the hotel room earlier that day.

CCTV of the venue from the previous night, released by NSW Police last month, showed a group of six men, some heavily tattooed, drinking in the pokies room.

Another image shows four of the men and a woman leaving the venue later that evening.

On Tuesday, four men - aged 22, 24, 27 and 35 - were arrested at several Sydney homes.

They are being questioned at Riverstone Police Station in the city's northwest.

Police will address media later on Tuesday.The fate of a Sri Lankan asylum-seeker family from central Queensland will be decided on Wednesday, with a refugee council prepared to step in if they face deportation.

Lawyers for Tamil couple Nadesalingam and Priya, who have two Australian-born daughters, will appear before the Federal Circuit Court, months after the family was taken from its Biloela home and placed in detention.

"We are very worried about winning this appeal. We are preparing to stop a potential deportation through other means," a Tamil Refugee Council spokesman Aran Mylvaganam told AAP.Papua New Guinea's prime minister has warned foreigners shouldn't treat the prospects of an independent Bougainville as a "play thing".

The autonomous region of Bougainville, which has a population the size of Hobart, is due to have a referendum on whether to become independent next year.

PNG signed a peace agreement with Bougainville in 2001 after a decade-long civil war which shut down the giant copper-gold Panguna mine.

Peter O'Neill insists his government will uphold the agreement and hopes the referendum can be conducted in a peaceful manner that doesn't disrupt business on the island.

There were prerequisites to the referendum going ahead including the establishment of the rule of law and disposal of weapons.

A question to put to the people still has to be developed, he said.

Mr O'Neill hit out at foreign interference over the referendum.

"It is not about independence - it is about what is best for the Bougainville people," Mr O'Neill told the Australia-Papua New Guinea business forum in Brisbane.

"Australian and New Zealand media are very obsessed with the idea of independence, for them it's some play thing."

He flagged after the vote in 2019 the outcome must be endorsed in PNG's national parliament.

"I can assure you every member of parliament will vote in the interests of unified and harmonious country," Mr O'Neill said.From dental nursing to concreting, there's almost 40 Tafe courses Victorians will be able to study for free thanks to a $172 million state budget skills drive.

Treasurer Tim Pallas has put the funds aside to make free 30 trade and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses needed to help to build Victoria's infrastructure, respond to family violence and care for the elderly and disabled.

Mr Pallas said the state previously benefited from skilled migration as the mining construction boom in WA slowed.

"Now we have to build the homegrown product," Mr Pallas told reporters on Tuesday.

The education blitz includes $120 million for regional Tafe upgrade works and $44 million to modernise apprenticeships.

There's almost $50 million to get secondary students into trades while still studying.

Year 9 Victorian students will be able to plan their careers earlier with an extra $109 million in funding.

The overall schools funding package in the budget totals $2.8 billion, including $272 million to purchase land for school sites and $353.2 million for new schools.

The budget allows $288 million to support educating students with a disability, including upgrades to 15 schools.

Plus there's a $135.9 million to build, upgrade and better resource kindergartens, with specialist language teachers to be rolled-out at 120 centres across the state.

Education Minister James Merlino said every child deserved individual attention and support.

"We want kids learning a trade to be able to get a good job, quickly," he said.

"Our kids need to be ready for the jobs of the future. That's why we're making record investments in the classroom so that every student can develop the skills they need to success in their chosen career and in life."Victoria will spend a record $705 million on mental health including acute inpatient beds and crisis hubs at hospitals.

The state's 2018/19 budget on Tuesday confirmed the funding will include $232.4 million for new and existing acute inpatient beds to help about 12,800 Victorians living with mental health issues.

More than $100 million will be used to create six crisis hubs at Monash Medical Centre, St Vincent's, Royal Melbourne, Geelong, Sunshine and Frankston hospitals to take mental health or addiction patients out of emergency departments.

Adults who pose a risk to others will be forced to have treatment under a $58.9 million package to expand a mental health and complex needs initiative.

In other health spending, Treasurer Tim Pallas delivered $619 million for major hospital upgrades with almost $400 million for a stand-alone heart hospital.

There's cash for three new 30-bed residential rehab centres in regional Victoria, a new 20-bed youth hub and an extra $6.7 million to help up to 80 people each year at an existing facility in the Grampians.

The state government has set aside $2.4 million for the panel which will guide incoming assisted-dying laws and is responsible for establishing the model and determining which drug will be used.

The total $2.1 billion health spend delivers $124 million to implement an electronic medical records system for the Parkville health precinct to an extra $627 million for regional hospitals.

Mr Pallas told reporters the budget included "historic action on mental health" which would save lives.

"For too long, these Victorians have been marginalised and misunderstood," he told parliament.

"But good governments fund a healthcare system that recognises each patient is a parent, a child, an employee, a loved one."A day after declaring hooker Issac Luke would be sidelined for four weeks with a knee complaint, the Warriors have included him in their starting lineup to face Wests Tigers.

Luke's appearance would be remarkable after limping off 16 minutes into the Warriors' hammering by Melbounre on Anzac Day.

Halfback Shaun Johnson, centre Solomone Kata (ankle) and second-rower Tohu Harris (concussion) are all back after missing the 50-10 drubbing from the Storm.

Making way respectively are Mason Lino, Anthony Gelling and Isaiah Papali'i, who are all on an extended bench.

Another possibility on the pine is metre-eating prop James Gavet, who has been sidelined for five rounds while battling hamstring and rib cartilage issues.

Luke trained on Monday and Kearney said the signs are positive for the Kiwis Test veteran, who had been in superb form.

"We're not certain that we'll play this week but we're giving him every chance to play," Kearney told Radio Sport.

Former Gold Coast utility Karl Lawton is on the bench and shapes as a likely replacement if Luke falls short with his fitness.

Lawton would make his Warriors first grade debut, having impressed with the club's ISP side.

Regular hooker backup Jazz Tevaga has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.Melbourne trio Suliasi Vunivalu, Curtis Scott and Dale Finucane have been named to return from injury in time for Sunday's NRL blockbuster against competition leaders St George Illawarra.

Vunivalu (hamstring) and Finucane (thumb) missed last week's win over the Warriors, while Scott (ankle) was expected to miss up to a month, however all three were included on Tuesday.

In other team news, Canterbury recruit Clay Priest will make his season debut in favour of the axed Greg Eastwood, while Valentine Holmes returns to fullback for Cronulla.The ACT has officially signed up to the federal government's child sex abuse redress scheme, joining Queensland, Northern Territory, Victoria and NSW.

Payments of up to $150,000 will be available from July 1 with claims to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The ACT announced last month it would join the national scheme, giving eligible survivors access to counselling and psychological services, payments and a direct personal response from the institution where they were abused.

"This process is about healing while accepting the system failed every single person in Australia who suffered sexual abuse in an institution that was meant to protect them," ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said in a statement on Tuesday.

Queensland signed up on Monday, following Victoria and NSW, putting pressure on the remaining states Western Australian, South Australia and Tasmania.PALM ISLAND - FROM DEATH IN CUSTODY RIOTS TO $30 MILLION PAYOUT

2004

- Cameron Doomadgee, 36, dies in custody at Palm Island police station after being arrested for being drunk and causing a nuisance.

- A riot erupts during which the police station and the house of Sen Sgt Chris Hurley, who would later be found responsible for Doomadgee's fatal injuries, are set alight. Resident Lex Wotton takes microphone and vows "things gunna burn". A state of emergency is declared.

2006

- Director of Public Prosecutions Leanne Clare determines Sen Sgt Hurley has no case to answer and the death was a tragic accident.

2007

- A review finds there is enough evidence to prosecute Sen Sgt Hurley, who is suspended. He faces Supreme Court charged with manslaughter and assault but is acquitted by a jury.

- Doomadgee's widow Tracey Twaddle and his five sisters launch a $900,000 civil lawsuit against Sen Sgt Hurley and Queensland police.

2008

- Wotton faces court on rioting charges before being found guilty and sentenced to six years jail.

2010

- Wotton is released on parole after serving 20 months. He is released on condition he not talk to media or attend public meetings while on parole.

2015

- Wotton brings a class action on behalf of Palm Islanders to determine whether Queensland police actions were racially discriminatory after Doomadgee's death. The class action alleged their actions after the death wouldn't have happened in a community that wasn't predominantly Aboriginal.

2016

- Justice Debbie Mortimer rules Queensland police breached the racial discrimination act during their response to the death.

2017

- Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath instructs the Director of Public Prosecutions to lodge an appeal on behalf of Queensland police.

- The Queensland government pays $220,000 in damages to Wotton and two of his relations despite the appeal.

- The government decides not to go ahead with its appeal.

2018

- The state government reaches a $30 million settlement scheme with the 447 claimants and will apologise to Palm Island community.Noreen Fynn apologised for crying as she shared the mental and physical suffering of her husband in his final days at a West Australian euthanasia inquiry.

Clive Deverall, 75, was the chief executive of the state's Cancer Council and an advocate for palliative care who fought his own long battle with a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, strokes and other health complications.

"He was a wonderful man, a man of strength and determination," Ms Fynn told the parliamentary committee on Tuesday.

"Clive loved life."

Mr Deverall took his own life on March 11 last year when the state election was held.

He left behind a note which said "suicide is legal, euthanasia is not."

"We are in no doubt about the strength and courage it took to take the action he did and we respect that choice," Ms Fynn said.

"This was not something he chose on the spur of the moment."

She said her husband had to act while he still had strength but would have remained with his family longer if he had access to voluntary euthanasia.

Suffering from crippling neuropathic pain and insomnia, by the end of his life Mr Deverall was unable to even walk to the end of the street.

Ms Fynn cited evidence by State Coroner Ros Fogliani, who told the inquiry in March that one in seven suicides in the past five years involved a person suffering a terminal, debilitating condition.

"I think for most people, palliative care at the end of their days will be the answer. But there's a ... small percentage of people who will elect for assisted dying and I think they should have that choice," Ms Fynn said.

The Joint Select Committee has received more than 800 submissions and held 60 public hearing sessions with families, service providers, advocacy groups and religious organisations.

It expects to recall key witnesses including the Australian Medical Association for two more sessions before submitting recommendations in August.China wants to make its skies blue again and a combined double whammy Emissions Trading Scheme and carbon tax is how they see it happening.

They're two ideas that have been controversial in Australia but for China, while it has been complex to develop, it was a simple decision.

Low carbon is the future, Jiang Kechun, a senior researcher at the Chinese government's Energy Research Institute, told AAP.

"This is a very strong signal to tell investors, otherwise investors don't know what's in the future, they only think about short term benefits," he said at an emissions reduction summit in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Businesses are on board with the ETS, officially expanded nationally in December as a follow-up to seven pilot programs running around the country.

Initially only applying to the electricity sector, it'll cover 1700 power companies and three billion tonnes of carbon, making it easily the world's biggest.

In contrast, the current largest ETS in the European Union applies over 31 countries and 11,000 heavy emitters, across multiple sectors, but only manages 1.4 billion tonnes of carbon.

Mr Kechun eventually sees the ETS covering eight sectors and seven billion tonnes of carbon but in the meantime a carbon price will help pull other sectors into line.

He concedes an ETS won't work for everybody and talked up the importance of subsidies for renewables, something China has seen a major jump in.

China expects solar energy to be competitive against coal without subsidies by 2020 and wind against coal by 2022, which means if investors head down the clean route it eventually negates the need for the ETS.

"China is very unique, the government is so strong, the government can do everything they want to do. It doesn't matter if people like it or not they just do that," he said.

"But for Australia or the United States I think a carbon pricing is still important, only in that case you also have subsidies for solar."

He believes Australia can lead the world into the low carbon scene with renewables.

"I think it's easier to be a very low carbon country - very big space, the sunshine so good," he said.Star halfback Will Genia says the Super Rugby ladder-leading Crusaders are beatable and is backing the Melbourne Rebels to rise to the challenge at AAMI Park on Friday night.

In free-fall from first to seventh after four successive losses, the Rebels have been given little chance of toppling the defending champions.

But Genia says the Rebels have belief they can be the side to end Australia's embarrassing run of 36-straight losses against Kiwi teams in the competition.

"They play a really good brand of rugby - they can play free-flowing rugby and are very good at their set piece so it's going to be a huge challenge for us," Genia said on Tuesday.

"I honestly believe that if we play well and cut down the penalties and makes sure our defence stands up we're every chance of getting a win."

Genia rated Crusaders five-eighth Richie Mo'unga, returning from sustaining a fractured jaw, as an All Black in waiting.

"Richie is exceptional and he's next in line for that All Blacks jersey alongside Beauden (Barrett)," Genia.

"He's one of the key reasons they won the competition last year and he will bring a different dimension to their attack."

Melbourne did themselves no favours last round against the Stormers, giving away a stack of first half penalties to stall any momentum.

Genia said discipline, defence and a fast start were the key areas they needed to improve to match the Crusaders, who rolled the Brumbies 21-8.

"Our defence needs to get a hell of a lot better," the Test No.9 said.

"When we've won games we've scored tries but we've also sometimes conceded 20 points so coming up against the better teams we won't be able to get away with that."

Genia missed their last two games in South Africa with a hamstring injury but says he's back at 100 per cent.

He said the team had returned from the tour in good shape.

"Training today was pretty good and the guys were switched on and the energy was there," he said.Today's Birthday, May 2: Australian businessman Geoffrey Edelsten (1943 - ).

Controversial medical entrepreneur Geoffrey Edelsten is one of Australia's most famous doctors, but not for traditional reasons.

Born in Carlton to Jewish migrant parents, Edelsten studied at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 1966.

After working as a resident at the Royal Melbourne Hospital he became a GP, and with a colleague established a practice in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

In the 1980s he set up a string of extravagant 24-hour medical clinics, featuring grand pianos and chandeliers in the waiting rooms.

But the flamboyant doctor was deregistered in NSW in 1988 and later in Victoria.

Edelsten bought the Sydney Swans in 1985 as they faced dire financial pressure and concerns about their AFL viability.

He spent time in jail after being found guilty in 1990 of soliciting a well-known hit-man, Christopher Dale Flannery, to assault a former patient.

In 2014, Edelsten claimed bankruptcy in both Australia and the United States, citing a number of bad business deals.

But even when his controversial career seemed to crash and burn, Edelsten's unconventional lifestyle and relationships with young blondes kept him in the spotlight.

He divorced first wife Leanne, a model, in 1988 after a three-year marriage, then married Bynne Gordon, an American fitness instructor, in 2009 when she was 40 years his junior.

Again the nuptials didn't last, with Brynne calling it off after four years.

Less than a year later he proposed to Gabi Grecko at the 2014 Melbourne Cup, but their love bubble burst following a number of public spats.

Edelsten seemingly reconciled with Grecko over Christmas, but former lover Brynne Gordon dismissed the media reports as a "joke".Cyclists will stop Brisbane peak hour traffic by imitating the scene of a mass accident in protest against unsafe road conditions.

The "die-in" protest, led by Greens local councillor Jonathan Sri, will block the busy Vulture Street in inner suburb South Brisbane for around 10 minutes on Wednesday morning.

"Unfortunately, all the other mechanisms we've tried have failed," Mr Sri told AAP.

"Fundamentally, the problem is that Brisbane City Council is prioritising traffic flow ahead of bike safety improvements."

Cyclists want more bike lanes and lower speed limits, Mr Sri said.

They have been prompted by the ramming of 19-year-old cyclist Shelly Cheng, who says she was hospitalised with head and other injuries at the intersection of Vulture and Stanley streets last month.

"From what I remember, the motorist hit me off my bike and I slid across the gravel into the other lane," Ms Cheng said.

"Fortunately, the oncoming van was far away enough to stop in time. I was dazed and shaking while I walked my bike off the road.

"The woman who hit me didn't even leave her details. She made sure I was off the road, then just drove away while I was still disoriented and confused."

It's not the first such protest in Brisbane, with around 100 riders gathering last year to block car lanes on Victoria Bridge at South Bank.

Mr Sri admitted the action was controversial.

"We've really struggled to get the council to take us seriously on this issue," he said.

"It's basically an act of desperation.

"We'd be happy to call off the protest in a heartbeat if the council gave a commitment to installing bike lanes and lowering speed limits.

"But we're sick of our friends ending up in hospital."A man charged with allegedly mutilating the genitals of a woman who underwent a procedure at a Newcastle business is due to face a NSW court in a fortnight.

The 33-year-old victim engaged the man's services in 2016 but later made a complaint of mutilation to NSW Police who formed a strike force to investigate.

The 37-year-old accused - who is not a qualified medical practitioner - was on Tuesday arrested at his home at Terrigal on the NSW Central Coast and charged with "female genital mutilation"

Detectives also raided a tattoo and body piercing studio at Erina.

The wide variety of services he offers are posted on his business's Facebook page, including tongue splitting, nipple removal and subdermal implants where silicone is placed underneath the skin, allowing the body to heal over the implant creating a raised design similar to horns.

Body modification is not legislated in NSW, however, people working in what's known as the "skin penetration" industry are required to follow public health regulations, a police spokesperson said in a statement.

The man was granted bail to appear at Gosford Local Court on May 15.Doctors in Perth are threatening to stop Australia's oldest scientist flying to Switzerland to end his life through voluntary euthanasia.

Edith Cowan University honorary research associate David Goodall doesn't have a terminal illness but his quality of life has deteriorated at age 104.

Accompanied by a nurse, he plans to fly on Wednesday from Perth to France, where he'll visit family in Bordeaux, then end his journey in Basel on May 10.

Euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke said Professor Goodall attempted suicide about two months ago after suffering a fall, ended up in hospital and his daughter had to fight hard to get him out - only succeeding after arranging an independent psychiatric review.

Dr Nitschke said Prof Goodall was keen to leave the country after the hospital experience.

"He said 'enough is enough - now's the time to die'," Dr Nitschke said.

And now the doctors who treated him are threatening to prevent him from leaving Australia, arguing he's a danger to himself and not fit to travel, which "the airline would respond to", Dr Nitschke said.

"I don't know whether they would be successful or whether it's just a threat.

"It's worrying the hell out of David and his daughter."

Dr Nitschke urged the doctors to "back off".

Marshall Perron, the former Northern Territory chief minister who introduced Australia's first voluntary euthanasia legislation, said it was tragic Prof Goodall couldn't have his wishes met at home.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.Another stunning return from injury by Brisbane hooker Andrew McCullough has not impressed Broncos great Justin Hodges, it seems.

The former Brisbane captain fears McCullough may be coming back too soon from a hyperextended elbow and hopes common sense prevails with Broncos medical staff.

McCullough was supposed to miss four to six weeks when he injured his elbow in their loss to Melbourne on April 20.

But the tough rake has been named to make his return in Thursday night's NRL clash with Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium after missing just one game - Thursday's win over South Sydney.

It will be the third straight injury from which McCullough has returned ahead of schedule.

Instead of marvelling at McCullough's recuperative powers, however, Hodges fears McCullough may be rushing his return.

"I spoke to him last Friday and he was pretty adamant he was going to play - if it is up to him he said he was going to play," Hodges told Fox Sports' Queenslanders Only.

"Hopefully the doctors step in there because we don't want to see him get injured any more.

"He is a big part of the Broncos. If he doesn't play there is a big gap in that side."

The 28-year-old McCullough underwent a knee reconstruction after an ACL injury late last year but returned to play off the bench in the Broncos' season-opener seven months after surgery.

In 2016, he suffered a hamstring injury that was supposed to keep him out for six weeks but only missed two games.

"Some of the boys think he's pretending, because he keeps coming back so early," Brisbane captain Darius Boyd said of McCullough.

"He's just the ultimate professional."Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found by kayakers in a Sydney river on Sunday.

Although the woman has yet to be formally identified, she is believed to be Brazilian national Cecilia Haddad.

She was reported missing by her friends on Saturday and a post-mortem is to be carried out on Wednesday.

Ms Haddad's fully clothed body was found by kayakers on Sunday morning in the Lane Cove River in Woolwich, on Sydney's Lower North Shore.

The 38-year-old worked for a mining company in Western Australia before moving to NSW in 2016 to work as a logistics manager for a freight company, and was most recently living in an apartment on St Annes Street, Ryde.

Homicide Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance to piece together Ms Haddad's movements on the weekend before her death.

"By all accounts, Cecilia enjoyed an active social life and had made a large circle of friends during her time in Sydney," Detective Acting Inspector Ritchie Sim said.

Ms Haddad was reported missing when she failed to keep various appointments on Saturday, with her friends describing it as completely out of character.

"So far, we have been able to establish Cecilia went to a barbecue on Friday night and then spoke to friends on Saturday morning, but her movements after that time are unknown," Det Insp Sim said.

Police were told Ms Haddad's car, a red 2013-model Fiat 500 sedan with a black roof, registration number DJV50H, was seen outside her home on Saturday afternoon. They are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen her or the car after that time.

"We are specifically seeking CCTV or dash-cam footage of Cecilia or her vehicle, possibly in the Hunters Hill, Ryde, Top Ryde, West Ryde, and Woolwich areas over the weekend," Det Insp Sim said.If Cardinal George Pell -- a top advisor to Pope Francis -- is committed to stand trial, he will then face a directions hearing at a later time before a date is set for the trial

Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell arrived at a Melbourne court amid a heavy police presence Tuesday for a crucial decision on whether he will stand trial on historical sexual offence charges.

The 76-year-old, the most senior Catholic cleric to face criminal charges linked to the Church's long-running sexual abuse scandal, denies all the claims.

The exact details and nature of the allegations have not been made public, other than they involve "multiple complainants".

Until now, he has not had to formally enter a plea, although he instructed his lawyer from the outset to make clear he intended to plead not guilty.

Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington presided over a sometimes fiery committal hearing last month to determine whether there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial.

Her decision will be handed down Tuesday with the hearing due to start at 10:00 am (0000 GMT) and run for about 90 minutes.

If Pell -- a top advisor to Pope Francis -- is committed to stand trial, he will then face a directions hearing at a later time before a date is set for the trial.

The committal hearing over four weeks -- which was closed to the public and media for the first 10 days -- heard witness statements and cross-examinations by Pell's lawyers.

At one point, his barrister Robert Richter accused Wallington of being biased towards the prosecutors, and said the case should be thrown out as the complainants were unreliable and not credible.

He also suggested the cleric was being targeted to punish the Catholic Church.

A number of the charges were also dropped due to the death of one of the complainants and another being found medically unfit to give evidence.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago. He has regularly attended the court.

His case has coincided with an Australian national inquiry into child sexual abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia.

The commission spoke to thousands of victims and heard claims of abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools.

Pell appeared before it three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome over the Church's handling of complaints against paedophile priests.

Australia's Catholic leaders have spoken out in support of him, describing Pell as a "thoroughly decent man".Tariff exemptions were due to expire at midnight for the EU, Canada, Mexico and others, after which the major exporters would face punishing import duties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum

US President Donald Trump has decided to push back his decision on whether to impose controversial tariffs on steel and aluminum from the European Union until June 1, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing a senior administration official.

The report came just hours before tariff exemptions were due to expire at midnight for the EU, Canada, Mexico and others, after which the major exporters would face punishing import duties of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum.

The postponement would effectively leave the exemptions in place.

Trump announced the tariffs on March 8, but exempted the European Union later that month.

The Trump administration has justified the tariffs -- aimed primarily at Chinese overproduction -- on national security grounds and told trading partners they must make concessions to win permanent exemptions.

The EU has insisted it will not negotiate without first obtaining a permanent exemption.

US steel imports, 2017

The US official, speaking to the Journal on condition of anonymity, also said that the Trump administration would announce later Monday it had reached a deal to exempt South Korea from the tariffs.

Trump is working with South Korean President Moon Jae-in ahead of the US leader's expected summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks.

Last month, the government in Seoul said it had made concessions to secure a revised trade deal with Washington and escape its steel duties.

Extensions for Canada and Mexico had been expected, as Washington, Mexico City and Ottawa work on revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement.US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Israel's newly released package of intelligence on an Iranian nuclear weapons program is authentic

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, until last week director of the CIA, said Monday that Israel's newly released package of intelligence on an Iranian nuclear weapons program was authentic and much of it was new to US experts.

Pompeo met Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday at Israeli military headquarters and was briefed on the material, which was released as Washington's new top diplomat flew home.

"We've known about this material for a while and we certainly discussed this material yesterday when we were together," Pompeo told reporters on his plane.

"It's been something that's been in the works for a while. I know that there are people talking about these documents not being authentic. I can confirm with you, for you, that these documents are real, they are authentic."

Asked whether the United States had been aware for many years that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program -- dubbed Project Amad -- before 2004, Pompeo said: "That's partly true. The existence of the Amad program ended roughly in December 2003, January 2004.

"It's accurate to say that the knowledge of that, the fact of that, has been known for quite some time, but there are thousands of new documents and new information," the top US diplomat added.

"We're still going through it, there's still a lot of work to do to figure out the scope and scale of it, but it is the case that there is new information about that program."

Supporters of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which President Donald Trump is expected to pull the US out from on May 12, have argued that Netanyahu's intelligence release deals simply with a historic Iranian program and does not prove they are in breach of the 2015 accord.

But Pompeo argued that it has some value in the current debate.

"This will, I think, spell out the scope and scale of the program that they undertook there, and I think that it makes clear that at the very least the Iranians have continued to lie to their own people," he told reporters.

"The Iranians have consistently taken the position that they've never had a program like this. This will belie any notion that there wasn't a program."

Pompeo said that Trump would have to determine whether the United States feels Iran is in violation of the deal, and said US translators and analysts are still trawling through the intelligence provided by the Israelis.Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington is part way through her ruling on whether there is enough evidence to send the top advisor to Pope Francis to face a jury

Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell was ordered to stand trial on multiple historical sexual offence charges in Australia Tuesday, but several others were thrown out.

Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington is part way through her ruling on whether there is enough evidence to send the top advisor to Pope Francis to face a jury.

She said she was "satisfied" there was enough evidence for a conviction on several charges, but struck out a number of other alleged offences, among them some of the most serious.

The 76-year-old, who entered the court with a heavy police presence, denies all the claims.

The exact details and nature of the allegations have not been made public, other than they involve "multiple complainants".

Until now, Pell has not had to formally enter a plea, although he instructed his lawyer from the outset to make clear he intended to plead not guilty.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago. He has regularly attended the court.

His case has coincided with an Australian national inquiry into child sexual abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia.

The commission spoke to thousands of victims and heard claims of abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools.

Pell appeared before it three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome over the Church's handling of complaints against paedophile priests.

Australia's Catholic leaders have spoken out in support of him, describing Pell as a "thoroughly decent man".In February, four men sued Chicago law enforcement after charges against them were dropped and in November a Chicago judge exonerated 15 men at once, in the first mass exoneration for the city

A Chicago judge on Monday declared innocent a man who spent 22 years in prison for murder, and vacated his conviction, as part of an official review of past cases possibly tainted by police misconduct.

Anthony Jakes, convicted of murder when he was 15, was the latest to be exonerated in America's third largest city.

Jakes had been sentenced to prison for 40 years for a 1991 murder, but released in 2013 after serving about half of that term.

He claimed a now-retired police detective beat and coerced him into confessing.

A judge on Monday officially declared Jakes innocent and cleared his name.

"I wish my grandmother and my mother were here to celebrate this with me, because they were my biggest, biggest supporters," Jakes told reporters outside the courtroom.

Jakes's case was the latest in a host of overturned convictions and exonerations in the US.

Charges against 139 people were thrown out last year, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.

In Chicago, the cases of two other men were also under scrutiny Monday.

Robert Buoto's conviction for a 1993 murder was vacated, but prosecutors vowed to retry his case. Buoto claims police manufactured evidence against him.

At the same time, Thomas Sierra sued the city claiming police had framed him for a murder he did not commit in the mid-1990s.

Sierra was 19 years old when he was first jailed, and served 22 years in prison before charges were dropped in January.

In February, four other men sued Chicago law enforcement after charges against them also were dropped.

And in November, a Chicago judge exonerated 15 men at once, in the first mass exoneration for the city.WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum says he is leaving Facebook

WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum on Monday put out word that he is leaving Facebook, which bought the smartphone messaging service four years ago for $19 billion.

Koum said in a post on his Facebook page that he is taking time off to pursue interests such as collecting air-cooled Porsches, working on cars and playing ultimate Frisbee.

US media reports indicated that a disagreement with Facebook over the privacy of user data may have also been a factor in Koum's decision to quit his position as a high-ranking executive and likely leave his seat on the board at the leading online social network.

"It's been almost a decade since Brian (Acton) and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people," Koum said in the post.

"But it is time for me to move on."

Acton left Facebook last year to start a nonprofit.

WhatsApp boasts more than 1.2 billion users worldwide.

In a reply to Koum's post, Facebook co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said he would miss working closely with the WhatsApp co-founder.

"I'm grateful for everything you've done to help connect the world, and for everything you've taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands," Zuckerberg said in his written reply.

"Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp."

WhatsApp last week raised its minimum age for users in the European Union to 16 years, as the bloc prepares for a new online privacy law to come into force next month.

In an update to its terms of service, WhatsApp said the minimum age for users outside the EU was still 13 years.

WhatsApp parent Facebook has pledged to change how it handles private data to comply with the forthcoming law change.

But unlike WhatsApp, which will only apply the new law to its European users, Facebook plans on rolling out changes for its users worldwide.

The change in the European law was already planned prior to the recent privacy scandal involving Facebook and Cambridge Analytica.

Zuckerberg has spent most of the past month on the fallout from revelations on the hijacking of personal data by the political firm, seeking to assuage fears that the California-based internet colossus can safeguard privacy while making money by targeting ads based on what people share about themselves.Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell is to stand trial on "multiple" charges

The Vatican's finance chief Cardinal George Pell Tuesday became the highest-ranked Catholic to be sent for trial over historic sex offences, as the elderly priest vowed to fight the charges.

The 76-year-old was impassive throughout the hearing in the Australian city of Melbourne that ordered him to face a jury on "multiple" charges, although half of the allegations against him -- including some of the most serious -- were thrown out.

"Not guilty," the top aide to Pope Francis said loudly and without hesitation when asked his plea, a stance he has taken since first being charged last year.

Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington said she was satisfied there was enough evidence to justify a trial on "multiple" charges. A hearing was due on Wednesday to discuss a trial date.

Pell, who entered the court surrounded by a large police presence, was released on bail on condition he does not leave Australia. He has already handed in his passport.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago.

The exact details and nature of the claims against Vatican finance chief Cardinal Pell remain confidential, other than they involve "multiple complainants"

"Cardinal George Pell has at all times fully cooperated with Victoria (state) Police and always and steadfastly maintained his innocence," said a statement issued through the Archdiocese of Sydney and attributed to Pell.

"He has voluntarily returned to Australia to meet these accusations. He will defend the remaining charges."

The exact details and nature of the claims remain confidential, other than they involve "multiple complainants".

But some of the alleged offences were at a swimming pool in Ballarat in Victoria in the 1970s and at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral in the 1990s, the court heard.

Several of the most serious allegations were dismissed due to inconsistencies in the evidence, including claims of offending at a cinema in Ballarat during a screening of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind".

- No one above the law -

Lisa Flynn, a lawyer who has represented hundreds of abuse survivors in civil litigation claims in Australia, said the ruling proved no one was above the law.

Cardinal Pell's case has coincided with an Australian national inquiry into child sexual abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia

"The charging of Pell for these alleged crimes reinforces that people should be and are treated equally in the eyes of the law," she said.

"This is a promising step forward for victims of sexual assault."

Pell's case has coincided with an Australian national inquiry into child sexual abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia.

The inquiry commission spoke to thousands of victims and heard claims of abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools.

Pell appeared before it three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome over the Church's handling of complaints against paedophile priests.

The cardinal admitted he "mucked up" in dealing with paedophile priests in the 1970s, but said he was deceived by senior clergy about what was happening and vehemently denied any responsibility.

Cardinal Pell, the former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop, has been on leave from the Vatican to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago

In a brief statement, the Vatican said it had "taken note of the decision issued by judicial authorities in Australia" and added that Pell was still on a leave of absence granted by the pope to defend himself.

Australia's Catholic leaders have previously spoken out in support of him, describing Pell as a "thoroughly decent man".

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne on Tuesday said Archbishop Denis Hart would be making no comment.

But it added that "Archbishop Hart expressed his confidence in the judicial system in Australia and said that justice must now take its course".

The Catholic Church globally has been plagued by allegations of sex abuse among priests. The scandals have haunted the papacy of Pope Francis, who in February announced the Vatican was renewing its anti-paedophile panel.

It followed a trip to Chile in January that was seen as a resounding failure after he defended a bishop accused of covering up the crimes of a paedophile priest.

Pell was one of the pope's most trusted aides, handpicked by him in 2014 to make the Church's finances more transparent.

It cemented a meteoric rise by the Australian, who was Archbishop of Melbourne and then Sydney before being named to the Vatican's powerful College of Cardinals at the behest of Pope John Paul II in 2003.Australian nun Patricia Fox, who faces deportation, prays in a mini-chapel at her residence in Manila

She spent decades helping the Philippines' poorest people, but Australian nun Patricia Fox is fighting deportation after drawing President Rodrigo Duterte's ire -- and says she will try to return even if expelled.

The 71-year-old Melbourne native is due to be kicked out of the country by May 25 after Duterte personally accused her of political activism that violates the rules of her visa.

Fox was singled out as Manila cracks down on foreign critics on its soil, where the president's deadly anti-drug war has provoked a storm of international condemnation.

The government deportation order against her sparked outrage from rights advocates and the religious community, but authorities are pressing ahead.

"I'm still hoping that somehow something will happen (to stop the expulsion)," she told AFP in Manila.

Even if her appeal fails, Fox said she would still like to return and resume her work in the nation that has been home since 1990.

Australian nun Patricia Fox was escorted by immigration officers after leaving a detention facility in April

"If I can come back as a tourist I'll try and come back," she said. "This is my life."

She landed in the Philippines as a member of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, a congregation of nuns founded in France in 1847 and famed for harbouring Jews fleeing from Nazi persecution in World War II.

A former practising lawyer who worked with indigent clients in Australia, Fox said she has been educating landless Filipino farm hands and factory workers about their rights.

Then on April 16 immigration service agents arrived at the congregation's modest Manila office.

- 'No right to criticise' -

Fox, the country head of an eight-member missionary group, was hauled off to the government agency's headquarters, where she was informed of the allegations.

She said she spent the night on the floor of the immigration service building, lying on a borrowed blanket and getting little sleep.

The nun said she apparently angered the president by joining a fact-finding mission in April to investigate alleged abuses against farmers, including killings and evictions by soldiers fighting guerrillas in the southern Philippines.

In Duterte's hometown of Davao, Fox went to see farmers detained on charges of possessing explosives, and attended a press conference by workers who were fired after demanding better wages and conditions.

"I gave a solidarity statement saying the social teachings of the Catholic Church say you have the right to unionise, you have the right to just wages, you have the right to security of tenure," she said.

Fox said she thought she was safe in espousing a pet advocacy of the president.

Australian nun Patricia Fox, a former practicing lawyer, arrived in the Philippines in 1990

Duterte vowed during the 2016 election campaign to end the common corporate practice of hiring workers on five-month contracts to avoid paying benefits enjoyed by permanent employees.

Yet hours after Fox's release, Duterte announced he had personally ordered her investigated as a warning to foreigners who criticise his government.

"Don't let that nun in because her mouth is one that knows no shame. You do not have that right to criticise us," he added. "You insult me."

Earlier in April Manila also deported Italian Giacomo Filibeck, deputy secretary general of the Party of European Socialists, who had condemned Duterte's anti-drug war.

Fox said she has been quiet on the narcotics crackdown, a sensitive point that usually draws a response from Duterte.

"Presidents can say what they like, but you know I've never met the president. I don't remember saying anything in public about him," the nun said.

"I don't know where his information is coming from."Residents of Mongolia are drinking oxygen cocktails and lung tea to help protect themselves from air pollution.

Sold for as little as $1, adverts in Mongolia claim drinking just one oxygen cocktail is equal to a three-hour-walk in a lush forest.

Yet, the World Health Organization (WHO) states there is no scientific evidence supporting such drinks benefits.

Slum dwellers who are forced to use coal stoves to cook and heat their homes in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where temperatures can plummet to as low as -40C, are thought to be driving the problem.

According to UNICEF, Ulaanbaatar is the most polluted capital city in the world, with an air pollution level 133 times higher than the safe limit set by the WHO.

Respiratory infections in the capital have nearly tripled, with pneumonia being the leading cause of death in under five-year-olds, data from UNICEF shows.

Residents of Mongolia are drinking oxygen cocktails and lung tea to help protect themselves from air pollution (pictured: Ulaanbaatar, the most polluted capital city in the world)

No scientific evidence supporting oxygen cocktails

For $2, shopping centres are selling cans of oxygen called Life is Air with the promise of turning an ordinary glass of juice into an oxygen cocktail.

Many pharmacies also are stocking machines that turn juice frothy for as little as $1 and are recommended by doctors for pregnant women.

Some Mongolian residents are also turning to special teas in an effort to clean their lungs, with sales rising up to 30 per cent when pollution peaks during winter.

Baatar Chantsaldulam, CEO of lung-tea company Dr. Baatar, told AFP: First it takes all the toxins out of the blood, then it turns the toxins in the lung into mucus, and all the plants in tea helps boost the human immune system.

Yet, Maria Neira, head of the WHO's public health department, said the only way to minimise the effects of pollution is to avoid exposure, adding there is no scientific evidence oxygen cocktails or lung teas have any benefit.

DOES EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION DURING PREGNANCY CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS? Women exposed to air pollution before getting pregnant are nearly 20 percent more likely to have babies with birth defects, research suggested in January 2018. Living within 5km of a highly-polluted area one month before conceiving makes women more likely to give birth to babies with defects such as cleft palates or lips, a study by University of Cincinnati found. For every 0.01mg/m3 increase in fine air particles, birth defects rise by 19 percent, the research adds. Fine air particles, which weigh less than 0.0025mg, are given out in vehicle exhaust fumes and, when breathed in, become deposited in the lungs where they enter the circulation. Previous research suggests this causes birth defects as a result of women suffering inflammation and 'internal stress'. Physicians Committee figures reveal birth defects affect three percent of all babies born in the US. Around six percent of infants suffer in the UK, according to a report from the British Isles Network of Congenital Anomaly Registers The researchers analyzed 290,000 babies living in Ohio between 2006 and 2010. Monthly fine air particle levels were matched to the home addresses of pregnant women before and after they conceived. Advertisement

Angry residents believe not enough is being done

Angry residents claim the Mongolian government is not doing enough to combat air pollution, arguing the public should not have to pay $300 for at-home air purifiers.

Tumur Mandakhjargal, from the non-profit organisation Parents Against Smog, said: For the past 10 years, people have known that air pollution has reached dangerous levels.

However, policymakers only address the issue by talking about passing out clean stoves and clean coal.

Parents Against Smog campaigners believe the government should give slum dwellers loans to install proper home insulation and replace their stoves with cleaner alternatives.

The Mongolian government spent $120 million between 2008 and 2016 trying to combat air pollution, with half of the funds coming from foreign aid.

So far, tax exemptions have been passed for companies selling air purifiers, which are also being given out to schools and hospitals.

Yet, Tumendalai Davaadalai, from the campaign group Smog and Kids, said air purifiers do not give out oxygen and therefore fail to solve the problem of air pollution.

Products claim drinking just one oxygen cocktail is equal to a three-hour-walk in a lush forest

Air pollution increases childrens risk of asthma

This comes after research released last December suggested young children who grow up exposed to air pollution are more likely to develop asthma.

A mix of dust, sand and non-exhaust tailpipe emissions, known as coarse particulate matter, increases youngsters under 11's risk of the lung condition by 1.3 per cent, a study by The Johns Hopkins University found.

Air pollution also raises their risk of visiting the emergency room due to their asthma by 3.3 per cent and being hospitalised with the condition by 4.5 per cent, the research adds.

Young children are thought to be more at risk due to them typically spending a lot of time outdoors and being vulnerable to air pollution due to their immature lungs, according to the researchers.Special Counsel Robert Mueller, left, has submitted questions to the White House that indicate a focus on whether President Donald Trump tried to obstruct a probe into suspected Russian interference in the 2016 US election

Donald Trump lashed out Tuesday at the "disgraceful" disclosure of questions Special Counsel Robert Mueller has sought to ask the US president about potential obstruction and other matters as part of his probe into Russian election interference.

Compiled by the president's lawyers, the questions lay out detailed lines of inquiry by Mueller into whether Trump may have tried to obstruct the Russia probe, The New York Times reported.

The questions -- at least four dozen in all -- also show Mueller wants to find out what Trump knew about links between members of his presidential campaign and Russia, including a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer offering damaging information on election rival Hillary Clinton, the Times said.

"It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened! Witch Hunt!" Trump shot back in a round of early-morning tweets.

Trump incorrectly claimed there were no questions on the list about collusion, which he dismissed as "a made up, phony crime."

In fact, at least one question directly asks what Trump knew about his campaign aides, including former chairman Paul Manafort, seeking Russia's assistance, according to the Times.

"What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?" reads the question.

The questions also show Mueller wants to know if Trump offered a pardon to his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, who has already been charged with lying to investigators and is believed to be cooperating with the investigation.

But there is no indication Trump is now an official suspect of the year-old probe, or that Mueller has found evidence Trump colluded with the Russians, which Trump on Tuesday again denied, as he has done repeatedly.

However, The Washington Post reported late Tuesday that Mueller told the president's lawyers in early March that he could issue a subpoena for Trump to appear before a grand jury if he refuses to be interviewed by federal investigators.

The Post said that it was following that conversation that Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow compiled a list of 49 questions that could be addressed to the president -- the list published a day earlier by the Times.

- 'A phony crime' -

"So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were 'leaked' to the media," Trump said on Twitter.

"Oh, I see...you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!"

The Times said Mueller's team read the questions over the telephone to Trump's legal team, which compiled them into a list.

The Times said it obtained the list from someone outside Trump's legal team.

Mueller's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Since at least early this year, Mueller has discussed the possibility of interviewing Trump for the investigation, according to the president's lawyers.

But they appear to have been divided on how and how much Trump should cooperate.

Two weeks ago, Trump recruited to his legal team former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who said he would try to reach a deal with Mueller on how the president would cooperate with the probe.

Most of the questions reported by the Times ask what Trump knew of certain events, like the June 2016 meeting with the Russian lawyer, or what was he was thinking when he did or said something, like firing former FBI director James Comey.

"When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting?" one question asks.

"What efforts were made to reach out to Mr Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon?" goes another.

Mueller also wants to know if Trump discussed with any campaign staff arranging a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While none of the questions is accusatory, they could carry the risk of Trump's being trapped in a lie if any of the former staff already indicted by Mueller have provided evidence to the contrary.A UN Security Council delegation is making a belated first visit to Myanmar to ratchet up pressure for a safe and dignified return of the Muslim minority

Myanmar must hold a "proper investigation" into alleged atrocities against the Muslim Rohingya, a UN Security Council envoy said Tuesday at the end of the highest-level diplomatic visit to the conflict area.

Refugees and rights groups say Myanmar's army and vigilantes systematically raped and murdered civilians and torched villages during "clearance operations" in Rakhine state ostensibly targeting Rohingya militants.

That campaign launched last August in the mainly Buddhist nation drove around 700,000 Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh.

During the trip to Myanmar UN delegates met both civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who heads an army accused by the UN of "ethnic cleansing".

"In order to have accountability there must be a proper investigation," Britain's UN ambassador Karen Pierce told reporters, after envoys visited both the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and Rakhine.

During his meeting late Monday with the UN envoys, the army chief denied his forces had committed rape and other sexual abuses during a crackdown which he ordered.

"The Tatmadaw (army) is always disciplined... and takes action against anyone who breaks the law," he told the delegates, according to a posting late Monday on his official Facebook page.

Rohingya women and girls in Bangladesh have provided consistent accounts of sexual violence -- reports verified by conflict monitors -- but Min Aung Hlaing said his forces have "no such history of sexual abuse."

"It is unacceptable according to the culture and religion of our country," he said, adding anyone found guilty of crimes would be punished.

He also repeated the official line that Myanmar was ready to take back the refugees who could be verified as residents, as per a repatriation deal with Bangladesh.

Several months after the deal was signed, no refugees have returned. They demand guarantees of safety, the right to return to their original villages and the granting of citizenship.

Another UN diplomat warned it will take "two or three years" for the refugees to be repatriated as the current timeframe to implement the deal continues to slip.

"There is a need to speed up the process," Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, the Kuwaiti ambassador to the UN, said, adding conditions must be "safe and dignified" for return.

Bangladeshi accuses Myanmar of buying time by pretending to cooperate over repatriation for the benefit of the international community.

Myanmar says its neighbour has only handed back 8,000 repatriation forms so far, many of them incomplete, delaying the return process.

Myanmar denies the Rohingya citizenship and accompanying rights.

It has driven out two thirds of its roughly 1.5 million Rohingya population since 2012.Both sisters are heiresses to the Korean Air fortune but were forced to step down

Her sister Cho Hyun-ah hit headlines in 2014 after a tantrum on a Korea Air plane

Cho Hyun-min apologised after throwing fruit juice in the face of a businessman

The stony-faced daughter of a Korean billionaire, whose older sister was brought low by the 'nut rage' scandal, apologised Tuesday as she reported to police for questioning over allegations she sprayed a business associate in the face with fruit juice.

'I'm really sorry for causing concern,' Cho Hyun-min repeatedly told a crowd of journalists outside the Gangseo police station in Seoul, without admitting to any specific actions.

Cho, who police said is accused of using violence and obstructing business, is the daughter of Hanjin Group chairman Cho Yang-ho.

Hanjin is among the country's 15 biggest business groups, owner of flag carrier Korean Air, logistics and transport firms, and with interests in information technology and hotels.

It used to own Hanjin Shipping, once one of the world's biggest shipping firms, which was declared bankrupt last year.

Scroll down for video

Cho Hyun-min at a police station in Seoul, South Korea, in her first public appearance since the scandal

Cho did not admit to any of the accusations - but apologised after being accused of throwing fruit juice in a colleague's face

The daughters of Korean Air chairman Cho Yang-ho have both resigned from their company posts following separate controversies

The younger daughter's police interrogation is only the controlling family's latest brush with the law, with a series of scandals making them some of the country's most notorious super-wealthy.

South Korea's economy, the world's 11th-largest, is dominated by a series of giant business conglomerates known as chaebols.

In the past, the chaebols contributed to the country's fast economic growth, but as the founders' sons and grandsons took over they expanded into every corner of business, and now stand accused of suffocating smaller companies and hampering innovation.

They have long had murky ties with political authorities -- Samsung scion Lee Jae-yong was jailed last year for his role in the corruption scandal that brought down president Park Geun-hye, although most of his convictions were quashed on appeal.

Many chaebol families retain only a small ownership stake in their companies, but maintain control through complex webs of cross-shareholdings between subsidiaries, and rapid promotions for family members -- some of whose antics have battered the firms' images.

'The Cho family is one of the most vilified chaebol families, with multiple family members implicated in alleged bad behaviour,' Chung Sun-sup of online information service chaebol.com told AFP.

In the most infamous incident, the chairman's elder daughter Cho Hyun-ah made global headlines in 2014 for forcing two flight attendants to kneel and beg for forgiveness after she was served macadamia nuts in a bag rather than a bowl.

She ordered the Seoul-bound flight back to the gate so one of them could be ejected in an incident quickly dubbed 'nut rage'.

Cho broke down in tears as she apologised for the misdemeanor which lost her her position in the company

The younger daughter's police interrogation is only the controlling family's latest brush with the law

Cho Hyun-Ah (pictured) made global headlines in 2014 for forcing two flight attendants to kneel and beg for forgiveness after she was served macadamia nuts in a bag rather than a bowl

Since the accusations against her sister emerged, hundreds of Korean Air personnel have joined an online chat room to allege Cho family misdeeds against employees and domestic staff.

Police said last week they were investigating allegations that the sisters' mother Lee Myung-hee had herself abused employees verbally and physically.

Korean Air said the company had no comment.

The family are also accused of using Korean Air planes to smuggle luxury goods into the country to avoid import duties.

Chairman Cho Yang-ho -- who last year faced accusations of embezzling company funds, although prosecutors rejected a request for his arrest -- last month apologised for the 'immature' behaviour of his daughters, both of whom resigned from their executive posts.

The row could yet impact Korean Air itself, and other conglomerates.

Thousands of petitioners went to the presidential Blue House homepage, urging the government to ban the airline from using 'Korean' in its name and to expel Cho Hyun-min, who was born in the US and is an American citizen.

Under South Korean immigration law, foreigners found to have disturbed social order or harmed public safety can be ordered to leave the country.

Former lawmaker Park Won-suk said the Cho family controversies would serve as a 'catalyst' for a reform drive.

President Moon Jae-in was elected last year partly on promises to reform the chaebols -- a pledge various politicians have made many times before.

There has been little action so far, but Chung noted that the justice ministry last week introduced a bill to grant minority shareholders a greater voice in appointing board members.

The move was 'apparently in sync with mounting public demand for chaebol reform triggered by the Cho case', he said.Japan's iconic Mount Fuji could paralyse Tokyo with more than four inches of ash if it erupted, choking roads and halting water supplies.

The snow-capped peak of the country's highest mountain 100 kilometers west of Tokyo is a symbol of Japan - and an active volcano.

It last erupted in 1707, when volcanic smoke is said to have reached as high as about 20,000 meters and volcanic ash accumulated at a depth of more than 3 meters in areas around the mountain.

Japan's highest peak of Mount Fuji is seen between the skyscrapers of Tokyo's Shinjuku area. An eruption could leave the city under four cm of ash

Ash piled up to a depth of more than four inches (10cm) in the eastern Kanagawa Prefecture, in areas including Yokohama and Sagamihara, and reached 1.5 inches (4cm) in central Tokyo

But while it has not shown any signs of life in recent decades a potential eruption now could shower more than four inches (10cm) of ash on central Tokyo, according to a government study seen by the Kyodo news agency.

The ash would paralyse the capital, rendering roads impassable and stopping the flow of goods and people.

The study found just 0.5cm of ash could cause mechanical problems for cars and more than 1cm could cause mass power outages and the failure of water filtration systems.

Noriko Urata, an official in charge of disaster research, confirmed the government is assessing the possible impact of an eruption and preparing measures to deal with the scenario.

'But we are not in a position to unveil details,' he told AFP.

Just 100 kilometers west of Tokyo is a symbol of Japan and ticking time bomb that last erupted in 1707

Mount Fuji would deposit ash on a huge swathe of Japan, reaching past Tokyo and Sagamihara

In the past, the government has estimated that an eruption could result in damage and losses worth over 2.5trillion yen ($23billion).

'But if we include the impact on aviation and other transportation as well as secondary infrastructure, the cost could be far more than two trillion yen,' said Toshiyasu Nagao, head of Tokai University's Earthquake Prediction Research Centre.

'Mount Fuji is categorized a young volcano,' Nagao told AFP. 'It would be no surprise if Mount Fuji erupts any time in the near future.'

Japan, with more than 110 active volcanoes, sits on the so-called Pacific 'Ring of Fire' where a large proportion of the world's earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are recorded.

In January, a Japanese soldier was killed and several other people injured after an eruption near a popular ski resort in northwest of Tokyo.

On September 27, 2014, Japan suffered its deadliest eruption in almost 90 years when Mount Ontake, in central Nagano prefecture, burst unexpectedly to life.

An estimated 63 people were killed in the shock eruption which occurred as the peak was packed with hikers out to see the region's spectacular autumn colors.The European Commission and Germany both called for EU nations to be excluded from US metal tariffs

The European Union accused the United States on Tuesday of prolonging "market uncertainty" with its decision to hold off on imposing controversial tariffs on metal imports from key global trading partners.

The 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent duties on aluminium -- a key tenet of US President Donald Trump's "America first" approach to worldwide trade -- were due to go into effect on Tuesday.

But after renewed fears of a trade war spooked Wall Street, Trump said he was holding off the levies, offering a 30-day reprieve to Canada, Mexico and the EU.

The European Union, Germany and France all called for EU nations to be permanently excluded from the punishing tariffs.

"The US decision prolongs market uncertainty, which is already affecting business decisions," the European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, said in a statement.

European Parliament president Antonio Tajani tweeted: "We expect EU to be exempted from duties once and for all. We play by the rules - let's work together to isolate those who don't."

Europe -- which last year exported over $7.7 billion of steel and aluminium to the US market -- had lined up its own punitive tariffs on American imports, including iconic items like Harley-Davidson motorbikes, blue jeans and bourbon whiskey.

Britain, the EU's second-largest economy, welcomed Trump's "positive" decision but warned against further protectionist measures from the White House.

Trump on Monday said the "necessary and appropriate means to address the threat to the national security" posed by the metal imports is to "continue these discussions and to extend the temporary exemption of these countries."

The US also announced it had finalised a trade deal with South Korea, which includes several concessions made by Seoul, including extended tariffs on pick-up trucks and a quota on its steel exports.

Washington has "agreements in principle" with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, "the details of which will be finalised shortly," a White House statement said.

"In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transhipment, and protect the national security."

The Trump administration has told trading partners they must make concessions, but the EU has insisted it will not negotiate without first obtaining a permanent exemption.

Europe - US trade

Extensions for Canada and Mexico had been expected, as Mexico City, Ottawa and Washington work on revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Canada exported over $12 billion of steel and aluminium to the United States in 2017, with another $3 billion from Mexico.

But an extension for the EU was less of a foregone conclusion.

- 'Won't negotiate under threat' -

The EU's three largest economies -- Britain, France and Germany -- held crisis talks on Sunday and the French presidency said afterwards they had agreed "the EU must be ready to act" if Washington presses ahead with the tariffs.

"We agree that there is a problem of excess capacity in the steel and aluminium sector. We are ready to work with the United States and other partners to find quick and appropriate solutions," France's Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said in a statement.

"But we can only do that calmly when we are certain of being permanently exempted from the threat of unilateral tariff increases."

Axel Eggert, Director General of the European Steel Association (EUROFER), said Tuesday the month-long exemption was "welcome, if temporary."

"Despite all the evidence of the harm to the EU-US relationship - and to our respective economies - the Administration has opted to continue a policy of uncertainty in its international trade practice," he said.

In a strident statement, the European Commission said it was willing to continue dialogue but pointedly warned: "We will not negotiate under threat."

"Any future transatlantic work programme has to be balanced and mutually beneficial," it said.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index added 0.1 percent to stand at 7,512.94 points at Tuesday's opening, amid May Day holiday closures in Frankfurt and Paris.

burs-pg/nlaAn Iranian woman looks at her mobile phone as she walks past graffiti in central Tehran on December 31, 2014

Iran's telecoms minister said Tuesday it was "impossible to block citizen's access to information", a day after the conservative-dominated judiciary banned the hugely popular Telegram messaging app.

Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi's comments on Twitter highlighted differences of opinion between the government of reformist President Hassan Rouhani and ultra-conservatives who control the judiciary and security services.

"Even if we ban the use of software, other software will be found and information will start to circulate freely again," Jahromi wrote.

"Technology is not intrinsically guilty, corrupt, or deviant," he added. "It is human beings who misuse it to promote crime and corruption in the virtual world, just as they do in real life."

A Tehran judge on Monday ordered the blocking of Telegram, the judiciary's Mizan Online news agency said, following accusations that the app has allowed armed opposition groups to fuel unrest.

The move follows a presidential directive banning all government workers from using foreign messenger apps to communicate.

Built by Russian tech guru Pavel Durov, Telegram is the most popular social network in Iran with some 40 million users -- roughly half the population.

During a wave of protests that hit dozens of Iranian cities early this year, authorities temporarily banned the app, saying it enabled foreign-based "counter-revolutionary" groups to stir tensions.

Since then, authorities have sought to develop Iranian social media networks and limit reliance on foreign-based platforms, which Tehran accuses of hosting sites hostile to the Islamic Republic.

The ban adds Telegram to the list of social networks blocked in the Islamic Republic but accessible via virtual private network (VPN) software which can circumvent internet blackouts -- something the judiciary wants to prevent in the case of the messaging app.

Monday's announcement was followed by rumours Jahromi had resigned, but the semi-official ISNA news agency denied that.

"On the question of filtering (social networks), we said and repeated that this is not the only solution," it cited him as saying. "The competent authorities heard our arguments and made their decision."Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe has returned to the Sri Lankan ministry nine months after his outspoken criticism of a government infrastructure deal saw him forced from office

Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday reinstated his justice minister, who was sacked nine months ago for publicly criticising a billion-dollar deal to lease a loss-making harbour to China.

Former justice minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was sworn into cabinet with the higher education and culture portfolios, in a reshuffle prompted by the resignation of six ministers last month.

Sirisena's office did not say why Rajapakshe was brought back into the fold despite his sacking last August.

Rajapakshe had been forced out of the cabinet after criticising the controversial $1.1 billion lease of a loss-making deep sea port to China.

He was also accused by his own party of delaying the prosecution of former government figures accused of murder and corruption under former president Mahinda Rajapakse, who led the country through the conclusion of a decades-long civil war until his ouster in a 2015 poll.

Sirisena won that election with the support of current prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe but the relationship between the two men has since broken down, with Sirisena accusing Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) of corruption.

Wickremesinghe, who stared down calls for his resignation after a disappointing showing in February local elections, also survived an impeachment attempt last month.

Despite tensions between the two men, both kept their respective portfolios in Tuesday's reshuffle, with Sirisena helming the defence ministry and Wickremesinghe retaining his economic affairs responsibilities.

Former president Rajapakse, whose family continues to wield enormous influence in Sri Lanka, won a decisive victory over members of the ruling coalition in the February polls and has demanded a snap general election.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech on Iran's nuclear programme in Tel Aviv on April 30, 2018

Iran on Tuesday branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "infamous liar" over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi called the accusations that Tehran lied about its nuclear ambitions "worn-out, useless and shameful".

Netanyahu's comments came from a "broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits," Ghasemi said in a statement.

"Netanyahu and the notorious, child-killing Zionist regime must have reached the basic understanding that the people of the world have enough awareness and cognisance," he added.

Netanyahu said in an elaborate televised presentation on Monday that he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

But he did not provide evidence that Israel's main enemy had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

His accusations came as the United States considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

On the streets of Tehran, driver Seyed Ahmad Moghadasi rejected Netanyahu's statements as "ridiculous" and doubted the US would pull out of the nuclear deal.

US President Donald Trump "will stay because 99 percent of the world has accepted (the agreement). The remaining one percent -- that's Netanyahu and Trump -- aren't worth anything in the face of the whole world," he said.

But Alireza, an office worker, didn't share such optimism.

The gamble of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in backing the nuclear deal has failed to pay off, he said, leaving Tehran "besieged" by Washington.

"I think that a war could break out in some time" against his country, Alireza said, worried by the deployment of US forces around Iran.India's Supreme Court wants special courts to hear child rape cases

India's Supreme Court on Tuesday called for fast-track investigations and special courts to hear child rape cases amid an upsurge in deadly sex crimes.

Authorities have been facing intense pressure to act since the rape and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl by a group of Hindus, and other cases.

After the rape of the girl in Jammu and Kashmir state made national headlines last month, the government changed the law so that child rapists can face execution.

A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said Tuesday that trial courts must not grant unnecessary adjournments in such sensitive cases.

It also said state police chiefs should form task forces to investigate child rape cases, which must be heard by special courts.

"Efforts have to be made by high courts to provide child-friendly courts," the bench said.

The directives came amid public outrage in recent weeks over the rape and murder in Jammu that has put an increased spotlight on other near-daily cases.

Activists say the government does not take rape seriously. Accusations have mounted since new Kashmir deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta called the Jammu rape a "small incident" just hours after being sworn in on Monday.

Anger has also grown over the case of a six-year-old girl who died in hospital at the weekend, a week after she was viciously attacked and raped at Cuttack in the northeastern state of Odisha.

India saw similar protests after the 2012 gang-rape of a student on a bus in New Delhi. She later died in hospital of her injuries.

The incident triggered weeks of street protests and global condemnation.

But sexual violence, including against children, remains unabated. Some 11,000 child rape cases were reported in 2015.Activists in Manila voiced anger over Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's economic policies

Thousands of workers marched in Labour Day rallies in Manila Tuesday, using burning effigies and chants to voice anger over Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's economic policies.

Waving red flags, unions zeroed in on what they say is a broken campaign promise from Duterte to get rid of short-term employment contracts, which deprive workers of better benefits and pay.

"We were taken for a ride," the Workers Party said in a Labour Day statement as it vowed to continue fighting against the practice.

A giant demon in the role of Duterte was hauled by the protesters to the street fronting the presidential palace and torched.

Police said some 5,500 people attended the marches and that the events were "generally peaceful".

The protests came despite Duterte announcing, in a Labour Day ceremony in the central Philippines, that he had signed an order strengthening regulations against short-term contracts.

Labour groups in the Philippines accuse many companies of saving money by using short-term contractual workers to avoid giving benefits and higher wages

Duterte insisted he could not do more as this would require the legislature to revise labour laws.

"I remain firm in my commitment to put an end to... illegal" contracts, the president said.

Duterte's newly signed order still allows companies to hire third-party agencies to provide contractual labour for limited periods, charged Dennis Sequena, a Workers Party official.

"He (Duterte) is favouring business. His order does not favour the workers. It allows contracting agencies (to fill) jobs that should be regularised," he told AFP.

Labour groups in the Philippines accuse many companies of saving money by using short-term contractual workers to avoid paying higher wages and providing the legally required benefits due to regular workers.A masked gunman from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham stands guard as dozens of jihadists arrive in northern Syria on May 1, 2018 under a deal with the regime for them to leave their enclave in southern Damascus

Dozens of jihadists arrived in northern Syria on Tuesday under a deal with the regime for them to leave their enclave in southern Damascus, an AFP correspondent said.

The fighters from Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate were transferred out of the Yarmuk district late Monday under a deal announced the previous day.

Early Tuesday, the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham fighters and civilians arrived in the northern province of Aleppo ahead of their transfer to the neighbouring province of Idlib.

In Aleppo's Al-Eis area, the AFP correspondent saw masked gunmen step off a bus and fire a volley of gunshots into the air before hugging those who had arrived to greet them.

State news agency SANA said 200 people had left Yarmuk late Monday, but an official from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham said the convoy that arrived in Al-Eis included just 108 fighters, 17 women and 16 children.

In parallel under the same deal, SANA said dozens of civilians had arrived in Al-Eis from various Shiite-majority areas in Idlib.

They included five patients and 18 people accompanying them from the besieged areas of Fuaa and Kafraya, along with 42 people from the area of Ishtabraq, where they had been held hostage since 2015.

A Syrian regime plane flies over the Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp in southern Damascus on April 27, 2018 during government shelling and airstrikes on the area

For over a week, the army has been pressing a military offensive to retake Yarmuk and surrounding areas, where the Islamic State group also retains a presence.

On Tuesday, another AFP correspondent saw regime war planes pound Yarmuk, once home to the country's largest Palestinian refugee camp, as the battle against IS fighters there continued for a 13th day running.

The jihadists have held large parts of Yarmuk since 2015.

The regime launched its offensive there after pro-government fighters reconquered what was once the former rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta east of the capital last month.

The Damascus regime has retaken large parts of Syria since 2015 with the backing of Russia, but most of Idlib province still lies outside its control.The suspected wedding shooter is surrounded by police after his arrest in Uttar Pradesh

Indian police on Tuesday arrested a man accused of killing a bridegroom when he marked his friend's wedding with gunfire, the latest in a grim series of marriage celebrations gone wrong.

A video of Sunil Verma, 25, being hit in the chest late Sunday as he performed Hindu wedding rituals has gone viral on Indian social media.

The footage shows a man identified as a friend of Verma adjusting a pistol when it goes off. The next moment, the groom is seen clutching his chest and slumping face down.

"He has confessed to the shooting but the investigations will continue. We have recovered the murder weapon," Ghanshyam Chaurasia, investigating officer in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh state, told AFP.

The shooter, who could face a murder charge, was on the run until his arrest on Tuesday in a neighbouring town.

Police said two shots were fired from the licensed pistol belonging to the friend.

Although outlawed in India, celebratory gunfire at weddings and other social events is common and sometimes deadly.

A 20-year-old man was killed at his cousin's wedding on Sunday after revellers fired live ammunition to celebrate the event in neighbouring Allahabad district.

The shooter, a relative of the groom, is also on the run, police said.

And in February, during celebratory gunfire at a wedding in the capital New Delhi, the groom was hit by a stray bullet and killed.Ten Afghan journalists -- including AFP Afghanistan chief photographer Shah Marai Faizi -- were killed in Monday's attacks, sparking outrage around the world

Afghan journalists were shaken but defiant Tuesday, vowing to continue reporting on the bloody conflict after the deadliest attack on the country's media since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

Ten journalists were killed Monday, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai, in attacks that sparked outrage around the world and underscored the dangers faced by Afghan media.

The deadly assaults have rocked Afghanistan's tight-knit journalist community. Many of them are close friends as well as colleagues who look out for one another as they work in an increasingly hostile environment.

Hours after the double suicide blast in Kabul that killed nine journalists and 16 others, dozens of Afghan news editors and executives gathered at the site in a public display of defiance to militants.

The message was "if they destroy a line of journalists, there's going to be a longer line back at the scene within a few hours," Tolo News director Lotfullah Najafizada told AFP.

Tolo News cameraman Yar Mohammad Tokhi was among the journalists killed in the explosion that also wounded 49 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group.

Journalists from 1TV, Radio Free Europe and Mashal TV were also among the dead.

Police said a bomber had disguised himself as a journalist and blew himself up among the media covering the first blast near Afghanistan's intelligence agency.

Media outlets condemned the government's failure to provide security for journalists, particularly at the scene of attacks where secondary blasts are a constant concern.

"They (security forces) cordon off the area and journalists are left behind the line with the public," Najafizada said.

- 'We will not stop' -

Many journalists expressed determination to continue their work despite the threats.

Afghanistan was last year ranked the third most dangerous country in the world for journalists by Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

"Our message is that we are ready, we are not afraid of such attacks and we will stand for freedom of speech and democracy in Afghanistan," said Hamid Haidari, acting head of the news department at 1TV, which lost a reporter and a cameraman in the assault.

"We know this kind of attack will happen (again) in the future... but we will not stop, we will continue.

"It was a tough time (yesterday). But we stand against such barbaric acts."

The 10th journalist killed Monday was BBC reporter Ahmad Shah, who died in a separate attack in the eastern province of Khost.

The attacks came days after gunmen shot dead an Afghan journalist in the southern city of Kandahar.

Afghanistan was last year ranked the third most dangerous country in the world for journalists by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The media watchdog said since 2016, it has recorded the killings of 34 journalists in Afghanistan.

"We are determined to work for press freedom and keep informing people," Parwiz Kawa, editor-in-chief of the Hasht-e-Subh Daily newspaper, told AFP.

The newspaper published a black front page with photos of the nine journalists killed in Kabul. The last time it did so was in 2016 when seven Tolo News employees were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing.

"There's a level of commitment inside (Afghan) media outlets... who are mainly composed of young and educated people and they think they have a social responsibility to work and keep going," Kawa added.

But there are fears the repeated attacks on the media and the perception that militants are deliberately targeting them, will frighten some journalists into quitting.

"Some of our journalists have already left work and changed jobs because of increasing security threats," Waliullah Rahmani, director of Khabarnama Media, told AFP.

Freelance journalist Zakarya Hassani said he was under pressure from his family to stop working in the media.

"Since yesterday evening I have received a lot of phone calls asking me to quit, 'please leave your job or it will take you from us'," Hassani told AFP.

"But this is not the solution and so far the answer is no."

But Ahmad Farid Halimi told AFP he had resigned from his job at TV channel Kabul News after the attack.

"Last night my wife was crying when I came home, she was telling me 'you are not safe with this job'," he told AFP.

"I don't know what I will do in the future but I don't want to be killed for my work."The gathering of South Korean, Japanese and Chinese leaders is the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea

South Korea, China and Japan will hold a trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced Tuesday, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea.

The gathering on May 9 will bring together the South's President Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in the neighbours' first such meeting for more than two years.

It follows a historic summit between Moon and the North's leader Kim Jong Un last Friday. They vowed to pursue denuclearisation and a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, setting the mood for Kim's much-anticipated face-to-face encounter with US President Donald Trump.

But analysts have urged caution, warning that similar previous pledges have come to nothing, and that the North has yet to make clear what concessions it is willing to make regarding its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

All three of the neighbours are deeply involved with North Korea -- the South as its neighbour, key US ally Japan as a sometime target for its threats, and China as its key diplomatic backer and business partner.

"We want to confirm cooperation with President Moon ahead of a summit between the US and North Korea," Abe said during a visit to the Jordanian capital Amman, describing the upcoming summit as "very significant".

"I want to thoroughly discuss how we can have North Korea walk on a right path, resolve the abduction, missile and nuclear issues and create a bright future," he added, referring to the North's abduction of Japanese in previous decades to train as spies.

Friday's summit, in which Kim and Moon exchanged smiles, handshakes and warm words in front of the world's cameras, was a marked contrast to the tensions of last year.

The North staged its most powerful nuclear test to date and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland as Kim and Trump traded threats of war and personal insults, sparking global security fears.

The thaw between the Koreas, triggered by the Winter Olympics in the South, has repercussions for the geopolitics of the region.

Japan has long maintained a hardline position on negotiations with Pyongyang but has found itself left on the sidelines.

With concerning growing in Tokyo over whether it should change tack, a hawkish Abe expressed a willingness to meet Kim -- a message which Moon relayed to the North's leader during the summit.

Kim said in response he was "willing to talk to Japan any time", Moon's office said on Sunday, adding the South's leader would be "happy to build a bridge" between the two nations.

But Moon's trip to Tokyo will be the first visit by a South Korean leader to Japan in more than six years, with relations between the US allies marred by disputes over history and territory.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying confirmed that Li will attend the trilateral meeting in Japan, in a statement reported by the official Xinhua news agency. No further details were provided.

- 'Comfort women' -

During a day-long visit to Tokyo, Moon will "share the result of the inter-Korea summit and discuss ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean peninsula", Moon's office said in a statement.

Moon also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday for UN inspectors to observe the promised shutdown of the North's only known nuclear testing site at Punggye-ri.

In Tokyo, Moon will also have a separate summit with Abe to discuss ways to develop "future-oriented ties" with Japan, it added.

The South and Japan face a common threat from the North's nuclear and missile technology but have locked horns over the issue of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a row over Seoul-controlled islets claimed by Tokyo.

The two Koreas share a bitter resentment over Japan's brutal 1910-45 occupation of the peninsula and the so-called "comfort women" are a hugely emotional issue in the South.

Moon's predecessor Park Geun-hye reached a controversial deal with Japan in 2015 under which Tokyo offered one billion yen ($8.3 million) to the victims.

But some of them slammed the deal, saying it did not oblige Japan to take legal responsibility, and Moon has repeatedly urged Tokyo to do more.

Life-size bronze statues of a girl symbolising "comfort women" have been installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Dozens of activists clashed with police Tuesday as they attempted to set up another statue commemorating slave labourers at the Busan site.

Ties are further strained by the islets called Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima by Tokyo.

The last visit by a South Korean head of state to Japan was 2011 when Park's predecessor Lee Myung-bak met then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. Ties soured after Lee made a surprise visit to Dokdo a year later.A UN Security Council delegation is making a belated first visit to Myanmar to ratchet up pressure for a safe and dignified return of the Muslim minority

Myanmar must hold a "proper investigation" into alleged atrocities against the Rohingya, a UN Security Council envoy said Tuesday, after the highest-level diplomatic visit to an area from which 700,000 members of the Muslim minority have been driven out.

Refugees and rights groups say Myanmar's army and vigilantes systematically raped and murdered civilians and torched villages during "clearance operations" in Rakhine state ostensibly targeting Rohingya militants.

That campaign launched last August in the mainly Buddhist nation sparked the exodus of Rohingya into Bangladesh.

During the two-day trip to Myanmar, UN delegates travelled to Rakhine and also met both civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who heads an army accused by the UN of "ethnic cleansing".

"In order to have accountability there must be a proper investigation," Britain's UN ambassador Karen Pierce told reporters, after envoys had visited the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and also Rakhine.

There were two ways to establish a full probe, "one is an ICC (International Criminal Court) referral", she said. The other was for Myanmar's government to hold its own comprehensive inquiry.

Last month the chief prosecutor for the ICC asked judges to consider whether the court's jurisdiction extends to Myanmar, which is not a member of the panel.

Suu Kyi, pilloried outside her country for failing to speak up for the Rohingya, promised to "undertake a proper investigation" where evidence of atrocities was found, Pierce said.

"It doesn't matter whether it (a probe) is international or domestic, as long as it's credible," she added.

During his meeting late Monday with the UN envoys, Myanmar's army chief denied his forces had committed rape and other sexual abuses during the crackdown which he ordered.

"The Tatmadaw (army) is always disciplined... and takes action against anyone who breaks the law," he told the delegates, according to a posting late Monday on his official Facebook page.

Rohingya women and girls in Bangladesh have provided consistent accounts of sexual violence -- reports verified by conflict monitors -- but Min Aung Hlaing said his forces have "no such history of sexual abuse."

"It is unacceptable according to the culture and religion of our country," he said, adding anyone found guilty of crimes would be punished.

- Speed up returns -

Min Aung Hlaing also repeated the official line that Myanmar was ready to take back those refugees who could be verified as residents, as per a repatriation deal with Bangladesh.

Several months after the deal was signed, no refugees have returned. They demand guarantees of safety, the right to return to their original villages and the granting of citizenship.

Another UN diplomat warned it would take "two or three years" for the refugees to be repatriated as the current timeframe to implement the deal continues to slip.

"There is a need to speed up the process," said Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, the Kuwaiti ambassador to the UN, adding conditions must be "safe and dignified" for return.

Bangladeshi accuses Myanmar of buying time by pretending to cooperate over repatriation for the benefit of the international community.

The UN delegates arrive at Sittwe airport in Rakhine

Myanmar says its neighbour has only handed back 8,000 repatriation forms so far, many of them incomplete, delaying the return process.

Myanmar denies the Rohingya citizenship and accompanying rights.

Since 2012 it has driven out two-thirds of its roughly 1.5 million Rohingya population.Smoke billows from a southern district of the Syrian capital Damascus during regime strikes targeting the Islamic State group in the Palestinian camp of Yarmuk, and neighbouring districts, on April 20, 2018

Air strikes killed at least 23 civilians including 10 children in a village held by the Islamic State group in northeastern Syria Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

"We don't know for the moment if the US-led international coalition or Iraqi forces carried out the strike" on the village of Al-Qasr in Hasakeh province, the Observatory said.

The Britain-based monitor relies on a network of sources on the ground for its information.

The US-led coalition, which is backing a Kurdish-Arab alliance fighting IS near Syria's eastern border with Iraq, denied it carried out the strikes.

"There are no strikes in that area reflected in the... strike logs as of today," the coalition said in a written response to AFP.

Iraq has also previously carried out strikes against IS jihadists in Syria, including a raid last month in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor.

The jihadists have lost much of the territory they once controlled in Syria and Iraq since declaring a cross-border caliphate there in 2014.

In Syria, they have faced two separate offensives -- one by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces alliance and a second by Russia-backed regime fighters.

In February, US-led coalition air raids killed 25 civilians including seven children in the village of Shaafah in Deir Ezzor province and surrounding areas, according to the Observatory.

The coalition says it takes every precaution to avoid civilian casualties.

Last week, it acknowledged the deaths of 28 civilians in Iraq and Syria in 2017.

That increased its overall death toll of non-fighters killed in coalition strikes since 2014 in both countries to at least 883.

Monitoring group Airwars says the true toll of the bombing campaign is much higher, estimating that at least 6,259 civilians have been killed.Defense Secretary Jim Mattis says efforts in Afghanistan aim towards a political settlement

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday the US would stand by the Afghan people and the Kabul government, a day after attacks killed dozens of people including 10 journalists.

"The murder of journalists and other innocent people is a great testimony to what it is we stand for, and more importantly what we stand against," Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon.

"We'll stand by the Afghan people, we'll stand by the Afghan government and the NATO mission will continue as we drive them to a political settlement," he added.

The Pentagon chief had earlier said that weakened militants were targeting journalists in Afghanistan in order to undermine the electoral process ahead of an expected vote in October.

Monday's bloodshed saw a double suicide blast in Kabul that left 25 people dead including AFP's chief Afghanistan photographer Shah Marai and eight other journalists.

The Islamic State group, which has dramatically stepped up its attacks in Kabul in recent months, claimed the attack.

A separate shooting in eastern Khost province killed a BBC reporter.

"We anticipated and are doing our best and have been successful at blocking many of these attacks on innocent people, but unfortunately once in a while they get through," Mattis said as he greeted Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Radmila Sekerinska.

"This is simply what they do: They murder innocent people."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also condemned the "senseless and barbaric attack." He said the work of those journalists who died "helped lay the foundation for Afghanistan's thriving and resilient independent media."

As the Pentagon asserts that Afghan troops and US-led NATO forces are making steady progress in the 16.5-year-old Afghanistan war, a US watchdog on Tuesday warned that the Taliban and other insurgent groups are gaining control over increasing numbers of the Afghan population and the strength of local security forces has declined sharply.A file picture shows soldiers of the pro-independence Polisario Front standing before a Sahrawi flag flying at the Boujdour refugee camp in Western Algeria on October 17, 2017

Morocco on Tuesday cut diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing the Islamic republic of using its ally Hezbollah to deliver weapons to the separatist Polisario Front in Western Sahara.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the decision had nothing to do with "current regional or international developments", referring to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and its allies on one side and Shiite Iran its camp on the other.

The Lebanese Hezbollah quickly rejected Rabat's accusations, blaming the decision on foreign "pressure".

At a press conference in Rabat, Bourita said "a first shipment of weapons was recently" sent to the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which is seeking independence, via an "element" at the Iranian embassy in Algiers.

"Morocco has irrefutable proof, names and specific actions to corroborate the complicity between the Polisario and Hezbollah," he told reporters.

The decision to sever ties with Tehran is "in response to Iran's involvement, through Hezbollah, in allying itself with the Polisario over the past two years in order to target the security and higher interests of Morocco".

Bourita was speaking upon his return from Tehran, where he said he informed his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif about Morocco's decision.

The foreign minister said he departed Tehran along with Morocco's ambassador to Iran.

"I will ask the Iranian embassy's charge d'affaires to leave the kingdom as soon as possible," Bourita added.

- 'False accusations' -

Morocco and Iran have had strained relations and severed diplomatic ties in the past, the last time in 2009 when Rabat cut ties with Tehran but they were restored at the end of 2014.

According to Bourita, Iran and Hezbollah have had ties with the Polisario Front since 2016, when the Lebanese Shiite militant group set up a committee to support the Polisario.

After that, he said, a Hezbollah military delegation visited the Polisario Front in the Tindouf area in southwest Algeria.

Hezbollah quickly denied that it was arming the Polisario, accusing Morocco of caving to "pressure from the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia to direct these false accusations".

Hezbollah said Bourita was "free... to look for a more convincing argument to sever ties with Iran".

Washington, Riyadh and Israel have frequently condemned Iranian interference in the Middle East.

Iran and Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations in January 2016 and are engaged in a regional power struggle.

Both countries support opposing camps in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon.

The Polisario and Morocco fought for control of Western Sahara from 1975 to 1991, with Rabat taking over the desert territory before a UN-brokered ceasefire in the former Spanish colony.

Rabat considers Western Sahara an integral part of Morocco and proposes autonomy for the resource-rich territory, but the Polisario Front insists on a UN referendum on independence.

On Friday the UN Security Council backed a US-drafted resolution that urges Morocco and the Polisario Front to prepare for talks on settling the decades-old conflict.

It also renewed for six months the mandate of a UN mission that has been monitoring the ceasefire in Western Sahara since 1991.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have been deadlocked since the last round of UN-sponsored talks in 2008.

Morocco maintains that negotiations on a settlement should focus on its proposal for autonomy for Western Sahara and rejects the Polisario's insistence on an independence referendum.The Taj Mahal has been slowly yellowing because of smog in the region

India's top court on Tuesday sharply criticised the government for failing to protect the Taj Mahal, the centuries-old monument to love which has been changing colour because of pollution.

The brilliant marble of the Taj Mahal -- a UNESCO world heritage site -- has acquired a yellow tinge over the years.

The colour of the marble "was first becoming yellow. Now it seems to be green and black," a Supreme Court bench said after reviewing recent photos of the monument.

The Taj Mahal has been slowly yellowing because of smog in the region. Insects also leave green stains on its rear wall, which faces the heavily-polluted Yamuna River.

Various methods -- including using mudpacks to draw the stain from the marble -- have been employed since conservationists first raised alarm about the decay.

Authorities also announced plans earlier this year to limit the number of visitors to reduce wear and tear.

But that seems to have done little to stop the decay.

"It appears that you do not have expertise or you have (it) but do not want to utilise it, or you do not care about (the Taj Mahal)," the court said.

"You all appear helpless. Money should not be the consideration.... We need to save it."

Supreme Court justices M.B. Lokur and Deepak Gupta gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and the government of Uttar Pradesh state a week to respond.

This is not the first time the Supreme Court has criticised Indian authorities on the issue. In February, it warned that the state government's "ad hoc" approach was jeopardising the monument.

The Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth in 1631.

It has attracted some of the most famous people in the world, and is often a stop for world leaders on state visits to India. Diana, the late British princess, was famously photographed alone on a marble seat there in 1992.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah on May 1, 2018

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas Tuesday his country would not move its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, official media reported, two weeks before the United States completes its controversial relocation.

Meeting in the Palestinian city of Ramallah, Abe told Abbas his country "will not move its embassy to Jerusalem," a readout on Palestinian official news agency Wafa said.

The United States is due to transfer its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14 in a move that sparked anger among Palestinians, who view the eastern part of the city as their capital.

President Donald Trump's decision broke with decades of international consensus that the future of the disputed city should be negotiated between the parties, but Israel is hopeful other countries will follow the US lead.

Wafa said the Japanese premier reasserted his country's support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the framework of the two-state solution.

It said Abbas thanked Abe for his country's support for the Palestinian people and told him Palestinians remained "ready to cooperate for the success of any international effort to find a political process," provided it was based on international law and the creation of a Palestinian state.

The Palestinians are currently refusing to meet Trump's negotiating team over the embassy row and Abbas has called for other countries to step in to facilitate a new process.

Abe is on a tour of the Middle East and will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.

His visit also included trips to the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Representatives of Japan, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians held a meeting on the Jordanian banks of the Dead Sea on Sunday evening to discuss their "corridor for peace and prosperity" initiative.

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono told reporters the initiative -- which aims to promote regional cooperation including through the creation of an agro-industrial park in the West Bank -- was making progress.

"Our efforts have finally started to bear fruit," Kono said.

He said the initiative is vital for economic development in the Palestinian territories and the Jordan valley.Previous clashes in the mainly Muslim PK5 neighbourhood triggered a dramatic protest by local people -- they laid out bullet-riddled bodies in front of the UN mission in Bangui, accusing the peacekeepers of the deaths

At least 16 people were killed and nearly a hundred wounded on Tuesday in clashes between militia and security forces in the capital of the Central African Republic, sources said.

The UN mission MINUSCA said it stepped up patrols after the fighting erupted in Bangui's mainly Muslim PK5 district -- an area that has become a flashpoint in a country weakened by sectarian violence and dogged by militia rule.

Security sources in PK5 said a shootout started after men in a militia group which is led by an individual calling himself Force rammed through a roadblock.

Hospital sources said at least 16 people died, including a priest and a child, while 96 people were being treated for wounds.

The priest was named as Toungoumale Baba, who died in the nearby district of Fatima, a church source said earlier. There were no immediate details about the circumstances of his death.

As hostile crowds gathered at various points in the city, UN mission MINUSCA said it sent patrols "to secure the [PK5] zone and other key points" in Bangui.

It also sent a patrol to the district of Lakouanga, where a mosque was set on fire by demonstrators, MINUSCA spokesman Vladimir Monteiro told AFP.

The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) issued a statement saying "an angry crowd gathered in front of the gates" at Sica hospital.

It appealed for "hospitals to be respected," regardless of individual religious or politcal affiliations.

- Bloodied corpses -

The incident came after hours-long clashes in PK5 on April 10 killed 28 people, including a UN peacekeeper, and left more than 100 wounded.

According to MINUSCA, the fighting began when a joint patrol of Rwandan UN troops and the Central African army was attacked on the district's outskirts as they pursued a security sweep against militia groups.

In a dramatic protest, local people brought in 17 bloodied corpses with bullet wounds and laid them in front of the UN base in the centre of Bangui.

They said those who died were simply unarmed civilians -- a version contested by MINUSCA, which is struggling to overcome accusations of inaction and sexual abuse by some of its troops in the past.

One of the world's poorest and most unstable countries, the CAR spiralled into bloodshed after longtime leader Francois Bozize was overthrown in 2013 by a mainly Muslim rebel alliance called the Seleka.

France intervened militarily from 2013 to 2016 to push out the Seleka, winding down the operation after Bozize's successor, Faustin-Archange Touadera, was elected president.

But despite UN backing, Touadera can only claim to control a fraction of the country.

The rest is in the sway of ex-rebels and vigilante militias, many of them claiming to act in the name of the Muslim or Christian community.

Tensions within the PK5 district, a major economic hub, have been running high for months, stoked by resentment among traders over demands to pay protection money to so-called self-defence groups.Keith Schiller, Donald Trump's longtime security chief and a former director of White House operations, is said to have seized the president's medical records in a visit to the Manhattan office of Dr Harold Bornstein

Donald Trump's former New York doctor said Tuesday that a bodyguard visited his Park Avenue office last year and confiscated the president's medical records.

Harold Bornstein said the "raid" took place on February 3, 2017, two days after The New York Times quoted the physician as saying he had prescribed Trump a hair growth medicine for years.

"They must have been here for 25 or 30 minutes. It created a lot of chaos," Bornstein told NBC, saying the incident made him feel "raped, frightened and sad."

He identified Trump's aides as longtime personal bodyguard Keith Schiller, who until September 2017 worked at the White House as operations director; Alan Garten, a lawyer from the Trump Organization family real-estate firm; and an unidentified third man.

Bornstein said the original and only copy of Trump's charts, including lab reports under the president's name and various pseudonyms, were taken.

But the White House downplayed the incident as "standard."

"It would be standard procedure for the president, a newly collected president's medical records to be in possession by the White House Medical Unit and that was what was taking place," spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters, insisting that what happened was not a raid.

The Manhattan doctor said he was not given a form authorizing the release of the records and signed by the president -- known as a HIPAA release -- which is a violation of patient privacy law, NBC reported.

Bornstein said that Trump dropped him after the Times article appeared.

"I couldn't believe anybody was making a big deal out of a drug to grow his hair," he told NBC. "It certainly was not a breach of medical trust to tell somebody they take Propecia to grow their hair."

NBC said the 70-year-old Bornstein was Trump's personal doctor for more than 35 years.

During Trump's then improbable run for president, Bornstein predicted the tycoon would be the healthiest president ever elected, according to a letter released by the campaign in December 2015.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled plans for a new dating feature in a speech at Facebook's annual developers conference in California

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg announced Tuesday the world's largest social network will soon include a new dating feature -- while vowing to make privacy protection its top priority in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

Zuckerberg unveiled the plans as he addressed Facebook's annual F8 developers conference in San Jose, California -- emphasizing that the focus would be on helping people find long-term partners.

"This is going to be for building real, long-term relationships, not just hookups," Zuckerberg said in presenting the new feature, noting that one in three marriages in the United States start online -- and that some 200 million Facebook users identify as being single.

Under the new feature, users will be able to create a separate "dating" profile not visible to their network of friends, with potential matches recommended based on dating preferences, points in common and mutual acquaintances.

It will be free of charge, in line with Facebook's core offering. The announcement sent shares in the online dating giant Match.com tumbling, finishing the formal trading day down 22 percent.

The 33-year-old CEO also said the dating offer was built from the ground up with privacy and safety in mind, as he underscored the firm's commitment to boosting privacy protections.

Facebook's closely-watched developer conference comes as the giant faces intense global scrutiny over the mass harvesting of personal data by Cambridge Analytica, a British political consultancy that worked for Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign.

Facebook has admitted up to 87 million users may have had their data hijacked in the scandal, which saw Zuckerberg grilled at length by the US Congress last month.

"We need to make sure that never happens again," Zuckerberg told the audience, lightening the talk by sharing that friends made on online streaming video watch party at the social network of his hours testifying before Congress.

- 'Clear history' -

In a related move, Facebook announced an upcoming feature called "Clear History" that will allow users to see which apps and websites send the network information, delete the data from their account, and prevent Facebook from storing it.

The social network has already moved to limit the amount of data it shares with third-party applications and plans further steps to prevent a repeat of the Cambridge Analytica debacle, Zuckerberg said.

Facebook is also reviewing applications overall as well as auditing those that accessed large amounts of data to make sure access isn't abused, he said.

"Security isn't a problem than you ever fully solve," Zuckerberg said, outlining the slew of efforts by Facebook to battle election interference, misinformation, spam among other challenges.

"This is an arms race; we are going to be working to stay ahead of our adversaries forever."

Zuckerberg's blend of humor, humility, confidence and determination in a keynote presentation seemed to resonate with the gathering of developers, who credited Facebook with taking responsibility for problems and working on fixing them.

"I respect that they came out with it and didn't do a cover-up," said Malik Gillins of Movez, a startup behind an app crafted to streamline social event planning.

CCS Insight analyst Geoff Blaber was among analysts who felt Zuckerberg struck a successful balance between addressing the data privacy scandal and keeping outside developers focused on building apps to enhance the social network.

"Defiant message from Zuckerberg at #F8," Blaber wrote on Twitter. "Feels like the first time they've been on the front foot in this saga."

- Message translation -

Facebook separately announced that its popular Messenger app would soon be able to translate missives in real time, deploying artificial intelligence to enable text conversations between people using different languages.

Facebook's quarterly profit, revenue, users and shares

The feature will launch in the United States with English and Spanish translations of conversations in the Marketplace section of Facebook, and will be extended to general Messenger use in coming weeks, the service said in a blog post.

Facebook joins internet giants Amazon, Google and Microsoft in offering artificial-intelligence based translation features -- most prominently Google's Pixel ear buds which promise real-time translation across dozens of languages.

Plans were also revealed to simplify the Messenger app, which critics contend has gotten clunky, and add group voice and video calls to Facebook's other messaging service WhatsApp.

The slew of announcements at the developer-centric "F8" conference also included the arrival of a stand-alone Oculus Go headset to widen support for virtual reality by supporting social experiences such as watch parties.US President Donald Trump will address the National Rifle Association, the gun lobby announced

US President Donald Trump will address the National Rifle Association (NRA) on Friday, the gun lobby announced, less than three months after a mass shooting at a high school in Florida sparked a grassroots campaign for gun control.

The NRA, on its Twitter feed, said Trump would join Vice President Mike Pence at the group's annual "Leadership Forum" in Dallas, Texas.

"We are honored to celebrate American freedom with @realDonaldTrump," Chris Cox, a senior NRA executive, said on Twitter.

The four-day gathering in Dallas is the first annual NRA meeting since the February 14 shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida left 14 students and three adult staff members dead.

Parkland students have organized school walkouts and a March 24 protest that saw hundreds of thousands of people demonstrate for tougher gun laws in cities across the United States.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked at a briefing whether this was an "insensitive" time for the president to address the NRA.

"As we have indicated on many occasions, safety is a big priority, security is a big priority for the administration," Sanders said.

"But we also support the Second Amendment and strongly support it, and don't see there to be a problem with speaking at the National Rifle Association's meeting."

Trump's participation at the NRA gathering was only confirmed on Tuesday, but Vice President Mike Pence's attendance had been previously announced.

On its website offering tickets for the Dallas event, the NRA said firearms would not be permitted in the arena where the meeting is taking place when the vice president was present.

"Due to the attendance of the vice president of the United States, the US Secret Service will be responsible for event security," it said.

"As a result, firearms and firearm accessories, knives or weapons of any kind will be prohibited in the forum prior to and during his attendance."

The Secret Service ban on firearms at an NRA event drew mockery from some quarters.

"On so many levels, this is enlightening," tweeted Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was among the students slain at Parkland.

"According to the NRA, we should want everyone to have weapons when we are in public," Guttenberg said.

"But when they put on a convention, the weapons are a concern? I thought giving everyone a gun was to enhance safety. Am I missing something?"

Trump has spoken to the NRA for the past four years. The gun lobby was a major supporter of his presidential campaign.Kanye West is one of the few prominent African Americans to support Donald Trump, who built his career by promoting unfounded conspiracy theories about former president Barack Obama's birthplace; Trump and West are pictured here in in 2016

Rapper Kanye West, on the receiving end of criticism in the music world after backing President Donald Trump, sparked fresh outrage Tuesday when he called slavery "a choice."

The rapper, never shy about expressing himself, made the comments in passing during one of two free-flowing interviews he gave as he promotes two upcoming albums.

"You hear about slavery for 400 years. For 400 years? That sounds like a choice," West told TMZ Live, the broadcast wing of the celebrity gossip site.

West elaborated little on his statement but appeared to be drawing a parallel to how he is presumed to hold certain views as an African American artist.

"We're mentally in prison. I like the word 'prison' because slavery is too direct to the idea of blacks. Like Holocaust is Jews, slavery is blacks," West said.

West's remarks immediately sparked an uproar on Twitter, his favorite medium, and he was taken to task live by a TMZ employee who said he was "appalled."

The 40-year-old rapper, designer and husband of reality television star Kim Kardashian re-emerged last month after a year-long absence that followed a purported mental breakdown.

He enraged many fellow artists -- but was embraced by conservative commentators -- as he praised Trump, who has since cited the rapper's words as evidence of minority support.

In a separate interview with radio host Charlamagne tha God, West said he had not followed Trump's policies but, "When I see an outsider infiltrate, I connect with that."

West -- who in 2005 made headlines by saying that then president George W. Bush "doesn't care about black people" -- is one of the few prominent African Americans to support Trump.

The president built his political career by promoting unfounded conspiracy theories about his predecessor Barack Obama's birthplace and has been embroiled in a number of racial controversies since taking office.

Speaking to Charlamagne tha God, West said he was upset that Obama invited other rappers to the White House such as Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z.

Obama, in off-record small talk with a reporter in 2009 that leaked, called West a "jackass" after the rapper disrupted the MTV Video Music Awards to say that Taylor Swift did not deserve her prize.

"You know, he never called me to apologize," West said, explaining that Obama had met him and his mother before being elected president.

"The same person who sat down with me and my mom, I think should have communicated with me directly."WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump has arrived at his Washington hotel for dinner with his supporters.

The America First Action super PAC said Monday that it was hosting the president at the Trump International Hotel, but it didn't reveal details on attendees.

The group says the dinner and other similar events held this year around Washington are not fundraisers. America First Action says it is acting in full compliance with legal and ethical requirements.

President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari walk from the Oval Office before a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 30, 2018.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The Trump International Hotel has become a favored venue for political groups and foreign governments seeking to influence the president. Trump's company runs the hotel at the former Old Post Office location it leases from the federal government. The arrangement has drawn complaints from outside ethics watchdogs.

Trump campaigned against super PACs, complaining they had too much influence in politics.TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) - The Latest on a caravan of Central Americans seeking asylum in the United States (all times local):

8 p.m.

Central Americans who traveled in a caravan through Mexico to the border with San Diego have begun turning themselves in to U.S. authorities to seek asylum in a challenge to the Trump administration.

A two-year-old child from Honduras gets treatment for an ear infection after sleeping in the open in front of the El Chaparral port of entry, in Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, April 30, 2018. About 200 people in a caravan of Central American asylum seekers waited on the Mexican border with San Diego for a second straight day on Monday to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors, who said the nation's busiest crossing facility did not have enough space to accommodate them. (AP Photo/Hans-Maximo Musielik)

The migrants began applying for protection at the nation's busiest border crossing Monday after immigration officials said the facility didn't have space to accommodate the group.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said didn't say how many were allowed in late Monday but project organizer Alex Mensing of Pueblo Sin Fronteras said there were eight.

It marked the end of a monthlong journey by foot, freight train and bus for the migrants, many of whom are fleeing violence in their home countries.

The caravan got attention after President Donald Trump and members of his Cabinet called it a threat to the United States.

___

4:35 p.m.

President Donald Trump says a caravan of Central American migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. shows the weakness of the nation's immigration laws.

Reacting to news that the group reached the U.S. border over the weekend, Trump tweeted Monday that the group is "openly defying our border."

He called out Democrats for supporting "sanctuary city" policies that limit local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Trump and other members of his administration have been watching and criticizing the caravan of hundreds of Central Americans since they started journeying through Mexico a month ago.

The migrants tried to start applying for protection at the San Diego border crossing Sunday. But U.S. officials have said for two days that the facility is full and can't accommodate them.

___

10 a.m.

About 200 asylum seekers in a caravan of Central Americans are not being allowed to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors for a second straight day.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says a San Diego border crossing facility has reached capacity.

Mexican authorities allowed about 50 people to cross a long bridge leading to the U.S. inspection facility on Sunday but U.S. authorities told them to wait.

Customs and Border Protection says it will resume processing when it has more space and resources.

Irineo Mujica of Pueblos Sin Fronteras, the group organizing the caravan, says the U.S. refusal is a "farce" aimed at avoiding having to deal with the Central American asylum seekers.

About 50 asylum seekers camped overnight on a sidewalk outside the Mexican entrance to the border crossing.

Migrants wait for access to request asylum in the US, at the El Chaparral port of Entry in Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, April 30, 2018. bout 200 people in a caravan of Central American asylum seekers waited on the Mexican border with San Diego for a second straight day on Monday to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors, who said the nation's busiest crossing facility did not have enough space to accommodate them. (AP Photo/Hans-Maximo Musielik)

A migrant father and child, who traveled with the annual caravan of Central American migrants, rest where they set up camp to wait for access to request asylum in the US, outside the El Chaparral port of entry building at the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, April 30, 2018. About 200 people in a caravan of Central American asylum seekers waited on the Mexican border with San Diego for a second straight day on Monday to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors, who said the nation's busiest crossing facility did not have enough space to accommodate them. (AP Photo/Hans-Maximo Musielik)

A migrant who traveled with the annual caravan of Central American migrants plays with a soccer ball as the group waits for access to request asylum in the US, at a camp they set up outside the El Chaparral port of entry building at the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, April 30, 2018. About 200 people in a caravan of Central American asylum seekers waited on the Mexican border with San Diego for a second straight day on Monday to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors, who said the nation's busiest crossing facility did not have enough space to accommodate them. (AP Photo/Hans-Maximo Musielik)

A migrant who traveled with the annual caravan of Central American migrants, rest where the group set up camp to wait for access to request asylum in the US, outside the El Chaparral port of entry building at the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, April 30, 2018. About 200 people in a caravan of Central American asylum seekers waited on the Mexican border with San Diego for a second straight day on Monday to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors, who said the nation's busiest crossing facility did not have enough space to accommodate them. (AP Photo/Hans-Maximo Musielik)

A two-year-old child from Honduras gets treatment for an ear infection after sleeping in the open in front of the El Chaparral port of entry, in Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, April 30, 2018. About 200 people in a caravan of Central American asylum seekers waited on the Mexican border with San Diego for a second straight day on Monday to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors, who said the nation's busiest crossing facility did not have enough space to accommodate them. (AP Photo/Hans-Maximo Musielik)SRINAGAR, India (AP) - Suspected militants shot and killed three men in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Tuesday, as the disputed region observed a strike to protest the killing of two rebels and a civilian this week during an Indian counterinsurgency operation.

Three suspected insurgents fired at the three local men overnight in the town of Baramulla, police said. The victims, ranging in age from 20 to 25, were shot at close range and died instantly.

Baramulla is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Srinagar, the main city in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

Relatives of Mohammad Asgar, one among three civilians killed, wail during his funeral in Baramulla, 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Suspected militants shot and killed three men in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

No rebel group has claimed responsibility for the deaths of the men.

Police officer Imtiyaz Husain said they were investigating the motive behind the killings but blamed the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

On Tuesday, a few hundred relatives and neighbors offered funeral prayers for the three men before their subdued burial in Baramulla. The silent and submissive tone of the burial was a signal that militants were involved in the killings.

Local residents said the three men had been warned several times by rebels to sever contacts with the Indian military.

Also on Tuesday, shops, schools and businesses shut across much of the Kashmir Valley to protest the killing of the two Kashmiri rebels and a civilian.

Armed police and paramilitary soldiers in riot gear patrolled streets and enforced a curfew in some areas of the old quarters of Srinagar. Security restrictions were also in place in some parts of volatile southern Kashmir.

The two rebels were killed and at least three soldiers wounded on Monday during India's intensified counterinsurgency operation in southern Kashmir. The civilian was killed and at least 14 others wounded when government forces fired at anti-India protesters who were trying to help rebels escape during the gunbattle.

Thousands of people participated in the funeral prayers for the two slain militants at their native villages in southern Kashmir on Tuesday. Prayers were held at least five times for one of the slain militants, a top rebel commander, to accommodate the large number of people arriving from different places in the region.

Mourners chanted pro-rebel and pro-freedom slogans such as "Go India, go back" and "We want freedom." The killed civilian was buried overnight.

Apart from a customary religious injunction and expression of mourning, funeral prayers in Kashmir are generally a stark indicator of people's moods and political feelings.

The funeral prayers for the three slain men in Baramulla and the two rebels in southern Kashmir offered a clear dichotomy. While a few hundred participated in the burial of the Baramulla men, thousands thronged the villages of the two slain rebels to pay homage.

Kashmiris make no secret of their fury over killings by government forces, which regularly trigger bloody protests and demands for "azadi" - freedom - from Indian rule. But reactions are far more complicated, tangled in fear and loyalty, when residents accused of being informers are targeted. Most Kashmiris support, at least in general terms, the rebels' goals.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Kashmir, which in recent years has seen renewed rebel attacks and repeated public protests against Indian rule.

Nuclear-armed India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim it in its entirety.

Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding Indian-controlled Kashmir be made part of Pakistan or become an independent country. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, a charge Pakistan denies.

Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown.

Kashmiri men pray by the bodies of three civilians shot and killed by suspected militants during their joint funeral in Baramulla, 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Suspected militants shot and killed three men in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri men carry body of Haseeb Ahmad Khan, one among three civilians killed, during his funeral in Baramulla, 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Suspected militants shot and killed three men in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Grandmother, center, of Haseeb Ahmad Khan, one among three civilians killed, wails during the funeral of her grandson in Baramulla, 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Suspected militants shot and killed three men in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Relatives of Mohammad Asgar, one among three civilians killed, wail during his funeral in Baramulla, 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Suspected militants shot and killed three men in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Kashmiri men pray by the bodies of three civilians shot and killed by suspected militants during their joint funeral in Baramulla, 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Suspected militants shot and killed three men in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) - The Dominican Republic's government announced Monday that it is establishing diplomatic relations with China and breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and will later recognize Taiwan as an "inalienable part of Chinese territory."

The decision was the latest setback for Taiwan in the Caribbean and Latin America. Panama dropped its longtime ties with Taiwan last year and established relations with China, which considers Taiwan to be Chinese territory. The island is recognized as a sovereign nation by only 19 mainly small, developing countries, 10 of them in this region.

Taiwan swiftly condemned what it called China's "dollar diplomacy" and announced it would terminate ties with the Dominican Republic immediately, including all projects and assistance it provides to the Caribbean nation.

Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, left, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi prepare to shake hands after they signed the joint communique at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The Dominican Republic's government announced Monday that it is establishing diplomatic relations with China and breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and will later recognize Taiwan as an "inalienable part of Chinese territory." (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Beijing has been seeking to increase pressure on Taiwan's independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party says it wants stable relations with China, but it hasn't followed Tsai's predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou, in endorsing the "one China" principle.

Flavio Dario Espinal, legal consultant to the Dominican presidential office, said at a news conference that the change in foreign policy was based on the "needs, potential and future prospects" of his Caribbean nation.

"History and socioeconomics reality now force us to change course," he said.

Some analysts say Chinese President Xi Jinping, one of the most powerful Chinese leaders in decades, seems determined to bring Taiwan under Beijing's control during his time in office, something that would place him in the history books alongside Mao Zedong.

The island's 23 million residents are strongly in favor of maintaining their de facto independent status, but Xi has previously warned a Taiwanese envoy that the issue of unification cannot be put off indefinitely.

In Taipei, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said the Taiwanese government was "deeply upset by China's actions."

Wu said Beijing offered "vast financial incentives" to the Dominican Republic to get it to end 77 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Wu warned that Beijing has failed to deliver on hundreds of millions of dollars in pledges to some of Taiwan's former diplomatic allies.

Taiwan "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's allies," Wu said. He said such moves only served to "drive a wedge between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait."

"While Taiwan faces serious diplomatic challenges, the government will not bow down to pressure from Beijing," Wu said.

In Santo Domingo, Espinal said that even without formal diplomatic relations with China, trade between the two countries "has grown year after year to the point that today China is the second biggest supplier of our imports."

After Panama cut its ties with Taiwan, then-Taiwanese Foreign Minister David Tawei Lee visited the Dominican Republic last July as part of a campaign to shore up its relations and propose new cooperation projects. During his stay in Santo Domingo, Lee also met with Taiwan's ambassadors in Latin America to discuss strategies for not losing more allies.

The Dominican Republic has received millions of dollars in donations for development programs from Taiwan, but the government also started commercial and political contacts with China beginning in the middle of the past decade.

According to the Dominican government, bilateral trade with China has reached $2 billion a year, making the Dominican Republic the second-largest trading partner for China among the Caribbean and Central American nations.

Espinal said the government informed Taiwan of its move earlier Monday and thanked the Taiwanese for "the cooperation that we have shared for years." He said that had allowed "the development of very important programs" for the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican announcement came when it was already Tuesday in China, and Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas held a brief event Tuesday morning marking the establishment of ties.

In a joint statement, the countries said the move was "in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples" and that the Dominican Republic will sever ties with rival Taiwan as a result.

"The Government of the Dominican Republic recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," the statement said.

Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil in 1949, and Beijing campaigns relentlessly to isolate the island globally. It cut off relations with Tsai's government shortly after she took office in 2016 and has been steadily ratcheting up both diplomatic and economic pressure. Chinese analysts say Beijing will likely continue to use its economic and political clout to lure away other Taiwanese allies until Tsai accedes to China's demands.

The office of Tsai, the Taiwanese president, said in a statement that Beijing's actions against Taiwan - including ramped up military drills around the island - have increased tensions in the region.

Beijing's actions have "unilaterally undermined the peaceful status quo across the strait and are not what a responsible member of the international community should be doing," the statement said. "Such mistakes should be stopped immediately."

Beijing insists that only it has the right to represent China in international society. The island is excluded from the United Nations and other multinational bodies that require official governmental recognition at China's insistence.

___

Associated Press reporters Emily Wang in Beijing and Johnson Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.

Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, left, hugs with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi after they signed the joint communique at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The Dominican Republic's government announced Monday that it is establishing diplomatic relations with China and breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and will later recognize Taiwan as an "inalienable part of Chinese territory." (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, left, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shake hands after they signed the joint communique at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The Dominican Republic's government announced Monday that it is establishing diplomatic relations with China and breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and will later recognize Taiwan as an "inalienable part of Chinese territory." (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks during a press briefing with Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas after they signed the joint communique at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The Dominican Republic's government announced Monday that it is establishing diplomatic relations with China and breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and will later recognize Taiwan as an "inalienable part of Chinese territory." (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, left, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi shake hands after they signed the joint communique at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The Dominican Republic's government announced Monday that it is establishing diplomatic relations with China and breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and will later recognize Taiwan as an "inalienable part of Chinese territory." (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, left, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stand as they listen to the national anthems of their countries after they signed the joint communique at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The Dominican Republic's government announced Monday that it is establishing diplomatic relations with China and breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and will later recognize Taiwan as an "inalienable part of Chinese territory." (AP Photo/Andy Wong)WASHINGTON (AP) - Special counsel Robert Mueller has given a list of almost four dozen questions to lawyers for President Donald Trump as part of his investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and whether Trump obstructed justice, according to a report published in The New York Times.

The Times obtained a list of the questions, which range from Trump's motivations for firing FBI Director James Comey a year ago to contacts Trump's campaign had with Russians.

Although Mueller's team has indicated to Trump's lawyers that he's not considered a target, investigators remain interested in whether the president's actions constitute obstruction of justice and want to interview him about several episodes in office. The lawyers want to resolve the investigation as quickly as possible, but there's no agreement on how to do that.

President Donald Trump pauses during a during a news conference with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday, April 30, 2018.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Many of the questions obtained by the Times center on the obstruction issue, including his reaction to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from the Russia investigation, a decision Trump has angrily criticized.

Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday night, as did White House lawyer Ty Cobb.

The questions also touch on the Russian meddling and whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin in any way. In one question obtained by the Times, Mueller asks what Trump knew about campaign staff, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, reaching out to Moscow.

Mueller has brought several charges against Manafort, but none are for any crimes related to Russian election interference during the 2016 campaign. And he has denied having anything to do with such an effort.

The queries also touch on Trump's businesses and his discussions with his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, about a possible Moscow real estate deal. Cohen's business dealings are part of a separate FBI investigation.

One question asks what discussions Trump may have had regarding "any meeting with Mr. Putin," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another question asks what the president may have known about a possible attempt by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel with Russia before Trump's inauguration.

Additional questions center on Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his discussions on sanctions against Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition. Flynn is now cooperating with Mueller's investigators.

"What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?" reads one question. Another asks if there were any efforts to reach out to Flynn "about seeking immunity or possible pardon."

Flynn was fired Feb. 13, 2017, after White House officials said he had misled them about his Russian contacts during the transition period by saying that he had not discussed sanctions.

The following day, according to memos written by Comey, Trump cleared the Oval Office of other officials and encouraged Comey to drop the investigation into Flynn.A new scan of the Indian Ocean scoured nearly 80,000 square kilometers but failed to find any sign of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

But the company looking for the plane - which has been missing for more than four years - said it remains committed.

This comes despite earlier hopes a 25,000-square-kilometer area most likely to contain the missing aircraft had been identified.

Ocean Infinity (pictured), the American technology company, scoured nearly 80,000 square kilometers of Indian Ocean bed

The private vessel was searching of down plane MH370 (pictured) which vanished in March 8 2014

Ocean Infinity, the American technology company conducting the latest search, said in an update Monday it had scanned up to 1,300 square kilometers per day since launching its mission far off the west coast of Australia in late January.

It had searched both inside and outside an area identified by Australian authorities.

'Whilst it's disappointing there has been no sign of MH370 in the Australian Transport Safety Bureau search area and further north, there is still some search time remaining,' Ocean Infinity chief executive officer Oliver Plunkett said in a statement.

Malaysia Airlines flight 370 (pictured) vanished en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur on March 8 2014 with 239 people on board.

Debris from the missing flight have been found in a number of locations with currents carrying them to Africa and Madagascar

'Everyone at Ocean Infinity remains absolutely determined for the remainder of the search.'

MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. There were 239 people aboard.

No transmissions were received from the aircraft after its first 38 minutes of flight, but it is believed to have crashed in the far southern Indian Ocean based on the drift patterns of crash debris that washed ashore on distant beaches.

The governments of Malaysia, China and Australia called off the nearly three-year official search in January 2017.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's final report on the search conceded authorities were no closer to knowing the reasons for the plane's disappearance or its exact location.

An initial multinational search cost Australian, Malaysian and Chinese taxpayers $200million. This piece of aircraft debris was discovered on the island of Pemba, off the coast of Tanzania

In January, the Malaysian government pledged to pay Texas-based Ocean Infinity up to $70million if it could find the wreckage or black boxes of the aircraft within 90 days.

Ocean Infinity uses up to eight autonomous vehicles capable of operating in depths up to 6,000 meters - and Plunkett had launched the search saying his company had 'a realistic prospect' of finding the aircraft.

He said Monday its technology had performed 'exceptionally well,' with 'significant amounts of high quality data' collected.

The company's Seabed Constructor research vessel is stopping in the West Australian port of Fremantle, for resupply and crew rotation before returning to the search until it's forced to quit in the southern hemisphere's winter.

Plunkett's statement indicated Ocean Infinity's search could be halted before mid-June, due to weather conditions at sea.CHICAGO (AP) - A former Lithuanian judge and parliamentarian jailed in Chicago at Lithuania's request is down to her last hope of avoiding extradition.

It's a request for a stay and a judge overseeing Neringa Venckiene's (VEHN'-kee-ehn-ayz) case will consider it at a hearing Tuesday in Chicago federal court.

The 47-year-old faces charges stemming from her vocal claims that an influential pedophile ring exists in Lithuania.

This 2012 photo provided by Juozas Valiuaitis shows Neringa Venckiene in Lithuania. Venckiene, a former Lithuanian judge and parliamentarian jailed in Chicago at her homeland's request fears death if she's extradited because she helped expose a network of influential pedophiles in the country. Unless the Trump administration intervenes, 47-year-old Neringa Venckiene could be sent back home within weeks. "I never want to go back to Lithuania," she told the AP by phone from jail, adding that she'd embrace becoming a U.S. citizen. (photo courtesy Juozas Valiuaitis via AP)

She fled Lithuania in 2013, settling in suburban Chicago. She worked legally as a florist before her February arrest.

She fears being killed by Lithuanians she angered if extradited. Her lawyers say that in the U.S., her charges would be misdemeanors at worst. They include stalking and disobeying a court order.

The State Department OK'd her extradition last week, saying she can be sent back any time.JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A legislative report says a woman with whom Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens acknowledged having a consensual affair told prosecutors that he coaxed her into unwanted sexual activity as she was crying "like a wounded little animal on the ground."

The brief, graphic report from a special House investigatory committee was released Monday and accuses Greitens of mischaracterizing the woman's testimony. The report is intended as a rebuttal to Greitens, who had asserted that the video interview of the woman "undermined the narrative" of an earlier House report detailing the woman's allegations that he had been physically aggressive toward her.

The latest report highlights the escalating tension between the first-term Republican governor and the GOP-led Legislature, which is weighing whether to initiate impeachment proceedings to try to remove Greitens from office.BERLIN (AP) - Germany says it is aware of the U.S. postponement of a decision on imposing tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from the European Union for 30 days, but continues to expect "a permanent exemption."

A spokeswoman for Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement Tuesday that Germany as part of the EU will now "discuss how to continue."

The statement says, "the trans-Atlantic, economic relations are of great importance for both sides. Neither the EU nor the U.S. can have an interest in an escalation of their trade tensions."

It added that, "rather, both sides would profit from a further deepening of their trade relations."

U.S. President Donald Trump slapped tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum imports in March but excluded the EU and others.DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - After a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its leaders wrestle with both unrest at home and the prospect of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad.

Though it has long made threats about Israel's existence, Iran doesn't have a modern air force to take on Israel. Launching ballistic missiles also remains a question mark, considering Israel's anti-missile defense system, the near-certainty of massive Israeli retaliation and the risk of further alienating the West as President Donald Trump threatens to withdraw the United States from the atomic accord.

Meanwhile, Iran's long-favored strategy of relying on allied militant groups and proxies faces limits as well. Hezbollah, now bloodied and battered from Syria's long war, may not have the appetite for another conflict as the Shiite militant group tries to further integrate into local Lebanese politics.

FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2017 file photo, a Ghadr-H missile, center, a solid-fuel surface-to-surface Sejjil missile and a portrait of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei are displayed at Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran. Facing a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its officials wrestle both domestic unrest at home and the prospects of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

Here's a look at what happened and the challenges confronting Iran as it weighs its response.

___

THE ATTACKS

On April 9, a suspected Israeli jet fighter targeted Syria's T4 air base in central Homs province, hours after a suspected poison gas attack on a rebel-held Syrian town. That strike killed 14 people, including seven Iranians.

On Sunday, just before midnight, another attack struck Syrian government outposts further north, in Hama and Aleppo provinces. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes, which targeted an arms depot containing surface-to-surface missiles belonging to Iranian militias in Hama province and a military base in Aleppo province, killed 26 pro-government forces, most of them Iranians.

Suspicion for both attacks immediately fell on Israel, which, in keeping with tradition, has neither confirmed nor denied carrying out the strikes. If Israeli jets carried out the latest assault, it would mean the country's fighters are flying deeper and deeper into Syrian territory, as Hama is some 180 kilometers (110 miles) from Israel.

___

IRANIAN MILITARY LIMITS

While Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the April 9 attack "a crime" and other officials threatened revenge, there are significant limits to Iran's conventional military forces.

Iran's air force, in particular, has suffered since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The backbone of its air power remains pre-revolution American F-4s, F-5s and F-14s, with a mix of other Soviet, French and aging aircraft. That fleet is outgunned by the modern U.S.-supplied fighter jets flown by Israel and the Gulf Arab states.

To counter that, Iran has put much of its money toward developing a ballistic missile force it says provides a defensive deterrent to a direct air attack. Iran's Revolutionary Guard, a hard-line paramilitary force answerable only to Khamenei, controls those ballistic missiles, which can reach Israel.

There is recent precedent for Iran launching ballistic missiles to avenge attacks. Last June, six Iranian Zolfaghar missiles targeted Islamic State group positions in Syria in revenge for an IS-claimed attack on the Iranian parliament and the mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini, the Islamic Republic's founder. However, Israeli media later reported only one made it to its target, something denied by the Guard.

Israel, in cooperation with the U.S., also has developed a multi-layer system of missile defense that could protect it against incoming Iranian fire. While no missile defense is perfect, Israel could defend itself. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, long a hawk on Iran, also likely wouldn't hesitate to launch a massive retaliatory strike.

___

NUCLEAR DEAL IN THE BALANCE

A missile attack on Israel would draw an immediate response from the West, in particular the U.S., which long has acted as the guarantor of Israel's safety. Trump has pledged "we have no better friends anywhere" than Israel and is moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, a move that has angered Palestinians, who claim east Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, and their Arab backers.

Any military action would further isolate Iran as Trump faces a self-imposed May 12 deadline to decide what to do about the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. That deal allowed Iran to sell crude oil on the international market and regain access to the world's banks. Losing it could mean further economic problems for Iran, which has already seen its currency, the rial, crater against the U.S. dollar.

While average Iranians haven't experienced any direct benefit from the nuclear deal, they have felt the currency crisis. Iranian government officials recognize that anger, coupled with still-smoldering resentments after nationwide protests swept the country in December and January, could further challenge their rule. That could grow with a fumbled direct attack on Israel.

___

PROXY PROBLEMS

Iran could fall back on its regional militant allies or proxies to launch an attack, a strategy it has used with great success after its ruinous 1980s war with Iraq. After the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, the U.S. blamed Iran for training Iraqi militants to build so-called explosively formed projectiles, which penetrated armored vehicles to maim and kill soldiers. Tehran denied doing this. Western nations and U.N. experts also say Iran has supplied the Shiite rebels now holding Yemen's capital with weapons, from small arms to ballistic missiles, something Tehran also denies.

Iran's greatest proxy achievement, however, is Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group and political organization that pushed occupying Israeli forces out of Lebanon in 2000. Since then, Hezbollah has remained an adversary of Israel and fought one war against it in 2006. Southern Lebanon's rolling hills bordering Israel remain Hezbollah's stronghold.

Iran could retaliate through Hezbollah, but the group has been battered in the Syrian war. Supporting embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad has seen hundreds of its fighters killed and wounded.

Hezbollah also wants to further integrate into local Lebanese politics as the nation votes on Sunday for a new parliament for the first time in nine years. Launching a new war could endanger its political support base, including possibly among its Shiite constituency, which is wary of another ruinous war with Israel.

___

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

For now, Iran continues to threaten retaliation. If none comes, Israel may feel emboldened to launch strikes even deeper into Syria to clear out major Iranian bases before that country's war ends. But continuing strikes risk further escalation on all sides, with Hezbollah still heavily armed just across the Israeli border. How Russia and the U.S. would respond to any escalation remains a question as well.

___

Associated Press writer Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed to this report.

___

EDITOR'S NOTE - Jon Gambrell has covered the Middle East from Cairo and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, since 2013.

Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellap . His work can be found at http://apne.ws/2galNpz .

FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2017 file photo, Iran's Khoramshahr missile is displayed by the Revolutionary Guard during a military parade marking the 37th anniversary of Iraq's 1980 invasion of Iran, in front of the shrine of late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran. Facing a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its officials wrestle both domestic unrest at home and the prospects of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

FILE - In this June 23, 2017 file photo, a Ghadr H surface-to-surface ballistic missile is displayed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard in an annual pro-Palestinian rally marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day, in Tehran, Iran. Facing a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its officials wrestle both domestic unrest at home and the prospects of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad. A portrait of the late Iranian revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini and Jerusalem's Dome of Rock hangs from a building in background. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2017 file photo, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, center, reviews a military parade during the 37th anniversary of Iraq's 1980 invasion of Iran, in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder, Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran. Facing a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its officials wrestle both domestic unrest at home and the prospects of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2015 file photo, Iranian soldiers take a picture with a Winnie the Pooh character next to a F-14 fighter jet in an exhibition of achievements and equipment of Iran's air force in Tehran, Iran. Facing a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its officials wrestle both domestic unrest at home and the prospects of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP) - A U.N. Security Council delegation on Tuesday visited Myanmar's Rakhine state, from where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled military-led violence. Delegation members said they hope to help the refugees return quickly and safely to their homes there.

Around 700,000 Rohingya fled the troubled area to squalid camps in Bangladesh last year as Myanmar's army launched a brutal crackdown following insurgent attacks on security posts.

State television showed the ambassadors touring the border area. Travelling by helicopter, they visited two villages, one transit center and one reception camp, where refugees who return will initially be housed.

U.N. Security Council President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, center left, Permanent Representative of Poland to United Nations Joanna Wronecka, center right, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations Mansour Ayyad SH A Alotaibi, left, and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Karen Pierce, right, attend a press conference at Naypyitaw International Airport in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, after a two-day visit to Myanmar. The U.N. Security Council delegation has visited volatile areas of Myanmar's Rakhine state, from where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled military-led violence, to see firsthand the aftermath of the army's crackdown as well as Myanmar's preparations for taking back the refugees. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

They also met with members of different groups affected by the violence and upheaval, including Rakhine Buddhists, Hindus and some Rohingya Muslims who did not flee.

The ambassadors visited refugees in Bangladesh over the weekend, and on Monday held talks with Myanmar officials, including the country's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and military commander in chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

At a news conference in Myanmar's capital, Naypyitaw, before flying out of the country, the ambassadors reminded Myanmar's government of its obligations as a member of the United Nations. The envoys represent the 15 countries making up the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body.

"''We are not asking Myanmar government something new. They are a member of the United Nations and they are a member and state party to many UN conventions. The return of refugees should be in conformity with international standards," said Kuwait's representative, Mansour Al-Otaibi.

Bangladesh and Myanmar agreed in December to begin repatriating the refugees in January, but there were concerns among rights groups and Rohingya that they would be forced to return and face unsafe conditions in Myanmar.

In its counterinsurgency sweeps in Rakhine state after the attacks last August on security personnel, Myanmar's military was accused of massive human rights violations, including rape, killing, torture, and the burning of Rohingya homes, that U.N. and U.S. officials have called ethnic cleansing.

The Muslim Rohingya face official and social discrimination in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, which denies most of them citizenship and its rights because they are looked on as immigrants in the country illegally after leaving neighboring Bangladesh, even though many settled in Myanmar generations ago.

"Basically the message we convey is it is very important to improve the security conditions for the return of the refugees, and also collaboration with the international organization, particularly the United Nations," said Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, ambassador of Peru. "And we also mentioned the importance of the investigation regarding what happened here before the refugees went to Bangladesh."

The U.N. refugee agency and Bangladesh recently finalized a memorandum of understanding that said the repatriation process must be "safe, voluntary and dignified, in line with international standards."

The Security Council delegation has asked Myanmar's government to sign the memorandum.

"We believe that if the memorandum of understanding can be signed quickly and the U.N. agencies given unconditional access, that would be the best thing to do with the scale of the problem," said Karen Pierce, Britain's ambassador to the United Nations.

Pierce parried a journalist's question about whether the U.N. should make a referral to the International Criminal Court to investigate the atrocities alleged to have been carried out by Myanmar security forces, acknowledging only that it could be one avenue of investigation.

In New York, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq noted at a briefing that "around 500,000 Rohingya still live in Rakhine, facing continued discrimination and marginalization, including around 130,000 men, women and children who are trapped in appalling conditions in camps."

"Severe restrictions on their freedom of movement persist, grossly restricting their access to healthcare, education and livelihoods," he said. "This is the reality that must be changed if refugees are to be reasonably expected to return."

He also pointed out that many of the Rohingya refugees sheltering in Bangladesh, already living in poor and crowded conditions, face further misery with the early onset on the monsoon season, with a strong risk of landslides and flooding.

An international appeal for $951 million for humanitarian aid for the refugees and their host communities was only 10 percent funded, he added.

Myanmar's government agreed to allow the Security Council to visit after previously rejecting U.N. requests for a trip by a specially appointed independent fact-finding committee.

The team said in March that it found evidence of human rights violations against the Kachin, Shan and Rohingya minorities "in all likelihood amounting to crimes under international law."

___

AP Correspondent Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.

___

This version corrects the spelling of Kuwait representative's last name, Al-Otaibi not Al-Alotaibi.

U.N. Security Council President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, left, Permanent Representative of Poland to United Nations Joanna Wronecka, center, and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Karen Pierce attend a press conference at Naypyitaw International Airport in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, after a two-day visit to Myanmar. The U.N. Security Council delegation has visited volatile areas of Myanmar's Rakhine state, from where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled military-led violence, to see firsthand the aftermath of the army's crackdown as well as Myanmar's preparations for taking back the refugees. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

U.N. Security Council President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, center left, Permanent Representative of Poland to United Nations Joanna Wronecka, center right, Permanent Representative of the State of Kuwait to the United Nations Mansour Ayyad SH A Alotaibi, left, and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Karen Pierce, right, attend a press conference at Naypyitaw International Airport in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, after a two-day visit to Myanmar. The U.N. Security Council delegation has visited volatile areas of Myanmar's Rakhine state, from where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled military-led violence, to see firsthand the aftermath of the army's crackdown as well as Myanmar's preparations for taking back the refugees. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations Karen Pierce talks to journalists at a press conference at Naypyitaw International Airport in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, after a two-day visit to Myanmar. The U.N. Security Council delegation has visited volatile areas of Myanmar's Rakhine state, from where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have fled military-led violence, to see firsthand the aftermath of the army's crackdown as well as Myanmar's preparations for taking back the refugees. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - The rival Koreas dismantled huge loudspeakers used to blare Cold War-style propaganda across their tense border on Tuesday, as South Korea's president asked the United Nations to observe the North's planned closing of its nuclear test site.

The dismantling of dozens of loudspeakers was in line with an agreement on reconciliation by the leaders of the Koreas at their historic summit last Friday. It is still unclear if such measures can bring permanent peace because no major breakthrough in the North Korean nuclear standoff was produced at the summit.

South Korean soldiers disassembled loudspeakers in multiple front-line areas in the presence of journalists before pulling them away from the border, the Defense Ministry said.

South Korean soldiers dismantle loudspeakers that set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The leaders of the rival Koreas agreed at a historic summit last week on a set of reconciliation steps, including the suspension of propaganda broadcasts and other hostile acts along their tense border.(Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

A South Korea military officer said later Tuesday that North Korea had also begun taking down its propaganda loudspeakers earlier in the day. He requested anonymity, citing department rules.

Both Koreas had turned off the propaganda broadcasts along the 248-kilometer (154-mile) -long border last week before the summit.

They had restarted their propaganda warfare in early 2016 when tensions rose sharply after North Korea's fourth nuclear test. South Korea broadcast K-pop songs as well as criticism of the North's abysmal human rights conditions, world news and weather forecasts. The North broadcast anti-South messages and praises of its own political system.

North Korea is extremely sensitive to any outside criticism of its system, and most of its 24 million people are not allowed access to foreign TV and radio programs. In 2014, North Korean soldiers opened fire after South Korean activists sent anti-North leaflets over the border with large balloons, prompting South Korea to return fire. There were no reports of casualties.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has suspended nuclear and missile tests and placed his nuclear program up for negotiation, but skepticism lingers about how serious his offer is and what disarmament steps he would eventually take. Some experts say Kim's sincerity will be tested during his planned meeting in several weeks with U.S. President Donald Trump, in what would be the first North Korea-U.S. summit talks since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Trump said Monday he likes the idea of going to the southern side of Panmunjom, the location of the Korean summit, to meet Kim, though he said Singapore was also under consideration.

Ahead of that meeting, the leaders of South Korea, Japan and China are to meet next Wednesday in Tokyo for a regular trilateral summit that is expected to focus on North Korea's nuclear program and other regional issues.

During their meeting last Friday, Kim told South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he would shut down his country's only known nuclear test site and allow outside experts and journalists to watch the process. He also said he would be willing to give up his nuclear programs if the United States commits to a formal end to the Korean War and pledges not to attack the North, according to South Korea's presidential office.

During a telephone call with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, Moon said he wants the U.N. to observe the closure of the Punggy-ri test site. Moon also asked the U.N. to formally declare its support for his summit declaration with Kim. Guterres responded that he will try to contribute to the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to Moon's office.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said late Tuesday that Moon asked Guterres for U.N. support "to verify the imminent closure" of North Korea's nuclear test site. He said the South Korean leader also asked the secretary-general for U.N. support in implementing the agreement by Moon and Kim "to transform the demilitarized zone into a peace zone."

Dujarric said "the secretary-general reiterated the full support of the United Nations to furthering the inter-Korean dialogue and in this regard pledged that the United Nations stands ready to discuss possible forms of support."

Some experts downplayed the closure of the Punggy-ri site, saying the six underground nuclear explosions that have been conducted there may have made it too unstable for more testing. Kim denied such views, saying the site has two additional underground tunnels that could be used for new tests.

A major source of outside suspicion about Kim's sincerity is his use of the term, "the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" instead of "the denuclearization of North Korea." North Korea has long used the first term, and has argued it can disarm only when the United States withdraws its 28,500 troops from South Korea and removes its so-called "nuclear umbrella" security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

A joint summit statement issued by Kim and Moon said they will work together to achieve "a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization."

It was the first time that Kim has proposed negotiating away his nuclear weapons, and some analysts say he could reveal more substantial disarmament measures in his meeting with Trump, including the possible scrapping of his long-range missile program that has posed a direct threat to the United States.

Prospects for the Kim-Trump talks remain unclear because Kim prefers a gradual, step-by-step disarmament process in return for corresponding rewards, while the United States wants complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.

On Monday, Moon shook off a suggestion that he receive the Nobel Peace Prize for reducing tensions with North Korea, saying Trump "can take the Nobel prize" as long as the Koreas receive peace in return.

South Korean soldiers move loudspeakers that set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The leaders of the rival Koreas agreed at a historic summit last week on a set of reconciliation steps, including the suspension of propaganda broadcasts and other hostile acts along their tense border.(Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

A reporter prepares a news report as South Korean soldiers dismantle loudspeakers that set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The leaders of the rival Koreas agreed at a historic summit last week on a set of reconciliation steps, including the suspension of propaganda broadcasts and other hostile acts along their tense border.(Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

South Korean soldiers dismantle loudspeakers that set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The leaders of the rival Koreas agreed at a historic summit last week on a set of reconciliation steps, including the suspension of propaganda broadcasts and other hostile acts along their tense border.(Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

A worker dismantles loudspeakers that set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The leaders of the rival Koreas agreed at a historic summit last week on a set of reconciliation steps, including the suspension of propaganda broadcasts and other hostile acts along their tense border.(Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

South Korean soldiers dismantle loudspeakers that set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The leaders of the rival Koreas agreed at a historic summit last week on a set of reconciliation steps, including the suspension of propaganda broadcasts and other hostile acts along their tense border.(Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)GENEVA (AP) - The death toll among a group of hikers trapped by an unexpected snowstorm in the Swiss Alps rose to six Tuesday, police said. The victims were identified as five Italians and a Bulgarian woman.

The regional Valais police department said another person remains in critical condition following the blast of snow and high winds in the Pigne d'Arolla region of Switzerland, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the famed Matterhorn.

A total of 14 hikers from two groups were trying to reach the Vignettes hikers' hut, located at 3,157 meters (10,357 feet) in the Pennine Alps, when they were caught in the bad weather.

This undated picture provided by the Police Valais, shows Pigne d'Arolla mountain near Arolla, Switzerland. Police in southwestern Switzerland said Monday, April 30, 2018 four Alpine climbers have died and another five were in critical condition after becoming trapped overnight by an unexpected storm of snow and high winds. Authorities in the Valais canton deployed seven helicopters as part of efforts early Monday to rescue the 14 hikers from France, Germany and Italy in the Pigne d'Arolla region. (Kantonspolizei Valais//Keystone via AP)

They spent the night from Sunday to Monday out in freezing temperatures with no shelter before authorities mounted a rescue operation involving seven helicopters.

Police spokesman Markus Rieder said a 52-year-old Bulgarian woman died in a hospital Tuesday. Two Italian couples - in their mid-40s and mid-50s - also died from hypothermia after being evacuated to the hospital.

The sixth victim was a 59-year-old Italian man, who was guiding 10 hikers and fell to his death before rescuers arrived.

Police said a 72-year-old Swiss woman, a 56-year-old French woman, and a 43-year-old Italian woman remained hospitalized Tuesday.

Three French people, a German woman and an Italian man suffered mild hypothermia.

One of the survivors, Tommaso Piccioli, said Tuesday that he almost didn't make it out alive.

The hikers got caught in the snowstorm after they took a wrong path, Piccioli told Italian state TV in a phone interview. They wanted to carve out a hole in the snow for shelter, "but we couldn't, we were too exhausted" by nightfall, said Piccioli, who was released from the hospital Tuesday.

He thinks he survived because he refused to lie down, but kept himself moving and awake through the night while others slept.

"Every so often I wanted to let myself go" and die, Piccioli said. "But then I thought of my wife."

The Italian news agency ANSA said Piccioli is a 50-year-old architect.

Europe has experienced turbulent weather recently, with unseasonable spells of hot and cold temperatures.

In a separate incident Tuesday, Italian authorities said two skiers fell hundreds of meters (feet) to their deaths in the Dolomite mountains, ANSA reported.

The two Italian skiers were described as experienced members of Alpine rescue squads, but were skiing recreationally when they fell.

___

Frances D'Emilio contributed to this report from Rome.ATLANTA (AP) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating a shooting by an off-duty Georgia State University Police officer.

News outlets report that university police say the unidentified officer was working a part-time security job at a Greyhound bus station on Monday night when the shooting happened. The officer reportedly noticed a man harassing people at the station around 7:30 p.m. and approached him.

Georgia State University Police Chief Joseph Spillane says that's when the man attacked the officer. The chief says the officer used pepper spray, but felt "fear for her life" and used her weapon. Spillane says the man was shot in the shoulder and taken to a hospital.

He's in stable condition. The officer was not injured.

Spillane says the officer is on paid leave pending the investigation.COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The lawyer of the man reportedly at the center of a sex-abuse scandal that has tarnished the reputation of the body that hands out the Nobel Prize in Literature says his client is the victim of "a witch hunt."

Bjorn Hurtig says allegations, including those of sexual misconduct, "may only have the purpose of harming" Jean-Claude Arnault.

Hurtig told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his client whom he didn't name rejects "as false and offensive" allegations he pawed Crown Princess Victoria 12 years ago by letting his hand slide down her back to her rear.

Last week, a leading Swedish newspaper quoted among others Ebba Witt-Brattstrom, the estranged wife of a Swedish Academy board member, as witnessing the incident, adding an aide to the princess quickly removed Arnault's hand.Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:

1. 'THERE WAS GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYBODY'

U.S. border inspectors allow some of the Central American asylum-seekers to enter the country for processing, ending a brief impasse over lack of space.

Central American migrants sit on top of the border wall on the beach during a gathering of migrants living on both sides of the border, Sunday, April 29, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

2. IRAN RETALIATION OPTIONS ARE FEW

After strikes in Syria attributed to Israel that killed Iranian troops, Tehran confronts challenges - both home and abroad - as it weighs its response.

3. US PUTS OFF DECISION ON TARIFFS FOR EU, OTHERS

The White House postpones a decision on imposing tariffs on U.S. imports of steel and aluminum from the European Union, Canada and Mexico for 30 days.

4. MUELLER TEAM GIVES TRUMP LAWYERS A LIST OF QUESTIONS

The New York Times obtained the list, which range from the president's motivations for firing FBI Director James Comey to contacts Trump's campaign had with Russians.

5. AUSTRALIAN CARDINAL TO BE TRIED

George Pell, the most senior Vatican official to be charged in the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis, is accused of sexually abusing multiple victims decades ago.

6. 'MEAN GIRLS,' 'SPONGEBOB' MUSICAL LEAD TONY NODS

Tina Fey's high school comedy musical and the goofy undersea adaptation of the cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants" lead the Tony Award nominations with a dozen each.

7. WHY THIS MAY DAY MAY BE DIFFERENT

Immigrant rights' groups will rally in the U.S. in solidarity with those around the world, but their focus this year is to drive turnout in the midterm elections.

8. 'HE AND I BOTH KNOW THIS STORY IS TOTAL BS'

White House chief of staff John Kelly dismisses a report citing a former administration official stating that Kelly privately called Trump "an idiot" last year.

9. ZUCKERBERG FRONT AND CENTER AGAIN

Facebook's co-founder has a fresh opportunity to apologize for the social network's privacy scandal - and to sketch out the company's future at its annual conference for software developers.

10. CELTICS' RISING STARS STALL 'THE PROCESS'

Terry Rozier and Jayson Tatum outplay rookie Ben Simmons, leading Boston to a 117-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Australian Cardinal George Pell arrives at the Magistrates Court in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Pell, the most senior Vatican official to be charged in the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis, arrived surrounded by police and media to learn whether he must stand trial on charges that he sexually abused multiple victims decades ago. (Joe Castro/AAP Image via AP)BERLIN (AP) - Vienna prosecutors are investigating whether Austrian peacekeepers allowed Syrian police to drive into a fatal ambush in the Golan Heights six years ago.

Austrian newspaper Der Standard reported that prosecutor spokeswoman Nina Bussek confirmed Tuesday they are looking into the case.

Austrian weekly Der Falter published a leaked video Friday that was apparently filmed by United Nations peacekeepers from Austria in September 2012. It shows Syrian smugglers ambushing the police, and the Austrian soldiers are heard discussing whether to warn the officers, but then letting them pass.

Nine Syrian police officers were killed in the attack.

The Austrian defense ministry has established a task force to deal look into the allegations as well.

Austria's peacekeeping role on the border between Syria and Israel ended in 2013.TOKYO (AP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sought public support Tuesday for his long-cherished goal of revising the country's war-renouncing constitution amid widening scandals that have hurt his government's popularity.

Abe said he wants Japan's Self-Defense Force to be officially recognized by the constitution as the country's military. Opponents say the revision could expand Japan's military role beyond current limits.

"Finally, it's time for us to tackle a revision to the constitution. And it's you, the people, who are to play the primary role," Abe said in a statement read by a senior member of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party at an annual campaign rally for charter change. Abe is currently traveling in the Middle East.

In this April 29, 2018 photo, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to journalists at the Prime minister's office in Tokyo. Abe, in a statement issued Tuesday, May 1, 2018, said he wants the status of Japan's self-defense force spelled out as military, as he desperately seeks to take a crack at a revision. Opponents say it could expand Japan's military role beyond its current limit. (Shin Kigeuchi/Kyodo News via AP)

Public opinion has been split despite an expanded campaign to drum up support for constitutional amendment in recent years. Demands for change have been led mainly by Abe's party, not the public. Abe's ruling block holds the necessary two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament to propose a revision, but its junior partner, the Komei party, is reluctant to accept a charter change.

Japan's postwar constitution renounces the use of force in settling international conflicts, and limits the military to self-defense, although Japan has a well-equipped modern army, navy and air force that work closely with the U.S. The Self-Defense Force, established less than a decade after Japan's World War II defeat, was once controversial, but is now widely accepted as Japan's legitimate military.

Abe, after seeing his party's earlier proposal for a more drastic revision of the constitution's war-renouncing Article 9 fail to gain public support, began arguing that many Japanese scholars still consider the Self-Defense Force unconstitutional and that the constitution needs to be revised to spell out its legitimacy.

Earlier Tuesday, thousands of participants in a May Day rally opposed the proposed constitutional revision and demanded Abe's resignation over his suspected role in widening cronyism scandals.

Abe's ruling party and its nationalistic supporters, such as the powerful lobby Nippon Kaigi, have advocated constitutional revisions for years. They say the 1947 charter, imposed by U.S. occupation forces after Japan's World War II defeat, is outdated and its pacifist restrictions make Japan vulnerable to a growing security threat from North Korea.

Earlier amendments proposed by the ruling party in 2012 were intended to restore prewar values centering on the emperor and on placing the national interest above individual rights in some cases. Abe's current proposed change to Article 9 was adopted by the ruling party in March.

___

Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi

Find her work at https://www.apnews.com/search/mari%20yamaguchi

Participants bow to the Japanese flag after singing the national anthem during the annual rally on revising Japan's constitution attended by lawmakers in Tokyo Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Lawmakers and other supporters gathered Tuesday ahead of Thursday's Constitution Day holiday, when Japan's democratic and war-renouncing charter took effect 71 years ago. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in a statement issued Tuesday, said he wants the status of Japan's self-defense force spelled out as military, as he desperately seeks to take a crack at a revision. Opponents say it could expand Japan's military role beyond its current limit. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)GREENBELT, Md. (AP) - A man wanted in an armed robbery is in critical condition after he was shot by Maryland police.

Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski says the Monday shooting happened when police were trying to execute an arrest warrant on 26-year-old Corey Markell Janifer. Stawinski says Janifer was wanted in an April robbery and shooting.

Janifer reportedly locked himself in a room at an apartment Monday. Stawinski tells news outlets that police were preparing to break down the room's door when one of the officers "perceived a threat and responded to that threat." Janifer was shot once in the stomach by a Prince George's County Police officer. Stawinski says he wasn't immediately able to describe the nature of the perceived threat.

The officer was not immediately identified.BERLIN (AP) - The South Korean fiance of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has spoken out about reports that her ex-husband was suing Schroeder for financial compensation.

News agency Dpa quoted South Korean media reports Monday that Soyeon Kim's ex-husband was demanding around 77,000 euros (92,620 dollars) in financial compensation from Schroeder because the former politician's relationship with Kim had caused him "unbearable soul pain."

In a statement Tuesday, Kim said Schroeder wasn't responsible for the collapse for her marriage and he did not owe her ex-husband any compensation.

FILE - In this April 21, 2018 file photo former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, left, with girlfriend Kim So-Yeon attends the German Bundesliga soccer match between Hannover 96 and Bayern Munich in Hannover, Germany. The German news agency dpa reported that Schroeder's fiance said in a statement Tuesday May 1, 2018 that her marriage with her ex-husband had been in shatters for many years and that she fulfilled all legal demands by her ex-husband. (Swen Pfoertner/dpa via AP,file)

The couple announced in January that they want to get married this fall. It would be Schroeder's fifth marriage.TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Hundreds of Iranians have defied a ban on protests to mark International Labor Day, with police detaining at least six people.

The semi-official ILNA news agency said the six were arrested outside the gates to parliament on Tuesday, when protesters gathered there and at another location in the capital, Tehran.

The workers who attended the rallies demanded higher wages, better conditions and more protection after retirement.

Iranians took to the streets in December and January to protest against economic hardship and corruption, with some protests escalating into calls for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic. Some 25 people were killed in the unrest and more than 5,000 arrested.

Iran continues to struggle with high unemployment despite the lifting of international sanctions under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Leaders of South Korea, Japan and China will meet next week for a summit expected to focus on North Korea's nuclear program and other regional issues.

The three Asian countries have been holding regular trilateral summits since late 2008. Next week's summit, the seventh, comes amid a flurry of high-profile diplomatic contacts aimed at ridding North Korea of its nuclear weapons.

Last week, the leaders of North and South Korea met at a border village and agreed on a number of steps aimed at reconciliation. Their summit, however, didn't produce a breakthrough in the North Korean nuclear issue. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to meet in several weeks.

South Korea's presidential office said Tuesday that President Moon Jae-in will attend next Wednesday's meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

The Japanese government confirmed the meeting.

Moon's office said he will brief Abe and Li about the results of his summit with Kim. It said Moon also plans to discuss ways to boost three-way cooperation toward achieving denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea, Japan and China are closely linked economically and are also members of now-stalled regional disarmament talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear weapons program. But anti-Japan sentiment still runs deep in South Korea and China because of territorial and historical disputes dating back to Tokyo's colonization of the Korean Peninsula and invasion of China in the first half of the 20th century. Further complicating their relations, Seoul and Tokyo are key U.S. allies, while Beijing is North Korea's last major ally.WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday hailed the "tremendous bravery" of the crew and passengers aboard a damaged Southwest Airlines plane that was forced into an emergency landing in Philadelphia last month, saying, "Everybody's talking about it."

Trump also paid tribute to Jennifer Riordan, a 43-year-old Wells Fargo bank executive from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who died of injuries suffered after she was partially sucked out of a window that had been broken by shrapnel.

"Our hearts break for the family of the passenger who tragically lost their life," the president said in the Oval Office, surrounded by the two pilots, three flight attendants and five passengers who assisted frightened passengers. "We send our prayers to Jennifer's husband and their two beautiful young children. We ask God to hold this family close as they grieve the loss of a loving wife and mother."

President Donald Trump shakes hands with pilot Tammie Jo Shults, as he meets with crew and passengers of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Trump said, "She must have been a fantastic woman." Seven other passengers suffered physical injuries.

Another passenger is suing Dallas-based Southwest Airlines and engine maker CFM International for negligence, saying she is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder since the emergency. The passenger, Lilia Chavez, says in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Philadelphia that she sat three seats behind the shattered window and witnessed "the horror" of what happened to Riordan.

Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 was headed from New York to Dallas with 149 people on board in April when it was forced to land in Philadelphia after an engine on the Boeing 737 exploded at 30,000 feet (9,144 meters). Shrapnel damaged the fuselage and broke the window.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

Trump added to the praise that the pilot, Capt. Tammie Jo Shults, has earned for helping prevent a far worse outcome, saying she did an "incredible job."

"Everybody's talking about it. They're still talking about it. They'll be talking about it for a long time," he told Shults, who was one of the first female Navy fighter pilots and flew training missions as an enemy pilot during Operation Desert Storm.

Trump also commended several passengers who came to the aid of other travelers, including a firefighter who helped pull Riordan back inside the aircraft and a retired nurse who administered CPR.

"The actions of the crew and passengers of Southwest Flight 1380 shows the great character of our nation," Trump said.

NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt has said a crack on a blade inside the engine led to the failure that blew debris at the aircraft.

Federal regulators are expanding an emergency order for airlines to inspect fan blades in Boeing 737 engines for microscopic cracks that indicate metal weakness. Investigators believe cracks caused a fan blade on Flight 1380 to break off and trigger the deadly engine breakup, though a final determination on the cause of the accident is likely a year or more away.

___

AP Airlines Writer David Koenig in Dallas contributed to this report.

___

Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap

President Donald Trump shakes hands with pilot Tammie Jo Shults as he meets with crew and passengers of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

This photo provided by Diana McBride Self shows Flight 1380 pilot Tammie Jo Shults, right, interacting with passengers after emergency landing the plane, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Passengers praised Shults for her professionalism during the emergency. Shults, one of the first female fighter pilots in the Navy, was at the controls when the jet landed, according to her husband, Dean Shults. She got a round of applause from the passengers after putting the plane down safely. She walked through the aisle and talked with passengers to make sure they were OK afterward. (Diana McBride Self via AP)

This March 20, 2017 photo provided by Kevin Garber at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan., shows Tammie Jo Shults, one of the pilots of a Southwest Airlines twin-engine Boeing 737 bound from New York to Dallas that made an emergency landing at the Philadelphia International Airport after the aircraft blew one of its engines Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (Kevin Garber/MidAmerica Nazarene University via AP)

President Donald Trump looks to pilot Tammie Jo Shults, second from left, and first officer Darren Ellisor, left, as he meets with crew and passengers of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

President Donald Trump pauses as he meets with crew and passengers of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, including pilot Tammie Jo Shults, third from left, and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, right, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)The maker of the Gibson guitar, omnipresent for decades on the American music stage, is filing for bankruptcy protection after wrestling for years with debt, which has mounted to nearly $500million.

A pre-negotiated reorganization plan filed Tuesday will allow Gibson Brands Inc. to continue operations with $135 million in financing from lenders.

Gibson guitars have been esteemed by generations of guitar legends. After Chuck Berry died, his beloved cherry-red Gibson guitar was bolted to the inside of his coffin lid.

David Bowie favored the 1989 Gibson L4 when he fronted Tin Machine. Slash swears by them.

'It is one of the most widely recognized brand names on planet Earth,' said George Gruhn of Gruhn Guitars, a world-famous vintage instrument store.

Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO of Gibson Brands, poses for a portrait on June 17, 2016. The maker of the Gibson guitar, omnipresent for decades on the American rock 'n' roll stage, is filing for bankruptcy protection after wrestling for years with debt

A vintage Gibson Les Paul '54 Goldtop electric guitar belonging to English rock guitarist Bernie Marsden, taken on May 20, 2016

Founded in 1894 and based in Nashville, Tennessee, Gibson has the top market share in premium electric guitars.

It sells more than 170,000 guitars a year in more than 80 countries, including more than 40 percent of all electric guitars that cost more than $2,000, according to a bankruptcy filing.

The company has already sold off some noncore brands, acquisitions that contributed to its burdensome debt load.

Gibson has begun the liquidation process for its debt-plagued, struggling international Gibson Innovations division, which sells headphones, speakers, accessories and other electronics.

'The decision to re-focus on our core business, musical instruments, combined with the significant support from our noteholders, we believe will assure the company's long-term stability and financial health,' Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson chairman and CEO, said in a news release.

In this file photo taken on January 7, 2014, visitors check Gibson's guitars during the 2014 International CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center

In this file photo taken on June 23, 2012, singer David Bowie's Country Gentleman Gibson guitar is on display at Juliens Auctions in Beverly Hills, California

Gruhn, an expert on guitars of all kinds, said the company's bankruptcy was predictable after it expanded into the home electronics business. But that doesn't mean the Gibson brand will simply go away, Gruhn added.

'The brand name and company's reputation for making guitars is tarnished, but not dead by any means, and it's very much capable of being resuscitated,' Gruhn said.

In the hands of musicians from B.B. King to Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Duane Allman and Slash, Gibson's electric guitars have been a foundational element of blues and rock. King's signature guitar, 'Lucille,' was a Gibson.

Legendary jazz guitar player Charlie Christian made history playing a Gibson ES-150 - one of the first ever electric guitars - through an amplifier with the Benny Goodman orchestra.

B.B. King performs on stage at the Capital Jazz Festival held at Knebworth in July 1982

Rock and roll musician Elvis Presley plays a Gibson electric guitar while performing on the Elvis comeback TV special on June 27, 1968

Pete Townshend, posed, backstage, with Gibson EDS-1275 twin neck guitar

Joan Jett performs with her band Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at the Gibson booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show January 9, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada

National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences President Neil Portnow, Bob Dylan, former United States President Jimmy Carter and Chairman of Gibson Brands Henry Juszkiewicz attend the 25th anniversary MusiCares 2015 Person Of The Year Gala honoring Bob Dylan at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 6, 2015 in Los Angeles, California

Billy Gibbons performs in concert during the Jungle Show III at Antone's on December 27, 2017 in Austin, Texas

The later big-bodied Gibson jazz guitars have been in the arsenal of many great players since then, such as Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass.

One of the only known photographs of iconic Delta blues pioneer Robert Johnson shows him with a Gibson L-1 guitar.

And the folk-revival of the 1950s and 1960s wouldn't have sounded quite so mellow without battalions of steel-string Gibson acoustic guitars among the Martins and Guilds.

In 1952, the company enlisted the services of popular recording artist Les Paul to introduce his namesake signature guitar. Les Paul remains one of the most familiar names in guitar models today.

Elvis Presley didn't start out with a Gibson but owned and played many of them, according to the website for Graceland, his Memphis home.

Eric Clapton played the solo on the Beatles' 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' on a Gibson guitar he borrowed from George Harrison, according to GuitarWorld.com.

And Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist for blues rockers Led Zeppelin, was and remains a longtime Gibson loyalist.

'It's hard to name any guitar players who play electric or steel-string acoustics who don't own a Gibson,' said Gruhn, the Nashville guitar expert.COVINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky State Police are investigating the case of a person who died while being arrested by the Covington Police Department.

Kentucky State Police Spokesman Trooper Charles Loudermilk tells news outlets the death happened during a traffic stop Tuesday morning. Loudermilk says a gun wasn't used during the arrest and that the person died as Covington Police arrested them. The person's name hasn't been released.

The Covington Police Department says in a statement that the department requested state police investigate the death.BERLIN (AP) - A 29-year-old woman has died after a Maypole installed as part of traditional spring celebrations fell on top of her.

Police said the decorated tree in the southern German village of Wettelsheim had just been put up Monday afternoon when the upper third broke off and fell on the woman, who died on the scene. A three-year-old boy was also hospitalized.

Police said it wasn't immediately clear what caused the accident, but strong winds could have played a role.

It's the second death related to the Maypole celebrations this year. German news agency dpa reported that a 15-year-old boy died a few days ago when a Maypole collapsed in the southwestern state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

For centuries, maypoles have been put up on the eve of May Day to welcome spring.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - A man was arrested after several people in a Florida neighborhood went to police, saying their neighbor had shown them the body of a woman in his backyard shed.

St. Petersburg police found the body of 29-year-old Cheyenne Snyder inside the shed Monday. They arrested 40-year-old Angelo Dante Beckford, who now faces charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault and possession of crack cocaine.

Maj. Shannon Halstead said Beckford told investigators he killed Snyder because she made a "mess" in his house. Police said the pair had only known each other a week.

The Tampa Bay Times reports Beckford was released from state prison April 1 after serving 10 years for an attempted robbery conviction.

A lawyer for Beckford wasn't listed on jail records.BOSTON (AP) - Amazon unveiled plans on Tuesday for a major expansion in Boston's Seaport District, promising 2,000 new technology jobs even as the city remains in contention for the company's coveted second headquarters.

Seattle-based Amazon announced it would move into a 430,000-square-foot "Tech Hub" in 2021, and said the new jobs would be created in fields including machine learning, speech science, cloud computing, and robotics.

The company currently has about 1,200 workers in the city, according to Rohit Prasad, a Boston-based vice president and head scientist of Amazon Alexa. In 2016, the company opened a fulfillment center in Fall River, Massachusetts, that employs more than one thousand workers.

This undated photo provided Tuesday, May 1, 2018, by Amazon shows an architectural rendering of a building proposed to be built in Boston's Seaport District, promising an additional 2,000 technology jobs in the city and to be occupied 2021. (WS Development/Amazon via AP)

The Seaport district fell largely into decay and disuse in the middle part of the 20th century before being transforming in recent decades into a center for cutting-edge technology firms.

Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh both celebrated Amazon's decision, with Walsh labeling it a strong vote of confidence for the city.

"It's great news for Boston that Amazon is expanding its footprint in the Seaport, bringing new jobs and economic opportunities to our city," Walsh said in a statement.

Critics have said Boston residents and particularly those who live in predominantly minority neighborhoods have been largely shut out of the Seaport boom. Amazon said in its statement that construction of the new office space would generate funding for job training programs that prepare local residents for technology jobs.

In January, Amazon placed Boston among 20 finalists to host the company's second North American headquarters, and Tuesday's announcement does not preclude the city from contention for the $5 billion project that the e-commerce giant has said would create some 50,000 jobs over the next decade.

The city's preferred site for the larger project is Suffolk Downs, a former horse racing venue in the East Boston neighborhood, near Logan International Airport. But other sites are being considered as well, including one in the neighboring city of Somerville.WASHINGTON (AP) - Another company, this one among the largest ammunition makers in America, is distancing itself from firearms following the massacre at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High in February.

Vista Outdoor Inc. has been pressured for months by retailers that sell its other goods like Bell bicycle helmets and CamelBak water carriers, to stop manufacturing firearms.

The Utah company said Tuesday that it will be seeking buyers for its firearms manufacturing business, and will focus on products for outdoor enthusiasts. It will continue to sell ammunition, its biggest core businesses.

FILE- In this Feb. 15, 2018, file photo, law enforcement officers block off the entrance to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Fla., following a deadly shooting at the school. Vista Outdoor Inc., among the nation's largest ammunition makers in America, will stop selling firearms following the massacre at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High. The company has been pressured for months by other retailers that carry other goods, like Bell bicycle helmets and CamelBak. Vista Outdoor Inc. said Tuesday, May 1 that it will focus on retail products aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. The company said it would continue to sell ammunition, which it included as one of its core businesses. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

REI, the national outdoor retailer, suspended all orders from Vista in March after it refused to say if it would continue to manufacture weapons. REI said it's aware of Vista's announcement, but did not say if it would resume doing business with the company.

During a conference call Tuesday, Vista CEO Cristopher Metz said that the company was already moving in the direction of shedding its firearms business, "way before any of the noise came about eight weeks ago."

In the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida shooting, Dick's Sporting Goods banned the sale of assault-style rifles and the sale of all guns to anyone under 21. Other retailers followed with similar restrictions, including Walmart, Kroger and L.L Bean.

In March, Citigroup became the first bank to put new restrictions on firearm sales by its business customers, requiring its clients and business customers not to sell a firearm to anyone who hasn't passed a background check or anyone under the age of 21.

Also in March, the investment firm Blackrock said it would be canvasing gun makers and retailers to determine how they will act following the shooting in Parkland, Florida. BlackRock, which manages over $6 trillion in assets, is a major shareholder of gun manufacturers Sturm Ruger, American Outdoor Brands and Vista Outdoor through indirect investments.

In mid-February, 14 students and three educators were killed and 17 were wounded in a hail of gunfire. Former student Nikolas Cruz has been charged in the deaths using an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle.

Vista last year had revenue of $2.5 billion. It is looking for buyers for its Savage and Stevens firearms brands, and other product lines not related to firearms.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Mass shootings have stretched deeper and deeper into the nation's most cherished institutions - schools, churches, and recently a Nashville Waffle House.

Each has left a group of survivors to figure out how to rebuild the community lost when a safe place comes under attack. Chuck Cordero survived the massacre at the Waffle House in Nashville, and now feels an urge he can't quite explain to return to the restaurant again and again, multiple times a day.

He was surprised by the need to cling on to this community he never realized he was so attached to until the gunman threatened to destroy it. He suspects he feels drawn to the site of one of his worst moments because he doesn't "want to let the bad people win."

In this photo taken Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn., Chuck Cordero stands at the Waffle House where four people were shot and killed. At 3:25 a.m. on April 22, the Waffle House in suburban Nashville joined the growing list of cherished American places morphed into the site of a massacre. And Chuck Cordero, a regular customer, joined the growing list of survivors left traumatized and struggling with how to move on. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

In this photo taken Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn., Chuck Cordero wipes tears from his eyes while sitting at the Waffle House where four people were shot and killed. Cordero, a regular customer, joined the growing list of survivors left traumatized and struggling with how to move on. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

In this photo taken Saturday, April 28, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn., Chuck Cordero stands at the Waffle House where four people were shot and killed. At 3:25 a.m. on April 22, the Waffle House in suburban Nashville joined the growing list of cherished American places morphed into the site of a massacre. And Chuck Cordero, a regular customer, joined the growing list of survivors left traumatized and struggling with how to move on. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday that he hopes to upgrade Tokyo's ties with the kingdom into a strategic partnership.

Abe told the monarch that "Jordan's stability is indispensable for regional stability," and that Japan will provide as much aid as possible to ensure the country's economic and social stability. The Japanese prime minister was accompanied by a delegation of business leaders.

He said he hoped to "dramatically develop our bilateral ties."

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, is welcomed by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Husseiniya palace in Amman, Jordan, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Abe is visiting Jordan for high level meetings to discuss the Syrian refugee situation and Middle East peace. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Jordan, a key Western ally, has struggled with a sluggish economy, including rising unemployment, in the wake of regional conflicts, including in neighboring Syria and Iraq. The fighting next door has severely disrupted Jordan's trade.

Abdullah told Abe that he hopes to develop trade ties between the two countries.

From Amman, Abe flew to Israel, where he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, the Japanese premier drove to the West Bank city of Ramallah to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe disembark their plane at Amman military airport, in Amman, Jordan, Monday, April 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe arrive at Amman military airport, in Amman, Jordan, Monday, April 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe arrive at Amman military airport, in Amman, Jordan, Monday, April 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe upon his arrival at Amman military airport, in Amman, Jordan, Monday, April 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe arrive at Amman military airport, in Amman, Jordan, Monday, April 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's plane seen arrives at Amman Airport in Amman, Jordan, Monday, April 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, centre left, arrives with Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Mulki, right, to meet with King Abdullah at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Abe is visiting Jordan for high level meetings to discuss the Syrian refugee situation and Middle East peace.(AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, arrives with Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Mulki, right, to meet King Abdullah at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Abe is visiting Jordan for high level meetings to discuss the Syrian refugee situation and Middle East peace.(AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, meets with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace in Amman, Jordan, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) - The caravan of largely Central American migrants waiting to request asylum at the U.S. border is bigger and far more visible than in previous years. Here's a look at why this year's caravan had more attention and more participants.

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WHAT IS THE CARAVAN?

Migrants wait for access to request asylum in the US, at the El Chaparral port of Entry in Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, April 30, 2018. bout 200 people in a caravan of Central American asylum seekers waited on the Mexican border with San Diego for a second straight day on Monday to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors, who said the nation's busiest crossing facility did not have enough space to accommodate them. (AP Photo/Hans-Maximo Musielik)

Caravans have been a fairly common tactic for advocacy groups to bring attention to asylum-seekers. The latest group pales in size compared to previous border surges, but it gained huge visibility when President Donald Trump unleashed strong criticism after it began on March 25 in the Mexican city of Tapachula, near the Guatemala border.

The caravan drew as many as 1,000 people as Trump and top aides portrayed it as a significant threat and evidence of a dysfunctional border. Over 100 Central Americans are now attempting to seek asylum in the U.S.

The largest single group of migrants in the caravan is from Honduras, although there are also many Guatemalans and Salvadorans.

In Honduras, political protests broke out after a disputed November election in which President Juan Orlando Hernandez won a new term and his opponent alleged fraud. At least 17 people died as police cracked down on protesters, and some caravan members are opponents of the president.

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WHY ARE ASYLUM-SEEKERS COMING?

Violence in Central America continues to cause people to flee, despite falling homicide rates. Murders in Honduras and El Salvador fell by about 25 percent in 2017, but both are still among the most violent countries in the world. Street gangs known as "maras" are also ubiquitous and prey on small business owners and families through extortion.

Many migrants this year said they joined the caravan because they felt there was safety in numbers while they traveled along the route from Mexico to the U.S. border. There is significant violence perpetrated by gangs who prey on migrants on the final leg north.

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STAYING BEHIND

Some Central Americans are requesting asylum or humanitarian visas in Mexico, but more than half of those who filed asylum requests in Mexico in 2017 have not received an answer. Mexico says its application procedure was slowed down by damage to its offices caused by the Sept. 19 earthquake. It has temporarily suspended the 45-working-day deadline for ruling on applications, which may have led some migrants to look for refuge in the United States.

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IN THE HEADLINES

President Donald Trump and members of his Cabinet have been tracking the caravan, calling it a threat to the U.S. since it started. Trump has cited the caravan as justification for the border wall he wants to build and said he ordered the Homeland Security Department to "stop the caravan."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions called it "a deliberate attempt to undermine our laws and overwhelm our system," pledging to send more immigration judges to the border to resolve cases if needed.

But comments urging Mexico not to allow the caravan to reach the U.S. border may have given the group more publicity than it has had in the past and inspired the migrants to continue on.

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WHAT'S NEXT?

The Caravan members are slowly beginning to enter a U.S. facility at San Diego's San Ysidro border crossing, with eight entering Monday and six more Tuesday. About 120 others are still waiting for initial screenings by U.S. asylum officers, after which they may be deported if their claims are rejected.

They could also be detained or released with ankle monitors while their cases wind through immigration court, which can take years.

A migrant who traveled with the annual caravan of Central American migrants plays with a soccer ball as the group waits for access to request asylum in the US, at a camp they set up outside the El Chaparral port of entry building at the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Mexico, Monday, April 30, 2018. About 200 people in a caravan of Central American asylum seekers waited on the Mexican border with San Diego for a second straight day on Monday to turn themselves in to U.S. border inspectors, who said the nation's busiest crossing facility did not have enough space to accommodate them. (AP Photo/Hans-Maximo Musielik)INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Danica Patrick's IndyCar comeback got off to a troubled start. That steering wheel - so heavy! And all those buttons!

But after some quick reminders from team owner Ed Carpenter, Patrick passed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's two-phase refresher course Tuesday after driving an Indy car for the first time in seven years. After topping 215 mph around the storied oval, Patrick can focus exclusively on attempting to qualify for the 33-car starting grid in the Indianapolis 500 on May 27 - her final race before she retires.

"It's been since the fall of last year that I've been thinking, what the hell is this going to feel like?" she said. "I've been waiting to get this day over with for a long time and I say that with love. It's just the level of anticipation and not knowing."

IndyCar driver Danica Patrick climbs into her car to test drive at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The wait took longer than expected, too. She actually wanted to compete at Indy in 2013, her second year in NASCAR, but was talked out of it. She didn't contemplate a return again until last fall.

Then, during the winter, everything seemed to be in place.

Patrick was scheduled to do prep work in late March but poor weather forced organizers to push back the three-day testing session to this week. Patrick had to watch Monday's practice and Tuesday's rookie orientation program before she took her neon green No. 13 Chevrolet car onto the track.

Patrick sure didn't look or act nervous in the cockpit even though it was her first trip in an Indy car around the 2.5-mile oval since 2011. She was topping 208 mph within 20 minutes of taking her first laps at speed and was actually exceeding the 215 mph limit before completing the first phase of the course.

Behind the scenes, it was different.

"I think she's a little nervous because it's been so long since she's been in an Indy car," Carpenter said. "But I told her yesterday that I get nervous every year because this place is so special. I told her I'd be more worried if she wasn't nervous about getting back in. She does have a lot of experience and although things change, the way you drive this race track stays the same."

To stay calm, Patrick stuck her routine.

As she started going through her pre-driving repertoire, more than a dozen reporters gathered round her pit stall to document everything from putting her long, black hair in a ponytail to getting buckled into her seat and pulling down the helmet visor so she could finally pull off of pit road four minutes after the green flag waved. Patrick said the hubbub reminded her of her first May at Indy, in 2005.

She wasn't out long: Patrick returned to pit lane after one lap and climbed out of the car so Carpenter's team could fix a water temperature problem. A little more than an hour later, she returned to the track did one more install lap and again pulled back onto pit lane for a brief chat with her crew.

Twenty minutes later, Patrick was back in the pits because the car wasn't steering like she expected.

"The car, it just felt very hard to drive," she said. "The weight of the wheel was very heavy for me, so I don't know what the heck I've been doing because I feel a lot stronger than when I was here before."

"The wheel is so heavy, that's really my biggest issue," added Patrick, who is among the fittest drivers in IndyCar or NASCAR. "It's just a different feel because stock cars have power steering."

Patrick finally settled in, settled down and started driving like the fan favorite she was at this track during a six-year run from 2005-11. Getting re-acclimated to a brand new Indy car didn't come easily.

"You didn't see me come into the pits the second time when I was like, 'Shoot, where's neutral?'" Patrick joked. "I feel overwhelmed with enough other stuff that I wasn't really checking the rearview mirror, hitting buttons, moving stuff around. It's baby steps. You know, baby-stepping into Wednesday.

"But I did feel fairly comfortable at the end," she said.

Patrick is the only woman to win an IndyCar race, lead laps in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500, win the pole for the Daytona 500, and the highest-finishing woman in both iconic races. She left the IndyCar Series after the 2011 finale for a full-time move to NASCAR, but is closing her storied career at the track most associated with her historic moments. She got backing for the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500 from longtime sponsor GoDaddy and Carpenter added her to his three-car team for the series' showcase event.

To qualify and be competitive in the race, Patrick knows she must get become far more comfortable in her car.

"Riding a bike's much easier than that," she said. "I just want to be flat out and comfortable and making changes and feeling the changes. It, definitely for me, I forget it's not really Indy. It's just a test. We'll be back again in two weeks and that's when it really starts."

Notes: Jay Howard and Sage Karam also participated in the refresher course and four drivers went through rookie orientation.

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More AP Auto Racing: https://racing.ap.org/

IndyCar driver Danica Patrick waits to drive her refresher test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

IndyCar driver Danica Patrick drives at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

IndyCar driver Danica Patrick waits to drive at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

IndyCar driver Danica Patrick walks through the pit area as she prepares to drive her refresher test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)LOS ANGELES (AP) - Investigators hunting for the so-called Golden State Killer subpoenaed a genetic website last year while investigating an Oregon man who was misidentified as a potential suspect.

The revelation that investigators compelled a genetic company to provide user information adds to a growing debate about legal and privacy concerns involving law enforcement and companies whose millions of users submit their DNA to discover their heritage.

Court records obtained by The Associated Press last week showed investigators persuaded a judge in Clackamas County, Oregon, a year ago to order a 73-year-old man in a nursing home to provide a DNA sample.

Sacramento Public Defender Diane Howard, right, representing Joseph James DeAngelo, who faces charges that include homicide and rape, responds to a judges' question in Sacramento County Superior Court, Friday, April 27, 2018, in Sacramento, Calif. DeAngelo 72, was arrested Tuesday on multiple charges in connection with a series of violent crimes throughout California in the 1970's and 1980's. DeAngelo was brought in to court in a wheelchair. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Investigators compared crime-scene DNA linked to the serial killer to information on a free online genealogical site, YSearch.org. They said they spotted a rare genetic marker that the Oregon man shared with the killer who is believed to be responsible for 12 killings and nearly 50 rapes in the 1970s and 80s.

The website's parent company, which also owns FamilyTreeDNA.com, said Tuesday it received a subpoena the same month that "sought limited information, with respect to a single user account" from federal investigators in California.

The company, Gene-by-Gene Ltd., said it complied with the subpoena "to the minimum degree legally required" but didn't notify the user because it didn't want to interfere with the investigation.

Court documents said there was only one match among more than 189,000 searchable genetic records on the website. The documents identified a specific user ID, the user's first name and the most distant paternal relative in the family tree.

Gene-by-Gene wouldn't say whether the subpoena specifically identified that person, citing its privacy policy.

A company spokeswoman told the AP last week it hadn't been contacted by law enforcement, but later disclosed the subpoena after a further review of company records.

The Oregon City man is in extremely poor health in a rehabilitation facility and was unable to answer questions Friday. His daughter said his family wasn't initially aware authorities took his DNA but later worked with the FBI before investigators ultimately determined none of her relatives were viable suspects

Detectives turned to a different genealogical site and arrested a man last week who they say was one of California's most elusive serial killers.

Joseph James DeAngelo, a 72-year-old former police officer, was charged with eight counts of murder, and additional charges are expected. He didn't enter a plea when he appeared in court Friday.

On Tuesday, the AP and several other news organizations filed a motion to unseal DeAngelo's arrest warrant and the search warrants detectives obtained, citing the public's longstanding right to access court records and immense public interest in the case.

Attorneys for the news organizations argue that the warrants may provide additional details about the DNA techniques that were used and "the importance of public access to the warrant information sought here cannot be overstated."

The issue of law enforcement comparing DNA to samples in genealogical databases garnered national attention several years ago when a New Orleans filmmaker was wrongly identified as a potential suspect in an Idaho killing based on a DNA sample that his father had given years earlier as part of a church genealogy project.IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday appointed her 78-year-old father and several other Republican donors and activists to panels that will vet and recommend finalists for judicial vacancies.

Reynolds announced 25 appointments to district judicial nominating commissions, including 23 that were identified as Republicans and two as independents. The 14 statewide commissions, which include five members appointed by the governor and five elected by district bar associations, interview nominees for judge positions and make recommendations to the governor, who makes the final selection and appointment to the bench.

The governor's appointees included Charles Strawn of Saint Charles. The governor's announcement didn't mention that Strawn is her father, but press secretary Brenna Smith confirmed the relationship to The Associated Press.

Smith said Strawn was one of three applicants for two openings on the District 5A commission, which vets judicial candidates in Dallas, Warren and four other central Iowa counties that have a combined population of 234,000.

She said that Reynolds appointed Strawn and longtime GOP activist Marlys Popma of Kellogg; the third applicant lived in a county already represented on the panel and wasn't eligible.

Strawn will serve a six-year unpaid term, which doesn't require Senate confirmation. The District 5A commission will meet May 17 to interview candidates seeking to replace retired District Judge Paul Huscher of Waukee, who served two decades on the bench.

"I was invited to serve on this board and would like to serve in order to repay to society for the great life and benefits I have enjoyed," Strawn wrote in his April 13 application to the governor's office, obtained Tuesday by AP. He said that he had retired in 1989 after working for 30 years at John Deere's Ankeny factory following his graduation from high school.

Smith said that the governor's director of boards and commissions "reached out to Mr. Strawn about the opening."

Iowa law doesn't prohibit the governor from appointing a family member to serve on a board or commission, and former Gov. Terry Branstad appointed his son Marcus to a six-year term on the Natural Resource Commission in 2013. State law does prohibit state and local officials from making hiring decisions that involve their close relatives to paid positions.

Some Democrats called the appointment unseemly.

"I love my dad, but Iowans can rest assured that as governor, I will be able to find a qualified individual among the other 3.1 million Iowans for every state board and commission position that must be filled," said state Sen. Nate Boulton, an attorney running for governor. "Judicial appointments are serious matters and should be free from any impression that a governor had undue influence in the process."

Strawn was one of many appointees with Republican credentials named by Reynolds to the judicial commissions, which are part of Iowa's merit-based selection system designed to ensure judges are chosen based on their qualifications and not political ties. Disclosure filings show that several of them had donated to GOP county parties and candidates in the past.

"Governor Reynolds looked for people who would respect the law, select good judges and work hard," Smith said. She said that the appointees followed the practice of prior governors and were mostly "non-lawyers of varying backgrounds," including citizens who worked in several industries.

In addition to the Huscher vacancy, the commissions will consider candidates for seven other open judicial vacancies created by retirements, Iowa Judicial Branch spokesman Steve Davis said.NEW YORK (AP) - A veterinarian pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to U.S. charges that he turned puppies into drug couriers for a Colombian trafficking ring by stitching packets of liquid heroin into their bodies.

Andres Lopez Elorza appeared in federal court in Brooklyn after being extradited from Spain, where he was arrested in 2015 on a U.S. warrant. He was ordered held without bail.

Lopez Elorza, 38, who also goes by Lopez Elorez, became a fugitive in 2005 when authorities arrested about two dozen suspected traffickers in Colombia.

This 2005 photo provided by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officials shows puppies rescued from a farm in Colombia destined for use by a U.S. veterinarian working for a Colombian drug trafficking ring. Veterinarian Andres Lopez Elorza used the puppies to smuggle packets of liquid heroin on commercial flights to New York City, where the heroin packets were eventually cut out of the puppies, who died in the process, according to officials. Lopez, who is Venezuelan, was arrested in 2015 in Spain in connection with the case and was extradited to the U.S. on Monday, April 30, 2018. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, May 1 in New York. (U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration via AP)

Before he fled, the defendant had "gained some notoriety" from accusations that he was part of a barbaric scheme that turned an undetermined number of puppies and dogs into "animal couriers" by stitching packets of liquid heroin into their bodies, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Reilly told a magistrate judge on Tuesday.

It is believed that the dogs were sent on commercial flights to New York City, where the drugs were cut out of them, authorities said. Investigators believe the puppies would have died in the process, but it was unknown how many were involved.

"Over time, drug organizations' unquenchable thirst for profit leads them to do unthinkable crimes like using innocent puppies for drug concealment," James J. Hunt, head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's New York office, said in a statement.

U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue said: "Dogs are man's best friend and, as the defendant is about to learn, we are drug dealers' worst enemy."

Ten puppies were found during a 2005 raid on a farm in Colombia, DEA officials said. Five ended up running away, three died from infection and two were adopted, including one that became a drug-sniffing dog for Colombian police, officials said.

Lopez Elorza was born in Colombia but claims Venezuelan citizenship, authorities said.

His attorney, Mitch Dinnerstein, declined comment on Tuesday.WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House said Tuesday that President Donald Trump's former bodyguard did nothing out of the ordinary when he took possession of the president's medical records last year, despite a claim by Trump's former doctor that the episode felt like a "raid."

Harold Bornstein, Trump's longtime personal doctor, told NBC News that Keith Schiller, the president's longtime bodyguard and former director of Oval Office operations, showed up at his office in February 2017 along with two other men to collect the records, leaving Bornstein feeling "raped, frightened and sad."

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders disputed the doctor's characterization of the episode.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

"As is standard operating procedure for a new president, the White House Medical Unit took possession of the president's medical records," she told reporters at a White House briefing.

As for Bornstein's description that it had had the feel of a raid, she said, "No, that is not my understanding."

Bornstein told NBC that Schiller and another "large man" were in his office about 30 minutes and "created a lot of chaos." The doctor said the two men were joined by Alan Garten, the chief legal officer for the Trump Organization. A spokeswoman for the Trump Organization did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

The incident at Bornstein's office came two days after the doctor told The New York Times that Trump takes Propecia, a drug for enlarged prostates that is often prescribed to stimulate hair growth in men. Bornstein told the Times that he prescribed Trump drugs for rosacea and cholesterol as well.

Bornstein told NBC that Trump's longtime personal secretary called him after the story ran and said: "So you wanted to be the White House doctor? Forget it, you're out.'"

Bornstein said he wasn't given a form authorizing him to release Trump's records, but said Schiller and Garten took the originals and copies of Trump's charts and lab reports, including records filed under pseudonyms the office used.

Questions were raised about the legality of the seizure. Patients have a right to a copy of their medical records but the original physical record belongs to the doctor, said Dr. Matthew Wynia, director of the Center for Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Colorado.

"If a patient wants a copy, they can have a copy, but they don't get the original. Patients can also ask for their records to be transferred to a new doctor, but that also involves making copies (i.e., transferring the information), not literally packaging up the originals and sending them off," Wynia said in an email.

Most states require doctors to keep and maintain records, Wynia said. Federal patient privacy law bars doctors from relinquishing records without a signed release from the patient.

"Law enforcement can get copies of medical records, under some specific circumstances, but it doesn't seem like the people gathering these records were acting as law enforcement officers," Wynia said.

Bornstein did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Schiller departed the White House last fall and also could not be reached.

With his long flowing hair and large glasses, Bornstein became a colorful character in Trump's unlikely 2016 campaign for the presidency. In a letter released in December 2015, Bornstein wrote that Trump would "unequivocally" be the healthiest president in history and deemed the celebrity businessman's condition "astonishingly excellent."

He later said he wrote the note in five minutes while a limo sent by the candidate waited outside his office.

Bornstein's return to the headlines comes just days after Trump's White House physician, Dr. Ronny Jackson, withdrew his nomination to the head of the Department of Veterans Affairs after allegations of workplace misconduct. Jackson has denied the claims.

___

Lemire reported from New York. Associated Press writer Carla K. Johnson contributed to this report from Seattle.

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Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire , Colvin at http://twitter.com/@colvinj and Johnson at http://twitter.com/@CarlaKJohnsonA New York gynecologist who performed a badly botched second-trimester abortion that caused a patient to bleed to death was characterized by prosecutors on Tuesday as careless and greedy.

A jury in Queens heard closing arguments in the case against Dr Robert Rho, a vaginal rejuvenation specialist who was charged with manslaughter in the July 2016 death of Jamie Lee Morales.

The criminal prosecution of doctors over medical errors is rare, but Assistant District Attorney Brad Leventhal said Rho's mistakes went beyond civil malpractice.

Doctor on trial: Dr. Robert Rho (left) walks toward the courtroom for his trial at Queens County Criminal Court on Friday. He is accused of manslaughter in an abortion that went horrifically wrong and resulted in Jamie Lee Morales' (right) death in July 2016

Rho severed Morales' uterine aorta, ripped her cervix and pierced her uterine wall, whihc caused her to bleed out

During the operation, Rho severed Morales' uterine aorta, ripped her cervix and pierced her uterine wall. Profuse post-operative bleeding forced the doctor to perform another procedure, but that did not fix the damage, prosecutors said.

Rather than call an ambulance, prosecutors said, Rho sent Morales home with her sister, despite signs she was in grave condition, because he wanted to get back to seeing other patients.

'It's about greed and arrogance,' Leventhal said. "Jaime Morales bled to death because this defendant did nothing."

Morales, 30, passed out in her sister's car. Medics responding to a 911 call took her to the hospital, where she was given six units of blood but could not be saved.

Defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman said Morales' death was a tragedy but did not constitute a crime.

He told the jury Morales was conscious and speaking when she left Liberty Women's clinic in Flushing and Rho was not aware of how badly she had been injured.

Lichtman told the jurors that while they might be swayed by the graphic realities of Morales' abortion, 'don't be led by your emotion; this is too important.'

'The people who have doubt about this case, I ask you to stand strong,' he said.

The attorney said Morales never told Rho she suffered from medical conditions that made her prone to more intense bleeding.

Jury deliberations were expected to begin on Wednesday.

Rho, of Lake Success, closed his clinic and surrendered his medical license after Morales' death.

Defense: Rho's lawyer said Morales never told him she suffered from medical conditions that made her prone to more intense bleeding

He was arrested three months after the bungled July 9, 2016, abortion and later released on $400,000 bail. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

Even before the death, Rho had been investigated by state officials over concerns that he was performing procedures improperly and using assistants who lacked medical training, witnesses said at the trial.

Prosecutors said Morales had been turned down by other abortion providers because she was 25 weeks pregnant. The state allows abortions at 24 weeks or more only if the woman's life or health is endangered.

The last criminal prosecution in New York over a mishandled abortion was in 1995, when obstetrician David Benjamin was convicted of murder after a patient bled to death from a rip in her uterus during an abortion.

Philadelphia doctor Kermit Gosnell was convicted in 2013 of involuntary manslaughter after a patient got a fatal overdose of sedatives during an abortion. He also was convicted of murder for performing extremely late-term abortions, snipping the spines of infants born alive during the procedures.Sajid Javid becomes the first Home Secretary from an Asian background as he takes up the post following Amber Rudds resignation.

The Bromsgrove MP, a former managing director at Deutsche Bank, has risen swiftly through the ministerial ranks and is tipped by some as a potential future leader.

As the fallout from the Windrush scandal continued over the weekend, he spoke movingly of how it could have been me, my mum or my dad, but insisted the government was making efforts to put things right.

Sajid Javid is the new Home Secretary (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Mr Javid, who backed remaining in the European Union during the referendum campaign, is a father of four and reportedly made more than 20 million during his high-flying banking career, which took him round the globe.

The 48-year-old has told how he turned to politics to give something back.

His father, Abdul, a bus driver, arrived in Britain in 1961 from Pakistan with just 1 in his pocket and earned the nickname Mr Night and Day because he worked all hours.

Mr Javid senior inspired a devotion to Margaret Thatcher in his son at the age of just 11.

My dad lived through the winter of discontent and used to vote Labour, but switched to Thatcher, saying, look how shes sorting out the country. I agreed, he told the Mail on Sunday.

Very sad that Amber is leaving Government. A huge talent that will no doubt be back in Cabinet soon, helping to strengthen our great nation  Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) April 29, 2018

The family lived in Rochdale before moving to Bristol, where Mr Javid attended Downend School, a comprehensive, before going on to study politics and economics at Exeter University.

A career in investment banking followed, taking him to New York and Singapore as well as London. At the age of 25 he became the youngest vice-president at Chase Manhattan Bank and was later headhunted by Deutsche Bank.

Part of the 2010 parliamentary intake, he was quickly made a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee and his background in finance made him an obvious choice for a job under Chancellor George Osborne.

In 2012 he was appointed economic secretary to the Treasury within two years he became Culture Secretary.

In 2015, he was made Business Secretary and Theresa May gave him the job of Communities Secretary when she became Prime Minister the following year.

Although his family heritage is Muslim, Mr Javid does not practise any religion but his wife, Laura, his childhood sweetheart, is a Christian.

Outside politics, he has a long track record of fundraising, including drumming up 710,000 in one go for the Disasters Emergency Committee and heading up a trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro for Help the Aged.

Despite experiencing bouts of racism in the past, Mr Javid describes Britain as the worlds most tolerant country, adding if you have talent, colour and gender is less important.Ashley Judd is suing disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein for allegedly blacklisting her from Hollywood after she rejected his advances.

The actress, 50, claims her career withered because the mogul spread baseless smears to The Lord Of The Rings director Sir Peter Jackson to scupper her chance of landing a role in the blockbusting trilogy.

After the lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles on Monday, Judd said she would donate any damages won to the Times Up initiative and its legal defence fund to help women fight sexual harassment.

My legal complaint. I am suing for economic remedy due to damage done to my career as a result of sexual harassment. Financial recuperation goes to @TIMESUPNOW @TIMESUPLDF so that American workers who experince sexual harassment & retaliation have help. https://t.co/Nod3fXgVk3  ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) April 30, 2018

In December, Sir Peter said he had not cast Judd or Mira Sorvino, who also alleges she was sexually harassed by Weinstein, because of a smear campaign by Miramax, which was co-founded by Weinstein.

Judds lawyer, Theodore Boutrous Jr, said in the lawsuit that Weinstein was the headwind limiting her (Judds) career and that he torpedoed her opportunity to work on the films by claiming she was a nightmare who should be avoided at all costs.

With those baseless smears, Weinstein succeeded in blacklisting Ms Judd and destroying her ability to work on what became a multi-billion-dollar franchise with 17 Academy Award wins and many more nominations, Mr Boutrous wrote.

They claim this came after Weinstein sexually harassed her in a Beverly Hills hotel room in around 1996 when her career was still in its infancy.

Weinstein allegedly invited her to his room in the Peninsula under the guise of discussing film roles, but instead asked to massage her as he wore a bathrobe and requested that she watch him shower.

Weinstein has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by around 100 women (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Ms Judd reasonably believed that Weinstein intended to physically assault her, Mr Boustrous wrote.

Cornered, and desperate to escape without angering a man who had the ability to end her budding career, Ms Judd engaged in a mock bargain with Weinstein, suggesting that she would consider letting him touch her only if she won an Academy Award in one of his films.

Weinstein responded, When you get nominated. Ms Judd held firm, saying, No, when I win. And then she fled the scene.

Judd said the first time she became aware of why Sir Peter failed to cast her was when he spoke about the decision last year as dozens of women publicly accused Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault.

Weinstein, 66, is being investigated by police in London, New York and Los Angeles. He has apologised for his past behaviour but denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.

A spokeswoman for Weinstein refuted the claims of Judd and Sir Peter and said the shamed producer would launch a vigorous defence.

The most basic investigation of the facts will reveal that Mr Weinstein neither defamed Ms Judd nor ever interfered with Ms Judds career, and instead not only championed her work but also repeatedly approved her casting for two of his movies over the next decade, she said.The UK has been given a temporary reprieve on a punitive 25% tariff being added to exports of British steel to the United States.

President Donald Trump was set to decide whether exemptions on steel and aluminium tariffs would continue for the European Union and US allies after a self-imposed deadline passed on May 1.

The White House announced a delay on the decision for 30 days for exports from EU countries, Canada and Mexico, while an agreement was reached with South Korea and Argentina, Australia and Brazil in principle.

The number of steel plants in the UK has shrunk in the last 30 years (PA Graphics)

The Department for International Trade called the temporary exemption positive and said it would continue to work towards making it permanent.

British manufacturers and unions have spoken out about the potential damage tariffs could cause for UK firms and jobs since the 25% tariff on steel and 10% tariff on aluminium were first mooted by Mr Trump in March.

A government spokesperson said: It is positive that the UK has been granted a further exemption to these tariffs.

We will continue to work closely with our EU partners and the US government to achieve a permanent exemption, ensuring our important steel and aluminium industries are safeguarded.

We remain concerned about the impact of these tariffs on global trade and will continue to work with the EU on a multilateral solution to the global problem of overcapacity, as well as to manage the impact on domestic markets.

In introducing the tariffs, Mr Trump said his countrys industries had been decimated by decades of unfair trade and bad policy with countries from around the world, adding that trade wars were good and easy to win.

Three weeks later, the White House announced temporary exemptions for the EU while negotiations continued.

In the run-up to the May 1 deadline, the UK was engaged in last-ditch efforts to prevent the tariffs from being introduced.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said placing the tariff on UK exports would be illogical because some of the specialist products sold to the US are destined for the American military.

Dr Fox was due to hold talks with US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross in an effort to secure a continued exemption for the UK.

At an event in the Palace of Westminster on Monday evening, Dr Fox told reporters: We believe that while it is understandable why the United States is concerned about Chinese overproduction of commodities such as steel, we think that the best way to deal with it is a multinational framework.

The US approach  claiming it is a national security issue  is inappropriate for dealing with this particular problem, he said.

In any case, from the UKs point of view, we dont export a lot of steel to the US but what we do export is often high end and some of it goes directly into American military programmes, he added.

So to put a tariff on the UK on the basis that it is a threat to American national security, when in fact we are actually contributing steel to Americas national security would seem, at best, illogical.The White House has postponed a decision on imposing tariffs on the importing of steel and aluminium from the European Union, Canada and Mexico for 30 days.

Here, we look at what it all means.

Trade wars, what are they good for?

The US steel manufacturing industry, Mr Trump hopes.

The presidents plan for a 25% tariff on steel imports and 10% on aluminium means that US steel producers would likely see increased domestic demand as imports become more expensive.

The announcement in March played well to workers in the US steel and aluminium industries, which are largely concentrated in the Midwest rust belt.

US manufacturers would also have enhanced pricing powers as the cost of foreign imports would become prohibitive for those buying steel.

However, US steel consumers would have less choice and could be forced to pay more for steel products.

What would tariffs mean for the UK?

Unite demands government action to defend UK steelworkers against threat of US steel tariffs https://t.co/qtNqBxMnhj pic.twitter.com/DmkTSds22p  Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion) March 2, 2018

The US initially said no countries would be exempted from the tariffs, raising acute fears for British exporters.

Britains steel industry exports 360 million worth of products into the US every year, almost 15% of the sectors total exports.

Gareth Stace, the director of trade body UK Steel, said: In short, these measures would cause serious damage to the prospects of many steel producers here.

What has happened since March?

The US announced a pause on the introduction of tariffs for steel exports (Ben Birchall/PA)

After the announcement, the World Trade Organisation was among the first to react saying a trade war was not in anyones interests, and Brussels threatened to retaliate if Mr Trump followed through with the tariffs.

The British Government said it would robustly defend the UK steel industry and it was announced on March 22 the White House would pause the tariff plan for the European Union while negotiations continued.

Tariffs on imports from six other countries  Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea  were also suspended until May 1.

As the self-imposed deadline approached, the White House announced it was postponing a decision on the tariffs for exports from the EU, Canada and Mexico for 30 days, and that it had reached agreement with South Korea on steel imports and had reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil on steel and aluminium.

What can the British Government do about it?

Prime Minister Theresa May has told Donald Trump of her `deep concern at his plan (Steve Parsons/PA)

Theresa Mays Government is holding out hope for a trade deal with the US that will make up for the inevitable loss of trade that comes with leaving the EUs single market and customs union.

With the UK quitting the most powerful trading bloc in the world  the EU  it cannot risk alienating those it seeks new trading relationships with, so options are limited.

But Mrs May has told Donald Trump of her deep concern at his plan.

What is the EU doing about it?

.@JunckerEU speaking to TV journalists in Hamburg on #Trump #SteelTariff: #Europa braucht wehrhafte Handelspolitik. Werden nicht naiv sein. // #Europe needs #trade policy that is able to defend. We will not be naiv.  Mina Andreeva (@Mina_Andreeva) March 2, 2018

Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president, has said that in retaliation the EU would raise tariffs on US goods such as Kentucky bourbon, Levis jeans and Harley-Davidsons.

Raising the stakes further still, Mr Trump said the US would then put an import tax on cars made in the EU.

The president said on Twitter: If the EU wants to further increase their already massive tariffs and barriers on US companies doing business there, we will simply apply a Tax on their Cars which freely pour into the US. They make it impossible for our cars (and more) to sell there. Big trade imbalance!WhatsApp chief executive Jan Koum is breaking ties with his companys parent, Facebook, amid a privacy scandal that has dogged the social network for weeks.

Mr Koum confirmed his departure from WhatsApp on his Facebook page on Monday. The Washington Post reported that Mr Koum also planned to resign from Facebooks board of directors.

The social network would not comment on that report.

Facebook has been trying to defuse questions about whether it can be trusted with the reams of personal information it collects to sell ads and whether its social network does more harm than good.

Mr Koum did not elaborate on his reasons for leaving, other than to say it was time to move on so he could spend more time collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars and playing ultimate frisbee.

But Mr Koum may also have been embroiled in a rift with Facebook management over the parent companys voracious appetite for personal information and WhatsApps dedication to user privacy, according to the Post report.

Facebook has been trying to defuse questions about whether it can be trusted with the reams of personal information it collects to sell ads (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

WhatsApp uses encryption technology that makes messages indecipherable to everyone but the sender and recipient.

WhatsApp also runs no ads, while Facebooks enormous profits are powered almost entirely by advertising targeted to its users interests.

Mr Koums defection could put Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg in an uncomfortable position on Tuesday when he takes the stage at a company conference. In attendance will be more than 5,000 app software developers, some of whom may be WhatsApp users.

Mr Zuckerberg is already expected to reiterate some of the apologies he has been offering in the wake of revelations that Facebook allowed Cambridge Analytica, a data mining firm tied to President Donald Trumps 2016 campaign, to obtain personal information from as many as 87 million of its users.

Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg (Chris Ratcliffe/PA)

In a reply to Mr Koums Facebook post, Mr Zuckerberg told him he would miss working together.

Im grateful for everything youve done to help connect the world, and for everything youve taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralised systems and put it back in peoples hands, he wrote.

Facebook bought WhatsApp for 19 billion US dollars (14 billion) in 2014, although without ever devising a clear strategy for how that service would make money.

Both Mr Koum and WhatApps other co-founder, Brian Acton, had expressed an aversion to allowing ads into their service, causing analysts to wonder if the acquisition would ever pay off for Facebook.

Mr Acton left WhatsApp late last year and joined in the growing backlash against Facebook, endorsing a campaign that encouraged users to delete their profiles from the social network.Former Ulster Unionist deputy leader Lord Kilclooney has denied being racist after calling Irelands Taoiseach a typical Indian.

The peer, who is no longer a member of the UUP, said he is certainly no racist after his remark about Leo Varadkar was met with condemnation.

I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians.a member of the British/Indian APPG only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!  Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) April 30, 2018

Mr Varadkar was born in Ireland. His father is from India and mother from Ireland.

Lord Kilclooney, 80, stirred controversy in a tweet on Monday as he commented on a news story about DUP criticism of Mr Varadkar regarding his visit to Northern Ireland.

He replied to the tweet, writing: Typical Indian.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Niall Carson/PA)

The tweet was met with condemnation on social media.

Lord Kilclooney later tweeted: I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG, only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!

Last November, Lord Kilclooney acknowledged a remark he made about Mr Varadkar had caused upset and misunderstanding so he was withdrawing it.

He had referred to the Taoiseach as the Indian.Technology is now a key part of everyday school life, but a poll suggests that when it comes to who is standing at the front of the classroom, teenagers would still rather be taught by a human teacher than a robot.

A small-scale survey of sixth-formers indicates that most do not think that artificial intelligence (AI) can produce a better teacher than a human being, with many rating their personal relationships with teachers as important.

It also suggests that some youngsters are worried that AI may make it harder to get a job in the future.

The poll, commissioned by the Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference (HMC), comes amid growing debate about how new technologies  such as AI and virtual reality  can be used to support teaching and learning in a 21st century school.

Pupils study in an IT/media suite (David Jones/PA)

There have been suggestions that this type of technology could be used in different areas of education such as creating tailored class materials for students, personalised tutoring for individual students or helping with admin tasks.

Overall, more than eight in 10 (83%) of the 500 sixth-formers polled did not think that a robot could be a better teacher than a human being.

And when asked how they felt about having a robot as a teacher, two-thirds (66%) said give me a human every time, while one in eight (12%) were excited by the opportunities this could bring and just over a fifth (22%) were neutral on the subject.

Those polled were also asked, on a scale of one to 100, how important the personal relationship they have with their teacher is to them. The average response was 82.

More than a third (38%) thought they knew more about AI and its uses than their teachers, while 62% said they did not.

Just over one in 10 (11%) said their school is already using AI in some form.

Over two in five (43%) agreed they are worried it may be harder for them to get a job because AI is taking over in many areas, while more than one in four (28%) said the rise of AI has affected the career they are thinking of pursuing.

A study suggested jobs will change rather than disappear over the next decade as robots are increasingly used in the world of work (University of Bath/PA)

Chris King, HMC chair and head of Leicester Grammar School, said: Nothing can replace the magic that happens when an enthusiastic teacher and a willing pupil are in the room together. It is gratifying that pupils value the human relationship with their teachers and care is needed to make sure that it is never compromised.

Whilst exciting developments are taking place, we will have to wait a long time for robots to be able to empathise with teenagers and draw on their own experience to bring a subject alive. Teaching is much more than passing on information.

However, much of the concern pupils are showing could be fear of the unknown. AI has huge possibilities for adding richness to pupils experience, personalising their learning and freeing up teachers to do what really matters.

He added: Adults and children are learning about this together and its important that we all pay more attention to this area to understand how best to use AI in education and prepare pupils for a world in which it is commonplace.

HMC, which represents more than 300 private schools in the UK and abroad, is due to discuss AI at its spring conference in London later this week.

The online SurveyMonkey poll questioned around 500 sixth-formers in state and independent schools in April.Hardy students at the University of St Andrews have marked the start of May with a bone-chilling dawn swim in the North Sea.

Plunging into the sea for the May Day Dip is believed to bring good luck in upcoming exams.

Students take the plunge (Jane Barlow/PA)

Swimmers had a great view of the stunning sunrise as they braved the cold (Jane Barlow/PA)

Close your eyes and think of Ibiza... (Jane Barlow/PA)

Always time for a selfie (Jane Barlow/PA)

Rather you than me - these students kept watch from the shore (Jane Barlow/PA)

Patriotic Scots brave the elements (Jane Barlow/PA)

Friends mark May Day on East Sands in Fife (Jane Barlow/PA)

Looks like a number of students were hoping for good luck in this summers exams (Jane Barlow/PA)

Drying out after the dip (Jane Barlow/PA)Virgin Money hailed a strong performance at the start of the year as it posted rising mortgage lending and better-than-expected growth in savings deposits.

The challenger bank said it delivered 200 million of net mortgage lending  loans less redemptions  in a competitive market during the first three months of the year.

Total mortgage lending stood at 1.4 billion, with its overall mortgage book up 10.4% year on year and 0.5% quarter on quarter at 33.9 billion.

Chief executive Jayne-Anne Gadhia is looking to close the gap with Britains biggest lenders (PA)

Virgin Money said growth in retail savings was ahead of expectations as it saw overall deposits rise 7.4% year on year and 1% since the previous quarter to 31.1 billion.

Virgin Money chief executive Jayne-Anne Gadhia said: Our customer-focused strategy of growth, quality and returns continues to drive strong business performance.

She added: In addition to the strategic initiatives, we are focused on growing assets at the right price and quality in a competitive mortgage market.

We remain on track to deliver on the targets we set at the end of last year.

Shares lifted 3% after the update.

Virgin Money, which has more than 3.3 million customers, confirmed it remained on track with full-year guidance as it ploughs ahead with a business-boosting strategy.

It pushed into small business banking in January in an attempt to narrow the gap with Britains biggest lenders.

It launched an SME savings account and set sights on securing 5 billion of SME deposits within five years.

The group also announced a proposed fund management joint venture with Aberdeen Standard Investments in March, while it teamed up with Virgin Atlantic for a frequent flyer credit card offer last month.

Ms Gadhia said the group had seen a stronger-than-expected response to Virgin Atlantic offer.

Its overall credit card balances rose 13.9% year on year and 1.3% quarter on quarter to 3 billion in the three months to March 31.

The figures follow a solid 2017 for the lender, which posted a 28% rise in underlying profits to 273.3 million in 2017.Unionist MEPs have been accused of bad manners for not meeting the EUs Brexit negotiator during a visit to Northern Ireland.

Michel Barnier was greeted in Londonderrys historic Guildhall by Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson, who suggested that the DUPs Diane Dodds and Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson were failing to represent the unionist people by snubbing Mr Barnier.

Ms Anderson also said the DUP would not be too put out if there was a harder border on the island of Ireland, something they may regard as a job done, she suggested.

Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson said it was political bad manners that the unionist MEPs had not attended (Nick Ansell/PA)

Speaking before a meeting with Mr Barnier, she was asked about the absence of the unionist MEPs.

I think its unfortunate that they havent turned up. The parliament is not open today.

The European Parliament is closed, so theres no reason why both of the MEPs from the unionist population shouldnt be here.

All three of us should be maximising the opportunity when Michel Barnier is in our constituency.

I think its political bad manners that the MEPs  and I have to say the two council leads from the DUP and UUP  were both invited here this morning, and neither of them have turned up.

I dont think really when you have a chief negotiator coming from the EU that its a good signal to send out because I dont think its representative of the people, the protestant, unionist, loyalist people, who would want their own representatives taking the opportunity to express their views, she said.

Michel Barnier is greeted by Mayor Maoliosa McHugh as he arrives at the Guildhall in Derry (Niall Carson/PA)

Asked why she thought they did not attend, Ms Anderson said: On the one hand, while they say they dont want a hard border in Ireland, I think what it does do is send a signal to the constituencies that are living adjacent to the border that maybe they dont care too much whether there would be a hard border or not on this island, because he is coming to the border constituencies, rightly so because the entire focus of the European Parliament and the negotiations is about Ireland.

And were hearing that the withdrawal agreement could collapse if there is not an agreement about Ireland, so he needs to come to the areas that are going to be most affected by that.

And whilst the DUP and the UUP are telling us that they dont want a hard border in Ireland, there is another trend of thought that believes that particularly the DUP, who didnt vote for the Good Friday Agreement, didnt support it, will not be too put out if it is undermined in all of its parts.

They will not be too put out if there is a harder border here in Ireland and it reinforces partition.

And for some of them, particularly their MPs, they may view that as a job done.

A banner reading `Derry voted Remain hung from the citys walls as the EUs chief Brexit negotiator ,Michel Barnier, arrived (Niall Carson/PA)

Last week, Mrs Dodds and Mr Nicholson issued a joint statement welcoming Mr Barniers visit but expressed disappointment that it was announced by a Sinn Fein MP.

Mrs Dodds said she had already committed to meetings in London and could not meet him.

She told the BBCs Sunday Politics: Michel Barnier is the negotiator for the EU 27. I am delighted that he is coming to Northern Ireland.

I was told by the EU Commission that this was an opportunity to meet stakeholders and not politicians.

I certainly meet Michel Barnier on a very regular basis and debate with him in the Strasbourg chamber.

She also said the DUP met him in Brussels a few weeks ago and insisted it was important to have input at the Brexit discussions in London.

Michel Barnier arrives to meet business leaders and cross-border groups at the Guildhall in Derry (Niall Carson/PA)

Asked about the EU maintaining peace funding in Northern Ireland, Mr Barnier said: I think that we must, and we have to maintain co-operation between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and in particular to maintain the peace programme.

He said the European Commission will propose a new framework this week for future financial plans.

And I can tell you that we are ready to maintain the peace programme, he said.

Mr Barnier said he was delighted to be in the historic and vibrant city of Derry, and said he had already enjoyed a walk on the Peace Bridge.

The EU chief negotiator was in the city to meet with business leaders.The father of a student killed in a mass shooting at a Florida high school is suing the armed officer who stood outside the building as people were massacred within.

Meadow Pollack was among the 17 killed on Valentines Day in a freshman building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Her father, Andrew Pollack, said Scot Peterson, the former sheriffs deputy and the schools resource officer, is his main target in the wrongful death lawsuit filed on Monday in Broward County.

Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz (Taimy Alvarez/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/AP)

I filed a wrongful death suit against Deputy Peterson today. I want to expose that coward so bad. Where ever he goes I want people to recognize him and say that's one of the cowards of Broward. The SRO that let those children and teachers die on the 3rd floor!  Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) April 30, 2018

He let my daughter get shot nine times at point-blank range, Mr Pollack told the Miami Herald.

He had the opportunity to go in and instead, let all those people get murdered.

The lawsuit also names 19-year-old shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz; the estate of Cruzs mother, who died in November; and James and Kimberly Snead, the couple who took Cruz in after his mother died.

It also names three behavioural and mental health facilities that evaluated Cruz at some point before the shooting.

Mr Peterson, 54, was suspended with pay and then immediately resigned and retired on February 23, when video surveillance footage from the school showed he never entered the building when the gunfire began.

Broward Sheriff Scott Israel condemned Mr Petersons actions, saying he should have gone inside.

Peterson is my main target, Mr Pollack said. He could have stopped it. Could have saved my kid.

Nobody should be able to not do their job, receive a pension and ride off into the sunset.

The lawsuit details Cruzs troubled life, saying the teen suffered from severe mental illness and was prone to violence.

When Cruz arrived at the high school on February 14, the lawsuit claims a pusillanimous Peterson cowered in a safe location between two concrete walls as the gunman rained bullets upon the teachers and students.

I am not doing this to get famous, I am doing this so no family ever again has to feel the way my family feels. There are no excuses! We must have proper security in every school in America! I will not stop until that is accomplished. We must #FixIt! #MeadowsMovement pic.twitter.com/Hz6v9S9vrI  Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) April 11, 2018

Mr Peterson, a 33-year veteran law enforcement officer, responded to critics in a statement issued by attorney Joseph DiRuzzo shortly after the shooting.

Allegations that Mr Peterson was a coward and that his performance, under the circumstances, failed to meet the standards of police officers are patently untrue, the statement said.

Mr Pollack said he wants to let people know that Mr Peterson is a coward.

My daughter died crawling by a doorway  shielding a classmate who also ended up dying  waiting for someone to come help her. Help never came.A terminally ill man has said he should not have to undergo a distressing and undignified death as judges consider his Appeal Court challenge against a ban on assisted dying.

Motor neurone disease sufferer Noel Conway, who says he feels entombed by his illness, is fighting a legal battle for the right to enlist help from medical professionals to bring about his death.

The 68-year-old retired lecturer from Shrewsbury wants to be helped to die  which the law currently prevents  when he has less than six months left to live, still has mental capacity to make the decision and has made a voluntary, clear, settled and informed decision.

He has proposed that he could only receive assistance to die if a High Court judge determined that he meets all three of those criteria.

Activists from the Campaign for Dignity in Dying outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

Outlining his case to three senior judges on Tuesday, Mr Conways lawyers said the law as it stands interferes with his rights and that the court must decide whether that interference is justified and proportionate.

Nathalie Lieven QC said: The question for this court is not a very generalised one of the morality or ethics of allowing doctors to assist patients to die.

The question for this court is rather a focused one of whether for this very specific cohort, ie, terminally ill people with less than six months to live, the ban is justifiable because of an impact on the weak and vulnerable.

Mr Conway previously asked the High Court for a declaration that the Suicide Act 1961 is incompatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which relates to respect for private and family life, and Article 14, which protects from discrimination.

Noel Conway with his wife Carol outside Telford Justice Centre (Aaron Chown/PA)

His case was rejected in October last year, but a full appeal against that ruling will begin on Tuesday.

Mr Conway is too unwell to travel to London for the hearing but will watch proceedings over a video link from Telford Crown Court.

In a statement ahead of the hearing, he said he is now dependent on a ventilator for up to 23 hours a day and only has movement in his right hand, head and neck.

Mr Conway said his current options are to effectively suffocate by choosing to remove his ventilator or to spend thousands of pounds travelling to Switzerland to end his life and have his family risk prosecution.

Ms Lieven told the court there is serious objective evidence upon which Mr Conway concludes there is a real risk his death would not be quick and painless if he refuses ventilation.

Mr Conway is challenging a "blanket ban" on assisted dying (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

She added: Mr Conway reiterates that, if suitable safeguards are in place, the wider interests of society cannot possibly be said to require him to undergo such a death in the name of securing against possible risks to weak and vulnerable individuals.

The barrister argued that a proper analysis of the safeguards proposed by Mr Conway would have shown that the current blanket ban on assisted suicide is not necessary.

She said the proposal of having a High Court judge oversee the process was at the heart of the issue.

Ms Lieven also argued Mr Conways proposals could not pose any wider risk to society.

Mr Conways supporters are backing his bid outside the court (Kirsty OConnor/PA)

She said: Mr Conway is dying because of the effects of his illness  any change in the law could not, itself, increase the number of those with terminal illnesses.

It could not therefore, per se, give rise to any increase in risk of death amongst (for instance) those with disabilities who are not terminally ill, and hence any wider risk to the general community.

Indeed, it could just as easily be said that the real question is not whether the wider interests of society require Mr Conway to be denied assistance with dying, but whether society, as a whole, can be said to have any legitimate interest in denying Mr Conway any choice in when and how he dies in circumstances where he is already dying  in other words, to exercise one of the few meaningful decisions about his end of life that remain available to him.

Ms Lieven said it was for Mr Conway to decide what he considers to be distressing and undignified and that he is the best judge on a matter as intimately personal as how he dies.

Mr Conway is being represented by law firm Irwin Mitchell and supported by the campaign group Dignity in Dying.

His appeal is opposed by the Secretary of State for Justice, with Humanists UK, Care Not Killing and Not Dead Yet UK also making submissions.

The appeal before Sir Terence Etherton, Sir Brian Leveson and Lady Justice King is expected to last three days.Doctors, lawyers and teachers are more likely to drink alcohol than manual workers, figures have revealed.

Around seven in 10 people (69.5%) who work in managerial and professional jobs had consumed alcohol in the previous week, according to new survey data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

(PA Graphics)

This compares with roughly half (51.2%) of routine and manual workers  a group which includes labourers, bar staff, lorry drivers, receptionists and care workers.

Architects, nurses, teachers, lawyers and doctors are among those classified as managerial and professional occupations.

The data, from the ONS Opinions And Lifestyle Survey, also shows that the highest earners are most likely to drink.

Today we're publishing: Adult drinking habits in Great Britain, 2017. The figures show an estimated 29.2 million adults drank alcohol in the week before being interviewed for our opinions and lifestyle survey https://t.co/oeLLyivBys  Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) May 1, 2018

Of those earning 40,000 and above, almost four in five (78.9%) said they had drunk in the previous week, compared with 57% of respondents aged 16 and over across the UK.

The figures, which come as Scotland becomes the first country in the world to implement a minimum unit price for alcohol, reveal that England has the highest proportion of adult drinkers.

In England, 57.8% of adults said they had drunk in the previous week compared with 53.5% in Scotland and 50% in Wales.

(PA Graphics)

The report notes that the link between professional occupation and drinking could be connected with income and age.

Around a third (34%) of respondents working in managerial and professional jobs reported earning 40,000 and above, compared with 5.4% of those in manual jobs.

Managerial jobs also tend to be filled by older workers, while those aged 16 to 24 are less likely to drink than any other age group, the report states.

However, when they do drink, consumption on their heaviest days tends to be higher than other age groups.

7 in 10 people working in managerial and professional occupations said they drank alcohol during the previous week https://t.co/kfFjyFH7Xs pic.twitter.com/AtkRjgMFX3  Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) May 1, 2018

Around a fifth of respondents (20.4%) reported being teetotal, equating to roughly 10.4 million people in Great Britain.

Teetotalism has increased among those aged 16 to 24, from 19% in 2005 to 22.8% in 2017, the figures show.

However the proportion of women over 65 who said they did not drink has decreased from 37.2% in 2005 to 27.9% last year.

Today, Scotland becomes the first country in the world to implement minimum unit pricing in an attempt to reduce the significant harm of strong, low cost alcohol. Thanks to all those who have stuck with us through the challenges. This public health policy will save lives.  Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 1, 2018

A spokesman for the Alcohol Information Partnership said: Whilst these figures show that professionals are more likely to have drunk in the previous week than manual workers, that doesnt mean they are drinking irresponsibly.

The data clearly shows that the vast majority of UK citizens who choose to drink alcohol do so sensibly. That is a good thing and should be celebrated.

To encourage this pattern of sensible drinking, the Government, communities, industry and NGOs must continue to work together to communicate accurate information about alcohol and address the minority of drinkers who need to change their habits.Adam Lallana has been named in Liverpools 23-man squad for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Roma following a spell out with a hamstring injury.

The England international has travelled to Italy even though he has not featured since picking up a problem shortly after coming on as a substitute against Crystal Palace in March.

Lallana travelled to South Africa for treatment last month and boss Jurgen Klopp said last week that one or two games might be possible for him, but that there was no chance he would feature against Roma on Wednesday.

Adam Lallana has not played since March (John Walton/EMPICS)

The Reds last two Premier League games are against Chelsea and Brighton and their campaign could conclude with the Champions League final in Kiev on May 26.

Liverpool are currently short of midfield options as both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) and Emre Can (back) are sidelined.

Defender Joe Gomez has not flown to Rome with his club colleagues after picking up an ankle problem in Saturdays 0-0 draw with Stoke.

Forward Sadio Mane, who was left out of the squad at the weekend, was on the plane, as were captain Jordan Henderson and defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, both of whom had minor fitness concerns following the Potters game.

Five-time European Cup winners Liverpool hold a 5-2 advantage from the first leg at Anfield and will be hoping to progress to their eighth final.

Klopp later reiterated that Lallana will not be available for selection at the Stadio Olimpico.

Adam Lallana is here in the training squad, but not available for the game, the German told liverpoolfc.com.

Hes in the training squad and thats very nice. It shows how close he is. Unfortunately, the season is not too long anymore, but were really happy about having him with us.

Klopp added that Gomez had been left at home because he had suffered only a little setback, yet he was unsure how long the defender would be missing for.Arsenal have handed a new contract to defender Rob Holding.

The 22-year-old has penned terms on a long-term deal, though the specific length of the agreement has not been disclosed.

A statement on the Gunners official website read: We would like to congratulate Rob on his new contract and look forward to his continued contribution in the coming years.

Arsenals Rob Holding has penned a new contract (Adam Davy/PA)

Holding has played 24 times in all competitions for the club this season.

The centre-back, an England Under-21 international, moved to the Emirates Stadium from Bolton in 2016 and helped the Gunners to lift the FA Cup in his first season.

He has been in and out of the Arsenal side this term and has played only 10 times in the Premier League.

Holdings new contract means he will be at the club long after the departure of manager Arsene Wenger.

The Frenchman will end his 22-year reign in the summer, with the search for his successor ongoing.

Massimiliano Allegri, Carlo Ancelotti and Eddie Howe have all featured in the betting to become Wengers replacement, but a new candidate emerged in the market on Tuesday.

Liverpool number two Zeljko Buvac became a favourite among some bookmakers after reports in his native Bosnia suggested he was being lined up to be installed in the Emirates hotseat.

Buvac has worked under Jurgen Klopp for 17 years, ever since his last managerial role in 2001, but is currently taking a break from his duties at Anfield due to personal reasons.

That has led to a flurry of bets on him to become Wengers replacement.French far right leader Marine Le Pen joined other anti-immigration populist leaders from around Europe for a May Day gathering aimed at energising their campaigns for next years European Parliament elections.

Populist leaders including Geert Wilders of the Dutch Party for Freedom, Harald Vilimsky of Austrias Freedom Party and prominent Czech nationalist Tomio Okamura descended on Nice as part of a joint effort to highlight the gains far-right parties have acquired across the continent recently.

The head of Italys nationalist Northern League party Matteo Salvini declined his invitation but will send a video message of support  as he attempts to form join a coalition government following this years inconclusive elections where many Italian voters shunned the mainstream parties.

Marine Le Pen poses for a selfie after laying a wreath (Thibault Camus/AP)

Ms Le Pen laid a wreath at a monument of Frances nationalist icon Joan of Arc in Cannes before heading to nearby Nice where she will meet with the other senior figures of the European far-right.

Ms Le Pen used Nice  a French Riviera hub that boasts a diverse population  to forward her anti-immigration stance, saying it has suffered from very strong pressure from migration that has partly changed the face of the city.

En compagnie de @SteeveBriois a Cannes, je rendais hommage ce matin a Jeanne dArc. pic.twitter.com/5Pm3qVoO0H  Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) May 1, 2018

Frances National Front has been struggling since a surge in support, but subsequent defeat, in last years presidential election that chose centrist Emmanuel Macron.

Since then, Ms Le Pen has been trying to cleanse it of the racist stigma that has clung to its image while maintaining the partys core closed-borders agenda.

Earlier this year, the party severed its final ties with firebrand founder Jean-Marie Le Pen  Ms Le Pens 89-year-old father  by eliminating his title of honorary president-for-life.

Mr Le Pen held a parallel ceremony at a statue of Joan of Arc in Paris.

In March, former White House strategist Steve Bannon tried to re-energise the party by speaking at a congress in France.

Some commentators warned that support from figures like Mr Bannon could hinder the partys rebranding efforts.Theresa Mays approach to immigration policy faced further questions amid reports she rejected pleas from Cabinet colleagues to ease restrictions on recruiting doctors from overseas.

The Prime Ministers actions in Number 10 and her previous role as home secretary have come under intense scrutiny following the Windrush generation scandal.

Her efforts to create a hostile environment for illegal immigrants and measures aimed at reducing net legal migration have both been challenged.

New Home Secretary Sajid Javid has signalled a break from her past by distancing himself from the use of the hostile environment phrase, preferring the term compliant environment.

And a report in the Evening Standard suggested that as part of the plan to reduce net migration to the tens of thousands, Mrs May refused to budge over calls to lift a cap on the number of skilled workers allowed to come to the UK.

Health chiefs have warned that limits on the number of visas issued to doctors from countries outside the European Economic Area are contributing to rota gaps and delays in patients receiving care.

NHS Employers said there have been 400 cases of blocked visas since December.

The Evening Standard said Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and former home secretary Amber Rudd had urged the Prime Minister to lift the quota for cases such as NHS doctors, while Business Secretary Greg Clark wanted more exceptions for firms facing shortages of specialist skills.

A Whitehall source told the newspaper: I think Jeremy and Amber were on the same page on this but No 10 were in a different place entirely.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman defended the Tier 2 visa regime and stressed it was always closely monitored.

It remains essential that we have control in our immigration system and it works in the national interest, the spokesman said.

We are monitoring the situation in relation to visa applications for doctors, including the monthly limits through the Tier 2 visa route.

Around one third of all Tier 2 places go to the NHS and investing in our workforce will continue to be a top priority.

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: It makes no sense whatsoever that the Government is turning away trained doctors who want to come and work here in the UK.

Theresa Mays hostile environment policy is now directly damaging NHS patient care.

He said the visa rules clearly arent working in the best interests of NHS patients.

This is where Theresa May's hostile environment leads. And will continue until the policy is scrapped. pic.twitter.com/FqOjqBCKWH  Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) May 1, 2018

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott said: The Tories hostile environment policy is not confined to illegal immigrants. And it is making us all worse off.

Mr Javid used his first day as Home Secretary on Monday to distance himself from his predecessors, promising to do right by the Windrush generation.

Asked about the hostile environment approach, Mr Javid said: I think it is a phrase that is unhelpful and it does not represent our values as a country.

Downing Street insisted there was no split between Mr Javid and Mrs May.

The new Home Secretary said it is right that we have a compliant environment and the Prime Minister absolutely agrees with that, the spokesman said.A syndicate of 15 hospital nurses are celebrating after scooping 1 million in the National Lottery.

Each member of The Winning Nurses Syndicate pocketed more than 66,666 after matching one of the two Euromillions UK Millionaire Maker codes.

The group from Cleland Hospital in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, have been playing together for three years and the 1 million windfall tops their previous biggest win which was previously 12.

Membera of the Winning Nurses Syndicate celebrate their new fortune (Camelot/PA)

Thirteen members of the 15-strong syndicate opted to share news of their good fortune with June Fraser, 58, in charge of checking tickets each week.

She said I checked the tickets using the National Lottery app on Saturday morning.

I scanned the first one and it wasnt a winner  I actually thought that was the ticket for Friday nights draw and very nearly didnt scan the second one as I thought it was for a future draw.

When I did and it told me that wed won 1 million I thought the app must be broken  I couldnt believe it.

My first phone call was to my ward where I managed to get hold of two of the other members who were working.

I phoned a few other members but I was just too hyper to call everyone at that point. I still went into work later that afternoon though.

When June went to work she pinned the winning ticket inside her nurses uniform.

The win means the nurses will spend money on trips to Canada, Sri Lanka, cruises, new cars and even a motorbike.

For Carol Hamlyn, 59, it means she can have a dream retirement.

She said: I am due to retire in November and this win will be life-changing for me.

I was going to have to keep doing a few shifts but now I have financial security and I can also look after my four children and my three grandchildren.

The first thing the lucky winners are spending their cash on is a bumper batch of cakes and goodies to treat the staff, patients and families at Cleland Hospital.

The Winning Nurses Syndicate bought their EuroMillions ticket from the Co-op store on Station Road in Shotts.

Their winning ticket was made in a draw on April 20.Boris Johnson has said he continues to support the Iran nuclear deal after Israel claimed Tehran had covered up its weapons programme.

Israel said it had documents showing that Tehran covered up the programme before signing the deal with the international community in 2015.

Donald Trump has warned he could walk away from the deal and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged him to do so, claiming that the material showed Iran cannot be trusted.

Iran lied, big time, Mr Netanyahu said.

Benjamin Netanyahu presents his case against Iran (Sebastian Scheiner/AP)

He based his presentation on some 55,000 pages of documents and 183 CDs of secret information Israeli Mossad operatives obtained from a Tehran facility.

The US president has signalled he will pull out of the agreement by May 12 unless it is revised.

But the UK continued to support the deal and insisted that the inspection regime placed on Iran as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreement was designed to ensure Tehrans compliance.

The Foreign Secretary said: The Israeli prime ministers presentation on Irans past research into nuclear weapons technology underlines the importance of keeping the Iran nuclear deals constraints on Tehrans nuclear ambitions.

Israeli PMs speech on Irans past nuclear weapons research shows why we need Iran Nuclear deal. Iran deal based not on trust but verification, allowing @iaeaorg unprecedented access. Need to keep deal & build on it to take account of US & allies concerns https://t.co/To50dEs3zM  Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) May 1, 2018

The Iran nuclear deal is not based on trust about Irans intentions; rather it is based on tough verification, including measures that allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency unprecedented access to Irans nuclear programme.

The fact that Iran conducted sensitive research in secret until 2003 shows why we need the intrusive inspections allowed by the Iran nuclear deal today.

The verification provisions in the Iran nuclear deal would make it harder for Iran to restart any such research.

That is another good reason for keeping the deal while building on it in order to take account of the legitimate concerns of the US and our other allies.

Downing Street also backed the terms of the Iran deal.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions, that is why the International Atomic Energy Agency inspection regime agreed as part of the Iran nuclear deal is one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords.

It remains a vitally important way of independently verifying that Iran is adhering to the deal that Irans nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.An ex-undercover police officer under fire over his relationships with three women has hit back, claiming his former Scotland Yard bosses do a good line in selective amnesia.

Jim Boyling, who worked as part of the Metropolitan Polices controversial Special Demonstrations Squad (SDS), is accused of failing to tell the women he was a police mole.

A secret disciplinary hearing is taking place this week over his relationship with a woman known as Rosa, which he claims was genuine and had nothing to do with his deployment.

New Scotland Yard

He said: The disciplinary charge from the Met species that I had a relationship which constituted misconduct because it was without a police purpose. The position of the Met appears to be that a relationship entered into as an operational tactic is acceptable, but a genuine one resulting in marriage and children constitutes misconduct.

On the former officers account, he and Rosa were a couple from November 1999 to August 2000, when Mr Boyling left the SDS. Rosa tracked him down in November 2001, and they resumed their relationship, having two children and marrying in 2005.

He says he used his real name and registered his occupation as a police officer on the marriage certificate and both birth certificates, that Rosa knew he had worked undercover and had spoken to other officers about it.

I was astonished to nd, when some elements of our story appeared in the press in 2011, that the Met disclaimed all knowledge, he said.

I had in fact been discussing it fully with them only a few weeks previously and had made a full written declaration of our marriage to the vetting unit within a week of it taking place.

We were divorced in 2009, which I again notied in writing to the Met. The Met does a good line in selective amnesia, as indeed they do in selective disclosure.

Another of the women, known as Monica, is taking legal action to try to push the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute him for alleged sexual offences and misconduct in a public office.

Activist 'Monica' tricked into relationship with police spy launches legal action challenging CPSs refusal to prosecute undercover officer #spycops https://t.co/iwi36quFA5  HJA Civil Liberties (@HJAcivillibs) May 1, 2018

In 2014 prosecutors decided not to charge officers involved in sexual relationships with partners who did not know their true identity, due to lack of evidence.

Monica, who had a six-month relationship with Mr Boyling in 1997 when she was an activist with Reclaim the Streets, is the first to take legal action to challenge this decision.

She told the Guardian: What I went through, and other people went through, is wrong. I dont think that my private life and my sexuality should be something that should be spied on, or used to infiltrate organisations that are involved in trying to bring positive change.

I was lied to, and I was encouraged to be intimate and sexual with somebody who I would never, ever have got involved with if I had known who he was, if I had known his true motives and I had known his true identity.

Monica only discovered that he was an undercover police officer in 2011.

If I dont challenge (the CPSs decision), then everything just gets brushed under the carpet, and apologies are just empty words  and nothing really changes, she said.

She said she thinks that for her former partner fundamentally (the relationship) was just sex, to enhance his cover, and as a perk of the job.

Mr Boyling, who was an officer for 30 years and retired in April 2015, revealed that both his children with Rosa are severely disabled with limited life expectancy.

He is not contesting the Met disciplinary hearing because he says he cannot afford to stay in London during the proceedings, and does not wish to drag former colleagues and his ex-wife through the process.

The officer, who is now aged in his 50s, will however, give evidence to the public inquiry into undercover policing.

He feels he has been singled out to justify the cost of Operation Herne, a police inquiry into the activities of undercover officers.

I trust that a more accurate picture of police covert operations may emerge from the Undercover Policing Inquiry, including perhaps the testimony of others who formed genuine relationships during the course of a deployment lasting several years. There are a documented number of such cases which have always previously been sympathetically dealt with.

It seems to me that my case has been handled differently purely in order to satisfy the Mets current press strategy, and the need for Operation Herne to show some sort of return for the millions of pounds of public money they have spent. If youre going to pick on anybody, the family with the terminally ill children will probably be the weakest.

At least 12 women have received compensation after unwittingly being involved in relationships with undercover officers, and police chiefs have been forced to apologise.Barclays annual meeting was disrupted by climate change activists calling on the bank to stop financing firms involved in fossil fuels.

Chris Saltmarsh, the fossil free campaign coordinator for People & Planet  the group that has taken credit for the protest  said it involved seven students from the likes of Oxford, Bristol, Sheffield, Newcastle and the University of East Anglia.

While climate related questions were posed by shareholders, he said the group did not think they were properly answered and decided to take to the front of the conference hall.

Barclays AGM was disrupted by protesters (Joe Giddens/PA)

Some of us made it onto the stage and we were pretty forcibly removed, he said.

We were pretty clear that we were protesting peacefully but were pretty heavily dragged off by two or three security per person, he said.

BREAKING: P&P students JUST disrupted the Barclays AGM demanding they ditch all fossil fuel finance NOW! Support our call here: https://act.peopleandplanet.org/petitions/barclays-bank-boycott-barclays Posted by People & Planet on Tuesday, May 1, 2018

The protesters were taken out of the QEII Centre in Westminster through the fire exit.

Mr Saltmarsh said it was part of a wider campaign that students across the UK were taking part in.

They (Barclays) should start by excluding new coal, tar sands and arctic drilling, Mr Saltmarsh said.

HSBC excluded those sectors ten days ago so the precedent has been set and theres no excuse for Barclays not to do the same, he added.

We need to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

A question posed at the AGM before the protest broke out pressed executives over support for tar sands extraction in Canada.

Barclays chairman John McFarlane responded by saying that this was a concern for many shareholders but noted that some countries like Canada and Australia had resource-based economies reliant on the likes of fossil fuels.

So you get this conflict that does arise, he said.

However, Mr McFarlane said that Barclays had gone to lengths to consider its relationships and transactions in the sector and had met with groups like Greenpeace along the way.

He said the bank was now in the process of preparing a formal review of the fossil fuel sector that it hoped to publish later on this year.Events to commemorate the life of murdered MP Jo Cox are to be expanded in Scotland this year with more support from the Scottish Government and local councils.

Mrs Coxs sister, Kim Leadbeater, is to meet First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and other party leaders in Edinburgh on Wednesday to discuss plans for The Great Get Together between June 22 and 24.

The Scottish Government has already pledged its support to the UK-wide event which encourages a range of activities to bring people together.

It was inspired by Mrs Coxs maiden speech as an MP, which contained the line we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attending a Great Get Together event at Glasgow Womens Library last year (David Cheskin/PA)

This years events will take place around what would have been the Labour MPs birthday and two years since she was murdered by right-wing extremist Thomas Mair as she arrived to host a surgery in her Batley and Spen constituency.

The Great Get Together is also expected to be supported by Glasgow and Edinburgh councils this year with events to be staged in Scotlands two biggest cities.

Motions calling for the local authorities to support the event will be discussed at full council meetings this week.

The Edinburgh text, in the name of Councillor Cammy Day, notes that the organisers hope to build on last years success, which saw thousands of events across the UK, and to extend the reach of the event in Scotland by involving as many cities, towns and communities as possible.

Ms Leadbeater said: Right now, it can feel like our country is deeply divided. But we know that when we get together that brings out the best in our people and our communities.

Last year we saw Great Get Together events take place all around the country, bringing together people from across Scotlands diverse communities, and I cant thank people enough for that.

Those events were inspired by my sister Jo. She touched so many people when she said that we had more in common than the things that divide us.

Kim Leadbeater who will be taking a leadership role within the Jo Cox Foundation after the resignation of widower Brendan (Dominic Harris/PA)

She added: This year, were repeating the Great Get Together and holding it to coincide with Jos birthday.

In Scotland, this years Great Get Together is going to be even bigger than last year and were really pleased that Glasgow and Edinburgh City Councils are planning to support our events.

We want people across Scotland to host events that bring people together in their local area.

There are so many benefits to living in closer communities, but that involves reaching out and meeting people we might otherwise never encounter.The European Union is pushing back against the UKs proposals for keeping the Irish border open after Brexit, David Davis has confirmed.

Mr Davis was speaking a day ahead of a crucial meeting of Theresa Mays Brexit inner cabinet to thrash out the Governments position on future customs arrangements.

Unconfirmed reports earlier this month suggested that EU officials had dismissed both UK proposals  a customs partnership under which Britain would collect tariffs on the EUs behalf and a streamlined arrangement using technology to avoid the need for border checks  as unworkable.

Now the Brexit Secretary has told the House of Lords EU Committee: The Commission did push back on both.

They were concerned about how we would run a new customs partnership on the one hand, and they were  in the context of Northern Ireland  objecting to the notion of exempting small businesses from the streamlined arrangement.

Brussels is concerned both by the prospect of porosity on the EUs external border and by the risk of creating a precedent which might be copied elsewhere, he said.

David Davis gave evidence to the Lords European Union Select Committee (PA Wire/PA Images)

The European Commission has drawn up a backstop alternative option if neither proposal works, which would see Northern Ireland effectively remain in the customs union  something Mrs May has said no prime minister could accept.

Meanwhile, Mr Davis warned that the UK could be left in a sort of limbo if it fails to ratify a new agreement on its future trading relationship with the EU by the end of the Brexit transition period in December 2020.

Mr Davis said he wanted a pretty substantive political agreement on the future in place by October, ready to be signed soon after the official date of Brexit in March 2019 and ratified by parliaments across Europe during the 21-month transition.

He admitted it will be difficult to get the separate EU withdrawal deal through Parliament in the autumn if the Government has no more than a broad political declaration in place by that time.

Parliament will vote more than once on the withdrawal agreement and I would be surprised if parliamentarians are happy to vote for the expenditure of 35-39 billion without knowing what we are getting for it, he said.

Asked how he hoped to secure parliamentary backing, in the wake of a string of defeats in the House of Lords, he replied: By getting a good deal.

And he acknowledged that this will depend on persuading Brussels to negotiate 40 or more workstreams simultaneously.

If we try to do 45 different subjects in sequence, I will be dead and buried and probably my grandchildren will be dead and buried before we get there, he said.

We have got to do it in parallel. We are on that now and I think we are going to be there soon-ish.

Mr Davis said the Government aimed to have large amounts of detail on the future framework  maybe even including legal wording  nailed down by the formal date of Brexit in March 2019.

I would be aiming to conclude the negotiations if I can get to that point by then, so they can sign and then start the ratification process, he told peers.

The framework will have to be ratified by the European Parliament, both Houses of Parliament in Westminster and national and regional assemblies in the 27 remaining states he said.

And he warned: We absolutely need to have ratification completed before the implementation period is over, otherwise we are in a sort of limbo.

Eloise Todd, the chief executive of the Best for Britain campaign against hard Brexit, said: Its a classic Brexit rewrite. Yesterday David Davis told us he had put forward proposals on the Irish border and echoed (Michel) Barniers concern that a solution to the Irish border question is found rapidly.

Today instead were informed the exact opposite: that the Government is still drawing up proposals with that he hopes will be tied up in October. The reality is pretty stark  David Davis is clueless.AIA Insurance inducted the AIA Premier Agency Circle (PAC), inaugurated by Regional Chief Executive Bill Lisle, CEO Pankaj Banerjee and Deputy CEO/Chief Agency Officer Upul Wijesinghe. Located in a plush office premise in the centre of Colombos business hub, the PAC office will be home to AIAs new high performing sales personnel.

AIAs PAC office was opened with the objective of developing a fulltime Agency sales force with a focus on achieving Million Dollar Roundtable Table (MDRT) membership. This is intended at motivating higher performance with improved category achievement as well as the development of a professional full-time Agency force to cater Sri Lankas mass affluent clientele.

AIAs Chief Agency Officer/Deputy CEO Upul Wijesinghe noted that newly recruited sales personnel will be trained at a fully digitized, wireless and paperless distribution office which is a dedicated training centre for PAC agents. AIAs PAC is a pioneer and as of now the only of its kind, full time Agency concept in Sri Lanka.

Head Premier Agency Circle for AIA Sri Lanka, Shermal Fernando added, MDRT is internationally recognised as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. Its members are required to generate a higher level of production and demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. Notably, AIA Sri Lanka had the highest number of MDRT members from Sri Lanka for two consecutive years. But we want to do more to ensure the best quality of sales personnel to serve our customers better. This is our endeavour to create a newer, better calibre of Agency, as we accelerate our efforts be more customer centric.The High Court Judges Association which convened a Extra Annual General Meeting on Saturday has decided to inform President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe about injustice caused to career judges when appointing Appeal Court judges.

The Association is to request for an appointment to meet the President this week to discuss their grievances.

The Association which convened an Extra AGM at the Colombo High Court on Saturday unanimously decided to express their concerns on the injustices caused to the senior High Court judges by appointing Appeal Court judges from outside. The High Court judges are also hoping to complain to the Constitutional Council on this matter.

Recently, the Chief Justice recommended the names of three High Court judges to two vacancies at the Appeal Court.

The normal procedure with regard to appointing Appeal Court judges is that the Chief Justice recommends from among the senior most senior HC judges. But this procedure had been changed. At the recent appointment of an Appeal Court judge, the CJ had nominated three High court judges for the posts of two Appeal Court judges. However only one name had been accepted by the Constitutional Council and disregarded the other two names and selected an officer from outside the judiciary.

The High Court judges have said there are four career judges in the Court of Appeal and two career judges in the Supreme Court and that if this trend continues the system will collapse. The High Court judges have also said the Constitutional Council is continuing to appoint Appeal Court judges from the Official Bar without considering the career judges.

The Association had earlier met the President and some members of the Constitutional Council to discuss this matter but as their grievances were not considered the High Court judges are going to meet the President and the other members of the CC once again.

Before taking any action on this matter we want to meet the President and the members of the CC once again, a High Court judge said.(Susitha R. Fernando)British Home Secretary Amber Rudd, finally bowed to massive pressure last night and quit saying she had to take responsibility for misleading parliament over deportation targets for illegal migrants.

With no sign of the scandal blowing over, the Home Secretary decided to fall on her sword rather than facing more humiliation.



I feel it is necessary to do so because I inadvertently misled the Home Affairs Select Committee, she said - admitting she should have been aware the targets existed.



The dramatic departure will be a huge blow for Theresa May - and potentially leaves her personally vulnerable. Ms Rudd has acted as an lightning rod for her predecessor in the Home Office amid the outcry over the Windrush immigration debacle.



It appears that Ms Rudd took the decision to quit herself, despite Downing Street previously trying to prop her up. She telephoned the PM to inform her of the move late on Sunday. In her response to Ms Rudd, Mrs May said she was very sorry to receive the resignation. The premier said she still believed Ms Rudd had answered questions from MPs in good faith.



Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said: I see Amber Rudd is carrying the can for the person originally responsible for this scandal - Theresa May. The timing of the resignation took Westminster by surprise. There was intense speculation that Ms Rudd might go on Friday night after the emergence of a leaked Home Office memo that had been copied to the minister.

UK, (Daily Mail),

30 April 2018

Rudd becomes the fifth Cabinet minister to quit



UK, Daily Mail), 30 April 2018-Five cabinet members have left their positions in the 10 months since Junes snap general election where the Conservatives lost their majority in the House of Commons.DFCC continues to aggressively pursue its role as a commercial bank by strengthening its core business, creating momentum in the industry with its constantly evolving best in class offerings and creating a culture of service amongst its people.

GROUP RESULTS

The DFCC Group comprises DFCC Bank PLC (DFCC), and its subsidiaries - Lanka Industrial Estates Limited (LINDEL), DFCC Consulting (Pvt) Limited (DCPL) and Synapsys Limited (SL), the joint venture company - Acuity Partners (Pvt) Limited (APL) and the associate company - National Asset Management Limited (NAMAL).

For quarter ended 31 March 2018, the DFCC Group recorded a profit before tax of LKR 1,545 million and profit after tax of LKR1,110 million as compared to LKR 1,647 million and LKR 1,301 million respectively in the comparative period in 2017.

BANK RESULTS

Income Statement

The Bank reported a profit before tax of LKR 1,493 million and a profit after tax of LKR 1,074 million compared to LKR 1,593 million and LKR 1,267 million in the comparative period in 2017, a drop of 6% and 15% respectively.

The Bank recorded a growth of 17% in total operating income amounting to LKR 4,093 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2018 compared to LKR 3,503 in the comparative period in 2017. However due to the higher charge for impairment as a result of Banks prudent provisioning policies, the net operating income recorded a growth of only 4%.

The Banks NPL ratio increased to 3.12% as at March 2018 from 2.77% recorded in December 2017 as a result of adverse environmental conditions in the operating environment. The industry NPL ratio also recorded an upward trend.

The Bank has strengthened processes whereby close follow up measures are taken to arrest defaults at an early stage and all efforts are made to swiftly recover loans in default.

The Bank achieved a notable growth in its core business operations during the quarter under review. During the current period, net interest income grew by 29% to LKR 3,342 million from LKR 2,581 million in the 1st quarter of 2017 while net fee and commission income grew by 27% to LKR 434 million from LKR 343 million in the comparable period. Interest margin improved to 4.0% during the quarter under review from 3.6% in the comparable period.

Operating expenses increased from LKR 1,343 million to LKR 1,579 million (18%) in the comparable period due to branch expansion and business promotions that were carried out during the first quarter 2018. Bank added 10 fully fledged branches during the period April 2017 to March 2018 and continued its drive to expand its franchise through business promotions, which helped to increase income streams.

Other comprehensive income before tax improved by LKR 1,475 million (86%) over the previous period. Mark to market impact on investment in equity securities under available for sales investment has improved by LKR 1,771 Million year on year while mark to market impact on fixed income securities declined by LKR 296 million.

Financial Position

Total assets of the Bank grew by LKR 67,236 million year on year which reflects a 24% growth compared to March 2017. The growth in total assets from December 2017 was LKR 18,393 Million (6%).

Continuing the growth strategy, Banks Loans to and receivables from other customers (Loans and advances) grew by LKR 35,475 million to LKR 222,588 million compared to LKR 187,113 million as at 31 March 2017 reflecting a growth of 19%. First quarter 2018 growth in Loans and advances was LKR 8,912 million.

Reflecting the success of the deposit promotional campaigns and also public trust in the Bank, the deposit base increased by LKR 56,925 million (40%) from LKR 143,625 million in March 2017 to LKR 200,550 million as at 31 March 2018. The Banks low cost deposits (CASA) ratio was 19.6% compared to 21.3% as at 31 December 2017.

This is a result of an increased growth in time deposits versus savings which is reflected in the first quarter. With the impending promotional campaigns planned to mobilise low cost deposits this position will be corrected in the coming months.

The Bank continues to enjoy long term concessionary credit lines which improves the ratio to 28.4% as at 31 March 2018.



Equity & Capital Requirements

The Bank has successfully issued BASEL III compliant Tier II listed rated unsecured subordinated redeemable debenture of LKR 7 billion (oversubscribed on opening day) in order to sustain the planned lending growth and to maintain stable Basel III compliant ratio. The Bank has comfortably met minimum capital requirement ratios under Basel III. As at 31 March 2018, the Groups Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio stood at 12.462% while the total capital adequacy ratio stood at 18.242%. DFCC Bank recorded Tier 1 and total capital adequacy ratios of 12.074% and 17.877% respectively as at 31st March 2018 compared to tier I and total ratios of 12.68% and 16.13% respectively as at 31st December 2017. The ratios reported are well above the minimum regulatory requirements of 7.875% and 11.875%.

Commenting on DFCC Banks financial results, Lakshman Silva  CEO, DFCC Bank, said,

The overall performance of the quarter indicates that DFCC Bank is well positioned to serve the nation as a commercial bank through a range of financial services that will promote wealth creation across the country. The Bank is inculcating in its entire staff a culture of providing excellence to customers at all touch points. The Bank is in line with targets set for Q 1 as per the Board approved 3 year plan. Whilst planning our growth strategy we have set into motion an array of financially prudent measures, digitalization initiatives, customized financial solutions coupled with convenience , branch expansion and other innovative products & services to position ourselves to becoming the preferred consumer bank in the banking landscape. The state-of-the-art Payments and Cash Management (PCM) solution & the new range of Credit Cards launched will facilitate in making DFCCs consumer banking proposition much stronger. Delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders underpins our efforts as we partner our customers on the path to financial growth.

DFCC continues to aggressively pursue its role as a commercial bank by strengthening its core business, creating momentum in the industry with its constantly evolving best in class offerings and creating a culture of service amongst its people.

GROUP RESULTS

The DFCC Group comprises DFCC Bank PLC (DFCC), and its subsidiaries - Lanka Industrial Estates Limited (LINDEL), DFCC Consulting (Pvt) Limited (DCPL) and Synapsys Limited (SL), the joint venture company - Acuity Partners (Pvt) Limited (APL) and the associate company - National Asset Management Limited (NAMAL).

For quarter ended 31 March 2018, the DFCC Group recorded a profit before tax of LKR 1,545 million and profit after tax of LKR1,110 million as compared to LKR 1,647 million and LKR 1,301 million respectively in the comparative period in 2017.

BANK RESULTS

Income Statement

The Bank reported a profit before tax of LKR 1,493 million and a profit after tax of LKR 1,074 million compared to LKR 1,593 million and LKR 1,267 million in the comparative period in 2017, a drop of 6% and 15% respectively.

The Bank recorded a growth of 17% in total operating income amounting to LKR 4,093 million for the quarter ended 31 March 2018 compared to LKR 3,503 in the comparative period in 2017. However due to the higher charge for impairment as a result of Banks prudent provisioning policies, the net operating income recorded a growth of only 4%.

The Banks NPL ratio increased to 3.12% as at March 2018 from 2.77% recorded in December 2017 as a result of adverse environmental conditions in the operating environment. The industry NPL ratio also recorded an upward trend.

The Bank has strengthened processes whereby close follow up measures are taken to arrest defaults at an early stage and all efforts are made to swiftly recover loans in default.

The Bank achieved a notable growth in its core business operations during the quarter under review. During the current period, net interest income grew by 29% to LKR 3,342 million from LKR 2,581 million in the 1st quarter of 2017 while net fee and commission income grew by 27% to LKR 434 million from LKR 343 million in the comparable period. Interest margin improved to 4.0% during the quarter under review from 3.6% in the comparable period.

Operating expenses increased from LKR 1,343 million to LKR 1,579 million (18%) in the comparable period due to branch expansion and business promotions that were carried out during the first quarter 2018. Bank added 10 fully fledged branches during the period April 2017 to March 2018 and continued its drive to expand its franchise through business promotions, which helped to increase income streams.

Other comprehensive income before tax improved by LKR 1,475 million (86%) over the previous period. Mark to market impact on investment in equity securities under available for sales investment has improved by LKR 1,771 Million year on year while mark to market impact on fixed income securities declined by LKR 296 million.

Financial Position

Total assets of the Bank grew by LKR 67,236 million year on year which reflects a 24% growth compared to March 2017. The growth in total assets from December 2017 was LKR 18,393 Million (6%).

Continuing the growth strategy, Banks Loans to and receivables from other customers (Loans and advances) grew by LKR 35,475 million to LKR 222,588 million compared to LKR 187,113 million as at 31 March 2017 reflecting a growth of 19%. First quarter 2018 growth in Loans and advances was LKR 8,912 million.

Reflecting the success of the deposit promotional campaigns and also public trust in the Bank, the deposit base increased by LKR 56,925 million (40%) from LKR 143,625 million in March 2017 to LKR 200,550 million as at 31 March 2018. The Banks low cost deposits (CASA) ratio was 19.6% compared to 21.3% as at 31 December 2017.

This is a result of an increased growth in time deposits versus savings which is reflected in the first quarter. With the impending promotional campaigns planned to mobilise low cost deposits this position will be corrected in the coming months.

The Bank continues to enjoy long term concessionary credit lines which improves the ratio to 28.4% as at 31 March 2018.

Equity & Capital Requirements

The Bank has successfully issued BASEL III compliant Tier II listed rated unsecured subordinated redeemable debenture of LKR 7 billion (oversubscribed on opening day) in order to sustain the planned lending growth and to maintain stable Basel III compliant ratio. The Bank has comfortably met minimum capital requirement ratios under Basel III. As at 31 March 2018, the Groups Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio stood at 12.462% while the total capital adequacy ratio stood at 18.242%. DFCC Bank recorded Tier 1 and total capital adequacy ratios of 12.074% and 17.877% respectively as at 31st March 2018 compared to tier I and total ratios of 12.68% and 16.13% respectively as at 31st December 2017. The ratios reported are well above the minimum regulatory requirements of 7.875% and 11.875%.

Commenting on DFCC Banks financial results, Lakshman Silva  CEO, DFCC Bank, said,

The overall performance of the quarter indicates that DFCC Bank is well positioned to serve the nation as a commercial bank through a range of financial services that will promote wealth creation across the country. The Bank is inculcating in its entire staff a culture of providing excellence to customers at all touch points. The Bank is in line with targets set for Q 1 as per the Board approved 3 year plan. Whilst planning our growth strategy we have set into motion an array of financially prudent measures, digitalization initiatives, customized financial solutions coupled with convenience , branch expansion and other innovative products & services to position ourselves to becoming the preferred consumer bank in the banking landscape. The state-of-the-art Payments and Cash Management (PCM) solution & the new range of Credit Cards launched will facilitate in making DFCCs consumer banking proposition much stronger. Delivering sustainable value to all our stakeholders underpins our efforts as we partner our customers on the path to financial growth.Cost of living and gas prizes

Cost of living is proportionate to, and depends on the prices of the consumer items and the management of the economy and trade by the governance. Gas plays a main role in cost of living. This is because the use of gas is fast increasing due to the shortage of traditional wood and want of clear, fast, energetic and convenient energy. Every drop of gas is imported in liquid form and distributed by two main companies Litro and Laugfs with full monopoly on trade and distribution. Gas prices have been revised/increased again by virtue of Section 18 of the Consumer Affairs Authority act as an essential item to the consumer when the prices of other consumer articles are outside price control under act no 9 of 2003 where only a limited number of consumer articles could be placed under price control. Every drop of gas imported, which is mainly used in cooking and food industry as the main source of clean energy in place of traditional wood, contributes to environment issues. The subject minister identifies the consumer items he considers essential based on a research by the CAA and will declare by a Gazette notification certain items as essential with the maximum price for the items being declared.

Milk powder and cement are among some of the 30 items identified with maximum prices. Here the trader is free to sell other items freely at the chosen prices with a price tag which is a requirement under the regulations in the second part of the CAA act. It is informed that the price of a gas cylinder has gone up by Rs. 245 when the Gas prices in the international market have dropped from 590 USD to 450 USD based on ARAMCO standards which is a subsidiary of the Saudi Arab and Private syndicate on monitoring world oil prizes. A completed procedure is to be adopted by the CAA with an official inquiry conducted by members appointed with experts to decide on the prices generally contested in the highest courts. This procedure will take place if the companies are not satisfied with the increase in prices. Unfortunately no consumer organizations are concerned or intervene on behalf of the consumer unlike in other parts of the world where the consumer is organized and powerful.

Consumer not organized in Sri Lanka

The consumer in Sri Lanka is not organized as in other parts of the world in protecting and enhancing their due rights under the legal system. They accept whatever is given by the trader, manufacturer, industrialist, and the state (regulator  that is the Consumer Affairs Authority) in the absence of a vigilant and a powerful consumer movement. In the United Kingdom the Consumer movement and media (with magazine WHICH the powerful consumer magazine) are in the forefront working together assisted by  DTI Department of Trade and Industry the main regulator in UK on consumerism.

EU, India, and other parts of the world consumerism is organized and powerful unlike Sri Lanka. Gas, a clean and cheap form of energy utilized in the household, and is now spread in the villages as a necessity in the household and industry- especially food industry on a large scale, which has a direct impact on cost of living with price increases on increase of gas. Traditional methods of generating energy have been replaced by the gas industry which is monopolized by two leading giants Laugfs and Litro (previously Shell) all over the country. This has made a direct impact on the cost of living. They have the countrywide network of distribution as a necessary consumer item which has a direct political and economic impact on the citizen and the state.

Why only gas as a source of energy?

Every drop of gas, which is a by-product in the oil industry, is imported and stored in terminals in liquid form and distributed by the network of the two companies. These companies are now demanding price increases via the regulator Consumer Affairs Authority, which has the authority under Section 18 of the CAA act to permit companies the increase of prices on an application made. This is of course after due consideration by the regulator on the justification of the request having considered all aspects of the demand for the increase.

Gas is a protected item under the CAA with few other items declared by a gazette notification to control the maximum price to ease the consumer in the receiving end while protecting the trader who is expected to be fair and reasonable. Gas has become so important to the consumer and industrialist. Hence gas has become a powerful voice of the citizen to maintain the price to combat fast-growing cost of living due to other factors and price increases of food and consumer items. Gas is often used in place of fuel in many countries for cheap and clean energy. The traditional wood, the main source of energy, has an impact on environment which leads to deforestation and climatic issues. Many other innovative methods of cheap, clean and environmental friendly methods were introduced, but not properly marketed by the state institutions. Coconut/Paddy husk, Bio Gas, solar Energy, Energy Saving methods and many types of alternative energy were used without success.

Effect on cost of living

Gas prices have a direct effect and impact on the cost of living. These prices increase the cost of the householders and affects bakeries, consumers, industrial products and food/ consumer items. This is because gas is one of the main sources of energy next to electricity. Electricity is expensive. Unfortunately with the increase of gas prices there would be disproportionate price increases of all consumer items, which are not controlled by the CAA. The CAA is the main regulator responsible for the price increase.

CAA is expected to make a decision considering the circumstances heavily contested by the powerful companies with the legal team in higher courts which often obtain their redress with high pressure legal and political as the inquiring officers at the CAA. Members of this board are influenced by the Minister in charge who always takes political decisions. The politically appointed Chairman of this board is often not competent to handle a difficult or crucial situation. We take this opportunity to demand the State to make arrangements to appoint an independent, competent and educated individual as the chairman of the CAA Chairman. This position is filled by an appointee named by the Constitutional Council.

The role of CAA

CAA is the main Player/Regulator in combating cost of living. There have been a series of deciding cases on this contentious issue, which has a direct political and economic impact on the country. Careful consideration is necessary regarding this issue. It is inevitable that the companies will take to litigation if they are not satisfied with the new price formula. Arriving at a compromise or finding a solution may not be easy especially with the incompetent and inefficient top ranking officers of the state institutions.

The CAA is an ineffective institution which has enormous powers to act on behalf of the public. It is learned that the Government is contemplating on meeting the authorities of the CAA in order to find ways of combating the rising cost of living. This they hope to do through the recently formed Apex body which will handle the economy! CAA is the best available main regulator responsible to the public in combating cost of living. The CAA has the authority to deal with consumer organizations and is active in educating the consumer, industrialist and trader to establish a proper consumer regime. How many consumer organizations have been formed and whether a single organization is active is a matter for the consumer to judge.One of Sri Lankas greatest stories of recent times-- a story that may never be told againcomes to a sublime end today when a grateful nation and the government give a state funeral with full honours at Independence Square to Dr. Lester James Peries, a genius widely acclaimed as the Father of Sri Lankan cinema. After a prolonged illness he went to his eternal rest significantly on Vesak night when Sri Lanka marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama the Buddha.

For about six decades, since the Rekhawa revolution of 1956, Dr. Peries lifted Sinhala cinema to national and international fame with more than 20 masterpieces ranging from Sandeshaya and Gamperaliya to Nidhanaya and Delowak Athara. In one of his last interviews Dr. Peries who is ranked with Indias legendary Satyajit Ray and Japans Akira Kurosawa said he was essentially self-taught and one of the greatest lessons of his life was to learn from his mistakes.

Some of the Sinhala cinemas other giants, in a television interview on Monday said that besides his extraordinary and unparallelled talent in cinema work, Dr. Peries was much loved and respected by film actors, actresses, other members of the cast and technical crew for his great humanity. Among the virtues they identified were his sincerity and humility.

He sought not personal gain or glory, power or privileges but glory did come to him and perhaps even a century later we will be talking about Dr. Peries and his great or noble achievements. One of these many achievements was that his films were appreciated and acclaimed not only by the intellectuals here and overseas but even by the common people who saw deep meaning in his films though there was no sex or sensation as from Hollywood or Bollywood.

For instance when he wanted to make a film out of Martin Wickremesinghes famous novel Gamperaliya, the writer was not too keen and told Dr. Peries it would be difficult if not impossible to make a good film out of it. But nothing was impossible for Dr. Peries and Gamperaliya turned out to be one of the greatest films made in Sri Lanka and also won international awards or honours. Playwright Ediriweera Sarachchandra championed the film, writing At last a Sinhala film has been made which we could show the world without having to hide our heads in shame. I want to say a great film has been made of a great novel.

Dr. Peries had the qualities of Rudyard Kiplings Man. He kept his head above his shoulders while others around were losing theirs and blaming it on him. He trusted himself when others doubted him and more so made allowance for their doubting too. He waited and was not tired by waiting and even if he was lied about did not deal with lies. He could meet with triumph or disaster and treated those two impostors just the same. Dr. Peries filled every unforgiving minute with sixty seconds of distance well run or a film well done.

In deed as the well-known poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow would say, the heights reached by noble people, reached and kept, were not attained by sudden plight; but they, while their compatriots slept, were toiling upward in the night. So did Dr. Peries. He worked day and night with meaning and direction, drive determination and dynamism though at times he had to face near bankruptcy after making Rekhawa and some other films.

For Sri Lanka Dr. Peries was what Shakespeare was to Britain and the world. As Mark Anthony said at Caesars funeral oration, His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, This was a man.

Dr. Periess last wish was that a State sponsored film archives be set up to restore and preserve Sri Lankan films. As he is laid to rest today his soul would perhaps whisper the famous Psalm, Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me and in Gods house forever more, my dwelling place shall be.Attorney-at-Law Sugandhika Fernando, who made a controversial statement in connection with the Sri Lankan judiciary, was reprimanded by the Colombo Traffic Court today for speed driving on the Expressway, after she pleaded guilty to the charges.

Peliyagoda Police charged her with driving her vehicle at 117 kmph.

Ms. Fernando appeared in Court without a lawyer and pleaded guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Chandana Kalansuriya advised and released her considering her profession.

A video of Ms. Sugandhika Fernando making a controversial statement on the Sri Lankan judiciary went viral in social media. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)The joint opposition has not invited the 16 SLFP ministers, who quit the government, to join its May Day rally in Galle, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today.

We did not invite them. We are not inviting any of them to join us as yet, he said.

Mr. Rajapaksa told this to media after the commemoration ceremony for former minister T.B. Illangaratne in Colombo.Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was appointed as the Minister of Higher Education and Cultural Affairs by the President at the cabinet reshuffle happening at the Presidential Secretariat.

Meanwhile, former Wildlife Minister Ravindra Samaraweera was appointed as the Minister of Labour and Trade Union Relations.Last week French President Emmanuel Macron came to the United States for a two-day summit with President Trump and an address before Congress. As Acton senior editor Rev. Ben Johnson notes at The American Spectator, Macrons speech before Congress reveals a deep fissure within the West about its most fundamental valuesa fracture that comes as the West faces powerful challenges from outside its borders:

Macrons speech to Congress represents one set of values: the statist orientation of the bureaucratic EU elite. Leaving aside the incongruities any sweeping address may have  saluting the #MeToo movement in one breath and praising Simone de Beauvoir, a Marxist atheist who serially seduced her underage female students, the next  such a vapid moral basis renders even a well-delivered speech hopelessly self-contradictory.

He dubbed the U.S. and France the defenders of universal values, which have somehow, despite their purported universality, fallen under attack. He then offered his own Credo, significantly longer and less compelling than the one drawn up by the Nicene Council.

In brief, it consisted of his proposal for judges to censor fake news shortly after extolling Thomas Jefferson, who opposed all efforts to silence by force & not by reason the complaints or criticisms of the press  even if the headlines were unjust. Macron expressed support for both the Paris climate agreement and the middle classes, although Green energy policies have separated families from larger slice of their income and, sometimes, from one another. And he opposed deregulation, which has been President Trumps greatest accomplishment not surnamed Gorsuch.This item is available in full to subscribers.

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Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. NBCs CAIR-Less Coverage | Main | Hamas Telegram Channel Celebrates Bin Laden on the Anniversary of His Death 

May 01, 2018

Revealed: Palestinian Journalist Killed at Gaza Border was a Terrorist



A Palestinian journalist who died from wounds received during the Hamas-led Great Return March? has been identified as a terrorist. Ahmed Abu Hussein, a journalist who worked with Bisann News and Voice of Palestine Radio, was a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a U.S.-designated terror group, according to an April 30, 2018 report by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC).

Hussein was wounded on April 13, 2018, during violent demonstrations at the Israel-Gaza border. His death was announced on April 25, 2018. Hamas and other terrorist organizations have encouraged thousands of Gazans to cross the border with Israel, interspersing armed operatives among unarmed civilians. As CAMERA noted in an April 26, 2018 JNS Op-Ed, Hamas hoped that by purposefully exposing Palestinians to injury and creating a no-win situation for Israel, the so-called Great Return March? would delegitimize the Jewish state (Palestinian Nazi Flags and Hamas Talking Points?).

The majority of the Palestinians killed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been linked to terrorist groups (Think Tank: Majority of Gazans Killed During the Great Return March Were Terrorists,? CAMERA, April 26, 2018). And Ahmed Abu Hussein can be added to that list.

ITIC noted that after Husseins death, the PFLP hung death noticessaying that the organization mourned the death of its member? and red PFLP flags were also carried? during his funeral. On April 28, 2018, the PFLP held a memorial service for Hussein the Jabalia refugee camp. Images of top PFLP leaders, such as Abu Ali Mustafa, decorated? the service. The PFLPs armed wing? is named after Mustafa, a co-founder of the group who was killed by the IDF during the Second Intifada (2000-05).

ITICs report featured pictures of the memorial service, as well as posts from Husseins Facebook page, in which he celebrated PFLP terror attacks.

Several media outlets that reported Husseins injury and subsequent death merely described him as a reporter. The New York Times, The Associated Press, The Washington Post, and others referred to Hussein as a journalist.? So did the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which called Hussein a Palestinian photographer for the Gaza-based Voice of the People Radio.? CPJ omitted that Voice of the People Radio is affiliated with the PFLPa fact listed in ITICs report.

Posted by SD at May 1, 2018 01:02 PM

Thank you for this information!! Time to write to the various papers. I don't understand their underlying framework, where they cant' report something this simple and factual, accurately. It's like israel must be wrong, is all they can come up with. And it's not about peace or better stuff for Palestinians because helping the lying PR of the extremists among them is not helping the moderates AT ALL.

Posted by: curls at May 2, 2018 09:55 AM

What do you expect from DNC house organs such s the NY times and the Washington Post?

Posted by: Robert Paul at May 3, 2018 11:26 AM

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Post a commentBy Delphine Schrank

1 May 2018

SAN YSIDRO PORT OF ENTRY (Reuters)  Hopes rose on Tuesday among a caravan of migrants who traveled from Central America to seek asylum in the United States after U.S. border authorities allowed the first small group of women and children entry from Mexico overnight.Gathering people along the way, the caravan set off a month ago on a 2,000-mile (3,220-km) trek across Mexico to the U.S. border, drawing attention from American news media after President Donald Trump took to Twitter to demand such groups not be granted entry and urging stronger immigration laws.Celebrations erupted on Monday night among dozens of migrants camped near the U.S. border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, after U.S. officials admitted eight women and children, fueling the determination of others to remain until they were admitted.However, the U.S. Department of Justice late on Monday announced what it described as the first prosecutions against members of the caravan, filing criminal charges against 11 migrants accused of entering the country illegally about four miles (6 km) west of the San Ysidro, California, border crossing.The United States will not stand by as our immigration laws are ignored and our nations safety is jeopardized, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement announcing the charges.The statement did not provide a figure on any other caravan members who might have also been detained.On the asylum applicants, the Trump administrations hands are tied by international rules obliging the United States to accept some applications. Most in the caravan said they were fleeing death threats, extortion and violence from powerful street gangs. []We crossed the whole of Mexico, said Angel Caceres, who said he fled Honduras with his 5-year-old son after his brother and nephew were murdered and his mother beaten and raped. They would stay, he said, until the last person is in, as long as it takes. [more]October is here and you're going to want to kick off the season with our easy to make Haunted Mansion inspired Halloween Wreath. There is no greater holiday, yes holiday, for me than Halloween. It is  [Read More...]Subscriber content preview

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  The U.S. Forest Service has unveiled a draft plan to deal with an increase in visitors at Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier.

The Forest Service last week released the plan calling for a new 7,000-square-foot visitor facility, a boat and dock system to ferry visitors across Mendenhall Lake, new trails and a mobile visitor center near the glacier, the Juneau Empire reported.





. . .Subscriber content preview

SEATTLE  An auto repair property at 7301 Roosevelt Way N.E. has sold for $3 million, according to King County records.

The buyer was Prestige Worldwide NH LLC, which is associated with current tenant Holman's Body & Fender Shop. Public records also indicate a loan from Bank of the West





. . .LATIMER, Mississippi -- A 30-year-old Biloxi man wanted after being indicted on voyeurism charges was caught during a traffic stop Monday, according to Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell.

William Edward Simmons was indicted by a Jackson County Grand Jury after being accused of watching a 13-year-old girl take a shower at Martin's Lake Resort in Latimer last August. The indictment says Simmons went into the women's shower room at the resort while the girl was showing.

During Monday's traffic stop, a deputy discovered Simmons was wanted on two counts of voyeurism or "peeping tom." Drugs were also discovered during the traffic stop, leading to an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Simmons remains in the Jackson County Adult Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing.OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi --- Jerry Munro decided he'd had enough.

Enough of the divisive rhetoric from special interest groups over Ocean Springs' officials decision to fly the state flag. Enough of efforts to boycott the city. Enough of people he considers outsiders tearing down his beloved town.

So he came up with an idea, a simple one.

"It made me frustrated and angry that folks out there could go on television or in the print media and call for a boycott of Ocean Springs, to say we're `unsafe' or 'unwelcoming,'" he said.

"So I went on Facebook and suggested it the idea for a bumper sticker showing support for Ocean Springs and a bunch of people said it was a great idea. It's just blown up from there."

Blown up, indeed. Munro has distributed the bumper stickers by the hundreds. The stickers read simply "I Still Do Business In Ocean Springs" in the City's official blue color on a white background.

"I started passing a few out and then, as word got out, people started calling me left and right wanting them," he said.

Munro, a longtime Ocean Springs resident, said he agreed that Mayor Shea Dobson and the board of aldermen mishandled the flag issue from the start -- with Dobson putting the flag back up, then taking it down, only to have the board pass a resolution requiring it to fly on all municipal properties.

But he said that, in his opinion, it doesn't give people the right to try and disparage the entire city.

"I was offended that people from outside our community came in here to protest something that the residents and business owners have no control over," Munro said. "I own rental houses here. I have a lot of good friends who own businesses here. We love our town."

Munro said the success of the bumper sticker is a clear indication people across the city -- whether they support the current state flag or not -- are tired of the divisiveness.

"Why don't they take the issue to Jackson where the problem is?" he said. "It's a state issue, not a city issue. Why pick on our little town?"

Munro said if the demand for the bumper stickers continues, he'll have more printed.

"I think people, whether they support the state flag or not, are tired of people tearing down Ocean Springs," he said. "I think the people of this city are about ready to stand up and say 'We've had enough of this. We've got bigger fish to fry. We've infrastructure issue to address, schools to take care of -- so many bigger issues than what flag is flying outside city hall.

"We're a progressive city. People are clamoring to get in here. It's such a good community. So whether I did (the stickers) or someone else did it -- I'm just tired of the tail wagging the dog. We're good people here. We love each other. We have our differences like any other community, but we always work out our differences and get along with each other."PEARL HARBOR -- Moss Point native Jody Haynes has embarked upon a journey aboard one of the Navy's most-advanced newest attack submarines.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Haynes is a 2011 East Central High School graduate serving in the United States Navy and was recently assigned to the USS Hawaii.

Haynes job as an electronics technician (nuclear) tasks him with the responsibility for operating and maintaining electronic safety equipment associated with the submarine's reactor.

"I enjoy the people I get to work with because it is pretty cool to be able to work with different people from different walks of life," said Haynes.

Haynes diligence and work ethic earned him a Naval Achievement Medal for performing a lot of maintenance during the submarine's shipyard period.

Joining the military didn't prove to be a hard decision either as Haynes has military ties with family members who have previously served.

Carrying on the family tradition of service is something he considers as an honor.

"My mom and dad both served in the Navy," said Haynes. "Their stories of the things that they were able to do influenced me to join the Navy. They had a positive impact on my decision."

According to Navy officials, because of the demanding environment aboard submarines, personnel are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation. Submariners are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy.

Regardless of their specialty, everyone must learn how everything on the ship works and how to respond in emergencies to become "qualified in submarines" and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniform.

Haynes obtained all the necessary specialties needed to become successful as a Navy seaman and relishes the opportunity to serve his country.

"Serving in the Navy means that I am able to provide freedom to people who are not in the military," he said.

 

EBRD and EU support energy efficiency in Jalal-Abad kindergarten

Frost-covered streets are a common sight when children leave their homes in Jalal-Abad in the hills of the Kyrgyz Republic. From November until the early spring, temperatures frequently drop below freezing.

We have a continental climate here, far away from any oceans, with extreme temperatures both in summer and winter, said Ashimov Kamil, who works for the citys Mamalak kindergarten.

It means that our buildings need to be prepared for this. Its rarely been the case, but this is starting to change.

Saving energy, saving money

The EBRD and the European Union (EU) support this change across the country through the Kyrgyz Sustainable Energy Financing Facility. The Bank provides US$ 55 million in credit lines for local partner banks, which is complemented by 13.4 million in EU grants.

The EU contribution serves to identify the optimal energy savings for clients, to verify them after the installation and also to train local bankers on the new financial product.

The kindergarten in Jalal-Abad obtained a loan from Demir Bank, one of the partners in the programme, and invested into installing better windows, a new boiler for its heating system and insulating the building walls.

This has led to significant energy and cost savings. The kindergartens energy use has dropped by around 50 per cent, explained teacher Gulnara Toktorbaeva.

Our kindergarten hosts about 50 children who are between 18 months and six years old, she said. They are young so their comfort is extremely important to us. As teachers, we can now adjust the temperature properly, which was not the case before.

The kindergarten is just one of 100 businesses and organisations that have benefited from such investments in the Kyrgyz Republic. From residential buildings to supermarkets and hotels, ordinary citizens and business-owners have improved their living and working conditions, while at the same time cutting down on energy consumption.

It has also made a real difference to the environment: in total, the investments have helped to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by almost 39,000 tonnes a year  the equivalent of taking nearly 13,500 cars off the street.

Im really happy to see that my six-year old girl is well looked after in a warm environment, said Lola Adinazarova, whose daughter goes to the Mamalak kindergarten.

And even better, our children are also learning a valuable lesson on how important it is to look after the environment.

Building green economies

The Kyrgyz Republic is particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change. The Tian Shan mountain range dominates the country and is a major source of water for the whole region, which is under threat from raising temperatures.

Developing green economies is one of the EBRDs main objectives in Central Asia and across the regions where it operates, said Neil McKain, the EBRD Director for Central Asia.

Investments in energy and water efficiency are both profitable and in everybodys interest. They save energy and cut costs, make businesses more competitive and protect the environment for the next generation.

By investing in energy efficient homes in Kyrgyzstan, the EU is investing in the creation of a more affordable, healthier and more comfortable living environment for citizens and notably the most vulnerable segments of the society, said Charlotte Adriaen, Head of Cooperation in the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic.

By expanding the KyrSEFF+ programme to include water saving measures, the EU and the EBRD apply a holistic approach to supporting projects focused on adaptation and resilience to climate change.Blog Archive June 2021 (1) May 2021 (77) April 2021 (77) March 2021 (82) February 2021 (68) January 2021 (64) December 2020 (67) November 2020 (66) October 2020 (66) September 2020 (67) August 2020 (74) July 2020 (83) June 2020 (92) May 2020 (86) April 2020 (104) March 2020 (105) February 2020 (74) January 2020 (75) December 2019 (75) November 2019 (70) October 2019 (89) September 2019 (69) August 2019 (81) July 2019 (77) June 2019 (73) May 2019 (110) April 2019 (110) March 2019 (102) February 2019 (85) January 2019 (123) December 2018 (116) November 2018 (112) October 2018 (121) September 2018 (107) August 2018 (150) July 2018 (163) June 2018 (190) May 2018 (145) April 2018 (112) March 2018 (124) February 2018 (113) January 2018 (164) December 2017 (150) November 2017 (144) October 2017 (169) September 2017 (171) August 2017 (135) July 2017 (131) June 2017 (147) May 2017 (160) April 2017 (138) March 2017 (156) February 2017 (143) January 2017 (203) December 2016 (208) November 2016 (185) October 2016 (173) September 2016 (194) August 2016 (232) July 2016 (225) June 2016 (238) May 2016 (231) April 2016 (215) March 2016 (246) February 2016 (226) January 2016 (252) December 2015 (230) November 2015 (250) October 2015 (234) September 2015 (222) August 2015 (253) July 2015 (275) June 2015 (279) May 2015 (223) April 2015 (226) March 2015 (243) February 2015 (258) January 2015 (281) December 2014 (292) November 2014 (296) October 2014 (413) September 2014 (472) August 2014 (506) July 2014 (483) June 2014 (488) May 2014 (512) April 2014 (497) March 2014 (531) February 2014 (482) January 2014 (535) December 2013 (482) November 2013 (441) October 2013 (416) September 2013 (491) August 2013 (521) July 2013 (491) June 2013 (470) May 2013 (457) April 2013 (426) March 2013 (420) February 2013 (414) January 2013 (489) December 2012 (433) November 2012 (504) October 2012 (469) September 2012 (430) August 2012 (427) July 2012 (360) June 2012 (336) May 2012 (362) April 2012 (322) March 2012 (263) February 2012 (224) January 2012 (291) December 2011 (295) November 2011 (325) October 2011 (330) September 2011 (319) August 2011 (333) July 2011 (318) June 2011 (387) May 2011 (373) April 2011 (389) March 2011 (375) February 2011 (335) January 2011 (400) December 2010 (445) November 2010 (395) October 2010 (312) September 2010 (262) August 2010 (277) July 2010 (323) June 2010 (386) May 2010 (360) April 2010 (333) March 2010 (351) February 2010 (336) January 2010 (384) December 2009 (353) November 2009 (300) October 2009 (308) September 2009 (350) August 2009 (298) July 2009 (255) June 2009 (203) May 2009 (193) April 2009 (186) March 2009 (197) February 2009 (173) January 2009 (148) December 2008 (181) November 2008 (197) October 2008 (236) September 2008 (304) August 2008 (314) July 2008 (273) June 2008 (27) May 2008 (1) April 2008 (6) October 2007 (1) May 2007 (1) April 2007 (6) March 2007 (2) February 2007 (1) October 2006 (1) September 2006 (1) August 2006 (4) July 2006 (4) June 2006 (1) July 2005 (1) May 2005 (2) March 2005 (1) June 2004 (2) May 2004 (1) April 2004 (4) March 2004 (2) February 2004 (2) July 2003 (2) June 2003 (5)PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Newly appointed U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith was in Jackson County on Monday visiting various industries within the county touring facilities such as the Port of Pascagoula, and Northrop Grumman and Chevron.

"It's refreshing to see all of the expansion taking place down here," Hyde-Smith said. "The plans I have seen look very promising and I certainly want to be a part of continuing to capitalize on these improvements to keep a strong economy going here in Jackson County."

Hyde-Smith said she felt it was important to make her rounds while in the county to listen to the people and industry in the area to hear their concerns and what they felt would help improve economic opportunity in the county.

"It was important to come and visit to listen to people to hearing what the pressing issues are they would like addressed so when it is time for those concerns to be addressed, I can be aware and capitalize on those opportunities."

Local mayors in the community have pressing issues they would like to see prioritized.

For Pascagoula Mayor Dane Maxwell, the cleaning of the Mississippi Phosphates property and attempts to secure money to focus on infrastructure within the city, specifically Market Street are concerns he would like to see addressed.

Hyde-Smith said she met with Maxwell in Washington and said that while she's only been on the job three weeks, she will make the necessary attempts to meet with other mayors to hear about their needs.

"We're pretty new, but we have hit the ground running no doubt," she said. "We look forward to those opportunities we have to sit down with other mayors to assess their needs."

Being the first female senator and agriculture commissioner from Miss., Hyde-Smith says it was an honor being approached by the governor and said she looks forward to empowering other young women to be the first in various fields.

"It is a great honor and opportunity and I hope we can bring up the inspiration in other young women across the state," she said. "I just want to be here for every citizen in 82 counties to represent them to the best of my ability."

By LA Focus News Paper , April 28, 2018





The Pakistani doctor jailed after allegedly helping American forces hunt down Osama bin Laden has been moved by prison authorities, prompting speculation he is to be released.





Shakil Afridi was accused of treason and locked up after running a fake vaccine programme which helped the CIA confirm the al-Qaeda leaders presence in the city of Abbottabad.

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By CBS News , April 27, 2018





FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM)  As adult film actress Stormy Daniels performs at Dallas-Fort Worth strip clubs, her lawsuit against the President of the United States is delayed by a judge.





Daniels is performing at Bucks Wild strip clubs in DFW this weekend. She is scheduled for two performances at the Fort Worth location Friday night and at the Dallas location Saturday.

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OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- An item long on the wish list for Ocean Springs officials appears to finally be coming to fruition, as aldermen agreed Monday night to build a public dog park.

The park will be constructed on City-owned property behind the Ocean Springs Civic Center and public safety complex. The site is just over two acres.

Aldermen initially sent out a request for proposals from contractors to construct the dog park, but after reviewing the RFP's Monday night, opted to do the work in-house.

"My opinion is we go out there and get to work," said alderman Bobby Cox. "I think this is something we can do in-house. We can put a fence up, put a pavilion up and do it ourselves."

Pubic Works director John Russell said his department could handle the drainage work for the site, noting that the major cost would the pipes.

Ocean Springs has made previous attempts to construct a public dog park. Several years ago, officials were eyeing a piece of property off front beach owned by the Mississippi Department of Resources, but that plan fell through.

Likewise, the current board was hopeful of purchasing a piece of property along Davidson Road several months ago, but the price tag was too high.

Public Works assistant director Allan Ladnier said he believed work on the site could begin within 30 days.

The board agreed to build a "basic" dog park initially, with added amenities to come later.

"I know we've got a lot of wish list items (for a dog park)," said Mayor Shea Dobson, "but I think we could build a foundational park and then spruce it up later with a second phase."

Aldermen discussed what size fence to erect. Some indicated they had visited a Biloxi dog park where a four-foot fence was used. Alderman Rob Blackman suggested they could perhaps erect the park in two sections -- one for small dogs and another with a higher fence for large dogs.

The board approved a motion to allow Compton Engineering to begin survey and topography work for the site.U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is a big cheerleader for school choice. And way before she came into office, states around the country were adopting tax-credit scholarships, education savings accounts, and more.

So has all that translated into a big bonanza for school choice in states Every Student Succeeds Act plans? Not really.

To be sure, ESSA isnt a school choice law. School choice fans in Congress werent able to persuade their colleagues to include Title I portability in the law, which would have allowed federal funding to follow students to the public school of their choice.

However, the law does has some limited avenues for states to champion various types of school choice options. But only a handful of states are taking advantage of those opportunities, according to reviews of the plans by Education Week and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

School Improvement: At least 12 states say they want schools that are perennially low-performing to consider reopening as charter schools to boost student achievement. Those states are Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah.

At least one state, Texas, has floated the possibility of opening new charter schools as a school improvement strategy.

And New Mexico is giving districts with low-performing schools the option of using choice itself as a turnaround strategy through charters, online classes, home schooling, and magnet schools.

In fact, the state recently told one low-performing school that it had to use this option in order to get about $2 million over three years in school improvement funding. The school had originally pitched a less-dramatic turnaround plan, but the states Public Education Department wasnt sure it went far enough to reverse long-standing poor performance.

Now the school will have to develop a new plan about how they are going to champion and provide choice, Christopher Ruszkowski, New Mexicos education secretary.

Parents and family members, he said, will get to come to a school expo to learn about other options in the district. The school will remain open at least for the next couple of years. And the plan includes both a path to close the school, and one to keep it open.

Public School Transfers: At least three statesNew York, New Mexico, and Louisianarequire districts to offer students in very low-performing schools the chance to transfer to a better-performing school. New York, though, makes it clear that it has some misgivings about this option. The Empire States plan argues that students in low-performing schools didnt always have a better-performing school to transfer to, and that public school choice can lead to greater segregation and inequity.

Direct Student Services: ESSA allows states to set aside up to 3 percent of their Title I money for activities like tutoring, dual enrollment, Advanced Placement course fees, transportation for public school choice, and more. At least two statesLouisiana and New Mexicoare planning to take this option.

Want more? Check out this story unpacking how choice figures into ESSA plans . And dont miss our online ESSA summit, happening Tuesday, May 1, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register for free here .

Want to learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act? Heres some useful information:

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .Scientists have long posited that there is a critical period for language learning, but new research suggests that the time frame stretches on much longer than previously thought.

A new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggests that children remain skilled at learning the grammar of a new language up to the age of 17 or 18, the time at which many students graduate high school. This finding injects new evidence for the decades-long debate over the critical period that had centered on whether the decline in language-learning skills begins at age 5 or at the onset of puberty.

However, the same MIT study also found that it is difficult for people to achieve proficiency similar to that of a native speaker unless they start learning a language much earlier, by the age of 10. People who start learning a language between the ages of 10 and 18 will still learn quickly, but since they have a shorter window before their learning ability declines, theyre less likely to reach the proficiency of native speakers, the researchers found.

It takes work on the part of the parents but, as far as the childs concerned, its quite easy to become bilingual, Joshua Hartshorne, an assistant professor of psychology at Boston College, who conducted this study as a postdoctoral scholar at MIT. Thats when youre best at learning languages. Its not really something that you can make up later.

The work was published today in Cognition, an international journal of cognitive science.

After late teens, grammar-learning ability drops precipitously

While its typical for children to pick up languages more easily than adults, researchers have struggled to study this phenomenon in laboratory settings. The latest research findings are based on an analysis of results from a 10-minute online grammar quiz with nearly 670,000 participants. The quiz is still active online.

To avoid the costly and time-consuming process of following test subjects as they learn a new language over many years, the researchers tried a different approach: They used the online quiz to measure the grammatical ability of many people of different ages who started learning English at different points in their life, in hopes of gathering enough data to come to some meaningful conclusions.

Hartshorne focused on grammatical rules most likely to confuse a non-native speaker and wrote questions that could trip them up. To entice more people to take the test, he also included questions that were not necessary for measuring language learning, but were designed to reveal which dialect of English the test-taker speaks.

After taking the quiz, users answered questions about their current age and the age at which they began learning English, as well as other information about their language background.

As the results rolled in, the researchers spent nine months developing and testing a variety of models to see which was most consistent with their results. They came to the conclusion that grammar-learning ability remains strong until age 17 or 18, at which point it drops precipitously.

Though adults are still good at learning foreign languages, the chances of reaching the level of a native speaker are slim if they begin learning as a teenager or as an adult. But the research team still does not know what closes the window on the so-called critical period.

During peer review, critics questioned the design of the study, especially the fact that it was conducted online and that researchers operated under the assumption that learning grammar is one thing with one critical period.

There probably is one right way of doing it, but were so far from understanding language well enough to know for sure what that is, Hartshorne said. We arent far enough along to even know whether thats something that needs to be done, much less how to do it.

Hartshorne will embark on several related studies, including one that will compare native and non-native speakers of two additional languages: Spanish and Mandarin. Like English, those two languages have millions of non-native speakers trying to learn the language.

Were interested in language learning, not specifically English learning, Hartshorne said.

Related Stories on Language Learning

Early Bilingualism Helps With Learning Languages Later in Life, Study Shows

Bilingual Children Can Distinguish Voices in Languages They Dont Know

Schools Often Fail to Educate, Support English-Language Learners

Science Grows on Acquiring New Language

Image Credit: Andrew Echeverria, left, gets help from Joel Miller, a veteran educator who teaches a course for long-term English-learners at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. The course was created to help students who have struggled to become proficient in English.

--Emile Wamsteker for Education Week

Kansas lawmakers Monday wrapped up a months-long, legally fraught debate over how much more money they should give to to the states public school system.

A last-minute miscalculation left the states legislature scrambling in recent weeks to figure out how to provide $80 million more to the public schools for a combined $534 million over the next five years.



The states supreme court will now be tasked with deciding whether thats enough money to provide students with an adequate education, as required under the Kansas constitution. More than a quarter of the states students dont meet the states basic standards, according to the states department of education.

A study commissioned by the states legislature earlier this year predicted that Kansas would have to come up with between $1.7 billion and $2 billion over the next five years in order to provide an adequate education.

Kansas legislators also decided this week not to pursue an effort to change the constitution so that the supreme court has no say over school spending amounts. Changing the constitution requires three-fourths approval from both the House and the Senate and that it be approved by voters. Lawmakers decided they didnt have enough time to pursue the constitutional change or enough support.



Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics.Prince William and Kate Middleton just made another addition to their family, but they have another important milestone to celebrate.

The royal couple has been married for seven years now and counting.

Looking Back Fondly

Also, a royal wedding is set to happen in just a few weeks, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tying the knot on May 19. However, this past weekend was all about celebrating those who came before.

Kensington Palace marked the occasion with an adorable throwback photo from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding day in 2011.

The pic sees Prince William and Kate driving away in a blue convertible, with the bride waving happily to the onlookers. The car is adorned with balloons and streamers while the license plate reads "JU5T WED."

"Seven years ago today  thank you for all the lovely messages on The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's wedding anniversary," reads the accompanying caption.

A Royal Fairytale

Prince William and Middleton met when they were both studying at the University of St. Andrews. He proposed in 2010, with a stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana.

Their wedding took place a year after at London's spectacular Westminster Abbey. Middleton wore a now-iconic Alexander McQueen gown while Prince William wore his red Irish Guards Mounted Officer's uniform.

The wedding attracted the same sort of public fervor as that of Lady Diana and Prince Charles's nuptials back in 1981. The happy couple soon settled in the stylish environs of Kensington Palace.

They've welcomed three children in the intervening years: Prince George, 4, Princess Charlotte, 2, and their latest bundle of joy, Prince Louis, who was born just last week on April 23.

A Growing Family

Their expanding family has made the royal couple ecstatically happy, as several sources have revealed.

"It completes them," royal biographer Ingrid Seward told PEOPLE.

The 36-year-old Middleton has two siblings, so she's used to a big family and might be trying to recreate that same dynamic. Parenting reportedly suits her and Prince William really well.

Both George and Charlotte are very excited about the new addition to the family in spite of Middleton's initial concerns.

"Kate's worried that Charlotte will feel it the hardest as the youngest, but she's such a confident little girl and growing up so fast, Kate is hoping she will adjust," a source confirmed.

Locals in her hometown of Bucklebury are thrilled about the new little prince.

"Everyone around here is thrilled for them. It's lovely that George and Charlotte have a little brother to play with," a local gushed.

They're holding out hope that he will be down the local park playing with the other children if he ever leaves the expansive Kensington Palace.Boy band NSYNC has long been gone from the limelight, but the rest from the scene had become vital for a member Lance Bass to come out as gay.

During the heyday of NSYNC, the boy band, which consisted of Bass, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick, had become one of the most influential groups in the music scene. From singing to dancing, people swoon over the talented faces that can be seen almost anywhere. They easily became one of the most iconic bands, with their songs even casually popping out every now and then.

Their tracks "Bye Bye Bye," "It's Gonne Be Me," "Pop," and "This I Promise You" are still listened to by some even now, and one had made rounds as a meme, saying "It's Gonna Be May." NSYNC had also a lot of awards, including an MTV Video Music Award, American Music Award, and Billboard Music Award. They were popular, to cut it short, which is both a boon and a bane, at least for Bass.

Rest From Popularity

Why? During the immense popularity of NSYNC, all eyes were on the successful five-member group, which was why it became hard for Bass to come out as gay. He revealed he was gay in 2006, years since the band had performed together.

The rest from the limelight had become instrumental for Bass, who referred to the other members as family during NSYNC's reception of their Hollywood Walk of Fame recently, but it was exactly that bond he created with his bandmates that made it hard for him to come out as gay because doing so was a sacrifice that could ruin the popularity of the group.

"I thought if I had come out, NSYNC would be over. So I kept my secret. Our wildest dreams were coming true and we were so incredibly thankful  and I still am," Bass admitted.

He further went on to narrate how he felt when he saw gay supporters singing along to their songs during performances, saying he wanted to admit he was one of them. Though Bass had NSYNC's popularity back then, what he didn't have was strength during the time to truly reveal who he was.

"But I do today and so let me say loud and proud to all my LGBT brothers and sisters, who embrace me and show me the way to be who I am, thank you so much," Bass said.Mother of two Blac Chyna is reportedly expecting her third child after getting pregnant with her 18-year-old boyfriend YBN Almighty Jay.

Chyna, 29, confirmed she is dating the teenage rapper earlier this year.

New Baby On The Way

A report from Page Six reveals that the couple is pregnant with their first child together after meeting on Christian Mingle a few months ago.

It's not a big shock that the couple fell pregnant, since Jay reportedly declared in an interview with No Jumper in March that he doesn't wear condoms.

"I would not want to f**k a bitch I did not want to get pregnant," he says. "If Chyna got pregnant, I would keep that s**t like 'ohh daddy love you,' I love that ass.'"

MTO News first exposed the baby bump on April 28, when the 29-year-old model and entrepreneur was about two and a half months into her pregnancy.

Chyna has two children King Cairo, 5, and Dream Renee, 1, with Tyga and Rob Kardashian respectively.

There's been no word yet from either Jay or Chyna. A spokesperson from Chyna's party is similarly in the dark about the reported pregnancy of the former reality star.

"No clue," Chyna's representative tells Page Six. "I only handle appearances and don't ever comment about my clients personal lives."

Twitter, Exes React On Pregnancy

According to Hollywood Life, Rob and Tyga are both "freaking out" at the speculation of their ex-girlfriend getting pregnant again. A source tells the publication that the Kardashian brother reached out to the hip-hop artist and the pair discussed the possibility.

"Rob is furious and doesn't want to believe it could be possible so he has been texting on Tyga about what he might know about the awkward situation," the insider claims. "Neither of the guys have much trust in Blac, so no matter what she tells them, they are not sure what to think."

More significantly, Tyga is even speculating whether Chyna's pregnancy could have been a planned one.

"Tyga thinks Chyna may have setup her new guy and planned to get pregnant with his baby since they first started dating," the source continues, adding that the musician is angry but not shocked at the rumors. "Neither Rob nor Tyga like the idea of a much younger rapper, that Blac barely knows, having a child with Blac and in the same house with King and Dream."

Social media users are also unhappy at the news, expressing their outrage at the prospect of 29-year-old Chyna pregnant by an 18-year-old.

Blac Chyna is out here having babies with 18 year olds. Hide your kids.  why? (@iAmTerrace) April 30, 2018

Blac Chyna is high key a predator. A big 30 year old in a couple weeks getting pregnant by a fresh 18 year old. it smells.  it is knownt (@tingybob) April 30, 2018Saturday Night Live's Aidy Bryant had exchanged vows with comedy writer and longtime boyfriend Conner O'Malley, revealed by the former via Instagram.

The world was thrilled to know that the comic and the writer tied the knot, though they got surprised as it was revealed after the actual wedding through social media. Bryant shared on Monday on her Instagram a dreamy photo that says it all, she in a lace wedding dress while O'Malley in a blue tuxedo walking the aisle as people cheered on.

The photo was captioned with only two hearts emoji, which was pretty self-explanatory. While details are yet to trickle down on the ceremony, it was reported that the guest list included those from the SNL, such as Kate McKinnon, Mike O'Brien, and Michael Che.

Well-wishes

Bryant's wedding post was flooded with well-wishes, including from costar Pete Davidson, who made use of the heart emoji 33 times. Others who congratulated the newlyweds are Jill Kargman, Kelly Oxford, Adam Pally, Tess Holliday, Elizabeth Banks, Laura Benanti, Jay Pharoah, Rachel Feinstein, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Lauren Lapkus.

"Oh, @aidybryant congrats! What a gorgeous pic! How exciting!" Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons wrote.

Secrets

Meanwhile, the wedding was kept from the public eye, though it wasn't the first thing the couple kept as a secret. Bryant and O'Malley's engagement was initially hidden, though they later shared the news.

Six months after O'Malley popped the question, Bryant revealed in April last year during an interview at the Late Night with Seth Meyers that she and her boyfriend were already engaged.

"We've been together a long time ... almost nine years. So, a lot of the shimmer and shine has faded. And we're just living every damn day as best we can," she said back then.

Bryant detailed how O'Malley proposed to her, explaining the cute way of how he presented the all-important question. Apparently, the 30-year-old went through the door and saw their dog wearing a bow tie, which was unusual.

Immediately after she closed the door, O'Malley hurriedly came and asked her. Bryant pointed out that the man had no box or anything, but only a ring he was holding with their dog as the witness. Of their love story, it started when they first met at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago 10 years ago.Peta Murgatroyd found herself in a scary situation over the weekend. Mid-performance, the Dancing with the Stars alum lost all feeling in her limbs.

A Mystery Illness Hits

Murgatroyd was performing in Grand Prairie, Texas, on Saturday night when the terrifying incident occurred. The show was part of the Maks & Val & Peta: Confidential tour, where her husband, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and his brother, Val Chmerkovskiy, also performed.

The dancing pro revealed that she hadn't been feeling well throughout the day, and apologized to fans for being unable to perform as expected. She took to Instagram to explain the situation.

"I have never missed a show due to illness in my entire professional dancing career. I woke up feeling a little nauseous but I was able to go about my day with [son] Shai. In the afternoon, the vomiting (and you know what) started," she wrote.

Losing All Feeling

Murgatroyd originally thought she must be suffering from food poisoning, and tried to rest with the intention of recovering. As the day wore on, however, she began to experience fever and chills. By the time she was due to go on stage, the dancing superstar could barely walk, nor could she feel her arms or legs.

"I had no idea how I was going to walk out that door. The opening music starts and I walked out onto stage. I tried my best to dance, but my legs were giving out. Apart from it being very embarrassing, it was very scary. I am so sorry for not being able to give you the show you all deserved," she wrote.

The performance continued, and Murgatroyd thanked the cast and crew for taking care of her and readjusting the show to make up for her absence.

Recovering Well

Murgatroyd went back on stage the following night in Kansas City, Missouri, and again took to Instagram, this time to share how happy she was to be dancing again.

"You guys were incredible tonight! It felt so good to be back on stage," she wrote.

Murgatroyd and the Chmerkovskiy brothers won't be appearing on the upcoming athletes-only edition of Dancing with the Stars, because they'll be out on tour.

Supporting From The Sidelines

However, they'll be watching just like everyone else, predominantly to root for Val's girlfriend, Jenna Johnson, who's partnered with Olympic star Adam Rippon.

"My girlfriend's gonna kill it. I'm very excited to see her shine and finally get her shot," Val told PEOPLE.

Murgatroyd echoed his sentiments, telling the outlet she thinks Johnson has a good chance of winning the whole thing.

"We're definitely rooting for everyone, especially Jenna. I think she should definitely be one of the ones in the end," she said.

Joining Rippon and Johnson on the upcoming season, which begins April 30, will be Olympic skater Tonya Harding, as well as Jamie Anderson, and Jennie Finch.The countdown to the royal wedding is in full swing, with the big day just weeks away. Meghan Markle's beauty look will be quite natural.

Keeping It Simple

Insiders have been speculating for months about what way the princess-to-be might style her hair for the big day, from a chic chignon to loose, beachy waves.

Now, though, it seems her all-important makeup look may have been revealed. Shocking certain quarters, it will be reasonably low-key.

"I think Meghan will go with a classic, timeless look similar to what we have seen her wear lately. Natural, dewy-looking skin, with her freckles peeking through, a sheer pink lip and a daytime smoky eye with beautiful volume in her lashes," explained her former makeup artist, Lydia Sellers, in an interview with PEOPLE.

Sellers, who has worked with Markle since 2015, advised that her number one concern, on the happiest day of Markle's life, will be to look and feel like herself.

"That was really important to Meghan - to always feel and look authentic and natural," she advised.

The Dream Client

The ex-Suits star also opts for non-toxic, eco-friendly products whenever possible. The soon-to-be royal, who's set to wed Prince Harry on May 19, loves Japanese brand Tatcha's dewy skin mist, as well as their Classic Rice Enzyme Powder, to keep her skin looking clear and makeup-ready always.

According to Sellers, Markle was the dream client, with a vast knowledge of brands and new products. The two parted ways last year when Markle began spending more time across the ocean, presumably to spend time with her then-secret boyfriend.

The makeup artist has nothing but fond memories of working with the royal-to-be, espousing the benefits of her positive attitude.

"One time we were in Boston on a boat, it was spring, it was still very cold and she was in summer clothing. She laughed the entire day, she was so positive and we all forgot about the cold. I'm so happy for her!" she gushed.

An Eco-Conscious Beauty

It seems Markle's healthy, eco-conscious lifestyle is rubbing off on her fiance, too, as Prince Harry has reportedly quit smoking. He's also cut out carbs in favor of quinoa and kale ahead of the big day.

The actress and activist, who quit her day job to focus on humanitarian efforts now that she's being inducted into the royal family, reportedly emptied Harry's fridge of all his favorite junk food treats when the two initially moved in together.

The yoga enthusiast also encouraged Harry to start taking up regular exercise. A friend admitted they gave the Prince a hard time for acquiescing to Markle's demands, but they can see the benefits of his new, healthy lifestyle now, especially as the wedding gets closer.

The Anticipation Is Reaching Breaking Point

Much is still not known about the big day, which is set to take place at the 800-capacity St. George's Chapel next month.

Harry got down on one knee to ask brother Prince William to be his best man, but whether Markle will take a maid of honor, and who the lucky woman might be, remains up in the air.

Details of her wedding dress, his attire for the day, and which celebrities might show up to celebrate with the happy couple also remain mysteriously unknown.

Speculation is rife that Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, will be included via a special piece of jewelry, but many of these details will remain secret until May 19.As Arizona lawmakers prepare to unveil a budget deal that includes a teacher pay raise, thousands of teachers are prepared to stay out of the classroom for a fourth day.

This is Arizonas first statewide strikea historic moment that was spurred on by the statewide walkouts in West Virginia and Oklahoma , as well as smaller-scale protests in Colorado and Kentucky . Arizona teachers are asking for $1 billion in school funding, which would include a 20 percent teacher pay raise.

The legislatures budget plan, negotiated with Gov. Doug Ducey, gives teachers a 20 percent pay raise by 2020. It would also include $100 million in school funding, as a start to restoring some of the $400 million in education cuts that have been made since the Great Recession, according to news reports . The plan would not raise taxes, Ducey said.

Lawmakers have said the details of the plan would be released Monday. Ducey said in a statement that the measure would pass the legislature shortly thereafter.

Still, teachers are skeptical of the plan, and are not yet willing to call off the strike.

The devil is in the details, said Joe Thomas, the president of the Arizona Education Association, and Noah Karvelis, a main organizer of the teacher-led Facebook group, Arizona Educators United. We know that we have been down this road before. [Ducey] makes promises that he cant keep. We just cant trust him. ... Educators cannot wait any longer for the governor to fix this.

At least one major school district, Tucson Unified, has said it will remained closed on Tuesday and that it based its decision on the Arizona Educators United groups call for a continued walkout. Some smaller districts in the state have already reopened. Others have announced that they would reopen Monday or Tuesday, but later changed plans because so many teachers reported absences.

Striking is illegal in Arizona, and teachers have already been threatened with legal consequences . Earlier this year, West Virginia and Oklahoma teachers both stayed out of the classroom for nine school days.

See also:

Image: Teachers rally outside the Capitol on April 30 in Phoenix on their third day of walk outs. Matt York/APThis Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon!

Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page?Updated

On the fourth day of the Arizona statewide teacher strike, legislators began hearings on a state budget proposal that would boost teacher pay raises 20 percent by 2020 and invest $371 million in schools by 2023.

Gov. Doug Ducey said in an open letter about the budget proposal that he is optimistic he will sign the budget bills as early as Wednesday, the fifth day of the strike.

Teachers were sparse and spread out on the capitol grounds on Tuesday afternoon. The strikes organizers hadnt planned any rallies or programming for the dayunlike Monday, when thousands filled the grounds to hear speeches. Still, according to local reports, nearly 200 teachers and supporters of education filled the state senates gallery as legislators debated the proposal, which will be paid for without tax hikes.

Betty Biswell, who teaches 9th and 10th grade at Vail Academy High School in Vail, said she and a few of her fellow teachers have been in Phoenix for a few days. Democratic lawmakers have urged teachers to be present during the legislative debates, she said.

They said, we need to see your support, so its important for us to be in there where the conversation is happening, she said. We want to make sure were here, present, listening. We want to make sure they do what they say theyre going to do.

Mary Spangenberg, who teaches 1st grade at G. Frank Davidson Elementary School in Phoenix, said she was standing in line to get into the house gallery to make sure our schools are appropriately funded.

In his open letter, Ducey said the states revenues are increasing, and the plan directs this revenue to our biggest budget priority: public education, and it does it in a way that is responsible, sustainable, and solidifies our commitment for years to come.

According to the Arizona Republic , dozens of small changesfrom vehicle-registration fees as high as $24 to state savings from buying prescription drugs in bulkwill fund the pay raises.

This is the gallery *right now* at the #AzLeg , while our Reps debate SB1519. We have students, educators & parents backing our teachers right to a living wage. Teachers should not have to worry how theyre going to feed their families. #ThisIsWhatDemocracyLooksLike #RedForEd pic.twitter.com/ALhdUGKLGJ -- Susan Hudson (@SusanGlamMom) May 1, 2018

Weve been saying all along that we want more money for the teachers, said Patricia Welborn, a member of the Arizona state board of education. Its all a matter of how we get there.

Still, its unclear if this will be enough for teachers. Their initial demand was $1 billion in education funding, which would include a 20 percent pay raise this fall. According to the Arizona Republic , the proposal would provide extra funding for districts, but would not require districts to spend that money on teacher pay raises. Also, a few districts that have higher-than-average teacher salaries would not receive enough money to give all of their teachers 20 percent raises.

In a statement, Ralph Quintana, the president of the Arizona chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, said the proposal comes up short.

The budget package does not include a way to finance fixing crumbling schools, purchasing textbooks and curriculums, lowering class sizes, and hiring more teachers to alleviate the teacher shortage, he said. This package is a disgrace.

In a phone interview on Monday evening, before the details of the plan were released, Noah Karvelis, the grassroots organizer and the creator of the Facebook group Arizona Educators United, said he was glad to see the governor respond to some of the teachers demands.

We are moving the needle, he said. Right now, I dont think its going to be enough. Were going to continue to fight.

However, some teachers arent sure how much longer theyll want to remain out of the classroom.

Nick Steinkemper, a geometry teacher at Desert Ridge High School in Mesa, said he doesnt have faith that Ducey and the legislature will enact long-term change for public education.

Still, I think well end up taking the [pay raise] deal even if we dont want to, he said.

We want to be back in our classrooms, added Colleen Rumer, who teaches anatomy at Desert Ridge and was sitting in a folding chair with Steinkemper and another colleague, Kenneth Kim, under a blue shade canopy on the capitol grounds.

Under another shade canopy nearby, Nichole Soyka, who teaches 8th grade reading at Sunset Ridge Elementary School in Glendale, said teachers in her school want to stay on strike until Ducey signs the budget.

That would be fine with her colleague Jason Weis, a physical education teacher. Im not a fan of being here, he said. We all miss our kids.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how long teachers will retain public support. Madeline Riggs, 14 and an 8th grader from Stapley Junior High School in Mesa, was on a late-afternoon flight from Burbank, Calif., on Monday. She was returning home to Phoenix from a whirlwind day trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park. Her mom took her and her siblings there because the teacher strike had closed their schools. (Her mom, an American Airlines employee, had miles to spare.)

If the teachers walk out on us, we can walk out on them, Madeline said with a laugh. I do think they deserve a raise, but they want a lot in a short period of time.

Education Week Senior Contributing Writer Catherine Gewertz reported from Phoenix

See also:

Image 1: School buses sit idle at a main terminal as the statewide Arizona teachers strike enters a 4th day on May 1 in Phoenix. Ross D. Franklin/AP

Image 2: Josie De Alejandro, a 9th grade science teacher at Carl Hayden High in Phoenix, holds a sign at the capitol on May 1. Catherine Gewertz/Education WeekAnyone who thought it would be a boring day in Baku just doesn't know their F1. There was action left and right, before, during and after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Here is our gallery of pictures from Sunday's action.Denmark is holding on to its hopes of hosting an F1 Grand Prix, with promoters of a potential race in Copenhagen meeting with their Azerbaijan counter-parts in Baku.

Copenhagen's F1 endeavor emerged in 2017, with Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey visiting Denmark's capital and showing his support for the idea earlier this year.

However, the city's deputy mayor recently delivered a negative view on the event's chances of coming to pass, insisting it would require logistics and resources that Copenhagen cannot afford.

Promoter and former minister Helge Sander is nevertheless staying the course, having held useful discussions in the paddock last weekend with various parties.

"We had a meeting on Friday with the head of Azerbaijan's Grand Prix," said Sander, who traveled to Baku with Saxo Bank co-founder Lars Seier Christensen.

"He was completely open about the challenges associated with organising a Formula 1 race in the middle of a big city, but we were in no way deterred."

The pair also met with Gunther Steiner, boss of the Haas team that runs Danish driver Kevin Magnussen.

Copenhagen's proposed city layout has reportedly already been approved by F1 circuit architect Hermann Tilke.

"Copenhagen will be a great place for Formula 1," said Tilke last weekend

"The city is unique and the proposed circuit will be so beautiful with the iconic buildings in the background."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and TwitterForce India will entrust three of its junior drivers with test duties later this month in Barcelona at F1's first in-season test scheduled on May 15-16.

The Silverstone-based outfit will field a car for reserve driver Nicholas Latifi and development driver Nikita Mazepin, while Mercedes junior and F2 racer George Russell will run in a second car and conduct tyre development for Pirelli.

It will be Latifi's first outing in Force India's VJM11 after the Canadian was forced to pull out of pre-season testing in February when he fell ill.

The 22-year-old will take part in a free practice session at his home Grand Prix in Montreal in June

Mazepin will take over driving duties from Latifi on the second and final day of the post-Spanish Grand Prix test.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and TwitterLeading Irish seafood producers featured on new Taste the Atlantic trail

Today, on the first official day of summer, Failte Ireland and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) have teamed up to advise seafood producers along the West coast on how best to prepare their tourism offering in advance of the busy holiday period. The 3-day Experience Development Programme is being hosted at Spanish Point in Co. Clare and brings together top seafood producers to hear from industry leaders on how best to enhance visitor offerings that align to the Wild Atlantic Way.



The 21 renowned seafood producers have been selected as members of the Taste the Atlantic  A Seafood Journey trail, developed by BIM in partnership with Failte Ireland. Stretching south from the Inishowen Peninsula at the top of Donegal, right down to Oysterhaven Bay in Cork, the trail passes some of Irelands most breath-taking seascapes and landmarks and offers visitors the opportunity to experience first-hand the craftsmanship and dedication of Irelands seafood producers.



Sinead Hennessy, Food Tourism Officer with Failte Ireland, commented:



More and more visitors want to experience local culture through authentic food and beverage based activities, and what better way for visitors travelling the Wild Atlantic Way to do this than to meet and engage with the makers whose lives have been shaped by the Sea. Taste the Atlantic, encourages those who travel along the route to slow down, dwell longer and immerse themselves in the local seafood traditions and practices of the West coast, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for our exceptional seafood, clean Atlantic waters and growing food reputation. Todays development programme is all about delivering on the promise of the Wild Atlantic Way by creating and offering an enhanced and saleable experience to leisure tourists and is delivered as part of Failte Irelands commitment to increasing seasonality and regionality for the tourism industry.



Speaking at the gathering, Jim O'Toole, Chief Executive Officer of BIM said:



What is captivating about this trail is that it offers visitors a chance to meet with active seafood producers who happen to work in some of the most idyllic locations along the West coast of Ireland. For many, expanding their business to include a food tourism offering happened organically as a result of inquisitive tourists wanting to know where local seafood is caught or farmed. The trail has been designed to capitalise on this interest and develop an appreciation for the many dedicated seafood producers on the route.



The 21 seafood producers are:

 Donegal: Crocknagee Oysters, Clonmany; Mulroy Bay Mussels, Buncrana; The Haven Smokehouse, Carrigart; Irish Premium Oysters, Lettermacaward;

 Sligo: Wild Atlantic Oysters, Lissadell;

 Mayo: Clarkes Salmon Smokery, Ballina; Keem Bay Fish Products, Achill; Croagh Patrick Seafoods, Newport;

 Galway: Killary Fjord Shellfish, Leenane; Connemara Smokehouse, Ballyconneely; DK Connemara Oysters, Letterfrack; Mungo Murphy, Ballynahown and Kelly Oysters, Kilcolgan.

 Clare: Redbank Food Company, Burren, Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna and Moyasta Oysters, Kilrush

 Kerry: Kenmare Bay Seafoods; Tousist and Cromane Shellfish, Killorglin

 Cork: Roaringwater Bay Rope Mussels, Baltimore; Ummera Smoked Products, Timoleague and Haven Shellfish, Oysterhaven



About Taste the Atlantic  A Seafood Journey



Delivered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) in partnership with Failte Ireland, Taste the Atlantic is a dedicated seafood trail that aims to profile the quality and range of local Irish seafood along the Wild Atlantic Way to visitors, as well as the people and places that provide it. www.wildatlanticway.com www.bim.ie/tastetheatlantic



The initiative aims to offer visitors unique experiences ranging from boat trips, to oyster farm visits, smoking demonstrations to foraging for seaweed. All of which will offer leisure tourists an opportunity to meet the maker, learn about their craft and taste their product freshly harvested from the sea,



The trail is also being supported by local restaurants and pubs where fresh, locally caught and farmed produce can be sampled overlooking the sea. Seafood products available along the trail include the finest Irish rock oysters, rope-grown mussels, clams, organic salmon, trout, mackerel and herring; and the shellfish delicacy, abalone.



Visitor Attractions

In addition to the farm tours on offer, a number of visitor attractions have been developed along the route as part of the trail. These include an Oyster Exhibition at Lissadell House in Sligo, a feature on the history of oysters in Ireland at the Doagh Famine museum in Donegal and the Mussel House overlooking Kenmare Bay which tells the story of Irelands sustainable rope-grown mussel industry.



Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board is the Irish State agency with responsibility for developing the Irish Sea Fishing and Aquaculture industries. BIM provides commercially relevant and innovative services to the Irish seafood industry that drive growth opportunities, add value, enhance competitiveness and create jobs in a sustainable, natural resource based industry for the benefit of coastal communities. www.bim.ie



Irelands Seafood Sector

Around the coast, over 14,000 people are employed, directly and indirectly, in Irelands seafood sector which recorded its third consecutive year of growth in 2017, with its value up 6.4% on the previous year, to contribute 1.15 billion to Irelands GDP. On the domestic market, Irish appetites for seafood continued to grow with a 4% increase in seafood consumed in Ireland, now valued at 429 million. There was also a significant 24% value growth in Irelands Aquaculture Industry to 208 million.



Failte Irelands Food and Drink Development Strategy 2018-2023 seeks, at home, to increase the number of tourism businesses engaged with development initiatives and, overseas, to increase and enhance the awareness and perception of Irelands food and drink offering. In 2017, revenue from overseas visitors totalled 6.5bn with approximately a third - about 2 billion  spent on food and drink. By targeted investment and effective promotion of the quality food and drink experiences available, the report claims that Food could help grow tourism revenue by as much as 400 million over the next 5 years.

Jump to topELDERS Past Employees Association (EPEA) held a get together and membership drive at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury, last week and the response was overwhelming.

President Richard Gapper welcomed more than 50 attendees and had a hard time quietening the mob, relishing catching up, telling tales and reminiscing about all manner of events, most of which had undoubtedly been significantly embellished over time.

Formerly known as the Retired Officers Association, which was started by Elders former State manager Alf Buttrose 53 years ago, the organisation recently changed its name to EPEA to be more inclusive and accommodate current employees.

A sign of the times then and still the case today, many in attendance had worn different coloured shirts other than pink during their careers, but that proved an irrelevance as the camaraderie for the agricultural industry, their clients and each other shone through.

In his welcome address Mr Gapper said EPEA currently had 138 members, 90 per cent of whom were aged 70 years or older.

The oldest on the day was Peter Candy who will turn 93 in May and travelled to Bunbury with Peter Moulton, Kevin Kerr, Ross Coole and Vern Winter.

As outlined by EPEA secretary David McManus that car load had an average age of 85.5 years, an average of 43.4 years of service to Elders and an average of 27.5 years membership to the association.

You can see why we are keen to encourage new members, Mr Gapper said.

With support like this it would be our hope to hold an annual meeting in Bunbury, probably in March.

Currently we have two meetings and an AGM each year  a Christmas function in Perth in December, one in Mandurah in February and another in Perths northern suburbs in July.

Its a great chance for like-minded people to get together over a few beers, have lunch and have a yarn.

Mr Gapper said the association received much-appreciated financial support from Elders Limited and it was pleasing the company always made the effort to have some members of its senior management team attend every function.

Zones sales performance manager Ian White, who represented Elders Limited at the Bunbury event, said the company was enjoying a particularly good year, in part due to efforts in WA.

At the six months mark we are already above budget and on track to post a strong result at the end of our financial year which finishes in September, Mr White said.

We have come through our tough times and seven or eight years ago it was not such a great place to be in, but thanks to sound management and good leadership from the likes of Malcolm Jackman, Mark Allison and James Cornish here locally, we are now well and truly through that.

People like you here today are also integral to making Elders what it is, he said.

On a personal note I look around and I see people like Orest Luzny and Lorraine Downie who are still working at Elders each with almost 50 years of service to their name.

And then I see Pip Phillips, who also farmed at Williams and taught me so much about how to run a successful branch, Gary Nicol who taught me how to clerk a trade sale and a legend of an auctioneer in Jeff Lynn.

And who could forget a lesson from Dennis Roberts in how to fold up the banner properly after a stud sale.

I remember being Jeffs second string auctioneer at a clearing sale where we had 300 lots plus sheep listed and only 26 registered buyers turned up.

He said to me were in a bit of bother here, but somehow, I dont know how, we managed to sell everything.

Mr White said some of the significant recent developments for Elders had been bringing the fertiliser account back to CSBP, buying back 20pc of the insurance business (which had been sold in the dark days), opening a branch in Coorow and the purchase of the SDEA real estate business in the South West, which had meant another 72 people wearing pink shirts in the region.

Other purchases included Queensland horticultural company Ace Ohlsson, Victorian livestock firm Kerr & Co which handles 500,000 sheep and 20,000 cattle annually and a 30pc stake in livestock finance company StockCo.

To enquire about membership contact EPEA president Richard Gapper or email richard.gapper@bigpond.com or call 0427 422 199.Mr Mathews said Australia would benefit from reduced tariffs and additional quota access in Japan for a number of major exports, such as wheat, barley, barley malt and canola oil.

However, he said the boost to the Australian grains sector from TPP went well beyond the headline numbers.

One of the outcomes of TPP that has not received many headlines is the impact it will have in harmonising trade among the 11 participating nations, Mr Mathews said.

It will be so much easier for businesses to facilitate trade and will definitely be of economic benefit for Australian grain producers, although quantifying those benefits is more difficult than the figures you can see from removing tariffs.

With these advantages clear, Mr Mathews urged the Australian government to ratify the deal as quickly as possible.

Wed love to see the government just get on and formalise this deal, we think it is going to be very good for Australia.

Mr Mathews said the members of the TPP-11 represented a large proportion of Australian grain exports.

The average value of Australian grain exports to TPP-11 members over the past five years is $A1.6 billion, contributing some 15-20 per cent of all Australian grains exports.

Several TPP-11 countries are individually critically important for the Australian grains industry.

The TPP-11 includes three of Australias most important grain export markets, being Vietnam, 1.6 million tonnes, Japan 1.5m tonnes and Malaysia, 940,000t.

Mr Mathews said that Australias grain trade to the region is dominated by wheat, four million tonnes, followed by barley, 382,000t, and canola 216,000t.

He said the TPP would help improve existing Australias bilateral trade agreements with other signatories to the deal.

We welcome the fact that TPP-11 builds upon the market access gains delivered by the existing trade preferential trade agreements Australia already has with a number of TPP-11 countries, Mr Mathews said.

Commenting on speculation US president Donald Trump is toying with the idea of attempting to re-join TPP negotiations, Mr Mathews said if the United States re-entered the TPP, Australia would lose its competitive edge for a number of agricultural commodities in TPP markets, including grains.Putting out bait right at the point of sowing is the best way to protect newly sown crop, said CSIRO researcher Steve Henry who is working on a national mouse management project.

For farmers who are looking to dry sow this year in areas with high mouse loads you would say putting out bait as a precaution is not a bad move, especially given it is reasonably cheap.

Grain Producers South Australia chairman Wade Dabinett, who farms in an area that has been particularly hard hit with mice this year, said putting out bait behind the seeder would be standard practice this year.

Youre looking at as little as $3.50 a hectare to protect crops and last year we saw people having to re-sow untreated paddocks so it is pretty cheap insurance, Mr Dabinett said.

Given the run of years with high mouse numbers he expected baiting may become standard practice annually in his area.

It is cheap and easy to do, it doesnt require another pass so I think it may become something we just go out and do at sowing time, he said.

Mr Henry said sowing-time baiting was particularly effective.

Youre burying the seed and burying residual food and leaving the bait on the surface so it is more effective in terms of getting the mice to take the bait, Mr Henry said.

It is really important as generally we see the most damage to crop occur in the 24 to 48 hours after sowing.

Mr Henry said there had been some growers who had put out an application of bait six to eight weeks ago in an attempt to lower numbers prior to sowing.

Mr Dabinett said farmers had to keep monitoring after baiting as the bait efficacy was lower in a stubble environment.

There were still the other food sources in March so you would definitely want to keep monitoring numbers and I would say most people who baited early would put out another round at sowing just to be safe, he said.

The feedback has been that an early bait certainly has made an impact but that baiting behind the seeder will definitely be the main game.

Mr Dabinett said after the sowing bait application he would be checking paddocks out for mouse activity to see if more baiting was required.

We had paddocks last year that needed five lots of bait so it is something you need to keep watching, theres no point getting the crop up safely but letting it get smashed later on, he said.

Mr Dabinett said farmers were looking to get mouse loads down prior to the winter dormancy period to minimise the likelihood of spring baiting.

Baiting in the spring is more expensive and more difficult as the crop is standing and you dont want to knock it down with a bait spreader, the ideal situation will be to get numbers down below damaging levels before the mice go to ground over winter, he said.

Mr Henry said the industry was geared up for a big year in terms of mouse numbers and bait availability is unlikely to be the problem it was last year.

Farmers have been talking to their suppliers and from what I hear there are good reserves of mouse bait out there.MANJIMUP apple growers already hit by low prices for their fruit could face another financial blow later this year by having to start paying their casual workers overtime.

It is not just apple growers who will have to pay more to have their crop harvested and sorted.

All fruit and vegetable growers will have to start paying casual employees overtime after 38 normal working hours a week under changes proposed for the Horticulture Award 2010.

Paul Good, operations manager at Newton Orchards, Manjimup, said extending overtime rates to cover casual employees would torpedo Australias fresh fruit and vegetable industry.

He said it would push growers costs beyond price points at which consumers choose local produce over cheaper imported fruit and vegetables and drive the local growers out of business.

Mr Good said the industry relied on casual workers because of the intermittent nature of the work and the local apple industry particularly was not in a good place.

The big one is the 38 hours, he said.

Most fruit and veg farmers will have clocked up 38 hours by lunchtime Thursday.

Many seasonal crops, including some of our apple varieties, have a very short window for harvesting at the optimal time.

Harvest is a case of go hard for as long as it takes to get the crop in.

On average our casual workers put in 55 to 60 hours a week.

Ive got 100 out in the field now.

Ive got the last fortnights wages bill in front of me and if I had to pay overtime, even at the negotiated down rate, it would add probably 30 per cent to my wages bill  our biggest cost of production.

Thats another $75,000 a fortnight so its not chump change.

Mr Good, WAs representative on Apple and Pear Australia Ltd (APAL), the non-profit national body representing commercial apple and pear growers, said none of the fruit and vegetable growers he had spoken to were aware of the changes proposed to the award by the Fair Work Commission (FWC).

He has spoken to State Warren Blackwood MLA Terry Redman and Federal Forrest MP Nola Marino who had asked him to supply them with details.

Negotiations have been happening behind closed doors so no one knows about it, Mr Good said.

The Fair Work Commission is about to torpedo Australias fresh fruit and vegetable industry and no one knows about it  thats the frightening bit.

Mr Good said he was aware APAL had opposed the move before the FWC.

The board of AUSVEG, which represents vegetable and potato growers, is understood to have been split on the issue after heated debate whether to back a National Farmers Federation (NFF) negotiated outcome last week.

Comment was sought from AUSVEG but it was unable to respond before Farm Weekly went to press.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) in an interim decision last year proposed bringing casual workers employed under the horticulture award into line with their full-time and permanent part-time counterparts in terms of an overtime payment rate when they worked more than 38 hours a week.

The award covers employees in all horticulture sectors, apart from winery workers and sugar cane cutters, but currently does not specify normal working hours for casual employees or an overtime rate for them.

In its interim decision, the FWC proposed introducing 6am-6pm as the normal spread of working hours for casual horticultural workers with no distinction for Saturday and Sunday work.

It also proposed introducing a 50pc overtime loading if casual employees worked more than 38 hours a week within that normal spread of working hours.

In some circumstances outside of the normal spread of hours a 100pc overtime rate would apply.

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) has been negotiating since then with the FWC to try to have changes incorporated into the overtime proposal for casual workers when the final decision is brought down.

Some in the industry believe that may be by July 1 when pay rates under the award are due to change, but technically new pay rates and the provision of overtime to casual workers are not linked.

Ben Rogers, NFF general manager workplace relations and legal affairs, said negotiations so far had secured agreement on a wider spread of normal hours, now 5am-8.30pm to give growers more flexibility.

Mr Rogers said at this stage, subject to the FWCs final decision, the overtime rate had been negotiated down to 15pc after more than 38 hours within the normal hours spread.

But once a casual employee worked more than 12 hours a day the overtime rate increased to 50pc, Mr Rogers said.

There were also circumstances where hours worked could be averaged over eight weeks to determine whether overtime was paid at 15pc or 50pc, he said, and an overtime rate of an extra 100pc could still apply in some situations.

The proposed overtime changes would not apply to workers employed on piece rates or where workers were already covered by a business-wide enterprise bargaining agreement.

Mr Rogers said the FWCs interim decision was in response to submissions made to a four-year review of the Horticulture Award by unions and the Fair Work Ombudsman supporting overtime entitlements for casual workers being introduced in line with those of full-time and permanent part-time employees.

The NFF had made a submission opposing the move, he said.

Our members are not happy about it (the probability of having to pay overtime to casual workers), but they accept that the negotiations for a wider spread of hours and reduced overtime rate is the best outcome they are going to get, Mr Rogers said.

Its the lesser of two evils.

We have asked for a very long lead-in time because it will have a big impact on growers.

Mr Rogers said it was not known when the FWC would bring down its final decision.

Currently the hourly base rate for casual adult horticulture workers ranges from $22.86 to $26.61 an hour depending on training, skills levels, type of work being undertaken and level of responsibility.

These rates include a 25pc casual loading in lieu of annual leave, personal or carers leave, termination notice, redundancy benefits or other entitlements of full-time or part-time employment.

Hourly penalty rates of 80pc in addition to the base rate apply for working on public holidays or working through a meal break.2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning --

4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS.

We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover.

We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come.I always listen to music when I write, but the type depends on my mood and on the scene Im writing. Because Im also a musician (guitar and piano, plus a few other instruments) I tend to take the act of listening to music very seriously and can get involved in the layers of notesso, when Im writing, I need to pick songs that Ive already thoroughly explored to avoid getting distracted by the complexities of something new. Here are some of the tracks that I listened to while writing and editing my latest book, What You Want to See.

What You Want To See

Emily Haines & the Soft Skeleton Detective Daughter : The protagonist of my mystery series, Roxane Weary, shares my taste in music and has (so far) listened to music by two artists in the series: Emily Haines (Metric) is one.

Elliott Smith Twilight: Elliott Smith is the other. If youre familiar with his music and his story, you might get choked up just thinking about him; I do. This song, recorded near the end of his life, is both beautiful and chilling.

Ludovico Einaudi Night : I often listen to classical or instrumental music while writing, and Einaudis entire 2015 album ELEMENTS is modern perfection.

Agnes Obel Chord Left: I discovered Agnes Obels music while watching the HBO adaptation of Big Little LiesI heard a lushly gorgeous piano piece near the end of the first episode and immediately had to google it. That piece was September Song, off her album Aventine, where I also discovered this gem

Elena Katz-Chernin Conversation : Fun fact, before I started writing seriously, I wanted to be a composer. I went so far as to meet with a professor of music composition at an Indiana university I was considering attending. He advised that most of the music composition students in his program were men, which seemed to imply that modern women couldnt be serious composers. While I decided not to study music for other reasons besides that jerks shameless sexism, I dare him to listen to Katz-Chernins piano compositions before he ever says that to a prospective student again.

Fiona Apple Every Single Night: At least one Fiona Apple song can be found on every playlist Ive ever made. Her complicated, unconventional songs are the perfect backdrop for writing about Roxane Weary.

Ani DiFranco Virtue: If theres one song that represents Roxanes character, it is this one. The one person who really knows me best/ says Im like a cat  the kind who doesnt mind being held, but only when its her idea / the kind who feels what she decided to feel when shes good and ready to feel it

Neko Case, Night Still Comes: I picture this song playing in the background of the final scene in What You Want to Seeits bittersweet, resolved-but-not-quite, yet still satisfying.

What You Want to See by Kristen Lepionka is published by Faber & Faber in May (7.99)One of my ancestors was Admiral FitzRoy, who invented a type of barometer as well as the weather forecast, and therefore saved many lives at sea. He was also captain of HMS Beagle and a friend of Charles Darwins. I like to believe that ships and the sea are therefore part of my DNA.

Vanessa De Haan

I am scared of flying, even though one of my main characters, Charlie, is in the Fleet Air Arm and flies a Fairey Swordfish.

My grandmother and her sisters  who were also FitzRoys  are my greatest inspirations, a troupe of five girls who loved reading, writing, reciting stories and poems, and went on to live unusual lives, including working in the circus, in intelligence, as a dog trainer, as an author, as well as travelling extensively. Their father was away at sea with the Royal Navy for much of their childhood, and they were a family force to be reckoned with  women of indomitable spirit with a belief they could do anything.

Landscapes have a way of becoming part of me: I have a deep affinity with Scotland as I spent many happy holidays there, being allowed to run feral in the hills like my grandmother and her sisters before me. Zimbabwe, too, which was the first non-European place I travelled to, and where a friend of mine was teaching in a rural school two hours journey along a dirt road from the nearest town. This was straight after the confines of boarding school, and pre-mobile phones, so probably the most free I have ever been apart from Scotland. I learnt a lot about kindness, respect and community there. I am looking forward to going back and practising my Shona soon.

I love to sing, especially in a choir; theres something special about singing with other people. Apparently heartbeats start to synchronise. I especially like folk music, and the stories within it that have been passed down for generations, and are about ordinary people; they are important historical records.

I have five brothers  all either half- or step- but they feel full to me. We get on, as do our various parents, and I like to think were an example of how split families don't have to be a disaster.

I always knew I would live in the countryside one day, but hadnt planned on it being quite so soon (13 years ago, when I was 30). Devon is a welcoming and beautiful county, and my next book is going to be set among its rolling hills, high hedges and deep valleys.

Nature is very important to me. My earliest memories are counting butterflies on the South Downs and listening to birdsong in the car with my grandmother. She knew the names of all the birds, butterflies and trees, in whichever part of the country we visited. She gave me my first guide to nature when I was eight. It is still one of my most treasured possessions, and is full of lists of all the creatures I have seen in the various places I have lived.

I would love to live abroad for a few years, although now our children are in school that is less likely as I think it is important that they are able to put down roots and develop strong bonds with their extended family. But I would also love them to be able to immerse themselves in different cultures  including being fluent in another language, something I dont think the British (including me!) are very good at.

I have an unhealthy obsession with apocalypse-type stories. I am terrified about what kind of world we are creating: pollution, plastics, extinction of birds, animals, insects, destruction of the rainforests, the rise of bug-resistant antibiotics, intensive farming. I rebalance by instilling a love of the planet in my own children, and hoping that they may be the ones who help discover ways to reverse these things.Castbox, a San Francisco, CA-based global podcast platform, raised $13.5m in Series B financing.

The round, which brings total funding to $29.5m to date, was led by SIG China, with participation from existing investors IDG Capital, Qiming Venture Partners, and GSR Ventures.

The company will use the new capital to accelerate user adoption, expand its proprietary technology, and invest in original content across a wide variety of genres.

Led by Renee Wang, founder and CEO, Castbox is a global podcast platform that enables anyone to find, access, create and enjoy spoken audio content. Castbox gives users access to content in multiple languages, anywhere, through any device. The companys proprietary technology includes features like curated podcast recommendations and in-audio deep search to customize the listening experience.

Since the last round of financing completed in October 2017, Castbox has doubled its user base to 15 million and grown its podcast library to 50 million episodes.

FinSMEs

01/05/2018Namogoo, a Boston, MA-based customer hijacking prevention solution provider, raised $15m in Series B funding.

The round, which brings total funding to $29m, was led by Hanaco Venture Capital with participation from existing investors GreatPoint Ventures, Blumberg Capital and Inimiti Capital. In conjunction with the funding, Alon Lifshitz, general partner at Hanaco, will join the Namogoo board.

The company intends to use the funds to drive adoption of its Customer Hijacking Prevention solution and to accelerate the growth of its new product, Digital Insights.

Led by Chemi Katz, co-founder and CEO, Namogoo provides a Customer Hijacking Prevention solution that enables online businesses to deliver a distraction-free customer journey by eliminating unauthorized ads and invasive content. Digital Insights analyzes all third-party services running on publisher sites and provides visibility into their impact on site performance, privacy and business KPIs.

The company serves large brands across verticals such as eCommerce and online marketplaces, travel, online insurance, fintech and publishing.

FinSMEs

01/05/2018Sky9 Capital, a China-focused venture capital firm, closed its third fund at $200m.

Limited partners included institutional investors, family foundations and entrepreneurs.

Sky9 Capital Fund III, L.P. invests mainly in China-based businesses with a focus on early-stage companies in the internet, enterprise, and deep technology sectors. It invests between $1M to $10M in seed and Series A rounds, and $10M+ for expansion-stage companies.

Led by Ron Cao, Founder & Managing Director, Sky9 has a team of a group of technologists, entrepreneurs and investors who have participated previously in the early-stage investments of some of the biggest technology companies in China including: DaVdian, eBroker, FaceU/Toutiao, FangDD, Innolight, Meituan/Dianping, ManBang Group, PPDai, PinDuoDuo, QingCloud, Rong360, Tujia, ZhaoYouWang and others.

With presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Silicon Valley, the firm has made a number of investments in the new fund including:

 ZhaoYouWang, a B2B e-commerce platform for the petroleum industry;

 eBroker, a Chinese online marketplace for wealth management;

 Home, a social e-commerce platform for home furnishing; and

 Energy Monster, a power bank sharing platform.

FinSMEs

01/05/2018Could not establish database connection.

DB: bostonimc and SQL: -->

The administrator has been notified and will resolve the problem ASAP.Posted 4/30/18

Habitat for Humanity  Dallas County Affiliate will host a Gigantic Spring Rummage Sale. The sale will be at the OBannon Community Center, 315 E. Ramsey St., Buffalo, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 3 A concert by Donald Brown, jazz pianist and composer, at Brainerd Presbyterian Church, has been postponed due to an injury.

A native of Desoto, Miss., Donald Brown's family moved to Memphis when he was two. Coming from a musical family, he played several different instruments, including the trumpet, before settling on the piano.

He performed with a number of jazz greats during his long career. After graduation from Memphis State, he later found himself a member of the Art Blakey Jazz Messengers.He performed with a number of jazz greats during his long career.

Donald Brown now lives in Knoxville and is an associate professor at the University of Tennessee.

Officials hope to reschedule the concert in the fall..     II-84              .    .     "...Danae Bromley, a junior music performance major with an emphasis in oboe, was named the recipient of Lee Universitys 2018-19 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award.

The Presser Foundation, established by music publisher Theodore Presser, is dedicated solely to the support of music and music education. With its Undergraduate Scholar Award, the Pennsylvania-based foundation recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in music performance at accredited colleges and universities across the country.

Danae combines the fine sensibilities of a talented musician with the instincts of a scholar, said Dr. Phillip Thomas, chair of the Department of Musicianship Studies and distinguished professor of music. We are pleased to recognize her accomplishments and the bright future they suggest.

Ms. Bromley, from Knoxville, has been involved with music since elementary school. She began playing the oboe during her freshman year of high school. Since being at Lee, she has been involved in the orchestra, chamber music groups, and wind ensemble.

She was a concerto competition winner for the 2016-17 school year and is a current member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.

Ms. Bromley, who will be married this summer, plans to go to graduate school for oboe performance after graduating next year.

As the 2017-18 Presser Scholar, Ms. Bromley will receive a cash stipend for her upcoming senior year.

Presser Undergraduate Scholar Awards are distributed to a number of accredited institutions throughout America. Past recipients of Lee University include Brittany Martin (2017), Kristiana McCombs (2016), Matthew Kelly (2015), Joey Archer (2014), Erica Tipton (2013), Matthew Wilkinson (2012), Lamprini Lindeman (2011), Christopher Oglesby (2010), Sabbath Ward (2009), Rachael Skidmore (2008), Michael Land (2007), and Brooke Upton (2006).

For more information on Lees School of Music, call 614-8240.The World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the UK to lead a new Sugar and Calorie Reduction Network to reduce sugar and calorie intake across Europe. Work will take... Read MoreThe Chattanooga Area Food Bank, a Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia hunger relief organization serving 20 counties, announced the hiring of Sophie Moore as development officer  Healthcare Partnerships. "Ms. Moore will collaborate with hospitals, clinics, physicians, community leaders and others to identify, build and connect those affected by food insecurity with innovative food distribution sites. She will also play a key role in the overall fundraising and community engagement efforts to ensure the Food Banks long term strategies to eliminate hunger and promote better nutrition for the most vulnerable people in the area are sustainable," officials said.We are increasingly focused on the role nutritious food plays in preventing and reducing disease, said Gina Crumbliss, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.With our regions strong healthcare community and Sophies understanding of the industry and expertise collaborating with multiple stakeholders, we can improve the quality of life for those we serve.Ms. Moore has moved to Chattanooga from Nashville, where she worked for more than a decade to support healthcare organizations. Prior to her relocation, she was director of Public Relations and Communications at Community Health Systems, where she provided strategic communications guidance to hospitals across the country. She was previously director of Communications at the Nashville Health Care Council, where she raised the profile of the citys reputation as healthcare industry capital and collaborated with government, nonprofit and corporate stakeholders to advance health and well-being programs. Ms. Moore also held communications roles at the State of Tennessee for the Department of Health and the Department of Revenue, and began her career at public relations agency Golin in Atlanta, where she represented healthcare clients.Ms. Moore holds a bachelors degree in human and organizational development and political science from Vanderbilt University. She enjoyed serving as volunteer and board member with Nashville area nonprofit organizations United Cerebral Palsy, All About Women, Nashville Emerging Leaders and the Tennessee Womens Political Collaborative. She and her husband look forward to becoming active in the Chattanooga area.The JM Smucker Company has announced that it will acquire Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, LLC in a transaction valued at approximately US$1.7 billion, after an estimated tax... Read MoreUK F&B businesses are anticipating further setbacks as the enforcement of new post-Brexit border control policy on food and agricultural produce coming in from the... Read MoreThe Metro editor of The New York Times resigned Monday after the paper conducted an internal investigation into undisclosed "mistakes."

Times Executive Editor Dean Baquet and Managing Editor Joseph Kahn announced Wendell Jamieson's resignation in an email to newsroom employees. The email included a statement from Jamieson in which he said: "I regret and apologize for my mistakes and leaving under these circumstances."

The New York Post reported that the investigation into Jamieson involved women and went on for several weeks. The Times did not immediately respond to requests for comment by Fox News.

"Leading Metro for the last five years and working with the incredible Times team has been the high point of my professional life," Jamieson said. "I'm especially proud of all the talent Ive helped bring to The Times."

A New York City native, Jamieson had worked at the Times since 2000 and had been the paper's Metro editor since 2013. He had previously worked for Newsday, the New York Daily News and the Post.

Susan Chira, a senior correspondent and editor on gender issues, will act as interim metro editor.

This past November, the Times suspended then-White House correspondent Glenn Thrush amid allegations of sexual harassment by former co-workers. The Times opted not to fire Thrush, but moved him off the White House beat when his suspension ended in January.

Last month, the Times and The New Yorker shared the Pulitzer Prize for public service for their reporting on sexual misconduct by disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein. The reports sparked the #MeToo movement and set off a worldwide reckoning over sexual misconduct in the workplace.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from the New York Post.Amanda Bynes made a rare public appearance earlier this month when she attended a fundraiser for Pat Harris, who is running to represent California in the U.S. Senate.

Bynes went to the fundraiser in Glendale to throw her support behind Harris, who is running against longtime Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a source told Us Weekly.

"Amanda attended a fundraiser for the Democratic challenger for Dianne Feinsteins Senate seat, Pat Harris," the source said. "Amanda is very civic-minded and wanted to show up to support Pat."

Photos: Amanda Bynes steps out

The source told the magazine the Hairspray star is doing really well and basically just living her life after going through a rough patch which including a DUI, being arrested for marijuana possession and starting a fire in her parents' driveway. She also displayed erratic behavior on her social media accounts.

Since the series of arrests and being placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold in 2014, Bynes, 32, has kept a low profile.

The source said Bynes was mostly absent on social media because people can just be so negative.

There are times when she is more active on social media and then will stop because sadly, people can just be so negative. She is on track to graduate from fashion school this summer, the source said.

PLAYBOYS PLAYMATE OF THE YEAR NINA DANIELE SAYS SHES A FEMINIST: WERE NOT FORCED TO POSE NUDE

Bynes was hoping to make a comeback in acting this year and is very excited about the next chapter of her professional life, the source told Us Weekly. The Shes the Man actress also wants to launch a fashion line this year as well, the source added.

Amanda will make it a reality  2018 is going to be Amandas triumphant return!

Bynes is currently attending the Los Angeles Institute of Design & Merchandising.Paul Marcarelli had no idea his life would change when he uttered the catchphrase Can you hear me now? in a 2001 commercial for Verizon.

The actor with the horn-rimmed glasses became an instant pop culture sensation, but he was just thankful to earn a paycheck.

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO 'DELL DUDE' BEN CURTIS?

When the Verizon job came along in 2001, I was basically debt-free, but broke, the 47-year-old recently told Wealthsimple Magazine. In fact, I was in charge of buying the turkey that year for a big Thanksgiving potluck with friends. Id reserved the bird, but I had no idea how I was going to pay for it. Part of my first Verizon check covered the bird. And it was delicious.

But despite the TV campaigns success, Marcarelli always wondered if he would be down on his luck as a struggling actor again.

Certainly, the Verizon job changed things, but I was always afraid the job was going to go away, so I never felt secure, he admitted. And since I was working for them pretty much full time, it also meant that I was back to a single source of income.

"For something like 12 years, every time they picked up another option year, I would have exactly one day in which I felt OK, then 24 hours later I started obsessing again about whether or not Id be fired by the time the year was out.

Marcarelli also revealed how everyone believed he became incredibly rich when in reality he was still coping with his newfound fame.

I cant tell you how many times people said, Dude, you won the friggin lottery!" he said. "Even people I worked with would say that... And while I acknowledge the luck that is inherited in any good thing that happens to you in your life, Im also like, When you win the lottery all you have to do is show up and cash in the damn ticket!

The work is well-paid, but you may be surprised to know that its actually a lot of work  the kind of thing that requires lots of travel away from friends and family, and I never know where Im going to be from one week to the next, year after year.

Still, the Connecticut native was grateful for the gig. Marcarelli spent his childhood working on his familys small farm and later helping his father and twin brother wax the pews at their local church.

And while he received his first serious paycheck as an actor in the mid-'90s after filming a series of commercials for Old Navy, he ultimately found himself in financial trouble.

Some days thered be 10 checks waiting for me in my mailbox, he recalled. I made more than $30,000 for one day of work. It was mind-blowing For the most part, Ive been very responsible with my money, but there was one period of time in my mid-20s during the commercial actors stake when I got into bad credit card debt, and I needed a friend to bail me out.

"It was a horrible feeling  since then Ive never bought anything I couldnt afford to pay for in cash. And I never carry a balance over from one month to the next.

Despite his success with Verizon, the partnership came to an end in 2014 after nine years, when the wireless company chose to go in a different direction with its advertising, he claimed.

In 2016, Marcarelli changed allegiances and has appeared in commercials with rival company Sprint. USA Today reported Sprint did not disclose what it was paying Marcarelli to appear in its ads.

Marcarelli also invested in several homes and recently sold an apartment in Brooklyn last May.

These days, hes not taking his wealth for granted.

Ive had the same people managing my career and finances since long before I was a big earner, some of whom might still be tempted from time to time to remember me as the kid who couldnt afford the Thanksgiving turkey, he explained.

That is not the position from which to begin a negotiation. But thats on me. Part of my job is asserting myself (and trying to be seen) as a grown-up professional, as opposed to a hungry neophyte.

Marcarelli added, The worst investment was also kind of great: Making films. Although Ive not made any serious money producing films, there is a very enriching feeling you get when seeing an idea you had all the way through.Outspoken liberal actress Susan Sarandon appears confused as to why MSNBC is giving star Joy Reid a pass for kinda-sorta admitting she wrote homophobic slurs that shed previously insisted were the work of diabolical hackers.

Sarandon on Monday tweeted a HuffPost article headlined, Joy Reids Defenders Praise Her Apology  But Ignore Her Apparent Cover-Up, while adding a damning quote from the piece.

"It is striking  and disturbing  that Reids colleagues and her employer arent demanding answers about her seemingly contradictory statements on the alleged hacking," Sarandon posted, quoting the piece along with a link to the story.

The HuffPost story shared by Sarandon examines why Reids supporters have accepted her hacking claims, ignoring monumental gaps in plausibility, while detailing the timeline that has resulted in a credibility crisis for the MSNBC star.

Comments dug up by a Twitter user and published by Mediaite showed that Reid wrote numerous offensive jokes and comments several years ago about gay people on her now defunct blog, The Reid Report.

Initially, Reid apologized profusely for the offensive comments she made roughly a decade ago that suggested then-Florida Governor Charlie Crist (Miss Charlie, as she called him) may be gay, despite no evidence to back up her contention. But when a new raft of offensive comments surfaced  about lesbians' short haircuts and her objections to seeing men kiss men, among other homophobic remarks  Reid originally claimed shed been hacked, and MSNBC circulated a much-panned statement from a computer hacking expert which sought to make that case.

Reid had even said she reported the hacking crime to the FBI.

On Saturday, Reid got emotional on the air and admitted it seemed unlikely she was hacked, but that she didnt recall making the offensive remarks. Then, she apologized anyway.

I genuinely do not believe I wrote those hateful things, Reid told her viewers, adding, "The person I am now is not the person I was then."

Conservatives have taken to Twitter to express outrage for the hypocrisy, with many declaring that a right-leaning pundit would not be given a pass for homophobic rhetoric.

MSNBC and NBC News appear to be standing by Reid, although the network has not issued an official statement. Reid was showered with support from her fellow liberals and MSNBC colleagues after her remarks on Saturday, including by the most powerful person at MSNBC, Rachel Maddow, who is openly gay.

Sarandon is known for activism as much as she is for her award-winning acting career, as she has gotten involved in dozens of liberal causes over the years.Kathy Griffin unleashed a vulgar attack on Deputy White House Press Secretary Hogan Gidley at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, according to a report from the Washington Blade.

The news outlet invited Griffin as their guest to the Saturday event and things took a nasty turn when Gidley tried to squeeze by Griffin's table.

According to the Washington Blade, Griffin stopped Gidley and asked him, "How do you sleep at night?"

Gidley reportedly replied, "Very well, thank you." That's when Griffin "expressed doubt" and Gidley asked her, "Are we really going to do this?"

The outlet reports that's when "things got interesting.

Griffin reportedly yelled at Gidley, "Yes we are, suck my d--k! No, really, suck my d--k!"

They exchanged a few more words before Gidley, who was reportedly holding a Tecate beer told the comedian he was going to enjoy his Mexican beverage "before we build the wall and you cant get these anymore."

"F--k you," Griffin allegedly told Gidley.

Griffin made headlines earlier this week for her expletive-filled appearance on "The View."

She seemed to forget she was on morning television when she dropped the F-bomb several times and cursed throughout her appearance on Monday.

The comedian had to have her mic cut multiple times, and co-host Joy Behar appeared to attempt to get Griffin to keep things PG but failed.

Griffin, who hails herself as Mayor of Zero F---sville on her Twitter page, is currently on tour.

An email to Gidley for comment wasn't immediately returned.Amid shocking new allegations against Tom Brokaw and Matt Lauer, NBC News Chairman Andy lack is twisting in the wind as media watchdogs await the findings of an internal review to determine who knew about disgraced "Today" host Matt Lauer's bad behavior and didn't report it.

The Washington Post on Thursday night reported that the long-simmering investigation is nearing its conclusion"  something Lack echoed in a memo to staff on Friday.

We will have findings and further steps to share with you as soon as next week, Lack wrote to staffers.

The investigations closure comes as the Lauer scandal is just one of many storms over sexual misconduct, secrecy, homophobia and just bad decision-making that are dogging NBCs storied news division.

Theres the controversy over MSNBC star Joy Reids anti-gay slurs; the accusations that NBC legend Tom Brokaw engaged in forceful and unwanted kissing of then-NBC correspondent Linda Vester in the 1990s; and persistent questions over why NBC sat on two major sex harassment stories: the Access Hollywood tape of Donald Trump and Ronan Farrows blockbuster reporting on alleged Hollywood sex predator Harvey Weinstein. And then theres the foundering and hugely expensive experiment with former Fox News star Megyn Kelly, who has reportedly been dragging down NBC News most important show by far, Today.

Media analyst Jeffrey McCall told Fox News that NBC has had more than its share of public relations challenges in recent months and therefore can't afford any more public image missteps as a result of the Lauer review.

Most corporate entities can get by with internal reviews of personnel misbehavior, but NBC is not just another corporation, McCall said. That's because of their recent track record of problems, and also because they are such a highly visible media organization.

Lack and his deputy, Noah Oppenheim, promised a transparent review after Lauer was fired roughly five months ago for sexual misconduct. Ten days after NBC News fired its biggest star, Lack sent a memo to staffers outlining his efforts to find out why this was able to happen, why it wasnt reported sooner, and what we can do to make employees feel more empowered to report unacceptable behavior.

Lacks memo, which was obtained by TVNewser, announced a culture assessment of NBC News and an assortment of other bureaucratic efforts he's doing to combat sex harassment -- such as focus groups and mandatory training on workplace behavior and harassment prevention.

Lack deftly avoided an outside investigation -- unlike many of his media peers who hired outside law firms to review their culture -- but hes now facing real blowback after The Washington Post article  while not accusing Lack of any wrongdoing  portrayed the NBC News honcho as sitting atop a culture in which women were afraid to report serious acts of harassment.

I really think an outside, independent investigation was warranted for NBC in this matter. The allegations are quite serious and there is too much risk of a whitewash with an internal investigation to come off as credible to the outside world, McCall said.

NBCs own stars acknowledged the tension over the lack of an independent investigation Monday on Megyn Kelly Today. NBC News correspondent Kate Snow brought up the issue with Kelly.

"NBC universal, our parent company, decided that it should be the general counsel of this parent company that does this investigation internally, Snow said. What Ari Wilkenfeld is saying, the attorney for [Brokaws accuser] Linda Vester, is saying is: not enough, I wish you had gotten an outside lawyer.

He thinks that's us investigating ourselves, Kelly added, going on to describe how when she was at Fox News, parent company 21st Century Fox hired an outside law firm to investigate Fox's sex harassment woes.

The Post's Thursday night bombshell headlined, NBC News faces skepticism in remedying in-house sexual harassment, outlined a new batch of accusations that have allegedly occurred at NBC News in addition to the Brokaw accusations. Among them, former Today co-host Ann Curry said she told two members of NBCs management team back in 2012 to no avail that Lauer sexually harassed a colleague.

I told management they had a problem and they needed to keep an eye on him and how he deals with women, Curry told the Post.

Curry was fired from her role on Today the same year she reportedly went to management to express concerns over Lauers behavior.

When the Post reached NBC for comment, the Peacock Network made sure to mention that Lack wasnt with the company in 2012 (Lack was an NBC executive from 1993-2003 and returned in 2015).

Soon after Lauer was shown the door in 2017, Oppenheim told staffers that NBC had launched an investigation and promised harsh retribution for any employee who had kept silent. The New York Post reported that Oppenheim made the comments at a tense meeting with the staff of NBC's prestigious "Nightly News" program.

Since the meeting and Lacks memo, Lack and Oppenheim have announced a series of bureaucratic steps, but have yet to make any real changes to the culture of NBC News. Some staff members have said they attended training sessions at NBC where they were instructed on the appropriate way to hug each other  training thats become the object of mockery within 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

NBC News and NBCUniversal did not respond to a request for an update on the investigation.

NBCUniversal General Council Kim Harris, who is running the investigation, is a peer of Lacks who does not supervise him. And some observers worry that this investigation will lack the apolitical nature of those done by outside law firms  many of which lead to the dismissal of top executives at companies with troubled sex harassment cultures. Lack and Lauer were known to be close friends, even vacationing together, according to Vanity Fair.

David Sherwyn of Cornell University, a law professor who specializes in human resources, told Fox News that the most important reason for an investigation is to simply learn the truth. He referred to himself as a cable news junkie and noticed hypocrisy because pundits on both sides of the aisle have slammed internal investigations at other networks in the past.

Right away, the argument is these people are compromised and this is just a cover up, Sherwyn said.

NBC needs more transparency in this era and on this matter, not less. Sure, negative findings could make NBC look bad, but a cover-up or fogging of the case would look even worse for this once-proud network, McCall said.

While Lack was not implicated directly in any acts of harassment or cover up, the Post quoted him as saying, with reference to Lauers wandering eye, that Lauer just loves people. He genuinely loves people." Lack vehemently denied saying this  but as a two-time head of NBC News, he has become the focus of scrutiny.

Last week was a rough one for Lack -- also the subject of a embarrassing Wall Street Journal article that said he may have wasted $69 million and counting on a failing Megyn Kelly experiment. The report pointed the finger at Lack for misjudging the wattage of star power in todays day and age -- a mistake many observers say is a generational one. Lack has also maintained a stony silence regarding MSNBC star Joy Reid, who is under fire for having made homophobic comments years ago, then making (before backing off) bizarre allegations that shed been hacked.

The new scandals -- which seem to keep on coming -- have only increased the pressure on management within NBC.

Following the announcement of an internal investigation regarding Lauer, Fox News reported that a group of anonymous current NBC News staffers planned to contact Madeline S. Bell, Comcasts only female director, asking her to intervene (Comcast owns NBCUniversal). After that story was published, a separate group consisting of former NBC News employees contacted Fox News to discuss a network of women who feel that Lack and Oppenheim werent being transparent about the toxic environment at NBC News.

A former anchor at NBC News told Fox News last year she was in contact with multiple women who were frustrated that Lack refused to hire an outside investigator to review a culture of sexual misconduct at the network. The women wanted to speak with the board of NBC parent Comcast and provide names of specific people who are hostile to women or outright harassers who have not yet been publicly accused.

University of New Haven Industrial-Organizational Psychologist Stuart Sidle told Fox News that NBCUniversal had better hope staffers see the companys human resources department as fair and credible.

Employee cynicism in response to this approach is quite likely given the circumstances, Sidle said.

Famed reporter-turned-entrepreneur Porter Bibb feels NBC was seriously derelict in not ordering an independent investigation of the entire company's policies, protocols, and past performance regarding complaints by women and others who claim they have been molested, intimidated, or otherwise abused.

If legendary icons like Matt Lauer and Tom Brokaw can be accused by apparently responsible individuals, the company should act as others have done and dispense with internal investigations and engage a high profile, independent investigator to determine the root causes as well as the specifics of these horrendous accusations," Bibb told Fox News.

In addition to the Lauer scandal, Lack and Oppenheim have come under increasing fire for sitting on two explosive sex harassment stories: Ronan Farrows investigation of Harvey Weinstein this past fall, and the Access Hollywood tape of Donald Trump a year and a half ago. Both stories were given to other premier news organizations after NBC didn't broadcast them, and Farrows, which ultimately appeared in the New Yorker, won the coveted Pulitzer Prize. Similarly, the 2017 Pulitzer was awarded to the Washington Posts David Fahrenhold, a close friend of Oppenheims from prestigious Harvard University, after he broke the Access Hollywood story as part of his investigative digging into Trump. Fahrenhold was later given a paid consultancy with NBC News.

NBC sat on or suppressed two stories that went on to win Pulitzers, an NBC insider told Fox News. That is a new journalistic low."

Observers have often pondered if NBC executives reluctance to expose other big stars bad behavior -- via the "Access Hollywood' tape or Farrow's investigation -- was linked to a glass houses problem.

This is a situation in which perceptions of conflicts of interest must be weighed as much, if not more than, actual conflicts of interest. Thats particularly an issue here, where NBC News chairman and president are considered Matt Lauers friends, University of North Carolina journalism professor Lois Boynton told Fox News.

Lack, who famously once told the New York Times that I am Americas news leader," hasnt said much publicly about either situation. He appears to be taking things in stride. The NBC News boss was seen relaxing with a pillow in first class Sunday afternoon on a flight from Washington to New York, reading a print edition of The New York Times Sunday Styles section.Director Quentin Tarantino claimed The Weinstein Company owes him more than $4 million in royalties for four movies he worked on the studio with.

Tarantino, 55, has worked with Harvey and Bob Weinstein since his breakout hit Pulp Fiction but allegations of sexual abuse against Harvey Weinstein have caused the studio to crumble.

The Weinstein Co. is about to start selling off its assets but Tarantino said bids should not be taken until hes compensated for four films, Grindhouse/Death Proof, Inglorious Basterds, Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"By and through the Sale Motion and the Notice of Assumption, the Debtors assert that there are no defaults to cure in order to assume the Agreements," Tarantino's lawyers wrote in court papers filed in Delaware on Monday."[H]owever, there are numerous uncured monetary and non-monetary defaults under the Agreements that must be cured as a condition to any assumption or assignment of the Agreements."

RUSSELL BRANDS MOM SUFFERS NUMEROUS LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES AFTER CAR CRASH

The director is asking for more than $4 million for the four films. He is also demanding an accounting for the movies.

Besides Tarantino, other stars are also fighting over money from Weinstein films. Academy Award-winning actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence have asked the company not to sell its assets until theyve had a chance to examine the companys finances. DiCaprio inquired about money he is owed for his role in Django Unchained.

Meanwhile, Rachel McAdams and Jake Gyllenhaal claimed money is owed to them for Southpaw. Lawrence has inquired about money shes allegedly owed from Silver Linings Playbook.

Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, Stephen King, Heidi Klum and John Cusack make up another list of stars who have inquired money they are owed from back pay. The actors and directors have also asked the company not to sell off its assets until an inquiry.

AMANDA BYNES MAKES RARE PUBLIC APPEARANCE AT FUNDRAISER FOR CALIFORNIA SENATE CANDIDATE

The company could allegedly make more than $300 million from its assets. The Weinstein Co. filed for bankruptcy in March and owes some $500 million to stars, people and businesses.

Harvey Weinstein, once a high-profile figure in Hollywood, became a disgraced producer overnight following exposes in which women accused the mogul of rape, sexual assault and harassment.The Pop-up Project and SoundCorps announce a joint fundraiser, Abandoned Arts, featuring a performance and dance party in an abandoned warehouse on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at 1612 Cowart.

Musicians, dancers, songwriters, actors, poets, visual artists, videographers, sound engineers, costumers, make-up artistsimagine a world where these diverse artists routinely collaborate. A world where professional artists are free to push their own boundaries. A world where paid performers infuse their community with high quality art for everyone. The Pop-up Project and SoundCorps envision that world and are striving to make it a reality in Chattanooga, said officials.

"The Pop-up Project and SoundCorps have similar missions that support local artists, generate fair wages for performers, and provide access to the performing arts, said Pop-up Co-Founder Jules Downum. We support the growth of Chattanoogas culture by creating high quality and diverse experiences that enrich our community, added Co-Founder Mattie Waters.

The Pop-up Project works to expand professional opportunities for performing artists through collaborative site-specific live shows, performance videos and enrichment programming. And SoundCorps seeks to strengthen and grow Chattanoogas professional music industry, encouraging live venues, recording studios, record labels, retail outlets and industry services firms.

"We believe that Chattanooga is most healthy, alive, and vibrant when its performing arts communities are thriving, said SoundCorps Executive Director Stratton Tingle. Supporting these organizations helps ensure a future for Chattanooga musicians like those who perform for the children at Erlanger Children's Hospital every week through SongScripts, dance teachers pushing students toward personal excellence through discipline and physical expression, and all of the technical staff needed to pull off events of this caliber.

The fundraiser, billed as an anti-gala, will kick off with cocktails and desserts followed by a performance at 8 p.m. The dance piece features an original composition by local musician Carl Cadwell and original choreography created by the Pop-up co-founders along with seven dancers from all over the U.S. and Canada.

Fitting for the industrial site, the music, titled This Machine, was composed from sounds made by sewing machines, and in true collaborative fashion, the textiles of designer Maggie Pate will also be incorporated into the performance. Her fabrics are hand dyed with food waste and foraged plants from the Tennessee mountains in her Chattanooga studio, Nade. Local videographer Tim Cofield will produce a video of the performance, which will be shared later with the public for free on social media.

After the brief performance, the evening will shift into full dance party mode with tunes supplied by Synaptic Flow. In addition to a $10 entrance fee, the organizations will raise money through a silent auction, raffle and general donations. Ms. Downum and Ms. Waters said they are excited about the evening and the artistic momentum the funds will provide. For the arts to thrive in Chattanooga, we must have community investment, said Ms. Downum. Both financially and by people showing up to events, Ms. Waters agreed.

To learn more about these organizations or to donate to their efforts, visit SoundCorps.org and ThePopupProject.org. Better yet, Mr. Tingle encourages the public to bring a donation in person to the event on May 12. See what kind of magic happens when our arts community pulls together to collaborate for the greater good.

A California rapper on Sunday ordered local gang members to attack Kanye West over his support for President Trump.

Daz Dillinger, a cousin of legendary rapper Snoop Dogg, issued a Crip alert for gang members in an Instagram video.

"We are in one boat and theyre killing all of us. He jumps over there and says 'Master, I'm [on] your side, he said about West in the now-deleted clip, TMZ reported. "I'm with you master Trump. Burn all these n------."

Yo national alert, all the Crips out there, yall f--- Kanye up, Dillinger continued, referring to the infamous Crips gang in California. Better not ever see you in concert; better not ever see you around the LBC; better not ever see you around California.

The rapper went on to mention the city where West lives, saying: Stay in Calabasas, ya hear me? Cuz we got a Crip alert for Kanye  All the Crips out there  you see him, bang on his ass, f--- his a-- up. 

WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC LANGUAGE

The backlash shortly followed with numerous people expressing concern about the rapper ordering violent gang members to attack West. Dillinger reportedly wrote other messages directed at West over Sunday and Monday.

Other rappers also weighed in on the topic, according to Page Six. What the f--- is going on, 50 Cent wrote on Instagram. Daz Told the crips to f--- Kanye upCrips Vs Kardashiansget the strap.

Snoop Doggs cousin responded to backlash on Monday, posting on Instagram: FREEDOM OF SPEECH FUC KANYE THIS CRIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP THE REVOLUTION IS ON NOW [sic].

Late Monday evening he also posted another video, captioned: Stick and stones may break your bones but words will never hurt me.

Dillinger is a well-known rap artist who is still releasing music together with his cousin Snoop Dogg.

Snoop Dogg has been also critical of West showing support for President Trump, mocking him in multiple Instagram posts, including a fake tweet from former President George W. Bush saying Kanye West does not care about black people.Seth Rogen is standing by his longtime friend James Franco after he was accused of sexual misconduct by five women in January.

The truth is that my perspective on this is the least relevant perspective, Rogen said in a Vulture interview published Monday. Im friends with these people and Im a dude. All that combined makes me the last person who should be talking about this.

The Los Angeles Times released a report earlier this year in which five women, four of whom were former students of Francos, claimed the actor was inappropriate or sexually exploitative, saying he abused his power.

Franco, 40, has since been laying low and staying out of the spotlight.

The interviewer asked if writer-actor Rogen would continue working with Franco, to which Rogen simply replied, Yes.

There are so many people with real things to contribute to the #MeToo discussion that anything I say is not going to add anything useful, Rogen, 36, continued, adding that he tries to be as representative as possible in the directors and writers and actors we work with.

Franco has denied allegations against him.

Franco and Rogen first met when they starred together in the cult TV series Freaks and Geeks, which aired for one season from 1999-2000. They have also worked together on films including The Disaster Artist, The Interview and This Is the End.

This story originally appeared in the New York Post.A woman is claiming the manager of a restaurant came to her house at 10 pm after she left a mediocre Yelp review.

Yesha Callahan of Loudoun County, Virginia, said she ordered food for delivery from La Porchetta, an Italian restaurant in Sterling. When the driver arrived, Callahan said he asked her to leave a review on the eaterys Yelp page.

My dinner was delivered & the delivery guy asked me to leave a review on @YelpNoVA. So I left a 3 star review bc it was mediocre, she wrote on Twitter.

LA RESTAURATEUR THREATENS TO KNOCK YELP USER INTO UNCONSCIOUSNESS OVER BAD REVIEW

Callahan, who ordered a burger and a zeppole, a deep-fried Italian pastry, logged onto the site and left her feedback with the star rating.

"Tried this place based on the reviews and the fact that they had zeppoles on the menu, which you don't come by often," her review read. "Ordered the cheese burger, which was very dry & unseasoned. Also did not come with lettuce or tomato. The zeppoles barely had any powdered sugar on them & were soggy from the styrofoam container. I would suggest sending them to people in small paper bags. Maybe next time I'll try the pizza."

Later that night, Callahan told FOX 5, she heard several knocks at her door.

"I live alone and Im not going to go to my door at ten oclock at night and answer it," she said to FOX 5.

The Root magazine editor said the knocks were followed by phone calls and voicemails.

"Two phone calls came. I sent them both to voicemail and when I finally listened to the message he was saying he was outside my door to talk about the Yelp review," she said.

In response to the managers unwelcome visit, Callahan dropped her rating down to one-star and added an update to her review.

"I was scared. I was scared. I've seen horror movies," Callahan said about the late-night knocking.

La Porchettas manager responded to the incident, telling FOX 5 it was all a misunderstanding.

I went to her house to give her a replacement order and to explain that GrubHub had the wrong description of our burger," the manager said. "It's our fault that we went, and we know that. We just wanted to give the customer a correct order."

Callahan said she would have preferred the restaurant to have responded to her review online in the first place or waited until the next day to try and correct the order.

"He left an apology on Yelp but, you know, it's too late. You came to my house unannounced ten o'clock at night. that's just not proper protocol," she said to FOX 5.

Callahan said she called the police after the incident and was informed they would contact the restaurant; however, she confirmed to FOX 5 that the officer did not get in touch with the manager.

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Since the post, Yelp has locked the restaurants page for Active Cleanup Alert, after people began to leave bad reviews based on what happened to Callahan.Several Auburn University graduates and more than a dozen North Carolina residents have all developed a rare form of eye cancer in a case that has left doctors baffled.

Ocular melanoma is diagnosed to about 2,500 people a year but statistics show two towns  Auburn, Ala., and Huntersville, N.C.  have a high number of patients living with the cancer, Healthline reported earlier this month.

WARNING GRAPHIC PHOTOS

We see patients from all over the country and some patients from outside of the country. Certainly if we have patients who know each other or who lived and grew up in the same town, that has been kind of a red flag for us in trying to figure out if theres something else going on, Dr. Marlana Orloff, an oncologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, told Healthline.

WOMANS RARE DISORDER CAUSES HER TO VOMIT 30 TIMES A DAY

Auburn, the home to one of the states largest universities, has about 63,000 people living in the city. Thirty-six Auburn graduates have been diagnosed with the rare cancer, including a group of friends who developed it years apart. In Huntersville, 18 people were diagnosed with the cancer.

Juleigh Green, Allison Allred and Ashley McCrary were all friends during their university days and were astonished to learn they all shared the same cancer.

"What's crazy is literally standing there, I was like, 'Well, I know two people who've had this cancer,'" McCrary told CBS News on Monday.

Ocular melanoma develops in cells that produce eye pigment and can be detected when a persons eyes form spots, Healthline reported. Symptoms include blurry or distorted vision, a blind spot in your vision, seeing flashing lights or a dark spot in your field of vision. Treatment for the cancer include surgery and in some cases removing the entire eye. There is no known cure for the cancer.

RENOWNED AUSTALIAN SCIENTIST DAVID GOODALL, 104, WILL TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND TO END HIS LIFE

Researchers were studying the patients to see if there is any link between the patients and the cancer, Orloff told CBS News.

"Most people don't know anyone with this disease," Orloff said. "We said, 'OK, these girls were in this location, they were all definitively diagnosed with this very rare cancer  what's going on?'"

The three friends said it was difficult to be live with the cancer, but came together and made a Facebook page for others who have also been diagnosed with ocular melanoma.

"What's crazy is literally standing there, I was like, 'Well, I know two people who've had this cancer."  Ashley McCrary

McCrary said 36 people have responded to the women saying they also attended the university and have the cancer.

"We believe that when we're looking at what's going on in Huntersville, North Carolina, and what's going on here, there is something that potentially links us together," she said.

"Until we get more research into this, then we're not gonna get anywhere. We've got to have it so that we can start linking all of them together to try to find a cause, and then one day, hopefully, a cure," said Lee.

Residents of Huntersville who have the diagnosis have also created a Facebook page.

The university said in a statement that they were hopeful that research and awareness will advance the prevention and treatment of this cancer.Grace Fredericksens father may not be alive if it werent for her quick thinking.

Last week, Graces father, Jeff, 33, was rearranging the furniture in his 10-year-old daughter's room when he suddenly collapsed, KHOU reported. He eventually woke up and was able to stumble to the couch but kept passing out, Graces mother, Kelly, said on Facebook.

[He was] confused and not with it when he was awake," Kelly described the disoriented dad.

At that point, Grace knew the situation was serious, realizing she needed to call somebody so they could come and help him and get him somewhere, the young girl told KHOU.

Grace, of Alvin, Texas, used her younger brothers iPod Touch to Facetime her mom, who then rang her fathers phone so Grace could locate it and call 911.

Shortly after describing her fathers symptoms to emergency officials, help arrived.

The ambulance showed up and cops showed up and I opened the door and they just said Where is he? and then they walked to him and started helping, Grace said.

When emergency officials arrived, he was slumped over on the couch and his heart rate was 24, Kelly wrote.

A normal resting heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults, according to the Mayo Clinic.

After running multiple tests, doctors concluded Jeffs blood pressure medication -- one that hes been on for years, according to Kelly -- caused his heart rate to slow. Doctors also think it could be possible neurological issue, she said. Jeff is now recovering at a local hospital.

"No one knows what could of possibly happened had Grace not acted as fast she did," Kelly told Fox News on Tuesday evening. "We are so proud of her -- she was able to stay calm and get the help needed."

"She was able to stay strong for her daddy and brother," Kelly added.

Kelly said that this was her daughter's first emergency, adding that "we had not drilled in the kids what to do in an emergency." But since Jeff's medical scare, "[we] have since went over in depth what to do," she said.

The biggest lesson the 10-year-old has learned from this situation? "Always keep your phone charged," her mother said.The countdown to the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry is officially on, and those lucky enough to attend would be wise to select their outfit pronto. Various etiquette experts claim theres a whole slew of style rules for the big day, and not one thread should be out of place.

According to Town and Country, Queen Elizabeth distributed a formal 22-page etiquette guide for the 1,900 guests invited to the 2011 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The sartorial protocol for the wedding ceremony of Markle and the sixth-in-line to the throne are likely no different.

Whether youll be wiping a tear as the actress and her prince say I do from the pews of St. Georges Chapel or from the couch in your pajamas, dust off your knowledge of all things decorum and tradition and keep on reading.

MEGHAN MARKLE SPORTS HAT, TRENCH COAT AT MEMORIAL SERVICE AFTER DRESS CONTROVERSY

1. Hemlines should be knee-length and shoulders covered

Ladies are expected to sport a conservative look from head to toe for official royal wedding ceremonies.

Shoulders should be covered, hemlines should be on the conservative side, and closed-toe shoes, Plaza Hotel etiquette expert Myka Meier told Town & Country. As with any nuptials, women should not wear white, and its considered rude to wear black, the color of mourning.

2. Heels must be low, worn with tights

Two high-profile guests caused a stir at Prince William and Duchess Kates 2011 nuptials: Victoria Beckham, who opted for stilettos, and Prime Minister David Camerons wife, Samantha, who arrived sans tights.

If youre looking to stay in good graces with the queen, ladies should be advised to save their wedges for the after-party  the monarch reportedly despises the casual style.

The queen isnt a fan of wedged shoes, a source told Vanity Fair in 2015. She really doesnt like them and its well known among the women in the family.

3. Men are advised to sport morning dress

With festivities taking place in the daytime, male guests will likely be spotted at the nuptials in the morning dress look of a morning suit with waist coat and tie, The Sun reports. According to the outlet, the dress code on Harry and Meghans invitation alternatively suggests a lounge suit for gentlemen.

For the groom himself, speculation is high that the prince will follow in his older brothers footsteps and wear his military uniform.

4. Hats are worn - inside the church

Hats are a sign of festivity for a British wedding. They are kept on inside the church, but people should be careful of the people sitting behind them, Meier told the Associated Press. Its not the Kentucky Derby. No huge brims. Nothing too high, she said.

Whether you favor a fascinator, floral ensemble or louder headpiece, society stylist Diane Lloyde Roth offers this sage advice: Make sure your hat and your outfit are going to the same event. St. Georges Chapel only features about 800 seats, and it would be rude to block the view of fellow guests.

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5. Meghan will likely carry a myrtle bouquet

According to Brides, Markle will likely carry myrtle, known as the herb of love, in her bouquet on May 19. The tradition began at the 1840 wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and every British royal bride since has carried myrtle down the aisle from the same bouquet.

Though the odds are also likely that the former actress will sport a wedding gown by a British designer, she does have a proven penchant for blazing her own style trail.It may be Barbies world, but some critics are calling out the folks at Mattel for featuring an African-American doll with a half-finished hairstyle on social media.

The official BarbieStyle Instagram account shared a photo of three dolls on April 27, promoting a new Barbie documentary. In the image, two white Barbie dolls sport simple ponytails, while a black Barbie has one side of her head hair braided in dark cornrows and the rest styled in bouncy golden curls.

Movie night with my girls to watch the @Hulu premiere of the new @Barbie documentary, Tiny Shoulders: Rethinking Barbie! Check it out now at the link in my bio!  #barbie #barbiestyle the account wrote.

Many Twitter and Instagram commentators, however, were quick to criticize the half-finished style of the hot mess look.

Why you all got halfway done weave Barbie for sale? The weave ain't done. Let her full Mary J. Blige on. This sewing is not complete  what is you doing? You are exposing the process! This is the secrets! The dark arts of beauty! Help her! Protect her!, @KevOnStage stated in a one-minute Twitter video.

MOVIE THEATER FORCED TO ISSUE DRESS CODE AFTER CUSTOMERS KEEP SHOWING UP IN PAJAMAS, BATHROBES

"Corn rows & a ratchet blonde weave. Why yall playing in black Barbies face ?? Sis looks like her hair girl has an emergency and had to go, added Joliette Mechele.

This is actually just embarrassing. Like they wanted to fit every black hair style on one head. The cornrows, the dyed weave, body wave bundles. Why? Why? Why? Just ask any black person and they will tell you, that you dont do this anywhere. ANYWHERE! Eno Boateng chimed in.

See this is the #bs we talking about. Who in THEE HELL did black Barbies hair like this. Does anyone black work there @barbiestyle @barbie??? #ineedanswers #thisiswhywecantletitgo, agreed Ebony Brown.

TEEN'S POST-SPRAY TAN SELFIE GOES VIRAL

Others, meanwhile, praised the authenticity of the look and inclusivity of Mattel to pointedly feature a diverse mix of dolls.

I don't see what the issue is, y'all say y'all want inclusion but want the Black dolls to have hair like the white ones? Black girls have different hair Barbie is embracing that, why can't you? one supporter disagreed on Twitter.

I think this is cute. Yall stop being sensitive. At least they tried to make a more urban doll, another Instagram user said.

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Taking the issue more lightly, Kandi Burruss of The Real Housewives of Atlanta seized the opportunity to share a photo of herself rocking a nearly identical hairstyle to the Barbie in question.

I wasnt gonna post this pic but since I have a sense of humor I decided to give yall a good laugh! I saw people roasting the hair on the Barbie pic today & I laughed so hard because I had this same hairstyle before. This was my real hair, no weave, Buruss wrote in a post that has since been like 90,647 times, to the delight of her 5.2 million followers on the platform.

Somewhat ironically, two days earlier, a Barbie executive said in the "Tiny Shoulders" documentary that the iconic doll is looking to be inclusive to all kinds of people" in 2018 and moving forward, USA Today reports.

Kim Culmone, vice president of Barbie design, said in the film that new Barbie dolls, from curvy editions to tall and petite sizes, are an integral part of evolving the images that come to mind when people talk about Barbie."

[We're listening to] what girls are talking about, she said.

Next year, the iconic doll will celebrate her 60th birthday.

Mattel returned Fox News request for comment with the following statement:

"The @barbiestyle channel depicts the daily activities of Barbie and showcases dolls with a variety of diverse looks, including skin tones, hairstyles and fashions. For almost 60 years, Barbie has been canvas for cultural conversation," a company spokesperson said. "We are proud to offer the most diverse fashion doll line in the marketplace where consumers can find a doll that resonates with them."Crye-Leike Real Estate Services announced that Shannon Riddle is now affiliated with CryeLeike Real Estate Service's Ooltewah branch office as a licensed realtor. Ms. Riddle will serve the residential real estate needs of buyers and sellers in and around Hamilton, Bradley, Marion, Meigs, Rhea, and Sequatchie counties.

Ms. Riddle is a member of the National Association of REALTORS and the Greater Chattanooga Association of REALTORS. She is licensed in both Alabama and Tennessee. Helping my clients navigate through the tedious process that comes with buying or selling a home is very rewarding and fulfilling, said Ms.

Riddle. I love this city and to serve the community by assisting others with their real estate needs is a passion of mine.

Ms. Riddle may be reached at 205-903-6202 or Shannon.riddle@crye-leike.com.A Catholic high school in Michigan claims they never intended to hand out "Modesty Ponchos" to underdressed prom attendees after receiving backlash from students and some parents.

"Our intention with displaying the poncho was never to make students feel uncomfortable, but to remind all students and parents of our formal Prom dress policy, which has not changed for several years, principal Eric Haley wrote in a statement obtained by The Post. To be clear: The poncho will not be passed out at Prom. It was on display to proactively remind students of our dress code policies and eliminate any confusion prior to this special event.

We encourage our students to tailor their outfits or provide their own wraps or shawls that would meet our requirements, Haleys statement continued. If necessary, we may also provide wraps and shawls, as we have done at school functions for many years.

The ponchos were originally created by the school and displayed on mannequins at Divinity Child High School in Dearborn, along with a note reading, If your dress does not meet our formal dance dress requirements  no problem! We've got you covered  literally. This is our Modesty Poncho, which you'll be given at the door. :)"

TEEN LOANING OUT PROM DRESS ON TWITTER SPARKS A SOCIAL MEDIA MOVEMENT

The Modesty Ponchos were displayed in different patterns and were initially reported to be designed as a cover-up to be worn on the shoulders of underdressed female students  like a poncho.

"We are trying focus on the inner beauty and not draw attention to something that doesn't need attention drawn to it," theology teacher Mary Pat O'Malley said to FOX 2. "It was really intended as a deterrent and a lighthearted one at that."

OMalley came up with the idea for the Modesty Poncho as an addition to the schools already detailed formal dress code agreement, which students and parents have to sign as part of the dress guidelines.

OMalley and the high school principal told FOX 2 that no parents have complained about the proposed cover-up, but students were saying the poncho is a form of body shaming.

A student who wished to remain anonymous out of concerns of retaliation by the school, told FOX 2 that she was concerned about the clothing item.

"I do believe the school has gone too far with this," she said. "As we walk into prom, we are to shake hands with all the teachers and if you walk through and a teacher deems your dress is inappropriate you will be given a poncho at the door."

"Who knows what will happen to those who try and speak out against it?" she added. Her classmate was allegedly disciplined for criticizing the new poncho on social media. The administration neither confirmed nor denied the claim to FOX 2.

At least one parent agrees with the students upset over the Modesty Poncho.

"It's a method of shaming, a method of building and degrading to females," the parent, who also asked to be anonymous, said.

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Following backlash, the school clarified its intentions with the "Modesty Ponchos" on Tuesday. The schools prom is scheduled for May 12.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

A lawsuit filed Tuesday by Texas and six other states may finally result in the long-overdue termination of the DACA program, which was created without legal authority by President Obama in 2012 to allow children brought into the U.S. illegally to temporarily remain here under certain conditions.

The lawsuit does not address the question of whether allowing the roughly 700,000 illegal immigrants protected from deportation under DACA is a good policy or a bad one. Instead, the suit contends correctly that President Obama exceeded his authority under law and under the Constitution to create DACA without the approval of Congress and without taking other required steps.

Whatever the outcome of the suit, the ruling seems certain to be appealed and wind up in the U.S. Supreme Court.

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. President Trump announced in September that he wanted to phase out the program beginning in March, but federal judges blocked him from doing so after lawsuits were filed to keep DACA in place.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in U.S. District Court in Brownsville, Texas, correctly says DACA must be invalidated because President Obama had no legal right to create the program without congressional authorization.

The states contend that if Congress wants to, it has the authority under the Constitution to create whatever program it wants for the illegal immigrants affected by DACA. But the president doesnt have that power acting alone.

This is a critical point. Under the Constitution, the president cant change laws strictly on his own authority just because he thinks such a change is a good idea that will benefit the nation. Congress is a co-equal branch of government and must approve new laws.

If this were not the case, we could have one-person rule by the president  destroying the checks and balances between branches of government that are a key part of the separation of powers in the Constitution and that safeguard our freedom.

The state of Texas was joined by Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and West Virginia in filing the lawsuit Tuesday.

In addition to lacking congressional authorization, the seven states say DACA should be thrown out because it:

? Violates federal immigration law.

? Was implemented without the notice-and-comment procedures required for all substantive government regulations and policies under the Administrative Procedure Act.

? Violates the Take Care Clause of the Constitution  the provision that requires the president to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.

DACA essentially gives a free pass to illegal immigrants who arrived in the U.S. before turning 16 by June 2007, granting them lawful presence with access to a myriad of government benefits, including work authorizations and Social Security benefits.

The lawsuit filed by seven states claims that DACA is just as contrary to federal law as the 2014 Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program, also created by President Obama.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals halted DAPA in 2015. That decision was affirmed by a divided Supreme Court when it had just eight justices, following the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

The DAPA program gave illegal immigrants who were parents of children who were American citizens (usually because the children were born in the U.S.) or whose children were legal permanent residents the same type of amnesty and benefits as the DACA program gave to children brought to the U.S. illegally.

But as the 5th Circuit noted when it stopped the implementation of DAPA, letting a president exercise such power would allow (the president) to grant lawful presence and work authorization to any illegal alien in the United States  an untenable position in light of the intricate system of immigration classifications and employment eligibility under federal law.

Texas and the other states involved in the successful lawsuit against DAPA had threatened to amend their lawsuit and add a claim against DACA. But when the Trump administration rescinded DACA  announcing it would not issue or renew DACA permits starting March 5 this year  the states dismissed their DACA lawsuit.

The seven states revived their lawsuit Tuesday to counter the errant injunctions blocking President Trump from ending DACA that were issued by U.S. district courts in California, New York and Washington, D.C.

In January, a California federal judge blocked President Trumps decision to end DACA.

A federal judge in the nations capital recently issued another decision that the seven states argue took the remarkable additional step of vacating the executives decision to wind down DACA, granting summary judgment that the wind-down was substantively unlawful  and ordering the Executive to continue issuing new DACA applications as well, although that judge stayed his order for 90 days.

In addition to all of the legal claims against DACA, the seven states point out that the Obama administrations overall refusal to enforce immigration laws caused a humanitarian crisis.

The states cite a 2013 federal court decision that said the Obama administration encouraged international child smuggling across the Texas-Mexico border because even though the federal government arrested human smugglers, it completed the criminal conspiracy  by delivering the minors to the custody of their parents who were in the country illegally.

By promoting human trafficking, the Obama administration helped fund the illegal drug cartels which are a very real danger for both citizens of this country and Mexico, the lawsuit filed Tuesday says.

The states want the U.S. District Court to declare the original 2012 DACA program invalid. They also plan to file a motion asking the federal court to issue a preliminary injunction stopping the federal government from issuing or renewing any DACA permits in the future.

The seven states assert that their lawsuit is emphatically about the rule of law. The policy merits of immigration laws are debated in and decided by Congress, not the executive branch, which does not exercise a lawmaking role.

Heres the bottom line:

President Obama had no constitutional or statutory authority to create DACA and provide what amounted to an administrative amnesty program for illegal immigrants.

It is bizarre for judges in California, New York and elsewhere to hold that a president cannot reverse the executive actions of a prior president  particularly when they were improper to start with. It is time the courts recognized that.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

President Trump is widely expected to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal by May 12  but in reality, the deeply flawed deal was likely doomed and headed for the junkyard of history from the moment he placed his hand on the Bible to take the oath of office as president on Jan. 20, 2017.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus briefing Monday on Irans extensive nuclear program  documenting how the 2015 nuclear deal that was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons was based on lies  was one more piece of evidence justifying President Trumps virtually certain decision to kill from the deal.

In addition to the U.S. and Iran, other world powers that are parties to the agreement are the European Union, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China.

French President Emmanuel Macron is desperately trying to save the deal  and address some of its gaping holes  along with British and German leaders. They are suggesting side agreements to keep the existing framework in place.

However, Trump administration officials argue that, in many respects, Americas European allies are making the argument for killing the deal for them.

France and Germany are making the case for us that this deal needs to die, a Trump administration official who asked not to be identified so he could speak candidly told me Tuesday. Why is Europe so desperate to keep this bad deal going? With all its problems, it makes sense to scrap it and negotiate something much more comprehensive  and really fix the problem once and for all. We dont need a Band-Aid agreement with Iran  we need something that delivers a solution to their nuclear aims. There is no point in anything less than that.

The flaws in the agreement  negotiated by the Obama administration and the other nations involved  were described to me by Trump administration officials and others.

The biggest flaw is that the agreement only holds back Irans nuclear weapons aspirations for about a decade. This so-called sunset provision is the one of the most worrisome flaws of the deal, a defect that has given many Israeli defense officials I have spoken to over the years countless headaches.

Israel is a tiny country  the United States is 473 times larger. So the Jewish state has good reason to fear that Iran, which has pledged many times to destroy Israel, could actually do so if it developed nuclear weapons and used them to attack.

The Iran deal is garbage because it is dead in 10 to 12 years, a senior Israeli official told me. It should be tossed for that reason alone. It provides no concrete solution to the nuclear question that hangs over the Middle East  and remains an existential threat to Israel.

The Israeli official added: Irans nuclear know-how is just being kept on ice. They most surely retained all their prior work to build a nuclear weapon. Mark my words, in 10 years or so, they wont want to renegotiate the deal or create a permeant one. By then, they will have the means to quickly build a nuclear weapon  and have the delivery systems to accurately hit Israel, Europe and possibly even America.

Speaking of delivery systems, that is the second and one of the most challenging problems with the Iran deal. The Islamic Republic can still develop any type of missile with no restrictions on range or payload whatsoever. And it would be those very cruise and ballistic missiles that Tehran would use to launch nuclear weapons.

People underestimate what a problem that is, a top defense official in the George W. Bush administration told me. Iran can pour lots of money into building advanced long-range missiles  or even buy ICBM technology from North Korea  and when the deal expires, mount their nuclear weapon onto a missile that is essentially ready to go. The Obama administration should have never signed this deal  it is a fatal flaw that should have ended any talk of this agreement. It makes the deal not even worth the paper it was signed on. Disgraceful.

But perhaps the worst problem with the Iran deal is that it was never going to change the nature of the Iranian regime. From Syria, to Iraq, to Yemen the mullahs who rule Iran are spreading chaos and death all over the Middle East, while expanding their own power and influence.

Obama administration officials naively hoped that Iran  free of international economic sanctions after signing the nuclear deal  would become a peaceful member of the community of nations. But Iran has shown beyond doubt that is has no intention of changing its behavior.

So with the Iran deal likely to be declared officially dead by President Trump in the next few days, what happens next?

The Trump administration must focus on how to contain Iranian aspirations in the Middle East, while, at the same time trying to forge what could be a new agreement with Tehran. But past and present U.S. government officials and experts are in near universal agreement that none of that will be easy.

Hatred of the Great Satan America and of the Zionist entity of Israel are core beliefs of the current Iranian regime.

The Trump administration has the right idea  its time to confront Tehran now before they become too powerful, have missiles they can mate with warheads or becomes an economic powerhouse, a former Israeli diplomat told me. But they (U.S. officials) must lay out their vision of how they want to accomplish it, what their goals are and how they will achieve their objectives.

The former Israeli diplomat added: Otherwise, all of this will be for nothing  and Iran is then free from its nuclear prison. We are rooting for President Trump, but we want a comprehensive strategy to tackle this problem.

A European diplomat told me that everyone with a vested interest in a stronger Iran deal knows what that blueprint looks like.

Iran must agree to limit on its missile capabilities, the complete ending of its nuclear weapons program forever, along with a dramatic curtailing of its support of terrorism throughout the Middle East and causing trouble in various nations throughout the region, the European diplomat said. That is the deal. Anything else and we are wasting our time.

And if not?

Iran can be contained, the former official from the George W. Bush administration said. We have done it before, we can do it again. There is no shame in such a plan. Their economy can be held back in isolation for years  perhaps decades. They wont be able to get rich selling oil or gas. They can go back to being an international pariah. And, considering Irans recent economic and protest issues, that should scare the hell out of them.

Might cancelling the Iran deal cause so many problems for the country that it could lead to regime change? No one can say for sure, but in 1979 a revolution overthrew an Iranian government that was friendly to the U.S. and did not threaten Israel. We cant rule out another revolution in the years ahead that will knock the current Islamist extremist regime out of power.NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!

Keziah Daum, an 18-year-old high school student in Woods Cross, Utah, has found herself on the receiving end of vicious and scathing abuse on social media for shocking act of  daring to wear a traditional Chinese dress to a prom.

Say what?

Keziah is not Asian. So she is guilty, in the minds of those mindless cowards of the keyboard, of a newly developed left-wing cardinal sin called cultural appropriation.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Keziahs tweet showing her wearing the red and yellow dress had been retweeted more than 6,000 times and liked more than 94,000 times.

Keziah is not apologizing. Her tweet said she wore the dress to show respect for Chinese culture.

But a nasty tweet from a young Asian-American man responding to Keziah, saying: My culture is NOT your g------ prom dress has been retweeted more than 41,000 times and liked more than 178,000 times.

If youve never heard of cultural appropriation, consider yourself lucky  it means you arent surrounded by politically correct pinheads who are only happy when they consider themselves offended (or alienated, in their own language) by something, somewhere.

The term cultural appropriation is borrowed from sociology  itself a dubious academic discipline to begin with. The term means that people from a majority culture are borrowing aspects of minority culture without the permission of those minority members.

But theres another way to express the concept of cultural appropriation  its called human nature. Its only natural for people to appreciate the contributions of other groups  ethnic, religious, racial, or whatever  and to adapt those ideas or appearances for themselves.

Its been going on for millennia.

These days, the McCarthyites of the left are demanding that no one ever use anyone elses appearance, culture, clothing, music, or anything else, without the express written permission of the group from which that item or idea comes.

What a relief that cultural appropriation wasnt a thing in the late 18th century, when Britain, France and Germany went gaga for Chinese porcelain, creating massive wealth for Asian artisans who sent millions of pieces of china to Europe and created huge domestic industries for china in those nations.

I sure hope none of the Cultural Appropriation Fan Club use china in their homes  because if they are, theyre guilty of cultural appropriation themselves!

In 1837, the great French composer Hector Berlioz based the Dies Irae movement of his great Requiem on a line of Gregorian chant, which had been composed almost 800 years earlier. Should we put Berlioz on a new index of forbidden cultural items, because he dared borrow from a religious order of which he was not a part?

Should we slash all the Paul Gauguin canvases across the worlds museums, because he painted women from Tahiti?

Pablo Picasso developed a fascination with African masks, which led to African art becoming known and admired in Europe in the first half of the 20th century.

Bad Picasso! Bad Picasso!

Should non-Latinos never be allowed into Mexican restaurants? Should non-Asians be barred from Chinese restaurants? Should white people not be permitted to listen to jazz, or Asians be barred from listening to the Beatles? Should leftists whose first language isnt Latin be allowed to use words derived from Latin  of which cultural and appropriation are just two?

Oh, and by the way, back to the subject of clothing: about 33 percent of all clothes and 72 percent of all shoes, boots and other footwear sold in the U.S. are made in China. And more than 97 percent of the clothes and 98 percent of the shoes and other footwear sold in the U.S. are made in other countries.

Getting rid of all those items in our closets could give new meaning to phrase I have nothing to wear. Not to mention terminating employment for people around the world making our clothes and shoes.

Where does the nonsense of cultural appropriation end?



How about right here, right now?

America is supposed to be an appreciation of cultural mores  whether were a melting pot or a salad bowl, were a society that honors contributions from immigrants and visitors from all over the globe.

The left wants us to step backwards into a world where we are suspicious of one another and not allowed to get to know each other or what we think about or stand for. Thats the exact opposite of whats needed today, when there is little positive communication across the barricades that seem to have been erected in society.

Cultural appropriation really means cultural Balkanization, a world where we are afraid to admire the works and contributions of people who are different from ourselves.

Combine that concept with a system of social media that allows for the condemning of those who dare to cross the line  a line they may never even have heard of.

What happened Keziah on Twitter is a public shaming far worse than the 17th century witch hunts, because the shunning doesnt stop at the edge of ones neighborhood. Every disparaging tweet or post travels internationally and becomes a part of that persons permanent, indelible online record. Thats the real shame.

The proponents of cultural appropriation didnt likely intend for their clever little idea to be picked up by haters across the planet and used as a means of humiliating people they never met  in this case, a young woman who merely committed the outrageous crime of wearing a dress to her prom. Or maybe theyre thrilled by all this.

Ill tell you the real reason Keziah has come in for such vitriol: its because shes a beautiful young woman, judging by the photographs, and she looks terrific in her Chinese dress.

I think all those haters out there are just jealous.More than a dozen known or suspected terrorists are trying to get into the U.S. on any given day, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen told Fox News, citing new internal department data.

"People think of border security in very different ways but to me its very simple: border security is national security," Nielsen said. "What we see at the Department of Homeland Security, we see 15 terrorists either planning to travel or actually traveling to the United States each day, known and suspected terrorists. So that means they are coming through our legal land, port and air but they could be coming across that (southwest) border."

In New York City for a series of recent closed-door threat and intelligence meetings, Nielsen spoke exclusively with Fox News at Ground Zero -- not far from the October 2017 attack where an ISIS-inspired terrorist used a truck to kill eight people along the West Side Highway.

"Using the Internet, terrorist groups are encouraging followers to bring your own weapon, use a car, use a truck, use a knife, something you can easily pick up, and go and commit chaos and murder," Nielsen explained.

The Chief of Counterterrorism at the New York City Police Department, James R. Waters, said personal relationships matter. "Being able to pick up the phone and speak to the secretary herself or her immediate staff and discuss an issue or a problem to protect the city is invaluable."

Waters' intelligence teams track events worldwide, including the attempted poisoning in the U.K. targeting a Russian military officer-turned-spy and his daughter last month. "We study attacks around the world and if something can be done over there, it can be done over here," Waters explained to Fox News. "So that has been the secret to some of our success in thwarting plots... we follow the threat. We follow the attacks that go on. We travel to those parts of the world and talk one-to-one with the law enforcement and their governments."

Waters said that since 9/11, his teams have thwarted "more than 20 plots. Bona fide plots" targeting the New York City area.

With the Supreme Court now weighing the third version of the travel ban affecting a small group of mostly Muslim countries, Nielsen said the Trump administration remains committed to knowing who's entering the U.S., and whether their home nations are high-risk.

"What weve done as a country is, weve said we owe it to our citizens to know who is traveling here and if they intend to do us harm."

Asked if the administration was dissuaded from the travel ban given the setbacks, Nielsen said, "Im not. I think its a requirement, I think thats what Americans expect their government to do, is to ensure that people traveling here do not intend to do them harm."

Nielsen said that in her first four months on the job, her department has run into roadblocks with Congress. On funding for the border wall, she said lawmakers "all say to me, 'were in favor of border security, border security is our sovereignty, border security is the most important thing a country can do,' and yet when we try to work with them on legislation it falls apart. So, I really hope that they take it seriously. Im willing to work with anyone in good faith who will work with me but its very high on the presidents mind to get this done as soon as possible."

Speaking about the recent deployment of National Guard troops to the Mexican border, "I dont know why it was controversial. Weve done this twice before to much success." Asked if that was a measure of the politically charged environment, Nielsen said, "I think so."

Nielsen pushed back against critics who said she got the top job because she worked for the administration's first DHS chief, John Kelly, now the White House chief of staff.

"I worked at the crossroads of policy and operations," Nielsen told Fox News. "I kind of bring all that experience together because homeland security is a team sport, and I've played almost every role, every player, every team. So from that perspective I think I bring that uniqueness so that policy is never made in a vacuum and operations are never made in such a way as to violate a policy."

Almost every homeland security secretary makes the pilgrimage to Engine 10, ladder 10 near the World Trade Center site.

"Its moving, a reaffirmation of why we do this, the importance of the mission, the sacrifice of the first responders who on a good day put their lives on the line to protect our fellow citizens."Nearly a dozen people suspected of traveling through Mexico to the U.S. border as part of the immigrant "caravan" from Central America are now facing new complaints for immigration-related violations, including entering the U.S. illegally.

A federal law enforcement official told Fox News on Monday that the Justice Department has filed complaints against 11 suspected members of the caravan.

MEMBERS OF MIGRANT CARAVAN REMAIN DEFIANT AFTER US AGAIN DENIES BORDER ENTRY

Most of the defendants allegedly entered the U.S. illegally, which is a misdemeanor. One defendant is accused of having entered the U.S. after having previously been deported, which is a felony.

Defendants, according to the probable cause statement, were seen near an area known to border patrol agents as "Goat Canyon," roughly four miles from the San Ysidro port of entry in San Diego, California.

Two of those facing new complaints are Salvadorans, six are Hondurans and three are Guatemalans.

The "caravan" of Central Americans started moving toward North America on March 25. The group of around 200 immigrants traveled through Mexico to the U.S. in an effort to seek asylum at the American border.

Most of those who have been trying to enter the U.S. remain stalled in Mexico after Customs and Border Protection said Sunday that the agency "reached capacity at the San Ysidro port of entry for CBP officers to be able to bring additional persons traveling without appropriate entry documentation into the port of entry for processing."

President Trump, who has often tweeted about the immigrants, said Monday night that the "'caravan' that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are."

He added that "Democrats like Jon Tester continue to support the open borders agenda  Tester even voted to protect Sanctuary Cities. We need lawmakers who will put America First."

Trump called for Tester, the Montana seantor, to resign on Saturday following a White House report disputing his allegations against the president's pick for the next secretary of Veterans Affairs, Adm. Ronny Jackson. Jackson ultimately withdrew.

Fox News' William Lajeunesse contributed to this report.The Trump administration announced Monday that it would wait another 30 days before deciding whether to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the European Union, Canada and Mexico -- temporarily avoiding a potential trade war wth the 28-member bloc ahead of crucial trade talks with China this week.

The White House also said it had reached an agreement with South Korea on steel imports following discussions on a revised trade agreement, the outlines of which were previously announced by U.S. and South Korean officials. The administration also announced that it had reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil on steel and aluminum that will be finalized shortly.

"In all of these negotiations," the White House statement said, "the Administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security."

President Trump was considering whether to permanently exempt the EU and Mexico, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil from steel and aluminum tariffs that his administration imposed last month. The White House provided temporary exemptions in March and had until the end of Monday to decide whether to extend them.

The EU has said if it loses its exemption it will retaliate with its own tariffs on U.S. goods imported to Europe.

The confrontation stems from the president's decision in March to slap tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on imported aluminum. Trump justified the action by saying it was needed to protect American metal producers from unfair competition and bolster national security. But the announcement, which followed an intense internal White House debate, triggered harsh criticism from Democrats and some Republicans and roiled financial markets.

At the time, Trump excluded the European Union, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil from the tariffs.

That meant the steel tariff covered just 30 percent of all imports, according to Oxford Economics. If all the exemptions were ended, it would have deepened the impact of the tariffs on American companies that use steel and potentially affect financial markets. Stock prices fell nearly 2 percent when the tariffs were announced.

Two people familiar with the process said the Trump administration had been considering whether to provide a short-term extension of the exemptions to allow for more time to review the countries' efforts to secure permanent exemptions.

One of the officials said the U.S. trade representative has been overseeing the process for all of the countries except for the European Union, whose tariffs are being evaluated by the Commerce Department.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations.

The EU and others had been asked to spell out what limits they could accept on the amount of steel they export to the United States, how they would address the issue of excess production of steel and aluminum and how they would support the U.S. before international bodies like the World Trade Organization. Security relationships with the U.S. have also been part of the criteria.

South Korea agreed to limit its exports to the United States as part of broader discussions involved in updating its bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. and was granted a permanent exemption.

China, Japan and Russia haven't received exemptions from the duties. That will likely reduce steel shipments from those countries over time. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said late Friday that quotas on imports from Europe and other countries are necessary so imports from those countries don't simply replace Chinese imports. The goal of the tariffs is to reduce total steel imports and boost U.S. production, Ross said.

"If you let everybody back out of the tariff, and you let them out of any kind of quota, how would you ever reduce the imports here?" Ross asked at a conference of business journalists. Ross is set to discuss the issue Monday with EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.

Germany, the EU's largest steel exporter to the U.S., accounted for about 5 percent of U.S. steel imports last year. South Korea made up the largest share, shipping about 13 percent of U.S. imports, according to an American Iron and Steel Institute analysis of government data.

The EU has compiled a list of retaliatory tariffs worth about $3.5 billion it will impose if its steel and aluminum isn't exempted.

European leaders have resisted the idea of a quota. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement Sunday that she discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May after returning from a White House visit Friday.

The three European leaders "agreed that the U.S. ought not to take any trade measures against the European Union," which is "resolved to defend its interests within the multilateral trade framework," Merkel's statement said.

In her meeting with Trump, Merkel said, she saw little progress in obtaining permanent exemptions. "The decision lies with the president," she said Friday.

In a separate trade battle with China, the United States has threatened to impose tariffs on $150 billion of Chinese goods in retaliation for what it argues are Beijing's unfair trade practices and its requirement that U.S. companies turn over technology in exchange for access to its market. The White House also wants China to agree to reduce its $375 billion goods trade surplus with the U.S.

China has said it would subject $50 billion of U.S. goods to tariffs if the U.S. taxes its products. Trump has announced that an administration delegation led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and trade adviser Peter Navarro will visit Beijing for negotiations on Thursday and Friday this week.

In addition to Mnuchin, Lighthizer, Ross and Navarro, the group will include economic adviser Larry Kudlow, U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad and Everett Eissenstat, deputy assistant to the president for International Economic Affairs.

"We're going to have very frank discussions," Mnuchin in an interview broadcast Monday on Fox Business.

Most analysts, however, think it's unlikely the talks will reach permanent agreements and will more likely mark the start of longer-term negotiations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.The Clinton Foundation, after seeing a drop in donations amid increased scrutiny and "pay-to-play" allegations, is revving back up with a glitzy fundraising gala that coincides with a broader push by the Clinton machine to stay in the political spotlight.

Axios reported Monday that longtime Clinton supporters received an invitation offering access -- a word that dogged Hillary Clinton throughout her failed 2016 presidential campaign -- to the family at a May 24 benefit for the Clinton Foundation.



The cheapest tickets for the event will be $2,500 for cocktails and dinner. Deep-pocketed donors can lay out $100,000 for a package including leadership reception for two, a premium table of 10, program recognition as Gala Chair and invitations to the Clinton Foundation Annual Briefing.

The invite features photos of Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton, implying they'll all be attending.

The foundation scaled back its activities in 2016, downsizing the Clinton Global Initiative and placing restrictions on fundraising amid claims of pay-to-play by donors seeking access when Clinton was secretary of state. The Clintons denied any such arrangements.



The biggest such controversy related to the sale of Uranium One -- a Canadian-based energy firm and holder of 20 percent of U.S. uranium stocks -- to Russian energy company Rosatom during Clintons time as secretary of state. The connections between the sale of Uranium One and donations to the foundation were first reported by author Peter Schweizer in his 2015 book "Clinton Cash."

The New York Times reported that the Clinton Foundation received millions of dollars from donors connected to Uranium One as the deal was in the process of being approved by representatives of government agencies, including Clinton's State Department.



Since the election, questions about that deal have not gone away. In October, The Hill reported that the FBI received an account that Russian nuclear officials had routed millions of dollars to the U.S. designed to benefit the Clinton Foundation amid a broader pattern of bribery and kickbacks designed to extend Russias footprint to the U.S.



Amid the controversies in 2015 and 2016, the foundation saw a plunge in donations. While data from 2017 are not available, 2016 numbers showed that donations fell by 42 percent, from $108 million in 2015 to $63 million in 2016. Then-acting CEO Kevin Thurm told The New York Post, which first reported on the numbers, that that was due in part to restrictions on fundraising the foundation placed on itself as Clinton ran for president.



But while numbers for 2017 arent available, IB Times reported last year that a number of big companies have distanced themselves from the foundation and were choosing not to give. Companies that told the outlet in November they have not donated since the 2016 election included Boeing, Chevron, Dell, General Electric, and Lockheed Martin.

Last year was a tough year, Donna Shalala, then-president of the foundation, told The Times in 2017, because people were beating on us with nonsense.



Clinton Foundation dealings have continued to stay in the headlines. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe was fired by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in March after an inspector general report said he leaked the existence of a probe into the foundation during the presidential campaign and later lied about it.



Meanwhile, conservative watchdog Judicial Watch has continued to publish emails sent by Clinton when she served as secretary of state -- emails that touch on foundation activity.



The May fundraiser is the latest sign from the Clintons that they do not intend to retreat from the spotlight. After losing in 2016, Hillary Clinton has set up the political action organization Onward Together and released a lengthy campaign post-mortem titled, What Happened. She went on a speaking tour coinciding with the book's release and has made numerous additional appearances discussing her 2016 loss.

Axios reported Monday that Hillary Clinton was to lead the first meeting of Onward Together on New York's Upper East Side for a session on "harnessing the energy and activism post-election." Bill, meanwhile, will publish his novel "The President is Missing," co-authored with James Patterson on June 4.



An April Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll found that only 27 percent of those polled had a very or somewhat positive view of the former secretary of state. That makes her less popular than President Trump, whose popularity registered at 35 percent. It marked a new low for her in the poll, which clocked her popularity at 30 percent in August 2017.When Nikki Haley started as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, she warned she'd be taking names of countries that do not have our back. Now, a newly released annual State Department report on voting records at the world body will tell her who exactly is in Americas corner  and who is not.

The report found that U.N. member states only voted with the United States 31 percent of the time last year on resolutions at the U.N. General Assembly  down 10 percent from the prior year. Reacting to the new report, Haley said in a statement that it was not an acceptable return on the United States investment and suggested this could factor into aid decisions.

Haley emphasized that U.S. taxpayers pay for 22 percent of the U.N. budget  more, she said, than the next three highest donor nations combined. Haley noted that the U.S. cares more about being right than popular and are once again standing up for our interests and values but said:

Either way, this is not an acceptable return on our investment. When we arrived at the UN last year, we said we would be taking names, and this list of voting records speaks for itself. President Trump wants to ensure that our foreign assistance dollars  the most generous in the world  always serve American interests, and we look forward to helping him see that the American people are no longer taken for granted.

First published in 1984, The report to the Congress on Voting Practices in the United Nations reviews voting of the 193 members of the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) and the 15 members of the Security Council, as well as several other items including resolutions related to Israel.

According to the report, the country that voted least with the U.S. was Zimbabwe  having voted zero times with America. According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) foreign aid explorer website, Zimbabwe received $58 million in aid for this year.

Rounding out the bottom 10 nations not aligned with the U.S. were: Burundi, which received $2.9 million in U.S. aid; Iran (no U.S. aid); Syria ($72 million); Venezuela ($230,000); North Korea (no U.S. aid); Turkmenistan ($200,0000); Cuba ($115,000); Bolivia ($115,000); and South Africa ($100 million). All figures are from the USAID explorer website.

As the largest contributor to the United Nations, U.S. taxpayers gave $10 billion in 2016 for voluntary and assessed contributions. Voluntary contributions go to fund agencies such as UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP). Assessed contributions are obligatory payments made by all member states and based on such things as per capita income and population. It funds peacekeeping and the regular budget of the U.N.

Mark Leon Goldberg, editor of the news and commentary website UN Dispatch, said the latest report isnt truly representative.

'This is not an acceptable return on our investment.'  U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley

"This report misrepresents the true extent of cooperation and agreement with the United States at the U.N. because the 2017 report, unlike in past years, excludes decisions that are taken by consensus, he said. Votes by consensus represent the vast majority of decisions taken at the U.N. Excluding these decisions from the overall count gives the appearance that the U.N. is a far more adversarial place than it actually is."

The report stated that it indeed used a new updated methodology intended to capture more accurately the voting conduct of UN member states. It also stated that votes on Israel skewered their metrics for countries that oppose these resolutions. Of the 93 total resolutions that needed a vote, one-quarter of them were on Israel.

According to the report, the country that voted most with the United States in the U.N. General Assembly was Israel. The other nine on the top 10 list were U.S. allies Micronesia, Canada, Marshall Islands, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Palau, Ukraine and the Czech Republic.

Asked if the new report could lead to the U.S. cutting funding to the U.N., Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told Fox News that, Obviously member states vote the way they want to vote. For the Secretary General the engagement of the United States, engagement with the United States at the United Nations is critical, it is very important. He concluded that as for the scale of assessment, thats a member state issue.

Jonathan Wachtel, a former director of communications for Haley at the U.S. Mission to the U.N., told Fox News that as the United States is the largest contributor and most powerful member of the world body, it is understandable that frustration arises when Washington's foreign policy goals come under assault at the institution.

Wachtel continued, While it is important for the United States to turn to the U.N. to work with other nations to achieve peace and security in troubled parts of the world, it is wrong for the U.S. to simultaneously turn a blind eye to dismissive practices by irresponsible countries. It is also wrong, he said, for enemies of the U.S. to use the U.N. to boost their power, manipulate the system to get aid and yet work to compromise U.S. sovereignty.

Martin Edwards, a professor at Seton Hall Universitys School of Diplomacy and International Relations in New Jersey, told Fox News that the report provided a nice grandstanding tactic for Haley but said it raised more questions than answers.

Its unclear what this will mean for current foreign aid recipients -- are we really going to give less humanitarian aid to South Sudan? How does that advance our interests? he said.The 81st Infantry Division Wildcat Association is having a reunion and awards banquet on Saturday at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, 1400 Market St., from 6-9 p.m.

Awards and recognition will be presented to the senior members and veterans who have served with the 81st Infantry Division.

For more information contact Laura Steele at 803-391-1403.Venerable politics publication The Hill is pulling out of the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner after a vulgar, anti-Trump comedy routine at Saturday's event drew widespread outrage.

The newspaper and website made the announcement after comedian Michelle Wolf's controversial performance, in which she took personal shots at a variety of Trump staffers, including Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

In short, there is simply no reason for us to participate in something that casts our profession in a poor light," read a letter The Hill chairman James Finkelstein sent to Steven Thomma, executive director of the White House Correspondents Association Major changes are needed to the annual event."

Finkelstein then quoted the WHCAs own website, which states: We work to ensure a strong, free press and robust coverage of the Presidency We share the belief held by our countrys Founders, and enshrined in the First Amendment, that an independent News media is vital to the health of the republic.

The Hill honcho added, that also means that the dinner must be non-partisan and done without hostility and without personal animus toward the party that occupies the White House -- regardless of who is in power.

Finkelstein said that past dinners were tremendous spectacles of dignity but Wolf was out of line for an event thats supposed to be fun.

Based on what Americans witnessed on national television at Saturday nights dinner, a once- fine evening celebrating the strong, free press the WHCA speaks of has turned into an angry display of ad-hominem attacks, Finkelstein added. A solid majority of journalists from the left and right have condemned this comedian and rightly so.

The backlash against the correspondents dinner was prompted over Wolfs routine  with most of the criticism aimed at her Sanders digs.

"I actually really like Sarah. I think shes very resourceful," Wolf said as the Press Secretary sat a few feet away. "She burns facts and then she uses that ash to create a perfect smoky eye. Maybe shes born with it, maybe its lies. Its probably lies."

"I'm never really sure what to call Sarah Huckabee Sanders," the comedian continued. "Is it Sarah Sanders? Is it Sarah Huckabee Sanders? Is it Cousin Huckabee? Is it Auntie Huckabee Sanders? Like, what's Uncle Tom but for white women who disappoint other white women?"

Wolf also compared Sanders to a less-than flattering character from the hit Hulu show, The Handmaid's Tale.

WHCA President Margaret Talev, whos also a reporter for Bloomberg News, said members of the association expressed dismay and concern how Wolfs routine at the event reflects on our mission.

Talev added that the association is committed to hearing from members on your views on the format of the dinner going forward.

Finkelstein said The Hill will not participate in the dinner but will happily donate in the future to the WHCA scholarship program and hopes that the event can eventually return to talking about the importance of the Forth Estate without the kind of ugly sideshow that completely overshadowed the event this year.

Wolf's jokes were also criticized by prominent journalists, with New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman praising the press secretary for not walking out amid attacks on her physical appearance. MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski called the jokes on Sanders deplorable and said the association owes Sanders an apology.

Wolf has since pushed back against the criticism, saying she didnt mock Sanders appearance and joked about her despicable behavior.

Fox News Lukas Mikelionis contributed to this report.Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus have drafted articles of impeachment against Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, calling it a last resort if the Justice Department continues slow walking its response to document requests.

Sources with the caucus emphasized they are not planning right now to move forward with any impeachment effort -- apparently intending the draft as a warning shot to the DOJ in their quest for documents.

The draft, obtained by Fox News Tuesday, comes just days after House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., announced they had reached an agreement with the Justice Department on producing documents.

First reported by The Washington Post, the draft impeachment from the caucus, chaired by Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., outlines eight instances of Rosensteins alleged wrongdoing.

Speaking at an event in Washington on Tuesday, Rosenstein accused caucus members of not being able to resist leaking their own draft, adding that DOJ will not be extorted.

Meadows fired back: Rosensteins stonewalling of this investigation has already embarrassed the Department of Justice and the rule of law. If he believes being asked to do his job is extortion, then Rod Rosenstein should step aside and allow us to find a new Deputy Attorney Generalpreferably one who is interested in transparency.

Rosenstein has been in conservative crosshairs in large part due to his oversight of the special counsel Russia investigation, which President Trump calls a "witch hunt."

The draft states that Rosenstein allegedly engaged in a pattern of conduct incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in him in that position by refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Committee on the Judiciary on March 22, 2018, connected to the congressional investigation into potential abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

The caucus also alleges that Rosenstein failed to enforce multiple laws including improper authorization of searches and electronic surveillance under FISA, and failed to act on behalf of the Attorney General by properly supervising the administration of FISA by failing to demonstrate probable cause to believe the targets of surveillance were a foreign power or agents of a foreign power.

The draft was referring to the multiple FISA warrants obtained to conduct surveillance on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Rosenstein signed at least one renewal of the original FISA warrant, with others signed by former FBI Director James Comey, former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, and other Justice Department officials.

McCabe, in Senate testimony, said that the controversial anti-Trump dossier was the basis for FBI and DOJ officials seeking FISA warrants.

The draft also alleges that Rosenstein failed his oath of office by refusing to discipline Justice Department personnel after obtaining evidence of disqualifying conflicts of interest demonstrated throughout the course of the ongoing investigation regarding charging decisions in the investigation surrounding former Secretary Clintons private email server.

According to the document, Rosenstein knowingly provided misleading statements related to this supervision of the Justice Department investigation into the Trump campaigns alleged contacts with Russia. The draft suggests the misleading statement came during a hearing on Dec. 13, 2017, when he said any involvement FBI attorney Bruce Ohr had in the Russian investigation was without his knowledge.

Ohr was demoted at the Justice Department in December for concealing his meetings with Fusion GPSthe research group that hired ex-British intelligence officer Christopher Steele for the dossier. It was also revealed in December that Ohrs wife, Nellie Ohr, was hired by Fusion GPS to investigate then-candidate Donald Trump for opposition research paid for by the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee through law firm Perkins Coie.

Fox News' Jake Gibson contributed to this report.Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Tuesday delayed the sentencing of former national security adviser Michael Flynn for a second time due to the status of the investigation, raising questions as to what the development means for the direction of the Russian election-meddling probe.

Due to the status of the special counsels investigation, the parties do not believe that this matter is ready to be scheduled for a sentencing hearing at this time, Mueller's team and Flynn attorneys Robert Kelner and Stephen Anthony wrote.

On Feb. 1, both sides filed a first joint status report to federal Judge Emmet G. Sullivan, requesting more time.

Sullivan gave them a 90-day deadline (by May 1) to submit an updated status report or a sentencing date.

Flynn pleaded guilty in December 2017 to making false statements to the FBI.

Following his plea, Flynn agreed to cooperate fully, truthfully, completely and forthrightly with the investigation, with sentencing delayed until those efforts have been completed.

There has been monthslong speculation that Flynn was cooperating with Muellers team and offering information. He said as much at the time of his plea.

My guilty plea and agreement to cooperate with the Special Counsels Office reflect a decision I made in the best interests of my family and of our country, Flynn said in December. I accept full responsibility for my actions.

The initial delay was a curious development in the proceedings. Days after accepting his guilty plea, the judge assigned to the case, Judge Rudolph Contreras of U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, recused himself from the case and was replaced by Judge Sullivan.

But in a newly released House Intelligence Committee report concluding its Russia investigation, the findings seemed to back up reports that FBI agents did not think Flynn lied to them  despite his eventual guilty plea to making false statements.

Among the 44 findings in the report was a line stating that Federal Bureau of Investigation agents did not detect any deception during Flynns interview.

The report, heavily redacted, provides virtually no public information to back up the committees conclusion about Flynns interactions with FBI agents. The public portion of the report does not make clear whether the information came from former FBI Director James Comey or another source.

Comey, though, denied that he ever told lawmakers agents didnt believe Flynn had lied.

No, Comey said in an interview on Special Report. I saw that in the media.  Maybe someone misunderstood something I said. I didnt believe that. I didnt say that.

Flynn lost his job at the White House over Russia contacts, and as recently as December, even President Donald Trump claimed that Flynn had lied to agents.

But last week, Trump defended Flynn as he castigated Comey, saying Flynns life has been totally destroyed while shadey James Comey can leak and lie and make lots of money from his newly released memoir, A Higher Loyalty.

Fox News' Judson Berger and Jake Gibson contributed to this report.Fox News has obtained the full list of questions developed by Special Counsel Robert Muellers office, in anticipation of a possible interview with President Trump.

The questions cover a wide range of topics. Read the full list below:

On former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn:

What is your knowledge of calls that Gen. Flynn made with [former Russian ambassador Sergei] Kislyak late December 2016?

What is your reaction to press accounts Jan. 12, 2017, Feb. 8-9 2017?

What did you think and what did you know regarding Sally Yates meetings on Jan 26-27 regarding Gen. Flynn?

How was the decision made to request the resignation of Gen. Flynn on Feb. 13?

What was the purpose of the meeting with James Comey on Feb. 14 after the Homeland Security briefing?

What did you say to Comey about Gen. Flynn?

What did you think and what did you do about the Comey June 8, 2017 testimony regarding Gen. Flynn?

After Gen. Flynn resigned, what calls or efforts were made by people associated with you to reach out to Gen. Flynn or to discuss Flynn seeking immunity or possible pardon?

On fired FBI Director James Comey:

What was the Presidents view of James Comey during the Transition with respect to job performance?

What did the President think and do in reaction to James Comeys briefing on January 6, including the intelligence community assessment?

What was the Presidents reaction to Comey when they met alone regarding what they called other ICA matters (the Steele Dossier)? Also, what was discussed [regarding] ancillary reports?

What was the purpose of the Jan. 27 dinner meeting you had with Comey?

Was loyalty discussed? Did you communicate with Comey concerning his status at the end of the dinner? What was your knowledge of the Gen. Flynn and Russia investigation in days leading up to the March 20 testimony of Comey before House Intel Committee?

What did you think and what did you do in reaction to the Comey testimony on March 20 before House Intel Committee?

Describe outreach to Intel chiefs [Mike] Rogers, [Mike] Pompeo, and [Dan] Coates?

What did you say to them?

What was the purpose of the reach-out on March 22, 25 and 27?

What was the purpose of your calls to Comey on March 30 and April 11?

What was the purpose of your statement to Maria Bartiromo on April 11, 2017?

What did you think and what did you do regarding the May 3 Comey testimony before the Senate Intel Committee?

Regarding the decision to terminate Comey, when was it made, why was it made, who on your staff played a role in decision, and how was it determined to make it public?

What did you mean to communicate during your May 10 meeting with Kislyak and [Sergey] Lavrov (concerning pressure off and nutcase)?

What did you mean regarding your statements to Lester Holt regarding Comey and Russia?

What was the purpose of May 12 tweet that Comey better hope there are no tapes?

What was the purpose of the September and October press statements, including tweets, regarding an investigation of Comey? Also, Sarah Sanders statements regarding same?

What was the reason for your continued criticism of Comey and McCabe, even till today?

On Attorney General Jeff Sessions:

What did you think and what did you do regarding AG Sessions recusal?

What efforts did you make to try to get him to change his mind and reverse?

Did you have a discussion about whether the AG was going protect him and reference other AGs?

What did you think and what did you do in reaction to the news of the appointment of the Special Counsel?  Including your reaction to AG Sessions resignation?

What was the purpose of holding AG Sessions resignation until May 31 and with whom did you discuss it?

What did you think and what did you do in reaction to the June 20, 2017 determination that the SC was speaking to Rogers, Pompeo and Coates?

What consideration and discussion did you have regarding terminating the Special Counsel in June of 2017?

What did you think and do in reaction to January 25, 2018 story about the termination of the Special Counsel and Don [McGahn] backing you off of the termination?

What discussions did you have with Reince Priebus in July 2017 about obtaining the Sessions resignation?

With whom did you discuss obtaining the AGs resignation?

What was the purpose of the public criticism of Sessions via tweets during July 2017?

On the June 9, 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between campaign associates and Russian figures:

What did you think and what did you know about the June 9, 2016 meeting in Trump Tower and that it might be disclosed?

What involvement did you have in the communication strategy regarding the June 9, 2016 Trump Tower meeting and the release of Don Jr.s emails concerning same?

What interaction and communication did you have with Michael Cohen, Felix Sater, and others, including foreign nationals, regarding real estate developments in Russia during the period of the campaign?

During a 2013 trip to Russia, what communication and relationships did you have with the Agalarovs and any Russian government officials?

What discussions did you have during the campaign regarding any meeting with Putin?

What discussions did you have during the campaign regarding US Sanctions toward Russia?

Did you discuss either meeting with Putin or US sanctions with others?

What knowledge did you have regarding the June 9 Trump Tower meeting? When did you become aware of the meeting?

What knowledge or involvement did you have concerning platform changes regarding arming Ukraine?

During the campaign, what knowledge or information did you have regarding Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign?

What knowledge did you have of any outreach by members or former members of your campaign to Russia offering potential assistance to the campaign? NOTE: specifically mentioned [Paul] Manafort.

What knowledge did you have of communication with or regarding Roger Stone, persons associated with Roger Stone, Julian Assange, or Wikileaks?

What knowledge did you have during the Transition of an attempt to establish back channel communications to Russia and efforts by Jared Kushner regarding same?

What knowledge do you have of a 2017 meeting in Seychelles regarding Erik Prince of Blackwater?

What knowledge do you have of a Ukrainian peace proposal provided to Michael Cohen in 2017?

Fox News' John Roberts contributed to this report.Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein vowed Tuesday that the Justice Department is "not going to be extorted" after members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus drafted articles of impeachment against him.

"They can't even resist leaking their own drafts," joked Rosenstein during remarks at the Newseum in Washington D.C. before adding: "I just dont have anything to say about documents like that that nobody has the courage to put their name on and that they leak in that way."

"But I can tell you there are people who have been making threats privately and publicly against me for quite some time and I think they should understand by now: The Department of Justice is not going to be extorted," Rosenstein went on. "Were going to do what is required by the rule of law and any kind of threats that anybody makes are not going to affect the way we do our job."

HOUSE FREEDOM CAUCUS DRAFTS IMPEACHMENT ARTICLES AGAINST ROSENSTEIN AS 'LAST RESORT'

Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., the chairman of the Freedom Caucus, fired back at Rosenstein on Twitter Tuesday evening.

"If he believes being asked to do his job is 'extortion,' then Rod Rosenstein should step aside and allow us to find a new Deputy Attorney Generalpreferably one who is interested in transparency," Meadows wrote.

In a simultaneously released statement, Meadows said Rosenstein had responded to the draft with "a lot of rhetoric with little facts."

The draft articles were obtained by Fox News earlier Tuesday and have been described by House Freedom Caucus members as a "last resort" if the Justice Department continues "slow walking" its response to document requests. However, sources within the caucus told Fox News there are no current plans to move forward with any impeachment effort.

The draft states that Rosenstein allegedly "engaged in a pattern of conduct incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in him in that position by refusing to comply with a subpoena issued by the House Committee on the Judiciary on March 22, 2018," connected to the congressional investigation into potential abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

The caucus also alleges that Rosenstein "failed to enforce multiple laws" including "improper authorization of searches and electronic surveillance" under FISA, and "failed to act on behalf of the Attorney General by properly supervising the administration of FISA by failing to demonstrate probable cause to believe the targets of surveillance were a foreign power or agents of a foreign power."

The draft was referring to the multiple FISA warrants obtained to conduct surveillance on former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Rosenstein signed at least one renewal of the original FISA warrant, with others signed by former FBI Director James Comey, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, and other Justice Department officials.

McCabe, in Senate testimony, said that the controversial anti-Trump dossier was the basis for FBI and DOJ officials seeking FISA warrants.

The draft also alleges that Rosenstein failed his oath of office by refusing to discipline Justice Department personnel after obtaining evidence of disqualifying conflicts of interest demonstrated throughout the course of the ongoing investigation regarding charging decisions in the investigation surrounding former Secretary Clintons private email server.

According to the document, Rosenstein knowingly provided misleading statements related to this supervision of the Justice Department investigation into the Trump campaigns alleged contacts with Russia. The draft suggests the misleading statement came during a hearing on Dec. 13, 2017, when he said any involvement FBI attorney Bruce Ohr had in the Russian investigation was without his knowledge.

Ohr was demoted at the Justice Department in December for concealing his meetings with Fusion GPSthe research group that hired ex-British intelligence officer Christopher Steele for the dossier. It was also revealed in December that Ohrs wife, Nellie Ohr, was hired by Fusion GPS to investigate then-candidate Donald Trump for opposition research paid for by the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee through law firm Perkins Coie.

"Despite his repeated promises to cooperate, Mr. Rosensteins supervision of the Department of Justice has been sorely inadequate," Meadows said late Tuesday. "Valid investigative requests from Congress have been slow-walked, stonewalled, and impeded at each step of the way under his watch. Rosensteins Department oversaw the redactions of high ranking Obama White House officials, high ranking FBI officials, and evidence of material conflicts of interests at the Departmentjust to name a few examples.

"If Mr. Rosensteins hesitance to produce documents and information to Congress represented an effort to save the Department of Justice from embarrassment, it is too late," Meadows added.

In his remarks Tuesday afternoon, Rosenstein unfavorably compared the House Freedom Caucus to the investigators he oversees at the Justice Department.

"The way we operate in the Department of Justice, if were going to accuse somebody of wrongdoing, we have to have admissible evidence and credible witnesses, we need to be prepared to prove our case in court and we have to affix our signature to the charging document," he said.

"That's the way we operate. We have people who are accountable."

Fox News' Brooke Singman, Mike Emanuel and Jake Gibson contributed to this report.Press secretary Sarah Sanders on Tuesday acknowledged the White House took possession of President Trump's past medical records from his longtime physician but denied a raid ever took place, calling what happened standard operating procedure.

As is standard operating procedure for a new president, the White House medical unit took possession of the president's medical records, Sanders said during the daily briefing.

Earlier Tuesday, the presidents former physician, Dr. Harold Bornstein, told NBC News that the presidents longtime bodyguard and an attorney, along with another man, raided his office last year to take the presidents medical records.

Bornstein described the February 2017 incident to NBC News in a Tuesday story as a "raid"  saying it happened several days after telling a newspaper Trump had been prescribed hair growth medicine.

Asked if a raid had taken place, Sanders denied Bornsteins characterization. No, that is not my understanding, she said.

Sanders emphasized that it is standard procedure for the medical unit to take possession of past medical records.

Those records were transferred over to the White House medical unit, as requested, Sanders said.

Bornstein identified longtime Trump bodyguard and aide Keith Schiller, who briefly worked in the White House, as one of those who came to the office to take the records. He also identified Trump Organization Chief Legal Officer Alan Garten, as well as another "large man.

"They must have been here for 25 or 30 minutes. It created a lot of chaos," Bornstein told NBC.

Fox News has reached out to Bornsteins office for comment.

Bornstein had long been Trumps doctor. He famously declared in a December 2015 letter during the presidential race that "If elected, Mr. Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency."

The questions about the medical records came on a day when Sanders addressed a number of issues, including Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen, the Iranian nuclear deal and reports that chief of staff John Kelly denigrated Trump in private and called him an idiot.

On Tuesday, Sanders read a statement from Kelly calling those stories total BS. Sanders also said both the president and the chief of staff are very are happy with his position, and denied rumors Kelly could be moved out of the West Wing to take over the Veterans Affairs department.

No, he is not being considered for the VA secretary, Sanders said.

Fox News Serafin Gomez contributed to this report.The team of opposition researchers behind the infamous anti-Trump dossier embraced by the FBI were paid big bucks to continue trying to dig up dirt on Russian meddling in American politics  even after the 2016 presidential election.

That revelation, buried inside a 243-page report released by House Intelligence Committee Republicans last week, has sparked new speculation about the identities of the secretive donors who were funding the post-election project.

According to the House Intelligence Committee report, Daniel J. Jones  the president of the Penn Quarter Group and a former staffer for Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein  secured the services of dossier author and former British spy Christopher Steele to continue exposing Russian interference after the election. It also hired an associate of Steeles and the opposition research firm Fusion GPS.

That report doesnt list the donors. But Jones told the FBI that the Penn Quarter Group was being funded by seven to 10 wealthy donors, primarily in New York and California, who provided approximately $50 million to the firm, it said.

Fusion and Steele originally teamed up during the 2016 campaign to compile a dossier of salacious and unverified allegations about Trump's connections to Russia, paid for by the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign through law firm Perkins Coie. The dossier allegedly was used by the DOJ and FBI to obtain surveillance warrants to spy on a member of the Trump team.

The post-election work presumably would have continued to look at any Trump team connections  with an eye toward publicizing their findings. The report said Jones told the FBI he planned to share any information he learned after the election with policymakers on Capitol Hill, the press and the FBI. He told the FBI his group was exposing foreign influence in Western elections.

Trump has maintained there was no collusion with Russia during the 2016 campaign, and tweeted again on Tuesday morning that the ongoing special counsel probe is a Witch Hunt.

Jones did not return a request for comment from Fox News sent to an address listed on the Penn Quarter Groups website.

The Federalist first reported Jones connection to Steele in February  ties that were confirmed in the House report.

The Intelligence Committee report released last week redacts the full name of Jones in a footnote. But the report links to Jones LinkedIn and firm online biographies, making clear he is the individual in question.



Jones, who once worked for the FBI, also worked under Feinstein on the Senate Intelligence Committee. A Feinstein spokesman did not return a request for comment.

Feinstein has played a significant role in the saga over Steeles dossier. In January, Feinstein made news when she released a transcript of the committees interview with Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson.

In that interview, an attorney for Fusion GPS claimed somebody's already been killed as a result of the publication of the anti-Trump dossier.

He wants to be very careful to protect his sources, attorney Josh Levy said during the Aug. 22 Senate Judiciary Committee interview of his client. Somebody's already been killed as a result of the publication of this dossier and no harm should come to anybody related to this honest work.

The release itself provoked controversy, with an aide to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, calling it confounding for Feinstein to drop the transcript in the middle of an ongoing investigation.The search for a new Veterans Affairs chief is wide open, with President Donald Trump considering as potential nominees a former Republican congressman, a hospital executive and his White House chief of staff, John Kelly, people familiar with the matter said.

Dr. Ronny Jackson, the presidents doctor, pulled out of the running last week amid allegations of misconduct, and Trump has publicly said he wants someone with political capability to run the 370,000-person department. But another priority is picking someone with a strong chance of winning Senate confirmation, a person close to the White House said.

Kelly, who took over as chief of staff last year with a mandate to bring discipline to a White House beset by infighting, is a retired Marine general who previously served as secretary of homeland security. The Senate confirmed him for the homeland security post 88-11.

There have been discussions among the senior staff and the president directly about the possibility of Gen. Kelly going there [to the VA], one person familiar with the matter said.

Trump has chafed at times under Kellys methods, finding ways to bypass him when talking to other White House aides.

Yet moving Kelly to a cabinet post would add disruption to a White House marked by record-setting turnover.

The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about whether the president might tap Kelly for the job.

On Monday, NBC News reported that Kelly had insulted the presidents intelligence and called the president an idiot. Kelly put out a rare statement calling the story total BS.

I spend more time with the president than anyone else and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship, he said. I am committed to the president, his agenda, and our country.

The president sent out a tweet Monday night that appeared to back up Kelly. He made reference to a CNN story that quoted Kelly as calling the president unhinged.

The Fake News is going crazy making up false stories and using only unnamed sources (who dont exist). They are totally unhinged ... he wrote.

Another candidate in the mix for the VA post is Anthony Tersigni, the president and chief executive of U.S. hospital giant Ascension, according to people familiar with the matter.

Tersigni, 68, has some backing inside the Trump administration. He was an early advocate of a program created by Congress in 2014 to allow veterans to get care outside VA facilities under some circumstances, following a scandal over wait times for veterans.

Tersigni called for a solid public-private partnership under the new program in The Hill days after former President Barack Obama signed the program into law. Ascension has since seen about 10,000 veterans through the program.

A spokesman for Ascension said Tersigni declined to comment. Tersignis consideration for the job was first reported by Modern Healthcare.

Also on the shortlist is former Florida congressman Jeff Miller, who supported the president in the 2016 campaign. Miller chaired the House Veterans Affairs Committee before leaving Congress in 2017 and was one of the presidents informal advisers on veterans issues during the campaign.

Miller declined to comment.

Meantime, Jacksons future in the presidents orbit is for now uncertain. He gave up his position as Trumps personal physician when he was nominated to be VA chief. Dr. Sean Conley, a Navy officer, took his place.

Jackson, after dropping his bid to win Senate confirmation, resumed his work at the White House Medical Unit, White House officials said. He has denied the allegations of misconduct, and aides said he planned to spend a few days discussing his future options with his family.

Before becoming the VA nominee, the Navy rear admiral had talked about retiring, officials said, and he could take that step. He could also ask to return to his role as the presidents doctor, though officials didnt believe that to be a likely possibility.

Jackson has been nominated to the rank of two-star admiral. He remains a candidate for a second star, the Navy said, and is awaiting Senate confirmation.

The Jackson nomination fight has spilled into one of the battlegrounds in the midterm elections: the Montana senate race.

Democrat Jon Tester, who is up for reelection, first publicized allegations that Jackson had liberally dispensed prescription drugs, earning him the nickname, The Candyman.

The White House on Friday said its own review of relevant audits and police records showed no support for the claims.

Trump has called for voters to punish Tester by voting him out of office. In the 2016 presidential race, Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in Montana by about 20 percentage points.

Tester should lose race in Montana. Very dishonest and sick! the president tweeted over the weekend.

Appearing at a rally in Michigan on Saturday night, Trump described Tester as someone who could destroy a man with innuendo Considered a toss-up in the midterm elections, the West Virginia Senate race is one where Republicans hope to have the chance to unseat incumbent Joe Manchin, a Democrat who first won the seat in a 2010 special election.

According to a Fox News poll, three Republicans are considered to be top tier candidates ahead of the May 8 primary: Don Blankenship, Evan Jenkins and Patrick Morrisey. Jenkins, a U.S. congressman, topped the list of Republican contenders.

Earlier this month, the candidates faced off in a Fox News debate, with each one trying to align himself with the president more so than the next. All three also maligned Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe.

Manchin is not running unopposed; he races a primary challenger in Paula Jean Swearengin, an environmental activist whose platform is more in line with Sen. Bernie Sanders, the progressive independent from Vermont.

President Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by more than 40 points in the Mountain State in the 2016 presidential election. Trump has urged voters to support either Morrisey or Jenkins, saying Blankenship could not win the general election.

From their focus on former President Barack Obamas policies to their courtship of coal workers, heres a look at the top three Republicans competing for the GOP nomination today.

Don Blankenship

Don Blankenship, 68, was imprisoned in a federal jail for a year in 2016 after he was convicted of conspiring to violate mine safety and health standards -- and hes still fighting the conviction, blaming the Obama administration every step of the way.

Blankenship, the former head of Massey Energy Company, calls the 2010 explosion that killed 29 people at the companys Upper Big Branch mine the worst tragedy of my life.

Blankenship has sought to have his conviction thrown out, and hes promoted a pamphlet he wrote in prison that he said sheds light on his prosecution, the explosion and an Obama administration conspiracy against him. Hes also compared the tragedy to that of the 2012 Benghazi attack, calling the blast Obamas deadliest cover-up in a campaign ad.

Hes been called the villain of our times, compared to failed Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore and dubbed the most hated man in West Virginia. Hes also been the nearly $745,000 target of the Mountain Families PAC which opposes his Senate campaign.

Despite running for Senate in West Virginia, his primary residence, according to The New York Times, is a $2.4 million home near Las Vegas.

As a candidate, Blankenship has a goal of hosting town hall meetings in every one of West Virginia's 55 counties, according to Politico Magazine. Hes resonating with voters such as Rev. Becky Deitch, the chairwoman of the Brooke County GOP who told Politico, The common man doesnt want another politician. I could tell from his handshake. Hes real.

I think the big issue in West Virginia is jobs, and Im the guy that created a lot of jobs in West Virginia and neither of my  opponents did, Blankenship told Fox News. He also said hes better positioned to deal with the nations opioid epidemic that has hit West Virginia particularly hard since his company dealt with workers who struggled with drugs.

A supporter of Trump, Blankenship advocates for building a border wall and ending so-called sanctuary cities.

However, Trump has urged voters not to support Blankenship, saying that he could not win the general election. That lack of support hasn't seemed to phase Blankenship, though.

"Neither of my opponents can beat Joe Manchin without my support, but I will beat Joe Manchin even without the support of the establishment," he said in a statement to Fox News. "West Virginia voters should remember that my enemies are Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and my opponents would not even be running as Republicans had I not resurrected the Republican Party in West Virginia."

"As some have said, I am Trumpier than Trump and this morning proves it," Blankenship said of the president's tweet.

Blankenship got into some hot water during his campaign when he said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells father-in-law is a wealthy China person. He has accused McConnell of creating jobs for China people and said his China family has given him millions of dollars.

McConnell has been married to Elaine Chao, the transportation secretary, since 1993. Chao was born in Taiwan, and her father was born in China.

Blankenship denied the comment was a target on his family, but rather an observation that Mitchs family is very well-connected in China.

In Fox News' poll of Republican Senate candidates, Blankenship came in third with 16 percent of likely voters saying they would select him. Still, 24 percent of voters remain undecided, according to the poll.

Evan Jenkins

Rep. Evan Jenkins has been a congressman for only three years, but before that, he served as a state senator in West Virginia for 12 years.

Jobs, coal, senior citizens and the Second Amendment are all important issues to Jenkins, according to his campaign website. He also focused on his anti-abortion record in his first television advertisement.

Jenkins, 57, helped create the nonprofit Lilys Place, a facility that cares for newborns who are born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which occurs when babies are exposed to drugs while still in the womb.

Jenkins has made a point in his campaign to distance Manchin, one of the more conservative Democrats in Washington, from Trump. However, Jenkins, too, used to be a Democrat. He switched to the GOP in 2013. But that wasnt his only party switch; Jenkins was first a registered Republican until 1993, according to Roll Call.

As for jobs, Jenkins stressed the importance of coal growing the local economy in an interview with the Herald-Dispatch. He said hes worked with Trump on easing Obama-era regulations on the coal industry and has supported additional funding for clinics and healthcare services for miners who suffer from black lung disease.

Jenkins told Fox News West Virginia needs a new voice to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.

Theres a clear choice, Jenkins said of the race. He accused Blankenship of using his checkbook to launch a vendetta campaign thats all about his name. As for the state attorney general, Patrick Morrisey, another Senate candidate, Jenkins called him deeply flawed, in the swamp and for the opioid industry.

Jenkins has also stressed during the campaign that he supported Trump in the presidential primary, as opposed to the other candidates.

"We're starting to see hope and opportunity come back to West Virginia," Jenkins told Fox News, saying voters want someone "who's getting the job done, working with President Trump, bringing this renewed sense of confidence as proud West Virginians."

Jenkins leads the field of Republicans in Fox News' poll with 25 percent of likely voters saying they support him. However, 24 percent of voters are still undecided.

Patrick Morrisey

Patrick Morrisey is the first Republican to serve as attorney general in West Virginia since 1933, his campaign website boasts. First elected to serve in the position in 2012, he was re-elected in 2016.

Now Morrisey has his sights set on the U.S. Senate.

In his campaign, Morrisey, 50, has harped on his efforts as attorney general to curtail the states opioid epidemic. He sued the Drug Enforcement Administration, saying it allows companies to not take into account patients needs when selling drugs. And his office has reached settlements with pharmaceutical distributors for about $47 million, the largest in the states history, according to his campaign website.

But his past work as a health care attorney and his wifes work as a lobbyist who has represented several pharmaceutical clients, including those involved in opioids, have come under scrutiny.

His wifes lobbying firm was also paid $460,000 by Planned Parenthood, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported last year. Morrisey has said he is staunchly anti-abortion, opposing taxpayer dollars going to Planned Parenthood and supporting repealing Roe v. Wade.

In an interview with Fox News, Morrisey said he's worked with Trump to get rid of some Obama administration regulations and to "go after" sanctuary cities. He said he has an "excellent" relationship with the president.

"As voters focus the last two weeks, they're going to learn who is the proven conservative," Morrisey said, calling Jenkins a "political opportunist" who "stands for nothing."

Morrisey has been endorsed by the conservative National Review, which heralded him as a rock-solid, independent-minded conservative who would be a valuable addition to the right flank of the Republican caucus.

Morrisey has also been endorsed by Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ted Cruz of Texas.

He is just behind Jenkins, according to Fox News' poll, with 21 percent of likely voters throwing their support behind the attorney general.

Fox News' Peter Doocy contributed to this report.The Judge David Campbell Chapter of Chattanooga nominated Captain Mickey McCamish, USN (Ret) of Signal Mountain, back in October of 2017 as the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer nominee. At the Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution State Conference, held in Franklin, Tn. Captain McCamish was awarded the award.



His many accomplishments within the veteran community were noted. He served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years; conceived and started the Southeast Tennessee Veterans Coalition that consists of 150 Chattanooga area businesses and non-profits that provides services at no cost to veterans and their families; presently serves as president of the Navy League of the United States-Greater Chattanooga Council; president of Military Officers Association of America-Chattanooga Chapter; 2018 chairman of the Chattanooga Armed Forces Day Parade (longest continuous Armed Forces Day Parade in these United States); president of the Classic 150 Organization; immediate past chairman and current executive committee member of the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council (20,000 members); immediate past chair and current board member of the Engel Stadium Foundation; Board of Directors of the Tivoli Foundation; executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee; and director of Sponsorships for Friends of the Festival with Riverbend Festival as their flagship event.

Captain McCamish serves over 1,600 hours a year volunteering his time and talent to veterans. He also holds a Bachelor of Science: Business Administration, University of Chattanooga, June 1965.

Captain McCamish holds many more accolades too numerous to count. He is well respected and loved by the Chattanooga (and beyond) community.

I choose Captain McCamish for this prestigious award as I have gotten to know him through the years volunteering by his side," said Regent Stacy Kehoe. "He has accomplished great things and has a true heart and passion for veterans.

Currently, Captain McCamish has been selected as the Southeast District nominee for the National Daughters of the American Revolution national competition.

Captain McCamish said, What an extreme honor to have been selected by our countrys number one patriotic organization, the Daughters of the American Revolution, as the State of Tennessees Outstanding Volunteer Veteran of the Year. I am thankful to the Judge David Campbell Chapter for their nomination. Its so nice to be in a position to give back and being a 27 year retired Navy captain and Vietnam War veteran, its a great fit for me to help and lead in any way possible for veterans that need help, but I wouldnt be able to do these things without the support of my wife Carol; the support of Carol enables me to become so involved in our veteran community. I am very humbled, but I cant say enough for our Veterans Coalition that have helped so many veterans and their families. Chattanooga is such a patriotic community and helping veterans is a way for Chattanooga to demonstrate its high level of patriotism."





The top tier candidates in West Virginias Republican Senate primary sparred in Tuesdays Fox News Channel debate over who is most conservative and more closely aligned to President Trump, while blasting Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe.

U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins denied being a creature of the swamp, despite enjoying the backing from Washington Republicans. He emphasized his support for Trump.

You know, I proudly endorsed President Trump in the May primary, 2016, Jenkins said. The only one up here on the stage who did that and have been standing with him each and every day.

Jenkins attacked West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey for past comments saying Trump wasnt his first choice in the 2016 primary. But Morrisey boasted of his eventual backing of Trump at the convention and his opposition to former President Barack Obama's policies.

We have a great relationship, the attorney general said of Trump. We work together. I was proud to run ads with the president and supported him at the convention.

Meanwhile, former coal executive Don Blankenship portrayed himself as the true outsider in the race, saying he wouldnt go to Washington to get along with people in the GOP leadership, like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

I'm not going to D.C. to get along, so that will be a failure because I don't intend to get along, Blakenship said. I intend to make sure that we make a difference.

Ahead of the debate, Blankenship made waves for airing a campaign ad referring to McConnell, R-Ky., as cocaine Mitch. The origins of cocaine Mitch, according to the campaign, are rooted in accusations of drug smuggling on Chinese ships associated with the family of McConnells wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

WEST VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN SENATE RACE: A LOOK AT THE TOP THREE CANDIDATES

The West Virginia Senate race is considered a toss-up in the midterm elections.

Republicans hope to unseat incumbent Joe Manchin, a Democrat who first won the seat in a 2010 special election.

The GOP establishment has expressed fear Blankenship's criminal history may jeopardize an opportunity to unseat Manchin.

Blakenship, who served a year in prison after being convicted on a conspiracy to violate mine safety standards, defended his actions tied to the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster that killed 29 people and portayed himself as the victim of a fake prosecution.

They sent me to prison for a misdemeanor, I was the only prisoner that was a misdemeanor, Blankenship said. It was clear from the beginning to the end that it was a fake prosecution.

The hour-long debate, which took place at the Metropolitan Theatre in Morgantown, was moderated by Fox News Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.

Asked if he accepts responsibility for the deaths of the miners, Blankenship said, I am accepting the responsibility to do everything I can to keep it from happening again.

Morrisey  who is originally from New Jersey and previously ran for office there -- defended himself against charges of carpetbagging.

I feel very fortunate that I am one of the folks up here who moved to the states by choice, he said. I love West Virginia with all of the fiber in my being.

CLICK FOR FULL MIDTERM COVERAGE AND RACE RATINGS

Like the others, Morrisey portrayed himself as the true conservative in the race.

I think it is very clear of all of the candidates on the stage, I am actually the only one with a conservative record of results, the attorney general said, noting his past efforts to sue the Obama administration over coal.

Jenkins and Morrisey dueled throughout the debate, with Jenkins at one point accusing Morrisey of being a hindrance to solving the opioid problem in the state.

If you want to see what the problem is, it is the pill-pushers and Patrick Morrisey is representing those people for years and made millions, Jenkins said.

But Morrisey shot back: There he goes yet again. Did your mom ever tell you that we should wash your mouth out with soap with those lies?

One thing all three candidates agreed on: blasting the special counsel investigation into the Trump administrations ties with Russia.

With respect to the Mueller investigation, I think it needs to come to an end, Morrisey said. It's a witch hunt. We need to stop that.

End this investigation now, Jenkins said.

Blankenship, who spent a year in prison, quipped that he has had a little personal experience with the Justice Department. He said, they lie a lot too.

Jenkins, who leads the field of Republicans according to polling, has been a congressman for three years and served as a state senator in West Virginia for 12 years.

Morrisey is the first Republican to serve as attorney general in the state since 1933.

Blankenship was chairman and CEO of the Massey Energy Company.

Manchin is not running unopposed; he races a primary challenger in Paula Jean Swearengin, an environmental activist whose platform is more in line with Sen. Bernie Sanders, the progressive independent from Vermont.

Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by more than 40 points in the Mountain State in the 2016 presidential election.

The state has long been considered a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans, who hold a two-seat Senate majority that suddenly feels less secure given signs of Democratic momentum in Nevada, Arizona, Tennessee and elsewhere. If Democrats can win West Virginia, which gave Trump his largest margin of victory in the nation, they may have a slim chance at seizing the Senate majority.

Fox Newss Peter Doocy, Kaitlyn Schallhorn and The Associated Press contributed to this report.Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. is the leader of the Senate. But one Republican primary candidate is talking about the longtime Kentucky lawmaker like hes the leader of a drug cartel.

One of my goals as U.S. Senator will be to ditch cocaine Mitch, candidate Don Blankenship declared at the end of a new campaign ad.

The origins of cocaine Mitch, according to the campaign, are rooted in accusations of drug smuggling on Chinese ships associated with the family of McConnells wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.

The narcotic-themed nickname enters the dialogue on the eve of a nationally televised debate at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on Fox News Channel. Blankenship will be joined on stage in Morgantown by Rep. Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va. and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.

CLICK FOR FULL MIDTERM COVERAGE AND RACE RATINGS

Considered a toss-up in the midterm elections, the West Virginia Senate race is one where Republicans hope to have the chance to unseat incumbent Joe Manchin, a Democrat who first won the seat in a 2010 special election.

According to a Fox News poll, three Republicans are considered to be top tier candidates ahead of the May 8 primary: Blankenship, Evan Jenkins and Patrick Morrisey. Jenkins, a U.S. congressman, topped the list of Republican contenders.

But the race is getting national attention because a group with ties to GOP leadership, the Mountain Families PAC, has spent at least $1.3 million to try to derail Blankenships candidacy.

Operatives fear the year in prison the former coal baron recently served on a conspiracy to violate mine safety standards, tied to the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster that killed 29, may jeopardize an opportunity to unseat Manchin.

Blankenship shrugs off the impact of the intra-party effort to keep him off the November ballot.

I think it probably moves me up a little bit, Blankenship said of the ads blanketing TV and radio broadcasts, calling him convicted criminal Don Blankenship.

I dont think Mitch McConnell realizes, he said, how anti-him and how anti-the establishment West Virginians are.

While Blankenship's bid is a long shot, he's testing whether a party led by an anti-establishment outsider can rein in its anti-establishment impulses.

"The establishment, no matter who you define it as, has not been creating jobs in West Virginia," Blankenship said at a primary debate this past week.

Jenkins, who leads the field of Republicans, has been a congressman for three years and served as a state senator in West Virginia for 12 years.

Morrisey is the first Republican to serve as attorney general in the state since 1933, according to his campaign website.

Manchin is not running unopposed; he races a primary challenger in Paula Jean Swearengin, an environmental activist whose platform is more in line with Sen. Bernie Sanders, the progressive independent from Vermont.

President Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton by more than 40 points in the Mountain State in the 2016 presidential election.

The state has long been considered a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans, who hold a two-seat Senate majority that suddenly feels less secure given signs of Democratic momentum in Nevada, Arizona, Tennessee and elsewhere. If Democrats can win West Virginia, which gave Trump his largest margin of victory in the nation, they may have a slim chance at seizing the Senate majority.

Fox News reporter Kaitlyn Schallhorn and The Associated Press contributed to this report.President Donald Trump already has endorsed Senate candidates in Ohio, Florida, and Tennessee.

But not in West Virginia.

Thats where a trio of top-tier contenders is set to square off in a nationally televised debate on Fox News after weeks of fighting about who would be the Trump administrations greatest ally in Washington, D.C.

Now one candidate is trying to convince voters that other high-profile endorsements matter just as much as the presidents.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey believes former 2016 presidential candidates lending their names to his campaign should be a boost.

(Texas Sen.) Ted Cruz, (Kentucky Sen.) Rand Paul, (Gov.) Scott Walker, Morrisey said. Conservatives are uniting behind my candidacy because Im the one that took on Obama overreach.

But nobody on that list started 2016 as a Trump ally, something Rep. Evan Jenkins is trying to exploit.

Hes got Ted Cruz, whos said the most vicious things about President Trump, Jenkins said. These are all Patrick Morriseys never-Trumper network.

Trump beat Hillary Clinton by 42 points in West Virginia, so this kind of back-and-forth could loom large in the week before primary voters head to the polls.

Jenkins argues hes been the most helpful to Trump, because hes the only one in D.C. casting ballots to advance the Trump agenda. Morrisey argues hes been the most helpful because hes been filing lawsuits on behalf of the state to undo Obama-era energy regulations.

Then theres Don Blankenship.

A former coal-baron, Blankenship recently served a year in jail on a misdemeanor conviction for conspiracy to violate mine safety laws, following 2010s Upper Big Branch mine explosion that killed 29 people.

Because Blankenship was locked up for a big chunk of Trumps early days in office, and wasnt holding elected office, he couldnt be much help to the White House.

Now, he stands out as the only one who openly admits  theres a President hed like to model himself after more than Trump.

Im in line with Trumps policies, but totally out of line with his behavior many times, Blankenship recently told Fox News. I would like to be more like Ronald Reagan.A lengthy list of questions for President Trump from special counsel Robert Mueller was leaked to The New York Times, marking the latest in a string of apparently deliberate disclosures relating to the ongoing probe into Russian involvement in the U.S. presidential election.

Fox News has since obtained the questions, which cover Trump's interactions with key figures like former FBI Director James Comey, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn.

The Times called some of the questions "tantalizing" and suggested they reveal that Mueller may have uncovered pre-election outreach by Trump's campaign to Russian officials.

The questions cover Trump's motivations for firing Comey a year ago, as well as his reaction to Sessions' recusal from the Russia investigation.

Trump blasted the leak on Tuesday morning, calling it "disgraceful" that the questions made it out to the media.

"So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I see...you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!" Trump tweeted.

In one question first obtained by the Times, Mueller asks what Trump knew about campaign staff, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, reaching out to Moscow.

Leaks in the Mueller probe have been suspected for several months, leading The New York Post to ask last year if Mueller is "playing politics with his prosecutions."

WATCH: IS THE MUELLER TEAM LEAKING TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE?

The news of the indictments of Paul Manafort and Flynn, for example, came in media reports days in advance. Although some commentators have praised Mueller for clamping down on leaks, Republicans have sharply criticized past disclosures they suggest came from within Mueller's ranks.

Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy, the leader of the Houses top investigative committee, slammed Mueller in October for allowing the news media to learn that he and his legal team had charges in their Russia investigation.

In the only conversation Ive had with Robert Mueller, I stressed to him the importance of cutting out the leaks, Gowdy, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, told Fox News Sunday. Its kind of ironic that the people charged with investigating the law and the violations of the law would violate the law.



Although Mueller's team has indicated to Trump's lawyers that he's not considered a target, investigators remain interested in whether the president's actions constitute obstruction of justice and want to interview him about several episodes in office. The lawyers want to resolve the investigation as quickly as possible, but there's no agreement on how to do that.

Its kind of ironic that the people charged with investigating the law and the violations of the law would violate the law.  Rep. Trey Gowdy

Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday night, as did White House lawyer Ty Cobb.

OPINION: WHY TRUMP HAS THE CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY TO FIRE MUELLER

Mueller has brought several charges against Manafort, but none are for any crimes related to Russian election interference during the 2016 campaign. And he has denied having anything to do with such an effort.

The queries also touch on Trump's businesses and his discussions with his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, about a possible Moscow real estate deal. Cohen's business dealings are part of a separate FBI investigation.

One question asks what discussions Trump may have had regarding "any meeting with Mr. Putin," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another question asks what the president may have known about a possible attempt by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel with Russia before Trump's inauguration.

Additional questions center on Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his discussions on sanctions against Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition. Flynn is now cooperating with Mueller's investigators.

PELOSI CLAIMS MUELLER WAS FIRED IN BIZARRE EMAIL TO DONORS

"What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?" reads one question. Another asks if there were any efforts to reach out to Flynn "about seeking immunity or possible pardon."

Flynn was fired Feb. 13, 2017, after White House officials said he had misled them about his Russian contacts during the transition period by saying that he had not discussed sanctions.

The following day, according to memos written by Comey, Trump cleared the Oval Office of other officials and encouraged Comey to drop the investigation into Flynn.

Fox News' John Roberts and The Associated Press contributed to this report.A 100-year-old flag used in the funeral of U.S. troops on a small Scottish island during World War I is making it back to where it originated from as part of a remembrance of the Great War.

Currently held in the Smithsonians National Museum of American History in Washington D.C., the flag is making a trek back across the Atlantic to where it was put together, the Scottish island of Islay. It was used in funerals for the more than 200 American soldiers who drowned when the SS Tuscania was hit with a torpedo by a German U-boat.

The ship departed Hoboken, N.J. on Jan. 24 1918, with 384 crewmen and more than 2,000 U.S. Army personnel and was headed for Liverpool. The German U-boat, UB-77, eventually sank the Tuscania on Feb. 5, 1918 when it fired two torpedoes at the ship, causing it to sink in about four hours.

MUSEUM SHOCKED TO DISCOVER GIANT EGG IN COLLECTION IS REAL

The flag was put together by five people, according to a letter by Hugh Morrison, the Laird of Islay Estate to President Woodrow Wilson. Jessie McLellann, Mary Cunningham, Catherine McGregor, Mary Armour and John McDougall spent hours sewing the stars and stripes, just a few hours ahead of the first funeral for the deceased soldiers, according to The National, a Scottish newspaper.

The group of sewers used an encyclopedia to put together the flag, using it for the design and to help with dimensions. In the letter, Morrison said an American survivor carried the flag. I remember how anxious everybody in Islay was to show every possible honor to the soldiers of the United States who had come over to fight for the cause of the Allies in the Great War," he wrote.

The flag will be a part of the WW100 Scotland National Day of Remembrance on May 4, with dignitaries from around the world taking part of the commemoration. It will be on display at the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte for several months and then make its way back to Washington.

Jenni Minto, of the Museum of Islay Life, said she is happy the flag is back home for the memorial service. "Islay and Jura lost over 200 of their own men in WW1 and sadly those families never got the opportunity to bury their own," Minto said, according to SWNS.

INCREDIBLE REVOLUTIONARY WAR JOURNAL SURFACES, DETAILING POW'S ESCAPE FROM BRITISH SHIP

She added: "The sinking of the TUSCANIA and later the OTRANTO, gave the islanders the opportunity to look after those men, living and dead, as they hoped their own boys would be cared for at land and sea. The making of the flag 100 years ago is symbolic of that and I am delighted that it is to come home to Islay as part of our commemorations."

Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian's ambassador-at-large said the museum is " proud to have been its stewards and it "embodies an amazing story."

We are prouder still that the flag now returns home to be exhibited on Islay where it can invoke in the current generation an appreciation of how their forbearers so respected those brothers in battle whod washed up upon their shores, offering hospitality and healing to the survivors, and providing a last measure of honor to the fallen soldiers and crew," he added.

A previous version of this article said the Tuscania sank on Feb. 5, 2018. Fox News regrets this error.

For more than two years, ISIS forces who occupied this northern Syrian city paid little attention to the tip of an old gate on an empty mound of land where they dumped trash.

They were clueless the gate ran several feet into the ground down to something they might well have destroyed had they known: The ruins of an ancient Christian refuge, or early church, possibly dating back to the first centuries of Christendoms existence, under the Roman Empire.

I was so excited, I cant describe it. I was holding everything in my hands, Abdulwahab Sheko, head of the Exploration Committee at the Ruins Council in Manbij, told Fox News, as he led a reporter on a recent tour of the ruins.

Among the artifacts found that indicate this was a significant site for Christians were several versions of crosses etched into columns and walls, and writings carved into stone.

This place is so special. Here is where I think the security guard would stand at the gate watching for any movement outside, Sheko explained, working his way through what he called the first location of the site. He could warn the others to exit through the other passage if they needed to flee.

The ancient space is carved out with narrow tunnels, complete with grooved shelves to offer light, which were believed to offer passage for worshippers. There are myriad escape routes in the tunnels as well, featuring large stones that may have served as hidden doors. Also visible are three jagged steps leading up to what Sheko believes was an altar of sorts.

BIBLICAL KING'S PALACE UNCOVERED BENEATH SHRINE DESTROYED BY ISIS

The discovery of a so-called "secret church," dating as far back as the third or fourth century, A.D., could be an important find, according to a leading American archaeologist.

They indicate that there was a significant Christian population in the area which felt they needed to hide their activities, said John Wineland, professor of history and archaeology at Southeastern University. This is probably an indication of the persecution by the Roman government, which was common in the period.

Wineland said Christians were persecuted sporadically at first, and later more systematically by the Roman government. Christianity was illegal in the Roman Empire until its worship was decriminalized by Emperor Constantine in 313 A.D.

Christians of the time met in secret, underground, to avoid trouble. But the Romans were fearful of any group that met in secret, said Wineland.

The Romans misunderstood many Christian practices and would often charge them with crimes, such as cannibalism, Wineland added. He said such charges stemmed from the Roman misunderstanding of Christian communion where Christ said to take and eat His body and drink His blood.

CHRISTIAN SAINT'S BONES UNEARTHED IN MONASTERY DESTROYED BY ISIS

As more of them are unearthed and studied, its not yet clear just how important a find these new ruins might be.

Sheko said he reached out to international archeologists and organizations since his team began cleaning up the site last fall, and needs help identifying artifacts and to test the bones of human remains found here. But the response from abroad so far, he said, is that it is still too dangerous to send archaeological teams to this part of a still devastatingly war-torn country.

Sheko said hes also hopeful the Vatican will become aware of these discoveries, and will soon send someone to inspect the ruins.

The site was fortunate to escape ISISs attention. Sheko said he was in the midst of studying the neighborhood when the infamously Christian-hostile group invaded in 2014. He managed to keep the secret of it quiet until ISIS was driven out in a bloody offensive by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in 2016.

Due to the area being riddled with mines and booby traps, extensive cleanup and digging at the site couldnt begin until late August last year. The excavation produced enough by March for Sheko and his team to host a festival of sorts for a handful of locals to come and visit.

EXPERTS HARNESS 3D PRINTING TO RECREATE ANCIENT ARTIFACTS DESTROYED BY ISIS

In fact, it was the locals who led the way to another, very recently discovered second location  which is still littered with insects, trash  and even a stray dog sleeping inside. Within this location, down 11 jagged stone steps and into a cave that opens up into a multitude of rooms, overt Christian symbols are everywhere, etched into the stone walls and across the arched ceilings.

We think this place after Christianity was no longer a secret anymore, explained Sheko, gesturing to the symbols.

Wineland agreed and said he believes that, based on the photographs shown to him by Fox News, the crosses chiseled into the walls, along with geometric designs consistent with the Roman era, appear to have been added later, after wider acceptance of the Christian faith.

That is what we would call a secondary use of the tomb, and it might well have been a Christian place of meeting or worship, he said.

Further into the subterranean maze is a graveyard, Sheko said, likely reserved for the church clergy. Each tomb there bares an elevated stone cushion for the head.

SPY SATELLITES, DRONES, HELP EXPERTS DISCOVER LOST CITY IN IRAQ FOUNDED AFTER ALEXANDER THE GREAT

There are still human remains inside the tombs. One local resident told Fox News he comes to visit the ruins regularly and has actually touched human bones  and watched them then disintegrate before his eyes.

The cleanout process for this second location began in September 2017, requiring seven men, digging tools and a forklift.

Sheko said there are many more potential ruins that have yet to be unearthed, but residential buildings above them makes excavation much more complicated.

For now, the sites are guarded by a young, plainly dressed 21-year-old and his AK-47. And outside of the nondescript Ruins Council office, precious artifacts are simply being left on the street, due to lack of resources for safeguarding and no museum to put it in, Sheko said.

These include an apparent Roman-era effigy carved into a limestone building block, grave markers, arch fragments and column bases. One has a Greek inscription on an architectural block.

ARCHAEOLOGYS VICTIMS OF WAR

Greek was the common language of the Eastern Roman Empire, which explains why the New Testament is written in Greek during the Roman period, Wineland said.

Hassan Darwish, the councils field monitor responsible for archiving and topography, also noted they have managed to salvage some key pieces discovered by ISIS and sold off in local markets. These include ages-old mosaics, some of whose faces were destroyed by ISIS before being pawned off.

Manbij, located in northeastern Aleppo Governorate near the Turkish border, and 18 miles west of the Euphrates, was long considered one of Syrias most ancient and prized townships. Given the areas prominence in the centuries following Christianitys founding, archaeologists believe more Christian sites could be unearthed in the areas liberated from ISIS.

Most of the land encompassing modern-day Syria was annexed in 64 B.C. by the Roman Republic. For centuries it was a crucial center for trade and commerce in the Eastern  or Byzantine  empire.

By the 7th century, however, Islam began to spread through the Arab conquests, and Syria eventually became overwhelmingly Muslim.

At the start of the civil war, Christians made up about 10 percent of Syrias population.

ROMAN EMPIRE CHRISTIAN RUINS DISCOVERED AFTER ISIS PUSHED OUT OF SYRIAN CITY

Wineland said the recent discoveries reminded him of the intense persecution of Christians in modern-day Syria and Iraq. This has led to a significant decline of Christians in the region. Some have been killed, others have fled, and still others have been coerced into converting to Islam.

Despite Christianitys difficult history in Syria, however, Sheko said he wants to make clear his commitment to unearthing and protecting whatever ruins he and his team might find.

We are Muslim, but we are not like ISIS Muslims, he said. We take care of these Christian ruins. We respect them. We respect humanity.A 57-year-old man in Oklahoma is dead after being bitten by a rattlesnake, his wife said.

Barry Lester was driving in Osage County on Sunday when he saw the snake in the middle of the road and decided to stop and move it out of the way, the Tulsa World reported.

But during the attempt the rattler bit him  twice.

It bit his left hand, and then he put it in his right and it bit that hand too, Lester's wife, Roberta, told the newspaper.

The couple was traveling to Keystone Lake when the incident occured.

We were just going to walk and have a day outside enjoying the lake. It was his birthday, she said.

After realizing he was bit, Barry told his wife they needed to go to the hospital. The couple rushed to meet the ambulance at their Turley home, which would then take Lester to a hospital in nearby Tulsa.

But then Lester's head suddenly dropped  and "that was it," Roberta said.

Emergency officials tried to revive the 57-year-old but it was too late. Barry died from a combination of the rattlesnake bite and an existing heart condition," according to the Tulsa World.

Barry had wrangled snakes before, Roberta told the Tulsa World, which is why he was confident he would be able to remove the rattler from the road.

But now his wife has a warning for others: "Dont mess with snakes. If you hear it rattling, you leave it alone.As companies like Uber, Tesla and Waymo rush to be the first to make driverless cars a mainstay, it may be the Pentagon that wins the race for the self-driving vehicle.

According to Michael Griffin, the undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, the United States Army will have self-driving vehicles operating on the battlefield long before theyre on U.S. streets and highways.

"We're going to have self-driving vehicles in theater for the Army before we'll have self-driving cars on the streets," Griffin told lawmakers last month during a hearing on Capitol Hill. "But the core technologies will be the same."

US MILITARY'S MYSTERIOUS X-37B SPACE PLANE SPOTTED BY MILITARY TRACKERS

The big reason for the Pentagons interest in self-driving vehicles is the high risk soldiers face when driving into a combat zone. Griffin noted in his testimony that 52 percent of all battlefield casualties are caused when soldiers are delivering fuel, food or other supplies.

"You're in a very vulnerable position when you're doing that kind of activity," Griffin said. "If that can be done by an automated unmanned vehicle with a relatively simple AI driving algorithm where I don't have to worry about pedestrians and road signs and all of that, why wouldn't I do that?"

Self-driving cars have recently taken a hit after a woman in Arizona was killed by a self-driving Uber vehicle. Believed to be the first of its kind, the accident caused the company to suspend all testing of self-driving vehicles in cities across the country.

Despite the horrific accident, not all companies have ceded their autonomous vehicle testing. Both Ford and General Motors have continued their testing on public roads, while Toyota told The New York Times in March its drivers would "take a couple of days off" so the company could assess the situation.

While there is a slew of evolving legislation on autonomous vehicles  mostly at the state level  the military will also have to follow certain regulations if it wants its vehicles driving on the battlefield.

"The regulatory structure here in the U.S. and the countries where the U.S. may be sending troops are very different," Karlyn Stanley, a researcher and lawyer at the RAND Corp, told Bloomberg. "How autonomous vehicles are going to be regulated  in terms of safety, cybersecurity, privacy and liability  those are going to be critical issues."

The Pentagon has long been on the frontlines of developing technologies, especially in regards to the Internet and space flight, and it is no different with self-driving vehicles. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) sponsored its first competition on self-driving vehicles in 2004 and continues to fund research into the technology.

Besides delivering food and fuel, the military is also looking into using similar technology for unmanned tanks and smaller vehicles that can disarm bombs. While these vehicles would be remotely controlled and not autonomous, the Army already has plans to start testing in the next five years remote-controlled tanks that have the same amount of firepower an M1 Abrams.

MEET THE US MILITARY'S WARSHIP KILLER

Critics of the autonomous weapons say there needs to be a human involved in all decision-making and that these machines should not be able to make their own life-and-death targeting choices.

"Self-driving vehicles for battlefield logistics resupply are obviously more benign than autonomous weaponry," said Charles Dunlap, a retired Air Force major general who's now a law professor at Duke University, according to Stars and Stripes. "But it would still be legally and ethically necessary to demonstrate that they can be used without excessive risk to civilians who may be caught up in the fighting."This is a rush transcript from "Special Report with Bret Baier," April 30, 2018. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU: Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons program. The Iran deal, the nuclear deal, is based on lies. It's based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception. And in a few days time President Trump will decide, will make a decision, on what to do with the nuclear deal. I am sure he will do the right thing, the right thing for the United States, the right thing for Israel, and the right thing for the peace of the world.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: That is just not an acceptable situation. And I have been saying that it's happening. They are not setting back idly. They are setting off missiles which they say are for television purposes. I don't think so.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRET BAIER, ANCHOR: The Israeli prime minister with a detailed lay out of evidence he says the Israelis got from Iran. You heard the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. saying in recent weeks they've been sharing it with the U.S. The Iranians pushing back on Twitter today, "Breaking: The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again. Undeterred by cartoon fiasco as United Nations General Assembly. You can only fool some of the people so many times," referring to a speech Netanyahu gave there. But the seriousness here is that 12 days from now the president of the United States decides whether to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.

Let's bring in our panel: Guy Benson, political editor at Townhall.com, host of the new show "Benson and Harf" on Fox News radio which begins next Monday - - congratulations on that; Mara Liasson, national political correspondent for National Public Radio, and Mollie Hemingway, senior editor at The Federalist.

OK, Mara, you heard the ambassador here saying how serious it is with the reams of information that he says the Israelis got about a nuclear program that essentially was designed to make a nuclear weapon.

MARA LIASSON, NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO: Right. And what Netanyahu did today in incredibly simple, clear exposition with big letters and the graphics was to give the reasons why the Iran deal was a bad deal and should never have been entered into. He didn't really explain what happens after the U.S. gets out, but he certainly corroborated all of President Trump's instincts, and everybody who has talked to the president expects that he will pull out on May 12th or sometime before that.

BAIER: A lot of articles, a lot of people have been saying the prime minister was essentially doing that for an audience of one, for President Trump.

MOLLIE HEMINGWAY, THE FEDERALIST: I noticed that was said early in the show, and I actually disagree with that. I think Trump actually has a pretty good idea of what he wants to do. The real conflict is with European countries who really do want to uphold the deal and who do want to find a way to keep it going. Learning that this deal was broken -- failing to be honest going into the deal means that the deal is no good, and it is interesting that we've been told for so many years Iran is in compliance, Iran is in compliance, that echo chamber from the Obama administration is very good at getting its talking points out. They've been saying over and over that there is nothing that you can because Iran is in compliance. When today Netanyahu says this is built on a throne of lies, then they say we always knew that. You have to pick one or the other. Either they are complying or there is a complete falsehood at the foundation of this deal.

BAIER: Right. So the JCPOA, the Iran nuclear deal's structure, says essentially that you had to say the honest statements at the beginning. That was the first compliance. If you're not complying with that then the whole thing is not in compliance.

GUY BENSON, TOWNHALL.COM: That's right. So as a prerequisite for the deal going into implementation in the very first place. And the requirement of Iran was to attest fully and completely and transparently what they had done in regards to their nuclear program in the past. And the Iranians lied through their teeth, saying that they never had a nuclear weapons program. And now we see today I think very strong, incontrovertible evidence laid out very clearly from the Israelis that that was just not true. The Iranians absolutely had this program up through 2003, then they broke it off into overt and covert. And crucially the same person who oversaw the illicit, illegal program that they denied existed, is still in control of the covert side of the nuclear program. I thought it was a devastating and powerful performance today from Netanyahu, and it should influence, that information should influence our president.

BAIER: Here is the French president characterizing days ago the Iran nuclear which

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON: There is an existing framework called the JCPOA to control the nuclear activity of Iran. We signed it at the initiative of the United States. We signed it, both the United States and France. That is why we cannot say we should get rid of it. But we should not abandon it without having something substantial and more substantial instead.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BAIER: So I guess the real question, Mara, is can this evidence force or push the European allies, France, we say Angela Merkel here. They president's going to London to see the British prime minister. Can it force them to get on with a new round of sanctions outside of the Iran deal.

LIASSON: That is the big question. They haven't wanted to. They were willing to build on extra protections about ballistic missiles or maybe about Iran's meddling in the region. But they want to build on this deal. They don't want to start from scratch. And that's the question. Can the United States get the Europeans to agree to extra sanctions, more.

And don't forget, the president has another deadline, and it's midnight tonight see if he's going to continue those exemptions for the steel and aluminum tariffs against the EU. That matters when he's asking Europeans to cooperate on something else like the Iran nuclear deal.

HEMINGWAY: I also think it's interesting Macron points out that they signed this treaty at the U.S.'s behest, and it is important that we be good with our word and why learning that other people aren't being good with their world is important. It also speaks to why it was such a mistake to not take this to the Senate and have a broad public discussion where people could really hash out what we wanted to do with Iran.

This is not a treaty. It's very easy to get in and out of it precisely because it's not a Senate approved, Senate ratified treaty. It's a good warning for Donald Trump that if he wants to sign a peace treaty he does need to make that public case and get everybody on board so we can have a good treaty in North Korea.

BAIER: Yes, it was kind of a backwards disapproval by the Senate in the construct that was put together.

I want to turn topics North Korea Here's the president on the meeting upcoming, he says, and the meeting sites.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TRUMP: We've looking at various countries including Singapore, and we are also talking about the possibility of the DMZ. Peace house, freedom house, and there's something that I thought was intriguing. There's something that I like about it because you're there, you are actually there, where if things work out, there's a great celebration to be had.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BAIER: So he's looking at the images here. Meantime the South Korean president had this to say according to Reuters, translated by Reuters. President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace. There's some good feelings I guess coming out of South Korea from that meeting.

BENSON: If this does work out of course the president deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. The last president got one for doing literally nothing. This would be something. I'm among the crowd that is pleased to see these developments but skeptical of the North Koreans and their willingness to keep their word, speaking of outlaw regimes that do not. But the South Koreans are at the table as well. The handshake was historic. And it does seem like President Trump's unusual approach to foreign policy has at the very least brought both sides together. Not sure what the Americas might be willing to do. And here we are, definitely positive steps, but a lot farther to go.

BAIER: Yes, trust but verify. The nuclear site that they are closing down is a nuclear site that in part collapsed, so you have to look at --

LIASSON: And the administration has been very good at sending these messages, look, we know how difficult it is, we know that they've cheated on every other deal. We're going to walk away if we have to. But the president now seems to be getting super optimistic. He's already talking about the victory party and the celebration that he wants to have right there at the DMZ. So the question is, is he really, really willing to walk away if he can't get the kind of assurances that he needs from the North Koreans.

HEMINGWAY: I think there is an issue, though, too, if they were to do this onsite it ramps up the pressure in a way that could motivate people toward a good solution, not just that it would be great --

BAIER: You mean the surroundings would then force the inevitability of the deal?

HEMINGWAY: It might help contribute to that. But it's absolutely true if we are talking about Iran being a regime that lies, we have such a great history of North Korea being duplicitous and falsifying what they're doing. And so it is good that people are being cautious.

I think it is true, though, that a year ago, close to a year ago, we were talking about how Donald Trump is supposedly bringing us to the brink of nuclear war. We are in a very different place, and that alone is important. People should think about what about his foreign policy has led us to this place.

BAIER: It is amazing when he talks talked about the images and the power of images. Clearly he knows that part of it.

Content and Programming Copyright 2018 Fox News Network, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright 2018 CQ-Roll Call, Inc. All materials herein are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of CQ-Roll Call. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content.The Better Business Bureau Annual Meeting will be conducted Wednesday at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The event starts at 11:30 a.m. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Elaine Swafford, executive director, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.

At the meeting BBB will recognize businesses and high school seniors who competed for recognition. Businesses and students will be represented throughout the 21 counties in this BBB service area; 11 countries in Southeast Tennessee and 10 counties in Northwest Georgia.

Annually, as a nonprofit organization, the BBB conducts a meeting of accredited businesses where it recognizes companies with BBB Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The BBB Torch Award recognition is based on businesses who throughout the year have been complimented by one or more of their customers. It also has an open period for business nomination: January through March. BBB promotes this as an opportunity for a consumer, an employee or another business to express thanks and appreciation for the nominee who has provided service excellence, continually conducts business with high ethics, integrity and honesty.

There are four categories based on the number of employees: 1-10, 11-99, 100-249, and 250+ employees. There is also one category for Charity/Non-Profit organizations. There is one winner and one honorable mention in each category. A panel of judges chooses the recipients.

At this meeting, the BBB Student of Integrity Scholarship awards will be awarded to current year seniors. The students compete for the scholarship by writing an essay. This year the theme for the essay is: The importance of ethics in business and the community. They are also judged on community service, extracurricular activities and academics. In 2017, the BBB and its sponsoring partners awarded 10 scholarships in the value of $1,000 each.A homeless man was arrested for allegedly attempting to steal an airplane at the Crystal River Airport in Citrus County, Fla. on Saturday morning, according to authorities.

Timothy Winburn, 35, was caught by police while trying to leave the airport on foot. According to Citrus County Chronical, a witness told deputies that Winburn had been inside the 1996 Piper Archer airplane and had attempted to start it.

HOMELESS MAN FINDS $354,000 IN ROOM AT PARIS AIRPORT

Winburn reportedly told officers his name was John and that he did not know his last name or have any identification on his person. Authorities searched Winburn after arrest and discovered a Florida ID with his full name.

The owner of the airplane told authorities he did not know Winburn and had not given him permission to board the aircraft or take anything from inside. Winburn was reportedly wearing a jacket belonging to the owner, which he says he left inside the plane.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

The owner said in the report the right side wind flap of the plane was not working after Winburn was seen inside and the starter is possibly damaged.

Winburn was charged with one count each of grand theft, burglary of a conveyance, petit theft and giving a false name to law enforcement. His bond was set at $16,500, Citrus County Chronicle reports.A college student from Boston got a free vacation to a British island after joining the wrong Facebook group.

Joe Hill accidentally became a member of the social media page Good or Bad Jersey Businesses several years ago. While he isnt sure how it happened, he assumed the page was about the U.S. state. I decided, well, might as well learn more about New Jersey, he told the Boston Globe.

DISNEYLAND EMPLOYEES AIM TO PUT LIVING-WAGE ORDINANCE ON CALIFORNIA BALLOT

But after a while, Hill started to notice other members using British slang and later discovered the Facebook group was actually about the small island, Jersey, in the English Channel.

Upon realizing his mistake, Hill posted a funny message to the group in October 2017, admitting the mix-up. This is my favorite Facebook group. I've been in it for 4 years now and live in North America. Idk how I ended up in here but I had previously never heard of Jersey and still only have the foggiest idea of where it is. But if anyone ever asks me I can tell them where not to get their car fixed in Jersey, Hill wrote.

His post was a hit with the other members, receiving 1,500 likes, 356 comments, and 59 shares. Hill said he tried to leave the group several times, but kept getting added back. "After a while I had grown too fond of the group to want to leave," Hill told SWNS.

Shortly after admitting his mistake to the group, a Jersey resident named Alex Dolan started a GoFundMe page to raise enough money to fly Hill and his girlfriend to the island for a visit. It took less than a week to raise the 1,200 pounds (about $1,677), Dolan told the Globe.

As many of you may know, Joe Hill (A.K.A. the accidental tourist) recently accidentally stumbled upon our beautiful island through the thoroughly local review site 'Good or Bad Jersey Business,' Dolan wrote on the GoFundMe page. Since then Joe has become somewhat of a local celebrity and the good people of Jersey have spoken in favour of inviting him over to show him, his girlfriend and of course the people of the world what this stunning slice of paradise has to offer with promise of free food, wine, accommodation and finding out what #TheIslandBreak really means.

Dolan hosted Hill and his girlfriend in a hotel he owns, and other locals joined in, offering the accidental tourists free food, drinks and experiences. In fact, there were so many offers, Hill said they had to be quite selective. But the couple got to explore all the island has to offer, including beaches, cliffs, the cities, farms and lighthouses, the Globe reports.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

It feels like it was all a dream. We are definitely planning to return. We really loved this country and the people there who made it feel like home, and we cant wait to go back...perhaps for good, Hill, who had never traveled outside the U.S. before, told SWNS. "Everyone that we met came off as welcoming and authentic. We really sincerely enjoyed meeting everyone that we encountered in Jersey. We didnt have a single negative experience or encounter throughout our trip, and even now, it really just seems like it was all too good to be true."

Hill and his girlfriend plan on hosting Dolan and his girlfriend in Boston soon.A 25-year-old man who had just arrived in Sichuan, China, was fined more than $11,000 for opening the planes emergency door because the air felt stuffy.

The man, identified only as Chen, had just flown from the island province of Hainan in Southern China and was preparing to deplane with his fellow passengers when he began feeling uncomfortable, prompting him to reach for the nearest door handle, the South China Morning Post reported.

Chen, however, said he wasnt aware the handle was attached to the emergency exit door, and actually panicked when it fell inward. The plane's emergency exit also deployed automatically as a result.

ALASKA AIRLINE FLIGHT MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING AFTER PLANE WAS PUT INTO IDLE MID-FLIGHT

Because it was so stuffy, so hot on the plane, I just pushed down on the window handle beside me. When the door fell out, I panicked, said Chen, per the ThePaper.cn, as translated by the Post.

Authorities on the ground did not seem convinced by Chens explanation. According to ThePaper.cn, the airline  which was not named in their report  stated that passengers were made aware of where the aircrafts emergency exits were located during the pre-flight safety demonstration. The airline further said that emergency doors dont just fall open without passengers applying some sort of force.

As a result, Chen was reportedly detained for 15 days for the unauthorized removal of aviation facilities and will be subject to a fine of 70,000 yuan, or around $11,000, according to the South China Morning Post.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Chens ordeal mirrors that of a Ryanair passenger who climbed out onto the wing while waiting to disembark a plane in Malaga, Spain, on Jan. 1. Witnesses on that flight say the passenger had been complaining about his asthma before calmly walking to the emergency exit, opening it, looking out onto the tarmac, coming back into the plane to retrieve a bag, and then exiting out onto the wing.

The Ryanair passenger was immediately arrested by police upon returning to the cabin.If you've ever shopped for airline tickets or stepped aboard an airplane, this Q&A is for you. It might even save you a few bucks on your next trip.

#1. Which airline has the cheapest flights?

Any one of them; it just depends. Ticket prices vary based on when you buy, when you fly, even how you fly (such as non-stop vs. connecting flight). While the so-called ultra-discount carriers often have very good deals, even they wont always have the best fares. Example: A recent check of cheap flights in May for round-trip flights between New York and Ft. Lauderdale showed a Spirit ticket for $161, while a United fare cost only $148.

THE 7 BIGGEST TRAVEL MYTHS  AND THE STORY BEHIND EACH

Bottom line: Shop for tickets on an airfare comparison site or you might pay too much. Sometimes your favorite airline will have the best deal, but not always.

#2. Planes cannot leave until the precise departure time, correct?

Planes can and do leave early, though such departures are rarely more than a few minutes before the official departure time stated on your ticket. Sometimes this can happen because the boarding process went unexpectedly smoothly, or maybe a mechanical problem got fixed a lot faster than anticipated. As Delta states on its website, flight schedules are not guaranteed and Ive heard several anecdotes about different airlines where planes took off before a straggler or two got to the gate.

Bottom line: Dont be late. Many airlines provide guidance for getting to the airport. For example, American suggests anyone traveling within the U.S. arrive 90 minutes before departure.

#3. Fliers never pay for carry-on bags, right?

Unfortunately, thats not the case. Discount airlines like Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit charge for all bags, and discount transatlantic carriers like Wow Air do the same. There are other restrictions too; for instance, carry-ons arent allowed in Americans Basic Economy class at all. They must be checked for a fee.

Bottom line: Check all fees before you ding your credit card to get the true total for your ticket.

WHY A CARRY-ON BAG SHOULD BE YOUR ONLY LUGGAGE

#4. Are some days more expensive to fly than others?

Usually, yes. Flights within the U.S. are typically most expensive on Fridays and Sundays, and this is largely because these are the most popular days to fly. Better deals are usually available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday when people are less inclined to fly. For international flights, weekends are usually more expensive than weekdays.

Bottom line: A deal-finding tool can pinpoint the cheapest days to fly within a month or season. Cant fly cheap days in both directions? Fly one cheap day and youll still save something.

#5. Whatever happened to my old favorite, U.S. Airways? Or AirTran?

U.S. Airways flew its last flight in 2015 before the name vanished into a merger with American; AirTran disappeared the year before into Southwest. And if youre wondering whats happened to Virgin America, its brand disappeared just a few days ago (April 25) in the merger with Alaska.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWSAlyssa Pladl has lost her firstborn daughter three times.

In an interview with DailyMailTV, she revealed why she originally gave up her baby girl, Katie, for adoption.

Katie Pladl would grow up to be a woman who married her birth father and gave birth to their child. She, along with her baby and her adoptive father, investigators said, were killed by the birth father in a murder-suicide, as Fox News previously reported.

Steven Pladl, 42, was found dead in early April in his vehicle in Dover, N.Y., several miles from the New Milford, Conn., murder scene where Katie Pladl and her adoptive father, 56-year-old Anthony Fusco, were discovered. Those two also were found dead in a vehicle that had one of its windows shot out, police said. The childs body was found inside the couples home, hundreds of miles south in Knightdale, N.C., the same day.

In 1995, Steven Pladl was 20 when he met a 15-year-old girl named Alyssa on the Internet. She soon became pregnant and gave birth to a girl they named Denise.

I knew from the very beginning that I had to get Katie away from him to give her a chance in life, Alyssa told DailyMailTV, fighting tears. Ultimately, Steve was just finishing off what he started 20 years earlier.

Alyssa said her former husband would pinch their infant daughter Katie brutally until her body was left black and blue.

She also claimed he would stuff Katie in a cooler to drown out her crying until the baby was on the verge of suffocation.

Alyssa, then 17, said she knew the only way to ensure Katies safety was to put her up for adoption  the first time she lost her daughter.

Alyssa recounted that Steven Pladl remained throughout their life together violent and angry, temperamental and unpredictable.

She said Steven always had difficulty with a steady income, and was abusive.

He threatened that if I was gone he would blow his brains out with a gun, figure out a way to record it and make sure the video got to me, Alyssa told DailyMailTV.

As a child, Katie had been adopted by the Fusco family in Wingdale, N.Y., but after turning 18 she reached out to her birth parents through social media and expressed an interest in getting to know them.

Steven Pladl had two other children, ages 6 and 11, with Alyssa, when Katie moved in with the family.

Alyssa Pladl said she told Katie privately that Steven Pladl had abused her as a baby and that a major reason for the adoption was her own safety.

Katie, according to Alyssa, didnt appear to be concerned.

Steven Pladls behavior changed after he met Katie, Alyssa Pladl said. He began wearing skinny jeans and form-fitting shirts. He shaved his beard and let his hair grow long. About six weeks after Katie moved in, Steven Pladl one night slept on the floor in her room.

It immediately concerned Alyssa. After he did it again the next night, she confronted him. He said it was none of her business and stormed out of the house with Katie.

Alyssa Pladl finally moved out in November 2016, and she shared custody of the two children with Steven Pladl.

The second time she lost her daughter: Steven told Alyssa last year that he had impregnated their daughter and planned to marry her after obtaining a divorce.

Alyssa initially learned Katie was pregnant by reading a journal of one of the younger children. Eventually Steven Pladl told his other children they were not to refer to Katie as their sister, but rather as their stepmother, court documents said.

Katie gave birth to Bennett on Sept. 1. She and Steven moved to a house on a cul-de-sac in Knightdale, NC.., just east of Raleigh, but wedded bliss did not last long. They were arrested on incest charges in January.

After the arrests, Katie moved back with Tony and Kelly Fusco.

On April 12, a Thursday, Katie and Tony Fusco left the Dover home for Waterbury. In a minivan nearby, Steven Pladl watched them leave, surveillance video shows.

Minutes later in nearby New Milford, witnesses reported someone opening fire. Katie and Tony Fusco, 56, were fatally shot. Steven Pladl was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot back in Dover.

Shortly after the New Milford shooting, as Fox News previously reported, Steven Pladls mother called 911 to report her son had told her he killed the baby, Katie and her adoptive father.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A man who operated a drug tunnel that ran more than 400 yards (365 meters) from Mexico to California has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Manuel Gallegos-Jimenez, a 48-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to conspiracy in San Diego.

KNBC-TV reports that $1 million worth of marijuana and $22 million worth of cocaine was seized when authorities discovered the tunnel under a house in the San Diego County town of Calexico in 2016.

The station says the tunnel had ventilation, electricity and an elevator that could fit up to 10 people.

Officials say it was the first time drug traffickers had built a house for the purpose of concealing a drug tunnel.

___

Information from: KNBC-TV, http://www.nbc4.tv/Andrew Pollack, the father of Parkland school shooting victim Meadow, filed a lawsuit Monday against former Broward County Deputy Scot Peterson, the school resource officer who didn't enter Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School while the massacre unfolded inside.

"I filed a wrongful death suit against Deputy Peterson today," Pollack tweeted. "I want to expose that coward so bad. Where ever he goes I want people to recognize him and say that's one of the cowards of Broward. The SRO that let those children and teachers die on the 3rd floor!"

Peterson, of the Broward County Sheriff's Office, was the school resource officer on duty at Stoneman Douglas when confessed gunman Nikolas Cruz opened fire at Stoneman Douglas  killing 17 people, including Pollack's 18-year-old daughter.

The lawsuit was filed in Broward County Court and, in addition to Peterson, listed the estate of Lynda Cruz, James Snead, Kimberly Snead, Henderson Behavioral Health, Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health INC, and South County Mental Health Center, INC., as defendants, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

BROWARD DEPUTY SCOT PETERSON SEEN STANDING OUTSIDE DURING FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING IN NEW VIDEO

Pollack, who was one of three victims' fathers who was appointed to a 16-member commission to investigate the Feb. 14 shooting, stated in a follow-up tweet that his lawsuit "has nothing to do with money."

"I want to be sure anywhere he goes in this country he will be recognized as the coward that could have gone in and saved the students and teachers on the third floor," the father added.

According to Sheriff Scott Israel, Peterson, a 33-year law enforcement veteran, "never went in[to]" the building that was under attack, and instead took up a position outside which allowed him to view the western entrance of the building. Surveillance footage released after the shooting shows Peterson standing in that area for 20 minutes.

Despite criticism, 54-year-old Peterson stood by his actions. The former deputy's lawyer said in a statement that "the allegations that Mr. Peterson was a coward and that his performance, under the circumstances, failed to meet the standards of police officers are patently untrue."

After he was suspended without pay pending an internal investigation, on Feb. 23, Peterson, the sheriff's office said, "chose to resign and immediately retired rather than face possible termination.

Pollack's son, Hunter, tweeted earlier Monday that Meadow's family "wants the world to know this is the guy that hid behind a concrete wall while kids and teachers were killed."

"He's a WEASAL COWARD, and no matter where he goes should be recognized as a failure," Hunter Pollack said. "He failed to act, and than lied about it after. We will not forget!"

Andrew Pollack's lawsuit is the second to be filed following the Feb. 14 shooting.

Student Anthony Borges, who was shot five times as he shielded classmates during the massacre, filed a lawsuit April 17 against Cruz, the estate of his late mother, a family that took him in after his mother's death and three mental health facilities that treated him.

Fox News' Katherine Lam and The Associated Press contributed to this report.An Amber Alert that was issued Monday after a photo appeared to show an older man duct-taping a younger boy in Tacoma, Washington, has been canceled.

Puyallup Police tweeted that the boy "was a special needs child who was being restrained by his Grandfather." Q13 Fox reported the grandfather was trying to prevent his grandson from running into traffic.

Photos released earlier Monday by the Tacoma Police Department appeared to show the older man, with a roll of duct tape in hand, standing over the boy, who seemed to be wrapped in duct tape.

Police spokesperson Loretta Cool told Q13 Fox a group of children said they saw the man, said to be in his 50s, duct taping the boy believed to be around 10 years old. The kids took the pictures and called police.

Authorities also released a photo of a car that resembled a 2017 Toyota Camry. Polie said the man apparently placed the child in that car.

Police thanked the public for "helping spread the word," and added it's "Better to be safe than sorry."RYE, N.Y. (AP) _ Acadia Realty Trust (AKR) on Tuesday reported a key measure of profitability in its first quarter. The results fell short of Wall Street expectations.

The real estate investment trust, based in Rye, New York, said it had funds from operations of $29.1 million, or 33 cents per share, in the period.

The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for funds from operations of 34 cents per share.

Funds from operations is a closely watched measure in the REIT industry. It takes net income and adds back items such as depreciation and amortization.

The company said it had net income of $7.4 million, or 9 cents per share.

The real estate investment trust posted revenue of $63.1 million in the period.

Acadia Realty Trust expects full-year funds from operations to be $1.33 to $1.45 per share.

The company's shares have dropped 13 percent since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Tuesday, shares hit $23.70, a decrease of 19 percent in the last 12 months.

_____

This story was generated by Automated Insights using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on AKR at https://www.zacks.com/ap/AKRA school district superintendent in Idaho, who had resisted calls to leave his post, finally agreed to step down when an anonymous donor reportedly gave him $400,000 to get out.

New Plymouth Superintendent Kevin Barker agreed to resign from his position last Wednesday during a special school board meeting, the Idaho Statesman reported Monday. Barker, who was dubbed a "bully" by some critics, is accused of creating a hostile environment for teachers.

He initially didn't want to leave -- but then Barker got an offer he couldn't refuse. An anonymous third party stepped up and offered Barker $400,000 to leave, which will be paid by that individual. The money wont come from the school district or any public funds, the report stated. Barker has the option to receive the money in one block or have it distributed to him through December 2020.

Because of his connection with the schools and students the decision to resign was difficult, Barkers attorney, Julie Klein Fischer, told the Idaho Statesman. Nonetheless, this change presents Mr. Barker with the ability to explore other opportunities and allows him much needed time to focus on family.

Barker will also get a monthly salary of $1,500 for his consulting work with the school district up until June 30, 2020  even if he gets a new job during the time. His life insurance, full family insurance benefits and retirement contributions will continue through June 2020.

The agreement also states Barker will get a letter of recommendation from the school board and be able to keep his Microsoft Surface and laptop, both of which were purchased by the district.

Trouble with Barker has been brewing since at least March, when the school board met with people who supported and opposed Barker, the Idaho Statesman reported.

The atmosphere in the New Plymouth district has not been normal for more than a year, one person wrote about Barker in an online survey. As the leader of this district, I hold Mr. Barker responsible for the obvious decline in the morale of teachers and staff. We are trying so hard to stay positive for the students and serve them well but Mr. Barkers seemingly vindictive behavior and decisions are making my and my colleagues jobs unnecessarily difficult.

At the time, Barker said he had no intention of leaving his position and the school board released a statement supporting him.As an anticipated member of Georgia Northwestern Technical Colleges first full graduating class of Logistics and Supply Chain Management this winter, 27-year-old Jason Warren is one proud man.



However, thats not what has him smiling the most these days. The Dalton resident is also a National Guard reservist, a husband of five years to his wife, Cortney, and now a soon-to-be college graduate. So, thats plenty to be proud of and keep you smiling, right?



But none of that is what makes Jason and his wife, Cortney, the happiest. That honor lies in the miles of smiles their 21-month-old Lucas leaves in his wake each and every day. And, as of this spring, millions of people around the world know exactly why.



You see, the Gerber Products Company selected Lucas to be their 2018 Gerber Spokesbaby in an online contest earlier this year. As a result, Lucas is the first-ever special needs child to be selected for the honor. He was selected as the winner from more than 140,000 photos that were submitted for a chance at the distinction.



The original Gerber Spokesbaby, which still graces the covers of Gerber products worldwide, is Ann Turner Cook. Cook, now 91 years old, spent most of her life as a school teacher in Florida. Being able to successfully make it through his school years is The Warren Familys hope for Lucas.



As a father, seeing your child succeed in life and go to school, thats what Im looking forward to, said Jason in a NBC Today show interview announcing Gerbers selection of Lucas. Of course, Jason is now getting the opportunity to lead by example for his child who lives with Down Syndrome.



Long before Lucas came along, Jason faced his own struggles. Jason attempted to enroll in college just after his graduation from Ringgold High School in 2009. I went to another college in the area and ended up having to drop out to help my family, said Jason. I guess I just needed to wait for the right time.



The right time was 2016. Jason was driving tractor-trailers for a living. With the job taking me all over the United States and Canada, it kept me away from home a lot, said Jason. I was looking all over for colleges teaching logistics, given it was a logical step from driving a tractor-trailer, when some of my friends said that it was offered right here at home at GNTC.



At the time, Jason and Cortney Warren had been married for just three years. Lucas was still half a year away from coming into the world. Thats when Jason would meet Ms. Grace Beam, director of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management program on the Catoosa County Campus of GNTC. Jason was one of our first students in this fairly new program, said Beam. From the start, I could tell he was really cut out for this kind of career.



After he graduates from GNTC with an associate of applied science degree in logistics and supply chain management, Jason says he will consider continuing his education through Georgia Military College. They offer a bachelors degree in my field, said Jason. It may have to wait until after next year, though. Jason may face a military deployment by way of his National Guard commitment in 2019. Hes expected to graduate from GNTC in December.



As for Jasons wife, her educational goals are inspired by her communication efforts with their only child. Cortney is looking into possible programs that would help her with learning American Sign Language. Lucas knows a few words by sign language right now, proudly added Cortney. We do some signing with him. Like, he knows how to say mommy and daddy in sign language. I just want to be ready to help him.



But, what about Lucas? What does their soon-to-be two-year-old want to be when he grows up? Well, he has a little toy screwdriver he carries around and he loves to wear bowties, said Cortney. Im pretty sure he thinks hes pretending to be a doctor.



When Lucas isnt sporting his winning smile, he can actually say a few words. Hes been saying dada and trying to say momma, said Cortney. He tries to say what sounds like the names of our dogs, Abby Dog and Lady. Lucas also loves to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs when his daddy starts to cheer, Gooooooo Dawgs! Lucas tries to reply with a very happy, Woof, woof, woof.



Although it seems Jason, Cortney, and Lucas appear to be headed to bigger and brighter things these days, it was less than two years ago that they werent sure what the rest of their lives would be like. We didnt find out he had Down Syndrome until after his birth, said Cortney. The day he was born the doctors told us he had a couple of holes in his heart and that he also may have Down. That diagnosis would be confirmed two weeks later.



The Warrens will tell you today that their biggest worry was always how would people treat their child. I was always afraid hed be bullied or people would be scared of him, said Cortney. But weve learned so much from Lucas. We learn more from him than he does from us. In the end, Lucas really wins people over wherever we go.



After travelling to New York City for everything from television interviews to photo shoots due to their newly-found fame, the world truly has been won over by Lucas. Its been hectic, but so special, said Jason. There are places all over the world still writing articles about Lucas and his being named the Gerber Baby. Its just gone viral. Weve been contacted by people from around the world. Usually, its parents of special needs kids just scared because they werent sure what things awaited their special children in the future. Then, they saw Lucas story and saw how brave he has been and it gives them hope to bring their kids out into the world, too.

If you ever get the pleasure to spend time with Lucas Warren and people ask you what he is like, youll have lots to say. Youll say hes outgoing, he loves to laugh and to smile, he really likes to play, and he enjoys eating chicken and his Gerber pouches of Apple, Kale, and Fig. Hes your typical toddler, says Jason. But the one thing youll almost forget to mention, because of the way Lucas wins you over, is that he has Downs Syndrome.



Hes going to be really excited because he is having a superhero-theme birthday party this summer, said Jason.



Well, Warren Family, on behalf of anyone who has met Lucas, were pretty sure we already know who the true superhero is.At least 28 members of the controversial immigrant "caravan" which traveled to the U.S. from Central America have been processed to apply for asylum, officials said.

Six members from two different families were processed Tuesday at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego, California, a spokesperson for Pueblo Sin Fronteras said. Eight members of the caravan were previously allowed to apply for asylum.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials told Fox News Tuesday evening that 28 asylum-seekers have now been processed. Border patrol initially said the registration site was at capacity, but a few members of the group were admitted Monday night into the port of entry.

The federal agency has not confirmed how many were being interviewed by asylum officers.

The caravan, which at times grew to more than 1,000 people, began winding its way toward the U.S. on March 25 and eventually incurred the wrath of the U.S. president, who repeatedly tweeted that it was an gross example of lax immigration laws.

Their arrival at the border, which included several demonstrations, set up a potential showdown between members of the group and the U.S.

On Tuesday, about 140 migrants were still waiting in Mexico to turn themselves in at San Diego's San Ysidro border crossing, the nation's busiest, said Alex Mensing, project organizer for Pueblo Sin Fronteras, which is leading the caravan.

MEMBERS OF MIGRANT CARAVAN REMAIN DEFIANT AFTER US AGAIN DENIES BORDER ENTRY

"The spirits are high, there was good news for everybody," Mensing said on the Mexican side of the crossing, moments after learning that some were allowed in.

Asylum-seekers are typically held up to three days at the border and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If they pass initial screenings by asylum officers, they may be detained or released with ankle monitors while their cases wind through immigration court, which can take years.

Nearly 80 percent of asylum-seekers passed the initial screening from October through December, but few are likely to win asylum.

On Monday, the Department of Justice filed complaints against 11 suspected members of the caravan.

Most of the defendants allegedly entered the U.S. illegally, which is a misdemeanor. One defendant is accused of having entered the U.S. after having previously been deported, which is a felony.

Fox News' Nicole Darrah and The Associated Press contributed to this report.Three illegal immigrants tried to smuggle a live tiger cub inside a duffel bag across the Mexican border and into Texas, the U.S. Border Patrol said.

The individuals abandoned the duffel bag Monday after being spotted trying to enter the U.S. illegally through the Rio Grande by Brownsville Border Patrol agents. The suspects bolted back to Mexico.

The male tiger cub appeared to be three or four months old, officials said.

NOT an average day in the field, as Brownsville Border Patrol Agents rescue a tiger!" Irma Chapa, a spokeswoman for the Border Patrols Rio Grande Valley sector, tweeted.

She reported in another tweet that the tiger was expected to make a full recovery.

The animal was turned over to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville.As California's homeless population skyrockets, the cost of cleaning up the state's numerous shanty towns is also hitting record highs -- and the price tag is likely to keep rising as workers tasked with tossing the vagrants' syringes, feces and buckets of urine fight for safer conditions.

The Golden State's homeless population of more than 130,000 people is now about 25 percent of the nationwide total, and cleaning up after the surging group is getting costly -- topping $10 million in 2016-17. But the human cost is getting equally untenable, a workers' advocate says.

In an official grievance filed last week, the union representing California's maintenance workers accused the state of subjecting its members to hazardous conditions without proper training or equipment.

"It is the Union's contention that Caltrans is not ensuring that our members are being provided the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), necessary training, necessary vaccinations and proper compensation for the dangerous hazmat duties they are performing when cleaning up homeless encampments on State Caltrans property," International Union of Operating Engineers director Steve Crouch said in the complaint.

Crouch told KTVU on Monday that maintenance crews often have to work in areas where the ground is muddy, slippery and ridden with debris that can include objects that are exceedingly sharp. Other items are simply dangerous to touch, such as potentially toxic or biologically unsafe materials.

"Feces and urine and feminine products and all kinds of things on the ground; needles, syringes, you know they use buckets, five-gallon buckets for toilets and it gets really disgusting," he said.

Besides the prospect of touching dangerous material, workers are also confronted with the open hostility from the "residents" of the encampments they are trying to clear.

"Sometime they have pit bulls in there. They'll, you know, let the dogs loose to chase the Caltrans workers out," Crouch said. "Sometimes they'll throw rocks at the Caltrans workers."

HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS INCREASINGLY AFFECTING CALIFORNIA TRAIN TRAFFIC

In an interview with the Sacramento Bee, one Caltrans worker who asked not to be named due to fear of retribution said he's been involved in six cleanups so far this year but only been given a pair of gloves as protection.

Ive been exposed to blood, needles, womens feminine products five-gallon buckets of human feces, he told The Bee.

"Ive been exposed to blood, needles, womens feminine products five-gallon buckets of human feces."  Caltrans maintenance worker

The department told KTVU in a statement that, "Safety is a top priority for Caltrans and we will carefully review the grievance."

The surge of homelessness in the Golden State is also costing the state tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. Caltrans said in its Mile Marker magazine the department has spent about $29.2 million in cleaning up encampments since fiscal year 2012-13.

In the past year alone, Caltrans estimated the cleanup costs in 2016-17 topped $10 million, a 34 percent increase over the previous year across all 12 regional districts. Maintenance crews encountered about 7,000 homeless camps on rights of way of the state's 254 highways.

California's homeless population ticked up by 13.7 percent to 134,278 people in the past year, about 25 percent of the national total, according to a U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development report.

HOMELESS MAY GET MOBILE SHOWERS AT LOS ANGELES METRO STATIONS

"Homelessness is a problem throughout the country, but is more visible in California where HUD reported 68.2 percent of the homeless population lives in unsheltered locations such as streets and parks," Caltrans said in its report. "That is the highest percentage in the country."

A typical camp cleanup takes days to complete, according to the agency, with a notification first posted at the site at least 72 hours before crews arrive.

Crouch said Monday he hopes his grievance causes the department to focus on keeping the transportation system moving.

"Their job is to maintain the highways and freeways, you know, that's filling the potholes, that's doing the striping of the lines, that's doing the guardrails alone the edge, that's trimming the trees and shrubs and bushes along the highway," he said. "Their job is not to clean up homeless encampments."A California man serving a four-day sentence in county jail tried to cut his time short by making a run for it over the weekend  an escape that lasted all of 38 minutes, police said.

Marc Andrew Schwartz, 22, made a run for it on the second day of his four-day sentence for a DUI conviction at North County Detention Facility in Sonoma County, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports.

On Saturday, Schwartz managed to scale a fence covered in coils of razor wire before jumping a wooden fence and landing on the other side, police said.

The Sonoma County Sheriffs Department quickly identified Schwartz as the escapee after conducting a head count, and within minutes of broadcasting his description over the airwaves, received a tip of a man fitting his profile running through a field not far from the jail, according to authorities.

The 22-year-olds escape was short-lived, as dozens of sheriffs deputies with help from neighboring agencies, a helicopter and K9 units tracked Schwartz down in just 38 minutes.

He was found in a nearby creek bleeding, and was treated for his injuries before being taken to a hospital in the area, the report said.

Police said drugs and mental health issues were not a factor in what prompted Schwartz to escape with just two days remaining on four-day sentence.

No drug or mental health issues in this case. He chose to solve a perceived problem in the absolute worst way, the sheriffs department wrote on its Facebook page.

Schwartz could now face more time behind bars as he was charged with felony escape, according to police. He has been moved to the higher security Main Adult Detention Facility in Santa Rosa.The daughter of a New York City police officer who was killed saving lives during the Sept. 11 terror attacks followed in her fathers footsteps by joining the NYPD last week.

Jillian Suarez was sworn in Thursday along with 270 other police recruits. Suarezs father, Ramon Suarez, was killed in 2001 while rescuing people at the World Trade Center. He was last seen going into the North Tower after he and another officer saved a woman who couldnt walk. Suarez was seen in photos helping people to safety during the attacks.

I grew up with my father walking in and out of the house with his uniform constantly on and I always admired him for thathe truly loved his job, Suarez said Monday.

Jillian Suarez turned 9 two days before her fathers death. She told PIX11 her father was in Manhattans Lower East Side when he heard a call over the radio that day.

From there he ran to take a taxi. He took a taxi to help others that day, Suarez said in 2016. That was him for sure, he always was about saving people and thats why he wanted to be a police officer.

Suarez, who graduated from St. John's University with a degree in forensic science, decided to carry on her fathers legacy 17 years after his death.

Upon graduating from the Police Academy, Jillian hopes to carry her fathers shield, and with it, a deep sense of pride and purpose, the NYPD said in a news release.A Florida man who was released from prison a month ago was arrested after he killed a woman, then showed off her dead body stuffed in a storage bin to residents in the neighborhood, police said.

Angelo Beckford, 40, was charged with second-degree murder Monday after several people called police saying they were invited to a home to look at a dead woman, who was identified Tuesday as 29-year-old Cheyenne Snyder.

"We had people who actually come to the police department to report that this man had invited them in, shown them what looked like a woman who could be dead or unconscious in his home," Yolanda Fernandez, St. Petersburg police spokesperson, told FOX13 Tampa.

Authorities initially thought a woman was being kidnapped in the St. Petersburg home. Beckford attempted to run from cops when they entered the residence and was taken into custody, police said.

"Then, we had rescue standing by, but, when SWAT finally was able to force their way inside, what they confirmed was, there was a body of a dead woman in the shed behind the home, Fernandez said.

An arrest report obtained by the Tampa Bay Times said Beckford admitted getting into a fight with Snyder because she caused a mess in the house. He then allegedly shot her.

"It's crazy," Jamarius Hubbard, who lives near Beckford, told FOX13. "I don't know. But, the thing about it, when he's out here, mingling with everybody, he has sense. Plenty of it."

Beckford was released from prison on April 1 after serving 10 years for attempted robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. He also reportedly served a prison sentence for aggravated assault and felony battery charges.

The 40-year-old was also charged Tuesday with violation of parole, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of crack cocaine and aggravated assault.A Florida fisherman learned a valuable lesson last week: Don't mess with a manatee.

Luis Tornas Perez, 49, was fishing on Long Key near mile marker 55 when he came across a group of about 16 manatees who were mating.

Instead of leaving them alone, as required by state law, however, Tornas Perez reportedly splashed water at them, the Miami Herald reported.

Tornas Perez was arrested and charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. He was jailed at Plantation Key Jail.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Tornas Perez was seen causing a slap on the water, which is illegal.

State law says its illegal to poke, prod, pursue, or feed manatees  including giving them fresh water. Excessive noise or splashing of the water is also prohibited and is considered a misdemeanor.In a picturesque city known for its artsy charm just outside Orlando, Fla., a house adorned with blue and yellow swirls is stuck in the middle of a First Amendment dispute that has pitted city hall against the homeowners.

The City of Mount Dora has made our lives a nightmare, said Nancy Nemhauser, who owns the home with her husband Ludomir Jastrzebski.

When Vincent Van Goghs iconic 1889 painting Starry Night was recreated on the home last July, Mount Dora officials called it an eyesore. The city slapped the homeowners with a graffiti violation and $3,100 fine, then charged them $100 a day, up to the value of the house, until the mural was painted over. They were given 30 days to comply or faced steeper fines.

The dispute has received national attention because of the houses unique design. Its also, critics say, the latest example of government overreach, with the city playing favorites over which house murals get to stay and which ones cannot.

This isnt just a case of homeowners rights vs. the big bad government or the good government vs. the bad homeowner, said Michael Allan Wolf, a professor at University of Floridas Levin College of Law. I suspect the only reason the local government got involved in this case is because there are complaints from other homeowners.

The city soon after abandoned its original graffiti claim and replaced it with a sign violation.

A 2015 Supreme Court ruling makes it difficult for municipalities to favor some signs and prohibit others.

If local homeowners arent happy with this house, Wolf said, they should file a public nuisance lawsuit, but I dont think they can really prove this is a public nuisance.

The fines had grown to $10,600 when the homeowners filed a temporary restraining order against the city through their California-based Pacific Legal Foundation attorney, Jeremy Talcott, who took the case to federal court to stop the accruing charges.

Talcott argued that the home painted in the style of the masterpiece is an expression of the owners First Amendment rights and that the citys application of what was a sign not allowed under code was inconsistent and vague.

How would you like to pay for your First Amendment? $100 a day, said Jastrzebski, a Polish immigrant. I came to this country and I appreciate the value of my constitutional rights.

The couple said they have paid no money to the City of Mount Dora.

If everyone else must paint their houses one color, then Im happy to do that if thats the code, but thats not the code and theyre making it up as they go, said Nemhauser of the multiple homes with murals in Mount Dora. If our house is a sign, then any other house with artwork on it is also a sign.

The homeowners said the colorful mural was intended to serve as a sort of landmark and beacon for their adult autistic son, Chip, in case he got lost and couldnt find his way home. They hope he can one day live in the home with his caretakers.

They claim they told the city their plan before the project began and were told by three city employees that no special permits were required to begin painting. Nemhauser said she took the necessary steps before the artist, Richard Barrenechea, began painting.

I wanted to be absolutely certain, she said.

The couple first commissioned the rendition of Starry Night for the 40-foot-wall in front of their home. But before the wall was even finished, the city sent the homeowners a graffiti notice and ordered that the wall and house must match.

After the citation, the owners had the artist paint their entire house in the same theme of the Dutch masterpiece.

We decided to have the wall match the house by having the artist paint the house to match the wall. They do match, Nemhauser said. We are not in a homeowners association and we dont have to comply with the strict guidelines that homeowners associations put on their residents.

The homeowners said its normal to hear shouts of support from passersby and see dozens of fans posing for pictures in front of the home. Some leave notes of admiration.

We love that people enjoy it. Our son loves it, it makes him happy. We want people to enjoy it, said Nemhauser.

But critics say the house is a distraction.

I dont like the portrait of Van Gogh. Its very frightening, said neighbor, Dawn ORourke. If you lock eyes with it, it just seems haunting.

Meanwhile, the ongoing legal battle continues.

An attorney serving as outside counsel for the city said she cannot comment on the ongoing litigation.

I feel sympathy for both sides, said Wolf. Its a shame because this is a dispute that should be mediated because there are rights and wrongs on both sides and an objective person should come in and solve it.

Two Change.org petitions have been created in support of the homeowners and artist since the start of the Starry Night saga, one of them now has nearly 12,000 signatures.The Maine deputy who was killed last week was shot in the head by a suspect who had a bulletproof vest, according to court documents released Monday.

John Williams, 29, confessed to a friend after killing 61-year-old Somerset County Cpl. Eugene Cole in Norridgewock, investigators said in a state police affidavit as Williams made an initial court appearance.

The affidavit obtained by WGME stated a Somerset County Sheriff pickup truck drove by as friends were dropping Williams off in front of his previous home in Norridgewock shortly after 1:15 a.m. The friends had witnessed Williams put bags, a bulletproof vest, and a shotgun into the car before taking him to the home.

About 15 minutes later, his friend Chris Williams stated in the affidavit, He (John Williams) had killed Corporal Gene Cole and stole his police cruiser after Cole snuck up on him, or he snuck up on Cole. The friend couldn't remember, according to the affidavit.

It was not clear how Williams and Cole encountered each other.

The 29-year-old then allegedly drove Cole's cruiser to a Cumberland Farms convenience store, where he stole a pack of cigarettes and fled before abandoning the cruiser.

After the shooting, Chris Williams told police he picked up his friend and the two smoked drugs using a "crack pipe." Chris Williams told police he gave John Williams his cell phone, and then kicked him out of the vehicle, according to WGME.

Cole's body was not discovered until 7:30 a.m., sparking a massive manhunt with more than 200 law enforcement officers pouring into the area in central Maine, along with tactical vehicles and helicopters.

MAN WANTED IN MAINE DEPTUTYS SLAYING WAS ARRESTED WITH THE FALLEN OFFICERS OWN CUFFS

Authorities have still not disclosed how or why Williams crossed paths with the sheriff's deputy, but the 29-year-old was due in court in Massachusetts the day of the shooting and had talked to a friend about becoming a fugitive.

Friends said he had been frustrated by his arrest in Massachusetts the previous month and by his girlfriend's arrest in Maine days earlier  in which Cole had been involved.

Williams was not required to enter a plea Monday, and a judge ordered him held without bail. The judge ordered a mental health evaluation and, at the request of attorneys, moved future court proceedings from Somerset County to Portland to ensure that Williams gets a fair trial, according to the Associated Press.

WOMAN WHO FOUND SLAIN COP IN HER YARD IN MAINE HELPED RAISE SUSPECT

Several of Cole's family members, including his wife and son, attended the hearing but left without talking to reporters.

Cole's wife, Sheryl, posted on Facebook to thank people for their kindness and law enforcement officials for their service, adding that "the last five days have been the purest form of hell and torture."

She said her husband talked about the "crazies" being out on the night he was killed, but that nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary when he headed out to work.

"Anyway, we said our ritual goodbye, ending with me saying (or yelling ) 'Be safe.' and him responding 'Absolutely,'" she wrote. "The next time I saw my husband, he was laying in a casket."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A man has been charged in the death of a 73-year-old woman after she was struck by a stray bullet fired during target practice in rural Michigan.

Twenty-one-year-old Michael Vultaggio was arraigned Thursday on charges of careless discharge of a firearm causing death and lying to a police officer. Bond was set at $10,000.

His lawyer, Wayne Tomala, declined to comment to the Times Herald of Port Huron.

Shirley Pfeil died after being shot inside her home March 25 in St. Clair County's Riley Township, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northeast of Detroit. Police say Vultaggio was shooting at a berm on his nearby property.

Pfeil's husband reported she collapsed after he heard a loud crack, and she died at a hospital.

A preliminary examination is set for May 15.Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman may face murder charges after several former Mexican police officers accused him of killing six Americans and a DEA agent within a nine-week span in late 1984.

Three former Mexican police officers told the U.S. Attorneys Office in Los Angeles they witnessed Guzman carry out the killing spree between late 1984 and early 1985. Jorge Godoy, one of the former cops who is now under witness protection, told WFAA that Guzman took pleasure in killing people.

He likes to cut the people, Godoy told the news site.

EL CHAPO TRIED TO SMUGGLE COCAINE IN JALAPENO CANS, WAS INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS KILLINGS, PROSECUTORS SAY

Four Americans who were Jehovahs Witnesses  Benjamin Mascarenas, 29; his wife Pat Mascarenas, 27; Dennis Carlson, 32; and his wife Rose Carlson, 36  were murdered during a missionary trip in Guadalajara, Mexico. Godoy said he was the bodyguard of drug kingpin Ernesto Fonseca at the time and the missionaries made the wrong decision of knocking on a drug lords door on Dec. 2, 1984.

He told WFAA he saw them rape the women and torture the Americans. He added that Guzman shot each person and watched their bodies fall into an open grave. Former DEA agent Hector Berrellez also said Guzman was involved in their deaths.

He shot them with his Uzi 9mm and I have witnesses that were there that saw El Chapo kill these four Americans after they had been severely tortured, Berrellez told WFAA. The women were even raped. Were talking about an animal here.

But the killings didnt end there, according to Godoy. Two other Americans, John Walker, 35, and Albert Radelat, 33, were the crazed drug lords next targets in Jan. 30, 1985. Walker was a Vietnam veteran and two-time Purple Heart recipient in Guadalajara writing a novel at the time. He and Radelat went to La Langosta restaurant to have dinner  in what turned out to be a fatal mistake.

Drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero mistook the two for DEA agents and ordered them in the restaurant.

"[Walker and Radelat] passed by me and I said, Oh my God, Godoy recalled.

He said Guzman cut Walkers throat. He then wrapped them and buried the two people in a nearby park, according to the report.

The last killing involved DEA agent Enrique Kiki Camarena, who busted the cartels marijuana fields and torched 10,000 tons of marijuana that cost them about $5 billion. He and a pilot who took him to the fields were tortured, killed and their bodies dumped on the side of the road.

Absolutely, he [Guzman] tortured both of them, Berrellez said. [Guzman] was seen by two witnesses slap, kick and spit in Camarenas face. He was involved in physically torturing Camarena.

'HUNTING EL CHAPO: THE INSIDE STORY OF THE AMERICAN LAWMAN WHO CAPTURED THE WORLD'S MOST-WANTED DRUG LORD' BY ANDREW HOGAN

Camarena's death sparked one of the biggest manhunts by the U.S. government.

The families of the six Americans told WFAA they want to see El Chapo charged with the murders. The drug lord had murder charges dropped before he was extradited to the U.S. The U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles did not comment on the possible charges to WFAA. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, where Guzman is awaiting trial, also declined to comment.

El Chapo pleaded not guilty to drug-related charges including money-laundering, use of firearms and murder conspiracy.A Mississippi teacher is being sought Tuesday by police who say she ran off with a teen boy -- just weeks after she was arrested for alleged sexual misconduct with a student.

Oscar O'Neal, 16, was reported missing by his mother Monday and was last seen around 1 a.m. at his home in Hattiesburg, police said. There is an active arrest warrant out for Nicole Jackson, a 30-year-old former teacher at the Earl Travillion Attendance Center who previously was arrested and charged with sexual battery by a person in a position of trust or authority.

If u see my son please contact me or my wife Lisa Oneal. We got the police involved his nickname is Lil Pooh but his real name is Oscar Oneal missing...., read a post Monday on a Facebook page purportedly belonging to the teens father.

Another Facebook page believed to belong to Jackson says she is married. The age of consent in Mississippi is 16.

Hattiesburg police had been investigating Jackson since mid-March after they received a tip alleging she was having an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to WDAM. She was taken to the Forrest County Jail on April 10 and later released on $10,000 bond.

Police believe the pair could be in a dark blue Chevy Impala with the Mississippi license plate FRA-4454.Almost 200 migrants parked at the nation's busiest border crossing are planning to seek asylum in the U.S. following their dramatic journey in a caravan through Mexico, setting up a showdown with the Trump administration over immigration and asylum policy.

Eight women and children entered a border facility on Monday to formally file asylum papers, with the rest to follow soon, organizers said. Immigration officials confirmed the facility had begun "processing undocumented arrivals again."

The caravan, which reached the border with San Diego after an approximately 2,000-mile trip, once included more than a thousand people. It is now down to a few hundred.

The migrants' decision to seek asylum comes just one day after U.S. officials closed the border facility there because it was at capacity.

White House officials have long said many claims for asylum are fraudulent, and that illegal immigrants can take advantage of the sometimes years-long asylum process by living in the U.S. while their claims are adjudicated.

Most asylum claims by Central Americans are unsuccessful, Reuters reported, with the majority resulting in immediate detention and eventual denial and deportation.

Asylum claims require a well-founded showing by the applicant of a risk of persecution -- such as physical harm, economic retaliation, or imprisonment by the government -- if an applicant is returned to his home country.

Clearing that high legal bar is challenging, especially because courts generally only consider persecution based on certain characteristics, such as religion, political opinion, national origin, or race. Immigration judges therefore generally do not consider the risk of persecution by most non-state actors, such as criminal groups -- which are a predominant threat in Central America.

"We can close loopholes and clarify our asylum laws to ensure that they help those they were intended to help," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in October. "As this system becomes overloaded with fake claims, it cannot deal effectively with just claims."

Sessions has since called the caravan "a deliberate attempt to undermine our laws and overwhelm our system."

He has vowed to send more immigration judges to the border to resolve cases if needed.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice on Monday filed complaints against 11 people thought to be members of the caravan of migrants, relating to their alleged illegal arrival in the U.S.

And some members of the caravan reportedly tried to slip through U.S. border fencing, immigration authorities said.

President Trump and members of his Cabinet have been tracking the caravan closely, calling it a threat to the U.S. since it started March 25 in the Mexican city of Tapachula, near the Guatemala border.

"The migrant caravan that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are," Trump tweeted Monday night.

NEARLY A DOZEN SUSPECTED CARAVAN MEMBERS FACE DOJ COMPLAINTS

"Yet Democrats like Jon Tester continue to support the open borders agenda  Tester even voted to protect Sanctuary Cities," he added, taking a shot at the West Virginia senator who released a report detailing allegations against ex-Veterans Affairs nominee Adm. Ronny Jackson. "We need lawmakers who will put America First."

But caravan organizers disputed the White House's characterizations, saying the nearly 200 migrants, many traveling with children, decided to apply for protection at the nation's busiest border crossing after many fled violence in their home countries.

Wendi Yaneri Garcia told The Associated Press she's confident she will be released while her asylum case winds its way through the courts because she's traveling alone with her 2-year-old son, who has been sick.

"All I want is a place where I can work and raise my son," the 36-year-old said.

She said police in her hometown of Atlantida, Honduras, jailed her for protesting construction of a hydroelectric plant and that she received death threats after being released.

The caravan's arrival at San Diego's San Ysidro border crossing marked the end of a monthlong journey by foot, freight train and bus for the migrants.

Nefi Hernandez, 24, told the AP a gang in his hometown of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, threatened to kill him and his family if he did not sell drugs. He intended to seek asylum with his wife and baby daughter, who was born on the journey through Mexico.

And Jose Cazares, 31, said he faced death threats in the Honduran city of Yoro because a gang member suspected of killing the mother of his children learned one of his sons reported the crime to police.

But the travelers faced an uncertain future as they asked for asylum. U.S. immigration lawyers warned them that they face possible separation from their children and detention for many months.

CARAVAN PARKS AT BORDER FACILITY AFTER US OFFICIALS REFUSE ENTRY

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said asylum claims will be resolved "efficiently and expeditiously." But she warned that any asylum seekers making false claims could be prosecuted, as could anyone who assists the migrants in doing so.

The San Ysidro crossing can hold about 300 people temporarily, Pete Flores, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's San Diego field office director, said earlier this month.

Asylum seekers are typically held for up to three days at the border and then turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If they pass an asylum officer's initial screening, they may be detained or released into the U.S. with ankle monitors.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A 77-year-old man convicted of killing five people at an Illinois restaurant in 1972 was granted parole late last week and then moved across the street from an elementary school, prompting the school district to issue a community alert.

Carl Reimann left prison last Thursday after spending more than 45 years behind bars. The mass killer was sprung after the Illinois Prisoner Review Board granted him parole.

The Illinois State Police Murder and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry listed his new address in the 700 block of South Seventh Street in La Grange, Ill.  across the street from the Seventh Avenue Elementary School.

BALTIMORE MAY PAY $9M TO MAN WRONGFULLY CONVICTED OF MURDER

Upon learning that Reimann would be moving across the street, the La Grange School District 105 issued a warning to parents and families in the community, Patch.com reported.

The police department is aware of this fact and is working closely with the schools to plan for increased presence during school arrival and dismissal times, the district said in a statement. We have contacted the Illinois Department of Corrections, chief of paroles, to express our concerns about his residence being in such close proximity to our school.

On Dec. 29, 1972, Reimann and his then-girlfriend, Betty Piche, entered Pine Village restaurant in Yorkville with the intention of robbing it. The situation escalated when Reimann pulled out a .32 caliber semiautomatic handgun and shot five people nearby, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Customers David Gardner, 35, and Bob Loftus, 48, bartender John Wilson, 48, dishwasher Catherine Rekate, 16, and cook George Pashade, 75, were killed.

Reimann and Piche were stopped by police soon after the shooting in Morris, about 20 miles away. He was sentenced to 50 to 150 years for each murder, plus additional time for armed robbery, to be served concurrently.

Piche was also convicted and was granted parole in 1983.

COYOTE ATTACKING CHILDREN ON NEW YORK PLAYGROUND THROTTLED BY OFF-DUTY OFFICER

The Illinois parole board granted his parole last week after an 8-to-4 vote.

The news of his parole was met with dismay from Bruce Rekate, whose sister Catherine was one of the victims. He told the Chicago Tribune he was ashamed of and angry at the parole board.

This man is free, he said. Them five victims never got to be free no more. They dont get to walk this earth. Why should this man?

Former Kendall County sheriff and Yorkville Police Chief Richard Randall, who was one of the first officers on the scene the night of the shooting, said he was shocked by the parole boards decision.

The person who committed the crime will be walking free  Thats difficult to understand and comprehend, he told the Tribune.Cops from a suburban New York village are facing scrutiny over the alleged failure to remove a 2-year-old girl from her home a day before the toddler was found dead -- possibly at the hands of her mother.

An investigation was already underway into the death on Saturday of Gabriella Maria Boyd in Mamaroneck, north of New York City. Responding officers shot and wounded the girls 28-year-old mother, Cynthia Arce, after she stabbed two officers with a knife.

On Friday officers served Arce with a court order removing the girl from her home, the Westchester Journal-News reported Monday.

But the cops left after the mother refused to surrender the girl and slammed the door, the paper reported.

Gabriellas father sought the court order fearing his ex-girlfriend, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had a history of substance abuse, may try to harm herself, his attorney Martin Rosen told the paper.

Im very angry, very hurt, very sympathetic to my client, Rosen told Fox News on Tuesday. I have been a lawyer for 50 years and this is the worst thing and it should never have happened.

TODDLER DIES, COPS SHOOT CHILD'S KNIFE-WIELDING MOM IN NEW YORK

Rosen told the Journal-News that cops informed his client they had some doubts whether they had the authority to enter the house to arrest Arce during the initial encounter.

Mamaroneck Village Police Chief Christopher Leahy said Monday that Rosens account of what happened Friday may not be factually accurate without elaborating, according to the paper.

WNBC-TV quoted a source familiar with the investigation as saying that Gabriellas death is considered a homicide.

On Saturday, officers responded to the home after receiving a 911 call from a woman screaming, Come help me, WCBS-TV reported. The station cited sources as saying the call that brought police to the home was in regards to a woman trying to harm a child.

Police said when officers arrived they found Gabriella in need of medical aid.

The girl's cause of death has not been released.A woman who is the subject of a viral letter from the Southlake Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Texas is on the loose once again, police say.

On April 24, Southlake DPS penned a letter to identity theft suspect Crystal Ladawn Finley, which read, Weve obvi been looking all over for you! Youve been laying low since we last saw you, which was using an innocent Southlake victims identity to open up credit cards in person at a ton of stores in the metroplex.

Finley allegedly used a stolen identity to open up credit card accounts at big-name stores such as Victorias Secret, Best Buy, Home Depot, Ashley Furniture and more.

Luckily, the loss prevention guys prevented you from getting too much property, amiright?! the letter continued, adding "And, OMG, we heard you were in an accident in Dallas and hope you're ok (even though you provided a fake ID to the other involved party).

SO! Heres the scoop. We have the warrant and we are letting all of our besties know what youve been up to, the officials wrote, advising the suspect to contact the detective on the case who will totes fill you in.

The letter ended with three words: Gurl, CALL ME.

Finley was arrested on Sunday by the Plano Police Department at an abandoned apartment. Someone called in a criminal trespassing complaint, Southlake DPS Officer Brad Uptmore told Fox News on Tuesday.

As she was arrested, Finley reportedly told officers, I dont know what you been reading on Facebook but that aint me.

The Southlake DPS credited the viral letter as the primary way authorities were able to track Finley down, adding that they received hundreds of tips. Several calls about the case also led officials to information about other thefts and crimes in the area.

[It has] helped us identify and bring other thieves to justice," the department said.

After she was arrested, Finley was taken to Collin County Jail, officials with the Plano Police Department told Uptmore.

She then complained of a medical emergency and was taken to a local hospital, the police department said, according to Uptmore. But after she arrived at the hospital, she refused treatment and was released.

[There are] different policies and procedures for jails and hospitals across the nation, he said, explaining why Finley was released.

As of now, local authorities aren't sure of Finleys whereabouts. But the Plano Police Department, which is now handling the case, is actively looking for her, Uptmore said.

While the officer noted that Finley has not been accused of a violent felony, its still important to bring her in, adding that he hopes the public safety departments great new Facebook audience will help authorities re-locate her.

Godspeed, said Uptmore.A Texas mother who locked her two children in a hot car last year to teach them a lesson while she took a nap was sentenced to prison for their deaths.

Cynthia Marie Randolph, 25, of Weatherford, was found guilty Monday of two counts of reckless injury to a child in the deaths of her two children, Juliet Ramirez, 2, and Cavanaugh Ramirez, 16 months. She was sentenced to two 20-year prison terms to be served simultaneously.

Randolph's charges were reduced. She had faced two first-degree felony counts of knowingly causing serious injury to a child. A conviction on those could have led to life sentences.

GIANT ALLIGATOR NEARLY THE SIZE OF A CAR STOPS TRAFFIC ON TEXAS HIGHWAY

Randolph told police she was angry at her children after she found them playing inside her car last May. The mother locked her two children inside the hot vehicle for several hours to teach them a lesson because her daughter often got out of the car without permission.

Randolph said she thought the children would figure out how to get out of the vehicle before going inside her home to smoke marijuana and watch reality television before taking a two-to-three hour nap, The Washington Post reported.

The mother said when she woke up she checked on her children but found them unresponsive. She also said she broke her cars window to make it look like an accident, police said.

DOZENS WITH TIES TO SUPREMACIST GANGS ARRESTED IN TEXAS

Randolph told police officers a different tale on May 26, 2017, the day of the childrens deaths.

The mother told officers she was folding laundry while watching television as her children played in the sun room. She claimed at the time she checked on her children a half-hour later, but could not find them. She said she kept searching when she found their bodies inside her car. The weather that day reached 96 degrees.

When medical officials arrived to the scene, they pronounced the two children dead. The mother told officials the children were in the car for no more than an hour.

However, an investigation found Randolph created several variations of the events and was arrested the next month.

More than 700 children were found dead in hot cars due to heatstroke in the past two decades, The Washington Post reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A U.S. veterinarian from Venezuela was extradited on Monday after he was arrested in 2015, accused of putting heroin in New York-bound pups' bellies as a part of a Colombian drug trafficking ring.

Andres Lopez Elorza, 38, was arrested in Spain in 2015 after U.S. authorities say he stitched packets of liquid heroin into the bellies of Labrador retrievers and other breeds sent on commercial flights to New York. The packets were later cut out of the puppies, who died in the process.

Lopez was arraigned in Brooklyn on Tuesday and ordered to be detained pending a trial in which he faces charges including conspiring to import and distribute heroin in the United States, according to a press release from the Drug Enforcement Administration. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison -- and as much as a life sentence.

As alleged in the indictment, Elorza is not only a drug trafficker, he also betrayed a veterinarians pledge to prevent animal suffering when he used his surgical skills in a cruel scheme to smuggle heroin in the abdomens of puppies, said Richard Donoghue, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York. Dogs are man's best friend and, as the defendant is about to learn, we are drug dealers worst enemy.

DEA Special Agent in Charge James Hunt said the investigation into the drug trafficking ring started about 12 years ago. A raid on a farm in Colombia in 2005 resulted in the rescue of 10 puppies.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Family members of a man charged in a deadly shooting at a Tennessee Waffle House restaurant say they are "heartbroken and devastated at the loss of life and injury."

Travis Reinking's family issued the statement Tuesday through Peoria, Illinois, attorney Joel Brown. Reinking faces multiple criminal charges, including criminal homicide, in the April 22 that left four people dead. The (Peoria) Journal Star reports the 29-year-old's relatives in rural Morton, Illinois, say they're praying for the victims and their families and "for healing and peace."

The Reinkings also say they "anticipate that greater clarity will be revealed about the events leading up to this incident." Brown said the family had no additional comment for now.

Reinking was arrested a day after the shooting near his Nashville apartment.China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique in Beijing Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas sign a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua/Ding Lin]

The communique was signed by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas.

"The Government of the Dominican Republic recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," according to the communique.

"Hence the Government of the Dominican Republic severs 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan as of this day," the communique said.

According to the communique, the People's Republic of China and the Dominican Republic, in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level effective from the date of signature of the communique.

"The two governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence," the communique said.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas sign a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua/Ding Lin]

Adhering to the one-China principle is a universally recognized international norm and the consensus of the international community, as well as the fundamental prerequisite and political foundation for China to establish and develop relations with any country, Wang said.

The Dominican Republic has resolutely decided to recognize and make a commitment to abiding by the one-China principle, and to establish diplomatic ties with China without any preconditions, according to Wang.

"This important and correct decision made by the Dominican Republic is fully in line with the fundamental interests of the country and its people, with the trend of the history and times, as well as with the international law and the basic norms of international relations. We highly appreciate that," Wang said.

Vargas said that it is a correct and important step forward for the Dominican Republic to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, and the Dominican Republic is now standing with the other 175 countries that support the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.

The Dominican Republic has cut its so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan, and it will no longer have any official relations or any official exchanges with Taiwan in any form, he pledged.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries opens a new chapter of bilateral ties, Wang said, noting that both sides will promote South-South cooperation and maintain the common interests of developing countries.

Establishing diplomatic ties with China brings the Dominican Republic great opportunities and will benefit the people of the Dominican Republic, Wang said.

As an important economic entity in the Caribbean region, the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Dominican Republic will inject new impetus into China-Latin America cooperation, Wang said.

The Dominican Republic appreciates China's important role in international and regional affairs, Vargas said, noting that his country will have close multilateral coordination with China.

Vargas said the Dominican Republic is willing to work with China to enhance political trust, strengthen exchanges at various levels and carry out cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and education.A California man who pleaded not guilty after being accused of waterboarding his wife earlier this year could face life in prison.

Richard David Schlosser, 36, of Newport Beach, was hit with a slew of charges in January, including torture, and criminal threats, after allegedly attacking his 65-year-old wife, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

TEXAS MOTHER GETS 20-YEAR TERMS FOR TODDLERS' HOT-CAR DEATHS

Schlosser "kept her captive in the apartment for hours," Senior Deputy District Attorney Mark Geller told Southern California's City News Service. "He actually waterboarded her."

Geller said the 36-year-old held his wife inside their home in January while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, City News Service reported.

MAN WHO TRIED TO DROWN HIMSELF IN POOL SUES POLICE OFFICERS, LIFEGUARD WHO SAVED HIM

After Schlosser reportedly "sobered up," the woman, who has not been publicly identified, was able to contact a friend, who called police. She was reportedly hospitalized to be treated for her injuries.

In a restraining order request, that was later dismissed due to the her failure to appear in court, the woman claimed Schlosser attacked her for six hours from Jan. 5 until Jan. 6, the Times reported. She alleged he "punched her  leaving her with a black eye  kicked her, hit her with a candelabra and cut her with scissors," according to the newspaper.

MOTHER OF INCEST MURDER-SUICIDE VICTIMS SAYS THE FATHER WAS EXTREMELY ABUSIVE

Court documents reportedly state that Schlosser allegedly choked the woman and shoved a towel down her throat.

Schlosser, who's scheduled to appear in court in August for a pretrial hearing, has reportedly pleaded not guilty to one count each of torture, corporal injury on a spouse, false imprisonment and criminal threats. He could face up to life in prison if convicted.Australian Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Vatican official to be charged in the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis, must stand trial on charges that he sexually abused multiple victims decades ago, a magistrate ruled Tuesday.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington dismissed some of the charges that had been heard in the four-week preliminary hearing in Melbourne but decided the prosecution's case against was strong enough to warrant a trial by jury.

When she asked Pell how he pleaded, the cardinal stood and said in a firm voice: "Not guilty."

Lawyers for Australia's highest-ranking Catholic had argued the accusations were untrue and should be dismissed.

Pell, Pope Francis' former finance minister, was charged last June with sexually abusing multiple people in his Australian home state of Victoria. The details of the allegations against the 76-year-old have yet to be released to the public, though police have described the charges as "historical" sexual assault offenses -- meaning the crimes allegedly occurred decades ago.

His alleged victims testified in the first two weeks of the preliminary hearing via a video link from a remote location to a room closed to the media and public.

His lawyer Robert Richter told Wallington in his final submissions two weeks ago that the complainants might have testified against one of the church's most powerful men to punish him for failing to act against abuse by clerics.

But prosecutor Mark Gibson told the magistrate there was no evidence to back Richter's theory that Pell had been targeted over the church's failings.

Since Pell returned to Australia from the Vatican in July, he has lived in Sydney and flown to Melbourne for his court hearings. His circumstances are far removed from the years he spent as the high-profile and polarizing archbishop of Melbourne and later Sydney before his promotion to Rome in 2014.

The case places both the cardinal and the pope in potentially perilous territory. For Pell, the charges are a threat to his freedom, his reputation and his career. For Francis, they are a threat to his credibility, given he famously promised a "zero tolerance" policy for sex abuse in the church.

Advocates for abuse victims have long railed against Francis' decision to appoint Pell to the high-ranking position in the first place. At the time of his promotion, Pell was already facing allegations that he had mishandled cases of clergy abuse during his time leading the church in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia's largest cities.

So far, Francis has withheld judgment of Pell, saying he wants to wait for justice to run its course. And he did not force the cardinal to resign, though Pell took an immediate leave of absence so he could return to Australia to fight the charges. Pell said he intends to continue his work as a prefect of the church's economy ministry once the case is resolved.

In recent years, Pell's actions as archbishop came under particular scrutiny by a government-authorized investigation into how the Catholic Church and other institutions have responded to the sexual abuse of children.

Australia's Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse -- the nation's highest form of inquiry -- revealed last year that 7 percent of Catholic priests were accused of sexually abusing children in Australia over the past several decades.

In testimony to the commission in 2016, Pell conceded that he had made mistakes by often believing priests over people who said they had been abused. And he vowed to help end a rash of suicides that has plagued abuse victims in his hometown of Ballarat.

Pell testified to the inquiry in a video link from the Vatican about his time as a priest and bishop in Australia. He did not attend in person because of a heart condition and other medical problems.

Police said at the preliminary hearing that they had planned to arrest Pell for questioning had he returned to Australia in early 2016 to testify.

His lawyers argued in court that Pell was targeted for "special treatment" by detectives from a police task force that investigated historical sex abuse. Police witnesses denied that accusation.

The investigation of Pell began in 2013 before any complainant had come forward to police, whom Richter accused of running "a get Pell operation."

Pell's lawyers told the court in February that the first complainant approached police in 2015, 40 years after the alleged crimes, in response to media reports about the royal commission.

Pell was charged by summons in Rome and agreed to return to Australia to face the allegations.next Image 1 of 2

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The rival Koreas dismantled huge Cold War-era loudspeakers used to blare propaganda across their tense border on Tuesday, as South Korea's president asked the United Nations to observe the North's planned closing of its nuclear test site.

The dismantling of dozens of loudspeakers was in line with an agreement on reconciliation by the leaders of the Koreas at their historic summit last Friday. It is still unclear if such measures can bring permanent peace because no major breakthrough in the North Korean nuclear standoff was produced at the summit.

South Korean soldiers disassembled loudspeakers in multiple front-line areas in the presence of journalists before pulling them away from the border, the Defense Ministry said.

A South Korea military officer said later Tuesday that North Korea had also begun taking down its propaganda loudspeakers earlier in the day. He requested anonymity, citing department rules.

Both Koreas had turned off the propaganda broadcasts along the 248-kilometer (154-mile) -long border last week before the summit.

They had restarted their propaganda warfare in early 2016 when tensions rose sharply after North Korea's fourth nuclear test. South Korea broadcast K-pop songs as well as criticism of the North's abysmal human rights conditions, world news and weather forecasts. The North broadcast anti-South messages and praises of its own political system.

North Korea is extremely sensitive to any outside criticism of its system, and most of its 24 million people are not allowed access to foreign TV and radio programs. In 2014, North Korean soldiers opened fire after South Korean activists sent anti-North leaflets over the border with large balloons, prompting South Korea to return fire. There were no reports of casualties.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has suspended nuclear and missile tests and placed his nuclear program up for negotiation, but skepticism lingers about how serious his offer is and what disarmament steps he would eventually take. Some experts say Kim's sincerity will be tested during his planned meeting in several weeks with U.S. President Donald Trump, in what would be the first North Korea-U.S. summit talks since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Trump said Monday he likes the idea of going to the southern side of Panmunjom, the location of the Korean summit, to meet Kim, though he said Singapore was also under consideration.

During Friday's summit, Kim told South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he would shut down his country's only known nuclear test site and allow outside experts and journalists to watch the process. He also said he would be willing to give up his nuclear programs if the United States commits to a formal end to the Korean War and pledges not to attack the North, according to South Korea's presidential office.

During a telephone call with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, Moon said he wants the U.N. to observe the closure of the Punggy-ri test site. Moon also asked the U.N. to formally declare its support for his summit declaration with Kim. Guterres responded that he will try to contribute to the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to Moon's office.

Some experts downplayed the closure of the Punggy-ri site, saying the six underground nuclear explosions that have been conducted there may have made it too unstable for more testing. Kim denied such views, saying the site has two additional underground tunnels that could be used for new tests.

A major source of outside suspicion about Kim's sincerity is his use of the term, "the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" instead of "the denuclearization of North Korea." North Korea has long used the first term, and has argued it can disarm only when the United States withdraws its 28,500 troops from South Korea and removes its so-called "nuclear umbrella" security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

A joint summit statement issued by Kim and Moon said they will work together to achieve "a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization."

It was the first time that Kim has proposed negotiating away his nuclear weapons, and some analysts say he could reveal more substantial disarmament measures in his meeting with Trump, including the possible scrapping of his long-range missile program that has posed a direct threat to the United States.

Prospects for the Kim-Trump talks remain unclear because Kim prefers a gradual, step-by-step disarmament process in return for corresponding rewards, while the United States wants complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.

On Monday, Moon shook off a suggestion that he receive the Nobel Peace Prize for reducing tensions with North Korea, saying Trump "can take the Nobel prize" as long as the Koreas receive peace in return.next Image 1 of 2

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The Dominican Republic established diplomatic relations with China on Tuesday, breaking ties with Beijing's rival Taiwan in the latest blow to the self-ruled island democracy China has been trying to isolate on the global stage. Taiwan said it was "deeply upset" by the move.

Officials from China and the Dominican government signed a joint communique at an event in Beijing announcing the establishment of ties. The Dominican Republic "breaks diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which is an inalienable part of China, and will not maintain any kind of official relations or contacts," said foreign minister Miguel Vargas, who sat alongside Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi.

The decision was the latest setback for Taiwan in the Caribbean and Latin America. Panama dropped its longtime ties with Taiwan last year and established relations with China, which considers Taiwan to be Chinese territory. The island is recognized as a sovereign nation by only 19 mainly small, developing countries.

Taiwan criticized what it called China's "dollar diplomacy" and announced it would terminate ties with the Dominican Republic immediately, including all projects and assistance it provides to the Caribbean nation.

"This is an unfriendly and destructive approach to cross-strait relations," Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters at an event in Taipei, referring to China's action. "These actions will make the people in Taiwan feel disappointed and increase the variables in cross-strait relations."

The announcement came just a day after Tsai had met with the foreign minister of Haiti, one of Taiwan's allies, in Taipei.

Beijing has been seeking to increase pressure on Tsai, whose independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party says it wants stable relations with China, but refuses to endorse the "one China" principle.

Some analysts say Chinese President Xi Jinping, one of the most powerful Chinese leaders in decades, seems determined to bring Taiwan under Beijing's control during his time in office, something that would place him in the history books alongside Mao Zedong.

The island's 23 million residents are strongly in favor of maintaining their de facto independent status, but Xi has previously warned a Taiwanese envoy that the issue of unification cannot be put off indefinitely.

Wang, China's foreign minister, hailed "a new page in the history of bilateral ties" between Beijing and the Dominican Republic. "From now on, China has one more good friend in Latin America with whom we could help each other," Wang said.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said Beijing had offered "vast financial incentives" to the Dominican Republic to get it to end 77 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Wu warned that Beijing has failed to deliver on hundreds of millions of dollars in pledges to some of Taiwan's former diplomatic allies. He said the Taiwanese government was "deeply upset by China's actions."

Taiwan "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's allies," Wu said.

"While Taiwan faces serious diplomatic challenges, the government will not bow down to pressure from Beijing," Wu said.

Flavio Dario Espinal, legal consultant to the Dominican presidential office, said at a news conference Monday in Santo Domingo that the change in foreign policy was based on the "needs, potential and future prospects" of his Caribbean nation.

"History and socioeconomics reality now force us to change course," he said.

Espinal said that even without formal diplomatic relations with China, trade between the two countries "has grown year after year to the point that today China is the second biggest supplier of our imports."

After Panama cut its ties with Taiwan, then-Taiwanese Foreign Minister David Tawei Lee visited the Dominican Republic last July as part of a campaign to shore up its relations and propose new cooperation projects. During his stay in Santo Domingo, Lee also met with Taiwan's ambassadors in Latin America to discuss strategies for not losing more allies.

The Dominican Republic has received millions of dollars in donations for development programs from Taiwan, but the government also started commercial and political contacts with China beginning in the middle of the past decade.

According to the Dominican government, bilateral trade with China has reached $2 billion a year, making the Dominican Republic the second-largest trading partner for China among the Caribbean and Central American nations.

Espinal said the government informed Taiwan of its move earlier Monday and thanked the Taiwanese for "the cooperation that we have shared for years." He said that had allowed "the development of very important programs" for the Dominican Republic.

Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949, and Beijing campaigns relentlessly to isolate the island globally. It cut off relations with Tsai's government shortly after she took office in 2016 and has been steadily ratcheting up both diplomatic and economic pressure. Chinese analysts say Beijing will likely continue to use its economic and political clout to lure away other Taiwanese allies until Tsai accedes to China's demands.

Tsai said Beijing's actions against Taiwan  including ramped up military drills around the island  have increased tensions.

Beijing's actions have "unilaterally undermined the peaceful status quo across the strait and are not what a responsible member of the international community should be doing," a statement from her office said. "Such mistakes should be stopped immediately."

Beijing insists that only it has the right to represent China in international society. The island is excluded from the United Nations and other multinational bodies that require official governmental recognition at China's insistence.

___

Lai reported from Taipei, Taiwan. Associated Press reporter Ezequiel Abiu Lopez contributed to this report from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.Motivated by the 2015 mass migration crisis and skepticism of the European Union, the nationalist-populist movement is continuing to defy predictions of its demise and rack up wins across the continent -- increasing pressure on more globalist leaders to keep their vision of Europe intact.

Both French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the White House last week, temporarily leaving behind the brewing and surging movement at home -- making nice with a president who has espoused many of the same stances as European nationalist-populist lawmakers.

But Macron also used a speech to Congress to slam nationalism as a tempting temporary remedy to our fears.

"We will not let the rampaging work of extreme nationalism shake a world full of hopes for greater prosperity," he said, also calling nationalism an illusion.

But in Europe, the rise of nationalist and populist parties throughout the continent is anything but an illusion.

After nationalist candidates won victories in the U.K., the U.S. and Italy in 2016, the nationalist and populist wave looked unstoppable. But it hit the rocks in 2017, picking up few wins and hit by Macron nudging out nationalist challenger Marine Le Pen in the closely-watched French presidential election.

But things have changed in 2018.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans Fidesz Party won a super-majority last month by running a campaign focused predominantly on the issue of mass migration. Under Orban, Hungary had built a border fence and deployed the military to the border after hundreds of thousands of migrants walked through Hungary at the beginning of the 2015 migration crisis.

While analysts predicted a Fidesz victory, polls indicated that voters -- dulled by years of talk about migration -- would sour somewhat on Fidesz focus on the topic and trim the partys majority. But Orbans government predicted otherwise.

We leave it to the voters, but this is a very clear question that should be decided, whether they would like to have a Hungarian Hungary or a Hungary occupied by migrants, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told Fox News ahead of the vote.

Hungarys victory comes on the back of a quick-fire set of wins for nationalist and populist parties across the continent. In January Czech Republic President Milos Zeman, also running on an anti-mass migration platform, beat political neophyte Jiri Drahos.

Zemans supporters had commissioned billboards with Stop migrants and Drahos.

In December, across the border from Merkel's Germany, a right-wing government was formed under now-Chancellor Sebastian Kurz -- whose center right Peoples Party (OVP) campaigned primarily on a tough stance on migration, and formed a coalition with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO).

In March, Italys political system was roiled by an election that saw big wins for the populist 5-Star Movement and the right-wing nationalist League. While the 5-Star is more of an anti-establishment party than nationalist, it has consistently shown skepticism of the European Union and has flirted with the possibility of a referendum for Italy to leave the bloc.

Parties have been scrambling to muster a coalition that can govern after no party or coalition won a clear majority, and it is possible that fresh elections may be called for the summer. Whether that favors the insurgents or the traditional parties is unclear.

But with support for center-left parties dwindling, and populist voices outshining traditional conservative voices on the right, theres no indication that the nationalist-populist wave is slowing down.

I strongly predict the revolution will keep rolling, former U.K. Independence Party Leader Nigel Farage, a central actor in Britains 2016 decision to leave the European Union, told Fox News.

The Macron agenda -- more money, more taxation, more military power, foreign policy without national veto -- everything Macron is talking about runs into a headlong collision with the way the peoples of Europe are feeling, he said.

In Germany, Merkel -- who was labeled the most important leader in the free world by Hillary Clinton last year -- has only recently managed to form a coalition to keep her in power after having her partys hold weakened in Septembers federal elections.

That weakening grip came amid a rise of support of the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has seen its support rise significantly as it has campaigned against Merkels immigration policies, specifically her 2015 decision to open her countrys borders to refugees fleeing Syria.

Merkel has in turn responded by taking a harder line on immigration. She has expressed regret for how the crisis was handled, placed hardliner Horst Seehofer in the Interior Ministry and has admitted the existence of no-go areas in Germany -- something frequently dismissed by left-wing commentators and politicians as a right-wing fantasy.

Macron is in a safer spot, but not by much. He won his 2017 election comfortably against Le Pen and does not face re-election until 2022. However, his poll numbers dived soon after election, particularly amid controversies involving his reform of labor union laws, now hovering around 40 percent.

He has used his office to try and rally a pro-Europe force in the face of the nationalist-populist surge. Ahead of his speech to Congress, Macron addressed the European Parliament and called for the building up of E.U.-wide sovereignty in the face of the nationalist threat.

"Indeed, in these difficult times, the European democracy is our best chance," he told European members of parliament. "The worst possible mistake would be to give up on our model and our identity."

But at home, he has also sought to take some of the wind out of the nationalist rights sails. Specifically, he has upset his countrys left-wing by proposing laws that would streamline the processing and deportations of failed asylum seekers, as well as talking tough on Islamic terrorism.

Other leaders have taken similar steps to try to ward off populist challenges, shifting to the right like Merkel. In the Netherlands, Prime Minister Mark Rutte issued a full page newspaper advert blasting migrants who refused to integrate.

I understand the people who think that if you so fundamentally reject our land, I prefer that you leave, the letter said, according to The Washington Post. As it happens I have that feeling, too. Act normal or go away.

But as pro-European Union forces look for a leader, Farage says that such hopes may be wrongly placed in the dashing Frenchman.

If they really think that Monsieur Macron with his fanatical love of the European project and supranationalism is somehow going to improve their fortune, my views is that theyve got another thing coming.A Russian fighter jet buzzed a U.S. military spy plane in the Baltic Sea on Tuesday morning, two defense officials told Fox News.

The Russian Su-27 jet performed a safe but unprofessional intercept of a U.S. Navy P-8 surveillance plane while flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

The Russian jet came within about 20 feet of the U.S. Navy aircraft, but the American pilots told officials they never felt threatened or unsafe.

Its the first incident between Russian and American military aircraft since January, when a Russian fighter jet buzzed a U.S. Navy EP-3 spy plane over the Black Sea.

In that incident, the Russian Su-27 jet came within five feet of the U.S. military plane, crossing directly through the EP-3s flight path, according to a statement from the Navys 6th Fleet. The encounter was so close it caused the Navy jet to fly through the Russian jets wash.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said at the time Russias military flagrantly violated international law and risked a midair collision. She called it the latest example of Russian military activities disregarding international norms and agreements.

The interaction lasted approximately two hours and 40 minutes, according to the statement from the Navys 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy.

US RELEASES RAW VIDEO OF RUSSIAN FIGHTER JET BUZZING NAVY PLANE IN INTERNATIONAL AIRSPACE

American and Russian jets routinely fly close to one another in the Black and Baltic Seas, but in a professional manner, according to the Pentagon.

Tensions with Russia were ratcheted up over the weekend, when the country's foreign minister claimed the U.S. is trying to divide Syria.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.A woman in Tunisia is hoping to become the first ever female mayor of the capital Tunis in Sunday's local elections.

Souad Abderrahim, 54, was fielded as a candidate by Islamist party Ennahdha ahead of the May 6 poll. She will run against 10 other top candidates who are all male.

Tunisian commentators say Abderrahim, who does not wear a Muslim headscarf, has considerable support.

She has acknowledged to The Associated Press that her candidacy is a "challenge" and called on voters "to not make any discrimination on the basis of gender."

Abderrahim, a pharmacist-turned-politician, said her campaign should be "a source of pride for Tunisian women."

Sunday's poll will be first local election in Tunisia since the 2011 revolution that initiated the Arab Spring.A U.N. rights expert has expressed grave concern over reports that Myanmar's military has used heavy weapons and conducted aerial bombings in civilian areas as fighting against ethnic rebels in northern Kachin state has escalated sharply.

While the world focuses on the plight of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims, a civil war has flared against the Kachin Independence Army, with thousands of civilians displaced from their villages near the Chinese border, according to the United Nations.

The U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, said the situation in Kachin state "is wholly unacceptable, and must stop immediately."

She said civilians must never be subjected to violence during conflict.

The Kachin, who are mostly Christian, have fought for greater autonomy in the predominantly Buddhist nation since 1961.Sheep producers are being warned to be on their guard against nematodirus disease following the sudden spike in temperatures.

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (Scops) nematodirus forecast map shows nearly the whole of the UK is now at moderate risk  which means eggs are within 10 days of hatching.

Meanwhile, parts of the South, South West, north Wales and the Midlands are now at high risk from the disease.

See also: Sheep farmers urged to look out for blowfly strike as temperatures rise

What is nematodirus? Nematodirus is a parasitic roundworm that affects young lambs grazing pasture. It causes profuse watery diarrhoea that causes dehydration and loss of condition and can lead to death.

Lesley Stubbings of Scops said: Scops is urging farmers to remain vigilant, as the level of risk for nematodirus is now very high in some areas of the country. While many producers are still getting over the effect of the cold and wet weather, the bouts of warmer conditions, however welcome, mean no one can afford to rest on their laurels.

She said lambs at the highest risk are those that were born in February and March and are now grazing fields that carried lambs last spring.

About the map To assess the challenge on their farms, farmers are being advised to use the Scops nematodirus forecast  a free and easy-to-use interactive map. It is updated daily using data from 140 weather stations provided by the Met Office and DarkSky, and tracks changes in risk throughout the spring and early summer. This map allows farmers and advisers to select their nearest or most representative weather station and then access advice on how to relate the predicted risk to a particular farm. Treatment options and possible management actions are also provided, which sheep farmers should use in consultation with their vet or adviser to consider the local risk and when/if to treat lambs.

Carry out FECs

Ms Stubbings added: The warm weather last week has also led to the other worm species waking up, with reports of relatively high counts in some lambs.

She said this shows farmers should now start to do faecal eggs counts (FECs).

Select the right product

Appropriate product choice will also be essential to protect young lambs, she added.

While white wormers remain the product of choice to kill nematodirus worms, farmers may need to swap away from these drenches if other worm types need addressing on their farm.

This is because resistance to white wormers is widespread in many species of worm other than nematodirus.

Ms Stubbings advised farmers to speak to their vet or adviser for advice on product choices.

With such a challenging season to date, we are urging sheep farmers to check their nearest weather station on the website and assess the risk to their lambs.



[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, April 30th 2018  1C is looking forward to scare all console players stiff with Through the Woods. After its successful release on PC, the award-winning third-person Norse horror adventure is coming to major console platforms. It will be released for Xbox One and Playstation4 on 2nd May and 8th May 2018 respectively. Named as being one of the most anticipated horror games by IGN and one of this years best horror games by CG Magazine, Through the Woods is bound to live up to its reputation on the consoles. Following a desperate mother in the search for her kidnapped son, Through the Woods immerses the player in the mysterious dark atmosphere of a deep forest, lit only by the moon and the cone of ones flashlight. The forest lives a different life at night, with mythological creatures roaming the woods, making every encounter potentially a deadly one. The biggest element of fear is the unknown. It seemingly materializes from the darkness. Unidentifiable sounds penetrate the silence and the occasional hint of movement may be spotted in the shadows. In a deeply personal narrative, the mothers relationship with her son is gradually revealed, as she realizes what perils her young son might be facing and what is at stake. All that matters to her is finding her son and making sure he is safe. Deep in the dark woods, on her own, with many obstacles to tackle, she fights not only with the forest and its creatures, but also with demons from the past buried deep inside. The media are welcome to request review keys for Through the Woods through [email protected] . About the game Through the Woods is a third-person Norse horror adventure set in a forest on the western shore of Norway. It tells a story of a mother and her missing son. Through reactive narration, the player experiences the mothers re-telling of the events surrounding her son's disappearance. It is the path of a terrified woman who is forcing herself to cross this terrible place for the sole purpose of finding her son in a setting heavily influenced by Norse mythology and Norwegian folk tales. With Through the Woods, Antagonist have captured the feeling of the forest as they saw it as children, with all the frightening and mysterious feelings of roaming the woods alone. This is coupled with a powerful story and high quality sound design that acts as a core mechanic in the darkness of the forest. Through the Woods is a profound experience that delivers the feeling of loneliness and loss in a terrifying place. Explore stunning environments and experience stories inspired by Norse mythology, Norwegian art and nature

Uncover dark tales of the past and present through reactive narration

Creative use of light and darkness generates deceptive environments

A frightening journey accompanied by beautiful and grim sound design Game Information Platform: Playstation4, Xbox One Publisher: 1C Company Developer: Antagonist Release date: 2 May 2018  Xbox One 8 May 2018  Playstation 4 Links Press kit: bit.ly/Through-the-woods_presskit Microsoft Store: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/Through-the-Woods/BRXFTCCPH3MC# Game website: http://www.antagonist.no/throughthewoods/ Trailer: https://youtu.be/6ljYYUlF-3w Latest releases 1C has recently released FALL OF LIGHT, BLACKHOLE (PS4TM, Xbox One), CODEX OF VICTORY, REALPOLITIKS Request Steam keys for 1C games at www.keymailer.co or contact us at [email protected] Get 1C games at the www.1cshop.eu About 1C: Founded in 1991, 1C is a global games publisher with offices located in Europe and Russia. The company releases PC games through its global network of independent distribution partners, digitally and at retail. www.1cpublishing.com | 1C Showreel: https://youtu.be/xFAt-7MeNBw About Antagonist: Antagonist is a small independent game studio based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2014. The team is focused on creating narrative-driven titles with epic stories and great gameplay.



[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]

Vancouver, May 1, 2018 - Mythical City Games announced today that the tank based sequel of the popular turn-based military strategy game Battle Fleet 2 is now available on Steam for PC and Mac. Battle Fleet: Ground Assault builds upon the Battle Fleet series unique turn-based strategic and tactical gameplay, by focusing on land battles this time instead of naval campaigns, adding destructible environments, armor, shell types, brand new single player campaigns and an intense multiplayer mode. Mythical City Games has released a launch trailer for the occasion that can be viewed below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poMVUBQ6bO4 The Normandy invasion has started and it's time to move your battalions of tanks off the beaches and into the battlefields of Europe. You are in command of each tank, all the way down to the angle and distance of each shot. Choose your shell type and take on the armored machines of the Axis powers, or switch sides and defend fortress Europe from the Allied invasion. Features Play the strategic single player campaigns, random skirmish mode, full cross-platform multiplayer, or even hotseat multiplayer.

Build your army from 20 different tanks, each one unique to each faction, with different armor, guns, mobility, and hit locations.

Choose between High Explosive or Armor Piercing shells to do the maximum damage to your enemy.

Aim for different sides of a tank to maximize your chance of penetrating their armor.

Utilize recon planes to reveal enemy locations or airstrikes to target dangerous tanks.

Tank commanders gain experience with each Campaign battle.

Battle across the Western Europe campaign with new campaigns coming later this year.

Use artillery to protect your lines in campaign battles.

Deploy Strategic Command Cards to surprise your enemies with special actions like laying mines, sabotage, enhanced aiming, airstrikes and more!

Battle Fleet: Ground Assault features full 3D models of WW2 era tanks.

VR Support for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Windows Mixed Reality coming soon. Battle Fleet: Ground Assault has been in development for a couple of years now and we are happy to finally deliver this new installment of the franchise to the fans. While keeping the science and game design from Battle Fleet 2, using armored vehicles instead of vessels, enabled us to create an even more authentic battlefield experience, says Mythical City Games CEO, Jedrzej Jonasz Battle Fleet: Ground Assault is available now on Steam for PC and MAC Press Kit is available here: http://bit.ly/2GXSYJE Connect with the Battle Fleet series on the internet and Social Media here: Facebook Twitter Website Battle Fleet @BattleFleetGame Battle Fleet Website Media Contact: HomeRun PR Damien Sarrazin [email protected] ## About Mythical Games Mythical City Games is a Vancouver based independent game studio with a focus on VR, desktop and mobile game development. Founded in 2011 by Jedrzej Jonasz, Mythical City quickly rose to become a well-known developer in the gaming world after the success of the first Battle Fleet which became the #1 Game on the Mac App Store. Since then they have produced a number of successful VR, mobile and PC game titles.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30)  It's time for the Philippines to engage Kuwait through a third party mediator, a former ambassador said on Monday.

Former Ambassador to Iraq and Palau Jun Lozada told CNN Philippines' The Source it was necessary to tap another country "to look at our interest and... cover our diplomats with immunity."

"The most important people now for a third country I could really think of that has a very serious and well respected and big influence on the Kuwaiti affairs is the United States of America," Lozada said. "Do you think the Kuwaitis will talk to the Russians or Chinese? No."

The former ambassador recommended the United Kingdom, Germany, and European Union as other possible mediators.

He lamented, however, that President Rodrigo Duterte's administration started off "not treating our friends quite well."

Duterte's foreign policy has been marked by a shift away from the west and new deals with China and Russia.

While Duterte has warm relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, the world power still listed extrajudicial killings in the Philippines as a primary human rights concern. Duterte has also repeatedly slammed the European Union, rejecting aid that supposedly comes with conditions on human rights.

Tense relations with Kuwait began after Duterte ordered a deployment ban following the brutal murder of household worker Joanna Demafelis.

It hit an all-time low after an unauthorized video of a rescue mission went viral, prompting the Gulf state to declare the Philippine ambassador a persona nongrata. A memorandum of understanding to protect workers has since been shoved into the backburner.

'Duterte should apologize'

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano has since apologized for the diplomatic mishap, but Lozada said that may not be enough.

"Now, the problem goes up to the crown. So the crown should really be the one that will be satisified," he said.

Lozada said he thought an apology should come from the President himself  but it should cover the method and virality of the rescue, not the intention of rescue itself.

"Let the President apologize, on the condition that he will stress to the Kuwaitis also that it is our duty to preserve the rights... of our citizens," said Lozada. "'I apologize, but I do not apologize for rescuing my countrymen. I apologize for some mistakes that may have been done when we carried on the process of rescuing.'"

He also suggested tapping Filipinos who had "access to the crown," such as former Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Foreign Undersecretary Rafael Seguis.

Lozada urged the government to prioritize the immunity of the remaining officials. He noted that Kuwait had "restricted the movements of people in our embassy."

"I understand the deputy of Ambassador [Renato] Villa, Ambassador Raul Dado, is holed up in the embassy until now. If he gets out, he will be arrested," said Lozada. "Three of our junior officers are already arrested from their residences."

Related: PH to Kuwait: Explain recall of ambassador, arrest warrants vs. diplomatic personnel

Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon similarly said a fresh team was needed in Kuwait.

Biazon said the government's first order of the day should be "the deployment of embassy officials there, to start fresh, and restore relations by not going into... finger-pointing on who's to blame."

Watch the full interview with Lozada and Biazon here.On Monday morning, dozens of workers in hazmat suits could be seen picking up globs of oil from the shoreline at Huntington State Beach.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1)  The legal counsel of Australian missionary Sister Patricia Fox is ready to take her case all the way to the Supreme Court.

Her camp will exhaust all remedies to let her exercise her missionary duties in the Philippines, Fox's lawyer Sol Taule told CNN Philippines' The Source on Monday.

"After the filing of the motion for reconsideration, it will be subject to a resolution from the Bureau of Immigration," Taule said. "But whatever happens, we'll appeal it all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary."

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) cancelled the 71-year-old nun's missionary visa, ordering her deportation by the end of May. The bureau maintained Fox had overstepped privileges in her visa when she engaged in political activities.

The order came after President Rodrigo Duterte himself admitted to ordering a probe on the nun.

Fox's impending deportation and an earlier detention was met with concern by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and the Commission on Human Rights.

She maintains that her engagement in political activities has been part of her missionary work. Her camp argues that the gatherings she attended involve the rights of minorities like farmers or indigenous peoples, but they are not anti-government in nature.

"What's wrong is calling for the resignation or the ouster of Duterte... but she did not say anything like that," Taule said.

Fox's lawyers have since filed a motion for reconsideration, citing that they were not given enough time to refute the allegations against her.

Legal basis for visa revocation

In its April 25 press statement, the BI cited Section 9 (g) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940 when it cancelled Fox's visa.

"(Fox) was found to have engaged in activities that are not allowed under the terms and conditions of her visa," Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

However, this legal provision does not prohibit foreigners' participation in political activity. Section 9 (g) tackles prearranged employment for non-immigrants to the Philippines, and is the basis for a missionary visa application according to the BI website.

Taule pointed out that it is the BI operations order SBM 2015-025, not the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which prevents foreigners from engaging in political activity. She further argued the circular only pertains to tourists, which Fox is not.

"The circular says foreign tourists, but Sister Pat is holding a missionary visa. It doesn't say the holders of a missionary visa should not participate in this or that," she said.

Taule added it was not true that Fox's visa was revoked on the basis of deportation proceedings, because those were still ongoing.

"They are pre-empting the deportation proceedings by cancelling her visa. Technically, they wanted to deport her already," she said. "They should have given us ten days to answer all the allegations."

BI spokesperson Atty. Antonette Bucasas-Mangrobang previously told CNN Philippines that Fox was not blacklisted and she was welcome to return to the country as a tourist. She added the forfeiture of Fox's visa is different from her deportation case.

"The directive of the commissioner to file the counter-affidavit... [refers to] the counter-affidavit to be submitted in her deportation case. It is separate from the visa forfeiture order proceeding, which has already been decided by the board," said Mangrobang.

Fox said she will have no choice if she will be forced to leave, but she is still hoping the government will reconsider.

"What I've been doing is trying to be with the people in their cause for justice, land, freedom. Sana [I hope] the government will always hear those calls," said Fox.

Watch the full interview with Fox and Taule here.Interview with former head of town planning : How Bonns skyline has changed over time

Bonn As head of town planning, Sigurd Trommer supervised Bonns urban development for over 16 years. He was heavily involved in Bonns structural change after the Bonn-Berlin decision. Lisa Inhoffen spoke with Sigurd Trommer. Heres an extract of the interview.

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As head of town planning, you closely followed the development of the federal quarter. What do you see today?

Sigurd Trommer: This development measure began in 1974 and is one of the largest in Germany. It combines two contradictions in the goal of expanding the federal capital up to 1991 and afterwards the goal of being the central area of structural change. Both goals were surprisingly successful, as can be seen from the many notable addresses.

What has changed compared to the former government quarter?

Trommer: The most important thing for me is the position and perception of this large part of the city. The magnificent Rheinaue Park was developed on the outskirts of Bonn, Bad Godesberg and Beuel; it linked the outskirts of these formerly independent towns. For me, coming from the distant and newly founded city of Wolfsburg, the Rheinaue Park is more the Central Park of Bonn, a wonderful green centre, which should be framed by clearly discernable, prominent buildings. T-Mobile, Casar, Volksbank and the Post Tower are already part of this framework. In historical terms, the federal quarter is, for me, a new town in Bonn.

Now a framework development plan for the federal quarter is to be put on the table. Is this sensible?

Trommer: Yes. The initial building in the federal quarter has been largely completed and the filling of empty spaces and replacement work has begun. Transport structures are being added, such as the new UN Campus stop and need to be further optimised. The cable car to the Venusberg is a good suggestion. If one does not want to sacrifice high quality structures with a high potential for identification prematurely, but rather develop this new town in Bonn in meaningful way, then the framework plan is the right course.

Other projects, such as the new building for Deutsche Post next to the Post Tower that Marc Asbeck wants to raise to 17 storeys, will have to wait until this development plan is on the table. Isnt this counter-productive?

Trommer: In addition to those previously mentioned particularly high quality structures which give the federal quarter its identity, there is the Museums Mile, parts of the B9, the Path of Democracy from the Koenig Museum past the UN to the Post Tower and Kurt-Schumacher-Strae with the former state representations. The Johanniter quarter with the hospital and the former Dutch and Canadian embassies also have a face. If further consolidation is to be achieved in the vicinity of the Post Tower, something that is understandable from the companys perspective, then the current situation must be thoroughly analysed, with the goal of maintaining build quality.

Where can additional high-rise buildings reasonably be located?

Trommer: A very good area for further high-rise buildings is the area south of Telekom/B9/A562, as well as the location of the state authority building.

The investor at the Bundeskanzerplatz may build up to 100 metres high. Is this reasonable?

Trommer: One should not be petty about the height of the planned high-rise building on the former site of the Bonn-Center: if the boundary conditions do not reveal anything to the contrary, one could also build higher. The Post Tower could also have been tallerMadeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek joined us in the studio today for a yarn ahead of their movie "The Breaker Upperers" releasing in cinemas this Thursday.

The Breaker Upperers is a story of two women cynical in love, who set up an agency to break couples up as a way to avoid letting go and moving on with their lives.

The film has an all star Kiwi cast with the likes of James Rolleston and Jermaine Clement on board (and some producing by Taika Waititi).

Check it out at your local cinema from Thursday, 3 May 2018.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1)  Over 400 hectares of land in Boracay may be placed under the government's land reform program if President Rodrigo Duterte orders so, according to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

In a press briefing Monday, DAR Secretary John Castriciones said as far as their records show, 408 hectares of land in Boracay had no applications for exemption or conversion.

Castriciones said, "Whatever structures built in those portions of Boracay would appear to have been constructed without the necessary requisites, which is of course a conversion order coming from the Department of Agrarian Reform."

The 408 hectares of land is part of 628 hectares which are alienable and disposable, according to the DAR.

"As far as our records show, there is only about a portion of 200 hectares, more or less, that has been subjected to some sort of application for purposes of exemption and conversion. And these can only be the lands that can be subject to utilization for purposes of commerical, industrial, and residential purposes," he said.

Castriciones, however, pointed out there were no orders from President Rodrigo Duterte to subject the land to land reform yet.

"As of now, there is no marching order yet to subject the agricultural land to land reform program, but if the President so orders that we would immediately implement the land reform program in Boracay, we will do it," he said.

In the event that the President orders implementation of his policy to place Boracay under land reform, Castriciones said indigeous peoples and former farmers driven from the island will be the priority.

From their inspection, Castriciones said around 15 hectares could be immediately subjected to land reform if it should be ordered.

But the Secretary said it was not DAR's mandate to demolish existing structures.

"It will be the mandate of the other departments like the LGUs and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. As far as DAR is concerned, our main mandate is to process the distribution of land to farmer-beneficiaries and also to identify the so-called farmer-benefciaries." he said.kacylee at 1-05-2018 08:16 PM (3 years ago) (f)

Police has arrested two suspects for allegedly causing grievous harm to a house maid. The victim was recruited through a company known as Master Maids Limited which advertised the juicy jobs that made many apply. Master Maids is owned and run by a one Peter Kayiduwa aged 50.

Police has arrested two suspects for allegedly causing grievous harm to a house maid. The victim was recruited through a company known as Master Maids Limited which advertised the juicy jobs that made many apply. Master Maids is owned and run by a one Peter Kayiduwa aged 50.

Mr Kayiduwa assigned the victim to Sandra Mukibis residence in Kireka, Uganda to work as her house maid. It is alleged that because of her bosss domestic marital fights with her husband, the house maid was at the receiving end of the conflicts.



She was battered with electric wires, pieces of wood, forcefully confined indoors, burnt hands,private parts, beaten with a ladle, detained in a storeroom and later Mukibi failed to pay her wages.



The details of the case came to light when police in Bweyogerere received a report from the victims family saying that their daughter had been gruesomely mistreated and maimed.











Police has now arrested and detained the suspects at Bweyogerere Police Station vide SD REF 13/01/05/2018.







https://www.nationalhelm.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/asaa1.jpg



Mr Kayiduwa assigned the victim to Sandra Mukibis residence in Kireka, Uganda to work as her house maid. It is alleged that because of her bosss domestic marital fights with her husband, the house maid was at the receiving end of the conflicts.She was battered with electric wires, pieces of wood, forcefully confined indoors, burnt hands,private parts, beaten with a ladle, detained in a storeroom and later Mukibi failed to pay her wages.The details of the case came to light when police in Bweyogerere received a report from the victims family saying that their daughter had been gruesomely mistreated and maimed.Police has now arrested and detained the suspects at Bweyogerere Police Station vide SD REF 13/01/05/2018.

Post Reply 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 1-05-2018 08:16 PM (3 years ago) | Addicted HeroSiliVaccine: investigating North Koreas anti-virus software

May 2018 by Check Point

Researchers at Check Point have been investigating SiliVaccine, North Koreas native anti-virus software, after obtaining a very rare sample of the program that was anonymously sent to Martyn Williams, a freelance journalist with a focus on North Korean technology. Check Point established that a key component of SiliVaccines code is a 10-year-old copy of software components from Trend Micro, the Japanese security vendor.

For this to happen, the SiliVaccine developers must have had access to either the source code of the vendors engine or a library file of it, both of which are proprietary components and are not accessible to the public. Evidence from Check Points research found that the North Korean government has collaborated with companies located in Japan to create multiple software products, one of which is SiliVaccine. Japan and North Korea, however, are officially enemies.

The analysis also showed that the SiliVaccine anti-virus software is designed to not block one specific malware signature  showing that the North Korean regime does not want to alert its users to it. Check Points researchers also found that patch update files for the AV software contained the JAKU malware, which has been used to target and track more specific individual victims in both South Korea and Japan, including members of International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), tech companies, academics, scientists and government employees. Check Point believes this could have been included as a way to target journalists who write about North Korean affairs.

The Check Point team notified Trend Micro of their detection engine being used in SiliVaccine. Trend responded promptly and were highly cooperative. Its response was: Trend Micro is aware of the research by Check Point on the SiliVaccine North Korean anti-virus product, and Check Point has provided us with a copy of the software for verification. While we are unable to confirm the source or authenticity of that copy, it apparently incorporates a module based on a 10+ year-old version of the widely distributed Trend Micro scan engine used by a variety of our products. Trend Micro has never done business in or with North Korea.

We are confident that any such usage of the module is entirely unlicensed and illegal, and we have seen no evidence that source code was involved. The scan engine version at issue is quite old and has been widely incorporated in commercial products from Trend Micro and third party security products through various OEM deals over the years, so the specific means by which it may have been obtained by the creators of SiliVaccine is unknown. Trend Micro takes a strong stance against software piracy, however legal recourse in this case would not be productive. We do not believe that the infringing use at issue poses any material risk to our customers.

Trend Micros indication that a widely licensed library was misappropriated may be behind SiliVaccines use of a 10+ year-old version of their scan engine is backed up by an additional analysis our team made of an older version of SiliVaccine, too. This suggests that this is not a one-time occurrence.

This exploration into SiliVaccine raises suspicions of authenticity and motives of the IT security products and operations of North Korea, and points to yet another example of state-sponsored technologies being used in the current cyber-security landscape.SAN DIEGO, April 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- We are advised by Cuba Beverage Company that journalists and other readers should disregard the news release, CUBA Beverage Company Announces That A-EN Communications, Ltd Would Buyout the Company for $5M Dollars. issued April 27, 2018 over GlobeNewswire.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1)  Several barangay officials speak out against the charges hurled against them by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Officials from barangays in Metro Manila are facing administrative charges for allegedly failing to establish Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC), which are the communities' first line of defense against the spread of illegal drugs, according to the DILG.

Sixteen barangays were found not to have established BADAC  which is composed of barangay officials and sectoral organizations.

The DILG filed charges against five barangay chairmen Monday, while the remaining 11 will be charged within the week.

The officials charged by the DILG are:

Chairman Ruby Perez - Barangay 471, Manila

Chairman Adorado Palad - Barangay 477, Manila

Chairman Mirasol Magalong - Barangay 482, Manila

Chairman Ligaya Santos - Barangay 659-A, Manila

Chairman Josefa Mendoza - Barangay 690, Manila

The DILG will also ask the Ombudsman to issue preventive suspension orders against the involved barangay officials.

One of the accused, however, said he is wondering why he was among those charged.

"Buwan-buwan kami nagmi-meeting. Pinag-uusapan namin ang BADAC, mga nag-aadik dito sa amin. Wala naman na, pero nagrereport pa rin kami sa Barangay Bureau monthly," Barangay 477 chairman Palad said.

[Translation: We meet monthly. We discuss BADAC, and how many addicts are in our community. There aren't anymore, but we still report to the Barangay Bureau monthly.]

Meanwhile, Barangay 471 chairman Perez also said her barangay council already passed a resolution creating BADAC in 2017, and submitted an updated list of BADAC members to the DILG-Manila on April 23, 2018.

She said, 'We just have to face it. And hope na may simple explanation, because truth is the simplest explanation e, will merit di ba, the dropping of the charges."

[Translation: We just have to face it. And hope that there's a simple explanation because truth is the simplest explanation (and) will merit the dropping of the charges.]

Meanwhile. DILG Assistant Secretary RJ Echiverri said those accused have to prove their claims in court.

"If they are claiming that they have an organized BADAC, then they have the means to present and prove their innocence. Kami [We], we just relying on what the work and validation DILG-NCR and Manila Chapter have done. We cannot even validate. Pwede naman silang mag-counter sue, wala pong problema sa amin yun [They can counter sue, it isn't a problem with us]...You continuously ignore the request. Patunayan mo na walang memo ang DILG sa inyo na magsubmit [Prove that the DILG did not give you a memo to submit]," he said.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1)  There is no truth to the reported "shouting match" between the Foreign Affairs and Labor Secretaries, both top officials said on Tuesday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano denied the reports as he was seated beside Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III in the turnover of the Pagkalinga sa Bayan to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu.

"Unang-una, hindi kami pwedeng magsigawan dahil hindi marunong sumigaw si Sec. Bello. At papayagan ba naman ni Presidente na sisigawan ko 'yung mas senior sa akin?" Cayetano said.

[Translation: First of all, it's not possible for us to have a shouting match because Sec. Bello is mild-mannered. Second, President Duterte will not allow me to yell at someone who is more senior than me.]

Philippine Star reported on Tuesday Cayetano and Bello shouted at each other and argued over who was to blame for the Kuwait fiasco, according to their sources. They said the heated argument happened last week in Malacanang Palace amid the diplomatic spat with Kuwait.

The Labor Chief said there is no disagreement because he supports the Foreign Affairs Department's move to rescue distressed OFWs in Kuwait.

"I supported the decision of the DFA Secretary Alan... Tama 'yung ginawa niyang pag-rescue, hindi na kailangan ng permiso-permiso... Kailangan immediate action," Bello said.

[Translation: I supported the decision of the DFA Secretary Alan. There is no need for permission for the rescue, because it needs immediate action.]

Tense relations with Kuwait began after Duterte ordered a deployment ban following the brutal murder of household worker Joanna Demafelis.

It hit an all-time low after an unauthorized video of a rescue mission went viral, prompting the Gulf state to declare the Philippine ambassador Renato Villa a persona nongrata. A memorandum of understanding to protect workers has since been shoved into the backburner.

CNN Philippines' Chad de Guzman, Regine Cabato contributed to this report.Missouri is among the 20 worst states for drug overdose deaths, but it was the only state left without a statewide prescription drug monitoring program.This week, the Missouri Senate attempted to defund one set up by Gov. Eric Greitens.Greitens ordered the creation of a statewide prescription drug monitoring program, or PDMP, last year amid a growing opioid crisis affecting Missouri and the U.S.Overdose deaths in Missouri jumped by more than 30 percent between 2015 and 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Missouri's rate of overdose deaths is 18th worst in the nation."We need to be honest and clear about the scale of what we are up against," Greitens said in a July press release announcing his executive order. "Opioids are a modern plague."But Greitens' PDMP has been met with opposition from lawmakers -- who have resisted creating one for years -- and medical professionals who criticize the system he created. As lawmakers work to finalize the state's budget, they may leave additional funds for the program out."There's only one thing wrong with it and that's that it's not a PDMP," said Faisal Khan, director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.St. Louis County started its own PDMP in April 2017 after years of inaction by the Missouri General Assembly, which Khan called "mystifying." The PDMP covers more than 80 percent of Missouri doctors and pharmacists on a volunteer basis.Criticisms of Greitens' system rest on the fact that it allows state investigators to track physicians and pharmacists writing and filling prescriptions, but it doesn't give doctors any tools to help prevent overprescription. The PDMP St. Louis County created allows providers to access data to see whether a patient has gotten several prescriptions for opioids or may be struggling with addiction.Jeff Howell, a government relation specialist with the Missouri State Medical Association, said his organization doesn't support Greitens' program and called it a "witch hunt against physicians."Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, is a leading critic of the Greitens PDMP and said he thought the program had the "unintended consequence" of hurting people who need legitimate opioid prescription."Doctors are afraid to prescribe narcotics, because they're afraid they're going to be criticized and punished by the state," Schaaf said.Schaaf, a doctor working in the prison system, said he thought physicians were prescribing fewer opioids and the down-tick was more severe than in other states with PDMPs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the goal behind a PDMP is to change prescribing practices by giving physicians information about patients' histories with opioids.Schaaf said there was an argument for creating a better-functioning PDMP, but he criticized the entire practice, claiming Missouri's place in the opioid crisis had not worsened in the absence of a PDMP. But between 2015 and 2016, Missouri passed several states in the rate of drug overdose deaths.To operate Greitens' PDMP, the state established a no-cost contract with Express Scripts, a pharmacy benefit manager. Five state investigators get data from Express Scripts, like type, strength and quantity of drugs physicians are prescribing and pharmacies are dispensing. They look for unusual patterns in the prescriptions.Investigators can open investigations on physicians and pharmacists and turn them over to state or federal officials for any discipline necessary, said Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.Asked whether a PDMP like that in St. Louis County would better help physicians, Williams said the department encouraged doing both.Williams said the vast majority of doctors in Missouri are doing the right thing and state health officials don't want to bother them."We certainly don't want to audit them, and we don't want to come into their office based on a complaint if it's unwarranted," Williams said."With our proactive ... data, we are able to identify people who are egregiously outliers, and that is more than occupying our time," Williams said, adding that if doctors are doing the right thing in their daily practice, "we clearly don't want them to be intimidated or to worry."Williams said the health department began implementing the program with existing resources. The funds up for debate in the budget would create two additional investigative positions. If lawmakers choose not to allocate that money, the PDMP will continue to operate the way it does now.The health department plans to release data on the first quarter of operation of the PDMP on July 1, Williams said. Investigators are actively pursuing investigations.Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, said she supported prescription drug monitoring."We don't need to be talking about not funding the prescription drug monitoring," Nasheed said. "We need to figure out how different hospitals and clinics can do interoperability in terms of being able to look at records of their patients from one hospital to the next to be able to see how much medicine an individual received."Sen. Dan Brown, R-Rolla, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said senators would negotiate with House members when the budget goes to a conference committee. He said senators weren't comfortable with the way Greitens set up the program.House members had elected to keep that in the budget when they approved it last month. House Budget Chairman Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob, said he preferred Greitens' model to a traditional PDMP.Khan said Greitens' model is not well received in the 49 other states that allow physicians to access the information housed on the PDMP."I can tell you that our peers across the country laugh at what they've done, so yes, it is very, very frustrating as a public health official," Khan said.A special Missouri House panel shot back at Gov. Eric Greitens on Monday, saying it still believes a woman he had an affair with is a credible witness.Nearly three weeks after the governor and his legal team said the committee's work was based on the testimony of someone who may have remembered her 2015 affair with Greitens "through a dream," the panel said the embattled governor and his attorneys cherry-picked the testimony to undermine her claims and bolster their defense."The committee does not find anything in the Circuit Attorney interview that causes it to change its statement regarding Witness 1's credibility," the panel wrote. "Greitens' claims about the content of the Circuit Attorney interview mischaracterize the actual testimony received and reviewed by this committee."On April 6, the woman was interviewed by investigators in preparation for Greitens' May 14 trial on an invasion-of-privacy charge. The governor, who is in his second year of office, is accused of taking and transmitting a nonconsensual photo of the at least partially nude woman in March 2015, before he was elected.The committee released a bombshell report April 11 containing separate testimony from the woman in which she said under oath that Greitens took a photo of her while she was bound, blindfolded and unclothed and threatened her to remain silent about their encounter.The report also included allegations the future chief executive, who ran on a family values platform, had spanked, slapped and shoved the woman during a series of sexual encounters that at times left her frightened and crying.In St. Louis Circuit Court on April 12, Greitens' attorneys argued that the woman was "not a victim" but rather "a willing participant" and asserted that depositions taken in the criminal case "completely rebut and disputes the conclusions of this House committee report."But, in a side-by-side comparison of what she said April 6 and what she told the committee separately in a closed-door interview March 7, panel members unanimously agreed that her version of events were consistent.In a separate statement, GOP state Rep. Jay Barnes of Jefferson City, who is the chairman of the committee, said, "Greitens and his team claimed that the video of the interview 'undermined the narrative' and 'directly contradicted allegations in the House report.' We took these claims seriously and immediately sought the video interview in question. The committee does not find anything in the Circuit Attorney interview that causes it to change its statement regarding Witness 1's credibility."Another committee member, GOP state Rep. Don Phillips, of Kimberling City, added, "The video interview conducted by the Circuit Attorney's office only reinforces that view as it does not in any way contradict what she told the committee."The transcript, prepared for the House committee, notes that the first 11 minutes of the interview had inaudible audio.Attorneys for Greitens declined to comment Monday.The woman's name never has been officially released. She has been identified only by her initials in court filings. Her attorney has repeatedly sought anonymity on her behalf.The House wants St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison to instruct prosecutors and defense attorneys to comply with the House subpoena for the full deposition. Although the committee and St. Louis prosecutors support the full release, Greitens attorneys have balked at the idea.Monday's four-page report serves as an addendum to the committee's April 11 report that has led to calls for the 44-year-old Republican to resign or possibly face impeachment and removal from office by state lawmakers.The committee comprised of five Republicans and two Democrats is expected to release a second report this week that outlines Greitens alleged use of his former charity's fundraising list to raise money for his campaign for governor.The Governors Official Program is comprised of a wide range of constitutional and legal duties and ceremonial and community engagements. Each year, the Governor hosts thousands of visitors to Government House to take part in investiture and award ceremonies, Open Days, receptions and meetings, and travels widely throughout Queensland to support the activities of Patron groups. View a chronological record of the Governors daily program below.

On Monday, in the morning, at the Ville Resort-Casino, Townsville, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, with Mrs Kaye de Jersey, hosted an Investiture Ceremony for residents of North Queensland, recipients of Australian honours and awards announced on Australia Day 2018 and on The Queens Birthday 2017 Honours List, and the Governor addressed guests.

Following, the Governor and Mrs de Jersey returned to Brisbane.(TNS)  Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti unveiled a website Monday on which city employees, commissioners and those who do business with the city can file discrimination and sexual harassment reports, one of several initiatives meant to make it easier to address mistreatment in the workplace."Every person who works in a city office, in a service yard or a park deserves to feel safe at work," Garcetti said, adding: "When a victim makes the difficult and courageous decision to come forward, the city needs to respond quickly and efficiently."Garcetti also signed an executive directive that orders city staffers to come up with recommendations for streamlining the complaint review process, expanding training on harassment and discrimination and crafting an independent board to examine "certain complex or sensitive cases."The mayor told reporters that setting up the independent board would help reassure people who might be reluctant to complain about someone in their "chain of command."The online portal, MyVoiceLA , is already online in a "beta" form, and city officials said they will incorporate suggested improvements before relaunching the website in late August. MyVoiceLA is meant specifically for city employees, commissioners, elected officials, volunteers and contractors to report harassment allegations.Garcetti said the city had decided to focus first on workplace complaints, but that he would look into whether L.A. should expand the system to allow the public to report alleged harassment by city officials, employees and others tied to municipal government.The mayor unveiled the website and executive directive at an event at the Getty House, which also featured a panel of survivor advocates speaking about sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.The initiatives are being launched as the city grapples with the unsettling issues thrust to the forefront by the #MeToo movement.In December, Garcetti mandated that the leaders of city departments ensure that any alleged incidents of sexual harassment are reported to the personnel department within 48 hours of learning about them.The Times previously had reported that Los Angeles lacked a centralized way to track sexual harassment complaints filed against its workers and managers had not been required to report such claims to the personnel department. Under the guidelines implemented in December, the number of harassment claims reported to the personnel department has surged , the city said. recent survey of city employees found that nearly 18% of respondents said they had been sexually harassed in the workplace  and more than half of employees who said they had been subjected to harassment did not report the incident to anyone. In addition, less than a third of employees who said they had endured harassment gave a positive rating to the process the city has been using to handle such complaints, the survey found.That employee survey had been sought by council members Paul Krekorian and Nury Martinez, who called in November for the city to look into creating a telephone hot line and a website to lodge sexual harassment complaints against city workers. Martinez, who attended the Getty House event, praised Garcetti and his efforts but said the work is not finished. For instance, the city has yet to establish a hot line, the councilwoman said.The new steps are being announced days after an unidentified woman sued an unnamed politician in Los Angeles County, alleging that he had sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager. Her attorney, Lisa Bloom, declined to clarify Friday whether the elected official served at the local, state or federal level. Garcetti told reporters Monday that the only thing he knew about the lawsuit was what he had read in the media."But I hope that any complaint is taken seriously," Garcetti said.(TNS)  SARASOTA, Fla.  Instant public access to the emails of hundreds of Sarasota city officials and employees has been restricted by the city in a move some citizens and public records experts call an abandonment of transparency and erosion of public trust.The removal more than a year ago of a city hall kiosk containing access to the emails of hundreds of city employees only recently gained attention after some commissioners discovered immediate access to the emails was revoked. Public access to emails is available online, but only a fraction of the previously viewable emails are shown, prompting an increase in public records requests, citizen complaints and questions about the city's motives."Government should never be in the business of making it more difficult for citizens to find out how they are being governed," said Michael Barfield, president of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and an expert on Florida's Public Records Act and Sunshine Law."Generally, the city does a good job at being transparent, but in this case, it was a step back," Barfield added.The online portal shows only emails between two or more of the five elected commissioners, city manager, city attorney and city auditor and clerk. The state's Sunshine Law, which prohibits elected officials from discussing public business outside of a public meeting, means there are likely no emails among commissioners.City hall watchdog and former commission candidate Martin Hyde estimates less than 10 percent of the previously accessible emails are available online."This, to my mind, is an egregious backdoor attempt to shutting down the legitimate route for the public to know what's going on at city hall," Hyde said at a recent commission meeting. "As it stands now, the only way to get information is to know of the existence of a subject in the first place and to ask for the information under a public records request. There is no honest reason to do this."The removal of the kiosk occurred in February 2017 because the city was updating and upgrading its computer system, the city's senior communications manager Jan Thornburg said in an email."I'm unaware of any municipality which provides computer access to all employees, as the city of Sarasota did for many years until the software (Archive Manager) could no longer support the system," Thornburg said. "From an IT standpoint, this is the standard policy for government agencies."The move has decreased the city's vulnerability to a cyberattack and has a cost savings of about $10,000 annually, officials said."The changes we've made over the last 18 months or more also were being done with the backdrop of security," City Manager Tom Barwin said. "We were subject to some pretty extensive ransomware demands ... which were related to some attempts to hack into our system."A ransomware virus crippled Sarasota City Hall computer systems in 2016. It was the worst cyberattack in the city's history, encrypting 160,000 city files and demanding up to $33 million in the virtual currency Bitcoin to unlock them.Still, Mayor Shelli Freeland Eddie is calling for a report on the kiosk's removal  detailing who made the decision, the reasoning for it and the benefits."The ability to access all of those emails has been restricted. I want to know why," Freeland Eddie said.The move has prompted citizen complaints, increased public records requests and more work for the clerk's office to compile the requested information, City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini said."I'm certainly not against the city's efforts, but I value transparency and my office is all about transparency and having the ability to provide a vehicle where the public can come in and feel good about getting information that they're interested in and be on their way," Nadalini said. "That's what government is all about."Public records experts called on the city to restore access or grant it online, although there is no law requiring the city to do so."Ideally, we'd like to see them eventually expand what's available online and allow access to the same kinds of stuff that they were able to get on the public portal," Barbara Peterson, president of the First Amendment Foundation of Florida, said.Barfield agreed."It's central to our democracy that citizens have oversight functions of their government," Barfield said. "And I know sometimes the government doesn't like it, but that's the consent by which we allow them to govern us."The records are still available through a public records request, city officials insist. Some requests, depending on how extensive, could require a fee, officials said.But Hyde argues citizens no longer have the crumb trail to dig up important records to hold the government accountable."If there's nothing to hide, why hide anything?" Hyde asked.(TNS)  Westmoreland County, Pa., will have to replace its voting machines by the end of next year, an expense that could cost taxpayers up to $7 million, officials said Monday.State elections officials issued a directive in mid-April that requires all Pennsylvania counties to use machines that provide a verifiable paper trail of votes by the 2020 elections, which will require some to purchase new voting systems.Westmoreland's current system, which uses computerized touchscreens, doesn't comply with the directive.There is a potential the state will decertify our current machines in 2019, Lechman said.Earlier this year, Gov. Tom Wolf said counties must be able to verify the accuracy of votes through paperwork generated at the polls as a way to ensure elections outcomes are accurate and tamper-proof.Westmoreland's current system records votes electronically and stores totals digitally. The system does not allow for the verification of vote totals with a printout or through any other means.The county used a $3 million federal grant in 2005 to purchase those machines, which replaced the old-fashioned lever voting booths used for more than a half century; 850 of them are used for elections.Lechman said Westmoreland could receive up to $400,000 through a federal grant program to purchase voting machines that meet the state directive, but those funds won't come close to the estimated cost of $5 million to $7 million for the replacement.County commissioners said they will comply with the state mandate.Our machines are functioning, but we have started to explore how to implement that process, said Commissioner Ted Kopas.Commissioner Gina Cerilli said the county may consider renting a voting system to save money.This is just another example of the state mandating us to do something without giving us the funds to do it, Cerilli said.Four companies, including one that supplied the county's current voting system, will be at the courthouse this summer to demonstrate models that will meet the state's verification directive.The public demonstrations are scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. on June 20, June 28, July 9 and July 23.Products to be displayed are expected to include some that are similar to the county's current system. Another is computerized voting modeled after the old lever system, while some others simply use paper ballots that are filled out and scanned, Lechman said.I hope we'll have a decision by the end of the year, Lechman said.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1)  With its ongoing diplomatic tiff with the Philippines, Kuwait said Sunday it rejects any breach against its sovereignty or laws.

"Kuwait rejects any breach against its sovereignty or laws and would act decisively against any relevant attempt," Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah affirmed Sunday, according to state-powered Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said the Philippines' ban on the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait would be permanent, after a controversial rescue mission for distressed Filipinos there which caused the diplomatic spat with the Gulf state.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello, who was set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kuwait on the protection of migrant workers, denied that the deployment ban is permanent. Bello, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, and other Foreign Affairs officials will meet with Kuwaiti officials on May 7 to discuss the MOU.

Al-Jarallah said Kuwait was ready to cooperate with Manila to explore means to address labor issues.

"Kuwait is keen on maintaining safety and rights of all expatriates including the Filipino community, within the labor laws of the country, which have been praised by international human rights agencies," KUNA said in its report.

Al-Jarallah added Kuwait shares Duterte's desire to maintain "deeply-rooted relations," citing Manila's support of Kuwait during the Gulf war in the 1990s. He said "the historic friendship" between the two countries "could help overcome this exceptional circumstance."

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano welcomed this development.

"This gesture on the part of Kuwait, a country with which we have a shared history and strong people-to-people ties, will allow us to move forward and hurdle the challenges we face," Cayetano said in a Tuesday statement.

Cayetano also said the Philippines and Kuwait's friendship will withstand the misundertstanding.

"We acknowledge with heartfelt thanks the assurances of Kuwait to work with us in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there. This is a shared goal that should be pursued with willingness to understand and respect where each side is coming from," he said.

Duterte's deployment ban follows the death of Joanna Demafelis, a Filipina worker in Kuwait who was found in a freezer early this year.

Kuwait is a top destination for overseas Filipino workers, with some 260,000 Filipinos working there as of 2018.(TNS) - The Niagara County Legislature will vote Tuesday on a resolution urging New York State to devote all of its funding collected through 911 fees to emergency dispatch centers.The resolution follows a mid-April joint essay by U.S. Rep. Chris Collins and Federal Communications Commissioner Michael O'Reilly criticizing the state's practice of diverting 911 fee funds to other uses. Collins and O'Reilly wrote that only $10 million of the $185 million collected in 2016 went directly to 911 call centers.A separate Associated Press report found two-thirds of fee funds in 2015 were diverted to other uses.Meanwhile, state tax law diverts nearly 42 percent of the revenue to its general fund.Critics say the practice has caused millions of dollars to be withheld from Niagara County, and that the money could be used to make crucial upgrades to local 911 call centers.Legislator David Godfrey, R-Burt, who's sponsoring the resolution, said technology has advanced so much that 911 call centers can receive emergency text messages and live-streamed video of an emergency scene. But Godfrey said the county needs additional state money to fund the expensive upgrades to its call center that would make these possibilities a reality.The FCC is pushing everyone to get (their 911 call centers) to that level," Godfrey said. "Without the funding, nobody can afford it. ... Next generation 911 is on hold because we just don't have the funds."Godfrey added that the upgrades could make the difference between life and death for a caller or first responder.The next generation 911 brings all sort of technology to our first responders, not only to keep them safe but to help save lives," he said.Sheriff Jim Voutour said in a statement released by Collins' office that the state has returned to the county only a fraction of the 911 fees it has collected from county residents.Between the years of 2013 and 2017, New York State has collected more than $10.2 million dollars in wireless phone surcharges from Niagara County residents. A total of only $2.2 million dollars has been returned to Niagara County 911 in those five years to improve operations, Voutour said.Godfrey's resolution states New York has authorized $150 million for 911 purposes, but only released $20 million for 911 call centers over the past two fiscal years. Legislators are calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to release the remaining 911 funds authorized by the state.In response to the Collins-O'Reilly op-ed, a spokesperson for the state Division of the Budget said that the state supports a number of law enforcement and communications infrastructure initiatives through its general fund.New Yorks cellular surcharge is used to upgrade public safety communication systems and support emergency services operations, statewide," spokesman Morris Peters said. "In the event of an emergency, every second counts and this measure provides critical funding to help first responders from all levels of government communicate faster and respond sooner.2018 the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal (Lockport, N.Y.)Visit the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal (Lockport, N.Y.) at lockportjournal.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.(TNS) - Mayor Ted Wheeler's proposed police budget calls for funding 58 new sworn officer positions, including 52 for patrol, four for the training division and two for the Behavioral Health Unit.Wheeler said he never thought the bureau's request for 93 officers was viable, and called his plan a more ''reasonable, pragmatic and effective approach'' that will help steer the Bureau along what will be a multi-year path toward community-centered policing."It's not just about more cops,'' the mayor said. "Simply hiring more officers isn't going to maximize public safety. It isn't going to address the complex needs of our community today, and it's not going to improve trust or accountability all on its own.''The mayor's $225,122 police spending proposal would represent a 3.7 percent, or $6.7 million increase in the police budget, and bring the bureau's authorized strength from 946 to 1,004 officers.The added officers will help the bureau better respond to 911 calls, reduce overtime costs to fill patrol shifts and help patrol officers achieve his and Police Chief Danielle Outlaw's vision of officers "getting out of their cars and getting into their communities,'' the mayor said.Increased retirements, a large number of recruits who remain on probation, as well as increased calls for police service have forced the bureau to pull officers from specialty units to fill patrol shifts. Through January, Portland police have spent $2.8 million this fiscal year in overtime due to staffing shortages  a $700,000 increase from the overtime spending at the same time last year, according to the city budget office.Officer Daryl Turner, president of the Portland Police Association, called the mayor's proposal "a first step'' towards addressing the bureau's inadequate staffing, and said he hopes the City Council will work with the mayor and police chief to address the bureau's long-term needs. The union argues the bureau should have closer to 1,200 officers."This is a move in the right direction to reach PPB's primary goals: responding to calls for service in a timely manner, investigating crimes, proactively policing our neighborhoods, and continuing to build on the community policing model established in the 1990s,'' Turner said, in a prepared statement.Four new training officer positions will allow for a new lead instructor to teach "ethics and procedural justice,'' another to develop curriculum on "leadership development,'' one to help with training on patrol procedures and one for the bureau's advanced academy.With two more officers, the bureau's Behavioral Health Unit will be able to increase from three to five teams to try to reduce the number of contacts that people in mental health crises have with police by connecting them to treatment and other services. Each team is made up of an officer and a clinician.There were 1,012 referrals for service made to officers in the bureau's Behavioral Health Unit in the 2016-2017 fiscal year, but the unit was able to assign 44 percent of those referrals for case follow-up. The goal is to connect people in mental health crisis who officers encounter on the street to appropriate treatment and community resources to reduce their contacts with police and the criminal justice system. With the two new teams, the bureau's Behavioral Health Unit expects to serve 250 more clients, and respond to 50 percent of its referrals, according to police bureau officials.While the mayor wants to set aside $306,150 to add three analyst jobs to the bureau's Professional Standards Division, to expand internal police audits, City Auditor Mary Hull Caballero was dismayed that the mayor's budget didn't fund one of two requested positions for the Independent Police Review office under her oversight.Wheeler said he was disturbed by recent audits and reports by a city-hired compliance officer that found the bureau's data collection severely lacking.The mayor's plan covers a new complaint investigator for the Independent Police Review Division, the intake center for complaints against Portland police, but did not fund the requested $141,213 for a senior management analyst. The job allows the office to do data-driven policy reviews of the Police Bureau, the auditor said in a statement she released during Wheeler's press conference on his proposed budget.Wheeler and City Budget Director Andrew Scott said they believe the auditor's office already has funding for that job. "That position will get filled and it will get funded,'' the mayor said.Yet the auditor explicitly said in bold type: "There are no 'existing resources' to pay for it.''"While I believe the Mayor's support for the senior management analyst position is genuine, there are no existing resources that I'm aware of to fund it,'' Hull Caballero said in an email later.The mayor's plan also calls for: $101,628 to fund a non-sworn staff member to serve as a liaison, and first-responder to the homeless community, one-time funding of $50,000 to have academics partner with the bureau to do an analysis of police bureau stop data, two administrative specialists to speed up police response to public records requests and a data specialist to help analyze hiring decisions with regard to increasing the diversity of the force."Policing is becoming a contentious, divisive and highly emotional issue,'' Wheeler said. "I hope we are able to actually realize the vision that I ran on, and the chief and I support, and build out that vision before people lose confidence in our ability to do so.''The mayor's proposed $126 million fire bureau budget marks a 3.4 percent increase from current spending. It provides a one-time $2.4 million to replace all firefighters' breathing equipment.Fire Chief Mike Myers and Deputy Fire Chief Sara Boone have described the breathing apparatus as vital for firefighters' respiratory protection, allowing them to inhale air from a cylindrical bottle worn on their back when fighting a blaze.In the last three years, firefighters in Portland have experienced "breakdowns and malfunctions'' with the equipment, and several firefighters have experienced what's called a "no air situation'' inside a working fire, Boone said.The equipment, purchased in 2002, no longer can be upgraded to meet 2018 standards set by the National Fire Protection Association and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, they said.The money would replace the high-pressure air cylinder, pressure regulator and face piece that are connected to a backpack harness. There are 369 breathing apparatuses and 1,200 air cylinders for the fire bureau, as well as 774 face masks for each firefighter.2018 The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.)Visit The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.) at www.oregonian.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.When New Mexico CIO Darryl Ackley looks at what the next big thing in gov tech might be, he first points to some of the bigger buzzwords, like blockchain and its potential uses for constituent engagement and transactional systems. But more practically, he sees digital convergence as the next place his state is going in terms of using tech to push government forward.At the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Midyear conference in Baltimore, Ackley pointed to New Mexicos work around improving and consolidating their public safety program, including bringing emergency communication to one central place.But in a state like New Mexico, Ackley explained, with its capital in one of the countrys oldest cities, implementing high-tech solutions comes with some old-school challenges, like replacing copper wiring with more converged, modern infrastructure.(TNS)  It may not match the anti-crime surveillance of London, but a network of outdoor cameras in downtown San Francisco continues to expand as the city deals with a rash of property crime. What started as a pilot program with six privately owned cameras around Union Square has morphed into a coordinated web of 350 cameras that share footage with the police, where officials would love to see the partnership grow.The Union Square Business Improvement District started the security camera program in 2012 and has since raised more than $3 million in grant money while outfitting about 40 property owners with cameras, said Karin Flood, executive director of the organization.All the footage funnels into a control room at Geary and Powell streets, where the feeds arent monitored in real time but can be supplied to police upon request, after a crime has been reported.Flood said her organization received more than 750 police requests for footage from February 2015 to March 2018. She said city prosecutors, public defenders and even private citizens have also sought video and are given access in most cases.She estimated the cameras have played a role in 225 arrests in the Union Square and Tenderloin areas, but that couldnt be verified. San Francisco police dont keep data on their use of camera footage to solve crimes.The police have really come to rely on us for that footage, Flood said. We have a network of cameras, so you can really piece an incident together better and tell the whole story  its not just an individual shot.The Union Square group, which spans 27 square blocks, received grant funding from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The district works with the vendor Applied Video Solutions and dedicates staff members who manage the camera program and coordinate with police.Flood said the group has passed along $350,000 in grant funds to the Central Market and Tenderloin community benefit organizations to better cover the Tenderloin neighborhood.Sgt. Michael Andraychak, a city police spokesman, said video provided by private parties routinely captures valuable images of suspects or crimes as they occur.I can tell you that I see several crime alerts every day that include either still photos or video links, Andraychak said. Surveillance cameras are becoming more and more common in San Francisco and in our daily lives.San Francisco once envisioned a publicly funded network of anti-crime cameras.Then-Mayor Gavin Newsom started an expensive program in 2005, installing cameras in some high-crime areas, but it was hampered by weak oversight and equipment that delivered low-quality footage, according to University of California researchers and reporting by The Chronicle. Few arrests were made, and privacy advocates also raised concerns.In recent years, several cities have developed partnerships in which merchants or residents put up cameras while working with police and sometimes taking advantage of grants.Supervisor Jane Kim, who represents the Tenderloin, said a fair balance has been struck with the Union Square initiative.While Im very mindful of privacy concerns, especially in todays tech-filled world, residents deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, said Kim, a mayoral candidate. My understanding is that camera footage in the Tenderloin has been limited to specific incidents and has actually led to arrests in multiple homicides.The shared footage is designed for aiding police with serious crimes, not quality of life issues, Flood said. The cameras, she noted, can help solve auto break-ins in a city that saw more than 31,000 reported last year, claiming the highest per-capita break-in rate of any big city in the state.Flood said the Union Square Business Improvement District now works closely with the Sutter-Stockton parking garage  a hot spot for smash-and-grabs  and has helped to install cameras on both the exterior and interior of the building.Their numbers are coming down, she said of thefts in the garage, so that has been a success story.Fishermans Wharf is among neighborhoods where the surveillance partnership could expand, said Troy Campbell, executive director of the Fishermans Wharf Community Benefit District.Its something we are considering at this time, he said. Right now we are trying to find out what the cost is going to be.The financial incentive for business owners is clear: In Union Square, the owner must pay for 10 percent of the camera costs, with grant money covering the rest. For Fishermans Wharf merchants, Campbell said, these cost-sharing details still need to be hashed out.Nevertheless, he said there is a growing desire among business owners to contribute to solving crimes using modern technology.There are a lot of cameras now, but they are not facing the street, so you are not going to see what car they got into, he said. A lot of cameras are older and are not the high-definition ones that can pick up more detail.Flood said cameras are generally best placed 10 to 15 feet off the ground. She declined to provide a list of their locations.We dont like to publicize, she said. We dont want the bad guys to know.Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1)  Various labor groups flocked to the streets on Tuesday to mark International Labor Day, rejecting an executive order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte that prohibits unlawful contracting and subcontracting.

Labor groups Kilusang Mayo Uno, Nagkaisa, and Sentro marched to Mendiola, Manila to "express dissatisfaction" over Duterte's labor policies. Housing group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) also took part in the demonstration.

"There is nothing new in the E.O.," Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao said, adding that the prohibition against labor-only contracting is already in existing labor laws. "What the workers demanded is total prohibition of contractualization by virtue of direct hiring."

Kilusang Mayo Uno chairperson Elmer Labog said workers were not consulted in the drafting of the order and they are not surprised that it favors business. He warned of more massive protests by workers.

Nagkaisa Labor coalition chairperson Rene Magtubo also said Duterte should have signed the draft EO which would have mandated the direct hiring of workers.

Duterte's order only aims to calm workers' anger at his failure to fulfill his promise to end all forms of contractualization, Bayan Muna Rep, Carlos Isagani Zarate said.

"I remain firm in my commitment to end 'endo' and illegal contractualization," Duterte said in his Labor Day speech in Cebu City.

"Endo" refers to the practice of companies to let go of employees before they complete six months of service, after which they are entitled to regular employment benefits.

He urged Congress to revisit and amend the labor code, because "an executive order is not enough."

As of 8:00 a.m., the Metro Manila police estimated over 2,000 rallyists in Mendiola. Members from Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Cagayan De Oro were also holding simultaneous protests.

Labor Day 2018

Curated Tweets by @cnnphilippines

The protests happen as the country faces various workers' issues: contractualization, displacement of workers in Boracay and the welfare of Kuwait OFWs.

Duterte led the 110th Labor Day celebration in Cebu, where Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello announced that the executive order against illegal contractualization has been signed.

The order, read by Bello at the gathering says "contracting or subcontracting undertaken to circumvent the workers' right to security of tenure, self organization, and collective bargaining and peaceful concerted activities pursuant to the 1987 Constitution is hereby strictly prohibited."

The order was issued as the government faces other labor-related issues. Amid the six-month closure of Boracay island since April 26, 17,000 informal workers have been displaced. The Labor Department said they will provide 448 million in aid to the workers.

The President also called on some 260,000 overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait to come home, following a diplomatic spat between the Gulf State and the country over the welfare of OFWs. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two countries  a deal to protect the workers  is still in the works between Kuwaiti and Philippine officials.

A Labor Day mass will also be held at the Quiapo Church.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police said they will deploy troops to ensure security in the Labor Day protests.

"As of now, there is no specific threat monitored directed towards the celebration of Labor Day. However, we cannot discount the possibility that some groups may take advantage of the situation, thus, the AFP will take proactive measures to protect our citizens," the AFP said in a statement. "We call on our brothers and sisters from the labor sector to be one with us in observing Labor Day in a peaceful and orderly way."Canadas Pembina Institute, a non-profit think-tank focused on energy and energy policy, has published an Op-ed calling for Canada to break its current linkage with the US on vehicle emissions regulations.

Since 2012, Canada has incorporated the greenhouse gas standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its own rules by reference; if the EPA relaxes its standards, Canadaas are also weakened.

In the wake of the Trump Administrations reconsideration of the existing standards, suggest Isabelle Turcott and Annie Berube, the oped authors:

To keep our own regulations strong and achieve our 2030 emissions targets, Canada needs to split from the US federal regulations or consider cozying up to California, to maintain the current stringency of the standards to 2025.For model year 2017, manufacturers recommended premium gasoline for 47.4% of new vehicle model configurations, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). In model year 1985, premium fuel was recommended for only 6.5% of new vehicle model configurations.

The increased use of turbocharging and higher compression engines that require higher levels of octane contribute to this trend. Prior to 2011 all models were listed as regular or premium gasoline. Beginning with 2011, midgrade gasoline was listed separately, although the number of models with midgrade recommended has remained low.





Source: US Department of Energy (DOE).ABC/Image Group LAKenny Chesneys new album, Songs for the Saints, is coming July 27.

Having just launched his Trip Around the Sun trek a couple weekends ago, the new project reflects whats been going on in the world since Kenny took a break from touring last summer.

So much has happened since I went off the road in 2016, Kenny explains. And all of it, in one way or another, has ended up on this record. Its special to me because of what it says -- to me, and for me -- about life, the world around us, how fragile it all can be and about somehow still finding the best parts of you, and moving towards them.

The eight-time Entertainer of the Year says Songs for the Saints is about the places that save you -- and for him, one of those was massively affected by a natural disaster last year.

I was at a turning point in my life on so many levels," he confesses, "and then Hurricane Irma hit the Virgin Islands. But this album isnt about St. John, so much as its about what happened to St. John and all those islands you didnt see on the news. To just see the devastation and what that does to people is one thing, but then theres this courage and resilience people find

Kenny had a hand in writing five of the albums dozen tracks.

This is not a literal record, but it is an album about the refuges we all have, how temporary life is and the way we navigate to better places, dig in and face the destruction, he goes on. And sometimes, we learn to own our wild hearts in the process.

The lead single from Songs for the Saints, Get Along, just broke into the top 15.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.



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.Three Spanish wine producers join forces to offer unique wines

By Lisa Riley

Three Spanish wine producers have joined forces to offer UK wholesalers, on-trade operators and independents an opportunity to source a unique portfolio of wine from the country.

The Three Amigos, which has appointed UK distributor North South Wines to provide logistical, administrative and sales support, comprises three British-born Spanish wine producers with a combined total of 62 years experience in the international wine industry.

As a combined force, the producers were able offer a comprehensive portfolio of wines from across Spain, each suited to differing requirements in variety, style or price, with consistently excellent quality to the UK market, said the trio.

Together, we are stronger  weve got many bases covered, from competitively priced volume-drivers, to wine list classics based on variety or region, through to some really quirky interest-drivers. Plus, were not knocking on doors with the same old brands that everybody has seen before, said co-founder Harry Hunt  a Plumpton College graduate producing wines in Andalucia.

UK buyers will be able to source full or mixed pallets from The Three Amigos, direct from the bodega or from one convenient pick-up point in northern Spain, where all the wines in the portfolio will be stocked.

Alternatively, case orders can be delivered promptly throughout the UK from stock held by North South Wines at London City Bond.

The aim of The Three Amigos was to work closely with UK buyers to supply a range of Spanish wines that was a perfect fit for their requirements, whilst also being flexible in offering a service level thats the right match for their business model, added Hunt, who founded the project with Robert Hunter, who has lived and worked in the wine industry in and around Barcelona since 1989, and Simon Tyrrell who has spent more than 25 years working in wine.

Joy Edmondson, buying and marketing director at North South Wines, said: Its been great fun working with the Three Amigos on the launch of this new project. Robert, Harry and Simon have a fantastic knowledge of Spanish wines and some real points of interest in their combined range, from a pale-dry Provence-style rose from Carinena to a high-altitude Tempranillo Syrah from Andalucia, and there are more exciting wines on the way.Think Gin: The big flavour debate

By Jo Gilbert

The colourful world of flavoured gin was a hot topic at yesterdays annual Harpers Think Gin event, coming up time and time again as sub-section driving overall gin growth, yet at the same time dividing opinion on what role it should play within the wider category.

Helping to shed some light on this often controversial, yet popular, part of the evolving gin conversation, was gin writer David T. Smith, who pointed out that many of gins recent success stories are flavoured.

Gordons Pink Gin is one of the best selling gins in the UK at the moment. If youre into gin, it can be easy to overlook the flavoured aspect, but there is great consumer demand there, so it should be taken seriously, with plenty more flavours and export markets to explore, he said.

In his presentation yesterday, Smith also pointed out that flavoured gins often start out as secondary or even tertiary products, only to become best sellers, offering clear points of difference as well as an accessible gateway as gins for non-gin drinkers.

The presentation, in front of a full house of gin enthusiasts, also broke down the notoriously unregulated flavoured gin category into three helpful sections.

Firstly, signature botanicals, which are typically made via distillation only (for example, London Dry Gin), with no colour, sugar or flavours added, and where the signature botanical is clearly stated on the label.

Then there are flavoured gins, which are typically made by macerating fresh ingredients.

They must be full strength  at least 37.5% abv  and can be made with fruits and also non-fruits: everything from honey to asparagus.

Last but not least are gin liqueurs, including Sloe gin.

Typically these are low in abv, (minimum 15%), and high in sugar, with a minimum of 100 grams of sugar per litre  only 7 grams per litre less than Coca-Cola.

As an entry point, flavoured gins and signature botanicals have helped to pull in new drinkers who are more familiar with flavours used on the likes of Masons Tea Gin and Whitley Neills Quince Gin, rather than terminology like London Dry.

However, they pose a bit of a quandary for producers around drinkability  they are typically sweeter and therefore harder to mix  and also around categorisation.

London Dry Gin is governed by a number of EU regulations, such as only using a pure grain spirit and natural botanicals.

Flavour can only be introduced via re-distillation.

Flavoured gin however is not recognised by any official body as a category, causing uncertainty for the future, and has also left it vulnerable to an invasion of low quality products.

Are flavoured gins predominantly flavoured of juniper? Smith asked. Production wise, flavoured gins are gin, but if youre putting tea or honey and it doesnt taste of juniper, does it mean its therefore not gin?

At the same time, he points out that all gins are technically flavoured with botanicals, further confusing the issue.

The difficulty, he added, is that, if youre not going to call it a gin or flavoured gin, what is it going to be called?

Theres also the issue of stability and consistency to consider.

When exposed to oxygen and light, colours fade to clear if youre lucky, but sometimes brown, Smith said.

The session also opened up debate around the impact of regulators on spirits categories: in particular, the ruling of the Scotch Whisky Association which banned flavoured or infused Scotch, compared with the success of flavoured variants in US bourbon.

There is an argument, said Smith, for better protecting London Dry, which is the benchmark of quality for gin; while flavoured gins could perhaps be allowed more freedom to encourage creativity and innovation.

The most important thing for Smith rather than regulation however, is that overall production values are maintained.

The biggest threat is something thats badly made, he said. Id rather have something thats vaguely gin, rather than a badly made gin, which is arguably more detrimental to the category overall.











The Shame of Hawaii's Congressional Delegation

by Dr. Amarjit Singh, Distributed by Honolulu Republican Party, April 29, 2018

Isnt it shameful that at a time of national and international exigency, the Hawaiian congressional delegation should decide to criticize the airstrikes against another inhumane Middle Eastern dictator? Their position is nothing but political, irrespective of the facts and needs of the situation. And, frankly, this is unconscionable.

Would the delegation have chastised Obama if he had stuck to his ultimatum and struck Syria after Assad crossed Obamas infamous red line in the sand? I don't think so, and this is what makes the delegations criticism at once hypocritical and meaningless.

But, this is exactly what the citizens of Hawaii get when the entire congressional delegation belongs to a single party. There is no diversity, no freshness of voice, and no debate  just plain bipartisanship, notwithstanding the problems and threats facing the nation. Makes me think they wouldnt mind America going down the tube so long as they could be in power. Very insensitive and gauche, it feels.

And it surprises me that the intelligent citizens of Hawaii havent seen through this.

It naturally shows moral bankruptcy when the delegation fails to recognize the madness of a dictator who gasses his own citizens. It is a pity they have forgotten the holocaust, even though one of the congressional delegate is Jewish. Very insincere and faithless, I'm afraid.

The delegation fails to fairly assess the international situation, and the independent verifications by UK and France that Syria used chemical weapons. First, the delegation wants to criticize Russia in Congress, but then doesn't want to act against the depravity Russia defends. They want to chastise Russia, but don't like it when President Trump does so. Regrettably, the delegation cant have it both ways. But, do they even have morals if they are willing to run with the hares and hunt with the hounds?

Isn't it telling that Trump displayed guts against Syria while Obama ate his threats, made false excuses, and cowered in fear? Yet, the congressional delegation finds it hard to swallow that their own former leader made a fool of himself and made the USA look like a weakling. Their knee-jerk reaction now is to criticize a strong President out of their own shame and guilt. This is so pitiful, unfortunately.

The congressional delegation isnt going anywhere in USAs interest. But we know where they are coming from: negotiating with a vile dictator and admittedly having travel paid for by an Assad supporter, thus violating the Logan Act of 1799, and consequently committing a crime for upending the US Department of State by negotiating with President Bashar Assad who had a dispute with the United States. It is the delegation throwing a spanner in the works of US foreign affairs, while disguised in the garb of honest dissension. Any one can understand their manipulation quite well.

It is a dark day in American history when the congressional delegation sides with Russia and a mass murderer who kills women and children.

Moreover, it is so insulting to the hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform who work selflessly to protect our liberties and high moral ground.

Let the congressional delegation know and understand: Assad had to be sent the vital message that using chemical weapons is an egregious crime against humanity. But, does the delegation care at all for humanity and the babies who were gassed? Not that the delegation wishes to protect babies in the womb, anyway. When the world did not pay heed in time to Saddams gassing of Kurds, and when the world let pass Hitlers cession of the Sudetenland, the world paid heavy consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to take the bull by the horns when evil raises its head. Let the delegation know that additional missiles are loaded and locked for Assad, if necessary.

And, when the likes of the congressional delegation like Joy Behar sink to a new low by referring to Kim Jong Un and Putin saner than Trump, we know that the needle of insanity is beginning to swing forcefully to her and the left.

Dr. Amarjit Singh is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. This article is his personal opinion.HHS agrees to investigate Hawaii for forcing pregnancy centers, doctors to promote abortion

ADF attorneys filed complaint over violations of federal conscience protections

News Release from Alliance Defending Freedom, April 30, 2018

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has agreed to investigate the state of Hawaii for forcing pregnancy centers and pro-life doctors to advertise for the abortion industry. The federal Church and Weldon amendments do not allow states which receive federal funding to compel medical personnel to operate contrary to their conscience or religious beliefs.

In September of last year, Alliance Defending Freedom asked the HHS Office of Civil Rights to investigate Hawaii and Illinois. HHS is still considering whether to investigate Illinois. ADF attorneys represent pro-life pregnancy centers and physicians in a federal lawsuit in Hawaii and both a state and federal lawsuit in Illinois.

No one should be forced to provide free advertising for the abortion industryleast of all pro-life pregnancy centers, said ADF Legal Counsel Elissa Graves. Furthermore, the law simply doesnt allow it. States that require pro-life doctors and staff to act contrary to their conscience dont qualify for federal funds. HHS is right to take action in light of the obvious violations of the Church and Weldon amendments.

In a letter to ADF responding to the Hawaii complaint, the HHS Office of Civil Rights wrote that it has determined that it has sufficient authority and cause to investigate the allegations under one or more of these laws. Therefore, we have initiated an investigation.

ADF attorneys submitted the complaint to HHS on behalf of A Place for Women pregnancy center in Hawaii. The complaint explained that the rights of doctors and pregnancy care centers to offer medical assistance to women in need without compromising their religious convictions relating to abortion or abortion-causing drugs are protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution in addition to federal law and the Hawaii Constitution.

Hawaii SB 501 requires pro-life pregnancy care centers, which offer free ultrasound and other prenatal care to pregnant women, to direct women to a state agency that provides abortion referrals. Specifically, the law requires pro-life pregnancy centers to post large signs or provide fliers which advertise that the state of Hawaii provides free or low-cost access to comprehensive planning servicesincluding abortion-inducing drugsand they must also include both a website address and phone number for the scheduling of those services.

So far, courts have issued injunctions against the forced-advertising law at issue in both Illinois cases. Courts have invalidated or mostly invalidated similar laws in Austin, Texas ; Montgomery County, Maryland ; Baltimore ; and New York City . In March, ADF attorneys argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case involving a California law.

---30---

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.

PDF: HHS Letter

IJR: Hawaii Under Investigation for Forcing Pro-Life Doctors, Pregnancy Centers to Advertise AbortionWhen we look at it, we estimate that up to 200300 companies could participate in this kind of co-operation from Finland, she stated in an interview with Uusi Suomi on Monday.

Up to 200300 Finnish companies may have an opportunity to participate in the industrial co-operation launched as part of the upcoming fighter jet acquisition by the Finnish Defence Forces, views Tuija Karanko, the secretary general of the Association of Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries (PIA).

Her assessment is based on a listing of the critical technology sectors by the Finnish Defence Forces.

The Finnish Defence Forces submitted an invitation to tender to five military aircraft manufacturers last week in preparation of what is set to be one of the largest military technology acquisition in the history of Finland.

Replacing the countrys ageing fleet of 64 F/A-18 Hornets is expected to cost 710 billion euros.

The industrial co-operation will be launched as part of the acquisition in order to guarantee access to the expertise and technology needed to maintain and service the jets, their weapons and information systems also in the event of a crisis. The aircraft manufacturers have been asked to set a price for the co-operation in their bids.

The Finnish government is therefore, in a way, willing to pay extra for the fighter jets in exchange for obliging the supplier to support the various fighter jet-related operations of domestic defence industry companies.

Jussi Niinisto (BR), the Minister of Defence, has prescribed that the industrial co-operation must account for a minimum of 30 per cent of the total value of the acquisition.

Karanko on Monday declined to speculate on the monetary value of the co-operation but said she is delighted that industrial co-operation has been set as one of the five key requirements for the acquisition.

Were talking about the worlds leading technology companies and co-operating with them in their networks. This is an extraordinary opportunity to develop the expertise, networks and technological capabilities of the defence and security industries in Finland, she lauded.

PIA, she added, is eager to ensure the industrial co-operation also creates longer-term business opportunities.

Otherwise this kind of co-operation is not on a sustainable basis. Its also clearly what the five supplier candidates would want, [to ensure] its longer-term co-operation rather than a one-off thing, told Karanko.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Handout/Saab

Source: Uusi SuomiSHE is more used to bucket collections and poppy sales but one member of the Henley and Peppard branch of the Royal British Legion will be raising money in a very different way next month  by jumping out of a plane at 14,000ft.

Mollie Jeffrey, who took over as branch membership secretary last year, will be making a skydive at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury on Tuesday.

She was persuaded to try skydiving after talking to a paratrooper at the launch of last years Poppy Appeal in Henley.

Mrs Jeffrey, who lives in Harpsden, says: He was so enthusiastic about how exciting it is.

Somehow I convinced myself that it would be terrific to leap out of a plane in tandem with a handsome Red Devil.

I also want to raise awareness of the British Legion in Henley and try to convey that its for a much broader group than just people in the military.

Mrs Jeffrey, whose father was in the RAF, will be strapped to an instructor for the jump.

She said: At the moment Im thinking what have I done? I know its going to be really exciting but Im terrified of the moment when I have to exit the plane. You freefall thousands of feet and Im hoping that Im going to be very dignified and not scream all the way down!

Its something of a departure for me. I cycle in London, which is brave, and cycle in Henley, which is even braver, but Im afraid of this!

But however terrifying the prospect, now that Im all booked in theres no going back. Im thrilled with the support and generosity of everyone sponsoring me.

To sponsor her, visit www.justgiving.com/

Mollie-Jeffrey

Last year, fellow branch members Stan Ainsley, John Green and David Lees made more than 1,600 by taking part in the 100th annual Four Day March in Nijmegen in the Netherlands.The last photo of this nebula, I decided to do a mixture of channels using a mixture of H-alpha with the RGB channels, being able to extract more details here in this capital.





Equipments

Esprit 150mm ed f7

Thus 1600mm coled

H-alpha 15x500seg

R 15x200 sec

G 15 x 200 sec

B 15 x 200 sec



Sao Paulo - SP - Brazil

04/19/20191 Vino Rosso Todd Pletcher CurlinMythical Bride, by Street Cry Ive had him ranked on top for several weeks now and see no reason to change at this point. Hes done nothing wrong, he looks fantastic physically, and you had to love his last work, a sharp half in an un-Pletcher-like :47 1/5. Working outside his stablemate, he did everything on his own with his ears up and inched away at the end with an :11 4/5 final eighth. He is carrying good flesh, his coat is bright, and he just looks like a horse who is rounding into peak form. I was surprised to see a :11 2/5 opening eighth in his work, attributing it to him simply being sharp, but when you can go an opening eighth in :11 2/5 and still come home in :11 4/5, and then gallop out as strongly as he did, that basically suggests a horse who is at the top of his game. He is starting to get good reviews from some of the experts watching him in the morning, so perhaps he will take some money on Derby Day, even though he is still ranked seventh in the Derby Media Poll.

2 Good Magic Chad Brown CurlinGlinda the Good, by Hard Spun One thing you always look for close to the Derby is for a horse to tout you on himself, and Good Magic has been doing a super job of touting, with two exceptional works over the track, the latest a five-furlong breeze in 1:01 1/5, with the rider taking him well off the rail to assure he didnt go too fast. He finished well and again galloped out very strong, as he did in his first work. His speed figures are all over the place, and its all about which ones you choose to follow. His Beyers are good, not great, and he will need to improve off of them; his Brisnet speed figures also need to improve, as do his late pace figures; but his Thoro-Graph numbers, which takes into consideration many more variables, are right up there with the best of them, and he seems to be on an excellent pattern to turn in a peak performance on Saturday. Brown has him on a perfect third-race peak pattern, and he just looks like a horse who is thriving at Churchill Downs. Remember, hes already accomplished things horses are not supposed to do.

3 Justify Bob Baffert Scat DaddyStage Magic, by Ghostzapper He made his first appearance at the Downs Tuesday and was the center of attention; an absolute powerhouse of a horse who moved briskly around the Churchill oval as if hes been there his entire life. It appears obvious that Bafferts main goal is keeping him fit and happy and not asking him to go too fast. Because of his humongous stride he loses a touch of momentum turning for home, but gets it back up after switching leads and keeps building up power, which enables him to gallop out like a fresh horse still full of run. Frankly, nothing he does would surprise me. I have made it clear that Im a little wary of horses having only three career starts, which is more glaring than not having raced at 2. But he is so unlike other horses and is so physically gifted he is more than capable of trashing all these historical trends that are against him. He will have to be at his professional best on Derby Day, not having traveled outside of California before, and cannot get too wound up before the race. From a speed ratings standpoint, his Beyers and his Brisnet figures are outstanding and consistently faster than any other 3-year-old, and his latest Thoro-Graph figure equals the fastest run in this country this year. Only Mendelssohns other-worldly UAE Derby is faster. Most impressive is running triple-digit early, middle, and late pace numbers on Brisnet, while getting progressively faster. It is all about how he handles the big field and the contentious pace. Of which he will be part. If he can win the Derby off three starts, combined with being unbeaten, he will earn instant superstar status.

4 Bolt dOro Mick Ruis Medaglia d'OroGlobe Trot, by A.P. Indy I moved him back up to No. 4 after his most recent work, a half in :48 1/5, which is exactly what I was looking to see. In his last work, his eighths got progressively slower, but the reason for that was Victor Espinoza felt it was important to ask him for speed early, knowing you need to break sharply and have enough speed to get position into the turn. Only then can you take hold of your horse and let him settle in stride. This time he let him finish and he looked sensational down the stretch, flying home his final eighth in :11 and change and then galloping out with good energy, pulling up six furlongs in 1:13 4/5. What made it all the more impressive was the way Espinozas hands were way down on the colts neck and never moving. I also loved the way he galloped slowly to pole with the pony, and as soon as he was let go he dropped his head, grabbed the bit, and was immediately in full stride, as if turning on a switch. He actually has the fastest Thoro-Graph figure of any horse in the race (other than Mendelssohn), which he earned in last years FrontRunner Stakes. After pairing up his two races this year, he may be ready to return to that number. He looks to be a big value horse, considering his credentials, and is a horse who will make you feel like kicking yourself for leaving him out of your bets. He is a tremendous physical specimen, with the long body of a true stayer.

5 Audible Todd Pletcher Into MischiefBlue Devil Bel, by Gilded Time As one can see from his recent rankings, I am having a tough time trying to figure out just where to put him and feel comfortable about it. Part of me cant help but consider his pedigree, but the other part sees only a horse who looks as if he wants to go farther. His Florida Derby still is as impressive a prep as Ive seen all year. It is probably time I let go of his sires record at classic distances and the speed in his female family and concentrate more on the horse himself and some of the stamina he does have deeper in his pedigree. He just has shown no sign that the extra furlong will faze him and his middle and late Brisnet pace figures show him to be a horse who can run fast throughout the race and still come home very fast, which makes him extremely dangerous. So, why is he ranked No. 5 and not No. 1 or 2? I wish I could answer that, other than to say the four ahead of him are no slouches either, and three of them should offer better value at the windows. Pletcher worked him with a pretty fast horse named National Flag in his final drill, and it seemed as if they made sure he didnt get away from Audible, who, as we know by now, is not a great work horse. His :49 2/5 half-mile was pretty much on par with his other works. I know its going to sound as if the top seven ranked horses all look great and can win this race, but that is how competitive the Derby looks on paper and how talented these horses are. If you ignore the now stale pedigree question, he looks like your quintessential Derby horse who can adapt to any pace scenario. A must use on all tickets.

6 Magnum Moon Todd Pletcher Malibu MoonDazzling Song, by Unbridled's Song I get the fact that this colt could be as talented as any of them and probably is ranked too low, but in factoring the scenario of the race, the good possibility he still may be a work in progress due to his late foaling date, and the touch of greenness hes shown by drifting out in his races, I feel we still might not see the best of him until a little later on. After all, he has run only four times, all this year, and has crammed a lot of racing and shipping into a short period of time. All that could help or hurt him in the Derby; its hard to tell. He is a brute of a horse physically, so it looks as if he can stand up to most anything. Like Vino Rosso, he turned in a spirited half-mile drill in :47 2/5 working in company and doing it well in hand and galloping out very strong. It did look like he had intentions of wanting to get out a little in the stretch, but had his workmate on his outside to eliminate those thoughts in a hurry. It seems that Pletcher has been working him on the inside for just that reason, and I doubt Luis Saez will have him on the far outside if he can help it. He did close very fast in the Arkansas Derby, despite drifting badly, but that was after being allowed to crawl on the front end, getting away with a 1:13 2/5 three-quarters. That will not happen in the Derby. It certainly would be no surprise if he won on Saturday, but in this field, you have to look for as close to perfection as you can get, and as mentioned, he still may have a bit of maturing to do.

7 Mendelssohn Aidan O'Brien Scat DaddyLeslie's Lady, by Tricky Creek Like the others that comprise the Magnificent Seven, you can rank him anywhere from No. 1 to No. 7 and its all splitting hairs; thats how close the Top 7 are. It all depends on how much stock you put into his UAE Derby annihilation, and how you feel that effort will translate to the Kentucky Derby. We really have no idea what were dealing with. Is he on the verge of superstardom? No one can answer that until we see how he adapts to a 20-horse field, with the good possibility he wont be on the lead this time and will face kickback, and wont be on a notorious speed-favoring track. If you are a strong believer in his outrageous negative-4 1/2 Thoro-Graph figure in the UAE Derby, then that alone can steer you on him and with confidence, because no one has come remotely close to that number, and that field he crushed by 18 1/2 lengths was a pretty solid one with classy horses from all over the world. Of course we also dont know how he will react to such a monster effort, especially with Ryan Moore riding him so aggressively through the stretch. Will he bounce off such a sensational speed figure or, with the five weeks between races and Aidan OBriens training, will he come close to it, which would make him extremely difficult to beat. If you are looking for a most interesting exacta combination, what better duo to box than Audible and his uncle Mendelssohn. After all, are there many pieces more pleasingly audible and dramatic than Mendelssohns Wedding March from A Midsummer Nights Dream? Hey, Im looking for any angle I can find with him.

8 Free Drop Billy Dale Romans Union RagsTrensa, by Giant's Causeway Lets be honest, there appears to be a significant drop after the Top 7. But that doesnt mean that many of the others are not to be taken seriously. This is the Derby, and we all know there seems to be a horse or two every year that runs the race of his life ad blows up the exotics. Billy followed up his strong work last week with a smooth half-mile maintenance breeze in :49 2/5, again galloping out with good energy. Hes not as fast or brilliant as the top contenders, but he seems to be thriving at Churchill Downs and could finally have a race set up well for him to at least pick up a piece of it at a huge price. He doesnt have the rapid-fire acceleration of My Boy Jack to get into the fray quickly, but he does have a long sustained run that if timed correctly can put him into the action. Remember, he did show early speed and aggressiveness when a clear second to Audible in the Holy Bull Stakes, and he was coming on, as methodically as it was, in the Blue Grass Stakes, indicating another quarter of a mile can only help him. With longshots, you want a horse who is looking and training super and appears to be sitting on a peak effort. He is never going to induce waves of excitement the way he runs, and his Beyer and Brisnet figures are nothing to rave about. But his Thoro-Graph numbers are sneakily strong, and it wont take that much of a move forward off the Blue Grass to make his presence felt.

9 My Boy Jack Keith Desormeaux Creative CauseGold N Shaft, by Mineshaft He wasnt asked for speed at all in his final breeze, an easy five-furlong move in 1:03 1/5, in which he went off very slowly and then finished up well, with the rider shaking the reins on him a little. It will all be about pace, and if he can get a fast contentious pace he has the explosive power to pounce on the leaders and put himself in contention quickly. Of course, he is going to need a lot of racing luck coming from as far back as he is likely to be. But he has shown the ability to come through a narrow opening on the rail and win going away and also swing out very wide and circle the field with a big sweeping move. When he has taken the overland route his best running was on the turn, and he has been unable to sweep by the leaders in the stretch, losing and winning photos after long stretch battles. But a mile and a quarter is a whole new ballgame and he should relish it. Give him credit for getting up in the final strides to win the Lexington Stakes at 1 1/16 miles and on a shortened stretch, with the finish line at the sixteenth pole. He will turn on the afterburners at some point, and well see how far he can keep it going. As Ive mentioned several times, I have complete faith in his trainer to get the best out of him. Desormeaux, pound for pound, is as astute a trainer as there is in the country and gets as much out of his typical bargain basement horses as any of them. And when his brother Kent is on his game, there are few better in the big money races.

10 Noble Indy Todd Pletcher Take Charge IndyNoble Maz, by Storm Boot I moved him up a spot because I like the way hes been training, even if it has gone virtually unnoticed due to the overwhelming presence of his three stablemates, who have been getting all the headlines. He breezed five furlongs in 1:01 3/5 with blinkers on and did everything the right way, coming home in :36 flat and galloping out a strong six furlongs in 1:14 3/5. Hes never going to work as fast as his illustrious entrymates, but this was an excellent move. Hell now have to overcome a six-week layoff, but couldnt be doing any better. It seems as if hes being trained to lay farther back off the pace and make a late run, even though hes been working in blinkers and will wear them again in the Derby. In his last work, he went his first quarter in :25 3/5 and his next quarter in :24 flat before coming home his final eighth in :12 flat and galloping out another eighth in :13 flat. Because of the six weeks between races, Pletcher has been giving him longer works. New rider Florent Geroux should be a perfect fit for him and will keep him relaxed early. We know how gutsy he is from the way he battled back from certain defeat to win the Louisiana Derby. He may be the forgotten horse in the Pletcher arsenal and simply may not be fast enough for these horses, but he has won three of his four starts and he broke his maiden first time out by nearly nine lengths going seven furlongs in a rapid 1:22 flat. So the speed is there. And more importantly, he is going be a huge price, especially for a Louisiana Derby winner.

11 Hofburg Bill Mott TapitSoothing Touch, by Touch Gold I really dont like him having only three career starts, especially with a five-month layoff in between his first and second starts, but I have to admit he has made such a big impression on me, I believe he can run a huge race. He makes a grand appearance on the track, has the look of a true classic horse, and I loved his last work, coming home in :23 3/5. I like the way he was given a long gallop prior to his work, then jogged for a bit before galloping to the pole and breaking off in a nice steady stride, a couple of lengths behind his workmate. Once he was asked, he was on the workmate quickly, his ears still straight up, and then came down the stretch on his own with long fluid strides. He continued past the wire in a quick :12 and change. He came back with good energy, as if the work took little out of him. The more I watch his Florida Derby the more impressed I am, especially considering it was only his third career start and he did have alter course when Audible crossed over into his path. I dont know if hes quite ready for this assignment, but like some of the others, he may just be a special horse who is capable of doing things most horses shouldnt be ready for. And popular and deserving would it be for Bill Mott to win the Derby. Is there any trainer more liked or respected?.

12 Enticed Kiaran McLaughlin Medaglia d'OroIt's Tricky, by Mineshaft For a horse who is not known as a strong worker, he looked pretty good breezing five furlongs in 1:00 1/5 at Palm Meadows, which probably was a ghost town compared to earlier in the year. What he has going for him is his toughness and consistency and the ability to sustain a long move. It would be a different story if he were quicker and had a bigger turn of foot. Its asking a lot for him to beat all these brilliant horses, but at least you know hes going to try, as he does in every race. If his drubbing at the hands of Audible in the Holy Bull was a true race on his part, then Audible may be even better than people think and he has absolutely no shot in here. You cant fault his pedigree, so at least he has that going in his favor. He occupies this final spot over top horses like Flameaway, Lone Sailor, and Solomini because he at least does everything in a classy way and did finish a solid third in the Champagne Stakes last year in only his second career start, then won the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill, a race that has produced six stakes winners this year. Hes tough and honest and well see how far that can take him.

KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

The only reason I dropped FLAMEAWAY was because of the projected scenario of the Derby, as it looks as if he is going to get caught up in a very contentious pace with several of the favorites, while having to chase a fast horse in Promises Fulfilled and possibly Mendelssohn. It is going to be difficult for him to establish a lead where he can use his best weapon, which is fighting off challengers, of which there will be many. He demonstrated his sharpness by working a half-mile in :47 4/5, going toe-to-toe with a workmate, and, of course, sticking his head in front at the wire. I feel he will be a presence in the Derby as they come to the head of the stretch, but he is going to have to fight off so many brilliant horses at that point, it is going to make it difficult for him to do so and still be right there at the finish. But one thing is for sure, he will give his usual 100 percent. And he could be in the frame if the absolute perfect pace scenario plays out.

From a handicapping standpoint, SOLOMINIS wide trip in the Arkansas Derby makes him a live longshot to hit the board. I did, however, want to watch his last work to see if he could go through a work without any issues at all, which would at least offer some promise that he could finally put together an effort to show off his talents without any of his quirks. He seemed to be working well, breaking off about a half-length inside his workmate. By the time they reached the quarter pole, he already had his head cocked a bit to the inside, and when the rider tried to get him to switch abruptly to his right lead, his stride became awkward and he threw his head up. He did manage to switch leads, as unsmooth as it was, and, as expected, gamely held off his workmate, but going into the turn after the wire, he started to get out and the rider had to give him several smacks on the neck to get him back in focus. So, although you have to be an admirer of this horses tenacity, consistency, and courage under fire, he just needs to mature and grow out of his quirks that can be so frustrating. He definitely belongs in the Derby, and who knows, perhaps with 19 other horses to occupy his attention, he can be a factor.

Another of the many talented horses in the field who seems to be getting good at the right time is LONE SAILOR, who started the ball rolling at Churchill Downs by shocking everyone with his blistering :57 3/5 five-furlong work, which is an amazing move for a closer. It was quite a show watching him come from more than 10 lengths back and charge past his two pacesetters in the stretch. The Louisiana Derby runner-up, who likely cost himself the victory at Fair Grounds by drifting out at a crucial moment in the stretch, came back and worked a more conventional :48 half, in what may be the real sneaky Derby work. Going off his opening eighth in a sharp :11 4/5, he slowed it down a bit and then flew home his final eighth in :11 3/5, and kept going strong past the wire with a :12 3/5 eighth to complete his gallop-out in 1:00 3/5. Although I could not find room for him in the Top 12 at this late date, with him having won only one of his eight career starts, he is a horse on the improve who definitely should be considered in all exotic bets and is a legitimate longshot threat to pick up the pieces at the end. He just needs to improve several points in his Beyer, Brisnet, and Thoro-Graph numbers to be competitive with this field.

One horse who has been threatening to break out with that big career performance all year is the steady COMBATANT, who always fires in the stretch, but just keeps finding ways to get beat. He had his first work over the Churchill Downs track on Monday, breezing a half in :49 3/5, moving very smoothly and efficiently down the stretch. Although hes won only a maiden race in seven career starts, he has never been worse than fourth and just needs the right pace setup if he is to have any shot. He was compromised by the slow pace in the Arkansas Derby, but like several others in the field, he earned a huge late pace figure on Brisnet and his backers will have to hope the pace in the Derby in fast enough or contentious enough to give him a shot in the stretch. There have been several 30-1 type horse who have closed fast to finish in the money in the Derby in recent years, and if anyone is going to be that surprise horse this year, it could very well be him, even though his pedigree does not exactly shout 1 1/4 miles. But he runs like a horse who should have no problem with it.

What in the world has happened to INSTILLED REGARD, who looked like a major player following his second (via disqualification) in the CashCall Futurity and impressive score in the LeComte Stakes at Fair Grounds? But after a pair of uninspiring fourth-place finishes in the Risen Star Stakes and Santa Anita Derby, he has become the forgotten horse. This is a horse with an exceptional pedigree who I had highly ranked earlier in the year. He was the last horse to back into the Derby field after the defection of Quip, and he did look good working five furlongs in 1:00 4/5. But if only we knew what happened in the Santa Anita Derby, when he failed to fire at all, finishing almost 11 lengths behind Justify. His speed figures have remained pretty stagnant and he just hasnt moved forward since the LeComte. I am curious to see how he trains at Churchill Downs.

There really hasnt been any horses who arent working well. These are Derby horses and they are supposed to work well coming into the race of their lives. PROMISES FULFILLED, who has a ton of improving to do off his Florida Derby debacle, worked a sharp five furlongs in 1:00 2/5, in which he jumped back to left lead in deep stretch and was being pushed along in his gallop-out. His only chance is to hope the others pay no attention to him and let him get out there and wing it on the lead, figuring he is easy pickins at any time. He was able to get away with it in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, but at some point a cavalry charge of contenders are going to swoop down on him and he better have a big enough lead and the stamina to keep going.

Risen Star winner BRAVAZO, who ran an inexplicably poor race in the Louisiana Derby, will be the hope of Wayne Lukas, who thought for sure he would also be here with Sporting Chance. He has been training well at Churchill, breezing five furlongs in 1:01 2/5, in which he cut inside his workmate turning for home. But now were starting to get down to the real longshots,

Another is FIRENZE FIRE, who was highly thought of when he won the Champagne and Sanford Stakes last year and scored in the Jerome Stakes in his 3-year-old debut. But he has tailed off since, and the big question with him is whether he is as effective around two turns, where he is winless in three starts. He was a well-beaten fourth in the Wood Memorial and has yet to match the 90 Beyer speed figure he earned in the Champagne.

So, that puts a wrap on this years Derby Dozen. Its been quite a ride. I will attempt to piece everything together in my selections, wagers, and analysis column on Thursday.Dutch cartoonist Louis Raemaekers gained international fame with his anti-German cartoons during World War I.

IN WORLD WAR I, BRITAIN TOOK THE UNPRECEDENTED STEP of enlisting artists and writers to work for its War Propaganda Bureau, informally known as Wellington House. Louis Raemaekers, a Dutch painter and political cartoonist, was one of them. Raemaekers soon began turning out some of the Allies most effective propagandanot only because his cartoons packed a lot of emotional impact but also because, as a citizen of a neutral country, he was presumed an unbiased observer. In truth, however, his work was anything but neutral.

Raemaekers was born in 1869 in the Dutch town of Roermond. As a young boy, he learned basic drawing skills from his father, who published the weekly journal De Volksvriend (Friend of the People) and dabbled in watercolors. Raemaekers went on to receive formal instruction in drawing, ultimately earning a certificate from the State College for Drawing Teachers.

For several years Raemaekers worked as a drawing instructor and gave private art lessons on the side. As time allowed, he worked on his own artpainting landscapes, city scenes, and portraits and caricatures of friends and colleagues.

In 1905 Raemaekers published a series of childrens books, which he illustrated with line drawings, that told in verse the adventures of three mischievous little boys. A contemporary reviewer described them as undoubtedly the most humorous and original picture books that have appeared for a long time. The books, with their clever drawings and witty captions, opened doors for Raemaekers, and by the time World War I broke out in 1914, he was a full-time political cartoonist for De Telegraaf, a popular daily newspaper.

Raemaekers first war cartoon appeared on August 1, 1914the day Germany declared war on Russia. In it, a young woman crouches beneath a crossed sword and scourge, her face hidden in her hands as if weeping. The caption reads, Christendom After Twenty Centuries. Although he wasnt a churchgoer, Raemaekers was deeply influenced by his Catholic background and used religious, national, historical, and cultural symbolism to scathingly portray German aggression.

Raemaekers moved from restrained sorrow to biting commentary after the German army invaded neutral Belgium on August 4. As 400,000 Belgian refugees flooded into the Netherlands, bringing tales of atrocities committed by German soldiers, an incensed Raemaekers began to make drawings based on eyewitness interviews and photographs from the front. Within the first few weeks of hostilities, Raemaekers would produce some of his finest and best-known cartoonsimages that would be reprinted many times in different publications and in different mediums throughout the Allied nations. In a cartoon published on August 18 and captioned The Harvest is Ripe, for example, Death cuts down the people of Belgium with a scythe as they attempt to defend themselves against the advancing German army. A September 20 cartoon titled To Your Health, Civilization! features a portly Death who quaffs from a goblet of blood as some of it slops down the front of his robe and onto the floor. In Where are our fathers?, published on October 8, a crowd of children, massed shoulder to shoulder, fill the space between two towering lines of crosses. They blur into a faceless, monotone crowd as they recede toward the flaming horizon, which provides the only hint of color.

While Raemaekerss drawings were often witty, they were ultimately motivated by social compassion and focused on emotion rather than humor. Heavily influenced by Swiss artist Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen, who also used charcoal and conte crayons, Raemaekers presented the war as a battle between good and evil, between civilization and barbarismdrawn as a contrast between light and dark, large and small, weak and strong, beautiful and ugly.

Flemish writer Stijn Streuvels, who fled to the Netherlands in October 1914, described the impact of Raemaekerss cartoons in his diary: It is impossible to say what a tremendous impression it made on me when I first saw the prints by Ramaerkers [sic] displayed everywhere here in the windows of the bookshops. One cannot call them cartoonsthey are in fact a visual summary of the tragic horror of the events of our time. I did not know that anything like that existedit was a real revelation.

Germany, too, recognized the raw power of Raemaekerss cartoons. The German consul general in Amsterdam reported to Berlin: These drawings have a particularly spiteful and poisonous impact, especially because they convey the ideas better than the written word andalso because they are by an artist of exceptional talent. Rumors spread in the Netherlands that Germany had offered a reward of 25,000 marks for the artists capture.

In his cartoons Raemaekers spoke out not only against Germanys aggression but also against Dutch neutrality, fearing that the Netherlands would share Belgiums fate. He urged the Dutch government to take a stand on the side of Belgium and France against Germany. In this view, though, he was in the minority. Neutrality was a moral touchstone of Dutch culture, cherished at all levels of society, from Queen Wilhelmina down.

At the end of September 1914, government officials responded to a complaint that Raemaekers had violated Section 100 of the Dutch criminal code, which dealt with wartime acts that endangered the countrys neutrality. They seized the printing plate for a cartoon inspired by the destruction of the city of Reims, titled The very stones cry out. But the attempt to intimidate Raemaekers and De Telegraaf backfired. Newspapers in the Netherlands and abroad responded indignantly to this affront to freedom of the press.

Raemaekerss fame soon spread to other countries. In early 1915 a postcard- size album of 24 of his cartoons was sold in Allied and neutral countries for the benefit of the French Red Cross under the title Drawings of a Neutral. A popular exhibition of his work at the Fine Arts Society in London attracted 60,000 visitors between November 1915 and January 1916. It was followed by more than 200 exhibitions around the world. An album of his drawings titled The Great War: A Neutrals Indictment was published to acclaim in 1916. It was described in its preface as an eyewitness account with all the authority not only of a Neutral who was unbiased but of a Neutral who knew.

That same year Raemaekers and his family moved to London. The artist now had contracts with Londons Daily Mail, which had the largest newspaper circulation in the world, and two French newspapers, Le Journal and LIllustration. Raemaekers became, by his own description, a one-man cartoon factory. As soon as he finished a drawing, he said, it was reproduced and distributed all over the worldin Australia, in China, and in Americaeverywhere. Working quickly in response to the news, he drew one or two cartoons a day, publishing some 1,200 over the course of the war.

With Raemaekers now in London, Britains War Propaganda Bureau quickly sought out his talents. The first product of their collaboration was an inexpensive album of 40 drawings intended for British soldiers on their way to the front. Wellington House also reproduced Raemaekerss images as posters, lantern slides, and cigarette cards. The cigarette cards in particular reached an enormous audience. From 1916 to 1918 the tobacco firm Carreras Ltd. printed two series of cards using 140 of Raemaekerss cartoons. The famous line Lest we forget was printed on the back. Some 50 million packages of the companys Black Cat cigarettes carried the Raemaekers cards.

As Britain became increasingly desperate for the United States to enter the war, Wellington House made a clandestine attempt to distribute Raemaekerss work in the United States, using the publishing house Land & Water as a front. Most American publications had refused to carry Raemaekerss cartoons, fearing that by carrying anti-German material they would endanger U.S. neutrality. Unable to make much headway with the American press, Wellington House persuaded Raemaekers to go to America in person.

Editors who were hesitant or unwilling to publish Raemaekerss cartoons were happy to report on his visit. Within a few days of his arrival in New York, most of the citys newspapers had printed an interview with the cartoonist. The International News Service wired an article about Raemaekers to the 400 papers in its syndicate.

Perfectly open as to his reason for visiting America, Raemaekers told a reporter for the Evening Post that the United States was the country where he could make the biggest difference to the war effort. I am working to make the greatest number of people in the world understand the struggle for liberty, he said. I want people to know, to think, to see the war as it is.

After Americas entry into the war on April 6, 1917, the U.S. government followed Britains example and used Raemaekerss work widely for propaganda purposes. Raemaekers, former president Theodore Roosevelt observed, has left a record which will last for many centurieswhich, mayhap, will last as long as the written record of the crimes it illustrates.

Raemaekers, however, soon found that wartime popularity did not translate into peacetime influence. At the conclusion of the war, a weary public no longer sought depictions of violence, and interest in Raemaekerss bloody, often brutish, drawings began to wane. He stopped drawing overtly political cartoons in 1941.

Nonetheless, when Raemaekers died on July 26, 1956, his obituary in the London Times reminded readers that the now obscure Dutch cartoonist was once one of the most influential men in the world. He was the one private individual who exercised a real and great influence on the course of the 191418 War, the newspaper noted. There were a dozen or so peopleemperors, kings, statesmen and commanders-in-chiefwho obviously, and notoriously, shaped policies and guided events. Outside that circle of the great, Louis Raemaekers stands conspicuous as the one man who, without any assistance of title or office, indubitably swayed the destinies of people. MHQ

PAMELA D. TOLER, who writes about history and the arts, is the author of Heroines of Mercy Street: The Real Nurses of the Civil War (Little, Brown and Company, 2016).

This article appears in the Summer 2018 issue (Vol. 30, No. 4) of MHQThe Quarterly Journal of Military History with the headline: Propaganda with a PassionProlific scholar Ella Lonn broke new historical ground in multiple ways

D uring the first third of the 20th Century, women produced a body of work that anticipated directions Civil War-era scholarship would take many decades later. Annie Heloise Abels trilogy The Slaveholding Indians (1915-25) offered a detailed examination of Native Americans between the late-antebellum years and the early phase of Reconstruction. Bessie Martins Desertion of Alabama Troops From the Confederate Army (1932) and Georgia Lee Tatums Disloyalty in the Confederacy (1934) agreed that disaffection on the military and civilian fronts, often fueled by class conflict, undercut the Southern war effort. Louise B. Hills State Socialism in the Confederate States of America (1936) presented the Confederacy as the most successful demonstration of State Socialism to be found up to the time in modern civilization. Although they are all in some respects dated, these titles reveal their authors rigorous academic training, retain value, and, except for Hills, are available in paperback editions.

Ella Lonns career overlapped with the other four historians, and her publications, in both quantity and topical reach, made her the most important woman in the field between the 1920s and the 1950s. Educated at the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania, Lonn wrote six books, five of them devoted to the war or Reconstruction. Very few men during the same period, though in many instances better known, matched, never mind exceeded, her accomplishment.

Lonns first book, Reconstruction in Louisiana After 1868 (1918), appeared during the era when a series of state studies, many produced by students of John H. Dunning at Columbia University, brought the postwar years to scholarly prominence. As with the volumes of what came to be called the Dunning School, Lonns book reflected the racial prejudice of the era and treated Reconstruction as a dark time of great travail for the white South. Lonn argued that social conflict during Reconstruction was largely a race question, though the bitterness of feeling toward[the Souths] conquerors and contempt of carpet-bagger and scalawag enter to complicate the matter. Despite its flaws, the book reflected considerable research and remained the standard title on the subject for a half century.

Desertion During the Civil War (1928; reprinted 1998), Lonns second book, addressed a controversial element of the conflict and remains, after almost 90 years, the only general treatment of the subject. To the casual reader the knowledge of any desertion in the brave ranks of the armies engaged in the Civil War, wrote Lonn at a time when thousands of Civil War veterans were still alive, will come as a distinct shock; even by the historical scholar the full extent of the eviland the enormous numbers implicated on both sides may not be fully grasped. In a text divided evenly between the United States and the Confederacy, Lonn explored the causes and extent of desertion, the behavior of men after they left their units, and efforts to control the problem. She estimated that 8,600 of 12,000 deserters from Virginia and nearly 9,000 of 24,000 from North Carolina rejoined the army, while also emphasizing that the presence of thousands of deserters greatly demoralized civilians in parts of North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi.

Ella Lonn explored the causes and extent of desertion

Recognizing that many Confederate offenders had little conception of the gravity of their offense in military law, she nevertheless concluded that the Richmond government and military authorities were unduly lenient in handling their crime. Lonn judged desertion a contributing factor to Confederate defeats after 1862 and a prime factor in precipitating catastrophe in 1865, but she pronounced Northern desertion the more to be deplored because it lengthened a war that Union resources otherwise might have ended sooner.

Lonn next turned her attention to a mineral critical to the Confederate war effort. Salt as a Factor in the Confederacy (1933; reprinted 1965) documented the centrality of salt to mid-19th-century society and warmaking. Lonn examined Confederate efforts to produce enough salt, U.S. targeting of salt-making facilities, and the direct and ancillary military, as well as economic and social, consequences related to shortages of salt. In the end, insisted Lonn, the fact that salt could become a major problem to the confederacy reveals strikingly its complete dependence on outside sources for primary needs and emphasizes that fact as the most serious of its disadvantages in the unequal struggle.

Nine years passed before Lonn produced Foreigners in the Confederacy (1940; reprinted 2002), a pathbreaking, 500-page work that reviewers praised for its comprehensive research and originality. Lonn sought to counter the Lost Cause idea that hordes of foreigners helped fill Union ranks while Confederates lacked access to such manpower. Comparatively, she demonstrated, foreigners were overrepresented in Confederate armies, and she underscored the presence of significant foreign-born populations in major Southern cities. Although Lonn exhibited prejudices common to the time in generalizing about the Irish, Hispanics, and other groups, the book, which contains a mass of useful information, placed her far ahead of the scholarly curve in reminding readers that the conflict played out within a context that included Europe, Mexico, and other parts of the world.

Foreigners in the Union Army and Navy (1950) provided a companion to Lonns earlier study. Its more than 700 pages dealt with units composed wholly or primarily of foreign-born soldiers as well as with a number of prominent officers (the Navy gets relatively little attention). Lonn estimated that one-quarter of all Union soldiersmore than 500,000were born outside the United States, with Germans and Irish placing first and second in terms of numbers. As in her book on foreigners in the Confederacy, she linked common characteristics, both positive and negative, to ethnicity. Describing her research as the most laborious of the writers entire experience, she apologized for not mastering Polish, Russian, and Italian sufficiently to engage with sources in those languages. In the end, she stated, men from all parts of the world created a truly American army, composed of native sons and adopted sonsanimated by a genuine devotion to the ideals for which the Union stood.

Ella Lonn wrote and taught at a time when Civil War scholarship was thoroughly dominated by men who studied military operations, great captains, and political events and leaders. An outlier in many respects, she deserves serious attention from modern students of the conflict. Videos

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.Moves to establish friendly relations between the U.S. and postwar Vietnam were marked by 20 years of diplomatic twists and turns.

On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese tanks burst through the gates of Saigons Presidential Palace, bringing an end to the Republic of Vietnam. Halfway around the world, ralliers in New Yorks Central Park celebrated the fall of South Vietnam as a victory for national liberation and the defeat of American imperialism. They waved placards embossed with VIETNAM IS FREE, and self-congratulations were the order of the day. Hardcore radicals and the Old Left protest movement were presentincluding Dr. Benjamin Spock and priests/brothers Daniel and Philip Berrigan. Yet this gathering was different from the anti-war protests of the 1960s and early 1970s. There was a paucity of students, academics and, most important, moderate politicians who supported legislation limiting U.S. assistance to South Vietnam.

North Vietnams Politburo members, always keen observers of activities in the United States, viewed the rally in New York and a similar one in Berkeley, California, as an indicator that Vietnam remained center stage in American consciousness and would figure prominently in U.S. foreign policy. They believed anti-war groups remained an important political force that would pressure Congress to authorize a large aid package for their war-torn country.

However, the aging revolutionaries in Hanoi grossly misread the mood of the American public, the attitude in Congress and the diminishing ranks of their supporters in the United States. These miscalculations, combined with changing national interests in America, would delay for nearly 20 years the official normalization of relationsa process that allows embassies to be established, businesses to engage in trade and citizens to travel between the two nations.

The U.S. government will contribute to the postwar reconstruction in North Vietnam without any political considerations whatsoever, President Richard Nixon wrote in a secret letter to Prime Minister Pham Van Dong in February 1973. U.S. preliminary studies show that programs appropriate for a U.S. contribution to the aforementioned postwar reconstruction will amount to about $3.25 billion in nonrefundable aid. But there was a caveat: Any reconstruction aid would require congressional approval. Implicit in the offer was Hanois adherence to the Paris Peace Accords, signed on Jan. 25, 1973, which provided for the withdrawal of U.S. troops and reunification of North and South Vietnam through a peaceful solution.

The North Vietnamese, however, contended that Nixons aid offer did not require them to abide by the peace agreement. They took it as a solid commitment and integrated the $3.25 billion in their postwar planseven as they initiated the military offensive that would blatantly violate the accords and topple South Vietnam.

Flush with the euphoria of their April 1975 victory, Vietnams Communists were not prepared for a belligerent response from the United States. Gerald Ford, who became president after Nixons resignation on Aug. 9, 1974, immediately imposed a trade embargo, set aside any possibility of assistance, froze Vietnamese assets in the United States and confirmed that America would veto Vietnams request to join the United Nations. The U.S. also restricted travel to Vietnam, cut telephone and postal connections and banned transmissions of money from America to Vietnam. The U.S. government further flexed its economic muscle by blocking loans from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Japan and other allies were pressured to follow Americas lead; most complied.

Without access to Western capital, Vietnam turned to its wartime benefactors, the Soviet Union and China. Neither was willing to bolster the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the countrys post-unification name, with a Marxist version of the Marshall Plan, which used American money to rebuild Europe after World War II. Instead, the Soviet Union offered loans, usually with stringent repayment provisions, and European governments under Soviet control, led by East Germany, were similarly tight-fisted. But the biggest disappointment was China. Once a dependable ally, its contribution was perceived as a pittance.

The unified Vietnam was operating in unfamiliar territory. During the war, North Vietnam was not required to manage its economy. Nearly everythingweapons, clothing, medicine and foodcame from outside sources, and Vietnamese authorities served merely as distributors of goods. There were few experienced economists, and those in the government rigidly adhered to the Soviet model: tight state controls, centralized decision-making and rapid industrialization.

The relatively small cash influx was spent exclusively in the North on sophisticated enterprises rather than on improved housing and basic infrastructure. Steel plants, a high-tech paper mill and a modern hospital were among the ill-chosen reconstruction projects that languished because the managers and operators were unable to maintain them. The economy began to flounder.

Cadres from the old North Vietnam took over all governance of the defeated south. Hanois Communist guerrilla allies in the South, the Viet Cong, were either treated like second-class revolutionaries or completely shoved aside. The Politburo also opted for punitive measures to reform the South, sending former military and government personnel to re-education camps, collectivizing agriculture and shuttling city dwellers to inhospitable regions called new economic zones, where they worked on previously uncultivated or unproductive land. When they could, people returned to their former homes or tried to leave the country. The international trade embargo added to the litany of woes. American-built manufacturing plants shut down because they lacked spare parts. Visions of a socialist utopia were not coming to fruition.

Hanoi watched the 1976 presidential election with great anticipation. The Democratic candidate, former Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, campaigned on a promise to bind the wounds of war and obtain a full accounting of American servicemen missing in action. He was particularly critical of Fords intractability in dealings with Vietnams leaders, citing it as the reason there was no movement on the MIA issue. Carters victory in November was not a sweeping mandate, 50.1 percent of the popular vote, but it was music to the ears of the Vietnamese government.

Not long after his inauguration in January 1977, Carter established a five-man commission headed by Leonard Woodcock, president of United Auto Workers and a critic of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, to begin the rapprochement. Alongside Woodcock were three vocal opponents of the war and U.S. Rep. G.V. Sonny Montgomery, a conservative Mississippi Democrat who chaired the House select committee on Americans missing in action. The group traveled to Hanoi in March 1977.

The delegation had hardly settled in the capital city when the foreign minister, Nguyen Duy Trinh, called an unscheduled meeting and announced that the United States was under a legal and moral obligation to provide $3.25 billion in reconstruction aid. In their view, the U.S. was refusing to recognize Vietnam as the victor in a long, costly war and reneging on a commitment to pay reparations. This attitude set the tone for three days of talks.

Woodcock repeatedly stressed that no American, regardless of the persons political views, would agree to pay reparations as economic aid or to buy back the remains of missing servicemen. Vietnamese negotiators disregarded Woodcocks explanation that reparations carried a pejorative ring in the United States. As a result, little was accomplished. Upon conclusion of the meetings, the Vietnamese government handed over what was thought to be the remains of 12 Americans. One was later determined to be a Vietnamese male.

Prime Minister Dong, in a letter given to Woodcock for Carter, dangled the possibility of an accommodation in the near future. He proposed a May 1977 meeting in Paris, and Carter immediately accepted. The quick response convinced Dong and his associates that the new administration was malleable and would ultimately agree to aid. They saw it as an indicator that Vietnam was still at the epicenter of U.S. concerns and Fords tough approach was a thing of the past.

In the meantime, Nhan Dan, the official party newspaper, broke the story of the heretofore secret Nixon letter, hoping to create a sense of guilt in the United States and energize public opinion to support compensation. The revelation, however, had little impact on Americas now-dormant anti-war movement and even less on the majority of its citizens, who wanted to put the Vietnam experience behind them. Since the war and draft ended in January 1973, college campuses had quieted down and student interest in Vietnamese affairs had faded. Celebrities like Jane Fonda and Muhammad Ali, whose outrage had grabbed attention when U.S. servicemen were coming home in caskets, had gone silent. The support Hanoi had come to count on was no longer a potent force.

Carters envoy at the Paris talks was 36-year-old Richard Holbrooke, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, a wunderkind in Democratic policy circles who had begun his State Department career as a foreign service officer in Vietnam from 1963 to 1966. His boss, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, was convinced an agreement would ensure stability in Southeast Asia. Like the president, Vance believed that discord caused by the war would continue to fester as long as Vietnam was ostracized. Thus, Holbrooke was committed to reaching an agreement in Paris.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Phan Hien, the deputy foreign minister, whose marching orders were to secure the $3.25 billion reconstruction package. Holbrooke offered to support Vietnams admission to the United Nations, lift the trade embargo and normalize relations, but Hien countered that nothing was possible without U.S. dollars. He then abruptly left the meeting to hold a press conference, where he read aloud Nixons 1973 letter. Hien announced that aid was a requirement for any future discussions; it was a serious mistake. Americans wanted an accounting of those still missing, but no one would condone giving their former enemy billions of dollars to start the process.

Reaction on Capitol Hill was immediate. Two pieces of legislation were passed with overwhelming support. The first prohibited the Carter administration from negotiating reparations, aid or any other form of payment to Vietnam. The second renounced Nixons offer of reconstruction aid.

The Vietnamese Communists were not facing the same Congress that authorized the 1973 Chase-Church Amendment, prohibiting U.S. military action, including air support, and any other assistance to shore up South Vietnams defenses. In 1977, congressional denial of the Vietnamese Communists demands did not generate any meaningful backlash. Public statements of anti-war groups were lucky to make the back pages of national newspapers.

Holbrooke made a fresh offer: The two countries would establish liaison missions in Washington and Hanoi, a move that could lead to full recognition. The Vietnamese rejected it out of hand. Hien proposed that a secret aid agreement be signed without congressional knowledge. He was apprised that such deals were impossible, and discussions ended soon thereafter.

Carters 1977 Vietnam diplomatic offensive ended in abject failure. His administration changed course and looked for ways to improve ties with China, whose strong support for Vietnam during the war was no longer an obstacle to better relations with the United States. Additionally, China was increasingly at odds with its former ally over matters such as Vietnams hostility toward the Chinese-backed regime in Cambodia and the persecution of ethnic Chinese, particularly merchants in Cholon, the commercial hub of Saigon, which had been renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976.

Being put on hold by the United States was a new, uncomfortable paradigm for the aging warriors in Hanoi. They had been successful by waiting out their enemies, but their traditional patience was not a viable strategy in the postwar world. Vietnams economy was sinking rapidly from mismanagement, draconian reformation policies, meager assistance from Communist allies and the cost of maintaining the largest army in Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese troops were regularly engaged in battles along the Cambodian border as they fought with their onetime Communist comrades, the Khmer Rouge, which had overthrown Cambodias pro-West government on April 17, 1975even before the North Vietnamese Army captured Saigon. Once Vietnam was unified, Cambodia experienced a resurgence of the old tensions between native Cambodians and ethnic Vietnamese living there. The Khmer Rouge, led by the despot Pol Pot, claimed that Vietnam was occupying enclaves that had belonged to Cambodia before the French colonial era. Raids and counterattacks into these disputed territories on the border became commonplace.

Meanwhile, stories of Communist brutality in Vietnams punitive re-education camps were filtering out of the country. That information and the plight of masses of refugees still fleeing the country, years after the war ended, were front-page news. The world saw images of boat people, crowded into unsafe vessels, trying to escape oppression and hardship. More often, those who survived storms and pirates were destined for squalid refugee camps. No more was Vietnam seen as David battling the American Goliath. The Vietnamese who were once lauded as freedom fighters were now portrayed in the Western press as bullies who beat up on their own citizens and threatened neighbors.

Wounded pride and bruised egos aside, Vietnams leadership did realize that some normalization with the United States was more important than ever. Better relations with the U.S. would offset increasing strains with China, whose aid to Pol Pot added to Vietnams problems.

But Washington seemed to be pushing Vietnam to the periphery of its interests while shifting its attention to China. Furthering that perception was Carters national security adviser, Zbigniew Brzezinski, who put full diplomatic recognition of China on the fast track. During 1977, Hanois Politburo had clearly overplayed its hand.

Desperate to restart talks with the U.S., the Vietnamese sent a message to the Carter administration in July 1978, stating a willingness to negotiate without any preconditions. But this time, the administration was in no hurry to respond. Any accord with the Vietnamese would hinder Americas improved relations with China, and Hanois bargaining position was further eroded by intelligence indicating that Vietnam was massing its military forces along the Cambodian border. The U.S. government informed the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry that there could be a private session during the September 1978 meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a venue that ensured a low-key affair.

Again Holbrooke was thrown into the breach. Across the table was Nguyen Co Thach, a rising diplomat who would become foreign minister in 1980. Thach opened the session by asking how much aid the United States was prepared to offer. A dumfounded Holbrooke reminded his counterpart they were meeting because that particular issue had been tabled. As the U.S. envoy packed his briefcase and prepared to leave, Thach did an about-face, saying that both parties could sign an immediate agreement without any reference to monetary assistance. Holbrooke said he did not have the authority to sign a normalization document but would take the request to the State Department.

Thach stayed in New York awaiting an answer; none was forthcoming. Stonewalling the United States was a favorite North Vietnamese tactic during the war. In a turnabout, Vietnam was now getting that treatment. After a month of waiting, Thach returned to Hanoi.

Not long afterward, Vietnamese Communist Party Secretary Le Duan journeyed to Moscow and signed a 25-year friendship treaty with the Soviet Union. This de facto military alliance cast Vietnams lot squarely with the Soviet Union. It also gave the Vietnamese a green light to deal with the Khmer Rouge. On Dec. 25, 1978, Vietnam invaded Cambodia, overthrew the Pol Pot regime, and occupied a large section of the country. The overt aggression solidified Vietnams status as an international pariah.

On Feb. 17, 1979, China, intent on teaching a lesson, crossed Vietnams mountainous northern border with eight army divisions100,000 regular troops supported by 150,000 militia soldiers. The Chinese force made significant territorial gains, capturing several provincial capitals. Vietnams sole ally, the Soviet Union, protested but took no military action. Both sides suffered thousands of casualties. After a month of fighting, the last Chinese troops withdrew from Vietnam on March 15, leaving significant destruction in their wake.

Despite a tacit cease-fire, extraordinary tensions remained between the two nations. China posed an ever-present threat, and a Khmer Rouge insurgency against the Vietnamese-installed government kept Vietnam on a war footing, further straining the countrys moribund economy.

The post-invasion period became known in Vietnam as the Dark Years. Repression and poverty increased; some areas experienced famine. A brain drain occurred as people continued to flee Vietnam and more urban families were forcibly resettled in outlying economic zones. Re-educated former government officials, many of them capable administrators, were denied meaningful employment. Foreign aid decreased because the Soviet Union was having its own economic headaches. Some Russian advisers were recalled, creating technical voids and leaving major projects unfinished. As the 1980s began, Vietnam was close to being a failed state.

The country was saved by the departure of much of the old guard in Hanoi. Younger men with new ideas and fresh perspectives gained power as the dour hardliners passed from the scene, most significantly, the iron-fisted Le Duan, who died on July 10, 1986. Much of the new generation realized the Soviet Union had serious internal problems and was not a dependable partner. Vietnam implemented market economy initiatives and withdrew its army from Cambodia by September 1989. In the late 1980s, new officials reached out to the United States, offering full cooperation in efforts to account for American MIAswith no strings attached.

With that change in attitude, American efforts to lift the trade embargo and restore normal relations got strong support from Vietnam War veterans in the Senate: Republican John McCain of Arizona and Democrats John Kerry of Massachusetts, Chuck Robb of Virginia and Medal of Honor recipient Bob Kerrey of Nebraska. Their service helped dampen some of the anti-Vietnamese sentiment in the United States.

McCains voice resonated with the American public because he had endured brutal torture during five-plus years of incarceration. McCain had once told Robert Muller, a Marine lieutenant paralyzed from the chest down and founder of Vietnam Veterans of America, who had recently visited Vietnam, Goddamn it, Bobby, what are you going back and talking to the enemy for?

But over time, McCains attitude softened, although he still referred to his torturers as gooks. As he exorcised his wartime demons, McCain became the leading advocate for reaching out to the Vietnamese. His stance, and those of his Senate colleagues, provided political cover for Democratic President Bill Clinton, another proponent of improved relations, who was sworn into office in January 1993.

On July 11, 1995, Clinton removed all sanctions against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and established full diplomatic ties. The person he chose as the first U.S. ambassador to Vietnam was former prisoner of war and retired Air Force Col. Pete Peterson, a Florida Democrat in the House of Representatives. Ironically, two decades after the fall of Saigon, the road to reconciliation was paved by men who fought in the war and opened by a man who manipulated draft deferments to avoid it.

John Howard was in the U.S. Army for 28 years, retiring as a brigadier general. He served two tours in Vietnam as a combat infantryman.The music world was rocked when it was announced superstar DJ Avicii, born Tim Bergling, had died aged just 28.

The shock turned to sadness, when the DJ's family alluded earlier in the week that the megastar had died by suicide in Oman.

Sources have confirmed to TMZ that Bergling died due to blood loss, from a wound which was self-inflicted.

Bergling's family's statement read: "Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions. An over-achieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress. When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most - music. He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace. Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight. Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed. The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive. We love you, your family."

Tributes have poured in since the tragic news has been released

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Rest in peace @Avicii My heart goes out to your family at this difficult time. x  Craig David (@CraigDavid) 20 April 2018

Rest easy Avicii, you inspired so many of us. Wish I could have said that to you in person x  Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) 20 April 2018

OH MY GOD ? wow... Im speechless. May you Rest In Peace my dear Tim ?? RT @TMZ: #BREAKING: Avicii Has Died at 28 #RIP https://t.co/dvE4cgk9BY  Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) 20 April 2018

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Oh my god truly devastated for Avicii very very sad news way to young ... what a talent he was. rest in peace x  Liam (@LiamPayne) 20 April 2018

Such sad news to hear about Avicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans x  DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) 20 April 2018

Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim x  Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) 20 April 2018

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Damn Dude RIP #Avicii ??  DJ Pauly D (@DJPaulyD) 20 April 2018We're kicking off on June 12 in Dublin's Wood Quay Venue with an Electric Picnic tented Town Hall in September!

The NIMBY brigade was out in force last fortnight, writes Stuart Clark, as RTEs Prime Time reported on the opposition to Dublins first medically supervised injecting facility, which Merchants Quay Ireland plan to have up and running by the autumn in the inner city.

Watching the programme and reading some of the myopic online comments during and afterwards, youd be forgiven for thinking that Ireland is stuck in some kind of horrible Reefer Madness time warp, but actually these are pretty enlightened pharmaceutical times we live in.

In addition to the green-lighting of that injecting facility, the past 12 months have seen the Minister for Drugs, Catherine Byrne, indicating a willingness to move towards the treat, dont punish harm reducing and rehabilitative model thats proven so successful in Portugal, and is providing the lead for Norways own recently announced decriminalisation plans; new levels of trust and cooperation between independent drug agencies and the Gardai who realised long before politicians did that simple prohibition doesnt work  expect more developments on this front in the near future; and such powerful voices in the Seanad as Frances Black, Aodhan O Riordain, Lynn Ryane and Fintan Warfield advocating for safer drug policy.

Weve also witnessed the emergence of groups like the Ireland Chapter of The International Nurses Society on Addictions whose calmly presented fact-based evidence is a welcome counterbalance to all that ill informed NIMBY-ism; GAA legend, Philly McMahon, calling for the decriminalising of drugs following the tragic death of his brother; and a newly minted RTE People of the Year Award for Vera Twomey in recognition of what shes done for not just her daughter, Ava, but everybody here who requires medical marijuana to treat their chronic conditions.

With latest figures showing that two people a day die from drug-related death in Ireland, addiction joins homelessness as the two biggest Irish wrongs that need righting after the repealing of the 8th Amendment in May  we refuse to countenance anything else!

How this can be achieved will be the subject of a series of Town Hall meetings that Hot Press is delighted to be staging throughout the summer in partnership with the Ana Liffey Drug Project and the London School of Economics.

Ana Liffey, who were a strong voice in advocating for supervised injecting, are now focusing their policy efforts on the adoption of a harm reducing and rehabilitative approach to possession for personal use, and a firm move away from treating people who use drugs as criminals.

This year is a critical time for drug policy in Ireland, reflects Ana Liffey CEO, Tony Duffin. A working group has been set up under our National Drugs Strategy to consider these issues, building on the work of the Joint Oireachtas Committee which strongly recommended in 2015 that we move away from criminal justice as a way of dealing with simple possession.

The Oireachtas Committee had done its work well  the evidence for such a move is strong. Criminalising people for possession does not reduce levels of drug use in the population as a whole, but can have significant negative impacts on those who are criminalised, bringing stigma and significantly limiting a persons ability to access supports and opportunities to work or travel in the future. Making the switch, however, is no foregone conclusion and will require a coming together of politicians, medical professionals and members of the public that we hope to kickstart with our Town Hall meetings.

Now is the time, Tony Duffin notes. If the ultimate outcome of the working groups process is that we keep criminalising people, Ireland may be on the back foot in addressing drug use for years to come  the current strategy runs to 2025, and we may not get another opportunity until then. As a country, we need to vindicate in practice our existing policy which is that drug use is a health issue, not a criminal justice one.

Part of the issue, Duffin says, is communicating with the public: Theres a lot of confusion  a lot of people think that the criminal law can be used to send a strong message so that people will be turned off using drugs. This simply isnt the case, and this is why we need to engage with the public, linking people with the key messages from the best evidence. Ana Liffey are delighted to be working with LSE and Hot Press on this, and are excited about talking to people in communities around the country at town hall events in June and September.

Ahead of these Town Halls, which will be free to attend, Hot Press is journeying this week to Portugal to meet key figures involved in the drafting and implementation of their progressive drug laws. Ill be blogging daily about the trip on hotpress.com, with a comprehensive print report and Drugs In Ireland overview to follow.

As Tony Duffin says, the time for genuine and profound drug policy change has come

To stay up to date on the details of the Town Hall events see hotpress.com and follow Ana Liffey on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.King Buzzo and Dale Crover, longstanding veterans of Washington sludge-mongers Melvins, return with referentially monikered new album, Pinkus Abortion Technician. The current line-up now features two bass players  just in case they lose one I guess. They are Steven Shane McDonald (Red Kross, OFF!) and Jeff Pinkus (Butthole Surfers); McDonald also contributes frantic punk headbanger Embrace The Rub.

There are nine tracks, half of them covers. How does that work?, you ask. Who is the mathematically challenged moron writing this review?, you may also well enquire. Let me explain.

Stop Moving To Florida couples the 70s exuberance of James Gangs Stop with the elephantine start-stop-repeat action of Butthole Surfers Moving To Florida. The Buttholes receive further exposure courtesy of a rendition of Graveyard off their third album, Locust Abortion Technician.Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print.

Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition.

If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create.As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content.

When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to.

After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS!

OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK

The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those.Deezer, Jazz FM Partner To Honor Iconic Record Labels

Deezer has announced a partnership with Jazz FM in honor of International Jazz Day. The streaming service has joined forces with the radio station on a new series called Jazz Stories, which will focus on the history of five iconic jazz labels: Impulse!(Universal), Blue Note (Universal), Columbia (Sony), Atlantic (Warner), and ECM (Universal).

Each weeks hour-long episode will feature commentary from a different presenter as well as accompanying playlists, according to Music Week.

Were delighted to partner with Jazz FM to take users on a journey of musical discovery, said Chris Baughen, VP of content & formats at Deezer. Every week, fans can learn about the labels behind some of the most renowned artists, while enjoying a hand-picked selection of huge jazz cuts.

As the worlds leading Jazz broadcaster, Jazz FM is home to many of the worlds most knowledgeable presenters, added Nick Pitts, content director at Jazz FM. With a truly innovative blend of expert curation, fascinating commentary and outstanding music we are proud to be partnering with Deezer to produce and present exclusive playlists on the legendary jazz music labels.

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Share on:A Great Achievement for Israeli Intelligence

The Fellowship | May 1, 2018 A Great Achievement for Israeli Intelligence

As Stand for Israel told you yesterday, PM Netanyahu showed the world evidence of Irans deceit and continued quest for nuclear weapons  weapons that would surely be used to destroy the Jewish state. And now, The Times of Israel tells us the story of how the Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, managed to procure all of this evidence:

A senior Israeli official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a secret mission, told The Times that the Mossad had discovered the warehouse in February 2016, and had the building under surveillance since then.

The operatives broke into the building one night last January, removed the original documents and smuggled them back to Israel the same night, the official said, according to the paper

The official said the delay in making the material public was due to the time it took to analyze the documents, the vast majority of which were in Persian.

Netanyahu described the archive as looking like a dilapidated warehouse in the Shorabad District in southern Tehran.

This is where they kept the atomic archives. Right here. Few Iranians knew where it was, very few, and also a few Israelis, Netanyahu said.

Now, from the outside, this was an innocent looking compound. It looks like a dilapidated warehouse. But from the inside, it contained Irans secret atomic archives locked in massive files, he said.

He showed a picture of long rows of safes and said that the agents managed to bring back half a ton of the material consisting of 55,000 pages and another 55,000 files on 183 CDs.

The cache, he said, contained incriminating documents, incriminating charts, incriminating presentations, incriminating blueprints, incriminating photos, incriminating videos and more.

Weve shared this material with the United States, and the United States can vouch for its authenticity, he said of the informationThis content is from: Capital Markets

The chief of staff of the swaps regulator suggested that any agreement that included financial services could be a concern for the USJonas Cullwick, a former General Manager of VBTC is now a Senior Journalist with the Daily Post. Contact: [email protected]. Cell # 678 5460922Last week, Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health outlined the state's enforcement strategy for requiring healthcare workers to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. As of this Friday, all healthcare workers, including EMTs, are required to have received a vaccination, a move the Rhode Island State Association of Firefighters have already expressed a desire to fight in court. Do you believe first responders and healthcare workers should be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19? Why or why not? Let us know in this week's poll question below.

You voted:Vivek Abraham, an 11-year-old Indian American student from Dallas, Texas, has advanced to the semi-finals of NBCs Genius Junior. Shivani Sahu, 12, of Paramus, New Jersey, and 12-year-old Apoorva Panidapu from San Jose, Calif., will also be competing in the semi-finals. (video screenshot)Access to the picturesque Martins Beach pits Indian American entrepreneur Vinod Khosla against the California Coastal Commission and environmental groups, who argue that the historic spot must offer public access. Billionaire Khosla has ratcheted the case up to the Supreme Court, which has not yet stated whether it will hear the case. (Terry Louwerens/Friends of Martin's Beach, CA photo via Facebook)Kavinder Gupta takes oath as the new Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, at a swearing-in ceremony, in Jammu April 30. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala took to Twitter to express outrage at the new deputy chief ministers comment on the Kathua rape, which he called a minor issue. (IANS photo)Union Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Chabua Airbase to oversee the Indian Air Force's Gaganshakti exercise along the Pakistan and China borders in Dibrugarh, Assam, April 19. The Indian Army and Air Force are engaged in a month-long drill and conducting exercises 300 km from the Pakistan border. (IANS photo)April 30, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - NEWARK, N.J.This is the story of Emmanuel Mervilus, who got locked up for a crime he did not commit, whose life was derailed and nearly destroyed by the experience and who will graduate this spring from Rutgers University. It is a story of being a poor black man in America, with the exception being that most poor black men never get a second chance.

The only reason Mervilus got a second chance was because of one man, history professor Don Roden, who founded the Mountainview Program at Rutgers for formerly incarcerated students. This program accepts, among others, the students I teach in prison, one of whom, Ron Pierce, also will graduate this spring.

There are only a few saints in this world. Professor Roden is one.

Mountainview staff, students, professors and families gathered Friday at Rutgers Newark campus to speak of the struggles and hardships endured by students such as Mervilus and Pierce. Those at the two-hour meeting spent much of the time weeping or fighting back tears.

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Mervilus is 6 feet tall and broad-shouldered and has long, thick dreads. He was never in a gang. He was not a drug dealer. He had a job. He came from a good and loving family. But he was cursed with being black and poor and living in a city, Elizabeth, N.J., where if you are black and poor you are always one step away from being arbitrarily shot or arrested or tossed into jail. This is true in nearly every city in America.

There are cops in poor communities who hunt black boys and men as if they are prey. To them it is a sport. These cops are not always white, although they are often white. But they are always sadists. Intoxicated by the power to instill fear, use lethal force indiscriminately and destroy livesand allowed to do so by a judicial system that no longer protects the most basic rights of the poor, including due process, adequate legal representation and the right to a jury trialthey circle around their victims like human vultures. If we were to use the strict dictionary definition, these police officers are criminals.

There is a cop who used to tell me when I was a boy he was going to give me my first adult charge, Mervilus said. Mervilus said he did not want to name the officer, now a detective, for fear of retribution.

This cop made good on his threat when Mervilus turned 18 and was a senior in high school. He saw Mervilus on the street smoking a joint. Mervilus ran. The cop chased him. Mervilus turned, put his arms up and shouted, I give up! I give up! The cop threw him on the hood of a police car.

I dont remember anything after that, he said. I saw a flash. Next thing Im in the back of the police car. There are scratches on my face.

Im not a saint, Mervilus said to me. I did things. But everything I did I owned up to.

When he got to the police station he was charged with having a dozen bags of marijuana. The charge was a lie.

They need more than simple possession to lock you up so they plant drugs, he said. It makes the charge stick.

He was in the county jail for two weeks and was assigned a public defender who told him to plead guilty. The public defender told me, How are you going to prove this [your innocence]?  he said.

No one wants to believe cops lie, Mervilus said. Why would a cop lie? Lots of reasons. Promotion. Quotas. And I dont look like a regular citizen. Im black. I got dreads. I fit the description. I figured I ran. I didnt know much of anything at that time, you feel me? So, I said, Ill take it. I thought that probation could be expunged if I did good. But I was wrong. From that day on, I said I would never, ever, plead guilty to something I didnt do.

He went back to high school, repeated senior year, and graduated. He got a job in the kitchen of a nursing home in Linden, N.J. He earned minimum wage. It was 2005. He was 21. He was living at home. He was stopped randomly one afternoon on the street by a cop. The cop ran his name in the system.

He says there is a warrant for my arrest, he said. He says I just jumped two fences and put something under a rock. It was a total lie. I am arrested with another guy for manufacturing and distribution. I spent a month in Union County jail. And when you spend a month in Union County jail it makes you want to plead guilty. Youre confined to a little area. You dont get out.

I was first put in a holding tank with someone else, some type of drug dealer going through withdrawal, he said. It was nasty. Throwing up. Diarrhea. Two steel bunks. One steel toilet. No windows.

They put my bail at $75,000, he said. I paid $7,50010 percentand bailed out. I tried to get my old job back. They refused to let me back, said abandonment of work. I didnt want to hustle [illegal drugs]. When your back is against the wall, you cant find a job, and you have to pay a lawyer, often all you can do is hustle. But if I hustled Id probably catch another charge and go to prison.

Eventually, his girlfriends stepfather helped him get a job at the port in Newark. He was making $12 an hour. But the criminal justice system was not done with Mervilus. On leaving a Dunkin Donuts in October 2006 he met a friend and they started walking down the street. Cops stopped them. There had just been a stabbing and robbery. The victim told the cops that Mervilus and his friend had attacked him.

Why would he [the victim] point a finger at me? Mervilus asked searchingly. I look the part, a black man with dreads. But there was no evidence to corroborate his story. I didnt have any blood on me. He said we stole his bookbag.

The cops rushed him and his friend. They shouted, Put your hands on the wall! He complied. He was put in jail, and his bail was set at $100,000.

The loss of his job while he was in jail meant he could no longer support his mother, who was dying of breast cancer, his sister and two brothers. His father had left the family.

Rent has to be paid, everything has to go on as if Im there, he said. So he told his family not to use their paltry resources to bail him out. My younger brother was 16. I played the father role. The system failed me. It failed him. He lost me.

His family believed the cops. That hurt the most.

Im Haitian, he said. My family is looking at me like, what? This guys robbing people? He stabbed someone who almost died? I get blackballed. No one comes to see me, not even my mom. My mom raised me better than that. All these Haitian people were saying, Well, why is he locked up if he didnt do it? I was hurt and depressed.

One night after he had been in jail for seven months he was jolted awake in his cell. It felt like there were claws digging into my stomach, he said. The pain was horrible.

His mother, he found out later when his brother visited, died that night. She was 52. After the visit he insulted another prisoner and got into a fistfight. It didnt fill the void, he said.

He finally got out on bail. His family had taken his mothers body back to Haiti for burial, and he visited her grave. It was made out of white painted cement blocks and surrounded by a small gate. He brought flowers.

I told my mom I was sorry I wasnt there when she died, he said. I told her I was innocent. I wasnt going to plead guilty. I told her I had let her down by not watching over my little brother. I was sitting talking to her for two or three hours. It was very emotional. It was the first time I cried. Her dying [always had been] my biggest fear. My mom would be asleep; I would stand at the door looking in to make sure she was breathing. I was a mommas boy. Serious. Every day when I came home from work I brought her a chicken sandwich with mayo and pickles from Wendys.

The prosecutor offered him a deal of five years in prison if he would plead guilty to the crime in which the man was stabbed and robbed. He refused. He was facing 20 years. He went to trial. The victim changed his story several times and at one point when asked if his assailant was in the courtroom pointed to someone other than Mervilus. It did not matter. Mervilus was sentenced to 11 years for first-degree robbery.

His younger brother worked at any job he could find to pay for a lawyer for Emmanuel. When the brother got the $12,000 needed to retain an attorney, Emmanuel filed an appeal. The lawyer exposed a series of discrepancies and inconsistencies in the testimony of the man who had been stabbed. Mervilus was retried, acquitted by a jury and freed after having been behind bars for four years. The process, which cost his brother $32,000, achieved an almost unheard-of result for a poor person in our dysfunctional court system. The lawyer, John Caruso, called the acquittal a Halleys Comet occurrence.Sarajevo is synonymous with the trigger that ignited World War I in 1914, which led to over 10 million deaths. It saw the demonic birth of modern wars of mass destruction.

Lazare contends that the American, French and British air strikes on April 14 are just the first step in a far more aggressive US military campaign against Syria.

Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter

He added: The US cannot leave Syria, it will never leave Syria, greater US military aggression is to come Damascus is the Sarajevo of the 21st Century.

History rarely repeats itself exactly. But history certainly can rhyme, so to speak, meaning that repetition of approximate patterns are discernible.

Exactly a century after the very first world-wide, industrial-scale war ended in 1918, there is a real risk of a similar conflagration erupting in Syria. Only, if this were to happen, the danger of escalation is even greater, given that potential combatants have nuclear weapons.

It is not inevitable that history repeats, or even rhymes. It is not inevitable that Syrias seven-year war will explode into an international war. But nevertheless the danger is proximate.

As with Sarajevo in 1914, the burgeoning configuration of rival powers is present. All it would take is for one spark to ignite the powder keg of forces.

One such spark was the US, French and British air strikes against Syria earlier this month. Syria and its allies, Russia and Iran, denounced the military attack as an aggression, a violation of international law owing to the alleged pretext of revenge for a chemical weapons incident on April 7 near Damascus was patently fraudulent.

The tragedy of the looming conflict in Syria is that few politicians or citizens would want an all-out war to eventuate, knowing that the consequences could be so utterly horrific.

There is every reason to believe that US and Russian military commands are maintaining close communications to avoid any accidental clash in Syria, and thus avoid a confrontation.

Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a lengthy interview with Russian media, said that Moscow had warned Washington about red lines in Syria, which he said the American side abided by when it conducted the air strikes earlier this month. There were no casualties and the minimal extent of damage suggest that the air strikes were more for show than for any real military purpose.

Lavrov also said that he was confident the present American and Russian leaderships would not allow an escalation of conflict in Syria.

The foreign minister said: Speaking about the risk of a military confrontation, I feel absolutely confident in assuming that the militaries will not allow this, and of course neither will President Putin nor President Trump. They are leaders, after all, elected by their people and responsible for their peace.

Nonetheless, getting back to the Sarajevo analogy, the fiendishly perplexing thing is that the configuration of forces is such that the logic of war can over-ride what leaders say with rationality. It is probably fair to say that European leaders back in 1914 did not want nor foresee how events would unravel in an uncontrollable and catastrophic way.

In Syria today, we have American, French and British forces operating on the ground and in the air. A US aircraft-carrier battle group has now arrived in the Mediterranean within striking distance from Syria. All of these NATO forces, including Turkey, it should be said, are illegally threatening Syria.

There seems little doubt that the recent build-up of NATO military power threatening Syria is a result of their proxy terror groups having been defeated after a seven-year war. That strategic defeat can be attributed to Russia and Irans intervention on the side of its Syrian ally following a legal request for help from Damascus.

US President Trump has lately been talking about withdrawing American forces from Syria. That could be idle bluster from Trump given that the Pentagon seems determined to do just the opposite. Also, if Trump manages to draw down some US troop levels in Syria, he has stated a desire to replace those forces with military units from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab regimes, as well as possibly contracting private mercenaries under the charge of his friend Erik Prince, the founder of infamous Blackwater USA.

Then we have French President Emmanuel Macron this week urging Trump to maintain US military presence in Syria, warning that the Western states cannot afford to let Iran gain influence, despite the fact that Iranian forces are legally present in Syria under request from Damascus, and despite the fact that Iran, along with Russia, helped defeat the Western-backed covert war for regime change using terrorist proxies. The sheer arrogance of Macron!

Adding to the combustible mix is Saudi Arabia and Israel who have said they are willing to join in any future US-led air strikes on Syria.

It seems clear that the Saudis and Israelis are itching to start a war with Iran which they obsessively view as their nemesis.

Almost a week before the April 14 US-led air strikes, a far more dangerous incident occurred on April 8, when Israeli air-launched missiles hit the T-4 military airbase in central Syria. Among the dead were seven Iranian advisors. Again, it was another spark jumping at the powder keg.

Irans national security chief Ali Shamkhani this week warned of consequences and retaliatory actions for what was an outrageous act of war by Israel.

In response to this legitimate statement of Iranian self-defense, Israels Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman had the chutzpah to say: Israel doesnt war but if Iran attacks Tel Aviv we will hit Tehran.

Apart from Liebermans arrogant irrationality, what his statement implies is that a false-flag incident is begging in order to give Israel a pretext for more aggression against Syria and Iran.

The danger in Syria is not just the accumulation of military forces but the dynamic of many moving parts. An incident involving Israel and Iran could be the flashpoint that explodes with impact on the concentric forces aligned.

Politicians and military leaders in the US and Russia may have no intention of all-out war. They may even genuinely abhor such a scenario.

But that is why the Sarajevo analogy invoked by Daniel Lazare holds. Disastrous consequences can follow ineluctably from the circumstances, regardless of better intentions.

This is why it is imperative that all military forces in Syria must stand down and let the country pursue a self-determined political process, as several UN resolutions have mandated.

The legal and moral onus is first and foremost on the US, France and Britain to stand down their military forces, and to stop interfering in Syria. They, after all, are illegally present.

Ominously, however, the NATO allies do not seem willing to comply with international law. They are recklessly piling up the powder keg. And to their shame, the United Nations and the European Union, are cowardly complicit in acquiescing to the belligerence of Washington and its allies. The UN and EU should be explicitly demanding the NATO powers to desist from their illegal activities towards Syria. But no. Cowardly silence.

In that regard, Damascus, fearfully, looks increasingly like Sarajevo in 1914.

Against that, we might recall that the Syrian city is also synonymous with conversion and repentance  as goes the story of Saul the Jewish mass murderer of early Christians who then saw the light of divine righteousness to turn away from iniquity to become peace-loving St Paul.

However, given the arrogant, deluded mass-murderers among the US-led NATO alliance, such a timely conversion seems unlikely.After serving us with the official music video of Loaded, which was produced by Berry, fast rising talented act Bigabaz surface with brand new street banger entitled OJA.

This fresh tune by Bigabaz features Ege (dribble) crooner Danny S. Oja is another big thing in the music industry with the trending shaku shaku riddim that will make you leave it on repeat.

Oja by Bigabaz was produced by Drum Phase.

Listen and Enjoy!



https://www.yabaleftonline.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BigAbaz-ft-Danny-S-Oja.mp3

DOWNLOAD MP3

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comments

For four years, the university of Ilorin has been the number one preferred choice for so many admission in search of candidates back to back.

UNILORIN, which was established in 1975 as one of the second generation tertiary institutions in Nigeria has become so popular among admission seekers so much that over 100,000 candidates seek admission into the school every year.

One may say this feat is one of the reasons why the university prides itself as being better by far.

however, an international magazine, economic confidential, seems to know more about the school and in its 2016 reports, it highlights five reasons, UNILORIN is Nigerias most preferred university. here are the five points.

1. academic stability

UNILORIN wins maiden West Africa debate competition in Ghanaplay

UNILORIN (Thenationonline)

government-owned universities in Nigeria are notorious for going on strike. This usually disrupts the schools calendars and their academic activities. however, this is not the case for UNILORIN as university has not gone on strike since 2001.

2. popularity

UNILORINplay

UNILORIN

UNILORIN for four years, the university of Ilorin has consistently remained the most preferred school by admission seekers. in the 2017 Unified Tertiary and Matriculation exam, the institution had the highest applications with 104,038 student-applicants out of the 1,212,818 total applicants seeking admissions into the 40 federal universities in Nigeria.

also read: UNILORIN wins maiden West Africa debate competition in Ghana

3. Affordability

In a country where state and Federal government Universities charge as high as N100,000, for tuition fees, UNILORIN students pay less than N25,000 for tuition.

4. available facilities

5 reasons UNILORIN is the most preferred tertiary institution in Nigeriaplay

UNILORIN campus (Propertypro)

As an institution that is committed to building champions, the university of Ilorin also boasts of fine and modern facilities to its credit.

5. quality of lecturers

according to economic confidential, the quality of lecturers at the university of Ilorin is one of the checklists admission seekers considered in making the college their first choice institution.

Source: examkits.comFormer governor of Niger state, Aliyu Muazu Babangida, has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take over power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019.

He said the APC has failed Nigerians and cannot be allowed to continue taking the people for a ride.

Babangida disclosed this when he received members of the states Inter Community Relations Committee (ICRC) led by Chief Olusola Ajayi.

According to him, the APC government at state and federal levels had prepared a good ground for the opposition to retake power in all three tiers of government in next years elections.

He said: We will change the government of the day next year. We will work harder, we will pray harder and God will answer our prayers to end the excruciating pains and economic hardship Nigerians are going through.

Nigerians had already seen through the APC Federal Government. They cannot take Nigerians for a ride any more. Also in Niger state, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has not proved to the electorates why he should be re-elected.

Speaking on calls for him to contest either the presidential or senatorial election, Aliyu said he was still consulting and would make his position known soon.

I am still consulting. By the end of June, after the Ramadan, I should be able to tell you categorically if I will contest for any position or not, he said.Leader of the 30 Billion gang celebrated his girl Chioma in grand style yesterday. OBO threw a lavish for his babe and crowned it with a brand new Porsche . The news stirred a lot of reactions on social media and celebrities and fans have reacted to the news.

Comedian Ayo Makun

@davidoofficial you dont have respect. I need to rush and go and block you from appearing on my wifes timeline This PORSCHE ASSURANCE gift to @thechefchi is too much for your age na. How much @miraclebigbrother win after waiting on the lord for 3 months in #bbnaija2018? God punish any man wey one begin type one page of poem give woman for instagram tomorrow morning all in the name of birthday wishes. @midas_interiors, the good lord told me you dont want designer, you dont want Ferrari but my love. All these are the things of the world, lets just continue to serve the living God and avoid #yorubademons like these lazy Nigerian OBO youth. in short make God scatter this world make everybody start afresh  #assurance

Toke Makinwa

https://twitter.com/tokstarr/status/991248571742720000

Samklef

https://twitter.com/SAMKLEF/status/991269432474431489Workers day or Labour day, as the name implies is a day set aside to acknowledge the service of individuals who dedicate their time, intellectual resource and energy to meeting pain points and needs of others.

Often time, we let principles guide us, only recognizing those we term professionals. The world on the other hand, is evolving so quickly from new age jobs like: Content curator, Fashion stylists, Blogger to unconventional vocational jobs as Welders, Plumbers, Carpenters and Assistant Emergency response team it is glaring that we do know discredit another persons job because they arent in the same sphere as ours.

This campaign is to remind ourselves, that we all matter, and every single job that puts food on the table, smiles on faces and respect on your name is worth celebrating.

In line with this, we are interested in knowing what motivates you .Tell us what you do, what you love about it or better still, mention a worker you admire , what they do and why you love them. Join the conversation on all our social media platforms using the hashtag. #RespectMyHustle #UBA #UBA4entrepreneurs

@ubagroup FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM.The marriage of Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and wife Abimbola is 25 today, May 1. They celebrated the anniversary in style as photo of them cutting their anniversary cake has surfaced online.

See photos below

The former Lagos State Governor and his wife got married in 1993 and they have children.

Mrs Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, the wife of Lagos state Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola disclosed sometime ago in a chat with City People that her love story with her husband was a funny one, adding that she was introduced to her husband by his father during her friends engagement.

Showering accolades on her husband of 22 years, the First Lady said on meeting her husband, she knew he was down to earth, adding that her lovely husband is a friendly man.

When he came, we introduced ourselves. We met. We exchanged our numbers and that was it. We took it off from there. He was cool, he looked cool-headed. He was friendly. He had no airs about him. He was a simple fellow. He was already working then as a lawyer.

He was at Sofunde, Belgore & Co. He clicked with my sisters too. He was always going to parties with them. He was bubbling with them. I didnt use to go to parties with them. Since my sisters accepted him, I had no choice but to accept him, she said.

Despite the difference in religion, Mrs Fashola said she doesnt have any trouble getting along with her husband, adding that she has a segment in the house where she worships her God and so does her husband.

Source  KemifilaniIn light of his recent visit to the President of the United States, his wife, First Lady, Aisha Buhari has taken to her social media page to praise him.

President Buhari was at the White House where he met with the US President, Donald Trump.

In his welcome speech, Trump expressed appreciation for the visit.

He asked Buhari about what he had done with the issue of the kidnapped Nigerian girls, to which Buhari answered that Nigeria has not given up about their rescue, detailing the efforts of his administration to have them brought back.

Buhari also thanked his host for agreeing to have America sell the Tucano Jets to Nigeria, for which $496m has so far been paid.

Aisha Buhari shared photos of his meeting and wrote, Dear President, You deserve some #accolades. 

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commentsDiamond Ark Lifestyle is a menswear fashion brand founded in 2011 by John Uche Jesus  an Indian based Nigerian fashion designer. He is a product of the prestigious Jd Institute of Fashion Technology India.

A celebrated designer that has won several awards. The first African designer to join Indian fashion industry, he made the list of five designers that are redefining the fashion industry in India in 2016.

The brand is known for outstanding creativity in western suits and shirts, indo western suits and recently, Nigeria ethnic wears.

Slim Fit Tailoring, classic finishing, quality and distinctive use of luxury & colorful fabrics, intricate embroideries and a gloriously rich Indian, African and Western aesthetic are the trademarks of the brand.

Frederick Leonard was unveiled on the eve of his 2018 birthday, he joined other ambassadors of the brand like former Mr. United Continent 2016 Mohit Singh, Former Mr. India Global Rohit Chaudhary, Jas Wadhwa.

Frederick is one of the Nollywood actor who have created a niche for himself through his roles in the industry. He is an actor with passion for style and fashion.

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commentsIsa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says events have proved that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is resetting Nigerias economy from dependence on oil and gas sector towards the tech sector.

The IT regulator says that when Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo gave his steering speech at the 2016 e-Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition emphasizing the point that the Buhari administration is set to reset Nigerias economic architecture by diversifying from oil dependency and leveraging on ICT as a critical contributor to the economy.

According to him some people felt it was the usual talk by political leaders, without any intention to bring the vision to fruition. But events have come to prove that real change is happening in the way government is engaging with tech.

President Buhari attended the e-Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition in 2017 to give his approval and support for the Information Technology sector and his plans for its further development.

Cross section of activties at the event where President Muhammadu Buhari delivered this speech Tuesday November 7, 2017 at the opening of the 2017 eNigeria Conference organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency in Abuja.Cross section of activties at the event where President Muhammadu Buhari delivered this speech Tuesday November 7, 2017 at the opening of the 2017 eNigeria Conference organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency in Abuja.

Pantami says that NITDA has gone on a trip that seems to prove this. It was therefore not a surprise when I received the mail that I was to join His Excellency the Vice President (VP) for a tour of the Innovation Hubs in Lagos. Although NITDA through its Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE) embarked on a similar trip in November 2017.

While expressing gratitude, the NITDA DG says the visit was aimed to gain first-hand knowledge of the innovation ecosystem.

This was not a regular official function, it was not a time of talking and lecturing the citizens about what government has done or not done, it was a time to listen. Indeed we listened to our young, vibrant, passionate and highly motivated youths.

According to the IT regulator, they demonstrated to us that the best of Nigeria is yet to be unveiled. It was a tour that gave hope to all. The young people saw in the government team, a breath of fresh thinking. They did not see the grand-standing and disruptiveness that such a visit would have caused in the past.

They remained at their work, coding, some were eating some were taking selfies with the VP. It was such a joy to see the glee on everyone that day.



Young Nigerians seen at work inside the Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator (iDEA) Hub in Yaba, LagosTechnology Times file photo shows young Nigerians seen at work inside the Information Technology Developers Entrepreneurship Accelerator (iDEA) Hub in Yaba, Lagos

NITDA is paying close attention as the Nigerian genius is unleashed, he says adding that the delegation visited six places and listened to 14 Startups who were able to say what they do during the tour.

 FarmCrowdy solves the problem of under-utilized arable farm lands, help farmers access capital, help people invest in agriculture without owning a farm and everybody gets a share of the profit, that is amazing indeed, Pantami says in his post-event review.

At Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF) operated by Access Bank Plc, we saw an organization getting itself ready for the new face of banking and finance. The final stop was at Co-Creation Hub, Yaba. This pioneering beehive of innovation is not resting on its oars. Cc-Hub is giving Nigeria its first home-grown cyber-security platform called Safe-Online.

In the same place we met Re-Learn, a Startup that is working to transform difficult educational concepts into funny cartoons. We spoke with the Managing Partner of Growth Capital, Tunji Eleso who told us how they are helping fund innovations of Nigerians by Nigerian investors, the tech regulator says.

The tour gave him the opportunity to note the opportunities and challenges of the sector as well as the impact or gap of NITDAs interventions as an agency of Federal Government of Nigeria.

Since we came on-board, I had often reiterated my resolve to impact the Forgotten Ones in the tech ecosystem. By this I mean the enterprising startups, the women, children and small enterprises. One of the things we did was to reposition Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship ( OIIE) not as a competitor with the Hubs, rather to be a facilitator and policy compass to ensure the sector got all what it needed to grow.

According to him, a draft of the Nigerian ICT Innovation And Entrepreneurship Framework (NIIEF) was prepared with the objective to cast a vision for the ICT innovation ecosystem, identify the stakeholders, define critical roles of NITDA in their development and responsibilities of all stakeholders.

A stakeholders engagement was held in the 4th quarter of 2017, where representatives of the Hubs, Academia, States and Federal Government all made inputs to the Draft. The Draft was further scrutinized at the recently organized I4Policy Hackathon held in Lagos and Abuja. Inputs of stakeholders have been taken and would continue to be until we have a document fit-for-purpose.

The committee had gathered data to identify IT projects reserved for small-scale technology companies under plans to engage relevant agencies which will reduce the entry barrier for young people who have proven competence to win government contracts, the NITDA chief explains.

Also, we have insisted on local content where such capacities exist. Another initiative we are experimenting at NITDA is to match Startups and Hubs with successful winners of our project bids. This has proven successful in some of our programmes and projects as the young innovators bring agility and fresh-thinking to the process while getting experience and finance .

He assured that the programme will continue and grow to become a model for implementing IT and other projects in Nigeria. Indeed, the creative zeal and passion of the Nigerian youth has caught the attention of the world and President Muhammadu Buharis administration is paying close attention and giving the necessary support without disrupting the disruptions,  Pantami says.

Source: technologytimes.ngA young lady from Paris France recently sold her virginity to an American for one million pounds.

The 20-year-old lady simply identified as Jasmine who lost her virginity to an unidentified Wall Street Banker said she has fallen in love with the man she described as a perfect gentleman.

Jasmine who was born into a religious but poor family said she decided to sell her virginity to be able to start her own business and travel around the world.

Here is how the French student described her first time experience in bed with the older banker:

Im very happy that I sold my virginity to an older man. He is a smart and successful banker. Though I was a bit nervous at first, but finally I really liked him. He was a real gentleman and looked after me well. We are going to date each other again because we really like each other.The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised US President, Donald Trump, over his comments on the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

During a joint press conference with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, Trump said the US will not accept the attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ishaq Akintola, director, MURIC, said Trumps statement, is prejudiced, parochial and unpresidential.

Akintola also claimed Trump, is luring Nigerian Christians into bolder confrontation, with Muslims.

It is sheer interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. Trump has a bullys instinct, the statement read in part.

If this is the same Trump who called African countries shithole, the same American president who threatened to wipe out North Korea, the same US leader who banned Muslims from entering his country, the same Republican who said, Torture works, ok folks?, Nigerians must be wary of Americas involvement in their affairs.

We should remember that Nigeria did not get the required support from the moderate and cool-headed Barrack Obama in its war against terrorism. We should therefore not expect any from Trump who treats vulnerable nations with contempt and has no respect for African countries. Unless Nigerians unite, this country will become Americas shithole.

Trumps comment on killings in Nigeria implies that he would prefer that it is Muslims alone who are being killed. We refuse to believe that a whole American president does not know the true situation on ground in this country. He who knows but pretends not to know has his own secret agenda. Nigerian Muslims are not intimidated by Trumps comment. We only sympathise with those who will be gullible enough to become Trumps suckers. Posterity will judge us.

Nigerian Christians should not allow themselves to be deceived by Trumps comment. The advanced countries of today will not compromise the secret of their technological advancement. Western countries will not teach us what will benefit our people. They will only teach us what will divide us in order to further render us debilitated, impoverished and helpless.

Nay, they will give us fish but refuse to teach us how to fish. They will scatter us like wild oats and then give us weapons to kill ourselves. Then, under the guise of rendering humanitarian services, they will take over our land, our oil, our rich culture and force homosexualism and lesbianism down our throats but at that time, it will be too late to resist. Mark our words.

Trump is only using religion to turn Nigeria into another Iraq. Just as former US President Bush used Sunni-Shiite dichotomy to destroy Iraq just to lay his hands on Iraqs oil field, Trump is also eyeing Nigerias oil. His plan is to use Christian-Muslim divide to set Nigeria ablaze.

But Nigerians should remember that decades after the invasion of Iraq, that country is yet to experience stability. Years after the killing of Ghadaffi, Libya is yet to find its feet. The guns are still booming in Syria and the world holds its breadth each time North Korea sneezes.

It is our contention that Trump is luring Nigerian Christians into bolder confrontation with their Muslim neighbours. We warn that the West African sub-region will be shaken to its foundation if Nigerian Christians swallow Trumps bait. The extension to Nigeria of Americas crusade which brought ruins to Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and Sudan will have dire consequences on the whole African continent.The Federal Ministry of Health has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban with immediate effect further issuance of permits for the importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations.

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole made this known in his office in Abuja on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.

He said that the directive became necessary due to the gross abuse codeine usage has been subjected to in the country, especially in Northern Nigeria.

In its stead, the minister said codeine containing cough syrups should be replaced with dextromethorphan which is less addictive.

He also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, (PCN) and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups in the country, while he has also banned sales of Codeine containing cough syrup without prescription across the country.

He noted that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control had an emergency meeting with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (PMGMAN) to inform them that there is an embargo on all new applications for registration of codeine- containing cough syrups as well as applications for renewal has been abolished.

The PCN has been directed to continue enforcement activities on pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendors shops and outlets throughout the country.

Details to follow

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commentsU.S President Donald Trump on Monday described Nigeria as a country with reputation for very massive corruption.

The United States President said this during a joint press briefing he held with visiting Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari at the Washington DC.

But Trump also commended Mr. Buhari for his dedication towards fighting corruption.

Nigeria has a reputation for very massive corruption, President Trump said, I also know that the President (Buhari) has been able to cut that down very substantially. We talked about that, he is working on it and they have made a lot of progress and I think they will continue to make a lot of progress.

We have a lot of people in this country that invests in Nigeria, so cutting down on that corruption element and a corrupt element is very important to us and the President (Buhari) will be able to do that.

Nigeria is one of the first African nations to join the coalition to defeat ISIS and Nigerian forces are currently leading regional efforts to defeat ISIS in West Africa and doing very well as we have. Nigeria is also leading Africa in the fight against Boko Haram.

sOURCE: saharareporters.comPunch

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said the United States and Nigeria were collaborating to repatriate over $500m stolen from Nigeria.

Vanguard

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday made history as the first African President to visit President Donald Trump at White House for a bilateral talk which touched on security, econnomy, trade and investment and governance.

The Sun

President Donald Trump of the United States has made an assurance that twelve counter insurgency aircraft worth $496 million would be speedily approved for release to Nigeria to help in the countrys fight against Boko Haram.

Thisday

Reacting shortly after the joint briefing by both leaders, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Monday bemoaned the performance of the Nigerian president during the meeting with his U.S. counterpart, describing it as embarrassing and disturbing.

Guardian

Ex-Trump aide insists he calls African countries shithole A former White House staff Monday said President Donald Trump called some African countries shithole. Daily Times Trump, Buhari Speak On Economy, Herdsmen Killing In Joint Press Briefing Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and his United States counterpart Donald Trump just finished a joint press statement in which the two leaders brief world media on various issues including deepening of trade and Military Corporation. It is the first meeting Trump has had with an African president since he assumed office 2017. Daily Trust Gang up against Ambode will fail  Commissioner The moves to gang up against the re-election of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in Lagos in the 2019 election will fail, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamgbetan, has said. Tribune

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has written off President Muhammadu Buharis performance at the meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday , describing as embarrassing as he completely failed to project the economic interests of our nation before the American government and the world.

LeadershipRapid Response Service Commander, Tunji Disu has revealed that Nigerians might land themselves in jail if they are caught with U.K used Phones outside Nigeria.

Disu revealed that these phones may have been flagged off for criminal activities and such phones were rampant in Lagos.

He tweeted ;

You may go to jail if you take your London used phones (second hand phones) to Uk, US, Germany, South Africa, etc, as most of the London used phones have been flagged off as #robbed, #stolen or been used for #fraud. We confirm recoveries of such phones in Lagos. Be warned!

Mixed reactions however trailed the revelation, see below ;

You may go to jail if you take your London used phones (second hand phones) to Uk, US, Germany, South Africa, etc, as most of the London used phones have been flagged off as #robbed, #stolen or been used for #fraud. We confirm recoveries of such phones in Lagos. Be warned! pic.twitter.com/IZ0PTQyCHn  Commander RRS (@TunjiDisu1) April 29, 2018

A police commander should not make a blanket statement such as this one,especially in a polity where officers are not properly trained and no machinery in place to protect consumers right!  Jefe Mello (@JefeMello) May 1, 2018

Oga, learn from those who used phones had landed in trouble. Examples are not far from verification. Warnings are not for the deaf ears and to be fore warn is to be fore armed.  Abu Muminah (@tomijori) May 1, 2018

Very good warning. Needs to be given wider publicity. Poverty, greed, and covetousness have driven our people to buying London used phones the end of which might leave a bad taste.  HIGHLANDER (@AbiodunDenloye) April 30, 2018

Thanks for sharing this sir. This will definitely save some people from big trouble  OLAWALE OLADEJO (@Olawaleonline) April 29, 2018

So what kind of statement should a police commander be making? Are you aware many of the so-called London-used phones have issues just like Commander RRS rightly stated? People should beware not to fall victim for such terrible embarrassment when you innocently travel with phones  A witch in your village (@OfficialAluta) May 1, 2018

So that we dont get it twisted verify the phones u buy esp used phones.There are still legal phones that are used which has no history of it been used to commit crime  Justin (@Justin83405980) May 1, 2018

So why giving this tip off? You dont want the robbers to be caught? pic.twitter.com/WDu1ijmuZp  Pa Johnson (@MrPa_Johnson) April 30, 2018

Not when I have my purchasing contract(receipt) and Im entering the country for the first time, demma no born their mama well. Its like they [email protected] be unfortunatethem go pay for defamation of character..  Raymond Reddington (@MNisteey) April 29, 2018

Yet they wont stop importing those phones in Nigeria. Nigeria is dumping ground for all used items.. From bendown select(ok) to used phones to tokounbo cars and the list goes on and on. May God turn our situations around for good.  Adenrele Orimidupa (@blastedup) April 30, 2018

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commentsEveryone eligible should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel or employment.

Vaccination should be voluntary but those who don't get vaccinated should be frequently tested for COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel and employment.

Both vaccination and testing should be voluntary and not required as a condition of long-distance travel or employment.

I defer to the judgment of lawmakers as long as they base their decisions on a consensus of medical professionals.

Vote

View Results(MAY 1, 2018)- Nicholas Latifi will make his first appearance as Sahara Force India Formula One teams Reserve and Test Driver on 15 and 16 May, driving this seasons VJM11 car at the Barcelona test following the Spanish Grand Prix.

The test is the first opportunity for Nicholas to work with the team trackside ahead of his Friday free practice programme, which begins at next months Canadian Grand Prix.

Nicholas will drive in Spain on the Tuesday after the race, before development driver, Nikita Mazepin, takes over on the Wednesday.

Alongside the teams normal testing duties, a second VJM11 will be run at the test in support of Pirellis 2018 tyre testing programme and Nicholas will drive this car on Wednesday.

Nicholas said: I am really looking forward to getting my on-track life at Force India started. I was very disappointed having to miss my chance in pre-season testing through illness, but I am now fully fit and recovered and I cant wait to go.

Force India has a great history of giving young drivers an opportunity and I want to help the team develop and push forward in the midfield battle. This test is a very important step ahead of my first Free Practice outing in Canada and I am grateful to the team for all the support theyre giving me.

There is so much I can learn to develop into a better driver and I am keen to absorb as much information as possible working with our engineers. I am on a high after my podium in Baku [in F2] last weekend, I am very pleased with how things are going and I want to build on that.

Nicholass F2 campaign in 2018 is supported by Royal Bank of Canada, Lavazza and Sofina.CHAMPAIGN, Illinois. (May 1, 2018)  Bell Racing USA has partnered with Danica Patrick for the final race of the Danica Double, the Indianapolis 500.

As her racing career draws to a close, Patrick is coming full circle and ending her career in a Bell helmet  the same helmet manufacturer she began racing karts with as a young girl. When Patrick straps in to compete in the Verizon IndyCar Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, her helmet will feature a paint scheme that combines design cues from both her very first helmet and her most recent one, as Troy Lee Designs created a true masterpiece that encompasses Patricks career, from beginning to end, as a fierce competitor and a barrier-breaking racecar driver.

Patrick will embark on the final chapter of her racing career this month with the iconic GoDaddy green on her car and a state-of-the-art Bell helmet on her head; brands that have ridden along with her in many phases of her career.

We are proud that Danica Patrick will wear the innovative Bell HP7 Evo II in the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500, and will finish her remarkable racing career in a Bell Helmet, said Bell Racing USA President and COO Kyle Kietzmann. Recognizing her racing talent at an early age, Bell was Danicas first sponsor, providing product support throughout her IndyCar career. Bell has been with Danica for many of her defining moments as she reached the highest levels of motorsports, transcending the sport as an icon, role model, and entrepreneur. It is fitting that she will conclude her ground-breaking career using the legendary Bell brand and driving for Ed Carpenter Racing in pursuit of the Borg Warner trophy.

Everything has come together better than I could have imagined to close out my racing career at the Indy 500, said Patrick. Everyone at Bell has been so supportive of me over the years  all the way back to my go-karting days  and it just feels right to be partnered with them again as I compete in my last race.

About Bell Racing USABell Racing Helmets is the worlds leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art head protection designed for professional and amateur drivers competing in the sport of auto racing. The Bell name in synonymous with safety, innovation, performance and engineering excellence. Bell helmets have been worn and trusted by more champions, in all forms of racing, than any other brand. Further information about Bell Racing is available at www.bellracing.com.This content is from: Culture

Under new draft legislation, brokers would not be able to recommend deals to retail investors when sponsors get more than 5 percent of the SPAC.Marvin Rust, Taxand 100x90

Rust has more than 30 years of experience in tax and transfer pricing services. He worked at Arthur Andersen and Deloitte before joining FTI Consulting in 2013. He specialises in such industries as tourism, hospitality and leisure, but his range of expertise covers telecommunications and pharmaceuticals as well.

Rust has extensive experience in restructuring, refinancing and transactions, including major deals valued at more than $8 billion. He has provided advice on advance pricing agreements (APAs), audits and complex transactions.

The material on this site is for financial institutions, professional investors and their professional advisers. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws.  2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQ.

Share this articleVancouver, British Columbia - May 1, 2018 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Alliance Growers Corp. (CSE: ACG) (FWB: 1LA) (WKN: A2DFYX) ("Alliance Growers" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a progress report on the development of the Cannabis Botany Centre. In a news release dated December 30, 2017, Alliance Growers announced that it has entered into a binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with WFS Pharmagreen Inc. ("Pharmagreen"), and its proposed subsidiary BC New Co, to create a strategic relationship, together with equity participation by Alliance and Pharmagreen, whereby Alliance will acquire a 30% equity interest in Pharmagreen's subsidiary BC New Co (the "Proposed Transaction"). The execution of this LOI initiated the development of the Cannabis Botany Centre that Alliance and Pharmagreen have been working on for the past year.

Pharmagreen principals have purchased the land required to build the Cannabis Botany Centre East of Mission, BC (the "Land"). The Land will be leased initially to BC New Co. with an option to purchase at or near cost. BC New Co will build and operate the Cannabis Botany Centre to permit the growth and sale of tissue culture plantlets, and storage of strains and nursery plants to wholesale, retail and medical markets.

The development of the Cannabis Botany Centre has been progressing quickly on several key fronts and Alliance Growers is pleased to provide the following updates:

The Fraser Valley Regional District, Electoral Area G, for Deroche has approved the land use on Bell Road, site of the Cannabis Botany Centre for cannabis production and cannabis related business.

Company management has commenced discussions with FORTIS BC to bring natural gas to the location. This will benefit the surrounding community

The hydrological engineering assessment report for the site to be completed this week

B.R.I.M. Inc. research for the Cannabis Botany Center, on tissue culture protocols and plant development of cannabis strains, has shown that plants derived from tissue culture grow much faster and exhibit a significantly better plant structure compared to traditional cloning of plants. These plantlets will provide a significant advantage to cultivators producing on a large commercial scale.

The Cannabis Botany Centre is poised to supply up to 300,000 plantlets per month to cultivators once built and operating at full capacity.

There are numerous expansion capabilities with 25 acres of available land.

Commenting on the development progress of the Cannabis Botany Centre, Dennis Petke, Alliance Growers' President and CEO, said "Now that Alliance is capitalized, we will be working closely with Pharmagreen to accelerate the development of the Cannabis Botany Centre. The path to approval for an ACMPR license will be expeditious. The development of the Cannabis Botany Centre is consistent with Alliance Growers business plan to be in partnership with a range of cannabis sector business opportunities including strategic investments in ACMPR licensed cannabis producers. Alliance Growers has already acquired interests in two ACMPR applicants, notably Biocannatech, whereby Alliance recently acquired 100% ownership of this late-stage Quebec ACMPR applicant; and Canwe, a private company based in Ontario that has applied for its ACMPR license and is currently in the review and security clearance stage. Alliance continues to negotiate further acquisitions in the grow space in Canada and Australia.

We look forward to announcing new strategic and complementary acquisitions as we move forward. It is an exciting time of progress in the cannabis industry and Alliance is building a diversified global cannabis company that is focused on where the market is going, not where the market is today."

About Alliance Growers

Alliance Growers Corp is a diversified cannabis company driven by the Company's 'Four Pillars' Organization Plan  Cannabis Botany Centre, Strategic ACMPR Investments, CBD Oil Supply and Distribution, and Research and Development.

Alliance Growers has finalized its a new business partnership with WFS Pharmagreen Inc., to jointly develop and operate a 40,000-square foot facility to be the first of its kind in Western Canada to house a DNA Botany lab, extraction facility and Tissue Culture Plantlet Production facility to service the Cannabis market and agriculture market in general. The proposed Cannabis Botany Centre will grow Cannabis plantlets using proprietary tissue culture propagation, specifically the "Chibafreen Invitro Plant Production System", which assures consistent composition and purity of each plantlet for the growers.

Alliance Growers has entered into an exclusive agreement to acquire a late stage licensed producer applicant, Biocannatech, to become a licensed producer under Health Canada's access to cannabis for medical purposes regulations ("ACMPR") in Quebec. Alliance Growers will supply financing and resources to build out the medical marijuana facility in preparation for the inspection required to obtain a growing license. Once Health Canada is satisfied with a successful crop, Alliance Growers will be granted its distribution license.

This acquisition allows the Company an opportunity to become a licensed producer in the Province of Quebec and gain an in-road to provide tissue culture plantlets to all licensed producers in Quebec.

Further, Alliance Growers has been negotiating to obtain other exclusive Canadian distribution agreements for certain proprietary products for support of the Cannabis growing industry in addition to possible partnerships with Licensed Producer Applicants at various stages in the Health Canada License process.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.alliancegrowers.com or the Company's profile at www.sedar.com.

If you would like to be added to Alliance Growers' news distribution list, please send your email address to newsletter@alliancegrowers.com

On behalf of the board of directors of

ALLIANCE GROWERS CORP.

"Dennis Petke"

Dennis Petke

President and CEO

For more information contact:

Dennis Petke

Tel: 778-331-4266

DennisPetke@alliancegrowers.com

Rob Grace

Communications Consultant

Tel: 778-998-5431

RobGrace@alliancegrowers.com

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, the news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to Company's corporate strategy. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company, including, without limitation, the Company's ability to carry out its business plan. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to identify and complete additional suitable acquisitions to further the Company's growth as well as risks associated with the medical marijuana industry in general, such as operational risks in development and production delays or changes in plans with respect to development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of the capital markets; the uncertainty of receiving the required licenses, production, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental risks; marketing and transportation; loss of markets; environmental risks; competition; incorrect assessment of the value of the potential market; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws and regulated regulations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, timelines and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.

The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the Canadian Securities Exchange. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

More Info:

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More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.aspPolitical prisoner, activist, journalist, hymn-writer, emerging think tanker, aspiring novelist, hanger on of academia, parliamentary candidate for North West Durham, Shadow Leader of the Opposition, Speedboat, proudly banned from Twitter so officially more dangerous than the Taliban, eagerly awaiting the second (or possibly third) attempt to murder me.BERKELEY, Calif. - May 1, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Jmichaele Keller, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Steep Hill, Inc. the global leader in cannabis science, genetics, research, testing and analytics, announced today that Steep Hill will expand into Mexico and six new European Union markets offering full service cannabis quality assurance to the strategic Mexican and European markets as they open and legalize cannabis for the benefit of their patients. "It is an exciting time for us and our investors, as we pursue this first-mover advantage in anticipation of new global cannabis import-export markets," said Keller.

The licensee for Steep Hill Canada will expand their testing umbrella to include Steep Hill Mexico, Steep Hill Germany, Steep Hill Spain, Steep Hill France, Steep Hill Italy, Steep Hill Switzerland, and Steep Hill United Kingdom. Martin Shefsky, CEO, Steep Hill Worldwide said, "I'm extremely pleased at the opportunity to partner with Steep Hill to bring safe cannabis and scientific integrity to emerging international markets. I anticipate that before long, full legalization will be implemented throughout the European Union and our presence will enable growers, producers, processors, and retailers - to offer standardized tested cannabis for patients and consumers across the European Union, while also enabling us to create a platform to share scientific and technology developments throughout the global cannabis market. We are actively seeking operating partners with local market experience to join us in several of our strategic territories."

In making the announcement, Keller said, "Steep Hill's continued global expansion is blazing the trail, defining the future of cannabis testing which will strategically position us prior to full legalization in the European Union and ensure these markets will offer superior quality standardization of cannabis testing and safe medicine for all patients on Day One."

Keller continued, "In unregulated markets, we want to be on the ground supporting the legalization and regulatory process, helping regulators avoid making the mistakes that other jurisdictions have made in the past. We believe that our role as the industry standard, allows us to leverage our world-class scientific knowledge and state of the art technology to help regulators provide confidence in the marketplace that the cannabis patients consume, is both safe and effective. We look forward to collaborating closely with Martin and his group to strive for this gold standard, across all international borders."

For more information on Steep Hill's licensee program, visit: https://landing.steephill.com/licensing/

ABOUT STEEP HILL

Steep Hill is the world's leading cannabis science and technology company with significant footprints in lab testing, research and development, licensing, genetics and remote testing. No other company brings all of these sectors into one highly synergistic whole. Steep Hill's foundation was built on testing and analyzing medical and recreational marijuana to ensure compliance with public safety standards. In 2008, Steep Hill opened the first commercial cannabis lab in the world and has been on the cutting edge since its inception. Steep Hill is currently expanding throughout the United States, and globally. With the goal of helping the rest of the world adopt "best practices" in cannabis testing, the company also provides guidance to legislators and regulators in many countries, states and municipalities around the world.

For more information about Steep Hill visit: www.steephill.com

Contact:

Cathie Bennett Warner

Cell: +1-415-420-1573

194272@email4pr.com

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Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.aspMembers of the Iowa State Fall 2017 Graduating class wait to walk into Hilton Coliseum Dec 16. The keynote speaker was Kevin Cooney, a 1974 alumnus of Iowa State whose speech focused on friendship and remembering to make your bed.Clara007 said: OH NO you don't. YOU made a statement that "NOBODY" *NOBODY* NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON TRUSTS the Democratic Party anymore. That is an out and out LIE and you know it. IF you want any credibility at all, you'll STOP using hyperbolic language--generalizations and gross exaggerations. Click to expand...

You sound like Prez Baloney. Then you try to weasel out of the statement by writing more twaddle.

Clinton got the nomination because she was the most experienced candidate in American history. Now you can call it a coronation, a blue ribbon or a crown of thorns, but SHE GOT IT. Period. AND she won the popular vote so don't tell us that NOBODY trusts/votes for Democratic candidates.



Try being accurate and stop labeling your OPINION as FACT. Click to expand...

Wikileaks Proves Primary Was Rigged: DNC Undermined Democracy

On July 25, the Democratic National Convention will begin in Philadelphia, Pa. To commemorate the event and its embrace of corrupt politician Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee, Wikileaks is releasing thousands of DNC/Clinton emails.



In its recent leak of 20,000 DNC emails from January 2015 to May 2016, DNC staff discuss how to deal with Bernie Sanders popularity as a challenge to Clintons candidacy. Instead of treating Sanders as a viable candidate for the Democratic ticket, the DNC worked against him and his campaign to ensure Clinton received the nomination.



One email from DNC Deputy Communications Director Eric Walker to several DNC staffers cites two news articles showing Sanders leading in Rhode Island and the limited number of polling locations in the state: If she outperforms this polling, the Bernie camp will go nuts and allege misconduct. Theyll probably complain regardless, actually.



Instead of treating Sanders with impartiality, the DNC exhibits resentful disdain toward him and the thousands of disenfranchised voters he could have brought into the party.



Wondering if theres a good Bernie narrative for a story, which is that Bernie never ever had his act together, that his campaign was a mess, wrote DNC Deputy Communications Director Mark Paustenbach to DNC Communications Director Luis Miranda, in response to backlash over DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz shutting off the Sanders campaigns access to voter database files.



Another chain reveals MSNBCs Chuck Todd and DNC staff members discussing how to discredit MSNBCs Mika Brzezinskis call for Wasserman Schultz to resign.



Most of the emails released come from seven prominent DNC staff members: senior adviser Andrew Wright, national finance director Jordon Kaplan, finance chief of staff Scott Comer, Northern California finance director Robert Stowe, finance director of data and strategic initiatives Daniel Parrish, finance director Allen Zachary and Miranda.



The release provides further evidence the DNC broke its own charter violations by favoring Clinton as the Democratic presidential nominee, long before any votes were cast.



Was Democratic Primary Rigged Against Sanders? Warren Says Definitively 'Yes'

When asked by CNN's Jake Tapper in an interview on Thursday if she believes the 2016 Democratic primary was "rigged" in favor of Hillary Clinton against Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) gave a definitive one-word answer: "Yes."



Tapper's question came in response to the bombshell piece by former interim Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair Donna Brazile, which detailed the party organization's "unethical" fundraising agreement with former Secretary of State Clinton's presidential campaign.



Watch:

Warren emphasized that DNC chair Tom Perez now faces a crucial "test": whether he can succeed in "bringing Bernie Sanders and Bernie Sanders representatives into this process" and convincing progressives that the party is committed to a "fair" process that people can believe in.



"This is a real problem," Warren said. "But what we've got to do as Democrats now, is we've got to hold this party accountable."



In a separate interview on PBS Newshour on Thursday, Warren said that in order to restore public trust and win elections, Democrats must "recognize the process was rigged and...build a new process, a process that really works, and works for everyone."



Brazile's Politico Magazine piece on Thursdayexcerpted from her forthcoming book, Hackedhighlighted the so-called "Joint Fundraising Agreement" between the Clinton campaign and the DNC.



The deal effectively handed the Clinton team full control over the DNC's finances and staffing decisions in exchange for its help in paying off the organization's $24 million debt.



Brazile's account immediately sparked a firestorm of outrage on social media, and Sanders backers viewed the piece as vindication of their belief that the Vermont senator was denied a fair shot at the Democratic nomination.



"We all knew that the primary was rigged," Saikat Chakrabarti, executive director of Justice Democrats, said in a statement responding to Brazile's article. "But the corruption that plagues the Democratic party is bigger than one primaryit's become a rot set at the very root of a party claims to be for working people...The American people could prosper if Democrats did more to build unity with the grassroots wing of their party that has a winning message."

Perceived Need for Third Major Party Remains High in U.S.

Story Highlights

About six in 10 Americans think third major U.S. party is needed

Largely unchanged from recent years

Independents are biggest proponents; Republicans and Democrats are split

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Nearly twice as many Americans today think a third major party is needed in the U.S. as say the existing parties do an adequate job of representing the American people. The 61% who contend that a third party is needed is technically the highest Gallup has recorded, although similar to the 57% to 60% holding this view since 2013. Barely a third, 34%, think the Republican and Democratic parties suffice.



Americans' desire for a competitive third party has waxed and waned over the past 15 years, but rose to 57% or higher a few times in polls conducted before 2013, including two in 2007 and one in 2010.



Demand for a third party was markedly lower in Gallup's first two measurements -- in 2003 and 2006 -- when relatively few Republicans and fewer than two in three independents thought a third party was needed in these years of George W. Bush's Republican administration.



Support for a third party was also lower in 2008 and 2012 -- both presidential years when demand dipped from about 70% to about 60% among independents, likely because the major-party presidential candidates running during those elections were relatively popular. The same pattern did not materialize in 2016, a presidential election year featuring the two most unpopular candidates in Gallup's polling history. At that time, a solid majority of Americans, including 73% of independents, still thought a third major party was needed.

Why America needs a third party: Voters are growing more disgusted with the two-party system

The dominance by two parties has been disastrous, regardless of where you fall on the ideological spectrum

It's impossible to find agreement about anything in American politics today, including the facts. But if there's one thing nearly all Americans share, it's a disgust for our broken two-party system. It's no surprise, therefore, that a new Gallup study shows party identification at or near historical lows.



For the fifth consecutive year, the report says, at least four in 10 U.S. adults idenitifed as political independents. The 42 percent identifying as independents in 2015 was down slightly from the record 43 percent in 2014. This elevated percentage of political independents leaves Democratic (29%) and Republican (26%) identification at or near recent low points, with the modest Democratic advantage roughly where it has been over the past five years.

You linked that billowing, open-ended piece of crap from the last Democratic Convention as some sort of evidence of what a Democratic Party steered by Hillary Clinton would actually do in office, and you're going to attack me for generalizing and hyperbole! I just gave you one example of why that document isn't worth the paper it's written on; I could go through the entire list of bullshit and tear up every other platform plank that President Hillary would never allow to be put into legislation.and you got as much cred now as fucking rachel maddow! Is that where you and our supposed moderator are getting your news from? you fucking liar!!FACT!*I don't know what Bernie's game is now! Some Florida Sanders delegates at the Convention launched a class action lawsuit against the DNC in Florida last year, and the case was dismissed because the judge agreed with the DNC chief council's defense that the Democratic Party has it's own rules and does not have to follow independent rules of fair play, and invoked the practice of using appointed "super" delegates, as an example of rigging built right into the system that the Sanders supporters should have taken into consideration beforehand.Published onFriday, November 03, 2017byCommon Dreams*and then Maddow started her non-stop Russia campaign, and it was all forgotten and buried under piles of trivial bullshit that serves as news and information these days!and:January 12, 2016Now, back to your DNC/MSNBC koolaid! I hope you Dem sheepdogs are getting paid to drink it!I have a strange relationship with music. On one hand, I like music and sometimes listen to it. Favorite bands include The Pixies, Steely Dan, Weezer, Rush, Lynard Skynard and most 1960's-1990's rock.



BUT, I hate what I call "public music" as in music played in supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants and other places. Why is this necessary? Or having to work in some place which plays the same fucking music over and over and over and over and over turning the mind into mush. Or bars and restaurants where I expect music to play shit at a volume where I cannot talk to people at a normal tone of voice. Bars do this bullshit because studies have shown people drink more when they cannot talk to others. Or going into a place where there is live music. Nothing makes me hit the door faster than a couple of people setting a band up. Of course they have to be louder than Hades which forces people to drink more.



Concerts. Who goes sees them? First the bullshit in buying a ticket, which are outrageously expensive to see some act who farts more money than you make in a decade, paying some shit company like Ticketbastard "fees" on top of "fees", then getting to the show and dealing with loud, intoxicated idiots and tattooed women constantly standing up, sitting down, clapping like drunken seals, mobile phone cameras and nonsense, the band sounds like shit because live performances sound like shit and after three hours of this joy, stuck in a traffic jam leaving the place with half of the crowd drunk driving. Getting sodomized by Mike Tyson on PCP would be more fun.



Also about music, what I like more than likely is not what you like or will ever like. I have different tastes in music than say my father. I can crank out "Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC and love it, but it would be four minutes of torture for the old man. Music is very personal, we have something called headphones. Want to listen to your business? There it is. Again companies should be the same way.



Yes, people who blare music out their cars should be arrested and electrically shocked by their genitals.I went to the Kroger store to buy milk and a guy about the same age as me was wearing which is impossible for me to describe except he was wearing a tall white hat with the Star of David. He pulled out what I wanted at the milk cooler and I said thank you. That guy must have been a super rabbi.Today

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

Tonight

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.

Tomorrow

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High around 75F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.04/30/2018





Nearly one-fourth of American adults suffer from mental illness, with depression and anxiety being the most commonly diagnosed disorders, according to the Center for Disease Control. Yet, despite the prevalence, a stigma still surrounds mental health disorders. Jacksonville State University's Office of Counseling Services in partnership with Highland Health Systems, NAMI-Alabama, RMC, Gadsden State Community College and the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office will shine a light on this important issue at the Out of the Shadows Summit on Friday, May 11 at the Oxford Civic Center.

This one-day symposium will focus on current research, advocacy and topics related to mental health and mental wellness.

The program is especially relevant when considering the prevalence of mental illness in our state and the stigma associated with mental health disorders, said Julie Nix, director of JSU Counseling and Disability Support Services. With the funding cuts and systemic changes in the state, there is an emphasis on community-based mental health services, but many communities do not have adequate resources to meet the needs of individuals with mental illness.

Funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama the event is open to community stakeholders, mental health professionals and advocates, law enforcement, those suffering from mental illness and their families, and anyone interested in learning more about this topic. Nurses, social workers and counselors who attend are also eligible to receive .6 CEUs.

Registration is $40 for mental health professionals and $5 for the general public. Lunch will be served, and Continuing Education Units are available. The official registration deadline is May 7, but late registration will be available at the door. For more information, call JSU Counseling and Disability Support Services at 256-782-5475.

Registration: tinyurl.com/y89nzvm8 or contact JSU's Office of Continuing Education at 256-782-5918.05/01/2018

JSUs Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management has been approved as a Graduate Safety Practitioner Qualifying Academic Program by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. Its a designation that enables program graduates the option to apply with BCSP for the GSP designation after graduation.

The GSP meets the credential requirement for the Certified Safety Professional, the gold standard in safety certification, allowing those who hold the designation to waive the Associate Safety Professional certification examination. It demonstrates accomplishment and commitment to professional development.

We welcome Jacksonville State Universitys exceptional safety program and those who graduate from it, says the CEO of BCSP, Dr. Treasa Turnbeaugh, CSP, ASP, CET, CAE. Those who graduate from GSP Qualifying Academic Programs have a strong foundation of knowledge that deserves recognition, and BCSP looks forward to supporting them in the development of their careers.

Dr. Jess Godbey, program coordinator and associate professor in Occupational Safety and Health Management in the Department of Applied Engineering in JSUs School of Business and Industry, explained that the comprehensive review of the JSU academic safety program examined the relevancy and rigor of the curriculum.

This distinction is a direct result of the high quality of our safety students and the dedication of the faculty in the Applied Engineering Department, he said. Without their commitment to a strong academic curriculum, effective classroom teaching and student success this achievement would not have been possible.

A Qualified Academic Program is a degree program in safety, health and environmental practices that has been reviewed by BCSP and demonstrates a substantial match to the ASP Exam Blueprint. Any person having graduated JSUs Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management may apply for the GSP within one year of their graduation.

The designation will afford JSU Safety graduates numerous benefits, including recognition by potential employers for the level of preparation for professional safety practice. Employers well also recognize that JSU safety graduates are on the path toward the CSP certification.

JSU safety graduates are in high demand, Dr. Godbey said. The job placement rate within one year of graduation is well over 90 percent, with a high median starting annual salary in the mid-$50,000. JSU safety students learn in the classroom and in the workplace.A coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia, led by California, filed suit [petition, PDF] against the Trump administration Tuesday to defend an Obama-era rule on vehicle emissions standards.

The existing regulations would have required vehicles to meet certain fuel-efficiency standards for model years 2022-2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [official website] reached a determination [press release] last month that the rules should be reconsidered. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said, the Obama Administrations determination was wrong.  Obamas EPA cut the Midterm Evaluation process short with politically charged expediency, made assumptions about the standards that didnt comport with reality, and set the standards too high.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said [press release] Tuesday:

The evidence is irrefutable: todays clean car standards are achievable, science-based and a boon for hardworking American families. But the EPA and Administrator Scott Pruitt refuse to do their job and enforce these standards.  Enough is enough. Were not looking to pick a fight with the Trump Administration, but when the stakes are this high for our families health and our economic prosperity, we have a responsibility to do what is necessary to defend them.

The lawsuit, filed in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, alleges that the EPA acted arbitrarily and capriciously, failed to follow its own regulations and violated the Clean Air Act.The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee, on Monday expressed concern [press release] over violence against civilians in Myanmars Kachin State.

A reported 10 civilians were killed and several more severely injured and wounded in the northern part of the state. An estimated 5,000 have also forced out of their homes near the border in the last three weeks. The Kachin State military reportedly has carried out aerial bombings, and used heavy weapons and artillery fire against civilian areas near the Chinese border.

Lee, who has been focused on violence in the Rakhine State, urged all parties to the conflict to operate in accordance with international humanitarian law, saying it is incumbent upon all forces to observe the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.

Lee concluded the statement demanding all parties allow humanitarian assistance access to civilians in need. In support of this, the UN human rights office stated:

Lee said she had received reports that a food convoy organised by the Myanmar Red Cross was prevented from entering the village of Man Wai on 23 April. More than 100 civilians have been trapped in the village for three weeks with no or very limited access to food, medicine and other items needed for survival.

In the midst of the growing violence in the Kachin State, violence has continued to mar Mynmars Rakhine State. In March Lee called [press release] for an immediate investigation into clearance operations in Rakhine State, stating she is increasingly convinced the states actions amount to genocide [JURIST report]. Also in March, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Andrew Gilmour said [press release] that the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya from Myanmar continues, after a four-day visit to Bangladesh, where he focused [JURIST report] on the situation of thousands of refugees who have fled from Myanmar.On Saturday we took a look at one of the districts Republicans in the Ohio legislature has effectively gerrymandered to protect their own party, OH-12. As we said, the central Ohio district spreads out from Columbus' northern University District and the suburbs north and east of the city-- Worthington, Dubin, Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna to Delaware County in the north and way up to Mansfield and Bellville and as far east as Newark, Zanesville and beyond. The PVI is R+7, safe for the GOP in any cycle except one with a Trump-inspired massive blue tsunami. Trump won it 53.2 to 41.9 in 2016 and voters there are feeling buyers' remorse now.

On Monday morning, Elena Schneider noted atthat there's another, more local problem for Republicans in the district a bitter civil war ... and just in time a special election a week from today. "The race," she wrote, "pits the two wings of the House Republican Conference against each other, going all out to nominate rival candidates. On one side is the scrappy co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Jim Jordan, who is lining up behind Melanie Leneghan, a self-described Trump Republican. Jordan is going up against former Rep. Pat Tiberi, a close ally of GOP leadership who resigned from his seat in January and has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars from his old campaign account to boost state Sen. Troy Balderson as his successor." Club for Growth just started running this nasty ad attacking Balderson:

It's the kind of messaging (anti-healthcare) that could work in a Republican primary-- and backfire with independents in the general election.

Its the latest in a series of mainstream-versus-outsider battles in Republican primaries around the country. But some of Baldersons backers say there is more than intraparty politics at stake: They argue that a Leneghan primary win would put the GOP in danger of losing another special election this summer, in a district thats been held for decades by Republicans like Tiberi and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Democrats have already flipped a Senate seat in Alabama and a House seat in Pennsylvania in recent months, and House Republicans would dearly love to avoid a repeat in August.





[Leneghan] is out-of-step with mainstream Republicans that dominate that district, and weve got a bunch of candidates dividing up that majority, so we could pick someone who doesnt represent the district with her pretty extreme viewpoints, said Matt Borges, the former Ohio Republican Party chairman. Were looking at a situation where every seat counts to hang on the majority. We dont need any self-inflicted wounds.





Borges added: I dont want to see another Pennsylvania-18, referring to the March special election in southwestern Pennsylvania, where Democrat Conor Lamb beat much-criticized Republican Rick Saccone in a district that Trump carried by almost 20 points in 2016. The president carried Ohios 12th District by a smaller margin in 2016, with 53 percent of the vote.





Another national Republican strategist put the situation in Ohio even more bluntly: If she wins, the seats probably gone.





Jordan dismissed that possibility in an interview with Politico, saying, Thats always what the establishment and the swamp says.





Youve got to turn out the grassroots, if youre going to win a special. So shes the best one equipped to do that. Shes the best equipped to win the general, Jordan said.





Jordan compared Leneghan to fellow Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson, the tea party- and Club-backed congressman who won the special election to replace former House Speaker John Boehner in 2016-- and promptly joined the House Freedom Caucus, the group of conservative hard-liners who had forced Boehner from the speakership.





I guess you could say Melanie Leneghan will actually do what Republicans are supposed to do, Jordan says in a pro-Leneghan TV ad aired by the super PAC House Freedom Action.





Tiberi took to the airwaves himself days after Jordans ad went up, and the former congressman has spent nearly a half-million dollars from his old campaign account to boost Balderson. Tiberi has said he wants our next congressman to be worthy of the job, calling Balderson a conservative fighter who will stand for whats right, not whats easy in his ads.





The former congressman has also invoked the March special election in Pennsylvania when asked about the race to replace him, telling The Columbus Dispatch that we just saw last month in western Pennsylvania, a seat that Donald Trump won by twice as many votes [in 2016], go to a Democrat because the Republican was too conservative for the district.





Balderson and Leneghan have often sounded similar notes during the primary campaign. Both promise to end sanctuary cities and build a wall on the Mexican border in their ads, and both have pledged to stand with Trump.





They are leading the Republican pack in Tiberis old 12th District, according to internal polling shared with Politico. But a handful of other candidates still have a path to victory in next weeks primary, including Tim Kane, a veteran and first-time candidate whos running as an alternative to career politicians. Kevin Bacon, a state legislator since 2006, also has name recognition in the district.





With this many candidates in the field, anything can happen, said Mark Weaver, a Republican consultant working with Bacon.





But its Balderson and Leneghan who have drawn national attention to the primary. Club for Growth President David McIntosh called it an example of an authentic conservative versus a Main Street, but really a liberal to moderate, Republican. That diagnosis has brought the Club for Growth into conflict with other forces within the GOP in primary after primary in recent years, especially in Republican-leaning House districts where an incumbent has retired. When Tiberi was considering a Senate run in 2017, the Club released polling showing him trailing its favored candidate and later ran ads suggesting Tiberi was standing in the way of health care reform.





...Balderson and his allies are not conceding the conservative space to Leneghan. Defending Main Street, a super PAC backed by the Republican Main Street Partnership, which frequently spars with the Club in Republican primaries, is also going negative in the race. Defending Main Street is attacking Leneghan in digital ads, stamping Fake Republican across her picture.





As a township trustee, Leneghan authorized the paving of her own street. What paid for it? Your taxes, the digital ad says. Defending Main Street has already spent $250,000 in positive TV ads boosting Balderson.





Fund for a Working Congress, another outside group, also dumped anti-Leneghan mailers on the district, attacking her for [voting] to give herself a raise and [putting] herself before voters.





It is Pats seat, so I think he has a good sense of who should replace him, said Sarah Chamberlain, president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership. Leneghan is running as the ultra-conservative in the race, but if you look at her voting record, it leaves question marks.By ANDREW SELSKY , Associated Press

SALEM, Ore. (AP)  The father of a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder who was shot at a government clinic in Oregon blames Veterans Affairs for letting down his son.

Gilbert "Matt" Negrete, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is in jail in the former timber town of Medford, charged with attempted assault and other crimes after he allegedly displayed a knife during a confrontation at the VA clinic in nearby White City on Jan. 25. A VA guard shot him in the chest.

"First they shoot him, now they're gonna try to put him away," his father, Gilbert Negrete, told The Associated Press in a Facebook message. "You would think they would have some concern about us. My son needs help not prison."

VA spokesman Curt Cashour said the agency doesn't provide care to a jailed veteran if the detaining agency has the duty to provide it. "While a veteran  or any individual  is incarcerated, the duty to provide his/her medical care generally rests with the prison or jail," Cashour said in an email from Washington.

Matt Negrete, the father of three children, had become upset when he went to the clinic for treatment and was told to come back later, said Christine Kantas Herbert, his court-appointed attorney. The sheriff's office says Negrete was paranoid and incoherent and that investigators were told he hadn't complained about health care or VA policies.

"Mr. Negrete returned from combat seeking treatment and was turned away, time and time again," Herbert said.

Brent Brooks, who served with Negrete in the 10th Mountain Division, said he was a "really driven, goal-oriented" soldier. Their unit maintained Kiowa helicopters and sometimes came under mortar fire. In Afghanistan, their second deployment, a mortar round tore apart a wooden shack 20 yards (meters) from their own, wounding all the soldiers inside, Brooks said.

Negrete, whose bail is set at $265,000, faces trial on charges stemming from incidents over three days  including driving under the influence of a controlled substance, attempting to elude police and menacing  that culminated in the clinic incident, said Deputy District Attorney Laure Cromwell.

Gilbert Negrete, who had driven his son to the clinic and witnessed the shooting, said he has recovered from his chest wound but is receiving no psychological help besides medication. Brooks said the VA should have provided better care for his friend and headed off his breakdown.

"He's being punished because it got to the point where he couldn't take it anymore." Brooks said in a telephone interview from Waterloo, Iowa. "It's sad, because it can happen to any of our veterans. Others try to get help, and wind up dead or in jail."

Military veterans are 22 percent more likely to kill themselves than non-veterans, and up to 20 percent of Iraq or Afghanistan vets have PTSD in a given year, the VA says.

Herbert acknowledged her client was disorderly at the VA center, but said he was showing symptoms of a psychotic state.

"My belief is that this case illustrates how the VA is not supporting their vets when they return from combat needing help," she said. "Telling a vet who is experiencing PTSD to come back weeks later when their 'medication is in' is not being proactive."

Negrete's estranged wife, Alyss Maio, said he was troubled when he returned from his first deployment, and that she and her father-in-law tried to get him help many times.

"Matthew drank heavily upon return from Iraq and was very angry, he barely ever slept and when he did the TV had to be blaring because he couldn't handle silence," Maio wrote in a message to AP. "My husband is a good, generous, caring man. He's an amazing father and loves his children immensely ... he just has issues preventing him from being that."

Gilbert Negrete fears the court will gloss over alleged poor treatment of veterans at the White City VA clinic, which received the lowest score of "1''  "5'' being the highest  in the VA's own assessment of its facilities.

"I feel the court will try to bury it so the VA gets away with the way they treat the vets who are truly lost in the system," Negrete told AP.

A spokeswoman for the clinic in White City did not return calls seeking comment.

The shooting shocked veterans. One Vietnam-era veteran, who described his own problems with clinic staff, said he offered to donate blood when he heard about it.

"He's a brother-in-arms," said Allen Ehr, an Army veteran. "He's been through enough. He doesn't need more."

Herbert said she plans to assert a mental health defense in the case, which is scheduled for trial in July.

___

Follow Andrew Selsky on Twitter at https://twitter.com/andrewselsky

CLICK HERE for our story on Gilbert Negrete's grand jury indictment in White City in February.MEDFORD, Ore.  Voters will begin to weigh in today on this election's measures and candidates. Keep in mind it is the primary election, so candidates for county sheriff's will have to win their election in November.

Jackson County

Voters are deciding to fund Medford school trade programs. If the bond measure passes, the additional cost would be approximately $0.12 increase per $1,000 of assessed value over the current bond costs. The result would be an increase from $1.57 to $1.69 per $1000 of taxable property value. For a house assessed at a property value of $265,000, the additional cost would be $32 per year.

Voters are weighing in on Jackson County Commissioner Position 1 candidates: Republican Rick Dyer and Democrat Amy Thuren.

Voters are also deciding the Jackson County Commissioner Position 3 candidates: Republican Colleen Roberts and Democrat Lanita C

Witt.



You can read all of the candidate's positions here.

Josephine County

Voters are deciding if they want to renovate school buildings. The Grants Pass School District is asking voters to pass a $138.7 million bond to fix both North and South Middle Schools. It's a property tax. For every $1,000 you pay for your home, you'd pay $1.95 in a tax. So if your home is $200,000 for example, you'd pay $380 a year for 30 years.

Voters are weighing in on one commissioner position between the following candidates: Ken Hannum, Mayana Kingery, Ron Smith,

Donald F. Myrick, Jr., Pete Gendron, Tripp Androy, Darin Fowler, and James Rafferty.

You can read all of the candidate's positions here.

Curry County

Voters are deciding if they want to re-authorize a local gas tax. The tax is $0.04 per gallon. The city of Brookings raised $282,000 in gas taxes in its first full year of collections. The money is set to be used to repair and maintain city roads. If passed, the tax will sunset on June 30th, 2020.

Klamath County

In Klamath County, residents will vote on a five-year property tax. Voters will decide if the district will impose a levy of $0.26 per $1,000 for five years, for future replacement savings, beginning in FY2018-2019. It would fund local fire and emergency operations.

If passed, it could increase taxes by more than 3%.

Lake County

Voters are deciding on two commissioner positions.

For the Commissioner's Position 3: Ken Kestner (incumbent) is running against Mark Albertson

For the Commissioner's Position 2: Commissioner Dan Shoun opted to retire, Charles Brown, Michael Stettler, James Williams and Bruce Webbon are running for his seat.

Lynn Findley is running for State Representative, 60th District.

Cliff Bentz is running for State Senator, 30th District.

Darryl Anderson is running for County Surveyor.

The voter pamphlet for Lake County is currently not listed on its website. Here is the PDF obtained from the elections office below:By KATHLEEN RONAYNE , Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California and 16 other states sued the Trump administration on Tuesday over its plans to scrap standards on vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, which help set gas mileage rules.

The suit takes aim at a plan by the Environmental Protection Agency to roll back and revise emissions standards for vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2025. Those standards would have translated to vehicles getting 36 miles of real-world driving per gallon (58 kilometers per gallon) by 2025, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) over the existing standard.

"Pollutants coming out of vehicle, out of tail pipes, does permanent lung damage to children living well-traveled roads and freeways. The only way we're going to overcome that is by reducing emissions," California Gov. Jerry Brown said as he announced the lawsuit alongside state Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

EPA administrator Scott Pruitt has said the standards are not appropriate and need revision. They were set in 2012 when California and the Obama administration agreed to single nationwide fuel economy standard.

Pruitt outlined his reasoning for the change in an April 13 posting to the Federal Register.

He argued assumptions about gas prices and vehicle technology used by the Obama administration to set the standards were too optimistic. The standards, he said, would hurt automakers and consumers who can't afford or don't want to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles.

California officials say the standards are achievable and the EPA's effort to roll them back is not based on any new research. They argue the plan violates the Clean Air Act and didn't follow the agency's own regulations.

California has a unique waiver that allows it to set its own tailpipe emissions standards for vehicles, which it has used to combat smog and more recently global warming. Thirteen other states and the District of Columbia have adopted the California standards as their own.

Automakers have argued that the current requirements would have cost the industry billions of dollars and raised vehicle prices due to the cost of developing the necessary technology.

California has now sued the Trump administration more than 30 times on topics including immigration and health care policy.

Brown, who has made fighting climate change a core of his policy and political platform, said the state's fights with Washington over climate are the most essential.

"If we follow the Pruitt-Trump path, we follow our way off the path to disaster," he said.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Joining California are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

__

Associated Press reporter Jonathan J. Cooper contributed.

__

This story has been corrected to say 13 other states and the District of Columbia have adopted California's emissions standards, not 12.UCOM hosted interns of Russian CBOSS corporation for a month

The 20-episode Bloody bet thriller to be broadcast on Ucom's Armenia Premium TV channel

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Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden.

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President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev

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For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road

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Joint statement

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Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia

Armenia: Remarks by Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the press point with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan

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International aviation: Council greenlights signing of major agreements with four countries

With UCOMs level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Netflix, Duolingo and Zoom

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Armenias Parliamentary Elections PRESS STATEMENT

COVID19:77 new cases

Armenias early parliamentary elections were competitive and well run, but polarized and marred by aggressive rhetoric, international observers sayA rainbow flag flies at Queen's Park at the annual Pride flag raising ceremony at the official launch of Pride Month in Toronto on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. A teacher sponsor says high school students in a small Newfoundland town who asked the local council to permit a rainbow crosswalk are disappointed the idea was rejected. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo LimaMinister of Finance Bill Morneau prepares to testify at a Commons status of women committee with department officials on the effect of Budget 2018 on women and girls in Canada, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, April 30, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin TangDavit Sanasaryan: If you want acute feelings, we will get it (video)

There are hours left before the National Assembly will elect Prime Minister, but the Republic Square is already crowded. Yesterday, Nikol Pashinyan called on the citizens to gather in the Republic Square as he had information that the Republicans would fail the elections of the National Assembly. Members of "Support for the Disabled" NGO were also in the Republic Square. They hope that the new prime minister will contribute to the solution of social problems of people with disabilities. Davit Sanasaryan, member of the "Reject Serzh" initiative, is sure that Armenia will have a new prime minister. "The people gave his name, it is Nikol Pashinyan. They [Republicans] do try to play with the will of the Armenian people, we will not allow it, perhaps they will continue for several days, but then it will be more painful [for them]. If they want acute feelings, we will get it."South Korean soldiers dismantle loudspeakers that set up for propaganda broadcasts near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The leaders of the rival Koreas agreed at a historic summit last week on a set of reconciliation steps, including the suspension of propaganda broadcasts and other hostile acts along their tense border.(Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)Director of Oval Office Operations Jordan Karem, left, and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly stand in the door of the Oval Office before a news conference with President Donald Trump and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in the White House in Washington, Monday, April 30, 2018.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)A police officer holds back a resident as Brazil's President Michel Temer is whisked away by security as several people shout obscenities, throw objects and kick at his car, in the area where a building caught fire and collapsed, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)Berikut beberapa tips bermain togel singapore.. Jika Anda adalah pemain lotre pertama yang menemukan trik untuk melakukan lotre di Singapura, berikut adalah beberapa trik paling populer. Karena ada bandar taruhan online, bermain game lotere jauh lebih berpengalaman. Taruhan taruhan online adalah layanan perjudian virtual.

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Police were called to the Rodeway Inn around 12:30 in the morning for that reported stabbing.

When they got there, they found a man unconscious around back.

Roseburg police said the man was taken to Mercy Medical Center, where he died from his wounds.

Conner-Ferguson fled from the scene before the police got there.

While they were still looking for him, they said there was no known threat to the public.

Residents we talked to didnt agree.

Yeah, absolutely. Hes just out there, stabbing people. Anybody in the general public, even if you dont know him.. whos to judge if he could stab you or not? You know what I mean? So, yeah, I have a fear of that, said Thadius Anderson.

Sergeant Dennis Chrisenbery of the Roseburg Police Department said that statement was merely them differentiating what they believed to be an isolated incident from someone who stabbed a random person.

We do understand there was some sort of relationship. We dont know exactly what that is. Basically, we wanted to make the distinction that this just wasnt a random thing. They were known to each other, so, thats where we were coming from there.

Conner-Ferguson has been charged with criminal homicide, and could possibly face more charges once the investigation is complete.ROSEBURG, OR. -- Douglas County Commissioner Gary Leif has been selected to fill the vacant State Representative spot left by now-Senator Dallas Heard.

Douglas, Jackson, And Josephine County Commissioners picked him to fill Heard's seat as State Representative.

Heard is taking over for senator Jeff Kruse, after he resigned amid sexual harassment allegations.

RELATED: COMMISSIONERS APPOINT A REPLACEMENT FOR SENATOR JEFF KRUSE

Leif was selected in a unanimous vote.

This seat is sort of near and dear to me. I held it for six years. Its very important work," said Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman. "Those of you who were willing to put your name down to serve in that role, its very much appreciated. To Gary, who Im assuming will get to hear some of these comments, good luck.

Leif will now have to meet with the Secretary of State and the House Republican Office to set a date to be sworn in, which must happen before May 17th.EUGENE, Ore.  Police are searching for two men accused of stabbing another person in Eugene.

Officers said it happened near the bus stop at 8th Avenue and Madison Street at around 1:30 p.m. Monday.

The victim was taken to the hospital.

A K9 with the Lane County Sheriffs Office was brought in to try to track down the suspect, who headed south near Monroe Street.

One suspect is described as a white man who is 20 to 30 years old with scruffy facial hair. He was last seen wearing an Oregon Ducks hat and a tan camouflage jacket.

The other man is described as white, in his 20s and about five feet seven inches tall with a medium build.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.MASON CITY, Iowa  A man wanted by police is in custody.

Troy ORourke, of Mason City, is facing charges for felony burglary and felony domestic abuse.

Police say that ORourke went to a residence in the 700 block of N. Federal Ave. on April 24 at 10 p.m. and kicked the door in before assaulting a woman.

He allegedly stole her wallet and a ring and left visible injuries to the victim.

ORourke, who was arrested Sunday on a warrant, is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $10,000 bond.

Two of the three men listed as wanted by Mason City police last Thursday have been arrested.

Along with ORourke, Lucas Heilskov was arrested over the weekend.

Police are still trying to locate Matthew Lowe, who is wanted for two active warrants for violation of drug court and probation violation for alleged driving and controlled substance violations.FORT MYERS, Florida  Lois Riess allegedly killed Pamela Hutchinson in the master bedroom of a condominium in Florida and placed towels on the bottom of a bathroom door to create a seal to conceal the smell.

In Minnesota, Riess allegedly shot her husband, David Riess, in the bathroom of their home with a .22 caliber handgun before covering him with a towel.

Lois Riess' son reacts: Mom 'a good lady' but 'had her own demons'

Court documents released in Lee County, Florida, detail what happened in the moments after Riess allegedly killed Hutchinson around two weeks after allegedly killing her husband in Blooming Prairie.

Riess still has not been charged with her husbands death, but Dodge County authorities said charges are expected as they build the best case possible.

More on Lois Riess

Video of her arrest

Authorities react to arrest of Lois Riess

Riess captured after nationwide manhunt ends

Hutchinsons body was found April 9 with a towel placed over her and a pillow beneath her body. David Riess body was found March 23.

Video surveillance from the site of the Florida murder helped authorities create the following timeline:

April 3, 3:44 p.m. - Hutchinson arrived alone at 645 Old San Carlos Boulevard No. 404 driving her white Acura TL.

April 4, 8:13 p.m.  Hutchinson is observed walking to her room with a white female, later identified as Riess.

April 5, 5:15 to 7:37 p.m.  The two are observed together at the Smoking Oyster Brewery.

April 5, 7:46 p.m.  The two are observed walking to the room together. This was the last time Hutchinson was seen alive.

April 5, 8:34 p.m.  Riess is observed walking toward the elevator alone and stands at the fourth floor elevator until 8:47 p.m. before walking back to the room.

During this time, Lois appears distraught, upset and is possibly crying, court documents state.

Complete coverage on the case of Lois Riess.

April 6  An employee at the condo ran Hutchinsons credit card for an additional three-day stay but the employee could not be sure if the female she spoke to on the phone was actually Pamela or if it was someone else.

April 6  Riess is seen making many trips to and from the room carrying loaded garbage bags.

April 6  Riess was captured on video surveillance at the Wells Fargo Bank on Fort Myers Beach using Hutchinsons ID to withdraw $5,000 from her account. After that, Riess was observed driving the victims car and checked into the Hilton Hotel in Ocala, Florida, and stayed one night.

Lois ordered room service twice and a movie, documents state.

Riess allegedly used Hutchinsons signature and credit card during the stay.

April 7  Riess made three withdrawals in the amount of $500 each using Hutchinsons account.

April 8  Riess was seen later on surveillance traveling through Louisiana driving Hutchinsons car.

Throughout the investigation, it was learned that Pamela came to the Fort Myers Beach area to visit a friend and be with her while she scattered her husbands ashes on Sanibel Island, it said in the court filing.

Riess was arrested April 19 in South Padre Island, Texas.

Riess has been charged with second-degree homicide, grand theft of a motor vehicle, grand theft and criminal use of person identification in Florida.DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday she never knew of or witnessed inappropriate behavior during her two-decade friendship with a former state agency director she abruptly fired after learning of sexual harassment allegations.

The Republican governor said "absolutely not" when asked at a press conference of her knowledge of any inappropriate conduct by Dave Jamison, the ex-director of the Iowa Finance Authority. Reynolds fired Jamison on March 24, shortly after learning of allegations against him by two women, including one who said he made crude sexual comments to female subordinates and twice asked her into his hotel room during work trips.

Reynolds has ordered an independent investigation into the workplace culture at the IFA.

"This is an opportunity for us to go in with an outside review and make sure that we have the facts when we are looking at processes," the governor said, noting that Jamison "has been a friend of mine and of our family."

Jamison has been a longtime political ally of Reynolds, dating back to when they both served as county treasurers. They ran in 2010 as part of the statewide GOP ticket, and Jamison was tapped to lead the IFA in 2011 after he unsuccessfully ran for state treasurer.

Reynolds has faced criticism over how she handled Jamison's firing. The governor said she acted swiftly after she was told of credible allegations, but she waited more than a month to release more than basic information to the public.

She initially indicated she wouldn't order an independent investigation, but she changed course on Friday, after releasing a redacted letter from a woman offering graphic details about Jamison's behavior. Reynolds has said she was trying to protect the privacy of the women involved.

The letter was released Thursday in response to open records requests from The Associated Press. Reynolds' staff initially said it didn't have documentation about the case, then backtracked days later by blaming an office error.

The letter alleges Jamison made sexual innuendos and remarks about his sexual history and female subordinates' bodies. The woman who wrote the letter also said he twice pressured her to go into his hotel room during work trips.

The governor's office said the letter is the only documentation it has about allegations against Jamison. Another woman contacted the governor's office at the time the letter was submitted, but Reynolds on Monday declined to provide more information about those separate allegations.

"It's really important when you're changing the culture in state government, which I have said we are going to do, that if the victim requests confidentiality, that we honor that," the governor said.

Jamison, 60, hasn't spoken publicly about the allegations. He said in a text message Friday he was planning to do so "soon."

Prominent white-collar attorney Mark Weinhardt will lead the investigation into Jamison's conduct during his seven-year tenure as IFA director and what was known "about these matters and the appropriateness of the response to them." The woman who wrote the letter alleges at least two male IFA employees were aware of some behavior.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office said Monday it wasn't immediately clear how much the investigation might cost.

Reynolds also said new leadership at the IFA, which promotes home ownership and municipal infrastructure, will use a third-party auditing firm to look into the agency's finances. That topic has been raised in recent days amid public questions over whether IFA's plan to move to a new location is cost effective. Reynolds said agency officials have assured her it is.

Iowa Democrats said Monday in a letter to Reynolds that the independent investigation must include a look into the agency's finances.

"The fallout from the firing of David Jamison should be a wakeup call to you and other state leaders," reads the letter. "There is a reckoning in our country on the issue of workplace harassment. You have a choice: Do something serious to address this problem in your Administration or be on the wrong side of history."ROCHESTER, Minn.  A local organization is using an incident involving a well-known coffee chain from two weeks ago as a talking point.

Two black men were arrested in a Philadelphia Starbucks for not making a purchase and refusing to leave. They say they were waiting for a friend.

Dee Sabol, the executive director of the Diversity Council, said racism can happen anywhere. Thats why theyre hosting a discussion.

Community members filled the pews in the Rochester Community Baptist Church to listen to a panel of three people in order to hear different perspectives.

Mary Ann Schultz drove from Spring Valley to be a part of the conversation and said its one that should be had across all communities.

If we talk and get information and aren't afraid of the answers, Schultz said, I would like everyone not to be afraid.

John Sherwin, the interim police chief, was part of the panel. He said in a complaint-based system, its challenging for law enforcement to know the motive behind a person calling.

Are they calling simply because of a bias against someone? Or is it something more? Are they calling about actions that may be against the law or other perspectives? And as law enforcement, Sherwin said, it's our job upon arrival to figure those things out.

Starbucks said it will close more than 8,000 stores on May 29 to conduct bias training for their employees.MASON CITY, Iowa - It's been a long time coming, and now that the weather is nice, Mason City will soon be launching a new bike share program as soon as this week.

Mason City Bike Share will officially be unveiled to the public at a ceremony at Fat Hill Brewing this Thursday. The plan is to establish bikeshare stations at City Hall, East Park and at the MacNider Campgrounds, with 12 bikes available to rent.

Matt Curtis is the owner of Wayne's Ski and Cycle. He's used bike sharing programs in cities like Madison and Chicago, and believes it's the perfect way to see a city, and a perfect fit for Mason City.

"By the community having this to offer people coming into town, it's a great asset for the community. I think it's definitely something that will get utilized heavily downtown," Curtis says.

Steven Schurtz is a member of the city's Active Living and Transportation Commission, which has been planning the program for over a year. He agrees with Curtis and points out how it will benefit not just visitors, but Mason City residents as well.

"For Mason City, people who don't have a bike and want to ride, to people who are visiting our community, travelers, it gives them the opportunity to explore Mason City on a bike," Schurtz says.

Because the bikes will be outside on racks, some have concern over theft and vandalism. However, according to Curtis, vandalism isn't something to be worried about, because there is a plan in place.

"It's all phone-based and app-based, so they'll be able to see where the bikes are at and track them through GPS, so as far as theft and vandalism, they should be able to tell who used it last and where the bike went, so hopefully people will be respectful of the property," Curtis adds.

Curtis hopes that with projected success for the program, he sees it expanding further into the community.

"I think the bikeshare program has the potential to grow to other areas of the town. This is just a starting point to see how this goes, and see how much usage they get, and I think there's a good chance that this program can grow in the future as well," Curtis says.

In order to rent a bike, users will need to download the 'Koloni Share' app on their phone, and have a credit card on hand. Users will then need to type the four digit number for the bike they wish to rent (which can be found above the back tire), and the app will unlock the bike from the rack.

The first hour is free, with $2 being charged for every hour after that.MASON CITY, Iowa - Each year local leaders head to Washington D.C. to meet with Iowa lawmakers. Its a trip Robin Anderson, the CEO and President of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, looks forward to. She says she was disappointed they had to cancel this year because of snow.

You think you schedule a trip for the middle of April, the last thing you have to worry about is a blizzard, she said.

Instead, US Congressman Steve King met the group in Mason City. He explained how national issues, such as the renewable fuel standard, tariffs and a labor shortage, are impacting our communities locally.

Its always great to hear from somebody whos actually there and privy to the actual information, said Anderson.

It goes both ways. Local leaders learned about whats going on at the capital while Congressman King learned about what the needs are of those in North Iowa.

Hes also giving his advice on how to better our communities when it comes to local government.

Leadership isnt just about telling people what they need to be doing, King said. But about working with people and bringing about the facilitation of the things the public wants.

When it comes to learning about the issues facing our nation, Anderson said local and national governments are all intertwined.

Especially the Commerce Department, theres things that have to do with trade and I dont think people realize how important trade is to our local economy, she said.

The group is still looking to schedule a meeting with former Iowa Ag. Secretary and current Under Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey.CHARLES CITY, Iowa - Jenni Miller of Charles City knows what Tuesday is all about.

I wanted to make sure I had a chance to get it done. I didn't want to miss it for everything because its really important to me, Miller said.

Miller says she has already cast her vote for a new Floyd county jail along with some courthouse updates.

The research is showing that it's too late for this building, that we need to update it or we will be out of luck and we need to have an updated building so that we're not spending more money in the long run hauling our people that need to be in jail to another county, Miller said.

In 2013, an inspector told staff that the Floyd County Jail did not meet the current needs for staff, the public or inmates. Now they are looking to build a single-story law enforcement center, including the sheriff's office, a 32-bed jail facility, dispatch center and an elevator that will separate inmates from the public. The cost of this project is $13.5 million.

We're not 1941 anymore. Everybody has to progress, society progresses, technology progresses, we need to get up to the standards. These are inmates but they're humans they are somebody's family member and we need to provide for them safely and in doing that we provide safety for our staff and for the public, Deputy Travis Bartz, with the Floyd County Sheriffs Office, said.

In order for this to pass it needs to get 60 percent of the vote. When talking to the Floyd county auditor, this is the biggest project she's seen voted on in the county since she was hired 13 years ago.ROCHESTER, Minn.  A man has been convicted of two winter robberies.

Byron Clarence Rush, 25, was convicted Monday after a three day trial on 1st degree aggravated robbery as one of three men involved in the gunpoint robbery of a hotel employee at Fairfield Inn and Suites on December 9, 2017. At the same time, Rush entered an Alford plea to one count of 1st degree aggravated robbery as one of two men who pistol-whipped an employee and robbed Sun Tan City on December 18, 2017.



Dushawn Minor Dushawn Minor

An Alford plea means Rush does not admit guilt in the second crime but concedes he could be convicted at trial and will accept punishment.

His sentencing is now set for Friday.

Police have identified the other man they say robbed Sun Tan City. Dushawn Lee Minor, 21 of Rochester, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of 1st degree aggravated robbery. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 23.

Authorities have not identified the other men involved in the robbery of the hotel employee.MITCHELL COUNTY, Iowa  A man is facing numerous charges after a traffic stop led to the finding of drugs and cash.

James Ogden, 36, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, is facing charges for possession with intent to deliver marijuana, failure to affix a drug tax stamp, unlawful possession of prescription drugs and several simple misdemeanors.

Ogden was stopped for speeding at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday night at Highway 218 and 400th St. and found to be in possession of 375 grams of marijuana (nearly a pound), marijuana wax, prescription pills believed to be morphine and more than $5,000 in cash.

He is being held in the Mitchell County Jail.AUSTIN, Minn.  Getting shot has wound up sending a man to prison.

Jesus Alejandro Ybarra, 24 of Redwood Falls, was shot in the leg on July 8, 2017, in the 800 block of 2nd Avenue SW in Austin. Police say when they asked Ybarra who had shot him, he told officers he wanted an attorney.



Ramiro Pena Ramiro Pena

Police then searched both the home where Ybarra was living at the time and the nearby home of the suspected shooter, Ramiro Alejandro Pena. Officers say they found about 290 grams of methamphetamine and roughly 45 grams in marijuana in Ybarras home, while in Penas home police say they found a shotgun, eight rifle rounds, and one round of .45 caliber ammunition.

Ybarra was charged with two counts of 1st degree drug possession. He pleaded guilty to one count and was sentenced Monday to eight years and four months in prison.

Pena pleaded guilty to violent felon in possession of a firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for August 9.MASON CITY, Iowa  Half of a duo facing multiple drug charges is pleading guilty.

Travis Edward Abben, 29 of Mason City, entered a guilty plea Monday to possession with intent to deliver marijuana and failure to affix a tax stamp. No sentencing date has been set.

Travis Abben and Maggie Jean Abben, also 29 of Mason City, were arrested after law enforcement searched their home on January 10. Officers say they found 147 grams of marijuana and 10 amphetamine pills.

Maggie Abben is still pleading not guilty to two counts of possession with intent to deliver drugs and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. Her trial is due to begin on June 12.HAMPTON, Iowa  Questions surround a substance found at a Franklin County school.

KIMT learned that parents of students were sent a text message Monday morning around 9:20 am about a powdery substance being found at North Side Elementary. The text said the substance was turned over to the Hampton Police Department and that the school district says the North Side grounds were considered safe.

At roughly the same time as the text, a post to the Hampton-Dumont Community School Districts Facebook page said the substance had been found over the weekend and a search of the North Side school grounds turned up no other substances. Anyone with information about this matter was urged to contact the Hampton Police Department.

Hampton Police Chief Robert Schaefer says that as of Monday afternoon, they remain unsure of what the substance actually is. He says it will need to be sent to a lab for analysis but he adds that it is not powdery.DECORAH, Iowa  A trial date has been set for a northeast Iowa 19-year-old accused of drug and sex crimes.

Caleb Allen Fenske of Ridgeway is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor as well as drug distribution to someone under 18, OWI-first offense, and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

He was stopped by the Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office on March 24 and accused of driving under the influence and giving marijuana to a 16-year-old female passenger. Authorities say they then found nude photos of an underage female on Fenskes phone in April, as well as a video of Fenske and the minor female having sex.

Fenske is pleading not guilty to all charges and his trial will begin on July 11.GARNER, Iowa  A man is pleading not guilty to drug charges in Hancock County.

On January 10, law enforcement searched the Klemme home of Dustin Lee Allen, 30. Authorities say they search found 30 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana, and other items involved in the drug trade. He was charged with possession of meth with intent to deliver, failure to use a drug tax stamp, and possession of marijuana.

Allen, who now says he lives in Aredale in Butler County, has entered a not guilty plea and is scheduled to stand trial on May 30.ROCHESTER, Minn.- The Rochester Interfaith Immigrant Rights Coalition is looking to bring all faiths together for one common issue,immigration. This Sunday at the Lourdes Chapel at Assisi differing religions is hoping to come together to push lawmakers to enact legislation that will protect immigrants and refugees. Sister Ruth is a Nun at the church. She spent more than 20-years living in Peru.

She tells KIMT News 3 she's hoping all these chairs in the church will be filled with praying hands.

We're hoping that god hears us and that the government legislature will pass some laws that will offer protection and help to the people who are immigrants in this country, said Sister Ruth.

People of all backgrounds are welcome to attend the service Sunday May 6 to offer prayer to the immigrant community. that prayer service will be begin at 4 pm.MASON CITY, Iowa  A Cerro Gordo County man is going to prison for a crash that killed a Hampton woman.

Paul Edward Wood, 60 of Manly, pleaded guilty to homicide by reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine-third offense, and possession of marijuana-third offense. Authorities say he was under the influence of both drugs when he drove across the center line on Highway 65, just north of Rockwell on November 25, 2016, and collided head on with 22-year-old Griselda Tello.

She was pronounced dead at the scene while Wood and a third driver hit by a piece of crash debris were injured.

Wood has now been sentenced to 10 years for the homicide charge and five years for each drug charge, to run concurrently for a total of 10 years in prison.MASON CITY, Iowa  High winds are being blamed for tipping over a semi-trailer on the Avenue of the Saints.

It happened a little before 5 pm at mile marker 183, just east of the exit to Eisenhower Avenue. The Iowa State Patrol says the trailer was empty and tipped over, blocking one lane of traffic. No one was injured and the State Patrol says they hope to have the scene cleared and both lane open by 6:30 pm.Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Monday rejected Alibaba Group Holdings Ltds bid for a preliminary injunction to block the Dubai cryptocurrency firm Alibabacoin Foundation from using the Alibaba name.

U.S. District Judge Paul Oetken in Manhattan said Alibaba did not show he had jurisdiction, having failed to establish a reasonable probability that Alibabacoins interactive websites were used to transact business with customers in New York.

The judge said it did not matter that Alibabacoin might eventually list its cryptocurrency on U.S. exchanges or that a New York company hosted one of its websites.

He also said any injury Alibaba might have suffered to its business, goodwill and reputation from alleged trademark infringement likely occurred in China, where the e-commerce retailer is based.

The Chinese company had alleged Alibabacoin hurt its business in the United States, causing actual confusion among customers there, in violation of federal and state laws.

A U.S.-based lawyer for Alibaba declined to comment. Lawyers for Alibabacoin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Oetken dissolved a temporary restraining order issued on April 2 by another judge against Alibabacoin.

He also said Alibaba deserved another chance to show why the case belongs in Manhattan.

Alibabacoin, which is also known as ABBC Foundation, has argued that it was not trying to piggyback off the Alibaba name.

It has also said Chinas ban on initial coin offerings in September eliminated a key source of potential confusion among consumers about its lack of ties to Alibaba.

The case is Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd v. Alibabacoin Foundation et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 18-02897.

Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Cynthia OstermanSaqib Iqbal Ahmed

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The February volatility shock may be receding in the U.S. stock markets rear-view mirror, but it has dramatically altered VIX-land - the market where traders place bets on volatility via products linked to the VIX, the stock markets so-called fear gauge.

U.S. equity investors spent 2017 cocooned in one of the most tranquil periods in history, with some investors selling volatility via VIX-linked products to pad returns.

The first real spike in volatility in years threw these products into disarray. Some were terminated. Others saw their heft diminished. Overall trading in VIX products fell sharply.

It feels lame, said Matt Thompson, co-head of Typhon Capital LLCs volatility group in Chicago, who actively trades VIX futures, options and VIX-linked exchange traded products (ETPs). Like all the air has been sucked out.

Over the last month, average daily trading volume in first- and second-month VIX futures, the most active VIX contracts, slumped by nearly a quarter from the six months ahead of Februarys spike. VIX options volume is down 29 percent.

There definitely seems to have been, like, this line between pre- and post-February 5, said Thompson.

Growing interest in trading in volatility in recent years gave birth to more than two dozen volatility-linked ETPs aiming to provide exposure to stock market swings. They provided a big boost to VIX futures trading.

Some ETPs were long volatility, gaining in choppier markets, while a clutch of inverse-VIX products benefited from calm.

Since these products either directly held VIX futures or used them for hedging, they boosted open interest, said Vance Harwood, who runs the alternative investment website Six Figure Investing and has studied VIX ETPs extensively.

In 2017, U.S. stock market volatility fell to a five-decade low and yield-seeking investors rushed to sell insurance against stock market turmoil as a way to boost returns.

This was particularly evident in the short VIX-linked products. Assets under management at two of the largest of these, the VelocityShares Daily Inverse VIX Short-Term ETN XIV.O and the ProShares Short VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (SVXY.P), grew to a record $3.5 billion in January, according to Thomson Reuters data.

THE CHANGING VOL-SCAPE

Traditionally, buy-side positioning in VIX futures had been shaped by investors betting on where volatility would be in future months. The rush of money into XIV and SVXY changed that.

There was a misunderstanding in the market that trading in XIV and SVXY was because people wanted to be short volatility, said Stuart John Barton, portfolio manager at Invest In Vol, an investment adviser in Stamford, Connecticut.

In truth, lots of investors were short volatility just to pocket the gain from selling financial insurance, Barton said.

Lincoln Edwards, head of Austin-based Houndstooth Capital Management, likened it to selling insurance on beach-front property. It is easy money as long as conditions remain calm.

The average Joe saw theres money to be made in this, didnt fully understand the risks and started selling insurance. A hurricane came along and now they are out of business, he said.

The hurricane hit Feb. 5 when U.S. stocks fell 4 percent and the VIX rocketed 20.01 points, its largest one-day move ever.

Given the VIXs low level beforehand, the percentage gain in the futures was huge - 96 percent. That torpedoed the short-VIX ETPs, which lost nearly all their value in a day, a fate theyd dodged during the VIXs previous big upheaval in 2015 because the index was not nearly so low ahead of time.

The XIV was terminated and the SVXY cut its daily-move parameter from a 1-to-1 inverse relationship with VIX futures to a 1-to-2 target. The number of open VIX futures contracts has plunged 43 percent from late January.

It absolutely changed the way I think about the space, said Houndstooths Edwards. You dont have that market force out there balancing and putting pressure on the short side.

The net position for asset managers or institutional players, leveraged funds and other traders, who together are described as the buy-side, has swung to a net long 47,969 contracts, according to U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission positioning data through April 24.

While that is down from the record high of 73,351 contracts the week before, these players had been net short 21,613 contracts ahead of Februarys upheaval.

That market force that has driven volatility for a long period of time has disappeared almost entirely, said Stefan Wintner, vice president, Volatility Strategies at Dunn Capital Management.

Reporting by Saqib Iqbal Ahmed; Editing by Nick ZieminskiWASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday. Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum in March, but granted temporary exemptions to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the European Union, Australia and Argentina. The temporary exemptions were due to expire at 12:01 a.m. ET (0401 GMT) on Tuesday. Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Sandra Maler

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.David Shepardson, David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The latest U.S. proposal for increasing NAFTAs regional automotive content would carry a four-year phase-in to meet a higher, 75 percent regional value threshold and new labor content rules requiring substantial work at wages of $16 an hour or higher.

A summary of the proposal, seen by Reuters and circulating among auto industry officials based on descriptions from Canadian and Mexican trade negotiators, would require the $16 wage on work comprising 40 percent of the value of light-duty passenger vehicles and 45 percent for pickup trucks.

The U.S. plan would allow automakers to count the high salaries paid for engineering, research, sales, software and product development jobs towards 15 percentage points of these goals, a provision that benefits Detroit automakers and disadvantages foreign brands that do such work outside the United States.

The wage demands, pushed by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer during talks in Washington last week on modernizing the North American Free Tree Agreement, are aimed at preserving U.S. and Canadian auto production and applying pressure to raise Mexicos low auto wages.

The Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has estimated that Mexican auto assembly workers average under $6 an hour, with workers in Mexican auto parts plants averaging less than $3 an hour.

But negative reactions from auto industry groups in the United States and Mexico suggested that an agreement on autos - viewed as crucial to a near-term NAFTA deal-in-principle - is not close at hand.

The U.S. proposal is not acceptable. The percentage, the transitions, the restrictions, said Mexican Auto Industry Association president Eduardo Solis, who confirmed details of the U.S. offering.

The U.S. proposal calls for overall regional value content to rise to 75 percent from the current 62.5 percent, but lower than USTRs initial 85 percent demand.

Certain high value parts such as engines and drivetrains would also have to meet the 75 percent threshold, while auto manufacturers would need to purchase 70 percent of the steel and aluminum they in North America. Lesser parts would be subject to the same 60 percent regional value threshold they have today.

SHORT TRANSITIONS

Automakers would get a four-year phase-in rate for light passenger vehicles, but only two years for pickup trucks, a high-value product segment that USTR views as important for U.S. production.

Both phase-in periods are short for an industry that plans products, allocates factory capacity and makes parts sourcing decisions years in advance. The original 1994 NAFTA had an eight-year transition period to reach the 62.5 percent threshold.

But automakers could be eligible for a two-year extension of these deadlines if they show due diligence to comply with the higher thresholds, according to the summary.

An adjournment of talks among the top U.S., Canadian and Mexican trade officials until May 7 allowed them to float details of the U.S. proposal with industry officials. Lighthizer was expected to speak with officials from General Motors Co (GM.N), Ford Motor Co (F.N) and Fiat Chrysler (FCHA.MI).

The initial reaction among U.S.-based auto groups was cool at best.

The Auto Alliance, a group representing Detroit and International brand automakers, said it was concerned that the U.S. plan fails to strike the delicate balance needed to keep auto and parts production in North America instead of low-cost countries elsewhere. It said it shares Trumps goal of growing U.S. auto manufacturing and jobs.

The Alliance is concerned that the draft currently being discussed may not achieve the Administrations goal, and urges the Administration to ensure that a modernized NAFTA continues to strike the right balance.

The United States only charges a 2.5 percent import tariff on passenger vehicles, so there is a thin margin of higher costs that could be absorbed before it becomes more attractive to forego NAFTA benefits. The U.S. pickup truck tariff is 25 percent.

The 75 percent regional value requirement for vehicles to ship tariff-free between the United States, Canada and Mexico also would apply to electric vehicles and their batteries as well as autonomous vehicles, with a nine-year transition period.

We continue to be concerned about the phase-in time and the amount of paperwork that will be necessary for compliance, said Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Additional reporting by Anthony Esposito in Mexico City and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Paul Simao and Grant McCoolWASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) - The U.S. International Trade Commission said on Tuesday it has determined that U.S. industry is being harmed by steel wire rod imports from Italy, South Korea, Turkey, Spain and Britain. In a statement, the ITC said it had made an affirmative determination in its final phase antidumping and countervailing duty investigation of the imports. Reporting by David Alexander Editing by Susan Heavey

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.BERLIN (Reuters) - German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier called on Tuesday for a trade agreement between the European Union and the United States to relieve uncertainty about tariffs that he said is a problem for many businesses.

I am firmly convinced that in the interests of jobs in Germany, in Europe and in the USA, we need a long-term provision and that raising tariffs is the wrong way. We need fewer, not more duties in global trade, Altmaier told reporters.

The persistent uncertainty is, for many businesses, a big problem, he said after the White House said on Monday U.S. President Donald Trump had postponed the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the EU and Mexico until June 1.(Kitco News) - Gold prices are solidly down and dropped to a four-month low in early U.S. trading Tuesday. The recent solid rally in the U.S. dollar index, which hit a nearly four-month high overnight, continues to squelch demand in the precious metals markets. Chart-based selling has also kicked in recently, as the technical postures for gold and silver have deteriorated. June Comex gold futures were last down $10.90 an ounce at $1,308.80. July Comex silver was last down $0.106 at $16.295 an ounce.

World stock markets were mostly firmer overnight. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly lower openings when the New York day session begins. There is not much risk aversion in the world markets at present, which is working in favor of the stock markets but against the gold and silver bulls.

Two important meetings have the attention of the marketplace this week: The Federal Reserves Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting begins Tuesday morning and ends Wednesday afternoon with a statement. Also, a U.S. high-level trade delegation will travel to China later this week to try to avert a trade war between the worlds two largest economies. President Trump late Monday decided to delay by one month implementing on the European Union proposed tariffs on aluminum and steel. Tariffs are in effect for Russia and China.

On Friday is the U.S. employment report from the Labor Departmentarguably the most important U.S. data point of the month.

Nymex crude oil prices are weaker and trading just below $68.00 a barrel. The U.S. oil rig count hit a three-year high last week and the IEA on Monday reported that U.S. crude oil production topped 10 million barrels a day in Februarya record. These factors will limit buying interest in oil this week.

U.S. economic data due for release Tuesday includes the weekly Goldman Sachs and Johnson Redbook retail sales reports, the U.S. manufacturing PMI, construction spending, the ISM manufacturing report on business, and domestic auto industry sales.

Technically, June gold bulls have lost their slight overall near-term technical advantage. Gold bulls' next upside near-term price breakout objective is to produce a close above solid technical resistance at last weeks high of $1,337.60. Bears' next near-term downside price breakout objective is pushing prices below solid technical support at $1,300.00. First resistance is seen at todays high of $1,317.40 and then at $1,320.00. First support is seen at $1,300.00 and then at $1,290.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.0

July silver futures bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Silver bulls' next upside price breakout objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $17.00 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $16.00. First resistance is seen at todays high of $16.37 and then at this weeks high of $16.58. Next support is seen at the March low of $16.185 and then at $16.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 3.0.(Kitco News) - Hecla Mining Co. (NYSE: HL) says it has reached an agreement  without any admission of fault, back payments or penalties  with the National Labor Relations Board to settle the unfair labor practice charge filed by the United Steelworkers in March 2017 over a strike at the Lucky Friday Mine in Idaho. This action does not resolve the key differences in the ongoing labor dispute, nor put the two sides closer to a contract, Hecla says. As part of the settlement, Hecla says it has rescinded the terms of its last, best and final offer implemented in March 2017. Since then, Hecla and United Steelworkers representatives have met over 20 times, officials said. A revised final offer was presented to the United Steelworkers representatives in December and remains on the table. Hecla said its production guidance remains unchanged, with no material production expected from the Lucky Friday Mine in 2018. By Allen Sykora For Kitco News Follow @AllenSykora

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.* LME/ShFE arb: bit.ly/2wZSAEz

* GRAPHIC-2018 asset returns: tmsnrt.rs/2jvdmXl (Adds official prices)

By Pratima Desai

LONDON, May 1 (Reuters) - Copper prices hit three-week lows on Tuesday due to worries about demand from top consumer China and a higher dollar ahead of a monetary policy decision from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange recovered in official rings, trading up 0.2 percent at $6,820 a tonne from an earlier $6,740.50, its lowest since April 6.

Chinese demand for industrial metals typically picks up in the second quarter ahead of construction activity over the summer months.

We think construction activity is going to be more subdued this year because of the curbs on lending by the Chinese government to control the property market bubble, Capital Economics analyst Caroline Bain said.

DOLLAR: A rising U.S. currency makes dollar-denominated commodities such as copper more expensive for non-U.S. firms, which could potentially subdue demand. The Feds monetary policy decision is due on Wednesday.

CHINA: Data from Chinese banks suggest that the campaign to clamp down on riskier lending practices and shadow banking without stunting economic growth may be succeeding.

Profit growth at Chinese industrial firms slowed to its weakest pace in more than a year in March, as policy makers navigate debt risks and a heated trade row with the United States.

DEMAND: China accounts for nearly half of global copper demand estimated at around 24 million tonnes this year.

TECHNICALS: Traders say the break below the 200-day moving average at around $6,8000, if sustained, could see copper prices head towards the March low at $6,532.

NEGOTIATIONS: However, nervousness about supply disruptions due to talks over labour contracts in Chile are expected to support prices of the metal used widely in the power and construction industries.

Supply disruption concerns for 2018 have appeared overblown  with a growing list of Chilean labour contracts settled without incident, Morgan Stanley analysts said in a note.

(But) attempts to reach an early settlement at Escondida have failed; a short stoppage has been threatened at Lomas Bayas; and labour unions at Chuquicamata have expressed concern over the impact of the mines transition underground on the workforce.

ALUMINIUM: Prices hit a seven-year peak of $2,718 on April 19 after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Rusal, one of the worlds largest aluminium producers.

An extension of the deadline to Oct. 23 from June 5 to wind down business with Rusal have since seen aluminium prices drop more than 15 percent.

PRICES: Aluminium rose 0.1 percent to $2,253 a tonne, zinc fell 0.5 percent to $3,110, lead gained 0.6 percent to $2,333, tin added 0.1 percent to $21,205 and nickel slipped 0.1 percent to $13,680.BEVERLY HILLS, Calif (Reuters) - U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the American economy is strong despite a range of uncertainties over global trade.

There are lots of clear signs that the U.S. economy is doing very, very well, Ross said on stage Tuesday at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.

Ross cited such factors as the reshoring of jobs to America, deregulation, and tax cuts benefiting companies and individuals.

Ross also noted that steel tariffs negotiations with Canada, Mexico and the European Union were making enough progress to delay imposition another 30 days.

He added that separate negotiations with the E.U. over potential tariffs on U.S. goods were a work in progress, with no solution yet.By Kim Yoo-chul



The Panmunjom Declaration is good for the credit rating of Korea, however, it hasn't eliminated the risks of a military standoff on the peninsula, two major credit ratings agencies said, Monday.



"If peace is sustained, a smooth rapprochement between the Koreas would lower the geopolitical risks and be good for the credit rating of South Korea," Christian de Guzman, vice president and senior credit officer at Moody's Investors Service, said.



The agency said the declaration was a prelude to more substantive negotiations to diffuse the geopolitical tension generated in late 2017.



Last week, President Moon Jae-in and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un had a historic summit in Panmunjeom where the armistice agreement that suspended hostilities of the Korean War was signed 65 years ago. The two signed an agreement to seek an end to the Korean War, establish permanent and solid peace, and denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.



Guzman said the agency assessed geopolitical risk for South Korea last year, as "Moderate (+)" to incorporate an increased probability of military conflict on the peninsula and the increasingly strident rhetoric between North Korea and the United States.



"Our assessment of geopolitical risk reflects a low-probability, high-impact conflagration that would negatively affect South Korea's economy, the functioning of its government and the country's payment system," he said.



Moody's has been paying attention to the steps taken by the two Koreas to de-escalate tension.



Since last year, Pyongyang has diplomatically re-engaged with Seoul; participated in February's Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang; announced an immediate suspension of nuclear and missile tests and the decommissioning of a nuclear test site; leading to last week's summit and the Panmunjom Declaration.



But Fitch Ratings remained neutral on how developments at the summit will change South Korea's sovereign ratings.



"The summit between the two Koreas eases tension on the peninsula, but doesn't eliminate risks associated with the military standoff," said Fitch Ratings Director Thomas Rookmaaker.



"The long-term standoff results in geopolitical risks to South Korea's sovereign balance sheet. These relate not only to the potential for conflict, but also to the possibility of reunification costs arising long term. Our AA-/Stable sovereign rating of South Korea is one notch lower than that implied by our rating model largely to take these risks into account," said the agency.



According to its observation, it's still unclear whether the summit signals the start of a permanent, structural easing of geopolitical tension on the peninsula, which has tended to rise and fall in cycles.



"The outcome of diplomatic activity in the coming months is difficult to predict, and tensions could re-escalate quickly if the United States feels that summit diplomacy is not achieving its aim of denuclearization," said the director.



Notwithstanding the shared commitment by both South and North Korea to advance the peace process, the path toward a definitive and permanent resolution of inter-Korean tension is fraught with uncertainties and complexities involving other stakeholders, primarily the United States and China.



North Korea will have a summit with the U.S. in late May or early June.



Regarding the issue about the possible outcome of the summit between the North and the United States, Guzman said; "The outcome of the proposed bilateral summit between the U.S. and North Korea will set the tone for the implementation of the common goals set out in the Panmunjom Declaration."



"In the context of recent gains in North Korea's nuclear capabilities, the specific conditions needed to compel North Korea to give up its nuclear arsenal remain unclear. Moreover, the pledge to carry out disarmament by both Koreas seems unlikely, at least in full, in the absence of more significant trust-building measures," Guzman said, adding the degree to which the U.S. and its allies would accommodate a reduced military presence in South Korea was unclear.

By Yoon Ja-young



With South Korea and North Korea likely heading toward peace and economic cooperation, connecting railways is likely to be the first move. Analysts explain that South Korea, which has been virtually an island, will see new doors opening up by being connected to the huge Eurasian continent.



Following President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's announcement that they will take practical steps to connect and modernize the Donghae and Gyeongui train lines and roads, stocks related to railways soared to their daily limit on the Seoul bourse, Monday. They included train manufacturer Hyundai Rotem, railway signaling and control system developer Daea TI, and railroad inspection equipment producer Eco Maister.



"Investment related with the bilateral economic cooperation would start with SOCs such as roads, railways, ports and electric power plants," said Kim Hyo-jin, an analyst at SK Securities.



"The cost for major infrastructure development projects in North Korea would be as much as 68 trillion won ($64 billion), and 76 percent of it is concentrated on roads and railways," she said.



The two Koreas can freely cooperate on railway connections as public infrastructure construction is not subject to the U.N. sanctions on North Korea. Amid the peaceful mood, the country's railway operator KORAIL as well as the Korea Expressway Corp. set up taskforces to prepare such plans.



Before Korea was divided in two, the Gyeongui Line ran from Seoul to Shinuiju, North Korea's border town with China, while the Donghae Line linked the southwestern port of Busan and Wonsan in the north. The Gyeongui Line was restored amid the peaceful mood back in 2003, with freight trains operating 222 times between 2007 and 2008. However, it stopped operation following North Korea's shooting of a South Korean tourist at Mount Geumgang in 2008. As for the Donghae Line, the railway between Gangneung and Jejin should be connected, which is estimated to cost 2.4 trillion won, according to the land ministry.



Economic roadmap



The railways bolster the New Economic Roadmap for the Korean Peninsula, an initiative of President Moon Jae-in aimed at simultaneously developing the peninsula's coasts as well as the demilitarized zone (DMZ). It aims at establishing an economic cooperation belt along the west coast, while the east coast will see an energy and resources belt that may be extended to Russia's gas and oil supply. The DMZ will harbor a tourism belt that reaches to Mount Geumgang.



Relinking the railway and roads is essential to develop rich mineral resources in North Korea, whose potential value is estimated to be up to 4,000 trillion won.



There is a bigger picture behind the railway roadmap. The Gyeongui Line can connect to the Trans-China Railway at Shinuiju, which is linked to Europe, and the Donghae Line is linked with the Trans-Siberian Railway at Hasan. This means South Korea can lower logistics costs and reduce time in transporting. By train, it would take half day from Busan to Vladivostok, and one day from Busan to Beijing. The Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements estimates that the freight moving through the Gyeongui Line would be 30.15 million tons in 2030 when it is linked with the Trans-China Railway, while the Donghae Line linked with the Trans-Siberian Railway would shoulder 7.54 million tons. The gap between tracks is the same in both Koreas as well as China.



Before division, Korea was linked to the continent by rail. Koreans would travel to China or Russia by taking trains at Seoul Station.



"By linking the logistics networks between South and North, Korea will make a new leap toward a continental economy from a de facto island. It will be a new growth momentum for the economies of both countries," said Lee Hae-jeong, a senior researcher at Hyundai Research Institute.



The Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) expects R&D efforts to connect railways between the two Koreas as well as with transcontinental lines will gain momentum.



"By linking the railways, the Korean Peninsula would be developed into an open territory from a closed territory," KRRI President Na Hee-seung noted.



"We plan to do our best for realization of the New Economic Roadmap and New Northern Policy."



The New Northern Policy refers to the administration's economic roadmap to bolster cooperation with Eurasian countries.



He estimated in a report it would take around 4 trillion won to upgrade the Gyeongui and Donghae lines. The good news is there is little hindrance in the construction of railways and roads there as there is little problem having to compensate landowners in North Korea.

By Yun Suh-young





Yoo Chae-won / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-youngOn Feb. 15, 2018, a South Korean military vehicle with loudspeakers is seen in front of the barbed-wire fence in Paju, near the border with North Korea, South Korea. / AP-Yonhap



South Korea's defense authorities will take down loudspeakers installed along the border with North Korea later Tuesday in a follow-up to their summit deal last week, officials said.

"As (we) notified, we will today begin the removal of the loudspeaker broadcast equipment from front-line regions," a military official said.

The military plans to allow the media to cover the start of the removal work at a border area in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, in the afternoon.





In this June 16, 2004 file photo, South Korean army soldiers remove loudspeakers used for propaganda near the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea, in Paju, South Korea. / AP-Yonhap



The South began blaring anti-Pyongyang broadcasts using high-decibel loudspeakers along the border in 1963, most recently from around 40 locations. The program included messages critical of the North's communist system, news on South Korea and even K-pop music before the South switched it off just ahead of the talks between President Moon Jae-in and the North's leader Kim Jong-un.

In their Panmunjom meeting, they agreed to cease all hostile acts and eliminate their means, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets, in the areas along the Military Demarcation Line.

It's part of various agreed-upon measures aimed at building mutual trust and turning the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into a real peace zone.

It was not immediately confirmed when the North will take down its own loudspeakers at the DMZ. (Yonhap)



By Kim Jae-kyoung







U.S. President Donald Trump will try to play hardball with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over denuclearization at the upcoming summit, William Brown, a Washington-based North Korea expert, said Tuesday.







He said if the North really wants to build rapport with the U.S., the reclusive regime should consider shutting down fissile material plants together with nuclear test sites.







"Trump can be hard to read. Talking tough is a big part of his character and Kim might not be used to that," Brown, an adjunct professor at Georgetown School of Foreign Service, said in an interview.







William Brown

"I don't see Trump backing away on much so we will see. I do think Kim is under great economic pressure and will be looking for relief. In other words, I think Trump is less in need of a success than Kim."







He suggests President Moon Jae-in come up with a fallback plan to deal with scenarios in which the Trump-Kim summit, expected to be held in early June, falls by the wayside.







"It still can go either way. I take Trump at his word that if he senses any backtracking he will, as he says, respectfully walk out and resume maximum pressure," he said.







"I hope Moon is prepared to handle that. More likely, though, they will agree to some kind of denuclearization process that will involve lots more meetings  but no sanctions relief until progress is made."







Brown, who previously worked for the CIA and the National Intelligence Council, thinks the Moon-Kim summit was fruitful in that no stumbling blocks were presented to the more important Trump-Kim summit.







But he said everyone needs to lower their expectations for the meeting while allowing Trump to resort to maximum pressure if it looks like Kim is holding back.







"Kim needs the pressure to discourage any clever tricks," he said.







Brown stressed the importance of maintaining "maximum pressure" until the Kim regime shows palpable progress toward denuclearization.







"I especially like the fact that Moon did not suggest lifting sanctions or ending maximum pressure, which are needed now more than ever to make sure real progress can be achieved," he said.







From his perspective, Moon needs to assure Trump, Xi Jinping and Shinzo Abe that he will still exert maximum pressure, if Kim fails to deliver progress with Trump.







Regarding the North's announcement of public shutdown of key nuclear test sites, he said Seoul and Washington need to maintain a cautious approach.







"It is good that he is putting out a signal that the testing program is over and it is a smart move on Kim's part.?Maybe most interesting is how public they are being about it," he said.







But in Brown's view, it can also be taken as a sign they no longer need to test, suggesting they have "proven" their weapons.







"Of course, we don't know if that is the case. It adds important ambiguity in their nuclear weapons capability  do they have a warhead for a missile or not?" he said.







"If Trump's meeting with Kim doesn't go well, this would be an easy thing for them to retract. I expect they figure that gives them a little leverage."







The retired U.S. intelligence officer said if Kim wants to see real changes, he should stop producing fissile material. Otherwise, ending the war and pursuing denuclearization, he said, is "just happy talk."







"I'd be more insistent that the North shut down their fissile material plants, plutonium and highly enriched uranium (HEU). That would be a much better indication of sincerity for denuclearization," he said.











When asked whether the Kim regime is changing, Brown said sanctions have forced Kim to rethink his strategy.







"I think Kim is reacting to the maximum pressure and is in need of economic relief, especially given the fall in trade with China just in the past few months," he said.







According to the latest data released by China's authorities, imports from North Korea were almost nothing at $11 million in March.







"He sees Seoul as the weak link in the sanctions and is trying to take advantage," Brown said.







However, he noted there were also hopeful signs Kim is reforming the country's economic system.







Focusing on his words at recent central committee meetings, he said, "Kim is seemingly moving away from the Byongjin Line and concentrating on economic development. This is something I hope Trump can pursue."





South Korean soldiers stand guard at the truce village of Panmunjeom in this file photo. / Korea Times file



By Kim Bo-eun



Expectation is growing over the possibility that the truce village of Panmunjeom will serve as a venue for a meeting between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump, after the historic inter-Korean summit took place there last week.



Bordering the South and the North, Panmunjeom symbolizes the divided Koreas. It is where the armistice for the 1950-53 Korean War was signed.



Trump positively mentioned the possibility of his summit with Kim at the truce village in a post on Twitter, Monday (local time).



"Numerous countries are being considered for the meeting, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the border of North and South Korea, be a more representative, important and lasting site than a third party country? Just asking!" the post said. The Peace House and Freedom House are both on the southern side of Panmunjeom.



"There's something that I like about it because you are there, you are actually there," he also said in a news conference at the White House. "If things work out there's a great celebration to be held on the site, not in a third-party country."



Following Trump's remarks, a senior Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters that Trump and President Moon Jae-in discussed the venue of the Pyongyang-Washington summit in a phone call last weekend.



The official referred to the truce village as the optimal venue stating, "Panmunjeom has great significance as a venue that erodes divisions and sets a milestone for a new peace."



"Wouldn't Panmunjeom be the most symbolic venue?" he said.



CNN reported that Kim agreed to hold the summit at Panmunjeom, citing confidential sources.



The news channel stated that it would be a historic opportunity for Trump to travel to the northern side of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) to meet a North Korean leader as a sitting U.S. president.



The report also quoted the source as saying that Panmunjeom could serve as the venue, as it has the necessary facilities and was recently renovated for the inter-Korean summit, and that the location would enable the South Korean President to become involved.



But the Cheong Wa Dae official said Seoul has not confirmed whether Washington and Pyongyang have agreed on Panmunjeom. He said Trump's remarks do not mean the option of holding the summit in a third country has not been completely ruled out.



Third country candidates, which are options offering neutrality, appear to have been narrowed down to Singapore and Ulaanbaatar. Singapore is an ally of the U.S. and is one of the countries with a North Korean embassy. Mongolia has diplomatic ties with both states. If the summit is held in Ulaanbaatar, it would enable Kim to travel via his armored train, which could be a more attractive option for him in terms of security.



Meanwhile, Moon and U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres agreed that U.N. officials would join security experts and journalists from South Korea and the U.S. when North Korea shuts down its Punggye-ri nuclear testing site.



The agreement was reached after their phone call earlier in the day, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom.



Moon also asked the U.N. to play a role in the Koreas making the DMZ into a genuine peace zone, and offer its support for the Panmunjeom Declaration reached in the inter-Korean summit. The U.N. chief responded positively to this, the spokesman said.

By Ko Dong-hwan





Chinese communist revolutionary Mao Zedong's only grandson Mao Xinyu was possibly killed in a bus crash in North Korea in April that killed over 30 Chinese, according to a report from French radio.







Xinyu, the son of Mao Zedong's second son Anqing who died fighting in the Korean War, was possibly one of 32 Chinese tourists who died when a bus fell from a bridge in North Hwanghae Province, Radio France Internationale's Chinese version reported on April 30, citing a Chinese source.







The report said Xinyu, a Major General in the People's Liberation Army of China, and most of the other Chinese tourists were the children of Chinese soldiers who fought in the Korean War.







The accident also killed four North Koreans.







The tourists died reportedly on their way back from a cemetery in Hoechang County in South Pyongan Province that was for Chinese soldiers who died during the Korean War. Mao Zedong's eldest son Anying was buried there, which leads to the supposition Xinyu could have visited the cemetery to pay tribute to his uncle.







If it is true that Xinyu was among the dead, two direct descendants of Mao Zedong have perished on the Korean Peninsula.







North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made a high-profile visit to a hospital where two injured Chinese tourists from the accident were receiving treatment. Kim also visited the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang and met Ambassador Li Jinjun, expressing his "bitter sorrow" over the deaths of the Chinese tourists.







North Korean state-run KCNA news agency highlighted Kim consoling the accident's survivors, seeing off a train repatriating bodies of the dead Chinese to Beijing, and making an official apology to China for the accident. Kim's rare moves following a local accident and the state media outlet's coverage of him doing this reflected the importance China carries for North Korea as the communist state's biggest ally.

By Kim Rahn







Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will hold a tripartite summit in Tokyo, May 9, Cheong Wa Dae said, Tuesday.







It will be a South Korean president's first visit to Japan in six-and-a-half years. What was an annual meeting was halted after the last one in Seoul in November 2015.







Cheong Wa Dae said Moon would make a one-day trip to Japan to talk with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang over pending issues in the region, mostly the denuclearization of North Korea.







"Moon will brief Abe and Li on the outcome of his recent summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and discuss ways to intensify cooperation to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and establish lasting peace," presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said.







After the tripartite talks, Moon will have bilateral talks and lunch with Abe.







"In the first tripartite meeting since Moon's inauguration, the three leaders are expected to produce tangible outcomes in energy development, environment protection and human exchanges, and eventually set cooperative grounds for co-prosperity in Northeast Asia," Kim said.

Struggle Session



By Jon Dunbar



The Beijing hardcore punk band Struggle Session returns to Korea this Saturday and Sunday for two concerts in Seoul celebrating the release of a split album with local hardcore act Arryam.



The first show is Saturday at GBN Live House in Mullae-dong, and on Sunday it's at Club SHARP in Mangwon-dong. Each show has seven bands, including Struggle Session and Arryam.



Any foreign band touring Korea is always cause for celebration, but this one is especially meaningful as it brings back guitarist Nevin Domer, who previously lived in Korea in the early 2000s.



"We're hoping this release can be a foundation for creating deeper ties between the Chinese and Korean underground scenes," Domer told The Korea Times. "The international hardcore punk community is supportive, and active participants find they have friends around the world."



First moving to China in the 1990s for university, he came to Korea on a Fulbright scholarship to study the Gwangju Uprising and teach. He later studied Korean language at Seoul National University, while also staying active in the local punk scene with his two-man grindcore-noise band Pulgasari.



In late 2005, he returned to China "to drop out, play in a punk band, and waste my life getting drunk with local musicians."



He added, "Despite my slacker intentions those drunken nights became productive days." In Beijing, Domer handled booking from 2006 to 2012 at D-22, one of Beijing's most influential venues. He now works for the label Maybe Mars and runs his own Genjing Records, while also helping U.S.-based distro Far Out Distant Sounds, organizing and managing concert tours and consulting for the Chinese music industry.



And on top of his promotion and management roles, Struggle Session keeps him busy, averaging a concert every five days over the last two years. The band toured Spain and Morocco last summer, hit Korea last December and are planning a 34-date, seven-country South American tour.



The band is like a living history of hardcore punk with a fixation on extreme music, using the diverse ages of band members to draw influence from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.



The band name refers to a form of public punishment used in the Mao Zedong era to shape public opinion and persecute political rivals. Domer says the English translation is unfamiliar to most Chinese so it doesn't cause political problems.



However, his previous band Fanzui Xiangfa (Criminalized Thought) had explicit political lyrics in Chinese. "We would have had a hard time performing in China under the current  and possibly permanent  leader," he remarked.



But despite the political climate, Domer is optimistic of the future.



"The Chinese underground music scene is bigger and better than ever," he said. "It faces its own unique challenges but is truly an unstoppable cultural and economic force. In some ways the government keeping the scene underground has allowed it to incubate and become stronger both musically and in terms of active participation."



He admits he has seen hurdles to Korean acts touring China. "Recently when I was trying to organize a tour for the Geeks I discovered it was impossible to permit shows by Korean bands in Shanghai or Wuhan, though Guangzhou is still okay. My contacts in the larger industry confirmed they had a similar experience with K-pop," he said.



"I'm not sure if music is part of China's THAAD retaliation. This is probably more about China protecting itself against the cultural pollution of K-pop. I'm not in favor of missiles in the hands of any government but I can see the need to protect an innocent public from the vices of K-pop. My bassist, on the other hand, is a massive fan of Red Velvet."



Visit fb.com/koreanpunkandhardcore for more information.









By Kang Aa-young







Workplace human rights abuses of foreign workers are in the spotlight in time for May 1, Labor Day.







The Korea Support Center for Foreign Workers began a poster exhibition for foreign workers, starting Tuesday.







Some posters depict representations of the maimed hands of foreign workers hurt in industrial accidents. The posters will be displayed at the center until May 15.







The posters mainly call people's attention to the human rights of foreign workers, who face difficulties in communication and cultural and institutional differences, as well as infringements on human rights in the workplace. Marketing agency Ideot designed and made the posters.







"Foreign workers in menial jobs are in poor work environments with delayed paychecks and physical abuse from their bosses," a spokesperson from the center said.







"They are often exposed to industrial accidents or sometimes workplace illnesses that come later. The posters represent extreme cases in which foreign workers' human rights were violated."







One poster shows a hand, torn strategically to suggest severing of a finger. Moving the torn part of the page shows the rest of the finger. It is based on a real event in which a foreign worker lost his finger in an industrial accident and eventually lost his job without compensation.







Ideot CEO Lee Seung-jae said he got his motivation from some cases where migrant factory workers were exposed to dangerous conditions due to their illegal immigration status.







"I saw one case where a migrant worker lost fingers and was kicked out of the country without compensation," he said. "There are so many cases like this and we teamed up with the center to make this exhibit to let people know the reality."

South Korean soldiers dismantle loudspeakers used for anti-Pyongyang broadcasts at the border city of Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday, after the leaders of the two Koreas agreed to cease hostilities toward each other in the Panmunjeom Declaration signed Friday. / Joint press corps





By Choi Ha-young







Seoul's Ministry of National Defense removed propaganda loudspeakers near the military demarcation line (MDL), Tuesday, in fulfillment of a part of the Panmunjeom Declaration signed by President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.







The ministry began the dismantling at 2 p.m.; and it took about an hour for around 30 people from the military and a speaker manufacturer to remove one speaker. The work in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, was covered by the media. The ministry did not say how long it would take to completely remove the dozens of speakers along the border







The move follows an agreement in the declaration announced Friday, in which the two Koreas agreed to cease all hostile acts against each other and eliminate any means of activities considered hostile in the areas along the MDL starting May 1, with a goal to turn the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) into a real peace zone.







Ministry spokeswoman Choi Hyun-soo said the ministry would exchange the list of dismantled facilities with the North as proof, if needed.







South Korea has run about 40 stationary and mobile speakers. The broadcasts were aimed at sending outside information, including K-pop songs as well as weather forecasts and lifestyle information, into the reclusive country.







The North has operated about 50 stationary ones. As Seoul moved to remove the speakers, it seemed Pyongyang was also working on removing its own, a military official said.







The anti-Pyongyang broadcasts, which began in 1963, had shared its fate with the fluctuations of inter-Korean relations.







The loudspeakers were removed in 2004 under then-President Roh Moo-hyun amid a reconciliatory mood. But they were redeployed in August 2015 under Moon's predecessor, Park Geun-hye, in retaliation for a landmine explosion incident allegedly committed by North Koreans.







Right after the installation, the North even fired artillery shells at the propaganda facilities, which brought counterattacks from the South. Following a dramatic inter-Korean agreement on Aug. 25, 2015, Seoul decided to halt the broadcasts but resumed the programs on Jan. 6, 2016, in protest of the North's fourth nuclear test.







This year, the speakers on both sides have been silent since April 23, four days before the inter-Korean summit, as the defense ministry decided to suspend the propaganda broadcasts in hopes of boosting the peace overtures, and the North did the same.







With the momentum of the Moon-Kim summit, the two Koreas are expected to take further steps to ease tensions through high-level military talks this month. "The defense ministry is preparing for the talks," the ministry spokeswoman said, without elaborating on further details.







To halt hostilities, the two leaders also agreed on ceasing not only the propaganda broadcasting but also South Korean civic groups' sending of anti-Pyongyang leaflets through balloons.







The Ministry of Unification requested civic groups halt their leaflet campaign, but the groups are protesting, saying it violates their freedom of expression.







According to the promises between the two leaders, the Koreas may also agree to withdraw heavy weaponry from the DMZ and reach a deal over the West Sea, a region that has seen frequent accidental clashes.

Korean Air heiress Cho Hyun-min faces the press as she arrives at the Seoul Gangseo Police Station in the morning on May 1 for questioning over allegations she splashed water in the face of an advertising agency official. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk





Korean Air heiress Cho Hyun-min sobs as she answers questions by journalists before entering the Seoul Gangseo Police Station on May 1. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk





Korean Air heiress Cho Hyun-min faces the press as she arrives at the Seoul Gangseo Police Station on May 1 for alleged assault and obstruction of business. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul





Korean Air heiress Cho Hyun-min enters the Seoul Gangseo Police Station on May 1 for questioning over alleged assault and obstruction of business. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul







By Oh Young-jin

Cho Hyun-min, Korean Air executive and daughter of the national flag carrier's Chairman Cho Yang-ho, kept saying, "I am sorry" to reporters' questions.

Presenting herself as a suspect in a potential case of using violence, Cho's voice was barely audible, causing some to question whether she was the same person who was taped throwing a major tantrum against an advertising agency manager during a presentation.

Cho admitted yelling and swearing at the ad manager, pushing him and throwing water from a paper cup. But she is suspected of throwing a glass cup, which, if proven, could result in her being charged with aggravated assault.

Asked whether she thought her pushing was "gapgil," a socially condemned bullying act by using a dominant position, the 180 centimeters tall heiress, who dwarfed reporters, said, "I am sorry."

Asked what she thought of her mother's videotaped paroxysm of anger against contract workers, she repeated her apology.

Asked what she thought of calls for her family to give up managing control of the carrier, she repeated herself.

It was like de ja vu of when her sister Hyun-ah was summoned over the "nut rage" incident in 2014, when she repeated apologies to reporters' questions.Cho Hyun-min, a former senior executive of Korean Air, appears at the Seoul Gangseo Police Station, Tuesday, for questioning over allegations of assault and obstruction of business. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Kang Seung-woo



One of two notorious heiresses of the chairman of Korean Air reported to police Tuesday for questioning about an alleged assault she committed during a violent temper tantrum.



Cho Hyun-min, a former senior executive of the nation's largest airline, is embroiled in allegations that she threw water in the face of an advertising agency executive during a business meeting in March. She has been booked and banned from overseas travel since last month.



The 35-year-old was questioned on charges of assault and obstruction of business.



She is the youngest daughter of Korean Air Chairman Cho Yang-ho and a younger sister of Cho Hyun-ah, infamous for her 2014 "nut rage" episode that delayed an international flight over a packet of macadamia nuts.



"I am truly sorry for causing trouble," Cho said in her appearance at Seoul Gangseo Police Station. Cho was accompanied by lawyer Park Eun-jae of local law firm Yulchon.



During questioning, police closely grilled her about various allegations by witnesses that had inconsistencies in terms of details.



Some told police that Cho threw a paper cup full of juice at the ad firm executive, while others said she pushed it toward him over the table. Others claimed that she threw a glass at the executive, which could make the assault charge more serious. During the questioning, Cho claimed she did throw a glass but not at the person involved.





Busan-based civic group members clash with the police over the erection of a statue symbolizing Korean forced laborers during Japan's 1910-45 occupation of the Korean Peninsula in front of the Japanese Consulate General in the port city, Tuesday. Last month, the foreign ministry said it was not proper to set up a statue in front of the Japanese diplomatic mission. / YonhapBy Dr. Chen Shih-Chung





The World Health Organization has for years urged member states to take action to achieve universal health coverage by 2030. Although not a WHO member, Taiwan has offered universal health coverage to our island's 23 million citizens since 1995.



Taiwan began the National Health Insurance (NHI) initiative by integrating medical programs from existing insurance systems for laborers, farmers, and government employees, which covered only half the population. This has since been expanded to provide equal coverage to all citizens from birth, regardless of age, financial status or employment status. Furthermore, all foreigners who legally work or reside in Taiwan are also afforded the same coverage.



The NHI is a public program run by the government based on a single-payer model. Life expectancy in Taiwan has subsequently increased to levels seen in key OECD countries, with women living on average to 83.4 years old, and men to 76.8.



Yet healthcare costs are far lower in Taiwan than in most highly developed countries in Europe and North America, at $1,430 per capita per year, representing just 6.3 percent of GDP in 2016. Administrative costs run at less than 1 percent of the total and public satisfaction remains high, at 85.8 percent in 2017.



Taiwan's health system has undergone several reforms over the last 20 plus years to ensure its sustainability given shifts in the socioeconomic landscape. Implementing the Global Budget Payment on top of the Fee-For-Service reimbursement method effectively reduced annual growth of medical expenditures from 12 percent to 5 percent since 2003.



And the way premiums are collected has also changed from being purely payroll-based, to including supplementary premiums based on capital gains, which has created a surplus in the National Health Insurance Fund.



In addition, the NHI's information system has migrated to the cloud, making it much easier for hospitals, clinics, and doctors to access medical information.



We encourage hospitals to upload computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans so they can be retrieved for follow-up consultations. A personalized cloud-based service called My Health Bank also enables patients to check their medical records at any time.



The government has adopted a wide range of measures to reduce health inequalities affecting disadvantaged groups. We have premium subsidies for low-income and near-poor households, as well as the unemployed.



We have also improved the provision of services in areas with limited healthcare resources, and implemented an Integrated Delivery System (IDS) in remote areas to strengthen the system's medical capacities and qualities. We also raised subsidies on preventive healthcare services for indigenous populations.



In a globalized world, it is impossible for countries to overcome all their healthcare challenges on their own. It is only through interdisciplinary and international cooperation that we can build a global health system that consistently and cost-effectively meets the healthcare needs of the world's citizens, and bring to fruition the WHO's ultimate goal of health for all.



Taiwan has a great deal of experience in building and maintaining a universal health insurance system, from service provider management to financing and coping with socioeconomic change.



More to the point, we believe that Taiwan's healthcare system can serve as a model for other countries. Taiwan has a constructive role to play in creating a robust global health network, and the best way to share our experience with other countries is through participation in the World Health Assembly and the WHO.



It is regrettable that political obstruction led to Taiwan being denied an invitation to the 70th WHA as an observer last year. The WHO not only failed to abide by its Constitution, but also ignored widespread calls for Taiwan's inclusion coming from many nations and international medical groups all around the world.



Yet despite this, Taiwan remains committed to helping enhance regional and global disease prevention networks, and assisting other countries in overcoming their healthcare challenges.



Against this backdrop, Taiwan seeks to participate in the 71st WHA this year in a professional and pragmatic way, as part of global efforts to realize the WHO's vision of a seamless global disease prevention network. This also goes in line with U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages by 2030.



We therefore urge the WHO and related parties to acknowledge Taiwan's longstanding contributions to promoting human health worldwide, recognize the significance and legitimacy of Taiwan's involvement as an observer in this year's WHA. Because we believe that to achieve health for all, Taiwan can help.





Dr. Chen Shih-Chung is the minister of health and welfare, Republic of China (Taiwan).

By Trudy Rubin



ST. PETERSBURG, Russia  The four-story building at 55 Savushkina St. that housed the infamous Russian internet "troll factory" that meddled in America's 2016 election now appears empty. I saw a huge "For Rent" sign in one of its large windows facing the street.



The main trolling operation has moved to an impersonal seven-story glass office building in the distant Lakhta business district. I couldn't enter the building due to tight security. (Journalists seen taking pictures have been grabbed and harassed.) The city's leading business daily Delovoy Peterburg reported late last year that the operation's workspace has tripled.



Yet, little known to Americans, this fake news factory, whose organizers and some staff were indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller for interfering with the U.S. political system, was not initially intended to wage information warfare on America.



Instead, its original purpose, starting in 2014, seems to have been to shape the thinking of ordinary Russians by viciously attacking domestic opposition activists and fueling public hostility toward Ukraine  and the United States.



The domestic propaganda barrage continues out of the troll factory's new digs, which include a massive online media conglomerate that intertwines news with Kremlin propaganda. "A tricky mix of normal reporting and hate speech," one Russian journalist calls it. RBC magazine wrote in March 2017 that this "media factory" now reaches an audience that exceeds 50 million Russians a month.



In May, this "media factory" will launch a new "information agency" called "USA Really. Wake Up Americans." It has already put out an announcement that it "will focus on promoting information and problems that are hushed up by major American publications controlled by the U.S. political elite." The agency is inviting "English-speaking journalists and authors to work on the project" and send their CVs.



Now that its secret internet project has been exposed, the troll factory will apparently focus more on open information warfare. Kremlin propaganda mills masquerading as news agencies will try to insert anti-American propaganda into U.S.  and Russian  media.



Given the rising tensions between Moscow and Washington, I think the domestic trolling operation holds more potential threat to America  than any (over-hyped) efforts to subvert U.S. democracy. It promotes Kremlin efforts to convince Russians that the United States wants to destroy their country and start WWIII (enhancing similar messages on state-controlled TV).



Since at least 2014, this trolling operation has been posting grotesque fabrications to foster Russian support for the Kremlin's invasion of eastern Ukraine  and to whip up hostile feelings toward America. The information operation is funded by a Putin-friendly oligarch, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who just also happens to control a mercenary outfit known as Wagner that has contract troops in Ukraine and Syria.



To find out how the trolling worked, I talked to brave Russian journalists and undercover activists in Moscow and St. Petersburg who have been reporting on the fake news factory since long before Americans ever heard of Russian trolls.



Vitaly Bespalov, a 27-year-old freelance journalist with long blond hair and a tattoo of Russian opposition politician Ksenia Sobchak on one arm, came to St. Petersburg in 2014 to try to find work. He answered an ad for a "content manager" at 55 Savushkina St. and was offered a salary about a third higher than a normal starting job in Russia. It was not long after Russia invaded eastern Ukraine and he was told he would be working for a department called Ukraine II.



Bespalov had to pull 20 news stories about Ukraine daily from the internet and rewrite them to fit the Russian propaganda version. Ukrainians resisting the Russian invasion were "terrorists" and Russia-backed separatists were "volunteers."



When a Ukrainian rocket hit an empty school where "volunteers" were hidden, the news was that Ukrainians wanted to kill children. Americans wanted to use the uprising as an excuse to start World War III.



(According to the BBC's Russian service, the troll factory was linked to a video operation in Ukraine that produced gems like a supposed U.S. soldier shooting bullets into a Quran, clips that might enrage Russian Muslims in the Caucasus.)



After a few days, Bespalov realized what was going on and decided to "stay and get more information and make it public." He was later assigned to distribute links to fake news stories to social-media groups in different Russian cities. These stories were filled with cliches, such as "(Secretary of State) Clinton wants war with Russia" and nasty claims about President Barack Obama.



"I used to think this work was absolutely stupid work with no results," Bespalov told me. But later he heard ordinary people using these cliches in their conversation "not just about Ukraine but about the USA."



The trolling news operation backs Kremlin efforts to convince Russians that the United States wants to destroy their country. Similar messages are delivered by state-controlled TV.



Unfortunately, I was unable to learn what the American department of the troll factory is up to these days. Russian journalists say that, since 2016 it is much harder to find sources that have worked inside the troll factory. "They are scared and refuse to talk," says Bespalov.



Only a handful of Russian news outlets still cover this story, which can put journalists at severe risk. After Vitaly Bespalov was interviewed by NBC late last year, the main state TV channel attacked him viciously, and his picture appeared on social media with false claims that he was a drug addict.



In the United States, on the other hand, we have plenty of information, overhyped, about Russian trolling. (Russian journalists I met uniformly expressed astonishment at any claims that the troll factory changed the outcome of the 2016 election.)



We know what happened in 2016, and should be fully able to take adequate precautions about any similar efforts. Forewarned about Russian trolling should be forearmed.





Trudy Rubin is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. The above article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Washington, Pyongyang need to close gap on details



There is much anticipation surrounding the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un which is set to happen in a few weeks.



The April 27 Panmunjeom Declaration produced during the inter-Korean summit lacked details on how North Korea will proceed toward "complete denuclearization." Kim offered to give up his nuclear program if the U.S. promised not to invade and is reportedly planning to take some steps toward denuclearization. First is the closure of nuclear test sites this month in full view of experts and the international press, which was belatedly announced to local media by Cheong Wa Dae after the third inter-Korean summit. This is seen as a way to gain Washington's respect as a trustworthy negotiating partner ahead of the Trump-Kim meeting. But that will not be enough to assuage global concerns that North Korea may not be serious about getting rid of its nuclear weapons.



There is much speculation on whether the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit will result in a roadmap for denuclearization, including the timeframe and specific measures that Pyongyang will take in getting rid of its nuclear weapons. Reaching an agreement on this roadmap will be the key measure of success of the historic summit between the U.S. and North Korea, two countries that have been hostile toward each other since the 1950-53 Korean War.



However, prospects for the U.S-North Korea summit are not all positive. The two countries remain apart on how to pursue denuclearization. New U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton mentioned in media interviews this week about the model applied for Libya's disarmament, which led to the nation's destabilization. "We have very much in mind the Libya model from 2003, 2004," Bolton said on Fox News. North Korea has been critical of the model. Bolton also stressed that there will be no lifting of sanctions against North Korea before Pyongyang gives up its nuclear program completely. "I think that the maximum pressure campaign that the Trump administration has put on North Korea has, along with the political, military pressure, brought us to this point," Bolton said.



Trump's new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who made a secret trip to Pyongyang to meet with Kim over the Easter weekend, also reiterated that the Trump administration will maintain tough sanctions until Pyongyang gets rid of its nuclear program. He also stressed "irreversible" steps for denuclearization.



We hope that Trump and Kim will approach the summit with respect toward each other and do their utmost to strike a deal that is most conducive for permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.

By Lee Seong-hyon





U.S. President Donald Trump famously said that North Korea is China's problem to fix. It reflects the international community's recognition of Beijing's leverage over Pyongyang. However, China has consistently distanced itself from being identified as such, passing the buck to the United States.



The official view from the Chinese foreign ministry Sept. 12, 2016, goes: "Since the North Korean nuclear issue is actually a matter between North Korea and the United States, the U.S. should take responsibility." Similar statements have been repeatedly made on Sept. 19, 2017, also on Jan. 3 and Jan. 26.



It's like China is making an annual proclamation that it is not responsible for the North Korean nuclear issue, and it doesn't want to be associated with it. However, a sudden and important shift has been made amid the rapid developments on the Korean Peninsula and there is now a view that China is being "sidelined" in this process.



On April 19, the Chinese foreign ministry said, "As a 'party' (dang shi fang) to the Korean Peninsula issue, China is willing to play an active role." What is noteworthy here is that China, this time, is identifying itself as a party to the problem of the Korean Peninsula. Until recently, China's narrative on the matter was to position itself as a "unique" (dute) country on North Korea's nuclear issue or a nation that plays a "constructive" (jianshexing) role. However, it stopped short of identifying itself a "party." Thus, this is an important public shift in China exerting its role about North Korea.



Browsing the Chinese foreign ministry's record, one can see that China in the past listed the following countries as "parties" to the North Korean nuclear issue: the U.S., North Korea, and South Korea, without including itself.



China also urged these countries to actively engage in resolving the North Korean issue. "We hope 'the direct parties' involved in the issue of the Korean Peninsula will bravely take the responsibility to fulfill their share of the obligation and play their roles," the Chinese government said on Aug. 30, 2017, as if it saw itself a third-party referee.



In addition, China has positioned itself as a primary mediator of the North Korean nuclear issue, particularly through its well-recognized role as the host of the six-nation talks, aimed at tackling North Korea's nukes.



In this vein, China has also emphasized that Washington and Pyongyang should accept the China-proposed "freeze-to-freeze" formula as a solution. Clearly, China positioned itself as a mediator, not a party to North Korea's nuclear issue.



However, when it sensed that it was being sidelined in the currently unfolding rapid development on the Korean Peninsula, China suddenly declared itself as a "party" to the Korean Peninsula issue, despite the logical contradiction that China itself should be keenly aware of.



China is not going to tolerate the North Korean nuclear issue being decided without its presence at the table and is not going to stand by idly as the North Korea talks proceed in ways goaded by the U.S. and South Korea, without consulting China.



From a U.S.-China rivalry perspective, Trump's announcement that he would sit down with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un perturbed China's anxiety sufficiently. It would mean that Washington no longer needs Beijing in reaching out to Pyongyang and may even solve the North Korean issue without help from China. It would also mean that China is losing one of its long-time cherished strategic cards in geopolitics surrounding the Korean Peninsula.



Chinese scholars say that China will express its discomfort if the U.S. and South Korea "alienate" China and try to solve the North Korean nuclear issue. Perhaps to make this point clear, China sent a military aircraft to intrude into the Air Defense Identification (ADIZ) of South Korea without any prior notice. For four hours, the Chinese military airplane flew along the proximity of the South Korean territory, in a pattern that "enveloped" South Korea. This act of aggression happened just one day after the inter-Korean summit.



China wants Seoul and Washington to respect the Chinese traditional sphere of influence over North Korea and hopes Seoul and Washington will put Beijing more in the loop. When neglected and sulked, Beijing is inclined to demonstrate "who calls the shots" on the North Korean affair (as shown in the abrupt summit between Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un), and even "daluan" (disrupt) the ongoing process, to borrow a Chinese interlocutor's expression.





Lee Seong-hyon (sunnybbsfs@gmail.com), Ph.D., is a research fellow at the Sejong Institute.



By Baek Byung-yeul







LG Chem is increasing its investment in its polarizer factory in China's southern city of Guangzhou to expand its capacity and strengthen its presence there.







According to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the chemical company notified the FSS that it will invest 123.8 billion won ($115.6 million) in its Chinese subsidiary LG Chem (Guangzhou) Information & Electronic Materials (LGCGI).







LG Chem will begin operating the polarizer factory beginning next year and its exact capacity is not specified. LG Chem announced its plan to build a new polarizer factory in Guangzhou earlier this year.







A polarizer is a critical component for liquid crystal display (LCD) as it is a multi-layered optical film used for transmitting light in thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) modules.







LG Chem is the world's largest manufacturer of large-sized polarizers and occupies 30 percent of the Chinese market.







"The move is to have an integrated polarizer production system targeting display companies in southern China," the official from the company said.







LG Chem also reported it will invest 119.3 billion won and 28.4 billion won in its other Chinese subsidiaries LG Chem (Nanjing) Information & Electronic Materials (LGCNJ) and LG Chem China Investment (LGCCI), respectively. This is to invest in the expanding production capacity of small batteries and establishing new polarizer production facilities.







Meanwhile, LG Chem recorded decreased operating profits for the first quarter of this year.







The company said Monday it posted an operating income of 650.8 billion won ($607.8 million) in the first three months, an 18.3 percent decrease from a year earlier.







The company recorded quarterly sales of 6.55 trillion won, 1 percent up from a year earlier. Its net income reached 552.7 billion won in the first quarter compared to a profit of 548 billion won a year earlier.

South Jeolla Province police put the traffic monitoring drones to use on the 103km route from Gwangju to Nonsan / Yonhap

By Kang Aa-young



If you feel tempted to cut in ahead of a long queue of cars on a motorway after making sure there are no policemen or surveillance cameras, don't. There may be traffic officers overhead drones hovering to film whatever violation you are about to do.



On Monday, South Jeolla Province police put the traffic monitoring drones to use on the 103km route from Gwangju to Nonsan. The five drones reinforced the job of monitoring the traffic and catching violators. They were part of an operation that included a helicopter, five patrol cars and 40 officers.



What was observed from the drones was transferred live to an operator at the Korea Highway Corp. regional monitoring center. Sitting next to the operator was a police officer who checked whether any traffic violation took place. The drone monitoring was focused on illegal driving on the shoulder, parking violations and using designated lanes.





Customers taste cold noodles at E-mart in Seoul, Tuesday. Discount stores and other retailers are enjoying brisk sales of cold noodles after the leaders of the two Koreas dined on the dish last Friday. / Korea Times photo by Jung Da-min



By Jung Da-min



Discount stores and other retailers are enjoying brisk sales of cold noodles, called naengmyeon in South Korea, after the leaders of the two Koreas dined on the dish last Friday.



The remarks by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that he brought "authentic" cold noodles from Pyongyang for President Moon Jae-in and his staff created a craze among people here for the noodle, which they normally eat during summer.



Since the inter-Korean summit, many people have visited restaurants offering cold noodles, known to originate from Pyongyang and Hamhung, while others have been buying premade items at stores to enjoy the delicacy at home.



"Sales of Pyongyang cold noodles increased by 212 percent over last weekend, tripling the average daily sales throughout the week," said a spokesman at Pulmuone, one of Korea's major food companies.



"When I saw the news that the two leaders ate cold noodles together, it made me feel that the two Koreas have become intimate again," said Seo Chan-hyeong, 14, who visited the large retailer E-mart in Seoul, Tuesday.





Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Clear to partly cloudy. Areas of patchy fog. Low 59F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Areas of patchy fog. Low 59F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.(JEFFERSON CITY) Legalizing medical marijuana cleared a hurdle in the state legislature.



The Missouri House voted Tuesday to legalize medical marijuana.

The bill allows anyone over 18 with a terminal illness or people with Alzheimer's disease, cancer or post-traumatic stress disorder to use smokeless medical marijuana.

The bill still needs to pass the Senate.Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva met with the Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi at UNCTAD headquarters, on 30th April 2018. UNCTAD Secretary General appreciated Sri Lanka for the active role played and the productive contribution made towards the effective operationalization of the organization in its establishment phase as well as for the continued support and cooperation extended in the implementation of UNCTADs agenda and programmes.

Ambassador Azeez took the opportunity to reaffirm Sri Lanka's commitment to the work undertaken by UNCTAD, in particular towards facilitating and strengthening developing countries integration into the globalized economy and their implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He assured the UNCTAD Secretary General that Sri Lanka would further enhance its partnership and would proactively contribute to the ongoing activities of UNCTAD.

Having highlighted Sri Lankas continuing cooperation with UNCTAD on a number of prioroty areas such as Investment, Electronic Commerce, Science and Technology and Commodity Development, among others, Sri Lankas Permanent Representative projected Sri Lanka as an important venue for hosting multilateral and regional activities of UNCTAD in the future.

UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. Its primary mandate is to provide a forum to deal with issues relating to trade, investment, and development affecting progress and prospects for development of developing countries. UNCTAD, pursuant to this mandate, extends assistance to developing countries in their efforts to effectively integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis.

Sri Lanka Permanent Mission

Geneva

1st May 2018Michaelson with visiting Trump cabinet secretary Dr. Ben Carson recently in Los Angeles. Via @Elex_Michaelson on Twitter.



Fox 11 is launching a new weekly Friday night show of political talk and interviews to be hosted by the station's Elex Michaelson. He is the morning news anchor at Fox 11 who joined the KTTV in January after leaving KABC Channel 7, where he had been the main politics reporter as well as a GA and sometime anchor I believe.

Michaelson himself announced the show on Twitter. It will air Friday nights at 10:30 p.m.

"Hot button topics demanding answers," Michaelson says in the promo clip. They are calling it "The Issue Is...with Elex Michaelson."

Guests the first week will include Rep. Adam Schiff, candidate for governor Gavin Newsom, former Republican strategist and USC political analyst Dan Schnur, self-described "media personality" Areva Martin and Breitbart News Tonight host Joel B. Pollak.

Big career news!!



Im SO excited to announce that Ill be hosting a new, weekly political show on @FOXLA starting this Friday at 10:30pm.



Its called The Issue Is...with Elex Michaelson.@GavinNewsom, @AdamSchiffCA, @danschnur, @ArevaMartin, @joelpollak join us for week one! pic.twitter.com/RH51aIxF36  Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) May 1, 2018

Been awhile since we've had a week night politics show on commercial TV in Los Angeles, although CNN airs nationally a late-night panel of political partisans who are based here. Let's hope the new Fox 11 show tries to do more than be talk radio with cameras or follow the tired CNN-style hot take formula.

Michaelson was at ABC 7 for seven years after moving north from San Diego's XETV. He is a graduate of USC Annenberg.

From his Fox 11 bio:

Hes a self-described political junkie who has conducted one-on-one interviews with Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Joe Biden. Hes reported live from the Republican & Democratic National Conventions, multiple Presidential Inaugurations and debates.

Michaelson has also traveled around the world to cover breaking news including terrorist attacks, mass shootings, record flooding and wildfires.



Gibson Brands Inc. filed for bankruptcy with a turnaround plan that will give some of the companys lenders equity ownership of the iconic American business that has supplied guitars to B.B. King, Elvis Presley and Pete Townshend.

A restructuring support agreement with senior secured noteholders will help it repay bank loans while going through a change of control transaction, according to papers filed Tuesday with its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware. The petition estimated up to $500 million in debt, and the lenders have agreed to an operating, or debtor in possession, loan of up to $135 million to fund operations.

The change in control will give noteholders equity in a new company, replacing current stockholders such as Chief Executive Henry Juszkiewicz. According to court filings, current noteholders include Silver Point Capital, Melody Capital Partners LP, and funds affiliated with KKR Credit Advisors. The restructuring will also allow the instrument business to unburden itself of a consumer-electronics unit that Gibson blamed for its financial woes.

Juszkiewicz, who has found himself at odds with creditors in recent months, will continue with the company upon emergence from bankruptcy to facilitate a smooth transition, according to the agreement. Court papers call for a one-year consulting deal and compensation package for Juszkiewicz. A representative for the company didnt respond to questions about whether Juszkiewicz will remain as CEO or in a separate role.

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Failed diversification

Gibson, founded in 1894, sells more than 170,000 guitars annually in 80 countries. Its guitars are U.S.-made, with factories in Nashville; Memphis, Tenn.; and Bozeman, Mont. It also sells studio monitors, headphones, turntables and other musical instruments. Units also include the companys Baldwin Piano business. All told, the music instruments business employs at least 875 people, according to court papers.

Its Gibson Innovations business, acquired in June 2014 from Koninklijke Philips NV, was the source of its financial woes, according to a court statement from Brian J. Fox, a managing director at Alvarez & Marsal who will serve as the companys chief restructuring officer. Acquired through a leveraged transaction, the business faced significant sales declines due in part to a loss of credit insurance overseas. The unit will be wound down, Gibson said.

Exit path

With the noteholder agreement, the company has an exit path from Chapter 11 as a deleveraged business, poised for continued growth, Fox said in the filing.

Fox described the electronics business as having become trapped in a vicious cycle in which it lacked the liquidity to buy inventory and drive sales. Cross-defaults had threatened the musical instruments business, and the company has been working with advisors since last fall to try to solve the problem.

Before the filing, Gibson reached an arrangement with major constituents to its musical instruments business but not the consumer electronics business, Fox said.

UPDATES:

1:55 p.m.: This article was updated with information about CEO Henry Juszkiewiczs future, details about Gibsons music instruments business, and Gibsons plan to wind down its Innovations unit.

This article was originally published at 7:15 a.m.President Trump has decided to postpone for another month the decision about whether to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, the White House announced Monday evening.

The decision, coming just a few hours before the previous temporary tariff exemption was set to expire at midnight, will prolong the uncertainty and to some degree the tensions that have built up since Trump issued 25% tariffs on imported steel and 10% on aluminum from all but a handful of countries and the large EU trading bloc.

Trump ordered the tariffs on March 22, citing a threat to national security and making plain that he intended to use the duties, or threat of them, as leverage to win concessions from American trading partners.

The Trump administration said that it had reached an agreement in principle with three other countries that had received a similar tariff exemption  Australia, Argentina and Brazil  and that these deals would be finalized shortly.

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South Korea won a permanent exemption of the metals tariffs based on a previously reached deal in which Seoul agreed to a quota to export no more than 70% of the average volume of steel sent to the U.S. over the prior three years.

But Canada, Mexico and the EU are three of the largest suppliers of steel to the U.S. The delay in imposing the tariffs came after pleas and the threat of retaliation from European allies, as well as signs that Canada and Mexico were moving closer to the U.S. position in renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement.

If Trump had decided to let the exemption lapse and the tariffs take effect, the 28-member EU was expected to respond with countertariffs, raising the risk of a serious trade conflict at a time when the Trump administration is also pursuing a high-stakes battle to press China to make major economic reforms. Trumps top trade and finance officials are set to travel to Beijing for meetings starting Thursday with Chinese leaders.

The EU already has prepared a list of American products it would target, including blue jeans, motorcycles, orange juice and whiskey, totaling about $3.5 billion, commensurate with the value of EU metal exports to the U.S. that could be subject to penalties.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel sought to persuade Trump to lift the duties during meetings with the president in Washington, but there was no signal that Trump was about to give either a pass on the tariffs.

Trump ordered the tariffs to protect domestic producers from foreign competition, part of his broader America First campaign that includes getting tough on trade. Many analysts and the Trump administration see China and its overproduction as the source of a global steel glut that has put downward pressure on prices and contributed to rising imports of the commodity in the U.S.

Many end users of steel as well as metal producers on both sides of the Atlantic have been grappling with uncertainty, awaiting the presidents decision. Separately, hundreds of steel buyers in the U.S. have applied for tariff waivers on specific imported products that are unavailable or hard to source domestically.

When Merkel visited last week, as in prior meetings with her, Trump repeatedly complained that trade with the EU has been unfair and lopsided. The EUs surplus in merchandise trade with the United States totaled $147 billion in 2016, and $92 billion when trade in services is included.

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Overall, U.S. trade with the EU exceeds $1 trillion a year, so tariffs on a few billion dollars of steel and aluminum, by themselves, were expected to have a modest economic effect. But steel, like farm goods, is a politically sensitive product for many nations, and what worries analysts is the potential for an escalation of trade tensions and a deterioration of trans-Atlantic relations that could have broader repercussions.

Trade experts are divided on how quickly the EU might respond with tit-for-tat tariffs should Trump end up imposing tariffs. And if the EU does retaliate, would that prompt Trump to up the ante by slapping penalties on more European imports, similar to what he did with China?

Statements from EU commissioners in Brussels, where trade and economic policies for the union are made, suggest that they would be patient and refrain from retaliating quickly to pursue continued negotiations, said Gabriel Felbermayr, a trade specialist who directs the Ifo Center for International Economics in Munich.

They dont want to escalate. The volume [of steel] is too small to risk a trade war, he said.

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Felbermayr said Trump has some grounds for seeking fairer trade, noting that the U.S. tariff on imported cars is 2.5% while the comparable EU duty is 10%. American duties on imported trucks, however, are 25%, compared with 10% by the EU. As such, the Trump administration and the EU could talk about a bilateral trade agreement on merchandise and possibly also farm goods, he said.

Regardless of what happens with steel tariffs, Felbermayr is not optimistic that U.S.-EU trade relations will improve, in large part because of Trumps paramount goal of significantly reducing the bilateral trade deficit  which few experts predict will happen anytime soon  and the presidents attacks on the multilateral trading system, the World Trade Organization, which European leaders want to sustain.

Jacob Kirkegaard, a European economy expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, interpreted the tariff postponement as good news for the EU, an indication that the administration wanted to wait until after its trip to China. It suggests that they mostly care about the fight with China, he said.

He expected the EU to retaliate quickly if tariffs are imposed and said EU politicians will be reluctant to accept a voluntary quota like South Korea, or make other concessions that will hurt their standing at home.

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Donald Trump is toxic in Europe, he said. Any political leader who does things to suck up to Trump or appease him would suffer political consequences.

Furthermore, Kirkegaard said, a brewing conflict with the EU will only complicate Trumps efforts to confront China on trade. The Chinese will say [to the Europeans], Why are you helping the bully?

The Trump administration is also contending with a trade campaign in North America as it seeks to revamp NAFTA, the 24-year-old agreement, to deliver more favorable returns to the United States. Top trade officials representing the three countries are scheduled to reconvene next Monday in Washington amid signs that the parties are close to announcing an agreement in principle.

Canada is the largest individual nation supplying steel and aluminum to the United States, and Mexico is also a big exporter of steel. U.S. steel imports totaled about $29 billion in 2016, and imports of aluminum were about $13.6 billion.

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The White House said Monday that Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and trade advisor Peter Navarro would be among a high-level delegation going to Beijing this week, a third front in Trumps trade assault.

The latest from Washington 

More stories from Don Lee 

don.lee@latimes.com

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Follow me at @dleelatimes

UPDATES:

6:55 p.m.: This story was updated with reaction from analysts and additional background.

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This story was originally published at 5:25 p.m.Single? Facebook wants to help you change your relationship status.

The social network is introducing a dating feature that will allow users to build profiles to meet potential suitors.

The new feature is not just for hookups, Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said Tuesday at the companys developer conference, F8. Rather, its designed to build meaningful, long-term relationships.

The news immediately triggered a sell-off in shares associated with existing dating services. Match Group, the parent company of Match.com, saw its stock drop more than 22%. IAC, the parent of hookup app Tinder and Match Group, fell more than 16%.

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The panic could be short-lived, analysts for PiperJaffray said in a note to clients shortly after the announcement.

Facebook isnt assured success in the dating game despite its stable of over 2 billion users. Thats because the social network is skewing older  not exactly the prime demographic for people on the market.

Facebook faces challenges in user engagement with the same age group that currently dominates online dating (young adults), the PiperJaffray analysts said. Given the necessity of scale to drive engagement, the challenges to initial engagement, and the head start Match has in user reach, we see it as unlikely that Facebook dating will scale to a meaningful competitive threat.

Executives at Match Group and Tinder said they were not worried by Facebooks new entrance, even taking a swipe at the social networks trouble with foreign interference.

Come on in. The waters warm. Their product could be great for U.S./Russia relationships, Joey Levin, Tinders chief executive, said in a statement.

Mandy Ginsberg, chief executive of Match Group, made a jab at Facebooks controversy over user privacy.

Were flattered that Facebook is coming into our space, Ginsberg said. Were surprised at the timing given the amount of personal and sensitive data that comes with this territory.

Users will have to opt into Facebooks dating feature and their profiles will be separate from their regular Facebook profiles.

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[M]atches will be recommended based on dating preferences, things in common and mutual friends, Facebook said in a statement. Theyll have the option to discover others with similar interests through their Groups or Events. However, what people do within the dating feature will not be shown to their friends.

That stipulation is a nod to Facebooks troubles over privacy in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which the political consulting firm was able to harvest data from Facebook users friends.

In a separate announcement Tuesday, Facebook said it would allow users to delete personal information provided to Facebook by outside sites and apps, and bar Facebook from obtaining such data in the future. Such information is often collected when a user signs in to an outside site or app using their Facebook login. It can also be collected if they like or share something on Facebook from those sites or apps.

If you clear your history or use the new setting, well remove identifying information so a history of the websites and apps youve used wont be associated with your account, Erin Egan, vice president and chief privacy officer for Facebook, said in a blog post.

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The move underscores again how much Facebook is committed to self-regulation in lieu of any action from lawmakers in Washington. During Zuckerbergs testimony last month on Capitol Hill, some members of Congress implored Facebook to strengthen its user privacy features so that regulators wont have to introduce laws.

We need your help here. I dont want Congress to have to act, Rep. E.L. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) told Zuckerberg at the time.

At F8, Zuckeberg even cracked a joke about the testimony, which largely failed to live-up to its billing as a reckoning for the social network.

Zuckerberg did so while describing a new feature called Watch Party, which allows friends to communicate while watching a show together on Facebook.

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Lets say that your friend is testifying in Congress, for example, the 33-year-old billionaire executive said. Now youre going to be able to bring your friends together and you can laugh together and you can cry together. Some of my friends actually did this. Lets not do that again anytime soon.

david.pierson@latimes.com

Follow me @dhpierson on Twitter

UPDATES:

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1:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comment from executives from Match Group and Tinder.Though N Sync rose to fame in the mid-90s, members JC Chasez and Lance Bass insist that its only in recent weeks that they have been able to see themselves from the perspective of their fans.

Of late, the two had been collecting memorabilia to prepare for Mondays star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which also commemorates the 20th anniversary of the acts self-titled U.S. debut.

We saw it from a different angle, said Bass. No surprise, as over the last two decades, N Sync has sold nearly 30 million records in the U.S. and an additional 42 million worldwide.

Lance Bass, left, and JC Chasez at N Syncs Dirty Pop Up. (Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times )

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As long as we were in the group, we didnt get to listen to the radio, Bass added. We didnt get to watch TV. We didnt see what everyone else saw. When we look at pictures, we remember that day  how silly that shoot was  all of this stuff, but this is the first time were seeing a lot of it from this angle.

On Monday, the five members of N Sync  Bass, Chasez, Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick  reunited, sans music, to celebrate the group receiving the 2,636th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

David Gonzalez, 31, of Los Angeles poses for a portrait. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times )

For fans, April 30 is an unofficial holiday. They call it Its Gonna Be May Day, a reference to the last line in Its Gonna Be Me, a song from the bands 2000 album No Strings Attached, in which Timberlake sings, Its gonna be me, but which has often been wrongly heard as Its gonna be May.

And the band has been happy to oblige. By the way, in case any of you didnt know, tomorrow, its gonna be May, Chasez sang during the ceremony.

That was the only singing Monday, even after fans chanted one song and sang a portion of the N Sync single Tearin Up My Heart. Neither worked.

Instead, the act offered fans a free museum and shop celebrating N Syncs history. The Dirty Pop-Up event, held at Hollywood & Highlands Cinematic Pictures, runs through Tuesday and features band photos, tour outfits and a human-sized replica of a box that marionette dolls of the groups members were sold in.

Over the weekend, an estimated 2,000 people visited the pop-up. Many of those fans attended the star ceremony, stretching to catch glimpses of the band. They stood on suitcases, ice chests, ladders and the shoulders of friends.

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Stephanie Sweeney, 32, of Oakland, and her two friends  sisters Mayra Esparza, 38, and Evelyn Esparza, 34, of San Francisco  were first in line for the ceremony. The rules from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce were clear: No fans could line up before 7 a.m. Monday.

But for die-hards, passion always overrules protocol.

Sweeney and her friends had been in line since 6:30 p.m. Sunday, this after arriving in Hollywood about 1 p.m. to stake out the area.

Vince Godinez, 34, of Los Angeles installs a star for N Sync. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times )

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Like many of the fans who flocked to Hollywood Boulevard on Monday, Sweeney came because N Sync had a defining role in her life, from her teenage years into adulthood. She even has two N Sync tattoos  the bands name in black ink on her lower back and song lyrics from Girlfriend on her left side.

They made me the person I am today, she said, noting that kids once bullied her over her love of N Sync but that she learned from the experience to become a stronger person and not to conform.

Lance Bass, left, and JC Chasez at N Syncs Dirty Pop-Up. (Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times )

Curtis Collins, 32, said he found inspiration primarily in Bass, who came out as gay in a 2006 People Magazine cover story. Having grown up in the largely Mormon city of American Fork, Utah, Collins saw Bass as a role model when he came out about 10 years ago, first to his friends, and then to family.

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Thus, it was worth it, Collins said, to show up at 6 a.m. to wait in line with fellow fans. After all, he waited several hours Sunday to see the pop-up display and got the opportunity to see Bass. Seeing somebody you looked up to as a kid [come out] made it see more normal, more OK, Collins said.

By early afternoon, the line of fans was almost half a mile long.

Fernanda Santamaria, 27, held an Ecuador flag, proud of the 10-hour journey shed taken to Los Angeles. Over the weekend, she saw Timberlake at the Forum as part of his Man of the Wood tour.

Santamaria has a bank account where she saves 10% of every paycheck to pay for her trips to the U.S. to fund her N Sync and Backstreet Boys fandom.

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Whereas some boy band fans see supporting both as a betrayal, Santamaria laughs off the idea that you cant love each. After the ceremony, Santamaria was flying to Miami for a Backstreet Boys cruise. Total cost: $3,000.

Its something I had to do at least once in my life, she said. Im enjoying doing in my 20s what I didnt get to do in my teenage years.

         

N Syncs Dirty Pop-Up

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When: Noon to 8 p.m., ends Tuesday

Where: 6801 Hollywood Blvd.

Cost: Free

Info: www.NSYNC.com.

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jaclyn.cosgrove@latimes.com

@jaclyncosgroveQueens native Awkwafina (a.k.a. Nora Lum) is everywhere these days as she charges her way through a banner year. This summer she lights up the multiplex with a slot on Sandra Bullocks squad of all-female thieves in heist sequel Oceans 8 (June 8) followed by a breakout turn in the highly anticipated literary adaptation Crazy Rich Asians (Aug. 17), both from Warner Bros.

Phoning from Barcelona, Spain, the rapper, comedian and actress reflected on her streak of projects, including the Netflix comedy Dude and a just-inked Comedy Central deal for a scripted series based on her life.

Ive been having this dream where I wake up from the dream that is my actual life, said Awkwafina, currently in Spain filming the sci-fi thriller Paradise Hills with Emma Roberts, Eiza Gonzales and Danielle MacDonald. I have that dream maybe three times a week where I wake up and Im just back in the vegan bodega, or at the book company. I cant believe that its real and I dont think I ever will.

Happily, she no longer has to hustle those day jobs now that Hollywood has taken notice. Awkwafina, 29, brings the same swagger to the screen that made her rap career explode in 2012 when her deadpan feminist single My Vag announced the arrival of a fierce new talent equally unafraid to stunt in her lyrics and explode stereotypes and taboos.

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Sandra Bullock, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, and Cate Blanchett also star in the female-centered caper Oceans 8. (Barry Wetcher / Warner Bros )

FULL COVERAGE: 2018 Summer Movie Sneaks 

Leaning into acting, she scored a small role in Neighbors 2, but landing a coveted spot in the all-female Oceans 8 lineup in a cast led by Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway gave her Hollywood career a next-level bump.

Constance is a person Ive never seen on-screen before, ever, she said of the Oceans role director Gary Ross and co-writer Olivia Milch tailored to her. Asian is not part of her character  she just is. Shes a kind of New Yorker, this modernized, outer-borough, fast-talking three-card monte character, but shes real.

Another perk of being part of the Oceans 8 ensemble, which also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson and Rihanna? We might have a group text, she teased. Yes, there is a group text. Its hilarious. Constant laughter, always a joy. A lot of GIFs. Im very talented at GIFs, I will say that. Ill find a GIF for any occasion.

Awkwafina stars alongside Nico Santos and Constance Wu in the adaptation of the acclaimed novel Crazy Rich Asians. ( Warner Bros. Pictures )

In Crazy Rich Asians, director Jon M. Chus slick adaptation of Kevin Kwans bestseller of the same name, Awkwafina brings the Singaporean new-money character of Peik Lin to life as a brash, blond-bewigged, human adrenaline shot draped in designer silk pajamas.

Peik Lin bridges the stark worlds of the films Asian American heroine Rachel (Constance Wu) and the entitled, interconnected and snooty 1-percenters descended from dynastic generations on the wealthy island.I think that a lot of Americans dont understand the new-money class that is coming up in Asia. These are kids  kids!  that have five Lamborghinis, they shop at Supreme, they go to Louis Vuitton! In malls here, we have Orange Julius. In their malls they have Prada and Goyard and Gucci and Chanel.

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Its really cool when Asian people get to tell stories, because then instead of seeing one Asian character you get to see a world of Asian characters, she added, and they become just characters at that point.

Chu cast Awkwafina and tweaked the character with inspiration from outre Asian fashion bloggers and Instagram celebrities. On set, Awkwafinas knack for improvisation made Peik Lin pop even more.

Shes so creative, he raved. You can write a line but you really dont know how shell deliver it until she does it. We let her riff a lot, and it raised everybodys game that she could be bold, and herself, and it could fit within this world.

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Comedy and improvisation have always come easy to Awkwafina. But the hunger that keeps her pushing forward? Thats the New Yorker in her.

Growing up in Queens, you live 20 minutes away from the city so you realize its also something you have to work for because Manhattan will never be yours, she said, and I still dont feel that its mine. Its just some beautiful gift that I was able to experience.

Shes excited to rep for her city in Crazy Rich Asians (One of Peik Lins first lines in is, Is New York in the house? Which is ironic because Im playing a Singaporean, but thats still repping.)

And with a new EP on the horizon  one not mixed in her bedroom, like 2014s Yellow Ranger  music fans will soon see Awkwafina return to her rap roots.

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People think that I stopped music for the movies, and that was part of it, but a lot of it was that I wanted to find my voice, she said. If Im going to be in this genre I have to do it right, and I didnt feel that I was in a place where it was being done right. I had to find that again and thats what that project represents.

But I think its pretty dope that I dont have to file for unemployment, she quipped in her signature self-deprecating style. The hustle will never end for me and Ill want to see whats coming next. Im really grateful for whats happened. I would have never thought that it would.

READ MORE: See the full list of summer release dates 

jen.yamato@latimes.com

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@jenyamatoA wave of hope swept through the campsite of dozens of Central American migrants by the border in Tijuana on Tuesday afternoon after more members of their caravan were allowed into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection offices to request asylum.

A total of 25 caravan migrants have been processed by the agency since the groups arrival, according to activists from Pueblo Sin Fronteras. On Tuesday morning, six people were allowed in. By 3 p.m., officials accepted 11 more.

After the migrants passed through the port of entry, dozens of caravan members waiting in Tijuana cheered the news. The movement quelled anxieties for those in the camp who were unsure of their future.

There are still many of us left. But this is a triumph for all of us, said Gina Garibo, a project coordinator for the group. This is a fight for all our lives.

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Mexican immigration officials offered up shelters late Tuesday for the remaining migrants, many of whom were preparing to spend their third night outside. Organizers declined.

Were taking care of all our people, said Alex Mensing of Pueblo Sin Fronteras.

Medics were expected to check on the health of the group, which includes children with coughs and colds, on Wednesday. A day before arriving at the camp, a 1-year-old girl got burned and blistered when she spilled hot soup on her feet.

The caravan, which has set up tents close to Mexicos El Chaparral port of entry into the U.S., has become a lightning rod, with supporters celebrating its progress toward the U.S. border and President Trump frequently citing it as justification for tough measures against illegal immigration  and the building of a massive border wall.

On Monday, Vice President Mike Pence took a heavily secured tour of a construction site in the Imperial Valley for the border barrier.

Referring to members of the caravan, Pence said that migrants were being exploited by open-border political activists and an agenda-driven media.

Activists for Pueblo Sin Fronteras responded that families were fleeing their homelands in Central America because of grim and dangerous circumstances.

The caravans  which are considered safer than making the journey alone  are designed to raise awareness about the conditions that prompt people to flee and the dangers they face when they do.

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At a boisterous gathering at the border fence Sunday in Playas de Tijuana, hundreds of people, some waving Honduran flags, called out chants and waved bouquets of yellow flowers. Younger migrants climbed to the top of tall gates dividing the U.S. and Mexico, pumping their fists at crowds gathered on the American side. Others quietly clutched infants, wondering about their future.

At a rally in Michigan on Saturday, Trump referred to the caravan, telling a crowd:

Are you watching that mess thats going on right now with the caravan coming up? We have the worst laws anywhere in the world, we dont have borders.

Close to 200 Central American migrants seeking asylum at an encampment near the Chaparral port of entry in Tijuana, Mexico. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times )

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The caravan has been journeying through Mexico since leaving the southern border city of Tapachula on March 25 with the goal of reaching the Tijuana-San Diego border. Most immigrants are from Honduras and tell of gang violence and extortion back home.

The situation in Tijuana has led to some tension between the group of Central Americans and a group of Mexicans who have been camped out along the border and also want to seek asylum. But despite the friction, there has also been a sense of solidarity between the two groups, with food and blankets for children being shared.

On Tuesday, about 25 Mexican migrants were allowed to be processed by Customs and Border Protection, according to activists. Shortly after, the six Central American migrants  comprising two families  were allowed in, they said.

A steady group of 20 people seeking asylum have been allowed just outside of the Customs and Border Protections offices. Whenever anyone is allowed inside for processing, the same number of people is let into the area just outside the compound.

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On Tuesday, many of the Central Americans expressed their determination to stay put.

Kenia Avila, a 35-year-old from Honduras with three small boys, said returning to her homeland would be too dangerous. She said she used to sell fish at a market back home until armed gang members threatened her. Avila said she initially planned to seek asylum in Mexico, but said that gang members know shes in the country.

Were here to stay. Were not going anywhere, she said. This is about our lives. Its not a lie. If this were a lie we wouldve left already.

esmeralda.bermudez@latimes.com

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Times staff writer Alene Tchekmedyian contributed to this report.

UPDATES:

8:20 p.m.: This article was updated with new information from caravan organizers.

6:50 p.m.: This article was updated with updated figures about caravan migrants allowed in for processing.

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This story was originally published at 12:50 p.m.The Los Angeles Board of Education went behind closed doors Tuesday afternoon to select the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Although the deliberation is behind closed doors, all signs pointed to the choice of philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner.

The move into closed session came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system.

Most of the speakers supporting Ekchian were district parents, but some district employees also made a case for her. Several complained that they felt the decision already had been made and that their input was irrelevant.

Everything was already up your sleeve, said parent Luz Maria Montoya, speaking in Spanish. I wasted my gasoline.

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Also on hand were five former school board members who criticized the apparent pending choice of Beutner. Former board member Jeff Horton called Beutner a dilettante who moved from position to position with no particular history of success.

Beutner also had supporters in the room, but they tended to speak more indirectly, without mentioning Beutners name, but talking of the need for sweeping change as well as bold and courageous leadership.

They were in an awkward position to cheer him on because Beutner, unlike Ekchian, has not publicly acknowledged his candidacy, and his supporters at the meeting took their cues from him.

Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak.

The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise.

L.A. Unified has serious financial problems. The district faces rising pension costs, vastly underfunded retiree health benefits and union pressure to raise salaries  all as declining enrollment is draining financial resources.

Fixing that imbalance would be a central duty suited to Beutners skill set, but L.A. Unified also has struggled academically. His efforts also would have to be in the service of better preparing students for higher education and careers, which is the school systems primary task.

Hes not an educator, said Ama Nyamekye, head of the local branch of Educators 4 Excellence, a nonprofit funded by foundations that recruits teachers to take part in policy debates. Youd hope the board would have some plan for establishing a vision and philosophy for education and a team in the district that would complement his experience in finance and management.

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The district has been without a permanent superintendent since September, when Michelle King went on medical leave. King announced in January that she had cancer and would not return to the job. While some district insiders criticized the search that began soon after as too rushed, others pointed out that the district had already been without a long-term leader for most of the school year.

Beutners recent record in the public and private sector is marked by brief stays in important jobs and a couple of roles that involved analysis more than action.

In 2010, Beutner became first deputy mayor of L.A. under Antonio Villaraigosa, overseeing business and job development. He was part of the Villaraigosa administration for about a year, also filling in as interim director of the Department of Water and Power.

He ran for mayor in 2012 when Villaraigosa termed out, but his campaign never caught on and he dropped out early.

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In 2014, Beutner co-chaired the 2020 Commission, which made recommendations for the future of Los Angeles. He then became publisher and chief executive of The Times, but was fired after a year over disagreements about the newspapers direction.

He became notably close to L.A. schools Supt. John Deasy during his tenure from 2011 through 2014. Deasy became a polarizing presence, with adamant admirers and vociferous critics. At Deasys behest, Beutner served on a board that raised money to benefit local students but that was not under the control of the school district.

Over the last year, Beutner has co-chaired a task force that has presented recommendations to L.A. Unified for improving student attendance, managing its real estate and operating more openly.

He also lobbied for enlarging the presence within L.A. Unified of a charity he founded. This nonprofit, called Vision to Learn, provides glasses to low-income students. His group won a $6-million contract last year to help 60,000 students over two years.

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In April, the districts legal counsel gave board members documents indicating that Vision to Learn had fallen far behind in helping students and that the school system was threatening to cancel the contract. Vision to Learn, which serves students in 10 states, countered that the district was responsible for the delays.

Besides Ekchian, there were two other finalists, former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso and Indianapolis Supt. Lewis Ferebee, withdrew from consideration.

Members of the board majority, which has been pushing for Beutner to be hired, were elected with the support of charter school backers.

Charters are privately operated public schools that compete with L.A. Unified for students. Their rapid growth has contributed to the school districts economic woes.

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Charter advocates clearly consider Beutner an ally, though over the last year he has avoided the politically charged topic of charter schools as he has raised his profile with the school system. He currently serves on the board of the foundation that raises money for Granada Hills Charter High School and also is a past board member for ICEF Public Schools, a charter group with schools in South Los Angeles. Beutner has donated $300,000 to ICEF, said Parker Hudnut, ICEFs chief executive.

The charter-supported board majority includes Ref Rodriguez, whose tenure on the board has been tenuous since he was charged last fall with three felonies and more than two dozen misdemeanors in connection with alleged political money laundering  allegations he denies.

After the charges were filed, Rodriguez stepped down as board president but did not give up his seat. Rodriguezs uncertain future may be one reason behind the push to name a new superintendent quickly  while the majority was intact.

Beutners backers have wanted to secure a more stable majority for Beutner by making sure he has a fifth vote. That vote seems likely to come from Richard Vladovic, who represents portions of South L.A. and the San Pedro area.

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Kelly Gonez, who is considered part of the four-member board majority, reportedly has threatened in closed session to defect, saying she preferred to hire an educator. Gonez, who represents the east San Fernando Valley, was thought to favor Alonso. If Beutner is named Tuesday as expected, her vote will be closely watched.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, was in court Monday. His attorney successfully petitioned to postpone his preliminary hearing from May 9 to July 23. Outside the courthouse, about 20 protesters called for Rodriguezs resignation, citing the criminal charges and a recent arrest for public drunkenness. They said he should not take part in voting for a superintendent.

Times staff writer Joy Resmovits contributed to this story.

howard.blume@latimes.com

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@howardblume

UPDATES:

2:51 p.m.: This story has been updated with details of Tuesdays board meeting and comments from people who came to speak before the board.

This story was originally published April 30 at 7:15 p.m.In the mid-1970s, the police department in the Central Valley farm town of Exeter was small, with fewer than 10 officers patrolling what was a population of about 5,000.

One officer was Joseph DeAngelo, who arrived in 1973. He worked there for three years, known for his professionalism and ambition in the field and his aloof, cool nature to his colleagues.

For the record: A caption in an earlier version of this article identified a police sketch as being part of the East Bay Rapist case. It was part of the Original Night Stalker investigation.

He was just over-educated for the small department of Exeter. He just knew anything you wanted to talk about, said Farrel Ward, who worked in the department for 30 years. I think he had a bachelors degree, all kinds of training. He didnt fit in with the other guys. We liked to joke and screw around and take the stress off of what we were doing. He was always serious.

Ward said he had forgotten about DeAngelo until last week, when he was named as the suspect in one of Californias most notorious spates of serial killings. Authorities allege DeAngelo was the Golden State Killer, who in the 1970s and 1980s is believed to have killed at least 12 people and raped at least 46 in a cycle of terror that stretched from Sacramento to Orange County.

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In the four-decade hunt for the killer, there was much speculation that he might be a police officer. Investigators marveled at how he was able to elude capture, hiding in backyards and behind bushes as the police arrived. They said the killer seemed to understand the way police were looking for him, and some victims said he had the demeanor of a cop or military man.

But Ward and others who worked with DeAngelo during his law enforcement days said they were stunned that he is now an accused serial killer.

After his time in Exeter, DeAngelo moved north to the Auburn Police Department, near Sacramento. He served three years before being fired for shoplifting dog repellent and a hammer from a hardware store. His time in both communities coincided with attacks that authorities now attribute to DeAngelo. But colleagues in Auburn also say they cant square the man they knew with the Golden State Killer.

Larry Pool, a retired Orange County Sheriffs detective who led that countys probe into four slayings there attributed to the killer, said DeAngelo was not in a databank of 8,000 names of potential suspects investigators had culled over the years. But it did not surprise him that the suspect turned out to have law enforcement and military training.

I dont think this guy was really ever a cop, said Pool, now a senior investigator in the Riverside County district attorneys office. He used that to further what he really did.

Juggling a career as a cop with his attacks took a certain level of finesse.

I dont know how he ever slept, Pool said. He was always casing houses. Hed sever phone lines, turn off air conditioners so he could hear every sound.

Like many police officers of his generation, DeAngelo entered law enforcement after military service. He completed combat operations off the North Vietnam coast for the Navy, and afterward went to Sierra College and Cal State Sacramento, where he earned a bachelors degree in criminal justice. He met his wife there, and they married in 1973.

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That year, he moved to Exeter, located east of Visalia near the Sierra Nevada foothills leading into Sequoia National Forest.

Joseph James DeAngelo is arraigned April 27 in Sacramento County Superior Court. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press )

The officers there considered themselves a family, and DeAngelo, who was 27 or 28 when he joined the department, stood apart, Ward said.

Sometimes during slow periods on a shift, Exeter police officers would radio to each other to meet up in a place where they could shoot the breeze until they had a place to go.

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Ward said hed do that with DeAngelo, but the conversations were mostly one-sided and strained.

I liked him, but hes not the type of guy that Id have over for a barbecue. Hes just  stand-offish. Too serious. Seems like hes always thinking, Ward said.

DeAngelo had a good rapport with the public and treated them well, Ward said. But he never revealed personal details. Ward didnt even know where DeAngelo came from before arriving in Exeter. He did say that he had to put in his time in the small department so he could move higher in law enforcement. He wanted to go on to bigger and better things, Ward recalled.

He jokingly suggested that DeAngelo consider the FBI, Ward said.

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Even after DeAngelos arrest, Ward said, nothing about their interactions had appeared odd or sinister.

I couldnt believe it. I was devastated. At first I thought it was someone with the same name. It cant be the same guy,  he said. I worked side by side with that guy. I couldve been one of his victims, really easily.

Its kind of scary.

Authorities believe DeAngelo was responsible for several attack sequences in different parts of the state that were given names: the Golden State Killer, East Area Rapist and Original Night Stalker, as well as the Visalia Ransacker, who hit during the time DeAngelo was in Exeter.

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In 1975, a masked man woke up the teenage daughter of Claude Snelling, a local journalism professor, and attempted to kidnap her. Snelling interrupted the abduction and was fatally shot by the assailant, who escaped without the girl.

A week later, police had beefed up their presence in the neighborhood, expecting that Snellings killer would try to strike again. He did, and police had him cornered in a residents backyard, Ward said.

An officer trained his flashlight on the man, who shot it out, hopped a fence and escaped.

Ward and officers from neighboring departments with police dogs swarmed the area.

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He just disappeared into thin air. He was good, Ward said.

DeAngelo was fired from the Auburn department in 1979 after he was caught shoplifting dog repellent and a hammer.

He violated the trust of the people, and it was clear from our investigation hed committed a theft. And theres no room in law enforcement for someone who steals, Nick Willick, former chief of the Auburn Police Department, said in an interview with Fox 40 in Sacramento.

But like others, Willick said there was nothing in DeAngelos background that suggested he was a serial killer. In a strange way, the theft even made sense.

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Law enforcement would carry dog repellent too because, like a mailman, officers go to doors and dogs chase after them. So it wasnt anything that sent up a red flag, he said.

Its hard not to look back at DeAngelos years in Exeter now and see clues and curiosities.

An edition of the Exeter Sun quoted him as speaking about the importance of law and order. Without it, the newspaper said, there can be no government and without a democratic government there can be no freedom. Law enforcement is his career, he says, and his job is serving the community.

A Visalia Times-Delta story reported how DeAngelo and other officers were part of a new burglary task formed in 1976. The police reported a 15% decline in burglaries six months after the program started.

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For Pool, who tracked the Golden State Killer for years, the conclusions are obvious.

He was always a wolf in sheeps clothing, he said.

Parvini reported from Visalia, Serna and Winton from Los Angeles. Times staff writer Paige St. John in Sacramento contributed to this report.

joseph.serna@latimes.com | Twitter: @JosephSerna

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richard.winton@latimes.com | Twitter: @LAcrimes

sarah.parvini@latimes.com | Twitter: @sarahparviniA homeless Los Angeles man won a second chance Tuesday to hold the city liable for euthanizing his pet birds.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals revived a lawsuit by Martino Recchia over the fate of 18 pigeons, a crow and a seagull he kept in boxes and cages in his home on a sidewalk.

An animal control officer investigated Recchias campsite in late 2011 in response to complaints about a homeless man with birds. Recchia agreed to allow the officer to look into his birds boxes and cages, the court said.

All the birds had food and water, but their containers were covered in feces and too small to allow the animals to fly around; the newspaper lining on the bottom of the containers was wet, the court said.

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Many of the birds were deformed, distressed and diseased, the court said, although eight pigeons appeared to be healthy.

Two animal control officers impounded the birds, leading to what one officer said was a physical confrontation with Recchia. The LAPD was called, and officers stayed Recchia until all his birds could be hauled away.

The animal control officers gave Recchia a written notice informing him he had 10 days to request a hearing.

Recchia requested the hearing four days later, but it was too late. All of the pigeons had been euthanized, and the crow and gull had been sent to wildlife rescue groups.

A city veterinarian who examined the birds the day after they were impounded determined that many of the pigeons were diseased and even the healthy-looking ones probably carried pathogens. The birds blood was not tested.

Recchia sued the animal control officers and the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, but a district court ruled in favor of the city. Recchia appealed.

Tuesdays 9th Circuit ruling was largely favorable to the city, agreeing with the trial court that many of Recchias claims had to be rejected.

There is a strong general governmental interest in being able to seize animals that may be in imminent danger of harm due to their living conditions, may carry pathogens harmful to humans or other animals, or may otherwise threaten public safety without first needing to have a hearing on the subject, Judge Ronald M. Gould, a Clinton appointee, wrote for the court.

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Still, the panel decided, Recchia should be given a chance to show that the seizure of the eight healthy-looking birds without a warrant violated his constitutional rights.

There is a genuine factual dispute about whether the healthy-looking birds posed any meaningful risk to other birds or humans at the time they were seized, Gould wrote.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolanIn a ruling that could change the workplace status of people across the state, the California Supreme Court made it harder Monday for employers to classify their workers as independent contractors.

The unanimous decision has implications for the growing gig economy, such as Uber, Lyft and other app-driven services  but it could extend to nearly every employment sector.

In recent years, the hiring of workers as independent contractors  not subject to government rules on minimum wage, overtime and rest breaks  has exploded. A 2016 study by economists at Harvard and Princeton universities estimated 12.5 million people were considered independent contractors, or 8.4% of the U.S. workforce.

The ruling is likely to lead many employers in California to immediately question whether they should reclassify independent contractors rather than face stiff fines for misclassification, employment lawyers said.

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A huge number of businesses will be calling their lawyers saying What should I do? said Michael Chasalow, a professor at the USC Gould School of Law.

To classify someone as an independent contractor, the court said, businesses must show that the worker is free from the control and direction of the employer; performs work that is outside the hirers core business; and customarily engages in an independently established trade, occupation or business.

When a worker has not independently decided to engage in an independently established business but instead is simply designated an independent contractor ... there is a substantial risk that the hiring business is attempting to evade the demands of an applicable wage order through misclassification, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye wrote for the court.

A worker may be denied the status of employee only if the worker is the type of traditional independent contractor  such as an independent plumber or electrician  who would not reasonably have been viewed as working in the hiring business, the court said.

Instead, an independent contractor would be understood to be working in his or her own independent business, Cantil-Sakauye wrote.

The court offered examples: A plumber temporarily hired by a store to repair a leak or an electrician to install a line would be an independent contractor. But a seamstress who works at home to make dresses for a clothing manufacturer from cloth and patterns supplied by the company, or a cake decorator who works on a regular basis on custom-designed cakes would be employees.

The ruling came in a class-action lawsuit against Dynamex Operations West Inc. a package and document delivery company that has counted Amazon.com among its clients. The suit charged that Dynamex misclassified its delivery drivers as independent contractors rather than employees.

A lawyer for Dynamex referred questions to a company spokesman, who could not be reached.

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The ruling did not resolve that case, but defined independent contractors for lower courts that are grappling with the dispute.

The court said wage and hour laws were adopted to enable people to earn a subsistence standard of living and to protect workers health and safety. The laws also shield the public from having to assume financial responsibility for workers earning substandard wages or working in unhealthy or unsafe conditions, the court noted.

According to the California Labor Commissioners website, the misclassification of workers as independent contractors costs the state roughly $7 billion in lost payroll taxes each year.

Worker classification is the core issue in recent labor disputes between unions and trucking firms serving the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Julie Gutman Dickinson, an attorney for the Teamsters Unions port trucking campaign, said the ruling lays out clear guidelines for when a worker is an independent contractor in a way that will benefit workers in all industries.

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This is an effort to level the unequal playing field  misclassified workers have been taken advantage of for decades, said Gutman Dickinson, a partner at Bush Gottlieb.

The California Labor Commissioners Office and the courts have repeatedly found that port truck drivers were misclassified. Gutman Dickinson couldnt think of a case when she thought a port trucker should have been an employee and the government found otherwise. Still, she said the new standard should speed up the timeline on which the government finds a worker to be misclassified.

It will accelerate the trend by states toward expanding worker protections, in part as a counterweight to the restrictions on worker rights under federal law, predicted Michael Rubin, a lawyer who represented employee rights and civil rights groups and labor organizations in the case.

Rubin noted that California has now followed Massachusetts and New Jersey in restricting the ability of employers to call workers independent contractors. He said there are hundreds of lawsuits in California alleging employee misclassification.

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The ruling, said USCs Chasalow, provides some clarity on the responsibility businesses have when classifying workers as employees or independent contractors. Previously, he said the standard was somewhat of a black box test that chiefly relied on what level of control companies had over the worker  something that could be interpreted in different ways.

Under the new standard, Chasalow said, drivers for Uber and Lyft should be classified as employees because those companies usual course of business is providing rides.

However, Chasalow cautioned the ruling only applied to wage orders, which set rules on minimum pay and basic working conditions such as meal and rest breaks. It would not apply to workers compensation or tax purposes, he said  opening up the possibility a company could classify a worker in different ways for different purposes.

It also doesnt touch on a key dispute in the Uber and Lyft cases, now being heard in federal courts: whether drivers should be reimbursed for gas, car repairs and insurance.

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Uber declined to comment, and Lyft did not respond to a request for comment.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolanThe AIDS Healthcare Foundation announced Monday that it has purchased a historic  and nearly unoccupied  downtown hotel as the next step in its initiative to provide affordable housing for homeless people.

The foundations new homeless division will refurbish the King Edward Hotel on the edge of skid row and lease its 150 rooms at rates as low as $400 per month, President Michael Weinstein said.



For the record: A previous version of this story misspelled the Healthy Housing Foundation as Health Housing Foundation.

At a reception in the lobby of the 1906 building near 5th and Los Angeles streets, Weinstein said the project will demonstrate how homeless people can be housed quickly and at far lower cost than through the housing construction program being pursued by the city.

The foundations goal, Weinstein said, is to open 10,000 units in five years. The city plans to add the same number of units of permanent supportive housing with help from funds authorized by Proposition HHH, but in 10 years.

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The measure, approved by city voters in 2016, authorizes $1.2 billion in borrowing over 10 years to augment other sources of public and private funding for construction of homeless housing, shelters and other facilities.

Weinstein challenged the city to follow the foundations lead in finding underused existing buildings and adopting the single-room occupancy model to speed up and reduce the cost of housing the homeless.

Permanent supportive housing being partially funded through Proposition HHH is costing more than $400,000 per unit, city records show.

If we spend $400,000 to $500,000 per unit to house a single person, then were going to run out of money very quickly, Weinstein said. We have to look at a maximum of $100,000 per unit if were going to make a dent in this problem.

The nonprofit organization is a philanthropic powerhouse that operates a global network of clinics and pharmacies and plasters cities with provocative billboards for HIV and STD testing.

It has also become a polarizing player in local and state politics, bankrolling ballot measures on drug pricing, condoms in adult films and Los Angeles real estate development. It poured millions of dollars into the campaign for Measure S, which would have imposed a moratorium lasting up to two years on L.A. building projects that require zoning changes and other alterations in city rules.

The King Edward is the third project of the foundations new housing arm called the Healthy Housing Foundation.

It has also purchased the nearby Madison Hotel on 7th Street, whose 220 single-occupancy units are about three-fourths leased, and the Sunset 8 Motel in Hollywood, which it is using for family housing.

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We believe that is the long-term answer to solving the homeless problem, Weinstein said. We should be able to utilize a market model to have modest accommodations for people of very low income.

A spokesman for the foundation said the purchase, which closed Wednesday, was for $15.25 million. Not counting about $4.7 million for commercial and retail space, that works out to $70,446 per unit, he said.

The foundation will spend from $3,000 to $5,000 per unit on paint, flooring and fixtures and will lease the units as they are finished. The building currently has 35 tenants who will be moved into the renovated units, Weinstein said.

He said the foundation is still looking for other properties and challenged the city to do the same.

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doug.smith@latimes.com

@LATDougA parolee driving a motor home with two of his children on board led police on an hours-long car chase across Los Angeles-area freeways and into Kern County on Tuesday before escaping on foot, authorities said.

Stephen Houk disappeared after his motor home got stuck in an almond orchard in a remote area just north of Bakersfield. His two children, who are 3 years old and 11 months old, were found safe, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Authorities are looking for Stephen Houk, 46, who disappeared after leading police on a pursuit in a motor home. (California Highway Patrol )

Its unclear exactly when he fled because the door he escaped from was out of sight, said Deputy Tracy Koerner.

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Authorities said the 46-year-old man was wanted for evading, child abduction, child endangerment and weapons violations, and was involved in a dispute with his wife earlier Tuesday. Sheriffs officials said the man is registered in Oregon as a sex offender and believe he is armed.

The pursuit began shortly before 3 p.m., when Los Angeles police officers encountered the vehicle near Hollywood Boulevard and tried to pull it over, according to an LAPD spokesman.

The CHP took over the pursuit as the man took to the 170 and 5 freeways and headed northbound on the 5, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Tao, a public information officer for the agencys Southern Division.

The mother of the children was on the phone with the suspect as he was driving, trying to persuade him to pull over, Tao said.

At one point during the pursuit, the man pulled a curtain closed, so authorities could no longer see him.

Officers followed the man into the almond orchard but were forced to hang back when dust from the road and heavy brush obscured their vision. Eventually, the motor home got stuck on soggy ground, said Officer Robert Rodriguez, a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol.

Authorities didnt realize right away that he was stuck. When they did, they waited to approach  their helicopter was detecting a heat signature from the drivers seat.

Soon after, a little boy came out of the vehicle on his own.

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Turns out it was actually the little boy, Rodriguez said.

The boy told officers that his little sister was still inside, but his dad was not. Both children were reunited with their mother, Rodriguez said, and no one was injured.

Rodriguez said no weapons were found in the car.

james.queally@latimes.com | Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT

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alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com | Twitter: @AleneTchek

UPDATES:

10:50 p.m.: This article was updated with more details about the suspects disappearance.

8:55 p.m.: This article was updated with information from a sheriffs spokesman.

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8:30 p.m.: This article was updated with more information.

7:56 p.m.: This article was updated with information from authorities about the suspect.

7:14 p.m.: This article was updated after the motor home stopped.

4:43 p.m.: This article was updated when the pursuit entered Kern County.

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This article was first published at 3:55 p.m.Los Angeles lawmakers agreed Tuesday to pay up to $1.95 million to end a legal battle with the family of a woman shot and killed by police officers in 2015.

The police chief and the civilian Los Angeles Police Commission that oversees the LAPD were divided over the killing of Norma Guzman 2 years ago.

Chief Charlie Beck believed the two officers who shot the 37-year-old woman had followed department rules for using deadly force, saying they reasonably believed that Guzman presented an imminent, serious threat when she moved toward them with a knife.

But the Police Commission faulted one of the officers for his tactics and use of deadly force, agreeing with its inspector general that the officer put himself in a vulnerable position and without less-lethal alternatives, such as a bean-bag shotgun.

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Prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against the officers, concluding that they reasonably feared for their lives as Guzman approached them.

In the lawsuit, Guzmans widower, Marcos Castaneda, and their teenage son argued that officers knew Guzman was mentally challenged and completely harmless and that she did not pose a threat to the two officers.

They also alleged that the Los Angeles Police Department had failed to properly train officers in dealing with people with mental illnesses.

Attorney Stephen Bernard, who represented the family, said Tuesday that this whole story is a tragedy, especially for people who came here for a better life.

For a teenager whose mother was killed by police, I dont think the money ever does right by that situation, Bernard said.

The City Council voted 12 to 2 to approve the payment. Councilmen Joe Buscaino and Mitchell Englander opposed the decision.

Buscaino said the shooting was a tragedy on all levels, but argued that the city should have taken the case to trial.

At what point do we start defending these officers actions? Buscaino asked.

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emily.alpert@latimes.com

Twitter: @AlpertReyes

Los Angeles Times staff writer Kate Mather contributed to this report.

UPDATES:

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3 p.m.: This article was updated with comment from Stephen Bernard, the familys attorney.

This article originally published at 12:05 p.m.A small storm system is bringing light showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms to Southern California on Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

The rain is expected to be isolated mostly to the mountains and could reach the Thomas fire burn areas in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, but it shouldnt add up to more than a quarter-inch, said meteorologist David Sweet.

Theres a very slim chance of any problems with the burn areas, Sweet said.

Drizzle already has been reported in Orange County and the Inland Empire, where it has slickened roads during the morning commute.

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The storm also is expected to drop a few inches of snow at elevations higher than 6,000 feet, Sweet said.

With the states traditional rainy season over, Sweet said theres a good chance this is the last precipitation Southern California will receive for some time.

The Sierra Nevada snowpack  a vital source of water for consumers in the summer and fall  was at 32% of average, according to the Department of Water Resources.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.Eight members of a group of Central Americans seeking asylum in the United States were admitted Monday night into the San Ysidro Port of Entry, according to leaders of Pueblo Sin Fronteras, which organized the caravan that traveled through Mexico to the Tijuana-San Diego border.

They were the first to be allowed through since a group of caravan members arrived at the border Sunday afternoon to apply for asylum.

Word of their passage came as U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that it was again accepting asylum seekers and others without documents after a hiatus of close to 27 hours.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had filed charges against 11 people it accused of entering the country illegally and suspected were caravan members.

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The suspects were arrested by members of the Border Patrol in areas west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

When respect for the rule of law diminishes, so too does our ability to protect our great nation, its borders, and its citizens, Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

Just as members of the caravan had prepared to present themselves at the border to ask for asylum on Sunday afternoon, the Border Patrol announced that its facilities were full and that it did not have the capacity to accept them.

On Monday morning, some 20 members of the caravan, most of them women with small children, spread out on blankets at the door to the ports pedestrian entrance, known as PedWest, watching as northbound crossers walked past at a rapid clip, heading to jobs, school and shopping excursions.

I feel that God will help me cross, and will touch the presidents heart, said Jose Cristobal Amaya, 16, among the small group waiting at the PedWest door.

The Honduran teenager, who was traveling alone, said he was fleeing gang members who beat his father and threatened to kill his entire family.

The eight caravan members to go through were from this group, with mothers and children the first to be selected, according to a spokesman for Pueblo Sin Fronteras: Three mothers, four children, and an 18-year-old were in the initial group.

The spokesman said that they will remain detained at the port until they receive what is called a credible fear interview with an asylum officer, a screening to determine if the immigrant faces persecution or torture in his or her home country. Those who do are deemed eligible to stay in the country for a full asylum hearing.

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Meanwhile a larger group of caravan members continued waiting, spread farther from the PedWest entrance in an open area outside El Chaparral, Mexicos federal port that connects to San Ysidro.

Attorneys who have been assisting them have said that up to 200 participants had been preparing to apply for asylum.

President Trump has made it clear that he does not look kindly on the caravan. He has tweeted that he instructed the secretary of Homeland Security to not let these large caravans of people into our country.

Dibble writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.The top security official for embattled Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt abruptly left office ahead of his scheduled questioning before a congressional panel, one of two top aides whose departures were announced Tuesday amid a series of federal ethics investigations of the agency.

In statements, Pruitt gave no immediate reasons why the two men  security chief Pasquale Nino Perrotta and Albert Kelly, a former Oklahoma banker who ran the EPAs Superfund program  were leaving.

Perrotta is due to appear Wednesday for a transcribed interview by staffers of the House Oversight Committee. Committee aides said his resignation was not expected to affect his appearance.

Pruitts spending on security, and some of EPAs security contracts with Perrotta, are among the topics of more than a dozen federal probes involving the EPA under Pruitt, a former Oklahoma attorney general.

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Pruitt said Perrotta was retiring, and praised him for hard work and dedication.

Pruitt thanked Kelly for what he said was his tremendous impact in Kellys year overseeing the nations Superfund program, charged with handling the cleanup of toxic waste sites.

Pruitt hired Kelly, an Oklahoma banker, at EPA after federal banking regulators banned the man from banking for life. Regulators have not publicly specified the actions that led to the banking ban. Days ago, Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego) pressed Pruitt for more details about why exactly Kelly had been sanctioned by regulators.

I think Mr. Kelly, if hes willing to share that with you, he should do that, Pruitt said Thursday.

EPA spokespeople Jahan Wilcox and Liz Bowman did not immediately respond to a question asking whether the two departures were related to ongoing federal investigations.

Democrats in Congress asked for federal investigations of Kellys reported loans to Pruitt himself while the two were still in Oklahoma. Kelly is not among the other EPA officials whom the House Oversight Committee members had summoned for questioning.

Pruitt weathered six hours of grilling from congressional Democrats last week over the steady flow of news reports and announcements of new investigations involving alleged ethical lapses at his agency, including spending for Pruitt on round-the-clock security guards, first-class plane tickets, and a $43,000 soundproof telephone booth.

Pruitt repeatedly deflected blame, saying subordinates had taken the questioned actions without his knowledge.

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He pledged then to change course at the agency on the questioned spending and other issues. Ultimately, as the administrator of the EPA, the responsibility of identifying and making necessary changes rests with me and no one else, Pruitt told lawmakers at last weeks hearings.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), who has pushed for investigations of ethical problems under Pruitt, said in a statement Tuesday that Pruitt should be the next to go.

Albert Kelly was never qualified to run Superfund, his banking ban was a huge red flag and his resignation is a positive development, Beyer said.Environmental consequences aside, it would seem to make a certain amount of sense to dam a river in order to store and distribute water where and when it is most needed.

But what if theres no river? Or more to the point, what if every river that can be dammed already has been dammed, and the water in those rivers has already been tapped? The value of new, giant dams is extremely limited and costly without new giant rivers to fill them, and California has no such new rivers.

Thats the gist of the situation that faces the California Water Commission, which meets for three days this week to consider how to spend billions of dollars in Proposition 1 bond funding on storage projects  including its staffs recommendations against huge new dams.

Commissioners should pay heed to their experts and reject projects that are designed for a different era, before the development of more deft and cost-effective technologies and water management practices.

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Voters adopted the water bond in 2014, in the midst of a deep drought that may well have become Californias new normal. The $7.12-billion measure allocated $2.7 billion for water storage projects that would in some way make up for the shrinking of the Sierra snowpack, which has for decades provided much of the water that sustained streams and wetlands and supplied farms and urban faucets.

Creating more traditional reservoir storage does little to ease water shortages for most Californians.

The wording of the bond was carefully negotiated so that various interests could fight later over whether the funding was meant for huge structures like the nations tallest dam (Oroville, built in the 1960s), or alternatives to dams, designed and built for a dry era with diminished flow. The commission is the arena for that battle.

The San Joaquin River is already so dammed and diverted that it runs dry in its central stretches most years, yet there is an application for bond funding to add yet another dam, known as Temperance Flat. Meanwhile, backers of the Sites Project want a dam to capture water diverted away from the Sacramento River.

Reservoirs created by either project could be filled only by a succession of unusually heavy storm seasons  and then would be quickly drained by water-rights holders (typically farmers) who have legal claims to every drop. California can hardly count on such excess and would be foolish to allocate its storage resources to such projects.

Besides, creating more traditional reservoir storage does little to ease water shortages for most Californians. A big dam, built in part by public funds, collects water not for all the public, but for those who already own the water rights. Granted, the states water system is interlinked and we all rely on it. But to the extent practical, projects that generate water should be paid for by those who will use it.

Commissioners are no doubt aware of what is happening out of state on the Colorado River, which helps supply much of Southern California. The surface level of Lake Mead  the reservoir created by Hoover Dam  has dropped precipitously and will not recover in our lifetimes; there is too little snowmelt in the Rockies and too much demand in the Western states. Further upstream, there is serious talk of decommissioning Glen Canyon Dam and draining Lake Powell, which experiences so much evaporation that the value of storing water there is in question.

With those great 20th century projects no longer reliable, it makes a lot of sense to look at alternatives  and little sense to spend money on projects that are junior versions of the same thing.

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With no new rivers to dam, perhaps its time to adjust our definition of river. The largest river in Southern California, measured by volume and flow, is the Santa Ana, which empties into the ocean near Huntington Beach. But the second largest, again in terms of volume and flow of water, is the virtual river that flows out of the Hyperion sewage treatment plant. Hyperion is, in fact, the major component of L.A.s sanitation system and its water is  to put it gingerly  dirty. But it is water, it can be cleaned, it can be stored, distributed and reused. When we have bond funding for storage projects, it makes sense to spend it where the water is, and its increasingly in urban outflow.

There are numerous projects in the planning stage around California to capture and clean these rivers, sometimes to reuse the water directly, sometimes to offset against delivery contracts from other parts of the state, in order to leave that distant water where it is, or to allocate it toward environmental preservation or other uses.

Given the choice, it is better to build projects that repair environmental damage rather than inflict it, as old-style dams do. Proposition 1 in fact requires environmental benefits be considered.

Water projects that call for underground storage of cleansed urban runoff may lack the visceral appeal and heroic image of huge structures that lock up Sierra or Rocky Mountain snowmelt. But big dams, the hallmark of 20th century water management, are outmoded. It makes no more sense to build a huge concrete dam today, on or off a river that already has been over-tapped, than it does to build the newest, biggest, shiniest steam locomotive. Times have changed. Needs have changed. California, if you will pardon the expression, is already dammed. Its time now to spend our resources where the water is.

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Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and FacebookOn May 12, President Trump has to decide whether to waive a set of economic sanctions against Iran and continue U.S. adherence to the international agreement that has placed significant limits on Irans nuclear program. What will he do? Even he doesnt seem to know. On Monday, he said only: Well see what happens.

What ought to happen is that the president should continue to comply with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed to in 2015, even as the U.S. and its European allies discuss ways to strengthen the agreement. Ominously, however, Trump continues to signal that he is willing to demolish the deal.

Never mind that Trumps own secretary of Defense, James N. Mattis, told Congress last week that the agreement provides for pretty robust oversight of Irans nuclear activities. Or that French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pleaded with Trump to adhere to the agreement in their recent visits to the White House.

Trump seems more persuaded by the objections of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who earlier in the day ostentatiously revealed captured documents that he said proved that Iran did not come clean about its nuclear program or its historical efforts to develop nuclear weapons. Trump said Netanyahus disclosures showed that I was 100% right to denounce the nuclear agreement he excoriated during the 2016 presidential campaign.

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Never mind that Trumps own secretary of Defense told Congress last week that the agreement provides for pretty robust oversight of Irans nuclear activity.

Actually, as experts were quick to point out, it wasnt news that Iran in the past had aspired to develop nuclear weapons  that, after all, was the rationale for the agreement  or that it has dissembled about its previous efforts.

Instead, Irans history of duplicity makes the case for extending the life of restrictions on Irans nuclear activities that expire after 10 to 15 years, for placing limitations on Irans ballistic missile program and for providing for even more rigorous inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The U.S. and its European allies have been discussing ways to achieve those objectives and to counter Irans destabilizing activities in the Middle East. On Sunday, Macron raised some of these concerns in a telephone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

But its hard to see Iran responding positively to such efforts if Trump abrogates the current agreement (and divides the U.S. from its allies). In fact, such a rupture could have even more drastic consequences, such as a decision by Iran to renounce the agreement or even to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Thats not the only danger. As Trump prepares to engage Kim Jong Un, a decision by the U.S. to renounce the nuclear agreement will cast doubt on the reliability of any commitment this country might make in negotiations with North Korea. Its not too late for Trump to reverse course.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand FacebookFridays summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was historic, impressive and inspiring. The pageantry and pledges  in the form of the Panmunjom Declaration  were an uplifting show of Korean reconciliation.

Kim maintained his rapid-fire charm offensive over the weekend, announcing his willingness to dismantle North Koreas nuclear test site under international supervision and his intention to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He also suggested that Pyongyang wouldnt need nuclear weapons if Washington signed a peace treaty and nonaggression pledge.

But when I read the Panmunjom Declaration, and reread the many North Korean pledges of the last 40 years, I come away feeling a lot like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day.

Fridays declaration is replete with generalities and bereft of detailed plans or commitments, particularly on denuclearization. Its boilerplate language and ideas have been lifted from previous agreements and joint statements, in 1972, 1992, 2000 and 2007. Can Moon and Kim be penalized for plagiarism?

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A recommitment to worthy goals of nonaggression and denuclearization is commendable, but North Korea has famously broken its previous pledges. Seoul and Washington must maintain sanctions against the North, and military deterrence, until Pyongyang proves it has truly altered its modus operandi. When youre approaching the altar with a serial philanderer, its best to keep the divorce lawyer on speed dial.

When youre approaching the altar with a serial philanderer, its best to keep the divorce lawyer on speed dial.

In the Panmunjom Declaration, Moon and Kim committed their countries to completely cease all hostile acts against each other. Indeed, the two leaders solemnly declared that there will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and thus a new era of peace has begun. But in 1972, the Koreas futilely agreed to implement appropriate measures to stop military provocation which may lead to unintended military conflict. In 1992, they vowed not to use force against each other [or] undertake armed aggression against each other. In 2007, Seoul and Pyongyang agreed to adhere strictly to their obligation to nonaggression.

None of those pledges constrained North Korea from conducting assassination attempts on the South Korean president, terrorist acts, military and cyber attacks and acts of war.

Moons strategy has focused on improving inter-Korean relations, striving toward peace and resuming South Korean economic largesse to the North, while only paying lip service to more substantive and difficult issues such as denuclearization. Hes playing good cop and punting the onerous duties of bad cop to the United States.

In that role, President Trump at his prospective summit meeting with Kim, should press for an unambiguous commitment to the complete abandonment of nuclear weapons in the North. That requirement in itself may torpedo the Panmunjom euphoria. Will the South blame Kims intransigence or Washingtons rigidity for derailing the latest chance at Korean reconciliation?

Moon, who was chief of staff to President Roh Moo-hyun, has resurrected several of Rohs controversial 2007 Korean summit ideas: turning the areas near the Northern Limit into a maritime peace zone and implementing South Korean-funded economic projects to promote balanced economic growth and co-prosperity of the nation.

The maritime zone met resistance in 2007 because it appears to cede South Korean fishing rights in the crab- and fish-rich West Sea area along with South Korean sovereignty in an area defended at cost of life by the South Korean navy. The long list of balanced-economic-growth infrastructure projects requires extremely unbalanced transfers of South Korean wealth to the North  which younger South Koreans particularly object to  and they are arguably in violation of U.N. resolutions and U.S. law.

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The Panmunjom Declaration doesnt address denuclearization  the main impediment to reducing tension and enabling Korean reconciliation  until its penultimate paragraph.

North Koreas nuclear weapons are, of course, already in violation of its commitment to the 1992 Joint Declaration of South and North Korea on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. As in other subsequent inter-Korean agreements, this one refrains from pointing that out. Instead it pledges both Koreas to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities under the agreements. The North is praised for very meaningful and crucial measures related to denuclearization, presumably a reference to the April announcement that Kim would refrain from nuclear and missile testing, which North Korea long ago had agreed not to do.

Perhaps this round of Korean summits will be truly different. We should remain hopeful that diplomacy, military deterrence, sanctions and the process of confronting North Korea over its human rights violations will achieve denuclearization and a peace treaty to end the Korean War. But the one agreement to come out of recent negotiations so far is no more than a guilty pleasure, an airy confection, appealing but lacking in meaningful substance.

Bruce Klingner is senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation. He previously served as the CIAs deputy division chief for Korea.

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Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand FacebookTo the editor: Thank you for your article revealing how U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement holds American citizens in custody, sometimes for lengthy periods of time. (ICE held an American man in custody for 1,273 days. Hes not the only one who had to prove his citizenship, April 27)

I am a former attorney with Immigration and Naturalization Services, ICEs predecessor agency, have have represented a number of U.S. citizens who the government has tried to deport. Many of them were born abroad, but acquired U.S. citizenship at birth through their parents, the same way politicians like Republican Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and John McCain (Ariz.) became citizens. In each of my cases, an immigration judge terminated deportation proceedings.

Derivative citizenship laws are complex and ever-changing. It is a terrible idea to let ICE agents, who are not lawyers, make such determinations. Instead, an attorney who is well-versed in these laws needs to be able to review whether these persons are U.S. citizens the same day that an arrest is made.

Holding American citizens in ICE custody and forcing them to prove their status is a violation of their rights under the Constitution.

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Carl Shusterman, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Thank you for your excellent and important story  important because it highlights yet another example of governmental, bureaucratic uncaring and arrogance.

While all stories of governmental injustice, no matter how statistically insignificant, should inspire in good Americans a there but for the grace of God sensation, as a naturalized immigrant and person of color, it does so for me particularly.

So I wondered if there was a significant, obtainable statistic missing from the story  namely, what was the ratio of white to persons of color afflicted by these situations. Its well known that there are thousands of white foreigners who overstay their visas and live on for years in the U.S., and I think the role of race in the activities of ICE is insufficiently examined.

Simon Li, Pasadena

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and FacebookTo the editor: It is one thing for the Los Angeles Times and other left-leaning newspapers to trash, investigate and question President Trump and other people in his administration constantly. It is quite another dastardly deed when one takes on the first lady. (Melania, the steely, dead-eyed trouper, Opinion, April 27)

Never have I ever seen a columnist publish an article about a sitting first lady that is both contemptible and outrageous. Viciously attacking Melania Trumps wardrobe, shoes, facial expression and attitude is nefarious journalism at its worst.

Shame on Virginia Heffernan and The Times.

Penny Wood, Vista, Calif.

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..

To the editor: Heffernan believes Melania Trump deserves the publics sympathy, as she is yoked to a husband who lies and cheats and is physically repellent.

Heffernans heart is in the right place, but lets not go too far. Melania, the dead-eyed trouper, seems to be heading, someday, to a humongous divorce settlement from the Donald plus a fortune selling the publishing rights to her memoir.

Hillary got a book advance of millions of dollars for her recent election memoir, What Happened, which does not include anything about her husband and his affair with Monica Lewinsky. A steamy memoir by Melania about herself, Donald and adult film actress Stormy Daniels should fetch the first lady much more than Clintons latest tome. And then there are the movie rights.

Al Rarmus, Pacific Palisades

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and FacebookNewsoms budget proposes $3 million for Alzheimers research, brain task force By Melody Gutierrez Amyloid plaques, shown here in human brains, are a hallmark of Alzheimers disease. (UCLA School of Medicine) Gov. Gavin Newsom will call for the creation of a brain health task force and dedicate $3 million annually from the states general fund to Alzheimers disease research in the budget proposal he will release Thursday, a source close to the administration said. The money for Alzheimers research would target the new grants at understanding why the disease is more prevalent in women and people of color. Former California first lady and Alzheimers activist Maria Shriver pushed for the funding to be included in the state budget. Shriver said in a statement Wednesday that the funding would make California the first state to make understanding our brains a priority. The states former first lady, whose late father Sargent Shriver was diagnosed with Alzheimers, founded the Womens Alzheimers Movement, an advocacy group raising awareness about womens increased risk for developing the disease. In 2011, she wrote a comprehensive assessment on the disease, to which Newsom  then mayor of San Francisco  contributed a portion called What one city is doing. This is personal to me, just like it is to millions of California families, Shriver said. Alzheimers is one of the largest medical, social and economic crises in our state, and of our time. I am so proud that, once again, California is leading the way. Wiping out Alzheimers is going to require bold thinking, and there is no doubt in my mind that California is home to bold thinkers who can make this happen. Facebook

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Gov. Gavin Newsom orders reinvention of troubled California DMV By Patrick McGreevy A line of people stretches around the South L.A. location of a California Department of Motor Vehicles Office on Aug. 7. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday ordered an overhaul of the California Department of Motor Vehicles, which has been plagued by hours-long wait times at field offices, computer crashes and voter registration errors involving tens of thousands of customers. Just a few days after taking office, Newsom appointed a top advisor to a new DMV Reinvention Strike Team to revamp the beleaguered agency over the next six months. By any metric, California DMV has been chronically mismanaged and failed in its fundamental mission to the state customers it serves and the state workers it employs, Newsom said in a statement, adding Its time for a reinvention. The governor appointed state Government Operations Agency Secretary Marybel Batjer to lead the strike team with a goal of modernizing the agency and enacting changes that improve customer satisfaction, employee performance and transparency. Newsom also ordered an accelerated review of initial findings of an ongoing audit ordered last year by Gov. Jerry Brown. The action was welcomed by lawmakers who have been critical of the DMV, including Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield). The egregious management failures of the DMV have been self-evident, which is why I have been calling for new leadership and a comprehensive independent audit of this troubled state agency over and over again as the problems grew significantly worse, Fong said. Last summer, Californians seeking new driver licenses complained of wait times of four to six hours at DMV offices, which the agency blamed partly on snafus caused by a rush of people trying to get Real IDs, a new identification card design required for airline passengers starting in late 2020. Delays were also blamed on computer crashes at DMV offices as the agency struggled to update its aging automation systems. The DMV also admitted that there were an estimated 23,000 errors as people either were unknowingly registered to vote or mistakes were made in their registration status as part of the states new motor voter program. The agency registered to vote as many as 1,500 people with legal U.S. residency but no citizenship. Last month, DMV Director Jean Shiomoto retired from the agency. Legislators were angered earlier this week when the DMV said it needed an additional $40 million to prevent the return of long lines at its field offices. In addition, the agency has been under fire for issuing driver licenses in the last year that do not comply with the federal Real ID standards requiring two forms of identification by applicants. Facebook

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California police unions are preparing to battle new transparency law in the courtroom By Maya Lau Just as a landmark police transparency law is going into effect, some California police agencies are shredding internal affairs documents and law enforcement unions are rushing to block the information from being released. The new law, which begins to unwind Californias strictest-in-the-nation protections over the secrecy of law enforcement records, opens to the public internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. But the lawsuits and records destruction, which began even before the law took effect Jan. 1, could tie up the release of information for months or years, and in some instances, prevent it from ever being disclosed. The fact that police unions are challenging this law is on some level not surprising, said Peter Bibring, director of police practices at the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, one of the principal supporters of the new law. They have a long history of fighting tooth and nail against transparency. Read More Facebook

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Secretary of State Alex Padilla begins second term with challenge to ensure every Californian is counted By Jazmine Ulloa Secretary of State Alex Padilla takes the oath of office as his family stands by his side on Monday in Sacramento. (Jazmine Ulloa / Los Angeles Times) Secretary of State Alex Padilla was sworn in for a second term on Monday, saying he would continue the battle to protect the right to vote at a time when voter suppression efforts, online disinformation campaigns and interference from foreign adversaries have polarized the public and threatened to undermine trust in U.S. elections. I am doubling down on our fight here in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C., to defend our democracy, he said. Working on the front lines with so many of you, I know that our collective resolve has never been stronger. But the loudest applause came when Padilla promised to fight back against the Trump administrations changes to the U.S. census, saying he will ensure every Californian gets counted. Padilla, a former state senator and Los Angeles City Council member from the San Fernando Valley, led the cause for a new motor voter registration law in 2015, and a new system for online business registrations. But the programs have had experienced problems: More than 23,000 Californians were registered to vote incorrectly by the state DMV, the agency reported last year. On Monday, Padilla said he would continue to push back against false claims of voter fraud in California and pointed to the states voter turnout as proof that his office was involving more people in the democratic process, a promise he made when he was first sworn in four years ago. More than 12.7 million voters cast ballots in the Nov. 6 midterm election, representing roughly 65% of the states registered voters, the highest number of any midterm election since 1982, according to state certified results. I made that promise based on a shared belief that we are a stronger democracy and a better California when we hear all voices from all corners of California, and when those voices are not just heard but counted, Padilla said. Facebook

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Ricardo Lara, Californias first statewide officeholder to come out as gay, sworn in as insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara on the floor of the state Senate in 2016. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Ricardo Lara took the oath of office as California insurance commissioner on Monday, pledging action to boost healthcare coverage and combat climate change. Lara, a Democrat from Bell Gardens, is the first elected statewide officeholder in California who has come out as gay. He began his speech in downtown Sacramento by thanking LGBTQ leaders who came before him and celebrated the occasion. Today, because of you, weve shattered the pink ceiling, Lara said. In his inaugural speech, Lara announced the creation of an executive position in his office to address climate change. There is no other industry that has the necessary expertise to ensure that California is prepared to mitigate and reduce risk to our communities and our environment, Lara said. Our planet cant wait. Im ready, and I hope you are too. Lara served as a state legislator and in 2017 introduced a bill to create a single-payer healthcare system in the state. He promised to work with new Gov. Gavin Newsom to expand coverage across California. Lara was sworn in by retired U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who declared unconstitutional Californias Proposition 8 gay marriage ban. State Sen. President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) was on hand for the ceremony along with multiple other state lawmakers. Facebook

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New California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis says she will help expand access to universities in the state New Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, center, is shown in June talking with attendees at the Power to the Polls rally in Sacramento. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) More Californians should be given access to public universities, Eleni Kounalakis said as she took the oath of office Monday to become the states first woman elected lieutenant governor. Kounalakis was given the oath of office by Gov. Gavin Newsom, her predecessor in the job, who pledged they would work together. As lieutenant governor, Kounalakis serves on the University of California Board of Regents and the California State University Board of Trustees, she noted in a speech at her swearing-in ceremony at the main Sacramento Library. In that role, she said, she will be committed to expanding access to affordable public higher education here in our state. Its wise, its smart and it is the best way to address our rapidly changing digital economy. Kounalakis is former president of a development company founded by her father, Angelo Tsakopoulos, and served during the Obama administration as the U.S. ambassador to Hungary. In November, she won her first run for statewide office. Also attending the ceremony were House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Facebook

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California meets Dutch Newsom, who steals the show at his fathers inauguration By Taryn Luna Gov. Gavin Newsom gives his inaugural address while holding his youngest son, Dutch. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) In the California political world, all eyes were on Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday until his 2-year-old son stole the show. Dutch, the youngest of four children in the Newsom brood, climbed onstage in the middle of his fathers inaugural address in a tent outside the Capitol on Monday. The unplanned moment saw the 51-year-old governors big day interrupted by the toddler, bringing levity to the ceremony. Newsom was recounting Gov. Jerry Browns last inaugural speech and reference to the Sermon on the Mount, a biblical story about two men who built separate homes on sand and rock, when Dutch approached his father, a pacifier in his mouth and blanket in hand. Now more than ever we Californians know how much a house matters and children matter, Newsom said, improvising as he scooped the boy into his arms. The governor kissed Dutch on the cheek and held him for several minutes as he continued with the speech. This is exactly how it was scripted, Newsom joked. Newsom eventually put his child down and Dutch walked to the edge of the stage before retreating behind the podium to hide from his mother, First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom. The crowd roared. Siebel Newsom was able to briefly divert her son only for him to return to the stage minutes later. She grabbed him again and this time, the crying toddler did not reemerge. When fires strikes, when kids cry and the earth shakes, well be there for each other, Newsom said. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who said the moment humanized Newsom, threw cold water on any theories that Dutchs cameo was planned. No, I know it was not, Garcetti said with a laugh after Newsoms speech concluded. I could see that look of absolute abject terror [on Newsoms face]. Weve all been there. Kids always think its about themselves and theyve proved it. California Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) agreed. I worked in early childhood education for 20 years and theres no way you can ever get a child to do anything when you want them to do it, Rendon said. Facebook

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Fiona Ma takes oath as Californias new treasurer By Liam Dillon State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Fiona Ma took the oath of office in Sacramento on Monday as the states 34th treasurer, promising to boost Californias economy. Ma previously served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, in the state Assembly and on the California Board of Equalization. I want to thank everyone for entrusting me with this important job. I understand my role here as your state treasurer is to build that financial wall around California so that we will remain the fifth-largest economy, Ma said in brief remarks. That is my promise to you. California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye administered the oath to Ma. Following the ceremony, Ma held an ice cream social for guests. On Wednesday, she will host a public event in San Francisco to celebrate her swearing-in. State Treasurer Fiona Ma takes the oath of office. (Liam Dillon / Los Angeles Times) Facebook

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Expectations are high for newly sworn-in state schools chief Tony Thurmond Tony Thurmond shakes hands with retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Gordon Baranco after taking the oath of office. (Melody Gutierrez / Los Angeles Times) Tony Thurmond took the oath of office as Californias state superintendent of public schools on Monday, promising a labor-friendly agenda before the teachers, students and Democratic officials who filled an auditorium at McClatchy High School in Sacramento to watch him being sworn in. We cant close the achievement gap without a great teacher at the head of every class, Thurmond said Monday to applause. We have to make sure we provide quality compensation and support to our teachers and our classified staff and all the educators who support our kids. Thurmond, a Bay Area Democrat who served in the state Assembly, won a hotly contested and expensive race with the help of labor leaders against charter school executive Marshall Tuck. The race took several days to sort out after Tuck held an initial lead in early returns on election night before falling behind thereafter. Thurmond was sworn in Monday by retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Gordon Baranco. He was joined on stage by labor rights leader Dolores Huerta and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). Thurmonds former colleagues in the state Assembly took turns praising him and promising to be an ally in improving schools. Many said they expected Thurmond would be a strong leader focused on improving student outcomes. We know we are going to work hard to give you the money you need and the budget you need to fully fund education and our schools so we can put our money where our mouth is and make sure our children have everything they need, Assemblywoman Connie Leyva (D-Chino Hills) said. As state superintendent, Thurmond will oversee the education of 6.2 million students at 10,000 schools. Thurmond was a member of the West Contra Costa County School Board and a Richmond city councilman before he was elected to the state Assembly. Tony is the right man at the right time to fight the federal, Donald Trump, Betsy DeVos anti-child, anti-education, anti-civil and -human rights agenda, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) said. Tony is going to do that for us. Facebook

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State Controller Betty Yee takes oath of office with call for more affordable housing and healthcare State Controller Betty Yee California Controller Betty Yee took the oath of office Monday for a second term, saying she still has work to do addressing problems that include a lack of affordability in housing, healthcare and higher education. A San Francisco native, Yee is the chief financial officer of California  the fifth-largest economy in the world  having first won election to the post in 2014 before winning reelection in November. No region is spared from the widening inequality and increased poverty that plague our state, fueled by the lack of affordable, stable housing, the cost of healthcare and transportation, limited educational opportunities, student loan debt, displacement caused by disasters and more, she said. Yee was administered the oath of office by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento before an overflow crowd that included state Senate leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and San Francisco Mayor London Breed. As a public official it is about governance that delivers results and stays accountable while upholding the underlying value of dignity for all, Yee said. Facebook

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California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra begins new term promising to fight Trump policies California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra on Monday took the oath of office for a new term, saying he would continue his role as a leading challenger to Trump administration actions that he believes are counter to the states interests. Becerra, a former 12-term congressman, has become a national opposition figure to Trump, having sued the federal government 45 times since he was appointed as the states first Latino attorney general in 2017. Weve been a little busy stopping the dysfunction and insanity in Washington, D.C., from infecting California, Becerra told an audience during a swearing-in ceremony at the California Museum in Sacramento. Whether its the criminals on our streets or the conman in the boardrooms or highest office of the land, Becerra said, the California Department of Justice, well, weve got your back. Becerra won his first statewide election as the states top cop in November, two years after he filled the post vacated when predecessor Kamala Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate. He has peppered the Trump administration with lawsuits challenging federal policies on healthcare, the U.S. census, the environment and immigration. Our state builds dreams, not walls, he said in a direct criticism of Trumps proposal to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Just last week, Becerra led a coalition of 17 Democratic attorneys general in announcing an appeal of a federal judge in Texas that ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional. The ACA has been the law for nearly a decade and is the backbone of our healthcare system, Becerra said last week. This case impacts nearly every American  workers covered by employers, families, women, children, young adults and seniors  so we will lead the ACAs defense as long and far as it takes. Facebook

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California Democratic Party Vice Chairman Daraka Larimore-Hall announces bid to lead group By Christine Mai-Duc Daraka Larimore-Hall. (Dominic Parisi / Courtesy of Daraka Larimore-Hall) Daraka Larimore-Hall, a top official at the California Democratic Party, said Monday hes running to replace former chairman Eric Bauman, who resigned abruptly in November after being confronted with allegations of sexual misconduct. Larimore-Hall, a longtime state party activist and former chairman of the Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County, was one of the party leaders who urged Bauman to resign following the allegations. In an email to supporters announcing his bid, he urged both structural and cultural change at every level of our Party. He also repeated his call for a top-to-bottom investigation of the allegations, the party and its culture. In a Times investigation, 10 party activists and staff members said Bauman made crude sexual comments and engaged in unwanted touching and physical intimidation in professional settings. In order to be where we need to be for 2020, we have to confront the culture of abuse and fear that allowed someone to behave in such a vile way for so long, Larimore-Hall said in an interview. We cant brush it aside or think that our activists or our candidates or our donors are going to forget about this overnight. Larimore-Hall said his first priority would be to fully investigate the allegations and restore rank-and-file confidence in the partys leadership. The second would be to refocus the party on political priorities as the 2020 presidential election nears. The Bauman episode, Larimore-Hall said, threatens to derail the Democrats plans to help defeat President Trump and keep the seven congressional seats gained in the midterm elections. Its definitely a crisis, Larimore-Hall said. But the component parts  the energy, the enthusiasm, the volunteers, the infrastructure  its still there. We just need to direct it toward something. Larimore-Hall was elected vice chairman of the state party in February following Baumans razor-thin victory over Bay Area activist Kimberly Ellis. Ellis has announced another bid for the chairmanship and former state Senate leader Kevin de Leon is also mulling a run. The vote will take place at the partys May convention in San Francisco. Facebook

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Newsom will vow to seize this moment, and swipe at Trump in Monday inaugural address By Melanie Mason Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and his family attend an Inauguration Family Event at the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento on Jan. 6. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Building on the theme of California exceptionalism that defined his campaign, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will depict the state as a guardian of progressive values and a counterweight to President Trump in his inaugural address Monday, according to excerpts of his prepared remarks. What we do today is even more consequential, because of whats happening in our country, read the excerpts obtained by The Times. Peoples lives, freedom, security, the water we drink, the air we breathe  they all hang in the balance. The country is watching us. The world is waiting on us. The future depends on us. And we will seize this moment. The speech casts Californias political stakes in a decidedly national scope, promising an agenda that will unify and be an example to the rest of the country. It contrasts the governing goals of Newsom, a Democrat, with that of Trump, the incoming governors perennial foil. We will offer an alternative to the corruption and incompetence in the White House, the excerpts say. Our government will be progressive, principled, and always on the side of the people. Newsom campaigned on an ambitious and wide-ranging platform, promising sweeping solutions on housing, healthcare, education and other issues that rank among Californians top concerns. In the weeks after his election, he struck a more muted tone, taking pains to emphasize his fiscal caution and need for patience in achieving those goals. The inaugural excerpts indicate a return to lofty pledges. While Newsom will vow to prepare for uncertain times ahead by building budgetary reserves and paying down debt, the prepared remarks quickly turn to a vow to be bold. Newsom has already floated several proposals for his first budget that carry significant price tags, including a nearly $2-billion plan to boost early childhood development for low-income families and a dramatic expansion of paid family leave from six weeks to six months. When asked for a preview of his inauguration speech during a news conference Sunday evening, Newsom predicted pundits would criticize his address as short on specifics. Well, of course, Im at an inaugural, Newsom said. But Ill be very detailed in the budget, a few days later. And then we will architect, in much more nuance and detail, in state of the state. I really see this as three opportunities  to communicate over the next few weeks our agenda, our vision for the state. Times staff writer Taryn Luna contributed to this report. Read More Facebook

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Newsom-hosted benefit concert raises nearly $5 million for wildfire victims By Taryn Luna Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom speaks at a concert to benefit wildfire victims at the Golden 1 Arena in Sacramento on Jan. 6. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) On the eve of the gubernatorial inauguration, Californias political class rubbed elbows in Sacramento for a benefit concert hosted by Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and headlined by the rapper Pitbull. Newsom told the crowd gathered at the Golden 1 Center on Sunday evening that the fundraiser brought in nearly $5 million for the California Wildfire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that supports the families of fallen firefighters and communities affected by wildfires. You know, a lot of folks feel anxious about not just politics, but government, Newsom said on stage before introducing the rapper and activist Common. But those firefighters, they are the antidote to the fear and cynicism; they are the manifestation of why government matters and why you should care. Top sponsors, including Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente and other interest groups, paid up to $1 million each to support the cause and curry favor with the new administration. Nathan Click, a spokesman for Newsom, said organizers sold more than 7,000 tickets. Several state lawmakers attended the concert alongside Capitol staff, lobbyists and business types, who mingled on the floor of the arena and offstage in private VIP areas. The rock band X Ambassadors and a duo called the Cold Weather Sons from the town of Paradise, which was destroyed by fire in November, were among several performers who entertained the crowd during the four-hour event. The California Rises concert is the final in a series of festivities held Sunday to celebrate the inauguration of Californias 40th governor. Earlier in the day, Newsom attended a private brunch at Sacramentos Crocker Art Museum and his inaugural committee hosted a free party for families at the California State Railroad Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. Newsoms inauguration is set to begin at 11 a.m. Monday on the steps of the Capitol. Facebook

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Inauguration fever hits Sacramento as Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom prepares to take office By Phil Willon Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom holds his son, Dutch, as he and his family attend an inaugural event at the at the state Railroad Museum Sunday. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Incoming Gov. Gavin Newsom doesnt officially take the oath of office until Monday, but the parties celebrating his inauguration were in full swing all day Sunday. Newsom and his family were mobbed by well-wishers at the California State Railroad Museum at the Old Sacramento Waterfront in the afternoon, where his inaugural committee hosted a free party for families. He just has charisma. Hes able to really connect with people, said Rosielyn Pulmano, an attorney from Elk Grove who came to see Newsom with her husband, two sons and her niece. I think he cares about working Californians and a lot of their issues. Newsom arrived with his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and their four young children, and the governor-elect spent a good deal of his time wading through crowds, taking selfies with supporters and signing autographs as music boomed in the background. As the family toured the inside of the museums locomotives and the bevy of exhibits, Newsoms two-year-old son, Dutch, was wide-eyed, impressed by all the train cars and seemingly a little overwhelmed by the crowd. Newsom said that for his son, all that was missing from the museum was Thomas the Train, popular fictional locomotive in childrens books and cartoons . If theres one thing I can contribute to Sacramento maybe its getting a Thomas the Train exhibit for the two years olds, Newsom joked when talking with reporters afterward. Newsom said he wanted to include such an event in his inaugural festivities to highlight families and children, whose wellbeing will be among the top priorities of his administration. Youll see that not only as a preamble to the inaugural and the budget that well be submitting next week, but I think itll be a big part of the administration, Newsom said. The museum event followed a private, high-dollar brunch at Sacramentos Crocker Art Museum. A steady rain failed to dissuade as many as 200 guests who sipped wine and dined on chicken and salmon while waiting for a photo with Californias new first couple. Seen at the event were representatives of some of the states most powerful political interests, among them organized labor, healthcare companies and tribal gaming interests. A few other high-profile guests attended, too, including Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants, and Erika Jayne, a singer and cast member of the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Im excited to see someone like Gavin  young, vibrant  taking over the state and leading us into the future, Jayne said after attending the brunch with her husband, attorney Tom Girardi. Hes got a lot of great plans. Attendees said the event, which was closed to reporters and held under a tent in the museums outdoor atrium, did not include prepared remarks by Newsom. Among those seen leaving the event were representatives of AT&T, the California Medical Assn., Uber, Kaiser Permanente and the State Building and Construction Trades Council. A fundraising invitation obtained by The Times offered bundled tickets to all of the inauguration events, including those on Sunday and the Monday ceremony, ranging in price from $25,000 to $200,000. The money will be collected by a committee specifically organized to pay for Newsoms inaugural weekend. Sundays festivities are scheduled to end with a benefit concert headlined by Pitbull at the Golden 1 Center, home of the NBAs Sacramento Kings, to raise money for the victims of Californias recent deadly wildfires. Among the attendees at @GavinNewsoms pre-inaugural leadership brunch: Real Housewife of

Bev Hills @erikajayne. Im excited to see someone like Gavinyoung, vibranttaking over the state and leading us into the future. Hes got a lot of great plans. pic.twitter.com/561NHiy2XQ  Melanie Mason (@melmason) January 6, 2019 Facebook

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As Newsom inaugural events begin, he unveils more state budget promises on education and paid family leave Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, seen here last April, will propose new state budget efforts on paid family leave and education subsidies. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Californias incoming governor, who must send his first state budget plan to the Legislature this week, has already signaled a significant new focus on programs to help families and children from infancy to college. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom campaigned on a platform that included a number of child-focused efforts specifically aimed at helping lower-income families. The price tag for the initial efforts is expected to approach $2 billion  a cost paid out of an unrestricted tax revenue windfall that could be one of the largest in state history. Newsom may also seek help for families through new subsidies paid by California employers. The governor-elect is expected to propose a dramatic expansion of paid parental leave  from six weeks to six months  according to an internal document provided by a source close to the Newsom transition team, first reported on Sunday by the New York Times. The document doesnt offer a full explanation for how the program will be funded, saying instead that the budget will set a goal of ensuring that all newborns and newly adopted babies can be cared for by a parent or a close family member for the first six months. Employers across the state are currently assessed a payroll tax that helps offer a subsidy to parents who temporarily leave their job to care for a newborn. Newsoms plan, according to the document, would pay for some of the new costs by shrinking the mandated cash reserve of the state fund that administers the program, allowing more of the money to be paid in benefits. The increase in paid leave would not all happen at once but instead be phased in over a multi-year period. A task force to help implement the expanded care plan is also envisioned, according to the document. It would determine whether two parents could split the six months of paid leave and whether an extended family member could be enlisted to help care for the child of a single parent over the six-month period. The incoming administrations focus on young children will also include $1.8 billion in new spending on early childhood education programs, with a particular focus on training childcare workers and pushing for more California schools to offer full-day kindergarten. Those costs, according to an overview memo obtained by the Los Angeles Times, are considered to be a one-time expense while leaving the long-term costs of the effort to be determined later. More community college students would get free tuition under a third initiative expected in the new governors budget plan. Newsom will propose spending $40 million to offer a second year of tuition-free college to California students, according to an outline provided by a transition official, first reported by Politico. Students are already eligible for a single year of paid tuition under a plan agreed to by Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers in 2017. The incoming governor embraced the idea of free community college during the 2018 campaign as part of a broader focus on additional investments in higher education. Education is an economic development strategy, Newsom said at a higher education forum last spring. We need to significantly increase the investment from the general fund of this state on higher education. Theres no greater higher return on investment. Whether the proposal would be targeted to students based on a familys financial need is unclear. Many low-income students are already eligible for fee waivers at community colleges. The new governor must submit his full state budget plan to lawmakers no later than Thursday. Facebook

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Gavin Newsom and his family decide Sacramento is the place to be The Old Governors Mansion State Historic Park in Sacramento. Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will move his family into the mansion. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom and his family will give up the Marin County life and move to the Victorian-style governors mansion in Sacramento after he takes the oath of office Monday. Newsom and his wife, documentary filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, had debated whether or when to relocate to the state capital since his election in November. The couple have four young children and expressed reservations about moving in the middle of a school year. To best serve the people of California while also maximizing family time together, the Newsoms have therefore decided to move to Sacramento, said Newsoms spokesman, Nathan Click. On Monday, they will move into the Governors Mansion  along with their four children, their two family dogs, and their family bunny rabbit  and reside there for the immediate future. The Newsoms currently live in Marin County. Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife, Ann Gust Brown, moved into the grand house in 2015 after it underwent $4.1 million in renovations to update electrical and plumbing systems, as well as to remove lead-based paint and install a fire sprinkler system and other security features. The mansion was built in 1877 and has been home to 14 governors, but before Brown it had not housed a California governor for nearly half a century. The state bought the mansion from a wealthy Sacramento hardware merchant, Albert Gallatin, in 1903 for $32,500. It was one of the few California homes at that time to have indoor plumbing. Facebook

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Newsom announces top labor, business liaisons as he prepares to take office Julie Su will be secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency for Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Friday named two advisors on issues related to the California economy, each recognized for their expertise on business and labor. The incoming governor will appoint Julie Su as secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency and Lenny Mendonca as chief economic and business advisor and director of the Governors Office of Business and Economic Development. Su, 49, has served as state labor commissioner under Gov. Jerry Brown since 2011 and has led an office tasked with the enforcement of Californias labor laws. She won a MacArthur Foundation genius grant in 2001 and previously worked as a civil rights attorney representing low-wage workers. In her new position, Su will be tasked with coordinating the work of several workforce departments in state government, including those that administer unemployment benefits and oversee the relationship between agriculture workers and employers. Mendonca, 57, has been a longtime advocate for rethinking government operations as co-chairman of the nonprofit organization California Forward. Previously, he was partner at McKinsey & Co., a global management consulting firm. While he will be a key advisor to Newsom on the states economy, Mendonca will also lead the office often referred to as Go-Biz, designated as a high-level way to encourage job growth and economic development. In his new role, Mendonca will help ensure that California is rolling out the welcome mat to current and future California businesses and growing a sustainable economy for every Californian, said a statement from the Newsom transition team. Newsom will take the oath of office as governor Monday. He has previously selected key advisors on the state budget, legislative affairs and the executive branchs wide array of agencies and departments. Facebook

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Joshua Groban, aide to Gov. Jerry Brown, sworn in to California Supreme Court By Taryn Luna California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban gives remarks after he is sworn into the court by Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday. (Taryn Luna) California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban, a lawyer and longtime aide to Gov. Jerry Brown, was sworn into the states highest court Thursday in Sacramento. The ceremony marked Browns fourth appointment to the state Supreme Court and gave the seven-member bench a Democratic majority. We live in a highly chaotic, ever-changing and ever-confusing world, Groban said in prepared remarks at the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building. But Im happy to report that Im joining an institution whose fundamental purpose, at core, is to provide stability and consistency amidst this chaotic place we live. I look forward to doing that with a sense of reflection, respect, fidelity to the law and compassion. None of Browns appointees, Groban included, have judicial experience. Groban served as legal counsel to Browns 2010 gubernatorial campaign and joined the administration as a senior advisor to the governor, overseeing the appointments of some 600 judges over the last eight years. Prior to working with Brown, Groban, 45, practiced law for more than a decade. In perhaps his final public appearance before his successor, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, takes office next week, Brown pushed back on notions that he stacked the court. I dont want this to be known as a Brown court, the governor said before administering the judicial oath of office. First of all, the so-called Brown appointments do not agree with themselves and nor should they. They are individuals. They will differ. Its not anybodys court. The governor called the court a high calling and said Groban possesses the values for the job. Probably, next to my wife, Ive talked to no person as much as Ive talked to Josh Groban, Brown said. I think youve talked to him more, Californias First Lady Anne Gust Brown interjected. I cant tell you what the hell hes going to do, Brown later quipped. I warned him, dont screw up, at least not at first. Facebook

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California campaign watchdog agency seeks law barring use of campaign funds to fight harassment claims Former state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). ( (Steve Yeater / Associated Press)) Elected officials accused of harassment or discrimination would be barred from using political contributions to cover their legal defense costs under legislation proposed by Californias campaign watchdog agency. The state Fair Political Practices Commission has agreed to pursue a law change to clear up confusion after an attorney for one former state lawmaker argued political funds could be used in such legal defenses. Commission Chairwoman Alice Germond said putting a prohibition into the law would provide some much needed clarity. As chair, I would like to show the public their lawmakers are held to a standard that is above reproach, Germond said in a statement. People dont give money to campaigns for lawmakers to use it to defend their own bad behavior, so lawmakers shouldnt be able to use it in that manner. The issue came up a year ago when an attorney for former Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) sought a formal opinion from the FPPC after the Senate launched an investigation that later concluded Mendoza likely engaged in a pattern of harassment against female aides. Mendoza resigned in February under threat of expulsion by the Senate. In a Jan. 10, 2018, letter, Cassandra Ferrannini, an attorney for Mendoza, wrote to the FPPC that she believed Mendoza should be allowed to establish a legal defense fund able to defray his legal expenses in defending himself against the allegations. The use of campaign funds for attorneys fees under these circumstances would fall squarely within the scope of legislative matters, since it involves the alleged conduct of a legislator with regard to legislative staff that he supervised, Ferrannini wrote. The commission staff originally issued an advice letter that said Mendoza may use campaign and legal defense funds to defend himself from claims of sexual harassment that arose directly out of his activities or status as a candidate or elected officer. But the panel later rescinded the letter after some members questioned using campaign funds to fight sexual harassment claims. That left uncertainty about what was allowed, which Germond said could be cleared up by a new law. The FPPC is still looking for a legislator to carry the bill, a spokesman said. Facebook

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Californias landmark police transparency law takes effect after court denies police union effort to block it California Supreme Court building (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) A new state law allowing the public disclosure of internal police shooting investigations has gone into effect after the California Supreme Court on Wednesday denied a bid by a police union to block it. The law opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Employees Benefit Assn. challenged the law last month, asking state Supreme Court justices to decide that the law only apply to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. The court rejected that request Wednesday, allowing members of the public to seek all applicable records held by police departments. Union president Grant Ward said in a statement that his organization was disappointed with the decision and is now seeking other legal options. We feel this is a statewide issue and should be considered accordingly, Ward said. Last month, the city of Inglewood authorized the destruction of more than 100 police shooting investigations and other records in advance of Jan. 1, when the disclosure law was scheduled to take effect. California law requires police departments to keep such records for five years, and Inglewood City Council voted to destroy records older than that. Mayor James T. Butts has said the decision had nothing to do with the new law. In Los Angeles, Police Chief Michel Moore has said that complying with the new disclosure rules could take hundreds of thousands of hours of work. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of the transparency law, has said she has no immediate plans to propose changes to it. Facebook

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Few complaints of racial profiling are sustained by police agencies in California, state panel finds CHP Officer J. Nelson stands outside the office of Gov. Jerry Brown as activists in 2015 support requiring the tracking of police stops. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Law enforcement agencies in California sustain few citizen complaints of racial or identity profiling, according to a report Wednesday by a state panel set up to help reduce bias in policing. The states Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board recommended in its annual report that law enforcement agencies improve training and adopt clear guidelines for tracking and reporting data on who is stopped by officers. The panel said that 453 law enforcement agencies in the state received 9,459 civilian complaints in 2017, including 865 complaints alleging racial or identity profiling. Of the racial and identity complaints that reached a disposition that year, 1.5% were sustained, 14.6% resulted in officers being exonerated and 83.9% of complaints were not sustained or were determined to be unfounded, the report said. A clearer picture of the issue is expected from a 2015 law that requires police agencies to report demographic data on all detentions and searches. The first reports by the eight largest agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, are due to be submitted in April. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, whose office oversees the board, said tracking of all detentions and searches will be helpful to understand the scope of the issue. The Boards recommendations will help make our law enforcement agencies more transparent and promote critical steps to enhance, and in some cases, repair the public trust, Becerra said in a statement Wednesday. Facebook

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California housing crisis podcast: What Minneapolis decision to end single-family zoning might mean for California A view of downtown Minneapolis in 2014 (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images) Theres a national movement brewing to roll back zoning rules in cities that only allow one house on a plot of land. The epicenter of that movement is Minneapolis, which passed a plan last month to eliminate single-family zoning citywide and let landowners build duplexes and triplexes on residential property. On this episode of Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast, we talk about the reasons why Minneapolis leaders took this action, including their desire to combat a history of racial exclusion and spur more housing density to fight climate change. We also debate how Minneapolis decision might affect housing politics in California. Our guest is Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender, who helped shepherd the new zoning rules to passage and a former San Francisco city planner. The episode also crowns 2018s Avocado of the Year  the most ridiculous story exemplifying Californias housing woes  and includes our predictions for the most under-the-radar important themes in housing politics in 2019. Gimme Shelter, a biweekly podcast that looks at why its so expensive to live in California and what the state can do about it, features Liam Dillon, who covers housing affordability issues for the Los Angeles Times Sacramento bureau, and Matt Levin, data and housing reporter for CALmatters. You can subscribe to Gimme Shelter on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Google Play and Overcast. Facebook

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How young immigrant Dreamers made flipping control of the House a personal quest By Jazmine Ulloa Gabriela Cruz, who was brought to the U.S. illegally when she was 1, couldnt vote, but in the final hours before the Nov. 6 election, she was making one last run to get people to the polls. The sun was setting in Modesto when she found Ronald Silva, 41, smoking a cigarette on a tattered old couch behind a group home. He politely tried to wave her off until she reminded him he had a right that she as an immigrant without citizenship didnt have. It could really make a change for us, said Cruz, 29. Read More Facebook

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Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will propose almost $2 billion for early childhood programs (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Seeking to frame his new administration as one with a firm focus on closing the gap between children from affluent and poor families, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom will propose spending some $1.8 billion on an array of programs designed to boost Californias enrollment in early education and child-care programs. Newsoms plan, which he hinted at in a Fresno event last month, will be a key element in the state budget proposal he will submit to the Legislature shortly after taking office Monday, a source close to the governor-elects transition team said. The spending would boost programs designed to ensure children enter kindergarten prepared to learn, closing what some researchers have called the readiness gap that exists based on a familys income. It would also phase in an expansion of prekindergarten and offer money to help school districts that dont have facilities for full-day kindergarten. The fact that hes making significant investments with his opening budget is really exciting, Ted Lempert, president of the Bay Area-based nonprofit Children Now, said Tuesday. Whats exciting is the comprehensiveness of it, because its saying were going to focus on prenatal through age 5. A broad overview document reviewed by The Times on Tuesday shows that most of the outlay under the plan  $1.5 billion  would be a one-time expense in the budget year that begins July 1. Those dollars would be a single infusion of cash, an approach favored by Gov. Jerry Brown in recent years. Most of the money would be spent on efforts to expand child-care services and kindergarten classes. By law, a governor must submit a full budget to the Legislature no later than Jan. 10. Lawmakers will spend the winter and spring reviewing the proposal and must send a final budget plan to Newsom by June 15. Though legislative Democrats have pushed for additional early childhood funding in recent years  a key demand of the Legislative Womens Caucus  those actions have typically come late in the budget-writing season in Sacramento. Quite frankly, to start out with a January proposal that includes that investment in Californias children reflects a new day, state Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) said. The governor-elect will propose a $750-million boost to kindergarten funding, aimed at expanding facilities to allow full-day programs. A number of school districts offer only partial-day programs, leaving many low-income families to skip enrolling their children because kindergarten classes end in the middle of the workday. Because the money would not count toward meeting Californias three-decades-old education spending guarantee under Proposition 98, which sets a minimum annual funding level for K-12 schools and community colleges, it will not reduce planned spending on other education services. Close behind in total cost is a budget proposal by Newsom to help train child-care workers and expand local facilities already subsidized by the state, as well as those serving parents who attend state colleges and universities. Together, those efforts could cost $747 million, according to the budget overview document. An expansion of prekindergarten programs would be phased in over three years at a cost of $125 million in the first year. The multiyear rollout would, according to the budget overview, ensure the system can plan for the increase in capacity. Lempert said the Newsom proposal is notable for trying to avoid the kinds of battles that in recent years pitted prekindergarten and expanded child care against each other for additional taxpayer dollars. The reality is we need to expand both simultaneously, he said. Another $200 million of the proposal would be earmarked for programs that provide home visits to expectant parents from limited-income families and programs that provide healthcare screenings for young children. Some of the money would come from the states Medi-Cal program, and other money from federal matching dollars. Funding for the home visits program was provided in the budget Brown signed last summer; the Newsom effort would build on that. Emphasizing a policy area with broad appeal in his first state budget could reflect Newsoms political sensibility about the challenges ahead. Democratic lawmakers and interest groups will be especially eager to see how Newsom addresses the demand for an overhaul of healthcare coverage in California  especially after a 2017 effort to create a single-payer, universal system fizzled. The path forward on healthcare is complex and costly, making early childhood education a more achievable goal in the governor-elects early tenure. Newsom is likely to face considerable demands for other additional spending. In November, the Legislatures independent analysts projected that continued strength in tax revenues could produce a cash reserve of some $29 billion over the next 18 months. Almost $15 billion of that could be in unrestricted reserves, the kind that can be spent on any number of government programs. Kim Belshe, executive director of the child advocacy organization First 5 LA and a former state health and human services secretary, said the initial Newsom budget proposal suggests the next governor will focus on a comprehensive approach to improving outcomes for children from low-income families. School-ready kids deserve quality early learning, strong and well-supported families, and access to early screening services, Belshe said. Newsom understands the whole child, multifaceted needs of our kids and is clearly ready to lead. Mitchell, the chair of the Senate budget committee, said shes eager to see the details of the governor-elects proposal to determine whether it might signal the beginning of an even broader expansion of early education efforts. Similar efforts have been hindered by a lack of money and ongoing debate over which services to help children 5 and younger need state funding the most. Universal preschool, in particular, has been debated for more than a decade. California voters rejected a ballot measure to fund a full prekindergarten system in 2006. Its clear theres a new movement afoot trying to engage on investment for universal preschool, Mitchell said. How we invest, and how we prioritize that investment, is going to be a great conversation for the coming months. Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: A final conversation with Gov. Jerry Brown No Californian has served longer as governor, signed more laws, granted clemency to more felons or waged more high-profile campaigns than Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown will leave behind a unique legacy when he packs his last belongings for the trip from the governors mansion in Sacramento to his Northern California ranch. His final two terms in office could be his most consequential. The governor reviewed some of the more notable moments from the past eight years in a far-reaching interview with The Times on Dec. 22. This weeks podcast episode includes extended portions of that conversation. Facebook

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A sagging economy could doom a 2020 ballot measure to raise commercial property taxes, Gov. Jerry Brown says Gov. Jerry Brown, at his Colusa County home on Saturday, said a ballot measure to raise commercial property taxes could struggle in 2020. (Randall Benton/For The Times) An effort to remove commercial property in California from the tax limits imposed by the landmark Proposition 13 could be felled by an economic slowdown, Gov. Jerry Brown said. In a Saturday interview with The Times at his Northern California ranch, Brown said liberal activist groups that have successfully placed the proposal on the November 2020 statewide ballot shouldnt read too much into early poll numbers showing support for the plan. That isnt as easy as you think, Brown said. Because youre going to be in a downturn of the business cycle. And youre talking many kinds of business. And the cost of doing business in California is already high. The ballot measure would allow counties to more frequently assess the market value of commercial property in California than allowed under Proposition 13, a 1978 ballot initiative that amended the state constitution to place strict limits on assessing property values and taxation for both homeowners and businesses. An analysis of the new measure, which qualified in October for the 2020 ballot, estimates it could bring in some $10.5 billion a year in new tax revenue. The business community will fight it, Brown said. And the minimum wage, the family leave, the environmental rules  business[es] have left California, thats going to be the big argument. And I think thats something you really have to think a lot about. The governor, who leaves office early next month due to term limits, declined to either endorse or oppose the ballot measure. He said Californias economic health in two years time could be a key factor in how voters weigh the proposal. Well be in a recession by then, Brown said. So its anybodys guess. Facebook

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Inglewood to destroy more than 100 police shooting records that could otherwise become public under new California law By Jack Dolan Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts (Maria Alejandra Cardona / Los Angeles Times) The city of Inglewood has authorized the shredding of more than 100 police shooting and other internal investigation records weeks before a new state law could allow the public to access them for the first time. The decision, made at a City Council meeting earlier this month, has troubled civil liberties advocates who were behind the state legislation, Senate Bill 1421, which takes effect Jan. 1. The law opens to the public internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The legislature passed SB 1421 because communities demanded an end to the secrecy cloaking police misconduct and use of force, Marcus Benigno, a spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said in a statement. Inglewood PDs decision to purge records undermines police accountability and transparency against the will of Californians. California law says police departments must retain records of officer shootings and internal misconduct investigations for five years. The city of Inglewood, however, had kept records longer than that, including case files of police shootings dating to 1991. State Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), the author of SB 1421, intended for her bill to allow public access to all qualifying records held by a department, no matter the date of the incident. Inglewood City Council approved the destruction of records that have been in the police departments possession  more than 100 cases  longer than required by law. The city staff report and council resolution describing the action makes no mention of the new police transparency law. Instead it says the affected records are obsolete, occupy valuable space, and are of no further use to the police department. It added the traditional method of destroying such records is to shred them. It is unclear whether the records have since been destroyed. A spokesman for the Inglewood Police Department along with Inglewoods city manager, attorney, clerk, four council members and Mayor James T. Butts, a former Santa Monica police chief, did not respond to requests for comment. Inglewoods City Hall is closed the last two weeks of December. The Inglewood Police Department has a reputation for secrecy and using excessive force. In 2008, the departments officers fatally shot four men in as many months, three of whom turned out to be unarmed. The U.S. Department of Justice launched a civil rights probe and found significant flaws in the way the department oversaw use-of-force cases and investigated complaints against officers. Civil rights advocates still question why Inglewood police opened fire on a couple found sleeping in a car in 2016, killing them both. California police have a long history of shredding records to avoid scrutiny of their actions. In the 1970s, the LAPD famously destroyed more than four tons of personnel records after defense attorneys began requesting them as part of criminal cases against their clients. The move resulted in the dismissal of more than a hundred criminal complaints. In response, the Legislature demanded that records be preserved but then took other measures, supported by police unions, to ensure the public had very little access to them, making California the most secretive state in the nation when it comes to police misconduct. Skinners legislation begins to unwind those laws, which have been on the books since 1978. No video or audio of the Dec. 11 council action is available on the citys website and neither are meeting minutes or any record of the decision. A city spokeswoman, Courtney Torres, confirmed that the council had voted in favor of the police records purge, and said all the relevant reasons for the decision were included in the city staff report. The Jan. 1 implementation for SB 1421 has prompted other police officials to act. A police union in San Bernardino is asking the state Supreme Court to determine that Skinners bill only applies to incidents that occur in 2019 or later. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore sent a letter to Skinner earlier this month warning that complying with the law in regard to older records in the departments possession could take hundreds of thousands of work hours. Facebook

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Federal officials question California DMVs process for issuing Real IDs (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has notified the California Department of Motor Vehicles that its process for providing residents with federally recognized identification cards is not adequate. DMV spokesman Armando Botello said Friday that 2.3 million residents who received Real IDs under the current process will have to submit additional documentation when their cards are renewed in five years but will be able to use them in the meantime. The DMV is developing a way for residents to submit more documentation online or via email to comply with the stricter federal requirement, he said. But some state legislators are upset about delays in notifying them of the problem and say Homeland Security could eventually require additional documentation provided by current holders. The DMV has known for a month that millions of Real IDs theyve been dolling out are potentially invalid, Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) said. The DMVs only hope is that the Department of Homeland Security takes pity on California and gives the DMV more time to fix this mess. Real IDs are a new kind of driver license and identification card that federal law will require legal residents to present when boarding domestic flights or visiting military bases and other federal facilities starting Oct. 1, 2020. The DMV has only been requiring one form of documentation, including a current lease or utility bill, to verify the residence of a card applicant. But the federal government said in a Nov. 21 letter to the agency that two such documents are needed. On Friday, DMV Director Jean Shiomoto released a letter defending the current process but said her agency will start requiring a second document to prove residency in April. In order to minimize confusion among our customers, the CADMV will work to inform individuals who have been issued a Real ID under the current process that their card will be accepted for official federal purposes, even if their renewal occurs after the October 1, 2020, final enforcement date for Real ID, Shiomoto wrote to the federal agency. Legislative officials worry there is still a possibility that those issued Real IDs in the past might be required to present a second document to have their cards designated as compliant. The more complex process for obtaining Real IDs has led to hours-long waits for customers at DMV field offices this year, although wait times have been reduced recently by an increase in staffing. Shiomoto last month announced that she is retiring amid problems with the motor voter registration system and after the governor ordered an audit of her agency in response to the long wait times. On Friday, Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron of Escondido blasted the DMV for waiting a month to tell legislators of the problem. This is unacceptable and flies in the face of security for our citizens, which is what Real ID was created for in the first place, she said in a statement. Facebook

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Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom taps Keely Bosler to be his finance director Keely Bosler, the director of the California Department of Finance, will continue in that role under Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom. (California Department of Finance) Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom on Friday appointed Keely Martin Bosler as director of the California Department of Finance, continuing the role she has served under Gov. Jerry Brown since August. Bosler will become Newsoms chief fiscal advisor, and will play a pivotal role in shaping Newsoms spending plan for the state that will lay the foundation for his top policy priorities. Newsom must roll out his first budget plan within days of taking office on Jan. 7. Californias brighter future depends on a strong, stable fiscal foundation, Newsom said in a statement released Friday afternoon. Keely is an accomplished public servant of sound fiscal judgment. She understands that state budgets are more than numbers on a page  they are value statements affecting the fate and future of millions of families reaching for the California Dream. We are fortunate to have her on our team. Prior to being appointed finance director, Bosler served as Browns cabinet secretary for two years and, before that, as the chief deputy director for budget in the Finance Department for three years. Earlier this year, Brown picked Bosler to lead an audit of the Department of Motor Vehicles, which had come under fire for long wait times at DMV field offices and numerous computer problems, including errors in the new motor voter program that registered Californians to vote. As we have discussed, long wait times at the Department of Motor Vehicles do not reflect the high standards of service that Californians expect from their state government, Bosler wrote in a letter in September to DMV Director Jean Shiomoto. The audit is still ongoing, but Shiomoto has since announced she will retire at the end of the year. Facebook

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Californias legislative analyst, after decades of nonpartisan research for lawmakers, calls it a career Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor, who has led the state research unit since 2008, will retire on Dec. 31. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Only five people have led the independent research office of the California Legislature since its creation in 1941. And each of them has had a pretty simple mantra to live by in reviewing public policy proposals and government programs: Call it like you see it. The job of any analyst, to me, is you maintain that nonpartisanship, Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor said. Taylor, 65, will retire from the post at the end of December after a four-decade career with the research team that began, as he likes to tell it, just after the passage of the landmark property tax rollback, Proposition 13, in 1978. He became the leader of the office, with the title of legislative analyst, in October 2008. Two months later, state government found itself in arguably the worst fiscal crisis in its history  a projected shortfall that ultimately grew to $42 billion by the following winter. There were forces beyond our control, Taylor said of that time. But dont underestimate the policy changes that were made afterward. Those changes, most notably a boost in taxes paid by high-income earners and a robust state budget cash reserve fund, have helped lead to successive years of fully funded government services. The state is projected to have some $24 billion in reserves by the end of the current fiscal year. Taylor announced his intention earlier to step down this year. Leaders from both houses of the Legislature select the analyst, who leads a staff of almost five dozen researchers. The office provides in-depth reports on pending legislation, as well as on broader policy topics like education and healthcare, and produces an independent analysis for every proposed ballot measure. A succession of lawmakers and governors alike have praised or panned the work of the Legislative Analysts Office based on their own political worldview. Taylor said his staff is mindful that they work for legislators, but try to ignore the rhetoric that follows the release of a major report. People are going to do what theyre going to do with our information, he said. They dont always like it, but they appreciate that we give them our best advice. Taylor oversaw a transformation in the way the Legislative Analysts Office distributes its information, embracing the release of research reports through social media instead of relying on traditional printed copies and journalist roundtable events. But he said the work of the researchers has remained largely unchanged through the decades. Having an independent take on things, I think, is good for the Legislature, he said. No replacement for Taylor has been announced, which means a short transition for his eventual successor before Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom sends his first budget proposal to lawmakers in early January. Taylor, who lives in the Sacramento suburbs, said he will honor the tradition of his predecessors in stepping away from public policy debates in order to give the new analyst space to lead the team as he or she sees fit. He said he hopes to travel in the coming years and spend time with his children who have moved to the East Coast. Forty years in state government, Taylor said in why he was stepping aside now. Isnt that enough? Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown sues to save California sentencing laws By Don Thompson, Associated Press (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Outgoing Gov. Jerry Brown sued Thursday to protect one of his signature actions in office, a voter-approved measure that allows most prison inmates to seek earlier release and participate in rehabilitation programs. His administration filed a lawsuit challenging a pending 2020 initiative that seeks to toughen criminal penalties as part of an effort to roll back reforms adopted by voters within the last decade. Browns lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court contends the measure lacked enough valid signatures to overturn a previously approved constitutional amendment. County officials and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla certified the signatures in July but said they were submitted too late to qualify for last months election. The lawsuit names Padilla and the ballot measures official proponent, Nina Salarno Besselman, president of the advocacy group Crime Victims United. Padilla said the measure exceeded the required roughly 366,000 valid signatures, equal to 5% of votes cast for governor in 2014. Browns lawsuit says he used the wrong threshold. It says changing the state Constitution requires 8%, or more than 585,400 signatures. That makes the pending initiative more than 150,000 signatures short, the lawsuit says. Hes wrong, said Jeff Flint, a spokesman for the campaign backing the measure. He predicted a judge will be reluctant to reject a measure that already has qualified for the ballot. The secretary of state told us how many signatures are required, and thats how many we collected, Flint said. Padillas office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The measure would reverse reforms adopted by voters through Proposition 47 in 2014 and Proposition 57 in 2016. Proposition 57 allows most inmates to seek earlier paroles, and Proposition 47 reduced some drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. The combination has helped keep Californias inmate population below a population cap set by federal judges. Corrections department spokeswoman Vicky Waters said the measure gives corrections and parole officials broad discretion to protect our communities and fashion a rational system of rehabilitation and punishment. This new initiative unlawfully seeks to supplant the departments constitutional authority to implement these critical reforms to our criminal justice system. The pending initiative would shorten the list of crimes that qualify for earlier parole and change some theft crimes from misdemeanors back to felonies. It would also increase the number of crimes for which DNA is collected, a list that was limited when some crimes went from felonies to misdemeanors. Those supporting the tougher penalties say easing criminal penalties has increased the number of dangerous criminals on the streets, but those backing the changes say they have helped reduce mass incarceration and rehabilitate convicted criminals. Facebook

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California Supreme Court orders records unsealed in pardon of ex-state Sen. Roderick Wright Former state Sen. Roderick Wright (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times) The California Supreme Court has granted a request to unseal court records involving Gov. Jerry Browns decision last month to pardon former state Sen. Roderick Wright for felony convictions involving lying about living in his legislative district, officials said Thursday. The court order was in response to a request by the nonpartisan First Amendment Coalition, which argued that the public has a right to know what information went into the governors decision to grant clemency to Wright. This is an important victory for public access to court files involving the exercise of executive clemency, said coalition spokesman Glen A. Smith. We are gratified the court has recognized that these decisions should be subject to the same public access rules that apply to other judicial records under California law. The court gave Browns office until Jan. 2 to redact confidential material before giving the court documents that can be released to the public. The court files submitted by the governors office include letters of support for a pardon and an internal review of Wrights case. The court denied a motion to unseal the records of all clemency cases but left open consideration of requests on other individual cases. Browns office is currently evaluating the courts decision, said spokesman Brian Ferguson. The governor argued against unsealing records in a recent court filing that said confidentiality is consistent with historical practice and is supported by state law. In pardoning Wright on Nov. 22, the governor wrote: He has shown that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law abiding citizen. Facebook

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California political watchdog agency fines BART, urges prosecution over using public funds for campaign A Bay Area Rapid Transit train leaves the station in Oakland in this 2013 file photo. (Ben Margot / AP) Californias state political watchdog agency on Thursday imposed a $7,500 fine against the Bay Area Rapid Transit District and called for a possible criminal or civil prosecution over allegations the district used public resources to campaign for a 2016 bond measure. The state Fair Political Practices Commission levied an administrative fine against BART for its failure to disclose spending on YouTube videos, social media posts and text messages to promote Measure RR, which authorized $3.5 billion in general obligation bonds. Though the panel lacks authority to seek criminal charges over the misuse of public funds, it also urged county district attorneys in the BART service area and the state attorney general to pursue possible criminal or civil charges over the spending of taxpayer dollars for campaign purposes, Commission Chairwoman Alice Germond said. It is the concept of misusing public funds that I think we all here are very disturbed about, and we want to send a warning and not create a precedent that is a minor, little slap on the wrist, Germond said, adding that the referral to criminal prosecutors would further send a message that this is wrong. Commissioner Brian Hatch also called for the state Legislature to consider granting the FPPC power to go after public agencies that spend taxpayer money on campaigns. Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) called on the agency to increase the fine to the maximum level of $33,375. The proposed $7,500 fine represents a slap on the wrist for a very serious violation of the law and the publics trust, Glazer said in a letter to the panel. In supporting the fine recommended by the staff, Germond said BART has agreed to pay the penalty. Somebody did something wrong and they have admitted it, she said. A staff report said there were factors in favor of a fine below the maximum. Although the Commission considers BARTs violations to be serious, the absence of any evidence of an intention to conceal, deceive, or mislead; the voluntary filing of the delinquent campaign statement; and the absence of a prior record are mitigating, the report said. Facebook

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California police union seeks state Supreme Court review of new law disclosing internal investigation records Los Angeles Police Department officers. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A police union is asking the California Supreme Court to block the release of internal officer investigations before a new state law takes effect next year. The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Employees Benefit Assn. filed a petition Tuesday asking justices to rule that only investigations of incidents that occur after Jan. 1 would be available under the law  and not those the department has on file from years prior. The litigation comes after this years passage of Senate Bill 1421, which opens to the public for the first time internal investigations of officer shootings and other major uses of force, along with confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. The law goes into effect Jan. 1, and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department has told the union it intends to make available in response to public records requests all the information it has. The union is very concerned about any plans to retroactively apply Senate Bill 1421, Grant Ward, the unions president, said in a statement. We believe retroactive application violates our members rights and we hope the California Supreme Court will consider the serious issues raised by our legal challenge. The bills author, Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), does not agree with the unions interpretation. She has said her legislation should apply to all the records in a police departments possession because the law simply declared that affected records were no longer confidential. If the record exists, its disclosable, Skinner said. A decision on what records will be available under the law is key to how far-reaching it will be. If the court restricts access to incidents that occurred prior to 2019, those cases will not be subject to public scrutiny. The police union in San Bernardino County is not the only one raising concerns about the law. Earlier this month, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore sent a letter to Skinner expressing concern that his agency would be overwhelmed if the law required the department to disclose older incidents. Even if the law only applied to the previous five years, Moore wrote, it could take nearly 300,000 hours of work to comply with its provisions. The LAPD operates with a guiding principle of Reverence for the Law; as such, we will diligently comply with SB 1421, Moore wrote. We maintain, however, that a retroactive implementation of SB 1421 will be exceptionally burdensome and would require significant reallocation of front-line investigative personnel. Skinner said if complying with the law becomes untenable for law enforcement agencies that maintain records for a long time, she would consider modifications. But she said agencies did not raise this concern during discussion over the bill. SB 1421 went through multiple committee hearings, multiple floor debates, extensive opportunity for all parties to weigh in on concerns with its structure, she said. That was not an issue that was raised by law enforcement at the time. Facebook

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Gov. Brown warns of backlash for Republicans in 2020 if Obamacare repeal is upheld Gov. Jerry Brown at the National Press Club in April. (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Gov. Jerry Brown warned Republicans on Tuesday that repeal of the Affordable Care Act would devastate the partys political chances in the 2020 election. Brown, speaking at a Sacramento Press Club event moderated by Los Angeles Times columnist George Skelton and Brown family historian Miriam Pawel, said a federal judges ruling last week to strike down the 2010 law  if upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court  will build such a backlash that the Democrats will not only take over the Senate, theyll win the presidency and will win with the kind of momentum, particularly on the issue of healthcare, that [the law] will be replaced probably with something even better. The governor, who leaves office in less than three weeks, said he did not believe the ruling by a Texas judge would ultimately prevail. I think the decision will probably be overturned, Brown said. Few states have embraced the law championed by former President Obama more than California, both through its healthcare exchange, Covered California, and by expanding access to government-funded services under Medi-Cal. Some 12 million Californians now receive healthcare through Medi-Cal, and Brown said a final ruling affecting the federal dollars that subsidize that care would be a serious blow. California would not be able to afford it without the subsidy, the governor said. Facebook

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Bars in Los Angeles, San Francisco could stay open until 4 a.m. under new bill A bar in Sherman Oaks (acuna-hansen) For the third year in a row, a California lawmaker is trying to keep bars open until 4 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation that would allow Los Angeles, San Francisco and seven other cities to extend the sales of alcohol in bars, clubs and restaurants by an additional two hours. Nightlife brings people together, fosters creativity and innovation, supports small businesses, and creates middle-class jobs, Wiener said in a statement. Its time to embrace our nighttime economy and give our cities the tools they need to foster the best nightlife possible. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill by Wiener, writing: I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem. Should this years measure, Senate Bill 58, advance through the Legislature, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom would decide whether to sign it into law. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has endorsed SB 58, saying the city should have more flexibility than it does now. Every community has its own needs, and cities should be able to make informed decisions about what nightlife hours make sense for residents, visitors, and neighborhoods, Garcetti said in a statement. The bill would create a five-year pilot program where Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs could decide to allow restaurants and bars within their cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. with the approval of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Facebook

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Bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco could stay open until 4 a.m. under new bill A bar in Sherman Oaks. (Acuna-Hansen) For the third year in a row, a California lawmaker is trying to keep bars open until 4 a.m. State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) is reintroducing legislation that would allow Los Angeles, San Francisco and seven other cities to extend the sales of alcohol in bars, clubs and restaurants by an additional two hours. Nightlife brings people together, fosters creativity and innovation, supports small businesses and creates middle-class jobs, Wiener said in a statement. Its time to embrace our nighttime economy and give our cities the tools they need to foster the best nightlife possible. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar bill by Wiener, writing: I believe we have enough mischief from midnight to 2 without adding two more hours of mayhem. Should this years measure, Senate Bill 58, advance through the Legislature, Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom would decide whether to sign it into law. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has endorsed SB 58, saying the city should have more flexibility than it does now. Every community has its own needs, and cities should be able to make informed decisions about what nightlife hours make sense for residents, visitors and neighborhoods, Garcetti said in a statement. The bill would create a five-year pilot program where Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, West Hollywood, Long Beach, Coachella, Cathedral City and Palm Springs could decide to allow restaurants and bars within their cities to serve alcohol until 4 a.m. with the approval of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Facebook

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Californias DMV director announces retirement amid problems with motor voter program (Kent Nishamura/Los Angeles Times) The director of the California Department of Motor Vehicles will retire at years end with a number of questions unanswered about the implementation of a major voter registration system and long wait times experienced by customers for much of the past summer. Jean Shiomoto will not continue in her current role as Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom takes office, and announced to staff several weeks ago her intent to retire at the end of the year after 38 years in state service, spokesman Armando Botello said in an email to The Times on Friday. Newsoms transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment on who might lead the department in 2019. Shiomoto was appointed DMV director by Gov. Jerry Brown in the fall of 2013, having served in prior leadership roles with the department. DMV officials have been sharply criticized by lawmakers in recent months for delays in serving customers at its field offices across the state. Last week, DMV officials revealed errors in registering California voters for the November election  mistakes that followed a series of problems in the rollout of the states new motor voter registration system. Secretary of State Alex Padilla last week said he had lost confidence in Shiomotos leadership as a result of the voting registration problems. Facebook

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New law could break the stalemate over housing on the site of a near-vacant Cupertino mall By Liam Dillon For more than a decade, developers have tried to build new housing on the site of an all-but-empty mall in Cupertino, a city in the heart of Silicon Valley and home to Apple headquarters. A well-organized group of neighbors, upset about traffic, building heights and the potential loss of the communitys suburban lifestyle, turned away every plan. Now, for the first time, the stalemate might be broken  thanks to a decision made in the state Capitol. In an effort to address Californias housing affordability problem, legislators passed a law last year that requires cities and counties to approve housing projects if they comply with local zoning rules and other standards, forcing some resistant communities to agree to new homebuilding. In September, the city of Cupertino, citing the state law, approved developer Sand Hill Property Co.s proposal to build an office park and more than 2,400 homes where the Vallco Shopping Mall sits. Read More Facebook

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Local government was a last bastion for struggling California Republicans. Not anymore By Mark Z. Barabak Theres no shortage of watery metaphors to describe the disaster that befell California Republicans this midterm election. A blue wave. A Democratic tsunami. But the most apt may be a flood, with the casualties steadily rising as the vote count climbed in the days and weeks following Nov. 6. Eventually half the GOP congressional delegation was washed away, along with the entire slate of statewide Republican candidates. In Sacramento, Democrats claimed 29 of 40 state Senate seats and seized three-quarters of the 80-member Assembly  the largest number since 1883, when Chester A. Arthur was serving in the White House. Read More Facebook

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For the Republicans left in Californias Legislature, fewer lawmakers will have to do more work By John Myers From January to late summer every year, the California Legislature is a perpetual motion machine. And in the new year, the people most likely to struggle in keeping up will be Republicans, vastly outnumbered but still responsible for representing millions of the states residents. There are 22 standing committees in the state Senate, plus at least a dozen more subcommittees or special committees. And after Novembers election, only 11 Republican senators will be left to divvy up the work. To the victors go the spoils. To the vanquished go the extra assignments. Read More Facebook

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Californias DMV failed to finish registering 329 new voters before November election (Los Angeles Times) Officials at the California Department of Motor Vehicles said Friday that the agency failed to send information for 329 new voters to state elections officers in time for the November election, the latest revelation in a string of mishaps regarding voter registration. Secretary of State Alex Padilla responded with a blistering letter, calling on Gov. Jerry Brown or Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom to replace Jean Shiomoto, the DMV director. The Director of DMV has lost my confidence and trust, Padilla wrote. In all, the agency revealed that 589 mailed voter registration records that should have been processed under election deadlines werent sent to Californias secretary of state until late November, including forms from 260 drivers who had intended to update their address on existing voter registration records. The DMV had been instructed to not send registration forms that came in after Oct. 22, but the voters in question had forms that were postmarked before the deadline. In some cases, when the postmark wasnt legible, the agency said, documents inside indicated the voter had intended to finish their registration in time for the Nov. 6 election. The DMV recognizes the pause in transmittals was an error and affected the timing of the registration of the 589 individuals referenced above relative to the November election, Shiomoto wrote in a letter to Padilla on Friday. The pause was due to a misunderstanding on the part of the department, for which we take responsibility. Those who were trying to update their address for voter registration would not have been blocked from casting ballots. But officials said its unclear whether any of the 329 new voters were able to participate in the election. Shiomoto said in her letter that DMV will work with elections officials. The errors were not related to previous DMV mistakes about registering voters, problems associated with the rollout of the states new motor voter law. In those cases, multiple registration forms were sent to local elections offices for some voters, some people were assigned the wrong political party preference and others who are noncitizens were incorrectly placed on the list of registered voters. DMV officials have yet to respond to questions posed by The Times over the last several weeks about who knew of those mistakes and when. Facebook

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Newsom appoints a labor advocate and a former staffer as his chief deputy Cabinet secretaries By Taryn Luna A labor advocate and a San Francisco political operative have accepted positions in Gov.-elect Gavin Newsoms new administration. Angie Wei, a Capitol insider with deep ties to organized labor in California, will serve as a chief deputy Cabinet secretary with a focus on policy development. As a legislative director and chief of staff at the California Labor Federation, Wei has represented more than 1,200 unions and 2.1 million workers in Capitol fights over a host of policy issues, including drug-pricing transparency and paid family leave. The governor-elect also tapped Jason Elliott, a policy advisor to Newsom during his time as mayor of San Francisco and a chief of staff to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, as another chief deputy Cabinet secretary overseeing executive branch operations. Elliott and Wei will serve under Ana Matosantos, Newsoms previouslyA controversial trip to Morocco by Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt in December was partly arranged by a longtime friend and lobbyist, who accompanied Pruitt and his entourage at multiple stops and served as an informal liaison at both official and social events during the visit.

Richard Smotkin, a former Comcast lobbyist who has known the EPA administrator for years, worked for months with Pruitts aides to hammer out logistics, according to four individuals familiar with those preparations. In April, Smotkin won a $40,000-a-month contract, retroactive to Jan. 1, with the Moroccan government to promote the kingdoms cultural and economic interests. He recently registered as a foreign agent representing that government.

The four-day journey has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers and the EPA inspector general, who is investigating its high costs and whether it adhered to the agencys mission to protect human health and the environment.

Information obtained by the Washington Post shows the visits cost exceeded $100,000, more than twice what has been previously reported  including $16,217 for Pruitts Delta airfare and $494 for him to spend one night at a luxury hotel in Paris. He was accompanied by eight staffers and his round-the-clock security detail.

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Smotkins role in arranging the whirlwind visit was highly unusual, ethics experts say, and raises many questions. Federal laws prohibit public officials from using government resources to financially benefit friends, relatives or other people with whom they have personal connections.

Smotkin did not return calls and emails seeking comment about his role in the trip or his relationship with Pruitt.

Pruitt faces multiple inquiries about his spending, ethics and management decisions, including his first-class travels and a $50-a-night condo rental from a Washington lobbyist. The Morocco trip has drawn special scrutiny for its expense and purpose.

For months, many details about the journey have remained shrouded in secrecy, particularly the highly unusual role of Smotkin. These previously unreported details underscore lawmakers questions about whether the trip was in keeping with Pruitts role as the nations top environmental official.

The EPA has insisted that the trip was a legitimate effort to nail down details of a bilateral trade agreement, and the agency said Monday that Pruitt was unaware of the depth of Smotkins business relationship with the Moroccan government.

Ethics experts note that it is highly unusual for someone outside the U.S. government to help arrange such travel details for the head of a federal agency. Larry Noble, senior director and general counsel at the Campaign Legal Center, said Tuesday that the lobbyists involvement raises issues about whether Pruitt went to Morocco partly to bolster Smotkins standing within the kingdom.

It shows, at the very least, a tremendous amount of sloppiness, and it raises ethical issues about the relationship between Smotkin and Pruitt, Noble said. If Pruitt did this to benefit Smotkin and did this to show that Smotkin has an in with the EPA administrator, then hes using his official office to benefit a private person.

Even as some aspects of the trip remain unclear, EPA officials confirmed that Smotkin brokered Pruitts initial meeting with Moroccos ambassador in Washington, when she extended an invitation to travel to her country. Smotkin also accompanied Pruitt at multiple stops during his visit, the EPA and others confirmed.

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Unlike most Cabinet-level travel, for which the agenda and policy outcomes are finalized weeks in advance, Pruitts office changed the schedule even while he was there, according to several individuals familiar with the visit. Though the EPA chief did visit a solar power research installation, he canceled a public appearance with an energy efficiency expert at an international conference in Marrakesh and instead met with the chairman of a massive phosphate exporter.

Smotkin attended both the green-energy park visit and the meeting with the phosphate executive. He also joined Pruitt for dinner on the EPA chiefs final night in Marrakesh, the EPA confirmed.

The reasons behind the trip came up again last week in Washington when Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) grilled Pruitt during the second of two contentious House hearings. She pressed him on why the EPA trumpeted the fact that part of his time was spent promoting the benefits of U.S. liquefied natural gas imports on Moroccos economy.

I cant, for the life of me, imagine why an EPA administrator would be over there promoting energy sales, Pingree said. We have a Department of Energy. You should be thinking much more about some of the challenges with [liquefied natural gas], and why you would be on the other side.

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Theres a free-trade agreement, Pruitt replied. The ambassador of Morocco actually met with me in advance of a free-trade agreement that was being negotiated and being completed in February of this year. We were there in December to negotiate the environmental chapter. That was the focus of the trip. There was a lot of reference made to [liquefied natural gas] only because the ambassador asked me to share that with the individuals when I was in country.

The accord that Pruitt said was finalized in February actually remains unfinished. It is slated to be done this month.

This account of his Morocco visit is based on federal records, as well as interviews with government officials and members of the private sector in both countries. Many spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the questions now being raised. The Paris-based publication Africa Intelligence recently reported on some elements of the trip.

Multiple administration officials say Pruitt actually had raised the prospect of going to Morocco well before he received a formal invitation from its ambassador to the United States, Princess Lalla Joumala, during a meeting at EPA headquarters in late October  a meeting EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox acknowledged that Smotkin assisted in arranging.

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Smotkin worked with two of Pruitts top aides, senior counsel Sarah Greenwalt and then-deputy advance director Millan Hupp, to line up specific aspects of the agenda, according to four individuals familiar with the process, all of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the agencys internal workings.

For example, Smotkin discussed the prospect of Pruitt speaking at the Atlantic Dialogues, a conference in Marrakesh underwritten by the OCP Center, the think-tank arm of a major phosphate export firm in Morocco. Pruitt later canceled his appearance.

Some of this scheduling activity took place before the meeting with Moroccos ambassador, these individuals said. At the time, Pruitt indicated he had been invited by Prince Moulay Rachid, the kings brother. During the subsequent planning, individuals familiar with the discussions said, Pruitt repeatedly expressed interest in how the trip could help advance American natural gas interests.

Moroccan officials, who are hoping to establish a terminal that could ship imported liquefied natural gas to the countrys power plants, announced two weeks before Pruitts arrival that they would be soliciting bids sometime in 2018. That imported gas could help power a number of operations, including Moroccos phosphate industry.

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Asked about the visit, the Morocco Embassy in Washington released a statement Monday: All meetings during this working visit were organized through official diplomatic channels with the objective to explore ways and means to deepen and broaden our bilateral work, namely in support of the Kingdoms various initiatives to protect the environment, reduce Moroccos carbon footprint and promote sustainable development.

Separately, the EPA said in a statement that its Office of International and Tribal Affairs organized and led the effort around Administrator Pruitts official meetings with the Moroccan government.

Comcast spokeswoman Sena Fitzmaurice said that Smotkin, who had served as the companys liaison to state attorneys general, left that position in July. He has known Pruitt for roughly a decade, she said.

But documents released under the Freedom of Information Act show repeated contact between the two men, including texts, during the early days of the Trump administration. Pruitts calendar also shows that they ate together just days after he was sworn into office, and officials familiar with his schedule say they dined together on multiple occasions last year.

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Weeks after Pruitts confirmation, Smotkin also orchestrated for Pruitt to meet personally with former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In an exchange first reported by The HuffPost, Smotkin emailed one of the administrators schedulers to bring the two men together.

Hi there. Been texting w the boss, Smotkin wrote Sydney Hupp. What times would be best on Monday to make this happen?

Hey Rick, you already spoke with Admin. Pruitt about this? Looking at Monday now. Thanks! replied Hupp, whose sister Millan now directs scheduling and advance for EPA.

Yep. We texted, replied Smotkin. The meeting happened days later.

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But that brief meet and greet at EPA headquarters pales in comparison to Pruitts trip to Morocco, notable in part for his costly premium-class airfare and his stays in at least two Sofitels, part of the French-owned luxury chain.

The actual journey was beset by logistical problems. His entourages flight from Washington Dulles Airport was plagued by weather delays, prompting him, his aides and security agents to miss their connecting flight in Paris. Pruitt and a handful of aides instead went into Paris to spend the night in a $494-a-night hotel.

Pruitts late arrival in Rabat caused him to miss a scheduled U.S. Embassy briefing and roundtable there. The discussion focused on how American firms were pioneering technological innovation in Morocco and could benefit from an increased natural gas supply  an event Wilcox said that Smotkin also attended.

The administrator had a single meeting after arriving on Dec. 11, according to his public schedule, with the chief executive of the Moroccan Agency of Sustainable Energy. A spokesman for Mustapha Bakkoury said he was not available for an interview and did not reply to a request that he confirm the businessman met with Pruitt.

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That evening, Pruitt and his staffers stayed at the Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses. His accompanying protective detail made an impression on some hotel staffers, with one employee recognizing Pruitt and an aide right away when shown photos last weekend.

They were here in December, she said. They had lots of security with them. They were unapproachable.

The EPA said in a statement that Smotkin did not attend or participate in any official meetings with the Moroccan government, but individuals familiar with the visit said he was a near-constant presence there. According to two individuals, he communicated with Isam Taib, political counselor to the Moroccan Embassy in Washington. Taib not only traveled back to his home country for Pruitts arrival, he also signed the official contract retaining Smotkins public relations services.

Top Moroccan government officials were unwilling to discuss their dealings with Pruitt.

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On a visit last week to Rabat by a Washington Post reporter, several officials who met with him would not even acknowledge doing so  despite photos the EPA itself published from some of those sessions.

Pruitts public schedule lists back-to-back appointments on the morning of Dec. 12 with Mounia Boucetta, a top official in the foreign ministry; Aziz Rabbah, the minister of energy, mines and sustainable development; and Justice Minister Mohamed Aujjar.

Reached on his cellphone, Aujjar was asked about his meeting with Pruitt. He said Who? three times as the reporter repeated Pruitts name, then referred questions to his spokeswoman, who did not answer repeated requests for confirmation of the two mens meeting.

Boucetta and her press spokesman did not respond to repeated requests for confirmation of her meeting with Pruitt. Rabbahs spokeswoman initially said he would do an in-person interview, then a few hours later said he was no longer available. She later would not confirm that meeting because she said his schedule was confidential.

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One of only two Moroccan officials to meet with Pruitt and acknowledge that to the Post was Said Mouline, chief executive of the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency. He said officials at the OPC Policy Center asked him to meet with Pruitt. Smotkin also was listed as a participant at the event.

Mouline and Pruitt were originally scheduled to have an onstage discussion at the event, but it was canceled at the last minute for reasons Mouline said he did not know. Instead, he said, the two shared breakfast on Dec. 13 at the Es Saadi Marrakesh Resort in Marrakesh.

Pruitt and several aides listened quietly as he explained his agencys work in promoting renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, Mouline recalled. He said he also spoke about climate change and how Africa is not a major producer of greenhouse gases but is a continent that suffers a lot from the warming of the planet.

On their way from Rabat to Marrakesh the previous day  a several-hour trip by van  Pruitt and his group had stopped in the town of Ben Guerir to visit the Green Energy Park. The space is an incubator for solar power and other renewable energy technologies founded by IRESEN, a Moroccan public research center, the energy ministry and OCP, the industrial giant that mines, refines and exports phosphates used in fertilizers all over the world.

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Bakr Ikken, who runs the park and led Pruitts tour, said it lasted a little more than an hour and that Pruitt seemed fully engaged in issues from electric cars to new energy-storage technologies. Ikken said that he discussed Moroccos efforts to improve natural gas production as part of his presentation but that Pruitt didnt raise the U.S. gas industry.

I had a real positive feeling about him, Ikken said. Maybe he was impressed by what we are doing.

Pruitt and his aides also visited the adjacent Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, a research institution that was opened by King Mohammed VI last year and is largely supported by OCP and, like the green park, built on land owned by the company. There, Pruitt met with Chief Executive Mostafa Terrab. Again, Smotkin was there, according to two people familiar with the meeting.

OCP is often invited to be present during major events or visits of important dignitaries to the University and Green Energy Park, and it is in this context that Mr. Terrab greeted Administrator Pruitt, a company statement said.

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According to an OCP official, Pruitt heard a presentation about the universitys role in creating sustainable energy and development for Morocco and the rest of Africa. This official said the companys commercial interests were not part of the presentation, though one individual familiar with the session said OCP officials spoke extensively about its role as a phosphate producer and exporter.

Pruitts trip barely registered in the local media in Morocco and went virtually unmentioned by the state-run media agency, perhaps because the EPA gave no notice he was coming  a typical practice since he took office.

By midmorning on Dec. 13, Pruitt and his entourage boarded a plane in Marrakesh for the flight home, connecting in Amsterdam and New York, according to his public schedule.

It was after 10:30 p.m. when Pruitt finally arrived back in Washington. Twelve hours later he was due at the White House to participate in a press roundtable touting President Trumps accomplishments for the year.Allies balk at Trump administration bid to block Chinese firm from cutting-edge telecom markets By David S. Cloud Britain and Germany are balking at the Trump administrations call for a ban on equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, threatening a global U.S. campaign to thwart Chinas involvement in future mobile networks. Both countries are expected to limit Huawei and other Chinese companies from providing core components including routers. But other types of Chinese equipment for next-generation, high-speed communications could still be installed on British and German networks, officials and analysts say. The U.S. push to ban Huawei has provoked a global dispute in recent weeks, with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, publicly urging NATO allies in Europe to exclude the company and warning that the United States might limit its military presence in countries that did not do so. Read More Facebook

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Confucius Institutes: Do they improve U.S.-China ties or harbor spies? By Don Lee Hanging red lanterns welcome visitors to the University of Marylands Confucius Institute, the oldest of about 100 Chinese language and cultural centers that have popped up over the last 15 years on American campuses, subsidized by millions of dollars from Chinas central government. But last fall, when four U.S. Senate investigators walked into the Confucius offices in Maryland and spent hours questioning staff, they werent looking for an educational exchange. The committee has been seeking detailed information from the university about the program, including contracts, email exchanges and financial arrangements that school administrators have kept under wraps since it started in 2004. American colleges once viewed these jointly funded institutes as an economical way to expand their language offerings  one that could also bring warmer ties with China and, importantly, an influx of Chinese international students paying full tuition. Read More Facebook

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Watch Live: White House holds surprise news briefing amid government shutdown Facebook

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U.S. policy toward China shifts from engagement to confrontation By David S. Cloud For decades, China had no closer American friend than Dianne Feinstein. As San Francisco mayor in the 1970s, she forged a sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first between American and Chinese communities. As U.S. senator, she dined with Chinese leaders at Mao Tse-tungs old Beijing residence. And in the 1990s, she championed a trade policy change that opened a floodgate of Western investment into China. Today the Democratic senator sees China as a growing threat, joining a broad array of Trump administration officials, national security strategists and business executives who once favored engagement with Beijing and now advocate a confrontational approach instead. Read More Facebook

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Mnuchins attempt to calm markets backfires as Trump takes another shot at the Federal Reserve By Jim Puzzanghera An attempt by Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin to calm plunging financial markets backfired Monday, further rattling investors with new fears about whether major U.S. banks have enough cash on top of worries about interest rates, political instability in Washington and a slowing global economy. Adding to the volatile mix was a fresh attack on the Federal Reserve by President Trump, who declared that the central bank was the U.S. economys only problem and that it didnt have a feel for the market. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who cant score because he has no touch -- he cant putt! Trump said on Twitter. Read More Facebook

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He speaks to Democratic hearts. But is Beto ORourke a serious White House contender? By Mark Z. Barabak Hes a failed U.S. Senate candidate with an undistinguished congressional record who, for the moment, is a blazing-hot 2020 presidential prospect  despite the fact that he may not run and faces long odds if he does. Beto ORourke suggests the will-he-or-wont-he speculation is something he himself cant quite fathom. I think thats a great question, he responded in a Dallas Morning News interview when asked whether his unsuccessful November Senate bid merited a promotion to the White House. I ask that question myself. Read More Facebook

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Russian disinformation teams targeted Robert S. Mueller III, says report prepared for Senate By Craig Timberg, Tony Romm, Elizabeth Dwoskin Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. (Associated Press) Months after President Trump took office, Russias disinformation teams trained their sites on a new target: special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Having worked to help get Trump into the White House, they now worked to neutralize the biggest threat to his staying there. The Russian operatives unloaded on Mueller through fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and beyond, falsely claiming that the former FBI director was corrupt and that the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were crackpot conspiracies. One post on Instagram  which emerged as an especially potent weapon in the Russian social media arsenal  claimed that Mueller had worked in the past with radical Islamic groups. Such tactics exemplified how Russian teams ranged nimbly across social media platforms in a shrewd online influence operation aimed squarely at American voters. The effort started earlier than commonly understood and lasted longer while relying on the strengths of different sites to manipulate distinct slices of the electorate, according to a pair of comprehensive new reports prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee and released Monday. Read more Timberg, Romm and Dwoskin report for the Washington Post. Facebook

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President Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff By Associated Press President Trump says budget director Mick Mulvaney will serve as acting chief of staff, replacing John F. Kelly in the new year. I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration....  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 Facebook

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It aint over when its over: In Michigan, Wisconsin and elsewhere, losers seek to undermine election results By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Gavin Newsom has yet to become California governor, but already a candidate for state Republican Party chairman is promoting a recall effort. In Michigan and Wisconsin, GOP lawmakers have rushed through legislation to thwart their incoming Democratic governors and hamper others in the opposing party from doing the jobs voters chose them to do. In Congress, GOP leaders have echoed President Trump and sought to undermine the legitimacy of Democrats strong midterm performance, raising unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and political malfeasance. Read More Facebook

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New CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera On her first full day leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathy Kraninger said she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney, the controversial acting director whom she replaced in the powerful regulatory position. To underscore that point, the former White House aide said she would even reconsider a Mulvaney action that critics saw as a gratuitous jab at Democrats who championed the agencys creation: changing its name to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Kraningers declaration during a meeting with reporters Tuesday addressed one of the main criticisms of her selection. She is considered a protege of Mulvaney, her boss at the White House Office of Management and Budget who has executed a dramatic, industry-friendly shift at the watchdog agency. Read More Facebook

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Trumps pick for chief of staff, Nick Ayers, out of running By Associated Press Nick Ayers, right, with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, at the funeral service for George H.W. Bush on Dec. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Associated Press) President Trumps top pick to replace John F. Kelly as chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is no longer expected to fill that role. Thats according to a White House official who is not authorized to discuss the personnel issue by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ayers is Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff. The official says that Trump and Ayers could not agree on Ayers length of service. The father of young children, Ayers had agreed to serve in an interim capacity though the spring, but Trump wanted a two-year commitment. The official says that Ayers will instead assist the president from outside the administration. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would be departing the White House around the end of the year. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause.  #Georgia  Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018 Facebook

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U.S. hiring slows to 155,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds at 3.7% By Jim Puzzanghera Job growth slowed significantly in November but still was solid, indicating the economy remains in good shape but not expanding so quickly that it will lead to sharply higher interest rates. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs last month, well below analyst expectations and a steep decline from Octobers strong 237,000 figure, the Labor Department reported Friday. Still, monthly job gains are averaging 206,000 this year, the best since 2015. Even the slower pace of 170,000 over the last three months is close to last years average of 182,000 and well above the amount needed to keep up with population growth. Read More Facebook

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Trump is expected to pick State Department spokeswoman for U.N. ambassador By Associated Press Heather Nauert at a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 9, 2017. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump is expected to nominate State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trumps plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly before Trumps announcement. Trump has previously said Nauert was under serious consideration to replace Nikki Haley, who announced in October that she would step down at the end of this year. Trump has been known to change course on staffing decisions in the past. Nauert was a reporter for Fox News Channel before she became State Department spokeswoman under former Secretary Rex Tillerson. Facebook

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Senate confirms new consumer financial protection chief: Kathy Kraninger, protege of industry-friendly Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year. Kraninger is a protege of acting director and White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, an outspoken critic of the agency that was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to prevent predatory lending and other abuses that led to it. Democrats and consumer advocates have denounced him for sharply departing from the aggressive watchdog role the bureau had pursued under its first director, Obama-appointee Richard Cordray, including scaling back enforcement and moving to reassess tough new rules on payday loans and narrow the definition of abusive practices by banks and other firms. Read More Facebook

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Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress By Erik Wasson Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown at the Capitol on Tuesday, says President Trumps border wall is a waste of money. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Congress passed a two-week stopgap spending bill that will delay the chance of a partial government shutdown until Dec. 22 as lawmakers and President Donald Trump negotiate over his demands to pay for a wall on the southern border. The House and Senate passed the measure Thursday without dissent, and Trump has indicated hell sign the bill before the current shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. Negotiations were delayed by memorial services this week for former President George H.W. Bush. The temporary measure gives Democrats and Republicans more time to find a resolution to their biggest hurdle: funding a wall on the U.S. Mexico border wall. Trump says he wants $5 billion for parts of a concrete wall on the southern border and is willing to shut down the government if he doesnt get it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said Democrats will provide no more than $1.6 billion for border security, because the wall is a waste of money. The presidents demands for wall funding from Congress come after he said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. This week he said on Twitter that a $25 billion border wall would pay for itself in two months, without providing evidence. Most of the U.S. governments $1.2 trillion discretionary budget has been appropriated already by Congress for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Departments at a risk of a partial shutdown late this month include the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security. Talks to resolve the differences have been on hold since a meeting among Trump, Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California originally slated for Dec. 4 was postponed due to Bush memorial events. The three are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters the rest of the seven-bill spending package being negotiated is basically done. Shelby in recent weeks had tried to broker a compromise in which Trumps $5 billion request would be split over two years, but Schumer has rejected that. Some Democrats have been willing to trade border wall funding for deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Pelosi ruled out such a deal in remarks to reporters Thursday. The stopgap government funding measure also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, to Dec. 21. Facebook

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Bipartisan Senate group wants to formally blame Saudi crown prince for journalists killing By Karoun Demirjian Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. (Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators filed a resolution Wednesday condemning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, directly challenging President Trump to do the same. This resolution -- without equivocation -- definitively states that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was complicit in the murder of Mr. [Jamal] Khashoggi and has been a wrecking ball to the region jeopardizing our national security interests on multiple fronts, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution. It will be up to Saudi Arabia as to how to deal with this matter. But it is up to the United States to firmly stand for who we are and what we believe. The resolution put forward by Graham and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who are expected to lead the Judiciary Committee together next year, comes just one day after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed leading senators about the details of the agencys assessment that Mohammed ordered and monitored the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Senators emerged from that closed-door briefing furious not only with Saudi Arabia, but Trump as well for dismissing the heft of the CIAs findings. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the command of MBS and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr. Khashoggi, Graham said following the briefing, referring to Mohammed by his initials. He added that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, who briefed senators last week, were at best being good soldiers and at worst were in the pocket of Saudi Arabia for presenting the evidence of Mohammeds involvement as inconclusive. The release of the resolution condemning Mohammed also comes as the Senate is preparing to move ahead with debate on a resolution to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Though the Yemen resolution does not directly address Khashoggis murder, its popularity is a sign of how strained the United States patience with Saudi Arabia is on multiple fronts, including its role in worsening the civilian cost of the war in Yemen, cited by the United Nations as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Last week, the Senate voted 63 to 37 to advance the Yemen resolution past an opening procedural hurdle. But Graham and Feinsteins resolution on the crown prince has the potential of drawing broader support, especially from Republicans, who are deeply divided about how fiercely to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis killing. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and is seen as one of the more influential foreign policy voices in the GOP, did not vote for the Yemen resolution last week or sign on to a bipartisan measure last month to sanction Saudi officials and cease weapons transfers to the kingdom. But he is an original co-sponsor of the resolution condemning Mohammed over Khashoggis death. So is Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who represents the other end of the GOP spectrum in terms of recent Saudi-related votes and endorsements. Young was an initial co-sponsor of the bill Graham wrote with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to sanction Saudi officials deemed responsible for Khashoggis killing and stop the sale of anything but exclusively defensive weapons to the kingdom until it ceased hostilities in Yemen. Young also voted to advance the Yemen resolution  something Graham did as well, though Graham has signaled he will not be lending any similar support to the measure, fearing it may establish a precedent of invoking the War Powers Act too broadly. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are listed as original co-sponsors of the resolution condemning Mohammed, which also urges Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Houthi rebels to end the Yemen war, work out a political solution to its standoff with Qatar and release political prisoners. But how much sway the resolution has probably comes down to how forcefully the administration decides to heed it -- and thus far, Trump has not shown any interest in condemning the crown prince the way the senators hope he will. Demirjian reports for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Los Angeles County offices and U.S. Postal Service closed Wednesday in honor of George H.W. Bush By Brian Park The Honor Guard carries the casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush following his funeral on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery Wednesday, which President Trump has declared a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. All retail postal outlets will be closed, and package delivery will be limited. In Los Angeles, all nonessential county departments, offices and libraries will be closed for the day, L.A. County officials said. The Los Angeles County Library said no overdue fines will be assessed for books, and due dates will be moved forward one week. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offices also are closed Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, clinics and hospitals will continue to operate, the county said. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health clinics are being operated with reduced staffing, and the department asked patients to confirm or reschedule any appointments. All county courts and the disaster recovery centers for the Woolsey fire in Malibu and Agoura Hills will remain open. Larger federal government operations will be closed Wednesday. To honor the life and legacy of President Bush, the Postal Service will observe the National Day of Mourning. Learn how Postal operations will be affected. https://t.co/Mffch7bPCh pic.twitter.com/vG46BsIOpm  U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 4, 2018 L.A. County offices and libraries will be closed tomorrow (Dec 5) in observance of the #NationalDayOfMourning for President George H. W. Bush.



The Countys Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu & Agoura Hills will remain open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Sv1J7GoJ7T  Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) December 4, 2018 @LAPublicHealth offices will be closed tomorrow December 5 in observance of the national Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush. Essential Services including clinics and other services will remain open: https://t.co/tZGoGGHRlg pic.twitter.com/ypXsV6vlYY  LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 4, 2018 Facebook

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Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to skip 2020 White House race, sources say By Associated Press Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during an interview in Boston on Dec. 15, 2014. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will soon announce he wont launch a 2020 presidential campaign, according to three sources familiar with his plans. They did not say why the Democrat decided against a run. A formal announcement was delayed as the country observed a day of mourning for President George H.W. Bush, one source said. News of Patricks plans was first reported by Politico. Patrick, 62, served two terms as governor, from 2007 to 2015, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration and since leaving the governors office has been a managing director for Bain Capital. Patrick traveled the country in support of Democratic candidates in the recent midterm election. Earlier this year, some of Patricks supporters and close advisors started the Reason to Believe political action committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing a positive, progressive vision for our nation in 2018 and 2020. Reason to Believe PAC had been holding meetups across the country, including in early presidential primary states. While Patrick is opting against a 2020 run, dozens of Democrats are considering jumping in, including nearly a half-dozen members of the Senate, several House members, and other Massachusetts politicians. On Tuesday, Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels and a vocal critic of President Trump, said in a statement that he would run. Patrick had previously expressed some concerns about breaking through if he sought the nomination, telling David Axelrod, a former advisor to President Obama, that he wasnt sure he could stand out in such a large field. Its hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and Im none of those things and Im never going to be any of those things, Patrick said in a September interview with Axelrod. Facebook

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Former Trump adviser Roger Stone invokes 5th Amendment right and wont testify before Senate Judiciary Committee By Associated Press Roger Stone in 2017. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Roger Stone, an associate of President Trump, says he wont provide testimony or documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney for Stone said in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committees top Democrat, that Stone was invoking his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to produce documents or appear for an interview. Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III about whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks plans. In the letter to Feinstein, Stone said the committees requests were far too overbroad, far too overreaching and far too wide-ranging. Facebook

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Watch live: Vice President Pence and lawmakers honor George H.W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol before he lies in state Facebook

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Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure has bipartisan support. But who gets to pay for it? By Jim Puzzanghera The grades for major U.S. infrastructure would give any parent indigestion if they were on a childs report card. Roads: D; bridges: C+; dams: D; ports: C+: railways: B; airports: D; schools: D+; public transit: D-. The nations overall grade: D+, which translates to being in fair to poor condition and mostly below standards with significant deterioration and a strong risk of failure, according to an evaluation last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More Facebook

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Trump calls former lawyer Michael Cohen a weak person who is lying By Associated Press President Trump says his former lawyer Michael Cohen is lying to get a reduced sentence. The president is reacting to Cohens guilty plea Thursday to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. During a surprise court hearing, Cohen admitted to lying in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen in his guilty plea said he made the false statements to be consistent with Trumps political message. Cohens lawyer says he continues to cooperate with special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. Facebook

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As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Mark Z. Barabak When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook

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As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Sarah D. Wire When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook

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Michael Cohen, President Trumps ex-lawyer, pleads guilty to lying to Congress about Trump real estate project in Russia By Associated Press Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, pursued a Russian real estate project on candidate Trumps behalf well into the 2016 campaign, he said Thursday while pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen had previously said that the project was abandoned in January 2016, but he now admits he continued to pursue a deal and says he updated Trump and members of his family about the negotiations, according to a new court document. Read More Facebook

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James Comey says acting Atty. Gen. Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer By John Wagner Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Justice Department in Washington on Nov. 14. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Former FBI Director James B. Comey apparently isnt too impressed with the mental prowess of President Trumps acting attorney general. Matthew Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, Comey said during a radio interview on Monday night in which he sized up the man Trump installed this month to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. Comey was asked by WGBH News in Boston if he thinks Whitaker could derail the investigation of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has spoken critically of the probe, and Trump  as recently as Tuesday  continues to call it a witch hunt. I think its a worry, but to my mind not a serious worry, Comey said. The institution is too strong, and [Whitaker], frankly, is not strong enough to have that kind of impact. He may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, but he can see his future and knows that if he acted in an extralegal way, he would go down in history for the wrong reasons, and Im sure he doesnt want that, added Comey, who was fired by Trump last year and later wrote a book that portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, was Sessions chief of staff before being picked by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Trump has called Whitaker a very smart man. Earlier this year, Trump called Comey an untruthful slime ball. Wagner writes for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Interior Department watchdog clears Zinke in investigation of Utah national monument By Juliet Eilperin Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, third from the left, and Gov. Jerry Brown tour fire damage in Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 14. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Interior Departments Office of Inspector General has cleared Secretary Ryan Zinke in a probe of whether he redrew boundaries of a national monument in Utah to aid the financial interests of a Republican state lawmaker and stalwart supporter of President Trump. In a Nov. 21 letter to Zinkes deputy, David Bernhardt, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote that her office found no evidence that the secretary or his aides changed the boundaries of Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an effort to help former Utah state representative Mike Noel, who serves as executive director of the Kane County Water Conservancy District. Last December, Trump shrank the monument, first established by President Clinton in 1996, by 46% based on Zinkes recommendation. Noel owns 40 acres that had been surrounded by the monument, but now lies outside its boundaries. The new boundaries also would make it easier to construct the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline, which would deliver water to sites in Kane County that include Noels property. Earlier this year, the Interior Department had proposed selling off 120 acres of federal land from the former monument that lay adjacent to some of Noels land holdings, but later reversed the plan. We found no evidence that Noel influenced the DOIs proposed revisions to the [monuments] boundaries, that Zinke or other DOI staff involved in the project were aware of Noels financial interest in the revised boundaries, or that they gave Noel any preferential treatment in the resulting proposed boundaries, Kendall wrote. Neither the Interior Department nor the inspector generals office would release the actual investigative report. In the letter, Kendall writes that her office will provide the report to Congress no sooner than 31 days from Nov. 21, when it is provided it to Zinkes office. The Associated Press first reported the inspector generals conclusions Monday night, but did not provide details from the report itself. Noel emailed Zinke about the effort to alter Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to emails released by Interior under the Freedom of Informational Act. But those emails do not make references to Noels land holdings. Noel also pushed to rename a Utah highway in honor of Trump, but abandoned that effort in March after some of his fellow Republicans objected to the idea. Noel did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. The inspector generals office still has at least two ongoing probes of the secretary, including one focused on his real estate dealings in Whitefish, Mont., and another regarding his decision to deny a permit to two Connecticut tribes who were hoping to jointly run a casino after MGM Resorts International lobbied against it. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift welcomed the watchdogs conclusions. The report shows exactly what the secretarys office has known all along  that the monument boundaries were adjusted in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws, she said in an email. This report is also the latest example of opponents and special interest groups ginning up fake and misleading stories, only to be proven false after expensive and time consuming inquiries by the IGs office. But Kendalls spokeswoman, Nancy DiPaolo, defended the inquiry, even though she said the report has not been publicly released and we will not be speaking specifically about the matter at this time. The OIG opens investigations based on credible allegations and reports our findings objectively and independently, DiPaolo added. Any time or resources spent investigating conduct or activity that may be a violation of law, regulation or policy is a service to the public, Congress and the Department. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement that he still intended to investigate the way Zinke and his colleague redrew the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante and another Utah national monument, Bears Ears, next year. I have great respect for the inspector general, and I accept these findings, but Secretary Zinke should have known the people he listened to while destroying our national monuments had disqualifying conflicts of interest, he said. Should I chair the Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress, the process he and President Trump used to destroy Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be front and center in our oversight and investigations efforts. We need to know why they ignored overwhelming public expressions of support for both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, why they ignored Native American tribes throughout their decision-making, and why they removed protections on parcels of land with known mineral deposits. Eilperin and Rein report for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Trump advisor Larry Kudlow says China must do more to end trade war By Jim Puzzanghera Larry Kudlow, President Trumps top economic advisor, said Tuesday that Chinas response to U.S. efforts to rework the two economic superpowers trade relationship has been extremely disappointing but the planned meeting this weekend between the nations leaders is an opportunity for a breakthrough. They have to do more. They must do more, Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters ahead of a Saturday dinner between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 Summit in Argentina. I think the president is exactly right  to show strong backbone when prior administrations did not, to break through these Chinese walls, Kudlow said. Theyre so resistant to change. We have to protect the country. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation. Read More Facebook

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Watch live: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a media briefing amid tensions at the border By Los Angeles Times Staff Facebook

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Democrat TJ Cox grabs lead over Republican David Valadao in nations last remaining undecided House race By Maya Sweedler Democrat TJ Cox slipped past Republican incumbent David Valadao on Monday to take the lead in the countrys sole remaining undecided congressional race, positioning Democrats to pick up their seventh House seat in California and 40th nationwide. Cox, who trailed by nearly 4,400 votes on election night, has steadily gained as ballot counting continues nearly three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a pattern consistent with the states recent voting history. On Monday, he pulled ahead by 438 votes after Kern County updated its results. Read More Facebook

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Former CIA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke By Deanna Paul Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden testifies before a Senate committee in 2008. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images) Former CIA Director and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family said Friday. He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful, according to a statement issued by his namesake organization. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters. Hayden, 73, served as director of the CIA and National Security Agency during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. He retired from the CIA in 2009. Hayden has been a vocal critic of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency. Earlier this year, after Trump decided to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, Hayden was one of several former intelligence leaders who signed a statement in opposition. Criticizing the president for crossing a line, he quickly became one of the individuals whose security clearance Trump threatened to review. Deanna Paul writes for the Washington Post. Facebook

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Trump tells troops hes thankful for what hes done for the U.S. and rails against courts and migrants By Associated Press President Trump talks with troops via teleconference from his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thanksgiving. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump used his Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back and air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trumps call, made from his opulent private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of all five branches of the military to wish them happy holidays. Its a disgrace, Trump said of judges who have blocked his attempts to overhaul U.S. immigration law, as he linked his efforts to secure the border with military missions overseas. Trump later threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines Mexico has lost control on its side. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and off-the-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops  You really are our heroes, he said  as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him. It was yet another show of how Trump has dramatically transformed the presidency, erasing the traditional divisions between domestic policy and military matters and efforts to keep the troops clear of politics. You probably see over the news whats happening on our southern border, Trump told one Air Force brigadier general stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, adding: I dont have to even ask you. I know what you want to do, you want to make sure that you know who were letting in. Later, Trump asked a U.S. Coast Guard commander about trade, which he noted was a very big subject for him personally. Weve been taken advantage of for many, many years by bad trade deals, Trump told the commander, who sheepishly replied, Mr. President, from our perspective on the water  we dont see any issues in terms of trade right now. And throughout, Trump congratulated himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch. I hope that youll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well, he said. The nations doing well economically, better than anybody in the world. He later told reporters, Nobodys done more for the military than me. Indeed, asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving, Trump cited his great family as well as himself. I made a tremendous difference in this country, he said. Facebook

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Trump contradicts CIA assessment that Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi killing By Josh Dawsey | Washington Post (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump on Thursday contradicted the CIAs assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting that the agency had feelings but did not firmly place blame for the death. Trump, in defiant remarks to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, defended his continued support for Mohammed in the face of a CIA assessment that the crown prince had ordered the killing. He denies it vehemently, Trump said. He said his own conclusion was that maybe he did, maybe he didnt. I hate the crime .... I hate the cover-up. I will tell you this: The crown prince hates it more than I do, Trump said. Asked who should be held accountable for the death of Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, Trump refused to place blame. Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place, the president said. He also seemed to suggest that all U.S. allies were guilty of the same behavior, declaring that if the others were held to the standard that critics have held Saudi Arabia to in recent days, we wouldnt be able to have anyone for an ally. Trumps remarks came after he held a conference call with U.S. military officers overseas, during which he repeatedly praised his administration and sought to draw the officers into discussions of domestic policy. Facebook

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Former FBI Director James Comey gets subpoena from House Republicans By Bloomberg Former FBI Director James B. Comey said he has received a subpoena from House Republicans, according to a Twitter post on Thursday. Bloomberg News reported last week that Comey would be receiving a subpoena alongside former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch as part of continuing probes into their handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton and Russian election meddling, according to a top House Democrat. Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. Im still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a closed door thing because Ive seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Lets have a hearing and invite everyone to see.  James Comey (@Comey) November 22, 2018 Read More Facebook

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Republican David Valadaos lead slips to 447 votes over Democrat TJ Cox in still-undecided Central Valley House race By Mark Z. Barabak Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), right, finds himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox. (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) On election night, it looked like Rep. David Valadao had survived a close shave and was destined to return to Washington for his fourth term. But on Wednesday, when Fresno County announced its latest vote totals, the Hanford Republican found himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox, with his lead in the Central Valley district shrunken to 447 votes. Thousands remain to be counted. Valadao, a repeated Democratic target, finished election night with a lead of nearly 4,440 votes. Cox, an engineer and a business owner who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2006, has steadily gained ground in the 21st Congressional District ever since. The trend is consistent with historic patterns showing Republicans in California tend to vote early and Democrats later, meaning their mail ballots continue to stream in past election day. Under California law, ballots postmarked up to midnight on Nov. 6 will be counted. Democrats have already picked up six House seats in California. They ousted Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Mimi Walters, Steve Knight and Jeff Denham and won the seats of retiring Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa. All six represented districts that backed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Valadao was the seventh California Republican in a district Clinton won, though his previous successes  he last won reelection by a 14-point margin  suggested his ouster was a longer shot for Democrats. If Cox prevails, it would give Democrats a 40-seat gain nationwide, far more than the 23 seats needed to take control when Congress reconvenes in January. Facebook

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Trump says no new punishments against Saudi Arabia in Jamal Khashoggi murder By Eli Stokols In this Oct. 25 photo, candles are lit in front of a photo of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Lefteris Pitarakis) President Trump made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to punish Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American resident killed by Saudi officials in Turkey in October. In a remarkable statement replete with exclamation points, Trump cast doubt on the CIAs reported conclusions that it has a high degree of confidence that the crown prince ordered Khashoggis murder and sent his closest allies to Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul to carry it out. Read MoreThis article has been updated with staff. Facebook

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Sixteen House Democrats vow to oppose Nancy Pelosi as next speaker By Mike DeBonis | Washington Post House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Sixteen House Democrats said Monday that they will vote to deny Rep. Nancy Pelosi another stint as House speaker, a show of defiance that puts her opponents on the cusp of forcing a seismic leadership shake-up as their party prepares to take the majority. Their pledge to oppose Pelosi (D-San Francisco), both in an internal caucus election and a Jan. 3 floor vote, delivered in a letter sent to Democratic colleagues, comes as Pelosi has marshaled a legion of supporters on and off Capitol Hill to make her case. But her opponents said Monday they are convinced it is time to select a new leader. We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus, they wrote. However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran on and won on a message of change. Pelosi has expressed complete confidence that she will retake the speakers gavel in January  eight years after she lost it following massive Republican gains in the 2010 midterms and 16 years after she was first elevated to the top Democratic leadership post in the House. Come on in, the waters fine, she said Friday about a potential leadership challenge. The signers might not be able to force Pelosi out themselves. The size of the Democratic majority remains in flux, but Democrats have already won 232 seats, according to the Associated Press, with five races still undecided. All those races have Republican incumbents, but the Democratic challenger is ahead in only one of them. If the leads hold in the uncalled races, Democrats would have won 233 seats, a 16-seat majority. That means Pelosi could lose as many as 15 Democratic votes when she stands for election as speaker on Jan. 3. Read More Facebook

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Democratic senators sue over Whitakers appointment as acting attorney general By Associated Press Acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) Three Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit Monday arguing that Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and asking a federal judge to remove him. The suit, filed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, argues that Whitakers appointment violates the Constitution because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Whitaker was chief of staff to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and was elevated to the top job after Sessions was ousted by President Trump on Nov. 7. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm all principal officials before they can serve in their office. The Justice Department released a legal opinion last week that said Whitakers appointment would not violate the clause because he is serving in an acting capacity. The opinion concluded that Whitaker, even without Senate confirmation, may serve in an acting capacity because he has been at the department for more than a year at a sufficiently senior pay level. President Trump is denying senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nations top law enforcement official, Blumenthal said in a statement. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody and thwarting every senators constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. The lawsuit comes days after a Washington lawyer challenged Whitakers appointment in a pending Supreme Court case dealing with gun rights. The attorney, Thomas Goldstein, asked the high court to find that Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and replace him with Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein, the second-ranking Justice Department official, has been confirmed by the Senate and had been overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker is now overseeing the investigation. The Justice Department issued a statement Monday defending Whitakers appointment as lawful and said it comports with the Appointments Clause, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and legal precedent. There are over 160 instances in American history in which non-Senate confirmed persons performed, on a temporary basis, the duties of a Senate-confirmed position, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. To suggest otherwise is to ignore centuries of practice and precedent. Facebook

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Gov. Rick Scott says Sen. Bill Nelson concedes Florida Senate race By Associated Press Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott speaks with his wife, Ann, by his side at an election watch party in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 7. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race. Scott issued a statement Sunday saying Nelson graciously conceded their Senate race shortly after the states recount ended. The final results show Scott defeated Nelson by just over 10,000 votes out of 8 million cast. Nelson is scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday. The defeat ends Nelsons lengthy political career. The three-term incumbent was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. Before that he served six terms in the U.S. House and as state treasurer and insurance commissioner for six years. Scott spent more than $60 million of his own money on ads that portrayed Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective. Nelson responded by questioning Scotts ethics and saying he would be under the sway of President Trump. Facebook

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Orange County goes blue, as Democrats complete historic sweep of its seven congressional seats By Michael Finnegan Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim on Saturday in the last of Orange Countys undecided House races, giving Democrats a clean sweep of the states six most fiercely fought congressional contests and marking an epochal shift in a region long synonymous with political conservatism. With Cisneros victory, Democrats will constitute the entirety of Orange Countys seven-member congressional delegation, the first time since the 1930s that the birthplace of Richard Nixon, home of John Wayne and spiritual center of the Republican Party will have no GOP representative in the House. Sitting back in the 1960s, I would never have believed this would happen, said Stuart K. Spencer, a party strategist who spent more than half a century ushering Republicans, including President Reagan, into office. Read More Facebook

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Going, going ... with midterm wipeout, California Republican Party drifts closer to irrelevance By Michael Finnegan For a party in freefall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election  again, in blowout fashion  but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) When the vote-counting is finished, the GOP may not even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Read More Facebook

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Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter says she will support Rep. Nancy Pelosi for speaker By Maya Sweedler Democratic Rep.-elect Katie Porter is congratulated by volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter said she plans to support Rep. Nancy Pelosis bid for speaker of the House and will make campaign finance reform her top priority when she enters the chamber in January. Im going to continue to have conversations, but so far I feel like Leader Pelosi is definitely making the things that were a priority to the families that elected me her priorities, including announcing her support for campaign finance reform and anti-corruption as HR1, Porter said in her first public appearance since being declared the winner in Californias 45th Congressional District on Thursday evening. It means a lot to me that she is a Californian. She understands our state, Porter added. When we talk about environmental protections, this is a person who understands as a Californian how fragile our environment is and whats at risk in things like drilling off our coasts. Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters. The 45th District, covering inland Orange County, has never been represented by a Democrat. Porter became the third Democrat to claim a Republican-held seat in Orange County, following the victories of Harley Rouda in the 48th District and Mike Levin in the 49th. A fourth, Gil Cisneros, is running slightly ahead of his Republican opponent in the race for the open seat in the 39th District, which extends into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Porter attributed the massive political shift in the county, for decades a conservative stronghold, to increased levels of political engagement. Folks here care about education, they care about the environment, they believe climate change is real, they want healthcare that protects preexisting conditions, they want a tax system that doesnt punish California, they want our schools and places of worship to be safe from gun violence, she said. Those are the issues we campaigned on, and to the extent that Donald Trump and Mimi Walters were on the wrong side of those issues, the voters have made clear what direction they want us to go. Porter was flying back from the East Coast when her race was called, she said. She turned on her phone to find 167 text messages from friends and supporters. Among them was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was one of Porters teachers in law school and with whom she has remained close. The pair spoke via FaceTime this morning, she said. Facebook

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Bitter battle for Senate seat in Florida goes to hand recount By Associated Press Employees look through damaged ballots during a recount Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount showing DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the contest on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Media in South Florida reported that Broward County finished its machine recount but missed the deadline by a few minutes. Counties were ordered last weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see whether there is a way to figure out voter intent. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. Its time for Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes  which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served, the governor said in a statement. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battles drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said during a morning hearing. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush vs. Gore decision by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee as well at least one lawsuit filed in state court. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans appealed the ruling, but an appeals court turned down the request. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Obama refused the request, calling it inappropriate. Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was at 0.41 points. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelsons campaign. But he said that he expected the vote tally to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. The developments fueled frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. Facebook

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Democrat Gil Cisneros pulls ahead of Republican Young Kim as more votes are tallied in Orange and San Bernardino counties By Michael Finnegan Congressional candidate Gil Cisneros (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of Republican Young Kim in one of Californias undecided congressional races Thursday, an ominous sign for a GOP already reeling from its loss of four House seats in the state. In updated vote counts released by the registrars for Orange and San Bernardino counties, Kim fell 941 votes behind Cisneros in the contest to succeed Republican Rep. Ed Royce in Californias 39th Congressional District. The 39th straddles Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. In another unresolved House race, Democrat Katie Porter pulled further ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters in the 45th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Porter, a consumer attorney and UC Irvine law professor, is now 6,203 votes ahead. The Nov. 6 midterm election has been devastating to Republicans in California. If Cisneros and Porter win, the party will have lost six of its 14 House seats in the state, essentially a wipeout in every contest that both parties spent heavily to win. The three Republicans already bounced from Congress are Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista in the fourth district flipped so far. Facebook

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Florida Senate race likely headed to second recount By Associated Press A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy walks past boxes of ballots before a recount on Nov. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee) Unofficial Florida election results show that the governors race seems to be settled after a machine recount but the U.S. Senate race is likely headed to a hand recount. Republican Ron DeSantis is virtually assured of winning the nationally watched governors race over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Florida finished a machine recount Thursday that showed Gillum without enough votes to force a manual recount. Unofficial results posted on a state website show the margin between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is still thin enough to trigger a second review. State law requires a hand recount of races with a margin of 0.25 percentage point or less. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Pelosi says she has the votes to become the next House speaker By John Wagner Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference in Washington on Nov. 14. (Susan Walsh) House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that she has the votes to become the chambers speaker despite solid opposition from more than a dozen Democrats who want fresh leadership when the party takes control next year. I have overwhelming support in my caucus to be speaker of the House, the San Francisco lawmaker told reporters. I happen to think at this point, Im the best person for that. A vote within the Democratic caucus is scheduled for Nov. 28. The full House votes on Jan. 3 to elect a new speaker. During her remarks, Pelosi touted the size of the Democratic victory in the midterms, which she called almost a tsunami. With a few races still to be decided, Democrats are poised to pick up close to 40 seats in the chamber. Pelosi called that the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in. Pelosis comments come as she faces solid opposition from at least 17 Democrats, setting the stage for a battle over who will ascend to one of the most powerful positions in Washington. After a campaign in which some Democrats prevailed in competitive districts by promising to oppose her, a coalition of incumbents and newly elected members has denied her a smooth path to the speakership. The defections, if they stand, would leave Pelosi, who has led the Democrats for more than 15 years, several votes short of the 218 she would need when the full House votes for speaker Jan. 3. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to run against her for a job she held from 2007 through 2010. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that shes being encouraged to stand for speaker if Pelosi doesnt have the votes. In an interview with the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from many of her colleagues for her possible entry into the race for House speaker. Over the last 12 hours, Ive been overwhelmed by the amount of support Ive received, Fudge said, adding that there are probably closer to 30" Democrats who have privately signaled that they are willing to oppose Pelosi. Things could change rapidly, Fudge said. Fudge, 66, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is building a diverse coalition as she mulls a speaker run, talking with allies in the caucus, moderate Democrats and newly elected members. To this point, Pelosi has enjoyed the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), one of its members, wrote a letter to colleagues praising her insight, fortitude and strategic thinking and urging support for her speakership bid. Former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., an African American who is contemplating a 2020 presidential bid, also voiced support for Pelosi, praising her in a tweet as an architect of the recent midterm success. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a leader of the resistance to Pelosi, said during an interview on CNN on Thursday that Fudge is the kind of new leader that we need in this party. Shes in touch with middle America. She understands what the American people want. Shes a next-generation leader that people will look to and say, Thats the future of our party, thats the future of our country, and thats exactly the kind of leader that I want to see as our next speaker. Wagner reports for the Washington Post. The Posts Robert Costa, Erica Werner, Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report. Facebook

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GOP Rep. Jeff Denham concedes to Democrat Josh Harder in Central Valley race By Maya Sweedler Rep. Jeff Denham (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has conceded to Democrat Josh Harder in the race to represent Californias 10th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been an absolute honor to serve our community and represent the Central Valley in Congress over the past eight years, the 51-year-old congressman said. The enormity of the responsibility was never lost on me. My wife Sonia and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our lives. Harder said he had spoken with Denham and the two were committed to a productive transition. Denham, an Air Force veteran, previously represented the region in the state Senate for eight years and founded a company specializing in plastic packaging used in agriculture. While a member of Congress, he sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture committees. First-time candidate Harder was born and raised in the district. After graduating from Stanford University, he served as vice president of a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Since moving back, he has been teaching at Modesto Junior College. Denhams House seat is one of four in California that Republicans lost in the Nov. 6 election, with two contests in Orange County still undecided as of Thursday morning. Jeff Denham called me this morning and we had a very productive conversation. I'm honored that I've been chosen to serve our community in Congress, and we're both looking forward to a productive transition that best serves the people of District 10.  Josh Harder (@JoshHarder) November 14, 2018 Facebook

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Democrat Katie Porter now nearly 3,800 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Mimi Walters By Maya Sweedler Rep. Mimi Walters thanks all of her supporters as she watches election results in Irvine on Nov. 7, 2018. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press) Democrat Katie Porter opened a 3,797-vote lead Wednesday over Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District. In the neighboring 39th, Democrat Gil Cisneros has nearly tied the race against Republican Young Kim. Cisneros now trails Kim by a razor-thin margin of 122 votes. The 39th District straddles Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties; Wednesdays updated ballot counts came from the latter two. There are more than 202,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, which includes parts of seven congressional districts. The 45th is entirely in inland Orange County. In California, the ballots counted first tend to lean Republican and those tallied later skew Democratic. In the Central Valleys 21st Congressional District, Democratic challenger TJ Cox has pulled within 2 percentage points of Rep. David Valadao, who is serving his third term. The Associated Press had projected a win for Valadao on election night, but his 4,839-vote advantage has shrunk to 2,090. Back in CA-21, Valadao (R) wins a batch of ballots from his stronghold in Kings Co., but by a considerably smaller margin (14 points) than his previous ~30-point margin in the county. We're moving to Lean R from Likely R; today a bit scary for Valadao.https://t.co/WqJVUVkqGW  Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 15, 2018 A spokesman for Valadao told the Fresno Bee that the changes were expected and that [s]tatistically, David Valadao has won this race. Democrats in California have already flipped four House seats, defeating three Republican incumbents and claiming an open seat previously held by the GOP. Reps. Steve Knight of Palmdale, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Jeff Denham of Turlock have already lost their races, and retiring Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County seat was claimed by Democrat Mike Levin. Facebook

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Trump aide departs West Wing after rebuke from Melania Trump By Associated Press First Lady Melania Trump. (Alain Jocard / AFP-Getty Images) Deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel is leaving the White House, one day after First Lady Melania Trumps office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal. No replacement was named. Aides said Ricardel clashed with the first ladys staff over her visit to Africa last month. Yet it is highly unusual for a first lady or her office to weigh in on personnel matters, especially the presidents national security staff. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ricardel would have a new role in the administration. On Tuesday, Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys spokeswoman, released a statement saying, It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. President Trumps White House has set records for administration turnover. Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Trump. An ally of national security advisor John Bolton, Ricardel began her service in the Trump administration as associate director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then moved to the Commerce Department last year. Bolton brought her into the West Wing shortly after taking the job in April. He is traveling in Asia this week alongside Vice President Mike Pence. Facebook

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Race for House Minority Leader is Kevin McCarthys to lose By Associated Press (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running to take over next years shrunken caucus in closed-door elections that will set the tone for the new Congress. The race for minority leader is McCarthys to lose Wednesday. But the California Republican, who is an ally of President Trump, must fend off a challenge from conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan is a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The two encountered questions and finger-pointing during a private meeting with lawmakers Tuesday night as the GOP sorted through the midterm defeat that put Democrats in the majority next year. Elections Wednesday will also determine party leadership in the Senate. Voting for the biggest race, Nancy Pelosis bid to return as the Democrats nominee for speaker, is later this month. Read More Facebook

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Melania Trump calls for the firing of deputy national security advisor By Justin Sink First Lady Melania Trump arrives at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris on Nov. 11. (Alain Jocard / AFP/Getty Images ) First Lady Melania Trumps office said she wants Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security advisor, ousted from the White House. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House, Trumps spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement in response to a question about reports the first lady had sought Ricardels removal. Ricardel is the top deputy to national security advisor John Bolton. She drew the first ladys wrath after threatening to withhold National Security Council resources during Melania Trumps trip to Africa last month unless Ricardel was included in her entourage, one person familiar with the matter said. Grishams statement comes as several media outlets have reported that President Trump is considering a broader shakeup of his administration, including ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sink and Jacobs report for Bloomberg. Read More Facebook

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CNN sues Trump over the suspension of Jim Acostas White House press credentials By Jim Puzzanghera CNN said Tuesday that it is suing President Trump and other administration officials over the decision to suspend the White House press credentials of correspondent Jim Acosta after a conflict at a news conference last week. The suit, to be filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, escalates an ongoing battle between Trump and the cable news outlet that he frequently accuses of disseminating fake news for its aggressive coverage of him and his administration. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acostas 1st Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their 5th Amendment rights to due process, CNN said in a written statement. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials. Read More Facebook

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Maxine Waters to take aim at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank as new head of House Financial Services Committee By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Maxine Waters plans to zero in on two big banks  Wells Fargo & Co. and Deutsche Bank  when she becomes head of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. The Los Angeles congresswoman, now the committees top Democrat, is widely expected to gain the gavel after her party won control of the House in last weeks elections. While Waters has outlined a wide-ranging agenda, she said her focus on bank oversight will target two large institutions she has been tangling with for a while  including one, Deutsche Bank, that spills into her bitter feud with President Trump. With Trump in the White House, I know that our fight for Americas consumers and investors will continue to be challenging. But I am more than up to that fight, Waters wrote in a letter last week to her Democratic colleagues on the committee that was obtained by The Times. Read More Facebook

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Heres how a controversial voting system will decide a congressional race in Maine By Kurtis Lee For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. Read More Facebook

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ACLU files suit to stop Trumps new asylum limits By Associated Press A group of Central American migrants march to the office of the U.N.'s humans rights body in Mexico City on Nov. 8. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Trumps order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt said the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and wants a judge to stop the rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Read More Facebook

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Trump on new acting AG: I dont know Matt Whitaker By Associated Press President Trump talks with reporters before departing for France on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 9. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump is moving to distance himself from Matthew Whitaker as he faces criticism over his choice for acting attorney general. Trump told reporters Friday that I dont know Matt Whitaker and said he didnt speak with Whitaker about special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker has made public comments critical of Muellers investigation, and critics have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of the inquiry. Under former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the investigation was overseen by Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: Its a shame that no matter who I put in they go after. He also called Whitaker a very highly respected man. Whitaker was Sessions chief of staff before Trump made him Sessions interim replacement. Facebook

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of hospital after fall By Associated Press The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is home after being released from the hospital. She had been admitted for treatment and observation after fracturing three ribs in a fall. The court said Ginsburg was released Friday. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says she is doing well and working from home. The court had previously said the justice fell in her office at the court on Wednesday evening and went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook

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Gun-control activist Lucy McBath defeats GOP Rep. Karen Handel in Georgia By Associated Press Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Nov. 2 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek reelection after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBaths margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. Handel conceded in a statement Thursday morning, stating that after reviewing all of the election data, its clear she came up a bit short in Tuesdays vote. Handel congratulated McBath, offering good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her. McBath, who is African American, declared victory Wednesday. Facebook

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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized after fracturing 3 ribs in fall By Associated Press Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital. The court says the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred Wednesday evening. Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook

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White House suspends press pass of CNNs Jim Acosta after heated exchange with Trump By Associated Press The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass in retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history.  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Contrary to CNNs assertions there is no greater demonstration of the Presidents support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters...  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 As a result of todays incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice.  Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Sanders provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. Facebook

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Trump spars with reporters at post-election news briefing, ordering several to sit down By Associated Press  President Trump assails CNNs Jim Acosta at a White House news conference. President Trump sparred with reporters at his post-election news conference, ordering several to sit down and telling another hes a rude, terrible person. He told another reporter hes not a fan of yours, either. The presidents mood turned sour Wednesday after reporters pressed him on why he referred to a migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. on foot through Mexico as an invasion. Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric against the caravan in the final days of the midterm elections. Trump was also pressed on why his campaign aired an ad featuring a Mexican immigrant convicted of killing American police officers and linking the mans actions to the caravan. Several television networks pulled the ad after airing it or declined to air it at all. Facebook

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Im living one hour at a time at this point By Christine Mai-Duc Republican congressional candidate Young Kim and gubernatorial candidate John Cox campaign in Rowland Heights. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Republican congressional candidate Young Kim greeted gubernatorial candidate John Coxs giant campaign bus, the words HELP IS ON THE WAY emblazoned across it, as it rolled into the parking lot outside her Rowland Heights field office. Standing beside Cox on Saturday, Kim predicted that a string of GOP victories Tuesday would start with voters repealing the gas tax hike. Can you imagine Gavin Newsom being our governor? Can you imagine Gil Cisneros being your representative? Kim asked the crowd, to loud boos and cries of Nooo! The former state assemblywoman who worked for retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) is vying for his seat with Democrat Gil Cisneros. She led the crowd in chants of Enough is enough! and, though short-lived, Drain the swamp! Ive served you in Sacramento and Ive seen dysfunction personally, Kim continued. We cannot continue that route. She urged her supporters to stay and help make phone calls or walk neighborhoods. Lets get out there  the 72 hours is really critical. Its all going to come down to a few votes, it could be your vote, she said pointing to her left, then pivoting right, it could be your vote. So dont sit back and do nothing. Every night I go to sleep thinking, OK, how many more votes can I get or how many more people can I call tomorrow? Kim said. It can be physically exhausting but Im mentally, emotionally very energized. She listed off her events so far that day  and the next one she was heading to. Thats just what I can remember, she said. Im living one hour at a time at this point. Kims campaign invited press to two of her events on Saturday. After she was whisked away to her next event  a high tea fundraiser in Walnut, a couple dozen volunteers remained. John Freeman, a statewide field manager for the state Republican Party, tried to pump them up. This is the Super Bowl. Were not in an NFL stadium, were not getting paid millions of dollars, but you know what? Freeman said. Were walking on the field right now. This is that high-stakes-level game. Facebook

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Its going to be tough out there Democratic candidate Katie Porter speaks to volunteers in Mission Viejo. Jon Bauman, Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na, is in the background. (Victoria Kim / Los Angeles Times ) Judging from the cheers in the crowd, about half those assembled at Katie Porters campaign headquarters in Mission Viejo Sunday morning were old enough to remember 70s rock n roll star Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na. Jon Bauman, as Bowzer is known off stage, said it was her position on senior issues including retirement and social security that has him out supporting Porter over her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. I want you to make sure every phone is called and every door is knocked, he told the crowd of about 80 volunteers. There has never been a more important election. Both Bauman and his nephew, California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, were interrupted by yells from Trump supporters coming from an adjoining hillside. We love Trump, the voice cried out. We love him too, he makes great fodder, the younger Bauman retorted, before introducing Porter. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor and first-time candidate, acknowledged the uphill battle some of her canvassers might face in this more conservative end of the long-red Orange County district. I know its going to be tough out there, she said, motioning to the hillside. But she said the attacks meant the other side viewed her campaign as a significant threat. This election is going to be close, she said. If we dont fight all the way to the finish line, until 8 oclock on Tuesday, this could slip away. Bowzer then took to a keyboard piano to lead the crowd in a reworded rendition of the song Good Night Sweetheart: Good night, Mimi Walters, he crooned. A woman in a black tank top, jeans and flip flops holding a cup of coffee later joined the crowd with her two sons, 17 and 14, the younger one wearing a Trump 2016 T-shirt. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about being attacked, but said she lived up the hill and said she had been the one yelling. She said she was encouraging her sons to talk to people on both sides and make up their own minds. We need to have a government that runs the way government teachers are telling kids its supposed to be run, said the woman, a retired registered dental assistant who voted early for Mimi Walters. Referring to Democrats, she said: Theyve had control over all these years and Californias gone to crap. Among those canvassing was Stacie Campbell, 37, who was at the launch with her husband Jerome and three children, the youngest of whom was 2 months old. Campbell, a Mission Viejo resident who runs a business, had never canvassed or volunteered for campaigns before, and her husband is a French citizen and unable to vote. She said they had been talking to their children  the older ones are 5 and 2  about the presidency and the government since Trumps election. Together, they worked on homemade Katie Porter lawn signs and put them up around town. This is the first time its felt like a big deal and there isnt a president up for election, she said. Because her city is a mix of conservatives and liberals  her next-door neighbor is an NRA-supporting Republican  she the race felt mThe Trump administrations top immigration enforcer said Monday that he will retire in June, avoiding what promised to be a rough Senate fight for confirmation as director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Thomas Homan, who began his 34-year career as a Border Patrol agent in Campo, Calif., has been an aggressive advocate for President Trumps immigration crackdown, using ICE agents to arrest anyone in the country illegally and speaking out harshly against so-called sanctuary cities and other impediments.

His nomination had been held up in the Senate, where Democratic lawmakers expressed growing concern about his approach. Homan said virtually every immigrant living illegally in the United States was subject to removal, and arrests of such immigrants with no criminal convictions rose sharply on his watch.

Homan, 57, becomes the latest high-level Trump appointee to withdraw a contested nomination. Dr. Ronny Jackson, Trumps lightly vetted pick to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, dropped out last week amid allegations that he drank on the job and overprescribed medication.

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Homan headed ICE removal operations under President Obama. He has served as deputy director of ICE under Trump and was nominated as director in November.

He previously sought to retire in January, in part because of family and health issues, but the White House convinced him to stay. The White House has not said who will be nominated to head the agency.

Homan announced his decision Monday as he was about to accept an award in New York from an association of federal law enforcement officers.

It has been the honor of my life to lead the men and women of ICE for more than a year, Homan said in a statement, calling his decision bittersweet. He added: My family has sacrificed a lot in order for me to serve, and its time for me to focus on them.

Under Obama, ICE made noncitizens with criminal records the top enforcement target for deportation. But longtime ICE agents felt unleashed under Trump, and Homan embraced the tough new approach with gusto. He said everyone in the country illegally could be a target for deportation, whether or not they committed another crime.

Under Homan, arrests jumped more than 40 % last year, and arrests of immigrants without criminal records doubled.

Homan vowed to be even more aggressive in 2018, including a return to workplace raids, and promised that his agents would give extra attention to pursuing people in sanctuary cities that resisted cooperation with his agency.

When Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf issued a warning to residents ahead of a planned raid, Homan compared her to a gang lookout yelling police when a police cruiser comes into the neighborhood. Homan said more than 800 criminals were able to avoid capture, but there was little evidence to support the claim, and an agency spokesman resigned in protest.

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This month, 18 leading Democratic senators wrote a letter criticizing the Trump administration for not sending requested documents to support Homans nomination, and blasting Homan for his inflammatory and inaccurate statements.

We understand that the Trump administration may be concerned about Mr. Homan answering questions under oath about his leadership of ICE, they wrote.

Homan shot back at his critics, with particular scorn for those in California: If people dont like it, people like Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein can certainly change the law, they are legislators, Homan said in March.

Homans record drew praise from Rep. Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.), chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. He called the official a tremendous partner in helping to steer ICE back to its core mission of immigration enforcement and public safety.

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joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

Twitter: @jtanfaniPresident Trump lashed out Tuesday at the publication of questions that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III was said to be interested in asking him as part of the Russia probe and possible attempts to obstruct the inquiry.

In a morning tweet, Trump said it was disgraceful that the 49 questions were provided to the New York Times, which published them Monday night.

So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media, he wrote on Twitter.

It appears that the leak did not come from Muellers office. The Times reported that the questions were relayed to Trumps attorneys as part of negotiations over the terms of a potential interview with the president. The list was then provided to the Times by a person outside Trumps legal team, the paper said.

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In his tweet, Trump also falsely asserts that there are no questions about collusion.

While the questions published by the Times are wide-ranging  and include more related to possible obstruction of justice  the list includes 13 related to possible cooperation between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Among those is a query about Trumps knowledge of any outreach by his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign. A court filing this month revealed that Mueller had sought authorization to expand his probe into allegations that Manafort committed a crime or crimes by colluding with Russian government officials.

Another question asks about Trumps knowledge of a June 2016 meeting in Trump Tower between his aides and a Russian lawyer who offered politically damaging information on Trumps Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.

And another asks what Trump knew about Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign?

In his tweet, Trump calls collusion a phony crime and repeats his claim that none existed. The president also derides Muellers investigation as having begun with illegally leaked classified information, adding: Nice!

That is a reference to notes that former FBI Director James Comey provided to a friend documenting his interactions with Trump. The president has said that the action, which prompted the appointment of a special counsel, amounted to illegally leaking classified information and that Comey should be imprisoned.

Comey, whom Trump fired last year, has said repeatedly that the information was not classified. He and Trump have been sparring over the issue as Comey continues a publicity tour to promote his new book, A Higher Loyalty, which portrays Trump as an ego-driven and congenital liar.

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In a later tweet Tuesday morning, Trump wrote that it would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened!

But that, legal experts, say is a misunderstanding of the law.

This is flat wrong, said Randall Eliason, a former assistant U.S. attorney who teaches white-collar criminal law at George Washington University Law School.

The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether a crime was committed, and, regardless of the ultimate answer to that question, it is a separate crime to attempt to obstruct that inquiry, Eliason said. Its also true, of course, that we dont yet know that the underlying crime never happened. 

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Trump has said previously that he would be willing to have a face-to-face meeting with Mueller or his team, but more recently, he has wavered on the prospect.

Rudolph W. Giuliani, Trumps new personal lawyer dealing with the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, met with Mueller last week to reopen negotiations for a possible presidential interview.

Giuliani conveyed the ongoing resistance of Trump and his advisors to an interview but did not rule out the possibility, according to people familiar with the talks.

Raj Shah, a White House spokesman, said later Tuesday morning that White House officials are frustrated that much of Muellers focus seems to be outside his original aim of investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

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Appearing on Fox News, Shah said he couldnt speak to the accuracy of the questions published by the Times. But, he said, if they are accurate, the overwhelming majority of those questions dont focus on the underlying premise of this special counsel.President Trump angrily insisted again Tuesday that there was no collusion between his presidential campaign and Russians in the 2016 election, but special counsel Robert S. Mueller III apparently isnt convinced.

After speaking with prosecutors on Muellers team, Trumps lawyers prepared a list of nearly four dozen questions that could be posed during a potential interview with the president, according to sources with knowledge of the process who declined to speak publicly.

Roughly one in four questions focused on what the president knew about Russias efforts to interfere in the campaign.

During the campaign, what did you know about Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign? reads one inquiry on the list.

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The New York Times first disclosed the list and a source confirmed its authenticity to the Los Angeles Times. Its unclear if Mueller has changed or expanded his areas of inquiry, which were detailed more than a month ago.

Since then, Trumps longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, was the target of raids by FBI agents pursuing a separate criminal investigation in Manhattan.

Its not known if Trump is still open to sitting down for an interview with the special counsels office, something he previously pledged to do.

Trump last month hired Rudolph Giuliani, a longtime political ally and former mayor of New York City, to help negotiate with Mueller. The president also ramped up his criticism of the Russia investigation.

Trump blasted the disclosure of the questions in a tweet Tuesday morning, calling it so disgraceful.

He added, you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!

Trump also falsely claimed the list contained no questions on Collusion even though a number of inquiries probed issues related to connections between Trump or his aides and Russians.

Generally the questions referred to episodes that have been public knowledge for months. The list contained no new allegations of meetings, conversations or contacts.

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One question  When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting?  references the June 2016 gathering that Donald Trump Jr., the presidents eldest son, hosted with a Kremlin-linked lawyer who was said to have incriminating information on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Paul Manafort, Trumps campaign chairman, and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and advisor, also attended the meeting, which was revealed last year. Trump Jr. later claimed no incriminating information was provided.

Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee suggested Friday that the president may know more about the meeting than he has let on. As Trump Jr. was setting up the meeting, he conducted a call with a blocked number, according to phone records.

Democrats said they tried to determine whether the caller was Trump himself, but Republicans were unwilling to pursue the matter.

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Another question focuses on the presidents unsuccessful attempts to build a hotel complex in Moscow and other potential business dealings there after he visited the Russian capital in 2013. What communication did you have with Michael D. Cohen, Felix Sater and others, including foreign nationals, about Russian real estate developments during the campaign? it asks.

Cohen has said he and Sater, a Russian-born businessman in New York who previously worked with the Trump Organization, pitched a luxury building in Moscow during the campaign, but the idea was abandoned in January 2016.

Prosecutors may have hinted theres more evidence against Manafort, who already is fighting nearly two dozen charges of money laundering, tax evasion and bank fraud in two federal indictments.

What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign? the question asks.

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Manafort is not charged with any crimes related to his work on the Trump campaign although prosecutors have suggested in court filings that he has ties to Russian intelligence. He has denied any such ties or any conspiracy with Russia.

A memo previously disclosed by the special counsels office said Mueller was authorized to examine allegations that Manafort committed a crime or crimes by colluding with Russian government officials in connection with the U.S. election.

In a court filing Monday, Manaforts lawyers said the special counsels office has not turned over any tapes, notes, transcripts or any other material evidencing surveillance or intercepts of communications between Mr. Manafort and Russian intelligence officials, Russian government officials (or any other foreign officials).

Negotiations between prosecutors and Trumps lawyers about a potential interview with the president is not an unusual step when an investigation requires access to the Oval Office, said Solomon Wisenberg, a lawyer who worked with the Office of Independent Counsel in the investigation that led to President Clintons impeachment by the House for perjury and obstruction of justice.

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They want to show that theyve gone out of their way to try to accommodate the president, Wisenberg said. They want a record that they made every effort to talk to him.

Ken Starr, the independent counsel, agreed to limit Clintons 1998 deposition to four hours and conduct it at the White House. Wisenberg said there were no stipulations about what questions could be covered.

The newly-disclosed list of questions also contained multiple queries related to whether Trump obstructed justice by trying to influence the Russia investigation. Several sought to establish Trumps mind-set when he made certain decisions, such as when he fired James B. Comey as FBI director last May.

What did you mean when you told Russian diplomats on May 10, 2017, that firing Mr. Comey had taken the pressure off? was one question.

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Trumps allies argue that the firing was proper because, as president, Trump has full control over the executive branch, which includes the Department of Justice.

But Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University law professor, said Trump could still face legal jeopardy.

The president has been building an obstruction case against himself, tweet by tweet, he said.

Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Trump, declined to comment Tuesday. Joshua Stueve, a spokesman for the special counsels office, also declined to comment.

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Follow the latest news of the Trump administration on Essential Washington 

chris.megerian@latimes.com

Twitter: @chrismegerianAn angry Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday announced a lawsuit by California and 16 other states against the Trump administration to stop it from rolling back aggressive national fuel economy standards championed by the state.

In stinging comments at the Capitol, Brown said actions of the Trump administration were so outrageous, adding Trump is definitely running a one-man demolition derby on science, the Clean Air Act and a lot of things we are trying to do.

Brown called Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt Outlaw Pruitt, and accused him of breaking the law.

Hes flouting the Clean Air Act and the legitimate needs and well-being of the American people, the governor said.

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The California-led lawsuit filed in federal court seeks to block the EPAs effort to weaken rules requiring cars and SUVs to average nearly 55 miles per gallon by 2025.

The rules are crucial to California and other states meeting their climate action goals, as well as to fulfilling their vow to carry the country toward meeting its obligations under the Paris agreement on global warming. The federal agency has declared the standards are too onerous and need to be reconsidered.

While the administration has yet to announce how far it intends to roll back the mileage targets, a draft of its plan seen by lawmakers shows it is poised to significantly weaken them. The plan the EPA has drafted with the Department of Transportation would reduce the target from 55 miles per gallon to 42 miles per gallon.

It would also revoke the authority California and other states now have to keep in place the stricter, existing targets.

The states argue that the EPA acted arbitrarily and capriciously in trying to unravel the aggressive targets, failed to follow its own regulations and violated the Clean Air Act.

The states joining todays lawsuit represent 140 million people who simply want cleaner and more efficient cars, Brown said. This phalanx of states will defend the nations clean car standards to boost gas mileage and curb toxic air pollution.

The lawsuit comes only days after Pruitt assured members of Congress that he was committed to a compromise with California, and would seek mileage targets the state could embrace. But soon after Pruitt made those assurances in congressional hearings, his agencys draft plan surfaced. It showed no intention of brokering a deal, and instead strikes a hostile posture toward California and other states.

On Capitol Hill, EPA chief takes little responsibility for his troubles 

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Trump was elected on the promise of reducing red tape and regulations for businesses and the EPA has sought to scale back rules on several major industries. Cooperative federalism doesnt mean that one state can dictate standards for the rest of the country, Pruitt said in a recent statement on the emission standards issue.

Even the auto industry has become unnerved at how aggressively the EPA is going after emissions standards. A Trump administration war on the issue with California, which Brown said Tuesday is sharpening, threatens to tangle the regulations up in years of litigation, leaving car makers uncertain of what to plan for.

EPA officials declined Tuesday to respond to the allegations in the lawsuit or the name-calling by the governor.

The administration did not respond directly to a question about why it has had such a heavy hand with states, despite the normal deference urged by conservatives.

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Certainly the administration supports state rights, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at Mondays press briefing. In regard to the specific lawsuit, were reviewing that, she added.

California has been at the forefront of environmental protections for decades and pioneered efforts to regulate tailpipe emissions in the 1970s, when it created the countrys first standards for nitrogen oxide emissions from tailpipes.

Starting in 2010 during the Obama administration, the EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and California Air Resources Board established a single national program of greenhouse gas emissions standards for model year 2012-2025 vehicles.

That program permits automakers to design and manufacture to a single target, according to state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, who filed the lawsuit.

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Coverage of California politics 

The attorney general noted that last month the EPA reversed course and claimed that the clean car standards for model years 2022-25 should be scrapped. Becerra said the federal government offered no evidence to support the decision and the expected rules that may weaken the existing 2022-25 standards.

Becerra, who joined Brown at the Capitol to announce what is the states 32nd legal challenge to the Trump administration, said the existing clean car standards are achievable, science-based and a boon for hard-working American families.

Enough is enough, Becerra said. Were not looking to pick a fight with the Trump administration, but when the stakes are this high for our families health and our economic prosperity, we have a responsibility to do what is necessary to defend them.

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The lawsuit was filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and California was joined as a plaintiff by other states including Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Pennsylvania among others, as well as the District of Columbia.

The states that sued represent some 43% of the U.S. automobile market, Brown said.

Brown was in fighting form Tuesday, pounding the podium and blasting Pruitt for his expensive travel tastes and funny little redecorating plans, a reference to Pruitt taking first-class airline flights and spending tens of thousands of dollars to remodel his office, including installation of a soundproof telephone booth.

The governor said the changes would make the U.S. auto industry less competitive with China and other countries in providing cleaner, more efficient engines.

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This move by Pruitt with the help and encouragement of Trump is not going to make America great, Brown said. Its going to make America second-rate and probably will jeopardize Americas auto industry.

He noted the Obama administration agreed to the standards with states including California based on two years of study.

You cant just like some tin-horn dictator say, Im tearing up a rule that is based on a two-year-determination process, Brown said.

The states lawsuit was supported by members of Congress from California including Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento).

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The Trump administration cannot ignore the science and the law, Feinstein said.

California has sued the Trump administration on environmental issues more than a dozen times and the state has won each case that has been decided, Becerra said.

The Trump administrations pending plan to freeze the fuel economy targets at 42 miles per gallon and pre-empt Californias ability to set its own emissions standards, meanwhile, drew a scolding Tuesday by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), the ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Carper cited a leaked copy of the EPA proposal, which he said argues that states may not adopt or enforce tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions standards when such standards relate to fuel economy standards and are therefore preempted by federal law.

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Such a proposal, if finalized, would harm U.S. national and economic security, undermine efforts to combat global warming pollution, create regulatory and manufacturing uncertainty for the automobile industry and unnecessary litigation, increase the amount of gasoline consumers would have to buy, and runs counter to statements that both of you have made to Members of Congress, Carper wrote in a letter Tuesday to Pruitt and Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

Times staff writer Noah Bierman contributed to this report. Halper and Bierman reported from Washington.

patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com

Twitter: @mcgreevy99A recent opinion piece in the New York Times asks, Why Are We Surprised When Buddhists Are Violent?

The article refers to international criticism of events in Myanmar, where leadership is accused of looking the other way as attacks against minority Rohingya Muslims have led to a mass exodus of refugees and a humanitarian crisis.

Widely held Western beliefs that Buddhism is a uniquely peaceful and tolerant religion fail to take into account the point of Buddhism itself, the authors argue, which is to overcome self-centered ways of being. Without the nature of humanity, the authors say, Buddhism would not be necessary.

But the authors also blame British colonialism for the worlds simplified view of Buddhism and argue that Myanmars interest in becoming part of the contemporary world of nations means it is adopting globally held views of intolerance, including arguments that the Muslim minority are foreigners who threaten Myanmars integrity.

Q. Is it fair to blame supposedly intolerant Western views and historic colonialism on the contemporary violent acts in Myanmar? Or is it worth remembering, as the op-ed states, that the histories of Buddhist societies are as checkered as most human history? Do you see violence as an intractable problem of human nature?

Every human being is born with a human nature which the Bible refers to as the flesh. The flesh is fundamentally self-centered and hostile to Gods rule. The flesh may practice religion but ultimately it refuses to relinquish control to God. We have a fallen, sinful flesh nature because our first forefather, Adam, chose to rebel against Gods commandment. Notably, Adam blamed Eve for his sin, and this trend of blaming others for our sinful choices continues to this day. If people act in violent ways its because they have personally chosen to do so. When Adam sinned his nature changed to that of a sinner. Like begets like, sinners beget sinners, and so this sinful nature passes from generation to generation to this day. No one is exempt from this natural progression, including Buddhists. The Book of Galatians describes the kinds of actions the flesh does: Now the deeds of the flesh are  immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Each of these is an intractable problem of human nature unless we opt for the one solution Jesus Christ offers: You must be born again (John 3:7). God gives us a new nature when we turn to him through faith in Jesus Christs death for us on the cross to pay for our sins, and when we repent of our fleshly ways to follow him. No, we dont become perfect or sinless immediately, but we are given the capability to say no to the flesh and to say yes to the things God wants us to do, including the expressions of forgiveness and kindness to our enemies. Violence springs from the fallen human nature which dwells in each of us. Jesus Christ is our only hope to be delivered from it. If you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by [Gods] Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live (Romans 8:13).

Pastor Jon Barta

Burbank

--

I am not an expert on the Myanmar situation, but I know that colonialism has had a lot of lingering negative effects, and anti-Muslim animus is all too prevalent worldwide. Tempting though it would be for an atheist like me to condemn the houses of faith for religious violence, I see instead that inter-ethnic and political conflicts, and struggles for scarce territory and resources are often played out in the guise of religion.

Much evidence of human cooperation abounds as well, and both strife and peace seem to occur throughout all societies. In fact, I dont think there is such a thing as a human nature, but that our so-called natures are largely culturally determined.

While I have been pondering this question, science has marched on. A New York Times article on April 17 is headlined: Wired to be Besties; Research reveals shared neural response patterns in our social networks. Turns out in an experiment that the brains of close friends respond in very similar ways while they watched the same videos.

In fact the researchers found that they could use neural response patterns of two subjects to accurately predict whether they were close friends. They will now move on to measure incoming college students unknown to each other and then see if those with similar brain responses become friends.

Maybe someday we will discover that there is some biological basis to whether humans live together in peace or descend into violence.

Roberta Medford

Atheist

Montrose

--

In my attempt to answer these three questions, I want to start with the last, Do I see violence as an intractable problem of human nature? I do so as a way of addressing the other two, because you cannot separate the problems of human nature from religious practices and cultural influences. In looking up the adjective intractable, I see that this describes the problem of human nature as not easily governed, managed or directed. This has been my experience both inside and outside of the church. Violence is a serious problem, one that each generation wrestles with. Right now we have many forms of violence that grass-roots movements like Black Lives Matter, the Womens March and student protests calling for gun reform are addressing. On the international scene there are calls for the end of violence in many places around the world. So, yes, violence is an intractable problem of human nature. Violence is not easily governed, managed or directed. Violence has been justified by those who are seeking power and control over others, rather than finding the common good for all.

I recently read a blog by a young man who wrote he is not religious because no matter what religion you study all have not managed or contained violence in their quest for religious war.

I would say the culture of violence is much greater than any one religious tradition. More than a Western influence, it is an evil that persists in the world because of the way violence is exploited by those who want power over others or benefit from groups at war with one another. Rather than finding ways of managing and addressing violence, we arm ourselves, we arm others, we lose patience with long term solutions, and we scapegoat others for our problems.

Each of us is capable of violence. It is a part of our nature, so the cure begins with us, can we find ways of being nonviolent, of caring for one another in the midst of life? I have heard so many stories of how families cannot talk to one another about those important topics of life, because when they do they end up screaming at each other, not talking at all with one another, and blaming one another for the problems of the world. We need to find ways to talk to one another.

Places people gather for worship and study can be safe places to exchange ideas, examine the problems our society faces and find creative solutions. The problems are far too big for any one solution, and for us to change the worlds tendency toward violence we need to find ways of working together. I think of a team who responds to a patient in the hospital whose heart stops beating: The call goes out, the team responds  doctors, nurses, chaplains, administrators  all to save a persons life. No one is concerned about who is Jewish, or Catholic or Muslim or atheist, they are all there to save a life, to bring healing.

Can we find ways of working together so we can find ways of eliminating violence in the world? Can we act in ways that help eliminate violence in our communities and families? I have hope that we can. If we can see that violence only leads to more violence, and this circle needs to be broken, we can start practicing nonviolence, nurture what we have in common, be creative in our thinking, work hard to stand up to violence in all its forms. We can be peacemakers in the midst of violence.

So I would call us to resist violence in all its forms, in the places we find ourselves, to be part of the movement to build a better world.

Rev. Steve Poteete-Marshall

Crescenta Valley UMC

--

It is interesting how theres this sort of peaceful perception of Buddhists, generally, but perhaps thats because so many in the West have played pick-and-choose with some of the religions supposedly enlightened pathways or acceptable truths, and the reality of the religions success hasnt been carefully considered. Maybe its because it comes across as a spiritual superhero kind of thing that so many of us picked up in childhood as we watched David Carradine travel across the cowboy West exhibiting nothing but humble love for everyone, that is, until he kicks and punches the crud out of all the bad guys. Isnt it funny how martial arts are so connected with this peaceful faith, and also how often Buddhists find themselves embroiled in violent conflict?

Recently I spoke with a Christian missionary to a Buddhist country, and he told me that all the worrisome results of living badly were believed to be thwarted by a merit system. Prostitutes, for example, would decorate Buddhist temples early in the day, and earn enough spiritual merit to ply their salacious trade by night. One has to balance karma to ones own benefit, right? And I recall the Dalai Lama on several occasions being asked if Buddhists believe in God, to which he answered that there is no god except ones own mind. So, if a Buddhist is his own god, and god is doing just enough good to offset his bad, what divine end is actually achieved? And if a Buddhist monk somewhere is especially devout, he still carries within him a negative nature that necessitates his religious devotion in the first place. Why then should anyone be surprised that Buddhism cant guarantee peace?

As a Christian, I pity those who try to pull themselves up by their own spiritual bootstraps while simultaneously denying the actual person of God. And violence is an intractable problem of human nature, since human nature is first and foremost sinful. Christ came to save us through our fallen nature and imbues us with a growing righteous nature that makes us more like God. We will never be God, but we can more reflect his image. If we do not believe in God, let alone his human incarnation as Jesus Christ, we will never see a day of complete peace, will never have enlightenment, never have Heaven, never be saved from damnation, and will never know our creator. What to do? You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all (Act 10:36 NIV).

Rev. Bryan Griem

TujungaRoss Nash, a community fixture in Huntington Beach who often was seen greeting people at the pier in his wheelchair, died Thursday of a degenerative neuromuscular disease. He was 63.

Nash died at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange after a decades-long battle with Tay-Sachs disease, a rare genetic condition that weakened his nerve cells and muscles, according to Jim McMahon, a longtime friend and Theta Chi fraternity brother.

Nash was well-known locally for attending nearly all community events and for doggedly fighting his illness. He often would offer city officials input on projects as they related to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ross Nash celebrates New Years Day in 2015 at the Huntington Beach Pier with Laura Louis Mills, left, and Amy Mason. (Courtesy of Amy Mason )

Huntington Beach resident Amy Mason recalled meeting Nash about 10 years ago at Pier Plaza, where she was selling jewelry. Mason said he would visit her booth, often bringing her food.

Anytime someone was doing something, Nash was always there, Mason said. So many people are fully able and give excuses and say Im tired, but Nash was always there.

Many knew Nash because of his almost daily presence at the pier, but he also had a family of fraternity brothers from Cal State Long Beachs Theta Chi chapter.

McMahon recruited Nash into the fraternity in 1976 and the two became close friends. They stayed in contact after graduation.

Nash left several jobs over the years because he was physically unable to do them, McMahon said. He began using a cane, a walker and then a wheelchair.

Regardless of those hardships, he made all the fraternity events, reunions, fundraisers, recruitments, supporting our chapter, McMahon said, adding that Nashs motto was Keep in touch.

He is so well-respected and revered by our national board that we named an award after him, McMahon said. The award is given annually to a fraternity member who embodies Nashs tenacity in the face of adversity.

A Facebook group Mason created called Celebrate Ross Nash plans a paddle-out in his honor June 3.

Priscella.Vega@latimes.com

Twitter: @vegapriscellaTen Years Ago

Nearly 30,000 visitors took the Jet Propulsion Laboratory up on its offer to attend an open house at the facility held over the weekend of May 3-4, 2008. Because of the popularity of the annual open house and the traffic jams it brought to the La Canada Flintridge area, in recent years JPL has taken to making it a timed ticketed event instead.

Twenty Years Ago

Kate Bosworth, then 15, granddaughter of Ted and Mary Potter of La Canada Flintridge, was said to be looking forward to the May 15, 1998, opening of Robert Redfords film The Horse Whisperer, in which she made her film debut in the role of Judith.

Thirty Years Ago

It was announced that  in conjunction with the 1988 Fiesta Days celebration in town  24 fire hydrants along Foothill Boulevard would be festively decorated by local high school students.

Forty Years Ago

After a period of jousting with Caltrans, conditional permission was granted to the then-new city of La Canada Flintridge to erect a 7-foot-by-16-foot redwood sign on St. Francis High School property near the offramp of the Foothill (210) Freeway.

Fifty Years Ago

More than 1,200 people turned out to tour Los Angeles County Fire Station 82 on Foothill Boulevard at Georgian Road for Fire Service Day Open House in May 1968.

Sixty Years Ago

Eight teenage boys from La Canada, Flintridge and Pasadena were charged with a long string of home burglaries. The boys, ranging in age from 14 to 16, were arrested after an intense investigation, according to a detective assigned to the case. Once arrested, the teens showed officers the 23 homes they had burglarized and caches in the Flintridge hills of their loot, which included liquor, LP records, firearms, jewelry and silver flatware.

Compiled from the Valley Sun archives by Carol Cormaci.Tasters who have trouble distinguishing a pinot from a zin will appreciate a side trip to Safari West, the Sonoma Serengeti home to 1,000 exotic animals and birds.

The conservation center in the foothills of Santa Rosas Mountains reopened its safari tent cabins last month after the park narrowly escaped destruction in the Wine Country wildfires last October.

Only a bit of tent canvas was singed, said Aphrodite Caserta, director of marketing and communications. We were grateful that no animals were lost in the fire, but our hearts and souls were greatly impacted.

Safari West, in the foothills of Santa Rosas Mayacamas Mountains, plays host to more than 1,000 animals. (Ray Mabry / Safari West )

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Indeed, 12 employees lost their homes, and buildings throughout the area surrounding the park were gutted, as was the parks research lab, two buses and a paratransit vehicle.

The rescue of the 400-acre reserve was attributed to the personal firefighting of its 76-year-old founder, Peter Lang.

It really has nothing to do with heroics. I was doing what I had to do as the founder and owner of Safari West having put these animals here in the first place, Lang explains in a video on the parks website.

Imported from Botswana, Safari Wests glamping tents offer polished wood floors and ensuite bathrooms.

A typical safari tour includes a game drive to see rhino, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and antelope, as well as a walking tour to observe cheetahs, lemurs, colobus monkeys and birds. (John Burgess / Safari West )

Langs own home burnt to the ground as he stayed behind to put out spot fires and monitor the animals who stayed surprisingly calm as the fire closed in. Unless [the animals] are in peril, they are really just observers.

Just six months later, the fields and hillsides are covered in spring green. All safaris, private tours, meals and overnight opportunities have resumed normal operation.

Safari West intentionally keeps visitor traffic low to foster meaningful connections between guests, guides, and animals. (Sarah Jane Tarr / Safari West )

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A typical safari tour includes a game drive to see rhino, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and antelope, as well as a walking tour to observe cheetahs, lemurs, colobus monkeys and absolutely fabulous birds such as the Caribbean flamingo and scarlet ibis.

Zebras are sited during a game drive at Safari West. (Ray Mabry / Safari West )

And spring brings babies to the Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited breeding facility: Four roans, three addax and one Nile lechwe  all are types of antelopes  have joined the herds since the fire.

Safari West intentionally keeps visitor traffic low to foster meaningful connections between guests, guides and animals. That means trips to the site must be reserved well in advance.

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Imported from Botswana, Safari Wests glamping tents offer polished wood floors and ensuite bathrooms. (Ray Mabry / Safari West )

Helmeted guinea fowl settle in for the night on a Sonoma fence. (Maryann Jones Thompson )

The park offers private adventures as well, such as post-safari wine-tasting picnics and behind-the-scenes animal observations.

And now that Safari Wests glamping tents have reopened too. Visitors can prebook a South African braai-style grilled dinner at which they can exchange stories with other guests about their day on the veld.

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A scarlet ibis is one of the exotic bird species at Safari West. (Maryann Jones Thompson )

The safari cabins are imported from Botswana, and each one has a spacious en suite bathroom and front porch. The property has become one of the Wine Countrys most popular stops for families, honeymooners and nature enthusiasts who want to hear the call of the wild from the comfort of a four-poster bed  and not too far from tomorrow mornings first tasting room.

Safari West reopened its tent cabins last month after the park narrowly escaped destruction in the wine country wildfires last October. (Ray Mabry / Safari West )

Info: Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa. April-August weekday tours are $98 for adults, $94 for seniors and teens 13 to 17 years old, and $45 for children 4 to 12 years old. Weekend prices are higher. Children younger than 4 years old are not permitted on safari trucks but can participate in walking tours and private safaris. Tent cabins begin at $285 per night.

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Wine-tasting picnics are offered at the site too. (Ray Mabry / Safari West )

ALSO

Go underground in Las Vegas for an interactive history lesson and a taste of real moonshine

Hiking and history are on display on a weekend escape to Prescott, Ariz.

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Not invited to Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding? Here are five places where you can feel like a royal

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravelCould it be magic? Barry Manilow is about to begin another residency in Las Vegas.

Manilow, 74, will return to the stage at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. The hotel announced Friday that Manilow would return for 20 dates beginning in late May. Tickets went on sale Wednesday.

The off-Strip propertys sole headliner, Manilow will be performing in the resorts International Theater, where he sang tunes from his huge repertoire of hits during a residency from 2005 to 2010. (It was then named the Las Vegas Hilton.) Manilow then did a two-year stint at Paris Las Vegas.

Recently announced show dates are:

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May 24-26

June 14-16 and 21-23

July 19-21 and 26-28

Sept. 27-29

Oct. 4-6

Tickets cost from $20 to $330.

Manilow has had nearly 50 pop hits, including Copacabana, Could It Be Magic, I Write the Songs, Mandy and Weekend in New England. He has sold 85 million albums worldwide and is adored by fans who often refer to themselves as Fanilows.

The Brooklyn native, who rose to stardom during the 1970s, will turn 75 on June 17. He joins several other septuagenarians who regularly perform in Las Vegas, including Cher (71), Elton John (71), Wayne Newton (76) and Rod Stewart (73).

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Info: The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road; (702) 732-5111

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Steak n Shake fans can gamble and drink at newest Las Vegas location

Hurricane Irma pounded the Florida Keys, but now theyre back  some say better than ever

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Having extra protection from credit cards can be like money in the bank

travel@latimes.com

@latimestravelChinese state media filled with images last week of President Xi Jinping, high above the Yangtze River, peering through binoculars at the worlds largest dam. He couldnt have found a larger prop.

Just think if we had relied on outside help to build the Three Gorges Dam! official outlets quoted Xi as saying.

As President Trumps economic advisors travel to Beijing this week, that desire for self-reliance is key to the trade tensions. While China wants to end dependence on foreign technology, White House officials charge its trying to control the future of cutting-edge industries.

Xis pointed comment followed the Trump administrations recent decision to ban U.S. companies from doing business with ZTE, Chinas second largest maker of telecom equipment, for seven years. The move effectively cripples a company that uses Qualcomms microprocessors and Googles Android operating system.

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The team arriving to discuss this Thursday includes all the stars -- Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, trade advisor Peter Navarro, and economic advisor Larry Kudlow. Beijing hasnt announced who will lead the Chinese side, but it will presumably include Xis top economic advisor, Liu He, who visited the White House in March.

Both sides will seek to avert a trade war. But disagreements over Chinas increasing tech prowess -- reinforced by the ZTE case -- could stymie a deal.

I dont think were going to see a breakthrough, said Chen Dingding a professor of international relations at Jinan University in Guangzhou. It isnt about one country violating the rules; its really about the competition between these two countries.

ZTEs run in with the U.S. government started before the trade dispute. The company agreed to pay $1.19 billion last year for violating U.S. sanctions by shipping telecom equipment to Iran and North Korea. The Commerce Department now says the Shenzhen-based company misled authorities and failed to punish all responsible.

Commerce officials denied the ZTE ban was related to an investigation into the countrys intellectual property practices. But it fits into the administrations focus on Chinas tech ambitions, including proposed U.S. tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods such as aircraft parts and medical devices. The Justice Department is exploring whether Huawei, ZTEs larger rival, violated U.S. sanctions tied to Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal, and the trade agency is considering an investigation into its cloud computing practices.

These actions would hit at the heart of Made in China 2025, the countrys blueprint to create an economy built on electric cars, microchips and other advanced manufacturing.

The ZTE sanction was Chinas wake-up to intensify that effort, said Louis Kuijs, head Asia economist at Oxford Economics in Hong Kong, who previously worked for the World Bank in China. They were really quite shocked at the sudden realization of how vulnerable Chinese companies are.

ZTE called the decision extremely unfair and warned it would impact the companys livelihood. State-media rallied to its side, with little recognition that the company had, in fact, pleaded guilty to the initial violation. Nor did it mention that China blocks American technology, including Facebook, Twitter and Google.

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State media turned the companys loss into a propaganda victory. Countless articles declared the U.S. a protectionist power and reinforced Xis goals to build domestic aircraft carriers, high-speed trains and commercial planes. Xinhua News Agency referred to the incident as a technology war in essence.

Social media posts called for a boycott on American goods and a banner offering free meals to ZTE employees went viral. If it were not because of ZTEs strength and ability to represent China it would not have been punished like this, it said.

Privately, Chinese officials slammed ZTEs behavior as stupid and passive, according to an internal government report that temporarily appeared on the news portal Sina. But publicly, theyve used the action to ramp up support for domestic high-tech industries like semiconductors.

We hope America doesnt fancy itself clever, or it will only reap bitter fruits from what it has sown, Ministry of Commerce spokesman Gao Feng recently told reporters.

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The ZTE response underscores Chinas dedication to not only develop next generation technologies, but also set the standards for them. Trumps advisers view this as a national security threat.

Officials have accused China of forcing American companies to reveal trade secrets for access to the worlds largest population. They fear leaders also will heavily subsidize key industries, leading to dominance in crucial sectors.

These are things that if China dominates the world, its bad for America, Lighthizer told a Senate committee in March.

But U.S. officials dont agree on how to respond, making this weeks meetings even more uncertain.

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The best one can expect from the visit...is a greater appreciation by China of the depth of American concern, said Scott Kennedy, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

China seems to still believe the dispute can be resolved by simply committing to buy more U.S. products and modestly improve the countrys investment environment. Thats not nearly enough.

Right now, both sides keep talking past each other. Where the U.S. calls for fairness, China sees hypocrisy. After years of deriding Chinas trade practices, officials contend, the U.S. is now the bully.

Mao Tse-tung was shuttering universities in China the decade researchers invented the Internet in Silicon Valley. The country views itself as merely catching up.

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Simply by enforcing those initial sanctions, the U.S. is saying, if you want to do business with us, you have to play by our rules, Trivium China, a Beijing-based research firm, wrote in a recent report. The Chinese dont like the rules that the U.S. established. They want to create their own.

This weeks talks may indicate some progress toward easing trade tensions, analysts say, and both sides aim to come away with something to show-- or tweet.

Chinese officials may offer some concessions, such as easing restrictions and further opening markets. But its unlikely much will get resolved on the more consequential issue: the future of global technology.

Both sides clearly know the main target is tech, said Jue Wang, a China scholar at Leiden University in the Netherlands. So it depends on how well the Chinese government can resist an attack from the U.S, and how well it can negotiate.

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Kemeng Fan and Nicole Liu in The Times Beijing bureau contributed to this report.

Meyers is a special correspondent.

Twitter: @jessicameyers

A victim of its own industrial success, Chinas hanger capital is now just hanging on

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How Made in China 2025 became the real threat in a trade war

Amid Trumps threats, Xi pledges to slash tariffs, open Chinas marketsA high-rise building occupied by squatters in downtown Sao Paulo caught fire and collapsed Tuesday, sending chunks of fiery debris crashing into neighboring buildings and surrounding streets.

Firefighter Lt. Andre Elias told Globo TV that at least one person had been killed.

At the moment the building fell, a firefighter atop a neighboring building had been trying to save someone from the upper floors. TV images showed the person clinging to the buildings side, while apparently also attached to a rope that the firefighter was holding. Then the wall the person was clinging to started to fall away, taking the person with it. The floors of the burning building collapsed like dominoes, while debris flew in all directions and a giant fireball briefly filled the street.

Authorities later said that the person killed was the one the firefighter had been trying to save, and a body had not yet been found. Firefighters were using dogs to search for that person and any others in the rubble.

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The building, a former federal police headquarters, caught fire around 1:30 a.m. local time. Firefighters set up a perimeter and worked to evacuate people.

Less than two hours later, the 25-floor building collapsed while Brazilian media were filming. No firefighters were hurt.

The debris of a collapsed building smolders in Sao Paulo. (Sebastiao Moreira / EPA / Shutterstock )

By late Tuesday morning, several families who had fled were camping out in front of a nearby church, where neighbors and local businesses were dropping off supplies, including bags of bread, milk, bottles of water and even some used clothing and shoes.

Lohany Michely, 37, said she was asleep with her boyfriend and dog in their apartment on the third floor of the building when she began hearing people outside yelling about a fire. Seeing smoke, the couple left with their dog, then watched the building collapse about 45 minutes later.

Entire families lost everything, she said. People think that people who live in an occupation are animals. We are not animals. We are human beings.

Romulo de Souza, 49, said he was part of a squatter occupation in the neighboring building. He said he watched families evacuating.

Happily, the majority got out, he said, adding that residents thought the fire could have been started by a gas leak.

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Clearing debris and accounting for people who had been inside could take days. Several hours after the collapse, smoldering debris continued to emit large plumes of smoke.

The fire also burned part of a neighboring building, and authorities said three surrounding structures were evacuated as a precaution.

The fire was in an area known as Centro, which is Sao Paulos historic downtown. It began emptying out in the 1970s and 1980s after several fires broke out and another business district developed. These days, the neighborhood is on the cusp of a comeback and is equal parts dilapidated and edgy. Several city administrations have led campaigns aimed at beautifying and redeveloping the area, which now hosts most of the citys homeless people and has numerous blocks occupied by crack addicts.

The fire is sure to put a spotlight on the occupations, which are led by highly organized fair-housing groups that take over and then fight for ownership. Many such dwellings are run like regular apartment buildings, with doormen and residents paying monthly fees. Others are less established and more precarious.

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In July, the Associated Press reported that around 350 families were living in the former police headquarters. Local media on Tuesday reported that between 50 and 150 were currently living there, underscoring the sometimes fluid nature of such makeshift dwellings.

Its a building that didnt have the most minimal conditions to live in, Sao Paulo Gov. Marcio Franca, who visited the site, told news site UOL, adding that the occupation should never have been allowed.

Junior Rocha, who is a coordinator for an organization that runs three downtown occupations, said the group takes precautions to avoid tragedies by annually changing the cable that brings electricity to buildings, placing extinguishers on every floor and telling residents to evacuate if they have the smallest doubt there is a problem.

But the buildings are old, and Rocha said the residents themselves are the ones who try to maintain them.

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The authorities are going to use this as a way to pressure our movements to leave these buildings, he said. The state is acting as if us, the occupiers, us, from the movements, are responsible for this. Were not responsible. The system is at fault.

Former Sao Paulo Mayor Joao Doria, who recently stepped down to run for governor, cracked down on squatter communities as part of a plan to revitalize the downtown area.

Doria argued that downtown should be a showcase for South Americas largest city, the engine of Brazils economy and one of the hemispheres most important financial centers. Fair-housing activists, on the other hand, argue that the area could offer affordable housing to tens of thousands of people.

During a brief visit to the area Tuesday, President Michel Temer told reporters that the government would help those affected by the fire.

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We will provide assistance to the victims of this disaster, said Temer, who has been charged with corruption and has approval ratings in the single digits. He did not provide details and was whisked away by security as several people shouted obscenities at him.Airstrikes killed at least 23 civilians on Tuesday in one of the last pockets of Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria, according to Syrian state media and an opposition-linked monitoring group, as U.S.-backed forces in the area announced they have resumed their campaign against the extremists.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear if the airstrikes in the Hassakeh province were carried out by the U.S.-led coalition or the Iraqi air force. It said the strikes killed 10 children, six women and seven elderly people. The state-run Syrian News Agency said 25 civilians were killed in the airstrikes south of the town of Shadadi, blaming the U.S-led coalition.

The strikes took place in an area where the U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are battling Islamic State.

The U.S-led coalition said in an email that initial reports suggest there were no coalition airstrikes in the area where the deadly strikes are said to have taken place.

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Lelwa Abdullah, an SDF spokeswoman in the adjacent Deir el-Zour province, said Tuesday the final phase of a large operation against Islamic State in eastern Syria has begun. She said the SDF would liberate those areas and secure the Syrian-Iraqi border and end the IS presence in eastern Syria once and for all.

The SDF had redeployed hundreds of its forces to western Syria after Turkish troops attacked the Kurdish-held Afrin enclave this year, effectively putting operations against Islamic State on hold.

In a statement Tuesday, the U.S-led coalition praised the SDFs focus on fighting Islamic State, calling it critical to achieving a lasting defeat of the extremist group.

Abdullah said attacks by the extremist group have increased in recent weeks in parts of eastern Syria near the border with Iraq as it seeks to regroup. She said that clearing operations would be conducted with the help of the U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi forces across the border.

Elsewhere in Syria on Tuesday, more than three dozen Syrians held for years by Al Qaeda-linked insurgents in the countrys northwest were released as part of a deal to hand over areas around Damascus to the government, state media reported.More than three dozen Syrians held for years by Al Qaeda-linked insurgents in the countrys northwest were released Tuesday as part of a deal to hand over areas around Damascus back to the government, state media reported.

The state-run Al Ikhbariya TV broadcast images of the released, including women and children, arriving by bus at a government-controlled checkpoint, kissing and hugging Syrian soldiers. Many cried as they spoke to the soldiers. The captives had been held by the insurgents since 2015.

The 42 people freed Tuesday are the first batch of more than 80 who are to be released. Along with their release, the deal will see Al Qaeda-linked fighters from the Hayat Tahrir al Sham group evacuate from a Palestinian refugee camp near Damascus, while about 5,000 people in two northwestern villages besieged by insurgents will be allowed to move to government-held areas.

This is the latest in a series of evacuation deals for areas surrounding the capital, Damascus, that came under intense military offensive and crippling sieges. The United Nations and rights groups have criticized the deals, saying they amount to forced displacement.

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But the latest deal does not restore full government control over the sprawling Yarmouk camp, where Islamic State militants control small pockets of the camp and a neighboring quarter and are continuing to clash with Syrian troops.

Another deal to evacuate three other suburbs south of Damascus is expected to take place in the coming days.

Al Ikhbariya said nearly 20 wounded or ill from the two besieged villages were evacuated Tuesday. But the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents of the villages of Foua and Kfraya has apparently stalled amid security concerns. The residents reportedly are demanding they all leave at once instead of in batches for security reasons, according to the TV and a Facebook page that reports on Foua and Kfraya.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said five buses carrying around 200 insurgents from Hayat Tahrir al Sham arrived at the handover area south of Aleppo after they left the Yarmouk camp.

The U.N. has warned of catastrophic consequences of the fighting affecting remaining inhabitants of Yarmouk. The camp was established in 1957 and has turned into a densely populated area where nearly 150,000 registered Palestinian refugees lived before Syrias conflict in 2011. Beginning in the early days of the war, rebel groups seized control of the camp  located about 5 miles from the center of Damascus  and the government has fought to restore control, laying a tight siege for years. In 2015, the Islamic State militants seized parts of the camp.

Yarmouk and its inhabitants have endured indescribable pain and suffering over years of conflict, Pierre Krahenbuhl, head of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, said last week.

The latest fighting displaced around 5,000 civilians from Yarmouk into a neighboring area of Yalda, the U.N. said. There are also an unconfirmed number of civilians stranded in Yarmouk.We deliver the local news you need in these turbulent times on weekdays at 3 p.m.

We deliver the local news you need on weekdays at 3 p.m.

Sign up now>JERUSALEM, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Flash flood in southern Israel has so far killed a total of 10 Israeli teenagers, as the the body of a missing student was discovered on Friday morning.

Israel authorities confirmed the deaths of the other nine victims on Thursday evening.

The 10 students were among a group of 25 students on a hike organized by Bnei Zion pre-military academy. They went hiking in the Tzafit wadi when the flood occurred.

Search and rescue teams, police and helicopters scrambled on Thursday afternoon to locate the group of teenagers and rescued 15, two of whom were lightly injured.

Police questioned three staff members from the Tel Aviv-based institution that organized the trip. Two of the staff members remain under arrest, while a third one is under house arrest.

One of the two arrested is the academy Principal Yuval Cohen, who was charged over causing deaths by negligence of the teenagers who were killed during the trip, despite the hazardous weather warnings.

The funerals of the 10 students were held on Friday in their respective hometowns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on Twitter Thursday evening that "the State of Israel mourns the promising young lives that were cut short by this tragedy in the Arava."

[ Editor: Liu Jiaming ]ACCRA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Some stakeholders in Ghana's mining sector want the government to set aside a portion of Ghana's mineral revenue to cater for the developmental and livelihood needs of poor mining communities in the country.

Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of a one-day workshop on Ghana's proposed Mineral Revenue Management Law on Thursday, Georgette Sakyi-Addo, President of Women in Mining, an advocacy group in the sector, said the proposed law was a necessity just like the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA).

"It is important that as we are doing this, we recognize that there are vulnerable people in some of these mining areas. And Women in Mining will be happy that the policy actually lays out the framework and we do not leave these decisions to be made by others because we have seen that up till now a lot of women are still at the bottom," she urged.

As a lot of Ghanaians can claim they are politically independent, Sakyi-Addo asserted that economic empowerment was the next necessary thing all citizens needed.

"And so if the fund is able to allocate money to the districts (local government assemblies) and there are clauses in there which say people who are affected because of diseases; because they are women; they can be given some funds to do some economic projects, that will help them live better lives, that will be a positive impact," she added.

In 2016, Ghana, the second largest gold exporter in Africa after South Africa, raked in 1.6 billion Ghana cedis (357 million U.S. Dollars) in mineral revenue.

The proposal is to ensure that 20 percent of annual mineral revenue is targeted at pro-poor interventions in rural mining communities to alleviate the plight imposed on them mostly by mining activities.

Executive Director of the African Center for Energy Policy (ACEP), Benjamin Boakye, who took participants through the proposal for the bill, said in an interview that the plan was long overdue as large scale mining had imposed hardships on communities over the years.

"People see gold extracted and taken out of the community and they are impoverished by the day. So you have to send back a portion of the revenue to develop the community. That is what has been lacking over the years. What we do is to just send money to the assemblies and the assemblies use it for recurrent expenditure," Boakye pointed out.

He argued that when the law was passed, it would enable stakeholders to track specific activities that the funds were being used for, adding that ACEP's proposal based on consultation with communities and other stakeholders was that these resources should go to invest in the pro-poor sectors of agriculture, education, as well as critical infrastructure in roads and rail-lines dealing with development.

"That way, you can be sure that revenues are used efficiently and to the benefit of the people. And in every community the diagnoses are different. If people are losing lands and they do not have the land for farming, what economic activity, for example, can result from the investment of the revenue so that you can keep people busy and working?" he said.

Boakye was therefore confident that the proposed Minerals Revenue Management Act strategy would deal with issues to improve upon the livelihoods of people.

[ Editor: Liu Jiaming ]lehighvalleylive.com file photo

By Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com

The historic Moravian Book Shop  said to be the oldest bookstore in America and among the oldest in the world  is changing ownership. It is too soon to say exactly what this will mean for the iconic Bethlehem business, but it is not the first drastic change in its 273 years.

For one thing, thats not its original name. And it has changed locations, even moving to Philadelphia for a couple years.

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As ownership and staff consider the Moravian Book Shops future, lets take a moment to briefly reflect on its past.

The following timeline is compiled from the store's website and media sources including Express-Times archives and features from The Associated Press and The Guardian and others.

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Moravian Stars hang in the Moravian Book Shop in 2002.

NJ Advance Media file photo

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In 1745 ...

... the Moravian Book Shop opens, four years after Bethlehems founding. The Moravian bishop had suggested the settlement would need many new books. Samuel Powell, keeper of the Churchs Crown Inn on the south side of the Lehigh River is appointed to operate the store, and the business takes off.

It is said to be the first bookstore in America.

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In 1856 ...

... the bookstore moves to Arch Street in Philadelphia. It moves back to Bethlehem two years later.

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Moravian Book Shop employee Jane Clugston reads to children during story time in 2003.

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In 1871...

... the shop moves to the churchs publishing facility near the Central Moravian Church on Main Street. There is a print shop and lending library, and in addition to church publications it offers novels, childrens books, sheet music, office supplies and sporting goods.

The Main Street location remains its home to this day.

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In 1924 ...

... the first Moravian Stars are sold at the bookstore (though the many-pointed design itself dates back to the 1850s).

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In 2000 ...

... USA Today reports the closure of Scotland-based John Smith & Son, which was established in 1751 and claimed to be the longest continuously operating bookseller in the world (though it was younger than the Bethlehem store). Moravian Book Shop concludes that it now holds the title.

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Moravian Book Shop manager Debbie Delgrosso checks a display in 2000.

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Moravian Book Shop holds a grand opening Sept. 30, 2015, for its new Allentown store.

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In 2015 ...

... Moravian Book Shop opens a second location in Center City Allentown. It closes two years later.

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In 2018 ...

... it is announced that ownership of the Moravian Book Shop will change hands. The Moravian Church Northern Province will hand over control to Moravian College by mid-June, allowing the church to remove itself from the retail business and focus on its 85 congregations.

The church founded the college and its seminary in the 18th century and owns the college's charter, college President Bryon Grigsby says in a news release.

"It makes perfect sense that the sixth oldest college in the country be chosen to continue the mission of what is known as the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world, and we're honored that the Northern Province has entrusted us with this legacy," the president says.

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Retired psychologist/clergyman D. Bjorn Olson, of Bethlehem, volunteers as a "window reader" at the Moravian Book Shop in 2000.

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More Moravian Book Shop facts

It is (kind of) the world's oldest bookstore. Guinness World Records officially recognizes the Bertrand bookshop in Lisbon, Portugal  established in 1732  as the world's longest-operating bookshop. However, a 2016 report by The Guardian says the Bertrand store moved to its current location in 1755 after the first was destroyed by an earthquake.

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MORE: Every Lehigh Valley site on the National Register of Historic Places

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Tom Wolf, then still a candidate for governor, shops for books at the Moravian Book Shop in 2014.

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It helps the church. According to its website, the Moravian Book Shop supports the pension of Moravian ministers.

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It does ghost tours. Every Halloween and Christmas, staff lead guests around the center of Bethlehem by candlelight, explaining different tales of hauntings along the way. The shop also has a Ghosts of the Revolution tour this spring.

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Kristy Engle is a guide for the Moravian Book Shop walking tours in 2009.

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It is said to be haunted. As guests on any of the Moravian Book Shop ghost tours probably know, there is a story among the staff that the store itself has a ghost. A shadowy figure is said to have led employees back into a kitchen  where a stove had been left on. By showing them, they say the ghost may have saved the shop.

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Author David L. Lander signs book for Gail Filingo at Moravian Book Shop in 2001.

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Moravian College students Ashley Barsamian and Tonya Ogden browse through some items on display at the Moravian Book Shop during the sidewalk sale in 2000.

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Luke Johnson balances his camera while riding on a Segway during filming for a segment on alternate means of touring historic Bethlehem for WBRE in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

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Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Bethlehem Area School District taxpayers are facing another school tax hike that has school board members fired up about Pennsylvania's charter school funding formula.

The school board held a budget workshop Monday night to discuss the draft $281.3 million 2018-19 spending plan and how to close its remaining $3.8 million budget hole.

The district began the budget process with a $10.7 million deficit that's been shaved down to $6.8 million through a mix of cuts and new income. The draft budget also taps $5 million from district savings of which $2 million goes into an emergency reserve.

The proposal calls for an an almost 2.5 percent average tax increase, below Bethlehem's 3 percent Act 1 index.

In Northampton County, it would result in an $87.09 rise in the annual school tax bill for someone with a median assessment of $60,900.

It is better news for Lehigh County taxpayers after they got hit with a major jump in their bills last year due to a change in a state calculation. The median homeowner with an assessment of $139,550 would see their tax bill increase by $47.45.

The administration asked the board whether it could support such a tax increase or wanted further program cuts or to use more savings. The board was reluctant to further deplete its savings, which has greatly dropped in recent years to help close budget gaps.

School board members were angry to learn Monday night that the district is projected to send an additional $501,302 to charter schools due to a lawsuit that changed the way its tuition rate is calculated. That means the district will pay out almost $30 million in charter school tuition next school year.

A Philadelphia charter school filed suit in Commonwealth Court challenging the way the Pennsylvania Department of Education calculates the tuition districts pay when one of their students enrolls in a charter, said Stacy M. Gober, district chief financial officer.

The state's 1997 charter school law states that the formula should rely on a district's total budgeted spending -- less certain expenses -- to determine the rate, while the department had been using district's actual spending.

That means districts like Bethlehem Area, which incorporate a budgetary reserve for emergencies and underspend their budget, must cough up higher tuition payments, Gober said.

Charter schools have already started sending updated bills for this school year, Superintendent Joseph Roy said. The district's frugality is no longer helping it, he said.

"It's just incredible," Roy said.

School board members questioned whether charters may push for retroactive payments, which Gober said could be possible. Director Eugene McKeon said he was reluctant to further use district savings to balance the budget with that sort of unknown out there.

Board President Michael Faccinetto said the charter school formula is ridiculous. The district is deciding to cut $50,000 from its bus replacement cycle to close its budget gap, while its being ordered to send another $500,000 to a charters, he said.

Director Dean Donaher said the district keeps cutting and cutting its spending and its programs are needs, not wants. Without adequate state funding and now this charter school hit, districts like Bethlehem are backed into a corner, he said.

"The only other option we have is to cut programs or raise taxes," Donaher said.

Director Karen Beck Pooley noted district spending is projected to rise by $4.7 million while its revenue is up $4.6 million. This unexpected charter school hit is frustrating because the district is doing its part, she said.

Roy agreed that the district is doing a great job controlling expenses like health care and utilities, so its resources can be invested in educational opportunities for students.

Major budget increases

Charter schools: $3 million

Salaries $2.9 million

Academic initiatives $2.16 million

PSERS $1.7

Student tuition $436,774

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Bethlehem's historic Moravian Book Shop's change of ownership will likely mean the loss of two local businesses, but officials vow the store won't lose its deep roots.

Late Friday, Moravian College announced that it is buying the nation's longest continuously operating bookstore from the Moravian Church Northern Province.

The shop at 428 Main St. will become the college's primary bookstore and be managed by Barnes and Noble, which currently handles the day-to-day operations of the existing college bookstore in the Haupert Union Building on the north campus.

The news has been decried by some on social media, who fear a homogenization of a Bethlehem treasure, but the president of the shop's board says it was necessary for the store's survival in a tough retail landscape.

"Moravian College (leaders) all understand the legacy and the gem that we're dealing with. It's not just a business," said Rick Santee, president of the shop's board. "We felt that they, more than just about everybody else, would appreciate the need to keep it as a vital part of the community, not just a bookstore."

Moravian has said that it's drawing inspiration from the College of William and Mary's campus bookstore in downtown Williamsburg, Va., which is managed by Barnes and Noble.

"(Barnes and Noble) does that for hundreds of colleges around the country," college spokesman Michael Corr said Monday. "We are still the owners of the book shop and we will have the final say in the layout, what's there, what it looks like."

College President Bryon Grigsby said Saturday that the college is working with Barnes and Noble and its food service provider Sodexo to evaluate all current operations. That included whether the Colony Meadery and Bone Appetit, a dog bakery and pet shop, will continue to be located in the store.

On Monday, Corr clarified that the college will be working with its vendors to explore different opportunities for that space.

"It doesn't look like the Meadery and Bone Appetit are going to fit into those plans," Corr said.

Colony Meadery CEO Greg Heller-LaBelle on Monday declined comment until the meadery had more information. Bone Appetit owner Bruce Haines could not be reached for comment.

Both local business have existing leases, but they are coming up for renewal, Santee said.

To stay viable, the bookstore tried to diversify its offerings, scaling back its retail operations and subletting space to Musselman's Jewelers, and leasing to Bone Appetit, Santee said. The meadery was brought on to offer food service and a Colonial flair.

The Musselman's building is actually owned by Bethlehem Area Moravians and is not part of the sale to the college.

"These are the steps we took to try to think outside the box, to keep us competitive," Santee said. "We've tried to pioneer things, like ghost tours, and events that brought foot traffic."

He sees the sale to the college as a way of keeping the shop in the family, so it still reflects the principles of the church, while hopefully keeping its doors open for a long time.

"It is no secret that retail on Main Street is not doing real well," Santee said. "If you talk to anyone that is in the retail business, if they're candid, they're saying, we are seeing the same decline in retail that's kind of affecting the entire country."

The bookstore is owned by the Ministers' Pension Fund of the Northern Province of the Moravian Church and overseen by the volunteer-appointed board that Santee leads. All shares of the company are held by the church and it exists to financially support the pension fund, Santee explained.

"Our core values have been posted all over the place," Santee said. "It's there not only to make money, but to operate a store keeping in the Moravian principles while being a good member and partner in the community. I think for many people the Moravian Book Shop has been the face of the Moravian Church."

And Santee knows that for many of its employees working there has been more an act of ministry than a job, he said. The store employs seven full-time workers and many part-time employees, he said.

Corr denied rumors that the employees were being laid off immediately. When asked if existing employees would have to reapply for jobs through Barnes and Noble, Corr said he did not know the company's policies.

A transition team has been created to work through all of the issues related to the sale, including staffing, officials say.

"Preserving this gem, operating this business in the principles of the faith, certainly would require us to give consideration to the people that are there to give them a transition that is as smooth as possible," Santee said.

The store is expected to change hands in mid-June, but Santee says it hopefully will not be noticeable to customers. There are no plans to close the book shop during the transition.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.A Nitschmann Middle School assistant principal was subjected to a slew of gay slurs before he lost his cool with a parent last week in an episode captured in a video posted to Facebook, according to police.

The short video clip shared by parent Jenny Rodriguez captured Michael Wagner cursing and yelling at Rodriguez and her mother, Judith Thomas, outside of the West Bethlehem school on April 25.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Rodriguez denied directing any slurs at Wagner and said she was shocked that she and her mother were being cited. Rodriguez took the video down from Facebook on Friday, because she said she was receiving threats.

"They are just upset because they were in the wrong," Rodriguez said. "They acted unprofessional. I never even met this man. I never spoke to him. I never said a word to him. He comes out of the woodwork ... calling me a fat pig in front of my daughter."

Rodriguez, 32, and Thomas, 54, both of the 500 block of Fourth Avenue in the city, have been cited for disorderly conduct due to their behavior at the school, Bethlehem police Chief Mark Diluzio said Tuesday.

"I'm definitely going to fight that," Rodriguez said.

Mother and daughter came to Nitschmann because they were upset that Rodriguez's daughter was being cited for disorderly conduct after getting into a fight with another student, according to a police report. Things became heated in the building and they were escorted from the school, DiLuzio said.

"They made obscene and obnoxious comments towards (Wagner regarding) his sexual orientation," the chief said. "He became upset with that."

On Friday, Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Joseph Roy and the school board issued a statement condemning Wagner's response and apologizing to the community.

Roy said on Tuesday that the district's internal investigation supports the findings of the police.

"The description of the mom's conduct is accurate and I support the police charging the mother for her behavior and disruption," Roy said. "Her poor conduct can't justify an administrator responding in the way that was captured on video. It's just a difficult situation all the way around."

Rodriguez maintains that the school resource officer began the confrontation. She went to the school seeking help because her daughter had been bullied all year and multiple police reports have been filed to no avail, she said.

"My daughter has been traumatized by this," Rodriguez said.

Her daughter is suicidal and she's had to pull her from school.

"This is sad they are retaliating against a parent ... who is trying to protect my daughter while she is in school," Rodriguez said.

According to police, things escalated when mother and grandmother arrived at the school to talk about a fight the student was involved with a few days before.

"They got very loud in the office, (they were) yelling and screaming at the school staff and the officer," DiLuzio said.

Roy agreed it was challenging behavior, which principals and office staff are sometimes faced with managing.

"We still have to hold ourselves to a higher standard than a parent that is behaving poorly," Roy said.

The family was upset that the student was going to be cited because they said she is a victim, DiLuzio said.

"It doesn't really matter who is fighting," he said. "You can't fight in public. Then it became obscene, they started calling people (various profanities). This is in the school, in the main office area."

Rodriguez said she came to see Nitschmann Principal Pete Mayes because they'd had little success dealing with the resource officer, but Mayes referred them to the officer.

"That officer condescend me and my mom from the gate like we were criminals on '48 Hours,'" Rodriguez said. "He had no respect."

A guidance counselor and other school staff unsuccessfully tried to defuse the situation, police say. Five or six students began gathering in the hallway outside of the office watching the exchange, DiLuzio said.

"They were told to remove themselves from the school," he said of Rodriguez and Thomas.

When they did not comply, the school resource officer began escorting them out of the building. Rodriguez attempted to get into the secure area of the school and the officer had to grab her to prevent her from getting into the main building, DiLuzio said.

"Parents can't just walk into a school nowadays, especially restricted areas," he said. "That's why we have offices and security there."

Rodriguez says that she and her mother were willingly leaving the school building, but she mistook the entrance for the exit in the chaos.

"Me and my mom were confused because they were screaming at us," she said.

Rodriguez and Thomas continued yelling and began targeting Wagner with the gay slurs, police report.

Rodriguez denies using any slurs, but agreed that Wagner began getting in her face at this point.

"He should have been a professional leader for the other children and stood back while the officer was trying to escort us," she said. "I don't think it is disorderly conduct trying to stand up for your child who has been attacked."

Citations for disorderly conduct were filed via Magisterial District Judge Wayne Maura and mailed on Friday, which Rodriguez said she had not received on Tuesday.

"They will have their day in court if they want to contest it," DiLuzio said.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.A 49-year-old Wilson Borough woman, who faced six theft cases in 2017, stabbed a man in the chest early Tuesday morning and hit him in the forehead with a hammer, borough police report.

Christina Ott (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Christina Marie Ott was sought after a 1:22 a.m. emergency call to 1502 Lehigh St., records show. Ott has lived in an apartment at that address, records show.

The 46-year-old victim was awakened by Ott assaulting him, police said. He had lacerations to his forehead and chest, police said. He was treated at an area hospital and released, police said.

Ott fled before officers arrived, police said.

In additional to aggravated assault, the warrant charges Ott with simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, records show.

Ott's 2017 theft charges were tied to incidents exactly a year ago on May 1 and again in mid-June, records show.

Ott was accused of stealing a purse on May 1, 2017, from an employee at the Palmer Park Mall. It contained a credit card that Ott allegedly used to rack up fraudulent purchases in the Easton area.

She also stole a bag containing an area college student's Apple MacBook from a car outside CVS at 3519 Nazareth Road in Palmer Township, police said. The $976 laptop computer wasn't returned, police said last year.

Ott entered Holiday Hair just before 3 p.m. June 16 at 831 Male Road in Wind Gap, gave a phony name and said she wanted her hair colored, Slate Bet Regional police said. Soon after she asked to use the restroom and found the employees' belongings nearby.

Christina Marie Ott, 49. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

She took a $160 Michael Kors wallet that contained $160, as well as a $35 wallet that had $50 inside and a $45 wallet with $150, police said. When Ott returned to the front of the salon, she said she needed to step out for a moment and never returned, police said.

The wallets -- with IDs still in place -- were found soon after at Wind Gap Park and turned over to police, court papers say.

Once the victims were notified, police obtained surveillance footage showing Ott in the parking lot, court papers say.

Working with other police agencies, Slate Belt Regional investigators developed Ott as a suspect and one of the victims was able to identify her from a photo lineup, police said.

She was charged in six theft cases and sentenced Oct. 31 to 90 days to 23 months in jail and on Nov. 21 to 60 days to 23 months in jail, with many of the charges being withdrawn as part of the deal, records show.

She was jailed from Aug. 13 in lieu of bail and released on time served after her second sentence was recorded, records show.

Ott is 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds and has blonde hair and green eyes, police said. Anyone with information should contact the Northampton County emergency dispatch center at 610-759-2200 or borough Detective Jason Hillis at 610-258-8542 or jhillis@wilsonborough.org.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative Yang Jiechi (L), who is a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, holds talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, April 30, 2018. (Xinhua/Su Xiaopo)

ABU DHABI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative Yang Jiechi on Monday held talks with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vowing to boost strategic partnership.

Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, extended Xi's warm greetings to UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the crown prince.

Yang said that China pays great attention to its ties with the UAE, and has always regarded the UAE as a diplomatic priority in the Middle East.

The two countries have developed sound relations, deepened political mutual trust, and witnessed significant results through cooperation, Yang said.

"China is willing to further enhance pragmatic cooperation in all fields with the UAE, increase people-to-people exchanges, and boost strategic partnership to make greater achievements in developing the bilateral ties in the new era," he said.

China is also willing to integrate the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of the UAE, said Yang.

He expressed the belief that the bilateral cooperation will be reinforced in co-building the initiative to benefit both peoples, as a result of the efforts exerted by the leaders of the two countries.

Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.

The crown prince asked Yang to convey warm greetings to President Xi from the UAE president and himself.

The UAE admires China's achievements in development and cherishes its unique friendship with China, he said.

"The UAE is willing to increase communication and coordination with China, implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both sides, and deepen cooperation in all fields to uplift the bilateral relations to a higher level," the crown prince added.

Yang also met with UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

2

1

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is scheduled to appear Saturday afternoon in Allentown during a two-day swing through Pennsylvania to endorse Democratic candidates in the May 15 primary election.

The independent from Vermont, who ran as a Democrat for president in 2016, is slated to endorse Greg Edwards' Democratic candidacy for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District.

The appearance alongside Edwards is scheduled 2 to 4 p.m. at Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St. in Allentown.

Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged through eventbrite.com or through Facebook, organizers say. The event is free and general admission. Doors open at noon.

Edwards is one of six Democrats running in the newly created 7th District, covering Lehigh, Northampton and southern Monroe counties. The others are David Clark, Rick Daugherty, John Morganelli, Roger Ruggles and Susan Wild.

The Republicans running in the 7th District are Dean Browning and Marty Nothstein.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court redrew the state's Congressional districts after ruling the old boundaries were too partisan. For now, the Lehigh Valley is split between Republican U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent's 15th Congressional District and Democratic U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright's 17th Congressional District.

Dent said he is resigning this month, setting up a special election under the 15th District boundaries. Cartwright is running for re-election in the new 8th Congressional District.

Sanders has endorsed Edwards, an activist for human and civil rights, along with the 78 members of the Congressional Progressive Congress, according to Edwards' campaign.

"For the past 25 years, Greg Edwards has worked tirelessly to organize for justice in health care, education and economic dignity throughout the Lehigh Valley," Sanders says in a statement from Edwards' campaign. "From his work in the nonprofit sector, to his practice of nonviolent direct action, Greg is a proven progressive leader who has had the courage to speak out and fight for those left behind.

"The powerful grassroots movement behind Greg Edwards is championing Medicare for All, universal pre-k, debt free college and raising the minimum wage, and he is living his values of unwavering inclusion by building the diverse coalition Democrats need to win in his district."

Greg Edwards, one of six Democratic candidates for Pennsylvania's new 7th Congressional District, takes part in a candidates' forum and debate April 19, 2018, at Lehigh University in Bethlehem. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

The senator is scheduled to make an appearance Friday evening in front of Philadelphia's City Hall for lieutenant governor candidate John Fetterman.

Fetterman endorsed Sanders for president in 2016's Democratic primary against Hillary Clinton. Sanders, however, didn't endorse Fetterman's unsuccessful candidacy in that year's Democratic U.S. Senate primary.

Fetterman is among four Democrats challenging incumbent Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, of Philadelphia, in May 15's primary.

Sanders is also slated to campaign Saturday for Democratic congressional candidate Jess King in Lancaster. King is uncontested for the nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Corrosion on steel straps led metal tubing on the ceiling of a Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnel to crash into a truck windshield, killing the driver, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.

Howard M. Sexton, of East Greenwich Township in southern New Jersey, died in the accident the night of Feb. 21 in the Lehigh Tunnel on Interstate 476 in Lehigh County.

The NTSB is still investigating the crash, but released its preliminary report on Tuesday that indicated the weakened support straps sent the metal tube into Sexton's truck windshield.

The board said Seton was driving southbound on the turnpike's northeast extension at about 6 p.m., and traveled about 1,000 feet into the 4,379-foot-long tunnel, when a 10-foot-long section of electrical conduit broke off the tunnel ceiling.

The tube went through the truck's windshield and hit Sexton; Pennsylvania State Police said Sexton was struck in the head.

The truck kept traveling, eventually exiting the tunnel and coming to a stop on the right shoulder of the highway. Sexton was pronounced dead at the scene.

The NTSB said the electrical conduit system powers the lights, fans, cameras, and substations inside the tunnel, and that the fans and conduit system are directly above the travel lanes. The tunnel was last inspected in 2016.

The southbound lanes of the Lehigh Tunnel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) in Lehigh County. (Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Inspectors found corrosion on multiple steel support straps used to hold the electrical conduit to the tunnel ceiling, the NTSB said.

At the time of the crash, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission was in the process of awarding a contract to replace the lighting and electrical system in the tunnel.

The project includes moving the electrical system to the outside edges of the tunnel walls, and is estimated to be complete by October.

Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Smoke from a large fire in Carbon County was seen Tuesday afternoon in Moore Township, Northampton County, an emergency dispatch supervisor confirmed.

Online drone video showed aircraft delivering water and flame retardant to the fire that was first located off Hahns Dairy Road in Lower Towamensing Township and then described as off Drift Road. It was first seen about noon, a Carbon County dispatcher confirmed.

A Pennsylvania official said the fire wasn't on state land.

"It is an approximately 50-acre fire on private land in Lower Towamensing Township near the town of Aquashicola," Ryan Reed of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources wrote in an email just before 2 p.m.

From images broadcast on Facebook by Lehigh Valley Drone, the smoke stretched out over a wide area not far from Blue Mountain. Houses could be seen in the distance. Helicopters were scooping up water from nearby lakes.

Large Brush Fire / Carbon County / PA Posted by Lehigh Valley Drone on Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Emergency broadcasts occasionally indicated that firefighters were running out of water but more supplies were on the way.

Some roads were closed.

"The fire is creeping downhill," a broadcast said at 1:50 p.m.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.Northampton County has joined the "ban the box" movement, removing questions about a job-seeker's criminal history from employment applications.

Several states and municipalities have taken this step as a way to give those convicted of a crime a better shot at a job. In many cases, though, applicants still have to divulge their records in subsequent screenings or interviews, particularly if they're looking to work in security fields, law enforcement, with children or the elderly, etc.

In signing the new policy, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure said those who have paid their debt to society need access to jobs to become productive citizens, and that the provision helps reduce recidivism.

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh led the way in banning the box in Pennsylvania, and have been joined by Allentown and Bethlehem. Last year Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf removed the requirement on applications for state agency jobs. Recently New Jersey expanded its law to include a ban on questions about expunged offenses in interviews or applications. New Jersey's law also extends to private employers.

Not everyone is on board about the benefits. Some say that delaying questions about criminal backgrounds can have the opposite effect -- hurting transparency at the front end of the hiring process and creating suspicions or biases in the minds of interviewers.

What do you think? Should private employers as well as the government sector be required to ban the box? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to elaborate in the comments section.Computer & Technology Transforming Healthcare through Digital Means



01.05.2018 13:05:05 - NOIDA, DELHI NCR, 10th January, 2018- DigiLantern, a privately held company founded in June, 2015, specializes in providing digital solutions.



(live-PR.com) - NOIDA, DELHI NCR, 10th January, 2018- DigiLantern, a privately held company founded in June, 2015, specializes in providing digital solutions and technology services healthcare practitioners, clinics and pharmaceuticals. The company is operating in the area of Delhi NCR and Mumbai. The company is going to launch a new website dedicated to healthcare sector latest by 10th January 2018.



Apart - NOIDA, DELHI NCR, 10th January, 2018- DigiLantern, a privately held company founded in June, 2015, specializes in providing digital solutions and technology services healthcare practitioners, clinics and pharmaceuticals. The company is operating in the area of Delhi NCR and Mumbai. The company is going to launch a new website dedicated to healthcare sector latest by 10th January 2018.Apart from healthcare, DigiLantern also caters to the digital and technology needs of travel, hospitality, education and event management sectors. In healthcare sector, DigiLantern has a very thick and satisfied client base. It is one of the strongest reasons for entering core health domain and launching a dedicated website for it. As the founder of DigiLantern, Mr. Tanay Tulsaney says,In Health Care, after working with almost all multi specialties I realized that every specialty and practice is completely different from one another and no two practitioners in spite of being practicing in the same fields have neither the same need nor do they face the same challenges. His quote encapsulates his rich experience and his firm vision for servicing health care industry. Understanding the basic structure and visualizing their shortcomings are the way to lead in any industry.



DigiLantern has been client centered and value driven in the terms of services. "After working across different work culture of North America, Asia, LATAM, Gulf and the UK, and working with Start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. I have discovered my mission, I am on a mission to create a legacy in the digital world built on the milestone of hard work, patience, ability to face failure and empathy. says Mr. Vaibhav Sharma the co-founder of the company.



Apart from providing services of digitization, the company has been diligently assisting health practitioners for last 3 years in embracing the benefits of digitization through training sessions for the doctors & clinic staff. DigiLantern has a clear vision of providing all encompassing digital solutions to the healthcare practitioners which include custom web solutions, patient/hospital management system, social media marketing, search engine optimization, paid advertisements, graphics and video designing, press releases and other forms of public relations activities.



DigiLantern was established by two healthcare marketing experts and this is one of the major reasons that DigiLantern has carved its niche in the healthcare industry in India in a very short span of time. We feel proud to have captured the mavens of the healthcare industry in Delhi & Mumbai and are expeditiously expanding our horizons every single day. We believe in providing 360 solutions to our clients and therefore our team comprises of experts in Healthcare Website Designing, Web Development, SEO services, Medical Content Writing, Social Media Management and other such Digital Marketing Services.



As a Healthcare Website Designing and Development Company in Delhi, Mumbai and various other cities in India, the in-depth domain knowledge allows DigiLantern to create websites which are patient-friendly and very efficiently exhibit all the good work that a healthcare practitioner is diligently executing. Being a Healthcare digital and web solutions Company we ensure that you tap the power of digital as a healthcare organization and reach all the right places. Take a look at the array of the Healthcare Digital Solutions to understand why we say that we believe in a comprehensive approach.



If you would like to fetch more information about upcoming website and services offerings of DigiLantern, please contact Yogesh Sharma at 081000 03355 or write an email to

from healthcare, DigiLantern also caters to the digital and technology needs of travel, hospitality, education and event management sectors. In healthcare sector, DigiLantern has a very thick and satisfied client base. It is one of the strongest reasons for entering core health domain and launching a dedicated website for it. As the founder of DigiLantern, Mr. Tanay Tulsaney says,In Health Care, after working with almost all multi specialties I realized that every specialty and practice is completely different from one another and no two practitioners in spite of being practicing in the same fields have neither the same need nor do they face the same challenges. His quote encapsulates his rich experience and his firm vision for servicing health care industry. Understanding the basic structure and visualizing their shortcomings are the way to lead in any industry.DigiLantern has been client centered and value driven in the terms of services. "After working across different work culture of North America, Asia, LATAM, Gulf and the UK, and working with Start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. I have discovered my mission, I am on a mission to create a legacy in the digital world built on the milestone of hard work, patience, ability to face failure and empathy. says Mr. Vaibhav Sharma the co-founder of the company.Apart from providing services of digitization, the company has been diligently assisting health practitioners for last 3 years in embracing the benefits of digitization through training sessions for the doctors & clinic staff. DigiLantern has a clear vision of providing all encompassing digital solutions to the healthcare practitioners which include custom web solutions, patient/hospital management system, social media marketing, search engine optimization, paid advertisements, graphics and video designing, press releases and other forms of public relations activities.DigiLantern was established by two healthcare marketing experts and this is one of the major reasons that DigiLantern has carved its niche in the healthcare industry in India in a very short span of time. We feel proud to have captured the mavens of the healthcare industry in Delhi & Mumbai and are expeditiously expanding our horizons every single day. We believe in providing 360 solutions to our clients and therefore our team comprises of experts in Healthcare Website Designing, Web Development, SEO services, Medical Content Writing, Social Media Management and other such Digital Marketing Services.As a Healthcare Website Designing and Development Company in Delhi, Mumbai and various other cities in India, the in-depth domain knowledge allows DigiLantern to create websites which are patient-friendly and very efficiently exhibit all the good work that a healthcare practitioner is diligently executing. Being a Healthcare digital and web solutions Company we ensure that you tap the power of digital as a healthcare organization and reach all the right places. Take a look at the array of the Healthcare Digital Solutions to understand why we say that we believe in a comprehensive approach.If you would like to fetch more information about upcoming website and services offerings of DigiLantern, please contact Yogesh Sharma at 081000 03355 or write an email to info@digilantern.com Press Information:

Digilantern



E-14 B, 401, Sector 8, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301



Contact Person:

Yogesh Sharma

Project Manager

Phone: 8100003355

eMail: eMail



Web: http://https://www.digilantern.com/





01.05.2018 13:05:05 -

Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party.Stock Market News

Europe open: Stocks edge up in quiet trade as most markets closed for Labour Day 01-05-2018 09:08



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukStock Market News

Government refers Trinity Mirror's Express deal to regulators 01-05-2018 15:54



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukStock Market News

St Ives sells book production business Clays to Italy's Elcograf 01-05-2018 10:22



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukStock Market News

Tuesday newspaper round-up: TSB, HBOS, Conviviality, Shire 01-05-2018 07:41



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukBEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has extended greetings to workers nationwide ahead of International Workers' Day, calling for hard work in the new era.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent the greetings in a reply letter to a group of model workers who are studying at the China University of Labor Relations and recently wrote him a letter.

Praising workers for their notable contribution to the cause of the Party and state, Xi said that the award and college education they have received can be regarded as an honor for their diligence and selfless devotion.

Both socialism and the creation of a new era can only be achieved through hard work, he said, expressing expectations for the model workers to make new achievements and inspire others by demonstrating their passion, motivation and persistence.

Noting that working is "the most honorable, noble, greatest and most beautiful" cause, Xi urged all of society to honor model workers and promote honest work and diligence.

The China University of Labor Relations started to enroll model workers in undergraduate programs in 1992.

[ Editor: Zhang Zhou ]Stock Market News

UK govt pledges 'robust' response to Lords Brexit Bill defeat 01-05-2018 13:11



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukStock Market News

W Resources steps up drilling at Portuguese gold project 01-05-2018 16:23



Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.ukDanville, WV (25053)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable.The figures were up 79.5% in terms of firm numbers and 64.5% in capital over the previous month.

These companies are expected to create jobs for nearly 106,700 people, a monthly rise of 54.7%, the GSO said.

April also witnessed 3,281 enterprises resuming their operations but another 6,138 temporarily suspended their business and 1,378 were dissolved.

In the first four months of the year, the number of newly established enterprises was almost 41,300 with a total capital of VND412 trillion (US$18.1 billion).

If the VND749 trillion (US$33 billion) in additional capital registered by existing enterprises were counted, the total amount of capital injected into the economy during the January-April period would reach more than VND1.161 quadrillion (US$51.1 billion).

The number of jobs created during the period was estimated at 332,000.

The first four months of 2018 also saw 11,442 enterprises return to business and another 26,277 halt their operations temporarily.Culture / Art Republik

May 01, 2018 | By Art Republik

The European Union Film Festival (EUFF), in its 28th edition, will run from 10 to 20 May at National Gallery Singapore, and present over 20 films from across Europe with Austria as the featured country.

The festival opens with Fly Away Home, a film set in 1945, Vienna where the powder keg of war and the Russian occupation is seen through the innocent eyes of nine-year old Christine.

The festival will continue the festivals long tradition of collaborating with a Singapore film school. Partnering for the fourth time with Ngee Ann Polytechnics School of Film and Media Studies, it will present short films by students and alumni of the school alongside the official film selection, including Fragment, an omnibus film celebrating the strength and diversity of Southeast Asian independent cinema. Made up of a collage of ten stories, each one embraces the others subjectivities.

More information at euff.sg.Thousands of rock fans had a frenetic night with songs in the debut album of Frances rock band Lysistrata.

Meanwhile, Mongolian artists brought their epics (Mongolian tuuli)  UNESCO-regconised Intangible Cultural Heritage - traditional dances and music to the festival.

The Moroccan music troupe Majid Bekkas entertained the audiences with its impressive performances which show a new form of musical expression taking root from the spiritual music of Gnawa trance, mixed with African jazz and blues.

Themed Cultural Heritage with Integration and Development: Hue - One Destination, Five World Heritage, the Hue Festival 2018, the 10th of its kind, are taking place from April 27 to May 2.

According to the organising board, during the first part of the festival from April 27-29, nearly 30 art performance programmes and festivals were organised, attracting nearly 50,000 visitors to Thua Thien-Hue province per day.

Not only in Hue city, this years festival is also being held in villages. Visitors are offered a chance to participate in a festival in Phuoc Tich ancient village in Phong Dien district or join a market day in Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy town where they can enjoy the localitys specialties.Parris Goebel is currently overseas in Uganda with World Vision visiting refugees to promote the '40 Hour Famine'.

Parris took to her Instagram to explain what she will be doing over there:In an interview granted to the press on the outcome of the visit, Deputy FM Dung said that first of all, via the visit, the mutual trust in the bilateral relations after 45 years of diplomatic ties and five years of strategic partnership has been reinforced and strengthened. The trust, closeness and shared vision of development goals and strategic security issues of the two countries create an important foundation for their vigorous cooperation development in all fields, making active contributions to the growth of each nation. Vietnam and Singapore agreed to enhance collaboration in security-defence, especially cyber security, building the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) of solidarity, self-resilience and innovation as well as maintaining the blocs central role in the regional architecture.

The two sides also shared the common viewpoint of ASEAN on East Sea issue of maintaining peace, stability, security, and safety of navigation and aviation and addressing disputes via peaceful means and in respect of diplomatic and legal processes, without use of or threat to use of force, on the basic of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.

They back the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards the early completion of an effective and legally binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Secondly, the visit has created a new framework of connectivity when the economies of Vietnam and Singapore are moving to a new period of development with more extensive and intensive integration into regional and global economies proven by their signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and active negotiations on numerous regional cooperation deals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and Free Trade Agreements.

Singapores commitments to prioritising stronger cooperation in the fields of clean energy, urban solutions, agriculture, and encouragement of joint projects between the two countries businesses to optimise Singapores strengths in advanced technology and trade of agricultural products will be a powerful lever for Vietnamese enterprises to join the global supply chain, thus bringing long-term and sustainable benefits to people. The two PMs also reached high consensus on promoting affiliation in education and training (especially English and vocational training), finance, oil and gas services, and science-technology.

Thirdly, PM Phuc delivered the strong reaffirmation of the Vietnamese government to adopt favourable policies for the Vietnamese community abroad, particularly encouraging overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and experts to contribute to building national development policies, as well as measures to support overseas students to start their business when coming back to the homeland.

While holding talks with nearly 30 intellectuals in Singapore, including many professors and doctors of Vietnamese origin, PM Phuc took note of their opinions regarding the national development and building of a facilitating government in the new industrial era. During his meeting with Vietnamese students at the Singapore Management University, he highlighted the Governments commitment to creating a favourable start-up environment. He noted that the nearly 10,000 Vietnamese students along with a remarkable number of Vietnamese intellectuals and experts in Singapore is really a valuable human resource for Vietnam in the path of development and integration.

Last but not least, through the research and experience sharing on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and logistics, Vietnam and Singapore agreed on major cooperation orientations in building master plans and programmes on Industry 4.0, focusing on its opportunities and challenges for the Government and businesses.

Singapore pledged to support Vietnam in improving capacity to take advantage of new cutting-edge technology, develop physical and technical infrastructure such as applying digitalisation, artificial intelligence and automated machines, and sharpen soft skills including management capability along with improving quality of human resources through training cooperation (for example, studying the possibility of opening a Singapores logistics training school in Vietnam).

According to Deputy FM Dung, one of the highlights of the visit was creating a framework of close connectivity between the Government and businesses and among enterprises of the two countries.

At a business forum with the participation of nearly 700 delegates, the two sides sealed over 20 cooperation agreements in specific fields such as liquefied gas, gas, agriculture, aviation, urban planning and tourism-hotel complex construction worth approximately US$3 billion in total, he said.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fourth from left) and other ASEAN leaders at the 32nd ASEAN Summit. (Photo: VGP)



Regarding the Vietnams participation in the 32nd ASEAN Summit, which was held in Singapore on April 27-28, Deputy FM Dung said that the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation led by PM Phuc actively participated in the discussions and gave opinions to the drafting of the documents at the summit.

Relating to the 4th Industrial Revolution and the trend of smart city development in ASEAN, Deputy FM Dung said the revolution not only opens many opportunities but also poses challenges for ASEAN member countries. ASEAN leaders said the bloc need to ensure self- resilience, promote creativity and make the most of opportunities from the revolution, giving priority to fostering digital economy and governance, expanding e-commerce, increasing public access to information through digital technology, which are areas of great potential and in line with ASEAN's development needs.

The ASEAN Smart Cities Network is the initiative of Singapore as ASEAN Chair 2018, which aims to materialise the years goal of connecting cities within ASEAN, promoting smart urbanisation through applying new technologies and improving the urban management skills to better the living conditions for regional people, he noted.

Smart urban development will be done based on aspects of transport, water resources management, energy, health, education, public service, and information technology. Each city joining the network will build its action plans and promote feasible projects that are tailored to its own needs and interests, in a mutual support basis, he said, adding that Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang city of Vietnam, and 23 other cities in ASEAN have registered to join this network.

Regarding East Sea-related issues, the Deputy FM said the East Sea situation continued to be a hot topic at the summit. ASEAN leaders reaffirmed that the maintenance of peace, security, and stability in the East Sea are the common interests and responsibilities of countries in the region, he said.

They insisted that ASEAN should stay united, and firmly and consistently uphold common stance and principles agreed on the East Sea issue, such as ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the Sea; and settling disputes in a peaceful manner on the basis of international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, refraining from the use or threat to use forces and militarisation; fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the DOC, and early finalising an effective and legal binding COC of parties in the waters.

The leaders applauded the initial positive progress of the negotiation process for building the COC, which was reflected in the results of the working-level meeting between ASEAN and China held in Vietnams Nha Trang city last March. They emphasised the need to build a COC that is practical, effective, consistent with international law and capable of regulating the behaviors of stakeholders, thus contributing to creating a rule-based regional order, for the peaceful and stable East Sea.

PM Phuc expressed his strong support for the theme and priorities of ASEAN in 2018, as well as proposed orientations for strengthening intra-bloc cooperation and between ASEAN and its partners in the spirit of promoting self-resilience and innovation. The PM stressed that ASEAN needs to improve its self-resilience in all the three pillars, especially fostering solidarity and unity.

He added that the economic and financial self-reliance and building a self-resilient ASEAN community in the face of challenges affecting people's lives such as natural disasters, climate change, and epidemics play an important role. He agreed that ASEAN should promote creativity and take advantage of the 4th industrial revolution, and supported the development of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.

Regarding the regional and international situation, PM Phuc and other ASEAN leaders welcomed the positive results of the Inter-Korean Summit on April 27, saying that ASEAN should continue to step up efforts to promote cooperation and dialogue, build trust on the basis of existing stances and principles on the East Sea, and work towards the formation of an effective and legally binding COC, thus promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the East Sea.

According to Deputy FM Dung, the Vietnamese Government leader also stressed that new cooperation initiatives proposed for the Indian Ocean and the Pacific need to contribute to peace, stability and development, and respect the central role played by ASEAN and the blocs basic principles and values as well.The COVID-19 outbreak that started in Wuhan, China has now affected all the nations of the world. The developed countries, like the USA, Spain, UK and Italy have been hit severely by the spread of the virus. China has been able to control the virus to an extent after three months of lockdown in Wuhan. In India, the first COVID-19 case was detected in January in the Southern state of Kerala.Join the International Marxist Tendency and help build a revolutionary organisation to participate in the struggle for socialism worldwide!

In order to join fill in this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.NA Vice Chairman Luu made the statement at his talks on April 30 with the Vice Presidents of the Macedonian Assembly, Goran Misovski and Frosina Tashevska-Remenski, during his working visit to the European nation.

He stressed the need to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels in order to strengthen the legislative bodies cooperation, at present, Vietnam and Macedonia only hold bilateral meetings between parliamentarians at multilateral parliamentary forums.

The Vietnamese lawmaker suggested that the legislative bodies promote their role of supreme supervision, especially in fostering the effective implementation of signed agreements.

NA Vice Chairman Luu used the occasion to affirm that Vietnam always attaches importance to consolidating and developing its relations with traditional friends, including Macedonia.

Although political and diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Macedonia have enjoyed positive development, economic and trade cooperation has remained modest, failing to match up to the potential of both nations, he said.

The official asked relevant ministries and sectors to support enterprises in seeking collaboration opportunities, while urging for the early establishment of an Inter-Governmental Committee to foster bilateral cooperation on economics, trade, and investment.

Misovski stated that the first visit to Macedonia by a high-level Vietnamese NA delegation will serve as the foundation to bolster cooperation between the two countries in general, and between their legislatures in particular.

Macedonia considers the parliamentary diplomatic channel to be a lever for enhancing ties with other countries, including Vietnam, he added.

During the talks, both sides also exchanged experiences in drafting laws and promoting the role of legislative bodies in conducting legislative tasks and supreme supervision.

On the same day, NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu held a meeting with Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov, during which he thanked Macedonia for backing Vietnams candidacy for a non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, and affirmed that Vietnam supports Macedonias bid to join the European Union.

He also requested the Foreign Ministry of Macedonia to take measures to take full advantage of the potential for cooperation in tourism.

Macedonian Foreign Minister Dimitrov said he wishes to boost cooperation with Vietnam in the fields that they have strengths such as agriculture and tourism.

He also proposed that Vietnam soon open an embassy in Macedonia to serve as a bridge to boost bilateral ties.

Earlier, the Vietnamese NA Vice Chairman held a working session with representatives from the Macedonian Assemblys Committee for Foreign Policy.

The Vietnamese NA delegation is scheduled to pay a working visit to Romania from May 2-5.EAST WINDSOR -- Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun are done clearing the old Showcase Cinema hulk from the site where they want to build a casino to compete with MGM Springfield.

If all the applications come in as expected, the town expects construction to begin before the end of 2018. But enabling legislation from Connecticut might have to wait for the 2019 legislative session.

While the old theaters, which closed in 2008, are gone, there isn't very much else happening at the site 13 miles south of Springfield. There is no construction activity, no trailers and no equipment at the 14-acre site squeezed between Interstate 91 at Exits 45 and 44 and busy Route 5.

Not that East Windsor First Selectman Robert Maynard is worried.

"I think things are right on schedule," he said.

Maynard said he was much more concerned the dominoes falling in the Steve Wynn sex harassment scandal would result in no East Windsor casino.

The theory goes that Wynn would have to sell its planned Boston Harbor casino in Everett, MGM is interested in buying it and moving into the more lucrative Boston market and then Foxwoods Resort Casino or Mohegan Sun would buy Springfield's casino from MGM.

That would mean the two tribes would have no need for an East Windsor casino to intercept Hartford-area gamblers on their way to Springfield.

But then Wynn changed the name of its Everett casino to Encore Boston Harbor and a series of Massachusetts Gaming Commission meetings went by without a big announcement -- and Maynard feels more confident now in the project.

A public relations professional who had been touting the project on behalf of both Foxwoods and Mohegan didn't return calls and emails over the past few days.

The project faces other hurdles. Gambling legislation is still held up in the Connecticut legislature where it might not pass until 2019, according to published reports.

Also, the tribes lack federal approval to expand native gaming to East Windsor. The federal Inspector General is probing whether the U.S. Department of the interior acted properly or whether it bowed to intense lobbying by MGM.

In March, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun the casinos hosted a big press event at the start of demolition at the old Showcase Cinemas site.

The two tribes plan to spend $300 million to $400 million in East Windsor. They say the East Windsor casino would create 4,300 jobs both directly and indirectly, and would mostly filled by folks who work for the tribes now at existing casinos. The tribes promised Monday to hire 650 Hartford-area residents.

Maynard said that for construction to start, the tribes will need planning and zoning approval as well as a wetlands construction permit.

He expects the planning and zoning approval and wetlands applications to come in first and for the town to respond over the summer. He expects to get a detailed building permit application in early fall.

The town will need a month of more to go through that application so the earliest construction can begin would be the late fall of 2018.AGAWAM - At HP Hood's milk processing plant here it's not just the product that has a finite shelf life.

"The business can't get stale," Plant Manager David Laden said while showing off the busy filling room where milk and other products get squirted into bottles and cartons.

Witness one new machine, a $3 million piece of equipment that packs filled milk containers in cardboard boxes. That's corrugated cardboard and not the familiar reusable plastic milk crates used so often in improvised dorm furniture.

The reason? Amazon wants cardboard boxes for its grocery delivery service.

The Hood plant in Agawam already supplies Amazon in the Boston area. Hood's owners feel Amazon and its distribution model will be a big part of Hood's future.

"You always have to be thinking about what's next," Laden said.

The machine that packs milk jugs in cardboard boxes is just part of the extensive renovations at the Hood plant. Laden couldn't say how much has been spent except to say "tens of millions."

Hood's is a business that is as old as time -- early man consumed dairy and processed it into foodstuffs -- but one that is under increasing pressure. For one thing, Americans are drinking less milk at the table. Each year the market for milk shrinks by about 3 percent, Laden said.

That pressure has made it hard on farmers facing low prices for fluid milk and ever-rising costs of production.

Hood in Agawam focuses on quality and on a sales force and customer service staff working to get Hood milk into as many restaurants and retailers as possible. The plant services household-name brands besides shipping and selling milk under its own name.

A few miles away in West Springfield, the Agri-Mark cooperative is expanding its processing plant that turns milk into shelf-stable products like butter and dried skim milk powder.

The Hood plant in Agawam makes milk for the table in gallons, half-gallon bottles or cartons and in 10- and 14-ounce single serving containers. It produces milk -- including chocolate and strawberry flavors -- as well as cream, orange juice and fruit drinks, and ice cream mixes.

Hood's largest plant, the 94,000-square-foot Agawam facility opened in 1960. It has the capacity to process 55 million gallons of milk a year and serves more than 2,000 customers as far away as Pennsylvania including supermarkets, neighborhood groceries, ice cream stands and brand-name chains.

It also serves as a distribution point for supplies needed by other Hood factories and for outgoing products manufactured elsewhere, like yogurt. Hood's ice cream plant is a few miles south in Suffield, Connecticut.

Recent work at the Agawam plant includes adding more tanks and new equipment and replacing the miles and miles of piping that snakes through the factory. The new pipe network is easier to clean, so the plant has cut its water use by 11 million gallons over the past five years. A nearby solar field helps offset the power bill.

Some of the renovations were done for the employees. The locker rooms have boot driers like Colorado ski resorts.

"When I started in this business, you worked in a dairy, your boots were always wet," Laden said. "That's the way it was."

The production floor is wet from the constant cleaning and disinfecting. Employees are encouraged to walk through the sudsy foam to clean their shoes. Operations Manager Kate Blanchfield knew of the boot warmers and Hood put them in.

"Now you come to work, and your boots are warm," Laden said.

Walls that were once cement block are now covered in attractive, easier-to-sanitize tile. Cleanliness is important at the plant where workers come and go through rooms pressurized like airlocks to keep contaminants out.

The last of the work was a redo of the truck bay where tanker trucks unload milk brought in from farms.

With 320 employees, the plant is Agawam's second largest employer, behind Six Flags New England.

Hood pays well, Laden said. A machine operator can make $20 an hour and earn benefits.

"But at a certain point, money isn't the motivator," he said.

That's why the boots get dried when a worker is off shift. That's why the cafeteria now looks like a convenience store with food for sale on the honor system. The plant even has an outdoor patio area, the result of a worker suggestion.

The plant's work can't stop.

"We are the only manufacturing industry where the supply of raw material cannot be turned off," Laden said. "If you make furniture and you have too much furniture, you stop cutting down trees until you sell the furniture."

But dairy cows keep making milk no matter if people are buying it. If farmers don't milk them, they get a painful inflammation in their udders. They keep making milk no matter if there is a storm that could keep trucks from getting to Agawam. They keep making milk no matter if it's a holiday.

"We need to keep processing to empty the tanks," Laden said.

Hood buys its milk from farmers in Massachusetts and New York who are members of co-ops. When it arrives, Hood employees test it for contamination and adulteration. Next it goes into he raw milk tanks.

Once inside the plant it gets spun in a machine that clarifies it and separates out the cream. Milk then gets reconstituted with the proper milk fat content for whole, skim and so on. It gets homogenized so the cream won't separate and pasteurized to kill bacteria.

From there, it goes to the packaging room and into bottles. Those bottles come into the plant as plastic pellets that are melted, shaped and cooled in an "alpine" system of overhead conveyor belts.

Using clean milk, and keeping it clean, helps it stay fresh and tasty once it's home in the fridge. Laden said Hood milk from the Agawam plant is good for a week after the sell-by date.Matthew J. "Matt" Walting loves filmmaking, and the Minnechaug Regional High School senior is already making a name for himself in the field.

He received the Indie Spirit Best Director Award for "Just Say Goodbye" at the 16th annual Boston International Film Festival earlier this month.

"This award just reminds me to keep working hard at what I love doing and definitely helped solidify my love for filmmaking," said Walting, who plans to attend Emerson College in the fall to major in film production. "I freaked out when I found out" about the award.

The festival's goal is to encourage and support the work of worldwide independent filmmakers and to promote their products as an art concept and as a valuable contribution to world understanding.

Walting, of Wilbraham, began acting at The Drama Studio in Springfield and has been taking acting classes there since 2009. In 2010 the studio hosted auditions for a short film produced by Emerson College students, and he got the lead role. "Seeing the behind-the-scenes process fascinated me a lot, and I started trying to teach myself more about the production aspect of film," he said.

He also did a 2-week summer camp on filmmaking, and it fascinated him so much, it became his passion. He began creating videos as often as he could, and in middle school he had his own website where he uploaded his work; he eventually moved it to YouTube.

Mostly self taught, Walting watched filmmaking tutorials online and read everything he could on the topic. When he wanted to advance his work, he challenged himself to create a short film in which the world was entirely animated but the character was live action.

He wrote, directed, acted in, edited and animated his first "real" short film, "Continue." It took about eight months to finish, but at the end of the process, he had proven to himself that he is dedicated to this work and it's what he loves doing.

"Just Say Goodbye" wasn't supposed to be a feature at first; Walting had wanted to make another short film, and asked Layla O'Shea, mother of his friend, Brianna, to adapt her script "Just Say Goodbye" into a short film for him. Layla and he met for a month trying to adapt it into a short, but decided the story was too valuable to crop down from 118 pages to less than 20, so they decided to take the step and make it a feature film together.

They raised about $10,000 through the crowd-funding Indiegogo and additional money through grants, including one from Unify Against Bullying.

"Just Say Goodbye" is about a troubled teenage boy named Jesse. His mother committed suicide when he was young, and his father is an alcoholic. He's also being bullied. Jesse tells his friend, Sarah, that he has decided to commit suicide. Much of the movie is Sarah doing what she can to get him to change his mind.

The majority of the 106-minute production was filmed in Wilbraham, with some bits in Holyoke, Ludlow and New York State. It stars Katerina Eichenberger, Max MacKenzie, William Galatis, Pamela Jayne Morgan and Jesse Walters.

"I learned that hard work definitely pays off, Matt Walting said. "When the whole process started over two years ago, I never thought I'd be here receiving an award for the film. It's also taught me that anything can happen, and to always be open to opportunity, and that there is never a reason not to try something new. Who knows where it can bring you?"

During the first semester of his senior year, Walting had an internship at Wilbraham Public Access TV, and his mentor, Anthony Aube, has been the greatest influence on his work because he shared his wealth of knowledge with this intern. He "really pushed me to do my best work," Walting said. "He's someone I could count on for advice on any subject whether it be filmmaking or life skills."

Walting is currently working on a web series called "The Next Generation" for Guided Magazine about young visual artists. The series focuses on the struggles and journeys of young visual artists growing into their craft. The first two episodes can be viewed at youtube.com/channel/UCq-Y82gfCf-SHY96l2dTt2Q.This story elaborates on an article published at 5:53 p.m. Monday, April 30, 2018: Review finds Holyoke Soldiers' Home 'well maintained,' recommends $6.36 million short-term work

HOLYOKE -- The roof needs work. Modernization would make the freight elevator safer. Fire escapes are in critical shape.

A consultant hired by the state found the Holyoke Soldiers' Home to be generally "very well maintained" but also containing 14 high risk areas that will become more dangerous if unaddressed.

"The critical risk items listed ... relates to the fire safety of the building occupants such as fire protection to the steel beams, and removing the blocked fire exit route," said the report by Faithful+Gould of Boston released Monday. (see below)

The report was based on a 10-year plan of recommended renovations that if fully completed would cost $43,497,485.

Short-term renovations of $6.4 million would suffice, the report said. That work would include work on fire protection, life safety systems, exhaust air, facade improvements, resiliency requirements for emergency power and cooling and repairs of trip hazards.

The consultant did the 168-page report for the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). Release of the report complies with an act that the state Senate and House of Representatives approved Nov. 21, 2017.

The Holyoke Soldiers' Home provides residential beds, inpatient care and outpatient services for military veterans at 110 Cherry St. It was founded in 1952.

It is one of two such facilities run by the state, the other being the Chelsea Soldiers' Home. Gov. Charlie Baker announced Friday the state had secured $70 million in federal funding to build a 154-room Community Living Center at the Chelsea Soldiers' Home. The facility would have living spaces for residents, physical and occupational therapy, recreational activities and greater access to the outdoors, the Chelsea Record reported.

The Holyoke Soldiers' Home employs 339 people and has over 230 military veterans in long-term care and 25 living in dorms, officials said.

"Based on the observations, the facility appears to be very well maintained by the operational staff," the report said.

The report evaluated the five-building, 15-acre site in Faithful+Gould visits that began in February.

Areas of review included buildings, stairways and railings, air-quality systems, fire protection, outdoor walkways, nurses' stations, dental and pharmacy areas, carpet, walls, furniture and lighting and fences. The report includes proposed year-by-year spending schedules to get the work done.

Addressing the high risk maintenance items would cost $5.3 million. Among maintenance rated as high risk if left undone are, the report said:

replace waterproofing membrane at tunnel linking buildings

install new exhaust air system

replace emergency transfer switches

refurbish outdoor fire escape

modernize freight elevator

replace failed concrete at sidewalks, steps, ramps and bridge

Holyoke Soldiers' Home by The Republican/MassLive.com on ScribdHADLEY - The Hadley police sergeant who inadvertently posted a controversial message on the Police Department's Facebook page last week apologized to the town for his mistake Monday and said, "I feel awful about it."

Sgt. Ken Hartwright spoke to more than a dozen community members and town officials at the Hadley Public Safety complex to talk about the post and concerns it raised.

The post, originally from Guardians of the Thin Blue Line, read: "Two guys get kicked outta Starbucks and everyone freaks out. 2 cops just having lunch were assassinated and no one bats an eye."

It was referring to an incident in which two black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks after an employee called police because the men hadn't ordered anything, and to the killing of two deputies in Trenton, Florida, who were ambushed while they were eating inside a Chinese restaurant.

Hartwright said he meant to share it on his own Facebook page, but posted it to the department's page instead. It was taken down in about 12 minutes, but people who found the message insensitive continued to leave comments.

A police officer for four decades, including 10 in Hadley, Hartwright said he loves the community.

"I didn't pay attention to the top part of the meme," he said but "only the part of the officers on the bottom of the meme. When you lose an officer, it hits home."

This came shortly after Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon was gunned down while serving a warrant earlier this month.

Trying to keep his voice steady, Hartwright said he has a 19-year-old son who is studying criminal justice and wants to be a police officer.

"This has been the worst week of my life, the worst week of my career," he said. And he said the worst part "is I think I deserve it. It was insensitive," he said. And he said, the post "added to the divisiveness in the society."

Select Board Chairwoman Joyce Chunglo, who fought back tears, said, "It makes me emotional. He's a good guy. It's not who he is. He's the best of the best."

Police Chief Michael Mason held the meeting to turn what happened into "something positive. We need to keep the lines of communication open."

Residents who attended applauded Hartwright's apology.

Resident Jo-Ann Konieczny said it's not just the police but the town that needs to take responsibility in the discussions as well.

"You're giving us a gift, and a way to move forward," D. Dina Friedman said to Hartwright.

Residents suggested perhaps forming an ad hoc group to talk about some of the issues the posting raised. Also, the Police Department is looking at whether it can eliminate comments on its Facebook page because some of the comments fueled vitriol.

On resident posted this: "Someone needs to be fired for posting this nonsense. I am concerned this just goes away quietly. Consequences and quick action." She apologized to Hartwright at the meeting Monday night and said she acted emotionally as well. She has bi-racial children.SPRINGFIELD -- A federal jury on Monday delivered a split verdict in the case of a former Longmeadow gynecologist accused of sharing protected patient information with a drug salesman.

The jury found Dr. Rita Luthra guilty of violating HIPAA laws that protect patient privacy and obstruction of a federal health care investigation. She was found not guilty of witness tampering.

Defense attorney Stephen Spelman, who represented Luthra, has asked U.S. District Court Judge Mark Mastroianni to acquit his client under a specific provision of federal criminal procedures. Those procedures allow a judge to set aside a verdict after all the evidence comes in.

Mastroianni did not rule on Spelman's motion Monday, and scheduled a hearing on the matter for May 16 at 10 a.m.

Jurors returned with the verdict shortly after reporting they were deadlocked. Mastroianni ordered them to keep deliberating.GREENFIELD --Two forensic scientists from the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory took the stand Monday in the double murder trial of Brittany Smith, 29, of Athol.

Erica Nadeau, supervisor of the criminalistics unit at the Springfield lab, and Kira Snyder of the lab's DNA unit, discussed blood, photographic, and DNA evidence relevant to the deaths of Thomas Harty, 95, and his wife Joanna Fisher, 77. The couple were the victims of an Oct. 5, 2016 home invasion.

Jurors saw graphic photographs, as well as actual blood-stained pillows, collected as evidence at the 528 East River St. home in Orange, the scene of an alleged attack and burglary that left Harty dead and Fisher fatally wounded.

Smith has denied two counts of first degree murder in the case, which prosecutors have characterized as a "joint venture." Her co-defendant, Joshua Hart, 25, of Athol, was earlier convicted on murder charges, and faces life in prison without parole.

Nadeau showed and described photos of "a deceased male in a reclining chair." The man, Harty, wearing shorts, a blue shirt, and hiking boots, could be seen in an armchair, clutching his hands to his chest. A wheelchair belonging to Fisher, disabled due to a stroke, was shown nearby in the living area of the home.

Other photos showed dried blood -- described by Nadeau as "red-brown staining" -- pooled in front of a sofa and located in other areas throughout the home.

Nadeau's photographs showed bloody pillows and clothing on the floor, pill bottles in a bathroom sink, a cell phone with the battery removed, a woman's purse which tested positive for blood, a wooden "knife block" on the kitchen counter, and other items.

On what was described as an ordinary night for the unsuspecting couple, Harty was allegedly stabbed to death, and Fisher was allegedly stabbed, slashed, beaten, and suffocated with a pillow. Hart and Smith then allegedly stole the older couple's car, cash, and credit cards. The pair were apprehended several days later in a UHaul outside a Virginia Walmart.

Fisher died five weeks later at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester.

On Monday, Nadeau and Snyder fielded questions from prosecutor Jeremy Bucci of the Northwestern District Attorney's Office, and from Smith's defense attorney, Mary Ann Stamm, as Smith sat quietly within the fourth-floor courtroom at the Franklin County Justice Center.

Bucci asked Nadeau to describe the crime scene photos, and then showed the jury three bloodied pillows, each pulled from a separate evidence bag.

Snyder, under cross-examination, told Stamm no DNA samples collected at the crime scene returned a match for Brittany Smith. However, under direct questioning, she said none of those samples had Joshua Hart's DNA, either.

"If objects had been thrown away -- jeans, shoes, a murder weapon" -- it would be impossible to tell if they contained DNA evidence, Bucci posed to Snyder, who agreed.

A socket wrench found on a dining room table, not immediately collected as evidence, later returned no DNA results, Snyder said. Brittany Smith's hands returned DNA for Brittany Smith, she said.

Bucci then referred to three items of clothing in a Walmart shopping bag "seized from a UHaul in Virginia." The items were a black Nike T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Run Hard," a black hooded sweatshirt, and a pair of gray-and-white sweatpants.

Snyder said a mixture of DNA on the T-shirt was too complex to match to one person. Thomas Harty's DNA was found on the sweatshirt. Brittany Smith's DNA was found on the sweatpants.

Without being specific, Stamm asked if DNA evidence from separate pieces of clothing in a single bag could hypothetically be cross-contaminated, and Snyder said yes.

Bucci, during Hart's trial, linked the T-shirt and sweatshirt to Hart.

Within hours of the alleged 2016 attack, a purchase was attempted at a Walmart in the Worcester area using Harty's Discover card, and the pair were seen in surveillance video, starting a trail that led to Hart and Smith's capture on Oct. 7, according to prosecutors.

In the courtroom on Friday, Cindy Sumner-Morrill, a nurse from Catholic Charities, testified how she discovered the scene on the morning of Oct. 6. Smith's mother, Nicole Smith, told of efforts to get her daughter, a heroin addict, into treatment. Massachusetts State Police Trooper William McMillan and Orange police officer Jonathan Cole also provided testimony.

Day four of Smith's trial begins Tuesday at 9 a.m.He tweeted, Today marks 43 years since the victorious arrival of the Vietnamese fighters to Saigon (the current Ho Chi Minh City), thus ending the war and the US military and political occupation of the area. Through this heroic triumph, Vietnam united once again.

The Venezuelan Government also sent congratulations to the Vietnamese Government and people on the anniversary of the important event.

In an official statement posted on its website, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela wrote that the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, on behalf of the Government and the Venezuelan people, expressed the warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Vietnam on the 43rd anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

The Venezuelan ministry noted that from this important achievement, Vietnam entered a period of settling the consequences of war and a process of economic recovery on the path to successfully building a socialist model with Vietnamese characteristics.

The ministry also reiterated Venezuelas desire to strengthen political ties, bilateral cooperation, and friendship for the sake of the well-being of the Venezuelan and Vietnamese peoples and the sovereignty of the two countries.Nearly a year after Reina Rodriguez, 19, was found dead in her Braintree hotel room -- face down with her hands and feet bound with cell phone cables -- prosecutors announced charges against four people.

New details about the sex trafficking robbery ring operating on Backpage.com and in Braintree hotels led to charges in the June 2017 murder, according to a statement of the case filed by Assistant District Attorney Lisa Beatty.

Juana Rivera, 19, Kentavious Coleman, 20, and Kenyonte Galmore, 22, are each charged with Rodriguez's murder. The victim's boyfriend Jason McLeod, 35 of Mattapan, has been charged with human trafficking and deriving support from prostitution because of his relationship with Rodriguez.

McLeod was arrested by Maine State Police over the weekend, prosecutors said.

Rivera was held without bail during her arraignment in Norfolk County Superior Court on Monday. She allegedly conspired to kill Rodriguez with Coleman and Galmore, who are in custody in Mississippi on unrelated charges.

They will return to Massachusetts for arraignment on murder and robbery charges.

The statement of case filed ahead of Rivera's Monday arraignment details the tumultuous months leading up to the night the 19-year-old was "smothered" to death in her hotel room.

Prosecutors say Rivera first met Rodriguez in "late 2016" when she was "essentially homeless." Rivera promised to teach the teenager "how to make a lot of money doing sex work." Rivera picked Rodriguez up in Lawrence and kept her at the Braintree Hyatt for days. Rivera kept "all the money" Rodriguez made doing sex work, according to court documents.

The women moved in together but then had several disagreements. Rodriguez moved in with McLeod, who Rivera used to date, which made the woman "even angrier," according to court documents. They got into fights and Rivera threatened to kill her, prosecutors said.

On June 21 at about 4 p.m. Rodriguez and McLoud checked into room 220 at the Hyatt. He went to work in Brockton and Medford, while Rivera stayed in the hotel posting ads on Backpage, a website similar to Craigslist now infamous for hosting ads for prostitution. The website and its assets were seized by the federal government on April 6.

At 11 p.m. McLeod returned to the hotel where he and Rodriguez ate food and smoked marijuana in his car, prosecutors said.

Rodriguez returned to the room shortly after and had sex with a man for $140, prosecutors said. He left the hotel at 1:37 p.m. Then Rodriguez was alone.

That same night Rivera was traveling from Georgia back to Massachusetts. When she arrived in Lowell, she allegedly posed as a client, but then passed Rodriguez's information on to Galmore, who planned to rob and kill her.

Coleman and Galmore entered the hotel lobby separately. They later left together through the stairwell, a hotel clerk told investigators.

McLeod slept in his car and the next morning tried to get into the hotel room. When Rodriguez did not answer, he asked the front desk for a key. He returned later to tell staff his girlfriend was dead and he needed help.

After finding her, McLeod called Rivera and said: "They killed my girl."

"It has taken a great deal of investigation and perseverance for detectives to unravel this full narrative and bring us to this arraignment today," District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey said in a statement after the arraignment. "Braintree Police and State Police detectives deserve great credit for the work done in this investigation."

Rivera is to return to court May 10 for a pre-trial conference.AMHERST - Now that Town Meeting has agreed to ask the state Legislature for permission to hold a special election Nov. 6, nomination papers are available for Town Council.

The Select Board was expected to vote Tuesday to submit the act to the Legislature and set the date, clearing the release of the papers.

The special act would allow the election to be held Nov. 6, with the Town Council taking over Dec. 3. Without the special act, the election would take place Jan. 24 and the council would be sworn in Feb. 4.

Town Meeting on Monday debated for about two hours whether to ask for the Legislature for the act. That included discussion on an amendment from Charter Commission member Gerry Weiss to change the election date to Dec. 4, with a preliminary election on Oct. 16. That failed 105-100.

Some had wanted the election delayed to allow greater student participation. The town's lawyers suggested that nomination papers become available as soon as the dates were set to allow students to run for office.

In addition, lawyers Joel Bard and Lauren Goldberg wrote that they did not see a "burden on the students' ability to participate in the special election. First, students wishing to participate in the State primary will already need to vote at the polls on September 4 or vote by absentee ballot."

Students at the University of Massachusetts and Amherst College begin classes Sept. 4 and Hampshire College students return to school on Sept. 3.

"Ultimately, to the extent that preliminary and state primary elections are held on the same date, in our opinion, it is highly likely that students will be well aware of these dates and of the opportunity to participate," the lawyers wrote.

The lawyers also said "any delay in the date of the special election will extend the period during which the Town is limited to engaging in daily operations and important ongoing initiatives, while avoiding entanglement with actions that reflect significant new policy positions or that otherwise irrevocably change the Town's position."

The vote was 127 in favor of petitioning the Legislature for the special act to 72 against it.

By a 3,476-2,468 margin, voters in March approved a new charter that replaces Amherst's 240-member representative Town Meeting and five-member Select Board with a 13-member Town Council.

All voters registered in Amherst are eligible to run for Town Council.

For the three councilor-at-large seats, papers must be signed by at least 50 registered voters in Amherst. Candidates are advised to collect more than 50 signatures to ensure the requisite number of certified signatures.

Those running for the 10 district seats need papers signed by at least 25 residents of the district in which the nomination is sought.

Papers must be filed by June 29. People need to register by Aug. 15 to be eligible for the Sept. 4 primary.

Town Meeting resumes Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Amherst Regional Middle School.

.@TownOfAmherst going from bad to worse: presentation of motion to set up election of new form of government all screwed up, and now that we got it straightened out, ppl dont understand what theyre voting for. In other words: nothing new. Fine way to end 283-year-old tradition  Citizen Wald (@CitizenWald) May 1, 2018

.@TownOfAmherst Town Meeting off to an inauspicious start. Some ppl complaining they cannot read the electronic voting test question Moderator asked me to write. Moderator: well, in that case, you wont be able to read the motions, either, so I dont know what I can do. pic.twitter.com/V43CXu6T1K  Citizen Wald (@CitizenWald) April 30, 2018AMHERST -- About 30 Amherst area students rallied in front of Town Hall Tuesday morning before heading to Boston to lobby the state Legislature to support measures to protect immigrants.

The students want senators to support elements of the Safe Communities Act as amendments to their Fiscal 2019 budget to make sure immigrants feel safe, said Eduardo Samaniego, one of the organizers. Samaniego, an undocumented Mexican immigrant, said he wants immigrants to feel safe and welcome.

A third-year Hampshire College student, Samaniego is taking off the semester to devote his attention to advocating for passage of DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) legislation and to lobby for immigrant rights.

He recently walked from New York to Washington as part of the National Walk for the DREAM Act, calling for legislation that can protect him and hundreds of thousands of others from deportation.

The Massachusetts Safe Communities Coalition, a statewide alliance of about 100 organizations, is pushing for support of three amendments the group wants included in the state budget. The amendments would: prohibit local police chiefs and county sheriffs from acting as immigration enforcement agents; prevent police and other law enforcement officials from asking about immigration status unless required by law; and require that people in police custody be informed about their basic rights.

Amherst Regional School Committee Chairman Eric Nakajima, who's running for state representative, spoke at the rally, calling today's immigration debate "one of those moments of conscience."

He said his father came to America from Japan shortly after the Japanese were placed in internment camps during World War II, and his father "lived in fear for many years."

After reparations were paid to Japanese people in the 1980s, people said "America's changed," Nakajima said. But he contends it hasn't.

"We're separating children from families, and people have to stand up for those families," he said.

"We have to stand up and be there" when people rally for immigrant rights, he said.

On Monday, state House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, said he does not anticipate bringing up a major bill on immigration policy this session.

"I have to have some kind of consensus on that legislation," DeLeo said. "Right now as we're standing here, I just don't see it."CHICOPEE - A Springfield man who allegedly threatened two people with a handgun and said he would shoot up a school in Boston was arrested this week on multiple charges including attempted rape.

Steven Arroyo, 32, of 90 Maple St., was charged with assault with intent to rape, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to commit a terrorist act and threat to commit a crime, said Michael Wilk, police public information officer.

Sunday a man and a woman reported to police they were giving a ride to Arroyo when he began to act oddly. He allegedly pulled out a handgun when the driver stopped at a red light and threatened to shoot them both. He is also being accused of trying to pistol whip the driver and grabbing the woman by the hair and threatening to assault her, Wilk said.

Eventually he got out of the car after the driver yelled at him and demanded he leave, Wilk said.

Later the victim contacted detectives again and said Arroyo was trying to reach him on Facebook and also made threats to shoot people at a school the two attended in Boston, he said.

Det. Danusia Liszka working with Springfield Police was able to contact Arroyo, who agreed to meet with her at the Public Safety Complex. After they talked Arroyo was arrested on Sunday and held on $25,000 bail overnight, Wilk said.

He was arraigned in Chicopee District Court Monday and bail was set at $1,000. His case was continued until May 23, court officials said.ENFIELD - Police are reportedly investigating after a body was discovered inside a vehicle in a wooded area near St. Martha's Pond late Tuesday morning.

Deputy Chief Gary Collins told Enfield Patch a passerby discovered the body, which he described as being in a state of "severe decomposition."

The pond is off Washington Road. The area is approximately one mile south of the Massachusetts line.

Police could not immediately be reached for comment.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.The Essex County District Attorney's office is seeking a governor's warrant to return an alleged killer to Massachusetts.

Brian Chevalier, 51, is wanted in connection with the murder of Wendi Davidson of North Andover. She was found dead in the basement of the two-family home where she lived on Saturday, April 21, according to Carrie Kimball Monahan, a spokeswoman for the office.

Chevalier was arrested on April 25 in Mexico was turned over to United States officials. He is being held by the Imperial County Sheriff's Department. He is also charged with violating his parole in New Hampshire, according to The Eagle Tribune.

He did not waive rendition in the California court, leading to the governor's warrant, Kimball Monahan said.

A governor's warrant begins the extradition process for a fugitive who has been arrested in a different state. Kimball Monahan said: "it takes time to obtain a Governor's warrant" and said she "cannot predict, speculate or guess how long it will take."

Davidson and Chevalier got engaged in February, but recently ended their relationship, a family member told The Eagle Tribune.

Chevalier has a violent history dating back to at least 1990 when he was charged with five counts of aggravated sexual assault. Then 22, his weeklong rape trial ended in a mistrial after a superior court jury was unable to agree on a verdict, The Eagle Tribune reports.

In 2003 Chevalier attacked a Jaffrey, New Hampshire woman. He beat her, repeatedly sexually assaulted her, and squeezed her throat, according to an affidavit obtained by The Eagle Tribune.

He was convicted of kidnapping and sent to jail. He was released on parole in December 2017.SPRINGFIELD -- Judges, lawyers, lawmakers and students gathered Tuesday to celebrate Law Day and honor Judge William J. Boyle, the first justice of Springfield District Court.

Boyle and Kenneth M. O'Connor Jr., retired chief court officer, were recipients of the 10th annual John M. Greaney Award before a standing-room only gathering at the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse.

The event, sponsored by the Hampden County Bar Association, recognizes individual contributions to the area's criminal justice system. Hampden County Probate and Family Court First Justice Barbara M. Hyland served as master of ceremonies, and speakers included U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, and state Rep. John C. Velis, D-Westfield.

The Mock Trial Team from Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School also participated.

Boyle, the district court's first justice since 2006, expressed gratitude for the award, but said he was initially reluctant to accept it.

Boyle said he has worked with and long admired Greaney, a Westfield native and retired justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Paraphrasing a remark from Democratic Senator Lloyd Benson during a 1988 vice-presidential debate, the judge added: "I'm no John Greaney."

The award calls attention to the good work done by so many people at district court, from other judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers to probation officers, clerks and court officers, Boyle said.

In a reunion of sorts, retired Assistant Clerk-Magistrate Robert Marino presented the award, along with Superior Court Judge Mark Mason.

For years, Boyle and Marino handled arraignments and bails in courtroom one, the busiest courtroom in the busiest court in the state. On the bench, Boyle is "firm but fair" and more inclined to set higher bails than some of his colleagues, Marino said.

"Judge Boyle is a man who has many loves: Love of the law, love for his beautiful family and friends; love for the city of Springfield, living here his entire life; love for his Irish heritage and also a love for humor," Marino said.

Indeed, based on the thousands of hours they worked together, Marino developed a theory on what his boss's second career choice might have been.

"I think he had a hidden desire to enter the world of stand-up comedy," he said.

The judge, for his part, expressed no regrets as he reflected on his four-decade legal career.

"I've been blessed," he said.SOUTH HADLEY -- A 37-year-old Chicopee man shot while hunting turkey Tuesday morning suffered injuries that were not life threatening, Police Chief Steve Parentela said.

Holyoke Medical Center staff reported the incident to South Hadley police around 8:37 a.m. when the man arrived at the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to his back.

The man, who had been hunting off Ferry Street, was transferred to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Parentela said.

Massachusetts Environmental Police are taking over the investigation.

Katie Gronendyke, spokeswoman for the environmental police, said the victim was hunting alone near Brunelle's Marina, and that he was shot by another hunter.

The man's injuries were "moderate," she said.PLYMOUTH -- In an effort to make quality healthcare more accessible to active duty service members, veterans and military families in Massachusetts, the Medic Now Foundation is throwing a party and hoping people will come out to support the troops.

"Let's Swing for the Troops" will be held Saturday. May 5 at Plymouth Memorial Hall and will feature the Beantown Swing Orchestra and the nationally known American Bombshells.

The Medic Now Foundation is a new nonprofit which offers a military

healthcare stipend program. Its goal is to eliminate out-of-pocket health care costs for active and retired military service members and their families.

"The Medic Now Foundation exists to say thank you for making the commitment and sacrifice on behalf of our great nation," said Michael P. Duggan, founder and president of the foundation. "The backbone of America are the men, women, and families that serve and protect our country. It is our duty as Americans to never forget why they have always answered the call, it's because we asked."

Nick Morganelli, a Westfield resident and member of the board of directors for the organization, said the foundation is all about saying thank you.

"Having developed a great appreciation for those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and regretting not serving myself, I feel this is one way I can give back and say thank you to those who defend our freedoms," he said.

For this first event, the foundation is partnering with PEX, a company which offers a workforce spending platform based on prepaid card technology.

"We are excited and honored to be partnering with the Medic Now Foundation to provide much-needed support for veterans and their families," said Ned Elton, chief growth officer for the company. "We recognize that our veterans and their families have sacrificed and had impacts in ways that are immeasurable and, all too often, unrecognized. PEX is partnering with the Medic Now Foundation to do our part in honoring their service and to fulfill our collective obligation to support them."

The Saturday night event kicks off at 6 p.m. with free swing dance lessons offered by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Plymouth. The show will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission, but active military service members and veterans get a 25 percent discount. For tickets click here. or email michael@medicnowfoundation.org.SPRINGFIELD -- Erick Buchanon told a judge in open court that if his court-appointed lawyer Adam T. Narris comes near him, "I'm going to hurt him. ... I'm going to attack him."

Buchanon, 49, of Springfield, accused of the 2015 fatal stabbing of Salina Merritt, had gone through five other lawyers before Narris was appointed in October.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Richard J. Carey on Tuesday asked Buchanon to cooperate with Narris. Although Narris asked to be removed from the case, Carey said he would keep Narris on the case if Buchanon would work with him.

If not, Carey said, Narris would be the last appointed lawyer. A seemingly disgruntled Buchanon said faced with that choice, he would represent himself.

Carey went through the procedure to document Buchanon's desire to represent himself, with the aid of a standby lawyer who is there to help a client file motions and other things but not to speak in court or advise on the case.

A date of May 16 was set to have standby counsel appointed.

Carey told Buchanon repeatedly it would be a huge risk if he represented himself.

Buchanon has been in Hampden Superior Court repeatedly as lawyer after lawyer reported he or she could not work with him.

Buchanon has been evaluated and deemed competent to stand trial.

When appearing in court, he has accused Assistant District Attorney Melissa G. Doran, and sometimes his own lawyers, of conspiring against him by tampering with material such as audio-recorded interviews.

"They covered everything up," Buchanon said Tuesday. At one point, Carey said, "Believe it or not, I'm trying to save you from yourself."

At a hearing as recent as April 18, Judge David Ricciardone found Buchanon, who has also been evaluated at Bridgewater State Hospital, competent to stand trial.

Buchanon, who often interrupted Carey in hearings Monday and Tuesday, won't stop talking about his theory that evidence in his case has been tampered with as part of a conspiracy.

Buchanon was arrested April 22, 2015, in connection with the fatal stabbing of Merritt, 29, a month earlier in Springfield. He has also been charged with stabbing and wounding two other people.

In addition to the murder charge, Buchanon is charged with two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

On March 11, 2015, police got separate 911 calls moments apart. The first involved a 27-year-old woman with serious stab wounds on Fairfield Street, and the second involved a 29-year-old man on lower Belmont Avenue with stab wounds. The two victims each told police they had just been stabbed at 356 Belmont Ave. When police went there to investigate, they found Merritt's body.

Doran has said the woman, who is the alleged victim in one of the armed assault with intent to murder counts, was involved in a dating relationship with Buchanon.

The Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and the Springfield police warrant and K-9 units were conducting surveillance on April 22, 2015, when they spotted Buchanon walking on Northampton Street. There was a warrant out for Buchanon for the fatal stabbing.

Police said Buchanon fled, running through several backyards and jumping fences in an attempt to evade capture. Police used a dog to locate the suspect hiding on a front porch.The event was co-organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture of Myanmar, and the Vietnam Artisan and Trademark Association.

The programme, featuring performances by nearly 2,000 artists, was held to mark 43 years of Vietnam-Myanmar diplomatic ties (May 28) and one year of the comprehensive cooperative partnership (July 2017). It was also organised as an activity to implement the joint statement issued in the official visit to Vietnam from April 19-20 by Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

In his speech, Myanmar Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture Aung Ko said the event followed the successes of bilateral cultural cooperation in 2017. It also demonstrated ASEAN members people-to-people connectivity and mutual understanding.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Luan Thuy Duong emphasised that the programme was part of the two countries efforts to promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, thus helping to enhance their comprehensive cooperative partnership and fully realise the cultural cooperation programme for 2017-2020.

She also highlighted the meaning of the performances, introducing three UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritages of Vietnam, namely the practices related to the belief in the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms, Vi and Giam folk songs, and Quan ho (love duet singing) of Bac Ninh province.

The audience were also impressed by performances which were imbued with the two countries national identities, including a fan dance set to Vietnamese music by Myanmar artists and a traditional song of Myanmar sung by the two countries artists.GREENFIELD -- Brittany Smith told Virginia police that she was "high on crack" on Oct. 5, 2016, the night an elderly man was killed and his wife fatally wounded at their East River Street home in Orange, according to testimony Tuesday at her murder trial.

Smith, 25, of Athol, is charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Thomas Harty, 95, and Joanna Fisher, 77. Audio of Smith being questioned by Rockridge County sheriff's deputies was played for a Franklin County Superior Court jury on Tuesday.

"We didn't really have a plan," Smith could be heard saying. "It just happened, I guess."

Smith's co-defendant -- Joshua Hart, 29, of Athol -- was convicted on two counts of murder in April, and faces the prospect of life in prison with no parole. Prosecutors have characterized the case as a "joint venture," motivated by a troubled young couple's desire to steal a car, get some money, and leave the state for a new life.

Following the home invasion -- where Harty was stabbed and suffocated and Fisher was beaten, slashed, stabbed and smothered with a pillow -- Hart and Smith fled in Harty's Toyota Matrix and used Harty and Fisher's cash and credit cards, according to Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Jeremy Bucci.

On the recording, Smith could be heard telling Rockbridge County Deputy Sheriff Capt. Tony McFaddin she didn't kill Fisher -- "I told Josh I can't kill her; I can't do it" -- while claiming she knocked the elderly woman from her wheelchair, "hit her a few times," and stabbed her in the side with a knife Hart had tossed on a sofa.

Smith was heard telling Virginia cops she scored drugs and dyed her hair after the incident, had sex with Hart in the stolen Toyota, shopped at a Worcester Walmart, and that Hart had disposed of clothing worn by her during the home invasion.

"So, you were motivated by getting high, having sex and not getting locked up," a Virginia officer was heard telling Smith.

Smith responded that her mother was planning to have her involuntarily committed for her heroin addiction -- that "she was going to section me" -- and that she and Hart were also in trouble with the law for other petty crimes.

Smith provided the Virginia sheriff's deputies with numerous details of the couples' alleged flight from Massachusetts before they were caught in a rented UHaul outside a Rockbridge County Walmart.

In cross-examining McFaddin, defense attorney Mary Ann Stamm said that Smith had repeatedly complained of stomach pain during the Virginia interview, and noted that the sheriff's deputies did not shoot video during the questioning.

McFaddin said the Rockridge County Sheriff has no policy or protocol in place for shooting such video, and said Smith's story about feeling ill changed several times during questioning.

Smith and Hart were separately interviewed by the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Department and later by Massachusetts State Police.

McFaddin was among several law enforcement witnesses to testify on Tuesday. Additional witnesses are expected Wednesday and Thursday, including testimony from a medical examiner, said Bucci.

The defense is expected to deliver opening arguments Thursday after the prosecution rests its case.Twelve troopers who filed for retirement in the wake of the Massachusetts State Police overtime scandal are now seeking pension benefits from the state.

The troopers, who were among 30 who are accused of receiving money for overtime shifts they never showed up to, could begin receiving pension payments, if approved. A MassLive review of those applications through the Massachusetts State Retirement Board, however, show as of April 26 all of them were still "pending."

Calls for penalties for the troopers involved have continued since news of the scandal first broke on March 20, with Gov. Charlie Baker weighing in on the potential of disgraced troopers receiving state pension money.

"If it was up to me, I'd take it away. Period," Baker told reporters at a press conference outlining reforms of the law enforcement agency on April 3.

But that call will be made by the Massachusetts State Retirement Board.

State Retirement Board records show several troopers filed for retirement the day of or the day before they were scheduled to appear for duty status hearings in connection to the Massachusetts Turnpike overtime patrols investigation.

MassLive reviewed 12 retirement applications for troopers identified as involved in the scandal. A state Retirement Board spokesman confirmed the applications are pending.

The discovery of payroll discrepancies involving troopers assigned to now-defunct Accident Injury Reduction Effort patrols on the Massachusetts Turnpike prompted the investigation into the overtime shifts.

Investigators discovered evidence showing troopers billed for overtime hours, but some didn't show up. Some missed as few as one shift and some as many as about 100 shifts. Shifts ran four or six hours. The audit of the overtime shifts looked at patrols in 2016, but other years were then reviewed.

The investigation is now in the hands of state Attorney General Maura Healey, who could bring criminal charges.

Officials have not yet revealed how much money was fraudulently collected.

Records show some troopers from Troop E filed for retirement shortly before State Police Col. Kerry Gilpin announced several troopers would be called in for duty status hearings in connection with the overtime pay investigation.

The colonel made the announcement on March 20. Three troopers filed for retirement after the announcement, State Police officials said. Another cluster of troopers filed for retirement on March 22 or 23, records show.

Troopers were expected to appear for duty status hearings on March 23. A total of 16 troopers were brought in for status hearings. Six retired before their hearings and another 10 had duty status hearings.

A total of nine troopers were suspended without pay and a 10th member was kept on active duty.

Another eight troopers from Troop E, seven active and one retired trooper, were then included in the investigation for one to four "questionable" overtime shifts in 2016.

Gilpin ordered the elimination of Troop E as the colonel and Gov. Charlie Baker announced sweeping reforms within the State Police.

Records show Troopers Christopher Kudlay; Paul Cesan; Daren Dejong, Kevin Maple; Stephen Mihalek; Kevin M. O'Brien; and Greg Raftery all filed for retirements between March 22 and March 23.

They are all listed as retired. Collectively, they had more than 185 years of experience in law enforcement. Troopers Cesan, Dejong, Maple, and Mihalek all signed their paperwork on March 22.

O'Brien's paperwork lists he requested to retire in March 2019, but it appears to be an error. Raftery also listed a March 2019 retirement date and signed the form on March 22 or 23, 2019, but that also appears to be errors.

A Retirement Board said both troopers retired and will review the paperwork errors.

Three lieutenants working out of Troop E retired in March. Lt. John O'Grady Jr. retired in October and Lt. John Giulino retired in November.

Lieutenants James Canty; David Wilson and David Keefe all filed for retirement benefits in March. Canty and Wilson retired between March 11 and March 15, with Keefe retiring a few days later.

Public records reviewed by MassLive showed these lieutenants worked the overtime patrols as part of the AIRE program, a MassDOT-funded program that was meant to increase traffic enforcement along the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Lt. John Giulino wrote zero speeding citations during the course of 55 AIRE overtime shifts, according to the records. There were overtime shifts worked with no speeding tickets written by Lieutenants Keefe, Canty and O'Grady.

Maple had dates written on tickets that did not match state RMV records for the same tickets, WCVB News reported.

Several scandals surround the State Police. Along with the overtime investigation is the handling of the arrest of Alli Bibaud, the daughter of a Worcester County judge, who had her arrest reports scrubbed and destroyed by top brass at the State Police.

The result of investigations by the State Police and Healey's office were released Friday and detailed how Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. called now-former State Police Col. Richard McKeon and pushed for changes in the Bibaud arrest report.

There were details deemed salacious by some officials.

The payroll director for the State Police is also facing a larceny over $250 in court after she allegedly stole nearly $24,000 by filing phony reimbursements.LONGMEADOW - The Town of Longmeadow will hold a pre-Town Meeting deliberative forum Thursday, ahead of next week's Annual Town Meeting.

The forum will be held at Greenwood Center on 231 Maple St. starting at 6 p.m., according to a Town of Longmeadow online posting. Town Meeting will be held at Longmeadow High School May 8 beginning at 7 p.m. The warrant includes a total of 35 articles up for votes.

Looming large in the forum will be Article 14 on the Town Meeting warrant, a proposal to fund a $14 million project to build a new senior center that will replace Greenwood Center.

Efforts to build a new center have been voted down at three separate Town Meetings, but while those all sited the new building in areas that would reduce green space in town -a prospects many Longmeadow residents opposed- the current proposal would put the new building on the Greenwood Center site.

Another warrant article -which is not scheduled to be discussed during the deliberative forum- that could spark debate is a citizens initiative to ban non-biodegradable shopping bags.

The article proposes a prohibition of "lightweight, non-biodegradable, single use, plastic carryout bags which are typically made of synthetic polyethylene and non-renewable fossil fuels."

The ban would, however, allow some exceptions.

"This proposal excludes a ban on the use of other types of plastic bags such as bags for: dry cleaning, newspapers, fish, meat, produce and other product bags selected by the consumer to deliver items to the point of sale of the checkout area of a store, or take any other action relative thereto," Article 34 on the Town Meeting warrant reads.

A total of 70 Massachusetts community have passed legislation banning certain plastic bags, according to Massgreen.org.

If passed in Town Meeting, the bag ban will appear on Longmeadow's 2018 town election ballot June 12 for possible ratification by voters.SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield motorist charged with twice striking police cruisers while drunk is facing an upcoming court hearing and questions about his immigration status.

Ever Diaz, 20, a native of Guatamala, pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court in February to seven charges, including operating under the influence of liquor, after allegedly sideswiping a cruiser, striking a street sign and knocking over a mail box.

The new charges came four months after Diaz was arrested in Springfield after allegedly colliding with a state police car while driving drunk.

At a prosecutor's request, Judge Robert Murphy revoked Diaz's bail in the October case, effectively jailing him for 90 days, and set bail at $2,500 on the new charges.

On March 30, a judge granted attorney David Keller a six-week extension to prepare Diaz's defense. In a motion requesting the delay, Keller said he needed time to discuss the potential immigration consequences of the case with his client and his client's immigration lawyer.

During plea-change hearings, judge routinely warn defendants who are not citizens that pleading guilty to a crime can be grounds for deportation.

Keller, who represents Diaz in the October drunk driving case, was appointed on March 6 to represent him on the new charges.

Diaz came to the United States on a work permit, graduated from the Roger Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy in Springfield, and had a full-time job teaching English to migrant families from Guatamala before his latest arrest, according to testimony at his recent arraignment.

During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Frederick Burns urged the judge to revoke Diaz's bail, saying he posed too great a threat to public safety to be released before trial.

In addition crashing into a cruiser, a street sign and a mail box, Diaz posted a .23 result on his blood alcohol test, or nearly three times the legal limit, Burns said.

Diaz is due back in court on May 8.SPRINGFIELD -- Residents have a more favorable opinion of the city's quality of life, economic outlook and public safety than they did eight years ago, according to new findings from the Western New England University Polling Institute.

And the optimism for Springfield's economy was highest among residents who listed themselves as supporters of the MGM Springfield casino project, said Tim Vercellotti, director of the polling institute and a professor of political science at Western New England University.

"The data show that a growing percentage of residents view Springfield in positive terms, and they are optimistic about the city's economic future," Vercellotti said.

While residents continue to see public safety as the most important problem facing the city, those seeing it as greatest problem dropped from 60 percent in 2010 to 41 percent in the new poll.

When asked to rate the city overall as a place to live, 56 percent of the respondents rated the city as excellent or good, compared to 44 percent of respondents in 2010.



Respondents had an even more-favorable opinion of their neighborhoods, with 72 percent rating their neighborhoods as excellent or good, 19 percent as fair and 9 percent as poor.



The telephone survey of 853 adults, conducted April 2 to 22, found that 59 percent of residents expect Springfield's economy to be much better or somewhat better five years from now, Vercellotti said. Another 27 percent said the economy would be about the same, and 9 percent thought it would be somewhat worse or much worse.



The outlook in five years was significantly higher than how the Springfield economy was viewed now, Vercellotti said. Just 2 percent of the respondents rated the current economy as excellent, and 27 percent say it is good.



Optimism was highest among those respondents who listed themselves as supporters of the MGM Springfield casino, Vercellotti said. The casino is slated to open Aug. 24.





"There are a lot of different things going on with the economy," Vercellotti said, including the opening of the CRRC factory producing rail cars, the casino and last year's opening of a renovated Union Station.

"All we could measure was the casino at this point -- what do (casino) supporters think about the economy," he said.



Of casino supporters, 67 percent believe the Springfield economy will be much better or somewhat better in five years, compared to 40 percent of the casino opponents.



Of all respondents polled, 61 percent said they are supporters of the casino, 26 percent said they are opposed and 13 percent either said they "don't know" or declined to respond.



Among other findings, 41 percent of the respondents listed crime or public safety as the most important problem facing Springfield today, and another 14 percent listed drugs or the opioid epidemic as the most important problem.



In contrast, 60 percent of respondents in 2010 listed crime or public safety as the most important problem facing Springfield, and no one listed drugs/opioid epidemic as the most important problem.



Vercellotti said the opioid crisis "wasn't even on the radar when we did the survey in 2010" whereas now it is a nationwide issue known to the public.



Regarding the casino, the top reasons given in the poll for supporting the casino were that it would bring jobs, economic development, revitalization (64 percent) and provide more money for city government (14 percent).



The top reasons for opposing the casino were that it would increase crime downtown (40 percent) and cause traffic problems (10 percent).



Those responding to the questions about the casino answered in their own words and the polling staff coded the responses.



Other poll results included:

How would you rate the job that Springfield's public schools are doing? Excellent -- 6 percent; Good -- 34 percent; only fair -- 34 percent; and poor -- 19 percent. Vercellotti said the percentages were similar in 2010.

How would you rate Springfield as a place to live? Excellent -- 10 percent; Good -- 46 percent; Only fair -- 35 percent; and Poor -- 9 percent.

How would you rate the job that Springfield is doing combatting crime? Excellent -- 5 percent; Good -- 36 percent; Only fair, 41 percent; and poor -- 15 percent

Has Springfield gotten better or worse as a place to live than it was five years ago, or has it stayed about the same? Much better -- 8 percent; Somewhat better -- 25 percent; About the same -- 41 percent; Somewhat worse -- 14 percent; Much worse -- 11 percent.

Western New England University sponsored and funded the study, and interviews were conducted in English or Spanish. The survey was drawn by a random-digit dialing and listed phone numbers, the university said.WESTFIELD -- Officials confirmed this week that St. Mary's High School will remain open for the 2018-19 academic year, but there are questions about the future of the Catholic school.

In early March it was announced that the school would close at the end of this school year. Parents rallied with the community and received a one-year reprieve as well as a one-time $300,000 contribution from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield.

St. Mary's is a parish school. Although it is run independently, the Rev. Frank Lawlor answers to the bishop.

Lawlor sent a letter to parents Sunday with "an update on the progress that we have made in securing a bright future" for St. Mary's High.

"I spoke to the diocese this morning and in good faith we can commit to moving forward with the 2018-2019 academic year. This has been done with the expectation that during the next few months we will be able to enroll at least 20 students," wrote Lawlor.

An unconfirmed 18 new students are registered for STMHS in the fall.

Lawlor also denounced rumors are spreading in the community.

"I also think that it is important to mention that the 'level of discourse' regarding school matters must be raised. The work of saving St. Mary's cannot be conducted on Facebook or in the media," he wrote. "Everyone in the building is working hard and the diocese is willing to donate $300,000 to our cause. The vitriol and the number of people spreading downright falsehoods must stop. Instead of gossip maybe we should spread a bit of gratitude. This will be a long process and trust and cooperation must be a part of it."

Lawlor also wrote about the "reconstituted" school board. The group met last week in a meeting that was not open to the public and excluded parishioners and parents of St. Mary's students.

"It is comprised of our two principals Kathy and Juli, Kim, our recruiting coordinator, Christiana Lovelace, Bob Wilcox, Erin Carrier, Madison Rix, Dave Noonan and three people not directly related to the school," Lawlor wrote. "The Diocesan School Board By-laws suggest that no more than 1/3 of its members should be parents of current students."

Creating a new board was one of the stipulations outlined by Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski when it was announced just before Easter that the high school would be able to remain open at least one more year if it met several stipulations. Other stipulations included having 20 new students this coming year and 30 incoming freshmen from 2019 forward, a "reconstituted" board and payment of a $385,000 pension account. Also, Rozanski required that all funds raised go through the parish.

Lawlor said the initial meeting was to ensure that board members are "on the same page" because of misinformation being spread.

"It was important to make sure that we could agree on the 'facts.' As Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously said, 'A person is always entitled to his own opinion but not his own set of facts,'" Lawlor wrote.

Lawlor noted that the school will have a year-end deficit of $250,000. When Lawlor announced the closing in March, he said it was about demographics, not finances. In his Sunday letter, Lawlor said: "I have been extremely heartened by the efforts of this community to raise funds for our school. Money is certainly a critical part of our problem but the most important is students. As of this writing we have only 15 students 'enrolled' for the class of 2022. That is 75% of the Bishop's mandated number. We need at least 20. For all future years we need 30 students."

Lawlor said a tuition assistance endowment is being created to enable individuals and corporations to donate to the direct support of students who may need financial aid. The board is also working on a transportation plan to bring in students from surrounding communities.

"Currently we have not given up on a transportation plan, but the costs have proven to be very high. To pay those costs for a handful of students may not be practical," Lawlor stated.

An advertising and recruiting campaign committee was formed, an open house for potential students was scheduled for May 22 and a selection committee for the new principal was established.

Lawlor also said there is $150,000 currently owed in tuition for the current year and encouraged parents to pay promptly. He said the future would be challenging.

"The road ahead will not be easy, financing and demographics present real challenges but it can be done. I have made commitments to the Bishop that I, and we, will do everything possible to make sure that St. Mary's High School is here for a long time," he wrote. "The giant is awake and now it must produce."

St Mary's High School Update by The Republican/MassLive.com on ScribdSPRINGFIELD -- "Tommy's House," a partnership between Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity and the family of fallen U.S. Marine Tommy Sullivan, will be built at 674 Carew St. in the city's Hungry Hill section, officials announced this week.

Details about the collaboration will be shared at an information session at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Nathan Bill's Bar & Restaurant, the Springfield business co-owned by Sullivan's younger brother, Joseph Sullivan. The session will be held in the banquet hall named after Tommy at Nathan Bill's, located at 110 Island Pond Road in the close-knit East Forest Park neighborhood where the Sullivan brothers were raised.

The goal is to honor Tommy's generous spirit by building a home for a military family in need of affordable housing, says Habitat, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing homeownership opportunities to low-income families.

All are welcome to attend the information session at Nathan Bill's, according to Habitat officials, who are seeking donations, volunteers and other forms of help for this communitywide project.

On July 16, 2015, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, a graduate of Springfield's Cathedral High School, was killed trying to protect others during an Isis-inspired terrorist attack on a military facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Two people were injured, while Sullivan, 40, and four other servicemen died in the incident. The assailant, Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, was shot to death during a gun battle with law enforcement officers.

Sullivan is the recipient of numerous commendations, awards and medals, including three Purple Hearts -- two for being wounded in combat in Iraq, and one for his role in trying to stop Abdulazeez -- and the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the highest non-combat decoration awarded for heroism to members of the Navy and Marines.Leicester police weren't playing around in their pursuit of a man who tried to steal from Walmart by covering the store's security device with Play-Doh.

Investigators ended up using a fingerprint found on the Play-Doh to track down the suspect.

Leicester police posted on Facebook that a man tried to use the popular children's modeling compound to circumvent the security device during an attempt to shoplift.

It didn't work, and the suspect ran from the store, leaving the Play-Doh behind. The shoplifting incident was reported in December.

But police said the suspect left enough evidence behind to track him down.

"The LPD investigator recovered the Play-Doh and found the suspect had left more than just the Play-Doh behind; the suspect left a very good fingerprint pressed into the Play-Doh for the LPD," the department wrote in a Facebook post.

The Connecticut Crime Lab was able to match the fingerprint to a man currently being held at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction in West Boylston on another matter.

Leicester Police Chief James Hurley identified the suspect as 55-year-old Dennis Jackson. In connection to the Dec. 11 theft, he will face four counts of unlawful removal of a theft detection device in court.

Hurley said investigators found several security devices have been removed from packages. It remains unclear what Jackson stole, the chief said.

Police said on Facebook that Jackson is wanted in two other states but did not specify the exact types of crimes.When Worcester police officer Charles Jackson saw a man dressed in all black trying to break into a Toyota Camry parked across from his home on Second Street in Worcester and then head toward his yard, Jackson grabbed his old badge, handgun and headed outside, officials said.

Jackson wanted to see why the man, later identified as Zachary Bailey, was on his property at 12:45 a.m. on Sunday.

"As soon as he got his badge, he placed a cell phone call to the Worcester police to inform them that there was someone breaking into vehicles in the neighborhood and that he needed assistance," Assistant District Attorney Roberta O'Brien said in Worcester Central District Court on Tuesday as Bailey was arraigned.

Jackson found Bailey underneath his deck and asked him what he was doing there, O'Brien said. Bailey told Jackson that he was cutting through the yard to go home.

But Jackson knew that Bailey did not live nearby.

"The defendant then started to yell, pretending like he was yelling out to his mother," O'Brien said.

Jackson grabbed Bailey by the backpack he was wearing to escort him off the property and Bailey started swinging at him.

That's when the incident escalated. Jackson reached for his gun, which he is licensed to own.

"So he removed his firearm, which had still been in his holster," O'Brien said. "The defendant at that point said, 'I have one of those too, don't think I won't shoot you.'"

Bailey then pulled out a gun, O'Brien said. While walking backward, Bailey pointed the gun at Jackson and fired one shot.

Jackson returned fire and struck Bailey. He was hit in the abdomen and arm.

In connection with the incident, Bailey, 29, is charged with assault and battery, trespassing and attempting to break into a depository.

A not-guilty plea was entered on Bailey's behalf and he was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail.

Bailey called 911 around 1:30 a.m. Sunday to report that he was shot. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and arrested on an outstanding warrant for breaking and entering.

He was also arraigned Tuesday in that case, for which he was also held on another $5,000 cash bail.

In that incident, Bailey's ex-girlfriend reported that he came to her building and rang the buzzer. When she saw that it was him at the door, she told him he was not welcome there, O'Brien said.

"He went over to her porch, pushed up a screen and opened the window, entered through the window, came into her kitchen and at that point she called the police," O'Brien said.

The ex-girlfriend was left in fear because of prior domestic incidents at the hands of Bailey, O'Brien said.

Bailey has a 10-page Massachusetts record with numerous convictions for violence, O'Brien said.

If Bailey posts bail, he has been ordered to stay away from his ex-girlfriend as well as the retired cop who shot him.

Before gunfire was exchanged, Bailey allegedly slammed Jackson's cell phone out of his hands and choked him, witnesses told police.

Bailey's next court date is scheduled for May 29.Zachary Bailey, who was shot by a Worcester homeowner after the man tried to stop Bailey from allegedly trespassing on his property, is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon to face charges in connection with the incident.

The homeowner was trying to escort Bailey, 29, off his property at 27 Second St. around 12:45 a.m. Sunday when the two got into a fight.

The homeowner, Army veteran and retired Worcester police officer Charles Jackson, said that Bailey pulled out a gun and fired a round at him.

Jackson, who went outside with a pistol he is licensed to own as a precaution, fired multiple rounds back at Bailey, striking him.

Neighbors told police that they heard Bailey threaten to shoot Jackson. Police have not said that Bailey shot at Jackson.

Jackson called police when he saw a suspicious man dressed in all black and carrying a backpack in the neighborhood. Jackson said he suspected the man was trying to break into cars on the street, something neighbors say has happened in the past.

Then Jackson said he saw the man go toward his yard.

After being shot by Jackson, Bailey ran from the scene. He called police around 1:30 a.m. to report that he was shot. He was taken to the hospital and arrested on an outstanding warrant for breaking and entering.

Worcester police on Tuesday confirmed that Bailey will now be facing charges in connection with the Sunday incident.

Bailey is being charged with attempting to commit a crime (breaking and entering into a motor vehicle), assault and battery and trespassing.

He is expected to appear in Worcester Central District Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Outside 27 Second St. is a sign that warns: "Never mind the dog. Beware of owner!"

Jackson on Tuesday morning said the last thing he wanted to do was use his gun, which he had only taken outside on Sunday as a precaution.

"The last thing I wanted to do was use my firearm," Jackson said.

Police have not said if Jackson will face any charges.>>> No Vietnamese victims reported in Chinese Taiwans factory fire

The department requested the Defence Economic Technical Industry Corporation under the Ministry of National Defence to closely work with Taiwanese partners to soon arrange work for these Vietnamese workers and ensure their salary.

It asked the labour management department in Taipei to continuously follow the situation and report the latest developments relating to Vietnamese workers.

No Vietnamese workers have been found injured or dead in the fire, according to the labour management department in Taipei, adding that it had requested Taiwanese brokerage companies to work with Chin Poon Industrial Co to arrange new jobs for the affected workers.

At first, the company will allow workers to stop working for a period to repair its workshop. During that time, it still pays salary for workers and considers removing some to another factory.

Chin Poon Industrial Co is a major company in Taiwan specialising in producing and assembling electronic equipment and spare parts. It recruits a lot of workers from Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. More than 1,000 Vietnamese are working for the company, including over 160 working at the factory in Pingzhen district where the fire broke out.

Shortly after the accident occurred, the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei coordinated with the Taoyuan authority and the Vietnamese brides association to provide food and water for the affected workers. The office also asked the labour brokers, who introduced the Vietnamese workers to work in Taiwan, to work with the factory to offer them temporary accommodation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the office to continue keeping a close watch on the incident and get updates on investigation findings from the local authority. The office was also tasked to cooperate with relevant agencies and companies to help the Vietnamese workers return to normal life soon.The case for term limits got a huge if unintended boost from John McCain, who is telling America not to expect honest talk from even honorable men and women.

The Arizona senator is early into his final term, and he says his looming retirement allows him to say what he feels. This blunt admission - that only an escape from the reach of the voters allows him the freedom to be frank with them - would be shocking if anything in politics shocked us anymore.

"I'm freer than colleagues who will face the voters again. I can speak my mind without fearing the consequences much. And I can vote my conscience without worry ... I do feel a pressing responsibility to give Americans my best judgment," McCain said as his memoirs are being made public.

If McCain is right that only leaving office and eluding the voters can allow politicians to tell us what they really think, how can anyone argue against term limits? The alternative is what we have now, a cast of entrenched operatives gauging public sentiment and, if necessary, manipulating it while putting their conscience aside.

America needed McCain's candor in 2016, when Donald Trump mocked the senator's military service and dismissed the five-plus years of unimaginable hell McCain endured as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. While Trump was spending daddy's money and flirting with the girls - half a century before wrapping the American flag around himself - McCain was being beaten, tortured and enduring physical scars that affect him to this day.

It was obvious in 2016 that McCain was torn between calling out Trump, a man he truly disrespects, and playing inside politics. Facing reelection in the very red state of Arizona, and fearing defeat if he said what he thought about Trump, McCain chose politics.

His endorsement of Trump was grudging to say the least. Later he revoked that endorsement. It was transparent that McCain's opinion of Trump was never good, which made his yes-no-maybe tap dance around Trump's candidacy all the sadder to watch.

McCain's antipathy toward Trump goes far beyond The Donald's personal attack, which not only disparaged McCain but every American who has died or been captured in service to his country. McCain holds American institutions and traditions in the highest regard. His patriotic devotion is genuine.

"The appearance of toughness, or a reality show facsimile of toughness, seems to matter more (to Trump) than any of our values," McCain says in his memoir. This is not a conclusion the senator just reached.

Trump's disregard for what others hold dear was less astonishing than how so many supposedly patriotic Americans gave him a free pass on it and still do. Yet McCain is saying now that politicians can't trust the voters enough to speak honestly and from the heart, until they no longer have to answer to them at the ballot box.

What does that say about Washington politicians who will face reelection? What does that say about McCain's true opinion of them, and deep down, of us?

McCain is 81. Cancer has removed all doubt that his term, which expires in January of 2023, will be his last. That he put political self-preservation above frank talk with the American public in 2016 was a glaring departure from a lifetime of service.

It will be the one stain on one of the most honorable, heroic lives in America's post-World War II age.

But while speaking disingenuously may be understandable in a campaign, it is also wrong, and more wrenching when it comes from someone who always knew better. McCain is the latest public figure to use his final years as a victory lap and a book as his way to clean up unresolved business and, if necessary, even up scores.

The greatest elected leaders were willing to risk defeat when the alternative was compromising fundamental principles. What McCain is saying is that this has become too much to ask. He is saying the voters cannot be completely trusted to handle the truth, a sad late-in-life observation from a man who sacrificed so much for the institutions that govern our country and the principles on which they are based.

McCain says he wants "to see our politics begin to return to the purposes and practices that distinguish our history from the history of other nations." For the vast majority of his life, the Arizona senator has embodied that sense of purpose.

It's a shame he is saying now that such integrity can be expected only as our leaders are moving out of the voters' reach. If he's right, maybe it's time for term limits because if our politicians can only talk straight when they're leaving, the choice of when that will happen should not be left up to them.Chaos breeds bad policy. And no presidential administration in memory, if not in history, has been as chaotic as Donald Trump's.

There'll be tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, the White House announced back in early March. And they'll apply to everyone, to friend and foe alike, officials flatly asserted.

But soon enough, the president changed his tune, offering exemptions for some nations, with others seen as likely to get a coveted place on that list. However, as the clock ticked toward midnight Monday, the deadline for imposition of the tariffs, Trump effectively turned the clock back, giving Canada, Mexico and the European Union a brief reprieve.

While that's positive news as far as it goes, it's far from a solution to the administration's self-created problem. Business likes predictability. But the Trump tariffs make planning impossible. And strongly suggest that the president may well have other tricks up his sleeve that could cause added difficulties ahead.

During the Republican Party's 2016 presidential nominating contest, short-time candidate Jeb Bush, a former governor of Florida, derided Trump as a "chaos candidate." He was right, of course, but he was describing a fundamental element of the former reality TV star's personality, not a political strategy. Before he'd been the chaos candidate, Trump had been a chaos businessman. And since his election and inauguration, he's been chaos president.

When he was seeking the presidency, Trump said he liked to be unpredictable, especially when it came to dealings with our adversaries and enemies. If U.S. military forces had plans to attack an Islamic State stronghold, for example, it made no sense to telegraph such a move in advance.

While that's fine as far as it goes, it's a completely nonsensical approach in doings with our allies. And it's just bad business.

Why tell Canada and Mexico and the European Union that you are going to slap tariffs on their steel and aluminum exports only to backtrack later -- sort of. The most likely answer: because the administration has no overarching strategy, no real plan, no clear vision, but is instead bouncing from here to there and back again, based on nothing save the president's whims, his moods, his grievances.

One wonders if Trump perhaps misheard the oft-quoted adage about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer, somehow believing it was a recipe for how and when to sow the seeds of confusion. His short answer: whenever and wherever I feel like it.

This is no way to determine trade policy, no way to run the federal government.By Michelle Goldberg

The New York Times News Syndicate

On Friday, Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee released a report based on their cursory investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Full of shoddy rationalizations and evasions, it purported to show that America's intelligence community failed to use "proper analytic tradecraft" in concluding that Russia wanted to help elect Donald Trump, and that there is no evidence that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. Its real message was that, for Republicans in Congress determined to protect this president, evidence is irrelevant.

Consider just one bit of spin about the Trump campaign's clandestine Russia connections. During the presidential transition, Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Michael Flynn, who had been named national security adviser, tried to set up a back channel to the Kremlin through the Russian Embassy, in an apparent attempt to evade U.S. intelligence monitoring. The majority report treats this, amazingly, as exculpatory: "Possible Russian efforts to set up a 'back channel' with Trump associates after the election suggest the absence of collusion during the campaign, since the communication associated with collusion would have rendered such a 'back channel' unnecessary."

This makes no sense - new developments would require new communications. But making sense isn't the point; the report's function is to obscure reality, not illuminate it.

In reality, as the meticulous Democratic response to the Republican report makes clear, there's already overwhelming evidence of the Trump campaign's collusion with Russia. But as details of Trump's Russia connections have dribbled out over the last year and a half, each revelation has led to a familiar, numbing cycle of shock, impotent anger and, finally, resignation.

Try to remember, if you can, how astonishing it was on Jan. 6, 2017, when America's intelligence community made public its finding that Russia had intervened in our election to help Trump. Imagine if we'd known then just a fraction of what we know now, like the November 2015 email exchange between Felix Sater, a Trump associate and convicted felon with ties to Russian organized crime, and Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, recently the subject of an FBI raid. Sater boasted, "Buddy, our boy can become president of the U.S.A. and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putin's team to buy in on this." We still don't know what Sater meant by this. Republicans have shown a staggering lack of interest in finding out.

Imagine if, as we were learning about Russian measures last January, we'd also found out about Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort's offer to deliver briefings to a Russian oligarch to whom he was deeply in debt. And if we'd known that one Trump campaign adviser, George Papadopoulos, had been in frequent communication with someone who claimed to be from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that the FBI suspected another campaign adviser, Carter Page, of being a Russian agent.

What if we'd also known that Republican operative Paul Erickson wrote to a senior Trump campaign official about the "back channel" to the Kremlin he'd been cultivating through the National Rifle Association, and that Donald Trump Jr. met with Erickson's Russian contact at the NRA's 2016 convention? I can't help thinking that it would be harder to explain away the Trump campaign's treachery if we'd been forced to reckon with it all at once.

Since the election, there have been so many revelations about Trump's Russia ties that it's impossible to keep track. "I sometimes wish that we would have just found out about the June 9 meeting, and that would have been it," Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, told me. He was speaking, of course, about the Trump Tower meeting between a Russian delegation and leaders of the Trump campaign, ostensibly arranged so the Russians could deliver dirt on Hillary Clinton as "part of Russia and its government's support for Mr. Trump," as an email to Trump Jr. put it.

"I do fear that when you stack evidence on top of evidence on top of evidence, somehow more becomes less," Swalwell said. "In this case we find out more and more every day."

Finding out more doesn't matter because most elected Republicans have developed a paranoid loathing for the law enforcement and intelligence agencies they once revered. A toxic fog of denial has descended over much of the country. We've been bludgeoned, through a combination of Republican bullying and stultifying conventional wisdom, into treating Trump's legitimacy as self-evident.

When intelligence agency veterans - including James Comey, former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and former CIA Director John Brennan - speak out with alarm about Trump, the media debates their propriety, while Republicans frame their contempt for the president as evidence of a deep-state conspiracy. When a brave comedian, Michelle Wolf, jeered at the administration's indecency at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, the Washington establishment had a fainting fit at the violation of its safe space.

Under Trump, the central battle in our culture is between truth and power. The truth hidden among the propaganda in the House Intelligence Committee's majority report is that power is winning.BOSTON -- House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, said he does not anticipate bringing up a major bill on immigration policy this session.

"I have to have some kind of consensus on that legislation," DeLeo said Monday. "Right now as we're standing here, I just don't see it."

Advocates for immigrants have been pushing for the Safe Communities Act, which would limit the ability of state and local police forces to work with federal immigration authorities.

In addition, some law enforcement have been looking for a legislative fix after the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that state and local police cannot detain someone solely because of an immigration violation. Police officials have backed a revised version of the Safe Communities Act, which would give the police more authority to detain immigrants in cases where those immigrants were convicted of serious violent crimes.

DeLeo generally brings bills up for a vote only when they have significant consensus among lawmakers.

DeLeo said the House today is "fairly split" on the issue, with some members wanting a statewide ban on cooperation with immigration authorities, some wanting to leave the decision to local cities and towns and some not wanting to deal with the issue at all.

Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, has filed a bill authorizing state and local police to comply with detention requests from ICE for anyone who poses a threat to public safety - for example, if a person is suspected of terrorism, convicted of participating in a criminal street gang or convicted of a felony.

Baker said he is "concerned" about having the Supreme Judicial Court decision stand. But, he said, "I share the speaker's concern about usurping local communities' ability to make (the decision) they think is in the best interest of their own folks to ... deliver on public safety."BOSTON -- State prosecutors have already dismissed 8,000 drug cases touched by Amherst drug lab chemist Sonja Farak's misconduct. But Farak may have tampered with more cases than that, Attorney General Maura Healey wrote in a court brief in which she urged the court to consider dismissing additional cases.

Whether more drug defendants will have their cases dismissed is up to the Supreme Judicial Court, which will hear arguments May 8.

Farak was arrested in 2013 for stealing samples from the Amherst state drug lab to feed her own addiction. She pleaded guilty to evidence tampering and drug charges. District attorneys have agreed to dismiss more than 8,000 drug cases, which include all the cases where Farak signed a certificate indicating that she tested the drug samples.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Committee on Public Counsel Services, the public defender office, have asked for the dismissal of all cases involving drugs tested in the Amherst lab during Farak's tenure. The district attorneys oppose any more dismissals.

Healey's brief is significant because it acknowledges that Farak's misconduct directly touched more cases than prosecutors previously acknowledged when they agreed to the dismissals. Healey is urging the court to set up a process for identifying and considering the dismissal of additional cases.

The cases in question were tested in the Amherst drug lab between June 2012 and January 2013.

According to Healey's court brief, Farak said in testimony before a grand jury that she began to steal from other chemists' samples in the summer of 2012. That was around the same time Farak's co-workers started to see a change in her behavior, the co-workers testified in court.

According to court testimony, by the end of 2012, Farak was going into a safe and stealing drugs from samples that had not yet been assigned for testing, then manipulating the lab's assignment and inventory systems to avoid detection. Farak did not provide a comprehensive list of the samples she tampered with.

"These circumstances offer some evidence, beyond speculation, that between June of 2012 and January of 2013, Farak may have tampered with other chemists' samples before they were tested," attorneys for Healey's office wrote. "Because Farak did not identify those samples with particularity, and because her pre-testing misconduct may have compromised the reliability of any subsequent analysis by other chemists, all defendants who were convicted based upon drug evidence that was tested at the Amherst lab during the relevant time period should be granted relief."

Healey is suggesting a process identical to the one used in the earlier Farak cases, where district attorneys identify each case that was affected and decide whether to dismiss it.

Healey does not indicate how many cases were tested in the Amherst drug lab during this time period, although it is likely to be several hundred.

The Committee for Public Counsel Services said there are a total of 19,000 drug convictions that involved samples tested at the Amherst lab during Farak's tenure, from August 2004 to January 2013. That includes the 8,000 where Farak signed the certificate of analysis.

The Farak case is complicated by the fact that two former assistant attorneys general were found by a judge to have withheld important evidence related to the time frame in which Farak was using drugs. The two former assistant attorneys general - Anne Kaczmarek and Kris Foster - have been reported to the Board of Bar Overseers for misconduct.

The public defenders argue that the prosecutorial misconduct justifies the dismissal of all 19,000 convictions because it delayed the defendants' ability to challenge their convictions. Dismissing the additional cases, they say, will deter similar misconduct in the future.

The district attorneys argue that there is no reason to dismiss cases that were not directly affected by Farak. A blanket dismissal, they wrote in a court brief, "infringes too severely on the public interest in bringing guilty persons to justice."

Healey agrees with prosecutors that only cases touched by Farak should be dismissed.

Rebecca Jacobstein, an attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services, said while she is pleased Healey acknowledged the larger scope of Farak's misconduct, the public defenders still do not think Healey goes far enough by limiting the time frame to late 2012. The public defenders argue in a court brief that Farak's stealing of her colleagues' samples could have started before then.

The time frame laid out by Healey "was based on (Farak's) testimony, which was inaccurate and unreliable," Jacobstein said in an interview.

The SJC will also consider whether the attorney general's office should face sanctions and whether any additional measures are required to prevent future prosecutorial misconduct.

Healey said her office has already created a new internal ethics committee to answer questions and review policies related to ethics. Her office increased training on prosecutorial ethics and criminal discovery. It implemented a new policy to increase supervision and reporting in the "rare" cases when exculpatory evidence can be withheld. Her office also is helping to lead a Bar Association committee on conviction integrity programs.

"The Attorney General has been clear that the conduct of two line prosecutors during the previous administration was unacceptable and beneath the standards she has set for the office," said Healey spokeswoman Emalie Gainey in a statement. "AG Healey has been and will continue to be proactive in taking steps to make sure that it never happens again."

The public defenders are asking for financial penalties against the attorney general's office.SPRINGFIELD -- State Rep. Geoff Diehl, a Whitman Republican running for U.S. Senate, pledged Tuesday to be more hands on and proactive for the people of Western Massachusetts than incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Warren, if sent to Washington this fall.

Diehl, fresh off winning the Massachusetts Republican Party's endorsement on Saturday, committed to working for Springfield-area constituents "non-stop" -- something he argued Warren falls short on -- as he brought his campaign's "First and Forward" tour to the city.

Taking issue with recent campaign appearances Warren made for other Democratic candidates in Ohio and Georgia, Diehl stressed that the people of Massachusetts will remain his top priority if elected to the Senate.

The GOP senate hopeful, who has traveled the state in a campaign RV since launching his "Diehl on Wheels" effort in November, promised to institute a mobile U.S. Senate office so he can meet directly with Springfield constituents, as well as to tour the state when the chamber is not in session.

The Whitman Republican, who has repeatedly accused Warren of putting her rumored presidential aspirations ahead of state voters, argued that "Springfield deserves a senator who will work for the people non-stop, not just during an election year."

"From the time you wake up in the morning and until you go to bed in the evening, you should be working to help the people of Massachusetts. I think people should come first ahead of oneself ... When you listen to people and work around the clock for them, they understand that you truly care," he said in a statement. "Sen. Warren put our state in the rearview mirror once she got elected."

Diehl argued that the Democrat "spends her time fundraising for liberal candidates as if she was the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee" and "is campaigning for president."

"The people deserve a full-time senator, not a party-time author, part-time presidential candidate and part-time legislator," he said.

Diehl added that, unlike his Democratic opponent, he has pledged to serve the entire six-year term if sent to the Senate.

Warren's campaign, which noted that the senator has held three town halls in Springfield since March 2017, rejected Diehl's suggestion that the Democrat is not serving the people of Western Massachusetts.

"Sen. Warren is fighting every day for Massachusetts families, from successfully passing a bipartisan law making affordable over-the-counter hearing aids available to millions of Americans, to ensuring housing for Puerto Rico evacuees while they rebuild, to introducing legislation that would send Hampden County nearly $4 million each year for an opioid crisis response," spokeswoman Gabrielle Farrell said in a statement.

Warren recently met with and fielded questions from Western Massachusetts voters during her early March "Open House" at Springfield Technical Community College.

Weeks later she joined hundreds of students, activists and others in taking to the streets of downtown Springfield for a "March for Our Lives" protest.

Diehl, who is among several candidates looking to unseat Warren this fall, will square off against fellow Republicans Beth Lindstrom and John Kingston in a Sept. 4 primary.

Delegates attending the Massachusetts Republican Party's convention in Worcester Saturday voted to endorse Diehl over his GOP opponents after a contentious second round of balloting.

Shiva Ayyadurai, an entrepreneur who initially filed to run as a Republican, meanwhile, announced in November that he would cut ties with the GOP and seek the Senate seat as an independent.Despite criticizing President Donald Trump throughout the 2016 campaign and after, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said Tuesday that he believes the Republican's first year in office has gone better than expected.

Romney, who is running for U.S. Senate in Utah, offered that he supports many of the policies being pursued by the Trump White House, adding that he would have taken a similar approach if he had been elected president in 2012, the Washington Examiner reported.

"His first year is very similar to things I'd have done my first year," he said in response to questions from voters. "The things he's actually done have been better than I expected."

Romney, however, noted that he will continue speak out if he believes the president says something "racist or divisive" -- as the GOP Senate hopeful did in response to Trump's handling of violence that erupted in Charlottesville, Virginia last August.

"If he says something which I believe is racist or divisive and serious, then I'll point out that I disagree with that," he said. "But I'm an honest enough person that if he does something right -- and by the way he's done a number of things right -- I'll be fully supportive of those things."

The former Republican presidential nominee added that he'll support Trump's agenda "when it's good for Utah, and good for the country."

"So far that's been the case," he said.

Trump endorsed Romney's run for U.S. Senate in Utah, tweeting in February that the former governor would be a "worthy successor" to U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch, who is retiring.

The president's endorsement came despite reports suggesting that he had been working behind-the-scenes to encourage Hatch to delay his retirement and remain in Congress.

Romney and Trump appeared to make peace after the 2016 election -- where they repeatedly exchanged barbs -- with the then-president-elect even reportedly considering appointing the former governor his secretary of state.

Romney, however, has criticized the president's "America First" approach to foreign policy, among other things.BOSTON -- Brock Holt (left hamstring) took ground balls today here at Fenway Park and he could return from the 10-day disabled list as early as next week in New York vs. the Yankees.

The Red Sox and Yankees begin a three-game series at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday.

The infielder also could take some starts from Eduardo Nunez at second base. Nunez ranks last among major league second basemen in defensive runs saved (negative-5), per Fangraphs.com.

Holt will travel with the Red Sox to Texas on Thursday. He'll do early work before games. Boston then might send him out on a rehab assignment over the weekend if all goes well. As Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, "It all depends on how he bounces back."

"The plan is for him to go (on a rehab assignment) and get at-bats," Cora said. "We don't know when. Obviously we've got to see how he reacts. Before he gets activated he'll get at-bats. As of now I can't say it's that Monday or Tuesday when we get to New York. But the way he's reacting to it, it seems like it's going to be sooner rather than later."

The shortstop went 16-for-34 (.471 batting average) with six doubles, one homer and six RBIs in his past nine games before being placed on the DL.A new poll reveals that most people, especially millennials, would rather have their dream career than equal pay.

Tony Spitz

https://www.usatoday.com/videos/money/2018/04/30/most-choose-dream-job-over-pay-equality-recent-poll/34417115/

***

Find your dream job in Montana: http://www.matr.net/news.phtml?cat_id=39&catlabel=Come+Home+Montana

***

Start or relocate your business here:

The Montana Governors Office of Economic Development is the states lead organization to help businesses succeed in our state. http://business.mt.gov/Nick DiGiovine, a member of the Montana Tech Foundations Board of Directors, told the audience, "This is a time of change  a time of rapid change."

TED McDERMOTT ted[email protected]

http://mtstandard.com/news/local/a-time-of-change-possible-organizational-changes-at-montana-tech/article_f9e53714-4631-57e7-aa34-8cef88b3ed1f.html#tracking-source=home-top-stories

***

Its Time To Worry When Colleges Erase Humanities Departments http://www.matr.net/article-82004.html

Todays TED Talk  Why tech needs the humanities http://www.matr.net/article-82678.html

Microsofts president says liberal arts majors are necessary for the future of tech http://www.matr.net/article-81513.html

Liberal arts grads: Tech companies want YOU! http://www.matr.net/article-78883.htmlOn April 30, the host Vietnam, along with Poland, performed in the curtain-raising night.

France and the US will be the second performers on May 26. Defending champions Italy and Hong Kong (China) will perform on June 2, while Sweden and Portugal will light up the nights sky on June 9. The two best teams will be selected for the final on June 30, where the winner of the festival will be chosen.

The event, which was held for the first time in 2008 and was formerly known as the Da Nang International Fireworks Competition, has emerged as an important cultural and tourism event, contributing to cultural exchanges and inviting many foreign tourists to Da Nang and Vietnam. From 2017, the annual event has become a two-month festival in order to lure more visitors to the city.

Fireworks on Han River banks





A spectacular water music performance





An impressive fireworks performance by the Polish team





Tens of thousands of satisfied viewers enjoyed the impressive fireworks performances





A shot of the bridgesMicroMasters programs are a series of graduate level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. They provide deep learning in a specific career field and are recognized by employers for their real job relevance. Students may apply to the university offering credit for the MicroMasters certificate and, if accepted, can pursue an accelerated and less expensive Masters Degree.

https://www.edx.org/micromastersFor the first time in its history, the Longines Masters series, of which the Swiss watch brand is the Title Partner and Official Timekeeper, stopped in New York for its third and final leg. This setting was chosen by the brand to bring an elegant conclusion to a project which started in May 2016 already, when its Ambassador of Elegance Kate Winslet visited Longines headquarters in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, and fell in love with a yellow gold watch with a refined design going back to the beginnings of the brands Flagship collection. Naturally, a desire was born to create a signature timepiece  unique, signed and limited to five models. Finally, following an official presentation of the collection in the brands boutique located at Faubourg Saint-Honore in Paris, three of these timepieces were auctioned for the benefit of the Golden Hat Foundation, a charity co-founded by the British actress and dedicated to changing the way people on the autism spectrum are perceived.

During a private event organised at Longines World Trade Center boutique in New York, these Flagship Heritage by Kate Winslet timepieces were presented in person by the Ambassador of Elegance to the generous owners, coming from Australia and China. This was the opportunity for them to be told by Kate Winslet about the history behind the timepiece, the reasons why this specific model pulled at her heartstrings and her contribution to the Golden Hat Foundation.

 Longines

In the evening, Kate Winslet attended the Longines Masters of New York, where she received, together with Golden Hat Foundations President Margret E. Ericsdottir, a cheque comprising the benefit of the auction. The evening was dedicated to autism awareness as both Longines and EEM chose to support care for autism across three continents, by conveying a message of inclusion and the chance to make dreams come true.On Tuesday, Thomas Cook Airlines introduced a new weekly flight between Bristol and the Red Sea resort city of Hurghada, an official statement by the British Embassy read.

The flight carried over 200 passengers, according to the statement.

The newly introduced flight will increase the number of flights between Egypt and the UK by 19 this summer.

Its great to welcome this new flight from Bristol Airport to meet the British tourist demand -- now reaching the same levels as 2015," says British Ambassador to Cairo John Casson.

Bookings for summer holidays this year are up by 89 percent compared to last year, according to Thomas Cook's yearly review in Egypt.

England imposed a flight ban on Sharm El-Sheikh following a Russian airliner crash over Sinai in October 2015, killing all 224 passengers on board.

Since the deadly crash, Egypt has upgraded all security measures at its international airports.

"With over 40 UK flights a week, Egypt is once again a dream destination for hundreds of thousands of British tourists," says Casson.

Casson said that the flights between UK and Egypt are considered to be "good news for Egypts economy," noting that British tourists were "spending double" in Egypt last year.

"Its good for the Bristols holiday-makers who this morning left behind cold and rainy skies and a sea temperature of 11 degrees in Bristol, to find sunny skies and 26 degree water in Hurghada, said Casson.

Meanwhile, Christoph Debus, Chief Airlines Officer at Thomas Cook Group, expressed his pleasure at expanding Bristol's program.

"We are delighted to introduce flights to Hurghada. We have increased the number of seats on sale to Egypt by 14 percent across the UK this year, flying to both Hurghada and Marsa Alam," says Debus.

While increasing the number of flights to different holiday destinations in Cairo, the UK has not yet lifted its travel ban to Egypt's most popular Red Sea resort Sharm El-Sheikh.

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The meeting between El-Sisi and Anastasiades came as the Cypriot president is visiting Egypt for the "Nostos: Reviving Roots" heritage week

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed in Cairo on Tuesday a number of issues with his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Anastasiades, including means to boost bilateral relations, Egypt's fight against terrorism, as well as the Palestinian cause among other topics, a statement by the Egyptian presidency read.

Tuesday's meeting, attended by Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Egypt's acting intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, came on the sidelines of the one-week cultural festival "Nostos: Reviving Roots, which was inaugurated in Alexandria by the Egyptian, Greek and Cypriot presidents on Monday.

"A number of regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed, includiig efforts to combat terrorism, latest developments on the crises in the region, as well as efforts to revive the peace process between the Palestinian and Israeli sides," the statement read.

President Sisi expressed to Anastasiades his appreciation for Cyprus's support for Egypt in recent years within the framework of the European Union, while stressing the deep historical relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, economic cooperation, developing new fields to enhance trade and joint investments in both countries, as well as tripartite cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece, were also among the topics discussed during the meeting, according to the statement.

The latest developments concerning the 44-year-old Cypriot dispute were also among the discussed topics.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the northern third of the island.

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The US delegation expressed its appreciation for Egypt's efforts towards stability and security in the region

Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said in a meeting with a delegation from the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) that a fair and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would strongly influence the security of the entire region, Egyptian presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Fair and comprehensive solution to this [Palestinian] issue will create a new reality in the region, especially on the level of the public opinion, which will strongly influence the security of the entire region," El-Sisi stressed during the meeting, according to the statement.

El-Sisi highlighted Egypt's support for international efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving a comprehensive agreement for the Palestinian cause in accordance with agreed international terms and on the basis of a two-state solution.

The meeting was attended by Egypt's acting intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and many members of the JINSA delegation in Cairo.

Rady also said that the officials discussed the latest regional and international developments.

In regard to resolving crises in the region, El-Sisi stressed the importance of preserving the the integrity of nation-states while supporting national institutions so they may carry out their duties to maintain security and combat terrorism.

Officials at the meeting also expressed Egypt's keenness to continue communication with all sectors of the American society in order to enhance common understanding.

Meanwhile, the US delegation affirmed the importance of the strategic relations between Egypt and the United States in all fields, expressing its appreciation for the Egyptian efforts in various crises in the Middle East.

The delegation has also praised Egypt's role in economic achievements as well as countering terrorism in general and in particular the comprehensive Operation Sinai 2018 that was launched in February 2018.

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U.S.-backed Syrian militias on Tuesday relaunched their campaign to seize the last territory the IS group controls in the east near the border with Iraq.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, had paused their battle after Turkey launched an assault in January against their northern Afrin region.

"We have rearranged our ranks," said Lilwa al-Abdallah, spokeswoman for the offensive in oil-rich Deir al-Zor province.

IS militants stepped up attacks in the region in recent weeks in a bid to reorganise, she told a news conference at an oilfield on the eastern bank of the Euphrates river.

"Our heroic forces will liberate these areas and secure the border...We welcome the support of the Iraqi forces."

Another SDF official in Deir al-Zor said that coordination with Iraqi troops had increased and that neither side would cross the border.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said last week that he expected a "re-energised" effort soon against the ultra-hardline militants in eastern Syria.

Syrian fighters, backed by U.S. air strikes and troops, have dealt heavy blows to IS but the latter still hold a swathe of land along the desert frontier with Iraq. They are widely expected to revert to guerrilla tactics if they lose the last remnants of their once self-styled "caliphate".

The SDF alliance, spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG, has seized vast tracts of territory from IS in the north and east with Washington's help.

Turkey's offensive against the YPG in Afrin, which Ankara sees as an extension of an outlawed Kurdish insurgency at home, led to a pause in the campaign against IS, the Pentagon said in March.

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Egypt signed a number of bilateral cooperation protocols with Greece and Cyprus during an economic forum held Tuesday in Alexandria on the sidelines of the week-long heritage event "Nostos: Reviving Roots."

The protocols aim to strengthen Egypt's economic, industrial and commercial relations with its two Mediterranean neighbours.

A number of Egyptian, Greek and Cypriot officials attended the signing of the protocols, including Egypt's Minister of Trade and Industry Tarek Kabil and Alexandria's Governor Mohamed Sultan.

In his speech at the forum on Tuesday, Kabil said that the total value of trade between Egypt and Greece reached 400 million euros.

Kabil explained that trade between Egypt and Cyprus has recently increased by 43%.

Kabil added that there had been an increase in Egyptian goods exported to Cypriot markets, including steel, furniture, food products and plastics.

He also said that the Egyptian exports to Greece increased in 2017 especially in fertilizers, potatoes, steel, textiles, olives and vegetables.

Egypt is currently importing fruits, wheat, plastic products and oils from Greece.

Kabil stated that the Greek investments in Egypt reached USD 155 million in 160 projects in industry, services, construction, tourism, telecommunication, finance, information technology and agriculture.

The Egyptian minister encouraged further Greek and Cypriot investment in the country.

On Monday, the Nostos cultural heritage week was inaugurated by President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

Nostos is being held from 30 April to 6 May in Alexandria, Cairo and the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh with the participation of Greeks and Cypriots who once lived in Egypt.

The Greek word nostos, for which the festival is named, means return to the roots," and is a theme prominent in ancient Greek literature.

Egyptian, Cypriot and Greek ties have strengthened since President El-Sisi assumed office in 2014.

The three partners are cooperating closely on several regional and international issues, chief among them security in the Mediterranean.

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WYOMING - City officials are putting together a seminar later this month that will help residents, especially rental property owners and housing professionals, learn more about housing-related topics.

The seminar, which will be free and open to the public, is set for 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, May 21, in the community room at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW.

The three-hour training seminar will provide practical, up-to-date information to assist housing professionals, such as landlords, rental agents, and property management personnel, in their daily compliance with fair housing laws, city officials said.

Presentations during the seminar will include "Don't break the law -- what you need to know as a landlord relative to Section 8," which will be given by the Wyoming Public Housing Commission; "Fair housing practices update -- what are your responsibilities & how are you affected?", which will be presented by the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan; and a rental inspections program update concerning multi-family dwellings and manufactured housing, which will be discussed by the Wyoming Building Inspections Department.

Representatives from both the Rental Property Owners Association and the Building Inspections Department will be on hand after the sessions to answer any questions that housing professionals or residents may have.

A continental breakfast will be served during the seminar and certificates will be provided to those in attendance upon completion of the event.

The city is asking that those interested in attending register for the seminar by Monday, May 14, by calling 616-530-3164. For further information, visit www.wyomingmi.gov.Since its opening in 2004, Grocer's Daughter Chocolate has become practically synonymous with its cheerful green shop sitting along M-22 in Empire, smack in the middle of Sleeping Bear Dunes.

This summer, the boutique chocolatier will move its delicious operations to a new home in Empire -- and yes, its signature green exterior shade will come, too.

The new building, located at 11590 South Lacore Street/M-22 is about a half-mile north of Grocer's Daughter's current location, putting it closer to downtown Empire and in a more visible spot along scenic M-22. The space will house a retail shop, indoor and outdoor cafe seating, and the business's kitchen, which customers will be able to observe thanks to the location's open floor plan.

"Shoppers can actually see us making the chocolate," said Jody Dotson Hayden, who co-owns Grocer's Daughter with her husband, DC Hayden. "It's a nice, bright, open space."

Another plus for the new location, Hayden said, is that it's a shorter walk to the beach -- which is why Grocer's Daughter will expand its fudgesicle menu to include eight to 10 flavors all summer long.

Other changes inspired by the space include more coffee offerings, likely some new chocolates to choose from, and guided chocolate tours on demand for visitors who want to know more about the business of chocolate making -- which is an important part of Grocer's Daughter's mission.

The company is dedicated to being a direct-trade, locally minded chocolatier -- working one-on-one with cacao farmers in Ecuador to obtain the best-quality chocolate, and sourcing other ingredients from local Michigan farms, dairies, distilleries, and other independently owned businesses.

"Our goal is to help educate people about where chocolate really comes from, and what it really tastes like," Hayden told MLive in December 2017.

Though an exact opening date for the new location has not yet been set, Hayden said it will be sometime in June.

Related: If you love chocolate, you'll want to visit this sweet Michigan shop



Work on Grocer's Daughter Chocolate's new location in Empire, Mich. is currently underway. Courtesy photo

A photoshop rendering of the new location shows potential color options; regardless of potential accent colors, the company's signature green will stay. Photo via instagram.com/grocersdaughterANN ARBOR, MI - Tina Fey's musical "Mean Girls" leads the way with a dozen Tony Award nominations, with a couple of those nominations going to members of the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

One of those alums is Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School and UM graduate Ashley Park, who earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role on Tuesday, May 1, for her role as Gretchen Weiner.

Nabbing a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role was Taylor Louderman, who attended UM through her sophomore year before taking a sabbatical after earning a starring role in "Bring It On: The Musical." Louderman plays the role of villain Regina George in "Mean Girls," who was portrayed by Rachel McAdams on screen.

Louderman earned her first nomination for playing a high school queen bee who is laid low in "Mean Girls."

"I really haven't sat back and thought about the young version of me and how she would be freaking out right now," Louderman told the Associated Press. "I'm from a small town where people don't really get out and dream big. I just really thought I would never be here."

Park and Louderman are joined on the cast of "Mean Girls" by UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance alum Erika Henningsen, who was cast to play the role of Cady Heron, the musical's protagonist, which was portrayed by Lindsey Lohan in the popular 2004 film.

"Mean Girls," which Fey adapted from her much-beloved and oft-quoted 2004 high school comedy movie, and the goofy undersea adaptation from the cartoon "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical" lead the Tony Award nominations with a dozen nods each.

Along with Park and Louderman, UM Music Theater alum Alexander Gemignani earned a Tony nomination Tuesday for Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical for "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel."

A complete list of Tony nominations can be found online.ANN ARBOR, MI - The public will soon be able to access Wi-Fi on one of the most visited spots on the University of Michigan campus.

The university announced its plans to fund the installation of public Wi-Fi on the Diag following a proposal submitted by former UM Central Student Government Anushka Sarkar and Vice President Nadine Jawad.

The project, which will start over the summer, is expected to be completed over the next four to 18 months, as weather permits, according to the University Record.

Wi-Fi installation would provide internet access to the Hatcher Library and the plaza with the legendary Block M to the south, as well as areas surrounding adjacent buildings, including the Kraus and Chemistry and Dana buildings, Angell Hall and Randall Laboratory.

According to UM, the installation process requires a site survey to determine where to place Wi-Fi access points; conduit and network design; installation of conduit, wiring, switch and access points; network equipment activation and configuration; and post-installation testing.

The campus Wi-Fi Upgrade is a combination of projects funded via the UM IT Capital Investment process. UM approved $462,000 in funded to bring Wi-Fi to the Diag and surrounding areas and has spent a little more than $30 million since 2013 to bring upgrades to the Wi-Fi networks in nearly 300 academic, research, administrative and residence hall buildings on the Ann Arbor campus.

As of winter term 2014, the UM campus Wi-Fi network had approximately 6,400 access points, which support around 50 to 60 devices simultaneously connected. Through the completion of the project, the number of access points is expected to grow to approximately 12,000 to 14,000.Entrepreneurs looking to open up retail space for new ideas can now submit their plans for prize consideration in a Detroit small business grant competition.

Hatch Detroit is returning for an eighth year with a $50,000 prize, funded by Comerica Bank, to help entrepreneurs open brick and mortar locations in Detroit, Highland Park or Hamtramck.

"The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest is a catalyst for small business in Detroit," said Vittoria Katanski, director of Hatch Detroit. "Independent retail helps define the character and personality of city neighborhoods."

Last year's winner was Baobab Fare, an East African restaurant-market serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee. The owners have not yet opened their own space.

The contest takes place over four months and involves two rounds of public voting to narrow down the top 10 business plans to four finalists. The winner also receives a package with accounting, legal, IT and public relations services from the program and its partners.

Applicants have until July 13 to submit their plans online.

"Supporting and helping bring small business into the city of Detroit is very important to Comerica Bank," said Monica L. Martinez, senior vice president of external affairs at Comerica Bank.

"Through our partnership with Hatch Detroit, we've provided more than $250,000 in prize money and donated marketing and public relations support. We're looking forward to all the great submissions and awarding this year's winner with a way to kick start their business."

Since 2011, 33 Hatch Detroit alumni opened a storefront and 12 are expected to open by March 2019, according to a news release.GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids has begun its second search of the year for the next city manager.

The city is seeking an "experienced, collaborative and strategic leader to serve as its next city manager." Applications will be accepted for six weeks between Tuesday, May 1, and Wednesday, June 13.

"We are committed to finding the absolute best candidates," said Mayor Rosalynn Bliss in a statement. "I am eager to renew the search process and am looking forward to working with commissioners and our community in finding the right person for this important job."

Grand Rapids contracted the executive recruitment firm Springsted Waters to assist in the search process after the first search, assisted by GovHR, didn't produce a fitting candidate in the eyes of the city commission, community groups and residents.

After spending $25,000 on the first contract, the city hired Springsted Waters for $26,500.

This time through, the job posting has the same minimum starting salary of $175,000. The high end of the starting salary has increased from $225,000 to $250,000.

The city manager oversees 1,500 employees, 14 collective bargaining units, and a combined budget of more than $450 million.

The ideal candidate is a "collaborative, strategic and innovative leader with strong communication skills," according to the listing. Transparency, inclusiveness, a record of visibility in the community, and a focus on the city's long-term goals are also priorities.

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of executive level experience in either a public or private sector organization, though a master's degree and advanced training is preferred.

Springsted Waters will vet the candidates and provide its recommendations to the city commission in late June. A subcommittee of Bliss, Third Ward Commissioner Senita Lenear and First Ward Commissioner Jon O'Connor will draft interview questions and determine the community engagement process.

The job posting can be found on the Springsted Waters website, along with a brochure providing city history and highlights.

Former Deputy City Manager Eric DeLong has been acting city manager since former manager Greg Sundstrom retired in early February.

The commission hopes to have its next city manager in place by August.GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A social worker and community outreach specialist are now working with Kent ISD's Adult Education Program in its mission to help adults obtain the knowledge and skills for employment and self-sufficiency, officials say.

Last spring, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal announced Kent ISD would be taking over its program for adult learners. She said the district needed to focus all its resources and energy on young learners.

Kent ISD also took over Godfrey-Lee's program this year. Two years ago, Wyoming schools also made that shift. The transition has gone relatively smooth.

"We are committed to working with our adult learners to help them gain the education and skills necessary to find employment or a better job that provides a living wage and benefits,'' said Oogie LaMar, director adult education for Kent ISD.

"Michigan's 2016-17 graduation rate was 80 percent. I don't think we should forget about the 20 percent who got off track.''

So far, LaMar said 37 students have completed the General Education Development (GED) program to earn their high school equivalency certificate this academic year. He said the new hires are helping students find employment and removing barriers to them seeking their GED.

He said the social worker is assisting adults with housing issues, financial management, childcare matters, and helping connect them with community resources, and the community outreach specialist is helping participants join the workforce.

In March, the program held its first job fair, drawing a dozen employers and five colleges. Adult education students are encouraged to consider postsecondary courses to further enhance their opportunities.

College representatives shared information with students about how to best make that transition, including applying for scholarships and financial aid.

Eight students in the program have completed Grand Rapids Community College's Certified Nurse Assistant program.

LaMar said Kent ISD grew the program this year with support from its school district partners. He said officials anticipate their summer enrollment of new participants will help them reach a goal of 1,100 people served.

Kent ISD and other educators across the state have been lobbying state lawmakers to increase the funding for adult education, which has been stagnant.

Funding for adult education programs was cut from $75 million to $20 million in 2004. The year, the program was funded at $25 million, up from $22 million the last several years.

LaMar said the state should invest more in adult education to help transform lives and close the skills gap.

Kent ISD is currently working with other regional service providers, including West Michigan Works!, the Literacy Center of West Michigan, Sparta and Rockford schools, Head Start for Kent County, and GRCC, to establish the platform for lifelong learning in the county.

Students in the GED program learn in both an instructional and computer based setting. They prepare for four GED subject tests: math, language arts, science, and social studies.

The program has a $25 registration fee but provisions can be made for those without funds.

Besides its GED program, Kent ISD provides English language classes for individuals whose native language is not English. There are also pre-GED classes directed towards improving literacy and basic math skills.

For more information, visit the website or contact a program site:

Beckwith Adult Education Center, 2405 Leonard St. NE - 616-819-2734.

Wyoming Community Education, 3600 Byron Center Ave, Wyoming - 616-530-7500.GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Michael Walenta, longtime general manager of WGVU Public Media, will retire effective June 29.

"I want to thank Michael for his unwavering dedication to WGVU and to the unique and essential mission of public broadcasting," said Matt McLogan, vice president for University Relations at Grand Valley State University.

Walenta, who came to Grand Valley in 1988, celebrated 30 years at WGVU in January. Under his leadership, WGVU has grown from one FM station and two TV stations to a multi-platform public media station, including two FM NPR stations and 10 television broadcast channels .

Walenta, who is the past president of the Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters Board as well as the Michigan Public Radio Network, has won several Emmy's.

"Michael's deep experience as a public broadcasting station leader helped to imbed the essential message that public broadcasting is a unique American collaboration with audiences and supporters of public radio and public television,'' said Mike Riksen, vice president of Policy and Representation at NPR, in a statement.

A new GM has not been named, according to Grand Valley.

In 2015, Walenta shared his story of battling cancer on "Family Health Matters," on WGVU TV, which also featured his family members giving insight into their journey.

"Michael has been a great leader within our public television community, demonstrating a passionate commitment to education and innovation," said Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS.

"His willingness to share his battle with cancer with courage, honesty and humor has been an inspiration to all of us privileged to know him. His public television colleagues deeply appreciate his service and wish him all the best as he embarks on a new chapter."

McLogan said Grand Valley wants to thank Walenta for all he has done to lead the exceptional WGVU team and wish him and his family -- Nancy, Kevin and Kristen -- all the best for a well-earned new chapter for the Walenta family.OTTAWA COUNTY, MI - A Holland police officer who shot and killed a man who was holding his estranged wife at gunpoint was justified in using deadly force, Ottawa County Prosecutor Ronald Frantz said.

Matthew Hartman, who had just killed a man in Muskegon, was holding a 9mm pistol against the head of his wife, Mary, outside of their home at West Olive Estates, when Holland police Officer Joseph Slenk shot him in the head.

Slenk arrived in an armored vehicle, emerged through the roof hatch, and fired a single rifle shot from 80 feet, six inches.

Frantz reviewed the case to determine if any criminal conduct occurred in the officer's April 22 shooting of Hartman.

"My conclusion is that Officer Joseph Slenk, who had been made aware of the desperate circumstances of the hostage, acted with legal justification," Frantz wrote in an opinion released Tuesday, May 1.

"From the perspective of Off. Slenk the life of Mary Hartman was in eminent danger, negotiations with Matthew Hartman had failed, and immediate action was necessary to prevent another homicide. Off. Slenk acted within the law, which allows the use of deadly force to defend another who is facing a threat of deadly force."

Police say Matthew Hartman, 27, shot and killed Jordan Carey, 29, earlier that morning at the victim's Muskegon home.

He believed that his wife was having an affair with Carey. She said they were only close friends. She had filed for divorce. It was to be finalized on Monday, April 30.

She had left the house the night before after an argument, returning the next morning. He told her he wanted to take a drive, so she went along. She asked why they were taking U.S. 31, rather than their usual route on 120th Avenue.

They were going to Muskegon, he told her.

"I asked him, 'For what?' He said, 'Well, I got some business to handle,'" she told MLive and The Grand Rapids Press.

He showed her a gun under the armrest that was pointed at her. Soon, she said, he shot Carey after he opened his front door. They returned to their home in the West Olive mobile-home park.

Frantz provided this timeline:

7:23 a.m.: Carey is shot and killed at his home on Merrill Avenue. His girlfriend is injured but survives.

7:37 a.m.: Mary Hartman's mother calls Ottawa County Central Dispatch about an earlier text message from her daughter that she was being taken to Muskegon at gunpoint.

8:05 a.m.: Mary Hartman's mother gets a message that her daughter and son-in-law are home, and that "Matthew had shot some people."

8:17 a.m.: Mary Hartman texts dispatchers: "Help Me." She sends the same message eight minutes later.

8:26 a.m.: Holland police, monitoring police radio traffic, offer to go to West Olive Estates to help Ottawa County sheriff's deputies. Holland police bring armored vehicle.

8:26 a.m.: Mary Hartman texts dispatchers that her husband plans "Suicide by Cop."

8:30 a.m.: Mary Hartman texts dispatchers, "Help Me," "He said he is going to kill me next"

8:31 a.m.: Mary Hartman texts, "Bullet in chamber, safety off"

8:33 a.m.: Matthew Hartman steps outside then quickly returns.

8:34 a.m.: Mary Hartman texts dispatchers, "I'm Scared."

8:34 a.m.: Matthew Hartman exits another door, goes back inside.

8:35 a.m.: Matthew Hartman comes out, ignores police commands. Police see a handgun in the back of his pants. He goes back inside.

8:47 a.m.: Mary Hartman texts, "Help me."

8:56 a.m.: Female heard screaming inside house

8:59 a.m.: Matthew Hartman comes outside, holding gun to his wife's head.

9 a.m.: Matthew Hartman refuses police orders to drop gun.

9:01 a.m.: Officer Slenk fires single shot, killing Matthew Hartman. Hostage secure, unhurt.

The state police Sixth District's Special Investigation Section conducted the investigation. Lt. Michael Anderson and detective Sgt. Jacquelyn Stasiak led the investigation.

Frantz said that police secured the scene, and found a fully loaded 9mm handgun near Matthew Hartman's body. It had a live round in the chamber.

There were no recordings - such as body cameras, dash cameras or surveillance video - of the incident, Frantz said.

Frantz said Slenk was able to shoot the gunman without harming the hostage after orders and pleas to drop the firearm were ignored.

He concluded his report: "No criminal charges will be filed against Officer Joseph Slenk."UPDATE, 2:30 p.m.: Grand Rapids police worked to secure the northbound and southbound U.S. 131 ramps, according to a tweet from police.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Police estimated that 1,000 demonstrators showed up for an immigration march from Roosevelt Park to Grand Rapids City Hall.

The number has grown some as people in neighborhoods join in.

The group left north on Grandville Avenue SW from the park. Police closed Chicago Drive SW, between Clyde Park Avenue and Naylor Street.

Police have also closed Grandville between Martha and Olympia streets as well as nearby side streets.

The march has been peaceful, with demonstrators chanting and singing. Police have over 50 officers assigned to the march.

"Thank you for your patience as we work to keep everyone safe," police said on Facebook.

During the march, the group didn't follow police directions at one point. According to Grand Rapids police, the marchers broke through a road block at Bartlett Street SW, past police tape and police bikes. That part of the route was blocked in hopes of having the march avoid an area of heavy construction, police said in a Tweet.

As of 2:30 p.m., no arrests had been made.

"Group is peaceful, just non-compliant," police said in a Tweet.

Police said this morning that 4,000 to 6,000 people were expected.

The march is organized by Movimiento Cosecha GR which has protested deportations and violence against immigrants.It's possible no Democrat will appear on the primary ballot in Michigan's 1st Congressional District, pending a decision by the Board of State Canvassers.

Matt Morgan is the only Democrat competing in the district, which is currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet. In a press release Monday night, Morgan's campaign announced the Bureau of Elections was recommending the Board of State Canvassers not certify the signatures he submitted to qualify for the primary ballot.

The reason, according to the campaign, is he used a P.O. Box address on the heading of the nominating petition. According to a guidebook the Secretary of State publishes for candidates, a candidate must include the candidate's address.

Morgan's eligibility and the signatures themselves have not been challenged, Morgan noted. Right now, his legal counsel is talking with the Secretary of State's office and advocating he still be placed on the primary ballot.

"We think that something this trivial...should not prevent us from being placed on the ballot," Morgan said.

If the Board of State Canvassers fails to place him on the primary ballot, he plans to pursue legal action. If that doesn't work, he plans to launch a write-in campaign, he said. The bottom line is that he wants to win the Democratic primary and appear on the general election ballot against Bergman.

According to information from the Secretary of State's office, those pursuing a write-in campaign for a party primary must submit a declaration of intent to do so by July 27, 2018.

To win the primary, according to information from the Election Officials' Manual produced by the Secretary of State, a candidate in a partisan primary must get more votes than any other candidate. In addition to that they have to meet a complicated formula:

They also have to meet a threshold of at least 10 votes

They must get at least .15 of one percent of the population of the district they seek to represent.

They must get enough votes to equal 5 percent "of the greatest number of votes cast under the write-in candidate's party for all candidates running for any office for which only one candidate is to be elected within the district represented by the office sought by the write-in candidate."

A write-in candidacy is a notoriously difficult path, but one Morgan is willing to pursue if the other avenues don't work.

"Winning the primary is the way to get on the general election ballot and if that takes a write-in campaign we believe we have all the energy and resources to do that," Morgan said.

He's focused on winning the primary, and then the general election. He thinks people in his district are tired of the partisan politics in Washington, D.C.

"I believe that we're going to work harder than the other candidate. We get out there more. I've seen more and talked to more voters than our congressman has in the year and a half he's been in office," Morgan said.

Republicans have held the district since 2011. It was an open seat in 2016, when Bergman won 54.9 to 40 percent over former Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lon Johnson.LANSING, MI - Democratic candidate for governor Shri Thanedar on Tuesday filed a challenge to the eligibility of Abdul El-Sayed. The two are running against one another, along with Gretchen Whitmer, in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

El-Sayed's campaign has been plagued with questions about his eligibility after a report from the publication Bridge revealed El-Sayed had lived in New York and been a registered voter there as late as 2015. The constitution requires a candidate for governor to "have been a registered elector in this state for four years next preceding his election."

"This move should not be construed as a personal attack. I believe a candidate with standing in this race must step up and challenge Mr. El-Sayed's eligibility to resolve this issue once and for all," Thanedar said in a press release.

El-Sayed's campaign has said repeatedly he is eligible to run and says he maintained a residence in Michigan throughout his time in New York. But in a challenge filed Tuesday, Thanedar said El-Sayed had been a resident of New York and was not eligible.

"As we've long held, Abdul is 100% eligible to be Governor. But that won't stop candidates from futile attempts at using this manufactured controversy as a smokescreen for their hapless and cruel abuses of both people and animals," said El-Sayed spokesperson Adam Joseph, an apparent reference to a report that a company owned by Thanedar had abandoned beagles and monkeys.

El-Sayed has asked a court to preemptively determine he is eligible for the ballot by suing the Secretary of State. The court has not yet ruled, but attorneys for the Secretary of State argued since there was no challenge to El-Sayed's eligibility his request was premature and the case should be dismissed.

In late April, a DeWitt woman challenged El-Sayed's eligibility. A total of four people sent letters to the Secretary of State challenging his eligibility, said Secretary of State spokesman Fred Woodhams, who noted more could come in before the deadline at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Thanedar's campaign took a different tact than Whitmer's. Whitmer's campaign called an earlier challenger asking them to drop the complaint. A spokesperson said at the time Whitmer "believes this race should be decided by the voters of Michigan."

Thanedar in his challenge said "such political pressure and interference is worrisome."

Thanedar said in a press release his complaint was about ballot integrity.

"I believe it is important that this situation be resolved - not only to determine the eligibility of my opponent Mr. Abdul El-Sayed, but also to maintain the integrity of the Michigan Democratic Party's statewide primary ballot," Thanedar said.

Secretary of State spokesman Fred Woodhams said the department was still reviewing the letters challenging El-Sayed's candidacy.MASON, MI - A Jackson County specialty is expanding to the Lansing area.

If all goes according to plan, Klavon's Pizzeria & Pub will open its third restaurant by September or October on Kipp Road in Mason, across the street from Meijer, Director of Operations Andrea LaFever said. Construction is already underway.

Known for its variety of pizzas - from Chicago-style stuffed to the crispy Detroit-style - Klavon's first opened in Rives Junction in 2007. Owner Justin Klavon expanded first by opening the Vandercook Lake location in 2014.

"We really liked Mason because we really enjoy being on the outskirts of the downtown area," LaFever said. "Being on the outskirts of Lansing was a prime location for us."

Not far from public schools in Mason, LaFever said the business hopes to be the spot families migrate to after school events. Being right off U.S. 127 is another bonus, she said.

The Mason restaurant and bar is 9,000 square feet - making it the largest of the three locations. While the menu will look about the same, LaFever said the decor will have its own flavor - depicting handcrafted, artisan foods.

The new location can seat 200 guests and provide employment to 150 people, according to a Klavon's press release.

"There is so much excitement about our Mason location," LaFever said. "It reminds me a lot of when we opened our Vandercook location. It's just so cool to see how supportive the community is toward Klavon's."

The business expansion won't end with the Mason locaton, LaFever said. Klavon's is already scouting out a spot for a fourth restaurant, she said.

"Not really sure where that will be just yet, but we're definitely keeping our eyes open," LaFever said.

At its current locations, Klavon's has nearly 200 staff members and serves more than 500,000 guests every year.JACKSON, MI - A new, five-day music festival that celebrates the city's diversity is coming to Jackson, and it has Detroit roots.

The first Jackson Unity Festival is set for July 11-15 at venues throughout the city, including the Michigan Theatre, 124 N. Mechanic St., and Weatherwax Hall, 215 W. Michigan Ave.

The festival is an off-shoot of the long-running Concert of Colors music festival in Detroit every July.

That festival, now entering its 26th year, was created as a way to bring world-class musicians to diverse communities. More than 90,000 people attend every year.

Jackson residents will now have that same experience, said Nathan Mack, Downtown Development Authority executive director.

Detroit musician and producer Don Was and the 11th Detroit All-Star Revue will bring artists ranging from classical to contemporary, Mack said.

The full music lineup will come out at the end of May, Mack said.

Each concert, in addition to a community forum on culture and race, is free and open to the public.

In addition to great music, the festival will showcase Jackson's diversity, Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies said in a release.

"The Jackson Unity Festival was born out of a desire to bring world-class music, arts and thinking from around the world to downtown Jackson," Dobies said. "As a sister festival of the Concert of Colors in Detroit, Jackson Unity Festival becomes a conduit for our city to take an active role in understanding every individual's importance. We are proud to be a part of this event."

The festival is a product of a collaboration between the Jackson Downtown Development Authority, Michigan Theatre of Jackson and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra.

Talks between the DDA, Michigan Theatre and JSO to bring the Unity Festival to Jackson began at the end of summer 2017, Mack said.

"We saw an opportunity to bring something good to Jackson and we were able to get a lot of support from the community through our fundraising efforts. We are very grateful for that. We're just excited to make it happen."

Funding for the festival has come from various community sponsors, Mack said, including Consumers Energy, Tripp's Auto Shop Collision Center, CP Federal Credit Union and more.CALVIN TOWNSHIP, MI -- A 29-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a truck, the Cass County Sheriff's Office reports.

The crash occurred at 5:36 a.m. Monday, April 30, at Calvin Hill Street near N. Shore Drive, Sheriff Richard Behnke reports.

Initial investigation shows the truck was turning out of a driveway to go west on Calvin Hill Street when an eastbound motorcycle struck the truck.

The driver of the truck was identified as Kevin Carlisle, 52, of Cassopolis. The motorcyclist was identified as Jerry West, 29, of Dowagiac.

Carlisle was transported to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment and was released.

West was pronounced deceased at the scene, and an autopsy is being performed at Western Michigan University's School of Medicine.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Life Care Ambulance, Penn Township Fire Department and True's Towing.

Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. The motorcyclist wore a helmet and the vehicle driver used a seat belt, police said.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact the Cass County Sheriff's Office, 269-445-2481.STEVENSVILLE, MI -- No charges will be authorized related to a crash during a police pursuit that killed three people, Berrien County Prosecuting Attorney Michael J. Sepic said.

The fatal crash happened at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, April 15, on M-139 near Rocky Weed Road in Royalton Township, resulting in the death of Hjamahri Fuller, 20, Davion Patton, 17, and Allan Velox, 17, all of Benton Harbor.

Anton Morgan, 17, of Benton Harbor, was critically injured and is still hospitalized in intensive care in Grand Rapids, Sepic said in a April 30 news release.

The incident began after deputies were dispatched to a report of a break-in with guns possibly stolen at the Black Arsenal Gun Shop on Kimmel Street in Stevensville shortly after 5 a.m., the prosecutor's office said.

A Berrien County Sheriff's deputy observed a vehicle matching the description of a suspect vehicle on eastbound I-94 and after confirming the vehicle had a local registered owner, initiated a traffic stop.

The suspect vehicle pulled over after the patrol car's emergency lights were activated just prior to reaching the M-139 exit ramp (Exit 28).

Shortly after both vehicles stopped, the suspect vehicle fled and exited at the M-139 exit, passed another Berrien County Sheriff's deputy's squad car, and proceeded southbound on M-139.

The suspect vehicle proceeded through a red light during the pursuit and a deputy caught up to the suspect vehicle, reaching speeds of 100 mile per hour.

The deputy kept a distance to keep the vehicle visible, but did not take action in an attempt to physically stop the vehicle at that high speed, the news release states.

After passing a northbound semi-tractor trailer, the suspect vehicle swerved, left the roadway and crashed into a tree. Pre-crash data of the fleeing vehicle recorded speed seconds before impact to be as high as 106 miles per hour.

The two front seat occupants, driver, Hjamahri Fuller, and passenger, Davion Patton, and one back seat occupant, Allan Velox, were pronounced dead at the scene. The other back seat occupant, Anton Morgan was transported for treatment.

Nine firearms reported to be missing from the Black Arsenal Gun Shop were found at the scene, police said.

"The deputies' efforts to maintain sight of the suspect vehicle, the occupants of which likely had stolen a number of firearms, was entirely appropriate. There was no violation of a criminal law by the deputies who gave chase; therefore, no criminal charges will be authorized relating to the chase," Sepic said in a prepared statement.

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office said previously that an internal review of the case cleared the deputies of wrongdoing.

The deputies, whose names have not been released, were placed on paid administrative leave after the incident, and returned to work effective Monday, April 23, the Berrien County Sheriff's Office has said.KALAMAZOO, MI -- The driver responsible for a July 2017 car crash that killed a 1-year-old Kalamazoo girl was sentenced Monday to 12 months in jail.

Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Paul J. Bridenstine sentenced Shaniqua Defrance, 24, to a year of jail time and five years on probation for the death of Dasani Lynn Colbert. She also was ordered to pay court costs and fees and restitution.

Defrance on Feb. 13 pleaded no contest to driving with a suspended license causing death, a felony that is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The prosecutor's office did not have a sentencing recommendation, but Bridenstine had a Cobbs agreement with Defrance that he would not impose any prison time beyond local incarceration.

Three charges were dismissed: operating with a license suspended, revoked or denied causing serious injury, a misdemeanor; moving violation causing death, a misdemeanor; and moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function, a misdemeanor.

Police said Dasani was not in a car seat when she was ejected from the 2005 Chevrolet Venture minivan her mother was driving July 28, 2017. Dasani's mother, Minion Clopton, was driving west on North Street in Kalamazoo just before 6 a.m. when her vehicle was struck by a Ford Taurus driven by Defrance, which was southbound on Rose Street. Defrance ran a red light at the intersection.

The crash caused Dasani and her 2-year-old sibling to be ejected. The 2-year-old child was seriously injured.

Police said none of the children were in car seats when the crash occurred.

Clopton, was emotional as she gave a victim impact statement to the judge Monday, April 30, often pausing to gain her composure before continuing to speak.

"I don't feel that she has shown sympathy, remorse," Clopton said to the judge. "To me, it's like she wants to minimize the hurt of what she did. Running a red light took my baby away, took my kids' sister away forever. I can't hold my baby anymore."

Clopton said she wants justice for her daughter. She said Dasani's death is something she can never get over, and she said she and her other children are in counseling.

"She was so little," Clopton said. "She deserves justice. She deserves proper justice. She didn't deserve to die."

Defrance's defense attorney, Suzanne Klein, said the crash was a terrible accident. She said a number of factors caused the death of Dasani, and pointed out the girl was not restrained in a car seat. She said her client has admitted she ran the red light, which caused her vehicle to collide with Clopton's.

"Shaniqua has taken responsibility from the beginning," Klein said. "She has been remorseful from the beginning. I'm sorry that Minion Clopton doesn't understand the full depth of Shaniqua's sadness for her but she's talked to me many times about it and she's spoken to her family about it."

Klein asked Bridenstine to consider a sentence of probation or KPEP instead of jail time.

When it was her tern to speak, Defrance apologized to Clopton's family and apologized to the judge for being in his court following her irresponsible act that caused Dasani's life to be cut short.

"I'm truly sorry to Minion, her family," Defrance said. "It's not an easy way to say sorry to anyone in this. I feel like no matter how much I say sorry, how I say sorry, it won't heal you. It won't ease up the hate for me."

Bridenstine said not only was Defrance's act irresponsible, it was criminal. He said sentencing guidelines say he should send Defrance to prison for up to fivev years, and said a number of people in the courtroom likely would have wanted him to send her to prison for life.

"I respect that anger, that frustration," Bridenstine said. "I can understand it. I obviously I can not put myself in the shoes of Dasni's family. They're the ones who are suffering. But I can understand why they are angry, and I understand you'd do whatever you could to bring Dasani back."

Clopton, 31, was sentenced by Bridenstine to 18 months of probation for third-degree child abuse, a felony, on March 19. She had pleaded no contest to the third-degree child abuse charge. A second charge of third-degree child abuse and fourth-degree child abuse were dismissed.KALAMAZOO, MI -- Kalamazoo County residents who are able to prove their identity but lack documents needed to obtain a state ID will be able to access a local alternative this week.

The clerk's office will accept applications between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at the Kalamazoo County Administration Building, 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave. The $10 ID cards will not allow a person to vote, obtain a drivers license or gain citizenship.

It's a project Nelly Fuentes-Donachello has been passionate about since 2016. She helped organize a grassroots group of advocates, local businesses and government entities to highlight the stories of residents in Kalamazoo County who can't access basic services.

"I know a person who does not have access to a state ID or a driver's license and her son was very sick," Fuentes-Donachello said. "She can't buy NyQuil because she has no identification and she's desperate. Her son is sick waiting at home so he can have some relief. She had to call (a friend) who has an ID who can come and buy it for her. I think about her a lot."

A 2017 study by students at Kalamazoo College and Professor Francisco Villegas, chair of the ID advisory board, showed more than 18,000 people in Kalamazoo County do not have any type of picture identification.

This includes the homeless, elderly who have lost records, undocumented immigrants, people returning from prison and others.

Per that study, state ID cards can required to fill a prescription, turn on utilities in a home or use financial institutions such as banks, credit unions and check-cashing services.

County Clerk Tim Snow said he expects to issue 1,500 ID cards this year.

Sheriff Rick Fuller has said the ID cards will help emergency responders accurately identify who they interact with and make undocumented immigrants more comfortable contacting police in times of need.

However, state and federal programs may not recognize the new county-issued IDs. The card will not facilitate access to subsidized housing services, state-funded food stamps, welfare benefits and other programs.

State identification cards are issued at any Secretary of State office, where residents must present documentation of a valid Social Security number, U.S. citizenship or legal presence, identification and Michigan residency.

The county ID card has looser criteria.

Residents are required to prove their residency status and identify themselves with documents are valued on a point-based system developed in part by Sheriff Rick Fuller.

Valid documents include a high school diploma, Michigan Department of Corrections prisoner identification card, baptismal records, employment pay stubs, marriage licenses, metro transit IDs and many others.

Individuals who have some type of photo identification must total 300 points to obtain an ID. Residents without a photo ID must total 400 points.

The county ID cards feature a card holder's photograph, date of birth, address, signature, a unique ID number and other descriptors, such as height, weight and eye color. They expire after three years.

Commissioners were initially skeptical of the program, but it was approved last July after a grassroots effort resulted in a task force who argued its necessity to officials.

The 6-5 vote was split along party lines, with the Democratic majority succeeding in passing a resolution that created the new ID program.

"The Republican commissioners were never really interested or convinced that this was a necessary program, so that was not our goal," Fuentes-Donachello said. "It's a grassroots effort and we in the community know that this is an actual thing that people need."

Opponents of the proposal said the issue should be left to the state and federal governments, arguing the state ID was as a better form of identification than a local alternative.

"I am first to notice that our immigration laws need changing, " Commissioner John Gisler said. "While (this is true) we remain a nation of laws, not emotions."

While the program was being conceived, some residents expressed concern that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement could access a list of people who hold county ID cards, putting them at risk for deportation.

It's not a concern they should have, Snow said. Identifying information will not be permanently retained in his office and the ID cards make no reference to citizenship.

"Folks that have just arrived here won't have doucments needed to get a county ID," Snow said. "(They) would have to have been here for a little while to accumulate the necessary documents."

Under federal law, municipalities may issue identification cards as they see fit, and do not have to consider the immigration or criminal status of an applicant before doing so.

The resolution authorized an annual budget of $60,000 and created 0.5 full-time equivalent staff position. It also created an advisory board that reports to the Board of Commissioners and seeks grant opportunities.

The program is modeled on a version launched by Washtenaw County in 2014.

At first, it was seen as an off-the-wall idea by outgoing Kalamazoo County Commissioner Larry Provancher and a group of residents.

Dozens of hot hours were spent in packed meetings by a growing group of supporters, to say nothing of the six months of work many contributed to the project outside the board chambers.

Residents who can't afford the $10 card fee can take advantage of scholarships available through a $10,000 grant from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, which gave another $15,000 for advertising.

The Kalamazoo County ID Office will be open on Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1-4 p.m in Room 101 of the Kalamazoo County Administration Building. For more information, please see the website or contact the ID Office at (269) 384-8307 after May 3.

Organizers also pushed residents who have proper identification to sign up for a county ID to help legitimize its use.

Several local businesses will offer discounts if the customer shows a county ID.

Kalamazoo County ID Program Task Force Report by Malachi Barrett on ScribdUPDATE: Michigan United has since decided to use the GoFundMe fundraiser to bail out single mothers.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- A 15-year-old student who allegedly attacked a teacher has been jailed for almost three months because his family can't afford to pay bail.

While the student awaits trial for the Feb. 6 incident, which occurred at Kalamazoo Central High School, Michigan United is raising funds to bail him out.

Elisheva Johnson, lead mass incarceration organizer for Michigan United, said the African-American teen feels disconnected from society and abandoned.

"When you're 15 years old, you don't make good choices," Johnson said. "That's why we don't let 15-year-olds drive on their own. At some point, something happened to (the student) that made him very angry and it's part of the reason why a lot of our children end up in the system -- people don't understand what they've been through."

Johnson does not defend the teen's actions.

Members of members of advocacy organizations Social Economic Educational Change and Michigan United are working to bailout a troubled teen and single mothers through an online fundraiser. (Photo Provided to MLive.com by Elisheva Johnson)

A Kalamazoo Township police report states the student was in the wrong classroom when teacher Nathan Danis approached him and asked for his student ID card. The teacher was pushed twice when he went to grab an ID on the student's backpack, and pushed back the second time.

Danis told police he restrained the student, but chose to let him go because he was afraid that the teen would hurt him.

The police report states the teen jumped on the teacher's back and wrapped his arms around his neck. Danis was choked until he fell on the ground, but the 43-year-old told police he would have "seriously injured" the student if he defended himself.

The teen is being charged with assault by strangulation and disturbing the peace. The prosecutor's office requested the 15-year-old be tried as an adult, which would result in a 10-year felony if convicted on the assault charge.

He remains at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home.

Johnson said that jailing the teen doesn't address the underlying problems that contributed to his behavior.

The student has had many interactions with the criminal justice system. He was convicted of five felonies and nine misdemeanors for assault, destruction of property, retail fraud, concealing a stolen vehicle and other charges, according to court records.

Johnson said people in the community want to keep him from going down a path of crime.

His case is part of a larger issue, she said: The "school-to-prison pipeline."

Institutions are not set up to address the trauma that children carry, and when they lash out they are introduced to the criminal justice system instead of mental health resources.

"If you look at jails as warehouses and the people in them as commodities, you understand why the system is corrupt and needs children," Johnson said. "There are certain people that will be more vulnerable to that."

If the teen is bailed out of jail, Johnson said Michigan United will provide mental health resources and work with Kalamazoo Public Schools to support him. He has an Individualized Education Plan, which spells out the specific types of help the child needs.

According to court records, he would be kept to a daily 8 p.m. curfew, must attend the Intensive Learning Center and stay away from Kalamazoo Central High School and the teacher.

Michigan United is planning to use around $500 of its own money to buy a bail bond for the teen. The student's father approached Michigan United seeking help.

Meanwhile, Michigan United is raising $5,000 through an online GoFundMe campaign to bail out single mothers in time for Mother's Day. The goal is to keep families together for the sake of children, Johnson said.

As of Monday, 36 people have donated $1,550.

"Mothers are a pillar of the community in a family setting," Johnson said. "If you were to remove a mother at any time, the family would fall apart. That has happens in a lot of cases to children."

"If the family is sick, the child is also."

The Kalamazoo Township Police Department responded to the incident and arrested the minor.

Neither the student nor the teacher was seriously injured, but Danis was examined by medical responders.

Johnson is trying to arrange a reconciliation meeting between the student and teacher.GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Police have assigned over 50 officers to a march by an immigration-rights group on Tuesday, May 1, that is expected to draw 4,000 to 6,000 participants downtown.

The march is organized by Movimiento Cosecha GR which recently protested outside of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security office in downtown Grand Rapids over action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

The group has protested against deportations and violence against immigrants.

The march is intended to "support 'the bridge of justice and resistance,'" Movimiento Cosecha GR said on its Facebook page.

Police said the march could cause travel problems, particularly around the Grandville Avenue SW corridor and downtown.

Movimiento Cosecha GR says the march is to begin at noon at Roosevelt Park, at Grandville Avenue near Clyde Park Avenue. It is expected to end at Grand Rapids City Hall on Monroe Avenue NW.

Police have made unsuccessful attempts to obtain route information from organizers.

The Police Department has assigned over 50 officers for safety of march participants and motorists. Grand Rapids Fire Department is also prepared to respond, as well as emergency-medical services who will be on standby.

"The staffing presence is needed due to the unknown details of the event and the anticipated number of participants," the Police Department said in a statement.

Police want to uphold First Amendment rights of demonstrators but "the department's priority is to ensure the well-being of all of those present as well as preserve order and public safety.

Police Chief David Rahinsky said: "Our goal is for Movimiento Cosecha to be able to communicate its message and exercise its First Amendment right in a peaceful manner.

"Our Police Department is prepared to be adaptive as the march progresses toward City Hall. However, the motoring public is encouraged to use an alternative route away from the Grandville corridor in order to avoid delays."

Movimiento Cosecha advocated for a four-day strike, ending with Tuesday's march, to show the economic importance of immigrants.KALAMAZOO, MI -- Officers arrested a man after a report of shots fired during a road rage incident, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety reports.

About 11:30 a.m. Tuesday May 1, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to the call in the area of East Michigan and Schippers Lane.

The caller said an unknown person driving a gold colored Chrysler 300 shot at him, and reported the direction the car was headed.

Officers located the vehicle traveling from the area and initiated a traffic stop and detained him during an investigation, KDPS said.

A handgun was located between the seats, police said.

The driver admitted it was an incident of road rage when he decided to grab his gun and shoot, KDPS said.

The suspect, a 55-year-old Kalamazoo resident, was taken into custody for felonious assault and carrying a concealed weapon and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail.

Police ask anyone with information about the investigation to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - A man accused in a 2014 drive-by shooting pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the day his third trial for murder was to begin.

Maurtice Poole-Knight, 22, was set for trial beginning Tuesday, May 1, in Muskegon County circuit court for the 2014 death of 17-year-old Dequaries "DeeDee" Love in Muskegon Heights.

The prosecutor alleged the shooting was part of an ongoing dispute between Muskegon and Muskegon Heights gangs. Poole-Knight was convicted in 2015 of being a member of a gang while committing a felony, which was causing Love's death.

He also was convicted of perjury for lying to investigators when he said he was home the night of the homicide.

But the jury failed to reach consensus on the gang felony itself, deadlocking at 11-1 in favor of acquittal of murder. Poole-Knight was retried last August, and the jury again could not reach a unanimous agreement, that time with an opposite result of 11-1 in favor of conviction after four days of deliberation.

Witnesses testified at his second trial that Poole-Knight was one of several people riding in a car from which the shots were fired at Love, who was walking with a small group. The group was walking near Peck Street and Hume Avenue when Love was shot in the back just after midnight on Aug. 21, 2014.

The prosecution alleged it was payback for Love posting on Facebook a video of himself inside a party store that was part of the territory of Poole-Knight's gang.

His defense attorney argued that it was two Detroit men who pulled off the drive-by shooting, and Poole-Knight was set up to take the fall. Poole-Knight, who took the stand in his defense, said he wasn't in a gang but rather a rap group.

Poole-Knight entered his plea to manslaughter on Tuesday, May 1. Muskegon County Circuit Judge Timothy Hicks agreed to a minimum sentence of 10 years, which he said was the highest state guidelines would allow. The maximum sentence is 15 years

The sentence will be served concurrent to Poole-Knight's current sentence on the gang conviction. Poole-Knight was sentenced on that charge in 2016 to between 8 and 20 years.MUSKEGON, MI - A Muskegon man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for creating and sharing pornographic images of a child he allegedly had sexually abused for years.

Eric Matthew Will, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney, who called the case one of the worst he'd seen in 20 years.

Will pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child in January, admitting that he made pornographic images and videos of the 14-year-old that he shared with others over the Internet. One of those people Will sent the pornography to was an undercover officer in Australia, according to court documents.

The U.S. Attorney's Office asserted that Will offered to sell his child pornography collection to the officer for $1,000.

In return for his plea, two counts of distribution of child pornography were dismissed.

In addition to the 30-year sentence in federal prison, Will was ordered to 20 years of supervision upon his release.

Prosecution of Will was part of the Project Safe Childhood initiative, a nationwide effort to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

Will had "sexually abused and exploited the victim" from at least 2015 to 2017, the U.S. Attorney's Office stated.MIDLAND, MI - It took six hours of tracking and five tranquilizer darts to subdue a determined black bear that wandered into the city of Midland on Monday.

Midland County Central Dispatch sent out an alert of a bear spotted in a residential neighborhood near Jefferson Avenue and Hall Lane at about 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 30, triggering authorities from the Midland City Police, Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to work together and contain the 250-pound creature. After the bear hunkered down between a fence and log pile, authorities thought an easy shot of the tranquilizer would temporarily put the animal to sleep so they could transport it up north.

They were sorely mistaken.

After one shot proved unsuccessful, they fired another dart at the bear. This time, it got up and lumbered around a backyard off Nakoma Drive. It then attempted to climb a tree when a DNR officer shot it with a third dart.

"We've gotta call it Nakoma, doesn't that sound like a bear name?" said Midland Police Sgt Chris Wenzell.

At least 60 people -- residents and members of the media -- followed the male bear throughout the afternoon. For a lot of the residents present, this was their first time seeing a black bear.

The third tranquilizer was not enough and only incited the bear to run to another yard. It jumped a fence with ease and police followed right behind it. At times the bear leaned against a tree to catch its breath before taking off again.

DNR and police officers kept their distance and made sure spectators stayed back while the bear lumbered along. It finally made its way into Angie Greiner's garage in the 600 block of Harper Lane.

Greiner stepped outside to take photos of the officers keeping a careful eye on the bear. The beast paced back and forth in the garage while DNR officers loaded up two more tranquilizer darts.

After firing both, the officers stepped back to wait for the bear to calm down. About 15 minutes later, the bear dropped.

It took almost five of the officers to heave it into a cage.

"It's crazy -- my kids were playing outside while it was hiding in the yard down the street," Greiner said.

Bruce Barlow, a wildlife biologist with the DNR, said several tranquilizer darts were needed because the bear likely just came out of hibernation and his metabolism was really high.

"His body is trying to replace all that fat, and he would just metabolize all the tranquilizer too," he said.

For all the kids watching the event unfold, Barlow turned it into a biology lesson.

"He's gonna be very happy soon," Barlow said. "He's sleeping and we're taking him to the Upper Peninsula."

He also addressed why the bear may have made its way into the city.

"A young male right out of hibernation is trying to secure his ground," Barlow said. "This guy just went south instead of north."

Maybe next year, he'll get his bearings straight.ST. LOUIS, MI -- Jane Keon stood atop a man-made hill, looking out an acre of land tarped over and speckled with pipes and whirring machinery. For years, it was forbidden ground.

"It was something that's just been like a dream, and all of a sudden it's a reality," Keon recalled feeling when she was first allowed onto the Velsicol Chemical Corp. superfund site late last year. "We weren't allowed to come out here for all these years."

Keon, a St. Louis resident and founding member of the Pine River Superfund Citizen Task Force, was among a number of people invited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to tour the site Monday, April 30.

EPA officials organized the tour to showcase the $9.7 million underground thermal treatment underway at an acre-large portion of the site believed to be a former dumping grounds.

The treatment consists of sticking electrified rods into the ground to boil underground contaminants and then siphon the vapors. The contaminants are denser than water and, if not removed, would continue to sit beneath the ground water and pollute it.

The thermal treatment at the former dump site, referred to as "Area 1," is only a portion of the contamination at the superfund site.

Velsicol Chemical Corp., formerly the Michigan Chemical Corp., produced the now-banned fire retardant polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and pesticide DDT at its 54-acre main plant site in St. Louis from 1936-1978.

The factory was demolished and buried in 1982. It was placed under a clay cap that did not keep the massive chemical contamination underneath from leaching through the soil and groundwater into nearby neighborhoods and the adjacent river.

Area 1 is one of the two largest contaminated areas on the Velsicol site. The second, a three-acre area on the eastern side dubbed "Area 2," is set for thermal treatment at a later date.

According to EPA project manager Thomas Alcamo, Area 2 once housed the plant which produced the pesticide DDT. Should the government earmark funding for thermal treating Area 2 and installing a permanent water treatment plant, the site could be cleaned up within 10 years, Alcamo said.

In Area 1, the contaminants of concern are ethylene dichloride (EDC), chlorobenzene and dibromochloropropane (DBCP).

EDC and DBCP are probable carcinogens, with DBCP also linked to male sterility issues, according to the EPA. Although chlorobenzene is not classified as a carcinogen, chronic and acute exposure impacts the central nervous system.

It's likely some of these contaminants, though not in great quantities, continue to leech into the adjacent Pine River, said Thomas Alcamo, an EPA project manager.

Currently, the EPA has a groundwater trench installed on the northern edge of the site where the slurry wall leaks contaminants in great capacity, Alcamo said. Each week, 20,000 gallons of contaminated water in the trench are collected and shipped to Detroit for treatment. The proposed on-site water treatment plant would replace the need for outsourcing treatment.

The goal of treating Area 1 is to reduce groundwater contamination and stop it from moving offsite. So far, around 200 pounds of volatile contaminants have been removed, Alcamo said. By the end of the treatment, which is expected to wrap up this fall, some 25,000 pounds of contaminants are expected to be pulled and eliminated, he said.

As the chemicals are eliminated, treated water is then released into the Pine River. Alcamo said nearly 4.5 million gallons of treated water have been discharged since the project began.

The contaminants have damaged a long stretch of the Pine River. The Michigan Department of Human Health and Services advises against eating any fish caught on roughly 30 miles of the river, from after the Velsicol site to the Chippewa River, based on DDT concerns.

From 1998 to 2006, actions taken at the site addressed contamination in the Pine River at a cost of more than $100 million. The EPA funded a sediment cleanup in the Pine River adjacent to the site. Over 670,000 cubic yards of DDT-contaminated sediment were removed and disposed of in an off-site approved landfill.

In 2015, St. Louis switched its drinking water to Alma after it was discovered in 2005 city wells were contaminated with para-chlorobenzene sulfonic acid, (p-CBSA) a DDT byproduct. The switch cost $40 million.

Keon remembers living downstream from the chemical plant and the strong smell of chlorine emanating from the Pine River.

"You would go out some mornings and it would just smell like a swimming pool," she said.

Keon said she's hopeful the superfund site will receive further government support to fund the Area 2 clean-up and water treatment plant installation.

For now, she's just glad something continues to be done.

"It's thrilling to be out here and know they're cleaning it up," Keon said.SAGINAW, MI -- It was a scary night for an 93-year-old woman who was beaten in her home by an intruder in her home in the 1400 block of Acacia around 2 a.m. on April 30.

The victim, who is not being named at the request of her granddaughter, suffered a severe head injury, according to Saginaw police.

Wendy Fisher, the victim's granddaughter, said her grandmother told her she was awakened in the middle of the night and found that her door was opened. When she went to close it she was forced to the ground and beaten.

"She said she was on the floor and they were beating her and she said, 'Why are you hurting me?'" Fisher said.

Fisher said her grandmother lay on the floor for a while after the attack and waited until it got quiet. She then tried to crawl out to the porch but then crawled back to the house to the phone and called 911.

"She was bleeding all over the porch," Fisher said.

Police are still investigating the home invasion and have not yet arrested any suspects.

Fisher said that she has asked all her grandmother's neighbors if they've seen anything, but so far no one has.

"Everybody wishes they had known or wished they could help," Fisher said. "Some people go to bed super early in this neighborhood."

Saginaw Police Detective Sgt. Matthew Gerow is asking residents to be vigilant of their elderly neighbors, lock their doors and keep porch lights on.

"Anyone who can think of anything, no matter how small, that may help, it would really ease her mind and help her feel more secure and less vulnerable," Fisher said. "Because you feel so insecure, because you don't know who they are or where they are or why they did what they did."

As of Tuesday, May 1, Fisher said her grandmother was doing better.

"She is very, very sore today," Fisher said. "She still wants to know why they hurt her."

Anyone with any information on who may be responsible for this incident is urged to contact Detective Jeff Doud at 989-759-1285 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-422-5245.

"Anything that helps," Fisher said.A Michigan woman detailed her account of an injury suffered at a David Copperfield show less than a week after the latter's producer said he was unaware of any injuries during the 15 years the specific trick was performed.

Amy Lawrence of Kalamazoo testified Monday, April 30 during the civil trial concerning a British tourist who claims he was seriously injured while participating in a Copperfield vanishing act in Las Vegas. The Associated Press reports Lawrence said during her testimony that stagehands working the show encouraged her to run as part of a "signature" Copperfield vanishing illusion.

"I turned the corner. The man at the corner says, 'Don't trip,'" she said, A.P. reports.

"I immediately tripped."

The Michigan woman, who testified via video, said that the fall happened around a minute after she and other participants appeared to have disappeared from the stage as part of the trick.

Lawrence said she popped right back up after the tumble and hid her bleeding left knee behind her right leg to stay in line with Copperfield's illusion.

She was quoted as to saying, "I didn't even consider stopping and evaluating my injury." Lawrence said she was asked by at least two staffers after the act if she was injured, and that one other person talked with her after her fall in June 2013. While they touched base with her, the Kalamazoo-based school teacher said no one associated with Copperfield offered her anything, "Not even a Band-Aid."

The week before her testimony Chris Kenner, Copperfield's executive producer, told jurors last week that he had no knowledge of any injury taking place as part of the specific trick.

A.P. reports that the British tourist, Gavin Cox, claims he fell and was badly injured during the same truck at a show that took place five months after Lawrence's fall. The man claims he fell after being rushed through an alleyway, and that he suffered brain and body injuries that amounted to $400,000 in medical expenses.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Cox has sued Copperfield, MGM Grand, and others after the fall that resulted in traumatic brain injuries. Cox is said to have fallen in a dark alleyway area that was under construction at MGM and that Copperfield stagehands helped him off the stage with flashlights.

The newspaper reports that the trick was called "Lucky #13," and that Copperfield stopped performing it about two years after the Britsh man's injury.NASA's mission to study the "heart" of Mars for the first time is officially scheduled to launch on Saturday, May 5 from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The U.S. space agency's InSight lander will study the Red Planet's interior using a "self-hammering" probe that will dig deeper than ever before. InSight is short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport.

Once it lands on Mars, InSight will become the first since the Apollo missions to place a seismometer on the surface of another planet or moon.

NASA says its main goal will focus on improving its understanding of the formation, evolution and history of rocky planets including Earth.

"InSight will be the first mission to peer deep beneath the Martian surface, studying the planet's interior by measuring its heat output and listening for marsquakes, which are seismic events similar to earthquakes on Earth," NASA reports.

"It will use the seismic waves generated by marsquakes to develop a map of the planet's deep interior."

Get ready for #Mars! @NASAInSight is set to lift off on Saturday. Follow the mission and learn how you can watch launch week events, May 35: https://t.co/Dq8LtKOcD8 pic.twitter.com/bkkla0nyrV  NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) April 30, 2018

The space agency is targeting to launch the InSight aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at 7:05 a.m. Saturday morning. Also along for the ride on the Atlas V rocket, is the Mars Cube One which consists of two smaller spacecrafts that will test new communication and navigation methods in deep space.

NASA will broadcast pre-launch and launch coverage on the days leading up to and on the morning of the launch. To follow along with any coverage, click here for more information, or head to NASA TV or its YouTube channel early Saturday morning.

"In some ways, InSight is like a scientific time machine that will bring back information about the earliest stages of Mars' formation 4.5 billion years ago," NASA JPL's Bruce Banerdt, who has been working for 25 years to make this mission possible, said in a past NASA news release.

"It will help us learn how rocky bodies form, including Earth, its moon, and even planets in other solar systems."RACINE, WI - A city in Wisconsin has been approved to take an annual average of 7 million gallons of water a day from Lake Michigan.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced on April 25 that the lakeshore city of Racine can take the water from the Great Lake for its customers within the village of Mount Pleasant about 6 miles west. Racine is located about 27 miles south of Milwaukee.

Mount Pleasant straddles the divide between the Lake Michigan basin and Mississippi River basin.

DNR officials in Wisconsin made the decision after considering more than 800 public comments on the matter. And while 7 million gallons a day may seem like a lot, a DNR news release attempts to provide perspective.

According to the Great Lakes Commission, the total surface water withdrawn from Lake Michigan from all states in 2016 was reported as 9.6 billion gallons per day. Racine's requested 7 million gallons per day withdrawal amounts to a 0.07 percent increase in the total surface water withdrawals from Lake Michigan.

According to the DNR, the withdrawal would still put the Racine water utility under its existing withdrawal capacity and below its 1995 average day water sales number.

The Racine Water Utility already serves more 5,000 residential customers in Mount Pleasant, but this diversion would allow it to extend public water service to more customers. Most notably, an under-construction Foxconn facility site.

Foxconn, a Taiwanese company recognized as the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer and one of Apple's major suppliers, is building a $10 million manufacturing campus in Mount Pleasant.

However, according to the DNR, the decision to allow water diversion was made because Racine's public water system will continue to serve a group of largely residential customers for "public water supply purposes."

As part of the diversion approval, the city of Racine must ensure that the diverted water is returned to Lake Michigan minus consumptive use such as evaporation.

The water returned to Lake Michigan will be treated at the Racine Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet all applicable state and federal water quality discharge standards.

Any industrial customers, such as Foxconn, will work with the City of Racine to meet pretreatment requirements for wastewater.Is Highland Park Michigan's community solar hub? At the very least, it's where the most innovative uses and plans for community solar come from.That's not too surprising, given that the city's 1,000-plus street lights were repossessed in 2011. Soulardarity , a membership-based nonprofit based in Highland Park that installs solar street lights, was founded in response.On May 12, a free " Energy, Sustainability & Tech Fair " is being hosted in Highland Park. Presented by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association Parker Village , and Soulardarity, the fair will engage participants in energy conservation and "best practices that you can take home and use," according to a press release.Highlights of the fair include a tour of Parker Village, a sustainable and holistic redevelopment project in the former Thompson Elementary School. Solartronic, an Ann Arbor-based solar street light manufacturer, will officially commission a solar light on the property after a successful crowdfunding campaign last year.There will also be break-out sessions, speakers, exhibitors, and the first-ever meeting of the Metro Detroit Chapter of the Michigan Solar Users Network, an organization of solar owners to share information regarding their experience to educate and expand solar to other homeowners and businesses.Everyone, from people engaged in sustainability work to activists, interests citizens, or those who just want to reduce their home energy bills, is encouraged to attend.Building Homes for Heroes donates home to war veteran and her childrenBy By:

Dr. Francis R. Souder, 85, formerly of Telford, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 in the skilled nursing unit of Peter Becker Community, Franconia Township. He and his wife Marion R. (Parker) Souder celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in July.

Born in Souderton, he was a son of the late Elvin B. and Mary (Rittenhouse) Souder.

A 1938 graduate of Souderton High School, he received his undergraduate degree in 1941 from the University of Pennsylvania where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Souder went on to receive his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College in 1944 and completed his internship at Hahnemann Hospital from Oct. 1944  July, 1945.

He served with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps for 30 months in San Diego and Long Beach, Calif. during WW II and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant prior to his discharge. He entered his second tour of duty during the Korean War where he served in Panama City, Fla. as the medical officer for the Panama City Naval Air Station and the Tyndal Air Force Base.

Dr. Souder owned and operated his family practice on Main Street in Telford from 1947-1989. He served on the staff of Grand View Hospital, and as its president, and taught at the Grand View Hospital Nursing School. He was a member of the Pa. Medical Society, the Bucks County Medical Society, Diplomat American Academy of Family Practices, and served on the board of trustees at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville.

He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Telford, where he sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the MacCalla Lodge #596 in Souderton, the Raja Shrine, and Lehigh Consistory.

In addition to his widow, he is survived by a son, Dr. Ronald L. Souder, and his wife Susan L. of Green Lane; a daughter, Susan J. Souder, and her husband Stephan Russo of New York, N.Y.; five grandchildren: Jennifer A. Souder of Philadelphia; Emily E. Souder of Philadelphia; Kathryn A. Souder of Washington, D.C.; Noah Russo of New York, N.Y., and Rebekah Russo of New York, N.Y., and two brothers: Attorney Elvin B. Souder of Souderton and Dr. Lawrence Souder of Souderton.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 12 p.m. in Trinity United Church of Christ, 101 S. Main St., Telford, with calling hours following the service.

Interment will be private in Trinity UCC Cemetery Telford.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grand View Hospital, 700 Lawn Ave., Sellersville, Pa. 18960.

Arrangements are by Sadler-Suess Funeral Home, Telford.The golden days of not paying GST on overseas goods is over.



The Government will today announce the introduction of GST to purchases made from overseas - a so-called 'Amazon tax.'

But it was usurped by Customs, which stole the Government's thunder and published details of the changes on its website on Tuesday morning.

The Customs website reveals shoppers won't have to pay GST if purchases add up to less than $60. That's because the tax is expensive to administer.

"More would be spent on the administration and collection than would be collected in revenue", the Customs website says.

The tax could be passed along to consumers as a 15 percent price increase. That could mean more expensive clothes on ASOS, and goods from the likes of Amazon and Book Depository.



Local businesses are likely to be pleased with the announcement - they have long complained overseas giants have an unfair competitive advantage.

Currently, all overseas purchases of less than $400 are exempt from GST because of the cost of administering the tax.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told RNZ this morning Government "want to make it fairer, and [it] will be."

In November 2017, Minister for Small Business and Revenue Stuart Nash said the Government would extend GST to all goods purchased overseas. That was followed by some hasty backpedalling, with Finance Minister Grant Robertson stepping in to warn "there's still a lot of work to do."

This morning, Mr Nash will have his moment. He and Custom Minister Meka Whaitiri will make an announcement in a Wellington bookshop. Book sellers in particular have been hit by internet shopping, with Amazon and Book Depository selling the same books for a cheaper price.

The National Government introduced a 'Netflix tax' in 2016, which required foreign companies to levy GST on all digital services sold to New Zealand, such as streaming television, music and gaming subscriptions.

The tax was not extended to physical goods, with National's Revenue spokesperson Judith Collins saying levying the tax on goods is complex.

Newshub.1,000 Pages

Last month, the SEC released new rules for governing financial advice, in a document artfully entitled, SEC Proposes to Enhance Protections and Improve Choice for Retail Investors in Their Relationships With Financial Advisors. (The next 1,000 pages read similarly.) The SECs report follows a similar proposal from the Department of Labor, about which I have written in the past.

This time, I will abstain. Even as fiduciary recommendations go, the SECs new report is difficult to parse--to the point where even the agencys commissioners disagree. One, Kara Stein, voted against the proposal, labeling it as Regulation Status Quo. A second, Hester Peirce, supported the proposal but stated that it was misnamed. The new standard should not be termed Regulation Best Interest, she said, but instead Suitability Plus.Mnuchin - Focused on "Fixing" Fannie and Freddie

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Fox Business News on Monday, that changing the current status of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae is something that he is "very focused on." In an interview with commentator Maria Bartiromo, the Secretary said he doubts anything will get done in this Congress, but he is determined to have a fix for the government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) and that "we don't leave them in conservatorship for the rest of time."

Bartiromo asked what he meant by "a fix"? "Do you mean they will be publicly held again?"

Mnuchin said he would not comment on what form the "fix" might take, "but having a government guarantee on a 30-year mortgage is important for liquidity in the market." There are, he said various solutions and whatever is done will need to be done on a bi-partisan basis. He said he has had conversations with both Republicans and Democrats and unfortunately doesn't see this being a focus of this Congress. He added he intends to return to the topic next year and it will be a big issue for him post the elections.

He added that the administration would also have the ability to replace the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) director next year. "That is something we are going to look at and make sure we have someone in that job who will support the (administration's) agenda."

Bartiromo asked how the housing markets are doing, commenting that in their last interview there were concerns about how the tax cut might affect those markets, primarily that there would be an exodus from those states that lost the state and local tax (SALT) deductions

Mnuchin said he was not concerned and the administration is not seeing any negative impacts. "I think again, for mostly all Americans we focused on the SALT deductions, and for the middle class the way the overall package worked it was helpful for them. Obviously in certain areas at the high end there clearly were higher taxes as a result of losing the state and local taxes but we haven't seen any effect on the housing markets," he said.Thousands of people in the Miami Valley dont know where their next meal is coming from, according to a new report from the nonprofit group Feeding America.

-Dayton Daily News; May 4, 2017

Food insecurity has hit the Miami Valley hard. This year, Generation Dayton, the chambers young professionals organization will focus their volunteer efforts on fighting this problem during the groups biggest outreach day of the year. Generation Dayton Day gives young professional volunteers the opportunity to Get out and Give back at area non-profits. After a day of giving back, participants will celebrate with an after-party which includes food, drinks, and raffle prizes for volunteers.

Nonprofit organizations Gen D will be serving:

House of Bread

Dayton Food Bank

Daybreak

Homefull

Ronald McDonald House

United Rehabilitation Services

East End

The Victory Project

The Food Drive:

Each volunteer should bring a canned food item to the Kroc Center in order to receive their Generation Dayton Day shirt. A special prize will be awarded to the one who brings in the MOST food items.

The After Party:

Those who are not able to participate in the volunteer activities are welcome to join the after-party, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30pm at Old Scratch Pizza. If youre just joining us for the celebration, no registration is required.Vous etes confrontes a une infestation par la puce, la punaise de lit ? Voici plusieurs actions qui sont a mettre en uvre pour faire []RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP)  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday told the PLO parliament, which was meeting for its first full session since the 1990s, that he plans to take unspecified "tough steps" soon against Israel and the United States.

Abbas told hundreds of delegates that he is sticking to his rejection of any U.S. proposals for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal following the Trump administration's recognition in December of contested Jerusalem as Israel's capital and a decision to move the U.S. Embassy there in mid-May.

"This is completely unacceptable," he told the Palestinian National Council members during the opening of their four-day meeting in the West Bank. "We will not accept this deal, and we will not accept the U.S. as the sole broker."

Abbas appeared to dismiss media reports quoting Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, as saying the Palestinians should stop complaining and accept what they are being offered by the Trump administration.

Abbas did not refer to those reports specifically, but said he has been assured that Saudi Arabia remains supportive of the Palestinian positions. "We hear lots of rumors," he told the delegates. "Don't believe them."

The 83-year-old Abbas warned that he might "take tough steps in the near future in our relationship with our neighbors (Israel) and the Americans." He did not elaborate, but said they would be important and far-reaching.

In rambling comments bound to trigger a backlash in Israel, Abbas also spoke about his views of history, portraying the creation of Israel as a European colonial project.

"The truth is that this project is a colonial project aimed at planting foreign bodies in the region," he said. "But this does not mean we should uproot them. We should co-exist with them on the basis of a two-state solution."

He also talked about what he believes are the causes of 20th century anti-Semitism in Europe, saying these views are based on books by Jewish writers. "The conclusion of these books is that animosity toward Jews was not because of their religion, but because of their social activities," including money-lending, he said.

The meeting of the PLO parliament comes at a time of deep divisions between Abbas and his domestic rival, the Islamic militant group Hamas that controls the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has raised its leadership profile in recent weeks by organizing mass protests on the Gaza border with Israel. In the weekly marches, thousands of Palestinians gather near the border fence, with smaller groups approaching the barrier, throwing stones or firebombs and burning tires.

Thirty-nine protesters have been killed and more than 1,700 wounded by Israeli army fire over the past month. Israel, which has come under mounting international criticism for the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters, says it has the right to defend its border and alleges that Hamas uses the protests as cover for attacks.

Abbas praised the "brothers in Hamas" for belatedly adopting what he called peaceful resistance.

"Thank God, they (Hamas) finally agreed and this is effective," he said, while urging organizers to keep people away from the border fence because of the high risk of harm.

Some Hamas leaders have suggested there would be an eventual mass breach of the border as protests continue.

Despite the rare praise for his rivals, Abbas posed tough conditions for ending the internal political rift that broke open in 2007, when Hamas drove Abbas-loyal forces from Gaza a year after winning Palestinian parliament elections. Since the takeover, Israel and Egypt have enforced a devastating border blockade on Gaza.

Egyptian mediators have proposed that the internationally backed Abbas assume government responsibilities in Gaza as a way of ending the blockade. Abbas said Monday that he will do so only if Hamas hands over all authority  an unlikely prospect since the militant group refuses to give up control over its weapons.

"Either they give us everything or they take everything," Abbas said of Hamas.

Later this week, the Palestinian National Council is to elect a new PLO Executive Committee, an 18-member leadership group that has served in recent years to rubberstamp any decisions by Abbas.

The elections, tightly controlled by Abbas, are expected to install a new group of loyalists in the committee.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A Veterans Affairs clinic in Salt Lake City is investigating why an Army veteran was put in a room with an overflowing trash can and medical supplies strewn about after the man's father tweeted images of the unclean space.

Stephen Wilson, the father of Christopher Wilson who spent six years in the Army and was deployed to Iraq twice, posted the photos to Twitter on Friday, calling the sight "very unprofessional, unsanitary and disrespectful," the Deseret News reported.

The post had been retweeted nearly 17,000 times as of Monday afternoon with about 2,400 comments about the photos and post.

"The condition of the room was the way it was when he went in, no other room was offered and no attempt to clean it up was made for the duration of his appointment," Stephen Wilson also tweeted.

Dr. Karen Gribbin, chief of staff at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Utah, apologized on Monday and said at a news conference that the staff was focused on ending Christopher Wilson's wait on April 5 and didn't notice the state of the room.

She said discipline is possible for staff members, but said they are still trying to understand what happened.

"Mr. Wilson should not have been placed in the room in that condition," Gribbin said. "The room should be cleaned, supplies and trash removed, before the next patient is placed in there."

Gribbin said she apologized to Christopher Wilson on Saturday and again Monday "for his experience."

Christopher Wilson, 33, said he was at the facility to get 18 injections in his ankle and surrounding area.

___

Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California and 16 other states sued the Trump administration Tuesday over its plan to scrap Obama-era auto-emissions standards that would require vehicles to get significantly higher gas mileage by 2025.

At issue is a move by Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt to roll back 2012 rules aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. Under those rules, vehicles would have to get 36 miles of real-world driving per gallon (58 kilometers per gallon), about 10 miles (16 kilometers) over the existing standard.

"Pollutants coming out of vehicles, out of the tailpipe, does permanent lung damage to children living near well-traveled roads and freeways. This is a fact. The only way we're going to overcome that is by reducing emissions," Gov. Jerry Brown said in announcing the lawsuit along with other top California Democrats.

The rules were set six years ago when California and the Obama administration agreed to a single nationwide fuel economy standard.

Pruitt, who has sought to block or delay an array of environmental regulations, has argued that assumptions about gas prices and vehicle technology used by the Obama administration to set the standards were too optimistic. And he said the standards would hurt automakers and consumers who can't afford or don't want to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Automakers have likewise argued that the Obama-era rules would cost the industry billions of dollars and raise vehicle prices because of the cost of developing the necessary technology.

EPA representatives did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the lawsuit.

California officials say the standards are achievable and the EPA's effort to repeal them is not based on any new research. They argue the plan violates the federal Clean Air Act and didn't follow the agency's own regulations.

California has a unique waiver that allows it to set its own tailpipe emissions standards for vehicles, which it has used to combat smog and, more recently, global warming. Thirteen other states and the District of Columbia have adopted the California standards as their own.

California has now sued the Trump administration more than 30 times on topics including immigration and health care policy.

"The world is not flat, pollution is not free, and the health and safety of our children is not for sale," said Democratic state Attorney General Xavier Becerra, standing alongside the governor.

Brown, who has made fighting climate change a core of his policy and political platform, said the state's battles with Washington over climate are the most essential.

"If we follow the Pruitt-Trump path, we follow our way off the cliff to disaster," he said.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Joining California were Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. All have Democratic attorneys general.

__

Associated Press reporter Jonathan J. Cooper contributed.

___

This story has been corrected to say 13 other states and the District of Columbia have adopted California's emissions standards, not 12.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.BAY CITY, Mich. (AP)  A Michigan man who appeared with his family as the central figure in the TLC show "Meet the Putmans" has been charged with illegally possessing an AR-15 rifle that was converted to operate as a machine gun.

A federal indictment against 57-year-old William Putman II was unsealed Monday. He's free on bond.

Defense lawyer Paul Beggs tells the Detroit Free Press he believes Putman will be exonerated. He described Putman as an avid sportsman, hunter and "responsible firearm owner."

The indictment comes after Putman's son Brandon Putman was charged earlier this year after authorities say he tried to get copies of a component to convert an AR-15 into a machine gun.

"Meet the Putmans" aired on TLC last fall. Three generations of a family lived in one house in Michigan.

___

Information from: Detroit Free Press, http://www.freep.com

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.GENEVA (AP)  The death toll among a group of hikers trapped by an unexpected snowstorm in the Swiss Alps rose to six Tuesday, police said. The victims were identified as five Italians and a Bulgarian woman.

The regional Valais police department said another person remains in critical condition following the blast of snow and high winds in the Pigne d'Arolla region of Switzerland, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the famed Matterhorn.

A total of 14 hikers from two groups were trying to reach the Vignettes hikers' hut, located at 3,157 meters (10,357 feet) in the Pennine Alps, when they were caught in the bad weather.

They spent the night from Sunday to Monday out in freezing temperatures with no shelter before authorities mounted a rescue operation involving seven helicopters.

Police spokesman Markus Rieder said a 52-year-old Bulgarian woman died in a hospital Tuesday. Two Italian couples  in their mid-40s and mid-50s  also died from hypothermia after being evacuated to the hospital.

The sixth victim was a 59-year-old Italian man, who was guiding 10 hikers and fell to his death before rescuers arrived.

Police said a 72-year-old Swiss woman, a 56-year-old French woman, and a 43-year-old Italian woman remained hospitalized Tuesday.

Three French people, a German woman and an Italian man suffered mild hypothermia.

One of the survivors, Tommaso Piccioli, said Tuesday that he almost didn't make it out alive.

The hikers got caught in the snowstorm after they took a wrong path, Piccioli told Italian state TV in a phone interview. They wanted to carve out a hole in the snow for shelter, "but we couldn't, we were too exhausted" by nightfall, said Piccioli, who was released from the hospital Tuesday.

He thinks he survived because he refused to lie down, but kept himself moving and awake through the night while others slept.

"Every so often I wanted to let myself go" and die, Piccioli said. "But then I thought of my wife."

The Italian news agency ANSA said Piccioli is a 50-year-old architect.

Europe has experienced turbulent weather recently, with unseasonable spells of hot and cold temperatures.

In a separate incident Tuesday, Italian authorities said two skiers fell hundreds of meters (feet) to their deaths in the Dolomite mountains, ANSA reported.

The two Italian skiers were described as experienced members of Alpine rescue squads, but were skiing recreationally when they fell.

___

Frances D'Emilio contributed to this report from Rome.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Hundreds of law enforcement officers honored their fallen colleagues at Law Enforcement Memorial Day in Tallahassee Monday.

The event is an annual gathering of law enforcement officers and family members to honor those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The toll over the last year has been great.

In Kissimmee last year, an ambush claimed the livers of Officer Matthew Baxter and Sgt. Sam Howard.

In Hardee County, Deputy Julie Bridges and Corrections Sgt. Joseph Ossman collided with each other as Hurricane Irma came ashore.

Then, less than two weeks ago, Gilchrist County Sheriff's Deputies Taylor Lindsey and Noel Ramirez were gunned down at a Chinese restaurant.

"Many of you know the pain never goes away," said Eric Reynolds, whose father was killed in the line of duty. "I grew up not knowing my dad at all, but because of the support network surrounding us in this courtyard right now, I did grow up knowing how to honor him."

The names of the fallen first responders are being added to the memorial at the state capitol. Since being erected 18 years ago, the memorial has grown to include the names of hundreds of law enforcement officers.MELBOURNE, Fla.  The former head of the Melbourne Same Day Surgery Center is under investigation, charged with selling thousands of dollars worth of stolen hospital equipment online.

Former head of surgery center accused of selling stolen equipment

Corey Hollmann, 44, was allegedly selling equipment on eBay

Hollmann told police he was selling 'expired' equipment to get new ones

Now 44-year-old Corey Hollmann is accused of stealing from his employer Health First, which runs the center and the nearby Holmes Regional Medical Center.

The Melbourne Police Department says it went to the business for several items reported missing.

It turns out, authorities say, Hollmann was allegedly selling medical monitors, imaging systems and skin-grafting instruments  equipment that wasn't his to sell, they allege.

According to the arrest affidavit, Hollmann was using an eBay username "msds1035, short for Melbourne Same Day Surgery and its address "1035."

An undercover forensics officer created a fake username and began communicating with Hollmann on eBay, pretending to be interested in an item, which when zooming in on the picture, had a label with "HRMC" on the box  as in, property of Holmes Regional Medical Center.

Hollman is the former head of Melbourne Same Day Surgery Center; he's accused of selling stolen equipment. (Greg Pallone, staff)

Hollman is suspected of agreeing at one point to meet up at the surgery center to make the transaction, with messages from the undercover officer like "OK, I'm in Melbourne now; can I pick it up instead of mailing it out?

Hollman responded, "sure that would be good with me, according to police.

More messages were allegedly sent, with the officer saying "I waited at the address you wanted to meet, and you were a no-show."

Hollmann reportedly responded, "I apologize; I did not hear back from you for a while and had to leave work ..."

After later exchanging numbers, text messages were allegedly sent, and another undercover officer posed as a real buyer on April 20, purchasing the $25,000-valued equipment for $150.

Records show Hollmann later told police he was selling 'expired equipment', in order to buy new items.

Health First released this statement:

When equipment was reported missing last month, our security partners conducted an investigation and discovered numerous pieces of equipment were missing and had been posted on an e-commerce site for sale. We informed the Melbourne Police Department of the situation and as a result, an employee was arrested. Per our policies, the associate has been removed from the organization. "

Hollman was released from jail on $7,000 bond.

Spectrum News 13 knocked on his door at his Melbourne home Monday asking for comment, but there was no answer.ORLANDO, Fla. -- Gov. Rick Scott has used the premise of jobs as a staple of his campaign to win Floridas governorship twice. Now its the center of his freshly launched campaign for U.S. Senate.

Jobs in center of U.S. Senate campaign for Rick Scott

Scott also used jobs as staple of Fla. governorship campaign

Florida has seen 1.4 million new jobs since Dec. 2010

Democrats say wages for some families are unlivable

In a bid for the states top job nearly eight years ago, Scott promised to create 700,000 new jobs.

He entered office in Jan. 2011, in the throes of the Great Recession, which first started to hit Florida since the end of 2006. The major brunt of the recession wouldnt come until 2008, several years before Rick Scott became governor.



While it was not within the seven-year deadline, statistics from the United States Department of Labor shows Scott has been at the helm of a state thats seen 1.4 million new jobs since Dec. 2010.



Orlando is at the top of the list for new jobs, adding 42,000 private sector jobs in 2017 that includes 12,300 new jobs in the tourism industry.



Tourism remains the largest but not sole industry in Central Florida.



Orlando Economic Partnership estimates more than 268,000 people are employed by the areas theme park, restaurant and tourism-related businesses.



While the governor has made much ado about his record, so have Democrats, who say pay for families remain an unlivable wage.



The types of jobs are not jobs we can live on, that Florida families can work one or two jobs and still have time to spend with families, said Juan Penalosa with Florida Democratic Party said.ORLANDO, Fla. -- High school students testified Tuesday morning in the trial of two teens accused in the 2016 beating death of Winter Park High School student Roger Trindade.

Prosecutors say Simeon Hall and Jesse Sutherland beat Trindade to death along Park Avenue in Winter Park. They're both being tried as adults in the same courtroom at the Orange County Courthouse in downtown Orlando.

During the morning session in court, all seven witnesses were students, most of whom were present at the fight in which Trindade was beaten. Trindade was hospitalized with a head injury but died several days later.

"I determined the cause of death to be a hemorrhage due to a vertebral artery tear due to blunt force trauma," Associate Medical Examiner Dr. Jennifer Park said.

Testimony so far hasn't clarified who hit whom in the fight. However, all teens so far have testified that Trindade and his friend, Rodrigo Meirelles, threw no punches, and Sutherland and Hall were actively involved.

"Basically, he went in aggressive and hit Roger," Max McGee testified about one of the defendants.

"When Simeon Hall spit on Roger Trindade, what was his mood?" asked a prosecutor.

"He was hyped up and energetic," responded George Barnikel, another witness.

Jagger Gouda, 15, told the courtroom he was "afraid" after he and friends Trindade and his friend with a substance and they appeared to be "aggressive." He called a friend for backup in case they got into a fight.

"I saw Jesse hit Roger and Simeon hit Rodrigo," he testified. "Simeon and Jesse were standing over Roger."

After a break for lunch, court resumed with testimony from Winter Park Police Det. Lisa Suepat. She testified that she interviewed both defendants after the fight, Sutherland sharing that he punched Trindade.

"He said he punched Rodrigo because he smirked at him and didnt answer his question," she said of Hall. "He described Roger as his body shaking, and he went up to him and spit on him."

Jury selection and opening statements began Monday, when Meirelles, the first witness in the case, took the stand, describing the night the victims ran into the defendants.

"He didn't know English as well, so I did a lot of talking, asking him what was in the bottle. It was just their smell," Meirelles said.

The state and defense both rested Tuesday afternoon. The jury was dismissed for the day and is due back in court Wednesday morning.

Sutherland and Hall are charged with manslaughter and battery. Both were offered plea deals but rejected them.Shiva Kumar By

Express News Service

CHAMRAJNAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi threw an open challenge to Congress President Rahul Gandhi to speak extempore for 15 minutes in a language of his choice to present the development works done by the Congress government and pronounce Sir M Visveshwaraya 's name five times.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi's challenge that the Prime Minister will not sit if he speaks for fifteen minutes in Parliament.

"Forget speaking in Parliament let him speak for in any language and give accounts of Congress government in Karnataka. we can't sit in front of you with big names .Unlike him we are workers."

"Obviously, he has expected we are not to be on par with him," he quipped.

Turning his attention on continued dynasty politics in Congress, he hit out at Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his political innovation with 2+1 formula. The crowd cheered up when Modi referred to Siddaramaiah running between two constituencies from where he is contesting ( Chamundeshwar and

Badami) leaving the previous constituency he represented to his son.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that there is a strong storm brewing across the state in favor of BJP to dislodge the Congress Government.

Narendra Modi sharpened his attack on Congress President Rahul Gandhi and said that the party continued dynasty politics with `2+1 ' and ` 1+1 ' formula that is practiced in Congress betraying their own party men.

READ | Congress has initiated culture of 'ease of doing murder', says Modi



Addressing his first mammoth election rally as part of the five days poll campaign in Lingayat strong hold Santhemarahalli in Chamrajnagar district on Tuesday, Modi stuck to talking of development and sharpened his attack on Rahul Gandhi than going behind Siddaramaiah as he has done in the previous

rallies.

The Prime Minister thanked the workforce for accomplishing the Union Government's programmes for electrifying four thousand villages in hilly terrains of North Esat Manipur and other states including Karnataka, he announced that their next agenda is to provide free power to four crore households. What were these people in power for seventy years doing?, he asked Congress.

Recollecting that the previous Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh had announced in 2005 to provide power supply to all the villages in the country by 2009 which they failed to keep up.

He criticized UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for also not being able to achieve this target for the past ten years in office. "However, we have done this in three years and have also covered 37 villages in Karnataka state. But, the Congress did not congratulate the people who achieved this mission

electrifying all the villages."

Claiming that they (BJP) are workers and not who have big names and are seriously concerned about people both inside and outside the Parliament. Modi assured that Delhi will stand by the Karnataka government to put the state on development track and appealed to people to teach a lesson to ten per

cent corrupt government on May 12 as the country is looking at Karnataka.

"Karnataka known for its culture, polity and was a model state that has no law nor order and is not a safe place," he said.

He also referred to Rs 6000 crore Bengaluru- Mysuru Express highway that will make reaching Chamrajnagar faster. He said that they have taken up five irrigation projects , would spent Rs 88000 cr on development works and assured to double the farmers income by the year 2002.



Modi takes Rajkumar names to establish local connect:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheered up crowd addressing few verses in Kannada also thrilled the mammoth crowd when he took names of Kannada matinee idol Raj Kumar , G P Rajarathanam and paid his tributes to dominant Linagayat Suttur Mutt, Kanakagiri and Sallur Mutts. He also referred to folk characters Manteswamy, Mala Mahadeshwara, Biligiriranganatha, Chamrajaeshwara and Himad gopalaswamy temples.By AFP

MELBOURNE: Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell became the highest-ranked Catholic ever to be sent to trial over historic sex offences Tuesday, with the elderly priest vowing to fight the charges.

The 76-year-old was impassive throughout the hearing in Melbourne that ordered him to face a jury on "multiple" charges, although half of the allegations against him, including some of the most serious, were thrown out.

READ HERE | A timeline of sex abuse within the Catholic Church

"Not guilty", the top aide to Pope Francis said loudly and without hesitation when asked his plea, a stance he has taken since first being charged last year.

Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington said she was "satisfied" there was enough evidence for a conviction on "multiple" charges with a directions hearing due on Wednesday to discuss a trial date.

Pell, who entered the court surrounded by a large police presence, was released on bail on the condition he does not leave Australia. He has already handed in his passport, the court heard.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago.

"Cardinal George Pell has at all times fully cooperated with Victoria Police and always and steadfastly maintained his innocence," said a statement issued through the Archdiocese of Sydney and attributed to Pell.

"He has voluntarily returned to Australia to meet these accusations. He will defend the remaining charges."

The exact details and nature of the claims remain confidential, other than they involve "multiple complainants".

But some of the alleged offending was at a swimming pool in Ballarat in Victoria in the 1970s and at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral in the 1990s, the court heard.

In a win for him, some of the most serious allegations were dismissed due to inconsistencies in the evidence, including claims of offending at a cinema in Ballarat during a screening of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind".

No one above the law

Lisa Flynn, a lawyer who has represented hundreds of abuse survivors in civil litigation claims in Australia, said the ruling proved no one was above the law.

"The charging of Pell for these alleged crimes reinforces that people should be and are treated equally in the eyes of the law," she said.

"This is a promising step forward for victims of sexual assault."

Pell's case has coincided with an Australian national inquiry into child sexual abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia.

The commission spoke to thousands of victims and heard claims of abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools.

Pell appeared before it three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome over the Church's handling of complaints against paedophile priests.

Australia's Catholic leaders have previously spoken out in support of him, describing Pell as a "thoroughly decent man".

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne on Tuesday said Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart would be making no comment.

But it added that "Archbishop Hart expressed his confidence in the judicial system in Australia and said that justice must now take its course".

The Catholic Church globally has been plagued by allegations of sex abuse among priests, with the scandals haunting the papacy of Pope Francis, who in February announced the Vatican was reviving its anti-paedophile panel.

It followed a trip to Chile in January that was seen as a resounding failure after he defended a bishop accused of covering up the crimes of a paedophile priest.

Pell was one of the pope's most trusted aides, handpicked by him in 2014 to make the church's finances more transparent.

It cemented a meteoric rise by the Australian, who was Archbishop of Melbourne and then Sydney before being named to the Vatican's powerful College of Cardinals at the behest of Pope John Paul II in 2003.By AFP

WASHINGTON: Special Counsel Robert Mueller has submitted questions to the White House that indicate a focus on whether President Donald Trump tried to obstruct a probe into Russian interference, The New York Times reported Monday.

The questions also show Mueller wants to find out what Trump knew about links between members of his presidential campaign and Russia, including a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer offering damaging information on election rival Hillary Clinton, the Times said.

And they indicate that Mueller wants to know if Trump offered a pardon to his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, who has already been charged by Mueller with lying and is believed to be cooperating with the investigation.

The questions are the clearest signal yet that Mueller has enough circumstantial evidence to suspect the president of obstruction, and also has reason to believe Trump might have known of the Russia links.

But there is no indication whether Trump is now an official suspect of the year-old probe, or that Mueller has found evidence of active collusion with the Russians, which Trump vehemently denies.

The Times obtained a list of questions it said Mueller's team read over the telephone to Trump's legal team, which compiled them into a list.

The Times said it obtained the list from someone outside Trump's legal team.

Mueller's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Since at least early this year, Mueller has discussed the possibility of interviewing Trump for the investigation, according to the president's attorneys.

But they appear to have been divided on how and how much Trump should cooperate.

Two weeks ago, Trump recruited to his legal team former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who said he would try to reach a deal with Mueller on how the president would cooperate with the probe.

Most of the questions reported by the Times ask what Trump knew of certain events, like the June 2016 meeting with the Russian lawyer, or what was he thinking when he did or said something, like firing former FBI director James Comey.

"When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting?" one question asks.

"What efforts were made to reach out to Mr Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon?" goes another.

Mueller also wants to know if Trump discussed with any campaign staff arranging a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While none of the questions are accusatory, they could carry the risk of Trump being trapped in a lie if any of several former campaign staff already indicted by Mueller have provided evidence to the contrary.

Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 63F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight. Low 63F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.The 10th Young Astronaut Training Camp is seeking new recruits. It is accepting nominations from secondary schools until May 31.

Selected participants will attend astronaut training programmes on the Mainland for free from July 30 to August 6.

They will visit Beijing Aerospace City, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre and the Xinglong Observatory to learn about China's astronomy and aerospace development.

Students will also meet aerospace experts and astronauts, and attend lectures on space science and technology.

Training includes wearing spacesuits, using a "space kitchen", psychological training, escape and survival training, and blood-redistribution adaptability training.

Upon completion of the training they will undergo an assessment and be presented with certificates.

Each school can nominate two students who are in Secondary 2 to 6. Thirty participants will be selected.

Click here for details.ABC/Image Group LAPortugal. the Man, Phoenix and Cold War Kids will spend their Labor Day Weekend in Seattle this year at the 2018 Bumbershoot festival, held August 31 to September 2.

Other artists on the bill include AJR, Bishop Briggs, Blondie, Fleet Foxes, lovelytheband, Marian Hill and Mt. Joy. The festival will be headlined by J. Cole, The Chainsmokers and SZA.

For the full lineup and ticket info, visit Bumbershoot.com.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.GOVERNMENT has said efforts to re-engage the international community have opened a window for it to address problems facing Zimbabweans living in foreign countries.



Since President Mnangagwas inauguration, Government has made it a priority to engage countries that were hostile to the previous administration led by ex-President Robert Mugabe.



The development has seen even Britain warming up to the new dispensation, with Zimbabwe expected to re-join the Commonwealth before year end.





The Minister of Home Affairs and Culture, Dr Obert Mpofu, said in an interview last week that Zimbabweans in foreign countries would also benefit from the countrys re-engagement efforts.





Zimbabwe is now friendly to all the countries within and outside the region. We want our citizens to be treated in a manner that is cordial and receive attention on issues where-ever they are from the Government, said Dr Mpofu.





He said Government is in the process of engaging South Africa after Zimbabweans based in the neighbouring country highlighted their challenges to President Mnangagwa.





Dr Mpofu recently revealed that South Africas Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba had reached out to him to discuss issues of mutual interest.





Issues relating to permits and general concerns of disporans were raised during the Presidents visit to South Africa. They (diasporans) raised quite a number of issues which we are likely to deal with when we do follow ups as ministers, he said.

Dr Mpofu said already the re-engagement process had started bearing fruits.

The minister said as an example, progress has been made in dealing with challenges faced by Zimbabweans based in Botswana.





You will recall I was in Botswana not long ago. We had a very fruitful meeting with Botswana officials, we also had a good meeting with our refugees, he said. ChronicleThis Is the Safest City

in the Whole Country(Newser)  After noticing black spots in her iris, Ashley McCrary was diagnosed with ocular melanoma. "I was like, 'Well, I know two people who've had this cancer,'" McCrary tells CBS News. To say that's unlikely is an understatement: Between five and six out of every one million people are diagnosed with the rare eye cancer, yet two of McCrary's friends also had it; the three attended Auburn University in Alabama together. Another Auburn alum was also diagnosed; the women started a Facebook page to look for other alums dealing with the same cancerand 36 people have gotten in touch so far, McCrary tells CBS. According to the page, most of those affected attended Auburn between 1983 and 2001. Last month, WLTZ reported that at least 31 people who attended or worked at the university from 1980 to the early 1990s have been diagnosed with ocular melanoma. Earlier this month, Healthline put the number diagnosed in the area at 33.

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Similarly, a number of people in the Huntersville, North Carolina, area have also been diagnosed with ocular melanoma, also known as uveal melanoma. CBS puts the number at 18, while WFAE reports that 23 people who lived, worked, or spent significant time in Mecklenburg County since 2000 have been diagnosed with the disease. Many of the patients in both areas are young women, Newsweek reports, despite the fact that the disease is typically more common in older people and men. Officials have so far been unable to determine what might be causing the apparent clusters of cases (though the Alabama Department of Health's official stance is that "it would be premature to determine that a cancer cluster exists in the area"), but doctors in Philadelphia are studying the patients, some of whom travel there for treatment in a clinical trial. Doctors at Columbia University are also studying the tumors of diagnosed patients, and Auburn University has put together a committee to investigate. (Read more cancer stories.)(Newser)  Ashley Judd says that 20 years ago, she felt something "unseen" holding her acting career backand in December last year, she realized that it was Harvey Weinstein, getting revenge for her rejection of his sexual advances. In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, Judd accuses the disgraced producer of "torpedoing" her career by spreading "false and malicious statements," People reports. The lawsuit states that by disparaging her to Lord of the Rings producer Peter Jackson and his team in 1997, Weinstein was retaliating against Judd "for rejecting his sexual demands approximately one year earlier, when he cornered her in a hotel room under the guise of discussing business," reports Reuters.

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Jackson said in a December interview that in what he now believes was probably "the Miramax smear campaign in full swing," the Weinstein brothers described Judd and Mira Sorvino as a "nightmare to work with," causing him to avoid casting them in the blockbuster trilogy. Judd tweeted Monday that she is suing for "economic remedy due to damage done to my career as a result of sexual harassment," and "financial recuperation" will go to the Time's Up movement to support women facing harassment and retaliation. A Weinstein rep tells the Hollywood Reporter that Weinstein denies interfering with Judd's career and in fact "championed her work," casting her in two movies. (When Judd first accused Weinstein of harassment, he said she was "going through a tough time" and he would contact her after a year.)(Newser)  Michelle Wolf isn't exactly overflowing with contrition amid heavy criticism of her controversial routine at the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner. "I wouldn't change a single word that I said," the comedian tells NPR in an interview set to air Tuesday. "I'm very happy with what I said, and I'm glad I stuck to my guns." Wolf, denounced by President Trump as a "filthy" comedian who "totally bombed," says she is surprisedbut not disappointedwith the level of controversy, Rolling Stone reports. She says she wanted to cater to the outside audience, not the room, at the glitzy Washington event, and she kept a note from a friend that said: "Be true to yourself. Never apologize. Burn it to the ground."

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Wolf, agreeing with interviewer Terry Gross' suggestion that it may be "a little bit sexist" for people to expect Sarah Huckabee Sanders to be "protected" from jokes, says she didn't actually insult the White House press secretary's appearance. "If there is two people that I actually made fun of their looks on Saturday it was Mitch McConnell and Chris Christie and no one is jumping to their defense," she says. The Hollywood Reporter notes that late-night hosts including Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Trevor Noah defended the former Daily Show correspondent Monday night. "This was a roast," said Colbert, who hosted the dinner in 2006. "Being mad at her for doing her job is like being mad at the valet for briefly stealing your car." (Read more Michelle Wolf stories.)(Newser)  White House chief of staff John Kelly is pushing back against a report that he referred to his boss as an "idiot" during an immigration-related meeting. "I spend more time with the president than anyone else and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship. He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS," Kelly said in a statement Monday. "This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump and distract from the administration's many successes." CNN reports that Kelly made a similar denial in a face-to-face meeting with Trump after Monday's NBC News report, which cited anonymous administration sources and described Kelly as portraying himself as the "lone bulwark against catastrophe."

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Kelly aide Zachary Fuentes says he has never heard Kelly describe Trump in such insulting terms. "Remember, he is a Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine," Fuentes says. "The office of the commander in chief is held to the highest regard." He says Kelly's relationship with Trump has "never been better," though administration sources tell the AP that the chief of staff's influence on the president is waning and Kelly is no longer confident that he will get to his goal of reaching the one-year mark in the job this July. In a tweet Monday night, Trump blasted the "Fake News" for "making up false stories." "They are totally unhinged, and the great success of this Administration is making them do and say things that even they can't believe they are saying," he said. "Truly bad people!" (Read more John Kelly stories.)(Newser)  The White House said Monday it would postpone a decision on imposing tariffs on US imports of steel and aluminum from the European Union, Canada, and Mexico for 30 days, avoiding the potential for a trade battle with Europe as the US prepares for tense trade talks in China this week. The Trump administration said it had reached an agreement with South Korea on steel imports following discussions on a revised trade agreement, the outlines of which were previously announced by US and South Korean officials, the AP reports. And the administration said it had also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil on steel and aluminum that will be finalized shortly.

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Facing a self-imposed deadline, President Trump was considering whether to permanently exempt the EU and Mexico, Canada, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil from tariffs that his administration imposed last month on imported steel and aluminum. The White House provided temporary exemptions in March and had until the end of Monday to decide whether to extend them. The EU and others had been asked to spell out what limits they could accept on the amount of steel they export to the United States, how they would address the issue of excess production of steel and aluminum, and how they would support the US before international bodies like the World Trade Organization. Security relationships with the US have also been part of the criteria.

(Read more tariffs stories.)(Newser)  A judge has ordered Cardinal George Pell to stand trial on sexual assault charges, making him the most senior Catholic ever to be tried in connection with the church's sex scandals. PellAustralia's most senior Catholic and, as Vatican treasurer, the church's No. 3 official worldwideformally pleaded not guilty to the charges at a hearing in Melbourne Tuesday, the BBC reports. Around half of the historical charges, including the ones Pell's attorney described as the most "vile," were dismissed, but Pell will stand trial on charges relating to alleged sexual offenses in a pool in the town of Ballarat in the 1970s, and at Melbourne's St. Patrick's Cathedral when he was the city's archbishop in the 1990s, Radio Australia reports.

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More than 30 witnesses testified during a pretrial hearing that lasted for four weeks. Magistrate Belinda Wallington said some of the charges were dismissed because of inconsistencies and a lack of evidence; others were dismissed because one accuser died and another was found medically unfit to give evidence. Pell, 76, took a leave of absence from Rome last year to return to Australia and face the charges. His passport has now been confiscated by authorities. "Last year, the Holy Father granted Cardinal Pell a leave of absence so he could defend himself from the accusations. The leave of absence is still in place," the Vatican said in a statement. (Read more Cardinal George Pell stories.)(Newser)  President Trump is not happy about a story involving three of his least favorite things: the Robert Mueller investigation, leakers, and the New York Times. Trump denounced the "Russian Witch Hunt" early Tuesday after the Times reported on a leaked list of around four dozen questions that Mueller wants to ask the president on issues including the firing of FBI chief James Comey, campaign contact with Russians, his public criticism of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and the firing of national security adviser Michael Flynn. The questions, which can be seen here, also touch on Trump's business contacts, with Mueller wanting to know more about discussions of a Moscow real estate deal, the AP reports.

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"What was the purpose of your May 12, 2017 tweet?" reads one question, referring to Trump's statement that Comey "better hope that there are no 'tapes' of our conversations." The Timeswhich says the questions were provided to Trump's lawyers and it obtained them from somebody outside his legal teamreports that most of the questions relate to possible obstruction of justice, including queries about whether a pardon had been discussed with Flynn. Trump called the leak "disgraceful" in a tweet Tuesday. "No questions on Collusion," he said. "Oh, I see...you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!" (The Michael Cohen raid may have dashed Mueller's hopes of sitting down with Trump.)(Newser)  US border inspectors have allowed some of the Central American asylum-seekers from a "caravan of migrants" criticized by President Trump to enter the country for processing, ending a brief impasse over lack of space. Now, the migrants who crossed Mexico in a caravan may face a long legal path. US Customs and Border Protection didn't say how many caravan members were allowed in Monday, but organizers said there were eight, the AP reports. About 140 others were still waiting in Mexico to turn themselves in at San Diego's San Ysidro border crossing, the nation's busiest, said Alex Mensing, project organizer for Pueblo Sin Fronteras, which is leading the caravan.

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"The spirits are high, there was good news for everybody," Mensing said moments after learning that some were allowed in. American attorneys who volunteered advice in Tijuana last week warned the Central Americans that parents may be separated from their children and be detained for many months while their asylum cases are pending. Asylum-seekers are typically held up to three days at the border and turned over to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If they pass initial screening, they may be detained or released with ankle monitors while their cases wind through immigration court, which can take years. Trump tweeted Monday that the case "shows how weak & ineffective US immigration laws are."

(Read more immigration stories.)(Newser)  Soldiers committed no rapes during a crackdown on the Rohingya in Myanmar, the country's army chief told a UN Security Council delegation on Monday, per AFP. But such denials will only become harder to sustain with the cries of infants taking over refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have sought refuge since August of last year, reports the Guardian. Aid agencies there are preparing for a wave of births as a result of systematic rape by the Myanmar army, described in a UN report as "integral to their strategy [of] humiliating, terrorizing, and collectively punishing the Rohingya community and serving as a calculated tool to force them to flee their homelands and prevent their return," per IRIN. One activist says he knows of 15 women impregnated, though that's likely only a fraction of the true number.

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That's because most of the Myanmar sexual assaultsestimates suggest up to two-thirdsgo unreported, including for fear of social stigma. One woman who's already given birth to a son tells the Guardian that some refugees disapprove of him, and her own daughters believe he should be turned over to an orphanage. As a result, some rape survivors may hide their pregnancies, give birth in secret, and abandon their babies. Aid groups are prepared to shelter mothers and aid infants left uncared for, but identifying them in time is a challenge. As a rep for Save the Children puts it, "there is a child protection crisis on the doorstep that urgently needs to be addressed." Urgently indeed, as May typically marks the start of the monsoon season. It brings "heavy rains that could douse the ramshackle camps and turn the precariously built homes and footpaths into a disaster zone," per IRIN. (Read more Rohingya stories.)(Newser)  Australia's oldest scientist recently celebrated his 104th birthday, but it wasn't a joyous occasion. "I greatly regret having reached that age," David Goodall told ABC Australia in early April. "I'm not happy. I want to die." And that's exactly what Goodall, an esteemed ecologist, intends to do this month, with plans in the works to travel from Perth to a clinic in Basel, Switzerland, where staff there will help him end his life, the Guardian reports. Although Goodall doesn't have a terminal illnessa requirement for euthanasia in Victoria, the only state in Australia where assisted suicide will be legal as of June 2019he says his quality of life has gone downhill and he doesn't want to prolong things. Switzerland is one of the few places in the world where, even though assisted suicide hasn't technically been legalized, it's not against Swiss law in "some circumstances," per the Washington Post.

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Goodall was in good shape into his 90s, when his vision started to fail. In 2016, Edith Cowan University, where he's an honorary research assistant, deemed him "unfit" to be on campus. Exit International, a euthanasia advocacy nonprofit that's helping organize his trip, has set up a GoFundMe page, calling the fact that he has to travel across the world to carry out his wishes a "pathetic state of affairs." "A peaceful, dignified death is the entitlement of all who want it," the group says in its latest newsletter. "And a person should not be forced to leave home to achieve it." Forbes notes Goodallwho tells the New Daily he feels "resentful" he has to go to Switzerlandhas been an Exit International member for 20 years and "considering the next gradation for his own personal collection of carbon-based, life-bearing molecules for some time. Now, he's ready." (Check out this euthanasia pod.)(Newser)  If you sold the company you co-founded for $19 billion in 2014, it makes sense that four years later you might decide to step down to focus on "collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars, and playing ultimate frisbee," as Jan Koum wrote Monday on Facebook. But Koum's exit from WhatsApp, the messaging app purchased by Facebook, is rumored to be a little more acrimonious than that. Media reports suggest friction over privacy and encryption preceded his exit. The Washington Post refers to "broad clashes" between WhatsApp's central tenetsprotection of user data is paramount, and "you can still count on absolutely no ads interrupting your communication," the founders wrote in a blog post at the time of the acquisitionand Facebook's way of doing things.

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The Post describes Koum and co-founder Brian Acton, who left the company in September, as bending to some degree as Facebook started to grab some WhatsApp user data. But sources say there were disagreements about moves that would make the service more friendly to businesses but could weaken encryption. The Wall Street Journal notes that Koum's childhood was spent in Soviet-era Ukraine, and the experience fostered a commitment to privacy. The monetization factor was reportedly a thorn, too, with Koum remaining allergic to ads as Facebook sought to figure out how to make money off its purchase, which had less than $20 million in revenue when Facebook bought it. The Post calls out a "highly unusual" element of Koum's departure: He's currently the only Facebooker on Facebook's board other than Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, and he'll reportedly give up that seat as well. (Read more WhatsApp stories.)(Newser)  Ava DuVernay and Shonda Rhimes are among those calling on the music industry to #MuteRKelly over accusations of sexual misconduct "made by women of color and their families for over two decades now." R. Kelly's management team, meanwhile, is claiming a "greedy, conscious, and malicious conspiracy to demean him." The "unjust" attack is an "attempted public lynching of a black man who has made extraordinary contributions to our culture," his team said in a Monday statement, per Variety. Hours earlier, the Women of Color committee at Time's Up issued a letter calling out RCA Records, Spotify, Apple Music, and Ticketmaster for their relationships with the artist, who was last year accused of holding women in an abusive cult at his properties, reports NPR.

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"We demand investigations into R. Kelly's abuse allegations" and "call on those who profit from his music to cut ties," says DuVernay, who's a member of the committee alongside Rhimes and actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell, per USA Today. "We stand linked with our sisters and will no longer tolerate the predatory behavior of R. Kelly to go unchecked," Smollett-Bell adds, per the AP. "His music must be turned down and the voices of these brave survivors must be heard." The women's letter highlights Kelly's May 11 concert in North Carolina, and NPR notes a Friday concert in Chicago was canceled after similar concerns were voiced. "I've never heard of a show being canceled because of rumors, but I guess there's a first time for everything," Kelly later said in a video posted to Twitter. (Read more R. Kelly stories.)(Newser)  Democrats warned such a move could be coming. Now, House Republicans allied with President Trump have drafted articles of impeachment against Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who's overseeing Robert Mueller's investigation into links between Trump's campaign and Russia, the Washington Post reports. "It's sickening," Eric Swalwell, a Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, tells CNN, per the Hill. "There are no limits, or no length, that they are not willing to go to just torch the Department of Justice." Some Republicans see it another way. Trump ally Mark Meadows, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, says the impeachment articles, mentioning Rosenstein's delay in turning over documents to congressional investigators, are "a last resort option, if the Department of Justice fails to respond" to further requests.

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"My frustrations about their inability to respond to simple requests could warrant further action," Meadows tells the Post. Impeachment, however, is no easy route. If approved by the House Judiciary Committee, impeachment would require a majority vote in the House and a two-thirds vote in a Senate trial. Meadows says lawmakers might bring the articles to an immediate House vote, with approval from speaker Paul Ryan. But just last month, Ryan said Mueller and Rosenstein "should be allowed to do their jobs." Still, the impeachment articles may do more than signal "the growing chasm" between Republican leaders and rank-and-file members, per the Post. Experts tell USA Today that the speed at which the DOJ has released documents to Congress may have already been hastened by Republican pressure, which reaches a new level with Meadows' effort. (Read more Rod Rosenstein stories.)(Newser)  The Food and Drug Administration is warning companies that make and sell e-cigarette liquid to stop using packaging that appeals to kids after a recent analysis found that more than 8,200 children under the age of 6 were exposed to e-cigarettes or liquid nicotine between January 2012 and April 2017. Exposure to even small amounts of the nicotine used in such products can lead to seizures, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, coma, and death for children, USA Today reports. Just half a teaspoon could be fatal for a 2-year-old, Bloomberg reports.The FDA told 13 companies to change labeling and advertising that makes the nicotine products look like juice boxes, candy, or cookiessome of which even use cartoon imageryand can lead to accidental ingestion. Products could be seized or injunctions filed if the companies don't change tactics, the FDA says.

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Specifically, the FDA compared the "One Mad Hit Juice Box" to popular apple juice boxes, "Vape Heads Sour Smurf Sauce" to War Heads candy, "V'Nilla Cookies & Milk" to Nilla Wafers and Golden Oreos, and "Whip'd Strawberry" to whipped cream. And then there's "Twirly Pop," which "not only resembles a Unicorn Pop lollipop but is shipped with one," per the FDA. "Looking at these side-to-side comparisons is alarming," said FDA Commissioner and physician Scott Gottlieb in a press release. "No child should be using any tobacco product, and no tobacco products should be marketed in a way that endangers kidsespecially by using imagery that misleads them into thinking the products are things theyd eat or drink." Some of the companies were also cited for illegally selling their products to minors online. (Read more e-cigarettes stories.)(Newser)  It was, as the headline at GQ puts it, "one of the boldest hoaxes of our time." Hard to argue: In 2016, police in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, arrested a star high school student who went by the name of Asher Potts. As it turned out, however, Asher Potts was actually a Ukrainian man named Artur Samarin, and he was 23, not 18. Incredibly, Samarin's deception had begun four years earlier, when he began attending high school in Harrisburg as a freshman. The ruse finally ended when two police officers arrested him in his senior classroom, when he was on the brink of attending the college of his choice to fulfill a dream of becoming a scientist. Now Daniel Riley of GQ unspools the story and catches up with Samarin in his native Ukrainewhere he was deported after a stint in US prison.

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"It was like hell, but squared," Samarin says. "But being in prison was not the worst, it was being on the media. Colored in terrible, terrible paints. ... I was heartbroken." Samarin had originally come to the US legally on a temporary visa, before agreeing to let an adult couple he'd befriended adopt him so he could remain. He says it was their idea to falsify his age and enroll in high school, so they could collect tax benefits. (Both were eventually convicted for their roles in the scheme.) Things began to unravel when Samarin applied for a passport as "Asher Potts," and the feds figured things out. Samarin spent about 14 months in prison for statutory sexual assault (he'd had a high school girlfriend) and Social Security fraud. Now he's back in college in Ukraine, picking up where he left off after a five-year gap, but worried that his criminal record will limit his future. Read the full story. (Read more Longform stories.)(Newser)  After the plan sparked controversy, Divine Child High School says it will no longer force "modesty ponchos" on girls who attend prom on May 12 in a dress that doesn't meet the Catholic school's dress code, the AP reports. The plan made headlines after the ponchos were put on display at the Dearborn, Mich., school along with notes that read, "If your dress does not meet our formal dance dress requirements - no problem! We've got you covered - literally. This is our Modesty Poncho, which you'll be given at the door. :)" The school's Prom Formal Dress Policy includes detailed requirements banning "plunging necklines," "plunging back openings," "exposed cleavage," "visible midriffs," "cutouts beneath the traditional bra line," and slits that go higher than an inch above the knee joint, among other things. Those requirements will apparently still be in effect.

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Students and their parents are required to sign off on the requirements and acknowledge that if their dress doesn't meet them, they may be forced to change or sent home. The Detroit Free Press reports that many criticized the ponchos on social media, with one student saying the school forces modesty ponchos on larger-breasted girls who wear something "even a little low" cut: "they basically body shame girls if theyre bigger than a B cup," the post reads. "It's a method of shaming, ... and degrading to females," adds an anonymous parent who spoke to Fox 2 Detroit. The teacher at the school who came up with the poncho idea says it "was really intended as a deterrent and a lighthearted one at that." After rescinding the poncho idea, the principal said the school will instead encourage students "to tailor their outfits or provide their own wraps or shawls that would meet our requirements," and said the school may provide wraps and shawls at prom. (Read more dress code stories.)(Newser)  A veterinarian pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to US charges that he implanted liquid heroin in puppies to turn them into drug mules for a Colombian trafficking ring, the AP reports. Andres Lopez Elorza appeared in federal court in Brooklyn after being extradited from Spain, where he was arrested in 2015 on a US warrant. He was ordered held without bail. Lopez Elorza, 38, who also goes by Lopez Elorez, became a fugitive in 2005 when authorities arrested about two dozen suspected traffickers in Colombia. Before he fled, the defendant had "gained some notoriety" from accusations that he was part of a barbaric scheme that turned an undetermined number of puppies and dogs into "animal couriers" by stitching packets of liquid heroin into their bodies, Assistant US Attorney Nathan Reilly told a magistrate judge on Tuesday.

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It is believed that the dogs were sent on commercial flights to New York City, where the drugs were cut out of them, authorities said. Investigators believe the puppies would have died in the process, but it was unknown how many were involved. "Over time, drug organizations' unquenchable thirst for profit leads them to do unthinkable crimes like using innocent puppies for drug concealment," James J. Hunt, head of the US Drug Enforcement Administration's New York office, said in a statement. US Attorney Richard Donoghue said: "Dogs are man's best friend and, as the defendant is about to learn, we are drug dealers' worst enemy." Ten puppies were found during a 2005 raid on a farm in Colombia, DEA officials said. Five ended up running away, three died from infection and two were adopted, including one that became a drug-sniffing dog for Colombian police.

(Read more drug smuggling stories.)Sorry!

This content is not available in your regionNew Delhi:

Movie buffs are all set to receive a treat as several content-based films will hit the silver screens in May. When you have a deadly combination of a power-pack performer and a talented director, you can expect a master piece.

The countdown for the release of one of the most-awaited films of the year- Raazi has already begun. The Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal starrer will knock the cinema theatres on May 11.

The spy thriller has been making waves ever since the trailer was unveiled by the makers. The two and half minute video introduced us to the brave Kashmiri girl Sehmat, who is ready to go to any extent for her nation.

The video left us stunned and awestruck and proved why Alia is regarded as one of the finest actresses of generation. The Highway actress' top-notch acting skills justified the tag line of Raazi- ''The story of an ordinary in extraordinary circumstancesaa.

Alia, who made her debut as a fashionista in Karan Joharas Student Of The Year, will evoke patriotism as a spy in Raazi. The film is based on the novel Calling Sehmat by Harinder Sikka

In case, you are yet to watch the trailer of the highly anticipated film, you can check it right here.

Both the songs of Raazi are soul-stirring and have managed to turn chartbusters within few days. Arijit Singhas Ae Watan celebrates the true spirit of love for your country and has already crossed 10 million views on YouTube.

Harshdeep Kauras Dilbaro will warm the cockles of your heart as it depicts the feelings of a father during his daughteras wedding.

Ahead of the filmas release we thought of treating you with some of the pictures and stills from the film shared by the actors.

A special shout out to director Meghan Gulzar for choosing such a subject and to Alia Bhatt for her choice of roles.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit Delhi on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the national committee set up to commemorate Mahatma Gandhis 150th birth anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the meeting of the national committee on Wednesday, which shall be attended by the Chief Ministers of almost all states.

The representatives from across the political spectrums have been invited for the meeting to plan for the grand Gandhi Jayanti celebrations next year.

Banerjee has been criticising the BJP-ruled government for its policies and making all out efforts to form a federal front against the saffron party before the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

It was not clear whether she will hold any meeting with the CMs of other states. She will return to Kolkata on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

A BJP MP from Aligarh Satish Kumar Gautam on Tuesday wrote a letter to the vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, asking him to explain why a portrait of Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah was hanging inside the campus.

I have heard a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is hung inside the campus. Kindly gather more details on this and give reasons behind it, Gautam wrote to the vice-chancellor of the varsity.

After the BJP leaders objection, Aligarh Muslim University came out with a clarification and said the Jinnah was awarded an honorary degree in 1938 and the administration had nothing to do with it.

In 1938, Muhammad Ali Jinnah came to Aligarh University & he was given an honorary degree like to many others by the union. The administration had nothing to do with it, Shafey Kidwai, PRO Aligarh Muslim University.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Union minister Piyush Goyal of being involved in a 'Flashnet scam' and demanded his resignation.

Gandhi lashed out at the mainstream media for not covering the story of Goyals scam and termed the silence of journalists a tragedy for India.

Piyush Goyals, 48 CR. Flash Net Scam is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed. The evidence is on the table. Yet, the media will not touch the story. It is a tragedy for our country when journalists entrusted to stand for the truth, will not speak, the Congress president tweeted with a #GoyalMustResign.

Along with his tweet, Gandhi also shared a picture alleging the Railways Minister of selling his stock of Flashnet Info Solutions to Piramal group, which had interests in power sector when Goyal was the Minister of State for Power.

Rahul also claimed that post the sale of his stocks, Goyal made no changes in his assets declaration file with the Prime Ministers Office (PMO).

Earlier last week, the Congress had alleged that Goyal and his wife sold the their entire stocks of Flashnet Info Solutions to Piramal Estates for an astronomical price of Rs 9,586 per share totalling Rs 48 crore, or 1,000 times the book value.

This was not the first time that the allegations of corruption surfaced against Goyal. Earlier, his name was associated with the loan default scam by Mumbai-based Company Shirdi Industries. Goyal was the chairman of the company until 2010.

Meanwhile, hitting back at the Congress president, Goyal said that unlike him, he was a 'Kaamdar' (worker) and was professional Chartered Accountant & investment banker.

"Till 26th May 2014, before I became a Minister, I was a professional Chartered Accountant & investment banker. Unlike you, Mr Rahul Gandhi, I have not learnt well the art of living without working. I am also a kaamdaar (worker) and not a naamdaar (dynast)," Goyal retorted.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a frontal attack against Congress, its chief Rahul Gandhi and chief minister S Siddaramaiah, and asked people in Karnataka to evict it from the state and finish the job of making India Congress-mukt.

In the slog overs of Indian Political League (IPL) Karnataka edition, so to speak, the BJPs pinch hitter arrived on the pitch and began an aggressive belting of the Congress and its leaders on the last leg of the BJPs campaign to dislodge the Congress government in the state.

Modi arrived in Karnataka on Tuesday and addressed three rallies  at Chamrajangar in Mysuru, Udipi and at Chikkodi in Belagavi  and will spend the next five days criss-crossing the state, whipping up support for his party and chief ministerial candidate YS YeddyurappaIncidentally, Yedyurappa was at hand when Modi launched his Karnataka campaign from Santhemarahalli town of Chamrajanagar district with broad swipes against Rahul Gandhi, making fun of his mental abilities and political acumen. Of course, the PM chose to use the occasion to sell Yeddyurappa as the partys chief minister under whom the state will sprint ahead in progress and growth.

It is not a BJP wave in Karnataka but it is a BJP storm, Modi said, adding there is an Andhi that will sweep Karnataka and oust the Congress from the state.

Modi challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes without the help of any notes and prompting on the achievements of his own government in Karnataka and of the UPA. You can speak extempore in any language of your choice, including your mother tongue (Italian), Modi said, adding if Rahul Gandhi managed to do that, it would be a great achievement.

I challenge you (Rahul Gandhi) to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from any piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue, he said.

If he can speak for 15 minutes, it will be a big thing, Modi said, highlighting the gaffes made by the young leader. And let him pronounce the name of Visveswarayya five or six times in his speech, and then people will realise what he is made of, the prime minister said without mincing his words against the Congress president.

The prime ministers campaign themes were clear  all-out frontal attack against Congress and drill home the point that the Congress was corrupt and was running a corrupt regime, a regime under which there was ease of doing murder and there was a collapse of law and order machinery. Development was clogged under the Congress regime, Modi reiterated and tried to contrast it with his own achievements  total electrification of India, something that the previous prime minister Manmohan Singh promised but could not do.

The Congress made several false promises but could not deliver, Modi said, adding that it was waiting for Modi to perform.

Then he turned his attention to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and said that he was presiding over a corrupt regime (a 10 per cent commission government) and because of his failures was now running around for cover and fighting the elections from two constituencies. He is running helter skelter, Modi said in his now patented dramatic drawl and nasal tone that he deploys to highlight a point.

On the whole, an attempt to discredit the Congress government and its leadership and paint a picture that the BJP was knocking on the doors of power in the state. Going by the response of the crowds that thronged the rally venues, Modi seemed to have scored a hit, as always.

Modi pulled out his vintage form and content that regaled the audiences and held them spell bound, even though his speeches were delivered in Hindi. Kannada translation was accompanied for the benefit of the masses who turned up to listen to Modi.

Modis jibe of 2+1 against Siddaramaiah for contesting in two seats had instant reaction from the chief minister himself.

Was the PM running scared when he contested from two constituencies? the CM questioned within minutes of the campaign speech of the prime minister.

"Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies Varanasi and Vadodara PM Narendra Modi? Of course, you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation! Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70!" tweeted Siddaramaiah within minutes of Modis speech. Siddaramaiahs tweet was in response to Modis statement that "I was reading the papers and saw a 2+1 formula in Karnataka. This is a version of family politics in Karnataka."

On the charge of Congress leaders preferring dynasty politics, a senior Congress leader hit out, saying that all the prime ministers in the past were elected by people and the PMs comments were an insult to the voters of India who chose to vote for the Congress.

And then Siddaramaiah hit back at the BJP and the prime minister with his own 2+1 comment  Two Reddys for one Yeddy  (referring to the controversial Bellary brothers and Yeddyurappa who himself faced serious corruption charges and had spent some time in jail over the charges. He was later exonerated by the courts.

The prime ministers campaign and the immediate counter attack from the Congress promise to heat up the electioneering several notches high in the scorching summer heat that grips Karnataka.

Campaigning for the 224-seat Karnataka assembly polls will end on May 10 and polling held on May 12. Counting of votes will be taken up on May 15.New Delhi:

Maharashtra politics is going through a churning process. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has consolidated his position, dealing deftly with Maratha and Dalit agitations and cultivating a pro-industry image, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar is growling against the BJP, not sparing its Central leadership, while the Shiv Sena continues to maintain that it would not tie up with the BJP in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.



When the BJP fell short of a majority in the last Assembly polls in 2019 and had the NCP propping up the minority government from outside with the Shiv Sena deciding to support it after a month of vacillation, many were apprehensive of lack of stability.



Fadnavis, however, justified the trust placed in him by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah who bypassed other, seemingly stronger aspirants. He first wooed the strongly-aggrieved farmers through loan waivers and then defusing Maratha and Dalit agitations while also assiduously wooing industry. Politically, the NCPs initial flush of ambition was checked and simultaneously, the Shiv Senas wings were clipped without rubbing its leaders on the wrong side beyond a point.



Now, however, with the elections less than an year away, the NCP and Sena are both waking up to hard realities of their limited regeneration and the need to sound more aggressive against the current establishment led by the BJP.



Sharad Pawars tone and tenor has turned increasingly shrill in recent days even as he flirts with the Opposition at the Central level. His uneventful unanimous re-election as party president at the NCP plenary was marked by his strong attack on the Narendra Modi government on Sunday, citing the worsening condition of Dalits, minorities and women in the country under the BJP rule. He lashed out at Prime Minister Modi, questioning the talkative PMs silence on key public issues.



Pawar realises that time is running out for him with his none-too-bright health and wants to make one last-ditch effort to control the levers of power either at the Centre or in the State. He is not prepared to play second fiddle to new Congress boss Rahul Gandhi but would rather try leading an Opposition combine himself if possible.



Pawar has been known to cultivate politicians of all hues and is hoping that he could emerge as a consensus candidate of the Opposition in the event of a hung Parliament in 2019. That is a strong reason he has given up on the BJP which has a charismatic and wily leader in Modi who is still young by Indian political standards.



The Maratha strongman thinks poorly of Rahul Gandhi and knows that the so-called loyalty to him of Congressmen is all too superficial.



At the other end of the spectrum in Maharashtra politics is the Shiv Sena which is extremely wary of BJPs enhanced clout and desperately wants to arrest its rise. Even as Pawar was waxing eloquent on the BJPs misdeeds in Mumbai, the Sena was playing out its own brand of BJP-baiting.



Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut wrote in his latest weekly piece in the party mouthpiece Saamna that the Fadnavis government was running on Sena support but was living a post-divorce life. He wrote that while in 2014 it was incumbent on the BJP to take Senas support, it is now Senas compulsion not to be with the BJP in 2019.



Raut claimed that if the Sena takes a stand (on anything), the BJP takes exactly the opposite of it. He added that the current state government was a good example of how alliance partners in the government should not be.



At one time, Raj Thackerays MNS was well disposed towards Modi. But of late even he has turned hawkishly hostile toward the BJP, seeing that his party is not growing.



With Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray both flexing their muscles, the battle lines are drawn between the BJP and rival parties. Fadnavis would need all his tact and political acumen to ward off the challenge to him in Maharashtra. The central BJP also needs a good showing in the state to return to power with a strong possibility of a fall in its tally in some states.



The die is cast for a key battle.New Delhi:

With barely 10 days left for the Assembly elections in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched his blitzkrieg to woo the voters in his inimitable style.

Having achieved results in his campaign wherever he unleashes his barbed rhetoric, Modis rallies are expected to give the BJP a boost in a state where the incumbent party, the Congress, is ahead of the BJP in opinion polls, albeit marginally with the Janata Dal-Secular supposedly holding the trump card as a third force in an expectedly hung assembly.

Modi is expected to address at least 15 rallies across the state in five days of intensive campaigning, taking the war against his rivals to breach their bastions.

The Indian Express put it aptly when Modi was fighting a do or die battle before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in 2014 to wrest power from the Congress: Narendra Modi rallies have, in recent times, gone on to become full-fledged stage productions involving light, sound, carefully chosen music, stage design and sky cameras  all intended to enhance viewer experience and build the Modi brand.

Add to that Modis penchant for using social networking sites which his rivals now have learnt to match and Modi comes off as a formidable campaigner with his breathtaking oratorical style that establishes a fine rapport with his audiences.

A few months ago, Modi gave a taste of his winning ways to the Congress in Gujarat when he jumped into intensive campaigning in the last phase to turn the tables on a confident, resurging Congress party that was fast building on the anti-insurgency sentiment.

Modis barbs on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul breathed life into the lacklustre BJP campaign.

Now, the challenge is in a state in which a Congress government is seemingly well-entrenched with a chief minister who is combative and prone to exploit parochial sentiment to the hilt.

Siddaramaiah is no lightweight. He is familiar with the pulse of the people and is no stickler for morality and propriety. BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, however, has a corruption taint which refuses to go. After a stint of chief ministership, he had been jailed for a few months by a Lok Ayukta court for corruption from which he was later cleared by the high court.

Yeddyurappas saving grace is that the Siddaramaiah government is no paragon of virtue. It is characterised by maladministration and corruption during its rule and its record of development has been lacklustre.

Modi is indeed having difficulty carrying through the corruption plank because of Yeddyurappas dubious credentials on that front.

Consequently, Modis rhetoric is centred on what the Central government has done through its schemes for the common man, including electrification of all villages, landmarks in banking finance for rural and urban poor the prime ministers pet schemes to spur development.

On a different plane, the poor law and order in Bengaluru and in the rest of Karnataka have come in for sharp attack from Modi. He said in his first Karnataka rally that while his government is working on ease of doing business the Siddaramaiah government is into ease of doing murders.

He takes digs at Rahul, challenging him to speak for 15 minutes on the states achievements without a paper to read from in any language and does not spare Sonia too in his broadsides.

Largely, Modi is not vicious in his attacks on Kumaraswamy of the JD-S, conscious that the BJP could need his partys support in the event of a hung assembly: PM ModiNew Delhi:

Success is not about how much money you make; it is about the difference you make in peoples lives  Michelle Obama.

Women empowerment has seen a paradigm shift over the decades, with participation of women at the grassroots level being equally hailed as essential. The author explores the journeys of three such women, who have brought about change by their foray into good rural governance.

An ordinary journey made extraordinary

What is meant to be, always finds a way . . . Destiny is a strange thing, and the story of Gheetha, who hails from Shammerpet village, Telengana, is a classic example of it. Her life changed course with her marriage.

Post marriage, I decided to pursue the completion of my class X examinations from the Government High School, Srirangavaram, Telangana. However, thereafter, circumstances within the family were not conducive to facilitate further studies. I call this phase of my life my first innings... Those were challenging times. I did not know much about the outside world, just the household and its chores. I have, however, no regrets whatsoever. This phase taught me a lot too, Gheetha says.

Her second innings, however, saw no looking back, as Gheetha was catapulted from being a housewife to contesting an election for the prestigious post of a sarpanch (village council head). Self Help Groups (SHGs) was formed in Gheethas village, but there was no one to look after the bookkeeping. The women of the SHG urged Gheetha to take up the responsibility, which she did happily.



For me, it was a matter of service, which was very much appreciated by one and all, and this is what mattered to me, more than anything else. Subsequently, this service was converted into a paid assignment as the village book-keeper. It was a beautiful amalgamation of social work and profession. It earned me a lot of goodwill amongst the villagers too. Besides, I served as a kind of role model, as most women were confined to household chores only. I encouraged them to come forward and participate in social activities and trainings. It was a kind of movement! reminisces Gheetha.



Because of her services and the goodwill Gheetha had earned, people urged her strongly to contest elections for the post of sarpanch, but as an independent candidate. However, due to financial problems and lack of political support, she suffered a defeat, but by a narrow margin of only fifty votes! Even in this defeat, she won the hearts of the villagers, as they appreciated her grit, hard work, and tireless service.



Her future plans: To continue the good work, magnify it, and expand it to more beneficiaries.



Gheethas message for her readers: Every woman is a personality in her own right; this is something that all should respect, acknowledge, and nurture. It is this inner talent that plays an important role in the development of society.



Nishitha Reddy - Living up to her name, and how!



Nishitha Reddy had always been a topper in studies. Financial problems and marriage at the age of 18 cut short her dream to pursue higher studies. However, her marriage into the village of Mysireddypalli, Telangana, opened a unique opportunity of amalgamating her passion for learning with social service: writing books on behalf of the SHG of women, who were illiterate. Soon after, opportunity came knocking on her door: The District Rural Development Agency was in need of a community activist (CA) for Reddys village, with the responsibility to look after SHGs at the village level.



My appointment was unanimously supported by one and all; it was recognition for my service. I was then appointed as village organisation assistant (VOA) and there has been no looking back. I also continued my studies and completed my graduation. I am currently pursuing my post-graduation, Reddy says.



The first challenge Reddy faced as VOA was the lack of infrastructure, even for conducting SHG meetings. Women had to sit under a tree, facing the brunt of extreme weather conditions.



I wanted to resolve the issue; it so happened that one day the minister was visiting our village. I mobilized the women and submitted a proposal for the sanction of a Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas building for the village SHG women. The minister appreciated the initiative and gave the go-ahead for the construction almost immediately. she says.



However, the joy was short-lived as the allocated land had been encroached, and the squatters began attacking Reddys house and threatening her. She immediately informed the minister, seeking help; the police were informed and deputed in Reddys village until the construction work was completed. Her efforts saw her subsequent election to the post of working president for the womens cell.



My passion has always been social work; it gives me a lot of satisfaction. It is my dream to turn my village into a model village for all to draw inspiration from, Reddy says.



Reddys message for her readers: It is paramount that women take more active part in the decision-making processes that change the course of their lives, the lives of their families, and the communities they live in. The progress of women is vital for the progress of the society.



Living her dream  C Nouzia Bhanus journey



C Nouzia Bhanu chose to be a political leader with a difference  to stand-up for the cause of the poor, and for the cause of women, an ambition nurtured from when she was a child.



Preparing herself well for the opportunity, Bhanu took a plunge into the political arena with her nomination to the MPTC or Mandal Parishad Tutorial Constituency in the 2014 elections, in Chilamathur Mandal, Anantpur district, Andhra Pradesh, which she won by a majority of 700 votes. Soon after, another opportunity came knocking  to stand for elections to the MPP or Mandal Praja Parishad; since the Chilamathur Mandal MPP seat was reserved for women candidates, and since she was the only one who had completed a secondary school education among all MPTCs, she was chosen by all 15 MPTCs in Chilamathur Mandal, making her the leader of all 11 village presidents, 15 MPTCs across the Mandal of 63 villages and 11 village panchayats.



Bhanu has born and brought up in the town of Hindupur. Her inspiration had always been the speeches by visiting political leaders and other successful people. Words of motivation in these speeches, and the desire to help people found resonance with her, inspiring her to study hard, and be something. She completed school in Hindupur, subsequently pursuing her intermediate (10+2); marriage caught-up with her, but she did not give up studying. Motherhood followed, but family support always remained by her side, pushing her towards the achievement of her dreams.



The happiest thing for me is working for people, making them aware of their rights, and helping them avail them. We, as a team, have sanctioned 1044 old age pensions, 1500 houses with pattas (title deed) and new ration cards for all eligible candidates. I receive a lot of support from everybody, right from the MPTCs, village presidents, government officials and MLAs. Activities, close to my heart include working for the cause of prevention of child marriages, she says.



Bhanu was awarded Best MPP on the 69th Republic Day by district collector Veerapandiyan, IAS. Bhanu, now, is learning the nuances of good rural governance.



Bhanus message for her readers: No dream is too big, if one decides to follow it with perseverance and courage.



The fulfilment of dreams of these women serves as a role model for many young girls and boys to be what they dream to be.

The author is a writer, consultant-communications/media outreach and soft skills trainerNew Delhi:

Iran on Tuesday called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an infamous liar over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Netanyahus comments came from a broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said in a statement.



Netanyahu: New proof of Iran nuclear weapons programme



Earlier on Monday, Netanyahu said in a televised address in Tel Aviv that he had new proof of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time, as the US considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

But while Netanyahu accused Israels main enemy Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, he did not provide evidence that it had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers, according to AFP reports.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.



Netanyahu said Israel had obtained tens of thousands of files a few weeks ago in a great intelligence achievement, saying they had been moved to a secret compound in Tehran in 2017 that looked dilapidated from the outside.



Tonight were going to reveal new and conclusive proof of the secret nuclear weapons programme that Iran has been hiding for years from the international community in its secret atomic archive, Netanyahu said, adding, Were going to show you Irans secret nuclear files.



Netanyahu then laid out what he said was a years-old secret nuclear weapons programme stored away and which he could be put into action at any time.



US President Donald Trump has a May 12 deadline to decide on whether or not to walk away from the nuclear deal, which he has derided as insane partly because its restrictions on Irans nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.



Most world powers, however, say the nuclear deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

Netanyahu has repeatedly called for the accordwhich Iran signed with Britain, France, China, Russia, the United States and Germanyto either be altered or scrapped.



He says the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement does not prevent Tehran from eventually obtaining nuclear weapons and says the lifting of sanctions has increased Tehrans ability to finance proxy militants in the Middle East.



Netanyahu also wants to see curbs on Irans missile programme. His presentation came after he met visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday and spoke with Trump by phone on Saturday.



Pompeo reiterated during the visit that Trump will withdraw from the nuclear deal with Iran if we cant fix it. He also joined Netanyahu in lashing out at Iran. Irans ambition to dominate the Middle East remains, AFP quote Pompeo as saying.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump hinted on Monday that he was open to negotiate a new deal with Tehran, while kept demeaning the current nuclear deal ahead of a looming deadline for Washington to decide whether or not to leave the landmark pact.

Trump, at a news conference at the White House, attacked the "horrible" deal again, which has been struck by the Obama administration with Iran in 2015 along with other world powers.

"In seven years that deal will have expired, and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons. That's not acceptable," Trump said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. president said he was open to negotiate a new deal with Tehran.

"So that doesn't mean I wouldn't negotiate a new agreement. We'll see what happens," he said.

Trump declined to reveal whether Washington will leave the nuclear deal before a May 12 deadline.

"And on or before the 12th, we'll make a decision," Trump said.

Trump has been criticizing the nuclear deal since it was signed in 2015, which has been widely seen as providing "clear and tangible" benefits by limiting Iran's nuclear program.

In January, Trump extended sanctions relief on Iran under the deal for the last time, threatening a U.S. withdrawal if the U.S. Congress and his European allies cannot fix the alleged "disastrous flaws."

One of Trump's major critiques about the deal was the "sunset clauses," which allow Iran to restart its uranium enrichment program after 2025.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signaled on Sunday that Trump was willing to walk away from the landmark deal even as European allies warned the agreement was the best way to keep Tehran nuke-free.

Pompeo, newly appointed to the post, said on a Middle East tour that Washington is "determined to make sure it never possesses a nuclear weapon," adding the Iran deal in "its current form does not provide that assurance."

Trump's remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday disclosed files which he said could "prove" Iran's secret development of nuclear weapons.

"Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons program," the Israeli prime minister said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif accused Netanyahu of deception on Monday evening,

"The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again. You can only fool some of the people so many times," Zarif wrote on his Twitter account.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Israeli prime minister's allegations against Iran aimed to influence Trump's upcoming decision about the deal.paraklisi

The icon of St Nicholas from upper Pinegaby V. Vereshchagin (1894)Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker (feastday: Dec 6/19) is one of the most beloved Saints of the Church. He is loved by so many because God has revealed St. Nicholas to be an ever-active intercessor, often performing very practical, straightforward, miracles of healing and rescue that anyone can comprehend. Among these miracles, a number have been worked through the icons of Nicholas. Below is a small selection of St Nicholas icons that have performed, or continue to perform, miracles.1) Icon of St. Nicholas of ZarazskSt Nicholas of Zarazsk, Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery(16th Century)St Nicholas of Zarazsk, Kirillo-Belozersky MonasteryThe icon of St Nicholas of Zarazsk ( ) is one of the most well-known icons in Russia that plays a significant role in the nations early medieval history. Hailing from the ancient Byzantine colony of Korsun, in the Crimea, the icon of St Nicholas was said to be situated in the church in which Vladimir the Great was baptized in 988.In 1225 the icon was escorted by the priest Eustathius from Korsun to the Russian principality of Ryazan. This meant traversing the dangerous Polovtsian lands of the Tartars. Guided miraculously by St Nicholas, Fr Eustathius safely delivered the icon to Ryazans Prince Theodore. The prince built a church in honour of St. Nicholas, and placed the miraculous image within it.Catastrophe later came upon the land of Ryazan in the form of the Tartar-Ruler Batus forces. Prince Theodore was captured and later died. On hearing the news, Theodores wife, Eupraxia, threw herself, along with her baby son, from the bell-tower of a church rather than face Tatar captivity herself. It is this manner and/or location of death, associated with a prophecy of St Nicholas icon regarding Ryazan, that gave the icon its name Zaraysk.It wasnt until the 16th century, when the icon was transferred to Kolomna, that St Nickolas of Zarazsk gained a wider devotion. This is also the time the stories of the capture of Ryazan were written in their present form. Consequently, copies of the icon spread widely throughout Russia  distinctive in showing St Nicholas full-length, right arm raised in blessing, and left arm holding aloft a Gospel book. Some of these copies have also been considered wonder-working.2) Saint Nicholas Reappears on a Burnt IconFace of St. Nicholas Appears On Burnt Icon, Ukraine (2011)In more recent times, burnt planks of wood manifested the faces of Christ and St Nicholas when moved to the home of a villager in the Ukraine. The villagers farm belonged to a priest just before WWII, but the house was bombed by the Germans, and a new one was built. A much older shed remained until it burned down in a fire six years ago. Dismantling the wreckage, the 80 year-old woman was surprised to find two small planks with faint images upon them. Believing they were icons that had survived the fire, the lady removed them to her house, but promptly forgot about the indistinct images.Not long after the images cleared to reveal the faces of Christ and St. Nicholas. The boards were taken to the local church to be sanctified, and since then have gradually become clearer and clearer, with no cleaning by the owners. The old ladys house is now regularly visited by locals wishing to venerate the icons.3) The Miraculous Icon of St Nicholas in KokkariSt Nicholas of Kokkari, painted on Mt Athos, 1909In the secluded fishing harbour of Kokkari, is the largest church on Samos, and home to a wonder-working icon of St Nicholas. As a village based on fishing, it is unsurprising that the inhabitants wanted a church dedicated to St Nicholas  the patron of sea-travellers  nearby. Started in 1902, building of the church halted just a few years later due to political squabbles on Samos. At the same time, the icon of St Nicholas arrived from Mt Athos, where it had been specially painted for the church in Kokkari. As building had been halted, many of the churchs patrons were unwilling to pay for this costly icon, and it was set to be returned. However, a local wealthy doctor, received in a dream the message that his greed should not prevent the icon from staying in Kokkari, and settled the balance.From then on, the numerous miracles have been attributed to the icon. A sailor from Marathokampos, who had run aground in stormy seas, was guided to a safe beach by the light emitted by an image of St Nicholas. Heading to the nearest church, in Kokkari, to give thanks to St Nicholas, the sailor was amazed to see the icon, which had the same composition as the image which had guided him to safety. This miracle helped settle the petty squabbles of the villagers, and construction of the church was resumed, being finally completed in 1938. A little later, in the Summer of 1940, the icon began to weep  a miracle that was seen as a forewarning the terrible events that were to befall Greece during World War II.4) The Strange and Modern Miracle of St Nicholas IconThe miracle of Nicholas Icon and Zoe, 1956Through an icon of St Nicholas, a miraculous incident shocked and brought repentance to hundreds of people in the Russian Soviet city of Kuibyshev (modern day Samara), in the year 1956.On New Years Eve, a young woman called Zoe, caught up in the worldly celebrations, took down one of her pious mothers icons of St Nicholas and started to irreverently dance with it. Upon taunting God with the words, If He exists, let Him punish me, there was a flash of light, and Zoe became frozen to the spot, still clutching St Nicholas icon to her chest.Alive, conscious, but unable to move a limb, Zoe remained frozen like a statue until Easter, 128 days later. During that time physicians, a professor of medicine, priests, and the local bishop all visited her and left unable to explain what had happened, nor move her from where she stood. Meanwhile, Soviet guards were placed on the houses door to prevent the news spreading too far. Zoe could speak, and related her dreadful visions of the world burning lost because of its sins. On Easter day her muscles relaxed and she could finally move freely again. The young woman, now exhausted, related her experiences and the need for repentance, before reposing peacefully three days later.5) St. Nicholas O Streidas (of the Oyster)St. Nicholas of the Oyster ( )During the Iconoclastic period, the monks of Mt Athos sometimes threw the holy icons into the sea, reasoning that at least in the waves there was a chance of survival, whereas to hold on to them would mean sure destruction at the hand of the icon-smashers. Among these icons, was an rare mosaic (rather than painted) icon of St Nicholas.After the iconoclastic heresy was defeated, many of the monasteries of Athos were rebuilt. The brethren of one of these monasteries, dedicated to St John the Baptist, were fishing one day when they found in their net the mosaic icon of St Nicholas thrown into the sea years before. The icon had been miraculously preserved, except for one thing: an oyster shell was embedded in St Nicholas face. When the monks pulled the shell from the icon, they were amazed to see blood run from the wound. On hearing of this miracle, Patriarch Jeremiah the Elder rededicated the monastery of St John to Nicholas, giving it the name Stavronikita. The monastery remains today, along with the miraculous icon: crack and dried blood still clearly visible.6) The Myrrh-Streaming Icon of MichiganProcession of the Myrrh-Streaming IconThis icon is remarkable, but not unique, for being a myrrh-streaming printed image laminated onto a wooden board. The icon was made by the Isaac of Syria Skete in Wisconsin, but was not put on sale because it had failed the sketes strict quality-control standards. Placed in the reject bin of icons available as free gifts to visitors, it was given to the priest (Fr Elias) of St Georges Church, Michigan City, Indiana.In 1996, on St Nicholas feastday, Fr Elias and the Reader, Timothy, entered the church to be greeted by the strong smell of roses engulfing the entire nave. The smell was traced to the icon of St Nicholas, which had been placed on the icon-stand specially for the feast. The icon was found to be exuding myrrh in three streams, originating on Nicholas forehead, and coming through the icons laminate.Miracles have been attributed to this holy oil, and the icon itself travels around the United States, still exuding myrrh.7) Embroidered Icon of St Nicholas in AndrosIcon from Andros (17th century)The ancient St Nicholas Monastery in Andros is blessed with not only relics of the Saint himself, but at least two wonder-working icons of the Mother of God. In the narthex of the main church is also an unusual embroidered icon of St Nicholas that is claimed to work miracles too. The icon dates to the 17th century, when the abbot, Jakavos, went to Smyrna on monastery business. There he met an uneducated woman, Triandaphyla, who had gained a reputation for healing the sick, not only with herbs, but also with magic. Among those she had helped was a wealthy Turkish Pasha who, in gratitude, had given her a bag of gold. Abbot Jakovos spoke to her about the dangers to herself and others of using magic, and repenting, shereturned with him to Andros where she lived in the village of Messarion and was tonsured a nun with the name Leonida. She spent eleven years sewing the icon of St. Nicholas, and the threads of the hands and face are her own hair.8) Icon of Nicholas the Wet ( )An Icon of Nicholas the Wet ( )In Ukraine, and around Kiev in particular, are numerous churches dedicated to St Nicholas the Wet. This recounts a famous miracle of St Nicholas, as well as linking in with the Saints well known care for sailors and travelers. A Kievan man was sailing home on the river Dneper with his wife and baby, after celebrating the feast day of Ss Boris and Gleb in Vyshgorod. The wife dozed off and allowed her baby to fall into the waters. Frantically the two parents tried to save their child, calling out to St Nicholas in particular for help, but the baby was pulled under by the strong currents, lost. Distraught, the young couple returned home, begging St Nicholas that their child might at least survive.The next morning, the sacristan of St Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, heard the crying of a baby coming from within. To his amazement, despite the doors being locked all night, an infant was found dripping wet underneath the icon of St Nicholas. News spread and the parents were reunited with their child, confessing it to be a miracle of St Nicholas. Pilgrims flocked to the icon, which remained an object of veneration right up until it disappeared during the Second World War. The icon shown here is not the original, but an icon of the miracle. Here is what is thought to be a photograph of the original icon.9) The Wonder-Working Icon of Saint Nicholas in SpataMiraculous Icon of St Nicholas, SpataWithin the olive groves and rich farmland east of Athens, lays the small village of Spata, renamed Agios Nikolaos because of the miracles the Saint has performed in this area.There are two stories relating how the icon of St Nicholas was discovered. Both stories describe the icon being discovered by locals in a secluded, forested, spring, either a cave or an abandoned hermits cell, leading to speculation it is an ancient icon hidden during the iconoclastic period. Either way, each time the icon was brought to Spata for veneration, it miraculously returned to its original spot, letting the villagers know that is where the church to St Nicholas should be built near the spring.Innumerable examples of healing have been attributed to the St Nicholas shrine, including visions of the Saint himself. Among these phenomena are the account of wild animals entering the church, and unguided walking up to the holy icon of St Nicholas, and venerating it!10. The Invincible Icon of Nikolskaya TowerNicholas of Mozhaisk Icon on the KremlinGate icons, painted over the entrances to cities or palaces, were often found protecting gatehouses throughout Byzantium and, later, the Russian Empire. The Kremlin in Moscow had numerous, including the icon of St Nicholas over the entrance to St Nicholas (Nikolskaya) Tower.The icon itself depicts the miracle of Mozhaisk of 1302, when a besieging army of Tartars was routed by a giant apparition of St Nicholas above the city. The saintly-bishop appeared brandishing a sword in his right hand, and the city of Mozhaisk in his left hand, which put the Tartar horde to flight. From the 14th century onwards, icons of this miracle have been among the most popular depictions of St Nicholas in Russia. The vividness of the apparition is preserved in the remarkable number of statues and bas-relief icons of St Nicholas of Mozhaisk that exist, where such depictions are otherwise rare in Orthodox iconography. Nicholas of Mozhaisk is especially regarded as an image of protection from attack, which is presumably why it was chosen as the gate-icon for the Nikolskaya Tower, sometime in the 16th century.In 1812 when Napoleon retreated from Moscow, the tower, with the rest of the Kremlin, was set on fire. The spire was blown up and the roof over the gateway destroyed. However, the icon itself survived unscathed.Procession before the Kremlin icon (1918)The icons miraculous surviving ability was really put to test during the October Revolution. In the fighting, both Nikolskaya Tower and Nikolskaya Gate were damaged by explosives, machine-gun fire, hand grenades and rifle shots. Icons decorating the building were destroyed, but again St Nicholass image survived. Though pocked with bullet-holes, the stern gaze of St Nicholas continued to stare out at the Muscovites. Not long after, the Bolsheviks covered the icon with a red cloth, aware of how St Nicholas might be able to rally peoples faith in God.Then, in May of 1918, the red cloth covering St Nicholas was discovered ripped to shreds. Once again, the image of St Nicholas was miraculously revealed, and thousands of faithful thronged the square before Nicholas Tower carrying banners and icons. But the Godless Soviet government could not tolerate such devotion to Christ and His Saints, and the icons disappeared. No documentation existed, but it was assumed the icons were removed  perhaps destroyed  and the recesses plastered over.Now considered lost, the recesses above the gates of the Kremlin remained in this state until well into the 21st century. Wanting to replace the lost gate-icons, the plaster was removed in around 2004, only to reveal a metal mesh over the original icons. St Nicholas had been watching over the gates all the time, and a sympathetic workman had obviously sought to preserve his icon, and others, by applying the plaster over a protective metal mesh.An icon of Christ the Saviour was unveiled in August 2010, before the miraculous image of St Nicholas of Mozhaisk was also blessed by Patriarch Kirill on November 4, 2010, the Day of National Unity in Russia that commemorates the liberation of Moscow from foreign intervention.This post was originally going to be titled, Seven Miracle-Working Icons of Saint Nicholas. Even revised to ten, there are still numerous wonder-working icons of St Nicholas I could have included. This says everything about the love for St Nicholas within the Orthodox Church, and his love for us.O Faithful let us fall before the all-holy icon of the Hierarch,And cry out, we who are encompassed by many sins:Hearken O Nicholas, Bishop of the Lord, by your holy intercessions before the Lover-of-Man,Deliver us from all danger, sorrow, illness, and corruption.(1st Troparion, Paraklesis to St Nicholas)It was not until the 21st century that China started to carry out civil-military integration. The concept involves sharing military and civilian resources and commercializing related technologies.

In March 2015, China brought the development of civil-military integration to the level of a national strategy. Currently, China is deeply involved in the globalization process, and is hoping to play a bigger role in global governance. It also has to safeguard its resources and energy interests at the global level. At the same time, more protection is needed for Belt and Road initiative worldwide. Also, during this period, more geopolitical tension is expected. To cope with this new situation, China may have to purchase "more guns instead of butter," as the saying goes.

Some people might relate civil-military integration solely to the reform of State-owned enterprises. But a look back at history shows that this opinion underestimates the process significantly.

For instance, World War I proved the importance of civil-military integration. Germany had developed its civil-military integration, helping it to outperform Russia both in terms of the quantity and quality of its military equipment.

Unlike Germany, the state-owned Russian arms industry was only able to provide a small amount of heavy artillery compared to the amount available to the German army in the early stages of World War I.

Wilhelm II, the last German emperor, invested to support civil-military integration. Krupp AG (now ThyssenKrupp AG) used to be a small factory producing utensils. Supported by Wilhelm II, it emerged as one of the largest weapons conglomerates in the world.

Russian private firms were merely able to cope with producing military uniforms. And state-owned weapons companies were not able to supply the Russian army properly.

So it can be seen that civil-military integration was more efficient than state-owned military industry.

Civil-military integration is now a key focus in China. It will bring revolutionary change, rather than trying to cut corners. The US currently has the world's most developed civil-military integration system, with a number of cutting-edge military manufacturers offering both military and civilian technologies.

This year, the US defense report raised the concept of a joint force. This "joint force" will likely unite arms manufacturers, human resources and institutes from various industries. The better they join together, the stronger the military force the US will possess.

In the current context, civil-military integration will be promising. It will push public companies to achieve rapid development and bring the national defense to a new level.

This article was compiled based on a report by Beijing-based private strategic think tank Anbound.ANI News - Sep 25

Chopstick has been used by people for more than three thousand years in Japan. But in this kindergarten in Tokyo, there is a new experience for children who enjoy using them while eating their meals.Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, now on a tour of the Middle East, says Japan will continue to support the stability of Jordan, which has been accepting a large number of Syrian refugees.

Abe gave the assurance when he met Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki in Jordan's capital, Amman, on Tuesday.

Abe said he has high regard for the role Jordan is playing in regional peace and stability. He said Japan will continue to support Jordan. Abe believes the stability of Jordan is essential for the stability of the Middle East.

Japan will provide aid worth up to 1.6 billion yen, or about 15 million dollars. The money will be used to increase the country's waste-processing capacity, a necessity that is increasing with the influx of refugees from Syria.

Japan's Ambassador to Jordan, Hidenao Yanagi, and Jordan's Planning and International Cooperation Minister, Imad Najib Fakhoury, exchanged notes on the aid in the presence of Abe and Mulki. Abe also affirmed that Japan will boost cultural cooperation with Jordan.

Japan has been assisting in a project to build a museum at the entrance to Jordan's stone city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is intended to preserve and display precious cultural relics unearthed at the archaeological site. It is scheduled to open later this year.Prosecutors have decided to drop the indictment against a 46-year-old member of an all-male pop group for kissing a high school student against her will at his condominium earlier this year.

Tatsuya Yamaguchi, the musician, TV personality and Tokio member, had admitted to the charge. According to the lawyer representing the bandas management, the girl has withdrawn the complaint she had filed with police. The prosecutors are likely to have made the decision taking into account these facts.

Yamaguchi was referred to prosecutors in April on suspicion of forcibly kissing the girl, whom he had met through work, at his home in Minato Ward, Tokyo, in February.

He has apologized to the victim and she has agreed to a settlement.

Yamaguchi held a news conference on Thursday, a day after his case came to light in the media, saying he would be suspended from work indefinitely.

Yamaguchi said he had been working while in a hospital since around Jan. 15 to arest his livera and improve its function. aIave been told by my company not to drink too much,a he said.

He was discharged on the morning of Feb. 12 and went home to sort out his belongings. He said he eventually began drinking and recalled being inebriated by the time he contacted the girl, who he knew through work. iiAccording to police, he said she visited his home with a friend at around 8 p.m.Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front) shakes hands with workers at the construction site of the capital's subsidiary administrative center in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 24, 2017. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made an inspection tour in Beijing Thursday and Friday. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

BEIJING, April 30 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has extended greetings to workers nationwide ahead of International Workers' Day, calling for hard work in the new era.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent the greetings in a reply letter to a group of model workers who are studying at the China University of Labor Relations and recently wrote him a letter.

Praising workers for their notable contribution to the cause of the Party and state, Xi said that the award and college education they have received can be regarded as an honor for their diligence and selfless devotion.

Both socialism and the creation of a new era can only be achieved through hard work, he said, expressing expectations for the model workers to make new achievements and inspire others by demonstrating their passion, motivation and persistence.

Noting that working is "the most honorable, noble, greatest and most beautiful" cause, Xi urged all of society to honor model workers and promote honest work and diligence.

The China University of Labor Relations started to enroll model workers in undergraduate programs in 1992.A twin suicide bombing Monday in Afghanistan's capital Kabul killed at least 26 people, including nine journalists. At least 50 people were wounded, including five journalists.

Islamic State, through its "Amaq" news agency, claimed responsibility for the deadliest ever assault on media workers in Afghanistan.

Local media watchdog, Afghan Journalist Safety Committee (AJSC), while confirming the media-related fatalities, strongly condemned the attack.

Two female journalists, including Maharram Durrani from RFE/RL, were among the dead. French news agency AFP has confirmed the death of its chief photographer in Kabul, Shah Marai. Two male staffers from RFE, Abadullah Hananzai and Abawoon Kakar, were also killed.

A leading Afghan television station, 1 TV News, has also confirmed the killing of two staffers in Monday's attack.

Afghan authorities and witnesses said the attack began during early morning rush hour with a suicide bomber on motorbike blowing himself up near an office of the National Directorate of Security, the country's intelligence agency.

When rescue workers and media crews gathered at the site minutes later, a second bomber disguised as a journalist detonated explosives strapped to his body, causing most of the casualties, said Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Istanikzai.

In a statement, VOA said it was saddened by the loss of journalists from its sister network, RFE/RL, in the Kabul blasts. "We join RFE/RL President Thomas Kent in deploring this cowardly act against non-combatants and extend our deepest condolences to the families of all of those who lost their lives in today's deadly attacks. With World Press Freedom Day on May 3, today's tragedy is a reminder of the dangers that journalists face every day to bring global audiences accurate, objective and reliable news," the statement said.

General John Nicholson, who commands U.S. forces and NATO's non-combatant mission in the country, said, "We condemn in the strongest terms possible the cowardly attacks in Kabul by two suicide bombers that killed and injured Afghan forces and innocent Afghan citizens, including journalists."

Hours after the attack in Kabul, unknown gunmen killed a local BBC journalist, Ahmad Shah, in the border city of Khost.Members of Most Precious Blood Church in Angola were as stunned as any Catholics -- and maybe more so -- when the Diocese of Buffalo in March publicly named 42 priests who had been accused of child sex abuse.

The list released by Bishop Richard J. Malone included not just one priest who served in the village parish, but four. Parishioners had no idea.

"The sticker shock was the number, not that it had happened," said longtime member Karen A. Erickson. "The sticker shock of so many in your community was what had people talking."

What also set Most Precious Blood apart from other parishes was the span in which one accused priest after another worked in the parish for nearly 30 consecutive years.

The Rev. Fred G. Fingerle was assigned as an associate pastor there from 1967 to 1977, except for one year at another parish in 1970. Fingerle was succeeded by the Rev. John P. Hajduk from 1977 to 1982. And Hajduk was followed by Monsignor J. Grant Higgins, who served as pastor from 1983 until 1997.

The fourth accused priest was the Rev. James H. Cotter, assigned to Most Precious Blood from 1955 to 1958.

Four priests accused of sexual abuse served at one Buffalo-area parish https://t.co/sxm1Qty2EE  The Buffalo News (@TheBuffaloNews) April 29, 2018

"You've got multiple generations of the same families exposed to these guys. That's horrific," said J. Michael Reck, an attorney with Jeff Anderson & Associates, a national law firm that handles clergy abuse cases.

The 42 accused priests on the diocesan list served in more than 150 parishes across Western New York, according to a Buffalo News analysis of official diocesan directories, which list where clergy were assigned by year.

Six parishes besides Most Precious Blood also had at least four of the accused priests assigned to them at some point. And two parishes -- St. John the Evangelist in Buffalo and St. Mary of the Assumption in Lancaster -- hosted at least five accused priests.

Reck and other attorneys said it was no surprise to see the Buffalo Diocese had assigned multiple abusive priests to a parish.

"It's not unusual. I've had cases where there was more than one abuser at a parish at the same time," said Mitchell Garabedian, who has represented thousands of victims of clergy sex abuse. "The supervisors are ignoring the sexual abuse and allowing it to happen. It's also indicative of how much sexual abuse has permeated the Catholic Church."

Reck said he represents two clients who accused Fingerle of sexual abuse. His clients have told him their abuse happened when Fingerle was assigned to parishes other than Most Precious Blood.

It's not clear if Fingerle or the other priests were accused of abusing any children from Most Precious Blood parish. The diocese released only a list of names of accused priests and gave no details about the allegations against each priest.

Erickson, a Town of Evans resident, remembers all of the priests from Most Precious Blood on the list of accused priests.

"I was certainly shocked by some of them, and not shocked by one," she said.

Erickson and her husband raised eight children -- six boys, two girls -- all of whom went to Most Precious Blood School. The priest she wasn't shocked to see on the list was Hajduk.

Erickson said she personally complained to the diocese about the priest on behalf of other parents who were concerned with Hajduk's behavior around children. Erickson remembers the priest using curse words and foul language and taking kids to see R-rated movies. Maybe six months after she spoke with diocesan officials, Hajduk was moved out of the parish, recalled Erickson.

Erickson said she didn't know back then if anyone accused Hajduk of sexual abuse and still doesn't know if any abuse happened during his stint at Most Precious Blood.

Nonetheless, she said, "He wasn't a role model for children."

After Most Precious Blood, the diocese sent Hajduk to Holy Family Church in Buffalo, where he spent seven years before being appointed pastor of St. Mary parish in Cattaraugus in 1991. After 1994, he no longer assigned to parishes, according to the diocesan directories.

Hajduk, 68, is the only one of the four accused priests from Most Precious Blood who is still alive. He lives in a skilled nursing facility in Alexandria, Va., according to a search of public records. He could not be reached by telephone to comment.

In hindsight, some Most Precious Blood parishioners said they now recognize that Higgins might have been too chummy with altar boys. Some of the altar boys regularly visited him at the rectory. Higgins also was known to take altar boys on camping trips, said some parishioners. And his departure from the parish in 1997 was sudden and not fully explained, they said.

Some parishioners said they were still coming to grips with the extent of the abuse in the diocese, and possibly in their own parish.

"It's dark days, for me anyway. I'm sad about it," said Mary Lou McEvoy, a parishioner for about 40 years who serves as the parish bookkeeper. "But let's get through it, like everything else."

Erickson said she was appalled that the abuse went on for so long and that priests were moved from parish to parish in an effort to shield problems from church goers.

"The magnitude of this being hidden for so long is really the issue," she said. "Unfortunately, it is testing peoples' faith."

Erickson, a former member of the Evans town board whose family runs the popular Connors Hot Dog stand in town, is glad the church's unseemly secrets are finally out in the open.

"Nobody likes to see their dirty laundry spread across the front page, but sometimes that's what you need to get it clean," she said.

Her own faith, she added, remains intact. And she hopes her fellow Catholics will get beyond their disgust for what happened.

"All you can do is move on. Anything horrible in life you can never go back, you can only move forward," she said.

Most Precious Blood parish, often called "MPB," dates back to 1871. The current diocesan directory lists 1,000 families in the parish, down from 1,450 families in 1988. The church has been located since 1962 on Prospect Street, outside the village business district, and for many years operated a school.

The diocese shut down the school in 2007 due to declining enrollments, a move that prompted some families to leave the parish. But many families have remained in the parish for decades. The parish motto is, "Let us do little things with great love." Its hallmark ministries include hosting an ecumenical food pantry and providing funeral brunches in the parish hall for grieving families.

"The church runs on volunteers. People loves this parish," said McEvoy.

On one hand, parishioners were looking to put the awful past behind them.

"To me, it's water under the bridge. They're gone," said Spencer Vail, president of the parish council and longtime parishioner.

At the same time, Vail has some nagging questions about what happened.

"I was kind of shocked that they would send someone like that out to a place with a school. Did they know when they sent them here or didn't they?" he said.

Other parishioners wanted more clarity, too. "How do we know the accusations were made while they were here?" asked McEvoy.

During his career, Cotter had four other parish assignments besides Most Precious Blood; Fingerle six; Hajduk three; and Higgins four.

But Garabadian, the attorney from Boston, Mass., said some priests tend to have many victims, in multiple parishes.

"A pedophile priest who is enabled by a supervisor sexually molests as many children as he can get his hands on," said Garabedian. "It's not uncommon for each priest to have abused hundreds upon hundreds of children while supervisors turned their backs."

Some parishioners at Most Precious Blood still have a hard time believing priests assigned there committed such misdeeds, and others simply aren't interested in discussing their thoughts and feelings on the abuse scandal, McEvoy said.

The current pastor, the Rev. John S. Kwiecien, has steered clear of raising the issue in Masses. He said parishioners haven't expressed too much to him beyond the shock of the initial disclosure of the four priests connected to the parish.

The revelations have been personally painful for Kwiecien, who said he felt "betrayed" by colleague clergy who harmed children.

"What was going on in these guys' minds?" he said.

While Kwiecien said he hasn't sensed any negative vibes from parishioners at Most Precious Blood, the allegations of abuse against other priests have left him wondering how he's viewed by the broader public.

"Not just me, but priests in general," he said. "They put a stain on all of us."

Kwiecien said he has no knowledge of the accusations against the priests who preceded him at Most Precious Blood, beyond what a victim of clergy abuse told him in a brief meeting at the rectory recently.

Kwiecien had never seen the man before, but he was probably in his 40s. The man didn't identify who had abused him as a child. He had simply stopped by to speak with a priest. He spent less than 30 minutes chatting with Kwiecien.

"He just wanted acknowledgment," said Kwiecien. "It wasn't so much anything I could say. It was just that I was willing to listen and not shut the door on him."

--By Jay Tokasz, The Buffalo News, N.Y.A thirty-two-year-old Ghanaian banker whose car was hijacked by armed robbers and was almost killed found a police officer using the car t...

A thirty-two-year-old Ghanaian banker whose car was hijacked by armed robbers and was almost killed found a police officer using the car two years after.Samuel Forson was attacked by four armed men who took his car, a laptop computer and other personal belongings in December 2015.For two years, nothing was heard about the criminals or his car until he personally saw the vehicle in Tema, a province in Ghana on a Friday afternoon.According to JoyNews, Samuel said the incident happened on December 4, 2015. He said while driving his car along the Titanic Beach, located between Tema and Sakumono area at 8 pm, he had to stop because his engine had developed a problem.But as he waited for the problem to get solved, four armed men dressed like police officers pounced on him and ordered him out of the vehicle.He recounted, They looked into the car and then I was asked to come down and open the boot. As soon as I got down from the car, they hit me, I fell and they started pushing mesuddenly I heard one of them saying dont kill him, dont kill him. Then after they pushed me into the sea. How I came out is only a miracle.Samuel was rushed to Inkoom Hospital when he got out of the cold waters and was later referred to the 37 Military Hospital.He spent two weeks in the hospital and another three months at home before he resumed work.His attackers were not arrested and his car and other belongings were not found until January this year.I saw the car being driven by two gentlemen. I jumped into a taxi and I told the taxi driver to follow the car because it was a stolen car. So we followed them to Community 8. There was a drinking bar and they went to park there, Samuel said.He then went to a police visibility point close by and reported the matter.So the Commander dispatched a team to follow me to effect the arrest. When we got there the occupants of the car told me they were police officers, he said.With the help of Detective Chief Inspector Nana Boahen of the Sakumono police, Samuel Forson was able to retrieve his car from the police.According to him, one Sergeant Philip Amoako of Tema Community 8 Police, who was found driving the car started harassing him to refund the money he had spent to repair and maintain the car.He eventually petitioned the Police Intelligence and Professional Standards Department in February this year over the matter.The senator representing Bayelsa East constituency at the Senate, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, has said adduced reasons why Senator Dino Melaye ...

Just met with @dino_melaye . Very sad to hear what transpired. Dino is asthmatic, yet while in transit, the police gassed him & he could barely breathe. Second time they gassed him, he had to force his way out of the vehicle. Dino literally escaped death. SAD! April 30, 2018

The senator representing Bayelsa East constituency at the Senate, Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, has said adduced reasons why Senator Dino Melaye jumped out of the Police van.In a tweet on Monday, Murray-Bruce disclosed that he was in the hospital to see Melaye, who represents Kogi West senatorial district at the Senate.Murray-Bruce expressed his concerns about the embattled senators travails, saying, Very sad to hear what transpired.He disclosed that Mr. Melaye is asthmatic, but that during his encounter with policemen, the police gassed him and he could barely breathe.The tear-gassing of the senator wasnt a one-off thing, Murray-Bruce said, noting, Second time they gassed him (and) he had to force his way out of the vehicle.Dino literally escaped death, Murray-Bruce said.The incident led to Mr. Melayes eventual hospitalisation.It may be recalled that Senator Dino Melaye was arrested by immigration officers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport on Monday, April 23, on his way to Morocco, but he managed to escape from the security personnel.But later on the same day, policemen stormed his residence at Shanga Street, Maitama, Abuja, where they kept a vigil in a bid to arrest him.On Tuesday morning, Melaye surrendered to the security operatives, who drove him away in a white Hiace bus followed by three other vehicles to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad facility at Guzape, Abuja.Sources said Melaye surrendered to the police after some of his senator friends received assurances from the police authorities that he would not be taken to Lokoja where he alleged he might be assassinatedIt was gathered that Melaye, on suspecting that the police were taking him to Kogi State, engaged the officers in the bus in a scuffle and managed to jump out of the van after it was blocked by unidentified vehicles around 2.10pm.Murray-Bruce noted that Melaye might have died if he had remained in the Police van.The apex socio-political body of the Igbos, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Monday said the bomb attack on the country home of its leader, Chief Nnia Nwodo, would not stop it from campaigning for the restructuring of the country.Nwodos house at Ukehe, in Igboetiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, was on Sunday attacked with an improvised explosive device, which destroyed parts of the building.However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has vowed that the attack would not derail its demand for the restructuring of the country.Reacting to the attack on Nwodos house, Ohanaeze, in a statement by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Chuks Ibegbu, noted that, rather than discourage it from pushing for restructuring, the incident would reinvigorate its insistence on the agenda.The bombing of the home of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo, by the enemies of progress will not in any way deter Ohanaeze Ndigbo from the pursuit of the restructuring of Nigeria.The incident will rather reinvigorate the President-General and the entire National Executive Council of the apex Igbo body to redouble their efforts and sync with other progressives in other parts of the country to achieve the goal of restructuring Nigeria and ensuring justice, equity and fair play in our country.Ohanaeze Ndigbo would not relent in its effort to ensure that Ndigbo get their fair deal in the Nigerian project and no amount of intimidation and callous display of terrorism will make it shirk its divine responsibility, the statement said.The Enugu State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Monday paid a solidarity visit to Nwodo over the bomb attack.The Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu State, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, who led the delegation, described the explosion as an attempt on Nwodos life.Responding, Nwodo thanked the Enugu State Ohanaeze delegation for the solidarity visit, which he said had emboldened him as it was a sign of acceptability and support.Meanwhile, the police in Enugu, on Monday said they were on the trail of those behind the attack.The Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, told one of our correspondents that those behind the attacks would soon be arrested.We are on their trail, they will be apprehended very soon, the police spokesman said in response to enquiries by one of our correspondents.The Leaders of Southern and Middle Belt Forum has call on the Federal Government and security agencies to investigate the bombing of Nwodos house.The spokesman for the forum, Yinka Odumakin, in an email statement on Monday, said the group was worried about the intensification of terrorism in the country.Many people have reportedly lost their lives in suicide attacks in Mubi, a town in Adamawa state.

Many people have reportedly lost their lives in suicide attacks in Mubi, a town in Adamawa state.





An official of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Mubi disclosed this on Tuesday afternoon.





He said the the town recorded two attacks within 10 minutes.





The first attack happened in a mosque around 1:30pm. People were heading to the mosque for prayers when the suicide bomber struck, said the official who preferred to be anonymous.





The second one happened at a market where second-hand items are sold. These attacks happened within 10 minutes.





The official added that security personnel had cordoned off the scenes of the attack.



U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told ABC News the best possible outcome for President Donald Trump's planned summit with Kim in three to four weeks would be Pyongyang freeing three Americans it is detaining and agreeing to an "irreversible" and "verifiable" end to its nuclear weapons program.

South Korean presidential press secretary Yoon Young-chan, also quoted Kim as saying, "The United States, though inherently hostile to North Korea, will get to know once our talk begins that I am not the kind of person who will use nuclear weapons against the South or the United States across the Pacific."

On Sunday, South Korean officials said Kim plans to invite experts and journalists from Seoul and the United States to observe when North Korea shuts down its nuclear test site in May.

China said Wang will visit May 2 and 3 at the invitation of his North Korea counterpart. The brief statement Monday did not include any details about the subject of their meetings.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to neighboring North Korea this week, following a historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

"Who knows how the ultimate discussions will go? We have our eyes wide open," said Pompeo, in the Middle East on his first overseas trip as the top U.S. diplomat. "Kim is going to have to make a decision. We use the word irreversible. We're going to look for actions and deeds."

Pompeo offered no promises of easing economic sanctions in advance of the talks and said that if the Trump-Kim talks fail, "We're not going to let Kim Jong Un continue to threaten us."

Seoul said that Kim has also promised to adjust North Korea's time zone, bringing it up 30 minutes and synchronizing it with the South.

Trump expressed optimism about a planned meeting with Kim, following conversations Saturday with Moon and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump tweeted he had a "very good talk" with Moon and updated Abe on plans for his anticipated summit with Kim. Key U.S. leaders are expressing growing optimism that decades of hostility on the Korean Peninsula are closer than ever to coming to an end.

Trump said at a White House news conference Friday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, "I don't think he's playing" when asked about the historic summit between North and South Korea.

Trump said up to three possible sites are being considered for the much-anticipated summit.

Friday, Kim became the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea, when he crossed the border to shake the hand of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The two leaders agreed to work toward removing all nuclear weapons from the Korean peninsula and vowed to pursue talks that would bring a formal end to the Korean War.

North Korea has in the past made similar commitments about its nuclear program, but failed to follow through. Asked whether Pyongyang's commitment is real this time, Trump said, "We're not going to get played."

"This isn't like past administrations. We don't play games," said Trump, adding that previous administrations had been "played like a fiddle." "We will come up with a solution, and if we don't we will leave the room," he said.

President Muhammadu Buhari about 9 am (2 pm Nigeria time) left the Blair House, White House, which is the seat of power of the United States of America, USA, government to Joint Base Andrews airport to return to Nigeria.The President will fly back with the Nigeria Air Force aircraft, NAF 001 stationed at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.President Buhari had arrived Washington DC early hours of Sunday on the invitation of the USA President, Donald Trump.The two leaders had special session on Monday and afterwards jointly addressed journalists on some of their bilateral agreement.One of the highlights of the meeting of the two presidents was the promise of President Trump to visit Nigeria, though no specific time was mentioned.President Buhari also met with some Chief Executive Officers, CEOs on investment opportunities in Nigeria.Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and his counterpart from the US, have been directed by Trump and Buhari to meet and have a roadmap for the repatriation of over $500 million stolen funds starched in foreign countries.The two law officers slated to meet on Tuesday, according to the Nigerias AGF, Malami for far reaching agreementThe Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday debunked claim of fire at its headquarters in Abuja, saying that it was just smoke from a generat...

Generator smoke?

The Central Bank of Nigeria on Tuesday debunked claim of fire at its headquarters in Abuja, saying that it was just smoke from a generator.The apex bank in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Isaac Okorafor said Reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria head office building is on fire are false.Okorafor said that the smoke came from the generator house of the bank which he said was far away from the main buildingAccording to him, passersby who saw a pall of exhaust from the generator house far away from the building apparently mistook the exhaust for fire smoke.He added that the CBN maintained a total security system that triggered safety alarms in the presence of smoke, saying that all fire engines and personnel received the alert only to discover that it was an unusual pall of exhaust.President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has warned that the rising spate of drug abuse in Nigeria will become catastrophic if left unchecked.Saraki said a British Broadcasting Corporation Africas Africa Eye documentary, titled Sweet Sweet Codeine, which detailed the prevalence of drug and substance abuse in Nigeria, was another eye-opener.Nigerians can now see that if care is not taken, we could be sitting on a catastrophe. We cannot all just fold our arms and expect this issue to fix itself. This is everybodys problem, he stated.Saraki made this known in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sanni Onogu, in Abuja on Tuesday.The Senate President stated that documentaries like Sweet Sweet Codeine were real-life attestations to the need for Nigeria to take its drug abuse problem more seriously.He said, The widespread nature of this substance abuse problem in Nigeria is why the Senate convened the stakeholders roundtable in Kano in December. Even though I have been working on this issue for a few months now, watching the BBC documentary was another eye-opener. Nigerians can now see that if care is not taken, we could be sitting on a catastrophe. We cannot all just fold our arms and expect this issue to fix itself. This is everybodys problem.As things stand, following the Roundtable on Drug Abuse that held in Kano in December 2017, we have already developed a draft legislative framework for the control of narcotics and psychotropic substances and the provision of mental health and substance use services in Nigeria.Saraki noted that with the Drug Control Bill about to be introduced, the mandate of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, as well as other law enforcement and regulatory bodies, would be strengthened to eradicate the illicit production and trafficking of controlled substances.He added, The Mental Health Bill will ensure the availability of mental health and substance abuse services in every state, as well as guarantee the enforcement of minimum standards of care for people with mental health disorders. This is because we cannot continue like this. We cannot continue to have one psychiatrist for every 1.6 million Nigerians and expect this substance abuse problem to go away.This legislative framework that we are preparing recognises the low number of mental health practitioners in the country, and works to rectify that problem by ensuring that quality mental health and substance abuse services are available for this underserved segment of the population.For once, President Muhammadu Buhari is receiving positive reviews on a foreign trip  from Nigerians.

For once, President Muhammadu Buhari is receiving positive reviews on a foreign trip  from Nigerians.

Many Nigerians on twitter are of the opinion that his current outing in the US is far better compared to the previous ones, most especially his last visit to the UK where he was accused of demarketing the country.





His number one critic is probably his wife, Aisha, but she herself gave the president good marks after his meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House.





Some however found it scandalous that Buhari is being praised simply because he did not make a gaffe.





In all, though, it would appear some people were surprised the outing went well contrary to expectations.

Global media houses are reporting that your country's president is the first African President to be invited to White House but because his name is Muhammadu Buhari, you want to hug a nearby transformer. Sadly the transformer will waste you because Fashola is working



Sigh  Tunde Eneji (@iameneji) April 30, 2018

So trump admitted we did buy those helicopters meanwhile fani kayode from digbolugi village said Buhari wants to spend the money on reelection campaign  Daddy D.O (@DOlusegun) April 30, 2018

When wailers said they will investigate the $430m War Jets payment Buhari made to the US, we say it's a welcome development. We transferred from Federation Account to the US directly, a single transaction well narrated. We didn't withdraw cash & give to Pastor Orisa & Thug Asari.  Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) May 1, 2018

Saw a picture of PMB signing some papers with Trump grinning over him. As much as I'm happy to see both leaders, I'm very scared at the same time. What is Buhari signing us into? Why is no one asking this question?  Tim Ogunyemi (@TIMONIUM17) May 1, 2018

Smiling U.S President Trump and President Buhari, are the two going to establish a strong relationship pic.twitter.com/d4WQcPI1vf April 30, 2018

President Buhari said that his government has cut the importation of rice by 90 percent. This is very commendable.



However, the price of a bag of rice is still at all time high in the market.



Something is not adding up. I don't understand this economics and market forces.  Arinze Odira (@CaptainArinze) April 30, 2018

The fact that most people consider Buhari not 'disgracing' Nigeria at the White House today as a major achievement is an unfortunate tragedy.  Mr Stanley Nwabia (@MrStanleyNwabia) April 30, 2018

The best thing @realDonaldTrump said to Buhari is this-We have had very serious problems with Christians who are being murdered in Nigeria, we are going to be working on that problem very, very hard because we cannot allow that to happen. GOD BLESS DONALD TRUMP April 30, 2018

At the end of Buhari's trip to the US, I hope we'll be able to count on some tangible gains for Nigeria not just "first sub Sahara African President to be hosted by Trump" and "Buhari did not have any major gaffes during his press conference."   Lady B (@JoyceOdukoya) April 30, 2018

Buhari had meetings in the past where he goofed big time, he got some criticism for that, his recent visit to the  seems the best so far, he deserves some accolades  but then we must still rant about the trip.



This time he deserves some accolades   Jibola (@jibolahassan01) May 1, 2018

@POTUS Thank you President @MBuhari for bringing respect to Nigeria. Thank you for sharing the #childrenOfAnger , thank you for making a headway in the fight against corruption and Terrorism. You've just renewed your position in our hearts. #PMBinWashington April 30, 2018

#PMBinDC I don't understand why APC and Presidency think Buhari's meeting with Trump is a validation for good performance. #PMBinWashington April 30, 2018

Fine... Buhari deserves an accolade for whatever he did with Trump on Monday,but can he just sit back from 2019 election?  Shadie (@AfolasadeOla) May 1, 2018The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised US President Donald Trumps comments on the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised US President Donald Trumps comments on the killing of Christians in Nigeria.





During a joint press conference with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, Trump said the US will not accept the attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.





Reacting to the US presidents position, MURIC urged Nigerian Christians to not allow themselves to be deceived by Trump.





The Muslim group said Trump misfired by making the statement and alleged that he is only using religion to turn Nigeria into another Iraq.





MURIC warned Nigerian Christians against swallowing Trumps bait, else the West African sub-region will be shaken to its foundation.





In a statement on Tuesday, Ishaq Akintola, director, MURIC, said Trumps statement is prejudiced, parochial and unpresidential.





Akintola said Trump, by virtue of the comment, is luring Nigerian Christians into bolder confrontation with Muslims.





It is sheer interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. Trump has a bullys instinct, the statement read in part.





If this is the same Trump who called African countries shithole, the same American president who threatened to wipe out North Korea, the same US leader who banned Muslims from entering his country, the same Republican who said, Torture works, ok folks?, Nigerians must be wary of Americas involvement in their affairs.





We should remember that Nigeria did not get the required support from the moderate and cool-headed Barrack Obama in its war against terrorism. We should therefore not expect any from Trump who treats vulnerable nations with contempt and has no respect for African countries. Unless Nigerians unite, this country will become Americas shithole.





Trumps comment on killings in Nigeria implies that he would prefer that it is Muslims alone who are being killed. We refuse to believe that a whole American president does not know the true situation on ground in this country. He who knows but pretends not to know has his own secret agenda. Nigerian Muslims are not intimidated by Trumps comment. We only sympathise with those who will be gullible enough to become Trumps suckers. Posterity will judge us.





Nigerian Christians should not allow themselves to be deceived by Trumps comment. The advanced countries of today will not compromise the secret of their technological advancement. Western countries will not teach us what will benefit our people. They will only teach us what will divide us in order to further render us debilitated, impoverished and helpless.





Nay, they will give us fish but refuse to teach us how to fish. They will scatter us like wild oats and then give us weapons to kill ourselves. Then, under the guise of rendering humanitarian services, they will take over our land, our oil, our rich culture and force homosexualism and lesbianism down our throats but at that time, it will be too late to resist. Mark our words.





Trump is only using religion to turn Nigeria into another Iraq. Just as former US President Bush used Sunni-Shiite dichotomy to destroy Iraq just to lay his hands on Iraqs oil field, Trump is also eyeing Nigerias oil. His plan is to use Christian-Muslim divide to set Nigeria ablaze. But Nigerians should remember that decades after the invasion of Iraq, that country is yet to experience stability. Years after the killing of Ghadaffi, Libya is yet to find its feet. The guns are still booming in Syria and the world holds its breadth each time North Korea sneezes.





It is our contention that Trump is luring Nigerian Christians into bolder confrontation with their Muslim neighbours. We warn that the West African sub-region will be shaken to its foundation if Nigerian Christians swallow Trumps bait. The extension to Nigeria of Americas crusade which brought ruins to Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and Sudan will have dire consequences on the whole African continent.





MURIC urged the federal government not to rely on US support to tackle the security challenges in Nigeria and also warned against a military alliance with the US.



As part of efforts to tackle drug abuse in the country, the Federal Government on Tuesday banned the production of codeine containing sy...

The federal government also banned sales of codeine containing cough syrup without prescription across the country.In its place, government recommended dextromethorphan which is less addictive.The Assistant Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Health, Olajide Oshundun, said in a statement the ban takes immediate effectAccording to the statement, importers must now get clearance before importing codeine pharmaceutical ingredients for cough preparations.The federal government also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups in the country.It argued that the action became necessary because of serious abuse of the drug.The statement reads: Federal Ministry of Health has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to ban with immediate effect further issuance of permits for the importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparations.Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has reacted to a statement credited to the President of the United States of A...

Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has reacted to a statement credited to the President of the United States of America (USA), Donald Trump over the killing of Christians in Nigeria.





Trump had during the bilateral meeting with Buhari said the US government would not accept the killing of Christians in Nigeria.





We have had very serious problems with Christians who are being murdered in Nigeria, we are going to be working on that problem very, very hard because we cannot allow that to happen, Trump said.





Reating, Omokri hailed Trump for bringing up the issue of killing of Christians by herdsmen.





The former presidential aide described it as the best thing Trump said to Buhari.





Omokri tweeted Nigerian herdsmen DO NOT carry AK-47s- Buhari to Donald Trump. Is this the man you want to reelect? Thank God Trump told Buhari that the US wont accept the killings of Nigerian Christians by radical Muslim groups and herdsmen.



President Muhammadu Buhari has called on both educated and uneducated Nigerian youths to embrace farming in other to earn respect for the...

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on both educated and uneducated Nigerian youths to embrace farming in other to earn respect for themselves.According to a statement on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President spoke on Monday at Blair House, Washington DC after his White House engagements with United States President Donald Trump.He was said to have spoken at a meeting with the Chief Executive Officers of six American agricultural companies and their Nigerian counterparts including Aliko Dangote and John Coumantaros.The President reiterated his call on Nigerian youths to seize opportunities in agriculture, a sector of the economy he said was already proving to be the bedrock of the nations new economy.He said the country must help the youth to plan their future and urged them to explore opportunities easily accessible in agriculture because, as he said, agriculture is the future.While stressing that planning in Nigeria must take into consideration the factors of climate and a bulging youth population, Buhari also promised the support of his administration in the promotion of skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship among the young population.He said, We realised, rather belatedly that we ought to have been investing in agriculture. We are now aiming at food security because of our large population.Our youths, the ones who have gone to school and even those that have not, should go to the farm, to earn respect for themselves.Agriculture is providing jobs for millions of our citizens and we are doing well towards the attainment of food security and jobs.The media may not appreciate the work we are doing but we will shock them by the success we are recording.Buhari welcomed the several investment proposals being put in place by the Americans and their Nigerian counterparts.Among those brought up for discussions were the three million tons fertiliser by Dangote, the largest in Africa coming on stream in July, to be followed by another one to produce 1.4 million tons of the commodity; a large-scale modern seed production company, and weed and pest management and chemicals products companies by the Americans.Similarly, the Burger King food chain with plans to integrate local farmers in livestock production; the Heinz tomatoes production, with backward integration of Nigerian tomato farmers; and another company coming to set up a local branch to facilitate merchandising of commodities, in effect establishing a link between the Nigerian producers and the global market.A tractor manufacturing company, John Deer, also unfolded a plan for an assembly plant to produce 10,000 tractors in four years in Nigeria. They will all come with jobs for Nigerians.President Donald Trump of U.S has said he would like to visit Nigeria, a country he described as amazing.

President Donald Trump of U.S has said he would like to visit Nigeria, a country he described as amazing.I would very much like to visit Nigeria. It is an amazing country and in certain ways, I hear from the standpoint of the beauty of a country, there is no country more beautiful, Trump said on Monday at a joint briefing with his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari.Trump, who rose from a bilateral meeting with Buhari, hailed efforts being made to improve Nigeria.Both President Buhari and Trump, however, said they did not discuss his reported use of vulgar language to describe African nations.President Buhari told journalists he kept quiet about it because he was not sure about the accuracy of the reports.I am very careful with what the press says about others and myself. I am not sure about the validity or whether that allegation against the President (Trump) was true or not. So, the best thing for me is to keep quiet, President Buhari said in response to a question about it.Affirming that the issue wasnt discussed, Trump, however, stressed that there are some countries that are in very bad shape and (are) very tough places to live in.Trump added, We didnt discuss it because the President (Buhari) knows me and he knows where I am coming from and I appreciate that.The leadership of pro-Biafra group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in a statement Tuesday, commended all their members, Middle.Belt people and Christians that turned out en masse to protest at the White House, Washington, USA, the continued killing of innocent people in Nigeria especially Christians when President Buhari met with President Trump.President Donald Trump of the US (r) discussing with visiting President Muhammadu Buhari during a meeting at the White House, Washington, USA.The statement signed by their spokesman, Emma Powerful, indicated that the meeting was a positive one that would bring the Biafra struggle to the limelight.The leadership and family members of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide commend Biafrans, Middle Beltans and other Christians who came out yesterday 30th April, 2018 to protest at the American White House against the continued killings of innocent citizens of Biafra and Benue State including non Muslims throughout Nigeria.We equally congratulate the people of America and President Donald J Trump for openly condemning the barbaric killings of Christians in Nigeria by APC Government led by Major General Muhammad Buhari.President Donald Trump is a God sent to ameliorate the suffering of Christians in Nigeria. The suffering and persecution of Biafrans who are predominantly Christians has gone beyond imagination and proportions since the coming of Buhari Government to power in 2015.IPOB worldwide would not hesitate to encourage other civilized world who are lovers of freedom and Christians to join hands with the good people of America and Donald Trump to help save Christians in Nigeria particularly the Biafrans who have been facing humiliations, extermination and persecutions from the hands of Fulani Islamic caliphate led by Major General Muhammad Buhari a Fulani man. The persecution against Biafrans started in Nigeria since 1945 till date.We are advising Biafrans and few weak minded Biafrans to understand the implication of what happened in American White House. The meeting of yesterday between Trump and Buhari was awesome and must be praised for President Trump standing on the side of Christians in Nigeria and it will put Biafra struggle to the limelight and right position within the international politics.It is no more news that the Hausa Fulani north who are educated expressed concern about their fears concerning the consequential division of the country as a result of what Trump said, the statement points out.Following President Muhammadu Buharis press conference with President Donald Trump of USA, the wife of the Nigeria president Mrs. Aisha Buhari on Tuesday extolled her husbands efforts in making Nigeria a peace-loving nation.Aisha took to her tweeter handle and wrote: Dear President, You deserve some accolades. Recall that social media activists had condemned Buharis statement that Some Nigerian Youths are lazy, by posting images and reeling out reasons to counter measure Buharis assertion against the youth.Some Nigerians like the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, former aide to Ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose, celebrities and other Nigerians have criticized and condemned in a strong term the statement credited to Buhari against the Nigeria youth.However, reports have it that Buhari made history on Monday as the first African President to visit President Donald Trump at White House for a bilateral talk which touched on security, economy, trade and investment and governance.In view of this therefore, Aisha took a different dimension and awash praises on her husband, saying that he deserves some accolades.A black bear roused from its sleep in a tree Monday later climbed down and wandered away through a residential neighborhood, authorities said.

The bear was spotted in the morning, napping in the tree in Sirianni Park near Bergen County Community College.

Animal Control says the bear was first see Sunday night near Route 17, after wandering through Northern Bergen County, reported CBS2.

After they were called to Sirianni Park, which is behind the college, animal control workers used noisemakers to try to wake the bear and chase it out of the tree.

The bear crouches in a tree in Paramus as police wait for it to come down. (AP Photo | Seth Wenig)

The bear made its way down from the tree around 9 p.m. Monday, and was last seen moving northwest in the area of Midland Avenue, police said.

"Police were unable to capture the bear," Paramus police wrote on social media. "If you see the bear, stay away from it and call police at 911."

On social media, the police were warning residents to stay away from the bear if they see it and call 911. Police said they were making extra checks of the area.

"The bear left on its own," Paramus Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said Tuesday morning. "Hope it's on it's way home!"

Police were unable to capture the bear. It was last seen moving north west from the Midland Avenue area. If you see the bear, stay away from  Paramus Police (@Paramuspolice) May 1, 2018

Last week, a Chatham man captured video of a bear munching birdseed on his elevated back deck.

As warm weather approaches, the state Department of Environmental Protection cautions the public about interacting with bears.

"Bears that learn to associate food with people and their homes and living areas, can become nuisance bears that forage in neighborhoods looking for easy sources of food," the DEP said in a statement.

UPDATE: Bear napping in tree awakes, makes another getaway; Paramus police caution residents to stay away if they see it https://t.co/a9F9bOSIvT pic.twitter.com/rIkO62nroH  NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) May 1, 2018

The bear rests in a tree, appearing to yawn, as police and residents surrounded it on Monday. (AP Photo | Seth Wenig)

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.Three years, 10 months and six days.

That's how much time had passed between the night Livingston native Brendan Tevlin was gunned down at an intersection in West Orange and Tuesday morning, when the 19-year-old's admitted killer faced Superior Court Judge Ronald D. Wigler in Newark to finally receive the court's judgment.

In a sixth-floor courtroom filled with Tevlin's friends and family, Wigler, the presiding judge of the court's criminal division in Essex County, handed Ali Muhammad Brown the only sentence state law would allow: life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Brendan Tevlin. (File photo)

In a minutes-long, rambling statement to the court, Brown -- clad in a prison jumpsuit and surrounded by state corrections officers -- begged those in the courtroom to see him "as a human being," before eventually saying he did not regret anything that happened.

But Wigler, who said Tevlin's killing was one of the most heinous crimes to come before his court, rejected Brown's plea for recognition, telling the 34-year-old his behavior was "truly more akin to the actions of a monster rather than a human being."

The judge ordered the sentence of life without parole for Brown's terrorism conviction to run consecutive to a 36-year prison term Brown is already serving for an armed robbery in West Orange.

Wigler also imposed separate life sentences for murder and felony murder, as well as a 30-year sentence for carjacking, which will be served concurrently with the life sentence on the terrorism charge.

In a post-arrest statement to investigators weeks after Tevlin's June 25, 2014, killing, Brown said he had lain in wait at the intersection of Walker Road and Northfield Avenue in search of the perfect target -- a lone man without women or children accompanying him -- as he sought what he called "vengeance" for innocent lives lost in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Iran because of U.S. foreign policy.



Brown admitted shooting Tevlin multiple times when the college student, recently returned on break from the University of Richmond, stopped at the traffic light.



Pushing Tevlin's body into the passenger seat, Brown drove the teen's Jeep Liberty to a nearby apartment complex and fled. He was later arrested by West Orange police at a makeshift campsite in the township.

Among the items officers found in his possession were the murder weapon -- a 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun purchased by Brown's ex-wife, who later reported it stolen -- and a diary in which Brown pledged to "follow the way of the Islamic State."

When he pleaded guilty to all charges on March 6, amid jury selection for his then-looming trial and without any formal agreement with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Brown, 34, became the first person ever convicted of terrorism under state law.

His guilty plea to that charge guaranteed a mandatory life sentence under the law.

Brown's defense attorney, Albert Kapin, argued Tuesday that the mandatory sentence made the imposition of a consecutive sentence unnecessary, but Wigler said he found the need to both deter others from following Brown's example and to protect the public from a man with 22 felony convictions.

Tevlin's killing reverberated throughout Essex County. In West Orange, frightened residents of the suburban community took law enforcement officials to task for not releasing more information. In Livingston, approximately 3,500 people attended Tevlin's wake at St. Philomena's Church. At Seton Hall Preparatory School, the teen's alma mater, a lacrosse field now bears his name.

One by one on Tuesday, a steady stream of family and friends approached a podium at the front of the courtroom to share their memories of a beloved teenager who espoused the motto "good vibes and easy living."

Many expressly rejected Brown's plea for recognition of his humanity, comparing him to a "monster" or an "animal."

"My god says forgive those who trespass against us," Tevlin's grandfather, Tom Tevlin Sr., told the court. "I am nowhere there as of today."

During his guilty plea, Brown -- who has a terrorism-related federal bank fraud conviction and was on a watchlist at the time of the slaying -- freely told the court Tevlin's wasn't the only life he'd taken.

"I shot those people in Seattle, Washington, too, if you want to put it on the record," he said, apparently referring to Leroy Henderson, 30, Ahmed Said, 27, and Dwone Anderson-Young, 23, in whose slayings he's been charged by the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Authorities have said Brown's spree of violence began with Henderson's fatal shooting on April 27, 2014, in the Skyway area near Seattle. After luring Said and Anderson-Young to a nightclub on June 1, investigators said, Brown fatally shot both men in Said's car, before heading for the East Coast on a Greyhound bus.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11 for another armed robbery in Point Pleasant Beach during the same crime spree.

Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Jamel Semper, who handled the Tevlin case with Assistant Prosecutor Purva Deshpande, said Brown is then expected to be extradited to Washington state to face aggravated murder charges in the Seattle-area killings. Authorities there told The Seattle Times they intend to proceed with their prosecution despite the resolution of the New Jersey cases.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tipsIn the 48 hours she spent in the hospital after giving birth to her son, Catherine Nielsen said no one ever gave her the "safe sleep" talk -- how placing her baby on his back, in an empty crib next to her bed will prevent him from suffocating.

On the contrary, Nielsen said, only the lactation specialist at Overlook Medical Center in Summit mentioned bed-sharing, and she told her the latest research said it was safe to share a bed while breastfeeding.

Nielsen, a registered nurse who during her pregnancy had researched the American Academy of Pediatrics safe-sleep recommendations, knew what she heard was wrong.

"Just get me out of the hospital -- I want to leave," Nielsen of Scotch Plains told NJ Advance Media, recalling what happened from nearly nine months ago.

Such an episode is a worst fear for the New Jersey SIDS Center, which is pushing hard for safe sleep guidelines that can save the lives of infants.

Program Director Barbara Ostfeld and Co-Medical Director Thomas Hegyi have traveled to hospitals and child welfare offices around the state for decades explaining how new parents should be taught.

Now they've launched a new tool in that quest: a free smartphone app aimed at professionals to share with families before or soon after a baby is born.

The goal is to deliver a consistent and clear message about how they can prevent a potential tragedy.

"If we can distribute this app to everyone, and if we can make this part of discharge education that the nurses' provide when a mother leaves the hospital with her baby, this could have a tremendous impact," said Hegyi, vice-chair and Pediatrics professor at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick.

Every year, about 3,500 infants in the U.S. die while sleeping, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 1,000 of those cases involve bed-sharing, also known as co-sleeping. Black and Hispanic infants are more than twice as likely to die than white babies, according to the CDC.

In New Jersey, an average of 30 babies under a year old die every year while sharing a bed with an adult or another child, according to an analysis by NJ Advance Media last year. In 2015, the most recent data available, 41 infants suffocated while sharing a bed -- the largest number of bed-sharing deaths recorded in the state in a single year.

Bed-sharing deaths are accidents that continue to occur because in many cases, families don't have the money or stability to provide a safe sleeping environment. Some parents are simply so exhausted, they fall asleep while feeding or holding the baby.

Still others eschew the medical recommendations, arguing they can safely share a bed, breastfeed more often -- which experts agree helps prevent SIDS -- and quickly respond to their babies' needs.

There are state laws and regulations that require birthing hospitals to promote breastfeeding and teach parents how to install a car seat. But there's nothing mandating conversations about safe sleep.

(l. to r.) Thomas Hegyi and Barbara M. Ostfeld, Co-Medical Director and Program Director of the NJ SIDS Center, respectively, discussing the safe sleep app they developed to help prevent infant fatalities. (Nick Romanenko | Rutgers University)

Most hospitals say they teach safe sleep practices.

When asked about Nielsen's case after she gave birth nine months ago, James Furgeson, spokesman Atlantic Health System, which operates Overlook, said he could not directly address the question because of privacy laws. But in a statement, Furgeson said the hospital provides parents with newborn education, which includes information about SIDS.

Overlook earned Joint Commission Perinatal Certification and a Baby-Friendly Designation "as a result of its commitment to quality and patient safety," he said.

"We strongly promote safe sleeping and safe breastfeeding practices as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics - this includes communicating that bed sharing is not recommended in any way for new moms and babies," Furgeson said.

Ostfeld said the "SIDS Info" app will complement and reinforces the messages hospital and medical professionals should be delivering. It uses animation, narrated in English and Spanish by the voice of a mother and an adult who sounds like a precocious toddler.

"We wanted to make it something that a parent could share. There are so many people who have hands on a baby, such as grandparents," Ostfeld said.

In 1994, a "Back to Sleep" campaign told parents to place their infants on their backs, instead of their stomachs. The campaign cut the number of infants who died from SIDS by more than half.

"We felt this was a critical tool to add to the existing ones to promote infant safe sleep. It could be universally accessible, updated electronically, and it could outlast any paper material distributed."

The SIDS Center is getting high-profile attention for its work. On Friday, staff met with First Lady Tammy Murphy.

"I applaud the SIDS Center of New Jersey for launching this groundbreaking initiative which will help to continue lowering New Jersey's infant mortality rate," Murphy said in a statement.

"While New Jersey continues to have one of the lowest rates of any state, the disparities between white and black infants is alarming," she added. "No family should ever have to suffer the loss of a child and we must continue to find new ways to assess the risks and factors, and prevent sudden infant deaths."

The New Jersey Hospital Association also praised the app, and pledged cooperation.

"This is one of those issues where education is key -- for both healthcare providers and also parents," said Aline Holmes, the association's senior vice president for Clinical Affairs. "We've been working with the SIDS Center to reinforce the issue with the provider audience and tap their reach to better educate parents."

Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, chairman of the Senate health committee, agreed the app is a positive first step. He'd like to go further than simply relying on hospitals to do the right thing every time and is considering legislation.

"It's a patchwork," Vitale said, describing hospital teaching strategies. "I'm working with the hospitals which I know have been out there teaching safe-sleep practices to determine the best practices. You can't have it taught differently. Sharing a bed is absolutely dangerous."

In 2017, New Jersey became the first state to distribute "Baby Boxes" -- a bassinet-size laminated cardboard box with a mattress and fitted sheet for any parent who watches a safe-sleep educational video.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.A memorial commemorating the massacre of tens of thousands of Polish officers by the Soviet Union in 1940 has been a fixture at Exchange Place in Jersey City since 1991.

But a plan to relocate the statue is facing opposition in the city and from the Polish Consulate.

The Katyn memorial, a 34-foot-tall monument depicting a bound-and-gagged soldier impaled in the back by a bayoneted rifle, will be put into storage during a planned transformation of the Exchange Place plaza into a public park. But it may not return to the site along the Waterfront.

Poland's ambassador to the United States, Piotr Wilczek, said he is "concerned" about the sudden announcement that the memorial may be moved and by the "lack of dialogue" between the city and the Polish-American community.

"I don't think the statue's appropriate for a major metropolitan area," said Mike DeMarco, chair of the Exchange Place Special Improvement District. "It's a little gruesome ... I can't imagine how many mothers go by and have to explain it to their children," added DeMarco, who is also CEO of real-estate firm Mack-Cali.

Do you think the memorial should stay at Exchange Place?

Vote in our informal and unscientific poll and tell us why in the comments section.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.JERSEY CITY  Opening statements will be heard Wednesday in the next trial of the North Bergen "sexorcist" who fled the country after being convicted of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2012.

Gregorio Martinez, 50, will be tried on sex charges involving a male victim who was 18 at the time of the alleged incident. Martinez, who has been described as a prophet and exorcist who can speak in tongues, faces five to 10 years in prison if convicted.

On Feb. 25, 2015, Gregorio Martinez was found guilty of touching the 13-year-old's genital area and kissing him on the lips inside the boy's mother's minivan in 2012 while she shopped.

The former pastor was out on bail at the time of the conviction and was allowed to remain free pending sentencing. When sentencing day rolled around, he was nowhere to be found.

He was tracked to Nicaragua in 2016 and then arrested in Honduras where his hands were found bandaged and bloody after an apparent attempt to remove his fingerprints to avoid identification. He was returned to Hudson County and convicted of bail jumping.

Martinez was sentenced to four years in prison for molesting the 13-year-old and five years for bail jumping, with the two terms to be served one after the other. The trial on the charges related to the 18-year-old comes after Martinez turned down a generous plea offer that his lawyer advised him to accept.

Martinez faces two more trials on sex charges after the current trial, in which he is represented by defense attorney Daniel Gonzalez. The state is represented by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Baginski.

The trial is before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mirtha Ospina in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City.An accident on Route 78 in Clinton Township on Monday night has closed two westbound lanes between exit 15 and exit 13, according to 511nj.org.

A New Jersey State Police Trooper at the Perryville barracks confirmed there was an accident near mile marker 16.1. The trooper said he could not release any other details about the accident at this time.

511nj.org is reporting that the accident occurred just west of exit 13 and that the left and center lanes are closed because of an "accident investigation." Traffic has has been detoured with 10-15 minute delays as of 11:50 p.m., according to the traffic web site.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.Four of Chatham High School's strongest computer science students spend their study hall not cruising down to Dunkin' Donuts or relaxing at home watching Netflix but here in the Chatham High School cafeteria, with CHS Math and Computer Science teacher Dr. Mark Jones, engaged in discussions about artificial intelligence and programming.

With Dr. Jones, they discuss the capabilities of "deep learning," a popular artificial intelligence technique, to address problems as diverse and as seemingly intractable as cancer detection and crime prevention. The students are even doing their own research and experiments focused on these topics, in addition to other social, scientific, and economic problems.

These young computer scientists are seniors Ozaner Hansha and Thomas Barrett and juniors Sophie Andrews and Ryan Sherman.

Both Ozaner and Thomas took AP Computer Science at CHS with Dr. Jones as sophomores. As a junior, Ozaner went on to take AP Computer Science Principles, another computer science course grounded in the humanities, while Thomas couldn't fit AP Computer Science Principles into his jam-packed junior year schedule.

As seniors, both students opted to enroll in an independent study with Dr. Jones to further their knowledge and understanding of "deep learning" and its capabilities. Sophie and Ryan are currently enrolled as AP Computer Science students in Dr. Jones' class.

Prior to beginning his teaching career, Dr. Jones worked as a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff and Principal Investigator at Bell Labs, where he concentrated his research on Computational Linguistics, Natural Language Understanding, Optical Character Recognition, and Machine Learning. He brings this knowledge and experience to his students both in his classes and in this small study group.

When the "deep learning" group meets, they share information about deep learning, articles that they have read, and experiments that they have tried in working on projects of their own.

All four of the students have been doing remarkable things with support from Dr. Jones.

Sophie Andrews has been at work building a convolutional neural network called SkinNet to classify skin lesion images. She said, "My goal is for SkinNet to differentiate melanoma (a type of cancerous lesion) from nevus (a type of benign lesion). To accomplish this, I train SkinNet using thousands of lesion images from the International Skin Imaging Collaboration. The hope is that a properly trained SkinNet can classify these two lesion types from images it hasn't seen before. Indeed, through deep learning, SkinNet picks up the visual characteristics of melanoma (e.g. asymmetric shape) and doses the majority of lesion classification correctly."



Sophie entered SkinNet in several competitions and has gained several recognitions and awards, including the 2018 Emperor Science Award and First Prize in Statistics and in Cancer Research in the North Jersey Regional Science Fair. She was one of only six finalists to win a the trip award to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

She was also one of 20 finalists at the 2018 New Jersey Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, where she received the nomination for the Presidential Scholar Award from NJJSHS.

Thomas Barrett is interested in language theory. Thomas has created his own programming language. Thomas said, "My language interpreter, currently named TomScript, uses techniques from formal language theory and type theory to read a textual representation of a TomScript program following the strict grammar that I designed, analyzes it for errors, and then executes it. Although it is still a work in progress, TomScripts already supports a wide variety of features, including first-class and higher order functions, flow control, user-defined operators, and more."

Ozaner Hansha's interest in machine learning has inspired him to work on projects ranging from video game development to breast cancer diagnosis.

Ozaner said, "I created a couple of Artificial Neural Networks that can perform human tasks that normally can't be done by computers. The first one I made was a network that takes in images of single digits (0-9) and outputs what digit it thinks it saw. More recently, I programmed a neural network that learns to play Pong by playing against a bot for thousands of games (dubbed PongNet). It learns to play via 'Reinforcement Learning': it is rewarded for getting points and punished for losing, not dissimilar from how you would teach an animal or small child something."

Before Ozaner created PongNet, he created a neural network to classify whether a particular breast cancer sample is benign or malignant. He explained, "It was trained on data from the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Dataset. These ANNs are designed to mimic the architecture of human brains: a large collection of individual 'neurons' that connect to other neurons with different weights. A network like this is trained by giving it examples of benign and malignant cells and telling it to match its output these examples."

Ozaner's breast cancer diagnostic neural network has around a 90-percent accuracy rate on random samples.

Ozaner is also interested in quantum computers. When IBM made their 5 qubit (the quantum analog to the bits in a classical computer) quantum computer available to the public in 2016, Ozaner was one of the first to sign up. At the time, he had no formal knowledge of quantum computation or quantum algorithms.

He said, "It wasn't until 2017 that IBM released a python API, QISkit, to interact with their quantum computer rather than the web-based GUI that was available before. This allowed for the creation of quantum circuits programmatically and thus the implementation of general purpose quantum algorithms, something I could now attempt due to reading about the topic extensively for the past year and a half."

Quantum computing, he explained, draws heavily from linear algebra, and more specifically from complex linear algebra, as well as on quantum mechanical principles.

Ryan Sherman has worked on several projects through the deep learning group facilitated by Dr. Jones, and he's focused his energies on everything from using deep learning to predict crime to using it to diagnose breast cancer and Alzheimer's.

Ryan said, "My interest in deep learning began in my freshman year, prompting me to purchase a machine learning book. I then took online courses from MIT and Stanford, and watched talks from industry experts to continue building my understanding of the topic. After grasping some deep learning concepts, I began exploring the Keras, Tensorflow, and PyTorch libraries which was aided by my knowledge of the Python programming language. Eager and now ready to implement my deep learning knowledge, I started experimenting with hands-on projects."

One of Ryan's first projects was an app that recognizes handwritten digits. His next project used deep learning to predict the times, type of crimes, and locations of crimes in New York City.

Ryan said, "After some success, I was excited to pursue a passion of mine -- the intersection of deep learning and medicine. I built software to diagnose breast cancer based upon a patient's medical history, used Tensorflow to help detect signs of Alzheimer's in brain scans, and used deep learning to detect early stage lung cancer in a CT scan. Currently, I am finishing up writing a paper on my most recent project that involved creating an algorithm to segment brain tumors in CT scans. I contribute to PySyft, a homomorphically encrypted deep learning library and, to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field, I read research papers, blogs, and other news from deep learning websites."

Like many of Dr. Jones' deep learning students, Ryan is just getting started in this work.

"I want to continue my work in deep learning and plan to study computer science and applied mathematics in college," Ryan said.

About the young scholars in his study group, Dr. Jones said, "The four students that I meet with to discuss 'deep learning' and other developments in AI and Computer Science are all quite remarkable scholars. I have had most of them in Honors Precalculus and all of them in AP Computer Science A. They each have a compulsion to learn new things and to apply that learning to problems of personal and societal interest. They are all impressive self-starters, who need very little guidance and who are constantly amazing me with their abilities and their exploits. The work that they are doing would be challenging even for students at selective colleges."

Submitted by Chatham High SchoolAuthorities located the mother of an infant found abandoned in a vacant building in Trenton last week and charged her with causing the newborn girl's death, Mercer County prosecutors said Monday.

Yardis Perez-Perez, 27, of Trenton, was charged with second-degree manslaughter and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors said.

Yardis Perez-Perez (Police photo)

Police found the deceased baby girl inside a vacant building on the 800 block of South Broad Street on April 23. She was a day or two old, officials said.

Prosecutors say Perez-Perez allegedly gave birth to the child and abandoned her shortly after. It appears she did not provide any care for the child.

The baby was the third abandoned infant found in the state this month.

New Jersey has a Safe Haven Infant Protection Act, which allows parents, or someone acting on their behalf, to surrender a child less than 30 days old at hospital emergency rooms, police stations, fire houses and rescue squads - with no questions asked.

Perez-Perez was charged Friday and is being held in Mercer County Correction Center. She will appear in court for a detention hearing this week.

Paige Gross may be reached at pgross@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @By_paigegross. Find NJ.com on Facebook.What began as a beautiful spring day was about to get even better for 114 children with special needs.

They began arriving at dawn Tuesday at the Army National Guard aviation facility to meet and mingle with some of their favorite Disney characters ranging from princesses to Darth Vader and his storm troopers.

Following a short program, they left the terminal and headed toward a Miami Air jet waiting to take them on a whirlwind trip, known as Dreamlift, to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Jaleah Fitzpatrick, 9, Manalapan, is carried to the plane by NJ State Trooper Rafael Fernandez. (Michael Mancuso | For NJ.com)

The walk to the plane was lined with supporters and well-wishers in the form of cheering, smiling and waving characters, mascots, and even actual cheerleaders.

The last part of the walk was lined with New Jersey State Police troopers, applauding and encouraging the children, even cracking a few jokes along the way.

Troopers did the not-so-heavy lifting of children who could not make the steps by themselves.

The plane took off at exactly 8 a.m. as scheduled.

The daylong excursion is sponsored by the Mercer County chapter of the Sunshine Foundation, whose mission is to answer the dreams of chronically ill, seriously ill, physically challenged and abused children ages 3 to 18.

In a morning call from Disney World in Orlando, Cathy DiCostanzo, president of the Mercer County Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation exclaimed, "It's a beautiful day here! Ever year gets better and better."

She went on to thank, "The whole community and everybody who contributes in whatever way they can."

After a brief pause, she added, "We really want to thank the kids, for giving us the pleasure to have them with us.

Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @michaelmancuso Find NJ.com on FacebookA woman died Monday night after her car was struck from behind at a busy intersection in South Brunswick.

Ming Xiong, 60, of Plainsboro, was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Route 32 west and Route 535 when a Mini Cooper driven by a 41-year-old South River man hit her Toyota Corolla from behind, according to a release from the South Brunswick Police.

Police responded to the crash at 6:49 p.m. The South River man is not facing any charges at this time, but the accident remains under investigation, police said.

ROUTE 535 CLOSED AT ROUTE 32 DUE TO SERIOUS CRASH. CRASH NEAR @NJTpkAuthority Exit 8A pic.twitter.com/SZcXfAzJfF  So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) May 1, 2018

Police say three other cars were involved in the crash after Xiong's Toyota was struck. Police did not report any other injuries.

The intersection was closed for about five hours following the accident.

Police ask anyone with information to call South Brunswick Police Officer William Merkler at 732-329-4000, ext. 7432.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.Update: All Route 18 lanes in both directions were reopened, according to East Brunswick police.

Route 18 and the New Jersey Turnpike interchange in East Brunswick have been closed to all traffic Tuesday after a tanker truck carrying hazardous material overturned on the on-ramp, officials said.

The tractor-trailer overturned around 11:15 a.m. while attempting to navigate the ramp from Route 18 south to the Turnpike, according to East Brunswick police.

Exit 9 is expected to be closed for a couple more hours, the New Jersey Turnpike said in a tweet at around 12:30 p.m. As of 1 p.m., Route 18 is also still shut down between Route 1 in New Brunswick and Tices Lane in East Brunswick, the state Department of Transportation said.

The tanker was carrying, isopropylbenzene, a flammable colorless liquid made of crude oil and refined fuels, State Police said. A "small" spill has been contained and a Middlesex County Hazmat team is working to clean it up as crews attempt to upright the tanker and remove it.

The driver of the tanker was treated for minor injuries, according to State Police. No other vehicles were involved.

UPDATE : RT 18 SOUTHBOUND NOW CLOSED AT RT 1 AND RT 18 NORTHBOUND TO BE CLOSED AT TICES LN DUE TO ACCIDENT https://t.co/sliog3cAO7  East Brunswick PD (@EBpolicedept) May 1, 2018

Major traffic delays were reported in both directions of Route 18 after the lanes were closed, according to 511nj.org, the state department of transportation's traffic website.

State Police are leading the investigation, with assistance from East Brunswick police.

TRAFFIC ALERT - PHOTOS: The exit at NJTPK Interchange 9 is closed until further notice due to an overturned tanker. Access to the Turnpike from Route 18 south is also blocked. pic.twitter.com/URhT85PDPO  The Lakewood Scoop (@LakewoodScoop) May 1, 2018

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.A Virginia man who was serving time in the federal prison at Fort Dix - for child pornography - pleaded guilty Monday for his role in a child porn ring operating inside the prison, The U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey said in a statement.

Jacob S. Good, 26, of Fredericksburg, Virginia pleaded guilty in a federal court in Camden to one count of possessing child pornography.

Good was nearing the end of his 60-month sentence when he was charged along with four others for utilizing the "dark web" to view and possess pornography.

Later, three other men were charged following the FBI's investigation.

Good admitted that he used a smart phone to access to the dark web to view and possess child pornography. He was scheduled to be released a few days after he told an FBI informant in recorded conversations that he had his own micro SD card containing child porn and that he was planning on smuggling it out.

"I'll be honest," the complaint states he told the informant. "I have no intention of stopping."

Good faces at least 10 more years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release.

Four of the eight men charged have already pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, while four have charges that are still pending.

Good's sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 7 of this year.

Paige Gross may be reached at pgross@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @By_paigegross. Find NJ.com on Facebook.When attorney Lina Franco missed her deadline to file a motion in a federal case alleging violation of wage laws at a group of New Jersey eateries, she blamed her tardiness on a family emergency in Mexico.

The judge likely would have bought the excuse if it hadn't been for some detective work by defense attorneys in the case. Actually, anyone with a computer could have blown the lid off Franco's story.

Photos posted on her Instagram account showed she was vacationing in Miami during the alleged emergency, according to court documents.

This was one of the Instagram posts used to prove attorney Lina Franco was lying about her reason for missing a judge's deadline.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer has granted a motion that Franco pay $10,000 in attorney fees after finding that she "deliberately misled the court and other attorneys in this case."

Franco and co-counsel John Troy represented plaintiffs suing the owners of four New Jersey cafes, including Baumgart's Cafe of Livingston, over claims that employees were not properly compensated under federal and state wage laws

Hammer gave the plaintiffs' attorneys a Nov. 23, 2016, deadline to file a motion in the case, but they missed that deadline and failed to seek an extension.

On Dec. 9, Franco filed both the motion and a belated request for a filing extension in the matter.

In seeking the extension, Franco wrote to the judge that she was "forced to leave the country due to a family emergency in Mexico City." She even provided an itinerary showing she had flown from New York to Mexico on Nov. 21 and returned Dec. 8.

Defense attorneys were skeptical, however, and turned to social media, where they discovered she was not in Mexico City during the timespan in question.

Attorneys found a link to Franco's Instagram page from her business webpage and saw from her posts that she was in New York City eating Thanksgiving dinner with friends days after she supposedly flew to Mexico. On Dec. 1, while still in the midst of her "emergency," she posted a photo from an event at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.

Then, she headed for Florida, were she posted a poolside photo on Dec. 3 -- five days before her supposed return from Mexico City -- with the caption "Not a bad place to work. Not bad at all #Miami."

Lina Franco posted this photo of herself to Instagram on Oct. 28, 2016, during a visit to Mexico. This is one of the screenshots attorneys submitted to prove Franco had lied about her travels.

Instagram also revealed that she was in Mexico City and then Cuba from late October until about Nov. 6, according to court documents.

In response to these revelations, Franco told the court she had gone to Mexico City earlier in November because her mother was ill. Her mother's medical diagnosis had sent Franco "into a tailspin" and she was suffering from the "emotional distraction" of the situation, she claimed.

She later admitted she was "not honest and forward" with the court or the other attorneys in the case, including her co-counsel.

Hammer found Franco's "misrepresentations to the court clearly constitute bad faith and were unreasonable and vexatious, not simply a misunderstanding or well-intentioned zeal."

Defense attorneys sought more than $44,000 in fees related to Franco's behavior, but Hammer found that figure excessive and settled on $10,000. Hammer rejected a bid to penalize Troy, concluding that the attorney had acted in good faith and was not aware of Franco's behavior.

Franco has since withdrawn from the case.

Efforts to contact her for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful. Her Instagram account is now set to private.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips.A prominent Ocean County attorney who taught seminars on elder law was indicted Monday on charges that he stole nearly $2 million from some of his elderly clients.

Robert Novy, 66, of Brick, is facing 10 charges, including two counts each of first-degree and second-degree money laundering, according to New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.

Robert Novy, 66, of Brick (Courtesy N.J. Attorney General's Office)

The indictment alleges that Novy, who also hosted a bi-monthly radio program called "Inside the Law" focusing on topics of concern to senior citizens, stole $1.9 million from six elderly clients, some of whom had Alzheimer's disease or dementia, from 2009-2016.

The attorney general's office stated in a news release that the investigation is ongoing and that the office is looking into numerous other "suspicious financial transactions" involving funds of some of his other clients.

"Novy allegedly stole nearly $2 million from vulnerable clients, preying on seniors who were frail and isolated and who trusted him as their attorney to guard their life savings," Grewal said in the release.

The New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics issued an ethics complaint against Novy in January 2016. He was arrested in October 2016.

Detectives executed a search warrant at his firm, Novy & Associates in Manchester, and seized billing records and other evidence, according to the release. The attorney general's office obtained court orders freezing over $3.5 million in assets held by Novy and his firm.

Grewal said the investigation showed Novy allegedly stole funds from elderly and deceased clients who did not have a close relative to their estate or were not able to challenge his actions.

He used the funds - which he allegedly gained control of through wills, powers of attorney and trust documents signed by his clients - to pay personal and business expenses, according to the news release.

Grewal said Novy allegedly directed insurance companies to cash out annuity and life insurance policies and send the proceeds directly to him. When relatives or trustees challenged the withdrawal of the funds, Novy claimed they were "administrative errors" and repaid the funds, it is stated in the release.

Authorities said Novy stole over $738,000 from an 88-year-old Brick woman who died in 2015, and more than $242,000 from an 85-year-old woman from Brick who died in 2013 and had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Investigators also said he stole nearly $651,000 from an 87-year-old Manchester woman who suffered from dementia and died in 2014, and $130,000 from an 98-year-old township woman.

Novy stole another $103,843 from an 87-year-old Point Pleasant woman who died in 2015, and over $42,000 from an 85-year-old Waretown woman who died in 2013, as well as her 92-year-old husband, who died two years earlier, according to the news release.

Grewal said Novy used three different schemes to steal funds from his clients:

The first involved transferring over $322,000 from six clients' personal bank accounts, or placing their liquidated personal assets, into his own bank account.

In the second scheme, he allegedly transferred over $926,000 from three victims' personal accounts, or liquidated assets, into an Interest on Lawyer Trust Account he controlled rather than a trust fund he did not control, according to the release.

In the third scheme, Novy allegedly transferred three clients' funds into the law firm's operating and disbursement accounts, according to attorney general's office. He reportedly excessively billed the clients for power of attorney fees without any supporting invoices. This scheme totaled $659,457 in stolen funds.

New Jersey Attorney General's Office Division of Criminal Justice Director Elie Honig said Novy "systematically drained his clients assets, laundering funds through various bank accounts and charging unauthorized fees to enrich himself and his firm."

He encouraged anyone with information about Novy and how he handled his clients' funds to contact his office.

Novy's defense attorney Gerald Krovatin of Krovatin Klingeman, LLC, Newark said his client has "always gone the extra mile for his clients."

"Anyone who knows him knows that he would never take advantage of his clients or harm them in any way," Krovatin said. "He denies and will vigorously defend the charges in this indictment."

In addition to the money laundering counts, Novy has also been charged with two counts of second-degree theft by unlawful taking, three counts of second-degree misapplication of entrusted property and one count of second-degree theft by deception, according to the news release.

First degree money laundering carries a sentence of between 10 and 20 years in prison along with a fine of up to $200,000 and an anti-money laundering profiteering penalty of up to $500,000, according to the news release. The second degree charges carry a sentence of between five and 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000 and an additional anti-money laundering profiteering penalty of up to $250,000.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrisrsheldon Find NJ.com on Facebook.An Ocean County couple has been charged with running a drug manufacturing facility after authorities seized 38 marijuana plants and 5 pounds of weed from a greenhouse in Gloucester County, authorities said Monday.

Jason A. Bacon (Courtesy Ocean County Prosecutor's Office)

Jason A. Bacon, 35, of Brick, and Kim Christopher, 31, of Toms River, were arrested Thursday after police searched Bacon's Laurel Brook Drive home and a second residence 90 miles away in Clayton, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

The marijuana plants and processed weed were found in a greenhouse outside a house on North Delsea Drive in Clayton, officials said. Investigators also seized THC wax, a loaded .25-caliber Beretta handgun and an undisclosed amount of cash, the prosecutor's office said.

Both Bacon and Christopher were charged with the following at the conclusion of a four-month investigation:

maintaining a drug manufacturing facility

possession of CDS with intent to distribute

possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana

possession of cocaine

possession of drug paraphernalia

possession of a firearm during a drug offense

two weapons offenses

After the home in Clayton was searched, Bacon faces additional charges of maintaining a drug manufacturing facility, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and maintaining a fortified structure during a drug offense.

The U.S. Treasury Department, the U.S. Postal Service as well as New Jersey State Police, Brick, Clayton, Pitman and Westville police assisted the Ocean and Gloucester county prosecutors' offices in the investigation.



Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.By Blair Bess



We, in America, have been living in alternate states of reality for quite some time. They are neither red or blue. They are states of consciousness and perception.



New borders and boundaries have been erected to divide us. They're often alphanumeric in construction; rising and falling with every stroke of a keyboard, button-push of a remote control, or swipe of a touchscreen. They open the gates to awareness, while simultaneously shutting the door on reason.



How we perceive our world is increasingly defined by the cable channels we view, the radio stations we listen to, the websites we surf, and to a lesser extent - sadly - the newspapers we read.



For as long as the printing press has existed, journalists have expressed differing points-of-view. In their earliest incarnations, books, pamphlets, and newspapers were put out by individuals who voiced their opinions in hopes of moving their readers; to convince them to take a similar stance even more than they factually covered events. The "news" was an extension of those who had the means to publish.



Newspapers historically followed this pattern in cities and towns, large and small. People "took" papers that reflected their personal values and worldview. In many communities, multiple print news outlets existed, whose coverage and advertising targeted those with similar sensibilities. Broadsheets appealed to traditional conservatives, some to more progressive audiences. Tabloids often spoke to the working-class and, sometimes, to immigrants or the radical fringe.



Reporters who wrote for those publications covered the same stories, fought for the same scoops, and spun their coverage based primarily upon those owners and publishers hoped to influence. The papers were run by upstanding citizens and civic leaders. They wielded considerable power but were not demagogues. Most sought to open readers' eyes to new realities and societal changes. Few propagated lies and deception. If only this were true today.



Demagoguery does exist, and it is motivated by both profit and perspective, no matter how distorted the prospect may be. Major media conglomerates, whose leaders have included families with names like Murdoch, Sinclair, and Breitbart, often host those who are not beyond expressing outright lies. They also accuse other mainstream outlets of purveying "fake news," no matter how well-substantiated the facts may be.



Brakes are rarely applied to the editorial ramblings of many of these news outlets. It's even worse online where bloggers, creators of what are truly "fake news" sites, as well as some that are more legitimate, preach to choirs comprised of the angry and disaffected; giving voice to extremist positions. And let's not forget those sites under the control of outside influencers whose sole intent is to foster discord among us.



It would be disingenuous to avoid examining the voices of other cable networks, those whose ownership is associated with corporate logos more so than surnames; the usual suspects, like MSNBC and CNN, that are targeted by right-leaning ranters. Sorry to disillusion their critics, but what is seen interspersed with opinion on those channels is news; based on hard, well-documented facts. And when mistakes or errors in judgment occur (and they sometimes do), those responsible are subjected to intense scrutiny; with public apologies, corrections, or retractions being made.



While some mainstream conservatives may cringe when extremist or ignorant sentiments are expressed by friends and colleagues, by the president, or on the channels and sites that serve as their platforms, they are loathe to publicly denounce them. Self-preservation and careerism is clearly more important than veracity.



Ongoing cries of "fake news" and the constant repetition of lies and half-truths only strengthen the borders and boundaries that divide us. Those on both sides oftentimes remain cloistered, living in separate states of reality to the detriment of us all.



In the days before cable news and online websites ran amok, legendary journalist Walter Cronkite ended his television broadcast each weekday evening with the phrase "And that's they way it is..."And we believed him. These days, many of us don't really know who or what to believe. That's just the way it is.

Blair Bess is a Los Angeles-based television writer, producer, and columnist. He edits the online blog Soaggragated.com, and can be reached at BBess.soaggragated@gmail.com.

Submit letters and Op-Eds to The Jersey Journal at jjletters@jjournal.com.You'd think that his tendency to vote like an Alabaman would oblige Rep. Tom MacArthur to meet with his befuddled New Jersey constituents on occasion, particularly since he hasn't held a town hall in 355 days.

He received such an invitation last week from a Medford woman named Laurel Smith, whose son Jamie suffers from Mitochondrial Disease, an incurable neurodegenerative illness in which the cells go into shutdown. She suggested a town hall to discuss health care - on the same date (May 10) and venue (Willingboro) as the one MacArthur last deigned to meet with voters from the 3rd district.

In the letter, she reminded MacArthur that she voted for him, and that he "promised" he would "do all he could to protect people like her son, whose healthcare costs "have devastated our family," as Smith explained in her letter.

But MacArthur turned down her invitation.

@RepTomMacArthur We were so excited we voted you in to office. Look at the smile, a young man who truly believed you would be an advocate for those with special needs. As I have asked before, please come to our healthcare town hall on May 10th pic.twitter.com/mhL8fGjDtg  Laurel Smith (@DirtDogsMom) April 25, 2018

Rep. Leonard Lance, R-7th, had a town hall Friday - his fourth since last May.

But instead of finding time for the folks of Burlington and Ocean Counties, MacArthur held a fundraiser that featured Mick Mulvaney, the budget director whose love for New Jersey is memorialized in his efforts to kill Sandy relief funding and to undermine the health plan for 9/11 First Responders.

If you think this calls for an examination of MacArthur's priorities, spoiler alert: His priorities pretty much mirror his wretched voting record.

Yes, the congressman has a right to raise money for his 2018 campaign, and he is good at it. He has a talent for attaching himself to power, or at least to people who have a gift for cannibalizing democracy. Donald Trump raised $800,000 for him. Kellyanne Conway delivered another pile in an event that featured four DACA advocates being led away by police.

But his spokespeople, campaign staff, and website make no mention of any upcoming town halls, which is a familiar profile - that of a beltway sellout who ignores his voters until it's time to hand them the check. One example: MacArthur voted for the supply-side farce known as the Republican tax bill, which will increase the federal deficit by $1.5 trillion over 10 years; four days later, he voted in favor of a failed balanced budget amendment that would take a hatchet to entitlements.

He has also tried to torpedo our national healthcare system, supported the racist travel ban, and co-sponsored a bill - weeks after the Las Vegas massacre - that would have nationalized concealed carry.

He has proven, virtually every time he takes a vote, that he is President Trump's special friend.

@RepTomMacArthur I continue to check my email with no "real" response from you, Frank or Christian. Please respond to my invitation. I deserve more than a computer response. We need a town hall...Our families deserve a real talk about healthcare. Still hoping!! pic.twitter.com/NOhIecZ45z  Laurel Smith (@DirtDogsMom) April 25, 2018

A recent Monmouth poll showed that only 35 percent of New Jerseyans approve of the GOP tax law, and only 19 percent believe their taxes will go down because of it.

That probably explains why MacArthur's approval rating has cratered to 33 percent and why his race against Democrat Andy Kim is now a dead heat, according to Public Policy Polling.

One assumes MacArthur is undaunted, as long as he is awash in campaign money, which he apparently believes is the only protection he needs.

This editorial has been updated.

Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.(ABOVE: Donald Trump back when he was advocating America first.)

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump outraged a lot of people by stating that his best advisor on foreign policy was himself.

But he had a point. Consider the exchange Trump had in 2015 with a British journalist by the name of Max Foster.

In the interview, Foster tried to get Trump to agree that it was the proper role of the United States government to sort out the tiff between Russia and Ukraine. (see video below.)

Trump refused to bite. Instead he explained rather patiently that the United States should not be "the policeman of the world."

Foster tried to bait Trump into taking a stand on Russia's takeover of Crimea, but Trump was having none of it.

"This is Europe's problem much more than ours, yet Europe isn't complaining about it," he said. "Why isn't Europe more involved with this?"

Good question. But why doesn't he follow his own advice when it comes to that Iran nuke deal? The Europeans are 3,000 miles closer to Iran than we are. If they're happy with the deal, then why should Trump object?

He shouldn't, says one Jersey guy who knows more about it than just about anyone.

Frank von Hippel is an expert on nuclear non-proliferation at the Science and Global Security Program at Princeton University. When I phoned him Monday he offered this hypothetical:

Suppose that President Trump's somehow manages to get North Korea to get rid of all its nukes and agree to accept the intrusive international inspections that Iran is permitting.

At that point Trump would be universally acknowledged as having engineered the most successful act of diplomacy since the end of the Cold War.

"That would be a dream if you had the international inspectors running all over North Korea inspecting everything," von Hippel said.

It would indeed. That's what's going on in Iran right now. The effect is to make it impossible to move toward making a bomb without the knowledge of the U.S.

"It's working. The Iranians are complying," said von Hippel. "As far as I can tell, the only thing wrong with it is that Obama negotiated it."

It seems that way to me as well. Trump made a big point during the 2016 campaign of proclaiming that President Obama had negotiated a bad deal with the Iranians.

But Obama didn't negotiate the deal. Six nations did, including Great Britain, Russia, France, China and Germany.

If the U.S. were to unilaterally pull out of the deal, as Trump has threatened to do by May 12, there could be an immediate effect on any potential deal with North Korea, von Hippel said.

Kim Jong-un might conclude that the U.S. can't be trusted to stick to a deal. Even worse, the hard-liners in Iran might conclude that it's time to kick the international inspectors out.

"If they got out of the treaty, we would lose the monitoring," von Hippel said. "The hardliners might say that if the U.S. kills the JCPOA, then Iran should get out of the NPT as well."

The JCPOA is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the formal name for the Iran Deal. The NPT is the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, which bans the production of nuclear weapons.

Between the two, Iran is prevented from developing nukes for at least 10 years - long after Trump will be out of office.

"We should be building on the Iran deal, not tearing it down," said von Hippel. "The deal gives us about 10 years to strengthen the nonproliferation regime. Tearing it down would destabilize everything again."

But not everybody in the region wants stability.

"I worry that the Israelis and Saudis are both trying to take advantage of Trump's attitude toward Iran and get something started that would suck the United States in," he said.

I worry about that, too, especially after Benjamin Netanyahu's extended rant Monday about past Iranian plans to build nukes. The entire point of the deal was to keep the Iranians from going ahead with such plans. And that's working.

What bothers Netanyahu - and Trump if his own words are any indication - is not that there's any threat of Iran building nuclear weapons. There isn't. What bothers them is that the U.S. lifted sanctions on Iran.

But by the logic The Donald endorsed back in 2015, the Europeans are a lot closer to Iran. So let them worry about it.

A wise man once said the U.S. shouldn't be the policeman of the world.

Perhaps he should take his own advice.

ADD - WHY IRAN DOESN'T NEED NUKES: The best blog on military affairs is Pat Lang's Sic Semper Tyrannis site. Go there and read the piece by Publius Tacitus on Netanyahu's speech. One commenter nails it: "But once the US invaded Iraq in 2003, and handed over control of the country to Iran-backed Iraqi political factions, Iran immediately stopped whatever "studies" they had been doing."

The reality is that Iran doesn't need nukes now that there is no longer a threat from Iraq. The fact is the Iranians are achieving their regional goals just fine with conventional weapons. Why? Because the U.S. keeps trying to "liberate" the Mideast from secular dictators. Once Saddam was gone, Iran took over effective control of Iraq. Now the Hillary/Obama effort to overthrow Assad gave them care blanche to enter Syria.

During the campaign, Trump said he was going to end this nonsensical "neo" conservative effort to remove secular dictators. Instead he's become a pawn of the Saudis and Israelis.

And for the many confused wannabe conservatives out there who don't comprehend how they've been taken in by the liberal internationalists, read this Pat Buchanan column.

BELOW: The Donald back when he was making sense about foreign policy.Are you a woman in New Jersey interested in joining a respectful, online conversation with women from around the country who have different political opinions, experiences and backgrounds?

Advance Local, NJ.com and The Star-Ledger's parent company, in partnership with Spaceship Media are hosting a moderated conversation in a closed Facebook group that will bring together women of all political stripes, from conservative to libertarian to liberal.

The conversation, The Many: A Conversation Across Divides, is supported by journalists and librarians who supply research to inform the group's discussions. It is moderated and is also off the record, but journalists are permitted to ask participants for permission to interview and quote them.

Spaceship Media is a journalism organization that has conducted similar conversations since the 2016 general election, including between supporters of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and about immigration, agriculture and education. Its mission is to reduce polarization, build communities and restore trust in media. The Many will run through the November midterm elections.

There are no time or participation commitments at all.

If you're interested in being a part of a civil, respectful conversation with women of all political stripes you can sign up here. We are interested in voices from across the political spectrum, and right now we're particularly looking for conservative or independent women.

Please share with friends and family who you think might like to join.Undocumented immigrants in New Jersey who are faced with deportation could benefit from Gov. Phil Murphy's first budget.

The new governor wants to spend $2.1 million to help provide legal representation to poor immigrants who can't afford to hire their own attorneys. The move comes as the number of arrests of undocumented immigrants in the state has spiked since the election of President Donald Trump.

"This is an important and big step to represent these people," Gordon MacInnes, president of the progressive group New Jersey Policy Perspective, said.

"We've already seen plenty of examples where families have been split up and people who have not been accused of a crime have been deported," he said. "We also know that the chances for people who are being held greatly improve that they will not be deported if they have legal representation."

While he hailed the governor's move, MacInnes estimated the cost to represent every undocumented immigrant who's incarcerated in the state could reach as much as $15 million.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested more than 3,100 undocumented immigrants in 2017.

The money set aside in the governor's proposed budget still needs to clear the Legislature.

If approved, New Jersey could join other Democratic-led states like New York and California that have focused on providing legal help to poorer immigrants. New York last year announced a public-private partnership aimed at helping immigrants. California pledged $30 million, mostly in legal help, for young immigrants.

The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement operates three detention centers in the state. Emilio Dabul, an ICE spokesman in New Jersey, told The Associated Press he's not allowed to release how many are detained at the facilities. Nationally, there are 40,947 detainees, he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook.Gov. Phil Murphy came to Newark on Monday and reeled off a few phrases that could easily be new slogans for New Jersey's most populous city.

He called it "a city clearly on the rise" and "a model for urban revitalization."

That, Murphy explained, is largely because Newark has been bolstered by what he calls "the innovation economy" -- in which technology companies, especially startups, move in to an area and help invigorate it.

"Economic progress cannot be made without social progress," Murphy said in a speech to business leaders at a forum co-hosted by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and Audible, the Newark-based audiobook company, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the city.

"This is a city that has not ignored its roots or its people, and it is creating an entirely new energy off the recognition that those who stayed and fought for a better Newark were on to something," the Democratic governor added.

Plus, Murphy said, the state's other oft-blighted cities -- like Camden, Paterson, Trenton -- could follow a similar path.

"The real beauty is that it doesn't just have to be a Newark story," the governor said. "Cities once were the economic engines of our state, and they will be again."

"This state is custom-built to not only lead -- but to dominate -- the innovation economy," he added.

Murphy said Newark's rejuvenation is why "no one is laughing" at the city's prospects at possibly landing Amazon's HQ2. The city is one of the Top 20 finalists for the online retail giant's new headquarters.

The governor said Newark's proximity to New York City, major highways, a major port, a major airport, and a string of colleges makes it "uniquely qualified" for what Amazon wants.

Murphy has long touted the need for New Jersey to focus on technology and science to boost its economy. He argues the state was once the Sillicon Valley of the East Coast -- back in the days of Thomas Edison -- and it can be again.

"This is in our economic DNA," Murphy said Monday. "We lost it because we let it go, and now we're here to take it back."

Murphy also pushed for the state state to use its tax incentive programs to attract more startup businesses to the state, not just keep larger businesses from leaving.

"We are here to be a partner in your growth and success," he added.

Audible CEO Don Katz noted how his company moved to Newark in 2007 with only 100 employees and no perks from the state. Now, he said, its payroll is up to 1,400 workers.

Katz also said the company decided to "look past traditional resumes" and hire Newark residents.

"People whose lack of privilege and background didn't make them an obvious on paper, and we figured out how to train them to join jobs, and our customer care division just brims with all this positive energy," he added.

What Murphy didn't mention Monday was his first state budget proposal, which includes $1.5 billion in tax hikes to help pay for more funding for education, transportation, public-worker pensions, and more.

The event's co-host, the NJBIA, has been critical of Murphy's plan to institute a new tax on millionaires.

On Monday, NJBIA president Michele Siekerka said her group shares many "priorities" with Murphy but added: "The pathway to funding those priorities has to be slow and steady -- small bites that New Jersey business and the economy can sustain in order for us to continue to grow."

"No shocks to the system," Siekerka said. "We can't shock the businesses, and we can't shock our economy."

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.A Gretna area doctor was arrested Monday (April 30) -- more than a week after a federal grand jury charged him with illegally dispensing a lengthy list of highly addictive painkillers as part of a pill mill operation, according to U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans' office.

Wayne Celestine, 57, a New Orleans resident who ran a pain-management clinic in the Gretna area, is charged with conspiring to illegally prescribe and distribute various drugs, including oxycodone, fentanyl and other opioids. The indictment charging him was handed up April 20 and unsealed Monday.

Celestine surrendered his medical license earlier this year following a Feb. 22 raid on his clinic, Integrity Pain Management Clinic at 525 Commerce St. in unincorporated Gretna.

According to court records, Celestine and others had schemed for roughly 10 years, beginning by 2008 and continuing to this year, to illegally distribute the drugs. These included a number of Schedule II drugs, which carry a high potential for abuse, dispensed "outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose," the indictment states.

Celestine generated about $13.8 million from his pill mill operation, Special Agent Debora Webber, spokeswoman for the agency's New Orleans Field Office, said earlier this year.

An investigation into Celestine began in late 2013, after authorities fielded complaints from citizens about Celestine and the practices at Integrity Pain Management, Webber said.

Celestine was the only prescribing physician at the clinic, which doled out large amounts of controlled substances -- and only took cash payments until shortly before the raid, according to Webber. Some patients traveled more than three hours to visit Celestine's clinic.

Between December 2013 and August 2016, agents used confidential sources to make undercover buys from the clinic, authorities said.

Celestine wrote drug prescriptions to some sources even when there was no medical reason, authorities said, and patients were seen buying and selling prescriptions in either the parking lot or the waiting room.

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In connection with the investigation, agents have seized $1.5 million in assets from Celestine, including nearly $270,000 from four bank accounts, more than $700,000 in life insurance and investments, assorted jewelry, 10 vehicles, a motorhome and several properties clinic connected to Celestine in Algiers, Covington, Port Sulphur and on Magazine Street in New Orleans.

The DEA investigated the case with the IRS, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Harahan Police Department, Westwego Police Department, Louisiana State Police, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office, New Orleans Police Department and Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office.

If convicted of the drug conspiracy charge, Celestine will face up to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $1 million.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Murphy is in charge of the prosecution.

Celestine has retained New Orleans defense attorney William P. Gibbens, according to federal records. Gibbens was not immediately available for comment Monday evening.

Celestine made his initial court appearance Monday before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Daniel E. Knowles III. He is scheduled to again appear in federal magistrate court May 1 for his arraignment and a detention hearing.

NOLA.com|The Times-Picayune staff reporter Michelle Hunter contributed to this report.Three U-Haul boxes sat stacked on top of each other in the living room of a St. Claude Avenue home on Tuesday morning (May 1). The resident at the double shotgun said he bought and filled the boxes with his belongings that morning, hours after opening his front door to find a gunshot victim leaning on his front stoop.

About nine other people on his block, including some who he said had also been struck by gunfire, were still ducking and hiding.

The man, who asked not to be named out of concern for his safety, said violent crime in his neighborhood has gotten "progressively worse," in the last two years. He had thought before about moving, he said, but Tuesday's shooting in his block that left five people wounded "was the last straw."

Earlier: 5 shot on St. Claude Avenue

Police were first called to reports of gunfire at 12:46 a.m. in the 3200 block of St. Claude Avenue, which sits between Louisa and Piety streets. The NOPD said in a preliminary report the men who were shot were ages 24-38. One of the five victims was a man shot in the back and another was shot in the shoulder. NOPD has not released any additional details about the victims' injuries or conditions. Three of them were taken by EMS to a hospital, police said, and two others showed up at hospitals later in private vehicles.

According to a preliminary NOPD report, the men who were shot were gathered at the same location when they heard gunfire coming from Piety Street.

The resident who packed up his belongings Tuesday said a group of people play dice on the stoop outside the vacant house next door "pretty much every night." Joseph Peters, who works at St. Claude Tire in the same block, near the corner of St. Claude and Louisa, separately said the vacant house often attracts a crowd of people.

A group of people was sitting outside the vacant house early Tuesday when the man who lives next door arrived home. A short time later, he said, he heard an estimated 20 gunshots.

"Initially I thought it was fireworks. And then I heard people screaming," the man said.

When the shots stopped, he looked outside his front door and saw a wounded man lying on the ground with his head resting near his front stoop. The wounded man asked him to call an ambulance, he said. Police arrived about two minutes after he called 911, he said, and officers remained on the scene until about 5 a.m.

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A wad of yellow crime scene tape lay among leaves and dirt next to the sidewalk outside the vacant, salmon-colored, wood-framed home. A couple of beer bottles, a cigarette pack and chip bag surrounded the area near the home's front stairs. Another wad of yellow tape sat on the St. Claude neutral ground, and some also remained wrapped around a street sign across the street.

A photo of the crime scene taken by WVUE-Fox 8 shows at least nine fluorescent green evidence cones had been placed near the corner of St. Claude and Piety.

The resident who packed his belongings Tuesday said he had planned earlier to leave town for a road trip that day. That likely wasn't going to happen Tuesday, he said, because the back window of his car was shattered when it was struck by gunfire in the shooting and he needed to wait on the insurance adjuster. Before Tuesday, he had planned to come back to his St. Claude Avenue home after his two-month road trip, but that plan has also changed. Now, he plans to put his belongings in a storage facility and find a new place to live when he gets back to town.

"I've lived in the French Quarter 10 years, I've seen everything you could imagine. But this is a little over the top," he said.

In the four years he's lived at the St. Claude neighborhood home, he has three times opened his front door to find a person who had overdosed lying unconscious or dead on his front stoop. He estimated hearing nearby gunshots about once a month. Just last week, he said, a car was shot up across the street.

Gary Scheets, a spokesman for NOPD, noted that nonfatal shootings in the 5th District, which polices the Bywater, Upper Ninth Ward and Lower 9th Ward, are down compared to last year. There were 26 nonfatal shooting incidents in the 5th District as of May 1 in 2017, he said. Tuesday's shooting of five people marked the 22nd nonfatal shooting incident this year in the 5th District. Gun murders in the 5th District have kept pace with last year's fatal shootings, records kept by NOLA.com | Times-Picayune show. Fourteen people have been fatally shot in the 5th District so far this year, the same number of fatal gun victims by May 1 of last year.

Peters, 70, said Wagners, a convenience store across the street from where Tuesday's shooting occurred, has twice in recent memory been held up at gunpoint. NOPD records show police responded to armed robberies at a store in that block June 10, 2016, and on Dec. 14, 2017. Less than a year ago, he said, a man was killed around the corner. Police and Orleans Parish Coroner's Office records show Lewis Gonzalez was shot dead on Louisa Street near St. Claude May 12, 2017. He was found lying on his back in the street.

"Not enough love, too much hate," said Peters of news that five people were shot down the block from his store.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated police were called at 12:46 p.m. Officers were called at 12:46 a.m.Homegrown Pizza in Gentilly is brand new, but it has roots.

The pizzas are made with dough from John Gendusa, the nearby bakery that's been operating since 1922. The sauce is made with a recipe from the grandparents of Kathleen Hansel, who opened the restaurant with her husband, Mike. It uses onion, garlic and, according to Kathleen, "a lot of wine," and it's cooked down to give the red sauce a more complex flavor.

"We want to take those Old World flavors and give them a New Orleans twist," Kathleen said in an earlier interview.

All the pizzas are made with whole milk mozzarella ("It melts beautifully," Kathleen said.) The vegetables are seasonal, and they buy as much local produce as they can. And all the beers, once the pizzeria gets its liquor license, will be from Louisiana or the region.

The couple has spent years working in the pizza business. For their first restaurant, they wanted to create a place that felt personal and also part of New Orleans.

Opened: April 27

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On the menu: Cheesy bread ($4.95); Caesar salad ($5.95/$7.95); The Harold sandwich ($8.95); Summertime pizza ($7.50/$17.95); Supreme Pizza ($7.95/$18.95) (See a PDF of the full menu)

Need to know: In a few weeks, Homegrown will add delivery to Gentilly and Lakeview.

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Homegrown Pizza: 6325 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orlenas, 504.644.4762

***

Got a tip? Know some restaurant news? Email Todd A. Price at TPrice@NOLA.com or call 504.826.3445. Follow him on Twitter (@TPrice504) or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/groups/wherenolaeats.How many of these 26 game-changing New Orleanians do you know?When you have run one of the biggest food booths at New Orleans Jazz Fest for 35 years, you have stories.

"Bill Murray ran into our booth last year, running away from fans," said Monica Davidson, the bubbly namesake of Crawfish Monica. One time she took a tray of food to a Jazz Fest star who is a fan of the food, because the performer hadn't been able to pick up any yet. Davidson found herself onstage with Irma Thomas in front of 20,000 people.

"Allen Toussaint was a big fan. Marcia Ball, Freddy LeBlanc from Cowboy Mouth," Davidson said. "We have a lot of fans. We've been really lucky."

Davidson said she and husband Pierre "Pete" Hilzim are proud their kids are working with them. Brooke, 30, and Stephanie, 26, first attended the festival in baby carriages when they were about 5 and 6 months old.

"Now, they really help us run the booth," Davidson said. "They kind of manage the staff. They bring in their friends, who work really hard."

This year their booth (now named Big River Foods) will take credit cards for the first time, at all six lines. The massive operation will serve 20 tons of food, a serving a second, Davidson said. "Even if you're at the back of the line, you get to the front fast."

Between 22 and 28 people per day are needed to work at the temporary business on the Fair Grounds, during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell. At least half are volunteers, including the couple's attorney and one of their doctors ("I think they love it because it's so different from what they normally do," Davidson said.) A group from a Tulane sorority works in exchange for a donation to CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates.

In case you just got here from another planet, Crawfish Monica is a pasta dish with a spicy cream sauce.

"Sometimes we buy fresh (pasta) and use it fresh, or sometimes we buy frozen," Davidson said. "It's high-quality, fresh pasta. We make the sauce. We buy the crawfish cooked; Louisiana ones if we can get them at a reasonable price. Otherwise we buy Spanish crawfish that are the first cousin of Louisiana ones. We do not use Chinese crawfish because we don't like the quality. We have prioritized using really good ingredients, never skimping. We owe our customers that."

Crawfish Monica is among the biggest sellers at the festival, and it is a trademarked and carefully protected recipe, which became famous because of its exposure at the New Orleans Jazz Fest and Heritage Festival presented by Shell. But the couple didn't serve it the first year.

In the early 1980s, New Orleans-born chef Hilzim was working in a high-end Italian restaurant in San Francisco when a mutual friend introduced him to his future wife. Monica was working in the executive training program at Macy's. While designing restaurants for the Italian owners, Hilzim learned the art of fresh pasta, a then-novel concept in the United States.

The couple married in 1981 - "I was a child bride," Davidson says -- and left for New Orleans five days later. Their first business was making and selling fresh pasta to restaurants and supermarkets.

"Only one other company in the U.S. was doing it," Davidson said. "One of our first customers was Paul Prudhomme. Paul ended up loving it. He called his friends and associates and really helped us get off the ground."

Hilzim was always the cook at parties, and at a dinner party in Uptown New Orleans one night, he asked Monica to come taste something new. It was fettucine with a creamy crawfish sauce. He named it after his wife, and Crawfish Monica was born. When the couple demonstrated their fresh pasta at food shows around the country, they used the crawfish sauce. People went nuts for it, Davidson said.

In 1983, there was a booth opening at Jazz Fest and the couple decided to give it a shot. The only stipulation: No pasta.

"We said OK, we'll do something else. We did barbecue shrimp and oyster artichoke dressing," Davidson said. "They were delicious, but peeling a thousand pounds of shrimp by hand? Wow. That was daunting. We were just learning how to manage inventory and people. We made 25 cents the first year, if we made anything at all. The next year, they said, 'Oh, by the way, you can do pasta.'

"And we thought, 'Why don't we try that crawfish sauce at Jazz Fest?' That was 34 years ago."

Much has happened since then. Hilzim is president of their company, Kajun Kettle, and vice-president Davidson manages personnel, marketing and public relations. They provide more than 100 ready-to-serve savory soups, sauces, entrees and side dishes to the restaurant industry - all named "Monica's," as in "Monica's Jambalaya Base" and "Monica's Country Style White Beans."

After years of customer demand, the company began online sales of their signature dish. Since 2009, Crawfish Monica kits have been sold at Rouses supermarkets.

At the festival, seeing one another year after year, vendors share a familial bond.

"It's a wonderful camaraderie," Davidson said. "We help each other out. If you run out of something, we help with money, supplies, napkins. We trade food back and forth."

Their next-booth neighbors in Food Area II are particular favorites. Merline Hebert of Creole's Lunch House in Lafayette "is darling," Davidson said. "One time an episode of 'Treme' was filmed out here and a few food booths were in it. Merline was in it. She said, 'Hey, Trombone Shorty, come give me some loving, honey.'"

Taqueria Corona are their other neighbors. "We were in their restaurant the first day they opened," Davidson said.

Of course, vendors are at the mercy of the elements. "We joke about laundering money, because the bills get so wet," Davidson said. One year a TV station filmed them using one of their four industrial-size tilt skillets, used to make the sauce, to dry out sopping cash. They've also dried $20 bills in a clothes dryer at home, Davidson said.

The heat is another challenge. One very hot day, the crew noticed a guy in line with a woman draped around his neck, kind of dragging her, Davidson said. Just as he said, 'I'd like four Crawfish Monicas," the woman passed out and slipped to the ground. "He was so intent he kept going through the line," Davidson said. "We brought her into the tent and gave her water and food" until she revived.

Hilzim gets to the festival first. Several years ago, he was watching an early soundcheck with a few other vendors when the performer came out and asked what they were doing there.

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"Pierre said, 'We're the food people. We don't get to come out and see you; we're working when you play.'" Davidson reported. So Bruce Springsteen said, "OK, I'm going to do the show for you guys."

Hilzim leaves around 7 a.m. to check on the booth, make sure there's power to the tilt skillets and and to see that the other machines are working.

"I call him to see if there's anything he needs me to bring, anything forgotten," Davidson said. "I bring the T-shirts and hats" the staff wears. At the end of the day, Hilzim leaves around 6, and she follows around 7 p.m.

"There's always someone who's come from Alaska and walked on their hands and knees to get here at the last minute," Davidson said. "You know the stories we hear. We try to put a little food on the skillet for the last minute."

And of course, Davidson has her own festival favorites.

"I love me a mango freeze," she said. "And I love the Vietnamese food, the vermicelli....all the food is so extraordinary. "The softshell crab po-boy. I love Merline's Creole stuffed bread.

So how has 35 years at Jazz Fest changed Monica?

"It's taught me how to work with people from all walks of life, all backgrounds. And it teaches you the value of persistence. Sometimes you have bad years. It counts just to show up and be there and do the best you can.

Food "really forges relationships. It's so important to the human condition. There's something about a great bowl of food that's so meaningful on so many levels. It brings people together.

"We've been really lucky to be part of it."

Readers often ask for the Crawfish Monica recipe. Kajun Kettle Foods does not share its recipe and the name is trademarked. Many have tried to duplicate it and readers tell us that this recipe, previously published in The Times-Picayune in 2015, is a good substitute for home cooks.

Similar to Crawfish Monica

Makes 6 servings

1 pint half-and-half

1 cup whipping cream

6 green onions, chopped

1 stick butter

1 pound crawfish tails with fat

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional seasonings: thyme, two fresh garlic cloves, cayenne or Tony Chachere's

1 pound cooked rotini or fettuccine

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Combine half-and-half and cream in a saucepan and reduce slightly, about 10 minutes. Saute onions in butter. Add crawfish, seasonings and cream and reduce a little more until creamy. Pour over cooked, hot pasta. Add cheese and toss.

***

Looking for cheap eats, draft beers, vegetarian options or just want to know what what we think is the very best food at the New Orleans Jazz Fest? Check out our guide to all of this and more here.It's a coincidence of cosmic proportion. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival turns 50 in 2019 and producers will presumably will be preparing a spectacular lineup to mark the moment. Meanwhile ABBA, the Swedish supergroup that unleashed an irresistible brood of disco ear worms in the 1970s, has reunited to produce a pair of new tunes.

According to a story on the Variety website, the Swedish supergroup is ABSOLUTELY NOT going on tour to promote their new songs. But it is not impossible that popular demand will draw the power pop quartet back onto the road in all of their glittery harmoniousness, just in time to close out the Acura stage on the second Saturday of the 50th Jazz Fest.

Can't you see it? A giant mirror ball will hang from the Fair Grounds flagpole. No one will be admitted without a satin jumpsuit. The infield will be paved with a continuous, shiny dance floor. American roots music aficionados will stage a riotous protest at the Sauvage gate. Paddy wagons will be filled with Hawaiian shirt-wearing malcontents as the Jazz Fest breaks all previous attendance records.

Come on, (festival producer) Quint Davis, I know your first instinct will be to resist ABBA and try to enlist the Rolling Stones or some other ragged rock act, but if you change your mind, I'm the first in line. Take a chance on ABBA.

Doug MacCash has the best job in the world, covering art, music, and culture in New Orleans. Contact him via email at dmaccash@nola.com. Follow him on Twitter at Doug MacCash and on Facebook at Douglas James MacCash. As always, please add your point of view to the comment stream.To read Robert Wilkie's official federal biography, one might assume the only thing tying the acting U.S. Veterans Affairs secretary to New Orleans is his Loyola University law degree. But his southeast Louisiana roots run deeper and, of course, involve food.

Four days after NOLA.com published a story about Wilkie's appointment, he emailed Monday (April 30) to say this:

"Thank you for your article on the VA.

"Just so you don't think I am a complete foreigner -- my mother's family owned the original Gambino's Bakery on Toledano. My mother attended Dominican High School and graduated from Saint Mary's Dominican College. My father graduated from St. Aloysius and Loyola. My sister is a Loyola graduate."

How about that? Name-checking high schools is so New Orleans.

The original Gambino's at 3609 Toledano St., in the Hoffman Triangle neighborhood, closed in 1999. St. Mary's Dominican High is still going strong. Dominican College is now part of Loyola University. St. Aloysius and Cor Jesu High schools closed in 1969, merging to become Brother Martin High.

Wilkie has more than 20 years' experience working in the Defense Department, the White House, Congress and private industry. He grew up in North Carolina, son of an Army artillery commander.

Whether he helps military veterans in Louisiana remains to be seen. But he says he cares about both the armed services and the New Orleans area.

"My father spent most of his military career at Fort Bragg as part of the 82nd Airborne, hence [my] being raised in Fayetteville, N.C. (which is also my wife's home) and calling it home," Wilkie wrote. "But New Orleans and Jefferson Parish is always in my heart. (My grandmother lives ... in Metairie)."

In a subsequent email, he signed off with "Geaux Saints."

. . . . . . .

Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and Louisiana interests in Congress, plus other odds and ends, for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1. Google+: Drew Broach.The attorney for former North Shore District Attorney Walter Reed asked a federal appeals court Tuesday (May 1) to toss out Reed's 2016 convictions on corruption charges, arguing the government "overreached" in prosecuting the case.

Richard Simmons Jr. told a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that prosecutors largely made a federal case out of state campaign laws, describing it as "federalism."

"They're enforcing campaign laws and making a crime out of something that under state law is not a crime," Simmons told Judges Patrick Higginbotham, Jerry Smith and Edith Brown Clement. "Federal prosecutors are not the (state) Board of Ethics."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg countered that Reed and his son, Steven Reed, committed a "classic federal crime.

"Walter Reed and Steven Reed took money that did not belong to them," Ginsberg told the court. "This is simply a textbook fraud case."

The parties, including Steven Reed's attorney Autumn Alycia Town, appeared before the panel for about 40 minutes. Both Walter Reed and Steven Reed were in the courtroom but did not address the court.

Afterward, Simmons said it would likely be weeks or months before the panel issues a decision.

Reed served as district attorney for St. Tammany and Washington parishes for 30 years before opting not to seek re-election in the fall of 2014 as the FBI investigated his activities. He was convicted on numerous political corruption charges in May of 2016 after an 11-day trial before U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon. Fallon sentenced Reed to four years in prison, but allowed him to remain free on bond while appealing his convictions.

Steven Reed was tried at the same time and was also convicted. Fallon sentenced him to five years of probation.

The jury found the elder Reed guilty of 18 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, making false statements on his income tax returns and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to launder money.

Steven Reed was found guilty of conspiracy, wire fraud and money laundering.

During the trial, prosecutors accused Walter Reed of illegally spending more than $100,000 in campaign funds for personal use, including paying for expensive meals for family members and friends. Ginsberg described Reed's campaign fund as a "slush fund."

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Reed failed to report that money as income, gave his son campaign money disguised as legitimate campaign expenses, and pocketed payments from St. Tammany Parish Hospital for legal services when that money should have gone to the District Attorney's Office, prosecutors said.

Walter Reed was in good spirits Tuesday. On his way into court, he shook the hands of two reporters and made a joke about Stormy Daniels. Afterward, he quipped about having an "above average" lawyer in Simmons, who has handled many high-profile cases during his career.

Before the judges, Simmons touched on many of the same points he made before, during and after the trial in his argument to have the convictions overturned.

In addition to the federalism issue, Simmons noted that the defense was denied an opportunity to call as a witness an expert in state campaign finance law. He complained that the part of the case dealing with the spending of campaign funds should not have been tried at the same time as the five mail fraud counts involving the hospital funds.

Simmons maintained the indictment was faulty because it accused Walter Reed of failing to report $30,000 in funds he received from the hospital, when testimony showed the money actually came from a law firm Reed had done work for. Reed paid about $500,000 in taxes over the period in question, and any mistake in reporting taxable income should have been a civil, not criminal, matter, he argued.

"The indictment was totally wrong," Simmons said. "They (prosecutors) knew about it weeks before trial. They left it there. They tried to finesse the jury."

But Ginsberg told the panel that a chart shown to the jury correctly showed the that the $30,000 paid to Reed came from the law firm. It did not prejudice Reed's rights in any way, he said.

Federal taxes were unpaid on that amount "regardless of where it came from," he said.

Ginsberg said state campaign finance laws were used as context to prove knowledge and intent and to illustrate the "scheme" by the Reeds. He said the issues raised by Simmons had been raised and correctly ruled upon by Judge Fallon.

Ginsberg declined to comment after the hearing.

As he left the courthouse, Walter Reed said he felt good about his chances of winning on appeal. "If they don't reverse this case, every public official in America will be at the mercy of the FBI."As if Louisiana hasnt had enough of tropical weather this summer, Gov. John Bel Edwards was told Saturday that the states residents need to brace themselves for the possibility of another system coming ashore perhaps as early as next Friday.Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Becoming partly cloudy after some evening light rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Becoming partly cloudy after some evening light rain. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.For the past 60 years, every generation of freshman students at Izumo Agricultural and Forestry High School, in Izumo, Japans Shimane prefecture, has taken the Class of Life, a controversial six-month course during which the students help hatch and raise chickens, before having to slaughter and eat them.

Last year, the Class of Life at Izumo High School started in October, when they were presented with around 60 chicken eggs. Under the guidance of a teacher, they prepared them for incubation, washing them, arranging them in a special tray and learning to adjust the humidity and temperature on the incubator. For the next three weeks, they were in charge of monitoring the eggs and making sure that the right conditions for hatching were met. Once the chicks hatched, each student had to pick one and raise it as their own, knowing full well that in just a few months they would have to kill and eat it.

Photo: video screengrab

The students were responsible for the well-being and proper growth of the chickens. They had to feed them, change their water frequently, monitor the temperature of their enclosure, as well as weight them periodically and record their progress. As you can imagine, some students get attached to the chickens, with some going as far to treat them like pets, despite knowing the gruesome conclusion of the class. Other try their best not to get to close to the birds, for that exact same reason. For example, Arakawa Yumesui, one of the students taking the Class of Life last year, told Nippon TV that she did not dare name her chicken for fear of attachment. Even so, when the time came to take its life, she said she felt uneasy because it was kind of like a pet to her.

Last month, after a final measurement and weighing of the chickens, the students were taught how to kill a chicken by their teacher, before having to slaughter the ones they had spent six months raising. In a Nippon TV video, some of the girls taking the Class of Life can be seen turning away as the teacher and other students slaughter the chicken, while others shed tears as they force themselves to look on, and told the chickens Im sorry before taking their lives. Its a painful experience, but one that is supposed to teach the students a valuable lesson.

Photo: video screengrab

Finally, after killing their chickens, the students must cook and eat them to complete the Class of Life. In the video, the students are shown frying chicken meat and then eating it, and thanking the chickens for their sacrifice.

Its been awful and sad, so I am lonely because I do not have a duty to go back to, but I am glad that I became able to appreciate food, Arakawa Yumesui said.

Photo: video screengrab

The Class of Life has been part of the Izumo Agricultural and Forestry High School curriculum for the past six decades, and appears to have also been adopted by this high school in Fukuoka as well. However, not many know about it outside of Japan, so when the Nippon TV video went viral on Chinas Pear Video platform recently, it caused quite the controversy.

While some praised the course, claiming that it teaches students that life itself can be cruel, and that the best way to show you respect food is to eat and not waste it, others called it unnecessary and possibly traumatic for the students.

Photo: video screengrab

The Class of Life may seem cruel and pointless, but those who support it consider it the perfect way to teach children both to value life and appreciate the meat and fish they consume. Many children are brought up with delicious animal-based dishes without ever being told that they come at the expense of other life. They live comfortable, convenient lives without ever giving thought to the lives lost to fill their bellies. This way, at least they know what it feels like to take a life for sustenance.

Japanese film director Tatsuya Mori, the author of a book called How to Eat Life, believes that anyone who consumes fish and meat should take the Class of Life at least once in their life. If they are not comfortable doing so, perhaps they should become vegetarians.While countries like Germany or on track to completely phase out nuclear power plants by 2022, Russias is building more of them and even making them floatable so they can provide power to remote areas. However, not everyone is convinced that placing a powerful nuclear reactor on a ship is such a good idea.

Looking exactly like what you would imagine a floating power plant to look like, the Akademik Lomonosov is certainly an impressive sight to behold. Its mission, to provide power to in remote regions of Russias extreme north and far east, is also quite interesting, as it allows Russia to significantly cut costs by just moving the ship to where it is needed, instead of moving machinery out by land. If everything goes according to plan, the Lomonosov should prove a great asset to Russia, but environmentalists and nuclear experts are worried that in case of a natural disaster, it could cause an environmental catastrophe.

Photo: video screengrab

Built by state-controlled nuclear company Rosatom, the Akademik Lomonosovs 48MW reactor was supposed to be loaded with nuclear fuel right in the Sankt Petersburg shipyard where it was constructed, but due to safety concerns, it will instead be towed to the Arctic for testing.

To test a nuclear reactor in a densely populated area like the centre of St. Petersburg is irresponsible to say the least, said Greenpeace nuclear expert for central and Eastern Europe, Jan Haverkamp. However, moving the testing of this nuclear Titanic away from the public eye will not make it less so.

Haverkamp and others are worried than in case of a tsunami or other extreme weather conditions, the Akademik Lomonsosov could become another Chernobyl and cause great damage to the Arctic environment, which is already under great pressure.

The floating nuclear power plants will typically be put to use near coastlines and shallow water  contrary to claims regarding safety, the flat-bottomed hull and the floating nuclear power plants lack of self-propulsion makes it particularly vulnerable to tsunamis and cyclones, Jan Haverkamp said.

However, Rosatom claims that the Akademik Lomonosov is virtually impervious to tsunamis and other natural disasters and that all safety measures have been taken to prevent a nuclear catastrophe.

The Lomonosov is designed with the great margin of safety that exceeds all possible threats and makes nuclear reactors invincible for tsunamis and other natural disasters, the company said in a statement. In addition, the nuclear processes at the floating power unit meet all requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) and do not pose any threat to the environment.



Russian state media has announced that a second floating nuclear power plant is scheduled for completion in 2019, and has suggested that such ships could be marketed to other countries in the future.

Interestingly, the Akademik Lomonosov is not the worlds first floating nuclear power plant. That title belongs to the Sturgis, US Army barge that was installed in Panama during the Vietnam War. It was fitted with a 10MW nuclear reactor and provided electricity in the area until 1976. It was decontaminated and prepared for long-term storage in 1977, but the dismantling process is still taking place 40 years later, due to the intense radiation levels.

Sources: The Independent, Ars TechnicaThe New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is getting ready to salute another group of young communications-industry leaders with its third annual 15 Under 35 Awards.

Nominations for the awards, which will be presented at the 2018 Big Apple Awards gala on June 11, are open through May 10. Mentors, professors, managers and supervisors of exceptional PR professionals under the age of 35 with at least five years of work experience are encouraged to recognize their work with a nomination. Self-nominations are also being accepted.

These awards have been known to be resume builders and have ultimately set up award winners for success within their current organization and beyond, said PRSA-NY president Sharon Fenster. Previous winners have come from such agencies as Porter Novelli, Kwittken and Kellen, as well as from academia and in-house PR shops.



Cessie Cerrato

The benefits you get out of it are really up to you, said Cessie Cerrato, senior director of PR for Palace Resorts and a member of the first group of 15 Under 35 winners in 2016. One of those benefits is a one-year seat on the PRSA-NY Young Professionals Advisory Committee, and Cerrato said the perks of that included being able to play an active role and have a voice in the organization.

Award winners will be selected by a panel of distinguished PR pros. To find out more about nominating someone for the award, or becoming a sponsor, go the PRSA website.Last year, small conference rooms in Sanaa and Aden, Yemen were places of both meetings and transformation. In a country ravaged by a simmering ethnic and political tension and a three-year-old civil war, such meetings between young people from across the spectrum of Yemeni society  ethnic, religious, cultural, geographical, political  were not common.

They were gathered by the NGO Alf Ba Civic Coexistence Foundation with a simple aim: to have the young people speak to one another. But the deeper goal was life changing: through conversations stereotypes would be broken and intolerance lessened. Once learned, the young people would take those lessons to their communities, holding conversations and dialogues of their own about peace and tolerance.

"We want to build a bridge of dialogue (between communities)," said the groups Executive Director Bahia Alsaqaf. "It is easiest to start with the youth. They are the ones who can build the bridge between the different levels of society. It is a small process, but we are still optimistic. We go step by step."

Alf Ba was one of three Yemen-based NGOs that received funding from the UN Human Rights Office. Earlier this year, the Office provided seed money of USD$20,000 for the first time to NGOs based in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The funding allowed selected NGOs to work on specific projects that dove tailed with the human rights agenda.

In Yemen, civil war along with long held mistrust has left communities with many needs. NGOs help provide a bridge between human rights law and their importance to communities, said Mohammed Ali Alnsour, Chief of the MENA Section.

"As OHCHR, we cannot be everywhere," he said. "The MENA region is difficult in terms of conflicts[T]here is a great gap between international obligations and the treaties and the policies and culture on the ground in some practices. So it is imperative to have in some places NGOs to implement projects."

Al-Aman Organization for Blind Women Care was another of the funded NGOs. While the name of the organization is specific for the blind, Dr. Awsan AL Asbahi, said their goal is to help empower all people with disabilities.

To do this, the group used their funding to create a campaign called "Here I am" which sought to raise the profile of people with disability living in Yemen among the general public, as well as help that community better understand their options. Al-Aman did this in a variety of ways including flyers that focused on particular articles on the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD), a series of radio plays focusing on the disability rights, and a series of short videos that gave people an insight into the daily struggles people with particular disabilities face.

"The grant from OHCHR was important to us because our story is the story of human people, who need to know their rights in the media, particularly for people with disabilities who are not aware of their needs," she said. "People with disabilities have to know and realize their rights and also make our future better by reflecting all the articles on the Convention in the local life of Yemen."

For Laya Lutf, the funding has meant creating a network among local human rights groups to strengthen their reach. Her group, SAM Organization for Rights and Development, used the funding to bring together 30 NGOs for training on the UN Human Rights Mechanism as well as how to monitor human rights in the country.

SAM has been the forefront of negotiating and working on human rights issues, including the release of people detained during the 2015 conflict between forces loyal to internationally recognized President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi and those allied with the Houthi rebel movement and the army units loyal to the former President, Ali Abdullah Saleh. In 2015, SAM helped to negotiate the release of 650 detainees.

"The grant we received helps make our work much stronger," said Lutf who heads SAM. "We used to work alone and didnt get the support from others because everyone worked alone, which made raising humanitarian issues and human rights so weak. But if we do this together, this will make the voice of what is happening in Yemen and human rights (louder). We can defend human rights in Yemen better."

Alnsour said that because of the successes of these three NGOs, the funding will continue, with the number of NGOs receiving funding expected to be expanded.

Learn more about the work of NGOs in Yemen with the video below.

South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases fell below 1,600 on Tuesday on fewer tests during an extended weekend, but new infections may rise down the road due to increased tests. ...The Oregonian/OregonLive newsroom has won five "Best of the West" awards, including first place finishes for Kale Williams in the growth and environmental reporting category and Tom Hallman Jr. for long-form feature writing.



The annual contest recognizes outstanding journalism from 14 states representing roughly one-third of the United States in terms of population. The contest boundaries were broadened in recent years to span as far as Texas. The awards go to the top three finishers in more than two dozen categories.



Williams once again was awarded a top prize for his series "The Loneliest Polar Bear," which chronicled the challenges facing Nora, a beloved hand-raised polar bear cub that spent a year at the Oregon Zoo.

Hallman won first prize for his long-form feature story about a composer suffering from early onset Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the newsroom picked up awards in video storytelling (also for the composer story) and for explanatory reporting.

Here's a complete list of winners from The Oregonian/OregonLive:



Category: Growth and Environment Reporting

Place: First

Winner: Kale Williams, environment and nature reporter

Entry: A five-part narrative series that chronicled the trials and tribulations of a young polar bear abandoned by its mother. It explored the connectivity of humans and nature.



What the judges said: "Ambitious, unexpected, emotional, the Loneliest Polar Bear is a vivid and challenging narrative. Kale Williams and his colleagues used the story of a polar bear's birth and travails as a vehicle to tell larger stories about climate change. Climate change is a vast and sometimes frustrating issue to cover because of its complexity and enormity, but The Oregonian does a brilliant job making it personal. The newspaper's efforts to reach non-traditional audiences is admirable, and its hard work and risk-taking paid off. Congratulations."





Category: Long-Form Feature Writing

Place: First

Winner: Tom Hallman Jr., columnist

Entry: A story about a composer with early onset Alzheimer's disease who had begun to forget his songs. The story chronicles the efforts his family took to preserve the music.

What the judges said: "What a fantastic story. Seamlessly adding parts of the letter was genius. This one was everything a long-form feature should be."

Category: Video Storytelling

Place: Second

Winner: Teresa Mahoney, senior video producer

Entry: A touching portrayal of a musical composer with Alzheimer's disease who was beginning to lose the ability to remember his songs. Judges called it "beautiful storytelling." (The narrative story by Tom Hallman Jr. won first place in the Long-Form Feature Writing category.)

What the judges said: "While some videos in this category needed a tighter edit to really sing, this piece unfolded in the kind of pacing it needed."



Category: Explanatory Reporting

Place: Third

Winner: Casey Parks, diversity reporter

Entry: A three-part series "About a Boy" chronicling the life of a teenager who decided to transition.

What the judges said: We would be remiss if we didn't recognize the delicately crafted story of the transgender teen, Jay, who bravely shares his transition from depressed girl to the boy he always felt he had been. The reporter's commitment to telling this story was evident, as was her rapport with Jay  and his family, friends and doctors  who gave her unprecedented access into a process still rare for many people. This access, and the beautiful way in which the reporter tells the story, will go long way to removing the stigma around transgender people.

Category: Project Reporting

Place: Second

Winner: Fedor Zarkhin and Lynne Terry

Entry: An investigation titled "Kept in the Dark" detailed how the state omitted 8,000 confirmed complaints at senior care centers from a state consumer database.

What the judges said: "A vital expose informing residents of the true scorecard of senior care centers across Oregon. Reporters found a systemic flaw in the state's online database of abuse complaints and closed the gap by reporting the full picture. True public service work."Bethany Barnes was named Tuesday as a finalist for the prestigious Livingston Awards, which honor outstanding achievement by journalists younger than 35.

Each year, three $10,000 Livingston awards are given to the young journalists judged to be tops in international, national and local reporting. Barnes is among 32 journalists named finalists in the local news category.

The Livingston Awards combine print, broadcast and online journalism into a single contest, rather than treating them as separate categories. The finalists will be honored in New York in early June.

Barnes was chosen on the basis of her investigative piece, "Benefit of the Doubt," and her strong follow up stories. Judges were impressed with her tenacity in reporting the story, which showed how Portland Public Schools helped an educator evade allegations of making inappropriate sexual advances toward students.

Mark Katches, vice president of content for the Oregonian Media Group and editor of The Oregonian, said, "Bethany's reporting on this story has been tireless. And because of her doggedness, the district has taken steps to make needed change."

Former Oregonian reporter Nicole Dungca, now on the staff of the Boston Globe, also was named finalist in the local news category. She was honored for her work, with colleagues Evan Allen and Jan Ransom, on security guards beating homeless people at the Boston arena where the Celtics play.

Like Barnes, Dungca covered Oregon's largest school district for The Oregonian.

Barnes, who earned undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Arizona, joined The Oregonian/OregonLive in June 2016. Earlier this year, she won a national First Amendment award for journalism highlighting the importance of public records and government transparency.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLiveBy Johanna Brenner and Shannon Garcia

Mayor Ted Wheeler's support for increasing the Portland Police Bureau's budget by $6.7 million for an additional 58 sworn positions is gravely mistaken; this increase should not be included in the city budget.

People traumatized by police violence and their allies have overwhelmingly demonstrated that increasing the number of officers in our communities -- and especially in disadvantaged, immigrant and communities of color -- will not make us feel safer. Investing in community services rather than in policing will make our communities safer.

Over-policing in poor communities of color, and particularly over-policing of African American residents, has been well-documented in Portland and across the country. A recent report by the Portland City Auditor showed that African Americans are vastly over-represented in the count of traffic stops by the city's gang enforcement unit. The Portland Police Bureau cannot demonstrate that these stops reduced gang activity, much less resulted in effective communications with people involved in gangs.

For many years, the bureau also has failed to deal effectively and humanely with people experiencing mental health crises. In 2012, a U.S. Department of Justice investigation confirmed the bureau consistently engaged in "unnecessary or unreasonable force during interactions with people who have or are perceived to have mental illness." Since then, we have seen no substantial reduction in harm or in complaints about officers.

According to data collected by the Mental Health Association of Portland, the average number of police shootings has stayed the same or increased since the justice department settlement. Of those wounded or killed by police gunfire since 2012, a higher percentage were found to be experiencing mental health or addiction-related issues when they were shot.

Police officers' use of force has continued to increase despite the Portland Police Bureau's enormous spending to create a Behavioral Health Unit and implement Enhanced Crisis Intervention Training. Alarmingly, a recent review of the bureau found no difference in arrests between officers with or without Enhanced Crisis Intervention Training. On the other hand, scientific research shows that mental health services, addiction treatment and recovery support services by trained peers are the only proven methods for crisis intervention. Experts trained in de-escalation should be called when a person presents a danger to themselves or others. Police officers are simply inappropriate responders to mental health crises.

Symptoms like gang violence and property crime, which Wheeler uses to justify increasing the police budget, cannot be fixed by attempting to warm relationships between "community" police and residents. No amount of police reconciliation can solve what research has demonstrated: The social ills of economic inequality, racism, discrimination and displacement only exacerbate individual and familial trauma, frustrate recovery and lead people to commit more crimes.

What are the solutions? As the local grassroots effort "Care Not Cop" has voiced, the city should redefine safety in terms of human well-being. True safety and well-being can only be accomplished if Wheeler and other city leaders invest in and better coordinate housing, mental and physical health care, food security, education and the creation of living-wage jobs.

-- Johanna Brenner is professor emerita at Portland State University and serves on the coordinating committee of the Portland Metro People's Coalition. Shannon Garcia is co-chair of the National Lawyers' Guild-Portland.The April 29 Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board endorsement, "Oregon needs experience, decisive leadership to improve," suggested Knute Buehler is the best Republican to oppose Gov. Kate Brown in November misstates facts. A live Dorchester Conference podcast had Woolridge at 40 percent to Buehler's 29 percent in March.

Thankfully, I voted for Greg Wooldridge before reading your editorial. Mocking his flight abilities and alleging lack of governmental experience is a cheap shot. What? Seriously? The military is the government and commanding a diverse air base and elite flying team demonstrates an agile mind.

Buehler does not attend forums. Wooldridge is accessible and shows up. I figure if a fellow doesn't show up, he won't show up for all Oregonians. He is just another elitist -- like Brown. The fact is Wooldridge has experience navigating highly regulated, diverse and complex organizations. He gets through clutter, shows up, digs in and works hard. Voting for Wooldridge is the easiest gubernatorial vote this native Oregonian has made in 49 years.

Malcolm L. Koch, McMinnvilleThe Hermiston School District has decided not to allow third- through fifth-graders to participate in a statewide voluntary motivational reading program after deeming the content of one book, which is about a transgender child, inappropriate.

The program, called Oregon Battle of the Books, provides a list of books to be read by students, broken down into grade levels. The students read the books, form teams, and compete in a quiz-show-like challenge using knowledge of the books. Students participate in a school level competition and then advance to local, district, regional and state level events.

No student is required to participate or to read every book if they do participate.

This year, third- through fifth-graders in Hermiston won't be participating beyond the district level. That's because a group of elementary school principals decided, according to Hermiston School District spokesperson Maria Duron that one title, "George," "was not appropriate for students" in those grades.

The book tells the story of a 10-year-old named George, who everyone thinks is a boy but who feels like she is a girl.

Duron said Monday over the phone that elementary school officials "carefully examined the content" before deciding to remove their students from the competition.

The officials "felt that there were some specific things that the character was exploring," said Duron, that were better for parents to discuss with children than for teachers to address.

The district will create its own books list for third- through fifth-graders, but allow children in older grade levels to compete in the statewide contest.

Hermiston is not the only school district examining the content of "George."

Susan Stark Haydon, spokesperson for Tigard-Tualatin School District, said Monday that the district was "calling together a group of parents and staff to review the book, 'George,' and determine what actions -- if any -- should be taken."

"I can't speak for the whole committee when I say this," Courtney Snyder, the Oregon Battle of the Books Title Chair, said Monday over email, "but it's sad and kind of alarming that instead of letting parents choose to let their students participate or not, or even read all the books on the list or not, Hermiston is taking that choice away from them and from those who didn't have a problem with the title list selections in the first place."

Members of the executive committee that runs the statewide contest "have read the emails and Facebook posts regarding the selection of 'George'" for the 2018-19 elementary list, Linda Fukasawa, Oregon Battle of the Books admin chair, wrote in a statement. "Please know that your concerns are taken seriously. We value the opinions of the students, librarians, and parents we serve. Your respectful discourse is always appreciated."

"George will remain on the 2018-19 list as it went through the entire title selection process, including the time for public feedback, met the board's criteria, and was chosen by the title selection committee," Fukasawa continued.



"Please be assured that no content of a mature nature will be used in the writing of questions for this book," she added. "Those students who participate in OBOB competitions but do not read George will not be subjected to any content in questions that might reasonably be seen as objectionable for third-grade students."

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyackerA driver swerved to avoid a collision, crashed into a business and was extricated by fire officials Tuesday in Marion County, authorities say.

The sedan driver was headed south on Oregon 99E southwest of Woodburn at the time of the crash, the Oregon State Police said. Witnesses reported another driver in an SUV pulled out of a nearby driveway. The sedan driver then swerved, went off the road and hit a farm labor contracting business, according to the agency.

The sedan ended up badly damaged and inside the building.

Woodburn fire officials extricated the sedan driver, who was taken to a hospital. He suffered serious injuries but was expected to survive.

KATU-TV reported about the crash earlier Tuesday.

 Jim RyanBeth Nakamura | The Oregonian/OregonLive

By Hillary Borrud



The Oregonian/OregonLive

Gov. Kate Browns proposal to lower Oregon income tax rates for thousands of sole proprietors would overwhelmingly benefit those earning at least $200,000 a year, according to a new analysis from legislative economists.

Owners of those businesses would receive more than 75 percent of the $11 million yearly tax break, the Legislative Revenue Office found. More than 40 percent of the tax savings would go to sole proprietors earning over $500,000 a year, the office said.

Approximately 12,000 tax filers could qualify. Less than one-tenth of the savings would go to sole proprietors earning less than $100,000 a year.

Brown is calling lawmakers to Salem May 21 to vote on the plan during what she hopes will be a one-day special session. The governor did not veto a bill that prevented a much larger state tax cut for businesses that was set to occur automatically as an outgrowth of the federal tax overhaul. Her decision drew outcries from Republicans and business groups.

If the governor gets her way, the state would extend an existing business tax break now given to people who get income from so-called pass-through businesses -- mostly partnerships and S corporations -- to sole proprietors as well. The break lets them pay lower taxes than wage earners making the same amount.

Don't Edit

Oregon Legislative Revenue Office

Under the tax break, people with pass-through businesses pay just 7 percent tax on income under $250,000, a rate otherwise reserved for joint filers with income up to $17,400. The Legislature created that tax break in 2013 during a special session aimed at trimming public pension costs and raising taxes.

During an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLives editorial board in mid-April, Brown called the business owners who would benefit our moms and pops and said they deserve fairness.

To qualify for the existing tax cut, pass-through businesses must have at least one part-time employee. Brown plans to impose a similar requirement on sole proprietorships. If she didnt, it would be much more expensive: The state could lose $43 million a year in taxes, rather than $11 million, economists found.

Don't Edit

Oregon Legislative Revenue Office

The new economic analysis sheds light on what types of sole proprietorships are likely to get a break if lawmakers pass Browns plan. Health care and social assistance businesses would be the largest beneficiaries, with nearly 15 percent of the savings. Construction businesses would get a similar slice of the pie.

The potential tax loss from Browns plan is small in the context of the states roughly $21 billion two-year budget. However, lawmakers regularly wrestle over how to close budget gaps of a similar size. For example, the 2017 Legislature directed the states program for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to make $6 million a year in cuts after enrollment grew rapidly in a program to provide in-home support for kids with severe disabilities.

-- Hillary Borrud

hborrud@oregonian.com

503-294-4034; @hborrudA lawyer for three children who were abused or mistreated in a foster home has filed a $100 million civil rights lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Human Services, alleging the agency failed to protect them from unfit foster parents.

State child welfare workers deliberately overlooked information that a Keizer couple lacked the mental and financial ability to serve as foster parents, ignored the unsanitary and unsafe conditions in their home and then repeatedly failed to respond to signs of child abuse and maltreatment of the kids placed with the couple, the lawsuit alleges.

"The abuse suffered by the children was both abhorrent and avoidable,'' said attorney Steven Rizzo. "When Oregon took the children into custody it had a paramount duty to protect their right to bodily integrity. DHS failed to protect these children and made active efforts to avoid taking responsibility for its conduct. Now, the children turn to the court to enforce their civil rights."

The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Eugene Friday, asks the court to declare as unlawful the agency's alleged certification of unfit foster parents, and order the state to halt the practice. It urges a judge to demand that the state child welfare workers who handled these children's cases be fired, and declare that the agency should have passed complaints to an outside agency to investigate.

It seeks at least $100 million in damages: $75 million in punitive damages, plus $25 million in non-economic damages and unspecified economic damages to be determined at trial.

The state Department of Human Services can't comment on the litigation, said Christine Stone, an agency spokeswoman, on Monday.

The former foster father, Casey Ray Miller, is serving a 30-year sentence for repeatedly sodomizing a girl in his care, starting at age 5. He pleaded guilty in Marion County to two counts of first-degree sodomy. He also was convicted of breaking at least seven bones of another foster child, a 10-month-old girl who was in his care.

During Miller's criminal prosecution stemming from the girl's broken bones, Rizzo contends in the lawsuit that the state child welfare agency identified itself as the crime victim and waived the child's rights as a victim. The agency also attempted to argue that the girl's fractures were the result of a brittle-bone disease, which was not borne out by physicians' evaluations. Miller was sentenced to probation in the broken bone case.

When the 10-month-old girl, identified by the initials "R.L.'' was hospitalized on Oct. 20, 2013, her foster mother told emergency medical providers that she might have fallen out of a "Pack n' Play'' and struck another object. On Oct. 20, 2013, though, Casey Miller admitted to police that performing his foster care services frustrated him. Miller, six feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, said he had yanked the infant 's arm, and previously would force her legs down to get her into her sleeper, according to the suit.

The alleged abuse occurred between 2011 and 2017.

According to the lawsuit, the foster mother was raised in a dysfunctional household, had made repeated suicidal attempts and suffered from severe mental health problems. The foster father was also mentally impaired, consumed alcohol excessively, watched pornography in the home and had serious anger management problems, Rizzo wrote. The couple struggled financially and had declared bankruptcy, the suit said.

"DHS recruited the Millers knowing that they had to rely on foster care payments to meet household expenses which was a dangerous incentive for them to minimize or falsify abuse and maltreatment of foster children to protect their foster care provider income stream,'' the suit said.

In 2015, the state paid out $15 million to resolve a federal lawsuit the same lawyer filed on behalf of nine young children abused by a Salem foster father.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonianThe "NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt" weeknight broadcast is leaving its New York studio and heading out across America for a week. The road trip begins in Portland on Monday, May 7, where Holt will report and host a broadcast of "NBC Nightly News."

The "NBC Nightly News" cross-country trip will also include broadcasts from Denver, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Raleigh, North Carolina.

As the NBC announcement says, the trip will allow Holt to cut through "the chaotic news cycle to report on stories impacting Americans' hometowns, such as job creation, reducing crime and opiod addiction. Holt will bring attention to local issues with national implications, and tell the stories of Americans who are transforming their communities and inspiring others."

On Portland's NBC affiliate, KGW-TV, Holt spoke with local anchor Tracy Barry today. He told Barry the reason for getting out of the usual studio and traveling around the U.S. is because "it makes us better journalists when we understand our audience. And our audience obviously extends far beyond Manhattan."

Holt added that the news has been consumed lately with politics, and that while there are reasons for that, "there's a lot more to all of us than politics."

During his Portland stop, Holt told Barry, "NBC Nightly News" will explore the opioid crisis and ways in which Portland has seen some success in coping with it.

On a lighter note, Barry asked if we might see Holt on a bike when he's in town. Holt recalled that on a previous trip to Portland, he noted the high number of bicycle commuters in Portland and indicated he might get on a bike while he's here.

We'll have more about the "NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt" visit to Portland later this week. Locally, the broadcast airs at 5:30 p.m. weeknights on KGW/8.

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com

503-221-8227

@KristiturnquistSign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

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The next issue of Ottawa Citizen Headline News will soon be in your inbox.Businessman Mike Sullivan announces candidacy

Just a few years ago, Lake Houston businessman Mike Sullivan was earning his associate degree from Lone Star College-Kingwood.

Today, hes announcing that he is a candidate for the Lone Star College Board of Trustees, Position 8.

This is an important seat, the native Houstonian told The Tribune. The college system is transitioning from all at-large positions to specific districts to serve geographic areas. This will be the first time Lake Houston voters have a choice to elect someone who is local, who knows Lake Houston and has a history of public service across many forms of government.

Voters will go to the polls on Nov. 6 to determine who will hold three places on the Lone Star College System's nine-member board of trustees, said Helen Clougherty, vice chancellor, chief of staff and board liaison for Lone Star College. Up for election are Districts 1, 2 and 8. The terms are for six years. Individuals seeking to be elected in District 1, 2 or 8 may file as candidates by submitting the required paperwork from Monday, July 23 through Monday, August 20.

Sullivan has already received a number of endorsements.

I am fortunate and honored to have been endorsed by Houston City Council Member Dave Martin, Texas State Representative Dan Huberty, City of Humble Mayor Merle Aaron, and Humble ISD board members Keith Lapeze and Robert Sitton as well as Republican precinct chairs and community leaders, he said.

Mike and Kim Sullivan, married for more than 30 years, have lived in the Lake Houston area since 1991. They have one adult daughter, Paige, and son-in-law, Luke.

When George W. Bush was elected governor, recalled Sullivan, I took our daughter to the swearing-in ceremony in Austin. Paige and I walked the halls of the Texas Capitol, ate barbecue on the grounds. Listened to speeches. Watched the parade.

On the drive back to Houston, Sullivan phoned his wife and told her he wanted to run for office.

With her support, the rest is history, Sullivan said. While I lost my first two races, I refused to give up and was elected to the Humble ISD Board of Trustees. Frankly, losing those first two races was humbling, but I would not trade that experience for the world.

In addition to the Humble ISD Board, Sullivan also was elected to three terms as District E representative on the Houston City Council and he served a term as Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector.

And the last three Texas governors, Bush, Perry and Abbott, have appointed me to a board or commission, Sullivan added.

After 40 years as a small business owner and 12 continuous years in elected office, Sullivan found what he terms the perfect place as director of governmental and public affairs for Group 1 Automotive, an international Fortune 500 company based in Houston that owns and operates 175 automotive dealerships, 230 franchises and 48 collision centers in the United States, United Kingdom and Brazil.

Sullivans Group 1 responsibilities are only with the domestic operation. His governmental affairs duties involve interfacing with state and federal agencies, local municipalities and elected offices, while his public affairs duties involve working with numerous charitable organizations that Group 1 supports as well as chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, trade associations, and community events.

While he was still a small business owner and an elected official, Sullivan enrolled at Lone Star-Kingwood. He graduated from Lone Star with an Associate of Arts degree, transferred to the University of Houston-Downtown and, at age 56, graduated with a bachelors degree in political science.

I could never have done it without Lone Star, Sullivan confessed. I know first hand the value that Lone Star provides to students, our community and our businesses.

As a successful small business owner and official elected to three different positions, Sullivan believes he has a unique perspective on public service.

My focus as a Lone Star trustee will be as a good steward of taxpayers money, ensuring programs are adequately funded, and giving a voice to the residents of District 8, he said.

Sullivan found his political interest originally by volunteering on radio host Michael Berrys city council races. He worked closely with Berry during Berrys six years in office and Berry was the person who encouraged Sullivan to run for Houston City Council.

Ive always focused on what I did not want to be or how not to be perceived, Sullivan said. Some elected officials think the office is about them. They quit listening to their constituents. I definitely do not want to be that elected official, so I pride myself on listening to constituents, taking lots of advice, and seeking opinions from stakeholders.

Sullivan said he has chosen to run for Position 8 because both he and his family are committed to public service and are strong believers in the education system.

Not everyone wants or needs a four-year degree, he said. Lone Star College fills that role, enabling students to earn dual credit in high school, workforce certificates, associate degrees that prepare students to immediately enter the workforce, and allows students to transfer their credits to any university they choose. All in all, Lone Star College can prepare virtually anyone in our community to learn new skills and be gainfully employed.

For more information about Mike Sullivan, visit MikeSullivanCampaign.com.We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.French president Emmanuel Macron met last week with President Trump. The two repeatedly hugged and even used gold shovels to plant a symbolic oak tree (which has since been removed and investigated in case it carries diseases).

Today, Brigitte Macron, the first lady of France, sat down with The Guardian and discussed her trip, describing Melania Trump as "actually really fun," but unfortunately extremely limited. She went on to say that she herself has a lot more freedom than Melania, adding, "She can't even open a window at the White House. She can't go outside. She's much more constrained than I am. I go out every day in Paris." Nevertheless, she continued to describe the First Lady as "kind, charming, intelligent and very open."

There have long been speculations that Melania Trump is unhappy at The White House  There's even a #FreeMelania hashtag circulating on the Internet. Photos recently spread of the First Lady at Barbara Bush's funeral. Seated next to former President Barack Obama, she looked happier than she often does with Trump, causing people to wonder if she feels trapped in her relationship with the president.

Trump and Melania also made headlines recently when, during a photo opportunity with Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron, Melania clearly did not want to hold his hand, moving her hand away from him as he repeatedly tried to hold it.

Photo via BFASocial media, including its stars, has been scratching its head after Kanye West, the rapper famous for claiming on national television "George Bush doesn't care about Black people," repeatedly declared his support for Donald Trump  and they're not letting it die.



Related | This Plastic Surgeon Doesn't Want to Appear on Kanye West's Album Cover

Multiple celebrities and Kanye-collaborators have denounced his statements, and now Frank Ocean has also taken a brief respite from his Tumblr hiatus to also poke fun at Yeezy. He started with a screenshot of the moment West made his Bush declaration next to a shocked Mike Myers, then turned up the heat a little.

Referencing West's tweet about Candace Owens, the right-wing activist, Ocean announced his support for Michelle Wolff (the comedian who roused the White House correspondents' dinner with unapologetic jabs at Trump).

The comeback is subtle and decidedly liberal, just like Ocean himself. If you're still confused as to how West can support Trump without agreeing with his policies, watch him clarify in an interview with Charlemagne, below.

Image via GettyKehlani has just announced that she's donated $50k to various LGBTQ organizations across the country. She tweeted images of people at different LGBT centers holding up $5,000 checks and said that she is partnering with Fashion Nova to make the donations, writing "THAT is what I'm most proud of this year."

The organizations she has donated to already include The Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, The Kaleidoscope Youth Center in Columbus, Ohio, The Oasis Center in Ohio, and The Hetrick Martin Institute in New Jersey. Kehlani writes that all the centers she is donating to will be posted in Instagram.

The news comes just days after Kehlani came out as queer via Twitter. She retracted her initial tweets because she received backlash that her wording was problematic. She clarified that the reason she deleted her tweets was not that she had a problem identifying as queer, but because she was told that, "singling out of trans & intersex... sounded transphobic, ignorant and to some, sounding like fetishization."

Related | Meet Marteen: Bay Area's Freshest Musical Export

By listening and responding thoughtfully to criticism she received about her language without getting defensive or angry, Kehlani demonstrated an admirable amount of self-accountability and growth. 100% here for Kehlani living her best life. She is the queen we don't deserve.

Image via BFA

Riz Ahmed, acclaimed The Night Of and Rogue One actor and half of rap duo Swet Shop Boys, is working on his screenwriting debut. Out on BBC, his show is called Englistan, and will be a nine-part series that tells the story of three generations of an English-Pakistani family starting in the 1980s and ending at the current day.

The Hollywood Reporter writes that Ahmed said of the show, "I'm excited to be working with [BBC Studios executive producer] Esther Springer and all the team at BBC Studios. Englistan is an untold British story with universal themes and resonance. It's the story I always wanted to tell, and it's a privilege to have the opportunity to do so."

He told The Hollywood Reporter in 2016 that he plans on directing as much of the show as possible, but doesn't plan on acting in it. He said that the show is, "like a revisionist's retelling of recent British history, but also the story of a family and their relationships." Ahmed added that it's "a very British story," and one that is important to put, "center stage, without it being niche of marginalized."



There isn't too much more information about the show out yet, but here's hoping it has a star-studded cast of the diaspora's best actors. I hear Mindy Kaling is interested?



Image via BFA

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office officially published a series of 45 newly granted patents for Apple Inc. today. Apple was granted an iPod patent dating back to 2009; another Glassimetal Technology patent covering nickel-iron, nickel-cobalt and nickel-copper glass forming alloys; and two more granted patents covering specific features of the AirPods case here and here. Apple's streak continues as they were granted five patents for the AirPods case in January, another in March and one in April. We wrap up this week's granted patent report with our traditional listing of the remaining granted patents that were issued to Apple today.

Design Patent for Apple Store



Apple's newly granted design patent covers a "Building." While this particular design was used for their Zhongjie Joy City Apple Store in China, the design is of course not restricted to a single store in a single location.





Apple's granted patent D816,866 was originally filed in Q4 2015 and published today by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

The store was granted a design patent in China in 2015. From design to finish, the Apple store actually ended up only having two support beams as noted in the photo below of the Apple Store Zhongjie. Whether a four beam store design was implemented is unknown at this time.





Other design patents granted to Apple today cover the MacBook Pro (D816,661); the backside of the Apple Watch for heart rate monitoring and inductive charging as noted below (D816,524); and the iPad Air Smart Case (D816,677).





The Remaining Patents granted to Apple Today









Patently Apple presents only a brief summary of granted patents with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each Granted Patent is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any Granted Patent should be read in its entirety for full details. 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.Iran Offers Turkmenistan New Gas-Swap Deal To Pakistan

05/01/18

By Bruce Pannier, RFE/RL

Iran has made a surprise offer to Turkmenistan that officials in Ashgabat might find difficult to reject. The head the National Iranian Oil Company, Hamidreza Araqi, said on April 29 that Iran was prepared enter into a gas-swap deal that would transfer Turkmen gas to Pakistan. Turkmenistan is currently experiencing its worst economic crisis since the country became independent in late 1991, and the Turkmen government has been desperately seeking new export routes for its major export: natural gas.



A map of the region with the planned TAPI pipeline marked in blue.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov seems to have settled on the construction of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline as the best option for boosting Turkmen gas exports and bringing in badly needed revenues to Turkmenistan's state coffers.

But doubts remain about the feasibility of realizing TAPI, which would carry some 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas but must pass through some 744 kilometers of Afghan territory, where fighting between militants and government forces has been increasing in recent years.

Concerns about the Afghan part of TAPI's route has made it difficult to find investors for the estimated $10 billion project.

Araqi noted that, saying, "In the best case scenario, TAPI could be constructed in 10 years, it is still unclear which party is going to provide the project's security and funding."

"We can conduct a swap in a short time at a considerably lower cost," Araqi said.

Araqi did not mention how much Turkmen gas Iran was willing to swap, but his comment about the Iranian option being the fastest would appear to be true.

Peace Pipeline

Iran has completed its part of the Peace Pipeline, a 1,900-kilometer project that would connect Iran's offshore South Pars gas field to Pakistan and eventually to India.

The Peace Pipeline is a competitor project to TAPI. Both projects were first conceived in the mid-1990s, and each has been delayed for different reasons.

In the case of the Peace Pipeline, the United States has successfully urged Pakistan to reject gas purchases from Iran.

But Iran went ahead and built the line on its territory, so Araqi is probably correct when he says the gas-swap arrangement with Iran is the quickest option for Turkmenistan to sell gas to Pakistan.

The Peace Pipeline should have a capacity to ship some 22 bcm of gas annually to Pakistan when it is launched, but plans call for increasing capacity to 55 bcm.

Araqi did not mention how much gas Turkmenistan could ship, but given Turkmenistan's dire economic situation, anything might arguably be welcomed by Ashgabat.

Turkmenistan currently exports gas only to China, more than 30 bcm, but some of that goes toward paying off billions of dollars in loans China gave Ashgabat to develop gas fields and for the construction of the pipelines leading from Turkmenistan to China.

Turkmenistan lost Russia as a gas customer at the start of 2016, and then a year later lost Iran as a customer when Ashgabat insisted Tehran pay off a debt for gas supplies Iran received during the winter of 2007-08. When Iran refused to pay, claiming Turkmenistan had hiked the price to from $40 per 1,000 cubic meters to $360 during that harsh winter, Turkmenistan shut off the gas to northern Iran.

But Tehran did allow a gas-swap deal between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan whereby Turkmenistan shipped an unknown quantity of gas to northern Iran and Iran made a like amount of its gas available to Azerbaijan. Armenia has been seeking a similar arrangement.

These gas-swap arrangements do not compensate for losing Russia, which once imported more than 40 bcm of Turkmen gas, and Iran, which once imported some 6-8 bcm of Turkmen gas, as customers.

And since neither Tehran nor Ashgabat seems willing to budge on its debt dispute, Turkmenistan's two gas pipelines to northern Iran, with a combined maximum capacity of some 20 bcm, are mostly empty.

So Iran's offer will be attractive to the Turkmen government, but Ashgabat must consider that, by agreeing to this swap arrangement for gas to Pakistan, it will likely make TAPI look even less feasible than it already does.

Ulterior Motive?

However, there is probably something more than generosity behind Iran's offer to Turkmenistan.

After all, last year when Turkmenistan was trying to arrange a gas-swap deal with Iran that involved Turkey, Araqi said, "We are against the sale of a rival country's gas to Turkey via swap operations."

The United States has opposed deals with Iran that bring profits to Tehran's coffers, but Washington has not opposed the oil-swap deal Kazakhstan has with Iran or the gas-swap deal Turkmenistan has with Iran, the logic being that the main profits do not go to Iran.

By advertising gas to Pakistan as being Turkmen gas, Iran might believe it can convince Pakistan to complete and launch the Peace Pipeline on its territory.

Whose gas would fill the pipeline 10 years from now is another question, but it is unlikely Pakistan would shut down supplies of needed gas simply because it was suddenly purely Iranian gas.

Araqi's April 29 statement was the first public acknowledgement of the offer to Turkmenistan, but his comments indicated the proposal was made earlier. "We have announced our readiness to Turkmenistan, that we are ready to export their gas to Pakistan, but have not received any response from them," Araqi said, suggesting this might have been a topic when Iranian President Hassan Rohani visited Turkmenistan at the end of March.

Now the question is: How confident is Turkmenistan in TAPI?

Berdymukhammedov has been saying TAPI should be done by the end of 2019, though few believe that is the case.

Turkmenistan appears to need money now, and this Iranian deal might be the best chance for Ashgabat to receive money in the near future; but it would also be a blow to TAPI, since the opening of the Iranian pipeline to Pakistan, and possibly India, would make TAPI less important for Pakistan and India.



The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL

About the author:

Bruce Pannier writes the Qishloq Ovozi blog and appears regularly on the Majlis podcast for RFE/RL.

PannierB@rferl.org | twitterThe International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank Group, has announced plans to implement effective mechanisms that aim to fight sexual harassment and other related gender-based violence at workplaces across the globe.



Speaking at the 2018 World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington DC, USA, the Chief Executive Officer of IFC, Philippe Le Houerou said: my outfit intends to provide resources to companies that put in place innovative measures to address sexual harassment and other gender based violence at workplaces.

Sexual harassment  ranging from derogatory comments to threats of sexual assault and rape  is still incredibly widespread for many women working in Ghana and many other nations across the globe.

Over 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual partner violence, or non-partner sexual violence, according to the World Health Organization.



For too long, women have suffered from this type of violence that has negative consequences on their voice and agency, as well as their capacity to fully participate in the economy and society. There is ample evidence of the cost of sexual harassment to businesses  in legal settlements, lost work time and loss of business. But sexual harassment also has negative effects on womens economic opportunities.



For example, if no recourse is available to protect them, instead of reporting the problem, women facing sexual harassment in the workplace often say that they have no other choice but to quit. This may mean starting over, missing out on pay raises, career growth opportunities, and earning potential.



The United Nation has estimated the global cost of Sexual harassment and other gender-based violence at workplaces at $1.5 trillion. This figure, according the Managing Director of IFC is equivalent to the size of the Canadian economy.



Mr. Houerou further disclosed: Private companies across the globe spent $6.6 billion a year in settling sexual harassment cases at job places. It is imperative we solve this issue as the figure is alarming.



Studies suggest that sexual harassment reduces career success and satisfaction for women. Yet, many countries still do not afford women adequate legal protection against this pervasive for of gender inequalities.

Traditionally, sexual harassment has been linked to employment and defined as occurring only in the context of unequal power relations. But over time, countries have progressively begun to address sexual harassment in a more comprehensive manner and in various areas of the law, such as anti-discrimination law and criminal law.



Laws on sexual harassment should define and criminalize sexual harassment as unwanted sexually determined behavior in both horizontal and vertical relationships, including in employment, education, public places, and other types of hierarchical relationships, the World Bank has stated in a report.



Every two years, the World Bank publishes data on these and other laws protecting women from violence as part of its Women, Business and the Law series of reports. The 2018 report and accompanying detailed country level data have just been published.



It finds that in 59 countries, women are not legally protected from workplace sexual harassment. The lack of legal protection is observed in 70 percent of economies in the Middle East and North Africa, half in East Asia and the Pacific, and one-third in Latin America and the Caribbean.



This potentially affects over 500 million women around the globe. Simple correlations suggest that where women are protected from sexual harassment at work, women are more likely to own businesses. This type of correlation does not imply causality, but points to the possibility of impacts that are worth investigating in more detailed research.



Sexual harassment may also occur in other spheres, including education, where the lack of appropriate laws, as well as inadequate enforcement when laws do exist, can have dramatic consequences for adolescent girls. The new Women, Business and the Law report finds that in 65 percent of economies, there are no laws protecting women and girls from sexual harassment in education.



In some areas, the fear for girls to be harassed or assaulted on their way to school or experiencing it in schools is mentioned by parents as one of the reasons why girls drop out of school without completing their secondary education.



The trauma from harassment, and the exclusion that may result from pregnancies outside of marriage in the case of assault can be devastating for adolescent girls, endangering their whole future and opportunities in life.

In some cases, the fear of sexual harassment and abuse in school may contribute not only to girls dropping out, but also to child marriage, and lead to all the negative consequences that marrying at an early age entail.



A recent note funded in part by the Global Partnership for Education provides an analysis of global and regional trends in legal protection for women against domestic violence and sexual harassment.



The analysis relies on data from 2013 to 2017 on binding laws and regulations applicable in a subset of 141 countries of the 189 economies examined by the Women, Business and the Law dataset. While legal protection for women and girls has improved over the last four years, the analysis on trends shows that globally, estimates on the number of women lacking legal protection against sexual harassment has not dropped dramatically.



For sexual harassment in employment the number of women not legally protected dropped from approximately 16 percent in 2013 to 13.5 percent in 2017, while the percentage of women and girls not protected against sexual harassment in education dropped even less, from 57.5% to 55%, over the last four years for the same pilot set of 141 countries, resulting in 1.5 billion women not protected (for comparability purposes, statistics are based on the population of women aged 15 and above). Estimates are higher when based on the lack of criminal penalties for perpetrators.



While laws against sexual harassment are not a cure for sexual harassment, they are an important first step. Having adequate laws is important to provide women with legal protection against sexual harassment and signal commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending all forms of violence and harmful practices against women and girls by 2030.







Source: Felix Dela Klutse |Washington DC, USA |Business Day









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.

Featured VideoThe President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, 1st May, 2018, launched the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO), which will employ, in this year alone, 100,000 young men and women to assist in the public sector service delivery needs of Ghana.



According to President Akufo-Addo, NABCO will be the vehicle to deliver one hundred thousand (100,000) jobs in seven (7) prioritised areas, defined as the following modules: Educate Ghana; Heal Ghana; Feed Ghana; Revenue Ghana; Digitise Ghana; Enterprise Ghana; and Civic Ghana.



Explaining the rationale for the establishment of the Corps, President Akufo-Addo noted that the grim story of youth unemployment has been a tragic part of the lives of Ghanaians for far too long in Ghana, worsened, in recent times, by the ban placed on public sector employment by the International Monetary Fund.



That is why, according to the President, in the 2018 budget statement, I gave an indication that a new employment scheme will be launched to tackle the issue of the growing numbers of graduates exiting our tertiary institutions with no job placements in sight.



NABCOs central focus, the President said, would be to create employment avenues and opportunities for young people who hold diplomas or degrees from accredited tertiary institutions, adding that NABCO will enhance the dignity and self-esteem of our graduates, and will also present them with the added benefit of efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of some essential public services.



President Akufo-Addo was confident that by the time NABCO trainees exit the scheme, which is for a 3-year period, the requisite work readiness skills and experience, often deemed a barrier to their employment as fresh graduates, would have been resolved.



How to apply



With module qualification and recruitment processes, and all the essential criteria, along with detailed information, all available on the website of NABCO (www.nabco.gov.gh), the President noted that the website is the only medium for receiving applications from graduates, as long as they are Ghanaian citizens, and have duly discharged their national service obligations.



There are no charges or costs, and no paper application forms to fill. Everything is being done online, and on the website of NABCO. This will optimise efficiency in the processing of applications, as well as afford the opportunity for checking with other available, national databases to prevent fraud, he added.



The President continued, With the application processes closing on 1st June, 2018, it is expected that, by 1st July, selected applicants would become this countrys first NABCO trainees, who will receive training and will be deployed to commence their work by 1st August, 2018.



For the attainment of equity and fairness, the President noted that, every constituency has a stated allocation out of the 100,000 placements, which has been worked out based on a weighting formula, thus, ensuring all constituencies, large or small, adequate representation.



Remuneration



With the ultimate aim being to help guarantee employability of these graduates, placements would last for a period of three (3) years, earning NABCO trainees a stipend of 700 Ghana cedis every month.



This is a modest, but important beginning towards the restoration of their dignity. Beneficiaries will also receive continuous skills training, and retraining on the job, both to equip and guide their future career paths, the President stated.



He noted further that the security offered by this graduate employment scheme implies that graduates have sufficient time to make prudent choices on their future entry onto the labour market, on potential interests of starting businesses and entrepreneurship, or even on definitive clarity on further learning options, guided by experiences and the benefit of exposure to the world of work.



Non-graduates



With regards to persons who do not have diplomas or degrees, the President indicated that NABCO is freeing up the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) of the burden of dealing with everything to do with employment amongst the youth, especially graduates.



NABCO is granting YEA extra absorptive capacity to concentrate on non-graduates. YEA will also recruit 80,000 non-graduates this year, whilst NaBCo commences recruitment of 100,000 graduates, he explained.



President Akufo-Addo assured that Governments commitment to job creation will not end here, but would be accelerated through the implementation of our flagship programmes of One District One Factory, One village One Dam, and the Programme for Planting for Food and Jobs.



We are also creating an enabling economic environment for the private sector to thrive, which will drive in investment, foreign and domestic, and, thereby, help create jobs, he added.



President Akufo-Addo urged graduates who qualify to enter this scheme to own it and help something meaningful and fulfilling happen for yourself and for your country. Be proud to say I am a Nation Builder, and this country will be thankful to you too for rising up to the challenge.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoGreater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker has described government's Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a health service provider to use drone technology to deliver blood supplies and essential medicines to remote communities by September, this year as a political gimmick.



He wondered how beneficial or sustainable the project will be when roads leading to these communities can simply be constructed through a massive determination of government in no time to make those remote villages accessible to proper healthcare.



How genuine will a medicine or blood be when it is transported by this machine? and how will a transported medicine or blood be of use when there is no doctor or nurse available in the vicinity to direct a patient on what to do? he quizzed.



Speaking on UTVs Adekye Nsroma programme, Ade Coker said left to him alone, government should be interested in employing more nurses with good conditions to work in such remote areas than initiating this drone process, which will not inure to anyone's benefit.



Health Care Goes Hi-tech



Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with a health service provider this week that would enable the country to use drone technology to deliver blood supplies and essential medicines to remote communities by September, this year.



Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia made the announcement at the opening of the Annual Health Summit organized by the Ministry of Health, in Accra on Monday on the theme: Achieving Universal Health Coverage-Using Innovative Approaches.



"We dont have to allow our mothers to die because we cant have blood supplies and essential medicines sent to them", Dr Bawumia said.





Source: Elizabeth Semiheva Bedi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured VideoThe General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, says he believes most of the people who attended the partys Unity Walk over the weekend in Kumasi are supporters of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).



He said the NDC believe that the supporters are tired of the government that is why they came out in their numbers to support the NDCs Unity Walk.



There was a massive turnout at NDCs 8th Unity Walk over the weekend in the Ashanti Regional capital but the governing party has dismissed the huge turnout as crowd renting.



Commenting on the issue on Onua FM on Monday, Mr. Asiedu Nketia said, one-third of those who attended the walk are from NPP who are angry with the government.



He said the crowd was overwhelming and that shows how disappointed they are in the NPP as a government.





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.

Featured VideoThe over 3,000 ex-workers of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) whose full benefits have remained unpaid since their retrenchment in 2002, have stated that government was insensitive to their plight.



Unlike President Mills who stood by us in our plight and eventually issued a fiat to the Transport Ministry for us to be paid, President Mahama ignored several letters that we wrote to him on our issue and eventually even refused to carry out President Mills fiat, Emmanuel Ghansah, one of the ex-workers alleged in a meeting at Takoradi.



According to him, it was unfortunate that government was not compassionate to their plight.

This came to light in a meeting in Takoradi convened after the ex-workers leader, Stephen Ashitey Adjei, was summoned from Greater Accra to update them on the Akufo-Addo governments work on their inexplicably withheld retrenchment benefits.



Mr Ashitey Adjei, who is popularly called Moshake, informed the gathering that unlike Mahama who ignored their plight and even overlooked President Mills fiat for their benefits to be paid, the matter was receiving attention under President Akufo Addos government.



After all, it is not as if we are asking for favours and handouts from the state; since 2002, we have been asking for what we rightfully deserve. Five of our colleagues have since been paid so why have the rest not been paid? Moshake asked rhetorically.



JM as MP for three terms collected all his benefits and ex-gratia, JM as Minister collected his benefits, JM as vice president got his benefits, JM as President got his benefits and JM as ex-President is getting his benefits including huge ex gratia in addition to huge monthly salaries for the rest of his life. And yet the benefits of poor ex GPHA workers have still remained unpaid, this shows people do not matter to him, Moshake said.



He lamented that because of the non-payment of the benefits, some of the ex-workers died, some were bed-ridden with sickness, while others had lost their sanity through melancholy.



Marriages have also broken down and children have been orphaned, but some politicians refuse to do the right thingthey only care for themselves.



Mr Adjei added bitterly, I have always said that this world that we are in, if you do good, you do for yourself, if you do bad, you do for yourself because God will someday examine our lives.



The workers, numbering over 3,000 were retrenched in 2002, but have mostly remained unpaid with only five out of the total figure getting their full benefits.



In early July 2012, President Mills who was then alive issued a fiat to the Transport Ministry to sort out the workers.



However, not long after that, he unfortunately died and President Mahama, who succeeded him failed to implement the fiat till he left office in 2016.

Source: GNA









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.

Featured VideoThe number of carriers approved to transport the Amish in Pennsylvania has increased nearly 20 percent in the past year, but no one knows for sure why.

It could mean an increased demand for this type of service or more of those providing it are coming into compliance, David Hixson, a spokesman for the Public Utility Commission, said.

The PUC does not have any data or insight into demographics or population trends within the state's Amish community or any changes in the work preferences away from the farm, he said.

Those who transport the Amish, other than employers using company vehicles, are required to have a paratransit certificate from the PUC for which there is a $350 filing fee.

Insurance, vehicle inspection/maintenance and driver background checks are among the requirements to obtain a certificate, he said.

The focus of the PUC is enforcement on getting the carriers to operate legally in the commonwealth, Hixson said.

Several uncertificated carriers were fined as the result of a recent crackdown in Lycoming County as a follow up to a complaint, he said. Fines can range up to $1,000 per day.

The PUC's Motor Carrier Services & Enforcement Division has the responsibility of ensuring that transportation services, including paratransit services, comply with PUC regulations, Hixson said.

But, it does not maintain records on the number of enforcement actions related to the Amish, he said.

Motor Carrier officers regularly check vehicles and transportation businesses across the state, he said.

Statewide, there are 556 certificated paratransit carriers, of which 167 are Amish carriers. Of the Amish carriers, 29 were certificated in the past 12 months, Hixson said.

They include 11 in Lancaster County and six in the northcentral part of the state consisting of Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Snyder, Tioga, Union and Wyoming counties.

The largest Amish population in the state, according to Steven M. Nolt of the Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies at Elizabethtown College, is a mega settlement of nearly 37,000 in Lancaster County with a spillover into Chester and York counties.

Once the PUC issues a certificate it is permanent as long as insurance, vehicle inspection, driver record and other requirements are maintained, Hixson said.

When Amish carriers apply for a certificate, they often state their proposed service will "transport people whose personal convictions prevent them from owning and/r operating motor vehicles," he said.

They do this to minimize potential protests from other carriers in the area so they know they are providing transportation to only a small, specific group of people, he said.A Pennsylvania state corrections officer is credited with saving the life of a drowning boy in a South Carolina lazy river attraction.

Shaun Skursky, who works at the State Correctional Institution in Graterford in Luzerne County, was vacationing with his family March 19 in Myrtyle Beach, S.C. when the incident happened.

Skursky had been in a hot tub at Avista Resort when he heard a lady screaming and saw two boys in the nearby lazy river.

Surveillance footage showed the boys playing in the water when one of them got his leg stuck in a grate on the bottom of the lazy river.

"I just dove under water and I started breathing into his mouth," Skursky told WNEP ABC16. "Every time I came up, I took another breath and when I went down, I blew my oxygen into his mouth and on the way up, tried to pull him out and it just wasn't working."

"I guess its part of our DNA as first responders and corrections officers - get the job done and think about it later," Skursky said.

Emergency responders believe the boy had been underwater about eight minutes, and say Skursky saved his life.

Skursky received an award from the Myrtle Beach department of public safety for his actions.

The boy's mother, Alyssa Pappas, told NBC's Today that Evan was pulled underwater while he and another boy were trying to retrieve a pair of goggles that feel under a grate.

She said Evan spent eight days on a ventilator, and they worry about lingering health issues, reports the Detroit Free Press. Pappas said her son is now back at school, but he is tired and suffers shortness of breath.

She praised Skursky for his quick action giving Evan underwater breaths and trying to pull him out of the water until emergency responders and police arrived.

The owner of the resort says it is safe, and that the boys moved the grate before one of them got his foot stuck.

The family's attorney says the grate was supposed to be fastened to the pool floor, but broken and rusted screws were found on the pool bottom.A street sign is posted at the entrance of the embassy of Iran in Rabat, Morocco, Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Morocco will sever diplomatic ties with Iran over Tehran's support for the Polisario Front, a Western Sahara independence movement, the Moroccan foreign minister said on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)This image provided by Hachette Books shows the cover of Michelle Knight's book Life After Darkness. Five years after being rescued from a decade-long captivity in chains inside a heavily fortified Cleveland house, kidnapping survivor Knight published her second book, focusing on her recovery and life afterward, including her marriage. (Deborah Feingold Photography/Hachette Books via AP)In this May 7, 2014 photo, Art Paul, the original Art Director for Playboy Magazine, poses in his home studio in Chicago. Paul, who created Playboy's famous tuxedoed bunny head logo, died of pneumonia on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at a Chicago-area hospital, according to his wife, Suzanne Seed. He was 93. (Chandler West/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)CORRECTS THE POSITION OF PERROTTA TO LEFT, NOT SECOND LEFT - FILE - In this April 19, 2017, file photo, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt speaks at a news conference with Pasquale "Nino" Perrotta, left, in East Chicago, Ind. Pruitt is announcing the departure of two top aides amid ethics investigations at the agency. Pruitt says his security chief, Pasquale "Nino" Perrotta, was retiring. He gave no cause, but Pruitt's spending on security at the EPA is the subject of ongoing federal investigations. Pruitt also announced the departure of Albert Kelly, a former Oklahoma banker in charge of the toxic waste cleanups. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford, File)This combination photo shows Ashley Judd during the 2017 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif., on July 25, 2017, left, and Harvey Weinstein at The Weinstein Company and Netflix Golden Globes afterparty in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2017. Judd has sued Harvey Weinstein, saying he hurt her acting career in retaliation for her rejecting his sexual advances. In the lawsuit filed Monday, April 30, 2018, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Judd accuses Weinstein of defamation, sexual harassment and violation of CaliforniaAos unfair competition law. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)Ryan McGrath, whose 18-month-old daughter Ceira died at a Calgary dayhome in 2015 speaks to reporters on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 after the home operator was sentenced for criminal negligence. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill GravelandPerryville soccer coach Jerry Fulton has been approached about how good his team is, because according to the results, they have to be pretty good.Perryville claimed first place in the Hillsboro 

The St. Vincent cross country teams made a statement. The boys finished first, while the girls took second place at the Perryville High School Invitational on Tuesday in the Perryville City Park.It 

St. Vincent football has asserted itself the past few years when it comes to matchups with their crosstown rival Perryville. The Indians had won three straight contests against the Pirates. St. 

Roth to help raise money for cancer society During last years Perryville homecoming game, the football coaches donned pink hats and pink pants in honor of a noble cause. They hope to do so again this year.Perryville football head coach 

Pirates play to win against Blackcats Perryville football has had a flair for the dramatic this season. This past week was no different as they held on late for a 21-14 victory over Fredericktown on Friday at Pirate Stadium. Perryville 

St. Vincent keeps foot on the gas in victory St. Vincent made quick work of Herculaneum in week four. The Indians got off to a quick start and kept it rolling as they dispatched of the Blackcats 49-0 on Friday at Herculaneum High School. That 

Click Here For Our Local Sports PageGuyana ministerial team visits ExxonMobil Noble Bob Douglas drillship

By Kaieter News



GEORGETOWN

Petroleumworld 05 01 2018



A high-level ministerial team on Sunday visited the Noble Bob Douglas drillship to have a first-hand look at the deep-sea operations and to officially welcome the captain and crew to Guyana.



Speaking on behalf of the team, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, thanked the crew for their work in fast-tracking Guyana to first oil in 2020. He said the team was impressed with the emphasis on safety, according to a Government release.



One cannot miss the absolute emphasis on safety in all aspects of the operations onboard Noble Bob Douglas. We are impressed with the unrelenting focus on ensuring the highest levels of safety as we move ever closer to first oil in a few short years, Minister Trotman said.



The drillship has begun work on the production phase. It is on a three-year contract which will run through to 2021.



Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was part of the ministerial team, said at his recent Post-Cabinet Press Conference that the arrival of the Noble Bob Douglas signals the escalation of developments in the industry.

It was noted that this ship is significantly larger and more versatile than the Stenna Caron that is used primarily to drill exploratory wells.



The Noble Bob Douglas will be involved in the drilling of injection and extractive wells.



Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin were also part of the ministerial team



The team was joined by Director of Public Information, Imran Khan; ExxonMobil Country Manager, Rod Henson; Exxon Mobil Upstream Manager, Doug McGhee and Noble's Drilling Superintendent, Curtis Chandler. Petroleumworld.com



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Kaieteurnewsonline.com 05 01 2018

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'98,ME,XP, Vista, Windows 7,8,10 +/ 800x600 pixelsGuyana needs to be vigilante from excessive debt financing from oil companies - GRA commissioner

By Kaieter News



GEORGETOWN

Petroleumworld 05 01 2018



Yesterday, Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, acknowledged that the road ahead is no easy one as the Authority gets ready to police the oil industry.



However, he said that it is always easier to get where you are going if you have direction. The Commissioner General said that his agency has direction; it knows what are the things needed to be done to help Guyana secure its right share of revenue from the oil industry.



Statia said that one of the major things that his agency needs to do is to develop capacity to protect Guyana from excessive debt financing.



The Commissioner said this at an informative session on oil and gas for private sector members held by the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry at the Marriott Hotel.



Statia said that the oil industry has a lot of good to offer Guyana but there are also some risks. He pointed to several other countries that are worst off with oil.



Statia said that it is not unusual for multinationals to incur legitimate costs in the form of business overheads for services such as accounting, human, marketing, procurement, IT etc. He said that these costs, however, should be fair, reasonable and in line with arm's length principles.



The Commissioner said that excessive debt financing, and recoverable interest should also be subjected to scrutiny and be subjected to limitations especially so when the loan transactions are between affiliated or associated companies.



Statia said that thinly capitalized positions in the absence of rules aimed at limiting interest claims will be challenging and will require stringent policing efforts by the GRA.



Guyana has committed to paying all the interest on loans secured to fund operations at the Stabroek Block.



The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana signed with ExxonMobil states that ExxonMobil will be able to recover the cost of interest, expenses and related fees incurred on loans raised by parties comprising the contractor for petroleum operations and other financing cost provided that such expenses, fees and costs that are consistent with market rates.



Similar provisions are in other contracts that Guyana has with various oil companies.



The provision is very broad and covers any cost that a company may incur for petroleum operations and even other financing.



IMF thinks that this provision can prove to be disadvantageous to Guyana.

The international body said that the treatment of interest expenses in the ExxonMobil/Guyana contract appears to be generous.



The fund said that the treatment of interest expense is important because excessive or abusive use of debt can have a detrimental impact on the amount of profit oil to be shared between the government and the contractor.



The mission understands that in Guyana, PSA interest expenses, irrespective of the source of financing, are permitted to be recovered provided that such expenses are consistent with market rates.



IMF noted that interest payments are exempt from withholding taxes, providing yet another incentive for contractors to finance their costs with debt.



Further, IMF said that it is quite common to have limitations on interest deductibility.



Some countries disallow interest expenses or limit the amount of debt permitted for cost recovery purposes through caps on debt to equity ratios or earning stripping rules.



The international body said that other countries may prescribe that interest may be deductible only on borrowing to fund development costs or a maximum percentage of such costs.



IMF pointed to Uganda's model PSA, which allows interest on loans (from any source) to finance development operations only up to 50 percent of the total financing requirement. Interest on loans to finance exploration is not allowed.



In many cases, oil companies, which form a consortium for a project, would borrow from their parents companies. And there are innumerable case studies which show that it is in these instances, corruption takes place. Petroleumworld.com



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Kaieteurnewsonline.com 05 01 2018

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'98,ME,XP, Vista, Windows 7,8,10 +/ 800x600 pixelsT&T too stingy, venezuelans and all refugees should be welcomed



By Sascha Wilson



PORT SPAIN

Petroleumworld 05 01 2018



Archbishop Jason Gordon is advocating for Venezuelan nationals seeking refuge to be welcomed, treated with dignity and integrated into this country.

In an obvious reference to the recent deportation of 82 Venezuelans following the confirmation of Presentation College students at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, San Fernando, yesterday, Gordon said they were not coming here to sponge off of us but because they are facing a crisis.

We need to integrate them and we need to accommodate them and help them through this process. They are going through a very difficult time in their country and we should be hospitable, Gordon said.

However, he said T&T people have lost their sense of hospitality.

We have become very eccentric and we have become people who are very stingy with what we have, because lifestyle has been more important than other things for us. Acknowledging that T&T also has serious social problems, he said, I would hate to think that our generation would be the generation to throw away the values of our parents.

He agreed with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who in his response to the United Nations criticism over the deportation noted that we are not a refugee camp. However, he said, every nation in the world has been accepting refugees.

I was not here when this all happened and the Vicar General made a very powerful statement in the front of the Catholic News first page. Mercy. Let us be merciful to those who come.' And that's the best of who we are, he said.

The real question is not about the refugees. The real question is what kind of Trinidad and Tobago we want to be? Do we want to be a selfish, self-centred country that only wants to grab for itself for what we can get for ourself?

Is that who we want to be? Check me out of that. I don't want any part of that. I believe in a country that is Trinidad and Tobago, that has been incredibly generous and that is what I want to see more.

He added, Refugees have been welcome throughout the whole of history. We cannot be the first people to decide that we do not want to welcome them.

In order to find a way to deal with the large influx of Venezuelans, Gordon suggested that all agencies, including the church, unite and formulate a plan to integrate all the refugees. He said the Venezuelans must be properly screened and processed to ensure no drugs and guns are being brought into the country.

Gordon said he intends to speak with the Vicars today about how the church can help and work with the refuges.

It cannot be left to one group or one community, said Gordon, adding T&T must find a way to integrate Venezuelan children into schools and find work for the adults.

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Pemex security worker killed in attack in Tamaulipas, northern Mexico





By Reuters

MEXICO CITY

Petroleumworld 05 02 2018

A security official with Mexico's state oil company, Pemex, was killed in an attack in the border state of Tamaulipas, the company's chief executive said on Sunday.

Jaime Juarez, 53, was in a vehicle doing surveillance work in the city of Matamoros on Friday when it was hit with 60 bullets. His colleague survived the attack.

Juarez was just a few months from completing 20 years with Pemex, the company said in a statement, and had most recently worked combating the fuel theft that costs Pemex more than $1 billion a year.

Drug cartels seeking to diversify income streams have preyed on Pemex, making fuel theft one of Mexico's most pressing security issues.

The head of security at one of Mexico's six state-run oil refineries was shot to death in January.

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Petrobras reaches debt deal with Eletrobras, aiding privatization process

By Reuters

SAO PAULO

Petroleumworld 05 02 2018

Petroleo Brasileiro SA said on Monday it had reached an agreement with Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA, commonly known as Eletrobras, regarding the renegotiation of part of nearly 20 billion reais ($5.76 billion) in debt owed to the state oil company.

The agreement is seen as key to allowing a privatization process planned by Eletrobras to go forward.

The state electricity company has said it plans to auction off the power distribution units it holds in Brazil's northern and northeastern regions in June. But Petroleo Brasileiro, or Petrobras, had threatened to hold up the process, citing the debts that Eletrobras' distribution subsidiaries, particularly its distribution unit in Amazonas state, owed to the oil company.

The contractual instruments in this process will be signed by the parties today, Petrobras said in a statement, without elaborating on the terms of the deal.

The company added in the statement that it will offer more information about the agreement at a later time.

($1 = 3.47 reais)

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Costa Rica's new president committed to a clean energy transport plan

By Sebastian Rodriguez

SAN JOSE

Petroleumworld 05 02 2018

Costa Rica will reach 200 years of independence in 2021 and the country's new president plans to mark it with a revolution of his own: A plan to end the use of fossil fuels in transport.

When we reach 200 years of independent life we will take Costa Rica forward and celebrate ... that we've removed gasoline and diesel from our transportation plans, Carlos Alvarado promised in his victory speech this month.

The 38-year-old progressive beat rival Fabricio Alvarado, an evangelical preacher and musician, with 60 percent of the vote in second-round elections, and will take office on May 8.

The president-elect's promise marks the first time a Costa Rican leader has backed such a move, though green organizations have previously urged it.

According to Alvarado's environmental advisors, no date has yet been set for a full phase out of fossil fuels in transport, but the plan should be ready by 2021.

Achieving zero-carbon transport quickly - even in a Central American country well-known for its environmental commitment - will be a significant challenge, energy experts say.

Jose Daniel Lara, a Costa Rican energy researcher at the University of California-Berkeley, said completely eliminating fossil fuels within just a few years is probably unrealistic  though the plan will lay the groundwork for faster action toward the goal.

A proposal like this one must be seen by its rhetoric value and not by its technical precision, Lara told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Oscar Echeverria, president of the Vehicle and Machinery Importers Association, said the transition away from fossil fuels in transport can't be rushed as the clean transport market is so far undeveloped.

If there's no previous infrastructure, competence, affordable prices and waste management we'd be leading this process to failure. We need to be careful, Echeverria said.

SMALL COUNTRY, BIG IDEA

But economist Monica Araya, a Costa Rican sustainability expert and director of Costa Rica Limpia, which promotes renewable energy and electric transport, said that in a country already rapidly weaning itself off fossil fuels, focusing on transport  one of the last major challenges  could send a powerful message to the world.

Getting rid of fossil fuels is a big idea coming from a small country. This is an idea that's starting to gain international support with the rise of new technologies, she said in an interview.

Costa Rica's push toward clean energy faces no large-scale backlash, in part because the country has no significant oil or gas industry.

But demand for cars is rising, as is use of other transport systems, and that may prove one of the biggest challenges in meeting the new goal, Lara said.

According to data by the National Registry  the country's records agency  there were twice as many cars registered as babies born in 2016.

Transport is today the country's main source of climate changing emissions. According to the country's National Meteorological Institute, 64 percent of Costa Rica's emissions come from energy use, and more than two thirds of that is from transport.

According to data from the State of the Region report, put together by a council of Costa Rica's university leaders, public transport has struggled to meet the transport needs of the country.

As a result, demand for private vehicles has risen dramatically, with the car industry growing 25 percent in 2015 alone, making Costa Rica one of the fastest growing auto markets in Latin America, according to the report.

BUDGET HOLE

One problem in cutting back on fossil fuels is that the country's budget depends on them, Lara said.

According to Ministry of Treasury data, 22 percent - more than a fifth  of the government's income comes from fossil fuel taxes, and most of those are levied on transport.

That is particularly problematic because the country has run a budget deficit since 2009, with its debt now having climbed to more than 6 percent of GDP last year, according to the Treasury.

The International Monetary Fund noted in 2017 that public debt continues to rise rapidly despite efforts to curb it.

But the president's proposal to eliminate fossil fuel use for transport could force a rethink of Costa Rica's financial dependence on a pollution source, Lara said.

The country could, for instance, consider broader new taxes on carbon emissions, Araya said, a move that could provide cost-savings benefits, including less spending by the country's health services on respiratory problems.

The new president-elect, a former national employment minister under the country's current center-left government, envisions eliminating transport fuels as just another step toward a full phase-out of fossil fuels.

Such an achievement would be a defining moment in the country's history, akin to the country's abolition of its army in 1948, he said.

The effort to end the use of transport fossil fuels is expected to start with reform of the country's hydrocarbon laws.

TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS

Araya said that the rapid international scale-up of renewable power and electric transport could make things easier  and be a big economic opportunity for Costa Rica.

For example, it took almost 20 years to get to one million electric cars (worldwide). It took 18 months to reach two million. The third million happened in around the next eight months. This is exponential growth, she said.

Prices are falling and efficiency growing in new clean energy technologies, including battery storage, she said. The biggest barrier to seeing them much more widely used may simply be that people aren't yet used to them, she added.

Tackling resistance to change is one of the most important tasks we have right now Araya said.

Reporting by Sebastian Rodriguez ; 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 news.trust.org/climate

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Israel claims proof that Iran lied about nuclear program

Amir Cohen/Reuters



Israeli leader speaks days before U.S. decision on pact's fate. Voices confidence Trump will do the right thing on accord. - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran lied about its nuclear weapons program - Play Video

By Amy Teibel, David Wainer, and Michael Arnold

TEL AVIV/JAFFA

Petroleumworld 05 01 2018

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country has half a ton of Iranian documents that prove Tehran had a secret program to build nuclear bombs, potentially giving President Donald Trump ammunition to pull the U.S. out of the Iran nuclear accord.

Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons program, Netanyahu said in a press conference in his government's defense compound in Tel Aviv. After signing the nuclear deal in 2015, Iran intensified its efforts to hide its nuclear files.

A person familiar with the matter said the U.S. had seen the documents and considered them authentic. The documents were consistent with evidence that the American government had compiled, and showed that Tehran had concealed some of its weapons activities from international inspectors, according to the person, who asked for anonymity to discuss sensitive information.

Israel uncovered 55,000 pages of material on a weapons program that operated between 1999 and 2003 code-named Project Amad, Netanyahu said, pulling back a curtain to reveal shelves filled with what appeared to be binders and compact discs of information. He said the nuclear program continued after it was subsumed under a different guise, and that Iran took steps as recently as last year to move its files to a concealed location so it could revive the program down the line.

Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, called Netanyahu's allegations lies already dealt with by the International Atomic Energy Agency. His deputy, Abbas Araghchi, said the presentation used an old, worn-out scenario to manufacture a case against Tehran, which denies ever having sought to build a bomb. Even some critics of Iran agreed that Netanyahu repackaged old information.

Netanyahu's presentation was nothing new, Senator Bob Corker, the Republican head of the Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview on Bloomberg Television. Corker, who has been critical of the agreement, said the best outcome would be to resolve the problems with the deal."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking to reporters as he flew back to Washington from a trip to the Middle East and Europe, said "the documents are real, they're authentic." Asked if there was anything in them that suggests a violation of the nuclear agreement, Pompeo said, "We'll leave that to the lawyers."

Jack Guez/AFP



Netanyahu speaks in Tel Aviv on April 30, 2018.

Jack Guez/AFP



Netanyahu delivers a speech on Iran's nuclear program in Tel Aviv on April 30.

Deadline Approaching

Oil prices briefly climbed about 50 cents on the news before paring gains to just below $69.

Netanyahu spoke less than two weeks before Trump is to decide whether the U.S. will pull out of the international agreement between Iran and six world powers that curbed Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The accord lifts key restrictions on Tehran's nuclear activities beginning in 2025, and Trump has warned that he would withdraw from the pact unless it was revised to bar Iran from ever developing atomic weapons.

In remarks in Washington after Netanyahu spoke, Trump left open the possibility of negotiating a new Iran deal but hinted the U.S. would quit the accord by May 12, the deadline he's set for a decision.

I'm not telling you what I'm doing but a lot of people think they know, he said. And on or before the 12th we'll make a decision. That doesn't mean we won't negotiate a real agreement.

Questions about American and Israeli depictions of the information as groundbreaking only intensified after White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a statement saying the data supported a U.S. conclusion that Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people.

After commentators pointed out that the data appeared to only verify that Iran had a nuclear program before the international agreement froze development, the White House quietly updated its statement to reflect that the information obtained by the Israelis simply showed that Iran had a clandestine program. Sanders did not return a request for comment about the apparent mistake.

Shared With U.S.

Netanyahu said Israel has shared the information it has obtained with the U.S., and that he was sure Trump would do the right thing when he decides whether to remain in the nuclear accord.

Netanyahu delivered his presentation as rising tensions between Iran and Israel have been stoking fears that the two Middle Eastern powers are headed for a military showdown in Syria.

Several analysts poked holes in his portrayal of his disclosures as something the world has never seen.

The information he's talking about refers to the period that led us up to the nuclear deal, said Jarrett Blanc, a former deputy lead coordinator and State Department coordinator for Iran nuclear implementation. We've always known they were lying, that's why we did what we did.

If I really thought something new was in there, the last thing I'd do is go to television to announce this, Blanc added. The whole thing makes me think that it's being treated as political theater, and maybe that's all that it is.

Netanyahu's allegations shouldn't necessarily be conflated with the nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, said Andreas Persbo, the executive director of London's VERTIC institute.

The JCPOA is a different thing altogether that doesn't look at weapons, he said. It's there to make sure Iran doesn't get the material to make weapons.

The International Atomic Energy Agency knew about Netanyahu's most serious allegations, including the possibility of creating a hemispheric implosion device, during its 12-year investigation, he added.

The IAEA didn't immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment, but the European Union's foreign minister, Federica Mogherini, said the evidence so far fails to show non-compliance with the nuclear agreement.

The deal was put in place exactly because there was no trust between the parties, otherwise we would not have required a nuclear deal to be put in place, Mogherini added in a statement.

Hiding Place

United Nations nuclear inspectors have reported 10 straight times that Iran has capped its most sensitive nuclear work that could be used to develop a bomb. The Vienna-based IAEA ended a 12-year probe in December 2015 into the possible military dimensions of Iran's past atomic work.

Iran is subject to the world's most robust nuclear verification regime, IAEA Chief Coordinator Cornel Feruta told diplomats on April 23 in Geneva . The agency captures hundreds of thousands of images daily and analyzes millions of sources of open-source data each month, he said.

Israel hasn't been pacified by these reports, and continues to see Iran's nuclear ambitions as a threat to its survival. Having failed to sway the U.S. from concluding the signature foreign-policy initiative of then-President Barack Obama, it has found a more receptive ear in the Trump administration.

So far the White House has failed to win the support of European allies that are signatories to the 2015 accord. French President Emmanuel Macron and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday agreed to work together to preserve the agreement. Days earlier, Macron told German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May that he urged the U.S. during his trip to Washington last week to stay in the accord and integrate it in a larger framework, rather than walk away.

Rouhani has said Trump's insistence on changing terms of a seven-party deal violates it. In a readout posted on Iran's official government website, he said the deal is by no means negotiable.

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A Coca-Cola delivery van painted in Classic Coke style hauls soda in Pennsylvania. The regional Pepsi affiliate, which recently signed a labor contract with Teamsters Local 830 in Philadelphia, could benefit if a threatened Coke strike materializes. Workers say the company plans to stop funding their pension plan. Read more

Leaders of Teamsters Local 830, whose members load, drive, and deliver drinks from breweries and soda plants in the Philadelphia area, says members are ready to strike as early as this week to preserve their pensions as tough negotiations with Coca-Cola's new regional affiliate face an impasse over continued funding for the workers' pension plan.

Six hundred Local 830 members work for Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, a company started by veteran Coke executives Fran McGorry and Paul Mulligan to buy Coke bottling and distribution in Philadelphia and New York last fall.

"The Teamsters walked away after Coke made it clear that they were taking Local 830's pension away," says Frank Keel, a spokesman for the union.

It's not that bad yet, insisted Mayra Linares-Garcia, a spokeswoman for Liberty Coca-Cola. "We are continuing to negotiate in good faith with representatives from Teamsters Local 830 to finalize the terms of a new collective-bargaining agreement," she said.

Still, the company threatened to try and keep Coke and its other brands in stores if the union walks: "While we are optimistic about reaching a fair and equitable agreement for our Philadelphia associates, we have a strong contingency plan in place to ensure we continue to service our customers and consumers," Linares-Garcia added.

Liberty employees in New York are also Teamsters, and the company is still funding their pensions, under a contract that doesn't expire until after this year.

Union leaders say Coke executives told them they have to cut costs because of profit margin pressures from the city's beverage tax, an effort to raise public revenues while reducing consumption of sugary drinks. Danny Grace, secretary-treasurer of the union, has been an outspoken critic of Mayor Kenney's sweet-drinks tax, which Grace says hurts his members and their families by reducing soda sales.

But despite Coke's claims, Local 830 members recently gave support to a new five-year contract with the local affiliate of Pepsi-Cola, as if that company isn't feeling the pressure Coke claims from the beverage tax. The threat that Coke could stop but Pepsi would keep rolling gives the union extra leverage.

Liberty co-owner McGorry was a boss at Coke in Philadelphia before the company sold the franchise last fall; Mulligan was based in Atlanta and worked for Coca-Cola International. The parent company purchased the regional business from 76ers superstar Julius Erving and his New York partner, Bruce Llewellyn, in 2006. The company has reversed its consolidation with distributors and bottlers in recent years and sought regional franchisors to take over. The New York-Philadelphia region was the last big U.S. Coke franchise to find new owners.A fraud victim is arguing in a lawsuit that Wells Fargo should have done more to help her recover her money. Read more

Jonalin Depakakibo has something to add to the long list of consumer and regulatory grievances against Wells Fargo Bank, which was slammed last month with a $1 billion fine for consumer abuses in its auto-lending and mortgage businesses.

The resident of Bridgeport, Montgomery County, fell prey in March to a "government-grant scam," after a fraudster hijacked a coworker's Facebook Messenger app and convinced Depakakibo to deposit a $6,700 membership fee into a Wells Fargo account  under the name Adeboye Oresanya  to get a $155,567 grant.

Within an hour of making that deposit at Wells Fargo's King of Prussia branch on March 5 and after talking to other coworkers about whether they had gotten the grant, she realized she had been duped and rushed back to the bank to alert bank personnel of the suspected fraud and to see whether she could get her money back. It was still in the account.

She said she got promises of help through a fraud alert, but no action.

"I'm really stupid to buy into that situation, but I tried to stop it, going to them to help me, because I identified that it was a fraud. But they didn't do anything. It's a nightmare for me all the time," said Depakakibo, who hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.

That lawsuit, filed April 10, finally prompted San Francisco-based Wells Fargo to freeze the account, which by then contained $2,300.

Now Depakakibo is on pins and needles, not knowing whether she'll ever again see the $6,700 that was intended for her 18-year-old daughter's college education.

The fraud that snagged Depakakibo, a naturalized U.S. citizen from the Philippines who works in a nursing home, was the subject of a Better Business Bureau alert in September. The alert said "government-grant" scammers were increasingly reaching victims through Facebook Messenger.

"In this con, the scammer  posing as a friend of family members  will send you a message claiming you qualify for money from the government. To receive the grant, the scammer requires you pay a 'processing fee' or 'application fee' first," the Better Business Bureau wrote.

Depakakibo's lawsuit alleges not just fraud against the scammer, but also that Wells Fargo was negligent when it did not freeze the account after Depakakibo alerted Wells Fargo to the suspected fraud.

"Banks have a duty to look out for red flags that their customers are using their accounts to commit fraud or other illegal activity," said Lauren Saunders, associate director at the National Consumer Law Center in Washington.

"While consumers need to look out for scams and should never send cash to someone they don't know, it seems that the bank could have done more in this situation where it was apparently alerted before the money was gone that its customer may have been perpetrating a scam," Saunders said.

A Wells Fargo spokesman said the company, which is among the Philadelphia region's largest banks by deposits, does "not generally comment on ongoing litigation and will not have anything to add to your story."

Not long before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau levied the $1 billion fine against Wells Fargo, the Federal Reserve responded to widespread consumer abuses and governance breakdowns by restricting the bank's growth until it improves governance and controls.

Depakakibo's lawyer, Scott Waterman, said on April 13 that he received a call from someone at a Wells Fargo branch in Florida. The caller was the account holder who wanted to know why his account had been frozen.

"He claimed that he wasn't the one who stole the money," but "he allows his account to be used by people to transfer money from one person to another," Waterman said. How much? $10,000 to $15,000 every month, Waterman was told.

Brief negotiations with a lawyer for Wells Fargo over a possible settlement went nowhere, Waterman said.

Waterman's message to a lawyer for the bank: "Wells Fargo should do the right thing and reimburse her for this loss because they had it in their purview to stop this fraud. They were aware that the fraud was happening before the money had disappeared from the account, and Wells Fargo has taken the position that they don't care."

"Too big to fail. Too big to care" is how Waterman describes the bank.Comedian Michelle Wolf entertains guests at the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) dinner at The Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Read more

If I had a dollar for every time someone called me mean, I'd be sitting on a beach somewhere sipping a Corona instead of writing this column while I nurse a cold cafe con leche in a drafty neighborhood coffee shop.

And if I had a dollar for every time the person hurling that supposed insult at me really meant that I had uttered a truth that they didn't want to hear, and often in a way or a tone that offended their sensibilities, I'd be able to bring along a few friends.

Speaking of friends and beer, I'd love to befriend comedian Michelle Wolf and buy her a round in honor of all the truth she dished out at the White House correspondents' dinner.

Because while it was not mean, it was pointed and often painful. The truth, as the old saying goes, hurts.

And one of the most painful truths of her monologue was this one, directed rightly and squarely at the Fourth Estate.

"You helped create this monster and now you are profiting from him."

Zing.

In hindsight, she should have gone in even deeper on the reporters who wasted no time coming to the defense of the Trump administration's mouthpiece, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, when Wolf said "she burns facts and then she uses that ash to create a perfect smoky eye. "

"Like, maybe she's born with it, maybe it's lies," she mused, before concluding, "It's probably lies."

Instead of letting Sanders stew in that truth, reporters rushed to make the barbs about appearance  as if having a smoky eye is an insult. (It so is not. It's on my bucket list, for crying out loud.)

Some couldn't even bring themselves to admit that Sanders lies on behalf of her boss for a living. Chris Cillizza, CNN's editor-at-large, said Sanders "misleads on the regular." Add that word to "alt-right," "racially insensitive" and a host of other mealymouthed language reporters use to step on the truth.

But eye makeup is so much easier to talk about than the lies the American public are now fed on a regular basis, or the fact that Washington messengers care more about access than accountability, they'd rather be liked than be right, and that they normalize the absolutely abnormal.

Reporters rushed to call Wolf's performance appalling, outrageous. A couple of things  have any of these folks ever been to a comedy show? Also, did they skip middle school? Because that's where you learn that you can't nice someone out of hating you.

The head of the correspondents group said she regretted the monologue. You know what every citizen should be regretting right about now? Falling for all the news organizations' grand declarations of truth-seeking in their pleas to support the products that employ some of these spineless journalists.

Trump, who skipped the dinner to hold one of his rallies where one of his rabid supporters yelled at the press  calling them "degenerate filth"  in turn called Wolf's performance filthy.

Really, dude?

Paul Levinson, a professor of communications and media studies at Fordham University and author of "New New Media" put it perfectly.

"Nothing wrong at all with being mean if you're honest, and your target is political. Democracy relies on clear and honest criticism of all kinds. The people need maximum information, as long as it's true. A false and Puritanical sense of propriety only gets in the way of that. Kudos to the comedians and anyone with the courage to speak her or his mind."

You know what we should all be outraged about?

A president and his enablers who methodically and pathologically are dismantling our democracy, targeting people because of their ethnicity and sexuality and religious beliefs, tearing families apart under some dystopian immigration plan while completely ignoring  except when they're cosigning the behavior because I mean, there are "good people on both sides"  actual threats to our country and safety: made-in-the-USA white male terrorists.

You know what's really offensive? It's the devastating truth that Wolf ended her speech with, that "Flint still doesn't have clean water."

But also, that nearly seven months after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is still being treated with Trump's paper towel-approach on aid.

That American citizens were so afraid of losing even an inch of their privilege that they hid their sexism and racism behind economic anxieties and a vote for Trump.

That the Justice Department quietly removed the section headed "need for a free press" from its guidelines.

That so many of our most powerful watchdogs have turned into lapdogs.

Watchdogs have teeth, and when what they are charged with protecting is in danger  in this case, our democracy  they are supposed to growl and bark and, if need be, bite.

If that makes me mean, well, God bless America.Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf at Philadelphia City Hall last December, where he explained his planned veto of abortion restrictions. Read more

I'm guessing Gov. Wolf might be familiar with Vermont teacher/author Thomas H. Palmer's 1840 "The Teacher's Manual"  or at least the introduction.

In it, Palmer suggests: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

I'm guessing at this familiarity since Wolf is once again trying to get a severance tax on the extraction of natural gas, his white whale since taking office in 2015.

So, here we go again.

Some of this could relate to the election calendar. The Guv's up for reelection. Democrats are hoping for a Dem wave. Let's stoke the base with something popular, even if it's unattainable.

But asking a GOP legislature to pass new taxes on anything in an election year?

C'mon, man.

Yet Wolf gamely stood at a news conference Monday with four lawmakers, two fellow Democrats and two Southeastern Republicans, which is to say moderate Republicans who don't live in districts where there's natural gas.

This grouping  Sen. John Yudichak (D., Luzerne), Rep. Jake Wheatley (D., Allegheny), Sen. Tom Killion (R., Chester), and Rep. Bernie O'Neill (R., Bucks)  was referred to in a press release as "a bipartisan coalition" supporting Wolf's effort.

One might think a "coalition" of lawmakers in a 253-member legislature would be a bit larger than four. But OK. And a Wolf aide says the number is larger and will be reflected in cosponsorships of the "new" tax legislation, which isn't new at all.

Thing is? Lots of lawmakers in both parties support the tax. Why they didn't stand with Wolf this week is just a little odd.

Unless they're all pragmatists.

Still, Wolf made a case he's made multiple times during his tenure, prior to it as a candidate, and prior to that by Ed Rendell when he was governor.

It has convincing elements: We're the only big gas-producing state without a severance tax (though we do have an impact tax, called "a fee"); the new tax wouldn't mean losing energy jobs; any pass-along costs to consumers due to the tax would be paid by out-of-state customers since 80 percent of our natural gas is exported; and the tax would produce $248.7 million in new state revenue in its first fiscal year.

Such revenue, said Wolf, could mean more teachers in Lancaster, better roads in Pittsburgh, and new school buses in Philadelphia.

Good examples. Wolf likes teachers. The Allentown Morning Call reports he's gotten $760,000 from three teachers' unions so far this cycle. And new stuff for Pittsburgh and Philly is always good. Lots of voters.

Some might call this pandering. Good politics often is.

And good politics is needed since getting the tax is a way-tall order given the opposition of Republican legislative leaders, especially in the House.

Reaction to Wolf was swift and predictable.

Minutes after the news conference, GOP House spokesman Steve Miskin said: "Nothing's changed. We don't anticipate any new taxes, or this coming up for a vote."

(My efforts to chat with House Speaker Mike Turzai, primo severance-tax blocker, were not successful.)

Then the biz guys weighed in.

"One-note Wolf renews campaign to kill energy jobs," reads a release from the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association. The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry called the effort a "union-driven push for more spending." The Marcellus Shale Coalition said it would "cost Pennsylvania jobs, raise home energy costs."

Like many taxing issues (no pun intended) this one's chock-full of complexities: figuring ETRs (effective tax rates) on various per thousand cubic feet of gas; impact on royalties to landowners, and so on.

What's not complex is energy companies make lots of money and spend lots on lobbyists and campaign contributions to keep making lots of money; and lawmakers in shale regions are averse to risking the employment and economic benefits of being in shale regions.

Meanwhile, the state's always searching for new streams of revenue, which means this tug of war continues.

Nice thing for pols? Both sides get fired up whenever the issue warms. So, some voter energy and campaign cash are likely soon to follow.A Campus view of Temple University with the well-known bell tower in the background. Read more

For years, colleges and parents have warned students not to leave their drinks unattended for fear someone would slip something into them.

And if recent experience is any indication, that warning could have merit.

Stanford University in January investigated reports that seven students, including members of a sorority and the men's rowing team, were allegedly drugged at a fraternity party. At Rutgers last fall, a similar allegation was lodged, though the university said it found no proof the drugging had occurred.

And last month, Philadelphia police said they were probing allegations of sexual assault at a Temple University fraternity, including cases in which women reported that they believed they were drugged. No charges have been filed, but Temple has suspended the fraternity as the investigation continues.

"There's definitely a culture around here where men think they are entitled to women's bodies," Temple sophomore Kaelyn Lefurgy, 20, of Northampton, said one day last week at the university's student center. "It's like gross."

A 2016 study published by the American Psychological Association found that nearly 8 percent of college students surveyed on three large campuses reported being drugged and that nearly 30 percent of the incidents occurred at fraternities.

But cases often are hard to prove because the drugs can leave someone's system before he or she gets tested, university educators say.

"Though we do receive reports from students who suspect they have been drugged  it is very difficult to confirm as forensic evidence must be collected within a very short window of time," said Lori Friedman, a spokeswoman for Lehigh University in Bethlehem.

Suzanne Swan, an associate professor of psychology and women and gender studies at the University of South Carolina, said it can be difficult for someone to know for sure if he or she has been drugged.

"The effects of alcohol, extreme intoxication can look like drugging," said Swan, one of the lead researchers on the 2016 drugging study. "Sometimes people don't realize how much they've had to drink. It's a hard area to pin down unless somebody tells you or you see it happening. But I've come across enough stories where [drugging] is the case."

Her team surveyed over 6,000 students at the University of Cincinnati, the University of South Carolina and the University of Kentucky. About 460 or 7.8 percent of those surveyed said they believed they had been drugged, while 83 or 1.4 percent reported they or someone they know had drugged another person. Swan said some students who reported being drugged confirmed it through tests. Others said they had been told by a witness that something was placed in their drink. And still others believed they had been drugged based on how they felt.

Swan's study found that most students who said they were drugged were not sexually assaulted.

At Temple, several students reported they were sexually assaulted at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity; one told police she went to a party in March, was given several drinks, became dizzy and disoriented and remembered nothing until she woke up in a fraternity member's bed, according to police.

"This is the first time that this type of credible information had been given to us to really aggressively pursue an investigation" regarding the drugging of drinks, said Stephanie Ives, associate vice president and dean of students at Temple.

The university in an email to the campus last month warned students not to leave any drink unattended and "be wary of accepting drinks from others."

"If you are suspicious of what a drink might contain or concerned about the impact it's having on a friend, seek medical help immediately," the advisory said.

The Greek life system at Temple is relatively small, but growing as Temple tilts toward a more residential college experience. About 6 percent of the student body, or more than 1,800 students, participate in the university's 28 fraternities and sororities, Ives said.

Temple for years has been educating students about alcohol and safe usage, including its medical amnesty policy, which allows students to seek help for an intoxicated student without being disciplined, Ives said. The amnesty covers both the intoxicated student and the one who seeks the help.

The notification that went out after the fraternity incident, Ives said, "was obviously a very specific and significant step to tell the student population that there was concern about these allegations."

Students are concerned, too.

"I was horrified [to hear claims that] that guys were drugging so many girls' drinks," said Temple sophomore Grace Whittemore, 20, of Westchester, N.Y.

Whittemore said she doesn't attend fraternity parties. She goes to smaller gatherings with people she knows and people they know and trust, she said.

Universities have stepped up education on how students can safely monitor their drinks, but Swan said "it's obviously not preventing it to the level we would like."

At Rutgers New Brunswick, the student newspaper, The Daily Targum, reported in December that it had obtained documents that detailed allegations that a fraternity had allegedly drugged members of a sorority during a mixer in September.

Last month, Neal Buccino, a university spokesman, said: "The university's student conduct and police investigations found no evidence to support those allegations."

The fraternity, Sigma Chi, had been suspended last fall, in cooperation with its national chapter, for policy violations, he said. The suspension runs through August 2020. Buccino declined to reveal the policy violations, but said they were not related to the allegations of drink tampering.

Stanford declined to comment on the allegations there. The Mercury News reported in January that the university had launched an investigation into allegations that students had been drugged. "We have no further information to share," Stanford spokesman E.J. Miranda said last week.

Officials at several universities emphasized that alcohol by far is the number one drug involved in cases of sexual assault.

"While there is lots of attention to these substances being added to alcohol, soda and even water," said Peggy Lorah, assistant vice president for student affairs, diversity and inclusion at Pennsylvania State University, "the use of alcohol itself to render potential victims incapable of giving consent is the often ignored story."The Cosby Show has been disappearing from television since the sexual misconduct scandal surrounding star Bill Cosby began in 2014, with Bounce TV most recently axing the show from its lineup following Cosby's guilty verdict last week. But what if you digitally replaced Cosby with a big, green alien instead?

Girl Code and Part Timers writer/producer Jon Friedman has done just that with The Kromsby Show, a clip that edits in alien Bol Kromsby over top of Cosby in classic Cosby Show episodes. In the clip, Kromsby fills in as the Cosby Show family's new dad, but with a lot more gibberish.

A weird idea, yes, but it's rooted in the reality of Hollywood today. Kevin Spacey, after all, was edited out of Ridley Scott's All the Money In the World following the start of his sexual misconduct scandal last year. Christopher Plummer replaced the actor after the film initially wrapped shooting with Spacey.

TV Land dropped reruns of the Cosby Show in late 2014, followed by Aspire in December that year. In 2015, BET's Centric network stopped airing the show, and Hulu declined to renew their contract with the show's production company in 2016. Currently, the Cosby Show is available to stream on Amazon Prime, and the program still airs on TV One, as the Inquirer's Ellen Gray reports.

Bounce TV dropped the Cosby Show after Cosby was found guilty last week of three counts of aggravated indecent assault against former Temple University employee Andrea Constand. Previously, the network started airing reruns of the show in 2016, which drew criticism online.

As a result of the guilty verdict in his case, Cosby could face up to 30 years in prison. The comedian is scheduled to be sentenced in July.In this March 24, 2018 file photo, Michelle Wolf arrives at the 6th Annual Hilarity For Charity Los Angeles Variety Show in Los Angeles. Read more

Comedian Michelle Wolf, 32, has drawn plenty of criticism following her incendiary monologue at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, with even the dinner's organizers saying her performance was "not in the spirit" of the evening's mission. Now, however, the fake news is rolling out.

Following her 20-minute, politically charged monologue over the weekend, an image of a newspaper clipping began circulating online that claimed Wolf, a Hershey native, pleaded guilty to bestiality charges in her hometown in 2015. The article in the image goes on to indicate the comedian was sentenced to 12 months of probation and an $1,100 fine after investigators found "hundreds of images" of Wolf "engaging in illegal sexual intercourse with a number of male dogs" on a computer.

>> Read more: Comedian Michelle Wolf ran track in Hershey before she trashed Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner

None of it, however, is true  just ask the Sun, the Hershey newspaper referenced in the viral image's header. Founded in 1871, the Sun is a weekly newspaper that covers Hummelstown, Hershey, Palmyra, and Elizabethtown.

"It's laughably bad," Sun managing partner David Buffington said of the viral fake news. "The person who faked this thing messed up all sorts of easily verifiable stuff."

An easy one, for example, is the fake clipping's date: Sunday, July 10, 2015. That day was a Friday, and the Sun publishes weekly on Thursday so that should have been a red flag for those familiar with the paper.

>> Read more: Will Bunch: Michelle Wolf's truth bombs aren't the only thing America's elite journalists don't get

Another issue is the typefaces used in the article, which the Sun says it does not use. The article's style, the paper says, also differs significantly from the style the Sun uses in police news reports.

What's more, "Hershey investigator Dan Browlinski" seems not to exist, at least in the 147 years of archives the Suns has of its coverage. A Google search for the purported investigator, meanwhile, mostly turns of references to the viral clipping currently making its rounds online.

Additionally, Pennsylvania court records online do not show any bestiality offenses against Wolf. However, as the Sun points out, a Michelle Wolf did plead guilty to a speeding charge in Lancaster County near Hershey this year, but that person's birthday is different from the comedian's, meaning it likely is a different Wolf.

Fact-checking website Snopes, meanwhile, points out the fake news clipping was likely created using a popular online newspaper clip generator, which allows users to easily mock up their own headlines, complete with a custom date. The source of the image, however, remains unclear.

Wolf has also been the victim of a couple other fake news reports following her Correspondents' Dinner monologue, with both originating from the fake news website Daily World Update, as Snopes points out. One article indicated Comedy Central fired Wolf in the wake of the controversy over her jokes on Saturday, and another claimed Hulu canceled a coming series from Wolf.

>> Read more: Helen Ubinas: In defense of being mean

The comedian, for the record, has an upcoming series, The Break, coming out on Netflix May 27. As the New York Times reports, Wolf left her gig at Comedy Central's The Daily Show several months ago to pursue a hosting role at The Break.

In her monologue at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, Wolf targeted President Donald Trump, as well as several Cabinet members.

"Of course, Trump isn't here, if you haven't noticed," Wolf said Saturday. "I would drag him here myself, but it turns out the president of the United States is the one p- you're not allowed to grab."

Trump has since responded to Wolf's stand-up set on Saturday, tweeting on Sunday that "the filthy 'comedian' totally bombed (couldn't even deliver her lines-much like the Seth Meyers weak performance)."

Wolf, however, doesn't seem bothered by the controversy, judging by an appearance on NPR's Fresh Air that is scheduled to air today.

"I wouldn't change a single word that I said," Wolf said in a clip released ahead of the episode's debut. "I'm very happy with what I said. And I'm glad I stuck to my gun."Salvatore Gonzalez lives under the bridge at Kensington and Lehigh. He said he would try to find another place to live after the city has given the homeless living under the bridge until May 30 to leave. Read more

Under the Kensington Avenue train bridge Monday morning, Michael Jones nudged his brother awake and pointed to the new signs emblazoned with the city seal.

"Notice: You must remove your property and leave this location as soon as possible, but by no later than Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 10 a.m."

The men last week joined the heroin encampments that line the streets off Lehigh Avenue. They are among the scores of people that have been swelling the camps as the weather gets warmer. Tents and furniture that were once clustered under the shelter of the bridge on Kensington Avenue now extend down the sidewalk, creeping ever closer to a block of rowhouses.

As new as they are, the brothers figured that they were on borrowed time. People who've been living rough here for months greeted with resignation the news just days ago that the city will clear two of the four drug encampments that have been plaguing the Kensington community, creating health hazards, and giving Philadelphia a national image problem.

"I guess you can't really have this," Jones said later that afternoon, sitting on a sagging couch someone had dragged onto the sidewalk as a woman sitting on the pavement injected heroin into a vein in her hand. "But I don't know where all these people are going to go."

The city has stressed that there will be places to go, that the people won't just be pushed to another underpass. But for the permanent residents of Kensington, frustrated over how the encampments have grown along with the opioid epidemic, there is more skepticism than hope that the city will improve their community for good.

Many believe that the city has simply pushed people in addiction from camp to camp  a library lawn, an abandoned church, a train gulch and now the bridges where four camps sprawl.

Liz Hersh, the director of the city's Office of Homeless Services, said that this time, the city is working to meet the specific needs of people in addiction by offering housing, treatment or just medical care, if that's all they are willing to accept. The only requirement: Get out of the makeshift camps.

She says the office has learned from its experience last year at Gurney Street, where it helped clear a train gulch that had served as a camp for decades. Residents say that since that move, drug use that once took place in a relatively secluded ravine has been pushed onto the streets.

"There was an assumption [during the Gurney Street clearing] that what we had to offer people was treatment," Hersh said. But the success of housing programs geared specifically toward people in addiction, which don't require sobriety, has taught her office to start with "giving people what they choose."

"For people who aren't ready or wanting to have treatment, we have to start where people are," she said.

Outreach workers will spend the month creating a list of people who live at two of the four camps, at Kensington Avenue and Tulip Street, and working to get them services. Two new shelters are opening in the neighborhood, with 40 beds apiece, specifically for the people on the list. In keeping with the success of housing programs that don't require sobriety, these beds will be open to people who are still using drugs.

On May 30, police will start issuing citations for trespassing.

What happens then, Hersh says, depends on how well her office has done its job. She expects that some people will simply move to the two remaining camps, on Emerald Street and Frankford Avenue. City officials have opted against immediately clearing those camps because they want to focus their pilot program where they expect it is most likely to succeed.

Emerald Street is home to one of the city's most entrenched drug markets, making it more difficult to shut down than camps where people only use drugs, not buy them.

Some advocates and residents said they were heartened by the city's efforts. "I'm really pleased with the direction," said Casey O'Donnell, the director of the civic development group IMPACT Services. "There's agreement that people have to go somewhere and they have to figure out a way to move toward recovery and safety."

Jamie Moffett, who runs the neighborhood group Kensington Renewal, said he was encouraged that the city was trying to house people now in the camps. "But we didn't have four streets worth of encampments in December, we had one and the start of two," he said. "The issue has worsened by 100 percent or more in the time the city hasn't gotten their act together." Charito Morales, a nurse and advocate who worked in the Gurney Street camp, said she's skeptical the city has learned from previous cleanups.

City Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, who lives five blocks from the encampments, told Hersh at a budget hearing last month to act quickly, fearing that the encampments would swell as the weather warms. She said she was "hoping for the best but preparing for some challenges during the transition period." She said she was concerned some would choose to remain outside because they "are on a binge."

"What is going on there is not lawful and should not be permitted in people's neighborhoods," she said. "[The city] is going to have to figure out how far they're willing to go to enforce the law."

On Monday, people stirred awake in dome tents and on mattresses in the Kensington Avenue camp, as outreach workers from the city Office of Homeless Services picked their way past spent needles and shopping carts full of scrap.

"We can talk about some of your options," one said, speaking to someone through a zipped tent flap. Two men in a pickup truck pulled up and dropped off a case of soda. Another outreach group came through with muffins and plates of scrambled eggs.

Salvatore Gonzalez emerged from his tent with a backpack full of needles to sell. His fiancee was still asleep. Originally from Camden, they'd been on the avenue for a month. They listened politely to the entreaties of outreach workers, but were still figuring out their next move.

"They say they're going to try to open up a shelter," Gonzalez said. "I don't believe it, but whatever."

Gonzalez's fiancee echoed a concern that harm-reduction advocates have raised in the last week: For all the filth and danger, many residents of the camps believe that it's a relatively safe place to use drugs, as Narcan is readily available to reverse an overdose.

"If we don't have an increase in harm-reduction resources like a safe-injection site," Brooke Feldman, an advocate and social worker, said Tuesday, "we're sending people off to riskier use."

On Monday, with the outreach workers gone, the camp resumed its normal rhythms. People swept the sidewalks, leaned back in office chairs, ripped open bags of heroin, and prepared tourniquets on mattresses strewn with donated clothes. And they talked about the fact that new arrivals, such as Jones and his brother, kept pouring in.

Down the block, Gonzalez paced with his needles. He sells them for $1 apiece, to fund an eight-month-old addiction. A woman in an SUV pulled up to the curb, jumped out, and asked for one. She looked put-together, Gonzalez noted, with impeccable makeup and sleek hair. He handed her a needle. She darted back into the car and pulled away.

"See her?" he said, shaking his head. "She's going to be living down here in a month."The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ruled Monday that the Philadelphia metro region, which includes a large area stretching to Wilmington and Atlantic City, has failed to meet ground-level ozone standards.

Ground-level ozone, also referred to as smog, is created when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds form a chemical reaction from sunlight. Those chemicals come from cars, trucks, power, and industrial plants.

Children, people with respiratory problems such as asthma, and adults who exercise outdoors are most vulnerable to smog. In children, repeated ozone impact on developing lungs can lead to reduced lung function as adults. It can also aggravate asthma.

In 2015, the EPA proposed new air-quality standards limiting smog levels to 70 parts per billion, down from 75 parts per billion. Those rules are slated to go into effect this fall, but that has been delayed by the EPA once already.

The EPA's recent decision that Philadelphia was in "nonattainment" of that standard under the Clean Air Act is not surprising since smog has long been an issue for the region. Local groups have rallied in recent months, citing the problem.

The EPA is now classifying the city as "marginal"  meaning it is close to being in compliance.

Since January 2017, the EPA, under Administrator Scott Pruitt, had refused to say whether the city  and a host of others  met the benchmark. Being out of compliance, or in "nonattainment," has an impact on the state, city, businesses, and even motorists through increased regulation and funding.

The EPA was supposed to state whether Philadelphia was in compliance by last Oct. 1 but failed to do so. Earlier this year, a federal court ruled that the EPA broke the law by missing the deadline, and gave the EPA until April to issue its ruling. The EPA released its ruling April 30.

Other areas of the U.S. are also out of compliance, including all of New Jersey, New York City, and swaths of California.

Though the city has not met the standards, a recent report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Energy Institute noted that, nevertheless, ozone levels have been on the decline in the region since peaking in 2002. It cites cooperation among the "EPA, states, industry, and environmental advocates working together" for the decline.

Coincidentally, after the EPA revealed the list of cities out of compliance, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced Tuesday that it was issuing a code orange ozone alert for Philadelphia because of the warm weather. The DEP warned that young children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems including asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis should limit outdoor activities.

On the DEP scale, green is good, yellow is moderate, and orange is unhealthy for people at risk. Red signifies the ozone is at an unhealthy level for all.Alan Gross and his wife Jane Townsend on vacation in California in February 2018, three years after T cell therapy saved him from terminal lymphoma. Read more

The world's first T-cell therapy, Novartis' Kymriah, received an additional approval Tuesday to treat an aggressive form of lymphoma in adults, a market expansion that will save lives, and make the drug developed with the University of Pennsylvania far more lucrative.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's decision may also intensify concerns about affordability and access to the new class of personalized immunotherapy.

Liz Barrett, CEO of Novartis Oncology, said in a statement that approval gives the Swiss pharmaceutical giant "another opportunity" to deliver "potentially transformative therapy  to patients in dire need."

Kymriah  developed with Penn and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia  is made by siphoning each patient's T cells from the blood, genetically programming these immune soldier cells to attack malignant blood cells, then returning them to the patient.

Kymriah, or tisagenlecleucel, was first approved last August for a type of advanced pediatric leukemia, but that market is small. Even with a $475,000 price tag, the one-dose infusion brought in only $12 million in sales last quarter, Novartis reported.

>>READ MORE: The face of a medical revolution marks five years cancer-free  and her 12th birthday

The expanded approval is for adults who have repeatedly relapsed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system. Although most of the 27,000 U.S. patients diagnosed each year are cured with conventional treatments, an estimated 6,500 exhaust these options. Novartis, which is also seeking approval in Europe and Japan, is expected to reap worldwide sales for Kymriah of about $156 million this year, according to market forecaster Evaluate Ltd.

However, Novartis will face competition. The world's second T-cell therapy, Gilead Science's Yescarta, was approved last fall for the same type of relapsed lymphoma. Its price tag is $373,000  the same price that Novartis has set for Kymriah's lymphoma treatment.

Approval was based on Novartis' global trial, conducted with Penn. Out of 81 lymphoma patients, 40 percent saw their cancer disappear, and 30 percent remained cancer-free at six months. Experts say Kymriah's effectiveness appears to be comparable to Yescarta's.

They also say that the very idea of rescuing patients facing hopeless odds is astonishing.

"The results we're getting are unheard of in this patient population," said Jakub Svoboda, a Penn lymphoma specialist who was part of the Kymriah research team.

Penn's Stephen J. Schuster, leader of the global trial, said simply, "Many lives may be saved."

>>READ MORE: Penn study points to why T-cell therapy fails in some patients

Alan Gross, 78, is an example. Four years ago, his lymphoma returned for the fourth time, penetrating his colon, growing uncontrollably. He confided to his children that he was dying. That's when his wife, Jane Townsend  his partner in their former medical communications firm  found a last resort, Penn's clinical trial of T-cell therapy.

"I would say I was more desperate than optimistic," said Gross, who lives in Center City Philadelphia. "But two months after I got the T cells, I had no evidence of cancer."

Like most who get the therapy, he suffered several days of toxic side effects as his immune system went into overdrive. Although his symptoms were flu-like, about a quarter of patients in the global trial had severe or life-threatening reactions, including low blood counts and infections.

As part of approval, the company will create a registry to follow patients for 15 years to monitor for relapse and possible side effects.

Because T-cell technology and necessary hospital care can push the cost of treatment as high as $1 million, the advent of the revolutionary class of medicines is stirring concerns among hospitals, health insurers, and policy analysts. Dozens of T-cell drugs for blood cancer are in the pipeline, and scientists hope the approach can be extended to solid tumors.

Last month, the U.S. Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, which analyzes drug effectiveness and value, concluded that the pricing of Kymriah and Yescarta "aligns with patient benefit." But it also warned that the current payment model threatens to divert money needed for other health-care services or contribute to "unsustainable" growth in health-insurance costs.

"There will be changes needed in future pricing, payment, and delivery mechanisms to ensure patient access without threatening health system affordability," the report said.

Policy and cost issues aside, Gross hopes other patients experience his good fortune.

"I just got my three-year check-up. It feels like every day is an amazing day," he said. "I didn't think I'd be here. I can't imagine a better feeling."A young boy calls for help for a 12-year-old friend who became trapped underwater in a South Carolina resort pool. Read more

Shaun Skursky and his family were on vacation in South Carolina recently, enjoying an evening swim at their North Myrtle Beach hotel pool. He was splashing around with his 1-year-old son, when he heard a scream for help.

Skursky, an officer at the State Correctional Institution in Graterford, scooped up little Jackson, sensing there was no time to lose, and ran toward the commotion in the lazy river attraction at the Avista Resort.

"That is when I saw the two boys in the water," Skursky said. The bigger of the two boys was fully submerged; his knee jammed into the open suction drain.

Skursky plunged into the lazy river still holding Jackson, who was bobbing safely in his yellow inflatable "floaty."

He tried to lift the older boy out of the pool, but couldn't shift his limp body away from the force of the drain.

"When I got there, he was unconscious," said Skursky. "There was no fight in him."

Skursky, who had been trained in CPR, knew the boy needed oxygen immediately. The father of two ducked his head underwater and began to force air into the child's mouth.

A preventable danger

Reports of people becoming trapped in circulation equipment at pools, spas or whirlpool baths are extremely rare. Between 2012 and 2016, there were 17 such cases, with about half occurring in public settings. Twelve of those involved children younger than 15 years old. There were two deaths, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

There have been some high-profile cases.

Former presidential candidate and plaintiffs attorney John Edwards, won a $25 million landmark case in 1993 after a child, who suffered internal injuries, became caught on the suction drain of a pool. The child survived.

In 2013, Usher Raymond V, the 5-year-old son of the music mogul, nearly drowned when his arm became stuck in a pool drain while he was trying to get a toy.

Maria Bella, an aquatics and drowning expert with Robson Forensic experts, said such incidents are preventable.

"There should be no entrapment incidents in the U.S. or in any facilities abroad that have U.S. bases of operations," she said. "It is a well-known hazard that can be properly mitigated and we have federal law that requires it."

The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is named after the granddaughter of former Secretary of State James Baker, who died after she was dragged under the surface in a hot tub by the powerful suction. Since 2008 when the law was enacted, all pools and spas must meet federal standards including those for drain covers and automatic pump shut off systems.

Even with proper safety precautions, lazy rivers  which offer swimmers a meandering course to float along, often around a scenic theme park or hotel property  can still present safety challenges with water falls, spray devices or inner tubes that can obstruct sight-lines for lifeguards and parents. Inner tubes should be clear, said Bella, and parents should educate children to stay away from suction outlets, even if they've dropped a toy or accessory they want to retrieve.

Eight long minutes

Skursky, his girlfriend Melanie Duncan, their son and his daughter Makayla, 7, arrived at the beach resort on March 17. A couple days later, after a sightseeing tour and dinner out, Makayla asked whether they could take a late swim.

There was no lifeguard at the pool, only a "swim at your own risk" sign, said Skursky.

According to the North Myrtle Beach police report, officers were called to the resort about 9:30 p.m. for a possible drowning. They arrived to find a 12-year-old boy from Commerce Township, Mich., stuck underwater in the intake pump to the lazy river.

A hotel security video released by police shows two boys playing in the lazy river with inner tubes. One lifts a large grate from the floor of the lazy river. He goes underwater and doesn't surface. A woman enters the pool and screams, and moments later Skursky can be seen jumping in.

Duncan and Mikayla, who were just moments behind Skursky and Jackson, ran to the hotel's front desk to call 911 and to get the water pump to the lazy river shut off, Skursky said.

All the while, Skursky was diving down to force air into the boy's lungs, and then trying to free him on his way up. "As many times as I went down, I tried to pull [him] up," he said.

Another hotel guest, Tim Corey, was talking to one of the maintenance men at the facility when they heard that the boy was trapped. Corey  who happens also to be a corrections officer, but in New York  jumped in to help Skursky, but the two men still could not free the boy.

Minutes went by before rescuers from the North Myrtle Beach Police and Fire and Rescue arrived. Even with four people trying to pull the boy up, his knee remained jammed. It wasn't until maintenance crews shut off the water pressure that they were able to free the child, Skursky said.

Before the boy was on the pool deck, the North Myrtle Beach rescuers  who also dove under to force air into the boy  began CPR.

The boy had been underwater for more than eight minutes.

During a later investigation, the hotel staff showed a North Myrtle Beach officer the screws used to hold the cover grate in place. They were "very rusted and in small pieces." A second grate had the same rusty screws and was easily dislodged, according to the police report.

The Avista Resort, a family-owned oceanfront hotel with more than 1600 units, did not return calls.

Home and back in school

In an interview with the NBC News in Detroit, the boy's mother Alyssa Pappas, said the near drowning "has been very traumatic" for their family.

Her son, Evan, lifted the lazy river grate up to try to retrieve part of a pair of goggles that had fallen through. He spent eight days on a ventilator, three of those in a medically induced coma. He is now home and back at school although the family still worries there might be some health effects, including brain and lung injuries.

"It is just a miracle I think," Pappas said. "I am truly grateful for everything [Skursky] has done."

Skursky kept replaying the scene in his head in the days that followed.

"I was a wreck," he said. "There were times I didn't think I did enough."

It wasn't until Skursky saw the video that he fully understood what had happened. He and Corey have remained in touch. In April, the two were invited back to North Myrtle Beach to receive a "life-saving" award along with the other rescuers.

"Everyone involved did their part as a team and we saved this little boy's life," Skursky said.A man was recently seen walking through Abington with an AR-15 rifle. Police say they believe a resident took this photo, which was posted on Facebook. Read more

Police first encountered the man walking the streets of Abington with an AR-15 rifle slung across his back around 8:30 p.m. Friday.

In talking with officers that night, he gave only his first name and explained that he "wanted to educate the public about his right to carry this weapon," Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy said. "He also wanted to gauge the political climate of Abington Township."

When that same man resurfaced Monday afternoon, carrying the same type of semiautomatic weapon through the North Hills, Ardsley, Glenside, and Abington Shopping Center sections of the township, residents became alarmed. Sightings prompted at least a dozen 911 calls, Molloy said, and ignited online debate about the balance of citizens' Second Amendment rights and public safety. Pennsylvania is one of 45 states that allows citizens to openly carry firearms in public places.

In an open letter to residents, Molloy called the man's action a "passive-aggressive tactic" aimed at drawing law enforcement officers into a debate over the Second Amendment. During multiple conversations with officers, the man with the AR-15 appeared to be recording the encounters on his cellphone, Molloy said. On YouTube, open-carry advocates across the country have posted thousands of videos documenting their interactions with police.

"We believe we know who he is," Molloy said. "We believe he does not pose a threat given our contact with him."

Molloy would not name the man but said police believe he lives in the township.

>>READ MORE: I bought an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle in Philly in seven minutes | Helen Ubinas.

The man's route Monday seemed to be about three to four miles long. He walked through neighborhoods and by schools, Molloy said, but never onto private property. He also did not walk on sidewalks adjacent to school buildings, Molloy said, and kept his gun slung and pointed down at all times.

Molloy said the man had not broken any laws.

"The clear line would be if he were to carry that weapon onto private property where the owners or those in authority have a rule in place where you cannot carry a weapon on property," Molloy said. "The other one, where we operate very often in the gray, is if he were to unsling that weapon and we or the community would interpret that as a threat. We would have to evaluate that."

Molloy said there was no indication that the man  with whom local authorities had had no contact before Friday  would use the weapon to hurt anyone. Still, the chief urged people not to provoke or confront the man, or even speak with him. If citizens feel threatened, they should call 911, Molloy said.

>>READ MORE: In Pa., semiautomatic weapons available as 'quickly as you can buy a cheesesteak'

On social media, reactions were swift and impassioned. Many came to the man's defense. "Isn't PA an open carry state?" one Facebook user asked in a comment on the Police Department's post.

"He has a right to carry it," another person wrote. "Now if he decides to point it in the wrong direction where it could be considered a threat to human life  shame on him."

Other opinions were more critical.

"[T] his is the type of idiot who will help us lose our second amendment rights," wrote one Facebook commenter.

Laura Miller, 59, of Glenside, said she was in disbelief when she first heard what was happening.

"It's unfortunate this individual chose this way to try and make his point," Miller said. "I'm concerned for everybody's safety, because someone is carrying around an assault rifle."

Some praised authorities for their handling of the situation. Nancy Cummings, whose son is in first grade, said in a phone interview that she was put at ease by communication from police and the school district.

"I don't assume the man means harm," said Cummings, 41. "It's just unnerving."

Police said they tried to suggest other ways the man could make an impact, such as wearing a shirt or a hat promoting gun rights or petitioning legislators.

"Reasonable people can get together and disagree," Molloy said. "But when we start causing unnecessary alarm to the public, and putting people in the position where emotions are high and the possibility of violence exists, we're not doing anybody any good by doing that."People wait in long lines during the last day of parking amnesty program at the City Of Philadelphia Bureau of Administrative Adjudication office. Read more

The Philadelphia Parking Authority's parking-ticket amnesty has officially ended, but about 500 people who had waited for hours to get into the authority's Center City office but got shut out when it closed Monday night received an extension.

The last-minute amnesty-seekers were issued green vouchers allowing them to return Tuesday or Wednesday.

And some of them got back in line Tuesday morning.

Hundreds of people waited for hours Monday outside the PPA office at 917 Filbert St. to take advantage of the amnesty program on what was to be its last day. At least one person was taken to hospital after falling ill during the long wait.

The amnesty program started March 1.

Mike Dunn, a City Hall spokesman, said the number of people who took advantage of the amnesty and the amounts forgiven would not be available until at least next week.A group of protesters are demonstrating in front of the administrative offices for the Camden school district. They want more funding for traditional public schools and local control. Read more

Students in Camden's public schools are without laptops, textbooks, and sometimes even paper because school funding is inadequate, said students and parents who gathered for a protest at the superintendent's office Tuesday afternoon.

"The whole system is corrupt. Public schools don't have enough," chanted nearly a dozen people from New Jersey Communities United, a grassroots group that has been fighting for more money and local control of the city school district that has been under state control since 2013. Holding signs and sleeping bags  with plans to camp overnight if necessary  the group arrived about 2:30 p.m. and demanded to speak with an administrator.

They first attempted to enter the locked administration building on Cambridge Street in Cramer Hill. A security officer would not allow them inside. A Camden County Metro Police officer arrived about 75 minutes later as the group was still chanting and waiting to hear whether the district's deputy superintendent, Katrina McCombs, would come speak with them.

The officer kept a presence, but did not prevent the group from protesting. McCombs had left to pick up her children, but the group was told she would return for an impromptu meeting. She arrived at 4:45 p.m, and met inside the building with three students and an organizer.

The meeting dragged on for several hours when the students and organizer Roger Folklorico refused to leave McCombs' office until their demand was met: a meeting with Gov. Murphy to discuss an end to the state takeover of the Camden schools.

At the request of the organizers, a pizza was sent by a police officer inside the building. The students were sending text messages to demonstrators camped outside with snacks, cases of water and soda, and sleeping bags.

District officials contacted the students' parents and asked them to persuade their children to end the protest, said district spokeswoman Maita Soukup.

Shortly after 8 p.m., the group voluntarily walked out, chanting, "students united will never be divided."

"They told my Mom I was going to be arrested," said Belmaris Garcia-Gomez, 17.

"You made your point," Folklorico told the group. "We just have to keep up the pressure."

The five students who attended the demonstration were from one of the city's magnet schools, Creative Arts High School.

"I'm here to make a change in my city, a change for the better," said sophomore Quanahz Adams, 16. "Public schools are suffering."

The group blames a lack of funding on state officials.

Dava Salas, a parent representative with New Jersey Communities United said the charter and Renaissance schools are not held to the same standards. They hire inexperienced teachers, including some who are still attending college and who lack state certification, she said.

"Money has disappeared from the school district," Salas said, referring to funding sent to charters. Her son graduated from the district last year and did not have textbooks, she said. His teachers instead copied material to give to students. Salas has two children in the district, ages 10 and 4, she said.

The district spokeswoman, Soukup, disputed some of the contentions, pointing out that traditional public schools receive $25,000 per student in state aid, while charter and Renaissance schools receive between $17,000 and $18,000 per student.

The state oversight was put in place by the administration of Gov. Chris Christie.

Gov. Murphy has not said whether or when he plans to return control back to a locally elected school board. At the time of the takeover, all but three of Camden's schools were rated among the worst in the state. Now, eight of its schools remain on that list.

The protesters placed part of the blame for the current situation on departing Camden School Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard, who was brought in after the 2013 takeover. Last month, Rouhanifard, who is on paternity leave, announced that he is stepping down. Under his leadership, the graduation rate jumped to 70 percent from 49 percent, and the dropout rate fell to 12 percent from 21 percent.

For years, a significant number of students transferred to charter schools and Renaissance schools. In 2000, the traditional schools educated nearly 19,000 students in more than two dozen schools. This year, there are 6,800 students enrolled in the city's 18 traditional public schools; 4,350 enrolled in 11 schools operated by charters; and 3,850 students in 11 Renaissance schools, which are run by KIPP, Mastery, and Uncommon Schools.

On Tuesday, the group hung posters on the doors to the administrative building that included sayings such as "Students over profits" and "We Want Local Control Now!"

In a statement, McCombs praised the student protesters and said the district is working toward the same goal  "a sustainable return to local control."

"Every day I work alongside teachers, community leaders, elected officials, and students to raise achievement and prepare the District for a successful return to local control," McCombs said.

"I admire the passion and advocacy these students demonstrate, and truly believe we are all that different in our hopes for this City and its schools. We want great public schools that close the achievement gap and prepare our students for success," the deputy superintendent said.

Last week, the New Jersey appellate court gave a boost to the group's position that there should be local control through an elected school board. A thee-judge panel ruled that Camden voters should be allowed to decide whether their school board should be fully elected or remain with some appointed members and only serve in an advisory capacity to the mayor.

On Tuesday, the group questioned why they were not allowed to enter the administrative building.

"Why don't they want to let us in? Is there a reason they don't want to hear what we have to say?" asked Anastasia Fabian, 50, mother of eight children. Three of her children remain in the school district; five have graduated. Her children seldom bring home textbooks and after-school programs and field trips have been cut. "My kids complain they don't have books," she said. "It's horrible."Bill Cosby, as he walked through the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown at his retrial last week. Read more

The Montgomery County judge who presided over Bill Cosby's trial said Tuesday he was conflicted over whether to release the names of jurors who convicted the entertainer, even as he acknowledged that he is "constrained under the law" to do so.

In a hearing on a petition by media organizations  including the Philadelphia Media Network, publisher of the Inquirer, the Daily News, and Philly.com  Judge Steven T. O'Neill said he was still weighing how to balance jurors' privacy rights against the presumption that their names are public information. He did not indicate when or how he might rule.

"The court is constrained under the law to release those names," O'Neill said. "But I'm not constrained from at least trying to stand in the shoes of those jurors and [consider] what they feel and their desire to return to their lives and their families."

The hearing came a day after the jury forewoman issued a statement on behalf of the full panel of seven men and five women that last week found Cosby guilty of three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand.

The statement included no names. But in it, the forewoman sought to dispel any suggestion that their verdict was influenced by Cosby's celebrity, media attention the case had received, or the wider #MeToo movement that erupted since Cosby's first trial, which ended in a hung jury in June.

The statement asked for privacy for the jurors and did not say how many had a hand in writing it. Even so, one juror  Harrison Snyder, 22, of Gilbertsville  chose to speak out publicly on his own to Good Morning America on Monday.

O'Neill seized upon those statements at the hearing Tuesday, demanding to know why the names needed to be released now if at least some members of the panel already had spoken. All of them, the judge asserted, had reported to him that they have been incessantly pestered by reporters since the trial's end.

"Each and every one of them have either had the media or the press on their front lawns, constantly harassing them or calling them up," the judge said.

When Paul J. Safier, a lawyer for the media organizations, argued that courts largely had withheld names only in cases in which jurors' lives might be in danger  such as after a case involving an organized criminal gang  O'Neill shot back, comparing the media presence to a life-endangering situation.

The jurors "have expressed that they feel that same level of intimidation  when people are on their lawns and won't stop calling them."

Pennsylvania law considers the identities of jurors to be public information but grants judges discretion to keep them under wraps in certain situations.

O'Neill had sealed the names immediately after jury selection last month in Norristown, citing the media scrutiny of the case.

The judge did the same after Cosby's first trial last year but ultimately released the identities of the jurors in the case after a similar request from many of the same media organizations, about a dozen, represented in court again Tuesday.

"Our justice system works on openness and transparency," lawyer Eli Segal of Pepper Hamilton LLP, who represented some of the news organizations, told the judge. "Justice functions better when out in the open. People can be confident that what happened was fair."

Cosby remains confined under a judge's orders to his home in Cheltenham Township until his sentencing, at which he could face up to 10 years in prison for each count.

Keep up with every development in Bill Cosby's case with our day-by-day recaps, timeline, and explainer on everything you need to know about the case and its major players.Joyce Quaweay (left), 24, was beaten to death July 29, 2016, in the Germantown home that she shared with her then-boyfriend, Aaron Wright (middle), and his friend, Marquis Robinson (right), who was also their housemate. Both men are former Temple University police officers and are on trial in Quaweays death. Read more

Looking at the prosecutor, the 12-year-old girl, dressed in black jeans, purple boots, and a blue jacket, with braided hair, testified Tuesday about at least one time when she had been beaten by two men, and how they also beat two women in their Germantown home  one of whom died.

On the morning of July 29, 2016  the day 24-year-old Joyce Quaweay died  the girl remembered waking up to screaming in the house on Greene Street. The girl, then 10, and her sister, then 6, stayed at times at the home where Aaron Wright and his friend Marquis Robinson lived, with Quaweay, who was Wright's girlfriend, and with Robinson's girlfriend.

Wright, 49, and Robinson, 43, both former Temple University police officers, are on trial facing third-degree-murder and related charges in Quaweay's death. Wright had resigned from the police force in 2012; Robinson was fired after he was charged with murder. They also are charged with aggravated assault for the alleged beatings of the older sister. The prosecutor has not yet publicly stated a possible motive for the killing.

The Inquirer and Daily News are withholding the girls' names to protect their privacy. Wright is the father of the younger sister; an ex-girlfriend is the mother of both girls.

Speaking in a level voice throughout her two-hour testimony, the 12-year-old described a household in which she had been beaten with a belt or baton by both men at least once, and where she had seen Robinson's girlfriend beaten on an exercise bench. She herself was beaten by Aaron Wright "many times," she said.

After she first heard screaming that deadly July morning, she said, she went back to sleep. About an hour later, Aaron Wright woke her to prepare breakfast for her younger sister and for Wright's and Quaweay's 2-year-old daughter, who also lived there along with the couple's 10-month-old daughter.

In the kitchen, she said, she saw Quaweay lying facedown, naked and handcuffed on an exercise bench. Her feet appeared to be tied with white plastic zip ties. Robinson was next to her.

"I got the cereal, the milk, the bowls," the girl testified as she answered questions from Assistant District Attorney Chesley Lightsey on the second day of the men's nonjury trial before Common Pleas Court Judge Diana Anhalt.

Wright took a police baton and "he was beating her" as Quaweay was "screaming," the girl testified. She also saw Robinson beat Quaweay with the baton. She estimated that each man hit Quaweay 20 to 25 times.

At times, Quaweay said she couldn't breathe, the girl testified, "so Aaron would pour water on her" face from a bottle.

At one point, the girl testified, Wright told her to bring the three younger children downstairs. The girl said she fed the toddler breakfast while her 6-year-old sister ate cereal and the baby stayed in a playpen, all in the living room.

She could still see into the kitchen and realized that Quaweay was moved from the bench to the floor. "After they took her off the bench, she wasn't saying anything," the girl testified. "She wasn't moving."

Then, the girl said, her mother, who worked nights, arrived to get her and her sister. She recalled that Wright and Robinson tried to resuscitate Quaweay by performing CPR and that Wright told her mother to call 911, and an ambulance arrived.

Albert Chu, the city's deputy chief medical examiner, testified that Quaweay died of "sudden cardiac death due to physical assault." Autopsy photos showed bruising all over her body.

During a courtroom break, the victim's mother, Jackey Wea, of Providence, R.I., where Quaweay was born, told a reporter that her daughter had been employed by Northeast Philadelphia-based SPIN Inc. working with people with autism and intellectual disabilities. "My daughter was a smart and caring person," Wea said, adding that Quaweay didn't tell family members she was being beaten.

Closing arguments are expected Wednesday.Founding board member Peter Sciortino, left, signs the lease at Holy Cross Academy in Delran, NJ on May 1, 2018. Officials with the Holy Cross Academy and the Diocese of Trenton hold a news conference to a sign a lease turning over the school to its new operators: an alumni board comprised of business leaders beginning July 1. Earlier this year, the Diocese announced plans to close the only Roman Catholic High School in Burlington County. Read more

Faced with possibly closing its doors only a few months ago, Holy Cross Academy took a major step Tuesday to keep the only Roman Catholic high school in Burlington County open.

The Trenton Diocese and school officials signed a 20-year lease to transfer the sprawling, 94-acre campus on Route 130 in Delran to a new board that will operate Holy Cross as an independent Catholic school beginning July 1. The school has educated high school students for more than 60 years.

"It's been a lot of hard work by a lot of people to get it to this," said Pete Sciortino, a member of the founding board of Holy Cross 2.0, which will operate the new school. "This is the final hurdle."

Sciortino, 48, of Mount Laurel, a 1988 graduate of Holy Cross, is part of a five-member group of experts who rallied to develop a plan to save their alma mater after Bishop David M. O'Connell announced that the diocese was pulling its annual $500,000 subsidy to the school. O'Connell gave his blessing to allow the alumni board, composed of business and academic leaders to take over the school.

The board has a commitment for about $500,000 toward its fund-raising campaign and hopes to secure an additional $250,000 by July, officials say. The school has a $4 million annual budget, with tuition generating about 90 percent of that. The board set up two nonprofits to handle finances, one for day-to-day operations and another, the Lancer Fund, as the fund-raising arm. It also plans to create an endowment.

"We are on target," Sciortino said.

Tuition for the coming year will remain at $10,600 for incoming freshmen who attend the school for four years, officials say.

Currently, Holy Cross enrolls nearly 400 students in ninth through 12th grade. During its heyday, it had as many as 1,600 students who filled the 160,000-square-foot school and its 40 classrooms. The school has graduated more than 16,000 students since it opened in 1957.

The new school will be known as Holy Cross, although its legal name will be the Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, officials say. There will be a new principal and possibly changes in the classroom. The 22-member teaching staff and administrators must reapply for their positions. The terms of employment for teachers could change, but board members have said salaries and benefits would be competitive. The school has 40 employees.

Curriculum changes will likely come later, but block scheduling, popular among students, will remain. There are also plans to convert antiquated classrooms into lecture-style layouts. The school hopes to eventually enroll about 500 students.

Like many Catholic schools around the region, Holy Cross has suffered from a declining enrollment, escalating costs, and rising tuition that has put a parochial education out of reach for some families. Holy Cross has faced tough competition from nearby Catholic schools, where in some cases the tuition is lower.Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro says his office will use whatever tools it can to get charges reinstated in the 2017 hazing death of Penn State sophomore Timothy Piazza. Read more

HARRISBURG  Attorney General Josh Shapiro promised Tuesday to use "whatever legal tools" he can to have involuntary manslaughter charges reinstated against five former fraternity members charged in the 2017 hazing death of Pennsylvania State University student Timothy Piazza.

A week after his office signaled its plan to appeal the March ruling by District Judge Allen Sinclair dismissing the most serious charges against the former members of Beta Theta Pi, Shapiro said he believes there was enough evidence to send the charges up to the trial court level.

"That local district magistrate should not have the final say," Shapiro said at a news conference in his office, where he was joined by Piazza's parents. "Instead, we firmly believe that justice for Tim Piazza demands that a jury hear the evidence and decide whether or not these individuals should be held accountable for involuntary manslaughter, in addition to the many other charges that have already been held for court."

Piazza, a sophomore from New Jersey, died of injuries he suffered after falling at an alcohol-soaked pledge party in February 2017. Using surveillance video from inside the fraternity house, prosecutors estimated he was given or ingested 18 drinks in about 82 minutes. His death prompted a crackdown on the fraternity system at Penn State and contributed to growing scrutiny at other schools.

The case has taken a winding trip through the Centre County court system. It was initially brought last year by District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller. When she lost her bid for reelection, new District Attorney Bernie Cantorna asked the Attorney General's Office to take over the case because he had a conflict.

Shapiro's office staffed the prosecution table for the hearing in March for several defendants, including the five whose involuntary manslaughter charges were dismissed. A second hearing for different defendants is scheduled to start Wednesday.

The attorney general filed a notice of appeal last week and intends in the coming weeks to file an additional brief further detailing the basis of the appeal. The Centre County Common Pleas Court president judge, who oversees the courts, will then decide whether to have arguments on the appeal, according to the Attorney General's Office. If he chooses not to, Shapiro's office could appeal to the Superior Court.

Moving forward with the case, Shapiro said, his prosecutors will take a different approach than the one adopted by Parks Miller's office. While her office used the presence of alcohol to support the involuntary manslaughter charges, Shapiro said his office was pursuing those particular charges against only people who met three criteria: that they planned and participated in a drinking "gantlet" prior to Piazza's death, that they knew that he fell, and that they did not seek medical help for him.

State prosecutors say they will appeal the dismissal of the manslaughter charges filed against five men: Daniel Casey, 21, of Ronkonkoma, N.Y.; Gary DiBileo II, 22, of Scranton; Jonah Neuman, 20, of Nashville; Luke Visser, 20, of Encinitas, Calif.; and Brendan Young, 22, of Malvern.

Casey's lawyer, Steven P. Trialonas, disagreed with Shapiro's decision.

"The appeal filed by the Attorney General's Office is misguided, misplaced, and misleading," Trialonas said in an email. "As an attorney, I am shocked at the legal incompetence displayed by the appeal. As a Pennsylvanian, I am outraged at the continued waste of taxpayer dollars chasing criminal charges that have been properly dismissed twice due to grossly inadequate evidence."

Attorney Michael Engle, who represents DiBileo, said Tuesday that the attorney general's theory on the case was "no more compelling than the previous theory [prosecutors] put forth." He intends to ask the president judge to quash the appeal attempt on the grounds that it is "procedurally improper."

"From the outset of this case, we have indicated that the manslaughter charges are not warranted and not legally appropriate," he said.

Lawyers for the other men declined to comment, could not immediately be reached, or said they were still reviewing Shapiro's remarks.

Twenty-six people have been charged in connection with the case.They set up the drug deal via Snapchat, authorities said, and arranged to meet in the parking lot of a Phoenixville Dunkin' Donuts.

On the evening of Dec. 27, Jayson Ortiz-Cameron, 15, thought he was arriving there to buy marijuana. But Robert McCoy and Brian Corsey had other plans, officials say.

According to the Chester County District Attorney's Office, McCoy and Corsey intended to rob Ortiz-Cameron and his friend. Within minutes, the groups would engage in a back-and-forth, and Ortiz-Cameron would end up dead from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Last week, McCoy, 22, of Pottstown, who arranged the drug deal, was charged with second-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy, and related offenses, officials said. Corsey, 24, of Philadelphia, the alleged shooter, remained at large Tuesday.

"The senseless murder of a 15-year-old boy was the result of a petty drug deal gone awry," Phoenixville Police Chief Tom Sjostrom said in a statement. "It is a tragedy that reinforces the dangers of all illegal drug use in our community."

The events of that December evening were captured on surveillance footage. Shortly after 7 p.m., McCoy, Corsey, and another man whom police did not identify arrived at the Dunkin' Donuts on the 200 block of Nutt Road. According to court documents released Tuesday, they circled the parking lot in an attempt to ensure they were not under surveillance. The three men, who were in a black Ford Focus, made contact with Ortiz-Cameron and his friend behind the Dunkin' Donuts.

Within minutes, police say, there was a confrontation. Ortiz-Cameron and Corsey ended up alone behind the parked Ford. Ortiz-Cameron's friend told police that when he tried to approach Ortiz-Cameron and Corsey, McCoy held him back, saying, "You don't want to go over there," according to the documents. Ortiz-Cameron's friend, whose identity police said they are withholding for his safety, then said he heard a shot and saw Ortiz-Cameron fall to the pavement.

The third man, who arrived with Corsey and McCoy, never got out of the car, according to police.

Ortiz-Cameron was pronounced dead at the scene. Corsey and McCoy fled. Over the course of the investigation, two witnesses helped police identify McCoy as the person who arranged the drug deal that evening, according to the documents.

Since his April 25 arraignment, McCoy has remained jailed without bail at Chester County Prison. No attorney for him was listed on court documents as of Tuesday.State Sen. Mike Folmer (left) and State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, the Republican chairmen of the State Government Committees in their chambers, have bottled up 10 bills that would reform how legislators accept and report gifts, and set limits for campaign contributions. Read more

This is The Agenda, an ongoing series examining key issues facing the region and Pennsylvania. Talk to us at agenda@phillynews.com.

Pennsylvania voters entrust state legislators with plenty of power. They can help or hinder people, industries, and special interests. They can also exploit that power, accepting gifts, side jobs, and unlimited campaign contributions.

Why do we put up with this embarrassment?

State senators and representatives can accept gifts of up to $249 in value without having to publicly report who paid for them.

Members of the nation's largest full-time legislature can hold side jobs without reporting those salaries on their annual statements of financial interests.

Pennsylvania also is one of just 11 states with no limits for campaign contributions for state elected offices.

It's all so cozy, with little to break the amorous embrace of legislators and generous gift-givers. And it comes in all sizes. Pennsylvania legislators have been tripped up in criminal cases for gifts worth thousands of dollars and, in one instance, $750 in money orders. It leaves the General Assembly with a sullied reputation for corruption.

Gov. Wolf has banned members of his administration from accepting gifts. But legislative leaders routinely block efforts by senators and representatives pushing for reforms.

Legislation to regulate gifts, increase scrutiny for side jobs, and limit campaign contributions were sent last year to the State Government Committees in the House and Senate. And then? Nothing.

The chairman of those committees, State Sen. Mike Folmer (R., Lebanon) and State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R., Butler), have bottled up those reform efforts. The two Republicans take different tacks when queried about a combined 10 reform measures stalled in their committees.

Folmer pleads a hectic committee schedule, and vows to move on the bills if he can find time before the legislative session ends in December.

Metcalfe, who blustered on Facebook on April 20 that he would never move substantive Democratic legislation, refused through spokesmen to even discuss the legislation, some of which was proposed by fellow Republicans.

So what are Folmer and Metcalfe stonewalling?

Senate Bill 388 would ban members from accepting cash gifts while Senate Bill 517 and Senate Bill 131 would drop from $250 to $50 in value the threshold for requiring the public reporting of gifts.

These three bills have a combined 22 cosponsors  15 Republicans and seven Democrats. That's nearly half the Senate's 50 members. So, an appetite for reform clearly exits.

In Metcalfe's committee, House Bill 568 would drop the gift threshold to $25; House Bill 570 drops it to $50; and House Bill 774 to $100.

House Bill 949 would require members to report salaries for side jobs with eight ranges of income, starting at $1,000 to $74,999 and topping off at more than $1 million.

Senate Bill 868 would remove an exemption allowing legislators to leave gifts from "friends" off their statements of financial interests.

Meanwhile, on campaign finance reforms, Senate Bill 11 and House Bill 1332 would create limits on the amount of money candidates could collect.

These are important reforms with bipartisan support. If you agree, now is the time to tell Metcalfe and Folmer. Call Metcalfe at 717-783-1707 and Folmer at 717-787-5708.Laciana Tinsley, 42, of Willingboro pleaded guilty to beating here husband with a fire extinguisher. Read more

A Willingboro woman pleaded guilty Monday in Superior Court to fatally beating her husband with a fire extinguisher last year, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said.

Laciana Tinsley, 43, will serve 24 years in New Jersey state prison for aggravated manslaughter in the death of Douglas Tinsley, 74, as part of an agreement with the prosecutor's office.

"I just kept beating him in the head, because he kept trying to get up and come after me," Tinsley said in a recording of a 911 call she made on Jan. 30, 2017.

Initially, Tinsley said she had been the victim of domestic violence at the hands of her husband. "He's just laying there," Tinsley said during the call. "I think I hit him too many times."

An autopsy determined that Douglas Tinsley died from blunt force trauma to the head.Stephen J. McEwen Jr., 85, of Newtown Square, a two-term Delaware County district attorney and former president judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court, died Thursday, April 26, of respiratory failure at Dunwoody Village.

"He was literally legendary among the bar," said Frank T. Hazel, a senior Delaware Common Pleas Court judge who knew Judge McEwen. "But he was pretty much a regular guy. It was hard to find somebody who didn't like Steve."

Born in Philadelphia to Helen and Stephen J. McEwen, one of Delaware County's best-known lawyers, Judge McEwen was raised in Upper Darby.

The judge graduated in 1950 from St. Joseph's Preparatory School and four years later from what is now St. Joseph's University. He earned a degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1957 and a master of law degree from the University of Virginia Law School in 1986.

Judge McEwen started out practicing at the father-son law firm of McEwen & McEwen in Upper Darby.

In 1967 and 1971, he was elected the county's top prosecutor. In that role, he established an investigation division, forensic laboratory, a radio system to link the county's police departments, and introduced the concept of a special prosecutor. The latter job was first filled in 1971 by Philadelphia lawyer Richard A. Sprague.

In a rare loss, he was defeated by minister Bob Edgar in a 1974 bid for the Seventh Congressional District seat.

In 1976, after serving two full terms as DA, Judge McEwen worked as a litigation partner in the Philadelphia firm of Liebert, Short, Fitzpatrick, and Lavin.

Gov. Dick Thornburgh appointed him to a vacant seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 1981. Later that year, the judge was elected to a 10-year term and was reelected in 1991 and 2001.

He served on the Superior Court for 31 years, including as president judge from 1996 to 2001 and as president judge emeritus for another decade.

He was known for presiding over the court with wit, intelligence, and a deep knowledge of history, at one point moving court proceedings to Independence Hall, said Correale F. Stevens, another former president judge of the Superior Court, in the Legal Intelligencer.

Judge McEwen attained senior judge status on Jan. 1, 2003, and retired from the bench on Dec. 31, 2012.

For the last five years, he handled cases as a conciliator for the civil division of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. His efforts made the court more efficient, Hazel said.

"He was one of the most courteous, thoughtful judges you are ever going to meet," Hazel said. "He was an arbiter of peace. He had a calm temperament. Even if you didn't like what he said, you couldn't dislike how he said it."

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal. Only 11 judges nationwide have had that honor since the council's inception in 1980.

In addition to his judicial work, Judge McEwen was tapped by the U.S. Department of State in 2005 to serve as honorary consul to the Republic of Bulgaria. He taught at local universities. He published legal articles, as well as a 1997 book, Not Even Dicta, which described his observations from three decades on the bench.

Judge McEwen believed in friendship. "Judge McEwen coined the notion that friendship is a faith," said Andrew J. Reilly, who served as his law clerk in the 1980s and is now chairman of the Delaware County Republican Party.

"He had an abundance of affection for his fellow man, particularly those in need or who were distressed. For if you were a friend of Judge McEwen's, no barrier existed that could restrain his exercise of that friendship," said Reilly.

While serving as the Delaware County DA, he had the names of every deputy and assistant painted on his office door. When his final term expired and the office was under renovation, Judge McEwen salvaged the slab of glass bearing the names and took it with him. Now it is back.

"That door hangs today on the wall in the District Attorney's Office of Delaware County," said his wife, Marguerite "Peggy" Barrett McEwen.

Besides his wife of 62 years, he is survived by twin daughters Mary Anne Eagan and Maureen Reilly, seven grandchildren, and a sister. A son, Stephen "Hap" McEwen, and a brother died earlier.

A visitation from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday, May 3, will be followed by a noon Funeral Mass at St. Katharine of Siena, 104 S. Aberdeen Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087. Interment is private.

Contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Preparatory School, 1733 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, or to the church at the address above.Research shows that black workers in people-oriented occupations  health care, service and sales  are rated lower by customers and supervisors than are white workers, even when their performance is objectively the same. Read more

The arrests of two black men who were waiting for a friend at a Starbucks in Philadelphia have raised questions about how race determines how customers are treated.

But does race also affect how the employees are treated within the service industry?

Prior research shows that black workers in people-oriented occupations  health care, service and sales  are rated lower by customers and supervisors than are white workers, even when their performance is objectively the same. Because of this, black workers have a harder time obtaining competitive raises or promotions. But it is unclear why or what workers can do about it.

In the U.S. workforce, blacks are disproportionately represented in low-paying service jobs like cashiers, call center employees, and food service workers compared to higher-status jobs. So this issue has serious implications for the financial and professional lives of a large segment of black workers.

Race impacts perception of performance

Friendliness is key to performing well in the service industry. My colleagues Lawrence Houston III, Derek R. Avery and I found that negative stereotypes about blacks  that they are unfriendly, hostile or rude  explain lower performance evaluations of black service providers compared to white service providers.

We found that in order for the performance of black service providers to be rated equivalent to whites, blacks had to amplify and fake positive emotions to override those negative racial stereotypes. In other words, to be seen as good as white employees, black employees need to perform more "emotional labor," a concept introduced by sociologist Arlie Hochschild.

Perhaps just like the two men at Starbucks, black service employees are assumed to have hostile intentions unless they put in extra effort to put forth a smile and show they are not a threat.

Across three studies

We drew these conclusions from a series of studies we conducted over several years.

In our first study, we asked a representative sample of people for their impressions of an employee described as holding an emotional labor job, a hotel desk clerk. They saw a photo of either a black or white person with a neutral expression, but otherwise the same job qualifications. Regardless of the respondents' own race, education or income, they saw the black employee as less friendly and more hostile than the white employee.

In the second study, people watched a video of either a black or a white sales clerk ringing up sales in a home goods shop. They saw the clerk acting either warm and friendly or just polite. In all videos the sales clerk was efficient and knowledgeable.

When viewers saw the employee performing less emotional labor  just being polite and efficient  the black employee was rated as less friendly and a worse performer than the white employee. In contrast, after watching the friendly condition, the viewers rated the black and white employees similarly.

In short, just being polite was not enough for the black employee; putting on a big smile was necessary to get the same performance ratings as the white employee.

Both of the above studies were experiments. In a third study, we surveyed actual service employees and their supervisors.

Again, we found that supervisors rated black grocery store clerks as worse performers than white clerks, which could not be explained by job experience or motivation. Yet, black clerks who reported amplifying and faking their positive emotions when interacting with customers  more emotional labor  saw the racial disparity in the performance evaluations disappear.

Notably, white clerks were rated highly regardless of the frequency of their emotional labor. For black clerks to be rated as highly as the white clerks, they had to more consistently exaggerate their smile in customer interactions.

High cost of service with a smile

All service employees must sometimes put on a fake smile when having an off day, and sometimes they might let the mask slip. Our research shows that white employees who do less emotional labor can still be viewed positively, but black employees are not given the benefit of the doubt. Black employees constantly "fake it to make it" in service jobs.

Being a black service provider requires routinely putting forth more emotional effort  a bigger smile, a more enthusiastic tone of voice, maintained across time and customers  to be evaluated similarly to a white co-worker. If a black employee gets tired of faking that smile, there is a resulting decline in performance evaluation. This also means fewer opportunities for promotions, raises and career advancement.

Though putting on a smile might seem like a small price to pay to get ahead at work, research shows that keeping up a friendly facade is a path to job burnout, a state of complete exhaustion linked to a desire to quit and health issues. Recognizing this situation is a first step to improving conditions for black employees and customers alike.

Alicia Grandey is professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania State University. She wrote this for The Conversation.Yannick Nezet-Seguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra acknowledge the applause of the audience after a concert at Beijings National Centre for the Performing Arts during the 2016 Tour of Asia. . Read more

Why does the Philadelphia Orchestra travel? Simply put, we leave our city's borders because there's something uniquely powerful about the music we make. As poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow famously said, "Music is the universal language of mankind."

Our first trip, four days after our inaugural concert in 1900, was to Reading. Soon afterward, we began regular performances in Carnegie Hall, and then visits to numerous cities throughout the U.S., and later Canada.

After World War II, we became the first American orchestra to travel to Europe. Soon we began a series of tours and concerts that became key moments in cultural diplomacy, where we were able to use the enriching power of our music to bridge peoples and cultures after diplomatic dialogue had failed. From Russia to Japan, and most famously in China, the Philadelphia Orchestra has demonstrated a unique ability to communicate with its inspiring music.

Last year's tour of Asia is a case in point. Over three weeks, from Shanghai to Seoul to Mongolia, not only did the orchestra perform some of the gems of the Western classical repertoire; it also gave the world premiere of a new work by Chinese composer Da Jie, performed side-by-side with local orchestras, and presented chamber concerts and master classes across the region.

>> READ MORE: Philadelphia Orchestra's Israel tour enables musicians and supporters to engage with complex reality of Israel

Our coming visit to Israel  part of a larger tour that also spans six European cities  continues in that vein, with major concerts, of course, as well as master classes for students, chamber performances for Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel, and a side-by-side concert with Israeli musicians.

Only three major American orchestras have been to Israel since its founding. This tour is an important moment for its people. It is also an important moment for many Philadelphians, including the city's large Jewish community, which has invested meaningfully in Israel's success. They are excited to see us go there and communicate through music.

This visit came at the invitation of the private sector in Israel and is supported by the private sector in Philadelphia. The U.S. State Department, with which the orchestra works closely, has told us our appearances help bring people together on the path to a long-term peace process. That kind of cultural diplomacy is an integral part of our mission; it's about using music to communicate, where other dialogue cannot.

>> READ MORE: By touring Israel, Philadelphia Orchestra ignores crimes against Palestinians | Opinion

Of course, using music to build bridges requires performing in front of diverse audiences. On our Israel tour, Jews, Arabs, Christians, and Muslims will be in the audiences we play for, and among the leaders with whom we meet. It is our hope that the act of gathering to enjoy music-making will be a restorative experience, and that the music we play will help the audience to experience harmony in its deepest sense, and to imagine and hopefully to build a brighter tomorrow.

In the end, our concerts and residency activities on this visit to Israel are simply about the Philadelphia Orchestra bringing its magnificent artistry at the highest level to a culture and a community that loves classical music. In doing so, we hope to help heal by sharing our musical gifts with a part of the world that has known too much conflict.

Ryan Fleur is interim co-president of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association.In the dead of winter last year, residents of all 239 apartments at Penn Wynn Manor in Northwest Philadelphia  mostly disabled veterans, seniors, and other low-income folks  received eviction notices. The Philly Tenants Union and groups like Community Legal Services protested the mass eviction. We got press coverage. We found many new places to for those evicted to live, but the building's millionaire owners were still able to kick tenants out, and make off with tax breaks for doing so.

Unfortunately, most eviction cases don't get any press coverage, and we can't fight each and every one on the streets.

Evictions are rising rapidly across the nation, but are a full-blown crisis in Philadelphia. The eviction rate in Philly is 30 percent higher than the national average. The city is experiencing an economic resurgence, but without protections we threaten to further stratify our city into rich and poor. If we want to keep our city vibrant we need to do something about it. Fortunately, there's an easy way forward.

Right now City Council is sitting on a "Good Cause" bill that could significantly reduce evictions across the city.

The bill works in favor of tenants, but it's not bad for landlords either. If a tenant is paying rent on time and following a landlord's rules, there shouldn't be a reason to evict. The Good Cause bill simply puts that in writing by amending the city's existing rental practices code to include clauses that prevent evictions for no reason. Landlords would still be able to evict people if they did not pay rent, breached any part of the lease, or were a nuisance on the property.

I'm writing this op-ed as a member of the Philly Tenants Union, which has been pushing for the Good Cause bill for two years. But I'm also writing as the author of How to Kill a City. In writing that book I traveled the country and saw what our housing crisis means for people firsthand: It means families losing stability, and it means cities losing their souls as their diverse populations are scattered to cheaper housing markets. In short, if evictions continue at their current rate in Philadelphia, we risk losing a lot of what makes this city great.

Good Cause isn't a silver bullet, but it's a first and crucial step. More than 10,000 people are evicted in Philadelphia each year. Eviction rates hit communities of color particularly hard: Census tracts that are 80 percent or more black had triple the eviction rate of white communities. Increasingly, when poor people are evicted, they have nowhere left in Philly to go, as 20 percent of the city's affordable housing was lost in the last two decades.

Eviction destabilizes communities and traps people in poverty. Good Cause can help change that.

When people are able to live in their houses and neighborhoods longer, and with less disruption, they can afford to get better educations, hold better jobs, and secure better futures for their kids. And even though we believe Good Cause is a net gain for everyone, we also believe that someone who owns 40 units, like the vice president of the Homeowners Association of Philadelphia, or who wears $12,000 shoes, like the owner of Penn Wynn, can afford to provide secure housing for people who might make that in a year.

While some would like the public to think of Good Cause as a controversial measure that could harm the economy by putting unnecessary regulatory burdens on landlords, this hasn't come to fruition in dozens of municipalities from San Francisco to New Jersey, where it's already been proven to work.

The bill has already picked up steam: several Council members are on board, and the Mayor's Eviction Task Force has also recommended it in its draft report.

We think the time for this bill is now, especially because Philadelphia's economy is booming. That isn't a bad thing, but unless it's coupled with protections like Good Cause, our vibrant economy won't work for everyone. Good Cause is a reliable and realistic tool we can add to our toolkit to help protect diversity in the city. It can help preserve what makes Philly great, but we need to act now.

Peter Moskowitz is a member of the Philadelphia Tenants Union and the author of How to Kill a City. @ptrmskAn online threat against a Cape Coral elementary school is being investigated thoroughly, according to the Cape Coral Police Department.

CCPD received out-of-state information regarding a threat made against Oasis Charter Elementary School, made during a chat session of an online video game.

Detectives are continuing to determine the origin, specificity, and credibility of the threat, according to CCPD.

At this time, the school day will continue as normal, with an increased police presence on campus.

The Cape Coral Police Department takes all threats against schools seriously. We are working diligently to investigate, while at the same time maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment at our schools. Out of an overabundance of caution, parents and students will see an increased uniformed police presence on the Oasis campuses throughout the day, said the CCPD website.Crossmatch, a leading provider of secure authentication and biometric identity solutions, has announced an agreement with Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America to offer Crossmatch DigitalPersona authentication software with Panasonics Toughbook line of purpose-built mobile computing products. The relationship enables mobile device, network and application access security on Panasonics 2-in-1 laptops, handheld and tablet devices.

The inclusion of the DigitalPersona software with the Toughbook delivers an extremely powerful and secure mobile computing solution, the company says. The DigitalPersona composite authentication software seamlessly provides a flexible range of authentication factors to grant access to the laptop, applications and workflows, whether local or in the cloud, according to Crossmatch. Authentication factors include traditional one-time password (OTP) hardware and software tokens, smartcards, and behavioral and biometric methods, as well as mobile-based OTP, Bluetooth and proximity cards.

DigitalPersona offers Toughbook customers the option of an integrated approach to strengthening their overall security posture without burdening the user or the IT department, said Lance Roncalli, SVP for Crossmatch. Administrators can establish the optimal authentication approach for a given use case and user.

Law enforcement can benefit from a multifactor and risk-based authentication approach that enhances CJIS compliance, defends against data breaches and eliminates unauthorized access, while removing inefficient password logon protocols that can slow access to vital information, Crossmatch says. The shared user capability of DigitalPersona provides other first responders and fleet operators the ability to individually secure and audit a users access to shared devices and applications.

By adapting to how organizations do business today, Panasonic is equipping workers with a technology ecosystem of hardware, software and services that are purpose-built and informed by their evolving needs, said Brian Rowley, VP of marketing and product management for Panasonic System Solutions of North America. By offering DigitalPersona to our Toughbook customers, were ensuring they can continue redefining what it means to be mobile and how work gets done with the security that todays digital world demands.Cambria County, PA, authorities are searching for those responsible for tampering with the county's radio frequencies used by 911, EMS, police, and Cambria County Prison, reports the Tribune-Democrat.

"Unauthorized individuals have used Cambria County radio frequency to transmit false information to authorities while posing as police officers and corrections officers," District Attorney Kelly Callihan said in a statement. "These actions are criminal and potentially place the safety of our first responders and the public in jeopardy."

Robbin Melnyk, Department of Emergency Services deputy director and 911 coordinator, said there were 35 bogus transmissions on Thursday and Friday.

"We are in the process of developing a new radio system with the technology to prevent this from happening," said Melnyk. "Until that system is put into place this could happen again."I agree with Scott that Andy McCarthy is an invaluable source of informed analysis regarding the Clinton email scandal and the collusion hysteria. There is no one whose analysis has been more helpful to my thinking about these matters.

The column McCarthy published this weekend on James Comeys role in the Clinton email scandal represents another valuable contribution. I want to make two points about this piece, at least one of which puts me at odds with Andy.

First, McCarthy argues that the fix was in at the Justice Department. In other words, DOJ was not going to indict Clinton no matter what.

This is true, I think. The Obama Justice Department was wedded to an interpretation of the Espionage Act under which proof of intent to harm the United States is required to find someone guilty of mishandling classified information. This interpretation was an insuperable obstacle to finding Hillary Clinton guilty, which may well be why President Obama articulated, and the DOJ adopted, it.

However, I doubt that the DOJs interpretation differed from James Comeys interpretation. In other words, I think Comey probably was fully on board with the DOJs view of the law and the decision not to prosecute Clinton.

Its true that now, long after the fact, Comey seems to assign responsibility solely to Justice Department prosecutors. He says things like the evidence against Clinton was unlikely to get us to a place where they would prosecute at the Justice Department.

At the time of the decision, though, Comey argued vigorously in favor of the Obama Justice Departments interpretation of the Espionage Act. He insisted that a contrary theory has never been invoked to prosecute anyone and that Clinton could not be convicted on it. He denied that it was even a close call.

Was all of this for show? Was Comey making arguments he didnt believe? Possibly. In my view, hes an operative willing to say almost anything he needs to.

But, as McCarthy points out, in this case Comey didnt need to say anything. Its not the job of the FBI director to discuss the law. That being so, it seems unlikely that Comey would, with great fanfare, publicly present a legal analysis to which he did not subscribe. If he disagreed with the DOJ-Obama interpretation of the Espionage Act, he likely would have stayed silent on the subject.

My second point  and heres where I definitely disagree with McCarthy  is that speaking in detail about the decision not to prosecute Clinton was the right thing to do. Its true that, as Andy says, ordinarily the government speaks in court, where a person. . .formally accused of a crime. . .has the full pallet of due-process rights to defend herself. Unless and until that happens, ordinarily no one is entitled to know what the government thinks about a matter it is investigating or has investigated.

But Hillarys case was extraordinary. She was running for president of the United States. The email scandal had become an issue in the campaign. The public knew she was under investigation.

Under these circumstances, I believe it was important for the public to hear what Comey said. Had he, or someone else at DOJ, simply announced that Clinton would not be prosecuted, the public would likely have assumed that this was because DOJ concluded there was insufficient evidence that she mishandled classified information.

The public would not have known that she did mishandle such information, but would not be prosecuted because of the quirky, counterintuitive way the Department of Justice chose to interpret the Espionage Act. But this was very valuable information for the public to have.

There is no norm for dealing with cases like Hillary Clintons, but there is precedent of sorts. Ken Starrs team produced a report about its investigations of Bill Clinton. It spoke outside of court about his case.

Robert Muellers team, if it decides not to prosecute President Trump, will almost certainly produce a report. That report may well resemble Comeys statement on Clinton in the sense that it will lay out incriminating facts but go on to explain why, for technical reasons, the case should not be prosecuted.

Hillary Clinton wasnt the president, but she was going to be the Democratic nominee for president. James Comey wasnt a special counsel, but the matter he investigated was a perfect example of a case that should be handled by a special counsel, rather than the DOJ, if special counsels werent such a bad idea.

Thus, I believe Comey would have done the public a disservice had he simply stated that Clinton wouldnt be prosecuted or left it for someone else to say only that. Its possible, therefore, that contrary to what I argued in the first part of this post, Comey, sensing an obligation to discuss the case, fell on his sword and presented a legal analysis to which he did not subscribe.

This would have been a greater disservice than saying nothing. However, I think Comey probably subscribed to the faulty legal analysis he presented in support of a prosecutorial decision he agreed with.

UPDATE: To be clear about Ken Starrs report, the statute pursuant to which he was appointed required him to write it. No statute required Comey to speak out of court about Hillarys case, and doing so was contrary to normal Justice Department practice.

But theres good reason for statutory requirement that a prosecutor in Starrs position write a report. In cases like the one he handled, the public should know what the prosecutor learned, not just that he decided not to prosecute.

The investigation into Hillary Clintons handling of official emails is of the kind a special counsel might well handle.With todays bombshell about Irans ongoing nuclear weapons program, the wreckage of Barack Obamas foreign policy is coming into focus. Syria: the red line fiasco, with hundreds of thousands killed. North Korea: a do-nothing policy that brought Americas West Coast perilously close to coming under nuclear threat. Iran: a deal that would have been foolish even if the mullahs hadnt cheated, $100 billion and sanctions relief now, in exchange for promises that Iran could walk away from at will. We now know that the deal was even worse than that.

Those were the biggest disasters, but not the only ones. Libya: incredibly, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton participated in the overthrow of a dictator without having a plan for what would come after. The result was a failed state, and a terrorist haven. Cuba and Venezuela: while the disastrous condition of both socialist countries is not Obamas fault, his admiration for, and coddling of, Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez contributed to sentencing the people of those countries to another generation of poverty and oppression. China: Obama failed to stand up to Chinas military expansionism, or to its aggressive trade and economic policies that cost American companies many billions of dollars. Israel: Obama deliberately downgraded relations with one of our most important allies, and shamefully meddled in an Israeli national election in hopes of electing a Prime Minister as spineless as himself.

That isnt a complete list, but it will do. We have a long way to go to dig ourselves out of the foreign policy holes that the feckless (at best) Obama administration dug, but President Trump and his team are at least making progress.

How could the Obama administration have been so inept in foreign policy? Iowahawk has at least part of the answer:Richard Painter is the University of Minnesota Law School professor who has made a name for himself on the left-wing cable channels denouncing President Trump. He presented himself as a Republican and former Bush (43) administration ethics expert. Lately he disclosed that he was considering a run for the Senate, but that he was mulling over his political identity. Yesterday he announced his candidacy as a Democratic candidate contesting the nomination for the Senate seat held by the incumbent Democratic appointee, Tina Smith.

In his morning email newsletter, Star Tribune editorial page editor Scott Gillespie provided background on the race as he summarized the appearance of his colleague Patricia Lopez on C-SPAN this morning:

Lopez joined the networks Peter Echevarria to provide a Minnesota take on University of Minnesota law professor Richard Painters decision to challenge U.S. Sen. Tina Smith in the DFL primary in August, most likely without the partys endorsement. Lopez did an excellent job bringing viewers up to speed on Painter, a lifelong Republican and former ethics chief under former President George W. Bush. She also pointed out how difficult it will be for Painter to build momentum for his campaign in the 14 weeks before the Aug. 14 primary. Its important to note that Painters profile has risen because of his frequent appearances on CNN and elsewhere as an especially salty critic President Donald Trump  a role he apparently plans to continue to play as a Senate candidate. (Former Star Tribune news columnist Jon Tevlin had a timely piece on the professors newfound star power last September.) Painter poses a unique challenge for Smith, the ultimate DFL insider and former lieutenant governor, who began 2018 with startlingly low name recognition in Minnesota, according to a January Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. Im left wondering if Painter might be doing Smith a favor by creating more interest in the race and in her record as former Sen. Al Frankens replacement. Then again Painter could win or, short of that, damage Smith by going on the attack and forcing her to use resources shed rather have available in the general election campaign. Meanwhile, state Sen. Karin Housley, the Republican candidate for the seat, is so far unopposed. For Minnesota voters as the weather warms, this much is clear: The campaign to replace Franken just got a lot more interesting.

I agree with Gillespie that this is an interesting race. I first asked Professor Painter for an interview as soon as he announced his candidacy yesterday and then again this morning. In response to my requests for an interview, Professor Painter invited me to submit my questions in writing. I quickly responded with 10 inartful but straightforward questions. I promised Professor Painter that I would post his answers in full. As of this afternoon, I have heard nothing. Here are my 10 questions:

1. I have to begin on a personal note. My colleague John Hinderaker wrote about you in the Power Line post A fake Republican runs in Minnesota. You responded on Twitter: Far right extremists are getting worried. On what ground do you disparage John or any of the others who contribute to Power Line as far right extremists?

2. You have held yourself out as a Republican during your career and at the time you endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in the fall of 2016. When did you first identify yourself as a Democrat?

3. Your service in the WH Office of Legal Counsel during the Bush (43) administration is frequently used to support your claim to expertise in ethics. What were your job duties? I am told you reviewed ethics disclosure forms and helped incoming officials work out any conflicts.

4. I understand that when you worked in the WH OLC, no one outflanked you on the right. I have been told you were a Fire breather. Nuke them all, take no prisoners. Yet as soon as you left, you wrote a book that said if anyone had listened to you, we wouldnt have been torturing and eavesdropping  things that had nothing to do with your job. Is that fair?

5. You are seeking to wrest the DFL nomination from an appointed incumbent Democrat. Given her track record as an urban liberal who checks all the boxes, what do you offer Democrats that Tina Smith doesnt?

6. Will you run in a primary if you dont secure the nomination at the state convention?

7. What is your message to party regulars? Who is your campaign manager? How will you campaign for the nomination?

8. You have become a public figure in connection with your repeated denunciations of President Trump. Is that your calling card on Democrats as you seek the nomination?

9. What was your assessment of the Obama administration in domestic policy (i.e., Obamacare) and foreign policy (i.e., Iran) at the time?

10. Do you give President Trump any credit for undoing damage done by the Obama administration or for upsetting the status quo with respect to North Korea, for example? For the administrations deregulatory efforts? For anything positive?This is the first in a series of quick hits prompted by Israels breathtaking success in obtaining the archival cache of Irans nuclear program. Prime Minister Netanyahus dramatic announcement of the intelligence feat yesterday must serve as the predicate to our withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), accurately characterized by President Trump as the worst deal ever.

Not even Neville Chamberlain funded Hitlers aggression to secure his infamous agreement with the madman. That innovation in treachery took one Barack Obama and his many enthusiastic servants such as John Kerry. Here I would like to kick off the series with the statement issued by Senator Ted Cruz (posted here):

[The] stunning revelations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu powerfully demonstrate why the Obama Iran nuclear deal is not just unfixable, but truly catastrophic. The Prime Ministers presentation was remarkableunprecedentedand worth watching in full. Through extraordinary intelligence operations, Israeli agents captured over 100,000 secret documents and files from Iran. These Iranian documents prove that (1) for two decades, Iran has conducted a clandestine nuclear weapons program; (2) Iran lied repeatedly, and brazenly, denying that secret program; (3) the Obama nuclear deal was predicated on that edifice of lies; and (4) Iran is today in violation of that deal. The national security consequences of the Obama Iranian nuclear deal are twofold: First, America has allowed billions of dollars to flow to the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism, a nation directly responsible for the murder of hundreds of U.S. servicemen and women. And second, those billions of dollars have also propped up a despotic regime and provided vast resources for ongoing ballistic missile tests designed to enable Iran to launch a nuclear weapon on the American homeland. In light of these astonishing Israeli revelations, the course before President Trump is clear. As the President has said repeatedly, this deal is a terrible deal, even worse than many previously realized. The United States should therefore withdraw immediately, re-impose crushing sanctions, work to encourage our allies to do the same, and do everything necessary to insure that the Ayatollah Khamenei never  never  acquires the nuclear weapons to make good on his pledge of death to America.

As opposed to the Obama administrations lying blather, this is accurate, pithy, and true.Poland's presidency of the UN Security Council will take place during a very intensive period of international relations.

Poland's presidency of the UN Security Council will take place during a very intensive period of international relations, top aide to the Polish President Krzysztof Szczerski told PAP on Monday, stressing that "this May may be historical." See also: President launches Poland's membership of UN Security Council

"This May may be historical due to North Korea or a nuclear deal with Iran, among other things," he said.

Poland assumed its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council on January 1, 2018. Its term of office will end in late December 2019. Poland's rotating presidency of the UN Security Council starts on Tuesday, May 1. For the second time, Poland is likely to preside over the UN Security Council in the second half of next year.

Krzysztof Szczerski announced that an open UN Security debate is planned for May 17. It will be chaired by President Andrzej Duda and will focus on the observance of international law as an instrument designed to solve global conflicts. The second debate, chaired by Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz, is planned for May 22.

"This is a special moment as this May can be very important for global relations, for example, due to the situation in relations between North and South Korea," he said.

"Poland's presidency of the UN Security Council will take place in a very intensive period of international relations and global politics. This May could prove to be historical if all the announcements are fulfilled. Poland's responsibility is really huge," he stressed. (PAP)30 American Psychological Association journals will pilot Publons' Reviewer Recognition service

PHILADELPHIA, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest scientific organization representing psychology in the United States, announced a new partnership with the peer review platform Publons, a Clarivate Analytics company. APA will pilot Publons' Reviewer Recognition service across 30 of their core journals.

Publons' Reviewer Recognition Service integrates with all peer review submission systems, providing peer reviewers instant recognition for their contributions, in full compliance with journal review policies. During the pilot, experts who peer review for APA's participating journals can instantly add records of their reviews to Publons with the click of a button. This added recognition lets APA reviewers effortlessly maintain a verified record of their peer review contributions for promotion and funding applications.

The pilot also provides APA with access to exclusive tools and insights designed to help them better understand and serve their peer review community.

The pilot builds on promising organic demand for the service, with over 1,800 APA reviewers having already manually added more than 6,000 review records to Publons.

Rose Sokol-Chang, Journal Publisher at the American Psychological Association said: "The American Psychological Association is enthusiastic about working with Publons to recognize the hard work of our reviewers. Publons offers the right balance between recognition and confidentiality, and we're excited that journal reviewers will have the ability to display their contributions to psychological science."

Laura Harvey, Head of Publisher Relations at Publons added: "Publons mission is to speed up research by utilizing the power of great peer review, a goal shared by the American Psychological Association. Through our new partnership we are pleased to help the American Psychological Association utilize our novel partner tools and cross-publisher insights to better understand and manage their peer review processes, whilst giving their reviewers recognition for all of their hard work."

Academics interested in reviewing for participating APA journals will be able to connect with an editorial member through the click of a button on the journal's profile page. For more details on the partnership and to see a list of participating journals, visit: https://publons.com/in/apa/.

About American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. The APA Journals program publishes 89 journals, including on behalf of the APA divisions and other national and international societies. For more information, please visit apa.org and apa.org/pubs/Journals

About Publons

Publons works with researchers, publishers and research institutions to speed up science and research by harnessing the power of peer review. Publons is partnered with more than 50 of the world's leading scholarly publishers, helping over 360,000 researchers to track more than 2-million peer reviews. Publons, founded in 2013 and now part of Clarivate Analytics, has offices in Wellington, New Zealand and London, UK. For more information, please visit: publons.com

Follow Publons on Facebook and Twitter:

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https://www.facebook.com/publons

About Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics is the global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation. Building on a heritage going back more than a century and a half, we have built some of the most trusted brands across the innovation lifecycle, including Web of Science, Cortellis, Derwent, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet. Today, Clarivate Analytics is a new and independent company on a bold entrepreneurial mission to help our clients radically reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing innovations. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

Media Contact

Jo Wilkinson, Publons

[email protected]

SOURCE PublonsPUNE, India, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

According to the new market research report "Automated Container Terminal Market by Degree of Automation (Semi-Automated and Fully Automated), Project Type (Brownfield and Greenfield), Offering (Equipment, Software, and Services), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to grow from USD 9.09 Billion in 2018 to reach USD 10.89 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is attributed to the growing demand for large container ships, increasing labor cost in developed nations, and growing competition among container terminals.

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Browse 67 market data Tables and 54 Figures spread through 141 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Automated Container Terminal Market - Global Forecast to 2023"



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Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report



Ship-to-shore cranes held largest share of automated container terminal market for equipment in 2017

Ship-to-shore (STS) cranes are the largest cranes used in the marine and shipping industries. These cranes are mainly designed and constructed for loading and unloading of the containers from a container vessel. The demand for larger containers is increasing significantly since the last few years. This has encouraged port operators to invest significantly in their port infrastructure. Larger containers require advanced cranes to handle these containers. This has fueled the growth of the automated container terminal market for STS cranes.

Automated container terminal market for software to grow at higher CAGR during forecast period

Terminal operations business faces various challenges due to the economic uncertainty, along with the demand to accommodate large container ships, and achieve faster turnaround times. To reduce the impact of this challenge, terminals around the world have turned to the advanced information technology systems. Whether long-time users or first-time adopters, TOS, in particular, offer a variety of benefits to help the facilities all over the world achieve high levels of optimization. Thus, the market for software is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2018 and 2023.

Ask for PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=109170291

APAC to hold largest size of automated container terminal market during forecast period

APAC held the largest size of the automated container terminal market in 2017, followed by Europe and North America. This growth is mainly attributed to the increasing infrastructural development activities at ports and terminals in countries such as China, Japan, and Australia. Further, the increasing investments for the modernization of ports in India are expected to boost the growth of this market. China is one of the most important markets for automated container terminals in APAC. The country is ahead in terms of adoption of advanced technologies and automation across various industries, including ports and terminals. The increasing labor cost and higher lead time at ports have encouraged the port operators to invest in the automation technology to enhance the productivity of the terminals. Further, in developing countries such as India, the investment in the infrastructural development of the ports and terminals is increasing gradually, which is driving the growth of the automated container terminal market.

Cargotec (Finland) , Konecranes (Finland), ZPMC (China), Liebherr (Switzerland), ABB (Switzerland), Kunz (Austria), CyberLogitec (South Korea), IDENTEC SOLUTIONS (Austria), Camco Technologies (Belgium), and ORBCOMM (US) are the major players operating in this market.

Know more about the Automated Container Terminal Market:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automated-container-terminal-market-109170291.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, "Knowledge Store" 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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Email: [email protected]





Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/electronics-and-semiconductors

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SOURCE MarketsandMarketsPUNE, India, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The report "Battery Materials Market by Battery Type (Lead-acid, Lithium-ion), Material (Cathode, Anode, Electrolyte, Separator), Application (Automotive, EVs, Portable Devices, Industrial), and Region (APAC, North America, Europe, RoW) - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is projected to reach USD 65.78 Billion by 2023 The Battery Materials Market is projected to grow from USD 43.50 Billion in 2018 to USD 65.78 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 8.62% between 2018 and 2023. APAC is expected to lead the global Battery Materials Market during the forecast period. Battery material is used in the manufacturing of batteries. Cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separators are the main building blocks of a battery system. Different materials are used in the manufacturing of cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separators for different rechargeable batteries. The lead-acid and lithium-ion battery materials account for a major share of the global Battery Materials Market.

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Browse 155 market data Tables and 47 Figures spread through 170 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Battery Materials Market"

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Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

Based on battery type, the lead-acid segment is projected to lead the Battery Materials Market during the forecast period.

Lead-acid is estimated to be the largest battery type segment of the Battery Materials Market in 2018. This large share can be attributed to its renewability and increasing use in backup power, emergency lighting, utilities, security systems, railway backup systems, oil and gas explorations, renewable energy systems, and other applications. The battery reduces carbon emissions and provides energy that is renewable and recyclable.

Get PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=866

The cathode segment is projected to lead the lead-acid Battery Materials Market during the forecast period.

Lead dioxide is the cathode material preferred in the manufacturing of lead-acid batteries. The cathode is the largest lead-acid battery materials segment, as it forms the largest portion of any lead-acid battery. Furthermore, the increase in investments in R&D for innovation of materials with high capacity and low price by cathode materials manufacturers to create a balance between high quality and low cost will drive the cathode lead-acid Battery Materials Market during the forecast period.

APAC is expected to lead the Battery Materials Market during the forecast period.

APAC is expected to be the largest Battery Materials Market during the forecast period. The Battery Materials Market in the APAC region is majorly driven by the growing demand for battery materials in China. Heavy investments in automotive, electronics, and ESS is the key factor driving the Battery Materials Market in the country. Government support, the presence of strong manufacturing base, and growing investments by automotive companies in an electric vehicle are driving the Battery Materials Market worldwide.

Key companies in the Battery Materials Market include Umicore (Belgium), Asahi Kasei (Japan), Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings (Japan), POSCO (South Korea), Johnson Matthey (UK), Hitachi Chemical Company (Japan), Kureha Corporation (Japan), Sumitomo Corporation (Japan), Toray Industries (Japan), and Mitsui Mining & Smelting (Japan), among others.

Know more about Battery Materials Market:

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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, "Knowledge Store" 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.

Contact:

Mr. Salgarkar

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]



Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/chemical

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SOURCE MarketsandMarketsImagine! You in flapper attire, sipping cocktails as you view a panoramic sunset over Manhattan. That's no fantasy. That's 21st century Governors IslandNew York's prime venue for summer galas. And now it's got a gala-ready Bond No. 9 namesake eau de parfum it can call its own.

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- When the Dutch explorers first encountered New York, they missed Manhattan by a matter of yards, landing instead on a hickory-, oak- and chestnut tree-laden offshore island. Soon enough, the local Lenape Indians ceded its 172 acres to the new settlersmarking the official start of the State of New York. And then the British took over, turning this little island into home base for its royal governorswhich is how it got its name, Governors Island. Fast forward to the 21st century, with much of the island open to the public every May through October, offering incredibly unspoil't pristine greenery just a 10-minute ferry ride from Wall Street. Oh, and you can't overlook the jaw-dropping panoramic views of Manhattan.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8295751-bond-no-9-governors-island/

Governors Island today has not only become New York's quickest canoeing, zip-lining, rock-climbing, and picnicking getaway, it's also the scene of open air summer galas. Such as a Poetry Festival; a lavish Diner en Blanc, where guests wear all white; a rose-wine-themed Pinknic revelry, where attendees dress in pink and white; and the notorious Jazz Age Lawn Party, with guests in flapper attire sipping '20s cocktails, and dancing the Charleston.

Of course, all these galas need to be scented. Bond No. 9 is on it, with its latest eau de parfum, Governors Island, arriving on counter June 1. Hypnotic, seductive, addictive, this incense-filled scent at first seems at odds with an island famed for its recreational activitiesits bike paths, its picnics, its kite-flying potential. But at Bond No. 9, we welcome this off-kilter dissonance--which is one important direction for fragrances (as well as for fashion) today. And besides, the deep, magical allure of Governors Island, the fragrance, actually invokes the smells of the island's dense woodlands.

All in all, it's a rule-breaking symphony of tenacious forest notesthe kind that are typically used in drydowns. But here, they constitute the entire composition, starting with warm, concentrated resin incense. This soon segues into a heart of dark, honeyed ambrox (simulating ambergris) and dry, tobacco-like cedarwood, creating a halo-like glow. The base notes? Animal-like white musk, combined with muscenone (a booster musk), and a soft, feminine version of that crisp tropical grass, vetiver. While the sum total may at first present itself as a male fragrance, which men assuredly will love, we can guaranteewomen will also adore this hypnotic brew and claim it as their own.

The seaworthy blue and gold visuals on the pure white Governors Island bottle are the Bond No. 9 token on one side, and on the other the printed names of must-see island venuesnot least Hammock Grove, its red hammocks offering a superlative view of the Statue of Liberty.

Governor's Island arrives on counter: June 2018 and will be sold at Bond No. 9 New York Boutiques, Saks Fifth Avenue nationwide, select Bloomingdales stores, Harrods UK, and www.bondno9.com

Price: 100ml, $350



Related Links

http://www.bondno9.com



SOURCE BOND NO. 9 NEW YORK"We are especially excited to host this year's Conference, as we are actively engaged in rolling out our global distribution strategy," remarked Yu Jun, President of GAC Motor. "GAC Motor is a young brand full of vitality. We will stay true to our mission to strive for success. Together, we will construct long-term partnerships with our dealers and contribute to mutual development and success."

Many dealers present at the event commented that the Conference deepened their knowledge and understanding of GAC Motor's product quality, manufacturing capability and strategic goals. After the event, the distributors were full of confidence in their cooperation with the company.

GAC Motor is making fast and steady progress exploring the global automobile market. It has established mature sales channels and service systems in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE, where it has become a leading Chinese automobile brand in sales volume with mid- to high-end products. Thanks to its high-quality products, GAC Motor has gained continuous popularity in Nigeria, Africa. As of now, the company has expanded to 14 countries across five regions including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and the America and has been crowned the "Best Chinese Car Brand" in multiple overseas markets.

With strong international operations and growing popularity and brand influence, GAC Motor's expanding presence in emerging markets marks just the beginning of the company's larger-scale plans for the global market. GAC Motor plans to reach 18 countries by the end of 2018. It strives to explore markets along the "Belt and Road" regions, as well as the U.S. and European markets.

"We are steadily creating a long-term future plan and are progressing towards the goal of building a world-class brand with all of our global partners, which will allow us to go forward into the next decade and beyond," said Yu.

In the coming year, GAC Motor will focus on brand building, operation systems perfection and team building, in order to attract more customers to experience the power and performance of GAC Motor as well as to improve overall customer satisfaction.

Earlier this year, GAC Motor exhibited at NAIAS for the fourth time and debuted at the NADA Show, receiving wide attention in the global automobile industry. Through the platforms of the world's top auto shows, GAC Motor has been able to further integrate global resources while promoting the brand internationally.

At the recent Auto China 2018, GAC Motor was invited by the senior executives of NAIAS and the Paris Motor Show to join their upcoming events. The company will also participate in the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Moscow International Auto Show later this year.

"Our vision is to become a world-class brand and a global enterprise, "said Yu, "GAC Motor looks forward to an open, inclusive and win-win partnership with our dealers. Let's walk hand in hand with great sincerity. Together we can explore the broad global market and draw an even more beautiful new blueprint!"

About GAC Motor

Founded in 2008, Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor CO., LTD (GAC Motor) is a subsidiary of GAC Group which ranks the 238th among the Fortune Global 500 companies. The company develops and manufactures premium quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories. GAC Motor has now ranked the first among all Chinese brands for five consecutive years in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's China Initial Quality Study SM (IQS), demonstrating the company's quality-centric strategy from innovative research and development (R&D), manufacturing to supply chain and sales & services.

For more information, please visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GACMotor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gac_motor

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/gac_motor

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SOURCE GAC MotorThe All-Star Global Concert included special remarks from the International Jazz Day Co-Chairs: UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock . The evening showcased incomparable musicians from around the world and their unique interpretations of jazz. Inventive pairings included The Manhattan Transfer delivering an exhilarating version of "Birdland" with the Moscow Jazz Orchestra, and renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis performing "As Long As You're Living" alongside acclaimed vocalist Kurt Elling, German trumpet sensation Till Bronner and Italian pianist Antonio Farao. The stunning vocalist Dianne Reeves joined forces with Russian saxophonist Igor Butman, Japanese pianist Makoto Ozone, and American rising star bassist Ben Williams for a breathtaking performance of "In A Sentimental Mood." The concert concluded with the entire cast performing a heartfelt rendition of John Lennon's beloved peace anthem, "Imagine."

Leading up to the All-Start Global Concert, St. Petersburg hosted a wide array of programming including master classes and workshops with Oleg Butman and Lee Ritenour; panel discussions exploring Jazz and Peace, Women in Jazz and Jazz and Roots Music; and jam sessions with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance Fellows.

Earlier in the week, the International Jazz Day festivities kicked off in New Orleans with an International Jazz Day Salute to New Orleans concert at the historic Orpheum Theater. Thousands attended this free concert commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. The show opened with an only-in-New Orleans second line fronted by the Preservation Hall All-Stars and featured performances by Herbie Hancock along with Patti Austin, Philip Bailey, Bilal, Terence Blanchard, Jon Cleary, Ledisi, Quiana Lynell, Herlin Riley and many others. The concert will stream on www.jazzday.com at 7pm et, following the broadcast of the All-Star Global Concert from St. Petersburg at 4pm et. In addition to the live concert, a series of engaging, in-school jazz education presentations were led by the Institute's teaching artists and educators at schools across New Orleans.

Celebrated around the globe each year on April 30, International Jazz Day highlights the power of jazz as a force for freedom and creativity, promotes intercultural dialogue through respect and understanding, and unites people from all corners of the globe.

International Jazz Day was adopted by the UNESCO Member Nations on the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. Established in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, the day is recognized on the official calendars of both UNESCO and the United Nations, and it is celebrated in more than 190 countries on all seven continents. Each year, schools, universities, libraries, jazz clubs, performing arts centers, artists and arts organizations of all disciplines around the world pay tribute to jazz through thousands of performances, education programs and community service initiatives.

International Jazz Day programs are made possible by Toyota, the 2018 Lead Partner.

For more information about International Jazz Day, visit www.jazzday.com or www.unesco.org/jazzday.

2018 IJD St. Petersburg press selects by Steve Mundinger

https://goo.gl/hvQceJ

2018 IJD St. Petersburg video pulls

https://goo.gl/4uYUdm

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Related Links

http://monkinstitute.org



SOURCE Thelonious Monk Institute of JazzNEW DELHI, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Frustrated commuters and confused drivers of Singapore can now turn to a new ride-sharing app. Jugnoo, India's third largest ride-sharing app, has launched in Singapore with a twist. Today, Jugnoo is introducing the reverse-bidding ride hailing model for the first time in Singapore and with this move, Jugnoo has established its first foothold in Southeeast Asia.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684976/Jugnoo_Logo.jpg )



The restrictions imposed by consumer industry watchers have made the Uber-Grab deal face uphill battles, wanting them to retain their pre-transaction pricing and product options for riders and drivers. CCCS also states that the deal makes it hard for new players to enter the market. At this point of dilemma, Jugnoo forays to the market to fill the gap and makes a significant investment in Singapore's ride-hailing market. With latest technology and accessibility, Jugnoo brings back the traditional technique which made the drivers and customers happy.

Jugnoo will enable freelance drivers with commercial driving licences to bid for commuter requests. This is the opposite of how Grab and Uber work. One can enroll on Jugnoo driver app and give the bids for customer trips. The first round of bid will produce a range of competing price bids, depending on driver availability. The commuter is free to pick the lowest price bid and take the ride. For the first six months, Jugnoo is free to start with but after six months, Jugnoo will operate on a commission-based revenue model by charging a 10 percent commission on the ticket size from the drivers and a convenience charge from its customers.

Commenting on the launch, Samar Singla CEO and Founder of Jugnoo said: "We are very excited about our launch in Singapore. We saw a vacuum and analysed the issues currently being faced in the ride-hailing market of Singapore and many other places across the world. At Jugnoo, we believe that an open driver-customer network to offer ride hailing to consumers is a need of the hour across the world."

Jugnoo's primary aspiration has always been to simplify the life of commuters and provide good earnings to the drivers. Samar added, "With the launch of reverse bidding model in Singapore, we aim to optimally leverage the already available large pool of taxi owners. Our expansion in the Singapore ride hailing market will scale up the growth of many stakeholders."

Jugnoo has emerged as the biggest auto-rickshaw aggregation platform and has disrupted the way people commute in India. In 2015, the company started scaling its international operations on an B2B model and now has partners in over 10 countries. Within the next few months, Jugnoo is also enrouting its operations towards Europe.

About Jugnoo:

Launched in November 2014, Jugnoo has ventured into the industry as one of the leading auto-rickshaw aggregators. Headquartered in Chandigarh, India, the company is currently rendering its services in more than 34 cities of India and clocking 50,000 daily transactions. It has over 15,000 autos empanelled under the brand at present. Apart from its core business of auto-rickshaw aggregation, the company has a diverse portfolio of offerings including Rides, Deliveries and B2B SaaS products and services.

Media Contact:

Manpreet Kaur

[email protected]

+91-998-803-2378

SOURCE JugnooPUNE, India, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

According to the new market research report "Safety Switch Market by Product (Contact Switch and Non-Contact Switch), Safety System (ESD, HIPPS, BMS, Fire & Gas Monitoring Systems, and Turbomachinery Control Systems), Vertical (Oil & Gas, Chemical), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to grow from USD 1.24 Billion in 2018 to USD 1.55 Billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 4.5% between 2018 and 2023. The factors driving the growth of this market are the growing adoption of automation in hazardous industrial areas, increasing government intervention for equipment and personnel safety in industries, and rising demand for non-contact door switches to improve the stability of doors and guards.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg )



Browse 63 market data Tables and 54 Figures spread through 140 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Safety Switch Market - Global Forecast to 2023"



https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/safety-switch-market-260394787.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report



"Safety switch market for non-contact switch is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period"

The safety switch market for non-contact safety switch is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2018 and 2023. Awareness regarding the benefits of non-contact safety switches, such as aligned measurement of guards and multiple door switching error identification, is one of the most significant factors projected to drive the growth of the non-contact safety switch market.

"Safety switch market for fire & gas monitoring systems expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period"

The safety switch market for fire & gas monitoring systems is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2018 and 2023. The safety switch market for fire & gas monitoring systems can be attributed to the increasing deployment of fire & gas monitoring solution at hazardous locations to avoid fire casualties and prevent gas leakages or explosions. With the expansion of process industries, such as oil & gas, pharmaceutical, chemical, food & beverage, and energy & power, the need for safety and security of equipment and personnel is growing.

Ask for PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=260394787

"Safety switch market for food & beverage vertical expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period"

The safety switch market for food & beverage vertical is expected to grow at the highest CAGR between 2018 and 2023. Changes in consumer preferences have propelled manufacturers to focus on the production of food products with improved taste and quality. Companies in the food & beverage vertical are using advanced automation solutions to increase their production. The increase in automation, as well as plant expansion, is driving the need to deploy safety solutions in food processing units. Thus, the increasing use of safety systems in the food & beverage vertical is projected to drive the growth of the safety switch market.

"Europe expected to lead the safety switch market between 2018 and 2023"

Europe is expected to hold the largest share of the safety switch market during the forecast period. The demand for safety switches in the European region is increasing due to the implementation of safety systems in process industries. Companies operating in this region are focused toward occupational safety and automation. In addition, the stringent safety regulations in the region have propelled the installation of safety systems in hazardous environments.

The major players operating in the safety switch market are General Electric (US), Schneider Electric (France), Rockwell (US), Siemens (Germany), ABB (Switzerland), Eaton (Republic of Ireland), Honeywell (US), Omron (Japan), Pilz (Germany), and SICK (Germany).

Know more about the Safety Switch Market:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/safety-switch-market-260394787.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, "Knowledge Store" 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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SOURCE MarketsandMarketsCHICAGO, April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cision Ltd. (NYSE: CISN), a leading global provider of software and services to public relations and marketing communications professionals, will release its first quarter 2018 financial results on Tuesday, May 8th, shortly after the market close.

In conjunction with the earnings release, investors will have the opportunity to listen to Cision senior management review its first quarter results of fiscal year 2018 via conference call on Tuesday, May 8th at 5:00 pm EDT. To hear the live event, visit the Cision investor website at http://investors.cision.com, or by dialing 1-877-443-4809 (participant dial in toll free) or 1-412-317-5235 (participant dial in International). For those accessing the call via Cision's investor website, we suggest logging in at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the live event. For those dialing in, participants should ask to be joined into the Cision Ltd. earnings call. A replay of the earnings webcast will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event on May 8th. To access the webcast recording / conference replay, visit http://investors.cision.com or you can dial 1-877-344-7529 (US), 1-412-317-0088 (International), or 1-855-669-9658 (Canada). The replay access code for the earnings call is 10120090. The replay will be available through May 22, 2018.

About Cision

Cision Ltd. (NYSE: CISN) is a leading global provider of earned media software and services to public relations and marketing communications professionals. Cision's software allows users to identify key influencers, craft and distribute strategic content, and measure meaningful impact. Cision has over 4,000 employees with offices in 15 countries throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. For more information about its award-winning products and services, including the Cision Communications Cloud, visit www.cision.com and follow Cision on Twitter @Cision.

Investor Contact:

Jack Pearlstein

Chief Financial Officer

Jack.Pearlstein@cision.com

Media Contact:

Nick Bell

Vice President, Marketing Communications and Content

CisionPR@cision.com

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Related Links

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SOURCE CisionInitiative helps eligible refugee families below the extreme poverty line

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in co-operation with the Abu Dhabi-based Tabah Foundation today unveiled its global Zakat platform, which provides a trusted and efficient route to fulfil Zakat obligations and ensure 100 per cent of Zakat funds goes directly to the neediest refugee families in Jordan and Lebanon.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684996/Emad_and_Sajeda.jpg )



(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684997/UNHCR_and_Tabah_Foundation.jpg )



UNHCR's Zakat initiative is fully Sharia compliant and is backed by five fatwas from leading Islamic scholars and institutions and is subject to rigorous governance, ensuring transparency at every step, from donation to provision of assistance. UNHCR has adopted a digital only approach to paying Zakat, ensuring security, efficiency, transparency and complete peace of mind. The new platform can be accessed at zakat.unhcr.org

Houssam Chahine, Head of Private Sector Partnerships for UNHCR in the MENA region said: "The situation of refugees globally is one of the biggest human tragedies of our time, with more than 22.5 million refugees, 40% of which are in the MENA region. Since Muslims make up the majority of today's refugee populations, the Zakat initiative comes timely to secure life-saving humanitarian assistance to refugees in need."

"UNHCR ensures 100% of Zakat contributions go directly to eligible refugees under the extreme poverty line, with no money taken off for overheads. The new global platform makes fulfilling Zakat obligations fast and simple for those wishing to help refugee families with their Zakat, until these families become self-reliant." Chahine added.

Noureddin Harthi, CEO of Tabah Foundation, said: "Our co-operation with UNHCR over the Zakat initiative is built on our two organisations' shared values and our mission to help humanity. Through this partnership, we provide UNHCR with technical expertise and knowledge that ensure the transparency and sustainability of this commendable Zakat initiative." Harthi added, "there are many refugee families in need in the region, and the Zakat initiative comes as a lifeline for the most vulnerable of them."

UNHCR implements a wide range of humanitarian assistance programmes including provision of shelter, healthcare, education, and cash assistance - the latter has been identified as the best fit for Zakat funds. The programme provides direct financial aid to more than 60,000 refugee families below the extreme poverty line in Jordan and Lebanon, allowing them to take back some control of their circumstances while contributing to the local economy.

Recipients of cash assistance are vetted by UNHCR, while the provision of aid under the Zakat initiative is implemented by UNHCR and evaluated by representatives from Tabah to ensure strong governance and full compliance. In addition, quarterly reports on how Zakat funds are distributed are posted on UNHCR's Zakat website. UNHCR is considering Zakat for other eligible refugees and IDPs, and will add them to the platform once compliance and necessary processes are finalized.

UNHCR reports shows that in Jordan, the bulk of cash assistance is spent on rent, food, healthcare and debt repayments, while in Lebanon, families prioritise food, healthcare, utility bills and transportation. In Jordan, $2,160 provides 12 families with enough cash to cover rent, food, healthcare and debt repayment for 1 month, while in Lebanon, $2,100 provides 12 families with enough cash to cover food, rent, healthcare, and utility bills for 1 month.

UNHCR has a 68-year track record in assisting refugees in need throughout the world, regardless of the background of their plight. Through its Zakat initiative, UNHCR is the first major agency of its type to provide an efficient, trusted route for people to fulfil Zakat obligations.

The scholars and institutions that have issued fatwas supporting the UNHCR Zakat initiative are: Dr Sheikh Ali Gomaa, former Grand Mufti of Egypt and professor of Islamic jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University; Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah; the Fatwa Council of Tarim, Hadramaut Yemen, the Senior Scholars' Council of Morocco; and Dar al-Ifta al-Missriyah, one of Egypt's leading centers for Islamic legal research.

SOURCE ZakatDuring the first V9 conference in Thailand, vivo Thailand's project manager demonstrated how vivo FunMoji uses a phone's front camera and microphone to accurately capture changes in users' facial expression and voice, creating cute ten second 3D animated expressions. FunMoji will track and record movement and voices in real time. After users finish recording their FunMoji, they can send it to their friends through various messaging apps including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, Viber, WeChat, and more.

To start using FunMoji in a conversation, click on the emoji icon at the top right of your keyboard. Select one of the four emoji styles and start recording by pressing the red button. You can record up to 10 seconds. Press the same button again to finish creating your FunMoji. Hit "Share" to send your new FunMoji to your friends and family.

TouchPal's exclusive technology for the V9 makes it different from the Animoji and AR emoji feature in the iPhone and Samsung S9 respectively. Because TouchPal's AR emoji feature is integrated within the keyboard itself, users can access it instantly for any conversation, making chatting more fun and interesting. With the support of apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, Viber, and Wechat, TouchPal has effectively utilized technology to improve the lives of its users.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684043/TouchPal_V9_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684042/TouchPal_V9_2.jpg

SOURCE TouchPalTreating patients they way they would want their family treated

Dr. Lali Sekhon M.D, Ph.D., FRACS, FACS, FAANS is proud to announce the opening of the Nevada Neurosurgery office at the Renown Regional Medical Center, in Reno.

Dr. Sekhon is a board certified (FRACS) and double fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon seeing patients in Reno, Nevada and Quincy, California. He has expertise in the spinal neurosurgery. He is world recognized for his work on spinal artificial disc surgery and spine trauma. He has been a neurosurgeon for almost 20 years and worked in Reno since 2005.

Dr. Sekhon is Adjunct Clinical Professor at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine. He is also currently Chief of Neurosurgery at Renown Regional Medical Center. He is also the Chair of Community Development for AO Spine North America and president and founder of ThinkFirst of Northern Nevada (http://www.thinkfirstnevada.org).

Graduating with first class honors, Dr. Sekhon received his medical degree at the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia. He then completed a PhD and two fellowships, one at the Mayo Clinic and on in Toronto, Canada.

Dr. Sekhon has received many awards, during his under-graduate, post-graduate, post-doctoral and post-fellowship training. These include the Young Neurosurgeons Award from the World Federation of Neurosurgeons and Outstanding Clinical Research Award from the Cervical Spine Research Society. Dr. Sekhon continues to receive many honors, some repeatedly, such as the AMA Physicians Recognition Award with Commendation, Patients Choice Award by MDX Medical, Inc. (2010-2013), Best Doctors in America Award (2010, 2011), "Becker's 60 Spine Inventors to Know" and the 2012 Best of Reno Awards in the Orthopedics Physicians. He has been listed as one of the Top Doctors in America for the past 7 years.

Nevada Neurosurgery was founded in 2010. The practice has focused on the patient experience, outcomes and low complications. He is joined by Curt Erickson, PA-C and Greg Graves, PA-C, both with over 10 years of combined neurosurgical experience.

Nevada Neurosurgery is taking new patients and can be contacted on 775-657-8844 or fax 775-657-9881. For more information about Dr Sekhon and the practice go to http://www.nevadaneurosurgery.com.Morgans choice to move on after spending 15 years transforming the education sector with Education Pioneers was influenced by the organizations upcoming 15th anniversary in June. The organization also celebrates a milestone in its growing network, surpassing 4,000 Fellows and Alumni this summer.

Education Pioneers Founder & CEO Scott Morgan announced he is stepping down as CEO in June. His successor is Melissa Wu, currently the organizations Chief Program Officer; she was selected unanimously by the Board of Directors. Morgan has held the CEO position since he founded Education Pioneers in 2003 to recruit, connect, and inspire leaders with diverse backgrounds to solve problems from outside of the classroom so students and teachers succeed in the classroom.

Morgans choice to move on after spending 15 years transforming the education sector with Education Pioneers was influenced by the organizations upcoming 15th anniversary in June. The organization also celebrates a milestone in its growing network, surpassing 4,000 Fellows and Alumni this summer.

Education Pioneers is ready for its next chapter, said Morgan. Im incredibly proud of the network weve built, growing from one small cohort of nine Fellows in the Bay Area to thousands of diverse leaders across the country. Founding and leading Education Pioneers has been the greatest honor of my life, and I will continue to be a major champion.

As an experienced leader in the education sector with an MBA, Wu steps into her new role committed to continuing to recruit diverse talent into education. One of her priorities will be to sustain the organizations momentum and reach while propelling new impact. As a part of that work, Wu will continue to strengthen current organization initiatives that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion; 53 percent of Education Pioneers Alumni self-identify as leaders of color.

"It will take transformational leaders at all levels to close the opportunity gap for young people, and to realize a vision of an education sector that truly supports excellent, equitable outcomes for all students, said Wu. I am continually inspired by the incredible individuals in the Education Pioneers network. Our Alumni are truly our greatest asset and, as the next CEO, I am excited for the potential we have to catalyze this powerful group.

Melissa has impressed us with her deep knowledge of the education sector, her business and strategic acumen, in addition to her belief in the mission and her vision for the future, said Gale Mondry, Board Chair. During her tenure as Chief Program Officer, Wu oversaw strategy to launch Education Pioneers new Impact Fellowship, a 10-month leadership development program for professionals with critical skills in data analysis and strategic project management.

I am thrilled to see Melissa bring Education Pioneers into its next phase. The need for diverse leaders who bring varied skills and experiences to the sector is greater than ever, and I am excited to see what is next for the organization under her leadership, said Stacey Childress, CEO at NewSchools Venture Fund.

Wu previously worked as a Partner at TNTP, a national education nonprofit which recruits and trains teachers, and advances policies and practices that ensure effective teaching. During her time there, she most notably led a two-year research effort to produce The Irreplaceables: The Real Retention Crisis in Americas Urban Schools, which inspired multiple districts to take on reforms. Wu also scaled an early stage data product, the Instructional Culture Insight survey, quadrupling the tools reach and supporting more than 1,400 schools across 30 sites to improve instructional leadership practices aligned to student outcomes and effective teacher retention.

Not only did Melissa help TNTP shine a spotlight on the importance of retaining great teachers, she went on to support our work helping hundreds of schools make the kinds of improvements to culture and leadership practices that keep great teachers over time, said Daniel Weisberg, CEO at TNTP. Melissa is the kind of persistent and courageous leader wed want to see at the helm of any organization. She consistently offers thoughtful questions and encourages those around her to push their thinking. We are excited for Scott, Melissa, and Education Pioneers as they make this transition.

Wu will continue to be based out of Education Pioneers Boston office. She has an MBA from Harvard Business School and received her bachelors degree in Sociology from Princeton University. Before Education Pioneers and TNTP, she was a consultant at The Boston Consulting Group and held multiple roles at The TEAK Fellowship.

About Education Pioneers

Education Pioneers recruits professionals with diverse skills and backgrounds to solve problems from outside of the classroom so students and teachers succeed in the classroom. Since 2003, Education Pioneers has recruited and trained nearly 4,000 leaders in partnership with more than 750 education organizations nationwide.

Of the organizations Alumni in the workforce, more than 70 percent serve in education and lead or contribute to work that impacts public school students in major cities across the nation, most of whom are students of color and growing up in underserved areas. Learn more: educationpioneers.org/our-impact.MOBY Fit wins JPMA Innovation Award The fact that the MOBY Fit was acknowledged for Best Design by JPMAs panel of judges validates our success... Yann Boulbain CEO - MOBY Past News Releases RSS

On Thursday, March 22, the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) gave the MOBY Fit by MOBY an award for Best Design during the JPMA Baby Show in Washington D.C. The 'honorable mention' acknowledgment not only establishes the MOBY Fit as a trending product in 2018, but also demonstrates how the MOBY brand is providing modern parents with the intuitive, convenient products theyre looking for today.

Of the accomplishment, MOBY CEO Yann Boulbain said, At MOBY, were constantly striving to create innovative, valuable, easy-to-use products that not only meet the needs of new parents, but also make their lives easier. The fact that the MOBY Fit was acknowledged for Best Design by JPMAs panel of judges validates our success in this area and shows just how much the MOBY brand appeals to todays on-the-go moms and dads.

The award is the latest in a string of successes for the MOBY Fit. The hybrid carrier, which combines the closeness of a wrap with the ease of a traditional carrier, has successfully launched with key retailers and is quickly gaining popularity with new parents. Remarking on the design, JPMA judge Mat York said, As a judge in the JPMA Product Innovation Awards, I was very impressed by the creativity and uniqueness of the MOBY Fit. Its Best Design Award was well-deserved not only for its ability to fill a much needed gap in the baby carrier market, but also for the ease-of-use to the parent or caregiver.

About Moby

Our founders created MOBY (MOther & baBY) after their own search for a safe, easy, and convenient baby carrier came up empty-handed. They set out to create an easy-to-use wrap that would work on-the-go and help them feel close to their new bundle of joy - and the MOBY Classic was born! Since then, MOBY has continued to create new products and share the benefits of babywearing with parents and caregivers worldwide. We now offer a wide array of baby carrier options for you and yours: Our Classic Wrap (100% Cotton) and Evolution Wrap (70% Viscose/30% Cotton), the fashionable Ring Sling, our traditional Meh Dai / Bei Dai style baby carriers, the Buckle Tie and Double Tie, plus our new MOBY Fit hybrid wrap/carrier combo and Destination Diaper Bag Backpack.

MOBY  Close enough to kiss

Learn more at MobyWrap.comThe latest release of OpenEDU is available! Download at Drupal.org now.

OpenEDU is the leading platform for delivering a framework to meet the technical and user-experience needs of higher education digital experiences on Drupal 8. OpenEDU is fully extensible and can be customized to meet more complex and technical requirements.

The latest release of OpenEDU is powered by the Acquia Lightning distribution. It is developed and maintained by ImageX (http://www.imagexmedia.com/openedu/) and 1xINTERNET (http://www.1xinternet.de/).

This release includes:

On-page editing tools such as:



SEO Tracker

Google Analytics integration

Supports Accessibility Checker

Support for Events, including Calendar integration

Improved Enterprise Search functionality

Advanced Form Builder

Drupal Core 8.5.1 update

Security update DRUPAL-PSA-2018-001 (issued March 28, 2018) and DRUPAL-PSA-2018-003

Upgraded to Bootstrap 4

Of all the feature updates for this release of OpenEDU, the on-page tools available to the content editors have been received with the most enthusiasm. Page editors can see, in real time, SEO results for the page, page analytics through an integration with Google Analytics, and the level of accessibility of content on the page.

Download the latest release of OpenEDU today: from https://www.drupal.org/project/openedu

About ImageX

ImageX is a Drupal-based web agency and has delivered more than 300 Drupal sites to some of the worlds most prestigious brands, including Apple, Samsung, Adidas, Disney, Adobe, The Discovery Channel, Arizona State University and Trinity University. To learn more, please visit http://www.imagexmedia.com.

About 1XInternet

1xINTERNET provides bespoke Drupal solutions: cost-effective, scalable, and convention driven. They have been providing professional web services and solutions since 2011. For more information visit http://www.1xinternet.de/.

About Acquia

Acquia is the leading provider of cloud-based, digital experience management solutions. With Acquia, thousands of customers globally are delivering digital experiences with transformational business impact. For more information visit http://www.acquia.com.Ecotech Institute, a college dedicated to preparing graduates for careers in the energy industry, is pleased to announce that it will host a special Crash-A-Class event on its campus on Saturday, May 19, 2018. Open to the community, this free event will feature complimentary lunch and offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience what its like to be an Ecotech Institute student.

WHAT: A special event providing visitors with an exclusive chance to experience the hands-on learning that Ecotech Institute offers and find out more about specific career-training programs available at the school.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST.

WHERE: Ecotech Institute, 1400 South Abilene Street, Aurora, CO 80012.

RSVP: The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, please visit ecotechinstitute.com/rsvp or contact Leo Dulay at leo.dulay(at)ecotechinstitute.com or 720-213-2629.

Find out what Ecotech Institute is all about! Crash our campus for a short course and work hands-on in one of these training areas:



Solar Energy Systems: Definition, design and function

Electrical Technology: Soldering, microcircuits and robotics

Home Efficiency: Industry best practices

About Ecotech Institute

Ecotech Institute is a college solely focused on renewable energy education. Located in Aurora, Colo., Ecotech Institute offers an array of practical diploma programs that prepare students for careers in the energy industry, with an emphasis on the fields of renewable energy, sustainability and energy efficiency. Through flexible programs designed to meet diverse career goals, students get the hands-on training they need to be successful in these high-tech industries. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call (303) 586-5290.Florida Music Festival Its exciting to have the opportunity to showcase so many amazing young Florida based artists to the attending music industry. This year may be the most diverse group of future stars representing all genres and regions of the stage. - Sean Perry

The 18th annual Florida Music Festival & Conference will once again play host to hundreds of emerging talent in the heart of Downtown Orlando, offering local music fans free admission to all venues, compliments of the Downtown Development Board and Miller Lite. From May 10-12, crowds will be entertained by a diverse lineup of artists as buzz bands from NYC and Nashville make the trek to Central Florida to participate in the weekend-long festival. The festival is accompanied by a music industry conference on Friday and Saturday. Artists, students and industry professionals will get a chance to hear from an EDM legend, as James "Disco Donnie" Estopinal is set to be the keynote speaker.

When asked what festival attendees can expect this year, festival organizer Sean Perry of Axis Promotions said, Its exciting to have the opportunity to showcase so many amazing young Florida based artists to the attending music industry. This year may be the most diverse group of future stars representing all genres and regions of the stage. Featured artists include Orlandos own pop Spotify sensation, JOHN.k, Nashville's alternative garage rockers *repeat repeat and over 100 other artists from Indie, Country, EDM and Americana.

The festival will also bring back the popular Blue Man Group Drum-off, where talented drummers compete for a prize package which includes a DW drum set, in front of celebrity judges which will include Evanescence drummer Will Hunt, and members of Universal Studios' elite Blue Man Group.

On Friday, May 11, and Saturday, May 12, the conference panel portion of the festival will take place at the new Ace Cafe Orlando, where music business professionals from every facet of the industry will share their advice and anecdotes with artists and students from UCF, Full Sail and F.I.R.S.T. who have been invited to attend. Past panelists include Kevin Lyman, Founder of Warped Tour, and Jonathan Mayers, Founder of Bonnaroo. This year's the conference will feature a keynote conversation with James "Disco Donnie" Estopinal, voted as one of 50 most influential people in EDM by Rolling Stone Magazine. The conference will also feature panels with booking agents from some of the top agencies in the country including TKO and United Talent Agecy. Registration is still open to artists, music industry professionals and students. Those interested can go onto http://www.floridamusicfestival.com and register.

The 18th annual festival will kick off Thursday, May 10th and run through Saturday, May 12th.

For more information on the Florida Music Festival & Conference please visit http://www.floridamusicfestival.com.Sleep With The Angels offers sleepwear selections made from a blend of breathable, luxurious and durable Peruvian Pima and modal. Inspired by Chelsea, my mission is to provide comfort to women during their precious moments of downtime and relaxation, and to help them look good and feel good. Chelsea would not have it any other way!

Moms of 19-year old daughters typically spend their time worrying about the what lies ahead for their child regarding school, money, friends, relationships, and the list goes on. But that traditional rite-of-passage wasnt in the cards for Sandy Lane. When her beautiful daughter Chelsea was 19, the focus wasnt on college applications or controversial boyfriends. It was on saying goodbye, because in early 2013 as most young adults her age were busy mapping out the brand new year ahead, Chelsea passed away from a rare and currently incurable disease called Friedreichs Ataxia. Now, five years later, Sandy is celebrating her daughters legacy of courage, hope and joy with the launch of a new sleepwear company and online store called Sleep With The Angels (https://sleepwiththeangels.net).

Chelsea, was diagnosed with Friedreichs Ataxia at four and half years of age, and became blind shortly after, shared Sandy, who is donating a portion of all sales to Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA). She became dependent on her other senses; especially touch. In particular, she enjoyed and loved comfortable, cozy sleepwear. During my stays with her in the ICU, she would ask me to apply lip gloss. When I asked her why, she would say: When you look good, you feel good. This wisdom and insight has stayed with me ever since, and its at the heart of Sleep With The Angels.

Sleep With The Angels offers sleepwear selections made from a blend of breathable, luxurious and durable Peruvian Pima and modal. Current items include: short sleeve and long sleeve baby doll pajamas, short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts, nightgowns, shorts, capris, pants and tank tops. Customers can also purchase delightful Sleep Well items such as lavender grass body serum, chamomile and lavender hand and body cream, and silver ceramic candle tumblers. Most products can be shipped anywhere in the world, and people looking for the ideal present can also pick-up a stylish glossy black euro gift bag with tissue.

Every night before bed, I would tell my two daughters to sleep with the angels, added Sandy. Inspired by Chelsea, my mission is to provide comfort to women during their precious moments of downtime and relaxation, and to help them look good and feel good. Chelsea would not have it any other way!

More information on Sleep With The Angels is available by visiting https://sleepwiththeangels.net, and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A launch party is scheduled for Saturday May 12, 2018 at CocoRose Boutique in Orange, CA.

For media and interview requests and all other requests, contact Sandy Lane at (800) 925-0619 or by email through the web form at https://sleepwiththeangels.net/contact-us.Bank of America received the award for Best Branch Experience (large bank) in 2017.

The Amazons, Starbucks and Ubers of the world have completely re-imagined what it means to provide an optimal digital shopping experience. And the likes of Walmart, Target and others continue to add elements of e-commerce into their physical stores.

As a result of these changes, consumers now expect the same kinds of experiences with all brands, not just retailers. Banks fall into that mix. And now more than ever, financial institution executives consider Amazon to be their toughest form of competition instead of the bank down the street.

That being said, the annual Bank Customer Experience (BCX) Summit is back to help the industry identify the banks and fintech companies that are doing their part to provide great and smooth customer experiences in their respective realms.

And this year, as in previous years, BCX organizer Networld Media Group will be recognizing four organizations that best demonstrate the most effective strategies and methods for winning the confidence and loyalty of a new generation of digital natives.

Through Friday, June 15, we'll be accepting entries from innovative, consumer-focused financial institutions and fintech providers whose unique strategies and technologies are heightening the consumer experience in four categories:



Best Branch Experience;

Best ATM/Self-Service Experience;

Best Mobile Experience (financial institution); and

Best Mobile Experience (fintech provider).

Judges will include the editors of ATM Marketplace and Mobile Payments Today, as well as respected industry analysts and consultants. They'll weigh the merits of each entry on the basis of:

innovation;

originality;

quality;

usefulness; and, of course,

consumer experience.

Qualifying entries must represent fintech products or services introduced between May 1, 2017, and May 1, 2018, either in a pilot deployment or as a full rollout.

For your entry, you will be asked to provide:

a brief description of the consumer experience (100 words or fewer);

an explanation of attributes and capabilities that make your offering unique to the market; and

a link to a website or video about the submitted technology or financial institution.

Winning entries will be selected and winners notified by July 16. Awards will be presented Sept. 13 during a banquet at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile. Award winners will receive a complimentary ticket to the dinner.

Enter the 2018 Bank Customer Experience Tech Awards.

View the 2018 BCX Summit agenda.

Register for the Bank Customer Experience Summit, Sept. 1214, at the Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile. Early Bird rates are in effect until June 8.

About Networld Media Group

Founded in 2000, Networld Media Group is a leading business-to-business (B2B) global media communications company specializing in digital media, associations and events in the mobile, self-service, digital signage, retail, food service and financial services industries. Online properties include ATMmarketplace.com, BlockchainTechNews.com, DigitalSignageToday.com, FastCasual.com, FoodTruckOperator.com, KioskMarketplace.com, MobilePaymentsToday.com, PizzaMarketplace.com, QSRweb.com, RetailCustomerExperience.com and BiblicalLeadership.com. Networld event properties include the Fast Casual Executive Summit, CONNECT: The Mobile CX Summit, Interactive Customer Experience Summit, Bank Customer Experience Summit and the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit. Networld also operates the ICX Association. Its newest offering, Networld Press, provides clients with an all-in-one website solution featuring custom website design and ongoing editorial, content strategy and website updates.

###TRGs Sourcing support ensures a robust, effective and merit based outsource selection process to identify the best partner for your organization The fact that TRG is vendor agnostic means each of our clients receive a non-biased, prescriptive recommendation, tailored specifically to our clients organizational needs.

Customer Experience and Contact Center consultancy, The Taylor Reach Group Inc., (TRG) today announced that they will be assisting their client with an Outsource Vendor Selection initiative. The client, a financial services leader, will dramatically reduce the risks associated with Contact Center outsourcing.

CEO, Colin Taylor said, 80% of Customer Service outsourcing projects designed to cut costs will fail. With decades of experience building, operating and selling outsource agency services, we have a thorough understanding of outsourcing, from both sides of the table. The fact that TRG is vendor agnostic means each of our clients receive a non-biased, prescriptive recommendation, tailored specifically to our clients organizational needs.

Through stakeholder interviews and meetings with the client, TRG gains a thorough understanding of the current state of the operation and can assess the Contact Center maturity in the four primary elements of Contact Center operations: People, Process, Technology, and Methodology. TRG limits project scope creep and slippage through weekly written reports and check-in calls.

Each outsourcing project must consider the Contact Center needs, and tailor solutions, operations policies, practices and metrics to meet the strategic requirements and goals of the organization, said Taylor. We achieve this through a deep understanding of all aspects of Contact Center operations as well as extensive senior management and sales experience in the outsource BPO sector. 

The outsource selection process incorporates a detailed assessment of requirements, vendor capabilities, vendor approach, project management, pricing, locations, reputation and communications cadence. TRG will work to define requirements, identify candidate firms, develop the RFX and scoring with evaluation methodology, issue the RFX, manage vendor inquiries and support short-list and finalist determination including subsequent negotiations.

About Taylor Reach Group, Inc., (TRG)

Established in 2003, TRG is vendor agnostic and has provided consulting advice to thousands of Contact Center of all sizes, across all verticals. TRG has seven offices globally and each TRG consultant possesses a minimum of 20 years of Contact Center operational management experience.By providing software that helps physician practices build the patient-focused, coordinated care infrastructure expected of NCQA patient-centered specialty practices, Morphii is helping practices be part of modern health cares most important transformations, said NCQA President Margaret E. OKane

Vizbii Technologies, Inc. (Vizbii) announces that Morphii, their landmark tool that captures and measures emotions and other subjective experiences, has been NCQA Prevalidated for medical practices seeking Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) designation.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)s PCMH Prevalidation evaluates Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, advanced registries, population health management tools, care coordination tools, patient engagement tools and other related health technology solutions providing functionality that completely meet or support factor-level requirements within applicable NCQA PCMH Standards. If a health IT solution completely meets the functional requirements of a given factor, automatic credit, autocredit points are awarded. If the health IT solution provides significant functionality that aligns with the requirements of the PCMH standards for a given factor, but does not fully meet the factor level requirement, a supporting designation is awarded. Once a solution receives autocredit or a supporting designation for one or more factors, it is considered Prevalidated. Practices that use an NCQA Prevalidated system with autocredit awarded to a factor do not have to submit documentation for that associated factor within their PCMH Survey.

By providing software that helps physician practices build the patient-focused, coordinated care infrastructure expected of NCQA patient-centered specialty practices, Morphii is helping practices be part of modern health cares most important transformations, said NCQA President Margaret E. OKane. Medical homes are the way of the future, and Morphii is helping practices get there.

Morphii is a product of Vizbii Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Charleston, SC. Morphii is a tool that allows users to manipulate and control the appearance of a variety of graphical images to measure and report both the type and intensity of users subjective experiences. These modifiable adjustable graphics include emoji-like facial expressions, scientifically designed to quantify qualitative experiences in a new and engaging way. Morphii has already partnered with several Fortune 500 companies to bring these tools to human resources and brand expansion initiatives and anticipate working with several large healthcare providers to help improve patient experience in 2018. To learn more, visit morphii.com.

NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA's website (http://www.ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more informed health care choices. Please contact communications@ncqa.org if you have questions related to press releases.Siemplify's security orchestration and automation workbench enables teams to configure and contextualize vulnerabilities from Tenable SecurityCenter and orchestrate vulnerability management processes. Partners like Siemplify help our joint customers more efficiently and effectively share information, gain enhanced visibility and reduce their cyber risk.

Siemplify, the leading innovator in security orchestration and automation, announced today that it has achieved technical integration of the Siemplify Security Orchestration and Automation Platform with Tenable SecurityCenter. This pairing enables security teams to seamlessly use SecurityCenter from within Siemplifys proprietary workbench, resulting in improved insight into security events and quicker vulnerability management.

Siemplifys platform is unique in that it delivers context-rich security orchestration and automation capabilities through a holistic analyst workbench, said Meny Har, vice president of products, Siemplify. Integrating with Tenable SecurityCenter means users can seamlessly pair vulnerability data with other security alerts to more quickly and effectively investigate, triage and remediate security events, as well as create consistent, automated vulnerability management processes. All from a single console.

Enterprises and managed security services providers (MSSPs) have a broad spectrum of disparate security tools to help secure their networks and data. Managing these various technologies is a heavy burden for most security teams, eating into the time they need to thoroughly investigate and remediate cyber threats. Boasting more than 100 integrations across SIEM, detection, prevention, risk management, infrastructure and collaboration technologies, the Siemplify Security Orchestration and Automation Platform empowers analysts to work smarter and respond faster.

We are thrilled to add Siemplify to our elite roster of technology partners that together help us address the security challenges of the modern attack surface, said Ray Komar, vice president of technical alliances, Tenable. As Tenable continues to build out our technology ecosystem, partners like Siemplify help our joint customers more efficiently and effectively share information, gain enhanced visibility and reduce their cyber risk.

About Siemplify

Siemplify provides a holistic security operations platform that empowers security analysts to work smarter and respond faster. Siemplify uniquely combines security orchestration and automation with patented contextual investigation and case management to deliver intuitive, consistent and measurable security operations processes. Leading enterprises and MSSPs leverage Siemplify as their SOC workbench, tripling analyst productivity by automating repetitive tasks and bringing together disparate security technologies. Founded by Israeli Defense Forces security operations experts, Siemplify is headquartered in New York with offices in Tel Aviv. Learn more at siemplify.coIn my experience, I have noticed some text be outdated or not relevant to the course, but Skyepack has honestly kept the information current and relevant.

Technology has changed the way Americans work, live and learn. Texas A&M University is incorporating the use of digital textbooks in the classroom as a way improve the student experience as well as encourage more physical activity.

The Physical Education Activity Program (PEAP) digital course materials are created and designed by Skyepack, an Indiana-based company, with an office in College Station, that provides custom digital course content to perfectly match an educators learning objectives, student demographics and unique teaching styles.

Skyepack gives professors an opportunity to truly customize their course content and easily update it as necessary, said Skyepack CEO, Brady Kalb. Not only does this provide a convenience to the professors but also a significant cost-savings to the students.

Texas A&M Assistant Professor, Chad Nelson, was one of the first to utilize the format in his Physical Education course in the Fall of 2016. He has noticed an increase in engagement and preparedness from the students and says the digital coursebooks give him the tools he needs as an instructor to be better prepared as well.

I love being able adjust my course materials as the semester is in progress. If I have the chance to make the class materials more efficient for my students, then I am doing my part as the professor, said Nelson. In my experience, I have noticed some text be outdated or not relevant to the course, but Skyepack has honestly kept the information current and relevant.

Austin Bates, Director of Operations & Instructional Design for Skyepack, is based in College Station and works closely with the University. He notes, while some feel the overuse of technology leads to a sedentary lifestyle, the implementation of digital materials in the PEAP department has actually opened the doors for more physical activity.

Professors are able to use video instruction for students, which helps them familiarize themselves with skills and rules of the sport outside of the classroom. In turn, this frees up course time for active participation in the sport, said Kalb.

Students who have participated in these courses at Texas A&M which use the digital course content, report benefits outside the classroom as well:



88% agree that participating in a PE course helped them stay active through the semester

88% agree that Physical activity helped them reduce stress during the semester

72% agree that their health and wellness improved through their physical activity

69% agree that staying physically active during the semester helped them perform better in other courses.

The university started implementing the new course format in the Fall of 2016 with two PEAP classes. There are now 13 classes in the Health & Kinesiology department following suit with more to come in the Fall of 2018.

###

Skyepack is a higher-education content curation and delivery Platform-as-a-Service company. We provide a technology platform that professors and students agree is more engaging, helpful, and convenient than others they have used. The Skyepack platform and our supportive services assist faculty with the transition from expensive traditional textbooks to more fairly-priced materials. Visit online: http://www.Skyepack.com

The College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M University was established in 1969 and is the largest producer in the state of teachers in the high-need fields of bilingual education, math and science. The college offers more than 19 degree programs that fit the needs of our diverse student population. Consistent with the land grant mission of our university, the teaching, research and service activities of the college transform the lives of individuals in our state across the nation. Our faculty, staff and students reflect the diversity and complexity of Texas to better serve the needs of our ever-changing local, state, national and global community. Visit online: http://education.tamu.edu/Homeowners receive a very official offer and think that is the law for what they are able to receive. If an offer has been made, there may be a more complete and satisfactory offer to be gained through reappraisal and negotiations, said Attorney Jason Campbell.

The next sections of the widening of the US 74 Shelby Bypass, a nearly $300 million road project affecting hundreds of properties, is moving forward after years of controversy.

However, the offers some property owners receive from state officials may amount to far less than what their property is worth, according to former NCDOT attorneys at the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm. They suggest that rather than accepting these offers, owners may want to exercise often-misunderstood rights, including the ability to negotiate for a second check.

A seminar on Thursday evening, May 24th, at 7 P.M. at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Shelby will explore property owners rights at no cost to participants (more below).

Shelby property and business owners in the path of the US 74 Bypass widening will soon receive purchase offers from state officials. According to attorney Jason Campbell, with the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm and former NCDOT attorney, property owners should be careful  a project with this size and scope can spare a few moments to ensure citizens get a fair shake.

Homeowners receive a very official offer and think that is the law for what they are able to receive, Campbell said. If an offer has been made, there may be a more complete and satisfactory offer to be gained through reappraisal and negotiations.

Second Check

By North Carolina law, property owners whose land or businesses are targeted for acquisition ultimately receive an offer from the state. If the owner chooses not to accept the offer and takes no further steps, the state will still acquire the land and deposit the amount of the original offer with the County Clerk for the owner.

This is where the NC Eminent Domain Law Firms second check approach comes in. In most cases, the property owner is then free to pursue a potentially better, fairer arrangement, without losing the first offer.

If continued negotiations do not change the offer, the owner still has the first offer. But if continued negotiations are successful, the property owner will receive a second check in addition to the first offer.

We hate it when we see property owners get less money than they should, simply because they didnt know the full extent of their rights, said Stan Abrams, also with the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm and a former NCDOT attorney.

The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm will host a free informational session on Thursday, May 24th at the Hampton Inn & Suites Shelby (2001-B East Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC, 28152) to answer property and business owners key questions. Those questions typically include:



For more information about the meetings, please call the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm at 1-877-393-4990.

About the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm

A division of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, the NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is dedicated solely to representing property owners throughout North Carolina, who may be impacted by eminent domain law. The NC Eminent Domain Law Firm is led by attorneys Stan Abrams and Jason Campbell, both of whom previously worked as Assistant Attorneys General for the North Carolina Department of Justice in the Transportation Section, where they litigated condemnation cases for the NCDOT. They have over 30 years of combined experience working exclusively on eminent domain cases. The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has the legal resources of 45 attorneys and is based in Durham, North Carolina, with 13 additional offices throughout the state to serve its clients.

Contact Information:

Stan Abrams

1-877-393-4990

NC Eminent Domain Law Firm

1001 Morehead Square Drive, Suite 350

Charlotte, NC 28203This annual event gives us an opportunity to thank our partners for pushing MeridianLink beyond our boundaries and helping us innovate. Together, MeridianLink and our partners achieve remarkable results, said Tim Nguyen, president, MeridianLink.

MeridianLink, developer of the financial industry's first multi-channel loan and new account origination platform, today announced that it has kicked off its third annual User Forum in Huntington Beach, California. Supporting the theme Power Up! the event shines light on the breadth of the MeridianLink platform, directing users on how to deliver the premier member experience by taking advantage of the technology-enabled LoansPQ.

A record 440+ attendees will enjoy the exclusive event, gaining insight on how to use their MeridianLink solutions more effectively. With dedicated tracks for LoansPQ and XpressAccounts Administrators and Front-end Users, User Forum participants are encouraged to network and learn from colleagues at other financial institutions. Attendees have a unique opportunity to adopt resources and experience for best practices while putting faces to names with their MeridianLink contacts.

In addition to being a fantastic forum for sharing MeridianLinks learning orientation with our partners, this annual event gives us an opportunity to thank our partners for pushing MeridianLink beyond our boundaries and helping us innovate. Together, MeridianLink and our partners achieve remarkable results, said Tim Nguyen, president, MeridianLink.

The 2018 User Forum comes at an exciting time for the MeridianLink roadmap, and attendees will gain access to future initiatives for the company. Recent customer engagements with Harvester Financial CU, USAgencies CU, Fremont FCU, RTP FCU, Mutual CU, Avadian CU, South Metro FCU, Carolinas Telco FCU, Inspire FCU, First Community CU, Home Savings Bank, Covenant Bank, International Financial Enterprise Bank, Cooperative Center FCU, Alabama Teachers CU, Niagaras Choice CU, WEOKIE FCU, Jordan CU, Kentucky Employees CU, Arkansas FCU, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, Potlatch No1 FCU, Hiway FCU and LOC FCU demonstrate the companys foothold in the financial services market space. By enabling the seamless acceleration of trust (high-value transactions), MeridianLink is very proud to empower people to achieve what matters most.

Taking advantage of over 200 third party integrations and connections, MeridianLink users maximize the use of the origination platform and the variety of solutions to benefit their members/customers. This and many other attributes exclusive to MeridianLink help drive much better financial transactions for both FIs and those who they serve.

MeridianLinks platform is the most mature and time-tested loan origination and new account opening solution using the latest technologies available, and the company has maintained its position on the cutting edge of advancement and innovation since 1998. The MeridianLink platform has been proven to increase loan volume as well as reduce loan production costs and is integrated with most core processors and third-party systems and product providers.

About MeridianLink

MeridianLink, Inc., developer of the industry's first multi-channel account opening and loan origination platform, is a leading provider of enterprise business solutions for 20,000+ financial service organizations. The companys passion for excellence is reflected in their web-based credit reporting, lending and new account opening/deposit technologies, which all enjoy solid reputations as being cutting edge, reliable and affordable. Based in Costa Mesa, California, MeridianLink is committed to creating smart solutions that deliver real value. For more information, visit http://www.meridianlink.com.Rob Drake and Mary Ehrsam join Solacom as regional sales directors.

Solacom, a leader in 9-1-1 call handling and management solutions, welcomes two public safety industry veterans to its sales team. Mary Ehrsam joins Solacom as regional sales director for the Midwest region. Rob Drake is Solacoms new regional sales director for the Northeast.

Ehrsam has 25 years of telecom and IT experience as Century Links lead account manager, where she was the top government account manager for 2017. She has worked closely with state and county governments in Wisconsin in 9-1-1 and public safety, and played a large role in educating governments and public safety answering points (PSAPs) in Wisconsin about Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). Solacoms Midwest region includes Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Drake has held senior sales positions in the telecom and IT industry for over 30 years with Bell Atlantic/Verizon, Troxell Communications, and Panasonic North America. He has extensive experience working with state and local governments in Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and the Atlantic region in 9-1-1, public safety, and law enforcement. He also served as a consultant on the New York City 9-1-1 system replacement. Solacoms Northeast region covers New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and Delaware.

We are excited to welcome two longtime industry professionals to the Solacom team, says Tony Parrott, Solacoms vice president of sales. Both Mary and Rob have a long history in the 9-1-1 community and a passion for helping governments, PSAPs, and emergency operations centers solve problems and make informed choices about preparing for NG9-1-1.

About Solacom

Solacom 9-1-1 call handling and management solutions are built on more than 30 years of research and innovation in the application of advanced hardware and software technologies for public safety. Today, Solacom Guardian 9-1-1 solutions support thousands of agencies affecting millions of lives annually. From dense urban environments to statewide deployments, Solacom solutions are trusted to streamline 9-1-1 call handling and management processes and enable more efficient collection of critical information in emergency situations. For more information, visit: http://www.solacom.com

Media Contact:

Gurprasad Green

Media Relations Specialist

Aragona Agency

Phone: (613) 836-1892 ext. 254

ggreen(at)aragonaagency(dot)comNothing gives us greater satisfaction than supporting the men and women who have served this country by bringing their photos back to life

The nation enjoys a peaceful sleep because they are awake at the borders. These brave soldiers whose hearts are filled with patriotism, bravery and the spirit to protect their people are no ordinary gentlemen. These are special individuals who live in a special place in the heart of the nation. Its their ever-living passion and an undying enthusiasm that lights up their faces with and transfers from generation to generation in the form of pictures.

Whether they have passed away or reached the older years of their lives, the families of the brave soldiers want their pictures looking like new and fresh forever. It is amazing that Timeless Restoration runs a business that allows it to share the emotions of these amazing families and become a part of the dignifying process of the great veterans. Restoring old pictures of the veterans is a great way for families to show their love and respect for the soldiers, and Timeless Restoration feels honored to be a part of it all.

But the Timeless Restoration team does not feel its job is done by just colorizing, restoring and digitizing these pictures. A step had to be taken; an extra mile had to be covered because it was for the dignified soldiers. The company has decided to offer a 20% on the restoration of veterans pictures.

The discount is not limited to the veterans from service in the past. If it is a picture of a veteran, it qualifies for the amazing new discount from the company.

Stephanie Tamez, a spokesperson for the company said, We are photo restoration experts that pride ourselves on restoring the memories of people whose photos get damaged. Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than supporting the men and women who have served this country by bringing their photos back to life.

At Timeless Photo, the experts specialize in restoring photos damaged due to any reason. They cater to clients who bring in burnt and even torn photos, and the team there puts the photos back together, just the way they were. The process they follow is simple.



Get in touch with Timeless Photo and explain the problem

After analyzing the work required, they will provide you with a free estimate

If acceptable, they will restore the photo back to the original condition, preserving the memory

With the increasing demand from customers to renew the pictures of veterans, the company could have raised its prices or continued providing its services at the existing rates to earn great revenues. Timeless Restoration has proved with this step that it gives special place to its customers just like they give special place to their beloved soldiers in their hearts.

About Timeless Restoration

Timeless Photo is an Illinois-based photo restoration studio serving clients in all 50 states. Their team uses modern technology and equipment to restore photos destroyed by water, fire, or for any other reason. Learn more about the studio via their website or call them at 888 987-4686.Millions of people will spend the next several months in or near water. Whether at a local pool, waterpark, lake or beach, its critical not to forget the importance of water safety, said Barbara Tulipane, CAE, NRPA president and CEO.

A coalition of water safety partners, including the American Red Cross, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation and Park Association, the World Waterpark Association and several other water safety groups, will work together to promote May as National Water Safety Month. National Water Safety Month is a campaign held during the month of May that raises awareness about water safety and highlights the importance pf public education regarding safer practices for kids and adults around the water.

During May, the event will be celebrated by these organizations and thousands of aquatics facilities and professionals through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and aquatics business promotions and the distribution of water safety themed materials, aimed primarily at the public and designed to help prevent water-related fatalities, illness and injuries.

National Water Safety Month helps bring many voices together at the start of the busy summer swim season, said Connie Harvey, Director of the Aquatics Centennial Initiative for the American Red Cross. This helps amplify the messages of the importance of knowing good strategies for water safety, ensuring that everyone in the family learns how to swim and that parents and caregivers have the knowledge and skills to handle emergencies around the water, including how to perform CPR.

National Water Safety Month partners will host water safety events. These events include:

International Water Safety Day  May 15, 2018

International Water Safety Day is designed to help spread global awareness of the ongoing drowning pandemic, and educate the youth in becoming safer in and around water  mostly in a dryland setting. Around the globe, on this single day, in school classrooms, hospitals, fitness centers, coastal hotels, police, fire and EMS agencies as well as aquatic facilities, youth and adults will learn water safety actions that can save their lives. Register to host an event and access resources here.

Worlds Largest Swimming Lesson  June 21, 2018

The Worlds Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL), created by the World Waterpark Association in 2010, is a global public relations event supported by aquatic facilities, waterparks, pools, swim schools, YMCA's, among others. The WLSL event serves as a platform to help the global aquatics industry work together to build awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim to prevent drowning. Learn more about WLSL and register here.

Were proud to celebrate May as National Water Safety Month, said APSP President & CEO Lawrence Caniglia. Spreading the message of the safe enjoyment of water benefits everyone. APSP is committed to working towards a safer pool and hot tub industry and looks forward to working with our partners to reinforce the importance of water safety.

Millions of people will spend the next several months in or near water. Whether at a local pool, waterpark, lake or beach, its critical not to forget the importance of water safety, said Barbara Tulipane, CAE, NRPA president and CEO. NRPA is proud to reinforce this message through the promotion of National Water Safety Month at park and recreation centers across the country.

As families come together to enjoy waterparks this summer, our members are focused on promoting safer water practices, said Rick Root, World Waterpark Association (WWA) President. Participating in National Water Safety Month is a wonderful opportunity to educate the public about the importance of learning to swim and providing undistracted parental supervision while children are in the water.

Detailed information about National Water Safety Month, for both consumers and businesses, can be found at http://www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org.

About National Water Safety Month

National Water Safety Month is a joint effort of the American Red Cross, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation and Park Association and the World Waterpark Association. The event is celebrated by these organizations, participants, sponsors and thousands of aquatics facilities and professionals through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and aquatics business promotions, and the distribution of water-safety-themed materials, aimed primarily at the public, and designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries. For more information, visit National Water Safety Month at http://www.nationalwatersafetymonth.org.HelioCampus, a technology-enabled services company, has partnered with the University of Maryland, Baltimore to conduct an affordability study to better understand the relationships among various cost and income factors impacting the opportunities for students from all geographic and socioeconomic areas of the state to participate in its programs and pursue professions of their choosing.

The topic of college affordability has become increasingly prominent in recent years  with good reason. For undergraduate students, the cost of college attendance jumped 63 percent between 2006 and 2016, while consumer prices overall increased 21 percent (1). At the same time, median household income nationwide climbed by less than 3 percent (2). The affordability problem flows from the undergraduate to the graduate and professional school environment, where educational costs are typically far greater. This certainly has an impact on Marylands workforce and is felt acutely in those fields  for example, allied health  where demand for professionals outstrips supply.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) plays a key role in meeting Marylands workforce demand in health, law, and social work. To sustain this role, UMB must maintain a level of affordability that allows students from every Maryland region and every income level to take advantage of a UMB education. In order to support our goals, articulated in the 2017-2021 UMB Strategic Plan, it is essential that all our academic programs and offerings are affordable and accessible to Marylands residents of all races, ethnicities, and income levels, said Roger Ward, Senior Vice President for Operations and Institutional Effectiveness.

In support of their affordability goals, HelioCampus provided the foundation to achieve one of the universitys strategic plan outcomes. The University of Maryland, Baltimore began working with HelioCampus in spring of 2017. As part of the initiative, HelioCampus developed for UMB a data model that allows rapid, deep, and ongoing analysis of student debt and repayment. This robust and flexible model, along with visualization tools to view the data, allows the university to interrogate and explore multiple scenarios. HelioCampus is also providing a road map for future studies to explore affordability.

Preliminary findings show that UMBs professional programs continue to be broadly affordable. Although student debt at graduation has increased in recent years, it has risen at a slower rate than the cost of attendance. Repayment rates (dollars per year) vary widely by program, but repayment ratios (proportion of debt paid per year) are consistent, typically in the high single digits.

The issue of affordability is something we see as increasingly important in the current higher education climate. The University of Maryland, Baltimore is the first university we know of to complete such an initiative. We were really excited to be a part of this groundbreaking work, said HelioCampus CEO, Darren Catalano.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore is scheduled to present the results of this study at the AIR Forum in Orlando this year in a session called Creating an Affordability Model for Professional Education. http://forum.airweb.org/2018/pages/forum-sessions

You can also review a summary of the study in the UMB legislative budget testimony here: http://dbm.maryland.gov/budget/FY2019Testimony/R30B21.pdf

For more information about HelioCampus, visit http://www.heliocampus.com. To see the HelioCampus platform in action schedule a demo here: https://www.heliocampus.com/heliocampus-demo-request

About HelioCampus

HelioCampus helps colleges and universities use analytics to increase enrollment, improve student success, ensure financial sustainability and accelerate gift giving. We enable institutions to ask and answer their most pressing questions through data analytics, data storytelling and data science. Originated within the University System of Maryland, HelioCampus offers a unique perspective on the impact of data across the student lifecycle and solves challenges institution face in deploying data analytics. By combining an extensible data platform with ongoing data science services, HelioCampus leverages enrollment, student success, institutional financial and advancement data to facilitate meaningful conversations that fuel higher value analyses and spur action, leading to greater institutional performance and financial sustainability.

For more information about HelioCampus visit http://www.heliocampus.com or follow them on Twitter.

1 - Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, The Economics Daily, College tuition and fees increase 63 percent since January 2006 on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2016/college-tuition-and-fees-increase-63-percent-since-january-2006.htm (visited November 1, 2017).

2 - U.S. Bureau of the Census, Real Median Household Income in the United States [MEHOINUSA672N], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEHOINUSA672N, November 1, 2017.Stephen Ufford, CEO and co-founder of Trulioo, the leading global identity verification provider. Mobile ID not only provides access to previously hard-to-reach customers, but it also helps international remittance services strike the right balance between maximizing security and minimizing friction." - Stephen Ufford, CEO of Trulioo.

Trulioo, the leading global identity and business verification provider, is honored to announce that it has been selected as the winner of the Compliance Innovation category at this years RemTECH Awards. The company received the award for its new Mobile ID solution, launched earlier this year.

Now in its second year, the RemTECH Awards celebrate businesses, organizations, collectives and individuals transforming the field of global remittances. With applicants from all over the world, entries are scored based on the following criteria: originality, creativity and intent; functionality and technical qualities; ease-of-use and adoption; game-changing ability; implementation and performance; sustainability and potential for growth.

We are thrilled to accept the RemTECH award for Compliance Innovation this year, said Stephen Ufford, CEO of Trulioo. Mobile ID not only provides access to previously hard-to-reach customers, but it also helps international remittance services strike the right balance between maximizing security and minimizing friction."

This year, the independent judging panel consisted of vetted fintech and payment industry experts who evaluated each entry. The panel was co-chaired by U.S. blockchain payments expert Olivia Chow and bitcoin remittance entrepreneur Luis Buenaventura. Together, the panel selected the most innovative and outstanding ideas, models and projects designed to improve remittance services worldwide.

The judges noted that Trulioos entry was the most compelling due to the effectiveness, simplicity and the wide-ranging potential of the Mobile ID solution.

"By leveraging existing industry data to provide better value to customers, Trulioo's Mobile ID was the only entry to win both an award and a mention from RemTECH judges truly validating the need for and ingenuity of their solution, said Chow.

The RemTECH Awards 2018 will be presented May 8 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as part of the 2018 Global Forum on Remittances, Investment and Development (GFRID 2018), an international platform forged to raise awareness, facilitate dialogue and promote collaboration on the contribution of migrant remittances to development.

About Trulioo

Trulioo is a global identity and business verification company that provides secure access to reliable, independent, and trusted data sources worldwide to instantly verify consumers and business entities online. Trulioos bank-grade online verification platform, GlobalGateway, helps organisations comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements by automating Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) workflows. Trulioo supports over 500 global clients to instantly verify 4.5 billion customers and 250 million business entities in over 100 countries - all through a single API integration. Named as a 2017 CNBC Disruptor 50 Company, Trulioos mission is to solve global problems associated with verifying identities by powering fraud prevention and compliance systems for customers worldwide in an effort to increase trust and safety online. For more information visit http://www.trulioo.com.

About the RemTECH Awards

The RemTECH Awards celebrate the businesses, organizations, collectives and individuals transforming remittances. Developed by IMTC Conferences, in partnership with Mohr World Consulting, the awards showcase the most innovative and outstanding technological ideas designed to improve remittance services worldwide.The Real Estate entrepreneur is a unique type of business owner. said Mr. Altman. GLO recognizes that and I look forward to working with them to create a powerful community of real estate business leaders."

Mr. Altman will be the featured speaker at Microsoft and GLO's Lessons in Leadership Tour on May 8th. The event will be hosted live at the Microsoft Los Angeles store located in Century City. The event will be broadcast live to all Microsoft stores.

Josh Altman has become a household name as a real estate agent, real estate investor and reality television personality. He is the founder and principal of the Altman Brothers, a multi-billion dollar real estate company serving the Platinum Triangle (Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Holmby Hills), the Sunset Strip and Hollywood Hills luxury housing market. With over a decade of experience and huge personal success in the real estate business, Josh Altman exemplifies the type of real estate entrepreneur for which GLO was designed.

Were so excited to welcome Josh to the GLO community as our Real Estate Market Leader, said Michelle Lemmons-Poscente, GLO Founder and CEO. He is a widely known trend setter and a recognized authority on how to scale a real estate business. Were excited that Josh has agreed to be part of the GLO Market Leader team.

Never underestimate the importance of the right network to grow your business, Altman said. For real estate companies to grow they need the right mix of community and capital and that is exactly what GLO offers.

Josh joins other GLO market leaders such as Kevin Harrington, GLOs Market Leader for the Retail Community, inventor of the infomercial and one of the original sharks on the hit show Shark Tank. Nina Vaca is the Market Leader for Latino-owned businesses and is the founder of one of the fastest growing Hispanic-run businesses in the US - Pinnacle Group. GLO is adding new communities at a rate of 5 per quarter, each led by a well-known and respected Market Leader.

Founded by long-time award-winning business leader Michelle Lemmons-Poscente, GLO offers its members the resources they need to become leaders in their industries. Through GLOs Real Estate Community, members will be able to connect with those working in real estate all around the world, expand their customer base via GLOs online Marketplace and raise growth capital on the GLO-sponsored Investment Portals.

About Josh Altman

Josh Altman has always been heavily involved in all aspects of real estate, from flipping homes to real estate finance. With his well-rounded experience in all areas of the industry, Josh prides himself on being a one-stop-shop for buyers and sellers. Josh's clientele consists mostly of entertainers, athletes and high net worth individuals from around the world. Josh is known for offering his clients exclusive white glove, VIP treatment. Over the past 3 years, Josh has sold over $1.5 billion residential and currently has over $300,000,000 in listings. His most recognized sale was in Beverly Park that sold for $21,500,000, which was the most expensive one bedroom ever sold. With over a decade of experience and huge personal success in the real estate business, Josh Altman has become a household name when it comes to the high-end real estate game.

About Global Leaders Organization - http://www.GlobalLeadersOrg.com

Global Leaders Organization represents a community breakthrough for business owners and entrepreneurs. Designed for business owners with a minimum of $250,000 of annual revenue or a minimum of 3 employees, GLO provides an online peer platform at globalleadersorg.com for networking, expanding markets, and raising capital. Business owners organize into communities by industry, demographic and local city chapters. With an aggressive plan for a global footprint to recognize global marketplace potential, GLO is committed to meeting the unique challenges of small businesses in todays economy.

Contact Information

Michelle Lemmons-Poscente, 214-244-3885

MLP@GlobalLeadersOrg.com

https://www.facebook.com/globalleadersorg/Precise now offers Voltaire. We were initially attracted to Voltaire because their mission is very much in line with ours. Both firms strive to level the playing field for attorneys going to trial.

Precise Inc., a trusted provider of litigation technology services, today announced a reseller agreement with Voltaire, Inc., a Telluride, Colorado-based legal technology company. The Voltaire platform provides attorneys with unparalleled research and insight into their jury pool prior to selection while ensuring compliance with ethics regulations and maintaining juror privacy.

Precise Advisory, LLC, a subsidiary of Precise, Inc., will now offer the Voltaire Voir Dire app. The Voltaire app, powered by IBM Watson, conducts exhaustive research on jury pool participants by searching publicly available records, transactions, registrations, and social media footprints. The application will complement the jury research capabilities already offered through Precise Advisory, LLC.

We were initially attracted to Voltaire because their mission is very much in line with ours. Both firms strive to level the playing field for attorneys going to trial, explains Paul Null, president of Precise Advisory. Many attorneys believe, rightfully so, that cases can be won or lost during jury selection. Voltaire gives attorneys a competitive edge in the courtroom by arming them with insightful information and a more complete picture of the individuals that are being chosen to determine the outcome of their case.

Precise is well-suited to add Voltaire to their suite of technology solutions, said Michael Miceli, Voltaires chief marketing officer. The high caliber of our technology combined with the expertise of Precises trial consultants offers a remarkable asset to the attorney during the critical jury selection phase of a trial.

About Precise

Founded by attorneys in 2000, Precise was established to help law firms and corporate legal teams use technology to level the playing field regardless of the size of the firm or the scope of the litigation. Precises subsidiary companies, Precise Advisory, LLC; Precise Discovery, LLC; and Precise Trial, LLC; offer a range of litigation technology support from jury research to eDiscovery services to courtroom presentations. To learn more, please visit precise-law.com or call 866-277-3247.

About Voltaire

Voltaire, Inc is the maker of the leading jury research application for law firms, Voltaire Voir Dire. The software applies risk models to both public and social data, through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, allowing litigators to gain on-demand insights into their juries and collaborate with team members in real time. Voltaire software is used by attorneys and other legal professionals to help enhance the decision-making process before and during voir dire and beyond. Visit http://www.voltaireapp.com for more information or call 888-494-0514.Being part of (the EDGE) program gave my business national recognition and credibility. - ServerLIFT CEO, Ray Zuckerman

ServerLIFT was just honored as an Expert Exporter by the 2018 Sun Corridor "Economic Development for the Global Economy" (EDGE) Program. On April 27th, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) presented the honor to the data center lift manufacturer. MAG serves as the regional planning agency for the metropolitan Phoenix area.

MAG assistant director, Amy St. Peter, notified ServerLIFT CEO, Ray Zuckerman, of the honor. The goal of the EDGE Program, she wrote, is to promote and support businesses active in international trade.

ServerLIFT exports its purpose-built server handling devices to more than 60 countries. Zuckerman commented that the corporations newly earned title as an Expert Exporter brings new prestige to his business. By honoring us with the title, the Maricopa Association of Governments is recognizing our ability to build successful trade relationships in the Arizona Sun Corridor, across the nation, and around the globe.

The Arizona Sun Corridor hosts one of the nations fastest-growing populations. Arizona shares 378 miles of its border with Mexico. The Sun Corridor growth and access to ten international ports within the state make it critical to the regions export economy.

Jackie Meck, the Mayor of Buckeye, AZ and chair of MAG stated in an association announcement, With more than 95 percent of the worlds population and 80 percent of the worlds purchasing power outside the United States, our future economic growth and available jobs increasingly depend on expanding trade in the global marketplace.

The EDGE Program, created to increase exporting in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties of Arizona, recognizes businesses with international sales. An independent evaluation team of international trade experts selects the recipients of its Expert Exporter honor.

As recipients of this years honor, ServerLIFT Corporation participated in the Arizona Commerce Authority and U.S. Commercial Service ExporTech bootcamp. This event is designed to help businesses expand and strengthen revenues via exports.

Businesses interested in learning more about the MAG EDGE program can visit the Joint Planning Advisory Council webpage at jpacaz.org.Tribeca's Mail & Marketplace Amenity "With the electronic Luxer One lockers, our residents dont have to rush to the leasing office during business hours to get their packages. They can retrieve their deliveries whenever they want, straight from these lockers, says Kyle Hennessey, VP of Sales at Tribeca.

Tribeca (tribeca-stl.com) is a new smart technology luxury apartment complex in St. Louis, located at 5510 Pershing near Forest Park in the Central West End. The new development is blending luxury with practicality in its state-of-the-art Mail & Marketplace for residents. The modernized mailroom will feature a Luxer One smart package locker system that allows residents to pick up their packages securely and conveniently 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The package lockers are also located in the same area as residents USPS mailboxes for one-stop convenience. We wanted to offer common space amenities that truly provide day-to-day value to our residents, without compromising on our dedication to smart design and excellent technology, says Kyle Hennessey, VP of Sales at Tribeca. With the electronic Luxer One lockers, our residents dont have to rush to the leasing office during business hours to get their packages. They can retrieve their deliveries whenever they want, straight from these lockers, he continues. And in our next-gen mailroom, they can grab a sandwich from the Marketplace and watch TV while unwrapping their mail. Being right near Washington University, St. Louis University & Barnes Jewish Hospital, the millennial tenant base demands these modern day conveniences.

The Luxer One system works by allowing delivery carriers  such as USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon, etc.  to deliver packages directly into the smart package locker system. Each delivery triggers a mobile notification for the specific resident or package recipient, including a one-time-use access code for pick-up. Whenever they want, residents can go to the package locker system and input their code on the locker touchscreen, which opens the compartment containing their package. It takes only a few seconds to retrieve or deliver a package.

Tribecas Luxer One system also features an oversized compartment that accepts the largest size box that carriers will deliver. The goal is to accept 100% of the resident packages that come through the door, says Melody Akhtari, Director of Marketing & Communications at Luxer One. With the oversized locker, residents can enjoy peace of mind for all of their packages  big or small. The locker system includes a video surveillance system for an additional layer of security.

As mentioned above, the Mail & Marketplace space will also feature a marketplace with fresh food and drink for purchase. Residents can pick up prepared meals, snacks, and other convenience items straight from the mailroom. The room also features a Fusion Media System audio/visual display showing weather, community activities, local events, and more.

Tribeca is truly one of the smartest apartment communities we have come across, concludes Akhtari. Were excited to bring our package acceptance technology to this community, where convenience and excellent design come together so seamlessly.

Further inquiries can be sent to pr(at)tribeca-stl(dot)com.I am thrilled to join the Bellefield team and look forward to working with such a talented group of individuals to execute on the companys growth strategy

Bellefield Systems, the providers of the fastest path to revenue through its time entry solutions, has hired Samantha Rouse as Vice President, Operations. Rouse will oversee Bellefields overall business operations as well as product development. As a member of the executive team, Rouse will report directly to Bellefield President, Gabriela Isturiz.

It is an exciting opportunity to work with such a talented, entrepreneurial mind as Samantha. We look forward to the tremendous value that she will bring to Bellefield as we continue on our path of aggressive growth, stated Gabriela Isturiz, President.

Rouse joins Bellefield with over 20 years of experience in software and operations, having spent most of her career at Four Rivers Software Systems. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Operations at Mobile Aspects, where she was responsible for working directly with the business leaders to develop and institutionalize forward-looking strategy, planning, and execution that positioned the business for long-range goal attainment and a sustainable competitive advantage.

"I am thrilled to join the Bellefield team and look forward to working with such a talented group of individuals to execute on the companys growth strategy.

Bellefield is ecstatic to have Rouse on board and looks forward to a successful future.

About Bellefield Systems & iTimeKeep

Bellefield provides the fastest path to revenue by removing barriers to time entry for attorneys and law firms. Through the iTimeKeep platform, Bellefield brings better timekeeping to any law firm or professional services firm by increasing attorney engagement, providing real-time compliance with outside counsel guidelines and enabling firms to manage their time entry policies. In an area that was long disregarded and accepted as a cost of doing business, Bellefields innovations are bringing about efficiencies that allow firms to achieve the best timecard inventory, leading to less rejections, increased compliance and maximum client satisfaction.

Bellefield was founded with one simple (yet powerful) purpose: create better timekeepers. iTimeKeep ranks #1 as the most adopted Mobile (and anywhere) Time Entry solution for attorneys for five consecutive years. Bellefields founding members include the former founders of eBillingHub (now Thomson Reuters ), Gabriela Isturiz and Daniel Garcia and software veteran, John Kuntz. Bellefield Systems is an independent, privately held company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit http://www.bellefield.com.Visit Franklin County PA to learn, honor and remember the military service American citizens committed to their country.

Franklin County Visitors Bureau (FCVB) honors veterans and military members during May for Military Appreciation Month and invites all to explore the military history of Franklin County. Discover sites of military history in the self-guided tour of Franklin County Military Trail. Download from the FCVB website her e. Learn and explore nearly 300 years of Franklin Countys military history.

Grove Family Library on Ragged Edge Road in Chambersburg celebrates Military Month with a series of special events in May. All events are held at the library.



Vietnam Veteran Lou Lerda will speak about his experiences as a member of the Special Operations Helicopter Company of the Army on May 2, 2 PM to 3:30 PM.

Learn more about World War I as Judith Redline discusses her father, Kenneth Redline, and his book, Dig or Die. Mr. Redline, a resident of Altoona PA, participated in every major engagement of the American Expeditionary Forces and received Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Silver Star.

A special screening of Thank You For Your Service will take place on May 9, 2 PM to 4 PM.

Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 19 is the Annual Community POW/MIA Service of Remembrance at the Historic Letterkenny Chapel, Letterkenny Army Depot, 2171 Carbaugh Avenue, Chambersburg, which adjoins the Franklin County Veterans Park. The service begins at 11 AM.

CASHS Naval Junior R.O.T.C. Cadets will present the colors. The guest speaker will be Colonel Alexander P. (Al) Shine, U.S. Army (Retired) who retired in 1990 after 27 years of distinguished global service with the U.S. Army. Participants in the service will include Colonel Stephen Ledbetter, Commander, Letterkenny Army Depot, who will present welcoming remarks. Cheryl Wauls, President of the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area, area clergy and laypersons will also take part in the service. Special music for the service will be provided by the Community Chorus directed by Marcel Coates and by Freda Dorand, Organist, First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Charles M. Nitterhouse Post 1599 Veterans of Foreign Wars will lead military honors in front of the Chapel when the service concludes. The service is sponsored by the United Churches of the Chambersburg Area.

During Military Appreciation Month, visit Franklin County PA to learn, honor and remember the military service American citizens committed to their country.

The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites all to explore Franklin County PA and enjoy the history, arts, recreation, natural beauty, fresh foods and warm hospitality of communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Franklin County PA is located just north of the Mason Dixon Line and an easy drive to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Discover more.... plan your visit at ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com or by contacting 866.646.8060.IMS Global Learning Consortium (IMS Global/IMS), the world-leading non-profit collaborative advancing edtech interoperability, innovation, and learning impact released its annual report for the 2017 calendar year. The report is available online at http://www.imsglobal.org/2017-annual-report.

Adding 50 new members in 2017, IMS membership grew to 3,200 leaders representing 442 organizations. IMS members are leading suppliers, universities, school districts, and states worldwide who are actively collaborating and investing together to create the worlds largest and most dynamic ecosystem of forward-looking edtech products based on open standards. Over the last 12 years, membership has climbed at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.9%. Revenue climbed over 4.7 million dollars; increasing at a CAGR of 13.1% over this same 12-year period.

The IMS conformance certification program (imscert.org) is a key proof point in demonstrating the growth of the IMS ecosystem. The total number of certifications surpassed 1,400 certifications since its inception in 2009 with 379 certifications in 2017 alone, an 80% increase from the prior year.

Under the guidance of IMS institutional leadership boards, IMS members are collaborating on strategies to build the foundation for advancing their digital learning environment to support a next generation capable ecosystem. The K-12 Digital Learning Revolution Program empowers school districts of all sizes and needs to evolve to a seamless digital ecosystem for a better return on learning from their investments in digital curriculum and educational technology. The HED Transformative Ecosystem Program helps institutions evolve their learning ecosystem to feature the latest innovations in learning environments, adaptive learning tools, learning analytics, and digital micro-credentials.

The need to innovate in the delivery of education in both formal and informal settings has never been higher and will continue to grow, said Dr. Rob Abel, chief executive officer, IMS Global Learning Consortium. We are excited that the IMS community is playing a major leadership role in five key areasadaptive digital curriculum, next generation learning environments, integrated assessment, digital micro-credentials and learning analyticsand will continue to move forward in these areas as we work to advance the open educational technology ecosystem through the efforts of our members.

A major milestone in 2017 was the launch of LTI Advantage. LTI Advantage elevates the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard, which is currently implemented in over 70 learning platforms and hundreds of learning apps and tools, enabling unparalleled flexibility and choice among educational software to support evolving teaching and learning approaches. LTI Advantage also includes the most up-to-date and advanced security frameworkraising the bar in the protection of student privacy and data security.

Adoption of the IMS OneRoster standard continues its strong pace as K-12 districts are requiring IMS certification as an integral part of their Digital on Day One strategy. In 2017, certified adoptions of OneRoster increased more than 50% to 38 certified student information systems, learning management systems, and digital curriculum products achieving plug-and-play digital enrollment and grade reporting.

The IMS digital credentials portfolio expanded with the first release of the Competencies and Academic Standards Exchange (CASE) standard and a major upgrade to Open Badges. CASE provides curriculum and instructional designers the tools to align their curriculum with learning standards and frameworks in both K-12 and HED. CASE also provides assurance to end users that their learning standards will not be misinterpreted when translated to machine-readable format. The Open Badges 2.0 standard (OBv2) provides a robust digital currency for achievements providing value to earners, educational institutions, and employers. New capabilities of OBv2 include digital endorsement by recognized authorities, compatibility with assistive technologies, multilingual badges and support for multiple badge versions, and expanded identity profiles to support alternative ways to identify an individual or organization. Nine of the top badging platforms in the world are IMS certified for OBv2 guaranteeing that learners are able to display their badges on and share their badges from any IMS certified platform.

Work was completed on the next version of the IMS Caliper Analytics standard, the first open standard created by and for the educational community to provide semantically meaningful clickstream data from learner activities across learning resources, tools, and platforms. Caliper has been implemented and certified by 25 major LMS and learning tool suppliers to generate and deliver learning event data. Leading institutions are using Caliper data to analyze and measure the effectiveness of learning activities to support student success.

Question and Test Interoperability (QTI) continues to revolutionize digital assessment as institutions, state departments of education, and government ministries of learning across the globe transition to offer e-assessment exclusively. The next iteration of the QTI standard will be aligned to the latest web and accessibility standards, providing end-to-end accessible assessment solutions from authoring to delivery.

The most recent IMS Global achievements and results will be announced at the 2018 Learning Impact Leadership Institute, May 21-24, in Baltimore, Maryland.

About IMS Global Learning Consortium (IMS Global)

IMS Global is a nonprofit organization that advances technology to affordably scale and improve educational participation and attainment. IMS Global members are leading suppliers, institutions, and government organizations that are enabling the future of education by collaborating on interoperability and adoption initiatives. IMS Global sponsors the Learning Impact Leadership Institute, a global program focused on recognizing the impact of innovative technology on educational access, affordability, and quality while developing the people and ideas to help shape the future of educational technology.Quovim C3 at CX17 I am especially excited Quovim C3 will be presenting at CX18 to share how they used a cloud-based solution powered by PureConnect to transform the Canada Suicide Prevention Center, which led to life-saving results. It really doesnt get better than this in our business.

Quovim C3, a provider of Contact Center and Unified Communications solutions and consulting services, announces its third consecutive bronze sponsorship of CX18, the industrys premier customer experience event, which will take place May 1-4 in Nashville, Tennessee. CX18 is presented by Genesys, the global leader in omnichannel customer experience and contact center solutions.

Quovim C3 and its partner will present a breakout session on Wednesday, May 2 at 4:15 PM entitled Life-Saving Business Transformation: from Concept to Reality in Eight Months. Quovim C3 will share how they helped Canada Suicide Prevention Center build a virtual multichannel national suicide prevention service using a cloud-based solution powered by Genesys PureConnect. Designed and deployed in under 8 months, on-time and on-budget, the program saved 87 lives, starting with its first night live.

CX18 will be a monumental event for us, said Pierre Lemoine, Co-Founder and President of Quovim C3. Along with our partner, we are hosting a breakout session focused on a key implementation project where the impact of our efforts helped to save actual lives. We will also demonstrate our value-added solutions at the Partner Pavilion, booth #17. In addition to Message Insertion Points (MIP), Service Dispatch and CX Tool Box, we will demonstrate our Microsoft Dynamics Connector which is currently being implemented at World Vision Canada. Their 160 agents benefit from boosted connectivity and agility thanks to a seamless integration of their Microsoft platforms with PureConnect. Ask for a solution demonstration at our booth and attend our breakout session to understand why Quovim C3 provides a unique value proposition.

We are proud to have Quovim C3, a Genesys Gold partner, at CX18 to showcase how its solutions extend the Genesys Customer Experience Platform, said Paul Rolfe, vice president of global partners and alliances for Genesys. I am especially excited Quovim C3 will be presenting at CX18 to share how they used a cloud-based solution powered by PureConnect to transform the Canada Suicide Prevention Center, which led to life-saving results. It really doesnt get better than this in our business.

CX18 is the annual conference that gathers together the strongest ecosystem of solutions, customers, partners and technology pushing the boundaries and future of CX to provide the human touch in a digital world. Attendees will explore topics such as digital transformation, cloud customer experiences, customer journey management, hyper-personalization, predictive analytics, virtual reality and more.

Join the conversation on social media at #CX18

ABOUT Quovim C3

Quovim C3 provides complete contact center solutions, support and personalized consulting services that enable organizations to optimize client communications. A Genesys Gold Partner, Quovim C3 delivers custom solutions and expert guidance throughout the business planning and implementation process. Organizations with service, distribution and retail centers benefit from greater clarity in their operations that generate cost-savings and strengthen customer relationships. Quovim C3 transforms customer interactions into long-term profitable relationships. For more information, please visit http://www.QuovimC3.com.

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2018 Quovim C3 Inc. Quovim C3 is a registered trademark of Quovim C3 Inc. All other product/company names are used for identification purposes only, and may be the trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

CONTACT

Hellen Diamantakis, Quovim C3

1-855-9QUOVIM x 4525

hdiamantakis@quovimc3.comSAFERTOS is an ideal solution for the STM32 Functional Safety Design Package.

SAFERTOS is a safety critical Real Time Operating System (RTOS) available pre-certified to IEC 61508 SIL3. It now supports integration with the new software test library from STMicroelectronics (ST). The STL, also known as X-CUBE-STL, is part of the new functional safety design package from ST, targeting the industry standard IEC 61508 SIL3.

SAFERTOS is available pre-certified to IEC 61508 SIL 3, the highest possible level for a software only component. SAFERTOS is a pre-emptive safety critical RTOS that delivers unprecedented levels of determinism and robustness to embedded systems, whilst using minimal resources. Its used internationally across a range of safety critical applications and is renowned for its high quality. SAFERTOS is available fully integrated with the new Functional Safety Design Package from ST.

ST has released its new Functional Safety Design Package to achieve IEC 61508 Safety Integrity Level (SIL2/3) certification with the STM32 microcontroller (MCU) family. Built on the quality foundations of the STM32 product portfolio and the STM32 embedded safety features, the STM32 SIL Functional Safety Design Package helps developers of safety critical systems achieve certification, increasing speed to market. The functional safety package includes the MCU Safety Manual for a detailed list of safety requirements and examples to guide compliance with IEC 61508; the MCU FMEA for a detailed list of MCU failure modes and related mitigation measures adopted; a FMEDA snapshot for a static snapshot reporting IEC 61508 failure rates, computed at both MCU and basic function level; and the X-CUBE-STL software test library which is a software-based diagnostic suite designed to detect hardware random failures in STM32 safety-critical core components.

SAFERTOS supports integration with the software test libraries, providing a complete package certifiable to IEC 61508 SIL 3 by TUV SUD. More about SAFERTOS at https://www.highintegritysystems.com/safertos/

SAFERTOS is an ideal solution for the STM32 Functional Safety Design Package, says Andrew Longhurst, Business Leader at WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems. SAFERTOS is available pre-certified to IEC 61508 SIL3, and has features that assist in the development of safety critical software. SAFERTOS and the STM32 Functional Safety Package make a compelling solution.

Our free-of-charge safety-design package for STM32 microcontrollers, including a software Self-Test Library (X-CUBE-STL), enables our customers to design and certify systems up to Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL3), said Laurent Desseignes, Microcontroller Ecosystem Marketing Manager, STMicroelectronics. The SIL3 pre-certified SAFERTOS from WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems, based on the functional model of the FreeRTOS kernel, is a natural choice for STM32 safety applications requiring an RTOS.

WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems is a safety systems company that produces and supplies real time operating systems and platform solutions to the Medical, Aerospace, Automotive and Industrial sectors. For more information, please visit https://www.highintegritysystems.com.

Access to X-CUBE-STL software, FMEA, and FMEDA documentation requires completion of an NDA agreement.Sigma Tau Gamma opens new headquarters in Indianapolis "After months of hard work, I am proud to open the Sigma Tau Gamma Headquarters Building in Indianapolis, said Jonathan Proehl, 39th National President of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity Board of Directors.

Sigma Tau Gamma will officially open the fraternitys new Headquarters in Indianapolis with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony hosted by the Sigma Tau Gamma Board of Directors in conjunction with the Headquarters Staff on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. ET. The new Headquarters is located at 8741 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268-1338.

In June 2017, after a thorough two-year review, the Board of Directors announced the relocation of its entire Sigma Tau Gamma organization, which includes the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation and WPN National Housing Company, from Warrensburg, MO to Indianapolis. Ten full-time employees have relocated to Indianapolis.

After months of hard work, I am proud to open the Sigma Tau Gamma Headquarters Building in Indianapolis, said Jonathan Proehl, 39th National President of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity Board of Directors. This move marks an era of growth and collaboration for our entire organization as we work towards our vision of building noble generations of men. We expect the number of full-time staff to grow to more than 30 by 2025. Relocating to Indianapolis will boost relations with Panhellenic and Interfraternity communities also headquartered in Indianapolis.

Sigma Tau Gamma will also move its annual Webb Academy, the fraternitys three-day intense leadership training and networking program for undergraduate officers, to Indianapolis beginning in January of 2019. The program will bring more than 500 members to town annually. Additionally, all of the national boards plan to meet in Indianapolis annually.

This is a place where history will be made and recorded for generations, said Chief Executive Officer Steve Latour. Our new home will serve as a place to gather, learn, and exemplify the fraternitys nearly 100-year-old ritual. I look forward to seeing what we achieve here to give our undergraduate and alumni members across the nation the best fraternity experience possible.

The new headquarters offers training, ritual, and meeting space members can use, as well as a dedicated museum to showcase the fraternitys rich history and preserve Sig Tau artifacts, including the Fireplace where the fraternitys 17 founding fathers gathered in June 1920 to establish the fraternity.

A special thank you to the Indianapolis contractors and vendors for their hard work and dedication in making Sig Taus new headquarters in Indianapolis: Jon Robinson, President and Brett Rose, Project Manager of Capitol Construction Services, Inc.; Zach Jones of CBRE; John A. Albrecht, Principal and Amanda Clark, RID of DKGR Architectural Design Studio; Michael Fleming of Commercial Office Environments; and Ross Nixon, PE of American Structure Point, Inc.

ABOUT SIGMA TAU GAMMA FRATERNITY

Founded at the University of Central Missouri on June 28, 1920, the fraternity will commemorate its 100th Anniversary in 2020. With a presence on 85 campuses in 31 states, our membership includes 3,500 undergraduate men and 61,000 living alumni. The Headquarters, which is home to the Fraternity, Foundation, and WPN Housing Company, is in Indianapolis, Indiana, 12 miles from the center of downtown. Visit http://sigtau.org for additional information.Greater Boston Urology recently announced that it is now offering SpaceOAR hydrogel, an effective system for men who choose radiation therapy to treat their prostate cancer. SpaceOAR hydrogel acts as a protective spacer between the prostate and the rectum and has been clinically proven to reduce the risk of side effects (such as bowel toxicity, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction) from radiation treatment.

In April 2015, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared SpaceOAR hydrogel. In a prospective, randomized, multi-center clinical trial in the United States, patients treated with SpaceOAR hydrogel prior to prostate cancer radiation treatment demonstrated bowel, urinary, and sexual benefits through three years of follow-up. The study found that the patients who did not receive SpaceOAR hydrogel experienced a clinically significant decline in bowel, urinary, and sexual quality of life eight times more often than patients who received SpaceOAR hydrogel. (1,2)

The SpaceOAR system is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with local or general anesthesia. Patients can immediately resume their normal activities. The gel stays in place for approximately three months and is then naturally absorbed and cleared in the urine in about 6 months.

Following radiation therapy, patients often experience a decline in urinary, bowel, and sexual function which in some cases can be extreme, says Augmenix, Inc. President and CEO, John Pedersen. SpaceOAR hydrogel offers clinically proven benefits for prostate cancer patients to return to and maintain their pre-treatment quality of life. Were pleased that Greater Boston Urology recognizes these benefits and will be using SpaceOAR.

Les Cavicchi, COO of Greater Boston Urology, adds, "We're thrilled to offer patients another sound option in the treatment of prostate cancer. Quality of life is critical during the treatment of any disease. SpaceOAR helps give patients peace of mind when it comes to common side effects like incontinence and ED."

About Greater Boston Urology, LLC

Founded in 2010, Greater Boston Urology is an integrated urology practice. This medical model allows the practice to pool resources, which leads to moreand betteroptions for patients, such as 3D MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and molecular marker studies, to name just a few. GBU has assembled a team of excellent physicians who serve multiple locations in Greater Boston, the South Shore, and the Cape & Islands. In addition, GBU now has a dedicated urogynecologist heading up its new Women's Health Center in Dedham, Mass. Visit http://www.GreaterBostonUrology.com to learn more.

1) DA Hamstra, N Mariados, J Sylvester, et al. Continued Benefit to Rectal Separation for Prostate Radiation Therapy: Final Results of a Phase III Trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys; 2017 Apr 1; 97(5): 976-985

2) DA Hamstra, et al. Sexual Quality of Life Following Prostate Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) with a Rectal/Prostate Spacer: Secondary Analysis of a Phase III Trial. Published online: July 19, 2017 Practical Radiation Oncology.

Risks associated with the implantation of SpaceOAR hydrogel:

In addition to the risks associated with any medical procedure, there are potential complications that may be associated with the use of the SpaceOAR System that include, but are not limited to: pain or discomfort associated with SpaceOAR hydrogel; needle penetration or injection of SpaceOAR hydrogel into the bladder, prostate, rectal wall, rectum or urethra; local inflammatory reactions; infection; injection of air, fluid or SpaceOAR hydrogel intravascularly; urinary retention; rectal mucosal damage, ulcers, necrosis; bleeding, constipation; and rectal urgency.Happy Makalia I didnt realize how much pain she was in because now she is a new dog. Happier and playful again.

At a young age Makalia was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia which leads to osteoarthritis. Though her left elbow was worse and caused her to limp, Makalia had dysplasia in both elbows. At two years old, Makalia had arthroscopy in her left elbow and her veterinarian stated that the right elbow would eventually need the surgery as well.

Throughout the years and despite having had surgery, Makalia would limp on and off. She primarily limped on her left front leg, the leg that had arthroscopy. Her owners managed her pain with medication for several years. When Makalia was eight years old, she began limping on her right front leg. The limp got progressively worse until she was completely lame on that leg. After a failed round of laser therapy, Dr. Adam Gassel of Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital recommended arthroscopy in conjunction with VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy. He planned to treat both elbows with stem cells to help with the osteoarthritis after performing arthroscopy on the right elbow.

In October of 2017, Makalia underwent a minimally invasive procedure in which a small amount of fat was collected from her abdomen. At the same time, Dr. Gassel performed arthroscopy on her right elbow. Her fat tissue was shipped overnight to the VetStem laboratory in San Diego, California. The fat was processed and quality checks were performed before injectable doses of Makalias stem cells were shipped back to Dr. Gassel. Approximately 48 hours after Makalias fat collection, she received her stem cell injections into both elbows and intravenously.

In a 90 day follow up evlauation, Makalias owners noted that she was no longer lame. Her stiffness, pain, and energy level had improved and she was no longer having problems walking or jumping. Her owner stated, I didnt realize how much pain she was in because now she is a new dog. Happier and playful again. She felt both legs and her quality of life had significantly improved. When asked how satisfied they were with the results of the stem cell therapy, Makalias owners noted that it exceeded their expectations and they would recommend the treatment to others.

Makalias case demonstrates that while surgery may be effective in alleviating symptoms associated with dysplasia, adding stem cell therapy can help to further alleviate the symptoms from the arthritis caused by the dysplasia and may help with post-surgical healing and pain. Stem cells are regenerative cells that can differentiate into many tissue types; they have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, help to restore range of motion, and stimulate regeneration of tendon, ligament and joint tissues. In a study using VetStem Regenerative Cell Therapy (adipose-derived stem cells) in dogs with osteoarthritis of the elbow joint, it was found that regenerative cell therapy decreased lameness and increased range of motion (joint stiffness).

About Dr. Adam Gassel DVM, DACVS

Dr. Gassel studied at UC-Irvine as an undergraduate, where he received a B.S. in biology. He then attended the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, where he earned his DVM in 2001. Following vet school he completed his internship and surgical internship at a specialty hospital in Los Angeles before finishing his surgical residency at the University of Tennessee in 2006. Many of his colleagues consider Dr. Gassel an expert in portosystemic shunt and TPLO procedures, as well as reconstructive surgeries, surgical oncology, and advanced laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and arthroscopy. He also is highly regarded as a regenerative stem cell therapy specialist, and in this role serves on the Board of Experts for VetStem Biopharma.

About VetStem Biopharma, Inc.

VetStem Biopharma is a veterinarian-lead Company that was formed in 2002 to bring regenerative medicine to the profession. This privately held biopharmaceutical enterprise, based near San Diego (California), currently offers veterinarians an autologous stem cell processing service (from patients own fat tissue) among other regenerative modalities. With a unique expertise acquired over the past 15 years and 13,000 patients treated by veterinarians for joint, tendon or ligament issues, VetStem has made regenerative medicine applications a therapeutic reality beyond the realm of research. The VetStem team is focused on developing new clinically practical and affordable veterinary solutions that leverage the natural restorative abilities present in all living creatures. The Companys stated mission being to extend and enhance the lives of animals by improving the quality of recovery in acute conditions, but also by unlocking ways to slow, stop and ultimately revert the course of chronic diseases. In addition to its own portfolio of patents, VetStem holds exclusive global veterinary licenses to a portfolio of over 70 issued patents in the field of regenerative medicine.What can we learn about innovation from those who seek to abolish nuclear weapons? In a new interview with C.M. Rubin, creator of The Global Search for Education and founder of CMRubinWorld, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Beatrice Fihn talks about her inspiration to take on the cause to ban nuclear weapons. What struck me most was the absurdity, that everyone agrees these weapons should never be used, but we need nuclear weapons so they wont be used? says Fihn. The Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards (TDIA) has named Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Beatrice Fihn a 2018 honoree and the recipient of the first-ever Hersey Prize presented by the family of John Hersey, author of Hiroshima. The awards honor disruptors and game-changers creating radical solutions to the worlds most complex problems.

Nuclear weapons have been used twice in warfare: in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Recently hundreds of artificial intelligence (AI) specialists have urged their governments to stand against weaponizing AI. In The Global Search for Education interview, Rubin and Fihn discuss the dangers that technology and AI will mean for future weapons of mass destruction. Fihn notes, Whether in technology or nuclear weapons, its vital that we talk about past and current expressions of injustice and suffering, not just potential.

Read the interview here

Beatrice Fihn is the Executive Director of the international Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize-winning campaign to prohibit and eliminate nuclear weapons.

CMRubinWorld launched in 2010 to explore what kind of education would prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing globalized world. Its award-winning series, The Global Search for Education, is a celebrated trailblazer in the renaissance of the 21st century, and occupies a special place in the pulse of key issues facing every nation and the collective future of all children. It connects todays top thought leaders with a diverse global audience of parents, students and educators. Its highly readable platform allows for discourse concerning our highest ideals and the sustainable solutions we must engineer to achieve them. C. M. Rubin has published hundreds of interviews and articles discussing an expansive array of topics under a singular vision: when it comes to the world of children, there is always more work to be done.

Follow @CMRubinWorld on Twitter

For more information on CMRubinWorld

David Wine

CMRubinWorld

david(at)cmrubinworld(dot)comThe UFO+ automatically locks when closed, improving in-rout security compliance and operator convenience. The UFO+ Lock is perfect for fleets with delivery staffs who are under pressure to unload cargo swiftly, while maintaining cargo security in an unmanned vehicle.  Steven Peterson

National Fleet Products, a leading North American supplier of cargo lifting equipment, loading ramps and other aftermarket accessories for commercial vehicles, today introduced its newest offering, the UFO+ Lock for rear and side vehicle doors. The UFO+ automatically locks when closed, improving in-rout security compliance and operator convenience. Its sleek, tough, stainless steel lock body is drill resistant, and its shape makes it virtually impossible for tools to get a grip.

Padlocks, puck locks and similar mechanisms have long been used to secure commercial vehicle doors, but they present a number of problems, particularly in todays high-volume delivery environment. Once unlocked, removable locks must generally be detached from a hasp or flange, and after a vehicle door is opened, the locks are often left hanging  or worse, placed on a bumper. Reapplying these high-touch locks is time consuming, and if a hand truck must be re-stowed after delivery, even more time can be wasted.

The new UFO+ Lock from National Fleet Products makes primitive padlock-based and other hand-manipulated security systems obsolete. The UFO+ Lock remains in a fixed position and does not rotate, slide or detach. A single, reversible key quickly unlocks the door and can stay with the operator. Once cargo is unloaded, the door can be closed again and automatically locks without the use of the key.

The UFO+ Lock is perfect for fleets with delivery staffs who are under pressure to unload cargo swiftly, while maintaining cargo security in an unmanned vehicle, Steven Peterson, president of National Fleet Products, said. In a last-mile delivery scenario, speed, efficiency and security can mean the difference between winning or losing a contract, as well as the cargo.

Many fleets have strict procedures that require cargo to be under lock and key while deliveries are being made and during any other time the vehicle is unattended. With many delivery vehicles being opened and closed hundreds of times a day, locking and unlocking time can become a significant impediment to productivity. The UFO+ Locks self-locking capability means that delivery staff need only close the vehicle door to safely secure cargo.

National Fleet Products UFO+ Lock makes it easy for delivery professionals to swiftly move in and out of vehicles, unimpeded by the repetitive task of locking, unlocking and handling padlocks and other high-touch locking devices. The self-locking feature on the UFO+ means delivery personnel are in and out in a flash, and with its interior unlocking cable, they can enter to perform prep work in a closed and secure cargo area before exiting.

Every individual UFO+ Lock comes with a set of two high-security,15-pin, multi-combination, reversible dimple keys and certified locksmith duplication certificates. Those purchasing both rear and side door locks receive a set of three matching security keys.

The UFO+ Lock essentially turns a vehicles cargo compartment into a tamper-resistant vault, Peterson said. And with its slam-lock feature, vehicle personnel will never forget to lock the doors  if theyre closed, theyre locked.

Fleets often complain that padlocks and other removable locks, particularly those with exposed flanges and hasps, can be too easily defeated with a pipe wrench, bolt cutter, sledgehammer or even a crowbar. The UFO+ Locks robust, flush-mounted, cast stainless steel structure and its dome-shaped design provide a challenging and formidable obstacle to any would-be thief.

The ultra-premium UFO+ Lock is as attractive as it is tough, and its low-profile design integrates seamlessly with any vehicle make and model. The device can be used for applications on vans, service bodies and box trucks with side and rear double doors.

A bayonet-mounting system makes installation quick and easy. The UFO+ Lock comes with an assembly kit, a video and an adhesive decal that makes precise placement and alignment simple. The whole installation process takes about an hour.

The UFO+ Lock is the perfect solution for fleets that want speed and security in the last-mile delivery environment, Peterson said. Fleets looking for a competitive advantage should take a good hard look at the new UFO+ Lock.

Parties interested in scheduling a demonstration of the UFO+ Lock may contact National Fleet Products directly by calling (763) 762-3451 or by sending an email to sales@nationalfleetproducts.com. The UFO+ Lock is in stock now and available in the United States and Canada through the companys extensive distribution network of convenient distribution locations. Please contact National Fleet Products to locate a distributor near you.

To access high-resolution product images of the UFO+ Lock, please visit

https://www.nationalfleetproducts.com/locks-media-links.

To view a video of the UFO+ Lock, please visit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B-lGSrIQdc



END -

About National Fleet Products

National Fleet Products is a leading North American supplier of aftermarket accessories for commercial vehicles, including loading ramps, vehicle-mounted hoist systems, ladder racks, truck and trailer fenders, exterior vehicle security locks and suspension assist spring kits. The family-owned company serves as a North American master distributor for renowned European product lines such as Jonesco Plastics, WM System, MAD Tooling and Serrature Meroni. The company serves the United States and Canada through its extensive distribution network. Learn more at https://www.nationalfleetproducts.com.Potironne Company Kicks-Off National Escargot Day 2018

The sustainably conducted month-long search for the true Wild Burgundy Snail, across vast tracts of European wilderness, culminates in a feast recognizing National Escargot Day on May 24, 2018. A tribute to the world's most versatile protein, National Escargot Day menus celebrate the most sought-after escargots in the world, and showcase the Helix Pomatia Linne in all its glory. Chicago, IL, is this year's host city, and diners will experience multi-course tasting menus and a la carte options of this Kobe beef of snails beginning May 18.

The finest of the 116 edible varieties of helix snail and the only variety that can be truly called "Burgundy Snail", the Helix Pomatia Linne is also nutritionally unbeatable, 100% organic and 100% natural. Low-methane, antibiotic-free, this Gateway Protein is always wild, never farmed.

Highlights of National Escargot Day and the Helix Pomatia Linne can also be seen in Bon Appetit (March, 2005), Saveur (October, 2005), Sante (May, 2006), the Wall Street Journal (January, 2007), Philadelphia Inquirer (May, 2007), Philadelphia Magazine (August, 2009), Tasting Table (March 11, 2014), 5280 Magazine (August, 2014), and MasterCooks Blog (June, 2017). Also featured in books such as: Daniel Boulud's My French Cuisine, Thomas Keller's The Bouchon Cookbook; Marc Vetri's Il Viaggio de Vetri Cookbook; Vitaly Paley'sThe Paley's Place Cookbook.

For more information about National Escargot Day, visit http://www.nationalescargotday.com and follow on Twitter @thesnailman and Instagram @thesnailman. #NationalEscargotDay #NED18.We are honored to welcome Skyler into the community. Our mission with Forbes Councils is to curate successful professionals from every industry, creating a vetted, social capital-driven network that helps every member make an even greater impact on the business world.

Skyler Ditchfield, Co-Founder and CEO of GeoLinksCalifornias fastest growing telecom nationally recognized for its innovative Internet and Hosted Voice solutions, has been accepted into the Forbes Los Angeles Business Council, the foremost growth and networking organization for small business owners in Greater Los Angeles.

Ditchfield joins other Forbes Los Angeles Business Council members, who are hand-selected, to become part of a curated network of successful peers and get access to a variety of exclusive benefits and resources, including the opportunity to submit thought leadership articles and short tips on industry-related topics for publishing on Forbes.com.

I am thrilled to join Forbes esteemed group of industry thought-leaders and disrupters, said Ditchfield. GeoLinks was founded in 2011 out of my weight room in rural Ojai, California. Over the past seven years, weve aggressively climbed our way to become Californias fastest growing telecom, and the fastest growing WISP in America. Our accelerated success is largely due to our flagship product ClearFiber which was recently named Most Disruptive Technology in the Central Coast Innovation Awards. Accolades aside, my team and I are passionate about closing the United States digital divide. Im personally determined to bring connectivity to every unconnected Anchor Institution in America over the next 7 years. By joining the Forbes Council, I hope to educate council members and Forbes readership not only about the telecom industry as a whole, but about the current state of broadband availability and policy across the United States.

Forbes Councils combines an innovative, high-touch approach to community management perfected by the team behind Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) with the extensive resources and global reach of Forbes. As a result, Forbes Council members get access to the people, benefits and expertise they need to grow their businesses  and a dedicated member concierge who acts as an extension of their own team, providing personalized one-on-one support.

Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, says, We are honored to welcome Skyler Ditchfield into the community. Our mission with Forbes Councils is to curate successful professionals from every industry, creating a vetted, social capital-driven network that helps every member make an even greater impact on the business world.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact Lexie Olson at lolson(at)geolinks.com.

###

About Forbes Councils

Forbes partnered with the founders of Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) to launch Forbes Councils, invitation-only communities for world-class business professionals in a variety of industries. Members, who are hand-selected by each Councils community team, receive personalized introductions to each other based on their specific needs and gain access to a wide range of business benefits and services, including best-in-class concierge teams, personalized connections, peer-to-peer learning, a business services marketplace, and the opportunity to share thought leadership content on Forbes.com. For more information about Forbes Los Angeles Business Council, visit forbeslacouncil.com. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit forbescouncils.com.

About GeoLinks

Headquartered in Southern California, GeoLinks is a leading telecommunications company and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) public utility, nationally recognized for its innovative Internet and Hosted Voice solutions. Ranked No. 5 by category on Inc. Magazines 2017 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America, GeoLinks delivers Enterprise-Grade Internet, Hosted Voice, SD-WAN, Cloud On-ramping, Layer 2 Transport, and both Public and Private Turnkey Network Construction expertly tailored for businesses and Anchor Institutions nationwide.Addison Public Library is one of AIA Illinois' 200 Great Places. Illinois holds a unique place in the history of American architecture and our people lead with a strong tradition of design innovation that is recognized worldwide, said Governor Bruce Rauner.

Each of the 200 Great Places are accessible to the public, holds significance for local communities and creates a unique experience for visitors.

All of the 200 Great Places are featured in a new website at http://illinoisgreatplaces.com. AIA Illinois also created a new Instagram account to feature the Great Places at https://www.instagram.com/ilgreatplaces/.

Illinois Bicentennial in 2018 was the perfect opportunity to take a stronger look at more contemporary architecture than we were able to do with the first 150, which went all the way back to the beginning of Illinois civilization, said Kim Kurtenbach, AIA, architect with BLDD Architects and 2018 AIA Illinois Board President. As before, it was difficult to narrow the list to only 200. Separately and in total, our 200 Great Places are more than just examples of good or even great design  they are a testament to humanitys need to shape their environment in a way that is often both vibrant and equitable.

Jeanne Gangs Aqua Tower in Chicago and Bill McDonough's Method Manufacturing Facility in the Pullman National Monument are modern projects that join the Great Places list which already includes designs by renowned architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe.

The Aqua Towers design has been described as lyrical gracefulness, while it broke a ceiling of sorts with the distinction as tallest building to date designed by a female architect; The Method Factory turns 21st century manufacturing on its head with its total immersion in eco-friendly design.

Downstate gets its contemporary spotlight too, including gems like the Champaign Public Library designed by Ross Barney Architects and built in 2008; and the Doudna Fine Arts Center in Charleston designed by Antoine Predock as a "crystalline formation that...is a new arrival point and gateway that both unifies the arts and reaches out to the community.

Illinois holds a unique place in the history of American architecture and our people lead with a strong tradition of design innovation that is recognized worldwide, said Governor Bruce Rauner. The AIA list recognizes Great Places all around our state and tells the collective story of great imagination, sheer will, and skill.

The Illinois Great Places recognition program was created in 2007 to commemorate AIAs 150th anniversary and was designed to broadly include the built environment, which includes landscape and engineering places, as well as architecture. A majority of the original list--including schools, churches, offices, court houses, museums, and planned communities--were historically designated places, with many others having been built in the late 20th century. Many of the newest additions represent 21st century development.

"Illinois architecture is a significant part of the history of innovation in our state which includes the first skyscrapers in the nation," Stuart Layne, Executive Director of the Governor's Bicentennial Office commented. "We salute the American Institute of Architects Illinois for their work on this Bicentennial project."

Nominations came from AIA members from all parts of the state and were selected by each of the states AIA chapters by region. Nominations were weighed against criteria including the AIAs 10 Principles of Livable Communities: they must be publicly accessible, pedestrian-friendly, designed on a human scale, and provide vibrant, public spaces, among meeting other requirements.

Illinois has achieved an incredible balance of designers, periods, building types and settings to successfully show the depth and breadth of our states Great Places, said Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, Executive Director of AIA Illinois.

ABOUT AIA Illinois

AIA Illinois is empowered by its 4,000 architect and architectural intern members to champion the profession of architecture.

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS BICENTENNIAL

On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud.

Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting http://www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at http://www.illinois200.com.I look forward to working with Tony and Mike in their respective roles. Tony did an outstanding job as our COO....and Mikes addition to the team completes the management structure needed to achieve our three-year strategic growth objectives. Dr. Sarbari Gupta, President and CEO of Electrosoft.

Electrosoft, a leading provider of diversified technology-based solutions and services to the federal government, announces two executive staff changes designed to help the firm achieve its strategic growth goals. Effective April 9, 2018, Tony Myers-Burton assumed the position of Executive Vice President of Customer Solutions and Mike Tillman joined the company as Senior Vice President of Operations.

Tony served as Electrosofts Chief Operating Officer (COO) since January 2017. In that role, he applied over 25 years business experience to restructure the firms go-to-market strategy, operational alignment and financials to establish a foundation for growth and expansion. In his new role as EVP of Customer Solutions, Tony will identify new growth areas through expansion of existing products, services and customers and recommendation of future-focused products and services to add to Electrosofts business portfolio.

Mike possesses more than 25 years of executive-level leadership, operations and program management experience in federal contracting firms of every size. His past efforts were instrumental in successfully moving each of these firms along aggressive growth trajectories. As SVP of Operations, he will do the same for Electrosoft by further streamlining and enhancing operations to maintain customer and employee satisfaction as the company grows and penetrates new markets.

I look forward to working with Tony and Mike in their respective roles, said Dr. Sarbari Gupta, President and CEO of Electrosoft. Tony did an outstanding job as our COO, and I expect he will exceed those achievements in his new role. I welcome Tony to his new strategic role within the company.

Dr. Gupta continued, Mikes addition to the team completes the management structure needed to achieve our three-year strategic growth objectives. His background leading operations in much larger organizations will be invaluable as we pursue this phase of rapid growth. I am delighted to welcome Mike to the Electrosoft family and possess every confidence he is the right man for the job.

About Electrosoft

Electrosoft, headquartered in Reston, Virginia, delivers a diversified set of technology-based solutions and services to customers in the public and private sectors. We couple domain knowledge and experience with proven, mature management practices to design and deliver the right solutions on time and within budget. Our practices include an ISO 9001:2015 registered Quality Management System and Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 3 assessed processes. Founded in 2001, Electrosoft is an 8(a) certified Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) and an 8(m) certified Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). For more information about Electrosoft, visit our website at http://www.electrosoft-inc.com.Los Angeles is considered to be an area of the country most concerned with a youthful appearance thanks to the number of movie and TV celebrities that live and work in the region. - Cosmetic Town Senior Editor

Cosmetic Town, a Los Angeles based online plastic surgery and information community, is assisting patients that want a more youthful look when it comes to their facial appearance. As part of this effort, they recently published a list of the Best Facelift Doctors in Beverly Hills on their website.

According to the senior editor of Cosmetic Town, Los Angeles is considered to be an area of the country most concerned with a youthful appearance thanks to the number of movie and TV celebrities that live and work in the region. Because of this reputation, patients travel from all over the world to rejuvenate their facial appearance with a Los Angeles facelift.

The senior editor added, A facelift provides a younger appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles and tightening the facial muscles. The result is a more youthful and contoured appearance that takes years off of the appearance of a person. Plastic surgeons have multiple facelift techniques they can use so it is extremely important for patients to do proper research when choosing a doctor. They need to find a board-certified surgeon who can perform an initial examination and determine which facelift technique will provide the results desired by the patient.

The senior editor described the process used by Cosmetic Town to choose the doctors on the list. He said, An intelligent algorithm was used to choose the doctors and cosmetic surgery was the main focus. Besides the experience and skill level of the surgeons, consumer research was conducted to determine the satisfaction level of patients with their doctors. We also examined the amount of articles the doctors have written in their continuing efforts to educate the public about their plastic surgery specialty.

According to the senior editor, the doctors were not able to influence any of the decisions when it came to choosing doctors for the final list. The senior editor said Cosmetic Town does not accept compensation from any of the doctors who make the list. The lists are created to provide patients with information that will help them locate board-certified doctors specializing in natural looking facelift results in Los Angeles.

About Cosmetic Town

Cosmetic Town is an online cosmetic medicine publication that also features doctors who were endorsed and highly recommended by their peers. This reliable and streamlined database allows users to easily navigate the website and access the information they need with just a click of a button. Users can also stay informed and get the latest news on plastic surgery by reading the regularly updated news section. Visiting the forum page is also another way for users to stay engaged and keep each other up to date.The gaps in the U.S. Healthcare system can lead people to personal and financial ruin, says former trauma RN, EMT, firefighter and current CEO of Prism Health Advocates Deborah Bain. Bain was so infuriated by the financial messes and family chaos that often surprise patients after a healthcare crisis that she started a company called Prism Health Advocates in her home state of Connecticut, which is now expanding its services to the Tampa Bay Area. Bain has hired a group of Registered Nurses based in Tampa Bay to identify, coordinate and advocate for clients in need.

The Tampa Bay Area is especially in need of healthcare advocacy services. According to the Florida Policy Institute, an astonishing 2.6 million Floridians do not have health insurance. This stat means that many people in the Tampa Bay Area will be on the hook financially for an ER visit or an emergency medical procedure. Many Floridians also lack basic knowledge about how to cost-effectively use their health insurance plans to gain maximum quality at the lowest price.

Veterans in the Tampa Bay Area also face a unique set of challenges that a healthcare advocate can solve. Wait times at the VA and confusing paperwork do a great disservice to our men and women in uniform. Prism can help veterans in Tampa Bay cut through the red tape and get the care they deserve. These systemic problems have brought the Florida healthcare industry to the brink of chaos.

Prism serves its clients by researching specialists, laying out treatment options in plain English, comparing pricing on medical procedures, negotiating down the cost of medical bills and setting up payment plans with healthcare providers. Prism saves its patients an average of 20% off medical bills and once saved a client $57,000 in healthcare expenses.

A healthcare advocate thankfully is well versed in the complexities of the U.S. healthcare bureaucracy and knows how to find the best doctors and clinics, make sure the proper questions get asked and coordinate appointments and schedules for multiple providers. Prisms health advocates also professionally navigate through the healthcare maze with an experienced, targeted approach in order to negotiate cost reductions and payment plans where needed. All the advocates in Prism's Tampa Bay division have a fierce desire to fight for their client's access to quality healthcare and protect their wallet.

Moreover, Prism has expanded its services to meet the needs of corporations and organizations. This program is a value added benefit to employees, helps employers cut down on the astronomical cost of health insurance and works cohesively with a companys healthcare benefits package. Prisms program provides this added value through an advocacy managed care system that helps control benefits spending without impacting access to quality. This feature is especially valuable for the high risk, high insurance cost employees in a corporations workforce. Prism accomplishes this cost savings through education, early detection screenings, preventative care, coordinated usage of the healthcare system, support with management of chronic diseases and effective organization and negotiation of unpaid medical bills.

Im looking forward to working with our advocates in Tampa Bay to help our clients overcome the hurdles our healthcare system throws at them, Bain said. You wouldnt step into a court room without a lawyer, so why would you step into a hospital without an advocate looking out for your well-being?

For more information, please visit: https://www.prismhealthadvocates.com/ .Support KC Through our partnership with Shipley Communications, we are excited to offer this opportunity for our clients to do a deeper dive into their fund development and communications practices and learn new techniques to support them in these efforts, says Debra Box, executive director at Support KC.

Kansas City, Mo: Support KC and Shipley Communications, LLC will organize a workshop for nonprofits on grant reporting on Monday, May 7, 2018 from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm as part of their Mission Ready Monday series.

The workshop on May 7th will focus on how to write and document grant reports. The session will focus on the dos and donts of writing grant reports, how to manage and systemize grant reporting and manage ways to create sustaining relationships with your grantor.

Grant reporting is an important but sometimes anxiety-inducing effort for some nonprofits and which happens to induce lot of anxiety and stress because of its competitive nature.

Though there is no one formula for successful grant reporting, yet there are certain elements to a successful proposal for repeat funding. This workshop will talk about what elements nonprofits must prepare while writing a grant proposal and the systemization of grant structures.

The January and February Mission Ready Monday workshops focused on creating a grants management calendar and developing a grant matrix to identify grants that are a good fit for nonprofits. The funding agency must be appropriate for the nonprofits program. Having a grant management calendar and building a grant matrix are the building blocks to help plan and write a successful grant proposal.

Fund development and communications are critical to nonprofit success, says Debra Box, executive director at Support KC. Through our partnership with Shipley Communications, we are excited to offer this opportunity for our clients to do a deeper dive into their fund development and communications practices and learn new techniques to support them in these efforts, adds Box.

The Mission Ready Monday schedule for 2018 will cover everything from grants to how to give feedback. The series was created to help nonprofits create efficiencies and stay on mission.



May 8, 2018  Grant Reporting Dos and Donts: Grant Reporting should not be anxiety-inducing especially if you are following your Grant Management Calendar from Jan. Create an easy to follow grant report that is clear, concise and foundation ready.

June 11, 2018  Branding 101. Let your end user be the guide. How branding can support mission success. We will review some nonprofit branding disasters.

July 23, 2018  Site Visits - Dont panic! Site visits are fun, should show off your mission and dont worry if your office is messy  focus on mission not mess.

August 13, 2018  Sponsors Needed: A guide to building successful corporate relationships.

September 17, 2018  Government Grants: Ready for federal funding? How to get ready to apply for these grants.

October 22, 2018  Once Upon a Time: Telling your story and making it stick. Stories are great -- if we can get people to remember them. How to make a story stick.

November 19, 2018  Maintaining Your Social Media  What channel, what message and do you really need Snapchat?

December  Program Evaluation: Writing realistic outcomes that are meaningful for the client, foundation, board and donors.

Support KC

Support KC provides nonprofit organizations with business and development expertise, empowering them to focus on their missions. We help organizations with limited resources and staff in necessary tasks such as accounting, data management, fundraising and managing strategy. By helping manage these tasks, Support KC helps nonprofits do what they do best, change lives. And in the process of helping, we too change lives behind the scenes. For more information, visit http://www.supportkc.org.

Shipley Communications, LLC

Shipley Communications specializes in you. Your company, your brand and your market. We are your go-to experts for public relations, market strategy, speech writing, fundraising, public engagement, campaign planning and crisis communication. At Shipley Communications, we believe in communication that is simple, honest and has the power to change the world. For more information, please visit http://www.shipleycommunications.com.LISI Inc., a prominent general agency, added Oscar Health to their small group portfolio. Six small group Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPO) plans are available for coverage effective June 1, 2018 for Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Oscar Health was built with integrated technology for a streamlined and transparent health care experience. Technology built for brokers makes it easy to sell Oscar plans, so you spend less time on paperwork and more time on everything else.

Members never need referrals to network specialists. At the same time, the EPOs are extremely cost-competitive with HMOs, while being 20% less expensive than PPOs. Flexible participation rules make them ideal for a range of employers. The plans are available at every metal level with two plans being HSA-compatible.

Oscar Health has customer satisfaction scores that are three times the industry average.* A curated network features top quality providers including UCLA, Keck USC, Providence St. Joseph, Good Samaritan Hospital and more. Every plan comes with free, unlimited telemedicine with a doctor on call 24/7. Oscar Health offers tools built just for brokers along with a dedicated support team.

Michael Lujan, California Market Director for Oscar Health said, "We are proud to partner with LISI to help deliver Oscar's unique healthcare solution for the LA and Orange County employee benefits market. Southern California small businesses now have a new option for group health insurance that strikes a great balance of affordability and provider choice. LISI is a respected and valued general agency for the employee benefits industry, and we're glad to have their support to help share our message and drive membership growth for Oscar."

Ken Doyle, LISIs Senior Vice President of Sales said, We are pleased to partner with Oscar Health. Innovative market entrants keep the landscape competitive. When there are more choices, consumers always benefit.

About Oscar Health

Oscar is a data-driven, consumer-focused health insurer that is committed to improving the member experience by making it easier for members to navigate the complex health care system. Oscar achieves this through personalized, technology-enabled service that helps members along their health journey and empowers them to choose quality, affordable care. The Oscar member experience includes a personalized concierge team, free, 24/7 telemedicine, mobile and web apps to access health information easily, and a tightly integrated network of first-rate physicians and hospitals. Oscar has been offering individual plans in California since 2016 and has now added small business coverage to its California portfolio. To learn more visit Oscar.

About LISI

As Californias premier general agency, LISI serves more than 8,000 affiliated brokers who offer Medical, Dental, Vision and Specialty coverage for large and small employers from over two dozen carriers. LISI offers a highly responsive, regional approach with offices throughout California. LISIs statewide scale leverages their strength in working with carriers on brokers behalf. LISI Inc. has served health insurance brokers since 1977. For more information, please visit LISI.

*Source: Oscar Internal Net Promoter Score and the Deft Research 2017 Individual & Family Member Experience Report.

###

Media Contact

Jeff Grocky, Marketing Director of LISI, Inc., JGrocky(at)lisibroker.com, 818-518-2079Agavemente celebrates the blending of cultures by infusing a traditional lager with Mexican agave syrup and hibiscus, for a playful twist on a refreshing agaua de jamaica. Agavemente captures the technical skills of a well-crafted lager, with the vibrancy and fun of a traditional Mexican beverage

SouthNorte Beer Co. transports craft beer fans to the crossroads of cultures through its unique perspective and flavorful brews. Building off the momentum of its Sea Senor Mex Lager and No Guey Mango IPA, SouthNorte is proud to announce the latest addition to its core lineup: Agavemente. As beer drinkers seek more interesting flavor profiles, SouthNorte is well-situated to deliver a flavor experience that bridges two cultures.

Agavemente captures the technical skills of a well-crafted lager, with the vibrancy and fun of a traditional Mexican beverage. Brewmaster Ryan Brooks was inspired by the refreshing bitterness of the agua de jamaicas he enjoyed on his trips to Baja. Living in San Diego, its easy to find great aguas frescas on both sides of the borders. One of my favorites is the agua de jamaica because its not too sweet and has a beautiful color. I wanted to capture that essence in a beer.

Agavemente is a traditional lager brewed with hibiscus and agave to give the beer a vibrant magenta hue and a crisp, dry finish. This category-defying beer is already garnering attention for its unique flavor profile. It took the bronze medal in the Specialty category at the industrys prestigious Great American Beer Festival in 2017proving that winners dont always follow the rules.

When Agavemente won at GABF last October, we knew we were on to something, says Brooks. We had people standing in line to try the beer, and we could hear them commenting on the amazing color. Its exciting to have this beer available in cans so more people can share in the experience.

Agavemente will launch throughout San Diego, California in six-pack cans beginning May 1, 2018. For more information and to find Agavemente near you, visit http://www.southnorte.com. Crafted with an accent, hecho en San Diego. Salud!

Agavemente (pronounced ah-gah-veh-men-tay)

6.3% ABV

20 IBU

Package Formats: 12oz 6-packs, draft (San Diego)

Package Copy: Agavemente celebrates the blending of cultures by infusing a traditional lager with Mexican agave syrup and hibiscus, for a playful twist on a refreshing agua de jamaica.

Image Assets

About SouthNorte

Established in 2016, SouthNorte was born at the crossroads of cultures, where the blend of energies, wisdom, and talents equal more than the sum of the parts. We are brewers, makers and travelers wanting to see where we can take beer. And where it can take us. We explore the best of what each lado brings to the table. We cross borders and brew locally. We craft with an accent. We are SouthNorte. Inspired by Mexico. Hecho en San Diego. Taste the combinacion. For more information, visit southnorte.com.2018 Trophy Series Belt Buckle Award Running Awards and Apparel is excited about this new partnership, especially as it is within the trail running space and such a far-reaching race series. The belt buckle has been an exciting new project for our team and our artists!

Through the creation of the signature 2018 Trophy Series Belt Buckle Award, Running Awards & Apparel has created a new partnership with the mega Trail Runner Magazine-sponsored race, The Trophy Series. These races are held throughout North America during the months of March through September each year.

Runners who participate in Trophy Series races receive points per each mile of every race completed. Those points are accumulated and used toward winning a variety of awards. The 2018 Trophy Series Belt Buckle Award, created by Running Awards & Apparel, is a first of its kind.

Kristen Gehrig, the General Manager with Running Awards and Apparel, could not be happier about this partnership.

Running Awards and Apparel is excited about this new partnership, especially as it is within the trail running space and such a far-reaching race series. The belt buckle has been an exciting new project for our team and our artists!

Since 2012, Running Awards & Apparel has been partnering with Race Directors and running organizations by providing branded race medals, apparel, awards and race gear. Just recently, the company has expanded operations and moved from a smaller office location in Winfield to a more spacious and modern space in St. Charles. A full staff of Race Consultants and graphic artists work directly with Race Directors to help build products that enhance race brands.

The 2018 Trophy Series Belt Buckle Award is available to runners now, through the Trophy Series set of races, which can be found online at http://www.trailrunnermag.com/trophy-series.

For more information about Running Awards & Apparel, and their partnership with The Trophy Series, visit their website at http://www.runningawardsandapparel.com.The management team at Daley And Associates "We have made the searching capability of our site much more robust for job seekers who visit our website. We have implemented new technologies and collaborated with multiple partners to make this a user friendly process."

Daley And Associates, LLC (DAA) launched a new website to cater to the needs of job seekers and employers. DAA has established itself as a dependable source for employers and job seekers alike. Daley and Associates takes pride in making the perfect matches when it comes to skill set and company culture.

Our website now reflects what we do, more accurately. Our audience will now see dynamic and current content on our website. We are about building and maintaining relationships. That is our strength and our brand which is now reflected well on our website. The intent is for our target audience to get to know us even better, said Mike Daley, President and CEO of Daley And Associates.

Most of our jobs range from staffing level to C level, within various divisions and industry verticals. We have made the searching capability of our site much more robust for job seekers who visit our website. We have implemented new technologies and collaborated with multiple partners to make this a user friendly process, said Shawn Flaherty, a Partner at Daley And Associates.

Most of the time, our website is the second touch point for people who are seeking information about a company, said Gauri Chandna, the Marketing and Communications Manager at DAA. Our Division Managers do a great job building client relationships and driving traffic to our website. Our social media outreach is very effective and relevant in terms of attracting both job seekers and employers to our site. We have now built a site that is engaging and has an intuitive interface. Chandna said. We are of course backing it up with continuous monitoring and tracking of applications. While we want it to be a gripping platform, we also want it to be a useful resource.

The new website now ties in many initiatives that Daley And Associates is launching. The jobs are uploaded and refreshed many times a day. They are categorized by Divisions and Location, making the job search process even more effective.

Our website integrates well with our back-end databases. Information is now available real time to our recruiters using the most modern tools, said Christyn Thatcher, the Chief Operating Officer at DAA. This integration was important for us as we grow. Things move pretty fast in this space and we want to ensure that our recruiting teams have all the support they need in terms of technology, tools and infrastructure.

This is one of many new initiatives that Daley And Associates in undertaking. This one, however, is expected to be most impactful within the marketing strategy of DAA.

About Daley And Associates, LLC: Daley and Associates (DAA) is an award winning and reputable executive search, retained search and contract staffing firm that is specializing in placing Accounting, Finance, Administration, Information Technology, Legal and Life Sciences professionals into outstanding opportunities at all levels. The DAA team is comprised of executives, senior management, and expert team of recruiting professionals. They take pride in excellent client relationships, superior industry knowledge, and personable approach ensuring a great fit between the goals and needs of each client and candidate. DAA matches exceptional talent with employers to produce exceptional results.NFP, a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty (P&C), retirement and individual private client solutions, today announced that it has acquired The Consortia Group Inc (Consortia). The transaction closed on December 20, 2017.

Based in Montreal for the past three decades, Consortia specializes in group health and pension as well as wealth management and estate planning for high net worth individuals. The principal of the firm, John Ruggieri, will join NFP in Canada as a Director, reporting to Marty Shaw, President of NFP in Canada.

Were proud to welcome John and the Consortia team to the NFP family, said Shaw. The Consortia deal solidifies our expansion into Quebec and Eastern Canada. With this experienced benefits team, we can further develop our exposure in the Quebec market by providing a more robust set of offerings to our clients and prospects in the region.

We are excited to be part of the NFP organization, said John Ruggieri. Joining NFP in Canada will allow Consortia to provide a wider range of resources to our employees, which in turn will provide more comprehensive solutions and enhanced personalized services for our clients.

About NFP

At NFP Corp., our solutions and expertise are matched only by our personal commitment to each client's goals. Were a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides employee benefits, property & casualty, retirement and individual private client solutions through our licensed subsidiaries and affiliates.

NFP has more than 4,200 employees and global capabilities. Our expansive reach gives us access to highly rated insurers, vendors and financial institutions in the industry, while our locally based employees tailor each solution to meet our clients' needs. Weve become one of the largest insurance brokerage, consulting and wealth management firms by building enduring relationships with our clients and helping them realize their goals.

Recently NFP was ranked the 4th largest U.S.-based privately-owned broker and the 5th largest benefits broker by global revenue by Business Insurance, the 9th largest property & casualty agency by total 2016 P&C revenue by Insurance Journal, the 11th largest global insurance broker by Bests Review and the 12th largest broker of U.S. business by Business Insurance.

For more information, visit NFP.com.

CONTACT

Peppercomm for NFP

nfp@peppercomm.com

212-931-6171AvePoint, a leader in enabling digital transformation success, has announced today its alliance with Ingram Micro Inc., the global leader in technology and supply chain services. AvePoint Online Services for Partners will be accessible to the more than 44,000 value added resellers (VARs) and managed service providers (MSPs) using Ingram Micros Cloud Marketplace.

Through AvePoint Online Services for Partners, MSPs can deliver backup, migration, and management capabilities for Office 365 within a single platform, aiding in end-user adoption.

The alliance has the potential to enhance Office 365 use for more than 80 million SMB users.

Working with Ingram Micro expands our reach and allows us to help MSPs bring greater operational efficiencies, like automatic provisioning, to the Office 365 environments of SMBs, said Scott Sacket, Senior Vice President of Business Development at AvePoint. By bundling Office 365, AvePoint products and services, and the ease of procurement in one platform, its a win for us, Ingram Micro, and our channel partners that desire an array of Office 365 resources that are typically available to large businesses.

Businesses of all sizes are migrating to the cloud to make doing business from anywhere at any time easier, more efficient and more secure, said Tarik Faouzi, Vice President, Cloud Product Management, Ingram Micro Cloud. Were excited to have AvePoint at the 2018 Ingram Micro Cloud Summit and look forward to accelerating their success, as well as the success of the thousands of channel partners working with Ingram Micro Cloud and using our Cloud Marketplace to build and advance their cloud services business.

AvePoint at Ingram Micro Cloud Summit

AvePoint will be an exhibitor during the Ingram Micro Cloud Summit, through May 2 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Florida. While at the Summit, Sacket will discuss and demo AvePoint Online Services for Partners and Elements Fly during the Solution Showcase on May 1 and May 2:



AvePoint Online Services for Partners accelerates your Office 365 and Dynamics 365 end-user adoption and usage with backup, migration, and management services from a single platform.

Elements Fly is the fastest Office 365 migration tool on the market. A recently added feature is the ability to migrate contents from Google Drive to SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business.

Visit our website for more information about the AvePoint MSP program.

About AvePoint

AvePoint accelerates your digital transformation success. Over 16,000 companies and 6 million SharePoint and Office 365 users worldwide trust AvePoint software and services for their data migration, management, and protection needs in the cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments.

A four-time Microsoft Partner of the Year, AvePoint is a Microsoft Global ISV Partner and has been named to the Inc. 500|5000 six times and the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 five times. Founded in 2001, AvePoint is privately held and headquartered in Jersey City, NJ.

AvePoint Media Contact

Vanessa Copeland  Senior Public Relations Manager

Tel: +1 (804) 438-2213

Email: vanessa.copeland@avepoint.com

All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.Gilbane Building Company Breaks Ground on New Elementary School in Skokie

School district officials from East Prairie School District as well as students, teachers, representatives from the community and public officials were in attendance to celebrate the official groundbreaking for the new school in Skokie. Also in attendance were representatives from the project team including Gilbane Building Company as construction manager and STR Partners as the architect.

Gilbane will serve as construction manager for the new $47 million elementary school being built on the existing school site. The school will remain fully operational throughout construction with construction being completed in phases. The project was made possible by a successful November 2016 referendum.

Gilbane is proud to partner with East Prairie School District on this project that will provide students and staff with a brand new elementary school to support the Districts continued growth. At the groundbreaking ceremony, you could feel the energy and excitement from the community. Its great to be a part of such an important project.  David Norris, Gilbane Building Company Project Executive

During the referendum process, Gilbane partnered with the board of education, administration, building committee, community and STR Partners to determine five different project options ranging from life safety, additions and renovations to the existing East Prairie School and a new school facility. Working with a citizen task force and hosting numerous town hall meetings, Gilbane was heavily involved with community engagement events regarding safety planning, budget, schedule, phasing and logistics to provide a thorough plan for the community to understand heading into the vote. Ultimately, the communitys support resulted in a 65% yes vote.

About Gilbane Building Company

Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services  from pre-construction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build and facility management services  for clients across various markets. Founded in 1873 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has 46 office locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.gilbaneco.com.

Gilbane has two permanent offices located in Chicago, as well as an extensive knowledge of the Chicagoland market including construction processes, area subcontractors/suppliers, local M/WBE contractors, and familiarity with Chicago jurisdictional authorities. With 40 years of success in the highly competitive Chicagoland market, Gilbane is committed to continuing the strong tradition of excellence in the Chicago construction industry.Arcadia Data, provider of the first visual analytics and BI software native to big data, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Arcadia Data to its 2018 Big Data 100 list. This annual list recognizes the ingenuity of tech suppliers bringing to market innovative offerings for harnessing the increasingly huge amounts of data generated in todays digital world, raising the bar for data management and challenging established IT practices.

Businesses are constantly grappling with the exploding volume, speed and variety of information they produce and utilize on a daily basis to remain competitive. Solution providers are on a never-ending quest to tame this data with innovative tools, technologies and services that can convert it into meaningful, usable statistics.

In response to this challenge, the CRN editorial team has identified the IT vendors at the forefront of data management, business analytics, and infrastructure technologies and services. The resulting Big Data 100 list is a valuable guide for solution providers seeking out key big data technology suppliers.

Among todays enterprises there is a growing need for two BI standards  one for the data warehouse and one for the data lake. Traditional BI and analytic discovery tools built for data warehouses have failed when applied to derive value from data lakes. Arcadia Data designed a visual analytics and BI architecture native to big data that allows users to realize value from their data faster than traditional BI architectures.

Arcadia Enterprise delivers on the promise of intelligent data lakes, enabling organizations to create billions of dollars of new value by improving access to analytics and BI for business analysts. With a data-native and AI-driven architecture designed from inception for big data, Arcadia Enterprise enables business users to easily explore data with recommendations that visualize and identify insights, ultimately enabling users to derive value with minimal IT overhead.

The IT community is now able to collect massive volumes of valuable dataa veritable treasure trove of information for growing businesses, said Bob Skelley, CEO of The Channel Company. But reaping the benefits of these huge information streams is a complex and delicate process requiring expertise in data capture, storage, organization, tiering, security and analysis. The vendors on CRNs 2018 Big Data 100 list have demonstrated an exceptional ability to help solution providers and their customers tackle this enormous project. The innovative products and services they have brought to market enable companies to not only manage large amounts of data, but to extract real value from it.

We are excited to have been named to the CRN Big Data 100 for the third year in a row. This recognition highlights the Arcadia Data contribution to the modern data analytics and BI market, said Steve Wooledge, vice president of marketing, Arcadia Data. We believe that as the needs of our customers and users have changed, the industrys eyes have been opened to the growing desire for a new way of looking at visual analytics with BI, and to a new frontier regarding the data lake. Arcadia Data looks forward to evolving our product ahead of our customers needs and to continuing to set the standard for native BI and visual analytics for big data.

The 2018 Big Data 100 list is available online at http://www.crn.com/bigdata100.

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

Tweet This:

@TheChannelCo names @ArcadiaData to @CRN 2018 Big Data 100 #bigdata2018 http://bit.ly/2revWUS

About Arcadia Data

Arcadia Data provides the first visual analytics and BI platform native to big data that delivers the scale, performance, and agility business users need to discover and productionize real-time insights. Its flagship product, Arcadia Enterprise, was built from inception to run natively within big data platforms, in the cloud and/or on-premises, to streamline the self-service analytics process on data in Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, Apache Kafka, and Apache Solr. It enables real-time, high-definition insights in use cases like data lakes, cybersecurity, connected IoT devices, and customer intelligence. Arcadia Enterprise is deployed by some of the worlds leading brands, including Procter & Gamble, Nokia, Royal Bank of Canada, Kaiser Permanente, HPE, and Neustar. To learn more, follow @ArcadiaData or visit http://www.arcadiadata.com.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelco.com

CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Channel Company Contact:

Kim Sparks

The Channel Company

(508) 416-1193

ksparks(at)thechannelco(dot)comWalter A. McDougall

The Foreign Policy Research Institute is pleased to announce Walter A. McDougall as the Ginsburg-Satell Chair of FPRIs Center for the Study of America and the West.

As Chair, he will deliver the Annual Ginsburg-Satell Lecture on American Character and Identity, with the inaugural lecture set for Tuesday, May 15, to be hosted and cosponsored by the Museum of the American Revolution. The title of the first lecture is Americas Machiavellian Moment: Origins of the Atlantic Republican Tradition  Or Where Did the Founders Get Their Ideas?. In this lecture, McDougall will delve deeply into the origins of the American political tradition by exploring the legacies of Medieval and Renaissance Europe, and the transmission of these ideas across time and space.

The chair and the annual lecture were made possible by gifts from the Stanley and Arlene Ginsburg Family Foundation and Edward Satell.

The Center for the Study of America and the West at FPRI, directed by Ronald J. Granieri, reflects an interest in Transatlantic relations that is an integral part of FPRIs DNA. It encourages research and publication that illuminate the key dimensions of American identity and Western civilization and seeks to enrich the teaching of American and world history through a series of weekend-long professional development programs for high school teachers. The Center publishes The American Review of Books, Blogs, and Bull; sponsors a monthly interactive program called Geopolitics with Granieri; and produces a series of animated video primers for students on topics in American history and government.

Walter A. McDougall is the founding Co-Chairman of FPRIs Butcher History Institute and Chairman of FPRIs Board of Advisors. He is also the Alloy-Ansin Professor of International Relations and Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania. His articles and columns have appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Commentary, and other national publications. McDougall is the author of several critically acclaimed books including:



His latest book is The Tragedy of U.S. Foreign Policy: How Americas Civil Religion Betrayed the National Interest (Yale University Press, 2017). One reviewer described McDougall as a national treasure, while another labeled him Americas greatest living historian. His honors include a Pulitzer Prize, election to the Society of American Historians, and appointment to the Library of Congress Council of Scholars.

McDougall received his Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

About the Foreign Policy Research Institute

FPRI is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank located in Center City Philadelphia. Its mission is to bring the insights of scholarship to bear on the foreign policy and national security challenges facing the United States. It seeks to educate the public, teach teachers, train students, and offer ideas to advance U.S. national interest based on a nonpartisan, geopolitical perspective that illuminates contemporary international affairs through the lens of history, geography and culture.

For more information about FPRI, please visit http://www.fpri.org or contact Eli Gilman at 215-732-3774 ext. 103.BigHand The past 12 months have marked a banner year for BigHand and we are very proud of our accomplishments as well as the recognition we have received

With the close of the fiscal year on March 31, 2018, BigHand North America recorded a record year for revenue. This came on the heels of the prestigious ILTA 2017 Legal Technology Survey naming BigHand the number one digital dictation solution as well as the number one document macro and template software.

The record year can be partly attributed to the best-ever sales of the BigHand Produce suite of products which include BigHand Create, BigHand Hyperstyles and BigHand DocID. Recent changes in the marketplace, as well as the increasing number of firms upgrading to Windows 10 / Office 2016 have been the impetus for firms to seek out the award-winning BigHand Create solution, as it is Windows 10 and Office 2016 compatible, as well as 32 and 64-bit compliant. In addition, because BigHand Create is architected differently than most other products on the market, using a central database to manage information and code-free templates, firms appreciate the time-saving benefit when making standardized changes to templates. The changes only need to be made once and not within every single template.

Another factor playing into the record year is the uptick in sales of BigHand Now, including strategic relationships with leading law firm service providers, Integreon and Epiq, who are adopting the tool to better enable their legal support teams to manage work with their law firm customers. Also, several large firms have made the decision to implement BigHand Now as well, realizing the enormous impact of having visibility into the work their back-office support teams handle and the benefits of having data to drive effective resource alignment and ROI.

Eric Wangler, President, BigHand North America comments, The past 12 months have marked a banner year for BigHand and we are very proud of our accomplishments as well as the recognition we have received. Our top priority is providing the highest quality products and services to our customers, so recognition by the 500+ firms participating in the ILTA 2017 Legal Technology Survey is quite an honor. Wangler continues, While were pleased with our results this past year, were not slowing down a bit. The acquisition of DW Reporting, the leading provider of legal financial reporting, business intelligence (BI) and matter pricing solutions in early April reinforces our commitment to supporting our law firm clients in achieving operational excellence.

BigHand will be attending and exhibiting at the 2018 ALA Annual Conference & Expo May 3-5th, in National Harbor, MD. Eric Wangler, and James Kippenberger, Managing Director, Product Strategy and Innovation, will be presenting a Business Matters session titled, Demystifying Your Back Office Management with Technology, in which they will discuss the tangible results of firms that are combining workflow with operational analytics to manage their back office processes.

About BigHand

BigHand is a legal technology company that develops solutions that help law firms achieve more in less time. Based out of Chicago, Eindhoven, London, Sydney, Temecula and Toronto, BigHand currently supports over 545,000 users in over 3,000 global organizations. BigHands Voice, Delegation and Improve product suites are HIPAA compliant to protect the privacy and security of protected health information (PHI) as defined in the HITECH Act. BigHand is proud to be ISO27001 certified. For more information, visit http://www.bighand.com or follow @BigHandNA on Twitter or BigHand North America on LinkedIn.Order in Court

Barrister and author David Osborne explores the sometimes crazy and unexpectedly funny world of British jurisprudence in his latest book "Order in Court," and the Old Bailey will never be the same!

Order in Court is the book I didnt know I needed to read until I opened the first page, says one Amazon reader.

Toby Potts is fresh out of law school and anxious for his first case. But the young man gets off to a shaky start. He can hardly wait to impress a jury with his brilliant cross examinations and his spellbinding presentations. Instead, he ends up representing the wrong client, and the trial judge turns out to be the Honourable Mr. Justice Boniface, otherwise known as Old Sourpuss, considered a holy terror in the courtroom.

Tobys highly absurd brushes with strange clients, courtroom politics, and eccentric judges combine for an amusing tale worthy of a Dickens farce.

The verdict is in! Amazon reviewers say:

Beautifully succinct writing and hysterical legal anecdotes.

Another great read by David Osborne.

In these troubled times it is good to read a book which is an excellent blend of accurate narrative and sound humour; David Osbornes background as a successful barrister does much to add credence to the storyline  The adventures of Toby Potts might well mirror the early life of the author and we are left guessing as to which bits are fact and which, if any, are fiction  Having read the authors previous book based on the life of Toby, I very much hope that this will continue into a full series much like 'Rumpole of the Bailey.' An enjoyable read in all respects  lets have some more!

Many years ago, in another life, I worked in London for barristers and solicitors  'Order in Court' took me right back to those days, reminding me of the wit, the banter, the absurdity of some legal cases, and how seemingly normal people can behave incredibly badly when the pressure comes on. If, like me, you enjoy human train wrecks  this is the book for you. I cannot remember laughing so hard in a long time  Told with a dry wit, understated and self-deprecating humour, Osborne provides an acute observation on human nature through anecdotes of court cases  Buried amongst the humour and wit, however, are some keen insights into the legal world and class system  'Order in Court' is the book I didnt know I needed to read until I opened the first page.

About the Author: An English barrister with over 40 years experience in private practice, David Osborne, the Barrister Bard, first practised criminal law in London, and now practises general common law from his chambers in Somerset. This is his second book in the Toby Potts series. The first is "May It Please Your Lordship." He and his wife Sally have four children and three grandchildren.

Author website: http://www.david-osborne.com/toby_potts.php

Author blog: http://www.david-osborne.com/blog/

This delightful novel about the British court system will bring a smile to readers, as it relates a barristers first day on the job, as well as his further misadventures. We are most pleased to announce its release, said Robert Fletcher, CEO of Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency.

ORDER IN COURT (ISBN: 978-1-68181-434-6) is available for $18.50 and can be ordered through the publishers website: http://sbprabooks.com/DavidOsborne or at Amazon.com or Barnesandnoble.com.

WHOLESALERS: This book is distributed by Ingram Books and other wholesale distributors. Contact your representative with the ISBN for purchase. Wholesale purchase for retailers, universities, libraries, and other organizations is also available through the publisher; please email bookorder(at)sbpra(dot)net.Bita Daryabari receives honorary doctorate at Golden Gate University Build your own network of humans to love, respect and share withtheir strength is your strength, and their success and happiness will be yours as well.

On Friday, April 27, 2018, award-winning philanthropist and humanitarian Bita Daryabari was the 2018 recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in Human Letters from her alma mater, Golden Gate University (GGU), where she also delivered the commencement address titled, The Human Network Effect. The event was held at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. Daryabari addressed recipients of graduate degrees in GGUs business, tax and accounting programs, providing insight and guidance for this milestone in their lives.

"Bita Daryabari exemplifies Golden Gate Universitys mission to prepare individuals to lead and serve, said GGU President David J. Fike, PhD.

She is an inspirational alumnus, not only for what she has achieved in her career, but also for her rich legacy of giving back and helping others get ahead. Bita is at the forefront of supporting immigrants in the United States, and her leadership in expanding access to US education for students from the Middle East is unparalleled. Her establishment of the Bita Daryabari Graduate Fellowship and the Bita Daryabari Scholarship at GGU are only two of many examples of her generosity and commitment to high learning. GGU is honored to have Bita share her wisdom, optimism and enthusiasm for positive change with our 2018 graduates.

Daryabari, who has been consistently listed in Gentry magazines Top 50 Bay Area Philanthropists, discussed her theory of The Human Network Effect as being more important than the Silicon Valleys known Network Effect the force behind the seeming invincibility of companies like Google and Facebook.

Your friends and family; your colleagues and collaborators; the planet and its peoplenetworks that can make you happy, successful and fulfilled. The more we contribute to these networks, the more they give back to us, said Daryabari in her address. Remember: of all the people in all your networks, these are the ones you need to look out for most. Because these are the people who have the most power to make you happy.

She added Be generous. Respect the dignity of those around you. And, when you hit it big, as many of you surely will, spread the credit, share the wealth. Because this network is the people who have the greatest power to help you succeed professionallyon the terms that you define yourself.

Daryabari also stressed the importance of helping others in the world. You can volunteer once a week, teach a child to read, donate to a homeless shelter. But please, give back. Of all the people in your networks, the planet and its people have an extraordinary power to fulfill you.

She ended with a reference to a Rumi poem about mourning for what one didnt do in life, Dont mourn for what you didnt do. Reach out, now, to the friends and family who bring you joy. Succeed professionally and share your success. And give back to the planet and people who need your support. Build your own network of humans to love, respect and share with. Their strength is your strength, their success and happiness will be yours as well.

Daryabari is a graduate of GGU, holding a Masters of Science degree in Telecommunications Management. She was previously honored in 2008 with the Golden Gate University Alumni of the Year Award. She has also endowed the university with the Bita Daryabari Scholarship Program for Women of the Middle East in Business and Law ($1 million).

Previous commencement honorees at GGU have included California Senator Dianne Feinstein; Diane Irvine, Chairman of the Board, Yelp and Former CEO of Blue Nile (MS 90); and Betty Yee, State Controller (MPA 81).

Daryabari founded and is the executive director of Pars Equality Center, the only non-profit organization providing comprehensive social, legal and community services to the Iranian-American community. Recently, her Center, along with The Iranian American Bar Association and the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans, filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of the challenge to the Trump administrations third travel ban.

She has always held a passion for education and the arts. She created the Bita Daryabari Endowment in Persian Letters at Stanford University ($6.5 million), where The Annual Bita Prize in Literature has become the most coveted prize in the realm of Persian letters. She also gifted a $5 million endowment to the University of California, Berkeley, to further the study of Iranian languages, literature, history, arts and culture.

Other educational endowments by Daryabari, include UC Davis ($1.5 million); the University of Cambridge, England ($2 million), to support continuing research on the Shahnama, or The Book of Kings, the emblematic text of Persian historical culture; and contributions to the UC San Francisco Mission Bay ($1.5 million) for neuroscience research.

About Bita Daryabari

A graduate of Golden Gate University, Bita Daryabari, an award-winning philanthropist and humanitarian, has emerged as one of the most beloved and cherished leaders of the Iranian American community. From the beginning of her professional life, her work has been accompanied by her avid interest in the world of literature, poetry and art. She created the Bita Daryabari Endowment in Persian Letters at Stanford University, where The Annual Bita Prize in Literature has become the most coveted prize in the realm of Persian letters. In 2010, she founded Pars Equality Center where she is also the Executive Director. Her Unique Zan Foundation is dedicated to supporting the education of women abroadfrom building orphanages for Afghan children to schools in the Middle East. She was named the World Affairs Council Honoree of the Year in 2015. Other honors include the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2012); United Nations Appreciation Award for Outstanding Leadership, Commitment and Support of the UN and Achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (2011); PAAIA Philanthropist of the Year Award (2010); and Golden Gate Universitys Alumni of the Year Award (2008). Daryabaris multi-faceted philanthropy is founded on her simple idea that creativity is the only way to alleviate suffering and ennoble our minds to better comprehend the human condition.Glen Canyon Dam Experiments like these are an important tool as we continue to work collaboratively to balance the need to deliver water and power resources with our obligation to actively preserve and protect the river system through Glen, Marble, and Grand canyons.

The Department of the Interior will conduct the first experimental flow at Glen Canyon Dam since implementing its Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP) in 2016. The goal is to provide enhanced habitat for the lifecycle of aquatic insects that are the primary food source for fish in the Colorado River.

Experiments under LTEMP consist of four flow regimes: high flows, bug flows, trout management flows, and low summer flows. Collaborative discussions among technical experts resulted in a decision to begin this first experiment on May 1 and continue through August 31, 2018. It will slightly modify the schedule and flow rates of water releases from Lake Powell through Glen Canyon Dam, Arizona. The normally scheduled monthly and weekly release volumes will not be affected.

Flows during the experiment will include steady weekend water releases with routine hydropower production flows on weekdays that include normal hourly changes in release rates. Those steady weekend flows are expected to provide favorable conditions for aquatic insects to lay and cement their eggs to rocks, vegetation, and other materials near the rivers edge. Steady weekend flows will be relatively low, within four inches of typical weekday low water levels. It is unlikely casual recreational river users will notice the changes in water levels.

Experiments like these are an important tool as we continue to work collaboratively to balance the need to deliver water and power resources with our obligation to actively preserve and protect the river system through Glen, Marble, and Grand canyons, said Dr. Timothy Petty, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. We expect this experiment will positively benefit crucial insect populations, which will benefit the entire ecosystem while limiting the impact on other resources and Colorado River users.

The decision to conduct this experiment was based on input from a collaborative team, including Department of the Interior agenciesBureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairsthe Department of Energys Western Area Power Administration, six consulting American Indian Tribes, and all seven of the Colorado River Basin States. Before proceeding with these experiments, experts determined there would be no unacceptable adverse impacts on other resource conditions. Technical experts with the Department of the Interior have coordinated the experiments design to optimize benefits to the aquatic ecosystem throughout the Grand Canyon while meeting all water delivery requirements and minimizing negative impacts to hydropower production.

Insects expected to benefit from this experiment are an important food source for many species of fish, birds, and bats in the canyon. Beyond expected resource benefits, this experiment will also provide scientific information that will be used in future decision making.

For more information about flow volumes, please visit the following websites:

Hydrograph at Lees Ferry: https://www.gcmrc.gov/discharge_qw_sediment/station/GCDAMP/09380000

Lake Powell 40-day data (elevation, storage, inflows, and releases): [https://www.usbr.gov/rsvrWater/rsv40Day.html?siteid=919&reservoirtype=ReservoirErnest Cory, founding Principal and Managing Shareholder of Cory Watson Attorneys, was named to the Birmingham Business Journals 2018 Whos Who in Law. Birmingham's legal community is vibrant and competitive, and we are honored to be recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal again this year, said Ernest Cory.

Ernest Cory, founding Principal and Managing Shareholder of Cory Watson Attorneys, was named to the Birmingham Business Journals 2018 Whos Who in Law. The annual list features key leaders in Birminghams legal world.

Birmingham's legal community is vibrant and competitive, and we are honored to be recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal again this year, said Cory.

In addition to leading the strategic growth of the firm, Cory also chairs the firms nationally recognized Class Action and Mass Torts Practice. He is widely recognized among the legal community, earning nationwide recognition from Best Lawyers as the 2018 Birmingham Lawyer of the Year.

Cory is actively involved in the Birmingham business community as a Fellow of the Birmingham Bar Foundation, and the BBJ has ranked Cory Watson Attorneys as one of Birminghams Largest Law Firms.

About Cory Watson Attorneys

Cory Watson Attorneys is a national personal injury law firm with more than $2.7 Billion in recoveries for clients. Attorneys are frequently appointed to leadership positions in national cases involving pharmaceuticals and defective medical devices. Practice areas include product liability, class actions, mass torts, pharmaceutical litigation, wrongful death, asbestos, mesothelioma, car accidents, truck accidents, catastrophic injury, aviation, recalled products, and environmental litigation. Cory Watson Attorneys is based in Birmingham, Alabama. To learn more, visit http://www.corywatson.com.

From the Birmingham Business Journal:

As most in the business world know, Birmingham has a huge concentration of legal talent. The area is home to some of the most well-respected law firms in the region  and the nation. And thats a huge asset for both Birmingham and its businesses.

The result is a wealth of legal talent that has drawn several top national firms to town and created a strong mix of local firms, national players and boutique firms covering a range of specialties. And those firms play a key role in the local economy, whether it is representing a major employer or playing a behind-the-scenes role in the latest big downtown project or economic development deal.

Thats why, each year, the Birmingham Business Journal publishes our annual Whos Who in Law special section  a feature that highlights the top leaders in the Magic Citys legal world. This year, our Whos Who in Law list includes the managing partner, shareholder or top executive of the law firms ranking on our Largest Law Firms and Largest Litigation Firms Lists, as well as law school leaders and other names to know.

To view the entire list of Whos Who in Birmingham Law, click here."Ethan and Desiree's passion for small business really shone through in their essays, and we are proud to support them during their education as they prepare to take their place as the next generation of small business owners," said Ted Devine, CEO of Insureon.

Insureon, the nation's leading online provider of small business insurance, today announced the winners of its spring 2018 Small Business, Big Impact scholarship competition: Desiree Townsend of Laguna Niguel, California, and Ethan Norton of Buford, Georgia. Each student will receive $2,500 to help pay for tuition and other educational expenses.

Students who want to be considered for the Insureon scholarship are asked to write an essay describing their favorite small business. Since the competition began in 2014, the company has awarded $60,000 in scholarship funds to students who support small businesses in their communities.

Desiree wrote her essay about Thrive Juice Lab  a cafe specializing in organic cold-pressed juices and vegan food. The essay also focuses on Cole Carson, the founder of the cafe, and his commitment to providing healthy food options for the Laguna Niguel community. Desiree is a senior at the University of California, Irvine, where she is studying biological sciences. She hopes to one day found a biotechnology company focused on the production of plant-derived vaccines.

In his essay, Ethan describes his journey as the owner of his small business  Nortons Landscaping. He shares how he grew his business over the course of three years from relying on his family's lawn mower to acquiring a truck, trailer, and commercial lawn mower of his own. Ethan also recounts what he learned about hiring and managing friends at his company. Ethan is a freshman at Clemson University majoring in civil engineering. He hopes to combine his love for engineering and working outdoors.

"Once again, we received so many inspiring stories from students committed to small businesses in their community," said Ted Devine, CEO of Insureon. "It is always a challenge to pick just two, but Ethan and Desiree's passion for small business really shone through in their essays, and we are proud to support them during their education as they prepare to take their place as the next generation of small business owners."

To read the winning essays, visit the scholarship winners' page.

Insureon's Small Business, Big Impact scholarship program is held twice annually, providing a total of four scholarships per year. Insureon is accepting applications for the next round of scholarships September 7 through October 19, 2018. For more details, visit http://www.insureon.com/insureonu/small-business-scholarship/.

About Insureon

Headquartered in Chicago, Insureon provides industry-leading technology that connects small business owners with top U.S. insurance providers via a simple online application tool. The companys agents are certified in 50 states and have helped more than 200,000 customers compare options to find the best policies to protect their businesses. For more information, visit http://www.insureon.com.

###Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of remarkable individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced the seven recipients of the 2018 Dennis Washington Leadership Scholarship. Endowed in 2008 and funded by the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation in partnership with the Horatio Alger Association, the scholarship provides financial assistance to Horatio Alger Alumni Scholars who aspire to obtain graduate or doctoral degrees. Since 2008, the program has awarded approximately $5 million in scholarships. In 2018, the seven recipients will be eligible to receive up to $120,000 each.

The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation was established in 1988 by Dennis Washington, chairman emeritus of Horatio Alger Association, and his wife, Phyllis. Since that time, the Foundation has donated more than a quarter of a billion dollars to charitable causes. The Foundation, which supports deserving individuals in an effort to better society as a whole, established its Leadership Scholarship program to provide financial assistance exclusively to Horatio Alger undergraduate scholarship recipients who are committed to obtaining a graduate degree. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and have exemplified leadership, integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. They should also exhibit a passion for entrepreneurship and a commitment to community service.

"Dennis and I believe that access to education is the change agent to an individuals future successes," said Phyllis Washington, co-founder, the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation and chair of the selection committee for this scholarship. "We are thrilled to again partner with the Horatio Alger Association to provide these deserving Scholars  who have overcome such difficult adversities  the opportunity to further their educational pursuits. By supporting these outstanding students today, we give them the tools and resources they need to become the next great leaders of tomorrow.

The following Horatio Alger Alumni Scholars will receive up to $120,000 each in their pursuit of a masters, doctoral or professional degree:



Elise Byle, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, 2014 Montana Scholar

Erica Harp, University of Florida, Master of ScienceAerospace Engineering, 2014 Honeywell Scholar

Natasha Hongsermeier, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health, 2012 AKSARBEN Scholar

Justin Lindsey, University of West Georgia, Doctor of Education, 2009 Georgia Scholar

Jeronimo Maradiaga, to be confirmed, Doctor of Medicine, 2003 National Scholar

Manuel Retana, Stanford University, Doctor of PhilosophyAeronautics and Astronautics Engineering, 2013 Nevada Scholar

Zachary Zins, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine, 2011 National Scholar

Horatio Alger Association was founded in 1947, and since 1984, it has administered one of the nations largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship programs. The Association has awarded more than $143 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to students from across the United States (including all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) and Canada.

For more information about Horatio Alger Association, please visit http://www.horatioalger.org or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

###

About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful belief that hard work, honesty and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable successes in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and friends, in 2017, the Association awarded more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships across the United States and Canada, and also provided college support and mentoring services to its Scholars. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $143 million in college scholarships to more than 25,000 deserving young people. For more information, please visit http://www.horatioalger.org.

About Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation:

Founded in 1988, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington family. Funding for the Foundation comes primarily from personal contributions from the Washington Family and profits of The Washington Companies. The Foundation focuses in the areas of education, arts and culture, health and human services, and community service. Since its inception, Foundation giving and the Washington familys personal contributions and pledges to charitable causes total over a quarter of a billion dollars. The Foundation website is located at http://www.dpwfoundation.org."Making history come alive adds deep meaning to what we do each and every day at Eternal Reefs and were thrilled cadets from SMA Prep will help us bestow the honors," said George Frankel, Eternal Reefs CEO.

This Memorial Day weekend, 72 sixth and seventh grade cadets (students) from the Sarasota Military Academy Prep School (SMA) will be docents and assist with the dedication ceremony of the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef, the first ever undersea memorial to honor all 65 U.S. manned submarines and more than 4,000 lives aboard that have been lost since 1900 and remain On Eternal Patrol. One additional reef ball representing the crews and boats lost in non-sinking accidents will be included in the memorial for a total of 66 Eternal Reefs.

A reef ball is a designed artificial reef, specifically engineered to mimic Mother Nature; when deployed to the ocean floor, the reef ball quickly assimilates into the ocean environment and new marine growth begins in as little as three months.

All 66 Eternal Reefs will be deployed off the Sarasota coast after the land-based ceremony on 27 May 2018 to form the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef, significantly replenishing the oceans reef systems and enhancing the marine habitat in which these heroes served.

The SMA middle school cadets are currently studying the 65 submarines to prepare to be resident experts at the event. They will share details such as the military record, battle experience, history and stories about the officers and crew that served aboard each sub. Each cadet expert will field questions and foster discussion from their positions beside their assigned submarines Eternal Reef ball, a substantial structure standing 3-feet tall and weighing about 1,300 pounds. The 72 sixth and seventh graders include ranks from Cadet Private, Cadet Corporal, Cadet Sergeant, Cadet Captain and Cadet Major and are supervised by Major Alex Vanston, USMC (Ret) and Captain Terri Davis, both military studies instructors at SMA Prep.

When Eternal Reefs approached us to participate in the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef, we were delighted to add the youthful resources and brain power from SMA Prep to this impactful project, said Christina Bowman, Executive Director of Schools for both the high school and middle school campuses of Sarasota Military Academy. I cant wait to see the cadets and veterans interact. Im sure the day will be filled with moving and patriotic moments.

The public is invited to the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef dedication from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on 27 May 2018 at Ken Thompson Park in Sarasota. Full military honors will be presented, including rifle salutes, buglers playing taps and an honor guard bestowing flags the SMA cadets have carefully folded and will give to representatives for each lost submarine. For many, this will be the first time theyve been recognized collectively for their contribution and sacrifice.

A Sarasota-based 501c3 memorial organization, Eternal Reefs, Inc., has planned the ambitious project, in partnership with Reef Innovations and The Reef Ball Foundation. The On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef has already garnered recognition from more than 25 state governors (and counting) via proclamations, certificates and letters of recognition. Additionally, submarine enthusiasts, veterans and other military representatives from across the nation plan to attend.

Brian Lawrence, from Missouri, is coming to the Sarasota event with his wife and dog. A Navy veteran himself, hes attending in honor of RM2 Kenneth Eugene Nearman, who was aboard the USS TROUT (SS-202) when it went down on 27 February 1944 with all hands, 81 officers and crew. Lawrence shared that his late mother dated Nearman while in and after high school in Missoula, Montana and often spoke of him, and cried, well into her 90s.

Stories like Brians are starting to stream in and its incredibly satisfying to know that the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef will bring some closure to families and friends of our nations fallen submarine heroes, said George Frankel, Eternal Reefs CEO. Making history come alive adds deep meaning to what we do each and every day at Eternal Reefs and were thrilled cadets from SMA Prep will help us bestow the honors.

Making the timing of the dedication even more significant, it falls almost 50 years to the day after the U.S. nuclear submarine USS Scorpion was lost on 22 May 1968 with all hands, 99 officers and crew.

View a video of the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef project, including a full listing of all submarines with their date of loss, on YouTube. Find a complete list of the 65 boats On Eternal Patrol and the boats lost in non-sinking events at http://www.OnEternalPatrol.com. Eternal Reefs is accepting outside funding to support the On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef. Interested parties should call 888-423-7333 or email info@EternalReefs.com.

About Sarasota Military Academy (SMA)

Combining extraordinary academics with the highest military principles of camaraderie, focus, leadership, integrity, compassion, poise, honor and respect, Sarasota Military Academys mission is to graduate young men and women who will confidently define their personal and unique goals for success in a multi-cultural and globalized world. SMA cadets embrace the challenge of bringing honor to themselves, their families, their communities and the United States of America. We share a fundamental belief that doing the right thing is always the right choice. To SMA cadets, accountability for behavior and decision-making is an expectation that is embraced. Our cadet culture instills personal, social and patriotic respect, demonstrated with confidence through courtesy, politeness, kindness, and consideration for others. Learn more at http://www.SarasotaMilitaryAcademy.org.

About Eternal Reefs

The Genesis Reef Project dba Eternal Reefs, Inc. is a Sarasota-based non-profit organization that provides a creative, environmentally-enhancing way to memorialize the cremated remains of a loved one. Eternal Reefs incorporates cremated remains into a proprietary concrete mixture used to cast artificial reef formations which are then dedicated as permanent memorials which bolster natural coastal reef formations. Eternal Reefs pioneered the concept of reef memorialization and, since 1998, the organization has placed nearly 2,000 Memorial Reefs in 25 locations off the coasts of Florida (North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Gulf Coast and Panhandle), Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia, substantially increasing the oceans diminishing reef systems. Memorial reefs can only go in properly permitted locations by the U.S. Government. Eternal Reefs has strategic partnerships with the Reef Ball Foundation and Reef Innovations. The company secured 501c3 status in January 2017. Learn more at http://www.EternalReefs.com or on the companys Facebook page.Trinity Dermatology Trinity Dermatology is one of the premier practices in DFW. The name is synonymous with quality and we are proud to partner with the outstanding physicians and support team, said Geoff Wayne, CEO.

U.S. Dermatology Partners (USDP) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Trinity Dermatology (Trinity). With a single location in Carrollton, Texas and five board-certified physicians on staff, the partnership extends USDPs market-leading position with more than 35 physicians in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and over 100 in the state of Texas. U.S. Dermatology Partners is a physician-owned, dermatology-focused practice management organization.

We at Trinity Dermatology are happy to announce our association with US Dermatology Partners, said Dr. Mark Ray, founder of Trinity Dermatology. Our practice has grown steadily over the last 28 years. We believe that partnering with USDP allows us to continue that growth and to enhance our ability to provide the best skin care to our patients. Its exciting to be part of such a dynamic organization!

Trinity Dermatology, founded by Dr. Mark Ray, has provided outstanding, high-quality care for many years and is a very welcome addition to USDP, said Dr. Bryan Selkin, North Texas Regional Medical Director. Now patients in Carrolton and the surrounding communities can benefit from USDP's expanding network and ancillary services in the DFW Metroplex.

Founded in 1990, Trinity Dermatology has been caring for the residents of Carrollton, Texas for almost three decades. The practice offers a diverse range of medical and cosmetic dermatology treatments and together its five physicians have more than fifty years of dermatology experience.

Trinity Dermatology is one of the premier practices in DFW. The name is synonymous with quality and we are proud to partner with the outstanding physicians and support team, said Geoff Wayne, CEO. Trinitys decision to join USDP expands our market-leading presence in DFW and Texas, enabling us to continue building the best practice support available while also increasing access to care for patients.

Mark Ray, MD, FAAD is the founder of Trinity Dermatology, where he has been in practice since 1990. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and continued his training with an Internship at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Dr. Ray completed his Dermatology Residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and has served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School of Dallas since 2005. In addition, Dr. Ray is a Preceptor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

Jon Pruett, MD, FAAD attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1993. He then served on active duty for five years in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1998. That same year, Dr. Pruett entered medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, LA. He graduated from medical school with honors in 2002 and was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha. After one year of Internal Medicine training at Exempla Saint Joseph's Hospital in Denver, Colorado, Dr. Pruett went on to complete his Dermatology Residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. Dr. Pruett joined Trinity Dermatology in July 2006 and his professional interests include skin cancer detection and surgical treatment, acne, psoriasis and cosmetic procedures including Botox, filler agents and laser procedures. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

Lisa Guidry Pruett, MD, FAAD attended the Louisiana State University School of Medicine where she was inducted into LSUs chapter of the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha. She completed her Internship in Internal Medicine at LSUs Charity Hospital and her Dermatology Residency at LSU in Shreveport and New Orleans. Dr. Pruett moved to Dallas in 2009 when she married her husband, Jon, who she practices with at Trinity Dermatology. She enjoys all facets of dermatology, including medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Pruett is board-certified and a member of both the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

J. Kevin Pidkowicz, DO, MPH, FAAD provides medical and surgical dermatological services including the treatment of skin cancers, rashes, infections, acne, hyperpigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, and more for adults, teens, and children. He obtained his medical degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to complete an internship at Oakland Naval Hospital in Oakland, Calif., a family practice residency at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in Camp Pendleton, Calif., and a dermatology residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Dr. Pidkowicz is a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as a Medical Officer at posts around the world, including La Maddalena in Sardinia, off the coast of Italy; at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Rota, Spain; and at bases in Yuma, Arizona; Ft. Meade, Maryland; Camp Pendleton, California; and San Diego, California. His expertise as a board-certified Dermatologist has been called upon by service members all over the world. Dr. Pidkowicz also served our nation's military as a Dermatologist with the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, and as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Arizona.

William Miller, MD, MPH, FAAD attended medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he graduated with honors and was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. During medical school, he completed a Masters in Global Health at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, and a Masters in Public Health at the University of Texas where he was elected into the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health. Dr. Miller completed his three-year Dermatology Residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and his practice includes general medical, surgical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

If you would like more information about U.S. Dermatology Partners, or if you have any questions regarding the partnership with Trinity Dermatology, please contact one of the team members listed below:

U.S. Dermatology Partners

Geoff Wayne

Chief Executive Officer

Geoff(at)usdermpartners.com

Scott Wells

Chief Development Officer

SWells(at)usdermpartners.com

Brent Ohlsen

Director of Corporate Development

BOhlsen(at)usdermpartners.com

About U.S. Dermatology Partners

Headquartered in Dallas, TX, U.S. Dermatology Partners provides comprehensive practice management services to over 175 board-certified dermatologists and 61 midlevel providers across more than 90 locations in Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Virginia. U.S. Dermatology Partners provides comprehensive management services allowing providers to focus exclusively on delivering high-quality care to patients.

As one of the largest physician-owned dermatology practices in the country, patients of U.S. Dermatology Partners not only have access to general medical, surgical, and cosmetic skin treatment through its coordinated care network, but also benefit from the organizations strong dermatology thought leaders and medical advisory board. The physicians of U.S. Dermatology Partners are fervently focused on providing the highest level of patient-first care, and its team, therefore, includes recognized national leaders in areas such as clinical research, psoriasis, and Mohs Surgery. To learn more, visit usdermatologypartners.comCinco de Mayo, which marks the surprise defeat of Napoleon III in Mexico in 1862, has become a celebrated foodie holiday -- but its no surprise that lard remains a staple of traditional Mexican cooking, especially at those Los Angeles and Orange County establishments showcased on a special Coast Packing Company online gastronomic taste map, prepared for the occasion.

In this installment of Taste the Difference, Coast Packing -- the leading supplier of animal fat shortenings in the Western U.S. -- is again putting its website (and #FatMap) where its taste buds are.

Coast has #FatMapped restaurants and eateries throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties, spots where locals can taste for themselves just how lard brings out the best in burritos, tacos and refried beans.

Among the cant-miss places: El Tepeyac Cafe in Boyle Heights, home of Manuels Special burrito, weighing in at more than 5 lbs. El Tepeyac has been featured on the Food Network, Travel Channels Man vs. Food, and more. Also on the map: Gilberts El Indio, Yucas, Al & Beas, Lupes #2, Titos Tacos and La Indiana Tamales, among roughly two dozen others.

People dont go to restaurants so they can consume heavily processed, chemically extracted substitutes for healthy, natural animal fats, said Ernest Miller, Coast Packings Corporate Chef. We believe in traditional foods, which is one reason why lard is such a mainstay in many Mexican dishes, especially when we celebrate.

In terms of freshness, flavor and texture, there really is no comparison, which is exactly why were so delighted when consumers can taste for themselves, said Eric R. Gustafson, Coast Packing CEO. Toward that end, we at Coast Packing are continuing our efforts to build #FatMaps showing that healthy animal fats are just about everywhere, and that consumers dont need to go far to find places where they can let their palates make the call.

Have a favorite restaurant that puts lard or beef tallow on the menu (or just in some of its prize dishes)? If so, drop Coast an email at info@coastpacking.com and the company will put it on the #FatMap. Consumers can also post an image or link to via Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest, etc., with the hashtag #LardOnTheMenu

or #TallowOnTheMenu.

About Coast Packing Company

Now marking its 96th year in business, Coast Packing Company (http://www.coastpacking.com), a closely held corporation, is the number one supplier of animal fat shortenings  particularly lard and beef tallow -- in the Western United States. The company sells to major manufacturers, distributors, retailers, smaller food service operations and leading bakeries. The company participates actively in diverse ethnic markets  from Hispanic retail chains, with its VIVA brand, to various Asian specialty markets. Based in Vernon, Calif., Coast Packing Company is regional, national and, increasingly, global. In some cases, supplier relationships are multigenerational, extending back 50 years and more. Coast is a founding member of the Healthy Fats Coalition (http://www.healthyfatscoalition.org/).

For more information about Coast Packing Company, visit: http://www.coastpacking.com. Follow us via social media on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/coastpackingco, Twitter @coastpackingco and Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/coastpackingco.Martin Cloake, CEO of Raven Telemetry Manufacturing is still fundamentally a people business, so analysis without people taking action is valueless. The biggest opportunity is to change what people do, rather than simply report what happened.

Raven Telemetry, a leading artificial intelligence company for manufacturing, announced that it raised $6.1 million in equity financing from angel investors.

Notable contributors include Fresh Founders (including Shopifys Tobi Lutke and Harley Finkelstein), Rob Lander (former President and CEO of Stackpole), Luc Levesque (Former VP at TripAdvisor), Rob Ashe (Former CEO at Cognos), Jacket River, HBS Angel Investors of New York, and several others.

Expanding our client base makes our technology better  the more data we get, the stronger the AI gets, says Martin Cloake, Ravens CEO. This practical application of AI in manufacturing to guide behaviour has never been done in this space. Were excited to lead the way.

Raven uses mobile hardware, software, and cloud-based analytics driven by artificial intelligence to massively improve world-leading manufacturers profitability with no change to the number of people and machines. Real-time recommendations and productivity insights provide immediate results to plant managers, supervisors, and machine operators.

Raven Telemetry has a focused, real-world solution to the very real problem of increased plant efficiency, says Rob Ashe. This is a burning platform for manufacturers looking experience the benefits of modernized shop floors and more efficient output.

Early adopters are seeing results. Ravens system and support have been invaluable in helping us improve, says Doug Higginbotham from Davids Tea. Not only do we know where the gaps are, we also know what to do about them. Since integrating Raven in our workflow, we are more competitive and have increased our productivity.

Shannin Hudson, a plant manager at Danaher Corp. adds, With Raven, our up-time went from 78 to 92 per cent. Its saved of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year.

Since its launch in 2013, Raven is growing exponentially and boasts many large manufacturers as clients such as Hitachi, Davids Tea, Teledyne, and Danaher.

Were pleased that our investors see the future of manufacturing the same way we do, says Cloake. Manufacturing is still fundamentally a people business, so analysis without people taking action is valueless. The biggest opportunity is to change what people do, rather than simply report what happened.

To learn more about Raven visit http://www.raven.ai.

About Raven

Founded in 2013, Raven developed the first Augmented Industrial ManagementTM (AIM) platform for manufacturers. Raven uses mobile hardware, software, and cloud-based analytics driven by artificial intelligence to massively improve world-leading manufacturers profitability with no change to the number of people and machines. Real-time recommendations and productivity insights provide immediate results to plant managers, supervisors, and machine operators.

For media inquiries, contact kindha(at)raven.ai.Facebook F8 Developer Conference - Felix & Paul Studios, the EMMY Award-winning creator of cinematic virtual reality experiences, and Universal Pictures today launched Jurassic World: Bluein conjunction with the launch of the new Oculus Go standalone VR headset.

The two-part cinematic virtual reality experience was created by Felix & Paul Studios, Universal Pictures and Facebooks Oculuswith visual effects and animation by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and sound by Headspace Studio. Directed by Felix Lajeunesse and Paul Raphael, each chapter of Jurassic World: Blue delivers a single, continuous take, combining live-action and CG in 360 3Dresulting in some of the longest visual-effects shots ever created.

Jurassic World: Blue is now available for Oculus Go and Oculus Rift. Episode one is launching today, and episode two is coming soon. Each of the two four-minute virtual-reality experiences was captured and produced using Felix & Paul Studios full-spectrum VR platform, including the studios proprietary, state-of the art cameras and pre- and post-production software suite.

Were thrilled to bring the magic of this iconic series to VR with Oculus Go. The fluid camera moves, as well as the phenomenal animation and rendering, create a sense of presence and immersion that makes Jurassic World: Blue a new high watermark in cinematic VR, said Colum Slevin, Head of Experiences, Oculus.

Set on Isla Nublar, Jurassic World: Blue occurs four years after the catastrophic events in which Jurassic World has been abandoned and dinosaurs have overtaken the island. Amid the threat of volcanic eruption, we encounter the highly intelligent velociraptor Blue on her quest for survival. Viewers follow Blue as she hunts for food, searches for signs of fellow life, and battles some of the islands most threatening predatorsamid the imminent destruction of the island.

Universal is excited to partner once again with Felix & Paul Studios and release our new virtual reality companion experience to the Jurassic World series, said Austin Barker, EVP, Universal Pictures Creative Content. Felix & Paul Studios has created a stunning experience, one that represents spectacular advancements in cinematic, narrative storytelling in VR. Its thrilling to bring Jurassic World to life in this way.

Jurassic World: Blue is a follow-up to 2015s highly acclaimed VR experience Jurassic World: Apatosaurus, co-produced by Felix & Paul Studios, Universal and Oculus.

Jurassic World: Blue invites viewers to immerse themselves in what it would feel like to be in close proximity with those stunning creatureswith the mixture of striking beauty and fear that accompanies this unique VR experience, said Felix Lajeunesse, creative director and co-founder of Felix & Paul Studios.

About Felix & Paul Studios

Felix & Paul Studios is the industry leader in the field of high-end cinematic virtual reality with an unparalleled reputation for producing the highest quality experiences in this emerging new medium. The studio combines technological innovation with a unique, pioneering and in-depth approach to the new art of virtual reality storytellingcreating ground-breaking original cinematic experiences (MIYUBI, Nomads series, Strangers, The Confessional, Space Explorers) and collaborations with existing franchises (Jurassic World, Cirque du Soleil, Fox Searchlights Wild, Isle of Dogs) and world-renowned personalities and leaders (President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, LeBron James, President Bill Clinton).

The company is the worlds only full spectrum VR studio, showcasing end-to-end creative and technological know-how and proprietary tools within one companyincluding best-in-class spherical 3D camera systems, production and post-production software and processes, and specialized audio capture, design and processing through its Headspace Studio division.

With its headquarters in Montreal, Canada and offices in Los Angeles, CA, Felix & Paul Studios has a highly experienced team of over 60 VR specialists and is backed by Caisse de Depot et Placement du Quebec, Comcast Ventures, Investment Quebec, OMERS Ventures, and the Phi Group.

About Oculus

Oculus is a team at Facebook that builds virtual reality (VR) hardware and software to let people experience anything, anywhere, with anyone. The Oculus platform is currently available on three headsetsthe PC-powered Oculus Rift, the standalone headset Oculus Go, and the mobile Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus. They provide the most immersive VR experiences available, from games and movies, to 3D 360 videos and beyond.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Gianluca Lignola

Universal Pictures

gianluca.lignola(at)nbcuni(dot)com

818.777.4758

Jacqueline Geday

Felix & Paul Studios

jacqueline(at)felixandpaul(dot)com

+1.514.331.7001 #8116

Eliza Kern

Oculus

eliza.kern(at)oculus(dot)comJared Isaacman, CEO, Shift4 Payments ETAs first Forty Under 40 class is growing the industry at an unprecedented pace. The caliber and impact of their work is exceptional and demonstrates their commitment to the industry.

Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman has been chosen by the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) for its inaugural Forty Under 40 list, which highlights game-changers at the intersection of payments and technology. The roster includes individuals working across the evolving segments of the payments industry and highlights those whose actions and leadership are driving innovation within the payments industry forward.

The impressive group of talented payments professionals under 40 includes founders, analysts, reporters, and C-level executives whose organizations represent everything from digital wallets and omni-channel to AI and machine learning. ETAs 2018 class of Forty Under 40 is featured in the March/April 2018 issue of their flagship magazine, Transaction Trends, and was recognized during the Visa Presidents Dinner & Star Awards Gala at TRANSACT, the premier event for payments industry professionals, April 17-19, in Las Vegas.

Over 100 nominations were submitted from ETA members, TRANSACT exhibitors and industry leaders. The final group was selected based on the nominees impact on the payments industry as well as their professional character.

ETAs first Forty Under 40 class is growing the industry at an unprecedented pace, said Jason Oxman, CEO of ETA. Each one possesses a unique skillset, allowing them to identify and shape key segments of the payments ecosystem. The caliber and impact of their work is exceptional and demonstrates their commitment to the industry.

As CEO of Shift4 Payments, Jared Isaacman oversees all business units within the organization, including the companys Harbortouch, POSitouch, Future POS and Restaurant Manager brands, as well as Shift4s core payments business. Isaacman started the company in 1999 in the basement of his familys house when he was only 16 years old and has since grown it into one of the leading payments organizations in the country.

ETAs full Forty Under 40 list can be found on their website.

About ETA

The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) is the global trade association representing more than 500 payments and technology companies. ETA members make commerce possible by processing more than $6 trillion in purchases in the U.S. and deploying payments innovation to merchants and consumers.

About Shift4 Payments

Shift4 Payments is the leader in secure payment processing solutions, powering the top point-of-sale and software providers across numerous verticals, including Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Lodging, Gaming, Retail, and e-Commerce. This includes the companys Harbortouch, Restaurant Manager, POSitouch, and Future POS brands, as well as over 300 additional software integrations in virtually every industry. With eight offices across the U.S. and Europe, 7,000 sales partners, and three state-of-the-art data centers, the company securely processes over 1 billion transactions annually for nearly 200,000 businesses, representing over $100 billion in payments each year. For additional information, visit http://www.shift4.com.Introducing Northplains NEXT: LAYOUTS LAYOUTS technology is simple enough to be used by any member of the team while sufficiently limiting editing functionality to guarantee brand consistency and targeted, powerful localization - all from within the user's web browser.

Northplains, the leading digital asset and content lifecycle management technology provider, is excited to announce the launch of their latest NEXT module LAYOUTS at Henry Stewart DAM NY 2018 in New York this week. LAYOUTS enables users to edit, localize and translate approved assets directly within the DAM to create files in virtually any format, resolution and for distribution across any digital or print channel.

The demand for tools that support the ability to bring content to market faster is at an all-time high, said Hassan Kotob, CEO, Northplains. LAYOUTS technology is simple enough to be used by any member of the team while sufficiently limiting editing functionality to guarantee brand consistency and targeted, powerful localization - all from within the user's web browser.

Northplains LAYOUTS module enables users to:



Rapidly share and distribute branded content for customization by account managers, partners, resellers, franchisees, etc. without the need for additional software licenses or specialized training;

Increase campaign success through translation and localization by local language and cultural experts;

Reduce overhead, automate repetitive tasks and meet more deadlines;

Decrease reliance on skilled editors and production artists for an automatic lift in ROI.

Be sure to stop by booth 37 at Henry Stewart DAM NY from May 3 to 4, 2018 to see LAYOUTS first hand, or visit http://www.northplains.com to schedule a demo.

About Northplains

Northplains is the industry leader in digital asset and content lifecycle management solutions. Headquartered in Toronto with offices in the US and Europe, Northplains suite of SaaS and On-Premise digital asset management technologies assist users in working better, smarter - and faster - throughout the content lifecycle. Our award-winning technology streamlines production, enables single-click syndication and powers omnichannel deployment while improving internal collaboration, brand consistency, and ROI. For more information, please visit http://www.northplains.com."Jasper has experienced learning curves since 2004, but we have continuously gained industry knowledge. We are the number one residential roof replacement contractor in Florida-hands down," says Brian Wedding, CEO & President.

One of the largest names in the roofing industry is celebrating its 14 year anniversary. Jasper Contractors, Inc. was established on May 4, 2004 in Indiana. Originally Jasper began as a new construction contractor, but after Hurricane Ivan hit the Gulf Coast, CEO and President, Brian Wedding, relocated to focus on replacing damaged roofs. The restoration industry rapidly increased after Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Katrina. Communities needed help in the aftermath of Mother Nature.

Jasper grew during these times as we provided roof replacements after natural disasters. We rebuilt communities, and we became the experts, says Wedding. Jasper has experienced learning curves since 2004, but we have continuously gained industry knowledge. We are the number one residential roof replacement contractor in Florida-hands down.

With years of industry knowledge, Jasper Contractors was able to develop a process that continues to work today. Their team members help customers navigate the insurance claims process and in turn, it makes these major home improvement projects less stressful. Many of Jaspers roof replacements are completed in one day, including clean-up.

Jasper Contractors is a multi-year recipient of the Owens Corning High Volume Award and is a Platinum Preferred Contractor. The company just opened its sixth office in Melbourne, Fla. with plans to continue expanding organically and through the acquisitions of small to mid-size commercial roofing contractors.

For additional information about Jasper Contractors or the services they provide, visit http://www.JasperRoof.com or call directly at (407) 278-7788.

About Jasper Contractors

Jasper Contractors, Inc. is a high-volume roofing company with offices located in Atlanta, Lakeland, Fla., Melbourne, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Sanford, Fla. and Tampa, Fla. Jasper specializes in offering a no-cost inspection and helps customers navigate the insurance claims process when they have sustained hail or wind damage to their roof. The company offers both residential and commercial services and both asphalt shingle and tile roof replacements. Jasper Contractors, Inc. is a subsidiary of EX Capital, LLC. LIC# CCC1331153, LIC# CCC1329651Dr. Marco Pavone, Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University and the Director of Stanfords Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL) There is no doubt that autonomous vehicles will be an integral component of future mobility systems. In my opinion, the immediate opportunity is to deploy low-speed vehicle fleets. Coast is perfectly positioned to do so. -Dr. Marco Pavone

Coast Autonomous, a self-driving vehicle technology company, announced today that one of the worlds leading experts in robot autonomy has joined its Advisory Board to work with the Company to further develop its autonomous vehicle fleet management software and controls.

Dr. Marco Pavone is an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University and the Director of Stanfords Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL). Dr. Pavones cutting-edge work in robot autonomy has earned him accolades in the scientific, academic and business communities. His seminal work in this area has shaped our understanding of the operation of autonomous systems in space exploration as well as on Earth.

Dr. Pavone joins three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti on Coasts Advisory Board. Franchitti provides his considerable expertise on safe driving to further advance Coast Autonomous best-in-class self-driving software.

I am thrilled to be working with Coast. I am very familiar with Coast CTO Pierre Lefevres work with low-speed autonomous vehicles, as we tested his first prototype shuttle at CARS (Center for Automotive Research at Stanford) in 2012. It was exciting to see Pierre and the Coast team launch the Coast P-1 Autonomous Shuttle. There is no doubt that autonomous vehicles will be an integral component of future mobility systems. In my opinion, the immediate opportunity is to deploy low-speed vehicle fleets. Coast is perfectly positioned to do so. It will be exciting to offer my advice as the Coast team begins deploying their affordable fleets. I look forward to learning from this experience and am grateful to Pierre and the Coast team for the invitation to join their Advisory Board.

I have been following Dr. Pavones remarkable career in robotics and fleet management for some time, said Lefevre. It is an incredible honor and an amazing opportunity for Coast to have access to his knowledge and expertise. Fleet management likely will prove to be a key component to the deployment of large numbers of autonomous vehicles. Working with Dr. Pavone and having access to his renowned expertise will give Coast a real advantage. Proper fleet management improves the customers overall experience and reduces the number of vehicles needed to provide an efficient service. This helps solve traffic problems and reduces cost for the fleet operator while offering a better service for the customer. The opposite is true also; bad (or non-existent) fleet management results in increased traffic and a worse service. This will be an exciting collaboration and we are very grateful to Dr. Pavone for agreeing to join Coast.

About Coast Autonomous:

Coast Autonomous is a software and technology company focused on delivering AV solutions for low-speed environments. At the center of one of the fastest and most profound disruptions to impact the transportation and logistics industries, Coast has developed a complete suite of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) software that includes mapping & localization, robotics & artificial intelligence (AI), fleet management and supervision systems. Partnering with proven manufacturers, Coast can provide a variety of vehicles equipped with its best-in-class software to offer Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) solutions to cities, theme parks, campuses, airports and other low-speed environments. Based in Pasadena, California, Coasts team is recognized for its experience and expertise in all aspects of implementing and operating AV fleets while prioritizing safety and the user experience. To learn how Coast Autonomous can help you power autonomous transportation in your environment, please visit http://www.CoastAutonomous.com.

About Dr. Marco Pavone:

Dr. Marco Pavone is an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Stanford University, where he is the Director of Stanfords Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL). The goal of ASL is the development of methodologies for the analysis, design and control of autonomous systems, with an emphasis on self-driving vehicles, autonomous aerospace vehicles, and large-scale robotic networks. Before joining Stanford University, Dr. Pavone was a Research Technologist within the Robotics Section at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He received a Ph.D. degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010. Dr. Pavone is a recipient of several awards, including a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers -- the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on early-career scientists and engineers.Korean War Veteran H.J. Burley Smith, right, receives Koreas Ambassador of Peace Medal from Korean Brigadier General Kim Kwang-woo, left, at the SS Meredith Victory Monument in Geoje, South Korea. Korean Ministry of Patriots & Veterans Affairs Brigadier General Kim Kwang-woo presented U.S. Merchant Marine H.J. Burley Smith with Koreas Ambassador of Peace Medal for his part in the SS Meredith Victory rescue, famous for saving 14,000 Korean refugees in Dec 1950 during the Hungnam evacuation.

During a Memorial Ceremony organized by the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA), Brigadier General (retired) and MPVA Director General Kim Kwang-woo (left) presents Korean War Veteran H.J. Burley Smith (right) with Koreas Ambassador of Peace Medal. Smith and his travel group, who were visiting Korea on a Windstar cruise to retrace history, were invited by President Moon Jae-in of South Korea to the Geoje-do Monument to the SS Meredith Victory, whose crew of American merchant seamen became famous for saving 14,000 Korean refugees in December 1950 during the Hungnam evacuation.

In December 1950, Junior Third Mate Burley Smith was on his first service trip aboard the 7,600-ton SS Meredith Victory, when the ship and staff performed a historic rescue of 14,000 Korean refugees early in the Korean War. Later dubbed the ship of miracles, the vessel was designed to carry just 12 passengers and 47 crew, including Burley Smith a recent U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate.

Amongst the rescued refugees were the parents of South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who participated in a wreath laying ceremony during his June 2017 visit to the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Reported to be the largest humanitarian rescue operation by a single ship in a single trip, the ship captain and crew were awarded war hero status by Korea and decorated as American heroes. No lives were lost and five babies were born on the now legendary journey through mine fields, darkness and enemy fire, the experience inspired the captain to become a monk.

The Welcome Ceremony was held at the Refugee Meredith Victory Memorial at Geoje City, South Korea which commemorates the site where the refugees were rescued in 1950. A delegation led by Brigadier General Kim and other representatives from a special Presidential envoy participated in a moving ceremony and luncheon to celebrate Mr. Burley Smith. Along with his wife Travel Agent Mrs. Barbara Hacker, Smith and their Kendale Lakes Travel Group of Miami, Florida chose the Windstars Star Legend itinerary, because of its first time, overnight call to Busan, South Korea on April 5 and 6.

In addition, Timothy Ryan (above right photo, far right) of the Rotary Club of Miami presented Brigadier General Kim and with an America Flag that was flown over the United States Capitol in honor of the rescue mission and the Korean people, along with a letter of special recognition from U.S. Senator Marco Rubio that stated, We hope you will fly it at the Meredith Victory Memorial in recognition of the bond that unites our two countries and in memory of the Ship of Miracles that saved so many lives.

The return visit, and day tour to Geoje City were specially arranged to allow Mr. Smith and his travel companions to retrace the path of the historic voyage and attend the memorial ceremony events planned by the MPVA at the SS Meredith Victory Monument. Cruise guests on Windstars Splendors of Japan & Korea sailing were given a presentation by Ned Forney, author, historian and grandson of U.S. Marine Colonel Ed Forney who had a major role in the organization of the evacuation; Mr. Forney and Mr. Smith also participated in a question and answer session with Mr. D.H. Won, who resides in Korean and was a teenage refugee who was evacuated on the Meredith Victory in 1954.

Prior to the Memorial Ceremony at the Refugee Meredith Victory Memorial, the MPVA delegation enjoyed a tour and breakfast reception aboard Star Legend while alongside in the Port of Busan. The 7,600 ton merchant marine vessel SS Meredith Victory that performed the historic rescue was not much larger than the 5,320 ton, 212-passenger MV Star Legend which Mr. Smith and his travel group sailed on to retrace the path of the historic voyage.Drawn To Discover Dr. David Barrett explains, Learning is about connection: human connection and knowledge connection. Im proud that Drawn To Discover is a valuable tool for helping children build those connections in a fun and creative way!

The visual literacy program, Drawn To Discover, is examining the topic of state assessments in our schools through the lens of creativity and natural learning. May is a popular time for such testing and right now millions of students, parents, and educators across the country are dealing with the effects  both positive and negative.

In this quick-hitting 3-part series, Dr. David Barrett, Drawn To Discovers director of research and education, dives head-first into this pervasive and controversial topic through an examination of the Why, the What, and the How of learning and education. Starting with the basics, Dr. Barrett looks first at how humans learn and the foundations of formal education and then explores what is being taught in our schools and how that curriculum is delivered. You can read it here at drawntodiscover.com/blog

Dr. Barrett, co-author of Harnessing the Dynamics of Public Education and numerous scholarly articles, is a teacher, counselor, and educational researcher who has dedicated over 25 years to helping children and families foster growth and development. A new father himself, David is excited to be part of the Drawn To Discover team, Learning is about connection: human connection and knowledge connection. Im proud that Drawn To Discover is a valuable tool for helping children build those connections in a fun and creative way!

Co-Founder, Brian Goodman, started DrawnToDiscover.com because his search ran dry for supplemental educational resources that could help the complex learning differences presented in his special needs child. He added, Dr. Barretts blog provides great insight and asks challenging questions for concerned parents like me. Education is a broad and complex topic and David does an excellent job of presenting the issues in a clear, concise, and objective way with an insiders perspective. He raises important questions that everyone needs to consider. Indeed, Dr. Barrett illustrates many of the reasons Drawn To Discover was born!

About Drawn To Discover, LLC



DRAWN TO DISCOVER is a progressive and pioneering visual literacy and learning solution for children. We manifest creativity and self-confidence through interactive ENRICHMENT video lessons built to develop fine motor skills into cognitive growth. Happiness is our magic ingredient.Seabreeze Management Company, Inc., a leading residential and commercial property management firm, today commemorates its 31st year serving premier communities across California and Nevada.

On May 1st, 1987, Seabreeze opened its doors in Orange County, CA. Seeking to combine the amenities of large scale operations with the personalized, family-oriented service of a boutique firm, Seabreeze has carved out a niche market for its discerning customers. Thanks to steadfast leadership and a dedicated team of professionals, Seabreeze has stayed true to its original mission for just over three decades.

As a result of that dedication, Seabreezes 31st year in the property management industry was also its best. With an array of new clients, employees and offices, Seabreeze is expanding its footprint all across the West Coast.

The property management industry has changed and grown since Seabreeze first opened its doors 31 years ago, said Isaiah Henry, President and CEO at Seabreeze. In that time, weve adapted to the needs of the market without ever losing sight of our mission. Our mission is our people, and our peoplewhether client or employeeare the backbone of this company. We are so grateful for the growth that weve seen, particularly in this last year, and we look forward to what the future holds.

When I started Seabreeze, my goals were very clear, said Lisa Dale, Founder at Seabreeze. I wanted personalized service to be the cornerstone of the organization, and I wanted to build a property management company that would give back in the very communities that we serve every day. Now, 31 years later, I am proud to say that Seabreeze is every bit the organization that I hoped it would beand more. Our focus on people, our commitment to service and our ability to deliver has brought us this far, and its those traits that will take us well into the future.

About Seabreeze Management Company

Seabreeze Management Company is a full-service property management company with a diverse management portfolio of over 60,000 residential and commercial properties. Based in Aliso Viejo, California, Seabreeze has offered an unrivaled client experience to common-interest developments and homeowners associations for over 30 years. With offices throughout California and Nevada, Seabreeze has expanded its mission to be a trusted advisor and collaboratively partner with developments to build thriving communities through superior service and integrity. Seabreeze is a certified AAMC company. For more information, visit http://www.seabreezemgmt.com, like Seabreeze on Facebook, or follow on Twitter @Seabreezemgmt.If you use the machines the way theyre designed to be used, the ballot images are saved. Youd have to go in there on purpose to destroy them. Why would an election official want to destroy election records?

Secretary of State Jon Husted and the Boards of Election of Franklin and Cuyahoga Counties are facing a lawsuit challenging election practices voters and experts say violate the law. Plaintiffs filed Ohio Supreme Court case number 2018-0563 to halt what they say is the County BOEs plan to destroy key election materials known as digital ballot images immediately after next weeks primary election.

Cuyahoga and Franklin are among the 15 counties in Ohio with newer voting equipment that uses digital imaging to count votes cast on paper ballots. When a ballot is fed into the scanner, the scanner snaps an image of that ballot, just like your smart phone takes a picture, says John Brakey, expert witness and Director of Americans United for Democracy, Integrity and Transparency in Elections (AUDIT USA). The scanner counts the votes it reads on the digital image, not on the paper ballot.

Digital ballot images are essential for verifying the accuracy of the election results, according to the suit. Brakey says, Scanners can miss votes, like when a voter marks the ballot lightly. The ballot images feature was created to provide a way to double-check the scanners vote counts. We need to be able to look at the digital images to make sure all the votes get counted. So they must not be destroyed.

The case asks the judge to order all Ohio counties to follow the voting system manufacturers instructions to preserve all ballot images as required by law. This can easily be done in time for next months election, according to the plaintiffs.

The suit focuses on Cuyahoga and Franklin because conversations with election officials made it clear they planned to destroy the ballot images, according to Brakey. If you use the machines the way theyre designed to be used, the ballot images are saved, he said. Youd have to go in there on purpose to destroy them. Why would an election official want to destroy election records?

Weve had indications that most of the counties using this technology are following the law, said attorney Robert J. Fitrakis of Columbus, who filed the suit. As a precaution, were seeking a court order that these crucial records be protected in every county where they exist.

According to the brief filed in the case yesterday a, public record is created the moment the paper ballot is scanned. Ballot images are therefore in the chain of custody, and mandated to be retained by law. All documents related to the case are online at http://sc.ohio.gov/Clerk/ecms/#/caseinfo/2018/0563.

This case is simple. Theres no reason for it to be controversial, says Fitrakis. The law is clear. Were simply asking the judge to order Secretary of State Jon Husted and the Boards of Election to follow the law.

In their responses to the lawsuit filed in court last Friday, the Secretary of State and the Cuyahoga and Franklin County Boards of Elections did not specify whether or not they would preserve the ballot images. The respondents have raised a number of general procedural arguments in their answer, said plaintiffs attorney Chris Sautter. but it is telling that they do not deny that they are allowing digital ballot images to be destroyed.

Sautter continued, We are optimistic that the Court will order respondents to follow federal and state law that requires officials to preserve all election materials including ballot images for 22 months.

The original plaintiff in the suit, Constance Gadwell-Newton, is a candidate for the Green Partys nomination for Governor. Voters from the Republican and Democratic parties yesterday filed affidavits in support.

In addition to Cuyahoga and Franklin, the counties that use digital scanners are Auglaize, Belmont, Carroll, Clermont, Fayette, Guernsey, Harrison, Huron, Knox, Mahoning, Monroe, Portage and Summit.

Courts in New York, Alabama, and Arizona have recognized that digital ballot images must be preserved.

AUDIT USA is a national non-partisan group working to restore public ownership and oversight of elections, to ensure the fundamental right of every American citizen to vote, and to have each vote counted as intended in a secure, transparent, impartial, and independently audited election process. AUDIT USA provides resources to voters and candidates to secure, access, and use digital ballot images to protect elections. Learn more at AUDITelectionsUSA.org.Instana AI-Powered APM Actapio wanted a monitoring solution that could work at scale in both our traditional infrastructure and our modern orchestrated environment to provide immediate performance data to our developers.

Actapio, Yahoo Japan Corporations US subsidiary, has selected Instana as the monitoring solution for their hybrid environments consisting of multiple Kubernetes clusters and traditional infrastructure technologies including OpenStack.

Delivering new application functionality is critical to the continued success of Yahoo Japan, said Norifumi Matsuya, President & CEO of Actapio in charge of cloud infrastructure engineering. Our goal is to build the infrastructure and tools to enable our engineers to seamlessly deliver, yet precisely manage performance of, new services.

The Actapio team realized in 2016 that Kubernetes was the best technology for enabling rapid deployment of code into production and generally modernizing their data center operations. The goal was to build an infrastructure to enable a full CI/CD pipeline with canary testing and immediate roll out/roll back capabilities. But in order to manage quality at scale, they had to empower their developers with immediate data and information about performance. After exploring all their options, the Actapio team decided on Instana to provide performance monitoring.

Actapio wanted a monitoring solution that could work at scale in both our traditional infrastructure and our modern orchestrated environment to provide immediate performance data to our developers, said Norifumi Matsuya, President and CEO of Actapio. Not only did Instana meet our needs to support the full range of infrastructure and application technologies, they also meet our goals of zero-touch implementation and automation.

Instanas APM solution leverages automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automatically monitor, visualize and understand microservice performance for applications running in Kubernetes. The solution correlates performance and tracing data to guide developers to potential problems and corrective actions.

Were delighted that Actapio selected Instana as part of their modern environment, said Instana co-founder and CTO Pavlo Baron. Instana automates the discovery and performance understanding of microservices and visualizes their dependencies to the running infrastructure, middleware and data services. Our goal is zero-effort empowerment of developers.

The infrastructure and Instana-driven monitoring are part of Yahoo Japans work to build a modern data center to support its CI/CD development goals and the companys overall data analysis capabilities.

About Instana:

As the leading provider of Application Performance Management solutions for containerized microservice applications, Instana applies automation and artificial intelligence to deliver the visibility needed to effectively manage the performance of todays dynamic applications across the DevOps lifecycle. Founded by Application Monitoring veterans, Instana provides true AI-powered APM to help organizations deliver high performance applications today and in the future. Visit Instana at https://instana.com to learn more.Wendy MacClinchy named Milton Hershey School's 2018 Alumna of the Year Ms. MacClinchy has used her fierce passion and commitment as an advocate for others to make a profound impact on the advancement of human rights and global humanitarianism, said MHS President Pete Gurt 85.

Milton Hershey School has named Wendy MacClinchy 92 the 2018 Alumna of the Year in recognition of her work within the global peace and security, diplomacy, humanitarian, and sustainable development fields.

It was the hope of our founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey, that our students would go out into the world and make it a better place. Ms. MacClinchy has used her fierce passion and commitment as an advocate for others to make a profound impact on the advancement of human rights and global humanitarianism, said MHS President Pete Gurt 85. Her work is a testament to the Hersheys proud legacy and an example for other alumni and students of the difference we can make in the world. Our MHS community is proud of Wendys achievements and we can only imagine the future impact she will have on others as she continues her journey as a humanitarian and leader.

MacClinchy enrolled at MHS in 1989 when she was 15 years old. Her dedication to improving the lives of others became evident during her time as a student. She utilized the strong mentors at MHS to help nurture her public speaking, writing, and leadership skills. She also participated in the Visual and Performing Arts program and swim team. Her penchant for making a difference led her to contribute countless hours volunteering in the local community, working on student publications, and leading the student government.

She went on to make a career out of a very powerful intentionto be an agent for good in the world. After graduating from MHS in 1992, MacClinchy attended Rutgers University and majored in environmental policy. She began her career working with those struggling with poverty and food insecurity in the United States.

Following a nine-month backpacking trip around the world, MacClinchy joined the U.S. Peace Corps in the mountains of Morocco. Her work took her to Afghanistan, where she managed humanitarian and reconstruction programs. For more than a decade, she operated an emergency employment program for the United Nations in Afghanistan to create jobs for those affected by three decades of war. The U.N. then moved MacClinchy to Liberia for a peacekeeping mission. She served as a U.N. representative and helped Liberians rebuild their country. Following her work in Liberia, MacClinchy moved to Iraq and served as the senior U.N. advisor to the Iraqi government. This was followed by policy work at the U.N. in New York City and a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Beirut with her husband. In Beirut, she negotiated a crisis response strategy and led the coordination of 25 U.N. agencies during the Syrian refugee crisis.

In addition to her work in the field, MacClinchy continues to share her expertise and field research with others through high-profile publications. In 2016, she published a flagship report for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) called States of Fragility: A Violent World and moderated a high-level panel discussion on the report at the U.N. Her research also has resulted in several comprehensive strategies for the U.N. and institutional reforms for the U.S. government.

In addition to her undergraduate degree, she graduated, with distinction, from the London School of Economics with a Master of Science in management, organization, and governance. She also received a fellowship for the advanced study of non-violent conflict resolution at Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

MacClinchy currently resides in Japan with her husband and two daughters. She and her husband work together on U.N.-wide research and policy with the United Nations Universitys Centre for Policy Research in Tokyo.

Milton Hershey School will honor MacClinchy during a special recognition dinner on Saturday, June 9. She will address students and staff during the 2018 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 10.

More information about Milton Hershey School can be found at mhskids.org.

# # #

ABOUT THE ALUMNUS/ALUMNA OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Milton Hershey School Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award began in 1954. Recipients of the award have demonstrated humanitarianism and exemplary service to others, achieved distinguished service in their careers, and exhibited high standards of achievements, both personally and professionally.

ABOUT MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL

Milton Hershey School is one of the worlds best private schools, offering a top-notch education and positive home life to children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of lower income at no charge.Liberty University is proud to welcome President Jimmy Carter to deliver the keynote address at Commencement on Saturday, May 19, 2018. It will be Liberty Universitys 45th Commencement. In addition, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson will address the College of Osteopathic Medicines inaugural graduating class.

President Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, losing his re-election bid to Republican Ronald Reagan. Since leaving office, Carter has written many books and has been a key supporter and advocate for Habitat for Humanity. In 1982, the former president established the Carter Center as his base for advancing human rights. He is the longest-retired U.S. President.

Secretary Carson is a neurosurgeon, author of six best-selling books, and a former presidential candidate. He is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Michigan Medical School. Carson has visited Liberty before, speaking at Convocation in 2012 and 2015.

All media are encouraged to attend and cover both ceremonies. Please email Len Stevens at ljstevens(at)liberty(dot)edu or call 434-582-7751 to be added to the media list. You will receive further instructions on parking and covering the event.

The main Commencement ceremony will begin at 10am at Williams Stadium. The College of Osteopathic Medicines ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Worship Center at Thomas Road Baptist Church.

About Liberty University

Liberty University, founded in 1971, is the largest private, nonprofit university in the nation and the largest university in Virginia. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains on more than 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty offers more than 550 unique programs of study from the certificate to the doctoral level. More than 250 programs are offered online. Libertys mission is to train Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrows world.Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) announced it will relocate its Boston corporate headquarters to two complementary locations. Currently at 41 Seyon Street in Waltham, MA, the firm will establish a 110,000-square-foot presence at 20 CityPoint in Waltham and a 14,000-square-foot office in the Prudential Tower in Boston. We are excited to partner with Boston Properties to realize our strategic vision for dual locations. The complementary locations position us to transform the ways in which we partner with our clients, advance the state of knowledge of our industry, and actively participate in the innovation and vibrancy of Boston, said Charles Russo, SGH Chief Executive Officer.

SGHs facility at Waltham CityPoint will house engineering and corporate teams, the firms physical, materials, and digital laboratories, and an expanded experimentation center. According to Russo, The CityPoint location allows us to invest in and grow our laboratory, research, and innovation capabilities, while our Prudential Tower location immerses a Boston-focused and experienced engineering team with our long-standing clients and academic partners.

SGH plans to open its Boston location in August 2018 and the Waltham location in August 2019.

# # #

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) is a national engineering firm that designs, investigates, and rehabilitates structures, building enclosures, and materials. Our award-winning work encompasses building, energy, civil/infrastructure, and science/defense projects in the United States, Canada, and more than thirty additional countries.

SGH has offices in Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco, Southern California, and Washington, DC. For more information, please visit http://www.sgh.com.The Seniors Center's Trust Fund Emergency Petition to Congress Our members are fighting mad. They've made it clear that they expect action from Congress and the President to save Social Security.

329,000 senior citizens have signed petitions demanding an immediate end to the practice of borrowing surplus Social Security funds for general spending--and calling on Congress to replace $2.7 trillion in Trust Fund IOUs with real cash assets.

The national petition drive, sponsored by The Seniors Center, is the core of a movement by senior citizens to preserve and protect the Social Security Trust Fund.

The Seniors Center President Dan Perrin has joined Social Security Trustees to call for Congressional intervention. As Social Security approaches financial armageddon, the leaders of both parties are failing us. Theyve done nothing but point fingers."

The Social Security Trust Fund is empty. Congress has drained every last dime. And that is just the beginning. Looming demographic issues will cause an even bigger crisis in the next 15 years. Its time to worry about the future of not just todays retirees but tomorrows as well, Perrin said.

Our members are fighting mad, Perrin said. Theyve made it clear that they expect action from Congress and the President to save Social Security. Perrin explained that the campaign is being waged through online advertisements, direct mail, and personal contact.

Our online community is amazing. Right from their homes, senior citizens are taking control of their futures. Emailing their friends calling their Congressmen and writing letters to the editor. One Facebook post alone was shared almost 68,000 times.

The Seniors Centers Petition to Congress calls for legislation that the group says will be the first step to protecting the future of Social Security:



Permanently end the use of surplus FICA income for any purpose other than paying out Social Security benefits;

Legally require the United States Treasury begin repaying all money borrowed from Social Security, retaining surplus funds solely for the payment of benefits.

To date, 329,710 seniors have added their names and support to the Trust Fund Emergency Petition to Congress.

The Seniors Center will continue to collect signatures via their electronic petition at The Seniors Center website and through traditional mail. Once received, each signature is being sent directly to Capitol Hill to demand Congress take these important first steps to creating a solvent and long-lasting Social Security Trust Fund.

Perrin and The Seniors Center call on all Americans--both current beneficiaries and those paying towards their Social Security benefits--to join their nationwide effort to protect Social Security and restore Social Security funds to their original purpose: paying the Social Security benefits of American retirees and beneficiaries.

Those interested in signing the Trust Fund Emergency Petition to Congress may find the petition at The Seniors Center website.

The Seniors Center is a program of Our Generation, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization.The Better Business Bureau is celebrating Small Business Week by launching a new website for small businesses at BBB.org/SmallBusiness and offering free programs for business owners and managers. A new survey by BBB found that 84% of consumers trust small businesses most. Respondents cited their reasons as: supporting local businesses (60%), convenience (30%), better customer service (27%), and unique items unavailable elsewhere (24%).

Small Business Week (April 29-May 5) honors the nearly 29 million small businesses in the U.S. that employ nearly 57 million people almost half of the private workforce. Although Small Business Week is a U.S. celebration, the new BBB website includes information for all businesses across North America and beyond.

Also this week, BBB is hosting free Trust Talks on its groundbreaking research into the 5 Gestures of Trust: Trust and the Customer Service Experience to help good businesses stand out with customers. The free webinars, which require pre-registration, will be held:



Tuesday, May 1, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3912725767309067523

Thursday, May 3, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4302834691867277827

Small Business Week also marks the debut of a new e-learning tool for BBB Accredited Business, BBBedu. All business owners and entrepreneurs can sample the first module on the topic of how customer reviews impact a businesss reputation with potential customers. To access the free program, go to BBB.org/SmallBusiness and click on Free Online Course.

The website also links to BBBs research into marketplace trust, cybersecurity, and other topics of importance to business owners; links to BBBs standards for business practices and standards; a calendar of events for businesses; and publications such as the magazine TRUSTED and the Better Business podcast series, all available for free.

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ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2017, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. The Council of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as home to its national and international programs on dispute resolution, advertising review, and industry self-regulation.

MEDIA CONTACTS: For more information, journalists for national media outlets should contact Katherine Hutt (212-705-0131 or khutt(at)council.bbb.org). Journalists for local media outlets should contact their regional spokesperson (bbb.org/bbb-locator).This year, Petplan pet insurance welcomes 50 new working police dogs to its pack of protected pets. Thanks to a joint effort with the National Police Dog Foundation, the company was able to offer grants for a year of fully funded pet insurance to 50 K-9s (a tenfold increase from the five grants awarded last year).

Recipients were selected from a nationwide pool of applicants, many of whom represent police departments in small towns without funding for their K-9 program. Often, the cost of the dogs care must come from donations or their handlers pockets. No one knows better than Petplan how unexpected veterinary bills can wreak havoc on budgets, so the company committed to helping ease this financial burden on our public servants  while guaranteeing the best possible medical care for hardworking police dogs.

Many police departments cited concern for the K-9s occupational hazards in their applications. Seth Hager, a police sergeant in Huntersville, NC, wrote, Huntersville is a suburb of Charlotte, which calls for extreme and dangerous K-9 deployments. [Our K-9s] conduct narcotic sniffs, article searches, apprehension of fleeing suspects, high-risk SWAT warrants, and assist the VICE narcotics division on a daily basis.

Richard McAuliffe, chief of police in Hawthorne, NJ, also worries about the risk of drug exposure to his K-9. [Neighboring city] Paterson is the third largest city in New Jersey with a large volume and impact of narcotics trafficking in and out of our municipality. Nero is the only municipal narcotics K-9 in Passaic County, he wrote.

The concern is valid  according to Petplan claims data, treatment for illegal drug exposure cost an average of $782 in 2017.

Toxic substances arent the only threat K-9s face in the course of duty. Titan, a K-9 based in Fullerton, CA, is trained in suspect apprehension as well as narcotic detection. Fullerton police officer Matt Green wrote, Being a suspect apprehension K-9, Titan will be exposed to dangerous situations. Thus, his chances of being injured are greater.

Injuries related to altercations with suspects could include fractures (averaging $1,365* to treat), lacerations ($707*) and puncture wounds ($761*). Should any of the 50 new Petplan grant recipients sustain these injuries, the cost of their care will be covered.

Of course, in addition to the job-related hazards that come with being a police dog, K-9s face the same risks of illness and accidental injury as any family pet  as the Latrobe, PA police department learned the hard way when their previous K-9 had to be put down after receiving several surgeries to treat an aggressive cancer.

Latrobe Chief of Police James Bumar wrote, Rocky had many health problems  we accumulated thousands of dollars of vet bills. Luckily, Latrobes new K-9 will be covered by Petplan  and cancer treatments (at an average cost of $2,321*) are covered as standard under Petplans policies.**

Police dogs put their lives on the line every day for their communities, and they deserve access to the best possible medical care, says Jim Reilly, President of the National Police Dog Foundation. Were so grateful to Petplan for helping to protect the health of these four-legged heroes.

The K-9 Health Insurance Fund was first created in 2017 with a donation from Petplan, which was used to fund the initial five grants. Petplan donates $50 to the fund for each new pet insurance policy booked using the campaign code NPDF10, with further funds being raised by the National Police Dog Foundation and contributed by public donors.

Following is a complete list of all 50 winners of the Petplan and National Police Dog Foundation grants for 2018.



Kratos, Cottonwood Police Department (Cottonwood, AZ)

Axel, Village of Apple Creek Police Department (Apple Creek, OH)

Rico, Prairie du Chien Police Department (Prairie du Chien, WI)

Kaz, Huntington Park Police Department (Huntington Park, CA)

Tracker, Silver Spring Township Police Department (Mechanicsburg, PA)

Edo, Perryville Police Department (Perryville, MO)

Max, Upper Moreland Township Police Department (Willow Grove, PA)

Nero, Hawthorne Police Department (Hawthorne, NJ)

Elvis, Waxhaw Police Department (Waxhaw, NC)

LucyJo, Albion Department of Public Safety (Albion, MI)

Sniper, Geauga Park District (Chardon, OH)

Cupa, Paris Police Department (Paris, TX)

Rudy, Upland Police Department (Upland, CA)

Coale, Amory Police Department (Amory, MS)

Jackson, Pound Police Department (Pound, VA)

Norris, St. Clair Township Police Department (East Liverpool, OH)

Charr, Clintonville Police Department (Clintonville, WI)

Blitz, Bradley Police Department (Bradley, IL)

Bragi, Ripley Police Department (Ripley, OH)

Bryan Lawrence, Superior Police Department (Superior, AZ)

Stihl, Huntersville Police Department (Huntersville, NC)

Pancho, Newton Police Department (Newton, KS)

Nitro, Gulf Shores Police Department (Gulf Shores, AL)

Nanuk, Gladstone Police Department (Gladstone, OR)

Lobo, Glendale Heights Police Department (Glendale, IL)

Zane, New Braunfels Police Department (New Braunfels, TX)

Vito, Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department (Albuquerque, NM)

Ayke, Ector County Sheriffs Office (Odessa, TX)

Radko, Borough of Berlin Police Department (Berlin, NJ)

Ivar, Decatur Police Department (Decatur, IN)

Jet, Park Rapids Police Department (Park Rapids, MN)

Jake, Dayton Police Department (Dayton, OH)

Oskar, Tremonton Police Department (Tremonton, UT)

Ranger, Benton Police Department (Benton, IL)

Axel, Pflugerville Police Department (Pflugerville, TX)

Trexx, Highland Park Police Department (Highland Park, MI)

Luke, Atascadero Police Department (Atascadero, CA)

Titan, Fullerton Police Department (Fullerton, CA)

Zane, Lewisboro Town Police Department (South Salem, NY)

Akiro, Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office (Santa Fe, NM)

Zeus, Latrobe Police Department (Latrobe, PA)

Takoda, Fort Bragg Police Department (Fort Bragg, CA)

Robbi, Franklin Police Department (Franklin, MA)

Hulk, Brookings Police Department (Brookings, OR)

Max, Sedona Police Department (Sedona, AZ)

Puma, Green Bay Police Department (Green Bay, WI)

Axel, East Ridge Police Department (East Ridge, TN)

Max, Altoona Police Department (Altoona, WI)

Tello, California City Police Department (California City, CA)

Lando, Oshkosh Police Department (Oshkosh, WI)

*Average treatment costs according to Petplan 2017 claims data. **Subject to Petplan policy terms and conditions.

ABOUT PETPLAN

Petplan has built an industry-leading pet insurance policy for pet parents who demand a higher pedigree of care for their best friends. Weve leveraged 40 years of global experience to create completely customizable coverage pet parents can feel confident in, and world-class claims service  24 hours a day, every day.

Petplans innovative approach to pet insurance has been recognized by Forbes, Financial Times, Bloomberg, Inc. magazine, Smart CEO, the Communicator Awards, Ernst & Young and many others.

Petplan policies are underwritten in the U.S. by AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group (rated A+ A.M. Best), and XL Specialty Insurance Company; and in Canada by XL Specialty Insurance Company - Canadian Branch. XL Specialty Insurance Company is rated A+ by S&P (2018). Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions. For more information about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.petplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.

ABOUT NATIONAL POLICE DOG FOUNDATION

The National Police Dog Foundation is a volunteer organization that promotes education and awareness, and raises funds for the purchase, training and ongoing veterinary care of active and retired police K-9s.

In 1998 the National Police Dog Foundation (formally known as the Ventura Police Dog Foundation) began as a local group helping to fund the K-9 program for the City of Ventura, CA., and in 2004, the National Police Dog Foundation expanded its support to law enforcement K-9 units throughout the United States.

Most law enforcement agencies simply cannot meet their ever-increasing costs related to their K-9 units. The Foundation fills this need thanks to corporate and public donations to its specialized set of funds, that award grants to law enforcement agencies. The grants have become a much-needed resource for these agencies in need.

The Foundations efforts are all done to support Americas selfless and courageous K-9 heroes.

For more information about The National Police Dog Foundation, visit http://www.nationalpolicedogfoundation.org or call 1-888-459-7768.Senator Elizabeth Dole and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Philips, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are joining forces with Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-MA), Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and others to recognize the communitys military and veteran caregivers and celebrate Bostons commitment to caregivers as a Hidden Heroes City. Local and national leaders including Francisco Urena, Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Massachusetts; Giselle Sterling, Commissioner of the City of Bostons Office of Veterans Services; Meg Kabat, National Director of the VA Caregiver Support Program; Vincent Ng, Director of VA Boston Healthcare System and others, will also be joining the conversation to advance strategies and solutions for more effective support.

From the U.S. Armys formative roots at Cambridge during the American Revolution, to Boston Harbor being the home port for the U.S. Navys Old Ironsides, Bostons strong support for the military community is deeply rooted in its history, said Senator Elizabeth Dole, Founder of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. The city has maintained its status as a national leader in providing service members, veterans, and their families the support they need and deserve. Over the past year, Boston has taken its support of military and veteran caregivers to a new level through its role as one of the Foundations 113 Hidden Heroes Cities. Today, we are proud to honor Bostons hidden heroes and hope this event will inspire cities across the country to do the same.

There are 5.5 million military caregivers  spouses, loved ones, family members, and friends of wounded, ill, or injured veterans and service members  providing $14 billion in uncompensated, voluntary care across America. These hidden heroes often face great physical, emotional, and financial strain themselves, and many feel isolated and alone in their caregiving role.

Military caregivers give everything they have to care for Bostons wounded warriors, sacrificing their own personal well-being, said Congressman Joe Kennedy III. We want them to know that they are not alone  resources and support are available to help them in their vital role caring for our service members and veterans, through programs offered by the City of Boston, the Greater Boston Veterans Collaborative (GBVC), and Hidden Heroes.

"I am inspired by the selfless military and veteran caregivers serving Boston's wounded warriors," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "As a Hidden Heroes City, we are grateful to be working hand-in-hand with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and each and every organization involved in the Greater Boston Veterans Collaborative to support those who have given so much for their country. Together, we will work to ensure our hidden heroes have everything they need."

Through evidence-based interventions like the VA Caregiver Support Program and community partnerships fostered by VA Boston Healthcare System, the VA is focused on creating long-term programs of support for both Veterans and their caregivers.

As a veteran myself, and now a caregiver to my son Eric, I appreciate the support provided by these types of programs  the sense of community and security, it helps, said Mike Kelly, a participant on the Caregiver Panel for the Boston Celebration. Programs like clinics hosted by the VA Boston Healthcare System make our roles as caregivers that much easier. It is comforting to know that our son is getting the care he needs, and we have a support system that understands what we are going through.

The celebration takes place at 2 p.m., May 1, at the VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus and is possible thanks to the generosity of Philips, which recently announced Cambridge as the site of as its new North American headquarters. As a physician who has cared for veterans, and as an executive with oversight of Philips technology in VA hospitals and homes around the country, I have become familiar with the unique challenges of both clinicians and caregivers, said Roy Smythe, MD, Philips Chief Medical Officer, Strategy & Partnerships. Philips is extremely proud to support efforts to help veteran caregivers here in Boston and nationwide. Philips is a leader in health technologies, helping to deliver better care, and creating telehealth and product solutions with health systems to improve the patient and provider experience.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Todd Post

(571) 225-0957

Todd.post@curastrategies.com

ON-SITE CONTACT:

Madison Moore

(508) 681-5102

Madison@HiddenHeroes.org

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nations 5.5 million military caregivers  the spouses, parents, family members, and friends  who care for Americas wounded, ill or injured Veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers service and promote their well-being.

Its Hidden Heroes Campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a safe, secure place where caregivers can meet and access carefully vetted resources. Visit http://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org and http://www.hiddenheroes.org for more information.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Caregiver Support Program offers many services specific to caregivers of Veterans of all eras. Information on these and other caregiver resources and services can be found at http://www.caregiver.va.gov

Royal Philips is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. News about Philips can be found at http://www.philips.com/newscenterFBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Harold H. Shaw and Lior Div, co-founder and CEO, Cybereason, at the recent SecureMA Intelligence Briefing

Cybereason, creators of the leading cybersecurity data analytics platform including endpoint detection and response, next-generation antivirus, and active monitoring services, hosted its Spring SecureMA Coalition Intelligence Briefing on April 25 at its world headquarters in the John Hancock Building. Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Boston was the keynote speaker and helped garner a standing-room-only crowd.

The focus of the Intelligence Briefing was on the importance of the public/private sector relationship and how that partnership is critical in information gathering and sharing as it relates to cyber attacks. Special Agent Shaw discussed the role the FBI plays investigating cybercrime and deemed it the counterterrorism of the future. Cybereasons Ross Rustici, Senior Director for Intelligence Services, discussed the impact of recent ransomware attacks on the City of Atlanta and Baltimore and what small businesses, local and regional municipal centers and law enforcement agencies can do to reduce the risk of being victimized by ransomware.

When an intrusion affects your critical infrastructure, and theres a potential for impact to national security, economic security or public health and safety, or when an attack results in a significant loss of data, call us! Together, we can work to ensure were better prepared not just to face current threats, but the threats that will come at us down the road, said Shaw.

SecureMA convenes on a quarterly basis to empower IT professionals with free information, resources, and tools to defend against cyber threats. To join the SecureMA Coalition, visit: https://hi.cybereason.com/secure-massachusetts-join

To combat ransomware attacks small businesses, law enforcement agencies and local and regional municipal centers should download RansomFree, Cybereasons free anti-ransomware tool. https://ransomfree.cybereason.com.

About Cybereason

Cybereason, creators of the leading cybersecurity data analytics platform, gives the advantage back to the defender through a completely new approach to cybersecurity. Cybereason offers endpoint detection and response (EDR), next-generation antivirus (NGAV), and active monitoring services, all powered by its proprietary data analytics platform. The Cybereason suite of products provides unmatched visibility, increases analyst efficiency and effectiveness, and reduces security risk. Cybereason is privately held, having raised $189 million from top-tier VCs, and is headquartered in Boston, with offices in London, Tel Aviv and Tokyo.

Learn more: https://www.cybereason.com/

Follow us: Blog | Twitter| Facebook

Media Contact

Bill Keeler

Director, Public Relations

Cybereason

bill.keeler@cybereason.com

(929) 259-3261Welcome Guest! You Are Here:The talks culminated after weeks of warmed relations between the two countries. And the language from the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula  the joint declaration signed by Kim and Moon on Friday  suggests that the conciliatory mood on the Korean Peninsula will continue for the time being.

"I am confident a new era of peace will unfold on the Korean peninsula," Moon said to his aides.

Much of the meeting's fanfare and focus centered around the two leaders' apparently optimistic outlook for the future, and many South Koreans mimicked those feelings.

Here's how some Koreans viewed the 2018 inter-Korean summit:

Pictures of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in are displayed on the wall during the farewell ceremony at the border village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone of South Korea, April 27, 2018.

Visitors from the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, use binoculars to peek into North Korea, April 28, 2018.

A visitor looks at a banner that says "We are one" at the Imjingak Pavilion in Paju, South Korea, April 28, 2018.

Ribbons carrying welcoming messages ahead of the summit are displayed at the Imjingak Pavilion in Paju, South Korea, April 28, 2018.

A woman writes a message next to a map of the Korean Peninsula during a welcoming event in downtown Seoul, South Korea, April 21, 2018.

Buddhist monks and nuns attend a prayer service in support of a successful meeting in Seoul, South Korea, April 27, 2018.

A South Korean man, second from right, wipes tears as people watch a TV screen showing the live broadcast of the summit at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, April 27, 2018.

People wave the Korean unification flag during the inter-Korean summit, near the demilitarized zone in Paju, South Korea, April 27, 2018.

Members of South Korea's National Unification Advisory Council in Los Angeles, California, watch a live broadcast of the summit, April 26, 2018.

Ssoonie Kim, 45, poses in front of his beauty store with the front page of a newspaper with news of the meeting, Los Angeles, California, April 27, 2018.

But not everyone supported the talks between Kim and Moon. Here, a man burns a North Korean flag with photos of Kim and the late leaders, Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung.

Protesters also took part in a rally opposing the summit.

Conservatives who oppose Moon's outreach to North Korea have a list of grievances against the regime ...

... which were on full display near the border of North and South Korea.President Donald Trump's administration announced Monday that it would extend exemptions to steel and aluminum tariffs for some of the US's closest allies, avoiding the start of a possible trade war.

Trump decided to postpone imposing the tariffs and extend exemptions that will allow the countries to continue exporting metals to the US without being subject to a 25% tariff on steel and 10% tariff on aluminum.

The exemptions will now last until June 1, a move that

Trump originally did not plan to exempt any countries when the tariffs were first announced. But similar to his other moves on trade, Trump backed down on the threat. A half-dozen allies were eventually granted a temporary exemption:

The exemptions are significant because the countries represent a large percentage of imported steel and aluminum. Five of the top 10 steel exporters to the US were provided exemptions and two exempted countries, Canada and Argentina, make up 55% of all aluminum imported by the US.

In addition to the direct economic consequence of the exemptions, the move also prevents those countries from taking retaliatory action against the US.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were in Washington, DC, to meet with Trump last week, and both stressed the need to keep open the trade channels between the EU and the US. But, in the event that Trump did not grant extensions, the EU threatened to impose tariffs on the US.

In a statement to Business Insider, a UK government spokesperson said the country was encouraged by the exemption extension but was concerned about possible economic distortions caused by the tariffs.

"It is positive that the UK has been granted a further exemption to these tariffs. We will continue to work closely with our EU partners and the US government to achieve a permanent exemption, ensuring our important steel and aluminum industries are safeguarded," the spokesperson said.

"We remain concerned about the impact of these tariffs on global trade and will continue to work with the EU on a multilateral solution to the global problem of overcapacity, as well as to manage the impact on domestic markets."Bureaucracy is a very useful tool in management (and by extension, management of healthcare) but it certainly does not present itself as an ideal management tool because it has its own demerits. Some challenges imbibed within the theory of bureaucracy are explained below:

It is difficult to determine who is responsible for having made a particular decision, creating afeeling of powerlessness amongst employees. Under the bureaucratic model, there is a long chain of command and this makes it difficult to detect or trace the point where wrong decisions are made. As a result, it ends up in a blame game which makes the employees most vulnerable to blame. In such events, the employees feel powerless as they become the bearer of the blame because they occupy the base in the chain of command and are mostly the implementers. For example, in the supervision of surgery by a consultant or specialist, a junior medical officer is the most culpable in the event of an error even when the junior staff acts on the orders of the specialist or consultant.

READ ALSO:6 foods that fight wrinkles and premature aging

There is diffusion of responsibility and subsequent refusal to make a decision. For example, to get something done you need 6 different approvals on 6 different forms and eachrefusing to give approval until the other 5 have given theirs. This accounts for the delays encountered under this type of management. The approvals are meant to ensure proper checks and balances to make sure that the right things are done. However, when it becomes excessive and preposterous, it tends to stall progress.

It is too difficult to determine specific individual contribution to successful patientcare outcome. Mostly, the work is done synergistically and the result is seen as the combined effort of the entire hierarchy as against the efforts of one particular person. This creates a placebo of honours and recognition as individual efforts can hardly be noticed and recognized appropriately.

The top bottom hierarchy does not utilize specialized lower level to make decisions intheir field of specialty and does not allow people to use common sense, as everything must be as written by the law. Bureaucracy undermines active innovations of people at the bottom of the hierarchical order because decisions and commands only flow from the top to the bottom and that makes the bottom dwellers only implementers. Therefore, obviously ingenious ideas cannot flow from the bottom to the top of the ladder. Since they are hardly engaged in decision making. At best, their propositions only become suggestions.

Organizational structure is too inflexible to effect necessary changes efficiently. It is difficult to change the rules, regulations and procedures that has already been laid down by the hierarchy. This makes it immune to change for progress and development when necessary. This leads to rigidity; making decision-making slow or even impossible when facing some unusual case, and similarly delaying change and evolution

Overspecialization, makes individuals not aware of larger consequences of their actions. People tend to become contemptuous and over-confident of their roles after a period of time spent on the job. This makes them ignore certain warning signs that need to be critically observed and this makes room for larger errors to be committed, either advertently or inadvertently.

Bureaucratic management within the healthcare systems in Ghana can be exploited to improve health care delivery in several among many ways. As a social concept, bureaucracy is subject to various challenges and might be linked to various disadvantages but they can be effectively managed to ensure that we harness the prospects of this system.

First and foremost, bureaucracy creates an opportunity for employees to become specialists within one specific area, increasing the effectiveness and efficiency in each area of the organization. This eliminates the Jack of all trade, master of none syndrome that places seemingly versatile people into places that require competence yet lack the rich experience and expertise required to execute those tasks effectively and efficiently. Therefore, with bureaucratic system of management, it is ensured that highly skilled and efficient people who have the right expertise will be able to deliver to the best of their ability.

Bureaucracy promotes creativity and stability within their respective duties and sub-tasks. With the strict, rigid and firm structure associated with bureaucracy, coupled with the consistent practice of the rudiments within the officially assigned tasks, it gives people the wealth of experience for them to enable them mature within the tasks assigned and it makes it easier to manoeuvre around even more difficult tasks and duties required.

Bureaucracy can be exploited as a management tool to motivate employees within the health care setting to promote effective and efficient discharge of duties. This is because bureaucracy protects employees from unfair rulings from leaders which gives a greater sense of security to the employees. It also has a well-governed system that ensures promotion devoid of impersonal rule. This motivates the employees to give off their best in an attempt to feed their aspirations of climbing into the higher class of management.

READ ALSO:

We therefore get to the realization that despite its demerits, bureaucracy can be exploited within the health care system in Ghana, and effectively used to improve healthcare delivery in the country. Of course, it would be important that we do not over-exploit the concept because it can lead to the various negative implications enshrined in it. It is therefore, an effective tool in health care management. It will only need to be managed by itself.

Written byThe community health type of care is one of the most important objectives targeted in achieving primary health care as proposed by World Health Organization. With this, community health care should be a prime focus in health care delivery system in every country.

The Health Care System in Ghana operates on five levels of providers: the Health Posts, Health Centers and Clinics, District Hospitals, Regional Hospitals, and Teaching Hospitals such as the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Korle Bu Teaching hospital. Community Health Care plays an integral role and is the first step to Health Care Delivery in Ghana.

In Ghana, Community Health Care is mainly delivered in polyclinics such as the Ampabame Polyclinic in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, health centers like the Kasoa health center and community-based health and planning service (CHPS) zones. Community Health Care Providers should include Disease Control Officers, Nurses, Midwives, Nurse Assistant Preventive (NAP), Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC), formally known as Health Assistant Clinical (HAC), and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). Their role is to provide preventive, promotive, and therapeutic care.

Their main objectives are to improve equity in access to basic health services, improve efficiency and responsiveness to client needs, and develop effective inter-sectoral collaboration.

Their importances are to reduce burden on District Health Care, Improve Health Service Delivery through making health information and service accessible to every member of the community, Improve the health of the people in the communities, Cost effective in terms of prevention of diseases, Improve the capacity of health workers at the community level.

It is an undeniable fact that the inception of the Community health care system is a major link between health promotion services as well as health delivery services at the community level, where most morbidity and co-morbidity cases are realized or observed.

All notwithstanding, Community Health Care services in Ghana has been plagued with a lot of challenges that entirely mar the beauty of the service, as well as hinder the persistent efforts being made in the achievement of our Primary Health care targets as a country.

The indicators and determinants of health have been pointing to the fact that, Ghana has performed abysmally when it comes to attaining Primary health care, and we undoubtedly continue to struggle with the concept all because we find it difficult to effectively implement the Community Health Care services.

The challenges are numerous but first amongst them is the problem of community participation. Our cultural beliefs and traditional practices coupled with various dogma about western medicine plays an important role in our decision to access these health care posts within the community.

By and large, we can say that it has been a problem with education on the choices of health available within the community but it has a lot to do with our attitude to change and to conform to new standards. For instance, some societies hold the view that the hospitals within their communities are death traps for pregnant women. With this kind of assertion, it would be very difficult for members of the community to access such health care post.

Secondly, there is lack of motivation on the part of the health workers to accept postings to these communities. This is mainly as a result of the low standard of living within the communities, coupled with the lack of access to specialty programmes for the staff to upgrade themselves. Aside this, there are no special incentives to woo health workers into these communities. Obviously, this impacts negatively on the health of the people and the achievements of primary health care.

Thirdly, there is lack of proper educational facility for staff wards in the communities. One of the major setbacks is the low levels of educational provision at the community level. Mostly, the communities provide a poor education up to the basic level. Most medical staff would prefer to have better forms of education and at a higher level for their wards. Imperatively, this happens to be a major stakeholder in the decision making process of the choice of health facility to work in. Because the future of their wards largely depends on it and they will not like to jeopardize the future of their children on the altar of sacrifice.

The fourth is, lack of proper accommodation and safe water for staff. It is an open fact that there is a huge disparity in the accessibility of social amenities and housing between the rural and urban areas. It is the duty of the community health worker in the rural areas to look for decent accommodation for themselves and at costs to them. However, in the urban areas, various flats have been provided for some of these health workers providing curative care.

Finally, there are lack of motorable roads making referral cases very difficult and also decreasing attendance of individuals to facilities. There are also lack of ambulances to transport seriously ill patients to higher levels of health care. Lack of X-ray facilities, Laboratory services, and pharmacies at CHPS zones also make it difficult for the workers to provide proper health care. To add to it, there are also inadequate equipments and other hospital items such as Delivery beds, instruments, sterilizers, etc. that enhances service delivery and many more.

THE WAY FORWARD

Frequent education on health in the form of durbars, house to house education to let them know the whole concept about health by chiefs and also Community Health Providers.

Ghana Health Service should introduce specialty programmes specially for Community Health Providers for upgrading after some years of service such as CRITICAL CARE NURSING, OPTHALMIC CARE etc.

Apparently, this might be out of the hands of Ghana Health Service but within the scope of Ghana Education Service and the government. The chiefs and opinion leaders of the community can liaise with Ghana Education Service and the government to put up better schools and educational facilities. This would attract Community Health Providers to go to communities since their wards would have a feel of better education in the communities.

Ghana Health Service and government of Ghana can liaise together to provide good and conducive accommodation and safe water for Community Health Care Providers in various communities .if they put up the CHPS compound and other Community Health centers, they should also put up accommodation with safe drinking water and a conducive environment for them to work efficiently.

Ghana Health Service should liaise with government and Non-Governmental Organizations to provide decent roads in communities making referrals easier

Ghana Health Service should provide X-ray facilities to diagnose simple fractures, Laboratories for simple tests (malaria parasites, urine routine exam), and Pharmacies to get the required drug for the simple conditions diagnosed for treatment instead of referring these simple cases to the District Hospitals and other higher levels of health care .All these improve client patronage, reduce hospital stay, improve working performance, and client satisfaction.

Ghana Health Service ,Non-Governmental Organizations and other Benevolent societies can come together to help these community centers in providing equipments and other hospital items to improve Health care delivery

In conclusion, we can practise the suggested points to be able to better our Community Health Care system to achieve Primary Health Care (the primary goal in health care delivery) within the country. This generally improves community health status, reduces hospital waiting time, enhances community participation, and also improves financial and socioeconomic status in communities and the country as a whole.Speaking at the launch of the Nation Builders Corp (NABCo) in Kumasi Tuesday, the minister said government has made positive strides in addressing youth unemployment.

He said jobs creation for unemployed youth has become paramount while quoting from a study by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) which said less than 10 percent graduates are able to find jobs after national service.

The study by ISSER, the minister also said, reveals that it takes up to three years for a large number of graduates to secure descent employment even after national service.

He, therefore described the launch of the Nation Builders Corp as timely and accurate as it addresses the frustration, confusion and lack of jobs and direction for our youth.

Mr President, the good news is that your government has made significant strides in addressing unemployment situation in Ghana.  :        ,        

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In a statement issued on Monday evening, the GRA said: "The income tax Act 2015 (Act 896) states that the chargeable income of a person for a year of assessment is the total of the assessable income of that person for the year for each employment, or investment.

The act also indicates that when a person has no chargeable income or when the income is below the taxable threshold, the person is not expected to pay tax and therefore does not file tax returns.

"With regards to the above, therefore, it must be stated that alms received by beggers on the street does not fall within the taxable threshold. They, therefore, do not pay tax on the alms received, the statement noted.

The Authority wishes to inform the general public with regards to the position of the GRA, while it encourages staff to actively mobilise revenue for the state, the Authority does not encourage them to pursue taxes that may appropriately be considered a nuisance.

This comes after the Principal Revenue Chief at the Small Tax Payer Office of the GRA in the Northern region Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed told the media that the GRA will be taxing street beggars as part of its plans to widen the tax net.

READ ALSO: GOIL plans to get into mobile money business

He said that this particular exercise will target individuals, especially women selling Dubai Wax prints and other imports through door-to-door and neighboring nationals trading on bicycles in the Northern region.President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has revealed that YEA will employ the 80,000 non-graduates aside the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) which will employ about 100,000 graduates.

Speaking at the launching of the policy at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Tuesday, he said the NABCO will address the issue of unemployment.

He said "I wish to state also that the YEA programme will also recruit some 80,000 non-graduates this year."

"The Nations Builders Corps will employ in this year alone 100,000 young men and women to assist in the public service delivery in our country. The grave story of youth unemployment has been a tragic part of our lives for far too long in Ghana.

"Data from the renowned Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) published in March 2017 revealed that only 10 percent of our graduates found jobs after the first year of completing school. That it takes up to 10 years for the graduates to secure employment," he added.

About NABCO

The programme is expected to tackle graduate unemployment in the country.

This programme will initially operate seven modules designed to meet the pressing needs of the nation while providing jobs for the teeming youth who have received tertiary education but are struggling to find jobs.

READ ALSO: Coalition of unemployed nurses disappointed in Nation Builders Corps

The modules include the Feed Ghana module where people serve as agric extension officers to help our farmers.According to Auntie Mama, Mahama gives GH2000 to Jewel Ackah every month until he died.

In an interview on Takoradi-based radio station, Empire FM, she thanked the former president for his support.

She said "May God bless him [Mahama], since he got to know Jewel Ackah and they become friends, he supported him financially by sending him GH 2000 every month and even when Jewel was admitted at 37 Military hospital he came over to visit him on several occasions followed by a GH10,000 donation when he was discharged."

She also used the opportunity to thank Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong for supporting the family financially.

His condition was said to have deteriorated in the last two weeks compelling family members to seek his discharge from the 37 Military Hospital in Accra where he was on admission.According to him, most Ghanaians who are rich do not have the courage to flaunt their wealth due to the fear of being antagonized and victimized.

Delivering a sermon to his congregation on Sunday, April29, 2018, the preacher said: Ghanaians were a very different people because even when you are giving testimony, they think you are bluffing, wo kyere wu ho dodo, who does he think he is? Nigerians celebrate good things, Nigerians celebrate success, Ghanaians we dont, Ghanaians we like good things but we are afraid to celebrate it.

He noted that he knows many Ghanaians living outside the country who are very rich, but fear to showcase their wealth because society will tag them corrupt once they flaunt their wealth.

Archbishop Duncan-Williams said Ghanaians must eschew that idea that everybody who is rich made his wealth through dubious means.

According to him, instead of tagging wealthy people with negativity, Ghanaians must rather focus on celebrating their successes.

He was, however, quick to add that his statement should not be taken out of context, insisting if anyone indeed made their wealth through dubious means, then the person deserves to be arrested and prosecuted.

I know some Ghanaians outside and if you see where they live youd be shocked, but over here: Let me mind my own business; we have to get to a place where everybody who succeeds is not corrupt, we have to be very careful, if everybody that makes it is corrupt, then well have a society of poor people, nobody will be rich in this country because everybody who gets something is corrupt.Im not saying we shouldnt check corruption, or check how people make it but I think we should focus on how we can encourage people to make it. We have to develop a society where we create an atmosphere for Ghanaians, irrespective of background, political persuasions or culture, whatever or tradition, we must create an atmosphere for Ghanaians to flourish and not just foreigners," he said.According to Mr Mahama, "it is true that if we dont do something about it, it will destroy the environment. But we need to apply wisdom because weve chased young people involved in illegal small-scale mining with soldiers in the past in this country, but it didnt work.

Mahama opened floodgates for Chinese illegal miners  Amewu

In response Monday evening, Mr Amewu said the government has created 12 mining districts and 33 satellite districts.

He told Accra-based Citi FM: What has Mahama been able to do? Today, we have created a lot of mining districts, weve created 12 mining districts and 33 satellite districts. We are bringing mining back to the decentralization level. The small-scale mining which was in the status quo was supposed to have mining communities.

"These were not inaugurated in all the years Mahama was President, we have just inaugurated them, bringing mining to the community of the owners of the resources. Decentralization, this is the approach, so I am so disappointed in [Mahama].

"He cannot address the problems. Im telling the small-scale miners that this gentleman is a con man. Hes deceiving them and if they dare go in for him just because of galamsey, this country will come down.

He also disclosed that a comprehensive mining policy has been developed and it is awaiting the signature of the President.

Unlike John Mahama, Mr Awemu said, President Akufo-Addo has an alternative to address small-scale mining.

He said: The document has been laid. Were waiting for the President to come, immediately he comes, this document is going to be approved and that is the way forwardThey should follow the honest man in this world, the most honest person who is ruling this country. Nana Akufo-Addo has the alternative to address the small-scale mining and we will do that, not President Mahama, he has failed."It is true that if we dont do something about it, it will destroy the environment. But we need to apply wisdom because weve chased young people involved in illegal small-scale mining with soldiers in the past in this country, but it didnt work, Mr Mahama said last Saturday at the NDC's unity walk in Kumasi.

Mr Amewu reacted to the ex-president's comments by warning small scale and illegal miners that they should not believe the words of Mr Mahama because he is a con man.

"He cannot address the problems [illegal mining]. Im telling the small-scale miners that this gentleman is a con man. Hes deceiving them and if they dare go in for him just because of galamsey, this country will come down.

However, spokesperson of Mr Mahama, Joyce Mogtari, believes the Ministers comments were unfortunate and is demanding an apolgy.

I find the comment most unfortunate, I do believe that they probably didnt listen to the former presidents comment and I do think that in any lingua franca, any leader who uses words such as conman and what have you, is most disrespectful and unfortunate especially of the calibre and level of a minister of state," she told Joy News.

In a separate interview, he told Accra-based Citi FM that the ex-president's pro-galamsey comments were taken out of context.

Lets put the comments of former president John Mahama in proper context. He spoke extensively from his experience as one who worked at attempting to eradicating the menace of galamsey. He mentioned that instead of the ad-hoc measures being used, it is important to find a more sustainable approach," she said.

She also accused government of intolerance, arguing that Mr Mahama has a right to comment from his experience.Here is a rundown of notable cases:

Australia

Cardinal George Pell, the third highest member of the Vatican hierarchy, has been ordered to stand trial on "multiple" historical sex charges, which he denies.

His case coincided with a public enquiry that found that seven percent of priests were presumed to have committed paedophilic acts in Australia between 1950 and 2010.

Austria

Two scandals forced the Vatican to revoke two high-ranking ultra-conservative clerics, Viennese Archbishop Hans Hermann Groer in 1995 and the bishop of Sankt-Poelten, Kurt Krenn in 2004.

Belgium

In 2010, the bishop of Bruges, Roger Vangheluwe, resigned after acknowledging sex abuse of two nephews. Since 2012 the Catholic Church in Belgium has received hundreds of complaints and paid almost 4.13 million euros in compensation.

Canada

In the late 1980s, a huge scandal broke out regarding the mistreatment of children at an orphanage in Newfoundland in the 1950s-1960s.

Chile

Some 80 members of the Chilean clergy have been implicated in a series of sex abuse affairs over the past few years.

Controversy over the bishop Juan Barros, accused of covering for a paedophile priest, marred Pope Francis' trip to the country in January 2018 when he hugged and defended the bishop.

France

In 2016 the case of priest Bernard Preynat, accused of abusing scouts in his Lyon parish, tainted the image of Cardinal Philippe Barbarin for allegedly covering up for him.

Barbarin will be tried along with six co-defendants in January 2019.

Germany

Since 2010, hundreds of cases of sex abuse against children or adolescents in religious institutions have emerged. The most high-profile ones involve Jesuit-run Canisius college in Berlin.

Ireland

Accusations against Catholic institutions began to emerge early in the millenium, and covered several decades prior to that. The number of underaged victims was estimated at around 14,500. Several bishops and priests accused of committing or covering up the abuse have been punished.

Mexico

Mexican bishop Gonzalo Galvan Castillo was forced to resign in 2015 after being accused of protecting a paedophile priest. The late founder of the ultraconservative Legion of Christ congregation, Marcial Maciel, was forced to resign in 2006, was accused of committing sexual abuses of minors.

The Netherlands

In late 2011, a study found that several tens of thousands of minors had been sexually abused within the Dutch Catholic Church institutions between 1945 and 2010. Some 800 suspects have been identified.

Poland

In 2013 Pope Francis sacked the Vatican nuncio, or ambassador, to the Dominican Republic, Poland's Jozef Wesolowski who was charged with sexually abusing minors. He died in 2015 on the eve of his trial.

United States

Between 1950 and 2013, the Catholic Church in the US received 17,000 complaints from people who said they had suffered sexual abuse from 6,400 clerics between 1950 and 1980.

In 2012, specialists in contact with the Vatican mooted the figure of 100,000 cases of child sex abuse in the US.Nigeria's first lady, Aisha M Buhari is alarmed by the fast rise of codeine drug abuse amongst youths and even adults in the country.

The President's wife reacted to the recently released video by the BBC on the rise of the abuse of a cough drug with codeine by youths and Nigerian adults.

"I have noted with alarm the exponential rise of drug abuse in our country, especially in the North," she dropped.

Mrs Buhari noted further that she's saddened that the rise is rampant more in the Northern region of Nigeria and as a parent she would implore other parents to discourage the trend.

Continuing, Mrs Buhari said "As a parent, I am deeply saddened by this fact, it is important that we interupt the trend and encourage our children to stay drug free."

How the First Lady intends to discourage drug abuse

Relating her pet project to one of her ways of discouraging the rise in drug abuse, the Nigeria's First Lady said: "(The) Future Assured has a nationwide youth training and empowerment program which has constructive engagement as one of its direct goals. We also recently launched a war against substance abuse campaign.

"Simultaneously, the wives of Northern Governors are working tirelessly on the issue. They have recently renovated and commissioned a rehab center in Kogi and Kebbi state, while similar efforts are ongoing in other states."

ALSO READ: Codeine syrup condemns young man to abattoir scavenger

Call on agencies to curb the rise of drug abuse

The First Lady has not only stopped at decrying the rise in drug abuse but has also joined Nigerian dignitaries in engaging in the war against drug abuse.

Mrs Buhari called on security agencies and parents to take the war against drug abuse as a personal war in other to halt the menace.President Buhari made history on Monday, April 30, 2018, as the first Sub-Saharan Africa leader to visit the White House since the emergence of Trump presidency.

The two presidents discussed a wide range of issues including trade barriers between US and Nigeria, agriculture, diplomacy and sales of military equipment to help fight terrorism in the West African region at the White House.

In a Twitter post after Buhari-Trump meeting, Aisha Buhari via her verified account, @AishaBuhari said his husband and Nigerian President deserved some accolades.

Dear President, you deserve some accolades, she wrote with some of the photographs taken during Buharis meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Washington DC.

Her message generated diverse reactions from the social media:

Donald Trump commends Buhari

United States President Donald Trump commended President Muhammadu Buhari for fighting corruption and terrorism in Nigeria.Punch reports that a Kenyan town called Narok County has placed a ban on church vigils as a result of the rising number of teenage pregnancies in the area.

The announcement was made by the County Commissioner, George Natembeya. Speaking with Citizen TV, he shared the statistics behind this ban.

According to him, 17 girls from Suswa Girls Secondary School were discovered to be pregnant in March, 2018.

This is the second time a town in Kenya has banned night vigils. The Daily Post reports that the first time was in Malindi, a town in southeastern Kenya where the Police stopped the vigils in 2014. The reason at the time was to stop extortion.

ALSO READ: 21 incredible photos of people practicing religion all around the world in 2017

Reactions to ban church vigils

The ban has got residents talking. One person named James Ndiga pointed that that teenage pregnancies have nothing to do with the church. In his words, I started attending night prayers in my teens and have never heard people getting babies in the morning, the only place Kenyans feel more secure is in the church.

He was supported by another resident named Samuel Nganga, who said, This is ridiculous, I dont understand how prayers at night can be related to immorality, I think the county commissioner has done no research. Do not provoke God in Narok, it might just bounce back on you. Dont try.

Narok Pastors kindly plan a Kesha (popular word used to refer to night prayers) at the Narok stadium and invite the county commissioner. This is one of the many ways of fighting Christ, but GOD is able in fighting his wars, have an eye on this, the one who banned Kesha prayers will not be the one to uplift the ban,Nicholas Muendo, a resident of Machakos who spoke with Uganda Christian News added.Christian Today reports that he highlighted the importance of exorcism in his weekly address in Rome.

According to the Holy Father, the removal of demons is needed in order to battle against seductions and escape from the power of sin.

For Pope Francis, baptism is a great way to exorcise demons and drive out evil.

He explains that the sacrament of baptism enables those who receive it to fight against the spirit of evil because all Christian life is a battle.

In his words, We know from experience that the Christian life is always prone to temptation, especially to the temptation to separate from God, from his will, from communion with him, to fall back into the webs of worldly seductions.

And baptism prepares and strengthens us for this daily struggle, including the fight against the devil who, as St Peter says, like a lion, tries to devour and destroy us. It is hard to fight against evil, to escape from its deceits, to take strength again after an exhausting struggle, but we must know that all Christian life is a combat.

Pope Francis is quick to add that baptism is not a magic formula but a gift from the Holy Spirit.

More on exorcism

The Holy Fathers comments follow the release of a new documentary on real-life exorcisms.

The documentary titled: The Devil and Father Amorth is so terrifying that even the director, William Friedkin, was scared of the footage. He was also the director of a movie called The Exorcist,' which came out in 1973.

In the movie, the director is seen shadowing one of the top exorcists in the Vatican, Gabriele Amorth, who did over 160,000 exorcisms before his death in September, 2016.

Reportedly, the findings of this move affected Friedkin so much that he says he would change his 1973 movie because the real thing is a lot scarier.Crazy right? Well, not everyone thinks so as The Christian Post reports that the play was a sold-out show in the Brno, a city in the Czech Republic and Split, another city in Croatia, both in Europe.

The play titled Our Violence and Your Violence, directed by a Croatian playwright Oliver Frljic, shows an actor playing the role of Jesus coming down from a cross and raping a Muslim woman.

Then, he pulls out a national flag of wherever the play is being done from her private part. This controversial performance claims to address the refugee crisis in Europe.

It was first performed last week at the World of Theatre festival in Brno and at the Croatian National Theatre in Split for the Marulic Days Festival. Reportedly, there were protests outside the theatre in Split as the play was being performed.

It will be repeated on May 26, 2018. The Monitor reports that the tickets for this second performance have already sold out.

Reactions to shocking play

As you can imagine, this performance has received a lot of criticisms from many people including Cardinal Dominik Duka, the primate of the Czech Catholic Church, who called the play the sale of Christianity and its ideals, according to Prague Monitor.

The regional Catholic Archdiocese of Split, Croatia, released a statement, urging all those responsible  to take steps that [the play] does not offend people and humiliate culture. DW.com reports that the press release added that the play offends God, man, and nation.

Robert Spencer, the director of Jihad Watch, told PJ Media that Europes political and media elites want to convince everyone, by means of a relentless propaganda barrage, that in Europe today, the villains are the racist Islamophobes, and their innocent victims are Muslims.

Muneeb Hassan Alrawi, head of the Muslim community office, added that mocking Jesus or Muhammad is not good.

They are good icons, and if anyone wants to imitate them, it should be good. While I agree with the opinions that support the freedom of expression and artistic creation, but to bring Jesus into a similar scene as a Muslim woman, I do not think it is appropriate and absolutely understands the indignation of the Christians, perhaps it would be enough in the scene to depict a Christian but not Jesus,  he commented.

More on the controversial play

Unfortunately, this is not the first time this particular play has been performed.

Despite the protests and condemnations, it originally debuted at a Splits Days of Marulic theatre festival in Croatia.

Responding to the criticism at the time, Zeljko Kerum, the former mayor of Split reportedly said: I do not give what is my own and I love best what is mine. I do not touch what belongs to someone else. What they are doing is overwhelming and sick. A person who pays money for this play, they need to be held responsible, more than the author of this work.Two students, Ibijole Oludayo popularly known as Malawi, Otuyemi Tosin got life imprisonment while was sentenced to seven years imprisonment after being found guilty of rape and cultism by an Akure High Court.

The three students were charged to court after the mother of one of their victims Omolola George reported the case to the school authority.

At the court, George testified that she was forcefully taken away by her assailants at gunpoint from the school premises on the day she was raped. She added that one of them threatened to kill her if she raised any alarm.

George also told the court that the boys took her to an unknown destination, raped her and later took her back to her hostel at about 10 p.m that same day.

ALSO READ: 7 secondary school students suspended over cultism

Ibijole Oludayo, one of the accused students asked why she didn't shout for help when she was taken back to her hostel.

She told the court that she did not shout for help as she was afraid because she had been earlier threatened and that she was also ashamed of exposing herself to public ridicule if she made public that she had been raped.

Another victim speaks out

Another victim, Akintolayo Abigail, told the court how she too was raped by the same group.

Akintolayo who is said to be a girlfriend of one of the group members, Ogundeji Festus, the third accused person said she was raped when she followed him home after he insisted on going on a date with her.

On getting to his house, she told the court she was surprised to find other boys in the house, adding that she was told that she would be raped.

Akintolayo added that Ibijole Oludayo was the one who removed her clothes, while Festus, her boyfriend, was the first to rape her and slapped her with four others coming in to also rape her after him.

After raping her, she said the boys brought out charms and told her that she had been initiated into their Eye cult group.

After studying the victims testimony, the medical evidence brought by one Dr Johnson of the schools health centre and the police investigations, the presiding judge, Justice O.O Akeredolu convicted the three students.

Akeredolu sentenced the first and the second accused person to life imprisonment while she sentenced the third accused person to seven years imprisonment.The award-winning actress took to her Instagram page on Monday, April 30, 2018, where she posted a number photos from her recent trip to Nigeria. It is not clear if it was a business or leisure trip but Lupita had some really nice photos to share.

In one of the photos, Lupita is seen maybe overwhelmed with the sizes of the yam tubers and even captioned the photo with a quote "Yam unpounded. #NaijaWorkoutPlan #NaijaJournals."

We trust that you did enjoy Nigeria's hospitality while you visited not forgetting the really hot temperature at the moment.

Lupita Nyong'o plans to release a book on Kids

Yes, Lupita Nyong'o has discovered her other talent as she is set to release her very first book. The Kenyan born Academy award-winning actress took to her Instagram page on Thursday, January 18, 2018, where she announced her latest achievement.

"I am pleased to reveal that I have written a children's book! It's called "Sulwe"! Sulwe is a dark-skinned girl who goes on a starry-eyed adventure and awakens with a reimagined sense of beauty. She encounters lessons that we learn as children and spend our lives unlearning. This is a story for little ones, but no matter the age I hope it serves as an inspiration for everyone to walk with joy in their own skin. Coming January 2019!!," she wrote.

Lupita Nyong'o calls out magazine for prejudice against womenThe producer and songwriter who has made several incursions into the African music scene, as he traces back his roots is also recognised for being the founder of the company, ''Melanin''.

Young Paris last year featured Nigeria's Tiwa Savage on his ''Best Of Me'' remix and is famous for recording versions to popular Nigerian songs, and he earlier this year released his cover to Wizkid's Soco.He brought attention to a social media user's response to his comment discouraging violence against people considered as homosexuals.

Awuzie, who referred to the lynching of two gay people in Aba, Abia State, was shocked after reading opinions endorsing the killing of individuals whose sexual orientation differs from the regular straight.

As opposed to slaughtering homosexuals, Pastor Charles Awuzie proposed a show of love. He considers this a better chance of affecting change.

I posted about gays being lynched in Aba and this brother said they DESERVED TO BE KILLED. Chai. Religion is wicked.

"No gay deserves to die. They deserve to be loved and shown Christ like every other human.

"Religious Nigerians share same extremist tendency with Boko Haram  no difference. I just hope you all are seeing the Wickedness of religion.

"I am not gay I am very straight. But I love gays enough to put my reputation on the ground and defend their blood. Thats love.

"Love is not defending tithe and false prophets, love is defending HUMANITY," the clergyman wrote.

ALSO READ: Lagos State Govt seize twin boys caught having sex from mother

Social media unhappy over beating of Abia gay men caught pants down

The harsh treatment of some men reported to be gay has inspired opinion on social media.

On Instagram, some users condemned the public shaming of the alleged homosexuals who were reportedly paraded naked by a mob in Abia State.

In a picture, the victims were slightly covered with palm fronds while a mob strolled with them.The police disclosed the development in a statement saying that Ansimire connived with her 22-year-old boyfriend, Julius Atwebembire, to allegedly fake her kidnap in a bid to defraud her parents of Shs 3.5 million.

ALSO READ: Student connives with boyfriend to stage kidnap, extort money from parents

LIB reports that the couple had intended to use the money to start a craft shoe business in Kenya and later get married after saving money from their business.

The police reportedly used a tracking system and Shs 750,000 of bait money to trace Ansimiire's whereabouts.

She was reportedly found living with her boyfriend in Kasubi, Rubaga Division in Kampala.

The police also revealed that the suspects were only found with Shs 250,000 of the Shs 750,000 which had been sent as a deposit for the ransom.

The pair claimed to have used Shs 500,000 to buy a smartphone, which they were using to communicate with her parents.

Tthe suspects are currently being detained at the Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala on SD REF. 07/22/04/2018 and have been charged with obtaining money by menace.

During the interrogation, the police also reportedly discovered that Atwebembire was also running a fake Facebook page named Hillmark Consultants which claims to help secure jobs for unemployed people in Canada.

For this reason, he was charged with another count of electronic fraud.

Female student arranges her own kidnap to extort N6M from parents

Similarly, a female student of the Imo State University (IMSU), Chinwendu Udensi, has been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command for allegedly faking her own kidnap to extort money from parents.

The Command, in a statement posted on its Facebook wall, said the Imo State-born student had plotted with her boyfriend to kidnap herself and demand a ransom of N6 million from the parents.

While parading the suspect, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Odesanyasaid Udensi was exposed when she sent one of her accomplices to pick the ransom on Obiri Ikerre flyover at Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, with the arrest of the picker.

On November 6 about 4pm, Chinwendu Udensi, a female student of Imo State University, was allegedly kidnapped by gunmen in Imo State.

The kidnappers called her parents and demanded N6 million ransom. Men of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit led by , set a bait for them and as they went to pick the money on Obiri Ikwerre flyover in the company of the victim, they were arrested.

It was later discovered that the victim connived with them and arranged her kidnap to extort money from her parents, CP Odesanya said.

ALSO READ: Undergraduate gives reasons she arranged her kidnap with boyfriend

The suspect who claimed to be a student of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, admitted the crime, saying she decided on the scheme because her father is very wealthy but stingy and does not give her enough money for her upkeep.

Nothing much happened. I wanted to collect money from my family, so I faked my kidnap. I did it to continue my schooling.

Im not happy about my present condition because I never thought it will be like this. I sincerely apologize to my family for the trauma I might have caused them in a bid to extort money from them for my project and other requirements.

To my friends out there, my advice is that they should not involve themselves in such a crime.Ushie, who considered the event as a life experience, shared a post detailing the encounter on Facebook.

Her professionalism proved strong enough to withhold her from making for the door.

She commented that the mother and her baby went through a hitch-free delivery but the occurrence is one she will never forget.

"My night duty this time was an awful experience #Thisisinfant2live. I almost ran away when I saw it coming. But ETHICS held me back.

"This is a life experience, I may never see such condition again. All thanks be to God.

"The delivery was successful. Mother and baby are doing good," she wrote.

ALSO READ: Woman surrenders daughter to settle debt of N100 rice

Baby born with Quran in Bauchi proves there is God

The mysterious birth of a baby born bearing a Quran in Bauchi, has offered proof of God's existence.

Its mother confirmed the report during a visit to a cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Usman, on Friday, March 23, 2018.

Local media also disclosed that the child also had in its hands Muslim prayer beads also known as Tesbih. Usman considers the birth of the newborn as an evidence of the magnificence of Allah.

This is nothing in the sight of Allah. It is for the ungrateful disbelievers of the Prophet (SAW) to further show them that the Messenger of Allah is true," the spiritual leader mentioned.

Social media users have however downplayed the sensitivity in the mysterious event with comments expressing doubt.The Public Relations Officer for the Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, revealed that the suspects were arrested on Saturday, April 28, 2018, after the victim filed a complaint with the police.

Mr Oyeyemi said that the victim who is an apprentice at a hairdressing salon disclosed that she had been on her way to the shop but was unaware of the fact that movement had been restricted due to sanitation exercise.

He added that Ishola, who had been sitting in front of his fathers house informed her of the restriction of movement and invited her to wait until the end of the exercise at their house.

According to the victim, Ishola took her bag into the house while she waited outside.

By the time she was ready to leave, Ishola asked her to go and collect her bag from inside the house.

Upon entering the house, the victim realised too late that Ishola had sent for Kehinde who joined them and raped her.

According to the reports, the victims screams reportedly attracted people who eventually came to her rescue

On interrogation, they both confessed to the commission of the crime. The victim has been taken to the General Hospital for medical examination, Oyeyemi added.

Teenage girl arraigned for allegedly luring her girlfriend for gang-raping

A 16-year-old girl (name withheld) was on Thursday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates Court for allegedly luring her friend to a hotel for gang-raping.

The accused, a student, who resides at Alagbado, a Lagos suburb, is being tried for conspiracy.

The prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu told the court that the offence was committed on March 26 at Mega Funds Hotel, Alagbado.

Ogu said the accused lured her friend (name withheld) to meet a boy at the hotel where she was allegedly gang-raped by four men now at large.

ALSO READ: Two teenagers raped by suspected cultists, bodies dumped in bush

The offence contravened Section 410 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected!With a strong appreciation of African authenticity and rawness, Erenti to make its brand truly noticeable on a global platform.

What inspired your fashion journey?Erenti: After I started to realise how much deeper the pride of appearance, I fell in love with the masterpieces of clothing. The result of architecture and design, inspiration and dedication, individual vision and collaborative effort the fabrics that determined our daily directions and told the stories of our personalities.Tell us about the aims and targetsof the brand.Erenti: We aim to establish ourselves in the Mens African Fashion industry both Lagos and London,earn market share and be more memorable. We are currently working on improving our brand image, recognition and to enhance engagement with ambassadors and we hope to build strong networking ties in Lagos and London.

undefined What was your first ever fashion creation, what inspired it? Did you like it?Erenti: Most of my inspiration and reincarnation are motivated by Amancio Ortega Gaona owner of ZaraI was instantly captivated by the way he made Zara truly his own. His clothes are more than just basic coloured polos and shirts. I have read most of Zara magazines and used them as inspiration to create my first menswear native piece which was a dark green with a slim fit feel. I cut out pictures and visualised pieces that I would actually bring to life.What has been your challenge as a designer in Africa?Erenti: As designer based in the UK Im always trying push the African fashion industry as much as I can but at the same time having a good platform to showcase your brand both in Africa and here in the U.K can be challenging.

Overall lack of business skills is incredibly challenging there is tremendous amount of design talent in Africa, the problem isn't finding the talent. The problem is often lack of business skills required to take a small business to a profitable one that is sustainable in the long term.

Financial knowledge, marketing, management skills, pricing models; all these are critical to take a good designer and turn them into the owner of a successful business.

What does fashion mean to you?Erenti: Fashion is an expression of oneself, a way to signify who you are, where you come from and what you believe in referring back to Erenti slogan Confidence Is Silent.Most unforgettable experience as a designer.Erenti: I love how seriously people started to take me when I wore menswear native like I took myself seriously. First impression may sound cliche but it counts and the first way people will see you is through your appearance.

As a creative designer, I would always wear mens natives to functions even nightclubs while my friends were lounging in jeans and designer t-shirts, but I loved every second of it because I got more attention and respect most significantly I stood out.

I was reminded then of the lesson my Mum had taught me years ago of respect for other people in how we dress, and the lesson stuck even harder from this professional experience.

Tell us about the Erenti Esteem SS18 collection you intend to showcase on AFWN runway.Erenti: This is my first menswear collection and its approach is to showcase African class and elegance through modern, urban apparel and accessories with a strong appreciation of African authenticity and rawness, Erenti Esteem collection pursues to merge culture and contemporary designs to make its brand truly noticeable on a global platform.What are you looking forward to at AFWN2018?Erenti: Im looking forward to networking with various designers from Africa and getting there insight on the African fashion industry from their point of view but also increase brand awareness and build strong relationships possibly leading to collaboration.How do you feel with about the growing number of fashion designers?Erenti: I fully support the growing number of fashion designers, the fashion industry is a $1.2 trillion global industry, with more than $250 billion spent annually on fashion.

If African fashion can produce more fashion designers on a global scale we can boost the economy which will lead to more employment and economic growth across the continent.What is your outlook on African fashion and its impact worldwide?Erenti: My view remains positive the global demand and discussions on African inspired clothing has led to tremendous boost in sales for some African designers and brands whose works have caught the eyes of international personalities including Beyonce, Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Thandie Newton.Its a good idea to research some of the laws and customs, to prevent any problems while visiting this dynamic and traditional country.

To start you off, here are five things youll need to watch out for.

ALSO READ:

1. Drug-related offences

Selling or buying drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other chemical substances are illegal. The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrests people caught in the act.

The importation and selling of drugs is strictly forbidden. Get caught breaking this law and youll earn yourself an arrest, jail time.

2. Prostitution and soliciting for sex

Prostitution hasn't been legalized yet in Nigeria. Sex work is illegal so sex workers are periodically rounded up and arrested. Although, their clients are often allowed to go without penalty.

3. Attending gay meetings and weddings

There is a ban on gay activism in Nigeria. Members of the LGBTQ community are advised to not attend gay weddings, parades or meetings. You are at risk or getting arrested but the law is not clear about what will happen to the individuals getting married themselves; it only states that the marriage is null and void.

ALSO READ: 5 things you can only buy in Nigeria

4. Breaking Sharia law

In the Northern part of Nigeria, Sharia law is enacted. States like Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Borno, Yobe, and Bauchi still practise this.

There are laws against ownership, and attendance of nightclubs, interaction with women, the sale and consumption of alcohol, and more.

5. Violence against persons

Commit rape, assault, child molestation, physical, mental, and financial abuse and you could get arrested.The marriage contract was sealed at the Bauchi Central Mosque, after the payment of N100, 000 as bride price by the groom.

The groom was represented by Alhaji Aminu Abubakar, his uncle, while Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented the bride.

The Chief Imam of Bauchi Central mosque, Sheikh Bala Baban-Inna, who presided over the religious aspect of the ceremony, urged the couple to have the fear of God and live in peace.

He warned them against betraying each other as they would account for their deeds in the hereafter.

The ceremony was attended by prominent personalities, among them, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mansur Dan-Ali and his Education counterpart, Malam Adamu Adamu, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari.A community leader, who preferred anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Yanagoa that Okoringa was shot on Monday by some assailants who laid ambush near his house in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The incident occurred around 10.00 pm, the assailants waited for him in the cover of darkness, immediately he alighted from his car and walked towards the door, they released the first bullet on him.

The bullet tore his hand, but he started running to escape from the scene, they chased him to a point where he fell down and pumped many bullets into his body at a close range, he said.

The Police Command in the state confirmed the incident.

ALSO READ: Gunmen kill 73 cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Asinim Butswat, who confirmed the incident, said the command would issue a statement on the matter.According to Sahara Reporters, the bomb went off in a mosque in Mubi, Adamawa, as Muslims observed their afternoon prayer.

According to Sahara Reporters, a boy who was putting on a suicide vest, set off the bomb.

Police say at least 24 worshipers were killed in the attack, the Associated Press reports.

The culprits haven't been identified at the time of this report, although the modus operandi fits into the pattern of terrorist sectBoko Haram.

Boko Haram has been waging a war against the Nigerian State since 2009.

The senator representing Kaduna Central in the upper legislative chamber, Shehu Sani says: "The suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Adamawa stands condemned. It's despicable and evil. Again, it demonstrates the irreligious lunacy and coloration of terrorism. Both Muslims and Christians are victims".

According to the BBC, the police suspects Boko Haram as being behind the attack.

Asides Boko Haram, Nigeria is also battling herdsmen attacks in north central States.While speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, President Buhari remarked that a lot of Nigerian youths wait on handouts from the government.

"More than 60 percent of the population is below 30, a lot of them haven't been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria has been an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free," he said.

Even though the comment was interpreted as a dismissal of the work ethic of most Nigerian youths and drew criticism from political opponents and the public, the president has never directly explained his remarks.

However, while speaking during an interview with Voice of America, Hausa service, in Washington, United States on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, the president said his words were misinterpreted by the media who love to do what they like.

He explained, "You know Nigeria's population is now between 180 and 190 million and 60 per cent of this population is youth that is 30 years downward.

"You know in the North most youths are uneducated or school dropouts. If not because we had good harvests in the last two farming seasons the situation would have been deteriorated.

"These youths even if they travel out of the North for greener pasture they hardly make it economically because what they earn as income cannot afford them to meet their basic needs or return home.

"All these explanations I made, they refused to highlight them in their report and you know the media in Nigeria in most cases only do what they like.

"For instance the nation's achievements in the agricultural sector where millions of Nigerians benefited financially were left unreported by the media."

President Buhari is currently on a working visit to the United States where he met his counterpart, PresidentDonald Trump, at the White House on Monday, April 30, 2018.

Buhari's words manipulated - Presidency

After the relentless wave of criticism that trailed Buhari's London comments, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, released a statement to allege that his words had been deliberately twisted by mischief makers to fit their agenda.This was disclosed on Twitter by Bashir Ahmad, the Personal Assistant to the President on New Media.

Ahmad tweeted: President @MBuhari has departed Joint Base Andrews Airport for Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja after a Working Visit to Washington DC where he had a bilateral talks with US President @realDonaldTrump, and met with a group of business executives. #PMBinDC.

Trump commends Buhari

President Trump on Monday, April 30, 2018 commended President Buhari for his fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Trump made this known while addressing journalists at the White House after his meeting with Buhari.

ALSO READ:Buhari tells Trump incorrect number of kidnapped Dapchi girls

According to the US President, with the progress that Buharis administration is making in the fight against corruption, investors from the US will be willing to do business in Nigeria.

Trump speaks up for Nigerian Christians

President Trump also condemned the killing of Christians in Nigeria, saying it is unacceptable.

He said "We have had very serious problems with Christians who are being murdered in Nigeria, we are going to be working on that problem very, very hard because we cannot allow that to happen.While speaking during an interview with Voice of America, Hausa service, in Washington, United States on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, the president said he's worried about the consequences if an armed officer is not regularly getting paid.

He said, "We must carefully look at the position of the nation's constitution on the issue of state police before we take final decision on the matter if the constitution allows state police so be it.

"But don't forget that many times the Federal Government gave out what we referred to as bail out to state governments for payment of workers' salaries. How many states can pay salary promptly? And you want to add more financial burden to the states.

"It is not proper to employ a person, train him on how to handle weapons and then refuse to pay him - you can imagine what would happen in such situation."

The president also revealed that he has approved the recruitment of 6,000 additional police officers in an attempt to address troubling security challenges across the country.

He noted that the recruitment exercise is all-inclusive with a directive to recruit from all the 776 local government areas of the federation.

He said, "We will put in place more measures to check insecurity in the country including increasing the number of policemen and train them.

"I have approved the recruitment of 6,000 policemen by the police authorities and I directed that those recruited must come from all the 776 local government areas of the federation.

"Even if it means recruiting one person each from the 776 they should do that instead of going to motor parks, railway stations or market for the recruitment exercise. I gave (Police authorities) them this directive."

President Buhari met with United States president, Donald Trump, at the White House on Monday, April 30, 2018, and security was one of the most pressing concerns discussed by both leaders.Illegal codeine supply

Emzor's action to suspend the production of the drug is coming after one of its sales reps was caught on camera in a BBC Pidgin undercover report, boasting about how he supplies millions of the codeine syrup to individuals daily.

The company said the sales rep in question has been dismissed as his conduct are illegal and against Emzor's policy.

In a statement released by Emzor on Monday, April 30, 2018, the company said it has launched a full-scale internal investigation into the breach of the codeine distribution.

"The Sales Rep depicted in the BBC video was initially placed on suspension and has now been summarily dismissed following an investigation. Any representations made by the Sales Rep are in breach of company policy and ethics and were undertaken independently by him. The distribution of Emzolyn with Codeine has been suspended pending the results of a full and thorough internal investigation", the statement, which was published on the company's Facebook page, read in part.

The BBC report also showed how young Nigerians using the drug are admitted to various rehabilitation centres across the country on a weekly basis.

ALSO READ: How thousands of young Nigerians get their hands on drug

The investigation revealed that industrial quantities of codeine leak to the streets through the back doors of pharmaceutical companies.According to Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, the directive became imperative on the back of abuse of codeine by young Nigerians.

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) will now supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups in the country.

NAFDAC and PCN will also enforce the ban on sale of codeine without prescription across the country.

The Health minister's statement

In a statement sent to Adewole said: We had an emergency meeting with NAFDAC and the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (PMGMAN) to inform them that there is an embargo on all new applications for registration of codeine-containing cough syrups as well as applications for renewal.

NAFDAC was directed to fully regulate and control the manufacturing, distribution and sale of drugs, including inspection at points of entry of drugs, drug products and food for compliance with the new directive.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) was also directed to continue enforcement activities on Pharmacies, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors Shops and outlets throughout the country.

The Federal Ministry of Health shall ensure collaboration among regulatory agencies namely, NAFDAC, PCN, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), for effective implementation of extant Acts, regulations, policies and guidelines on codeine control and usage.

Furthermore, these agencies shall work together to increase pharmacovigilance around codeine, tramadol and other related substances of abuse.

Already, NAFDAC has developed IEC materials that will be used in an already planned national campaign against drug abuse, an awareness programme that includes Young Pharmacists Group of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. This will soon be flagged off in Kano and Lagos.

Codeine abuse

Codeine is an opiate, classified as a narcotic substance which is largely used as a pain reliever and cough suppressant.

Even though it is not an illegal drug, codeine, which comes in tablet and syrup form, has been largely abused for years by youths in Nigeria.Initiated by General Electric, the worlds premier digital industrial company, the Consortium is comprised of SinoHydro, a leading infrastructure construction services corporation, Transnet, a leader in transportation and logistics infrastructure management and APM Terminals, a global port, terminal and intermodal inland services provider.

In the interim phase of the rail concession, Remedial Works will be carried out on part of the narrow-gauge rail line system to make it technically and economically operable. Additionally, a joint operation will be established between the Consortium and the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) with an initial supply of 10 locomotives and 200 wagons to augment the existing rolling stock in Nigeria.Before the two leaders addressed a joint press conference, they had a meeting at the Oval Office, where they discussed Nigeria's security, economy among others.

Here are seven important things Trump said about Nigeria:

1. We have had very serious problems with Christians who are being murdered in Nigeria, we are going to be working on that problem very, very hard because we cannot allow that to happen.

2. Nigeria has a reputation for very massive corruption. I also know that the President (Buhari) has been able to cut that down very substantially. We talked about that, he is working on it and they have made a lot of progress and I think they will continue to make a lot of progress.

3. We have a lot of people in this country that invest in Nigeria, so cutting down on that corruption element is very important to us and the President (Buhari) will be able to do that.

4. Nigeria is one of the first African nations to join the coalition to defeat ISIS and Nigerian forces are currently leading regional efforts to defeat ISIS in West Africa and doing very well as we have. Nigeria is also leading Africa in the fight against Boko Haram.

5. We are also helping our Nigerian partners by facilitating intelligence, cooperation and providing training and military equipment to Nigerian forces. For example, we recently sold Nigeria 12 US A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, great aircraft, in the first ever sale of American military equipment to Nigeria.

ALSO READ: Buhari tells Trump incorrect number of kidnapped Dapchi girls

6. I would very much like to visit Nigeria. It is an amazing country and in certain ways, I hear from the standpoint of the beauty of a country, there is no country more beautiful.

7. (On Trump's alleged "shithole" comment about African nations) We didnt discuss it because the President (Buhari) knows me and he knows where I am coming from and I appreciate that.The blasts, said to have been carried out by young boys, happened shortly after 1:00 pm (1200 GMT) in Mubi, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the Adamawa state capital, Yola.

Imam Garki, from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said a joint assessment with the police and Red Cross found that 26 people were killed and 56 were injured, 11 of them critically.

They were transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Yola for treatment.

But a medical source at the Mubi General Hospital said they had received 37 bodies, while a rescue worker involved in the relief operation said he counted 42 dead and 68 injured.

"These I saw with my own eyes. We were counting as they were being taken," said Sani Kakale.

Two local residents who attended funerals for the victims said the death toll was much higher -- and could climb further.

"Before I left the cemetery I took part in the burial of 68 people. More bodies were being brought by families of the victims," said Muhammad Hamidu.

"I think this is the worst attack Mubi has ever witnessed. The human loss is unimaginable."

Abdullahi Labaran added: "We left 73 freshly dug graves where each victim was buried. There are still unclaimed bodies at the hospital.

- US support -

Conflicting death tolls are not unusual in Nigeria. The authorities have also previously played down casualty figures.

Suspicion for the attack immediately fell on Boko Haram, the jihadist group whose quest to establish a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria has left at least 20,000 dead since 2009.

Nigeria's government and military have long maintained that the Islamic State group affiliate is a spent force and on the verge of defeat.

But there has been no let-up in attacks in the northeast, particularly in Borno state, adjacent to Adamawa, which has been the epicentre of the violence.

Last Thursday, at least four people were killed when suicide bombers and fighters attempted to storm the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, raising fresh questions about security.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been in the United States this week and met his US counterpart Donald Trump, who pledged more support in the fight against Boko Haram.

Nigeria has bought a dozen A-29 Super Tucano light fighter aircraft in a $496-million (413-million-euro) deal.

Trump indicated a further order for attack helicopters was also in the pipeline.

"These new aircraft will improve Nigeria's ability to target terrorists and protect civilians," Trump told a joint news conference with Buhari in Washington on Monday.

The sale of the aircraft was previously blocked by the Obama administration after the Nigerian airforce mistakenly bombed a camp for people displaced by Boko Haram, killing 112.

US military officials in Abuja have recently questioned Nigerian tactics faced with guerilla tactics from Boko Haram.

"How they think in terms of combat, in my opinion, is still thinking of things as conventional warfare," Lieutenant-Colonel Sean McClure, the US defence attache in Abuja, told AFP last month.

- Chaotic scenes -

In Mubi, local volunteer Habu Saleh, who was involved in the rescue effort, described the aftermath of the bombing as "chaos".

Health workers from the hospital mobilised to attend to the victims, despite being on strike over pay and conditions.

Abdullahi Labaran said the first bomber mingled with worshippers who had gathered for prayers at the mosque at the edge of the market.

He detonated his explosives "five minutes before the prayer started", he added.

The second bomber blew himself up among the crowds of worshippers, traders and shoppers as they fled the first explosion.

On November 21, 2017 at least 50 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a mosque during early morning prayers in the Unguwar Shuwa area of Mubi.

In October 2012, at least 40 people were killed in an attack on student housing in Mubi that was widely blamed on Boko Haram.Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described workers as the mainstay of the Nigerian economy.

Saraki also promised that the National Assembly under his leadership will support all efforts aimed at ensuring workers are adequately rewarded and well catered for.

"They (workers) form the bedrock on which the building blocks of any sustained national development can be laid," he said.

"There can be no economic growth without the contribution of workers and there can be no national development without economic development. Our workers play crucial roles in all we attain as a nation and that fact needs to be recognized always.

"On this Workers' Day 2018 celebrations, I salute all Nigerian workers for their sacrifice and resilience in the face of dwindling economic fortunes.

The National Assembly will always support all efforts geared towards improving their remuneration and General conditions of service and living.

"Workers represent the mainstay of our economy because without them there could be no economic activity of any kind, whether online or offline, digital or manual," the Senate President said.

ALSO READ: NLC warns against alteration of implementation time for minimum wage

House ready to pass minimum wage

On his part, Speaker Dogara reiterated the desire of the House of Representatives to pass the N56,000 minimum wage proposed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

We see the struggles you go through to survive on wages that can barely last through the first week of the month, Dogara said in a statement by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan.

We see your dedication to doing your bit in ensuring that Nigeria continues to run effectively in spite of unfavourable conditions. We commend your courage, your commitment to service and nation building and urge you to continue supporting government policies and agenda.Trump stated this when both leaders were addressing a press conference after their meeting in the White House.

"Nigeria has a reputation for very massive corruption. I also know that the President (Buhari) has been able to cut that down very substantially. We talked about that, he is working on it and they have made a lot of progress and I think they will continue to make a lot of progress," Trump said.

The US President said with the progress the Buhari administration is making in the corruption, investors from the US would want to do business in Nigeria.

"We have a lot of people in this country that invests in Nigeria, so cutting down on that corruption element and a corrupt element is very important to us and the President (Buhari) will be able to do that," he added.

Anti-Boko Haram fight

Trump also hailed Buhari for making progress in the fight against terrorism, and pledged the continued support of the US in that regard.

When asked if both leaders discussed Trump's alleged statement early this year that African nations are "shitholes", Buhari and the US President said it was not discussed.

According to Buhari, he was not sure about the accuracy of the media report, so there was no point talking about it.

"I am very careful with what the press says about others and myself. I am not sure about the validity or whether that allegation against the President (Trump) was true or not. So, the best thing for me is to keep quiet," Buhari said.

Trump confirmed that the issue was not discussed. He, however, noted that there are some countries that are in "very bad shape and (are) very tough places to live in."

"We didnt discuss it because the President (Buhari) knows me and he knows where I am coming from and I appreciate that," Trump said.

ALSO READ: Buhari tells Trump incorrect number of kidnapped Dapchi girls

Buhari was accompanied to the White House by Nigeria's Ambassador to the U.S. Sylvanus Nsofor, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Trade and Investment, and Governors of Plateau and Ogun.Trump who has had racism scandal hanging over him had in January 2018 exhibited the tendencies when he allegedly used derogatory words to describe Haiti and countries on the African continent populated by black people.

He was said to have made the statement during an immigration meeting with a bipartisan group of senators at the White House. The US President, however, sort of denied making such comment.

"Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?", a senator at the meeting insisted Trump made that statement.

However, at his meeting with Buhari on Monday, the US President flattered Nigeria, describing it as one of the most beautiful countries, and the two leaders confirmed they did not discuss the "shithole" controversy.

Trump welcomed Buhari to the White House around 12 noon and the two had a meeting at the Oval Office which after they addressed a joint press conference.

At the briefing, a journalist asked Buhari, if he and Trump talked about the alleged "shithole" comment during their meeting - his response was displomatic.

"Im very careful with what the press says about [people] other than myself. Im not sure about the validity or whether that allegation against the president was true or not. So the best thing for me is to keep quiet", Buhari, 75, said.

The US President, who interjected, also said they did not discuss the matter, however, he added that some African countries are in very bad shape and not comfortable to live in.

"You do have some countries that are in very bad shape and very tough places to live in. But we didnt discuss it because the president knows me and he knows where Im coming from and I appreciate that. We did not discuss it," Trump said.

It was the first time Trump would host a President from sub-Saharan Africa since he became President.

Both leaders also discussed aid and removing trade barriers, agriculture and oil, military and intelligence cooperation and the fights against corruption and Islamist terrorism.

The US president described Boko Haram's infamous kidnap of the Chibok schoolgirls as "tough stuff".

Herdsmen crisis

Trump also condemned the killing of Christians in Nigeria, saying it is unacceptable to the US government.

Herdsmen, predominantly from the Fulani ethnic group, have been clashing with farmers over grazing issues since January this year, which has led to the death of over 200 people.

The crisis took a different turn last week when the herdsmen attacked a Catholic church, killing two priests and 17 worshippers.

Trump said the US has a "very serious problems with Christians who are being murdered in Nigeria, we are going to be working on that problem very, very hard because we cannot allow that to happen."

When asked if he would consider visiting Nigeria as his predecessor, Barrack Obama, whose father was Kenyan, never visited the country throughout his time as the US President despite visiting some African nations, Trump excitedly said he would like to visit the most populous country on the continent.

"I would like to visit Nigeria. Id like very much to visit Nigeria. Its an amazing country and in certain ways I heard from the standpoint of a beauty of a country, theres no country more beautiful, so I would like to," he added.

President Buhari was said accompanies to the White House Nigeria's Ambassador to the U.S. Sylvanus Nsofor, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Trade and Investment, and Governors of Plateau and Ogun.

ALSO READ: Here are 7 important things Donald Trump told BuhariPresident Buhari on Monday, April 30, had a meeting with Trump at the Oval Office in the White House. Thereafter, both leaders addressed a joint press conference.

The US President commended Buhari for his efforts in cutting down "very massive corruption" in Nigeria.

Buhari and Trump also discussed the ongoing killings in the country, which the US President said is unacceptable.

Trump however promised that the US will continue to support Nigeria in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

Impressed by her husband's composure and accuracy in answering questions from the US media, Aisha used the latest street lingua and social media trend in the country to appreciate the President's efforts.In his speech, the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria took aim at Nigeria's political class that has overseen its rot over the years.

He called on Nigerians to wake up from slumber and dare to dream that the country could be taken back from leaders they are tired of complaining about.

He said, "We are always very angry about many of their leaders. They take us for a ride, as they jump out of police vehicles to mock our justice system. They insult our youth, calling them lazy, even though they spend more time in the hospital than at their duty post. They insult our intelligence, claiming they will fight corruption."

His hospital jibe is believed to be a reference the president's controversial medical trips to the United Kingdom in 2017. The president spent a combined 154 days in London on two separate medical visits to treat an undisclosed illness.

Moghalu's displeasure with the president's conduct is also a response to Buhari's recent comments he made about Nigerian youths being lazy.

While speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster on April 18, 2018, President Buhari remarked that a lot of Nigerian youths wait on handouts from the government.

"More than 60 percent of the population is below 30, a lot of them haven't been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria has been an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free," he said.

Moghalu urges Nigerians to take back the country

In his speech on Tuesday, Moghalu, the founder and CEO of Sogato Strategies, LLC, charged Nigerians to join him in his campaign to send recycled Nigerian politicians back to their villages for a long overdue retirement.

He said Nigerians have gotten too used to being cynical about the state of the country that politicians have manipulated it to misrule the country and limit the imagination of the people.During a presentation on The Platform in Lagos on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria called on Nigerians to believe that Nigeria can change despite the disappointments of the past.

He said Nigerians have gotten too used to being cynical about the state of the country that politicians have manipulated it to misrule the country and limit the imagination of the people.

Read his statement below:

"I come here with a message for my countrymen and women. And my heart is both warmed over and fired up by this urgent message. So let's get right into it. You see, we are very good at 'managing' as Nigerians. We have become extremely good at it.

"And no one should blame us for this, to be honest. We have believed and believed so many times - and we have been disappointed. We have invested hopes and dreams in people, we have gone on strike at different times, marched on the streets at different times, shut down the nation at different times, stood in the sun to vote at different times, and we have been disappointed, sorely.

"So, we have learnt to lower our expectations. We have learnt to dream in black and white. We have learnt that we don't deserve nice things, that the things we truly want are not possible. We have tried too many times and failed too many times that we believe the problem is trying too hard. Let's just manage the one we have.

"Let's manage the recovery of 165 girls. It is impossible to get back all 265. Let's manage a president who is not personally corrupt, it could always have been worse. Let us take the governor that promises a few flyovers but chases poor people out of our cities as if they are not human. That's the cost of development. Let's pretend that 60 percent of our federal revenue doesn't go to maintaining just 1 million people. After all they haven't killed anybody. Let's manage the one we have, we tell ourselves. Because we can't really get what it is we truly want.

"We are always very angry about many of their leaders. They take us for a ride, as they jump out of police vehicles to mock our justice system. They insult our youth, calling them lazy, even though they spend more time in the hospital than at their duty post. They insult our intelligence, claiming they will fight corruption, when they cannot even get visas to visit the United States because of their past crimes. We are angry at them, because they steal our agency, they steal our hopes, they steal our dreams, they still our capacity to imagine.

"But you know what? These leaders laugh. And you know why they laugh? Because they know that no matter how angry we say we are, they are almost certain that nothing will change. They are sure because they know that in our hearts of hearts, we don't truly believe that Nigeria will change. We don't believe it. We are condemned by our conviction that this is how things will always, always be. These guys know this, and so for them the party will never stop.

"When I chose to run for the highest office in Nigeria, I knew this was the primary challenge; this "manage it" attitude sadness masked as worldly wisdom and cynicism. How do you convince people to believe the only one thing that has ever been true in the history of humanity - that there is no force more powerful than a people who have decided that enough is truly enough?

"We have done it in Nigeria. We did it in 2011, when we together voted a minority president in a country where they told us it wasn't possible. We did it in 2015 when we elected an opposition president in a country where ruling parties never lose national elections. We just have done it for people that we were 'managing', because we didn't think we could get what we really deserved.

"Over the past three years, and especially over the past 13 months I began to visit the entire country, to learn exactly what has caused us to allow this rot to stay, to understand exactly what it will take to galvanise fellow Nigerians to reach for what is possible. I have spent quality time talking to the people no one really talks to when they hold massive rallies with people they have paid to stand in the sun, and what I have seen has convinced me of something powerful.

"And I want you to listen very carefully to what I am about to say: Nothing, absolutely nothing is stopping us from getting the exact kind of leadership we want. Nothing. We are ready, we are able, we are clear. We just don't believe that it can happen. We just don't believe that it is possible to get the kind of leadership we desperately need. That's what I heard in Kano. That's what I heard in Makurdi. That's what I heard in Ilorin. That's what I heard in Oron. That's what I heard in Abeokuta. That's what I heard in Nnewi. That's what I heard in Ikot-Ekpene.

"That's what I heard when I spoke to the young men who believe there is no hope in Nigeria, and they must follow a man who promises them freedom if only they break away from this giant disappointment. They just don't believe that it is possible.

"The Platform speaks to the core of the Nigerian elite class, and I have a message from the streets of Nigeria to you: people desperately want a leadership that can deliver results for our economy, but they want someone who can convince them that they are not wasting their time, that they are not wasting their emotions. And they want to know that they are enough of people like them across the country who will stand up to make it happen when election season comes.

"Nigerians are not stupid o. They know that their problem is not Christian or Muslim leaders. They know that it's not Biafra or OPC. They know that at the end of the day all these people are together, whether they claim they are in the PDP today or in the APC tomorrow. I know this because I have spoken to them, I have listened to them, I have tried to understand why those before me have failed, and why it appears that we don't know what we are doing.

"And so, I come to you with the same message I have given to them in my steady tour of Nigeria: IT. IS. POSSIBLE. IT. CAN. HAPPEN.

"We need just 10 million people who believe this. Just 10 million, from across the country who understand this. Just 10 million who are ready and willing to take the risk, to open up their hearts, to put in the work. We need just 10 million people to make a difference. Today.

"That's the job I have given myself. How do we find those Nigerians? How do we remind them that it is possible? And how do we get them to follow their hearts when election day comes? How do I get YOU to believe what I know for sure in my heart, as I stand here today - that we can disgrace those who think themselves the owners of Nigeria, the sharers of its national cake, the custodians of the limit of our possibilities?

"Are we not ashamed of what we manage? Are we not ashamed of the leaders that we have? Are you billionaires not tired of a country you have to explain and defend when you meet your counterparts at the World Economic Forum? Are you young leaders not fed up with the embarrassment of your country when you explain what's going to your correspondents on Twitter, your fellows at global conferences, your audiences at global fora?

"You are. I am. And so this is my invitation to you: Join me in shocking this system. Join me in shaking it to its very roots. Join me in proving to ourselves that this thing we have been saying for decades is truly possible.

"We only need 10 million people to believe with their hearts, with their votes, with their monies, with their stepping on the streets to convince others to join them and vote.

"How do we do this? We start with one number. Just one. Find ONE person - a friend, your security guard, the woman who sells fruit round the corner, your work colleague - and tell them the truth about where Nigeria will be if they choose to vote against the status quo. Find one person and persuade them to be there at the polls in February 2019. Be their "polling buddy" make sure they have their voter's card, make sure they are aware of the issues and what's at stake.

"Then, help them be a "polling buddy" to somebody else. In this country, our network is our most powerful marketing tool, so it's time to use it to become the plus one movement. It's simple, ladies and gentlemen, start with one. To join our 10 million movement, find us on social media via @plusonemorevote so that you can join our cell groups and our volunteer army at #Plus1MoreVote across Nigeria.

"Because this is not a campaign platform, I won't go into details on the pillars of my plan for rebuilding our country. The detail on the policy plans can be found on our website www.tobuildanation.com and have also been fully and completely fleshed in my book, Build, Innovate and Grow.

"That's not my mission here today. My mission here today is to insist that you must believe that what you think impossible is in fact possible. My mission here today is to ask you to ignore those who will tell you not to waste your vote. Those who will tell you there are only two choices. To ignore those who will tell you that our electoral fate has always been decided in Abuja, Minna, Ikoyi, Dubai or Ota.

"That is a lie from the pit of hell. They know what they are doing when they tell you this lie. But let me tell you the truth: the only vote that is wasted is the one that doesn't make it into the ballot box. Every time you vote or don't vote, you are making a choice. And the enemies of our country, they are counting on the fact that you will make a choice not to show up this year to campaign, to donate or next year to vote and get those you love to vote. Or that when you show up to vote, you will choose the familiar over the necessary.

"'They' only get to win if they win the battle over your heart and your mind. They claim to have extensive structure that no one else can beat. I have gone round the country, I have seen those structures. Those structures are human beings. Human beings like me and you at the ward level, at the state level, at the community level. We are building an alternative structure that can beat that structure.

"We need you to believe that it is time to deliver Nigeria from dinosaucracy - a politics of dinosaurs, for dinosaurs, by dinosaurs. These dinosaurs have infected Nigerian society with ideas and attitudes that have long since been discredited.

"Our choice as a people is stark today as it ever has been: we have a choice between dinosaurs and deliverance. If we continue to be led by these dinosaurs and the people they endorse, the sunlight of our hopes for Nigeria will continue to be blotted out by dark clouds of incompetence, corruption, economic illiteracy and primitive tribalism.

"It is time for all of you who are tired, like I am tired. It is time to make things happen. Time to pump fresh ideas into solving our problems. It is time to drive the point home that Nigeria is nothing without the people - and the people need to come first from now on.

"It is time to shake the table of Nigeria's current political class. It is time for us to get off the side lines and come together as one to change the course of this nation. There is no need staying in different camps if we can come together to shake up this system. If you are not one of those benefiting directly from this nyama nyama version of Nigeria, then it is safe to say you are of those whose future is being mortgaged.Adamawa state police spokesman Othman Abubakar said, "For now (the death toll) is 24," but other sources gave far higher figures.

Rescue worker Sani Kakale said: "In my presence, 42 dead bodies were taken to hospital and 68 injured." A source at Mubi General Hospital told AFP they had "so far" received 37 bodies and dozens of injured, many of them critically.

Suspicion immediately fell on Boko Haram, the jihadist group whose quest to establish a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria has left at least 20,000 dead since 2009.

Mubi has been repeatedly targeted in attacks blamed on Boko Haram since it was briefly overrun by the militants in late 2014.

Nigeria's government and military have long maintained that the Islamic State group affiliate is a spent force and on the verge of defeat.

But there has been no let-up in attacks in the northeast, particularly in Borno state, adjacent to Adamawa, which has been the epicentre of the violence.

Last Thursday, at least four people were killed when suicide bombers and fighters attempted to storm the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, raising fresh questions about security.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been in the United States this week and met his US counterpart Donald Trump, who pledged more support in the fight against Boko Haram.

Nigeria has bought a dozen A-29 Super Tucano light fighter aircraft in a $496-million (413-million-euro) deal. Trump indicated a further order for attack helicopters was also in the pipeline.

"These new aircraft will improve Nigeria's ability to target terrorists and protect civilians," Trump told a joint news conference with Buhari in Washington on Monday.

Chaotic scenes

In Mubi, local volunteer Habu Saleh, who was involved in the rescue effort, described the situation as "chaos all over the place".

"We have evacuated dozens of dead and injured people to the hospital and the rescue operation is still ongoing," he said.

Health workers from the hospital mobilised to attend to the victims, despite being on strike over pay and conditions.

Mubi resident Abdullahi Labaran said the first bomber mingled with worshippers who had gathered for prayers at the mosque at the edge of the market.

He detonated his explosives "five minutes before the prayer started", he added.

The second bomber blew himself up among the crowds of worshippers, traders and shoppers who fled the mosque towards the butchery section of a nearby market.

On November 21, 2017 at least 50 people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a mosque during early morning prayers in the Unguwar Shuwa area of Mubi.

In October 2012, at least 40 people were killed in an attack on student housing in Mubi that was widely blamed on Boko Haram.A double suicide blast in Kabul left 25 people dead including AFP photographer Shah Marai and eight other journalists, while a BBC reporter was killed in a separate attack in eastern Khost province.

The second Kabul bomber disguised himself as a journalist and detonated himself among the crowd, police said, in what Reporters Without Borders said was the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

Journalists from Radio Free Europe and Afghan broadcasters Tolo News and 1TV were among the others killed.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "outraged" by the suicide blasts, which were claimed by the Islamic State group and left another 49 people wounded.

"The deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work," he said.

In a third strike on a bloody day for Afghanistan, 11 children were killed and 16 people wounded, including Romanian and Afghan soldiers, when another suicide attacker exploded his car near a NATO convoy in southern Kandahar province.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that the weakened militants were targeting journalists in Afghanistan in order to undermine the electoral process ahead of an expected vote in October.

"This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," he said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also condemned the "senseless and barbaric attack".

"The vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure, in large part due to those journalists and media professionals who tragically died in today's attack, but whose courageous and steadfast work helped lay the foundation for Afghanistan's thriving and resilient independent media," he said.

The BBC confirmed that its reporter, 29-year-old Ahmad Shah who had worked for the broadcaster for more than a year, was shot by unidentified armed men in Khost and that police were investigating the motive.

Bloody summer

The attacks came days after the Taliban began a spring offensive, in an apparent rejection of a peace talks overture by the Afghan government.

Afghanistan was last year ranked the third most dangerous country in the world for journalists by Reporters without Borders (RSF) and on Monday the watchdog urged the international community to guard the media from future attacks.

"It is high time that the UN send a strong signal to the international community and to local protagonists by appointing a Special Representative for the protection of journalists," the group's chief Christophe Deloire said.

RSF said that since 2016, it has recorded the killings of 34 journalists in Afghanistan.

In 2016, seven employees of popular TV channel Tolo were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing. And in November last year broadcaster Shamshad TV was stormed by gunmen who killed one person.

After that strike the defiant station was back on the air within hours, with a newscaster with bandaged hands reporting on the attack as its director vowed: "They cannot silence us."

Treasured colleague

AFP's Marai joined the agency as a driver in 1996, the year the Taliban seized power. He soon began taking pictures on the side, covering stories including the US invasion in 2001.

In 2002, he became a full-time photo stringer, rising through the ranks to become the bureau's chief photographer.

During his career he was beaten and threatened by the Taliban, and suffered devastating personal loss including in 2014 when AFP senior reporter and his good friend Sardar Ahmad was killed along with his wife and two of his children in a Taliban attack.

Marai, 41, left behind six children, including a newborn daughter.

jpegMpeg4-1280x720He was buried near his home village in the Shomali Plain, north of Kabul, later Monday in a ceremony attended by heartbroken relatives, friends and colleagues.

"This tragedy reminds us of the danger that our teams continually face on the ground and the essential role journalists play for democracy," AFP's CEO Fabrice Fries said.The 76-year-old was impassive throughout the hearing in Melbourne that ordered him to face a jury on "multiple" charges, although half of the allegations against him, including some of the most serious, were thrown out.

"Not guilty", the top aide to Pope Francis said loudly and without hesitation when asked his plea, a stance he has taken since first being charged last year.

Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington said she was "satisfied" there was enough evidence for a conviction on "multiple" charges with a directions hearing due on Wednesday to discuss a trial date.

Pell, who entered the court surrounded by a large police presence, was released on bail on the condition he does not leave Australia. He has already handed in his passport, the court heard.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago.

"Cardinal George Pell has at all times fully cooperated with Victoria Police and always and steadfastly maintained his innocence," said a statement issued through the Archdiocese of Sydney and attributed to Pell.

"He has voluntarily returned to Australia to meet these accusations. He will defend the remaining charges."

The exact details and nature of the claims remain confidential, other than they involve "multiple complainants".

But some of the alleged offending was at a swimming pool in Ballarat in Victoria in the 1970s and at Melbourne's St Patrick's Cathedral in the 1990s, the court heard.

In a win for him, some of the most serious allegations were dismissed due to inconsistencies in the evidence, including claims of offending at a cinema in Ballarat during a screening of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind".

No one above the law

Lisa Flynn, a lawyer who has represented hundreds of abuse survivors in civil litigation claims in Australia, said the ruling proved no one was above the law.

"The charging of Pell for these alleged crimes reinforces that people should be and are treated equally in the eyes of the law," she said.

"This is a promising step forward for victims of sexual assault."

Pell's case has coincided with an Australian national inquiry into child sexual abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia.

The commission spoke to thousands of victims and heard claims of abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools.

Pell appeared before it three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome over the Church's handling of complaints against paedophile priests.

Australia's Catholic leaders have previously spoken out in support of him, describing Pell as a "thoroughly decent man".

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne on Tuesday said Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart would be making no comment.

But it added that "Archbishop Hart expressed his confidence in the judicial system in Australia and said that justice must now take its course".

jpegMpeg4-1280x720The Catholic Church globally has been plagued by allegations of sex abuse among priests, with the scandals haunting the papacy of Pope Francis, who in February announced the Vatican was reviving its anti-paedophile panel.

It followed a trip to Chile in January that was seen as a resounding failure after he defended a bishop accused of covering up the crimes of a paedophile priest.

Pell was one of the pope's most trusted aides, handpicked by him in 2014 to make the church's finances more transparent.Odinga made the announcement at Uhuru Park where he attended the celebrations meant to mark the world's Labour Day.

In his speech, Odinga instructed his supporters to end the economic boycott campaign that has continued for over six months.

Today, I announce the end of the boycott of products from Safaricom, Bidco, Brookeside and Haco. Our supporters are now free to use products from these companies wed asked them to boycott last year, Odinga stated.

Odinga had in November last year announced that NASA supporters and leaders would boycott products associated with the four companies and accused them of taking sides with the Jubilee government.WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  It has been stated that broadband access is the great equalizer, leveling the playing field so that every willing and able person, no matter their station in life, has access to the information and tools necessary to achieve the American dream. Southern Indiana is seeing gaps in broadband availability but without addressing the access to it, these areas will struggle to develop economically, according to a recent study by the Purdue Center for Regional Development.

The study evaluated five counties  Daviess, Greene, Knox, Lawrence and Martin  that comprise Southern Indiana Development Commissions region.

According to the study, approximately 21 percent of the regions 33,440 residents do not have access to broadband internet, instead relying on slower connections. Private internet providers often cite a lack of population or household density as the reason for not expanding into rural areas. They also cited other barriers, such as right-of-way access or geographic reasons that inhibit the expansion of broadband.

A lack of broadband availability can cause individualized problems, such as a schoolchildrens inability to complete homework, or more wide-reaching issues, such as a barrier to economic development, the report stated.

According to Greg Jones, executive director of Southern Indiana Development Commission, The really troubling statistic discovered from the study is that 9,000 of the SIDC households that have children in them have no or only one option for internet. Not having broadband widens the homework gap and also makes it difficult to grow and train the workforce for the region.

The study also noted that 50 percent of the businesses in the region do not have access to broadband.

Not having adequate broadband connectivity today is equivalent to missing out on a railroad or four-lane highway last century, said Roberto Gallardo, assistant director for the Center for Regional Development and a Purdue Extension community and regional economics specialist.

He is co-author of the report with Annie Cruz-Porter and Benjamin St. Germain.

As the digital economy continues to expand, regions on the wrong side of the digital divide will be left out, Gallardo said.

The report outlined eight ideas leaders in southern Indiana should consider when deciding how to increase the footprint of broadband availability, including researching a new state bill passed that might offer funding to provide broadband to underserved rural areas; looking into leveraging federal facilities to place broadband infrastructure; and promoting the region for a Microsoft project to utilize TV white space to expand broadband in rural areas; and educating the region on the issues surrounding broadband and galvanizing the region to work together to solve the issue.

The region could see a potential economic benefit of $218 million over 15 years if all of the currently underserved households had access and subscribed to broadband service.

The study was funded by the Defense Manufacturing Assistance Program for the Martin County Alliance and a copy of the report can be accessed at https://martinalliance.org/publications/.

Source: Roberto Gallardo, assistant director for Purdue Universitys Center for Regional Development, robertog@purdue.eduAbout 260 turned out; a wagon returned after an eight-year hiatus.

Residents, visitors line up at the Tin Cup Chuckwagon Saturday during the 18th annual chuckwagon cook-off at Ute Lake State Park in Logan.

More than 260 people enjoyed the traditional cooking from five competing chuckwagons Saturday at the 18th annual Chuckwagon Cook-off at Ute Lake State Park in Logan.

"The event went well considering we only had five wagons this year," said Sharon Reid, event coordinator.

Reid said the chuckwagon teams were very accommodating by splitting the load of preparing 300 chicken fried steaks, mashed potatoes, beans and apple cobblers. She said including the judges' meals, each chuck wagon prepared 60 chicken fried steak.

"The 300 meals covers the cost for the event, prizes and scholarship money," Reid said. "This year we had no tickets left over; the tickets we provide to sponsors aside, we sold all of the 260 meal tickets."

Albuquerque residents Linda and Bob Hudson were two walk-in guests who were fortunate enough to purchase two tickets that became available.

"My husband read about the event in the newspaper," Linda said. "We thought it would be such a great experience to come out and enjoy the food and see the wagons."

This year's competition had some newcomers, regular contenders and the return of a chuckwagon after an eight year absence.

"We love this event, but when our grand daughter started playing softball in high school and college we took a break to follow her," said Marilyn Johnson of J-D Chuckwagon in Amarillo.

Johnson said this was the chuckwagon team's first time back in eight years. She said the crew had competed in the competition since it's beginnings.

"It's such a wonderful event, good people, great weather and a wonderful location," Johnson said.

Smoke from the campfire was swirling around from the wind as Johnson prepared the gravy for the meal. Johnson said she often apologizes for the smoke if it bothers people.

"Come to find out many people enjoy the smell of the smoke, I personally think that it's a part of the very essence of this event," Johnson said.

The J-D chuckwagon won first place overall, second to the Cockelburr Chuckwagon out of Odessa, Texas.

The other wagons competing in the event were Nicholas Wagon of Amarillo, Texas, Mountain Trails Wagon of Rye, Colorado and the Tin Cup of Holly, Colorado.

"This was our first time coming to this event," said Pat Palmer, Tin Cup Chuckwagon.

Palmer said he is relatively new to the chuckwagon cook-off competitions, but has been working as a wheelright for several years. He said a wheelright is a craftsman who builds and repair wagon wheels.

"I partnered up with Kent Anderson, who has been competing in these type of events for more than five years," Palmer said.

Palmer said there is a lot of tradition behind the history of the chuckwagon.

"If you want to know more, come on out to an event and ask us," Palmer said.

Reid said the planning for next year's event will begin in the next few weeks.

"We are so thankful for all of the support for this year's event," Reid said. "We had beautiful weather, a great turnout and on top of it all, we are going to be able to give local students a scholarship."Tucumcari Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution honored local residents, students and educators on April 20 at its annual community Awards Luncheon.

This is a luncheon where outstanding Quay County citizens are recognized for their community involvement in several different areas which are considered of utmost importance to our growth and productivity.

 Honored for the proper display of the American Flag at a residence were Dave and Carol Shine. Honored for the proper display of the American Flag at a business were Kirk Bailey and Willie Gonzales, employees of the U.S.P.O. Certificates of appreciation and a new American Flag were presented to these by DAR Flag Chairman, Janel Mansfield and Co- Chairman, April Shipley.

 A Community Service Award was presented to Kathie McClelland, representative for Paws and Claws organization, for the outstanding work done for our community in helping animals in our community to find new forever-homes. This special recognition was presented to Mrs. McClelland by Community Service Chairman, Darlene Oliver.

 Also receiving the Community Service Award were the Foster Grandmas of Tucumcari Elementary School. These lovely women volunteer their time to help the teachers at school by listening to the children read and assisting in any way possible to help our children learn and grow. Those present were Mary Elebario, Laura Naylor, Connie Lucero and Barbara Stallcup. Presenting the award was Community Service Co-Chairman, Wanda Evans.

 A special award for Historical Preservation was presented by Michelle Farrow to Mike Lucero for all his hard work and efforts in helping to develop and maintain the Railroad Museum.

 Bryan Dunlap, a history teacher at Tucumcari Middle School, was presented with the American History Teacher of the year award by GiGi Parker, Regent of Tucumcari Chapter DAR. Dunlap has also been presented with the New Mexico Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NMSODAR) State History Teacher of the Year Award at the NMSODAR State Convention on April 14 in Albuquerque.

Tucumcari Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recognized and honored two outstanding Quay County seniors in the annual DAR Good Citizens Contest.

The contest is based upon the students dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The Good Citizen from Tucumcari High School for 2017-2018 is Camilla Lamm. Camilla is also the winner of the Good Citizen Essay Contest and received a $100 scholarship.

The Good Citizen from Logan High School for 2017-2018 is Trevillion Rinestine.

Both students represent the qualities of good citizenship and are an example of true patriotism for their individual schools as well as Quay County and New Mexico.Submissions due June 21; contract to be announced July 19.

CLOVIS  The Eastern New Mexico Water Utility Authority is now accepting bids for construction later this year on the section of its pipeline connecting Cannon Air Force Base with Clovis, as announced in a board meeting Thursday afternoon and in a news release that followed.

The advertisement for bids will be distributed locally and in Arizona, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico, Administrator Orlando Ortega said in a presentation to the authority board.

Bid applications are due by June 21, with a contract award to be announced July 19 and year-long construction starting by October, according to Jim Honea, assistant project manager for the Albuquerque design engineering firm supporting the board with the bidding process.

Fixed Water 2, as the pipeline section is designated, will run 7 1/2 miles southeast from outside CAFB to an EPCOR water storage system at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Brady Avenue, said the release.

The completed 33-inch transmission pipeline will have the potential to operate in both directions, therefore being able to provide water supply to Clovis residents and CAFB from interim groundwater sources or EPCORs supply from their storage facility, the release continued.

Honea said in his presentation to the board that recent market fluctuations in steel prices have increased the estimated total cost of FW2 by about $250,000, roughly a 1 percent increase from the $25 million price estimated in December.

The FW2 is important because it allows us to utilize the pipeline in the interim, while we continue to work building toward Ute reservoir, Clovis Mayor and water authority Chairman David Lansford said in the release. We are excited to be able to go out for bids of FW2 as it will enable us to get one step closer to connecting important areas of the member communities water supply chain.

The ENMWUA has over $15 million toward FW2 and Lansford said he was hopeful for about $5 million, but as much as $11 million in federal plus-up dollars being awarded early next month by the Bureau of Reclamation.

ENMWUA competes with five other rural water projects across the country for over $60 million in the plus-up funds to be distributed next month by Congress.

Ortega said he was expecting word on May 9 from the states Water Trust Board as to a requested $2.5 million in annual funds.

Whether FW2 becomes fully funded by next month or not, the authority will continue with the bidding and construction process, Lansford said.

Were going to award the contract and build as much as we can with the money that we have, he told The News in an interview that followed the meeting. If we get $5 million (next month) and we can build $20 million of the project, well do that.

Also at Thursdays ENMWUA board meeting:

n Newly elected Portales Mayor Ron Jackson, whom the Portales City Council appointed to fill the board seat of the late Sharon King, was sworn in before the meeting and voted in unanimously as the new vice chairman.

Lansford recommended Jackson to accompany him and other board representatives on a trip May 8-11 to Washington, D.C. The trip will include meetings with the Bureau of Reclamation and possibly the Department of Agriculture, both in the interest of securing additional funding for the authority.

Jackson said he had to check his schedule.

n Ortega said he had a busy first month as the authoritys new administrator, including his qualification after a week of classes as a chief procurement officer.

n The board announced no action following a half-hour executive session regarding the acquisition of real estate.Project will include new lines, valves, meters.

Water line improvements designed to allow business expansion on Mountain Road near Interstate 40 received one of their final approvals Thursday from the Tucumcari City Commission.

The commission approved a $909,963 package of grants and loans from Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund of the New Mexico Finance Authority.

The finance package will buy new, higher-capacity water lines to replace deteriorating water lines under Mountain Road from Historic Route 66 to I-40, as well as new valves, fire hydrants and water meters.

Three-quarters of the funding, $682,472, is from a grant from the drinking water fund, with the remaining $227,491 comes from a low-interest loan that the city will pay off at a rate of $11,675.72 per year through the year 2040, using funds from an existing environmental services gross receipts tax.

The NMFA is expected to grant final approval to the project after the commission's approval, according to Ralph Lopez, a city community development department project manager.

The commission Thursday also approved updates to the emergency reponse plan for the city and county. The Quay County Commission approved the plan at a special meeting earlier in the day.

The plan addresses hazards like wildfire, drought, thunderstorms and wind, Kimberly Pirri, project manager for AECOM, the Los Angeles-based consulting firm that designed the site.

Daniel Zamora, the county's emergency response manager, said the plan covers hazards ranging from hazardous materials spills to active shooter situations.

Pirri said the plan makes the city and county eligible for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

In addition, Pirri said, federal agencies like FEMA do not expect actions outlined in the plan to be completed within the five years before the next update, but mainly show progress.

District 1 Commissioner Ralph Moya asked whether there would be unplanned additional cost to the city.

Pirri said no.

On a chart Pirri provided to the commission, the city's highest-priority hazards are wildfire, drought, thunderstorms and high winds.

In other action, the commission:

 Renewed the city's contract to be a member of the Eastern Plains Association of Governments. The city pays $1,878 per year to be a member. The commission also appointed acting city manager Mark Martinez to represent the city at EPCOG, with Mayor Ruth Ann Litchfield as an alternate.

 Renewed the city's contract with Tucumcari MainStreet, agreeing to pay $45,000, an increase of $10,000, for the year starting May 1 and ending April 30, 2019. MainStreet focuses on improvements to downtown Tucumcari, including the Train Depot, and planned improvements to streets, sidewalks and facades.Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! Today is May 2, and 2018 is one-third over! How time flies whether or not youre having fun! May Day, usually celebrated on May 1st, is an ancient northern hemisphere spring festival celebrated with dances, singing, and cake (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day).

While not associated with the May Day holiday, the term Mayday! is used to signal a life-threatening emergency. The call is always given three times in a row to prevent its being mistaken for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual mayday call from a message about a mayday call. The "mayday" procedure word, from the French m'aider (help me), originated in 1923 at a London airport to indicate distress and was easily understood because much of the traffic at the time was between London and Paris. In 1927, the mayday call replaced the Morse code SOS call (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayday). Maider, phonetically pronounced, kinda reminds me of the tow truck who always comes to the rescue in the movie thats popular among children and adults alike (http://cars.disney.com/mater).

The Bible describes distress calls from Gods people. On at least one occasion, the distress call wasnt made to God and it backfired (2 Chronicles 28:5-23; 2 Kings 16:1-19). Of course, anytime the Israelites called upon any other god, it backfired (Exodus 20:1-6). Whenever they called upon the real God from the heart, however, he came to their rescue, whatever the trouble, whether treachery, oppression, sickness, poverty, trouble, or even sin (James 4:3; 1 Chronicles 15:1-9; Psalm 121:1-8; 120:1-2; 18:1-50; 30:2; 34:6; 79:9).

God saving us from our sin, forgiving us, is the basis of the Gospel message (Good News). He wants to rescue us so we can spend eternity with him (Romans 3:23; 7:14-25; Colossians 1:13-14; Galatians 1:3-9). Our enemy actually wants us to go to hell, but Jesus took our sins upon himself, redeeming us from that consequence (Revelation 12:10-12; 1 Peter 5:5-11; James 4:6-10; Deuteronomy 33:26-27; Romans 8:31-34). While God is always near and ready to save us and, because theres no other name by which we can be saved, hes defined how we call on his name (Psalm 46:1; Acts 4:12; 17:26-27; Romans 10:8-13; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21-22, the standard Bible versions correctly translate baptism as being an appeal for a good conscience based on the original wording, which also is consistent with calling upon the name of the Lord and being baptized for/unto  to bring about  the forgiveness of sins  Acts 2:38-39).

God wants to save everyone, but we must obey his commands for that to happen (2 Peter 3:8-9; Luke 6:46-49; Matthew 7:13-27). Otherwise, theres a time limit on his patience at which time no mayday call will suffice (Acts 17:30-31; Revelation 6:15-16; Luke 23:26-31). Just as the salvation of Christians is nearer now than ever, so is the punishment of non-Christians (Romans 13:11-14; Galatians 3:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 16:27; John 5:28-29).

Have you called upon the name of the Lord on his terms? Your eternal life depends on it!

Leonard Lauriault writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected]Congestion Pricing Is A Terrible Idea

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Search Real EstateChristina El Moussa is celebrating an "amazing" six months with her new boyfriend.

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The 34-year-old "Flip or Flop" star cozied up to Ant Anstead in a photo Monday on their six-month anniversary as a couple.

Anstead shared the picture on his Instagram account. The 39-year-old television presenter is known for hosting the British series "For the Love of Cars" and "Wheeler Dealers."

"What an amazing six months it's been with this lady!!!" Anstead captioned the snapshot. "Where has the time flown! I've loved every second I spend with her! She totally gets me (which is rare) and we have done so much in such a short time!"

"@christinaelmoussa is a proper travel buddy! With an amazing sense of humour and gets my British sarcasm (also rare)," he added. "Timing is weird! Very weird in a great way! A VERY great way! Looking forward to the next chapter #Act2 #HMF x x x."

El Moussa also remarked on the timing of their relationship in a comment on Anstead's post.

"Fate, timing and some really good luck," she wrote. "Can't wait for the next six months and all the adventures in store."

El Moussa and Anstead were first linked in January following El Moussa's split from husband and "Flip or Flop" co-star Tarek El Moussa.

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Christina filed for divorce from Tarek in August after announcing their separation in December 2016.

"We will continue to work through this process civilly and cooperatively, and plan to continue our professional life together," the pair, who share two children, said in a joint statement.

Christina and Tarek continue to co-star on "Flip or Flop," which completed a seventh season on HGTV in August.,



We're sorry, this article is not currently availableThe Indian side, led by former foreign ministry secretary Vivek Katju and included well-known educationist J S Rajput and other experts, met ex-Pakistan foreign secretary Inamul Haque.

A group of Indian experts has visited Pakistan to discuss all aspects of bilateral ties and revive the Track II diplomacy process with Islamabad amidst the chill in the relationship after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based outfits.

The original Track II initiative, Neemrana Dialogue, received a fresh start with the visit, diplomatic sources in Islamabad said.

The Indian side was led by former foreign ministry secretary Vivek Katju and included well-known educationist J S Rajput and other experts, while Pakistan side was led by former foreign secretary Inamul Haque.

The interactions between the two sides took place between April 28 to 30 in Islamabad, sources said.

"The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations and agreed that all issues between the two countries should be resolved through talks," according to a source.

The Pakistani side also included former governor of State Bank of Pakistan, Ishart Hussian, whose name has been circulating in the media as one of candidates to become Pakistan's caretaker prime minister during general election expected to be held in July.

The Track II interaction was kept under tight wraps and nothing had been shared officially about it by the organisers.

Neemrana Dialogue was launched in early 1990s and included influential former diplomats, military veterans and academics, who were having unofficial backing from the foreign ministries of the two countries.

The India-Pakistan ties nose-dived in recent years with no bilateral talks taking place.

The ties between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The sentencing of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to death by a military court in April last year further deteriorated bilateral ties.

The two sides often accuse each other of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, resulting in civilian casualties.

Recently, India said that it would participate along with Pakistan in a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in Russia under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The Nation newspaper in an editorial hailed the exercise.

"The new-fangled initiative is far from an independent cognisant initiative on the part of both the countries at mitigating grievances, and is in fact an enterprise broached under the aegis of the SCO," the daily said.

Where the exercises aim to build trust and mutual understanding, with eye towards coming up with a formula to manage border affairs, any endeavour in this area between the two acrimonious neighbours can go a long way in side stepping their tenuous relationship," it said.The AMU defended the portrait, saying that Jinnah was a founder of the university and granted life membership of the student union.

A Bharatiya Janata Party MP has asked Aligarh Muslim University to explain why it displays a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, triggering a row days after a student sought permission to hold an Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh shaka on its premises.

In a letter written to vice chancellor Tariq Mansoor, Aligarh MP Satish Gautam objected to Pakistan founder's picture on the walls of the AMU student union office.

AMU spokesman Shafey Kidwai defended the portrait, apparently hanging there for decades, saying that Jinnah was a founder of the university and granted life membership of the student union.

"Traditionally, photographs of all life members are placed on the walls of the student union," he told PTI.

"Jinnah was also accorded life membership of the AMUSU in 1938. He was the founder member of the University Court in 1920 and also a donor," the spokesman said.

"He was granted membership before the demand of Pakistan had been raised by the Muslim League," he said.

The spokesman said no national leader had raised any objection to the photo even after Independence. These included Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, C Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Shafey said AMU student union has a long tradition of granting life membership to prominent people in politics, social and educational fields.

Their photographs were a part of the rich heritage of undivided India and no one ever thought of raising this issue before, he said.

"The first recorded life membership by the student union was the one granted to Mahatma Gandhi on October 29, 1920," he said.

This was followed by a long list of luminaries including Rajagopalachari, Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, C V Raman and British writer E M Forster, he said.

Last week, the AMU vice chancellor received a letter from an "RSS activist" Amir Rasheed seeking his permission to organise a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh 'shakha' on the campus.

Kidwai said, "The University is not considering any proposal for allowing any camp or shakha organised by any political party."

"We have a tradition of not allowing political parties to put up their candidates either for contesting the Students' Union polls or the Teachers' Association elections," he said.

He said AMU had "no intention" of allowing any "direct intervention" of political parties inside the campus.

"AMU was not under any sort of pressure from any government agency," he added.

He said the student union enjoyed a certain autonomy within the legal framework of the University's constitution as enshrined by an Act of Parliament.

"No vice chancellor or governing body has ever tried to infringe upon such rights and hence, while we may have different views from the student union on many matters, the AMU authorities have always tried to avoid directly intervening in their matters," he added.I dont disown my past association with Vijay Mallya but that does not mean I endorse his monetary misdemeanours, a feisty Divya Spandana tells Subhash K Jha.

IMAGE: Divya says the Congress is preparing for a victory in the next Lok Sabha elections. Photograph: Kind courtesy, Divya Spandana/Ramya/Facebook

A controversy has erupted over Congress social media chief Divya Spandanas alleged connection with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya after a news channel reported that the former Kingfisher chief had sponsored her holiday to Hong Kong in 2010.

However, Divya has refused to be cowed down by the charges or to disown her past association with Mallaya.

Speaking to this correspondent Divya said that attempts are being made to divert the attention from Union minister Piyush Goyals alleged role in the Flashnet scam.

This was nothing but a bullying tactic to deflect attention from the Piyush Goel controversy. What has my past association with Mallya got to do with the transgression of which he is guilty now? I do not endorse his (Mallyas) misdemeanours. At the same time I dont disown my past association with him, Divya said.

Divya, who went by the screen name of Ramya during her successful stint in Kannada films, said that she wasnt even in politics in 2010.

First of all, I wasnt even in politics in 2010. I was doing very well as an actress, earning enough to not only pay for my own holidays but also for the holidays of many others, she explained.

I dont know how this channel came to the conclusion that this was my first visit to Hong Kong or that it was funded by Mallya. I had visited Hong Kong on a number of occasions before that, she added.

The doughty associate of Congress president Rahul Gandhi said Mallya was a family friend but that she doesnt endorse his wrongdoing.

Is Mr Mallya a family friend? Yes, he is. And I am not about to shrug that off. Does that mean I endorse his monetary misdemeanours? Not at all. I am completely in favour of his being tried for whatever financial irregularities he is accused of committing, Divya said.

The Congress high command, the former actor said, has absolutely nothing to say about this supposed skeleton from her closet.

It is no skeleton. I am not even trying to deny the association. But I am amused at the lengths to which certain sections of the media go to deflect attention from actual issues. And to suggest that my holidays need to be paid for by someone else is a highly misogynistic idea, best left to the news channel to chew on and spit out, she said with a hearty laugh.

Divya says the party is now preparing for victory in the next Lok Sabha elections.

We have a voice of only 44 people in Parliament. Yet that voice is being heard. Isnt that something? I sincerely feel Rahul Gandhi is ready to take over the reins of the country. Id rather invest my time and energy in preparing for our victory in the next elections than focusing on some laughable controversy generated by a TRP-hungry news channel, she concluded.Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it tried but failed to hide from the world and from its own people, a top White House official has alleged.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the recent information released by Israel provided new and compelling details about Iran's efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons.

Sanders and United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued strong statements on Sunday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of having secretly pursued a nuclear weapons programme.

Netanyahu said he had conclusive proof that Iran had lied about its nuclear weapons programme.

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," Sanders said.

"The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbours and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons," she said.

Pompeo said the documents obtained by Israel from inside of Iran showed beyond any doubt that the Iranian regime was not telling the truth.

"I have personally reviewed many of the Iranian files. Our non-proliferation and intelligence officials have been analysing tens of thousands of pages and translating them from Farsi. This analytical work will continue for many months. We assess that the documents we have reviewed are authentic," Pompeo said.

The documents show that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme for years. It sought to develop nuclear weapons and missile delivery systems and hid a vast atomic archive from the world and from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he alleged.

Pompeo said that among the flaws of the Iran nuclear deal was the whitewashing of Tehran's illicit activities related to its military nuclear programme.

Iran had many opportunities over the years to turn over its files to international inspectors from the IAEA and admit its nuclear weapons work. Instead, they lied to the IAEA repeatedly, he alleged.

Pompeo also alleged that Tehran had lied about their nuclear programme to the six nations who negotiated the Iran nuclear deal.

He said what it meant was the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency and was built on Iran's lies.

Iran's nuclear deception is inconsistent with Iran's pledge in the nuclear deal 'that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons', he alleged.

"We are therefore assessing what the discovery of Iran's secret nuclear files means for the future of the The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"Allowing restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme to sunset was a mistake. One has to ask: Why exactly was Iran hiding half a ton of nuclear weaponisation files while implementing the Iran deal?" Pompeo said.

He said that as US President Donald Trump's May 12 deadline to fix the Iran deal was approaching, he will consult with European allies and other nations on the best way forward in light of what they now know about Iran's past pursuit of nuclear weapons and its systematic deception of the world.

Earlier in the day, Trump threatened to end the Iranian deal.

"In seven years that deal will have expired, and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons. That's not acceptable. Seven years is tomorrow. That's not acceptable," Trump said, responding to a question during a joint news conference with the visiting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

"That is just not an acceptable situation. I've been saying that's happening. They're not sitting back idly. They're setting off missiles which they say are for television purposes. I don't think so," he said.

Trump has to make a decision by May 12 on America's continuation in remaining in the deal.

"We'll see what happens. I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know. On or before the 12th, we'll make a decision. That doesn't mean we won't negotiate a real agreement. You know, this is an agreement that wasn't approved by too many people. And it's a horrible agreement for the United States," Trump said.

IMAGE: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/ReutersRUSSIA: Another "extremism"-related criminal trial imminent?

Publisher Forum 18 Author Victoria Arnold Publication Date 27 April 2018 Cite as Forum 18, RUSSIA: Another "extremism"-related criminal trial imminent?, 27 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5ae8522e4.html [accessed 6 October 2021] 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.

27 April 2018

RUSSIA: Another "extremism"-related criminal trial imminent?

The criminal trial in Krasnoyarsk Region of a fourth local Muslim accused of "extremism" for meeting with others to study the works of Muslim theologian Said Nursi appears imminent. Other criminal trials on similar charges of Jehovah's Witnesses and Muslims continue.RUSSIA: Armed raids, criminal investigations, pre-trial detentions

Publisher Forum 18 Author Victoria Arnold Publication Date 23 April 2018 Cite as Forum 18, RUSSIA: Armed raids, criminal investigations, pre-trial detentions, 23 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5ae854114.html [accessed 6 October 2021] 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.

23 April 2018

RUSSIA: Armed raids, criminal investigations, pre-trial detentions

One year after Russia's Supreme Court banned Jehovah's Witnesses, officers mounted armed raids on homes in four regions, some holding guns in individuals' faces. Up to four people in custody and a fifth under travel restrictions face criminal investigations of organising or participating in a banned organisation.A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.The Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project Summary Judgment hearing was held April 26 in Great Falls. Approximately 250 people watched the proceedings. After the hearing, supporters of LYIP posed for the photo above. LYIP provides irrigation water to a large portion of eastern Montana extending into western North Dakota. These farming operations form the economic base for the region.

The federal district court in Great Falls heard arguments on motions for summary judgment in the lawsuit by Defenders of Wildlife against our irrigation project. Summary judgment means judgment without a trial. It can be granted only when the law and facts are so clear that a trial would be a waste of time.

Judge Brian Morris asked why the Court wasn't told before now that, when it comes to recovery of the species, there is no difference between hatchery pallid sturgeon and wild pallid sturgeon. He said he was stunned to hear it.

What is stunning about it? Well, if there are 18,000 hatchery fish already in the rivers and they are as vital for recovery of the species as wild fish, then what was this whole lawsuit about to begin with?

But, those fish had been brought up before. It is difficult to account for the judge having missed it. This throws a wildcard into his deliberations.

The response by the government's attorney, Coby Howell, was good. Disagreeing with a judge is risky. Howell showed valor in standing up for us. He said the issue actually had been addressed before, both in filings and oral arguments.

The plaintiff's lawyers were allowed to filibuster the hearing. They talked so long that little time was left for our side to speak. Supporters of irrigation took this as a bad sign.

It might be bad, but maybe not. Sometimes when judges are inclined to rule against a party, they give that party lots of time and rulings on things like objections. This avoids giving the losing party issues for appeal about how the judge presided over the hearing. Judges may try to "appeal proof" a decision.

This could be at play for us. Early in the hearing, Judge Morris told the plaintiff's attorneys, "You need to persuade me that the 9th Circuit is wrong." He was referring to the 9th Circuit's reversal of his preliminary injunction against us. If we can take it at face value, this statement fits with an optimistic view of why he allowed the filibuster. Maybe he allowed it because, given the 9th Circuit ruling, now he thinks Defenders of Wildlife are trying to roll a stone up a hill.

This hearing raised public consciousness about a claim by Defenders of Wildlife that ongoing operations of the Intake diversion weir are illegal and must be stopped. This is completely aside from whether a new weir is constructed or a fish bypass is built. Now we see more newspapers reporting the truth that this lawsuit threatens to terminate irrigation.

Attorneys on our side used their short time well to address that, and their arguments dovetailed nicely with each other. The government's attorney said it would not make sense for Congress to approve the weir but not approve maintenance for its annual operation. Then the irrigation project's attorney amplified that argument with another argument based on the words Congress used in a statute. There is a statute authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to construct, use, and operate dams on the Yellowstone River for irrigation. The words construct, use, and operate sound like they include maintenance so that we can keep irrigating.

This hearing also raised public consciousness that the suit challenges Fort Peck. Many have said, if Defenders of Wildlife win this case, next they will attack Fort Peck. But, Fort Peck already is under attack in this lawsuit.

Attorneys for our side used well the presence of 240 to 250 supporters of irrigation. Usually it is considered inappropriate to "appeal to the gallery" in court arguments. There was a moment when it was clarified that the prohibitive costs of the pumping alternative sought by Defenders of Wildlife would be assessed to LYIP. One attorney said, in other words, assessed to the people in this room.

That "appeal to the gallery" in this instance was a good move. The people on whom the burden would be loaded needed to be tangible to the Court. Work by the economic development corporation, the irrigation project, the county commissioners, and community leaders like Philip C. Johnson, James Brower, and others to bring people to court set the stage for a capable lawyer to make the impossible burden of pumping visible in concrete terms. He made the people into a courtroom exhibit.

Defenders of Wildlife claim that the biological opinion that the fish bypass will make thing better for the pallid sturgeon is so flawed as to be illegal. This bites off a big mouthful. Flaws in biological opinions can be less extreme than that. When the flaws are less extreme, they must be proved at a trial because the flaws are disputable by evidence. But a motion for summary judgment seeks to win without letting the other side have a trial. That is why Defenders of Wildlife, to avoid a trial, had to claim the flaw was so extreme that it went beyond a matter of clashing evidence in a trial to a matter of law that does not require a trial.

This claim might be too extreme to prove to the 9th Circuit in an appeal of summary judgment. Along with the 18,000 hatchery fish, this is my primary reason for being cautiously optimistic. Judge Morris has to know the appeal prospects for this claim. The question is: how much will the appeal prospects influence the judge's decision?Dear Editor:

Janet Christoffersen is the right choice for the next Richland County Attorney. She has the ability to work with people and for the people. Janet has always been approachable, honest and hard working without any hidden agendas.

While I served as Sheriff of Richland County, I saw a number of Deputy County Attorneys come and go. To me it takes more than just knowing the law and applying it across the board. You are still dealing with people and we are all different. Janet Christoffersen understands that. I watched first hand how she dealt with the people that she prosecuted. Offenders were held accountable for their actions and also treated like human beings. Janet works well with all the different facets of the justice system, from the judges to defense attorneys and law enforcement. Her ability to get along with them makes the justice system run more efficiently without unnecessary filings, continuances or delays.

Having experience in criminal cases is only one part of being a County Attorney. Giving timely legal advice to law enforcement along with assisting them in applying for search warrants is also an important role. Providing legal advice to the commissioners and other county offices as needed and being available for them are other responsibilities that the County Attorney has. I have confidence in Ms. Christoffersen because she has the experience and knowledge to handle all areas of the job. Janet is always willing to listen to your side of the story and when she feels strongly about an issue she will stand her ground. Most impressive to me is the fact that it is very important to her to do things right while striving to do the right thing.

For an Experienced, Fair and Sensible Richland County Attorney, I encourage you to consider Janet Christoffersen when you go to the polls on June 5, I know I will.

-Brad Baisch

The Representation We Need.

Dear Editor:

Im writing today about why I am supporting Joel Krautter for Representative of our house district and why it is so important for others to get out and vote for him on June 5th in the Republican Primary.

Ive gotten to know Joel these past few years through our involvement in the Richland County Republican Central Committee, where I previously served as treasurer. Joel has made many positive contributions to the committee over the years. Joel is someone who strives to research issues and actually read the legislation thats being discussed in Helena so he can stay properly informed, which is what we should want in our representative. I know that he will always have an open line of communication to the constituents back home, not just the select few that share the exact same view on a bill or the ones that donated to his campaign.

There have been recent letters to editor questioning Joels conviction and core values as a Republican. I am writing today as a small business owner, rancher, property owner and lifelong resident of Richland County that has personally vetted Joel on his political views and values and I have a strong belief that he will serve our community well on the actual issues our community struggles with in Helena; not just the conservative talking points. If given the chance as our Representative, Joel Krautter will become a true statesmen; something our area desperately needs in Helena.

-Ben Johnson

Dear Editor:

My friend, Janet Christoffersen, has offered herself to be your next County Attorney. The citizens of Richland County would be incredibly fortunate to have Janet in this position.

I came to know Janet through the yearly convention of the Montana Association of County Attorneys when I was a Deputy Prosecutor in Gallatin County. This event brought most of the prosecutors from around the state together each year, and I can tell you that Janet is held in very high esteem by her professional peers around the state.

An exceptional prosecutor possesses qualities that are rarely found within the same person: toughness and compassion, and the ability to view your cases objectively, but also to be a zealous advocate for the rights of victims. Your County Attorney must also be someone who respects the citizens of Richland County, its courts, and the attorneys who practice before those courts.

Ive had the pleasure of working with Janet in a different capacity for the last year; as a criminal defense attorney with Netzer Law Office. Janet possesses each of the qualities I mentioned above. She is an incredibly worthy adversary, but she has never let a disagreement get personal. She knows when to get tough and when to show compassion. Perhaps most importantly, Janet is an Eastern Montana farm girl who cares deeply about her home.

Janet is someone you can trust to keep your community safe, and shes the person I would want prosecuting my case if I were accused of a crime. There is no greater compliment I could pay any prosecutor, and I hope you will give Janet your vote.

-Russ Hart

Dear Editor:

For the first time in several years, Richland County will experience a contested primary election for County Attorney. One of those candidates is Janet Christoffersen and we heartily endorse her for that position.

Janet is particularly well qualified to serve as our County Attorney. She has a broad spectrum of experience, from private practice to her more than 10 years experience as a deputy in the County Attorneys office. As attorneys who have dealt with Janet, we know she is knowledgeable about the law, is diligent in her work habits and, more importantly, she has the ability to deal with, and foster good relationships with, attorneys, judges, law enforcement officers, and the public, an essential attribute for any County Attorney.

She uniquely understands the responsibility she will undertake as our County Attorney. She realizes the necessity of following the rule of law and the importance of the trust she must engender to the people she serves.

Please consider Janet Christoffersen when you vote. If elected, we believe she will conscientiously perform her duties and will be an asset to Richland County.

-Donald L. Netzer

-Lyle R. Panasuk

-Peter O. MalteseGuest Opinion

The determinants of success and failure in life are complex. People who have had advantages in life are more likely to succeed, and people who have not had these advantages are more likely to fail. The seeming inevitability of this trend is depressing. Is there no remedy to this situation? This question is more than just theoretical in nature.

When I was doing my premed studies and getting a psychology degree at the University of Minnesota (before I went to medical school) I took a lot of classes that said a persons behavior was determined only by hereditary and their environmental circumstances. They said that Nature versus Nurture explained all behavior. That school was dedicated to the principle that psychology is a science just like biology. Since we cant change someones Genetic makeup, the only way we can exert a positive change in a persons life is to change their Environment. This theory implies that criminals and sociopaths can be made valuable members of society if only they would be rewarded for good behavior, and not rewarded for bad behavior.

The champion of the so-called Behavioral Science was Dr B.F. Skinner. He was the psychologist who based his understanding of human behavior by watching what rats did in a Skinner Box where rewards (reinforcements) could be controlled. Rats could be trained to do the right thing, and  by his way of thinking  the same thing should apply to humans. Skinners views on environmental influences on behavior have been widely accepted. This has influenced how our country attempts to address poverty, crime, and other psychosocial problems. The promise of fixing these problems has never been realized, though  even though billions of dollars have been spent on these programs. Many people say that we just have not spent enough money in these areas. I wont get into the politics of this . . . The more interesting point, in my opinion, is how many disadvantaged people have done well in spite of their lack of opportunities in life. Dr Ben Carson is a good example. Equally amazing are the many examples of people born with a silver spoon who have not done well.

Dr. Skinner wrote Beyond Freedom and Dignity, and in this book he proclaimed that environmental influences are everything. He implied that human will is irrelevant. No one can truly be called Free, because circumstances determine their behavior. In a similar way, no actions can be truly worthy of credit (Dignity) because they are the result of the environmental influences that shaped them, and only occur because of past and present rewards received.

I strongly disagree with the premise of this book. Although Skinners work has many valid points, I believe freedom and dignity are real. Environment alone does not explain all behavior. While Behaviorism has been the dominant school of psychology in this country, I believe other attempts to explain human behavior are also useful.

There is a school of psychology called Transactional Analysis, which is an offshoot of psychoanalytic theory. This discipline was the brainchild of Dr Eric Berne in the 1950s. Dr Berne upset the psychiatric world by implying that people with mental illness could actually be cured  rather than just treated. A student of Bernes was Dr Claude Steiner, who wrote an excellent book called Life Scripts. This book discusses how people have a life script, which is a complex set of internalized instructions, that predicts their failure or success. Negative life scripts are the result of unhealthy childhood experiences. These people have been told, usually unintentionally but sometimes intentionally, that their life is destined for failure. They compulsively do things that jeopardize their own success. Analyzing a persons script can help free them from the compulsion to do self-defeating behaviors. Since this script is a learned decision made in their youth, it is possible to undo this internal message. It is possible to re-write a life script into something that is more conducive to happy and successful living.

In contrast to Skinners teaching, it is my contention that Thoughts and Beliefs influence behavior in humans as much as (if not more) than environmental factors. If a person believes the world is an awful place, then it usually is. If a person believes they will fail, then they usually do  and vice versa. A classic example of how expectations influence behavior are the studies that have been done on school performance. School teachers were told that randomly chosen groups of children were above average or average in their potential for learning. Lo and behold, the above average kids performed better on follow-up testing. Teaching methods were presumably influenced by these imaginary differences. These children believed they could do better, and they did. This phenomenon, which has been frequently demonstrated, is called self-fulfilling prophecy.

Replacing negative expectations with positive ones is the first step to changing tragic and self-defeating life scripts. It takes a lot of effort to get people to change their negative life scripts into positive ones. Counselling is often needed. Some of this can also be done on an individual basis by reading good books and other inspired writings. Learning problem solving skills is important. Co-existing illnesses (including biochemical depression) will need to be treated. The effect of expectations have also been demonstrated in traditional medicine. People with diseases who believe they are going to do well seem to have better outcomes. This does not mean that medical disease can be cured with positive expectations, but it helps.

This article has been a brief discussion of how life scripts can influence outcomes in life. Many of these attitudes are lifelong and resistant to change. It is helpful to look at negative attitudes and replace them with positive ones. This concept is simple enough, but is important nonetheless. It is possible, albeit difficult, to overcome unfortunate environmental influences. Thoughts and beliefs, in my opinion, can help overcome negative early childhood experiences.Amid thin volumes, the Australian and Japanese edged higher on Tuesday. Activity was largely stock specific with investors tracking earnings reports and other corporate news for direction.

Markets in South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and India were closed for Labor Day holiday.

The overnight positive close on Wall Street and reports that the U.S. Government would not impose hefty tariffs on imports of steel and aluminium products from some countries aided sentiment.

The Australian market ended modestly higher, with its benchmark S&P/ASX 200 rising 0.55 percent to a new one-month high.

Loof Holding, Syrah Resources, IPH and Wisetech Global ended stronger by 4 to 5 percent. TPG Telecom, Healthscope, IRESS and BT Investment Management gained 2 to 3 percent.

Ramsay Healthcare declined by about 4.4 percent and Independence Group shares ended 4.6 percent down, while Graincorp shed 5.6 percent.

The Japanese market too ended on a positive note today. After an extended weekend (the market was closed for a holiday on Monday), volume of was thin.

With the market to remain closed on Thursday and Friday this week for national holidays, investors largely refrained from making significant moves.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 edged up by about 0.2 percent.

The benchmark's gains were due largely to Fancu Corp and Fast Retailing, which gained 1.8 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively. Hitachi ended more than 6 percent up, on encouraging operating profit forecast for the current financial year.

Shares of Sony Corp plunged sharply after the company lowered its operating profit forecast for the year through March. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial declined 3 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market AnalysisHoneywell (HON) said that it has appointed Greg Lewis as Vice President, Corporate Finance, effective immediately, in a transition role that will lead him to become Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on August 3.

Lewis, aged 50, will succeed Tom Szlosek, who has decided to retire for personal reasons.

Szlosek will work closely with Lewis to ensure a seamless transition and provide consulting services to the company for five months after his retirement. On becoming CFO, Lewis will also become an officer of the company.

In his new role over the next three months, Lewis will oversee Treasury, Tax, Audit, Business Analysis and Planning, Investor Relations, M&A, Real Estate, Pension, Finance Operations, and Enterprise Information Management or EIM.

Honeywell noted that Szlosek will continue as CFO with direct responsibility for the Global Finance function of the Company and the strategic groups, Controllership and Portfolio Transformation.

Since October 2016, Lewis has served as Vice President, EIM, and overseen the elimination of 32 enterprise resource planning systems and put the company on a path to drive more than $50 million in savings over the next several years.

Prior to that, Lewis served as Vice President and CFO for the former $16 billion Automation and Control Solutions or ACS business group. Before that, Lewis served as CFO of Honeywell Process Solutions, and also as Honeywell's Vice President, Business Analysis and Planning.

Lewis joined Honeywell in 2006 as CFO of the former Performance Products business unit, a specialty chemicals and materials enterprise with a rapidly growing global footprint.

Szlosek joined Honeywell in 2004 and has held a series of progressively larger finance roles, including CFO for Honeywell ACS, where he helped transact 15 acquisitions valued at $3 billion. He was named to his current position in 2014.

Honeywell reaffirmed its second-quarter earnings guidance of 3 to 4 percent organic growth, 30 to 50 bps of segment margin expansion and 9 to 13 percent earnings per share growth, reflecting a range of $1.97-$2.03 per share.

The company also reaffirmed its full-year guidance of 3 to 5 percent organic growth; 30 to 60 bps of segment margin expansion; 10 to 13 percent earnings per share growth, reflecting a range of $7.85 to $8.05; and free cash flow of $5.3 billion to $5.9 billion.

In addition, Honeywell said that the Transportation Systems business is expected to spin by the end of the third quarter, and the Homes business is expected to spin by the end of the year.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business NewsCryptocurrency prices are trending lower Tuesday morning, extending the weakness from a day earlier. FUD could be a factor hurting sentiment after a billionaire investor said Bitcoin is only a gamble. Meanwhile, a prominent hedge fund remains bullish on the crypto market. In France, the government slashed the tax on cryptocurrencies.

Here is wrap of the main news from the cryptosphere over the past 24 hours.

Warren Buffett Says Bitcoin Is Not Investing, But A Gamble

Billionaire investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffett, said that buying Bitcoin is not investing, but just a gamble. In an interview with Yahoo Finance in Omaha, Nebraska, Buffett, who was always against cryptocurrencies, talked about his current thoughts regarding investing in bitcoin and other digital currencies. Read more...

Pantera Capital CEO Says $40 Trillion Crypto Market 'Definitely Possible'

Cryptocurrency market can grow to $4 trillion from $400 billion now and even reaching $40 trillion is also possible, the chief of a prominent hedge fund predicted. In a decade, the crypto market could grow to $40 trillion, thanks to the fast growing number of cryptocurrencies and their wider adoption, Pantera Capital CEO Dan Morehead said in an interview on Bloomberg Television. Read more...

France Slashes Bitcoin Tax By 26%

The French government has slashed the tax on Bitcoin and other crytpocurrencies from 45 percent to 19 percent. The French State Council of taxation, the body that advises the government on legal matters and acts as the supreme court for administrative matters, declared that profits from cryptocurrency sales should be considered as capital gains of movable property. Read more...

Binance To Invest $15 Million In Bermuda

Binance Group, the operator of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a $15 million investment plan in Bermuda in partnership with the government of the tiny island nation. Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Bermuda's Prime Minister David Burt and Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao, the Binance Foundation will invest $10 million to provide university level training in blockchain for local residents. Read more...

Iran Develops Blockchain-based Cryptocurrency After Crypto Ban

Iran has moved fast to develop its own blockchain-based national cryptocurrency, as the Islamic Republic awaits a decision by the U.S. President Donald Trump on restoring economic sanctions. The pilot cryptocurrency was jointly developed by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and Iran's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) ministry. Read more...

UNICEF Australia Taps Crypto Mining For Fundraising

UNICEF Australia is now taping cryptocurrency mining to raise funds for the refugee children in Bangladesh. People can donate to the cause by allowing the use of their computer's processing power to mine cryptocurrency. UNICEF is using an application by Coinhive, which mines Monero. Read more...

Tutorial: Crypto Lexicon - LAMBO

Often mentioned in crypto discussion forums, LAMBO is a term used to describe the high expectations from the price of a coin. It can also imply that the investor is hoping to make a huge profit out of his crypto investment that he would able to afford a Lamborghini, which is an expensive luxury. Read more...



Current Prices

As of 10.00 am ET on Tuesday, Bitcoin was down 3.86 percent at $8,914.29 and Ethereum was lower by 5.31 percent at $647.10 on Coinbase.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business NewsDirector Mitzi Peirone's debut movie, a psychological thriller called Braid, claims to be the first major feature film to be fully funded through an equity crowdsale using Ethereum cryptocurrency.

The official website for the movie says, "The first psychothriller funded by cryptocurrency."

Braid partnered with the blockchain company ConsenSys to utilize the latter's WeiFund open-source Ethereum-based crowdfunding platform to raise the projected $1.4 million to produce the film.

A post on reddit by WeiFund team says, "WeiFund is debuting our crowdfunding platform in partnership with the feature film, Braid. Braid will be the first US feature film to be financed using Ethereum-based crowdfunding. Using our bug-bountied smart contracts, WeiFund will help Braid raise funds and distribute 30% of their profits to token holders."

Braid will set a new precedent for independent film finance by using an ICO funding model to disrupt the traditional film financing models.

The Braid crowdsale enabled and incentivized thousands of people to become investors and promoters of the film. Investors will receive 30 percent of the future profits of the film.

The Braid team set out in June to raise a minimum of $1.4 million and maximum of $2.1 million worth of Ether in exchange for 30 percent of the future profits of the film. The Braid crowdsale is said to have raised $1.7 million in just under two weeks.

Some reports suggest that the Braid team attributed the success of the crowdsale to timing. The sale began just six months before Bitcoin hit the $19,000 mark at the heights of the crypto fever. The funds soared nearly tenfold as bitcoin was only trading at about $2,700 in July.



Film-makers have traditionally relied upon investments from wealthy Hollywood financiers or donation-based crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Often large investors strip young directors of creative freedom and are focused on the bottom line instead of artistic ingenuity.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News(Agencia CMA Latam) - A positive balance was shown by the Tourism Investment Forum held by the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Bogota, which was attended by more than 170 national and foreign businesspeople.

During the development of the event, a total of 50 projects in 18 departments (states) were presented to investors.

The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Maria Lorena Gutierrez, who chaired the Forum, stressed in her speech that in territories with less than 200,000 inhabitants, the National Government has established tax incentives to boost investment in the tourism sector, basic services, and road infrastructure.

The event was attended by investors from 18 countries that highlighted the potential of Colombia. Andres Alvarado, a managing partner at Abacus, said that the main reason to invest in Colombia is the people and their cultural heritage.

"Also, we are interested in all the concepts of conservation and sustainability inserted in our hotels," said the businessman.

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.An American Airlines passenger has alleged that airline staff called police on her for "flying while fat and black."

Amber Phillips, 28, took to Twitter after the incident that also involved another passenger and occurred last Thursday on an American Airlines flight from Raleigh-Durham to Washington, D.C.

Phillips said that the white female passenger seated next to her on the plane felt "uncomfortable" and asked her to "move over" because their arms were touching.

"This white woman literally spent the entire 45 minute flight making an active scene because my arm was touching hers, loudly asking if I could "move over" on a plane so small everyone's carry-on bags had to be valeted. It was awful!" Phillips tweeted.

Phillips said she decided to take a picture and video to document the entire incident.

When the plane landed, the woman reportedly told the flight attendant that Phillips was harassing her.

According to Phillips, while she had boarded a shuttle bus after the flight deplaned, the woman lied that she was assaulted by Phillips and the white flight attendant called the cops to remove her from the shuttle bus.

The police officer told Phillips he was investigating the incident as an assault and asked both women a few questions. Both women were allowed to leave after police determined there was no wrongdoing.

American Airlines said in a statement that it called law enforcement upon landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at the request of a passenger.

In response to Phillips tweets, American Airlines said it wanted to make the world "a smaller, more inclusive place." The airline asked Phillips to message the company with more information as well as her contact information.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business NewsEnemy media admits killing of 65 Saudi officers, soldiers [01/May/2018] br>





PROVINCES, May 1 (Saba) - Saudi enemy soldiers and its mercenaries inflicted heavy losses by breaking the army and popular committees their infiltration attempt and targeting their positions in Jizan, Najran and Aseer over the last 24 hours and a reconnaissance plane was shot down in Saada, while the media admitted the killing of 65 Saudi officers and soldiers during April.



The air defenses of the army and popular committees shot down an enemy reconnaissance plane in the District of Baqim in Saada province, a military official told Saba on Monday.



The rocket and artillery force hit the troops of Saudi soldiers and mercenaries at the al-Khadhra crossing in Najran, while an artillery shelling targeted Nahogah site.



A Saudi crew was destroyed in a specific ambush on Dhabaa road, killing those on board. A Saudi military bulldozer was also targeted at al-Sudais site with a guided missile.



Killing and injuring several of Saudi soldiers and mercenaries and destruction of three vehicles during the breaking of the army and popular committees infiltration attempt in front of Jabal al-Dod in Jizan, indicating that the army artillery and committees targeted mercenaries in the crossing of al- Tiwal and al- Huthira.



In Asir, intensive artillery and missile shelling hit the Saudi soldiers sites in al- Tibab al- Sood, al- Jamaric and Aleb border crossing.





The enemy's media admitted the killing of 65 Saudi officers and soldiers by the fire of the army and the popular committees on the fronts beyond the border during the month of past April.



Eman



SABAAddrrssing election meetings, he also charged the Congress with blocking development and blamed it for political violence that led to the death of several RSS and BJP cadres in the state.

Referring to Gandhi's challenge to face him in Parliament, Modi sought to turn the tables by asking him to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the government in Karnataka without reading from a piece of paper.



The Prime Minister's attack came in the wake of Rahul Gandhi's challenge last week that if he was allowed to speak for 15 minutes in Parliament, Modi would not be able to withstand it.

Modi took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying: "He is correct. There is no way ordinary people like me, who do not even dress well, can sit with such high and mighty people like the Congress President."



But immediately he changed gear and launched a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi.



"The Congress President is a 'naamdaar'. So how does he know about the efforts of 'kaamdaars'. We are kaamdaars (known by our work). What is our level that we can sit with people like the Congress President who look down upon us," he asked.



Challenging Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government "without reading from any piece of paper", he said: "You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue (Italian)."



He also challenged Rahul Gandhi to take Visveswaraya's name five times in the 15-minute speech. "That is enough. The people of Karnataka will measure the strength of your words."



Modi also lamented that all development in Karnataka has been blocked by the ruling Congress due to its obsession with family politics.



"Where there is Congress, all roads that lead to development are blocked. There is only family politics, corruption and lack of harmony," Modi said.



Modi also attacked the Congress for indulging in "family politics" by allowing a party's leaders kith and kin to contest in the Assembly elections and hit out at Siddaramaiah.



"For the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) the rule is '2+1'. He will contest from two seats and has given his old seat (Varuna in Mysuru) to his son (Yathindra) and for the other ministers (in the state cabinet) the rule seems to be '1+1', allowing their relatives to fight polls.



"For the Congress, it has always been about family politics. But for us (BJP), it is about people's politics. People of the state will decide which kind of politics they will choose (in the upcoming election)," Modi said.



Law and order in Karnataka has collapsed under Congress rule, Modi said.



"When the Lokayukta in the state is not safe, how can one expect the common people to be safe under the Congress government?"



Karnataka's anti-graft ombudsman Justice P. Vishwanatha Shetty was stabbed at his office by a man in the state capital on March 7.



The Prime Minister also attacked former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over their promises of providing electricity to every village by 2009.



"Perhaps due to over excitement, the newly elected Congress President forgets decency. He did not even bother to congratulate the hardworking 'mazdoors' due to whom India's villages are getting electricity."



Modi said that in 2005 Manmohan Singh had said he will provide electricity to every village by 2009.



"Manmohan Singh said we will electrify villages by 2009. Sonia Gandhi went a step ahead and said we will provide electricity to every house by 2009. But what happened? In any case, we saw how the Congress treated Manmohan Singh. They tore off ordinances and disrespected him."



He said the Congress had nothing but contempt for the poor and labourers.



Modi said the government was now going to provide electricity to every household in India and asked those who ruled India for a majority of the years since 1947. "Why did they not think about the 18,000 villages lacking access to electricity."



In Udupi, Modi held the Congress government in Karnataka responsible for "political violence that led to the death of several BJP cadres" in the state.



"It is extremely shameful that the Congress government allowed violence in the state and several BJP workers were murdered. The Congress must provide an answer to the rising crime," Modi told a BJP rally at M.G.M. College Grounds in this coastal district city.



"While the BJP is talking about the 'ease of doing business' in our country, the Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'. This is the kind of culture they have developed."



Accusing the Siddaramaiah government of allowing the "sand mafia" to operate in the state, Modi appealed to the people to vote for change and development.



"Those who loot cannot remain in power and must be ousted," Modi said.

RJD chief Lalu Prasad was shifted to the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here on Tuesday, a day after he was discharged from AIIMS in New Delhi where he was being treated for heart and kidney related ailments. The former Bihar Chief Minister reached Ranchi by Rajdhani Express. He was taken to RIMS in an ambulance and was admitted in the cardiology department.



"We are waiting for a medial report from RIMS. Based on it, we will take a decision on Lalu Yadav," an official of the Birsa Munda Central Jail told.



Lalu Prasad was admitted to RIMS on March 17 following complaints of uneasiness in the Birsa Munda Jail where he was serving a prison term since December 23, 2017 in connection with the fodder scam.



He has been convicted in four fodder scam cases since 2013 -- the latest being the Dumka treasury case in which a special CBI court sentenced him to 14 years in jail.



Lalu Prasad on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his sudden shifting from the AIIMS, shortly after Congress President Rahul Gandhi called on him.



Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed that efforts should be made to preserve and strictly implement the Iran nuclear deal, the Kremlin said.

During the telephonic conversation on Monday, Macron briefed Putin about his recent state visit to the US, especially about his discussions with US President Donald Trump about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or more commonly known as the Iran nuclear programme, the Kremlin said in a statement, Xinhua reported.



During his visit in Washington, Macron proposed to make the current Iran nuclear deal more comprehensive in an effort to salvage the agreement which Trump has long threatened to abandon.

Trump said Macron's suggestion was "a pretty good idea," yet remained unsure "whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations."



Trump is expected to decide whether to leave the JCPOA on May 12.



The JCPOA was reached in Vienna on July 14, 2015 between Iran, the European Union,the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council including China, France, Russia, the UK and the US, as well as Germany.



Under the agreement, Iran agreed to eliminate its stockpile of medium-enriched uranium and limit its enrichment activities in exchange for the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions by the US, the EU and the UN Security Council.

Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has agreed to meet US President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, an informed source told CNN here. South Korean President Moon Jae-in convinced Kim to meet Trump at the DMZ during their historic summit in the border village of Panmunjom on April 27 that led to an agreement to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and formally end the Korean War, the source said on Monday.



According to the source, there was a "strong possibility" the summit will be held at the site, with some events possibly scheduled on the northern side of the military demarcation line separating the two countries.



The venue makes the most sense logistically for Kim, the source told CNN, because media facilities and equipment are already in place, which could the allow the summit to take place "in late May".



The idea of meeting at the DMZ was not a complete surprise to aides, since Trump has been talking about it all weekend and raised it in his Sunday phone call with Moon, a senior US official told CNN.



Trump loved the images from the Kim-Moon summit and the fact the entire meeting was televised, the official said. The US President wants to be involved in similar scenes when he becomes the first sitting US President to meet a North Korean leader.



Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said he was enthusiastic about the idea of holding the summit in the DMZ.



"There's something I like about it, because you're there, if things work out, there's a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third party country," he said.



Millions watched Moon's meeting with Kim, the first meeting between two leaders of North and South Korea in over a decade.



Cameras followed the leaders' movements throughout the day, from Moon's departure from Seoul to the moment Kim crossed the demarcation line into the south -- and encouraged Moon to cross to the North.



However, administration officials were still arguing for Singapore as a possible location for the talks, telling Trump it presents a more neutral option, the source told CNN.



A close ally to the US during the Cold War and currently host to a US military presence, Singapore also has a diplomatic relationship with North Korea.



It is one of only 47 countries to feature a North Korean embassy.



Another option previously suggested by both sides was Ulaanbaatar, the sparsely-populated capital of Mongolia to the northwest of North Korea.



World Sailing, the International Federation of the sport, is inviting Host Cities to bid for the 2020 Annual Conference.

World Sailing's Annual Conference brings together up to 1,000 global participants to plan for the future, make important decisions that shape the direction of the sport and provides a forum to share best practice and generate new ideas and concepts.Held every year over a nine day period at the end of October, early November, the Annual Conference is made up of formal meetings, forums, celebrations and tourism activities. The conference creates significant local spend including approximately 1,500 hotel nights, local transport use, spend at restaurants and tourist activities.At the 2017 Annual Conference in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico hundreds of delegates were welcomed for a week of meetings, the inaugural World Sailing Awards and Forums on innovation, women in sailing and sustainability.Andy Hunt, World Sailing CEO, commented, "The Annual Conference will head to Sarasota, USA in 2018 and Hamilton, Bermuda in 2019. In those cities, we have committed partners and we are looking for strong Host Cities to deliver the 2020 Annual Conference."The Annual Conference will enable Host Cities and our members to showcase the venue through traditional, digital and social media and creates promotional and sponsorship opportunities that benefit the sport and its stakeholders."For the first time at an Annual Conference, we are looking for our partners to adopt and promote sustainable practices in line with our Sustainability Agenda 2030 with preference given to venues who have internationally recognised environment and sustainability management systems."The 2020 Annual Conference has extra importance as the successful Host City will also hold our four yearly General Assembly where World Sailing officers are elected and Council members and Committee members are selected for the next four years."Host Cities wishing to host and organise the 2020 Annual Conference should submit their initial bid no later than 17:00 BST on 30 June 2018.From 1 July to 31 August 2018, World Sailing's CEO and Head of Conferences & Hospitality will conduct site visits to shortlisted cities where required.World Sailing's Executive Office will review and compile bids in August for the September 2018 Board of Directors meeting. The Board will shortlist and invite bidders to present at the 2018 Annual General Meeting in Sarasota, Florida, USA on Sunday 4 November.Shortlisted bidders will present at World Sailing's AGM before delegates vote on who will host the 2020 Annual Conference.For further information, contact Natasha Keene, Head of Conferences and Hospitality on natasha.keene@sailing.org World Sailing's Annual Conference brings together up to 1,000 delegates at the end of October / start of November. It is the central meeting point where the strategy of sailing is reviewed, discussed and celebrated.Over the Annual Conference, participants plan for the future, make key decisions to drive the sport forward, share best practice and generate new ideas.The 2018 Annual Conference will be held in Sarasota, Florida, USA at the Hyatt Regency from 27 October to 4 November 2018. Hamilton, Bermuda will host the 2019 Annual Conference.Curious Cdn said: That's just the way that I felt when I answered your bullshit. Click to expand...

I used to work for the top guy at Martin guitars, I can safely say here You are the one full of sh!ple bub, democrats are one of the NASTY things that happened to Gibson...The democratic judge told them they should move off ashore during the lawsuit.so take you can take your bag of braindead crap and stuff it up your two bit fakeness a$$.""We had a raid," he said, "with federal marshals that were armed, that came in, evacuated our factory, shut down production, sent our employees home and confiscated wood."The raids at two Nashville facilities and one in Memphis recalled a similar raid in Nashville in November 2009, when agents seized a shipment of ebony from Madagascar. They were enforcing the Lacey Act, a century-old endangered species law that was amended in 2008 to include plants as well as animals. But Juszkiewicz says the government won't tell him exactly how  or if  his company has violated that law."We're in this really incredible situation. We have been implicated in wrongdoing and we haven't been charged with anything," he says. "Our business has been injured to millions of dollars. And we don't even have a court we can go to and say, 'Look, here's our position.'"Gibson vigorously denies these allegations, maintaining that all of its purchases from Madagascar have complied with U.S. and Malagasy law. A company attorney says Gibson has presented documents to support that claim and that the recent raid seized legally obtained wood from India. He adds that the company stopped importing wood from Madagascar in 2009theyre taking the position that we should be shifting these jobs overseas, says Bruce Mitchell, the chief legal counsel for Gibson. We have  probably 40 people in our factory here just at USA who are doing the inlays into the fingerboard  that are putting the fret on. If all that was to be done over in India, then . those jobs would be lost.Whats most puzzling about this case is that India is perfectly happy to ship the fingerboard blanks to the United States. In a letter dated July 13, the deputy director general of foreign trade for India confirmed that fingerboards made of rosewood and ebony is (sic) freely exportable.The top guy at Martin said it had a lot to do with who got supported...By gibson at campaign time, and which artists support gibson and who did NOT support Obama or offshoring... and obamacare...and taking all the guns...and killing free speech...JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops fatally shot two Palestinians who infiltrated the country from Gaza and attacked soldiers with explosives Sunday night, and in a separate incident killed another Palestinian who tried to breach the border, the military said.

Another Palestinian was detained in the latter incident, and two more were caught trying to cross the border in a third case, the military said.

The Gaza border has been tense in recent weeks, with the Islamic militant group Hamas that rules Gaza urging mass Palestinian protests there every Friday as part of a weeks-long campaign against a decade-old blockade of the territory. The protests have turned violent and 39 Palestinians have been killed during the unrest, which began March 30.

Israel says that it is defending its sovereign border, including nearby communities, and that its troops target only instigators. Israel accuses Hamas, which is sworn to Israel's destruction, of trying to carry out attacks under the guise of the mass protests.

The military said that "two terrorists who infiltrated into Israel hurled explosive devices" at soldiers Sunday night. The soldiers returned fire, killing them.

About a half hour earlier, two Palestinians damaged the security fence and tried to cross into Israel. Troops opened fire, killing one, the military said. The other was detained for questioning, it said.

In a third incident, soldiers spotted two Palestinians trying to breach the border. They were arrested and found to have knives and wire cutters on their persons, the military said.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas in Gaza.

Also Sunday, the Israeli army said most of the deaths of Palestinians during the Gaza unrest have been unintentional. An unidentified senior officer in Israel's southern command told the newspaper Haaretz that snipers have been aiming at protesters' legs, but people have been killed after bending down, when struck by a ricocheting bullet or when a sniper misses the target.

A second senior officer confirmed the report, saying that while there is no exact breakdown, the "overwhelming majority" of deaths were unintentional, including a teenage boy and two Palestinian journalists who apparently were caught in crossfire. He said an exception was Friday, when soldiers opened fire at a large crowd that attempted to break through the border fence, killing three people.

The officer spoke on condition of anonymity under military guidelines.

Israel has been accused by the United Nations, European Union and rights groups of using excessive force against unarmed protesters. Israel says it is aiming only at instigators, and accuses Hamas of using civilians for cover to carry out attacks.

Israel says some of those protesting have tried to damage the border fence or plant explosives along it. Others have hurled improvised explosives and firebombs at soldiers while others have flown kites with burning rags attached to set Israeli fields on fire.

There is considerable fear among Israelis of a mass breach in which Gazans stream across, militants mixed in, wreaking havoc. Israel has warned that anyone approaching the border fence is risking their lives and accused Hamas of cynically exploiting civilians for its agenda.

Hamas has attacked Israelis with suicide bombings, shootings and rockets over the years. For more than a decade the group has tightly controlled Gaza, quashing dissent.

Hamas says the protests are aimed at breaking a crippling border blockade that was imposed by Israel and Egypt after the Islamic militant group overran Gaza in 2007.

The blockade has devastated Gaza's economy, made it virtually impossible for people to enter and exit the territory, and left residents with just a few hours of electricity a day. Tap water is undrinkable and its Mediterranean coast has been polluted with untreated waste. Life in the coastal strip has deteriorated further in recent months, with rising unemployment and grinding poverty.

Other blockade-busting tactics by Hamas have failed over the years, including three cross-border wars with Israel and repeated rounds of unsuccessful power-sharing talks with the West Bank-based Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The last round collapsed, in part because Hamas refused to disarm.

The protests also press for a "return" of Palestinian refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were displaced in the 1948 war over Israel's creation.

The protests are to culminate May 15, the anniversary of Israel's founding. Palestinians mark the date as their "nakba," or catastrophe.BERLIN (AP)  Diplomats and environmentalists are gathering in Bonn, Germany, to keep working on the rules governing the Paris climate accord.

The talks starting Monday are part of preparations for December's global climate summit in Katowice, Poland, when the so-called Paris rulebook must be formally approved.

Among the unresolved issues are how to ensure transparent monitoring of what countries do to cut global emissions and the methods used take stock of what countries have achieved.

Advocates also want governments at the two-week talks to explicitly acknowledge that current national pledges won't be enough to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius by 2100, and therefore raise their ambitions.

While U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of the 2015 Paris accord, the rest of the world remains committed to the deal.TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday ratcheted up the Trump administration's rhetoric against Iran and gave warm boosts of support to Israel and Saudi Arabia in their standoffs with Tehran.

Pompeo's comments in Riyadh and then Tel Aviv came as he neared the end of the Middle East leg of his first trip abroad as America's top diplomat. He has called for concerted international action to punish Iran for its missile programs and other actions that he said destabilize the region.

The tough line was welcomed by his hosts, particularly in Israel, which considers Iran its greatest threat and has led calls for the West to revise or reject the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

"We remain deeply concerned about Iran's dangerous escalation of threats to Israel and the region and Iran's ambition to dominate the Middle East remains," Pompeo said after a nearly two-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "The United States is with Israel in this fight."

Israel has cited Iran's hostile rhetoric, support for anti-Israel militant groups and development of long-range missiles.

It also has complained the nuclear deal does not do enough to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear-weapons capability, and expressed concerns about Iran's involvement in the civil war in neighboring Syria. Israel says it will not allow Iran to establish a permanent military presence in Syria, fearing the Iranians use it to launch attacks.

"Iran must be stopped, its quest for a nuclear bomb must be stopped, its aggression must be stopped and we're committed to stopping it together," Netanyahu said.

President Donald Trump is to decide by May 12 whether to keep the U.S. in the nuclear deal. Pompeo repeated the Trump position that "if we can't fix it, he is going to withdraw."

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said the kingdom "supports the policy of the Trump administration against Iran and to improve the terms of the nuclear agreement with Iran."

Netanyahu also welcomed the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the scheduled move of its embassy from Tel Aviv on May 14. Pompeo said the U.S. is "incredibly proud" of that upcoming move.

The Palestinians claim Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as their capital. They have criticized the U.S. move and all but cut off ties with the White House.

Pompeo had no meetings planned with any Palestinian official and it was not immediately clear whether there had been any outreach to the Palestinians about his trip, which was to end in Jordan on Monday.

In Riyadh, Pompeo said Iran "destabilizes this entire region" and he also urged the Saudis and their neighbors to resolve a festering dispute with Qatar. U.S. officials say Iran is exploiting it to boost its influence in the region, including in Yemen and Syria.

Pompeo met with Saudi King Salman, whose country, along with Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, is embroiled in a row with Qatar that had undermined Gulf Arab unity and frustrated the U.S. as it seeks to blunt growing Iranian assertiveness.

"I think they would all agree that it's in everyone's best interests that the Gulf states all figure out how to be together," Pompeo told reporters as he traveled to Israel. "We've got a common challenge in Iran I think they all recognize that. We're hopeful that they will in their own way figure out their dispute between them."

The ex-CIA chief had arrived in the kingdom a day earlier, shortly after Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fired missiles at Saudi Arabia's southern city of Jizan, killing one person and underscoring what U.S. officials said is a growing threat emanating from Iran.

Pompeo's meetings in Saudi Arabia and Israel, to be followed by discussions in Jordan, come just weeks ahead of several key dates that could bring further volatility to the region.

Trump is facing heavy pressure from European and other parties to stick to the Iran nuclear deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's office said she discussed the agreement with her French and German counterparts and they believe it should remain intact, even while addressing shortcomings.

Trump's new national security adviser John Bolton, a hard-liner like Pompeo on Iran, suggested Trump was unlikely to stay in.

"He certainly said very negative things about the deal, which implied that these other steps wouldn't really address that concern, but, look, it's possible in the discussions with our European allies that we'll be able to see some possibility there," Bolton told "Fox News Sunday."

Also hanging over the trip is the uncertainty about Trump's policy on Syria, which has shifted between a speedy all-out withdrawal of American forces and leaving a lasting footprint to deter Iran from completing a land bridge from Tehran to Beirut.ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday praised the long relationship his energy-hungry nation has had with the United Arab Emirates, a crucial oil supplier, at the start of a Mideast tour.

Abe appeared briefly at a Japan-UAE Business Forum in the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi, at one point even praising Japanese fruit for sale.

"Japan and the UAE are keen to develop a people-to-people dialogue," he said.

But produce and interpersonal communication are far from the most-important business relationship Japan has with the UAE. A parade of oilmen speakers, including oil company INPEX Corp.'s CEO, stressed the need for Emirati crude and gas.

"Abu Dhabi is an extremely important region for us and accounts for half of our net production," said Toshiaki Kitamura, INPEX's CEO and chairman. "We cherish our relationship with the trust we have built with the Abu Dhabi government."

About a quarter of all oil imports for Japan come from the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A third comes from Saudi Arabia, while a fifth of all its natural gas imports come from Qatar and the UAE, making peace across the Gulf Arab nations crucial to Japanese energy supplies.

In February, INPEX Corp. received a 10-percent stake in Abu Dhabi's offshore Lower Zakum oilfield for 40 years after paying a fee of $600 million. It separately paid $250 million to extend its interests in two other oilfields. The Lower Zakum produces some 450,000 barrels of oil per day.

Abe also visited the UAE in 2007 and in 2013. While addressing the business forum, Abe said the UAE and Japan planned to sign an investment treaty.

"Bilateral relations between the two countries would not succeed without the support of the business leaders attending this forum," he said.

He also took part in several other signings before hustling off to meet Abu Dhabi's powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

After Abu Dhabi, Abe will travel to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. Before leaving Japan, Abe told journalists Middle East peace was a priority on his trip.And so according to the Governments official figures, Samoas total debt stands at $1.1 billion today. This is what the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (S.B.S.) Financial Statistics for the December 2017 quarter say.

Even more interesting are the details. The stats for instance reveal that Samoas debt to China is $416 million. That being the case, China is now Samoas biggest creditor  which is hardly news given what we know about Samoa and Chinas relationship today.

The fact is without China, this country would be in deep, deep trouble. It is simply impossible to imagine how Samoa and this Government could exist without China.

Now imagine if all the grants were loans. That would totally blow out the amount three times bigger or even more. Keep in mind that China is not Samoas only creditor.

The figures reveal that the country owes the Asia Development Bank; World Bank, Japan and other financial institutions.

So what can we make of this?

On one hand, it is good to get a picture of the state of Samoas debt. After all, it has been a controversial topic for so many years with different figures floating around the place.

Now looking at other countries and how much they owe, it must be said that $1.1 billion  with $416million owed to China  is not as bad and can probably still be managed.

But there is also the question of the truth and whether the figures are accurate. You have to take these numbers with a grain of salt. Given that the source of the figures is from the Government, you really have to wonder.

Indeed, common sense tells us that the Government would not endorse a report that paints a bad picture of Samoa  given everything that has been happening lately. Which means there is always that suspicion.

Still, the figures stack up very well for Prime Minister Tuilaepa who has been downplaying the issue for years.

Listen to him again: For Samoa, we have our own Debt Management Policy that we watch very, very carefully to ensure that annually we are able to meet our debt service payments.

Therefore, it is up to Samoa to carefully gauge its capability to meet its debt obligations and to carefully watch the borrowings that we make from international governments and institutions.

Since all our debts are concessionary, we do not have such problems. We have very strong payment capabilities every year. Very often for instance in many projects that we do, the construction period is up to 2 years and then we begin to earn revenue to help start paying the loans well, well, well before the grace period ends and the repayment of the loan and interests begin.

So there are inbuilt cushions in a countys debt level capacity, so long as they watch these debts service capacities very carefully and this is why we have institutions like the Central Bank of Samoa to carefully watch our debt obligations.

Well fair enough then. Now let us remind once more that Prime Minister Tuilaepa is a very clever man. A holder of two doctorate awards and much, much more in terms of qualifications, he has no match in Samoa or anywhere else in the region  and possibly the world.

He also runs a Government full of extremely intelligent and well-qualified individuals, whom Prime Minister Tuilaepa often refers to as big lauia.

But heres an idea; take all those lauia people, the debt as has been revealed and look at what is happening on the ground in Samoa and then tell us what you think.

Here is what we see. More and more children are becoming street vendors everyday. Our customary land is under threat from policies driven by desperation.

Our prized possessions such as matai titles are slowly losing their meaning because they are being bought by anyone who comes to Samoa dangling money.

Anyone with enough money can now buy a Samoan passport.

The representatives of the sacred foundation of Samoa, God, are now being taxed  including the highest position holder on the land, the Head of State.

Samoans are being enslaved by Samoans. Colonization has taken a very different form in the sense that there are no more foreigners but rather our people are being enslaved by the very policies and laws that should help them.

What do these things tell us?

Are they not acts of desperation by a government that has been turning a blind eye to corrupt practises, mismanagement and abuse of public money and resources, allowing it to run amok for so long that it is now coming back to haunt them in a major way?

Tell us what you think!District Court Judge, Alalatoa Rosella Papalii, has issued a stern warning to the young people of Luatuanuu.

She has told them not to get involved in any criminal activities such as blocking the road, jeopardizing the safety of the travelling public.

You are ordered that under no circumstances you are allowed to be involved in any criminal activity pertaining to the public roads, jeopardizing the safety of members of the travelling public, she said.

Be mindful the road belongs to the Government.

Judge Alalatoa issued the warning when the defendants appeared in the District Court for criminal mention this week.

Fomai Perenise, Saniu Motuella, Jason Kioa, Perenise Leata, Joe Jr Peseta, Sefo Vaiofi, Pito Sakalia, Lafaele Vito Sakalia, Ameperosa Manaia Lama and Jason Kioa, are the defendants.

They pleaded guilty to charges of without lawful justification obstructed a public place, disorderly conduct a road block in a public place and being armed with a dangerous weapon or rocks and took part in a disorderly assembly that has begun to cause serious violence in the vicinity.

Three others, Olasa Tala, Musika Aweli and Aukuso Kiliso, denied the charges.

They will appear in Court for their hearing on 8 August 2018.

In the meantime, the defendants who pleaded guilty will be sentenced on 7 July, 2018.

A 16-year-old boy charged in this matter has been referred to the Youth Court, where his matter will be heard.

Judge Alalatoa reminded the defendants that part of the conditions for their release on bail is that they remain law-abiding citizens.

Anyone of you that does not comply with these conditions, there are open slots at the university at Tafaigata Prison, where you can stay during the duration of your case."

That is the order of the Court and you all must comply.

Last month, the roadblock by the untitled men in Luatuanuu was brought under control within two hours.

This was after more than 60 Police officers arrived at the village, dismantled the blockage and allowed traffic to flow.

The road block used rocks at the far end of Luatuanuu village. The incident started because of a rugby game between Luatuanuu and Falefa. It is alleged that the Luatuanuu Under-20 team was beaten and seven players were hospitalised.

The Police were attacked by the Luatuanuu Villages untitled men while they were dismantling the roadblock resulting in a few officers getting injured.

When the Police reacted, the attackers took off on foot into the mountains.A mother, whose son is fighting for his life after he was bashed outside a local nightclub, is a worried woman.

Leena Uepa is not only worried about her sons life, she has raised concerns about the safety of other partygoers in Samoa in the hope that it would lead to better measures taken to protect nightclub revelers.

Mrs. Uepas son, Markou Pangas, 20, is undergoing life saving surgery at a hospital in Sydney, Australia, after he was beaten at the Marina on the night of 20 April 2018. Mrs. Uepa told the Samoa Observer her son, together with his cousins, were beaten by men at the bar.

Medical reports from the Samoa Medical Department provided by the family shows that Markou sustained injuries on his skull and nasal bone. Markou had come to Samoa with his grandfather and cousins, Jdeci Edmonds and Justyce Edmonds, on 18 April 2018, for a holiday. According to Mrs. Uepa, Markous two cousins were also beaten. But it was her son who sustained the most serious injuries.

The mother said the treatment  including that from the Police  was appalling.

The officer refused to take my boy to the hospital. He also refused my son his rights to make a Police statement that morning (4am). My son encountered a fractured nose and skull, she said.

His doctor said he is lucky to be alive. My two nephews were glassed and stabbed. at least 15 locals helped with their bashing.

She said the Police still have not contacted her about the complaint that they filed with them.

On the night in question, my son called me whilst in the Police vehicle and handed the officer his phone for me to talk to the officer."

This is a very unfortunate incident. In fact, I couldnt be more pleased to let it be known that young tourists are not safe in the nightclubs in Apia."

My Samoan is very minimal, but I understand 100 per cent. My youngest nephew had his wallet ripped from him, phone and even his t-shirt and thongs. The items were in his bum bag which also had car keys and T$400.

According to Jdeci, they just went out to have to have a few drinks with his brother and cousin Markou.

Around 12:30am, we stood up and thought of leaving for home. We walked outside the bar and a guy pushed me forward, I looked back and I saw three guys and they were saying something in Samoan of which I dont understand, then punched me in the face and I can still recall its more than five times from all these guys."

I got dragged out by the security. The security took me out to the road and started punching me on the face and later on other two guys came and helped the security to assault me."

I started to fight back and they knocked me down then I got up and started to run but they caught me again. The same security guard came for the second time and punched me in the face and knocked me to the ground, said the 20-year-old.

I cant remember anything by then, but just got up and ran away from there. I got near the bridge at Vaisigano and I saw my brother, Justyce, at the other side of the road."

A group of girls came to us and helped us in the taxi while a group of guys kept running towards us. These girls also tried to stop them."

I can recall the security guard that I just mentioned because I have seen him most of the time there when we go there for dinner, also he was wearing a yellow shirt with the security name written in black ink on it, he is 62 bulky, short curly hair, kind of choppy, but solid build.

Markou said he had to run and hide at the seawall because all these boys were after them. They were just trying to make their way to their hotel at Insel Fehrman, Motootua.

We didnt fight nor did anything rude inside the bar. I dont understand why they chased us. They punched my nose and my left eye has also some serious scratches and I recognized about 10 males including a security guard at the bar because they were in yellow uniform."

I stood up and ran along the seawall where I hid for half an hour because I was injured and very frightened. My cousins were also injured and I was trying to look for them.

Contacted for a comment, Marina Bar owner, Daryl Scott, told the Samoa Observer in a phone interview that the incident might not be true.

You might be reporting fake news, he said. So you better contact the Police here and make sure the facts are correct before reporting any news. They are the ones that you need to talk to."

Basically we have given them all the data.

Mr. Scott said he would not comment further.

It is the Police that you should be speaking to, he said. If they (Police) cannot release anything, then there must be a reason.

Efforts to get comments from the Police were unsuccessful as of press time.BlueSky Samoa has issued a warning to its customers in relation to spam issues.

The warning came through a text message titled service message.

It said that BlueSky customers in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji have recently been hit with spam via international missed calls, which they are tempted to call back.

We care and want to protect our customers so please be warned, said the text from BlueSky Samoa.

The text was sent at 12:51pm yesterday.

They also warned its customers not to answer or return the call.

Don't answer or call back any missed calls from any unknown international number and protect your personal information online. For further queries, please call 121 or 6712.

The Samoa Observer called 121 for an explanation. The operator explained they are concerned about the impact if their customers relay any messages such as personal account numbers and other important accounts.

Just dont answer if you see that youve never received a call from that number before."

And if you do answer, do not give out any contacts, said the operator."

Emails to BlueSky Samoa for further information on the spam alert have not been answered as of press time.Press release and photos from Bluesky

Bluesky celebrated its seventh year in Samoa last month.

In the spirit of celebrating its establishment, Bluesky highlights 50 milestones achieved over a rich history of hard-work, passion, perseverance and investment.

Blueskys history shows trail blazer milestones in technology and the Telco industry, and there is a clear track record to show this.

During their corporate function last Friday, Bluesky Samoas Country Manager, Alex Abraham, shared:

I want to take you on a journey through time - through our yesteryears, and share with you our vision for today, our plans for tomorrow and a view of our brilliantly connected future, he said.





Here are 50 Reasons to partner with us:

1. 1999: Samoa Post & Telecoms Department split in two entities - Ministry of Post & Telecoms and Samoa Communications Ltd.

2. 2001: First Fibre network installed in Upolu.

3. 2002: Samoa Communications becomes SamoaTel and the first Fibre network in Savaii installed.

4. 2002: Public phones system launched.

5. 2004: Wireless Local Loop (WLL), the 1st GSM technology launched.

6. 2005: First ever VOIP services in Samoa launched.

7. 2005: Sponsorship of Miss Samoa commenced.

8. 2004: Established new SamoaTel building.

9. 2006: First GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications) sites built.

10. 2007: GSM network launched.

11. 2009: SAS 1Gbps Undersea Fibre Cable lands in Samoa and SamoTel signed up as the first customer.

Bluesky Samoa Ltd

12. 2011: Bluesky Samoa launched with spectacular fireworks display in the harbor.

13. 2011: 1st advanced 3G Network in Samoa launched.

14. 2012: Moana TV launched

15. 2012: UB40 Concert for Samoas 50th Independence Celebrations.

16. 2013: 10x more towers built and more advanced 3G sites erected.

17. 2013: Sponsorship of Manu Samoa 7s commenced

18. 2015: Bluesky established Coverage in Tafua Tai Village. Today Bluesky is still the only Telco with coverage in Tafua Tai.

19. 2015: Bluesky established Coverage in Saletele. Today Bluesky is still the only Telco with coverage in Saletele.

20. 2015: All Blacks and Manu Samoa Game at Apia Park Sponsorship.

21. 2015: Miss Samoa - 2 year Sponsorship.

22. 2016: Bluesky established Coverage in Uafato. Today Bluesky is still the only Telco with coverage in Uafato.

23. 2016: Ford Ranger Birthday Give Away.

24. 2016: Samoa Cancer Shave it or Save it Sponsors.

25. 2016: Toyota Hilux Christmas Give Away.

26. 2016: Reached 50,000 customers.

27. 2016: 4G network built, 10 x sites commissioned.

28. 2017: 4G and 4G Plus officially launched  40 x sites with 4G Coverage. Samoa.

29. 2017: First Video Mapping/ Laser Light Show in Samoa.

30. 2017: Fiji, Lapi Mariner, Ben Vai and Brown Hill Concert.

31. 2017: Bluesky established Coverage in Salimu and Musumusu. Today Bluesky is the only Telco in those villages with coverage.

32. 2017: Ford Ranger Give Away.

33. 2017: Netball Samoa sponsorship  Bluesky commits $100,000 to Netball Samoa.

34. 2017: Bluesky Launches MyBluesky App.

35. 2017: $30K Cash give away for Bluesky Birthday.

36. 2017: S.V.S.G. Sponsorship.

37. 2017: Samoa Cancer Society and Pinktober Sponsorship when the town clock went Pink.

38. 2017: Faataua Le Ola Sponsorship.

39. 2017: Fibre Upgrade of local network transport whichnow gives up to 10 times more capacity and speed around Upolu.

40. 2017: SAS Undersea Fibre Cable upgraded to 10Gbps.

41. 2017: Bluesky Market Dominance declared by the Regulator in 8 out of 9 categories.

42. 2017: Bluesky Commits $5Million Tala to Manu Samoa 7s.

43. 2018: Launched VAS category for the first time  SMS Games and Caller Tunes.

44. 2018: Toyota Hilux Newest Car Give Away.

45. 2018: Unlimited Broadband launched.

46. 2018: Launched Prepaid Landline with WIFI capability.

47. 2018: In Scope - 100% 4G upgrade for all Bluesky Sites.

48. 2018: In Scope - Grow VAS portfolio.

49. 2018: Tui Cable Connection and sign up launched as part of our birthday month in April.

50. 2018: Continue to build our Number 1 Network.

Blueskys vision to be the most recognised and preferred company for connecting Samoa and Pacific communities.

As you can see, Bluesky has done some pheonomenal work. We have achieved some significant, history-making milestones and continue to reach for the Sky.

Today, I make a commitment to all of you  we here at Bluesky are going to continue to work super hard to make your lives, your homes, your departments, your businesses and your future an exciting and brilliantly connected one. We want to help bring your businesses to life and breathe inspiration, ideation and possibilities into your imagination to connect your dreams, your purpose and your vision to reality.

Because Skys The Limit and we believe that 100%! We are your team and your partners. Our sincerest and heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our customers for your loyalty, your support and your patronage, closed Mr Abraham.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi supported Blueskys Corporate event as guest of honour and guest speaker. He headed straight to the event from the airport right after arriving back into the country last Friday evening.

Bluesky has grown from strength to strength and has made a massive contribution not only to the Telecommunications and I.C.T. industry but also to the Economy, with over $43 Million injected annually, he said. This includes a $7.5 Million Tala Annual contribution to Government. The latest being, connecting with the Tui cable in April

Blueskys vision connects well with the vision of the Government to connect Samoa where every child and person can benefit from the full potential of I.C.T. and where every citizencan exercise their right to access, use, create and share information.







The Government has honoured exceptional Occupational Safety and Health (O.S.H.) efforts with the Stewardship Award for members of the public and private sector.

The Award was hosted by the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) as part of local commemoration for World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

Every year, the International Labour Organization (I.L.O.) worldwide commemorates World Day for Safety and Health at work, and this year was a little different.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work and the World Day Against Child Labour was celebrated together, as part of a joint campaign to improve the safety and health of young workers and end child labour.

The aim was to accelerate action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (S.D.G.) target 8.8 of safe and secure working environments for all workers by 2030 and S.D.G. target 8.7 of ending all forms of child labour by 2025.

The theme for this year is Occupational Safety Health (O.S.H.) was vulnerability of young workers.

On Monday, the Ministry conducted a Public Awareness programme by setting up informational booths throughout. The aim was to educate and instil the message about Safety and Health capturing youth that are currently in the workforce, youth seeking work/about to work and students.

The day ended with the Occupational Safety and Health (O.S.H.) Stewardship Award which was hosted by the Ministry to recognise businesses, organisations and ministries that have complied with the Act and Regulations on Occupational Safety and Health.

This is the second O.S.H. Stewardship Award the Ministry has hosted. It is held every two years.

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign that promotes safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by MCIL since 2013. The following are the Occupational Safety & Health Stewardship Award Winners;

Government Organisations

 Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

State Owned Enterprise

 Scientific Research Organization of Samoa

Private Sector

Construction Industry

 Craig Construction Limited

Manufacturing Industry

 Krissy Company Limited

Wholesale/Supermarkets

 Lynns Supermarket

Food & Beverages Industry

 Sunrise Restaurant

Retail Industry

 CCK Trading Limited

Services Industry

 T & N Toleafoa Service Station

Small Businesses Industry

 A & A Hair Culture

Special Prize  Overall Excellence in Promoting OSH in the Workplace

 Scientific Research Organization of Samoa

 Craig Construction Limited.Above: Number 16 during aliver times.

In news that's left the researchers that were studying her "really miserable", Number 16, the world's oldest known tarantula and possible top-secret spy, has died from a wasp sting in her burrow in Western Australia. Some more info while I pour out a little liquor for Number 16 but mostly just guzzle the bottle and yell "YOU CAN'T TELL ME HOW TO MOURN" at any coworker who passes my cubicle with a stink-eye:

Tarantulas tend to live their entire lives in the same burrow hole, making them easy to track. By marking the burrow where Number 16 lived, scientists have been monitoring her movements in the wild ever since she was first found in the Central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia in 1974.

Scientists were able to determine "that the extensive life span of the trapdoor spider is due to their life-history traits, including how they live in uncleared, native bushland, their sedentary nature, and low metabolisms," lead researcher Leanda Mason, of Curtin University, said in a statement. Mason told The Telegraph that researchers were "really miserable" about Number 16's death. They had hoped she would make it a few more years to her 50th birthday.

Truly a sad day. I suggest we all take off work early and meet at a bar to commiserate over some cold ones. "Haven't you already been drinking?" You sound like my dentist. Listen -- are you going to give me the fillings or not?

Thanks to Christina D, who didn't even know spiders could live that long. Honestly, I'm not so sure this isn't a Dread Pirate Roberts situation.Plans to build a new prison building for the big island of Savaii is in the works and the Minister of Prisons Tialavea Tionisio Hunt elaborated on the status of the plans and the progress of the work being carried out at Vaiaata.

The prison house at Vaiaata looks like a family house with barred windows and a door.

Its not your typical prison house and quite frankly I dont think any other prison in the world looks like the one we have in Savaii, said Tialavea.

We need to upgrade the prison facilities that house the prisoners.

The prison house that exists right now is overcrowded with the 40 prisoners serving time in Vaiaata, hence why we are planning to build a prison building block similar to the ones being built at Tanumalala, he added.

The Government plans to build a prison block with a capacity to house 100 prisoners and a new administration office building.

The old administration building will be developed into a living quarters for the Police officers and the open fale turned in to a Chapel.

These new developments for Vaiaata prison are estimated to cost ST$600,000 and are to be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.

Other developments at Vaiaata include; cocoa, taro and banana plantations.

When harvested, these crops cater to provide food for all three prisons  Tanumalala, Oloamanu and Vaiaata.

The banana and taro crops are intended for export; however, if theres not enough food supply for the three prisons, then taro crops will not be exported.

Revenue generated from these exported crops help boost the food budget for all three prison facilities.Samoa is inundated with trade and media specialists from around the world who are here to participate in the Samoa Tourism Exchange (S.T.E) this week.

Tess Wilcox was present at the opening event and she is no stranger to the S.T.E. having attended for a number of years.

She is the Executive Director of World Resorts Distinction - a resort marketing company from the Gold Coast in Australia that specializes particularly in luxury travel.

The company counts Samoas Sinalei Resort and Le Lagoto Resort amongst their international boutique resort clients.

I inherited the relationship with Sinalei Resort actually when I came on board and weve been with Le Lagoto for about 10 years. So weve had a good long relationship and I believe Sinalei have been through two re-builds since we have been working with them.

In the 10 years that the annual S.T.E. has been running, this year presented a much higher attendance than before.

There more buyers than weve ever had before at S.T.E., there are 72 this year which is a lot than before.

There are a lot of new companies so essentially you always hope to develop new partnerships and hope that we can drive more business back to the destination and resorts that we work for.

Ms. Wilcox looks forward to networking with the local industry in a country she says has a unique marketable quality.

I just dont think Samoa really compares to anything else. Youre kind of forced to relax and it has every element from adventure to relaxation to retreat.

No one really has the people that Samoa does or the charm that Samoan people do. I guess in whichever element you would want to travel, Samoa embodies it all, which is pretty unique in any destination.

The S.T.E. officially closes tonight with a reception at the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort in Mulifanua.On the remotest part of north western coast of Savaii exists a part of the old world charm and romance of the South Pacific with the Vaisala Beach Hotel.

It one of the reasons New Zealand couple, Jan and Dave King, has been returning to this hidden part of Samoa for the past 25 years making it their home away from home.

In fact, Dave was reluctant to speak to Dear Tourist for fear of drawing too much attention to their slice of paradise.

Im selfish, I want to tell tourists not to come here so we can continue to have this place to ourselves, Dave laughs.

With Vaisala, it has everything we need and want, the fact that we keep coming back tells you the value of the place.

The couple prefers staying away from resorts and spending time blending into their surroundings and mingling with like-minded visitors like themselves.

Why here? We dont like resorts and we feel that the people that you get here arent tourists. Theyre visitors and there are very interesting people here who we have met over the years.

Its not for everybody and the locals stay here as well from around Samoa when theyre travelling for work and thats what we like.

There are tourists who expect to sit underneath the coconut tree and expect their cocktails brought to them and I dont believe thats Samoa  thats Fiji. Ive lived in Fiji for years, its ruined.

When describing the visitor that would appreciate Savaiis unique charm, Dave guessed that it was those niche visitors who are genuinely interested in a different culture.

We are from New Zealand so obviously we have more Samoans than here and its good to see where they come from and what their culture is. People who we have met here, weve never heard a complaint from them not one person, but they wouldnt have been happy anywhere so this place is pretty important to us.

Dave first set eyes on Samoa when he stopped over in 1973 on a cruise ship coming back from the U.K. and it left a lasting impression on him that he returned after Cyclone Ofa in 1992 to work.

We were building the road from Moataa through to Saluafata on the east coast road, but then cyclone Val hit and then we had to rebuild it, said Dave.

My wife and I always travel the islands but we came back about 25 years ago and we always make a trip and stay a few nights here at Vaisala. Then we just started to come straight here after a few years and we come here twice a year for three to four weeks at a time.

Dave is a land surveyor in New Zealand and has been following Samoas current events very carefully. Its one of the reasons he is so interested in Samoas land and title system.

I think Im worried about it. I think you need a titling system where there are no disputes between land, between people and thats what one of things the Torrens system does, but its the ease of people being able to sell thats a different situation. I believe that you shouldnt really have free hold land that can be sold.

You lose your land, you lose your heritage and I dont think you should do that. Lease is fine if you can lease land thats good. Customary land is customary land, end of story, you dont have a boundary but thats where disputes start.

You need that land defined so there are no disputes. Its not just ownership, its about defining land. Definition and boundaries of land is more important. With ownership, I dont believe you should be able to sell it to anybody. Between Samoans is fine.

Jan and Dave move with familiarity around the Vaisala Hotel, calling every worker by their name and helping themselves to hot koko Samoa on the famous verandah of the hotel overlooking the stunning Vaisala bay.

Coming to a remote part of Savaii every year for a quarter of a century, the Kings have no complaints except one.

Theres no Samoa Observer newspaper here, there thats my first ever complaint, Dave laughs. I can get it in Salelologa, but not on this side of the island. If you could just put on the bus and drop them off to this side of the island that would be good.TIJUANA, Mexico (AP)  U.S. border inspectors allowed some of the Central American asylum-seekers to enter the country for processing, ending a brief impasse over lack of space. But the migrants who crossed Mexico in a caravan may face a long legal path.

Caravan organizers said eight members of the group criticized by President Donald Trump that traveled from southern Mexico to the border city of Tijuana were allowed in to be interviewed by asylum officers, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not provide a number.

About 140 others were still waiting in Mexico to turn themselves in at San Diego's San Ysidro border crossing, the nation's busiest, said Alex Mensing, project organizer for Pueblo Sin Fronteras, which is leading the caravan.

"The spirits are high, there was good news for everybody," Mensing said on the Mexican side of the crossing, moments after learning that some were allowed in.

U.S. attorneys who volunteered advice in Tijuana last week warned the Central Americans that parents may be separated from their children and be detained for many months while their asylum cases are pending.

Asylum-seekers are typically held up to three days at the border and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If they pass initial screenings by asylum officers, they may be detained or released with ankle monitors while their cases wind through immigration court, which can take years.

Nearly 80 percent of asylum-seekers passed the initial screening from October through December, but few are likely to win asylum.

The denial rate for El Salvadorans seeking asylum was 79 percent from 2012 to 2017, according to asylum outcome information from Syracuse University's Transactional Records Action Clearinghouse. Hondurans were close behind with a 78 percent denial rate, followed Guatemalans at 75 percent.

Trump administration officials have railed against what they call "legal loopholes" and "catch-and-release" policies that allow people seeking asylum to be freed while their cases are adjudicated. The president tweeted Monday that the caravan "shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has pledged to send more immigration judges to the border if needed and threatened criminal prosecution. On Monday, the Justice Department said it filed illegal entry charges against 11 people identified as caravan members.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it processed hundreds of asylum-seekers in the previous week, many of them Mexican, which contributed to a bottleneck that led inspectors to turn away caravan members since they arrived late Sunday afternoon.

Asylum-seekers did not appear to be thrown off the by the delay.

Elin Orrellana, a 23-year-old pregnant woman from El Salvador, said she is fleeing the violent MS-13 street gang, a favorite target of both Sessions and Trump because of their brutal killings in communities in the United States. She said her older sister had been killed by the gang in El Salvador, so she is attempting to join other family members in the Kansas City area.

"Fighting on is worth it," she said.

Customs and Border Protection has room for about 300 people at the San Diego border crossing.

"As in the past when we've had to limit the number of people we can bring in for processing at a given time, we expect that this will be a temporary situation," the agency said.

During a surge of Haitian arrivals at the San Diego crossing in 2016, Customs and Border Protection required people to wait more than five weeks in Mexico. Since then, smaller upticks of Mexican asylum-seekers have caused delays of several hours.The billionaire chief executive of WhatsApp, Jan Koum, is planning to leave the company after clashing with its parent, Facebook, over the popular messaging services strategy and Facebooks attempts to use its personal data and weaken its encryption, according to people familiar with internal discussions.

Koum, who sold WhatsApp to Facebook for more than $19 billion in 2014, also plans to step down from Facebooks board of directors, according to these people. The date of his departure isnt known. He has been informing senior executives at Facebook and WhatsApp of his decision, and in recent months has been showing up less frequently to WhatsApps offices on Facebooks campus in Silicon Valley, according to the people.

The independence and protection of its users data is a core tenet of WhatsApp that Koum and his co-founder, Brian Acton, promised to preserve when they sold their tiny startup to Facebook. It doubled down on its pledge by adding encryption in 2016. The data clash took on additional significance in the wake of revelations in March that Facebook had allowed third parties to mishandle its users personal information.

Facebook, though, needs to prove that its investment in WhatsApp - its largest acquisition ever - was worth it.

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Facebook declined immediate requests for comment.

Koums exit would be highly unusual at Facebook. The inner circle of management - and the Board of Directors - have been fiercely loyal during the scandals that have rocked the social media giant. In addition, Koum is the sole founder of a company acquired by Facebook to serve on its board. Only two other Facebook executives - CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg - are members of the board.

Acton left the company in November. He has joined a chorus of former executives critical of Facebook. Acton recently endorsed a #DeleteFacebook social media campaign that has gained force in the wake of the data privacy controversy sparked by Cambridge Analytica, the political marketing firm tied to the Trump campaign, had inappropriately obtained the private information of 87 million Facebook users.

Though the Cambridge Analytica revelations contributed to a climate of broader frustration with Facebook among WhatsApp employees, Koum made his decision to leave prior to the scandal, the people said.

WhatsApp, with 1.5 billion monthly users, is the largest messaging service in the world. It is most popular in countries such as India, Egypt, and Brazil, and in Europe, where it is used for phone calls and text messaging with friends and businesses, as well as news distribution and group chats.

Koum and Acton, former coworkers at Yahoo, founded WhatsApp in 2009. It promised private communications for 99 cents a year. By 2014, the tiny company had almost 500 million users. It caught the attention of Zuckerberg, who was looking to expand the social network overseas. After a dinner at Zuckerbergs house, Zuckerberg made an offer for WhatsApp that turned Acton and Koum into instant billionaires.

But even in the early days, there were signs of a mismatch. WhatsApp had less than $20 million in revenues at the time of the acquisition. Facebook was making billions of dollars by selling advertisers access to its users, on whom it had collected large amounts of information.

Koum and Acton were openly disparaging of the targeted advertising model. In a WhatsApp blog post in 2012, they wrote that no one wakes up excited to see more advertising; no one goes to sleep thinking about the ads theyll see tomorrow. They described online advertising as a disruption to aesthetics, an insult to your intelligence, and the interruption of your train of thought.

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The WhatsApp co-founders were also big believers in privacy. They took pains to collect as little data as possible from their users, requiring only phone numbers and putting them at odds with data-hungry Facebook. At the time of the acquisition, Koum and Acton said Facebook had assured them that WhatsApp could remain an independent service and would not share its data with Facebook.

How and if WhatsApp would make money was left an open question. WhatsApp will remain autonomous and operate independently, the founders in wrote in a blog post announcing the acquisition. And you can still count on absolutely no ads interrupting your communication.

Eighteen months later, the promise not to share data evaporated. Facebook pushed WhatsApp to change its terms of service to give the social network access to the phone numbers of WhatsApp users, along with analytics such as what devices and operating systems people were using.

WhatsApp executives were comfortable sharing some data with Facebook in order to measure who was using the service, according to the people. But they opposed using WhatsApps data to create a user profile that was unified across Facebooks multiple platforms, which also include Instagram and Facebook Messenger, and that could be used for ad-targeting or for Facebooks data-mining.

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Acton and Koum acquiesced enabling Facebook to recommend that users WhatsApp contacts become their Facebook friends, allowing Facebook to collect more data about those relationships. The changes also allowed advertisers to feed lists of phone numbers into Facebooks advertising system, known as custom audiences, and find new people to target with ads.

Last year, the European Commission, the European Unions regulatory authority, fined Facebook $122 million for making misleading statements when the EU approved the WhatsApp takeover.

Conflicts soon arose over how WhatsApp would make money. Facebook scrapped the 99 cent annual charge, and Koum and Acton continued to oppose the advertising model. The service still has no ads, but WhatsApp has embarked on experiments to make money: In January, Facebook rolled out a tool, called WhatsApp Business, to allow businesses to create a profile and send messages to their customers on WhatsApp. The founders also clashed with Facebook over building a mobile payments system on WhatsApp in India.

Another point of disagreement was over WhatsApps encryption. In 2016, WhatsApp added end-to-end encryption, a security feature that scrambles peoples messages so that outsiders, including WhatsApps owners, cant read them. Facebook executives wanted to make it easier for businesses to use its tools, and WhatsApp executives believed that doing so would require some weakening of its encryption.

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Ultimately, Koum was worn down by the differences in approach, the people said. Other WhatsApp employees are demoralized and plan to to leave in November, four years and a month after the Facebook acquisition, when they are allowed to exercise all their stock options under the terms of the acquisition of Facebook, according to the people.

Acton donated $50 million of his money to Signal, a rival messaging app that is geared toward security and privacy. In a recent blog post announcing his donation and role as the executive chairman of the non-profit Signal Foundation, Acton said his goal was to build the most trusted communications experience on the planet.San Diego tech companies are hosting about 30 senior information technology officials from U.S. Department of Homeland Security this week to highlight the regions latest work in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, big data analytics and other technologies.

John Zangardi, the departments chief information officer, led the group scheduled to visit Qualcomm, AttackIQ, MindTouch, Brain Corp, Ausgar Technologies, Unisys, FICO, Webroot and Illumina on Monday and Tuesday.

You dont typically see large government organizations in the world of information technology bringing their whole team to one place to see what the latest technologies are, said retired Rear Adm. Ken Slaght, head of San Diegos Cyber Center of Excellence, an industry trade group that helped organize the tour.

While several local companies were considered, the Cyber Center of Excellence and San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. picked nine local firms to highlight the diversity of technologies being developed in the region.

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They wanted to come out and talk to the Qualcomm folks to find out where 4G and 5G was headed in the future, Slaght said. We had the opportunity to expose them to companies you would not normally associate with information technology like Illumina. But they are doing extraordinary things with artificial intelligence and big data. There is a lot of interest in that.

DHS is budgeted to spend about $6.8 billion on information technology in fiscal 2018 as it embarks on several system modernization projects. The IT group is also visiting companies in the Silicon Valley.

My strategic objectives are simple, said Zangardi in a statement. We are moving the DHS network to a managed service, consolidating our security operations centers and moving to the cloud, and we cant accomplish any of these without industry.

Zangardi previously was CIO with the Navy Department and acting CIO for the Department of Defense. Over the years, he has brought his IT personnel to tour Bay Area tech companies. San Diego was included last year for the first time at the behest of Pat Sullivan, executive director of the U.S. Navys Space and Naval Warfare Command Systems (SPAWAR) center, Slaght said.

I think what makes San Diego unique is this interaction between the defense world and the commercial world, Slaght said. San Diego is a really great incubator for that.

During the San Diego tour, DHS personnel got briefings on cybersecurity, robotics, machine learning, data analytics and life sciences, Zangardi said.

There are few places where this broad a range of technologies are present, he said.

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Business

mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;

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Twitter:@TechDiego

760-529-4973Owners of some of San Diegos biggest hotels have contributed the bulk of the more than $330,000 raised so far this year to qualify for the November ballot a measure that would pay for an expanded convention center and significantly boost funding for the homeless.

The latest tally of campaign contributions, filed Monday with the San Diego City Clerk, brings the total sum raised since late last year to more than $630,000.

For the three months ending March 30, the Yes! For a Better San Diego campaign reported $217,864 in contributions, but that doesnt include large individual contributions that have since come in, including $67,800 from the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina and $20,000 from the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.

A report filed earlier this year documented nearly $300,000 in campaign contributions that were made in late 2017.

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The newest report comes nearly four months after the initiatives backers launched their signature-gathering effort. More than 71,600 valid signatures will be needed to qualify the initiative for the November ballot.

Laura Fink, spokeswoman for the campaign, would not say Monday when petitions will be submitted to the city, saying only, We look forward to submitting our signatures soon and taking our measure to the ballot in November. Backing the measure is a coalition of tourism, business and labor interests.

The initiative, which seeks to revive long-stalled efforts to expand the citys bayfront center, asks voters to raise the citys transient occupancy tax by 1.25 to 3.25 percentage points. The highest rates would be paid by those staying in downtown hotels, closest to the convention center. Hotel guests currently pay a 10.5 percent room tax, plus a tourism marketing surcharge of 2 percent that applies to hotels of 70 rooms or more.

Over the 42-year-life of the measure, the tax hike would generate $6.4 billion, although in the first five years it is designed to accelerate homeless funding, generating an estimated $147 million that could be used to finance services and housing.

The greatest share of revenues from the tax hike  nearly $3.8 billion  would go for a convention center expansion, as well as upkeep and marketing of the bayfront facility. About $2 billion would be raised to address homelessness, and $604 million would be set aside for road repairs, backers say.

Leading the list of the largest contributors during the latest filing period were the owners of the San Diego Bayfront Hilton, the Embassy Suites downtown, Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter and Westin San Diego, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, and the US Grant Hotel. Other contributors included the Bahia Resort Hotel and Hyatt Regency La Jolla.

The bulk of the committees more than $417,000 in expenditures so far this year were to firms overseeing signature-gathering efforts and to various campaign consultants.

Civic leaders and hotel executives have long argued that the city is losing out on a significantly larger share of meetings business and overnight hotel stays because the existing center is not big enough to attract larger, more lucrative conventions.

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Should the measure quality for the ballot, supporters say their goal is to win the support of two-thirds of the voters. A still looming hurdle, though, is gaining control of the bayside site for the convention center expansion.

A $300 million hotel complex has been proposed for the state tidelands site by longtime Port of San Diego tenants Ray Carpenter and Art Engel. Although the development team filed suit against the city and Convention Center Corp. claiming they were interfering with its contractual right to move forward with the hotel project, there have been recent closed-door talks aimed at reaching a settlement.

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Business

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

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Twitter: @loriweisbergThe sheer number of entities providing information and resources to family caregivers can be overwhelming to sort through. To make it a little less so, here is a list of contact information for key organizations caregivers need to have.

LOCAL

2-1-1 San Diego: Free, 24-hour confidential phone service and searchable online database, for senior transportation, meal programs and more. Contact: (858) 300-1211; 211sandiego.org

Adult Protective Services: San Diego Countys office for protecting against and investigating elder abuse, whether physical, financial or otherwise. Contact: (800) 510-2020; (800) 339-4661 (outside the county).

Aging & Independent Services: Provides a wide range of services for older adults, family caregivers, and people with disabilities. Resources can also be located with the searchable service directory, sandiego.networkofcare.org/aging. Contact: (800) 510-2020 (within San Diego) or (800) 339-4661 (outside San Diego County); aging.sandiegocounty.gov

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ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter: The ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter provides public education, patient and family services and also has regularly scheduled support groups. See the schedule here. Contact: (858) 271-5547; webgsd.alsa.org

Alzheimers Association San Diego/Imperial: Local chapter of the national organization has a 24/7 Helpline, online community resource finder and educational tools, as well as a calendar of local classes and information sessions. Contact: (619) 678-8322; 24/7 Helpline (800) 272-3900; www.alz.org/sandiego

Alzheimers San Diego: A local non-profit serving those with the disease and their caregivers with a wide range of services, including educational workshops, support groups, respite care and a six-week program called Coping with Caregiving. Contact: (858) 492-4400; alzsd.org

Caregiver Coalition of San Diego:

Representing a cross section of local caregiver entities, it regularly offers free caregiver conferences and provides educational speakers. The coalitions website has a countywide events calendar of workshops, classes, support groups, etc. Contact: caregivercoalitionsd.org

Choose Well San Diego: A county-funded website that can help you compare details on more than 600 licensed assisted living and memory care facilities side-by-side. The facility finder is a searchable database. Contact: (619) 795-2165; choosewellsandiego.org

ElderHelp: A non-profit providing services and information geared toward helping seniors remain in their own homes, offering care coordination, a Seniors A Go Go transportation program, caregiver education, a unique HomeShare program and an extensive local resource guide. Contact: (619) 284-9281; elderhelpofsandiego.org

Elder Law & Advocacy: Funded by San Diego County, Elder Law & Advocacy provides free legal assistance for seniors and their caregivers. Also offers Medicare-related counseling and nursing home rights enforcement. Contact: (858) 565-1392; seniorlaw-sd.org

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Foundation for Senior Care: Serving residents of the greater Fallbrook area, this non-profit provides services with the aim of helping seniors remain at home. Among its offerings are the Care Van transportation service, a care advocates program and an adult day care center. Contact: (760) 723-7570; foundationforseniorcare.org

Interfaith Community Services: A non-profit serving residents throughout North San Diego County, its programs for seniors include minor home repair and modifications; outreach and referrals for senior services; and a client advocate team. Contact: (760) 489-6380; interfaithservices.org

Jewish Family Service: Helping San Diegans of all faiths, JFS programs include the On the Go transportation service; free minor home safety repairs and modifications with JFS Fix-It Service; a day program for those with early-stage dementia at the Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center, hot meals for homebound adults from the Foodmobile and geriatric care management. Contact: (858) 637-3210; jfssd.org

Long-Term Care Ombudsman: County program helps residents of skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other long-term care facilities, with complaints related to care or personal rights, will investigate and resolve them. Contact: (800) 640-4661 (click here for the state ombudsman program; and here for the federal).

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Meals on Wheels San Diego County: This meal delivery program distributes food six days a week (Sunday meals are delivered Saturday) to residents countywide. Meals on Wheels volunteers also make safety checks on delivery recipients, noting anything of concern and making the appropriate referral. Contact: (619) 260-6110; meals-on-wheels.org

North County Parkinsons Support Group: Serving Encinitas, Cardiff, Fallbrook and Oceanside, the North County Parkinsons Support Group has monthly meetings as well as educational, exercise and therapeutic programs and social events. Contact: info@NCPSG.org; ncpsg.org

Operation Family Caregiver: A program of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, Operation Family Caregiver, OFC works with military caregivers and family members to help deal with such service-related challenges as post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Administered in San Diego by the Southern Caregiver Resource Center. Contact: (800) 827-1008 or (858) 268-4432; caregivercenter.org; operationfamilycaregiver.org.

PACE: The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE, is a Medicare/Medi-Cal program that provides care and services to people who otherwise would need care in a nursing home. PACE covers medical, social service, and long-term care costs and may pay for some or all of the long-term care needs of a person with Alzheimers disease. PACE permits most people who qualify to continue living at home instead of moving to a long-term care facility. San Diego currently has two PACE programs, covering zip codes around the county, but mainly in the city of San Diego, east and south counties.

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Pacific South Coast chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: The San Diego-based Pacific South Coast chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers support groups and information. See the schedule here. Contact: (800) 344-4867; nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/CAS

Parkinsons Association of San Diego: The newly-revived Parkinsons Association of San Diego conducts support groups and offers resources. See information here. Contact: (858) 999-5671; parkinsonsassociation.org/2018-home-page/

San Diego District Attorney: Prosecutes elder abuse and also maintains the San Diego District Attorney Facility Elder Abuse reporting line for suspected abuse in facilities. The Safe Seniors program educates against scams and elder abuse. Contact: (619) 531-4040; (619) 531-3342 (Facility Elder Abuse reporting line); sdcda.org/helping/elder-abuse.html

San Diego Fall Prevention Task Force: Sponsored by the countys Aging & Independence Services, the task force, works to educate and prevent seniors from falling and the often devastating impacts from falls. Its web page has a host of information and resources. Contact: Katie.Zahm@SDCounty.CA.Gov; sandiegofallprevention.org

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The Salvation Army: Among the programs for seniors offered by The Salvation Armys Club 60 are dining centers and home-delivered meals. The five Senior Dining & Social Centers are located in Chula Vista, El Cajon, Lakeside, Oceanside and San Diego. Meals can be delivered to select zip codes in Chula Vista, El Cajon and San Diego. Contact: (619) 231-6000; sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/love-the-elderly

Serving Seniors: Serves meals to seniors around the county as well as delivers meals to homebound elderly residents. Breakfast and lunch is provided seven days a week, 365 days a year, at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center in downtown San Diego. Communal meals are also served five days a weeks at these locations. Health services also offered. Contact: (619) 235-6572 (for communal meals); (619) 487-0707 (for home-delivered meals); servingseniors.org

Sharp Senior Resource Centers: Open to the public anyone, not just Sharp members, the resource centers hold free classes, workshops, health and wellness lectures, as well as maintaining a library stocked with information. on housing options, home care agencies, legal and financial services and more. Contact: (619) 740-4214; www.sharp.com/services/seniors/resource-centers.cfm

Southern Caregiver Resource Center: SCRC provides a multitude of services, including family consultation and case management, classes, support groups, short-term counseling, service referrals, legal and financial consultations and respite care and assistance to military caregivers. Contact: (800) 827-1008 or (858) 268-4432; caregivercenter.org

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State Health Insurance Assistance Program: SHIP, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program is a national program that provides counseling and assistance to people and their families on Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap) matters. (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program or HICAP in California). Services are provided by San Diego Countys Aging and Independent Services. Contact: (858) 495-5885.

Take Me Home: Aimed at families of people with dementia who are concerned about wandering, the San Diego County Sheriffs Departments program is a photo-based information system accessible to all law enforcement agencies in the region. Contact: (858) 565-5200; sdsheriff.net/tmh/index.html; enrollment on the San Diego Sheriffs Department website is free.

UC San Diego, Shiley-Marcos Alzheimers Disease Research Center (ADRC): The primary mission of this ADRC is researching the causes, treatment, and prevention of Alzheimers disease. But it also offers resources that include caregiver support groups (for Alzheimers caregivers and non-Alzheimers dementia caregivers). Contact: (858) 822-4800; adrc.ucsd.edu

VA San Diego Healthcare System: The VA San Diego Healthcare System connects veterans and their caregivers with such services as adult day health care, home-based primary care and respite care. Contact: Services are coordinated from the location where the veteran receives primary care. (760) 643-2068 for Oceanside and Escondido; (858) 642-1560 for La Jolla, Chula Vista and Sorrento Valley; (619) 497-8424 for Mission Valley, El Centro and for those unassigned a primary care team; sandiego.va.gov/services/caregiver/index.asp

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You Are Not Alone (YANA): A free service by the San Diego Countys Sheriffs Department, YANA makes regular welfare and safety checks on the countys elderly, disabled and homebound residents. Calls are made Mon.-Fri.; and a Sheriffs Senior Volunteer Patrol member will make a weekly, in-person visit. Contact: Sign up at your closest sdsheriff.net/documents/yana-brochure.pdf

STATE

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR): A statewide non-profit advocacy organization, CANHRs website has multiple searchable databases, or links to databases, of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), as well extensive guidelines on what to look for and avoid. Contact: (800) 474-1116; canhr.org

Community Care Licensing Division: Part of the California Department of Social Services, this is where you can search the licensing status and regulatory, inspection and citation history of a variety of facilities  including assisted living, CCRCs, home care agencies and adult day care. Contact: (800) 952-5253; cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/Community-Care-Licensing

CRISISline: The state CRISISline is available to take calls and refer complaints about long-term care facilities 24/7. According to the Department of Aging, all long-term care facilities are required to post, in a conspicuous location, the phone number for the local Ombudsman office and the Statewide CRISISline number. Contact: (800) 231-4024.

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NATIONAL

AARP: The educational and social advocacy organization offers an authoritative, exhaustive source for primers, guides, fact sheets, interactive online-tools, webinars, videos, caregiver stories, and more on its websites Family Caregiving area. Caregivers can also download a local resource guide for San Diego and Chula Vista. Contact: (877) 333-8558; (877) 333-5885 for AARPs Caregiving Support Line; aarp.org

Aging Life Care Association: A national industry association that can help you find a geriatric care manager. Its website has a comprehensive database, which is searchable by ZIP code. Contact: (520) 881-8008; aginglifecare.org

American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society has a caregiver support group list thats searchable by ZIP code. Cancer patients and caregivers can also create an online support group through MyLifeLine.org. Theres a downloadable Caregiver Resource Guide at cancer.org/treatment/caregivers.html. Contact: the ACS Mission Valley office at (619) 682-7410 or the national Cancer Helpline at (800) 227-2345; www.cancer.org/about-us/local/california.html

Eldercare Locator: A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, the Eldercare Locator, can connect caregivers to a variety of services in their community, including housing options, transportation, legal service, adult day care and meal programs. Contact: (800) 677-1116; eldercare.acl.gov

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The Elizabeth Dole Foundation: Helps raise awareness for military caregivers as well as connecting them with resources through its Hidden Heroes program. Find a Caregiver Q&A, a resource list of vetted service organizations, an online support group, access to free financial advice and caregiver educational courses on the website. Contact: elizabethdolefoundation.org

Family Caregiver Alliance: The long-established non-profit caregiver education, services and advocacy group maintains a vast library of helpful fact sheets for caregivers as well as a Family Care Navigator on its website. Contact: (800) 445-8106; caregiver.org

HHS Caregiver Resources & Long-Term Care: The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services comprehensive information page of resources on everything from planning for long-term care to preparing for end-of-life decisions. Contact: hhs.gov/aging/long-term-care

National Institute on Aging: A major source of information on geriatric health, nutrition, fitness, research, clinical trials, cognitive disease and a wide range of conditions, the NIA is also a rich repository of material on caregiver know-how. Tips, fact sheets, checklists and articles are reader-friendly. Contact: (800) 222-2225; nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving

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Nursing Home Compare: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services online database and five-star rating system for nursing homes, Nursing Home Compare can help consumers make informed decisions when choosing a facility. Contact: medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare

Vial of Life: A national program providing free a magnetic plastic holder in which to keep your specific health information so thats easily accessible in case of emergency. Its recommended to be kept on the refrigerator. You can also download the Vial of Life packet and a new form here. Contact: (800) 510-2020 vialalife.com

AARP also recommends:

The following organizations, groups and agencies offer caregivers a variety of resources, ranging from support services and webinars to tip sheets, care guides and how-to videos.

Alzheimers.gov: The governments free information resource about Alzheimers disease and related dementias. alzheimers.gov

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ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center: Find programs and services that allow caregivers to get a break from caring for a loved one. archrespite.org

Caregiver Action Network: Provides information and education for family caregivers, including a volunteer support network in over 40 states. caregiveraction.org

Hospice Foundation of America: Provides information on issues related to hospice and end-of-life care. (800) 854-3402; hospicefoundation.org

The National Clearinghouse for Long-term Care Information: Information and tools to plan for future long-term care needs. longtermcare.acl.gov

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Well Spouse Association: Provides support for spousal caregivers. (800) 838-0879; wellspouse.org

michele.parente@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @sdeditgirlThe 900-pound, steel bell atop the Olde Presbyterian Community Church in Lakeside usually sits quiet these days, snug and cozy in its steeple.

But on Wednesday, April 25, the bell that has been rung by women in times of war, as they prayed for a future with peace, found its voice again.

Nearly three dozen members of the Lakeside Historical Society and the Lakeside Womans Club gathered at the site of the former church  now home to the Lakeside Historical Society  to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Victory Bell ringing.

According to a plaque that is on the wall of the bell tower at the towns first church at 9906 Maine Ave., the first Victory Bell was rung at noon on April 25, 1918, by Lakeside Womans Club member Eleanor B. Parkes. As the story is told, Parkes rang the bell in front of 500 delegates from all the Womans Clubs throughout San Diego County.

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Lakeside Historical Society member Gary Mitrovich said that when World War I was raging, women in the community would gather every day at noon to ring the church bell seven times  one for each letter in the word victory.

A moment of silent prayer for the war to end would follow. He said the gesture of hope spread to other churches throughout the nation.

Apparently, other women started it in their churches after we did it here, said Lakeside Womans Club President Lisa Sharp. It spread all over the nation, the bells ringing seven times. To think this little club started something across the United States its like one of those Norman Rockwell Moments.

Mitrovich said the church was constructed in 1896, with the bell being installed that same year. The bell was built by the C.S. Bell Company in Ohio, a business started by Charles Singleton Bell in 1858. The corporation is still in existence.

The Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church moved less than a half-mile away to Channel Road in 1962.

The bell and the original church building are central to the historical district of Lakeside, which encompasses most of Maine Avenue and includes buildings from all eras, from the 1920s to today, said Betty McMillen of the Historical Society.

McMillen said the church bell was also rung during World War II, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and others  almost too many to count nowadays, she said. McMillen noted that during the Desert Storm operation, an American flag was hung from the steeple every day, as well.

Among those remembering the 100th anniversary of the Victory Bell ringing were longtime Lakeside resident Edna Kouns, who turns 104 in June, and Jean Angus, who turned 97 in January.

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Angus has been living in Lakeside since she was 6. She said she and her brothers heard the bell every Sunday and on special occasions, including times of war.

War was a big thing to many of us who lived here, Angus said. It seemed so useless in a way, and so the ringing of the bell was a reminder of what was happening. I remember we also had a sign out front. We put names of the people that went to war on it. It was just kind of sad for all of us.

Lifelong Lakeside resident Billy Ortiz says whenever he hears the booming sound on the rare occasions the bell is rung in these modern times, he imagines how life must have been like in the 1890s when the bell was new.

When that bell was first there, there were no automobiles, no airplanes, and it was really quiet in the valley, said Ortiz, a member of the towns Historical Society. Ill bet that people in Moreno Valley, El Monte Valley and parts of Santee, which back then were all considered El Cajon Valley, could hear that bell, letting them know it was time to get to church.

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Ortiz said he thinks the only ones who may not have appreciated the bell were patrons of the Lakeside Inn, known as the Hotel Del Coronado of the East, a resort-like enclave a stones throw away from the church.

People staying there came out here to party, drink beers, relax and I imagine they would be nursing hangovers on a Sunday morning and would not appreciate the bells ringing, Ortiz said, laughing.

During the month of May, the Historical Society holds Living History Days for third graders around the Lakeside Union School District. One of the highlights for students is getting to ring the bell, Ortiz said.

Not much has been done to the bell over the years. It is a little rusty and has lost a couple of its ancillary parts but still works. The bell cannot be seen inside the church because of the way the tower was built. Two floors separate the bell from the bottom floor where the rope that rings it hangs.

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The Olde Lakeside Community Church (Howard Lipin/San Diego Union-Tribune )

The bell is only visible from a few blocks away so Ortiz took a photograph of the bell, enlarged it and put it inside a picture frame on the first floor of the church next to the rope. This way, visitors can see what it looks like up close.

However, Ortiz and some of the other Historical Society members climb up two sets of ladders periodically with those lucky enough to see the bell in person.

Ortiz said he was heartened recently when a 14-year-old visitor from out of the area, the granddaughter of one of the Historical Society members, said she wanted to see the bell. Ortiz accompanied the teen to the top where she could see the bell and views that included some of nearby Lindo Lake and hills in the distance.

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It was so nice to see a teenager get into it, Ortiz said. I even let her ring the bell.

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karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.comStarting July 1, the San Diego Humane Society and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will take over animal control services for the city of Santee, which for the last 38 years had contracted with the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.

Since about 1980, lost or runaway animals found in Santee have been taken to Bonita, where one of the countys three shelters is located.

The Santee City Council on April 25 agreed to a three-year contract with the local Humane Society, a nonprofit located on Gaines Street in San Diego near the University of San Diego.

Santee will pay $424,804 for the first year of the contract  about $35,000 more than it pays the county now. Kathy Valverde, assistant to the city manager, said that several extra services that will be provided by the Humane Society make it worth the 9 percent increase over current costs.

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Costs over the next two years will be negotiated each year. Costs were determined by a formula based on total calls for service, animal intake and current population of the city.

Similar to Santees current agreement with the county, the cost of providing animal control services will be offset each year by revenue collected by the Humane Society on behalf of the city. Those revenues are through dog licenses, adoptions, citations and other user fees and service charges.

About a year ago, the county informed Santee it would stop animal control services on June 30, forcing the city  and others around the county  to look elsewhere for its needs.

Santee looked toward the new El Cajon Animal Shelter, scheduled to open this summer. But a report from Santee city staff said that the city of El Cajon is not interested in providing service to Santee, though Valverde told the City Council that Santee may join its neighbor in the future.

El Cajon did not want to provide animal control services that Santee needed, especially field and patrol services and enforcement.

The city also looked into other animal services, including Chula Vista Animal Care Facility and the city of Coronado, but those were not geographically sound choices for Santee.

The Humane Society wll provide the same fundamental services to the city as the county did  shelter and care of animals and enforcement of animal laws and public protection.

It will also provide new services the city has lacked, including at least one dedicated Humane Officer working in the city limits for field services. Santee will also consider providing space in a city facility so the Humane Officer will have a place to make phone calls and complete paperwork.

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The Humane Society will also be the one to respond to complaints of barking dogs. Currently, the citys code compliance officer and Sheriffs deputies have that role.

Santee is also considering providing a temporary animal holding facility to keep stray animals during the day so their owners can pick them up in the city instead of making the trek to Gaines Street.

The city will be able to terminate the contract with a one-year advanced written notice.

The San Diego Humane Society operates two other shelters in the county  one in Escondido and another in Oceanside. It has been seeking to take over the operation and administration of the city of San Diegos shelter next door. The citys shelter is operated by the county, which is vacating the premises at the end of June.

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karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.comNational City has retained a law firm to investigate whether Councilman Jerry Cano used his position to avoid fines for code violations for a period of five years.

Attorney William Curley of the Lozano Smith Law Firm will conduct the investigation, which also includes claims of inappropriate touching that Cano made against Councilwoman Mona Rios.

A second investigation by Curley will focus on how city staff handled Canos code violations, which stem from outdoor renovations the councilman made at his Mary Lane home without the proper permits.

Under the contract between the city attorneys office and the law firm, the cost for each of the investigations is not to exceed $25,000, for a total of no more than $50,000. The contract does not include a deadline.

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I want them to do a thorough job, said City Attorney Angil Morris-Jones.

She said the parallel investigations presumably will include interviews with council members and city staff  perhaps more than one round  and a review of city documents.

According to an online biography, Curley specializes in advising city councils and city staff on code enforcement, land use, water law and development agreements.

Prior to his legal career of more than 25 years, Curley worked as a city planner.

His in-house, public agency background allows him to have a comprehensive understanding of the issues confronting public officials and agencies, including a practical understanding of the objectives of elected officials, staff and their communities, and the legal issues involved in public agency decision-making, reads his biography on Lozano Smith Law Firms website.

The firm has eight offices across the state, including one in San Diego.

Canos 14 code violations date back to June 2013, when city building official Luis Sainz wrote out the violations and delivered the notice in person rather than on city letterhead and via certified mail, as is protocol. Sainz told The San Diego Union-Tribune he did so at the request of his boss, Frank Parra.

Parra, director of emergency services, denied telling Sainz to show Cano special treatment.

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Two follow-up notices were typed on pages with National Citys letterhead and sent to Cano via certified mail.

The city typically issues a first and final notice before moving onto administrative citations if violations arent corrected. Instead of fines, the city issued a recordation on Canos home  an unusual enforcement action that is similar to a lien.

On April 3, Cano submitted plans to correct the violations at the request of Morris-Jones, who joined the city in May 2017 and has said she was unaware of the violations until last month. The plans were approved and Cano was issued a building permit on April 24. He has 30 days to correct the violations.

The accusations Cano made against Rios surfaced at an April 3 meeting. He alleged Rios had inappropriately touched him while council members posed for a photograph at the beginning of the meeting. He made the claims soon after Rios called for an outside investigation into Canos violations.

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Rios has denied the allegations and called them an act of retaliation.

The City Council voted 3-1 to give Morris-Jones the green light to hire a law firm for the outside investigations during an hours-long and at-times-tense meeting on April 17. Mayor Ron Morrison cast the dissenting vote.

Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

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Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez

UPDATES:

12:15 p.m. on May 1: This article was updated with additional details about the plans Cano submitted to correct the violations. This article was originally published at 5:45 p.m. on April 30.The plan was unconventional: Build four three-story housing units, each with 10 bedrooms and shared spaces, including a kitchen and living and dining rooms.

Developers said the co-living complex would help address the housing crisis in National City by providing more homes and low rent.

But residents who live near the proposed site opposed the project, saying it was not the right fit for their quiet neighborhood of single-family homes in the citys eastern region.

In the end, the City Council listened to the concerns from residents and shot down the project at an April 17 meeting.

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The idea, however, is not necessarily dead.

City officials broadly supported the proposal as a means to confront the housing crisis, and developers might return with a more modest plan.

Martin Reeder, the citys acting planning director, said it would have been the first co-living complex in National City.

It is sort of a new outside-of-the-box project, he said. Its getting expensive to rent. People are coming up with unique ways to provide housing for all different income groups. This is one way to do it.

Similar developments have been introduced in other cities across the country, including New York City, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Oftentimes, co-living homes offer comforts such as regular cleaning services and furnished rooms, with all utilities included in the rent.

This is the new wave of thinking, National City Councilwoman Alejandra Sotelo-Solis said.

She and other council members said the project was the type of development National City needs to confront its housing crisis.

The project the city reviewed proposed four 4,500- to 5,000-square-foot units, with patios and roof decks. Each 200- to 250-square-foot bedroom included a closet and bathroom.

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The site plan also included 37 on-site parking spots and almost 4,000 square feet of open space.

The concern that surfaced was tied to the proposed location: a half-acre, undeveloped lot that is boxed in by single-family homes on Euclid Avenue on the east, East 18th Street on the south, Prospect Street on the west and East 16th Street on the north. The lot is accessed off of Orange Street, a cul-de-sac.

The developers had applied for a waiver to proceed with the project without meeting a requirement that calls for 75 percent of the frontage of the complex to be built within 10 feet of the property line. There was no way the project could meet the requirement, which is meant to ensure properties are pedestrian-friendly, because it is accessed via a 30-foot-wide driveway.

The City Councils unanimous vote rejected the so-called zone variance to waive the requirement.

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The decision came after more than a dozen longtime residents who live on the streets that surround the lot stood before the City Council to voice their concerns about the project. They said they worried the co-living complex would be an eyesore in the neighborhood and exacerbate traffic and parking problems that already exist in the area. Some said they felt uneasy about the possibility that residents of the three-story complex would be able to peek into the single-family homes.

Were not interested in this sort of development, said Theresa Camacho, a Prospect Street resident who has lived in National City for more than 30 years.

She acknowledged co-living has worked in cities such as San Francisco.

But, she added, National City is not San Francisco.

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Some residents also expressed concerns that the complex would be a halfway house  a notion the developers rejected.

Were not bad neighbors, said developer Andrew Greer of Thomas Stafford Investments. The city needs the units; were here to provide them.

About a half-dozen speakers supported the project, saying it would address the citys housing shortage and offer residents affordable rent. Supporters included John Borja, a National City Chamber of Commerce board director, who said co-living homes are part of an emerging trend across the nation.

Opposition from residents apparently persuaded the City Council.

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It has value, but not there, Councilman Albert Mendivil said, referring to the specific lot.

Councilman Jerry Cano told the developers, Greer and Keith Robinson, to consider the comments from residents.

Im pretty sure if you listen to all of their concerns, he said, Im pretty sure you can work together to build something new.

Reeder said the city would be in touch with the developers to revisit the plans. He said the developers might choose to come up with a more modest design and engage in more community outreach. Plans cant be re-submitted to the city for another year unless they are significantly different.

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Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandezNational City is the latest city in the county to revisit its social host ordinance, which is meant to hold adults responsible for hosting parties where minors drink or use drugs.

In National City, council members last month rejected amendments intended to strengthen the citys ordinance, which was first approved in 2003.

The City Councils split decision leaves on the books an ordinance that, as written, is basically unenforceable.

Nicole Pedone, senior assistant city attorney, pointed to a 2004 unpublished opinion by the San Diego Superior Court Appellate Division, which held that the city of San Diegos social host ordinance violated a persons right to due process because it lacked an intent element  language to make it clear when a host knew or should have known of the wrongdoing.

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Pedone said National Citys ordinance mirrors San Diegos law as it was written before it was amended.

While the unpublished decision may not be citable as legal precedent, it is an indication of how a trial or appellate court might analyze our current social host ordinance, Pedone wrote in a staff report.

Proponents of an amended ordinance said the changes were important ahead of summer, a period that gives rise to an increase in underage drinking and smoking.

A key amendment to the ordinance would have expanded the language to specifically mention marijuana, making it clear it is illegal for hosts to allow minors to smoke cannabis.

The change was noteworthy because the use of recreational marijuana became legal in January for adults ages 21 and older.

In the staff report to the City Council, Pedone noted that Proposition 64, the voter-approved law that governs recreational pot, allows adults to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use in their homes.

Now there is an additional threat with marijuana being allowed to be grown in a private residence, Pedone said in the staff report.

Due to the legalization of recreational marijuana ... amending the citys social host ordinance to include marijuana is essential to protect the health and safety of not only minors but also that of the community at large, she said.

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Other proposed amendments to the ordinance would have:

Given the city more enforcement options against violations, including criminal, civil and administrative actions.

Required hosts to take steps to prevent underage drinking, smoking and drug use.

Allowed the city to recover more costs associated with public safety personnels response to a party where minors are found to be drinking, smoking marijuana or using drugs.

Despite the city attorneys offices recommendation to adopt the changes, the City Council voted 3-2 on April 17 to reject the amendments. Councilman Jerry Cano and Councilwomen Alejandra Sotelo-Solis and Mona Rios voted no.

Rios said she was worried about criminalizing youth, while Sotelo-Solis expressed concerns over the different levels of enforcement.

How do we make sure justice is equally applied? she asked.

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In response, Pedone said the violations would be treated on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes, administrative actions might be appropriate, while other times the violations might warrant criminal charges, she said.

She also clarified that the ordinance focuses on adults who allow underage drinking or smoking  not the minors themselves.

Like those in other cities, the ordinance was designed to confront and mitigate underage drinking and drug use at parties hosted in residences or rented facilities, along with problems often associated with such gatherings, such as alcohol or drug abuse, vandalism, excessive noise, fights and traffic collisions.

In response, social hosts ordinances allow law enforcement to hold hosts responsible. Under National Citys current ordinance, the city attorneys office can charge offenders with a misdemeanor.

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The ordinance also allows the city to recover from hosts who violate the ordinance the costs for enforcement services provided by police or code enforcement officers. The amendment would have included any other type of first responders such as firefighters or paramedics.

Pedone said there have been no cases of violations of the ordinance forwarded to the city attorneys office since she was hired in 2015.

In recent years, cities across the state have updated their social host ordinances, oftentimes including language about marijuana.

There are four cities in San Diego County that have not updated their ordinances to include an intent element, according to the San Diego-based Institute for Public Strategies, which tracks the changes. The cities are National City, Coronado, Vista and Solana Beach.

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Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com

Phone: (619) 293-1876

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandezKatherine Boo, a journalist whose deep explorations of poverty have won a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award, will discuss her work in a free event May 16 at the San Diego Central Library.

Shell be in conversation with Steve Clemons, Washington editor at large for The Atlantic, as part of UC San Diegos Helen Edison Lecture Series. The talk begins at 7 p.m. at the library, 330 Park Blvd.

Boo grew up around Washington, D.C. and got her start in reporting there, working for various publications before moving to the Washington Post. In 2000, a series of stories she wrote about neglect and abuse at homes for the mentally disabled won the Pulitzer for Public Service.

Two years later, she received a MacArthur Foundation genius grant and then moved to The New Yorker, where she won a National Magazine Award in 2004 for a story called The Marriage Cure, about a state program in Oklahoma that encourages wedlock as a way to avoid poverty.

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In 2012, her book Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity was published. Its a richly detailed account of the despair and dreams among the people who populate a slum located in the shadow of luxury hotels. It captured the National Book Award for nonfiction and was a finalist for a Pulitzer.

Much of Boos work is marked by an immersion in the lives of her subjects that avoids the sensational and the unusual and looks for threads that connect to the wider human condition. For Beautiful Forevers, she spent three years doing the reporting.

Very little journalism is world-changing, she told the New York Times in an interview after the book was published. But if change is to happen, it will be because people with power have a better sense of whats happening to people who have none.

At the Central Library, shell be joined in conversation by Clemons, who in addition to his work for The Atlantic is the founder of the American Strategy Program at the New America Foundation, a think-tank based in Washington, D.C.

The Helen Edison Lecture Series is named after a late San Diego philanthropist. In 1987, she gave a $500,000 endowment to UC San Diego to support ongoing presentations for the benefit of the university community as well as for the larger San Diego community.

Although the May 16 event is free, registration is recommended through UC San Diego extension and eventbrite.com.

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john.wilkens@sduniontribune.comRafael Payare, the San Diego Symphonys music director designate, received his official welcome Monday from an orchestra, city and region eager to start a new musical era. When the charismatic Venezuelan conductor begins his tenure next year, he will become the 13th music director in the 108-year history of the orchestra, the oldest in California.

Payare, 38, wasted no time in setting the bar high and wide, pledging to strive for musical excellence and to reach across real and imagined borders.

Its so close! Mexico is right over there, he told an audience of civic and arts leaders, symphony patrons, orchestra members and media members gathered on the stage of Jacobs Music Centers Copley Symphony Hall. It will be wonderful to see different parts of the community come together.

 San Diego Symphony music director designate Rafael Payare excited to begin new job here

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Payare elaborated on this theme in a separate Union-Tribune interview earlier Monday morning.

The beauty of music is you dont need words, he said.

Without needing to try and impose anything, music can make people change and hear each other  and that will make the overtones much more meaningful. It will be easy. Instead of (focusing on) walls and differences, it can bring what we already have together and make a nice melody.

Payare was also interviewed in Spanish by two TV news crews from Tijuana. His selection to head the symphony  and the borders-blurring, bridge-extending attributes he brings to his new position  were hailed from both within and without the orchestra.

We could not be more thrilled and were really proud to have been part of the process, said veteran San Diego Symphony violinist Kate Hatmaker, one of the orchestras three musicians who served on the search committee that selected Payare. He made his debut here conducting the symphony in January, then was named music director designate in February.

Our interactions with Rafael so far have shown him to be a very thoughtful, genuine and passionate music-maker, and thats what struck us the most, Hatmaker said. I think this is a great story for our region  his selection is representative of an era where the San Diego Symphony can be a leader in inclusivity.

Her sentiments were heartily seconded by UC San Diego music professor Steven Schick, who was the featured percussion soloist during Payares San Diego Symphony concerts earlier this year.

Rafael Payare engaged in a live Q&A session Monday with San Diego Symphony CEO Martha Gilmer on stage at Jacobs Music Centers Copley Symphony Hall. (Photo by Nelvin C. Cepeda/Union-Tribune )

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As a conductor, sometimes you get someone who is reliable  or musical. In Rafael, we get both. Were excited and thrilled, both with his musicality and with what he brings on a level of cultural interaction, said Schick, the music director of the La Jolla Symphony & Chorus.

Ive often thought San Diego should be the geographic and cultural portal to Latin America. With Rafael in town, and other energies, we stand a good chance to coalesce a major engagement with music and musicians from Latin America and beyond.

The audience on hand to greet Payare Monday included leading San Diego philanthropists Joan and Irwin Jacobs, Athenaeum Music & Arts Library Executive Director Erika Torri, La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley, Fresh Sound concert series founder Bonnie Wright and Villa Musica director Fiona Chatwin. San Diego City Council member Chris Ward came armed with a proclamation from the mayors office declaring Monday Rafael Payare Day.

The conductor was preceded on the Copley Symphony Hall stage by several dignitaries, including Salk Institute Professor of Molecular Neurobiology Greg Lemke, symphony Board Chairman Dr. Warren O. Kessler, Port of San Diego Board Commissioner Rafael Castellanos and symphony CEO Martha Gilmer.

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This is a magnificent day, Kessler told the audience. I will tell you, unequivocally, that the orchestra, the (search) committee and the board of directors got it right.

Gilmer recalled a party here in January that Payare attended with his wife, cello star Alisa Weilerstein, and 50 or so of San Diegos arts and cultural leaders.

Rafael immediately realized the depth of knowledge and caring in this community, Gilmer said. She then proudly recounted the Schick-led, symphony-produced concert here in January, which took place on both sides of the San Diego/Tijuana border wall at International Friendship Park.

After it was over, one of the Border Patrol agents said: Events here are at the border are always about our differences as two nations  this one was all about our similarities. When it was over, I missed it. I did not want it to end, a beaming Gilmer said.

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Music does that. We do not want it to end.

Like Gilmer and the San Diego Symphony, Payare is eager to expand the reach of the orchestra and draw new listeners of all ages.

Those people are even more interesting to reach out to, he told the Union-Tribune. Because they dont know (the music) or try to say: I recognize this or that, you get from them more of a gut reaction. They feel moved or not moved, or hectic, or dizzy.

Its fantastic, because they come not knowing they are supposed to feel that way, but they do, and thats the powerful thing about music. It gets to you. Thats what I love with music. Its a universal language. You dont need to know anything. You just feel it, or you dont.

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The next opportunity for San Diegans to hear Payare in action here with the orchestra will come on Jan. 10, when he conducts a concert featuring works by Mozart, Mussorgsky and Richard Strauss. From Jan. 11-13, hell conduct the orchestra in works by Strauss, Shostakovich and Britten.

Shostakovich, Payare told the Union-Tribune, is one of the composers whose music he would be interested in conducting for an entire cycle of performances with the San Diego Symphony. He also cited Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and maybe even Bruckner as possible cycle artists, while stressing no decisions have been made yet and that the needs of the audience  as well as the orchestra  need to be taken into account. And, if all goes according to plan, he will also gradually add some new contemporary works to the orchestras repertoire.

Payare, who has conducted many of the worlds greatest orchestras, spoke enthusiastically about his lifelong love affair with music. He regards his pending tenure with the San Diego Symphony as both a joint opportunity and an adventure.

I want to do what is right for the orchestra and the audience, and enjoy the journey, he said.

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The orchestra needs the right balance to play in a fresh and transparent way. Its like having a glass of Champagne. It must be the right temperature.

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george.varga@sduniontribune.com

Twitter @georgevargaEight members of a group of Central American migrants seeking asylum in the United States were admitted Monday night into the San Ysidro Port of Entry, according to leaders of the Pueblo Sin Fronteras Caravan that brought them to the Tijuana-San Diego border.

They were the first to be allowed through since a group of caravan members arrived at the border on Sunday afternoon to apply for asylum.

Word of their passage came as U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that it was again accepting asylum seekers and others without documents after a hiatus of close to 27 hours.

Just as members of the Pueblo Sin Fronteras Caravan had prepared to present themselves at the border to ask for asylum, CBP had announced on Sunday afternoon that its facilities were full and that it did not have the capacity to accept them.

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On Monday morning, some 20 members of the caravan, most of them women with small children, spread out on blankets at the door to the ports PedWest entrance, watching as northbound pedestrian crossers filed past at a rapid clip, heading to jobs, school and shopping excursions.

I feel that God will help me cross, and will touch the presidents heart, said Jose Cristobal Amaya, 16, among the small group waiting at the PedWest door.

The Honduran teenager, who was traveling alone, said he was fleeing gang members he calls Los Mareros who beat his father and threatened to kill his entire family.

Jose Cristobal Anaya of Honduras was among a group of 20 Pueblo Sin Fronteras Caravan members waiting outside the San Ysidro Port of Entry on Monday morning. (Sandra Dibble/San Diego Union Tribune )

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The eight caravan members to go through were from this group, with mothers and children the first to be selected, according to a spokesman for Pueblo Sin Fronteras: three mothers, four children, and an 18-year-old were in the initial group.

The spokesman said that they will remain detained at the port until they receive a credible fear interview, an initial screening that launches the asylum process.

Meanwhile a larger group of caravan members continued waiting, spread farther from the PedWest entrance in an open area outside El Chaparral, Mexicos federal port that connects to San Ysidro.

Attorneys who have been assisting them have said that up to 200 participants had been preparing to apply for asylum.

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President Donald Trump has made it clear that he does not look kindly on the caravan. He has tweeted that he instructed the Secretary of Homeland Security to not let these large caravans of people into our country.

On Monday night the U.S. Department of Justice announced it had filed charges against 11 suspected caravan members, accusing them of entering the country illegally.

The suspects were arrested by members of the Border Patrol in areas west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

When respect for the rule of law diminishes, so too does our ability to protect our great nation, its borders, and its citizens, said Attorney General Jeff Sessions in a statement.

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But caravan leaders said Monday they had no knowledge that any of its members were arrested.

Outside the port on Monday, caravan participants said they were determined to apply for asylum in the United States and were prepared to wait.

The caravan has come under much scrutiny as it crossed Mexico to the U.S. border, swelling to as many as 1,700 members, according to organizers, with the majority from Honduras.

The caravan left Tapachula on the Guatemalan border on March 25th, with those most determined to seek asylum in the United States now gathered in Tijuana.

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They cant leave them sitting indefinitely, youve got to think theres a plan there, said Andrew Selee, president of the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Because the United States is a country of laws, they will have to process them, even if it goes slowly.

Selee said the delay also shows a need to come up with a new approach.

Our border policies were set up for a time when it was mostly economic migrants coming across, Selee said. As growing numbers of asylum applicants show up at ports of entry, he said. we havent re-thought our border policies to deal with these new flows.

Caravan members said they were prepared to wait it out.

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After days on a train, after so much struggle, this is the easiest part, said Irineo Mujica, a U.S. citizen who heads Pueblo Sin Fronteras, which also operates two migrant shelters in the state of Sonora.

But while members of the caravan wait, so are other asylum seekers, and they have been growing increasingly upset, complaining that caravan members were trying to enter ahead of people who have been waiting for more than a week.

The ones from the caravan are trying to break the line, said Rene Garcia, who said he is from the state of Michoacan, and had been waiting for eight days for a chance to walk up to the port and present himself for asylum. Others in the group include Hondurans, Venezuelans and Haitians, he saidSamantha Mays arrived outside The Best Burger in South Los Angeles, the place where her teenage daughter was fatally shot just days before.

She walked toward a crowd of people who showed up for a news conference. They placed their hands around her, trying to console her.

Mays burst into tears.

Im just trying to hold it together. I had tried so hard to protect her, she said.

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I know you did, family friend Theresa Arnold replied.

Hannah Bell, 15, was fatally shot on Friday. On Monday, police joined relatives, neighbors and others in seeking answers, and justice.

I hope that this community will come out, show their anger, and their resentment, and denounce in the most fervent way that this has to stop, LAPD Capt. Peter Whittingham said.

Behind him, teddy bears, balloons and dozens of candles lined the sidewalk near the spot where the girl was shot.

Authorities announced a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the teenagers slaying.

Mays pleaded for the killer to come forward.

Maybe it would be easier on you if you just give in and take your punishment like you deserve, she said, breaking down in tears. It was wrong to take my daughter. She was innocent.

Kiara Armstrong places a candle at a memorial for slain teenager Hannah Bell. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times )

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More than two dozen Los Angeles Police Department officers showed up at the news conference Monday morning to show support. Deputy Chief Phil Tingirides said he is confident that the community can help solve the case.

Maybe we wont find the shooter today or tomorrow, but we wont rest until we do, Tingirides said.

Hannah and her mother had been living with relatives a few blocks from The Best Burger at Western Avenue and 78th Street, relatives said.

On Friday evening, Hannah told her mother that she wanted to grab a bite to eat.

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Mays, who does not have a car, decided to walk with her daughter to the burger stand. It was a trip they had taken many times, said Nancy Wilson, who was Hannahs aunt.

Around 8:55 p.m., as Hannah and her mother stood outside the business, multiple shots were fired, authorities said.

My mom told me she pulled Hannah down to protect her, said Markeis Jones, the teenage girls brother. When the shooting stopped, my mom got up and told Hannah to get up but she didnt.

LAPD Det. Everardo Amaral said Hannah was taken to a nearby hospital where she died one hour later.

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She was shot multiple times, at least once in the lower torso, Amaral said.

So far, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Relatives describe Hannah as a loving and joyful teen who had her eyes set on going to college and becoming a nurse.

Her energy was contagious, Jones said. He recalls that even when Hannah was angry with him, she would maintain a sense of humor.

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She would always love to stand on my back, and whenever she got angry she would tell me, No, Im not going to stand on your back,  said Jones, 27.

Hannah also loved going to church. Arnold, the family friend, said she had been taking her to Bible study since she was 5.

She was a good and happy kid, Arnold said. She always wanted to help out at the church.

But it was her close relationship with her mother that many relatives found special.

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They were like two peas and a pod, her brother said. I remember I was at the grocery store and I saw Hannah pulling a shopping cart with my mom inside.

That didnt mean life could not be hard for the pair even before the shooting. Jones said his sister and mother were homeless for a while and lived on skid row.

She had only recently found a place to stay and was in the process of completing the paperwork, Arnold said of Mays.

Wilson said Hannahs difficult life experiences made her want to help others by becoming a nurse.

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She was able to connect to people, Wilson said. It didnt matter what you were going through. She was able to understand and wanted to help.

melissa.etehad@latimes.com

Twitter: @melissaetehadA former San Diego City Hall lobbyist who admitted funneling campaign contributions from a Mexican tycoon to candidates in the 2012 mayors race was sentenced to four months in prison Monday.

Marco Polo Cortes, 48, was once a well-regarded City Hall insider who had a successful lobbying business. In November, he pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges of conspiracy, making campaign contributions in the name of another and obstruction of justice.

The sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Michael Anello was the last to be made in the long-running federal investigation into campaign financing in the 2012 campaign, and the role of Mexican businessman Jose Susumo Azano Matsura.

Azano was convicted in 2016 of orchestrating a scheme to funnel money into the campaigns of candidates Bonnie Dumanis and Bob Filner, via straw donors, independent committees and in-kind campaign services donations.

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Though Azano bankrolled the operation, the fact he was the source of the money was not revealed. And as a Mexican citizen with no legal status in the U.S. he was barred by federal law from contributing to campaigns.

Azano was convicted of nearly three dozen charges of campaign violations and conspiracy and was sentenced to three years in prison. Campaign consultant Ravneet Singh was also convicted at the same trial and is serving a 15-month sentence. Three others involved in the scheme were placed on probation.

In his plea, Cortes admitted his role in channeling a $30,000 contribution to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to support the re-election campaign of Rep. Juan Vargas. In 2012, Cortes joined up with retired San Diego Detective Ernie Encinas who was working to help Filners ultimately successful mayoral campaign.

Nancy Rosenfeld, Cortess lawyer, told Anello that Cortes was a bit player in the scheme. He came on board long after Azano had launched his efforts in late 2011, and had a limited role. Marco made introductions, she wrote in a sentencing memorandum.

But prosecutors said that his role was not minimal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Halpern said Cortes stayed with the conspiracy for more than a year, well into 2013. And after he entered it, the amount of illegal campaign contributions to the election increased  it was almost campaign finance on steroids, he told Anello.

While Rosenfeld asked for probation, Anello concluded that Cortes did not play a minor role, and what he admitted to doing warranted prison time. He said that Cortes admitted to intentionally conspiring with others to violate federal election laws.

The judge initially considered a six-month term  less than the eight months sought by the government  but settled on four months, directing that it be served in a federal prison and not on home detention.

Anello said that the charge of funneling foreign money into domestic campaign was a very very serious insult to our democratic electoral system.

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greg.moran@sduniontribune.comSan Diego is attempting to follow Los Angeles lead in getting people with mental health issues out of jail and into treatment by creating better coordination among law enforcement, homeless providers and mental health services.

The coordination effort, known as Sequential Intercept Mapping, has been used in Los Angeles since 2014 and so far has diverted 1,700 people from jail and into treatment, L.A. District Attorney Jackie Lacey told a symposium Monday at the Jacobs Center in San Diego.

The model also has helped another 100 people in Los Angeles find supportive housing, or homes where they receive help for their mental conditions, Lacey said.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan organized the symposium, which was attended by about 175 stakeholders from across the county.

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The 2017 annual count of homeless people in the county found almost 40 percent had reported instances of mental health issues.

The Sequential Intercept Mapping model is an attempt to keep track of who is in jail, getting help from homeless providers and being treated for mental health issues, Lacey explained.

We operate in silos, she said. A lot of times we dont even know what resources are available.

Stephan sees the same problem in San Diego County, and said agencies could do a better job in coordinating.

Homeless agencies have created a new coordinated entry system that is designed to track clients who may go from one provider to another, but there is no similar coordination with law enforcement and mental health services.

This individual might be getting tracked as a homeless person, but there is no intersect with the criminal justice system, Stephan said, referring to what happens when police are called to help someone with mental issues.

A lack of coordination in the mental health field also may mean a provider does not know the medical history of a new patient who already received treatment by another provider, she said.

Sequential Intercept Mapping, which Lacey said her office learned about through a similar symposium in Miami-Dade County in Florida, involves six intercept points that range from initial contacts to services for people on probation or parole.

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Some components in those points could be as simple as creating a data base of resources, which Lacey said could be used by people trying to get help for a family member.

Other components include training dispatchers, screenings for mental disorders at jail bookings and police holding cells, mental health programs in jail, medication and prescription access upon release from jail or prison and access to recovery support and benefits.

In break-out sessions at the Monday symposium, leaders from different agencies met to write about existing resources and gaps in their fields.

The next step will be to fill those gaps and find ways of creating better communication among resources.

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Stephan said the effort comes at an ideal time, as the county Board of Supervisors has increased funding for mental health services in San Diego.

Stephan said money also could be coming from Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that reduced certain drug possession felonies and other crimes to misdemeanors, which led to reduced sentences for some inmates.

San Diego County received $6 million from Proposition 47 savings, which Stephan said could be used for mental health services and to help people with mental health issues navigate to treatment rather than jail.

In Los Angeles, Lacey said Proposition 47 money could help divert 1,200 more people from jail.

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While many of the goals in the Sequential Intercept Model can be achieved just with training and coordination, Lacey said Los Angeles County has run into some controversy in implementing some steps.

For instance, the county has had some resistances from a medical association that objected to a plan that would allow paramedics to take someone directly to a mental health urgent care center rather than an emergency room.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors also is trying to make it easier for people to be forced into treatment after being declared a threat to themselves and others, which Lacey said also has been controversial.

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Homeless Playlist  On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services

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gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939Stormy Daniels sued President Trump for defamation on Monday, the latest in a string of legal challenges stemming from his alleged extramarital affair with the porn actress more than a decade ago.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, alleged that Trump defamed her in a tweet that mocked her for saying a man once physically threatened her on Trumps behalf.

She cited Trumps tweet about a forensic artists sketch of a man who she says confronted her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011. The man suggested she would be harmed if she went public with her story about having a one-night stand with Trump in 2006, Daniels said.

A sketch years later about a nonexistent man, Trump wrote in the April 18 tweet to his 51 million followers. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!

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Daniels complaint, filed in Manhattan federal court, says its reasonable to infer that the person who threatened Ms. Clifford could have only been acting directly or indirectly on behalf of Mr. Trump or his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.

If Trump was unaware of the threat, the suit alleges, then he posted his tweet in reckless disregard of whether it was true or false, exposing Daniels to hatred, contempt, ridicule, shame and death threats.

The complaint says Trump effectively accused Daniels of committing a crime by fabricating her allegation that a man made an illegal threat.

In making the statement, Mr. Trump used his national and international audience of millions of people to make a false factual statement to denigrate and attack Ms. Clifford, the suit says.

Trump meant to convey that Ms. Clifford is a liar, someone who should not be trusted, that her claims about the threatening encounter are false, and that she was falsely accusing the individual depicted in the sketch of committing a crime, where no crime had been committed, the complaint alleges.

The White House press office did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Cohen, a former executive vice president of the Trump Organization, arranged to pay Daniels $130,000 just before the November 2016 presidential election in return for her silence about the alleged affair. Cohen is under federal criminal investigation for his orchestration of the payment, among other things.

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Michael Cohen leaves court in New York on April 16. (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press )

Daniels is suing Trump and Cohen in Los Angeles federal court in an attempt to nullify the nondisclosure agreement. A judge agreed last week to postpone the case for 90 days after Cohen said he would need to invoke his 5th Amendment rights in the lawsuit to protect himself in the potential criminal prosecution.

The Trump tweet that triggered the new lawsuit was a response to a tweet posted by DeplorablyScottish, which compared the artists sketch of the man who reportedly threatened Daniels to her husband.

A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)! https://t.co/9Is7mHBFda  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018

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Daniels first shared the story of the alleged Las Vegas threat in March on 60 Minutes.

In 2011, a few weeks after Cohen learned that shed told her story to a magazine, a stranger approached her in the Las Vegas parking lot, she told the CBS show.

Daniels, who was heading into a fitness class, was getting her infant daughter out of a car seat, along with a diaper bag, she said.

A guy walked up on me and said to me, Leave Trump alone  forget the story, and then he leaned around and looked at my daughter, Daniels said.

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Thats a beautiful little girl, she recalled the man telling her. Itd be a shame if something happened to her mom.

Daniels said she never saw the man again, but would easily recognize him if she did. She said she was too scared to report the incident to the police.

The magazine, In Touch, did not publish Daniels story until January 2018, after the Wall Street Journal reported that Cohen had paid hush money to Daniels.

The new suit came as ABC News reported Monday that Trumps reelection campaign has spent nearly $228,000 to cover Cohens legal expenses. At the same time, the National Enquirer, a tabloid run by Trumps close friend David Pecker, released an issue with a nasty headline about Cohen on its cover: Trump fixers secrets and lies!

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Daniels complaint, filed in New York because of Trumps longtime residence in Manhattan, is the second defamation lawsuit that the president is fighting.

Summer Zervos, a former contestant on The Apprentice who accused Trump of trying to force himself on her at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2007, says he defamed her just before the 2016 election by calling her a liar. In March, a New York state judge rejected Trumps request to dismiss her lawsuit.

michael.finnegan@latimes.com

Twitter: @finneganLAT

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UPDATES:

4:15 p.m.: The story was updated to add the rationale for the lawsuit being filed in New York.

The story was originally published at 12:55 p.m.Its been less than 48 hours since Michelle Wolf said White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders burns lies and uses the ash as eye shadow at the White House correspondents dinner.

In that time, Wolf has been lauded as a political and comedic hero and decried as a cruel and offensive bully. Her routine has been dissected, commented on, examined, praised and trashed in hundreds of articles by seemingly everyone with a keyboard.

Former press secretary Sean Spicer implied that her performance was a total disgrace (to which Wolf tweeted Thank you!). It even led to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman and comedian Kumail Nanjiani bickering on Twitter (first about Wolfs performance and then about who unfollowed whom).

Really. This is a real news story that is really happening. And throughout it all, Wolf hasnt said much, aside from a few tweets.

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The comedian finally  though finally is a poor word choice because, again, its been less than two days  weighed in on the situation in an interview with Terry Gross on WHYYs Fresh Air. The full interview will be available Tuesday afternoon, but NPR released Monday some choice excerpts from the conversation.

So, the question on everyones mind: Does Wolf regret her routine and the cyclone of controversy that followed? No, not even slightly.

I wouldnt change a single word that I said. Im very happy with what I said, and Im glad I stuck to my guns, she told Gross.

She added that before her performance, a friend handed her a note that said: Be true to yourself. Never apologize. Burn it to the ground.

And burn it to the ground, she did.

Though her routine was littered with edgy one-liners, one joke about Sanders stood out: She burns facts, and then she uses that ash to create a perfect smoky eye. Like maybe shes born with it, maybe its lies. Its probably lies.

It was one of many that ripped into Sanders, and the punchline of all these jokes shared a common idea  in Wolfs view, Sanders lies to the press. But many critics took it to be a comment on the press secretarys physical appearance, rather than her integrity. And, as many noted, Sanders was mere feet away from Wolf, watching the comic with a fairly blank (certainly not pleased) expression.

Wolf told Gross that having the ability to laugh at yourself is important. As an example, she pointed to former President Barack Obama: Theres plenty (of moments) where you could look back and the camera was on Obama when people were making pretty aggressive jokes about Obama and he was laughing.

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Furthermore, she said Sanders wore the same displeased expression throughout the night, not just during her routine.

Another part of the dinner that wasnt televised is they were giving out awards and everyone was standing to congratulate the people who were getting awards and Sarah was sitting, Wolf told Gross. CNN reporters got awards, I cannot remember the exact award they got, but they came up to accept them and she sat the whole time while we all stood and shook their hands. I would say if this is about celebrating the media, she wasnt there to celebrate the media.

That said, Wolf didnt expect the routine to be quite so divisive  but she doesnt mind that it was.

I wasnt expecting this level (of controversy), but Im also not disappointed theres this level, she said. I knew what I was doing going in. I wanted to do something different. I didnt want to cater to the room. I wanted to cater to the outside audience, and not betray my brand of comedy.

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That brand, Wolf explained, isnt always nice.

I think sometimes they look at a woman and they think Oh, shell be nice, and if youve seen any of my comedy you know that . . . Im not, she said, I dont pull punches. Im not afraid to talk about things. And I dont think they expected that from me. I think they still have preconceived notions of how women will present themselves and I dont fit in that box.

And thats exactly what she hoped to bring to the correspondents dinner. The event, to her, seems like its a much more serious environment (than in previous years) and to kind of not go after the big issues and just have a little fun in the room seemed just not as exciting to me.Their story was the story of their country, and they died telling it.

At least nine Afghan journalists were killed Monday in a bombing in Kabul, and a 10th died in an unrelated attack in the countrys east, according to Afghan officials and media organizations. It was thought to be the single deadliest day for journalists in the course of the 17-year Afghan conflict.

The slain journalists were among at least 31 people killed in several attacks Monday in Afghanistan, where violence is often a gruesome backdrop to daily life. The Kabul attack, a dual bombing for which Islamic State claimed responsibility, highlighted growing insecurity even in heavily secured areas of the capital.

Horrible day for media in Afghanistan. A bomber attacked a group of journalists covering a terrorist attack in Kabul this morning. Photographer Shah Marai, reporter Ghazi Rasouli and cameraman Yar Tokhi are among those killed. pic.twitter.com/nkPdY6GxIi  Habib Khan Totakhil (@HabibKhanT) April 30, 2018

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It was not the first time in Afghanistan that those rushing to the scene of an explosion  journalists, medics, emergency personnel  were deliberately targeted by a cruelly timed follow-up blast. Mondays thunderous second bombing came after a crowd had already gathered near the scene of the first strike. According to some reports, the attacker was wearing a press vest and carrying a camera.

Some of the journalists who died were new to the profession, while others were seasoned veterans. Some were only children at the time of the takeover by Taliban militants and the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that followed the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks; others, such as Shah Marai, the chief photographer for Agence France-Presse in Afghanistan, had witnessed the long arc of the conflict, joining the agency as a driver as U.S.-led forces and Afghan fighters were toppling the Taliban.

But in contrast to the euphoria of that time, the Afghanistan conflict has since settled into a grinding slog in which the militants gain more territory with each passing year, and civilian deaths mount as attacks like Mondays grow bolder.

The slain journalists represented a mix of international news organizations  AFP, the BBC  and local outlets such as Afghanistans Tolo television. One of them, newly minted producer Maharram Durrani of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was part of a small cohort of female broadcasters, photographers and reporters who in recent years have helped change Afghanistans largely male press culture.

In Afghanistan, families tend to be large and close-knit, and the journalists deaths, like nearly all in the conflict, had a devastating ripple effect. Marai left six children, AFP reported. Tolo News cameraman Yar Mohammed Tokhi, was to have been married within weeks.

The journalist who died in the eastern city of Khost was Ahmad Shah, a 29-year-old working for the BBCs Afghan service. He was fatally shot on his way home, the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee said. The BBC called it a devastating loss.

The deaths point to heightened peril for journalists across the globe. The Paris-based group Reporters Without Borders said 50 professional journalists were killed last year, together with seven citizen journalists and eight media workers.

Syria and Mexico were the deadliest venues, while China and Turkey were the worlds foremost jailers of journalists, the group said, citing threats including increasing authoritarianism and targeted killings of reporters investigating corruption and crime.

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As in conflicts everywhere, the work of local reporters in Afghanistan provided an unmatched window into the wars effects, and many social-media tributes pointed out that international journalists could not operate without their Afghan colleagues knowledge, courage and expertise. As Western news organizations have retreated from Afghanistan, more and more of the coverage has fallen to local staffers whose work was often under-credited in the early years of the war.

Many of the journalists killed in Mondays attack had resisted a narrative of Afghan victimhood, seeking to use their work to offer an engaging, nuanced view of their country and their compatriots.

Marai, the AFP photographer, was known for images that put a human face on a seemingly endless war a boy cradling a sheep, a child being vaccinated, a man walking beneath a fairy-tale canopy of snow-coated winter trees.

In a 2016 blog post for AFP, Marai wrote about life in Kabul, paying particular tribute to a colleague, Sardar Ahmad, who was killed along with his wife, a daughter and a son, in an attack on a Kabul hotel. He wondered whether the same fate awaited him.

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Every morning as I go to the office and every evening when I return home, all I think of are cars that can be booby-trapped, or of suicide bombers coming out of a crowd, he wrote then.

In its obituary for the 41-year-old photographer, AFP reported an exchange between Marai and a colleague just before Mondays second explosion. The colleague, a videographer, was fretting over being stuck in traffic. Marai assured him he was shooting video as well as snapping still photos.

No worry man, he wrote. I am here.

laura.king@latimes.com

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Twitter: @laurakingLATNearly 10 years since he entered Congress, Rep. Duncan Hunter is campaigning for a sixth term.

While re-election would normally be a pro-forma process for a second-generation House Republican in one of the most conservative districts in California, an ongoing campaign finance scandal and energized Democratic voters might make this his most difficult effort yet.

But the June 5 primary isnt as much about Hunter, R-Alpine, as much as its about the candidates who hope to finish in second place and face off with the incumbent in a November runoff election.

Sensing weakness from the campaign finance scandal, two Republicans, three Democrats and one independent are challenging Hunter.

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I think that the big unspoken thing, the elephant in the room, is that its very unlikely that Duncan Hunter will be a congressman for much longer, one of the Republican candidates, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, said by phone. I think that his legal problems and his ethical and moral problems are so significant that it seems unlikely that hell be a congressman.

Hunter was not available for an interview and his campaign consultant did not respond to a request to speak on his behalf.

Aside from the incumbents issues, the candidates are focused on health care, immigration and national security, and in a district with employment numbers that lag behind the four others in San Diego County, education and the economy.

The district hasnt gotten a fair shake, one of the Democratic candidates, Ammar Campa-Najjar, said by phone. Were kind of the afterthought when it comes to investing in our county.

Besides Hunter and Wells, theres one other Republican, Shamus Sayed, a businessman who owns a linguistic translation business.

Josh Butner, a retired Navy SEAL and a member of the Jamul-Dulzura Union School District, as well as Campa-Najjar, a former Department of Labor spokesman who now has his own consulting firm, are running as Democrats. Patrick Malloy, a real estate agent from Escondido, is running again.

Richard Kahle, a former Army captain who grew up in Ramona and San Marcos, is running as an centrist independent.

The district runs from just above Otay County Open Space Reserve, north through El Cajon, into inland North County and into Temecula. It stretches east to the county line and includes Escondido, Ramona, Alpine, Lakeside and Julian. The San Diego County portion of the district includes about 89 percent of the electorate and is more Democratic than the Temecula part.

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The Republican Party accounts for 42.3 percent of voters, while 27.2 percent are Democrats  the GOPs biggest advantage in a California House district. Another 24.5 percent do not belong to a party.

The candidates are listed here alphabetically:

Josh Butner, D-Jamul

Butner spent 23 years in the Navy before retiring, starting a new career with a diving company and getting elected in 2016 to the school board. Congress would be an extension of his lifetime of service, he said.

His campaign is focused on access to affordable health care, education and jobs. He said hes not looking for partisan solutions, just ideas that work.

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I dont think its a matter of whos a Democrat and whos a Republican, its a matter of whos best for the district, he said by phone.

Health care is one of the biggest priorities, and voters arent concerned if its provided by expanding Medicare to everyone, or boosting the Affordable Care Act, Butner said.

I dont think that they care how you solve the problem. They just want access to it and they want it affordable, he said.

Butner, 49, enlisted in the Navy and became a corpsman before he trained as a SEAL. After earning his college degree he became an officer and retired in 2011 as a lieutenant commander. Every generation of his family, dating from the Civil War to his oldest son, have served in the military.

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I am going to leave it up to the voters to decide between all of us candidates. When it comes down to it, you have a career politician who is in there now, and a concerned citizen like myself who has a lifetime of service to the country who wants to continue to serve, Butner said.

Campaign finance reports show that he has raised $599,025 as of March 31, behind Campa-Najjar and Hunter. He has $307,905 in the bank, about $1,500 less than the incumbent.

Ammar Campa-Najjar, D-Jamul

The son of a Mexican-American mother and a Middle Eastern father, Campa-Najjar is quick to point out that he has a unique background and name and is different type of candidate than what the 50th District has come to know.

I offer a stark contrast to Hunter, not with my hues, but with my views, he said.

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A former White House fellow during the Obama Administration, and later a spokesman for the National Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Labor, Campa-Najjar grew up mostly in East County, but with a stint in Gaza. He moved back to Jamul from Washington, D.C., in 2016.

The voters are looking for something new from their representatives, he said.

I think people are tired of the same-old-same-old and the status quo, four decades of one family and one name in the district. They just want something different that will shake things up, he said.

The district hasnt rebounded like other parts of the county from the Great Recession, and there doesnt seem to be much of a concern about why thats the case, he said.

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Its not the fault of one person, but when your family runs the district for 40 years, you can point blame, said Campa-Najjar, 29.

Hes campaigning for universal health care, equal pay for women, living wages and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who came to the country illegally as young children. The tax system needs to be tuned to help the middle class, while top-earners are taxed in order to fully fund education, he said.

The way you do that is by making sure that people at the top are paying their fair share. And Hunters whole idea is to give tax breaks to the wealthy at the expense of the middle class, Campa-Najjar said.

Financially, Campa-Najjar has raised $725,398 since launching his campaign and has $333,345 in the bank, more than any other candidate by both measures.

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Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine

A member of the House since 2009, Hunter is a former Marine Corps artillery officer who has taken a strong interest in national security and has built an name for himself in the military community for assisting service members and veterans with everything from issues with their benefits to legal quagmires.

A member of the House Armed Services Committee, his efforts have turned him into a de-facto point-man in Congress for service members who have concerns about how the military is running.

Hunter, particularly since 2016, has positioned himself as a contrarian in Washington and aligned himself with Trump. He was the first representative to endorse the now-president, was once also considered a contender for national security and defense appointments and derided a government with a corporate culture ruled over by the bureaucrats and lawyers.

Hunter has also spent two years trudging through a campaign finance scandal after records revealed that political contributions were used for home improvements, vacations, school tuition and other questionable purchases. Hunter said any inappropriate spending was an honest mistake, and he has repaid his campaign about $60,000 with personal funds.

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Hunter, 41, remains under FBI investigation.

I think that the Department of Justice is somewhat biased, he said in a television interview broadcast on KUSI in January. There are individuals there, they like to make big cases, they like to do big things, it makes a name for them. I think that the longer they drag this out, the worse it is for me, and they know that. So lets just get it over with.

Campaign finance reports show he has raised $681,364 since the start of this election cycle through March 31. He has $309,494 cash on hand.

Richard Kahle, independent-San Marcos

Kahle, the only independent in the race, is an engineer and former Army logistics officer who is focused on the national debt and is drilling into the numbers.

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None of them are getting down to the math that you need to get to down to a budget deficit elimination plan, he said by phone. And I think the first step of that is Social Security.

He wants to increase revenue to the federal retirement program as well as Medicare by lifting income tax caps on high-earners and by enrolling all state and local government employees (not all of such workers are covered by Social Security). This will increase revenue by about $94 billion, he said.

He also wants to incrementally extend the retirement age to 69 by 2070.

He is also calling for cuts in crop insurance and agricultural subsidies, the food stamp program and Saturday mail (but not package) delivery. In all, his combination of cuts and revenue increases result in about a $405 billion cut in the deficit per year.

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Thats not fuzzy math, thats the real deal, he said.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the government is running about an $804 billion deficit in fiscal 2018.

Kahle, 42, was in the Army for six years and left in 2016 as a captain. He spent some time traveling after he left the military and is now campaigning full-time. He grew up in the district and lives in San Marcos.

Patrick Malloy, D-Escondido

Malloy, 52, of Escondido, is running for the seat again.

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Nobody running against Duncan Hunter has ever received more than 100,000 votes, he said by phone. I have.

In 2016, he beat three other candidates in the primary before losing to Hunter, with 103,600 votes to Hunters 180,000.

Hes calling for a single-payer health care system to cover the entire country.

Campaign finance reports show that he has raised $522 since the start of the cycle, and has $31 in the bank. He said he absolutely has a realistic chance to win.

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My granddad, he used to say life is a big game and money is how we keep score, and I really disagree with that. This election is no big game and votes are how we keep score.

Shamus Sayed, R-4S Ranch

Eleven years ago Sayed left his career as a molecular biologist and bought Interpreters Unlimited, a translation company. Now hes trying to start third chapter as a member of the House of Representatives.

He said he has the real-world experiences that other candidates, and most other members of Congress, lack.

Pretty much every candidate is talking about small businesses, job creation, health care, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, but I am the only one who has real-world experience. Ive signed the front of a check as well as the back, said the 40-year-old from 4S Ranch.

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As a fiscal conservative and social moderate, Sayed said he represents the majority of the district. Congress needs to cut regulations in order to help small businesses, a major part of the districts economy.

If you reduce the regulations it will empower them to do more for their staffs....If you give them a little bit, give them a little break, they have no choice but to put it back into their businesses, he said.

He said he didnt know if Trumps proposed border wall is in his districts best interest.

If my district says so, Ill support it. But is 30-plus billion dollars the most effective use to solve a problem? Thats an question mark and I dont have an answer. Ill just bring the question. We have to remind ourselves that illegal immigration is not necessarily coming from our borders but by planes, he said.

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He has raised $253,179, including $150,000 he has given to his own campaign. He has $156,561 cash-on-hand.

Mayor Bill Wells, R-El Cajon

Wells, a psychologist who founded a business that provides mental health care services for several clinics, touted his 15 years in El Cajon politics, a balanced city budget with a rainy-day fund that exceeds minimum levels, well-maintained streets, and an economy growing with new hotels, car dealerships and housing.

None of that is particularly exciting, but I think it gives a stance of whats important, at least to me, which is maintaining the quality of life for the people of El Cajon. These are the kind of basic things that a conservative person is for, said Wells, 55.

He said he doesnt take as hard-line on some issues, like immigration, as some conservatives. He said he understands why people come to America without authorization  he said he would too if it was the only way he could feed his family. But there needs to be a pathway to citizenship for people who are in the country without authorization but are enthusiastically contributing to their communities, he said.

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I have compassion for people who did that and who are living peacefully with good-will in our country, and I think we should find a way to bring them into the fold. At the same time I think its important that we enforce the border and know who is coming in and who is coming out, he said.

Campaign finance records show that by March 31 he raised $16,026 since launching his campaign and, after expenses, has $4,819 left, less than any other candidate.

No matter how much money they have, they really havent done anything and they dont have a sense of the public, Wells said.

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Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

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(619) 293-1841An effort to repeal last years 12-cents-a-gallon state gas tax increase took an important step Monday when organizers began submitting hundreds of thousands of voter signatures to force a ballot initiative.

The law is expected to raise $5.4 billion a year for transportation projects across California, starting with the gasoline and diesel tax increase and adding higher vehicle registration fees in 2020.

Organizers needed 585,407 signatures to place the repeal on Novembers ballot. They turned in more than 940,000 across the state  with almost 204,000 them coming from San Diego County.

At a news conference at the San Diego Registrar of Voters, organizer Carl DeMaio called out state leaders, such as Gov. Jerry Brown, saying they are carrying out a big fraud on California taxpayers. DeMaio, a Republican and local radio host, is also the chairman of Reform California, a political action committee that opposes tax increases.

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This is a governor that has been living in denial, DeMaio said. The signatures are now here.

So, Governor Brown, bring it.

Brown said in signing the tax increase that it was needed because of the states deteriorated roads and bridges.

Safe and smooth roads make California a better place to live and strengthen our economy, Brown said. This legislation will put thousands of people to work.

Republican John Cox of Rancho Santa Fe, who is running for governor, attended Mondays event at the Registrar of Voters. In public opinion polls, he is coming in second or third place, along with former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom is in the lead.

Cox said state officials have mismanaged the state budget.

This is all about mismanagement, Cox said. Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom and the state legislature have been spending money like drunken sailors  and thats an insult to drunken sailors, because at least they spend their own money.

Diane Harkey, a Republican, is chairwoman of the California State Board of Equalization, and a candidate for outgoing Republican Darrell Issas seat in Congress. Harkey said the gas tax hike unfairly affects small businesses and suburban commuters.

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They drive around and around, theyre working, theyre making enough money to live in a nice area, or even a not  even a, you know, upwardly mobile area, Harkey said. They constantly get hit with taxes.

San Diegos Metropolitan Transit System last week touted $41 million in grants made possible in part by the tax funding.

Among other things, the funds will go to purchase 11 new electric buses, as well as rail upgrades along the Green Line to reduce service disruptions and allow for more trains to run during special events such as Comic-Con.

The Old Town Transit Center will see the construction of additional bus bays to accommodate growing demand.

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America Plaza and Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego will get upgrades for pedestrians.

The San Diego Association of Governments also was awarded $5.76 million for safety and station improvements for 2.3 miles along University Avenue in San Diego.

And the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency was awarded more than $188 million to improve Amtrak service in the area. The funds are projected to cut commute times by up to 45 minutes.

andrew.dyer@sduniontribune.com

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@adyer619A new policy would shrink the resource gap between rich and poor library branches in San Diego.

Instead of fully matching every donation to every branch, the city would provide 50 percent matches and place the other half in a pool for the entire system.

While library officials support the policy change, they have also raised concerns that it would diminish incentives to contribute.

San Diego is changing a policy that widens the gap in financial resources between library branches in rich and poor neighborhoods.

The citys matching funds policy essentially doubles the impact of private donations by providing branches that get donations with an equal amount of taxpayer money as an incentive to spur more contributions.

A City Council committee recently approved a policy change that would provide branches only a 50 percent match and place the other half of the matching money in an account to be distributed across the entire 36-branch system.

The goal of the policy change, which the full council is expected to approve later this spring, is providing more equitable distribution of resources to branch libraries across the city.

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The move comes just as the city is also considering a plan to boost library access for low-income residents by eliminating fines for overdue books and other materials.

More than 128,000 library card holders are blocked from checking out materials because of delinquent fines, including more than 13,000 juveniles.

This is all about making sure library doors are open to every San Diegan, Mayor Kevin Faulconer said in a news release. These new policies will eliminate a program that hadnt proved to be effective and more evenly distribute resources to all branch libraries, particularly for those in historically underserved communities.

The new policy will help soften a sharp disparity in donations collected by branches.

In the budget year that ended last June, donations totaled $73,283 at the La Jolla Branch, $45,634 at the Rancho Bernardo branch, $33,800 at the Pacific Beach branch and $30,802 at the Mission Valley branch.

Meanwhile, donations totaled $1,150 at the Mountain View branch and $109 at the Valencia Park branch  both in southeastern San Diego  and $128 at the San Ysidro branch.

The leading branch in donations was the downtown central library with $397,661.

In addition to helping branches in poor areas, the policy change would also help branches that are too small to rack up large donation totals because there isnt enough room to house donated computers or to host author chats and other programs.

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While library officials support the policy change, they have also raised concerns that it would diminish incentives to contribute, potentially softening donation totals.

For example, $30,000 contributed to a branch would yield $45,000 for a branch under the new policy, instead of $60,000 under the old formula.

The change comes after an analysis by the city auditor two years ago found that the matching policy was contributing to unacceptable disparities in resource allocation.

The library system already has a pooling policy for donations that are specifically earmarked for books and other materials at branches.

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The change would extend that to donations earmarked for programs or equipment.

david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrickWhen former Simi Valley police Detective Michael Bender heard investigators in Ventura County filed murder charges against the so-called Golden State Killer, he thought about his friend  and now housemate  Craig Coley.

For 39 years, Coley served time in prison for a brutal double-murder committed in Simi Valley in 1978. Bender, who now lives in Carlsbad, was convinced Coley never committed the crime, and worked tirelessly to prove the mans innocence until last November when Gov. Jerry Brown exonerated him.

But when justice was delivered to Coley, it was simultaneously stripped from the family of Rhonda Wicht and her 4-year-old son, Donald. The 24-year-old waitress and cosmetology student was found beaten, raped and strangled. Her child was smothered.

Could Joseph James DeAngelo, a 72-year-old former police officer believed to be the serial killer who terrorized California in the 1970s and 1980s, be responsible?

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If thats the case, Id be elated and Im sure that the victims family would be, said Coley on Monday. Those poor people thought everything was over. It has got to be horrendous. I cant even imagine what theyre going through.

Bender said Monday that he called up his old department and confirmed investigators were analyzing DNA evidence to see if DeAngelo was connected to the Simi Valley deaths.

Joseph May, deputy chief of the Simi Valley Police Department, told CBS Los Angeles that its within the realm of possibility that he could be a suspect in the case. The killings of Wicht and her son happened around the time the Golden State Killer was committing his crimes, and DeAngelo is already accused in the 1980 slayings of Lyman and Charlene Smith in Ventura County, where Simi Valley is located.

DeAngelo isnt on Benders list of likely suspects, however.

I would be surprised, but I could certainly be wrong, Bender said. And it would be a nice surprise if it was him because then it would be finished. I just want closure, and so does Craig. We want justice for the victims family. Its an open wound.

On Nov. 11, 1978, Wicht had planned to style the hair of the bridal party for a girlfriends wedding. When she didnt show up, a friend went to check on her and found the bodies.

Coley, who had recently gone through a break-up with Wicht, found out about the killings and called police to try to get more information. He was arrested soon after.

Police painted him as an unhappy ex-boyfriend who still had a key to Wichts apartment, which had no signs of force entry when police arrived.

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In April 1979, a jury failed to reach a verdict, with 10-2 in favor of conviction. But in January 1980, Coley was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances.

Simi Valley residents rallied behind Coley, signing petitions to have the verdict re-examined. Newspaper articles championed his innocence. The judge who presided over the first trial called his conviction a miscarriage of justice.

His parents emptied their retirement accounts and mortgaged their home to hire new attorneys and investigators, but the verdict was upheld in a state appeals court.

More than a decade after the murders, a friend suggested Bender, a detective then, take a look at Coleys case. Bender remembers being shocked by a series red flags. Good suspects were never pursued, and hair and fingerprint evidence wasnt properly analyzed.

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When he went to visit Coley in state prison, he just knew the man was innocent.

Bender collected 16 boxes of case files from Coleys mother and took the case to his department, the city manager, the city attorney, a local congressman, the attorney general, the ACLU and the FBI.

His supervisors eventually ordered him to give it up or face being fired. He quit instead and took his case files with him.

Every Saturday, Coley and Bender would talk on the phone. Coley did his best not to lose hope in prison, and Bender continued working the case.

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Then, in September 2015, Gov. Browns office agreed to conduct an investigation. Bender met the new Simi Valley police chief, David Livingstone, who had started his own investigation into the case with the Ventura County District Attorneys Office.

DNA evidence, previously thought destroyed, revealed another mans sperm, blood and skin cells on sheets and clothing in the apartment, and witness testimony was largely discredited.

Livingstone and the Ventura District Attorneys Office filed a clemency petition on Nov. 20. The pardon was signed two days later.

Coley, who had become like family to Bender and his wife, moved in with the Carlsbad couple upon his release.

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Coley said Monday that despite his experience, he has no doubt investigators will get to the bottom of the Simi Valley slayings.

I know how they let me down at one point in time, but I have much more confidence in the judicial system in the county of Ventura than when I went through it, he said. They seem very diligent and very thorough. I mean, they got me out of prison.

Staff writer Pam Kragen contributed to this story.

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Twitter: @LAWinkley

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(619) 293-1546

lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.comPolice have identified the 45-year-old man who was shot and killed in his familys Scripps Ranch condominium Sunday night as Thanh Pham.

Officers arrested Phams 15-year-old son about 4 hours after the shooting as he walked along a street about two miles from the family home.



For the record: This story originally said the victim was 46, based on information provided by police. They have clarified he was 45.

The brother of the alleged shooter had called 911 to report his father had been shot shortly after 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Pham was found bleeding from at least one gunshot wound and lying on the floor of a bedroom in the home on Affinity Court near Scripps Ranch Boulevard. Phams wife and the son who made the 911 call were home at the time. He died before he could be taken to a hospital.

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Images of the arrest of the boy recorded by San Diego News Video show a police officer taking a gun from the boys pocket. Officers also found at least two ammunition clips and two boxes of bullets in his backpack.

The boy is a sophomore at Mira Mesa High School.

Twitter: @karenkucher

(619) 293-1350

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.comWhen Drew Phillips walks into a new place now, he quickly scans for egress routes, a quick way out. Thats because last year, when a gunman targeted a poolside party, Phillips, as one of the partygoers, was in the middle of it all.

He said he knows now how vulnerable we actually are.

Monday marked one year since 49-year-old Peter Selis sat in a poolside chair at the La Jolla Crossroads apartment complex at about 6 p.m. on a Sunday and  without warning  opened fire on group celebrating a buddys birthday.

Witnesses said the shooter had a beer in one hand, a gun in the other. Police said he also called his newly ex-girlfriend during the shooting and made her listen as he repeatedly pulled the trigger of his .45-caliber Sig Sauer and targeted terrified partygoers.

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When it was over, seven people had been shot, one fatally: 35-year-old Monique Clark, the mother of three daughters. Selis was fatally shot by police.

The biggest thing that I dwell on is how senseless it was, 40-year-old Phillips said Monday. And then how fragile life is. How lucky we are. I was right there in the middle of it.

He later said: When you survive something like that, it puts everything in perspective.

In those first few hours after the shooting, Phillips told his story to a throng of reporters at the scene.

He said that the partygoers, who were celebrating Kion Goulds 48th birthday, had noticed Selis sitting alone, and that one of them had offered Selis food and drink. The stranger refused.

Six or seven minutes later its just pow, pow, pow, pow  out of nowhere, Phillips said that night. ...There was no indication that he was there to do evil.

With reporters gathered around him, Phillips described carrying one of the victims to safety.

He was just laying there, and just the look in his eyes  sheer terror, Phillips told them. I threw my phone down. I just picked him up and I just carried him. I basically ran as fast as I could with him in my arms.

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Later, when the shooters name was released, Phillips realized the gunman wasnt a stranger. He had previously worked with Selis at a local Ford dealership, and they had known each other on a first-name basis.

Phillips just didnt recognize Selis that day. He thinks its possible that Selis must have recognized him.

It still gnaws at Phillips that, in the immediate aftermath, police said the shooting wasnt racially motivated. Selis was white. Of the seven people he shot, five were African-Americans, including Clark. One of the victims was Latino, and one was white.

If people were targeted because of race, they were targeted because of race  period. That is the elephant in the room that American society refuses to address, said Phillips, who is African-American.

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These were decent people. They just happened to be African-American.

Not long after the shooting, Phillips said he received hate mail, some with racial slurs, sent to his Escondido home. The sentiment, he said, was, All of you should have died.

Phillips moved out of Escondido within a month, and settled in to take care of Gould, who had been shot in the stomach. Gould was also hit in the arm, which Phillips said happened when Gould was blocking a shot aimed at his face.

Kion is a special human being because he is almost 50, looks like hes 30, he said. Hes in better shape than the rest of us  and hes doing it with one kidney, half a stomach, half a colon, half his intestines.

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He paused and laughed. I would also like to add for the record that his legs are unbelievably skinny.

He and Gould have a third roommate, who was also at the party and was injured as he fled. The incident, Phillips said, had brought them closer.

The challenge for me, the conflict in me as someone who survived a mass shooting, is you cant allow evil that happens to you to change whats inside you, he said. ...You become more vigilant, but you cant let it turn you into something terrible.

On Sunday, he said, he put a little wreath up for Clark.

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I will never forget Monique, Phillips said. That will be with me forever.

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teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

(760) 529-4945

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUTThe UC San Diego research vessel Sally Ride came to the rescue of a catamaran that got into trouble off Tahiti this week when its mast was knocked out of service during a storm.

We received a call from the Coast Guard two nights ago, asking if we could render assistance [to] a dismasted catamaran out of Papeete, Tahiti, bound for Panama, a Sally Ride crew member reported on one of the universitys blogs.

They were not in immediate distress, but they were running out of fuel and would not make it to the Galapagos, which is the nearest land. At the time we were about 200nm to the southeast, so we finished up the science operation we were engaged in and started steaming to the northwest to intercept, guided along the way by periodic position updates.

Upon the rendezvous this afternoon (April 30), the deck crew had a towing bridle and an astern-fueling rig set up and ready to go. After about 4 hrs of roasting in the equatorial sunboth vessels were on their respective merry ways, one happy for the help, and the other happy to have helped. The brotherhood of the sea knows no borders.

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The Sally Ride is operated by UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography.Saint Archer Brewing Co. is planning a new tasting room in Leucadia, scheduled to open in mid-May. The coastal beach community in Encinitas is suitable for the brewery given its close ties with surf culture and local extreme athletes.

The 1,000 square foot tasting room will have 30 taps with Saint Archer staples like Blonde Ale, White Ale, Pale Ale, Mosaic IPA, Mexican Lager, Citra Session IPA, Coco Stout and more, including specialty brews exclusive to Saint Archer. The brews are available on tap and can be purchased to take home in cans, bombers and growlers.

Artwork from local artists and Saint Archer brand ambassadors will adorn the juxtaposed wood and concrete design of the tasting room. The Leucadia location will host art shows and screenings and will partner with non-profits organizations such as SurfAid and Pink Boots Society.

Planned hours of operation are Monday through Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

978 N. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas

saintarcherbrewery.com

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.In 1968, Post writer Lewis Lapham tracked down the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, inventor of transcendental meditation. He also found himself meditating with the Beatles.

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In 1968, Post writer Lewis Lapham tracked down the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, inventor of transcendental meditation. He also found himself meditating with the Beatles.

In 1968, Lewis Lapham journeyed to Rishikesh, India, to track down the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, developer of transcendental meditation, which was becoming very popular among Hollywoods jet set. He wasnt the only one to make the pilgrimage. The Maharishis other visitors made up a whos who of hip young celebrities, including Mia Farrow, Donovan, Mike Love of the Beach Boys, and the Beatles.

George Harrison proved most adept at transcendental meditation among the Fab Four; it was more challenging for the other band members. But for his part, Paul McCartney shared a dream hed had that explains the origin of the Yellow Submarine, though not everyone was buying the interpretation:

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Somebody asked George about his meditation, and he said his mantra was an English word. He further astounded everybody by saying be assumed the Beatles all had the same mantra. He didnt know for sure, but his appeared in Lennons song, I Am the Walrus. Paul McCartney [then] said hed had a dream. To Anneliese Braun, an elfin woman to whom everyone applied on such matters, he explained that in his dream hed been trapped in a leaking submarine of indeterminate color. When all appeared lost, however, the submarine surfaced in a crowded London street. Anneliese clapped her hands in the enthusiastic way she had, like a child seeing his first snowfall. How very nice, she said, wondering if McCartney understood. He smiled and said he didnt think he quite got all of it. Why, she said,  its the perfect meditation dream. The voyage in the submarine she interpreted as the descent toward pure consciousness through the vehicle of the mantra, the leaks represented anxiety, and the emergence in the street indicated a return to normal life, which was the purpose of all good meditation. The other people present applauded, and in the ensuing silence at the far end of the table, I heard somebody say, Im sure its Wednesday, but theyre trying to tell me its Saturday.

Read Laphams complete two-part report on his time with the Maharishi below.Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/30/2018 -- Market Synopsis:



The asset reliability software is used to increase long-term asset reliability, performance and reduce operational cost by facilitating efficient utilization of day-to-day operations of assets.



With risk-based inspections, maintenance task analysis, and reliability centered maintenance analysis, you can develop high-quality reliability strategies and programs that ensure your assets and asset investments deliver optimal value, maximize safety, and enhance regulatory compliance.



Request a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5072



Dominant Players:

Some of the leading players of the market are Zebra Technologies Corporation (U.S.), Stanley Black And Decker, Inc. (U.S.), Honeywell International, Inc. (U.S.), Datalogic S.P.A (Italy), Trimble Inc. (U.S.), Ubisense Group Plc. (U.K.), Mojix, Inc. (U.S.), Impinj, Inc. (U.S.) and others.



Market Dynamics Drivers:

Asset reliability software help to identify assets posing the risk of failure by analysing asset condition data and trends in an asset health. This helps in planning for inspections, maintenance and replacement of assets to avoid the cost of failure, regulatory compliance using historical and real-time data, manage assets spread across a wide geographic area, improve worker safety, and others.



These benefits help in strategic planning and result in better utilization of assets, timely maintenance, and reduction of wastage and thereby better returns on invested capital.The advancements in digital information and analytics, cloud based asset services, coupled with antecedents such as growing frequency, volume and complexity of asset leasing and lending instruments, growing fragmentation of asset ownership and outsourcing, and growing complexity of manufacturing and development of global supply chains are driving the market.

Prosperity of end users such as financial services, insurance, manufacturing, telecom and IT, healthcare, and energy and utilities are feeding a continuous demand for the products.



Restraints:

High costs of installation and maintenance, concerns over data security and records leakage and lack of awareness coupled with scarce trained manpower are inducing a drag on the market.



Segments:

To generate a comprehensive understanding of the global Asset Reliability Software Market the report has been segmented on the basis of component, deployment, organization size, vertical and regions.



Based on components, the market has been segmented by software, service. Software services is further segmented by professional services, and managed services.



Based on deployment, the market has been segmented by cloud, and on-premise. Cloud segment accounts for the largest market share.



Based on organization size, the market has been segmented by small and medium organization, and large organization with large organization segment accounting for the largest market share of the market.



Based on vertical, the market has been segmented by Government and Defence, BFSI, IT and telecommunication, healthcare, retail, education, and others. IT and Telecommunication possess the largest market share, while the retail segment is expected to secure the fastest growing CAGR.



Based on regions, the market has been segmented by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.



Access Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/asset-reliability-software-market-5072



Regional analysis:

North America led by the U.S. accounts for the largest market share, owing to a large and developed economy, presence of major players, international presence of the U.S. Companies and faster adoption of analytics.



Europe led by Germany, France, U.K. And Italy accounts for the second largest market share followed by Asia Pacific. Asia?Pacific region led by Japan, China and followed by India is expected to be growing at the fastest CAGR, triggered by faster econo0mic development and industrialization.



The Middle East and Africa market is expected to be dominated by the Gulf economies of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar which are expected to possess more than 70 % stake of the region.



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.Oslo, Norway -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/01/2018 -- Multi Mobile Technology has proudly announced the launch of an all-in-one universal holder for all kinds of smartphone and it is called Smartholder. The Oslo based Norwegian technology company has recently launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter's fundraising platform with a goal to raise a sum of nearly 1.7 million NOK. Moreover, this Smartholder is packed with many amazing features and it is a perfect choice during travel.



"Smartholder is basically a Bluetooth speaker with an integrated power bank and a multi-cable carrying solution for all kinds of smartphones." Said the spokesperson of Multi Mobile Technology, while introducing this project to the Kickstarter community. The campaign is already getting a phenomenal response worldwide and according to many of supporters on Kickstarter, this device was a much needed solution for all the smartphone users around the world.



Following are some of the technical specifications of Smartholder:



- Integrated Power Bank with 6000 mAh Capacity.

- Built-in 6W Bluetooth Speaker.

- Compatible with All Smartphones.

- Supports USB multi-cable with micro USB, USB C and lightning adapter.

- Comes with a Fastening Strap for Car Seats.



The Kickstarter Campaign is located on the web at: www.kickstarter.com/projects/352827714/smartholder-bluetooth-speaker-power-bank-and-multi and supporters from around the world can back this project by making generous pledges and donations. The project offers several rewards for the backers on Kickstarter and these rewards are being offered with worldwide shipping. More details are available on the Kickstarter campaign page of the project.



About Smartholder

Smartholder is a multifunctional smartphone holder and charging solution with integrated Bluetooth speakers and several other amazing features. The device has been created by Multi Mobile Technology, an Oslo based Norwegian tech-company with an aim to make lives easier around the world. The company has recently launched a fundraising campaign on Kickstarter and it is welcoming generous pledges and donations from smartphone users worldwide.



Contact:

Contact Person: Torbjrn Pettersen

Company: Multi Mobile Technology LTD

City: Oslo

State: Oslo

Country: Norway

Phone: 0047 95 08 18 06

Email: tp@multimt.net

Website: www.kickstarter.com/projects/352827714/smartholder-bluetooth-speaker-power-bank-and-multiThe transit of the LNG Sakura, which occurred last Saturday beginning in the Agua Clara locks on the Panama Canal Atlantic side, initiated a new LNG commercial route between the US and Asia from the recently inaugurated Dominion Cove Point terminal in Maryland, the second US LNG export terminal to come online after Sabine Pass began operations in 2016.

Dominion Cove Point has two main clients: ST Cove Point, a consortium consisting of Sumitomo Corporation and Tokyo Gas; and Gail Global LNG, a subsidiary of GAIL LTD of India. The LNG Sakura carries the first shipment of the 0.8m tonnes of LNG contracted per year by the Japanese energy company Kansai Electric. The Bahamas-flagged LNG Sakura is a post-panamax vessel, measuring 300 m in length and 49m. Kansai Electric Power is the majority share owner of the LNG Sakura (70%); NYK Line owns the remaining stake.

The Panama Canal has emerged as an important link in the global LNG supply chain ever since the inauguration of its expanded Canal in 2016, when the waterway began transiting LNG vessels for the first time.

Read more: Panama Canal LNG transits to increase by 50%

The capacity the Canal offers to LNG shippers exceeds the existing demand: the Panama Canal currently provides seven booking slots to LNG shippers per week  who average 5.5 transits during the same period  and has proven its ability to handle more transits when needed during uncharacteristically high periods of use. Last 17 April, the Canal transited three LNG vessels in one day, representing a first for the waterway.

Read more: Three LNG carriers transit the Panama Canal in one day

In FY 2018, the Canals LNG traffic is expected to grow by 5% compared to FY 2017, increasing from 163 to approximately 244 transits, for which the Panama Canal stands ready to receive. The Canal has worked closely with industry partners to communicate its willingness to offer shippers additional capacity, commensurate with demand, as is warranted.H Construction North Island, which used to be part of the McConnell family's Hawkins construction business before it was sold last year, has been ordered to pay $13.4 million towards repairing nine leaky buildings at Botany Downs Secondary School in east Auckland.

In the High Court in Auckland, Justice Mathew Downs today ruled against the former construction company, which built a series of interlinking two-storey buildings with interconnecting roofs between 2003 and 2009, agreeing "the roofs leak because they suffer a host of construction defects, including missing fixings and poorly formed penetrations" and that the ex-Hawkins unit was liable to pay the cost plus GST of remedying five of the six defects, and one component of the sixth defect.

"The sum is not small, but Hawkins was paid approximately $28 million to build the school; pupils and teachers have not had the benefit of healthy code-compliant buildings for eight years; and the award reflects the amount necessary to repair the school, not more," Justice Downs said.

The judge said the most important evidence was by lay witnesses from the school, none of which was contested, and that when he went on a site visit: "Two live leaks were obvious: from the gymnasium roof, onto the floor; and from the roof of the administration building into the staffroom. Each had an accompanying bucket."

The named company is ultimately owned by the McConnell family, who sold Hawkins to ASX-listed engineering consultancy Downer EDI for A$55.4 million last year. At the time of the acquisition, Hawkins had negative working capital.

The Ministry of Education and school brought the case against the former building firm in what has been a major issue for the government agency, with a long-running action against Carter Holt Harvey over the installation of Shadowclad cladding in 833 school buildings across the country. The building products firm has successfully dragged in local authorities as third parties in the dispute.

In 2015, the ministry estimated the cost of fixing serious leaks will be between $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, down from an earlier forecast range of $1.3 billion to $1.79 billion. The ministry embarked on court proceedings against cladding manufacturers in 2013 and has since settled with building materials makers James Hardie Industries and CSR.

Justice Downs today said the Botany Downs Secondary School remediation will probably take about 100 weeks, and while it ranked "reasonably high" on the ministry's list of leaky school buildings to be fixed, the government agency had only held "informal talks" with the school.

In arguing over the cost of remediation, the judge noted that the threshold for a spending decision to go to Cabinet was $25 million and for the minister, $15 million, neither of which the Botany Downs school met.

The judge didn't make an order on costs, instead encouraging the parties to reach an agreement.

(BusinessDesk)

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Serko shares hit a new record after the online travel booking software developer announced plans for a secondary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange next month as a means to broaden its investor base.

The stock rose as high as $2.65 and was recently up 6.1 percent to $2.63, adding to the 13 percent gain so far this year. Serko was the best performer on the NZX in 2017, starting the year at 29 cents before closing out 2017 at $2.19. The company delivered a first-half profit, positive cash flow and stepped up plans to launch in North America, attracting investor support as it executed its plans successfully.

The company now plans to join the ASX in June via a compliance listing, while keeping its primary listing on the NZX. Australia's stock market operator has made it easier for firms to trade through its platform with a foreign exempt listing status, and its deeper pool of investors and broader analyst coverage has lured several New Zealand firms to bypass the NZX in favour of the ASX.

"While it is Serkos intention to remain a New Zealand domiciled-business, committed to our New Zealand investor base, we recognise that listing on the ASX is a way of potentially accessing a broader pool of institutional and retail investors who wish to share in Serkos success," chief executive Darrin Grafton said in a statement. "The bulk of Serkos revenue comes from Australia, and we expect to see continued growth in that market even as we undertake our global expansion initiatives."

Earlier this year, the company signed a binding strategic alliance with ATPI Group to deploy Serko's Zeno platform globally, including in the US, Europe, UK, and Asia for the next five years. The first customer site, being the UK, is scheduled to start in the middle of the year.

Last month Serko appointed Tony DAstolfo, a veteran executive of several online travel firms, as senior vice president of its North American operations.

Serko raised $17 million of new capital in 2014 when it sold shares at $1.10 apiece in an initial public offering, with existing shareholders selling a further $5 million into the float, and went back to market in late 2015, raising $8.1 million from institutional and eligible investors at 84 cents apiece.

(BusinessDesk)

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The government plans to impose goods and services tax on small online retail purchases which have previously been ignored by officials because it was too expensive to pursue, making foreign suppliers collect the tax and dropping some border duties for the buyer.

Revenue Minister Stuart Nash and Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri today announced the change at boutique Wellington bookstore Unity Books. From October 2019, GST will be applied on goods bought overseas and valued at less than $400, ending an exemption that local retailers had complained made them uncompetitive against foreign firms. The new regime would require overseas retailers to register and collect GST if their total sales to New Zealand consumers was more than $60,000 a year. The initiative carries on work started by the previous administration and interested parties have until June 29 to make submissions on the proposal, which would keep the tax treatment of goods valued more than $400.

"Small business such as bookshops have convincingly argued they are penalised by a system which is badly out of date," Nash said in a statement. "It's particularly difficult for very small shops outside the main centres."

The government's Tax Working Group was allowed to consider the issue of imposing GST on low-value online purchases and could make an early recommendation given the train of work already underway.

In a letter to ministers Grant Robertson, Nash and Whaitiri received on Feb. 28, group chair Michael Cullen said the non-collection of GST was an increasing problem that needed addressing "quickly" as it created a competitive disadvantage and unfairness for local retailers and an expanding hole in the Crown's coffers.

The group recommended an offshore supplier registration model to collect GST, although Cullen said there was a risk GST wouldn't be collected by unregistered sellers. The group also supported the government keep reviewing options to collect GST between the point of sale and delivery, and after delivery.

The new measure is expected to collect an additional $53 million of tax revenue in the 2019/2020 fiscal year, rising to $87 million two years later, although it isn't clear how much tariff duties and biosecurity fees will fall by. The Crown collected $152 million from customs duties other than petrol, tobacco and alcohol in the June 2017.

Cullen told ministers officials advised the reduced compliance and administration costs outweighed the foregone tariff revenue and biosecurity fees.

(BusinessDesk)

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MONTREAL, April 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Siyata Mobile Inc. (the "Company" or "Siyata") (TSX-V:SIM) (OTCQX:SYATF) is pleased to announce its 2017 year-end audited financial statements have been filed, posting a record year of sales and year-over-year sales growth.



Highlights Include:

 Record revenue of $17.7M (44% YoY Growth) vs $12.3M in 2016 (24% YoY Growth) 2017 North American Sales of $4.6M vs $2.8M in 2016 (64% YoY Growth);  Year-end cash on hand of $4.38M and $9.7M in working capital;  Gross Margins of 21.8% vs 23.9% in 2016;  Adjusted EBITDA of negative $2.3MM in 2017 versus negative $600K in 2016 Variance of adjusted EBITDA due to one-time recognition of inventory obsolescence of $976K and one-time costs of $1.0MM related to the launch of the new products.



Marc Seelenfreund, CEO and Chairman of Siyata Mobile stated, It was another great year for the Company, and we are now seeing the demand roll into our next generation 4G products which have significantly higher selling prices and profit margins than our legacy portfolio. There are substantial up-front costs associated in launching these devices with various carriers, which include research, development, marketing and government approvals in which the majority was completed in 2017. We anticipate 2018 to be another excellent year for growth, as the world moves away from two-way radio into cellular based solutions in numerous verticals.

The company will hold a conference call on Tuesday, May 1st, at 9:00 AM EST (06:00 AM PST) to discuss the year-end results, along with a Q&A session with Siyata Mobile CEO and Chairman, Marc Seelenfreund.

Details of the conference call:

Date: Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Time: 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time

Operator Assisted Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1-877-291-4570

Local or International Dial-In Number: 1-647-788-4919

There will also be a playback of the conference call, available in MP3 format by contacting investor relations below.

About Siyata

A TSX Venture Top 50 Company, Siyata Mobile Inc. is a leading global developer and provider of cellular communications systems for enterprise customers, specializing in connected vehicle products for professional fleets, marketed under the Uniden Cellular brand. Since developing the worlds first 3G connected vehicle device, Siyata has been a pioneer in the industry, launching the worlds first 4G LTE all-in-one fleet communications device in 2017. Incorporating voice, push-to-talk over cellular, data, and fleet management solutions into a single device, the company aims to become the connected vehicle communications device of choice for commercial vehicles and fleets around the world.

Siyata also offers rugged phones for industrial users and signal boosters for homes, buildings, and fleets with poor cell coverage. Siyatas customers include cellular operators, commercial vehicle technology distributors, and fleets of all sizes in Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.

Visit www.siyatamobile.com and http://www.unidencellular.com/ to learn more.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of:

SIYATA MOBILE INC.

Marc Seelenfreund

CEO and Chairman

Investor Relations:

Arlen Hansen

Kin Communications

1-866-684-6730

SIM@kincommunications.com

Sales Department:

Glenn Kennedy, VP Sales

Siyata Mobile Inc.

416-892-1823

glenn_kennedy@siyatamobile.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, 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.Fremont, CA, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Durabook Americas, Inc., the North American subsidiary of Twinhead International Corporation, announced today that due to increased demand for its DURABOOK product line and an aggressive growth strategy, the company has expanded its executive ranks. Former President, Tom Wang will now serve as Chief Operating Officer, and industry veteran, Joe Guest, will take the helm as the companys new President. Mr. Guest will focus on expanding the teams sales force, and building customer-driven rugged computing solutions for the military, law enforcement, field service and other markets with highly mobile workforces operating in demanding environments.



We have experienced steady growth over the last few years, our stock is on the rise, and recent sales have jumped significantly, said Tom Wang, Chief Operating Officer, Durabook Americas. To maintain this momentum, expanding our executive team is a necessity. With Joe coming on board, and bringing a wealth of market experience and relationships, it frees me to focus on expanding our ability to deliver the operational experience our customers expect and deserve.



Moving forward, Mr. Wang will focus on corporate strategy and ongoing business operations; ensuring the company maintains the efficient supply chain and business practices that have fostered its growth since his arrival in 2014.



Joe Guest began his career in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard as a Program Manager working in various computer and telecommunication environments. Following the Air Force, Mr. Guest joined Abacus Technology where he worked at the Pentagon as a Program Manager supporting the IT requirements of the Air Staff. Mr. Guest has also held positions at Panasonic, where he focused on the use of rugged technologies in military flight line maintenance applications, and also at NCS Technologies as the Director of Air Force Sales and later as the Vice President of Sales.



Having served in the Air Force, I understand the needs, challenges and operational complexities DOD customers face, said Joe Guest, President, Durabook Americas. Having this shared experience with our customers will make it easy to engage in dialogues that result in solutions designed to address their specific needs. We already have the infrastructure and engineering capabilities to compete with the market leaders in the rugged space. Now we need to focus on developing customer-driven solutions and expanding our sales ranks to include more people with direct experience in the markets they serve. Together, Tom and I will continue to build Durabook Americas into a world-class organization capable of delivering a best-in-class customer experience.



Mr. Guest and Mr. Wang will work together on developing the companys strategy, vision and product line.



These moves follow on the heels of Februarys name change from GammaTech Computer Corporation to Durabook Americas, Inc. The new name reflects the companys longstanding focus on the DURABOOK brand as well as changing market conditions that emphasize the need for reliable, purpose-built, mobile computing solutions.



Known for reliability, performance and attractive acquisition costs, the DURABOOK brand has a loyal customer base around the globe. DURABOOK devices are used by most branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, public safety agencies across the country, numerous field service organizations, as well as companies in oil & gas, logistics, healthcare, utilities and automotive markets.



Durabook Americas Support Services

To help its customers address the challenges and complexity of deploying and managing their mobility solutions, Durabook Americas offers a wide range of support services. These services include device customization, consulting, disk imaging, deployment assistance, installation, extended and no-fault warranty options, warranty depot repair center with 48-hour turn-around-time, a live US-based call center, device retirement, and an online support center for drivers and manuals.



Availability

DURABOOK rugged computers are available from authorized resellers. All products include a standard three-year warranty. The warranties of the U11, R8300 and R11 models also cover accidental damage. For warranty details go to http://bit.ly/DurabookWarranty. Sales inquiries for DURABOOK products should be directed to Sales@DurabookAmericas.com or 800-995-8946.



About Durabook Americas

Durabook Americas, Inc. is the North American subsidiary of Twinhead International Corporation, a leading manufacturer and customizer of rugged computing solutions, including the globally acclaimed DURABOOK brand. Driven to meet customer needs, DURABOOK devices are designed, manufactured and tested in-house to assure maximum quality and reliability. These cost-effective ruggedized laptops, tablets, and all-in-one PCs are high-performance solutions that increase productivity, drive a clear return on investment and deliver a low total cost of ownership for government and enterprise customers in markets like oil & gas, power & utilities, field service, military, and public safety.



Durabook Americas, Inc. is headquartered in Fremont, California from where they also provide final assembly, inventory, technical support and other services. For more information on Durabook Americas, Inc., and the DURABOOK product line, visit www.DurabookAmericas.com.



All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies.



2018 Durabook Americas. All rights reserved.



-- # # # --

AttachmentRelease of first commercially available mental health technology product

Notable existing support from key Australian companies

Provide organizations with cost savings by reducing mental health burden

SYDNEY, Australia and MINNEAPOLIS, April 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medibio Limited (MEB or the Company)(ASX:MEB)(OTCQB:MDBIF), a mental health technology company confirms the launch and release of the Companys Corporate Mental Health for business product and platform (the Platform).

The Platform allows businesses to offer employees the chance to check-in on their mental health through a comprehensive mental health and wellness program that starts with an employee-facing, Mental Health Check-In campaign. The app-based check-in tool is expected to be available in the Google Play and Apple App Store in the first two weeks of May 2018. The mobile app, named Medibio Inform, allows employees of participating businesses to assess their mental health using both traditional assessments and biometric measures.

Providing personal and confidential measures of mental health, the Platform is compatible with heart rate-enabled Fitbit and Garmin devices and soon will support Apple Watch. Businesses are provided with a dashboard of the results at an aggregate level, not tied to individual employees, displayed through data trends to help companies understand the overall mental health of their employee base. Sign-up and registration for the Platform is currently open with the app available in Australia, New Zealand and the US. The Corporate Health product pricing is subject to firm size and structure, but initially ranges between A$15 to A$45 per user.

Mental illness can have a dramatic effect on a companys productivity. For a company with a workforce of 100,000, the annual loss can exceed 3 million hours.1 The Platform represents a significant advancement in corporate mental health, allowing organizations to move beyond the current ad hoc and highly reactive offerings to a data-driven, evidence-based capability. The human and economic cost of mental health to organizations, and the well documented return on investment makes this one of the most exciting developments in corporate health for decades. stated Peta Slocombe Senior VP of Corporate Health.

With historical participation from a variety of Australian firms, the results of the prior Check-In campaign demonstrated that a measurable and proactive approach to mental health is quickly becoming a priority for many organizations. Amongst them, number one ranked global technical and professional services company, Jacobs Engineering, participated as part of its own health and safety program, BeyondZero, which supports the mental health and wellness needs of its employees worldwide.

Jack Cosentino, CEO and Managing Director stated, For the first time, wearable technologies including Garmin and FitBit will be able to track and monitor individuals circadian heart rhythm (CHR), sleep cycles and activity, to round out an objective understanding of the onset and existence of mental dysfunction. We strongly feel that businesses are strategically positioned to assist individuals in recognizing the need for and accessing resources to treat and manage mental health conditions.

Medibios Check-in is the first step in a comprehensive Corporate Health offering which includes products and services designed to help employers optimize performance, minimize risk, and better care for their most valuable asset - their people. More information on the Medibio Corporate Health program and Mental Health Check-in registration can be found at http://mentalhealthcheckin.com.

Creating a mentally healthy workplace. Return on investment analysis. PwC HeadsUp (March 2014)

About Medibio Limited

Medibio (ASX:MEB) (OTCQB:MDBIF) is a mental health technology company that has pioneered the use of objective biometrics to assist in the screening, diagnosing, monitoring and management of depression and other mental health conditions. The company offers mental health solutions for business through its Corporate Health programs and is developing products to serve both the consumer and regulated healthcare provider markets. The company was founded in Australia, with offices located in Melbourne (Vic), Perth (WA), and U.S. offices in Minneapolis, MN. Medibio is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange Ltd and trades on the OTCQB Venture Market. Investors can find additional information on www.otcmarkets.com and www.asx.com.au.The legislator from Bairia in Ballia district, who had earlier made news when he said no one can rape a mother of three children, also advised parents not to give their children mobile phones.

: Wading into the debate on violence against women and minor girls once again, Uttar Pradesh's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party legislator Surendra Singh has said parents are responsible for the increasing incidents of rape and should not let their children roam around freely.

"The parents of youths are responsible for growing incidents of rape as they do not take care of their wards," local BJP MLA Surendra Singh told reporters Ballia on Monday.

"Children up to 15 years of age should be kept under strict vigil. It is the duty of parents to take care of their wards. But they allow their wards to roam around freely. This is the main reason for the social evil," he said.

Children should not be given undue freedom, he said, and asked parents not to give mobile phones to them.

The remarks come in the backdrop of outrage over the brutal gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, and the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao district, allegedly by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

Defending Sengar, Surendra Singh had said, "I am speaking from a psychological point of view; no one can rape a mother of three children. It is not possible, this is a conspiracy against him (Sengar)."

Known for making contentious comments, he had also recently called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "Surpanakha", the sister of demon king Ravana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month directed his party's lawmakers not to make "irresponsible" statements.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In what has become "the biggest, most attended student art gallery in New York City," the third annual New Dorp High School Comic Con is making a huge SPLASH! on the local art scene.

From noon-5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, experience what comic book culture is all about from an event that's grown to pull in thousands of avid fans.

Much of the art on display is done entirely by the students, even down to the advertisements made for the event.

"[It's] all about the locals," said Arthur Vallario, visual arts teacher for New Dorp High School, who is glad that giving his students' exhibit a comic book spin has attracted such a devoted fanbase.

"By surrounding the student art gallery with an event like Comic Con we attract a very large audience to appreciate the student exhibit"

Along with the incredibly done artwork the Con will feature a costume contest for 10-15 year olds, four panels about comic books and the culture surrounding it, and dozens of vendors. These include New Dorp alumni, Staten Island's three comic book stores, graphic novelists, and more.

The costume contest is split into multiple rounds throughout the day, which include:

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

4 p.m.

There'll be ribbons and prizes for the taking, too!

While Vallario says they've hit the limit for vendors this year, he still encourages anyone looking to sell their wares to email him at comicfestival@newdorphs.org, just in case someone's run gets discontinued (terrible comic industry joke, I know).

Tickets are $5, and $2 for New Dorp students.The White House Correspondents' Dinner, a.k.a. "Nerd Prom," is an annual gathering of celebrities, politicians and the press corps, and this year comedian Michelle Wolf was tapped to deliver a monologue poking fun at everyone involved. But some feel Wolf crossed the line from light-hearted comedy to savage and unforgiving jabs. Many, including President Donald Trump, think she went too far. Others think Wolf absolutely killed it, and the press corps deserved to be called out. What do you think?

PERSPECTIVES

Michelle Wolf held nothing back in her takedown of Trump, his associates, and the press.

Watch the full monologue below:

Many feel Wolf went too far, especially with her comments about Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

.@edhenry: Sarah Sanders should get an apology from the White House Correspondents Association. pic.twitter.com/k6o7c0FjX1  Fox News (@FoxNews) April 29, 2018

Some journalists came to Sanders' defense, arguing no woman, even Sanders, should be humiliated on national television.

Watching a wife and mother be humiliated on national television for her looks is deplorable. I have experienced insults about my appearance from the president. All women have a duty to unite when these attacks happen and the WHCA owes Sarah an apology.  Mika Brzezinski (@morningmika) April 29, 2018

Others said Sanders' physical appearance should not be commented on.

That @PressSec sat and absorbed intense criticism of her physical appearance, her job performance, and so forth, instead of walking out, on national television, was impressive.  Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) April 29, 2018

Although, as actor Kumail Nanjina pointed out, Wolf never actually commented on Sanders' physical appearance, other than to compliment her smokey eye.

Other journalists were upset because they felt Wolf's routine only further sowed distrust in the media, which is already under attack by the current administration.

If the #WHCD dinner did anything tonight, it made the chasm between journalists and those who don't trust us, even wider. And those of us based in the red states who work hard every day to prove our objectivity will have to deal with it.  Meg Kinnard (@MegKinnardAP) April 29, 2018

But others believe the media deserved to be called out for being complicit in the rise and normalization of Trump.

Michelle Wolf told the media to stop having Kellyanne Conway on and said You helped create this monster (Trump) and now you are profiting from him.



Thats what the media is really upset about, getting called out. #WHCD  Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) April 29, 2018

The fact that the media holds a comedian to a higher standard than the president says a lot.

Imagine if Michelle Wolf called Sarah Huckabee Sanders Miss Piggy. Or said she was always angry because she had blood coming out of her wherever.

Now THAT wouldve been offensive.#WHCD  emilia (@PoliticalEmilia) April 29, 2018

The White House Correspondents' Association released an official statement in response to the outrage over Wolf's set, claiming the comedian's routine "was not in the spirit" of their mission.

But others believe it is the job of the free press to hold those in power accountable, and the media needed a wakeup call.

The media is supposed to represent the interests of the American people, not their White House sources.



Speak truth to power, dont appease it. Especially when that power degrades democratic norms, calls you the enemy of the American people, and talks about jailing you.  Ahmed Baba (@AhmedBaba_) April 30, 2018

The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say.Elissa Montanti meets with Joshua Luciano, who lost legs in a crash, and his dad over the weekend. (Photo courtesy of Elissa Montanti)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Mariners Harbor man who lost his legs in a horrific crash a few months ago will be getting new prosthetics from a prominent local charity.

The Global Medical Relief Fund, an Arrochar-based organization that helps kids with missing limbs, will provide Joshua Luciano, 20, with the new prosthetic legs, said founder and director Elissa Montanti.

"This is good news," she said. "I was praying on it. I'm so happy we can help this boy."

Montanti said she read the Advance profile on Luciano's situation, and immediately decided she needed to help.

The charity usually provides medical care and support for kids under 18, but the board made an exception for Luciano's case.

She got the final approval last week.

"I'm happy," said Francisco Luciano, Joshua's father. "He's real positive now. And this makes him more positive."

The Lucianos and Montanti will travel to the Shriners Hospital location in Philadelphia Thursday for a consultation with the medical staff.

Montanti said the prosthetics and the necessary rehab will run more than $100,000, and all the expenses will be covered.

"They never get a bill," she said. "He was so grateful."

Luciano was released from the hospital about 10 days ago, and is already very independent.

"He's doing great; he's cooking, eating and using the bathroom by himself," said the dad. "But watching him move across the floor is a little different."

ACCIDENT

On Jan. 22, Luciano was the passenger in his friend's vehicle when his buddy lost control and crashed head-on into a tree near Henderson Avenue and Lois Place at around 12:50 p.m.

Police told the Advance the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the crash.

"The axle broke and he lost control," Luciano recalled.

Surveillance footage shows the car swerve out of control just before Lois Place, and the passenger side of the vehicle making impact with the tree.

The front portion of the car -- the engine and two wheels -- was ripped away from the rest of the vehicle and landed several feet away.

The driver did not suffer serious injuries, but Luciano was in critical condition when both men were transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.

Luciano was in surgery for 12 hours and doctors had to amputate his left leg to keep him alive, said his father. They tried reattaching his right leg, but were unsuccessful.

"I had to give them permission to take the right leg," said the 52-year-old dad. "I cried. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do."

Luciano lost seven pints of blood, and also suffered concussions, a broken pelvis which had to be fused together, and a broken right femur.

"I'm still in pain," he said. "My legs and thighs hurt. I have short-term memory loss."

Luciano was in a medically-induced coma for a month, and needed a breathing tube and a feeding tube. He lost 60 pounds during the ordeal.

"I'm handling it fine," he previously told the Advance. "You can't change the past. I'm just dealing with it the best I can. That's life."

"I'm excited about getting the prosthetics," he continued. "I'll be happy when I can walk again."Amsterdam, the Netherlands - 01 May 2018 - Intertrust N.V. ("Intertrust" or "Company") [Euronext: INTER], a leading global provider of high-value trust, corporate and fund services, today announces that it has repurchased 102,000 ordinary Intertrust shares at an average price of EUR 16.8693 per share in the period from 23 April 2018 up to and including 27 April 2018.

The aggregate consideration for this repurchase was EUR 1.72 million. This repurchase was made as part of the Company's share repurchase programme, which was announced on 13 November 2017.

The total number of shares repurchased under this programme up to and including 27 April 2018 is 2,647,094 shares for a total aggregate consideration of EUR 42.13 million.

Approximately 850,000 shares will be used for employee stock ownership and incentive plans vesting in 2018 and 2019, with the remainder of the repurchased shares to be cancelled (after approval by the general meeting of shareholders). Further details on the share repurchase transactions can be found on the Company's website.

This press release contains information which is to be made publicly available under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014.

For further information

Intertrust N.V. marieke.palstra@intertrustgroup.com

Marieke Palstra Tel: +31 20 577 1157

Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

About Intertrust

Intertrust is a leading global provider of high-value trust, corporate and fund services, with more than 2,500 employees located throughout a network of 39 offices in 28 jurisdictions across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle-East. The Company delivers high-quality, tailored services to its clients with a view to building long-term relationships. Intertrust's business services offering is comprised of corporate services, fund services, capital market services, and private wealth services. Intertrust has leading market positions in selected key geographic markets of its industry, including the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Jersey, and the Cayman Islands. Intertrust works with global law firms and accountancy firms, multi-national corporations, financial institutions, fund managers, high net worth individuals and family offices.(This is the latest edition of Island Government, a news round-up about Staten Island politics.)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- City Councilman Joe Borelli (R-South Shore) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore/Brooklyn) have both endorsed Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro for governor.

Borelli -- who was the first city official to endorse Molinaro and lived in Dutchess County for four years -- praised Molinaro's record as an executive, saying that he transformed the county into a place where families and businesses thrive and called the Republican a "problem solver."

"In many ways, Dutchess County is like Richmond and shares many of the same woes, from long commutes to rising costs. Wappingers Falls might as well be Westerleigh," Borelli said. "I think he is the right person who understands our needs."

Malliotakis, who sat next to Molinaro when they served in the state Assembly together, cited his experience as both a legislator and an executive as well as his communications skills.

"We're talking about 62 counties," Malliotakis told the Advance. "It's a large undertaking and I think he has the energy and the passion to travel around this state with a message of fiscal responsibility to our state, returning New York state to one that is a law and order state."

DONOVAN TOUTS $25M TO FIGHT DRUGS

Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) announced $25 million in grant money for New York to battle the drug crisis.

The second round of grant funds stems from the 21st Century Cures Act.

"This second round of funding will accelerate the great work being done locally to save lives," said Donovan. "By providing communities with the tools and resources they need, we will help stem the opioid addiction crisis that has destroyed too many families."

TITONE TACKLES HUMAN TRAFFICKING

A bill -- authored by Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-North Shore) -- that would mandate training for all employees at New York casinos to better spot signs of human trafficking passed in the state Assembly recently.

"It's imperative that employees of casino and other gaming operations be required to receive human-trafficking detection training in order to help our state's law enforcement agencies more effectively crack down on this exploitation of human beings," said Titone.

"If one knows what to look for, casinos are one of the places where one is most likely to see human trafficking in plain sight. By increasing awareness of the telltale signs of human trafficking among the gaming industry, we will be better able to protect, assist, and seek justice for the victims of this heinous crime."

MALLIOTAKIS INTRODUCES MANSLAUGHTER BILL

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-East Shore) and State Sen. Marty Golden (R-South Brooklyn) introduced legislation in both bodies of the state Legislature to deny conditional release for any person convicted of first degree manslaughter.

"It is total insanity that a man who murdered eight children and two adults has now been released back onto our streets," said Malliotakis. "Whether it is the Department of Corrections in this case, or the State Board of Parole in the case of cop killer Herman Bell, bad decisions are being made and dangerous consequences are sure to follow."

Malliotakis also said that Gov. Andrew Cuomo should appoint new members to the state's Parole Board.

"Gov. Cuomo should replace the incompetent Parole Board members who voted to release Bell, and work with us to change the law so that someone who is convicted of such heinous manslaughter cannot be eligible for conditional release at any time."

STATEN ISLAND GOP LOOKING FOR RECRUITS

The Staten Island Republican County Committee is looking to interview candidates for local and statewide offices.

"In addition to re-electing our outstanding Congressman Dan Donovan, the Staten Island Republican Party is determined to field a formidable slate of candidates for our statewide and local races on the ballot this year," said Brendan Lantry, the Staten Island GOP's Chairman.

"We encourage anyone interested in receiving our party's nomination for statewide office, state Senate, or state Assembly, as well as any attorneys interested in running for state Supreme Court justice or Surrogate Court judge, to contact us as soon as possible to set up an interview with our party's Executive Committee," he added.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A 56-year-old man allegedly groped an employee at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, according to authorities.

Robert Nicholas, 56, who lives on the 700 block of Brighton Avenue in Brighton Heights, was arrested at about 10:30 a.m. on Monday inside the hospital at 355 Bard Ave., according to police and the criminal complaint.

The victim is a nurse and the suspect was a patient, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.

A 44-year-old female employee told police that a man approached her from behind, put his hand between her legs and squeezed her genitals on Monday at about 9:50 a.m. in room 5A42, according to police and the criminal complaint.

The suspect was taken into custody a short time later in the same room, according to police.

The attack caused the woman to "feel degraded as well as experience annoyance, alarm and fear for her physical safety," according to the criminal complaint.

Nicholas was charged with forcible touching, sexual abuse and harassment, according to the criminal complaint.

The suspect, who stands about 5'7" tall and weighs about 160 pounds, is being held at the Brooklyn Detention Complex in lieu of $5,000 bail. He is due back in Criminal Court on Friday, according to public records.

The hazards nurses face while on duty have recently been in the spotlight after several high-profile incidents at Staten Island hospitals.

In March, Michael Schuhmann, 29, of Eltingville, pleaded guilty to assaulting a nurse last year after an emergency room visit at Staten Island University Hospital in Prince's Bay.

He wrapped a plastic wire that was strapped to him around the nurse's neck, punched her and warned her "it's going to be a blood bath in here," according to allegations in the criminal complaint.

In December, Leon Morris, 56, of Rosebank, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree assault stemming from a March 12, 2017 incident at Staten Island University Hospital.

Authorities said Morris, a former employee, concealed a baseball bat and knife beneath his coat and assaulted his former supervisor at about 5 p.m. on the second floor at the hospital's Ocean Breeze campus.

He had been let go from the hospital a few days earlier.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A panel of experts on the borough's opioid crisis wants residents to offer comments and suggestions on a preliminary report about the state of Staten Island's drug epidemic.

The preliminary report, which will be released this month, will be open to public comment for 30 days, according to borough President James Oddo, who hand-picked the panelists.

Oddo said what makes this study different than previous studies is it combines the knowledge and opinions of national experts with local members who have firsthand experience dealing with the issue on Staten Island.

Last year, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon and Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan released the "Staten Island Needs Assessment: Opioid Addiction Prevention and Treatment System of Care," a report by Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.

Oddo's Opioid Data Working Group consists of Chinazo Cunningham, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Anthony Ferreri, of the Borough President's Office; Marc Gourevitch, NYU School of Medicine; Jonathan Morgenstern, Northwell Health, and Nora Santiago, the College of Staten Island.

The panel recently held a listening session with the city Health Department, NYPD, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon's office, Staten Island Performing Provider System, the Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness and others to gain insist from those on the front lines in the war on opioids.

"There is absolutely no question that they understand the opioid crisis in our borough better than anyone else and, therefore, it was critical for our panel to learn from the local experts on the ground," Oddo said.

"Put simply, we want to rally all of the important efforts on Staten Island around a set of clear, quantifiable priorities," Oddo said.

INSPIRED BY RHODE ISLAND INITIATIVE

The idea to create a panel was inspired by an initiative of Rhode Island Gov. Gina M. Raimondo. In 2017, Rhode Island saw an 8 percent decrease in overdoses.

Raimondo's Overdose Prevention and Intervention Action Plan issued the following recommendations "designed to cut the number of lives lost to an overdose by a third within three years:"

Prevention: Take aggressive measures to improve patient safety and better monitor opioid use through the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

Rescue: Ensure access to naloxone.

Treatment: Expand the quality and availability of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Recovery: Expand access to peer recovery services and MAT.

A public education campaign was also outlined.

The Staten Island panel will build on three of Rhode Island's tactics and look at metrics across six areas: Surveillance, prevention, overdose reversal, treatment, diversion and recovery.

"The goal of this initiative is to develop a comprehensive borough-wide data strategy that will be used to shape further efforts in the fight against this epidemic," Oddo said.

ODs AND NUMBER OF SAVES

The Opioid Data Working Group currently has measurements of the number of overdose deaths and naloxone saves.

Nora Santiago, a panel member handling data analysis and analyzing geographic information, said the group hopes to gain information on how many people are in treatment or successfully complete treatment.

"It is important to have local data to measure the outcomes of our efforts," said Santiago. "This will grant us tremendous insights in how to effectively combat the opioid crisis and reduce the number of deaths."STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A suspect wanted for domestic robbery fled from police at approximately 7:40 p.m. Monday night, but was eventually apprehended.

The man, who, according to a police spokesman, tried to lie about his name when being apprehended, ran away from officers near 1754 Richmond Road in Dongan Hills.

After catching up to the individual, officers were able to arrest the man, according to the police spokesman.

On scene, over a dozen officers were present following the foot chase.

A shop owner on Richmond Road said he saw police run into a courtyard of the apartment buildings at the location in order to chase the suspect.

According to the police spokesman, the man sustained an injury to his nose and is currently at Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.

The suspect's name and information were not immediately available.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- At a time when most young people his age are eagerly awaiting the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation, a Stapleton teen is looking in a completely different direction.

And it's not a good one.

Derrick Boone, 18, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for gun possession and his role in an unrelated burglary.

Boone was accused of threatening a victim with a gun outside the Family Deli Grocery at 1138 Castleton Ave., West Brighton, on March 3 of last year.

Police said Boone put his hand in his front hoodie pocket, simulating a gun, and pointed it toward a 19-year-old victim in the store.

Meanwhile, an unidentified accomplice displayed a knife and told the victim, "Come outside, we gonna blam you," a criminal complaint said.

Despite the threats, the victim was not physically harmed.

Afterward, officers canvassed the area, and the victim picked out Boone, who tried to run away, police said.

Officers nabbed Boone and seized a loaded and defaced .22-caliber Ruger pistol from his waistband, said police.

The gun had seven rounds of ammunition, three attachments and a high capacity magazine, police said.

At the time of the incident, Boone was free on a $5,000 bond in connection with an unrelated episode on Aug. 28, 2016, in Port Richmond.

Police said Boone and two accomplices entered a Jewett Avenue home through a rear window and stole electronics and other items from a 45-year-old victim, police said.

Witnesses reported seeing three males flee from the house with backpacks containing more than $1,000 worth of electronics and other items, said cops.

Boone bolted from police, but was arrested two weeks later, according to court records.

In March, the defendant pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to second-degree criminal weapon possession and to second-degree burglary, the top counts in two indictments against him.

In exchange, he was sentenced on Monday to consecutive prison terms of three and a half years, for a total of seven years behind bars.

Boone is also subject to five years' post-release supervision.

Justice Alexander Jeong denied Boone's request to be sentenced on the felonies as a youthful offender.

Had the judge done so, the convictions would not have gone on the defendant's record and his court files would have been sealed.

Reached by phone, defense lawyer Mark J. Fonte said, "Hopefully, this young man can take advantage of some of the programs available to him in prison and come out a better person."

Assistant District Attorney Lisa Davis prosecuted the cases.US hopeful about China talks to resolve trade dispute



Washington, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Senior US officials are due to travel to Beijing on Tuesday to hold talks on resolving an escalating trade dispute and they say they are hopeful of finding a solution but warn the issues are complex.

If they fail to agree on a course of action to protect intellectual property rights from depredation, US punitive tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods are set to take effect May 22 and are certain to set off a chain of retaliation that could spill over into the global economy.

"I'm always hoping but not always hopeful," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Tuesday. "It's a big, big challenge."

President Donald Trump announced the punitive action against China in late March for what the administration says is rampant theft of US technology and know-how.

Lighthizer said the problems are grave since practices such as forced technology transfers and even outright theft undermines the US ability to position itself for the economy of the future.

"They are using their own law to get technology without paying for it," he told a US-China business conference.

He is due to travel to China later Tuesday with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and White House economic advisers Peter Navarro and Larry Kudlow to meet with their counterparts on Thursday and Friday.

US officials have highlighted Beijing's "China 2025" industrial development plan as a source of concern -- Ross called it "frightening" -- since they say it is map for dominating key high tech industries.



- 'Most sinful' -



Lighthizer said the country had already followed that path with steel and aluminum -- products now subject to steep US tariffs -- as well as semiconductors and "now they want to do it in all these areas, many of which will drive the economy."

"The whole relationship has a lot of negatives," he said, but "the most sinful is this issue of intellectual property."

In comments earlier on Tuesday, Ross declined to say what would be sufficient to satisfy the White House but stressed it was time for action on the trade deficit, which he described as "too big, too chronic and too inspired by evil practices."

Still, "I wouldn't be going all the way over there if I didn't think there was some hope," he said in an interview with CNBC.

Economists have faulted the administration's focus on reducing trade deficits with specific countries, since it is not a good measure of the benefits of the relationship.

But Lighthizer said Trump was right that "deficits do matter," adding that the imbalance with China was "completely lopsided," which made it fair to ask if their policies contributed to the increase.

The US deficit in goods with China last year was $375 billion, compared to just $83 billion in 2000, before the country joined the World Trade Organization.



- Trade war -



The Trump administration's aggressive trade strategy has fueled concerns the exchange of reprisals would harm economies just starting to find firmer footing after years of sluggish growth.

China has promised to retaliate with tariffs on $50 billion in US goods, prompting Trump to boost the US threat by another $100 billion.

US manufacturers over the past two months have reported sharp increases in prices of steel and aluminum as a result of the biting tariffs also imposed in March, and the EU also has threatened retaliation against those duties if their exemption expires on June 1.

Ross downplayed the concerns about retaliation on the US economy, saying, "We are the ones in the deficit position. That means they have more to lose at the end of the day."

Thomas Donohue, president of the US Chamber of Commerce, on Tuesday urged the administration to find a solution "without inflicting collateral damage on business and consumers."

He called for Beijing to move "aggressively" to reform their economy but called on Washington "to work collectively...to adequately address China's unfair trade practices."English Dutch

Chief Financial Officer Bart Koops has announced he will leave Beter Bed Holding N.V. per August 1st, 2018. On his decision Bart states: 'Since early 2013 I have been CFO with Beter Bed Holding N.V. The decision to leave the group has been difficult, but especially the last year has taken a heavy turn on my private work balance. I aim for a better balance in my future role.'

Chairman of the Supervisory Board Dirk Goeminne: 'We regret Bart his resignation, but respect his decision. In the meantime the Supervisory Beard has started the search for replacement.'



Profile

Beter Bed Holding is a European retail organisation that strives to offer its customers a comfortable and healthy night's rest every night at an affordable price. The retail formats ensure products of good quality, offer customers the best advice and always the best possible deal. Beter Bed Holding is also active as a wholesaler of branded products in the bedroom furnishing sector via its subsidiary DBC International (M line).

The current total number of stores is 1,191. In 2017, the company achieved revenue of

 416.4 million and an EBITDA of  27.5 million.



For more information:

Dirk Goeminne

Chairman of the Supervisory Board

+31 (0)413 338819

bbholding@beterbed.nl

Click on the link below for the PDF of the press releaseOr as they say in The Netherlands... Proost!!

Recently Edible Skinny was lucky enough to spend 8 days in The Netherlands. Between the canals of Amsterdam and the windmills of the North Sea, we discovered this country far and wide. And while on our trek of this Dutch wonderland, we utilized our time as kickass reporters to test out some travel items, Welcome to: "Let's Getaway: Dutch Edition Travel Product Review." So Cheers to exploring the globe! Or as they say in The Netherlands... Proost!

BABBEL  DUTCH LESSONS

Dank je! On our way to discovering Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (aka the Kingdom of the Low Countries), we decided to learn some of the language basics. Enter online language course Babbel... the comprehensive learning system combines effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology. This isn't just about listening, interactive online courses improve your grammar through playing with your computer's microphone. Within days our vocabulary and and pronunciation skills were amped up to 11. Which was about the number of words we remembered when we got over to the Netherlands. But Hey, we said them like an authentic Hollander! ;-)

https://www.babbel.com/

OLBAS OIL

It sucks to get sick when your traveling, and unfortunately this happened to Matt on our trip... Luckily we had some Olbas Oil on hand to speed up the process of healing. Originating in Basel, Switzerland over 100 years ago, Olbas Oil is a blend of six essential oils made from healing herbs. These kickass oils are pure plant remedies (some of the nature's secret weapons in maintaining wellness). Olbas contains essential oils of peppermint (aromatic stimulant), eucalyptus (promotes oxygen absorption), cajeput (sinus soothing), wintergreen (warm soothing effect when used in massage), juniper (stimulated metabolism), and clove (strong stimulating aromatic). Since Kat didn't succumb to the sniffles, we deemed this the "good stuff" to prevent and protect yourself from those common cold breeding airplanes!

https://www.pennherb.com/Olbas-Remedies

COTOPAXI  KUSA HYBRID JACKET

Kat LIVED in Cotopaxi's Kusa Hybrid Jacket while in chilly Amsterdam... And not just because it's made with llama-fleece (cause who doesn't LOVE some llama LOVE...). This Hybrid features some SUPER technical things like 20D ripstopnylon fabric, which is finished with a DWR to create a light, durable, water-resistant outer shell. And below this technology Cotopaxi has applied their unique llama-fleece insulation to keep you nice and warm when the mercury dips. Plus it's a Do-Goodery company! Cotopaxi designates 2% of their revenue to help alleviate poverty around the world. Their products are guaranteed to last 61 years, the average lifespan of a person living in the developing world! So stay European warm in Llama style!!!

https://www.cotopaxi.com/collections/womens-apparel/products/kusa-hybrid-womens?variant=32547978762

MOSHI  TEGO SLING MESSANGER BAG

THIS BAG WAS A LIFESAVER! The Moshi Tego Sling Messenger blends functionality with a sleek Asian minimalist design. The Tego was PERFECT for biking the streets of Amsterdam. The cross body messenger, is wearable on the left or right shoulder, features a quick-release strap for easy access, and an ActiveStrap for added stability on the move. Smart yet refined, each bag in the Tego series is constructed with concealed rear zippers for added security when we hit the streets of Europe. Crafted from a lightweight and durable fabric, this messenger bag is cut-proof and weather-resistant to keep your belongings secure and dry. Plus it's SUPER DUPER sophisticated looking making you look like you're wearing a bag from the FUTURE! ;-)

https://www.moshi.com/anti-theft-bags-tego

NOMADER WATER BOTTLE

This is life hacking at its best! This lightweight collapsible water bottle can roll up to the size of an orange when your done using it! The bottle loops around your wrist for easy carry or attaches to your bag for quick access. Nomader is rated for temperatures of below 4 degrees to 248 degrees, making it safe to use for boiling water, hot beverages, and frozen margarita drinks. This space saving water bottle is perfect a post TSA filler up!!!

https://www.nomader.com/

FACEBLASTER FROM ASHLEY BLACK

If your a fan of Edible Skinny, you know we are FANS of Ashley Black's FasciaBlaster!!! So we were delighted to test drive the FaceBlaster while voyaging in the North Sea. The FaceBlasteris a completely new fascia straightening design with 3 tiny, dainty claws that employ the same benefits of the FasciaBlaster for smaller, delicate areas. It was specifically designed for the face and can help release tension, fascial adhesions, and tightness between the smallest joints and bones in the hands, feet, and neck. So for anyone with tight necks from carrying bags (READ US) or have TMG for stressing over delayed flights (also READ US): THIS IS THE PRODUCT FOR YOU!!!

https://ashleyblackguru.com/product/faceblaster-from-ashley-black/9212453452/

MINISTRY OF SUPPLY: EASIER THAN SILK SHIRT

Hollerback! This anti wrinkle button down has the ability for any traveler to go from Backpacker to Business Casual in 5 minutes! Ministry of Supply interviewed dozens of women to understand their clothing demands...they then went to into the laboratory and got to work. The result is their Easier Than Silk Shirt: machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, and as flexible as Kayne West's politics... ;-)

https://ministryofsupply.com/products/easier-than-silk-shirt-1

SOUL INSOLE

Orthotics with soul! When walking upon cobble-stoned streets, taking care of your toesies and feetsies becomes a priority! But Hallelujah, Soul Insole's minimalist and flexible design works with your shoes, not against them. The biomechanically designed shape of the Soul Insole effectively redistributes pressure evenly across the foot to relieve pressure from the heel and forefoot. An arch booster that can be added to a full length insole or placed in any shoe. Soul Insole uses the medial wall and existing structure of the shoe to increase support to your arch (which means it will feel different in each shoes). Soul Insole prevents overpronation while training the foot to maintain proper alignment and gait, helping to relieve symptoms of Plantar Fascitis. Hip Hip Hooray for feetsies so happy they can dance the night away!!!

https://www.soulinsole.com/

TRAVELWISE  5 PIECE PACKING CUBE SET

Never been disheveled again! The TravelWise 5 Piece Packing Cube Set is a travel essential that allows clothes to stay folded and neat when packed in their own "small drawers". These cubes have been featured on PopSugar, Marriot Traveler, and Reader's Digest and are FANTASTIC for staying organized. Constructed of lightweight, durable nylon, these multi-sized cubes compartmentalize similar items such as shirts, pants, swimsuits and electronic accessories to streamline packing. They are FAB for staying organized on both short and long trips and help travelers avoid over packing. The open mesh top makes searching for misplaced items a thing of the past. Travelwise is available in nine colors (including PINK)! Each set includes 1 small, 2 medium, and 2 large cubes to organize different sized items when traveling.

https://www.amazon.com/TravelWise-Packing-Cube-System-Weekender/dp/B00HHBQZZY

KIND BARS  PROTEIN BARS

Olbas Oil on hand to speed up the process of healing

These were our GO-TO bars on this trip. Many protein bars on the market are a blend of sugar, more sugar, and artificial ingredients. Not KIND, this 12g of protein bar comes primarily from nuts such as whole peanuts, almonds, and soy. For that long train ride from Amsterdam to Eemshaven (8 hours) their Double Dark Chocolate Nut Bar was PERFECT solution to tiding us over!

https://www.kindsnacks.com/products/protein

Kat Thomas is the Editor in Chief of Edible Skinny, a site dedicated to making your life postcard worthy. She is also the CEO of the creative media company This Way Adventures. You can find more about both brands at http://www.thiswayadventures.com

Matt Bourquardez is a Writer for Edible Skinny. He has traveled the globe and rarely sees his house.Solar Novus Today Has Been Integrated

With Novus Light Technologies Today

Visit Novus Light Technologies Today to see all the cutting-edge stories and products that you have come to enjoy on Solar Novus Today. In addition, you will find more information on related light-based technologies.



Get the latest solar and renewable energy news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Green Technologies newsletter





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Ariana Grande's new single may be called "No Tears Left to Cry," but currently, she has no reason to cry: The song has debuted at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"No Tears Left to Cry" is Ariana's ninth top-10 hit on that chart, and it comes in at #1 on the Digital Song Sales chart with 100,000 downloads, according to Nielsen Music. Billboard notes that its the first song to sell six figures in a week since Drake's "God's Plan" moved 127,000 back in February.

Billboard also notes that if "Tears" is actually the official first lead single from Ari's upcoming fourth album, she'll be the only artist in history to have scored a top-10 Hot 100 debut with the first single from every one of her albums.

"My Way," the first single from Yours Truly, debuted at #10 in 2013. "Problem," the first single from 2014's My Everything, debuted at #3. And the title track of Dangerous Woman debuted at #10 in 2016.

Finally, thanks to "No Tears Left to Cry,"Ariana now ties Lady Gaga and Rihanna when it comes to most top-10 debuts on the Hot 100: each woman has six. Taylor Swift holds the record, with 14, followed by Drake with 12, Eminem with eight, and Justin Bieber and Lil Wayne, both with seven.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.SEATTLE, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today PayScale, Inc., the leader in precise, on-demand cloud compensation solutions for businesses and individuals, announced the release of its annual College Return on Investment Report. The report is designed to help prospective students and families make informed decisions related to selecting a college. The PayScale College ROI Report evaluates the cost of attending a college against the long-term earning potential of a student upon graduation.



Selecting a college can be an overwhelming decision for students, as well as a significant financial investment for many families, observed PayScale Vice President Lydia Frank. We want to provide additional insights for students and parents, so they can be armed with a solid understanding of not just the cost, but also the value of a college education in the job market.

The latest PayScale College ROI Report includes 1,461 higher education institutions (an increase of 39 schools from last years report). Of these schools, 922 are private, 534 are public and five are service academies.

Rankings shown are based on 20-year net ROI for on-campus costs, factoring costs with and without financial aid. If a school does not report on campus costs to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), then it is not included in the rankings, (with the exception of Service Academies, most of which typically charge no tuition). Estimates are based on income and education data from approximately 1.4 million respondents to PayScales salary survey collected between January 2007 and February 2018.

PayScale College Return on Investment Highlights:

Schools that promote STEM rank highly



Prestigious schools with renowned STEM programs rank near the top, including MIT, Harvey Mudd, Caltech, Georgia Tech, Stevens Institute of Technology and Stanford.

The top overall school-job combination is Business and Financial Operations at MIT.

Seventy-three of the top-100 school-job combinations include Computer and Mathematical occupations or Architecture and Engineering occupations.

Computer Science and Math, Economics and Engineering majors dominate the highest ROI school-major combinations



Ninety-five of the top-100 school-major combinations include either a Computer Science & Math, Economics or Engineering major.

The same small group of schools (Stanford, Yale, service academies, etc.) top the rankings for most major groups.

Service academies occupy the top ranks

For the second year in a row, the Merchant Marine Academy occupies the top spot in the rankings. The Military, Naval and Air Force Academies are all in the top 10, while the Coast Guard Academy ranked 27 th .

. Service academies perform well in PayScales rankings both because they ensure their alumni have lucrative careers after graduation and because their cost is so low.

When factoring in financial aid, private schools rank higher



The no-aid rankings do not tell the whole story. Before taking financial aid into account, 44 of the top 100 are public schools. After accounting for aid, that number falls to 35.

The median rank of the eight Ivy League schools improves from 36.5 to 20.5 after accounting for aid.

For more information, please refer to the full PayScale 2018 College ROI Report at: https://www.payscale.com/college-roi Find information about the methodology of the College ROI report is at: https://www.payscale.com/college-roi/methodology

About PayScale:

PayScale offers modern compensation software and the most precise, real-time, data-driven insights for employees and employers alike. More than 6,500 customers, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, use PayScale to power pay decisions for more than 18 million employees. These companies include Dish Network, Getty Images, Skullcandy, Time Warner, T-Mobile, Macy's, Sunsweet, UnitedHealth Group, Stihl and Wendy's. For more information, please visit: www.payscale.com or follow PayScale on Twitter: https://twitter.com/payscale.

Press Contact:

Erica Beyer

Email: erica@fireflycmns.com

Tel: 206.321.0727Rathbone Brothers Plc

Change in Director Responsibilities

Rathbone Brothers Plc ("Rathbones") announces that Paul Stockton, currently its Group Finance Director, has accepted the newly created role of Managing Director, Rathbone Investment Management ("RIM"), subject to regulatory approval. Paul will continue to report to Philip Howell, Group CEO, and will continue as an Executive Director on the boards of Rathbone Brothers Plc and Rathbone Investment Management Limited. A process has started to identify and recruit a successor as Group Finance Director. Paul will retain his Group Finance Director responsibilities until this process is complete to ensure a smooth transition.

Paul has been Group Finance Director of Rathbones for nearly a decade and has played an integral role in the significant growth of the business during that time. The new role of RIM Managing Director will sit alongside the roles of Group CEO and Group Finance Director on the board of Rathbones, increasing the total number of Executive Directors on the board from two to three.

As at 31 December 2017, Rathbones had 39.1 billion of funds under management of which 33.8 billion was managed by RIM. In his newly appointed role, Paul will oversee the day-to-day running of RIM, working closely with the RIM General Manager team to develop the business. Mike Webb will remain in his role as CEO of Rathbone Unit Trust Management ("RUTM") which reported 5.3 billion of funds under management at 31 December 2017.

Philip Howell, Chief Executive of Rathbones, said:

"The considerable growth in the RIM business in recent years has also brought increasing complexity, so the Board and I felt that it was an appropriate time to create this additional role to strengthen the executive team as the business continues to grow.

"Paul has made a huge contribution to Rathbones as Group Finance Director and we believe this new role will benefit greatly from his knowledge of both the business and the external market."

Paul Stockton, Finance Director of Rathbones, said:

"In my 10 years at Rathbones, I have learned a great deal, and I very much look forward to continuing to work closely with Philip and supporting our very talented investment teams as we continue to deliver a quality service to our clients."

1 May 2018

For further information contact:

Rathbone Brothers Plc

Tel: 020 7399 0000

email: shelly.patel@rathbones.com







Philip Howell, Chief Executive

Paul Stockton, Finance Director

Shelly Patel, Head of Investor Relations Camarco

Tel: 020 3757 4984

email: ed.gascoigne-pees@camarco.co.uk







Ed Gascoigne-Pees

Hazel Stevenson

Rathbone Brothers Plc

Rathbone Brothers Plc ("Rathbones"), through its subsidiaries, is a leading provider of high-quality, personalised investment and wealth management services for private clients, charities and trustees. Our services include discretionary investment management, unit trusts, banking and loan services, financial planning, unitised portfolio services, and UK trust, legal, estate and tax advice.

Rathbones has over 1,100 staff in 15 UK locations and Jersey; its headquarters is 8 Finsbury Circus, London.

rathbones.comVANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Canada Health Act (CHA) prevents provinces from implementing proven health-care reforms that would improve the system and shorten wait times, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.



The CHA is a federal law that sets the rules around cash transfers from Ottawa to the provinces for health care. It also allows the federal government to withhold funds from any province deemed in violation of the Canada Health Act.

Because the CHA is both vague and interpreted unilaterally by the federal government, the provinces cant ever be certain about what health policies may or may not be allowed by the current or future federal governments, said Nadeem Esmail, Fraser Institute senior fellow and co-author of Is the Canada Health Act a Barrier to Reform?

The study shows the CHA does not explicitly prohibit certain practices, including private for-profit hospitals and private (parallel) health service deliverycommon elements of other successful universal health-care countries. But despite any explicit prohibition, previous federal governments have interpreted the CHA to disallow such activity, discouraging provinces from pursuing reforms along those lines that could improve health services.

For example, private for-profit hospitals comprise only one per cent of hospitals in Canada compared to 39 per cent in Australia and 43 per cent in Germany, and no province allows private parallel health services, even though the CHA doesnt specifically prohibit it.

In addition to preventing reforms by being vague, the CHA also expressly prohibits other health reforms that are commonly used in other countries with universal health care. For instance, the CHA clearly prohibits provinces from allowing cost sharing, such as deductibles, co-payments, and co-insurance payments. Not surprisingly, no Canadian province uses cost sharing, but cost sharing is integral to successful universal health systems in Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.

Since provinces are ultimately responsible for delivering health services, they should be allowed to determine health policy without federal interference, all the while keeping the system universal and portable, Esmail said.

What might work in Ontario to shorten wait times and improve health services might not work in Alberta or New Brunswickfreeing the provinces to experiment with successful health policies that work elsewhere would ultimately produce a better universal health-care system.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Nadeem Esmail, Senior Fellow

Fraser Institute

Bacchus Barua, Associate Director, Health Policy Studies

Fraser Institute

To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:

Bryn Weese, Media Relations Specialist, Fraser Institute

Tel: (604) 688-0221 Ext. 589

E-mail: bryn.weese@fraserinstitute.org

Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter and Facebook

The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org

VANCOUVER, B.C., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Venzee Technologies Inc. (TSX-V:VENZ) (Venzee or the Company) is pleased to announce that Euro Style, a wholesale ready-to-assemble furniture resource based in San Francisco, has selected Venzee to automate the process of adding and updating products to select retailers, adding to the growing list of Venzee enterprise customers.



Euro Styles update to Venzees software allows the furniture designer and manufacturer to share product information to retailers through Venzees cloud-based platform.

Victor Pontis, CTO of Euro Style, commented, We are excited to partner with Venzee as it transforms our product information from our manufacturers to meet the requirements of our various retailers. Considering we work with over 30 factories in six countries, including our manufacturers in Italy and East Asia and showrooms in North Carolina and Nevada, Venzees software is a valuable addition to our business; we are sure that the elimination of labor-intensive and costly spreadsheets will result in a quick return of investment.

Peter Mackay, CEO of Venzee, commented, We are pleased to provide Euro Style with Venzees rich, error free system that allows businesses to share information without the problematic and outdated system of spreadsheets. Our technology will ultimately provide Euro Style with the time needed to develop their innovative products and designs.

Venzee provides high value customized SaaS (software-as-a-service) solutions to mid-market and tier-1 enterprise clients around the world. Additionally, it accommodates the budgets of up and coming retailers hosted on platforms like Shopify.

According to Statista, in 2016, the global e-commerce industry achieved estimated US$1.8 trillion dollars in sales, and is expected to grow to US$4.5 trillion by 2021. As e-commerce sales continue to grow at staggering rates, the need for better delivery of product information for businesses is now solved with the Venzee software solution.

About Euro Style

With a focus on contemporary design, Euro Style continues to grow across the United States with showrooms in North Carolina and Nevada, and a warehouse in California. The international design team based in Europe work to provide designs that embody founder Trig Liljestrands dream of high-quality, stylish pieces at an affordable price.

The ever-growing furniture collections for living room, bar, dining room and office, bring cutting-edge contemporary design from Euro Styles European designers and factories in Italy and East Asia. The company ships out of its Northern California Warehouse the next business day after orders are placed.

About Venzee



Venzee is a SaaS (software as a service) company that launched in 2014 to help e-commerce vendors and retailers easily share product information in a US$23 trillion retail industry (source: Statista). Traditionally, this was achieved by using spreadsheets, which created a labor-intensive, error inducing process that delayed products from reaching the marketplace. Venzees technology streamlines product information management, allowing vendors and retailers to seamlessly share information, avoiding delays and getting products to market faster than ever. To learn more about Venzee, visit https://venzee.com.

The Venzee technology is leveraged for the creation of the Companys blockchain solution, Mesh. Mesh is able to import, merge and transform data from existing systems before writing to blockchain networks, greatly simplifying the process of integrating blockchain networks with conventional databases. For more about Mesh, visit https://meshblockchain.com.

The Company graduated from notable start-up accelerator program 500 Startups and is already powering some of the biggest brands in the world.

Investor Relations

Caleb Jeffries

Investor Relations, Kin Communications Inc.

1-866-684-6730

VENZ@kincommunications.com

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the execution of the Companys growth strategy. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; and regulatory risks. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained under Risk Factors and Uncertainties in the Companys managements discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017, which is available under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws.

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.Netanyahu says has new 'proof' of Iran nuclear weapons programme



Jerusalem, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2018



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address Monday he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time, as the US considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

But while Netanyahu accused Israel's main enemy Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, he did not provide evidence that it had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Netanyahu made the comments in an elaborate presentation that included props, video and slides, broadcast live on television from Tel Aviv.

He said Israel had obtained tens of thousands of files "a few weeks ago in a great intelligence achievement," saying they had been moved to a secret compound in Tehran in 2017 that looked dilapidated from the outside.

The material obtained weighed a half a tonne, he said.

As he spoke, binders that he said held copies of original documents were on shelves behind him, as were cases containing CDs.

"Tonight we're going to reveal new and conclusive proof of the secret nuclear weapons programme that Iran has been hiding for years from the international community in its secret atomic archive," Netanyahu said.

"We're going to show you Iran's secret nuclear files."

He then laid out what he said was a years-old secret nuclear weapons programme stored away and which could be put into action at any time.

The details have been shared with the United States and will also be given to other countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he said.



- 'Boy who cries wolf' -



After Netanyahu's statement was announced but before he spoke, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif already dismissed it.

"The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again," he wrote on Twitter. "You can only fool some of the people so many times."

Zarif then took to twitter again to lambast both Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, who has a May 12 deadline to decide on whether or not to walk away from the nuclear deal.

Trump "is jumping on a rehash of old allegations already dealt with by the IAEA to 'nix' the (2015 nuclear) deal", Zarif tweeted.

"How convenient. Coordinated timing of alleged intelligence revelations by the boy who cries wolf just days before May 12," he added.

Trump has derided the nuclear deal with Iran as "insane" partly because its restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.

Most world powers however say the nuclear deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany left Washington last week after talks with Trump which failed to secure any promise to keep the deal alive.

- 'Dominate the Middle East' -



The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord -- which Iran signed with Britain, France, China, Russia, the United States and Germany -- to either be altered or scrapped.

He says the agreement does not prevent Tehran from eventually obtaining nuclear weapons and says the lifting of sanctions has increased Tehran's ability to finance proxy militants in the Middle East.

Netanyahu also wants to see curbs on Iran's missile programme.

On Monday, he said the nuclear deal was "based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception."

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use," Netanyahu said.

His presentation came after he met visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday and spoke with Trump by phone on Saturday.

Pompeo reiterated during the visit that Trump will withdraw from the nuclear deal "if we can't fix it".

Trump and his Middle East allies argue the deal, approved by Barack Obama, was too weak and needs to be replaced with a more permanent arrangement and supplemented by controls on Iran's missile programme.

Pompeo, a former CIA chief and congressman, also joined Netanyahu in lashing out at Iran on Sunday.

"Iran's ambition to dominate the Middle East remains," Pompeo said.

Rob Malley, a former official in Obama's administration, said on Twitter that "for those who have followed the Iranian nuclear file, there is nothing new in (Netanyahu's) presentation".

"All it does is vindicate need for the nuclear deal. But the Israeli prime minister has an audience of one: Trump. And he's unfortunately unlikely to reach the same conclusion."

Israel is considered the Middle East's sole nuclear-armed nation, though it has never acknowledged the capability.Afghan attacks on media shows jihadists are weak: Pentagon chief



Washington, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2018



Jihadists are targeting journalists in Afghanistan because they are weakened and want more news coverage in order to undermine the country's electoral process ahead of an expected vote in October, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said Monday.

"This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," Mattis said when asked about a day of bloodshed in Afghanistan that left dozens dead including many children and journalists.

"They need the international media to basically broadcast this going on, so they can undercut through those kind of attacks, what is what has obviously set them on their back foot diplomatically and militarily," Mattis said.

"We anticipated that they would do their best to try to bring bombs right into Kabul."

A double suicide blast in Kabul killed 25 people, including AFP photographer Shah Marai and at least eight other journalists. Reporters Without Borders called it the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

Later Monday, the BBC confirmed that one of its reporters, 29-year-old Ahmad Shah, was killed in a separate attack in eastern Khost province, near the border with Pakistan.

One American soldier was also killed and another wounded during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan, US Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement.

In a further attack, 11 children were killed and 16 people wounded, including Romanian and Afghan security force members, when a suicide attacker exploded his car near a NATO convoy in the southern province of Kandahar, officials said.Sanctions force Russia to cut defence spending: study



Stockholm, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2018



Russia's military spending fell sharply in 2017 for the first time since 1998 as a slew of Western economic sanctions hit government coffers hard, a closely followed review said Wednesday.

Despite soaring tensions between Moscow and the West, Russia's military expense last year came in at $66.3 billion (54.9 billion euros), 20 percent lower than in 2016, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said.

The last time Moscow was forced to cut spending was in 1998 at the height of a massive economic crisis.

"Military modernisation remains a priority in Russia, but the military budget has been restricted by economic problems that the country has experienced since 2014," senior SIPRI researcher Siemon Wezeman said, referring to Western sanctions imposed against Moscow over its annexation of the Ukraine's Crimea peninsula.

Russia's frosty relations with NATO, which have plummeted to their lowest levels since the Cold War, are also driven by sharp divisions over the Syrian conflict and the recent poisoning of an ex-spy in the UK.

Britain and its Western allies have blamed Moscow for the poisoning of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England on March 4. Moscow has vehemently denied any involvement.

Russia has largely protected its defence budget up to now, imposing cuts in areas such as infrastructure and education, but 2017 was the first time it had no option but to spread the pain, according to Wezeman.

"It's no longer possible to keep defence at a high level or keep it growing," he said.

"For Russia, it means they may have to swallow their pride."



- 'Cause of serious concern'-



All 29 NATO allies, meanwhile, spent $900 billion on the military in 2017, which accounts for 52 percent of total world spending, SIPRI said.

Military spending in both Central and Western Europe rose by 12 and 1.7 percent, respectively, in 2017, triggered "in part by the perception of a growing threat from Russia".

The United States, which remains the world's biggest military spender at $610 billion, spent more on its military than the seven next highest-spending nations -- China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, India, France, the UK and Japan -- combined, SIPRI said.

The independent institute said world military expenditure reached the highest level since the end of the Cold War at $1.739 trillion in 2017 but this was only a marginal increase on .

"Continuing high world military expenditure is a cause of serious concern," SIPRI chair Jan Eliasson said in a statement.

"It undermines the search for peaceful solutions to conflicts around the world."As deadline looms, Trump slams 'horrible' Iran deal



Washington, April 30 (AFP) Apr 30, 2018



US President Donald Trump once more attacked the Iran nuclear deal as "horrible" Monday, as he faces a May 12 deadline to decide on the fate of the accord.

"In seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons," Trump told a joint press conference with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari.

"That is not acceptable," Trump charged. "This is an agreement that wasn't approved by too many people. And it's a horrible agreement for the United States."

The US president has been threatening for months to pull out of the 2015 deal negotiated between Tehran and six world powers, rejecting it as "insane" partly because its restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.

Most world powers say the deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

"I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know," Trump said. "On or before the 12th, we'll make a decision."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu -- a fierce critic of the accord who has called for it to be altered or scrapped -- asserted earlier he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

Netanyahu leveled the accusations in a televised address, but did not provide evidence that Tehran had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 deal was struck.

The US president remained evasive when asked about the new Israeli charges.

"What Israel has done today in the news conference was right," Trump said, without elaborating.

The White House later issued a statement about Netanyahu's speech.

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the statement said.

"The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbors and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons."

The US president also rebutted the suggestion that walking away from the Iran deal would send a disastrous signal to North Korea -- as Washington seeks to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

"No, I think it sends the right message," Trump said.ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS) (NYSE:FTS)



Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX:FTS) (NYSE:FTS), a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry, released its first quarter results today. The Corporation reported first quarter 2018 net earnings of $323 million, or $0.77 per common share, and adjusted net earnings1 of $293 million, or $0.69 per common share.

The difference between reported net earnings and adjusted net earnings for the first quarter 2018 was largely due to a favourable one-time $30 million remeasurement of the Corporation's deferred income tax liabilities as a result of an election to file a consolidated state income tax return.

"We are off to a good start in 2018 from both an operational and financial perspective with first quarter performance aligned with our expectations. Additionally, we made progress on incremental growth opportunities including the announcement of the funding framework with the Governments of Canada and Ontario related to the Wataynikaneyap Power Project," said Barry Perry, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortis.

Reported Net Earnings

The Corporation reported first quarter net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders of $323 million, or $0.77 per common share, compared to $294 million, or $0.72 per common share, for the same period in 2017.

In addition to the tax item noted above, factors affecting net earnings for the period included the following:

There was strong performance at UNS Energy, largely due to the impact of a full quarter of new rates at Tucson Electric Power in 2018.

ITC continues to perform consistent with expectations, with first quarter 2018 earnings reflecting rate base growth, partially offset by the impact of U.S. tax reform and higher business development costs.

The main factors unfavourably impacting earnings per common share for the quarter included: (i) higher number of weighted average shares outstanding in the first quarter 2018; and (ii) unfavourable foreign exchange associated with the translation of U.S. dollar-denominated earnings.

Adjusted Net Earnings1

Adjusting for the one-time $30 million tax remeasurement in 2018 and a $7 million favourable settlement of matters pertaining to FERC-ordered transmission refunds in 2017, first quarter adjusted net earnings attributable to common equity shareholders were $293 million, or $0.69 per common share, compared to $287 million, or $0.71 per common share for the same period in 2017.

Update on Turks and Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands are quickly returning to normal following the impacts of Hurricane Irma this past fall. Thanks to the strong execution of the Corporation's emergency response team from throughout North America, electricity was restored to customers in less than 60 days. Although revenue was lower than normal at Fortis Turks and Caicos during this post-Irma recovery period, the Corporation expects to recoup most of this revenue under its business interruption insurance during 2018.

__________________________

1 Non-US GAAP Measures

Fortis uses financial measures that do not have a standardized meaning under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("US GAAP") and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Fortis calculated the non-US GAAP measures by adjusting certain US GAAP measures for specific items that management believes are not reflective of normal, ongoing operations of the business. Refer to the Financial Highlights section of the Corporation's Management Discussion and Analysis for further discussion of these items.

Execution of growth strategy

The Corporation's capital expenditure plan continues to focus on the energy infrastructure needs of customers, while modernizing energy networks to address the changes occurring in the utility industry. Consolidated capital expenditures were $685 million during the first quarter of 2018 and are expected to reach $3.2 billion in 2018. The Corporation's five-year capital expenditure plan from 2018 through 2022 is expected to be approximately $15.1 billion, up $0.6 billion from the previous forecast as a result of the inclusion of the Corporation's share of expected capital investment in the Wataynikaneyap Power Project.

In March 2018 the Wataynikaneyap Power Project reached a significant milestone with the formal announcement of a funding framework with the Governments of Canada and Ontario. FortisOntario will be responsible for construction management and operation of the transmission line. The total estimated capital cost for the project is approximately $1.6 billion. The initial phase of the project to connect the Pikangikum First Nation to Ontarios power grid is fully funded by the Canadian government and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. The next two phases are subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the leave-to-construct approval from the Ontario Energy Board, anticipated in early 2019. These phases are targeted to be completed by the end of 2020 and 2023, respectively.

Regulatory proceedings

Fortis is focused on maintaining constructive regulatory relationships and outcomes across its utilities.

In April 2018 Central Hudson filed a proposed three-year rate settlement agreement that seeks to establish new rates effective July 1, 2018, reflecting an allowed return on common shareholder's equity of 8.8% on a common equity level of 48% in year one, 49% in year two, and 50% in year three. An order from the New York Public Service Commission is expected in June 2018 with new rates effective as of July 1, 2018.

Outlook

Over the long term, Fortis is well positioned to enhance value for shareholders through the execution of its capital expenditure plan, the balance and strength of its diversified portfolio of utility businesses, as well as growth opportunities within its service territories.

The Corporation's $15.1 billion five-year capital expenditure plan is expected to increase rate base to $33 billion by 2022, resulting in a five-year compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The five-year capital expenditure plan is driven by investments that improve and automate the electricity grid, address natural gas system capacity and gas line network integrity, increase cyber protection and allow the grid to deliver cleaner energy.

Fortis is focused on securing further organic growth opportunities at its subsidiaries, which include the ITC Lake Erie Connector Project, gas infrastructure opportunities at FortisBC and renewable energy investments, including storage in Arizona. These additional investment opportunities may be funded through debt raised at the utilities, cash from operations, common equity contributions from the dividend reinvestment plan and at-the-market common equity program.

Fortis expects the long-term sustainable growth in rate base to support continuing growth in earnings and dividends. Fortis has targeted average annual dividend growth of approximately 6% through to 2022. This dividend guidance takes into account many factors, including the expectation of reasonable outcomes for regulatory proceedings at the Corporation's utilities, the successful execution of the five-year capital expenditure plan, and management's continued confidence in the strength of the Corporation's diversified portfolio of utilities and record of operational excellence.

This media release should be read in conjunction with the Corporation's Management Discussion and Analysis and Consolidated Financial Statements. This and additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com , www.sedar.com , or www.sec.gov .

About Fortis

Fortis is a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2017 revenue of $8.3 billion and total assets of $49 billion as at March 31, 2018. The Corporation's 8,500 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries.

Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS.

Forward-Looking Information

Fortis includes forward-looking information in this media release within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to as "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information included in this media release reflect expectations of Fortis management regarding future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as "anticipates", "believes", "budgets", "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "intends", "may", "might", "plans", "projects", "schedule", "should", "target", "will", "would" and the negative of these terms and other similar terminology or expressions have been used to identify the forward-looking information, which includes, without limitation: the expectation that the Corporation will recoup lower-than-normal revenue from Fortis Turks and Caicos under its business interruption insurance; the Corporation's forecast consolidated capital spending for 2018 and the five-year period from 2018 through 2022; the nature, timing, benefits, expected costs and potential funding sources of certain capital projects including, without limitation, the Wataynikaneyap Power Project and additional opportunities beyond the base capital plan; the Corporation's consolidated forecast rate base for 2022; the expectation that the Corporation's significant capital expenditure program will support continuing growth in earnings and dividends; and targeted average annual dividend growth through 2022.

Forward-looking information involves significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Certain material factors or assumptions have been applied in drawing the conclusions contained in the forwardlooking information. These factors or assumptions are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, including those identified from time to time in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors or assumptions include, but are not limited to: reasonable decisions by utility regulators and the expectation of regulatory stability; the implementation of the Corporation's five-year capital expenditure plan; no material capital project and financing cost overrun related to any of the Corporation's capital projects; sufficient human resources to deliver service and execute the capital program; the realization of additional opportunities; the impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange; and the Board exercising its discretion to declare dividends, taking into account the business performance and financial condition of the Corporation. Fortis cautions readers that a number of factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information. For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, reference should be made to the continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time by the Corporation with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fortis disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Teleconference to Discuss First Quarter 2018 Results



A teleconference and webcast will be held on May 1 at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern). Barry Perry, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Karl Smith, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the Corporation's first quarter 2018 results.



Analysts, members of the media and other interested parties in North America are invited to participate by calling 1.877.223.4471. International participants may participate by calling 647.788.4922. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. No pass code is required.



A live and archived audio webcast of the teleconference will be available on the Corporation's website, www.fortisinc.com.



A replay of the conference will be available two hours after the conclusion of the call until June 1, 2018. Please call 1.800.585.8367 or 416.621.4642 and enter pass code 4598586.

For more information, please contact:Afghan attacks on media shows jihadists are weak: Pentagon chief



Washington, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Fighters are targeting journalists in Afghanistan because they are weakened and want more news coverage in order to undermine the country's electoral process ahead of an expected vote in October, Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said Monday.

"This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," Mattis said when asked about a day of bloodshed in Afghanistan that left dozens dead, including many children and journalists.

"They need the international media to basically broadcast this going on, so they can undercut through those kind of attacks, what is what has obviously set them on their back foot diplomatically and militarily.

"We anticipated that they would do their best to try to bring bombs right into Kabul."

A double suicide blast in Kabul killed 25 people, including AFP photographer Shah Marai and at least eight other journalists. Reporters Without Borders called it the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

Later Monday, the BBC confirmed that one of its reporters, 29-year-old Ahmad Shah, was killed in a separate attack in eastern Khost province, near the border with Pakistan.

One American soldier was also killed and another wounded during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan, US Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement.

In a further attack, 11 children were killed and 16 people wounded, including Romanian and Afghan security force members, when a suicide attacker exploded his car near a NATO convoy in the southern province of Kandahar, officials said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the "senseless and barbaric attack."

"The independent media is a cornerstone of democracy," he said, adding that the United States was "committed to defeating" the Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack.

"The vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure, in large part due to those journalists and media professionals who tragically died in today's attack, but whose courageous and steadfast work helped lay the foundation for Afghanistan's thriving and resilient independent media."Netanyahu unveils Iran 'secret nuclear files' as US approaches



Jerusalem, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time, as the US considered whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

The documents released by Israel on Monday were "authentic," according to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, until last week director of the CIA.

As he returned from a trip to meet Netanyahu, Pompeo said much of the information they contained was new to American experts.

In an elaborate televised presentation that included props, video and slides, Netanyahu accused Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, but he did not provide evidence that Israel's main enemy had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif reacted to the latest claims by lambasting both Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, who has a May 12 deadline to decide whether to walk away from the nuclear deal.

Trump reiterated his aversion to the "horrible" deal, highlighting provisions in the agreement restricting Iran's nuclear activities that begin expiring in 2025.

"In seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons," Trump told a joint press conference with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari.

While most world powers say the deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb, Trump has been threatening to pull out for months.

Netanyahu, speaking in Tel Aviv, said Israel had recently obtained tens of thousands of files in a "great intelligence achievement," saying they had been moved to a secret compound in Tehran in 2017 that looked dilapidated from the outside.

The material obtained weighed a half a tonne, he said, speaking in the staged presentation in front of a bookcase laden with binders he said held copies of original documents and cases of CDs.

"We're going to show you Iran's secret nuclear files," Netanyahu said.

He then laid out what he said was a years-old secret nuclear weapons programme stored away that could be put into action at any time.

The details have been shared with the United States and will also be given to other countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he said.



- 'Boy who cries wolf' -



The White House underscored the US policy that "Iran must never have nuclear weapons" in a statement about Netanyahu's speech.

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," it said.

Supporters of the Iran nuclear deal have argued that Netanyahu's intelligence release deals simply with a historic Iranian program and does not prove they are in breach of the 2015 accord.

But Pompeo argued that it helped to "spell out the scope and scale of the program that they undertook" in Iran.

He said Trump would have to determine whether the United States feels Iran is in violation of the deal, and said US translators and analysts are still trawling through the intelligence provided by the Israelis.

Trump and his Middle East allies argue that the agreement, approved by Barack Obama, was too weak and needs to be replaced with a more permanent arrangement and supplemented by controls on Iran's missile programme.

Zarif accused Trump of "jumping on a rehash of old allegations already dealt with by the IAEA to 'nix' the (2015 nuclear) deal."

"How convenient. Coordinated timing of alleged intelligence revelations by the boy who cries wolf just days before May 12," Zarif said of Netanyahu.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany left Washington last week after talks with Trump that failed to secure any promise to keep the deal alive.



- 'An audience of one: Trump' -



The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord -- which Iran signed with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- to either be altered or scrapped.

He says the agreement does not prevent Tehran from eventually obtaining nuclear weapons and says the lifting of sanctions has increased Tehran's ability to finance proxy militants in the Middle East.

Netanyahu also wants to see curbs on Iran's missile programme.

He said the nuclear deal was "based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception."

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use," Netanyahu added.

Rob Malley, a former Obama administration official, tweeted that "for those who have followed the Iranian nuclear file, there is nothing new in (Netanyahu's) presentation."

"All it does is vindicate need for the nuclear deal. But the Israeli prime minister has an audience of one: Trump. And he's unfortunately unlikely to reach the same conclusion."

Israel is considered the Middle East's sole nuclear-armed nation, though it has never acknowledged the capability.Afghan security force shrinks sharply: US watchdog



Washington, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



The Taliban and other insurgent groups are gaining control over increasing numbers of the Afghan population and the strength of local security forces has declined sharply, a US government watchdog warned Tuesday.

The latest report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) paints a grim picture of the security situation in the war-torn country, and comes even as the Pentagon asserts that Afghan troops and US-led NATO forces are making steady progress in the grueling, 16.5-year-old conflict.

It also comes on the heels of another deadly day in the capital, when twin blasts killed at least 25 people, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer for Afghanistan Shah Marai and eight other journalists.

According to SIGAR, the strength of the Afghan security forces dropped by about 10 percent over the course of a year -- falling to a total size of 296,409 personnel in the army and police forces as of January 31.

Militants including the Taliban and the Islamic State group have stepped up their attacks on beleaguered Afghan troops and police in recent months, sapping morale already hit by desertions and corruption.

US forces used to provide SIGAR with the number of Afghan troops being killed -- the figures were more than 5,000 each year -- but that information is now classified at the request of the Afghan government.

At the same time, the Taliban and other insurgent groups now control or influence 14.5 percent of Afghanistan's 407 districts -- the highest level since SIGAR started recording such data in late 2015.

The government, meanwhile, controls 56.3 percent of the districts, with the remainder considered "contested."

The varying population sizes of each district means that since August 2016, Afghan government control over its people has decreased.

"The overall trend for the insurgency is rising control over the population (from nine percent in August 2016 to 12 percent in January 2018)," the SIGAR report states.

The document also found increasing numbers of civilian deaths as the Afghan air force has stepped up its operations while NATO has reduced its air strikes.

The facts on the ground paint a different narrative than the one pushed by the Pentagon, which insists the Taliban are weary and now have elements willing to negotiate for peace.

Ten journalists were among dozens killed in multiple attacks across Afghanistan Monday, in the deadliest day for the country's media since 2001.

Two suicide blasts in Kabul killed 25 people including AFP's Marai along with at least eight other journalists, in what Reporters Without Borders said was the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

The attack was claimed by IS, which has established a footprint in Afghanistan, especially in Nangarhar.France says Iran nuclear deal strengthened by Netanyahu claims



Paris, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



France said Tuesday that new claims about Iran's nuclear programme presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced the importance of a 2015 deal that imposes controls on the Islamic republic.

In an elaborate televised presentation on Monday, the hawkish Israeli leader claimed he had new "proof" via captured documents that Iran had developed a nuclear weapons plan which could be activated at any time.

The French foreign ministry said the details needed to be "studied and evaluated" but a spokesperson added that the evidence appeared to confirm what European powers had known for more than a decade and half.

"At first sight, they (the details) confirm that part of the Iranian nuclear programme, as France and its partners stated during the first revelations in the summer of 2002, was not civilian," said the spokesperson in a statement received by AFP.

The 2015 nuclear deal negotiated between Iran and six world powers imposes nuclear inspections on Iran in return for the loosening of economic sanctions, but US President Donald Trump is threatening to pull out.

"The pertinence of the deal is reinforced by the details presented by Israel: all activity linked to the development of a nuclear weapon is permanently forbidden by the deal," said the foreign ministry spokesperson.

"The inspection regime put in place by the (UN nuclear watchdog) IAEA thanks to the deal is one of the most exhaustive and the most robust in the history of nuclear non-proliferation," the statement added.

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Trump to stick with the nuclear accord, arguing that it presents the only viable option available to the international community.

Besides agreeing to snap inspections Iran also cut the number of centrifuges used for enriching uranium and reduced its stockpiles of the material.

The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the deal -- which Iran signed with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- to be either altered or scrapped.

Netanyahu did not present evidence on Monday that Iran had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) considers the country to be complying.

Trump is set to make announcement on May 12.'No credible indications' of Iran nuclear weapons programme after 2009: IAEA



Vienna, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



The UN's nuclear watchdog reiterated Tuesday it had "no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009", citing its assessments from 2015.

A spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that its board of governors had "declared that its consideration of this issue was closed" after it was presented with a report in December 2015.

The statement came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled what he said was new "proof" that Iran's nuclear weapons programme could be reactivated at any time.

Without referring to Netanyahu's claims directly, the IAEA spokesman said the agency "evaluates all safeguards-relevant information available to it".

"However, it is not the practice of the IAEA to publicly discuss issues related to any such information," he added.

Netanyahu said on Monday that he would share the material with other countries and with the IAEA.

Netanyahu's presentation comes as US President Donald Trump considers whether to pull out of the 2015 atomic accord between Tehran and six world powers.'No credible indications' of Iran nuclear weapons programme after 2009: IAEA



Vienna, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



The UN's nuclear watchdog reiterated Tuesday it had "no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009", citing its assessments from 2015.

A spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that its board of governors had "declared that its consideration of this issue was closed" after it was presented with a report in December 2015.

The statement came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled what he said was new "proof" that Iran's nuclear weapons programme could be reactivated at any time.

Without referring to Netanyahu's claims directly, the IAEA spokesman said the agency "evaluates all safeguards-relevant information available to it".

"However, it is not the practice of the IAEA to publicly discuss issues related to any such information," he added.

Netanyahu said on Monday that he would share the material with other countries and with the IAEA.

In the statement the IAEA pointed to its previous findings relating to Iran's activities before 2009.

"Before the end of 2003, an organisational structure was in place in Iran suitable for the coordination of a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device," the statement says.

"Although some activities took place after 2003, they were not part of a coordinated effort," it said, adding that "these activities did not advance beyond feasibility and scientific studies, and the acquisition of certain relevant technical competences and capabilities".

Netanyahu's presentation came as US President Donald Trump considers whether to pull out of the 2015 atomic accord between Tehran and six world powers.

Under the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) -- signed by Iran, the US, Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia -- Tehran agreed to curbs on its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

The US could withdraw from the deal completely on May 12 -- the next deadline for waiving Iranian sanctions.Netanyahu's Iran nuke claims fail to convince deal proponents



Jerusalem, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's televised unveiling of an intelligence trove on Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions led to scepticism Tuesday from backers of a landmark 2015 accord, with European nations saying it showed the deal's importance.

The IAEA, the United Nations atomic watchdog, said it would evaluate any new relevant information, but cited its assessment from three years ago that it had no "credible indications" of an Iranian nuclear weapons pursuit after 2009.

Netanyahu's elaborate presentation live on television Monday night came ahead of a decision by US President Donald Trump, expected by May 12, on whether to withdraw from the nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran.

The Israeli premier said tens of thousands of documents recently recovered by intelligence operatives in Tehran proved his country's main enemy Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme it could put into action at any time.

But the presentation that included props, video and slides immediately led to accusations from some that the White House and Netanyahu coordinated it as Trump considers whether to pull out of the nuclear deal he has harshly criticised.

Some analysts and proponents of the nuclear agreement also said Netanyahu had presented previously known details and failed to produce evidence that showed Iran was not abiding by the accord.

"The Israeli prime minister's presentation on Iran's past research into nuclear weapons technology underlines the importance of keeping the Iran nuclear deal's constraints on Tehran's nuclear ambitions," British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said.

Johnson said the agreement was not "based on trust about Iran's intentions; rather it is based on tough verification" by the IAEA.

European Union diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said "I have not seen from Prime Minister Netanyahu arguments for the moment on non-compliance, meaning violation by Iran of its nuclear commitments under the deal."

"And again, the deal was put in place exactly because there was no trust between the parties, otherwise we would not have required a nuclear deal to be put in place."

France also said Netanyahu's claims reinforced the importance of the nuclear deal.

Netanyahu, speaking Tuesday in an interview with CNN, defended his presentation but also refused to respond to questions over Israel's nuclear capabilities.

Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed nation in the Middle East, but it has never acknowledged the capability.



- 'Infamous liar' -



Iran lashed out at Netanyahu, with foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi on Tuesday calling him an "infamous liar".

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said immediately after the presentation that Netanyahu was "the boy who cries wolf".

Trump however welcomed Netanyahu's presentation, as did his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who met with the Israeli leader on Sunday in Tel Aviv.

The White House caused some confusion with its statement on the Israeli trove, at first saying it showed Iran "has" a secret nuclear weapons programme before later changing it to "had".

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the statement said.

Trump and his Middle East allies, particularly Israel, argue that the agreement approved by Barack Obama was too weak and needs to be replaced with a more permanent arrangement and supplemented by controls on Iran's missile programme.

The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord -- which Iran signed with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- to either be altered or scrapped.

In Monday night's presentation, Netanyahu accused Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, saying Israel had recently obtained tens of thousands of files in a "great intelligence achievement."

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Netanyahu said the files had been moved to a secret compound in Tehran in 2017 that looked dilapidated from the outside.



- Half a tonne -



The material obtained weighed half a tonne, he said, speaking in English in the staged presentation in front of a bookcase laden with binders he said held copies of original documents and cases of CDs.

He detailed an alleged programme -- "Project Amad" -- that he said Iran was forced to shelve in 2003, but kept ready to put into action at any time while improving its "know-how".

He alleged the 2015 nuclear deal was "based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception", and said the trove had been shared with the US and would be shared with the IAEA and the rest of accord's signatories.

British officials confirmed to AFP that the invitation to inspect the files had been accepted, but gave no further details.

Pompeo, until last week director of the CIA, called the intelligence trove authentic and said much of it was new to US experts.

But others argued it failed to show the nuclear accord was a "terrible deal," as Netanyahu called it.

"The information in the documents Netanyahu revealed is not new," Dan Shapiro, US ambassador to Israel under Obama, said on Twitter, echoing the reactions of many other proponents of the deal.

But he added that Netanyahu's presentation will be "useful to Trump when he announces he is leaving the deal by May 12. I believe he has already made that decision. This presentation, coordinated with his team, will be cited as evidence to justify it."Afghan security force shrinks sharply: US watchdog



Washington, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



The strength of local security forces has declined sharply in Afghanistan while the Taliban and other insurgent groups have gained increasing control over the Afghan population, a US government watchdog warned Tuesday.

The latest report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) paints a grim picture of the security situation in the war-torn country, and comes even as the US military asserts that Afghan troops and US-led NATO forces are seeing progress in the grueling, 16.5-year-old conflict.

It also comes on the heels of another deadly day in the capital, when twin blasts killed at least 25 people, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer for Afghanistan Shah Marai and eight other journalists.

According to SIGAR, the strength of the Afghan security forces dropped by about 10 percent over the course of a year -- falling to a total size of 296,409 personnel in the army and police forces as of January 31.

Militants including the Taliban and the Islamic State group have stepped up their attacks on beleaguered Afghan troops and police in recent months, sapping morale already hit by desertions and corruption.

When asked about the issue, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that Afghan forces are actually being bolstered in the most important area -- special operations forces.

"The Afghan military is being made more capable," he told Pentagon reporters.

"You'll notice that more of the forces are special forces, advised and assisted, accompanied by NATO mentors and these are the most effective forces."

He added that this expansion was why the Taliban had not taken any district centers or provincial centers.



- Population centers -



US forces used to provide SIGAR with the number of Afghan troops being killed -- the figures were more than 5,000 each year -- but that information is now classified at the request of the Afghan government.

At the same time, the Taliban and other insurgent groups now control or influence 14.5 percent of Afghanistan's 407 districts -- the highest level since SIGAR started recording such data in late 2015.

This is "only a slight increase from last quarter, but a more than three percentage-point increase from the same period in 2016," the report notes.

The government, meanwhile, controls 56.3 percent of the districts, with the remainder considered "contested."

The varying population sizes of each district means that since August 2016, Afghan government control over its people has decreased.

"The overall trend for the insurgency is rising control over the population (from nine percent in August 2016 to 12 percent in January 2018)," the SIGAR report states.

"The Afghan government's control of districts is at its second lowest level, and the insurgency's at its highest level, since SIGAR began receiving district control data in November 2015," it adds.

The document also found increasing numbers of civilian deaths as the Afghan air force has stepped up its operations while NATO has reduced its air strikes.

The facts on the ground paint a different narrative than the one pushed by the Pentagon, which insists the Taliban are weary and now have elements willing to negotiate for peace.

Ten journalists were among dozens killed in multiple attacks across Afghanistan on Monday, in the deadliest day for the country's media since 2001.

Two suicide blasts in Kabul killed 25 people including AFP's Marai along with at least eight other journalists, in what Reporters Without Borders said was the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

The attack was claimed by IS, which has established a footprint in Afghanistan, especially in Nangarhar.

A BBC reporter was killed in a separate attack in eastern Khost province.

"The murder of journalists and other innocent people is a great testimony to what it is we stand for -- and more importantly what we stand against," Mattis said.

"We'll stand by the Afghan people, we'll stand by the Afghan government and the NATO mission will continue as we drive them to a political settlement," he added.Strikes kill 23 civilians in IS-held area in Syria: monitor



Beirut, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Air strikes killed at least 23 civilians including 10 children in a village held by the Islamic State group in northeastern Syria Tuesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

"We don't know for the moment if the US-led international coalition or Iraqi forces carried out the strike" on the village of Al-Qasr in Hasakeh province, the Observatory said.

The Britain-based monitor relies on a network of sources on the ground for its information.

The US-led coalition, which is backing a Kurdish-Arab alliance fighting IS near Syria's eastern border with Iraq, denied it carried out the strikes.

"There are no strikes in that area reflected in the... strike logs as of today," the coalition said in a written response to AFP.

Iraq has also previously carried out strikes against IS jihadists in Syria, including a raid last month in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor.

The jihadists have lost much of the territory they once controlled in Syria and Iraq since declaring a cross-border caliphate there in 2014.

In Syria, they have faced two separate offensives -- one by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces alliance and a second by Russia-backed regime fighters.

In February, US-led coalition air raids killed 25 civilians including seven children in the village of Shaafah in Deir Ezzor province and surrounding areas, according to the Observatory.

The coalition says it takes every precaution to avoid civilian casualties.

Last week, it acknowledged the deaths of 28 civilians in Iraq and Syria in 2017.

That increased its overall death toll of non-fighters killed in coalition strikes since 2014 in both countries to at least 883.

Monitoring group Airwars says the true toll of the bombing campaign is much higher, estimating that at least 6,259 civilians have been killed.The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2018 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy StatementFORM 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI)

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN

EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITHOUT RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY ("RI") STATUS (OR WHERE RI STATUS IS NOT APPLICABLE)

Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Name of exempt principal trader: HSBC Securities (South Africa) (Pty) Limited (b) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Sibanye Gold Ltd (c) Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Sibanye Gold Ltd (d) Date position held/dealing undertaken:

For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 30-Apr-2018 (e) In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" YES - Lonmin plc.





2. POSITIONS OF THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:







Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



3,369,715 0.149 3,346,293 0.148 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL:



3,369,715 0.149 3,346,293 0.148

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales



Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received (ZAR) Lowest price per unit paid/received (ZAR) Ordinary Shares Purchase 170,187 1118.000 c 1087.000 c Ordinary Shares Sale 170,187 1118.000 c 1087.000 c Ordinary Shares Purchase 102,872 1118.000 c 1087.000 c Ordinary Shares Sale 102,872 1118.000 c 1087.000 c Ordinary Shares Purchase 102,871 1118.000 c 1087.000 c Ordinary Shares Sale 102,871 1118.000 c 1087.000 c

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit

(ZAR)



Ordinary Shares



Swap







Reducing a Short Position



44,082



1109.500 c

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"









(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"









(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No





Date of disclosure: 01-May-2018 Contact name: Sukant Roy Telephone number: 0207 088 2000

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.TORONTO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lydian International Limited (TSX:LYD) (Lydian or the Company) announced today that Howard Stevenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lydian and a member of the Board, has resigned effective May 1, 2018.



Gordon Wylie, Chairman of Lydian, commented on behalf of the Board, We thank Howard for his contributions to Lydian over the past four years and his dedicated service that has been instrumental in bringing Lydians Amulsar Gold Project into the final stages of construction. The Board wishes Howard well in his future endeavors.

Lydian also announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Joao Carrelo as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board, effective May 1, 2018. Mr. Carrelo is a senior mining executive with over 34 years of international experience in the mining and resource sectors. He currently serves as a non-executive director on the boards of TMAC Resources Inc. and Lucky Minerals Inc. His experience includes the management of underground and open pit projects and operations, with exposure to precious metals, base metals, coal, and industrial minerals in Latin America, Europe, India, and Africa. Mr. Carrelo previously served as President, CEO and Director of Eco Oro Minerals Corp. from 2012 to 2014, as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lundin Mining Corporation from 2007 to 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons.) in Mining Engineering from the University of Newcastle Upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the European Management School in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Wylie added, We welcome Joao to Lydian as he brings essential and relevant experience that will be instrumental in completing the construction and development of the Amulsar Gold Project. Mr. Carrelo also has a clear understanding of the growth and value drivers that will enable our Company to prosper going forward.

Mr. Carrelo stated, I look forward to leading the Lydian team through Amulsars transition from construction into production, as well as executing the Companys strategic growth objectives to build a world-class gold mining company.

The Board and the entire Lydian organization remain committed to bringing Amulsar into production in 2018 for the benefit of all stakeholders and continuing the Companys ongoing dedication to health, safety, and the environment.

About Lydian International Limited

Lydian is a gold developer focusing on construction at its 100%-owned Amulsar Gold Project, located in south-central Armenia. Amulsar will be a large-scale, low-cost operation with production expected to begin in 2018. Gold production is targeted to average approximately 225,000 ounces annually over an initial 10-year mine life, making Lydian one of the largest gold producers to emerge during 2018. Open pit mining and conventional heap leach processing contribute to excellent scale and economic potential. Estimated mineral resources contain 3.5 million measured and indicated gold ounces and 1.3 million inferred gold ounces as outlined in the Q1 2017 Technical Report. Existing mineral resources beyond current reserves and open extensions provide opportunities to improve average annual production and extend the mine life. Lydian is committed to good international industry practices in all aspects of its operations including production, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. For more information and to directly contact us, please visit www.lydianinternational.co.uk .





For further information, please contact:

Gordon Wylie, Chairman

+1 720-307-5080 Doug Tobler, Chief Financial Officer

+1 720-307-5087

Or: moreinfo@Lydianinternational.co.uk

Caution regarding forward-looking information

Certain information contained in this news release is forward looking. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects, is expected, intends, anticipates or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, will, would, should, or occur or the negative or other variations of such terms. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements with respect to: the realization of mineral resource estimates and the timing of development of the Amulsar Gold Project, including the expected start date of gold production; the expected and estimated cost of operations and capital costs at the Amulsar Gold Project; the current Amulsar Gold Project construction schedule, the commitment to and implementation of good international industry practices; the expected gold production from, and life of mine of, the Amulsar Gold Project; and the expected mining methods at the Amulsar Gold Project. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking information to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered when the property is developed.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, without limitation: changes in gold and silver prices; adverse general economic, market or business conditions; failure to achieve the objectives of the future exploration and drilling programs; regulatory changes; as well as "Risk Factors" included in the disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and future events could materially differ from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.



SAN FRANCISCO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StreamSets Inc., provider of the industrys only enterprise DataOps platform, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named StreamSets to its 2018 Big Data 100 list. This annual list recognizes the ingenuity of tech suppliers bringing to market innovative offerings for harnessing the increasingly huge amounts of data generated in todays digital world, raising the bar for data management and challenging established IT practices.



Businesses are constantly grappling with the exploding volume, speed and variety of information they produce and utilize on a daily basis to remain competitive. Solution providers are on a never-ending quest to tame this data with innovative tools, technologies and services that can convert it into meaningful, usable statistics.

In response to this challenge, the CRN editorial team has identified the IT vendors at the forefront of data management, business analytics, and infrastructure technologies and services. The resulting Big Data 100 list is a valuable guide for solution providers seeking out key big data technology suppliers.

StreamSets provides a DataOps platform for building and operating continuous data movement architectures that connect traditional and big data sources to analytics platforms and applications. The StreamSets platform lets enterprises build dataflows 10 times faster, run them with end-to-end visibility and control, and iterate dataflow logic quickly in response to changing technology and business needs. It is founded on an open source core, StreamSets Data Collector, which has been downloaded well over 1 million times, and features a cloud-native Control Hub for operational management.

The IT community is now able to collect massive volumes of valuable data  a veritable treasure trove of information for growing businesses, said Bob Skelley, CEO of The Channel Company. But reaping the benefits of these huge information streams is a complex and delicate process requiring expertise in data capture, storage, organization, tiering, security and analysis. The vendors on CRNs 2018 Big Data 100 list have demonstrated an exceptional ability to help solution providers and their customers tackle this enormous project. The innovative products and services they have brought to market enable companies to not only manage large amounts of data, but to extract real value from it.

This honor recognizes our innovative DataOps platform, which brings DevOps sensibilities to data movement, said Shekhar Iyer, president of StreamSets. StreamSets helps global enterprises and their service providers deliver on scalable, data-driven initiatives such as data lakes, IoT, cybersecurity and streaming applications. Uniquely, our platform is architected with intelligent pipelines to inspect data as it flows, which helps to ensure real-time data quality, data protection and dataflow performance.

The 2018 Big Data 100 list is available online at www.crn.com/bigdata100. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

Tweet This:

@TheChannelCo names @StreamSets to @CRN 2018 Big Data 100 #bigdata2018

About StreamSets

StreamSets provides the industrys only DataOps platform that enables companies to build, execute, operate and protect data movement architectures that drive pervasive intelligence. It combines award-winning open source Data Collector software with a cloud-native Control Hub that helps enterprises manage their data movement as an agile and iterative practice. Founded by Girish Pancha, former chief product officer of Informatica, and Arvind Prabhakar, a former engineering leader at Cloudera, StreamSets is backed by top-tier Silicon Valley venture capital firms, including Battery Ventures, New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Accel Partners. For more information, visit www.streamsets.com.

StreamSets and associated marks and trademarks are registered trademarks of StreamSets Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com

CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Contacts:

Kim Sparks

The Channel Company

(508) 416-1193

ksparks@thechannelco.com



Reynaldo Silva

StreamSets

streamsets@bocacommunications.comSARASOTA, Fla., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star2Star Communications, provider of the Worlds Most Complete Full Spectrum Communications Solution, today announced their placement on The Tampa Bay Business Journals TBBJ 200. The TBBJ 200 lists the 200 largest, privately-held, for-profit companies with headquarters in the Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk or Sarasota counties.



Out of the 200 companies listed, Star2Star comes in as the largest telecommunications provider out of five companies who made the TBBJ 200. Since their founding, Star2Star has demonstrated consistent, exponential growth with year-over-year recognition. Prestigious institutions including Forbes, Gartner, Deloitte, IHS, and Frost & Sullivan have all distinguished Star2Star with placement on their lists of fast-growing, industry influencers. Star2Star has also ranked on the Inc. 500|5000 List for seven consecutive years since 2011, another milestone for a quickly growing business.

Since 2016, we have seen even more tremendous growth, said Michelle Accardi, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Star2Star. We are incredibly proud of our teams for producing our one-of-a-kind product offerings, high caliber of services, and their dedication to growing Star2Stars success each and every day. We look forward to seeing their efforts recognized year after year!

The TBBJ 200 list was posted online and appeared in the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

About Star2Star Communications

Founded in 2006 in Sarasota, Florida, Star2Star Communications empowers global business success with a Full Spectrum Communications Solution. With options ranging from Hosted to Hybrid, Star2Star offers unparalleled value, reliability, quality, and scalability. Star2Star unifies business communications including voice, video, fax, mobile, chat, and presence management. Merged with Blueface, the leading pan-European UCaaS provider, Star2Star possesses a global influence and customer base. Blueface's proprietary cloud voice platform supports businesses of all sizes, ranging from small-to-medium to large enterprises and strategic wholesale customers.

Star2Star's award-winning, patented Constellation Network overcomes the reliability and quality limitations of other communications technologies and enables companies to choose the deployment methodology that aligns best with their needs. For businesses who require high-quality voice, redundant networks for continuity, and ultra-reliable communications, Star2Star's Hybrid architecture offers the highest guaranteed SLAs in the industry at an affordable price. Businesses with less complexity, who seek the best communications capabilities for their employees and customers, can consider Star2Star's Hosted solution the optimal choice.

With a customer retention rate of 99.85%, Star2Star has been recognized by a multitude of leading analysts. In the past seven years, Star2Star was named to the Forbes Most Promising Companies list, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 five times, and the Inc. 500|5000 seven times. The company was also named by IHS as a Top 10 Hosted Business VoIP/UC Provider and has been in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for UCaaS, Worldwide for the last four years.

Casey OLoughlin

coloughlin@star2star.comVANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- URZ Energy Corp. (TSX-V:URZ) (OTCQB:URZZF) (URZ or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has received the results of detailed in-situ recovery (ISR) studies on its Gas Hills uranium project (Gas Hills), located in Wyoming, from Hydro-Engineering L.L.C. (Hydro-Engineering). Hydro-Engineering was retained to determine the current and predicted future piezometric surface elevations of the Wind River formation confined aquifer, the primary host of uranium mineralization at Gas Hills, in order to evaluate the propertys amenability to ISR uranium mining. Hydro-Engineering is an experienced consulting firm based in Casper, Wyoming, having conducted numerous hydrology studies in the Gas Hills area, and has prepared hydrologic reports for mine permit applications for several existing and planned uranium mines in Wyoming.



The results of the report demonstrate that three of the primary deposits at URZs Gas Hills property, being Day Loma, George-Ver, and Loco-Lee, are principally located within a confined aquifer that contains current hydrostatic head well above the minimum requirements to allow for the successful use of ISR mining techniques.

Glenn Catchpole, CEO and Director of URZ, commented: The Gas Hills uranium district has had a long and storied history of uranium mining dating back to the later 1950s. Though Cameco Corporation has defined ISR resources at their nearby Gas Hills-Peach project, this is the first time that URZs Gas Hills property has been evaluated for its amenability to ISR recovery. Our internal hydrologic evaluations on the property suggested that the confined aquifer would have sufficient water pressure (head) to enable the use of ISR mining at a number of our deposit areas, and we are pleased to see the results of Hydro-Engineerings study confirming such thesis. We look forward to continuing our work at Gas Hills to further evaluate how ISR mining may positively impact future development options.

Background on ISR

ISR mining of uranium typically requires a mineralized zone to be hosted in a permeable sandstone formation saturated with groundwater under pressure in what is called a confined aquifer. The amount of water pressure is sometimes measured in pounds per square inch, but is more frequently converted to a metric known as head and measured in feet. Generally speaking, the more water pressure (head) in a mineralized aquifer, the greater its amenability to ISR mining. To measure the head in a confined aquifer, a cased monitor well is installed in the aquifer and the distance the water level rises in the well is measured as head (in feet). ISR mining typically requires a minimum of at least 20-30 feet of head to be attractive for development.

Hydrogeology at Gas Hills

URZs uranium properties in the Gas Hills include five known deposits with NI 43-101 resources, referred to as Day Loma, George-Ver, Loco-Lee, Rock Hill and Bull Rush (see Amended and Restated Gas Hills Uranium Project Mineral Resources and Exploration Target, NI 43-101 Technical Report, prepared for URZ Energy Corp. by Douglas L. Beahm of BRS Inc., effective June 9, 2017). Specifically, the Day Loma, George-Ver and Loco-Lee deposits include established indicated resources which, based on their resource confidence, grade, depth, and hydrogeologic characteristics, were the focus of Hydro-Engineerings initial study to assess the suitability of the groundwater conditions for ISR mining.

The results of the study completed by Hydro-Engineering include mapping of the current hydrologic head (also known as the piezometric surface) in feet above mean sea level (MSL) at each of the three deposits under review, as well as an estimate of the future piezometric surface five years from now. These estimates of future changes in the piezometric surface were conducted as the water levels within the Gas Hills property, and at these three deposits, continue to recover from open pit mining that took place between 25 and 60 years ago. The historic Day Loma open pit is currently in a reclamation state which consists of back-filling the pit to re-establish the surface drainage through the area. The back-filling operation is a State of Wyoming project, has no operational or monetary impact on URZ, and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2019.

Using monitor well data from the areas of Day Loma, Loco-Lee and George-Ver, Hydro-Engineering constructed water-level maps for the three deposits; one map for the combined Day Loma and Loco-Lee deposits, and one map for the George-Ver deposit. The monitor wells used in this analysis were completed in the Wind River confined aquifer where uranium mineralization is present. Comparing the water-level data with the elevation of the geologic top of the Wind River confined aquifer, Hydro-Engineering was able to provide the estimates that are summarized in the table below showing the current and five-year estimate of the amount of head at each of the three deposits investigated.

Deposit Area Current Hydrostatic Head

Above Mineralized Zone (ft.) Current Hydrostatic Head

MSL Elevation (ft.) Anticipated Head Increase

Next 5 Years (ft.) Day Loma / Loco-Lee North 40  100 6,460 1  2 ft./yr Day Loma / Loco-Lee Southeast 60  125 6,460  6,465 1  2 ft./yr Day Loma / Loco-Lee Southwest 110  165 6,460  6,465 1  2 ft./yr George-Ver Area 5 80  130 6,400  6,410 Plausible increase by a few

feet over the next 5 years.

With the exception of the northernmost portion of the Loco-Lee deposit, which will require further review of aquifer characteristics, the three deposit areas are all located within a confined aquifer with sufficient hydraulic head to be amenable to ISR extraction. URZ will continue to evaluate additional geologic and hydrogeologic characteristics at each of the three prospective deposit areas to gauge the number of resource pounds that are expected to be recoverable via ISR mining methods, and how the successful use of ISR mining at Gas Hills could be implemented on a commercial basis.

About URZ Energy Corp.

URZ is a uranium exploration and development company that is primarily engaged in the evaluation, acquisition and development of prospective ISR uranium properties in the United States. The Company owns the Gas Hills, Juniper Ridge, and Shirley Basin properties in Wyoming as well as properties in Utah and Colorado. The Company is led by an experienced management team including Glenn Catchpole as CEO. Mr. Catchpole is a licensed engineer with 40 years of uranium experience, including extensive work with Cameco Corporation on its Inkai Project in Kazakhstan. Additionally, Mr. Catchpole was the former CEO of Uranerz Energy Corporation (Uranerz) prior to its US$175 million acquisition by Energy Fuels Inc. in 2015. During his tenure, Uranerz successfully explored, permitted, built, and operated its Nichols Ranch ISR uranium project in Wyoming.

Contact Information  For more information, please contact:

Glenn Catchpole, CEO and Director

Tel: 1-307-421-7344

Email: gcatchpole@urzenergy.com

Website: www.urzenergy.com

Glenn Catchpole, Professional Engineer, a Qualified Person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) has reviewed and approved of the disclosure of the scientific and technical information in this news release.

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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

ForwardLooking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forwardlooking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Companys operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com).TARPON SPRINGS, Fla., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thunder Energies Corporation (OTC:TNRG), a company developing cutting edge technologies, announces that its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ruggero Santilli, has been invited as keynote speaker at the 2018 Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit (SIPS 2018) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on November 4-7, 2018. Dr. Santilli has been previously invited as a Keynote speaker for SIPS 2015 in Turkey, and for SIPS 2016 in China (see the Announcement for the 2016 invitation http://www.flogen.org/sips2016//santilli.php)



Dr. Santilli states, "It is a great honor to be welcomed back as a keynote speaker at the 2018 Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit in Rio de Janeiro, alongside 7 Nobel Laureates. This year 2018 marks the 3rd year that I have been invited as a keynote speaker at SIPS to present the technologies developed by Thunder Energies Corporation, with a focus on our directional neutron source and its various applications. These prestigious annual conferences provide an exchange between academic and industrial organizations with the goal of facilitating the exposure of new technologies to the international markets." (see the link for the 2016 invited keynote talk on Thunder Energies Division of Combustion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyS6HDO5xDc&feature=youtu.be).



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.

Dr. Ruggero M. Santilli

CEO & Chief Scientist

Thunder Energies Corporation

info@thunder-energies.comIRVINE, CA, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTC: CBIS), a U.S. company specializing in the development of cannabinoid-based medicines, announces the second publication of its research results on the use of cannabinoids (CBDs) to treat various cancers. The peer-reviewed research article, Enhancing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Cancer Treatment with Cannabinoids, was published on April 24thin Frontiers in Oncology.

The article can be viewed at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2018.00114/full.

Cannabis Sciences latest article explores the potential of combination approaches employing CBDs with radiotherapy and smart biomaterials toward enhancing therapeutic efficacy during treatment of pancreatic and lung cancers. The significance of these research findings, considerations for further research, and a viable roadmap to clinical translation are discussed in this article.

"This second publication reflects our ongoing work and we continue to examine the effect of CBDs with and without radiation therapy on lung and pancreatic cancer. This work will form part of our applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As we continue this work we will expand our pharmaceutical development program from farm to bedside," stated Dr. Allen A. Herman, Cannabis Sciences Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

The innovative drug delivery strategy for CBDs is consistent with the three primary elements in Cannabis Science's drug development program: (1) Defining the effectiveness and specificity of CBDs being tested; (2) Identifying and testing drug delivery mechanisms; and (3) Testing and evaluating the impact of co-interventions, and the application of additional diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures to participants in randomized controlled trials. The Company's initial results point to the importance of drug delivery systems and the impact of co-interventions.

The initial results of Cannabis Sciences current research were published in September 2017 in Frontiers in Oncology. This peer-reviewed article, Nanoparticle Drones to Target Lung Cancer with Radiosensitizers and Cannabinoids, has been viewed more than 11,000 times, and has more views than 96% of all Frontiers articles. The first article addresses drug delivery and highlights an innovative strategy to transport CBDs directly to cancer cells with minimal toxicities or side effects that have so far hampered clinical translation efforts.

Frontiers publishes several of the most-cited open-access journals in the world, and is one of the largest and fastest-growing open-access publishers with millions of monthly page views. Compared to all journals (subscription and open-access), Frontiers journals rank 1stmost cited in four categories, namely Neurosciences, Psychology, Multidisciplinary Psychology, and Plant Sciences.

To view Cannabis Sciences first article in Frontiers in Oncology:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2017.00208/full

To view the first articles impact:

http://loop-impact.frontiersin.org/impact/article/290549#totalviews/views

This strong  and increasing  level of interest by our colleagues validates the importance of our research, stated Mr. Raymond C. Dabney, Cannabis Sciences President, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-founder. We believe that our Company, along with our collaborators, are helping to better understand the science of cannabinoid utilization in cancer therapeutics and novel ways of drug delivery and targeting. In so doing, we expect to develop medicines that can positively impact so many patients in the U.S. and worldwide.

Cannabis Sciences research forms part of a pipeline from research to scientific publication that the Company is developing with its research partners, and demonstrates the Companys strong commitment to science in its pharmaceutical development program. We developed this pipeline to ensure that Cannabis Sciences research work reaches the scientific community and the public in a timely fashion, stated Mr. Dabney.

Cannabis Sciences funded research currently focuses on the clinical applications of CBDs in cancer treatment and pain management. The Companys research will expand to investigate the effectiveness of CBD treatment in an increasing array of cancers, especially difficult to treat cancers and those with high fatality rates; develop novel targeted delivery methods in the use of CBDs, and  with advances in bioinformatics, computer science, and pharmacology  explore the mechanisms of action of CBDs in the management of disease.

About Cannabis Science, Inc.



Cannabis Science, Inc. takes advantage of its unique understanding of metabolic processes to provide novel treatment approaches to a number of illnesses for which current treatments and understanding remain unsatisfactory. Cannabinoids have an extensive history dating back thousands of years, and currently, there are a growing number of peer-reviewed scientific publications that document the underlying biochemical pathways that cannabinoids modulate. The Company works with leading experts in drug development, the characterization of medicines, and clinical research to develop, produce, and commercialize novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment for illnesses caused by infections as well as for age-related illness. Our initial focus is on cancers, HIV/AIDS, and neurological conditions. The Company is proceeding with the research and development of its proprietary drugs as a part of this initial focus: CS-S/BCC-1, CS-TATI-1, and CS-NEURO-1, respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements



This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing words such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc., does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements. Safe Harbor Statement. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a 'safe harbor' for forward looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not historical facts are forward looking statements with respect to events, the occurrence of which involved risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the company is detailed from time to time in the company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



WASHINGTON, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Customers Bank, a leading super-community bank with operations in Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and New England, is pleased to announce that its new Washington, D.C. office, part of the Banks Private and Commercial Banking division, is now open for business.



The limited-purpose office, which was first announced last summer, combines the banks expertise in private and commercial banking with personalized solutions and access to a wide range of financial services from a single source. These services include loan production for commercial, industrial, consumer and real estate lending, as well as corporate cash management, credit cards, merchant processing, and business and private personal banking, all leveraging the banks proven high-tech, high-touch, single-point-of-contact model.

Our success in major urban markets supports our belief that private and commercial customers are increasingly demanding tailored product and service choices that reflect their needs  which are heavily driven by evolving local market conditions and trends, said Jay Sidhu, Chairman and CEO of Customers Bank. While well continue to provide best-in-class technology solutions that permit customers to bank how they want, when they want, having a local office gives our growing customer base in D.C. the flexibility to work with banking professionals that they know and trust. Our customers work directly with their relationship bankers through a single-point-of-contact.

Banking veteran Travis L. Gray was appointed Senior Vice President and Banking Group Head of the first Washington, D.C. banking group. Prior to joining Customers Bank, Gray served as Senior Vice President and National Sales Executive at Bank of America Global Commercial and Investment Bank, where he built and oversaw the management and growth of a $1.1 billion asset finance business.

Ronald K. Hobson will join Grays D.C. banking group as Senior Vice President and Client Manager. Hobson is a veteran banker with over 30 years of commercial banking experience, most recently serving as Senior Vice President at Main Street Bank. He worked in the Clinton Administration as the Associate Deputy Administrator for Government Contracting and Minority Enterprise Development at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he oversaw the nations $6 billion SBA business development program, and later served as Associate Director at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the Department of Defense. Hobson is widely known in the Washington, D.C. market as an advocate for promoting and developing small business entrepreneurs. He has also served at the Pentagon as a non-commissioned officer in U.S. Army Intelligence. Hobson actively supports numerous community-based organizations, including a role as member and Chairman of the Board, respectively, of the Northern Virginia Urban League.

"Travis Gray and his group are amongst the most skilled and highly regarded veteran bankers in the Districts Metro area and they will help lead our entry into our Nations capital, said George Maroulis, Managing Director, Executive Vice President and Head of Customers Banks Private and Commercial Banking Division. "Customers Bank is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and the products and services that businesses need. We look forward to partnering with local community groups to help bolster their missions and expand their outreach, as active corporate citizens of the broader communities in which we serve, added Maroulis.

About Customers Bank

Customers Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania engaged in banking and related businesses through its bank subsidiary, Customers Bank. Customers Bank is a community-based, full-service bank with assets of approximately $10.8 billion as of March 31, 2018. A member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender that provides a range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, individuals and families through offices in Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Illinois, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. Committed to fostering customer loyalty, Customers Bank uses a High Tech/High Touch strategy that includes use of industry-leading technology to provide customers better access to their money, as well as Single Point of Contact banking by appointment at customers homes or offices 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Customers Bank offers a continually expanding portfolio of loans to small businesses, multi-family projects, mortgage companies and consumers. Customers Bancorp, Inc. voting common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CUBI. Additional information about Customers Bancorp, Inc. can be found on the Company's website, www.customersbank.com.

Contacts:

Richard Ehst, President & COO

610-505-9190HOUSTON, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Growing fast-casual leader Uberrito announced today its agreement with SSP America to commercially develop and operate a new Uberrito location at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Uberritos agreement with SSP America supports the companys plans for rapid national growth, and PHX will be the restaurants first airport terminal location.



SSP America is a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide and was awarded a ten-year contract by the City of Phoenix and the City of Phoenix Aviation Department to commercially develop and operate five separate food and beverage concession spaces at the airport.

The new Uberrito will be located in post-security in Terminal 3. The modernized Terminal 3 will contain nearly 20,000 square feet concession space expansion, which includes the North and South Concourses, lobby and ticketing areas. The restaurant is expected to open in late 2018/early 2019, while the remainder of the terminal expansion is planned for completion in 2020.

We look forward to working with SSP America as we bring Uberritos distinct Fresh-Mex concept to travelers for the first time through PHXs airport expansion, said Marcus Jundt, Chief Executive Officer for Uberrito. SSP America is a leader in the food travel industry, and this licensee agreement reflects our commitment to establishing relationships with highly experienced groups across the country who are aligned with our significant expansion plans.

Uberrito continues to seek experienced, multi-unit operators and franchisees to help grow the brand nationally. Single and multi-unit area development opportunities, along with master franchise agreements, are available.

Uberrito currently operates five Houston-area locations and one Phoenix location. The restaurant brand is part of Williston Holding Company, which currently operates and franchises 56 Mexican and American restaurant locations across nine brands: Casa Ole, Montereys Little Mexico, Uberrito, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen, Crazy Joses, Williston Brewing Company, Gramma Sharons, J Dubs Bar & Grill, and Doc Hollidays Roadhouse.

About Uberrito

Uberrito, the companys fast-casual concept, offers highly customizable burritos, bowls, salads and nachos made with more than 40 fresh ingredients and toppings. Uberrito delivers on its promise to go above and beyond the basic burrito and encourages customers to try something nu. For more information, visit www.uberrito.com.

About Williston Holding Company

Williston Holding Company (WHC) is a rapidly growing restaurant corporation that currently operates and franchises 56 restaurants in Texas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arizona. Its brands include Casa Ole, Montereys Little Mexico, Uberrito, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen and Crazy Joses, each offering authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex food that is made from scratch daily. Williston Brewing Company, Doc Hollidays Roadhouse, Gramma Sharons and J Dubs Bar & Grill comprise WHCs North Dakota portfolio of American restaurants.

Media Contact:

April Lynch

Principal  Lynchpin Strategic Communications

Ph: (713) 922-1895

april@lynchpincomms.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/403e5cf6-3837-46ce-9377-92c788a32fc5English French

QUEBEC CITY, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H 2 O Innovation Inc. (H 2 O Innovation or the Corporation) (TSX-V:HEO) announces that it will release its financial results for the 2018 third quarter on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at approximately 8:00 a.m. (EDT). The Corporation will also host a conference call, on that same day, at 10:00 a.m. (EDT).



Financial analysts and investors are invited to attend the conference call during which the 2018 third quarter results will be presented. The call will begin with a presentation by management followed by a question-and-answer period. A slide presentation will be available on the Corporate Presentations page of the Investors section of the Corporations website.

Time and date: Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. (EDT)

Dial in number: 1 (877) 223-4471 or 1 (647) 788-4922

About H 2 O Innovation

H 2 O Innovation designs and provides state-of-the-art, custom-built and integrated water treatment solutions based on membrane filtration technology for municipal, industrial, energy and natural resources end-users. The Corporations activities rely on three pillars which are i) water and wastewater projects and services, including digital control and monitoring solutions as well as after sale customer services; ii) specialty products, which include a complete line of specialty chemicals, consumables, specialized products for the water treatment industry; and iii) operation and maintenance services for water and wastewater treatment systems and utilities. For more information, visit www.h2oinnovation.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Alternext Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Source:

H 2 O Innovation Inc.

www.h2oinnovation.com



Contact:

Marc Blanchet

+1 418-688-0170

marc.blanchet@h2oinnovation.com

English French

Quebec City, May 1st, 2018 - (TSXV: HEO) - H 2 O Innovation Inc. ("H 2 O Innovation" or the "Corporation") announces that it will release its financial results for the 2018 third quarter on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at approximately 2:00 p.m. Paris Time (8:00 a.m. EDT). The Corporation will also host a conference call, on that same day, at 4:00 p.m. Paris Time (10:00 a.m. EDT).

Financial analysts and investors are invited to attend the conference call during which the 2018 third quarter results will be presented. The call will begin with a presentation by management followed by a question-and-answer period. A slide presentation will be available on the Corporate Presentations page of the Investors section of the Corporation's website.

Time and date: Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. Paris Time

Dial in number: 1 (877) 223-4471 or 1 (647) 788-4922

About H 2 O Innovation

H 2 O Innovation designs and provides state-of-the-art, custom-built and integrated water treatment solutions based on membrane filtration technology for municipal, industrial, energy and natural resources end-users. The Corporation's activities rely on three pillars which are i) water and wastewater projects and services, including digital control and monitoring solutions as well as after sale customer services; ii) specialty products, which include a complete line of specialty chemicals, consumables, specialized products for the water treatment industry; and iii) operation and maintenance services for water and wastewater treatment systems and utilities. For more information, visit www.h2oinnovation.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the Alternext Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

- 30 -

Source:

H 2 O Innovation Inc.

www.h2oinnovation.com





Contact:

Marc Blanchet

+1 418-688-0170

marc.blanchet@h2oinnovation.com

AttachmentShares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.OVIEDO, Fla., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeoPro Nutritional Sciences is pleased to announce the extension of its New Whey Liquid Protein brand with the launch of Clinical Strength Liquid Protein, a medical strength blend of complete protein and vital nutrients. Featuring 35 grams of protein, this new line of liquid protein supplements is an effective choice for those on calorie restricted or medical weight loss programs.



Since acquiring the New Whey Liquid Protein brand in 2017, NeoPro has received great feedback from consumers who have used New Whey products since 2007 as part of a medical nutrition plan or following surgery, said Dan Pearce, CEO of NeoPro Nutritional Sciences. With the launch of Clinical Strength Liquid Protein, we are now able to offer a new and enhanced product line more specific to these needs.

Clinical Strength Liquid Protein features a medical strength matrix of collagen, whey and casein isolates that is optimized for high bioavailability and the rapid absorption of all essential amino acids. In addition, Clinical Strength Liquid Protein provides users with key support nutrients, including calcium, iron, folic acid and B12. The products are free of caffeine, sugar, gluten, fat and lactose and are only 140 calories.

Available in a convenient, virtually indestructible 3.8 oz. ampule, Clinical Strength Liquid Protein requires no mixing, no refrigeration and can be resealed for the ultimate in convenience. It can be taken as-is or mixed with smoothies, juices or water.

Clinical Strength Liquid Protein is currently available in Fruit Punch flavor on BariatricPal.com and Amazon.com for $29.99 for a pack of 12 bottles. New flavors will be available this summer.

For more information about the New Whey Liquid Protein brand and its extended line of Clinical Strength Liquid Protein, visit www.newwhey.com.

About the New Whey Liquid Protein Brand

The New Whey Liquid Protein brand pioneered portable liquid protein category when it was launched in 2007 and has been at the forefront of portable nutrition ever since. New Whey Liquid Protein is a complete and convenient source of liquid protein. Available in a pocket-sized 3.8oz ampule, New Whey Liquid Proteins breakthrough formula provides the body with 42g of complete protein with no carbs, sugar or fat added.

About NeoPro Nutritional Sciences

NeoPro Nutritional Sciences is a rapidly-growing leader and industry authority on convenient, effective and delicious liquid consumer health products. The companys mission is to offer products that allow consumers to achieve their medical and lifestyle goals and live with confidence and vitality. NeoPros innovative products utilize ingredients backed by scientific knowledge and cGMP manufacturing processes. Its brand portfolio includes: New Whey Liquid Protein, a line of delicious, highly concentrated liquid protein products; BetaNox energy, a line of effective pre-workout and energy products; and Reliquary, a recently launched line of beauty collagen for skin health. Headquartered outside of Orlando, Florida, NeoPros products are sold through distributors such as McLane, retailers such as Wal-Mart, and online retailers such as Amazon.

Media Contact

Valeria Velasco

(310) 405-0357

Valeria@marketingmaven.comJean Lewis and her three sons, Peter, Marc and Warren, will be among those taking part in this years Warwickshire Bike Ride.

CYCLISTS are being asked to saddle up for this years Warwickshire Bike Ride.

It takes place on Sunday, 13th May, with proceeds to the British Heart Foundation ( BHF).

Two circular routes  16 and 32 miles  both begin at Wren Hall in Wroxall, with cyclists setting off anytime between 9.30am and 10.30am.

There are currently around 63,000 people in Warwickshire fighting a daily battle with heart and circulatory disease, with the conditions claiming the lives of around 1,340 people in the county each year.

Among the riders will be the Elmwood BHF Fundraising Group, which is made up of Jean Lewis and her three sons, Peter, Marc and Warren.

This will be the tenth year that they have taken part to help raise money for research to help prevent and treat heart and circulatory disease, and theyre hoping to raise 5,000.

Entry costs 14 in advance and 20 on the day.

Under 16s are free, and all entrants will get a ploughmans lunch on their return.

People can sign up at www.bhf.org.uk/warwickshirebikeride or by calling 0300 330 3322.

Karen Robinson, BHF fundraising manager for Warwickshire, said: The Warwickshire Bike Ride 2018 promises to be a great event and the money raised helps fund ground-breaking discoveries and identify new treatments that could help save more people from the devastating effects of heart disease.What is in Netanyahus interests is often not always in Americas interests. I will show that Netanyahu is not worthy of our trust or respect. Israel and America, these are two sovereign nations. Yes, I might like the idea of the Queen of England, through her Parliament, being able to remove the president of the U.S. (akin to an Oligarch funding his own president), but would that make me a good American, assuming I needed to be seen as a good American? The Iran deal comes to mind as does the illegal acquiring of land, via Jewish settlements, in the West Bank. Netanyahu has been determined to stop and or derail the Iran nuclear deal, destabilize Iraq, and he is certainly not shy about making a fool of himself in the process. But big money ensures that he never gets called on it.

In 1992, Netanyahu advised the Israeli Knesset that Iran was three to five years away from reaching nuclear weapons capability, and that this threat had to be uprooted by an international front headed by the U.S. Three years later evidently Iran had made zero progress because

In 1995 (three years later), he wrote a book, Fighting Terrorism asserting that Iran would have a nuclear weapon in three to five years.

In 1996, Netanyahu, now hedging, said to a joint session of Congress:

If Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, this could presage catastrophic consequences, not only for my country, and not only for the Middle East, but for all mankind the deadline for attaining this goal is getting extremely close

After 1996, he seems to get bored by Irans lack of progress and starts talking nonsense about Iraq going nuclear.

In 2002, he is back again testifying in front of Congressgarbling all things nuclear, claiming that Iraqs nonexistent nuclear program was in fact so advanced that the country was now operating centrifuges the size of washing machines. This was all part of a drumbeat where George W Bush and lap dog Blair (encouraged by Israel) effectively become war criminals by launching an invasion of Iraq based upon false pretenses. While Netanyahu may have been piddling in excitement, this was hardly in Americas best interests.

In 2009, having helped create all the disasters of Iraq imploding thus strengthening Iran, the seeds of ISIS, and the Syrian civil war while showing no chagrin, we find a leaked U.S. State Department diplomatic cable that described Netanyahu advising a delegation of U.S. congressmen that Iran was probably one or two years away from developing weapons capability.

Later in 2009, now Israeli Prime Minister, Iran has the capability now to make one bomb, adding that alternatively, they could wait and make several bombs in a year or two.

In 2010, Netanyahu is back, You dont want a messianic apocalyptic cult controlling atomic bombs, adding, thats what is happening in Iran.

In 2012, evidently Iran is just a few months away. Later that year, using a cartoon of a Bomb the new timeframe of within a year was shared.

Israeli intelligence begs to differ. I am sure they dislike being made to look like buffoons. In 2011, Meir Dagan the retiring head of Mossad, relayed the summary of the Israeli intelligence knowledge, contrary to Netanyahus repeated statements at the time, an Iranian nuclear weapon was not imminent, and launching an attack on Iran could end up encouraging the development of such a weapon.

Netanyahu attracts the support of what I call the Israeli supremacists while the U.S. alt-right celebrates attacking brown people (in this case Arabs, etc.), it is not in Americas interests to go willy nilly after brown people. Yes, Arab countries do plenty of reprehensible things; unlike Israel, they seem to really struggle with democracy and civil rights. Further, Arab countries still officially state Israel should not exist, but mainly as a bargaining chip and as populist vote-grabbing rhetoric. But that is why everyone has diplomats and intelligence services to clean up the mess of low-life politicians.NEWTON, Mass. and HAGERSTOWN, Md., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MariMed Inc. (OTCQB:MRMD) has expanded the licensing and distribution of its branded cannabis product line into Maryland. These products are being produced by Kind Therapeutics USA (Kind) at its 100,000 sq. ft. state licensed medical marijuana production facility in Hagerstown, Maryland. Kind Therapeutics USA is distributing these products to approximately 35 dispensaries throughout Maryland.

MariMed developed the cultivation and production facility and leases it to Maryland cannabis licensee Kind Therapeutics USA. MariMed provides managed services to Kind and has licensed Kind to produce and distribute the following products:

The new Natures Heritage Cannabis  strains that MariMed has collected from the finest seed lineages in the world and developed into an organic product line that is The best cannabis Mother Earth has to offer  ;

strains that MariMed has collected from the finest seed lineages in the world and developed into an organic product line that is The best cannabis Mother Earth has to offer ; Kalm Fusion  precision dosed chewable tablets, powdered tincture drink mix, and oral thin strips in THC and CBD formulations;

precision dosed chewable tablets, powdered tincture drink mix, and oral thin strips in THC and CBD formulations; Tikun Olam clinically proven effective cannabis strains, flower, oils, salves, lotions, and vape cartridges; and

LucidMood sippers disposable vape pens.

Under MariMed management, the facility has 11 grow rooms currently producing world-class marijuana strains. Two harvests have been completed, with all organically grown flowers, oil extracts and infused products passing the rigorous purity tests by independent licensed testing labs.

This next-gen facility utilizes advanced ecofriendly, sustainable cultivation techniques to produce pesticide and contaminant-free medical marijuana that has the power to transform human health and wellness, noted Timothy Shaw, MariMed COO and cultivation expert who designed the facility, supervised the build-out and oversees the cultivation team. Weve had robust harvests and are thrilled with the results. As we analyze the data on the first several crops, we look forward to sharing results of our new cultivation techniques for growing the most important medicinal plant on Earth.

Shaw added, In the coming months, well be introducing Tikun Olam world renowned strains from Israel to complement our new Natures Heritage branded line of cannabis strains and precision dosed products.

We are proud to provide safe, affordable, legal wholesale access to the purest, most consistent medical cannabis possible, stated Robert Fireman, MariMed CEO. As more dispensaries open, we expect this facility to provide medical cannabis products to approximately 100 dispensaries throughout Maryland to relieve patients symptoms and help them feel and function better.

Search MariMed and post on social media with the hash tag #MedicatedByMarimed: Twitter: @MariMedInc Instagram: MariMedInc Facebook: @MariMedInc YouTube: MariMedInc

About MariMed Inc.:

MariMed designs, develops, finances, and optimizes the success of medical cannabis cultivation, production, and dispensary facilities through its validated management. MariMed's team has developed or is in the process of developing state-of-the art regulatory-compliant facilities in DE, IL, NV, MD, MA and RI. These facilities are models of excellence in horticultural principals, cannabis production, product development, and dispensary operations. In addition, MariMed is on the forefront of precision dosed branded products for the treatment of specific medical symptoms. MariMed currently distributes its branded products in select states and is expanding licensing and distribution to numerous additional states encompassing thousands of dispensaries.

MariMed Inc. is one of the 17 top-performing public cannabis companies in the U.S. tracked on the U.S. Marijuana Index, (www.marijuanaindex.com). For additional information, visit www.MariMedAdvisors.com

About Kind Therapeutics USA:

KIND is committed to providing safe, dignified, and affordable wholesale access to medical cannabis for dispensaries across Maryland.

kindtherapeuticsusa.com/

MariMed Contacts:

Business Development

Jon Levine, CFO, MariMed, Inc.

+1 844-244-0200

Investor Relations

Tyler Troup, Circadian Group

tyler@circadian-group.com

+1 (866) 950 8300

Media Relations

Julie Shepherd, Accentuate PR

Julie@accentuatepr.com

+1 847-275-3643

Forward Looking Statements:

This release contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to MariMed Inc., that is based on the beliefs of MariMed Inc. management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events including estimates and projections about its business based on certain assumptions of its management, including those described in this Release. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risk and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, including, among other factors, changes in demand for the Company's services and products, changes in the economic environment and changes in the legal status of cannabis. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's public filings with the SEC. Should one or more of these underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as "hoped," "anticipated," "believed," "planned," "estimated," "preparing," seek, "potential," "expected" or words of a similar nature. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements. None of the content of any of the websites of any other party referred to herein (even if a link is provided for your convenience) is incorporated into this release and the Company assumes no responsibility for any of such content.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/c3dc5b28-465f-4e03-beb1-5ea0b4a172d7HOUSTON, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In honor of International Firefighters Day, participating Casa Ole locations will be offering firefighters a free entree on Friday, May 4, 2018 during regular business hours. The special offer is open to all firefighters in uniform or with an official identification badge, which must be presented to receive the deal.



In addition to the restaurant special for firefighters, participating restaurants will also deliver complimentary fajita packs to their local firehouses leading up to International Firefighters Day.

At Casa Ole, we care deeply about our local communities and are passionate about giving thanks to those who keep us safe on a daily basis, said Marcus Jundt, CEO. Honoring our local firefighters for International Firefighters Day is one important way we can celebrate and thank all of our hard-working firemen and firewomen for their service to our community.

The International Firefighters Day deal is valid only on May 4, 2018 at participating Casa Ole locations. Firefighters must be in uniform and/or present a badge to receive the offer for one free entree, excluding alcohol, tax, and gratuity. It cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or discount. The offer is valid on the firefighters meal only.

Casa Ole has 34 locations across Texas and Louisiana. The restaurant is part of Williston Holding Company, which currently operates and franchises 56 Mexican and American restaurant locations across nine brands: Casa Ole, Montereys Little Mexico, Uberrito, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen, Crazy Joses, Williston Brewing Company, Gramma Sharons, J Dubs Bar & Grill, and Doc Hollidays Roadhouse.

About Casa Ole

Since its 1973 founding in Houston, Casa Ole has been a neighborhood family restaurant serving delicious, high-quality Mexican food and providing best-in-class service. The brand has grown to include 34 locations across Texas and Louisiana, including franchise locations. The restaurant specializes in Tex-Mex dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas and burritos and serves up customer favorites like Casa Oles famous green sauce and queso daily. For more information, visit www.casaole.com.

About Williston Holding Company

Williston Holding Company (WHC) is a rapidly growing restaurant corporation that currently operates and franchises 56 restaurants in Texas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arizona. Its brands include Casa Ole, Montereys Little Mexico, Uberrito, Tortuga Mexican Kitchen and Crazy Joses, each offering authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex food that is made from scratch daily. Williston Brewing Company, Doc Hollidays Roadhouse, Gramma Sharons and J Dubs Bar & Grill comprise WHCs North Dakota portfolio of American restaurants.

Media Contact:

April Lynch

Principal  Lynchpin Strategic Communications

Ph: (713) 922-1895 april@lynchpincomms.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/1dee5e8b-d398-4013-910c-65478f6b43fc.MIAMI, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progressive Care Inc. (OTCQB:RXMD), a healthcare services and technology company, updates shareholders that it is no longer on the Regulation SHO watch list with OTCMarkets.



The Company recently began taking action to alleviate pressure caused by naked short positions in the Companys stock. The Company contacted a number of broker/dealers, clearing firms, and reached out to FINRAs Division of Market Regulation about the problem naked shorting is causing in the market for the Companys securities. Management believes this effort of raising awareness within compliance offices has led to a significant decrease in naked short positions in the market, which has resulted in the removal of Progressive Care (OTCQB:RXMD) from the OTCMarkets Regulation SHO watch list for significant fails to deliver. The Company intends to continue contacting broker/dealers and clearing firms to ensure that they are complying with all regulations.

We are pleased that our efforts have had a positive impact on the stability of the market for our stock, stated S. Parikh Mars, CEO. "Our shareholders especially have done a tremendous job of contacting their firms to prevent their shares from being borrowed for short positions. We cannot prevent all instances of naked shorts, but we can apply pressure and raise awareness with broker/dealers and clearing firms to be vigilant in their compliance protocols in this regard. We will continue to monitor the situation and take action when necessary now and into the future.

Get connected and stay in touch with us on social media:

Progressive Care Inc.

https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveCareUS/

https://twitter.com/ProgressCareUS

PharmCo, LLC

https://www.facebook.com/pharmcorx/

https://twitter.com/PharmCoRx

About Progressive Care

Progressive Care Inc. (OTCQB:RXMD), through its PharmCo, LLC, is a South Florida health services organization and provider of prescription pharmaceuticals, compounded medications, provider of tele-pharmacy services, the sale of anti-retroviral medications, medication therapy management (MTM), the supply of prescription medications to long term care facilities, and health practice risk management.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Companys expectations about its future operating results, performance and opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the intended terms of the offering, closing of the offering and use of any proceeds from the offering. When used herein, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, upcoming, plan, target, intend and expect and similar expressions, as they relate to Progressive Care Inc., its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trevali Mining Corporation (Trevali or the Company) (TSX:TV) (BVL:TV) (OTCQX:TREVF) (Frankfurt:4TI) reports its majority-owned subsidiary Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation (Proprietary) Limited (RPZC) in Namibia will, subject to receipt of Companies Registration Office and Registrar approval, undertake a partial share buy-back of issued RPZC shares under agreements with its Namibian shareholders.

RPZC will acquire issued shares tendered under the agreements for an aggregate amount of approximately NAD291,000,000 (approximately USD$24,260,000). The tendered shares will subsequently be cancelled by RPZCs treasury.

Following the cancellation of the tendered shares, Trevalis effective beneficial ownership in RPZC will increase from approximately 80 percent to approximately 90 percent.

RPZC Beneficial Ownership Structure:

Group Beneficial RPZC Ownership (Pre-Transaction) Beneficial RPZC Ownership (Post-Transaction) Trevali 80 % 90 % Namibian shareholders 20 % 10 %

We welcome this opportunity to strengthen our involvement in Rosh Pinah, which globally is an upper-quartile zinc deposit in terms of grade and tonnage, stated Dr. Mark Cruise, Trevalis President and CEO. Following our recent mineral reserve and resource updates at Rosh Pinah, which remains open for expansion, we have commissioned an independent engineering study examining potential production optionality given the deposits almost 50-year history of resource-reserve replacement and growth. Trevali views its operations and investment in Namibia as a long-term relationship to the mutual benefit of all groups involved.

Rosh Pinah remains on-track for its 2018 production guidance(1) of 105-115 million pounds of payable zinc, 5.7-6.0 million pounds payable lead and 123,000-129,000 ounces of payable silver, on a 100 percent basis. Key strategic improvements started in late-2017 produced significant improvements in overall performance and has positioned the site well for the year with increasing metal output planned for the second half of 2018 as higher-grade stopes are sequenced.

(1) Constitutes forward-looking information; see Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

ABOUT TREVALI MINING CORPORATION

Trevali is a zinc-focused, base metals company with four mines: the wholly-owned Santander mine in Peru, the wholly-owned Caribou mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick, its 80% owned Rosh Pinah mine in Namibia and its 90% owned Perkoa mine in Burkina Faso.

The shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV), and the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Companys website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

TREVALI MINING CORPORATION

Mark D. Cruise (signed)

Mark D. Cruise, President

Contact Information:

Steve Stakiw, Vice President - Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

Email: sstakiw@trevali.com

Phone: (604) 488-1661 / Direct: (604) 638-5623

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the United States Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or in releases made by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, all as may be amended from time. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Companys plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to, update such statements containing the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to statements as to: the timing and amount of estimated future production, the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, costs and timing of development, operating efficiencies, including the ability to manage water, whilst reducing power consumption, costs and expenditures, expectations regarding milling operations and metal production shortfalls, metal output and throughput rates, cost guidance and anticipated annual results, anticipated results of future exploration, and forecast future metal prices.

These statements reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. If any assumptions are untrue, it could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including commodity prices, anticipated costs and ability to achieve goals.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the Companys actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to joint venture operations; fluctuations in spot and forward markets for silver, zinc, base metals and certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in currency markets; risks related to the technological and operational nature of the Companys business; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Peru, Namibia, Burkina Faso, or other countries where the Company may carry on business in the future; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; diminishing quantities or grades of Mineral Resources as properties are mined; global financial conditions; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; the Companys ability to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions and to mitigate other business combination risks; challenges to, or difficulty in maintaining, the Companys title to properties and continued ownership thereof; the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with unanticipated economic or other factors; increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel, and their costs, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled Risk Factors in the Companys most recently filed annual information form. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

We advise US investors that while the terms "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the material in these categories will ever be converted into reserves.Milwaukee, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In 2016, motorcycle fatalities were at 5,286  the highest number since 2008. So, it is as important as ever for all drivers to be more vigilant during their travels. With the warmer weather, motorcycles will be making their return to the road. The month of May is dedicated to bringing awareness to motorcycles that will increase in appearance with the official start of riding season.

The personal injury law firm of Hupy and Abraham would like to urge the public to be more aware of motorcycle riders and remind them to share the road. The firm will be continuing its tradition of past years by showcasing a number of Watch for Motorcycles digital billboards throughout the Midwest, along with airing public service announcements. This awareness campaign has impacted more than 10 million people and has distributed more than 100,000 bumper stickers and promotional materials throughout the world.

Hupy and Abraham has been a longtime supporter of motorcyclists and their rights, dating back decades. The firm has represented over 4,000 injured riders and helped them get back on their feet after experiencing accidents. Please remember to share the road and remain mindful during this start of riding season 2018!

Hupy and Abraham, S.C

Founded in 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, personal injury law firm Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has a proven record of success with large settlements in serious cases, collecting over a billion dollars for more than 70,000 satisfied clients. The firm has a long-established reputation of providing sound legal representation to accident victims, securing fair compensation for its clients and giving back to the community.

With 11 offices located in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, the law firm handles personal injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, pharmaceutical and medical device class actions and nursing home neglect and abuse cases.

The firms 26 experienced attorneys are committed to going above and beyond the call of duty for their clients by tirelessly representing them to the best of their ability while being involved in the local community  from raising funds for local charities to participating in safety and accident prevention initiatives. In the past three years, the firm has donated more than $500,000 to more than 250 worthwhile causes.





Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has received top ratings from a number of national professional organizations for many years and was voted Best Personal Injury Lawyers in 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm in 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013 and 2012 in another popular poll, and named Best Law Firm in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinels Top Choice Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2015, the firm was named a Webby Award Honoree in the Best Law Website Category and was honored at the Legal Marketing Associations Your Honor Awards for Best Website: Reboot. In 2017 and 2018, the firm was voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm by the Wisconsin Law Journal readership.

###

AttachmentCHICAGO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SwipeSense, a Chicago-based healthcare technology company, today announced the acquisition of iScrub Lite, the leading mobile application for hand hygiene observation. Originally conceived and developed by the Computational Epidemiology Research Group at the University of Iowa, iScrub Lite was launched to simplify the time-consuming and error-prone process of recording hand hygiene observations and sharing the results with health care professionals.



As part of its commitment to helping hospitals save more lives, SwipeSense reached an agreement with the University of Iowa to take ownership of iScrub Lite and will now be responsible for maintaining and ensuring the free application remains available to the infection control community.

We want to provide hospital staff with innovative technology to further their journey towards a hassle-free hand hygiene improvement program, said Yuri Malina, co-founder and vice president of product at SwipeSense. Relying on pen and paper during direct observation is known to fall short in many regards, so it is imperative that electronic tools are readily available for hospitals around the world. Our acquisition of iScrub Lite supports this initiative by allowing staff to more easily capture compliance data, free of transcription errors.

Dr. Philip Polgreen, associate professor of internal medicine and epidemiology at the University of Iowa, said his team created iScrub to serve the infection control community. However, the costs of updating the service have increased, he said.

Alberto Maria Segre, Ph.D., chair of Computer Science at Iowa and codirector, with Polgreen, of the Computational Epidemiology Research Group, said that without the partnership with SwipeSense, iScrub might have ceased to exist.

With SwipeSense agreeing to maintain, add new features, and improve iScrub, it will continue to be available to the infection control community, Segre said.

With World Hand Hygiene Day right around the corner (Saturday, May 5, 2018), healthcare institutions are especially focused on raising awareness for optimal hand hygiene practices. In fact, the CDC has recommended iScrub Lite as a part of its Clean Hands Count campaign resources. The application has become a critical tool for infection preventionists around the world, as evidenced by its several thousand users. You can download the free application here.

About SwipeSense

SwipeSense is on a mission to help hospitals save more lives with sensor-driven applications that deliver safe, efficient and predictable healthcare. SwipeSense is helping hospitals reduce Hospital-Associated Infections (HAIs), a leading cause of death in the United States, by providing them with reliable hand-hygiene data and change management opportunities. Beyond hand hygiene, the SwipeSense platform powers critical location-aware applications, including asset tracking and nurse rounding. Armed with accurate measurement and insights via an intuitive dashboard, leading hospitals are using SwipeSense to improve operational efficiency and deliver a safer patient experience. Visit the company online at https://www.swipesense.com and download iScrub Lite, powered by SwipeSense, in the Apple App Store.

Media Contact

Katy De Leon

Vice President, Marketing

SwipeSense, Inc.

(312) 772-6942

katy.deleon@swipesense.comSYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The commotion started as soon as the Syracuse man stepped into the Near West Side store, police said.

Markel Washington walked into Maria's Hot Food & Grocery Mart late Monday evening -- threatening customers and employees, said Sgt. Julie Shulsky, a spokeswoman for the Syracuse Police Department.

Washington grabbed Red Hot sausages from the store counter, Shulsky said, but when an employee asked him to pay, he pulled out a knife.

Store employees called for help at 10:22 p.m. When police arrived, Washington had already left, Shulsky said.

Officers Matthew Zaccaria and Joseph Heider arrested Washington less than half a mile away in the 200 block of Merriman Avenue, Shulsky said.

Washington, 42, of 703 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse, was charged with first-degree robbery and third-degree criminal possession, both felonies. He was also charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a misdemeanor.

Washington is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center pending his arraignment, jail records show.Syracuse, NY -- A Nedrow man who faced 25 years in prison if convicted of drunkenly causing a November 2014 bus crash will avoid trial after his confession was suppressed.

Robert Tarbell initially told State Police troopers that he wasn't involved in the Pine Hill Trailways bus crash that injured 26 people on I-81 south in LaFayette.

But after a roadside interrogation -- later ruled illegal -- Tarbell admitted to leaving his car sideways on the highway after drinking nearby at a friend's house. The bus crashed after trying to avoid the stranded vehicle, which belonged to Tarbell.

The case has been delayed for years as Onondaga County prosecutors tried to convince appellate courts to allow Tarbell's confession.

But the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, recently declined to consider the case. That led a local judge today to dismiss Tarbell's indictment, as required by law.

A previous judge, Walter Hafner Jr., ruled in 2016, and a mid-level appellate court affirmed, that a trooper denied Tarbell his rights during the roadside interrogation.

During the 45-minute exchange, Tarbell repeatedly questioned whether he needed a lawyer.

Among those references, according to defense lawyer Ralph Cognetti, were:

* "Unless I need an attorney, tell me now?"

* "Do I need an attorney? If I need an attorney, I'll get one."

* "Just let me know if I need a lawyer and if I need a lawyer I'll get one."

* "Let me know if I need a lawyer, that's all I need to know."

In response, Trooper Nicholas Lotito simply asked him to the effect of, "I don't know, do you need a lawyer?" on multiple occasions. The conversation would then go on.

But Cognetti, reading from a transcript of the videotaped interrogation, noted that the trooper also answered on two instances:

"I don't know. Tell me the truth" and "You don't need a lawyer, but we can hold you until we figure out what's going on."

Loltito did not read Tarbell his Miranda (Constitutional) warnings, authorities acknowledge. But prosecutors argued that the circumstances fit an "emergency exemption."

That is applicable in cases in which authorities believe there is an immediate danger. Such an exemption was used in the frantic search for baby Maddox Lawrence in 2016.

But that requires that police believe there's a immediate need for intervention to protect life or property, that the questioning not be primarily motivated by an attempt to arrest someone, and that there must be a reason to connect the emergency with the person stopped, according to the appellate court's decision.

In this case, Tarbell was not found until about an hour after the bus crash, apparently drunk, walking on a nearby road. Troopers had gone to Tarbell's house first after tracing the stranded vehicle back to him.

After Tarbell's initial denials, the trooper conducted the interrogation. The judge's decision left Tarbell's denial as evidence, but suppressed his eventual confession.

Based on that, prosecutors announced, on the first day of Tarbell's trial in 2016, that the case could not move forward.

Since then, the appellate court affirmed the suppression and the state's high court has declined to intervene.

Tarbell, who has remained free on bail, now faces no charges.ROME, N.Y. -- A Rome man has been arrested after a nearly year-long investigation into a fatal accident in 2017 on the state Thruway near Utica, according to New York State Police.

Everett L. Taylor, 23, of Rome, faces charges of leaving the scene of a fatal accident, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, reckless driving and moving from a lane unsafely, police said.

The fatal accident happened on May 27, 2017 on the Thruway in the town of Westmoreland, police said.

Taylor, who was going east on the Thruway, was switching from the left lane to the right lane when the back passenger side of his 2008 Hyundai hit the front tire of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, police said.

Joseph A. Perrotti, 47, who was driving the motorcycle, and a passenger were thrown from the Harley-Davidson, police said. Taylor did not stop, police said.

After the crash, an Oneida County Sheriff's Office deputy stopped the Hyundai on Furnace Street in Westmoreland, police said. The Hyundai had rear passenger damage and matched the description of the car that hit Perrotti's motorcycle, police said.

Both Perrotti and his passenger were transported to a local hospital police said. Perrotti died on June 2, 2017 from injuries he suffered in the crash, police said.

Taylor was arraigned Tuesday in Oneida County Court and was remanded to Oneida County Jail on $10,000 bail or $20,000 bond, police said.The adult-film actress who claims to have had a sexual encounter with President Trump in 2006 is coming to Buffalo.

Stormy Daniels will perform Aug. 10 and 11 at Scores in the Town of Tonawanda, according to Daniels' Instagram account and David B. Scrivani, whose son runs the club.

"It's going to be a hell of a show," Scrivani said.

Scores has two locations, including one on Genesee Street near Transit Road. A sign outside the Genesee location mentions Daniels' upcoming visit.

Scrivani said he expects a large crowd at the Tonawanda club, which will have a new name -- New York Showgirls -- by the time Daniels visits.

"We couldn't do it at the airport," Scrivani said. "It's just too small."

Daniels will be on a national tour, starting Wednesday in Pittsburgh. She has 43 appearance dates posted on her Instagram account.

--By Aaron Besecker, The Buffalo News, N.Y.SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Why would St. Joseph's Health, which operates a Catholic hospital, spend money to put its name on a concert venue "... that books some anti-Christian bands and encourages drinking, partying, etc.?"

That's a question St. Joe's heard from employees after last month's announcement it is spending $1.5 million to buy the naming rights to Onondaga County's Lakeview Amphitheater. The popular facility is gearing up to open its third season of concerts, many of them rock music shows. Its new name is St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview.

Using the amphitheater to get St. Joe's message out is similar to the approach Jesus took, according to Leslie Paul Luke, president and CEO of St. Joe's.

"Christ reached out to people ... wherever they were and no matter who they were," Luke wrote to employees in a recent letter, answering some of their most common questions about the deal. " ... St. Joseph's Health must have a presence in a variety of places and through different media so people know us and our ministry."

St. Joseph's mission is to be a "... transforming healing presence within our community," Luke said. "Our community is not limited to those locations or community members whose activities and values are in complete alignment with out own."

While some people may drink and party at Amp events, " ... neither St. Joseph's Health nor the County endorse inappropriate or illegal behavior," Luke said in his letter.

Here are Luke's answers to some other employee questions about the Amp deal:

Why did St. Joseph's Health invest in the Name-in-Title sponsorship of Lakeview Amphitheater?

Not enough people in the community know about St. Joe's and its accomplishments. "St. Joseph's Health was not recognized as a leader in services where we actually were doing better than our competitors," Luke said. "This, in turn, had a negative impact on the volume of patients we were able to serve, job growth for our colleagues, and financial outcomes."

Insufficient marketing and name recognition were contributing factors to St. Joe's poor financial performance from 2013 through 2016. "We were essentially a best kept healthcare secret in Central New York and were paying the price for keeping it that way!" he said.

Q. Why is money spent on this instead of giving it to staff, buying equipment or building new services?

"We are committed to this opportunity without sacrificing our investments into our colleagues, equipment, or growth," Luke said.

St. Joe's will spend about $300,000 per year over five years for the naming rights.

By comparison, it spends $382.9 million annually on payroll and benefits, and $8 million annually on employee raises and market adjustments. It is spending $46 million this year to improve patient services.

It spends .38 percent of its $700 million in annual operating revenue on advertising, lower than the industry average of 2 to 3 percent.

"We are reestablishing our brand in a market that has been dominated in advertising and marketing by Crouse and Upstate and, more recently, national brand institutions like Cleveland Clinic and Roswell," Luke said. "Exclusive naming opportunities don't come around that often, so it was important that we use some of our marketing dollars to secure the rights and prevent a competitor from gaining more market share."

Q. Why the amphitheater and not another venue?

Over 180,000 people from across the region attend shows at the amphitheater annually. Fifty-seven percent of them are female and 83 percent are between the ages of 18 and 54. "This is a key demographic for us to reach in terms of system awareness, women's health initiatives and staff recruitment," Luke said.

Q. What can we expect to see at the venue when the new season begins?

Signs, video, graphics and posters will be displayed throughout the venue, on highway signs and ticket stubs. "We will take advantage of traditional media to help drive brand awareness throughout the market and associate St. Joseph's Health with top tier artists," Luke said. St. Joe's will get complimentary tickets to use for employee reward and recognition.

Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245Denver, CO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ubiquitech Software Corp. (OTC: UBQU), through its operating subsidiary HempLifeToday.com, announces the imminent offering of its newest CannazALL CBD product derived from legal Hemp. The New CBD Gummies will be available on the www.HempLifeToday.com Website by the end of May. The Gummies will come in a variety of delicious and popular flavors. The company, which has been in product development over the last several months, intends to announce more exciting and healthy CBD products in the coming weeks.

The CBD Gummies are scheduled to be on the HempLife Today Website by May 30th, and the Company will be tapping into the lucrative edibles market for full spectrum hemp products as well as CBD hemp products.

This will be the first new product to launch in 2018 and the Company will be announcing additional new products throughout the summer. The Company will keep shareholders informed of these additions as they come to fruition.

CEO James Ballas said, We are very busy bringing our new products to the HempLife Today Website, and we believe we will make up for some shortfalls the last quarter by doing so as the new products under development will open up many new avenues of marketing and bring more people to the awareness of our CannazALL CBD products. We have big things to come and are already expecting 4th quarter 2018 to be our biggest quarter yet.

HempLife Today is expecting to continue to capitalize on the surging Cannabis market that many are projecting to reach 18 billion per year by 2021. With a strong percentage of this contributed to hemp based products the Company expects to continue its growth by offering quality CannazALL hemp derived CBD, and full spectrum hemp products to the public.

The Company has initiated additional shareholders services and many shareholders have already reached out to Craig Fischer for corporate updates. The company intends to update on additional new product offerings throughout May, and will also have news on its new division called CryptoBuy in the near future.

About Ubiquitech Software Corp

Ubiquitech Software Corp, through its subsidiaries is a dynamic multi-media, multi-faceted corporation utilizing state-of-the-art global internet marketing, DirectResponse (DRTV) Television, Radio, Internet Content, and traditional marketing to drive traffic to the new and emerging multi-billion dollar industries like its subsidiaries HempLifeToday and CryptoBuy.com

About HempLife Today

HempLifeToday focuses on the exciting and dynamic new thinking in the world today that recognizes the important health and life enriching enhancement that CBD Oil from the Hemp plant can bring. Through its network of quality USA growers HempLifeToday.com has developed multiple and proprietary CannazALL CBD oil products that include; Its popular CBD Tinctures, Concentrated Oils, GelCaps, Skin Salve, e-liquid, and CannazALL Pets CBD products all offered @ www.HempLifeToday.com



About CryptoBuy

CryptoBuy.com focuses on the burgeoning new world of Crypto Currencies and is created to be a service to persons interested in tracking and trading the many existing and future Crypto Currencies worldwide.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "intends'', "believes'', and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce operating expenses, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the OTC Markets Group. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward- looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the after the date of this release.DEWITT, NY - Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in DeWitt has temporarily closed its shelter after several confirmed cases of canine distemper, shelter operators have announced.

The shelter will not accept any new dogs or adopt any out until further notice, according to a news release from the shelter.

Five dogs have been confirmed with the illness - three have died, said Kathy Gilmour, the shelter's executive director. There are 30 dogs in the shelter at this time.

There have recently been outbreaks of the serious viral disease throughout the United States. Many of these cases are due to pets that haven't been vaccinated, along with displaced wildlife from hurricanes that hit the South last fall, Gilmour said.

The popular animal shelter at 6606 Kinne Road is located outside ShoppingTown Mall where every day numerous volunteers visit to walk the dogs in the parking lot.

While all the dogs at Helping Hounds are vaccinated for distemper prior to being adopted, the vaccination doesn't work if the dogs are already infected or have a weakened immune system, Gilmour said.

Gilmour said the closing is a precaution, and the shelter will be working with Cornell University veterinarians and local vets to prevent any more cases.

"Our dogs are family, and they deserve our full love and attention on this matter,'' she said.

Although the number of confirmed cases is low, Gilmour said it's unusual to see distemper in Central New York. The shelter will take whatever steps are necessary to stop the spread of this disease, she said.

Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease caused by a paramyxoviru, according to Cornell University's veterinarian college. It is a widespread disease affecting wild and domestic carnivores and this primarily affects raccoons, grey fox and skunks in the spring and fall. There is no cure for distemper.Joella Viscusi is founder, owner, and president of Ambient Environmental Inc.

Viscusi started the environmental consulting firm in June 2006, and it has grown to 30 employees. She spoke recently in Skaneateles about hazardous-material testing and state and federal regulations. Her speech was delivered at the 22nd annual Joint Technical Conference of the CNY chapters of the Air & Waste Management Association and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Ambient, headquartered in Albany, provides comprehensive environmental, health and safety solutions related to hazardous building materials management; industrial hygiene, site safety, site investigation, remediation, and restoration; and regulatory compliance.

Viscusi said the company is broadening its environmental and construction services and expanding throughout Upstate.

Tell me about growing up and early leadership roles.

I grew up in a small town called Charlton, which is out past Burnt Hills toward Galway. It's cow country. (Laughs) It's in Saratoga County. I grew up between two big farms.

My parents (Joan and Tony Viscusi) were a big influence. My mom, for the most part, was a stay-at-home mom. I looked to her as a role model. My father worked to provide for our family.

They gave us good morals and direction - work hard and you can do what you aspire to do.

From the time I could speak, my Uncle Bob (Arsenault) said I always told him I was the boss. Uncle Bob was a big influence. I always looked up to him. I always listened to what he had to say.

When I told him I was the boss, he said I can be whatever I want to be. That stuck with me, and here I am - I'm the boss.

What advice would you give someone to be a good leader?

A good leader leads by example and not just with words.

They have the ability to set a vision and inspire others.

They have walked their talk.

I've been in the field and done the work. I've been in the crawl spaces. I've been on the rooftops. I've taken the samples. When I'm describing to somebody how I want a particular project done, they trust me, because I've done it. I'm not just reading it out of a textbook.

To be an effective leader, you have to know your industry. I did and still do a lot of reading on my own. You keep learning.

Have an open-door policy. People can come and ask me anything. I'm not one of those owners or bosses that keeps the door shut and stays behind a closed door. I'm there with the employees. They're welcome to ask me questions whenever they want - I want them to ask questions. I don't give the impression that they're bothering me. An open door inspires people to want to do a good job.

How does that inspire?

Oh gosh, I mean - I think it makes them feel comfortable, and I think they know they have the respect of the leader.

I don't make rash decisions. I talk to the team, and I ask what they think. Their opinions matter. Their knowledge matters. What they think about the next steps of the company matters. I take what they say into consideration. I try to make their job easier.

It makes them want to be part of the team. It makes them want to give their opinions and experiences. They're out in the field every day, so bring back to me what you're seeing. What do you want changed? What are you having difficulty with?

As an entrepreneur, starting with no employees, you had your hands on everything. As a company grows, how does a leader shift from doing the work herself to delegating and trusting others to do the work?

I had to learn. As the person who owned the company, I thought that you had to know everything and you had to do everything and you had to be successful at everything for your company to be successful.

Through some of the groups I belong to, especially the Women Presidents Organization, we discuss our business issues.

That allowed me to open up and say: I'm drowning here. It's hard for me to do everything now. We're getting bigger.

I learned to allow other people in to help. For instance, I'm not great at the financial aspect of it. But I've now brought people in who are.

Asking for help is not a sign of failure; it is a sign of success.

What qualities do you see in effective leadership and leaders you admire?

My biggest thing is honesty. The leader has to be true and genuine. That to me is the most important quality.

You can teach technical expertise, but you can't teach someone to be a better person.

So, honesty, being genuine, being your authentic self are important in a leader.

Good leaders have deep expert knowledge of their particular industry, but they know when they're not an expert in a particular arena. They allow someone in for help.

To me, a leader doesn't lie and doesn't fake it. A leader will admit: I don't know the answer to that, but I'm going to find it out for you.

A leader doesn't just make something up. They are true and genuine.

When you think of an ineffective leader, what attributes do you see?

A non-communicator.

Someone who doesn't listen, who doesn't allow people to give feedback.

Someone who has a closed-door policy, who's not willing to listen to their team, not willing to take the information from out in the field, to bring it back to the table.

A poor leader says: I don't care if it's right or wrong, this is the way I want it done. They lose respect of employees.

You've got to listen to your team. You've got to take it all in. If you don't, if you're being a dictator, that's not being a leader.

What makes a person a dictator?

It sounds redundant: Someone who is not willing to listen to what you have to say, someone who just wants it done their way.

Tell me about a challenge you've had and how you overcame it, so we can learn from your experience.

By far, the biggest thing is being a woman in this industry.

Your company is in a male-dominated field?

It is - very much so.

Starting out in this field, there was a lot to overcome. The remarks on a job site. The snide remarks on why I won a bid and someone else didn't. The jokes: Oh, you're just here to make the coffee. It was tough to keep going back, meeting after meeting, when you knew they were going to say: What's Joella wearing to the meeting?

It was hard to overcome, and it was hard to keep going back. I felt I had to prove myself much more than a man did. That was discouraging, because I had more knowledge than my co-workers at the time.

How did you overcome the sexism and stereotyping?

Knowledge. Proving that I knew what I was doing. And the fact that I actually did the work.

When I worked for other people, they said I couldn't go to at meeting alone. They said: You're not a man. It's going to be nothing but 20 contractors in there.

I made sure I was fully prepared for any meeting, that I knew the answer to every question they could potentially ask.

Tell me about starting in this field.

My degree is in marketing. I started at an environmental company as an administrative assistant, answering phones, filing. It was a small company, so everybody helped out in different departments.

I'd go out in the field with the guys, and I'd take the notes, and carry the samples. I started putting the reports together for all the fieldwork that was done.

The amount of regulations around hazardous materials was intriguing. It may sound weird, but it was interesting to me.

The boss that I had at the time allowed me to go to the classes that he taught, but would never certify me in anything because my place was taking notes and being a secretary and answering phones.

I was told that many times by many different people. That just gave me the ambition to keep moving forward and say: Well, I can do this. You can't tell me I can't do this because my uncle said I can do it. He said I could be the boss. (Laughs)

I spent many nights reading regulations. At meetings, I would be able to give an answer when others could not. One of the guys always had to go a meeting with me. That being said, when the guys were asked a question, they would turn to me and say: Hey, Joella, what do you think about that?

I'd give the answer.

Slowly but surely, the respect in the industry came. I knew what I was doing. My roles expanded. My titles expanded. A lot of this self-taught information led me to start my own company.

What advice would you give a woman who wants to start her own business in a male-dominated industry?

If that's what you want to do, then just do it. You have to ignore the comments. You have to ignore the remarks that you can't do it. You have to look people in the eye when you give them an answer or direct them on a project.

I could have given up very easily when I was told, straight out, you don't belong here.

I don't want that to discourage people. I want to get the point across: You are going to have a lot of things throughout your career that are just going to make you want to curl up in a little ball and throw your hands up and say, I'm done.

Above all, act confident. You gain respect. I've built a lot of respect in the industry now.

And I'm enjoying it.

The weekly "CNY Conversation" features Q&A interviews about leadership, success, and innovation. The conversations are condensed and edited. To suggest a leader for a Conversation, contact Stan Linhorst at StanLinhorst@gmail.com. Last week featured Jason Mills, who leads development in artificial intelligence and machine learning. As a leader, he likes to go after talented people who are playing small, work with them and help them to play big.To the Editor:



Talks between the United States and North Korea are possible thanks to the efforts of South Korea. The current negotiations with South Korea seem to be progressing. President Donald Trump states that he will meet with Kim Jong Un one on one. Given Trump's history of threats, it is possible he will insult Kim Jong Un and/or make disparaging comments about North Korea, catapulting us into war.



Kim Jong Un's own history of dangerous actions makes meeting with Trump perilous. Both need knowledgeable and experienced staff present who can prevent catastrophic outbursts.



War with North Korea would be a disaster. A pre-emptive strike against North Korea, threatened by Trump, would end in retaliation with thousands, maybe millions of lives lost, including 23,000 American troops now in South Korea. A world war could result with unspeakable casualties, not only of lives lost, but also to infrastructures and the environment.



Congress must exercise its constitutional duty to limit the president's ability to start a war on his own. Supporting bills S.2047 and H.R. 4837, which affirm the need for Congressional approval before the president can wage war, is critical. Congress must insist on diplomacy, which has helped avoid war in the past. They must refuse to pass legislation that weakens or destroys diplomatic deals already made.



John Bailey

HubbardsvilleWASHINGTON -- Syracuse will receive a boost of almost 15 percent in federal aid for affordable housing and community development after Congress spared programs President Donald Trump wanted to eliminate in this year's budget.

Syracuse is due to receive grants totaling more than $6.3 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, up from $5.5 million last year, New York's two U.S. senators said Tuesday.

The money is significant because it's one of the single largest sources of direct federal aid to Syracuse, a city with the nation's highest rate of extreme poverty concentrated among blacks and Hispanics.

The federal money helps develop affordable housing in the city and fund about two dozen nonprofit groups that support some of Syracuse's neediest people.

Most of the federal money ($4.87 million) will come from a Community Development Block Grant awarded to Syracuse by HUD, according to U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, who advocated in the Senate to increase the program's funding.

Syracuse also will receive $1.45 million from HUD'S HOME program for affordable housing, up from $1.1 million last year. The money helps communities buy and rehabilitate affordable housing.

Trump has twice proposed eliminating the HUD programs as a budget-cutting move, saving about $3 billion per year spent on the Community Development Block Grant program.

Syracuse received almost $60 million from the grant program over the past 11 years, according to city records.

The aid has been distributed to nonprofit groups in Syracuse that include Arise Inc., the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse, CNY Fair Housing, the Dunbar Association, Empire Housing, Greater Syracuse Tenant Network, Huntington Family Centers, Jubilee Homes and the Northeast Hawley Development Association.

Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751Former Assistant U.S. attorney George C. Burgasser spent Sunday evening on his son's boat docked at Smith Boys marina in North Tonawanda.

Then he disappeared.

Police said his son, who was below deck, heard a sound. He came up to the deck, saw his dad was missing and went into a panic, police said.

Another son, who came to help in the search, later found Burgasser's lifeless body floating in the water a couple of docks away, police said. Burgasser, who lived in North Tonawanda, was 63.

A preliminary investigation by the North Tonawanda police indicates the death was likely either an accident or related to a medical event, said Capt. Thomas Krantz.

News of his death shocked the legal community on Monday.

"We are heartbroken to learn this devastating news," said U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy Jr.

Burgasser, who retired in 2017, worked for nearly 29 years in the Justice Department, first in Washington, D.C., and eventually as an assistant U.S. attorney in Buffalo.

Burgasser and his son were on the boat Sunday to show it to some friends who were interested in buying it, police said. They then stayed on the boat, enjoying a few drinks, but did not take it out on the water, according to police.

At some point, George Burgasser went up on deck. That's when his son heard a sound and found his dad missing. The son called his mother who in turn called 911. Another son came to help with the search, police said.

North Tonawanda police are still investigating the death, Krantz said. "Right now, it's all very preliminary until we get those autopsy results," Krantz said.

Police said there was a cut on Burgasser's head but no other trauma to his body. An autospy was conducted Monday but the medical examiner was still reviewing the case Monday afternoon.

Kennedy said Burgasser "served his country and our community with distinction."

"He was everyone's friend," Kennedy said. "Fellow prosecutors, the defense bar, judges, juries, and even those he prosecuted, all respected George, but perhaps, most telling is the fact they all liked George as well."

Kennedy said Burgasser "remained compassionate to all with whom he came into contact."

"He lived and worked by the greatest legal precept of all -- the Golden Rule. Our condolences go out to George's loving family and countless friends," Kennedy said. "He will be missed by all."

Defense attorney Paul Cambria said his colleagues and other defense attorneys respected Burgasser.

"George was a solid public servant who did his job with no animosity toward anyone. He prosecuted major drug cases but never acted like he was trying to get vengeance on anyone. This really makes me sad. He's going to be missed," Cambria said.

FBI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin P Lyons said, "George Burgasser was a long-time partner of ours working directly with agents on our Safe Streets Task Force and Career Criminal Task Force. We relied on George as the lead prosecutor for these task forces for over twenty years. His work alone represents how committed he was to keeping western New York communities and neighborhoods safe for those who lived and worked in them."

- By Maki Becker, The Buffalo News, N.Y.In March, before a gymnasium packed tight with friends and family, 21 young women from Fort Valley State University in central Georgia marked a milestone.

Glowing with pride, wearing matching black dresses, pearls and pink hats, the undergraduates were officially "crossing over" into the campus's chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, one of the oldest and most-esteemed black Greek campus organizations in the country.

But just a month later, the Fort Valley chapter of the same sorority is now bogged down in a scandal over allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment.

Rolling Out, an Atlanta-based online magazine, reported that the controversy involves allegations that recent members of the sorority were involved in a sex ring to pay for pledging the organization. Citing unnamed sources, the magazine alleged that customers included local businessmen and politicians.

The controversy centers on Alecia Johnson, a Fort Valley State employee and graduate adviser to the campus's AKA chapter, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Johnson, an AKA member, resigned her position in the university's president's office as news of a criminal investigation broke on campus in April. The scandal has lit a firestorm of speculation on social media and in the tightknit world of historically black colleges and universities.

On Monday, Nicole Carr of Atlanta's Channel 2 asked Adrian Patrick, Johnson's attorney, to address accusations that sorority hopefuls were "pimped out" to get money to join the organization.

"I just think that's incredulous," Patrick said. "I mean, I know people want to be in a sorority. I got that part. I just don't think you're going to sell your body. Plus, it's inconsistent with the reputation of Alpha Kappa Alpha."

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, both the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the University Systems of Georgia have begun investigating reports of sexual misconduct and hazing tied to the school's AKA chapter. The sorority's national office is also looking into "unauthorized activities and misconduct involving current and former members," according to an April 22 letter sent to the Fort Valley chapter. The same letter disqualified the Fort Valley AKA from participating in sorority activities while the investigations continue.

In a statement to Atlanta's 11 Alive, the national office said it has a "zero-tolerance policy for hazing, member sexual misconduct, and harassment, and we take any allegations of this nature very seriously."

Johnson's attorney maintains that she is innocent.

"She's not a pimp, and she's not a madam. None of that," Patrick told Channel 2. "She's not guilty. She did not do anything."

The allegations are not the only recent news to trouble Fort Valley State University, a historically black college southwest of Macon.

In June 2017, the school came under scrutiny after receiving an accreditation warning from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges. It said that the university did not fulfill core requirements such as programs that support student learning and financial aid.

Amid the sorority inquiry, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation also is investigating an alleged "sexual battery" incident that took place between an 18-year-old female student and a former Fort Valley campus police officer.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is part of the "Divine Nine," one of nine historically black Greek letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. AKA was established for African American women and remains one of the largest multicultural sororities in the country. Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), Rep. Frederica S. Wilson (D-Fla.), actress Phylicia Rashad and author Toni Morrison are among the organization's notable members.

To become a soror -- the Latin term for sister -- one must pledge, going through an initiation process that can last months. Essence magazine wrote an article about the things to know before pledging a historically black sorority, including being financially prepared and remaining secretive during the process.

Sorors are required to pay an initiation fee, monthly and/or yearly dues and other expenses, such as clothing and conference tickets. The average initiation cost for joining a National Pan-Hellenic Council sorority can run from $700 to $2,500, according to Auburn University. One student at the University of Texas at Arlington asked for donations on GoFundMe to pay for her $1,680 initiation fee to join AKA.

In 2007, Natasha S. Alford, the deputy editor at the Grio, wrote in the Harvard Crimson that "being Greek is a socially acceptable aspect of the African American community. Elevated and popularized by movies like 'Stomp the Yard' and by respectable members of the black community and historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. who have donned Greek letters, being a member of black fraternity or sorority retains positive connotations in spite of the challenge of becoming one."

According to the AKA's website, "hazing will not be tolerated in any form." The AKA chapter at the University of Pittsburgh was suspended in February after a hazing incident during which 12 pledges were allegedly forced to eat rotten food and were beaten with a wooden paddle in an off-campus basement.

According to a statement released by the University System of Georgia, the current investigation of the Fort Valley AKA chapter began with two complaints.

"On April 5, 2018, administrators from Fort Valley State University received two separate reports of alleged wrongdoing," the statement said. "One report was made anonymously as a tip on a campus complaint hotline. The second report was made separately by an employee to the campus Title IX coordinator."

The statewide system and Fort Valley immediately began investigating the allegations.

J.T. Ricketson, a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, told the Journal-Constitution that his agency began a "wide-ranging inquiry" into possible crimes on April 12. Six days later, Johnson resigned from her position with the school.

"We haven't confirmed any of the allegations that we have heard," Ricketson told the paper. "The story is out in front of us, but we have to be very thorough, because there is a lot of stuff out there. I told my agents that there is a lot of street committee talk out there."

On April 19, the chancellor of the University System of Georgia blasted Ricketson for providing a false timeline to the media on the events leading up the investigation. "Ricketson has from the moment he got on the case been talking to the media," Chancellor Steve Wrigley said in a letter to GBI Director Vernon Keenan asking for Ricketson's reassignment. "He has talked to more reporters than Fort Valley State University students and officials. Such behavior damages the quality, credibility and integrity of the investigation."

The case has since been handed to an investigator who reports directly to the GBI's deputy director, the Journal-Constitution reported.

But Johnson's attorney remains adamant that his client will be found innocent.

"She's been demonized by social media, but not one piece of evidence has shown what's happening," Patrick told the Atlanta paper.A Russian fighter buzzed a U.S. Navy surveillance plane over the Baltic Sea on Tuesday.



The Russian Su-27 fighter performed a "safe," but "unprofessional" intercept of a Navy P-8 surveillance plane in international airspace, U.S. officials said, according to Fox News. The Russian came within about 20 feet of the Navy plane, but the American pilots reported they never felt threatened or unsafe.



A Navy spokesman declined to comment on the incident, according to CNN. Navy aircraft and ships "routinely interact with military units from other countries," Lt. Cmdr. Zach Harrell said, according to CNN.



The Navy generally provides more information on interactions it considers unsafe, CNN said.



A Russian jet flew within 5 feet of a Navy plane in a separate incident in January. The Navy considered that intercept unsafe and unprofessional and U.S. officials responded strongly.



The State Department accused the Russians of "flagrantly violating existing agreements and international law," CNN said.



That interaction last over two hours, according to Fox. At one point during the January incident, the Navy aircraft was forced to fly through the Russian's jet wash.



American and Russian jets often fly in close proximity over the Black and Baltic seas, Fox said. The interactions generally remain professional.

Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112President Donald Trump's longtime personal doctor says three Trump associates "raided" his office last year and seized Trump's medical records.

Dr. Harold Bornstein tells NBC News that Trump's personal bodyguard, Keith Schiller, a Trump Organization lawyer, and a third person came to his New York office without notice on Feb. 3, 2017. They took lab reports and medical charts under both Trump's name and pseudonyms used by Trump, Bornstein said.

Bornstein said he felt "raped, frightened and sad" by the encounter. He was also told to take down a photo on his wall of Bornstein with Trump.

"It created a lot of chaos," he added.

According to The Hill, Trump's White House physician Ronny Jackson was said to have written a letter authorizing the release of Trump's records. Bornstein, however, told NBC that he was not given a HIPAA release form to sign, which would be a violation of patient privacy law.

The "raid," as Bornstein described it, came days after he told The New York Times that Trump takes Propecia, a drug for men with enlarged prostates that helps stimulate hair growth. Bornstein said Trump cut ties with him immediately afterwards.

"I couldn't believe anybody was making a big deal out of a drug to grow his hair that seemed to be so important," Bornstein told NBC. "And it certainly was not a breach of medical trust to tell somebody they take Propecia to grow their hair. What's the matter with that?"

Bornstein told NBC that he wanted to come forward due to concerns over Jackson, whom Trump has nominated to be Veterans Affairs (VA) secretary. Jackson withdrew his nomination last week amid allegations of misconduct, including drinking on the job and overprescribing medications, earning him the nickname "Candyman."

Jackson, a U.S. Navy doctor, has denied all wrongdoing.

Schiller, who left the White House in September 2017, and the White House have not yet commented on Bornstein's claims.

Bornstein famously vouched for Trump's health during the 2016 campaign, saying Trump would be "the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency."Candidates named in city and school elections

With the passing of the filing deadline for the upcoming city and school election, several area governing bodies including the City of Tama and ...CALGARY, Alberta, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. (the Company) (TSXV:WHY) announces the release of its audited financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the year ended December 31, 2017. The audited financial statements and related MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.



The Company previously disclosed details of its proposed private placement with fund to be used for the continuation of the environmental base line study, environmental assessment study and mine plan and permit application and Industrial Quarry Permit application for the Company's Record Ridge deposit near Rossland, British Columbia and the balance of the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes.

Industrial Quarry Permit

The Company has commissioned work on an Industrial Quarry Permit application for its Record Ridge South Magnesium Project. The Industrial Quarry Permit sought under the Mines Act (British Columbia) will allow for the extraction and sale of up to 249,999 tonnes per annum of industrial rock. It is anticipated that industrial rock sales and/or third-party ore processing will provide 2019 cash flows from operations while continued mine plan and permit application efforts are being made. The Industrial Quarry Permit application process are being led by Greenwood Environmental and SRK Consulting (Canada) both of Vancouver, British Columbia. The proposed rock quarry is not subject to the Environmental Assessment Act (British Columbia) or the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Company anticipates delivery of the Industrial Quarry Permit during May 2018.

British Columbia Environmental Assessment Application and Mine Permit Application

The Company continues to prepare a Mine Permit Application and British Columbia Environmental Assessment Application requesting the extraction and processing on site of up to 1,000,000 tonnes per annum of ore. It is expected this application will be submitted in 2019.

As required to meet and exceed regulatory requirements, the Company has focused on extensive environmental baseline studies for its Record South Ridge Properties and surroundings. These studies include Water Quality, Fisheries, Vegetation, Soil, and a comprehensive GIS Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping. In addition to these studies the Company will be fully consulting with Community and First Nations Stakeholders. These studies and the Project Description and Environmental Work Planning is being conducted by Greenwood Environmental and SRK Consulting (Canada) both of Vancouver, BC. Considerable work has been completed by the Company and its consultants to advance the Companys proposed British Columbia Environmental Assessment Certification Application process.

About West High Yield

West High Yield is a publicly traded junior mining exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Canada with a primary objective to locate and develop economic gold, nickel and magnesium properties.

For further information please contact:

Frank Marasco

President and Chief Executive Officer

West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd.

Telephone: (403) 660-3488

Facsimile: (403) 206-7159

Email: frank@whyresources.com Dwayne Vinck

Chief Financial Officer

West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd.

Telephone: (403) 257-2637

Facsimile: (403) 206-7159

Email: vinck@shaw.ca

Reader Advisory

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements and information concerning, the proposed allocation and use of proceeds, the Company's business plans and the anticipated sales of industrial rock. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made ,and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; changes in tax laws; and the other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.A method used by Brazilian scientists was able to calculate the exact amount of radiation that killed a victim during the Hiroshima bombing in 1945.

The scientists were under the supervision of Oswaldo Baffa, a professor at the University of Sao Paulo's Ribeirao Presto School of Philosophy, Science & Letters.

Baffa explains that they used the technique called electron spin resonance spectroscopy to perform the dose calculation or what is scientifically known as retrospective dosimetry.

The method they used was not new in the field. However, Baffa said that there is renewed interest in the system due to risks of terrorist attacks in the present-day scenario.

In the United States, for example, a suspect located in New York can plant an ordinary bomb with a small amount of radioactive material in the explosive. Using the technique, authorities can identify who has been exposed to radioactive fallout and who needs an immediate medical attention.

The Brazilian scientists were headed by Angela Kinoshita, a professor at Universidade do Sagrado Coracao in Bauru, Sao Paulo State. Their full study is published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy Technique

In their approach, Kinoshita and her team were able to measure a dose of approximately 9.46 grays of radiation.

"About half that dose, or 5 Gy, is fatal if the entire body is exposed to it," explains Baffa.

As mentioned, performing retrospective dosimetry using electron spin resonance spectroscopy is not a brand new approach. In fact, the scientists have only built on a continuing research that started in the 1980's by physicist Sergio Mascarenhas. At this time, the method was used to identify the age of ancient bones through calculating its contact with different environmental factors, including radiations.

The current analysis by Kinoshita and her team, however, became pioneering because it was conducted on human tissue from the jawbone of a victim during the Hiroshima bombing.

A similar analysis was conducted in the past using non-human tissues, such as the brick and roof tile fragments found at the bomb sites. There was also a study calculating the effect of the radiation through DNA analysis of Hiroshima bombing survivors. All yielded results close to or similar to the one achieved by the Brazilian scientists.

Hiroshima Bombing

The Hiroshima bombing in 1945 was the first and the only use of nuclear weapons aimed at civilians. The unfortunate event, however, paved the way for the end of World War 2.

Two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan at this time, killing 80,000 people instantly. Combined with the number of people who died from radiation and other aftermaths, the event killed a total of 192,020 people.

The bomb was detonated over Hiroshima at more than 1,800 feet above the ground. It weighs 9,700 pounds and created a mushroom cloud of more than 60,000 feet over Nagasaki.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will get an update to Android 8.0 Oreo in mid-May, and it's not just a rumor this time  it's officially confirmed.

Just last week, news broke out that the two smartphones could be getting a taste of Oreo in May, but nothing was confirmed at the time. The information was considered unreliable because the same source had previously pegged the update rollout for an earlier date, so there was no guarantee that it would be accurate this time.

Samsung Galaxy S7/ Galaxy S7 Edge Oreo Update Confirmed

As it turns out, however, it seems that the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will indeed be getting an update to Android 8.0 Oreo in just a couple of weeks, as Samsung itself has confirmed.

The company posted new details on its Members app for South Korean customers. It noted the rollout time for Oreo updates scheduled for a number of devices, including the Galaxy S7 line.

The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge may not be the newest flagships anymore, with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 lines out and about, but they're still powerful devices with plenty to offer.

Get Ready For The Galaxy S7 Oreo Release In Mid-May

The hardware still packs a punch, and the software is about to get a major boost with Android 8.0 Oreo on its way. Samsung does not list a specific date for when the update will start rolling out, but mid-May means that it should not be more than two weeks away.

If everything goes smoothly and according to plan, the update will soon hit the smartphones. If Samsung encounters any significant issues in the final build, however, it might warrant a delay.

Since the update schedule was announced for its South Korean customers, the update will likely start rolling out there and make its way to other markets across the world gradually.

Carrier versions, meanwhile, will likely get the update at a later date, and it depends on the operator. Verizon, for instance, recently pushed an update for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge and it described it as Oreo, but it was in fact just a Nougat build with the latest Android security patch.

If the update starts rolling out in a couple of weeks in Samsung's home country of South Korea, it shouldn't take too long before it goes out globally as well. Oreo brings a slew of neat new features and improvements, so keep an eye out for the update when it becomes available.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Las Vegas, Nevada, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South American Gold Corp (OTC: SAGD) announced today that they have identified two cannabis related acquisition targets and have begun negotiations to bring one or both operations into the Company.

Both acquisition targets have existing operations with current revenues and are centered around value-added products within the cannabis sector.

Gary Austin, director of South American Gold Corp. commented on this news, We are focusing our attention on the revenue side of the business. We have been very busy the past 12 months building and developing a strong portfolio of technology assets. Now we are seeking opportunities to acquire companies with existing revenue that can benefit from the technology resources the Company already holds. We believe that the technologies we have developed and acquired are extremely valuable in the right setting; therefore, with the right acquisitions and the strategic use of our existing technology assets, we are seeking quick growth and sustainable business operations that will provide great longevity in this sector.

The Company stated that they are currently concluding their due diligence phase and are planning to make an offer on one or both operations this quarter. Mr. Austin continued, Our goal is to complete a deal on this quarters book and give ourselves the rest of the year to grow and develop the business being acquired. We have a good team in place, a great core set of assets, and now we are getting aggressive on putting these tools to work.

About SAGD: South American Gold Corp (SAGD) is an operational management company focused on enhancing shareholder value by acquiring and operating under valued tech assets.

Disclaimer: This release contains forward-looking statements that are based on beliefs of South American Gold Corp. management and reflect South American Gold Corp.'s current expectations as contemplated under section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When we use in this release the words "estimate," "project," "looks," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "plan," "predict," "may," "should," "will," "can," the negative of these words, or such other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, are all intended to identify forward looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of South America Gold Corp. with respect to future events based on currently available information and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties pertaining to development of mining properties, changes in economic conditions and other risks, uncertainties and factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievement expressed or implied by such forward looking statements to differ materially from the forward looking statements. The information contained in this press release is historical in nature, has not been updated, and is current only to the date shown in this press release. This information may no longer be accurate and therefore you should not rely on the information contained in this press release. To the extent permitted by law, South American Gold Corp. and its employees, agents and consultants exclude all liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of, or reliance on, any such information, whether or not caused by any negligent act or omission. This press release may incorporate by reference the Company's reports and other filings. Investors are encouraged to review all filings. There is no assurance South American Gold Corp. will identify projects of merit or if it will have sufficient financing to implement its business plan. There is no assurance that the Company's due diligence on the potential projects and/or acquisitions will be favorable nor that definitive terms can be negotiated. Investors should consult their financial advisor before making an investment in a company.A photograph taken by Marcio Cabral helped him win the Wildlife Photographer of the Year from the Natural History Museum in 2017. This photograph has now been proven to be staged using a stuffed anteater from a museum in Brazil.

Cabral was then disqualified by the British Natural History Museum for using the stuffed anteater to stage the photo.

Stuffed Anteater

On April 27, the British Natural History Museum released a statement detailing how Cabral's photograph was disqualified from the competition from which he received the prize. It noted that third parties notified the museum that the animal photographed was actually a stuffed anteater. In the statement, the museum says that the photograph had been under investigation for over three weeks to determine if the photograph had been staged.

For the investigation, the British Natural History Museum enlisted two mammal experts, a taxidermy specialist, two external experts, a South American mammals expert, and an expert anteater researcher. Experts used high-resolution copies of the original photograph of a stuffed anteater found at one of the gates of Emas National Park, where the original photograph was taken.

All five of the researchers who worked independently determined that this is the same animal in both photos. They agreed that it shared the same posture, morphology, tufts of fur, and the same patterns on the neck and top of the head.

Cabral cooperated with the investigation by providing files of the images to the museum. Unlike other photographers who take hundreds of shots before deciding on the right one, Cabral only had one shot of the anteater in the photograph. Before-and-after photographs do not show the anteater in either of the shots.

Cabral denied that he used a stuffed anteater. He also told the British Natural History Museum that he could provide a witness that corroborates his claims. Cabral has not released a statement about his controversial photograph.

Winning Photograph

When the photograph was announced as the winner, a story for the photograph was also given. In the story, Cabral told the museum that he had camped out at Emas National Park waiting for the right conditions to be able to capture the photograph. He said that even though it was the rainy season, there were no clouds the night he captured the photograph.

Featured in the photograph are the termite mounds that shone with green light. This green light is caused by the bioluminescent click beetle larvae. They use it to attract their prey, the flying termites.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Five years ago, a user on the r/MapPorn subreddit posted a map that allegedly illustrates the longest straight path on Earth without hitting land. The route begins in southern Pakistan and ends at northeastern Russia.

Now, two researchers have finally proven if that route is indeed the longest straight path on Earth.

The Longest Straight Path On Sea

The original post sparked huge debates online, with the bulk of naysayers wanting to be sure that it was truly the longest path available without encountering land. At the same time, a similar question arose for land  what was the longest straight path without hitting water?

Thanks to Rohan Chabukswar of the United Technologies Research Center in Ireland, and Kushal Mukherjee of IBM Research in India, we finally have an answer. They have successfully developed an algorithm that calculates the longest straight route on land and on sea.

Traveling Straight

The most obvious solution is to calculate every possible straight line that runs around the planet, but that would take a very long time considering there are more than 5 trillion points to consider. So, Chabukswar and Mukherjee found a better way. They created an algorithm that uses a technique called branch and bound, which works by treating possible solutions as branches on a tree.

Rather than going through every possible solution, the algorithm checks one branch after another. This technique, known as branching, is essentially similar to brute-forcing all possible solutions, but the second part of the technique, called bounding, makes the task easier.

Under each branch is a subset of possible solutions, out of which comes the most optimal one. The algorithm tries to pick out a property of the subsets that depends on how close the other solutions are to the optimal one. This goes on until all branches are tested, and then we end up with the optimal solution.

As it turns out, the original post on Reddit was right on the money.

"This path is visually the same one as found by kepleronlyknows, thus proving his assertion," said Chabukswar and Mukherjee.

"[T]he path [originates] in Sonmiani, Las Bela, Balochistan, Pakistan, threading the needle between Africa and Madagascar, between Antarctica and Tierra del Fuego in South America, and ending in Karaginsky District, Kamchatka Krai, Russia." It spans 32,089.7 kilometers  or about 19,940 miles.

Meanwhile, the longest path on land stars in Jinjiang, Fujian, in China, and ends at Portugal. The route, at 11,241.1 kilometers long  or about 6,985 miles  passes through 15 countries.

"[T]he path [originates] near Jinjiang, Quanzhou, Fujian, China, weaving through China and Mongolia for a bit, passing though Kazakhstan and Russia to further weave through Belarus and Ukraine, and passing through Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, and Spain, to end near Sagres, Portugal, traversing a total of 15 countries."

Travelers, you know what to do.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.Scientists have just discovered that a huge "dead zone" in the Gulf of Oman has increased in size. Climate change is the likeliest culprit behind the increase of the "dead zone."

How Did They Study This?

Researchers from the University of East Anglia were studying a known "dead zone" in the Gulf of Oman. It is located by the Arabian Sea near the nations of Pakistan, Oman, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Bastien Queste from UEA's School of Environmental Sciences coordinated the research effort. Oman's Sultan Qaboos University collaborated with UEA for the research.

"Our research shows that the situation is actually worse than feared  and that the area of dead zone is vast and growing," Queste said in a press release. "The ocean is suffocating."

The "dead zone" was discovered in the 1960s, but it was significantly smaller back then. Today, the "dead zone" is roughly the size of Scotland or Florida. It is considered to be the world's largest Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that a 'dead zone,' which is also called a hypoxia, refers to an area of water with a reduced level of oxygen. Hundreds of them exist around the world, including one in the Gulf of Mexico.

Queste said that scientists were unable to send ships to the Gulf of Oman for many decades because of the rough conditions in the area. To study the "dead zone" in detail, UEA dispatched two underwater robots known as Seagliders. It took eight months for the Seagliders to collect enough data about the harsh state of the area. Researchers combined the data collected underwater with a computer simulation to illustrate how bad the situation is.

The findings were published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters on April 27.

What Are The Causes And Effects Of A 'Dead Zone?'

Based on the data, Queste concluded that climate change caused the "dead zone" in the Gulf of Oman to increase in size. He specifically said that fertilizer and sanitation issues contributed to the problem.

As a result of the increase in size, there is less oxygen for marine life in the area.

"Marine plants and other animals need oxygen, so they can't survive there," Queste said. "It's a real environmental problem, with dire consequences for humans too who rely on the oceans for food and employment."

Without a solution, this "dead zone" will likely grow in size.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.New York, NY, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York (BMCC/CUNY) has entered two innovative partnerships that level the playing field for underserved students looking to enter certain high-demand job sectors.

BMCC Partnership Creates Emergency Medical Technician Training

BMCCs Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development has partnered with Comprehensive Development, Inc. (CDI), a network of alternative high schools, and Northwell Health, New York States largest health care provider.

The purpose of the partnership is to smooth the transition to college for students who have earned a High School Equivalency diploma by providing them with Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training.

They not only complete EMT training, contextualized customer service training and an internship in a medical facility, they earn stackable credits into the Associate in Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) Paramedic program in BMCCs Allied Health Science department.

The program also erases barriers to the success of underserved studentssuch as the fact that most of them dont have a drivers license. Drivers training heightens the students employability as EMTs, and they are eligible to take the national certification exam.

Funded by the Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation, the EMT pilot program is serving its first cohort of 25 students, who will be placed in EMT or related healthcare positions.

This important partnership supports BMCCs goal to enable student transitions across the education continuum from high school to our community college," says Sunil Gupta, Dean of the Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development at BMCC. "It opens a pathway to higher education in the long run and in the immediate future, makes it possible for these 18- to 24-year-olds to apply in-demand skills and certification to enter the thriving New York City healthcare industry.

BMCC First College in CUNY System to Offer Apples Everyone Can Code Curriculum

BMCC is the first college in the CUNY system to partner with Apple and offer an app development curriculum designed by Apple engineers and educators. Students in the Everyone Can Codecourse provided by BMCCs Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development will learn to make world-class apps. Theyll be better equipped to compete in New York Citys thriving gig economy and raise their career prospects to a new level.

Starting in May, more than 50 of BMCCs continuing education students will have the option to learn Swift, Apples easy-to-learn programming language.

The program will take students from basic proficiency to advanced applications using Swift and Xcode.

This will give BMCC students the fundamental skills to pursue careers in the booming app economy, which has created more than 1.6 million jobs nationwide.

It will also tap into their creativity and problem-solving skills as they turn business ideas and strategies into viable apps, says Sunil Gupta, Dean of the BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, who adds, Students who complete the course will be prepared to enter and compete in New York Citys rapidly changing gig economy.

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) and enrolls over 27,000 degree-seeking and 11,000 continuing education students a year, awarding associate degrees in more than 45 fields. BMCC ranks #5 among community colleges nationwide in granting associate degrees to minority students, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education. Visit: http://www.bmcc.cuny.edu.BBC2 has commissioned a new original drama series Englistan, created by Riz Ahmed and produced by BBC Studios Drama London in association with Left Handed Films.

An original 960 drama, Englistan is the story of three generations of a British Pakistani family, the Latifs: Jamal and Fatima, their children Ashraf, Razia and Asim, and their grandchildren Zahed, Naseem and Ayesha. The drama follows them over four decades, navigating shifting circumstances and evolving loyalties.

Englistan is billed as a drama that will re-frame recent British history, and shine a light on the forces that have made our society what it is today.

Creator Riz Ahmed said: Im excited to be working with Esther Springer and all the team at BBC Studios. Englistan is an untold British story with universal themes and resonance. Its the story I always wanted to tell, and its a privilege to have the opportunity to do so.

Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, said: Riz Ahmed is a phenomenal talent and Englistan promises to be a hugely ambitious, layered and resonant drama about family and identity. New writing, massive canvas, the biggest issues; it is a perfect drama for BBC Two.

Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, said: Set against the familiar backdrop of the late 20th but from a point of view which feels entirely new, Englistan is the story of the birth of multicultural Britain as seen from the inside. We are honoured to be working with Riz on this epic, deeply personal story.

Esther Springer, BBC Studios Executive Producer, adds: It is an honour to work on such an ambitious and powerful story, created by Riz Ahmed whose vision for this drama is so clear, so focused and so beautiful. Im thrilled Patrick Holland, Piers Wenger and Lucy Richer have committed to telling this important story and made BBC Two Englistans home.

Englistan has been commissioned by Patrick Holland, Controller of BBC Two, and Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama. Executive Producers are Riz Ahmed for Left Handed Films, Esther Springer and Hilary Salmon for BBC Studios Drama London and Lucy Richer for BBC Two.

Share this storyLOS ANGELES, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On May 3 a Los Angeles publisher will release Credit the Crocodile, a young adult novel by Godfrey Harris, set in South Africa, at an event at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth. The 260-page hardcover book will be released in the U.S. on May 15.



Credit the Crocodile tells the story of two idealistic American teenagers who visit South Africa in hopes of freeing Nile crocodiles from a farm so that they can return to the wild. The boys are dismayed to learn that the local residents oppose their campaign because the farm provides jobs, and farming the iconic species saved the crocodile from extinction.



After an inadvertent brush with the law, the two are arrested and sentenced to live in the bush for two weeks to experience life among predators and prey just as the freed crocodiles would. To their astonishment, they are protected by Credit, the dominant male crocodile at the farm, who finds a way to communicate with them. He wants them to carry a message home that African wildlife is an African responsibility. The idea is summed up in the phrase Afri-CAN  LET IT!



According to a librarian consulted by Credits publisher, only about 5% of new novels in the teenage market cover political subjects. Another unusual and perhaps unique aspect of Credit the Crocodile is the books five-page index with references to the true events and factual information described in the story.



Author Godfrey Harris says, I have long felt that fact-based novels ought to provide readers with an index of the important real events, people and conditions discussed within their pages. Until now, no publisher, to my knowledge, has ever adopted this idea.



To research the book, Harris visited South Africa twice and toured reptile parks, crocodile farms and wildlife sanctuaries. He interviewed their operators and met with judicial and diplomatic officials to gather additional facts for the story.



Harris, a former U.S. diplomat and member of the Presidents Executive Office, is a public policy consultant and head of Harris/Ragan Management Group in Los Angeles.

Attention, Editors for:

Africa

Books (Young Adult)

Environment

Wildlife

Credit the Crocodile

Consideration Books, an imprint of The Americas Group

Los Angeles

Hardcover, 260 pages, 5-1/2 x 8-1/2

$16.95

Review Copies:

310-476-6374

hrmg@mac.comArmenia protest leader warns of 'political tsunami' if not elected PM



Yerevan, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Armenia's hugely popular protest leader Nikol Pashinyan warned lawmakers of the prospect of major unrest if they did not elect him prime minister during a parliamentary vote on Tuesday.

"There is information that (former presidents) Serzh Sarkisian and Robert Kocharyan -- the famous tandem -- are planning to take back power," Pashinyan said during a nail-biting session of parliament in the capital Yerevan.

"I want to warn them -- gentlemen, the mistaken interpretation of people's leniency as weakness can lead to a genuine political tsunami."

"I call on everyone to take to the streets because once again they want to steal the people's victory," he added.

Pashinyan, the leader of mass protests that forced former president turned prime minister Sarkisian from power in the impoverished South Caucasus nation, is the only candidate for the post of prime minister.

He however is a handful of votes short of a majority and lacks the crucial support of the ruling party to get elected.

Speaking to his supporters in the early hours of Tuesday, Pashinyan said that the ruling party planned to derail the vote and urged hundreds of thousands to take to the streets.

A source familiar with the negotiations told AFP on Tuesday that the situation was febrile, saying Pashinyan could still be elected prime minister if several lawmakers from the Republican Party defected and voted for him.

Pashinyan is six votes short of the 53 he needs from the 105-seat legislature, where the Republican Party has a majority.

Ex-Soviet Armenia has been in the grip of a severe political crisis for the past few weeks, with leader Sarkisian stepping down last week after a decade in power in the face of peaceful protests.Thousands rally as Armenia protest leader warns of 'political tsunami'



Yerevan, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



At least 20,000 supporters of Armenia's opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan rallied in the centre of the Armenian capital on Tuesday as he warned lawmakers in parliament of major unrest if they did not elect him prime minister.

Heeding the 42-year-old's call to take to the streets, huge crowds gathered in and around the capital's Republic Square, clutching tricolour flags and watching a live video stream from the nail-biting special parliamentary session on a giant screen, an AFP journalist reported.

"There is information that (former presidents) Serzh Sarkisian and Robert Kocharyan -- the famous tandem -- are planning to take back power," Pashinyan told lawmakers in parliament.

"I want to warn them -- gentlemen, the mistaken interpretation of people's leniency as a weakness can lead to a genuine political tsunami."

"I call on everyone to take to the streets because once again they want to steal the people's victory," he added.

Moscow-allied Armenia has been in the clutches of a severe political crisis for the past few weeks, with Sarkisian stepping down last week after a decade in power in the face of major protests in the impoverished South Caucasus nation.

Pashinyan, who is the sole candidate for the post of prime minister, insists that only he can rid Armenia of corruption and poverty and conduct free and fair parliamentary elections.

He however is a handful of votes short of a majority and lacks the crucial support of Sarkisian's ruling party to get elected.

Speaking to his supporters in the early hours of Tuesday, Pashinyan said that the ruling party planned to derail the vote and urged hundreds of thousands to take to the streets.



- 'Republicans cling to power' -



A source familiar with the negotiations told AFP that the situation was febrile, saying Pashinyan could still be elected prime minister if several Republican lawmakers defected and voted for him.

"The Republican Party leadership is clinging to power and opposes Pashinyan's election. The outcome of the vote now depends on how individual Republican Party MPs will vote," the source said.

The source earlier said Pashinyan and the Republican Party had struck a backdoor deal several days ago, with the ruling party agreeing to support his bid.

But it appears that the ruling party backed out at the last minute.

In a troubling sign, Sarkisian's party has not publicly announced its official stance prior to the vote, with a senior lawmaker only saying it will not stand in the way of Pashinyan's candidacy.

Over the past few days Pashinyan has secured the backing of two major parties including Prosperous Armenia, giving him a total of 47 votes.

But he was still six votes short of the 53 he needs from the 105-seat legislature, where the Republican Party has a majority.



- 'Political death sentence' -



"The Republicans won't be able to thwart the people's victory," 59-year-old financier Armen Nikagosyan told AFP at the rally.

David Babayan, a 25-year-old software specialist, warned that the ruling party's desire to cling to power would backfire.

"They will sign their own political death sentence," he told AFP.

Pashinyan's protest movement had accused ex-leader Sarkisian of a power grab, saying he had failed to tackle a litany of problems like corruption, poverty and the influence of oligarchs.

Many political observers had said in the run-up to the vote that it was highly likely that the hugely popular protest leader would be elected prime minister, saying even the Republican Party appeared to understand that Pashinyan's victory would calm things.

Observers and the international community have expressed concern that the turmoil could destabilise the Moscow-allied nation, which has been locked in a territorial dispute with Azerbaijan for decades.

Russia has urged compromise while the United States has called for "a resolution that reflects the interests of all Armenians".Weeks of turmoil in Armenia: a timeline



Yerevan, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



The former Soviet republic of Armenia has been rocked by a political crisis since April 11 over former president Serzh Sarkisian's switch to the position of prime minister.

Here is a timeline of events over the past weeks which led to veteran leader Sarkisian stepping down from power.



- Sarkisian seeks PM post -



On April 11, 2018 Sarkisian's ruling Republican Party announces his nomination for the premiership, after his second and last term as president.

Controversial constitutional amendments have turned Armenia into a parliamentary republic with a strong prime minister.

The new president Armen Sarkisian, who is no relation to his predecessor, has a largely ceremonial role.



- Mass demonstrations -



From April 13 several thousand people protest on the streets of the capital Yerevan against what they view as a power grab by Sarkisian. They also demonstrate against poverty and corruption.

On April 16, several dozen people are injured in clashes with the police as they try to approach parliament and block the streets in a protest led by opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan.



- Sarkisian elected prime minister -



On April 17 Armenia's parliament elects Sarkisian, 63, prime minister despite continuing protests. Some 40,000 people gather in Yerevan's Republic Square chanting "Armenia without Serzh!" Protests continue in the following days.

On April 20 police carry out more than 200 arrests.



- President meets protesters -



On April 21 the president goes to Republic Square where tens of thousands of protesters are gathered. He talks for some 10 minutes with Pashinyan, who earlier that day had rejected a call from the prime minister for a "political dialogue".

Pashinyan then says he will meet Sarkisian the next day to discuss his "resignation".



- Opposition leader arrested -



On April 22 the meeting between Pashinyan and Sarkisian is cut short after the prime minister storms out denouncing the opposition's "blackmail".

"A party that scored eight percent in (parliamentary) elections can't speak on behalf of the people," Sarkisian says.

The crisis deepens with the detention the same day of Pashinyan and two other opposition deputies "as they were committing socially dangerous acts", the prosecutor general's office says.

Hundreds of protesters are also detained.



- Prime minister resigns -



On April 23 Pashinyan is freed.

Sarkisian resigns on the 11th day of protests, saying "I was wrong".

Armenians cheer, dancing, hugging each other and setting off fireworks.

"You have won, the proud citizens of Armenia!" Pashinyan writes on Facebook.

The parties represented in parliament have one week to put forward their candidates for prime minister. Sarkisian's Republican Party has 58 out of 105 seats.



- Pashinyan 'ready to lead'-



On April 24 Armenians mark, as every year, the massacre of some 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman forces between 1915-1917 -- formally recognised as genocide by some two dozen countries including France and Russia. Turkey rejects the description.

Pashinyan says he is "ready to lead the country" and calls for early legislative elections.



- Russia as mediator -



On April 26 an extraordinary sitting of parliament is called for May 1 to elect a new prime minister.

Russia starts to publicly mediate, President Vladimir Putin holds telephone talks with interim Armenian prime minister Karen Karapetyan.

The Kremlin says "the resolution of the crisis" should take place "in the framework of the constitution" on the basis of the results of April 2017 legislative elections.

Armenian acting Vice Premier Armen Gevorkyan visits Moscow on the same day.

Pashinyan, supported by the opposition bloc Yelk, says he is the only possible PM.



- Vote for new PM -



On April 28 after days of frantic negotiations, two major parties, including Prosperous Armenia which has 31 seats in parliament, say they will also back Pashinyan.

Tens of thousands of Pashinyan supporters gather in the centre of Yerevan the following day, hoping a massive show of force ahead of the parliamentary vote will help propel him to power.

Pashinyan is formally nominated prime minister by his supporters on April 30.

On May 1 at least 20,000 supporters mass in the capital waving flags and balloons and chanting "Pashinyan is prime minister!" ahead of the vote.

Pashinyan accuses the ruling party of planning to derail his bid for the top job and warns lawmakers of the prospect of "political tsunami" if they do not elect him.

ang/eab/dcrThousands rally as Armenia lawmakers weigh up new PM



Yerevan, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Tens of thousands rallied in Armenia's capital Tuesday ahead of a crucial vote to elect a new prime minister as protest leader Nikol Pashinyan warned of a "political tsunami" if lawmakers don't back him to lead the country.

Huge crowds gathered in central Yerevan in the blistering sun, clutching tricolour flags and watching a live video stream from a nail-biting special parliamentary session on a giant screen, where ruling party delegates appeared to be seeking to derail Pashinyan's bid.

Pashinyan, who is the only candidate for prime minister in a vote by MPs expected later Tuesday, told lawmakers that members of Armenia's former ruling elite were seeking to retake power.

"I want to warn them -- gentlemen, the mistaken interpretation of people's leniency as a weakness can lead to a genuine political tsunami," he said.

Pashinyan, who spearheaded weeks of mass protests that led to the resignation of longtime leader Serzh Sarkisian last month, insists that only he can rid the poor South Caucasus nation of corruption and poverty and conduct free and fair elections.

He is a handful of votes short of a majority in parliament and lacks the crucial support of Sarkisian's ruling party to get elected.

But lawmakers from the ruling Republican Party appeared Tuesday to be seeking to torpedo his bid, grilling Pashinyan on a number of technical issues ahead of the vote.

Eduard Sharmazanov, vice speaker of parliament and the ruling party's spokesman, excoriated the former newspaper editor, implying he was unpredictable.

"Mr Pashinyan, I don't see you at the post of prime minister, I don't see you at the post of commander-in-chief."



- Deal or no deal? -



A source familiar with negotiations told AFP Pashinyan could still be elected prime minister if several Republican lawmakers defected and voted for him.

"The Republican Party leadership is clinging to power and opposes Pashinyan's election. The outcome of the vote now depends on how individual Republican Party MPs will vote," the source said.

The source earlier said Pashinyan and the Republican Party had struck a backdoor deal several days ago, but it appears that the ruling party backed out at the last minute.

Over the past few days Pashinyan has secured the backing of two major parties including Prosperous Armenia, giving him a total of 47 votes.

But he was still six votes short of the 53 he needs from the 105-seat legislature, where the Republican Party has a majority.



- 'Political death sentence' -



Protester Karine Melkumyan expressed hope that the Republicans would have enough common sense to back Pashinyan.

"Otherwise I don't know, perhaps chaos will envelope Yerevan," she said.

David Babayan, a 25-year-old software specialist, warned that the ruling party's desire to cling to power would backfire.

"They will sign their own political death sentence," he told AFP.

Pashinyan's protest movement had accused ex-leader Sarkisian of a power grab, saying he wanted to extend his grip on power after serving as president for a decade but failing to tackle a litany of problems like corruption and poverty.

Observers and the international community have expressed concern that the turmoil could destabilise the Moscow-allied nation, which has been locked in a territorial dispute with Azerbaijan.

Russia has urged compromise while the United States has called for "a resolution that reflects the interests of all Armenians".



- Arch-enemy watches closely -



Protests in Armenia stand in stark contrast to rallies in Ukraine in 2013-2014 and Georgia in 2003 which brought pro-Western governments to power and shredded ties with Moscow.

Armenia is hugely dependent on Russia economically and militarily and Pashinyan has said his premiership would not threaten traditionally tight ties with Moscow.

Armenia has for decades been locked in a bitter dispute with Azerbaijan over Nagorny Karabakh, a breakaway statelet with an Armenian ethnic majority that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan has closely watched the crisis, with analysts warning Armenia's arch-foe could use the turmoil to its advantage.

One Azerbaijani lawmaker, Gudrat Gasanguliyev, called on Tuesday for a special session of parliament, citing the prospect of "civil war" in Armenia.Armenian opposition leader fails in bid to become prime minister



Yerevan, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Armenia's protest leader Nikol Pashinyan on Tuesday failed to get elected prime minister after the ruling party withheld its support in a crucial vote, raising fears of worsening political turmoil.

Lawmakers voted 45 in favour to 55 against Pashinyan, with the ruling Republican Party rejecting his candidacy after hours of deliberations during a day-long extraordinary parliament session.

"The political force which declared a war against its own people has destroyed itself," Pashinyan said in parliament after the vote.

"No one will be able to take victory away from the people."

The Republican Party headed by the ousted former prime minister Sezh Sarkisian withheld support for the protest leader despite tens of thousands massing in the streets and Pashinyan warning that the lawmakers' unwillingness to back him could lead to a "political tsunami."

Huge crowds had earlier gathered in central Yerevan, clutching tricolour flags and watching a live video stream from the tense hearing on a giant screen.

Pashinyan, who was the only candidate for prime minister, told lawmakers earlier that members of Armenia's former ruling elite were seeking a political comeback.

Pashinyan, who spearheaded weeks of mass protests that led to the resignation of the veteran leader Sarkisian last month, has insisted that only he can rid the poor ex-Soviet nation of corruption and poverty and conduct free and fair elections.

He had been thought to be just a handful of votes short of a majority in parliament.

In a further blow to the opposition, a lawmaker from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation party which has agreed to back Pashinyan, earlier Tuesday announced he would not back him.

Ahead of the vote lawmakers from the Republican Party grilled Pashinyan on a number of technical issues in an apparent effort to make him appear incompetent.

- Political dead end -



Eduard Sharmazanov, vice speaker of parliament and the Republicans' spokesman, excoriated the 42-year-old former newspaper editor, implying he was unpredictable.

"Mr Pashinyan, I don't see you at the post of prime minister, I don't see you at the post of commander-in-chief."

A lawmaker from the Elk coalition that nominated Pashinyan, Edmon Marukyan, accused the Republicans of leading the country into a "dead end."

A source familiar with negotiations had told AFP earlier Tuesday that the Republican Party leadership was clinging to power and opposed Pashinyan's election.

The source said Pashinyan and the Republicans had struck a backdoor deal several days ago, but it appears that the ruling party backed out at the last minute.

Pashinyan had secured the backing of two other key parties including Prosperous Armenia.

But ahead of the ballot he was at least seven votes short of the 53 he needed from the 105-seat legislature, where the Republican Party has a majority.

- 'Political death sentence' -



Earlier in the day protester Karine Melkumyan expressed hope that the Republicans would have enough common sense to back Pashinyan.

"Otherwise I don't know, perhaps chaos will envelope Yerevan," she said.

David Babayan, a 25-year-old software specialist, warned that the ruling party's desire to cling to power would backfire.

"They will sign their own political death sentence," he told AFP.

Pashinyan's protest movement had accused Sarkisian of a power grab, saying he wanted to extend his grip on power by becoming premier after serving as president for a decade but failing to tackle a litany of problems like corruption and poverty.

Observers and the international community have expressed concern that the turmoil could destabilise the Moscow-allied nation, which has been locked in a territorial dispute with Azerbaijan.

Russia has urged compromise while the United States has called for "a resolution that reflects the interests of all Armenians".



- Arch-enemy watches closely -



Armenia is dependent on Russia economically and militarily and Pashinyan has said his premiership would not threaten traditionally tight ties with Moscow.

Armenia has for decades been locked in a bitter dispute with Azerbaijan over Nagorny Karabakh, a breakaway statelet with an Armenian ethnic majority that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan has closely watched the political crisis, with analysts warning Armenia's arch-foe could use the turmoil to its advantage.

One Azerbaijani lawmaker, Gudrat Gasanguliyev, called on Tuesday for a special session of parliament, citing the prospect of "civil war" in Armenia.Armenian opposition leader calls for strike after losing PM vote



Yerevan, May 1 (AFP) May 01, 2018



Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan on Tuesday urged his supporters to launch a campaign of civil disobedience and block key transport links including an airport after he failed in his bid to get elected as prime minister.

"From 8:15 am tomorrow (Wednesday) all roads should be blocked, I announce a general strike," Pashinyan told tens of thousands of supporters gathered in the capital Yerevan's Republic Square.

"A revolution of love and tolerance is continuing," he said, also urging people to turn out for a huge rally Wednesday evening as the crowds chanted "Nikol! Nikol!".

The parliament had voted 45 in favour to 55 against Pashinyan, with the ruling Republican Party rejecting his candidacy after hours of deliberations during a day-long extraordinary session.

"The political force which declared a war against its own people has destroyed itself," Pashinyan said in parliament after the vote.

"No one will be able to take victory away from the people."

The Republican Party headed by the ousted former prime minister Sezh Sarkisian withheld support for the protest leader despite tens of thousands massing in the streets and Pashinyan warning that the lawmakers' unwillingness to back him could lead to a "political tsunami."

Protesters late Tuesday pledged to ramp up pressure on the authorities to force the ruling Republican Party to quit power.

"The entire country is united in its demand that the Republicans' rule must end," said Laura Shahverdyan, a 22-year-old student.

Anait Tolmasyan, a 63-year-old pensioner, added: "We all only have one demand: the Republicans must go. Nikol is the true leader of the Armenian people."

The small South Caucasus country has been in the grip of a severe political crisis for the past few weeks.

Pashinyan, who spearheaded the mass protests that led to the resignation of the veteran leader Sezh Sarkisian last month, has insisted that only he can rid the poor ex-Soviet nation of corruption and poverty and conduct free and fair elections.

Pashinyan, who spearheaded weeks of mass protests that led to the resignation of the veteran leader Sarkisian last month, has insisted that only he can rid the poor ex-Soviet nation of corruption and poverty and conduct free and fair elections.

He had been thought to be just a handful of votes short of a majority in parliament.

Ahead of the vote lawmakers from the Republican Party grilled Pashinyan on a number of technical issues in an apparent effort to make him appear incompetent.

- Political dead end -



Eduard Sharmazanov, vice speaker of parliament and the Republicans' spokesman, excoriated the 42-year-old former newspaper editor, implying he was unpredictable.

"Mr Pashinyan, I don't see you at the post of prime minister, I don't see you at the post of commander-in-chief."

A lawmaker from the Elk coalition that nominated Pashinyan, Edmon Marukyan, accused the Republicans of leading the country into a "dead end."

A source familiar with negotiations had told AFP earlier Tuesday that the Republican Party leadership was clinging to power and opposed Pashinyan's election.

The source said Pashinyan and the Republicans had struck a backdoor deal several days ago, but it appears that the ruling party backed out at the last minute.

Pashinyan had secured the backing of two other key parties including Prosperous Armenia.

But ahead of the ballot he was at least seven votes short of the 53 he needed from the 105-seat legislature, where the Republican Party has a majority.

Observers and the international community have expressed concern that the turmoil could destabilise the Moscow-allied nation.

- Arch-enemy watches closely -



Armenia is dependent on Russia economically and militarily and Pashinyan has said his premiership would not threaten traditionally tight ties with Moscow.

Armenia has for decades been locked in a bitter dispute with Azerbaijan over Nagorny Karabakh, a breakaway statelet with an Armenian ethnic majority that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan has closely watched the political crisis, with analysts warning Armenia's arch-foe could use the turmoil to its advantage.

One Azerbaijani lawmaker, Gudrat Gasanguliyev, called on Tuesday for a special session of parliament, citing the prospect of "civil war" in Armenia.FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):

The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Sky plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:



(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:

For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 30 April 2018 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A"

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:



50p ordinary



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



26,334,127 1.5319



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 26,334,127 1.5319





All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit





(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit 50p ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 238,008 13.7325 GBP 50p ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 180,000 13.7308 GBP 50p ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 75,000 13.7392 GBP

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)





4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



NONE





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" NONE









(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 01 May, 2018 Contact name: James Gange Telephone number: 212-446-4029

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. Drilling at Robbins Hill intersects high-grade, visible-gold bearing quartz veins with similarities to mineralization at Fosterville Mine



Key intercepts: 12.9 g/t Au over 3.7 metres (m) (Estimated True Width (ETW) 3.2 m) (includes visible gold) and 9.7 g/t Au over 8.7 m (ETW 6.6 m)



 Robbins Hill mineralization intersected between 300 and 550 m below surface, with grades improving as drilling extends to depth (highest grades at Fosterville Mine located below 800 m level).



TORONTO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (Kirkland Lake Gold or the Company) (TSX:KL) (NYSE:KL) (ASX:KLA) is pleased to report high-grade drill results at depth from drilling at the Robbins Hill area along the ODwyers Trend, a parallel structure to the Fosterville Trend, which hosts Fosterville Mines Lower Phoenix and Harrier gold systems (see Figure 1). Recent surface drilling has returned intercepts of visible gold with some of the highest gold grades seen to date from the Robbins Hill area. Mineralization in recent drill core displays similarities to the high-grade, visible-gold hosted quartz veins encountered in the Eagle, Swan and Harrier South zones at Fosterville.



Drill results reported are from 39 surface drill holes totaling 24,985 m that define four mineralized structures in the Robbins Hill area along the ODwyers Trend. Exploration drilling in the Robbins Hill area commenced in August 2016, where drilling has targeted down-dip extensions of mineralized structures mined from open pits in the 1990s. Drill results have demonstrated continuity of grade along four mineralized structures, namely the Curie, Rubin, Franklin and Smith faults and results indicate an increasing grade profile at depth (see Figure 2). Ongoing surface drilling is continuing to test the depth extent of the mineralization, recognizing that the highest-grade mineralization at Fosterville Mine occurs below the 800 m level.

Five holes have returned gold intersections greater than 30-gram metres over a ~350 m strike length from 12450mN and 12800mN and 300 m to 550 m below surface on the Curie Fault. To date, two holes have contained occurrences of visible gold and exploration potential remains open down-dip and along strike. The results from this drill program have been successful in identifying a potentially large auriferous mineralized system displaying width and grade continuity with the potential to yield future Mineral Resources.

Tony Makuch, President and CEO of Kirkland Lake Gold, commented: We have consistently said that there could be additional Fostervilles on our Fosterville land position, and a sizable portion of our roughly $40 million exploration budget for the area in 2018 is focused on finding the next mining operation. The intersection of high-grade, visiblegold bearing mineralization at Robbins Hill is very encouraging and supports our view that a substantial Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve expansion opportunity exists within our existing land holdings. Like our current Fosterville Mine, the Robbins Hill project area has historic production from abandoned open pits. Recent drilling has targeted the down-dip projections of mineralized structures mined in the pits to depth. The results display marked similarities to the Lower Phoenix system with faults hosting sulfide mineralization enriched with later stage visible gold, quartz-stibnite vein-hosted mineralization at depth. In fact, we have now seen this occurrence towards high-grades with visible gold in quartz veins that intensifies at depth three times; first at Lower Phoenix, then at Harrier and now at Robbins Hill, and fully believe there could be more to come.

Extensive exploration drilling is ongoing in the Fosterville area, with a total of 10 surface and underground drills in operation at both in-mine and regional targets. Of planned 2018 exploration expenditures, approximately $30 million is being directed towards the Lower Phoenix, Harrier and Robbins Hill systems within the existing mining lease. In addition to Robbins Hill, current in-mine drilling is largely focused on Mineral Resource conversion within the Swan Zone, with the Company also having commenced a program of deep drilling to test the down-plunge extension potential of Swan mineralization. Approximately $10 million of planned 2018 exploration expenditures is being directed to the Large Ore Deposit Exploration (LODE) program, which includes greenfield drilling, surface soil sampling, gravity and 3-D seismic geophysical surveys, and reconnaissance exploration on a number of targets within newly granted exploration licenses.

Robbins Hill Drilling Program

As released in the December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource update (see Technical Report entitled, Report on the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves of the Fosterville Mine in the State of Victoria, Australia dated April 2, 2018), the Robbins Hill Area hosts an Indicated Mineral Sulfide Resource below the 5050mRL of 253 thousand tonnes (kt) @ 3.69 g/t Au for 30 thousand ounces (kozs) of gold and an Inferred sulfide Mineral Resource of 2,139 kt @ 5.03 g/t Au for 346 kozs. Drilling programs in the Robbins Hill area throughout 2016 & 2017 resulted in the addition of 340 kozs of Inferred Mineral Resources below the 5050mRL with drill results defining sizeable extensions of high-grade mineralization that also display indications of an increasing grade profile at depth. Key intercepts that are incorporated in the December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource update are listed below.

Key Gold Intercepts:

9.7 g/t Au over 8.7 m (ETW 6.6 m) in hole RHD254;

7.7 g/t Au over 9.75 m (ETW 5.5m) in hole RHD251;

7.3 g/t Au over 7.95 m (ETW 7.5 m) in hole RHD257;

5.8 g/t Au over 6.65 m (ETW 5.5 m) in hole RHD253;

4.3 g/t Au over 9.2 m (ETW 8.8 m) in hole RHD246.

ETW  Estimated True Width, all drill results are presented in Table 1 and all drill collars are listed in Table 2.

Drill results returned after the December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource estimates continue to demonstrate extensions of high-grade mineralization including visible-gold mineralization at depth. Results from a total of 7 holes and 5,004.6 m have been returned since the December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource estimate with key intercepts listed below and further details provided in the commentary that follows.

Key Gold Intercepts:

12.9 g/t Au (1) over 3.7 m (ETW 3.2 m) in hole RHD282;

over 3.7 m (ETW 3.2 m) in hole RHD282; 5.1 g/t Au (1) over 3.0 m (ETW 2.9 m) in hole RHD283;

over 3.0 m (ETW 2.9 m) in hole RHD283; 7.3 g/t Au over 3.6 m (ETW 3.2 m) in hole RHD275;

7.3 g/t Au over 2.4m (ETW 2.2 m) in hole RHD280

ETW  Estimated True Width, all drill results are presented in Table 1 and all drill collars are listed in Table 2.

(1)  Visible gold intercept

The westerly dipping Curie structure which hosts visible gold mineralization, has now been defined over a strike extent of 700 m and a vertical extent of 600 m (see Figure 3). The occurrences of visible gold have been logged in two holes between approximately 500  550 m below surface and the structure is open for expansion down-dip and along strike. Intercepts containing visible gold associated with the Curie structure include 12.9 g/t Au over 3.7 m (ETW 3.2 m) returned in hole RHD282 and 5.1 g/t Au over 3.0 m (ETW 2.9 m) in hole RHD283. The Company is continuing to drill to define down-dip extensions of Curie mineralization with drilling planned on 12500mN and 12700mN below the 4750mRL. In addition, mineral resource definition programs are planned to be undertaken into the Curie structure between the 5000 mRL and 4750 mRL to increase Mineral Resource confidence into an Indicated Mineral Resource classification.

Approximately 150 - 250 m footwall to the Curie structure is the westerly dipping Rubin structure which hosts sulfide gold mineralization over a defined strike extent of approximately 450 m and vertical extent of approximately 400 m (see Figure 4). Recent drill results include 15.0 g/t Au over 0.35 m (ETW 0.35 m) in hole RHD272 and 6.25 g/t Au over 1.2 m (ETW 1.1 m) in hole RHD257. Footwall to the Rubin structure lies a more steeply west-dipping structure named Franklin. The Franklin structure hosts disseminated sulfide mineralization of true widths between 0.5  7.0 m and recent drill intercepts through this structure include 3.6 g/t Au over 7.4 m (ETW 7.0 m) in hole RHD259 (see Figure 3). Drill holes targeting the Curie structure during 2018 will be extended to intersect the projected positions of the Rubin and Franklin structures between 12500mN and 12700mN. The current defined extent of mineralization on the Franklin structure is approximately 250 m in strike length and 350 m in vertical height.

A number of east dipping mineralized structures have been defined between the west dipping Curie and Rubin faults, with the most pervasive being the Smith structure, which is interpreted to persist over a strike extent of approximately 700 m and a vertical extent of approximately 150 m. Significant high-grade mineralization is associated with this east dipping structure and recent drill intercepts include 7.7 g/t Au over 9.75 m (ETW 5.5 m) in hole RHD251, and 5.2 g/t Au over 9.0 m (ETW 5.0 m) in hole RHD248 (see Figure 4). The presence of mineralized east dipping faults on the eastern limbs of anticlines is encouraging as analogous mineralized settings exist in the Lower Phoenix system, namely the Eagle and East Dipping structures, which are highly endowed with gold mineralization. Drill targeting of these structures will continue during 2018 to further understand the size and continuity of grade along these structures.

Robbins Hill Geology

Gold mineralization at Fosterville is associated with two main structural trends: The Fosterville and ODwyers Fault Zones. The ODwyers Fault Zone, 1.5 km east of the Fosterville Fault, intersects a folded turbidite sequence at Robbins Hill.

Robbins Hill structural architecture is similar to the Fosterville system, consisting of several folded turbiditic sequences and major NNW trending structures resulting from a WSW-ENE shortening field. A number of major NNW-trending structures have been identified at Robbins Hill, including the recently drilled Curie and Rubin Faults. These reverse faults are post-folding and are interpreted to offset fold hinges at Robbins Hill creating ideal structural zones for gold precipitation (see Figure 5).

Major sulfide mineralization is concentrated within regions exhibiting dilatational structures (veins and faults). Sulfide mineralization is dominated by pyrite and arsenopyrite but can include trace occurrences of stibnite, galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite. Visible gold occurs at depth with observations thus far hosted by the Curie Fault, including several specks <2mm in diameter. Veins hosting the visible gold are dominated by quartz with minor calcite, chlorite, albite, and epidote. Other minerals present that appear to be spatially associated with visible gold mineralization include stibnite and selvedge arsenopyrite / pyrite alteration in the surrounding host rock. Visible gold is typically associated with laminated textures within the vein.

Low-grade sulfide mineralization (~2 g/t Au) is also homogenously distributed within a rhyolitic intrusive dyke seen in the Robbins Hill pit, where mineralization is generally vertical and found close to the fold hinge(s). Hydrothermal alteration is abundant within mineralized zones including both sericitic and carbonaceous alteration.

To view a PDF of the figures referenced in this News Release, visit the links below.

http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/857e0e37-adfb-4dcc-bec3-2a0cfa8b5965  Figure 1

http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/efb40d93-d6b6-4080-9250-8ef9710d0706  Figure 2



http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/0331df41-43a8-4626-8f19-e64f240cacaf  Figure 3

http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/40ec3841-5679-4972-8a76-fa9a1cf5f226  Figure 4

http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/db3f95ac-11ec-4eab-8344-29ed956cc795  Figure 5

Qualified Persons

Troy Fuller, MAIG, Geology Manager, Fosterville Gold Mine, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this News Release.

Drilling and Assay QAQC

Kirkland Lake Gold has in place quality-control systems to ensure best practice in drilling, sampling and analysis of drill core. All diamond drill hole collars (Table 2) are accurately surveyed using a Topcon HiPer SR GPS instrument and down-hole deviations are measured by electronic multi-shot cameras.

Sampling consisted of diamond drill core that was half core sampled. Half core samples were cut longitudinally in half with a diamond saw; one-half of the drill core was sent to an independent laboratory for analysis and the other drill core half retained for reference. Sample pulps are returned from the assay laboratory for reference and future geological or metallurgical studies. Drill core sample intervals vary between 0.3 and 1.2m in length and were determined from logging of sulfide and visible gold to geological boundaries.

Samples containing visible-gold or considered likely to contain visible-gold were separated from sulfide gold samples and dispatched independently for assaying. At the laboratory visible-gold jobs were processed through a single pulverizer and material barren of gold (quartz wash) was crushed before and after each sample to minimize the potential for gold to contaminate successive samples.

Assay results are based on 25-gram charge fire assays. Mean grades are calculated using a variable lower grade cut-off (generally 2 g/t Au) and maximum 2m internal dilution. No upper gold grade cut is applied to the data. However, during future Mineral Resource studies the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed.

Drill samples were assayed at On Site Laboratories, an independent laboratory in Bendigo, Victoria. The facility is registered ISO 9001:2008 (CERT-C33510).

About Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. is a mid-tier gold producer with 2018 production targeted at over 620,000 ounces of gold from mines in Canada and Australia. The production profile of the Company is anchored by two high-grade, low-cost operations, including the Macassa Mine located in Northeastern Ontario and the Fosterville Mine located in the state of Victoria, Australia. Kirkland Lake Gold's solid base of quality assets is complemented by district scale exploration potential, supported by a strong financial position with extensive management and operational expertise.

For further information on Kirkland Lake Gold and to receive news releases by email, visit the website www.klgold.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to planned exploration programs, costs and expenditures, changes in mineral resources and conversion of mineral resources to proven and probable reserves, and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future exploration potential, potential development of the Robbins Hill area and the anticipated benefits thereof, project economics, timing and scope of future exploration, anticipated costs and expenditures, changes in mineral resources and conversion of mineral resources to proven and probable reserves, and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Exploration results that include geophysics, sampling, and drill results on wide spacings may not be indicative of the occurrence of a mineral deposit. Such results do not provide assurance that further work will establish sufficient grade, continuity, metallurgical characteristics and economic potential to be classed as a category of mineral resource. A mineral resource that is classified as "inferred" or "indicated" has a great amount of uncertainty as to its existence and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that any or part of an "indicated mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be upgraded to a higher category of resource. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into proven and probable reserves.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include, among others, risks related to international operations, risks related to obtaining the permits required to carry out planned exploration or development work, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of gold, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Companys Annual Information Form dated December 31, 2017 and other disclosures of "Risk Factors" by the Company and its predecessors, available on SEDAR. Although Kirkland Lake Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors - Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates

All resource and reserve estimates included in this news release or documents referenced in this news release have been prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators, which established standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. The terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve" and "probable mineral reserve" are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. These definitions differ materially from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 ("SEC Industry Guide 7") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act.

In addition, the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in very limited circumstances. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral resource exists, will ever be converted into a mineral reserve or is or will ever be economically or legally mineable or recovered.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Anthony Makuch, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Phone: +1 416-840-7884

E-mail: tmakuch@klgold.com

Mark Utting, Vice-President, Investor Relations

Phone: +1 416-840-7884

E-mail: mutting@klgold.com





Table 1: Drill Assay Intercepts from Surface Drilling for the Robbins Hill Area, Fosterville Gold Mine

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Downhole Interval

(m) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Estimated

True Width

(m) Geological

Structure Smith Fault RHD248 328.6 337.6 9.0 5.2 5.0 Smith RHD251 396.95 406.7 9.75 7.7 5.5 Smith RHD276 261.35 264.9 3.55 2.6 3.0 Smith Curie Fault RHD242 NSI Curie RHD243 NSI Curie RHD243B NSI Curie RHD244A NSI Curie RHD245 NSI Curie RHD246 337.2 346.4 9.2 4.3 8.8 Curie RHD247 320.6 326.85 6.25 2.8 6.0 Curie RHD248 315.45 316.5 1.05 1.8 1.0 Curie RHD249A NSI Curie RHD250 372.75 375.7 2.95 3.4 2.9 Curie RHD251 347.6 350.7 3.1 6.1 3.0 Curie RHD252A 347.6 348.9 1.3 1.4 1.2 Curie RHD253 542.0 548.65 6.65 5.8 5.5 Curie RHD254 424.9 433.6 8.7 9.7 6.6 Curie RHD256 369.95 373.95 4.0 4.7 3.7 Curie RHD257 378.45 386.4 7.95 7.3 7.5 Curie RHD258 379.2 381.4 2.2 11.0 2.1 Curie RHD259 410.0 412.7 2.7 5.7 2.1 Curie RHD260 369.8 372.1 2.3 7.0 2.2 Curie RHD261 612.8 615.5 2.7 3.7 2.0 Curie RHD262 325.0 330.0 5.0 4.1 4.7 Curie RHD263 351.25 352.7 1.45 3.9 1.2 Curie RHD264 391.0 395.1 4.1 7.2 3.7 Curie RHD265 423.0 423.6 0.6 4.1 0.45 Curie RHD266 NSI Curie RHD267 NSI Curie RHD268 446.4 447.8 1.4 8.1 1.0 Curie RHD269 476.75 481.0 4.25 6.2 3.3 Curie RHD270 NSI Curie RHD272 398.5 401.5 3.0 3.7 2.6 Curie RHD273 455.35 459.65 4.3 0.4 3.9 Curie RHD274A 501.75 504.9 3.15 5.2 2.9 Curie RHD275 368.0 371.6 3.6 7.3 3.2 Curie RHD276 179.0 186.4 7.4 4.8 3 Curie RHD277 179.0 186.4 7.4 4.8 4.5 Curie RHD280 631.0 633.4 2.4 7.3 2.2 Curie RHD281 632.0 636.0 4.0 3.0 3.9 Curie RHD282 (1) 639.3 643.0 3.7 12.9 3.2 Curie RHD283 (1) 633.6 636.6 3.0 5.1 2.9 Curie Rubin Fault RHD257 636.7 637.9 1.2 6.3 1.1 Rubin RHD258 584.9 587.7 2.8 3.9 2.8 Rubin RHD259 685.2 686.7 1.5 4.1 1.4 Rubin RHD263 605.7 606.8 1.1 5.6 1.1 Rubin RHD264 659.65 660.55 0.9 2.4 0.8 Rubin RHD265 733.4 734.35 0.95 7.4 0.6 Rubin RHD272 653.6 653.95 0.35 15.0 0.35 Rubin RHD275 609.3 609.6 0.3 7.9 0.3 Rubin Franklin Fault RHD257 649.1 655.3 6.2 1.5 5.5 Franklin RHD259 739.9 747.3 7.4 3.6 7.0 Franklin RHD263 619.25 619.95 0.7 6.4 0.5 Franklin RHD264 722.3 723.0 0.7 4.3 0.5 Franklin RHD265 839.9 841.4 1.5 3.2 1.3 Franklin RHD270 673.5 675.9 2.4 1.2 1.9 Franklin RHD274A 888.25 889.0 0.75 4.7 0.5 Franklin





Notes: (1) - Visible gold observed in drill intercept Drill intercepts greater than 30 Gram-Metres (gold grade x estimated true width) are in bold text





Table 2: Surface Diamond Drill Hole Collar Locations, Fosterville Gold Mine.

Hole ID Northing

(m) Easting

(m) Elevation

(m) Collar

Azimuth () Collar

Plunge () Depth

(m) 2016 Drill Holes (Used in December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource Model) RHD242 12,453 3,182 5,158 105.8 -63.9 461.3 RHD243 12,453 3,182 5,158 101.5 -49.9 520.9 RHD243B 12,453 3,182 5,158 100.1 -45.4 496.8 RHD244A 12,453 3,182 5,158 98.8 -45.8 487.6 RHD245 12,603 3,207 5,156 94.6 -73.0 422.6 RHD246 12,603 3,207 5,156 94.1 -67.4 662.2 RHD247 12,603 3,207 5,156 94.1 -59.5 557.4 RHD248 12,603 3,207 5,156 93.7 -51.0 489.8 2017 Drill Holes (Used in December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource Model) RHD249A 12,491 3,161 5,157 90.0 -62.2 879.4 RHD250 12,491 3,161 5,157 87.5 -58.5 578.3 RHD251 12,491 3,161 5,157 88.8 -49.6 574.7 RHD252A 12,491 3,161 5,157 85.5 -47.0 571.4 RHD253 12,491 3,161 5,157 97.0 -85.3 578.5 RHD254 12,696 3,136 5,173 91.4 -71.2 650.5 RHD256 12,696 3,136 5,173 86.7 -53.4 569.4 RHD257 12,800 3,116 5,172 86.6 -67.0 899.8 RHD258 12,800 3,116 5,172 86.8 -61.5 653.8 RHD259 12,800 3,116 5,172 88.0 -75.6 767.2 RHD260 12,800 3,116 5,172 88.6 -54.6 530.8 RHD261 13,136 3,018 5,152 135.1 -86.1 803.8 RHD262 12,863 3,145 5,171 70.8 -63.5 698.6 RHD263 12,863 3,145 5,171 70.1 -70.3 670.9 RHD264 12,863 3,145 5,171 69.0 -79.4 753.8 RHD265 12,863 3,145 5,171 56.7 -83.9 866.5 RHD266 13,136 3,018 5,152 94.2 -52.7 743.5 RHD267 13,136 3,018 5,152 71.0 -61.0 855.1 RHD268 13,136 3,018 5,152 92.7 -67.1 869.8 RHD269 13,136 3,018 5,152 92.4 -72.3 860.8 RHD270 12,863 3,145 5,171 71.6 -76.1 737.9 RHD272 12,977 3,067 5,168 75.5 -68.1 720.0 RHD273 12,977 3,067 5,168 69.1 -74.9 815.6 RHD274A 12,977 3,067 5,168 66.8 -80.1 915.1 2017 and 2018 Drill Holes (Not used in December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource Model) RHD275 12,977 3,067 5,168 80.2 -61.5 692.9 RHD276 12,657 3,550 5,151 263.3 -65.4 362.8 RHD277 12,657 3,550 5,150 261.5 -74.6 584.6 RHD280 12,621 2,811 5,154 92.2 -47.8 662.3 RHD281 12,620 2,810 5,154 89.1 -52.8 881.4 RHD282 12,620 2,810 5,154 91.4 -58.6 890.6 RHD283 12,620 2,810 5,154 89.1 -64.8 930.0

Notes: Collar locations are in Fosterville Mine Grid coordinate system.Private insurers and the lawyers who represent them are profiting from National Flood Insurance Program, while some flooded homeowners are being low-balled for their claims, CBS News asserts in a pair of reports that focus in part on Louisiana.

The program profiles Richard and Linda Brown, whose home was destroyed in the 2016 floods in Louisiana. The Browns are still living in a gutted home, after receiving $62,000 in flood insurance. The policy was worth $168,000, according to the report.

One lawyer hired by insurance companies to fight homeowners' claims, meanwhile, has been paid at least $29 million for cases arising from Superstorm Sandy alone.

Watch the first report here.

Watch the second report here.Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commissionThe Baton Rouge Police Department on Monday revealed that the agency recently investigated the conduct of Blane Salamoni during four incidents in June 2016  the month before Salamoni shot and killed Alton Sterling  and issued the former officer a summons for simple battery on Friday after finding enough evidence to support the charge.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul announced last month his decision to fire Salamoni for violating department policy during the July 2016 shooting death of Sterling.

Salamoni, officer who shot Alton Sterling, cited for allegedly striking suspect in '16 Baton Rouge police have issued a summons for simple battery to Blane Salamoni  the officer fired last month for his role in the fatal shootin

Salamoni's attorney said Sunday the department had issued Salamoni a summons on Friday for his conduct in a June 2016 incident.

On Monday, the Baton Rouge Police Department released a statement indicating the summons was issued after a separate administrative review of four June 2016 incidents, completely independent of their investigation into the shooting of Sterling.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Video contains graphic language. Can't see video below? Click here.

In three of the incidents reviewed, the department found Salamoni used "profanity and demonstrated unprofessional behavior," according to the statement. In the fourth incident from June 10, 2016, the department found evidence to initiate a criminal investigation into Salamoni's conduct after finding he slapped a suspect "in the head while he was laying on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back."

The department also released video of the June 10, 2016 incident from Salamoni's body cameras showing show the pursuit of the suspect, Deandre Brooks, and his interaction with police  including the slap and his later arrest.

Alton Sterling case: Officer Blane Salamoni files appeal with civil service board Blane Salamoni on Friday appealed being fired for his actions in the 2016 shooting death of Alton Sterling, disputing the Baton Rouge police c

Baton Rouge Police officials became aware of Salamoni's body camera footage from those four incidents in a March meeting with the U.S. Attorney's Office, during which federal investigators shared their knowledge of the videos, according to the BRPD statement. The U.S. Attorney's Office first reviewed the footage months ago during its investigation into alleged federal civil rights violations by Salamoni and officer Howie Lake II, the other officer involved in the shooting of Sterling. The Department of Justice declined to pursue those charges in May 2017.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry also announced last month that neither officer would face state charges in Sterling's death.

The BRPD statement Monday says officers were responding to a domestic incident on June 10, 2016. After officers arrived on scene, Salamoni and another officer chased Brooks and soon apprehended him. The video shows a brief struggle between Salamoni and Brooks in which Salamoni handcuffs Brooks after advising the man to "Lay on your f****** stomach now; give me your f****** hands." Salamoni continues to use profanity during the remainder of the interaction.

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"You sure he's good?" Salamoni asks another officer during the incident. Brooks answers from the ground, "Yes, sir" and Salamoni replies, "I ain't talking to you  shut up" while slapping him on the back of the head.

That slap occurs around the 3:20 mark in the body camera footage recorded.

Police said their internal investigation revealed that in Salamoni's report of the incident, the officer admitted he "forcefully pulled Mr. Brooks to the ground and delivered multiple straight closed fist punches to Mr. Brooks head until the other two officers were able to remove the weapon from his rear pocket." According to Salamoni's report, neither of the other officers involved struck Brooks while he was handcuffed.

The videos that were released do not show the punches as described in the BRPD statement and in Salamoni's report.

Brooks pleaded guilty to reduced charges in April 2017 and was sentenced to one year in jail with credit for time served.

Salamoni's attorney said Sunday the police proceeded with issuing the summons even though Brooks had said he did not wish to pursue charges.

On March 29, BRPD officials had called Salamoni in for an internal affairs hearing about the four June 2016 incidents. At the meeting, Salamoni refused to give a statement or to cooperate with the investigation, according to police.

Salamoni's attorney Brant M. Mayer did not respond to requests for comment after reviewing the video footage. But he spoke about the summons on Sunday and questioned the timing of the case, which he said appears to be aimed at influencing Salamoni's termination appeal. That appeal remains pending before the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board.

In addition to the June 10 footage that resulted in the summons, BRPD internal investigators looked at Salamoni's body camera videos from three other incidents around that time, including one on June 2, 2016, when he responded to a disturbance in the 1400 block of North 42nd Street and "used profanity and demonstrated unprofessional behavior."

They reviewed Salamoni's footage from an incident on June 3, 2016, when he responded to a call about a person held against their will at a motel on Florida Boulevard. As soon as Salamoni made contact with the suspect, he "used profanity and grabbed the subject around his neck and pressed his head against the wall," according to BRPD officials.

Investigators also reviewed footage from a call on June 4, 2016 about a man hanging out in the parking lot of a store on Gus Young Avenue. "Upon Officer Salamoni's arrival, he immediately exited his police cruiser and used profanity while speaking to suspects," the statement says.TORONTO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



May 1, 2018



Effective immediately EA Education Group Inc. will be reinstated for trading.

The Company has rectified the default situation that gave rise to the suspension.

__________________________

A compter d'aujourd'hui, EA Education Group Inc. sera retablie pour la negociation.

La Societe a rectifie la situation par defaut qui a donne lieu a la suspension.

Effective Date/Date Effective: Le 1 mai/May 2018 Symbol/symbole: EA

If you have any questions or require further information please contact Listings at (416) 367-7340 or E-mail: Listings@thecse.com

Si vous avez des questions ou si vous avez besoin d'informations supplementaires, veuillez contacter le service des inscriptions au 416 367-7340 ou par courriel a ladresse: Listings@thecse.comThe future of the director of Southern Universitys famed Human Jukebox remained up in the air Monday as he awaits the outcome of an internal investigation prompted by a recent lawsuit accusing him of requesting a kickback in order for the band to appear at an event for public school children.

University spokeswoman Janene Tate said Monday that nothing has changed, that Nathan Haymer remains the band director.

Members of the band, popularly known as the Human Jukebox, crowded into Southerns Board of Supervisors meeting Friday morning, pleading the case for their band director to keep his job.

+4 Human Jukebox members defend Southern band leader as internal investigation ensues Members of Southern University's famed Human Jukebox crowded into the Southern Board of Supervisors meeting Friday, pleading the case for thei

Haymer aroused their concerns the night before when spoke at a band banquet. There, according to those in attendance, the director, who took over the band in 2014, indicated that he had been asked to resign in lieu of potentially being fired and that he couldnt hand out awards because they were in his office and hed been locked out of the room.

Later Friday, the university released 270 pages of emails between Haymer and several New Orleans Mardi Gras krewes which included a few questionable requests by the band director. The emails were released pursuant to a public records request by WBRZ-TV and subsequently released to The Advocate.

Nathan Haymer has, with the exception of two terse posts on Facebook, said nothing publicly since he spoke Thursday night.

His brother and attorney, Niles Haymer, however, took the opposite tack.

On Saturday morning, Niles Haymer went on tear, posting multiple times on his personal Facebook page in defense of his brother and then announced he wasnt speaking again. Reached Monday, Niles Haymer said hes agreed to stop commenting publicly until his brothers situation at Southern is resolved.

Starting at 6:51 a.m. Saturday, Niles Haymer had complained about intentional biased reporting by the local media that is slanderous at best. He argued his brother collected honorariums from having the band perform at events and parades, likening them tips and gratuities; he said they were not kickbacks, which he equated with a bribe. He posted copies of the prices charged by the band at Florida A&M University, another historically black college with a famous marching band; he noted that FAMU includes a specific line item charge for staff expenses, the same reason his brother was being paid extra.

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Mr. Nathan B. Haymer paid his staff with the funds, which was split four ways, Niles Haymor wrote at one point. In the contract it was written as an honorarium. This is the same practice that has been used in the past for the last two decades at SU and at other bands.

Later on, the attorney addressed the lawsuit, filed in January, that sparked his brothers job troubles.

The civil suit is about a breach of contract allegation between the plaintiff and SU, Niles Haymer wrote. There was an allegation about a text message from three years ago that has been denied. SU cleared the Band Director over two years ago.

Tate said she would look into Niles Haymers assertions but did not have an answer on Monday. She said any outside income generated by the band is supposed to be handled by either the Southern University Foundation or the university's Alumni Federation, and that money is funneled back into band's university budget.

In the lawsuit against Nathan Haymer and Southern, Maranda White, the owner of Baton Rouge-based Octagon Media, alleges the band director reneged on band appearances after she refused to fulfill a "kickback" request, which she later brought to the attention of Southern officials.

According to the lawsuit, in 2015 White reached an agreement with Haymer for the Human Jukebox and the Dancing Dolls to be the main attraction at an event for various public schools.

But 10 days before the event in November, Haymer requested via text message that a check be written to him that would be hidden from the business, according to the lawsuit.

Yes, the ten percent needs to be a check made payable to me so that the staff can be properly compensated. I am asking for you to hide this ten percent in your percentage charge from your business. If this cannot be done, please let me know," the text reads, according to the lawsuit.

White says that after she balked at paying money under the table, Haymer began to back out of the event and then canceled it.

White subsequently met with administrators at Southern, who then entered into a written contract with White for the Human Jukebox to appear at the event, but the band didnt show up at that event or at two subsequent events; Octagon Media ended up having to refund money to various entities because of the no-shows, the suit says.Recipients of the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students would see huge changes, and in some cases cuts, when the program suffers a shortfall under legislation that cleared the House Education Committee on Tuesday.

The measure, House Bill 399, won approval 7-4 and next faces action in the full House.

The lateness of the session, and the fact that TOPS is often politically untouchable, means the bill's fate is unclear.

Another TOPS overhaul bill that cleared the committee earlier this year was crushed in the House.

Under current rules, TOPS aid is trimmed by the same amount for all of the roughly 52,000 recipients when it is underfunded, as it was in 2017.

The legislation would change that, ensuring 100 percent funding for the best students and those with financial needs.

But about 14,000 students who get TOPS Opportunity and do not qualify for Pell grants would get 28 percent of the normal amount.

Families with incomes of roughly $50,000 and above are ineligible for the grants, officials said.

Whether TOPS will be fully funded for the 2018-19 school year is unclear amid state budget problems and the inability of Gov. John Bel Edwards and legislative leaders to agree on solutions.

The House-passed operating budget, which is under review in the Senate, would fund TOPS at 80 percent of current levels  about $233 million.

House Speaker Pro Tem Walt Leger III, who handled the bill, said the plan would ensure that the highest-achieving students would be 100 percent funded even if state aid falls short.

Students who gets TOPS Honors or TOPS Performance  nearly 25,000 students  would be protected on tuition but their annual stipends would be eliminated.

The roughly 10,000 students who get TOPS Opportunity  the most popular category  and qualify for Pell grants also would be 100 percent funded under the legislation.

Push to overhaul TOPS and cut some aid rejected by Senate panel after heavy criticism A bill to overhaul the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students was narrowly rejected Tuesday by a state Senate committee after the plan sparke

The 14,000 students in line for major cuts would get $23.7 million of the $233 million in TOPS funds under Leger's scenario.

Leger said that, of that group, about 9,500 come from families with incomes of more than $100,000.

Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge, a member of the committee, was taken aback by the number of students who would face major reductions if TOPS is underfunded.

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"Wow. I better not ask any more questions," said Carter, who later voted yes on the bill.

James Caillier, executive director of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, which is named for one of the founders of TOPS, said the bill would do harm by converting a merit-based program into one that is needs-based.

"TOPS should remain, and always has been, a merit-based scholarship," Caillier told legislators. "That was the case in 1989, and it is today."

He said Georgia, like Louisiana, treats all of its TOPS-like college aid students the same when that state's HOPE program is underfunded.

Rep. Mark Wright, R-Covington, a member of the committee, praised the legislation.

"It incentivizes parents and children to reach higher," Wright said. "That is the only way you are going to guarantee you are going to get that money."

Eva Kemp, state director of Democrats for Education Reform-Louisiana, backed the bill and praised the committee's action.

Push to overhaul TOPS and cut some aid rejected by Senate panel after heavy criticism A bill to overhaul the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students was narrowly rejected Tuesday by a state Senate committee after the plan sparke

With more students going to college and qualifying for TOPS, we must make sure we prioritize TOPS for our best and brightest  that includes students who are high performers and come from working-class families," Kemp said in a statement.

Rep. Scott Simon, R-Abita Springs, said the bill would put an unfair burden on a relatively small number of students to absorb most of the hit during any TOPS shortfall.

The state is spending nearly $300 million for TOPS in the current school year.

TOPS has four categories: Honors, Performance, Opportunity and TOPS Tech.

The most common form of the award, Opportunity, requires students to earn a 20 on the ACT and a 2.5 GPA on their high school core curriculum.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans.

Leger handled it in committee because Carter was out of town.

Voting for the TOPS changes (7): Reps. Jeffrey Hall, D-Alexandria; Ken Brass, D-Gonzales; Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge; Julie Emerson, R-Carencro; Walt Leger III, D-New Orleans; Patricia Smith, D-Baton Rouge and Mark Wright, R-Covington.

Voting against HB399 (4): Reps. Beryl Amedee, R-Houma; Reid Falconer, R-Mandeville; Scott Simon, R-Abita Springs and Polly Thomas, R-Metairie.News over the weekend that Harrahs New Orleans Casino could be up for sale prompted U.S. Sen. John Kennedy to phone Louisiana legislators on Monday and ask them to put the brakes on legislation that would extend the license for the states only land-based casino for another 30 years.

I talked to some legislators today and asked them to reconsider, I wont say which ones  but I told them if we do this, theres a real good chance were going to regret it, Kennedy, R-Madisonville, told The Advocate. I dont know what the rush is.

A 'real-estate flip?' Potential Harrah's New Orleans sale raises question of whether state getting best deal A Las Vegas-based real estate company has an option to acquire Harrahs New Orleans Casino  a potential transaction that was unknown to key s

House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, waved off Kennedys criticism Monday evening and said he had no plans to slow action on his House-passed bill, which was targeted by the U.S. senator and is only a couple of steps from final passage.

But the chairman of the Senate committee poised to hear the speakers House Bill 553 crossed it off Tuesdays agenda.

State Sen. Gary Smith, chair of Senate Judiciary B committee, said that even though selling the casino is a normal business practice, the previously unknown possibility has raised a lot of questions among his colleagues. He wants more time to vet the situation thoroughly.

The Advocate reported over the weekend that Vici Properties, a Las Vegas-based real estate company, has an option to buy Harrahs New Orleans  the casino, its 450-room hotel and parking garage, according to filings with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

The potential transaction was unknown to key state legislators involved with HB553, which would give Harrahs a no-bid, 30-year extension of its right to operate the only land casino in New Orleans. Harrahs is seeking the extension six years before the contract expires in 2024.

Harrah's promises 500 new jobs from planned expansion, but key lawmaker has doubts House Speaker Taylor Barras is pushing the Legislature to approve a 30-year, no-bid extension to Harrahs exclusive contract to operate a casi

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The Barras bill offers a buyer a 30-year contract with annual payments to the state locked in, Kennedy said.

In light of the new information reported in The Advocate, the Legislature needs to put the contract extension on pause, Kennedy said. Once the sale goes through, the value of that casino will explode. Were running the risk of leaving a lot of money on table.

Under the current contract, Harrahs pays the state at least $60 million per year for the right to operate the New Orleans casino.

HB553 would have Harrahs paying the state an additional $7 million per year, with an increase of up to 2 percent every five years.

Harrahs officials have promised to invest $350 million, which would generate millions of dollars more in taxes and lease payments to New Orleans. Harrahs leases the casino site at the foot of Canal Street from the city.

Harrahs officials also have said the investment would create 500 new jobs. But HB553 does not raise the mandated minimum number of workers that Harrahs must employ. That figure now is 2,400.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association, Greater New Orleans Hotel & Lodging Association, Greater New Orleans Inc., New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and other business groups  plus the Greater New Orleans AFL-CIO  are supporting HB553, citing the planned $350 million investment.

Will Sentell and Tyler Bridges of The Advocate Capitol news bureau contributed to this report.A Senate panel has rejected an attempt to do away with retail florist licensing in Louisiana  the only state that requires such occupational certification to arrange flowers.

The Senate Agriculture Committee shot down House Bill 561 in a 6-1 vote on Tuesday after hearing objections from florists who said they agree with tighter regulations on their industry.

"Having a license is not a barrier," said Annie Taylor, a licensed florist in Scott. "To say you are a licensed florist sets you apart in the industry."

She warned committee member that if the measure passed then it would denigrate the profession.

"You have let us down and you have demoted us," she said. "We are artists. It's not an occupation."

+2 Louisiana lawmakers make first step toward doing away with licenses for florists Occupational licenses for florists could soon become a thing of the past in Louisiana  the only state that requires a license to arrange flowers.

The effort to repeal the florist licensing requirement in Louisiana was part of a broader push to review occupational licenses in the state, after a report last fall from the Institute for Justice released found Louisiana and Washington license more lower-income occupations it analyzed than any other state  77 of 102 jobs.

The effort was supported by a broad group that aligned Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards with more conservative interest groups with which he's often at odds, including the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and Americans for Prosperity.

Rep. Julie Emerson, a Carencro Republican who sponsored the bill said her intent was to review the state's onerous licensing requirements that can be barriers to work, and was not intended as a slight to professional florists.

"We're looking at occupational licensing and we bring up things like this to have these discussions," she said.

+23 Governor marks start of 2018 regular session, urges lawmakers to push past differences A week after abruptly ending a special session without passing any major legislation, state lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Monday for th

Representatives from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, which currently administers the licensing, made a case for why it is needed.

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"You want to have the means to make sure that people are qualified to do the work they do," said Ansel Rankins, the department's horticulture director.

If it had passed, florists would still have had to obtain a "floral dealer" permits, but they would no longer have had to pass a 40-question test.

Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain said the pass rate is about 75 percent for first-time floral license test takers.

"I think the fundamental issue that we are here today, is do we maintain this as a level of profession or is it an occupation," Strain said.

Senators who opposed the bill questioned whether it would benefit "big box" retailers over small florist businesses.

Edwards in several public speeches, including his 2018 State of the State, noted that he didn't understand why Louisiana remained the only state to require retail florist licenses and he hoped the Legislature would agree to repeal as part of fostering a business-friendly climate.

Americans for Prosperity had, in particular, embraced the effort and held special events for unlicensed people to make floral arrangements. AFP said it would include votes on HB561 on its annual legislators' scorecard.

"All it would have taken was a very simple vote to move our state towards a free market for florists instead of forcing them to obtain a government permission slip to work," said AFP Louisiana state director John Kay. "Looks like the government will continue to be a thorn in the side of florists."

Voting in favor of eliminating florist licenses (1): Sen. Barrow Peacock, R-Shreveport.

Voting Against HB561 (6): Sens. Bret Allain, R-Franklin; Gerald Long, R-Winnfield; Neil Riser, R-Columbia; John Smith, R-Leesvile; Jim Fannin, R-Jonesboro; and Francis Thompson, R-Delhi.Sexual harassment sidelined an effort Tuesday by Attorney General Jeff Landrys office to create a new division within the state Department of Justice.

Noting that the attorney general is legally bound to defend agency heads when they are sued on claims of on-the-job sexual harassment, state Sen. Karen Carter Peterson demanded to know who represents the employees.

Chief Deputy Attorney General Bill Stiles said he couldnt answer but that state law dictates the Justice Departments role. Its a legislative matter, he said.

No, its an employment-related issue, Peterson countered. Im asking you because I dont know where else to go. So, where do employees go?

Stiles suggested that an aggrieved worker can file a lawsuit.

Landrys lawyers are defending Secretary of State Tom Schedler from allegations in a lawsuit filed by a long-time employee who claimed he had harassed her for years. Schedler denied the claims, saying the relationship with his subordinate was consensual, which she has said isn't true.

Schedler announced Tuesday that he will resign from office effective May 8 after calls from both U.S. senators to do so.

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The Schedler case and that of Johnny Anderson, a former top aide to Gov. John Bel Edwards who likewise was accused by a woman someone he supervised, underscored legislators struggles this session to craft a cohesive policy for handling sexual harassment across state government workplaces. Several bills to address how to handle harassment claims are working their way through the legislative process.

Anti-sexual harassment legislation back on track after audit reveals $5.1M+ paid in decade A bill that seeks to establish stricter policies against sexual harassment in state government is moving forward at the Capitol, as new data s

(Anderson also has denied the allegations but he resigned as soon as the claims became public. The state has since settled the litigation against him.)

Peterson said an employee who feels uncomfortable with a workplace situation should have options short of having to go to court.

Stiles, whose job includes vetting such allegations within the Justice Department, said a supervisor in his office having a sexual affair with a direct employee, even if it was consensual, likely would be terminated, depending on the individual facts. But, because the Justice Department is defending Schedler, he could not comment on that situation.

Peterson then moved to strip out language from House Bill 447 that would allow the Department of Justice to create a new division to handle federal issues. Stiles said the new division was necessary to help those interested in cases that pitted state policies against those of the federal government.

The Senate Judiciary B committee approved her amendment and sent the legislation, now without authorization for a new division, to Senate floor without objection.The chairman of the House Republican Delegation says he believes the Louisiana Legislature can wrap up its work near mid-May to give time for a special session to address the looming "fiscal cliff" the state faces.

But citing the shrinking side of the budget hole that will be left when temporary tax measures expire June 30, Rep. Lance Harris, R-Alexandria, defended the GOP-controlled House's refusal to pass revenue-raising measures during a recent special session that ended without action.

"It was probably fate that led us to wait to get to this point to know exactly how much revenue it will take to fill the hole," Harris said during a meeting of the Press Club of Baton Rouge on Monday.

Boost in Louisiana budget projection means 'fiscal cliff' still there -- but not quite as steep Louisiana has a little bit more money to spend on health care, higher education, mental health services and other priorities in the coming yea

State lawmakers are currently working to craft a budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, but the state faces about a $648 million fiscal cliff, according to the state's official latest revenue projections. House Republican leaders say they believe that can be whittled down further to a $495 million gap.

Ahead of the special session, the state's fiscal cliff was estimated at nearly $1 billion.

"We would have extracted too many tax dollars from families," Harris said, if lawmakers had approved enough taxes to bridge the larger gap.

The current version of the budget, as approved by the state House, would mean deep cuts to health care that could shutter safetynet hospitals across the state and eliminate some programs for the elderly and disabled. It also would cut funding for the popular Taylor Opportunity Program for Students scholarships by about 20 percent.

It's unclear whether the Senate will pass its own version of House Bill 1, which carries the state's annual operating budget, before the end of the regular session.

Senate Finance Chair Eric LaFleur, D-Ville Platte, said during a Monday committee hearing that leaders are still considering their options but he hopes to reach a consensus among members on the best path forward next week when budget hearings are complete.

Rating agency: Louisiana Legislature's gridlock 'a credit weakness' for state One of the major credit ratings agencies has offered a dire assessment of the state's financial outlook, just days after lawmakers abruptly en

Harris said he believes May 18 is a reasonable target date for the House to wrap up its regular session work, which is on track with the timeline that House Speaker Taylor Barras gave two weeks ago and again on Monday.

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"By the third week of may, I think we'll be pretty close," Barras, R-New Iberia, said Monday.

He said that he expects the House to mostly wrap up work on bills originating in the lower chamber this week and is awaiting Senate action on House bills.

"Getting some of that back from the Senate will help determine (the timeline)," Barras said.

It's unclear what path the Legislature may take in another special session, which would be the sixth since February 2016, all addressing the state's perpetual budget issues.

Harris said he believes that measures in the special session that would have the best chance of House approval would be related to the sales tax.

"For me personally, income tax is out," he said. "I will not vote for anything when it comes to income taxes."

He said he thinks that the Legislature could agree to continuing a partial extension of the temporary sales tax hike that is scheduled to expire, as well as the removal of some sales tax exemptions currently on the books.

"That's going to be your two areas," he said.

He said he believes the Senate should pass a budget before the regular session's end and then fill in areas with additional revenue raised in a special session, contrary to a push from Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration's push to end early and hold the spending plan for the special session.

"We feel like on the House side it's important to know exactly what holes you have to fill when you ask members to vote on (revenue)," Harris said. "The most practical way of doing that is to go through the process."

"It saves us a lot of work and distraction in a special session if one is called," he added.Curriculum Can be Completed in Just 6 Months

IRVINE, Calif., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With investment of time being a big priority when obtaining continuing education, the University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) has launched the Spa and Wellness Management Certificate, a fully online professional development program that allows participants to complete their studies in as few as six months. The program is designed for both new and seasoned professionals who have the desire to improve their knowledge and career advancement opportunities. The four required courses are taught by leading industry experts who address real-world spa and wellness topics. Registration is currently open for the summer quarter.



The relevant, comprehensive spa and wellness curriculum provides a formal education pathway for professionals to develop much needed management and leadership skills, said Angela Jeantet, Director of Education & Business Programs at UCI Division of Continuing Education. Participants can earn their certificate online in just six months and immediately begin applying what theyve learned on the job.



Throughout this practical and timely online program, participants will learn all aspects of the successful day-to-day operation of a spa as well as business strategies for sustained growth and profitability. Students will acquire a solid level of understanding and conceptual skills in management, operations, finance, human resources, marketing and treatments. Course curriculum will also cover strategic thinking for the development of business models and marketing plans and how to integrate a service culture that supports employee retention and high customer loyalty.



The four required courses offered include:

Introduction to Spa and Wellness: Industry and Operations (Offered Summer Quarter)  Provides an overview of the convergence of spas, healthcare, tourism and hospitality among others within this global landscape. In addition, the topics of spa operations, market review and competitive analysis, revenue generation, retailing, customer service, human resources, standard operating procedures and effective reservation protocols are covered.

 Provides an overview of the convergence of spas, healthcare, tourism and hospitality among others within this global landscape. In addition, the topics of spa operations, market review and competitive analysis, revenue generation, retailing, customer service, human resources, standard operating procedures and effective reservation protocols are covered. Spa and Wellness Financial Management (Offered Summer Quarter)  Offers a comprehensive application of financial management for spa and wellness operations and problem-solving methods to apply to scenarios seen in the spa and wellness industry.

Offers a comprehensive application of financial management for spa and wellness operations and problem-solving methods to apply to scenarios seen in the spa and wellness industry. Human Resources Management in Spa and Wellness  Explores human resources management techniques applicable to the spa and wellness environment, including employee recruitment, training, progressive coaching and termination. Examines the importance of developing a positive workplace culture that fosters employee engagement and motivation, setting and accomplishing goals, and creating meaningful work while maximizing business success.

Explores human resources management techniques applicable to the spa and wellness environment, including employee recruitment, training, progressive coaching and termination. Examines the importance of developing a positive workplace culture that fosters employee engagement and motivation, setting and accomplishing goals, and creating meaningful work while maximizing business success. Marketing and Branding for Spa and Wellness Businesses  Teaches the fundamentals of developing a strategic marketing plan and process. Topics include branding, value propositions, unique selling propositions, marketing performance metrics, customer relationship management, customer service, marketing channels, public relations and social media.

For more information about the Spa and Wellness Certificate Program or to register for courses, please visit here or call (949) 824-5414.

About UCI Division of Continuing Education : The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) provides lifelong learning opportunities to thousands of students worldwide each year  fulfilling the schools 60-year curriculum platform to connect degree programs to the world of work and achievement after graduation. The Division offers a broad range of certificate programs, specialized studies, and sequential courses to local, regional and global markets through online, on-campus and on-site delivery. A leader in the open education movement, the Division offers free Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and content through the UCI Open initiative. For more information about UCI Division of Continuing Education, visit here.

About the University of California, Irvine : Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the worlds safest and most economically vibrant communities, its Orange Countys second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.

CONTACT: Vivian Slater

(714) 573-0899 x 235

vivian@echomediateam.comResidents who have Alzheimer's, dementia and other chronic illnesses will soon be forced from nursing facilities and onto the street if the prCalvin Duncan poses for a photo with two stacks of legal paperwork filed under "Notification of Direct Appeal Decision" and Non-unanimous Jury Verdict issues" in his Central Business District office in New Orleans, La., Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. Duncan is a former Angola inmate who is pushing the United States Supreme Court, through repeated petitions on behalf of inmates convicted on non-unanimous jury counts, to overturn the state's unusual law allowing murder convictions of a 10 to 2 jury serious felony cases.An effort to raise the age of retirement and include a 401(k)-style component to the pension plan for many newly hired rank-and-file state worWASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump is meeting the crew and passengers of a Southwest Airlines flight forced into an emergency landing in Philadelphia after an engine exploded, damaging the fuselage and critically injuring a passenger who was partially sucked out of a window broken by shrapnel.

The White House says Trump wants to thank the crew for safely landing the damaged airplane. He also wants to meet passengers who assisted other travelers.

Capt. Tammie Jo Shults and First Officer Darren Ellisor, the pilots, are expected to attend, along with three flight attendants and five passengers.

Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 was headed from New York to Dallas last month when an engine on the Boeing 737 exploded at 30,000 feet.

Jennifer Riordan, a bank executive from New Mexico, died from her injuries.

+2 Is Southwest Airlines unsafe? Company paid millions in fines, but some experts say no reason for alarm DALLAS (AP)  Southwest Airlines runs its planes hard. They make many short hops and more trips per day than other U.S. airliners, which adds The build-out happened fast, transforming the former Kentons into chef Alon Shayas new restaurant Saba in just a few weeks. Whats built in, however, has been much longer in the making.

Saba officially opened May 4, at the corner of Magazine Street and Nashville Avenue. It is a modern Israeli eatery with flavors of the sort that won the chef wide acclaim at the nearby restaurant he once ran and still bears his name, Shaya.

Were still cooking Israeli food here, but this is going to be better and for a lot of reasons, Shaya said of Saba, named for the Hebrew word for grandfather. Our focus has shifted to things I feel are more important.

Saba 5757 Magazine St., 504-324-7770 Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., weekend brunch to come

Thats why, long before the first pita came out of Sabas wood-burning oven, the chef and his leadership team dug into questions of culture and accountability.

They asked what they would look for in staff, what they would pledge to them and how they wanted the restaurant to feel to everyone who walked in, whether they were coming for dinner or for a shift.

Its all centered on how were going to live up to these promises were making, the expectations our people bring here and what we expect of them, Shaya said.

Their answers have been worked into the plan for Saba in different ways, some operational, some philosophical. As the new restaurant gets rolling, they will be put to the test.

For instance, Saba is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, in a bid to improve the work/life balance of its staff. In the afternoons, between 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., the restaurant will have only limited bar service. That builds in time for family meal, when the staff eats together, and for a slate of educational and enrichment programs, aimed both at showing paths forward in the business and building connections between co-workers.

We started with the people and the environment, said Cara Peterson, the restaurants chef de cuisine. We started here by talking about ideas wed seen and things we wanted to see happen. We thought about ways to bring more humanity into the business. Its finding ways for people to know who theyre working next to, what theyre like, who they really are.

Shaya himself acknowledges this is a different approach from the one he embraced earlier in his own career.

In the past, Ive been guilty of focusing too much on the food and beverage and not putting as much into the culture, he said. I see it as a blessing that we have this opportunity to start from scratch.

Familiar flavors, new focus

Sabas purposeful approach to restaurant culture comes at a time when the industry's norms and assumptions are up for new scrutiny. The #MeToo movement has brought issues of respect, equity and opportunity in the field to the front burner. The restaurant also counts as a new beginning for a chef who was close to one of the flash points of that movement.

Saba is the first restaurant from Pomegranate Hospitality, a company Shaya formed last fall. Previously, he was a star chef and partner with the Besh Restaurant Group, now called BRG Hospitality, where he ran Domenica, Pizza Domenica and Shaya restaurant.

In October, his former boss, celebrity chef John Besh, was accused of sexual misconduct in a newspaper story that also alleged that sexual harassment was commonplace at his company. Besh stepped down from his leadership role at BRG Hospitality, which appointed a new CEO, longtime manager Shannon White, who pledged reforms.

Shaya was fired from Beshs company shortly before that story was published. A subsequent court case over the restaurant name Shaya documented a long unraveling of the two chefs once-fruitful partnership, which had netted Shaya and Beshs company multiple James Beard awards. That dispute was settled out of court in April, formally cutting ties between them and leaving BRG Hospitality with the restaurant name Shaya.

Saba and Shaya are now competitors serving highly similar food about a mile apart on the same street. In fact, anyone familiar with the cooking at Shaya Restaurant will recognize the approach at Saba.

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The menu begins with salatim, various small salads and dips ordered three or five at a time, like Iraqi eggplant salad, pickled vegetables or labneh. Hummus, in five varieties, constitutes its own corner of the menu. Theres a section for caviar and another for grilled, skewered items called shashlik (think shishkabob), done here with lamb, octopus, foie gras or eggplant.

There are small plates and large-format, family-style dishes, like lamb shank and whole fish. Brunch, which will begin shortly after the opening, will bring a number of shared platters, Israeli-style breakfast dishes and also Jewish deli standards, with an emphasis on bagels and cured fish.

A team, a test

Pomegranate Hospitality managers, however, say theyre looking to make a mark beyond the plate.

Because were new, we get to lay the ground work and build from there, said Suzi Darre, the companys director of people and culture. Our goal as a company is to take care of our employees, and we think that will translate to the service that people get, the way they feel when they come here.

While Saba is the first restaurant for Pomegranate Hospitality, the company also has a second well underway in Denver. Safta (Hebrew for grandmother) is scheduled to open in July. Also serving modern Israeli cuisine, it shares Sabas philosophical underpinnings too. Managers for Safta will cross-train at Saba.

When youre at any of our restaurants, we want you to know youre at a Pomegranate Hospitality restaurant, Darre said.

The leaders behind these restaurants have experience together with Shaya. Zach Engel, the companys culinary director, was chef de cuisine at Shaya restaurant until last fall. Operations director Sean Courtney similarly moved over from Shaya restaurant, and Peterson was that restaurants executive sous chef before joining Pomegranate Hospitality.

While theyve seen how popular modern Israeli cooking proved to be the first time around, they know Sabas emphasis on restaurant culture will be a new test. Thats also a motivation.

I feel were presenting something new, taking a different approach, and thats exciting, said Jessica Retif, Sabas general manager. One of our goals is to be transparent, to have people see just what were doing and see how its working.

Saba

5757 Magazine St., (504) 324-7770

Lunch and dinner Wed.-Sun., weekend brunch to comeA company run by an Arkansas state lawmaker and a St. Tammany Parish constable has coughed up more than $700,000 in back wages that it failed to pay to nearly 1,400 workers hired to help clean up after historic flooding in the Baton Rouge area in 2016, federal officials said Tuesday.

U.S. Department of Labor investigators said they found that Wallace, Rush, Schmidt Inc. failed to maintain complete and accurate records, depriving 1,393 employees of timely or correct pay after they'd been hired to gut buildings that had flooded.

The investigators determined that the payment problem likely was aggravated by the limited access to technology following the prolonged rains and flooding at the time, preventing supervisors at WRS worksites from being able to submit employee timesheets promptly.

Those delays left many workers unpaid for weeks, the Labor Department said.

Nonetheless, such problems dont excuse companies from their obligation to pay workers correctly and to do so on time, Labor Department official Betty Campbell said in a statement.

Investigators determined WRS violated overtime, minimum wage and record-keeping rules called for by federal labor law. WRS paid $708,922 in what the Labor Department described as back pay to settle the claims against the company.

Registered to Arkansas state Rep. David Wallace, St. Tammany Parish Constable Eddie Schmidt and Howard Gerald Rush III of Denver, WRS has also done business as Wallace Resource Systems and Wallace Staffing and Labor.

The company had another major problem that summer. A bus filled with people looking to apply for work through the company got into a crash in LaPlace, killing three men and injuring dozens.

On Aug. 29, dozens of New Orleans-area residents interested in applying to WRS for flood-relief work were told to climb onto a "party bus" headed to Baton Rouge.

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The driver, Honduran immigrant Denis Amaya Rodriguez, was unlicensed and living in the United States illegally. Authorities suspected many of the prospective workers on the bus also were in the country illegally.

During the trip, Amaya crashed into the back of a firetruck that was assisting with an earlier traffic accident, as well as a number of other cars, on Interstate 10 in LaPlace.

Jermaine Starr, Vontarous Kelly and high-ranking St. John the Baptist Parish firefighter Spencer Chauvin were killed. More than three dozen other people were injured, among them bus passengers and two other St. John firefighters.

Amaya has since been convicted of negligent homicide. He is serving a 15-year prison sentence and faces the likelihood of deportation.

In addition, numerous lawsuits seeking damages over the wreck were filed in St. John Parish and Baton Rouge against Amaya; the company that owned the bus, Kristinas Transportation; and WRS.

WRS filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection more than a year ago, saying it had less than $1.7 million in assets but more than $2.7 million in liabilities.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings shield companies from being sued by those to whom they owe money while they try to reorganize their finances under court supervision.CHICAGO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ArrowStream, a foodservice supply chain technology innovator, today announced a partnership with Zaxbys Franchising LLC (ZFL), franchisor of the Georgia-based restaurant brand Zaxbys, known for prepared-at-order Chicken Fingerz, Traditional or Boneless Wings, sandwiches, Zalads and Zappetizers, and a variety of sauces. Zaxbys has licensed ArrowStreams market-leading OnDemand software to optimize food spend, proactively manage inventory, and ensure product & pricing compliance.



Like many restaurant chains, ZFLs purchasing & distribution teams relied on time-consuming, manual spreadsheets to track and manage their supply chain and control costs. The ZFL team recognized there was a better way to untap operational and financial opportunities, and found it in ArrowStreams OnDemands industry-leading guided analytics and proactive supply chain monitoring.

We came to the point where we knew we needed to leverage a proven, foodservice-specific technology solution in order to maximize benefits for our franchisees, said Randy Keene, Vice President of Supply Chain at ZFL. OnDemands guided analytics will be the key building-block for our teams in making better and more strategic decisions based on fast and accurate information. Now we can zero-in-on significant supply chain opportunities instead of managing data.

OnDemand empowers restaurant chains to quickly identify price variance savings opportunities, and proactively address the most pressing threats in their supply chains by centralizing inventory, contract, category spend, and quality assurance information. OnDemands streamlined interface eliminates the need for traditional data mining by bringing specific challenges to the forefront and by cleansing, merging and mapping restaurant data that enables immediate action to be taken.

Zaxbys is the latest restaurant brand to partner with ArrowStream, joining a portfolio of customers that has recently added Dairy Queen, Teds Montana Grill, Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub, Slim Chickens, and Smashburger, among others.

We are excited to see Zaxbys recognize the value of deploying OnDemands actionable foodservice solutions, said Jeff Dorr, Chief Customer Officer, ArrowStream. This is an innovative restaurant brand that understands how information is the lynch-pin to grow both the top and bottom lines profitably. Having clean, normalized data in a guided exception-based solution is not a nice-to-have anymore -- it is a must-have. We look forward to an engaging partnership and will diligently and creatively work to support Zaxbys with foodservice innovations that meet their short and long-term business goals.

About Zaxbys

Enjoying great chicken in an atmosphere where you could be yourself? Thats what childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley wanted to achieve when they founded Zaxbys back in the 1990s. Many years and locations later, Zaxbys is still delivering on that promise: to serve delicious chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches and salads in a fun, offbeat atmosphere where we welcome customers as friends. Zaxbys has grown to nearly 900 locations in 17 states and is headquartered in Athens, Georgia. For more information, please visit zaxbys.com or zaxbysfranchising.com.

About ArrowStream

Headquartered in Chicago, Ill., ArrowStream is the first company to develop innovative solutions that address both inbound logistics and supply chain management, optimizing powerful data to provide unprecedented levels of transparency, control, and actionable insight. ArrowStream has been serving the food industry for over 18 years, combining proven supply chain expertise with data science and analytics to help clients rethink and optimize their supply chains. Industry leaders nationwide trust ArrowStream to proactively manage their supply chains, dealing with issues well in advance of impact. For more information on ArrowStream, please visit arrowstream.com.

Media Contact:

Susan Fox

ArrowStream, Inc.

sfox@arrowstream.com

(312) 676-0036RALEIGH, N.C., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PrecisionHawk Inc., a leading provider of drone technology for the enterprise, today announced the first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)-enabled, multi-rotor drone platform. First to market, the drone incorporates industry-leading technology to automatically identify all cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft within a 10km radius, ensuring airspace de-confliction well before potential confrontation. The platform was designed based on the findings and recommendations in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Pathfinder Report, which serves as a blueprint for enterprises to conduct BVLOS drone operations.



Flying drones over long distances--an imperative for inspecting miles of oil and gas pipeline in remote areas or hundreds of acres of crops--has been all but impossible to-date as the FAA requires very high safety standards from drone operators seeking to fly beyond line of sight, said Michael Chasen, PrecisionHawk CEO. The completion of the Pathfinder Program marks the end of three years-worth of research that outlines specific recommendations for training and technology to maximize safety and accomplish the next phase of industry expansion.

Through the Pathfinder fieldwork, PrecisionHawk identified three pieces of technology that should be required for safe BVLOS operations. The technology components were incorporated into a multirotor drone that can fly two hours and up to 40 miles in one flight to support safe, long-range operations:

Drone tracking: Drone is equipped with GPS technology to broadcast location and trajectory of the drone at all times, making it visible to drones and other aircraft in its vicinity.



Drone is equipped with GPS technology to broadcast location and trajectory of the drone at all times, making it visible to drones and other aircraft in its vicinity. Real-time manned aircraft identification: Drone includes low altitude traffic and airspace safety (LATAS) technology, which provides access to real-time manned aircraft data through an exclusive partnership with HARRIS.



Drone includes low altitude traffic and airspace safety (LATAS) technology, which provides access to real-time manned aircraft data through an exclusive partnership with HARRIS. Detect and avoid for non-cooperative aircraft: An acoustic- based aircraft detection (ABAD) system is integrated on the drone to detect non-cooperative aircraft, available through an exclusive partnership with SARA.

Under the regulatory framework for conducting drone operations, drone pilots are required to see and avoid other aircraft. Easily done on an aircraft with humans in the cockpit, this is far more challenging for a drone pilot located on the ground, said Allison Ferguson, director of airspace safety at PrecisionHawk. This is where choosing the right assistive technology is critical to safe BVLOS flight.

Any company with big infrastructure investments over vast distances could reap huge benefits from BVLOS drone operations. Under PrecisionHawks own commercial BVLOS waiver, it has identified opportunities to save as much as $180 for every mile of data capture when compared to traditional methods.

With the Pathfinder Report as the foundation, PrecisionHawk has developed a unique perspective on what it takes to fly BVLOS from both a service, training and technology perspective, Chasen continued. Through our research and exclusive technology partnerships, we are well-positioned to bring this BVLOS flight solution to market and support other companies as they set out to meet the recommendations for BVLOS flight.

PrecisionHawk will be demoing the BVLOS drone at AUVSI Xponential, April 30-May 3, Denver, Colo., at booth 1418. For more information on PrecisionHawks BVLOS consulting and training program or the multi-rotor BVLOS drone platform visit www.precisionhawk.com/bvlos.

About PrecisionHawk

PrecisionHawk is a leading provider of drone technology for the enterprise. PrecisionHawks client list includes Fortune 500 companies and market leaders in 150 countries, spanning a range of industries, including agriculture, energy, insurance, government and construction. To date, PrecisionHawk has raised more than $100 million from leading venture capital firms including Third Point Ventures and Millennium Technology Value Partners, with strategic investments from enterprise customers and partners including Comcast Ventures, DuPont, Intel Capital, NTT Docomo, and Yamaha Motor. The company, founded in 2010, is privately held and headquartered in Raleigh, NC. More information about PrecisionHawk can be found at www.precisionhawk.com or on Twitter @PrecisionHawk.

PrecisionHawk Contact:

Lia Reich, VP Marketing-Communications

precisionhawk@10fold.com

Two photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/7bcd71a5-a3cb-4464-a1ff-fd82f23d3dcb

http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/e0a59c3d-f4c5-4bf7-8523-30c2a0c7b717May 1, 2018

AkzoNobel has acquired two businesses in the UK to enhance its network of Dulux Decorator Centres and further improve the service and support offered to its trade customers.





The deals involve the purchase of Whites Trade Paints, based in South East London, and Cambrian Decorators Supplies (C.D.S.) Limited, which trades as The Colour Centre. The latter operates from eight stores in Newport, Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol, Bracknell, Swindon, Gloucester and Birmingham.

"These excellent additions to the Dulux Decorator Centre network will enable us to further develop our business in South East London, South Wales, the West Country and the Midlands," explained Alistair McAuley, the recently appointed Managing Director of AkzoNobel's Decorative Paints business in the UK and Ireland.

"I've been on both sides of these deals in the past and I'm excited to see Whites Trade Paints and The Colour Centre stores join our business as we continue to proudly support our customers in the UK. We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues to the AkzoNobel family."

Both businesses will continue under their current trading format, operating under the leadership of John Henderson, Dulux Decorator Centre Managing Director.

---

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel has a passion for paint. We're experts in the proud craft of making paints and coatings, setting the standard in color and protection since 1792. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. Headquartered in the Netherlands, we operate in over 80 countries and employ around 35,000 talented people who are passionate about delivering the high performance products and services our customers expect. The sale of our Specialty Chemicals business is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com.

About AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals

Industries worldwide rely on our essential chemistry in the manufacture of everyday products such as paper, plastics, building materials, and personal care items. Building on the dedication of our 9,500 employees and our shared commitment to safety, sustainability, and open innovation, we have established a world-class business and built strong partnerships with our customers. We operate in over 80 countries around the world and our portfolio of industry leading brands includes Eka, Dissolvine, Trigonox, and Berol.

Not for publication - for more informationKansas City, MO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An estimated $4.2 million boost is coming to the Kansas City economy when community-development professionals from around the country convene in the city for the NeighborWorks Training Institute May 7-11. The weeklong event is hosted by the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp., dba NeighborWorks America, a national, congressionally chartered nonprofit that creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities.

Along with nearly 100 affordable-housing, community-development and nonprofit-management classes will be the NeighborWorks Resident Services Convening, a summit of more than 130 professionals who specialize in supporting renters and their families. Community-development professionals increasingly are using rental properties to deliver services in health, education and financial capability that help residents reach their goals. The convening will be a forum for peer exchange, education and sharing best practices.

"The NeighborWorks Training Institute guides more than 1,850 community-development professionals to the next level of their career," said Jeffrey Bryson, interim president and chief executive officer of NeighborWorks America. Participants come away with information, tools and resources they can take back to their communities and put to work for local impact.

The NeighborWorks Training Institute in Kansas City is supported by a variety of partners, including JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, Bank of America, HUD, Citi, Bank of the West, BB&T and Capital One.

In addition to the training institute, NeighborWorks organizations work every day to serve Kansas City and the region. In fiscal year 2017, NeighborWorks organizations in Missouri generated nearly $39 million in total direct investment, provided nearly 7,400 housing and counseling services, and counseled and educated nearly 1,900 customers.

To read more about NeighborWorks organizations' impact, view the NeighborWorks America interactive map.



For more information about NeighborWorks America, visit NeighborWorks.org.

About NeighborWorks America

For nearly 40 years, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp. (d/b/a NeighborWorks America), a national, nonpartisan nonprofit, has created opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $34 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.

.Singleton Malt Master's Selection released

The Singleton Malt Master's Selection has been released by Diageo Reserve.

The Singleton Malt Masters Selection is said to be a sweeter take on the classic Speyside style used in The Singleton of Dufftown 12 Years Old, with a greater proportion of refill wood allowing the sweet, yet refined distillery character to shine through.

To celebrate the launch of The Singleton Malt Masters Selection, the whole core range has been refreshed including the 12, 15 and 18 years old. The distinctive packaging, which takes its inspiration from a 19th Century hip flask blown from blue glass, includes the batch number, Master Blenders signature and tasting notes to help consumers navigate the single malts category, while the traditional cues provide reassurance and confidence of choice.

Nick Temperley, head of diageo reserve GB comments: The Singleton Malt Masters Selection is an exciting new addition to the Singleton range. Consumers are becoming more knowledgeable, theyre looking for new liquids to try and are genuinely interested in craftsmanship. And the trade are itching to experiment with new liquids. The Singleton Malt Masters Selection with its sweeter notes and delicate flavour will appeal to those new to the category whilst still complementing the collection  sitting well with our existing fans and loyal whisky drinkers.

Weve seen the premium malt whisky category grow by 9.9 per cent in volume and 6.5 per cent in value and I predict its going to be a good year for malts. The rebrand of the 12, 15 and 18 years old will also create a strong standout for the collection on-shelf and we are excited that weve been able to develop a look and feel for the packaging that is just as good as the liquids inside. Im confident the new selection will do well and we look forward to hearing the feedback from the trade.

The Singleton of Dufftown Malt Masters Selection is bottled at an ABV of 40% and will be available on and off-trade from May 2018 RRP of 30.

1 May 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editorPravha released in bottle format

Molson-Coors' Pravha pilsner is launching in a new bottle format, to be available at UK supermarkets.

The move to off-trade comes following the successful launch of Pravha in 2016 with the brand now available in around 3,000 pubs and bars across the UK. Launching through an exclusive partnership with Sainsburys, Pravha will now be available in three different SKUs  660ml individual bottles and four and 12 packs of 330ml bottles.

Said to be inspired by the modern and unexpected side of Prague, Pravha  a blend of the words Praha [Prah-ha] meaning Prague, and Prava [Prah-va] meaning genuine  offers a twist on the classic Czech pilsner.

The new launch, will be supported by an in-store sampling programme along with brand POS and displays. This will be furthered by a Swipe to Win offer inviting Sainsburys Nectar card holders who can enter a competition to win a trip to Prague to discover the history behind of the beer.

Rob Hollis, head of World Beers at Molson Coors, says: Were excited to be launching Pravha in bottles across the UK after the great feedback and sales we have seen in outlet. As more and more consumers are looking for a range of ABV options, it seemed natural for us to launch Pravha in a bottle format and increase distribution to consumers across the UK, while amplifying our visibility in off-trade retailers.

Pravha is now available in Sainsburys Locals nationwide in 660ml (1.85) individual bottle format or in 4-packs (4.25) and 12-packs (12) of 330ml bottle formats. Individual 660ml bottles and 330ml 4-packs will be available in selected Sainsburys Local, along with the 12-packs which will be available in Sainsburys stores nationwide from 20th May.

29 April 2018 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editorEnglish French

PRESS RELEASE



1st May 2018









The EDF Group commissions its first renewable energy facility in the United Arab Emirates

On Monday 30th April 2018, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State in the UAE Cabinet, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC Group) and Chairman of MASDAR, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (MASDAR), and by Jean-Bernard Levy, the EDF Group's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, in the presence of His Excellency Ludovic Pouille, French Ambassador to the UAE, and Bruno Bensasson, Group Executive Vice-President in charge of Renewables, inaugurated 200 MW of solar capacity in the Emirate of Dubai.

This plant is the first unit of the 800-MW Dewa III facility in which EDF acquired a stake along with Masdar and the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA). DEWA III is the third phase of one of the world's most powerful solar projects - the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park. Amounting to a total investment of 14 billion US dollars (50 billion AED), the solar park will have a total installed capacity of 5000 MW, creating more than 1000 jobs during its development phase and cutting down on CO 2 emissions by up to 6.5 million tons a year once it is fully operational in 2030.

The DEWA III project had been awarded at a highly competitive price of 2.99 US cents per kilowatt-hour for the generation of solar power. The currently installed 200 MW of generating capacity will be followed by the consecutive commissioning of two 300-MW units in 2019 and 2020. The facility will thus be used to power Dubai's World Expo in 2020, according to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to increase the share of clean energy in Dubai, with a total power output to 75% by 2050.

Statement from Jean-Bernard Levy, EDF's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer: "It is a great honour for the EDF Group to contribute to the Emirate of Dubai's energy transition. I am delighted with the trusting relationship we have forged with our partners Masdar and DEWA to develop carbon-free energy in the region and beyond. Dewa III exemplifies the EDF Group's ability to execute large-scale solar projects, whilst contributing to the ambitions of the Group's CAP 2030 strategy: doubling its renewable capacities and tripling its international business outside of Europe by 2030".

Statement from Bruno Bensasson, Group Executive Vice-President in charge of Renewables: "We are proud to inaugurate the first unit of our large-scale DEWA III solar project with a total installed capacity of 800 MW in this strategic region for the EDF Group. This new project, which is being delivered in accordance with a challenging schedule, illustrates our workforce's know-how when it comes to developing large solar plants".

This press release is certified. Its authenticity can be checked on medias.edf.com



A key player in energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated electricity company, active in all areas of the business: generation, transmission, distribution, energy supply and trading, energy services. A global leader in low-carbon energies, the Group has developed a diversified generation mix based on nuclear power, hydropower, new renewable energies and thermal energy. The Group is involved in supplying energy and services to approximately 35.1 million customers, of which 26.5 million in France. The Group generated consolidated sales of 70 billion in 2017. EDF is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, May 1, 2018 06:16 1254 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e154110 1 Business e-pharmacy,regulation,health-ministry,BPOM Free

The Health Ministry is drafting a regulation on online pharmacies in a bid to contain sales of unlicensed medicines.

Under the draft regulation, only licensed offline pharmacies, drug wholesalers (PBF) and drugstores would be allowed to establish e-pharmacy businesses, said the Food and Drug Monitoring Agencys (BPOM) distribution and service monitoring director, Hardaningsih.

"By allowing those who have offline drug-selling licenses to run online stores, we can easily monitor both businesses," she said during a seminar about counterfeit goods held by Pelita Harapan University in Jakarta.

According to the draft, medicine sales through social media and blogs would also be prohibited to minimize the distribution of counterfeit drugs, said Hardaningsih, adding that e-pharmacy players should only sell drugs that were allowed to be distributed in Indonesia.

"The regulation will also regulate the issuance of e-prescriptions, so that a doctors prescription cannot simply be captured with a camera and sent through WhatsApp," Hardaningsih said.

The draft also contains rules barring the delivery of drugs by ordinary delivery services, apparently to ensure the right drug goes to the right person.

"E-pharmacy players must take responsibility until the delivery [to the customer] is completed. If they use Go-Jek or some other online transportation app, something may happen during the delivery process," she said. (bbn)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, May 1, 2018 09:25 1254 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e159d19 1 City kidnapping,baby,Depok Free

The Depok Police in West Java have rescued a baby allegedly kidnapped in Depok and arrested two individuals accused of committing the crime.

"We have detained two suspects; the interrogation of them is ongoing," Depok Police chief Comr. Bintoro told kompas.com on Monday.

The one-month old baby had reportedly been kidnapped while its mother, Marlina, had left her house for less than 10 minutes on Friday to visit a nearby shop.

Marlina, a resident of Sukmajaya, Depok, admitted that she had left her house without locking the front door, while the baby and his 9-year-old sister were napping side by side. Marlinas husband had been at work when the incident occurred.

Bintoro said the two suspects had been arrested on Jl. Proklamasi in Sukmajaya, Depok, on Monday morning. (fac)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali  Tue, May 1, 2018 19:59 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e1765b7 1 National cyber-crime,Fraud,fraud-cases,Bali-Police,bali,Chinese-citizens Free

Bali Police arrested on Tuesday 103 Chinese nationals for alleged cyber fraud.

The 92 men and 11 women were arrested in two houses in Denpasar and another house in Badung regency. Police also arrested 11 Indonesians who were allegedly working for the Chinese nationals.

"They were targeting Chinese nationals living in [China]. They were working from abroad to make it harder for the Chinese police to track them. They did not just operate in Indonesia; many of them had worked in other countries," said the Bali Police's special crime director, Sr. Comr. Anom Wibowo.

Anom added that the suspects had contacted their victims in China by phone, pretending to be the authorities.

"They had many ways to trick their victims. They told the victims that a family member had gotten into an accident and needed money for emergency medical treatment. Or they threatened their victims and extorted them," he said.

Suspected: Bali Police personnel escort Chinese nationals arrested on Tuesday over alleged cybercrimes. (JP/Zul Eduardo)

The arrest was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Bali Police's special crime directorate, the Counter Transnational and Organized Crime (CTOC) task force and the SABATA antibandits, street crime and anarchism unit.

"The investigation took time. We saw suspicious behavior from these people [that] was similar to other fraudulent cyber activities previously uncovered in Bali," Anom said.

The police later raided three houses in connection to the case on Tuesday, seizing multiple mobile phones, routers and laptops allegedly used to commit fraud. (ebf)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, May 1, 2018 11:17 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e16267b 1 National May-Day,May-Day-commemoration,workers,Rieke-Diah-Pitaloka,#May-Day,International-Workers-Day Free

Around 50,000 workers have joined with the Indonesian Working People Confederation (KRPI) to take to the streets across Jakarta to celebrate International Workers Day, known also as May Day, on Tuesday. The workers are also ready to perform a cultural carnival for the celebration.

The rally participants, who are from various worker unions, will take part in the cultural carnival to celebrate May Day, said KRPI chairman Rieke Diah Pitaloka, as quoted by kompas.com.

The May Day rally participants gathered in areas around the Patung Kuda (Horse Statues) traffic circle on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, at 8 a.m. local time. They later marched to areas in front of the State Palace.

In the rally, KRPI will convey five demands called Panca Maklumat Rakyat Pekerja (Five Mandates of the Working People) to the government. In one of the mandates, KRPI will call on President Joko Jokowi Widodo to transform Indonesia into a national research-based industrial country that focuses on serving the interests of the people and the nation. KRPI is urging the government to immediately set up a national research body.

So Indonesia will have a comprehensive industrial development blue print, which places workers as the subject of national industrial development from the upstream to the downstream, said Rieke.

In another demand, KRPI is also urging the government to realize "Tri Layak Rakyat Pekerja" (Three Decent Conditions for Indonesian Working People). They comprise decent wages, decent working conditions and decent living standards for all Indonesian workers. (ebf)

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, May 1, 2018 18:26 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e1707b3 4 City human-trafficking,Bekasi,Papua,child-abuse Free

A Bekasi, West Java, resident, Hendrik, told the police that his 16-year-old daughter, identified only as W, is an alleged human trafficking victim.

I reported it to the police this morning, said the 55-year-old in Teluk Buyung village, North Bekasi, as quoted by tempo.co on Monday.

Hendrik explained that W had not been seen since February after asking him permission to work. The junior high school graduate told him that school fees were costly. I didnt allow her to work because she must continue her studies, he said.

After running away, W informed her parents that she was employed as a domestic worker in Pekanbaru, Riau. But a family acquaintance, Wit, told them that W was allegedly working at a karaoke parlor in Nabire, Papua, which he had recently visited.

Hendrik believed that W was allegedly offered the job by a woman with the initials IDR. W was promised an easy yet highly paid job in Papua. IDR allegedly took W to the airport, and then she coordinated with someone in Papua to pick her up.

Instead of receiving a huge salary, W was allegedly told to pay off a debt of Rp 11 million (US$790) that she cannot afford. She cannot come back home until she has paid off the debt, said Hendrik.

Bekasi Police spokesperson Comr. Erna Ruswing Andari confirmed that Hendrik had made a report about his daughter being an alleged victim of human trafficking. (vny)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Theresia Sufa (The Jakarta Post) Bogor, West Java  Tue, May 1, 2018 21:02 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e1785e6 1 City bogor,West-Java,May-Day,May-Day-commemoration,International-Workers-Day,West-Java-governor-Ahmad-Heryawan,minimum-wage Free

Around 4,000 workers in Bogor regency, West Java, attended an istighotsah (mass prayer) at Pakansari Stadium to celebrate International Workers Day, or May Day, on Tuesday.

They prayed for West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan to immediately issue a decree on sectoral minimum wages for regencies and cities.

Sumarno, the head of the Chemical, Energy and Mining Workers Union (SPKEP) in the Bogor regency, said workers have struggled to push forward the issuance of the decree on sectoral minimum wages, but as of today no progress had been made.

Therefore, we partnered with the Bogor Police to hold this istighotsah with the hope that sectoral minimum wages we have fought for could be immediately issued by the governor, he added.

Religious adherence: Notable Islamic preacher Ustadz Arifin Ilham leads an istighotsah (mass prayer) that was attended by thousands of workers on Tuesday. (JP/Theresia Sufa)

The workers also called for the revocation of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 20/2018 on foreign workers. They deemed the regulation was unfair because it opened a pathway for an influx of foreign workers into Indonesia.

We reject any laws that arent on the side of workers in the country. If the West Java governor decree is not issued after this celebration, we will declare a strike and close down factories in Bogor regency, said Sumarno.

Around 2,800 factories operate in Bogor, which is home to around 12,000 union members.

Bogor Regent Nurhayanti said she supported the struggle of the workers to push for the issuance of the sectoral minimum wage decree. She promised that she would convey their demand to the West Java governor. (ebf)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, May 1, 2018 15:15 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e169fa3 1 Business counterfeit,consumer-goods,fake-products,pfizer,BPOM Free

Brand owners are facing a nonstop fight against counterfeit consumer goods, with online marketplaces becoming a haven for the trade of such products.

Pfizer Asia-Pacific global security director Tetsuya Ikeda said that 154 websites that sold fake products were taken down from 2016 to 2017 at the request of his company. They also requested that the authorities raid 14 shops, two warehouses and one office engaged in similar activities.

"Fake medicine sellers use multiple websites to promote their products. We were able to detect that they had similar phone numbers and bank accounts, and we reported the cases to the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency [BPOM]," he said during a discussion in Jakarta recently.

He added that commonly counterfeited Pfizer products included erectile dysfunction pill Viagra, cholesterol treatment drug Lipitor and painkiller Ponstan.

Moreover, counterfeit Pfizer products are mostly produced and circulated in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2016, 7.3 million doses were seized by authorities around the globe, 5.6 million of which were from the Asia-Pacific region.

"More than half of the doses seized in the Asia-Pacific were in China, where the biggest online marketplaces exist. Pakistan is number two followed by South Korea," Ikeda said.

Oakley Indonesia sport and marketing manager Ricky Muhamad Safir Shatrie said that the eyewear brand frequently reported fake product sellers to online marketplaces to be taken down. The local distributor has also signed agreements with several marketplaces such as Blibli, Zalora and Shopee, with the platforms committing to only sell authentic products.

BPOM distribution and service monitoring director Hardaningsih said that customers needed to keep an eye out for fake medicines and should notify the authorities if the prices were too cheap or wrongly advertised. (dwa)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Thomas Buckley (Bloomberg) London, United Kingdom  Tue, May 1, 2018 17:07 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e16cc73 2 Business beer,Russia,Carlsberg,sanction Free

A slowdown in Russian demand for beer as international sanctions threaten the countrys economy is weighing on Danish brewer Carlsberg A/Ss sales.

The Russian market shrank about 5 percent, hurt by restrictions on bottling, Carlsberg said Tuesday.

Our market share decline accelerated during the year because of increased promotional pressure in Russia, the company said. Chief Executive Officer Cees t Hart maintained the companys forecast for mid-single-digit percentage organic growth in operating profit.

Carlsberg is the largest brewer in Russia, where it produces about a third of beers sold. Its business there has suffered in recent years amid retreating oil prices and political tensions, clouding Carlsbergs ambition to step up its focus on revenue growth.

Total first-quarter revenue fell 5 percent to 12.7 billion kroner ($2.1 billion), dented by performance in eastern Europe, the Copenhagen-based company said. Analysts expected 12.8 billion kroner.

For the equity story to push on, the company now needs to demonstrate improvement in top-line, Jefferies analyst Ed Mundy wrote in a note to investors.

Organic sales growth was 2 percent in the quarter, meeting estimates, and volume rose 1 percent, while analysts expected no change.

Sales growth was strong in China, as the Lunar New Year festivities in February took place later than usual this year, making for favorable annual comparisons. Carlsberg joins distillers Pernod Ricard SA, Remy Cointreau and Hennessy maker LVMH in reporting strong sales of alcoholic drinks in the country, where demand for cognac is soaring.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi  Tue, May 1, 2018 14:47 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e168ca5 1 National Jambi,BNN,drugs,narcotics Free

Personnel from the Jambi Prosecutors Office (Kejari) destroyed on Monday hundreds of packages of narcotics confiscated as evidence from several drug cases.

The Kejari said the court rulings on the cases were final and legally binding; hence, allowing the evidence to be destroyed.

The evidence destroyed included 224 packages of crystal methamphetamine, 57 packages of ecstasy pills, 67 packages of marijuana, 28 boxes of illegal drugs and six illegal firearms.

Kejari Jambi intelligence division head Antonius Despinola said his officers had destroyed the crystal meth by blending it with detergent. The marijuana was burned.

We cut the six illegal firearms into pieces, said Antonius. Representatives of the Jambi Police, the Jambi chapter of the National Narcotics Agency, the Jambi High Court and the Jambi chapter of the Food and Drugs Monitoring Agency witnessed the destruction of the drugs. (ebf)VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is pleased to announce the release of the APF Canada Investment Monitor 2018: Report on Canadian Investment in the Asia Pacific, providing the first comprehensive insight into Canadas foreign direct investment in Asia.



The report was released online today by APF Canada (http://www.investmentmonitor.ca/) and captures C$192 billion of Canadian investment through 2,073 deals by 1,098 Canadian companies in 27 Asia Pacific economies from 2003 to 2017.

In partnership with The School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, and with support from AdvantageBC, the Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, and the Government of British Columbia, the Investment Monitor supplements existing coverage of Canada-Asia investment ties and provide facts for an informed public debate on foreign investment.

The Investment Monitor is a three-year initiative that tracks and catalogues two-way foreign direct investment flows between Canada and Asia from 2003 to the present. It includes three annual reports: year one (2017) tracked Asia Pacific investment in Canada, year two focuses on Canadian investment in the Asia Pacific, and year three (2019) will track two-way investments between cities.

The centre of economic gravity has shifted to the Asia Pacific region and Canada must understand the nature and scope of the unique opportunities that exist for investment, said APF Canada President and CEO, Stewart Beck. The APF Canada Investment Monitor 2018 provides the necessary analysis and understanding of trends to assist our thought-leaders in making informed policy and investment decisions for existing and emerging Asian markets.

Highlights of the Investment Monitor 2018: Report on Canadian Investment in the Asia Pacific include:

Pension funds are emerging as drivers of Canadian investment, growing from 1 per cent of Canada's total investment value in 2003 to 2007 to 25 per cent in 2013 to 2017

Canadian investment in China has declined since 2008, with most of that Canadian investment in the financial services sector.

Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec account for 99 per cent of Canadian investment in the Asia Pacific, with Ontario-based companies being the major investor, accounting for 60 per cent.

The value of mergers-and-acquisition investment in the Asia Pacific has grown from 18 per cent of Canada's total investment in 2003 to 2007 to 50.2 per cent in 2013 to 2017, overtaking greenfield investment.

Australia, China and India are the main destinations of Canadian investment in the Asia Pacific.

Investment in India into consumer-driven sectors has been on the upswing since 2010, as Canadian firms position themselves to capitalize on the countrys projected consumption growth in the coming years.

Investment in Australia has been steadily rising since 2013, mainly in the natural resources sector, with a specific focus on mining companies.

Learn More:



Explore the Investment Monitor at: www.investmentmonitor.ca

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is a not-for-profit organization focused on Canada's relations with Asia. Learn more about the foundation at: www.asiapacific.ca

Media Contacts:

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Michael Roberts, Communications Manager

michael.roberts@asiapacific.ca

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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Tehran, Iran  Tue, May 1, 2018 18:18 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e170111 2 World Iran,Nuclear,Israel,BenjaminNetanyahu Free

Iran on Tuesday branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "infamous liar" over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi called the accusations that Tehran lied about its nuclear ambitions "worn-out, useless and shameful".

Netanyahu's comments came from a "broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits," Ghasemi said in a statement.

"Netanyahu and the notorious, child-killing Zionist regime must have reached the basic understanding that the people of the world have enough awareness and cognisance," he added.

Netanyahu said in an elaborate televised presentation on Monday that he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

But he did not provide evidence that Israel's main enemy had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

His accusations came as the United States considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali  Tue, May 1, 2018 17:48 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e16f831 1 National death,Japanese-citizen,Sukawati-Police,Gianyar,bali Free

A Japanese man has been found dead at his rented house in Ketewel village, Sukawati subdistrict, Gianyar regency, Bali. Tsuyoshi Maeyama, 50, was found lying on his bed on Tuesday morning. Police said there were no signs of foul play.

"We allege that the victim died from his illness. We talked to his wife in Japan on the phone, and she said the victim had been suffering from hypertension," said Sukawati Police chief Comr. Pande Sugiarta.

The police said the victim had been living with his wife at the house, but she was in Japan when the incident occurred. "He was [at the house alone]. We suspect he had died three days ago," Pande said.

The victim was found after his housemaid, who does not live at the house, came to clean. When she arrived and called for Maeyama, there was no answer from inside the house.

The housemaid was suspicious that something was wrong because she smelled a foul odor. She then called a neighbor. They also were suspicious and called village officers, who then called the police. "When we checked the house, we found that the victim had died," he said.

"He was lying on the bed, in the bedroom," Pande said. "We did not find any signs of violence. No damage. All valuable things like mobile phones, laptop and others were still [present] in the house."

In September last year, a married couple, also Japanese, was found dead in Jimbaran, Bali. (ebf)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, May 1, 2018 12:42 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e1643e7 1 National Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,Bogor-Palace,International-Workers-Day,May-Day,May-Day-commemoration,workers Free

Workers are set to stage rallies on Tuesday across Greater Jakarta, including at the Bogor Palace, to celebrate International Workers Day, also known as May Day.

While thousands of workers will center their May Day protest rally at the State Palace, President Joko Jokowi Widodo is scheduled to carry out his activities at Bogor Palace.

As stated on the Presidents official schedule released by the Presidential Office, Jokowi welcomed an Iranian delegation led by Masoumeh Ebtekar, the Vice President of Iran for women and family affairs, at around 9:45 a.m.

The President then opened a high level consultation themed World Moslem Scholars on Wasatiya Al-Islam at Bogor Palace. Around 100 ulemas and Muslim scholars from across the world are attending the conference, which was initiated by Din Syamsuddin, the presidential special envoy for interfaith and inter-civilization dialogue and cooperation.

Presidential Secretariat deputy head of protocol, press and media Bey Triadi Machmudin said President Jokowi had not yet been scheduled to meet with the workers' representatives.

The Presidents agenda today is still in line with his official schedule. There is not yet any information on whether he will meet with the representatives of the workers, said Bey as quoted by kompas.com. (ebf)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan, North Sumatra  Tue, May 1, 2018 17:31 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e16e51b 1 National May-Day,May-Day-commemoration,International-Workers-Day,workers,Medan,North-Sumatra Free

Thousands of workers from various organizations joined in the celebration of International Workers Day, also known as May Day, in several areas across Medan, North Sumatra, on Tuesday.

Some workers celebrated May Day in cheerful events that were attended by government officials, while others celebrated it by staging orations in public spaces across the city. They include the Maimun Palace area, Merdeka Square and the Majestik traffic circle on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Medan.

In their speeches, they raised three demands. First, they called on the government to reduce the prices of rice, fuel and electricity and demanded certainty on food and energy availability.

Second, they rejected cheap wages and urged the government to revoke Government Regulation No.78/2015 on wages, which they deemed unfair. Third, they wanted the government to revoke Presidential Regulation No.20/2018 on foreign workers and to abolish outsourcing.

These three demands are non-negotiable and must be implemented by the government, said North Sumatra Metal Worker Union head Willy Agus Utomo on the sidelines of the May Day celebrations in Merdeka Square in Medan on Tuesday.

A vibrant May Day celebration was seen in Percut Sei Tuan Square. North Sumatra Deputy Governor Nurhajizah Marpaung and North Sumatra Police chief Paulus Waterpauw attended the event. Meanwhile, Medan Mayor Dzulmi Eldin attended the May Day celebrations at the Youth Center.

All societal elements, not only workers, must be happy today because this is a victory day for all of us, said Paulus. (ebf)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, May 1, 2018 13:00 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e164c8b 1 Politics KPK,corruption-eradication,corruption,corruption-eradication-commission,Mojokerto,Mojokerto-regent-Mustofa-Kamal-Pasa,graft,graft-suspect Free

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named on Monday Mojokerto Regent Mustofa Kamal Pasa a suspect over his alleged involvement in two graft cases.

KPK deputy chairman Laode Muhammad Syarif said Mustofa allegedly received unlawful gifts related to the construction of a telecommunication tower in Mojokerto regency, East Java, in 2015.

Aside from Mustofa, the KPK also named construction firm Tower Bersama Infrastructures permit and regulatory division head Ockyanto and telecommunication firm Profesional Telekomunikasi Indonesias operational division head Onggo Wijaya suspects in the same case.

Mustofa Kamal Pasa allegedly received unlawful gifts from OKY and OW regarding the issuance of land use and building permits for the construction of the telecommunication tower in 2015, Laode said on Monday.

He added that the KPK suspected Mustofa had received Rp 2.7 billion (US$193,725) as compensation for the permit issuance.

In the second case, Mustofa, along with the Mojokerto Public Works and Housing Agencys former deputy head Zainal Abidin, allegedly received approximately Rp 3.7 billion from projects being carried out by the Mojokerto administration, including a road construction project in 2015.

Mustofa faces charges under Law No. 20/2001 on corruption eradication for both graft cases. Mustafa will be detained for 20 days starting on Monday at the Class 1 East Jakarta Detention Facility, said Laode. (dpk/ebf)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji (The Jakarta Post) Palu, Central Sulawesi  Tue, May 1, 2018 20:03 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e1778e6 1 National terrorism,East-Indonesia-Mujahidin,MIT,poso,TNI,Indonesian-Military Free

The Indonesian Military (TNI) in Poso, Central Sulawesi, arrested two men suspected to be members of East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT), a terrorist group currently led by Ali Kalora.

Tadulako military base spokesperson Maj. Muhlis Lamongki confirmed the arrest with The Jakarta Post on Monday evening. He said one of them had left the group because he was suffering from hepatitis.

Muhlis said the two were identified as Abdul Muthalib Pia (alias Abu) and Muthalib (alias Bento), a 27-year-old from Batu Merah, Ambon, in Maluku. Batu Merah was an area known as the base for jihadists during Maluku sectarian conflicts in the late 1990s to early 2000.

The other man was identified as Hanzolah (alias Yadi), a 33-year-old from Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta.

The TNI arrested the two on separate occasions. Muthalib was arrested after he visited Kalora village to buy a pair of sandals. Suspicious residents reported his visit to the nearest military post in Poso Pesisir Utara district.

A brief investigation found that Muthalib had joined MIT in February, Muhlis said. He had undergone training by MIT in the forest in the mountains to target heathens, security personnel and Shiites, Muhlis added. Muthalib left the forest because he could not endure the life with MIT. He has hepatitis, Muhlis said.

Meanwhile, Hanzolah was arrested after he visited a village in Kalora, which also resulted from a tip from residents. (evi)Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States  Tue, May 1, 2018 08:11 1254 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e15774e 2 World Donald-Trump,White-House,tension,politics Free

White House Chief of Staff John Kelly firmly denied a report Monday that he called President Donald Trump an "idiot" in front of other staff -- the latest suggestion of possible tensions in Trump's inner circle.

NBC News, citing eight current and former White House officials, said Kelly -- a retired Marine general who served as Trump's homeland security secretary before moving to the West Wing -- had called Trump an "idiot" several times.

According to these officials, four of whom said they personally heard the insult used, Kelly portrays himself as the only person in the Trump administration "curbing the erratic urges" of the Republican president, NBC reported.

But Kelly flatly denied the report, calling it "total BS."

"I spend more time with the president than anyone else, and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship. He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS," Kelly said in a statement distributed by the White House.

"I am committed to the president, his agenda and our country. This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump and distract from the administration's many successes."

In October, NBC had reported that then secretary of state Rex Tillerson -- who was fired by Trump in March -- had called the president a "moron" in front of colleagues.

After the release in January of "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," a tell-all book about the infighting within the administration, Tillerson defended Trump's mental fitness.

"I've never questioned his mental fitness," Tillerson told CNN. "I have no reason to question his mental fitness."Share this article Whatsapp

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Linkedin Justin Sink and Andrew Mayeda (Bloomberg) Washington, United States  Tue, May 1, 2018 16:28 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e16cbf5 2 Business trump,Tariff-rise,steel,aluminium Free

President Donald Trump will delay imposing steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Mexico and Canada until June 1 as he finalizes deals with them, the White House said in a statement.

The administration has reached agreements-in-principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, according to the statement, which the White House released late Monday night. The details "will be finalized shortly," the statement added. The US will also extend exemptions for the EU, Canada and Mexico for 30 days to allow for further talks.

In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security, the White House said. These agreements underscore the Trump administrations successful strategy to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminum industries.

Trump in March imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent duty on aluminum after a government report found that foreign shipments of the metals imperil national-security interests. He directed US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to negotiate with countries seeking to turn their temporary tariff exemptions into permanent ones. Exemptions for the EU and the five other nations were due to expire May 1.

The presidents decision to delay the tariffs gives breathing room -- but also a new deadline -- for allies who have been scrambling to secure permanent refuge from the metals duties. It could be seen as a gesture of goodwill for Canadian and Mexican negotiators who are in talks with the US to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Trump dangled a permanent exemption as incentive to reach a tentative Nafta deal, though talks continue with no immediate agreement in sight. Canada is the biggest steel exporter to the US

At the same time the extension on Monday prolongs the standoff with the EU, the worlds largest trading bloc. European officials have said the US tariffs violate international trading rules, and they have threatened to retaliate with levies on iconic American brands such as Harley Davidson motorcycles and Kentucky bourbon.TheJakartaPost

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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Yangon  Tue, May 1, 2018 13:17 1253 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e166039 2 SE Asia Myanmar,Rohingya-Muslims,UN Free

Myanmar's army chief denied his forces committed rape and other sexual abuses during a crackdown he ordered on Rohingya Muslims, as he addressed UN Security Council delegates in the capital Naypyidaw.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing heads an army accused of "ethnic cleansing" by the United Nations, including the widespread rape and murder of civilians in its "clearance operations" ostensibly targeting Rohingya militants.

Launched in August 2017, that campaign drove around 700,000 Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, fleeing burnt villages and army atrocities.

Denied access to Myanmar in the months immediately after the crisis, a UN Security Council delegation is making a belated first visit to Myanmar to ratchet up pressure for a safe and dignified return of the Muslim minority.

Late Monday they met the army chief, who controls all security matters in the country without oversight from the elected government.

"The Tatmadaw (army) is always disciplined... and takes action against anyone who breaks the law," he told the delegates, according to a post late Monday on his official Facebook page.

Rohingya women and girls in Bangladesh have provided consistent accounts of sexual violence -- reports verified by conflict monitors -- but Min Aung Hlaing said his forces have "no such history of sexual abuse."

"It is unacceptable according to the culture and religion of our country," he said, adding anyone found guilty of crimes would be punished.

He also repeated the official line that Myanmar was ready to take back the refugees who could be verified as residents as per a repatriation deal with Bangladesh.

Several months after the deal was signed, no refugees have returned.

That has enraged Bangladeshi officials, who accuse Myanmar of pretending to co-operate for the benefit of the international community.

Calling the refugees "Bengalis" -- official shorthand for illegal immigrants from over the border -- Min Aung Hlaing blamed "terrorists" for causing the violence.

The UN delegates will travel by helicopter Tuesday over the scarred landscape of northern Rakhine state and give a press conference back in the capital Naypyidaw later in the afternoon.

Their visit to Myanmar comes after an emotionally-charged stay in Bangladesh where Rohingya refugees told delegates of their trauma including sexual abuse.

Myanmar denies the Rohingya citizenship and the accompanying rights.

It has driven two thirds of its roughly 1.5 million Rohingya population out since 2012.

But the country is under mounting pressure to respond to a humanitarian crisis of its making.

Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi also met the UN delegates on Monday afternoon, urging their understanding of a complex, festering conflict and vowing to repatriate the refugees.VATICAN CITY, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Donato Tramuto, founder and Chairman of Health eVillages, a global non-profit that empowers healthcare providers to improve global health and well-being via mobile devices, was a featured speaker at Unite To Cure, the Fourth International Vatican Conference, How Science, Technology and 21st Century Medicine Will Impact Culture and Society.



Tramuto is also CEO of Tivity Health, a provider of health and wellness programs to enable healthier aging, including SilverSneakers, the nations leading fitness program for older adults.

The international three-day conference was held at the Aula Nuova del Sinodo in The Vatican on April 26-28, and brought together the worlds leading scientists, physicians, ethicists and faith leaders, government officials and philanthropists to engage in powerful conversations about the latest scientific breakthroughs and the future of healthcare.

There are many populations, from aging to the underserved, and those in remote areas, who are isolated and need access to healthcare, said Dr. Robin Smith, President of the Cura Foundation. It is absolutely vital that all regions and peoples across the world have equal access to the incredible, life changing therapies and powerful technologies were reading about every day. It was terrific to have Donato Tramuto join us in Rome, and in our global mission of hope and healing.

This years conference had a unique focus on advancing breakthrough technologies and disseminating knowledge that improves human health, prevents disease, protects the environment and considers cultural, religious and societal implications.

On April 27th, Tramuto discussed Extending the Reach, a presentation and panel discussion with Dr. Stephen Shaya, Chief Medical Officer of J&B Medical, a global data healthcare solution company based in Michigan that offers telemedicine solutions, including in areas with limited access to healthcare providers.

I was so honored to be a part of this historic international conference, Tramuto said. My entire career has been focused on the fact that within our lifetimes, one billion people will go to their graves without ever having access to healthcare workers, medication, clean water or viable health facilities. My mission through Health eVillages is to expand access to the highest quality healthcare by using tools and resources readily available in the United States, and by leveraging the collaborative IQ of multiple partners.

Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that healthcare is a basic right for every single person. And when one person doesnt have access, we have violated that right. Just because you are poor does not mean you deserve to be treated differently than those whose fate has provided them with better means, Tramuto added.

In 2011, Tramuto created the non-profit Health eVillages in partnership with Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. Using the data-sharing app developed by the company he had co-founded, Physicians Interactive (now Aptus Health), pilot programs were launched in Kenya, Uganda and Haiti, where doctors and nurses were given the mobile technology and training to make informed life-saving decisions. Since that time, Health eVillages has expanded into eight countries and deployed more than 500 content-enabled mobile devices worldwide.

To learn more about Unite To Cure: The Fourth International Vatican Conference, visit: http://vaticanconference2018.com. Follow the event on Twitter @CuraFdn and on Facebook at facebook.com/TheCuraFoundation.

About Health eVillages

Health eVillages collaborates to advance healthcare access and improve the quality of care by providing state-of-the-art mobile health technology including medical reference and clinical decision support tools, as well as other community-focused resources, to medical and public health professionals in the most challenging clinical environments around the world. Our partners include Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, Tivity Health, Sharecare, the Tramuto Foundation, Skyscape, PCS Wireless, Global Impact, the Maternity Foundation, Medical Aid Films, and more. You can find more information at http://www.healthevillages.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Tivity Health

Tivity Health, Inc. is a leading provider of fitness and health improvement programs, with strong capabilities in developing and managing network solutions. Through its existing three networks, SilverSneakers - the nations leading community fitness program for older adults, Prime Fitness, and WholeHealth Living, Tivity Health is focused on targeted population health for those 50 and over. With more than 15 million Americans eligible for SilverSneakers, over 10,000 fitness centers in the Prime Fitness Network, and more than 25 years of clinical and operational expertise in managing specialty health benefits and networks, including chiropractic services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, acupuncture, massage and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) services, the Company touches millions of consumers across the country and works directly with hundreds of healthcare practitioners and many of the nations largest payers and employers. Learn more at www.tivityhealth.com.

About The Cura Foundation



The Cura Foundation leads a major global health movement, with the passionate purpose to improve human health. Cura unites public and private sectors, partnering with doctors, patients, business leaders, philanthropists and thought leaders to collaborate and create breakthroughs around the world. The foundation drives change by raising awareness of scientific advancements in genomics, emerging technologies and big data to usher in the future of medicine. Cura helps people live longer, better lives free from suffering. The Cura Foundation is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, and tax-exempt organization under Section 501(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, please visit: https://thecurafoundation.org

Contact: Merrill Press +1 (202) 345-5781 The Cura Foundation: Todd Aydelotte +1 (646) 428-0644 cura@allisonpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/b8315e22-a8c5-4395-bac9-7ff1c6600793.The Tourism Board of Gorontalo in Sulawesi released its calendar of events for the year last Wednesday. During the whole year, the province is slated to conduct 17 tourist events, comprising themes of culture, art, cuisine and spiritual wellness.

Gorontalo Governor H. Rusli Habibie told Tempo.co that the calendar of events was released to improve tourism in the province. Hopefully, the rise of tourism will also improve the peoples welfare.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya agrees that Gorontalo has a lot of potential as a tourist destination, especially for people from China.

Gorontalo, he said, was close to North Sulawesi, which was the gateway for Chinese tourists visiting Indonesia. Therefore, Gorontalo could be a new emerging destination, aside from North Sulawesi.

Two of the highlights on Gorontalos event calendar are the Gorontalo Karawo Carnival, to be held from Nov. 20-25, and the Limboto Lake Festival from Sept. 21-23. The two events are also included in the calendar of 100 national events and hence supported by the Tourism Ministry.

Karawo is handmade embroidered fabric unique to Gorontalo in a skill passed down through generations since the era of the ancient Gorontalo kingdom. Meanwhile, Limboto Lake is a popular destination in the province. Covering 3,000 hectares but measuring no more than 8 meters in depth, the lake is often dubbed a giant pool.

Activities for visitors to Limboto Lake include fishing and sunset viewing. As an ecosystem of water plants like lotus, water hyacinth and wild sugarcane, the surface of Limboto Lake is particularly colorful in certain seasons when the flowers blossom.

Read also: Gorontalo park seeks to lure more tourists with new sky bike ride

Another event not to be missed on Gorontalos calendar of events is the Pohon Cinta (Tree of Love) Beach Festival from on May 2-6. The beach is located in Pohuwatu district, about three hours by car from Gorontalo.

According to genpi.co, various activities are set to enliven the beach festival, ranging from art performances and fun swimming to a local beauty pageant. (mut)In September 2014, at the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed the adoption of the International Day of Yoga.

The proposal was endorsed by 175 member states, which led the United Nations to proclaim June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, popularly known as Yoga Day.

In Indonesia, the International Day of Yoga has been celebrated three times. However, this year, the event is set be even bigger, backed by the support of the Tourism Ministry.

The inaugural event kicked off on April 22 at Malang Muhammadiyah University (UMM) in Malang, East Java, and was followed by various events in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Bali, Surabaya and Medan.

Read also: Theres no place like Ubud for yoga

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said in a statement that yoga was an exercise that focused on strength and breathing to improve one's mental and physical state. The exercise has attracted many people, including Indonesians. Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Pradeep Kumar Rawat welcomed everyone to join the Yoga Days celebration.

The peak of the celebration is scheduled to be held at Prambanan Temple in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on June 24. This event is expected to welcome around 10,000 participants.

For the main celebration, there will be yoga instructors from India who have been trained in accordance with the International Day of Yogas standardized protocol. (kes)After months of hype, tonights the official opening of Una Pizza Napoletano on Orchard Street. But if you walked past the restaurant at 175 Orchard St. over the weekend, you know they were in soft-open mode for anyone willing to pay cash and to forego a glass of wine.

This evenings Lower East Side debut marks the triumphant return to the neighborhood of Anthony Mangieri after a decade in San Francisco. Hes teamed up with hot-shot chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske Valtierra of Contra and Wildair. Yes, they are building a mini-empire on Orchard Street.

We stopped by Saturday evening a little before 7. The 72-seat dining room was about three-quarters full. Mangieri was toiling away in a glass-enclosed work area, preparing his famous 12-inch Neapolitan pies (theyll set you back $25 each). Stone and Von Hauske Valtierra are offering up small plates to complement the pizzas, as well as their natural wines and classic-inspired Italian desserts (we tried the tiramisu). The pizza is only serbed at the tables, while the rest of the menu is available at the bar.

For now, Una Pizza Napoletano is open from 5:30-11 p.m. The liquor license is not yet in hand, so the wine wont be available for a few days.It is just not a crime to be a politician, even a powerful one. So says the lawyer for Sheldon Silver, the former NY State Assembly speaker, as he argues that Silver is not guilty of corruption charges. https://t.co/vJv621J7j2  NYT Metro (@NYTMetro) May 1, 2018

Its day two in the retrial of former Lower East Side Assemblyman Sheldon Silver on federal corruption charges.

Dr. Robert Taub, the prosecutions star witness is back on the witness stand today. Prosecutors say Silver funneled grants totaling $500,000 to the Columbia University cancer researcher in exchange for lucrative legal referrals. The former Assembly speaker allegedly pocketed $3 million after cancer patients found their way to Weitz & Luxenberg, where Silver was of counsel.

During testimony yesterday, Taub said he assumed Silver would be making money off of the referrals. The doctor is a specialist in mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. My purpose was to incentivize Mr. Silver to be an advocate for mesothelioma cases and help raise funds for research, said Taub. In order to be successful, prosecutors must show a quid pro quo, that Silver took official action and then received kickbacks.

In 2015, Silver was found guilty by another Manhattan jury and sentenced to 12 years in prison. The case is now being retried after the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the definition of public corruption. Defense attorneys argue that the onetime Albany power broker did nothing illegal. Prosecutors obviously disagree, During yesterdays opening statements, Assistant U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said of Silver, He told lie after lie. He kept secret after secret. This was not politics as usual. This was politics for profit.

In addition to Silvers illicit agreement with Taub, prosecutors say he orchestrated another scheme to pocket referral fees from real estate developers. He received payments from Goldberg & Iryami, a firm specializing in property tax appeals, and at the same time, allegedly changed state legislation to benefit the developers, Glenwood Management and the Witkoff Group.MONTREAL, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Via OTC PR Wire -- SDT Holdings, Inc. / Wuhan General Group (China), Inc. (USOTC:WUHN), announced today that it is scheduled to present at RedChip's Global Online Growth Conference on Wednesday, May 2nd, at 1:00pm ET. The presentation can be viewed at www.RedChip.com. A live Q&A session will follow the investor presentation.



RedChip's Global Online Growth Conference brings together investors and executives of leading small-cap companies, representing a broad spectrum within many sectors. More than 10,000 investors attend RedChip's microcap conference series each year.

No registration is required to participate in the conference. Start times are subject to change.

About

SDT Holdings, Inc. is a Montreal-based industrial technology holding company that focuses on the development, production and commercialization of its four subsidiaries, specializing in these areas: mining electrification, cryptocurrencies / blockchain, industrial batteries, internet of things and artificial intelligence for the industrial market. Dedicated to supplying quality, innovative technologies and battery solutions, SDT Holdings services the transport, mining, agricultural, industrial and earthmoving industries.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include statements regarding our expectations, hopes, beliefs or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to statements regarding our market, strategy, competition, development plans (including acquisitions and expansion), financing, revenues, operations, and compliance with applicable laws. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except where applicable law requires us to update these statements. Market data used throughout this prospectus is based on published third party reports or the good faith estimates of management, which estimates are based upon their review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information.

Contact:

Bruce Haase

RedChip Companies

407-644-4256, ext. 131

bruce@redchip.comThe ideal place to see another face of Porto, all too often linked to its wine, coastal tradition, and Harry Potter references, is hidden in plain sight just 15 minutes away from the Douro River.

Around the intersection of Rua Miguel Bombarda and Rua do Rosario rests a thriving neighbourhood, which has fast become the citys meeting point for the art-hungry crowd.

Dubbed the Hipster Reich, and occasionally compared to Londons Shoreditch and Columbia Road (minus the flowers), it remains an off the beaten track for tourists. The 650 metres of previously forgotten warehouses are now lined with vintage shops, cool cafes, a shopping centre solely composed of Portuguese indie stores and art galleries.

It is an alternative route to the mainstream paid-for museums, like Serralves, introducing a new concept of laid-back and completely free-entry art galleries. Here are some of our picks:

O!Galeria

Rua Miguel Bombarda 61, 4050-381, Porto

Open: Monday-Saturday 12-8pm

O!Galeria is a mandatory stop for graphic design enthusiasts. Named as the citys illustration paradise, it is in fact the first gallery entirely devoted to this artistic genre in Porto. It certainly does not disappoint.

Its wide glass window display introduces the gallery as an open but small and relaxed space, packed with different sized sketches on the walls. It almost looks like someones studio or messy living room, with art dangling from clothing hangers. This contributes to the gallerys natural quirkiness, which can also be seen as off-putting. The fact that most artworks are randomly scattered with no information about them, whatsoever, adds to any visitors confusion.

Nonetheless, this does not overthrow O!Galerias best feature.

There you can find a selection of art from up and coming local artists and established international names, including Paula Bonet and Emmanuel Kerner. There is a section aimed at temporary exhibitions, and having most of the items sold on a daily basis means there is always something new to see. It seems like dynamism is the gallerys middle name.

Its role goes beyond that of a museum. Catalogues resembling your old school portfolio, with explanatory post-it notes attached to each page, show all the gems at affordable prices you can get your hands on. You can even come across unique artwork at less than 10 euros. You have the chance to choose from drawings, books, zines, and prints to take home as an original souvenir to remember your trip to Porto.

Circus Network

Rua do Rosario 54, 4050-522 Porto

Open: Monday-Saturday 10am  8pm

Tucked away in one of the adjacent streets to the art districts epicentre, Circus Network calls itself the first, and only, gallery dedicated to street art in Porto. If one is hoping to enter a space displaying impactful graffiti, Circus Network will fall short of expectations. You might even find yourself double-checking the address.

It presents itself as both a talent agency and art gallery, aiming to promote Portuguese culture by supporting national artists, such as FEDOR and Mesk. However, the gallery acts as more like a store. This is understandable to an extent, since it would be physically impossible to compile street art examples in such a small area.

The only things that will strike you as a homage to street art are the big canvases that cover the main wall from top to bottom, with exquisite designs and scribbles commemorating Circuss fifth anniversary, and the back patio with an extensive example of the best the gallery has to offer. What the gallery actually contains is somewhat of a circus: a blend of drawings and illustrations, t-shirts, mugs and even vinyls, all acting as affordable merchandise.

Nonetheless, it is still worth a visit. There you can get your hands on a free guide of all of Portos street art hotspots. You will soon find that art is displayed in open air all throughout the city, and some of the most impressive examples, such as Portos first legal graffiti D.Quixote in Bombarda, the mural outside Trindades Metro station, and the trendy nightclub Plano B, were all commissioned by Circus.

Cruzes Canhoto

Rua Miguel Bombarda 452, 4050-378 Porto

Open: Monday-Sunday 10 am- 8pm

Stopping before door 452, you might think youve seen the sculptures standing near Cruzes Canhotos shop window in another museum. It almost looks like Jean Michel Basquiats famous mask-like heads and skulls came to life in this Portuguese gallery. Just like Basquiat, all the artists represented are self-taught. The only difference? Their artwork doesnt sell for up to 100 million pounds, but rather a fraction of the price.

One of the most recent additions to the art block, Cruzes Canhoto is without a doubt the most surprising gallery in the art district, and unique in its kind in the Iberian Peninsula. Its strength resides in its concept: promoting the art of alienated artists struggling with mental disorders, while exploring the theme of fantasy alongside human nature.

It resembles somewhat a conventional museum, since every artwork is accompanied by a detailed explanation. However, it is much more inviting than any cold white room inside Tate Modern. Besides being entirely free, once you walk in, the gallery owner will guide you through the exhibitions. A personalised tour you wouldnt be able to get unless you paid for it at a bigger museum.

Cruzes Canhoto never gets monotonous. Temporary exhibitions change every month, while the permanent one at the front of the gallery varies on a regular basis, as artwork is sold.

It specialises in three types of art: primitive, brut, and popular, all displaying singular colours and shapes, with tribal as well as local influences. It rejects dominant art, and the artists dont create to sell. You can sense that there is a genuine pleasure in sharing and promoting instead of profiting, and you will never feel forced to buy anything.

The best feature about Cruzes Canhoto is that it distinguishes itself from what you have already seen a million times in mainstream museums. Artbreakers like Idalecio and Pedro dOliveira invite you into an alternative artistic universe, where monochromatic shapes, masks, the Looney Tunes, ceramics, childish drawings, and devils meet in a space that shows the production genius behind someone who didnt study to be an artist.Social media is now dictating which places are worth visiting, and some travel services have responded accordingly.

Amsterdams Kimpton de Witt Hotel is the latest to announce it is training their front-of-house staff to capture Instagram-ready shots for their guests social media.

The idea is part of a growing trend introduced by Conrad Resort Maldives last October. Guests are offered their very own Instagram Butler, an expert staff member who acts as a social media tutor during their stay.

The Butler guides visitors around Rangalis trails, teaching them Insta-worthy yoga poses as well as suggesting which camera angles to use and times of the day to shoot.

Travellers are visiting certain destinations on the basis that theyll get a greater response to the content they share online, says Dr. Bynum Boley, Tourism Professor at the University of Georgia.

These services seem to be filling a gap in the market, after a survey by Schofields Insurance revealed the primary motivation for travel is no longer the availability of cheap alcohol or the chance to experience local cultures.

The opportunity to take envy-inducing photos to post on social media has, instead, become the first factor travellers consider when booking a holiday.

We live in an age when people feel compelled to get feedback from others online as a way to validate the importance of their life experiences, says John Suler, author of Psychology of the Digital Age, a book exploring peoples behaviour online.

The more impressive a destination can sound to followers, the more likely people are to book a trip there. Even if it implies paying more than 1,000 to have a living wiki-how following guests for the remainder of their holidays.

After all, if its not on the gram, it didnt happen.Oakland, CA, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A leading California cannabis company that manages the Harborside retail dispensaries and brands, as well as one of the states largest cannabis cultivation facilities, today announced a $5,000,000 qualified equity financing that is part of a larger $6,500,000 Series A financing led by Cresco Capital Partners, with participation from Quinsam Capital Corporation and Murray Field & Company LLC. The capital will be used to fund the companys expansion of its retail management platform to additional cannabis retailer clients, continue the build-out of its cultivation facility, and for general working capital and corporate development purposes.

With the advent of adult-use on January 1, 2018, it was important to me to raise capital for the company to enable our expansion and to take advantage of the many compelling opportunities that I was seeing. Were also proud and delighted to be voted the Best Dispensary in California in 2017, a testament to our customer experience, value for money, trusted range of choice and advice, and superb staff, said FLRish Chairman Emeritus Steve DeAngelo. Cresco Capital Partners, led by Matt Hawkins, has been a supporter of ours for two years, and were delighted to further develop our relationship with his second fund. He will be joining the board, and were looking forward to his advice, direction and insight as we move into our next phase of expansion and growth.

Andrew Berman, FLRishs Chief Executive Officer, said, This Series A provides us with the opportunity to bring onboard as shareholders a significant number of convertible debt holders who have supported the company since its inception, for which we are very grateful. These are tremendously exciting times for the company, our trusted staff and the industry, and were watching the developing, fully regulated market in California unfold. We see strong growth in consumer demand and in the area of branded products, a market in which the Harborside and Key brands are market leaders and very well positioned. Trusted brands will become increasingly important for our consumer. As one of the first dispensaries to voluntarily advocate for and implement cannabis product testing, Harborside has always been committed to building and maintaining the trust of our patients, and now, adult-use customers.

Matt Hawkins, managing partner of Cresco Capital, said, Two years ago, we invested with FLRish to help develop its cultivation facility with a group of first-class investors. With the Series A investment, as the first investment out of our second fund, we can align our FLRish investments into one of the preeminent Californian cannabis businesses.

FLRish, Inc., currently manages the Harborside Oakland and Harborside San Jose retail stores in California, which legalized adult-use cannabis sales on January 1, 2018, and is projected to be the largest adult-use cannabis market in the United States. The Harborside Oakland dispensary was founded in 2006 by Steve DeAngelo; the Harborside brand today is well known throughout California and globally. Through its retail management business division, FLRish controls the Harborside brand and retail stores, including new locations opening in 2018.Upcoming Netflix drama Safe has finally got a trailer and its release date in May. Written by Harlan Coben, author and creator of The Five, the show will star Michael C. Hall (Dexter), boasting an impressive British accent and playing a father whos desperately trying to find his missing daughter.

Single father Tom (played by Hall) is bringing up his two daughters on his own after his wife died a year ago.

They are living in a beautiful, safe community, and his life seems to be perfect, until his eldest daughter disappears under mysterious circumstances, and he realises that he knows nothing about the people he loves most in the world.

The show is created by Harlan Coben, who is also behind Sky Ones The Five, which aired back in 2016, and award-winning books such as Tell No One and Hold Tight.

Safe will also be starring Amanda Abbington (Sherlock), Marc Warren (Mad Dogs, Hustle, The Good Wife), Audrey Fleurot (Spiral), and Hannah Arterton (The Five).

Safe will be available to watch on Netflix from Thursday, May 10.It's been 10 years since The Inbetweeners first exploded onto our screens and we still find ourselves quoting their one-liners in every other sentence.

The show boasted a great cast of young, and at the time, virtually unknown comic actors. After reuniting for the last time in 2014 for The Inbetweeners Movie 2, each member of the cast has gone on to achieve success in their own separate ventures.

Let's have a look at what they've been up to. Oh, friends!

Will McKenzie (Simon Bird)

The Inbetweeners was Simon Bird's breakout comedy role, a role that earned him two comedy awards and a BAFTA nomination! Since The Inbetweeners ended in 2010, Simon has gone on to star in the equally hilarious channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner, alongside Plebs star Tom Rosenthal, which returns to our screens for a fifth series on the 4th May. He also reunited with co-star Joe Thomas for Chickens, a comedy about a group of men who stay at home during the first world war.

He swapped the screen for the stage last year when he starred in the West End show The Philanthropist, alongside Fresh Meats Charlotte Ritchie and model turned actress Lily Cole.

Simon married Lisa Owens in 2012, and they announced the birth of their daughter in 2016.

Simon Cooper (Joe Thomas)

Simon Cooper was everyone's favourite hapless romantic throughout the series, as we watched him pine after Carli, and Joe Thomas obviously played that role well as he was cast as the equally hopeless Kingsley in Fresh Meat. Joe was one of the main stars of the student comedy series alongside Jack Whitehall and Charlotte Ritchie (to name but a few of the star-studded cast) for the series' five-year run.

Last year he teamed up with former co-star James Buckley to star in the BBC Two comedy White Gold, about a group of window salesman in 1980's Essex. The show, which also stars Gossip Girl's Ed Westwick, is due to return for a second series soon.

In 2017, Joe became engaged to former co-star Hannah Tointon who played Simon's long-suffering on/off girlfriend, Tara (beep beep beep.)

Jay Cartwright (James Buckley)

The most foul-mouthed and infamous character from The Inbetweeners was of course Jay. It would have been easy for actor James Buckley to have been typecast because of the role, but he seems to have avoided this and has taken on a variety of acting jobs since the show wrapped.

He played a young Del Boy in the Only Fools and Horses prequel Rock & Chips, set in 1960's Peckham. On the same period drama theme, he starred in 2017's BBC comedy show White Gold as Brian Fitzpatrick a window salesman.

James' main interest aside from acting is his gaming channel on Youtube. Titled 'Completed it Mate', he has over 300,000 subscribers and posts weekly videos (including some with his famous former co-stars.)

In 2012 he married model Clair Meek and the couple have two sons.

Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison)

Out of the four main cast members, Blake Harrison has had the most varied acting career since the show ended. After playing intellectually challenged Neil for three seasons (and two films) Blake chose to star in some harder-hitting, more serious roles.

He joined the cast of Prime Suspect 1973, the prequel to the hugely successful Helen Mirren show, in 2017. He played DS Spencer Gibbs who is on the team investigating the murder of a young woman who has run away from home. He then starred in the equally thrilling BBC drama Trust Me, alongside the new Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker.

On a lighter note, he took to the big screen as Private Pike in the film remake of Dad's Army, which also starred former Inbetweeners star Emily Atack (Charlotte Hinchcliffe.)

Carli D'Amato (Emily Head)

Emily Head grew up in the spotlight - her dad is Buffy's Anthony Head (who also played Will's dad in the first Inbetweeners movie) - so it's no surprise that she's still acting. She was one of the few supporting cast members

to return for the film in 2011 where she continues to mess poor Simon around (isn't Carli the worst?!)

In 2016, she joined the cast of Emmerdale as a series regular, where she plays Rebecca White. She has since starred in over 150 episodes for

the soap and has had some huge storylines including a car accident, being in a coma for weeks and losing her memory.

Mr Gilbert (Greg Davies)

Comedian Greg Davies was already well known on the comedy circuit before joining The Inbetweeners as headmaster Mr Gilbert, and since the show, his career has gone from strength to strength. He returned as Mr Gilbert for both The Inbetweeners spin-off films, which saw his character eventually ending up engaged to Will's mum.

In other ventures, he has been part of the hugely successful BBC Three comedy series Cuckoo, in which he plays Ken alongside Andy Samberg and Taylor Lautner. He's also had guest roles in Doctor Who and A Gert Lush Christmas. As well as playing a teacher who hates his job (sound familiar?) in his own Channel 4 comedy, Man Down.

Most recently, he released a stand-up comedy special on Netflix entitled You Magnificent Beast.Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here

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Home PageFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BBX Capital Corporation (NYSE:BBX) (OTCQX:BBXTB) (BBX Capital or the Company), is pleased to announce that the Company has received the 2018 Business of the Year Award (businesses with revenue of $250 million or more) from the South Florida Business Journal. BBX Capital received the award at a ceremony held on Thursday, April 26th at Jungle Island in Miami, Florida.



Receiving this award is a great honor that we are excited to share with our entire team at BBX Capital. Since the 2012 sale of BankAtlantic to BB&T, the BBX Capital management team has successfully transformed BBX Capital into a truly, diversified holding company, commented Alan B. Levan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BBX Capital Corporation. We believe BBX Capital is now one of South Floridas fastest-growing companies with total consolidated assets growing to $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2017.

Among the Companys holdings are its 90 percent ownership interest in Bluegreen Vacations Corporation (NYSE:BXG), BBX Capital Real Estate, and BBX Capital Middle Market Operations, which includes Renin Holdings, BBX Sweet Holdings, Las Olas Confections and Snacks, ITSUGAR, Hoffmans Chocolates and MOD Pizza Florida.

About BBX Capital Corporation: BBX Capital Corporation (NYSE:BBX) (OTCQX:BBXTB), is a Florida-based diversified holding company whose activities include its 90 percent ownership interest in Bluegreen Vacations Corporation (NYSE:BXG) as well as its real estate and middle market divisions. For additional information, please visit www.BBXCapital.com.

BBX Capital Media Contact:

Kip Hunter Marketing, 954-765-1329, Nicole Lewis / Elysia Volpe

Email: nicole@kiphuntermarketing.com, elysia@kiphuntermarketing.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements based largely on current expectations of BBX Capital or its subsidiaries that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. All opinions, forecasts, projections, future plans or other statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words or phrases such as plans, believes, will, expects, anticipates, intends, estimates, our view, we see, would and words and phrases of similar import. The forward-looking statements in this press release are also forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond our control. The reader should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement, which speaks only as of the date made. This press release also contains information regarding the past performance of the Company, its subsidiaries, investments and operations, and stock price, and the reader should note that prior or current performance is not a guarantee or indication of future performance. Risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties affecting BBX Capital and its subsidiaries, and their respective results, operations, markets, products, services and business strategies, including risks associated with the ability to successfully implement currently anticipated plans and generate earnings, long term growth, and increased value; and the risks that the Companys assets may decline or that the Company may not continue to grow as anticipated, if at all. Future results could differ materially as a result of a variety of risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive. Reference is also made to the other risks and uncertainties described in BBX Capitals Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leaders, experts and elected officials from throughout Californias water community will gather in Sacramento May 8-11 for the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) 2018 Spring Conference & Exhibition.



Themed CA Water: Building for the Future, the first of two biannual ACWA conferences will feature keynote speeches by California Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Board Chairman Randy Record. Record will discuss MWDs recent board vote to fund most of California WaterFix, the Brown Administrations proposed plan to address Bay-Delta conveyance with underground tunnels.

Additional keynote speakers include national political consultant John Ashford, chairman and CEO of The Hawthorn Group, and a representative from the U.S. Department of Interior.

ACWA expects more than 1,300 attendees at the conference, which will host forums on numerous issues currently impacting California water, ranging from environmental and regulatory developments to insights on technology, water storage and conservation measures.

Specific forums will include the impact of legalized cannabis cultivation on water resources, fire and flood recovery, and public financing of water-related projects. The conference also will update attendees on the latest news and planned next steps on repairing the Oroville Dam. More than 80 vendors will fill the Exhibit Hall.

The full conference program with event dates and times is available online.

WHAT: ACWAs 2018 Spring Conference & Exhibition

WHEN: Tuesday, May 8  Friday, May 11

WHERE: Registration desk located at Sacramento Convention Center 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Contact: Heather Engel, Director of Communications | (916) 441-4545 | C (760) 217-0627Ft. Lauderdale, FL. , May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cardiff Lexington Corporation (OTCQB: CDIX) and Red Rock Travel Group, (Private: Red Rock Travel) announced today they have signed a definitive merger agreement under which Red Rock Travel will merge into Cardiff Lexington Corporation as its subsidiary in an all-stock transaction.

This merger provides Cardiff Lexington further entry into the online/offline marketing space. Red Rock has developed lead generation proprietary software for timeshare and vacation club industries. Red Rock currently has a 2018 revenue run-rate of $2.16 million with an estimated $648k EBITDA. Headquartered in Orlando, FL, with locations with an additional two call centers, and a experience top-notch staff. The Company has little debt with rapid growth.

Red Rock is the first three new pending acquisitions in 2018 to the Cardiff Lexington portfolio and offers unique synergies in a robust marketing industry. We are ecstatic about this synergistic new acquisition, stated Alex Cunningham, President/Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Lexington. "As we promised to our shareholders, Cardiff Lexington over the long-term stays engaged in sourcing, evaluating, and acquiring well-managed, highly-profitable niche companies with little-to-no debt. This acquisition further enhances our ability to attract technology leaders within this ever-growing industry insuring us a strong revenue stream, improving profitability and increasing shareholder value.

Red Rock Travel Group (http://www.RedRockTravelGroup.com) is the leading provider of timeshare and travel club leads in the country. They have physical kiosks in strategic locations offering discounted theme park tickets, highly discounted travel, and engage in significant online, media, and offline advertising that directs traffic to online websites or to their state-of-the-art call center. One of their online lead generation websites is http://www.MyFloridaGetaway.com/.

Founder and CEO, Jay Jahid, has been at the highest level of lead generation for the timeshare industry for decades having generated hundreds of thousands of tours and being the go-to marketing expert for the largest names in the industry.

Red Rock also has proprietary in-house technology that serves as the powerful data segmentation platform available and can be used to serve multiple industries for a variety of purposes beyond the lead generation industry.

Timeshare Industry Highlights (travel club industry not included):

 The timeshare industry alone did $8.6 billion in 2015

 9.2 MillionNumber of U.S. Households That Own 1 or More Types of Product

 $79.5 BillionContribution to U.S. Economy.

About Cardiff Lexington Corporation: Cardiff Lexington is a public holding company, much like a cooperative, leveraging proven management in private companies that become subsidiaries. Our focus is not industry or geographic-specific, but rather proven management, market, and margin. Cardiff Lexington targets acquisitions of mature, high growth, niche companies. Cardiff Lexington's strategy identifies and empowers select income-producing middle market private businesses, technology companies and commercial real estate properties. Cardiff Lexington provides these companies both 1) the enhanced ability to raise money for operations or expansion, and 2) an equity exit and liquidity strategy for the owner, heirs, and/or Investors. For investors, Cardiff Lexington provides a diversified lower risk to protect and safely enhance their investment by continually adding assets and holdings. Cardiff Lexington is led by strong and talented team of executives and advisors providing expert acquisition, market guidance and added value for subsidiaries and investors.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT: This news release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks include the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the Company's contracts, the Company's liquidity position, the Company's ability to obtain new contracts, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources, and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur.The director announced it would be two years from this week.

Source: Facebook

Marvel is continuing to fill out its slate of movies and the latest to get narrowed down is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, according to director Jimmy Gunn. Revealed in a Facebook Live video, Gunn said that the film take Marvel's May 2020 release slot. Gunn is currently filming a horror movie in Florida, from where he took the video.

With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 falling into the May release slot, it's likely that Black Widow could slide into the July release slot.Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 67F. Winds light and variable.State Boys Golf: Jake Olson claims AA individual title, leads Watertown to third-place finish

HURON  Watertown High Schools boys golf team didnt get its first state championship in 50 years on Tuesday, but the Arrows didnt go home empty-handed.CALGARY, Alberta, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mohawk Medical Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (the "REIT") and Mohawk Medical Operating Partnership (I) LP (the "Partnership" and together with the REIT, "Mohawk") is pleased to announce the closing of the plan of arrangement involving, among others, Mohawk, Invesque Inc. (the "Purchaser") and the holders of Class A units of the REIT and Class A, Series 2 units of the Partnership (collectively the "Units"), as previously announced by Invesque on March 2, 2018 (the "Arrangement").



Pursuant to the Arrangement, the Purchaser has indirectly acquired, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, all of the outstanding Units in exchange for 3,487,642 common shares of the Purchaser (the "Invesque Shares"). Under the terms of the Arrangement, the holders of Units shall receive approximately 6.55 Invesque Shares for every Unit held. The Invesque Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IVQ.U and trade in U.S. dollars.

The meetings of the Mohawk unitholders to approve the Arrangement were held on April 26, 2018 and approved by 98.52% of the Units that voted.

Mohawk received the final order of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta on Friday April 27, 2018 and proceeded diligently towards closing today.

Mohawk would like to thank Raymond James, Richardson GMP, Timbercreek Mortgage Servicing Inc., Cranson Capital and RainTree Financial for their years of advice and support. Mohawk would also like to thank Duff & Phelps for their completion of the Fairness Opinion.

Invesque is an exciting company. Theyve grown fast and they've been smart. We are very honored to call them partners and look forward to expanding their platform, remarked Andrew Shapack, Co-President of Mohawk Realty Advisors. We are thrilled to provide our investors the opportunity to participate in the rapidly growing, cross border, health care portfolio that Invesque is assembling as well as deliver a liquidity event within five and a half years of launching the first Mohawk LP, said Sean Nakamoto, Co-President of Mohawk Realty Advisors.

Registered holders of Units, who have not already done so, should submit their certificate(s) representing their Units (if applicable) along with a completed letter of transmittal to the depositary, Computershare Investor Services Inc., in order to receive the Invesque Shares. Holders of Units who hold their Units through a broker, investment dealer or other intermediary should follow the instructions by such broker, investment dealer or other intermediary. There is a separate letter of transmittal for the Units of the REIT and the Units of the Partnership. In many cases, holders of Units hold Units in both the REIT and the Partnership and will have to submit two letters of transmittal to receive their full entitlement of Invesque Shares.

Further details regarding the Arrangement can be found in Mohawk's information circular and proxy statement dated March 28, 2018, filed on Mohawk's Website at www.mohawkmedical.ca.

For further information: Mohawk Realty Advisors Ltd. contact: Andrew Shapack, Co-President or Sean Nakamoto, Co-President

Tel: (416) 532-2200Mobile, Alabama, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Austal USA announced today it has acquired privately held ElectraWatch, Inc. in an all cash stock purchase. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings and the business will remain a standalone business, part of the Austal USA portfolio.

Headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, ElectraWatch is a technology leader in developing and deploying portable probe devices that help efficiently maintain aluminum structures. The acquisition reinforces Austal USAs position as a global leader in aluminum ship manufacturing and sustainment and extends its ability to support the U.S. Navy fleet where nearly every ship includes aluminum structures.

The combination of ElectraWatch patented technology along with Austal USAs advanced ship manufacturing and sustainment expertise reinforces the companys position as an industry leader to efficiently support the aggressive shipbuilding and sustainment requirements from our U.S. Navy customer, said Craig Perciavalle, president of Austal USA. As innovative technology reaches deeper into shipbuilding construction and sustainment, we remain laser focused at providing cost-effective solutions to our customers.

As both the designer and prime contractor, Austal USA manufactures the Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) for the U.S. Navy with both programs on schedule and on budget. The company delivers two LCS and two EPF per year with the capacity to increase its manufacturing rate at its 166-acre facility and headquarters in Mobile, Alabama. Eight LCS (even numbered LCS 2 through 16) and nine EPFs (T-EPF 1-9) have been delivered to date. Austal USA was also one of five prime contractors awarded a concept design contract for the U.S. Navys future guided missile Frigate (FFG(X)) while its EPF is also being considered to support permanent medical ship operations.

About Austal USA

Austal USA is an advanced ship manufacturer, servicer and sustainment provider. Headquartered in Mobile, Alabama with facilities in San Diego, Singapore and Washington, D.C., the company employs nearly 4,000 people and designs and constructs two ship programs for the U.S. Navy  Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (even numbered hulls) and Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF). The companys supplier network includes over 1155 companies across 44 states supporting more than 34,000 U.S. jobs. Austal USA entered the defense market in 2004 and through its innovative ship manufacturing processes, quickly became the fifth largest shipbuilder in North America. www.USA.Austal.com

About ElectraWatch, Inc.

Headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, ElectraWatch is a technology leader in developing and deploying non-destructive, portable probe devices that measure aluminum sensitization. The companys patented technology is self-contained and easily deployable around the world to meet and support its customers needs. Utilizing an electrochemical methodology, ElectraWatch engineers replicated laboratory testing measurements within a portable DoS Probe that yields a fast, accurate measured result without removing test samples from a ship and sending to a laboratory. The company supports multiple shipbuilders, maintenance providers and the U.S. Navy across a broad range of military ships currently deployed in the U.S. fleet.

www.ElectraWatch.comPosted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 3:32 am

After a hiatus, the Humane Society for Southwest Washingtons (HSSW) ReTails Thrift Store again features adoptable cats  and theyre back in style. Bright red cat condos serve as temporary shelter for cats ready to meet their new owners.

The cats are a fun addition to the shopping experience here, and connect us to the mission of the organization, explained ReTails Vice President and Director of Retail Operations Paul MacKay. Customers have been asking us when the cats would return, so a lot of people are eager to see them. Some people shop ReTails because its a cool thrift store with a tremendous amount of merchandise, and some specifically want to support the humane societys work.

Chairs are positioned next to the cat condos so shoppers can sit and interact with the cats or explore the donated pet items stocked for resale in the area. Staff is trained to facilitate adoptions which occur weekly, and ReTails receives two to three new cats per week from the shelter.

The staff gets extremely excited when cats get adopted, so we personally celebrate each adoption here, MacKay said.

In 2016, ReTails adopted out more than 100 cats and MacKay said they are likely to exceed that number this year.

Last year the Humane Society for Southwest Washington sheltered over 8,000 animals and facilitated over 5,000 adoptions. Over 880 volunteers work with the organization. They distribute thousands of pounds of pet food each year in collaboration with the Clark County Food Bank.

 Humane Society for Southwest WashingtonPosted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 4:03 am

Washington State University Vancouver has narrowed down where it plans to put new buildings as a consolidated planning concept was presented during an open house on April 23.

Officials from architectural firm ZGF spoke to attendees of the open house hosted on campus, explaining design elements and unveiling a plan that next week will go to WSU Vancouver officials for approval.

The design featured new additions including undergraduate residence halls, a student union/dining services and a new fitness center located to the south of current development. This plan came after a March 27 open house proposed a total of six different options.

Nolan Lienhart of ZGF said the agreed-upon layout was most similar to concepts presented involving southern clustering along what was known as the Mount St. Helens axis. He explained that the 2018 update was designed to be consistent with themes laid out in the original 1992 master plan for the campus, chief among them being the mountain view axes on the campus. The campus is based around view lines looking at Mount St. Helens for the roughly north-south axis and looking at Mount Hood for the east-west line.

You really end up with a student life cluster here at the southern end of that (Mount St. Helens) axis, Lienhart said, noting a connection between the uses of the planned building additions.

The axes were just one design theme used in the planning. Also taken into account were different types of landscaping including open-space meadows, deliberately planted orchard type spaces as well as existing woodlands.

Planning had also taken into account the 100-year floodplain, an area likely to flood at least once in the span of that many years, with development avoiding those areas largely along the Mill Creek and Salmon Creek banks.

Lienhart touched on some key updates this years plan would have over the 2007 iteration, which along with undergraduate housing included more long-term additions such as a life sciences and business academic building. Where those two buildings would end up was yet to be determined, but they had some ideas.

Lienhart explained that several areas have been identified for clusters of future campus development, both northeast of campus as well as to the west of existing buildings along the Mount Hood axis.

Regarding impacts on the community, Lienhart explained that in master planning they had looked at a cross-section of the campus, showing differences in elevation. Documents showed the cross section coming from Northeast 30th Avenue along the Mount Hood axis, with the consistent decline in elevation allowing a line of sight of the mountain even with development.

Because of the topography its possible to put buildings in a variety of locations without blocking views from adjacent neighborhoods, Lienhart said.

Debbie Chow, also of ZGF, spoke specifically about parking and transportation, noting that planned buildout would maintain the current circulation route. She mentioned that a planned secondary access onto Salmon Creek Avenue to the east was still included in the plan, as well as the possibility of pedestrian/emergency vehicle access on the southeast campus.

The latter, she added, would likely be several years down the road.

With the master plan nearly complete moving forward ZGF would provide the completed draft master plan to WSU for its approval following the May 7 end of the public comment period, according to a timeline presented at the open house. That form is available at

admin.vancouver.wsu.edu/capital-planning-and-development/master-plan.Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 3:58 am

A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 1.1 million visitors to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in 2017 spent $61.8 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 1,010 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $90.2 million.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world, said Superintendent Tracy Fortmann. We are delighted to share the story of this place and the experiences it provides. We also feature the park as a way to introduce our visitors to this part of the country and all that it offers. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and its a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.

This national park has been part of the Southwest Washington community since 1948, and is part of the fabric of the Pacific Northwest, Fortmann later added. It is an honor and a privilege for us to help our visitors learn about and reflect upon the history of this place, and we will continue this work in perpetuity.

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. The report shows $18.2 billion of direct spending by more than 330 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 306,000 jobs nationally. 255,900 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $35.8 billion.

The lodging sector received the highest direct contributions with $5.5 billion in economic output to local gateway economies and 49,000 jobs. The restaurants sector received the next greatest direct contributions with $3.7 billion in economic output to local gateway economies and 60,500 jobs.

According to the 2017 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging/camping (32.9 percent) followed by food and beverages (27.5 percent), gas and oil (12.1 percent), souvenirs and other expenses (10.1 percent), admissions and fees (10.0 percent), and local transportation (7.5 percent).

Report authors also produce an interactive tool that enables users to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added, and output effects by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available at the NPS Social Science Program webpage: nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/vse.htm

 Fort Vancouver National Historic SitePosted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 4:13 am

Last week marked one whole year of ilani, and the business does not appear to be slowing down according to top officials with the casino.

April 24 marked one year after ilani officially opened, and that years experience was a positive one for ilani General Manager Kara Fox-LaRose.

It feels amazing to be working with a team that truly values our mission, and to witness the efforts by so many to bring the ilani experience to life has been something that I certainly cherish, Fox-LaRose said.

The casino was gearing up for its second concert when Fox La-Rose spoke to The Reflector, an ensemble of popular acts from the 1990s aptly named I love the 90s. The venue, the Cowlitz Ballroom, had only opened earlier that month.

There really wasnt a bad spot in the house, Fox-LaRose commented regarding the first show when Little Big Town played the 2,500-capacity ballroom. One of ilanis focuses with the new venue was bringing arena-caliber acts to the more intimate setting.

Fox-LaRose said that after starting strong, the casino has sustained its visitation levels of about 8,000 to 10,000 daily.

About 1,500 employees overall work at ilani either with the casino proper or its restaurant affiliates, Fox-LaRose said. Of those people the vast majority were local with 80 percent coming from either Clark County or Cowlitz County.

What surprised Fox-LaRose the most in the past year was the amount of enthusiasm ilani employees have shown in running the casino, even though 85 percent of employees recruited by ilani had not worked in the gaming industry prior.

Its really fun to watch them blossom as the business evolves, Fox-LaRose said.

Apart from gaming Fox-LaRose also touched on the business focus on its other amenities such as the numerous restaurants adapting to what the customers want as well as the free shows at Muze Lounge.

We like to focus on that we are not just a casino, Fox-LaRose said.

Along with maintaining the same level of offerings currently, Fox-LaRose said the remainder of 2018 would be evaluating the market to see whats next for ilani. Currently the casino is in the process of undertaking a hotel market feasibility study, so that when we are ready to expand we are building infrastructure that would support the existing business, she explained, later adding that they see a hotel on the horizon, but the timing of that is yet to be determined.

Overall, Fox-LaRose had optimism for what would come for the casino.

Were excited about the future, Fox-LaRose remarked.

Food: Michael Jordans Steakhouse becomes more locally driven

General Manager Brian Napiany and Head Chef Cory Hoekstra knew they needed to make a few changes at Michael Jordans Steakhouse toward the end of summer last year.

After a strong start through the spring, when ilani and its many restaurants were still a novelty, the restaurants guest list began to dwindle.

Although Napiany and Hoekstra understood that the nicer weather was somewhat to blame for the slower summer numbers, they still took the opportunity to reevaluate.

During the first couple months they tried to emulate the Chicago feel, a bigger city model, Hoekstra said. Once the honeymoon phase was over for them and the rest of the casino, they began to get a better feel for who their clientele was going to be, and it was primarily locals.

That was our biggest struggle, Hoekstra said, figuring out we werent Chicago, we werent New York city  we werent Portland, quite honestly.

The restaurants shift to local ingredients started with its main attraction.

They now purchase cuts of beef out of Oregon  Fossil, Pendleton and St. Helens  as opposed to the Chicago area.

Theyve also added a number of seafood dishes with ingredients pulled from Oregon and Washington waters: Crab-Crusted Filet Mignon and Dungeness Crab Bisques are two examples, along with a new spring appetizer of Barbecue Shrimp, which comes lathered in thick, spicy cream and is coupled with slices of ciabatta bread which are cooked with duck fat.

But the most glaring example of their recent efforts is a different spring addition, Bacon Macaroni Cheese. The ever-popular comfort dish combines three cheeses  parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella  from the regions most beloved cheese factory, Tillamook.

Were definitely thriving more now that weve done that, Hoekstra said of the restaurant shifting its focus to have more local appeal.As much local product as we can bring in, the happier our crowd seems to be.

Their effort to be more locally focused extended even to the bar, where theyve built up a large selection of regional whiskeys and wines.

According to Hoekstra, the transition hasnt been a difficult one, in fact pulling from local sources has only made his job more enjoyable.

Its a chefs wonderland, he said of the Pacific Northwests vast access to land and sea foods.

Sadly, though, neither of Hoekstra or Napiany could say when Michael Jordan would be stopping by to visit his Southwest Washington steakhouse.

We have no idea, Napiany said.

Impacts on La Center

Across the interstate the city of La Center is feeling the impacts of ilanis opening, though Mayor Greg Thornton said it wasnt anything the city could not deal with. He said that the first quarter gambling tax revenues were significantly lower than first quarter of 2017 before ilanis opening, to the tune of about 42 percent.

That drop in revenue was expected, Thornton added. In January the city voted to restructure its gambling tax rate to be more in line with revenues in order to alleviate some of the loss in business the citys two remaining cardrooms are facing.

Thornton said the city is looking at different economic opportunities, mentioning a recently-completed sub-area master plan for the interstate junction involving a mix of uses with a goal as a sort of town center setup.

Regarding traffic impacts, Thornton said the city has seen increased traffic, though whether or not it was due to the casino was harder to determine.

We have quite a bit of residential construction happening right now in La Center, Thornton said, mentioning that across the county populations are going up and could also be the culprit behind more traffic.

In some cases the Cowlitz Tribe and La Center have been able to work together, with Thornton commenting that the city had a great relationship with the tribe. He mentioned specifically their help in extending a sewer line to the junction as part of that working together.

I think that La Center and ilani are good neighbors, Thornton remarked.Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 4:06 am

For the third time since November 2016, residents of the Battle Ground school district rejected a construction and renovation bond. All three times the bond has had majority support, but not the required 60 percent supermajority to pass.

This latest version of the bond, $224.9 million over 21 years, first failed in Feb. of this year by around 220 votes.

In the weeks after it failed, the districts board of directors decided to put it back on the ballot for the April special election. Superintendent Mark Ross said at the time that he was encouraged to recommended that the bond be put back up for vote by proponents who felt momentum was on its side and needed to be capitalized on.

The momentum seemingly trended in the other direction, however, as the bond failed by an even wider margin the second time around.

The district cannot run the bond again this year.

Sue Cranke, co-chair of the Battle Ground Citizens for Better Schools and a member of Facilities Improvement Team (FIT), said the primary reason it didnt pass was the increase most saw on their property taxes this year. Although the states levy swap will likely lead to a decrease in 2019, the hike still made voters reluctant.

From a broader sense, the district has struggled to pass a bond in recent history, the only one in the last 20 years being in 2005.

Its frustrating to me that in every district around us, voters support their schools, Cranke said. Why is Battle Ground different? Do we settle for being just mediocre?

Had this bond passed, the district would have received $61.6 million in matching funds from the state.

Among other things, funds from the bond would have gone toward a new primary and middle school and a new alternative learning campus  both on land the district already owns. It would have also funded the replacement of the Pleasant Valley schools and Glenwood Heights Primary and Laurin Middle School.Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 3:59 am

Beginning next year, Battle Ground High School students can get an idea of what it is like to do college research and potentially earn the college credit that goes with having acquired such a skill set. Battle Ground High will offer the Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone diploma program. The program, which develops collaboration, research, and analytical writing skills in high school students, consists of two courses taken in sequence: AP Seminar and AP Research.

Currently, only 33 high schools in Washington State offer the program, which was developed in partnership with college faculty, admissions officers, and the College Board. The program was established in 2014 at 114 schools in the U.S. In four years, the program has grown to include approximately 1,500 schools worldwide.

The AP Seminar course, typically taken by sophomores or juniors, helps students examine current issues from multiple perspectives. Students learn to analyze the strength of an argument; work to understand and evaluate opposing viewpoints; interpret and synthesize information; and construct, communicate and defend research-based arguments to support their conclusions.

Battle Ground High School English teacher Daniel Hidden will teach the AP Seminar course next year. Hidden has the flexibility to choose research topics based on students interests. Students taking the class will be assessed through both individual and team projects and a year-end AP exam.

The second course in the capstone sequence is AP Research. This course is typically taken by seniors, with AP Seminar as a prerequisite. Students in AP Research dive deep into an academic topic, problem or issue of individual interest. After selecting a topic, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long investigation. The students document their process by developing a portfolio of work, building on the skills developed in the AP Seminar course by further learning how to understand research methodology; employ ethical research practices; and collect, analyze, and synthesize information to build, present, and defend an argument.

Students who earn scores of three or higher on the AP Seminar and AP Research exams and on four additional AP exams of their choosing will earn the AP Capstone Diploma. This signifies their outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. In addition, students might also earn college credit for the AP courses they complete while in high school.

Battle Ground Public SchoolsPosted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 4:00 am

Two opportunities to help people land a job are coming up as U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, has announced a job hunting workshop May 21 preceding the eighth annual Southwest Washington Jobs Fair May 29.

The two job-seeking events will be hosted at the Vancouver Community Library and Warehouse 23, respectively, and are free to all Southwest Washington residents, a release from her office states. A full list of employers and available positions is set to be posted on the Congresswomans website (jhb.house.gov) in the coming days.

More and more employers are hiring right now, and Ive been talking to a lot of folks who are eager to get back to work and find better-paying jobs. Its my honor to help, Herrera Beutler stated in the release. Im happy to once again host this jobs fair for Southwest Washington residents and look forward to the connections that will come about as a result.

Southwest Washington Job Hunting Workshop

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 21 at the Vancouver Community Library, 901 C Street, Vancouver. The workshop will offer a panel of experts with job-seeking and resume-writing advice.

Southwest Washington Jobs Fair

9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 29 at Warehouse 23, 100 Columbia Street #102, Vancouver.

Employers who are interested in participating should call, 360-695-6292.Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 4:07 am

A small group of protesters gathered in the Yacolt Burn State Forest April 28 waving signs at the few cars passing along the road leading into Larch Corrections Center. The individuals gathered were calling for the removal of Larch Superintendent Lisa Oliver-Estes, alleging leadership misconduct in her role as head of the prison.

Those gathered included Daisy Delmore, wife of former custody officer at Larch, Julian Delmore. She recounted her husbands story which led to him losing his job.

Daisy recounted that Julian was tasked with recovering contraband, a knife, from one of the prison units. Accusations arose that the knife was planted which would eventually lead to Julians termination.

Our family has been through a lot because of this, Daisy remarked. Following a union investigation into the incident, Julian was arrested earlier this year which Daisy alleges was just another act of retaliation against her husband who had been vocal in voicing concern over discrimination.

Supporting the prison workers was the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees Legal Defense and Education Fund, Pacific Northwest Chapter. Executive Director Earl Ford was present at the first of what he says will be recurring protests near the prison.

The coalition had recently submitted a change.org petition asking for the removal of Oliver-Estes, listing 11 alleged instances of leadership misconduct leveled against the superintendent. The Delmores story was listed among others which ranged from improper accommodations for a disabled veteran to hiring practices favoring friends over qualified candidates.

Ford brought up one of the allegations, that surrounded the refusal to let an inmate attend the funeral of his grandson who died in a fire in Tacoma. Ford said Oliver-Estes had refused the request given alleged connections the inmate had with gangs in the area, something the inmate denied.

The problem with that is he had been in jail for 20 years, Ford said, calling into question what ties the inmate could still have two decades removed.

Oliver-Estes first arrived at Larch as superintendent in an interim capacity in September 2015. One of the complaints against her had to do with hiring practices. Daisy, Ford and others allege the superintendents practices include closing off position applications to only those from within the corrections center and hiring staff with a disproportionate rate of white employees given prison demographics.

She is making her own pool of applicants  while these people that have worked in these jobs for years cant even apply, Ford said. He added that the internal grooming only exacerbated the diversity issue given what he said is a predominately white pool of applicants.

Forty percent of the inmates are people of color. You would think you would want to have some diversity, but thats not happening up here, Ford said.

Though requests for comment by The Reflector received a response from Oliver-Estes, a full reaction to the allegations was not provided as of press time.Longwood, Fla., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Longwood, Fla., May 1st, 2018  Spectrum Global Solutions, Inc. (SGSI), announced today that it is scheduled to present at RedChips Global Online Growth Conference on Wednesday, May 2nd, at 3:30pm EST. The presentation can be viewed at www.RedChip.com . A live Q&A session will follow the investor presentation.

RedChips Global Online Growth Conference brings together investors and executives of leading small-cap companies, representing a broad spectrum within many sectors. More than 10,000 investors attend RedChips microcap conference series each year.

No registration is required to participate in the conference. Start times are subject to change.

About Spectrum Global Solutions, Inc.



Spectrum Global Solutions operates through its subsidiaries AW Solutions, ADEX Corp and Mantra Energy Alternatives. The Company is a leading provider of telecommunications engineering and infrastructure services across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and Caribbean.

The Companys subsidiary Mantra Energy Alternatives develops electrochemical technologies designed to make profitable the reducing of greenhouse gas emissions. For more information about the Company and its technologies visit the Companys public filings at SEC.gov.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements include statements regarding our expectations, hopes, beliefs or intentions regarding the future, including but not limited to statements regarding our market, strategy, competition, development plans (including acquisitions and expansion), financing, revenues, operations, and compliance with applicable laws. Forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include the risks described in greater detail in the following paragraphs. All forward-looking statements in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement except where applicable law requires us to update these statements. Market data used throughout this prospectus is based on published third party reports or the good faith estimates of management, which estimates are based upon their review of internal surveys, independent industry publications and other publicly available information.

Contact:

Bruce Haase

RedChip Companies

407-644-4256, ext. 131

bruce@redchip.com

###

Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 4:01 am

Around 1 p.m. last Sunday a car headed eastbound on Northeast 259th St. in Battle Ground veered off the road and crashed into a power pole.

The power pole broke in half from the impact and proceeded to fall on the vehicle, setting it ablaze.

According to Clark County Fire & Rescue spokesperson Tim Dawdy, the driver escaped the car and was not on scene when Clark County Fire & Rescue arrived.

The firefighters did not immediately engage the flame when they arrived because of the active electric line.

Dawdy said some surrounding homes lost power for a time and traffic was affected for around an hour-and-a-half as deputies from the Clark County Sheriffs Office managed traffic to allow Clark County Public Utilities to work on repairs.Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 4:10 am

One of Clark Countys newest citizens isnt exactly new to the area.

Although Mario Medina grew up in Clark County, attending Battle Ground Public Schools his whole life and subsequently graduating from Battle Ground High Schools, he wasnt born in the United States.

Fast forward to March 2018, and the groundskeeper for the Hockinson School District who came from Mexico at 18 months old, is an official U.S. citizen after receiving his papers March 12.

Marios family had initially come over to escape violence in the Mexico state of Michoacan.

One of his few memories from the trip was watching TV for the first time at his uncles house in Oregon. His family eventually made it to Clark County where he grew up in Amboy completely unaware that he wasnt a U.S. citizen.

Mario didnt find out about his undocumented status until middle school. Having grown up learning English at about the same time his peers did, the idea that he wasnt a citizen like those in his classes didnt dawn on him until the revelation.

Mario said that after graduating high school with few prospects, given financial and legal constraints, he made the decision to begin the citizenship journey. Around that time he began saving money with the help of his then-girlfriend, now-wife, Haley.

After some years of saving the whole process started in earnest in October 2012.

His first attempt at citizenship resulted in denial. though no reason was given.

After getting married to Haley, Mario tried a second time, but was denied again. He remarked on how people had told him marriage would be a sure thing for citizenship.

Its not that easy anymore, Mario said.

Finally, with Haley pregnant with the familys first child Mario was able to receive Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protection, some good news for a change. It wasnt the end of the road, with the next step being a green card.

In order to get to that next step, Mario would have to head back to the country he was born in but barely knew.

In 2014 Mario traveled to Ciudad Juarez to apply for a green card at the U.S. Consulate, spending about a week in the city across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. There he had a three-part process to undergo including a biometrics portion (fingerprinting), a physical and an interview before he could receive permanent residency in the U.S.

Conditions in the city made the week a harrowing one, and the only other English-speaker was a man helping his friend through much of the same process Mario himself was going through.

There are people going around changing light bulbs with machine guns, thats how bad it is, Mario remarked. Luckily he was able to find a map someone had drawn of the area detailing how to quickly get from his hotel to the consulate.

Its stressful because you just dont know whats going to happen, Mario said of each step in the process. In some cases he would wait months before receiving word on whether an application for one step had been approved.

Apart from time, all the expenses involved with the process added up. According to a lowball estimate, all told, Mario said getting citizenship cost about $12,600. He was helped in part due to a Portland attorney, Jeffrey Gonzales, whose firm deals exclusively in immigration law.

Haley commented that Gonzales wasnt the first legal help the Marios looked at, as Haley said that in talking with other attorneys prior to finding Gonzales it looked like a lost cause.

We were determined, Haley said.

Finally, on March 12 Mario received his citizenship papers. Part of getting those papers involved a citizenship test consisting of 100 possible questions. Luckily Mario studied well, commenting he was able to nail the first six questions in a row, passing the test.

Both Mario and Haley commented on how many of their friends  themselves, like Haley, citizens from birth  struggled at being able to answer some of the stumpers.

When he spoke to The Reflector it was about a month after that reception  he commented how before there was always a worry in the back of his mind that someone might be after him due to his immigration status.

Now I dont have to worry about it, so its cool, Mario remarked. He mentioned his sons, Cruz and Cyrus, arent quite old enough to understand what their father went through, though he intends to one day show his sons the records of his citizenship journey, including roughly two dozen letters of support written for him during the process.

Hopefully they wont take stuff for granted, he said.

For Haley, the finality of citizenship was a relief.

Every step of the way we always had another part of the process, Haley said. Wed finish a part and it felt like a milestone, but we still had more to go.

Nowadays the couple will find themselves inexplicably smiling together, knowing the ordeal was over.

Its so surreal that were done, Haley said.

Looking forward, being able to move freely and save money leaves a lot of possibilities for the Medinas.

I want to buy a house now that I can actually do that and not have to worry about paying more fees, I can actually save for that (house), Mario said.

For Haley, the peace of mind it brought her husband and lifelong friend was priceless.

Im so happy that he doesnt have that worry anymore, she said.Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 3:28 am

I strongly oppose any new building on the local Washington State University Vancouver campus. Likewise, I oppose the building of the new Ridgefield middle school and Clark College campus.

Before any new public buildings are constructed neighbors need third-party independent investigation (and probably mediation) involving how a 250-car parking lot came to be built in a pristine field adjacent to six Mount Vista houses, counter to international urban planning standards, counter to past promises to the homeowners association, and with questionable attention to common sense and to a couple state regulations about water and noise. Neighbors in Mount Vista have struggled with WSU Vancouver and Clark County officials. You could be next.

When I moved here in mid-2014 I had no idea how difficult it would be to make meaningful contact with people in the power structure. In Alaska, where I spent most of my professional life, it wasnt hard to run into the UA-Fairbanks chancellor at the grocery store. As a board member of the Alaska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, I went to the legislature in Juneau on Social Work Lobbying Day for four years. Every legislators office was open to me (except for a super tea party newcomer one year).

Southwest Washington is nothing like this. Mt Vista neighbors had to strategize with legislative aides even to meet with any WSU Vancouver representatives. WSU Vancouver leadership generally refuses to speak to those of lesser stature, such as its neighbors.

In 2007 when WSU Vancouver wanted to build a 550-car parking structure in about this same location, neighbors went to legislators and got the funding pulled. Like a vampire, the project came back, but in different form. In 2015 state agency WSU Vancouver was able to build a 250-car surface lot with their own money from parking fees and fines  when the 2007 Master Plan Update says there will be no surface parking lots in the boundary.

That same document says WSU Vancouver will set an example of environmental responsibility, when in reality it has set an example of environmental irresponsibility. Recently I learned the master plan is just a vision, (non-binding) so its only news if someone sues.

I raise and lower my kitchen and dining room blinds on WSU Vancouvers lighting schedule because the lights WSU Vancouver chose are incompatible with residential living. (To be environmentally responsible they must be capped to shed light downwards). Early on, a Clark County staff member looked at the lighting situation here and recommended to his boss that it needed fixing. That person drafted a letter after looking at photos and sent it to my county contact person  who undercut the first two county employees.

WSU Vancouver chased away the raptors, increasing our rat, mole, and rabbit population. It changed the course of the water, directing a lot more rain water our way. Neighbors quality of life and home values have been diminished. Properties have been physically damaged by prolonged heavy-equipment use.

Poorly-regulated county oversight is reputedly not new here and deserves unbiased, third-party investigation before more neighborhoods are harmed.English French

QUEBEC CITY, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SOCIETE DEXPLORATION MINIERE VIOR INC. ("Vior"), (TSX-Venture:VIO) (FRANKFURT:VL51)  is pleased to announce that it has entered into a second option and joint venture agreement with Iluka Exploration (Canada) Ltd. ("Iluka"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Iluka Resources Limited (ASX:ILU), one of the largest producers of the high-grade titanium dioxide products of rutile and synthetic rutile. Iluka has been granted an option to earn an interest in the 69 mining claims comprising the Big Island Lake rutile project, 100%-owned by Vior, which covers 3,783 hectares situated 25 kilometers north of the town of Havre-St-Pierre, in the North Shore region of Quebec.



Under the agreement, Iluka may earn an initial 51% interest (First Option) in the Big Island Lake project by incurring exploration expenditures totalling $200,000 before March 31st, 2019. After earning an initial 51% interest, Iluka may elect to increase its interest to 90% (Second Option) by incurring an additional $1,500,000 in exploration expenditures before March 31st, 2021.

Upon completion of the Second Option, Vior and Iluka will bear all costs according to their participating interest in the Big Island Lake project. Any joint venture partys interest reduced to 5% or less will be either sold to the other joint venture party at a price to be agreed to or converted to a 2% net smelter return royalty on precious and base metals and a 2% gross revenue royalty on mineral substances (other than precious and base metals).

We are extremely pleased to have signed a second agreement with Iluka for our Big Island Lake rutile project. Iluka is an outstanding joint venture partner with a global footprint and expertise in rutile and mineral sands. We look forward to working closely with them in advancing both our Foothills and Big Island Lake rutile projects in Quebec, stated Mark Fedosiewich, Viors President and CEO.

Big Island Lake Project

The project lies within the Havre-St-Pierre Anorthositic Complex where several massive ilmenite (iron-titanium) showings were identified, including the Lac Tio mine currently in operation, located 19 kilometers to the northeast. In the summer and fall 2016, Vior carried out a reconnaissance program on the Big Island Lake project followed by a channel rock sampling program on the main rutile (titanium dioxide) showing known as the Big Island Lake prospect.

As mentioned in the Companys press release of January 16th, 2017, the Big Island Lake prospect lies as an east-west oriented massive ilmenite horizon outcropping sporadically over a strike length of at least 280 meters. A first field visit confirmed the presence of rutile associated to ilmenite and selected rock sampling returned titanium (TiO 2 ) between 44.2% and 48.4%. During a second field visit four channels totaling 45.1 meters were sampled over the mineralized horizon in order to better document the distribution of the rutile within the Big Island Lake massive ilmenite showing. The weighted average titanium and iron values for each channel are presented in the table below:

From (m) To (m) Length (m) TiO 2 (%) Fe 2 O 3 (%) Channel 1 1.4 9.4 8.0 39.2 51.0 Channel 2* 0 9.0 8.6 36.8 53.7 Channel 3 0 5.0 5.0 33.3 49.5 10.8 18.5 7.7 41.6 51.3 Channel 4a 0 8.3 8.3 35.1 49.8 Channel 4b 0 2.2 2.2 45.2 49.2

* a section of 0.4 meter could not be sampled on the outcrop

Rutile mineralization is present in every channel over a thickness varying from 1 to 6 meters with concentration ranging from traces to locally 15% in the rock. Rutile is systematically associated to massive ilmenite and disseminated rutile crystals can also be observed in anorthosite blocks and fragments trapped within the rutile-rich massive ilmenite mineralization.

Generally the presence of rutile in the ilmenite increases the TiO 2 content beyond 40% whereas the massive ilmenite without rutile shows a TiO 2 content varying from 30% to 39%. Historically, rock samples collected on other massive ilmenite showings on the project returned some TiO 2 values over 40% which could suggest the presence of rutile.



Vior and Iluka are currently designing their 2018 exploration program on the Big Island Lake project which should include a comprehensive geophysical survey, ground follow-up and diamond drilling.

About Vior

Vior is a junior mining exploration company based in Quebec whose corporate strategy is to generate, explore, and develop high quality projects in proven and favourable mining jurisdictions in North America. Through the years, Viors management and technical team have demonstrated their ability to discover several gold deposits and many high quality mineral prospects.

The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Marc L'Heureux, P.Geo., who is the Company's Qualified Person as per NI 43-101.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Fedosiewich Marc LHeureux President and CEO Vice-president, Exploration Tel.: 613-898-5052 Tel.: 450-646-1790 mfedosiewich@vior.ca mlheureux@vior.ca

Website: www.vior.ca

SEDAR: Societe dexploration miniere Vior inc.

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.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DLTA 21 Blockchain Corp. (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas R. Zengage to the Companys Board of Directors (the Board) effective April 30, 2018. Mr. Zengage replaced Mr. Ford Nicholson, who has resigned from the Board due to increasing demands of other professional commitments, however Mr. Nicholson will remain an advisor to the Company.



Matthew Hornor, Executive Chairman of the Company stated, we are delighted to welcome Mr. Zengage to our Board as an independent director. Mr. Zengage is a seasoned entrepreneur with early stage investments in blockchain startups around the globe and we expect the Company will benefit greatly from his experience and insight as the Company continues to implement its stated strategy of investing in and developing key distributed ledger based companies.

The Company wishes to thank Mr. Nicholson for his significant contributions throughout the formation and initial financing of the Company and we look forward to his continued participation with the Company as a key advisor.

About Thomas R. Zengage

Mr. Zengage is a long-term serial entrepreneur based in Tokyo. Including deals with partners in Singapore, he is an investor in early stage blockchain startups globally and an independent director of a major Tokyo Stock Exchange listed company. In the high technology and Internet fields Zengage has led consulting engagements on behalf of IBM, Amazon, and other companies. He was CEO and the major shareholder of Japans pioneering investor relations firm, later acquired by WPP plc (WPP), which appointed him CEO of Ogilvy PR Japan. Zengage afterwards became CEO of Edelman PR Japan. He later completed a Leveraged Buy Out of part of the firm he previously sold to WPP. Zengage graduated from Columbia Universitys Columbia College, where he studied Chinese. After graduate studies in Japanese he completed an MBA at the University of Washington.

For more information, contact:

DLTA 21 Blockchain Corp (formerly Protos Blockchain Corp)

B. Matthew Hornor, Chief Executive Officer

Email: mh@dlta21.com

Telephone: 778-955-6133

www.dlta21.com

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release may constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. These statements may relate to anticipated events or results and include, but are not limited to, expectations regarding the terms the Offering and receipt of related regulatory approvals, the Closing Date and other statements that are not historical facts. Particularly, information regarding our expectations of future results, targets, performance achievements, prospects or opportunities is forward-looking information. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may" "will", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "plan", "could", "should", "would", "outlook", "forecast", "anticipate", "foresee", "continue" or the negative of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements are current as of the date they are made and are based on applicable estimates and assumptions made by us at the relevant time in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. However, we do not undertake to update any such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws in Canada. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct.



About US:

Aikan HR Consultants is one of Ugandas leading HR consulting companies and trusted strategic HR advisory partner, aikans services include aikan Jobs, aikan Recruitment, aikan Internship, aikan Leasing, aikan Payroll and aikan OD.

The Credit Documentation Officer will

provide high level quality support Credit Approvers, Relationship Managers and

related officers in the Business Units while providing some independent control

over the credit process.

Issuance of Banking Facility Letters

(BFL) upon receipt of approved Business Credit Application (BCA) ensure,

observing TAT and high standards of accuracy;

Issue deficiency reports upon receipt

of BCA/Accepted BFL

Liaisons with external service

providers on security documentation process and ensure securing documentation

and conditions have been perfected/completed prior to drawdown of facility

(unless waiver held);

Maintain & Update security

documentation in the Collateral Management System (CMS) and Integrated

Collateral Documents Management System (iCDMS)

Issuance of Document Deferral Note

(DDN) and SCC on receipt of last outstanding Security document or BCA

respectively;

To embed the Banks AML-CDD

procedures for all borrowing relationships;

Ensure safe custody of the security

documentation under dual control.

To ensure all administration and

reports relating to Business Clients and Commercial Banking credit operations

are attended to within the set goals and provide necessary administration

support to Business Clients and Commercial Banking borrowers.

To prepare and issue final releases

of charges to the unit head for approval

Review security file together with

external lawyers for accounts downgraded to non-performing assets and issue

Document Verification Certificate (DVC)South Korean President Moon Jae-in has shaken off a suggestion that he receive the Nobel Peace Prize, saying that U.S. President Donald Trump can take the Nobel prize as long as the Koreas receive peace in return.

Moon made the comment Monday in response to a suggestion that he receive the award by the widow of late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 after a summit with then North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

Moon held a summit with current leader Kim Jong Un last week in which Moon and Kim, the son of Kim Jong Il, walked together across the tense border and agreed to a raft of initiatives meant to ease animosity. Moon responded to the suggestion of Nobel glory by saying, President Trump can take the Nobel prize. The only thing we need is peace, according to the Souths presidential office.

South Korea also said Monday that it will remove propaganda-broadcasting loudspeakers from the border with North Korea this week as the rivals move to follow through with their leaders summit declaration that produced reconciliation steps without a breakthrough in the nuclear standoff.

During their historic meeting Friday at a Korean border village, Kim and Moon agreed to end hostile acts against each other along their tense border, establish a liaison office and resume reunions of separated families. They also agreed to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, but failed to produce specific time frames and disarmament steps.

Seouls Defense Ministry said it would pull back dozens of its front-line loudspeakers on Tuesday before media cameras. Ministry spokeswoman Choi Hyunsoo said Seoul expected North Korea to do the same.

South Korea had already turned off its loudspeakers ahead of Fridays summit talks, and North Korea responded by halting its own broadcasts.

The two Koreas had been engaged in Cold War-era psychological warfare since the Norths fourth nuclear test in early 2016. Seoul began blaring anti-North Korean broadcasts and K-Pop songs via border loudspeakers, and North Korea quickly matched the action with its own border broadcasts and launches of balloons carrying anti-South leaflets.

Seouls announcement came a day after it said Kim told Moon during the summit that he would shut down his countrys only known nuclear testing site and allow outside experts and journalists to watch the process.

South Korean officials also cited Kim as saying he would be willing to give up his nuclear programs if the United States commits to a formal end to the Korean War and a pledge not to attack the North. Kim had already suspended his nuclear and missile tests while offering to put his nuclear weapons up for negotiations.

The closing of the Punggy-ri test site, where all six of North Koreas atomic bomb tests occurred, could be an eye-catching disarmament step by North Korea. But there is still deep skepticism over whether Kim is truly willing to negotiate away the nuclear weapons that his country has built after decades of struggle.

According to a summit accord, Kim and Moon agreed to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization, rather than clearly stating a nuclear-free North Korea. North Korea has long said the term denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula must include the United States pulling its 28,500 troops out of South Korea and removing its so-called nuclear umbrella security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

Kim could offer more disarmament concessions during his meeting with Trump, expected in May or June, but its unclear what specific steps he would take. Some experts say Kim may announce scraping North Koreas long-range missile program, which has posed a direct threat to the United States.

U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton reacted coolly to word that Kim would abandon his weapons if the United States pledged not to invade.

Asked on CBSs Face the Nation whether the U.S. would make such a promise, Bolton said: Well, weve heard this before. This is  the North Korean propaganda playbook is an infinitely rich resource. What we want to see from them is evidence that its real and not just rhetoric.

Kims meeting with Moon was his second summit with a foreign leader since he took office in late 2011. In March, he traveled to Beijing and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While meeting with Xi, Kim suggested he prefers a step-by-step disarmament process in line with corresponding outside rewards, according to Chinese state media. U.S. officials want the North to take complete, verifiable and irreversible disarmament measures.

China said Monday that its foreign minister, Wang Yi, will visit Pyongyang, North Koreas capital, on Wednesday and Thursday.

China is North Koreas only major economic partner, but trade has declined by about 90 percent following Beijings implementation of economic sanctions imposed over the Norths nuclear and missile tests. Some analysts say Kims recent charm offensive was aimed at weakening the sanctions.

Also on Monday, the Norths parliament adopted a decree to sync its time zone with South Koreas this Saturday. North Koreas official news agency said the move was made at the proposal of Kim, who found it was a painful wrench to see two clocks indicating Pyongyang and Seoul times hanging on a wall of the summit venue.

Moons office said Sunday that Kim made similar remarks to Moon during the summit.

The North in 2015 had set its clocks 30 minutes behind South Korea and Japan, saying the measure was aimed at rooting out the legacy of Tokyos 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.

(AP)According to numerous reports, quoting an Israel Foreign Ministry cable sent by an Israeli Consulate official in NY, during a meeting on March 27, 2018 with Jewish leaders in New York, Saudi Arabian Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), had harsh words for PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen). The Times of Israel states the prince castigated Abbas and other sources add, MbS stated the PA have consistently missed opportunities over the past decades, and the time has come to accept the current US administration offer for peace or shut up.

The closed-door meeting with the heads of Jewish organizations in NYC has led to a new reality, with MbS explaining the PA (Palestinian Authority) diplomatic process is far from a major concern for Saudi Arabia, adding they are far more concerned with preventing the growing Iranian influence in the area.

It is no secret that Abbas, and Arafat YMS before him, rejected offers from many an Israeli Prime Minister, from Yitzchak Rabin, Ehud Barak, Ehud Olmert, Arik Sharon and Binyamin Netanyahu. It has become clear to all that Abbas is genuinely interested in perpetuating the conflict and playing the underdog, as the nations of the world continue pouring countless sums of money into the PA and Hamastine, Gaza.

With the establishment of the current US administration, headed by President Donald Trump, the tables have turned and it appears the White House and State Department are no longer biased against Israel as was the case with previous administrations. The so-called Mideast peace process has been placed on a low burner as the White House prefers to concentrate on making America great again.

MbS told Jewish leaders that Abu Mazen should accept the plan that was prepared by the current US administration, which according to reports is ready to be released, or simply shut up, signaling even the moderate Arab world has become tired of the PA whining. The White House plan was drawn up by President Trumps closest advisor, Jared Kushner.

An Israel 10 News report on the March 27th meeting did not mention the names of the Jewish leaders present, just that they were representative of major organizations. The Saudi Embassy said that the crown prince was to have met with Jewish leaders including Rabbi Rick Jacobs (President of the Union for Reform Judaism); Rabbi Steven Wernick (head of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism); and Allen Fagin (Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union). That meeting, however, which also included Christian leaders, took place on March 28, the Times of Israel adds.

The New York Times and Reuters of late have both reported Saudi Arabia has been applying pressure on Ramallah to accept the US plan, but for now, there is no signal that this will occur since Abbas announced he is boycotting the White House since President Trump has become impartial, shifting away from the one-sided policies of President Barak Obama.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dajin Resources Corp. (Dajin) (TSX-V:DJI) (OTC:DJIFF) (Germany:C2U1) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JV) with Geothermal Development Associates (GDA), Reno, Nevada. GDAs principle line of business is the development of geothermal resources for electrical generation. They hold geothermal leases that overlap Dajins placer claims in the Teels Marsh valley. As a result of this JV, GDA and Dajin will share exploration data with the ultimate aim of supporting the development of a Lithium brine extraction facility as well as development of a geothermal plant for electrical generation and the production of direct-use thermal water. This agreement outlines a cooperative relationship where both companies will be focusing on their key strengths to mutually develop Lithium brine and renewable energy resources.



Dajins President Brian Findlay commented, The link between geothermal systems and Lithium enrichment has been well documented, so the presence of a strong geothermal system is a good indicator for potentially commercial grades of Lithium in brine. This factor, along with preferential access to green renewable electrical power and thermal energy to power a potential future Lithium brine operation without competition over surface and water rights, enhances the chances of identifying economic Lithium and geothermal resources. GDAs President Martin Booth said, We are pleased with this association with Dajin who understands and appreciates the significance of geothermal resources and how collaboration can help both companies move forward on their respective developments. (click here for information on GDA)

Key attractions of Dajins Teels Marsh valley Lithium brine project include identified near-surface Lithium-bearing brines, possession of granted water rights, and minimal land fragmentation. The basin beneath the playa is up to 8,200 feet (2,500 metres) deep. Prior geothermal exploration results indicate favourable geochemistry and shallow sub-surface temperatures of up to 206F (97C) at 131 feet (40 meters) depth at the northwest end of the valley. In March 2017, the Bureau of Land Management accepted Dajins Notice to proceed with civil works and drilling as part of its exploration for Lithium brines. Construction of the roads and pads in preparation for drilling is underway. A National Instrument 43-101 report on the Teels Marsh project was released in April 2017 (a copy can be obtained by clicking here).

The technical information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements of National Instrument 43-101 and has been reviewed and approved on behalf of Dajin Resources Corp. by Dajin Directors, Dr. Catherine Hickson, P. Geo and Dr. Mark Coolbaugh, P.Geo, the Qualified Persons.

About Dajin: (www.dajin.ca)

Dajin, through Dajin Resources S.A. (Dajin S.A.), holds concessions or concession applications in Jujuy Province, Argentina that were acquired in regions known to contain brines with Lithium, Potassium, and Boron values. These concessions exceed 93,000 hectares (230,000 acres) and are primarily located in the Salinas Grandes/Guayatayoc salt lakes basin. In February 2018, Dajin announced the results of 25 shallow brine samples covering an area of 550 hectares (5.5 km2) in the northwestern corner of the 4,300 hectare (43 km2) San Jose/Navidad mina. Concentrations ranged from 281 mg/l to 1,353 mg/l, averaging 591 mg/l Lithium. Dajin S.A. is partnered with LSC Lithium Corporation who has agreed to spend $2,000,000 to earn a 51% interest in Dajin S.A.s Lithium properties while building a significant presence in Argentina. (click here for information on LSC Lithium Corporation)

Dajin is an early stage Lithium exploration company holding a 100% interest in 403 placer claims covering 7,914 acres (3,202 hectares) in the Teels Marsh valley of Mineral County, Nevada. These claims are known to contain Lithium and Boron values and are adjacent to the birth place of US Borax Corps first borax mine. Dajin also holds a 100% interest in 278 placer claims covering 5,591 acres (2,262 hectares) in the Alkali Lake valley of Esmeralda County, Nevada, located 7 miles (11 kilometers) northeast of Albemarles Silver Peak Lithium brine operation in Clayton Valley.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Brian Findlay

President & CEO

For further information please contact:

Julie Hajduk at 604-609-6151 or julie@dajin.ca

Head of Corporate Development

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility

for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Bereaved families, wounded IDF veterans and activists from the Zionist organization Im Tirtzu demonstrated on monday outside the Supreme Court in response to petitions filed by far-Left NGOs against the IDFs defensive operations on the Gaza border.

The demonstrators chained their hands together and stated that the chains represent how the Supreme Court uses petitions filed by far-Left NGOs to tie the hands of soldiers. The demonstrators called to attention that the NGOs petitioning the Supreme Court are all funded by foreign governments and the US-based New Israel Fund.

Last week, the far-Left NGOs Yesh Din, Gisha, HaMoked and Association for Civil Rights in Israel submitted a judicial petition against the IDF demanding that it change its rules of engagement in dealing with the violent Gaza riots.

Another petition against the IDF was also submitted by the far-Left NGOs Adalah demanding that the military ban all use of snipers on the Gaza border.

The demonstrators chanted slogans accusing the Supreme Court of working in tandem with far-Left NGOs funded by the New Israel Fund and foreign government, including The Supreme Court: Home of the New Israel Fund and Enough of the Supreme Court Dictatorship.

Herzl and Merav Hajaj, whose daughter Shir Hajaj was murdered last year in a truck ramming attack in Jerusalem, said: It is absurd that the Supreme Court continues to accept the petitions of these organizations that work to harm IDF soldiers. We cannot bring our Shir back, but we will continue fighting to ensure that these organizations that defend terrorists wont be able to continue harming IDF soldiers.

Liran Baruch, head of the Wounded IDF Veterans Forum, stated that his forum stands in solidarity with IDF soldiers. While our soldiers are protecting us, there are those that want to take away their ability to do so, said Baruch.

Matan Peleg, CEO of Im Tirtzu, stated that it is inconceivable that delegitimization organizations are allowed to engage in lawfare against the IDF, courtesy of the New Israel Fund and foreign governments.

Rather than acting as the gatekeeper of democracy, the Supreme Court takes advantage of these ridiculous petitions to grab the steering wheel from the government and impose their will on the Israeli people.

This phenomenon does not only endanger the future of Israel, but endangers the lives of IDF soldiers in the immediate future, added Peleg.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Im Tirtzu)Ethiopia to invest directly in the Port of Djibouti

Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed visiting Djibouti

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According to Reuters news agency Ethiopia and Djibouti has agreed for Ethiopia to have a stake in the Port of Djibouti. The deal was signed when the new Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed visited Djibouti last week. Djibouti also will have access to directly invest in Ethiopian government owned businesses and firms.

Ethiopia uses the port of Djibouti for 90% of its import and export needs. Djibouti on the other hand makes about two billion dollars a year which amounts to about 80% of Djiboutis national income. On top of this Ethiopia supplies electric power, water, food and other daily consumer goods to Djibouti.

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The report didnt disclose the Ethiopian share in the Port of Djibouti, but the two countries agreed to develop joint facilities.

Not long ago Ethiopia has obtained 19% share in the Port of Berbera in Somaliland. As the Ethiopian economy continues to grow the need for stable port accesses is becoming extremely important.

A few months ago Djibouti terminated a deal with DP World which is owned by Dubai. Djibouti was looking for investor to replace DP World.

Year after year Ethiopia and Djiboutis economic integration is becoming reality.





Read More

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PITTSBURGH, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) released its Sustainability Report 2017. The report highlights the companys renewed commitment to transparency in its sustainability efforts, including recent innovations in operations, as well as corporate responsibility practices related to environmental stewardship, safety, governance, culture and ethics and compliance.

At U.S. Steel, we know that being a good corporate citizen is not only the right thing to do, its also essential to our success, said David B. Burritt, President and CEO of U. S. Steel. We are proud of our employees accomplishments outlined in our sustainability report, and plan to build on them as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. We thank them for their hard work and sustainable improvements.

Key takeaways from the report include:

As a result of investments in innovation, U.S. Steel is the only American steel producer to have a third generation Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) approved for automotive customers. This product improves fuel mileage and helps customers meet increasing safety requirements.

The companys efforts to continually seek opportunities to reuse and repurpose have resulted in the annual recycling of more than 7.5 million tons of materials including 2.9 million tons of scrap steel that is used to create new steel products.

The company announced its commitment to establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal by the end of 2019.

U.S. Steel performed approximately 89% better than its peers when compared to the serious injury cases for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Iron and Steel, in 2016, the most recent year for which BLS data is available.

The company is focused on fostering a high-performance culture characterized by accountability, fairness, respect and adherence to the highest ethical standards.

The company's inaugural Inclusion Survey provided direct feedback on opportunities to strengthen its culture around diversity and inclusion. Future surveys will allow the company to track progress and make adjustments so that employees continue to feel valued, respected and safe.

In 2017, U.S. Steel employees conducted more than 300,000 hours of training in areas including, but not limited to, safety, job skills and leadership.

The report can be viewed online here: www.uss.com .

United States Steel Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is a leading integrated steel producer and Fortune 300 company with major operations in the United States and Central Europe. For more information about U. S. Steel, please visit www.ussteel.com.MBABANE After all has been said and done, Municipal Council of Mbabane Chief Executive Officer Gideon Mhlongo has officially been suspended.



The CEO was served with the letter of his suspension on Monday by his council.

Yesterday, he confirmed to this newspaper that he had been served with the suspension letter, but said he did not understand why exactly he had been suspended.



Yes, I received it later on Monday. Based on what I received, it is not clear and it has no specifics, so I have handed it over to my legal team, Mhlongo said.



Mhlongo was asked by this reporter if he understood clearly the main reason for his suspension, plus its terms and conditions.

Before his confirmation, former Mayor Sikhatsi Dlamini was asked to confirm if indeed he had officially served Mhlongo with the suspension letter something which he refused to do.



That is a personal matter, so I will not be able to comment on it. These are issues that I am not supposed to discuss with the media, so I would advise that you talk to the CEO himself, said Dlamini.



Dlaminis term as mayor ended on Monday and the elections for his successor are scheduled for this morning, where it would be determined if his fellow councillors would vote him back to the position or would choose someone else.



The confirmation by Mhlongo has put an end to the confusion as his suspension has been nothing but an unconfirmed issue, which he himself denied knowledge of.



In our Sunday edition, The Times Sunday, Mhlongo said he was shocked after reading about the suspension without being served with any letter to that effect.



He was reacting to an article carried by one of the local weekend newspapers to the effect that the citys councillors had resolved to suspend him with immediate effect.



He said what shocked him was that there had been no recent communication from the council, except for when they acknowledged receipt of his proposal for a contract renewal at the end of March.KALANGA  Three people died on the spot and several others were seriously injured when two Toyota Quantums collided at Kalanga area near Siteki on Monday morning.



The accident occurred near Budvodza Abukhulelwa Bus Stop, along the pothole-riddled Lukhula-Big Bend Public Road (MR16).

Two of the deceased have been identified as a Mozambican male and the other as a Zimbabwean male.



However, police provided no further details about the deceased hence their full particulars, including names, age and occupation, could not be ascertained, at the time of compiling this report.



The third victim was identified by the police as a Swati woman, who hails from Mpolonjeni area near Siteki.

According to Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Superintendent Khulani Mamba, the accident occurred at about 6:30am.



Rushed



Both drivers were critically injured and were rushed to Good Shepherd Hospital where they were admitted while three passengers were seriously injured and were confirmed dead on arrival at the same institution. Thirteen passengers were admitted, he said in a press release.



Meanwhile, some of the surviving passengers said the accident occurred due to the bad state of the road.

They also blamed both drivers for speeding.



Our kombi moved from its lane into the other one to avoid the pot-holes. However, when the driver realized that there was another kombi coming, it moved back to its lane. The other kombi then moved into our lane and our driver quickly moved to the other lane. The other kombi also moved to our lane hence there was a collision, said Sifiso Dlamini, who fractured one of his legs and further injured the other.MBABANE  Yet another cancer patient is lying helplessly at the Mbabane Government Hospital due to lack of funds to undergo chemotherapy in neighbouring South Africa.



Lungile Ncobile Maziya, a second-year student at the Swaziland College of Technology (SCOT), had her appointment scheduled for April 16, 2018. She was admitted to the Mbabane Government Hospital on March 30, 2018.

Lungile (29) is studying Human Resource Management and as a result of her ailment, has missed examinations which started on April 23 until this Friday.



She was diagnosed with Thrombocytopenia cancer (cancer of the blood) and requires over E660 000 for her treatment. She has missed the appointment because of financial constraints.



A letter written by Curo Oncology to Phalala Fund informs them of her next appointment, which she has missed.

The letter, which has been signed by Dr Karen Motilall, is requesting assistance on behalf of the patient to return for her chemotherapy treatment booked on the mentioned date.



Due to her condition and challenge, her family has come out to plead with members of the public, organisations and the business community, to lend a helping hand.



Lungiles calamity began in February when she suffered from continuous headaches and her arms were also painful. When she went to hospital, she was told that her cells had developed cancer and as a result has been surviving through blood transfusion since then.

This is because her body had not been able to make enough platelets which resulted in blood disorder.



Documents which this newspaper is in possession of revealed that the quotations from Curo Oncology in South Africa amounted to a total of E660 314.46.Kymriah demonstrated an overall response rate of 50%, with median duration of response not yet reached at the time of data cut-off, indicating sustainability of response[1]

Kymriah is the only CAR-T therapy FDA-approved for two distinct indications - in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Novartis has established leadership based on first-to-launch CAR-T therapy experience, existing treatment center network and payor environment understanding, which helps to support access and anticipated patient demand

Novartis continues to collaborate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on various value-based pricing initiatives

The digital press release with multimedia content can be accessed here:

Basel, May 1, 2018 - Novartis today announced the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) suspension for intravenous infusion for its second indication - the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), high grade B-cell lymphoma and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma. Kymriah is not indicated for the treatment of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma. Kymriah, developed in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, became the first chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy to receive regulatory approval in August 2017 for the treatment of patients up to 25 years of age with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is refractory or in second or later relapse. Kymriah is now the only CAR-T cell therapy to receive FDA approval for two distinct indications in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and B-cell ALL.

"Today's FDA approval of Kymriah provides another opportunity for Novartis to build on its leadership in CAR-T development, delivering a potentially transformative therapy with durable and sustained response rates and a well-characterized safety profile to help patients in dire need of new treatment options," said Liz Barrett, CEO, Novartis Oncology. "We look forward to leveraging all of our learnings and new capabilities from the initial launch of Kymriah in pediatric and young adult B-cell ALL for this larger group of patients."

DLBCL is the most common form of NHL[2],[3]. For patients who relapse or don't respond to initial therapy, there are limited treatment options that provide durable responses, and median life expectancy is approximately six months[4],[5].

"The goal of Kymriah is to provide physicians with a therapy that has demonstrated durable response rates in relapsed or refractory DLBCL patients, a patient population that has endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy with many having experienced unsuccessful stem cell transplants," said Stephen J. Schuster, MD, the Robert and Margarita Louis-Dreyfus Professor in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinical Care and Research in Penn's Perelman School of Medicine and director of the Lymphoma Program at the Abramson Cancer Center. "With this approval, physicians now have a meaningful therapeutic option that can achieve and maintain a sustained response without stem cell transplant along with a consistent safety profile."

Kymriah is an innovative immunocellular therapy that is a one-time treatment manufactured individually for each patient using the patient's own T cells. Kymriah uses the 4-1BB costimulatory domain in its chimeric antigen receptor to enhance cellular expansion and persistence. In 2012, Novartis and Penn entered into a global collaboration to further research, develop and commercialize CAR-T cell therapies, including Kymriah, for the investigational treatment of cancers.

As part of the Novartis commitment to ensure eligible patients have access to Kymriah, the company continues to collaborate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the creation of an appropriate value-based pricing approach. Novartis continues to be an innovator and leader in value and innovative-based pricing options, and is proud to work with CMS and other stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum on creating a sustainable and modern healthcare payment system.

To ensure all hospitals and their associated clinics are aware of how to manage the risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological toxicities, Kymriah is available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. The REMS program serves to inform and educate healthcare professionals about the risks that may be associated with Kymriah treatment. To support safe patient access, Novartis has established a network of certified treatment centers throughout the country, which are fully trained on the use of Kymriah and appropriate patient care, and there are currently treatment centers which are certified and fully operational to begin treatment of eligible patients with DLBCL.

To address the unique aspects of this therapy, Novartis offers various patient programs and resources to support safe and timely access for patients and address a range of needs.

Novartis is also committed to bringing Kymriah to patients outside the US. In January 2018, Novartis announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted accelerated assessment to the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for Kymriah for the treatment of children and young adults with r/r B-cell ALL and for adult patients with r/r DLBCL who are ineligible for ASCT. Accelerated assessment is granted to therapies which may provide a significant improvement in the safety and effectiveness of the treatment of a serious disease, and the designation is intended to expedite the standard review time. Novartis plans additional regulatory submissions for Kymriah in pediatric and young adult patients with r/r B-cell ALL and adult patients with r/r DLBCL beyond the US and EU in 2018.

About Kymriah JULIET Pivotal Study

The FDA approval of Kymriah in adult patients with r/r DLBCL is based on the pivotal phase II JULIET clinical trial, the first multi-center global registration study for Kymriah in adult patients with r/r DLBCL. JULIET was conducted in collaboration with Penn, and is the largest study examining a CAR-T therapy in DLBCL, enrolling patients from 27 sites in 10 countries across the US, Canada, Australia, Japan and Europe, including: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and the Netherlands. In the JULIET trial, patients were infused in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

In this Novartis-sponsored study, Kymriah showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 50% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38% - 62%), with 32% of patients achieving a complete response (CR) and 18% achieving a partial response (PR) in 68 patients evaluated for efficacy. The median duration of response was not reached among these patients, indicating sustainability of response[1].

In all patients infused with Kymriah (n=106), severe or life-threatening (grade 3/4) CRS, defined by the Penn Grading Scale -a rigorous scale for grading this reaction-, occurred in 23% of patients. CRS is a known complication of CAR-T therapy that may occur when the engineered cells become activated in the patient's body. CRS was managed globally using prior site education on implementation of the CRS treatment algorithm. Eighteen percent of all infused patients experienced grade 3/4 neurologic events, which were managed with supportive care. Encephalopathy, a distinctive neurotoxicity associated with CAR-T therapies, was seen as severe or life-threatening in 11% of patients. There were no deaths attributed to neurological events, and no fatal cases of cerebral edema have occurred. Grade 3/4 cytopenias lasting more than 28 days included thrombocytopenia (40%) and neutropenia (25%), and grade 3/4 infections occurred in 25%. The most common (>20%) adverse events (AEs) in the JULIET study are CRS, infections, pyrexia, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, hypotension, edema and headache[1].

About Kymriah Manufacturing

Kymriah is manufactured for each individual patient using their own cells at the Novartis Morris Plains, New Jersey facility. In the US, the target turnaround time for manufacturing Kymriah is 22 days. The reliable and integrated manufacturing and supply chain platform for Kymriah allows for an individualized treatment approach on a global scale. The process includes cryopreservation of a patient's harvested (or leukapheresed) cells, giving treating physicians and centers the flexibility to initiate therapy with Kymriah based on the individual patient's condition. Novartis has significant CAR-T manufacturing experience and has demonstrated a reproducible product. Novartis has manufactured CAR-T cells for more than 300 patients from 11 countries. Novartis continues to advance its CAR-T manufacturing expertise in Morris Plains where we have been supplying CAR-T cells for global clinical trials and where we continue to invest in support of the anticipated demand to meet the needs of patients.

Novartis has also successfully established the Kymriah manufacturing process at the Fraunhofer-Institut for cell therapy and immunology (Fraunhofer-Institut fur Zelltherapie and Immunologie) facility in Leipzig, Germany, which currently supports the manufacturing of Kymriah for global clinical trials.

Novartis Leadership in Immuno-Oncology

Novartis is at the forefront of investigational immunocellular therapy as the first pharmaceutical company to initiate global CAR-T trials, and has significantly invested in CAR-T research and worked with pioneers in the field. Kymriah, the first approved CAR-T cell therapy, is the cornerstone of this strategy. Active research programs are underway targeting other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, and include efforts focused on next generation CAR-Ts that involve simplified manufacturing schemes and gene edited cells.

Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) US Important Safety information

Kymriah may cause side effects that are severe or life-threatening, such as Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) or Neurological Toxicities. Patients with CRS may experience symptoms including difficulty breathing, fever (100.4F/38C or higher), chills/shaking chills, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, severe muscle or joint pain, very low blood pressure, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Patients may be admitted to the hospital for CRS and treated with other medications.

Patients with neurological toxicities may experience symptoms such as altered or decreased consciousness, headaches, delirium, confusion, agitation, anxiety, seizures, difficulty speaking and understanding, or loss of balance. Patients should be advised to call their healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if they experience any of these signs and symptoms of CRS or neurological toxicities.

Because of the risk of CRS and neurological toxicities, Kymriah is only available through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called Kymriah REMS.

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur after Kymriah infusion.

Kymriah can increase the risk of life-threatening infections that may lead to death. Patients should be advised to tell their healthcare provider right away if they develop fever, chills, or any signs or symptoms of an infection.

Patients may experience prolonged low blood cell counts (cytopenia), where one or more types of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets) are decreased. The patient's healthcare provider will do blood tests to check all of their blood cell counts after treatment with Kymriah. Patients should be advised to tell their healthcare provider right away if they get a fever, are feeling tired, or have bruising or bleeding.

Patients may experience hypogammaglobulinemia, a condition in which the level of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood is low and the risk of infection is increased. It is expected that patients may develop hypogammaglobulinemia with Kymriah, and may need to receive immunoglobulin replacement for an indefinite amount of time following treatment with Kymriah. Patients should tell their healthcare provider about their treatment with Kymriah before receiving a live virus vaccine.

After treatment with Kymriah, patients will be monitored lifelong by their healthcare provider, as they may develop secondary cancers or recurrence of their cancer.

Patients should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities for eight weeks after receiving Kymriah because the treatment can cause temporary memory and coordination problems, including sleepiness, confusion, weakness, dizziness, and seizures.

Some of the most common side effects of Kymriah are difficulty breathing, fever (100.4F/38C or higher), chills/shaking chills, confusion, severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, severe muscle or joint pain, very low blood pressure, dizziness/lightheadedness, and headache. However, these are not all of the possible side effects of Kymriah. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

Prior to a female patient starting treatment with Kymriah, their healthcare provider may do a pregnancy test. There is no information available for Kymriah use in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Therefore, Kymriah is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about birth control and pregnancy.

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all the medicines they take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

After receiving Kymriah, patients should be advised that some commercial HIV tests may cause a false-positive test result. Patients should also be advised not to donate blood, organs, or tissues and cells for transplantation after receiving Kymriah.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for Kymriah, including Boxed WARNING, and Medication Guide at www.Kymriah.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for Kymriah or the other investigational products described in this press release, regarding our ability to scale and sustain commercial manufacturing for Kymriah or such other products, or regarding potential future revenues from Kymriah and such other products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that Kymriah or the other investigational products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that Novartis will successfully scale and sustain commercial manufacturing for Kymriah or the other products described in this press release, or successfully sustain a network of treatment centers to offer Kymriah. Nor can there be any guarantee that Novartis will successfully establish and implement indication-based pricing for Kymriah or the other investigational products described in this press release, or that such indication-based pricing will achieve the intended goals of such pricing. Neither can there be any guarantee that Kymriah and such other products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding Kymriah and such other products could be affected by, among other things, our ability to successfully scale and sustain commercial manufacturing and sustain a network of treatment centers; our ability to successfully establish and implement indication-based pricing; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political and economic conditions; safety, quality or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Novartis

Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2017, the Group achieved net sales of USD 49.1 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 124,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis

For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library

For questions about the site or required registration, please contact media.relations@novartis.com

References

[1] Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) Prescribing information. East Hanover, New Jersey, USA: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; April 2018.

[2] Vacirca JL et al., Ann Hematol. 2014;93(3):403-409.

[3] American Society of Clinical Oncology. Lymphoma - Non-Hodgkin: Subtypes (Dec. 2016 revision). http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lymphoma-non-hodgkin/subtypes. Accessed April 2018.

[4] Raut, L., Chakrabarti, P. "Management of relapsed-refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma." South Asian J Can, 2014 Jan-Mar; 3(1): 66-7. Accessed April 2018.

[5] Crump M et al., "Outcomes in refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: results from the international SCHOLAR-1 study", Blood. 2017 Oct 19;130(16):1800-1808. Available on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28774879. Accessed April 2018.

# # #

Novartis Media Relations

Central media line: +41 61 324 2200

E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com

Eric Althoff

Novartis Global Media Relations

+41 61 324 7999 (direct)

+41 79 593 4202 (mobile)

eric.althoff@novartis.com Fiona Phillips

Novartis Oncology Communications

+1 862-778-7705 (direct)

+1 862-217-9396 (mobile)

fiona.phillips@novartis.com

Novartis Investor Relations

Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944

E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.comGREELEY, Colo., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JBS USA will hold its first quarter 2018 earnings conference call on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern (7:00 a.m. Mountain). The call will be open to investors in the Companys bonds and term loan, as well as lenders to the Companys revolving credit facility and prospective investors, securities analysts and market makers. More information about the call will be posted to the Companys website at www.jbssa.com. On the website, please go to the Investors page and select the JBS USA bond investors link. Financial statements and related data for the first quarter 2018 will be made available to investors on the Companys website prior to the call.



About JBS USA

JBS USA is a leading processor of beef and pork in the United States, the number one processor of beef in Australia in terms of daily slaughtering capacity, and the number two processor of chicken in the U.S., the U.K., and Mexico through its subsidiary, Pilgrims Pride Corporation. The Company processes, prepares, packages and delivers fresh, processed and value-added beef, pork, chicken, and lamb products for sale to customers in the United States and international markets. In addition to the U.S. and Australia, the Company has processing facilities in Canada (beef), U.K. and Europe (chicken), and Mexico (chicken). The Company is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of JBS S.A., the worlds largest animal protein producer.

Web site: http://www.jbssa.com/

SOURCE: JBS USA[May 01, 2018] HIVE Blockchain Increases Power Capacity to 24.2 MW

Sweden Phase 3 completed on budget as HIVE executes its development pipeline, increasing power capacity by 39% BODEN, SWEDEN and VANCOUVER, May 1, 2018 /CNW/ - HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. (TSX.V:HIVE) (OTC:HVBTF) (the "Company" or "HIVE") is pleased to announce the further expansion of its GPU-based digital currency mining complex with the completion of the third phase ("Sweden Phase 3"), which commenced mining at the end of April 2018. This is the second expansion brought online in the past month and the precise execution of the Company's mining roadmap has resulted in on-time completion of the facility. Sweden Phase 3 increases HIVE's energy consumption dedicated to cryptocurrency mining by 6.8 megawatts ("MW") to 24.2 MW, an increase of 39%. HIVE continues to pursue profitable growth at its mining facilities, as evidenced by the completion of Sweden Phase 3, and the fully financed 20.0 MW ASIC-based mining expansion planned by September 2018 which will result in total capacity of 44.2 MW. Upon completion, the Company will be capable of mining Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash in addition to its current GPU-based facilities which currently mine Ethereum, Ethereum Classic, and Z-Cash which contribute to the Company's digital currency inventory. Ongoing growth is aided by implementation of custom Genesis-designed and built A2 mining rigs to realize a more than 25% improvement in efficiency over prior generations. The Company is proceeding with the closing of its recently announced acquisition of Kolos Norway AS and expects to provide an update on the acquisition in the coming weeks. "HIVE is well positioned as an industrial-scale digital currency mining operator in stable jurisdictions with low-cost power and operating profiles. We continue to exhibit healthy gross mining margins and have a growing inventory of cryptocurrency. We are committed to achieving profitable growth and evaluating opportunities for the deployment of capital to further enhance shareholder value." said Harry Pokrandt, CEO and Director of HIVE. About HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd. is a growth oriented, TSX.V-listed company building a bridge from the blockchain sector to traditional capital markets. HIVE is strategically partnered with Genesis Mining Ltd. to build the next generation ofblockchain infrastructure. HIVE owns state-of-the-art GPU-based digital currency mining facilities in Iceland and Sweden, which produce newly minted digital currencies like Ethereum continuously, and provides shareholders with exposure to the operating margins of digital currency mining as well as a growing portfolio of crypto-coins.



For more information and to register to HIVE's mailing list, please visit www.HIVEblockchain.com. Follow @HIVEblockchain on Twitter and subscribe to HIVE's YouTube channel. On behalf of HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd.

"Harry Pokrandt" President, CEO and Director 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 news release. Forward-Looking Information Except for the statements of historical fact, this news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. "Forward-looking information" in this news release includes information about the Company's 20 MW ASIC-based mining expansion planned by September 2018, and expected total mining capacity of 44.2 MW; expected capability of mining Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash; closing of the Company's recently announced acquisition of Kolos; continued growth and shareholder value; the business goals and objectives of the Company, and other forward-looking information includes but is not limited to information concerning the intentions, plans and future actions of the parties to the transactions described herein and the terms thereon. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the construction, operation and electricity consumption of the built-out digital currency mining centres in Sweden may not occur as currently planned, or at all; the closing of the Kolos acquisition may not occur as currently planned, or at all; the ongoing partnership with Genesis; the quantum of electrical consumption and mining capacity at the digital currency mining centres in Sweden may not materialize as currently anticipated, or at all; the digital currency market; the Company's ability to successfully mine digital currency; the Company may not be able to profitably liquidate its current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on the Company's operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; and other related risks as more fully set out in the Filing Statement of the Company dated September 13, 2017 and other documents disclosed under the Company's filings at http://www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions about the Company's ability to complete the construction of the built-out digital currency operations in Sweden; the quantum of electricity consumption at built-out facilities; the Company's ability to close the Kolos acquisition; the Company will be able to profitably liquidate its digital currency inventory as required; the Company's ongoing partnership with Genesis; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability of the Company to mine digital currencies will be consistent with historical prices; and there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of the Company's normal course of business. Additionally, gross mining margins referred to in this news release are also based on assumptions set out herein and are based upon management's best estimates but are inherently speculative and there is no guarantee that such assumptions and estimates will prove to be correct. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Any forward-looking information 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 information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. SOURCE HIVE Blockchain Technologies Ltd.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] NSERC Prizes Celebrate Exceptional Researchers in Canada

Top Minds in Science and Engineering to be Honoured at Rideau Hall OTTAWA, May 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada will honour 20 of its world-leading scientists and engineers and five industry partners today for their outstanding contributions to international science and technology. By investing in these talented researchers, we will allow them to thrive in areas like brain research, computer simulation, high-performance radio hardware, and green energy. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will be joined by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, and Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), in an award ceremony this evening paying tribute to these exceptional individuals. The awards celebrate achievements in science, engineering, interdisciplinary research and successful partnerships between universities and industry. Individual prizes range from scholarships and fellowships that will enhance the career development of highly promising researchers, to prizes awarded for outstanding innovations and lifetime achievement. This year's winner of the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering, Canada's most prestigious science prize, is Dr. Lewis Kay, a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto and Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children. Thanks to his advances, we are able to watch the behaviour of larger, more complex proteins as they interact at the cellular level. Dr. Kay's breakthroughs give researchers powerful tools to examine the most fundamental components of life and set the stage for breakthrough discoveries. Quotes "I applaud these award-winning researchers for their invaluable contributions to science, engineering and industry. Their hard wrk inspires young minds while advancing research in areas such as computer science, ocean protection and human health. We all stand to benefit from these groundbreaking projects and inventions that help place Canada at the forefront of scientific discovery."





 The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities "Each year, every year, NSERC bestows its highest honours on select individuals at different stages of their research careers. NSERC award winners have demonstrated their critical thinking and creativity to produce breakthrough findings in response to new but also timeless research questions. We are extremely pleased to valorize their accomplishments as NSERC marks its own achievements in service of Canada and Canadians over the past 40 years."

 Dr. B. Mario Pinto, President of NSERC

"It is an honour to receive the NSERC Herzberg Gold Medal in recognition of my NMR spectroscopy research. With the support of my colleagues at the University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, and the generosity of the Government of Canada, I've been able to attract a team of talented individuals to my lab. With this award, we're going to continue to do what we do best: listen to what the molecules are trying to tell us."

 Dr. Lewis Kay, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Toronto and Senior Scientist, the Hospital for Sick Children Quick Facts Honouring the memory of Canadian Nobel laureate Gerhard Herzberg, the NSERC Herzberg Gold Medal is the agency's highest honour. It provides recipients with $1 million in discovery research funding over five years.

Today's ceremony celebrates the outstanding achievements of recipients who received six NSERC prizes totalling $3 .72 million.

.72 million. NSERC-funded researchers are honoured every year for achievements that showcase the high caliber of talent and the innovative research taking place in Canadian universities and colleges.

Budget 2018 is making a record-setting investment of nearly $4 billion in new support for science, so that Canadians can make the world-changing discoveries we can't even yet imagine.

in new support for science, so that Canadians can make the world-changing discoveries we can't even yet imagine. Budget 2018 committed $354.7 million for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) specifically, in order to continue building on Canada's culture of scientific discovery and innovation. Associated Links Full list of NSERC prizes, this year's winners and their profiles NSERC 2020 Strategic Plan NSERC invests over $1.2 billion each year in natural sciences and engineering research in Canada. Our investments deliver discoveries  valuable world-firsts in knowledge claimed by a brain trust of over 11,000 professors. Our investments enable partnerships and collaborations that connect industry with discoveries and the people behind them. Researcher-industry partnerships established by NSERC help inform research and development and solve scale-up challenges. NSERC also provides scholarships and hands-on training experience for more than 30,000 post-secondary students and post-doctoral fellows. These young researchers will be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in Canada. SOURCE Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Two Day General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Foundation Course: London, United Kingdom - June 27th-28th, 2018 - ResearchAndMarkets.com

The "GDPR Foundation Course" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is considered the most important change in data privacy regulation in 20 years. It has substantial ramifications for tech companies not just in the EU, but globally. The regulation protects the data of all EU subjects regardless of the country in which they reside or the platform on which their data resides. From the 25th of May 2018, organisations who process, monitor, and store data belonging to EU citizens will be mandated to transform their marketing, system, and processing methods drastically to ensure the safety of data against cyber attacks and breaches. GDPR will require organisations who process and control data to strengthen their data privacy controls, enhance technology for management of personal data and the supplying of detailed documentation. For cloud suppliers and those companies who wor with them, GDPR will also force major operational changes-so much so that it could slow both innovation and growth. This 2-day EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) training course provides a comprehensive introduction to the GDPR's Principles, rights terminology, and compliance mechanisms. Candidates will learn how to plan a risk adverse, change driven, continuous and well thought through compliance programme with applicable accountability management of multifaceted roles like Data Protection Officer (DPO), Data Controller, and Data Processor (News - Alert) under the GDPR.



Main Topics Covered During This Training Data privacy and global consciousness

GDPR overview (background, terminology and span)

GDPR framework -legal articles, recitals and application

Principles of the GDPR and their application

Individual Rights and GDPR

Accountability, security and breach notification

Data transfers and governance approach

Derogations and special cases

GDPR impacts - people, process and technology

Privacy by design and default

Regulators and compliance

Enforcement, remedies, liabilities and fines

Binding corporate rules and Privacy Management activities

Accountability Roadmap and GDPR Compliance

Data protection impact assessments (DPIA)

Governance structure, control systems and framework and the role of the DPO For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/djsg2t/two_day_general?w=4

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006420/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][April 30, 2018] 2018 Scholarship Winners Honored at IAHCSMM

For the fifth year, Belimed proudly sponsors the IAHCSMM (International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management) Conference and Expo scholarship program. Belimed is an advocate for continuing education, and is pleased to be part of a program that promotes the sterile processing profession by providing educational scholarships. "Belimed understands the importance of supporting our customers, and providing programs that promote education in sterile processing techniques," said Andy Molnar, president of Belimed. "We're confident that through proper education, hospitals and patients will benefit from advancement of sterilization processing procedures." Each of this year's scholarship winners will have full access to the 2018 IAHCSMM annual conference and expo hosted in Phoenix, Ariz. on April 29 - May 2. This year's 10 winners include: Toni Amorine, Geisinger Community Medical Center - Scranton, PA

Paul Cunningham, UC Health - Cincinnati, OH

Shantay Davis, Department of Veteran Afairs - Wichita, KS

Alexa Gouker, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center - Hershey, PA

Sr. Maryanne King, Holy Redeemer Health Systems - Meadowbrook, PA

John Parada, Southwest Medical Surgery Center - Las Vegas, NV

Steven Rohmann, Jr., Jewish Hospital - Louisville, KY

Jamie Sabol, Community Memorial Hospital - Menomonee Falls, WI

Judy Welling, Baltimore Washington Medical Center - Glen Burnie, MD

Debra Zador, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health - Easton, MD



th and May 1st at the Phoenix Convention Center. About Belimed

Belimed Inc. is a leading supplier of technology-based cleaning, disinfection, and sterile processing products and services for the medical and life science industries. Founded in 1990, with global headquarters in Zug Switzerland, Belimed is continually expanding its portfolio of systems for increased efficiency in sterilization departments. Through additional services such as planning, simulation, validation and support in optimizing overall costs and consumables requirements, Belimed delivers genuine added value to its customers. At Belimed Inc., we are different; our singular focus on our customer's world gives us the expertise to help them uncover and resolve process challenges, streamline and improve their overall work environment and provide the OR with safe and sterile instruments. That's sterile processing with absolute confidence. For more information, visit www.belimed.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180430006526/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]Growth in Specialty Ingredients sales and adjusted earnings drove strong results in the quarter

Company raises 2018 earnings guidance based on strengthening outlook in all three operating segments

Announces plan to accelerate EBITDA margin expansion within Specialty Ingredients

COVINGTON, KENTUCKY, May 1, 2018 - Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH), a premier global specialty chemicals company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, today announced preliminary(1) financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2018:

Sales grew 21 percent year-over-year to $974 million.

Reported net earnings were $73 million, while earnings from continuing operations were $66 million, or $1.04 per diluted share;

On an adjusted basis, income from continuing operations was $67 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, compared to our previous guidance of $0.80-$0.90 per share, driven by stronger operating results and a lower effective tax rate.

Adjusted EBITDA was $179 million, up 30 percent from the year-ago period.

"All three operating segments generated robust growth in sales and adjusted EBITDA," said William A. Wulfsohn, Ashland chairman and chief executive officer. "Our Specialty Ingredients team succeeded in growing overall sales by 19 percent, including 5 percent organic growth from strong volumes, improved product mix and continued pricing actions. All end markets improved, with pharma leading the way with a 17 percent sales increase, driven largely by increased capacity from our asset utilization initiatives. In addition, Pharmachem results improved sequentially, as expected, and made a strong contribution in the quarter. Together, this broad-based growth contributed to a 20 percent increase in adjusted EBITDA, to $153 million, and a 40-basis-point increase in adjusted EBITDA margin, to 23.7 percent, within the segment. Meanwhile, the Composites team continued to deliver strong sales and earnings growth from volume/mix improvements, pricing discipline and contributions from the plant in France acquired last year. Within Intermediates and Solvents, the team delivered an 18 percent increase in sales through strong pricing and favorable currency."

He continued: "The Ashland team is generating broad-based sales and earnings momentum as we enter the second half of the fiscal year, with all three of our operating segments on track to meet or exceed their original financial targets for the year. As a result, we have increased our outlook for the year and now expect adjusted earnings per share in the range of $3.30 to $3.50 in fiscal 2018, which would represent growth of 35-45 percent compared to the previous year. This momentum is being driven by specific actions to sustain and grow Ashland's premium mix, such as through new market strategies and successful product introductions that reinforce our brand promise of 'always solving' for our customers. We have also taken action to enhance our competitiveness by focusing on improved asset utilization, value selling and cost management. We have made important progress in many of these areas, as evident in our financial results in the first half of the year, but there is more work to be done. We expect these initiatives to gain greater traction beginning in the third quarter and continuing thereafter."

Today Ashland also announced a program to eliminate a total of $120 million of existing corporate and Specialty Ingredients SG&A expenses, along with facility-related costs. Under this program:

Approximately $70 million of corporate costs allocated to the Composites business and to the butanediol manufacturing facility in Marl, Germany, are expected to be offset or eliminated through transfers and reductions.

Approximately $50 million of costs are expected to be eliminated to drive improved profitability in Specialty Ingredients and accelerate achievement of its adjusted EBITDA margin target of 25-27 percent.

"As we work to position Ashland with a more streamlined portfolio focused on specialty ingredients, we are also taking the opportunity to create a leaner, more competitive cost structure. Under this program, we will be taking action to drive fundamental change across our global organization and redefine how our teams work together. We believe these actions will speed decision making, improve operating efficiency and drive a more customer-centric organization while lowering costs. We expect to achieve the full run-rate savings by end of calendar year 2019, leading to improved margins that should generate enhanced value for shareholders," Wulfsohn said.

Reportable Segment Performance and Outlook

To aid in the understanding of Ashland's ongoing business performance, the results of Ashland's reportable segments are described below on an adjusted basis. In addition, EBITDA, or adjusted EBITDA, is reconciled to operating income in Table 5 of this news release. In addition, free cash flow is reconciled in Table 7 and adjusted earnings per share is reconciled in Table 8 of this news release. (For a more detailed review of the segment results, please refer to the Investor Relations section of ashland.com to review the slides filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in conjunction with this earnings release.) These adjusted results are considered non-GAAP financial measures. For a full description of the non-GAAP financial measures used, see the "use of Non-GAAP measures" section that further describes these adjustments on page 4.

Specialty Ingredients

Sales increased 19 percent, to $646 million, driven by strong volumes and improved product mix in addition to the contribution from the Pharmachem acquisition. Personal Care and Adhesives sales both rose 7 percent, Coatings sales climbed 4 percent and Construction/Energy improved 8 percent. Favorable currency contributed 4 percentage points to the top-line growth.

Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) costs increased 9 percent, driven by the Pharmachem acquisition and foreign currency. SG&A was down, however, after excluding these items.

Adjusted EBITDA rose 20 percent, to $153 million, driven by these strong results, and adjusted EBITDA margin grew by 40 basis points to 23.7 percent.

Composites

Sales climbed 28 percent, to $238 million, as the team generated strong organic growth from continued pricing discipline through an ongoing focus on commercial excellence and value selling, as well as business growth in North America, South America and India.

Adjusted EBITDA grew 39 percent, to $25 million.

Intermediates & Solvents

Sales increased 18 percent, to $90 million, driven by continued strong pricing and favorable currency.

Adjusted EBITDA in the quarter was $12 million, compared to approximately $5 million a year ago.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Total debt was $2.6 billion.

Net debt was $2.4 billion.

During the quarter, cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations totaled $23 million compared to $58 million in the prior-year period.

Free cash flow was ($13) million compared to $17 million in the prior year. These figures include $6 million in restructuring payments in the second quarter of fiscal 2018, and $11 million in the year-ago period.

Outlook

Ashland today raised its adjusted earnings guidance for fiscal 2018 to a range of $3.30 - $3.50 per share based on strengthening outlooks for each of its operating segments. The company also reiterated its outlook for more than $220 million in free cash flow in fiscal 2018. Please see the table below for additional details related to the company's fiscal 2018 financial outlook.

Although Ashland provides forward-looking guidance for adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow and adjusted diluted earnings per share, Ashland is not reaffirming or providing forward-looking guidance for U.S. GAAP-reported financial measures or a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. Such reconciliations have not been included because Ashland is unable, without unreasonable efforts, to estimate and quantify the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP components, largely because predicting our future operating results is subject to many factors not in Ashland's control and not readily predictable and that are not part of Ashland's routine operating activities, including various domestic and international economic, political, legislative, regulatory and legal factors.

Prior FY2018 Outlook Updated Adjusted EBITDA Specialty Ingredients $560 - $590 million $565 - $585 million Composites $85 - $95 million $90 - $100 million Intermediates & Solvents $40 - $50 million $50 - $60 million Unallocated and other ($35 - $45 million) No change Key Operating Metrics Free cash flow >$220 million No change Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) $2.90 - $3.10 $3.30 - $3.50 Corporate Items Depreciation & amortization ~$290 million ~$300 million Interest expense $125 - $135 million $123 - $128 million Effective tax rate 16 - 20% 13 - 17% Capital expenditures $195 - $205 million No change Diluted share count ~64 million No change

For the third quarter of fiscal 2018, Ashland expects adjusted earnings in the range of $0.95-$1.05 per diluted share, compared to $0.83 in the prior-year period. This estimate assumes an effective tax rate of 17 percent for the third quarter.

For additional information on Ashland's second-quarter financial results, please see the slide presentation accompanying this news release.

Conference Call Webcast

Ashland will host a live webcast of its second-quarter conference call with securities analysts at 9 a.m. EDT Wednesday, May 2, 2018. The webcast will be accessible through Ashland's website at http://investor.ashland.com. Following the live event, an archived version of the webcast and supporting materials will be available for 12 months.

Use of Non-GAAP Measures

Ashland believes that by removing the impact of depreciation and amortization and excluding certain non-cash charges, amounts spent on interest and taxes and certain other charges that are highly variable from year to year, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide Ashland's investors with performance measures that reflect the impact to operations from trends in changes in sales, margin and operating expenses, providing a perspective not immediately apparent from net income and operating income. The adjustments Ashland makes to derive the non-GAAP measures of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude items which may cause short-term fluctuations in net income and operating income and which Ashland does not consider to be the fundamental attributes or primary drivers of its business. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide disclosure on the same basis as that used by Ashland's management to evaluate financial performance on a consolidated and reportable segment basis and provide consistency in our financial reporting, facilitate internal and external comparisons of Ashland's historical operating performance and its business units and provide continuity to investors for comparability purposes.

Key items are defined as financial effects from significant transactions that, either by their nature or amount, have caused short-term fluctuations in net income and/or operating income which Ashland does not consider to most accurately reflect Ashland's underlying business performance and trends. Further, Ashland believes that providing supplemental information that excludes the financial effects of these items in the financial results will enhance the investor's ability to compare financial performance between reporting periods.

Tax-specific key items are defined as financial transactions, tax law changes or other matters that fall within the definition of key items as described above. These items relate solely to tax matters and would only be recorded within the income tax caption of the Statement of Consolidated Income. As with all key items, due to their nature, Ashland does not consider the financial effects of these tax-specific key items on net income to be the most accurate reflection of Ashland's underlying business performance and trends.

The free cash flow metric enables Ashland to provide a better indication of the ongoing cash being generated that is ultimately available for both debt and equity holders as well as other investment opportunities. Unlike cash flow provided by operating activities, free cash flow includes the impact of capital expenditures from continuing operations, providing a more complete picture of cash generation. Free cash flow has certain limitations, including that it does not reflect adjustment for certain non-discretionary cash flows such as mandatory debt repayments. The amount of mandatory versus discretionary expenditures can vary significantly between periods.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share is a performance measure used by Ashland and is defined by Ashland as earnings (loss) from continuing operations, adjusted for identified key items and divided by the number of outstanding diluted shares of common stock. Ashland believes this measure provides investors additional insights into operational performance by providing the diluted earnings per share metric that excludes the effect of the identified key items and tax specific key items.

About Ashland

Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a premier global specialty chemicals company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including adhesives, architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. At Ashland, we are approximately 6,500 passionate, tenacious solvers - from renowned scientists and research chemists to talented engineers and plant operators - who thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com to learn more.

C-ASH

Forward-Looking Statements

This news 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. Ashland has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "is likely," "predicts," "projects," "forecasts," "objectives," "may," "will," "should," "plans" and "intends" and the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. Ashland may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its annual reports, quarterly reports and other filings with the SEC, news releases and other written and oral communications. These forward-looking statements are based on Ashland's expectations and assumptions, as of the date such statements are made, regarding Ashland's future operating performance and financial condition, as well as the economy and other future events or circumstances. Ashland's expectations and assumptions include, without limitation, internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, operating efficiencies and economic conditions (such as prices, supply and demand, cost of raw materials, and the ability to recover raw-material cost increases through price increases), and risks and uncertainties associated with the following: the program to eliminate certain existing corporate and Specialty Ingredients expenses (including the possibility that such cost eliminations may not occur or may take longer to implement than anticipated), the expected divestiture of its Composites segment and for the butanediol (BDO) manufacturing facility in Marl, Germany, and related merchant Intermediates and Solvents (I&S) products (including, in each case, the possibility that a transaction may not occur or that, if a transaction does occur, Ashland may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transaction), the impact of acquisitions and/or divestitures Ashland has made or may make, including the acquisition of Pharmachem (including the possibility that Ashland may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transactions); Ashland's substantial indebtedness (including the possibility that such indebtedness and related restrictive covenants may adversely affect Ashland's future cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and its ability to repay debt); Ashland's ability to generate sufficient cash to finance its stock repurchase plans; the potential that Ashland does not realize all of the expected benefits of the separation of its Valvoline business; the potential that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017, will have a negative impact on Ashland's financial results; and severe weather, natural disasters, cyber events and legal proceedings and claims (including product recalls, environmental and asbestos matters). Various risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, projected or implied by any forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties affecting Ashland that are described in Ashland's most recent Form 10-K (including Item 1A Risk Factors) filed with the SEC, which is available on Ashland's website at http://investor.ashland.com or on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Ashland believes its expectations and assumptions are reasonable, but there can be no assurance that the expectations reflected herein will be achieved. Unless legally required, Ashland undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

(1) Preliminary Results

Financial results are preliminary until Ashland's Form 10-Q is filed with the SEC.

(TM) Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Investor Relations: Media Relations:

Seth A. Mrozek Gary Rhodes

+1 (859) 815-3527 +1 (859) 815-3047

samrozek@ashland.com glrhodes@ashland.com[April 30, 2018] Sylogist Q2 Fiscal 2018 Results: Earnings/share up 38%, Adjusted EBITDA/share increased 33% as Revenue rose 15%; Dividend Declared.

/THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES./ CALGARY, April 30, 2018 /CNW/ - Sylogist Ltd. (TSXV:SYZ) ("Sylogist" or the "Company"), a provider of enterprise information management solutions, is pleased to announce its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of the 2018 fiscal year, ended March 31, 2018. Q2 2018 Summary (Comparisons are to Q2 2017, unless otherwise noted) Revenues were $9.3 million , compared to $8.1 million , an increase of 15%.

, compared to , an increase of 15%. Gross profit margins improved to 75% from 71%.

Reported earnings were $2.5 million compared to $1.8 million in Q2 2017, an increase of 37%.

compared to in Q2 2017, an increase of 37%. Earnings per fully diluted common share increased 38% to $0.11 per share, up from $0.08 per share.

per share, up from per share. Adjusted EBITDA (1) was $4.4 million , an increase of 32%, or $0.20 per fully diluted common share, up 33%.

was , an increase of 32%, or per fully diluted common share, up 33%. Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1) was 48%, compared to 41%.

was 48%, compared to 41%. Cash from operating activities (before non-cash changes in working capital) totalled $4.5 million ( $0.20 per share), up from $3.1 million ( $0.14 per share) in Q2 2017.

( per share), up from ( per share) in Q2 2017. The Company paid regular dividends to shareholders totalling $1.8 million during the quarter.

during the quarter. Adjusted Working Capital (1) was $32.1 million , a decrease of 3%, or $1.44 per share.

was , a decrease of 3%, or per share. Combined tax pools at the end of the second quarter 2018 were approximately $16.6 million (CAD).

(CAD). For the quarter ended March 31, 2018 , the Company repurchased 119,700 common shares at an average price of $10.01 for a total cost of $1.2 million .

, the Company repurchased 119,700 common shares at an average price of for a total cost of . The Company's Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per common share for shareholders of record as at May 31, 2018 to be paid on June 13, 2018 , which is treated as an eligible dividend under the Income Tax Act ( Canada ). First half of fiscal 2018 (Comparisons are to the first half of fiscal 2017, unless otherwise noted) Revenues were $18.1 million , compared to $16 million , up 14%.

, compared to , up 14%. Gross profit margins improved to 75% of revenue compared to 68%.

Reported earnings were $5.5 million ( $0.25 per share) compared to $3.1 million ( $0.14 per share).

( per share) compared to ( per share). Adjusted EBITDA (1) was $8.7 million ( $0.39 per share), compared to $6.1 million ( $0.27 per share).

was ( per share), compared to ( per share). Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1) was 48%, compared to 38%.

was 48%, compared to 38%. Cash from operating activities (before non-cash changes in working capital) was $8.7 million ( $0.39 per share) compared to $5.1 million ( $0.22 per share), an increase of 71% and a per share increase of 77%.

( per share) compared to ( per share), an increase of 71% and a per share increase of 77%. The Company paid regular and special dividends to shareholders totalling $4.7 million during the first half of fiscal 2018. Jim Wilson, President & Chief Executive Officer of Sylogist, commented, "In the second quarter, we continued to see growth in revenue while profitability was leveraged through the benefits of our improved fficiencies. Operating metrics demonstrated improvement with the gross profit margin increasing to 75% of revenue and the Adjusted EBITDA margin improving to 48% of revenue. Higher revenues (up 15%) resulted from a greater contribution from the educational sector related to our U.S. acquisition of K12 Enterprise and Sunpac Systems earlier in the fiscal year.



At the end of the second quarter we released the educational market version of our flagship product, Navigator K-12 Education, ahead of schedule. Our development team married the human resources and school administration intellectual property acquired in our October 2017 acquisition with the latest version of our Navigator public sector foundation. Navigator K-12 Education was further enhanced through integrating our Analytics and Field Connect solutions into a single comprehensive offering. Navigator K-12 Education is the leading platform available for the educational market based on Microsoft application level technology. In the first half of fiscal 2018, we have widened our technology lead in the public sector vertical markets we serve while simultaneously providing material improvements in efficiencies and financial performance. We are well positioned for continued success," concluded Mr. Wilson. About Sylogist

Sylogist is a technology innovation company that, through strategic acquisitions, investments and operations management, provides intellectual property solutions to a wide range of Public Sector customers. We are an industry-leading publisher of mission-critical software products that satisfy the unique and sophisticated functionality requirements of Public Sector entities, including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and government agencies, as well as public compliance driven and funded businesses. Our Company delivers highly scalable, multi-language, multi-currency software solutions, which serve the needs of an international clientele. Full financial statements together with Management's Discussion and Analysis are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company's stock is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SYZ. Information about Sylogist can be found at http://www.sylogist.com. Forward-looking Statements Certain statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These statements typically use words such as expect, believe, estimate, project, anticipate, plan, may, should, could and would, or the negative of these terms, variations thereof or similar terminology. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements with respect to the Company's payment of dividend to shareholders of record as at May 31, 2018 to be paid on June 13, 2018 and the Company being well positioned for continued success. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature. It is therefore possible that the beliefs and plans and other forward-looking expectations expressed herein will not be achieved or will prove inaccurate. Although Sylogist believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it provides no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Additional information regarding some of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may be found under in the management's discussion and analysis for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 and other documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Material assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include Sylogist's ability to attract and retain customers and to realize on its investments. Although Sylogist believes that the material 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. Sylogist 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. Certain information set out herein may be considered as "financial outlook" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The purpose of this financial outlook is to provide readers with disclosure regarding Sylogist's reasonable expectations as to the anticipated results of its proposed business activities for the periods indicated. Readers are cautioned that the financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes. Non-GAAP Financial Measures (1) Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Working Capital are non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA is defined as: profit for the period before stock based compensation, foreign exchange gains or losses, interest expense, bargain purchase price on acquisition, income taxes, acquisition-related costs, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA Margin refers to Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue. Adjusted Working Capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities adjusted for deferred revenue. This news release makes reference to certain non-GAAP measures. These measures are not recognized measures under Canadian GAAP, do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by Canadian GAAP and are therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These measures are provided as additional information to complement measures under GAAP by providing further understanding of the Company's expected results of operations from management's perspective. Accordingly, such measures should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for analysis of the Company's financial information reported under Canadian GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Adjusted Working Capital are provided to investors as alternative methods for assessing the Company's operating results in a manner that is focused on the Company's ongoing operations and to provide a more consistent basis for comparison between periods. These measures should not be construed as alternatives to net profit (loss) or cash flow from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company's performance. - 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- SOURCE Sylogist Ltd.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][April 30, 2018] Buying or Selling Real Estate in the GTA, Don't Forget to Check with COMSAVE First to Save Money

Buy or Sell with COMSAVE, and Save Thousands - You can't afford to use a different Realtor TORONTO, April 30, 2018 /CNW/ - If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, or Brampton, now you can save thousands of dollars in commission with comsave. You save on commission buy paying for and using what you need, and not having to pay for what you don't need. You can even get cash back*, when you buy a property using comsave's professional real estate services. "As the Toronto real estate market was heating up, home and condo owners did not really care about paying a high commission rate to a traditional brokerage, because the sellers were making a lot of money in the hot Mississauga Real Estate Market, or Oakville Real Estate Market, said Juan Santos, Broker of Record." "Now that the Toronto real estate market has shown signs of slowing down, and the prices have come down, comsave discount brokerage service ofered by City Centre Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage can help home owners save a lot of money, Juan added." There are no gimmicks or any long term commitments. You get the same protections afforded to you under REBBA 2002, and The Real Estate Council of Ontario.



How you save money by selling with COMSAVE You have a house to sell in Toronto, and you think you can get $900,000 for it based on price your neighbour got about a month ago. If you use a traditional brokerage, you can pay as much as 45,000* plus HST in commissions. If you use COMSAVE, you can list your property with COMSAVE and on the MLS, Multiple Listing Service system for only $999. You pay nothing else, no hidden fees, and no surprises.

If you feel like you would need help with contract negotiations, staging, or having an open house, you will pay a little more. You can talk to comsave about our a la carte services. Even after the charges for additional services, you would pay nowhere near what a traditional brokerage would charge. How you save money by buying with COMSAVE You are in the market to buy the house, and you have been house hunting in the neighbourhood of your choice. You found this perfect place to live or you can't find your dream home, and you need someone to help you find it. You can call comsave for help. We will not only help you find your dream place to live, but also give you a cheque to give you a head start on decorating your new place, or taking a little vacation to escape all the stress associated with buying a house. Let's say that the house you bought was worth $900,000, you can get up to $9000 back as cash back bonus from COMSAVE. About COMSAVE COMSAVE is a discount real estate service offered by City Centre Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage, and Juan Santos, Broker of Record. For more information, please call Juan Santos at 416-881-5826, and for any web related inquiries, contact Realty Media - Real Estate Web Services. About City Centre Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage City Centre Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage, and Juan Santos, Broker of Record has been providing the community with reliable Real Estate services for over a decade. Since the beginning, Juan has been dedicated to provide unsurpassed expertise, commitment to professionalism, and quality and courteous service. If you need help with Residential or Commercial Real Estate, Juan's knowledge of the local real estate market can help you achieve your goals. To buy or sell a condo in the Mississauga City Centre area visit, Mississauga City Centre Condos. *Commission calculated at 5% Up to 1% cash back is possible, if City Centre Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage earns a commission of 2.5%, when representing the buyer. All savings are conditional upon a successful completion of a real estate transaction by City Centre Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage. SOURCE COMSAVE

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Registration Opens for 2018 IEEE 5G World Forum

IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, today announced that registration is now open for the inaugural 2018 IEEE 5G World Forum to take place 9-11 July in Santa Clara, CA, USA. IEEE (News - Alert) 5G World Forum program presentations, sessions and workshops will delve into practical aspects of 5G development and examine opportunities for innovation in vertical markets and new applications where 5G serves as the entry point. "Collaboration across practices and world regions in these early days of development of 5G and applications on top of it will result in a better quality deployment and greater opportunities across the global landscape," said Ashutosh Dutta, General Co-chair, IEEE 5G World Forum. Program highlights include keynote speakers from China Mobile, Facebook, National Instruments (News - Alert) , Stanford University, T-Mobile, and Volkswagen. The IEEE 5G World Forum will offer a rich program of: Plenary and vertical industry keynotes

A Startup Forum - new companies in the 5G space showcasing their innovation; promotes engagement of start-ups

A Worldwide 5G Industry Fora Session - participants outline their national 5G strategy and adoption status, discuss alignment and harmonization

10 Vertical/Topical tracks in markets expected to be early adopters of 5G, including media and entertainment; intelligent transport; e-health / mobile health; Industrial Internet of Things; 5G applications topical essions - deep dives into advancements and challenges related to 5G: open API; unbundled; Open Source (News - Alert) and testbeds; security and privacy; policy and regulation; standards and optics

20 technical sessions

workshops, tutorials and industry demos.



registration page. After 15 June, registration will continue up to the event. "Worldwide there is a proliferation of 5G forum initiatives formulating strategies, developing roadmaps, harmonizing and aligning technologies and spectrum allocation," said Latif Ladid, General Co-chair, IEEE 5G World Forum. "The IEEE 5G World Forum is where these 5G fora from regions around the world will meet to share and collaborate on 5G for the benefit of all. We anticipate that the shared knowledge and vision will have a very positive impact."

The IEEE 5G World Forum is produced by members of the IEEE 5G Initiative, which serves the purpose of engaging professionals worldwide from industry, government, and academia to work together to solve the challenges associated with 5G and beyond and lay the foundation to realize its many opportunities. The IEEE 5G Initiative includes contributions from many IEEE societies and has several working groups for which it seeks volunteers from both industry and academia to participate. Learn more at 5g.ieee.org or connect via these social media channels: Twitter: @5GIEEE

LinkedIn (News - Alert) : https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8560944

Collabratec: https://ieee-collabratec.ieee.org/app/community/76/activities

Facebook (News - Alert) : https://www.facebook.com/ieee5g/ About IEEE IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at http://www.ieee.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180430005291/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] PayScale 2018 College Return on Investment Report: STEM-Focused Colleges and Military Academies Top the List

SEATTLE, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today PayScale, Inc., the leader in precise, on-demand cloud compensation solutions for businesses and individuals, announced the release of its annual College Return on Investment Report. The report is designed to help prospective students and families make informed decisions related to selecting a college. The PayScale College ROI Report evaluates the cost of attending a college against the long-term earning potential of a student upon graduation.

Selecting a college can be an overwhelming decision for students, as well as a significant financial investment for many families, observed PayScale Vice President Lydia Frank. We want to provide additional insights for students and parents, so they can be armed with a solid understanding of not just the cost, but also the value of a college education in the job market. The latest PayScale College ROI Report includes 1,461 higher education institutions (an increase of 39 schools from last years report). Of these schools, 922 are private, 534 are public and five are service academies. Rankings shown are based on 20-year net ROI for on-campus costs, factoring costs with and without financial aid. If a school does not report on campus costs to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), then it is not included in the rankings, (with the exception of Service Academies, most of which typically charge no tuition). Estimates are based on income and educaton data from approximately 1.4 million respondents to PayScales salary survey collected between January 2007 and February 2018.



PayScale College Return on Investment Highlights: Schools that promote STEM rank highly



Prestigious schools with renowned STEM programs rank near the top, including MIT, Harvey Mudd, Caltech, Georgia Tech, Stevens Institute of Technology and Stanford.

The top overall school-job combination is Business and Financial Operations at MIT.

Seventy-three of the top-100 school-job combinations include Computer and Mathematical occupations or Architecture and Engineering occupations. Computer Science and Math, Economics and Engineering majors dominate the highest ROI school-major combinations

Ninety-five of the top-100 school-major combinations include either a Computer Science & Math, Economics or Engineering major.

The same small group of schools (Stanford, Yale, service academies, etc.) top the rankings for most major groups. Service academies occupy the top ranks For the second year in a row, the Merchant Marine Academy occupies the top spot in the rankings. The Military, Naval and Air Force Academies are all in the top 10, while the Coast Guard Academy ranked 27 th .

. Service academies perform well in PayScales rankings both because they ensure their alumni have lucrative careers after graduation and because their cost is so low. When factoring in financial aid, private schools rank higher

The no-aid rankings do not tell the whole story. Before taking financial aid into account, 44 of the top 100 are public schools. After accounting for aid, that number falls to 35.

The median rank of the eight Ivy League schools improves from 36.5 to 20.5 after accounting for aid. For more information, please refer to the full PayScale 2018 College ROI Report at: https://www.payscale.com/college-roi Find information about the methodology of the College ROI report is at: https://www.payscale.com/college-roi/methodology About PayScale:

PayScale offers modern compensation software and the most precise, real-time, data-driven insights for employees and employers alike. More than 6,500 customers, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, use PayScale to power pay decisions for more than 18 million employees. These companies include Dish Network, Getty Images, Skullcandy, Time Warner, T-Mobile, Macy's, Sunsweet, UnitedHealth Group, Stihl and Wendy's. For more information, please visit: www.payscale.com or follow PayScale on Twitter: https://twitter.com/payscale. Press Contact:

Erica Beyer

Email: erica@fireflycmns.com

Tel: 206.321.0727

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] EY Announces Onapsis CEO Mariano Nunez Named Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 New England Award Semifinalist

BOSTON, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EY today announced that Onapsis Inc. CEO and Co-founder Mariano Nunez is a semifinalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 Award in the New England region. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Mariano was selected as a semifinalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 28, 2018 at the Westin Waterfront in Boston. It is an honor to be selected as a semifinalist amongst so many other successful and talented entrepreneurs this year. Business-critical application security is now something that leading companies are integrating into their digital transformation and cloud migration strategies and I am proud that Onapsis is able to help organizations secure their key data and processes in these vast projects, said Mariano Nunez, CEO and Co-founder of Onapsis.



Now in its 32nd year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world.

Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 10, 2018. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth ForumTM, the nations most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. Sponsors Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the US by SAP America, Merrill Corporation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In the New England region, gold sponsors include Boston Private Bank, fama PR, the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Nixon Peabody, True Search and Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. Silver sponsors includeChatham Financial, Empire Valuation Consultants, Morgan Lewis, Sullivan & Worcester and T3 Advisors.



About Onapsis



Onapsis cybersecurity solutions automate the monitoring and protection of your SAP and Oracle ERP and business-critical applications, keeping them compliant and safe from insider and outsider threats. As the proven market leader, global enterprises trust Onapsis to protect the essential information and processes that run their businesses. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Onapsis serves over 200 customers including many of the Global 2000. Onapsis's solutions are also the de-facto standard for leading consulting and audit firms such as Deloitte, IBM, Infosys and PwC.

Onapsis solutions include the Onapsis Security Platform, which is the most widely-used SAP-certified cybersecurity solution on the market. Unlike generic security products, Onapsis's context-aware solutions deliver both preventative vulnerability and compliance controls, as well as real-time detection and incident response capabilities to reduce risks affecting critical business processes and data. Through open interfaces, the platform can be integrated with leading SIEM, GRC and network security products, seamlessly incorporating enterprise applications into existing vulnerability, risk and incident response management programs. These solutions are powered by the Onapsis Research Labs, who continuously provide leading intelligence on security threats affecting SAP and Oracle enterprise applications. Experts at the Onapsis Research Labs were the first to lecture on SAP cyberattacks and have uncovered and helped fix hundreds of security vulnerabilities to-date affecting SAP Business Suite, SAP HANA, SAP Cloud and SAP Mobile applications, as well as Oracle JD Edwards and Oracle E-Business Suite platforms. This patented technology is well known, industry wide, and has gained Onapsis recognition on the Deloitte Technology Fast-500, as a Red Herring North America Top 100 company and a SINET 16 Innovator. For more information, please visit www.onapsis.com, or connect with us on Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Onapsis and Onapsis Research Labs are registered trademarks of Onapsis, Inc. All other company or product names may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners. About Entrepreneur Of The Year

Entrepreneur Of The Year, founded by EY, is the worlds most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in over 145 cities and more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy About EYs Growth Markets Network

EYs worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, weve helped many of the worlds most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth. About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP, a member of the global EY organization that provides services to clients in the US. For more information, please visit ey.com. Leslie Kesselring

Kesselring Communications for Onapsis

leslie@kesscomm.com

(503) 358-1012

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] TouchPal FunMoji and vivo V9 have swept through Southeast Asia

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivo officially launched the new vivo V9 mobile phone overseas in Thailand. In April, vivo has held V9 conferences in over ten South-East Asian countries including India, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The cooperation between the V9 and TouchPal shows that vivo will continue its efforts in the field of artificial intelligence and become the leader in mobile phones. During the first V9 conference in Thailand, vivo Thailand's project manager demonstrated how vivo FunMoji uses a phone's front camera and microphone to accurately capture changes in users' facial expression and voice, creating cute ten second 3D animated expressions. FunMoji will track and record movement and voices in real time. After users finish recording their FunMoji, they can send it to their friends through various messaging apps including WhatsApp, Facebok Messenger, LINE, Viber, WeChat, and more.



To start using FunMoji in a conversation, click on the emoji icon at the top right of your keyboard. Select one of the four emoji styles and start recording by pressing the red button. You can record up to 10 seconds. Press the same button again to finish creating your FunMoji. Hit "Share" to send your new FunMoji to your friends and family.

TouchPal's exclusive technology for the V9 makes it different from the Animoji and AR emoji feature in the iPhone and Samsung S9 respectively. Because TouchPal's AR emoji feature is integrated within the keyboard itself, users can access it instantly for any conversation, making chatting more fun and interesting. With the support of apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, Viber, and Wechat, TouchPal has effectively utilized technology to improve the lives of its users. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684043/TouchPal_V9_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684042/TouchPal_V9_2.jpg

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] KnowBe4 Appoints Managing Director, EMEA

Security awareness training expansion through Europe, Middle East and Africa to be helmed by Jeffrey de Graaf AMSTERDAM, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- KnowBe4, provider of the world's largest new-school security awareness and simulated phishing platform, has appointed Jeffrey de Graaf as its Managing Director, EMEA, working out of the company's EMEA headquarters in Utrecht, Netherlands. In this role, Mr. de Graaf will be responsible for leading KnowBe4's operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The company's focus on EMEA comes after its 2017 launch into the UK, and will focus on a similar long-term channel strategy that develops a vigorous partner network throughout the region. Mr. de Graaf joins KnowBe4 with more than 20 years' experience as a sales and marketing professional, with a strong emphasis on IT security and channel relations. He was most recently chief marketing officer at QSight IT, where his numerous responsibilities included innovation strategy, sales and marketing for the information technology company. Prior to QSight IT, he held several positions for Onsight Solutions, most notably as chief commercial officer where he oversaw marketing, sales and business development and drove overall results for the company. Mr. de Graaf has also held positions with Liberty Global, and comes to KnowBe4 with a proven history of sales, account management, new business development and marketing management within the IT security inustry.



At a time when phishing, social engineering, and ransomware attacks continue to run rampant across the globe, KnowBe4 is seizing the opportunity to bring its new-school security awareness training to a broader, world-wide audience. "Joining KnowBe4 at this critical time in its international growth and being able to lead its efforts across EMEA from the start is a wonderful opportunity that I am eager to tackle," said Mr. de Graaf. "My UK peers have done a tremendous job of building very strong year-over-year growth and I'm looking forward to fostering a strong channel network and producing similar results throughout EMEA. In the very short time we have been directly focused on this region, we have seen significant interest from partners and customers, alike, and are already hiring to ensure we provide the great support KnowBe4 is known for."

"We continue to see phishing scams proliferate the business environment across the globe which proves that avoidable attacks have the ability to decimate an organization and that training your employees as your last line of defense makes a huge difference. Ensuring your users know what not to click on or how to prevent an attack is doable with the right tools like our new-school security awareness training and simulated phishing tools," said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4. "Jeffrey is a fantastic addition to our growing global team of accomplished, smart and tenacious leaders that prioritize the channel and will help us grow our network of partners across EMEA. I'm thrilled to have him on our team." For more information about The KnowBe4 Partner Program, please visit: https://www.knowbe4.com/partnering About KnowBe4

KnowBe4, the provider of the world's most popular integrated new-school security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 17,000 organizations worldwide. Founded by data and IT security expert Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness of ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to security awareness training. Kevin Mitnick, internationally recognized computer security expert and KnowBe4's Chief Hacking Officer, helped design KnowBe4's training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Thousands of organizations trust KnowBe4 to mobilize their end-users as the last line of corporate IT defense. Number 231 on the 2017 Inc. 500 list, #70 on 2017 Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 and #6 in Cybersecurity Ventures Cybersecurity 500. KnowBe4 is headquartered in Tampa Bay, Florida with European offices in England and the Netherlands. KnowBe4 Contact:

Amanda Tarantino

Public Relations Officer

KnowBe4

P: +1 727-748-4221

E: amandat@knowbe4.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684469/Jeffrey_D.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/588691/KB4_Logo.jpg

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Three-Year Contract Awarded to KARL STORZ by Premier Inc. for Video Laryngoscopy Products

KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc., a leader in endoscopy solutions and related technologies, has been awarded a contract for its advanced Video Laryngoscopy products by Premier Inc., a leading healthcare performance improvement company. The effective date of the three-year multi-source agreement was March 1, 2018, according to the companies. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005550/en/ The contract awarded by Premier Inc. covers an array of technology solutions from the KARL STORZ Premium Airway Management Platform for conventional and difficult tracheal intubations of pediatric to adult patients treated in the hospital as well as emergency department and pre-hospital settings. (Photo: Business Wire) The contract with Premier will cover a range of KARL STORZ Video Laryngoscopy products providing members with the latest technology solutions for conventional and difficult tracheal intubations of pediatric to adult patients treated in the hospital as well as emergency department and pre-hospital settings. Among the KARL STORZ products that will be available to Premier members are C-MAC Video Laryngoscope Blades. These reusable blades are available in various styles and sizes for performing neonate, obese and anterior airway intubation procedures. Mltiple video laryngoscope options for both routine and difficult airways offer clinicians a choice of airway tools for a wide variety of patients, clinical settings and teaching purposes. Another highlight is the C-MAC S Single-Use Video Laryngoscope, which is paired with the C-MAC S Imager for emergency and pre-hospital settings to provide exceptional image quality while requiring no reprocessing. C-MAC S is the only single-use video laryngoscope solution on the market that is part of a robust, interfacing airway management platform. The C-MAC monitor, which is at the heart of the KARL STORZ Premium Airway Management Platform, provides dual inputs to allow multiple tools to be ready for patient care which can be especially valuable in the case of a difficult intubation.



In addition to the C-MAC monitor, KARL STORZ also offers the C-MAC Pocket Monitor, a highly portable device to meet the rigorous demands of the pre-hospital setting. Its 3.5-in LCD monitor fits directly on all reusable and single use C-MAC Video Laryngoscope blades and functions in direct sunlight. The Pocket Monitor records images and video on its internal memory, and allows data to only be extracted via a proprietary data cable. The ergonomic screen can be moved in several directions and folded away for transportation. "Direct laryngoscopy continues to be the current standard of care. There is now ample evidence, however, suggesting that use of video laryngoscopy can promote enhanced outcomes. The ability to properly visualize the vocal cords during laryngoscopy is one of the most vital factors in ensuring successful tracheal intubation," says Michael Lyman, Director of Sales and Marketing, Airway Management, Anesthesiology & Emergency Medicine, KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. "Among the goals of KARL STORZ to provide a full range of tracheal intubation solutions to help make certain that clinicians are prepared to meet all the unique needs of patients and any complications that may arise. We also strive to help providers achieve the triple aim objectives of value-based healthcare by helping them meet quality objectives and secure improved outcomes for patients while helping to reduce the per capita cost of healthcare delivery." The CMAC Airway Management Platform from KARL STORZ is the only system on the market that offers a fully comprehensive, highly mobile and affordable video solution.

KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc., is an affiliate of KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, an international leader for more than 70 years in reusable endoscope technology, encompassing all endoscopic specialties. Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG is a family-owned company that designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets all its products with an emphasis on visionary design, precision craftsmanship and clinical effectiveness. For more information, call 800-421-0837 or visit the company's Web site at www.karlstorz.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005550/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Business Wire Raises Money for Children's Charity at the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting

At this year's Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting on May 5, Business Wire will once again be raising money for charity by selling commemorative tumblers that benefit CASA for Douglas County. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005027/en/ Business Wire offers stainless steel tumblers for sale at the 2018 Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha, Neb. Proceeds from the sale benefit CASA of Douglas County, Nebraska, a charitable organization that trains, empowers and inspires volunteer advocates to improve the lives of abused and neglected children. (Photo: Business Wire) A popular show tradition, Business Wire's fundraiser mementos provide Berkshire Hathaway shareholders with creative, limited-edition keepsakes that mark the theme of the year's gathering. For 2018, Business Wire offers a Berkshire Hathaway stainless steel tumbler. The tumblers are available at Business Wire's booth at Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting in Omaha. Proceeds are donated to CASA for Douglas County, Nebraska (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a charitable organization that trains, empowers and inspires volunteer advocates to improve the lives of abused and neglected children. Each year, Business Wire contributes $5,000 towards the effort and covers all costs for the promotional items. The funds raised during the event will support the recruitment and training of additional volunteers dedicated to providing a voice for children in child welfare proceedings. "For the 11 years we have proudly participated at the Berkshire annual meeting, it has been our honor to contribute to a worthy cause such as CASA. This year is our 12th anniversary as a Berkshire Hathaway company, and we are thrilled to continue our tradition of supporting CASA for Douglas County," said Geff Scott, chief executive officer of usiness Wire.



CASA was established in the Omaha area in 1998 at the urging of area judges. The idea of CASA first originated in the Seattle area, when a juvenile court judge felt that he was not sufficiently informed about a case involving a child. CASA was created under the premise that there must be an advocate for children within the court system--someone who will fight and keep the child's best interests at heart. It is the CASA volunteer that helps judges make good decisions on behalf of these abused children. "We are excited to partner with Business Wire for this event that brings a host of individuals from around the world. Our hope is to expose as many people as possible to the overwhelming need for volunteers in our community. This year CASA for Douglas County will celebrate its 20th anniversary and are on track to serve more children than ever before. This event is a great opportunity to raise awareness while generating much-needed funds to support advocates for children within the court system. Every dollar that Business Wire raises ultimately helps transform a child's future," said Kimberly Thomas, Executive Director of CASA for Douglas County.

About Business Wire: Business Wire, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure. Investor relations, public relations, public policy and marketing professionals rely on Business Wire to accurately distribute market-moving news and multimedia, host online newsrooms and IR websites, build content marketing platforms, generate social engagements and provide audience analysis that improves interaction with specified target markets. Founded in 1961, Business Wire is a trusted source for news organizations, journalists, investment professionals and regulatory authorities, delivering news directly into editorial systems and leading online news sources via its multi-patented simultaneous NX Network. Business Wire has 29 offices worldwide to securely meet the varying needs of communications professionals and news consumers. Learn more at services.BusinessWire.com and Tempo, the Business Wire resource for industry trends; follow updates on Twitter (News - Alert) : @businesswire or on Facebook. Click here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for Business Wire. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005027/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Jugnoo Makes Ride-Sharing Democratic in Singapore

NEW DELHI, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Frustrated commuters and confused drivers of Singapore can now turn to a new ride-sharing app. Jugnoo, India's third largest ride-sharing app, has launched in Singapore with a twist. Today, Jugnoo is introducing the reverse-bidding ride hailing model for the first time in Singapore and with this move, Jugnoo has established its first foothold in Southeeast Asia. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684976/Jugnoo_Logo.jpg )

The restrictions imposed by consumer industry watchers have made the Uber-Grab deal face uphill battles, wanting them to retain their pre-transaction pricing and product options for riders and drivers. CCCS also states that the deal makes it hard for new players to enter the market. At this point of dilemma, Jugnoo forays to the market to fill the gap and makes a significant investment in Singapore's ride-hailing market. With latest technology and accessibility, Jugnoo brings back the traditional technique which made the drivers and customers happy. Jugnoo will enable freelance drivers with commercial driving licences to bid for commuter requests. This is the opposite of how Grab and Uber work. One can enroll on Jugnoo driver app and give the bids for customer trips. The first round of bid will produce a range of competing price bids, depending on driver availability. The commuter is free to pick the lowest price bid and take the ride. For the first six months, Jugnoo is free to start with but after six months, Jugnoo will operate on a commission-based revenue model by charging a 10 percent commission on the ticket size from the drivers and a convenience charge from its customers.



Commenting on the launch, Samar Singla CEO and Founder of Jugnoo said: "We are very excited about our launch in Singapore. We saw a vacuum and analysed the issues currently being faced in the ride-hailing market of Singapore and many other places across the world. At Jugnoo, we believe that an open driver-customer network to offer ride hailing to consumers is a need of the hour across the world." Jugnoo's primary aspiration has always been to simplify the life of commuters and provide good earnings to the drivers. Samar added, "With the launch of reverse bidding model in Singapore, we aim to optimally leverage the already available large pool of taxi owners. Our expansion in the Singapore ride hailing market will scale up the growth of many stakeholders."

Jugnoo has emerged as the biggest auto-rickshaw aggregation platform and has disrupted the way people commute in India. In 2015, the company started scaling its international operations on an B2B model and now has partners in over 10 countries. Within the next few months, Jugnoo is also enrouting its operations towards Europe. About Jugnoo: Launched in November 2014, Jugnoo has ventured into the industry as one of the leading auto-rickshaw aggregators. Headquartered in Chandigarh, India, the company is currently rendering its services in more than 34 cities of India and clocking 50,000 daily transactions. It has over 15,000 autos empanelled under the brand at present. Apart from its core business of auto-rickshaw aggregation, the company has a diverse portfolio of offerings including Rides, Deliveries and B2B SaaS products and services. Media Contact:

Manpreet Kaur

manpreet.kaur@jugnoo.in

+91-998-803-2378

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]CALGARY, Alberta, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX:ECA) (NYSE:ECA) The following matter was voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Encana Corporation (the Corporation) held on May 1, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta. Each of the matters is described in greater detail in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and 2018 Proxy Statement dated March 22, 2018.



1. Election of Directors

By resolution passed via ballot, the following 10 nominees were appointed as Directors of the Corporation to serve until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Corporation, or until their successors are elected or appointed. The results of the ballot were as follows:

Name of Nominee Votes For Percent Votes Withheld Percent Peter A. Dea 690,282,959 98.71% 9,019,703 1.29% Fred J. Fowler 686,553,161 98.18% 12,749,501 1.82% Howard J. Mayson 692,147,927 98.98% 7,154,735 1.02% Lee A. McIntire 686,862,604 98.22% 12,440,058 1.78% Margaret A. McKenzie 687,650,213 98.33% 11,652,449 1.67% Suzanne P. Nimocks 683,990,016 97.81% 15,312,646 2.19% Brian G. Shaw 694,970,380 99.38% 4,332,282 0.62% Douglas J. Suttles 695,213,975 99.42% 4,088,687 0.58% Bruce G. Waterman 680,842,132 97.36% 18,460,530 2.64% Clayton H. Woitas 680,417,321 97.30% 18,885,341 2.70%

Encana Corporation

Encana is a leading North American energy producer that is focused on developing its strong portfolio of resource plays, held directly and indirectly through its subsidiaries, producing oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas. By partnering with employees, community organizations and other businesses, Encana contributes to the strength and sustainability of the communities where it operates. Encana common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol ECA.

Further information on Encana Corporation is available on the companys website, www.encana.com, or by contacting:

Investor contact:

Corey Code

Vice-President, Investor Relations

(403) 645-4606



Patti Posadowski

Sr. Advisor, Investor Relations

(403) 645-2252 Media contact:

Simon Scott

Vice-President, Communications

(403) 645-2526



Jay Averill

Director, Media Relations

(403) 645-4747



SOURCE: Encana Corporation[May 01, 2018] Riverbed Announces Partner of the Year Awards at Riverbed Partner Summit 2018

Riverbed, The Digital Performance Company, today recognized top-performing partners from around the world during Riverbed Partner Summit 2018, held April 30 - May 1 this year in Huntington Beach, California. The Riverbed Partner Awards recognize companies for excellence in delivering on evolving customer needs and driving business results. In total, Riverbed honored 22 global and regional partners for their achievements in 2017, across nine partner categories. LinkedIn This: Riverbed announces Partner of the Year Awards at Riverbed Partner Summit 2018: https://rvbd.ly/2HXHDtN This year's Global winners include: Orange (News - Alert) Business Services (Global Customer Acquisition Partner of the Year and Global Solutions Partner of the Year); Dimension Data (Global Account Penetration Partner of the Year); and BT (News - Alert) Global Services (Global Solutions Partner of the Year Award). The full list of global and regional award winners is below. "We are thrilled to recognize and honor top-performing partners who excel at meeting the needs of our joint customers. The Riverbed Partner Awards celebrate our partners' achievements and exemplify how together we deliver industry-leading solutions to maximize digital performance," said Bridget Bisnette, Vice President, Global Channels and Commercial Sales at Riverbed. "We have an extraordinary opportunity in front of us, with the new Riverbed Rise program, for Riverbed and partners to lead businesses forward as they modernize their IT architecture to take full advantage of cloud and mobile technologies and accelerate their digital strategies." The Riverbed Partner Awards recognize partners whose achievements impact Riverbed's usiness on both a global and regional basis. Partners were nominated and reviewed by a panel representing Riverbed's sales leadership worldwide.



Global Customer Acquisition Partner of the Year Award Winner: Orange Business Services Americas Customer Acquisition Partner of the Year Award Winner: Presidio

EMEA Customer Acquisition Partner of the Year Award Winner: Fujitsu (News - Alert) UK

APJ Customer Acquisition Partner of the Year Award Winner: Telstra Corporation Limited Global Account Penetration Partner of the Year Award Winner: Dimension Data

Americas Account Penetration Partner of the Year Award Winner: CDW

EMEA Account Penetration Partner of the Year Award Winner: Telonic GmbH

APJ Account Penetration Partner of the Year Award Winner: Datacom Systems New Zealand Global Solutions Partner of the Year Award Winner: BT Global Services Americas Solutions Partner of Year Award Winner: BlueAlly

EMEA Solutions Partner of Year Award Winner: Teneo Ltd UK

APJ Solutions Partner of Year Award Winner: TM ONE Global RASP Partner of the Year Award Winner: Orange Business Services (News - Alert) Americas RASP Partner of the Year Award Winner: Teneo

EMEA RASP Partner of the Year Award Winner: Rantek A/S

APJ RASP Partner of the Year Award Winner: Optus Business Best Marketing Campaign of the Year Award Winners Americas Best Marketing Campaign of the Year Award Winner: Teneo

EMEA Best Marketing Campaign of the Year Award Winner: Insight Direct (UK) Limited

APJ Best Marketing Campaign of the Year Award Winner: Arrow ECS Australia Distributor of the Year Award Winners Americas Distributor of the Year Award Winner: Tech Data (News - Alert)

EMEA Distributor of the Year Award Winner: Arrow ECS EMEA

APJ Distributor of the Year Award Winner: Arrow ECS Australia LATAM Partner of the Year: Servix Brasil Federal Partner of the Year: Red River Best Integrated Demand Generation Initiative: IBM Connect with Riverbed Partners LinkedIn

Riverbed Partner Blog

Twitter (@RiverbedPartner) About Riverbed Riverbed, The Digital Performance Company, enables organizations to maximize digital performance across every aspect of their business, allowing customers to rethink possible. Riverbed's unified and integrated Digital Performance Platform brings together a powerful combination of Digital Experience, Cloud Networking and Cloud Edge solutions that provides a modern IT architecture for the digital enterprise, delivering new levels of operational agility and dramatically accelerating business performance and outcomes. At more than $1 billion in annual revenue, Riverbed's 30,000+ customers include 98% of the Fortune 100 and 100% of the Forbes Global 100. Learn more at riverbed.com. Riverbed and any Riverbed product or service name or logo used herein are trademarks of Riverbed Technology, Inc. All other trademarks used herein belong to their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005299/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Genesys Celebrates the Best in Customer Innovation at CX18 Customer Experience Conference

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesys (www.genesys.com), the global leader in omnichannel customer experience and contact center solutions, has announced the winners of its 13th annual Genesys Customer Innovation Awards on the opening day of CX18, the industry's premier customer engagement event, which runs May 1-4 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Genesys Customer Innovation Awards recognize industry leaders in achieving exceptional customer experience and remarkable customer service innovation and transformation. This year, Genesys is celebrating eight industry leaders in six award categories. Genesys customers partners and employees submitted nearly 100 nominations featuring customer experience trailblazers from around the world. Finalists were evaluated by an executive panel of judges, including industry analysts and past Customer Innovation Award winners. "Once again, we are thrilled and impressed with the level of ingenuity, excellence and stellar business outcomes demonstrated by our Customer Innovation Award Winners," said Tom Eggemeier, president of Genesys. "We celebrate these industry leaders that rely on Genesys tecnology to help them connect every moment with their customers and produce the kinds of results organizations need to thrive today."



The winners of the 2018 Genesys Customer Innovation Awards are: The CX Globetrotter  Emirates Airline

Best global rollout of the Genesys Customer Experience Platform The CX Innovator  Bradesco Next

Best omnichannel customer success story The CX Pioneer  AFFINBANK, QuinStreet and VIPKID

Best new customer  breaking silos with a fast deployment The CX Mover  Westpac New Zealand

Best cloud customer migration and/or deployment The CX Visionary  Heineken Mexico

Best success story of switching to Genesys from another platform The CX Game Changer: Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator

Best Story of Making a Difference with CX Technology Winners were also evaluated for their participation in the Genesys Customer Advocacy Program (GCAP), an online forum for customers to promote successful transformation initiatives, gain insights into industry news and trends, and network with thought leaders and peers on best practices.

CX18 is the annual Genesys conference that gathers together the strongest ecosystem of solutions, customers, partners and technology pushing the boundaries and future of customer experience. Follow the excitement at CX18 on social media using the hashtag #CX18. About Genesys

Genesys powers more than 25 billion of the world's best customer experiences each year. Our success comes from connecting employee and customer conversations on any channel, every day. With 11,000 companies in more than 100 countries trust our #1 customer experience platform to drive great business outcomes and create lasting relationships. Combining the best of technology and human ingenuity, we build solutions that mirror natural communication and work the way you think. Our industry-leading solutions foster true omnichannel engagement because they perform equally well across channels, on-premises and in the cloud. Experience communication as it should be: fluid, instinctive and profoundly empowering. Visit genesys.com on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and the Genesys blog. 2018 Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Genesys and the Genesys logo are registered trademarks of Genesys. All other company names and logos may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies. Contacts:

Rachel Faulkner

Genesys

rachel.faulkner@genesys.com

+1 317-715-8109 Lisa Hawes

Sterling Communications

genesys@sterlingpr.com

+1 408-395-5500 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genesys-celebrates-the-best-in-customer-innovation-at-cx18-customer-experience-conference-300639727.html SOURCE Genesys

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Tridonic Expands Driver Portfolio with Range of New Compact Outdoor LED Drivers

DORNBIRN, Austria, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tridonic, a leading global provider of smart and efficient lighting solutions, today made available its new ADVANCED outdoor series dimmable, LED drivers to the U.S. market. Adding to its existing driver portfolio, Tridonic introduced its new range of specially-developed, UL-certified, compact outdoor LED drivers for IP67 industry luminaires. These constant-current, LED drivers are available in wattages from 12W to 120W. They possess a low flicker value (< 5 percent) to provide high-quality lighting and the 12W and 20W drivers are available with optional phase-cut dimming, all are suitable for many outdoor and harsh environment applications. The ADVANCED outdoor series LED drivers possess a UL listing and Class P certification, which supports the design-in process on OEM sites. Lighting manufacturers that use them with their luminaire designs do not need to resubmit for UL testing and recertification, greatly reducing their product development time, cost and risk. Tridonic's world-class driver designs allow efficiency of up to 90 percent, as well as higher ambient temperature limits, and are backed by a five-year product and performance guarantee. Tridonic's constant-current, compact outdoor 0-10V drivers provide a broad range of wattages from 12W to 120W. This wide range greatly expands the options for luminaire manufacturers to use the drivers in many different LED modules. Developed within Tridonic's 'tried-and-tested' quality standards, the new ADVANCED outdoo series of LED drivers are 0-10V dimmable and compatible with today's lighting control systems. The constant-current drivers include over-voltage and short-circuit protection, which allows usage in dry and damp outdoor locations, and provide an industry-leading lifetime of up to 100,000 hours. The compact LED drivers are available in 12W, 20W, 25W, 40W, 50W, 75W, 96W and 120W and suitable for bollard, wall pack, cobra head, high bay, landscape and commercial fixtures for outdoor area lighting, general illumination, parking lot and street lighting applications. Also, for 12W and 20W LED drivers, phase-cut dimming is available.



Tridonic, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Zumtobel Group, is listed as one of the handful of qualified component suppliers of the Philips SSL Licensing program. For more information about the program and its specific terms and conditions please go to the Philips SSL Licensing program web-site. http://philips.to/2zoDwly. About Tridonic

Tridonic is a world-leading supplier of lighting technology, supporting its customers with intelligent hardware and software and offering the highest level of quality, reliability and energy savings. As a global driver of innovation in the field of lighting-based network technology, Tridonic develops scalable, future-oriented solutions that enable new business models for lighting manufacturers, building managers, systems integrators, planners and many other types of customers.

To promote the vision of the "Internet of Light", Tridonic relies on partnerships with other specialists. The goal is the joint development of innovative technological solutions that convert lighting systems into intelligent networks and thereby enable associated services. Its profound, technical industry expertise makes Tridonic an ideal partner for established brands and for newcomers to the market. Tridonic is the technology company of the Zumtobel Group and is headquartered in Dornbirn, Austria. In the 2016/17 tax year, Tridonic generated sales of 377.2 million. 1,590 highly skilled employees and a worldwide sales presence in over 50 countries reflect the company's commitment to the development and deployment of new, smart and connected lighting systems. www.tridonic.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tridonic-expands-driver-portfolio-with-range-of-new-compact-outdoor-led-drivers-300639726.html SOURCE Tridonic

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] RTI to Host First East Coast User Conference in Boston, Bringing Together Experts Building the Future of the Industrial Internet of Things

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Real-Time Innovations (RTI), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity company, today announced its first Boston Connext Conference, on May 16-17 at the Westin Waltham Boston. Building on the multi-year success of the Connext Conference Series in EMEA and Silicon Valley, RTI is now introducing Connext Conference to the East Coast. This two-day event will bring together power DDS users and experts who are dedicated to building IIoT systems.

The event will include presentations on industry architecture examples, hands-on workshops, keynotes by RTI executives, and interactive demos led by RTI customers and partners. Participants will also get an inside look into the latest news about RTI's Connext DDS software and services. Additionally, RTI technical staff will be on hand to answer any questions. At Boston Connext Conference, some of RTIs leading customers will be discussing how they are using RTI Connext DDS to solve their connectivity and security challenges. Top presentations include: ul type="disc"> Accelerating AutonomyDr. Stan Schneider, Chief Executive Officer, RTI Technical Vision- Connecting Autonomous Systems in the IIoTDr. Gerardo Pardo-Castellote, Chief Technical Officer, RTI The Evolving Architectures of Autonomous Vehicles  Performance, Safety and Security using Connext DDSBob Leigh, Senior Market Development Director, Autonomous Systems, RTI The Machinery Behind the CurtainJan Van Bruaene, Vice President of Engineering, RTI Distributed Robotic Architecture Utilizing Actin and DDSJustin Keesling, Chief Software Architect, Energid



Event Details

What: Boston Connext Conference 2018

When: May 16-17, 2018

Where: The Westin Waltham Boston, 70 Third Ave. Waltham, MA 02451 For additional information, a full agenda and to register for this complimentary event, please visit: https://bit.ly/2HZAjvf About RTI Real-Time Innovations (RTI) is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity company. The RTI Connext databus is a software framework that shares information in real time, making applications work together as one, integrated system. It connects across field, fog and cloud. Its reliability, security, performance and scalability are proven in the most demanding industrial systems. Deployed systems include medical devices and imaging; wind, hydro and solar power; autonomous planes, trains and cars; traffic control; Oil and Gas; robotics, ships and defense. RTI lives at the intersection of functional artificial intelligence and pervasive networkingSM. RTI is the largest vendor of products based on the Object Management Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard. RTI is privately held and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif. Download a free 30-day trial of the latest, fully-functional Connext DDS software today: https://www.rti.com/downloads. Media Contacts:

Rachel Shatz

Karbo Communications for RTI

rachel@karbocom.com Cameron Smead

Public Relations Senior Manager at RTI

cameron@rti.com

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Schneider Teams Up with SkyBitz to Implement Its Third Generation Trailer and Container Tracking System

GREEN BAY, Wis. and HERNDON, Va., May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Schneider (NYSE:SNDR), a premier provider of transportation and logistics services, announced that it has teamed up with SkyBitz to implement Schneiders third generation trailer and container tracking system. SkyBitz is a leading provider of best-fit vehicle and asset tracking solutions that give companies total visibility into their fleets and cargo, without increasing overhead.

Schneider Intermodal



Schneider Intermodal







Schneider is committed to providing a differentiated driver experence and eliminating job irritants, says Shaleen Devgun, Executive Vice President and CIO, Schneider. This technology enables drivers to efficiently locate an available empty trailer or container with pinpoint accuracy using their mobile devices which saves a significant amount of time.



As part of its third-generation solution, Schneider has leveraged the SkyBitz Falcon GXT5002C, a solar-powered, GPS-based asset management device that improves asset utilization and cargo visibility. The Falcon GXT5002C provides reporting on several critical data points, including arrival and departure times, inner yard movements, idle durations, and cargo loaded or unloaded events in near-real time. Schneider wanted a high-quality trailer and container tracking solution that could be implemented quickly and efficiently, says Henry Popplewell, President, SkyBitz. SkyBitz designs its trailer, container, and asset tracking solutions for reliability, simple installation, and an overall lower cost of ownership. These tools give shippers more ways to ensure theyre delivering the highest quality service to every customer.

Our multi-vendor telematics strategy enables us to bring the best available functionality to our drivers, adds Shaleen Devgun. SkyBitz won the day with its latest technology. Through this working relationship, SkyBitz and Schneider can bring greater asset visibility and operational efficiency to drivers and customers across North America. With this solution, dispatchers, drivers, and customer service associates can make more timely, data-driven business decisions from a variety of desktop and mobile devices. About SkyBitz, Inc. SkyBitz, Telulars flagship brand for IoT Telematics solutions, is a leader in commercial telematics solutions across multiple vertical industry sectors, providing real-time information on the location and status of assets. More than a thousand enterprises rely on SkyBitz technology to achieve total asset visibility, improved security, lower operating and capital expenses, and enhanced customer service. SkyBitz delivers its solution via a secure web-based application and requires no software downloads. For additional information, visit www.skybitz.com. About Schneider Schneider is a premier provider of transportation and logistics services. Offering one of the broadest portfolios in the industry, Schneiders solutions include Regional and Long-Haul Truckload, Expedited, Dedicated, Bulk, Intermodal, Final Mile, LTL, Brokerage, Warehousing, Supply Chain Management and Port Logistics. A $4.4 billion company (2017 revenue), Schneider has been delivering superior customer experiences and safely getting it done for over 80 years. For more information about Schneider, visit www.schneider.com or follow on Twitter: @WeAreSchneider. Media contact:

Jan Jahosky

SkyBitz

jan@jahosky.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/a2496253-9984-4a15-a5f2-01380285e488 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/debe57de-8287-4af9-b38f-8f18849dbb44

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Cylance 2017 Threat Report Provides Insight Into Attacks Prevented With Artificial Intelligence

Cylance Inc., the company that revolutionized endpoint security with true AI powered threat prevention, today released the Cylance (News - Alert) 2017 Threat Report. The report provides a real-world glimpse into the major cyberthreats that affected Cylance's diverse customer base in 2017, industry trends and analysis, and data from thousands of government entities and organizations of all sizes across 160 countries that have adopted a prevention-first approach to security. Among the highlights: Destructive attacks continue to rise with ransomware families leading the pack by growing three-fold during the year and affecting the healthcare industry the most

50% to 70% of 2017's attacks exploited known vulnerabilities reported more than nine months prior to the attack

The most common infection vectors remained email phishing and drive-by downloads

The food/beverage/restaurant industry suffered the greatest volume of attacks The report also explores the exponential growth of malware variants and the ease with which they can be deployed. Malware variants are a challenge for legacy security solutions that rely on signatures to detect threats given their short life span. Conversely, more than 50% of the threats Cylance prevented were not seen in any other environment, further supporting the need for organizations to consider advanced malware detection and prevention technologies. "Cybercriminals ar adept at modifying their malware and methods to stay ahead of traditional protections that organizations deploy, as seen by the rise in infections and sophistication of attacks in 2017," said Rahul Kashyap, worldwide chief technology officer at Cylance. "It's critical that companies are aware of the threats, keep up-to-date with patches, and use defenses that protect against constantly evolving malware."



The Cylance Threat Report details the impact of malware on specific industries and dives into specifics on the top 10 malware families: WannaCry, Upatre, Cerber, Emotet, Locky, Petya, Ramnit, Fareit, PolyRansom and Terdot/Zloader. The report also discusses other threat trends, including emerging supply chain attacks, fast-rising ransomware attacks and the top industries affected by them, the growth of crypto-miners, wallet-swiping trojans, and firmware and hardware vulnerabilities. "The attacks and threats of 2017 are a reminder of the ingenuity and destructive capabilities of threat actors," said Aditya Kapoor, head of security research at Cylance. "All indicators point to a perfect storm with the explosion in the number and types of endpoints requiring protection, the rise in the diversity of attack types, and the ease with which they can be accessed and weaponized."

To learn more, download a copy of the Cylance Annual Threat Report. About Cylance Inc. Cylance is the first company to apply artificial intelligence, algorithmic science, and machine learning to cybersecurity to prevent the most advanced security threats, such as fileless attacks, malicious scripts, and zero-day exploits. Built on a breakthrough predictive analysis process, Cylance AI technology serves as a foundation for innovative, AI driven security products that address critical attack vectors. CylancePROTECT quickly and accurately identifies what is benign and what is a threat, and then prevents malicious code from ever executing on a targeted system. CylanceOPTICS builds upon CylancePROTECT's threat prevention capabilities by providing consistent visibility, root cause analysis, scalable threat hunting, and automated threat detection and response. By coupling advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning and with a unique understanding of an attacker's mentality, Cylance provides technology and services that are truly predictive and preventive against the most advanced threats. For more information visit: www.cylance.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006276/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] GTL Unveils Integrated Video Relay Service to Improve Experience for Hearing-Impaired Inmates and Increase Security in Correctional Facilities

RESTON, Va., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GTL today announced that it has integrated Video Relay Service (VRS) into its inmate telephone system (ITS) platform, providing a better user experience for both inmates and correctional facilities. VRS is a video calling service for the hearing impaired that uses video to allow for American Sign Language (ASL) conversations between parties or through VRS interpreters. Available on the Flex Link multi-service units, VRS is used as a complement to traditional teletypewriter (TTY) devices. "The VRS application is completely integrated into our phone platform in order to give facilities a solution that has all the same security features of GTL's traditional ITS phone calls," said Brian Deuster, GTL Product Manager, Video Initiatives. "GTL has a longstanding partnership with Purple Communications, one of the largest VRS ASL translation providers in the United States, to provide ASL translation services through our new integrated app. The VRS application provides for two types of calls. The first connects two deaf or hearing-impaired parties via video to allow for sign language between the inmate and the call recipient. The second call type, taking place between a deaf or hearing-impaired inmate and a call recipient that is not deaf or hearing-impaired, connects the parties via a VRS video interpreter who uses ASL with the hearing-impaired inmate and speaks with the non-hearing-impaired call recipient."



"As we continue to grow our offerings, we are focused on solutions that simplify the work of correctional facility staff," said Brian Peters, Vice President of Facility Product Management. "GTL's solution allows for live monitoring, recording, and storing of all VRS calls for use in investigations, if necessary. Only inmates that have been granted access to VRS will see the application on our devices. All the same call control and security enforcement measures, such as the use of PIN, approved numbers, restricted numbers, call lengths, etc., available for traditional telephone calls now carry over to VRS calls. Facilities can have greater confidence in the safety, security, and compliance measures associated with GTL's integrated VRS compared to other solutions." About GTL

GTL leads the fields of correctional technology, education, and government payment services with visionary solutions and customized products that integrate seamlessly to deliver security, financial value, and operational efficiencies while aiding inmate rehabilitation and reducing recidivism rates. With the recent acquisition of Telmate, GTL has strengthened its suite of solutions for the corrections industry and expanded its community corrections portfolio with Telmate Guardian, a smartphone-based GPS monitoring solution. As a trusted industry leader, GTL provides services to over 2 million inmates in more than 2,500 correctional facilities in the United States and Canada, including more than 30 U.S. departments of corrections, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and many large city/county/provincial facilities. GTL is headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with an employee presence throughout North America. To learn more about GTL, please visit www.gtl.net or social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Press Contact: Vinnie Mascarenhas

703-955-3894

vinnie.mascarenhas@gtl.net View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gtl-unveils-integrated-video-relay-service-to-improve-experience-for-hearing-impaired-inmates-and-increase-security-in-correctional-facilities-300640229.html SOURCE GTL

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Richard Petty Motorsports and World Wide Technology Announce New Partnership

Richard Petty Motorsports and World Wide Technology (WWT), a market-leading technology solution provider, announced today an official partnership, naming World Wide Technology the Technology and Analytics Partner of Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006404/en/ World Wide Technology (News - Alert) joins with Richard Petty Motorsports to unveil their new car and partnership at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. L-R: Brian Moffitt, CEO, RPM; Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr., RPM; Matt Horner, SVP of global enterprise sales, WWT; Richard "The King" Petty. (Photo: Business Wire) As part of the new partnership, WWT will provide data analytics consulting and technology solutions to help improve team performance for Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. and the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team. WWT will embed a team of its data scientists within the organization and use analysis of sensor, environmental and other data to optimize the team's performance on the track. "I'm really into technology in my personal life and this partnership makes perfect sense for me and our race team," said Wallace Jr. "World Wide Technology will bring a whole new set of tools to our race team that we can directly translate into speed in our cars. The amount of data they can collect and analyze for us will give us an advantage and help us with our entire process of setting up the car on a race weekend. I'm excited to work with their group and help with this partnership." "Technology is always changing in our sport. The amount of data available and collected by teams during test sessions and race weekends is staggering and could be overwhelming. Our partnership with World Wide Technology will help ensure our team maximizes the knowledge available in this collection of data so we stay ahead of what's happening in our sport," said Brian Moffitt, chief executive officer, Richard Petty Motorsports. "We look forward to showcasing the capabilities of World Wide Technology and the direct impact they will have on the performance of our race team." WWT will sponsor Wallace Jr. for six races starting with the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Race at the Kansas Spedway on May 12, 2018. Additional races include Sonoma Raceway, June 24; Indianapolis Motor Speedway, September 9; Las Vegas Motor Speedway, September 16; Charlotte Motor Speedway, September 30 and Dover International Speedway on October 7. The No. 43 car and team will bear the WWT branding and Silicon Valley in St. Louis message.



"World Wide Technology is thrilled to partner with Wallace Jr. and Richard Petty Motorsports," said Matt Horner, senior vice president of global enterprise sales. "NASCAR is a sport where small variables have a large impact, and we're excited to help Richard Petty Motorsports harness big data for bigger results." WWT helps organizations across a range of industries to survive and thrive the digital disruption that surrounds them. WWT's innovative ecosystem, known as the Advanced Technology Center, brings together hundreds of technology companies, from Silicon Valley heavyweights to emerging tech players, to test out and integrate technology solutions for customers - cutting technology evaluation from months to weeks, sometimes days, and producing game-changing results. WWT complements the ATC with 500 agile application developers who build digital experiences for customers, as well as big data solutions, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence that help customers turn data into business value.

About World Wide Technology

World Wide Technology (WWT) is a technology solution provider with more than $10 billion in annual revenue that provides innovative technology and supply chain solutions to large public and private organizations around the globe. While most companies talk about delivering business and technology outcomes, WWT does it. Based in St. Louis, WWT employs more than 4,600 people and operates over 2 million square feet of warehousing, distribution and integration space in more than 20 facilities throughout the world. For more information about World Wide Technology, visit www.wwt.com. Connect with WWT: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn About Richard Petty Motorsports

A performance and marketing driven company, Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM), co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty and successful business entrepreneur Andrew Murstein, is one of the most recognized brands in all of motorsports. RPM is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup history with 273 wins and has business partnerships with national and global leaders. Today the race operation fields the famed No. 43 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr. The team is headquartered in Welcome, N.C. and is supported by primary partners Click n' Close, STP, United States Air Force and World Wide Technology. For additional information, news and the latest updates, please visit www.richardpettymotorsports.com or connect with RPM on Facebook (News - Alert) (Richard Petty Motorsports), Twitter (@RPMotorsports) or Instagram (@richardpettymotorsports). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006404/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] New Mini-Documentary Highlights How the World's Largest Tech Industry Association is Working to Close the Skills and Diversity Gap in IT Jobs

LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This is a MUST SEE documentary for anyone with an aptitude for technology searching for a viable and rewarding career path. "Cracking the Code" is a new mini-documentary from WorkingNation that follows Greg Bartell as he transitioned from a dead-end job in retail to a sustainable career in IT thanks to enrollment in the Creating IT Futures "IT-Ready" program from CompTIA, the world's leading tech association. The documentary was produced by WorkingNation, a national non-profit campaign working to expose hard truths about a looming unemployment crisis in the United States and bring the country together to create and amplify solutions. The video is available to view here. In the 4-minute documentary, we learn how Bartell found the free training and job experience through IT-Ready that allowed him to break into the expanding IT field. Today, he is a network operations team lead for Atomic Data. "When I heard that I was going to be accepted into the program, it was a really awesome moment," Bartell says in the video. "I felt like I had won the lottery. It was the first time that I felt like I was going to be in a career that I could thrive in in my entire life." WorkingNation's filmmaking crew documented Bartell's training in the Creating IT Futures program  part of the philanthropic arm of CompTIA  and explored how initiatives like it are so important to closing he skills gap and diversifying the talent pool in IT.



In the past year alone, more than 2.8 million IT jobs and 375,000 cyber security jobs were posted online in the United States. In order to meet current market demands, the cyber security workforce would have to double overnight, and the number of job openings is expected to triple over the next five years. "There is a major skills gap problem that's been identified in IT and it feels like we're going to walk off a cliff if we don't find a way to fill these roles," said Adam Turner, senior director of training program operations for CompTIA. "By bringing in folks that are underrepresented, we can fill that gap by providing them the skills and training for a sustainable career path."

The 4-minute video is part of WorkingNation's "Do Something Awesome" series, consisting of heartfelt, human mini-docs that shine a light on programs across the country working to prepare Americans for jobs of the future. Each episode in the "Do Something Awesome" series highlights a different scalable program that is working to create a more sustainable workforce in a rapidly changing U.S. economy. Collectively, the episodes illuminate a broader and often difficult to understand narrative facing the United States  that the world of work is changing faster than we ever could have predicted, and we are not ready. By highlighting these corporations, not-for-profits and individuals, WorkingNation is providing a wide audience with information on emerging careers, pathways to steady jobs, and successful programs that other organizations can adapt for their respective communities, across multiple industries. Watch every episode of the "Do Something Awesome" series at WorkingNation.com. ABOUT WORKINGNATION Founded by philanthropist and venture capitalist Art Bilger, WorkingNation exists to expose hard truths about the looming unemployment crisis and bring the country together to create new jobs for a changing economy. Bilger serves as CEO of WorkingNation and has assembled a team of talented journalists and media and non-profit executives to carry out the mission. WorkingNation's efforts include a series of original programming from award winning directors and producers as well as other forms of interactive multimedia outreach to everyday Americans. For more information, visit WorkingNation.com . ABOUT COMPTIA'S CREATING IT FUTURES Creating IT Futures is the tech workforce charity of CompTIA, a non-profit trade organization representing the interests of IT professionals and companies. To learn more about IT-Ready or Creating IT Futures, visit www.creatingitfutures.org. Contacts: Erik Borg

Working Nation

212.584.7829

erik@theleadpr.com Lisa Fasold

Creating IT Futures

630.678.8558

lfasold@comptia.org View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-mini-documentary-highlights-how-the-worlds-largest-tech-industry-association-is-working-to-close-the-skills-and-diversity-gap-in-it-jobs-300640280.html SOURCE Creating IT Futures

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Finhaven Launches Passport to the Future of Investing with Tokenized Membership

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Finhaven Technology Inc. ("Finhaven") is pleased to announce the launch of its tokenized membership program for the Finhaven platform (the "Platform"), a passport to the future of investing. The Financial Incentive Network ("FIN") is a loyalty points-powered system of membership incentives, bringing together a broad range of participants including issuers, investors, and rewards partners. Tokenized loyalty points ("FIN points"), represented by ERC-20 compatible tokens, function as fuel enabling the use of the Platform, and allow participants to purchase or earn memberships, their passport to Finhaven's blockchain-powered issuance platform for tokenized debt and equity.

FIN points can be used for membership at three tiers with scaling benefits; as rewards member, premier member, or platinum member. Platform memberships enable members to transact on the Platform, receive first access to deals, exclusive rewards, network partner discounts and offers, and platform discounts for both investors and issuers. "By offering membership tiers, we invite a broad range of investors and issuers to participate in the future offerings of the platform," said Finhaven CEO DH Kim. "A scaling membership system allows us to cater to the needs of all network partners and incentivize greater participation. Membership builds an engaged community, and Finhaven membership ensures that engaged participants are rewarded for their contributions." Finhaven is building the future of investing. Growth companies focused on emerging tech like artificial intelligence, autonomous transportation, blockchain, and smart cities now have a platform for tokenized securities issuance, offering investors better liquidity and issuing companies easier access to capital. The waitlist has opened for FIN membership, but space is limited and priority will go to first sign ups. Finhaven welcomes users to join the waitlist for early access now at members.finhaven.com.



Launched in March, Finhaven is strategically accepting new issuers, with two live issuances on the platform offering tokenized bonds and collectively raising approximately USD $15 million. Finhaven is also in consultation with securities regulators to obtain the necessary approvals to open a blockchain-based securities exchange. A securities exchange will provide the marketplace for tokenized issuances, positioning Finhaven as an end-to-end solution for issuing, investing in, and trading regulatory compliant security tokens.

About Finhaven Finhaven is building a global, securities issuance platform and exchange. Powered by Ethereum smart contracts and the Bitcoin blockchain, Finhaven's platform allows for the tokenization of assets, providing companies new access to liquidity and global capital markets. Founded in 2017, Finhaven is led by an experienced management team with strong track records across traditional capital markets and high tech, and scaling companies to successful exits. Finhaven is following regulatory approval process to launch a blockchain-based securities exchange. For more information about Finhaven, please visit www.finhaven.com.

On behalf of the board of FINHAVEN TECHNOLOGY INC. Per: Do Hyung Kim; Chief Executive Officer and Director 2300  1075 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC Canada V6E 3C9

www.finhaven.com For further information please contact: Olivia Lovenmark, Director of Marketing

604-782-2851

194348@email4pr.com Forward-Looking Statements: This press release includes certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively "Forward-Looking Statements") concerning the future performance of the business, operations and financial performance and condition, as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions of Finhaven Technology Inc. (the "Company"). Forward-Looking Statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend" and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-Looking Statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All Forward-Looking Statements are inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including unanticipated operational or technical difficulties and the availability of financing, changes in laws or regulations, changes in the financial markets and changes in general economic conditions. Such Forward-Looking Statements are based on a number of assumptions. Should one or more risks and uncertainties materialize or should any assumptions prove incorrect, then actual events or results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the Forward Looking-Statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these Forward-Looking Statements, except as required by applicable laws. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/finhaven-launches-passport-to-the-future-of-investing-with-tokenized-membership-300640282.html SOURCE Finhaven Technology Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CWB Franchise Finance (CWB), a division of CWB Financial Group, has provided a term loan, mortgage and development line facility to Leopolds Tavern Group of Companies (Leopolds Tavern). Opening soon in Manitoba, the growing Canadian restaurant and pub brand currently operates across Saskatchewan and Alberta. The funds will be used to assist with development of new locations as well as renovations and updates of existing units, as required.



After recently reaching a point of rapid expansion, the team at Leopolds Tavern came to us for structured restaurant-specific financing after a referral from CWBs Regina Branch where theyve been a client for four years, explained Dimitri Mazur, account manager at CWB Franchise Finances restaurant division. This is an excellent example of how CWB leverages the expertise across our teams to help our clients grow their businesses. Weve been able to provide a Development Line that Leopolds Tavern can draw down on for multiple projects over a two-year period, with approval and document completed upfront, while the local branch in Regina can continue to serve their day-to-day business banking needs.

Leopolds Tavern is expanding, in both new and existing markets, noted Matt Pinch, the companys president and chief financial officer. This Development Line creates a trajectory for the various projects we have on the radar. CWBs deep understanding of the restaurant industry and, more specifically, our model and growth needs, translates into both products and processes that make sense for us. Their teams friendly, collaborative approach has been refreshing and we look forward to many more years of partnership.

About CWB Franchise Finance CWB Franchise Finance, a division of CWB Financial Group, specializes in financing for regional and national restaurants and hotels and is a leading lender to the Canadian restaurant and hospitality industries. Previously GE Capital Canadas franchise financing arm, CWB Franchise Finance was acquired by CWB Financial Group in 2016 following a successful track record of more than 800 clients with upwards of 1,525 property locations over 14 years. To date, more than $3 billion has been invested in the Canadian hotel and restaurant space.

About CWB Financial Group CWB is a diversified financial services organization serving businesses and individuals across Canada. Operating from its headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta, CWBs key business lines include full-service business and personal banking offered through 42 branches of Canadian Western Bank and Internet banking services provided by Motive Financial. Highly responsive specialized financing is delivered under the banners of CWB Equipment Financing, National Leasing, CWB Maxium Financial, CWB Franchise Finance and CWB Optimum Mortgage. Trust Services are offered through Canadian Western Trust. Comprehensive wealth management offerings are provided through CWB Wealth Management, which includes the businesses of McLean & Partners Wealth Management and Canadian Western Financial. As a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), CWB trades under the symbols CWB (common shares), CWB.PR.B (Series 5 Preferred Shares) and CWB.PR.C (Series 7 Preferred Shares). Learn more at www.cwb.com.

About Leopolds Tavern Leopolds Tavern is a privately-owned, Regina-based company offering a juke box dive bar atmosphere at all their locations. Leopolds Tavern opened their first unit in Regina, Saskatchewan, and hasnt looked back. In October 2017, Leopolds Tavern opened their 6th location, their first in Alberta. They are scheduled to open their 7th and 1st location in Manitoba in 2018, with more openings planned for the balance of 2018 and onwards. They pride themselves on offering a place you can call your own: your local haunt, your clubhouse, a place to celebrate, your second home, your getaway, a part of your community, or even your place of work. Listen to the jukebox, enjoy the tasty homemade comfort food, and try the local/domestic craft beers. Visit them online at www.leopoldstavern.com.

For more information: Ed Khediguian Matt Pinch, CPA, CA

Vice President, Franchise Finance President & CFO CWB Franchise Finance Leopold's Hospitality Management Group Phone: (647) 465-0591 Phone: (306) 536-4274 Email : ed.khediguian@cwbfranchise.com







[May 01, 2018] BookZurman Names Two Directors

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The BookZurman corporate team recently added two directors to support the company's breadth of government support and expansion into the private healthcare space. Business Development Director Gayle Grasso and Marketing Director Jackie Walling joined in April. With more than 30 years of IT sales experience spanning industries, Grasso leads business development efforts in the government and private sectors of the healthcare IT community. She thrives in developing and managing relationships, cross-team collaboration and account planning strategy leadership. "I've always been impressed with the impact and influence from the depth of Gayle's relationships across client partnerships and internal teams," said President Brian Book. Grasso joins from IBM, where she served for a decade as the company's Veterans Affairs Client Executive. In this role, she leveraged extensive account knowledge and relationships leading a large, cross-brand team and building strong relationships at senior levels of the organization. She joined IBM in 1999 as Program Manager for the Department of Commerce, National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Research & Development Institution's high-performance computing programs. During this time, she managed relationships, contracts and operational performance for the development, integration and deployment of high-performance computing, climate and weather solutions. Before joining IBM, Grasso spent 12 years in a variety of roles supporting the delivery and operations of complex natioal assets deployed in the execution of classified national security missions. Grasso earned her bachelor's degree in computer science and math from the State University of New York at New Paltz. She has mentored veterans as they transition from the armed services to private enterprise through economic empowerment for seven years with American Corporate Partners (ACP). Grasso has been the vice chair of Professional Services Council's (PSC) VA team for close to five years.



Walling brings more than 20 years of creative strategy, account leadership and communications experience to the BookZurman team. She will spearhead marketing and branding initiatives from development through implementation. "Jackie's creativity and strategic approach will be an important aspect of connecting with the organizations and influencers that will continue to foster our growth," said President Brian Book.

Her career's common thread has been building relationships and creating understanding to craft messages that connect. Whether through award-winning branding, corporate initiatives or online strategies, Walling has developed and implemented successful advertising and marketing strategies for small businesses and Fortune 500 companies to support organizational growth. In close to 14 years with Raymond James Marketing, Walling held roles spanning account management, creative leadership and business development activities for the firm with a focus on branding strategy for financial advisors, content strategy and creation. She was instrumental in forming the department's account management function and directed the marketing for the asset management division of the firm for four years. In addition to Raymond James, Walling held creative and account roles with additional organizations including 22squared, one of the largest national advertising agencies. Walling earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from the University of South Florida, was awarded the inaugural Media General Convergence Journalism Internship, and has consistently been recognized with multiple Addy awards throughout her career for her creative work. She volunteers with edible Tampa Bay, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida and The Kind Mouse. She currently holds a board member position for USF's Digital Marketing Certificate program. "Together, with the BookZurman team, we look forward to transforming healthcare through technology and trust," said President Brian Book. Grasso and Walling join BookZurman's corporate team headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. Grasso will be working out of Washington, D.C. About BookZurman: BookZurman (BZ) is a consulting firm that bridges the gap between healthcare and technology for a better patient experience. By leading conversations that connect caregivers and patients, BZ is driven to help resolve the challenge of healthcare interoperability to enhance care and enhance life through the delivery of timely and integrated data. With a focus on standards and interoperability, informatics architecture, clinical decision support and terminology, BZ empowers caregivers to transform the future of healthcare  one patient at a time. www.bookzurman.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bookzurman-names-two-directors-300640316.html SOURCE BookZurman

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] JBT Corporation Reports First-Quarter 2018 Results

CHICAGO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- First-Quarter 2018 Highlights: Continues to enjoy robust market conditions and order activity

Challenged by FoodTech margins, but expects significant improvement through 2018

Continues to expect double-digit revenue and pre-restructuring earnings growth with full-year guidance adjusted to reflect benefit from new revenue recognition standards and shortfall in first-quarter margins

Initiates restructuring program of approximately $50 million , expected to contribute run-rate savings of $45 million by year-end 2019 JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT), a leading global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food & beverage industry, today reported results for the first quarter of 2018. "With record orders and strong market conditions, JBT remains on track to deliver double-digit revenue and pre-restructuring earnings growth in 2018," said Tom Giacomini, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "While FoodTech margins were pressured in the first quarter, we expect meaningful improvement throughout 2018." First quarter 2018 revenue increased 19 percent from the first quarter of 2017, with a 3 percent decline in organic revenues, a 3 percent gain from acquisitions, a 4 percent foreign exchange benefit, and a 15 percent gain from the new revenue recognition standard, ASC 606, adopted January 1, 2018. Of the 15 percent from ASC 606, 10 percent represented previously recognized revenue and 5 percent was from accelerated/deferred revenue. Operating income of $5.9 million declined $14.3 million from the year-ago period, including a restructuring charge of $12.7 million in the first quarter of 2018. Total segment operating profit of $29.4 million declined 2 percent, impacted by short-term operational execution issues and new product launch inefficiencies. Total segment operating profit included $13 million benefit from ASC 606, of which $7 million was related to previously recognized revenue and $6 million was associated with accelerated/deferred revenue. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.05 for the first quarter of 2018 compared to $0.58 for the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.34 for the first quarter of 2018 excluding the restructuring charge. First quarter 2017 results included a $5.8 million, or $0.19 per share, discrete tax benefit associated with new accounting rules for stock compensation costs. Orders and Backlog For the first quarter of 2018, inbound orders of $442 million increased 9 percent with record levels at FoodTech and strong performance from AeroTech. Backlog expanded 11 percent. Restructuring In the first quarter of 2018, JBT recorded a restructuring charge of $12.7 million, part of a $50 million program to unlock the benefits of the Company's expanded global scale. "We are reengineering processes for greater efficiency and flattening our organization to move closer to the customer and better leverage G&A resources," added Giacomini. "We expect to generate run rate benefits of approximately $45 million, representing margin enhancement of more than 200 basis points by year-end 2019." 2018 Outlook For full-year 2018, JBT continues to expect organic revenue growth of 7 - 8 percent and 2 - 3 percent from acquisitions. In addition, the Company anticipates a 4 percent impact from ASC 606 and 1 - 2 percent from foreign exchange, for a total expected revenue growth of 14 - 17 percent. Due to the first quarter margin shortfall, the Company has lowered year-over-year projected FoodTech segment margin expansion to approximately 75 basis points with AeroTech improvement maintained at 50 - 75 basis points. With these changes and the restructuring charge, the Company forecasts diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $2.80 - $3.00 or $3.95 - $4.15 on an adjusted basis. This includes a projected ASC 606 benefit of $0.30 - $0.34 per share, versus prior guidance of $0.06 - $0.10 per share. The revenue and EPS impact from ASC 606 are subject to adjustment as orders develop throughout the year. For the second quarter of 2018, the Company anticipates revenue growth of 22 - 24 percent, including approximately 7 percent resulting from ASC 606. FoodTech and AeroTech segment margins are both expected to improve approximately 100 basis points year over year. Earnings from continuing operations is estimated at $0.80 - $0.87, or $1.00 - $1.07, adjusted for restructuring charges. These estimates include a $0.14 per share discrete tax benefit from accounting rules for stock compensation costs. First-Quarter 2018 Earnings Conference Call A conference call is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 to discuss first-quarter 2018 financial results. Participants may access the conference call by dialing (833) 238-7952 in the U.S. and Canada or (647) 689-4200 for international callers and using conference ID 6987139, or through the Investor Relations link on our website at www.jbtc.com/investors. An online audio replay of the call will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website at approximately 1:30 p.m. EDT on May 2, 2018. JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) is a leading global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food & beverage industry with focus on proteins, liquid foods and automated system solutions. JBT designs, produces and services sophisticated products and systems for multi-national and regional customers through its FoodTech segment. JBT also sells critical equipment and services to domestic and international air transportation customers through its AeroTech segment. JBT Corporation employs approximately 5,800 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations in more than 25 countries. For more information, please visit www.jbtc.com. This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are beyond the Company's ability to control. These risks and uncertainties are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission that may be accessed on the Company's website. The Company cautions shareholders and prospective investors that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements.







JBT CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited and in millions, except per share data)

















Three Months Ended

March 31,

2018

2017







Revenue $ 409.2



$ 344.5

Cost of sales 305.6



246.9









Gross profit 103.6



97.6

Gross profit % 25.3 %

28.3 %







Selling, general and administrative expense 76.9



70.8

Research and development expense 7.9



6.3

Restructuring expense 12.7



0.4

Other expense (income), net 0.2



(0.1)









Operating income 5.9



20.2

Operating income % 1.4 %

5.9 %







Other (expense) income, net (0.2)



0.3

Net interest expense (3.7)



(3.4)

Income from continuing operations before income taxes 2.0



17.1

Income tax provision (benefit) 0.4



(0.5)

Income from continuing operations 1.6



17.6

Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes (0.4)



(0.2)

Net income $ 1.2



$ 17.4









Basic earnings per share:





Income from continuing operations $ 0.05



$ 0.59

Loss from discontinued operations (0.01)



(0.01)

Net income $ 0.04



$ 0.58









Diluted earnings per share:





Income from continuing operations $ 0.05



$ 0.58

Loss from discontinued operations (0.01)



(0.01)

Net income $ 0.04



$ 0.57









Weighted average shares outstanding





Basic 31.9



30.0

Diluted 32.4



30.4











JBT CORPORATION NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE (Unaudited and in millions, except per share data)

















Three Months Ended

March 31,

2018

2017







Income from continuing operations as reported $ 1.6



$ 17.6









Non-GAAP adjustments:





Restructuring expense 12.7



0.4









Impact on tax provision from Non-GAAP adjustments(1) (3.2)



(0.1)









Adjusted income from continuing operations $ 11.1



$ 17.9

















Income from continuing operations as reported $ 1.6



$ 17.6

Total shares and dilutive securities 32.4



30.4

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.05



$ 0.58









Adjusted income from continuing operations $ 11.1



$ 17.9

Total shares and dilutive securities 32.4



30.4

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.34



$ 0.59









(1) Impact on tax provision was calculated using the Company's annual effective tax rate of 25.02% and 30.78%, for 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The above table contains adjusted income from continuing operations and adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, which are non-GAAP financial measures, and are intended to provide an indication of our underlying ongoing operating results and to enhance investors' overall understanding of our financial performance by eliminating the effects of certain items that are not comparable from one period to the next. In addition, this information is used as a basis for evaluating our performance and for the planning and forecasting of future periods. This information is not intended to nor should it be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. JBT CORPORATION NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED EBITDA (Unaudited and in millions)

















Three Months Ended

March 31,

2018

2017







Net income $ 1.2



$ 17.4









Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes (0.4)



(0.2)









Income from continuing operations as reported 1.6



17.6









Income tax provision (benefit) 0.4



(0.5)

Net interest expense 3.7



3.4

Depreciation and amortization 13.7



12.2









EBITDA 19.4



32.7









Restructuring expense 12.7



0.4









Adjusted EBITDA $ 32.1



$ 33.1









The above table provides net income as adjusted by income taxes, net interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense recorded during the period to arrive at EBITDA. Further, we add back to EBITDA significant expenses that are not indicative of our ongoing operations to calculate an Adjusted EBITDA for the periods reported. Given the Company's focus on growth through strategic acquisitions, management considers Adjusted EBITDA to be an important non-GAAP financial measure. This measure allows us to monitor business performance while excluding the impact of amortization due to the step up in value of intangible assets, and the depreciation of fixed assets. We use Adjusted EBITDA internally to make operating decisions and believe this information is helpful to investors because it allows more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of our ongoing operating results. This information is not intended to nor should it be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. JBT CORPORATION NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES RECONCILIATION OF DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE GUIDANCE TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE GUIDANCE (Unaudited and in cents)

























Guidance

Guidance

Q2 2018

Full Year 2018







Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $0.80- $0.87

$2.80- $3.00







Non-GAAP adjustments:





Restructuring expense (1) 0.28

1.55







Impact on tax provision from Non-GAAP adjustments(2) (0.08)

(0.40)







Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $1.00 - $1.07

$3.95 - $4.15















(1) Restructuring expense is estimated to be approximately $9.0 million and $50.0 million for second quarter and full year of 2018, respectively. We have used the mid-point of the full year estimate in the table above. These amounts have been divided by our estimate of 32.4 million total shares and dilutive securities to derive the earnings per share value.







(2) Impact on tax provision was calculated using the Company's expected tax rate to be incurred on these restructuring costs of 26.5%. JBT CORPORATION BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA (Unaudited and in millions)









Three Months Ended

March 31,

2018

2017 Revenue





JBT FoodTech $ 303.6



$ 241.6

JBT AeroTech 105.6



102.9

Total revenue $ 409.2



$ 344.5









Income before income taxes





Segment operating profit (1)





JBT FoodTech $ 21.5



$ 20.5

JBT FoodTech segment operating profit % 7.1 %

8.5 %







JBT AeroTech 7.9



9.6

JBT AeroTech segment operating profit % 7.5 %

9.3 %







Total segment operating profit(2) 29.4



30.1

Total segment operating profit % 7.2 %

8.7 %







Corporate expense(1) (10.8)



(9.5)

Restructuring expense (12.7)



(0.4)









Operating income $ 5.9



$ 20.2

Operating income % 1.4 %

5.9 %







Other business segment information







Inbound Orders





JBT FoodTech $ 320.7



$ 317.9

JBT AeroTech 121.3



86.3

Intercompany eliminations/other 



0.1

Total inbound orders $ 442.0



$ 404.3











As of March 31,

2018

2017 Order Backlog





JBT FoodTech $ 426.5



$ 413.4

JBT AeroTech 270.1



214.4

Total order backlog $ 696.6



$ 627.8









(1) Segment operating profit is defined as total segment revenue less segment operating expenses. Corporate expense, restructuring expense, interest income and expense and income taxes are not allocated to the segments. Corporate expense generally includes corporate staff-related expense, stock-based compensation, pension and other postretirement benefit expenses not related to service, LIFO adjustments, certain foreign currency related gains and losses, and the impact of unusual or strategic events not representative of segment operations. (2) Total segment operating profit, as presented elsewhere in this release, is a non-GAAP measure. The table above includes a reconciliation of total segment operating profit to operating income. We believe that this measure provides to investors a more comprehensive understanding of the information used by management in evaluating the performance of its segment operations. It is not intended to nor shall be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. JBT CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited and in millions)









March 31,

December 31,

2018

2017







Cash and cash equivalents $ 30.6



$ 34.0

Trade receivables, net 287.6



316.4

Inventories 305.4



190.2

Other current assets 55.0



48.0

Total current assets 678.6



588.6









Property, plant and equipment, net 242.9



233.0

Other assets 576.5



569.8

Total assets $ 1,498.0



$ 1,391.4

















Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt $ 8.9



$ 10.5

Accounts payable, trade and other 156.8



157.1

Advance and progress payments 245.3



127.6

Other current liabilities 132.7



146.2

Total current liabilities 543.7



441.4









Long-term debt, less current portion 407.4



372.7









Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits, less current portion 82.7



85.9

Other liabilities 45.2



49.5









Common stock and additional paid-in capital 250.9



248.5

Retained earnings 303.4



333.7

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (135.3)



(140.3)

Total stockholders' equity 419.0



441.9

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,498.0



$ 1,391.4

JBT CORPORATION CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited and in millions)









Three Months Ended

March 31,

2018

2017







Cash flows from operating activities:





Income from continuing operations $ 1.6



$ 17.6









Adjustments to reconcile income to cash provided by operating activities:





Depreciation and amortization 13.7



12.2

Other 3.3



1.5









Changes in operating assets and liabilities:





Trade accounts receivable, net (0.3)



18.5

Inventories (1.4)



(22.8)

Accounts payable, trade and other (0.1)



(2.6)

Advance and progress payments 1.6



20.5

Other - assets and liabilities, net (22.5)



(20.9)









Cash (required) provided by continuing operating activities (4.1)



24.0









Cash required by discontinued operating activities (0.6)



(0.2)









Cash (required) provided by operating activities (4.7)



23.8









Cash flows required by investing activities:





Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (18.8)



(61.0)

Capital expenditures (10.4)



(7.9)

Other 0.2



0.5









Cash required by investing activities (29.0)



(68.4)









Cash flows provided by financing activities:





Net proceeds (payments) on credit facilities 33.1



(118.4)

Dividends (3.2)



(3.2)

Proceeds from stock issuance, net of stock issuance costs 



184.6

Other 



(9.5)









Cash provided by financing activities 29.9



53.5









Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0.5



0.8









(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (3.3)



9.7









Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 34.0



33.2









Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 30.7



$ 42.9

Investors & Media: Jeff Scipta, +1 312 861 5930 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jbt-corporation-reports-first-quarter-2018-results-300640384.html SOURCE JBT Corporation

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Avivagen Announces its Attendance at the Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference

OTTAWA, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avivagen Inc. (TSXV:VIV) (OTC Pink:CHEXF) (Avivagen or the Corporation), a life sciences corporation focused on developing and commercializing products for livestock, companion animal and human applications that, by safely supporting immune function, promote general health and performance, announces that it will be attending the Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference. Held at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto and running from May 2nd -3rd, Avivagen will be presenting on Thursday, May 3rd at 2:30 P.M. in Hall C.

ABOUT BLOOM BURTON & CO. INVESTOR HEALTH CONFERENCE

The Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Conference brings together U.S., Canadian and international investors who are interested in the latest developments in the Canadian healthcare sector. Attendees will have an opportunity to obtain corporate updates from the premier Canadian publicly traded and private companies through presentations and private meetings. ABOUT AVIVAGEN

Avivagen Inc. is a public corporation traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol VIV and is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, based in partnership facilities of the National Research Council of Canada and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. For more information, visit www.avivagen.com. About OxC-beta Technology and OxC-beta Livestock

Avivagens OxC-beta technology is derived from Avivagen discoveries about carotenoids, compounds that give certain fruits and vegetables their bright colors and is a non-antibiotic means of maintaining optimal health and growth. OxC-beta Livestock is a proprietary product shown to be effective and economic in replacing the antibiotics commnly added to livestock feeds. OxC-beta Livestock is currently registered and available for sale in the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.



Avivagens OxC-beta Livestock product is safe, effective and could fulfill the global mandate to remove all in-feed antibiotics as growth promoters. Numerous international livestock trials with poultry and swine using OxC-beta Livestock have proven that the product performs as well as, and, sometimes, in some aspects, better than in-feed antibiotics. About Vivamune Health Chews (Vivamune)

Vivamune is an all-in-one chew that can dramatically simplify a pets supplement routine. Featuring a newly-discovered, novel immune-supporting active ingredient, OxC-beta, Vivamune targets joints, skin and digestive health all in a single, tasty chew a pet will love. Vivamune is available for sale in the United States. For more information, visit www.vivamunehealth.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon the current expectations of management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties associated with the business of Avivagen Inc. and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions aim, anticipate, appear, believe, consider, could, estimate, expect, if, intend, goal, hope, likely, may, plan, possibly, potentially, pursue, seem, should, whether, will, would and similar expressions. Statements regarding the potential for OxC-beta Livestock to fulfill the global mandate to remove all in-feed antibiotics as growth promoters are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. For instance, Avivagens products may not gain market acceptance or regulatory approval in new jurisdictions or for new applications and may not be widely accepted as a replacement for antibiotics in livestock feeds due to many factors, many of which are outside of Avivagens control. Except as required by law, Avivagen assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. 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. For more information:

Avivagen Inc.

Drew Basek

Director of Investor Relations

100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6

Phone: 416-540-0733

E-mail: d.basek@avivagen.com Kym Anthony

Chairman & Interim CEO

100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6

Head Office Phone: 613-949-8164

Website: www.avivagen.com Copyright  2018 Avivagen Inc. OxC-beta is a trademark of Avivagen Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ][May 01, 2018] Sylogist AGM Results and Board Committee Appointments

/THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ CALGARY, May 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Sylogist Ltd. (TSXV:SYZ) ("Sylogist" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the results of its Annual General and Special Meeting held on May 1, 2018 and the directors election of a chairman and committees for the ensuing year. At the Meeting, the shareholders elected James Wilson, David Elder, Ronald Cherkas, Fraser Elliott and Taylor Gray to the board of directors of the Company. At their meeting, immediately following the shareholders' meeting, the board appointed James Wilson to serve as Board Chairman, an appointed Taylor Gray (Chairman), Fraser Elliott and Ronald Cherkas to the Audit Committee. In addition, Ronald Cherkas (Chairman), Fraser Elliott and Taylor Gray were appointed to the Compensation Committee of the board.



About Sylogist Sylogist is a technology innovation company that, through strategic acquisitions, investments and operations management, provides intellectual property solutions to a wide range of Public Sector customers. We are an industry-leading publisher of mission-critical software products that satisfy the unique and sophisticated functionality requirements of Public Sector entities, including nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and government agencies, as well as public compliance driven and funded businesses. Our Company delivers highly scalable, multi-language, multi-currency software solutions, which serve the needs of an international clientele.

The Company's stock is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SYZ. Information about Sylogist can be found at http://www.sylogist.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 - SOURCE Sylogist Ltd.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]Carlisle Companies Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend

The Board of Directors of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) has declared a dividend of $0.37 per share, payable on June 1, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2018.

About Carlisle Companies Incorporated

Carlisle Companies Incorporated is a diversified, global portfolio of niche brands and businesses with highly engineered and high margin products. Carlisle is committed to generating superior shareholder returns by combining a unique management style of decentralization, entrepreneurial spirit, active MA, and a balanced approach to capital deployment, all with a culture of continuous improvement as embodied in the Carlisle Operating System. Carlisle's markets include: commercial roofing, specialty polyurethane, agriculture, mining, construction, aerospace, medical, defense, transportation, industrial, protective coating and auto refinishing. Carlisle's worldwide team of employees generated $4.1 billion in revenues in 2017. Learn more about Carlisle at www.carlisle.com.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006861/en/[May 01, 2018] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP Announces Win at California Supreme Court with Major Implications for Worker Protections under California Labor Laws

Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM") announces that its partner Kevin Ruf has helped achieve a monumental shift in the way independent contractors are defined in California - with significant implications for the "gig economy" and beyond. In its April 30, 2018 opinion in Lee v. Dynamex, Inc. (in which Ruf gave real parties' oral argument), the California Supreme Court adopted the three-pronged "ABC" test for determining whether a worker should be classified as an independent contractor for claims arising under California's wage orders. This is the first new test for independent contractor status in California in nearly 30 years. Under the "ABC" test, there is a presumption that individuals are employees and the hiring entity bears the burden to establish that the worker is an independent contractor by showing each of the following: (A) that the worker is free from the control and direction of the hiring entity in connection with the performance of the work, both under the contract for the performance of the work, and in fact; and (B) that the worker performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity's business; and (C) that the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as the work performed. This ruling is expected to have wide-ranging effects on worker protections in California. Experts believe that this decision will expand the number of workers eligible for minimum wage, rest breaks and other benefits provided under California law. This ruling may also change whether Uber and Lyft drivers, as well as other gig workers, can continue to be classified as independent contractors. The Supreme Court's decision stems from litigation commenced in 2005 in the California Superior Court before Judge Michael Stern. Plaintiff, a Dynamex driver classified as independent contractor, alleged that Dynamex improperly classified its drivers as independent contractors instead of employees, depriving those drivers of the protections provided by the California Labor Code and applicable wage order. The trial court certified the class of Dynamex drivers relying on definitions of "employ" and "employer" set forth in the applicable California wage order discussed in the California Supreme Court case Martinez v. Combs (2010) 49 Cal. 4th 35,64. Dynamex appealed the certification decision to the California Court of Appeals, arguing that the definition of "employee" as set forth in the Martinez case was limited to a joint employer context. The Court of Appeals (in which Ruf also gave the oral argument) disagreed,concluding that the wage order definitions discussed in Martinez applied to determining whether the worker was an employee or independent contractor for purposes of qualification under the wage order. Dynamex appealed this decision to the California Supreme Court.



The California Supreme Court unanimously affirmed the Court of Appeals ruling, concluding that the wage order's definition must be interpreted broadly, but not literally. The Court held that "in determining whether, under the suffer or permit to work definition, a worker is properly considered the type of independent contractor to whom the wage order does not apply, it is appropriate to look to a standard, commonly referred to as the 'ABC' test." In his oral argument, Ruf suggested that many independent contractors - who work without the protections of the labor laws, which apply only to employees - are "modern-day serfs." In its opinion, the California Supreme Court acknowledged that the "misclassification of workers as independent contractors is a very serious problem." The Supreme Court's adoption of the "ABC" test is clearly intended to address this problem and should help even the playing field for California workers. Plaintiffs-Appellees in the Dynamex action are represented by Kevin F. Ruf, a partner in the Los Angeles office of GPM, as well as co-counsel Mark Pope of Pope Berger Williams & Reynolds.

The California Supreme Court's unanimous decision can be accessed here: http://www.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S222732.PDF Additional analysis of the California Supreme Court's decision can be found in the articles below. https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/state/california-ruling-to-give-more-workers-benefits/article_6ae651b0-4cf3-11e8-8ad8-b71ae9adfce3.html http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-independent-contract-20180430-story.html https://www.wagehourblog.com/2018/04/articles/california-wage-hour-law/california-supreme-court-adopts-abc-test-for-independent-contractors/ https://gizmodo.com/california-supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-gig-workers-1825679789 Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert) : twitter.com/GPM_LLP. If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement, please contact Kevin Ruf, Esquire, of GPM, 1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100, Los Angeles California 90067 at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, by email to kruf@glancylaw.com, or visit our website at www.glancylaw.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006927/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]GRIMSBY, Ontario, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Andrew Peller Limited (TSX:ADW.A) (TSX:ADW.B) (APL or the Company) today announced two senior executive appointments: Sara Presutto as Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Shawn MacLeod as Executive Vice President of Marketing.



A 20-year experienced HR professional, Presutto joins Andrew Peller after a long career at Starbucks Canada. She has a proven track record of building talent and culture focused on developing high performing teams, organizational design, and leading change initiatives focused on the delivery of HR excellence and innovation. At Andrew Peller Limited Presutto is responsible for driving the companys talent strategy and culture to achieve business success through people.

Shawn MacLeod joins Andrew Peller following senior marketing roles for leading consumer companies in Canada and the U.S. Most recently he was General Manager Mars Food Canada. MacLeod is a proven brand builder and team builder with a track record in delivering strong results by unlocking insights that drive growth, efficiency and profitability. At APL, MacLeod is responsible for consumer insights, building leading brands and driving our innovation agenda across all channels.

Sara and Shawn bring significant senior expertise in HR and Marketing to strengthen our leadership team and will play an important part in driving our growth strategy to position APL for future success, said Randy Powell, President.

About Andrew Peller Limited

Andrew Peller Limited is one of Canadas leading producers and marketers of quality wines and craft spirits. The Companys award-winning premium and ultra-premium Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) brands include Peller Estates, Trius, Thirty Bench, Wayne Gretzky, Sandhill, Red Rooster, Black Hills Estate, Tinhorn Creek, Gray Monk Estates, Raven Conspiracy and Conviction. Complementing these premium brands are a number of popularly priced varietal offerings, wine based liqueurs, craft ciders and craft spirits. The Company owns and operates 101 well-positioned independent retail locations in Ontario under The Wine Shop, Wine Country Vintners, and Wine Country Merchants store names. The Company also operates Andrew Peller Import Agency and The Small Winemakers Collection Inc., importers and marketing agents of premium wines from around the world. With a focus on serving the needs of all wine consumers, the Company produces and markets premium personal winemaking products through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Global Vintners Inc. (GVI), the recognized leader in personal winemaking products. More information about the Company can be found at www.andrewpeller.com.

Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the safe harbour provision of the Securities Act (Ontario) with respect to Andrew Peller Limited and its subsidiaries. These forward-looking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties discussed in the Risks and Uncertainties section and elsewhere in the Companys MD&A and other risks detailed from time to time in the publicly filed disclosure documents of Andrew Peller Limited which are available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions which could cause actual results to differ materially from those conclusions, forecasts, or projections anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The Companys forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this news release, and except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

For more information, please contact:

Randy Powell

President

(905)-643-4131

Freda Colbourne

(416) 560-7794The Lenexa Police Department is seeking the public's assistance identifying two suspects in a burglary, theft and credit card fraud investigation. Between 9:45-10 a.m. on April 20, the suspects burglarized a car that was parked at a fitness club near 90th Street and Renner Boulevard in Lenexa.IN HIS LATEST TWITTER BLAST DAVID JOHNSON SEEMINGLY ANNOUNCES A PERSONAL BOYCOTT OF WESTPORT BAR BIZ BECAUSE OF STREETCAR OPPOSITION!!!

It gets worse, in response to his social media blast some of the private and closed local groups have been advocating even stronger reactions against Westport biz because of Streetcar opposition.





Of course, Mr. Johnson is only responsible for his own comments but his social media diatribes seem hostile to Westport biz which have good reason to oppose streetcar expansion.

ON Twitter he describes himself this way: "At-Large TDD Director for @kcstreetcar & safe streets advocate. I love cities and travel." Butis one of the most fanatical proponents for the Kansas City streetcar this town has ever seen.More interestingly . . .He then shares a publicly available campaign finance document showing that places like Johnny Kaw's, Kelly's and Char Bar have donated to Smart KC.Other notable contributions include Tom McDonnell kicked in $3K & Jim Nutter Jr $5K.The fact that it's a rigged vote and is taking place despite recent election demands for CITYWIDE participation might be reason enough for any local biz who really supports direct Democracy to take a stand against this effort.Nevertheless . . .What we're left with today is social media slap fighting over an issue where local elected officials have shown very little leadership and seem scared of a small group of activists who support toy train expansion despite the will of voters to directly participate in future decisions on the fate of the line that has yet to secure federal funding for expansion.Developing . . .Gladstone police are asking for the public's help in identifying four men after Walmart was robbed last week. Police said the four men walked into Walmart at 4:30 a.m. Thursday , stole several items and assaulted two workers. Authorities said the workers suffered "substantial" injuries.IN KANSAS CITY ELECTIONS DON'T MATTER AND A RIGGED VOTE CONTINUES DESPITE CITYWIDE DEMAND TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STREETCAR!!!

Kansas City voters to receive mail-in ballots for streetcar expansion Ballots are being mailed Tuesday for Kansas City residents to vote on extending the streetcar line. The extension would be the final link in the chain to expand the line south to UMKC, Rockhurst University and the Plaza. The streetcar route extends north to the River Market district.

For the record,Sadly . . .Today's example because local media keeps ignoring or failing to mention an election that poses a significant challenge to this scheme:Smoking is prohibited to protect against fires and is allowed only at the resting areas

Samaria Gorge will open for visitors on May 1, the forest directory of Chania, Crete said on Monday, as the agency has taken all necessary precautions for the protection of the unique ecosystem.

The forestry service stressed that, while Samaria Gorge is a unique ecosystem of magnificent beauty, crossing the gorge can be a very arduous process. Visitors are only allowed to walk along the central path and never leave it under any circumstances. They must abide also by the signs placed along the path, especially those referring to possible rock falls.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Lapplaender License: CC-BY-SATHIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Block One Capital Inc. (TSXV:BLOK) (OTCQB:BKPPF) (Frankfurt:ES3) (the Company or Block One), an investment company focused on high growth opportunities in the blockchain sector, is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement (the Agreement) with HashChain Technology Inc. (TSX-V:KASH) (OTCQB:HSSHF) (HashChain) for the sale to HashChain of its 90% interest in TG12 Ventures Inc. (TG12).

TG12 owns one-thousand S9 Antminer Rigs (Rigs) of which one-hundred are currently operational at a mining facility in Montana, USA, with the remaining nine-hundred expected to be operational by or about the end of the quarter. Pursuant to the Agreement, HashChain will acquire 100% of TG12 in exchange for 8.9 million shares of HashChain (HashChain Shares) at a deemed price of $0.35. Block One will receive all of the HashChain Shares issued pursuant to the Agreement.

Block One has agreed to voluntarily escrow its HashChain Shares, whereby 30% of its shares will be released 60 days following the closing date, and 30% will be released 90 days following the closing date. A total of 40% of Block Ones HashChain Shares will not be subject to any voluntary escrow. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the completion of satisfactory due diligence by HashChain and the receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval. Closing is expected to occur as soon as possible after the closing conditions are satisfied.

Based on the data points available to Block One, we drew the conclusion that the future will be dominated by large-scale mining operators who are able to achieve meaningful economies of scale. It became clear that it was unlikely that TG12 would be able to compete effectively in that rapidly approaching future. Therefore, this deal with HashChain allows Block One to receive 8.9 million HashChain Shares and gain exposure to HashChains greater anticipated operating scale which, following this transaction, will be a reported total of 4,870 Rigs, which is equivalent of approximately 7 megawatts, said Sothi Thillairajah, CEO of Block One.

As consideration for the minority shareholders interest in TG12, the shareholder will acquire 120 Canaan Avalon B21 Bitcoin Miners and certain related assets owned by TG12, which assignment is planned to take place immediately prior to closing of the Agreement, and Block One will settle an inter-company loan initially advanced to TG12 in connection with the acquisition of the miners.

About HashChain Technology Inc.

HashChain is a blockchain company, and the first publicly traded (TSXV:KASH) (OTCQB:HSSHF) Canadian cryptocurrency mining company to file a final prospectus supporting highly scalable and flexible mining operations across all major cryptocurrencies. HashChain taps low-cost North American power, cool climate and high-speed Internet: the trifecta most critical to mining success, to create a competitive position for maximizing the number of mining 'wins.' Diversifying its business strategy beyond crypto mining, the Company acquired NODE40, a blockchain technology company that developed NODE40 Balance, a new SaaS product making cryptocurrency accounting and tax reporting simpler and more accurate. The solution allows cryptocurrency users and traders to accurately report their capital gains and losses. NODE40 is also one of the leading masternode server-hosting providers for the Dash network.

For more information on Block One please visit the Companys website at www.blockonecap.com.

Sothi Thillairajah

Chief Executive Officer

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Companys expectations, estimates and projections regarding its business and the economic environment in which it operates, including with respect to the completion of the sale of the Company's interest of TG12 and the timing thereof and the Company's expectations regarding HashChain's operating scale. Although Block One believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements and readers should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include general economic, market or business conditions, including the general acceptability of Bitcoin, cryptocurrency and blockchain, risks associated with regulatory changes, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks and receipt of necessary TSX Venture Exchange approvals. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update them publicly to reflect new information or the occurrence of future events or circumstances, unless otherwise required to do so by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Block One Capital Inc.

Office: 604-398-4485; email: info@blockonecap.comGalakiwi runs outdoor learning adventures that provide memorable educational experiences in the Galapagos Islands. Let the amazing wildlife and natural history of the Galapagos bring your school lesson plans to life.



(TRAVPR.COM) ECUADOR - May 1st, 2018 - Educational travel broadens the mind, and nowhere may have a stronger impact on high school, prep school and college students than the Galapagos Islands.

Beyond the social interaction and improved global perspective that travel imparts on young travelers, being in the unique Galapagos Islands lets student tour participants get first-hand knowledge related to ecology, biology, environmental studies, conservation and natural history. You could consider the Galapagos National Park to be the worlds best open-air museum.

Galakiwi operates educational student tours in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. With an emphasis on education first, these tours provide a mix of learning, with fun active adventures. Galakiwi works with school organizers, teachers, principals and professors to create custom student trips based on the specific interest and budget of each group.

When is the best time for a Student group tour to the Galapagos?

While July and August are especially busy for Galapagos student groups from schools in the United States and Canada, Galakiwi says the Galapagos is an ideal year-round destination for student tours. April, May and September, October offer some great weather and wildlife conditions that work particularly well with school break times in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

What happens on a Galapagos Student and Educational Tour?

Incorporating volunteer work to combat invasive species, learning Spanish, or seeing how the islands are utilizing wind and solar energy are examples of how students can get involved, and get inspired, on an educational trip to the Galapagos Islands.

Hiking up a volcano, kayaking with sea lions and snorkeling with sea turtles get students excited, while visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and a Giant Tortoise Breeding Center provide an educational aspect to each tour.

Galakiwi can arrange student group tours for small and large student groups wanting to visit the Galapagos and Ecuador. While most student tours are 5-7 days long, custom trips can be as short as 3 days, or as long as 3 months. Surprisingly affordable, student tour costs are less than typical Galakiwi tours, as most student groups take advantage of more affordable housing and restaurant options.

To learn more, or to get a quote, for your school trip to the Galapagos Islands, visit Galakiwi at:

https://www.galakiwi.com/our-tours/educational-tours-student-groups

To read some testimonials from past student tours in the Galapagos Islands, visit:

https://www.galakiwi.com/our-tours/educational-tours-student-groups/testimonials

###LONDON, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- onefinestay, the worlds leading luxury private rental brand, today announced major additions to its luxury portfolio of global destinations for an endless summer of 2018 in Greece, Australia and New Zealand.



Kicking off in the northern hemisphere, onefinestay has arrived in sun-drenched Mykonos, with a first-of-its-kind offering for the brand, a resort collection of 10 villas overlooking a secluded bay on the south-west coast of the island. The only private retreat of its kind on Mykonos, these homes are equipped with luxurious features like infinity pools, a private dock and a helipad, as well as onefinestays signature service with concierge available on-site 24/7.

onefinestays expansion to Australia, which opened for bookings last week and will heat up later in 2018, is its first major presence in the region, where travelers will find exclusive luxury private rentals in major destinations like Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, as well as the northern seaside region, one of the worlds foremost beach destinations. Additionally, beginning in June, onefinestay will offer private rentals in New Zealand, specifically in Auckland, Queenstown and Wanaka, operated by local, on-the-ground teams to provide the luxury onefinestay amenities and service that guests love.

Our newest destinations are a dream for sun-seeking leisure travelers with discerning tastes and cultural appetites, said Javier Cedillo-Espin, CEO of onefinestay. These locations also expand our global footprint by a great margin, and allow us to offer new and incredible experiences to our guests, as well as create a new model in the luxury private rental world, with our very first resort.

Together, the addition of these new markets adds even more global appeal to onefinestays Endless Summer collection of beach escapes, including Bali, the French Riviera, Los Angeles, the Hamptons, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Additionally, it bolsters the companys expanding portfolio of more than 10,000 homes across 200 destinations around the globe. Homes in both markets are available now for booking at www.onefinestay.com.

This announcement comes on the heels of AccorHotels announcement opening onefinestays portfolio to its Le Club members who can now access its luxury portfolio of homes around the world, as well as its concierge programme, Higher Living, which launched earlier in 2018.

About onefinestay

onefinestay is the leading luxury private rental brand that redefines hospitality for discerning travelers by offering individualised stays and services in carefully curated homes all around the world. onefinestays portfolio includes more than 10,000 of the best homes  beachside villas, mountain ski chalets, historic country mansions  all around the world. With each stay, onefinestay guarantees professional service and individualised experiences, delivered by a dedicated team of Travel Advisors and a network of partners across over 200 destinations.

media contact:

press@onefinestay.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/b0ae6336-a91b-4d9b-92f8-88464e001608

http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/8d8b4187-6907-4595-997d-6902bfa05cbc

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8MVnt3aKsQ





Trump deserves Nobel Peace prize, says South Korea president



Comments come amid signs of divergence with US on approach to Pyongyang



Song Jung-a in Seoul

.



Donald Trump pictured with South Korean president Moon Jae-in at the Blue House in Seoul last November  AFP





South Korean President Moon Jae-in said that Donald Trump deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts at bringing North Korea to the bargaining table over the countrys nuclear weapons programme.



Mr Moons praise for the US president  whom he credits for successfully putting pressure on North Korea  comes as he seeks to capitalise on the momentum of last weeks historic summit with supreme leader Kim Jong Un.



It also comes amid signs of divergence between Seoul and Washington, which has indicated a tougher approach to Pyongyang.



President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace, Mr Moon told a meeting of senior secretaries, according to a presidential official who briefed media on Monday.



Park Ji-won, an opposition party lawmaker, backed the proposal, saying: I believe that president Trump will be able to win the Nobel Peace Prize if he indeed resolves North Koreas nuclear problem, which is one of the biggest global problems.



On Sunday North Korea promised to close its nuclear test site next month and invite foreign inspectors to verify the closure. The pledge came as the joint statement announced by the two Koreas following Fridays summit was criticised for lacking specifics, increasing doubts over Pyongyangs commitment to denuclearisation.



Seouls presidential Blue House said that Mr Moons plan to brief Mr Trump on the summit was likely to be brought forward so that it could happen before the US president meets Mr Kim in coming weeks.



Seouls concerns about possible difficulties at the US-North Korea summit intensified after John Bolton, US national security adviser, reaffirmed Washingtons refusal to offer incentives before Pyongyang relinquished its nuclear weapons.



The date and the venue for the planned summit have yet to be decided, although Mr Trump said the highly anticipated meeting would probably be held in the next three or four weeks.



In an interview on Sunday with Fox News, Mr Bolton said that Mr Kim must abandon his entire nuclear programme before any sanctions against Pyongyang were lifted, and mentioned Libya as a model to resolve the nuclear stand-off.



We have very much in mind the Libya model from 2003, 2004, Mr Bolton said, adding that Washington had no plan to ease its campaign of pressure because that was what had brought Pyongyang to the negotiating table. Relieving that pressure isnt going to make negotiation easier, it could make it harder, he said.





John Bolton, US national security adviser, has taken a hard line on negotiations with North Korea  Reuters





Mr Boltons comments bode ill for any breakthrough on how to make Mr Kim put his words on denuclearisation into action, South Korean experts said, given that Pyongyang had insisted on a more gradual action for action approach.



There is a zero possibility that Pyongyang would agree to dismantle its nuclear weapons first before it gets any incentives, said Yang Moo-jin, professor at Kyungnam University. If Washington insists on what it wants only, its talks with Pyongyang will soon fall apart.



Mr Kim is thought to regard his weapons programmes as an asset that contributes to the survival of his familys dictatorship.



Muammer Gaddafi, then Libyan leader, announced he was abandoning weapons of mass destruction in 2003. But in the midst of the Arab uprising in 2011 he was overthrown by rebels  who were supported by air strikes carried out by the US and other Nato powers  and captured and killed.





North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, left, and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in, right, at the April inter-Korean summit  AFPT





he Blue House declined to comment on Mr Boltons comments.



But some experts said Mr Trump was likely to tone down Washingtons stance and try to find a middle ground in his meeting with Mr Kim to ensure that the summit was a success.



Mr Bolton is trying to take the upper hand in the upcoming talks with his tough rhetoric, but North Korea is different from Libya, said Chung Sung-yoon, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification. North Koreas nuclear programme is much more advanced and Mr Kim is coming to the table with strong confidence. He can easily walk away if he doesnt like what Washington offers.



The significance of the Koreas Summit



China foreign minister to visit PyongyangBeijing on Monday said that Wang Yi would visit North Korea later this week  the first time a Chinese foreign minister has made an official trip to Pyongyang since 2007, writes Charles Clover.



Beijing has lauded efforts to engage North Korea, including Fridays Inter-Korean summit, but is also eager to ensure that no deals are struck without its input during the bilateral meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.



China wants to be included in this process as soon as possible, said Zhao Tong, an expert on the Korean peninsula at the Tsinghua Carnegie Centre in Beijing.



One of Chinas concerns, he said, was that the Panmunjom Declaration  signed by both Korean leaders on Friday in an effort to put a formal end to the Korean war  proposes holding trilateral meetings between the US, North Korea and South Korea, as well as quadrilateral meetings that include China.



The trilateral format would exacerbate Chinas concerns about being left out, said Mr Zhao.



China is also anxious about being excluded from international inspections teams that could be sent to North Korea to oversee any disarmament processes, he said.



Mr Wangs visit was likely to be an attempt to secure Beijings continued influence with Pyongyang, Mr Zhao said. China foresees that strategic competition and rivalry with the US will continue to grow, and it will be imperative to ensure that a nuclear-capable North Korea would not develop a closer relationship with the US than with itself, said Mr Zhao.editorial@tribune.com

Our Correspondent

Tarn Taran, May 1

Hundreds of ASHA workers and facilitators under the aegis of the All-India ASHA Workers and Facilitators Union, Punjab, staged a protest in front of the Civil Surgeons office here on Monday. They have been demanding fulfillment of their demands which include hike in salary and promotion. The organisation also submitted a memorandum of the office and burnt an effigy of the government.

Seema Sohal and Lakhwinder Kaur Jhabal, leaders of the organisation, warned the government that the workers would not carry out the measles-rubella vaccination campaign until their demands are met. Our services should be on par with other government employees. We should get full pay scale, our seniority list should be prepared and deserving employees should be promoted to the position of auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM), they said.

They also raised their voice against the interference of panchayats in their routine works.shalender@tribune.com

New Delhi: A special court on Tuesday awarded four-year jail term to the director of Gondwana Ispat Ltd in a coal scam case relating to the allocation of a coal block in Maharashtra. Special CBI Judge Bharat Parashar also imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on its director Ashok Daga and Rs 60 lakh on the firm. Daga has been in custody since April 27 after the court had held that he and the company were guilty of cheating and criminal conspiracy to get the Majra coal block in Maharashtra allocated to it. The director and the company were convicted under Sections 120-B and 420 of the IPC and also for the substantive offence under Section 420. PTI

Core sector growth slows to 4.1% in March

New Delhi: The growth of eight core sectors slowed to three-month low of 4.1% in March due to weak performance in as many as six sectors, including coal, crude oil and natural gas. The other sectors which showed slower growth rate were refinery products, steel and electricity. The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors, which also include fertilisers and cement, was 5.2% in March 2017, according to the data released by the Commerce and Industry Ministry on Tuesday. Cumulatively, the eight core sectors grew by 4.2% in 2017-18, lowest in the past three financial years. The growth was 4.8% in the previous fiscal and 3% in 2015-16. PTIeditorial@tribune.com

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 30

A 22-year-old woman from Bangladesh, who gave birth to a child at the Ambala Cantt railway station on April 12, allegedly tried to kill her newborn child when she was admitted at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Sector 32.

The Social Welfare Department and Child Welfare Committee (CWC) are now in a fix as whether to handover the child to her mother or not. It is suspected that the woman may be a victim of a trafficking gang operating in Bangladesh.

She is currently at Nari Niketan, Chandigarh. The CWC team said they were facing difficulty in catching the dialect of the woman. The woman uses Kashmiri and Bengali accent which is incomprehensible.

Yes, the mother is being regularly counselled but limited headway was made due to language problem and her being under some stress, said Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairperson Sangita Vardhan.

Sources said the woman was married to a resident of Kashmir, who died a few months ago. She did not state the name of her husband and the place where they were living in Jammu and Kashmir, they added.

Sources said the woman may have been thrown out of the house due to which she was under stress and tried to allegedly kill her newborn.

It is further learnt that the woman, who is destitute, boarded a train to reach Kolkata, but when the train arrived at Ambala Cantt, she suffered labour pain and delivered the child at the railway station. The mother and the child were kept at the Civil Hospital, Ambala, for a couple of days.

A goldsmith from West Bengal was also called to communicate with her, but even he could not understand the dialect.

Without any prior communication with the Chandigarh Administration, the mother and the child were rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Sector 32 on April 15.

It is learnt that on reaching the hospital, the woman allegedly tried to beat up the child, but the hospital staff noticed it and informed the women and child helpline.

The woman was separated from the child. Supervised mother-baby interaction will be done as per the CWC direction so that baby faces no risk, but at the same time attachment is encouraged, said Vardhan.

The newborn is undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, and likely to be discharged on Tuesday.

The baby is being given full care. After discharge, the infant will be given temporary shelter at Children Home nursery, under the State Adoption Agency (SAA), till th mother recovers, sai Vardhan.

Meanwhile, the intelligence agencies are also probing as to how she reached Kashmir from Bangladesh. It is also being probed that whether the woman was victim of female trafficking.

The Social Welfare Department is also working on legal modalities to find out under which law she has been provided shelter at Nari Niketan.

The caserchopra@tribunemail.com

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, May 1

Police are yet to arrest the two youths who allegedly pushed two youths into a discarded well at Bhainsrawali village in this district on Monday night.

While one of them identified as Lalaram (21), a resident of Tigaon, died before the police reached the spot on Tuesday morning, the other victim identified as Vikas (20) suffered head injuries and is reported to be critical.

The two accused, one of them identified as Rahul, are absconding. All four had consumed liquor near the well before two of them were assaulted with heavy objects and pushed into the dry well.

The matter was reported to police on Tuesday morning when locals noticed a stranded motorcycle near the well.

Though the police with the help of locals retrieved the victims from the well one of them had succumbed to his injuries.

The police have registered a case and started a hunt to arrest the accused.

The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained.editorial@tribune.com

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Manali, May 1

The Kullu administration has opened the Manali-Rohtang road for tourists up to Marhi.

Complying with the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the district administration will allow only 1,200 vehicles in a day from Wednesday up to Marhi where adequate arrangements have been made to facilitate the tourist.

Those who are keen to visit Rohtang have to wait for more days as the administration is not yet ready to allow the tourist up to the pass.

Tourists will have to take permits to ply vehicles beyond the Gulaba barrier up to Marhi for which they will have to pay Rs 550.

The authority will charge Rs 500 as permit fee, Rs 50 congestion charges for light vehicle and Rs 100 for heavy vehicles.

The permits can be obtained online.

Hoteliers took a sigh of relief as the Kullu Deputy Commissioner issued an order to open the road up to Marhi because they were waiting for it desperately so that they could attract more tourists.

Gajender Thakur, President of the Hoteliers Association of Kullu-Manali, said, We are happy that the district administration has allowed tourist vehicles up to Marhi, which will increase their footfall. We urge the government authorities to allow tourists up to Rohtang as soon as possible and make adequate arrangements for it.

Deputy Commissioner , Kullu, Yunus Khan said, We will open the pass within 10 days after getting the feasibility report from a joint inspection committee about the parking and toilet facility for tourists.

Rohtang to open within 10 daysrchopra@tribunemail.com

Srinagar, May 1

Restrictions were imposed in parts of Srinagar, Pulwama and Kulgam of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday in view of a strike call by separatists to protest against the killing of a civilian near the site of an encounter with security forces.

A police official said the curbs had been imposed in police station areas of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Maharajgunj.

The restrictions have been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, he said.

Two militants, including top Hizbul Mujahideen ultra Sameer Ahmad alias Tiger, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Drabgam area of Pulwama District on Sunday. Meanwhile, a civilian was killed in the security forces action against protesters near the scene of gun battle.

Separatists, under the banner of Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), had called for a strike to protest against the killings.

The strike affected normal life in the Valley as most of the shops and other business establishments were shut, while public transport was off the roads, officials said.

Schools and colleges remained closed while universities postponed the examinations scheduled to be held on Tuesday. PTIOn April 24th, wearing a bright red T-shirt and a straw hat to keep the bright spring sunlight off her face, Kate Jackson marched back and forth in the picket line alongside over a thousand of her peers, leading them in the chant, What do we want? Contracts! When do we want them? Now! If we dont get it, shut it down! A sixth year doctoral candidate in political science at Columbia University, Jackson ran for election to the Columbia Graduate Workers bargaining committee, she says, to put her training as a lawyer to good use.

According the Facebook group Columbia Grad Crushes, Jackson is the cutest union leader on the picket line. She also hasnt been to the dentist in seven years. As a Ph.D. student, she doesnt have dental care. Its a bread and butter thing, but folks need to go to the dentist, she said. A union can do that for us. (Indeed, on Thursday one angry picketer could be heard shouting, wheres my f*cking dental?).

Jackson said graduate students like her are joining the union to demand protection against sexual harassment and discrimination, childcare and parental leave, comprehensive healthcare, raises in line with the rising cost of living, and other benefit expansions.

This past weeks strike has been the biggest escalation in over a year and a half of conflict between the graduate workers' union and the Columbia administration, who have refused to bargain with the Graduate Workers of the Columbia [GWC] union. But with President Donald Trump's two new conservative appointees on the National Labor Relations Board, the future of the union is uncertain. What happens at Columbia will have ripple effects at private universities throughout the country like Harvard and the University of Chicago, who have withdrawn their labor board cases, waiting to see what happens at Columbia.

White graduation tents and bleachers have already begun to go up on the Columbia campus. In the coming days, landscapers and other workers will make sure everything is gleaming before it is beset with parents and donors and distinguished graduation speakers.

Finals are also imminent, and hundreds of graduate students have walked out of classrooms and research labs where they work, in a strike timed for peak impact during one of the busiest times of year for the University. For the last week, in rain and in sun, theyve been picketing at various locations throughout campus, shouting, marching, chanting and even dancing.

In the week between the vote and the actual strike, they made signs, organized speakers, convinced professors to move their classes off campus. Other area union members, including postmen, construction workers and truck delivery drivers, have agreed not to cross the graduate students picket line.

Its important that weve shown, not only here at Columbia but at Boston College, and Harvard and now at Yale, Chicago, all these other schools, that we are not going to stop organizing regardless of the Trump labor relations board, said Tiffany Yee-Vo, an organizer with United Auto Workers who has worked with graduate unions at Columbia and other schools. Graduate workers want a union, and they deserve unions.

It's unclear how significantly the strike has impacted academic life for undergraduate students at Columbia. While some classes were already over, Teaching Assistants participating in the strike weren't holding office hours, and many professors canceled or moved their classes in solidarity. (Some professors held classes in their apartments or Riverside Park.)

I stand in solidarity with the graduate workers on strike at Columbia University. The administration must recognize their union! @GWCUAW #CUOnStrike pic.twitter.com/P9ttPNSkWv  Cynthia Nixon (@CynthiaNixon) April 30, 2018



Cynthia Nixon, who is challenging Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, made a surprise visit to the picket line on Monday for about half an hour. Donning a UAW On Strike! sign around her neck, Nixon marched and talked with two members of the graduate student union: Jacob Kopas, a political science student, and Rosalie Ray, who studies urban planning.

At the same time, she declared her support for the union on Twitter: I know that the story of these students and workers is part of a larger story in New York. New York has become the single most unequal state in the country," she wrote. "But one of the most powerful ways to tackle systemic inequality and austerity is through workers joining unions.

Nixons appearance, as well as U.S. Congressman Jerry Nadler's, boosted protesters' morale on their last, rainy day. Organizers hoped it would help a successful strike end with a bang.

In August 2016, after nearly two years of organizing by the Graduate Workers of Columbia (as part of United Auto Workers), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) declared that student assistants at private universitiesat Columbia and elsewherequalified as workers with the right to form unions under the National Labor Relations Act. In certifying their union, the NLRB also granted the union certain legal rights: like the right to collectively bargain, and the right to strike.

But Trump's election resulted in the appointment of new, anti-union members of the NLRB.

For this reason, five graduate student unions have withdrawn their NLRB appeals, including University of Chicago, Boston College, Yale, Northwestern and University of Pennsylvania. They know theyre not likely to be successful in the current political climate. And, more importantly, none of them want to give the board a chance to reverse the Columbia decision. Nationwide, graduate student appeals to the NLRB have stalled. Those unions are now in limbo, waiting to see how the Columbia case plays out.

(Graduate workers at Columbia believe they have some cause for hope with the NLRB, because one of the board members, Marvin E. Kaplan, has said hell recuse himself from any Columbia case, because his wife works for the university. If he bows out, the board vote would likely be a 2-2 tie, keeping the Columbia decision intact. Therefore, the Columbia graduate union has the best chance of upholding their right to unionize.)

Going through the NLRB isnt the only way. Graduate students at NYU were able to get their administration to voluntarily bargain after threatening and holding extended strikes. Thats the route other graduate worker unions will have to take now, too.

This is a watershed moment for teachers across the country, said Barnaby Raine, a fourth year graduate student studying history at Columbia. Teachers in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kentucky, have been showing a new spirit of militancy and determination to win decent wages. So across the country, just as teachers have been unionizing, graduate workers who teach and research have been organizing as well.



(Molly Enking / Gothamist)

To understand the strike at Columbia, and why almost 2,000 Ivy league doctorate students voted to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) Union, one has to understand the basics of organized labor and academic work. Unions frequently represent more than one industry, and UAW have a long track record representing members in higher education. The UAW chapter at New York University helped graduate students successfully unionize, the first private university to do so.

In addition to working on their dissertations, Ph.D. students serve as either teaching or research assistants while in school. They are paid a stipend for this work, and to offset living expenses while they pursue their studies. At a large university like Columbia, T.A.s and R.A.s are an essential part of keeping the university running. They teach undergraduate courses. They read and grade papers, design exams, lecture, hold study sessions and office hours, and do the bulk of the grading. They conduct research and apply for grants, which often brings in money for the University.

This is a common law definition of an employee: are you working for an employer, and are you compensated, said Dr. Risa Lieberwitz, a professor of Labor and Employment Law at Cornell University.

Universities like Columbia are alleging that you cannot be a student and an employee at the same time. Columbia is alleging that the grad employees work is necessarily part of being a student, Dr. Lieberwitz added. But the NLRB said you can be both. You can be a Ph.D. student working on your dissertation, and you can be teaching classes and be paid for it.

Nevertheless, Columbia University has continually contested the unions right to exist, pursuing various legal tactics and hiring high-profile law firm Proskauer Rose, which has also worked with Duke and Yale Universities on their own union-busting efforts. The Columbia Administrations stance is that theyd prefer for this issue to be definitively resolved in federal court, and that they believe a union will undermine the special advisor-advisee relationship between graduate students and their professors, and the university.

We believe that student teaching and research assistants who come to Columbia for an education are not employees under the law, said Caroline Alderman, a spokesperson for Columbia University. The National Labor Relations Board has repeatedly reversed itself on this issue depending on the changing political makeup of the board. We do not understand why the GWC-UAW prefers the pressure tactics and disruption of a strike to a definitive, non-partisan resolution of that legal question in the federal courts.

I find it personally insulting that the University thinks it has a special relationship with us. Sounds kind of dirty actually, said Jackson.

It's very paternalistic. It's patronizing. I received a W-2. We're required to go to job training. They ask us to fulfill sexual harassment reporting requirements like they do every other employee in this university. And then to turn around and say, because we learn on the job, that we're special or some kind of apprentice is hypocritical, she added.

Were living in a company town in a lot of ways, said Jackson. My rent has gone up by $100 per month, and by the way, Columbia is my landlord.

Dr. Lieberwitz said that, technically, Columbia is violating labor law by refusing to bargain, and that the Columbia union could bring an unfair labor practice lawsuit against the University. But this would take a lot of time and moneytwo resources the university has more of than the union. Theyre trying to wait us out, said Jackson. Theyre hoping all the leaders will age out and graduate and the younger generation wont be as active. Thats why first year involvement, even though theyre not teaching yet, is so important.



(Molly Enking / Gothamist)

Involvement in the strike overall was much higher than the organizers anticipated, they saidand much higher energy. Even on rainy days, at least 500 people showed up to picket. On Wednesday, they passed out ponchos and beat their drums, dancing in the rain. On Thursday, they circled Low Library in the center of campus, chanting for President Bollinger to resign. On Friday, the stroller brigade came through to boost the strike's cute quotient. Graduate student parents pushed their children in strollers along with them as they chanted and held signs.

With such a successful week behind them, some graduate students have started petitioning to extend the strike for another week, into the finals period. The petition currently has 200 signatures; to move forward, union organizers say theyd need a majority of union members on board.

Im looking forward to striking for however long it takes to win this battle, because were going to win, said Raine. Were not happy that its come to this, but we are happy that so many people have come out in support to say, were not afraid, were not going to be pushed around, and were having a hugely successful strike.

The Union has gained a smattering of high-profile support throughout the week. Life-long American labor organizer Dolores Huerta joined grad students in solidarity on Wednesday.

Perhaps the most surprising visit came from Michael Higgins, the President of Ireland, stopped by to offer words of encouragement to the strikers on his way to a speech scheduled at the university. In his speech moments later, President Higgins called on the University to recognize the democratic process of the union. Teamsters and builders unions have turned out on multiple days in solidarity.

We know that every set of workers on this campus whove ever unionized has had to fight for it, and we know that workers around the city stand with us, just as we stand with them, and thats a great feeling, said Raines.

For Jackson, the strike has been an overwhelming success. Its exhilarating, its such a special moment, she said. Seeing everyone out there at the same time, you can feel the electric energy, and when those teamsters walked out in solidarity and we all just screamedyou can feel the bigger moment in all of this. Its the most beautiful day at Columbia Ive ever had.

Video by Molly Elking

amansharma@tribunemail.com

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 1

A fresh petition has reached the Supreme Court against Article 35A of the Constitution that gives special rights and privileges to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

Added to the Constitution through a Presidential Order in 1954, Article 35A gives special rights and privileges to permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and debars rest of Indians from acquiring immovable property, obtaining state government jobs and settling in the state.

Petitioners Radhika Gill, Eklavya and Vijay Kumar -- residents of Valmiki Colony, Gandhi Nagar, in Jammu -- challenged the validity of the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order 1954 on the ground that it violated their right to life, right to equality, right to non-discrimination, right to equality of opportunity in public employment and right to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.

The petition came up for hearing before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra which said the matter involved interpretation of Constitutional provisions and should be clubbed with other petitions on the issue.

However, it posted the matter for hearing on May 14 after senior counsel Ranjit Kumar pointed out that the petitioners needed some interim relief.

The petitioners submitted that the plea had been filed on behalf of more than 4,000 persons belonging to the second, third and fourth generation of 272 'safai karmcharis' (sweepers), who moved from Gurdaspur and Amritsar and settled in Jammu way back in 1957 at the instance of the Jammu and Kashmir government to replace the sweepers of the Municipal Corporation of Jammu who had gone on an indefinite strike.

The petitioners said they were the descendents of few persons amongst the 272 'safai karmcharis' and were born in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and had been residing in the state since their birth.

Despite having been born and brought up in Jammu and Kashmir, they had been denied the right to seek admission in the state-funded medical/engineering/BEd colleges, right to employment in the state government, right to acquire property and right to vote only on the ground that they were not permanent residents of the state, the petitioners submitted.

These denials rendered their lives meaningless and went against basic constitutional guarantees, they added.

Earlier, the top court on October 30 deferred hearing on petitions challenging the validity of Article 35A in view of negotiations initiated by the Centre with various stakeholders in the state. Petitioner Charu Wali Khanna had alleged that it also discriminated against women.

Attorney general KK Venogopal told the court that the government had appointed Dineshwar Sharma as an interlocutor and requested it to adjourn the matter for six months.

The petitioners had demanded that the issue of Article 35A should be referred to a Constitution Bench.

Amid growing political unease in Jammu and Kashmir over alleged attempts to do away with Article 35A, the top court had on August 14, 2017 hinted at sending petitions challenging the controversial provision to a Constitution Bench for a definitive finding on its validity.

Interestingly, the Centre had been shying away from filing its response to spell out its stand on Article 35A. The Attorney General had last year told the court that the government didn't want to file its affidavit in response to the petition filed by Delhi-based NGO 'We the citizens', which challenged the constitutional validity of Article 35A on the ground that the President could not have amended the Constitution by an Order in 1954 and it was to be a temporary provision.editorial@tribune.com

Islamabad, May 1

A group of Indian experts has visited Pakistan to discuss all aspects of bilateral ties and revive the Track II diplomacy process, amidst the chill in the relationship after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based outfits.

The original Track II initiative, Neemrana Dialogue, received a fresh start with the visit, diplomatic sources here said.

The Indian side was led by former foreign ministry secretary Vivek Katju and included well-known educationist JS Rajput and other experts, while the Pakistan side was led by former foreign secretary Inamul Haque. The interactions took place between April 28 and 30 in Islamabad.

The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations and agreed that all issues between the two countries should be resolved through talks, according to a source.

The Pakistani side also included former State Bank of Pakistan Governor Ishrat Hussain, tipped as one of the candidates to become Pakistans caretaker PM during the general election expected to be held in July. Neemrana Dialogue was launched in early 1990s.  PTIrchopra@tribunemail.com

Santemaranahalli (Karnataka), May 1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched his campaign blitzkrieg in Karnataka, unleashing a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi and daring him "to speak in any language" for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government without reading out from piece of paper.

He accused the state's Congress government, which he claimed was steeped in corruption, of thwarting the Centre's efforts for development.

Hitting out at the Congress president, Modi also said those currently leading the party had "no understanding" of history and the country's legacy.

"I dare the Congress president to speak in Hindi, English or the mother tongue of his mother to deliver a speech in Karnataka for 15 minutes, without reading out from a piece of paper, on the achievements of the party government... people of Karnataka will draw their own conclusion," he told an election rally here.Modi was responding to Rahul Gandhi's dare to him to allow him to speak for 15 minutes in Parliament on various issues, including corruption.

"His speaking for 15 minutes will itself is a big thing. And when I hear that I would not be able to sit, I think...wow, what a scene it is! Congress president, sir, we cannot sit before you. You are 'naamdar' (famous), while I am 'kaamdar' (ordinary worker). We have no status to sit in front of you," he said.

Addressing the first of the 15 election rallies he is scheduled to address over the next few days, Modi claimed "a storm and not a simple wave" was blowing in the BJP's favour in the state.

Greeting the workers on the occasion of "May Day", Modi also took a dig at Gandhi for not acknowledging the contribution of workers towards 100 per cent electrification of villages achieved under his government.

"April 28th is a day that will be written in golden" letters in country's history, because our hardworking people" made electricity reach the last un-electrified village Leisang in Manipur."

"But the new leader of the Congress did not utter two words of praise for the workers who made it possible," Modi said.

'2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy'

Hitting back at the Prime Minister for his "2+1 formula" jibe, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Narendra Modi's formula to win the assembly election in the state is "2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy".

Attacking Modi over BJP fielding brothers of tainted mining baron G Janrdhan Reddy in the assembly elections, the Chief Minister said "2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy was Modi's formula to win election.

"I don't (sic) know about me but you have a 2+1 formula PM Sir," he said in a tweet.

"Today PM avoided talking about his complicity in closing CBI cases against the Reddy bros. Instead he spoke about some 2+1 formula. Here is the explanation to his formula to win election. 2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy. #2Reddy1Yeddy," he said in a second tweet.

'Yeddy' is a reference to BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.



Pointing out that even Modi contested from two constituencies-Varanasi and Vadodara -in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Chief Minister told the Prime Minister to worry about his party not crossing 60-70 seats.

"Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr.PM" @narendramodi ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!! Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70!"Siddaramaiah tweeted.



Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM @narendramodi ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!



Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018

Today PM avoided talking about his complicity in closing CBI cases against the Reddy bros. Instead he spoke about some 2+1 formula.



Here is the explanation to his formula to win election. 2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy.#2Reddy1Yeddy https://t.co/FozyhwOyHA  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018

I dont know about me but you have a 2+1 formula PM Sir.#2Reddy1Yeddy



Karnataka da Hemme#CongressMathomme https://t.co/xfZDRDkt2U  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018amansharma@tribunemail.com

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 1

While majority of non-NDA chief ministers are expected to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Wednesday meeting of a national committee on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary celebrations, it seems Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu and his Telangana counterpart K Chandrasekhar Rao have decided to give it a miss.

Top TDP sources say Naidu has decided "boycott" the meeting chaired by PM Modi as he does not want to come face to face with someone who "betrayed his state" by going back on promises, including on according Special Category status to it.

As far as KCR is concerned, sources close to his party - the TRS - say Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav is dropping by on him in Hyderabad, apparently to discuss issues related to formation of the proposed anti-BJP, anti-Congress front.

"His programme (meeting with Yadav) was decided much in advance," say TRS sources.

Meanwhile, other non-NDA CMs, including West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and her Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik, will be there at the meeting of the national committee set up to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.

Notably, the BJP and the Trinamool Congress are also engaged in a bitter political battle in West Bengal.

However, TDP sources say Andhra Pradesh issues are "very different". Naidu attending the meeting would send a "wrong message in the state, where people are very angry about the treatment meted to the state by the BJP-led Centre," they say.

To be presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind, the committee has on board 114 members, including former PMs Atal Bihari Vajpayee, HD Deve Gowda and Manmohan Singh.

Its mandate is to approve policies, programmes and activities for the celebrations and supervise their implementation.

Constituted last year, the committee has chief ministers of all states, representatives from across the political parties, including Sonia Gandhi and Mulayam Singh Yadav, intellectuals, Gandhians, and eminent persons from all walks of life.

Celebrations will be held across the country and abroad for a year from October 2, 2019 to October 2, 2020, to propagate Mahatma Gandhi's messages across the country.gspannu7@gmail.com

Ballia (UP), May 1

Wading into the debate on violence against women and minor girls once again, Uttar Pradeshs ruling BJP legislator Surendra Singh has said parents are responsible for the increasing incidents of rape and should not let their children roam around freely.

The legislator from Bairia in Ballia district, who had earlier made news when he said no one can rape a mother of three children, also advised parents not to give their children mobile phones.

The parents of youths are responsible for growing incidents of rape as they do not take care of their wards, local BJP MLA Surendra Singh told reporters here last night.

Children up to 15 years of age should be kept under strict vigil. It is the duty of parents to take care of their wards. But they allow their wards to roam around freely. This is the main reason for the social evil, he said.

Children should not be given undue freedom, he said, and asked parents not to give mobile phones to them.

The remarks come in the backdrop of outrage over the brutal gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir, and the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao district, allegedly by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar.

Defending Sengar, Surendra Singh had said, I am speaking from a psychological point of view; no one can rape a mother of three children. It is not possible, this is a conspiracy against him (Sengar).

Known for making contentious comments, he had also recently called West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Surpanakha, the sister of demon king Ravana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month directed his partys lawmakers not to make irresponsible statements.

We commit mistakes and give masala to media. The moment we see a cameraperson, we jump to make a statement as if we are great social scientists or intellectuals. So this half-baked stuff is picked up. Then these ill-informed statements are used by media and the partys image takes a beating, the prime minister had said.

His admonishment came a day after Union Minister Santosh Gangwar was reported as saying in Bareilly that a brouhaha should not be created over one or two rape cases in a big country like India.  PTIrchopra@tribunemail.com

Washington, May 1

Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it tried but failed to hide from the world and from its own people, a top White House official has alleged.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the recent information released by Israel provided new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons.

Sanders and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued strong statements on Monday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Iran of having secretly pursued a nuclear weapons programme.

Netanyahu said he had conclusive proof that Iran had lied about its nuclear weapons programme.

These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people, Sanders said.

The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbours and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons, she said.

Pompeo said the documents obtained by Israel from inside of Iran showed beyond any doubt that the Iranian regime was not telling the truth.

I have personally reviewed many of the Iranian files. Our nonproliferation and intelligence officials have been analysing tens of thousands of pages and translating them from Farsi. This analytical work will continue for many months. We assess that the documents we have reviewed are authentic, Pompeo said.

The documents show that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons programme for years. It sought to develop nuclear weapons and missile delivery systems and hid a vast atomic archive from the world and from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he alleged.

Pompeo said that among the flaws of the Iran nuclear deal was the whitewashing of Tehrans illicit activities related to its military nuclear programme.

Iran had many opportunities over the years to turn over its files to international inspectors from the IAEA and admit its nuclear weapons work. Instead, they lied to the IAEA repeatedly, he alleged.

Pompeo also alleged that Tehran had lied about their nuclear programme to the six nations who negotiated the Iran nuclear deal.

He said what it meant was the deal was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency and was built on Irans lies.

Irans nuclear deception is inconsistent with Irans pledge in the nuclear deal that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons, he alleged.

We are therefore assessing what the discovery of Irans secret nuclear files means for the future of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Allowing restrictions on Irans nuclear programme to sunset was a mistake. One has to ask: Why exactly was Iran hiding half a ton of nuclear weaponisation files while implementing the Iran deal? Pompeo said.

He said that as US President Donald Trumps May 12 deadline to fix the Iran deal was approaching, he would consult with European allies and other nations on the best way forward in light of what they now knew about Irans past pursuit of nuclear weapons and its systematic deception of the world.

Earlier in the day, Trump threatened to end the Iranian deal.

In seven years that deal will have expired, and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons. Thats not acceptable. Seven years is tomorrow. Thats not acceptable, Trump said, responding to a question during a joint news conference with the visiting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

That is just not an acceptable situation. Ive been saying thats happening. Theyre not sitting back idly. Theyre setting off missiles which they say are for television purposes. I dont think so, he said.

Trump has to make a decision by May 12 on Americas continuation in remaining in the deal.

Well see what happens. Im not telling you what Im doing, but a lot of people think they know. On or before the 12th, well make a decision. That doesnt mean we wont negotiate a real agreement. You know, this is an agreement that wasnt approved by too many people. And its a horrible agreement for the United States, Trump said. PTIgspannu7@gmail.com

Kabul, May 1

Afghan journalists were shaken but defiant on Tuesday, vowing to continue reporting on the bloody conflict after the deadliest attack on the countrys media since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

Ten journalists were killed yesterday, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai, in attacks that sparked outrage around the world and underscored the dangers faced by Afghan media.

The deadly assaults have rocked Afghanistans tight-knit journalist community. Many of them are close friends as well as colleagues who look out for one another as they work in an increasingly hostile environment.

Hours after the double suicide blast in Kabul that killed nine journalists and 16 others, dozens of Afghan news editors and executives gathered at the site in a public display of defiance to militants.

The message was if they destroy a line of journalists, theres going to be a longer line back at the scene within a few hours, Tolo News director Lotfullah Najafizada told AFP.

Tolo News cameraman Yar Mohammad Tokhi was among the journalists killed in the explosion that also wounded 49 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group.

Journalists from 1TV, Radio Free Europe and Mashal TV were also among the dead.

Police said a bomber had disguised himself as a journalist and blew himself up among the media covering the first blast near Afghanistans intelligence agency.

Media outlets condemned the governments failure to provide security for journalists, particularly at the scene of attacks where secondary blasts are a constant concern.

They (security forces) cordon off the area and journalists are left behind the line with the public, Najafizada said.

Many journalists expressed determination to continue their work despite the threats.

Our message is that we are ready, we are not afraid of such attacks and we will stand for freedom of speech and democracy in Afghanistan, said Hamid Haidari, acting head of the news department at 1TV, which lost a reporter and a cameraman in the assault.

We know this kind of attack will happen (again) in the future... but we will not stop, we will continue.

It was a tough time (yesterday). But we stand against such barbaric acts.

The 10th journalist killed Monday was BBC reporter Ahmad Shah, who died in a separate attack in the eastern province of Khost.

The attacks came days after gunmen shot dead an Afghan journalist in the southern city of Kandahar.

Afghanistan was last year ranked the third most dangerous country in the world for journalists by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The media watchdog said since 2016, it has recorded the killings of 34 journalists in Afghanistan.  AFPuttara@tribuneindia.com



Ganghwa (South Korea), May 1



North Korean defectors sent water bottles filled with rice and K-pop-loaded USB sticks floating towards their homeland on Tuesday, even as the two Koreas removed border loudspeakers following a rare summit last week.

The North's leader Kim Jong Un and the South's president Moon Jae-in agreed last week to "completely cease all hostile acts" along the Demilitarised Zone from May 1, including loudspeaker broadcasts and leaflet balloon launches.

But former North Korean political prisoner Jung Gwang-il and other activists tossed bottles into the sea from an island, hoping the tide will carry them northwards.

Seoul is playing into Pyongyang's hands by depriving ordinary North Koreans of much-needed information, Jung said.

"What is one thing that Kim Jong Un hates the most?" he asked. "It's North Koreans becoming aware of the reality."

The defectors have been throwing hundreds of bottles filled with food, cash, medicine and memory sticks into the sea twice a month for more than two years.

It will take about four to five hours for the bottles to reach the closest North Korean shore, said another defector Park Jung-oh.

"We all lived in North Korea for at least 30, 40 years so we know exactly what the people there want and need," Park said.

"When they watch the content of our USB sticks, they will realise that they have been tricked by their government," he added.

There is no definitive way of verifying whether the items have been received, but Jung said the South's coastguards have told him the bottles are often retrieved by North Korean fishing boats.

The USB sticks contain movies, current affairs programmes, and K-pop music videos-carefully selected by Jung to include female musicians in revealing outfits.

"It shows what freedom is," he said. "It's no problem in South Korea but banned in the North. That's what we want to show." A survey conducted in 2015 said 81 per cent of North Korean defectors had watched foreign films on USB sticks before they fled the country.

Thae Yong Ho, North Korea's former deputy ambassador to Britain who defected to the South in 2016, once described the USB sticks as an effective tactic for spreading information in the isolated country, despite efforts by the Kim regime to block them.

Disseminating outside information was a way to educate North Koreans to resist the authorities, he said after defecting.

As the activists tossed the bottles into the sea, the South's defence authorities began removing loudspeakers along the Demilitarised Zone to implement the Panmunjom Declaration agreed at last week's summit.

North Korea also began removing its own loudspeakers, Seoul's defence ministry said.

The high-decibel loudspeakers have long blared K-pop music and South Korean news towards the North's border troops, with their use varying depending on the situation.

US activist Susan Scholte called Seoul's move a "huge mistake".

"I think any way that you can get information in should be increased, not diminished," Scholte told AFP.

She added: "Any information that you can get into North Korea is a peaceful, non-violent way to bring about awareness and change".

Despite the agreement between the two Koreas, Jung said he would continue his efforts to penetrate the notoriously closed regime, eight gigabytes at a time.

"One USB stick can bring about change for a hundred people," he said.  AP

Actor Ashley Judd has filed a lawsuit against producer Harvey Weinstein, accusing him of blacklisting her in Hollywood and thwarting her career. "I lost career opportunity. I lost money. I lost status and prestige and power in my career as a direct result of having been sexually harassed and rebuffing the sexual harassment," she told ABC News. "My career opportunities, after having been defamed by Harvey Weinstein, were significantly diminished... My career was damaged because I rebuffed Mr. Weinstein's sexual advances. I know it for a fact."

The NY Times' Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of Weinstein's decades of predatory behavior opened with Judd's experience: she says Weinstein lured her to his hotel room for a meeting and, once there, invited her watch him take a shower, then asked to give her a massage. Judd, who had alluded to Weinstein (though never by name) when discussing sexual harassment in Hollywood in 2015, was the first celebrity to come forward, encouraging others, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Lupita N'yongo, and Annabella Sciorra, to share their stories and opening the gates for the #MeToo movement to take hold.

Two months after the NY Times's and New Yorker's investigations into how Weinstein allegedly targeted, and, in some cases, assault, young actress and models, writer-director Peter Jackson of The Lord of the Rings revealed that he was interested in both Judd and Mira Sorvino, another actress who refused Weinstein's advance, for roles in the trilogy but Weinstein told him, "I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs. This was probably in 1998... At the time, we had no reason to question what these guys were telling us - but in hindsight, I realize that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing... I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women - and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list."

In an interview with ABC News, Judd said that any monetary damages she receives would be given to the Time's Up fund: "What I want is for Mr. Weinstein to be held accountable for his illegal conduct. ... His behavior and his conduct [were] illegal. And, that accountability is not just for me, but it's for all people who experience sexual harassment in the workplace with a particular -- and this is really important in why this case is groundbreaking -- emphasis on economic retaliation and damage to our careers over time."

My legal complaint. I am suing for economic remedy due to damage done to my career as a result of sexual harassment. Financial recuperation goes to @TIMESUPNOW @TIMESUPLDF so that American workers who experince sexual harassment & retaliation have help. https://t.co/Nod3fXgVk3  ashley judd (@AshleyJudd) April 30, 2018

Go forth @AshleyJudd

I am the wind at your back. https://t.co/31n4ObqRkN  Reese Witherspoon (@RWitherspoon) May 1, 2018

Weinstein's lawyer responded, "The most basic investigation of the facts will reveal that Mr. Weinstein neither defamed Ms. Judd nor ever interfered with Ms. Judds career, and instead not only championed her work but also repeatedly approved her casting for two of his movies over the next decade. The actual facts will show that Mr. Weinstein was widely known for having fought for Ms. Judd as his first choice for the lead role in Good Will Hunting and, in fact, arranged for Ms. Judd to fly to New York to be considered for the role. Thereafter, Ms. Judd was hired for not one, but two of Mr. Weinsteins movies, Frida in 2002 and Crossing Over with Harrison Ford in 2009. We look forward to a vigorous defense of these claims."

The disgraced producer, who was ousted from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, has been keeping a low profile as his former company, the Weinstein Company, tries to sell off its assets in bankruptcy. Creditors, including Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Jennifer Lawrence, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Jake Gyllenhaal and Bill Murray, claim they are still owed money. Quentin Tarantino says he's owed "$300,000 for Grindhouse, $575,000 for Inglorious Basterds, $1.25 million for Django [Unchained] and nearly $2.5 million for Hateful Eight."

The NYPD is still investigating numerous accusations that Weinstein attacked women.gspannu7@gmail.com

Peshawar, May 1

Dr Shakil Afridi, a Pakistani doctor serving a 33-year jail term for helping the CIA in tracking down al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden to Abbottabad in 2011 could be released this month after authorities remitted 10 years of his sentence, according to his lawyer.

The US has been pressing Pakistan to release Dr Afridi, who was involved in a CIA-linked plan to find bin Laden with a fake vaccination operation in the Pakistani garrison city of Abbottabad.

Advocate Qamar Nadeem told the BBC Urdu service that Afridi, who has received several remissions in sentence, will complete his jail term this month.

He said that Afridi was awarded a total of 33 years jail term on four different charges in which he was awarded 30 years on three counts while three years on one.

However, after an approval of his appeal, 10 years of imprisonment had been remitted, the Express Tribune reported.

According to Nadeem, if Afridis total jail term and remissions are taken into consideration, then he is likely to be freed this month.

Afridi, 56, was shifted to Adiala Jail of Rawalpindi from Peshawar Central Jail on Friday, apparently due to security concerns.

According to media reports, he was moved in a helicopter but no official statement was issued by the government. However, it is still not clear as to whether he will be kept in Adiala Jail or shifted to another location, the report said.

There is a chance that after his release, Afridi might move to the US to settle there permanently, it said.

A team of expert doctors has reportedly examined him in Adiala Jail and declared him completely fit. According to jail sources, he has been kept under strict security measures and additional guards have been posted at his barracks, it said.

Afridi, the former surgeon of Khyber Agency, had run a false vaccination campaign in the Pakistani garrison city of Abbottabad to help the CIA track down bin Laden in his compound and kill him in a raid by US Navy Seals on May 2, 2011.

He was arrested from Peshawar later that year.

In 2012, he was sentenced to 33 years in prison by the political administration of Khyber Agency under the Frontier Crimes Regulation, the colonial-era laws that govern the tribal regions, for having links with banned militant groups.

The issue of Afridis release is reportedly one of the major obstacles to the improvement of ties between the US and Pakistan.

Soon after the death of bin Laden, the US media reported that Afridi had contributed to the success of the CIA operation by collecting DNA samples of bin Ladens family through the fake vaccination campaign in Abbottabad.

Two years ago, US President Donald Trump had said during his campaign for presidential elections that he could have Dr Afridi released in two minutes and he was certain that the Pakistani officials would not object, the report said.

The US State Department has previously said that Dr Afridi has been unjustly imprisoned in Pakistan and Washington has clearly communicated its position to Islamabad in his case, both in public and in private.  PTIuttara@tribuneindia.com

SEOUL, May 1



North and South Korea began dismantling loudspeakers that blared propaganda across their heavily fortified border on Tuesday, South Korea's defence ministry said, fulfilling a promise made at last week's historic summit.

The moves are the first practical, if small, steps toward reconciliation and come after an agreement in the joint declaration signed at Friday's summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the North's Kim Jong Un.

Activity at several spots along the border indicated North Koreans were taking down the speakers, a defence official said.

South Korea started doing the same at 2 pm local time, he said.

For decades, with only a few breaks, the two sides have pumped out propaganda from huge banks of speakers as a form of psychological warfare. The South broadcast a mixture of news, Korean pop songs and criticism of the northern regime, while the North blasted the southern government and praised its own socialist system.

As a sign of goodwill, the South had stopped its propaganda ahead of the summit, and the North followed suit.

In another small sign after Friday's summit, North Korea said Monday it would shift its clocks forward half an hour to align with its southern neighbour starting May 5.

The incremental steps come amid speculation about where Kim will meet US President Donald Trump, who said their planned summit could take place in three or four weeks.

Trump tweeted Monday that meeting Kim at the Peace House in the demilitarised zone, where Moon met Kim, would be an excellent venue.

"There's something that I like about it because you're there, you're actually there. Where, if things work out, there's a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third-party country," Trump later told reporters at the White House.

But a senior US official said Singapore was still high on the list of potential sites.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday Singapore had not had any request to host the Kim-Trump meeting.

South Korea's presidential Blue House seemed to welcome the prospect of hosting the meeting in Panmunjom, the border village where the Peace House is located.

"Panmunjom is quite meaningful as a place to erode the divide and establish a new milestone for peace," a senior presidential official told reporters, asking not be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. "Wouldn't Panmunjom be the most symbolic place?" Reuters

gspannu7@gmail.com

London, May 1

A member of Britains House of Lords was on Tuesday forced to deny that he is a racist after he called Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar a typical Indian on social media.

Lord Kilclooney, a former member of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) in Northern Ireland, was responding to a BBC headline on Twitter which read: DUP: Varadkars visit to Northern Ireland showed disrespect.

Kilclooney tweeted back yesterday with the words, Typical Indian.

I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group), only yesterday I had a reply from 10, Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM (Varadkar) had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had, he later tweeted, after being accused of racism.

But many took to Twitter to condemn his words, including former Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt who said it could only be interpreted as a racist comment.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said Lord Kilclooney was an embarrassment.

She said his latest comment was a slur on all Indian people with his use of the word typical and demanded that the Speaker of the House of Lords raise the matter with the peer.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA Christopher Stalford tweeted: I dont know what John Taylor (Lord Kilclooney) thinks hes playing at but he doesnt speak for me. Absolutely ridiculous behaviour.

The 80-year-old life peer defended his remark by saying Varadkar had been most provocative over the course of the Brexit negotiations and had misunderstood the views of many unionists.

He added that the Irish premier had a dismal lack of knowledge about Northern Ireland affairs.

The comments came after Northern Irelands DUP accused Maharashtrian-origin Varadkar of breach of protocol saying he visited the region without informing local elected representatives of his visit to counties Armagh and Down. The Irish leader stressed that he followed standard protocol by informing the Northern Ireland Office of his visit.

I can assure anyone that Im not an invader. I just want to be a good neighbour and I received a very warm welcome in Northern Ireland, Varadkar said.

The only future that we have on this island is to work together and thats what I want to do. Im not here to upset anyone or make anyone uncomfortable. Im just here as a neighbour, he added.

Ireland and Northern Ireland have a long history of political troubles, brought to the fore by the ongoing Brexit negotiations which will leave European Union member-state Ireland bordering a non-EU member state, Northern Ireland. The border issue is seen as a major stumbling block in Britain and the EU finalising any exit deal.

This is not the first time Kilclooney has been caught up in a racism controversy. Last November, he acknowledged that a remark he made about Varadkar had caused upset and misunderstanding and withdrew his tweet that referred to the premier as the Indian.  PTIA coyote was killed after it attacked a five-year-old girl in a Westchester park on Sunday afternoon. The girl's mother, Kasey King-Petrellese, said, "The coyote came at us an angle and lunged up... Im telling you it was like a cheetah."

King-Petrellese and her children, daughter Natalia and a toddler son, were in a Mount Pleasant park playground when coyote made its move. "I took my foot and I kicked him as hard as I could in his face, which knocked him to the ground and he stumbled a little," she told NBC New York. "When he got up he swung over to my daughters side and bit her arm."

Natalia remembered, "It was running, and my mom kicked it, and it fell to the ground and it got my arm," while King-Petrellese, worried the coyote had bitten her daughter's neck, explained, "I just took it as an out, I pressed it into the grass and just repeatedly punched it in the face. And that's when the gentleman hopped onto the coyote, pinned him down and said, 'Get out of here, get out of here.'"

The gentleman was Arcangelo Liberatore, an off-duty Irvington police officer who was in the park with his family. He told the Daily News that he saw the coyote get through a fence: "It started getting into a trot, and my wife grabbed our daughter and I grabbed our son and ran toward the car... I looked over my shoulder and told my kids to run toward mommy. I saw a woman on the ground and a mass of fur and bodies."

Liberatore punched the coyote as well"I just made sure my gravity was kind of low and just kind of squeezed the heck out of it. I was basically strangling it"and said he held the animal down for five minutes, until the police came, "If you control the neck, you control the entire body. And so literally, I was just holding it down by its head so it couldnt go anywhere."

Mount Pleasant police officers fatally shot the coyote, and the body was taken for rabies testing. Both Liberatore and Natalia were treated for their injuries and given rabies shots. In March, a number of people in Yonkers reported being bit by a coyote, which was killed and tested positive for rabies.

In 2015, coyotes were spotted in Riverside Park, by Laguardia Airport, and in Middle Village, Queens. Coyote expert Mark Weckel told us at the time that while healthy coyotes are generally fearful of the public and urban areas, some may be interested in settling in Brooklyn and Queens, "Basically, Long Island is the last large landmass in the United States without a breeding population of coyotes. That puts the New York City metropolitan area at the edge of this range expansion. There are going to be parts of Long Island, including some parts of Queens, where there might be suitable coyote habitat, meaning areas where coyotes could exist with minimal interactions with the public."

Natalia seems to be upbeat about her recovery. In an interview with the Post, the child said, "I got stitches, and I was so brave. My daddy told me its never gonna happen again. But if there is another [coyote] Im gonna kick it in its nose."Our latest edition of Quick Bites brings us to a Long Island mini-chain trying to make it in Manhattan.

THE VIBE

For a well-regarded, apparently ambitious, deep-Queens/Long Island mini-chain making its first foray into Manhattan, the new Sichuan restaurant Grain House is surprisingly half-assed in its execution.

The location is certainly well chosen, in the Manhattan Valley section of the Upper West Side, near enough to Columbia to lure in students but also filled with families in search of some new neighborhood fare. The actual space itself, however, is uninspired to the point of deflating whatever expectations you allowed yourself to have when you set off for your meal.

A wide ramp flanked by institutional handrails greets you upon entering, left over from when this was a Dunkin' Dounts two tenants ago and creating a barren expanse of linoleum leading up to a counter to which you do not need to approach (you order from your table). The decor is pure odd lot: black and white photos of China, a small wooden wall clock, a typographic poster of the alphabet hung on its side.

Staffers stare at their phones whenever there's a momentary break in the action (meanwhile a towel-less situation awaits you in the bathroom); plates and the clearing thereof need requesting; complimentary tea is served either too tepid or scalding hot. The whole thing just feels tired, and after only a few weeks since the opening.

THE BITES

The Grain House menu is loaded with Sichuan crowd-pleasers and classics, and all five dishes we ate over two dinners were... just OK. Despite its "chili-pepper-icon warning" the Burning Noodle didn't, though it was cooked with competence and packed just enough punch to satisfy on a snowy day. The Mapo Tofu arrived looking promising, all glistening in chili oil and craggy with ground beef, and the textures were as one would hope, but again, the dish didn't live up to its fiery promise.

After I idly commented on the lack of heat and numbing toward the end of my first visit, owner Beichen Hu readily admitted that "Caucasians" are given milder versions of everything because "otherwise they send it back". He recognized me the second time though, and the spiciness level rose accordingly.

Thankfully, the kitchen didn't skimp on the peppercorns (nor the headliner spice) with the Cumin Lamb. I wish the meat itself had been a little more perky, and a little less wilted, but this dish delivers on that very specific Sichuan craving. The same could not be said for the Ox Tongue and Tripe, the flavors of which never managed to emerge from the ocean of oil that threatened, nerve-wreckingly, to overflow the walls of its serving vessel and onto our slanted table.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing we ate was the Beef and Sour Cabbage Sauce. The broth had a delightfully tangy base beneath the chilis and peppercorns, while a mess of glass noodles hiding below the surface added a nice slipperiness to the crunch of cabbage and chew of the meat.



(Scott Lynch/Gothamist)

THE VERDICT

If you live right nearby you'll probably wind up at Grain House some night for dinner, and maybe feel fine about your meal, no real reason to hurry back though. (Related: I noticed there's a Xi'ian Famous just a few blocks down on Broadway). Maybe things will change; I can't help but think that if they put a little more energy and a lot more love into the project, the place could become a neighborhood staple.

Grain House is located at 929 Amsterdam Avenue, and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (212-531-1130; grainhouseny.com)About Emi

Sudanese-American slam poet Emi Mahmoud has supported the work of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency since 2016 and was appointed as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in June 2018 after giving the opening performance at TEDxKakumaCamp, the first ever TEDx event held in a refugee camp.

Born in Khartoum, Sudan, before later moving to the United States, Emi has used her talents to raise awareness around the refugee cause. Emi and UNHCR have collaborated on works including How am I to Celebrate? which shines light on the millions of refugees marking Ramadan away from their homes and loved ones; Boy in the Sand, dedicated to Alan Kurdi on the first anniversary of his death; Head over Heels, written in August 2017 to mark the announcement of the millionth South Sudanese refugee entering Uganda; and A Procession of Misfits which speaks to themes of home and belonging. For World Refugee Day 2020, Emi wrote a special poem entitled "The Seven Stages of Grief During Coronavirus".

Emi has visited UNHCR frontline work in Jordan, Uganda - where Emi led poetry workshops - and Lesvos, Greece. After meeting with Syrian refugees who had survived the perilous sea crossing from Turkey, she wrote Bird Watching on Lesvos Island and performed it at UNHCRs Nansen Refugee Award ceremony in 2016.

Emi has been a committed supporter of UNHCR campaigns, adding her voice to our #WithRefugees campaign film, performing at the historic hand-in of the #WithRefugees petition at the 2016 UN General Assembly, and supporting the Everyone Counts Campaign.

Emi has represented UNHCR at high profile global events, ranging from the World Economic Forum at Davos to The Youth Strategy 2030 launch at the UN General Assembly. She has performed her poetry on stages across the world, from Google Zeitgeist in the US and UK, to the 2019 Sziget music festival in Hungary, where she gave a powerhouse performance of her world championship winning poem, Mama.

Recent support and field visitsIvorian refugee Aiswarya has her fingerprints taken at the Ecuadorian Civil Registry to obtain an ID card.  UNHCR Ecuador

QUITO, Ecuador  After fleeing conflict in Ivory Coast, Aiswarya found renting a house or applying for a job as a refugee in Ecuador challenging without an Ecuadorian identity document.

People do not trust someone who cannot prove their identity with an ID card, says Aiswarya, who reached the Andean nations capital, Quito, with her mother in 1999.

As a recognized refugee, she had a refugee credential, but not everybody accepts such a document.

She overcame that obstacle in November 2017, when the Civil Registry in Quito issued her with an ID card following the entry into force of a law that gave a host of guarantees for people like her on the move.

Among other provisions, the Human Mobility Law established equal treatment for refugees and asylum seekers, granting them residency status that allows for their full integration into national life.

As a key step to implementing these changes, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility and the Civil Registry to ensure refugees are provided with Ecuadorian ID cards.

While refugees and asylum seekers are guaranteed equal rights by the countrys constitution and have had access to key public services including health and education, the lack of a national ID card frequently made dealings with both public and private institutions a challenge.

After so many years working in Ecuador I will finally be able to ask for a loan and build a house.

These included difficulties in opening bank accounts and obtaining loans. Without the ID card, it is also difficult to contribute to and enrol in the social security system which is key to getting formal employment and accessing benefits such as a retirement pension.

Ecuador is Latin Americas largest refugee hosting country, having recognized 61,114 by the end of March, almost all of them  97 per cent - displaced by violence in neighbouring Colombia.

At least 1,100 refugees like Aiswarya have received the identity cards since November 2017, clearing the way for them to take part fully in national life, and contribute to Ecuadors development.

Maria Clara Martin, who leads UNHCRs work in Ecuador, says that providing refugees with ID cards like those held by Ecuadorians is a major step forward. It is an innovative measure that confirms the countrys international commitment to the integration of refugees.

The service is currently being provided in Quito, the port city of Guayaquil and Cuenca, in the Andes mountain range. But as many refugees live in remote areas, UNHCR, through its local partner Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, HIAS, is helping them travel to the cities to receive their cards. So far, over 220 refugees have been able to obtain their ID cards thanks to this support.

For her part, Aiswayra is certain these ID cards will give more opportunities to refugees to build their lives in the new home, with easier access to education and employment. After so many years working in Ecuador I will finally be able to ask for a loan and build a house, she said.Founded in 2006, the Silent Barn Collective beat off the forces of capitalism and burglary and fire and hierarchical management to offer all-ages shows in Bushwick for over a decade. On Sunday night, Last Rites were performed: reunited bands and resident DJs performed to a packed house in the art space's 603 Bushwick Avenue home, as residents moved out from their apartments in the building's upstairs floors. "Despite the incredible support we have received from our community," a message on the Barn's website explains, "the financial and functional challenges of running a space on this scale have created an unsustainable environment with no realistic way forward."

On Sunday, in a windowless hallway of a back closet endearingly known by the collective as The Netherlands, I spoke with founding members, residents, architects, lawyers, artists and others within the sprawling network of people who have been involved with Silent Barn over the years. All were proud of what the collective had accomplished, thankful for their involvement, and emphasized they could not speak to more than their own role in something whicheveryone I spoke with expressedwas far greater than any one member.

Kunal Gupta, founding member: I believe the old Silent Barn started when the band Skeleton started a recording studio in Ridgewood and they just started doing events, and then I moved in, and so did the current group of five founders of the space. Around 2009, I think as a joke, we were like, What if we did shows all of these days on the calendar? And then we just decided as a joke, in July 2010, to try [to have shows every day of] July.

So all of July, you come home at 6 p.m., you have to move all of your private possessions from the show space and your life will be back to normal in the morning. And we never stopped that joke: Since July 2010 theres been at least one show every day since then, or on average. Except for the time we didnt have a stage for a year. It started as a joke, but it wasnt really a joke, it was, How much of this can we do? A three-story building is about the max and we almost did that too.

One of the principals at that time was, I think this was a key thing, we would have two spaces in the old Silent Barn and we would try to book different acts at the same time. Theres a homeless advocacy group that would be doing an event in the basement, and upstairs a noise festival or party. We would try to have these two different groups meet up, run events in the same building, with a hallway that throws them into their different paths. That was the whole point of Silent Barn. When we were looking for a new space, we were like, How do we create this collision?

Joe Ahearn, founding member: Silent Barn had two primary phases, although there are lots of different sub phases. Silent Barn started as a group of people who were living together in a warehouse and were doing shows in their living room with really no regard for future or sustainability or anything other than radical intimacy in that we really wanted you to feel like you were coming into our living room. We wanted to invite strangers to our home, we wanted to perform for them, and make food for themthe fact that it was all happening in our home was super key.

When we moved from that space, we started this crowdfunding campaign, and then everybody who had ever stayed on our couch gave us $5 or more, and that totally changed the accountability of the project in a really radical way, because suddenly it became, ok, theres this massive community that is very real and tangible, how are we going to acknowledge them, how are we going to leverage this momentum? That was right when Occupy was starting. There were a lot of people learning from these working group structures. We were very inspired by that and we decided to pursue this non-hierarchical structure. We realized we were going to need a much bigger building than we had ever imagined and then we ended up getting a building even bigger than that. And we operated with a lot of the same structures we had observed from Occupy Wall Street.



(Courtesy Stephanie Griffin)

I think that all DIY art spaces need to think deeply about the accountability of how they impact the city around them and recognize that they are going to do a lot of things that inspire people but also that there are so many ways in which simply thinking about what youre doing aspirationally as opposed to what youre going to accomplish is two totally separate things and I think that, hope that, Silent Barn inspires people to think about that as expansively as they possibly can. That they think really, really big. Because a lot of Silent Barn was just about trying things on as extreme a scale as things could be imagined and making a lot of mistakes along the way but that still ultimately changes how people see the city around them. And I think thats still as possible now as it ever was.

I dont think people should take from Silent Barn closing that this isnt possible. It totally is. Silent Barn got where it is because of a lot of really smart and talented people, and a lot of luck, and a lot of privilege from those involved and I hope that other people will take what we learned and do something even better. We got lots more shit to do.

Theres an ocean of memories, of things that have happened in this building.



G Lucas Crane (Edwina Hay / Gothamist)

G. Lucas Crane, founding member: I dont have all of the stories, and no one can. But to know that deeply and distinctly is an important part of a project like this. Its not just your experience, it does not have one set narrative ever, and will never. I am the person whos been involved in this project the longest whos still involved now and yet at the same time I dont feel like I am a narrator of this story, because the whole point of this project was full immersion in interlaced peoples stories, distinct artists working in the meaning of performance and all of the intense upkeep and love that it takes to make something like that in America, which is a blatantly hostile environment for anything thats not commercialized.

The ending of this place, people are like, this is very sad, and Im like, this is actually on our own terms this time, whereas last time people were just running down the street with their cats in their arms, and then I lost all of my possessions. And it was a complete crater. Which is a very fitting end, honestly, a very American end, to what I consider that era of DIY apocalypse thinking. You keep it secret, you keep it safe. This was distinctly trying to avoid that, to be above board in the ways we needed to be but the same spirit of the project from where we came from.

The reason its closing now, in this degree, is that wed have to keep completely change how the thing worked and was funded or something, and it cant be said more: this kind of shit takes so much underappreciated, completely thankless work, and constant, hellish, janitorial services that its, the more, my entire experience in this project, its just unbelievably galling that theres no culture for distinctly non commercial art in this country. New York City is an extremely harsh environment to do something like this.

Claire Wood, architect: When they got this building, there was a lot of discussion about what it could be used for and how it could be used legally. The last Silent Barn project on Wyckoff got shut downit was a warehouse space, a one-story space that had a few rooms that they used as bedrooms, and a bathroom and essentially the living space of it was show space. They were like, well, how do we make this legit? Im an architect so I tried to make it so that the fire chief didnt shut it down immediately.

I feel like its a bit of a self-centered, egocentric thing to believe that this is an extremely important scene, or an extremely important project, but I do really feel like at the outset all the people involved tried to do something that was basically impossible in that there was not a good financial success story model to run off. The other part of it was that there was this idea of a collective governance structure that allowed a collective voice and somehow the conflict of being in the capitalist capital of the world, lets say, and trying to do this very socialist activity here, didnt quite bear successful long-living fruits. But at the same time I think it was a really important project in that it attempted that aspiration.

I think theres a next generation. The spirit of what we were trying to do, which is basically make culture with zero dollarsthat impulse is still alive. I guess the inspiration for keeping Silent Barn going was trying to make that available for other spaces. Doing it to be the test case, to test all these things that, oh, maybe we can get away with this, maybe we can do it this way, how do we get around this challenge that usually people just throw money at and fix.



(Edwina Hay)

Neon Mashurov, resident and shows manager:I grew up going to Brooklyn DIY spaces and I grew up going to old Silent Barn. When I got here, it started out like all the other DIY spaces but then it evolved. The core group started out with a group of men, which, by the time the second space opened, included women, and grew to include more queer people and people of color.

Some people from those groups and at the intersections of those groups were there from the start but then more came and together put in work to bring in others. I think its very much of its time, because it's one of the few spaces that grew towards being representative of communities it was meant to serve, which is something other places are starting to pay attention to, or need to start paying attention to.

The thing that is sad, is, I think if Educated Little Monsters were able to take the space the way they wanted to I think it wouldve been a historical narrative that went correctly. As is, I think that we tried. And that was important. The legacy of it will probably be as a place that prioritized cool weird art, because thats what a lot of the people [who attended shows here] remember it for, but also I heard that this is one of the biggest collectives in the States going right now. Its actually too big, which is partially why it didnt work, but that is an important narrative to be a part of. I hope the legacy is mostly one of trying.

I am kind of a quiet person but I remember one time I was working a show that sold out at 4 p.m., and I had to spend the next 8 hours telling like 300 people that it was sold out. I think working here taught me how to boss up in a lot of ways. It really illuminated the degree to which I currently advocate for myself and other people and how that can be furthered. In a structure like this, you have an amount of agency, but not complete agencyI think it really gave me space to witness and negotiate with that.

I dont think its a perfect horizontal collective because hierarchy seeps in, and I think one of the things the space made me really aware of is how hyper-vigilant you have to be. When I came here I saw that everyone has the best intentions but also scarcity is a thing and capitalism is a thing and power is a thing and you dont even notice how these things move through you subconsciously. Its like you're actively holding open a door that wants to close.

Michael Lawrence, lawyer: Five years ago I sent an email to the people involved in the space, asked them if they needed any help. They had just gotten $40,000 from a Kickstarter and they were having legal issues before that. The space seemed like a great opportunity to help a cause I had gained a lot from over the course of my life.

Theres just so many different people with expertise here. Its sad that the place is closing but the good thing about it is we all have a good working relationship, we all kind of worked with each other on different projects, so thats sort of one thing thats making it not as painful to like leave the space, because I know Ill still have relationships with a lot of people here, and Ill still see a lot of them at shows.

Nat Roe, founding member: For me, the music and the art at Silent Barn were most importantly a vehicle for a community experimentwe explored and pushed the boundaries of how friends, individuals and groups can change each other's lives and this city. I am just one person who can say that my life's meaning is permanently changed by the many brilliant artists that gave so much heart to Silent Barn.

Lorissa Rinehart, founding member: The motto of Silent Barn is Silent Barn Is People. You dont want to be the person who wears the t-shirt of the band to the show of the band but this shirt [gestures at her shirt] is stained with sweat and blood and tears and paint and [ceiling] stain. I think the legacy of the space is the people who go on, and who were given the opportunity to experiment and try and find out who they were. For me personally, when we started Silent Barn, my life was not in a good space and this community, particularly the community of women, really allowed me to build a platform to launch my life. And I would not be where I am. Basically, Im living my best life, and the foundation of that was built here. The legacy is the people. The people here are all extraordinary, but it was the community that allowed them to grow into the people theyve now become.

Check in on withfriends and Educated Little Monsters for some of Silent Barn members' new projects.

Rohingya boat people stranded off the coast near Geulumpang in Indonesia's East Aceh district of Aceh province wait to be rescued on May 20, 2015.  AFP/Januar

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, is grateful to Indonesian and Malaysian authorities for rescuing and disembarking three boats carrying a total of 140 Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar by sea in April. The refugees are safe and in generally good condition. From preliminary reports we understand that as many as 10 other refugees perished at sea. Since the beginning of the latest Rohingya refugee crisis in August 2017, over 200 lives are estimated to have been lost in the Bay of Bengal, mainly in the crossing from Myanmar to Bangladesh.

UNHCR has access to the recent arrivals in Indonesia and has received assurances from Malaysian authorities that it will soon be granted access to those in Malaysia as well. UNHCR is deeply appreciative of the Indonesian fishermen and authorities who have provided lifesaving assistance to these refugees.

The three boats set sail from the central townships of Rakhine State in Myanmar. They are the first confirmed maritime movements of Rohingya refugees through the Andaman Sea since May 2015, when interceptions and delays in the disembarkation of several thousand refugees and migrants led to dozens of deaths at sea.

UNHCR is concerned by the accounts of some of the recently disembarked refugees that their vessels were intercepted by authorities who did not disembark them to the nearest place of safety. Such practices not only put the lives of refugees at risk, but may also contravene international maritime law.

To prevent any further loss of life, UNHCR calls on all governments in the region to uphold their maritime obligations and the spirit of the 2016 Bali Declaration by rescuing refugees, disembarking them to the nearest places of safety, and refraining from risky interceptions at sea not intended to save lives, said James Lynch, UNHCRs Regional Representative and Regional Coordinator for South-East Asia.

The first of the three vessels landed in Langkawi, Malaysia, on 3 April after briefly stopping in southern Thailand and being escorted back to sea by Thai authorities. It is yet unclear whether this was done on the refugees own volition. The 56 refugees on board18 women, 19 men, and 19 childrenare now detained in Belantik Immigration Detention Centre.

The second boat was rescued by Indonesian fishermen with five survivors: one woman, two men, and two children. They were brought to shore in Langsa, Indonesia, on 6 April and have been registered by UNHCR. The survivors told UNHCR they were intercepted by Myanmar authorities, and that as many as 10 other refugees on their vessel later died or went missing at sea.

A third boat carrying 79 Rohingya refugees12 women, 31 men, and 36 childrenwas rescued by Indonesian fishermen and landed in Bireuen, Indonesia, on 20 April. UNHCR is registering this group and has been working with local authorities to provide medical care, food, and temporary shelter. Several refugees from this group have said they were intercepted by Thai authorities.

Although Rohingya communities have reported that other boats may be at sea, UNHCR cannot confirm the presence of any Rohingya boats currently sailing to or through the Andaman Sea. In past years that saw much larger maritime movements of Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi migrants, such movements declined during the rainy season due to unsafe sailing conditions. Thousands of Rohingya refugees nevertheless continue to cross into Bangladesh each month, many by river and sea on makeshift rafts and boats that have often capsized, killing over 200 refugees since August.

UNHCR reiterates its calls on the Government of Myanmar to take measures to address the root causes of displacement, in line with the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, so that its Rohingya community is not compelled to flee and embark on such dangerous journeys. This requires concrete progress in relation to their legal status and citizenship, security, and their ability to enjoy basic rights at home in Rakhine State, including in the central townships of Rakhine State from where these three vessels departed.

For more information on this topic, please contact:Angry Upper West Side parents screamed on the local news, the new schools chancellor made a controversial tweet, and last night Mayor Bill de Blasio approved of the robust discussion surrounding a pilot plan to desegregate some of the whitest schools in New York City.

I understand any parent who says, I had my heart set on a certain school for my kid or a lot of my kids classmates are going there, I want maximum opportunity to go there. Thats very human. Thats very natural, de Blasio said of the plan, which would prioritize admissions in the District 3 middle schools that perform the best on state standardized tests in math and English, for a percentage of students who score in the lower two quartiles of the tests.

At the same time a lot of people are rightfully saying we need to find ways to diversify our schools. We have to strike a balance and then at the same time create more good options, right?

At a meeting to discuss the initiative last Tuesday at P.S. 199, which is 62 percent white and 4 percent black, parents complained that by turning children with higher test scores away from their first-choice schools, the DOE would be sending the message that life sucks.

The NY1 clip made the rounds, and Chancellor Robert Carranza tweeted Raw Storys blunt assessment of the footage:

WATCH: Wealthy white Manhattan parents angrily rant against plan to bring more black kids to their schools https://t.co/FRjqEsu53v  Chancellor Richard A. Carranza (@DOEChancellor) April 27, 2018

(Carranza later apologized for tweeting language was automatically generated...I would not have said it that way, but the tweet itself remains.)

NY1 reported that the initiative has the support of nearly all of the principals and parent leaders in the district, and the Department of Education has stressed that the plan doesnt change the existing system of parent choice, but just adds another weight to the admissions process.

Errol Louis asked the mayor if he thought that putting higher scoring children with lower scoring children would be a problem.

No, I actually think having higherthe highest performing kids, mixed with other kids with other abilities lifts all boats, de Blasio responded.

This is true, according to Amy Wells, a professor of sociology and education at Columbia Teachers College.

Theres a lot of research that shows that the higher achieving kids, when they are in a more integrated space, are not negatively impacted, Wells told Gothamist.

Wells said that an overreliance on state test scores as a measure of educational quality has made some parents blind to other measures of success.

This isnt really the parents fault, the system has put so much weight on those scores that they come to signify something so much bigger than they are. And they blind parents to what their kids can learn from being in classrooms and schools with children who have different backgrounds and experiences than theirs, Wells said.



A slide from the DOE's presentation on the plan.

Jason Abramson, a parent with three children in District 3 elementary schools who attended last weeks meeting, told Gothamist that diversity is certainly a worthy goal and I think I would love for my own kids to have more diversity in their schools than they currently have.

But I think the issue though is whats currently being proposed is not just diversity, whats being proposed is that theyre going to set floors, Abramson said. By DOEs own estimates, youre gonna have 60 to 100 kids that are currently at that [higher performing] school, who are going to be displaced and are going to have nowhere to go in the zone, because the other 13 schools right now are all failing.

The DOE points to schools in the district like P.S. 421, which may underperform on state tests, but receive high marks in overall student achievement. The school is 58 percent Black, and 36 percent Hispanic.

Theres certainly kids in there that are doing well, and even the kids who may be below grade level, Im not saying theyre doomed for a life of failure, Abramson said. But if you look at the whole school at these [test] percentages, theyre failing schools.

Abramson said he believes the DOE should either expand the top four performing schools to make way for the lower-performing students, or place the students who would be moving from those four schools to just one or two schools, so when they come to these schools they can at least go with 30 or 40 other students at once, and then you have a critical mass of kids and that could make a real difference.



P.S. 199's motto (Jen Chung / Gothamist)

The DOE says that the plan would affect 5th graders this fall who are applying for middle school in 2019, and that the conversation will continue through June. District 3s Community Education Council has scheduled a meeting for May 22 to discuss the proposal.

I think theres a norm in white America right now to be really fixated on what youre losing, without questioning your own privilege to begin with, and I say that as a white woman, Wells said. But then I think we cover it in the media in a very superficial way, that fuels this anger and frustration and doesnt really get to the core of the problem, which is that test scores are really not the best way to measure kids ability and intelligence to begin with, and theyre highly correlated with race and class.

Wells noted that she also recently had a child in District 3 middle schools who tested well but wasnt in any gifted and talented program. Her message to some of these parents who are opposing the changes: It is okay, theyll be okay, theyll do well!

Our colleagues at WNYC have a whole lot more on desegregating New York City schools here.Romero is a new faculty member and part of UTSAs new chemical engineering program.

(May 1, 2018) -- Gabriela Romero Uribe is an assistant professor of chemical engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Shes a recent addition to the UTSA faculty and her work applies chemical engineering to the creation of materials that could aid in drug delivery or treatment of diseases in the brain.

Romero is a part of UTSAs new chemical engineering program, which launched in 2017 and is one of only a handful of programs of its kind in South Texas. Through the program, UTSA is helping to increase the percentage of women in engineering. Currently, women make up only 20 percent of engineering students nationwide. About a third of those study chemical engineering.

We recently sat down with Romero to chat about her work.

How would you describe your research?

In my research group, we combine basic principles of chemistry, physics and biology to design and fabricate new materials that mimic the properties and behaviors of the molecules already existing in our body. For example, we investigate the fabrication of soft materials that have similar mechanical and chemical properties as the brain to be used as therapeutic tools for brain disorders. We are also very interested in fabricating materials that we can precisely manipulate. For instance, were researching soft materials that are sensitive to heat so that we can control drug release in the brain by generating a temperature gradient.

What impact do you hope your research will have?

I hope to contribute in bridging the gap that currently exists between the treatment of brain disease and biomaterials technology. For example, there are several cancer drugs and drug delivery systems in clinical trials. We also know that gene editing tools have found an interesting application for the treatment of cancer, particularly CART-T cells technology.

When it comes to brain diseases, though, we are still struggling to deliver therapeutics into the brain, and we are still using harsh technologies to stimulate neural signals. A lot less has been accomplished for brain diseases in comparison to cancer elsewhere in the body. I believe thats because the brain is much more complex than we previously understood it to be.

We have seen chemical and materials engineering advances in technologies that allow us to manipulate the chemistry and physical properties of materials at the molecular level. I want to contribute in the advancement of brain therapeutics with a chemical engineering approach.

What is one major goal you have for your life or your career?

My major goal is to be able, through my research, to inspire UTSA students to pursue scientific and engineering careers, particularly women and Latinas.

For me, it is hard to believe that in this century, with all technology we have, women are still an underrepresented minority in engineering. This needs to change for good.

My passion for research is what inspired me to pursue a career in academia, and I believe that as educators, we are responsible for inspiring students and encouraging them to follow career paths in science and engineering.

Have you had any mentors? How do they inform what you do now?

My mentors inspired me to follow this career path as an engineer. I believe that mentors are very important in life, and that younger engineers should surround themselves with great mentors to help them to find their path. Mentors can see you from a different perspective than you see yourself. Before joining UTSA, I worked in private industry. When I decided to follow a career in academia and I told my former Ph.D. and postdoctoral advisors, all of them were already convinced that I belonged in education, something that took me two years to understand before coming to UTSA.

I still have very good relationships with my former advisors, who are now my mentors. In addition, I have found other faculty at UTSA that have been very supportive and helpful, and now they are serving as my mentors as well.

Whats one token of advice you would give your younger self?

If you work hard, you can accomplish anything you want.

What do you think the biggest challenge researchers in your field are facing?

Funding, without a doubt. Researchers around the country struggle for money to support their research and students all the time. Federal funding is very limited and the competition is fierce. In fact, the acceptance rate of proposals for federal funding is under 10 percent. This situation particularly affects junior faculty such as myself since we are establishing ourselves as independent researchers.

What is the most important thing going on in your field that no one is talking about?

There are many unanswered questions. All scientists and engineers are trying to answer those questions, including myself. But very few scientists in the country are looking and addressing alternative therapies for brain disorders from the soft materials point of view as I do. In that field, there are many obstacles to tackle, such as a safe approach to deliver drugs into brain.Cheyenne's LeBlanc Finalist for UWs Tobin Award

Steven LeBlanc

Steven LeBlanc, of Cheyenne, was among four finalists for the 2018 Tobin Memorial Award as the University of Wyomings outstanding graduating man.

The annual award is based on academic excellence and achievement, service to the university, participation and leadership in the community and campus activities, and citizenship qualities. He is the son of Robert LeBlanc.

Gabe Selting, of Laramie, received the Tobin Award, while Sophia Kwende, of Cameroon, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient as the outstanding graduating woman during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

LeBlanc will graduate with a degree in anthropology and a minor in Chinese. He says his volunteer work at UW has shaped him into who he is today.

Being a student here at the University of Wyoming for the past two years has been a privilege -- one that I continuously remind myself to be grateful for every day, says LeBlanc. UW has provided me with many opportunities to better myself and the communities I have involved myself with for the past two years.

A nominator acknowledges LeBlancs ability to quickly pick up material and sees his interest in learning to be remarkable.

Steven always comes to class ready to engage and aids his fellow classmates with material that is difficult, the nominator says. Steven is very diverse and adapts well to different environments, cultures and situations.

Another nominator has seen LeBlanc shine and finds him a knowledgeable individual.

Steven has an impressive track record and history of academic achievement, civic engagement and leadership, the nominator says. He is a young man rooted in his sense of humility and brings human-centered principles to all he does and to all others with whom he interacts. He is a wonderful individual, a successful student and an impassioned believer in others.

LeBlanc wants to become a Foreign Service officer after graduation, according to a nominator.Huron Student Finalist for UWs Spitaleri Award

Renae Wollman

Renae Wollman, from Huron, S.D., was among six finalists for the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award as the University of Wyomings outstanding graduating woman.

The annual award, established in 1964, recognizes a student for exhibiting the finest leadership, academic integrity and citizenship qualities.

Sophia Kwende, of Cameroon, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient, while Gabe Selting, of Laramie, received the Tobin Award, as the outstanding graduating man during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Wollman, who will graduate with a degree in physiology and a minor in honors, says UW gave her opportunities to learn and expand on personal and academic levels.

My experiences at the University of Wyoming have shaped my life into an endless field of possibilities, Wollman says. I look forward to creating a future in Wyoming by one day practicing as a physician and continuing my involvement with the university and the surrounding community.

One of Wollmans nominators says she is an inspiration, given what she has achieved and where she started.

I am not sure Renae realizes this, but I believe that one reason she is a gifted teacher is because she can empathize with a wide variety of students and help them learn difficult concepts, the nominator says. Renae clearly has an outstanding academic record, contributes to UW and displays leadership, but I feel strongly that her greatest quality is her incredible character.

Another nominator says Wollman is a successful student but also a fantastic university and community citizen.

This is the result of her own diligence and initiative, both within and outside the university. She excels in higher education, the nominator says. She is especially intellectually curious, seeking to always learn and improve, not only her life but those of others around her.

Wollman has plans to attend the University of Washingtons medical program with WWAMI in the fall.Local Student Finalist for UWs Spitaleri Award

Marisa Moret

Marisa Moret, from Fort Collins, Colo., was among six finalists for the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award as the University of Wyomings outstanding graduating woman.

The annual award, established in 1964, recognizes a student for exhibiting the finest leadership, academic integrity and citizenship qualities. She is the daughter of Paul and Michelle Moret.

Sophia Kwende, of Cameroon, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient, while Gabe Selting, of Laramie, received the Tobin Award, as the outstanding graduating man during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Moret, who will graduate with a degree in physiology and minors in dance, Spanish and in honors, says college is what you make of it -- advice she took as a freshman at UW.

As my time at UW comes to an end, I find myself feeling the familiar bittersweet emotion that accompanies all endings and new beginnings, Moret says. College truly has been the best time of my life. This was because I reaped the benefits of contributing to my school.

One of Morets nominators says her combination of her academics with her creative talent and compassion are exceptional.

She is self-motivated and committed to high standards in her academic and personal life, and she works very well with peers and professors, the nominator says. I believe that her combination of intellectual ability and excellent interpersonal skills will enable her to be a great success, both in her graduate studies and in her future career and community life.

Another nominator considers Moret to be well beyond her years.

She is open and easy to talk with initially, and is a friend to all. Beneath that sunny exterior, I have found she also is a shrewd observer of human nature and naturally puts others needs before herself, the nominator says.

Moret has plans to attend the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in the fall.Rock Springs Student Finalist for UWs Spitaleri Award

Katherine Jacobs

Katherine Jacobs, from Rock Springs, was among six finalists for the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award as the University of Wyomings outstanding graduating woman.

The annual award, established in 1964, recognizes a student for exhibiting the finest leadership, academic integrity and citizenship qualities. She is the daughter of Maribeth Jacobs.

Sophia Kwende, of Cameroon, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient, while Gabe Selting, of Laramie, received the Tobin Award, as the outstanding graduating man during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Jacobs, who will graduate with a degree in family and consumer sciences, with a concentration in diabetics and environmental/natural resources, as well as a minor in sustainability, says she wants to benefit people in her future career -- and UW helped her accomplish that goal.

The University of Wyoming has offered me a premier interdisciplinary education through both the classroom setting and real-world work, volunteer and research experiences, Jacobs says. I have cherished my time at UW and look forward to utilizing expertise I gained here.

One of Jacobs nominators says she goes above and beyond to give back to her campus and community.

Katie clearly fills the criteria of academic excellence, service and leadership and contribution to UW, the nominator says. Katie is recognized in our department as one of those amazing students who only comes along once in a while.

Another nominator has greatly enjoyed working with Jacobs.

My experience with Katie has reassured me that I will have the opportunity to work with other students in the future who are as wonderful as she is, the nominator says. Seeing all of these activities together in her resume blows me away. Katie has made enormous contributions to the University of Wyoming and the greater community during her time here.

Jacobs plans to attend graduate school.Sheridan County Student Finalist for UWs Spitaleri Award

Sara Ellingrod

Sara Ellingrod, from Clearmont, was among six finalists for the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award as the University of Wyomings outstanding graduating woman.

The annual award, established in 1964, recognizes a student for exhibiting the finest leadership, academic integrity and citizenship qualities. She is the daughter of Randy and Loyce Ellingrod.

Sophia Kwende, of Cameroon, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient, while Gabe Selting, of Laramie, received the Tobin Award, as the outstanding graduating man during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Ellingrod, who will graduate with degrees in international studies and Spanish -- with concentrations in Latin America, and cultural and social issues as well as a minor in honors -- considers UW as a place of growth, community and now her home.

Every academic accomplishment, leadership opportunity and experience that has grown me as a global citizen can be attributed to this remarkable university, Ellingrod says. My work at the university is not done, and what the UW community has yet to teach me is far from over as well, but I stand proud of how far I have come in my four years at the university and hope that my future work will continue to display all I have accomplished.

One of Ellingrods nominators says she is intelligent, thoughtful and a team player.

Sara truly embodies good character and citizenship. She is a mature, open-minded and self-reflexive person, a nominator says. She demonstrates high levels of cultural awareness, sensitivity and curiosity.

Another nominator recognizes Ellingrods determination, maturity and strong academics will help her succeed in all she attempts.

She possesses a high sense of integrity, responsibility, self-determination, leadership and honesty, the nominator says. The passion and dedication she possesses in all she does has led her to become one of the universitys top leaders and community members, as well as one of the best students I have ever had.

Ellingrod plans to pursue a masters degree in the near future and hopes to work in community development or international affairs focusing on socio-political issues in Latin America.Wheatland Student Finalist for UWs Tobin Award

Tyler Shockley

Tyler Shockley, of Wheatland, was among four finalists for the 2018 Tobin Memorial Award as the University of Wyomings outstanding graduating man.

The annual award is based on academic excellence and achievement, service to the university, participation and leadership in the community and campus activities, and citizenship qualities. He is the son of Missy Shockley and Marty Shepard.

Gabe Selting, of Laramie, received the Tobin Award, while Sophia Kwende, of Cameroon, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient as the outstanding graduating woman during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Shockley will graduate with degrees in agricultural business and accounting. He says he is grateful that he has connected with faculty members and is able to seek out advice and recommendations.

There was no shortage of stories of my parents and grandparents time spent on campus, and I started to gain exciting ideas of what the university might offer, Shockley says. Listening to family stories about UW set the bar high; however, I can confidently say that my experience has lived up to expectations.

A nominator says Shockley is gifted, active and service-oriented, and serves in leadership roles at UW.

He is highly self-motivated, organized and very focused. He has worked extremely hard and has shared himself with so many, the nominator says. Ty is undoubtedly a future leader for the state of Wyoming and beyond, and will be a proud and active UW alumnus.

Another nominator recognizes how helpful Shockley was by assisting other students on difficult concepts when he knew the material.

Ty reflects every single quality we look for in our UW students -- hes hard-working, dedicated, smart and caring, the nominator says. I feel that he is truly a gifted and talented person who I am grateful to have known.

Shockley plans to expand his own cattle business while working for Fagnant, Lewis and Brinda P.C. in Lander, according to a nominator.Shah Marai (centre) embraces colleagues Massoud Hossaini (left) and Lawrence Bartlett (right), after Hossaini won the Pulitzer Prize in 2012, at the AFP office in Kabul. (AFP/JOHANNES EISELE)

The attacks highlight the dangers journalists face in the war-torn country, where violence is increasing as the resurgent Taliban step up their campaign while the Islamic State group makes inroads.

A double suicide blast in Kabul killed 25 people, including Marai along with at least eight other journalists, and wounded 49.

Reporters Without Borders called it the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

IS claimed the attack, which was condemned by the United Nations and the European Union.

Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai said the second explosion came minutes after the first and targeted reporters at the scene.

"The bomber disguised himself as a journalist and detonated himself among the crowd," he said.

The BBC confirmed that one of its reporters, 29-year-old Ahmad Shah, was killed in a separate attack in eastern Khost province, near the border with Pakistan.

He was shot by unidentified armed men, the broadcaster said, citing local police.

In a third attack, 11 children were killed and 16 people wounded, including Romanian and Afghan soldiers, when a suicide attacker exploded his car near a NATO convoy in the southern province of Kandahar, officials said.

The children killed were six to 11 years old, the United Nations children's agency UNICEF said in a statement condemning the attack "in the strongest possible terms."

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for that attack.

One American soldier was killed and another wounded during a combat operation in eastern Afghanistan, US Forces-Afghanistan said in a statement, bringing the total number of people killed across the country to at least 38.

"Several Afghan security force members were killed or wounded" in the operation, it added.

TREASURED COLLEAGUE

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "outraged" by the attacks.

"The deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work," the UN chief said.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said militants were targeting journalists in Afghanistan because they are weakened and want more news coverage in order to undermine the country's electoral process ahead of an expected vote in October.

"This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," said Mattis.

Journalists from Radio Free Europe and Afghan broadcasters Tolo News and 1TV were among those killed in Kabul, Reporters Without Borders said.

"This tragedy reminds us of the danger that our teams continually face on the ground and the essential role journalists play for democracy," said Fabrice Fries, CEO of AFP.

Marai - who was buried later Monday - joined AFP as a driver in 1996, the year the Taliban seized power, and began taking pictures on the side, covering stories including the US invasion in 2001.

In 2002, he became a full-time photo stringer, rising through the ranks to become the bureau's chief photographer.

The 41-year-old's versatility and easy camaraderie was demonstrated moments before the second attack, as he reassured an AFP video colleague who was stuck in traffic and could not reach the scene.

"No worry man, I am here," he said by WhatsApp, adding that he was shooting video in addition to taking photos.

He left behind six children, including a newborn daughter.

"This is a devastating blow for the brave staff of our close-knit Kabul bureau and the entire agency," said AFP global news director Michele Leridon, describing Marai as a "treasured colleague."

"We can only honour the extraordinary strength, courage, and generosity of a photographer who covered often traumatic, horrific events with sensitivity and consummate professionalism," Leridon said.

"We also send our condolences to the families of other journalists killed in this terrible attack."

BLOODY SUMMER

IS, which dramatically stepped up its attacks in Kabul in recent months, claimed responsibility via its propaganda agency Amaq.

The attacks came days after the Taliban began their spring offensive in an apparent rejection of calls for the militants to take up the Afghan government's offer of peace talks.

Reporters Without Borders said that since 2016, it has recorded the killings of 34 journalists in Afghanistan, which it ranks at 118 out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index.

In 2016, seven employees of popular TV channel Tolo were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing.

In November last year broadcaster Shamshad TV was stormed by gunmen who killed one person.

The defiant station was back on the air within hours, a newscaster with bandaged hands reporting on the attack as its director vowed: "They cannot silence us."

President Ashraf Ghani's government is under pressure on multiple fronts this year as it prepares to hold long-delayed legislative elections in October.

Some Western and Afghan officials expect 2018 to be a particularly bloody year, with the Taliban and other militant groups controlling or contesting large swathes of the country.

"I taught myself photography," Marai said in a company profile in 2015. "Now my photos appear around the world.

"My best memories are when I beat the competition ... I like to be first."Bayern Munich must do without injured central defender Jerome Boateng at the Bernabeu. (Photo: AFP/Christof Stache)

Bayern face an uphill task in Tuesday's (May 1) semi-final, second leg, at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium after losing 2-1 in Munich last Wednesday when a defensive slip let Marco Asensio hit the winner.

To compound their problems, Bayern have lost both key defender Jerome Boateng and creative winger Arjen Robben with groin injuries.

Nevertheless, the Germans jetted to Madrid on Monday determined to pull off an unlikely win.

They can take solace from Juventus who went down fighting with a 3-1 win in Madrid in the quarter-finals after losing 3-0 in Turin, bowing out 4-3 on aggregate.

"Juve are a good example of putting pressure on Real in Madrid," said Rummenigge.

"We need cool heads and hot hearts."

Defender Niklas Suele, who will step in for Boateng at centre-back, added: "It's a difficult starting position, but we trust ourselves to do it.

"It will be important to switch well between attack and defence.

"We also did well against (Cristiano) Ronaldo (who failed to score) in the first leg."

PRESSURE TO SCORE

Rummenigge says the loss of Boateng and Robben gives their replacements the chance to step up and shine.

"Boateng and Robben will not make the trip and we can't change that," said Rummenigge.

"I think lamenting makes no sense, we have other players who can step in.

"When I look at the development of Niklas Suele, that's been top notch.

"Whoever stands on the pitch will have to go to their limits if we want to be successful."

Bayern must score at least two goals to have any chance of reaching the final on May 26 in Kiev.

"We're confident," said right-back Joshua Kimmich, who scored in the first leg.

"We did not play at our top level and still had some chances.

"The aim is to score two goals and conceding wouldn't change much."

In the first leg, the Germans were kicking themselves for converting just one of their 17 shots on goal, compared to Real's seven, two of which Marcelo and Asensio put away.

"We will get some chances and when we get them, we will have to use them," said Bayern president Uli Hoeness.

Rummenigge defended Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski, who was criticised in the German media for struggling in front of goal in the first leg.

"I find this discussion ridiculous, as we all actually find it ridiculous at Bayern Munich," fumed Rummenigge, a former striker.

"He has scored 39 goals again this year and we are glad that he is with us and that next year he will play with us."

Rummenigge pointed to legendary Bayern striker Gerd Mueller, who scored 68 goals in 62 games for West Germany in the 1970s.

"He (Lewandowski) is a goal machine and I can remember Gerd Mueller for example, who is the number one in all (goal) statistics, not only at Bayern Munich, but throughout Germany.

"He also had eight or ten games in which things did not work out, where he didn't play the way he wanted to.

"But then, there are days when you score two or three times.

"I hope he (Lewandowski) has a day like that tomorrow."Vu Manh Tung, deputy general director of BSR

On April 27, the Ministry of Public Securitys investigation agency (C46) started criminal proceedings and arrested Vu Manh Tung (44), deputy general director of BSR, on the charge of abuse of power or position for appropriation of property (Article 355 of the 2015 Criminal Code).

The prosecution was started in relation to the BSR and OceanBank cases, which started in last September and are one of the most important cases in the governments current initiative to fight corruption.

Earlier, in September 2017, during the second hearing of the OceanBank case, C46 has started three criminal cases with the same charge involving BSR, Vietsovpetro JV (VSP), and PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation (PVEP).

According to the proposal of the investigation agency, in 2010-2014, OceanBanks chairman Ha Van Tham ordered the bank to spend VND1.576 trillion ($70 million) on interest payments without contracts for customers. BSR received around VND19 billion ($0.84 million) of this.

At the first instance of this case held last year, Vu Manh Tung (financial-planning manager) was summoned to the court to clarify the use of VND19 billion ($0.84 million) because Nguyen Minh Thu, former general director of OceanBank, said this amount was paid to BSR. However, Tung declined and said: I myself did not receive this amount from Thu and OceanBank.A fire breaks out at a factorys dormitory, where many Vietnamese workers live, in Pingzhen District, Taoyuan city, Taiwan (China) on late April 29.

According to the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, the deadly blaze has claimed lives of five local firefighters and some foreign workers, but not including Vietnamese. A total of 161 Vietnamese workers are working at Chin Poon Industrial Co., a rigid printed circuit board producer in Taoyuan. At the time of the fire, most of the workers were at work while some asked for a leave from work to meet friends. Shortly after the accident occurred, the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei coordinated with the Taoyuan authority and the Vietnamese brides association to provide foods and water for the affected workers. The office also asked the labour brokers, who introduced the Vietnamese workers to work in Taiwan, to work with the factory to offer them temporary accommodation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the office to continue keeping a close watch on the incident and get updates on investigation findings from the local authority. The office was also tasked to cooperate with relevant agencies and companies to help the Vietnamese workers return to soon normal life.Seven flights cancelled due to bird strike during holiday.

The bird bumped into a wing of a Vietjet Air plane, coded VN-A673, that was en route from Cam Ranh Airport in central Khanh Hoa province to Cat Bi Airport in northern Hai Phong City on April 28 night.

To ensure safety, the aircraft had to make emergency landing for a checkup and repair, leading to a series of flight cancellations and rescheduling on April 29.

The seven flights cancelled include VJ271 from Hai Phong to Ho Chi Minh City, VJ128 from HCM City to Hanoi, VJ139 from Hanoi to HCM City, VJ214 and VJ215 from HCM City to Vinh (Nghe An) and vice versa, VJ116 from HCM City to Hanoi, and VJ163 from Hanoi to HCM City. More than 10 others had to be rescheduled.

Vietjet Air has offered assistance to affected passengers to minimise impacts on them and provided them with updates on the flight schedules via calls, texts and hotline 1900 1886.

The spokesperson said bird strikes occur frequently in the air transport, causing heavy damages for the airlines. But safety of passengers is always the top priority, the spokesperson stressed.

The incident happened during the ongoing public holiday to mark the National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1) from April 28  May 2.

To serve the surge in travel demand in one of the biggest holiday of the year, Vietjet Air added 200 flights, with 46,000 seats, to both domestic and international popular tourism destinations.The $150-million solar farm invested by Sunseap is expected to be kick off in mid-2018

According to newswire Pv-magazine, the firm has recently received the Decision on Land Handover (Phase 1) for the 168 MegaWatt-peak (MWp) solar farm in Ninh Thuan province in the framework of the Vietnam-Singapore Business Dialogue 2018 held in Singapore on April 26.

This was preceded by the issuance of the investment certificate which came after securing approvals from various authorities, including the Government Office, that are required for solar projects exceeding 50 MWp.

Once completed, the project will generate enough electricity to power up to 200,000 households in Vietnam and create permanent employment for over 200 workers. Additionally, it will be allowed to sell power to the national grid at the mandated solar feed-in tariff of 9.35 US cents/kilowatt hour for the next 20 years, provided they start delivering clean energy to the grid by June 2019.

This project is an example of the collaboration between Vietnam and Singapore to attract investment in the renewable energy sector and demonstrates the Vietnamese governments support for Singaporean businesses to invest in Vietnam and Ninh Thuan.

Frank Phuan, co-founder and chief executive officer of Sunseap, said: This is the largest project to date for Sunseap and we are honoured to be able to participate in the greening out of Vietnam. This Vietnamese solar farm project is in line with our vision to conserve the environment and at the same time contribute to communities across Asia.

According to Luu Xuan Vinh, Chairman of the Ninh Thuan Peoples Committee, the project is one of the largest solar energy projects in Ninh Thuan.

The province has issued the investment certificate and the decision on land handover (phase 1), handing over 130 hectares of land to the project developer. The remaining 56 hectares are expected to be handed over in May 2018.

Earlier on February 14, Sunseap International signed an agreement with InfraCo Asia Development Pte., Ltd. (InfraCo Asia) to jointly develop a 168MW utility-scale solar power project.

Accordingly, InfraCo Asia will take a minority stake alongside Sunseaps existing partner, CMX RE Canada, while Sunseap International will continue to hold a majority stake in the project.

One of the first large-scale solar projects to go online in Vietnam, the solar farm will tap into Vietnams significant solar potential, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to a cleaner energy mix for the country.A video grab from footage broadcast by the UK Parliament's Parliamentary Recording Unit (PRU) shows Britain's Home Secretary Sajid Javid speaking on the Urgent Question regarding Windrush in the House of Commons at Parliament in London. (HO/PRU/AFP)

British Prime Minister Theresa May had earlier appointed Sajid Javid to replace Amber Rudd, who quit the key ministerial post of home secretary late Sunday after misleading lawmakers over deportation targets for illegal immigrants.

A rapid riser in the government, Javid's first task was to answer an urgent question in parliament amid continued fallout from the so-called Windrush scandal - erroneous moves to deport legal but undocumented elderly immigrants from the Caribbean.

The scandal has prompted a wider debate about the government's harsh methods against illegal immigration.

"I want to start by making a pledge to the Windrush generation," he told lawmakers. "I will do whatever it takes to put it right."

While interior minister between 2010 and 2016 May pioneered controversial policies intended to create a "hostile environment" for people in Britain illegally.

They are now under fire for unfairly ensnaring the Windrush generation - with fears EU citizens could be similarly targeted post-Brexit.

A second generation immigrant to Britain, Javid signalled he would be adopting a new tone in the role.

"I don't like the term hostile and I won't be using it," he vowed. "It's a phrase that's unhelpful and doesn't represent our values as a country. It's about a compliant environment".

SON OF A BUS DRIVER

Rudd was forced from office after telling lawmakers last week that there were no targets for the removal of people deemed to be in the country illegally.

She felt it "necessary" to tender her resignation after the emergence of documents showing those goals were in place.

"I should have been aware of this, and I take full responsibility for the fact that I was not," she said in her resignation letter to May, conceding that she "inadvertently misled" MPs.

Replacement Javid is the son of a Pakistani bus driver who had arrived in Britain in 1961 with one pound in his pocket.

The 48-year-old Javid was a senior investment banker at Deutsche Bank before being elected to parliament in 2010.

He joined the cabinet in 2014 as culture secretary before switching to business secretary in 2015 and communities secretary the following year.

He backed the losing Remain campaign in Britain's 2016 referendum on its European Union membership, but his pro-EU position was lukewarm.

Explaining the thinking behind Javid's appointment, May's spokesman said he was "one of the most experienced ministers" in Cabinet who had "proved his drive, his ambition and his determination to get to grips with difficult subjects".

Rudd, who was only appointed to the Home Office in 2016, was seen as a moderate on the EU and a balancing force in a cabinet containing several heavyweight pro-Brexit figures.

Her departure is unfortunate timing for May, whose centre-right Conservative Party faces potentially bruising local authority elections across England on Thursday.

Rudd was the fifth person to quit the cabinet since the June 2017 snap general election, called by May but which cost the Conservatives their majority in parliament.

James Brokenshire, who stepped down as Northern Ireland secretary in January to undergo lung operation, returned to cabinet to replace Javid in the housing, communities and local government brief.

CLAMPDOWN

Immigration control remains a hot topic in Britain and was a factor in the June 2016 vote to leave the EU.

May on Monday defended targets for the removal of illegal immigrants.

"If you talk to members of the public they want to ensure that we are dealing with people who are here illegally," she said.

Her clampdown on illegal immigration, that began as a bid to identify those without papers, scooped up many elderly people from the Windrush generation - named after the ship that brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies in 1948.

Invited to Britain to help it rebuild after World War II, they were given a legal right to remain by a 1971 law.

However, many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own.

Some have lost jobs and fallen into debt as they struggled to prove their status.The Vietnamese private budget carrier is looking to add more international routes to hedge against rising fuel costs

At the annual general shareholders meeting last week in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietjet revealed ambitious goals for 2018 and beyond, to boost its influence in Asia. After securing 41 per cent of the market share in Vietnam, the budget airline is now setting its sights on various overseas markets, aiming to compete against the likes of Air Asia, Scoot, and Jetstar Airways.

In particular, Vietjet plans to launch 16 new international routes this year, with a focus on East Asian destinations. It will debut in Japan in the third quarter and expand its routes into other markets such as China, Taiwan, and South Korea. At the same time, Vietnams first private carrier will also boost its code-sharing and interlining collaborations with other airlines in the region, especially those who fly to Europe and North America.

Other markets on the list for Vietjet include India, Indonesia, and Russia. Feasibility studies for Australia are already underway, said CEO Luu Duc Khanh.

If all goes to plan, according to Khanh, Vietjet will operate a total number of 100 routes by the end of 2018 - 39 domestic routes and 61 international routes. The fleet size will increase to 66 aeroplanes, so as to serve 24 million passengers.

Vietjet believes that Vietnams rising appeal as a tourism, investment, and trade destination will ramp up the demand for international travel, especially affordable flights. In 2018, Vietjet plans to earn VND50.9 trillion ($2.2 billion) in revenue, up by 20 per cent from last year, and VND5.8 trillion ($254 million) in pre-tax profits, up 9.5 per cent.

At the meeting, chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao revealed that Vietjet has received multiple calls from overseas stock exchanges such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and London.

According to Thao, these bourses are willing to waive a portion of listing costs for Vietjet and offer advisory services, but the budget airline has yet to make any concrete plans to list overseas. The airline made its debut on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange last February.

Le Nhi Nang, a representative of the State Securities Commission in Ho Chi Minh City, said Vietjet is encouraged to list abroad and this will help improve Vietnams status on international markets. To date, no Vietnamese businesses have managed to list on stock exchanges outside of Vietnam.

However, a major roadblock for Vietjets global expansion is the rising price of fuel. Two months ago, the International Air Transport Association voiced its concerns that recovering oil prices will pose threats to airlines around the world this year, eating away at their record-high profits.

Last Thursday, Brent crude oil traded at new highs of $74.44 per barrel while WTI crude oil stood at $68.37 per barrel. This is not good news for Vietjet, whose business targets are set on the condition that oil prices remain at $70.

As jet fuel takes up half of the budget airlines expenses, analysts believe that its management must either act quickly or see its companys profits erode. In a recent research paper, Bao Viet Securities pointed out that Vietjet is more susceptible to swings in oil prices than full-service carriers like Vietnam Airlines.

Going abroad seems to be a prime option. Thao noted that the airline wants to go regional partly because profit margins for overseas flights are 20 per cent higher than domestic routes, and fuel costs overseas are 30 per cent cheaper than in Vietnam.

A second solution for Vietjet is signing hedging contracts with banks. The budget airline revealed last Thursday that it is in negotiations with at least three banks to lock in oil prices and minimise risks. New and more energy-efficient aeroplanes have also been ordered.

Lastly, Vietjet is planning to boost its partnerships with Vietnams top oil firms. In January, an affiliate company of Thao made a bid to be a strategic investor at PV Oil Corporation, which is Vietnams second-largest oil retailer.

Last week, HDBank, another business controlled by Thao, bought out the loss-making PGBank, which is an entity of Vietnams top oil producer and seller Petrolimex. For the past five years, as a strategic partner, Petrolimex Aviation has served half of the fuel needs for Vietjet.

Higher fuel costs may dampen Vietjets business results this year, and the budget airline must step up its international expansion efforts to retain the same growth rate it has enjoyed in previous years. Foreign exchange is another potential risk to take care of as Vietjet goes further beyond Vietnams borders, wrote analysts at KIS Vietnam in a recent note.The Western powers claim that a civil war began in Syria in 2011. However, the US Congress adopted, and then President George W. Bush signed, a declaration of war against Syria and Lebanon, in 2003, the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act [1].

After the vain attempt in 2004 by Secretary of State Colin Powell to transform the Arab League into a regional tribunal (the Tunis summit), Western aggression began with the assassination of Lebanese ex-Prime Minister Rafic Hariri, in 2005.

The US ambassador in Beirut at that time, Jeffrey Feltman  who probably organised this crime himself  immediately accused Presidents Bachar el-Assad and Emile Lahoud. An enquiry mission was hastily dispatched by the UNO, and then a pseudo-International Tribunal was set up by the Executives of the UNO and Lebanon, without ratification either by the General Assembly of the United Nations or by the Lebanese Parliament. From its very creation, it was able to proffer witness statements and convincing evidence. The two Presidents were outlawed from the international community while awaiting their imminent conviction, a number of generals were arrested by the UNO and imprisoned for years without even having been found guilty. And yet false witnesses were unmasked, the evidence lost its pertinence, and the accusation collapsed. The generals were freed with apologies. Bachar el-Assad and Emile Lahoud once more became respectable personalities.

13 years later, Jeffrey Feltman is the number 2 of the United Nations, and the business at hand is the alleged chemical attack on the Ghouta. Here too, we are shown witness testimonies (the White Helmets) and supposedly convincing evidence (photos and videos). The main suspect is, as usual, President el-Assad. The accusation had been carefully prepared by various rumours since 2013. Without waiting for verification of the facts by the OPCW, the Western powers assumed the role of judge and hangman, blamed Syria, and bombed it.

Except for the fact that, this time, Russia has once again become a super-power, equal to the United States. So it was Russia that demanded the respect of international procedures and a visit by the OPCW to Damascus. It was also Russia that took to the Hague 17 eye-witnesses of the pseudo-chemical attack to attest to the manipulation by the White Helmets.

And how did the 17 nations of the Western Alliance who were present react? They refused to hear the witnesses and refused to confront them with the White Helmets. They published a brief communique denouncing the Russian show. [2]. Forgetting that they had already condemned and punished Syria, they stressed that this hearing encroached on the responsibility of the ongoing OPCW enquiry. They pointed out that the Director of the World Health Organisation had already confirmed the chemical attack, and that it would be rude to question his judgement. And of course, they called on Russia to respect the International Law of which they are in constant violation.

It so happens that the declaration by the WHO is in contravention of its prerogatives, that it is not expressed in the affirmative, but in the conditional, and that it is not based on reports by its employees, but on the sole declarations of the partner NGOs which report these accusations the White Helmets [3].

The West has been chanting  Cathargo est delenda!  (Carthage must be destroyed!) [4] for two thousand years, without anyone knowing what this Syrian counter of Tunisia was being blamed for. In the West, this sinister slogan has become a reflex.

Everywhere, popular wisdom has declared that  Might is Right . This is the moral of the fables of the Panchatantra Indians, of the Greek Aesop, of the Frenchman Jean de La Fontaine and the Russian Ivan Krylov, but it was perhaps born of the antique Syrian sage Ahiqar.

Perhaps, since the farce of their failed bombing raid of 14 April, the Western powers are only  the best  in matters of falsehood.Ashley Judd. Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival

Ashley Judd is leveling up from speaking out against Harvey Weinstein to taking legal action. According to a lawsuit filed today in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the actress is suing the former Hollywood power player for defamation, sexual harassment, and intentional interference with prospective economic advantage. That last claim is directly connected to the part Weinstein played in railroading Judds chance to appear in the Lord of the Rings franchise.

In reference to Judd suspecting that outside interference had caused her film career to falter, the lawsuit (obtained by The Hollywood Reporter) says, The headwind limiting her career was Harvey Weinstein, and specifically, the false and malicious statements he made regarding Ms. Judds professionalism as an actor to the creative team behind the blockbuster film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.

Indeed, in an interview with Peter Jackson from December, the director said he was explicitly told to avoid working with Judd and actress Mira Sorvino on LOTR, because of how difficult they both were. I recall Miramax telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs, said Jackson, who, at the time, was working with Miramax to produce the fantasy franchise. But in hindsight, I realize that this was very likely the Miramax smear campaign in full swing. I now suspect we were fed false information about both of these talented women and as a direct result their names were removed from our casting list.

In response to Jacksons comments, Judd tweeted that she had been in serious talks with Jackson and his partner Fran Walsh for a role of her choosing in the film, but that she abruptly stopped hearing from them, and as such, lost out on a role. The new lawsuit states that it was not her professionalism that took her out of the running for LOTR, but instead, The pathetic reality, however, was that Weinstein was retaliating against Ms. Judd for rejecting his sexual demands approximately one year earlier, when he cornered her in a hotel room under the guise of discussing business.

Judds lawsuit also references other professional women who have suffered financially or even physically as a result of Weinsteins alleged interference in their careers (such as Sorvino, Uma Thurman, Annabella Sciorra, and Rose McGowan, to name just a few of Weinsteins accusers), asserting that the harmful effects of his actions go far beyond a single missed role.Hey, did you forget about the Marvel Cinematic Universe? I mean, its been a whole four days since Avengers: Infinity War came out, so we wouldnt blame you if it slipped your mind. However, Marvel wants you to remember them in all of your waking hours, so theyve seeded the internet with a new trailer for Julys MCU outing Ant-Man and the Wasp (the third Marvel Studios picture of the year!). But what does it have to offer, other than a hearty helping of gags and goofs? Heres what we learned from the clip  and what we didnt.

Photo: Mavel Studios

The villain has a Pym connection.

We already knew that the baddie was going to be C-tier comics character Ghost, and that shed be played by Black Mirror and Game of Thrones alumna Hannah John-Kamen. What we didnt know was her deal, and we get a little bit of potential insight here. It seems shes stolen technology developed by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and wants to, in the words of Luis (Michael Pena), take over the world or whatever. In the comics, Ghost is motivated by an anti-capitalist ethos of taking down the rich and powerful, so perhaps or whatever is doing a lot of work in that sentence and theres more to her plans? And what was the Pym project? Her powers dont involve size-shifting, but rather with phasing through solid objects. What other wonders was ol Hank working on?

Photo: Mavel Studios

Luis and the crew are moving on up.

Speaking of Luis: good for him! When we see the jovial fella in the trailer, hes besuited and presiding over a staff of compatriots (T.I., David Dastmalchian) at a company called X-Con Security Solutions. It appears that these gents, all of them thieves in the first Ant-Man, have gone corporate. Whats more, Pym is hiring them to help him out with his mission to  get the stolen tech back, presumably?

Photo: Mavel Studios

The Quantum Realm is a key location.

We first learned about the subatomic Quantum Realm in Ant-Man  its a part of the multiverse that one enters after shrinking to an impossibly small size. Its also where Pyms wife, Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), has been trapped since an incident decades ago. We get a glimpse of what it looks like (it resembles one of those cosmic photos of distant nebulae) and see some characters landing on it in a teeny-tiny spaceship. Its presence isnt exactly a surprise  would you introduce something called the Quantum Realm and not set part of your movie in it?  but it appears well get some extended sequences in this little corner of the world.

Photo: Mavel Studios

Ants can apparently play the drums.

In what is perhaps the biggest surprise of the trailer, we see a giant ant awkwardly but joyfully playing an electronic drum kit. Ant-Man was goofy, but it didnt get quite that weird with its insect supporting players. Are we gonna go full Kangaroo Jack here?

Photo: Mavel Studios

The shrinking/growing building seems pretty important.

We saw Pym shrinking an office building to suitcase size in the previous trailer, but it plays a significantly bigger (har har) role here. First we see it grow back to full size in a crowded area, then we see Luis holding onto it for dear life during a car chase with Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) in the drivers seat. Is this Team Ants headquarters? Is there secret technology stored there? Is it just a very potent good-luck charm?

Photo: Mavel Studios

The embiggening technology is getting pretty public.

The aforementioned building situation demonstrates that the hoi polloi are getting to see Pym tech on full display in public, but we also get shots of Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) growing to the size of a small skyscraper in what is presumably the San Francisco Bay, in full view of a passenger-filled ferry. People around the world already saw Scotts growth in clips from the fight between the Avengers factions in Captain America: Civil War, but it looks like folks will be seeing Scotts superheroics and their attendant sci-fi mishegoss up close and personal. Could this be a hint that he and Janet are going to become big-ticket superheroes?

Photo: Mavel Studios

And said technology has been around for a while.

We meet Bill Foster (Laurence Fishburne), one of Pyms old colleagues, and though we dont learn much about the man, we do hear him say he and Hank once worked on a project called Goliath (appropriate, given that thats Fosters superhero code name in the comics), which allowed him to grow to a height of 21 feet. (Scott boasts that hes gotten to 65.) So although we didnt see the growth capabilities until after Ant-Man, in the reels of Civil War, it seems that it was always in Pyms bag of tricks.

Photo: Mavel Studios

But when the hell is this thing taking place? And whats up with Michelle Pfeiffer?

As youll recall if youve seen Infinity War (spoiler alert!), it concludes with half the life in the universe disappearing from existence. This presumably causes quite the worldwide panic, but everything seems to be ticking along as usual in this trailer. Does that mean the film takes place before Infinity War? We didnt see Scott or any of his supporting cast in the Avengers flick, so we have no hard clues there, other than a line from Black Widow about how Scott was on house arrest. But wait, we know that he gets out of house arrest in Ant-Man and the Wasp, so wouldnt the super-folks have known about his escape and mentioned it? Could it be that this takes place after society has returned to normal in the wake of Thanoss machinations in Infinity War and the untitled Avengers fourquel? No answers are to be found here. Nor do we get a glimpse of Pfeiffer as Janet, which is a goddamn shame. Heres hoping that, when she does show up, she gets a song. Or at least a lemonade.Photo: Marvel Studios

Avengers: Infinity War villain Thanos seeks to kill off half the universe, but would you also let him cleave you in two? Its the question that is roiling Twitter and ruining relationships, and even the Vulture office is not immune: When I asked my co-workers whether they had the hots for this oversized, space-faring jewel collector with Josh Brolins mo-capped face, a surprising number of people confessed to me that yes, they did need to love themselves more. Below, I have preserved their answers so that they may be put on a government watch list, while also mounting a defense from those of us who would never give Thanos a second look when hes sharing screen time with Mark Ruffalo. (I said what I said!)

Is Thanos hot? Like Archie in Riverdale, Thanos certainly got hotter. The first time we saw him, in the post-credits tag to The Avengers, he was a smirking behemoth who had the the purple skin and disconcertingly smooth white teeth of Barney the Dinosaur, and I assure you, back in 2012 the idea of anyone lusting after either of them would have seemed equally comical. In Guardians of the Galaxy, things got a little better: Josh Brolin had been hired by this point, which gave Thanos a slightly more human physiognomy, though it also meant the most feared supervillain in the universe spoke with a slight California accent. But now, like a character in the second season of an HBO show, Thanos has gotten a glow-up. His skin is a more subtle shade of purple  I didnt notice, say Americas non-racists  and theres a lot more Brolin in his face than before. (At least in the top half. The bottom half still  needs work.) And he got rid of that hideous ensemble that had him looking like Goldar, in favor of a sleeveless getup that shows off his titanic delts. I dont know if Id call him a Space Zaddy just yet, but alongside the Infinity Stones, hes definitely stolen the title of Sexiest Single-Glove Wearer from its previous champion. Nate Jones

Thanos is not hot. Thirst culture is out of control! Its like the Michelle Wolf thing: I cant believe were even having this conversation. E. Alex Jung

Thanos  would smash. The arms are great. The hands are great. And he cries! Hes no MBaku, but I wouldnt say no. Obviously, not relationship material, given the genocide. But I would totally take him home from a space bar. Tara Abell

On the one hand, Thanos has got the whole intensity of purpose thing going for him, which, as a generally aimless person, is pretty hot. On the other hand, hes got a whole bunch of magical jewels, which he intends to use to kill everyone. Honestly, thats kinda dull, would it kill him to have more interesting hobbies? I love TV and I bet the guy hates watching TV because everything has too many characters. Anyway, killing people is also bad and therefore not hot, and his chin looks like it was carved out of stone in a literal way, which just seems painful. No one wants to make out with lavender Mount Rushmore. Its a pass from me. Jackson McHenry

Watch People Try to Recap Every Marvel Movie

I dont need to have seen Infinity War yet to know that, yes, I absolutely would with Thanos. He hits all my sweet spots: extremely tall, muscular build, all that purple (use your imagination for whats hiding below), and a total megalomaniacal baddie. Or should I say, zaddy. Just picture that gravelly voice grunting in your ear and what That Fist could do. [Editors Note: Noooooooooo.] Now, I can understand why some are stuck on the whole cut-up chin thing, but when theres just so much more of him to behold, honey, whats not to like? Also he is played by Josh Brolin, a man who could get it any day of the week. Dee Lockett

Dee also wanted to note that this photo of Thanos swayed her to the dark side:

My main problem with Thanos as a potential thirst object is his proportions, which I can only describe as whatever the opposite of the Golden Ratio is. Thanoss head is too small, and yet, his chin is too large. His neck is a water tower, but his lips do not even exist. Please dont get me started on his ears. Imagining the size of his nipples is enough to send me into lifelong celibacy. His eyes are 1/200th the size of his fingernails. Put your own fingernail next to your eye for more information. Rachel Handler

Heres how I know that Thanos is hot. Despite clearly incorporating the face of Josh Brolin into the character, Thanos actually looks like a purple Ron Perlman, and I happen to think Ron Perlman is a babe. Therefore, I cant legitimately gripe too much about the off-putting texture of Thanoss chin (the only detail that really calls his hotness into question), since its really just like looking at Ron Perlman with a goatee. The broad jaw, the deep-set eyes, the wide mouth, the strangely satisfying oval-shape of his whole head  the sum of the parts is sex appeal, because he clearly has a flawless Titan bod. The animators didnt do him any favors by tweaking the lower half of his face since we first saw him in Guardians of the Galaxy, when his chin waves were just extensions of the markings under his eyes. That design stayed on his face through a cameo in Age of Ultron, but for some reason, they had to given him that unsightly rippling for the big dance in Infinity War. Its not a deal-breaker, though. As long as he keeps giving me pseudo-human Perlman looks, Im in. Jordan Crucchiola

Anyone who says Thanos is hot isnt looking at him with human eyes. Josh Brolin can be hot, and often is. But Thanos?! That raisin-colored, too swole, inflated gummy snack? Not on my watch! Hunter Harris

I hate that I was asked whether Thanos is hot, because prior to being presented with the question, I had no opinion one way or the other; now, I have to deal with the fact that my answer is yes. I didnt ask for this. Jesus, I was about to write Im not sure Id necessarily let him bang me, but as I typed those words, I realized that I would! What can I say? Hes a burly, charismatic intellectual who likes to toy with his prey and has the face of a movie star. The chin is a little gross, but if we were alone, Id probably be too lost in his eyes or chest to focus too much on it. I am not happy with the way Im feeling right now. Abraham Riesman

Ill admit that Josh Brolin was hot in The Goonies but I cannot go on this journey with the rest of you in the daddy-issues crowd! Even if you are attracted to massive slabs of purple beefcake, consider these drawbacks: (1) Thanos seems like the sort of gymgoer who would shout really loud, throw his weights on the floor, and not re-rack. (2) Thanos used to have kind of a roguish Dennis Quaid smile, but now his face is warped in a permanent scowl and he squints like hes trying to read the ticker on Fox News. (3) If Thanos is a daddy, does that make us all children of Thanos? (4) In a movie full of hot beards, Thanos cant so much as grow an eyebrow. No sir! No maam! This is exactly the sort of straight man who would pose with a fish he caught on Tinder. Swipe left, and love yourself. Kyle BuchananHudson in June 2009. Photo: Cary White/Courtesy of Feature Hudson Foundation

Frieze, the art fair from the U.K. which pitches its posh tent on Randalls Island this week, is conscientious about being more than just another high-polish symptom of global .001 percentism and its investment-grade taste economy. Before it became a brand  backed by William Morris Endeavor, with a new fair coming next February to L.A.  Frieze started as a magazine, and it still takes its educational mission seriously, with talks, performances, limited-edition editions to raise money for Downtown 4 Democracy, and, this year, a special section dedicated to the legacy of the gallery Feature Inc., and its eccentric, passionate, and ahead-of-his-time proprietor, Hudson. When Hudson  just call him Hudson  died in 2014, at 63, Jerry Saltz wrote a tribute to him, calling him among the smartest, wittiest, and most visionary gallerists Ive ever known  old-school in that he almost seemed not to want to be a dealer. He just loved art and artists.

Feature Inc. opened in Chicago in 1984 with a show of Richard Princes re-photographs (appropriately enough, on April Fools Day) and moved to New York four years later. Over its 30 years, it was among the first to exhibit the work of Takashi Murakami, Raymond Pettibon, Tom Friedman, Charles Ray, B. Wurtz, Judy Linn, Richard Kern, Lisa Beck, Tom of Finland, and many others. Hudson started out as an artist himself  one of his performances was called The Greek & French Arts (he described it as an art history porno cooking lesson)  and was almost shamanish in his affect, with his shaved head, evolving vaguely Burning Man facial hair, and refusal to wear the usual art-world uniform of aloof-in-all-black. He always seemed to be at the gallery itself, often answering the phones, answering questions, and taking the time to respond to artists who sent in their slides. Dodie Bellamy and David Sedaris wrote for his magazine, FARM.

Hudson, ca. 1967-68 Photo: Courtesy of Feature Hudson Foundation

But mostly he was known for his prescience, for seeing a glimmer of possibility before most anybody else did. I often didnt quite understand the work he showed, Saltz wrote after he died. But  as with only a tiny handful of gallerists  I trusted him enough to make extra efforts to come to terms with it.

When Hudson first showed Murakamis work it made no sense at all, remembers Matthew Higgs, who runs White Columns and put together the section, which is titled For Your Infotainment (a phrase Hudson would use on his promotional mailings). Same thing with Tom of Finland, whose once outre gay imagery is now something like mainstream. His prescience not only made careers, but sometimes saved artists from giving up. He included in group shows Huma Bhabha  who currently has the installation on the roof of the Met  in the 1990s, when she once said, other dealers wouldnt even look at my slides. It kept her going till the rest of the world caught up.

Tom of Finland, Untitled (Preparatory Drawing), 1989. Photo: Lee Thompson/Courtesy of David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

Of course, when it did, more often than not, hed lose the artist hed nurtured to slicker, more on-the-money dealers. He had a maverick idiosyncratic and visionary way, says Higgs. There was a larger purpose to what he was doing. Hudson ran the gallery as an artist. He of course trained as an artist. His chosen medium ended up being a gallery. But still, Higgs acknowledged, It might not have been the most financially smart way to run a gallery. For many years he avoided art fairs (explaining: We should all pay less attention to the salesmanship and showmanship of auctions and fairs, and, of course, be more aware of the not new and hot. Stop running around trying to see everything everywhere, and spend more time with the richness that is close to home.) even after they became central to the business model for many galleries. But eventually he came around to the idea and, according to Higgs, rather enjoyed the camaraderie of his peers when he did.

Tom Friedman, Untitled (Garbage/Bee), 2002. Photo: Courtesy of Feature Hudson Foundation

Which is why Higgs thought Frieze was an appropriate place for For Your Infotainment. It consists of artists who had shown with Feature, and are now sold by their current galleries; some of the work is from back in the day, but much of it is new. (I wasnt interested in it being a historical section, says Higgs.) David Zwirner will present Pettibon; Gagosian, Murakami; Nicelle Beauchene, Andrew Masullo; CANADA, Jason Fox and Daniel Hesidence; Kavi Gupta, Tony Tasset; David Kordansky, Tom of Finland; Karma, Dike Blair; Stephen Friedman, Tom Friedman. Fourteen other former Feature artists, including Kern and Wurtz, will be shown in their own group booth.

Ultimately, My hope is there would be a book, said Higgs, about Hudson and the influence of his gallery. I think it would be an amazing museum show. There is also a foundation dedicated to its legacy. But in the meantime, under the Frieze big top, Higgs seems to also be making a larger critical point, and one which could also serve as a counterpoint to the rest of the connoisseurship circus going on this week. Art doesnt just happen, he notes. You need gallerists like Hudson  willing to nurture, willing to take risks, willing, sometimes, to be wrong, or at least far too early on someone to make much money on them  and for other galleries to behave a bit more like he did.Michelle McNamara and Patton Oswalt. Photo: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

Almost immediately after its publication, HBO acquired the rights to Ill Be Gone in the Dark: One Womans Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer, Michelle McNamaras book chronicling her quest for the infamous California murderer active during the 1970s and 80s. Today, Variety is reporting that the network has given an official green light to a docuseries based on the work. McNamara died nearly two years ago, and Gone in the Dark was completed posthumously by her researcher Paul Haynes and colleague Billy Jensen.

The book was published on February 27, and on April 24, police in Sacramento, California, arrested a former officer named Joseph James DeAngelo and charged him with multiple crimes connected to the Golden State Killer, after DNA evidence linked him to several cases. The apprehending authorities held a press conference after the arrest in which they were asked if McNamaras work contributed to the investigation, and they said it did not. This led to McNamaras husband, Patton Oswalt, taking to Twitter and dressing down the officers for not recognizing her work, saying:

It did, but #MichelleMcNamaradidnt care about getting any shine on herself. She cared about the #GoldenStateKiller being behind bars and the victims getting some relief. She was Marge Gunderson in FARGO, not Chilton in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. https://t.co/krMOWaWh9m  Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 25, 2018

Oswalt helped pull the book together after McNamaras death, and he will be producing Ill Be Gone in the Dark for HBO.Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Hollywood is always looking for their next action star. They have to, really. All our best ones are constantly breaking their bones (like Tom Cruise, as he described on Graham Norton) or tearing out their pelvic tendons (like Dwayne Johnson, as he described in the very Instagram post announcing this casting news). Who better to throw his hat in the ring than a man who, at some point in his lengthy wrestling career, probably threw his hat in a ring? In a video posted Monday, Dwayne Johnson announced to his fans that his fellow former WWE star John Cena will star in the upcoming action movie The Janson Directive in his stead.

Set to be produced by Johnsons Seven Bucks Productions and Universal, Janson is an adaptation of a novel by The Bourne Trilogy author Robert Ludlum. It follows the adventures of Paul Janson, a fastidious fashion designer in 1950s London who embarks on a complicated, eventually warped, love affair with a young waitress. Just kidding, thats Phantom Thread. The Janson Directive is, according to The Hollywood Reporter, about former Navy SEAL Paul Janson, who, while working as a corporate security consultant, suddenly becomes a target himself when a rescue operation goes horribly wrong. Ah, that sounds much more like it.Trayvon Martins parents Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton lost their son in 2012 when George Zimmerman shot and killed the unarmed teen in a small community in Florida. The incident sparked outrage across the U.S. and set into motion what would become the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, in a new docuseries from producer Jay-Z, coming to Paramount Network in July, Martin and Fulton are reliving their pain in order to honor their sons legacy.When Xiaomi first launched in India in 2014, its goal was to sell at least 10,000 smartphones in the country. In the first three months of 2018, the Chinese tech firm sold more than 9 million.

Xiaomi now accounts for over 30% of India's smartphone sales, according to industry estimates. At the end of last year, it broke Samsung's six-year dominance of the country's fast-growing market.

"You will laugh at me if I tell you the initial plan," Manu Jain, managing director of Xiaomi India, told CNNMoney in an interview. "Not even in our wildest dreams did we think we would be able to achieve so much in so little time."

They did it, Jain said, by going local.

"To build a long term sustainable business in India, we have to act like a local Indian company," he added. That meant making devices tailored to the needs of Indian consumers, and building them in the country itself.

Spurred on by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" initiative, the company opened its first Indian factory in 2015 and started production within a matter of months.

"We've had maximum support from both state and central governments whenever we needed it," Jain said.

Related: India poised for smartphone revolution

Xiaomi's upsurge in India has helped offset a decline on its home turf. Once a clear leader, the company is currently placed fourth in China's slowing smartphone market, behind local rivals Huawei, Oppo and Vivo.

More than 95% of Xiaomi smartphones sold in India today are made in India, allowing the company to avoid the tariffs on imported smartphones that have hobbled rivals such as Apple. Apple finally gave in last year, announcing it would start making some iPhone models at a plant in Bangalore.

Apple has one plant, Xiaomi has six

Xiaomi, meanwhile, recently tripled its Indian manufacturing base by opening three new factories in the country in partnership with Taiwanese electronics firm Foxconn. That makes a total of six facilities that Jain says can produce two smartphones every second.

The company will also start making circuit boards for its devices in India and is trying to convince more of its component suppliers to set up shop there.

"If India has to become a truly global supplier hub -- which is something that is really required -- we are happy that we are able to play a small role in this," Jain said.

Related: Xiaomi tightens grip on India's smartphone market

While the government push to encourage local manufacturing has been "incredible," Jain said it wasn't the main reason Xiaomi opened factories in India.

"It's closer to the consumer, closer to the market, more expensive to import from China," he said. "We are just trying to go two steps ahead of the current regulations."

Making smartphones in India has also allowed Xiaomi to slash its prices, giving it a huge competitive advantage over importers in a country where demand is exploding but the average annual income is still less than $2,000.

"Apart from being some of the best value devices on the market, Xiaomi's smartphones are now available in more places and in larger quantities," Ishan Dutt, an analyst at mobile research firm Canalys, wrote in a recent note. "Xiaomi is becoming a force to be reckoned with in India," he added.

'You don't need to pay a lot of money'

It's all down to what Jain refers to as "honest pricing."

"What Xiaomi made people understand was that for you to have a quality product, you don't need to pay a lot of money," he said. "We broke that myth."

Xiaomi is now looking to expand its range of products and become India's leading electronics brand. The company already sells a range of other items including smart TVs, power banks, air purifiers and wearable devices.

But smartphones are at the heart of the Chinese company's India strategy, and its most compelling opportunity.

"Unlike the West and in China where people were offline, then online using desktops, then laptops, then mobile ... people skip all these stages and go directly from not being online to being online via a smartphone," Jain said.

"The thing that keeps me excited is that we can truly transform Indian society."Bailey Liscomb is a 17-year old lesbian living in Martinsville. And that, she says, makes her a target.

All throughout the 2016-2017 school year, Bailey says her fellow students at Martinsville High School bullied her incessantly.

"I just got tired of it," Bailey said, "and I tried to kill myself.

Bailey said the bullies made social media accounts about her.

"They called it Number One Fa* in Martinsville," said Bailey. "It hurt my feelings because I'm nice to everybody. It was like why would someone do this?"

Bailey said she told a counselor and the principal she was being bullied.

"They would just be recording me, posting me on their Snapchat story, putting gay, fa*, and rainbows and posting it everywhere," said Bailey.

Bailey's mom said the school never notified her, and Bailey kept it to herself.

"I found out when she tried to kill herself," said Bailey's mom, Destiny Liscomb. "It's devastating. You almost lose your kid and there's an adult that could have done something about it."

The Liscombs were shocked to learn Martinsville High School reported zero bullying incidents to the Indiana Department of Education for the 2016-2017 school year, the same time frame Bailey said she was bullied.

A law has been in place since 2013 so the state can track when and where bullying is happening.

CALL 6 | Despite law, schools are misreporting their bullying data

Call 6 Investigates hears from families nearly every day who are concerned schools aren't taking bullying seriously.

Our investigation found only 60 percent of schools reported bullying incidents, including large high schools with thousands of students.

That story resulted in a change to state law that aims to improve how schools report bullying.After an evening of cocktails in San Diego, a woman got into the back of an Uber for a ride home. She was so intoxicated she had to ask the driver to stop so she could vomit. She says she then passed out in the backseat.

When she regained consciousness, the Uber driver was on top of her, raping her, a block from her home, according to the police report and two sources familiar with the investigation.

She was able to escape and dial 911.

Police later arrested the Uber driver, John David Sanchez, 54. When they searched his computer, they found videos of Sanchez raping women and abusing young teenagers, dating back at least five years.

In November, Sanchez was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the rape of the Uber passenger and 33 other counts against him, including sexual assaults of at least nine other women and children. Sanchez drugged many of his victims.

A CNN investigation has found that Sanchez is just one of at least 103 Uber drivers in the U.S. who have been accused of sexually assaulting or abusing their passengers in the past four years. The drivers were arrested, are wanted by police, or have been named in civil suits related to the incidents. At least 31 drivers have been convicted for crimes ranging from forcible touching and false imprisonment to rape, and dozens of criminal and civil cases are pending, CNN found.

There is no publicly available data for the number of sexual assaults by Uber drivers or for drivers of other rideshare companies. CNN's analysis comes from an in-depth review of police reports, federal court records and county court databases for 20 major U.S. cities.

In another case examined by CNN, a woman from Miami left her kids with their grandmother and went to a bar with a friend. She took an Uber home. She says she passed out along the way and woke up the next morning with her pants and underwear on the floor.

The Uber driver allegedly carried her into her apartment, threw her onto the bed and sexually assaulted her. She is a plaintiff in a proposed class action lawsuit against Uber.

"You are pretty much hitchhiking with strangers," she told CNN. "How many people is it going to take to get assaulted before something is done?"

According to police, the driver told them he knew the victim had been drinking and was "wrong for what he did." He pleaded not guilty for sexual battery and awaits trial.

A woman in Long Beach, California, who alleges she fell asleep intoxicated in the back of an Uber in 2016, told CNN that she woke up with the driver assaulting her. The driver, 47, was found the next day with her phone and later arrested. He claimed the sex was consensual and the district attorney dropped the criminal case against him. She is suing Uber over the incident and for representing its services as "safe."

"You don't think it will happen to you," she told CNN. "I still feel ashamed ... that's why I'm here. I want a voice. [I'm] tired of being quiet."

Uber: 'We want to be part of the solution'

Uber, which launched in 2010 in San Francisco as "everyone's private driver," is the most valuable privately-held tech startup in the world. It is valued at $70 billion and operates in 630 cities worldwide. Uber provides 15 million rides a day.

The issue of sexual assault conflicts with Uber's brand messaging to provide a "safe ride home." Its print and digital ads show women taking Ubers for nights out, and a partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving includes a "designated rider" campaign urging users to take an Uber to avoid driving under the influence. In 2015, Uber set up a popup kiosk in Toronto to offer free rides to those who blew into breathalyzers.

This is significant given many of the women raped or attacked by the 103 accused drivers uncovered as a part of CNN's investigation had been drinking, or were inebriated, at the time of the incidents.

The majority of the police reports reviewed by CNN involved incidents that took place in or near major cities across the country. Uber did not provide numbers on how many of its drivers have been accused of sexual assaults.

Five drivers across various states told CNN they were not provided any kind of sexual harassment or assault training. Drivers agree to the company's community guidelines when they sign up to work for the service. Uber said it updated its standards in December 2016 to specify no sexual contact is permitted when using its platform.

Last week, the company posted a sexual assault prevention video on its website to inform drivers and riders "how to create a safer community." It also said it plans to host 50 community forums nationwide for advocates, leaders, drivers and riders across to talk about the issue. The changes came after CNN first contacted Uber about this story.

Uber was made aware of CNN's reporting for this story months ago but the company failed to make any executives available to speak on the record. It canceled an on-camera interview with an Uber executive earlier this month.

On a call with CNN last week for an unrelated story, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said cracking down on sexual assault is a "new priority for us."

"It is a priority that I expect to remain a priority for the foreseeable future," said Khosrowshahi, who joined the company in late August after cofounder Travis Kalanick stepped down.

In a recent statement sent to CNN, an Uber spokesperson said safety is the company's top priority this year and cited recent protocol updates such as rerunning driver background checks on an annual basis moving forward. The company also said it plans to roll out a dedicated "safety center" within the Uber app where riders can designate contacts they want to share trip details with while they ride; it will also have an emergency button allowing users to call 911 from inside the app.

"This is just a start and we are committed to doing more," the spokesperson said. "Sexual assault is a horrible crime that has no place anywhere. While Uber is not immune to this societal issue, we want to be part of the solution to end this violence forever."

Lyft, an Uber competitor that provides one million rides daily in the United States and Canada, is also dealing with sexual assaults by its drivers. A similar CNN review using the same methodology found 18 cases of Lyft drivers accused in the past four years. Four drivers have been convicted.

"The safety of the Lyft community is our top priority," said a Lyft spokesperson, adding it has "worked hard to design policies and features that protect our community."

It's common for Uber and Lyft drivers to work for both services. But each company performs its own background checks. Both companies mostly conduct digital background checks via a startup called Checkr.

Uber said it reviews the records of driver candidates that are surfaced to the company by its background check provider. It said any serious criminal convictions, like sexual assault, sex crimes against children and kidnapping, would disqualify candidates.

The company previously didn't have a uniform policy on rerunning criminal background checks. But when pressed by CNN, a spokesperson said in January it started running screenings on drivers every two years in mid-2017. In addition to its recent announcement about annual background checks on drivers, Uber plans to monitor new criminal offenses (via public records or pending DUI charges) as they happen.

CNN found two instances in which drivers pleaded guilty to sexual assaults while working for both Uber and Lyft.

In one case, a Seattle driver began driving for Lyft after Uber discharged him, according to court documents. He later sexually assaulted a Lyft rider. In the other case, a driver pleaded guilty in San Diego to indecent exposure and the false imprisonment of an Uber passenger, as well as battery for a separate incident involving a Lyft passenger.

Police are tracking reported crimes by drivers

Of the 103 Uber drivers accused of sexual assault or abuse, for 18 of them, criminal cases did not move forward either because charges were dropped, cases were dismissed, or drivers were found not guilty.

The district attorneys and police officers who spoke to CNN said cases don't move forward for several reasons, such as lacking a probable cause or witness cooperation.

In addition to finding the 103 drivers accused of crimes or named in a civil lawsuit, CNN contacted more than 20 police departments to obtain data on complaints that involved Uber or Lyft drivers and sexual assault. Four police departments -- Austin, Boston, Denver and Los Angeles -- tracked crimes involving rideshare drivers and shared their data on sexual assault complaints.

CNN did not include most of these complaints in its tally of cases, because they could not all be verified with incident reports.

However, the numbers suggest that there may be many more overall incidents of sexual assault than the 103 cases found in the CNN investigation.

The Boston Police Department received 24 complaints or reports of Uber drivers allegedly sexually assaulting passengers since 2016. The department received three assault-related complaints involving Lyft drivers during the same period.

Since 2016, the Los Angeles Police Department has received at least 13 similar complaints about Uber drivers, eight regarding Lyft drivers and more than a dozen about ride-share drivers whose companies were unclear in data shared with CNN. Only one of those cases led to an arrest.

In Austin, police have documented at least 16 sexual assault complaints about Uber drivers -- and at least ten about Lyft drivers -- since 2015.

Meanwhile, the Denver police department has recorded at least nine sexual assault or abuse complaints about Uber drivers and at least 12 about Lyft drivers since 2015, but only two of those complaints resulted in criminal charges. Most of the other Denver cases became inactive due to lack of witness cooperation or were refused by the district attorney for lack of evidence.

Lawyer: Uber has been 'keeping this story quiet'

Jeanne Christensen, an attorney with law firm Wigdor LLP, has been pursuing Uber rape and assault cases since 2015 when her firm filed a lawsuit after a high-profile rape case in New Delhi. The Uber driver, who had a previous record that included rape and molestation, was sentenced to life in prison. The incident sparked protests and caused authorities to temporarily ban Uber from the city for six weeks.

That case, and questions about how Uber handled it, thrust the issue into the spotlight.

Most recently, Christensen's firm represents a proposed class action against Uber on behalf of nine plaintiffs, including the Miami woman CNN interviewed, who said they were assaulted by Uber drivers.

Uber is trying to compel the women to carry out their case through arbitration per its legal terms of service. When users sign up for Uber, they agree to its terms, which includes resolving any claim "on an individual basis in arbitration."

Christensen and the women are pushing back. In a letter to Uber's board, 14 women detailed their experiences and urged the company to remove its arbitration clause, saying it silences them and forces the issue underground.

"We trusted a company operating in the space of transportation for hire to mean what it says, and we never thought that Uber would perpetuate physical violence against women," they wrote.

An Uber spokesperson previously issued a statement to CNN about forcing the case into arbitration, calling it the "appropriate venue for this case because it allows the plaintiffs to publicly speak out as much as they want and have control over their individual privacy at the same time."

Over the years, Christensen said she noticed a trend in those who've come to her firm for help: Victims tend to be female and petite, live alone, and were inebriated at the time of the alleged assault, she told CNN.

"If a driver is going to enter her home, he has [likely] asked her enough questions and knows she lives alone," she said.

Christensen -- who said she's currently representing 16 women who alleged they've been been raped or attacked by Uber drivers -- will not say how many cases against Uber her firm has handled, citing confidentiality.

Multiple attorneys across the country were similarly silent about their cases against Uber. Like many large companies, Uber requires all parties to sign a confidentially agreement when a case is settled.

"We aren't simply filing cases so Uber [can] pay women money and their lawyers to be quiet about it," she told CNN. "That was a conscious decision that we made. Uber has done a miraculous job at keeping this story quiet."

-- Additional reporting by CNN's Majlie de Puy Kamp, Collette Richards and Whitney Clegg.

If you have a confidential news tip for CNN Investigations, please email us at CNNTIPS@CNN.com

CNNMoney (New York)First published April 30, 2018: 5:43 PM ETGet ready Auburn!!! LOTP is coming for you!!! Woohoo, Actress Melissa McCarthy tweeted Friday evening just days before arriving on Auburn's campus.

That's right...Hollywood came to Alabama.

Here is video footage of McCarthy engaging in Auburn tradition by rolling Toomer's Corner, courtesy of The Auburn Plainsman: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1LyxBrAoPObxN

McCarthy and some of her cast arrived on The Plains for the premiere of her new movie "Life of the Party."

The Warner Bros. movie is about a single mother who returns to college to get the full on campus experience.

Auburn won a poll for the premiere to be on it's campus. The Tigers defeated other universities, some including SEC rivals Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

It was a Hollywood event, with a southern flare. For McCarthy being submerged into collegiate whirl pool, was everything.

"It was so fun to be around that kind of energy and all that exuberance," McCarthy stated. "I think all of us walking around, it's been a while since we've been in college and we all just kept saying there's something really infectious and inspiring about being around all these college students. It's just good for the soul."

Not only did Auburn receive the gift her presence, McCarthy donated $50,000 to the Auburn University Foundation for the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, where there will be a stage door named after her.

"Life of the Party" will arrive in theaters May 11.Vice President Mike Pence's physician privately raised alarms within the White House last fall that President Donald Trump's doctor may have violated federal privacy protections for a key patient -- Pence's wife, Karen -- and intimidated the vice president's doctor during angry confrontations over the episode.



The previously unreported incident is the first sign that serious concerns about Ronny Jackson's conduct had reached the highest levels of the White House as far back as September -- months before White House aides furiously defended Jackson's professionalism, insisted he had been thoroughly vetted and argued allegations of misconduct amounted to unsubstantiated rumors.

The episode -- detailed in three memos by Pence's physician -- is also the first documentation that has surfaced involving a specific allegation of medical misconduct by Jackson. It adds to a series of significant allegations leveled by unidentified current and former colleagues, including that he casually dispensed prescription drugs.

Jackson and the White House have continued to deny allegations of misconduct, and Jackson's defenders in the White House said Monday that the episode involving Mrs. Pence was simply a dispute between two doctors with a strained relationship and that he had acted appropriately.

According to copies of internal documents obtained by CNN, Pence's doctor accused Jackson of overstepping his authority and inappropriately intervening in a medical situation involving the second lady as well as potentially violating federal privacy rights by briefing White House staff and disclosing details to other medical providers -- but not appropriately consulting with the vice president's physician.

The vice president's physician later wrote in a memo of feeling intimidated by an irate Jackson during a confrontation over the physician's concerns. The physician informed White House officials of being treated unprofessionally, describing a pattern of behavior from Jackson that made the physician "uncomfortable" and even consider resigning from the position.

After Mrs. Pence's physician briefed her about the episode, she "also expressed concerns over the potential breach of privacy of her medical condition," the memo said. Karen Pence asked her physician to direct the vice president's top aide, Nick Ayers, to inform White House chief of staff John Kelly about the matter. Subsequent memos from Pence's doctor suggested Kelly was aware of the episode.

A White House official said that Ayers informed Kelly and White House deputy chief of staff Joe Hagin about the situation and they said Pence's doctor should report the matter through the appropriate medical and military chains of command.

Alyssa Farah, press secretary for the vice president, said Pence's physician "brought the issue to Mr. Ayers, who appropriately referred the matter to the proper channels."





Jackson, who had been Trump's lead physician and was also Trump's pick to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, withdrew his nomination last week after allegations surfaced of professional misconduct. Trump and Jackson have furiously denied the allegations, calling them an attempt to smear the reputation of a Navy rear admiral and respected White House physician.

"He served 3 presidents," Trump said of Jackson Saturday evening at a Michigan rally, decrying "vicious rumors" against him. "President Obama said he was fantastic. President Bush said he was fantastic. I say he's fantastic."Former Alabama Supreme Court chief justice has filed a complaint against some of the women who came out with allegations of misconduct during his failed campaign for U.S. Senate.

Moore filed a complaint Monday in Etowah County against Richard Hagedorn and accusers Debbie Wesson, Beverly Young Nelson, Leigh Corfman and Tina Johnson, claiming political conspiracy and defamation of character.

"We intend to show the people of Alabama that a political conspiracy came about to ruin his campaign for Senate and to defame him, defame his character, so that the people of Alabama would not vote for him during the special Senate election," Moore's attorney said in a news conference Monday afternoon in Etowah County.

Moore and his attorney both raised questions about the timing of the complaints, which came during his run for U.S. Senate in December. Moore ultimately lost the race to Democrat Doug Jones.

"If you read the complaint, you're going to see the political conspiracy," Moore said. "And even the press should be able to see a political conspiracy for what it is."

The woman all came forward with claims during the Senate campaign that Moore had acted inappropriately toward them. Several of the women said they were teenagers at the time.

Corfman has sued Moore for defamation in Montgomery County, and Moore has countersued in that case. He also asked his supporters to donate to help him with legal expenses in that case.MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Tennessee Valley Authority's new gas-fired power plant in Tennessee is ready to run.

TVA said Monday that the Allen Combined Cycle Natural Gas Plant in Memphis has been completed and is ready to operate. It replaces the coal-fired Allen Fossil Plant, which operated for more than 58 years before it was retired on March 31.

The U.S. government-owned utility says the $900 million, 1,000-megawatt natural-gas fired plant will significantly cut emissions of carbon dioxide and gases that cause smog, while providing power to about 580,000 homes.

The gas plant sits near the old coal-fired plant in south Memphis. Last year, high levels of arsenic and lead were found in groundwater under the coal plant. Officials have said the contamination does not affect the city's drinking water.

(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)(CNN) -- To most people in the Northern Hemisphere, May Day conjures images of brightly colored twirling ribbons and promises of warm days ahead. That's not the whole story, though: May Day is also a day of protests and riots that traces its modern roots back to a world-changing explosion in Chicago.

When is May Day?

May Day is May 1 every year. Easy to remember, right?

What is May Day?

Depending on where you are, it's either a seasonal celebration or a day to celebrate workers' rights, or maybe a little bit of both. Think of the latter use as a Labor Day, if you will, for the rest of the world.

How did it start?

This is a more complicated question. Originally, May Day was an ancient pagan holiday celebrating the start of summer. In Gaelic traditions, it is known as Beltaine (or the Anglicized "Beltane"). As time went on, different groups adapted the celebration to their specific cultures or beliefs. Europeans and Americans often celebrate in a more secular manner with diversions like maypole dancing and flower crowns. (That certainly lends a bit of cultural context to all the young women breezing around summer music festivals this time of year with giant daisies on their heads.)

Also of note: In May, the Southern Hemisphere is getting ready for winter, so May Day as a seasonal celebration is, for the most part, a Northern Hemisphere thing.

How did it become a day for labor rights?

May Day is also a labor holiday in many areas of the world, and that part of its history is a thornier story. May Day has shared a date with International Workers' Day since the 1880s. At the time, labor movements around the world were fighting for fair work accommodations like eight-hour workdays and unions. The date was chosen because it aligned with the anniversary of the Haymarket affair in Chicago, where police killed four people at a peaceful protest after someone threw a bomb into the crowd.

The event had a huge impact on labor movements across the world.

So why are there sometimes riots and marches on May Day?

Because of its more recent history, International Workers' Day/May Day is often a day of protest for labor unions around the world. The people come out to rally, and sometimes their passionate demonstrations can turn violent. In 2014, Turkey attempted to ban labor rallies, citing security concerns. Across Europe, similar events have attracted heavy police presence.

Riots and protests occur in the United States, as well. One of the most notable is the Seattle May Day Marches, which, though intended to be peaceful, have broken out in violence in the past.

Is this related to the "Mayday! Mayday!" distress call?

It's actually not at all! "Mayday" the distress call comes from the French term m'aidez, which means "help me."

Nothing wrong with a little French lesson to go along with the holiday's history!

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.(CNN) - Jan Koum, the CEO and cofounder of Facebook-owned WhatsApp, confirmed Monday that he is leaving the company.

The departure comes nearly four years after Facebook completed its acquisition of the messaging service for $22 billion, the largest purchase in its history. In addition to running WhatsApp, Koum also served on Facebook's board.

The Washington Post was first to report Koum's departure. The publication said Koum had clashed with Facebook over its approach to personal data and encryption.

In response to a request for comment, Facebook directed CNN to Koum's farewell post.

"I'm leaving at a time when people are using WhatsApp in more ways than I could have imagined," Koum wrote in a Facebook post Monday. "The team is stronger than ever and it'll continue to do amazing things."

Koum said he planned to take "some time off" to collect "rare air-cooled Porsches" and play ultimate frisbee.

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, said he was "grateful" to Koum "for everything you've taught me, including about encryption."

The remarks may conceal some tension, however. Brian Acton, the other WhatsApp cofounder, left Facebook last year to launch a non-profit. Last month, Acton joined a chorus of voices calling for people to delete Facebook in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

Koum and Acton, both former Yahoo employees, launched WhatsApp in 2009. The app now has more than one billion monthly users.

The Facebook acquisition turned Koum and Acton into billionaires. Koum is estimated to have a net worth of more than $10 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The original terms of the acquisition said the founders' stock would vest over a four year period.Thousands of Australian businesses will be hit by sweeping changes to a $3 billion tax credit scheme in the May budget in a Turnbull government bid to reboot its "innovation agenda".

Up to 12,000 companies that claim research and development credits each year would be affected by the mooted changes, while industry is already preparing for the end of tax refunds for businesses that do not produce enough "intensity" of research and development relative to their size.

In a move to crack down on "blank cheques," the Turnbull government could force companies to spend above 1-2 per cent of their expenses on research and development to qualify for the tax break and encourage local businesses to spend more on innovation to fuel economic growth.

R&D reform is coming in the budget.

The change is one of seven key recommendations of the R&D tax review led by the chair of Innovation Australia, Bill Ferris, the Chief Scientist Alan Finkel and Treasury secretary John Fraser that have been dormant for two years.Home prices across Australia's major cities eased for a seventh straight month in April as tighter lending standards at banks cooled investor demand in Sydney and Melbourne, although regional markets fared better.

Along with tougher rules from regulators, lenders have also been raising borrowing requirements amid revelations of widespread malpractices on loans and financial advice within a range of major institutions.

CoreLogic's index of home prices for the combined capital cities slipped 0.4 per cent in April, after a 0.2 per cent dip in March. Credit:Rob Homer

The result has been a marked pullback in demand in the once red-hot markets of Sydney and Melbourne, ending a boom in prices that ran for a whole five years.

Property consultant CoreLogic said on Tuesday its index of home prices for the combined capital cities slipped 0.4 per cent in April, after a 0.2 per cent dip in March.French President Emmanuel Macron is in Australia this week.

Fresh from his state visit to the White House, French President Emmanuel Macron is in Australia this week.

While the official announcement from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Macron is coming to talk about trade and defence industry partnerships, security  particularly the future of the Iran nuclear deal  will also feature on the agenda during the three-day stay.

This is all the more likely given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus revelation on Monday that his spy agency Mossad had obtained Iranian files proving that Iran had been lying to the world for years over the so-called peaceful nature of its nuclear program. In fact, the files show Irans end-game has always been producing nuclear-armed ballistic missiles with a global reach.

Moreover, US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw his country from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran (JCPOA) by May 12. This week, in Macrons presence, he reiterated: It was a terrible deal. It should have never, ever been made, but did not elaborate on his specific plans.Australians will be bombarded with political propaganda ahead of the next federal election as big business, unions and grassroots activist groups plow tens of millions of dollars towards influencing the high-stakes contest.

The Business Council of Australia - which represents some of Australia's largest companies - has launched a full-scale campaign to counter growing anti-business sentiment, and make the case for the Turnbull government's stalled $36.5 billion plan to cut company taxes.

The BCA has asked its 130 members to contribute to a fighting fund which will be used to pay for television advertising, sponsored TV programs, town hall meetings, "grassroots" campaigning in marginal electorates, and targeted, data-driven online campaigning.

The decision is in contrast to its approach to the 2016 federal election, which attracted criticism from Coalition figures who claimed the lobby group and other business leaders had not been vocal enough in contentious economic policy debates.Around 580 settlements in Armenia have drinking water issues, according to the data of the RA State Water Committee. Some of them do not have drinking water at all, some use artesian or deep wells, some have springs, but there is no water supply network at all or it just doesnt operate.

In the summer of 2017, Water Committee Chairman Arsen Harutyunyantold Hetq that 270-300 million euros were needed to solve issues step by step, to be co-financed by the government, Veolia Jour operator, communities and foreign donors.

Last month, Hetq sent a written inquiry to Mr. Harutyunyan, asking about any progress.

Head of the Staff of the State Water Committee Mikayel Makinyan sent a reply, stating that in 2013-2014, German CES Company carried out feasibility studies for the improvement and development of water supply and drainage systems in Armenia's rural communities, as requested by the Committee, and published a report that includes required investments, technical suggestions for improvement of water supply and drainage systems, operation costs and other recommendations for each residential area.

Makinyan says the report served as a basis for starting water and drainage improvement project in six settlements, located in Lori, Kotayk, Armavir and Gegharkounik Provinces.

In fact, surveys and plans for improvement of drinking water coverage in only six settlements have been the only steps taken.

When Yelk Alliance MP Lena Nazaryan, raised the issue with the Minister of Territorial Administration and Development David Lokyan in 2017, the latter said that by the end of 2020, about one quarter of 580 communities (145 communities) would have their water issue solved.

Hetq addressed the issue of drinking water in Tlik village in Aragatsotn Province several times.

Apparently, this village is not among the lists of those communities where there are improvements planned for the near future.The Australian Electoral Commission has proposed a name for the ACT's new federal electorate. In making a short-list, it looked for a "prominent individual who contributed to the development or public life of the ACT and/or the nation".

Sir Roland Wilson in 1956.

In doing so, it knocked off worthies like Walter Burley Griffin, Professor Sir Keith Hancock and Sir John Overall. That left standing Lewis Nott, the first ACT member of the House of Representatives, Ngingali Cullen, among other things the chairwoman of the National Sorry Day Committee, and Charles E. W. Bean, the World War I historian, public servant and an early urger for the Australian War Memorial. Of the four-member body preparing the recommendation, Bean got two votes and the others one each.

The commission's objective is admirable but how could it neglect other prominent individuals who have contributed far more "to the development of public life in the ACT and/or the nation" than Bean?

How could it not short-list, for example, Sir Roland Wilson, who has a reasonable claim to be the most important and influential public servant in the Commonwealth's history?Radford College has paid tribute to a long-serving teacher killed over the weekend after being hit by falling tree branch in a freak accident near Tumut.

Jonquil Mackey was on a motorbike ridden by her partner, fellow Radford teacher Alan Lee, along the Snowy Mountains Highway on Saturday afternoon when the branch struck the bike.

A photo of Jonquil Mackey provided by her family, who have paid tribute to her warmth and passion.

Ms Mackey died at the scene and Mr Lee was taken to Tumut District Hospital with minor injuries. He has since been released.

On Monday, Mr Lee, along with Ms Mackey's daughters, Bridget and Verity, told Fairfax Media of "Jonquil's warmth" and creativity.The Catholic education sector has hit out at the Andrews government's election-year budget, saying it denies parents school choice.

As the public school sector embraced the government's $1.2 billion investment in state school buildings and upgrades, Catholic Education Commission of Victoria executive director Stephen Elder said the lack of capital funding for his schools was "disappointing".

The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria is disappointed by the lack of capital funding for its schools Credit:Erin Jonasson

"Its fine for the state government to talk about booming state school enrolments, but they are denying parents choice by not providing adequate support to allow Catholic schools to meet demand," he said.Hands up if youve heard the term Big Data. Keep your hand up if you understand the impact Big Data is having on your life. If your hand is still up, you probably either work for Cambridge Analytica, or you are kidding yourself. The implications of Big Data are so immense that even the data science industry doesnt yet know everything thats possible with this technology.

The not-so-fine print. Credit:Andrew Harnik

The world is reeling from revelations that, between them, Facebook and Cambridge Analytica have shamelessly exploited the data of millions of users, in an apparently successful attempt not just to profit from our data, but to manipulate our behaviour. While we explicitly agree to hand our data over to Facebook when we sign up, for alarmingly unrestricted purposes, in this case the culprit was actually a harmless-seeming personality quiz. If your friend did the quiz, they ticked a box allowing that quiz to access your information. Back then, Facebook privacy settings gave you no way to opt out of that kind of access.

From around 320,000 users taking the test, Cambridge Analytica wound up with access to the Facebook data of more than 50 million people. So if you were on Facebook back then, your data is very likely in Cambridge Analyticas database.

I used to think this kind of thing wasnt a big deal. I treat everything I put on Facebook as public anyway. I have nothing to hide. I dont care who has my data. But it turns out that its not what they know about you, but what they do to you with that knowledge that counts. First Facebook was used to show you ads you were more likely to be interested in. Again, people found this mildly creepy at times, but not overly disturbing. Sometimes it was even useful  for example, showing you ads for cars when you were looking to buy a new one.More than 70 per cent of the birds that died in urban areas contained traces of anticoagulant rat poison, and about 18 per cent were exposed to lethal doses. One bird bled to death from a tiny cut on its toe. Many others bled to death internally. In some birds it was obvious they died directly of rodenticide poisoning, Mr Lohr said. One bird contained five to six times the amount you would expect to be a lethal dose. Other predatory birds and mammals that ate more rodents than boobooks were likely to be even worse off, including barking owls and masked owls, which tended to eat mammals more consistently throughout the year than the boobooks.

He said while rat baits were useful tools to protect crops, control the spread of disease, protect household pantries and even in some cases protect endangered wildlife from a rat invasion, a review of available data showed at least 32 native wildlife species had individuals killed by ARs in Australia. A baby Southern boobook. Credit:Simon Cherriman This was probably a severe underestimate of the total number of species impacted, as Australia had limited research done compared to other parts of the world. And the situation could be worse in Australia as a warm country with diverse, abundant reptiles, with many species commonly caught and eaten in indigenous communities across the Kimberley, Goldfields-Esperance and Pilbara regions of WA. Several studies suggested at least some species were extremely resistant.

The group of lizards involved in one study each survived a massive dose of the strongest blood-thinning poison on the market  over 4000 times what would be needed to kill most rats. Reptiles that could tolerate such loads could be extremely effective at spreading these poisons up the food chain, potentially delivering a much larger and deadlier dose. During a rat eradication on the Montebello Islands, north of Barrow Island off the Pilbara coast, one goanna species was seen eating poisoned rats without apparent ill effect. The green dye used in the bait was visible in their droppings. This was the same species of goanna that, along with several closely related species, were an important traditional indigenous food source. A dead boobook awaiting dissection. The bird has blood around its beak, another common sign of AR poisoning. Credit:Mike Lohr, Edith Cowan University

To make matters worse, ARs typically reach their highest concentrations in fat and liver tissue, which are commonly eaten parts of the goannas, Mr Lohr said. He said while the risks associated with sub-lethal human exposure to these poisons were not well known, recent studies in some wildlife species showed even mild chronic exposure to the longer-lasting second-generation versions could lead to dangerous immune system weakening. Work done in the USA showed a massive outbreak of mange caused by mites had decimated the affected Californian population of bobcats, whose immune systems could no longer fight off what was previously a non-lethal parasite. Research is urgently needed to determine the extent and severity of AR exposure in reptiles commonly eaten by humans, Mr Lohr said. Without reliable information about AR exposure rates in reptiles and how far from they can spread from their sources, some indigenous people will face the choice between losing the cultural and mental health benefits of traditional hunting practices and risking exposure to rat poison.

I dont want to instigate a situation where people are afraid to do something that is an important part of their lives  but there is enough potential for harm here that it needs to be addressed. Masked owls like this one may be particularly vulnerable. Credit:Steven Castan The United States and Canada have already restricted the sale and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to licensed applicators, banned outdoor use, and required the use of lockable bait boxes to keep children and pets away from them. In Australia in 2015 the national chemicals regulator consulted on a list of 19 chemicals in need of national review.

Five were prioritised, and second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides were listed as second priority. But the website still lists the status of the review as detailed scoping to commence in 2017. The regulator, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, said the preliminary investigation had begun but a commencement date had not been set. It was monitoring new information associated with the use of these products. Meanwhile, the poisons remain available at most supermarkets and hardware stores. Mr Lohr said householders should be aware that there were multiple products on offer with different active ingredients and it was difficult to tell the difference just using brand names.

Packaging is marketing. The active ingredient is what matters, he said. If youre going to use anticoagulants, the first-generation ones  those containing warfarin and coumatetralyl  are going to be a good deal safer. But you need to look for the fine print. He warned, however, that the second generation technology had its place if used responsibly by qualified people. Most island conservation efforts in the world relied on the second generation chemicals to eradicate rodents that decimated native plants and animals and the collateral damage was worth the massive eventual benefit to biodiversity if you could get the last rodent. "This technology is critical in preventing extinctions on islands and losing it before we have a better solution would be a huge blow to conservation," he said.Doctors in Perth are threatening to stop Australia's oldest scientist flying to Switzerland to end his life through voluntary euthanasia.

Edith Cowan University honorary research associate David Goodall doesn't have a terminal illness but his quality of life has deteriorated at age 104.

Edith Cowan University honorary research associate David Goodall doesn't have a terminal illness, but is determined to travel to Switzerland to voluntarily end his life.

Euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke said Mr Goodall attempted suicide about two months ago after suffering a fall, ended up in hospital and his daughter had to fight hard to get him out - only succeeding after arranging an independent psychiatric review.

"The doctors started to say 'he's talking about ending his life, there's nothing much wrong with him, so therefore he's a risk to himself'," Dr Nitschke said.A Broome man has been charged with over 100 offences relating to the sexual abuse of two Kimberley children.

The 44-year-old man, who cannot be named in order to protect the identities of the victims, has been charged with abusing a boy and a girl between October 2016 and December 2017.

It's been alleged the man filmed the abuse.

Both children were nine years old at the time of the first offence, and police also claim the man indecently recorded them.

As a result of the investigation into the allegations of child sex abuse, the Kimberley Joint Response Team executed a search warrant at the home of the man.WA police's extensive investigation into a West Australian child porn ring has resulted in another man being charged with a string of child sex abuse.

Detectives from taskforce Mirzam claim a 62-year-old man from Beckenham sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl over almost two years whilst he was in the company of the three people previously charged in relation to the alleged child porn ring.

Now four people face scores of child sex abuse charges over an alleged child porn ring in Western Australia.

He has been charged with nine counts of indecent dealing with a child under 13 years and two counts of sexual penetration of a child under 13 years and will front Perth's Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

The alleged offences happened between December 2013 and October 2015.Former deputy prime minister Kim Beazley has been officially sworn in as the 33rd governor of Western Australia.

The former federal Labor opposition leader and ambassador to the US replaces ex- Fremantle Port Authority chief executive Kerry Sanderson, who in 2014 was the first woman appointed to the role in WA.

State Premier Mark McGowan with new WA Governor Kim Beazley. Credit:AAP

Mr Beazley was recommended by his friend of 24 years, WA Premier Mark McGowan, and is the first ex-politician to become governor in WA since Sir James Mitchell, who was appointed in 1948.

The vast majority of WA's governors have been ex-military.The state government is in discussions with US-based technology giant Google to bring its Australian headquarters to Western Australia.

Google was left searching for a new location after the New South Wales government knocked back plans to build a 19,000-job technology hub in Sydneys Redfern in April.

The WA government has already approached the tech giant.

The US-based tech giant was to be the anchor tenant in the project at the inner-city suburbs historic rail yards, but the development was rejected for failing a uniqueness test.

WAs Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly confirmed an approach had been made to Google.The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) has not yet decided how to vote in tomorrow's elction for prime minister.

RPA spokesman and National Assembly Vice President Edward Sharmazanov made the announcement after the pasrty's parliamentary faction MPs met with with Pashinyan.

Sharmazanov said that candidate Nikol Pashinyan had not convinced him personally, but that he would vote according to his party's decision, to be announced before the voting.A state Liberal MP has become the first politician to publicly question the appointment of Kim Beazley as Governor of Western Australia.

Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup took to social media on the eve of the former Labor leaders swearing-in to question whether other Western Australians would have been better candidates, given Mr Beazley was already taking home a significant parliamentary pension.

Zak Kirkup with WA Liberal leader Mike Nahan. Credit:Nathan Hondros.

Mr Beazley will be paid a salary of $450,000 a year for the post on top of a $100,000 a year parliamentary pension, entitlements and the keys to the Governors mansion on St Georges Terrace.

While Mr Kirkup said he did not wish to detract from the Liberal partys support for Mr Beazley, it was right to question such a significant appointment.For the youngest juror in Bill Cosby's retrial, it was the comedian-actor's own admission that he drugged women that helped him determine Cosby was guilty on three counts of aggravated indecent assault.

Harrison Snyder, 22, admitted he was "a little too young" to have been a fan of The Cosby Show when it originally aired in the 1980s and early 1990s.

He also said he rarely watches the news and had no idea what Cosby was accused of doing before being drafted onto the jury for Cosby's retrial.

In an interview on Good Morning America on Monday, Snyder pinpointed Cosby's 2005 deposition as the evidence that pointed him towards guilty.An attempt to crack down on Chinese citizens could further chill relations between the two nations, whose closely integrated markets support the most prominent companies around the globe. Technology companies like Apple, Qualcomm, IBM and General Electric have hitched their future growth to access to the Chinese market, which the Trump administration is now threatening to curtail. This week, a delegation of administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, will head to China for discussions to help avoid a brewing trade war. But additional curbs on Chinese citizens could make those tough discussions even harder. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on roughly $US150 billion of Chinese goods in retaliation for unfair trade practices  a proposal that sparked tariff threats of China's own. The administration is expected to detail new plans for restrictions on Chinese investment in the United States by the end of May. Congress is also considering giving the US broader authority to restrict Chinese investments. These measures could prompt more damaging retaliation from China, which has already promised to place tariffs on at least $US50 billion of US products. They also appear to be fuelling anti-American sentiment within Chinese borders. China has tightened measures against possible spying, even posting public service announcements in subway trains warning citizens to watch foreigners for signs of espionage. Technonationalism is starting to creep into Chinese and US relationship. Credit:AP

In the United States, research institutes look particularly vulnerable to espionage. According to Defence Department statistics, nearly a quarter of all foreign efforts to obtain sensitive or classified information in 2014 were routed through academic institutions. At a congressional hearing in April, Michelle Van Cleave, a former national counterintelligence executive, said the freedom and openness of the United States made the country a "spy's paradise." Chinese and Russian agents both come to the US with "detailed shopping lists," she added. Yet throwing up barriers to protect American technology could come at a high cost. Restricting the free flow of people and information could disrupt innovation at US laboratories, a key destination for talented researchers from around the globe. It could threaten the substantial profits that American universities earn from foreign students, who often pay full tuition. Loading And it could lead to discrimination. Some fear that the Trump administration's comprehensive challenge to China  always an easy political target in the United States  is cultivating a xenophobic, Cold War mentality in Washington that casts all Chinese people as enemies. The Committee of 100, a group of prominent Chinese-Americans, has denounced government assertions that Chinese professors, scientists and students in the United States may be gathering intelligence for the Chinese government as "disturbing and prejudicial" and warned that it has overtones of anti-Japanese sentiment that was rampant during World War II.

"To target a whole group of people as being subject to greater suspicion, based purely on race and national origin, and in advance of any facts or evidence, goes against the fundamental American ideals of the presumption of innocence, due process and equal protection for all. It also fans the flames of hysteria," the group said in a statement. Administration officials have been debating restricting visas offered to Chinese nationals for months as part of the broad package of measures targeting China economically. But the new plan under discussion by the White House would be a much more targeted measure, and one with potentially big consequences for American industry. While the Obama administration also proposed barring foreign students from company-sponsored research at US universities with national security implications, the Trump administration's measures could apply more broadly to private research facilities as well as new products and technologies. The United States already restricts who can work on sensitive technology. Researchers on projects deemed classified are carefully vetted and must obtain security clearances. The next level down are research projects that are subject to so-called export controls  including many with potential military applications, such as computer programs and hardware that might be used to model nuclear explosions. Universities and companies working on this material need to obtain a special license from the government to employ foreign researchers. Fuelling the push are instances like the one involving Ruopeng Liu, a Chinese citizen and a promising student at Duke who was helping to develop a cloak that shields objects from a broad spectrum of wave frequencies. The professor leading the Pentagon-funded lab, David R. Smith, became suspicious of Liu, who seemed intent on collaborating with old colleagues in China, and even invited them to tour the lab and photograph Duke's equipment.

Liu did not respond to interview requests, but in past interviews, he has maintained that he did nothing wrong, beyond taking advantage of an open and collaborative university atmosphere. Like many projects in the United States, most of Smith's work at Duke was early-stage research that was not classified or categorised as a deemed export. Daniel Golden, who tells Liu's story in his book, Spy Schools, said Liu exploited a gray area that allows a large amount of sensitive, taxpayer-funded technology to flow to foreign governments. "Globalisation has transformed American universities into a front line for espionage," Golden said. Yet the academic community is likely to push back on the administration's efforts over concerns that tighter controls on Chinese nationals could hurt American universities' ability to collaborate on cutting-edge research and wind up benefiting China even more. Many students at graduate programs in the United States in computer science, physics, chemistry and other sciences are from China. If the United States makes it harder for aerospace manufacturers, defence contractors and others to employ Chinese nationals, more of these recently trained Chinese graduate students may return to China, taking their skills with them. Stephen Orlins, the president of the National Committee on US-China Relations, said that restricting Chinese researchers would be "tragic" for American universities. "It's important that we don't let the security fears overwhelm what has made America great," he said.Pashinyan argues anti-government movement has helped, not hurt, the economy

This afternoon, Yelk Alliance MP Nikol Pashinyan, the only declared candidate for the post of Armenian prime minister, had an open-door meeting with members of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) faction in the National Assembly.

Here are some key issues discussed during the meeting.

Karabakh Conflict

Replying to RPA MP Karen Bekaryans question about the Karabakh issue settlement, particularly the methodology of getting the details of the negotiations, Pashinyan said:

"It is clear that the Karabakh conflict is one of the most important issues, and its discussion and settlement should be done within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. I think it shouldnt take long to get the details, and the methodology should be an institutionalized one, since there are corresponding institutions in Armenia that should supply me with necessary information in case I am elected prime minister.

In general, the methodology of work, I think, should still be institutional. Of course, individuals have their role, but that role must be balanced. I think that there are institutions in our country that have succeeded and can now serve as a counterbalance.

To make peace, one needs a peaceful atmosphere. I think that it is a problematic issue for every representative of Armenia to negotiate with a country or representative of a country that occasionally threatens to take aggressive actions against one or other part of Armenia, even daring to declare its ambitions for Yerevan.

OSCE co-chairs and the international community should understand that its not realistic to speak about the issue settlement in such conditions. It is not possible to have an atmosphere of peace. In general, Armenia's position in the negotiation process should be strengthened. Why? Because I believe that national awakening and national unity that we have today should strengthen the position of the Armenian side in the negotiation process, contribute to the increase of readiness of our armed forces and our spirit in general, which is not the least important in this process. "

Armenia will continue its EEU membership

RPA spokesman and National Assembly Vice President Edward Sharmazanov said that Pashinyan and the Alliance faction used to criticize Armenia's foreign policy, including Armenia's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), arguing that it is it one of the gravest mistakes of Armenia's foreign policy, while now Pashinyan claims in his interviews that Armenia will not leave the EEU.

Sharmazanov also claimed that Nikol Pashinyan's actions as a candidate for the post of prime minister are quite different from the political statements hes made as Yelk Alliance parliamentary faction leader.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that it was never a secret that he had voted against Armenias joining the EEU. But, since Armenia is already a member of the EEU, politicians and state actors should take into consideration the realities of Armenia in order to serve the interests of Armenia. Hes against sharp turnarounds in the foreign policy, since they might be very dangerous for the country.

"I think that state officials and authorities should be guided by the national interests of the country," Pashinyan said.

There are many problems in the EEU as an organization, and Pashinyan said he is willing to discuss them with partners to find solutions.

Future Government Posts

MP Khosrov Harutyunyan asked a question about the candidacies of future ministers, vice prime ministers, and the government. Pashinyan said that the future government would be formed depending on the political scenario unfolding tomorrow.

Economy

MP Gagik Melikyan said, The people should understand that every day of the movement throws our economy back for at least two months. Saying that he speaks on behalf of people, Melikyan asked Pashinyan, When will Nairit Plant renew operations?" [Here, Melikyan is referring to the anti-government movement of the past three weeks-ed.]

Pashinyan said that he did not have enough expertise at the moment to reply about Nairit Plant. As for economic losses caused by the movement, he replied that, on the contrary, this movement has accumulated a great potential for the essential and flexible development of the Armenian economy, including large investments from abroad.

Relations with Azerbaijan

MP Hermine Naghdalyan noted that Pashinyan's position in the sphere of external and internal policy does not differ much from that of the RPA. She also noted that the Azeribaijani press has expressed its satisfaction with the elimination of the democratic and political elite in Armenia, with which Azerbaijan was ready to cooperate. According to Naghdalyan, Pashinyan does not see any danger here.

Pashinyan says that the movement resulted in considerable increase in Armenians national spirit, which will have its military and political consequences. If Azerbaijan is happy with the current situation in Armenia, then they misinterpret the situation.To the People of The Republic of Armenia:

We, as representatives of Armenian Student Associations across the United States, would like to express our solidarity with the student-driven democratization movement in the Republic of Armenia. As members of a new generation in the diaspora, we stand with our Armenian counterparts in their quest to combat corruption and ensure democratic governance.

We believe that the unbounded corruption of the undemocratically elected elite has directly led to the stunted growth and development in our homeland. However, we are hopeful and confident that this is the dawn of a major turning point for Armenia.

Though there is reason to celebrate the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan as a victory, the struggle for a democratic transition continues. It is time for us, as the diasporan community, to unite and acknowledge the grievances of the Armenian people and back the nascent democratization movement.

As students of the diaspora, we have the unique privilege to observe the unfolding events through a non-partisan lens and for this reason, can amplify the voices of our fellow student activists in Hayastan adding to their momentum. We aim to be a uniting force that will empower the Armenian people to continue to set an example of a nonviolent, yet effective democratization movement.

We seek to join the likes of the Armenian Diaspora around the world who have stood with our brothers and sisters. We believe we must strengthen the dialogue and cooperation between the diaspora and citizens of the Republic of Armenia in aiding Armenias democratic transition.

We encourage the adoption of democratic electoral processes in Armenia and support a fair, democratic transition. We reject the legitimacy of any election that is carried out via bribery, coercion, or any form of electoral fraud. As such, we also support you in your rejection of the Republican Party of Armenia.

We call on members of the Republican Party of Armenia, who currently hold majority seats in Parliament, to hand over at least 6 seats to the opposition in order to better represent the voices of the Armenian people, and moreover to be a part of the solution, for the future of their children.

We call on all Armenian Student Association organizations across the US to stand with us against the Republics regime and join the fight for a free and prosperous Armenia.

Getse Ankakh Hayastan!

Written by the Armenian Student Associations of Washington, DC:

Armenian Student Association of American University

Armenian Student Association of George Washington University

Armenian Student Association of the University of Maryland

Armenian Student Association of the University of Virginia

Armenian Student Association of Georgetown University

With support from:

Armenian Student Association of Michigan State University

Armenian Student Association University of Chicago

Armenian Student Association Ramapo College

Armenian Student Association University of Illinois

Armenian Student Association Northeastern University

Armenian Student Association Providence College

Armenian Student Association University of Massachusetts Boston

Armenian Student Association Grand Valley State University

Armenian Student Association UC San Diego

Armenian Student Association UC Irvine

Armenian Student Association UC Riverside

Armenian Student Association UC Los Angeles

Armenian Student Association California State University of Northridge

Armenian Student Association California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Armenian Student Association Santa Monica College

Other Endorsements:

Nina Melkonyan, St. Lawrence University*

Ari Alexanian, Purdue University*

Armenian Students of George Mason University*

Armenian Students of Drexel University*

Sophia Yedigarian, Fordham University

Armenian Students of St. Louis University

Armenian Students of Wayne State University

AE Armenian Fraternity

*Signatories marked with an asterisk (*) are students who chose to sign the letter independent of an official ASA

If you or your organization would like to be added to the list of endorsements, please email us at dcarmenianstudentas[email protected]Saying that the Republican Party of Armenia wants to steal their victory, Nikol Pashinyan has called on the people to mobilize and take to the streets.

Dont stay home. Make your way to Republic Square. Choke of the streets and squares in other cities, Pashinyan exhorted after addressing the parliament earlier today at a special session where deputies are set to vote for the countrys next prime minister.

Pashinyan, the only nominated candidate for the post, said that some were using his statement that, if elected, his government wouldnt drastically alter Armenias foreign policy to stir up resentment against his candidacy.

He said that the people were demanding change on the domestic front, not foreign policy upheavals.

Pashinyan again asserted that Russia is a strategic ally of Armenia.

During his address to the parliament, Pashinyan stressed the importance of Armenias realties with Iran and Georgia, adding that the countrys ties to the European Union would be strengthened.

Armenia and the Armenian people are experiencing a rebirth that is unstoppable. Todays debate isnt about who will be elected prime minister, but rather who shares in the peoples victory, said Pashinyan.Thousands of citizens have gathered in Yerevans Republic Square to support the leader of the My Step movement, MP Nikol Pashinyan, now nominated as a candidate for prime minister.

People are watching a live feed from the National Assembly where a special session has been convened to debate the issue and vote.

Pashinyan, the only declared nominee, is addressing parliamentary deputies, laying out his vision for the future and answering their questions.

They are chanting, "Nikol - Prime Minister" and welcoming Pashinyan's every speech and observation.

To be elected, Pashinyan needs some votes from the Republican Party of Armenia, with a parliamentary majority.

Protesters have come to Republic Square from Yerevan and different provinces of Armenia. The square is packed with people. A large crowd of protesters are listening the parliamentary proceedings via the loudspeakers in the adjacent parks surrounding the square.Before the parliament votes today on who will be Armenias next prime minister, MPs continue to grill Nikol Pashinyan, the only candidate for the job.

When asked by Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) MP Jemma Baghdasaryan if he agreed with his supporters that parliamentary deputies who havent served in the military should resign and serve two years, Pashinyan skirted giving a direct answer, merely saying that the nations security is of paramount importance and that being an MP hadnt prevented him voluntarily going to the Artsakh village of Jankatagh when the need arose and serving on guard duty.

All throughout my life as a politician and journalist, I have served Armenia and Artsakh, Pashinyan said.

Baghdasaryan replied that she wasnt satisfied with Pashinyans explanation, noting that when the parliament was debating a bill on military service Yelk Alliance MPs argued that officials who hadnt served in the military must resign.

Pashinyan retorted that Yelk MPs couldnt have said such a thing because some of them hadnt served in a manner legally legalized by the law.By a vote of 56 to 45, Armenias National Assembly has voted not to elect Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister.

Immediately after the vote, Pashinyan rushed to join the thousands now gathered in Republic Square who were anxiously awaiting the election results.

The constitution states that a new election will be held in a weeks time.

Prime Minister Vote Results

102 of the 105 deputies in Armenias National Assembly were present for todays vote to elect the countrys next prime minister.

The three absent MPs were Grigor Avalyan (Republican Party of Armenia), Ishkhan Zakaryan (Prosperous Armenia) and Melik Manukyan (Prosperous Armenia. (Avalyan later resigned from the party).

All voted except for two  Aghvan Vardanyan (ARF) and Rustam Makhmoudyan (Republican Party of Armenia). Makhmoudyan later said he had voted against Pashinyan.

45 voted in favor of Nikol Pashinyan and 56 voted against him.

Those voting in favor of Pashinyan: Yelk (9 votes), ARF (6), Prosperous Armenia (29), RPA(1).By May. 01, 2018

The one house presentation will feature Chris Black, president of Ray Black & Son.





In this presentation Black will discuss the background of historic preservation in Paducah and its role in community development.

Mr. Black is a construction professional with over 30 years' experience; much of it spent specializing in healthcare construction as well as historic rehabilitation and restoration.





He currently serves as a member of the Kentucky Heritage Council, The State Historic Preservation Office.





Mr. Black has served as Chairman of the Kentucky Heritage Council as well as the Paducah Main Street board. He has been instrumental in the development of several public/private partnerships for the redevelopment of historic properties in downtown Paducah.





He and his firm have been recipients of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's Ida Lee Willis Award for service to preservation.





Ray Black & Son, Inc. projects have been featured in programs and publications by the Association for Preservation Technology and HGTV Restore America. One project was for the stabilization and seismic reinforcing of Grace Episcopal Church's 1873 bell tower, the first of its kind completed in the United States.





All programs are free & open to the public.





For more information, contact Bobbie Wrinkle at 270-442-2510 ext. 119 or email bwrinkle@mclib.net.



PADUCAH, KY - McCracken County Public Library, 555 Washington St. in downtown Paducah will host Historic Preservation 101 on Thursday, June 7 at 7 pm.Outage highlights how vital Facebook has becomeCrew Works to Finish Repairs on Paducah Radar

Advertisement

By West Kentucky Star Staff

May. 01, 2018 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 01, 2018 | 10:08 AM | PADUCAH, KY

The National Weather Service says repairs on the Doppler radar in Paducah are coming along nicely, and they expect it to be back in operation soon.



An engineering team from the Radar Operations Center in Norman, Oklahoma determined on April 18 that the main gear for turning the radar antenna had failed. The repair required 12,000 to 15,000 pounds of equipment and a six-person team to fix the radar.



Officials originally estimated the work would take until May 11 to complete. National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Shanklin says progress is coming along quickly at the site, with a crew working to bring it back online as soon as possible. He said with any luck, the radar will be back online ahead of schedule.



"A team of six radar engineers along with three members of the NWS Paducah electronic staff have been working tirelessly to restore the radar to operation. Currently, the progress is well ahead of schedule. In fact, we are hopeful - barring no further issues - that the radar will be operational before our next chance of severe weather." Shanklin said.Incident Leads to Domestic Violence Charges

Advertisement

By West Kentucky Star Staff

Apr. 30, 2018 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 30, 2018 | 05:37 PM | PADUCAH, KY

A Paducah man was arrested on several charges after a domestic violence situation on Paducah's Southside.



On Monday morning someone called 911 from Walmart on Irvin Cobb Drive. The caller was attempting to help a woman who ran away from her boyfriend after an alleged physical assault. The caller was trying to hide the victim from her boyfriend while law enforcement responded.



Paducah Police officers determined that the alleged assault had occurred outside city limits at a home in the Farley area, and the McCracken County Sheriffs Department was called.



The alleged victim told detectives that 24-year-old Robert Hicks had been assaulting her since Friday. She said that Hicks would not let her leave the home unless it was with him, and that he assaulted her with tools and adult toys. She also stated that she was sexually assaulted during the three-day period.



Detectives say they interviewed Hicks and he confirmed some of the allegations. They said he blamed the allegations on his recent use of methamphetamine.



A search warrant was executed at Hicks' home on Meacham Lane, and detectives say they found evidence that also confirmed the victims statements, along with methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.



Hicks was charged with 4th degree domestic violence assault, 1st degree unlawful imprisonment, 1st degree sexual abuse, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.



He was taken to the McCracken County Regional Jail.By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 01, 2018 | 12:55 PM | MAYFIELD, KY

Today is Law Day. Law Day is held on May 1 every year to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession.

For the third consecutive year, the Graves County Bar Association recognized an individual or group that has made a law-related contribution to the Mayfield-Graves County community. This year, that well-deserving individual is Kim Brand, Executive Director of Graves Countys Drug Court Program.

Brand has been the leader of the program in Graves County since its inception in 2007. Drug Court assists individuals who have entered the criminal justice system as a result of drug use or drug-related criminal activity and are choosing to achieve and maintain recovery.

Drug Court combines close court supervision and treatment with other services to intervene and break the cycle of substance abuse, addiction, and crime. Brand and the rest of the Drug Court team help addicted individuals regain control of their lives through judicial oversight, intensive supervision and monitoring, participation in substance abuse treatment sessions and self-help groups, frequent and random urine screens, and referrals to community service agencies and other services.

The results have been amazing in Graves County under Brands leadership. Ninety-seven percent of those that graduate the Graves County Drug Court go at least two years without a relapse.

Richie Kemp, President of the Graves County Bar Association, presented a plaque to Brand to acknowledge her leadership in the battle against substance abuse and the important benefit Drug Court has had in the community.By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 30, 2018 | 10:37 PM | MAYFIELD, KY

A Mayfield couple face charges after a young child was reportedly left home alone over the weekend.

The Mayfield Police Department says officers responded Sunday night to a home on South 2nd Street, after receiving a report that a two-year-old child had been left unattended at the home. The caller told police she was dropping off two other children at the home when she realized no one was home, and there was a child unattended inside her crib.

Officers contacted Social Services for assistance. When the parents arrived, they told police they had gone to Walmart, and left the child at home because she was asleep.

During the investigation, police learned that the father of the child, 37-year-old Joey Mallory, had an active arrest warrant out of Graves County. Both parents were placed under arrest and lodged in the Graves County Jail.

Mallory is charged with contempt of court. The child's mother, 33-year-old Aminiaska Schaefer, is charged with 2nd degree wanton endangerment and operating on a suspended or revoked license.By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 01, 2018 | 06:01 AM | MURRAY, KY

Police in Murray are investigating a weekend death at a Murray State University fraternity house.

In a letter sent to students, faculty and staff on Monday, MSU President Bob Davies said a friend of an MSU student who was visiting him on Sunday passed away at an off-campus fraternity house.

Daviess said an investigation into the cause of death is being handled by the Murray Police Department and the Calloway County Coroner's Office.

Police have not released the name of the deceased or the fraternity house where the death occurred.By Conner Morgan Apr. 30, 2018 | 10:48 PM | BENTON, KY

xecutive Director of National School Safety Dr. Ron Stephens met with members of the Marshall County community Monday night to discuss school safety, following a school shooting at the high school earlier this year that left two students dead and 19 others injured.

Marshall County High School officials, local law enforcement and E

Marshall County Superintendent Trent Lovett opened the meeting with a report of what precautions the school has taken to make students safer. When school resumed after the tragedy, Lovett and Principal Patricia Greer asked students what needed to be done to make them feel safe at school again. Students reportedly wanted bag checks, and for metal detector wands to be used. Lovett and Greer agreed and put the plan into action.



Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Byars also spoke last night, saying that a second school resource officer has been added since the shooting.

School officials say they are still trying to figure out what more can be done, and are listening to every available option. They asked Dr. Stephens to come share his thoughts with them and the community.

Dr. Stephens said school officials should minimize access points to the school. Stephens also said the school needs to add mental health professionals and have someone to search for threats on social media.

Lovett says the decisions on what additional safety measures will take place will occur in the coming months and be implemented by the start of the new school year. The school will also be undergoing renovations beginning this summer. The renovation project was already planned months before the shooting occurred, and will include new safety features.



About 30 people attended Monday night's meeting.By The Associated Press May. 01, 2018 | 02:34 PM | FRANKFORT, KY

Kentucky's Democratic Attorney General says more than 1.3 million Kentuckians were impacted by a privacy breach at Facebook.

Andy Beshear said he sent a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg asking how many Kentucky residents had their personal information shared with a third party without their permission. Beshear said company officials told him it was 1,310,682. That's more than 25 percent of the state's population.

In a news release, Beshear said the number was alarming.

Beshear sent the letter to Facebook on March 26 along with attorneys general in Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. Beshear said the breach impacted 1.6 million users in neighboring Indiana and 557,000 in West Virginia.As protests continue to erupt in the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and across the world in outrage against the horrific shooting of Jacob Bla Read moreGLAAD, for May Day, put together this timeline to put all of Donald Trumps anti-immigrant attacks into perspective:

1.25.17 - President Donald Trump Instructed Homeland Security to take "steps to immediately plan, design, and construct a physical wall along the southern border."

1.25.17 - Trump signed executive orders instructing the Department of Homeland Security to hire 5,000 additional Border Patrol agents and forcing the Security of the Interior to move towards hiring an additional 10,000 immigration officers.

1.27.17 - Trump issued his first attempt on the Muslim Ban, promised during the election, by signing an executive order to suspend entry for immigrants and non-immigrants from seven countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

2.18.17 - Documents outlining the Trump administrations immigration enforcement plans leaked which included a dramatic increase in immigration and border agents as well as incentives for state and local law enforcement agencies to work with and become immigration agents.

3.8.17 - Trump issued another executive order in order to ban non-immigrant or immigrant visas from Muslim majority countries, this time affecting Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia and Yemen (Iraq was removed from the original list).

3.27.17 - The Trump administration today threatened to pull some federal funds from localities where local law enforcement do not turn in undocumented immigrants to federal immigration enforcement officers.

6.1.17 - The Trump administration approved a newly required questionnaire for U.S. visa applicants which seeks to required expanded personal information, including social media activities, travel, residential, and employment history.

7.28.17 - Trump called immigrants "animals" while speaking to law enforcement officers in Long Island, New York.

8.2.17 - Trump along with Sen. Tom Cotton (AK) and Sen. David Perdue (GA) unveiled a proposal to issues what Trump called a "merit-based" system to immigration, cutting down on the those allowed to enter the country and granting favor to those who speak English.

8.24.17 - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that they would not be closing checkpoints during hurricane Harvey in Texas, putting undocumented immigrants and mixed-status families at risk of deportations while seeking evacuation or shelter during the storm.

8.25.17 - Trump pardons former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a criminal known for inmate abuses, unjustified arrests, and racial profiling.

8.28.17 - The ACLU reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement asked the National Archives and Record Administration for permission to destroy records on abuses, sexual assault and deaths of immigrants in their detention.

9.5.17 - The Trump administration ends the DACA program, which protected an estimated 800,000 young undocumented immigrants, including 36,000 LGBTQ DREAMers, from detention and deportation. *Currently under litigation

9.18.17 - The Trump administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 1,000 people from Sudan who received TPS to live and work legally in the United States due to "ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions." *Currently under litigation

9.24.17 - Trump issued his third iteration of the Muslim Ban affecting visas from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Chad, North Korea and Venezuela.

10.1.17 - Trump called on Congress to terminate the Diversity Visa Lottery, a program that distributes around 50,000 visas.

10.8.17 - The Trump administration the end of Temporary Protected Status for over 5,300 people from Nicaragua who first came to the United States to live and work legally following the destruction caused by Hurricane Mitch, a Category 5 storm.

10.8.17 - The Trump administration revealed hard-line immigration principles that aimed to restick asylum, drastically limit family-based legal migration and build a border wall.

10.12.17 - Reporting reveals the Trump administration took steps to impose numeric performance standards on federal immigration judges.

10.12.17 - Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a request for information to identify new facilities to expand immigrant detention sites in areas surrounding Chicago, Detroit, Salt Lake City, and St. Paul, Minnesota.

10.20.17 - The Trump administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status for over 59,000 Haitians who came to the United States to live and work legally following the devastating 2010 earthquake in their country.

10.24.17 - Trump issued an executive order that placed minor children and spouses of refugees in the United States from 11 counties on hold and barred from resettlement.

10.29.17 - Trump retweeted three anti-Muslim propaganda videos from a known hate group that falsely alleged violence from Muslim immigrants.

11.15.17 - The Department of Justice issued letters to 29 jurisdictions threatening to withhold federal law enforcement grant money from localities that limit their cooperation with federal immigration enforcement agents.

12.15.17 - Trump attacked the Diversity Visa Program saying the 50,000 visas that are awarded through the program each year sends us 'their worst.'

1.3.18 - Acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Tom Homan, called for politicians in sanctuary cities to face criminal charges for their policies.

1.5.18 - The Trump administration requested $33 billion from Congress for border militarization including funding for a border wall and additional border security.

1.8.18 - The Trump administration announced they are ending Temporary Protected Status for over 200,000 people from El Salvador who came to the United States to live and work legally following devastating 2001 earthquakes in El Salvador.

1.11.18 - Trump reportedly called Haiti and counties in Africa shithole countries while speaking about opposing including protections for people from those places in an immigration deal.

1.16.18 - Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen disclosed the Trump administration's intent to prosecute state and local officials in jurisdictions that limit partnerships between state and local officials in jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement aimed at targeting undocumented immigrants.

1.18.18 - The Department of Justice filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States after a federal district court ordered the government to resume accepting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals renewal applications.

1.24.18 - The White House issued demands that any Congressional deal to protect Dreamers that include an end to family reunification and the diversity visa lottery as well as $25 billion for a border wall.

2.12.18 - The Trump administration released its 2019 budget proposal which included adding $782 million to hire and support 2,750 additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, $2.8 billion to increase immigration detention to 52,000 beds per day, and $1.6 billion for border wall construction.

3.6.18 - The Department of Justice sued the state of California over laws passed by the state legislature to restrict federal immigration enforcement officers from working as an arm of local law enforcement.

3.27.18 - The Trump administration announced it will include a question about U.S. citizenship in the 2020 census.

3.27.18 - The Trump administration announced the end of Temporary Protected Status for thousands of people from Liberia who came to the United States to live and work legally after being displaced by civil war.

3.29.18 - Immigration and Customs Enforcement revoked guidance limiting the detention of pregnant women.

3.29.18 - The State Department announced a new policy to require almost all visa applicants to submit extensive personal social media information for review in order to travel or immigrate to the United States.

4.5.18 - President Trump signed a proclamation calling for the deployment of National Guard troops to the U.S. Southern border for increased militarism and surveillance.

4.5.18 - Trump called immigrants coming to the United States from Mexico rapists during a speech on tax reform, harkening back to the anti-immigrant fearmongering that was a staple of his 2016 campaign.

4.6.18 - The Department of Justice announced a zero-tolerance policy to prosecute immigrants entering the U.S. at the Southern border and called on federal prosecutors to make prosecuting undocumented immigration offenses a priority.

4.10.18 - The Justice Department announced that it is ending its Legal Orientation Program, which provides people who are detained and facing deportation information about the law and their rights. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reversed this decision on April 25, 2018, after massive pushback.

4.26.18 - The Trump administration the end of Temporary Protected Status for over 9,000 people from Nepal who first come to the United States following the discretion caused by a 2015 earthquake.

4.30.18 - Trump was directly asked whether he felt like he should apologize for his anti-immigrant rhetoric during the 2016 campaign and he responded: Theres no reason to apologize.WiGBits Headline News Would you like to receive our WiGBits? Signup today!

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Digital Issue Would you like to receive our Digital Issue? Signup today!A red sea of Arizona's public school teachers and their supporters marched again Tuesday on the state Capitol in Phoenix, voicing their dissatisfaction over pay and educational funding.

The first teacher walkout in the state's history began last Thursday and was in its fourth day.

The Arizona Education Association tweeted that 50,000 people participated in the rally on Monday.

"Educators miss their students and want to be back in the classroom and schools, but we are walking out to keep the pressure on legislators and the Governor to pass a budget that funds the schools our students deserve," the group tweeted.

Arizona Educators United wants a 20% raise for teachers by next school year and yearly raises after that until teacher salaries reach the national average. The group also wants Arizona to restore education funding to 2008 levels, while Gov. Doug Ducey has offered to restore $371 million in cuts over five years.

Ducey on Tuesday released a letter to teachers and parents, saying the state was "very close" to passing a budget deal raising teacher pay. There was no immediate reaction from Arizona Educators United.

Ducey's plan, which he calls "20x2020" raises teacher pay by 20% over two years.

The governor tweeted "Arizona's economy is thriving. We have the revenue to give our teachers a 20% pay increase, and restore recession-era cuts to K-12. Let's get this done. #20x2020"

"We have a press release and a tweet from the Governor, but we don't have details on 20x2020," said Noah Karvelis, a teacher and #RedforEd movement and Arizona Educators United organizer and spokesman.

"They could have passed a budget that funds our schools by now. They could have worked over the weekend to get it done. But they didn't." Karvelis said in a letter sent to supporters that was cosigned by Joseph H. Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association.

On the floor of the state House, Minority Leader, Rep. Rebecca Rios called Ducey's budget a "shell game."

"The reality is, you cannot make up a billion [dollar] deficit by using the same amount of income that we have," Rios said.

"It's really important at the moment because of the info coming out of the governor's office the way it is being put forward is that a deal has been struck which makes it seem like two sides met, that's not the case," Jonathan Perrone, who was at the rally, told CNN affiliate KTVK.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten joined the rally in Phoenix on Monday.

"We have to come together to solve the funding issue -- @dougducey needs to talk to teachers and work with Republicans and Democrats to come up with real solutions," she tweeted.

"Over 50,000 citizens showing up here tells me its time for this change to happen," Lisa Wyatt, a parent, told CNN affiliate KTVK.

"To ask us just to trust is hard because when you look at history, it's hard to trust," said third-grade teacher Gwen Cordiak. "To ask us to go back to the classroom, when most people haven't even seen the bill... we've been talking to lawmakers that haven't seen bill yet... we're not going on blind faith."

Many school districts throughout the state were closed Monday due to the walkout and have announced they will remain closed Tuesday -- including the two largest school districts in the state, Mesa Public Schools and the Tucson Unified School District.

Another large school district, Sunnyside Unified School District announced it will remain closed at least through Friday.

"We don't want to be out of school another day," Karvelis and Thomas said in their letter. "We would rather be back in our classrooms, teaching our students, and finishing the year strong.The Iran nuclear deal may be doomed, at least if you believe the global oil market.

Oil prices have surged partly because of mounting expectations that President Trump will kill the 2015 agreement, which allowed Iran to export more crude. Trump must decide by May 12 whether to re-impose sanctions on the OPEC nation.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, briefly soared above $75 a barrel on Monday after Israel leveled new nuclear allegations against Iran.

Bringing back sanctions on Iran could knock out as much as 1 million barrels per day of crude supply, dealing a blow to increasingly fragile energy markets.

"There will be a significant disruption," said Michael Wittner, global head of oil research at Societe Generale.

"The market is assuming that oil sanctions will snap back onto Iran," he said.

Trump said on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech on Iran helps show he's "100% right" about the Iranian nuclear agreement, which was signed by former President Barack Obama.

"We'll see what happens," Trump said about his decision on the Iran deal. "I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know."

Related: Iran deal: Who loses if Trump brings back sanctions

The oil market certainly thinks it knows. The price of Brent crude has soared 7% this year, and the US benchmark has soared 8% to nearly $69 a barrel for the first time since late 2014. Oil prices have been lifted by concerns about the fate of the Iran deal as well as strong demand and supply cuts by OPEC and Russia.

"The Iranian nuclear deal is dead in the water and a Trump torpedo is fast approaching," Stephen Brennock, oil analyst at brokerage firm PVM Oil Associates, wrote to clients late last week.

Under the deal, Iran agreed to limits on its nuclear activities, including bans on enrichment at key facilities. In exchange, sanctions were lifted in early 2016, freeing Iran to quickly boost its oil production by about 1 million barrels per day. Iran found eager customers for its crude in Europe, Japan, India and South Korea.

It's "now looking increasingly likely" that Trump will not renew the waiver on Iranian sanctions by May 12, according to energy research firm FGE.

Up to 1 million barrels at risk

If the sanctions are restored, FGE estimates that Iran's output could be slashed by 250,000 to 500,000 barrels per day by the end of 2018. That figure would rise to 500,000 to 1 million per day through 2019.

But energy analysts are not certain that all of Iran's oil production growth is at risk. That's because France and other countries are urging Trump not to kill the nuclear deal.

While the European Union put a 100% embargo on Iranian crude oil imports when sanctions were imposed in 2012, Wittner doesn't think the EU will necessarily go along if Trump restores sanctions.

Likewise, China has a voracious appetite for oil and may not wish to do Trump any favors in the midst of its trade spat with the United States, Wittner said.

Other American allies, including India, Japan and South Korea, are expected to cut Iran off.

Will prices spike?

Even though imposing sanctions on Iran would disrupt the oil market, the price impact may not be that dramatic considering how far prices have already risen.

"I don't think you should expect an acute spike given the fact that it's already been pretty well telegraphed," said Brian Kessens, a portfolio manager at energy investment firm Tortoise Capital.

Wittner said that about half of the impact from the Iran deal collapsing has been priced in. He anticipates crude oil could jump another $5 per barrel once the news is confirmed.

Of course, that means oil prices could drop sharply if Trump decides to keep the Iranian deal intact.

Related: Why Exxon isn't enjoying America's big oil party

One thing that could give Trump pause: It's a precarious time to put Iran back into the penalty box.

First, demand for oil is very strong thanks to the healthy world economy. Global oil demand grew during the first three months of 2018 at the fastest pace in nearly eight years, according to Goldman Sachs.

Another problem: OPEC and Russia have teamed up to boost prices by slashing production.

Trump attacked OPEC last month for higher prices, even though his own threats to the Iran deal have also played a role.

Trump has also threatened to hit Venezuela with oil sanctions that would further slash the OPEC nation's crumbling output.

Who will step up?

If no one steps in to fill the void left by Iran, FGE warns that the gap between supply and demand could shrink to the tightest level since 2013, when oil prices were above $100 a barrel.

It's possible the United States could step up by boosting exports. However, US output is already at record highs and it would take time to ramp up further. And pipelines in the Permian Basin, the prolific shale oil field in West Texas, are nearing full capacity.

Analysts said that Saudi Arabia is one of the only major countries that has the flexibility to make up for the loss of Iranian crude. Yet the Saudis have not signaled a desire to disrupt a strategy that has helped lift prices, and oil revenue.

"It's an open question whether or not Saudi Arabia would react," Wittner said.ROME  The Rome Rescue Mission is in need of personal hygiene items for both men and women, the Rescue Mission announced Monday.

Items that are currently needed include: shampoo, bar soap, body wash, deodorant, conditioner, feminine products and razors.

If youd like to make a donation, you can drop items off at the Rescue Mission from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Rome Rescue Mission is located at 413 E. Dominick St.

If youd like to make a monetary donation, you can do so online here.UTICA - John Tomaino is a Korean War veteran who knows what its like to be at war. Hes been watching the news and keeping up to date on peace talks between North and South Korea. He believes the Korean people are ready for change.

"They all want peace. Like the Berlin Wall. They were over here & over here. Eventually they cracked it down. They got together. They loved it when they got together."

Albert Circelli is also a Korean War veteran. He thinks shutting down North Koreas nuclear test site is a step in the right direction and peace can be achieved, but is cautious about trusting the North Koreans to simply do away with their nuclear arms.

"What are they going to do with all them guns, all them atomic bomb things. Unless they owe so much money to China, because they had thousands of Chinese soldiers fighting in Korea, and they owe Russia money, so what are they going to do? Give them to Russia? Give them or sell them to them and keep the money when half that place is starving to death."

North Koreas Kim Jong Un is in the world spotlight and plans on meeting with leaders from China and the United States. While he may have concerns about denuclearization, he also wants his governments security guaranteed and external threats removed.

John Tomaino believes achieving peace is a noble goal, but failed attempts can lead to war.

"Sometimes its hard to say. Sometimes thats the only way. Thats the only way. A lot of people are going to die."

Dismantlement of nuclear weapons must be verified by a team of international inspectors, while a peace treaty could be materialized by the end of July.WESTMORELAND  A 23-year-old Rome man faces felony charges after a crash left one man dead last year.

State Police say Everett L. Taylor is charged with felony leaving the scene of a fatal accident, felony leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, reckless driving and moving from lane unsafely.

Troopers say on May 27, 2017 Taylor was driving east on the Thruway in Westmoreland when he moved from the passing lane to the driving lane and struck the front tire of a motorcycle operated by 47-year-old Joseph Perrotti of Utica. Troopers say Perrotti and his passenger were seriously injured when they were ejected from the motorcycle. Perrotti died from his injuries on June 2. Taylor was not injured in the accident.

After the crash, Troopers say Taylor continued driving and got off of the Thruway at exit 32. A sheriffs deputy noticed a blue Hyundai which matched the description of the vehicle involved in the alleged hit and run, including passenger side damage. Taylor was then arrested without incident.

Taylor was arraigned in Oneida County Court Tuesday morning and taken to the Oneida County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.UTICA - Cherie Grant has taught kids in the Utica City School District for 30 years. Now, as president of the Utica Teachers Association, the union that represents all 800 teachers in the Utica City School District, she is elated to hear that there is new legislation proposed at the state level to no longer tie teacher evaluations to the scores kids get on standardized testing.

Grant says this reversal has been a long time coming. "Relief. Relief for the profession that I hold so dear."

Grant says if the legislation is passed, it would not only be a win for teachers, it would be a win for students as well. "Kids want to do well, and they want to please, and so they don't want teachers to be in trouble. And that's an extra stress that no child needs to have."



She believes teachers have been so focused on teaching to the tests because the scores matter so much in their evaluations, that they have lost their creativity, "As a professional, the state holds me to the highest degree of certification and expertise, and I really learn how to improve my craft better when I have a lot more control and a lot more input as to how I can make that happen."

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica, who was opposed to using standardized testing to evaluate teachers from the beginning and voted against it years ago, introduced the legislation in the assembly late last week.

Brindisi says he believes there is a lot of support in the Assembly for the legislation. "It was something that the governor championed a few years ago. I did not vote for it because I was concerned about using the test as the sole indicator as to how a teacher is performing or how a student is performing, so I'm glad that we're starting to see everyone starting to get on the same page and repeal this awful law that should've never been put in place in the first place, and get back to a system where a local school district can decide how they want to evaluate their teachers."

Senators Joe Griffo and James Seward announced Monday afternoon that they are co-sponsoring similar legislation in the State Senate.

Griffo said on Monday, "Standardized test scores don't accurately reflect the effectiveness of teachers and administrators in classrooms and school districts throughout the state. These teachers, principals and school districts are the ones who know their students best, so they should have the ability to negotiate whether they would like to use standardized tests in teacher or principal evaluations. This legislation ensures that a more fair and effective method of evaluating teachers and principals will be established."

Seward says he has been opposed to tying standardized test results to teacher assessments from the time the governor first introduced the policy as part of the 2015-16 state budget, "It is important to evaluate teacher performance to ensure we have the best and brightest standing at the front of the classroom educating our kids, however, high-stake standardized tests are the wrong measuring stick."

Student scores for grade 3-8 math and English standardized tests were added to the teacher evaluation formula as part of Governor Cuomo's 2015-16 state budget.

High Achievement New York is an organization out of Albany that represents a coalition of groups across the state that have stood behind the state's education standards.

HANY Deputy Director Brian Fritsch released a statement to NewsChannel 2 Monday afternoon saying that although he doesn't want to comment on the particular legislation that has been introduced he did say the following, "Teacher evaluations must have an objective and statewide measurement as a piece of the puzzle, and the 3-8 assessments are currently the only exam that meets those criteria. Without it, it would be very difficult to compare the evaluations across district lines, which is critical in a state as diverse and varied as New York."

New York State United Teachers, or NYSUT, is a 600,000 member New York State teachers union is an umbrella group which provides services to local affiliates.

NYSUT Central NY Regional Staff Director Christopher Colabello also released a statement to NewsChannel 2 on Monday. Colabello said, "I am glad NYS Assembly leaders introduced Assembly bill A.10475, which would help to fix the broken student testing and teacher evaluation system. Everything about this current system has angered and frustrated educators, parents, and students in the Utica region for years. The new legislation will allow school districts and their unions to design their own fair and effective evaluation systems that better meet the unique needs of their own communities. Local control is the best way to restore the trust of parents and teachers and will help to restore respect for the teaching profession."

Cheri Grant here in Utica says she hopes the new legislation passes and passes soon. "Teachers and students have really been a victim of this legislation which was totally unnecessary to begin with and should've never been passed."BUNKER HILL, Ind. (WLFI) - Indiana State Police have arrested the Bunker Hill Town Marshal, Randal Aaron Dague.

Dague was arrested in his home Monday and was taken to the Miami County Jail. He faces four felony counts, which include official misconduct, obstruction of justice, forgery and the impersonation of a public servant. He also faces a misdemeanor count for unlawful use of a police radio.

ISP started investigating Dague in November of 2017. Police discovered that Dague had allegedly provided false police credentials for a friend. Dague also allegedly provided the friend with a Bunker Hill police badge, without being a sworn Bunker Hill deputy marshal.

The friend then provided the false credentials when he was hired as a security guard for an Indianapolis security firm.

Dague is no longer employed by the town of Bunker Hill.

As News 18 previously reported, this isn't the first time Bunker Hill has had problems with the town marshal. In fact, Dague was hired in February of 2017 after the entire police force and town marshal resigned.

It came after the town marshal before Dague, Michael Thomison, felt the town board was acting unethically. Thomison said board members mismanaged the department and asked police to provide classified information about people for their own benefit. The board then hired on Dague as a part-time marshal.

News 18 will continue to follow this story once more updates are available.CHICAGO (AP)  Jon Lester pitched effectively into the sixth inning, continuing an impressive stretch for Chicagos rotation and helping the Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Monday night for their season-high fifth straight victory.

Lester allowed two runs and five hits, struck out five and walked three. Luke Farrell (1-0) worked 1 1/3 innings of perfect relief for his first career win, and Steve Cishek got two outs for his first save.

The Rockies put runners on first and second with two outs in the ninth before Cishek struck out Nolan Arenado.

Lester extended the streak for Chicagos starting pitchers to 33 2/3 innings without giving up an earned run. The Cubs have permitted just four runs and 21 hits during their last five games.

Colorado wasted a solid start by Kyle Freeland (1-4) in its third straight loss. The left-hander pitched seven innings of three-run ball, allowing six hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

The Rockies jumped in front with two in the fifth, taking advantage of an error by Cubs second baseman Javier Baez. With one out and a runner on first, Baez dropped catcher Willson Contreras throw to first on Freelands sacrifice.

After Ian Desmond flied out, Charlie Blackmon blooped an RBI single into center and Arenado hit a tiebreaking double. But the Rockies missed out on a chance for more when Chris Iannetta struck out looking with the bases loaded.

The Cubs responded with Albert Almora Jr.s RBI single in the bottom half, then went ahead to stay in the sixth.

Kris Bryant led off with a triple high off the wall in left for his first hit since he was beaned by Colorado on April 22. Bryant then scampered home when Anthony Rizzo followed with a grounder to second.

Lester was pulled with two outs and runners on first and second, but Farrell got Desmond to bounce into a fielders choice. Farrell also worked the seventh in the 13th major league game for the son of former Red Sox manager John Farrell.

Addison Russell had an RBI single in the second for Chicago, which has won nine of 11 overall. The Cubs moved a season-high six games over .500 and picked up their 16th win before May 1 for only the fourth time in franchise history.

TRAINERS ROOM

Rockies: INF DJ LeMahieu was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain and OF Carlos Gonzalez was activated from the DL. LeMahieu got hurt when he doubled in the third inning of Friday nights 1-0 victory at Miami. It is getting better, its just not good enough to be a productive player, LeMahieu said. Gonzalez pinch-hit in the ninth.

UP NEXT

Rockies right-hander Jon Gray and Cubs righty Kyle Hendricks square off Tuesday night. Gray (2-4, 5.79 ERA) stopped a personal three-game slide when he struck out 11 while pitching six scoreless innings in a 5-2 victory against San Diego on Wednesday. Hendricks (2-1, 3.10) is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his last two starts, including a win at Colorado on April 20.



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Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home pageA police officer found himself on the wrong side of the law when he was caught driving 2 undocumented citizens.

Mambasse Koulabalo Patara of California was stopped by the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in Pine Valley, at 12:15 a.m., after federal agents said that he appeared to be nervous and he did not make eye contact.

Patara was pulled over for a secondary search at the checkpoint, which is located about 12 miles north of the Mexico border.

At that point, Patara identified himself as an off-duty Los Angeles police officer and he showed his LAPD badge.

He had his department-issued pistol on his waistband, according to officials.

Patara told border agents that the 2 men in his car are American citizens.

The men, who were identified as Herman Lopez and his nephew German Ramirez Gonzalez, told agents that they live in the U.S and claimed to be citizens.

However, they did not have IDs and eventually admitted they were in the country illegally.

The men said that they knew Patara for many years while living in the United States and they had done work at the officers home.

The three men had been at a casino in Alpine, San Diego, before driving to another one in Campo. On their way back, they crossed the border checkpoint.

Patara is facing 5 years in prison if he is found guilty of transport of illegal aliens.

He was placed on administrative leave from his job, pending the outcome of the criminal case. Patara is an 11-year veteran of the LAPDToday marks one year since the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's lost deputy Mark Burbridge when an escaping inmate shot and killed him. There are no major events happening to recognize this, but a few smaller gestures are planned to remember the deputy.

To honor this tragedy, the county board of supervisors has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on Tuesday.

Additionally, at 10:57 a.m., the command center for the sherrif's department will broadcast a moment of silence over their radios. Various county buildings will be tuned into this broadcast to acknowledge the moment as well.

Civilian employees at the Pottawattamie County Sherrif's office are authorized to wear t-shirts in memory of Deputy Burbridge and other deputies are authorized to wear black badges.

The upcoming week, beginning May 6th is National Corrections Officers Week. On May 11th representatives from the sheriff's office will travel to Des Moines to add Mark Burbridge's name to the state law enforcement memorial.In its annual report, The Dirty Dozen 2018: Employers Who Put Workers and Communities at Risk, the National Council for Occupational Health and Safety (COSH) ranked Amazon and Tesla as among the most dangerous work environments in the United States, exposing the grim reality that workers face in the modern tech industries.

The report opens with an overview of statistics on workplace injuries and fatalities in the US, noting, According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5,190 people died from workplace trauma in 2016, a seven percent increase from 2015 and a 12 percent increase over a five-year period dating back to 2012. [These deaths] include sudden, tragic eventssuch as falling from a height, being struck by a vehicle or being crushed by a machine.

The report continues, In addition to more than 5,000 deaths from acute workplace trauma, an estimated 95,000 workers die annually in the U.S. from cancers, respiratory and circulatory diseases and other illnesses associated with long-term exposure in the workplace.

All these deaths were preventable. [] Thousands of workers would still be alive and with their families today if their employers had followed well-established safety protocols to reduce the risk of injury, illness and death.

The Dirty Dozen report highlights the fact that since 2013 alone, seven workers have been killed at Amazon warehouses in the US, including three workers in a five-week span during the high-volume holiday peak season last fall.

Amazon, the worlds largest e-commerce company, has vastly expanded its global operations in recent years through the construction of a network of warehouses across the US and internationally, where workers endure sweatshop conditions and earn poverty-level wages.

The report describes each of the deaths of the seven Amazon warehouse workers since 2013:

1. Devan Michael Shoemaker, 28, was killed on September 19, 2017, when he was run over by a truck at an Amazon warehouse in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

2. Phillip Terry, 59, was killed on September 23, 2017, when his head was crushed by a forklift at an Amazon warehouse in Plainfield, Indiana.

3. On October 23, 2017, Karla Kay Arnold, 50, died from multiple injuries after she was hit by a car in the parking lot of an Amazon warehouse in Monee, Illinois

4. Jeff Lockhart, 29, a temporary employee, was found collapsed and dead from a cardiac event near the end of an overnight shift at an Amazon warehouse in Chester, VA on January 19, 2013. As a picker, Lockhart routinely walked upwards of 12 miles per shift.

5. Roland Smith, 57, a temporary employee, was killed after being dragged and crushed by a conveyor belt at an Amazon warehouse in Avenel, New Jersey on December 4, 2013.

6. Jody Rhoads, 52, was crushed and pinned to death by a pallet loader at an Amazon warehouse in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on June 1, 2014. (This is the same facility where Shoemaker was killed last September).

7. An unidentified worker was crushed to death by a forklift at an Amazon warehouse in Fernley, NV on November 4, 2014.

The report omits the death of an unidentified Amazon worker at the new Sacramento, California warehouse last December, who was hospitalized after vomiting blood at the facility, and died the following day. Countless more Amazon workers have been injured on the job, including with chronic and debilitating injuries that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. In the summer months, workers regularly collapse from heat stress in facilities across the world.

Comparable conditions exist at electric car manufacturer Tesla, which also imposes brutal speedup and unsafe conditions at its primary auto plant in Fremont, California, which employs roughly 10,000 workers. While there havent been any reported workplace fatalities at Tesla, severe injuries are an almost daily occurrence.

The Dirty Dozen report cites data from Worksafe, a COSH affiliate based in Oakland, noting, Recordable injuries for workers at Tesla Motors were 31 percent higher than for the rest of the automotive industry in 2015 and 2016. [] The rate of serious injuries among Tesla workers, requiring days away from work, restricted duty or job transfer, was also much higher at Tesla than at other auto factories: more than double the industry average in 2015 and 83 percent higher in 2016.

The grueling and perilous work environments at Amazon and Tesla express the reactionary character of capitalism, which sacrifices workers bodies to the profit interests of the ruling class. The vast wealth accumulated by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos (now the richest person in the world, with over $131 billion) and Tesla CEO Elon Musk (the worlds 48th richest person, with over $19.5 billion) is derived from the brutal exploitation of their respective workforces.

Last week, Amazon released its first quarter earnings report, which included $1.63 billion in profit, more than doubling the previous years figure and far greater than analysts had predicted. The boon to profits caused Amazons stock price to surge 7 percent, which propelled Jeff Bezos net worth by over $9 billion in less than two days.

The Dirty Dozen report pointedly notes, [Bezos] vast wealth depends, in large part, on a business model that features a relentless work pace and constant monitoring of employees. These workplace characteristics, coupled with the lack of an intentional health and safety system program, are a recipe for disaster. Even as Amazon workers are injured and die on the job, the company is playing locality against locality to see which taxpayers will pay the most for the privilege of hosting H2Q, Amazon's proposed second headquarters. Newark, New Jersey, one of twenty finalists, is offering the online retailing giant $7 billion in taxpayer subsidies.

Amazon has already accrued over $1.2 billion in tax incentives and subsidies from localities across the US, based on the specious claim that their warehouses boost the local economy and create jobs. In reality, any jobs created by Amazon are low-wage, often part-time or temporary, and with minimal benefits. Earlier this month, the Intercept revealed that Amazon ranks among the top 20 employers of SNAP (food stamp) recipients, in four of five states surveyed, with one-third of their employees in Arizona receiving SNAP benefits.

The social rights of the working class in the US, including the right to safe and reliable employment, high quality health care, livable wages, and an early retirement, can only be secured through a political struggle against both the Democratic and Republican parties, which both represent the interests of the capitalist class and have overseen the evisceration of workplace safety regulations and the unending transfer of wealth to the rich.

These preventable deaths and injuries confirm what Karl Marxs life-long collaborator Friedrich Engelss wrote in his 1845 work The Condition of the Working Class in England:

When one individual inflicts bodily injury upon another, such that death results, we call the deed manslaughter; when the assailant knew in advance that the injury would be fatal, we call his deed murder. But when society places hundreds of proletarians in such a position that they inevitably meet a too early and an unnatural death, one which is quite as much a death by violence as that by the sword or bullet; when it deprives thousands of the necessaries of life, places them under conditions in which they cannot liveforces them, through the strong arm of the law, to remain in such conditions until that death ensues which is the inevitable consequenceknows that these thousands of victims must perish, and yet permits these conditions to remain, its deed is murder just as surely as the deed of the single individual.

To fight for their rights, Amazon and Tesla workers must organize independently of both political parties and the trade unions, which have imposed similar death-trap conditions at unionized factories and warehouses across the country and across the world. This requires the building of rank-and-file committeescontrolled and run democratically by the workers themselveswhich will link workers across the world in a common fight against the corporations and the governments.

If you have a story to tell about unsafe conditions at your warehouse or factory, contact the International Amazon Workers Voice (IAWV) today.The German right-wing extremist Professor Jorg Baberowski is targeting his critics with increasing aggressiveness. On his Facebook page, Baberowski has insulted and threatened other professors at Humboldt University because they criticised a xenophobic statement he made.

Baberowski is one of the new rights leading spokesmen in Germany. After gaining a national reputation in 2015 with an attack on refugees published in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Baberowski founded a discussion circle with the goal of making right-wing extremist positions socially acceptable, as an article in Die Zeit reported on March 22 of this year. Earlier this year, the Statement 2018 emerged from this fascistic network. Right-wing academics criticised illegal mass immigration and declared their solidarity with the xenophobic far-right.

This repugnant declaration was answered by several counter-statements signed by thousands of academics. An open letter to Wilhelm Hopf, founder and head of LIT publishers, which specialises in scholarly publications, gained particular attention. Hopf was one of the signatories of Statement 2018. As a result of the open letter, more than 200 professors and academics from Germany and Austria threatened to end their collaboration with the right-wing publisher.

In the open letter, the academics noted with astonishment that Hopf, who heads an internationally active company with offices in Berlin, Vienna, Hamburg, London, Zurich and New York, signed the Statement 2018. The open letter pointed out that the anti-immigrant statement came in the context of a political conjuncture in which a discourse directed against refugees is a cornerstone of the institutionalisation of the far-right in Germany.

Our scholarly efforts are ultimately directed towards the pedagogic and democratic goal of combating prejudice and exclusion, the signatories continued. We therefore not only distance ourselves from the inhumane goals of Statement 2018, but in addition do not want to be associated with a publisher expressing himself in such a way. We can therefore no longer collaborate with LIT publishers in the future and we call for a decisive rejection of xenophobia and nationalism.

Hopf subsequently withdrew his signature and said that as LIT publisher, he had made a mistake in signing the Statement 2018.

Included among the signatories of the open letter were four professors and three academic staff at Humboldt University, including literary scholar Eva Boesenberg, cultural scholar Susanne Gehrmann, ethnologist Wolfgang Kaschuba and sport sociologist Tina Nobis.

Baberowski subsequently launched a disgraceful slander campaign against these professors. In two texts published on his Facebook page and elsewhere, Baberowski insulted the academics as denunciators who are smug professors who have never uttered a critical word in their lives. He compared their statement to the Nazis call to boycott Jewish businesses. The statement was a propaganda campaign reminding him of the darkest times, he continued. Don't buy from the outcasts! Baberowski added.

The demagogy here is boundless. Colleagues opposing the attack on refugees and the rise of the far-right are compared to the fascist terror. And this from a professor who is notorious for downplaying the Nazis crimes and relativising the Holocaust.

Baberowski previously declared publicly that Hitler was not vicious because he did not want to talk about the extermination of the Jews at his table,a claim that can be proven to be false. He has defended the Nazi apologist Ernst Nolte and claimed in his writings that the Red Army imposed the war in the east on the Germans.

Baberowski was not content with denouncing his colleagues. He also explicitly threatened them. At the end of his tirade against the signatories of the open letter, he declared, The humiliated and excluded will remember who pilloried them. Coming from the founder of a far-right discussion circle, this must be taken as a serious warning.

This is not the first time that Baberowski has insulted and threatened his critics. In March, he accused the Tagesspiegel of discrediting people with different opinions in a manner reminiscent of dictatorships, because the Berlin daily criticized the Statement 2018.

In February of last year, he insulted and threatened students at his own institute because they distributed a leaflet critical of him. Baberowski described Sven Wurm, an International Youth and Students for Social Equality deputy in the student parliament at Berlins Humboldt University, as a red-coated fascist and despicable denunciator, and photographed him against his will. In his lectures, Baberowski urged students to take action against his critics. You can also say no. Everybody can do something... he said, before reading out the location and time of the next IYSSE meeting.

The right-wing extremist professor is able to act so aggressively at the university, threatening and insulting colleagues, because the administration is covering for him.

When the Cologne Court of Appeals rejected Baberowskis legal suit last year against the student association in Bremen, seeking to bar the student association from referring to him as a right-wing extremist, the university administration came to his defence. It published a statement describing Baberowski as a renowned scholar, and labelled attacks in the media against him as unacceptable. While the right-wing professor disgracefully defamed colleagues and students, the university sought to deny students the right to reply in the media.

At the time, the editorial board of the World Socialist Web Site rejected this attack on freedom of opinion and explained the reason for the close partnership between the university administration and Baberowski:

The official collaboration between the Humboldt University administration and Baberowski to suppress critics of right-wing extremist positions can be understood only in the context of the sharp shift to the right within ruling circles. In their domestic policy, sections of the Social Democratic Party and Left Party have adapted to the anti-refugee propaganda and are even participating in it. Baberowski is viewed as an ally in this reactionary orientation. To reestablish Germany as an influential and active military power, the ruling class must break the German populations strong opposition to war, which is based on the bloody and tragic experiences of the 20th century. It is therefore necessary to rewrite history and whitewash the crimes of German imperialism. Baberowski plays an important role in this filthy and underhanded initiative.

This analysis has since been fully confirmed. The establishment parties right-wing policies paved the way for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to enter parliament, and this is now being used to carry out a further shift to the right by the entire political establishment. The new grand coalition is the most right-wing German government since the downfall of Nazi rule. It is launching a massive rearmament program, accelerating the destruction of social services and adopting the AfDs refugee policies.

But these policies are widely hated within the population. The vast majority of the people are not prepared to accept the return of the fascistic filth from the past. Numerous student parliaments, student unions, department committees and other student bodies have supported the IYSSE and sharply criticised Baberowski. Hundreds came to meetings on the topic. The widespread criticism of the Statement 2018 is bound up with this opposition.

This is why Baberowski is responding with increasing aggressiveness to his critics. He realises that, in the final analysis, he can impose his right-wing agenda only by resorting to violence. The way in which Baberowski, supported by the university, assails academic colleagues who criticise him must therefore be taken as a serious warning. It underscores the significance of the IYSSEs struggle on university campuses against historical falsification and right-wing ideology.Statistics on income inequality, and indicators of social distress, belie the claims of the Bangladeshi government that economic growth and development are benefiting workers and the poor.

A World Bank report published on April 7 echoed the government rhetoric, stating that Bangladesh is regarded globally as an example remarkable progress in poverty reduction and human development.

The report said that in 2014, Bangladesh reached the status of a low middle-income country. If the right policies and timely action were implemented, the country would be elevated to the middle income bracket by 2021.

The Household Income and Expenditure Survey for 2016, published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) last October, however, demonstrated that the spoils of economic growth have gone to the capitalist elite. Every aspect of the report, detailing income, expenditure, along with access to education and health, showed a widening gap between the rich and the poor.

BBS is a government body that provides limited statistics. Its latest report covers the period from April 2016 to the end of March 2017. Since its previous survey, in 2010, social polarisation has widened.

The report claimed that the proportion of people in poverty fell from 31.5 percent in 2010 to 24.3 percent in 2016. The percentage of the population living in extreme poverty allegedly declined from 17.6 percent to 12.9 percent.

The figures showed, however, that poverty reduction declined to an annual rate of 1.2 percent, down from 1.7 percent in 2010.

Moreover, the income share of the poorest 5 percent of the population was 0.23 percent, a sharp fall from the 2010 figure of 0.78 percent. In contrast, the richest 5 percents income share rose to 27.89 percent, up from 24.61 percent in 2010.

The top 10 percents income share rose from 35.84 to 38.16 percent, whereas the bottom 10 percent saw their share halve from 2 to 1.01 percent. Every decile in the bottom 90 percent of the population experienced either a decrease or stagnation in its income share.

The Daily Star pointed to the social reality behind the numbers. It stated: Lack of access to education for poor household children, unequal employment opportunities, severe exploitation, low-wage level jobs, high rate of youth unemployment and poor healthcare make vulnerable layers in the society suffer from extreme poverty. Lack of proper education is directly correlated with poverty and unemployment.

The average national monthly income was 15,945 taka ($US192), barely above the average monthly expenditure of 15,715 taka. For poor and working-class families, more than 98 percent of income was spent on the minimum daily necessities of life.

The situation was particularly dire in rural areas. Average monthly income was 13,353 taka, while average monthly expenditure was 14,156 taka. In other words, for most of the rural masses, expenditure exceeded income. This has created a mounting debt crisis and condemned hundreds of thousands to abject poverty.

Despite the governments claims of improving education, the national literacy rate was just 65.6 percent, one of the lowest in South Asia. Rural literacy was only 63.3 percent. Many rural youth are deprived of an education, and are forced into back-breaking manual labour while still in childhood.

The indices contained in the report also underscore a crisis of the healthcare system. Only 15.44 percent of the total population who required some form of medical attention over the survey period were treated by a qualified doctor. Another 22.51 percent received care from individuals without official qualifications.

A myriad of health problems have emerged as a result of poverty and lack of access to adequate healthcare. According to the report, 20.54 percent of the population suffered from gastric ulcers. Some 13.15 percent and 10.62 percent were afflicted with rheumatism and respiratory diseases respectively.

Social safety net programs (SSNP) are also grossly inadequate. Only 34.5 percent of rural and 10.6 percent of urban households received SSNP assistance. Just 11 million households received government assistance in a poverty-stricken country with a population of 166 million.

An article in the Daily Star on April 7 noted government claims to have reduced the rate of unemployment to 4.1 percent. Some 40 percent of workers, however, are underemployed, with many struggling to make ends meet after a few hours of work. The newspaper also reported that a third of youth are unemployed. Most alarming is graduate unemployment which now stands at 47 percent, the highest in the South Asian region, it added.

The conditions of the working class have deteriorated.

The Fair Labour Association (FLA) published a report last month based on a survey across 18 factories. It found that not a single garment worker among the more than 6,000 whose wages were studied was earning income even close to a living wage, measured against any living wage benchmark.

It stated that the average worker would need an 80 percent pay raise to begin earning wages equal to even the most conservative living wage benchmark under consideration in this report.

The FLA added that when it began the study in 2015, its researchers found that garment workers in Bangladesh were achieving the lowest purchasing power of all the 21 countries studied at that time, and that the minimum wage in Bangladesh fell below the World Bank Poverty Line. That poverty line is $1.90 a day.

As the figures demonstrate, the claims of the Bangladeshi government, and the World Bank, have nothing to do with the reality confronting millions of ordinary people.

Economic growth in Bangladesh has been based on the super-exploitation of workers in the garment sector, and other industries, by multinational companies and the local ruling elite. This has enabled the ten richest individuals in Bangladesh to accumulate a combined wealth of US$ 6.8 billion, amid mass destitution and suffering.Bupa, a UK-based international healthcare company that operates the largest private health insurance business in Australia, last month moved to limit one of its key insurance policy products to patients treated in a Bupa-contracted hospital or clinic.

Because Bupas insurance arm has four million customers in Australia, the change would accelerate the privatisation of health care in the country, where 45 percent of the population pays for private insurance to avoid long delays in the chronically-underfunded public hospital system.

From August 1, Bupa planned to restrict its gap coverinsurance against out-of-pocket fees that exceed Medicare benefits or insurance paymentsto customers who undergo medical procedures in facilities under contract to the company.

This would be a major step toward managed care, in which insurance companies effectively dominate all aspects of medical care, and ration access by determining which kinds of treatment patients can obtain.

Out-of-pocket expenses are a huge problem in Australia, despite supposed near-universal healthcare coverage under the governments Medicare public insurance scheme. OECD figures for 2015 showed that patients paid 20 percent of all health care expenditure out of their own pockets, compared with 10 percent in Britain, 13 percent in New Zealand and 14 percent in Canada.

Bupa also advised 720,000 minimum benefits policy holders that certain widely-needed services would be excluded altogether from their coverage from July, including hip and knee replacements, pregnancy, IVF, cataract procedures, kidney dialysis, obesity surgery and some plastic surgery.

The affected procedures had previously been listed as restricted cover, meaning there were large out-of-pocket fees to access them. The rise of such restrictions and exclusions is creating junk insurance policies, where patients risk having no cover at all if they need it.

Private health insurance companies operating in Australia are the beneficiaries of an annual federal government rebatecurrently $6.4 billionto lower insurance premiums. This outlay has grown rapidly each year while federal funding for public hospitals has been reduced from 48 percent to about 40 percent of their budgets.

Despite the rebate, insurance premiums have continued to increase each year at a rate higher than cost of living increases, rising 38 percent in the five years to 2016. The 3.95 percent average increase this April 1 followed a 4.84 percent average increase in 2017.

Bupas change to its Medical Gap Scheme caused an immediate outcry within the medical profession. Bupa denied that it was introducing managed care, but tactically retreated, if only temporarily. It said doctors and their patients opting to use the public hospital system would continue to qualify for the gap cover if the procedures were for pre-booked elective surgery.

Currently, doctors participating in the Medical Gap Scheme and their insured patients have choice of hospital. Under the new arrangements, this would be eliminated for private hospitals or day surgeries without a Bupa contract, and for all public hospitals, where many specialists have the right to private practice.

Australian Medical Association president Michael Gannon said: That is US-style care and it will be resisted by our profession at every level. We cant have a situation where an insurer decides what care patients can and cant get. Bupa already owns dental facilities, and to have complete control theyd own hospitals and employ doctors.

In reality, the privatisation inroads of the corporate health insurers are already extensive, especially in dental care, where the companies use financial inducements to control the system. Many dentists have signed contracts with a private insurer, only to find themselves competing against a superclinic run by the insurer itself.

There is little public coverage of dental treatment, except for children of families on Family Tax Benefits or Double Orphan payments, former and current military personnel and young people with cleft palates.

Bearing the full cost of treatment for uninsured patients, or large out of pocket costs for those privately insured, means that many patients are forced to delay or forgo dental treatment, with potentially serious and even life-threatening health consequences.

In South Australia, where its market share is at least 50 percent, Bupa introduced a three-tier system of paying differential rates to privately-insured dental patients. Those who visit an independent dentist receive a lower rebate than those who use a contracted provider, while the Bupa super clinic provides some treatment for nothing to gain a greater stranglehold over the market.

From March this year, former Labor Party health minister Nicola Roxon has been chairman of Bupa Australia and New Zealand, which is responsible for 49 percent of the profits of the giant British corporation, which has operations in 190 countries. Before that, she was a non-executive director of the company.

While health minister from 2007 to 2011 in the Rudd and Gillard Labor governments, Roxon rejected calls for the abolition of the private health insurance rebate. Her latest appointment further exposes the fraud of the Labor Partys pretences of opposing continually rising private insurance premiums.

The subsidy of private insurers grew rapidly under the Rudd and Gillard governments. Now the Turnbull Liberal-National Coalition government is taking it to a new level. It is introducing Gold, Silver, Bronze and Basic Bronze categories of private insurance from April 2019. Only the Gold category would have no restrictions on healthcare coverage. The other categories would have exclusions, and deductibles or co-payments, or both.

In the United States, deductibles for lower-priced bronze plans now average more than $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for families. Deductibles for silver plans, which make up 70 percent of the market, average more than $3,000 for individuals. That is, working class people must pay thousands of dollars before they begin to receive any insurance payments.

Advances in medical technology are making possible an enormous improvement in the health of the worlds population, but governments and corporations everywhere are increasingly rationing healthcare. The solution to this crisis lies in putting an end to the private ownership of health care services and establishing socialised medicine, based on providing free, first class services to meet the needs of all.On May Day, the day of international working-class solidarity, the International Committee of the Fourth International and the World Socialist Web Site extend our greetings to workers engaged in struggles all over the world.

Representing the world Trotskyist movement, we also send our fraternal greetings to all the victims of ruling-class injustice, and especially to the cruelly victimized workers of Maruti Suzuki in India, to the dispossessed refugees of the Middle East who are subject to brutal persecution by hostile imperialist and capitalist governments that deny their basic rights as human beings, to the victims in Gaza of the homicidal violence of the Israeli regime, and to immigrants within the United States, who are being hunted down in Gestapo-like raids and deported from the country. The International Committee also salutes Julian Assange, who continues his valiant struggle to expose imperialist criminality, and pledges to redouble its efforts to secure his freedom.

The International Committee and the World Socialist Web Site also declare on May Day 2018 that we shall spare no effort to rally the international working class and youth all over the world in the fight against the escalating attacks on democratic rights, the growing threat of right-wing and state-sponsored authoritarianism, and the mounting danger of catastrophic wars.

This years May Day is invested with exceptional historical significance. It is being celebrated as we approach the 200th anniversary of the birth of the greatest materialist philosopher and revolutionary thinker of the modern world, Karl Marx, on May 5, 1818. The tocsin sounded by Marx and his decades-long comrade and friend, Friedrich Engels, in The Communist ManifestoWorkers of the world, Unite!powerfully resonates today as the class struggle is once again bursting into the open.

In the United States, the center of world capitalism, the working classafter decades of betrayals by the corporatist trade unionsis beginning to flex its muscles. Tens of thousands of teachers throughout the country are fighting against declining wages, rising health care costs and the consequences of decades of budget cuts and austerity overseen by the Democrats and Republicans. In Europe, workers in France are opposing the austerity measures and dictatorial decrees of President Emmanuel Macron, while lecturers in the UK and hundreds of thousands of industrial workers in Germany launched major strikes earlier this year. In January, workers in Greece shut down shipping and public transport in opposition to austerity measures rammed through by the capitalist Syriza government, led by the reactionary political imposter, Alexis Tsipras.

The first four months of 2018 have seen strikes and demonstrations throughout the worldincluding the mass demonstrations against austerity in Iran in January; strikes by teachers and lecturers in Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe; a nationwide strike by teachers in Tunisia; strikes by teachers in Mexico, Brazil and Puerto Rico; a three-week strike by technology workers in China; a strike by autoworkers in Windsor, Canada and many more.

These developments represent only the initial stage of an international process of expanding and explosive class struggle. They refute the reactionary nostrums of the petty-bourgeois pseudo-left, which wrote off the working class as a revolutionary social force and claimed that the struggles in modern society would be centered on race, gender and sexual orientation.

Those who rejected the revolutionary role of the working class did so to justify their alliance with and allegiance to the reactionary bureaucracies of the trade unions. No position of the International Committee of the Fourth International has been more bitterly attacked by the pseudo-left than its exposure of the right-wing role and anti-working-class character of the trade unions. Yet the conflict between workers and the unions is a defining feature of the growth of the class struggle in 2018.

The role of these bureaucratic apparatuses in every country, the Workers League, predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party, wrote in 1993, has been transformed from pressuring the employers and the state for concessions to the workers, to pressuring the workers for concessions to the employers so as to attract capital. The development of the class struggle, it insisted, would bring workers into ever more direct conflict with these organizations.

This analysis has been confirmed in the experiences of millions. For more than a quarter-century, the trade unions have worked to suppress all opposition to a redistribution of wealth to the rich without historical precedent. This vast transfer of wealth has reached the point where the richest one percent of the worlds population controls more than half of the worlds wealth. It is expected to control two-thirds by 2030.

As opposition to inequality and austerity grows, the unions are redoubling their efforts to isolate and shut down any open resistance to the dictates of the corporate elite. In the US, only 25,000 workers were involved in major work stoppages last year, the second lowest number since 1947, even though every poll shows immense social anger and opposition to capitalism. In the UK, the number of working days lost to strikes stood at 322,000 in 2016 and 170,000 in 2015, compared to 27 million in 1984, the year of the miners strike.

The efforts of workersand, in particular, teachers in the USto organize strikes outside of and in opposition to the unions have struck terror in the hearts of the ruling elite. It is responding to workers use of social media platforms to communicate and coordinate opposition by intensifying the campaign for Internet censorship that began with Googles manipulation of its search algorithms last year. A central target has been the World Socialist Web Site, which fights indefatigably for the independent organization and mobilization of the working class.

The efforts of the capitalist parties, the trade unions and their upper-middle-class appendages to prevent the class struggle will fail, and indeed are already failing. The orientation of the masses, Leon Trotsky wrote in the founding document of the Fourth International, is determined first and foremost by the conditions of decaying capitalism, and second, by the treacherous politics of the old workers organizations. Of these factors, the first, of course, is the decisive one: the laws of history are stronger than the bureaucratic apparatus.

The laws of history and the contradictions of capitalism have created a social forcethe international working classthat, as it enters into struggle, is upending all the calculations of the capitalist ruling elites.

The globalization of capitalist production, which undercut the national reformist perspective of the old labor organizations and social democratic parties, has at the same time immensely strengthened the international working class, with the addition of hundreds of millions of workers in China, India and other oppressed countries. The changes in the forms of communication associated with the Internet allow workers all over the world to share information and organize instantaneously. The extreme growth of social inequality has created an immense reservoir of social anger while undermining the credibility and authority of all the institutions of the ruling class.

The consequences are revolutionary. The class struggles in their initial form are centered on wages, the attack on health care, the working conditions of different sections of workers. However, the right to a living wage, health care, public education, and a secure retirement are class, not sectional, issues. That is, they pose at every point the need to unify all workers, in all countries, in a common movement. As Marx and Engels insisted, every class struggle is a political struggleit is a struggle for power. Not a single pressing social need can be met without a frontal assault on the wealth and privileges of capitalist oligarchies that control the state and all its auxiliary bodies.

Moreover, workers face not only the consequences of exploitation and inequality but, inextricably connected with this, the danger of world war and authoritarianism. Facing intractable crises at every turn, and beset by ferocious internal conflicts and social tensions, the ruling classes are preparing for a level of militarist violence and domestic repression that will recall the worst horrors of the 20th century.

However significant the initial expressions of working-class resistance, they will not resolve the historic tasks facing the international working class. The program of the working class is not the reform of capitalism, but its overthrow. As Marx wrote in 1865:

The working class ought not to exaggerate to themselves the ultimate working of these everyday struggles. They ought not to forget that they are fighting with effects, but not with the causes of those effects; that they are retarding the downward movement, but not changing its direction; that they are applying palliatives, not curing the malady. They ought, therefore, not to be exclusively absorbed in these unavoidable guerrilla fights incessantly springing up from the never ceasing encroachments of capital or changes of the market. They ought to understand that, with all the miseries it imposes upon them, the present system simultaneously engenders the material conditions and the social forms necessary for an economic reconstruction of society. Instead of the conservative motto: A fair days wage for a fair days work! they ought to inscribe on their banner the revolutionary watchword: Abolition of the wages system! [Value, Price and Profit]

The abolition of the wages system, that is, capitalism, is the burning political question. Mass opposition to war, inequality and dictatorship, the growing struggles of workers and young people all over the world, must be transformed into a conscious political movement to take power and reconstruct economic life on the basis of rational control, international coordination and social equality.

The essential instrument in carrying out this task is the revolutionary leadership, the International Committee of the Fourth International, the world Trotskyist movement. In celebration of May Day and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx, we call on all our readers to make the decision to join and build the ICFI, comprised of Socialist Equality Parties throughout the world, and its youth movement, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality.

This Saturday, May 5, at 5:30 pm EDT, on the 200th anniversary of Marxs birth, the ICFI is holding its annual International May Day Online Rally, which will be broadcast live throughout the world at wsws.org/mayday. We urge all our readers and all workers throughout the world to register and attend May Day 2018.Recently confirmed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo capped off his four-day trip to the Middle East on Monday by declaring the administrations total support for the Israeli militarys ongoing murder of unarmed protesters in Gaza.

Pompeo made his remarks at a news conference alongside Jordans Foreign Minister Aydan Safadi. Asked by a reporter whether he believed Israeli troops had used excessive force in response to the March of Return protests that have occurred at Gaza border fences each Friday over the past month, Pompeo responded briefly: We do believe the Israelis have the right to defend themselves, and were fully supportive of that.

The supposed acts of self defense endorsed by Pompeo have involved the repeated use of live ammunition, tear gas and rubber-encased steel bullets by Israeli troops against tens of thousands of unarmed civilian protesters. Since March 30, these attacks have killed 45 people, five of them children, and injured close to 7,000, including 3,500 from live ammunition, shrapnel or rubber bullets, according to Gaza health officials.

In contrast, no Israeli soldiers have been seriously injured in any of the protests.

Pompeo was speaking only three days after the most recent bloodletting on April 27, when Israeli troops stationed in heavily-fortified positions opened fire on crowds of thousands of protesters, killing four. Three of those killed, all in their twenties, died that day: 21-year-old Mohammad al-Maqeed, 22-year-old Khalil Naim Atallah and 29-year-old Abdel-Salam Baker.

The last to die was a 14-year-old boy, Azzam Hilal Oueida, who was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier on Friday. He was rushed to a Gaza hospital but died the next day. Another 178 people were injured from gunshot wounds, and many remain in critical condition. (See Israel again opens fire on Gaza protesters, killing three and wounding hundreds)

A report published Sunday by the Washington Post noted the disproportionately high number of protesters who had been shot in the knees and legs by Israeli snipers. Omar Shakir, the Israeli-Palestine director at Human Rights Watch in New York, told the Post, The deployment of snipers, careful planning and significant number of injuries to the lower limbs does reflect an apparent policy to target [those] limbs.

Gaza health officials have reported that 17 Palestinians have had to have their legs amputated after being shot in the knee or lower leg. In at least three cases, Israeli authorities reportedly denied the victims transfers to West Bank hospitals that may have saved their limbs.

The killing and maiming of protesters is part of a deliberate strategy by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud government to terrorize the Palestinian population in the occupied territories and suppress mass opposition among the 1.9 million men, women and children confined in Gaza, the worlds largest open-air prison, in inhumane conditions.

The March of Return protests are being held to demand what is recognized as the right of the Palestinians under international law, to be able to return to their historical homeland. They have been organized in the lead-up to May 15, which marks the 70th anniversary of Israels founding in 1948 through a program of expulsions and ethnic cleansing of three quarters of a million Palestinians. The Israeli ruling elite views the return of expelled Palestinians as an existential threat to the Zionist state it presides over.

Pompeos statements on Monday underscore the unanimous support within the American corporate elite, its military-intelligence apparatus and both its parties, Democrat and Republican, for the policies of the key US ally in the Middle East. In particular, they expose once again the hollow and fundamentally pro-war character of the Democratic Partys opposition to the Trump administration, which centers on claims that he is soft on Moscow and demands for stepped-up confrontation with nuclear-armed Russia.

Last week, the Democrats provided the crucial vote in the Senate to ensure the confirmation of Pompeo, a war hawk, defender of torture and advocate for unlimited spying on the American population, who has publicly called for the execution of Edward Snowden and advocated war against both North Korea and Iran.

The Democrats ferociously pursue Trump over his alleged sexual misdemeanors and supposed pro-Russian bias, but stand united with his bombing of Syria, attacks on immigrants and workers, and threats of war. They have raised no significant opposition to the administrations support for Israels ongoing slaughter of Palestinian protesters.

Pompeos statements are part of the Trump administrations turn toward a more aggressive strategy and build-up for war against Iran in alliance with Israel. The day before he solidarized himself with the Israeli governments terrorization of an entire population, he declared from Saudi Arabia that Iran was the the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the world.

Trump has supported the Israeli governments jettisoning of the so-called two-state solution, which had long been rendered a political fiction by two decades of uninterrupted expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. In December, Trump announced that the US would formally recognize Jerusalem as Israels capitaldespite Palestinian claims upon the city as their own capitaland move its embassy there.

On Monday, Pompeo refused to endorse the two-stage solution, declaring that the parties will ultimately make the decision about what the right resolution is. His department did not request a meeting with Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority government which has been recognized by US imperialism and functioned as a local police force against the population in the occupied territories on behalf of Israel and the US.

Saudi Arabia, which is aligned with an Israeli-US military build-up against its regional rival Iran, is also supporting the Israeli governments repression. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman declared in a closed-door meeting in New York last month, It is about time the Palestinians take the proposals and agree to come to the negotiations table or shut up and stop complaining.

In line with the bipartisan support for the suppression of the Gaza protests, the US media has remained largely silent on the latest killings. The New York Times and Washington Post follow each massacre with news reports buried low down on their online edition, and then quickly drop the issue.

Following last Fridays killings, the Times published an article entitled Plan to storm fence gets bloody preview in Gaza, which justified the Israeli militarys actions as the reaction to a Palestinian population that had conjured up the idea of swarming across the barrier.

The Times and other corporate media have given wall-to-wall coverage to the CIAs staged chemical weapons attack in Douma on April 7, providing the necessary lies to justify an illegal bombing of Syria by the US, France and Britain. But when it comes to the killing of Palestinians, the well-paid editors and columnists shrug their shoulders and move on.Amber Rudds resignation as home secretary brings the ongoing Windrush scandal over the mistreatment of legal Caribbean migrants to the UK to the very door of Prime Minister Theresa May.

Her downfall was all but assured after she was caught lying to Parliament by denying the existence of Home Office deportation targets. However, it was under May, then home secretary, that the much criticized hostile environment policy was introduced as part of a vicious anti-immigrant strategy.

Rudds replacement, Sajid Javid, now gives the impression of a changed, sympathetic Home OfficeJavids parents moved to Britain from Pakistan in the 1960s. But despite insincere government apologies, the crocodile tears shed by the media and the pose of opposition by the Labour Party, there will be no real change regarding the anti-immigrant agenda shared by the entire establishment.

At the heart of the Windrush scandal is a cynical attempt to use the fate of vulnerable workers to further the factional dispute which commands the interest of British ruling and mainstream media circles: Britains exit from the European Union.

The hostile environment at the Home Office, out of which the targeting of migrants with decades of residence in the UK emerged, was never previously challenged by its belated critics. The phrase was first used in a Labour-run Home Office in 2010 by the home secretary of the time, Alan Johnson. Its principles were then energetically pursued under the subsequent Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition and majority Tory Governments, with many of the policies and measures involved enshrined in the 2014 Immigration Act, against which only 18 Labour MPs voted.

Following the Brexit referendum in 2016, Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has repeatedly insisted that freedom of movement would come to an end under Labour. Labours Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott was challenged on Radio 4s Today programme to answer, What exactly the Government has done wrong by setting targets for deporting illegal immigrants. Abbott replied that any government would have targets and performance indicators, but their use had been too broad. This Monday, Abbott clarified on Good Morning Britain that The Labour party isnt calling for an amnesty and refused to answer questions about how Labour would treat illegal immigrants.

Next to no comment has been made on broader issues of immigration policy, like the 40,000 people who left the UK voluntarily in 2016 after receiving threatening letters from the government.

The current debate over immigration has been carefully focused on the very specific case of Windrush-era Caribbean migrants, who were invited to Britain from the late 1940s onwards from Commonwealth countries to fill a labour shortage. This is both to make clear that anti-migrant measures are to be generally supported and to score political points against the advocates of Brexit.

The atrocious story of how Caribbean migrantsmany of whom have lived and worked in the UK for decadeswere being denied jobs, homes and health care and threatened with deportation first started to be reported by the Guardian last November. However, it reached a peak of intensity in mid-April this year, coinciding with the Commonwealth summit in London.

Amelia Gentleman, the lead reporter on the issue, said of the newspapers coverage, It was only when the Barbados high commissioner revealed that Downing Street had rejected a formal request from all 12 Caribbean high commissioners to meet with Theresa May at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting that the story became huge. We put that on the front page, and then reported [Labour MP] David Lammys outraged letter to the government signed by 140 cross-party MPs, and within 24 hours Amber Rudd was apologising for the appalling behaviour of her own department.

The Conservative government had hoped to use the summit as an advert for the prospects of a post-Brexit turn to the Commonwealth for immigration and trade dealsthat was supposed to compensate for lost trade and skilled migrants from the European Union. But this was torpedoed by the strongly pro-Remain Guardian. Speaking for powerful sections of the ruling class who have opposed the anti-free movement stand of the hard Brexit Tories as inimical to the basic needs of industry, the Guardian ran a podcast, titled,  EU citizens rights and the shadow of Windrush, which asked, Will EU nationals find themselves treated in similar fashion to the Windrush generation?

Brussels was already shocked by the treatment of dozens of EU citizens who have tried to apply for permanent residency in the UK since the Brexit vote, it stated.

The shameful Windrush saga has struck fear into EU nationals hearts, wrote Tanja Bueltmann, while the Guardian editorialised that many more are suffering from the hostile environment Theresa May created.  Most immediately, these cases fuel concern over how EU citizens will be treated after Brexit.

Only this underlying concern explains the Guardians hymn of praise for the former home secretary whose removal their own campaign just achieved.

Rudd is considered an important voice for a soft Brexit within the Tory party and therefore an important ally in any manoeuvre against hard-line Leavers.

Pippa Crerar and Anne Perkins were therefore tasked with boosting the reputation of Rudd in an article just hours after her resignation, in what reads like an apology for having caused her so much inconvenience.

No one who knows her thinks she believes in Mays cherished ambition of cutting net migration to below 100,000, they write. Until a fortnight ago, it was generally understood Rudd was a natural liberal oppressed by the demands of the security state 

Much of the rest of the article is given to a heavily spun version of Rudds CV:

Her fortitude in turning up for a television debate during last years general election, which May herself had refused to do, just 48 hours after her father had died won her the respect of MPs from right across the Commons.

Her personal history is that of a woman who would always have intended to reach the top 

Her backstory is typical of many women on the A-list of candidates David Cameron set up to symbolise his modernisation programme 

Rudds glamour and energy won her the marginal seat of Hastings in 2010 and 2015 

In the anguished team that ran the 2017 election campaign, Rudd blossomed, warm and authentic against Mays clumsy reserve.

As to why the proven liar and wilful executor of a home office policy, likened by some civil servants to that of Nazi Germany and which had a devastating impact on many peoples lives, is now being recast as an empowered, glamorous and warm MP of great fortitude, the article included this barely veiled advice:

[W]hile her absence around the cabinet table, with its delicate balance of remainers and Brexiters, will be keenly felt, she is also returning to the backbenches knowing exactly where all the bodies are buried 

Rudd has been unswervingly loyal to the prime minister so far, but she might not feel so inclined to be on the backbenches.

Continued criticisms from the media of the governments immigration policy and calls for the buck to stop with May, therefore, have nothing to do with the plight of migrants and everything to do with pushing this campaign to its intended conclusion: undermining the hard-Brexit wing of the Tory party.

It should be noted that the lead reporter for the Guardian on Windrush, Amelia Gentleman, is married to the Conservative Universities Minister Jo Johnson, described by the Evening Standard last year as an important member of the growing clan of the [soft Brexit] Sensibles, led by deputy PM Damian Green, Chancellor Philip Hammond and Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary.As French rail workers continue their strike against the governments plan to privatize the French national railway (SNCF), the trade unions are preparing to negotiate directly with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Hoping to end the strike before it rallies support from other workers going on strike and from protesting university students, and fearing that the strike wave will develop into a political struggle to bring down President Emmanuel Macron, the unions are working to betray the rail workers. Philippe has stressed that he will negotiate only on condition that the unions formally accept the main elements of the SNCF reform.

On Thursday, he announced that in the talks the opening of the SNCF to competition, its transformation into a private corporation, and the end of the rail workers statute would not be up for discussion. He added that the opening of the talks was not at all a concession on the governments part.

The subject of the negotiations will reportedly be the issue of how the state will take over SNCF debt, which appears to be creating the conditions for a financial crisis at the company once the reform has been carried out, threatening unpopular tax increases.

The government is proposing to gradually take over the SNCFs debts starting in 2020, whereas the unions are proposing that the state absorb the debts in full. Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin has insisted there will be no tax increases or new taxes to fund the reform. However, Philippe wrote a letter to the unions mentioning further efforts needed from taxpayers, who already have brought several billion euros to the financing of the rail system, in order to cover its operating costs and invest in maintenance and development.

On the unions part, the talks are a maneuver to mask their collaboration with the government against the strike and put more pressure on strikers as they come under financial strain over lost pay. French unions maintain no strike funds for the rail workers.

On April 19, when protest marches were being called across France, the unions announced the end of talks with Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne. But the unions had not broken with the government. They sent a letter to Philippe asking to negotiate directly with him and indicating that they were prepared to accept most of the attacks on the rail workers.

After initially refusing to meet with the unions, Philippe agreed to launch talks on May 7, on condition that Borne be present. Laurent Brun, general secretary of the Stalinist General Confederation of Labor (CGT)-Rail, tried to claim in the face of all evidence that Philippe would be less inflexible than the transport minister. We cannot imagine that the prime minister is calling us in to tell us that nothing will change and that the negotiations are over, he said.

Solidarity-Unity-Democracy (SUD) union Secretary Erik Meyer took a similar line: We were greeted well by the prime minister during an information session, he said. We want to talk directly to the person deciding the issue, so we can finally start talks on the basis of a viable plan.

On April 25, a joint union statement called for a rally on May 3 in Paris and across the country and a day without rail workers on May 14 if the head of government does not hear our demands. They suggested that this might somehow impress the prime minister.

Even as the rolling strikes were beginning, the union bureaucracy was already signaling to the government that it supported the reforms and was anxious to end the strikes as soon as possible. Thierry Nier, Bruns assistant at the CGT-Rail union, announced that the SNCF strike could end very fast. He added, We cannot stand the status quo. The SNCF does not function well, there are improvements to be made, and we want to make them.

The trade unions want to use the opening of talks with Philippe as a pretext to strangle the rail workers struggle and, if possible, keep it from extending into June.

Fifty years after the 1968 general strike, the unions are not seeking to defend what remains of the social rights established as part of the international impact of the October 1917 revolution in Russia and the struggle against fascism during the Second World War, as this would require in the first instance a political struggle to bring down Macron. The unions are working with the government to demoralize the workers and end the strike. The CGT did this in 1968 by negotiating the wage increases in the Grenelle Accords with the state; today, the unions aim to end the strike to impose cuts in wages and conditions on their members.

The unions are viscerally hostile to the rising struggles of rail workers, teachers, metalworkers and students in the United States and across Europe. They maintain a complicit silence on NATO war threats against Iran and Russia. Closely tied to the state and deeply nationalistic, they organize no opposition to war or the main points of European austerity policy. Their negotiations with Philippe must be taken as a warning to the working class.

If the trade unions maintain control of the struggle, they will strangle it. The only way forward is for the workers to take the strike out of the hands of the unions, break with the union bureaucracy and create their own independent organizations of struggle. Rank-and-file committees constituted independently of the unions would allow workers to coordinate a political struggle against Macron and the European Union (EU) with workers in other industries and countries.

Workers also face a struggle against pseudo-left forces representing layers of the affluent middle class, such as Jean-Luc Melenchon and the New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA). These tendencies work to block the emergence of a political struggle against austerity and war, subordinating strikes to the anti-working class interests of the union bureaucracy, which is overwhelmingly financed by the state and the employers and seeks to make French capital more competitive against its international rivals.

The pseudo-left is well aware of the treachery of the unions and supports it. At an NPA public meeting, Mathieu, a SNCF union official, openly admitted that the unions strategy leads to defeat: There is a whole series of difficulties, and that comes primarily from the strike schedule proposed by the CGT and the CFDT (French Democratic Confederation of Labour), which is two days on, three days off, which most rail workers are following now, but which can be modified according to the situation in the company and the country. About the schedule, I will admit that when I saw it come across on my cell phone, I told myself, Well, its a betrayal. I mean, that is obvious.

Despite this devastating admission, the NPA is still supporting the union bureaucracy. Mathieu added, For the time being, the feeling is that we are all looking around at each other, asking, So who will take the first step? And nobody really wants to go first.

The experience of Syriza in Greece is a stark reminder of the treacherous role of the pseudo-left. The NPA and Melenchon hailed the election of Syriza, which campaigned based on promises to end EU austerity. But it refused to appeal for a mobilization of broader opposition in the European working class and imposed the EU memorandum despite the Greek workers overwhelming no vote in Syrizas own subsequent referendum on EU austerity. This January, Syriza rammed through the Greek parliament a law attacking the right to strike.On Saturday, comedian Michelle Wolf did the unpardonable: she told the truth. As the entertainer for the annual White House Correspondents Association dinnertypically the occasion for backslapping and self-congratulation by an incestuous and corrupt pressshe delivered a ferocious, entirely well-deserved and hilarious lampoon of the Trump administration, the Democrats and the press.

In response, Wolf was denounced not only by Trump and his flunkies, but by the leading lights of the print and broadcast media, as well as by White House Correspondents Association President Margaret Talev.

Much of the feigned outrage over Wolfs remarks centered on her takedown of the Trump administrations thuggish female media flacks, Kellyanne Conway (Man, she has the perfect last name for what she does: Conway All she does is lie) and Sarah Huckabee Sanders (She burns facts, and then she uses the ash to create a perfect smoky eye).

After Wolfs remarks, leading members of the White House press corps rushed to offer their support and condolences to a woman who shamelessly lies to and bullies them every day.

Apology is owed to @PressSec and others grossly insulted ny (sic) Michelle Wolf at White House Correspondents Assoc dinner, NBC News reporter Andrea Mitchell tweeted.

Mitchell, married to former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, is a notorious warmonger, who this year called denuclearization of the Korean peninsula a trap and famously referred to rural Virginia as redneck country.

Another defense of Sanders honor was launched by Peter Baker and Maggie Haberman, the New York Times duo, whose names almost never appear on the front page of the paper without being accompanied by the statements of unnamed intelligence sources warning about Russian subversion.

Haberman tapped out on Twitter, That @PressSec sat and absorbed intense criticism of her physical appearance, her job performance, and so forth, instead of walking out, on national television, was impressive.

CBS Newss This Morning program included a segment on the speech consisting of a panel of four people denouncing Wolf. One of the panelists, Norah ODonnell, declared, They need to look clearly at the spirit of what the White House Correspondents Association is, and I think part of it includes civility.

And Mika Brzezinski, the daughter of imperialist strategist Zbigniew Brzezinski, declared on Twitter, Watching from home, I hurt for Sarah, her husband and her children. She added, All women have a duty to unite when these attacks happen and the WHCA owes Sarah an apology.

This is all nonsense. Wolf said nothing about Sanders appearance, and only called her, correctly, a liar.

What really set these well-heeled journalists off was that Wolf called out them out for what they are: a bunch of ignorant, reactionary scandalmongers, ignoring every genuine social and political issue to prattle endlessly about their hobbyhorses.

As Wolf put it, We have all these 24-hour news networks, and we could be covering everything. But, instead, were covering like three topics. Every hour, its Trump, Russia, Hillary and a panel of four people who remind you why you dont go home for Thanksgiving.

Speaking to the print and broadcast press, she poignantly observed:

You guys are obsessed with Trump. Did you used to date him? Because you pretend like you hate him, but I think you love him. I think what no one in this room wants to admit is that Trump has helped all of you. He couldnt sell steaks or vodka or water or college or ties or Eric, but he has helped you. Hes helped you sell your papers and your books and your TV. You helped create this monster, and now youre profiting off of him.

Trump is the creature of a hysterical, reactionary, right-wing and ignorant media climate. His foibles and scandals give these phony journalists the opportunity to spew their bile, while obscuring the fact that they agree with him on almost everything that matters: lowering taxes on the rich, slashing social services, attacking democratic rights, and waging war abroad.

White House Correspondents Association president Margaret Talev also denounced Wolf, declaring her remarks were not in the spirit of the mission of the event, which was meant to offer a unifying message about our common commitment to a vigorous and free press while honoring civility, great reporting and scholarship winners, not to divide people.

Talevs statement expresses far more than its author intended. While the aim of war propaganda is to offer a unifying message, that is certainly not the function of serious journalists, whose aim should beat least in theoryto question and criticize those in positions of authority, sometimes revealing the social divisions that exist in reality, and thus widening them in the public mind.

The reactions to Wolfs trenchant critique expose those demanding her apology as propagandists, not journalists.

And to the extent that the WHCA dinner expresses unity between the press and the White House, this is a testament to the corruption of the media, which sees itself as political insiders, protecting the secrets of the state.

Wolfs speech tore up the cardboard cutout conceptssexual misconduct, Russian meddling, and the likeemployed by the press to shape the political discourse. These fell by the wayside, and reality emerged:

Now, Ive worked in a lot of male-dominated fields. Before comedy, I worked at a tech company and, before that, I worked on Wall Street. And, honestly, Ive never really been sexually harassed. That being said, I did work at Bear Stearns in 2008. So, although I havent been sexually harassed, Ive definitely been fucked. Yeah, that whole company went down on me without my consent. And no men got in trouble for that one either.

Wolf dealt with the real facts of American life: Wall Street looted the country and no one was punished, immigrant children are being rounded up and deported, teachers dont have supplies for their students, and, as she concluded, Flint still doesnt have clean water.

For all the medias stifling, incestuous and vulgar flattery, its endless promotion of right-wing nonsense, Wolfs monologue was a reminder that not only does there exist a world outside of the Washington bubble, there exists a public opinionone that increasingly sees the media courtiers for the liars and sycophants they are.TIJUANA, Mexico (AP)  U.S. border inspectors allowed some of the Central American asylum-seekers to enter the country for processing, ending a brief impasse over lack of space. Now, the migrants who crossed Mexico in a caravan may face a long legal path.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection didnt say how many caravan members were allowed in Monday, but organizers said there were eight.

About 140 others were still waiting in Mexico to turn themselves in at San Diegos San Ysidro border crossing, the nations busiest, said Alex Mensing, project organizer for Pueblo Sin Fronteras, which is leading the caravan.

The spirits are high, there was good news for everybody, Mensing said on the Mexican side of the crossing, moments after learning that some were allowed in.

American attorneys who volunteered advice in Tijuana last week warned the Central Americans that parents may be separated from their children and be detained for many months while their asylum cases are pending.

Asylum-seekers are typically held up to three days at the border and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If they pass an asylum officers initial screening, they may be detained or released with ankle monitors while their cases wind through immigration court, which can take years.

Nearly 80 percent of asylum-seekers passed the initial screening from October through December, but few are likely to win asylum.

The denial rate for El Salvadorans seeking asylum was 79 percent from 2012 to 2017, according to Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Action Clearinghouse. Hondurans were close behind with a 78 percent denial rate, followed Guatemalans at 75 percent.

Trump administration officials have railed against what they call legal loopholes and catch-and-release policies that allow people seeking asylum to be freed while their cases are adjudicated. The president tweeted Monday that the caravan shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has pledged to send more immigration judges to the border if needed and threatened criminal prosecution. On Monday, the Justice Department said it filed illegal entry charges against 11 people identified as caravan members.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it processed hundreds of asylum-seekers in the previous week, many of them Mexican, which contributed to a bottleneck that led inspectors to turn away caravan members since they arrived late Sunday afternoon.

Asylum-seekers didnt appear to be thrown off the by the delay.

Elin Orrellana, a 23-year-old pregnant woman from El Salvador, said she is fleeing the violent MS-13 street gang, a favorite target of both Sessions and Trump because of their brutal killings in communities in the United States. She said her older sister had been killed by the gang in El Salvador, so she is attempting to join other family members in the Kansas City area.

Fighting on is worth it, she said as she camped out Sunday for chilly night outside the border crossing.

Customs and Border Protection has room for about 300 people at the San Diego border crossing.

As in the past when weve had to limit the number of people we can bring in for processing at a given time, we expect that this will be a temporary situation, the agency said.

During a surge of Haitian arrivals at the San Diego crossing in 2016, Customs and Border Protection required people to wait more than five weeks in Mexico. Since then, smaller upticks of Mexican asylum-seekers have caused delays of several hours.INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - The republicans hoping to beat U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly battled each other with words in a final debate Monday evening.



The Indiana Debate Commission hosted the debate with U.S. Representative Luke Messer, U.S. Representative Todd Rokita and businessman Mike Braun.

Moderator Abdul-Hakim Shabazz said early in the debate there would be no questions about a border wall with Mexico, the Russia investigation or arming teachers because all the candidates agree on those issues.

Instead, Shabazz posed questions about the debt, trade and foreign affairs.

Candidates could also discuss a topic of their choice.

Congressman Luke Messer took the time to talk about President Donald Trump.

Messer says, "I support President Trump when it comes to the tough decisions we have to make to govern. When President Trump asked me to support funding for our troops in the beginning of funding for our wall, I voted yes. My opponents on the stage have said they would both vote no."

Congressman Todd Rokita used his time to talk about trust while also stating why he is a better supporter of the President.

Rokita says, "It comes down to who do you trust to be strong enough with the President, to defend him? When the establishment republicans, when the news media, when the democrats are getting ready to wrongfully impeach this President, who are you going to trust to stand by your side? And that's me."

Businessman Mike Braun also chose to speak about the President saying he is an outsider and built something just like Mr. Trump did before seeking political office.

Braun says, "Just like President Trump, I built real things. In my business I had to tackle health care, solve that problem and actually lower costs. These guys gave us Obamacare and couldn't repeal it."

Each of these candidates have declared victory in this debate. Voters will decide a primary winner next week, Tuesday, May 8th.

That candidate will face Democrat Joe Donnelly in the general election in November.SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korean President Moon Jae-in has shaken off a suggestion that he receive the Nobel Peace Prize, saying that U.S. President Donald Trump can take the Nobel prize as long as the Koreas receive peace in return.

Moon made the comment Monday in response to a suggestion that he receive the award by the widow of late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 after a summit with then North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

Moon held a summit with current leader Kim Jong Un last week in which Moon and Kim, the son of Kim Jong Il, walked together across the tense border and agreed to a raft of initiatives meant to ease animosity. Moon responded to the suggestion of Nobel glory by saying, President Trump can take the Nobel prize. The only thing we need is peace, according to the Souths presidential office.

South Korea also said Monday that it will remove propaganda-broadcasting loudspeakers from the border with North Korea this week as the rivals move to follow through with their leaders summit declaration that produced reconciliation steps without a breakthrough in the nuclear standoff.

During their historic meeting Friday at a Korean border village, Kim and Moon agreed to end hostile acts against each other along their tense border, establish a liaison office and resume reunions of separated families. They also agreed to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, but failed to produce specific time frames and disarmament steps.

Seouls Defense Ministry said it would pull back dozens of its front-line loudspeakers on Tuesday before media cameras. Ministry spokeswoman Choi Hyunsoo said Seoul expected North Korea to do the same.

South Korea had already turned off its loudspeakers ahead of Fridays summit talks, and North Korea responded by halting its own broadcasts.

The two Koreas had been engaged in Cold War-era psychological warfare since the Norths fourth nuclear test in early 2016. Seoul began blaring anti-North Korean broadcasts and K-Pop songs via border loudspeakers, and North Korea quickly matched the action with its own border broadcasts and launches of balloons carrying anti-South leaflets.

Seouls announcement came a day after it said Kim told Moon during the summit that he would shut down his countrys only known nuclear testing site and allow outside experts and journalists to watch the process.

South Korean officials also cited Kim as saying he would be willing to give up his nuclear programs if the United States commits to a formal end to the Korean War and a pledge not to attack the North. Kim had already suspended his nuclear and missile tests while offering to put his nuclear weapons up for negotiations.

The closing of the Punggy-ri test site, where all six of North Koreas atomic bomb tests occurred, could be an eye-catching disarmament step by North Korea. But there is still deep skepticism over whether Kim is truly willing to negotiate away the nuclear weapons that his country has built after decades of struggle.

According to a summit accord, Kim and Moon agreed to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization, rather than clearly stating a nuclear-free North Korea. North Korea has long said the term denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula must include the United States pulling its 28,500 troops out of South Korea and removing its so-called nuclear umbrella security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

Kim could offer more disarmament concessions during his meeting with Trump, expected in May or June, but its unclear what specific steps he would take. Some experts say Kim may announce scraping North Koreas long-range missile program, which has posed a direct threat to the United States.

U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton reacted coolly to word that Kim would abandon his weapons if the United States pledged not to invade.

Asked on CBSs Face the Nation whether the U.S. would make such a promise, Bolton said: Well, weve heard this before. This is  the North Korean propaganda playbook is an infinitely rich resource. What we want to see from them is evidence that its real and not just rhetoric.

Kims meeting with Moon was his second summit with a foreign leader since he took office in late 2011. In March, he traveled to Beijing and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While meeting with Xi, Kim suggested he prefers a step-by-step disarmament process in line with corresponding outside rewards, according to Chinese state media. U.S. officials want the North to take complete, verifiable and irreversible disarmament measures.

China said Monday that its foreign minister, Wang Yi, will visit Pyongyang, North Koreas capital, on Wednesday and Thursday.

China is North Koreas only major economic partner, but trade has declined by about 90 percent following Beijings implementation of economic sanctions imposed over the Norths nuclear and missile tests. Some analysts say Kims recent charm offensive was aimed at weakening the sanctions.

Also on Monday, the Norths parliament adopted a decree to sync its time zone with South Koreas this Saturday. North Koreas official news agency said the move was made at the proposal of Kim, who found it was a painful wrench to see two clocks indicating Pyongyang and Seoul times hanging on a wall of the summit venue.

Moons office said Sunday that Kim made similar remarks to Moon during the summit.

The North in 2015 had set its clocks 30 minutes behind South Korea and Japan, saying the measure was aimed at rooting out the legacy of Tokyos 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.WASHINGTON, Ind. (WTHI) - Daviess County Community hospital earned an "A" letter grade the LeapFrog group. LeapFrog is a national non-profit patient safety watchdog.

The group grades on the delivery of safe and high-quality health care.

This is the 1st "A" rating for the hospital.

CEO Tracy Conroy explains the grade is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the hospital staff.



"They hold themselves accountable. So it's important to have that and then to just have that open communication between leadership and staff is really key." Conroy said.

Conroy says the hospital's commitment to being pro-active with their care has also played a big part in their "A" rating.

Daviess County Community hospital joins Terre Haute Regional hospital with this special stamp of approval.ABC/Heidi GutmanA group of Green Day fans in the U.K. have launched a campaign to make the band's political anthem "American Idiot" the number-one single when President Donald Trump makes his state visit on July 13.

"If we ALL buy enough downloads of Green Day's 'American Idiot' between Friday 6th-Thursday 12th it will time PERFECTLY to hit No.1 the very day he arrives on U.K. soil!" reads a post on the campaign's Facebook page.

The members of Green Day, as you might imagine, aren't Trump supporters. A few weeks after he was elected, the band chanted "No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA!" while performing their single "Bang Bang" at the 2016 American Music Awards.

Earlier this year, frontman Billie Joe Armstrong called for Trump's impeachment, and described him as "sick" and "unfit for office."

U.K. number-one single campaigns are a time-honored tradition, although they are usually focused on getting a song a number-one spot during the Christmas season.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVA) - A Nettleton teen was honored Monday night in the nation's capital for her outstanding community work.

Grace McAllister, 15, was honored during the 23rd annual presentation of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Indianola's Jameshia Attaway, 14, was also honored.

"In addition to their cash awards, they each received an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent to Washington, D.C., for four days of recognition events."

McAlllister is a member of Monroe County 4-H and is a freshman at Nettleton High School. She has collected and donated more than 1,000 new stuffed animals to comfort children traumatized by sexual abuse.

Being a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of my own father, the one person who should protect me, not hurt

me, I decided I wanted to help other victims, she said.TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - Tupelo police are asking for help identifying two people for burglary.

Police say Herc Rentals on D L Collums Drive was burglarized during the night of April 26.

Photo: Tupelo PD Photo: Tupelo PD

Police say two people took multiple generators and saws from the business.

Surveillance video shows two men entering the premises and leaving with items. They are dressed in black and were seen in the video driving a light-colored minivan.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at 1-800-773-8477.

VIDEO: Police release video of burglars' vanCRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (WTXL) - A Virginia man is dead after getting into a head-on crash with a tow truck in Crawfordville Tuesday morning.

The Florida Highway Patrol says Zachary Stephens, 22, of Waynesboro, Virginia was driving his 325i BMW south on Crawfordville Highway Tuesday morning.

Troopers say a tow truck was parked on the shoulder of Crawfordville Highway, facing north with it's beacons activated, and the driver was loading a vehicle from another crash when Stephens' car crashed into the front of it.

FHP says Stephens' car spun around before coming to a stop in middle of the lanes.

He was hospitalized in Tallahassee before dying from his injuries. The driver of the two truck suffered minor injuries and was treated on scene.

FHP says US 319/Bloxham Cutoff was temporarily closed northbound due to the crash.LAKE CITY, Fla. (WTXL) - Police are searching for a missing 84-year-old man who suffers from dementia.

The Lake City Police Department says they are looking for 84-year-old Eugene Young, Sr.

He was last seen at his residence on NW Fronie Street at approximately 2 a.m. on Tuesday. Young is believed to be on foot.

He was last seen wearing a blue shirt, black pants, and brown shoes. Police say he suffers from dementia.

Teams from the Lake City PD and fire department are currently combing the area, including LCPD K9 trackers.

Anyone who has seen Young or has knowledge of his whereabouts, please call our Communications Center at 386-752-4343Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-30 23:49:00|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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KIGALI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Rwandan government said Monday it has disbanded the refugees' executive committee at Kiziba Refugee Camp in western Rwanda to normalize the situation in the camp following its recent unrest.

Preliminary findings have established that the executive committee was largely to blame for the unrest in the camp hosting refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Karongi district, said a government statement.

It has been mobilizing refugees to revolt against government officials and partner institutions, denying them access to the camp and causing disorder among the refugees, said the statement.

Monday's announcement follows local media reports saying the Rwandan police increased its presence around Kiziba refugee camp last week. Police Spokesperson Theos Badege then said it was regular patrol.

Due to a commotion initiated by a few youth who hindered the police patrol from proceeding into the camp, humanitarian activities had been suspended last Monday before it resumed a day later, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) told local media.

Humanitarian operations in Rwanda remain "severely underfunded," forcing the World Food Program (WFP) to cut food rations for refugees by 10 percent in November 2017 and by 25 percent in January 2018, according to UNHCR.

UNHCR's 2018 appeal for 98.8 million U.S. dollars to support refugees in Rwanda is "only 2 percent funded", the UN refugee agency said in February.

In February, five people were killed and 22 others wounded as protests over reduced food rations by refugees from the Kiziba refugee camp turned violent, according to the police. But Rwanda's Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said in March protests were caused by different purposes.

The refugees were not only protesting the reduced food rations -- some also wanted to return to home country or to be resettled in Europe and America while maintaining Rwandan citizenship, she said. EnditemMOSCOW, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron had a phone conversation Monday and they agreed that efforts be made to preserve and strictly implement the Iran nuclear deal, the Kremlin said.

During the French-initiated telephone conversation, Macron briefed Putin about his recent state visit to the United States, especially about his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or more commonly known as the Iran nuclear program, the Kremlin said in a statement.

During his visit in Washington, Macron proposed to make the current Iran nuclear deal more comprehensive in an effort to salvage the agreement which Trump has long threatened to abandon.

Trump said Macron's suggestion was "a pretty good idea," yet remained unsure "whether or not it will be possible to do a new deal with solid foundations."

Trump is expected to decide whether to leave the JCPOA on May 12.

The JCPOA was reached in Vienna on July 14, 2015 between Iran, the European Union,the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council including China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as Germany.

Under the agreement, Iran agreed to eliminate its stockpile of medium-enriched uranium and limit its enrichment activities in exchange for the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions by the United States, the EU and the UN Security Council.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 00:09:06|Editor: huaxia

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KIGALI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The government of Rwanda will continue to promote import substitution and diversify exports to cut the exposure to external shocks and imbalances over the medium term, the finance minister said on Monday.

The implementation of Made in Rwanda policy will continue to play a key role in narrowing the current account deficit in the short to long run and help to consolidate private sector domestic activities, create jobs and boost economic growth, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Uzziel Ndagijimana said in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda.

The government plans to spend 2.7 billion U.S. dollars in the fiscal year 2018-19, a 380.5 million dollar increase compared to the revised budget for 2017-18, Ndagijimana told lawmakers when presenting the budget to parliament.

Domestic resources will account for 62 percent of funding for the 2018-19 budget, he said.

According to Ndagijimana, external grants and external loans are estimated to each contribute 16 percent of the total budget.

Development expenditure is estimated at 1 billion dollars while net lending is projected at 220 million dollars, which will be used to finance key government projects such as construction of Bugesera international airport and expansion of RwandAir operations, he said.

"Domestic loans are projected to represent 6 percent of the 2018-19 budget," said Ndagijimana.

Policies and strategies over the medium term are built on the government's aspiration to transform Rwanda into a high-income economy and ensure high living standards for Rwandans by the middle of the 21st century, he said. EnditemGENEVA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Bad weather that forced a group of hikers to spend the night outdoors in the Swiss Alps have left four dead and another five in critical condition, local police from southern Switzerland's Valais canton said Monday.

According to the police statement, 14 hikers trapped by bad weather were forced to spend the night outdoors on the night of April 29 in the area of Pigne d'Arolla in the Swiss Alps.

The police said they received a call for help early on Monday, whereupon a major emergency relief effort was undertaken. Seven helicopters with doctors and lifeguards on board were dispatched to the scene.

Rescuers discovered 14 people, including several suffering from hypothermia. Among the dead was someone who had died from what was probably a fall. The rescued were helicoptered to various hospitals in Valais, the police said in its statement.

According to the police, while five others are still in serious condition, the other hikers had mild hypothermia and their lives are not in danger.

The initial police investigation showed that due to unexpected bad weather, the hikers, who were of Italian, French and German nationality, were forced to stop and spend the night at an altitude of 3,270 meters.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 00:29:15|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is considering imposing a complete ban on logging of indigenous trees, a government official said on Monday.

Marion Kamau, chairperson of a government-appointed taskforce on forest management and illegal logging, told a media briefing in Nairobi that illegal logging of indigenous trees, rampant in key forests, is a major threat to forests.

"The logging of indigenous trees such as cedar trees in all forests and the use of cedar products such as fencing posts must be banned," Kamau said when handing over a report on forest activities to Keriako Tobiko, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Environment.

In February, the east African nation imposed a 90-day ban on logging on government and community forests.

Kamau said that destruction of indigenous forests was fuelled by illegal squatters living in forested areas, the changing lifestyle of forest-dwelling communities as well as unclear forest zonation.

Inadequate coordination among the various agencies in the environment and forest sector has resulted in the duplication of roles and inefficient management of forest resources, she added.

Kamau noted that despite the prominence accorded to county governments in the assignment of the forest functions by the constitution, most counties have not signed or operationalized the Transition Implementation Plans (TIPS) to facilitate the transfer of this function.

"This is due to the fact that there have been inadequate efforts to build capacity and allocate resources to undertake this devolved mandate," she said. EnditemSTOCKHOLM, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Swedish police and security services carried out raids in several locations around Sweden on Monday, arresting three people suspected of preparing acts of terror.

Swedish news agency TT reported that all three suspects are Uzbek nationals and that at least one of them had been in contact with Rakhmat Akilov, the Uzbek man who is currently on trial in Sweden after carrying out the Stockholm truck attack in April last year that killed five people and injured around 15.

Authorities have released few details about Monday's arrests, saying a preliminary investigation is ongoing. However, speaking to Swedish Television, Nina Odermalm Schei, head of communications at the Swedish Security Service (Sapo), said: "We suspect that these preparations have been going on for some time."

Sapo also said the three detained individuals are suspected of being involved in planning acts of terror "with international connections", and police told reporters they had confiscated technical devices and other evidence material during the raids, which were carried out in several locations, including northern Sweden and the Stockholm suburb of Akalla.

Chief prosecutor Per Lindqvist said the suspects had been under surveillance for a long time and could be arrested following a Swedish Security Service's counter-terrorism operation.

The Swedish government was informed about the raids on Monday and are following developments closely, according to justice and home affairs minister Morgan Johansson's press secretary, Sofie Rudh.

Several people were also taken in for questioning on Monday.

It is not yet clear when a potential attack was due to take place, what the target was or how far advanced the suspects' plans were. However, according to Sapo, there was no terror attack planned in the coming days in Sweden.TUNIS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The largest cancer drug production unit in Africa and the Middle East opened Monday in Tunisia, Tunisian government announced on Monday.

This unit, located in the governorate of Nabeul in northeast Tunisia, costs an investment of over 50 million Tunisian dinars ( 20.47 million U.S. dollars). It will hire 100 employees including doctors and pharmacists.

According to Lassaad Boujebal, the founder of this project, this unit is a pharmaceutical laboratory specialized in the manufacture of cancer and biological drugs.

Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed said in a brief statement that "we hope to cover the needs for local manufactured drugs, to reach a rate of 60 percent in 2020 against 51 percent in 2016."

Youssef Chahed said the pharmaceutical industry sector in Tunisia aims to develop its turnover by 2020 to reach 1.35 billion dinars.VIENNA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Austrian airports have seen a 4.5 percent increase in passenger numbers in 2017 with the total reaching about 29 million, Statistics Austria has revealed on Monday.

The total passenger numbers, which include transit passengers, increased in four of the country's six major airports, with only those in Linz and Graz recording decreases.

The Vienna International Airport, by far the busiest, saw a 4.5 percent increase or about one million passengers more, to see passenger numbers climb to 24.39 million.

Salzburg (up 8.7 percent), Innsbruck (up 8.5 percent) and Klagenfurt (up 11.9 percent) also saw notable increases.

The statistics office said that of the 14.4 million outbound passengers, 82.2 percent were headed for another European destination.

A further 9.8 percent traveled to Asia, 5.4 percent to the United States, and 2.4 percent to Africa.

While passenger numbers increased, it was noted that the number of plane arrivals and departures remained relatively unchanged on 281,585. This was due to there having been an average of 102.8 passengers per flight in 2017, which was 4.5 percent more than the 98.4 passengers per flight the year prior.by Alex Osei-Boateng

ACCRA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Ghana generates around 22,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year but it recycles only about 2 percent.

The rest find their way into land filled sites, drains, water bodies and other open places, causing hazards to the environment.

Wanting to lessen the effects, a Ghanaian company has come up with an innovative way of using plastic waste to produce pavement blocks and other building materials.

Nelplast Ghana Limited said its products are made up of 60 percent plastic and 40 percent sand without any cement, which is said to be stronger than the ordinary pavement blocks.

Nelson Boateng, who is behind the innovation, said the company makes use of all forms of poly waste products except PVC pipes, and mixed with river sand to produce solid pavement blocks.

"The product that comes out is like a paste. We put them in a mould, we press it under hydraulic press then we get the shape and design of the block that we want," he told Xinhua.

According to Boateng, this initiative was conceived after the Ghanaian government's threat to ban use of plastic bags.

The company's blocks are sold at 1 U.S. dollars which is cheaper than the average price of 1.5 dollars for concrete block.

Currently, the blocks have been used to rebuild a potholed stretch of road in Ashaiman, a cosmopolitan and heavily-populated community where Nelson grew up.

"For now we are just trying to help the community. Maybe, places with potholes that are disturbing cars when they are driving. So we are now doing it for free," Nelson said.

According to him, people do come with orders but as the firm is not producing on a large scale, it can not commit itself.

"We are just taking orders from small households because a day we are doing only 200 blocks which is very small. We can not compete with the concrete producers outside."

Due to operational challenges, Nelson's company can only recycle 2,000 kilos of plastic waste daily.

But with state support and acquisition of modern equipment, the company plans to scale up its production.

"We believe with this innovation, it is going to do more than the 2 percent that the country generates because this time around we are going to use all kinds of plastics, even the one in the gutters we will collect them and it will be used for these blocks that can last for a lifetime. It is cheaper and durable," he said.HOUSTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The world's largest oil and gas trade show, the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), kicked off in the U.S. energy capital of Houston on Monday with heavy presence of Chinese companies.

Leading Chinese companies such as China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC), China National Petroleum Corp. and some local companies participated the event.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of OTC. At the opening ceremony, distinguished guests, including Halliburton President and CEO Jeff Miller, Total Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanne and Project and Technology Director of Royal Dutch Shell Harry Brekelmans, gave their speeches, reflecting on past successes and offering their insights on the industry's future.

"This year marks the 50th edition of OTC and we want attendees to walk away with a sense of the industry's and of OTC's legacy, of where we came from, of what we're doing in the present and where we're going in the future," said OTC Chairman Wafik Beydoun.

During the four-day event, business leaders from around the world will discuss the transformation of oil industry, the creativity of new technology and the evolution of the industry in the next 50 years.

Founded in 1969, OTC, the largest event in the world for the oil and gas industry, is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.

This year's event features technical sessions, topical breakfasts and luncheons, along with several in-depth panel discussions. The annual event attracted 2,300 companies from 35 countries and regions.BERLIN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The state government of Baden-Wuerttemberg is pressing ahead with plans to ban older diesel vehicles from entering its capital of Stuttgart, a spokesperson for the regional transport minister Winfried Hermann told the press on Monday.

Speaking to Stuttgarter Nachrichten newspaper, the state ministry of transport said it saw no way of avoiding driving bans, as part of a wider package of policies to lower urban nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution. However, by saying this, the ministry directly contradicted recent statements by the federal government in Berlin which sought to reassure diesel owners that they would not be affected by driving bans.

Baden-Wuerttemberg is governed by a coalition between the Greens (Gruene) and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parties, led by state prime minister Winfried Kretschmann (Greens). So far, CDU politicians in Kretschmann's cabinet have consistently rejected calls for driving bans, highlighting the importance of the state as the longstanding home of leading automotive producers in Germany such as Daimler and Porsche.

The federal government in Berlin has said at least 20 major cities in Germany will fail to comply with EU clean air regulation by 2020 due to high NOx levels. According to the Federal Environmental Agency (UBA), diesel vehicles are the major source of NOx pollution which poses risks to human pulmonary health.

A widely-publicized ruling by the Federal Administrative Court has identified driving bans as an appropriate response to ensure that German cities comply with European Union (EU) clean air regulations. The judges rejected legal appeals launched by the states of North-Rhine Westphalia and Baden-Wuerttemberg after the cities of Stuttgart and Duesseldorf were successfully sued by the German environmental organization German Environmental Relief (DUH) for failing to sufficiently protect citizens from traffic-related pollution.

As a consequence of the verdict, the state ministry of transport now believes it is left with little choice than to prevent the most polluting types of diesel cars from entering densely-populated areas affected by excessive NOx emissions levels like Stuttgart's inner city.

The government of Baden-Wuerttemberg is currently awaiting a more detailed written justification of the court verdict as the basis for the formulation of a clean-air action plan. Depending on the outcome, the first driving bans could enter into force from 2019 onwards.BERLIN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier called for further diplomatic negotiations on Monday to resolve the international trade conflict unleashed by the protectionist policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking to radio station Deutschlandfunk, Altmaier acknowledged that Germany currently ran a trade surplus with the United States, but said Berlin could not simply promise that exports from its national firms would fall. Instead, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician recommended the European Union (EU) make a "concrete" offer to Washington that includes mutual tariff reductions.

The EU has already prepared a host of retaliatory measures in response to the potential economic threat posed by the U.S. administration's "America First" doctrine. Altmaier said the bloc would now "decide together" whether EU tariffs on U.S. products like bourbon whiskey and Harley-Davidson motorbikes would actually take effect.

Altmaier's comments came shortly after the federal government warned that the EU would most likely become subject to new U.S. tariffs on aluminium and steel from May 1 onwards. Both German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have failed to persuade Trump to extend an exemption currently enjoyed by the bloc during recent visits to Washington.

Peter Beyer, the official transatlantic commissioner of the German government, told Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung newspaper on Monday that even a limited extension of the EU's special status would be a success. Nevertheless, Beyer said he would not place "too much hope" in securing such an outcome.

The minster cautioned EU member states on Monday against being too hasty in their response and thus contributing to an unnecessary escalation of the conflict. Although a complete re-launch of the failed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is unrealistic after Trump abandoned the pact, Altmaier argued it may still be possible to rescue parts of it.

Similarly, President of the German Federation of Industry (BDI) Joachim Lang pleaded for "moderation" on behalf of the European side in the trade conflict. Echoing wider calls among German industry for a "TTIP light" version of the original agreement, Lang supported the idea of a mutual tariff reduction as a "good first step".

If the United States allows the EU's current exemption to expire on May 1, EU member states such as Germany will become affected by tariffs of 10 percent on aluminium and 25 percent on steel imports.Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan waves to his supporters at a rally in Yerevan, Armenia April 30, 2018. (REUTERS PHOTO)

YEREVAN, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Armenian opposition on Monday nominated Nikol Pashinyan as their candidate for prime minister, reported Armenpress.

Before negotiating meetings in the parliament with different political parties, Armenia's opposition faction "Elq" (Way Out) consisting of three political parties Civil Contract, Bright Armenia and Republic officially nominated Nikol Pashinyan for prime minister.

Armenia's National Assembly on Tuesday will vote for a new prime minister. The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) announced on Saturday that they would not nominate any candidate for prime minister.

The remaining two political forces Tsarukyan bloc and Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) said that they would support the "people's candidate", i.e., Pashinyan.

On April 23, Serzh Sargsyan, prime minister of Armenia and leader of the PRA, stepped down amid mass protests against his premiership, which have gripped the ex-Soviet republic.

On April 17, the National Assembly of Armenia elected PRA leader and ex-President Sargsyan as the country's new prime minister, with 77 lawmakers voting for and 17 against.

Pashinyan and his supporters had staged protests before April 17, accusing the 63-year-old former president of clinging to power.

Following a referendum held in December of 2015, Armenia has effectively shifted from a semi-presidential system of governance to a parliamentary one where the prime minister holds most of the executive power in the country, with the president's job now being largely ceremonial.

Pashinyan, who is the leader of the protests that ousted Sargsyan, insisted that the political parties in the parliament should vote for him as the next interim prime minister before new snap elections.

To be elected as prime minister, Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes from the 105-seat parliament.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 04:25:05|Editor: huaxia

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CHICAGO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chicago Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), a leading indicator of the U.S. economy, rose 0.2 points to 57.6 in April, ending a downward trend in the previous three months.

Business activity continued to rise at a solid pace in April, with growth in firms' operations up for the first time this year, though marginally, according to a report released on Monday by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) - Chicago.

"While the Chicago business barometer ended a three-month falling streak in April, supply constraints faced by firms intensified and continue to weigh on activity," said Jamie Satchi, an economist at MNI Indicators, a partner with ISM in compiling the index.

Three of the five components of the Chicago business barometer, including new orders, order backlogs and employment, fell on the month, while production and supplier deliveries found room to grow.

Supplier delivery times continued to lengthen as sourcing steel was particularly difficult, pushing the associated indicator up almost 20 percent amid dearer material prices and the more recent implementation of tariffs, said the monthly report.

"Longer delivery times are proving attritive, while dearer materials bite further into margins," Satchi added. EnditemSource: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 04:55:12|Editor: ZD

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A student from Medgar Evers College Preparatory School of New York learns how to paint with a brush pen during a culture exchange event in New York, the United States, Feb. 2, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

by Xinhua writers Pan Lijun, Yang Shilong

NEW HAVEN, the United States, April 30 (Xinhua) -- People-to-people exchanges are vital for strengthening U.S.-China ties, withstanding stormy weather from economic rivalry to geopolitical tensions.

This is a central message echoed by hundreds of scholars and business leaders from both the United States and China, who gathered over the weekend at Yale University to explore cooperative opportunities between the two largest economies in the world.

With panels on macro economy, urbanization, healthcare, fintech, art and culture, the 2018 Yale U.S.-China Forum, held at Yale School of Management (SOM) on Saturday and Yale Club of New York City on Sunday, discussed China's recent emphasis on global connectivity and "shared growth through collaboration" by probing key issues related to this year's theme, The China Accelerator for World Development.

EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION CRITICAL

"The United States is the most powerful country in the world and China is a growing power, both countries need to find a good way to accommodate (bilateral relationship) so that no further tension would go forward," Pericles Lewis, vice president for Global Strategy of the Yale University, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the forum.

"Educational exchange is positive since learning more about each other's culture will enhance friendship," he said.

Yale has about 800 Chinese students studying various subjects, accounting for the largest number of international students in the university, he said, adding that the university welcomed more Chinese students.

"Today there may be some disputes on trade matters, but in the long run this will lead to closer and more friendly relations," Lewis said.

Yale boasts a long history of connection with China. In 1835, Peter Parker, a Yale graduate opened a hospital in China and became the first western doctor to introduce modern anesthesia to China.

In 1854, Yung Wing, who graduated from Yale, was also the first Chinese student to earn a degree from an American college or university.

"The relationship between the two countries has gone through ups and downs over the past 150 years or so, but the continuous exchanges between the two peoples are central," said Lewis.

In the 2016-2017 academic year, more than 350,000 Chinese students studied in the United States, according to the latest figure released by Project Atlas, a global research initiative on students mobility. The number saw a 15 percent increase year on year.

Meanwhile, China ranked top two among the destinations most preferred by the U.S. outbound students, the data showed.

The U.S. and Chinese students and young professionals can play an important role in helping expand cultural engagement between the two countries, said Zhuo Zihan, president of the Association of Chinese Students and Scholars at Yale (ACSSY).

As growing numbers of Chinese and American youth study in each other's countries, learn each other's languages and cultures, they will more readily find common ground and manage differences when they assume leadership positions in the future, said Zhuo.

BUSINESS SUCCESS DEPENDS HEAVILY ON MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING

Success in business depends heavily on mutual understanding and an open and collaborative approach, especially in the case of China-U.S. relations today, experts said.

The connection between China and the United States is of profound importance to the prosperity of the world from an economic, political, social and geo-political point of view, said Stephen Roach, former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia and senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs.

Calling the U.S.-China trade dispute a serious issue which, if handled improperly, may intensify the risk of a trade war, Roach emphasized that "globalization is being win-win while trade wars are lose-lose."

The American economist suggested three areas that the two countries can address together in terms of lowering the risk of a trade war.

Most importantly, the two countries have to develop a "better way to exchange views on a regular basis," said Roach, such as a secretariat that contains experts from both sides to meet and exchange views and analysis over disputes.

And the two countries need to enact and pass a bilateral investment focused on market access, and develop better rules and guidelines on market access and utilize technology for improving each other's economy, he said.

"There are problems of U.S. not investing in its industrial base, it's not China's fault," said Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean of Yale School of Management, of the U.S. manufacture job loss and trade deficit with China.

"It's not perfect in Western governance, sometimes it's so short-term oriented," Sonnenfeld said. "Some people in America blame China (for that), in both parties by the way. It can be a vocal view in times of election, but it is not a majority view."

"There are some issues about global trade, but it's not just about China," he said. "To sort out all these issues, there needs a lot of discussion, not threatening."

"The European history is full of wars and westerners tend to solve things through direct conflicts, yet Chinese love peace and like to find solutions to disputes through negotiation," noted Jason Liu, co-chairman of North American Chinese Cultural Foundation (NACCF), which jointly sponsored the forum with the ACSSY and SOM Greater China Club.

The Chinese American business leader was the key figure in the founding of Belgium Shanghai Telephone Manufacturing Company in 1983 which was the landmark trade/investment deal between the West and the East. It was one of the highest technology transfer to China legally with the approvals from the United States and European Union.

"The West and China have totally different cultures. However, I am confident the two sides can find a common ground through genuine, constructive engagement with each other," Liu said. "Events like the Yale U.S.-China Forum are one of the promising ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China."

The two-day event also featured renowned speakers from various industries Yuqiang Xiao, Chairman of ICBC U.S. Management Committee, Victor Wang, Co-Founder of Zhen Fund, Raymond Chang, managing director of NXT venture fund, Zhang Weiwei, author of "The China Wave" and distinguished professor of international relations and Director of the China Institute at Fudan University, Victor Yuan, founder and Chairman of Dataway Horizon, China's leading organization in data intelligence and public policy polling.

One of the other highlights for the forum is the art panel where several prestigious artists from China, including master painter Jiyuan Wan and Zikang Zhang, director of the Central Academy of Fine Arts Museum were invited.Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative Yang Jiechi (L) meets with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)

KUWAIT CITY, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative Yang Jiechi on Sunday held talks with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, extended Xi's sincere greetings and good wishes to the Kuwaiti emir.

The two countries have always supported each other and are good friends and partners, since the establishment of the diplomatic relations 47 years ago, Yang said.

"China is willing to work with Kuwait to further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen high-level communication, deepen practical cooperation, reinforce complementary advantages and boost common development to uplift the bilateral ties to a higher level," he said.

Kuwait was among the first countries to sign a cooperation deal with China under the Belt and Road Initiative and China regards Kuwait as an important partner in co-building the initiative in the Gulf region, Yang said.

Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, aiming at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.

The Belt and Road Initiative and Kuwait 2035 Vision highly correspond with each other and China is willing to cooperate with Kuwait to jointly push forward the project called "Silk City and Five Islands," Yang said.

The Kuwaiti emir asked Yang to convey his warm greetings and good wishes to Xi.

Kuwait regards China as a trustworthy strategic partner, said the emir, expressing his hope for building a long-term and stable partnership with China.

Kuwait is willing to deepen cooperation with China in all fields, positively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, and integrate the "Silk City and Five Islands" project with the initiative, he said.

The Kuwaiti leader added that Kuwait highly regards China's international status and its role in world affairs, and is willing to enhance the bilateral cooperation and coordination on major global issues to preserve regional and international peace and stability.

Yang also met with Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.LONDON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May is still under pressure despite the announcement of details of a mini reshuffle by the government on Monday.

Amber Rudd resigned Sunday night as home secretary in the wake of Windrush immigration scandal.

Sajid Javid was named by May Monday morning as her new home secretary, the first ethnic person to hold what is one of the government's four great offices of state.

Rudd's departure stems from a chapter that started around 60 years ago when thousands of people from the Caribbean started to arrive in Britain. Known as the Windrush generation, named after the first of many carriers or human cargo to arrive, they were welcomed with open arms to help the country rebuild after World War II.

Fast forward to 2018, however, a government mission to see immigration levels reduced, Windrush generation suddenly found themselves at risk of being deported, even though they had been granted citizenship in the 1970s.

Rudd has paid the price for inadvertently giving wrong information to MPs in the Houses of Parliament.

But May, who has seen Rudd as a closest ally, is still in stormy waters when the opposition is pointing a finger in the direction of May.

Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said: "The change in Home Secretary will mean nothing unless Theresa May's 'hostile environment' policy is finally brought to an end."

She said the new home secretary can not be used as a "human shield" for Theresa May.

Describing May, who was home secretary in David Cameron's government, as "the architect of this crisis", Abbott urged May to step forward to give an immediate, full and honest account of how this inexcusable situation happened on her watch.

It has led to some politicians and political activists to call on May to quit as prime minister, with demands for an inquiry into the Windrush affair.

To offer her support as the stormy waters continued, May's cabinet ministers spent the day rallying around the prime minister.

Campaigning ahead of crucial local elections Thursday, May faced questions about the Windrush scandal.

But she insisted it was right that the government continued to deal with illegal immigration through enforced removals, telling Sky News: "When I was home secretary, yes, there were targets in terms of removing people from the country, who were here illegally." The Guardian reported that May failed to acknowledge her "hostile environment" policy may have also had a severe impact on the Windrush generation, many of whom struggled to prove they were in Britain legally.

Main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn joined the fray, saying Rudd's departure made it even more pressing for May to be brought before parliament to answer questions on the affair.

He said: "Theresa May now has questions to answer about what she actually did as home secretary and what she said."

Whether May's appointment of Javid will be enough to satisfy Windrush campaigners like London Labour MP David Lammy, remains to be seen.

Writing in the Guardian Monday Lammy said the campaign for justice on behalf of the Windrush generation is not just about political scalps.

"It is about a burning injustice that stretches from 10 Downing Street into the lives of thousands of British citizens," Lammy said.

In his first appearance in the House of Commons Monday as the new Home Secretary, Javid told MPs:"I don't want any person who is legally settled here, whether they are from Europe or any other part of the world, to go through the same experience."

Javid said like the Caribbean Windrush generation, his parents came to Britain in the 1960s to help rebuild this country and offer all that they had.

"When I heard that people who were long-standing pillars of their community were being impacted for simply not having the right documents to prove their legal status in the UK, I thought that it could be my mum, my brother, my uncle or even me."

"That's why I am so personally committed to and invested in resolving the difficulties faced by the people of the Windrush generation who have built their lives here and contributed so much."Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 05:35:24|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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United Nations, April 30 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was outraged at a series of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, a UN spokesman said here Monday.

The attacks in Kabul and Kandahar caused numerous casualties among civilians, emergency responders, and school children, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the secretary-general.

Earlier Monday, at least 23 people, including two assailants, were killed and 27 others wounded after two suicide bomb blasts rocked a diplomatic district in central Kabul, the Afghani capital, officials said.

Meanwhile, a suicide bomber targeted a military convoy in Daman district of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, killing 11 civilians and injuring over a dozen others, a local official said.

Afghanistan's journalist associations said nine journalists are among the dead in the attacks in Kabul.

"The deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work," Dujarric said, urging those responsible for such crimes be brought to justice.

He said Guterres extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

Afghanistan has been battered by insurgency over the past couple of decades with the presence of different militant groups including the most dominant Taliban, in addition to al-Qaida and recently the Islamic States.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 06:10:30|Editor: Chengcheng

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by William M. Reilly

UNITED NATIONS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Members of the UN Security Council met on Monday with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss the more than 1 million Rohingya refugees who have fled into neighboring Bangladesh, the chief UN spokesman said.

"The Security Council, as you know, has a mission that has been traveling in Asia," Stephane Dujarric told reporters at UN Headquarters. "That team met this morning with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, in Dhaka," the capital.

"Following that meeting, the Security Council delegation flew to Naypyidaw, the Myanmar capital, where it met with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and with General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces," the spokesman said.

There was no word of what was discussed in the meetings, but a news conference was promised for Tuesday in the capital.

However, one of the objectives for the council was spelled out in a letter last week from the president of the council on the "terms of reference" for the trip.

Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra of Peru, this month's president of the panel of 15, said the objective of the visit was compliance with a November 2016 council Presidential Statement.

That document called for protection of civilians and said the council "urges the Government of Myanmar to work with the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations to allow the voluntary return of all refugees in conditions of safety and dignity to their homes in Myanmar."

That was expressed as the main objective, at this point, ambassadors said before leaving UN Headquarters late last week.

"The council mission also met with civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives in the Myanmar capital," Dujarric said.

"Tomorrow (Tuesday), the Security Council will fly to Rakhine State, where the delegation will meet with the local government and civil society," he said. "They will visit Northern Rakhine State and then have a press conference upon returning to Naypyidaw."

More than 670,000 ethnic Muslim Rohingya have fled northern Rakhine State since Aug. 25, 2017. On that date Rohingya activists are alleged to have carried out a deadly attack on security posts, prompting alleged retribution by Myanmar forces and vigilante groups.

The latest refugees joined hundreds of thousands of mainly Rohingya refugees who previously fled Myanmar across the border into neighboring Bangladesh.

Last week, Dujarric told reporters the number of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh exceeded 1 million people.

Most of them are in the sprawling Kutupalong camp in the Cox's Bazar region of extreme southern Bangladesh, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said, where they are bracing from flooding monsoon rains expected imminently.

The refugees have told UNHCR officials they were chased from their villages in northern Rakhine State -- many of which were burned down-- by marauding bands of killers and rapists, the agency said.KIGALI, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A court in southern Rwanda Monday denied bail to 22 Congo refugees who are accused of inciting violence during the February protests at Kiziba refugee camp in western Rwanda, local media reported.

Muhanga High Court in Muhanga district ruled that the refugees should be remanded for a further 30 days as requested by prosecution to allow them more time to compile evidence, according to local media.

The refugees had earlier been remanded for 30 days by a lower court. The defense lawyer had asked the high court to release the refugees on bail after 30 days elapsed last week.

Presiding judge reportedly said court had concurred with prosecution argument that the suspects might evade justice once released on bail.

In February, five people were killed and 22 others wounded as protests over reduced food rations by refugees from the Kiziba refugee camp turned violent, according to the police. But Rwanda's Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo said in March protests were caused by different purposes.

The refugees were not only protesting the reduced food rations -- some also wanted to return to home country or to be resettled in Europe and America while maintaining Rwandan citizenship, she said.

The Rwandan government on Monday said in a statement it has disbanded the refugees' executive committee at Kiziba Refugee Camp to normalize the situation in the camp following its recent unrest.

Preliminary findings have established that the executive committee was largely to blame for the unrest in the camp hosting refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), said the statement.

It has been mobilizing refugees to revolt against government officials and partner institutions, denying them access to the camp and causing disorder among the refugees, said the statement.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 07:05:39|Editor: Lu Hui

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SEATTTLE, April 30 (Xinhua) -- More than 2,500 government officials, senior executives, entrepreneurs and professionals in quality community met here Monday to share their insights, views and perspectives on global quality, innovation and disruptive technologies that may shape the future of the human beings at a 2018 conference on quality and improvement.

The annual conference, a flagship event of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) themed with "the Innovation of YOU," features in-depth discussions and exchanges on knowledge, improvement methodologies, quality tools and practices during its three-day meeting that opened Monday in Seattle, the largest city in Washington state on the U.S. west coast.

A Chinese delegation consisting of 60 government officials, entrepreneurs, professionals and quality workers from at least eight Chinese provinces and municipalities attended the ASQ conference, and Huang Guoliang, chief of the Chinese delegation, made a keynote speech on China's quality innovation and sharing in the digital era at the session, the first time that a Chinese representative ever invited to address the audience in the history of the ASQ conference.

Huang said data quality is the key to quality innovation in the digital era, and with the rapid advancement of science and technology, countries are interdependent and have a high degree of integration of interests, he said.

Therefore, it is no longer necessary for each component to be developed and manufactured by a single country itself, he said.

He noted that China stands for cooperation and win-win results in the field of quality work, and "we must respect intellectual property rights, share innovative achievements legally, and further promote innovation."

"All countries should share quality data, and to integrate all fragmented data. Great efforts should be made...to fully tap and apply data resources and enhance data exchanges, so as to effectively serve technological transformation, product research and development, and industrial upgrading, and to promote global quality innovation," Huang said.

David Dilgardo, whose packaging company has been a 28-old member of the ASQ, said he has been attending the ASQ conference over the past six years.

China's first appearance as one of the keynote speakers at the opening ceremony of the ASQ conference offers "a great opportunity for American quality professionals to know more about China's progress in quality work," he said.

"This is a perfect occasion for both China and global quality professionals to share their knowledge innovation and quality improvement," Dilgardo said, adding that he was thrilled to see a Chinese presenter at such a great conference.

In concurrence with the 2018 ASQ conference, which is being held between April 30 and May 2, the first China-U.S. Quality Summit, which is part of the Global Summit on Quality hosted by the ASQ, was held as a platform for the exchange of information between senior U.S. and Chinese executives, government officials and quality experts.

The summit attracted about 20 businessmen from major Chinese companies such as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited, Haier Group Corporation, and XiamenAir, a carrier mainly owned by China Southern Airlines, and 50 entrepreneurs from about 30 U.S. companies.

The World Conference on Quality and Improvement is the largest and most influential global meeting on quality, which attracts about 2,000 to 3,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions since its inception in 1947.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 07:50:05|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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A Kashmiri shouts slogans against the killing of a civilian during his funeral in village Arihal of Pulwama district about 45 km south of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, April 30, 2018. A civilian was killed and 20 others injured Monday after government forces fired upon protesters near the gunfight site in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)NEW YORK, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Investors from the United States and China will meet in Omaha, Nebraska, hometown of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, on Friday to explore cooperation opportunities between the two countries.

Yahoo Finance, partnering with the China General Chamber of Commerce U.S.A. and the Asian Cultural Center U.S., is hosting the first "U.S.-China Investor Forum" in Omaha, a city on the Missouri River, during the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting weekend.

The forum will focus on business and investment opportunities between the United States and China, how both countries can continue a stable and healthy bi-lateral relationship, how Warren Buffett is viewed in China and his investing principles.

The forum will feature panel discussions like Interview with Warren Buffett, China's EV Revolution, New U.S.-China Partnerships, Hot Properties, Transforming Global Banking and U.S.-China Trade at a Crossroads.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 09:41:04|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday announced that the steel and aluminum tariff exemption for EU member countries, Canada and Mexico will be extended until June 1 in order to give "a final 30 days" for them to reach agreements over trade negotiations.

The U.S. has also reached a deal with South Korea on steel imports, and "agreements in principle" with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, according to the White House.YANGON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar government's recent peace negotiation with the Kayinni National Progressive Party (KNPP), an ethnic armed group operating in Kayah state, has made progress with the KNPP pledging commitment to continue efforts for joining the government's Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) as soon as possible.

The government's Peace Commission and representatives of the KNPP held a two-day formal peace talks in Kayah state's capital of Loikaw last weekend with the KNPP side, agreeing to follow three points in a short term before signing the NCA, which is expected to be realized in the upcoming third session of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference slated for late this month.

If both sides could sign the NCA at the conference, it would become a historic milestone, said Dr Tin Myo Win, Chairman of the Peace Commission following the peace talks.

The outcome of the peace talks is considered a constructive result for the ongoing peace and development of Kayah state, he added.

The three points to be followed by the KNPP are to carry out matters relating to local monitoring team and joint monitoring committee, to negotiate travel and communication of both troops at the state level and to hold regular coordination meetings; assigning liaison officers at state and union level; and the KNPP made progress in negotiating military matters as agreed by both sides and agreed to step up NCA signing.

The KNPP is the third armed group negotiating with the incumbent government for joining the ceasefire pact after the New Mon State Party (NMSP) and the Lahu Democratic Union (LDU) entered the NCA on Feb. 13.

The NCA was initiated with eight armed groups on Oct. 15, 2015 during the previous government tenure. As a follow-up, two meetings of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference were held in August 2016 and May 2017, respectively.

The second meeting of the peace conference was able to incorporate a total of 37 adopted principles into a union accord in the country's peace process.

The third meeting of the Panglong Peace Conference, scheduled for the end of May, will further discuss unfinished fundamental principles on federalism as well as the formulation of new principles for the establishment of a federal union.

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also chairperson of the National Reconciliation and Peace Center, has called for inclusiveness in the country's national reconciliation and peace process, reiterating the government's welcome of non-ceasefire signatory armed groups to join the signing of NCA and be inclusive in formulating the new principles.YANGON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has reiterated the government's readiness to receive back displaced persons fleeing Rakhine conflict to Bangladesh after verification, calling for cooperation with the Bangladesh side to expedite the repatriation process, according to the foreign ministry Tuesday.

Aung San Suu Kyi made the remarks when she met with a delegation made up of permanent representatives to the United Nations (UN), representatives from immediate neighbors of Myanmar to the UN, current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and member states of the UN Security Council in Nay Pyi Taw on late Monday.

She stressed the importance for Bangladesh side to use the prescribed forms agreed by both countries for verification as early as possible.

Aung San Suu Kyi also briefed the delegation, led by Ambassador Gustavo Meza Cuadra Velasquez of Peru, on matters pertaining to providing humanitarian assistance to affected communities, rebuilding trust and confidence among the communities, citizenship issue, ongoing closure of internally displaced person (IDP) camps and issuance of national verification cards (NVC).

She also explained to the delegation over restoration of rule of law, issue of resettlement on the international boundary lines between the two countries, possible recurrence of terrorist attacks at any time, necessity to find out the root cause of the conflict, prevention of hate speech and encouragement for school education.

The delegation also had comprehensive discussions with Myanmar delegation, led by U Kyaw Tint Swe, Minister at the Office of the State Counselor.

Myanmar signed an agreement with Bangladesh on the return of displaced persons from Bangladesh in November last year, announcing readiness to start the process on Jan. 23 this year.

The arrangement was based on the joint statement signed by foreign ministers of the two countries in 1992 which guides the systematic verification and acceptance of displaced persons from Rakhine state.

However, the repatriation process is being delayed for various reasons.

The Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army extremist terrorists launched attacks on police outposts in Myanmar's Rakhine State on Aug. 25 last year displacing a vast number of residents to border areas with Bangladesh.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 10:36:11|Editor: ZD

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BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique in Beijing Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The communique was signed by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas.

"The Government of the Dominican Republic recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," according to the communique.

"Hence the Government of the Dominican Republic severs 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan as of this day," the communique said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 10:41:11|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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TEGUCIGALPA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- From the lush peaks of western Honduras, coffee growers are exporting a coffee bean so sweet that it needs no sugar.

"Our coffee has the aroma and fragrance of caramel, ripe fruit and chocolate, with a very creamy body and a delicate acidity. In sum, a balanced coffee that does not need sugar," said Orlando Valle, the owner of Seis Valles coffee finca.

Seis Valles coffee plantation is located in the village of Inshuma on the western side of Honduras, which is specializing in what's known as "microlot" coffee -- a small and exclusive batch of beans harvested and processed separately.

Valle told Xinhua that growers used to process high-quality beans in an artisanal way for themselves, but are now marketing the product.

Seis Valles is preserving a rich coffee-growing tradition as well as innovating by applying the latest technology to harvest coffee beans so mellow that requires nothing to enhance its flavor, said Valle.

"We would cut the ripe bean, dry it in the sun, and grind and toast it simply on a clay comal. Today we do the same in principle, but with the latest technology," said Valle, who has more than 35 years of experience in the field and is regarded as an area pioneer of microlot coffee.

Thanks to this development, "western Honduras awoke like a sleeping giant ... when we realized that we had incredible potential," added Valle.

According to the Honduran Coffee Institute, Germany, Belgium and the United States are the leading buyers of Honduran coffee, followed by France, Italy, Britain, Canada, Holland, South Korea and Sweden.

Some 51 percent of the country's coffee beans are exported by multinationals, 47 percent by national companies and 2 percent by cooperatives.

The 2016-2017 harvest amounted to 9.5 million quintals, generating more than 1.3 billion U.S. dollars in revenue, and 9 million quintals of beans are expected to be exported this year.

"Starting last year, we began to ship microlot coffee to Australia," said Valle, adding: "We don't rule out strategic partnerships abroad."

While bean prices have been falling, he said, interest in touring the plantations and seeing firsthand how coffee is harvested is on the rise.

"It's nice for someone to come learn about the whole process, because (in) that way, whenever they take a sip of coffee, it will have greater flavor," said Valle, who works as a barista at the family business.South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) and Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) sign for their joint declaration, titled the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula, at Peace House on the South Korean side of Panmunjom, on April 27, 2018. (Xinhua/Inter-Korean Summit Press Corps)

SEOUL, April 30 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday stressed the need for a rapid ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration in the parliament, calling for a "bipartisan support" from the opposition parties.

Moon convened a meeting with senior presidential secretaries, the first such meeting after Friday's summit with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to the Blue House.

Moon and Kim announced the Panmunjom Declaration after their first meeting in the border village of Panmunjom, agreeing to a complete denuclearization and the change of the current armistice agreement into a peace treaty by the end of this year.

Moon said the two Koreas agreed to the complete denuclearization and the nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

He emphasized that the Panmunjom Declaration must be made "an irreversible history for peace and prosperity" on the peninsula, instructing his secretaries to focus on follow-up measures as the first step just started.

The South Korean leader said measures should be rapidly taken to ratify the inter-Korean agreement in the National Assembly, instructing officials to make efforts in cooperation with the parliament for a bipartisan support.

It is a part of efforts to make the Panmunjom Declaration a law that cannot be altered due to government changes in South Korea.

Previous inter-Korean agreements, reached at the first and second summits between the two Koreas in 2000 and 2007, were suspended under different governments.

Moon said the government should make all necessary efforts for the successful DPRK-U.S. summit, which is forecast to be held in May or early June.

He told officials to maintain a close dialogue channel with the DPRK and the United States while making efforts to secure support from the international society.CANBERRA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The board of one of Australia's leading four banks has been put on notice by Treasurer Scott Morrison following a report which found it had become complacent and unaccountable.

The Commonwealth Bank's (CBA) "continued financial success dulled the senses of the institution," according to a "damning" eight-month investigation by the country's leading financial regulator, Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA).

The report, which centered on the CBA's governance, accountability and culture frameworks, identified widespread complacency and a lack of incentive to improve customer outcomes.

Morrison said APRA's report showed the bank's remuneration structure was equivalent to "money for jam," with senior executives still getting bonuses "even when things go wrong."

The Treasurer said he expected CBA board members to resign.

"A number of board members and executives have already gone," he told reporters on Tuesday. "My understanding is there will be others who will be leaving and that's what I expect to happen."

Morrison said APRA's findings on the CBA, handed down on Tuesday morning, were damning.

"It found there was a complacent culture, dismissive of regulators, an ineffective board that lacked zeal and failed to provide oversight, a lack of accountability and ownership of key risks by senior executives," he told reporters.

"A lack of accountability is a common theme. An inability to identify who is accountable when things have gone wrong and inadequate remuneration outcomes for adverse risk and compliance outcomes."

Morrison also warned the executives and board directors of all major Australian companies to "step up" and take their jobs seriously.

"It goes to the heart of what responsibilities of board directors are," Morrison said.

"This should be a wake-up call for every board member in the country, particularly those who are the custodians of the savings shareholdings of millions of Australians, they expected better those shareholders of board members and they have been let down, terribly."

The APRA's report also included recommendations such as increased accountability which had diminished due to an "overly-collegial and collaborative working environment."

Morrison said he had called CBA chairman Catherine Livingston to Canberra to discuss the bank's Austrac money laundering scandal on Aug. 8 last year, almost three weeks before the APRA initiated its inquiry into the bank's governance, culture and accountability on Aug. 28.

Chris Bowen, the Shadow Treasurer, said the CBA investigation should have been broadened to include the entire Australian banking sector.

"The APRA inquiry into the CBA was launched in August last year, that's 18 months after Labor called for a Royal Commission into our banks and financial services," Bowen told the media on Tuesday afternoon.

"We very much welcome the report of APRA into one bank, but we should have received the final report into Australia's entire financial services industry a long time ago."Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 12:06:24|Editor: Yurou

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Kashmiri people carry the coffin of a youth who was shot dead by suspected militants, during his funeral in Baramullah town, about 60 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, May 1, 2018. Suspected militants shot dead three youth in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Tuesday. (Xinhua/Javed Dar)

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Suspected militants shot dead three youth in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said Tuesday.

The trio was killed Monday night at Baramulla town, about 60 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Last night militants fired upon three youth from a point-blank range here killing them on the spot," a senior police official posted in Baramulla told Xinhua. "The three were identified as local civilians."

Following the killings, police cordoned off the area to nab assailants. However, so far no arrests were made.

"Preliminary investigation reveals complicity of Lashkar-e-Toiba in the case," a police spokesman said. "One foreigner and two local militants are the principal suspects in this case and an investigation is underway in the matter."

So far no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last week a political leader was killed and two policemen serving as his security guards were wounded in the region.

Militants in the region usually target families and individuals for their possible links with Indian police and defense agencies. Even people having associations with pro-India political parties are targeted at times.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their Independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.NEW DELHI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At least five people have been killed and seven others injured after a speeding container truck ploughed into a crowd in western Indian state of Maharashtra, police said Tuesday.

The accident occurred on national highway number 6 in the state's Bhandara district, some 800 km from Maharashtra capital Mumbai.

"The truck drove into the crowd late Monday night in order to avoid a collision with a bike that suddenly came in front of the vehicle. While five people were mowed down, those injured were admitted to a government hospital," a police official said.

The victims were all coming back from a marriage function when they met with the accident, he added.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, the official said. "The driver of the truck will be questioned once he is out of hospital where he's being treated for injuries. If need be, we will book him for rash and negligent driving," he added.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 12:51:29|Editor: ZD

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SANTO DOMINGO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Dominican Republic's government late Monday announced that it established diplomatic ties with China.

The decision was made with the conviction that the bilateral relationship will be positive for the future of the Caribbean nation, presidential adviser Flavio Dario Espinal told reporters at a press conference.

"With this goal, Foreign Affairs Minister Miguel Vargas Maldonado and the administrative minister of the presidency, Jose Ramon Peralta, are in Beijing today to sign a joint communique, establishing diplomatic ties between our countries," said Espinal.

News of the diplomatic development was being simultaneously announced at a public event in Beijing, where it was already early Tuesday.

Dominican political and economic sectors were fully consulted before the government made the decision, which was mainly based on the "needs, potential and future outlook" of the Dominican people, he said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 12:56:30|Editor: ZD

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RIO DE JANEIRO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Michel Temer on Monday asked unemployed citizens "not to lose hope" in an official statement for Labor Day.

"You, who are looking for a job, do not lose hope," the statement read. "The Brazilian economy is growing and more and more jobs and opportunities created every day."

Temer also criticized his opponents in the statement, saying, "While some people spend their time criticizing others, we devote ourselves to working."

The unemployment rate rose to 13.1 percent, and the jobless population reached 13.7 million in April.CANBERRA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has named its first Transnational Organised Crime Coordinator to tackle the growing problem of off-shore organised crimes, especially cybercrimes, child exploitation, human trafficking, illicit drugs and firearms, and money laundering.

Karl Kent, the current Australian Federal Police (AFP) Deputy Commissioner, will work within the Department of Home Affairs to lead a national effort against "transnational serious and organised crime."

Australia's Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said a crime coordinator was needed because up to 70 percent of organised crimes occurred off-shore.

"Organised crime is costing Australians around $36 billion every year, but we know the personal cost to victims is much higher," Dutton said in a press release on Tuesday afternoon.

"I am very pleased to welcome Deputy Commissioner Kent as Australia's first coordinator to tackle important issues such as child exploitation, human trafficking and slavery, illicit drugs, illicit firearms and money laundering."WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. exports to China have supported 1 million American jobs, making trade important to not only U.S. companies and consumers, but also U.S. workers, a report released by the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) on Monday showed.

Exports to China support one million American jobs annually across a wide range of industries and continue to contribute to U.S. economic growth, said USCBC President John Frisbie.

Over the last decade, U.S. exports of goods to China grew by 86 percent, compared with only 21-percent growth for the country's exports to the rest of the world, said the report.

As the third largest market for U.S. goods and services exports, China saw its imports of goods from the United States rise by 14 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, twice as fast as U.S. exports to the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, U.S. services exports to China grew by 12 percent in 2016, while the country's services exports to the rest of the world decreased by 0.6 percent.

Trade with China have also benefited most U.S. states, the report showed. A total of 49 states have increased their goods exports to China in the past decade, with 17 states experiencing triple-digit growth since 2008.

China-U.S. trade relationship is under great pressure, as the White House threatened to levy massive tariffs on about 150 billion dollars of goods imported from China.

American business community and trade analysts have been urging the White House to negotiate about the trade differences with China, warning that unilateralism and trade protectionism will inevitably harm others without benefiting oneself as the global economy is deeply integrated.

On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that an official delegation from the United States will travel to China to discuss the bilateral trade relationship beginning Thursday.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 13:31:37|Editor: Lu Hui

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RIO DE JANEIRO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Michel Temer's office Monday denied that his planned Asia trip was "postponed" due to the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in corruption.

The presidential office said the decision was due to the upcoming election calendar as the president does not want to disrupt the voting in the Congress.

As Temer does not have a vice-president, during his absence, the head of the house would officiate as interim president, and the head of the Senate is the next in line.

However, both the head of the house and the Senate are expected to run in the election and according to Brazilian electoral law, they have to vacate their offices six months before the election, which would create a vacuum if Temer leaves the country.

The presidential office also said the main bill in the Congress, which is on the budget, must be voted on by May 8. A default would lead to lots of damage to the entire economy, it said.

The president is being investigated for supposedly taking millions of dollars from businessmen in the port sector and signing a decree to benefit them. Last week, the federal police sought to have the probe extended.

The presidential office did not provide new dates for the Asia trip.SINGAPORE, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the "trade tension" between China and the United States could easily lead to a more serious friction that affect the stability and security of the world.

Lee made the statement while delivering his 2018 May Day Rally speech on Tuesday. He said Singapore's economy depends on external environment, and the growing friction has clouded the outlook.

The prime minister said the Trump administration has made trade a top issue, especially the trade between China and the United States, as it is putting restrictions and tariffs on a total 150 billion U.S. dollars worth of Chinese products unilaterally, without going through the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Lee said Singapore will suffer collateral damage, and the Trump administration's unilateral tariffs undermine the WTO system which supposed to be open, rule-based and multilateral.

He said the WTO system imposes rules on countries both big and small, which ensure free, fair and orderly world trade, and if these rules are not followed, all countries, especially small countries like Singapore, will suffer.

He said if the trend continue in the long run, it will be very bad for the world and very bad for Singapore, because "as a small country, Singapore is always vulnerable to what happens around us."SEOUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was removing propaganda loudspeakers from the border area with South Korea in a bid to enforce the Panmunjom Declaration, announced after the inter-Korean summit last week, local media reported Tuesday citing the South Korean military.

An unidentified South Korean military official was quoted by local media as saying moves were spotted earlier in the day pulling back loudspeakers from the frontline areas.

The DPRK is reported to have operated about 40 fixed loudspeakers along the heavily fortified inter-Korean border to conduct psychological warfare against South Korea.

South Korea's military, which had operated some 40 mobile and fixed loudspeakers, planned to remove them from 2 p.m. local time (0500 GMT).

South Korea's anti-DPRK broadcast through the loudspeakers was already stopped on April 23 ahead of the summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un on April 27.

After the third-ever inter-Korean summit at the border village of Panmunjom, Moon and Kim signed and announced the Panmunjom Declaration.

Under the declaration, the two leaders agreed to stop all hostile acts, including the propaganda broadcast and the distribution of leaflets, and remove tools for it in areas near the military demarcation line (MDL) dividing the Koreas since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. They agreed to change the MDL into an actual peace zone.WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday announced that the steel and aluminum tariff exemptions for EU member countries, Canada and Mexico will be extended until June 1 in order to give "a final 30 days" for them to reach agreements over trade negotiations.

"In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security," U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement Monday.

Washington also agreed to exempt Argentina, Australia and Brazil as it has reached agreements with these countries. The White House said the details of these agreements will be finalized shortly.

As South Korea has agreed to follow a quota for its steel exports to the United States as well as other measures to reduce excessive steel capacity, it will be exempt from the steel tariff but will face additional tariff on aluminum exports to the United States, which will take effect on May 1.

Amid widespread dissent in business groups and trading partners around the world, Trump signed proclamations in March to impose 25-percent tariff on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum, which took effect on March 23.

The White House then provided temporary exemptions for EU member states as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea, and had to decide whether to extend them until the end of Monday.

The United States is using a decades-old law to impose the tariffs on the ground of national security, which has drawn strong opposition from the domestic business community and U.S. trading partners.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel came to Washington to work out trans-Atlantic trade issues but left without results.

China has requested consultations with the United States on the tariffs at the World Trade Organization and the EU has sought to join the consultations.

Though the EU is temporarily exempt from the tariffs, if the exemption is not continued, its exports would be impaired significantly, it said last week.

In 2017, the 28-nation bloc exported 5.99 billion U.S. dollars worth of steel products to the United States, and 1.25 billion dollars of aluminum, making it the top exporter of steel to the United States and the fifth largest aluminum exporter.

The unilateral move by Washington could push world trade into a lose-lose situation and undermine the trading system, said Chad Bown, a senior fellow and trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.MUMBAI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Many Indian young people now choose to learn Chinese to access a bigger pool of job opportunities in Chinese-funded enterprises as more and more Chinese enterprises have come to the country to conduct business.

"After joining Air China, my life has undergone a huge change. No one at home had ever selected this kind of work before," Heena Nakhwa told Xinhua.

Nakhwa, 26, is working for China's national carrier Air China. Her Chinese name is Yi Na.

"Now I have become financially stable, more responsible. I have learnt a foreign language (Chinese) and have also encouraged my friends to learn. I won people's respect and it makes my parents proud," said the young lady.

As early as in 2015, thanks to the successful application to a government scholarship program which made it easy to learn Chinese, Nakhwa went to China to study.

After returning home with the "expertise" in October 2016, she successfully joined the sales team of Air China BOM Office.

In less than two years, Nakhwa feels that learning Chinese was the turning point of her life.

"There are five people in my family. My parents retired four years ago. I now get paid 40,000 rupees (some 600 U.S. dollar) more than before. If you have a good income, naturally you can give your family a better life," she said.

"In my free time, I also teach Chinese. Last year, two of my students passed the HSK3 level exam."

Nakhwa's experience is an epitome of a new trend of "Chinese fever" in India.

At the Indo Sino Bridge in the University of Mumbai, events are held regularly, showcasing Indians and Chinese singing, dancing, reading poetry and performing other stage arts together.

The popularity of the events gives a deep sense of a Chinese wind blowing.

"You could say India is now in 'Chinese fever,' because there is a big market. Many Chinese enterprises have come, and the future will bring more and more. Learning Chinese will give more opportunities," Manu Arora from Gujarat Central University told Xinhua.

Professor Dibo Jie, or BR Deepak, from the Center of Chinese and Southeast Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, said it is estimated that at present there are tens of thousands of people learning Chinese in India.

"Chinese is one of the working languages of the United Nations, and is the most used language in the world, with the continued expansion of Chinese economic and political influence, prompting countries to learn Chinese, India is no exception," he said.

In BR Deepak's view, the primary reason of the current "Chinese fever" is the significant growth in trade between China and India, which has brought a lot of jobs.

A large number of Indian students and businessmen who go to China for studying or working want to master the basic everyday language before arriving in China.

In addition, the development of tourism between the two countries has also stimulated the development of Chinese learning in India.

According to official figures from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, China's trade with India reached a record high of 84.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, up 20.3 percent from the previous year.

China remains India's largest trading partner.

Chinese companies have invested more than 8 billion dollars in real investment, and Indian companies have increased their investment in China by an average of 18.5 percent over the past three years.

Sudheendra Kulkarni, former chairman of Observer Research Foundation (Mumbai), said China's economic development has been successful and its model is particularly suitable for copying in India.

On current trends, the economic and trade cooperation between China and India will soon exceed 100 billion U.S. dollars, and show an accelerated development, and it will also bring more employment opportunities for young people in India, he said.

Talking about future, Nakhwa said, "I want to improve my Chinese, and also teach my students in more efficient ways."Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 14:16:48|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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TEHRAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nuclear allegations against Iran as a "worthless show."

Baharm Qasemi, the foreign ministry spokesman of Iran, said in a statement that the "ridiculous propagandist presentations" of Netanyahu are "one of the latest shameful and worthless shows about Iran's nuclear program."

Netanyahu on Monday disclosed files that he said could prove Iran has secretly worked on nuclear weapons even after it signed an agreement curbing its nuclear program in 2015.

The Iranian nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed between Iran and six world powers in 2015, was designed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of international sanctions on Iran.

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use" at the Fordow nuclear testing site, said Netanyahu.

However, Qasemi said the allegations were "merely aimed at spreading lies and deception."

Netanyahu's disclosure came ahead of Trump's looming deadline on May 12 to decide whether to extend the waiver on nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 14:26:50|Editor: Shi Yinglun

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Image provided by Dominican Republic's Presidency shows presidential adviser Flavio Dario Espinal speaking during a press conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, April 30, 2018. The Dominican Republic's government late Monday announced that it established diplomatic ties with China. (Xinhua/Dominican Republic Presidency)

SANTO DOMINGO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The Dominican Republic's government late Monday announced that it established diplomatic ties with China.

The decision was made with the conviction that the bilateral relationship will be positive for the future of the Caribbean nation, presidential adviser Flavio Dario Espinal told reporters at a press conference.

Dominican political and economic sectors were fully consulted before the government made the decision, which was mainly based on the "needs, potential and future outlook" of the Dominican people, he said.

"With this goal, Foreign Affairs Minister Miguel Vargas Maldonado and the presidency's Administrative Minister, Jose Ramon Peralta, are in Beijing today to sign a joint communique, establishing diplomatic ties between our countries," Espinal added.

News of the diplomatic development was being simultaneously announced at a public event in Beijing, where it was already early Tuesday.

The statement said the Caribbean country, which has cut its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, recognized that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is "an inalienable part of the Chinese territory."

It said that even without formal diplomatic ties with China before, China has already become its second largest supplier of imported products, with bilateral trade volume amounting to around 2 billion U.S. dollars a year.

Citing the fact that the Dominican Republic is China's second largest trade partner in the Caribbean and Central American region, Espinal said the growth potential between the two countries is immense.

The coming months and years will see increasing opportunities for cooperation, not just in trade, but also in finance, technology, tourism, education and energy, he added.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 14:36:51|Editor: Lu Hui

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas sign a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique in Beijing Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The communique was signed by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas.

"The Government of the Dominican Republic recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," according to the communique.

"Hence the Government of the Dominican Republic severs 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan as of this day," the communique said.

According to the communique, the People's Republic of China and the Dominican Republic, in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level effective from the date of signature of the communique.

"The two governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence," the communique said.

Adhering to the one-China principle is a universally recognized international norm and the consensus of the international community, as well as the fundamental prerequisite and political foundation for China to establish and develop relations with any country, Wang said.

The Dominican Republic has resolutely decided to recognize and make a commitment to abiding by the one-China principle, and to establish diplomatic ties with China without any preconditions, according to Wang.

"This important and correct decision made by the Dominican Republic is fully in line with the fundamental interests of the country and its people,with the trend of the history and times, as well as with the international law and the basic norms of international relations. We highly appreciate that," Wang said.

Vargas said that it is a correct and important step forward for the Dominican Republic to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, and the Dominican Republic is now standing with the other 175 countries that support the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.

The Dominican Republic has cut its so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan, and it will no longer have any official relations or any official exchanges with Taiwan in any form, he pledged.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries opens a new chapter of bilateral ties, Wang said, noting that both sides will promote South-South cooperation and maintain the common interests of developing countries.

Establishing diplomatic ties with China brings the Dominican Republic great opportunities and will benefit the people of the Dominican Republic, Wang said.

As an important economic entity in the Caribbean region, the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Dominican Republic will inject new impetus into China-Latin America cooperation, Wang said.

The Dominican Republic appreciates China's important role in international and regional affairs, Vargas said, noting that his country will have close multilateral coordination with China.

Vargas said the Dominican Republic is willing to work with China to enhance political trust, strengthen exchanges at various levels and carry out cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and education.SEOUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in asked the United Nations to observe the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s planned shutdown of its nuclear test site, the Blue House of South Korea said Tuesday.

Kim Eui-kyeom, spokesman for Moon, told a press briefing that Moon had a phone conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for half an hour from 11:30 a.m. local time (0230 GMT) to exchange opinions about the result of the third inter-Korean summit last week.

Moon told Guterres that top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un promised to transparently make open the closedown of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site to South Korea and the United States as well as to the international society.

The South Korean president asked the UN chief to allow UN officials to participate in the shutdown to observe and confirm it.

During the April 27 summit with Moon at the border village of Panmunjom, Kim said his country will openly close the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in northeast of the DPRK, where all of six nuclear tests were conducted, by the end of May.

After the summit, Moon and Kim signed and announced the Panmunjom Declaration in which the two sides agreed to the complete denuclearization and the change of the current armistice agreement into a peace treaty.

Moon told Guterres that the Panmunjom Declaration included an agreement to alter the heavily armed demilitarized zone (DMZ) into an actual peace zone, asking the UN to observe and verify the process of the alteration.

In response, Guterres said he was willing to cooperate in the process, noting that though Moon's calls require the approval from UN Security Council, he will make efforts to help settle peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The UN chief added that he will appoint a UN official in charge of arms reduction to cooperate with South Korea.

Moon also asked Guterres to issue a statement welcoming and supporting the Panmunjom Declaration by the UN General Assembly or the UN Security Council, saying the UN support will be a great help to improved inter-Korean relations and the success of the upcoming DPRK-U.S. summit.

The DPRK leader and U.S. President Donald Trump are forecast to hold the first-ever DPRK-U.S. summit in May or early June.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 15:11:55|Editor: ZX

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RIO DE JANEIRO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Chief Prosecution Office denounced on Monday former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to the Supreme Federal Court for fresh corruption charges.

It also denounced Lula's finance minister Antonio Palocci and planning minister Paulo Bernardo, and Senator Gleisi Hoffmann, current leader of the Workers' Party that Lula founded for the same accusations.

According to the Prosecution Office, construction company Odebrecht promised 40 million U.S. dollars to Lula in exchange for political action to benefit the company, which then reportedly took advantage of a better credit line from the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) to do business in Angola.

It noted that the case was based on the testimonies of Odebrecht executives, who provided evidence and documents such as spreadsheets and messages.

Lula was jailed on April 7 and is serving a 12-year sentence for several graft charges.

Hoffmann and Bernardo reportedly received bribes of 5 million reals (1.43 million dollars) disguised as election donations.

The Workers' Party released a statement saying that Chief Prosecutor Raquel Dodge has been "acting irresponsibly by making formal denouncements based on testimonies of criminals, given in exchange for financial and legal benefits."

The party accused the Prosecution Office of trying to criminalize it.TRIPOLI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Libya's Higher Council of State has called on the eastern-based House of Representatives (parliament) to end the political division in the country and unify the state's institutions.

"The Council renews its agreement to restructure the presidency council with three members and a separate government. We look forward to the Parliament's response to end the division and unify the sovereign institutions," the Council said in a statement later on Monday.

The Council stressed willingness to decide on the appointment or exemption of senior and sovereign posts, in accordance with Article 15 of the UN-sponsored political agreement.

The Council also expressed desire to meet with the Parliament in the east of the country, "in order to overcome this difficult stage."

Council member Musa Faraj told Xinhua there was no major disagreement between the Council and the Parliament "except for the mechanisms of choosing the new presidency council, an issue we reject to be decided by the Parliament alone, as the political agreement stipulates that the mechanism for choosing posts must be in partnership between the Council and the Parliament."

Faraj added that the Council is waiting for an initiative by the Parliament to introduce final amendment to the political agreement and form a government of national unity.

Two days ago, Morocco hosted a meeting of the head of the Council and the Parliament Speaker in order to bring the views closer and push forward the political agreement signed in Morocco later in 2015.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 15:46:58|Editor: Yurou

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TEHRAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday denounced Israeli prime minister's nuclear allegations against Iran as "worthless show."

Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Baharm Qasemi, said in a statement that "the ridiculous propagandist presentations of the premier of the Zionist regime (of Israel) is one of the latest shameful and worthless shows about Iran's nuclear program."

The allegations were "merely aimed at spreading lies and deception," said Qasemi.

In a televised presentation on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed files allegedly obtained by Israel's intelligence from Iran's "secret nuclear archive," saying the files prove Iran has secretly worked on nuclear weapons.

The nuclear deal, signed in July 2015, was designed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of international sanctions on Iran.

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use" at the Fordow nuclear testing site, said Netanyahu.

The disclosure came ahead of Trump's looming deadline on May 12 to decide whether to extend the waiver on nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 15:51:59|Editor: Yurou

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KABUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government has been urged to improve security to sustain economic recovery and alleviate poverty in the country on the International Workers' Day which falls on Tuesday.

Insecurity is the main challenge for economic growth and employment, Muhib Naji, a human resources staff member at a local company said, adding that when investors do not see a bright and certain future, they will not invest because it is too risky.

"In order to get potential investors' confidence and persuade them to invest in Afghanistan and create job opportunities, the security condition must be improved," Yahya Waqar, a management professor at Ibne Sina University told Xinhua.

"In the past, when the security condition was better, many international investors showed interest to invest especially in the mining sector, and some contracts were signed, but because of security concerns, practical works have not taken place yet," he said.

Mohammad Shafaq Khawatian, an economy professor at Kabul University, said he believes that continued unemployment is the main source of social problems and evils.

"There is direct connection between unemployment, crimes and insurgency. For example, why the crime rate in the city of Kabul has increased recently? Because people do not have money; therefore, they want to make money through illegal ways like kidnapping and robbing people," he said.

According to Afghan officials, unemployment rate in the country stands at 39 percent and most of the jobless people are young-educated who could not find proper jobs.

The majority of people in Afghanistan live in rural areas and work on the farms, but recent severe drought has forced farmers to migrate to cities.

"Several families left our village in Ghazni province for Kabul because farms and livestock suffered very badly due to severe and consistent drought," Ali Ahmad Rahimi, a farmer, said.

"Currently in Kabul we cannot find a decent job with reasonable salary, so we will have to go to Iran," he added.

On the eve of the International Workers' Day, two daily laborers were killed and several street vendors wounded in two suicide bombings in central Kabul, in the attack which killed 27 people, including nine journalists.

If the Afghan government can not overcome security challenges, the unemployment rate in the country will likely to remain high, analysts say.SYDNEY, May 1 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron arrived here Tuesday for an official two-day visit, with trade, defence and climate change expected to be on the agenda.

It's the first time Macron has travelled to Australia and comes off the heels of his highly publicised visit to the United States where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump.

"France is one of our oldest and closest friends," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said.

"This year especially we remember our nations' shared sacrifice in the trenches of the Western Front (in World War I) a century ago."

High on the agenda for the meeting will be a French naval firm's 37.5-billion-U.S. dollar contract to build 12 submarines for the Australian Defence Force.

Other matters will include a potential free trade agreement between Australia and the European Union, as well as climate change action in the South Pacific.

The two leaders are expected to dine together at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday night before Macron pays a special tour to an Indigenous Australian art gallery.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 16:22:03|Editor: ZX

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Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (R) meets with Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Tuesday met with Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, who came to Beijing to sign a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Dominican Republic.

Wang conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's greetings to Dominican President Danilo Medina, and extended congratulations on the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Wang said that while recognizing and upholding the one-China principle, the Dominican government has made a political decision to sever "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan and forge diplomatic ties with China, which conforms to the trend of the times and is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries and two peoples.

He said that the development potential of the bilateral relations will be fully unleashed with broad prospects.

"China will do follow-up work together with the Dominican side to constantly enhance political mutual trust, strengthen exchanges, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the building of a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for humanity, thus writing a new chapter in the history of our bilateral relations," Wang said.

Vargas conveyed President Medina's greetings and best wishes to President Xi.

He said that the Dominican Republic will abide by the one-China principle, vigorously carry out exchanges and cooperation with China, and be a reliable partner, to create a new prospect for the bilateral relations.BRUSSELS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Tuesday said the U.S. decision to extend the bloc's exemption from import tariffs on steel and aluminium has prolonged market uncertainly and has impacted business decisions.

"The EU should be fully and permanently exempted from these measures, as they cannot be justified on the grounds of national security," the European Commission said in a statement.

The White House on Monday announced that the steel and aluminum tariff exemptions for EU member countries, Canada and Mexico will be extended until June 1 in order to give "a final 30 days" for them to reach agreements over trade negotiations.

The EU said it had "consistently indicated its willingness to discuss current market access issues of interest to both sides," and also made it clear that the EU will "not negotiate under threat."

"Any future transatlantic work program has to be balanced and mutually beneficial," the statement said.

European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom has been in contact with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer over the past few weeks, and these discussions will continue, it added.

Amid widespread dissent from business groups and trading partners around the world, Trump signed proclamations in March to impose a 25-percent tariff on imported steel and 10 percent on aluminum, which took effect on March 23.

The White House then provided temporary exemptions for EU member states as well as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea, and had to decide whether to extend them until the end of Monday.

The United States is using a decades-old law to impose the tariffs on national security grounds, which has drawn strong opposition from the domestic business community and U.S. trading partners.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel went to Washington to work out trans-Atlantic trade issues but left empty handed.

China has requested consultations with the United States about the tariffs at the World Trade Organization, something the EU has sought to join.

Though the EU is temporarily exempt from the tariffs, if the exemption is not continued, its exports would be impaired significantly, it said last week.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 17:02:12|Editor: ZX

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by Ye Zaiqi, Wu Xiaoling

SEATTLE, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The chair of the American Society of Quality (ASQ) said Monday that he is still optimistic about long-term cooperation on innovation between China and the United States, despite some temporary difficulties between the two in trade.

On the sidelines of the first China-U.S. Quality Summit on Monday in the city of Seattle, Elmer Corbin told Xinhua that he doesn't believe that U.S.-China cooperation on quality innovation will be adversely affected in the long run.

"I think that this is just a temporary clip in the relationship ... The U.S. has a long standing relationship with China and I don't think the current politics (will harm that), because it's really a political situation," said the ASQ chair.

China and the United States have been locked in a trade dispute over the past few weeks after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally threatened to slap punitive tariffs on Chinese exports worth billions of dollars for what it called huge trade deficits on the U.S. side against China.

The Chinese government responded by announcing the same amount of tariffs on U.S. exports to Chinese consumers.

Corbin said the U.S.-China trade frictions have nothing do with the sharing of knowledge and the the collaboration that the ASQ has maintained for many many decades now with China.

"I don't think that this is going to be a long-term disagreement in our relationship," he said.

The ASQ chair challenged the allegation by some U.S. politicians about "China's unfair acquisition of U.S. technology and intellectual property (IP) rights," saying he is not worried about the sharing of knowledge with China.

"I work for IBM (International Business Machines), and as a matter fact we have several very big development labs in China. So we are creating IP in those labs. I don't think that that's a major issue, if you have the right safeguards in place," he noted.

Corbin said the summit is an opportunity to "create new innovation if we have the right experts from different geographies and from different points of views working together."

Corbin said China-U.S. summits inspire collaboration, "so that we can create greater Innovation that's going to solve some of the big problems in the world."

He listed air pollution and a lack of clean water in some parts of the world as areas directly related to quality and where China and the U.S. can work together.

"These are quality issues. How do we solve those issues as a world community? The more of these types of events that we have, my vision is that we will start to break down those silos and bring together the greatest expertise in the world to solve some of these big problems," he said.

As part of the Global Summit on Quality hosted by the ASQ, the China-U.S. Summit was held as a platform for the exchange of information between senior U.S. and Chinese executives, government officials and quality experts.

The event attracted about 20 CEOs and senior business leaders from major Chinese companies such as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited, Haier Group Corporation, and XiamenAir, a carrier mainly owned by China Southern Airlines, and 50 entrepreneurs from about 30 U.S. companies, including Boeing Co., Google, IBM and Microsoft.

The summit was held in concurrence with the 2018 ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement that opened Monday through Wednesday. The annual ASQ conference is the largest and most influential global meeting on quality and attracts about 2,000 to 3,000 participants per year from more than 50 countries and regions.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 17:07:13|Editor: ZX

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DAMASCUS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 42 people have been set free from the rebel-held Idlib province in northwestern Syria and reached Aleppo province on Tuesday, said the state news agency SANA.

The people have been kidnapped by the rebels in the town of Eshtabraq in Idlib, and their release is part of a deal reached recently with the government, SANA said.

The deal stipulates releasing the kidnapped people from Eshtabraq and breaking a siege on the two pro-government towns of Kafraya and Foa in Idlib in exchange for allowing rebels in Yarmouk Camp south of Damascus to leave to Idlib.

SANA said people with medical conditions from Kafraya and Foa as well as the 42 freed people reached the al-Eis crossing south of Aleppo, noting that it's the first stage of the deal as more people are expected to be set free from the militants' captivity in Idlib.

Meanwhile, five buses transporting 200 rebels and their families left the Yarmouk Camp under the deal, said SANA.

It's worth noting that the Islamic State (IS) controls 75 percent of the Yarmouk Camp and it is excluded from the deal amid a wide-scale military offensive on the IS positions in Yarmouk and the nearby Hajar al-Aswad area.

The evacuation of the rebels from Yarmouk is the latest in a series of evacuation deals reached recently between the government and the rebels under a Russian mediation.

Most of the recent evacuations are taking place with rebels who are still holding pockets in southern Damascus as three other towns are expected to witness evacuation of rebels and their families.PHNOM PENH, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Tuesday celebrated the International Labor Day with thousands of factory workers at the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone here.

At the celebrations, Hun Sen allowed the workers to take selfies with him, and he also danced and had lunch with them.

"I don't have any speech today, but gifts for our 5,515 workers -- each of them gets 50,000 riels (12.5 U.S. dollars)," the prime minister briefly said.

The garment and footwear sector, the kingdom's largest foreign exchange earner, is comprised of 1,154 factories with some 770,000 workers, 83 percent of whom are women, according to the Ministry of Labor.

The Southeast Asian country exported apparel and footwear products worth 7.6 billion U.S. dollars last year, up 4.1 percent from 7.3 billion U.S. dollars in the previous year.AUCKLAND, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand China Council on Tuesday released a report here on the opportunities New Zealand could face under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.

The report, intended to be a first step in helping to shape New Zealand's engagement with the initiative, shows that opportunities exist for New Zealand to engage and enhance existing linkages not only with China, but also with other countries along the Belt and Road routes.

"Choosing not to engage will not only be a missed opportunity but also mean these opportunities are available for other countries to explore and realize the benefits. Other countries will take up these opportunities if New Zealand does not engage, thereby eroding our preferential position in the Chinese market," the report says.

"New Zealand has a number of comparative advantages that give us the opportunity to offer a meaningful and mutually beneficial proposition to China," said Don McKinnon, chair of the government-funded New Zealand China Council, which was established in 2012.

The report tries to take "a fresh, innovative and practical approach" to the prospects for cooperation under the initiative, with a focus in particular on opportunities to create greater connectivity between New Zealand, China and other Belt and Road participants, he said.by Peter Mertz

DENVER, the United States, May 1 (Xinhua) -- American farmers have been bracing for a tariffs race between the United States and China ignited by the Trump administration -- economic shots that would likely hurt America's historic heartland.

Since China's response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs hike policy announced in March, economists have delved into extensive analysis and gloomy prognostication from the disputes.

"The cards are on the table and there's no mystery to China's next move," said David Richardson, a political analyst from Washington D.C..

"With each of Trump's tariffs, China will strike back, and the impact will be worse than indicated by initial economic reports and especially the U.S. media," Richardson warned Monday.

"Long-term, adverse consequences," said Vince Smith, an economist at Montana State University.

WAVES OF PAIN

Experts say the ripples of pain from America's vast heartland, still considered "The Breadbasket of the World," also strike at the very core of America's historic, cultural fabric.

"Wheat is called the sacred crop from the Bible, our daily bread, and also is called 'amber waves of grain' in America the Beautiful," said Brad Erker, executive director of the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers (CAWG).

America the Beautiful glorifies the country's vast wheat fields, calling them "amber waves of grain," that cover more than 1 million square miles (2.6 million square km) from Texas to North Dakota.

More than 160,000 U.S. farms in 42 states contribute to wheat production, according to the 2007 Agriculture Census. Two-thirds of these farms are in America's Great Plains that stretch west from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.

Nationwide, farmers devote more than 45 million acres (182.1 million hectares) to wheat production each year.

But even bigger agriculture losers in a U.S. trade disputes with China will be corn and soybean farmers, according to Smith, an agricultural economist specializing in international trade.

Soybeans yield annual revenues of 38 billion U.S dollars, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics show, and the industry is in the cross-hairs of the retaliatory salvo with potential losses in the billions alone, experts say.

U.S. export data shows China's 1,085 million bushels (mb) a year dwarfing other top soy recipients: EU (167 mb), Mexico (131 mb), Japan (80 mb), according to USDA statistics.

With China importing 90 percent of its soybean needs and 34 percent of these coming from the United States, signs are clear that looming economic hardship could be severe, according to Dutch multinational banking company Rabobank.

Rabobank, a leading financial services provider for the agri-business sector, said that U.S. farmers could be driven to reduce soybean acres, while South American farmers will see an expansion of their harvest.

The company predicts a rise in the prices of all soy products to the American consumer, and notes that "if all proposed duties took effect, 40 percent of the U.S. exports to China would be affected but only 10 percent of China's exports to the United States (would be)."

GRAIN GROANS

In the wheat industry, Montana was America's third-largest producing state in 2017 behind Kansas and North Dakota, according to the USDA.

"Not many options," said Montana State University Professor Anton Bekkerman, on the future of the American wheat farmers.

Already, North Dakota farmers have shifted away from wheat production, and the ripple effect of the upcoming tariffs might include America's fragile involvement in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), according to Bekkerman, a well-published agricultural economics expert.

"If additional strings are placed on the NAFTA structure then we're going to lose a major market," Bekkerman said, noting that in 2017 NAFTA was the country's top importer of wheat.

Countries like Mexico are already looking for other places to buy wheat, and that strain is getting producers worried, Bekkerman told Xinhua.

With China, the European Union and India producing more wheat than U.S. farmers, according to the USDA, buyers may start looking to other global producers to meet their needs, thus leaving America in the lurch, experts told Xinhua.

Survival for the American farmer may mean focusing on "quality" or receiving federal subsidies to pay the bills, experts said.

"China is growing like crazy with an expanding middle class," said Bekkerman. "They want quality products and that is an area where we can always deliver."

The owners of America's 2 million farms have been historically conservative and oppose government bailouts and subsidies, but Trump Administration officials are already mentioning this possibility.

"There are new rumors that Trump and (Secretary of Agriculture Sonny) Perdue will enact domestic policies to keep prices up for farmers," Erker told Xinhua.

"These domestic policies would mean subsidies -- a price borne by taxpayers in the United States, and nobody wants that," Erker said.NEW DELHI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A record amount of 103,458 crore Indian Rupees (about 15.5 billion U.S. dollars) was collected in India in the form of goods and services tax (GST) during April 2018, according to official data released by the country's Ministry of Finance on Tuesday.

This is the first time when GST collection has crossed the one trillion Indian Rupees mark.

Out of this, 18,652 crore Indian Rupees (2.8 billion U.S. dollars) were Central GST (or CGST), 25,704 crore Indian Rupees (3.86 billion U.S. dollars) were States GST (or SGST), and 50,548 crore Indian Rupees were collected (7.6 billion U.S. dollars) as Integrated GST (IGST).

While CGST goes to the account of central government, SGST goes to respective states' account and IGST is charged when movement of goods and services from one state to another occurs.

The Modi government introduced the GST regime in July 2017 as a major tax reform with the objective of widening the tax net and thereby increasing total tax collections.

The increase in tax collections could be attributed to the economic recovery and improvement in compliances. However, the ministry's statement cautioned that the higher numbers could be partly attributed to the payment of tax arrears in the month for the last financial year.

"It is usually noticed that in the last month of the Financial Year (i.e. March), people also tried to pay arrears of some of the previous months, and therefore, this month's revenue cannot be taken as a trend for the future," added the official statement.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 18:17:27|Editor: ZX

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas sign a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China and the Dominican Republic on Tuesday established diplomatic relations, which represents an irresistible trend.

In a joint communique signed in Beijing by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, the two countries established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.

The decision made by the Dominican Republic is fully in line with the fundamental interests of the country and its people and the basic norms of international relations.

There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. It has been a universal consensus of the international community to adhere to the one-China principle, a fundamental prerequisite as well as political foundation for China to establish and develop relations with any country.

China and the Dominican Republic enjoy a long-standing history of exchange and cooperation. The Caribbean nation is China's second biggest trading partner in the region and China is the second largest source of imports for the Dominican Republic.

The establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Dominican Republic opens a new chapter of bilateral ties for the two sides.

As a Chinese poem reads, "True friends value their promises to each other and will travel a thousand miles to be together." Though far apart, now China has one more friend in Latin America and the Dominican Republic finds a good partner in China in pursuing its development.

China-Dominican Republic ties add good momentum to the comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Latin America and will undoubtedly promote South-South cooperation.

The Dominican Republic's wise decision to sever ties with Taiwan and abide by the one-China policy will bring itself great opportunities and serve to benefit both countries in the end.LOS ANGELES, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Eight migrants from Central America who traveled by caravan through Mexico to the U.S. border were allowed late Monday to step onto American territory to request asylum.

The first eight migrants were taken in at about 7:30 p.m. local time (0330 GMT Tuesday) after waiting more than a day outside of the facility, according to media reports.

Earlier, about hundreds of migrants with supporters marched from Tijuana, Mexico to the San Ysidro port of entry. Over the weekend, the caravan members set up camp on the Mexico side of the fence, just miles south of San Diego, California.

The caravan drew the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on Twitter that the vehicle threatened the security and sovereignty of the United States.

"The migrant 'caravan' that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are," Trump tweeted on Monday.LONDON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Scotland became the first place in the world to implement a minimum price for alcohol on Tuesday.

New legislation by the Scottish Parliament came into force setting a minimum price of 50 pence (70 U.S. dollars) for each unit price.

Politicians have imposed the pricing regime to tackle the damage caused by cheap, high strength alcohol, with research showing it is expected to save 392 lives in the first five years of implementation.

The policy will add more than 4 U.S. dollars to a price of whisky.

Scotland's Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I am extremely proud that the eyes of the world will once again be on Scotland with the introduction of this legislation. Our action is bold and it is brave, and shows once again that we are leading the way in introducing innovative solutions to public health challenges.

"It's no secret that Scotland has a troubled relationship with alcohol. There are, on average, 22 alcohol-specific deaths every week in Scotland, and 697 hospital admissions and behind every one of these statistics is a person, a family, and a community badly affected by alcohol misuse.

"Given the clear and proven link between consumption and harm, minimum unit pricing is the most effective and efficient way to tackle the cheap, high strength alcohol that causes so much damage to so many families."

According to Scotland's Health Secretary Shona Robison, alcohol misuse costs Scotland 3.6 billion pounds (5 billion U.S. dollars) each year and Scotland has the highest rate of alcohol-related deaths in the UK.

The measure was first proposed five years ago but has faced a lengthy legal battle by the Scottish Whisky Association challenging the policy in the courts. Critics have also said higher prices will unfairly punish responsible drinkers.BUJUMBURA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 persons were injured in a grenade explosion that happened on Monday night in Kayanza province, northern Burundi, a police spokesman said Tuesday.

An unidentified criminal blasted a grenade around 7 p.m. at Karurusi village in Gatara district, said Burundian Police Spokesman Dismas Manirakiza, adding that seven of the injured were wounded seriously.

Manirakiza said one suspect, identified as a soldier who was recently in the African Union Peacekeeping Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), has been arrested.A woman is being assisted to cross a flooded road in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, April 24, 2018. (Xinhua/Fred Mutune)

NAIROBI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Raging floods that have hit Kenya's low-lying plains since the onset of the long rains season in mid-March could snowball into a humanitarian crisis unless robust interventions are put in place, relief agencies have warned.

Kenya has been experiencing major flooding in recent days as torrential rains pound the country shortly after it had come out of a severe drought season marked by hunger and water scarcity.

Data compiled by Kenya Red Cross indicate that an estimated 100 people have by April 30 died while thousands of households were displaced due to flooding in western, north eastern and coast regions.

Abbas Gullet, secretary general of Kenya Red Cross Society, said in a television interview over the weekend that a humanitarian crisis is looming unless solid interventions are rolled out.

"It is undeniable we are staring at another humanitarian crisis as floods wreak havoc in many parts of the country. The toll of deaths is rising while destroyed crops could worsen food insecurity in the semi-arid regions," said Gullet.

Kenya Red Cross has partnered with state agencies to provide emergency assistance to flood victims in the worst affected counties in the coast region.

Gullet said that the number of people displaced by floods in the coastal counties of Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River is rising, straining ongoing humanitarian interventions.

"So many families in the coast region lack shelter, food and clean water after their homes were destroyed by floods. There is a humanitarian crisis already unfolding in this region and the ongoing rains could worsen it," Gullet said.

Cabinet Secretary for Devolution Eugene Wamalwa has been spearheading efforts to provide emergency aid to flood victims countrywide.

Besides overseeing distribution of food rations, clean water and medicine, the cabinet secretary has also mobilized rescue teams from the army to help erect temporary shelters for victims of floods.

The low-lying plains have borne the brunt of floods as evidenced by massive destruction of homes, farms, schools and hospitals.

Many schools in the arid and semi-arid regions are already submerged in floods, putting uncertainties on resumption of studies after the April holiday.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Amina Mohamed last week ordered her officers to conduct an audit of schools affected by floods in order to inform remedial measures.

Heavy flooding has also destroyed critical infrastructure such as roads, power lines and telecommunication masts in many parts of the country.

The highway linking Nairobi to the world famous Maasai Mara game reserve was cut off when the rain season peaked in the middle of April.

Major cities have also been affected by flooding, which snarls traffic and overwhelms drainage systems.

It is feared that an epidemic could erupt in big cities like Nairobi and Mombasa due to contamination of drinking water.

The central Kenyan highlands have not been spared either. Landslides there have claimed lives while destroying homes, tea and coffee farms.WELLINGTON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and the European Union have completed the process to bring the Customs Cooperation Agreement into force this month, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri said here on Tuesday.

"The agreement also represents a significant first step in setting up a mutually recognized secure trade scheme between New Zealand and the EU," Whaitiri said, adding that it will give accredited New Zealand exporters a major advantage in the form of faster clearance of goods into the European market.

This agreement strengthens cooperation between New Zealand the EU in terms of customs procedures, supply chain security and risk management, she said.

It also enables both customs authorities to learn from each other on customs technology, she added.SEATTLE, April 30 (Xinhua) -- An improvement in quality not only helps increase economic efficiency but also advances living standards, a top Chinese delegate told a global quality conference here on Monday.

China has long called for deepening the interconnection of quality infrastructure and the sharing of best practices in quality management, Huang Guoliang, chief of the Chinese delegation, said in a keynote speech at the 2018 World Conference on Quality and Improvement hosted by American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Huang is the first Chinese representative ever invited to address the conference, which opened on Monday in the U.S. city of Seattle and ends on Wednesday.

Data is the key to quality innovation in the digital era, and with the rapid advancement of science and technology, countries are interdependent and have a high degree of integration of interests, he said.

Therefore, it is no longer necessary for each component of a product to be developed and manufactured by a single country itself, Huang said.

He noted that China stands for cooperation and win-win results in the field of quality work, and "we must respect intellectual property rights, share innovative achievements legally, and further promote innovation."

"All countries should share quality data, and to integrate all fragmented data. Great efforts should be made ... to fully tap and apply data resources and enhance data exchanges," Huang said.

Quality innovation requires the participation of all sectors of the global community, and governments, enterprises and consumers should work together to give play to the role of the market in order to improve innovation, he said.

The annual 2018 conference, a flagship event of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) themed with "the Innovation of YOU," has attracted more than 2,500 government officials, senior executives, entrepreneurs and professionals in the quality community from over 50 countries and regions.

A 50-person Chinese delegation is attending the three-day event to share their insights on global quality, innovation and disruptive technologies.by Ye Zaiqi, Wu Xiaoling

SEATTLE, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The first China-U.S. Quality Summit, which opened Monday here, is a perfect occasion for Chinese and American business leaders and professionals in the quality community to come together to share their knowledge and ideas about innovation in the digital era, a U.S. expert said on Monday.

"This is a historic event. This has never been done before to have a quality summit between our Chinese friends in the U.S. It's a remarkable achievement that we came together to make it happen," said William Troy, chief executive officer (CEO) of American Society for Quality (ASQ), in an interview with Xinhua.

As part of the Global Summit on Quality, formally known as the 2018 ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement hosted by the ASQ, the China-U.S. Summit was held as a platform for the exchange of information between senior U.S. and Chinese executives, government officials and quality experts.

The event attracted about 20 CEOs and top business leaders from major Chinese companies such as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited, Haier Group Corporation, and XiamenAir, and 50 entrepreneurs from about 30 U.S. companies, including Boeing Co., Google, IBM and Microsoft.

"Everybody on the agenda today shows that what you will hear is that there's a lot of expertise. It really doesn't matter what location you live in the world. There's a lot of expertise on the subject of quality," he said.

"And what we're attempting to do with this summit is to bring that expertise together so that we can share and we can learn from other parts of the world here in the U.S., and China can definitely learn from what we're doing here in the U.S. as well. It's a great opportunity for everybody involved," Troy said.

The China-U.S. Summit was held in concurrence with the ASQ-hosted Global Summit on Quality slated for Monday through Wednesday in Seattle, the largest city in the U.S. western state of Washington.

CHINESE REPRESENTATIVE SPEAKS FIRST

The ASQ conference witnessed the first Chinese keynote speaker who addressed the opening ceremony of the three-day annual event, something that has never happened in the history of the ASQ in the past decades.

Huang Guoliang, chief of the Chinese delegation consisting of 60 government officials, entrepreneurs and professionals from eight Chinese provinces and municipalities, said in his keynote speech that data quality was the key to quality innovation in the digital era.

"With the rapid advancement of science and technology, countries are interdependent and have a high degree of integration of interests, and therefore it is no longer necessary for each component to be developed and manufactured by a single country itself," he said.

Echoing Huang's perspectives, Troy said the Chinese delegation chief "did a marvelous address" and "talked about how there's a hunger in every human for quality, no matter it's small things, data things, or the higher things that we all aspire to."

"It's the importance of quality to give people a better life. It is ultimately what it is ... It's much more than just about more efficient process, it's about how to give people a better life and how to make our work better, safer and more sustainable," Troy said.

"We want to advance that conversation at this summit. We've got some of the top people in both the U.S. and in China who work in quality and we're going to exchange ideas about how to enhance quality and help all of us share in the benefits of quality," said the ASQ CEO.

Talking about why China was chosen by the ASQ as its first foreign keynote speaker, Troy said: "When we started to talk about having a summit, we decided that this is a summit to talk about quality at a very high level, a strategic level."

"It seemed like a good opportunity for us to invite a senior official who works on quality at a high level to address our conference, and to set the tone for a very high-level impact for discussion," he said.

He noted that the conference has got a number of presenters from China and the United States and "each one is able to give their insights and we'll have a discussion about what we've learned from each other."

"China has a lot to offer, there is a lot of experts, and there's a great focus on quality. That's why we have business. ASQ is in the business of quality, so we want to draw from that, whether that expertise exist anywhere in the world, and we know that's a great focus in China," he said.

"That's the reason why you will see more and more involvement of China and Chinese citizens in the ASQ functions," Troy said.

He recalled that he has been to China twice to attend quality conference, and felt that "the commitment of China to quality is very impressive."

"And I saw it (the commitment) at the very senior level and all the way down the organization that there's a great committee to building quality," he said.

CONFERENCE EXPANDS BENEFIT TO BOTH U.S., CHINA

When asked whether the current trade frictions would affect the cooperation on quality between China and the United States, he said, "I think that there's so much benefit to both countries. To have this conversation about quality is going to expand that benefit."

"It's true that we are having some areas of disagreement and there is a competitive space. But in my opinion the space for cooperation is much bigger than the competitive space. If we focus on that and on the future, we can really help both our countries if it advances and then it helps our people. That's the ultimate goal of quality," he said.

"It is to make a better life more sustainable, a process that will help all of us, and it's to the world's benefit," he noted.

He said the Chinese presenter has made a very good point about the importance of using big data, which I think will be the future of quality.

"If you use artificial intelligence and big data to inform our decisions about quality, I think it will be very important and that's going to be in the future so that we're able to make better decisions, and we can reduce the impact on the environment, and can help people achieve quality in their lives," said the ASQ CEO.

Noting quality and innovation require commitment at the very top, Troy said, "so I think our most successful companies are their CEOs, their board, the chairman of their board, they all believe in quality, and then that attitude permeates the organization."

"It's not just one department that is talking about quality, it's the whole enterprise that cares about quality," which ultimately leads them to the summit of success, he added.

The conference on quality is the largest and most influential global meeting on quality, which attracts about 2,000 to 3,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions each year since its inception in 1947.ISTANBUL, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Tuesday detained at least 35 people trying to march toward the iconic Taksim Square in defiance of a ban on International Labor Day celebrations there, local media reported.

Under the ban imposed by the Istanbul provincial government over security concerns, the police blocked the roads leading to the square at 04:00 in the morning, but several leftist groups intended to march toward the square from neighboring Besiktas district, CNNTurk said.

When the crowd marched on and chanted "Taksim cannot be off limits on May Day," the police intervened and detained at least 35 people, the broadcaster said.

The square has a symbolic meaning for Turkey's trade unions and leftist groups, as 34 workers were killed during 1977 May Day celebrations in shots fired from a nearby building. Since then, worker unions and laborers have been trying to commemorate the killings at the square.

The authorities banned all demonstrations and gatherings there after massive anti-government protests erupted in June 2013 in the square and in neighboring Gezi Park.PARIS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- France on Tuesday called for further independent inspections on Iran to ensure full implementation of 2015 nuclear deal.

A spokesperson with the country's Foreign Ministry said France has taken note of the information unveiled by Israel on Iran plan to develop nuclear weapons.

"This information should be studied and evaluated in detail," Agnes Von der Muhll, the spokesperson, said.

According to Von der Muhll, the information confirmed in part the non-civilian nature of the program revealed by European powers in 2002.

"It is essential that (the International Atomic Energy Agency) IAEA can continue to verify Iran's respect for JCPOA (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and the peaceful nature of its nuclear program," she added.

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed what he called "great intelligence achievement", allegedly proving a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program.

Israel announcement came as U.S. President Donald Trump, who repeatedly threatened to decertify 2015 deal, is set to decide whether to withdraw from the accord and reimpose sanctions on Iran before a May 12 deadline.

After long negotiations, the United States, Russia, Britain, China and France plus Germany struck the Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015 under which Tehran agreed to roll back parts of its nuclear weapon program in exchange for decreased economic sanctions.

Reiterating the necessity to maintain the agreement, France noted Israel report "confirms the need for longer-term assurances on the Iranian program, as the president has proposed," according to the ministry's spokesperson.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday had talks with Israel, Iran, Russia and Germany leaders to promote a new global talks on Iran that would include its ballistic missile program and its regional influence.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 20:07:47|Editor: Lifang

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Rwandan workers operate sewing machine at a workshop of C&H Garments Ltd in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda on April 30, 2018. As the Rwandan government seeks to encourage domestic production of certain goods currently imported and promote export diversification through a "Made in Rwanda" campaign, C&H has contributed to Rwanda's local production. (Xinhua/Lyu Tianran)

by Xinhua writer Lyu Tianran

KIGALI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- On a Friday morning, a 1,500-square-meter workshop in Rwanda's Kigali Special Economic Zone was busy churning out different styles of clothes.

About 400 Rwandan workers of C&H Garments Ltd were cutting fabric, operating sewing machines or checking finished products, some of whom wearing uniforms with a mark that reads "Made in Rwanda."

Uniforms of the Rwandan military, police, immigration department and schools are made in this Chinese-owned factory, located in Rwanda's capital Kigali. Besides the uniforms, it also produces safety warning clothes and African style fashion clothes.

As the Rwandan government seeks to encourage domestic production of certain goods currently imported and promote export diversification through a "Made in Rwanda" campaign, C&H has contributed to Rwanda's local production.

As orders increase, the workshop established in 2015 cannot meet demands so that C&H set up a new workshop in 2017 close to the first one, said Anna An, factory manager.

Currently, C&H has 1,200 workers in Rwanda, all of whom are Rwandan, said An.

The company's first workshop has five production lines and the new workshop is planning to increase to 16, said An, adding that one production line presently has capacity of producing over 1,000 pieces of clothes per day.

According to her, 20 percent of clothes made by the factory are sold in Rwanda while 80 percent are sold to Europe and the United States.

In the factory, Rwandan workers were working independently. "All the workers of C&H knew nothing about garment making, but now they can make clothes by themselves after being trained by the factory," said An.

At the beginning of its establishment in Rwanda, C&H bought over 10 containers of cloth to train Rwandan workers who didn't have any knowledge on garment making, An explained.

Our workers now are able to make all styles of clothes except the formal suit, one of the most difficult styles to be made, she said. Group leaders of the workers have the ability to design production processes, plan production procedure and arrange manpower, she added.

Besides training workers, the company also has been teaching 36 Rwandans to learn embroidery for two years, she said.

In January, a market manager of the factory resigned and established his own garment factory. C&H introduced its technicians to work in his factory.

"Our purpose of coming here is to train locals and help them. Since he wants do his own business, we can give him some support," she said.

"When I came here, I don't know anything about this (garment making), that's why I decide to work hard. Madam Anna is a good teacher and told me everything. she also motivates me," said Ericson Ndagijimana, human resources manager of C&H.

"Now I know everything about this factory," said Ndagijimana, who joined C&H in 2015 after graduating from a technical school.

Before becoming a member of the top management of the factory, he took roles of helper, recorder and production controller successively.

"This factory is very important to Rwanda... no one knew this (kind of garment making) before. This is a modern way in Rwanda, which is new," he said.

With an aim of helping Rwanda promote "Made in Rwanda", "we have so many styles that we are producing for Rwandans...we teach Rwandans to be confident that they can make and produce garments," he said.

Production manager Valens Muvara also didn't know garment making before joining in the company in 2015. He was jobless, but now "controls production per day, check everywhere in the factory, and arrange jobs for day."

"We have confidence that C&H will become 'Made in Rwanda' as our country needs," he said.

However, C&H is currently experiencing some difficulties, but An believes that the company can overcome them.

Potential withdrawal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits from Rwanda has affected C&H's business, said An. "Many U.S. companies has stopped giving us orders," she said.

U.S. President Donald Trump in March said he will suspend the application of duty-free treatment to all the AGOA-eligible goods in the apparel sector for Rwanda in 60 days.

This follows a decision by East African countries to raise tariffs on second-hand clothing imports, in order to promote local manufacturing capacity in garment and other industries.

The relatively high transportation cost in a landlocked country has influence on the business, she added.

"We are still providing our workers with free lunch... We have now trying to get orders from Rwanda and Europe, we believe that we can overcome the difficulties by attracting more orders from Rwanda and other areas," An said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 20:32:52|Editor: Yurou

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DAMASCUS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) declared on Tuesday the beginning of a new offensive against the Islamic State (IS) militants in the countryside of the eastern province of Deir al-Zour, the SDF said in a statement.

The battle was launched against the areas under the IS control on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River in Deir al-Zour, said the statement, adding that it's a follow-up offensive against IS near the Iraqi border.

The SDF has put on hold its previous offensive on IS east of Deir al-Zour when the Turkish forces launched an offensive in January against Kurdish-held areas in northern Syria, mainly in the Afrin enclave near the Turkish border.

The SDF has stripped IS of its de facto capital of Raqqa in northern Syria in late 2017, while the army captured large swathes of territories in Deir al-Zour province.

Tension has sparked recently between the Russian-backed Syrian army and the U.S.-backed SDF in Deir al-Zour when the army took some areas from the SDF and was later retrieved by this Kurdish-led group.

Even though a sort of understanding between Washington and Moscow has kept them from clashing, the Syrian side has repeatedly slammed the SDF as playing for the Western fragmentation schemes in Syria.HAVANA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's ruling party leader Raul Castro and President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Tuesday together chaired the central event to mark the International Workers' Day in the capital of the Caribbean island state.

They chaired the rally held at the Revolution Plaza in Havana, where thousands of workers and their families had gathered since early morning. The celebrating event was organized by the Confederation of Cuban Workers (CTC) with the slogan "Unity, Commitment and Victory."

The presence of Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) until 2021, was earlier planned and announced in April when he handed presidential power to his successor Diaz-Canel.

Similar rallies were held at major squares across Cuba Tuesday during the Labor Day celebrations. Some 1,500 representatives from 240 trade unions and social movements from more than 60 countries participated, said CTC sources.by Mahmoud Darwesh and Nawas Darraji

TRIPOLI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Theaters and cinemas reflect national identity of a country, while those in Libya are facing extinction in need of solution that requires years of efforts.

The country's first cinema was established in 1908 and the cinematic movement flourished since the Italian occupation in 1911 until early 1970s, when the period known as the "setback" started and continued to present, endangering artistic movement of cinemas and theaters.

Icon Libyan director Abdullah Al-Zarroug, who lived through different film movement periods, analyzed problems that accompanied cinemas and theaters over the past four decades.

"In the 1970s, it was a private sector, and Libya was one of the leading countries where the latest Arab and foreign films were shown even before they are released in their original countries. This reflects the artistic interest and taste during that golden age," Al-Zarroug told Xinhua.

However, in late 1979, nationalization pushed all showrooms and their employees to join the General Company for Theatre (a government film organization formed during the former regime), responsible for theatre activities, such as production, shows, import, distribution and marketing of tapes, Al-Zarrough said.

All theaters joined the Company, and they began to lose balance, after Libya was a pioneer and destination for cinema works, Al-Zarroug added.

"Some criminals seized the properties of the authorities and some even demolished such properties, causing great losses of national artistic heritage," said Mohamed Al-Bayodi, head of the General Authority for Theatre, Arts and Cinema, which has faced a number of legal lawsuits by administrative courts because of disputes over theater properties.

"We will not give up on these properties and continue our battles before the court," Al-Bayodi said.

There are more than 24 cinemas all over Libya and all of them are not functioning. There are also nearly 40 theaters, some of which are partly functioning, especially in the east.

Between 2009 and 2010, foreign companies agreed to rehabilitate cinemas and theaters. However, after the revolution in 2011, everything stopped and collapsed. Most equipment was stolen. "The dream of reviving cinemas and theaters in Libya died again," Al-Zarroug said.

When walking inside cinema halls, chaos can be seen. Most of their equipment is stolen, including chairs, equipment and instruments. In one of the cinema halls, even wooden walls and floors were stolen.

"When I talked with the prime minister, we agreed on the importance of reviving cinema and theater in this particular time, as they could create patriotic awareness and unity for the people," Al-Bayodi said.

When asked about the role of theatre actors in the failure of theatre work in Libya, Al-Bayodi said "it must be noted that artists are not a machine that we can just operate whenever we want. Some artists are absent because of the lack of funding and sufficient financial income."

Al-Zarroug said that many countries in the world want to invest in cinemas and theaters in Libya. However, legislation and lack of government attention hindered their development.

"Culture and arts are soft power. People want these arts to stay away from political problems that exhausted them for years," he said.

The Libyan director recalled the golden age, in which Libya produced joint cinematographic works with Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and France four decades ago and won international awards and critical acclaim.

The most significant film which was produced in Libya and claimed international recognition is the 1981 film Lion of the Desert or Omar Mukhtar.

It was directed by the late Moustapha Al Akkad, starring the late Anthony Quinn. It tells the story of the Libyan freedom fighter Omar and his fellow fighters in their struggle against Italian colonialism.

Libya is one of the three countries, including Kuwait and Morocco, that financed the production of the famous film 1976 the Message, which tells the story of the birth of Islam. Many of the scenes were filmed in Libya. Enditemby Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Greek workers marched in the center of Athens and other cities across the country on Tuesday to mark May Day and protest the harsh austerity imposed since 2010 to tackle the debt crisis.

Greece is expected to exit in August the bailout programs which kept her afloat under tough terms.

Despite the improved financial indexes, unions and workers joined a 24-hour general strike on Tuesday to protest their daily difficulties.

However, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras expressed optimism towards Greece's future in an e-mailed message for the day, saying Greece is turning page and the future will be better.

He also pledged to further reduce unemployment, saying "The protection of employment and social cohesion are prerequisites of Democracy."

Protestors on Tuesday also chanted anti-war slogans such as "Yes to work and living with dignity" and "no to austerity, no to imperialist wars" to protest against the latest U.S.-led attacks in Syria.

They marched to the Greek parliament and the U.S. embassy.PARIS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- French foreign and economy ministers in a joint statement issued on Tuesday called for permanent exemption of the U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union.

The statement noted U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to postpone the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on the EU.

"France will continue to advocate for the EU to benefit from a total, permanent and unconditioned exemption. There is no reason for the EU to be a subject to unilateral tariff increases on steel and aluminum," Jean-Yves Le Drian and Bruno Le Maire said.

Admitting that there is an overcapacity problem in steel and aluminum sector, the two ministers said they are "ready to work with the United States and... other partners to provide timely and appropriate solutions."

"But, we will be able to do this serenely only when we are certain to be permanently exempted from the threat of unilateral tariff increases," they added.

The White House on Monday announced that U.S. President Donald Trump had decided to extend the steel and aluminum tariff exemptions for EU member countries, Canada and Mexico until June 1, offering one more month to reach agreements over trade negotiations.

Despite opposition from business groups and trading partners around the world, Trump, in March, decided to impose a 25-percent tariff on imported steel and 10-percent on aluminum.COLOMBO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said on Tuesday that the Sri Lankan government had signed an agreement with a leading Chinese tour operator in a bid to attract more Chinese tourists to visit the island country.

Amaratunga said local tour operator Green Leaves Leisure, backed by the tourism ministry, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China's Yingke Travel, which is based in Beijing, to provide better facilities for Chinese tourists and promote Sri Lanka as a world class tourist destination.

Amaratunga said China is an important destination for Sri Lankan tourism and the government hopes to attract over 300,000 Chinese tourists at the end of this year.

He said the ministry hopes to make China the leading origin for Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals and the island nation's tourism sector.File Photo: U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during "Stop the Iran Deal" rally at West Lawn of the Capitol in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, Sept. 9, 2015. (Xinhua/Bao Dandan)

WASHINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump hinted on Monday that he was open to negotiate a new deal with Tehran, while kept demeaning the current nuclear deal ahead of a looming deadline for Washington to decide whether or not to leave the landmark pact.

Trump, at a news conference at the White House, attacked the "horrible" deal again, which has been struck by the Obama administration with Iran in 2015 along with other world powers.

"In seven years that deal will have expired, and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons. That's not acceptable," Trump said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. president said he was open to negotiate a new deal with Tehran.

"So that doesn't mean I wouldn't negotiate a new agreement. We'll see what happens," he said.

Trump declined to reveal whether Washington will leave the nuclear deal before a May 12 deadline.

"And on or before the 12th, we'll make a decision," Trump said.

Trump has been criticizing the nuclear deal since it was signed in 2015, which has been widely seen as providing "clear and tangible" benefits by limiting Iran's nuclear program.

In January, Trump extended sanctions relief on Iran under the deal for the last time, threatening a U.S. withdrawal if the U.S. Congress and his European allies cannot fix the alleged "disastrous flaws."

One of Trump's major critiques about the deal was the "sunset clauses," which allow Iran to restart its uranium enrichment program after 2025.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signaled on Sunday that Trump was willing to walk away from the landmark deal even as European allies warned the agreement was the best way to keep Tehran nuke-free.

Pompeo, newly appointed to the post, said on a Middle East tour that Washington is "determined to make sure it never possesses a nuclear weapon," adding the Iran deal in "its current form does not provide that assurance."

Trump's remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday disclosed files which he said could "prove" Iran's secret development of nuclear weapons.

"Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons program," the Israeli prime minister said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif accused Netanyahu of deception on Monday evening,

"The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again. You can only fool some of the people so many times," Zarif wrote on his Twitter account.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 22:08:12|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A law to protect the reputation and honor of heroes and martyrs went into effect Tuesday in a move to promote patriotism and socialist core values in China.

The country and the people should forever respect and remember the heroes and martyrs for their sacrifice and contribution to the Chinese nation and the people, according to the law.

The law was passed unanimously after a second reading at the bimonthly session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Friday.

TO SAFEGURD HONOR

"All members of society should honor them, learn from them and guard their reputation," the law says.

The law bans activities that defame heroes and martyrs or distort and diminish their deeds. Those who violate their rights of name, portrait, reputation, and honor will be punished.

"Defaming national heroes is in fact undermining the national spirit embodied by these heroes," said Xiong Wenzhao, a law professor at Minzu University of China and expert with the China Law Society.

The state has the responsibility to protect the rights and interests of these heroes and the public interest behind them, he said.

The law allows family members of heroes and martyrs to file lawsuits, and entrusts prosecutors to file public interest litigation cases against activities defaming heroes and martyrs.

The law also requires internet operators to speedily handle online information that infringes on heroes and martyrs, and harmful information originating from overseas should be intercepted using technology or other necessary means.

TO PASS ON THE SPIRIT

The new law includes content on the protection of memorials of heroes and martyrs, and publicity and education about them and their deeds.

Memorials for heroes and martyrs should be open to the public for free, and activities to commemorate and educate should be held for the public, the law reads.

School curriculums should include content on the heroes and martyrs to strengthen patriotic education among students, according to the law.

"It is a whole new level of patriotic education with the help of the law. The spirit of those heroes and martyrs has to be passed on generation after generation," said Zhang Jianjun, curator of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders.

TO REMEMBER THE PAST

It also outlaws acts that glorify invasions, with offenders facing administrative or criminal punishments according to the severity of their actions.

Yue Zhongming, an official with the Commission for Legislative Affairs of the NPC Standing Committee, said at a press conference on Friday that it is correct to outlaw acts that praise invasions, noting that a handful of young people recently dressed in Japanese WWII army uniforms and spread the photos online to glorify the war.

In another incident earlier this year, two young men were held by police after posing in front of ruins in Nanjing, dressed in the uniforms of Japanese invaders and holding "army weapons."

Nanjing is the site of the Nanjing Massacre. Japanese troops captured the city on Dec. 13, 1937. Over six weeks, they killed 300,000 Chinese civilians and unarmed soldiers.

"The new law has sent a loud warning against wrong behavior," said Zhang, the curator.LONDON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Britain on Tuesday warned of the danger of a fresh conflict exploding in the Middle East after Israel unveiled a dossier claiming to be evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program.

The British Foreign Office urged all countries in the region to consider the impact of the "logical consequence of your next step" amid escalating tensions.

Britain, together with France and Germany, is backing the nuclear deal struck between Iran and the three European nations, the United States, Russia and China, in 2015.

U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to pull America out of the Iran deal during his presidential campaign. The move by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to publish the report on alleged Iranian nuclear activity may increase pressure on Washington to turn its back on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the information showed Iran's leaders lied to their people about a nuclear weapons program known as "Project Amad".

But the Israeli prime minister declined to say whether the documents provided evidence of a violation of the nuclear deal.

British Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt said that Britain understood Israel's "anxiety" about Iran's nuclear ambitions. But he said that the Israeli prime minister's intervention made the case for a "verifiable agreement where Iran has reduced its uranium stockpile by 95 percent, its centrifuges by two thirds and has been as recently as February adjudged by the International Atomic Energy Agency to be in compliance with the JCPOA."

"The worry is the heightened tension in the region... one of the roles the UK can play is to seek to de-escalate this rhetoric, to say: 'What is the logical consequence of your next step -- strikes here, strikes there, what happens if something goes wrong'," Burt said.

In Tehran, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi, condemned Netanyahu's presentation as a "propaganda show" that offered nothing but "a pack of lies."

Ghasemi said the claims were worn-out, useless and shameful, according to the foreign ministry. Netanyahu's remarks were those of a "broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits," an Iranian foreign ministry statement said.CAPE TOWN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged on Tuesday to increase the national minimum wage (NMW) over time in a way that meaningfully reduces poverty and inequality.

The NMW will start at a level of 20 rand (about 1.7 U.S. dollars) an hour, which will increase the income of over 6 million working people, while also ensuring that there is minimal negative impact on job creation, Ramaphosa told thousands of people gathering at an event in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape Province, to mark the International Labor Day.

Ramaphosa took the opportunity to defend the NMW, which has come under fire for being a slave wage.

Last week, massive protests against the NMW took place across the country. Trade unions threaten to stage more protests if the NMW is not raised to "a living wage."

The NMW will take effect after Parliament finalizes the legal process for its implementation.

"Within the next few months, workers are going to achieve another historic victory with the introduction of a national minimum wage for all working South Africans," Ramaphosa said.

This would be a victory for the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in particular, which has been fighting for a national minimum wage since its formation.

The May Day rally was organized by COSATU.

All social partners had worked hard for nearly three years to reach agreement on the NMW to improve the conditions of millions of poor families, Ramaphosa said.

The social partners agreed to begin at this level because it will make a significant difference immediately, but will also allow South Africa to measure its effect on the economy, the president said.

"All social partners recognize that at its introduction, the national minimum wage will be less than what we consider to be a living wage.

"The social partners also agree that it must be our firm determination to move as quickly as possible to a living wage," he said.

To do this, South Africans need to grow their economy, improve levels of productivity, develop the skills of the workforce and create jobs on a far greater scale, said Ramaphosa.

The government is pushing the NMW, which is 3,500 rand (about 292 dollars) per month or 20 rand (about 1.7 dollars) per hour.

But opponents say the NMW is a slave wage that cannot make both ends meet for the working class.COLOMBO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Tuesday strongly condemned the terrorist attacks which took place in Afghan capital Kabul Monday.

The twin blasts in Afghan capital on Monday killed at least 26 people, including nine journalists who were on the scene to report on the initial blast and were apparently targeted by a suicide bomber.

The Islamic State (IS) reportedly claimed the responsibility for the attacks.

Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mahishini Colonne said the Sri Lankan government extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of all the victims and wished all those injured a speedy recovery.

Afghanistan has been battered by insurgency with the presence of different militant groups including the most dominant Taliban, besides al-Qaida and recently the IS.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 22:28:17|Editor: Yurou

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BEIRUT, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Michel Aoun assured Lebanese workers on Tuesday, which marks the International Labor Day, that efforts are underway to protect them from foreign labor competition.

"I will spare no effort to promote the conditions of workers, preserve their rights and protect them from the competition of foreigners, which are negatively affecting the social security," Aoun said in a message through his media office.

The president also said that transforming Lebanon's economy into a productive sector promotes development and creates new jobs.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 22:38:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese Customs police on Tuesday seized 6 kg of drugs hidden inside shoe soles of a smuggler at the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

The police was tipped off about the drug smuggling attempt before the seizure, the NNA said.

The suspect, a Lebanese citizen identified by his initials as Aa.A, arrived in Lebanon from South America at dawn on Tuesday.

He was arrested and transferred to the Anti-Narcotics Bureau.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-01 22:53:25|Editor: ZX

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BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique here Tuesday on the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relationship.

The communique was signed by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Dominican Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas.

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean state located in the east of the island Hispaniola, in the Greater Antilles archipelago. The country, with a land area of 48,734 sq km and a population of 11 million, borders Haiti in the west, and has the Atlantic off the north and Puerto Rico to the east across the Mona Passage, which connects the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea.

The South American country was originally the native land of the American-Indians and its capital Santo Domingo, which was built by Spanish colonists in 1496, was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. Its independence, first from Spanish rule and then from Haiti's annexation, came in February 1844 when the Dominican Republic was founded after the victory of a war for independence.

The country saw some 30 years of dictatorship until 1961 when Rafael Leonidas Trujillo took power via a military coup. It then suffered a civil war which ended in 1965 with the military occupation of the United States. The country restored democracy in 1966, and has been since ruled by the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) since 2004.

Tourism, export processing and remittance from abroad form the economic pillars for the Dominican Republic. Its exports include sugar, coca, coffee, tobacco, clothing as well as gold, silver and nickel-iron alloy products. Imports range from oil, fuel, food and mechanical and electrical products to chemical raw materials.

In 2017, its imports totaled 18 billion U.S. dollars and exports stand at 8.8 billion dollars.

China has become the country's second largest source of imports. China's customs data put bilateral trade close to 1.9 billion dollars in 2017, an increase of 10.3 percent from the previous year.

In October 1993, the two countries signed an agreement to mutually set up offices to promote trade. In April 1994, China opened its trade representative office in Santo Domingo, and in November 2005, the Dominican Republic opened its trade representative office in Beijing.KAMPALA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Experts are counting the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, seven years after the last census was held.

The census started in March this year and is still ongoing, according to Bashir Hangi, Communications Officer of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), a state-owned agency charged with conservation of wildlife.

Hangi told Xinhua on Tuesday that the exercise is being carried out to enrich the conservation data as well as plan for the primates.

The last census was held in 2011 and the results showed that Uganda is home to about 400 gorillas, half of the world's number of mountain gorillas. An earlier census conducted in 2006 showed that the park had a minimum of 302 gorillas.

The other only part of the world that has mountain gorillas is the Virunga Massif, which straddles the shared border areas of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bwindi is not connected to this Massif. A census carried out in this Massif in 2010 showed the area had 480 gorillas.

Mountain gorillas, according to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, are a highly endangered sub-species of primate. They live in forests that have suffered from considerable human impact in the form of timber extraction and other human activity.

The primates are also a major source of tourism revenue to countries that host them.

Hangi said tourists who come to see the gorillas contribute a considerable percentage to the Uganda's tourism revenue.

Tourism is Uganda's main foreign exchange earner and the sector contributed up to 1.35 billion U.S. dollars to the export basket in 2016, according to government figures.MOSCOW, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Pakistani counterpart Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism, economic, trade and other fields.

The ministers exchanged messages on May 1 marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Russia-Pakistan diplomatic relations, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Both Lavrov and Asif expressed satisfaction about the development of bilateral relations and their two countries' constructive interaction concerning global affairs within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, it said.by Tian Dongdong, Shuai Rong

BRUSSELS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- In response to the Whilte House announcement to extend until June 1 the European Union (EU)'s exemption from U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs, the EU on Tuesday demanded that Washington grant it permanent exemption, saying that it won't negotiate under threat.

"The U.S. decision prolongs market uncertainty, which is already affecting business decisions. The EU should be fully and permanently exempted from these measures, as they cannot be justified on the grounds of national security," said the European Commission in a statement shortly after the temporary extension.

"As a longstanding partner and friend of the US, we will not negotiate under threat. Any future transatlantic work program has to be balanced and mutually beneficial," said the statement.

The glory of the transatlantic relationship has further faded recently due to the deepening trade row between the two sides, with the United States accusing the EU for taking America's advantage with unfair tariffs while the latter blame the former for too much protectionism and "blackmailing".

In 2017, the 28-nation bloc exported 5.99 billion U.S. dollars worth of steel products to the United States, and 1.25 billion dollars of aluminum, making it the top exporter of steel to the United States and the fifth largest aluminum exporter.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump announced the planned tariff-hike in early March, the EU has been fighting for a permanent exemption.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel went to Washington to work out trans-Atlantic trade issues but left with empty hands.

To show a united front, Merkel, Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday warned after a joint phone call that "the United States should take no trade measures against the European Union or else the European Union should be ready to defend its interests within the framework of the multilateral trade order."

LINGERING PAIN

The White House's Monday announcement gave the EU a lingering pain more than a sigh of relief.

Shortly after the announcement, EU's top three economies -- Germany, France, and Britain -- voiced their demand for permanent exemption one after another.

Calling the renewed exemption as "positive", the British International Trade Department said in a brief statement that Britain "will continue to work closely with our EU partners and the U.S. government to achieve a permanent exemption, ensuring our important steel and aluminum industries are safeguarded."

"We remain concerned about the impact of these tariffs on global trade and will continue to work with the EU on a multilateral solution to the global problem of overcapacity, as well as to manage the impact on domestic markets," said the statement.

Requesting permanent exemption, Germany also warned "neither the European Union nor the United States can have an interest in an escalation in trade relations."

"Rather, both the U.S. and the EU would benefit from further deepening trade relations. It is particularly important that the European Union has sought talks with the United States and will continue to do so," said Germany's Deputy Government Spokeswoman Martina Fietz in a statement.

The German export-oriented economic model is facing a massive attack this year, said Sebastian Heilmann and Guntram Wolff, senior research fellows with Bruegel think tank based in Brussels.

"It should reduce the vulnerability of its export industry by promoting domestic growth and investment in Germany and in Europe. At the same time, Berlin should push for a more ambitious national and European innovation policy as well as a resilient European foreign trade policy," said Heilmann and Wolff in a joint article published on Bruegel's website.

Meanwhile, French finance and foreign ministries on Tuesday said in a joint statement that "We agree that there is a problem of overcapacity in steel and aluminum. We are ready to work with the USA and other partners to deal with those issues, and to develop fast and appropriate solutions."

"But we can only do so serenely when we are certain that we will be excluded from a unilateral increase in tariffs on a permanent basis," said the statement.

In its statement, the EU said its Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom has been in contact with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer over the past weeks, and these discussions will continue. But as the flicking-dandruff-off-jacket chemistry between Macron and Trump fades, the following negotiation in the "final 30 days" is expected to be bumpy, according to observers.An early wheat crop in the Central Valley in Davis, California, U.S., May 1, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

by Peter Mertz

DENVER, the United States, April 30 (Xinhua) -- American farmers have been bracing for a tariffs race between the United States and China ignited by the Trump administration -- economic shots that would likely hurt America's historic heartland.

Since China's response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs hike policy announced in March, economists have delved into extensive analysis and gloomy prognostication from the disputes.

"The cards are on the table and there's no mystery to China's next move," said David Richardson, a political analyst from Washington D.C..

"With each of Trump's tariffs, China will strike back, and the impact will be worse than indicated by initial economic reports and especially the U.S. media," Richardson warned Monday.

"Long-term, adverse consequences," said Vince Smith, an economist at Montana State University.

WAVES OF PAIN

Experts say the ripples of pain from America's vast heartland, still considered "The Breadbasket of the World," also strike at the very core of America's historic, cultural fabric.

"Wheat is called the sacred crop from the Bible, our daily bread, and also is called 'amber waves of grain' in America the Beautiful," said Brad Erker, executive director of the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers (CAWG).

America the Beautiful glorifies the country's vast wheat fields, calling them "amber waves of grain," that cover more than 1 million square miles (2.6 million square km) from Texas to North Dakota.

More than 160,000 U.S. farms in 42 states contribute to wheat production, according to the 2007 Agriculture Census. Two-thirds of these farms are in America's Great Plains that stretch west from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.

Nationwide, farmers devote more than 45 million acres (182.1 million hectares) to wheat production each year.

But even bigger agriculture losers in a U.S. trade disputes with China will be corn and soybean farmers, according to Smith, an agricultural economist specializing in international trade.

Soybeans yield annual revenues of 38 billion U.S dollars, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics show, and the industry is in the cross-hairs of the retaliatory salvo with potential losses in the billions alone, experts say.

U.S. export data shows China's 1,085 million bushels (mb) a year dwarfing other top soy recipients: EU (167 mb), Mexico (131 mb), Japan (80 mb), according to USDA statistics.

With China importing 90 percent of its soybean needs and 34 percent of these coming from the United States, signs are clear that looming economic hardship could be severe, according to Dutch multinational banking company Rabobank.

Rabobank, a leading financial services provider for the agri-business sector, said that U.S. farmers could be driven to reduce soybean acres, while South American farmers will see an expansion of their harvest.

The company predicts a rise in the prices of all soy products to the American consumer, and notes that "if all proposed duties took effect, 40 percent of the U.S. exports to China would be affected but only 10 percent of China's exports to the United States (would be)."

GRAIN GROANS

In the wheat industry, Montana was America's third-largest producing state in 2017 behind Kansas and North Dakota, according to the USDA.

"Not many options," said Montana State University Professor Anton Bekkerman, on the future of the American wheat farmers.

Already, North Dakota farmers have shifted away from wheat production, and the ripple effect of the upcoming tariffs might include America's fragile involvement in the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), according to Bekkerman, a well-published agricultural economics expert.

"If additional strings are placed on the NAFTA structure then we're going to lose a major market," Bekkerman said, noting that in 2017 NAFTA was the country's top importer of wheat.

Countries like Mexico are already looking for other places to buy wheat, and that strain is getting producers worried, Bekkerman told Xinhua.

With China, the European Union and India producing more wheat than U.S. farmers, according to the USDA, buyers may start looking to other global producers to meet their needs, thus leaving America in the lurch, experts told Xinhua.

Survival for the American farmer may mean focusing on "quality" or receiving federal subsidies to pay the bills, experts said.

"China is growing like crazy with an expanding middle class," said Bekkerman. "They want quality products and that is an area where we can always deliver."

The owners of America's 2 million farms have been historically conservative and oppose government bailouts and subsidies, but Trump Administration officials are already mentioning this possibility.

"There are new rumors that Trump and (Secretary of Agriculture Sonny) Perdue will enact domestic policies to keep prices up for farmers," Erker told Xinhua.

"These domestic policies would mean subsidies -- a price borne by taxpayers in the United States, and nobody wants that," Erker said.BANGUI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At least three Muslims were killed on Tuesday in the Central African Republic's capital, Bangui, by protesters, mostly Christians, who demonstrated around the presidency following the death of a Christian pastor, according to local sources.

According to residents, on Tuesday morning, security forces launched a search operation against a rebel leader known as "Force" in a locality called Fatima, not far from PK5, a Muslim neighborhood in Bangui, home to armed groups.

The operation prompted an exchange of fire, killing a pastor of a church in Fatima.

At around 2 p.m. local time, mostly Christian protesters, holding the body of the pastor, walked toward the presidency. Three Muslims were killed along the way, witnesses said.

Shops remain closed and the streets desserted as a helicopter patrols overhead.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 00:13:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ZHENGZHOU, May 1 (Xinhua) -- As the first ray of sunshine reaches Kaifeng, Xu Shijie in a red velvet waistcoat heads for the bustling street on his pedicab while reciting dialogue he learned from an English book the night before.

Once a high-school dropout and unemployed, Xu, 51, is now the most sought-after pedicab driver and tour guide in Kaifeng in central China's Henan Province.

He is more often known as Jason rather than his Chinese name and has been recommended in Lonely Planet China, a travel guide, in its introduction about Kaifeng.

"Although taxis are faster to carry tourists from one scenic spot to another, the slower pedicab is more effective to let them know a city's history, culture and people," Xu said.

Over the past 17 years, he has devoted himself to shortening the psychological distance between the city and its foreign tourists travelling on his pedicab, with his self-taught English.

Xu dropped out of school due to poverty, but his interest in English did not end. He used his spare time to read English magazines and books when he served in the army.

In 1992, Xu completed his term of service and worked at a syringe plant in Kaifeng, his hometown. But the slender income failed to support his family. He had to ride a tricycle to pick up tourists around the city every day after work for extra money.

The plant he worked for went bankrupt in 2005, and Xu became a full-time pedicab driver.

Although life was hard, and time and money were luxuries, he kept learning English, with the dictionary his only teacher. He recites articles in English textbooks and makes notes in his diaries every night.

With a history of more than 3,000 years and serving as the capital of seven dynasties, Kaifeng regarded as a cradle of the Chinese nation. It has many cultural legacies, relics and historical sites.

China's tourism industry is on the fast track after 40 years of reform and opening-up. It is the world's largest source of outbound tourists and the fourth largest destination for inbound tourists.

Now more international tourists visit Kaifeng than ever before. There are more than 600 pedicab drivers in the city, but very few can speak good English. "Tourists need someone to introduce the story of the city, its culture and history," Xu said.

His chance came one day in 2003 when a Swedish tourist tried to find a pedicab who could speak English. A pedicab driver approached him, but his body language failed to help the Swede.

Before the tourist left, Xu maintained his courage. "Hey, wait a moment." This was the first time he spoke English after years of silent learning.

"I was nervous and upset. I didn't know if he could understand me or not. But it turned out to be a joyful tour," he said.

Since then, Xu has studied English harder, and practiced his listening and speaking every night. He treats every customer he meets as a friend and records their stories in his diaries. Xu has finished six diaries involving the stories of more than 700 foreign tourists.

In 2005, two tourists from the Netherlands gave him an English name -- Jason. "I told them I was just a pedicab driver and I didn't need an English name. But they insisted that it might be useful in the future."

They were right. Xu stands out from his peers, not only because he can speak English, but also for his warm heart, and diligent, meticulous attitude toward work.

He often helps tourists buy train tickets or medicine, or find quality hotels. In order to give them a better introduction to the city, he reads lots of books about its history and culture.

"Some call me a cultural ambassador. I try my best to live up to this reputation," Xu said.by Alex Osei-Boateng

ACCRA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday launched the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO), a new government intervention to tackle graduate unemployment.

The initiative will be the vehicle to employ, this year alone, 100,000 people who hold degrees of tertiary institutions to assist in the public service delivery needs of Ghana.

Akufo-Addo said the grim story of youth unemployment has been a tragic part of the lives of Ghanaians for far too long and has been worsened in recent times by the ban placed on public sector employment by the International Monetary Fund.

He was confident that by the time NABCO trainees exit the scheme, which would last for three years, the requisite work readiness skills and experience, often deemed a barrier to their employment as fresh graduates, would have been resolved.

The trainees would earn a 700 Ghana cedis (159 U.S. dollars) stipend every month. "This is a modest but important beginning towards the restoration of their dignity," Akufo-Addo said, adding that beneficiaries would also receive continuous skills training to guide their future career paths.

Data from the University of Ghana published last year reveal that only 10 percent of Ghanaian graduates find jobs in the first year after completing school and that it takes up to ten years for the graduates to secure employment.

The selected applicants of the program are expected to commence their work by Aug. 1.MOGADISHU, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A female Somali aid worker was shot dead by gunmen in the largest market in Mogadishu on Tuesday, police said.

"We can confirm that men armed with pistols killed her in Bakara market. We are investigating the incident," a police officer who did not want to be named told Xinhua.

The woman, identified as Maryam Abdullahi, was reported to be an employee of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Baidoa town, southern Somalia.

Witnesses said gunmen shot her in the head several times and escaped.

"After they killed her, they managed to escape and then security forces arrived at scene," an eyewitness, Fartun Isak, told Xinhua.

No group has claimed responsibility for the latest murder in the Horn of Africa nation.MADRID, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of people Tuesday took part in the traditional May 1 demonstrations in Spain, demanding not just rights for workers, but also equality of conditions for both men and women and increased pensions for retired people.

There were 70 different marches in Spanish cities as workers' organizations marched under the slogan; "It is time to win."

Around 50,000 people took to the streets of the Spanish capital of Madrid to demand a fairer distribution of wealth.

In Barcelona, an estimated 30,000 workers demanded social equality and an end to "patriarchal justice", in the wake of the recent controversial "wolf-pack" gang rape trial in Pamplona, which saw a group of 5 men controversially acquitted of raping an 18-year-old woman in the 2016 San Fermin celebrations.

There were also important marches in the south of Spain, with thousands taking to the streets of Seville, Malaga, Cordoba, Jaen and Cadiz.

While banners such as "raise our wages, damned bosses", were seen on the streets of Zaragoza, while women's rights were demanded in Pamplona with phrases such as "Alive, Free and United".Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 01:18:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GENEVA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression on Tuesday condemned in the strongest possible terms the killing of nine journalists in an attack in the Afghan capital Kabul.

David Kaye called on the government in Afghanistan, with the assistance of the international community, to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"Yesterday's attack, like all such attacks on journalists, is an attack on Afghanistan's free press and the public's right to know," said Kaye.

"But it is also a direct attack on specific individuals, and I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Afghanistan."

According to reports, after one terrorist blast killed many civilians, a follow-up blast targeted journalists, who arrived to cover the attack.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has condemned the killings, of which responsibility has been claimed by the group Islamic State.KIEV, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine has launched a joint forces operation (JFO) controlled by the army in the conflict-hit Donetsk and Lugansk regions, the country's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday in a statement.

The new regime will replace the four-year-long "anti-terror" operation, which was ruled by the State Security Service of Ukraine.

The JFO covers both - the government-controlled and the non-government-controlled territories of eastern Ukraine.

Under the JFO, the whole area in Donetsk and Luhansk regions is divided into three color-coded zones: the green zone with unlimited access; the yellow zone, which can be entered with the passport and after special checks; and the restricted red zone.

On Monday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree to change the format of Kiev military operation against pro-independence rebels in the eastern region of Donbas.

The decree was prepared by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council in accordance with the law on Donbas re-integration.

The controversial law on Donbas re-integration, which defines areas controlled by rebels in eastern Ukraine as "temporarily occupied territories," came into the force on Feb. 24.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned that the legislation could lead to an escalation of the confrontation in Donbas.

The conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, together known as Donbas, started in April 2014, after government forces launched offensives to regain control of the cities and towns seized by armed groups which declared independence from Kiev.ABUJA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 32 people were killed following two suicide attacks on a mosque in Nigeria's northeastern town of Mubi on Tuesday, officials and witnesses said.

Some 20 others were seriously wounded in the twin blasts in Mubi, a town in the northern state of Adamawa, according to Abdullahi Ibrahim Yerima, the state police chief.

Yerima said two suicide bombers carried out the attack. The first blast was inside the mosque, while the second bomber detonated his improvised explosive device around a second-hand clothes market outside the same mosque.

The police officer said the second blast, which occurred 20 meters away from the mosque, affected a lot of people as they rushed to escape from the first blast.

A medical source said almost 34 corpses were carried in body bags deposited at the Mubi General Hospital where victims were taken to.

Musa Bello, head of the Mubi North local government area, said Boko Haram, a militant group emerging from northeastern Nigeria, was responsible for the suicide blasts.

Last November, at least 50 people were killed following a suicide blast in a mosque in Mubi.

The United Nations believes the terror group has killed more than 20,000 people since 2009.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 01:59:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Photo taken on April 30, 2018 shows Greek Economy and Development Deputy Minister Stergios Pitsiorlas at his office in Athens, Greece. Greece sees great prospects and hope in the Belt and Road Initiative and claims a key role in cooperation between Europe and China, Greek Economy and Development Deputy Minister Stergios Pitsiorlas told Xinhua in an interview on Monday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

By Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Greece sees great prospects and hope in the Belt and Road Initiative and claims a key role in cooperation between Europe and China, Greek Economy and Development Deputy Minister Stergios Pitsiorlas told Xinhua in an interview on Monday.

A year after the signing of a three-year-action plan on economic cooperation between Greece and China in Beijing during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Pitsiorlas talked about the achievements so far, the plans for the near future and Greece's position in the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Proposed in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Sino-Greek cooperation at Piraeus Port in recent years has become one of the strongest symbols of win- win collaboration along the under-construction modern Silk Road which will be linking the West with the East through trade and infrastructure networks. Bilateral ties have advanced and deepened in many sectors.

"The signing of the three year action plan was an important step and apparently linked to the development of the entire Silk Road strategy from the Chinese side. Greece sees in this strategy a great prospect and hope," Pitsiorlas said.

"In general we think that the framework of Sino-Greek relations is, I would say, substantially developing and being upgraded," he added.

The three-year action plan concerns infrastructure projects in the fields of transport, energy and telecommunications. Significant steps have already been made in the first two sectors, more needs to be done in the third, the Greek minister said.

Athens is currently in talks with China Development Bank to expand its presence in Greece, and expects that this development will further support investment initiatives, he noted.

Greece and China are also discussing and making progress on tourism cooperation as well as the issue of the further development of trade relations, he said.

Greece is preparing to attend the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held in Shanghai this November with a very high level delegation from many companies.

One of the issues in relations between China and Greece, China and Europe is the imbalance in the trade, Pitsiorlas explained.

Athens sees the Shanghai expo as an initiative in the right direction which could help close this gap and facilitate wider cooperation between China and Greece, China and Europe in other sectors, he said.

Sino-Greek strategic partnership and China's increasing investments in Greece in the years of the crisis were not always warmly welcomed by third parties. The path of cooperation between the East and the West along the B&R Initiative route has not been always rosy.

"It is a fact that in recent years we have had an increase in questions and skepticism in Europe for the great growth of China's activities in the entire region. We think that to some extent it is normal. It is the first time that this is happening to this extent," Pitsiorlas said.

"On the other hand, we think that the response to the issues that this development is creating cannot be a return to protectionism and the construction of walls again. We believe that between Europe and China there must be a relationship of fertile dialogue and fertile cooperation. And we claim a role for Greece in this context," the Greek minister stressed.

As the issues have been gradually put on the table of discussions between China and Europe, Pitsiorlas voiced optimism that the outcome will be positive for all.

"The main goal should be finding a balanced relationship ... I believe that finally we will find solutions that will be beneficial for everyone," he underlined.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 02:04:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami on Tuesday dismissed Israel's nuclear allegations as "unfounded," Tasnim news agency reported.

Hatami also called the Monday's comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "a propaganda show."

Netanyahu's statement reflects Israel's attempts to divert public attention and cover up its "unjustifiable crimes" against the oppressed people of Palestine, he said.

It is a sign of the Zionist regime's frustration over its recent defeats in the region and in the face of the Palestinians' resistance, the Iranian minister noted.

He warned Israeli officials to "stop conspiracies, plots, and dangerous behaviors" against his country.

In a televised statement on Monday, Netanyahu disclosed files allegedly obtained by Israel's intelligence from Iran's "secret nuclear archive," saying they prove Iran's secret development of nuclear weapons after the 2015 nuclear deal.

The nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 between Iran and six world powers, was designed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of international sanctions on the Islamic country.

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use" at the Fordow nuclear testing site, the Israeli prime minister said.

The disclosure came ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's looming deadline on May 12 to decide whether to extend the waiver on nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 02:24:13|Editor: Chengcheng

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (C) poses for photos with Jordanian King Abdullah II (R) at the Jordanian Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan, on May 1, 2018. King Abdullah II of Jordan and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on Tuesday to upgrade Jordanian-Japanese ties to a strategic partnership in political and economic fields. (Xinhua/Mohammad Abu Ghosh)

AMMAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on Tuesday to upgrade Jordanian-Japanese ties to a strategic partnership in political and economic fields.

The agreement came during their talks in the capital Amman, where the two leaders highlighted the importance of advancing economic and commercial cooperation, as well as increasing Japanese investments in vital sectors in Jordan.

They also agreed to maintain coordination and consultation on various issues of mutual concern to promote peace in the region and the world, according to a Jordanian Royal Court statement.

"Your ongoing aid to the Syrian refugees and the Jordanian host communities has been really vital to our country's resilience and development," the king told Abe.

Earlier this week, Jordan and Japan co-chaired an international meeting to coordinate global efforts to fight extremism in Jordan's Red Sea port city of Aqaba.

For his part, Abe promised Japan's continued assistance to Jordan.

Jordan's stability "is indispensable for regional stability, and Japan will continue providing assistance as much as possible, so as to ensure its social and economic stability, and support its development efforts," Abe said.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the Japanese prime minister announced a donation of about 15 million U.S. dollars to Jordan, Lebanon and Syria to help alleviate the impact of the Syrian crisis.Imports from the United States are seen at a supermarket in Shanghai, China, April 3, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS)

by Ye Zaiqi, Wu Xiaoling

SEATTLE, April 30 (Xinhua) -- The chair of the American Society of Quality (ASQ) said Monday that he is still optimistic about long-term cooperation on innovation between China and the United States, despite some temporary difficulties between the two in trade.

On the sidelines of the first China-U.S. Quality Summit on Monday in the city of Seattle, Elmer Corbin told Xinhua that he doesn't believe that U.S.-China cooperation on quality innovation will be adversely affected in the long run.

"I think that this is just a temporary clip in the relationship ... The U.S. has a long standing relationship with China and I don't think the current politics (will harm that), because it's really a political situation," said the ASQ chair.

China and the United States have been locked in a trade dispute over the past few weeks after the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally threatened to slap punitive tariffs on Chinese exports worth billions of dollars for what it called huge trade deficits on the U.S. side against China.

The Chinese government responded by announcing the same amount of tariffs on U.S. exports to Chinese consumers.

Corbin said the U.S.-China trade frictions have nothing do with the sharing of knowledge and the the collaboration that the ASQ has maintained for many many decades now with China.

"I don't think that this is going to be a long-term disagreement in our relationship," he said.

The ASQ chair challenged the allegation by some U.S. politicians about "China's unfair acquisition of U.S. technology and intellectual property (IP) rights," saying he is not worried about the sharing of knowledge with China.

"I work for IBM (International Business Machines), and as a matter fact we have several very big development labs in China. So we are creating IP in those labs. I don't think that that's a major issue, if you have the right safeguards in place," he noted.

Corbin said the summit is an opportunity to "create new innovation if we have the right experts from different geographies and from different points of views working together."

Corbin said China-U.S. summits inspire collaboration, "so that we can create greater Innovation that's going to solve some of the big problems in the world."

He listed air pollution and a lack of clean water in some parts of the world as areas directly related to quality and where China and the U.S. can work together.

"These are quality issues. How do we solve those issues as a world community? The more of these types of events that we have, my vision is that we will start to break down those silos and bring together the greatest expertise in the world to solve some of these big problems," he said.

As part of the Global Summit on Quality hosted by the ASQ, the China-U.S. Summit was held as a platform for the exchange of information between senior U.S. and Chinese executives, government officials and quality experts.

The event attracted about 20 CEOs and senior business leaders from major Chinese companies such as Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited, Haier Group Corporation, and XiamenAir, a carrier mainly owned by China Southern Airlines, and 50 entrepreneurs from about 30 U.S. companies, including Boeing Co., Google, IBM and Microsoft.

The summit was held in concurrence with the 2018 ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement that opened Monday through Wednesday. The annual ASQ conference is the largest and most influential global meeting on quality and attracts about 2,000 to 3,000 participants per year from more than 50 countries and regions.by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Greece is exiting the painful bailout programs this summer after eight difficult years of acute debt crisis, wiser and with good prospects for the future which can be constructed on the foundations of a new growth model, Greek Economy and Development Deputy Minister Stergios Pitsiorlas told Xinhua here on Monday.

After an unprecedented fiscal adjustment and much needed reforms to fix structural problems of the ailing economy, economic indexes in Greece look good in recent months. For the first time in 2017 the country posted remarkable growth rates and the outlook seems positive.

"We have laid the foundations for a more stable growth prospect for our country," Pitsiorlas said, noting that one of these foundations is Greece's relationship with China and the development of investments in Greece by foreign companies and foreign countries.

"Greece has learnt a lot from the crisis it has gone through, has achieved an impressive adjustment, but at the same time has suffered an enormous social cost...It will take years to balance all this, " the deputy minister explained when asked whether Greek people will feel the difference of the post-bailout era soon.

"What we have to keep is that for us the crisis we have been through has been a great lesson that our economy must become more competitive and more extrovert," he underlined.

"We missed the train in the early 2000s. We were not able to anticipate the developments that were coming and get prepared. We were living with the illusion of fake prosperity," Pitsiorlas said, recalling what went wrong and Greece was brought to the brink of financial meltdown.

"Competitiveness and extroversion are now the main objectives and from our side we are pushing and insisting as a government that the new period of economic development should be combined with a fairer distribution of the resources this development brings and with a better functioning of the civil service," he said.

In the context of extroversion Greece aims to capitalize on its geographical position and benefit from the strategies of countries which see the world economy with another perspective, he explained, pointing to China.CAIRO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al- Sisi vowed on Tuesday to strengthen relations with the United States in Cairo.

Sisi's remarks came during a meeting here with a delegation from the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) in the presence of Acting Chief of Egyptian Intelligence Abbas Kamel.

The Egyptian president stressed the importance of the decades-long relations between his country and the U.S., Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.

The delegation members praised Egypt's efforts to resolve the Middle East crisis as well as the Sinai 2018 operation, an anti-terror operation Egypt launched in February.

They also lauded Egypt's efforts to achieve domestic economic development within the framework of the country's economic reform program, added the spokesman.

The meeting also tackled regional and international developments including efforts to achieve peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis in line with the agreed international terms of reference and the two-state solution.

Although Egypt is a main regional ally to the United States, ties between the two countries were cold under former U.S. President Barack Obama after the Egyptian military ousted former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests.

However, the bilateral relations later improved when incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump took office and boosted cooperation with the Arab country.

Egypt, like most of the international community, rejects Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate Washington's embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the debated holy city.

Cairo receives an annual military aid of 1.3 billion U.S. dollars from Washington since it signed the 1979 U.S.-sponsored peace treaty with Israel, the U.S. number one regional ally and the top recipient of U.S. aid.GENEVA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Swiss army has commandeered around 2,000 soldiers and heavy artillery for the biggest military maneuver in Switzerland since the end of the Cold War, the Federal Department of Defense said Tuesday.

It is taking place in northeastern Switzerland, between Lake Constance and the Santis Alps, beginning on Monday and continuing until Wednesday.

Such a military maneuver using the mechanized 4th Brigade and heavy artillery has not taken place since the end of the Cold War, the defense department said.

However, army officials said the exercises cannot be compared to Cold War-style training.

"Now it is a question of further developing the army's defense capability, including perhaps on a smaller scale.

"That's why we're practicing on a smaller scale," said Georg Hasler, spokesperson for the Mechanized 4th Brigade, the Swiss national broadcaster SRF reported.

According to Alexander Kohli, the brigadier in charge of the military exercises, two reconnaissance battalions are competing against each other and an artillery division is involved.

Residents will have to put up with additional traffic due to the maneuvers, including military tanks.

In addition, two F/A-18 fighter planes will undertake low-level flights, but supersonic flights are not planned.Afghan security forces members inspect a blast site of Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, on April 30, 2018. (Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)

UNITED NATIONS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council condemned Tuesday "in the strongest terms" the terrorist attacks that took place the day before in Afghanistan.

A series of attacks occurred in the Afghani capital of Kabul and the southern province of Kandahar on Monday, causing at least 41 people killed and 45 injured, the tally at the UN showed.

Among the casualties are women, children, emergency responders, journalists and media workers.

"The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Afghanistan," the Security Council said in a statement, adding they wished a speedy and full recovery to those injured.

The council reaffirmed terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

It also underlined the need to bring those responsible for the acts to justice, urging all states to cooperate with the government of Afghanistan and all other relevant authorities.

The radical militant group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to the statement.

On the day of the attacks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed outrage and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

He said through a spokesperson that "the deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work."

Afghanistan has been battered by insurgency over the past couple of decades with the presence of different militant groups including the most dominant Taliban, in addition to al-Qaida and recently the Islamic States.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 03:04:22|Editor: Chengcheng

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Nikol Pashinyan delivers a speech at a parliament session in Yerevan, Armenia, on May 1, 2018. Armenia's National Assembly on Tuesday did not succeed in electing a new prime minister. The only candidate, the opposition leader and head of Civil Contract Party Nikol Pashinyan got 45 votes with 56 against his candidacy. (Xinhua/Gevorg Ghazaryan)

YEREVAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Armenia's National Assembly on Tuesday did not succeed in electing a new prime minister. The only candidate, the opposition leader and head of Civil Contract Party Nikol Pashinyan got 45 votes with 56 against his candidacy.

He had to get at least 53 votes to become a PM from 105-seats Parliament.

After the unsuccessful outcome, a new voting will be organized in 7 days. During this period new candidates can be proposed only by one-third of members of the parliament. If the second voting will result with no elected candidate, the parliament will be dismissed and snap parliamentary elections should be organized.

Following the vote in the Parliament, Pashinyan joined the rally on the Republic Square and announced that all the protests, strikes and acts of civil disobedience will effectively resume on Wednesday.

On April 23, prime minister of Armenia and leader of the ruling Republican Party, Serzh Sargsyan stepped down amid mass protests that have gripped the ex-Soviet republic. Following a referendum held in December of 2015, Armenia has effectively shifted from a semi-presidential system of governance to a parliamentary one where the prime minister's office holds most of the executive power in the country, with the president's job now being largely ceremonial.

Pashinyan, an opposition MP who is the leader of the protests that ousted former Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, insisted that the political parties in the parliament should vote him in as the next interim PM before new snap elections.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 03:19:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Keren Setton

JERUSALEM, May 1 (Xinhua) -- While differences exist in the challenges in the cyberspace between Israel and China, they share similarities in cyber security and governance, Israeli experts said.

Just on Monday, hours after an airstrike in Syria was attributed to the Jewish country, rumors about an imminent strike from Iran on Israel were spread by WhatsApp messages.

The rumors quadrupled when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would give a "dramatic" statement to the nation in the evening.

In fact, Netanyahu unveiled so-called evidence about Iran's secret nuclear weapons program rather addressing the rumors about an Iranian strike.

"The West can learn from China on how to fight fake news and how to oversee and differentiate between fake news and real, reliable news," said Doron Ella, a research fellow at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies.

The Chinese government outlined a vision for the country's cyberspace governance and development during a national conference on the work of cybersecurity and informatization held in late April.

The conference highlighted the need for improvement of the governance capacity in cyberspace, saying internet media should spread positive information, uphold the correct political direction, and guide public opinion and values toward the right direction.

"China and Israel share the broad definition of cybersecurity," said Assaf Barak, research director at Bar-Ilan University's Center for Applied Cryptography and Cyber Security.

"In Israel, there is discussion on governance to protect the public from inappropriate content, such as child pornography and in extreme cases block spreading of false rumors regarding a state of emergency in Israel," Barak told Xinhua.

As for the need for a global cyberspace governing mechanism, Barak said that a framework for cyberspace governance is much needed as reflected in relevant Chinese policies.

"The core technologies of the internet should gradually improve to support such policies. Policies may be applied globally as well as locally, as there are different cultural and political views," he explained.

In recent years, Israel has become a leader in exporting cybersecurity technologies. The small country boasts hundreds of cybersecurity firms.

One of Israel's main advantages is the training of its young generation during the mandatory military service, where many of them receive on-hand experience in one of the country's elite intelligence or technology units.

They then enter the civilian sector where they can translate their knowledge into non-military applications, often becoming leading experts in their field.

Israel Export Institute said that Israel's exports in cybersecurity in 2015 reached 3.5 billion U.S. dollars, which was 5 percent of the global market. Over 500 million dollars were invested in 2016 in cybersecurity startups.

The cybersecurity market in Israel has already attracted Chinese companies' great interest. In 2016, Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei purchased Israeli database security firm Hexatier.BANGUI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 people were killed in Central African Republic (CAR) on Tuesday in a series of violence at a church and around the presidency in the capital Bangui, according to security and local sources.

According to local residents, the country's security forces on Tuesday morning launched a search operation against a rebel leader known as "Force" in Fatima, near PK5, a Muslim neighborhood in Bangui, home to armed groups.

The operation failed and caused exchanges of fire, killing several people including an abbot, they said.

According to an anonymous source of the gendarmerie, in addition to the abbot, at least 13 bodies were counted in the hospitals to which the wounded had been sent.

At around 2 p.m., protesters, mostly Christians, gathered before the presidency, holding the dead body of the dead abbot. Three Muslims were killed on their way, bringing the toll to at least 17.

According to an unofficial UN source, a MINUSCA official was wounded near the presidency by the protesters, who consider the civilian protection by the UN Mission in Central Africa (MINUSCA) as passive and ineffective.

MINUSCA and CAR security forces had sought "Force" in mid-April in a joint operation, but failed. More than twenty deaths were reported during this operation.CAIRO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Egypt received on Tuesday 14 artifacts that were smuggled from the Arab country in late 1980s and seized by the Cypriot authorities in Nicosia.

In a statement, Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities said that Director of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, Marina Solomidou, handed over the smuggled pieces to the Egyptian authorities.

The ministry received the artifacts on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the "Roots Revival" initiative that kicked off Monday in Egypt's Mediterranean city of Alexandria.

Egyptian Antiquities Minister Khaled Anani expressed his pleasure for retrieving the artifacts, voicing thanks to the Cypriot authorities for their constant cooperation with the Egyptian authorities, the ministry said.

Egypt, one of the most ancient civilizations, has been working effortlessly to preserve and retrieve its rich archaeological treasure and historical heritage, which will also help boost the once-flourishing tourism industry that has largely been affected by the political turmoil over the past five years.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 03:54:33|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday dismissed recent allegations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as lies aimed at influencing U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming decision about the Iranian nuclear deal.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said in a statement that "the ridiculous propagandist presentations of the premier of the Zionist regime (of Israel) is one of the latest shameful and worthless shows about Iran's nuclear program."

The allegations were "merely aimed at spreading lies and deception," said Qasemi.

In a televised presentation on Monday, Netanyahu disclosed files allegedly obtained by Israel's intelligence agency from Iran's "secret nuclear archive," saying the files prove Iran has secretly worked on nuclear weapons.

The nuclear deal, signed in July 2015, was designed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of international sanctions on Iran.

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use" at the Fordow nuclear testing site, said Netanyahu.

Also, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the Israeli Prime Minister aims to pressure Washington to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal.

"Trump is jumping on a rehash of old allegations already dealt with by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to 'nix' the deal," he added.

The disclosure by Netanyahu on Monday came ahead of Trump's looming deadline on May 12 to decide whether to extend the waiver on nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.

Moreover, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami on Tuesday dismissed as "unfounded" the nuclear allegations against Iran, Tasnim news agency reported.

Netanyahu's televised presentation was in line with Israel's attempts to divert public attention and cover up its "unjustifiable crimes" against the oppressed people of Palestine, he said.

It is a sign of Israel's frustration over its recent defeats in the region and in the face of the Palestinians' resistance, said the commander.

If the Israeli officials do not refrain from plotting against the Islamic republic, they will definitely regret it, he was quoted as saying.

On Monday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the Israeli Prime Minister's allegations against Iran aimed to influence Trump's upcoming decision about Iran's nuclear deal, according to Press TV.

"What we saw from Benjamin Netanyahu (Monday televised presentation) was nothing but a childish and ridiculous show," Araghchi told Press TV on Monday.

The allegations are the repetitions of Netanyahu's speeches in the past, he said, adding that such allegations against Tehran have already been proven wrong by the IAEA.

Iran does not care about Netanyahu's allegations, Araghchi stressed.

France on Tuesday called for further independent inspections on Iran to ensure full implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal.

"This information should be studied and evaluated in detail," Agnes Von der Muhll, spokesperson of foreign ministry of France said.

Besides, Britain on Tuesday warned of the danger of a fresh conflict flaring up in the Middle East after Israel unveiled a dossier claiming to be evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program.

The British Foreign Office urged all countries in the region to consider the impact of the "logical consequence of your next step" amid escalating tensions.

On Monday, Trump hinted that he was open to negotiate a new deal with Tehran, while keeping demeaning the current nuclear deal ahead of a looming deadline for Washington to decide whether or not to leave the landmark pact.

Trump, at a news conference at the White House, attacked the "horrible" deal again, which has been struck by the Obama administration with Iran in 2015 along with other world powers.

"In seven years that deal will have expired, and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons. That's not acceptable," Trump said.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 03:54:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A fresh deal was reached on Tuesday for the evacuation of rebels and their families from the northern countryside of Homs province in central Syria, the latest in a string of evacuation deals that have recently been concluded between the rebels and the government.

The fresh deal will see the evacuation of rebels and their families from strongholds they control in the northern countryside of Homs toward rebel-held areas in the northern city of Jarablus and the northwestern province of Idlib, said Syrian state news agency SANA.

The evacuation would finish in three days, and the militants who do not want to leave will reconcile with the government and remain in Homs.

The rebels will have to hand over their medium and heavy weapons within two days after the signing of the agreement as a prelude to the evacuation deal.

The implementation of this deal means that the entire Homs province will be free of rebels.

This deal is identical to other agreements that have been recently reached in the capital Damascus, which saw the evacuation of rebels from Eastern Ghouta countryside and the eastern part of Qalamoun region to Idlib and Jarablus last month.

These Russian-backed evacuation deals aim at curbing battles and have the rebels leave to other strongholds in northern Syria in order to secure more vital areas in central and southern Syria.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 04:24:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Airstrikes carried out by the U.S.-led coalition killed 25 civilians in Syria's northern province of Hasakah on Tuesday, state news agency SANA reported.

The airstrikes targeted civilian homes in the village of Fadel in the city of Shadadi, southern Hasakah, said the report, adding that women and children were among the victims as tens of others were wounded.

The report slammed the attack as a "massacre," saying the operations of the U.S.-led coalition in Syria are "illegitimate."

The U.S. has been backing the Kurdish-led militant groups in northeastern Syria. On Tuesday, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched a new offensive on Islamic State (IS) militants in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour province in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border.

The SDF stripped IS of their de facto capital of Raqqa in northern Syria late last year while the Syrian government recaptured large swaths of territory from IS in Deir al-Zour.

The U.S.-led coalition started its operations in Syria in 2014, with the government criticizing such coalition for targeting civilians while urging the UN to put an end to the coalition's operations in the war-torn country.LONDON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Confidence in Britain's Brexit negotiations ending successfully have hit a new low, according to a new opinion poll published Tuesday.

A poll by the Guardian newspaper and ICM revealed that only 28 percent think the Brexit talks will conclude satisfactorily, against 47 percent who now think they will end unsatisfactorily.

In a similar poll in December 39 percent feared an unsatisfactory outcome, but 35 percent were confident of a satisfactory outcome.

The results came as Prime Minister Theresa May and her cabinet met at 10 Downing Street to discuss a string of votes in the House of Commons Monday. The votes saw unelected peers in the House of Lords backing amendments against May's flagship European Union withdrawal bill.

The biggest blow was an amendment passed by 335 votes to 244, which would give MPs the power to stop Britain from leaving the EU without a deal, or make May return to the negotiating table, ruling out a no-deal scenario.

Journalists briefed after the cabinet meeting were told later that May and cabinet ministers expressed strong disappointment at the defeats in the House of Lords over the EU withdrawal bill.

Downing Street said there was concern the amendments risked tying the government's hands behind its back in negotiations.

May's spokesperson said both the prime minister and the Brexit secretary, David Davis, said the government would be robust when the EU withdrawal bill returned to the House of Commons after completing its passage in the House of Lords.

In a Tuesday radio interview International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said it was not acceptable for the unelected House of Lords to try to block the democratic will of the British people, who voted by a 52-48 margin in June, 2016 to leave the EU.

Fox said the House of Lords amendment opened up the possibility of delaying Britain's exit from the EU indefinitely.

It will be up to the House of Commons to decide whether to accept the amendments to the Brexit bill from the House of Lords, or strike out the proposed changes.

With May running a minority government, shored up by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland, victory for the prime minister is far from guaranteed, particularly with a number of pre-EU rebels among her ranks.

To add to May's woes, media reports in London say several of her senior ministers have threatened to resign if she strikes a deal that will keep Britain in a customs union.

The Independent newspaper Tuesday night reported that May was preparing for a Brexit meeting with select cabinet ministers Wednesday at which they will try to come up with a joint position on post-withdrawal customs relations following rejection of Britain's existing proposals.

May has insisted that Britain will leave the European Single Market and the Customs Union when its membership of the EU comes to an end.

The Guardian, meanwhile, said May will attempt to head off a rebellion of her Brexit inner cabinet and prevent key leave-supporting ministers from resigning by delaying a final decision on her "customs partnership" model.

The prime minister's official spokesperson, according to the Guardian, said: "We have been absolutely clear that we are leaving the customs union and won't be joining a customs union. We have put forward two proposals for addressing the customs issue in general and they will be discussed by the government further."WASHINGTON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the location and date of his upcoming meeting with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s top leader Kim Jong Un probably will be announced in a "couple of days."

"I think it's probably going to be announced over the next couple of days, location and date," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"I want to get it done," added Trump, referring to his meeting with Kim, which Trump said on Saturday could take place over the next three or four weeks.

On Monday, Trump told reporters that Singapore and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the DPRK and South Korea could be possible sites for his talks with Kim.

The Trump-Kim meeting could be another step forward for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula following a summit on Friday between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

The inter-Korean ice-breaking talks were held at Peace House, a building on the South Korean side of Panmunjom inside the four-km-wide, 250-km-long DMZ.

Kim was the first DPRK leader to set foot on South Korean soil since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice.

After the meeting, Seoul and Pyongyang confirmed in a joint declaration a common goal of complete denuclearization and agreed to push for multilateral talks to turn the current armistice agreement into a peace treaty.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 04:29:43|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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By Peter Mertz

SACRAMENTO, the United States, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Vineyards in the U.S. state of California are already losing contracts, projecting losses, and anticipating billions in lost revenue from trade disputes ignited by the Trump administration.

"It will spiral downward -- more of (President Donald) Trump's self-destructive trade tactics, a sign of his economic ignorance and bad news for America," said Benjamin Vandermollen, a wine grower north of Sacramento, capital city of the Golden State on the U.S. west coast.

Vandermollen, educated in agriculture at the University of Iowa, told Xinhua Monday that the president's trade war plans with China will end up crushing California's opportunities to reap untold future profits from a wide-open Chinese market.

"We know anecdotally a number of farmers have already lost contracts for wine," said Brian Kuehl with the bipartisan, nonprofit group Farmers for Free Trade (FFT).

Kuehl's group issued a statement last week confirming the heat is on and that California's lucrative wine industry, reeling in part by devastating wildfires in 2017, may get torched again if China ups the ante on more wine tariffs.

He believed that Chinese economic leaders are in stand-by mode, awaiting Trump's imminent China tariffs, which are expected to trigger more return jabs from Asia's most powerful economy.

Industry experts told Xinhua that Chinese tariffs will "slam the brakes on billions in future revenue" and will become worse when Trump pulls the trigger on an expected 25 percent hike on Chinese exports of aluminum and steel to the United States expected in May.

"California obviously exports a huge amount of wine, a lot of it destined for China," Kuehl said. "We understand that some of those wine contracts have already been throttled back."

California's wines, considered some of the finest in the world, are about to be put on the back shelf in the world's most populous nation, a market that is thirsty for expensive Western products.

Viking Beer, a light pilsner from Iceland, sells for 12 U.S. dollars a bottle on the streets of Guangzhou, a city in southern China, importer Ben Vogl told Xinhua on Monday.

The market for wine is "limitless," said the American businessman who knows China's beer and wine market well. "The potential revenues of millions of dollars are vanishing with the tariff exchanges."

With an emerging middle class of 300 million people, no American exporter is taking China off the top of their list of dream markets.

The Wine Institute, the public policy advocacy association of California wineries, said last month that taxes on a bottle of U.S. wine entering China will now jump from 48.2 percent to 67.7 percent, opening the door for countries like Chile, Georgia, and New Zealand to grab a significant market share.

Also jumping into the China market with frenzy will be wine giant Australia, enjoying tariff-free status in 2019, according to the group representing over 1,000 wineries throughout California.

"Consumption of imported wine has increased 2.5 times in the last five years on the Chinese Mainland," said Christopher Beros, Wine Institute Trade Director for China and Pacific Rim.

"America is going to miss the boat on this one," San Francisco businessman Glenn Nemhauser told Xinhua. "It doesn't just hurt California, it hurts the entire country."

The value of California wine exports to China alone have increased 450 percent in the past decade, the Wine Institute data showed, noting that China is one of the fastest growing wine markets in the world and will soon be second only to the United States in value.

Even though China imported some 2.37 billion U.S. dollars worth of wine in 2016, most of them came from the European Union and only 76 million dollars, or 2.2 percent, were American.

If combining the exports to Hong Kong, the value increased 10 percent in 2017 to 197 million dollars with a share of about 5 percent in China's market. It was still called "miniscule" by Vandemollen compared with what the United States could export.

While the vast majority of U.S. wine is consumed domestically, about 10 percent is shipped overseas, USDA data shows.

In 2017, the U.S. exported 380 million liters of wine, worth 1.46 billion dollars. Canada was the top destination, importing 28 percent of the total, followed by the United Kingdom at 15 percent.

"China is an important and growing market for California wines," said Robert P. "Bobby" Koch, President and CEO of the Wine Institute, in a statement. "We are disappointed by the implementation of these additional tariffs."

"Over the last decade, we have made tremendous progress in developing a loyal and enthusiastic base of Chinese consumers who enjoy California wines and appreciate their quality," Koch said.

Koch and other industry leaders urged the Trump Administration to change course in the nascent trade war. With bated breath, they are waiting for news from this week's planned visit of an official U.S. delegation to China for trade talks and say they hope detente and free trade will prevail.

"These tariffs put our products at a price disadvantage and we urge swift resolution of this issue before long-term disruptions are felt," FTT's Kuehl said.

Kuehl cautioned, "once you lose an export market it doesn't come back immediately," another economic loss variable.

"So if you're an apple grower and you're exporting your apples to China and you lose a contract to sell your apples to China... you may not see that revenue come back for a year, two years, five years after these tariffs go away," Kuehl noted.

"So this can be a very long term impact on U.S. agriculture," he said.LAGOS, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's restive northeastern Adamawa state government Tuesday confirmed 27 dead and 56 injured from the twin blasts in Mubi town.

Ahmad Sajoh, the state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, said in a statement that the 56 injured persons were admitted to hospital.

Two suicide bombers carried out the attacks, he added.

The first blast was inside the mosque, while the second bomber detonated his improvised explosive device around a second-hand clothes market outside the same mosque.

Last November, at least 50 people were killed following a suicide blast in a mosque in Mubi.

The United Nations reports said Boko Haram terror group has killed more than 20,000 people since 2009.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 05:04:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TIKRIT, Iraq, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Unknown gunmen attacked houses in a town in Iraq's central province of Salahudin on Tuesday, leaving 16 people killed and four others injured, a provincial security source said.

The attack took place in the evening when gunmen armed with machine guns attacked three houses for families in 14th Ramadan village south of town of Dujail, some 60 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed al-Jubouri from Salahudin's provincial police told Xinhua.

The three houses belonging to three sons of a judge named Rahim al-Marzouq, the source said, adding that all the victims are the members of the three families and most of them were women and children.

Iraqi security forces launched investigation into the incident, while the troops sealed off the scene and started a search campaign in the area looking for the attackers, Jubouri said.

The predominately Sunni Arab province of Salahudin has been the scene of a major offensive by Iraqi security forces and allied Hashd Shaabi units to drive out Islamic State (IS) militants from the provincial key cities and towns, including its capital city Tikrit, some 170 km north of Baghdad.

On Dec. 9, 2017, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi officially declared full liberation of Iraq from IS militants after Iraqi forces recaptured all the areas once seized by the extremist group.

However, small groups and individuals of IS militants melted in urban areas or resorted to deserts and rugged areas in many areas in Iraq looking for safe havens. They are still capable of carrying out attacks from time to time against the security forces and civilians.HELSINKI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Antagonism between the Finnish coalition government and the trade unions was reflected in the May Day speeches in Finland on Tuesday.

A recent governmental plan to allow temporary work contracts for young people and the proposal to ease dismissals in companies with less than 20 employees have fueled verbal flare-ups from left wing speakers and trade union representatives.

Jarkko Eloranta, chairman of the blue collar central organization, SAK, told a mass meeting at the Helsinki Railway Square that hatred is the underlying force of the current government in its labor market policies. He said "small actions are not enough" to counter the hatred against organized labor, national broadcaster Yle reported.

Ann Selin, chairman of the large service sector union, PAM, said the current government has destroyed the structure built during the past hundred years to protect people against inequality.

Antti Rinne, chairman of the main opposition party, Social Democratic Party, said the conflicts in the labor market will increase.

Li Anderson, chairman of the Left League party, told a mass meeting in Helsinki that the government has increased uncertainty in the lives of young people and young women in particular.

From within the ruling coalition, the Blue Finns Party secretary Matti Torvinen claimed in the cabinet the Blues were able to block the plan intending to scrap the general applicability of labor tariffs. He said his party had practically prevented a general strike.

The Finnish law on general applicability of union tariffs guarantees union salaries to everyone, being a union member or not. The rules have been criticized strongly by entrepreneurs and employers.

Even though in the opposition, Jussi Halla-aho, the chairman of the populist Finns Party did not single out the government as the culprit, but said increased immigration is to blame for lack of housing and shortage of social services. "A small country cannot afford being the social assistance supplier for the whole world", he said.

The relationship between the coalition government and labor organizations has been tense since the 2015 election. Earlier in 2018, the policy for "activating the unemployed" triggered mass demonstrations.

As the spring 2018 marks the centenary of the end of the Finnish civil war, recollections of fate of the defeated reds were unusually prominent in the speeches of the left wing politicians on Tuesday. Wreaths were laid on the graves of the reds executed in the aftermath of the civil war in 1918 or perished in prison camps.

In Jyvaskyla, central Finland, speakers at the mass grave said the current preference for short term work arouses fear. Local politician Ari Harlamow said the debate of 1918 must be continued as "the class society has not been dismantled", newspaper Keskisuomalainen reported.

The Finnish civil war between the whites and the reds in January-May 1918 claimed 37,000 lives, in all on both sides.HELSINKI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade Anne-Mari Virolainen on Tuesday deplored that "uncertainty continues" following the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily extend the exemption of planned tariffs on imports of EU steel and aluminum for a month.

"The positive side of the decision is that the tariffs did not take effect," Virolainen told Finnish News Agency, STT. "The decision did not do away with the underlying problem, the overproduction," she said.

Virolainen noted that the continued uncertainty is "bad for all enterprises".

Newspaper Helsingin Sanomat noted on Tuesday that Finland-based steel industry has actually benefited from the threat of the imminent tariffs. Both the Outokumpu Steel and the SSAB (Svensk stal) have production also in the United States. U.S. industries using steel and aluminum have started piling up their reserves and the prices have increased.

Reeta Kaukiainen, director for investor relations at Outokumpu, told HS that the long term negative impact of the would-be tariffs is that steel companies to be affected would start "selling to Europe and competing here". Steel imports from the targeted countries have already increased since the United States published its intentions.

Olavi Huhtala, the director for European operations at SSAB, said the real long term impact of the U.S. tariffs cannot be assessed in advance. Huhtala said to the HS that SSAB exports to the U.S. mainly special steels that are not produced in the U.S. They include automotive steel and other heavy duty steels, "not standard products", Huhtala said. If the tariffs would concern these products, the customers could apply for reimbursements, he noted.U.S. wine products are seen on a shelf at a supermarket in Beijing on April 3, 2018. (Xinhua/AFP)

By Peter Mertz

SACRAMENTO, the United States, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Vineyards in the U.S. state of California are already losing contracts, projecting losses, and anticipating billions in lost revenue from trade disputes ignited by the Trump administration.

"It will spiral downward -- more of (President Donald) Trump's self-destructive trade tactics, a sign of his economic ignorance and bad news for America," said Benjamin Vandermollen, a wine grower north of Sacramento, capital city of the Golden State on the U.S. west coast.

Vandermollen, educated in agriculture at the University of Iowa, told Xinhua Monday that the president's trade war plans with China will end up crushing California's opportunities to reap untold future profits from a wide-open Chinese market.

"We know anecdotally a number of farmers have already lost contracts for wine," said Brian Kuehl with the bipartisan, nonprofit group Farmers for Free Trade (FFT).

Kuehl's group issued a statement last week confirming the heat is on and that California's lucrative wine industry, reeling in part by devastating wildfires in 2017, may get torched again if China ups the ante on more wine tariffs.

He believed that Chinese economic leaders are in stand-by mode, awaiting Trump's imminent China tariffs, which are expected to trigger more return jabs from Asia's most powerful economy.

Industry experts told Xinhua that Chinese tariffs will "slam the brakes on billions in future revenue" and will become worse when Trump pulls the trigger on an expected 25 percent hike on Chinese exports of aluminum and steel to the United States expected in May.

"California obviously exports a huge amount of wine, a lot of it destined for China," Kuehl said. "We understand that some of those wine contracts have already been throttled back."

California's wines, considered some of the finest in the world, are about to be put on the back shelf in the world's most populous nation, a market that is thirsty for expensive Western products.

Viking Beer, a light pilsner from Iceland, sells for 12 U.S. dollars a bottle on the streets of Guangzhou, a city in southern China, importer Ben Vogl told Xinhua on Monday.

The market for wine is "limitless," said the American businessman who knows China's beer and wine market well. "The potential revenues of millions of dollars are vanishing with the tariff exchanges."

With an emerging middle class of 300 million people, no American exporter is taking China off the top of their list of dream markets.

The Wine Institute, the public policy advocacy association of California wineries, said last month that taxes on a bottle of U.S. wine entering China will now jump from 48.2 percent to 67.7 percent, opening the door for countries like Chile, Georgia, and New Zealand to grab a significant market share.

Also jumping into the China market with frenzy will be wine giant Australia, enjoying tariff-free status in 2019, according to the group representing over 1,000 wineries throughout California.

"Consumption of imported wine has increased 2.5 times in the last five years on the Chinese Mainland," said Christopher Beros, Wine Institute Trade Director for China and Pacific Rim.

"America is going to miss the boat on this one," San Francisco businessman Glenn Nemhauser told Xinhua. "It doesn't just hurt California, it hurts the entire country."

The value of California wine exports to China alone have increased 450 percent in the past decade, the Wine Institute data showed, noting that China is one of the fastest growing wine markets in the world and will soon be second only to the United States in value.

Even though China imported some 2.37 billion U.S. dollars worth of wine in 2016, most of them came from the European Union and only 76 million dollars, or 2.2 percent, were American.

If combining the exports to Hong Kong, the value increased 10 percent in 2017 to 197 million dollars with a share of about 5 percent in China's market. It was still called "miniscule" by Vandemollen compared with what the United States could export.

While the vast majority of U.S. wine is consumed domestically, about 10 percent is shipped overseas, USDA data shows.

In 2017, the U.S. exported 380 million liters of wine, worth 1.46 billion dollars. Canada was the top destination, importing 28 percent of the total, followed by the United Kingdom at 15 percent.

"China is an important and growing market for California wines," said Robert P. "Bobby" Koch, President and CEO of the Wine Institute, in a statement. "We are disappointed by the implementation of these additional tariffs."

"Over the last decade, we have made tremendous progress in developing a loyal and enthusiastic base of Chinese consumers who enjoy California wines and appreciate their quality," Koch said.

Koch and other industry leaders urged the Trump Administration to change course in the nascent trade war. With bated breath, they are waiting for news from this week's planned visit of an official U.S. delegation to China for trade talks and say they hope detente and free trade will prevail.

"These tariffs put our products at a price disadvantage and we urge swift resolution of this issue before long-term disruptions are felt," FTT's Kuehl said.

Kuehl cautioned, "once you lose an export market it doesn't come back immediately," another economic loss variable.

"So if you're an apple grower and you're exporting your apples to China and you lose a contract to sell your apples to China... you may not see that revenue come back for a year, two years, five years after these tariffs go away," Kuehl noted.

"So this can be a very long term impact on U.S. agriculture," he said.KIGALI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's trade unions on Tuesday made a fresh appeal for the government at the national Labor Day celebrations to expedite setting up of a new minimum wage.

There is need to fast track the setting up of a new minimum wage as part of efforts to improve relations between workers and employers in the country, said Martin Rugema, head of Rwanda Workers Trade Union Confederation, in Rubavu district, western Rwanda.

Workers in the informal sector in rural areas need at least 87,000 Rwandan francs (101 U.S. dollars) minimum wage while those in urban areas need a minimum wage of at least 126,000 Rwandan francs (147 U.S. dollars), according to a survey of the trade union Labor Congress and Workers' Brotherhood in Rwanda.

The government is in the process of reviewing the 2009 labor law currently in parliament to comply with international labor obligations, said Minister of Public Service and Labour Fanfan Rwanyindo at the celebrations.

Under the labor law being revised, a ministerial order of the minister of labor will set up a minimum wage for various professions in the informal and formal sector.

The ministerial order setting up the minimum wage will be published once the new labor law is in place, said Rwanyindo.

"The process of setting up a minimum wage is at an appreciable level," the minister said.

Rwanda's current minimum wage was set at 100 Rwandan francs (0.11 U.S. dollars) per day in the 1980s. Labor unions argue that it is outdated and not in line with the current cost of living.

This year's International Labor Day was in Rwanda marked under the theme "Promote productive employment for rapid development."Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 05:34:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GAZA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Palestinian workers in the Gaza Strip participated Tuesday in a demonstration marking the International Workers' Day, protesting their dire economic conditions caused by high unemployment rates.

The protest was organized as part of the anti-Israel six-week mass rallies that have started on March 30 along the Gaza-Israel borders.

The demonstrators raised banners calling for lifting the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip since 2007 and improving their living conditions in light of unprecedented unemployment and poverty rates.

"Gaza workers have been suffering for more than a decade and nobody cared to solve our problem of being unemployed," 55-year-old worker Ahmed Abed complained.

Abed, a father of nine, said he was unable to provide his family with the basic needs due to the lack of job opportunities and the severe deterioration of the economic situation in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, Mohammed al-Masri, a 33-year-old worker said workers in the Gaza Strip have been totally ignored and abandoned.

Al-Masri called for international intervention to save the workers of Gaza and provide them with jobs and a decent life, not to leave dependent on humanitarian aid from local and international NGOs.

The demonstration was organized by the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions, which warned on the occasion of International Workers' Day of "unprecedented humanitarian disaster" suffered by workers in the Gaza Strip.

"May Day is celebrated today while there are more 250,000 workers suffering from unemployment in Gaza. This is a serious humanitarian disaster," Sami al-Amassi, head of the federation, said during the protest.

Al-Amassi warned of the continued deterioration of the economic situation in the Gaza Strip and its repercussions on the workers and their worsening humanitarian conditions.

He also stressed the need to lift the Israeli blockade, adding that all parties related to the Palestinian issue should shoulder responsibilities to stop the economic deterioration in the seaside territory.

The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) released a report on Monday. The unemployment in Gaza Strip reached 43.9 percent compared with 17.9 percent in the West Bank.

Another report issued by the Gaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that the Gaza Strip is unable to create new jobs in light of the high poverty and unemployment rates among its population.

The private sector in Gaza is unable to provide any new job opportunities while there are no new jobs in the public sector in light of the continued internal political division and the failure to achieve national reconciliation, Maher al-Tabaa, media official in the Gaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a statement.

According to al-Tabaa, urgent solutions must be found to solve the problem of unemployment in the Gaza Strip and to start the development of emergency relief programs for workers and plans for the rehabilitation of Palestinian manpower.

He also urged for opening the Arab labor markets for Palestinian workers so that workers can be employed within a specific mechanism.

Gaza has been placed under a tight Israeli blockade since Islamic Hamas movement seized the territory by force after routing forces loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007.

The blockade has pushed Gaza's 2 million populations deeper into poverty as economists in Gaza point out that extreme poverty hit 53 percent in 2017 compared with 37 percent in 2011.

A recent World Bank report has also said the Gaza Strip ranks third across the Arab region in terms of poverty rates after Sudan and Yemen.TRIPOLI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Violence in Libya killed four civilians and injured 27 others in April, the UN Support Mission in the North African country said Tuesday.

"From April 1-30, 2018, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) documented 31 civilian casualties - four deaths and 27 injuries - during the conduct of hostilities across Libya," said a report by UNSMIL.

Three men and one boy were killed and 19 men, five women, two boys and one girl were injured, said the report.

Shelling, gunfire, explosive remnants of war and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices caused the most civilian casualties, according to the report.

The report demanded all fighting parties in Libya to "cease the use of mortars and other indirect weapons and imprecise aerial bombardments in civilian-populated areas, and not place fighters or other military objectives in populated areas."

"All executions of captives must cease and all those captured including fighters must be treated humanely in all circumstances. Murdering or torturing captives is also a war crime, regardless of what the captive may be accused of," the report added.

Since the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime, Libya has been plagued with escalating violence and unrest, as well as political division.Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-02 06:00:07|Editor: Chengcheng

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VIENNA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The UN nuclear agency on Tuesday reiterated that no evidence was found in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009.

"The same report stated that the Agency had no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009," said the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) in a statement of Iranian nuclear issue, saying that its consideration of this issue was closed.

The statement came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised presentation on Monday, disclosed files allegedly obtained by Israel's intelligence agency from Iran's "secret nuclear archive," saying the files prove Iran has secretly worked on nuclear weapons.

On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry dismissed Netanyahu's allegations as "lies" aimed at influencing U.S. President Donald Trump's upcoming decision about the Iranian nuclear deal signed in July 2015.

The deal struck between Iran and six world powers -- the United States, Britain, Russia, China, France and Germany was designed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of international sanctions on Iran.

IAEA monitors Iran's implementation of the deal. The assessment of Iranian nuclear program by IAEA was made in 2015.DUBLIN, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Ireland's unemployment rate for April stood at 5.9 percent, a record low in almost a decade, according to the data released by the country's national statistics bureau CSO on Tuesday.

Commenting on the CSO figures, Alan McQuaid, an economist with a local economic research unit Merrion, said that the April jobless rate is the lowest ever recorded since May 2008 and the current unemployment rate of Ireland is much lower than the eurozone average of 8.5 percent.

The improvement of the country's unemployment rate reflected a strong labour market demand resulting from a consistent growth of the Irish economy over the last few years.

Last year the Irish economy posted another year of growth at a rate of 7.8 percent, the highest among the European Union member states, according to the CSO.

While the Irish government should be encouraged by what it has achieved in the employment field, it should not ignore the youth unemployment problem in the country, said MaQuaid.

The CSO figures showed that the April jobless rate of the Irish youth aged between 15 and 24 stood at 12 percent, a figure more than twice higher than the nation's average.

Alan McQuaid said that the unemployment rate in Ireland for 2018 is predicted at 5.7 percent, a decrease of one percentage point from last year's 6.7 percent.

Earlier last month the Irish Finance Ministry predicted that the Irish jobless rate will continue to drop in the next couple of years with the unemployment rates for 2018 and 2019 standing at 5.8 percent and 5.3 percent respectively.RABAT, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Citing Tehran's support to separatists in Western Sahara, Morocco announced on Tuesday to sever ties with Iran, only a few years after normalizing their diplomatic relationship.

In a statement to the press, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said his country will expel the Iranian ambassador to Morocco and close its embassy in Tehran over Iran's backing of Western Sahara's separatist movement the Polisario Front.

The Moroccan foreign minister said his country has "strong evidence" of Iran's involvement through its Lebanese ally Hezbollah in supporting the Polisario Front militarily and through training of its members to undermine Morocco's security and stability.

Bourita said he officially presented the evidence to his Iranian counterpart earlier in Tehran, which included documentation of arms delivery to the rebel group.

The Moroccan-Iranian rivalry is not new and dates back to the Iranian revolution in 1979. Morocco, along with the majority of Sunni Muslim countries, were critical and suspicious of Iran's plans in the region.

With changing regional climate in the early 1990s, the two countries decided to restore diplomatic ties.

But, after two decades of relatively stable bilateral ties, tensions prevailed again.

In 2009, Morocco severed relations with Iran, accusing Tehran of supporting the efforts to convert Moroccans, who are predominantly Sunni, to Shia Islam, as well as questioning the sovereignty of its Gulf ally Bahrain.

Then there was a gradual improvement in their ties, which culminated in the full restoration of the diplomatic ties in late 2016.

In December 2016, newly-appointed Moroccan Ambassador to Iran Hassan Hami formerly presented his credentials to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani two years after Tehran designated an ambassador and reopened its embassy in Rabat.

However, throughout the previous decades, Morocco has been critical of Tehran's moves in the Middle East, especially towards its Gulf allies, which voiced support to Rabat's latest move.

"We stand with Morocco in its concern for its national issues and against Iranian interference in its internal affairs. Our position is constant in good times and adversity," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Anwar Gargash said in a tweet.

For his part, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa also voiced support for Morocco.

Bahrain lauded Morocco's right decision to sever relations with Iran as a result of the latter's support for enemies and its cooperation with the "terror group" Hezbollah, said Khalifa.One of the 14 Egyptian artifacts retrieved from Cyprus. (Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities)

CAIRO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Egypt received on Tuesday 14 artifacts that were smuggled from the Arab country in late 1980s and seized by the Cypriot authorities in Nicosia.

In a statement, Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities said that Director of the Department of Antiquities of Cyprus, Marina Solomidou, handed over the smuggled pieces to the Egyptian authorities.

The ministry received the artifacts on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the "Roots Revival" initiative that kicked off Monday in Egypt's Mediterranean city of Alexandria.

Egyptian Antiquities Minister Khaled Anani expressed his pleasure for retrieving the artifacts, voicing thanks to the Cypriot authorities for their constant cooperation with the Egyptian authorities, the ministry said.

Egypt, one of the most ancient civilizations, has been working effortlessly to preserve and retrieve its rich archaeological treasure and historical heritage, which will also help boost the once-flourishing tourism industry that has largely been affected by the political turmoil over the past five years.HAVANA, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The general secretary of the Workers' Central Union of Cuba (CTC), Ulises Guilarte, delivered a defiant message on Tuesday, saying the country's socialist system was unstoppable.

In a speech to tens of thousands gathered at Havana's Revolution Square to mark the International Workers Day, Guilarte told the crowd: "Nothing and no one will ever stop us."

The island's top union leader delivered the May Day's keynote address in the company of Cuba's ruling party leader Raul Castro and President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

"This day is a convincing demonstration of the solid foundations of our glorious revolution and the majority support of our people for our economic and social model," said Guilarte.

Cuba's workers marched under the banner "Unity, commitment and victory," which he said represents the "present and future" decision to continue building a "sovereign, independent, socialist, democratic, prosperous and sustainable nation."

Guilarte called for boosting production, especially of exportable items, improving the quality of services, and facilitating investment in development programs.

Turning to global matters, the union leader called for an end to the U.S.-led trade embargo which, after more than 50 years of undermining the island's economy, "has now intensified," and the withdrawal of the U.S. naval base and prison from Guantanamo in eastern Cuba.

Guilarte denounced the "unjust" international order and neoliberal policies that enslave workers. He affirmed Cuba's "unconditional support" for the governments of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his Nicaraguan counterpart Daniel Ortega, and solidarity with Brazil's embattled Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the union leader-turned-president who was recently jailed for alleged corruption.

Like most countries around the world, Cuba celebrated the International Workers Day with marches and rallies, which took place in 168 cities.(File Photo) Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita (R) met with visiting Netherlands' counterpart Stef Blok on April 20, 2018 in Rabat. (AFP PHOTO)

RABAT, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Citing Tehran's support to separatists in Western Sahara, Morocco announced on Tuesday to sever ties with Iran, only a few years after normalizing their diplomatic relationship.

In a statement to the press, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said his country will expel the Iranian ambassador to Morocco and close its embassy in Tehran over Iran's backing of Western Sahara's separatist movement the Polisario Front.

The Moroccan foreign minister said his country has "strong evidence" of Iran's involvement through its Lebanese ally Hezbollah in supporting the Polisario Front militarily and through training of its members to undermine Morocco's security and stability.

Bourita said he officially presented the evidence to his Iranian counterpart earlier in Tehran, which included documentation of arms delivery to the rebel group.

The Moroccan-Iranian rivalry is not new and dates back to the Iranian revolution in 1979. Morocco, along with the majority of Sunni Muslim countries, were critical and suspicious of Iran's plans in the region.

With changing regional climate in the early 1990s, the two countries decided to restore diplomatic ties.

But, after two decades of relatively stable bilateral ties, tensions prevailed again.

In 2009, Morocco severed relations with Iran, accusing Tehran of supporting the efforts to convert Moroccans, who are predominantly Sunni, to Shia Islam, as well as questioning the sovereignty of its Gulf ally Bahrain.

Then there was a gradual improvement in their ties, which culminated in the full restoration of the diplomatic ties in late 2016.

In December 2016, newly-appointed Moroccan Ambassador to Iran Hassan Hami formerly presented his credentials to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani two years after Tehran designated an ambassador and reopened its embassy in Rabat.

However, throughout the previous decades, Morocco has been critical of Tehran's moves in the Middle East, especially towards its Gulf allies, which voiced support to Rabat's latest move.

"We stand with Morocco in its concern for its national issues and against Iranian interference in its internal affairs. Our position is constant in good times and adversity," Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Anwar Gargash said in a tweet.

For his part, Bahrain's Foreign Minister Khalid Al Khalifa also voiced support for Morocco.

Bahrain lauded Morocco's right decision to sever relations with Iran as a result of the latter's support for enemies and its cooperation with the "terror group" Hezbollah, said Khalifa.Organized by the Hungarian Heritage House and Concert Centre and hosted partly by the Liszt Academy, national Dance House Day is traditionally held on the anniversary of the first urban dance house in Hungary.

This is also when the Halmos Bela Trophy and Halmos Bela Memorial Medal are ceremonially awarded: the former was established by the Hungarian Heritage House, the latter by the Association of Friends of the Hungarian Heritage House.

The Trophy, which is actually the violin once owned by Bela Halmos, is presented to an under-40-year-old musician actively playing traditional folk instrumental music in dance houses, who in the course of his/her work maintains contact with Hungarian communities living beyond the countrys border.

The Memorial Medal recognizes outstanding professional and community background work within the framework of the Dance House Movement.

This concert is a part of an event series, which continues the following day on Liszt Ferenc Square, in front of Irok Boltja bookshop where the first dance house was held.

Photo: zeneakademia.huPrime Minister Viktor Orban will travel to Brussels on Wednesday to brief leaders of the European Peoples Party on the goals of his next government and to discuss topical issues concerning the European Union, the PMs press chief said.

Orban will be reciprocating a visit to Budapest during the election campaign by EPP group leader Manfred Weber, who during his visit had assured the prime minister of the EPPs support, Bertalan Havasi told MTI.



Talks will focus on the preservation of Europe and Hungarys culture based on Christian values and the protection of Europes borders and citizens.



Orban will also brief his EPP allies on his governments plans to further boost Hungarys competitiveness, reach full employment and support childbearing.



Parties at the talks are also scheduled to discuss the most important challenges facing Europe, such as EU trade policy, migration and asylum policy as well as the post-2020 budget, Havasi said.



MTI photo: Soos LajosCoun Perez reiterates warning to barangay leaders involved in drugs

07 Aug 2017 Hits:37 Comments(0)

Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jerry Perez yesterday reiterated his warning to all barangay officials from using or selling drugs. Perez said he is closely monitoring the activities of all the barangay officials and vowed sanctions against erring leaders. Aqui gane na mio barangay ya quita ya iyo na puesto cunel dos barangay leaders quien mas temprano ya sale positivo na...One of India's larger states - in terms of size, population - economy - is set to celebrate its foundation day today. Gujarat Foundation Day is observed across the state with parades and other government events. The main parade takes place on the Sabarmati Waterfront in Ahmedabad.

Given their shared post-Independence history, it is also Maharashtra Day.

Here is a 10-point guide to what is Gujarat Foundation Day:

1. Gujarat Foundation Day marks the foundation of the state of the Gujarat. It was a result of the bifurcation of the Bombay State into the present states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

2. The Bombay State of post-Independence India was largely coastal and had included Marathi and Gujarati-speaking regions. It had been expanded with the addition of Saurashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which reorganised India's existing states and princely states on the lines of language. The new Bombay State, which was today's Maharashtra and Gujarat combined, came into existence on November 1, 1956.

3. The Gujarati speakers of the new Bombay State had demanded their own linguistic state, instead of the bilingual Bombay State that the 1956 reorganisation had created.

4. This demand was spearheaded by the Mahagujarat Movement. The term Mahagujarat had been coined before Independence and had at that time included the Sindh region, which had gone to Pakistan in the Partition.

5. The Mahagujarat Movement's goals were mutually complementary with the corresponding Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, which demanded a separate Marathi-speaking state out of the expanded Bombay State.

6. Both states officially came into existence on May 1, 1960 as a result of the Bombay Reorganisation Act of 1960. So, it is not just Gujarat Foundation Day, but Maharashtra Day as well. The Gujarat government observes the day with parades and by announcing new government schemes and programmes.

7. While both the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement and the Mahagujarat Movement had goals that were mutually complementary, and eventually successful, elements within them ended up clashing over which of the new states would get the financial powerhouse of Bombay.

8. Bombay's population was a majority of Marathi speakers. But the economic elite of the city was loaded with Gujaratis and the Parsis, who were closer in history and alignment with the Gujaratis than with the Marathis. This became known unofficially as the 'Battle of Bombay'.

9. The elite in Bombay feared that a Maharashtra government based in Bombay would end up hurting their economic status by focusing more on the vast rural area under its control rather than be concerned about the urban needs of the metropolis. Some voices even proposed that because of these concerns, Bombay should be an independent city or even a Union Territory.

10. However, Bombay ended up being handed over to Maharashtra. This caused a large part of the city's Gujarati elite to shift base to the new state of Gujarat, in fear of the backlash from the Marathi chauvinists who had come together for the creation of the state of Maharashtra.

Mumbai: The unit of Salman Khan starrer Race 3 is in Kashmir to shoot a segment of the film. Jacqueline Fernandez, the leading lady in the third instalment of the Race 3 franchise took to her Instagram to post stories and share glimpses of their shoot schedule in the paradise on earth.

One of the images caught our attention and it shows Jacqueline and Salman braving the cold weather by sitting in front of a bonfire.

Check out the image below:

The Sri Lankan beauty is definitely enjoying her stay in Jammu and Kashmir. She posted videos and images of the snow-clad peaks of the mighty mountains, the scenic beauty of the gorgeous place and the fun the cast had while shooting the film.

Also starring Bobby Deol, Saqib Saleem, Daisy Shah, Freddy Daruwala and last but not the least Anil Kapoor, Race 3 is being helmed by choreographer-turned-filmmaker Remo D'Souza.

Remo has been roped in by Ramesh Taurani for the first time to direct an instalment of the Race franchise. The first two instalments  Race and Race 2 were directed by Abbas  Mustan. Moreover, the film marks Salmans first association with the Race franchise. The first two chapters had Saif Ali Khan on board.

Race 3 will bring super-hit Kick Jodi Salman and Jacqueline together for the second time. Interestingly, Jacqueline has been a part of the first two instalments too.

The third instalment of the super-hit franchise will release on June 15 on the festive occasion of Eid.New Delhi: The government on Tuesday came out with a set of clarifications on the proposed strategic disinvestment in Air India and said individuals other than the airline's employees would not be allowed to bid.

It had issued preliminary information memorandum on March 28 for the proposed sale of up to 76 percent stake in Air India along with management control to private entities.

The disinvestment would include profit-making Air India Express and joint venture AISATS, an equal joint venture between the national carrier and Singapore-based SATS Ltd.

The government has put out clarifications for 160 questions from interested bidders on the disinvestment of Air India and its two subsidiaries -- Air India Express and AISATS.

According to the 19-page document released today, the government has clarified that "individuals (other than employees) are not allowed to bid".

Clarifications have been provided on various other aspects, including those related to slots, bilateral rights and employee rights.

"Details of existing slots and code share agreements will be provided at RFP (Request for Proposal) stage. It is expected that there will not be any impact of disinvestment on existing slots and bilateral rights.

"Bidders are advised to undertake their own assessment for the impact of disinvestment process on the existing code share agreement," the government said.

This was in response to queries on whether privatisation would impact renewal of existing slots and bilateral flying rights.

For more than 50 queries, the government has said details would be provided at the time of RFP stage.

To a query related to staff, the government said, "employee concerns are being suitably addressed".

"Grounded aircraft are assets of Air India. Successful bidder/ Air India post strategic disinvestment can deal with them/ dispose as deemed fit subject to the terms and conditions of the Shareholders' Agreement," it said.

As per the information memorandum, issued in March, the government would retain 24 percent stake in the national carrier, the winning bidder would be required to stay invested in the airline for at least three years.

In the set of clarifications, it has been emphasised that "it is a considered decision by Government of India to retain 24 percent stake".Mumbai: Engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) today sold its electrical and automation (E&A) business to the France giant Schneider Electric for Rs 14,000 crore in an all-cash deal.

The E&A business had net revenue of Rs 5,038 crore in the financial year to March 2017.

The Rueil-Malmaison, France headquartered Schneider Electric SE is a 180-year-old multinational corporation that specialises in energy management, automation solutions, spanning hardware, software, and services.

"The divestment of E&A business is in line with our stated intent of unlocking value within the existing business portfolio to streamline and allocate capital and the management focus for creating long-term value for the stakeholders," chief executive and managing director SN Subrahmanyan said in a statement.

The partnership with Schneider is a win-win for the employees, business partners, and the shareholders, he added.

The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, covers all segments of E&A business except marine switchgear and servowatch systems, Subrahmanyan said.

The E&A business offers a wide range of low and medium voltage switchgear, electrical systems, marine switchgear, industrial and building automation solutions, energy management systems and metering solutions.

The E&A business has manufacturing facilities are located at Navi Mumbai, Ahmednagar, Vadodara, Coimbatore and Mysore as well as in Saudi Arabia, UAE (Jebel Ali, Dubai), Kuwait, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Britain.

"The E&A business has had a strong presence for decades and is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory with outstanding technologies, brands, people and global presence. We believe the partnership with Schneider Electric, which has a strong product and geographic presence, would further enhance the business prospects for E&A business and its employees," L&T group chairman AM Naik said.The Bihar Police on Tuesday arrested four boys in connection with a molestation case in Jehanabad, reported news agency ANI. The police had earlier arrested four others in connection with the case. There are five minors among the accused arrested in the case.

According to Patna zone Inspector General of Police N H Khan, the police had received information late on Saturday night about the horrifying video in which some youths were seen molesting the girl, believed to be a minor, who kept crying for help.

"A motorcycle was spotted in the clip. Its number was noted down and with its help the police got the vital clue that the incident had taken place in Jehanabad," he said on Monday.

An FIR was lodged at Town Police Station of Jehanabad on Sunday under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act by Additional Sub Inspector S S Singh. The motorcycle, whose owner was absconding, was seized, he said.

A Special Investigation Team, comprising the superintendent of police of Jehanabad and an additional superintendent of police of Patna was set up and raids were conducted in Patna, Gaya and Jehanabad on the basis of the information obtained by the police, Khan said.

The IGP said that care would be taken to keep the girl's identity a secret, in accordance with provisions of the POCSO Act, and the cyber cell of the police has been directed to keep a watch and prevent misuse of the video clip by those intending "to create a sensation or derive political mileage".

Meanwhile, police sources said the girl, who is a Dalit and appears to be in her teens, was identified this evening. She was sent for medical tests to ascertain her age and find out the nature of injuries sustained by her.

(With PTI inputs)New Delhi: Opening another front in its attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress on Tuesday tore into the Centre over the controversial remarks of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb.

I don`t think this is what India signed up for," said Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had equated Google with Hindu mythological character Narada Muni who never gave information that would harm humanity.

"So this is the Gujarat gyaan that you have Vijay Rupani ji, said Chowdhury, adding, Chief Minister of Gujarat telling us that Narada (Narada Muni) was the original Google concept and he was the original search handle...Wonderful...I wonder what Google thinks about this.

And then you have another Chief Minister of the BJP Mr Biplab Deb who has told us not only that it is a waste of time looking for a government job and that the unemployed, educated should have opened paan shops," Chowdhury went on to add.

Deb has been in the centre of the public eye after making a string of controversial statements. He earlier suggested youth should open a paan shop rather than running behind government jobs. He also claimed that the Internet and satellite communication existed during the Mahabharata era and that Aishwarya Rai represents Indian women, not former Miss World Diana Hayden. In another instance, the Tripura CM said that mechanical engineers should not opt for civil services, but civil engineers should.

A senior BJP leader on Sunday said that Deb has been summoned to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on May 2 in the national capital over controversial statements.

Calling it a hogwash, Chowdhury added, "This is all pretence because everybody knows what their ideology is. Two Chief Ministers of the states have been giving gyaan like this."

With ANI inputsIslamabad: A group of Indian experts has visited Pakistan to discuss all aspects of bilateral ties and revive the Track II diplomacy process with Islamabad amidst the chill in the relationship after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based outfits.

The original Track II initiative, Neemrana Dialogue, received a fresh start with the visit, diplomatic sources here said.

The Indian side was led by former foreign ministry secretary Vivek Katju and included well- known educationist JS Rajput and other experts, while Pakistan side was led by former foreign secretary Inamul Haque.

The interactions between the two sides took place between April 28 to 30 in Islamabad, sources said.

"The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations and agreed that all issues between the two countries should be resolved through talks," according to a source.

The Pakistani side also included former governor State Bank of Pakistan Ishart Hussian, whose name has been circulating in the media as one of the candidates to become Pakistan's caretaker prime minister during general election expected to be held in July.

The Track II interaction was kept under tight wraps and nothing had been shared officially about it by the organisers.

Neemrana Dialogue was launched in the early 1990s and included influential former diplomats, military veterans and academics, who were having unofficial backing from the foreign ministries of the two countries.

The India-Pakistan ties nose-dived in recent years with no bilateral talks taking place.

The ties between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The sentencing of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to death by a military court in April last year further deteriorated bilateral ties.

The two sides often accuse each other of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, resulting in civilian casualties.

Recently, India said that it would participate along with Pakistan in a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in Russia under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The Nation newspaper in an editorial hailed the exercise.

"The new-fangled initiative is far from an independent cognisant initiative on the part of both the countries at mitigating grievances, and is, in fact, an enterprise broached under the aegis of the SCO," the daily said.

Where the exercises aim to build trust and mutual understanding, with an eye towards coming up with a formula to manage border affairs, any endeavour in this area between the two acrimonious neighbours can go a long way in side-stepping their tenuous relationship," it said.The suicide attacker who blew himself up close to the US consulate in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah in 2016 was Indian, authorities have said. The identity of the attacker was confirmed through a DNA test. The DNA sample had been sent by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as part of the growing cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia on counterterrorism.

Saudi Arabian authorities had initially identified the suicide bomber as Abdullah Qalzar Khan and said he was a Pakistan national. The image released by Saudi Arabian authorities had been noticed by officials of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). They identified the man as resembling Fayaz Kagzi and reached out to the Saudi Arabian authorities.

Officials had told media houses back in December 2016 that the suicide bomber in question may be Kagzi. A native of Beed in Maharashtra, he is wanted in India for his role in a number of bomb attacks, including the 2010 and 2012 Pune blasts.

Kagzi had fled from India to Pakistan through Bangladesh in 2006. Setting up a base in Karachi, he is believed to have had a hand in planning 26/11 Mumbai attacks with handler Abu Jundal.

He is then believed to have moved to Saudi Arabia to recruit Indians working there into the Lashkar-e-Taiba. It is believed that he may have joined the Islamic State terror outfit before his suicide attack.

Saudi Arabian authorities have told India that the DNA profile of the Jeddah attacker matches the sample sent by the NIA.

Kagzi had blown himself up as police approached to detain him near the US consulate in Jeddah. He was only one of three suicide attacks that struck Saudi Arabia that day. Other suicide bombers struck outside the al-Masjid an-Nabawi, where the Islamic prophet Mohammed is buried and is the second holiest site in Islam. The third attack had happened at a Shia mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia.NEW DELHI: A Constitutional challenge to the draconian Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises homosexuality, has begun in the Supreme Court of India. The top court has issued a notice to the Centre and to the Uttar Pradesh government on the issue.

The Supreme Court's notice had come on a plea filed by noted LGBT rights activist Arif Jafar that any law against or ban on sex between consenting adults in private is a violation of the rights and provisions of the Constitution of India, news agency ANI reported.

This comes in light of two important developments that could have a bearing on the Constitutional validity of Section 377 - the referral of the case to the Constitution Bench in January and the August 2017 ruling that privacy is a fundamental right.

The battle against Section 377 had gained steam after the 2001 arrest of Arif Jafar by the Uttar Pradesh government. At the time of his arrest, Jafar had been at the office of his NGO, the Bharosa Trust, running a training camp for activists on how to reach out to reluctant homosexual men to get them to open up and receive treatment where necessary.

Jafar had been arrested on charges of 'promoting homosexuality', and spent 49 days in jail before he was granted bail by the Allahabad High Court.

The Delhi High Court had ruled in 2009 that Section 377 was 'bad in law' and that it did not hold Constitutional validity. The Supreme Court four years later overturned this verdict, saying it was valid, and that the job of changing law fell to Parliament and not the courts.

The Constitution Bench that hears the case will comprise of Chief Justice Misra, Justice AK Sikri, Justice AM Khanwilkar, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Ashok Bhushan.Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs son and former Bihar health minister Tej Pratap Yadav has invited Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi for his wedding with Aishwarya Rai, which is scheduled for May 12.

Sharing the information along with pictures on microblogging site Twitter, Tej Pratap said that he has a big heart with place for everyone. Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, the former Bihar minister said that Sushil Kumar Modi had a long-term relationship with his father and that the BJP leader has promised to attend his wedding with former Bihar CM Daroga Prasad Rais granddaughter Aishwarya Rai.

  . -  @SushilModi                ,                     pic.twitter.com/AUzhI2DLGv  Tej Pratap Yadav (@TejYadav14) May 1, 2018

Last year, the BJP leader had offered to find a bride for Tej Pratap, putting forth three conditions for the same  no dowry, organ donation, no threat to disrupt any marriage. Reacting to it, the RJD leader had said that Modi would search a Nitish-like bride for him, adding that he did not want a dhokhebaaz dulhaniya like Nitish.

Meanwhile, one Janata Dal United (JDU) MLC, Niraj Kumar, has put forth a condition to attend the marriage of the former health minister of Bihar.

The JDU MLC has asked Tej Pratap Yadav to declare that his marriage with Aishwarya Rai is without any dowry, and only then he will attend the wedding ceremony. He has also asked the RJD leader to announce that his marriage ceremony would be conducted without any pomp and show.

This demand by the ruling party leader has sparked a new political row, with the RJD targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the issue. RJD spokesperson Ramanuj Prasad has said that JDU must first declare if Nitish Kumars party is completely free of dowry and liquor.

Tej Pratap Yadav and Aishwarya Rai got engaged at Hotel Maurya in Patna on April 18. Except for Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is currently serving a sentence after conviction in fodder scam cases, all close family members and friends attended the engagement ceremony.New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi and Piyush Goyal were on Tuesday locked in a war of words, with the Congress president demanding the Union Minister's resignation over allegations of his involvement in a financial scam.

Hitting back at Rahul, Goyal tweeted, "Till 26th May 2014, before I became a minister, I was a professional Chartered Accountant and investment banker. Unlike you, Mr Rahul Gandhi, I have not learnt well the art of living without working. I am also a kaamdaar (worker) and not a naamdaar (dynast)."

Till 26th May 2014, before I became a Minister, I was a professional Chartered Accountant & investment banker. Unlike you, Mr @RahulGandhi, I have not learnt well the art of living without working. I am also a kaamdaar (worker) and not a naamdaar (dynast)  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 1, 2018

The Congress president has accused the BJP leader of being involved in the Flashnet scam, which he said is about "deceit, conflict of interest and greed".

He has also alleged that Goyal sold his stock of Flashnet Info Solutions to Piramal group, which has interests in the power sector, at 1,000 times the face value. Rahul said that this happened when Goyal was the MoS, power.

Piyush Goyals, 48 CR. #FlashNet Scam is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed. The evidence is on the table. Yet, the media will not touch the story. It is a tragedy for our country when journalists entrusted to stand for the truth, will not speak.#GoyalMustResign pic.twitter.com/WeUaSAT8wg  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 1, 2018

In an earlier tweeted, Rahul had said, "Its no secret that CA Piyush Goyal, the BJP treasurer, has pried open the doors of every major corporate house for PM Modi. How then will the PM act against this minister, caught red-handed, misusing his power for 48 crore of personal gain?"

Its no secret that CA Piyush Goyal, the BJP Treasurer, has pried open the doors of every major corporate house for PM Modi. How then will the PM act against this Minister, caught red handed, misusing his power for 48 Cr. of personal gain?#GoyalMustResign  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 28, 2018

Reacting to the allegations, the BJP had in a statement had said earlier, "In the last month, the Congress party made Piyush Goyal a target by hurling malicious allegations against his bona fide business dealings to insinuate wrongdoings and irregularity. The modus operandi of the attack has been to gain cheap political mileage by indulging in a baseless campaign against him with no sound facts to back them but with the only intention of creating false controversies."

It had also pointed out that the facts exposed the Congress for blatant misrepresentations using falsehoods and malicious propaganda against the minister who was carrying out his professional work through his companies, which were also holding his investments, prior to his becoming minister in May 2014.

"He stopped all professional/business activities the day he became a minister, resigned from all directorships and started the process of selling all his investments," the saffron party had said.

It had added that Goyal was being targetted to divert attention from the series of scandals of its leaders for which they have no answers. "Congress has nothing to attack the Narendra Modi government and its leaders and is resorting to manufacturing controversies using malicious falsehoods which are completely baseless," BJP had said.Kolkata: Following the busting of a racket in selling rotten meat, West Bengal Health Department on Tuesday instructed district health officials to intensify monitoring of non-vegetarian food served in state-run hospitals, a senior official said.

"Chief Medical Officers of Health of all districts have been directed to monitor non-vegetarian food and raw meat supplied/served in state hospitals on a regular basis. The condition of food items needs to be checked before it enters hospitals," said Ajay Chakraborty, West Bengal`s Director of Health Services.

"No written circulars have been issued yet. It is more of a verbal caution to authorities concerned to be extra careful," he said.

The Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department too has instructed all poultry owners to send regular reports on the condition of poultry and warned of strict actions if dead birds are found on poultry farms during inspections, an official said.

The unearthing of the racket in the sale of carcass meat collected from dumps to hotels and departmental stores in Kolkata and adjoining suburbs has shocked the common man and forced state authorities to raid eateries in and around the city.

Police seized nearly 20 tonnes of animal meat last week from a cold storage in north Kolkata that was meant to be supplied to departmental stores and hotels, and arrested 10 persons.

Police was trying to prepare a detailed list of departmental stores and eateries where such meat was supplied while looking into an international angle to the racket, amid suspicion that the rotten meat was supplied also to neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Nepal, a police source had said.

Carcass meat was collected from different dumps in and around the city and stored in cold storage. From there, it was supplied to city restaurants and departmental stores.

Four days ago, eight persons were arrested for alleged involvement in trade of rotten chickens.In a fresh salvo, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has said that those who try to poke in the functioning of his government, their nails should be cut. Addressing a public gathering, the loudmouth Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said that no one should doubt that the government is of Biplab Deb.

#WATCH Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb says, "Mere sarkaar mein aisa nahin hona chahiye ki koi bhi usme ungli maar de, nakhoon laga de. Jinhone nakhoon lagaya, uska nakhoon kaat lena chahiye" pic.twitter.com/bht51upsmX  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018

Notably, the Tripura CM has been in the line of fire in recent past over several remarks made by him. While once he said that mechanical engineers should not go for civil services, he also advised unemployed youth to rear cows instead of striving for government jobs. In another statement, he also questioned the crowning of Diana Hayden as Miss World in 1997.

He had, however, clarified his remark on mechanical engineers saying, I didn't say mechanical engineers must not go for civil service. I said that civil engineers should join civil services as they have experience about administration.

At an event at the Prajna Bhawan in Tripura on Friday, the BJP leader had said, "Those who are from a mechanical engineering background should not opt for civil services. Society has to be built up. Civil engineers have this knowledge... Because those in the administration have to build the society."

After a spate of controversial remarks, the Tripura CM has been summoned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on May 2.

Earlier, in a statement apparently highlighting the significance of cows, Deb had said, "Every house should have a cow. Here, milk is Rs 50 a litre, so rear a cow. Someone is a graduate, searching for a job for 10 years. If he had reared a cow for 10 years, then a bank balance of Rs 10 lakh would have been created."Washington: The US on Tuesday postponed until June 1 the imposition of steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico, avoiding for the time being a major trade skirmish with trading partners.

The delay will give Trump administration officials more time to work out deals with the EU and Mexico and Canada to address the U.S. National security concerns the administration cited for imposing the tariffs.

President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation to delay the implementation of tarriffs.

The administration has also reached a final agreement with South Korea on steel imports, the outlines of which were previously announced by US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Republic of Korea Minister for Trade Hyun-chong Kim, the White House said in a statement.

The administration has also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil with respect to steel and aluminium, the details of which will be finalised shortly, it said.

Trump in March decided to slap tariffs of 25 per cent on imported steel and 10 per cent on imported aluminium. He justified the action by saying it was needed to protect American metal producers from unfair competition and bolster national security.

As per the proclamation, the administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days.

In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security, the White House said.

"These agreements underscore the Trump administration's successful strategy to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminium industries," the White House said.

According to The Wall Street Journal, top trade officials of the Trump administration met with the US president today to decide on a course of action as a self-imposed midnight deadline approached, with some allies uncertain until the last minute about which direction the US would choose.

Canada and Mexico, which have repeatedly said they expect a permanent exemption from the tariffs, were not given any guarantees despite weeks of recent negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Talks on the NAFTA, which have been ongoing for the past month in Washington, will resume on May 7.

Trade leaders in Mexico and Canada have rejected Trump's attempts to tie their tariff treatment to the outcome of the massive trade agreement.

The EU, which has been a vocal critic of the tariffs, has threatened USD 3.5 billion in retaliatory tariffs on jeans, motorcycles and orange juice if Trump follows through with metals tariffs.

Two European leaders ? French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel ? lobbied Trump to reconsider the tariffs during trips to Washington last week but received no public guarantee.New Delhi: Continuing with its tradition to celebrate specific days and events, search engine giant Google on Tuesday celebrated the International Labour Day with a very interesting doodle on its homepage to mark the victory of workers` movement.

Similar to its earlier theme, Google's this year's Labour Day doodle too features some parts of tools such as pair of gloves, rolls of insulating tape, a wrench, a bucket, a shovel, pencil, screws, and a measuring tape among many other instruments which workers use during their work.

Labour Day is celebrated to mark the achievement of workers. In many countries, including India, Labour Day is celebrated every year on 1 May.

In India, Labour Day or May Day was first celebrated in Chennai (erstwhile Madras) on May 1, 1923. The initiative was taken by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

In Canada and the United States, Labour day celebrated on the first Monday of September and it is considered as the official end of the summer holiday for most of the respective countries, as public school and university students return to school that week or the following week.

Labour Day has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement wherein the fight was to advocate for eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.Santemaranahalli/Udupi/Belagavi: The campaign trail in Karnataka heated up on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the second leg of his campaign blitz in the state. He resumed his campaign in Karnataka after a long break - the last rally he addressed was in February 2018. PM Modi is slated to address 15 rallies in the state.

Addressing three election rallies on Tuesday, he accused the Congress of being obsessed with "politics of dynasty" and dared party chief Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government without a piece of paper. The Prime Minister's attack came in the wake of Rahul's challenge that if he was allowed to speak for 15 minutes in Parliament, PM Modi would not be able to withstand it. "You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue (Italian)," he told the Congress president.

Karnataka CM hit back at PM Modi over for his '2+1 formula' jibe at him and challenged him to take part in an open debate on the issues of crime and the law and order situation in Karnataka compared to the BJP-ruled states.

PM Modi takes on Rahul Gandhi, slams Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah:

Referring to Rahul's challenge to face him in Parliament, PM Modi in Santemaranahalli took a dig at the Congress president saying, "He is correct. There is no way ordinary people like me, who do not even dress well, can sit with such high and mighty people like the Congress president. The Congress president is a naamdaar. So how does he know about the efforts of kaamdaars. We are kaamdaars (known for our work). What is our level that we can sit with people like the Congress president who look down upon us."

PM Modi further assailed the Congress government in Karnataka for initiating the culture of "ease of doing murder". He also accused the successive Congress governments at the Centre of allowing a handful of people to 'loot' banks while denying loans to poor.

PM Modi claimed that over two dozen BJP workers were killed under the Congress government in Karnataka in political violence. "What was their crime? It was that they were opposed to your views, they raised their voice for the people of Karnataka. We want to encourage the ease of doing business, they (the Congress) have initiated the culture of ease of doing murder," he said at another election rally in Udupi.

He referred to Mahatma Gandhi's insistence on disbanding the Congress after Independence and said with the party facing defeat after defeat in the last four years, the Father of the Nation's 'last dream' was about to materialise with its decimation in the Karnataka polls.

Attacking dynastic politics in the Congress, PM Modi took a dig at CM Siddaramaiah for contesting from two seats and fielding his son in another. Addressing the Santhemarahalli rally, he termed it as the Kannada version of Congress' family politics. "I was reading a newspaper a couple of days ago and I found that in Karnataka 2+1 formula is going on. This is nothing but the Kannada version of Congress' family politics," he said.

I am not a 'Naamdaar.' I am a Kaamdaar and proud to be one! My life revolves around serving 125 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/7GLUvCJ1yH  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2018

These pictures from Chikkodi indicate the way Karnataka is going to vote. @BJP4Karnataka is the choice of the people. Congress is going to be comprehensively rejected. pic.twitter.com/qP9Iz5CzlN  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2018

Here are the highlights from my speeches across Karnataka today. @BJP4Karnataka https://t.co/JpOkzgHUSn pic.twitter.com/WhA57jx19M  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2018

Siddaramaiah hits back at PM Modi, dares him for debate:

Responding to PM Modi's attack on him for contesting from two constituencies "with fear of losing" and also over fielding his son for the May 12 polls, Siddaramaiah pointed out that the Prime Minister had himself contested from two seats during 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Siddaramaiah, who was earlier fielded from Chamundeshwari in Mysuru, later filed papers from Badami in Bagalkot district also. His candidature from Badami came amidst reports that battle at Chamundeshwari was not easy for him. Varuna in Mysuru, from where Siddaramaiah has been contesting since 2008, has been allotted to his son Yatinda this time.

Attacking the PM over BJP fielding brothers of 'tainted' mining baron G Janardhan Reddy in the Assembly elections, the Karnataka CM said, "Today the Prime Minister avoided talking about his complicity in closing CBI cases against the Reddy brothers. Instead, he spoke about some 2+1 formula. Here is the explanation of his formula to win the election. 2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy." 'Yeddy' is a reference to BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

Accusing PM Modi of repeating lies for political purposes, Siddaramaiah challenged him to take part in an open debate with him on the issues of crime and the law and order situation in Karnataka compared to the BJP-ruled states.

"Crime is not increasing in Karnataka abnormally. PM repeats the lie of increasing crime rate for political purposes," he said.

Today PM avoided talking about his complicity in closing CBI cases against the Reddy bros. Instead he spoke about some 2+1 formula. Here is the explanation to his formula to win election. 2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy.#2Reddy1Yeddy https://t.co/FozyhwOyHA  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018

What he did not say:

1 Why is he supporting the mining mafia led by Jandhan Reddy?

2 Why is he not helping us resolve Mahadayi issue?

3 Why is not giving a debt relief package to farmers when Banks can waive 2.71 lakh Cr. of corporate loans?

4 Why are petrol prices rising?

3/4  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018

5 Why did he cheat HAL of the Rafael deal that would have created thousands of jobs in Bengaluru.

6 When will he restore confidence in our Banking system by catching Nirav Modi? The list of what PM could have spoken is endless. But Shri Modi has to dwell on the trivial. 4/4  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018

Janardhana Reddy, who was the state Tourism and Infrastructure Minister between 2008-11 when Yeddyurappa was the CM, was arrested and jailed for about two years after the state's anti-graft watchdog (Lokayukta) named him in the multi-crore iron ore mining scam. Yeddyurappa, too, was forced to step down from the CM's post over his alleged involvement in a land scam.

Janardhana's brother G Karunakara Reddy is contesting from Harpanahallli on a BJP ticket.

Voting in the southern state will take place on May 12, 2018, and counting of votes will be done on May 15.

(With PTI and IANS inputs)Bengaluru: The Karnataka wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday filed a complaint against Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani and actor Prakash Raj with the Chief Electoral Officer for `having used defamatory and abusive language` against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Party`s chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

In the complaint letter the BJP accused Mevani of calling Prime Minister Modi `a corporate salesman and a thief.`

"Jignesh Mevani in his speech at an event on April 29 in Bengaluru called our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi a corporate salesman and a thief who has looted the country," the letter read.

The letter further accused Mevani and Raj of making relentless attempts towards jeopardising Prime Minister Modi`s and Yeddyurappa`s image.

The complaint also sought an action senior politician AK Subbaiah who had said that Yeddyurappa along with his fiancee would runaway once polls results are out.In the letter the BJP urged the election watchdog to further not grant any permission to either Mevani or Raj to hold any indoor or outdoor meeting in Karnataka till the polls are over.

Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect representatives to the 225-member state assembly. The results will be out on May 15Udupi: In his second rally of the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that people of Karnataka had decided to punish the Congress. "Your zeal and enthusiasm is proof that you've made your mind to punish the Congress party. Our government will leave no stone unturned to fulfill aspirations of people of Karnataka and ensure all-round development of the state," he said.

"Your love is such, that language cannot act as a barrier between us," he added and urged people to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Hitting out at the Congress, PM Modi said, "The government is talking about enhancing 'ease of doing business' in the country, but Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'. This is the culture they have developed. Congress government in Karnataka shields sand mafias. Those who loot should not remain in power. They must go."

He further said, "Udupi is not only a land of temples but also the land of banking. From this land, the country got new energy and direction in banking. I will not let your hard work go in vain, I will return this love in the form of development. The way people of Udipi have had ushered their affection towards Jan Sangh and the BJP for so many years is heartening. For many years the people of Udupi has chosen Jan Sangh in the municipal elections. I urge people of Karnataka to fulfill the dream ofMahatma Gandhi ji. He wanted the Congress party to be disbanded. Now, it's Karnataka's turn."

The crowd in Udupi urged with cheer to listen to PM Modis speech uninterrupted in Hindi, without translation in Kannada. Language is clearly no barrier when it comes to peoples love and affection for their leader Shri @narendramodi. #NammaModi pic.twitter.com/sxr0ng437p  BJP (@BJP4India) May 1, 2018

"Government opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy," PM Modi pointed out, adding, "We connected banking with the youth of this country and started PM MUDRA Yojana. Around 12 crore loans were approved totalling more than Rs 4 lakh crore. In Karnataka, 1.25 crore loans were approved."

On the other hand, in an apparent move to reach out to JD(S), he said, "There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time. The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful. Leaders of Congress and Congress president's disrespect towards shri Deve Gowda ji is not acceptable. If such is their mindset, how can they think good for people of Karnataka."A couple was reportedly beaten up for hugging in a metro train in Kolkata on Monday. The incident triggered protests at Dum Dum metro station, wherein the protesters demanded the arrest of the culprits. According to reports, the couple was beaten up by some elderly people travelling in the metro.

Anandabazar Patrika reported that the incident followed a heated argument between the couple and the culprits. As the train reached the Dum Dum metro station, the couple was reportedly dragged out of the train to the platform and the mob started beating up the man.

Kolkata: Protest staged outside Dum Dum metro station demanding the arrest of people who had reportedly beaten up a couple for hugging in the metro. #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/5IeP7HOlD2  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018

Following this, the woman intervened to save her partner and got beaten up by the angry mob. According to reports, some women and youth came to their rescue and made them escape.

The incident also triggered angry reactions on social media:

Couple beaten up in Kolkata Metro by a mob for hugging in public. North South West or East,

Indian mobs behave like a beast.  The Bad Doctor (@DOCTORATLARGE) May 1, 2018

Shame on you #Kolkata. Shame on you #KolkataMetro. It's ridiculous how expressing love and affection is a crime. Where as, getting molested then the society sleeps.#Protest #HumanRights #changemind  Nusrat Jahan Nayna (@NaynaNusrat) May 1, 2018

No one bats an eyelid when females are molested. But couples are beaten up for hugging in public. Oh Kolkata! You made us hang our heads in shame #KolkataMetro pic.twitter.com/Nts8UzwbbF  Devlina Ganguly (@DevlinaGanguly) May 1, 2018

#KolkataMetro "makin luv in public, they hv nt got proper manners. Beat them.", the crowd consistin of respected ppl said. I wud ask them have u got manners of nt touchin a lady in improper way?? How dare u 2 touch her?? #Shameful #dumdum  Piyali Chakraborty (@PiyaliC879898) May 1, 2018

So so ashamed and embarrassed by the #KolkataMetro episode in the city that I have loved all my life. Let the perpetrators not get away just because they were a part of the mob. Authorities should arrest and subject them to stringent punishments.  Samidh Bhattacharyya (@sam2wit) May 1, 2018

A young couple embraced in Kolkata metro. It made a bunch of frustrated old losers angry. They beat them up. Scenes of hatred are allowed. Scenes of love are considered obscene. pic.twitter.com/Jv4zNaMDe8  taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) May 1, 2018

Noted author Taslima Nasreen reacted to the incident saying, Scenes of hatred are allowed, scenes of love are considered obscene.

She tweeted, A young couple embraced in Kolkata metro. It made a bunch of frustrated old losers angry. They beat them up. Scenes of hatred are allowed. Scenes of love are considered obscene.

According to authorities, no complaint has been filed into the incident. However, reports quoted officials as saying that they were investigating the matter.Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray made his debut on Twitter on Maharastra Day (May 1, 2018). In his first tweet, he said, "Today is Maharashtra Day. Today Marathi people got their rights and the Marathi language was recognised. Many people sacrificed their lives for this. Today is a day to remember all of them."

   !              .    -    ,   .          !   !  Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) May 1, 2018

In another tweet later the founder of MNS said:

Heartiest greetings to all Maharashtrians on Maharashtra Day. This morning paid my respects to all the martyrs who fought for our Maharashtra. Then I watched a short film.

The celebrations of the day are worth seeing.

Please do watch it..https://t.co/iwtWXkSMgy  Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) May 1, 2018

Maharashtra Day commemorates the formation of the state of Maharashtra from the division of the Bombay State on 1 May 1960. Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed according to the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 enacted by the Parliament of India on 25 April 1960. It came into effect on 1 May 1960. May 1 is a public holiday in Maharashtra and applies to all the schools, offices and companies under the jurisdiction of the state and Central government.

Raj Thackeray is the nephew of Balasaheb Thackeray and a cousin of Uddhav Thackeray, the current leader and chairperson of the Shiv Sena.

Thackeray resigned from his uncle's party in January 2006 and launched his own party on March 9, 2006, in Mumbai.One of India's largest states - in terms of size, population and economy - is set to celebrate its foundation day today. Maharashtra Diwas, or Maharashtra Day, is a state holiday across the massive western Indian state. It will see celebrations across the state, with the traditional address in Mumbai's Shivaji Park by the Governor.

Given their shared post-Independence history, it is also Gujarat Foundation Day.

Here is a 10-point guide to what is Maharashtra Day:

1. Maharashtra Day marks the foundation of the state of the Maharashtra. It was caused by the bifurcation of the Bombay State into the present states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

2. The Bombay State of post-Independence India was largely coastal and had included Marathi and Gujarati-speaking regions. It had been expanded with the addition of Saurashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada under the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which reorganised India's existing states and princely states on the lines of language. The new Bombay State, which was today's Maharashtra and Gujarat combined, came into existence on November 1, 1956.

3. The reorganisation of 1956 led to the rise of two movements - Samyukta Maharashtra Movement and Mahagujarat Movement. These movements demanded the break-up of the new Bombay State into one Marathi-speaking state and one Gujarati-speaking state. These movements laid the base for what we know today as the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

4. Both states officially came into existence on May 1, 1960 as a result of the Bombay Reorganisation Act of 1960. So, it is not just Maharashtra Day, but also celebrated as Gujarat Day in Gujarat.

5. The Maharashtra government celebrates it, usually with the Governor addressing a rally at the famed Shivaji Maidan in Mumbai. The state government also usually announces a number of schemes and programmes on this day.

6. While both the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement and the Mahagujarat Movement had goals that were mutually complementary, and eventually successful, elements within them ended up clashing over which of the new states would get the financial powerhouse of Bombay.

7. Bombay's population was a majority of Marathi speakers. But the economic elite of the city was loaded with Gujaratis and the Parsis, who were closer in history and alignment with the Gujaratis than with the Marathis. This became known unofficially as the 'Battle of Bombay'.

8. The elite in Bombay feared that a Maharashtra government based in Bombay would end up hurting their economic status by focusing more on the vast rural area under its control rather than be concerned about the urban needs of the metropolis. Some voices even proposed that because of these concerns, Bombay should be an independent city or even a Union Territory.

9. However, Bombay ended up being handed over to Maharashtra. This caused a large part of the city's Gujarati elite to shift base to the new state of Gujarat, in fear of the backlash from the Marathi chauvinists who had come together for the creation of the state of Maharashtra.

10. Maharashtra Day, more than anything else, is a victory celebration for a Marathi political movement based on language. The vociferous mobilisation of the late 1950s and early 1960s has left a lasting impact on the politics of the state, laying the ground for the formation of Marathi and Maratha chauvinist parties like the Shiv Sena, and subsequently the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Mumbai: Celebrated music director Bappi Lahiri was feted by London's World Book of Records for his contribution to global music with his immortal song "Jimmy Jimmy aaja aaja".

Bappi told the media: "It has been one long journey with innumerable accolades over nearly five decades and over 600 films. But there is something special about 'Jimmy Jimmy'. It always has followers in every part of the globe. Such adulation brings tears to my eyes. It is the love of my fans that keeps me going."

An informal event took place at the residence of the artiste who played the tabla. It was graced by Santosh Shukla, President, World Book of Records.

Shukla said: "We all are born with a specific purpose to contribute something exclusive to the world through our exclusivity, through our hidden and extreme potential. It is a platform for all humans in this world to showcase their unique and remarkable talent and inspire the world to go one step further and progress from strength to strength."

World Book of Records - London catalogues and verifies a huge number of world records across the world with authentic certification.

The song Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja, originally picturised on Mithun Chakraborty in the 1982 film Disco Dancer, has been translated in Russian and Chinese and has been a part of the original score of Adam Sandler's You Don't Mess with the Zohan.New Delhi: Bollywood's 'Pari' Anushka Sharma turned 30 today and the who's who of Bollywood took to social media to wish the stellar actress on her birthday. On such wish was from batsman Yuvraj Singh, who also revealed his nickname for Anushka along with the wish.

Taking to Twitter, Yuvraj Singh wrote, "Many happy returns of the day to Rosie bhabhie @AnushkaSharma lots of love and best wishes."

Many happy returns of the day to Rosie bhabhie@AnushkaSharma lots of love and best wishes  yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 1, 2018

Now, Rosie Bhabhi seems to be an interesting name.

Earlier in the day, the doting husband Virat took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to share an adorable pic and wish for his better-half.

His post read, "Happy B'day my love. The most positive and honest person I know. Love you (sic)."

The iconic actress made her Bollywood debut in Shah Rukh Khan starrer Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in 2008. She has been in the industry for a decade now and has turned a producer too.

She co-owns a film production company called Clean Slate Films along with her brother Karnesh Sharma and has produced three films - NH 10, Phillauri and Pari - so far.

Power couple Anushka and Virat tied the knot on December 11, 2017, in Tuscany, Italy in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends.

They announced their marriage by issuing a joint statement on the day of their wedding and thereby surprise fans and well-wishers.

The statement read: Today we have promised each other to be bound in love forever. We are truly blessed to share the news with you. This beautiful day will be made more special with the love and support of our family of fans & well-wishers. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey.(sic).

London: Their namesakes may be getting all the media attention but Harry and Megan are looking forward to their wedding this month with every bit as much excitement.

Harry Hindley, that is, and Megan Morley, who both teach performing arts to children in Nottingham and tie the knot in London after a hasty eight weeks of planning.

"The other Meghan is perfect for the other Harry and I am perfect for this Harry," said Megan.

"I think every wedding - royal or not - is a special day and everybody is sharing the day with the people they love around them so yeah amazing, I`m really excited."

Britain`s Prince Harry and U.S. actress Meghan Markle will be marrying at St. George`s Chapel in Windsor on May 19.

Their namesakes will exchange vows this Friday a few miles to the east in London and lead the dancing at a reception in a plush hotel in Park Lane.

The couple met at college and later started running their own musical theatre courses in the central English city of Nottingham - the first place Prince Harry took his fiancee on an official engagement when they embarked on a pre-wedding tour of Britain.

Any other similarities?

"Well, I have never been the army, I have never stripped off, but I have been in a show called `The King and I` if that is some sort of link," grinned Harry.

Prince Harry, who served two tours with the army in Afghanistan, was famously snapped naked in a Las Vegas hotel in 2012.

For the other Megan, her Harry`s first attraction was his voice. "I just really fell in love with his singing voice," she said. "I am really into the royals, really love the royal family and I am very excited to see their wedding."Aligarh: A controversy has broken out over a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah being displayed on the walls of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) student union office. Aligarh MP and BJP leader Satish Gautam on Monday wrote to Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor objecting to Pakistan founder's picture on the walls of the AMUSU office.

BJP MP from Aligarh Satish Kumar Gautam writes to vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University, says, 'I have heard a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah is hung inside the campus. Kindly gather more details on this and give reasons behind it.'  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 1, 2018

He also posted #JinnahFreeAMU hashtag on the social media.

On the other hand, Congress leader Karan Dalal said, "Before partition Jinnah fought for India's independence. It's a different matter that country was divided in which he played a crucial role. But to remove his portrait from AMU is a political gimmick by BJP."

Before partition Jinnah fought for India's independence. It's different matter that country was divided in which he played crucial role. But to remove his portrait from AMU is political gimmick by BJP: Karan Dalal,Cong on BJP MP writing to AMU VC seeking removal of Jinnah's photo pic.twitter.com/rKuaoI0GSy  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018

Defending the portrait, apparently hanging there for decades, AMU spokesman Shafey Kidwai on Tuesday said that Jinnah was a founder member of the University Court and granted life membership of the student union.

"Traditionally, photographs of all life members are placed on the walls of the student union. Jinnah was also accorded life membership of the AMUSU in 1938. He was the founder member of the University Court in 1920 and also a donor. He was granted membership before the demand of Pakistan had been raised by the Muslim League," he told PTI.

Kidwai added that no national leader had raised any objection to the photo even after Independence. These included Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, C Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Meanwhile, last week, the AMU VC received a letter from an 'RSS activist' Amir Rasheed seeking his permission to organise a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh 'shakha' on the campus.

Reacting to it, Kidwai said, "The university is not considering any proposal for allowing any camp or shakha organised by any political party. We have a tradition of not allowing political parties to put up their candidates either for contesting the students' union polls or the teachers' association elections." He pointed out that the student union enjoyed a certain autonomy within the legal framework of the University's constitution as enshrined by an Act of Parliament.

(With PTI inputs)KOLKATA: Ashok Mitra, a Marxist economist who became the first finance minister of Left Front-led government in West Bengal, died on Tuesday. He was 89.

Mitra moved to West Bengal from Bangladesh following the partition of India in 1947. He completed graduation from the University of Dacca and postgraduation from Benaras Hindu University. Mitra was also an alumnus of the newly established Delhi School of Economics in the early 1950s. He later went to the Netherlands to pursue a doctorate from the Institute of Social Studies. Mitra was became the Finance Minister of West Bengal from 197787 during the first and second terms of the Left Front.

Ashok Mitra, an eminent Indian Marxist economist and politician has passed away today. He was Finance Minister of West Bengal from 197787. We express our condolence to his family. pic.twitter.com/67oyz1Ok7f  CPI(M) WEST BENGAL (@CPIM_WESTBENGAL) May 1, 2018

A noted economist and Left intellectual, Ashok Mitra was Finance Minister in the first and second Left Front Governments in West Bengal under Jyoti Basu. He also represented the CPI(M) in the Rajya Sabha. Ashok Mitra was also in the West Bengal State Committee of the Party for some time, said the Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M) in an official statement.

He was deeply committed to the cause of the working class and toiling masses of the country. Ashok Mitra also served as Chief Economic Adviser to Government of India, said CPI(M). A prolific writer, Ashok Mitra contributed regularly to various dailies and magazines on several topics.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to Twitter to express grief:

Saddened at the passing away of noted economist,former Finance Minister of Bengal and former Rajya Sabha MP, Dr Ashok Mitra. He had a long career with the World Bank, IIM Calcutta and as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India. Condolences to his family & well wishers  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) May 1, 2018

Senior CPI

Condolence: Ashok Mitra. A prolific writer, he contributed regularly to various dailies & magazines. And his writings were not only limited to economics and politics. Of late he had been editing a Bengali magazine Aarek Rakam. We convey our profound grief https://t.co/ej6XL226jU  Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) May 1, 2018

He taught at several places including the University of Lucknow, the UN Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East in Bangkok, Thailand, the Economic Development Institute in Washington, DC and Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C).

He also worked for the World Bank and was the Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India, and then Chairman of the Agricultural Prices Commission of the Government of India.WASHINGTON: Former FBI Director James Comey offered some advice on Monday for Special Counsel Robert Mueller: Press President Donald Trump to sit down for a completely "open-ended" interview in the probe of alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

"In any interview with a subject, I would want to make sure I had unlimited time," Comey said, when asked his opinion during a packed event at George Washington University sponsored by a local bookstore.

Comey said the ideal parameters would include an interview that is "open-ended as to time, open-ended as to subject" and ensure the person had a "clear understanding that you are obligated to tell the truth and failure to do so would be at your peril."

Comey`s firing by Trump last May paved the way for Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to hire Mueller to investigate the meddling allegations and possible collusion between Trump`s campaign and Russia. Mueller is also probing whether Trump obstructed the investigation.

Comey, who took detailed notes of his interactions with Trump, said later he believed Trump fired him to undermine the FBI`s Russia probe.

Russia has denied interfering in the election. Trump has denied any collusion or improper activity and called the Mueller investigation a witch hunt.

Previously, Trump said he would be willing to sit down for an interview under oath with Mueller.

But a recent FBI raid on the offices and home of his personal lawyer Michael Cohen could make that less likely.

Trump has since added former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to his legal team to help deal with Mueller`s investigation.

Speaking before a friendly audience, which often broke into applause, Comey spoke about his observations of Trump, Mueller`s investigation and the impact Trump`s presidency is having on the American political landscape.

He said that in a normal environment, a sitting president would not be able to avoid an interview about his conduct.

"As an American citizen, I would expect my president to respect the rule of law ... and to cooperate with a lawful, appropriate investigation," he said.

Monday`s event was the latest in a series of media interviews that Comey has given in connection with his bestselling book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership."

Trump and other Republicans have blasted Comey and challenged assertions he made in the book.Open source

Ukraines Armed Forces on May 2 starts practical training of estimating the anti-tank missile system Javelin delivered to Ukraine from the U.S., as Stepan Poltorak, Defence Minister, wrote on Facebook.

This decision will make it possible to start theoretical and practical preparation of Javelin estimation, which are to start on May 2 at the training centers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and create a powerful anti-tank reserve, Poltorak said.

As it was reported earlier, the U.S. State Department announced the Javelin anti-tank missile system delivery to Ukraine.

Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's military aggression in the spring of 2014 was negotiating with the United States on the supply of lethal weapons. Previously, Washington supplied Kiev with only non-lethal assistance (including armored Humvee cars, RQ-11B Raven drones and counterbattery radars) and helped in the training of Ukrainian servicemen.

The U.S. State Department made a decision on the sale of anti-tank missile system Javelin to Ukraine on March 1.Sputnik

Armenian parliament they did not support the candidacy of the leader of protesters Nikol Pashinyan to the post of prime minister. This reports news.am.



According to the agency, 45 deputies out of 53 candidates voted for the sole candidate for the position, the leader of the opposition, the head of the faction Exit in the National Assembly Nikol Pashinyan.



56 deputies from the RPA faction voted against, two did not take part in the voting.



The faction of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, which has 58 deputy mandates, but refused to nominate its candidate, called Pashinyan's program unconvincing and blocked his election. In support of the opposition leader stayed the parliamentary factions "Tsarukyan" bloc and the ARF, which once again left the ruling coalition and flocked to the opposition camp.



It is noted that in 7 days there will be a second attempt to elect a prime minister by the parliament, and if it does not succeed, the president will have to dissolve the parliament and within 30 to 45 days to schedule early elections.



With the current development of events, they will be held according to the old electoral code, which presupposes a vote on both national and territorial lists of candidates for deputies of political parties and their blocs.



Since April 13, rallies have been held in Yerevan. On April 23, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan resigned, First Deputy Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan assumed the duties of the Prime Minister. Later in Armenia, one of the parties withdrew from the ruling coalition, but the protests of the opposition did not cease.

Related: Ex-leader of Right Sector local branch attacked in OdesaFocus

Poland received the monthly chairmanship of the UN Security Council since May 1, RAR reports.



According to the head of the Polish Foreign Ministry Jacek Chaputovic, Warsaw's goal during the presidency will be actions for the sake of security and peace.



In May, Poland plans, within the framework of UN Security Council meetings, to organize a series of events on the situation in the Middle East, Africa, as well as individual problems in Europe and Asia. Particular attention the Polish diplomacy will turn to the situation in Syria.



We recall that Poland became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in January 2018 and will be in the Security Council until 2020.



According to the Charter of the UN Security Council, the chairman changes monthly in alphabetical order.



As reported, the UN Security Council held a meeting at the residence in Sweden to discuss the Syrian issue.

Related: Beating of Mustafa Nayem: Prosecutor's Office announces suspicion to four attackerspresident.gov.ua

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko confirmed that the anti-tank missile systems Javelin have already been delivered to Ukraine from the United States. Poroshenko said this on Facebook.



"I can only confirm that yes, the long-awaited weapons arrived in the Ukrainian army and significantly strengthened the powerful deterrent effect of our fighting capacity and Euro-Atlantic security. We continue to work to strengthen our defense potential in order to repel Russian aggression. I sincerely appreciate the fair decision of Donald Trump in support of Ukraine, in defense of freedom and democracy. Washington not only fulfilled our common agreement - it demonstrated leadership and an important example, "the head of state said.



As previously reported, the US Department of State already told about the delivery of anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine.



Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's military aggression in the spring of 2014 was negotiating with the United States on the supply of lethal weapons. Previously, Washington supplied Kiev with only non-lethal assistance (including armored Humvee cars, RQ-11B Raven drones and counterbattery radars) and helped in the training of Ukrainian servicemen.



The US defense budget for 2018 presupposes the allocation of $ 350 million to Ukraine for enhancing security and defense, including the use of lethal weapons.

Related: MP Mustafa Nayem beaten in the center of Kyiv112 Agency

On the night of April 29 in the village of Stara Guta in Poland, drunken men attacked the participants of the camp of Magurych society, who were restoring the cemetery. This was reported by the Ukrainian weekly newspaper in Poland "Our Word".



Among the participants of the camp there were the chairman of the society Shimon Mozheyevsky and the volunteer, the teacher Olha Solyar. She said that the attackers arrived at the old cemetery where the camp was located and threatened the participants.



The attackers shouted "Wyp ... ac na Ukraine" ("Get out to Ukraine"), accused the camp participants of the restoration of the graves of the UPA. The police came to the call. Detained 5 people, all were drunk.

Earlier, the society was invited to help in the restoration of the cemetery in Stara Guta. Works are conducted from April 28 and will end on May 6. Over the past four years, over 170 crosses have been restored to the cemetery, it remains to restore 50 crosses.



The society "Magurych" has been restoring Ukrainian monuments, roadside crosses and chapels in Poland and Ukraine for more than thirty years. They were engaged in restoration work not only in Ukrainian, but also Polish, Jewish and German cemeteries in four countries. However, the main focus of the work was on the cemeteries of south-eastern Poland: in Boykivshchyna, Lemkivshchina and Rastochye. According to their calculations, more than 2,000 tombstones were repaired at about 140 cemeteries.



As reported, in Poland in 2017 recorded 39 attacks on Ukrainians because of "national intolerance."

Related: In St. Petersburg, tank ran over the visitors of the festival112 Agency

During the anti-terrorist operation in Donbas (from April 2014 to April 30, 2018) 24 employees of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) were killed. This was reported in the press center of the SBU.



"During the four years of the Anti-Terrorist Operation, the Service lost 24 members of its staff, but prevented dozens of terrorist acts against civilians, gained experience in successfully countering the intelligence of Russian special services, and gathered irrefutable evidence for the international community regarding Russia's military aggression on the territory of Ukraine," reads the message.



Earlier the General Staff of the Armed Forces informed that since the beginning of the operation until October 2017, combat losses amounted to 10,710 military, of which 2 378 dead.



Also in the UN report it was stated that from the outbreak of hostilities in the east of Ukraine, at least 2 523 civilians were killed. Then it was reported that among the dead there were 1,399 men, 837 women, 91 boys, 47 girls, and 149 people, whose gender could not be established. In particular, 298 civilians killed in the MH17catastrophe in 2014 were taken into account.



We recall, today (April 30), President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, by his decree, put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on the completion of the anti-terrorist operation and handed over control to the commander of the United forces, General Serhiy Nayev. Later, Poroshenko signed a decree on the beginning of the operation of the united forces.

Related: Ukrainian society engaged in restoring cemetery attacked in Poland112 Agency 112 Agency

In Odesa and Kharkiv, May Day demonstrations today turned in some skirmishes and clashes. So, in Odesa pro-Ukrainian activists blocked the way for demonstrators, and they refused the idea to continue the march, reports Duma.



In particular, near the Opera Theater in Odesa, several dozen pro-Russian demonstrators (mostly elderly people and pensioners) held a rally and tried to march to Kulikov's Field. However, they were blocked by pro-Ukrainian activists. After a verbal skirmish, the demonstrators changed their minds about continuing the march.



The publication notes that participants in the demonstration were often noticed at events ideologically associated with Russia, as well as on pro-Russian actions in 2013-2014. On the occasion of May 1, they demanded higher wages, lower tariffs, and decent pensions.



In Kharkiv, a rally of the pro-Russian organization Trudovaya Kharkivschina was held, dedicated to May 1, reports 057.ua. About 150 protesters marched from the Constitution Square to the square near the Annunciation Church.



The publication notes that at the meeting were seen mainly elderly people. They launched posters about the "genocide of Ukraine" and "glory to the working people". When the protesters tried to get the flag of the USSR, the police warned them about criminal responsibility and stopped them.



Around 1,000 people showed up at the parade in Kyiv. The participants of the event were holding flags with the symbolics of Kyiv Trade Union City Council, Social Democratic Party and state flags. The representatives of the Labor Party, Party of Greens, military pensioners were present at the parade.

The protesters had posters with signs Give wage arrears back, Hard times? We will make the oligarchs share, Standing in a queue for subsidies is a humiliation for the workers, Bring back health-resort treatment to workers etc.

The event went peacefully.

Related: Macron and Putin discuss Iran's nuclear programmeAccording to the law enforcers, there were no violations of order

May Day parade was held in Kyiv.

The members gathered near Khreshchatyk metro station. The column was moving towards the European Square. The event ended near the Ukrainian House.

As RBC-Ukraine reports, the gathered people presented a plan on struggle for ordinary people.

Kyiv Trade Union City Council and Social Democratic Party organized the event.

It was noted that the parade was held to draw attention of the state and local authorities, employers, business to the need to address the pressing issues of a working person.

Around 1,000 people showed up at the parade. The participants of the event were holding flags with the symbolics of Kyiv Trade Union City Council, Social Democratic Party and state flags. The representatives of the Labor Party, Party of Greens, military pensioners were present at the parade.

The protesters had posters with signs Give wage arrears back, Hard times? We will make the oligarchs share, Standing in a queue for subsidies is a humiliation for the workers, Bring back health-resort treatment to workers etc.

The event went peacefully.

Earlier, a May Day parade started today in Kyiv. 500 law enforcers, the representatives of the National Guard, kept order during the event.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!)For anyone who has always wanted to try flamenco, these classes introduce all the basics taught by Albuquerque native, Leslie Roybal.

For anyone who has always wanted to try flamenco, these classes introduce all the basics. Or, for dancers who want to brush up on technique, this is a great opportunity to work on refining your skills. Students will learn basic movement vocabulary, technique, and short dances.

Taught by Albuquerque Native, Leslie Roybal, recently returned to Burque from New York City!

Leslie has had an extensive career as a performer and dance educator in both the Contemporary Dance and Flamenco ideologies. She is currently the Program Director for Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana in New York City and produces the Flamenco Certamen USA annually which supports the growth and exposure of up-and-coming flamenco artists throughout the United States. Leslie has toured with companies such as Murray Spalding Mandalas, Fred Darsow Dance, Neville Dance Company, The Metropolitan Opera, Pasion y Arte, A Palo Seco Flamenco, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana and performed regularly in the New York and New Jersey tablaos. She was a scholarship recipient for the NALAC Leadership Institute in 2011, was a pioneering member of the Performers in Transition Fellowship for the BAM Professional Development Program/DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the Kennedy Center in 2012, and was named one of 12 national finalists for the 2016 Coors Light Lideres Program in honor of her work as a supporter of the Latino community.The increase of more than 7 cents is the highest jump since March, while the outright price is the highestYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. A range of inter-community events dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide kicked off April 24 in Aleppo, Syria.

A commemoration event took place in the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church, followed by the official wreath laying ceremony on behalf of the Consulate General of Armenia of Aleppo. The wreath was laid at the Armenian Genocide memorial outside the church.

Armenian Evangelical community leader Reverend Harutyun Selimyan and Consul General of Armenia in Aleppo Armen Sargsyan delivered remarks at the event, mentioning that the dedicated process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is also a measure to prevent similar crimes.

Another commemoration event was held in the Holy Mother of God Church of Aleppo. Local government officials and heads of all Armenian community institutions of the city were in attendance, the foreign ministry of Armenia said.

A candlelight ceremony took place in the AGBU branch.

Similar other commemoration events took place in the city.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. May 1 is celebrated across the world as the International Workers Day.

May 1 entered into history in 1884 when protests were held in the US and Canada in support of setting 8-hour working day. Clashes occurred with the police, many of the protesters were arrested and the organizers were sentenced to death. The rallies received a new impetus in 1889 when the Second International Paris Congress made a decision to hold rallies and marches on every May 1. By the Congress decision, a single day was set which would enable the working class in all countries of the world to present their demands to their leadership, fight for their rights, especially for setting 8-hour working day.

In 1890 the workers of Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain and other European countries organized for the first time May 1 celebrations. In early 20th century the revolutionary movement moved to Russia. The first May 1 protest was held in St. Petersburg in 1891.

Later, when the Soviet Union was created, May 1 was celebrated as a great holiday accompanied by a great parade which was attended by almost everyone. Soviet Armenia started to celebrate this holiday in 1919 after which every year the scientists, students, athletes and gymnasts, youth were marching through the streets by once again glorifying and praising the creation and work.

Today the International Workers Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries of the world. During the May 1 celebrations the labor veterans, the representatives of working class are being praised and appreciated.

ARMENPRESS presents exclusive photos from its archive.

English translator/editor: Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. The HHK(ruling party) faction will not obstruct the PM election sitting of the parliament, and quorum will be ensured, HHK faction leader Vahram Baghdasaryan told reporters.

The sitting will not be failed. The Republic of Armenia will have a Prime Minister, we will not obstruct the sitting from taking place, quorum will be ensured. Armenia will have a Prime Minister in a constitutional period of time, because the country cannot be kept paralyzed, he said.

The HHK faction isnt yet specifying how its lawmakers will vote, however Baghdasaryan noted that it isnt correct to leave it to free voting, because in that case, according to him the party can lose its face.

If today it doesnt happen, we must have new elections of Prime Minister within seven days, otherwise the Constitution requires the dissolution of the parliament, which will be a significant setback for our country, he said.

According to him, snap elections cant have a positive impact on the development of the country.

If snap elections were a necessity, there would be complaints in 2017, when the parliament was formed, however everyone was happy after those elections, he said.

Asked if the HHK will have a candidate if in fact another election was to be held 7 days later, the HHK faction leader said: We have said that we wont nominate our own candidate, we didnt nominate, but we havent discussed this issue for the future, we dont have any such intention or decision, but everything depends on political developments.

Asked if third President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the president of the HHK party, participated in the April 30 sitting of the ruling partys executive body, Baghdasaryan said he chaired the sitting as the head of the party, but didnt interfere in political processes.

Baghdasaryan ruled out that he can do any action under pressure. Our generation is growing up in this country, we must think about the future, what progress will our country, our statehood have six months later, 1 year later, or will it have [progress] at all, he said.

The HHK faction leader said Serzh Sargsyans resignation was a result of wisdom and prudence. When a part of the people are carrying out demonstrations ahead of April 24 and there are two options  either go for clashes, or you must take some step. The person himself refused. But one cant tie the countrys future with demonstrations, assemblies and pressure. When you are speaking about the fate of the country you must already think ideological.

On April 23, at 16:00, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan resigned as widespread protests entered the 11th day.

On the same day, as required by law, the government resigned.

First Deputy PM Karen Karapetyan was named acting PM at an emergency Cabinet meeting.

The Speaker of Parliament announced that elections of a new Prime Minister will be held May 1.

On April 28, HHK, the ruling party, said it will not nominate a candidate for Prime Minister in the upcoming election.

The Tsarukyan faction also said it will not nominate a candidate and endorsed the peoples candidate.

On April 29, the ARF said they endorse the candidacy of Nikol Pashinyan for the upcoming election on May 1.

On April 30 the opposition Yelk faction officially nominated Pashinyan for the upcoming PM election. The three other factions  the HHK, Tsarukyan, and ARF, announced they will not nominate a candidate.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyans supporters have once again gathered in their main rally site  the Republic Square of Yerevan as they await the highly anticipated parliament sitting where the election of a Prime Minister will take place today.

The extraordinary sitting of the Armenian parliament will kick off 12:00.

Yelk faction leader Nikol Pashinyan, the opposition lawmaker who spearheaded the massive protests, is the only candidate for Prime Minister.

On April 23, at 16:00, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan resigned as widespread protests entered the 11th day.

On the same day, as required by law, the government resigned.

First Deputy PM Karen Karapetyan was named acting PM at an emergency Cabinet meeting.

The Speaker of Parliament announced that elections of a new Prime Minister will be held May 1.

On April 28, HHK, the ruling party, said it will not nominate a candidate for Prime Minister in the upcoming election.

The Tsarukyan faction also said it will not nominate a candidate and endorsed the peoples candidate.

On April 29, the ARF said they endorse the candidacy of Nikol Pashinyan for the upcoming election on May 1.

On April 30 the opposition Yelk faction officially nominated Pashinyan for the upcoming PM election. The three other factions  the HHK, Tsarukyan, and ARF, announced they will not nominate a candidate.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. The defense ministry of Artsakh has released a statement saying that once again Azerbaijani mobilization and movement of manpower and military equipment is seen in the line of contact.

The defense ministry said the mobilization and movement has been detected since April 30 and continue till now.

The Defense Army are alertly monitoring the developments in the frontline and are in full control of the situation, the statement said.

The footage shows the situation in the line of contact in the recent days.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Gagik Tsarukyan, head of the Tsarukyan faction of the Armenian Parliament, assures that he hasnt put forward preconditions for supporting Nikol Pashinyans candidacy for the Prime Minister, no issue of portfolios has been discussed, reports Armenpress.

We havent had such conversation. We did this for development, Gagik Tsarukyan told reporters.

He said they are ready to cooperate with Pashinyan in the future and implement his programs if they are desired by the people. As we have listened, Nikol Pashinyan in his remarks says what is desired by the people and us, he said.

Gagik Tsarukyan stated that different political forces, figures have proposed him to be nominated for the Prime Minister, but he refused as he respects the peoples decision.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (RPA) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian released a statement regarding the latest domestic developments, urging to display high civic responsibility and reasonableness, President Sarkissians office said.

Dear countrymen,

Today, the attention of Armenians of Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, as well as the entire world is drawn on Yerevan. At this decisive moment, I call oneveryone  Members of Parliament, political forces, the entire state system, different layers of our society, the youth  to display high civic responsibility and reasonableness, to remain within the framework of law and constitution while making any step or any action, for the benefit of our state and people, the president said in a statement.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanOn Monday 9th April 2018, former and first Armenian Ambassador to the Court of St James`s (United Kingdom) , former Prime Minister of Armenia and astrophysicist, Dr Armen Sarkissian placed his right hand on the Holy Book and took his Oath of Allegiance to the Armenian Flag, the Armenian Constitution and the Armenian Nation and was declared  Fourth President of the Republic of Armenia

Supporting him were his First Lady Nouneh Sarkissian, his two sons Vartan - with his young family - and Haig , his cardiologist sister Dr Karineh Sarkissian and her family, over a thousand personal guests who had flown in from many different countries and millions and millions of well-wishers.

A new era dawned on Armenia and Destiny began writing the pages in the History Book of the Armenian Nation.

Every single word pronounced by President Armen Sarkissian and every single promise made during that unique ceremony will remain in his heart, his soul and his mind to remind him constantly of his honourable duty towards the Armenian Nation and will influence the decisions he makes and will direct the actions he takes for the next ten years of his Presidential tenure, affecting and bettering the lives of the Armenian People in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.

Just before leaving London to take Post in Yerevan, the then Ambassador Armen Sarkissian met with the representatives of the Armenian Community to explain the situation and say his farewells. Someone in the audience asked if as President he would prosecute the corrupt element? His Excellency replied: the crime of corruption is always committed by two parties: the corrupt and the corruptor who must share the blame equally; then he added: prosecution on its own is not the answer to corruption as it does not solve the problem. Only an intense and specified education of the people can eradicate the very culture and mentality of corruption. We must work towards that goal.  then he said Good Bye and left us.

We all realised with sadness that a golden era in the life of the Armenian Community in the UK had come to its end; but for two reasons , we had no cause to lament: firstly although our beloved Ambassador had been taken from us, but in exchange, we have been given an equally wonderful President to respect and cherish and secondly the Armenian Embassy in London has been left in the very safe and capable hands of our two senior diplomats Deputy Head of Mission Armen Liloyan and Attache Consular Affairs Hayarpi Dermeyan. Both have high acumen, professional education, an amazing capacity to work very long hours and are gifted with a very diplomatic charm!

Knowing of the special and keen interest that both President Armen Sarkissian and First Lady Nouneh Sarkissian attach to education, the Arts and- particularly-the Youth, I am confident that equal opportunities will be created for every young person in Armenia  male or female, rich or poor  to access the highest level of education, secure a job and have and nurture a DREAM, no matter how big or small, no matter how wild or reasonable! to be given equal opportunity to work towards that dream and have equal opportunity to see it come true.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU YOUTH OF ARMENIA.

During the past twenty-five years, President Armen Sarkissian has created a formidable network of cordial contacts and friendly relations all over the world, generating great interest in Armenia. Now, influential individuals , universal institutions, international organisations and leaders of many countries, large and small, will embark on strategic projects of reciprocated visits, exchange of students , exchange of sensitive information, establishment of cultural, educational, financial , commercial and industrial joint ventures in Armenia; all for the good of Armenia and all because of the respect and esteem they hold for the person of our President.

By meeting frequently the Armenian parliament, where MPs lobby for the solution to the needs and difficulties of the Armenian People, President Armen Sarkissian will be able to help solve these problems and address the needs and difficulties of the Armenian people.

Where there will be despair President Armen Sarkissian will bring hope, where there will be discord he will bring mutual understanding and unity, where there will be chaos and war he will bring safety, security and peace and where there will be idleness he will bring employment, prosperity and financial security.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF US!

Odette Bazil

In Photo: Armen Sarkissian, President of ArmeniaYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Regardless of what opinion and stance each of us will have, as MP and as a faction, the main goal of all of us is the countrys stability, security and the peoples welfare  Speaker of Parliament Ara Babloyan said at the beginning of the ongoing extraordinary sitting of the Armenian parliament, where MPs are debating the election of Prime Minister.

Todays sitting, the agenda of which includes the election of Prime Minister, is taking place in a unique environment. The parliamentary majority hasnt nominated a candidate, we are debating the candidacy nominated by the minority. This is an unprecedented occurrence in our reality, Babloyan said.

Babloyan urged to display restraint and tolerance, the kind of restraint and tolerance which were displayed even at the most tense moments of the recent days.

According to the Speaker, this has surprised the entire world.

I am calling on everyone to be restrained and polite to each other during todays debates also, to hold the debates in an atmosphere of tolerance, which is traditionally accepted in our National Assembly, he said.

102 MPs are registered  ensuring a quorum.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Nikol Pashinyan, candidate for Prime Minister of Armenia, assures that if elected as PM Armenia will remain in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), reports Armenpress.

During the debate of the election of the Prime Minister in the Parliament on May 1, Pashinyan in his remarks said this stance derives not from the taste of someone, from the change of position of someone, but from the logic of the pan-national movement that brought victory to the Armenian people.

We have said that thanks to this movement the people came to power, and the people, by demanding a lot of changes in the field of organization of domestic life, justice, legality, protection of rights, social insurance, didnt demand and do not demand any change in the foreign policy field. We have to take into account the peoples such message, Pashinyan said.

He added that they have considered and consider Russia as a strategic ally, and the pan-national movement doesnt create any threat for the Armenian-Russian relations. We attach a specific importance to the Armenia-Iran and Armenia-Georgia relations. There is no doubt that this political process will give a new impetus and energy to our relations with our neighbors. We will deepen the relations with the European Union and its member states. We will do everything to eliminate EU visa requirement for the Armenian citizens. We expect to launch the talks over this topic in the nearest future, Nikol Pashinyan said.

He said the quick ratification and implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) derives from Armenias interests.

Pashinyan also touched upon the relations with the United States, stating that the friendly ties with this country need a new impetus. We aim to take concrete and practical steps to boost the partnership with the US in different spheres. We will deepen the cooperation with China and consider this direction of the foreign policy very important. We attach a great importance to the upcoming Francophonie summit in Yerevan which, undoubtedly, will be held at a high level. Armenia fully is ready to assume the chairmanship of this leading international organization, he said.

The PM candidate highlighted that they are committed to the process of international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, as they are convinced that it is possible to prevent the repetition of such crimes only through condemning them. Armenia will continue playing a leading role in the prevention of crimes against humanity and genocides, he said.

He said in the peaceful settlement process of the Karabakh conflict, the international recognition of the Artsakh peoples indivisible right to independently determine their fate and exercise that right is vital. In terms of the settlement of the Karabakh conflict, we are committed exclusively to the peaceful settlement which must be based on the principle of the equal rights and self-determination of peoples. Its necessary to give new impetus to the process of international recognition of Artsakh which must become one of the key functions of the Diaspora ministry, the PM candidate stated.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (RPA) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has uncovered a drug trafficking case involving foreign nationals.

The NSS investigation uncovered that an Iranian couple conspired with their accomplice currently residing in Armenia, again an Iranian national, on smuggling different types of narcotics from Iran to Armenia. The couple smuggled large amounts of opium, methamphetamine and heroin via a Tehran-Yerevan flight using body packing on April 29.

Shortly after arriving, the Iranian drug smugglers attempted to rendezvous with their accomplice after exiting Yerevans Zvartnots airport. National Security agents apprehended and detained the smugglers.

A criminal case has been launched on the case.

The perpetrators have been placed under arrest as the investigation continues.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Nikol Pashinyan, candidate for the Prime Minister of Armenia, considers ineffectiveness, corruption risks and limitation of financial resources as reasons for the existing issues in the healthcare field, reports Armenpress.

During the debate of the election of the Prime Minister in the Parliament on May 1, Prosperous Armenia faction MP Marina Margaryan asked a question to Pashinyan on his vision over solving the current issues in the healthcare field. In particular, she asked what will be Pashinyans approaches on the prescription types and drug release, introduction of insurance system, free medical care and etc.

In response Pashinyan said he repeatedly touched upon these issues in his different remarks and noted that it will be impossible to reach success if the issues of increasing the effectiveness, eliminating the corruption risks and limitation of financial resources are not completely resolved. It is expected to increase the state budget revenues by 30% in the upcoming two years which means that the budget expenditure directions, including in the healthcare system can proportionately increase, the PM candidate said.

As for the release of drugs with a prescription, the PM candidate said a professional control on consumption of drugs is necessary which will simplify the citizens life.

Commenting on the introduction of the insurance system, Nikol Pashinyan said each citizen of Armenia must receive a proper healthcare service, and the healthcare insurance can be one of the measures. While introducing mechanisms it is necessary not to take quick actions, but to thoroughly plan and test the program, he said.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (RPA) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. According to Nikol Pashinyan, the negotiations over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement will have a meaning only in case when Azerbaijan will address a very clear message to the international community that it commits to respect and recognize norms of international law and is ready for the issues settlement within the framework of these norms.

During the ongoing parliamentary debates on the election of Prime Minister, where Pashinyan is the only nominated candidate, Tsarukyan faction MP Tigran Urikhanyan asked the opposition leader about his approach in the NK conflict settlement issue. Pashinyan responded by saying that in conditions when the Azerbaijani leadership, in person of Ilham Aliyev, doesnt miss any occasion to threaten Artsakh and Armenia and even speaks about intentions on capturing the Armenian capital  the negotiations have a formal nature.

These are negotiations for the sake of negotiations and not for settlement, because, as long as there is no settlement atmosphere a settlement cannot happen, he said.

Pashinyan says he expects that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries will immediately use their influence and reputation from holding Azerbaijan back from using bellicose rhetoric, because this is the condition brought forward by the OSCE Minsk Group itself  that not only the use of force, but also the threat of force must be ruled out in the settlement process.

As long as the threat of use of force isnt ruled out, we, as a state, must unite our power for defending ourselves from aggression, he said.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister. 102 MPs are in attendance.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Nikol Pashinyan says he is in favor for bringing the security structures of the country into the parliamentary supervision arena, however the opposition leader says that the interim government will not be able to solve all problems, therefore priorities must be defined.

Pashinyan was speaking in response to a question from Tsarukyan faction MP Shake Isayan during parliamentary debates on the election of a Prime Minister.

Months earlier the parliament was debating the bill on state administration systems, according to which the structures under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister are the police, the national security service, the state protection service and the control service. It received a rather strong reaction from the colleagues of your alliance also, an opinion was voiced that an attempt is being made to create a super-Prime Ministerial autocratic administration system. I would like to know your stance over this issue already as a candidate for Prime Minister. What steps will you take for security structures to be brought into the arena of parliamentary accountability?

Actually the super Prime Ministerial system is already created from the perspective of legislation. I find myself committed for solving this problem and making the power balanced. It is certain that the police and the national security service must change their status and become ministries, of course there are certain legislative, and perhaps constitutional difficulties for this, but they are surmountable, Pashinyan says.

According to him, changes will not have sense if they come to power and start using the tools which they had criticized earlier. Pashinyan noted that he cant provide many details because the issue has to be also discussed with experts and viewed from the perspective of administration efficiency and political appropriateness.

Isayan responded by saying : For the record, can we say that if elected Prime Minister, you will launch a process that will bring security structures into the field of parliamentary accountability and make the parliamentary administration system model complete?

Pashinyan responded by saying yes.

I would like to specify one issue. Since there is a very big agenda, we will together discuss the priorities, as to with what we want to begin with, I have my viewpoint in this regard, but naturally this issue must also be decided as a result of discussions, Pashinyan said.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister. 102 MPs are in attendance.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Karine Achemyan, MP of the Republican Party (RPA) faction of the Armenian Parliament, thinks that Yelk faction head, PM candidate Nikol Pashinyan gently supports the position of the leadership on the foreign policy, reports Armenpress.

During the parliamentary debate of the election of the Prime Minister on May 1, MP Achemyan addressed question to Pashinyan whether it is not supposed that Pashinyan will completely change his stance on all issues relating to domestic policy and economy.

The next question: during these years, how do you think, whether this favorable environment - civil society, free press, democracy where you managed to record a certain success, has been created thanks to the tolerance of the leadership? Because eventually during these years our country became democratic and all democratic structures that operate are thanks to the leadership, she said.

She also said Pashinyans supporters issued statements, demands on firing the presidents of the Constitutional Court, the Court of Cassation, the Prosecutor General. Achemyan asked Pashinyan how he is going to do that if elected?

In response Pashinyan said he has repeatedly stated previously that he considers the drastic turns in the foreign policy field as dangerous and impermissible.

We have seen that some countries, figures, by trying to make their subjective perceptions in accordance with the ongoing events in the country, led to disaster. I dont say that I voted in favor of Armenias membership to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), I say that Armenias membership to the EAEU is a reality, and it is necessary to take into account this reality. The talk is about considering the countrys interests, Nikol Pashinyan said.

Commenting on Achemyans question on formation of favorable environment in the country by the leadership, Nikol Pashinyan said the Armenian citizen has a great contribution in this.

What the citizen of Armenia has is thanks exclusively to him/her because since independence the Armenian citizens, activists have liberated the territory they have from the clutches of illegality. During that period dozens of Armenian citizens have been killed, hundreds of citizens were jailed, he said.

In response MP Achemyan said they already live in a parliamentary country, and the burden of responsibility Pashinyan is going to bear is very great. Achemyan asked whether Pashinyan is confident that he can bear that burden.

Pashinyan said in general he doesnt start a work if he is not convinced on reaching it up to the end.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (RPA) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Aneta HarutyunyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Nikol Pashinyan says he believes that the countrys military spending must be adequate to the regional situation.

Republican Party (HHK) faction MP Tajat Vardapetyan asked the candidate for Prime Minister during todays parliamentary hearing about his views on Armenias military spending.

Do I find that today Armenia has a need for increasing military spending? Yes, I do. Today Armenia has a need to increase military spending. I am convinced that we will be able to significantly increase budget revenues, which will result in significant increases of military spending as well, Pashinyan said.

In response to the MPs observation that former president of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili is expecting Nikol Pashinyans clear attitude regarding his return to Georgia, Pashinyan assured that he didnt have any ties and doesnt have any ties with Saakashvili.

I dont personally know Saakashvili, I have never had any interaction with him. What is happening in Armenia has received a wide reaction in the world. If we now try to understand who were the ones that expressed attitude we will see that they were people of various nationalities and various orientations. This doesnt anyhow impact on what is happening. Saakashvilis return to Georgia is exclusively the domestic business of Georgia and Saakashvilis business, Pashinyan said.

Vardapetyan also asked how Pashinyan imagines the NK conflict settlement without compromise. Pashinyan answered that it is unclear for him why one of the parties should speak about compromise when the other party is announcing about intentions of capturing Yerevan.

Speaking about compromise makes sense when both parties speak about it. I have always said that it is ridiculous when the Armenian side responds to Azerbaijans threats with conversations about compromise, he said.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister. 102 MPs are in attendance.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament Ara Babloyan left the parliamentary sitting for 10 minutes as a sign of protest to PM candidate Nikol Pashinyans statement regarding childrens rights.

Mr. Pashinyan, I didnt have the intention of asking a question, you simply forced me. I will use what I have learnt from you, I will leave the hall for 10 minutes, as a protest to the statement which you made about the rights of children. Then, various international organizations which are dealing with childrens rights will explain your mistake to you. And if you get elected Prime Minister, dont repeat such words from now on, Babloyan said.

Before this, HHK faction MP Ruzanna Muradyan said that many schoolchildren had participated in the civil disobedience campaigns of Pashinyan. Muradyan asked the opposition leader how he would treat the fact if his own children would participate in demonstrations held by others. Pashinyan is a father of four.

When the Karabakh movement began, I was a 13-year-old schoolkid. Me myself organized school strikes, marches, demonstrations and other protests those days. My children participated in these processes during my entire political activity and I find this to be a strong civil school for them. I find schoolchildren to be one of the most powerful layers and participants of our movement, Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan says the participation of school children is the guarantee that all promises will become reality.

Muradyan, in response, said: So it turns out that your motivations are so strong that you are even ready to ignore safety of children and you can ignore bad consequences, regarding the fact that they cant make adequate decisions. Pashinyan in response noted that children have constitutional rights, which they have exercised.

The extraordinary sitting has kicked off in the Armenian parliament where lawmakers are debating the election of a new Prime Minister. 102 MPs are in attendance.

The only nominated candidate for Prime Minister is opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan.

Pashinyan was nominated by the opposition Yelk faction.

Two other factions  Tsarukyan and the ARF  have endorsed the opposition MPs candidacy.

Pashinyan will need at least 53 votes to be elected Prime Minister, which means he will require at least 6 votes from the ruling party.

There are 4 factions in the Armenian parliament. The Republican Party (HHK) faction, the ruling party of Armenia, has 58 seats in the 105-seat unicameral parliament of Armenia  known as the National Assembly. The ARF faction  (Armenian Revolutionary Federation aka Dashnaktsutyun), has 7 seats. The Tsarukyan alliance has 31 seats, and the Yelk faction has 9 seats.

English translator/editor: Stepan KocharyanYEREVAN, 1 MAY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 1 May, USD exchange rate stood at 483.32 drams. EUR exchange rate stood at 583.90 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 7.71 drams. GBP exchange rate stood at 666.74 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price stood at 20522.49 drams. Silver price stood at 257.56 drams. Platinum price stood at 14171.66 drams.YEREVAN, MAY 1, ARMENPRESS. Following failing to elect a Prime Minister at the parliament of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan headed to the Republican Square where thousands of protesters were waiting for him. He urged his followers to restore peaceful acts of civil disobedience starting from tomorrow morning.

Our counter-move against the action of the Republican faction will be very rapid. Tomorrow total strike is declared. We block all the streets, communications, subway and the airports starting from 08:15. Our struggle cannot end in a failure, Nikol Pashinyan said, addressing the protesters, adding that their struggle is a peaceful civilian struggle with open hands.

Referring to the debates at the National Assembly before the election of the PM, Pashinyan assessed them as provocative. They wanted to achieve a point where the people and the candidate of the people would become nervous, take provocative actions, organize attacks but we are not engaged in acts of robbing the dead. The talks may refer only to the political funeral of the RPA, ARMENPRESS reports Pashinyan as saying.

At the same time he noted that they have no option or opportunity to make a step back. Nikol Pashinyan also addressed the Police, urging them to join the people like MP Felix Tsolakyan did, who represents the ruling Republican Party, by voting in favor of Pashinyan.

The rally at the Republican Square ended without a march.

Photos by Gevorg Perkuperkyan

English translator/editor: Tigran SirekanyanA camper missing for almost five days in rugged Victorian bushland has been found alive, but severely dehydrated.

Sebastian Orefors, 23, was located on a Toora North farming property in south Gippsland, on Tuesday morning, after spending 87 hours lost in the bush.

The Mt Martha resident was last seen by his camping mates at Wonyip on a trail off Randalls Track, about 7.30pm on Friday.

Camper Sebastian Orefors, 23, missing for four nights in Victorias Gippsland region, has been found alive but severely dehydrated. Source: 7 News

All he had with him when he went missing were the clothes on his back, a pair of jeans and a hoodie, as well as two mobile phones that had lost any signal.

His family feared the worst as they helped Police and SES crews search Victorias south for days.

Shortly before 11am on Tuesday, Mr Orefors managed to walk onto a homestead about a kilometre from the nearest search team, despite being weak and dehydrated.

The resident called an ambulance and paramedics transported the lost camper to hospital where he is being assessed.

Sebastian Orefors rides hospital in an ambulance for assessment, accompanied by his relieved parents. Source: Victoria Police

Despite having spent four nights lost in the bush, Mr Orefors was remarkably not physically injured, aside from some minor scratches.

Mr Orefors family were overwhelmed when they were reunited with him.

Rescue crews search for missing camper Sebastian Orefors, who was later found on a farming property in Toora North. Source: Victoria Police

Police and Sebastians family would like to thank everyone involved in the search including SES, Bush Search and Rescue and Parks Victoria, Victoria Police said in a statement.

How the young man survived almost five days lost in the bush remains a mystery for now, as he has been too weak to provide details of his experience.Traditional May Day rallies turned violent in some parts of the world on Tuesday, as workers gathered to defend labour rights. There was looting in Paris and dozens of arrests in Turkey, in contrast to Cuba with its colourful celebrations and new leader. Here is a round-up of some of the biggest events on the annual workers' holiday. - Paris riots, looting - A march against French President Emmanuel Macron's public sector reforms descended into riots in central Paris. On the sidelines of the May Day union-led demonstration for workers' rights, chaos erupted when a group of protesters began torching a McDonald's restaurant and vehicles at a car dealership. Around 1,200 people in black jackets and face masks shouted slogans such as "Rise up, Paris" and "Everyone hates the police". Police, who had warned of the risk of extremist groups using the march to spark fresh clashes, used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protests and arrested nearly 300 demonstrators. The scenes of looting and destruction overshadowed the May Day march, which drew between 20,000 and 55,000 peaceful protesters, according to police and union estimates. - Burning effigy in Philippines - A giant demon representing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was burned by protesters near the presidential palace in a lively Labour Day rally. Thousands of workers marched in Manila to voice anger over what they said was the president's failure to scrap short-term employment contracts. Police said some 5,500 people attended the marches and that the events were "generally peaceful". - Tense crackdown in Turkey - Key protest areas were closed off in Istanbul, with the annual workers' holiday often the occasion for confrontation between demonstrators and police in Turkey. Protesters who sought to defy the ban in central Taksim Square were taken away by police, supported by helicopters, armoured cars and water cannon vehicles. Police said they arrested 84 people in Istanbul. Thousands of people took part in officially sanctioned May 1 events in the Istanbul district of Maltepe and in other cities, at a time when political tensions are running high ahead of snap parliamentary and presidential elections in June. - Show of hope in Cuba - In Havana, the first May Day march of the post-Castro era drew a colourful crowd of close to a million people. Cubans carried posters of the Castro brothers and fellow revolutionary Che Guevara and unfurled huge copies of the country's flag, while children dressed as soldiers bounced on their parents shoulders. The annual Workers' Day march at the capital's Revolution Square was the first major appearance for new president Miguel Diaz-Canel, who was accompanied by his predecessor Raul Castro. Parades also took place across Latin America, with thousands rallying in support of embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his socialist government outside the presidential palace in Caracas. The crisis-wracked US territory of Puerto Rico saw protesters clash with riot police over pension cuts, school closures and slow recovery efforts seven months after Hurricane Maria slammed into the island. - Flowers and stones - Riot police meanwhile were deployed to control crowds in Medellin, Colombia, where protesters threw stones at officers during clashes. In Berlin, police officers looked on as demonstrators dressed in black from the "Revolutionary 1st of May Demonstration" lit flares. According to unions, some 500 events were planned nationwide, with many held under the slogan of "solidarity, diversity and justice". But in Athens demonstrators carried red carnations in union marches through the Greek capital. One of the largest demonstrations of the Greek Communist Labour Union attracted at least 11,000 people. More than 2,000 leftist supporters of Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is serving a 12-year sentence for corruption, gathered in front of the Federal Police headquarters in Curitiba where he is being held. Wearing red and holding aloft signs calling for his release, they marked May Day by staging a "Good Morning Lula" event. The crisis-wracked US territory of Puerto Rico saw protesters clash with riot police Cars were set on fire during a demonstration on the sidelines of a march for the annual May Day workers' rally in Paris A McDonalds resteraunt was set on fire when May Day rallies turned to chaos in Paris A giant demon in the role of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was burned by protesters Turkish police officers arrested protesters attempting to defy a ban and march in Istanbul's Taksim Square In Havana, the first May Day march of the post-Castro era drew a colourful crowd of close to a million people. Cubans cheered during the May Day rally at Revolution Square in Havana Protesters throw rocks at riot police after they deployed tear gas during a May Day march to protest pension cuts, school closures and slow hurricane recovery efforts in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Policemen were targetted with stones during a rally in Medellin, Colombia. Supporters of Brazilian ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joined a rally in Curitiba calling for his release to mark May DayTwo opposition figures in Fiji were jailed Monday for spray-painting anti-government graffiti, while three executives at the country's oldest newspaper went on trial for sedition in a separate case, reports said. The cases highlight ongoing concerns about freedom of expression in the Pacific nation, which experienced four coups between 1987 and 2006. In the first case, former opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu and Jagath Karunaratne, leader of the Fiji United Freedom Party, were imprisoned for sedition, the Fiji Village news site reported. It said they received non-parole periods of 18 months in the Suva Magistrates Court after being convicted of spraying slogans on government posters in 2011. Prosecutors said the pair acted "with the seditious intention of bringing into hatred or contempt or to excite disaffection against the government". Lawyers for Bulitavu and Karunaratne have indicated they will appeal. In the other case, the sedition trial of three staff members at the Fiji Times -- occasionally a feisty critic of the regime -- began in the High Court in the capital Suva. The case against Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley, publisher Hank Arts and supplement editor Anare Ravula stems from a letter to the editor published in 2016 containing inflammatory comments about Muslims. The letter in question was printed in a low-circulation Fijian-language supplement of the Times, which was established in 1869 and remains the Pacific nation's oldest newspaper. In a recent World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) described the case against the newspaper as "spurious" while Amnesty has described it as "outrageous" and accused the government of trying to intimidate the media. Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama seized power in a 2006 military coup and ruled by decree until he won a general election in 2014. Military censors in newsrooms were among the measures Bainimarama implemented before the country's return to democracy. While RSF said conditions had improved, it said reporters still operate under "draconian" media regulations that can attract two-year prison terms if broken. Three executives of the Fiji Times newspaper face sedition charges in a case described as 'spurious' by Reporters Without BordersThe Dominican Republic and China announced Tuesday they were establishing diplomatic relations as the Caribbean country became the latest nation to dump Taiwan, leaving it with just 19 diplomatic allies around the globe. Taipei said it was "deeply upset" at the decision, which it blamed on "dollar diplomacy". The move deepens the island's international isolation while its giant neighbour flexes its economic and political might on the global stage. The Dominican Republic said it believed its switch to ties with China would be "extraordinarily positive for the future of our country", in an official statement. "The Dominican Republic recognises that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory," it added. Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy which sees itself as a sovereign nation but has never formally declared independence from the mainland. Beijing considers it a renegade province to be brought back into the fold and is increasing international pressure to prevent any recognition of the island. Beijing announced Tuesday morning that it would exchange ambassadors with the Dominican Republic "as soon as practicable". Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said the government "deeply regrets that Dominican Republic and China established ties on May 1". Wu said the ministry "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies" and accused Beijing of failing to honour its promises to those countries it had wooed away. Its actions had damaged cross-strait relations and eroded trust, said Wu, who blamed China's financial incentives for ending Taiwan's 77-year alliance with the Dominican Republic. The foreign ministry had summoned the Caribbean country's ambassador to deliver a protest and tell him to close the embassy, Wu said. - Vatican next? - Taiwan now has 19 diplomatic allies left -- 10 in Latin America and the Caribbean, two in Africa, six small island nations in the Pacific and the Vatican. Beijing and the Holy See severed diplomatic relations in 1951 and remain at odds over who should appoint bishops. But an apparent warming of relations between China and the Vatican -- considered Taiwan's most powerful remaining official ally -- has triggered concerns that the Holy See may also switch allegiance in what would be a crushing blow to Taipei. Wu insisted that ties with the Holy See "would not be in immediate danger" even if there were a breakthrough agreement on designating bishops in China. In June last year Panama cut ties with Taipei to open relations with Beijing while Costa Rica did so in 2007. "This latest development is proof, yet again, that Taiwan needs to focus its energies developing solid and multifaceted ties with unofficial diplomatic allies," said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottingham's China Policy Institute. The Dominican Republic joins a long list of small countries that "in a heartbeat will throw principle out the window for the sake of getting more from China", Cole added. Taipei's Mainland Affairs Council slammed the Dominican Republic's move, blaming Beijing for undermining cross-strait ties. "We call on China to immediately stop provocative actions of exerting extreme political and military pressure on Taiwan," it said. - 'A warning' - The government of President Tsai Ing-wen is trying to enhance Taiwan's international profile but faces a concerted attempt by Beijing to shrink its space on global platforms. Taiwan is regularly shut out of influential forums as organisers come under pressure from Beijing. Mainland China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949, when the defeated Nationalist government fled to the island. Beijing has consistently said it wants Tsai to recognise that Taiwan is part of "one China" but she has not done so. Comments by premier William Lai expressing his personal support for Taiwan's independence have further riled Beijing. "Given the current cross-strait political climate, things like this (losing an ally) are bound to happen sooner or later, it's just a matter of when and which country," said political analyst Tang Shao-cheng at the National Chengchi University in Taipei. "The timing of China establishing ties with the Dominican Republic is meant as a warning for Taiwan not to cross the red line to show support for Taiwan independence, since (Beijing's) recent verbal intimidation and sabre-rattling did not yield desirable results," she said. burs/lm/sm The Dominican Republic said it believed its switch to ties with China would be "extraordinarily positive for the future of our country", in an official statement At an emergency press conference, Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said the government "deeply regrets that Dominican Republic and China established ties on May 1" Map showing the 19 remaining countries that have formal diplomatic ties with Taipei. Taipei's Mainland Affairs Council slammed the Dominican Republic's move, blaming Beijing for undermining cross-strait tiesThe Democratic Republic of Congo's security agencies are interfering in an investigation into the murder of two UN experts, preventing a UN team from questioning key witnesses and suspects, according to a confidential report. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sent the UN investigators to the DR Congo to help authorities find those responsible for the murder last year of American Michael Sharp and Swede Zaida Catalan in the Kasai region. Led by Robert Petit of Canada, the team has since November been working with a Congolese military prosecutor in the Kasai city of Kananga, but progress has been slow, said the report sent to the Security Council two weeks ago. "Several key arrests have taken place, but progress in the investigation continues to be hampered by the continued interference of the security apparatus," said the report obtained by AFP on Tuesday. In August, a UN inquiry found that local militia were most likely responsible for the killings of the pair, but it did not rule out involvement by others. Sharp and Catalan were investigating mass graves and crimes associated with a rebellion in Kasai province when they were abducted along with four Congolese colleagues in March 2017. The bodies of Sharp, the group's coordinator and arms expert, and Catalan, a humanitarian expert, were found in a shallow grave by peacekeepers weeks after they disappeared. Catalan had been decapitated. After two alleged militia members, Vincent Manga and Francois Badibanga, were arrested in March, a UN investigator was able to briefly question them in Kananga before they were suddenly transferred to Kinshasa "into the custody of the security services," said the report. - Security services hold key witnesses - The UN team is seeking to question the interpreter who accompanied the murdered experts, Thomas Nkashama, but "numerous credible sources have placed that individual in the custody of the security services for some time," it added. "It is quite clear that the security apparatus in Kinshasa continues to interfere with the judicial process and controls access to key witnesses and suspects," said the report prepared by the UN's political affairs department. UN investigators have asked Congolese authorities for permission to question four other suspects arrested in December and detained in Kinshasa, but they have yet to be returned to Kananga despite assurances from the justice minister. A total of 26 suspects are on trial for the murders of Sharp of Catalan, 14 of whom are being tried in absentia, but the report pointed to "evidentiary gaps" in the prosecutor's case. DRC authorities have asked the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO to help carry out a mission to recover the remains of four Congolese nationals believed to have accompanied Sharp and Catalan. Testimony from Badibanga, who admitted to being present when the crimes were committed, could help to locate the bodies while United Nations police would be on hand to carry out forensic tests. The Congolese army has denied involvement in the experts' killing. In April, the government released a video that it said documented the execution of the two experts. It identified the executioners as members of the Kamwina Nsapu militia. It remains unclear when the Security Council will discuss the report which comes amid concerns over preparations for presidential elections in December. Guterres is expected to pay a visit to Kinshasa in the coming months, with African Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat for talks with President Joseph Kabila. This file picture taken on July 4, 2004 in Visby, Sweden, shows UN Swedish employee Zaida Catalan, who was murdered last year in the Kasai region of DR Congo Young Congolese boys play around broken building on October 26, 2017 in Kasala, in the restive region of Kasai, central Democratic Republic of Congo, which is riven by conflict between the local militia and government forcesRiot police fired tear gas on Tuesday to disperse thousands of May 1 demonstrators in Honduras' capital staging an opposition-led protest against President Juan Orlando Hernandez. Protesters were seen running to get away from the choking gas, including some carrying children who had been overcome. Journalists estimated around 20,000 workers, rural residents, students and members of unions and associations took part in the march before they were confronted by about 1,000 riot police. Protesters had yelled "JOH out," in reference to the president's initials, and: "In our country, Honduras, we don't want dictatorships." The demonstration was organized by unions and the left-wing Opposition Alliance Against the Dictatorship. Opposition leader Manuel Zelaya -- a former president ousted by the military in 2009 -- arrived by bicycle. The opposition says Hernandez, a conservative backed by the United States, was illegitimately re-elected in a November 2017 vote marred by delays and alleged fraud. At least 22 people died in post-election clashes, according to the UN. Zelaya told the UneTV network that the police action against the protesters on Tuesday was "a demonstration of the weakness of the dictatorship." The television station said similar May 1 marches in other cities in Honduras were also targeted by police. May 1 sees traditional workers' demonstrations in Latin America, where the day is celebrated as an international labor holiday. Demonstrators clash with riot police during a May Day protest demanding the resignation of President Juan Orlando Hernandez in Tegucigalpa on May 1st, 2018Indian police on Tuesday arrested a man accused of killing a bridegroom when he marked his friend's wedding with gunfire, the latest in a grim series of marriage celebrations gone wrong. A video of Sunil Verma, 25, being hit in the chest late Sunday as he performed Hindu wedding rituals has gone viral on Indian social media. The footage shows a man identified as a friend of Verma adjusting a pistol when it goes off. The next moment, the groom is seen clutching his chest and slumping face down. "He has confessed to the shooting but the investigations will continue. We have recovered the murder weapon," Ghanshyam Chaurasia, investigating officer in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh state, told AFP. The shooter, who could face a murder charge, was on the run until his arrest on Tuesday in a neighbouring town. Police said two shots were fired from the licensed pistol belonging to the friend. Although outlawed in India, celebratory gunfire at weddings and other social events is common and sometimes deadly. A 20-year-old man was killed at his cousin's wedding on Sunday after revellers fired live ammunition to celebrate the event in neighbouring Allahabad district. The shooter, a relative of the groom, is also on the run, police said. And in February, during celebratory gunfire at a wedding in the capital New Delhi, the groom was hit by a stray bullet and killed. The suspected wedding shooter is surrounded by police after his arrest in Uttar PradeshMorocco on Tuesday cut diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing the Islamic republic of using its ally Hezbollah to deliver weapons to the separatist Polisario Front in Western Sahara. Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the decision had nothing to do with "current regional or international developments", referring to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and its allies on one side and Shiite Iran its camp on the other. The Lebanese Hezbollah quickly rejected Rabat's accusations, blaming the decision on foreign "pressure". At a press conference in Rabat, Bourita said "a first shipment of weapons was recently" sent to the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which is seeking independence, via an "element" at the Iranian embassy in Algiers. "Morocco has irrefutable proof, names and specific actions to corroborate the complicity between the Polisario and Hezbollah," he told reporters. The decision to sever ties with Tehran is "in response to Iran's involvement, through Hezbollah, in allying itself with the Polisario over the past two years in order to target the security and higher interests of Morocco". Bourita was speaking upon his return from Tehran, where he said he informed his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif about Morocco's decision. The foreign minister said he departed Tehran along with Morocco's ambassador to Iran. "I will ask the Iranian embassy's charge d'affaires to leave the kingdom as soon as possible," Bourita added. - 'False accusations' - Morocco and Iran have had strained relations and severed diplomatic ties in the past, the last time in 2009 when Rabat cut ties with Tehran but they were restored at the end of 2014. According to Bourita, Iran and Hezbollah have had ties with the Polisario Front since 2016, when the Lebanese Shiite militant group set up a committee to support the Polisario. After that, he said, a Hezbollah military delegation visited the Polisario Front in the Tindouf area in southwest Algeria. Hezbollah quickly denied that it was arming the Polisario, accusing Morocco of caving to "pressure from the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia to direct these false accusations". Hezbollah said Bourita was "free... to look for a more convincing argument to sever ties with Iran". Washington, Riyadh and Israel have frequently condemned Iranian interference in the Middle East. Iran and Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations in January 2016 and are engaged in a regional power struggle. Both countries support opposing camps in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. The Polisario and Morocco fought for control of Western Sahara from 1975 to 1991, with Rabat taking over the desert territory before a UN-brokered ceasefire in the former Spanish colony. Rabat considers Western Sahara an integral part of Morocco and proposes autonomy for the resource-rich territory, but the Polisario Front insists on a UN referendum on independence. On Friday the UN Security Council backed a US-drafted resolution that urges Morocco and the Polisario Front to prepare for talks on settling the decades-old conflict. It also renewed for six months the mandate of a UN mission that has been monitoring the ceasefire in Western Sahara since 1991. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have been deadlocked since the last round of UN-sponsored talks in 2008. Morocco maintains that negotiations on a settlement should focus on its proposal for autonomy for Western Sahara and rejects the Polisario's insistence on an independence referendum. A file picture shows soldiers of the pro-independence Polisario Front standing before a Sahrawi flag flying at the Boujdour refugee camp in Western Algeria on October 17, 2017Myanmar must hold a "proper investigation" into alleged atrocities against the Muslim Rohingya, a UN Security Council envoy said Tuesday at the end of the highest-level diplomatic visit to the conflict area. Refugees and rights groups say Myanmar's army and vigilantes systematically raped and murdered civilians and torched villages during "clearance operations" in Rakhine state ostensibly targeting Rohingya militants. That campaign launched last August in the mainly Buddhist nation drove around 700,000 Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh. During the trip to Myanmar UN delegates met both civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who heads an army accused by the UN of "ethnic cleansing". "In order to have accountability there must be a proper investigation," Britain's UN ambassador Karen Pierce told reporters, after envoys visited both the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and Rakhine. During his meeting late Monday with the UN envoys, the army chief denied his forces had committed rape and other sexual abuses during a crackdown which he ordered. "The Tatmadaw (army) is always disciplined... and takes action against anyone who breaks the law," he told the delegates, according to a posting late Monday on his official Facebook page. Rohingya women and girls in Bangladesh have provided consistent accounts of sexual violence -- reports verified by conflict monitors -- but Min Aung Hlaing said his forces have "no such history of sexual abuse." "It is unacceptable according to the culture and religion of our country," he said, adding anyone found guilty of crimes would be punished. He also repeated the official line that Myanmar was ready to take back the refugees who could be verified as residents, as per a repatriation deal with Bangladesh. Several months after the deal was signed, no refugees have returned. They demand guarantees of safety, the right to return to their original villages and the granting of citizenship. Another UN diplomat warned it will take "two or three years" for the refugees to be repatriated as the current timeframe to implement the deal continues to slip. "There is a need to speed up the process," Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, the Kuwaiti ambassador to the UN, said, adding conditions must be "safe and dignified" for return. Bangladeshi accuses Myanmar of buying time by pretending to cooperate over repatriation for the benefit of the international community. Myanmar says its neighbour has only handed back 8,000 repatriation forms so far, many of them incomplete, delaying the return process. Myanmar denies the Rohingya citizenship and accompanying rights. It has driven out two thirds of its roughly 1.5 million Rohingya population since 2012. A UN Security Council delegation is making a belated first visit to Myanmar to ratchet up pressure for a safe and dignified return of the Muslim minorityA 24-storey building used by squatters in the center of Sao Paulo, Brazil's biggest city, collapsed early Tuesday after a blaze that tore through the structure, leaving at least three missing. Survivors described waking in the night to find themselves surrounded by flames and escaping with their children before the tower turned to rubble. Scores of homeless families were occupying the building, according to officials. However, despite the ferocity of the blaze, only one person was listed as almost certainly dead. "There are some missing, approximately three, with one very likely a fatality," Ricardo Peixoto, a firefighters' commander, told AFP. "We don't know how many people were in the building so we don't know whether we'll find more victims in the ruins." So far, 250 people who'd been living in the building have been registered after the blaze, city security official Jose Roberto said. The fire began overnight and spread rapidly, turning the building into an inferno before it fell down. Dramatic pictures tweeted by the fire service showed flames shooting up the sides of the whole tower, moments before it was reduced to a heap of smoking ruins. An adjacent church was also damaged. "We got the call at around 1:30 am (0430 GMT) and we came at once, a few minutes later, and about five floors of the building were on fire," Peixoto said. "Fifteen or 20 minutes later the building fell." Fifty-seven vehicles and 160 firefighters were deployed to the scene, the department said. - Frantic escape - Sao Paulo is Brazil's financial capital and the most populous city in Latin America, but suffers huge economic inequality. Poor families often squat in disused buildings or set up tents and shacks on vacant land, sometimes next to wealthy areas. President Michel Temer, who is Brazil's most unpopular leader on record, with single-digit approval ratings, got a hostile reception when he briefly visited the scene. "We want housing!" a crowd chanted. One survivor, 26-year-old Henrique, said he managed to get out from the third floor with his girlfriend and their dog. "We woke and the building was already on fire," he said. "We struggle so much and now we've lost everything." Another man, Jose Antonio, described the frantic escape from the sixth floor, where he lived with his wife, three children and sister-in-law. "I was unsure if my son had taken my youngest daughter," Antonio, 48, told AFP. "There was still time to go back so I returned, I looked around, I patted the mattresses. There wasn't time to take anything. I patted the mattresses, saw no one was at home anymore, then I went down behind them shouting their names to see if they had gone down." Sao Paulo state Governor Marcio Franca said "it was a tragedy waiting to happen.... This building didn't have even the minimum conditions for habitation. The state should not have allowed it to be occupied." From a safety point of view, the building was a ticking bomb, Peixoto said. "There was no security, there were not adequate electrical installations, there were no safe staircases, there were piles of rubbish -- there was everything you need to start a major fire," he said. Firefighters work to extinguish the fire in a 24-storey building used by squatters that later collapsed in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the largest city in Latin America Sao Paulo suffers from huge inequality, and poor families often squat in disused buildings such as this one which caught fire and collapsed, likely leaving one person deadScotland on Tuesday introduced minimum pricing for alcohol, in what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hailed as a "bold" and "brave" policy move that has endured years of legal battles. The Scottish leader said she expected other nations to enact similar policies, which will set a minimum price according to the alcohol content of a drink. "Already we know that Wales and Ireland are wanting to take forward unit pricing policies of their own," Sturgeon told AFP. "But as we see the benefits of these policies that have been predicted in modelling and in evidence start to be felt in real life, then I think we will see countries across Europe and further afield look to replicate what has been done here in Scotland," she added. Some form of minimum pricing for alcohol is active in six countries: Canada, some US states, Russia, Moldova, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The Scottish policy, designed to cut long-standing issues around alcohol-related harm, will set a minimum price of 50 pence ($0.70, 0.57 euros) per unit of alcohol. It has been welcomed by the medical profession and health campaigners as the biggest breakthrough in public health since the ban on smoking in public. "This legislation will be life-saving," said Alison Douglas, chief executive of the Alcohol Focus Scotland charity, who predicted it would save 58 lives in the first year. "But the effect builds over time and by year 20 -- which is full effect -- it will save 121 lives here in Scotland," she added. Audrey Duncan, 37, a recovering alcoholic from Glasgow whose life was devastated by the addiction, said the cheap price of booze had helped fuel it. "I don't think it (minimum pricing) would have put me off but I certainly would have run out of money quicker," she added. - Whisky industry worries - Retailers said they expected minimal hits on some stock, but added they had long been anticipating the scheme. Linda Williams, proprietor of a store in Edinburgh, said it could "even out the playing field between supermarkets and local shops". "There will be no more heavy discounting on spirits and on big packs of beer which really have caused all the problems in the first place with alcohol," she added. The plan finally came into force this week after years of court wrangling delayed its introduction. Britain's Supreme Court last year backed the Scottish government's move, declining an appeal by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and other industry representatives to strike it down. Seven judges in London unanimously ruled that such pricing is "a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim" and does not breach European Union law. That ended a half-decade legal battle which had gone all the way to the European Court of Justice in 2015. Despite losing its appeal, a spokesperson for the SWA said the industry had worked "co-operatively" with the government to implement the scheme, "which we hope will be smooth". "We agree with the Scottish government that there needs to be an objective, independent and robust assessment of the impact of minimum unit pricing," it added. Sturgeon said she never believed it would damage Scotland's lucrative whisky industry. "The premium whiskies that the industry in Scotland is so renowned for are not the alcohol products that are going to be most affected by minimum pricing," she added. Sturgeon said Scotland "is the first country in the world being bold enough and brave enough to introduce minimum unit pricing" Sturgeon (L) meets clinicians during a visit to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary as she marks the minimum unit pricing for alcohol coming into forceFootage of a teenager being savagely attacked by a gang of youths at an Adelaide city car park has exposed a dangerous fight club culture where witnesses say theres no mercy.

Police are investigating the latest sickening brawl after the attackers posted the video online to boast.

Jumped from behind, the boy was attacked 10 to one.

Stop. Please, please, the youth can be heard begging.

A savage attack on a teenager by a gang of youths in an Adelaide city car park has exposed a dangerous fight club culture where witnesses say theres no mercy. Source: 7 News

A ruthless and savage fight club culture is spilling into the citys laneways and car parks, officers say.

Most would find the video of the city car park beating difficult to watch, which shows the boys laughing as their victim begs for mercy.

Friends of those involved told 7 News it was meant to be a pre-planned fight but quickly escalated.

Jumped from behind, the youth was attacked 10 to one. Source: 7 News

It was meant to be a one-on-one and then it became nine-on-one, one witness told.

Its no mercy. Its just to the death is what it is. Normally you just fight until theyre pretty much passed out.

The laneway off Rundle Mall has become a trouble spot, where teenagers meet to drink, smoke, and most disturbingly fight. They sometimes even pounce on innocent members of the public.

The violence happens mostly in the citys car parks, locals have told 7 News.

The defenceless youth can be heard begging for the beating to stop. Source: 7 News

Another witness added: Some of them are unexpected and they just jump people mainly people that they dont know.

I feel really scared like I dont wanna be anywhere near them They steal bags, shoes and phones and try to sell them to get money, a third witness told.

The teenage victim is helping police with their investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.We've detected that JavaScript is not enabled in your browser.

You must enable JavaScript to use craigslist.Republicans Jones, Dacey, and Law vie to show voters their loyalty to President Trump's agenda

Walter Jones (12-term incumbent). Education: Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College), bachelor of arts; attended N.C. State University. Career highlights: Senior member of House Armed Services Committee; member of pro-life, immigration reform, prayer, liberty, and host of other congressional caucuses; served five terms in N.C. House of Representatives; ex-manager of Walter B. Jones Office Supply; former National Guard member.

Scott Dacey, vice chairman, Craven County Board of Commissioners. Education: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, political science degree. Occupation: Real estate development company co-owner; lobbyist practice in Washington, D.C. Career highlights: Worked in George H.W. Bush administration and Wisconsin legislature.

Phil Law. Education: Strayer University, information systems degree. Occupation: Security and community emergency response team trainer. Career highlights: Hewlett Packard site supervisor; U.S. Marine Corps veteran; member of veteran organizations.

Republican primary, U.S. House District 3 (includes all or parts of Beaufort, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Greene, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell counties)All three candidates in the Republican primary for U.S. House District 3 believe President Trump is Making America Great Again. Only one believes incumbent Walter Jones will help him.Challengers Phil Law and said voters should reject Jones in the May 8 primary. Jones says he is the best man for the job.Jones typically has primary challengers with national backing, and a three-way race might help him because it splits opposition votes. Jones has hinted strongly this would be his last run for the seat he has held since 1995.No Democrats filed for the May primary, but unaffiliated candidates have until noon May 8 to submit petition signatures to get on the November ballot.N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Kappler said during a presentation April 23 at the John Locke Foundation. Jones defeated Law in the three-way 2016 primary by more than a 3-1 vote margin.Many election observers believe the 2018 election will be a referendum on President Donald Trump.Jones told Carolina Journal.Law said.Dacey said, criticizing Jones' voting record. VotersAll three candidates support Trump's tariff policy.Jones said. Just the threat of tariffs can be a powerful tool to bring trading partners to the negotiating table.Dacey said. But Trump campaigned on using tariffs and should have the chance to demonstrate his trade-negotiation skills.Law said, citing continuing disputes between Washington and Beijing over intellectual property uses.The candidates agreed the $1.3 trillion spending bill Congress passed in March was excessive. Jones voted against it.Jones said tax-cutting legislation was needed.Jones said.Dacey said. He believes the Senate filibuster is largely to blame, and should be scrapped.Law said.He opposes omnibus bills, and supports single-issue legislation. Voters put Republicans in charge, and leadership is coming up lacking, he said.The candidates all are Second Amendment supporters and back the president's calls to crack down on illegal immigration - including a border wall.Jones said.Dacey said. The wall should be built, or funding put in place before any new immigration actions are taken, he said. He opposes a special pathway to citizenship for DACA immigrants. He said they should go through the same process as any legal immigrant.Law said. He thinks illegal immigrants are suppressing wages, harming the middle class, and tax dollars are being spent on them at the expense of senior citizens and other Americans with needs. He supports the border wall.All three say Trump is doing a good job. While fighting the establishment, lobbyists, and special interests lined up against him, he steered tax reform to passage, and invigorated America's economy, they said.Federal Election Commission reports ending March 31 show Jones spent $349,035 since Jan. 1, 2017, and had $54,946 cash on hand. Dacey spent $215,429 since July 1, 2017, and had $139,887 cash on hand. Law spent $14,984 since Jan. 1, and had $47,579 cash on hand.Having only one community college and no other public broad-access college or university nearby means the student only really has one public option from which to choose. If there are two community colleges, or if there is a community college and a broad-access public university, then this community would not qualify as an education desert under this definition since the student has at least one public alternative. Under this definition, a community could still be classified as an education desert even if private institutions operate nearby.

When we look at countries around the world, a year of education appears to raise an individual's income by 8 to 11 percent. By contrast, increasing education across a country's population by an average of one year per person raises the national income by only 1 to 3 percent. In other words, education enriches individuals much more than it enriches nations.

Students in the United States have unprecedented options for postsecondary education: from brick-and-mortar liberal arts institutions and research-intensive doctoral universities to dual-enrollment high schools and online-only degree programs. Entrepreneurs are innovating continually to improve America's higher education options.But a new report attempts to throw cold water on the higher education landscape. Entitled, " Disconnected from Higher Education: How Geography and Internet Speed Limit Access to Higher Education ," the report claims that 3 million Americans live in "higher education deserts." The report is co-authored by Victoria Rosenboom and Kristin Blagg, researchers in the Urban Institute's Education Policy Program.When taken at face value, the report's conclusion is cause for celebration: almost 99 percent of American adults have easy access to adequate learning options. This is a remarkable achievement. The report then focuses on the remaining 1 percent of American adults who have access to neither physical nor online education.Setting aside whether 1 percent represents a significant threshold of Americans lacking higher education opportunities, there are problems in the report's data and analysis that put even this tenuous conclusion in doubt. It may be that higher education "deserts" are even smaller than reported.The report's first misstep is its definition of a physical higher education desert, which includes any place where the only available broad-access brick-and-mortar option is a community college. The American Council on Education used the same definition in its 2016 report, " Education Deserts: The Continued Significance of 'Place' in the Twenty-First Century ."ACE's explanation is useful in understanding the methodology of both reports:Precedent aside, this defies any common sense understanding of the idea of a "desert." A higher education "desert" ought to be strictly defined as a place where residents have no access to higher education-not a place with multiple options that fall outside strict, predetermined parameters.The definition of "online education desert" used in the report is also misleading. The report's authors use the FCC's definition of "broadband internet" (25 megabits per second) as the metric-an unnecessarily high bar. Students do not need such high capacity to take an online course. (For comparison, Netflix recommends its users have internet speeds of 5 megabits per second to stream "HD Quality" content.)Using more reasonable standards yields a different picture. Very few Americans have no colleges or universities within driving distance and internet speeds under 5 megabits per second. For example, the upstate South Carolina region appears empty on the report's graphic data , a physical higher education desert.This may surprise readers familiar with the area given that Clemson University, Anderson University, Tri-County Technical Institute, and several other institutions all offer higher education to local residents. For example, Anderson University is dismissed from the report because it is a private school, though it actually offers classes to local high school seniors. And Clemson University, which the authors consider "inaccessible" for having high academic standards, offers a "Bridge to Clemson" program in conjunction with Tri-County Technical College, a local community college. The program allows students to be admitted to Clemson with 30 transferable credit hours. These programs are excellent examples of extending educational opportunities to local students. It is hard to see how any close observer of upstate South Carolina could consider it an education desert.There are equally puzzling examples in North Carolina, too. The town of Rolesville, for example, is on the edge of a "physical education desert" despite being located in Wake County, which hosts 12 colleges and universities. The town itself is a 10-minute drive from the northern campus of Wake Technical Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the state. Elizabeth City is also listed as a "physical education desert," although Elizabeth City State University and the College of The Albemarle are both located within its city limits. College of The Albemarle serves students from Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans counties.By contriving a definition that suits a pre-disposed conclusion, the report misses a broader element in the discussion of higher education. If anything, there is an over-supply of colleges and universities in the United States. Many schools, even those in heavily populated areas with many eligible students, face financial difficulties. And in the Northeast, where the population is declining, students are spoiled by choice as colleges and universities vie to give them the best offers of tuition discounts and special programs. Enrollments have continued to fall for the past six years.Lastly, the more fundamental scarcity facing students today is having access to appropriate job skills, not institutes of higher education per se. A survey to know where genuine opportunities to gain desirable skill sets are lacking would prove more useful in reaching those left behind. Fortunately, technical education is abundant. Vocational colleges offer the appropriate means for a large portion of the labor force to get ahead in today's economy.Traditional research-supported schools, on the other hand, offer plenty of signal value to the marketplace, but offer only questionable skill sets at best, as Bryan Caplan explained in his recent book . He argues Privileging public universities places the "need to signal" over the "need for skills" in a way that ultimately makes educational opportunities less attractive. Increasing the presence of bricks-and-mortar public universities would only dilute this signal value further, thus creating the need for more educational opportunities to better signal ability. Surely it is not simply being in the august hallways of public university buildings that benefit students. It is by gaining skills that provide the potential for personal growth throughout their lifetime.Now that it is fully apparent, to all who have the ability to pay some modicum of attention, that Imposter President Biden has extreme cognitive issues, in addition to being an inveterate liar: Can OUR Republic continue with this Executive Office that has completely failed, so many times, on far too many issues here at this early date in this abysmal presidency?

No, Joseph R. Biden is completely unqualified, morally and cognitively, to represent real Americans, and lead this Republic of disparate peoples.

Yes, Joseph R. Biden has started whispering again, even softer now than before; so, I know he still cares, plus, OUR media will soon stop reporting on Afghanistan in favor of OUR Socialist ideals.The University of Texas at Austin is receiving national criticism again this week after it began offering services through its Counseling and Mental Health Center.The awareness campaign and program, labeled "MasculinUT," is a program that the University of Texas says willThe corresponding website for "MasculinUT" offers an array of options for how masculinity can be attended to and cured when it is "toxic." This includes lobbying for gender equity.Beyond that, the advice on the website goes on to explain that if you are into protecting people or defending others, you very well could be suffering from toxic masculinity.Many schools across the country have offered programs of a similar nature, but this is the first one known to be operating out of the office of Counseling and/or Mental Health.As part of the advances of their newly formed program, the University is also looking to hire a full-time, salary positionedWho would be in charge ofAfter embarrassing itself on the world stage again, the University issued a correction on the website saying thatand that attempts to label it otherwise are false.The University of Texas at Austin, along with other college who sponsor similar programs, have been attempting to relabel the word "masculinity" in order for it to mean the exact opposite of what it actually does. Masculinity has long been about protecting women, from the sexual assault attempts that may be made on them and any other dangers. The University of Texas is looking to prevent this and relabel the word all together, and more harm is being done to young developing men as a result of programs like this then would be if men were being taught to just protect women, and respect them. While the University stumbles along denying this, they will continue to waste taxpayer dollars funding worthless programs that will do nothing to protect anyone on their campus.Kathy Manos Penn with Lord Banjo

If you eat leftovers, you may be in the minority. I was astounded when I saw this headline: "Food is so cheap, Americans have stopped eating leftovers." First I thought, "Seriously? We eat leftovers all the time." Next, before I even read the article, I thought, "Well, I hear many Americans don't cook, so how can they have leftovers to eat?"The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental group, conducted a study to determine how much food we waste across America. They asked households to track the food they threw away and went so far as to get permission to check the respondents' trash cans. I guess we can't be trusted to answer food-waste questions honestly.Reading that the average person throws out 3.5 pounds of food each week was meaningless to me until that is, I pictured a 3.5-pound beef roast.Still, the statistic that stuck with me was that 23% of the waste was leftovers-not banana peels and apple cores. The study defined leftovers as prepared food "from any source." That explains how you can have leftovers in the fridge even if you don't cook. Think meals from the local deli, Chinese takeout, and doggie bags.Color me an oddball. I cook most nights, and at least two nights a week, I prepare dinner intending to have enough left for a second meal. Most weeks I routinely grill or bake chicken as the main course and use the leftover chicken in a big salad later. I make coleslaw or cook butter beans or Brussel sprouts, planning to have them as sides more than once. In the colder months, I make soup or chili or stew to eat two nights and often have enough left over to freeze to eat again a few weeks later.The researchers found that many of us forget about our Tupperware containers and wind up throwing out spoiled food. I admit I've been guilty of that oversight, and if you've ever worked in an office, you probably remember the periodic call to clean out the refrigerator filled to the gills with weeks-old containers of unidentifiable mush.The other reason for ditching leftovers appears to be boredom with eating the same dish several times. My husband more so than I draws the line at two times for a meal, and it's usually only something like vegetable soup or chili that I try to push on him for a third time.I most often throw away leftovers when poor planning results in too much for one meal but not enough for two. Even then, I will save enough for one lunch serving rather than toss it. I have no problem combining rice, chicken, and veggies in a container for one more meal.Perhaps because I eat to live, not the other way around, I feel slightly guilty when I end up throwing away food. I'm fortunate that, for me, it has never been about the wasted money; it's about planning on leftovers, so I don't have to cook a complete meal every single night.The NRDC envisions a "love your leftovers" campaign to reduce food waste and clogged landfills. During WWI and WWII, our government encouraged us to eat leftovers. The message back then? It's "morally wrong to waste food, " an idea I think translated into our mothers referencing starving children in China to get us to clean our plates.Gee, does this mean that we leftover lovers are somehow morally superior to non-leftover-loving folks? I can see the banner now: Be a better person-eat leftovers.Kathy Manos Penn is a Sandy Springs resident. Find her latest book, "Lord Banjo the Royal Pooch," and her collection of columns, "The Ink Penn: Celebrating the Magic in the Everyday," on Amazon. Contact her at inkpenn119@gmail.com, and follow her on Facebook, www.facebook.com/KathyManosPennAuthor/.In June 2015, Rebecca Zeni, a former model, wife, and mother, died at Shepherd Hills nursing home in LaFayette, GA from blood poisoning, the result of a scabies infestation so severe that her body was covered in crusts and her fingers were nearly falling off. The medical examiner who reviewed Ms. Zenis case has said that her death was likely extremely painful and that she needlessly suffered from the easily-treatable disease.

Today, Ms. Zenis daughter is suing the nursing home, Shepherd Hills, and its for-profit parent company, PruittHealth, for neglect and wrongful death. The story gained national attention after the family allowed photos of Ms. Zeni to be published, highlighting alarming flaws within the nursing home industry.



Nursing Home Let Victim Suffer for 2 Years

Scabies are actually quite common in nursing homes. Tiny female mites bury themselves inside human skin and lay eggs. The disease is spread from skin-to-skin contact and can also be passed on through infested clothing and linens. Because the elderly have thinner, looser skin and have immune systems that cause sores to heal less quickly, they are naturally predisposed to skin infections and irritations. Proper care can help avoid and eradicate the disease. However, Shepherd Hills seemed to have shunned every standard protocol for treating residents and staffers with scabies.

Rebecca Zeni became a resident of Shepherd Hills in 2010, admitted with dementia and other ailments that prevented her from living independently. In 2013, the nursing home reported a scabies infestation to the Georgia Department of Health, notifying them of 10 residents and 10 staffers with rashes consistent with scabies. Ms. Zeni developed the trademark painful, itchy rash and was prescribed a topical cream and an oral dose of ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug. Typically patients with scabies should be given a course of treatment and put into isolation for 24 hours. Ms. Zenis records reveal that not only was she not given the medicine as prescribed by her physician, but that she was not put into isolation, effectively allowing the disease to spread.

Records from Shepherd Hills also indicate that employees infected with scabies were not isolated and were able to continue working, and that soiled linens used by residents with scabies were allowed to be washed along with items used by non-infected residents.

The 2013 scabies outbreak was not the last for Shepherd Hills. In 2014, the nursing home had another infestation and failed to report it to the Georgia Department of Health. In 2015, yet another outbreak occurred and this time, Shepherd Hills reported 20 residents and 15 staffers with rashes. The nursing home also never gave families notice of any of the 3 outbreaks, instead posting a sign that alluded to a situation that was under control. It is believed that Ms. Zeni suffered the entire 2 year period between acquiring the disease in 2013 and her painful death in 2015, having never been cured of the ailment at any point.

Nursing Home Repeatedly Cited

Shepherd Hills has been cited for health and safety violations a number of times over the years, including immediate jeopardy citations. Immediate jeopardy violations include those that put residents in harms way and can lead to injury and death if not corrected. In 2016 alone, Shepherd Hills was cited numerous times for medication errors, putting one patient in the hospital for a morphine overdose.

According to Nursing Home Compare, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services nursing home quality assessment tool, Shepherd Hills overall rating is 1 out of 5 stars, or much below average. They also found nursing staff spends an average of 1 hour and 25 minutes per resident a day, below both the Georgia average of 1 hour and 29 minutes and the national average of 1 hour and 32 minutes.

Ms. Zenis case is a harsh reminder of the priorities of many for-profit nursing home operators. By keeping staffing low, allowing infected employees to continue working, and keeping outbreaks of any kind under wraps, nursing homes are able to still operate, attract new residents, keep their facilities full, and keep the paychecks from Medicaid coming in. Sending infected employees home and notifying the proper parties (health departments and families of loved ones) could negatively impact a nursing homes financial bottom line. Time and time again, we have sign nursing homes take the risk of doing nothing.



Levin & Perconti: Attorneys for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

In our nearly 3 decades litigating nursing home abuse and neglect cases, the attorneys of Levin & Perconti have successfully settled and tried an overwhelming number of cases involving nursing homes who assume families will not come after them for injuries and death of their loved ones. We consistently uncover histories of violations and offenses, including improper staffing ratios that lead to medication errors, falls, suffocations, wandering, elopement, pressure sores and many other unnecessary injuries.

Your loved ones should not have to suffer. If you believe someone you love has been the victim of mistreatment in a nursing home and has suffered injuries or even death, please call us now at (312) 332-2872 or visit us online for a free consultation. We do not get paid unless we recover money for you.Parents of Student Who Died After North Korea Imprisonment Sue for Wrongful Death

North Korea has been in the news a lot lately. From "Little Rocket Man's" missile testing to diplomatic talks between the North and South, and a potential meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, the hermit kingdom has garnered a lot of attention.

However, as the Korean War officially comes to an end, the parents of a student who died while imprisoned in North Korea are remaining steadfast in their own battle with the "rogue nation." The parents of Otto Warmbier filed a wrongful death lawsuit against North Korea, claiming their son was tortured and murdered.

Who Is Otto Warmbier?

Otto Warmbier was a 22-year-old University of Virginia student from Cincinnati, Ohio. He went to North Korea for five days with a tour group and was arrested Jan. 2, 2016 for allegedly taking a political propaganda poster from his hotel. He was charged with and found guilty of "hostile acts against the state" and sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labor. For taking down a sign, mind you.

After spending more than 17 months in a North Korean prison, Warmbier was released to the United States in a coma, and had reportedly been in that condition for over a year. North Korean authorities claimed Warmbier had botulism and had been given a sleeping pill as treatment.

Lawsuit Claims North Korea Tortured, Murder Son

Cynthia and Fred Warmbier's wrongful death lawsuit claims that North Korea forced Otto into a false confession of his crime, "kept him as a prisoner for political purposes," and singled him out for "exceptionally harsh and brutal treatment." They say that physicians found no evidence of botulism, and that he was returned to them blind, deaf, and with his teeth misaligned like they "had been forced into abnormal positions."

In addition to their wrongful death claims, the grieving parents say that as a result of their son's "torture and death," they've suffered the loss of their son's companionship, and have experienced "mental anguish, extreme emotional distress and solatium damages."

As a sovereign nation, North Korea would normally be immune from these types of lawsuits. But according to Stewart Baker, a former assistant secretary of homeland security, the parents may be able to move forward with their lawsuit because President Trump re-designated North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism last November. This categorization could allow the country to be sued.

Related Resources:Did Paul Manafort reach out to Russia to ask for help? Did Donald Trump offer Mike Flynn a pardon?

Special counsel Robert Mueller has dozens of questions for President Donald Trump about Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and obstruction of the investigation led by Mueller.

They include questions on "any efforts made to reach out to Mr. Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon."

Another question will make headlines tonight: "What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?" As the Times notes, "No such outreach has been revealed publicly."

Here's the entire list, and from a related analysis by the New York Times ' Michael Schmidt:

The open-ended queries appear to be an attempt to penetrate the president's thinking, to get at the motivation behind some of his most combative Twitter posts and to examine his relationships with his family and his closest advisers. They deal chiefly with the president's high-profile firings of the F.B.I. director and his first national security adviser, his treatment of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and a 2016 Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and Russians offering dirt on Hillary Clinton. But they also touch on the president's businesses; any discussions with his longtime personal lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, about a Moscow real estate deal; whether the president knew of any attempt by Mr. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel to Russia during the transition; any contacts he had with Roger J. Stone Jr., a longtime adviser who claimed to have inside information about Democratic email hackings; and what happened during Mr. Trump's 2013 trip to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant. The questions provide the most detailed look yet inside Mr. Mueller's investigation, which has been shrouded in secrecy since he was appointed nearly a year ago. The majority relate to possible obstruction of justice, demonstrating how an investigation into Russia's election meddling grew to include an examination of the president's conduct in office. Among them are queries on any discussions Mr. Trump had about his attempts to fire Mr. Mueller himself and what the president knew about possible pardon offers to Mr. Flynn.

From the Times' synopsis of Mueller's questions for Trump about Michael T. Flynn, the former national security adviser:

 What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?



 What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?

 What was your reaction to news reports on Jan. 12, 2017, and Feb. 8-9, 2017?

 How was the decision made to fire Mr. Flynn on Feb. 13, 2017?

 After the resignations, what efforts were made to reach out to Mr. Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon?

From the NYT, on exactly what they published:

The special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, recently provided President Trump's lawyers a list of questions he wants answered in an interview. The New York Times obtained the list; here are the questions, along with the context and significance of each. The questions fall into categories based on four broad subjects. They are not quoted verbatim, and some were condensed.

Reactions from journalists at the New York Times and elsewhere, below.

"What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?" No such outreach has been revealed publicly. https://t.co/oDVXfHJ2Se  Ken Dilanian (@KenDilanianNBC) May 1, 2018

This Mueller question really stands out: pic.twitter.com/0Q8QY5lAge  Adam Goldman (@adamgoldmanNYT) May 1, 2018

My most cynical source in DC sent me NYT story on Mueller's questions for Trump with one word: "Wild." Indeed.  Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) May 1, 2018

One fascinating question that Mueller wants to ask Trump is about Paul Manafort's outreach to Moscow "about potential assistance to the campaign." Nothing about that has been reported, suggesting that Mueller knows about collusion that has not yet become public.  Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) May 1, 2018

Rudy Giuliani has really nailed it in his efforts to wind down the Mueller probe. https://t.co/wc4ECuxlzD  Jim Roberts (@nycjim) May 1, 2018Fact: The only thing that smells worse than your poop is tons of other people's poop. If you don't believe me, take a road trip to the town of Parrish, Alabama. They'll back me up on this one: According to the Associated Press, the citizens of Parrish were forced to endure the stench pouring off a train full of sewer sludge from New York and New Jersey for close to two months.

It's not unusual for trains full of human waste to pass through the town of 982 people: there's a landfill complex that treats and disposes of the excrement another 20 miles further down the track. Having the train stop in town to share its intoxicating perfume for two months? That's both unreasonable and unusual. It seems that another county in Alabama blocked the train's passage, making it impossible for it to reach its final destination. So, there it sat in Parrish: like a man in the bathroom after a large, questionable meal, full of poop, making everything terrible for everyone. NPR states that the train was stopped near a local park. The odor coming off of it was so bad that little league games had to be cancelled.

After two months of having to put up with the stench ruining the lives of everyone in the town, in mid-April, the Mayor of Parrish was finally able to tell her constituents that it was finally moving on. The town's administration will be looking into passing a series of by-laws to keep similar incidents from happening again.

This is a terrible/fun story, but there's a big issue behind it: Alabama is a state without a lot of money. A combination of the state's loose-goose zoning laws and cheap land, make it an attractive place to set up businesses that require massive amounts of acreage to operate: like a landfill, for example. With it being illegal to dump raw sewage into the ocean, shipping it out to be disposed of is pretty appealing to regions that have the money to afford it.

It's just another example of affluent taking advantage of the poor. Be it a country, city or a person, where there's a lot of money involved, someone's going to get screwed.

Image via Wikipedia CommonsIf you're an Apple junkie, chances are you've got all the latest merch (with good reason, they are the best at keeping your data intact.) And, while Gen Z is truly making fun of us for still using old technology (while we make fun of them for literally everything else), you can one-up them by READ THE RESTHey, remember few weeks back when The Trump Administration, with its dickery engines revved up to 126%, declared that transgendered personnel would no longer be in welcome in the United States military? One of their bullshit excuses for why this should be the case was that, apparently, transgendered individuals were bad for unit cohesion and terrible for morale. Well, the heads of all four branches of the American military have all gone out of their way, on the record, to say that this simply is not the case.

From the Military Times:

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y., as she had with the top military leaders of the Army, Navy and Marine Corps when they appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for their budget hearings, used the opportunity to question Goldfein as to whether he was aware of any "issues of unit cohesion, disciplinary problems or issues of morale resulting from open transgender service." "In the last two weeks Gen. [Mark] Milley, Gen. [Robert] Neller, and Adm. [John] Richardson have told me that they have seen zero reports of issues of cohesion, discipline, morale as a result of open transgender service in their respective service branches," Gillibrand said, referring to the chiefs of staff of the Army, Marine Corps and Navy, respectively.

Bravo Zulu.

The Military Times goes on to say that on Tuesday, the Air Force's top officer, Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Goldfein, told Congress that he hadn't heard any reports of issues in the ranks surrounding transgender personnel and, of those he spoke with, he noted a "commitment to serve by each of them." This is a hell of a thing: four career officers at the pinnacle of their careers all going to bat for the men and women that serve under them. Any of the four officers could have played politics, and thrown their transgendered troops under Trump and Secretary of Defense Mattis's shitty, bigoted short bus.

I guess at the end of the day soldiering, as they say, isn't about fighting for your countryit's about taking care of the soldier next to you.

Image via United States European Command, Spc. Bethany L. Little, 40th Public Affairs DetachmentMany Republicans and Democrats were offended by comedian Michelle Wolf's performance at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Professional liar Sean Spicer said it was a "disgrace." New York Times writer Maggie Haberman falsely accused Wolf of "intense criticism" of Sarah Huckabee Sanders' physical appearance.

Masha Gessen of the New Yorker has a different take. "Through her obscene humor," she writes, "Wolf exposed the obscenity of the fictionsand the fundamental unfunniness of it all."

Political satire in less troubled times exaggerates existing facts, pointing out the absurdities inherent in all ideologies, or playing up smaller disagreements and failures for bigger laughs. But Trump is hard to exaggerateit is enough, it seems, merely to mirror him. But why does faithful portrayal of fact-based reality elicit laughter in a country that has a free press and a healthy public sphere in which, it seems, reality is robustly represented? What do late-night comedians reclaim from the Times? Wolf's performance at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner suggests an answer. She called the President a racist, a truth as self-evident as it has proved difficult for mainstream journalists to state. Her humor was obscene: she joked about the President's affair with a porn star; about his "pulling out," as promised (of the Paris agreement); and about the G.O.P.'s former deputy finance chair Elliott Broidy's $1.6 million payoff to a former mistress. She also made mincemeat of White House staff, House and Senate Republican leaders, the Democrats, and journalists on the right and left, in their presence or in that of their colleagues.

Tonight's #WHCD was a disgrace  Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) April 29, 2018

Hey mags! All these jokes were about her despicable behavior. Sounds like you have some thoughts about her looks though? ? https://t.co/JRzzvhBuey  Michelle Wolf (@michelleisawolf) April 29, 2018

Image: By Erin Nekervis  https://www.flickr.com/photos/theeerin/29813564522/, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

Here's conservative Michael Schlapp vigorously defending all the repugnant crap Trump has uttered in recent years:It's May Day, and McDonald's workers in Manchester, Watford, Crayford and Cambridge have walked out, demanding an end to zero-hours contracts and a 10/hour living wage.



The Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union is asking to be recognised as representing the McDonald's workers, with demands that include fixed-hours contracts and pay equity for young workers.



McDonalds' employees won their biggest pay rise in 10 years in January, but it was banded by position, region, and age. Only company-owned McDonald's restaurants  about a quarter of branches in Britain  were affected. Annalise Peters, a worker at a McDonald's in Cambridge said: "The public and the labour movement have given us so much support and encouragement." Striking fast-food workers also plan to demonstrate in Watford, the hometown of McDonald's chief executive, Steve Easterbrook, as part of the industrial action. Lewis Baker, a McDonald's worker in Crayford, said: "Every message of support builds our confidence as we stand up to this bullying company and demand a fair wage and respect on the job."





'McStrike': McDonald's workers walk out over zero-hours contracts

[Rajeev Syal/The Guardian]

(via Late Stage Capitalism)

Universities  especially public universities  are never, ever supposed to cede their academic independence to their donors, who might otherwise use their departments as glorified think-tanks, laundering their ideology and giving it the veneer of objective, scholarly credibility.

George Mason University has long defended its willingness to take $50,000,000 from the Charles Koch Foundation by insisting that the money didn't come with strings attached  and insisting that the fact that their economics department says a lot of things that makes Koch very happy is just a mysterious coincidence.

But now the university president, Angel Cabrera, says that he has discovered that since at least 2003, the university's development department (the people who hit up donors for money) have been entering into secret agreements with big-money donors to let them appoint members of the university's hiring committee for the economics department.

At least 10 agreements like this are now known to exist, all tied to the Mercatus Center for Free Market Research, a Koch darling. The agreements say that if the donor isn't happy with the hiring choices that emerge from the hiring committees, they can take all their money back.



The ordinary protection against conflict of interest, and against donors using the university's reputation as an ideological/financial cutout or flag of convenience is to build institutional firewalls, which allow donors to provide large money with broad conditions attached (such as: this money should be used to hire an endowed professor carrying out research and teaching on Topic X) but without specific controls on who that professor is. This is at best imperfect  but it at least somewhat curbs the voracity of development officers and individual academic "entrepreneurs." It would appear that any such firewalls were comprehensively breached at George Mason University (which is a public university, with consequent public obligations). The ferocity of the university administration's efforts to keep the arrangements secret suggest the reputational damage that the university now faces. It's also notable that a lot of GMU faculty have suspected something like this for a long time, but weren't able to get straight answers from the administration until its hand was forced by this lawsuit. Finally, it's notable that the person representing the interests of an as-yet unnamed big donor to the law school is Leonard Leo, who is the Federalist Society officer largely responsible for the ideological vetting of judges for the Trump administration. That doesn't say great things either.

The public choice of public choice [Henry Farrel/Crooked Timber]News / Press Release

by Magwegwe residents

RESIDENTS OF Magwegwe West suburb in Bulawayo yesterday staged a demonstration, demanding that the area's councillor should resign with immediate effect. Placard waving residents marched along the streets of the suburb and accused Clr Monica Lubimbi of wayward behaviour, nepotism and unfair labour practices.



The ward 29 councillor's jurisdiction encompasses Lobengula West 3, Magwegwe North and Magwegwe West. Last month, residents wrote a petition to the Government and the Bulawayo City Council, accusing the councillor of nepotism and extortion after she allegedly employed eight people from the same family in council's paid community sweeping groups.



Chairperson of Magwegwe West Residents Association Mr Roy Sithole led the protestors who were chanting that Clr Lubimbi was not fit to be their leader. "She is totally lost and has failed us as a community. We demand that she immediately resign from her post. She is selective in her leadership as she employs people from Magwegwe North where she stays and excludes us. The worst thing is that when a resident in Magwegwe West is bereaved she doesn't attend," he said.



Mr Sithole said he doubted Clr Lubimbi was qualified to occupy her office before he called on the Government to make it mandatory for prospective councilors to have five Ordinary level subjects. "Let me say that the Ministry of Public Works and National Housing should make it a prerequisite for prospective councilors to have passed five "O" levels including English Language and Mathematics. Our councilor can't even read and fails to interpret council minutes and policies. This is really letting us down as a community," he said.



The secretary for the Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura), Mr Njabulo Dube, said they were disappointed by Clr Lubimbi's wayward behaviour. "We invited her here but she never bothered to come and doesn't want to meet us as a community. We are like orphans while we chose her to represent us," said Mr Dube.



He said they had drafted a petition which would be copied to Minister of Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Nomthandazo Eunice-Sandi Moyo, Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Saviour Kasukuwere and the Bulawayo Mayor Mr Martin Moyo.



Contacted for a comment, Clr Lubimbi said she was in a meeting before hanging up. In 2007, the local authority came up with a poverty alleviation scheme backed by a full council resolution. Locals would be hired within their wards under two different programmes, a perennial litter picking and seasonal grass-slashing programme which usually takes place between June and December. The premise behind the initiative was to help vulnerable residents and needy residents in a particular ward with a rotation based style being implemented.



In essence the scheme was meant to cater for the elderly rate payers who in most cases are failing to pay rates and to cater for orphans. Residents alleged that Clr Lubimbi does not have a community committee to assist her in carrying out her duties and demanded that she should set up one. "She only works with one guy from Ward 18, Erik Gono which raises suspicions among the residents," said a resident who declined to be named for fear of reprisals.

Movement for Democratic Change-THarvest House44 Nelson Mandela StreetHarareZimbabwe15 April 2018The President -Nelson ChamisaThe Vice President - Elias MudzuriThe Chairperson - Morgan KomichiThe Secretary General - Douglas MwonzoraThe Bulawayo Province Chairman - Gift BandaThe Bulawayo Province Vice Chairman - Dorcas SibandaThe Bulawayo Province Secretary General - Dina AdamsThe Bulawayo Spokesperson - Felix MafaThe Bulawayo Organising Secretary- J SitholeThe Treasure General - Nick BrownREF: NO IMPOSITION OF CANDIDATES IN MAGWEGWE CONSTITUENCYGreetings to all the responsible MDC-T Office bearers. Please take this letter as a serious matter. Do not worry about our English but listen to facts.We the residents of Magwegwe Constituency have agreed upon that we will NEVER and NEVER accept the imposition of Candidates in the forthcoming Harmonized Elections. We believe and subscribe in the strength of the people who reside in the Constituency and have the aspirations of the electorate not political shopping of "Candidates" bent on maximizing on the failure of ZANU PF in Matabaleland. For how long should be Matabaleland and Bulawayo in particular be a launch pad for egocentric non-Bulawayans maximizing on ZANU PF failures in this region? Sicela abantu abalolwazi ngenswelo lokuhlupheka lenhlungu zabantu hatshi abokuza (we want people who have the core of the constituency plights at heart). We are tired of political maggots who dream any Constituency in Bulawayo is a highway to political maternity.Sikhathele ngokufukamela amaqanda angacacadiyo (we are tired of keeping eggs that do not hatch). Advocate Nelson Chamisa A.K.A"Wamba Dia Wamba"voices from Matabaleland are saying listen to them for they know "... Indlela eya emadlelweni..." We cannot allow Hon Anele Ndebele & Gono (at least for the moment to ruin our victory). Once bitten twice shy. An adage for ages but a mirror for generations. Gono stays in Pumula East and is only coming to this constituency all because he has kids and in a relationship with a daughter of a sitting councilor Monica Lubimbi Ward 29. He is not known by the community. How can he represent aspirations and desires of the people of Magwegwe, same as Anele who once in a Quarter of a decade purport to represent people's hopes dashes away like the morning dew. Honorable Anele Ndebele, has played the people of this constituency into fools. He owns a house in Mahatshula and does not stay in Magwegwe. He was one person imposed to the community by Thokozani Khuphe at the expense of Mafa who was not bending to Khuphe MDC-T Matabeleland dynasty. Anele is a representative who does not communicate with the electorate, as his mobile is always unreachable. He only parks his vehicle at his parent's home and dashes away with a different car to Mahatshula, leaving a note that he is going to Harare, which is a deliberate deceptive move.We further have non-performing Councilors in the constituency who are Madumani Ward 18 and Lubimbi ward 29 who has been there for 10years and still gunning for a third term. In these years there have been in these positions, there have been serious corruption, maladministration and nepotism where the elderly and the unemployed members of the community do the community litter cleaner, which is supposed to be rotational. It has been observed that in ward 18 and 29 these two councilors second only their bootlickers, children and relatives who in turn after getting paid will grease the hands of the incumbent, so that they'll be retained to the job. For example,i. In 2017; the BCC Magwegwe North servicing of new stands, people who were employed at Asphat Construction company were made to pay US$50 to Lubimbi and Erick Gono the Construction Supervisor via Lubimbi's daughter who is in love with Gono. Genuine applicants were denied employment. This led to a lot complications amongst the residents. That has brought the party into serious disrepute.ii. In 2017, drainage cleaners were forced to thank the councilor Lubimbi by giving out US$30 per month for two months. This involved 10 workers. It the means that Lubimbi benefited $600 in 2 months.iii. For the past five years the perennial litter picking and seasonal grass-slashing workers have been paying her $20 every month in the 6 months per year they are employed.- The big question is; how are such people going to lead the people as they are contesting the next elections?- Where is the difference with stinking ZANU-PF corruption? It is high time councilor Madumane and Lubimbi pack and go. WE SAY NOT TO CORRUPTION AND NEPOTISM UNDER NAME OF MDC-T.The CV submission for the primaries candidates was done amid chaotic scenes resulting in the closure of the MDC offices. This was during the Khuphe fiasco of who owns the office. The District Chair Women (Emenia Moyo), District Chair (Anele Ndebele), District Organiser (Mbemi), Ward 18 Chair (Mildred Ncube), Ward 29 Chair (Michael Ncube) who had the information did not disclose it to the constituency, safeguarding their personal interests.i. Emenia Moyo, Mildred Ncube, Michael Ncube, Mbemi have left for Khuphe faction.ii. How can Anele Ndebele as a sitting MP and someone who is always busy, be the Chair of the District? It leaves a lot to be desired in power usurping.iii. How can the Ward Councilors be the Chair of the Wards? It leads to further power usurping and absolute corruption, resulting in obsolete process change.iv. Why is MP Ndebele silent about the corruption-taking place if he is for the people?v. CVs were therefore, submitted on the streets of Bulawayo, particularly 6th Avenue inside someone's vehicle.vi. We demand that the party has to reopen for the CV submissions for the particular wards 18 and 29, for councilors and that information should be communicated in an open protocol to serve transparency and accountable manner. Lest the party looses heavily through protest vote in the forth coming elections. Remember Matabeleland and Bulawayo in particular, we rather vote for a cat if our aspirations and hopes are not listened to. If this man made crisis is not tackled, will lead to the sprouting of independent candidates who will then split the vote. We implore to the MDC leadership please listen to voices of the people on the ground.We have the custodians of our Cultural heritage, our Chiefs. Chiefs in Matabaleland cannot work with people who are incognisant with the values and principles of our daily plights, Culture, History and Heritage. We demand custodian recognition and representation not "imported representation", just because we want to remove ZANU PF from stolen power. Honourable Advocate Nelson Chamisa with your education, we believe you do understand what is the meaning of devolution as it is one of the MDC-T and MDC Alliance objective. This is what the whole of Matabaleland is demanding from you and your leadership. Walk the talk. Even our fellaz in the ZANU PF "Club of Victors" have sang the same hymn. Honorable, we're different as we postulate for CHANGE which our revered leaders the Late DR. J. M. NKOMO, LOOKOUT MASUKU, CHITEPO, TAKAWIRA, DR MORGAN RICHARD TSVANGIRAI & AMAI SUSAN TSVANGIRAI (RIP) fought for. We demand "Servants from the Community for the Community to the Community", because it is For Us By Us.FIND ATTACHED BELOW WARD 29 PROTEST OF JULY 2017 BY WARD 29 RESIDENTS.Link: https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-114014.html WATCH: Magwegwe residents want councillor outby Staff reporter14 Jul 2017 at 07:12hrs | 422 ViewsMAGWEGWE CONSTITUENCY CONCERNED RESIDENTS SIGNATURESOpinion / Columnist

Charles, Harare (student)

The recent ruling by High Court judge Justice Francis Bereagainst Mr Nelson Chamisa in his crusade against Dr Thokozani Khupe should have served as a wake-up call to the young leader. Justice Bere's bottom line after hearing from both sides is that the parties are better served dealing with their differences through arbitration.In other words, sit down and work it out.Some could argue that Justice Bere's advice was actually far milder than it might have been.She made a pronouncement on three consecutive applications which had been thrown at the Khupe faction by Chamisa and his allies.Firstly, they challenged the usage by Khupe of the MDC-T name, logos and symbols. They were unsuccessful and were ordered to pay their opponents the costs for their challenge.Secondly, they desperately tried to stop Khupe's extra ordinary congress from taking place and their court application was rejected for lack of merit.Thirdly, they sought to blow holes into Khupe's response to their case through an ex parte court application which was based on their constitutional court challenge evidence. Again this application was thrown out for lacking proper legal feet to stand on.However, rather than do the sensible thing that a neutral person suggested as a way of ending this maddening feud, Chamisa is hell-bent on reigniting the legal battles all over again.Many legal commentators have suggested that this is ill-advised for a myriad of reasons.Most of all, Chamisa should understand with the campaign already underway, each day he carries on his bloody feud with Khupe and her allies, the harder it will be to focus on the elections. Each attack on Khupe will lose Chamisa badly needed supporters.Zimbabweans, after decades of repression, will not want a petty and impetuous person leading the country.They will also a see a person who lacks the necessary leadership skills of listening to those of differing opinions, or being able to compromise and finally, to put one's ego and self-interest aside for the greater good.It is fast becoming irrelevant if Chamisa has legal grounds or not. He may one day win the legal courts but each day he continues this fight, he loses massively in the court of public opinion and this is where his political future will be chosen.As an advocate, Chamisa has probably been involved in hundreds of cases where cases have been settled out of court and the two sides have arrived at an equitable agreement even when one side has a clearly stronger case. In fact, I would wager that there are many cases when he has advised thusly.Nevertheless, now that Chamisa is an applicant he appears to be a man obsessed with being right rather than clever, and he could bring the whole MDC down with his recklessness.It is not too late and Chamisa can pull back from the brink if his esteemed self of sense will allow him to extend the olive branch to his opponent Khupe. Stranger partnerships have taken place in Zimbabwean politics and together they could make a powerful union.He can not become like Roman Emperor Nero who burned down Rome to further political aims. Chamisa is lighting the fuse in 21st Century Zimbabwe. It is now time for the prevailing of cooler heads to ensure that the MDC does not blow another election down to infighting and bad management.If Chamisa can not be cajoled or persuaded to put out the fuse then perhaps the MDC should find someone who can act as conciliator between all the different factions and allow our great movement a decent fighting chance of actually assuming power.Opinion / Columnist

"Zanu PF's hotly-contested primary elections took place countrywide yesterday amid violent and chaotic scenes, as well as damaging allegations of bribery, favouritism and the imposition of candidates - prompting the ruling party to postpone the internal polls in many constituencies to today," reported Daily News."In Mashonaland Central, police made several arrests in Mazowe West where alleged supporters of the sitting MP, Kazembe Kazembe, were said to have slashed the vehicle tyres of rival Tafadzwa Musarara. "The tyres were deflated and my driver was attacked, and I know it is the work of incumbent MP Kazembe Kazembe's campaigning team who were spotted at the scene. Arrests have been made under RRB 333861440," Musarara told the Daily News.If there is so much violence and mayhem by Zanu PF members directed against fellow Zanu PF members how much worse when it is the against the opposition whom they consider to be puppets of the West seeking regime change!If the violence is taking place in urban centres how much worse will it be in the rural backwaters where the Zanu PF thugs rule the roost!It is disappointing that President Mnangagwa is not even concerned about the violence in his own party. "Whatever teething problems we have experienced so far, we remain convinced that the democratic course we have started in the management of our party affairs is the correct one, indeed one befitting a party of our history, our strength and our stature," he said."As the ruling party, the democratic content and standards of our processes define and preordain our national politics. We thus not fear to widen the scope and play of the elective ethic in our party affairs and processes. Whatever challenges we face in the interim must thus be in the direction of firmly rooting the democratic ethos which, after all, we planted in the land through our historical sacrifices as a party of the national liberation."What "democratic ethos" has Zanu PF ever planted?Here lays the essence of the nation's failure to make any head way in addressing its teething economic and political problems. The root cause of the economic problems is the criminal waste of national resources, material and human, through mismanagement and corruption. For the last 38 years, these problems have been allowed grown and spread like cancerous tumour to force the economy into the state of total meltdown pushing unemployment into the nauseating height of 90% and  of our people into abject poverty.First the nation could not get the Zanu PF government to address these problem, the regime simply ignored the calls for changed and ignored the tragic human suffering brought on by the economic decline. Ordinarily the people would have voted Zanu PF out of office but this did not happen because the regime has routinely rigged elections.In short, the root cause of Zimbabwe's economic problems is the nation's failure to remove Zanu PF from office even when it was clear the regime corrupt and incompetent and must go. The nation was stuck with a corrupt and tyrannical regime for 38 years and counting.There is no hope of getting meaningful regime change as long as Zanu PF retains the carte blanche powers to rig the vote. The party has resisted all efforts to get democratic reforms, designed to take away the vote-rigging powers, implemented. As we can see from his remark above, President Mnangagwa maintains Zanu PF is a democratic party that does not rig elections."Nearly 20 years into Zimbabwe's unresolved Machiavellian Moment, and as the old order has been bleeding to death slowly, while the new has been struggling to be born, it has become quite clear that the birth of a new dispensation is being arrested by the country's lingering illegitimacy trap," admitted Professor Jonathan Moyo in a recent article written from his hiding place in exile."The means for legitimately getting into, staying in and getting out of political office in Zimbabwe, in government and mainstream political parties, have remained contested since 1980. Just about all holders of elective public office in politics, especially but not only at the level of the presidency, are illegitimate. The problem has been so pervasive that it has found expression even in appointed offices in the civil and security services. It is notable that key members of the ZDF "command element" that staged the November coup had outlived their tenure and were thus in the command illegitimately."Moyo is running away from President Mnangagwa and his junta regime, his erstwhile former Zanu PF colleagues. Moyo and a few other G40 faction members have been on the run since last November's military coup in which saw ED and his Lacoste faction seize power.It is heartening to hear Professor Moyo is admitting Zanu PF's failure to hold free and fair elections and hence the "lingering legitimacy trap". It is disappointing that Moyo is admitting this now when he has lost power and influence to help get the nation out of this trap.Whilst there no stopping these flawed elections going ahead now, the way out of this legitimacy trap is for the international observers admit that with no meaningful reforms it is impossible to hold free, fair and credible elections and thus declare the elections null and void.Opinion / Columnist

Many of us clearly remember the young boy who was elected Member of Parliament for Zengeza West back in 2000. The young boy then fled from Zimbabwe to the UK barely months after his election.Almost two decades later the young man resurfaced at an MDC Alliance rally at Jonas Primary school in Seke on Saturday the 28th of April.Ladies and gentleman the MDC-T prodigal son is back in the motherland. He was given a chance to greet the people at the rally and what he said got myself and many others wondering.Instead of greeting us and possibly tell us about life in the wilderness and lying to us about how he missed home, his beloved party and the people who voted him into parliament (whom he betrayed by going without saying thank you or at least good bye). Instead of reassuring us that he is back for good and that he will never disappear again leaving us in the battle front. Instead of paying his condolences for our beloved hero Dr Richard Morgan Tsvangirai who passed on while he was in the comfort zone. Instead of saluting the comrades who held on and took the party to a higher level.Tafadzwa Musekiwa chose to brag to us about how President Chamisa has confided in him about his worries about the calibre of candidates that we the people have been choosing in the past versus the candidates that President Chamisa would want. He said the president is deeply worried and concerned about the calibre of candidates that the people vote for to represent the party. 'People have a tendency of choosing corrupt candidates and some that have nothing more to offer and cannot be assigned to ministries and bodies by the president' said Musekiwa.In his words, Musekiwa said the current crop of MDC-T candidates makes it difficult for the president to make appointments when in government. By saying this, he practically relegated the cadres who remained resolute and sacrificed so much for the party to unusable and useless people.It didn't need any rocket science to see that Musekiwa was trying to make his way back into the ranks and file of the party that he deserted for so many years. But standing between him and his goals are the cadres who sacrificed for the party while he had gone AWOL. The people who stood by the vision when the likes of Prof Mutambara and Prof Ncube broke away from Tsvangirai. When Biti and company left also threatening to break the party. The people who lost arms and legs, who lost relatives and property during the 2008 elections when he Musekiwa was enjoying life abroad enjoying the comfort and protection of the UK.Comrade Musekiwa need to be reminded that the people of Zimbabwe are not fools and should not be taken for granted. We know you want to find your way back into parliament but please just go and campaign and stop playing dirty games and black mailing other candidates.If you think you are the right candidate that the president would want to work with, then convince us Tafadzwa that you won't desert us again. Convince us that we can now entrust our lives and votes to you. Rather than trying to use your 'friendship' with the president, tell us why we shouldn't vote for Job 'Wiwa' Sikala in Zengesa West. At least we know Wiwa is one of us through thick and thin and he will never abandon us on the battle front like you did.And by the way the president is now a pastor and he can tell the difference between gold diggers like you and the dedicated.Opinion / Columnist

The political climate is getting hotter by day if not by hour as the elections get nearer. Political contenders do not seem to bother about anything else except to do everything just to "win" or just to be there and make money from donations, why not? And when results will be announced some will come to their senses and then, there will be cry fouls and complaints after the elections when all will be done. There are a lot of things to be done by both ZEC and the US the electorate now before we have elections that can be free, fair and credible.A lot has to be done to eliminate the rampant polarisation of the press. ZanuPF Informtion Secretary was quoted as saying that there is no room for press polarisation. As long as we still have POSA and AIPA, it is ludicrous for the implementors of the repressive current laws to hypocritically condemn their daily actions. ZanuPF using the state machinery is the one that has made sure that the state media is in fact their indoctrination utensil.Many democratic people have given up on them. The State controlled media will not report anything that others do except if it is twisted to suit ZanuPF. Anything else is totally ignored. We want a total and immediate removal of the deliberate press polarisation now and not a description of what the ZanuPF Junta intends to do.It is also becoming clearer by day that there is confusion politically as the electorate has to break off from the traditional voting pattern of choosing between shaping their future and perpetuating the evils of negative political careerism. The ruling party has gone politically bankrupt. Even the removal of Robert Mugabe with the support of the army has not given any hope for the economy. The press is applauding the just ended Trade Fair as a great succes. Year after year this has been the song. Perhaps the press is referring to the "historic exhibition" at the Fair by the Sex Workers which also coincided with the legalising of mbanje growing. We are yet to see how many will be employed productively in the sex industry.The electorate has a challenge to bravely break off from the repressive york of ZanuPF and other politcal groupings that reject constitutionalism and legality and the time to do that is now.The ZanuPF government has clearly rejected the constitution that the Zimbabwean people crafted. The constitution has the Devolution of Power. For those who have been benefiting from the military backed looting spree this is not a priority. There have been calls to scrap it off. The people especially those who are victims of several brutalities including ethnic cleansing must put devolution of power into practice through their new vote pattern that shapes their future. It is now time to vote for a Member of Parliament, a councillor, or a Senator who politically answers to one`s own province. It is naive to vote for people who are opposed to the constitution that we all democratically crafted because of what they are promising.Liberalising sex workers and allowing the production of mbanje are desperate moves at this moment in time when there is massive unemployment. Will the sex workers get more clients now that their oldest profession can be done openly? And will the Junta re-align laws to prosecute those who abuse mbanje because it will always be abused like any other drug? The time to expose these pseudo political gestures has come. The people of Zimbabwe need the implementation of their constitution and not diversions to hoodwink them into believing that this ideologically bankrupt Junta can have a solution to the socio-economic ills of our land.Opinion / Columnist

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As the country gets into an election mode. The revolutionary party conducted it's primary elections which were marred by irregularitiesThe revolutionary party Zanu PF held it's primary elections to elect their best candidates to stand for the plebscite 2018 harmonised election scheduled for August.The party has recently held what most analysts say was a farce and flagrant primary election where it was marred with violence, rigging and vote buying.According to some sources there where some undeserving candidates who have emerged winners.The cry is not about some other bona fide members but the beautiful party and it's revolutionary ethos GUTSARUZVHINJI.The voting irregularities did not occur only in one constituency but around constituencies or a few but rather the majority of constituencies and this has posed an unhealthy situation where it will affect the voting pattern when it comes to national harmonised elections on the overall. From the general reports which were gathered from some constituencies the primaries were marred with skirmishes of violence , intimidation, vote buying, irregularities and rigging.A Zanu PF aspiring candidate bemoaned the collapse of the rulling party which has drifted from its revolutionary ethos of _gutsaruzhinji_ socialism. The elections were not free and fair though in some constituencies the best person won. The electorate is not going to sleep on its laurels and will not take this revolutionary party serious by giving it another mandate to rule.There is real disgruntlement amongst its own staunch supporters and literally they have been shattered or devastated by such kind of behaviour. Elections are just around the corner and the opposition will have to take advantage of the confusion and disintergration within the party and must ride on them. Voters will treat them harshly if such important issues are not addressed.Zanu PF is at its greatest risk come general elections. The people have been pushed to the limit and they will not forgive easily or without squaring it off.It is so worrying that Zanu PF is much obsessed with winning elections than solving challenges affecting the country. People are now seeking political posts and positions for self worth than a national cause. There is a serious deviation from the principles and values of the party founded in 1963 and perhaps a new definition of the extent of social corruption has found a breeding niche in the revolutionary party.Yes this has not been in the ruling party only but has also extended its tentacles to the opposition where leaders jostle for top positions the likes of Thokozani Khupe and Obert Gutu of MDC-T.Zanu PF is likely to suffer another _bhora musango_ scenario where voters will kick out the prefered and chosen ones in a fix. Zanu PF rigs into power and it is in their supporters and leadership DNA. The revolutionary party has witnessed big wigs like Chris Mutsvangwa, Keith Guzha and Chris Mushowe falling by the wayside. Some Zanu PF apologists blamed the infiltration of the G40 cabal within the party saying they were the ones causing some problems. Others reiterated that this is a hidden continuation of internal factions within the party.We are in a transition where people have been quiet for a long time and are voting for candidates of their choice. During Mugabe's era he refused to acknowledge that there were factions within Zanu PF but the manifestation of factionalism is now written on the wall for everybody to see. Surely Zanu PF is now heading for harsh turbulent wars.It is at its crumpling stage and if they fail to reconcile peacefully soon or later it will be history unless they continue to use force and violence to hold on to power.Democracy in the party is now a far fetched dream. Will Zanu PF has the best chance to become stronger than ever before? The Robert Mugabe ejection was the beginning of a new era in Zimbabwe politics. If Zanu PF can rig it's own election , what about the national election? This is a wake up call for the opposition not to sleep with both eyes closed as the election can be snatched right under their nose.President Emmerson Mnangagwa is going to face a very divided revolutionary party where members are pulling from different directions. This rigging chaotic primary election has recorded the lowest turnout since independence.There was rampant candidate imposition in these primary elections and pulling a trigger to outright win the election will be a mamoth task. I don't see Zanu PF winning resoundingly in these harmonised elections?Almost all disgruntled aspirings candidates will gang up and definitely vote for the President and then will seek revenge against most primaries parliamentarians winners who have already proven to be selfish and shameless power ursuping politicians. The primary elections have also exposed how Zanu PF has sustained the corrupt system for years.Opinion / Columnist

In my view, the judge who presided in the case in question did not err. The reasons for his conclusion to that case were valid and rational. Advocate Chamisa knows it as an advocate.There was nothing of probative value or material to the casse that was ommitted or not considered that could have resulted the court ruling in favour of advocate Chamisa's team.The judge applied the law (Intellectual Property Rights Law)correctly without any errors at all.In Intellectual Property Rights Law, there is a test that is applied which must be met by the team pursuing the case against the other.Should the party or plaintiff fail to prove any misrepresentation or passing off or prove the issue of good will against the other party ,then the plaintiff cannot succeed in their case.By passing of its meant misrepresentation by the other party or to act as if you have the exclusive right or monopoly to use a trade mark or logo or name.The person or company that does so must make a reasonable person or voter to reasonably believe that they are part of or they own that name or are licenced to use the name or they are the original owners of that name or political party.If it is selling of goods,the consumers will reasonably believe that they are buying goods of the original company or in this case Dr Khuphe will be acting as if she is representing MDC T (as is the issue in contention is or as alleged by the plaintiff).But here the truth is that both Advocate Chamisa and Dr Khuphe has the legal right or Intellectual Property Right to use the name MDC T name or logo or anything that represents MDC T as a political party.With this legal reasoning, in my view, the supreme court will uphold the decision arrived by the High Court judge.The High Court judge even advised them that the case needs to be dealt with in an arbitration. The arbitration will give an award (its decision).Furthermore ,the two parties are likely to resolve that matter in an amicable manner ,as there will be a chosen arbitrator who will act in utmost good faith ,dutifully and impartially.That does not mean that the High Court did not do that. But it is befitting for the case to be dealt with in an arbitration.In my view,Dr Khuphe must accept being the Vp for now,with a condition that the MDC T constitution be amended to allow only one Vp(as agreed in Dr Khuphe's congress).When the two terms of Advocate Chamisa are over, Dr Khuphe can then take over.Common sense has to prevail here. There is not much time left now. The elections are near.For progress sake both parties need to humble themselves and come to an good understanding.There is no need to waste time and money on this case. Dispute Resolution method is the answer to this problem.My opinion without any prejudice.libertyatliberty at gmail dot com.Opinion / Columnist

Seke: A despondent people who can no longer afford the laughter and the smileFellow Zimbabweans, in keeping with our Gogogoi Tisvikewo/Ekuhle campaign, I was in rural Seke and Mhondoro over the weekend where people were unequivocal in their determination and resolve to vote for transformation and palpable change in the next election.We have said we are prioritizing the rural areas where the majority of Zimbabweans live.On Saturday and Sunday, I was in Seke and Mhondoro where the despondent people in those rural communities can no longer afford the laughter any more. I interacted with business people, opinion and community leaders who all narrated to me the sad tale of their current penury and suffering.They told me the now familiar national story of the collapsed infrastructure and social services; especially health and education and how the old and the infirm are struggling to survive under this inept government.At the two rallies, I had the occasion to articulate our vision on the five key pillars of governance, the economy, infrastructure rehabilitation, social services and international re-engagement.On governance, our government will govern and not rule. Governance involves engaging and listening to the people while ruling presupposes talking down to them. Our government will look after everyone regardless of their political affiliation.On the economy, our vision is to have a modern, inclusive and diversified economy by 2023.On social services, especially health and education, we want to ensure the nation is well served in these areas. On health, we have a comprehensive blueprint that includes both child care and adult care, a plan in which those with terminal and chronic ailments such as cancer, tuberculosis, HIV/Aids and other ailments will be able to access treatment for free. Our old people above the age of 65 would also be able to access free medical care in all public hospitals. We have a plan to set up the best health facility in the region for those living with albinism so that they can have access to glasses and special lotions. On education, our government will provide free primary education and resuscitate loans and grants for tertiary students so as to give reprieve to suffering Zimbabweans.Through infrastructure rehabilitation, we will be able to provide employment to the millions of our young and old who are failing to get a job. We will resuscitate roads, railways, airports, industries and other infrastructure in a massive way that will create jobs through public works programmes. We have already secured funding for infrastructure rehabilitation so that Zimbabweans can find a reason to hope again.On international engagement, our mantra is that Zimbabwe will be best for business. Zimbabwe will be a safe haven for investment as investors will be assured of the safety of their ventures. We pledge to audit and revise all business deals being signed by the current government to see if they truly benefit the people and the country. It is ironic that every day we hear this or that mega deal has been signed when all we see around us is the mega-poverty facing the people!At Mubaira growth point in Mhondoro in Mashonaland West, I found yet another despondent rural community in the midst of plenty. These are the people favoured with the huge platinum reserves at the nearby Ngezi platinum mine but who are slugging it out in a quest to put foot on the table.I heard sad stories of how our traditional leaders are failing to make ends meet. Of the 276 chiefs in the country. Only 56 were given vehicles as the current government desperately tries to curry favour with the traditional leaders. We pledge t give dignity to these custodians of our culture.We are promising the best for the people of this country. As one young musician said in the captivating lyrics that have become the anthem of our electoral campaign, we pledge to take Zimbabwe to the next level.Next week, we set off for yet another rural community to interact with people in the rural areas where the majority of Zimbabweans live.Ode to the country's toiling workersToday is May Day or Workers' Day, that special day reserved to celebrate the world's working people. For us as a party, this day has a special meaning because the labour movement is our venerated parentage.We are a party borne out of the sweat, blood, tears and toil of the working people of Zimbabwe. We are a party formed out of the resolutions of the hustling workers of this country following the working people's convention held in Harare in 1999.The convention was there where the working people resolved to form this great movement that continues to grow in leaps and bounds as testified by the party's growing support and the huge numbers voluntarily turning up at our gatherings.It is sad that this is the first May Day commemoration that Zimbabweans are holding in the absence of our dear icon, Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, the firebrand ZCTU secretary-general who together with the late Gibson Sibanda and others founded this epic movementthe MDC---the mammoth movement that has shaken the regime to the core in the last two decades.May the dear souls of two great sons of our labour movement rest in eternal peace.Together with the student and constitutional movement, the workers of this country were the first to say Enough is enough.The country has long fallen prey to the vagaries of ineptitude which have led to the collapse of our industry; indeed a massive industrial collapse that has created a burgeoning unemployment rate that now stands northwards of 95 percent.Today, our economy has become highly informalized while over three million of our educated sons and daughters have left the country in search of greener pastures.The new workers are those millions vending by the sides of our streets. Today, I salute all of you for eking an honest living.You are the new entrepreneurs and you are the heroes of our land.To those mothers struggling to put food on the table in our rural and urban communities, you are the new workers and I want to use this day to pay tribute to your daily tribulations in ensuring that Zimbabwe's families are fed.To Zimbabweans in the Disapora, who slug it out under trying conditions to send a few dollars to your parents, you are the workers that are keeping the families back home alive.I want to use this day to salute you.To our patriotic civil servants, I acknowledge you all. Our doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers, those in the army and other government institutions who continue to serve despite your inadequate salaries, I say may God bless you all. We take note of your great service to the people of Zimbabwe.We note with great concern the ill-treatment of our doctors and nurses and the rest of the civil service. There is misery galore for our hard-working and patriotic civil servants. The recent debacle regarding our nurses and doctors shows that we need new and competent hands on the wheel of government.Job security, safety at the workplace and decent wages are key issues affecting both public sector workers and the few who are still in private sector employment. The teaching profession, together with other sectors in the public service, has become an outpost of poverty.To the commuter bus drivers and their aides who ferry passengers every day, you are the unsung heroes who play an important role in our lives.To our pensioners and those who lost their life savings due to the ineptitude of this regime, we will restore the proceeds of your toil and we dedicate this day to your service and sacrifice to this country.Whatever we are doing in this highly in-formalized environment, we are all part of the working people of Zimbabwe and we dedicate this special day to you.Today, there is nothing to celebrate and all we can do is commemorate and pay tribute to our sweat, our blood and our tears as we all seek to eke an honest living in these trying times.To the few who are still in formal employment, this is the last May Day of the workers without a bonus, without decent wages and without work-place representation. This is the last May Day for the workers to experience the undermining of their labour rights and the belittling of ILO standards.This is the last May Day of disrespect of the Kadoma Declaration; of a government disrespectful and contemptuous of its agreements with workers.Workers must unite and expect a truly new dispensation so that they join the rest of workers globally in living a decent life and enjoying the dignity of their hard work and the profit of their sweat.The year 2018 is the best opportunity for workers of Zimbabwe to enjoy transformation, opportunities and prosperity.From August this year after the next election, the army of the unemployed will join the battalion of the working people in the global labour community.Behold the new.Have a blessed May Day Zimbabwe!Adv. Nelson Chamisa is the MDC-T President and MDC Alliance Presidential candidate. He writes this weekly message every Tuesday to the people of Zimbabwe.By Michelle Nichols NAYPYITAW (Reuters) - Myanmar's government leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with United Nations Security Council envoys on Monday over the plight of nearly 700,000 mainly Rohingya Muslims who fled to Bangladesh amid a military crackdown, pledging to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended the meeting. During the nearly hour-long meeting, Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, also noted Myanmar's difficulties transitioning to rule of law after decades of military dictatorship, said diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity. Myanmar civilian government spokesman Zaw Htay was not immediately available for comment. Myanmar National Security Advisor Thaung Tun said Suu Kyi has always insisted on the rule of law. "She has always said nobody is above the law and we intend to implement that. She told the Security Council members 'please bring to our notice any infringement of these laws and we will do whatever is necessary to take the action'," he told Reuters on Monday after the meeting. Earlier this month, Suu Kyi - marking two years since her party swept to power in a historic vote - said in a televised speech that Myanmar was "struggling to develop politics, society and economy." Suu Kyi's civilian government has no control over the military. The council envoys also met behind closed doors for two hours with military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing in the country's capital Naypyitaw. Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts in Rakhine State in August last year sparked a military operation that Myanmar said was a legitimate response. Fleeing refugees have reported killings, rapes and arson on a large scale. The Security Council envoys are due to travel to Rakhine on Tuesday. 'WHATEVER IS NECESSARY' Britain, the United States and others have denounced the military crackdown as ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims. The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has asked it to rule on whether it has jurisdiction over the deportations of Rohingyas to Bangladesh, a possible crime against humanity. Suu Kyi's government expressed "serious concern" over the move. The U.S. government is conducting an intensive examination of alleged atrocities against the Rohingya that could be used to prosecute Myanmar's military for crimes against humanity, U.S. officials told Reuters. Earlier on Monday the council envoys met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the country's capital Dhaka, who asked them to press Myanmar to take back "their citizens." "That's what we want," Hasina told reporters. "They want to go back to their own country. So the Security Council can play a very pivotal role." U.N. SUPERVISED RETURN? Hasina added that the refugees should return "under U.N. supervision where security and safety should be ensured". When asked if U.N. supervision meant the deployment of peacekeepers, Hasina said: "Not exactly, well, that the U.N. will decide". Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete the voluntary repatriation of the refugees within two years but differences between the two sides remain and implementation of the plan has been slow. "We are ready and willing but it will take two to tango," Thaung Tun told Reuters. "I hope that (the Security Council) will see we are really serious on trying to find a solution for this." Suu Kyi's office also said in a statement released on Monday after the meeting that cooperation was needed from Bangladesh on the repatriation of refugees. The envoys visited camps on Sunday, where distraught refugees pleaded for help ahead of the coming monsoon season. Kuwait's U.N. Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi, one of the envoys, told Hasina the Security Council wanted to "send a clear strong message ... that we're determined to end this humanitarian crisis". The Security Council asked Myanmar in November to ensure no "further excessive use of military force" and to allow "freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all". Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to basic services such as healthcare. Many in Myanmar regard Rohingya as illegal immigrants from mostly Muslim Bangladesh. (Additional Reporting by Thu Thu Aung and Yimou Lee in YANGON; Editing by Darren Schuettler and James Dalgleish)Newly obtained documents reveal the efforts Canada made behind the scenes to ensure the extradition of Hassan Diab, the Ottawa university professor who spent more than three years in a French prison while being investigated for terrorism charges that were later dropped.

An internal memo obtained by CBC News reveals that the "smoking gun" evidence that secured Diab's extradition to France in 2014 was obtained at the direction of a senior Canadian Department of Justice lawyer at a time when it appeared the French extradition case was falling apart.

Diab spent 38 months in near solitary confinement in France's largest prison without ever being charged. French authorities tried for years to link him to a 1980 bombing targeting a Paris synagogue before the French courts ordered his release and return to Canada due to lack of evidence. The French government is still pushing to put him on trial.

The confidential memo obtained by CBC News suggests that Diab  a Canadian citizen  never would have been extradited if not for the efforts of a specialized division of Canada's Department of Justice known as the International Assistance Group.

Claude LeFrancois, senior counsel with the IAG, not only wrote the memo, he also obtained a series of court delays that gave France the time it needed to find the evidence.

While that hunt for case-saving evidence continued, court transcripts show LeFrancois repeatedly told the court he had no direct knowledge of what France was doing  despite having directed France to find the evidence.

The specifics of the renewed investigation weren't the only information kept from the court. When the French efforts turned up fingerprint analysis that could have helped clear Diab, it was never shared with the defence or shown to the Canadian judge who made the extradition order.

"My first reaction is to question, is that Canada's role?" said Donald Bayne, who has represented Diab during this decade-long legal battle. "Should the Department of Justice be doing this? This is France's case. Canada has no case against Dr. Diab, never did. Canada is not the investigators for France."

Story continues

The secret process started in the fall of 2009, when it became clear that Diab's defence team had undermined key evidence in the French case connecting Diab to the bombing that killed four and injured dozens.

France was leaning heavily on analysis by two handwriting experts who claimed there was a link between Diab's writing and that of the Paris bomber.

But in October 2009, Diab's legal team produced contrary reports from four international handwriting experts. The defence experts questioned the methods and conclusions of the French experts, and they proved that some of handwriting samples used in the French analysis didn't even belong to Diab. They were his ex-wife's handwriting.

The potential loss of that evidence posed an enormous threat to the French case. So on Nov. 21, 2009 LeFrancois sent an urgent memo to France.

LeFrancois warned the defence findings "would jeopardize the reliability of one of the only elements of direct evidence" linking Diab to the bombing. If it were thrown out  which seemed likely  he warned "a significant element of the overall evidence required for a court decision to allow extradition would be lost."

LeFrancois urged French authorities to find a third handwriting analyst on "short notice, given the proceedings underway."

Fingerprint evidence not presented

But the Canadian government lawyer also asked the French to send fingerprints of the bombing suspect to Canada for comparison with prints of Diab, which would be analyzed by the RCMP.

LeFrancois wrote that the fingerprint evidence "could be extremely persuasive and perhaps conclusive."

But when the fingerprint evidence didn't match, it was never presented to the Canadian court. Under Canada's extradition laws, the prosecution is under no obligation to present evidence that points to a suspect's innocence.

"The RCMP did the comparison and had the results on Jan. 11, 2010," Bayne said in an interview.

"And it was conclusive, every identifiable fingerprint  excluded Dr. Diab. It was not him. It was conclusive. That was never told to the court."

'Important to advise' France: Justice Department

LeFrancois did not respond to multiple requests for an interview. In a statement, a Department of Justice spokesperson said it is normal practice for Canadian government lawyers like LeFrancois to provide extradition-requesting states such as France with advice on how to strengthen their case.

The spokesperson said Canada doesn't disclose confidential communications with its foreign partners to the court.

"Discussions about the strength of the evidence and the possibility of further evidence being produced are confidential communications subject to a series of privileges," the spokesperson said.

During question period Tuesday in the House of Commons, however, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said she was aware of the role government officials played in his extradition and said the government is looking into Diab's transfer to France.

As for directing France to find specific evidence, the spokesperson said, "It is important to advise the requesting state and give them the opportunity to provide additional evidence if they choose to do so."

So while Canada was advising France on how to strengthen its case, Bayne and the presiding judge were unaware that a new handwriting analysis was being prepared, which the prosecution would call its "smoking gun."

A CBC News review of court transcripts covering appearances from 2009 and 2010 show multiple attempts by Bayne and Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Maranger to discover what new evidence France might be considering against Diab.

Diab's full extradition hearing was originally set for Jan. 4, 2010. But on Dec. 18, 2009 LeFrancois successfully argued for an adjournment to allow France to consider "whether and what evidence they might wish to submit" in response to the defence's rebuttal of their handwriting analysis.

LeFrancois told the court, "I can't be more precise than that," even though this was nearly a month after he sent the request to France for a new handwriting analysis and fingerprint comparison.

This pattern repeated itself in a follow-up hearing on Feb. 8, 2010.

By March 29, 2010, four months after LeFrancois had sent his private memo to France, and with the clock ticking down to Diab's extradition hearing, tentatively set for June, Bayne was getting impatient.

"Surely, France by now knows if it is working on something that may not be ready yet," Bayne said at the March 29 hearing. "Is there anything the attorney general or France can reasonably foresee will be tendered?"

Pressed by Justice Maranger to elaborate "as an officer of the court," LeFrancois conceded there had been communication with France  but offered little else.

"It's somewhat useless to guess at whether it will be evidence and whether it will be evidence that we might want to lead," LeFrancois replied. "So I'm afraid we're at a loss."

But at this point France had already delivered fingerprint samples that didn't match Diab. It had also hired the new handwriting expert on Dec. 15, 2009  three days before LeFrancois asked for his initial adjournment.

By the time that March 29 appearance had ended, Diab's extradition hearing was set to begin on June 14. But on May 17, LeFrancois withdrew the tainted handwriting reports that were core to France's initial case and tabled the new one he had privately requested more than five months earlier.

Jeffery Johnston, LeFrancois's co-counsel, would later call this third analysis the "smoking gun" against Diab.

That description proved true. In his June 2011 decision ordering Diab's extradition, Maranger wrote, "The evidence that tips the scale in favour of committal is the handwriting comparison evidence."

That third report carried enormous weight, even though three defence experts found significant problems with the French analysis.

'Wholly unreliable'

The defence experts concluded the third French expert was "biased, unqualified, and based her conclusions on flawed methodology." They each concluded that the results in the "smoking gun" report were "patently unreliable," "wholly unreliable" and "fatally flawed."

Even the judge called the French report "convoluted, very confusing with conclusions that are suspect." Maranger wrote that France has presented "a weak case; the prospects of conviction in the context of a fair trial, seem unlikely."

But none of that mattered.

Under Canada's extradition laws, any evidence France submitted to the court had to be considered "presumptively reliable." That means that no matter how many holes the defence experts poked in the analysis, the "smoking gun" report was legally bulletproof.

Lack of evidence

For the next three years, Bayne used a series of legal challenges and appeals to try to keep Diab in Canada. By 2014 he appealed to the Supreme Court, which refused to hear the case.

On Nov. 14 of that year Diab was taken into custody and extradited to France. He was never charged with a crime. He never went to trial. He spent 38 months in his cell for 20 to 22 hours a day while France tried to strengthen the case the Canadian judge had called "weak."

In January this year, judges in France ordered the case dropped due to lack of evidence. Diab didn't match the fingerprints left by the perpetrator of the Paris bombing. University records proved Diab was in Beirut writing exams on the day of the attack.

French judges concluded the "smoking gun" handwriting analysis that tipped the scales in the extradition hearing was unreliable.

During his incarceration Diab missed the birth of his son Jad and his first and second birthdays. He missed his daughter Jena's second, third, fourth and fifth birthdays. His father died before the case was dropped and he was returned to Canada. He hasn't been able to work since his arrest in 2008.

France has appealed Diab's release. Prosecutors are determined to try him for the 1980 attack, even if they have to do it in absentia. A decision is set for July 6 in Paris. Canada's Department of Justice has launched an internal review to see what lessons can be learned from the Diab case.

"If it's limited to an internal review they are asking the wrong people. This has to be a broad-based inquiry," says Bayne. "Canada failed him."A crane maneuvers a roll of steel above a storage area ahead of shipping from the Salzgitter AG plant in Salzgitter, Germany, on Thursday, March 22, 2018. The European Union believes it's on track to be exempted from imminent U.S. tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, dialing down the risk of a trans-Atlantic trade war. Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg

With just hours remaining before Canada's exemption from new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum was set to expire, the United States postponed its decision on whether to impose the tariffs until June 1.

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered sweeping tariffs in March of 25 per cent on steel imports and 10 per cent on aluminum, but granted temporary exemptions to certain countries. In the case of Canada and Mexico, Trump's administration tied both countries' tariff exemptions to the successful renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Canada's exemption period was officially set to end at midnight April 30. But late Monday, Trump decided to give Canada, Mexico and the European Union another month to work out a deal with the Americans.

The Trump administration issued a statement saying it had come to a final agreement with South Korea on steel imports and had reached agreements in principle on steel and aluminum with Argentina, Australia and Brazil.

"The Administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days. In all of these negotiations, the Administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security," the statement said.

Earlier Monday, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told Bloomberg News that the White House would continue to grant some countries relief from the metals tariffs, but wouldn't name any nations.

A White House official said the only thing that could stop the tariffs from being imposed on Canada was a new presidential order.

"Absent any additional presidential proclamation, all tariffs would go into effect at midnight," the official said. "So in order for the exemptions to be extended or made permanent, a new proclamation would have to come from us like the original ones did."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier Monday he'd spoken to Trump on the issue and was confident the administration understands tariffs would hurt jobs on both sides of the border.

Story continues

"We continue to work with the administration but we are optimistic that they understand that this would be a bad thing for both of our economies," Trudeau told a crowd in Vancouver.

International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said Ottawa has been pushing for a full exemption, adding that Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has been engaging with her counterparts on the issue.

"Any tariff would be completely unacceptable. We said it from Day 1. We've said Canada is not the problem, Canada is part of the solution," he told reporters Monday.

A spokesperson for Freeland expressed hope the U.S. will not impose tariffs.

"Canada will continue to work to secure good, stable jobs for steel and aluminum workers on both sides of the border," said press secretary Adam Austen in an email to CBC News.

"As the prime minister said today, we remain confident that the U.S. administration understands that tariffs would hurt American jobs as much as they would hurt Canadian jobs."

Canada introduced new measures

Canada has used the past few weeks of uncertainty to bring in new measures to crack down on companies that try to ship cheap foreign steel and aluminum through the Canadian market  points Trudeau emphasized in a recent phone conversation with Trump.

Trudeau also used the exemption period to tour steel factories across Canada in an attempt to ease workers' anxieties.

Tuesday's deadline coincides roughly with the end of a political timeline for finishing a new NAFTA agreement this year.

The Trump administration has expressed the fear that allowing the NAFTA negotiations to drag on past May could endanger an agreement, given the political calendar. The U.S. ratification process will take months to complete, and the opposition Democrats could regain control of Congress in the fall midterm elections. Mexico is also heading into a national election this July.

The current round of NAFTA talks is set to resume late next week.Saskatchewan people consume 16 grams of cannabis each per year on average, according to Statistics Canada.

StatsCan released new region-specific information Monday about cannabis consumption and production across Canada. It included both the medical and illegal cannabis use.

It says that in 2017, Saskatchewan had the lowest rate of any province at 16 grams per person per year. The national average was 21 grams.

Only the Northwest Territories and Nunavut had lower rates than Saskatchewan.

Supply and demand

Jim Tebrake, director general in charge of macro economic accounts with StatsCan, said most of the data came from health surveys, where Canadians are asked about the frequency of their drug use, including cannabis.

Tebrake said it's important for provincial governments to take note of consumption habits to better understand both the supply and demand for cannabis as legalization approaches.

"The extent to which supply can't meet demand means that there will most likely continue to be an illicit market," he said.

Not a complete picture

The report notes the figures themselves are preliminary and based on assumptions like population growth.

Tebrake said gathering data on cannabis consumption is comparable to putting together pieces of a puzzle. He said some people who use cannabis illegally might not answer truthfully on a survey.

"Until it's been legalized and we understand who all the producers are and people are free to say, 'Yeah, I consume cannabis,' it's going to be a little bit difficult for us to give a point estimate," he said.

Back in January, StatsCanada reported on country-wide spending on cannabis. In an effort to find out how much Canadians pay for pot, the agency launched a crowd-sourcing initiative.Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during an announcement at the future Amazon office in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada April 30, 2018. REUTERS/Ben Nelms

The Trudeau government is proposing to limit the length of federal election campaigns, restrict the amount of spending allowed in the period immediately before a campaign and introduce new rules to regulate third-party political activity  all part of a new set of reforms to Canada's elections laws.

Political parties also would be required to disclose how and what information they collect from voters.

"The changes we are proposing in this legislation will update the Canada Elections Act to better address the realities facing our democratic institutions in the 21st century," Scott Brison, acting democratic institutions minister, said Monday afternoon after tabling legislation in the House of Commons.

"It will make real, tangible improvements to make elections more efficient, inclusive and effective for all Canadians."

In broad strokes, Bill C-76 touches on a series of concerns that have been raised about Canada's electoral and political systems, including changes made by the previous Conservative government, the activity of third-party organizations and the collection of data by political parties.

Whether the bills responds sufficiently or appropriately to those concerns will be debated over the days ahead, but the government is also facing a constrained timeline to pass the bill in time for next year's federal election.

Reversing Conservative changes

Under Bill C-76, the official campaign period could be no longer than 50 days. In 2015, the writ period was 78 days long  a modern record that raised concerns about the government's ability to dictate the election calendar.

The Liberals had promised to regulate party spending between campaigns. They now propose that, in years when a fixed election date is to be honoured in October, a "pre-writ period" would commence on June 30, running until the start of the official writ period. During that pre-writ period, political parties would be able to spend only $1.5 million on partisan advertising.

Story continues

Reversing changes made by the previous Conservative government in 2014, the Liberals would make the voter identification card a valid piece of identification for use at polling stations, allow registered voters to "vouch" for the identity or residence of another voter and empower the chief electoral officer to conduct public education campaigns.

The elections commissioner would be moved back under Elections Canada's authority and newly empowered. And the Liberals also would repeal statutes that make Canadian citizens ineligible to vote if they reside outside the country for five consecutive years.

Brison said that change would "restore voting rights to more than one million Canadian citizens living abroad."

Repeating concerns about voter identification that the Conservatives raised in 2014, Conservative critic Blake Richards warned on Monday that "we would be naive to assume that people would not take advantage of our electoral system, and undermine the value of someone else's vote."

New rules for third parties and foreign entities

To address "foreign interference" and "online disruption" in Canadian elections, the Liberals propose (among other measures) that organizations selling advertising space be barred from "knowingly" accepting election ads from "foreign entities."

Third-party organizations, like advocacy groups, would be able to spend $500,000 each during the official campaign period, but would face new spending and reporting requirements. Foreign entities would be prohibited from spending any money and third parties would be prohibited from working with other organizations to circumvent the rules against foreign spending.

"With the passage of this bill, foreign entities will no longer be able to spend money to influence federal elections," Brison said

Under the new legislation, parties would also be required to post a public statement detailing how and what information they collect on voters, how personal information is protected and whether that information could be sold. Parties would be required to submit their privacy policies to Elections Canada as part of the registration process.

Appearing on CBC's Power & Politics, NDP critic Nathan Cullen noted that the proposals stop short of putting political parties under the federal Privacy Act or the jurisdiction of the privacy commissioner.

Time running short to change election law

Stephane Perreault, the acting chief electoral officer, warned MPs last week that the government would need to move quickly if it wants its changes to be in place for the next federal election in 2019.

"Of course, our mandate is to implement the changes Parliament decides to enact and we will find ways to do that, if and when legislation is introduced and passed," Perreault said at a meeting of the procedure and House affairs committee. "However, it is also my responsibility to inform you that time is quickly running out."

Commenting before the new Liberal bill was tabled, Cullen said his party fears the government hasn't moved fast enough to bring forward changes in time for the next election.

"The concern for us is that the 2019 election will be a difficult election to run," he said. "With the new threats we see, from the Facebook scandal to the Russians' interference in the American elections ... we need all of the tools that we can possibly have at hand to make sure the next election is run fairly, so that Canadians can vote properly and have confidence in our electoral system.

"Because of Liberal inaction ... we've seen very little to nothing that will give Canadians that confidence and give Elections Canada the tools that they need."

Cullen also expressed concern over the fact that the government has not yet appointed a new chief electoral officer. Marc Mayrand, the previous officer, departed in December 2016.This weekend the United Nations Middle East peace envoy asked: How does the killing of a child in #Gaza today help #peace? It doesnt! It fuels anger and breeds more killing. Nickolay Mladenov was right to be outraged. He tweeted after a Palestinian teenager was shot in the head apparently by Israeli army snipers while peacefully protesting near a border fence. The Israeli government at first dismissed calls for an investigation, only to concede to one after the international community called on the military to stop killing children

Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

.

..UK Media Watch..01 May '18..The distortions, falsehoods and smears in an officialeditorial published on April 22 are numerous, and in fact begin in the headline:Contrary to the headlines claim, the protests were never about Israels partial blockade, but about the supposed right of return  that is, the non-existent right of millions of Palestinian descendants of refugees from 48 to return to Israel  thus the name of the event: The Great Return March.The editorial opens:First, the lethal narrative that Israel intentionally murders children is an ugly smear, one used by Palestinian propagandists and other who seek to demonise Israel, one which obfuscates Hamass cynical and illegal use of children as combatants. Further, thes characterisation of the protest in question as peaceful is a flat-out lie. Whilst the circumstances of the Palestinian teens death are not yet clear, theres no doubt that the 10,000 strong Palestinian protest that he participated in included the use of Molotov cocktails and other forms of violence  as well as attempts to damage the fence which protects southern Israeli communities from Hamas terrorists.The editorial continues:Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

.





..Algemeiner.com..30 April '18..The New Israel Fund (NIF) is ecstatic over its victory dismantling the Israeli governments plan to deport illegal migrants from Africa back to friendly, third-party African countries. As the self-described real opposition in Israel, the NIF believes it has accomplished a major policy goal.The NIF is indeed on a roll. Their grantees have been advocating against the self-defense tactics of the IDF at the Gaza border and are also trying to stop the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem.Theres just one problem: The NIF is not an Israeli organization. Its American. The NIF has no seats in the Knesset, nor does it send its children to the Israeli army. If there is conflict in Israel, there is no need for them to find shelter in a safe room, because they are safely ensconced in America.How are Israelis supposed to react to this state of affairs? Perhaps a hint can be found in how Americans have reacted to the prospect that Russians interfered with the US election in 2016. They were furious that the internal affairs of their country might have been influenced by foreigners.Americans were rightly concerned that their sovereignty was being compromised by non-Americans who had their own agenda. They were being manipulated by outsiders who might claim they were acting for the benefit of Americans, but were actually pursuing their own agenda.Artificial Intelligence

Universities in Pittsburgh and Paris to Host New AI R&D Centers

Two institutions, one in the United States and the other in France, have announced partnerships with industry to accelerate their research and development work in the area of artificial intelligence. Carnegie Mellon University has teamed up with Sony Corporation of America to collaborate on AI and robotics in the areas of cooking and delivery, and the Ecole Polytechnique (l'X) in Paris is working with Google France to fund a new academic and research chair in AI. The goal of that position is to attract AI talent to the institution and begin programs of training for students in the field.

Carnegie Mellon's specific areas of research  optimizing food preparation, cooking and delivery  was chosen because the technology that can direct a robot to handle those complex areas could be applied to a "broader set of skills and industries," school officials said. For example, machines that can manipulate eggs could also presumably handle other fragile and irregularly shaped objects. Likewise, such robots would be designed to work in tight quarters, which could also be of value for other applications.

CMU's School of Computer Science in Pittsburgh will host most of the research. "Making and serving food is an immense challenge for automation, so we're excited about the types of machines and software that might emerge as we jointly explore a variety of approaches and solutions," said Andrew Moore, dean of the school, in a prepared statement.

"This project has the potential to make the vast possibilities of AI and robotics more familiar and accessible to the general public," added Sony executive Hiroaki Kitano, who will serve as project lead. "Additionally, it could also assist those for whom daily tasks, such as food preparation, are challenging."

At l'X, the new chair will support AI-related training, research and international outreach. Marie-Paule Cani, a professor of computer science, has been appointed to the role. The university is launching an AI and advanced visual computing master's program, to start in fall 2018. The chair will participate in a scholarship program for candidates pursuing that degree. Google France will also be offering l'X students research internship opportunities. In addition, the school will provide AI seminars, roundtables and workshops to help students understand how AI plays out in the real world and to examine scientific, technical, ethical and social dimensions.

"This chair will allow us to take advantage of the French excellence in research-based training and of dual skills computer science-mathematics, to bring out a generation of young talents who will create the digital professions of tomorrow," said Cani.

Added university president Jacques Biot, "This 25th chair reflects our institution's ability to work in close interaction with the business world in order to advance knowledge for the benefit of society, and to foster the employability of our students. It is an additional piece in the powerful device deployed by l'X to support the development of artificial intelligence."In 2018, Tobacco Haven, a family-run retailer out of Brookline, New Hampshire is celebrating 30 years in business. To commemorate the occasion, Tobacco Haven has commissioned Casa Fernandez Cigars for a limited edition shop exclusive, the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th. Casa Fernandez Cigars has recently rebranded its company name as Aganorsa Leaf, but the Casa Fernandez name continues to live on with many of the companys offerings. As the name indicates, the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th is produced in Miami, Florida at the companys Casa Fernandez Miami boutique factory. Last month, the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th would have its official launch. Today we take a closer look at the special commemorative cigar.

Aganorsa Leaf is a part of a tobacco conglomerate owned and operated by Eduardo Fernandez. This conglomerate includes the world-renowned Aganorsa Farms in Nicaragua, two factories (Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A  better known as TABSA and Sabor Aganorsa S.A.  better known as SABSA) and the Casa Fernandez Miami in the United States. The conglomerate also owns and operates a U.S. based distribution company. While it is the 30th anniversary of Tobacco Haven, it is also technically the 40th anniversary of the cigar brands that make up the Aganorsa Leaf operation. In 2002, Fernandez purchased Tabacalera Tropical, the company founded by the late Pedro Martin in 1978 and this became the foundation of what would be Casa Fernandez.

Tobacco Haven is no stranger to single shop exclusive releases. Two of the more famous releases include the La Flor Dominicana Doomsday 2012 Meaner Digger and Leroy vs. The Dark Master, a collaboration between Christian Eiroa and Edgar Hoill. Now the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th takes its place alongside those exclusive releases.

Without further ado, lets break down the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th and see what this cigar brings to the table.

Blend Profile

The Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th is a 100% Nicaraguan puro incorporating tobaccos from the Aganorsa farms and highlighted by a Nicaraguan Corojo 99 wrapper.

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo 99

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Country of Origin: United States (Casa Fernandez Miami)

Vitolas Available

The Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th is available in one size  a 7 x 52 Double Corona. The cigars are packed in 12-count boxes.

Appearance

The Nicaraguan Corojo 99 of the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th had almost a caramel color with a slight rosado tint to it. This was a wrapper that didnt have much in the way of oil on the surface and had a slightly rough feel when held in the hand. There were some visible veins and some visible wrapper seams.

There are two bands on the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th. The primary band has a red oval sitting on a pale yellow field. On the red oval is the text MIAMI in gold font. There is an outer gold ring surrounding the red oval. In between the ring and the red oval is the tex FABRICA DE TABACOS and CASA FERNANDEZ in black font. On the left and right side of the band is a thick brown stripe. Just above the brown stripe is a thin pale yellow stripe with a gold chicken-wire-like design on it. Finally, the top and bottom of the band have gold and black trim.

The secondary band is black in color with gold trim across the top and bottom. On the center of the band is the text Tobacco Haven 30th in gold cursive font. Just below that text is the text CASA FERNANDEZ in a smaller gold font. On the left and right side of the band are a series of gold leaf designs.

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

Prior to lighting up the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th, I chose a straight cut to remove the cap. After the cap was removed, I proceeded with the pre-light draw. The dry draw delivered a mix of natural tobacco, earth, and a slight pepper note. All things considered, I deemjed the pre-light draw to the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th to be satisfactory. At this point, I was ready to light up this cigar and see what the smoking experience would have in store.

Flavor Profile

The Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th started out with a short moderate black pepper spurt. Once the pepper subsided, it gave way to notes of natural tobacco and dusty earth. When the pepper settled in the background it was joined by some cedar notes. On the retro-hale, there was an additional layer of black pepper with some cedar notes mixed in.

Throughout the first third, the earth notes were grounded in the forefront. For the most part, the natural tobacco was a secondary note, but from time to time surfaced in the forefront. I found the flavors to have a nice smooth and, to some extent creamy, texture to them. Meanw,hile the black pepper and cedar were secondary notes providing subtle input into the flavor profile.

The earth notes remained in the forefront during the second third of the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th Anniversary. By this point, the natural tobacco flavor was now a secondary note. During this stage of the smoking experience, the cigar started to shed some of the creamy texture it had during the first third. Once the cigar reached the 2nd half, there was an increase in the black pepper notes and, to a lesser extent, the cedar notes.

By the last third, the black pepper notes were now in the forefront with the earth notes. Toward the very end of the cigar, the black pepper had the edge. While there was more in the way of pepper, it never became overwhelming. Meanwhile, notes of natural tobacco and cedar were still present, but the creaminess early on was now gone. This is the way the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th came to a close. The resulting nub was firm to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn and Draw

While at times there was a slight curvature of the burn line of the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th, this was a cigar that had no problem maintaining a straight burn path. This burn line didnt warrant much in the way of additional touch-ups. The resulting ash had a salt and pepper color scheme to it. This was a firm ash that came off the cigar in clean chunks. The burn temperature was ideal. I did find for a 7 x 52, this cigar burned a little fast (average smoke about 85 minutes, which is about 15 to 20 minutes faster than I would expect). The quicker burn rate had no adverse effects other than to result in a smoking experience shorter in duration.

In terms of the draw of the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th, this was a draw that was open, but not loose. This is a very easy cigar to derive flavor from.

Strength and Body

In terms of strength and body, the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th started out a solid medium. There was a slight uptick in strength and by the second third, the strength moved into medium to full territory  where it pretty much stayed at a constant level for the remainder of the smoke. As for the body, I found the medium-bodied intensity level to be constant throughout the smoking experience.

When it came to strength versus body, I found both attributes to balance each other early on, but by the second half, I gave a slight nod to the strength.

Final Thoughts

Ive been pretty vocal that I feel the single shop exclusive market has become way too saturated with releases. At the same time, I have found it has become more difficult to find a standout single shop exclusive. However, when it comes to the Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th, this is a cigar that really delivers. I enjoyed the flavors a lot on this cigar  and perhaps what was most surprising is how well it performed in a 7 x 52 Double Corona format. Sometimes with 7 cigars, when it comes to flavor, I find that the cigar can run out of gas  the flavors just seem to completely go flat. This was not the case with the Tobacco Haven 30th, as I found it delivered nice flavor from start to finish.

This is a cigar I would recommend to a seasoned cigar enthusiast, but wouldnt discourage a novice looking for graduate to something medium or medium plus. One final note, this cigar has a great price  at $9.99 per cigar (or $99.99 for a 12 count box), this is a cigar that delivers high value. I especially found this an excellent price for a U.S. made cigar. As for myself, its a cigar that scores on both merit and value  and its worthy of a box purchase.

Note: The Casa Fernandez Miami Tobacco Haven 30th can be ordered here.

Summary

Key Flavors: Earth, Natural Tobacco, Black Pepper, Cedar

Burn: Excellent

Draw: Very Good

Complexity: Medium

Strength: Medium (1st Third), Medium to Full (Remainder)

Body: Medium

Finish: Excellent

Rating

Value: Box Purchase

Score: 92

References

News: Casa Fernandez Tobacco Haven 30th Anniversary Cigar Launched

Price: $9.99 per cigar / $99.99 per box

Source: Tobacco Haven

Brand Reference: Casa Fernandez

Photo Credits: Cigar CoopTUESDAY, May 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- A European woman who needed an implanted brain device got an unwelcome side effect during a storm: Nearby lightning switched the device off.

Experts say the phenomenon is likely rare, and the deep brain stimulator device worked fine again once it was turned back on by doctors.

Still, it's a hazard worth looking out for, medical experts said.

While this is the first such event recorded, "a thunderstorm is a common natural phenomenon; therefore, the present case draws attention to the potential danger of lightning strikes [for implanted device users]," said study co-author Dr. Dusan Flisar, of the University of Ljubljana, in Slovenia.

Such battery-powered devices are called neurostimulators, deep-brain stimulators or implantable pulse generators (IPGs), Flisar's team explained. The devices are used to treat a number of movement disorders (such as Parkinson's), as well as some mental health conditions, for patients who do not get sufficient relief from medications.

IPGs are typically implanted just under the muscle or skin in the upper chest. They deliver electrical impulses to electrodes in those areas of the brain that are targeted for treatment.

However, prior research has shown that IPGs can be affected by electromagnetic fields generated by electrical devices at work, home and in the hospital, the study authors pointed out.

This new case shows that lightning might also pose a threat to IPGs.

The researchers said a 66-year-old woman received one of the devices to help control her neck dystonia, a painful and involuntary contraction of muscles. She had used the device -- to good effect -- for five years.

However, during a thunderstorm, lightning hit the electrical network of her apartment building with such force that her television and air conditioner were both burned and destroyed.

"The patient realized that something was wrong only one hour after the storm subsided, when the dystonic tremor in her neck reappeared," the researchers explained.

Checking her IPG, the woman noticed the "Power On Reset" warning had appeared, so she took the device to a clinic and found that the lightning had turned it off. Luckily, the device was otherwise undamaged.

"After switching the stimulator back on, the patient's dystonic tremor resolved almost immediately and her neck dystonia improved," the researchers wrote in the report, which was published online May 1 in the Journal of Neurosurgery.

While the incident is the only one yet reported, Flisar and colleagues indicated that "patients [with IPGs] should be regularly warned to avoid environmental sources that generate strong electromagnetic fields, such as arc welding equipment, electronic power generators, electrical substations, ham radio antennas, power lines, microwave communication transmitters, industrial furnaces, induction heaters, resistance welders and transmission towers for television and radio signals."

Two brain specialists based in the United States agreed that this phenomenon is rare, but worth noting.

"As technology progresses, we need to stay ahead of risks posed," said Dr. Gayatri Devi, a neurologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She noted that "other implantable devices, such as older cardiac pacemakers and brain shunts, may malfunction after exposure to strong magnetic fields such as those generated by an MRI machine, although newer pacemakers and devices are MRI compatible."

Dr. Michael Schulder helps direct neurosurgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. He said that the device used by the Slovenian woman has been "an FDA-approved treatment for patients with movement disorders such as tremor and Parkinson's disease for over 20 years."

He added that "the problem known as dystonia is less common, and while it is not 'officially approved,' there is extensive evidence proving the value of [the devices] for treating patients with that condition."

But Schulder believes there's no need for the more than 100,000 Americans who use the devices to panic the next time they hear thunder.

"This report supports the idea that 'getting struck by lightning' is as rare an event as we normally think it is," Schulder said.

More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on deep brain stimulation.TUESDAY, May 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- A vast majority of U.S. adults believe children should receive more mental health support, new research reveals.

Nearly nine out of 10 adults favor more mental health treatment and prevention programs for children and teens in their communities, according to a poll commissioned by Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

"The survey confirms the public knows what the research shows and what we see in clinic -- the need for pediatric behavioral health services is significant," said Dr. David Axelson.

Behavioral health disorders in children can have a long-term, negative impact on their health and society, said Axelson, the hospital's chief of psychiatry and behavioral health.

"Many communities like ours are thinking about how to improve access to high-quality behavioral health services because it is the right thing to do," he said in a hospital news release.

In February and March, the researchers questioned 2,000 Americans, including 500 parents with children younger than 18.

More than one-third reported having a child or teen who would benefit from mental health support.

But 37 percent said financial concerns would prevent them from accessing these services, while 33 percent said insurance coverage is the main barrier to children's mental health support.

Axelson said his hospital's early childhood mental health program can help prevent preschool expulsion because of behavior issues. How? By consulting and training teachers and child caregivers to manage difficult or troubled kids.

For older children, effective suicide prevention programs are vitally important, he said.

"The goal of programs like these is to remove barriers and intervene before a family ever needs to come to a provider's office," said Axelson.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health has more about mental health treatment for children.TUESDAY, May 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- While allergists have long known that farm life helps prevent allergies in kids, new research shows the benefit might even extend to adults who live near a farm.

The findings "are indicative of potentially beneficial health effects of living in close proximity to farms," said a team led by Dr. Lidwien Smit, of Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

One U.S. expert said the study supports what's known as the "hygiene hypothesis." This theory holds that early exposure to immune-system allergy triggers -- called antigens -- actually helps prime the body against developing allergies.

This theory was supported "when it was demonstrated that children growing up on farms developed less asthma and atopic diseases later in life," noted Dr. Alan Mensch, a pulmonologist at Plainview and Syosset Hospitals on Long Island, N.Y.

"This included allergies to grass, dust mites, and even cats and dogs," he said.

But is there any benefit to simply living near livestock farms for people who aren't farmers or ranchers?

To find out, Smit's group surveyed 2,500 adults between 20 and 72 years old who lived in rural areas near farms.

The Dutch team found that nearly 30 percent of the adults had allergies. Of these people, nearly 12 percent were allergic to grass, nearly 12 percent were allergic to house dust mites, around 5 percent were allergic to cats and about 4 percent were allergic to dogs.

The team then looked at how close participants' homes were to any livestock farm. Smit's group found that people who lived within about 1,000 feet of livestock were 27 percent less likely to have allergies than those who lived farther away.

Specifically, people living within about 1,600 feet of a pig farm were 37 percent less likely to have allergies than those who lived more than roughly 1,900 feet away. And living no more than 1,300 feet from a cattle farm was linked with a 32 percent lower risk for allergies, the study found.

Being surrounded by nearby farms (within about 1,600 feet) was also tied to a 4 percent lower risk for allergies per farm, and for those living near pigs, the risk dropped 14 percent for each farm.

The study was observational in nature so it can't prove cause and effect. But the researchers noted that the protective effect of living near a farm rose over time, especially when exposures had begun in childhood.

Mensch said prior studies have suggested that the very air people breathe near farms may be protective against allergies.

He pointed to one study that found that "elevated levels of components of [potentially protective] gram-negative bacteria were prominent in the atmosphere around farms and downwind in areas in close proximity to farms."

Mensch said these "helpful" bacteria may bolster the human microbiome -- the collection of trillions of helpful germs living in our bodies. And "the less we are exposed to various microbiomes prevalent on livestock farms, the more likely are we to develop allergic diseases," he theorized.

Dr. Punita Ponda helps direct allergy and immunology at Northwell Health in Great Neck, N.Y. She agreed with Mensch that the Dutch research "reinforces the hygiene hypothesis." The findings are also "similar to my personal research on the increase in prevalence of food allergy in children," she said.

"I suspect this is due to a change in our gut microbiome from an overly hygienic [urban] environment and exposure to both low-dose antibiotics in the food supply and higher-dose excessive treatment on common ailments with antibiotics," Ponda explained. "Some preliminary results do show changes in the microbiome associated with food allergy."

The Dutch findings were published online April 30 in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

More information

There's much more on allergies at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Share this: Twitter

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CPJ in Pakistan: People dont know where the lines are that they cant cross

In February, CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler traveled to Pakistan with CPJ Multimedia Producer Mustafa Hameed to speak to journalists and press freedom advocates about the climate for media freedom in Pakistan. They traveled to Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, and Okara on the two-week-long trip.

CPJ Program Coordinator Steve Butler and Multimedia Producer Mustafa Hameed speak to journalists at the Karachi Press Club in February. (CPJ)

Here, Butler tells us a little about the missionwhom they spoke to and what they learned.

Whom did you meet with?

We met with a lot of people: journalists, press freedom advocates, the editor of Dawn, the managing editor of Geo, and a number of journalists in distress.

We met a young journalist in Karachi, a very bright and talented man, who wants to change the world through his journalism. He did a lot of investigative work on minorities, women, and labor and it eventually got him into trouble. The countrys Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI, tried to pick him up, and he managed to escape. Then he went in voluntarily and said, Whats going on, whats the problem? And the ISI told him, Youre writing against Pakistan.

The thing that caught their attention was his reporting on labor issues with foreign investors. They told him, If you continue doing this, were going to crack your head open. They literally told him that.

We spoke to other journalists and editors as well, including Umar Cheema, CPJs 2011 International Press Freedom Award winner, and CPJ friends in the activist and human rights community. They all gave us a very consistent picture of whats going on.

What is going on?

Everyone describes Pakistan as being on a slow and winding path to press freedom until around 2014. They see it as having gone into reverse after that. Now, its very interesting because the numbers of journalists killed after that time went down, so youd think this would usher in press freedom.

But Pakistani media outlets and journalists are under pressureit varies, it goes up and down. Recently, the pressure has intensified. There are also widespread disappearances in Pakistan, and people suspect a good portion of them have to do with the military. It creates a sense of fear. This is the thing everyone will say: Because of various threats, the level of self-censorship has gone up.

Of course, there are great exceptions, but its become such that people dont know where the lines areor what they can report without putting themselves in danger. For many reasons, journalists and press freedom advocates say conditions for the media are worsening in spite of the relative decline of physical attacks or violence against journalists.

So whats next on Pakistan for CPJ?

Were planning to publish a special report on press freedom in Pakistan in the summer. Stay tuned!

Behind the scenes of CPJs advocacy in Brussels

Six months after investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in Malta, CPJ conducted a mission to Brussels to urge European Union leaders to support journalists. The delegation met with EU officials, including Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans and Commissioner Vera Jourova, and discussed Caruana Galizias murder and the February murder of investigative reporter Jan Kuciak in Slovakia. CPJ also raised concerns about press freedom in Poland, where we conducted a mission in February, and Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban was elected for a third term.

CPJs EU representative, Tom Gibson, and CPJ board member Kati Marton meet with Vera Jourova, commissioner for justice, gender equality, and consumers. (CPJ)

CPJ EU Representative and Advocacy Manager Tom Gibson set up the high-level meetings for the delegation. Gibson, who is based in Brussels, monitors press freedom developments in the EU and advises CPJ on the best ways to strengthen the impact and effectiveness of CPJs advocacy.

We sat down with Gibson and asked him to tell us about his work for CPJ in Brussels.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

As a human rights advocate, I have worked to defend those people who stand for truth and justicejournalists, academics, and human rights defenders. For years, I worked on the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and I represented Amnesty International and Protection International at some of the highest levels. I learned that you have to bring peoples stories to the attention of the worlds most powerfulin Brussels, London, Geneva, and Washingtonand I learned how courageous people can be while defending the rights of others.

I continue to be inspired by CPJs work in the European Union. Step by step, we can make a difference.

You are CPJs representative in Brussels, the home of the EU. Whats a regular weekday like?

The great thing about Brussels is that every day can be different. Its a fast-paced environment so I have to stay in regular contact with members of European Parliament, journalists, advocates, and others. I spend a lot of time between the Council, the Parliament, and the Commission.

I have been at CPJ for a year now, and you start to work out your own path in what is known as the Brussels Bubble. I have built up CPJs network of contacts, so its great to be able to reach out to people when I need them. People here frequently use me as a source of information and advice.

CPJs Brussels office is in the Residence Palace, where other journalism and free expression organizations are based. What kind of work do you do with them?

Brussels civil society often works collaboratively on advocacy, which I believe is key to CPJs success. I often partner with other press freedom groups like the International Federation of Journalists, the European Federation of Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders. I also work with Amnesty International on press freedom issues in Poland and Hungary and with Human Rights Watch on a project that twins members of European Parliament with imprisoned journalists in Turkey.

Speaking with one voice really gives weight to the issueand I like to think I have a good rapport with my colleagues from other organizations!

Mexico arrests suspect in murder of Javier Valdez Cardenas

The press conference, attended by CPJ, in which police and government officials announce the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Javier Valdez Cardenas. (CPJ/Jan-Albert Hootsen)

At a press conference on April 24, Mexican police announced they had arrested a 26-year-old individual as an accomplice in the murder of Mexican investigative reporter and editor Javier Valdez Cardenas.

Valdez was shot dead on May 15, 2017, in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state. The journalist often reported on organized crime and corruption in his home state of Sinaloa for the magazine. Two months before he was killed, Valdez told CPJ he was concerned for his safety. In 2011, CPJ honored him with its International Press Freedom Award.

CPJ welcomed the news of the arrest, but continues to urge Mexican authorities to identify all those responsible for Valdezs murder, including the mastermind.

It comes as somewhat of a relief to all those involvedJaviers family and colleagues, as well as organizations like CPJthat an arrest finally has been made almost a year after Javier was murdered, CPJ Mexico Representative Jan-Albert Hootsen said. We also know, however, that this can only be the first step, and that there are other suspects out there that need to be apprehended. The case is far from closed.

Mexico is one of the deadliest countries in the Western Hemisphere for journalists. Mexico ranked sixth on CPJs most recent Impunity Index, which spotlights countries where journalists are murdered regularly and their killers go free.

Must-reads in April

In mid-April, CPJ and Reporters Without Borders called on journalists who have faced challenges while entering or exiting the United States to share information about what happened to them. Press freedom groups including CPJ have documented at least 19 cases of journalists being stopped at the border. Nearly half of them were asked to unlock and turn over their cell phones.

At least one journalist has been killed covering the protests that escalated in Nicaragua in April. CPJ published an alert on the death, and also documented attacks on nine journalists in the country. In addition, CPJ issued a safety advisory detailing ways for journalists to minimize the risks they face while covering the unrest.

Two Ecuadoran journalists and one media worker were killed in April after being kidnapped in March. Reporter Javier Ortega, photojournalist Paul Rivas, and driver Efrain Segarra worked for Ecuadoran daily newspaper El Comercio. CPJ condemned the murders and called on authorities to do what they can to hold the killers to account.

CPJ published an alert in April on the death of Russian journalist Maksim Borodin. The journalist, who died after falling from the balcony of his fifth-floor apartment, had gained national attention for his reporting. CPJs Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, Nina Ognianova, called for a thorough investigation into Borodins death, adding Russia has a record of brushing aside suspicious deaths of members of the press.

Raise your voice to #FreeAustinTice

Austin Tices parents, Marc and Debra, hold up photos of him during a press conference in Lebanon in July 2017. (AP/Bilal Hussein)

Freelance U.S. journalist Austin Tice disappeared while reporting in Syria nearly six years ago. He was last heard from on August 13, 2012, according to a website set up by his family.

Ever since he went missing, Tices parents have worked hard to bring him home. They have met with government officials in various countries and traveled through the Middle East. CPJ has provided them with financial and moral support and, earlier this year, CPJs executive director, Joel Simon, met with them in Houston, where they asked him a favor.

The Tices want journalists who care about and stand up for press freedom to tweet their concern for their son. Its a simple act, but itll help serve as a reminder that even though Austin Tice is still missing, he hasnt been forgotten.

Join us each week, on Monday at 10 a.m., and tweet your support! #FreeAustinTice

CPJ on World Press Freedom Day

New York: CPJ Emergencies Director Maria Salazar-Ferro is speaking on a panel on press freedom at the United Nations, hosted by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the News Literacy Project. Click here to register for the event.

New York: CPJ Deputy Executive Director Robert Mahoney will make remarks at an event on the safety of journalists and media workers held at the United Nations. The event is hosted by the UN Department of Public Information and UNESCO, along with 19 member states comprising the Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists in New York. Register for the event here.

Washington: CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon is participating on a panel discussion, called Journalism under threat, hosted by CPJ and Internews. Click here to register to attend.

Washington: CPJs Middle East and North Africa program coordinator, Sherif Mansour, will be speaking on a panel at the National Press club on the imprisonment of Shawkan, an Egyptian photojournalist who was jailed in 2013. Click here to register for the event.

CPJ in the news

The true damage of Trumps fake news, The New York Times Editorial Board

What if we didnthave the First Amendment? Mic

US believes Austin Tice still alive as FBI offers new $1 million reward, ABC News

Mexico: Suspect in murder of journalist Javier Valdez arrested, Al Jazeera

Imprisoned for their pictures: Why four photojournalists landed in jail, Getty Images

Egyptian website editor arrested for republishing article on election fraud, The Guardian

Jailed Egyptian journalist to be awarded UNESCO press freedom prize, Reuters

Turkey Cumhuriyet trial: 13 newspaper staff convicted over coup, BBC

EUs Malta problem puts free press at risk, EU ObserverShare this: Twitter

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News editor Somyot Prueksakasemsuk was released from Bangkok Remand Prison in the Thai capital on April 30, 2018 after serving a sentence for lese majeste, according to news reports. Reports said that Somyot was greeted by a small group of family and supporters and appeared to be in good spirits.

Somyot, who was editor of the now closed Voice of Taksin, told reporters upon his release that Thailands junta had led the country backward and he was disappointed that democracy had not yet been restored, reports said.

Because Somyot served his full sentence no conditions were placed on his release, according to a source who is familiar with the situation and who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of royal issues in Thailand.

The editor was first arrested on April 30, 2011 at a Thai border checkpoint while trying to cross into neighboring Cambodia, according to CPJ research. In 2013, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for two news articles that appeared in Voice of Taksin, the local language news magazine he edited, that judges deemed were insulting to the Thai monarchy, and an additional year for defamation of a senior security official.

The Supreme Court reduced his lese majeste sentence to six years in February 2017 on the grounds that he did not write the articles in question, according to reports.

Convictions under Thailands lese majeste law, outlined in article 112 of the criminal code, carry maximum 15-year jail sentences. CPJ has found that the laws harsh provisions lead to widespread self-censorship among journalists when reporting on royal issues.

Days before his arrest, Somyot started a petition to pressure parliament into removing Article 112 from the criminal code, according to news reports. Somyot was denied bail on at least 16 separate occasions while in detention, according to reports.

Thailands long-ruling King Bhumibol Adulyadej died in October 2016 and his heir-apparent Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun has since succeeded him to the throne.

Any Thai individual may file lese majeste charges under the law. Members of the Thai royal family have never personally filed defamation charges.

Somyots wife and son, both of whom campaigned for his unconditional release, were briefly detained on May 24, 2014, two days after the military seized power in a coup, according to press reports. Military authorities confiscated two of their laptop computers, but no charges were filed, according to reports.Share this: Twitter

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CPJ, along with eight other human rights organizations, today urged the government of Equatorial Guinea to renew without further delay the passport of acclaimed cartoonist Ramon Nse Esono Ebale.

Esono Ebale, who lives in El Salvador with his wife and child, was arrested on September 16, 2017, while visiting his home country, Equatorial Guinea, to renew his passport. The cartoonist was acquitted on February 28, when the states sole witness recanted his story, and released from prison on March 7, but he cannot leave the country until authorities issue his travel document, according to the joint statement.

The full statement can be read hereThe first ever bilateral joint military training exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI 2018 between India and Malaysia began in dense forests of Sengai Perdik, Hulu Langat, Malaysia. The exercise aims at bolstering cooperation and coordination between armed forces of both nations. It also seeks to share expertise of both contingents in conduct of counter insurgency operations in jungle terrain. This is for first time joint training exercise of this magnitude between Indian and Malaysia is being held on Malaysian soil.

Key Facts

The exercise will be held from 30 April 18 to 13 May 2018. In it, Indian contingent is represented by 4 GRENADIERS, one of the oldest infantry battalions having rich operational experience in conventional as well as counter insurgency warfare. Malaysian contingent is represented by soldiers from 1 Royal Ranjer Regiment and Royal Malay Regiment, known for their experience in Jungle Warfare.

The focus of exercise is on tactical operations in jungle warfare. It involves cross training phase followed by field training phase of seven days in jungles of Hulu Langat wherein both armies will jointly train, plan and execute series of training activities. Overall, the exercise will provide excellent opportunity to armies of both countries to hone their operational skills and also contribute to enhance strategic partnership between India and Malaysia.NASA will launch its first-ever mission InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) to study the deep interior of Mars on May 5, 2018. It will be launched from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California aboard United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. The rocket will also launch two mini-spacecraft called Mars Cube One (MarCO) which is NASAs technology experiment.

InSight Mission

InSight is stationary lander that will be first NASA mission since Apollo moon landings to place seismometer, a device that measures quakes on soil of another planet. It has been envisaged as part of NASAs Discovery Program mission that aims to place stationary lander equipped with seismometer and heat transfer probe on surface of Mars to study red planets early geological evolution.

InSight is terrestrial planet explorer that will address one of most fundamental issues of planetary and solar system science. It will help in understanding processes that shaped rocky planets of inner solar system (including Earth) more than four billion years ago. Its instruments include seismometer to detect marsquakes and probe that will monitor flow of heat in planets subsurface.

The robotic lander will perform a radio science experiment to study internal structure of Mars by deploying seismometer and a burrowing heat probe. It will measure Mars vital signs such as pulse (seismology), temperature (heat flow probe) and reflexes (precision tracking). It will let scientists understand how different its crust, mantle and core are from Earth.

MarCO

MarCO consists of two briefcase-sized CubeSats that will fly on their own path to Mars behind InSight. It will be first test of CubeSat technology in deep space or at another planet. They are designed to test new communications and navigation capabilities for future missions and may aid InSight communications but is independent of InSight mission. If successful, MarCOs will offer new kind of communication capability to deep space missions to Earth.Iran Human Rights (Apr 30, 2018): Seyyed Iman Hosseini Moqaddam, who was dubbed as the fake postman by the Iranian media, was hanged at Rajai Shahr Prison this morning.





According to IHR sources, on the morning of Monday, April 30, Seyyed Iman Hosseini Moqaddam was hanged at Rajai Shahr Prison.





Hosseini Moqaddam, dubbed as the fake postman by the media, was sentenced to execution in public on the charge of corruption on earth through multiple counts of rape. However, the execution was carried out in the prison.





The prisoner and his family denied the accusations many times and claimed that the real reason behind these accusations was political and financial issues.





Esfandiar Rahim Mashaei, a close ally of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Chief of Staff from 2009 to 2013, was in a gathering held by the prisoners family in front of the Judiciary on November 27, 2017. The video of this gathering has been published by IHR.





It should be noted that Hosseini Moqaddam was transferred to the solitary confinement along with 12 others in order to be executed. Three of them were executed on Wednesday, April 25, but Hosseini Moqaddams execution was delayed for unknown reasons.





The three prisoners who were executed on Wednesday were identified as Alireza Masoumi, Mohammadreza Kharratha, and Amir Khalili. All were sentenced to death on murder charges. Amir Khalili, an Afghanistani national, was also sentenced to death on drug-related charges, but he was executed for his murder case.





The execution of these prisoners has not been announced by the state-run media so far.





Man Hanged in Isfahan on Drug-Related Charges





Iran Human Rights (Apr 30, 2018): A prisoner was executed at Isfahan Central Prison on drug-related charges. This is the first drug-related execution after the new drug law was enforced.





According to the IHR source, on the morning of Monday, April 30, a prisoner was executed at Isfahan Central Prison on drug-related charges.





The prisoner was identified as Kiomars Nosuhi from Kermanshah. IHR had earlier reported the transference of the prisoner to the solitary confinement.





A close source told IHR, Because Kiomars was accused to be the leader of a drug gang, his sentence was not reviewed according to the new drug law. He was sentenced to death on the charge of a ton of morphine. Yesterday the prosecutor had told his family that his execution was not going to be carried out, but he was executed today at 5 am.





It should be noted that the new drug law, which limits issuing the death penalty for drug-related offences, was enforced on November 14, 2017. Since then, the execution of the defendants charged with drug-related offences had been stopped. Therefore, this is the first drug-related execution that the statistical department of IHR can confirm after enforcement of the new drug law.





The execution of this prisoner has not been reported by the state-run media so far.

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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar WildeJames Miller of Austin, Texas was found not guilty of manslaughter and murder by a jury after killing his neighbor, Daniel Spencer. After Miller used the gay panic defense, claiming Spencer made a pass at him, the jury found him guilty of criminally negligent homicide and sentenced him to 10 years of probation.





While a handful of states have outlawed the defense tactic and the American Bar Association has called on states to ban it, in Texas it is still legal to get away with murder by saying a gay mans advances can justify killing him.





The judge was required under state law to honor the jurys recommendation but also added on six months of jail time, 100 hours of community service, and restitution of $11,000 to the victims family. Miller will also have use a portable alcohol monitoring device for at least a year.





Miller and Spencer were drinking and playing music together shortly before the attack. Miller argued he reacted in self-defense but never claimed that Spencer intended to cause him bodily harm. Prosecutors argued during the case that blood evidence found on the scene disputed Millers claims.





It was so uncharacteristic of Mr. Miller that for him to engage in this behavior clearly had to be an act of self-defense, Millers defense attorney told the jury.





We dont know exactly what did happen in that house that night, Prosecutor Matthew Foye told KXAN-TV after the verdict was handed down. So that can be something that can be very difficult for juries to work through.





I have a huge hole in my heart. Somethings wrong in the world when you lose your child before you go, the victims mother, Marsha Spencer, told the jury. Im tortured by the thought of how Daniel died and Im tortured by the fact that he suffered and that he was alone when he died. Its a loss that cuts deeply.





The jury apparently didnt care about the hole in her heart as much as they did the idea of a gay man supposedly making a pass at a straight man. To them, thats deserving of death.

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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,

but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar WildeMueller also wants to know if Trump discussed with any campaign staff arranging a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Photo: AP)

Washington: Special Counsel Robert Mueller has submitted questions to the White House that indicate a focus on whether President Donald Trump tried to obstruct a probe into Russian interference, The New York Times reported Monday.

The questions also show Mueller wants to find out what Trump knew about links between members of his presidential campaign and Russia, including a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower with a Russian lawyer offering damaging information on election rival Hillary Clinton, the Times said.

And they indicate that Mueller wants to know if Trump offered a pardon to his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, who has already been charged by Mueller with lying and is believed to be cooperating with the investigation.

The questions are the clearest signal yet that Mueller has enough circumstantial evidence to suspect the president of obstruction, and also has reason to believe Trump might have known of the Russia links.

But there is no indication whether Trump is now an official suspect of the year-old probe, or that Mueller has found evidence of active collusion with the Russians, which Trump vehemently denies.

The Times obtained a list of questions it said Mueller's team read over the telephone to Trump's legal team, which compiled them into a list.

The Times said it obtained the list from someone outside Trump's legal team.

Mueller's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Since at least early in 2018, Mueller has discussed the possibility of interviewing Trump for the investigation, according to the president's attorneys.

But they appear to have been divided on how and how much Trump should cooperate.

Two weeks ago, Trump recruited to his legal team former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who said he would try to reach a deal with Mueller on how the president would cooperate with the probe.

Most of the questions reported by the Times ask what Trump knew of certain events, like the June 2016 meeting with the Russian lawyer, or what was he thinking when he did or said something, like firing former FBI director James Comey.

"When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting?" one question asks.

"What efforts were made to reach out to Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon?" goes another.

Mueller also wants to know if Trump discussed with any campaign staff arranging a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While none of the questions are accusatory, they could carry the risk of Trump being trapped in a lie if any of several former campaign staff already indicted by Mueller have provided evidence to the contrary.Much of the recent focus regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs has been on who will lead it. Secretary David Shulkin departed in late March amidst allegations of disagreements with the administration and improper use of public funds. Last week Admiral Ronny Jackson, a potential replacement, withdrew, leaving the troubled department without anyone permanent at the helm.

It is important but not sufficient to put forward a good candidate to lead the department. Recent initiatives making it easier to discipline poorly-performing employees or giving some veterans the choice of accessing care at private facilities will help veterans. However, the problems at the VA have persisted for many years and a solution will require a sustained effort, complete with rigorous oversight, implementation, and evaluation.

Some veterans receive first-class timely care, and many VA employees perform their jobs admirably. However, in too many areas the VA has fallen far short of its goals, with adverse consequences for too many veterans. Unfortunately, these problems have become so commonplace, and have persisted for so long, that the public risks becoming desensitized to bad news. The road to solving these problems will require an unwavering commitment.

In January 2014, it was discovered that wait times for the VA hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, were being manipulated to meet established targets. Since then, a wave of investigations has found problems with scheduling practices and wait time data across a range of facilities. Even before that, oversight bodies were skeptical of wait time data.

The timeline below details the series of investigations that have corroborated problems with wait times and scheduling practices. These shortcomings undercut other efforts to address problems at the VA, such as the Veterans Choice Program, which is not enrolling all eligible veterans.

Eliminating the widespread problems with scheduling practices, and obtaining consistent, accurate wait time data is essential for understanding how the VA is failing to meet its goals, and how effective new initiatives have been to address these shortcomings.

The timeline is only one aspect of mismanagement and poor performance as it relates to scheduling and wait times over the recent period. It does not include the many substantiated allegations of mishandling of benefits claims, fraud carried out by employees, or mishandling of finances.

While the Office of Inspector General should be commended for doing yeomans work to dig into areas of incompetence or malfeasance, their resources are not unlimited, and there may very well be other areas where problems remain hidden, especially since the timeline only covers investigations and reports that have occurred since 2014.

In most cases, the OIG substantiated the allegations, and in both of the new region-wide reviews, it found that wait time data was inaccurate. These new reviews encompass multiple facilities across different states within one of the 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks.

So far, the OIG has investigated VISN 6 and 15, which contain facilities in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, North Carolina, and Virginia. After finding inaccurate wait time data in both of these investigations, it is likely that the OIG will continue to review other regions, and it is at least plausible that those areas will have some of the same problems, and that the map of facilities with problems is only partial.

The history of investigations finding evidence of long wait times stretches back farther that. While there could be even earlier reports, in July 2005 an investigation from the Office of Inspector General warned that scheduling procedures need to be improved to ensure accurate reporting of veterans waiting times and facility waiting lists.

The OIGs Phoenix investigation lists 18 previous reports on VA patient wait times from 2005 to 2013. Most of these reports substantiate allegations of improper scheduling practices or inaccurate data, which resulted in lower quality of care or longer wait times for veterans.

The problems at the VA span multiple administrations and five different Secretaries of Veterans Affairs. While it will take leadership to help make progress, nominating a good candidate for the position is only the first step. Continued oversight, rooting out mismanagement and manipulation of wait time data, and continuing to implement the Veterans Choice Program to help veterans get more timely access to care will be vital.

Charles Hughes is a policy analyst at the Manhattan Institute. Follow him on Twitter @CharlesHHughes.

Interested in real economic insights? Want to stay ahead of the competition? Each weekday morning, E21 delivers a short email that includes E21 exclusive commentaries and the latest market news and updates from Washington. Sign up for the E21 Morning Ebrief.Don't Choose a Degree in Four Years When You Can Be Certified in One

Joshua Hardman, E21

Tomorrow is college decision day, when many high school seniors choose which college to attend after graduating. Most young people have accepted the paradigm that to land the job of your dreams you must attend four years of college. However, a new alternative to a college education has received much attention, and for good reason.

A partnership of education experts and private companies based in San Francisco has emerged to deliver students an alternative: MissionU. MissionU is a tuition-free, year-long intensive program of learning by doing. It partners with companies including Spotify and Lyft. Read more here....The barbaric practice of using civilians as human shields is a war crime, and, tragically, it is on the rise in the Middle East.

In an address to the Security Council, U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Nikki Haley described how ISIS routinely took advantage of the presence of civilians in their homes, hospitals, schools and mosques  in order to protect its fighters from attack. When forced from their positions, ISIS terrorists rounded up families and compelled them to accompany them to new locations.

But ISIS is not the only group that utilizes this vicious tactic:

Hezbollah has also endangered civilians by positioning its fighters and weapons among them. Its terrorists use schools, hospitals and apartment buildings to shield its war arsenal in Lebanon. In the course of its massive arms buildup, Hezbollah has turned Lebanese villages into military compounds, stationing weapons depots, rocket launchers and command posts in, around, and under the civilian population.

Ambassador Haley noted that the UN has reported that Houthi militants in Yemen have also used civilians as human shields. Hamas, too, she said, has exploited and endangered the very Palestinian people it claims to represent by locating rocket launchers near schools, apartment buildings, hotels, churches, and UN facilities.

There are threads of commonality that run through these examples, Ambassador Haley declared:

The first is Iran. As usual, Iran is the patron and protector of many of these groups that fight from behind the bodies of innocent civiliansThis is part of Irans overarching efforts to destabilize the region  efforts that include illegal weapons shipments to Yemen, and invading Israeli air space with armed drones from Syrian territory.

The second common thread is the dramatic risk to civilians:

Anyone who cares about the safety of Lebanese families should condemn this practice. Anyone who cares about the lives of Yemenis or Palestinians should demand accountability for the militants who exploit them. Anyone who truly cares about children in Gaza should insist that Hamas immediately stop using children as cannon fodder in its conflict with Israel.

This is an issue that transcends the usual debates in this chamber, Ambassador Haley said. For humanitys sake, the Security Council must rise up to address this threat.President Donald Trump has said he will decide by May 12 whether the United States will stay in -- or withdraw from -- the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the nuclear deal negotiated by the European Union, the five permanent members of the Security Council along with Germany, and Iran. The President regards the deal as deeply flawed, and insists that it must be fixed, not only to address its shortcomings concerning Irans nuclear program, but also to counter Irans increasingly malign and destabilizing behavior.

On his first visit to the Middle East as Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo was clear about what that behavior entails, as he spoke to reporters after his meetings with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Amman, and Tel Aviv:

[Iran] supports proxy militias and terrorist groupsIt is an arms dealer to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and Iran conducts cyber hacking campaigns. It supports the murderous Assad regime as well.

Secretary Pompeo declared that the United States will no longer neglect the vast scope of Irans terrorism:

It is indeed the greatest sponsor of terrorism in the world, and we are determined to make sure it never possesses a nuclear weapon. The Iran deal in its current form does not provide that assurance.

Secretary Pompeo said no decision on the nuclear deal has yet been made, and that the United States will continue to work with our European allies to fix that deal; but, he noted, if a deal cannot be reached, the President has said that he will leave.

Irans ambition is to dominate the Middle East, Secretary Pompeo said. The United States, however, supports the right of its allies to defend themselves from the threats emanating from Tehran, and will work closely with its allies in the region in countering these threats and rolling back the full range of Iranian malign influence.Three servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been wounded in 44 attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas over the first day of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO), the JFO's press center has reported.

"The enemy, not complying with international agreements, opened fire six times from 120mm and 82mm mortars and small arms. Three servicemen were wounded. The wounded were provided with qualified medical assistance and evacuated to hospital. There is no threat to their lives," reads a report as of 07:00 on Tuesday, which was posted on the Facebook page of the JFO's press center.

At the same time, the report notes that Ukrainian units staying in the front line returned fire if needed in response to the shelling of militants, but without violating the Minsk agreements.

"The night of the current day was relatively calm. The enemy fired at our positions five times. According to intelligence data, the enemy has sustained losses over the past 24 hours  five people wounded," the press center added.Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko has confirmed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have received Javelin anti-tank missile systems from the United States.

"I welcome the lively interest, both in Ukraine and beyond, in the delivery of Javelin systems for us. I can only confirm that, yes, the long-awaited weapon has arrived to the Ukrainian army. And it has significantly strengthened the powerful deterring effect of our combat capability and Euro-Atlantic security. We continue working on boosting our defense potential for the purpose of repelling the Russian aggression," Poroshenko wrote on his Facebook page on Monday evening.

He expressed sincere gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for the decision "in support of Ukraine, in defense of freedom and democracy."

"Washington not only fulfilled our joint agreement, but also demonstrated leadership and an important example," Poroshenko said.

He also said that he expected the firmness of the position of all Ukraine's partners, first of all the G7 countries: "The price for the Kremlin's ongoing aggression against Ukraine should continue to grow."

As reported, in early March 2018, the U.S. State Department approved the supply of Javelin anti-tank missile systems to Ukraine.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine of Javelin Missiles and Javelin Command Launch Units (CLUs) for an estimated cost of $47 million," a report posted on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

It stated that the agency had delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The agency reported that Ukraine had requested to buy 210 Javelin missiles and 37 Javelin Command Launch Units, including two CLUs to be used as spares.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of Ukraine. The Javelin system will help Ukraine build its long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to meet its national defense requirements," the report said.

It noted that supplies "will not alter the basic military balance in the region." The prime contractors will be Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture of Orlando, Florida and Tucson, Arizona.The Ukrainian police have brought a hundred militants in Donbas to justice over the first four months of this year, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry reported on Twitter on Monday, April 30.

"Of these, 86 have been detained, and 14 more have been put on the wanted list and are being held accountable in absentia. They include residents of Sloviansk, Kostiantynivka, Lyman and Dobropillia. They are aged between 22 to 52 years. Most of the detainees were on duty at the checkpoints of terrorists and illegally inspected the vehicles of citizens," reads the statement.The police in Odesa have launched criminal proceedings under Part 1, Article 15, Part 1, Article 115 (attempted murder) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine due to an attempt on street activist Serhiy Sternenko, the former head of the Right Sector branch in Odesa, an adviser to the head of the main directorate of the National Police in Odesa region, Ruslan Forostiak, has reported on Facebook.

Dmytro Holovin, the head of the main directorate of the National Police in Odesa region, reported on his Facebook page that two people had been detained as a result of operative and investigative actions.

"The first was detained not far from the crime scene, and the second one just now. The vehicle probably used by criminals was also found. Investigative actions are being carried out, video was taken from surveillance cameras, and we are working with witnesses," Holovin wrote, promising to disclose the details later.

According to Forostiak, the activist sustained a head injury from a shot from a rubber-bullet gun, and there is no threat to his life and health.

Early on Tuesday, an unidentified person fired at Sternenko from a rubber-bullet gun near his house on Sehedska Street. The bullet hit the activist's neck from behind. Despite the injury, the activist managed to detain the gunman.Militants have fired 44 times at Ukrainian positions in eastern Ukraine over the past 24 hours, wounding four Ukrainian soldiers, spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Colonel Maksym Prauta has said.

He said at a briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Center on Tuesday that eight cases of shelling were recorded in the Luhansk sector, four of them near Luhanske and the rest near Valuiske, Novhorodske and Troitske. Militants used infantry fighting vehicles, grenade launchers and small arms of various types and calibers.

Militants shelled Ukrainian positions 36 times in the Donetsk sector.

"The enemy showed greatest activity near Avdiyivka, Verkhniotoretske and Maryinka," Prauta said.

In the area of Novotroitske and Butivka mine, militants opened fire twice from 120mm mortar, launching 11 mines of this caliber at Ukrainian military.

Militants also used 82mm mortars near Verkhniotoretske, Lebedynske, Talakivka and Butivka mine.

"Our strongholds near Avdiyivka, Verkhniotoretske, Vodiane, Hnutove, Kamianka, Krasnohorivka, Maryinka, Lebedynske, Opytne, Pavlopil, Pisky, Pyschevyk, Talakivka, Taramchuk, Shyrokyne, as well as Butivka mine, came under fire from small arms, heavy machine guns, grenade launchers of various types and infantry fighting vehicles," Prauta added.

According to him, as of 09:00 on May 1, militants fired at Ukrainian positions twice in the Luhansk sector and four times in the Donetsk sector. They used grenade launchers and small arms.Kyiv police have opened criminal proceedings under the Ukrainian Criminal Code article "Intended bodily injury of medium gravity" after receiving data from doctors about the condition of MP Mustafa Nayyem who sustained bodily injury during a road conflict in the center of Kyiv on April 30.

"After we received information from doctors, we additionally opened [a criminal case] under Article 122, Part 1 (Intended bodily injury of medium gravity) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," the head of the main directorate of the National Police in Kyiv, Andriy Kryschenko, told the 112 Ukraine television channel on Tuesday.

Kryschenko also said that the fourth suspect in the attack on the parliamentarian had not yet been detained.

"He has been identified. Investigative measures are being conducted to detain and bring him to justice. If he is not detained within 24 hours, he will be declared a suspect in absentia, and he will be put on the wanted list," he said.

According to Kryschenko, the offenders face up to three years of imprisonment for inflicting bodily injury of medium gravity.

As reported, Nayyem was attacked by unidentified individuals as a result of a road conflict in the center of Kyiv on Monday, April 30, and is currently in hospital.The Islamic Republics Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei claimed on Monday, April 30, that USA is responsible for war, insecurity and bloodshed in the region, insisting The one who should leave the region is USA not Iran.

Speaking at a session attended by entrepreneurs and workers to commemorate Labor Day, Khamenei did not directly mention recent developments in Syria, including an alleged Israeli attack on a military base in Syria where an unknown number of Iranians reportedly were killed.

However, he remarked, The era of hit and run is over.

In Sunday night missile attack against several targets in Syria, including a reported surface to surface missiles depot, at least 26 were killed. Some sources, including London based Syrian Human Rights Observatory said that most of the dead were Iranians. Iranian local media, quoting informed sources, have denied the claim.

The Islamic Republics military presence near Israeli borders in Syria has rattled Tel Aviv to the extent that they have repeatedly warned they are prepared to act against the Iranian forces in Syria and even directly hit Iran, if attacked.

While avoiding a reference to recent developments in Syria, Ayatollah Khamenei accused Washington of fomenting feud in the region, adding, The Americans are trying to pit the Saudis and some [other] regional countries against the Islamic Republic, while if they (Saudis) have any foresight, they should not be deceived by the US.

Meanwhile, Khamenei cautioned certain regional countries by saying, If they confront Iran, they will definitely suffer blows and defeat.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Khamenei maintained the enemies have resorted to economic warfare after realizing the futility of military action against Iran, according to Tasnim news affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

Furthermore, according to state-run Mehr news agency (MNA) Khamenei affirmed, Today, the war room against us is the US Department of Treasury, adding, One way of confrontation with the Islamic Republic establishment is an economic one; another way is the provocation of certain dim-witted and ignorant states in our region [against us].

Ayatollah Khamenei went on to add, the Americans provoke Saudis into creating conflict and tension in the region. Why dont they go after the Zionists? Because they want to wage a war between Muslims.

Their plan is to arm and prepare these countries for confrontation with the Islamic Republic, he said. If these countries have any common sense, they will not engage in a conflict with Iran. But if they decide to confront Iran, they will face a decisive defeat.

In the meantime, while avoiding reference to Tehrans political isolation, Khamenei insisted that although the Islamic Republic does not believe in severing its ties with the whole world, but it should not have any dependency on anyone outside its borders.

The world is not limited to USA and a handful of European countries, Khamenei reminded, noting, Tehran should have relations with different countries across the globe.

Khameneis comments were made hours before Israeli Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has obtained tens of thousands of documents showing Iran's plans to obtain nuclear weapons.DAMASCUS, May 1 (Reuters)

A senior Iranian member of parliament vowed on Tuesday that his country will react to "Israeli aggression" against it in Syria, issuing his warning following a missile strike on Syrian military bases at the weekend.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy committee, made the comments in Damascus after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented purported evidence of past Iranian nuclear arms work, but later insisted he was not seeking war with the country.

"We will respond to any aggression on Iran at the right time and place," Boroujerdi told a news conference after meeting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad earlier this week.

No country has claimed responsibility for Sunday's missile strikes, which follow several suspected Israeli attacks inside Syria in recent years. Israel generally does not comment on specific missions, but acknowledges it has carried out scores of strikes against what it describes as Iranian deployments or arms transfers to the Hezbollah movement, its ally in Lebanon.

A British-based war monitoring group, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, has said that at least 26 people were killed in Sunday's strikes and that most of them were Iranians or members of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia.

The semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim said no Iranian base had been hit or Iranians killed. Earlier this month, Tehran and its allies including the Shi'ite Hezbollah group accused Israel of a missile strike which Tehran said killed seven of its military personnel in Syria.

Boroujerdi did not directly accuse Israel of Sunday's attack, but said such strikes in Syria were in response to the Damascus government's victories over insurgents and militants.

"The presence of our military advisers in Syria has nothing to do with Israel," he said, adding that they were there in coordination with Damascus and as part of a military operations room that included Russia.

Netanyahu wants the United States to pull out of a 2015 agreement between Tehran and world powers curbing Iran's nuclear program. He told CNN on Tuesday that "nobody" sought a conflict with the Islamic Republic, but added: "Iran is the one that's changing the rules in the region."Sand and dust storms are growing in intensity and frequency in parts of Iran, forcing residents of the oil-rich southwestern Khuzestan province to move to cities with bearable weather conditions, according to an MP from the battered province.

Speaking to state-run Iran Labor News Agency (ILNA), Javad Kazem Nasab Albaji, an MP from the Khuzestan capital, Ahvaz, singled out dust particle centers as the cause of outward migration from his province over the past 13 years.

In recent years, sand and dust storms in parts of southwestern Iran have caused periodic closures of schools, government offices, and businesses, bringing life to a standstill for residents. Many also fear the impact on their health.

Sand and dust storms have increasingly plagued countries across the Middle East. Though the exact cause of the increase in storms is not known, accelerated dam construction and diversion of water resources for agriculture throughout the region is thought to be the main culprit. The problem is exacerbated by mother nature as well.

In January 2017, the Khuzestan provincial Department of Environment reported the concentration of fine dust in the Iranian cities of Ahvaz, Behbahan, and Masjed Soleyman stood at 627, 2,926 and 2,056 micrograms per cubic meter respectively, while the normal volume of fine particles concentration is 150 micrograms per cubic meter.

Meanwhile, Khuzestan is also grappling with drought, water shortages, and soaring temperatures. Last February, the chief of Khuzestans Department of Environment Ahmadreza Lahijanzadeh told local news agencies that drought spells and low precipitation in the area were making the storms more intense.

The average precipitation in Khuzestan has decreased to two millimeters[per year? What year?] compared to 220 to 250 millimeters in years past, the Tehran Times quoted Lahijanzadeh as saying February 14.

Mohammad Ali Tahmasbi, head of the National Project For Fighting Sand and Dust Storms, has said that average precipitation has dropped by sixty percent thisyear (March 2017-March 2018, according to the Persian calendar), compared to the previous year.

Albaji says the sand storms are to blame for the exodus of elites from his province, and the subsequent economic downturn it is experiencing. The MP says the dust causes a slew of health problems, including pulmonary diseases and cancer.

A report filed by local website KhuzNews supports Albajis view. Most of the people leaving Khuzestan are either elites affiliated with the sciences and universities or those rich enough to afford to leave, the head of the provinces Management and Planning Department, Omid Hojjati, told the website.

Within the last year, Khuzestan experienced 235 days of unhealthy weather, Hojjati said, adding, Bad weather conditions have decreased the provinces population.

Local senior officials insist Khuzestan is suffering from a brain drain and a lack of specialists despite being the countrys fifth most populace province and the most important in terms of agriculture.

Within twenty years, all of Khuzestans residents will have left, said Hedayatollah Khadami, another MP from the province.

MP Abbas Papizadeh told state-run news website IRIB that some 22 Iranian provinces experience regular sand and dust storms, but the problem is not taken seriously by the government, as evidenced by the paltry budget allocated to tackle the worsening situation. At this rate, nothing will improve for at least 10 years, he said. While Khuzestan has been struggling with these dust storms for the past 16 years, the government only began addressing the problem within the last year. Even after a 2002 UN report warning about the grim future of the province, nobody took it seriously.

Khuzestan is not the only region in Iran suffering from drought and lack of rain. Many Iranian villages, including in the North Khorasan and Isfahan provinces, have been left completely abandoned due to drought and poverty. The mass exodus of villagers to urban centers has in turn swelled the size of poverty-stricken city slums mushrooming around cities across the country.

Most senior officials in Iran, including President Hassan Rouhani, blame Turkey and Iraq for the recent storms, pointing to what they say is unchecked construction and water diversion. Baghdad and Ankara deny responsibilityProcter & Gamble (P&G) is celebrating its 20th anniversary of presence in Azerbaijan in 2018.

Well-known producer of daily consumer goods, which started operating in Azerbaijan in 1998, as general manager of Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan LLC, Deger Kurtaslanoglu said: "We see big potential in life's little moments. Brushing teeth. Washing hair. Showering. Caring for the baby. Cleaning the house. Doing the dishes, and the laundry. We make the products that help make these moments a little easier.

Presenting 15 leading brands to the Azerbaijani consumers, P&G promises to do its best to improve their daily lives and continue these efforts.

As a result of the activity of P&G in Azerbaijan, more than 700 people are employed. This figure includes employees of local partners and agencies as well as companys own employees.

Being the largest TV media investor of the country, the company turns its consumers into partners of the regional projects and innovations that it brings to the market.

Procter and Gamble continues to introduce value-generating innovations to Azerbaijan. Over the past 20 years, this company has been able to touch and improve lives of our people, also through Corporate Social Responsibility projects.

In 1999, program covering 850,000 mothers called "Informed mother - healthy baby" and awareness program covering up to 500,000 teenage school girls (11-13 years old) were launched under the Pampers and Always brand accordingly and these projects are still in progress.

Procter and Gamble, which aims to contribute raising healthy generations and supporting sport and athletes at all times, has laid the foundation for a proud partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan, starting supporting our team at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

For the same purpose, in 2015, the company became the official partner of the First European Games in Baku with the campaign called "For my mom!" and quoted: For every success, a mother has irreplaceable support".

Another support from the company came to the Azerbaijan National Olympic team in the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games and shared the joy of our team as a winner in this large-scale event.

Today, there is at least one product of Procter & Gamble in almost each house, which encourages the company to continue steadily improving the lives of Azerbaijani consumers.

P&G  20 years in Azerbaijan. Always with the good.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves about 5 billion consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Pampers, Tide, Ariel, Head & Shoulders, Always, Pantene, Fairy, Blend-a-med, Oral-B, Gillette and Safeguard. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pg.com.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 83 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said May 1.

The Armenian armed forces were using heavy machine guns.

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, May 1

Trend:

Nicola Renzi, foreign minister of San Marino, will be in Azerbaijan on an official visit May 2-3, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry told Trend.



As part of the visit, Renzi will meet with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and other high-ranking officials.



No press conference is planned following the meeting.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Ilhama Isabalayeva  Trend:

Along with experts, researchers who really want to promote Azerbaijan, there are certain circles demonstrating a biased position against the country, people who want to use information in their own interests, Arastun Mehdiyev, deputy head of the department of public and political issues of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration, said in Baku May 1.

When exchanging information, we must try to give full, objective and broad information about Azerbaijan, he said. The greater is the role of the press in this issue, the bigger is the task of Azerbaijani scientists and researchers.

Stressing that the high socio-economic development can be observed in Azerbaijan in accordance with the interests of the country's citizens, he added that the absolute majority of Azerbaijani citizens voted for President Ilham Aliyev during the recent presidential election.

Mehdiyev said that today one can observe the influence of the radical reforms being carried out in the country, socio-political stability strengthening day by day and socio-economic changes on the citizens mood.

This also attracts researchers who are interested in the country, he said. "The state policy being pursued in Azerbaijan is connected with the atmosphere in the country. An expert who wants to study and evaluate one or another sphere of life in Azerbaijan must study the essence of state policy."

Stressing the growing attention to Azerbaijan, he added that the country has already been recognized as the center of oil projects and important international events.

"All this work on the countrys development is conducted on the initiative and under the leadership of the Azerbaijani president," Mehdiyev said.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Elchin Mehdiyev  Trend:

The next meeting of the Pardon Issues Commission under the President of Azerbaijan will take place on May 1.

Appeals received by the Commission will be considered at the meeting.

More than 500 appeals have been considered at the meetings of the Commission held since late January 2018.

In total, the Commission has received about 1,000 appeals.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

The spokesperson for Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry, Hikmat Hajiyev, is attending a meeting of the UN General Assembly Committee on Information, the Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The meeting is scheduled for May 1-2 in New York.

The UN General Assembly Committee on Information was established on 1979.

The mandate of the Committee on Information covers examining United Nations public information policies and activities, evaluating and following up the efforts made and the progress achieved by the United Nations system in the field of information and communications; and promoting the establishment of a new, more just and more effective world information and communication order intended to strengthen peace and international understanding.Details added (first version posted on 18:17)

Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has today signed a decree on additional measures to modernize the activity of the Azerbaijan Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund.

The document was signed with the aim of improving population's provision with housing, increasing opportunities to get mortgage loans, and minimizing the risks of mortgage and credit and guarantee mechanisms.

Under the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to prepare within a month proposals to exempt the Fund from tax liabilities, as well as to exempt authorized banks and borrowers from tax obligations when the Fund makes payments on guarantees.

Furthermore, the Cabinet together with the Fund should define volume of the funds that will be needed to grant subsidies in 2019-2021 for loans issued since Jan. 1, 2018.

Under the decree, the Fund will also be able to purchase residential areas and lease them.

The Fund should also ensure creation of a special reserve fund to cover possible financial losses.

Azerbaijan's Financial Markets Supervisory Authority (FIMSA) was instructed to define and within three months to submit to the head of state special economic regulations and requirements to ensure banks' active participation in mortgage lending and in activity of the credit and guarantee system.

The decree also eliminates the Fund's authority to determine the limit on subsidies for each authorized bank.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) hosted an exhibition dedicated to 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR).

It was arranged with support from the Higher Schools Student Trade Union and was conducted by well-known publicist and researcher Dilgham Ahmed who presented historical publications, letters and photos, which he had been collecting since 2012. All these materials feature ADR history and activities as well as lives of the ADR founders and leaders.

First-year Chemical Engineering student, Chairman of the first course trade union committee Rashad Akhmedov opened the exhibition and introduced Dilgham Ahmed. Dilgham Ahmed is an author of many essays and articles about the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and collector of historical documents reflecting the ADR, which was the first parliamentary republic in the East.

In the presentation for the students, he told about prominent statesmen, politicians, social leaders, scholars, writers, educators and other well-known public figures of Azerbaijan in the first quarter of the XIX century including, among others, Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, Fatali Khan Khoyski, Nasibbey Yusifbeyli, Alimardan Topchubashov, Jamo bey Hajinski,

Samadbey Mehmandarov, Abbasgulu Bakikhanov, Mirza Fatali Akhundov, Hasan bey Zardabi and Jalil Mammadguluzade.

BHOS students attending the meeting showed a great interest in the photos, letters and other historical materials covering ADR history, which were saved by Dilgham Ahmed from loss or destruction. At the end of the presentation, the he answered numerous questions about his activities during six years on the search and collecting unique documents related to ADR and activities of its leaders.

Dilgham Ahmed who devoted many years to studying and publicizing this period of Azerbaijani history is an author of books Others and Return of Emigrants that tell about the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the destiny of ADR founders after its fall.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Jani Babayeva  Trend:

Baku has marked the International Jazz Day with an amazing concert program.

The International Mugham Center was the venue of the unique concert, where famous Azerbaijani and American musicians performed on one stage. Real fans of jazz attended the concert.

The event, dedicated to the International Jazz Day, was held by the Organizing Committee of the Baku International Jazz Festival and supported by Azerbaijans National Commission for UNESCO and the US Embassy in Azerbaijan.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the event, Ambassador-at-Large, Secretary General of Azerbaijans National Commission for UNESCO Elnur Sultanov stressed that Azerbaijan has long and rich jazz traditions.

"This kind of musical art has been gaining popularity in Azerbaijan since 1930s. Jazz continued to develop successfully and foundations were laid for the unique Azerbaijani jazz. Today, jazz is one of the most popular types of musical art. Azerbaijani jazz performers with great success take part in various international contests and jazz festivals," Sultanov said.

The International Jazz Day was established by UNESCO in 2011 and is marked worldwide on April 30.

Sultanov also handed a keepsake with the engraved logo of Azerbaijans National Commission for UNESCO to the Director of the Baku International Jazz Festival Leyla Afandiyeva.

In her speech, Afandiyeva stressed that Azerbaijani jazz has a rich history.

"There were jazz bands led by Niyazi, Tofig Guliyev, Tofig Ahmadov in the country. The Azerbaijani jazz music is associated with the names of such famous musicians as Rafig Babayev and Vagif Mustafazade," she said.

Charge dAffairs of the US Embassy in Azerbaijan William Gill also delivered speech and expressed gratitude to the organizers of the event.

It is such a pleasure to be here with all of you tonight, and I would like to express my deep appreciation to the International Jazz Day organizers for bringing us together to enjoy the wonderful performances ahead and celebrate the unique art form called jazz, Gill said.

Some of you, like myself, are longtime jazz fans, he noted. Some of you are curious to learn more about jazz. And some of you just never miss a chance to enjoy a great party. Here in Baku, several thousand miles from jazzs birthplace, tonight is a great reminder that jazz has no borders.

Although jazz was born out of the American experience over a hundred years ago, it proved its universal character as it spread around the world, drawing on many different cultures and music styles. Fundamentally, jazz is about the human experience.

What do I mean by that? Simply that it allows us to transform even the worst situations and challenges into something beautiful and enduring in a way that is all at once inclusive, improvisational, and freeing. Each of us can recognize and respond to those aspects of the music, he added.

I suspect this is part of the reason, along with a rich multicultural history, why Azerbaijanis embraced jazz so warmly and made the music all their own, Gill said. A lucky thing for us since Azerbaijani jazz artists are recognized the world over for their musicianship.

Tonight, though, were going to have a chance to hear one of the finest examples of contemporary American jazz, he said. Now, I could tell you how great they are but I think your ears will give you all the proof you need: ladies and gentlemen, the Kennedy Administration!

The Azerbaijani well-known and young musicians, as well as American band Kennedy Administration also performed at the event.

Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az and Azernews provided media support to the event.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Ali Mustafayev - Trend:

Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan Bakhyt Sultanov and China's Finance Minister Liu Kun agreed to conclude an inter-agency memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the near future, during the meeting, organized within the framework of Sultanov's working visit to Beijing, the press service of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan said in a message.

Kazakh minister stressed that the two countries expand investment cooperation, attract loans for the integration of the Chinese "One Belt One Road Initiative" and Kazakhstans Nurly Zhol program.

The parties also discussed the current economic situation of the two countries, the expansion of cooperation, as well as the activities of financial markets and their services, including the Astana International Finance Centre.

During the visit to Beijing, Sultanov also held talks with the Chairman of the Securities Regulatory Commission of China, the Chief Customs Officer of China and Vice President of Exim Bank of China.

Follow the author on Twitter: @Ali_MustafayevBaku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Fikret Dolukhanov  Trend:

Embassy of Uzbekistan in China held an event dedicated to presentation of Uzbek cherry on April 27, the press service of the Uzbek embassy reported.

According to the report, representative of the "Uzbekozikavkatholding" company Dilshod Mullabayev told emissaries of large Chinese companies, engaged in production and sale of fruit and vegetable products, about Uzbekistan's capacities in growing and processing fruit and vegetable products.

The event was also attended by representatives of the General Administration of China for Quality Control, Inspection and Quarantine and customs offices from various provinces of the country.

Following the meeting, Chinese companies announced their readiness to purchase 5,000 tons of cherry, exported by Uzbekistan under the UzAgro brand.

Negotiations on simplifying documents processing on the border with China for products import were held as well.

At the end of the event, participants were presented examples of other products of the Uzbek food industry, such as dried fruits, confectionery and beverages with a degustation opportunity.

Head of the General Administration of China for Quality Control, Inspection and Quarantine Ji Shu Ping visited Uzbekistan in 2017 and highly appreciated the quality of Uzbek agricultural products.

An agreement on supply of Uzbek cherry to China was signed in July 2017. In line with it, representatives of the General Administration of China for Quality Control, Inspection and Quarantine inspected places for cultivation of cherry in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan holds fifth place in the world by the volume of cherry production. Numerous measures are being taken to establish export of cherry to various developed countries of the world in accordance with their standards and quality requirements.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanovBaku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Azad Hasanli - Trend:

Baku will host Azerbaijani-South Korean business meeting May 17, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) said in a message May 1.

Representatives of nine South Korean companies (Korea Inter Cross, Hanaro Motors, Dawon Chairs, Symedi Pharm, Eyesome, Baren Changho, Hanbo Textile, SeeEyes, ATEC T&), engaged in manufacturing of spare parts for cars, office chairs, cosmetics, payment devices, textile products, doors, security cameras, will participate in the meeting.

Azerbaijans trade turnover with South Korea amounted to $85.5 million in 2017, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @AzadHasanliBaku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Anvar Mammadov - Trend:

Farhad Amirbayov has been appointed the director of the training center of the Azerbaijani Taxes Ministry, informed sources told Trend on May 2.

Previously, Amirbayov served as adviser to Azerbaijan's Education Minister. He also headed the Baku Interbank Currency Exchange.

Reportedly, Amirbekov will continue to serve as the president of the UNEC research center.

--

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anvar_MammadovBaku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

The Tajik government has reportedly agreed to give Xinjiang Tebian Electric Apparatus Stock Co. Ltd (TBEA) the rights to further mining deposits if the profit made from two gold deposits doesnt cover the cost of building the Dushanbe-2 combined heat and power (CHP) plant, Tajik news agency Asia-Plus reported.

In an interview with Chinas media outlets, TBEA top manager Zhang Xin said that according to data provided by the Tajik government, the mineral resources (gold deposits) can cover the company expenses on construction of the Dushanbe-2 CHP plant.

He noted that the Tajik government had agreed to give TBEA the rights to further mining deposits (the location was not identified) if the profit made from the gold deposits doesnt cover the cost of building the Dushanbe-2 CHP plant.

Zhang noted that the deposits given to TBEA have large gold reserves, and if all resources are implemented completely the will bring big economic profit to the company.

Earlier, the Tajik government granted licenses to develop two gold deposits in the country to TBEA. The licenses have reportedly been offered in exchange for construction of a new combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Dushanbe.

The license for development of the Upper Kumargh gold deposit was granted to TBEA at the beginning of this year, an official source at the Main Geology Directorate under the Government of Tajikistan told Asia-Plus in an interview.

According to him, the license for development of the Duoba gold deposit had been granted to TBEA.

The licenses have reportedly been offered in exchange for construction of a new combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Dushanbe.

Under the reached agreements, TBEA has the right to develop the deposits until it recovers expenses made on construction of the Dushanbe-2 CHP plant, the source said.

The source added the afterwards, new agreements on development of these deposits will be concluded with the company under other conditions.

Both deposits are located in the Ayni district of the Sughd province, and according to expert estimates, one ton of these deposits ore contains more than two grams of gold.

TBEA in 2013 received necessary licenses from the Government of Tajikistan to conduct exploration operations at both these deposits until 2017. The company was also exempted from customs duties and value added tax on import of equipment.

A total cost of the Dushanbe-2 CHP plant constructed by TBEA is $349 million, including a $17.4-million contribution of the Tajik Government.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Ilkin Shafiyev  Trend:

Baku will host the Azerbaijan-Poland business meeting on May 17, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) said in a message on May 1.

The meeting will be held during the visit of a Polish business delegation to Azerbaijan. Seven Polish companies specialized in agriculture and food sector are planning to attend to the event.

According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, Azerbaijan's trade with Poland amounted to $18.23 million in the first three months of 2018, indicating a 42 percent growth compared to the same period in 2017.

--

Follow the author on Twitter: @IlkinShafiyevAshgabat, Turkmenistan, May 1

By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend:

Russian "Konkov's petro-hydraulic drives" company expressed readiness to provide the Fuel and energy complex of Turkmenistan with innovative solutions for improving oil production, said the report of "Oil and gas complex" of Turkmenistan.

The prospects of supply of oil and gas equipment, as well as the introduction of mining and refining technologies were discussed at the meeting of Russian Ambassador to Ashgabat Alexander Blokhin with the Director of the Company Vladimir Konkov.

They discussed the possibilities of private investment by Russian business circles in projects for the restoration of non-exploited wells.

"Konkov's petro-hydraulic drives" specializes in design, manufacture and service of oil equipment.

The hydraulic drives for deep well pump developed by the company favorably differ from the outdated method of production using mechanical drives or so-called pumping units.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Huseyn Veliyev  Trend:

Azerbaijani IT company Azerizone LLC is launching a virtual call center for small and medium-sized businesses, director of the company, Huseyn Huseynzade, told Trend May 1.

"The virtual call center is based on the cloud infrastructure and its services will be provided over the internet. The call center consists of an IP telephony module, a voice menu (IVR), etc. The service will free small businesses of the necessity to purchase additional server equipment," Huseynzade said.

Huseynzade said the virtual call center is designed mainly for companies with small staffs who need IP-telephony services.

"Currently, similar services are promoted by mobile operators, but their solutions involve the use of mobile numbers. The solution we intend to offer involves the use of fixed-line telephony numbers, which is more attractive for businesses," Huseynzade said.

He noted that the virtual call center project aims to receive a grant from the State Fund for Development of Information Technologies and is presented in the competition announced by the Fund.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyevBaku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

GoldenPay, an online payments company in Azerbaijan, is in talks with Turkish Airlines on its joining a project for issuing the hesab.az cards, GoldenPay told Trend May 1.

Turkish Airlines' joining the project will allow card holders to earn miles for flights and receive bonuses, GoldenPay said.

A decision on issuing the hesab.az cards will be made by the end of the week, according to the company.

Regardless of whether an agreement is reached with Turkish Airlines or not, the project will be implemented and the deadline for the start of the card issuance is July this year, the company said.

The project is planned to be implemented jointly with one of Azerbaijans major banks, the name of which hasnt yet been disclosed.

Earlier, Visa International and Azerbaijans GoldenPay signed a contract for issuing the hesab.az co-branded cards. Technical and legal issues were fully resolved to launch the project.

The cards will be available for buying after registering on the hesab.az portal or in branches of a partner-bank. The card holders will be able to make non-cash payments for purchases, receive discounts, earn bonuses, etc.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Ali Mustafayev - Trend:

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev congratulated the countrys people on the May 1 holiday - the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan, the press service of the Kazakh president said in a message.

"Dear compatriots! I sincerely congratulate you on May 1 - the Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan! This truly national celebration is a vivid symbol of our patriotism, love and devotion to our native land. Thanks to unity and agreement, we have achieved great success in building an independent state, having earned a high prestige and recognition in the world. Awareness of the importance of unity and harmony is the main factor in the harmonious and sustainable development of our country," said the president.

Nazarbayev also added that the true wealth and well-being of Kazakhstan depends on unity, friendship and mutual respect.

"These key values determine the worldview of our society and serve as a clear guide to its further consolidation and rallying. I am confident that the ongoing major renewal of all spheres of the life of the state will contribute to strengthening our unity and stability on the path of new achievements and victories. I wish everyone prosperity and new successes," Nazarbayev said.

Follow the author on Twitter: @Ali_MustafayevBaku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Ali Mustafayev - Trend:

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Afghanistan, Alimkhan Yesengeldiyev, presented credentials to Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, the press service of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said in a message.

The president of Afghanistan expressed gratitude to the Kazakh side and personally to the president Nursultan Nazarbayev for the support given to all international and regional initiatives aimed at the restoration of Afghanistan and the establishment of peace and security in the country.

Ghani stressed Kazakhstans importance for Kabul as the largest trade partner in Central Asia, which was evidenced by his two visits to Astana in 2017 and negotiations with the president of Kazakhstan.

Afghan president also emphasized the need to deepen trade and economic cooperation between the countries and urged Kazakh businessmen to work more actively in the Afghan market, in particular, in the areas of wheat supply, construction of mills, mining facilities, electric power, and railway projects.

The Afghan side, in turn, is ready to increase the supply of various types of fruit, nut and other products to the Kazakh market.

Esengeldiev also held a separate meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani, during which the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Ali_MustafayevAshgabat, Turkmenistan, May 1

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) held a seminar on the protection of energy infrastructure from natural hazards in Ashgabat, the OSCE said in a press release.

Representatives of the Turkmen State Commission on Emergency Situations, military and law-enforcement bodies, the State Seismology Service under the Academy of Science and other relevant ministries took part in the event.

The OSCE Center in Ashgabat organized the event to share best international practices on assessing possible risks, developing effective response measures, and evaluating the impact and implementation of other mechanisms aimed at protecting energy infrastructure and promoting energy security.

In her opening statement, Ambassador Natalya Drozd, head of the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, reminded about the 2013 Kyiv OSCE Ministerial Council decision on the protection of energy networks from natural and man-made disasters.

This decision called on OSCE participating states to make best use of the OSCE as a platform for a broad dialogue, cooperation, exchange of information and sharing of best practices on strengthening the security and safety of the energy networks in the OSCE region, she said.

The 2013 Ministerial Council recognizes that damage to energy networks may cause serious environmental risks, and encourages OSCE participating states to reinforce cooperation on energy and environment, in an effort to enhance security and stability in the OSCE region, said Drozd.

International experts focused on management approaches to the protection of energy infrastructure from natural hazards and shared techniques of preventing damage caused by earthquakes and responding to such incidents, including on energy infrastructure sites.

The participants were also briefed on management and decision-making principles in natural disaster response situations.

The seminar also featured a practical exercise and concluded with a roundtable discussion on mitigating the risks posed by natural hazards in Turkmenistan.Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 1

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met in Ashgabat with Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Yerzhan Ashikbayev to mull issues of cooperation in the Caspian Sea, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a message on May 1.

The sides discussed topical issues of water problem in Central Asia such as rescue of the Aral Sea, as well as cooperation within framework of the five-sided cooperation in the Caspian Sea, the ministry said.

The interaction of the two countries within authoritative international structures, primarily the UN, was cited as an example of a constructive and fruitful partnership in a multilateral format.

The ministry further said that Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan share common concerns of the international community related to terrorism, attempts to spread extremist ideology in the region, activities of criminal groups engaged in illicit drug trafficking and other illegal activities.

In this regard, the sides voiced readiness to continue joint work both in bilateral and multilateral formats to counter these challenges.

The Caspian Sea is the Earth's largest inland body of water. Its waters wash the coastlines of five sovereign states  Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 1

By Huseyn Hasanov  Trend:

Turkmenistan is actively cooperating with international organizations and structures on migration issues, the Turkmen State Migration Service said in a message.

This was announced at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Migration Bodies (CHMB) of the CIS member states held in Almaty.

Turkmenistan's representative, addressing the meeting, informed about the country's peaceful policy, work on migration issues, active and Turkmenistan's successful cooperation and mutual cooperation with international organizations and structures accumulated in this regard, the message said.

Participants of the Almaty meeting considered eleven issues, including the migration situation in the CIS countries, implementation of the program on cooperation of the CIS states in countering illegal migration for 2015-2019.Tehran, Iran, May 1



By Kamyar Eghbalnejad  Trend:



The volume of Irans medicine exports to Kazakhstan is expected to witness a gigantic leap in 2018, statistics suggest.



Exports of Irans medical products to Kazakhstan will rise to $1 million in 2018, the statistics released by Irans Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) indicated.



Ane Dordi Iran Panah, Irans commercial attache in Kazakhstan, said the Islamic Republics share from the Central Asian countrys medicine market was only $61,000 in 2016, the TPO website reported May 1.

He added that reports suggest that the Kazak government plans to modernize its pharmaceutical equipment and manage its drug distribution system in a bid to supply 50 percent of its domestic demand in 2019.

The total amount of medicine produced by Astana in 2016 and 2017 only addressed 11.7% and 14% of its domestic needs, respectively, he noted.



He further referred to Irans production medicine capacities and its stance in the region, saying that Iran has the potential to compete with Asian and European countries in this regard.



Kazakhstan will need Irans medicine imports for at least the next ten years which can be a good opportunity for Iranian exporters, Iran Panah said.



On April 12, 2016, Iran and Kazakhstan signed 66 documents, worth $2 billion, for cooperation in the public and private sectors.



Kazakhstan and Iran cooperate fruitfully in international and regional organizations, including the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus claims on the Islamic Republics nuclear program are aimed at affecting the upcoming decision of the US on the future of the nuclear deal, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, Iranian media outlets reported.

On April 30, Netanyahu stated that Iran is continually expanding the range of its nuclear-capable missiles.

According to the statement, Israel has thousands of documents revealing how Tehran allegedly lied to the world after signing the nuclear agreement.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the deal with Iran harmful, arguing that it did not prevent Iran from creating nuclear weapons, but only delayed it.

He is expected to sign a presidential waiver on sanctions on the Islamic Republic on May 12.

Araqchi referred to Netanyahus statement as childish and ridiculous.

The top Iranian diplomat added that such allegations against the Islamic Republic have already been proven wrong by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Islamic Republic does not care about Netanyahu's allegations, Araqchi said, adding that Iran is prepared for any scenario by Trump.

European officials have already held several talks with Tehran, Moscow and Washington as part of a drive to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran that President Donald Trump is threatening to scuttle.

So far, Iran has adhered to the terms of the nuclear deal, as verified by International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors in previous reports since the pact was implemented in January 2016.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared an amnesty on the occasion of a religious holiday (Mid-Shaban), the leader's official website said.

Khamenei agreed to pardon or reduce the sentences of 715 inmates convicted by various Iranian courts on May 1.

The head of Iran's judiciary Sadiq Amoli Larijani appealed to the Supreme Leader with a letter in which he asked for pardon and reduced sentences of some convicts of military, civil and revolutionary courts.



The supreme leader signed the decree. Iran's Constitution grants him the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon the recommendation of the judiciary chief.

Amnesties and reduced prison terms are granted mainly on occasions of religious and national festivals in Iran.Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan late on Monday warned that the Republican Party of Armenia is attempting to sabotage Tuesdays parliament vote for a new prime minister, which will take place with Pashinyan as the only candidate, Armenian media reports.

In a Facebook Live broadcast after midnight local time, Pashinyan said that he received information that during a late night meeting led by former prime minister Serzh Sarkisian, the Republican Party of Armenia has decided to sabotage the election of a prime minister. The Republican Party of Armenia earlier had announced that they would not hamper the election of the peoples candidate, and also said that they will not put forward their own candidate.

Pashinyan, who had called a Victory Rally for 11 a.m. urged his supporters to gather at Republic Square to thwart what he called Serzh Sarkisians and the Republican Partys new plan, saying the ruling party is trying to regain its hold on the countrys leadership.

While Pashinyan had declared Monday as a Day of Silence ahead of Tuesdays vote, the political developments were anything but silent.

Earlier in the day, Pashinyan met with the Republican Party of Armenias parliamentary faction at the National Assembly buildingentric.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Republic Square in Yerevan on May 1, where a rally will begin at 11:00 (GMT +4), and the protesters continue to arrive, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

The National Assembly (Parliament) of Armenia on May 1 at a special meeting will hold the election of the countrys prime minister. Nikol Pashinyan, the opposition leader in Armenia, is the only candidate for the post of prime minister.

The protesters are gathering near large screens installed at the Republic Square, where it is planned to broadcast the session of the parliament, at which the Armenian prime minister is expected to be elected.

The protests began in Armenia on April 13 when the opposition argued against the election of former President Serzh Sargsyan as Prime Minister, accusing him of poor governance and deterioration of economic situation in the country.

On April 17, the opposition announced the beginning of a "velvet revolution".

Less than a week later, on April 23, Sargsyan resigned amid continuing protests.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

Trend:

The ruling party of Armenia will vote against the candidacy of opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan for the post of prime minister, RIA Novosti reported.

Previously, Ararat Mirzoyan, representative of Armenias Yelq opposition faction, put forward the candidacy of the factions leader Pashinyan for the post of prime minister.

Protests led by Pashinyan began in Armenia on April 13 when the opposition argued against the election of former President Serzh Sargsyan as Prime Minister, accusing him of poor governance and deterioration of economic situation in the country. On April 17, the opposition announced the beginning of a "velvet revolution".

Less than a week later, on April 23, Sargsyan resigned amid continuing protests.Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan has not been elected as the country's interim prime minister amid ongoing protests, Sputnik reported.

In a heated address after the vote, Pashinyan said a nationwide strike in Armenia would be held starting Wednesday. He called on people to block the streets, airports and railway stations, adding that the protests would be peaceful. Pashinyan also urged the police to put down their shields and join his movement.

Earlier in the day, the National Assembly of Armenia failed to elect Pashinyan, the only candidate in the vote, for the post of prime minister.Forty-three out of the 105 parliamentarians had supported Pahinyan, while he needed 53 votes to get elected. Lawmakers of the ruling Republican Party voted against the opposition leader's candidacy, despite his warnings of a "political tsunami" in case he wasn't elected.

Pashinyan, who has been at the helm of the weeks-long rallies in Armenia, has slammed the ruling party for its decision, calling it an "insult to the people."The Palestinian National Council is holding its first official meeting in 22 years in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Al Jazzera reports.

The rare assembly will spend three days discussing critical issues - although several key factions have decided not to attend.

Top of the list is whether or not to suspend the Palestinians' recognition of Israel.Dominican Republic has signed an agreement establishing diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, Sputnik International reports.

Dominican Republic has signed an agreement with the People's Republic of China, establishing diplomatic relations with the country and severed ties with Taiwan.

"The People's Republic of China and the Dominican Republic, in keeping with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level effective from the date of signature of this communique," a joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries obtained by Sputnik reads.

Later, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said at a news briefing that China and the Dominican Republic have signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations.

Beijing considers de facto independent Taiwan as a breakaway province. Many countries do not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign nation and officially stick to the "One China" policy.

In 2016, Chinese diplomats formally suspended contacts with Taiwanese officials after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen refused to support the idea of a unified China.Alibaba founder and chairman Jack Ma landed in Israel this morning accompanied by 35 senior executives from the Chinese tech giant - a relatively large delegation for this kind of visit. The visit began with a visit to the Dead Sea with Ma reportedly floating in the water, Globes reports.

Sources inform "Globes" that Ma requested an emphasis on matters related to Jewish heritage and the Jewish people's return to its homeland. On Wednesday, for example, the delegation will visit the Israel Museum in Jerusalem for a tour and lunch. The Israel Museum was chosen by Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen. A business forum with investors will also be held at the museum complex.

Ma will also meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Economy and Industry. The delegation will visit the offices of venture capital fund Jerusalem Venture Partners (JVP) and on Thursday evening Ma will receive an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University. Earlier on the same day, he will meet students and Tel Aviv University graduates in a question and answer session. Tel Aviv University said that Ma will meet the university's management and leading researchers in such areas as artificial intelligence, computer sciences and engineering.

Ma can also be expected to visit Alibaba's recently opened Israel development center, which is based around its acquisition of Israeli QR code startup Visualead last November.Germany is offering about 253 million to Georgia for sustainable development, Agenda reports.

Georgias Finance Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze and German Ambassador to Georgia Heike Peitsch signed the financial agreement today.

"The amount of funds provided by todays agreement is a record and it clearly shows the importance of cooperation in the field of development between our countries, said Peitsch.

The money will be spent on various projects, including vocational education, improving utility infrastructure in different regions of Georgia and expanding the power transmission network.Frances foreign ministry said on Tuesday that an Israeli intelligence haul on Irans past nuclear weapons program could form the basis of a push for long-term assurances on Tehrans nuclear activities, Reuters reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled on Monday what he said was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons program that could encourage the United States to pull out this month of a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

This information should be studied and evaluated in detail, foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement.

The new information presented by Israel could also confirm the need for longer-term assurances on the Iranian program, as the president has proposed.

Since traveling to the United States last week, French leader Emmanuel Macron has spoken to leaders in Israel, Russia, Britain, Germany and Iran to propose a new negotiation on a wider agreement.

That would tackle Irans nuclear activities post-2025 when the existing deal begins to expire, as well as Irans ballistic missile program and its regional influence.

Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahus presentation, in a prime-time television presentation, did not seem to have a smoking gun showing a violation by Iran but it could strengthen the hand of advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement.

Von der Muhll said the information presented by Netanyahu confirmed in part the non-civilian nature of the program revealed by European powers in 2002, but that it merely proved the need to ensure the nuclear deal and U.N. inspections remained, given they were among the most comprehensive and robust in the history of nuclear non-proliferation.

It is essential that the IAEA can continue to verify Irans respect for JCPOA (nuclear deal) and the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, she said.

She added that a commission of the countries that agreed the deal - China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the United States and Iran - could review the Israeli information.Swiss prosecutors said on Tuesday they were investigating two officials from Saudi energy group PetroSaudi International as part of a wider inquiry into the suspected theft of assets from Malaysias 1MDB state fund, Reuters reports.

PetroSaudi said on Tuesday it was not itself the subject of any criminal investigations, denied any wrongdoing linked to its joint venture with the Malaysian fund, and said none of its officials had been involved in misappropriating any funds.

The news of the Swiss investigations marked an escalation in international inquiries into the suspected thefts, piling pressure on Malaysias government in the build-up to May 9 national elections.

1MDB is at the center of money-laundering probes in at least six countries, including Switzerland, the United States and Singapore. A total of $4.5 billion was misappropriated by high-level officials of the fund and their associates, according to civil lawsuits filed by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Swiss Attorney Generals office said on Tuesday it had launched investigations into two officials from PetroSaudi - which ran an energy joint venture with 1MDB from 2009 to 2012.

The investigations, first launched in November 2017, were linked to suspicions of criminal mismanagement, fraud, bribery of foreign public officials, aggravated money laundering and misconduct in public office, the Attorney Generals office said.

One of the two suspects is also suspected of document forgery, it added, without identifying either suspect. It said it had kept the inquiries under wraps to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.Ministers criticized the upper house of parliament on Tuesday over its vote to hand parliament powers to block or even delay Brexit, saying the move would tie the governments hands in negotiations with the European Union, Reuters reports.

The House of Lords voted overwhelmingly on Monday in favor of an amendment to Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit blueprint, or the EU withdrawal bill, to offer what some peers said was a truly meaningful vote on any final deal.

It was seventh of nine defeats in the last two weeks for the government, which says the EU withdrawal bill is purely a technical document to copy and paste EU law into British law and guarantee a smooth Brexit.

At a meeting of Mays top cabinet ministers, the prime minister and her Brexit secretary, David Davis, led the expressions of disappointment over the Lords vote.

Cabinet expressed its strong disappointment at the defeats inflicted on the EU withdrawal bill in the House of Lords, saying they risked tying the governments hands behind its back in negotiations with Brussels, Mays spokesman told reporters.

The prime minister said when the bill returns to the House of Commons, the government will be robust. She said it was vital to ensure the legislation is able to deliver the smooth Brexit which is in the interests of everybody in the United Kingdom.

He declined to comment directly on whether the government would try to overturn the amendment which, if passed by the lower house, would allow parliament to send ministers back to the negotiating table in Brussels or halt the Brexit process.

As for individual amendments, we have said we will look at those and discuss those in due course, the spokesman said, adding that if the governments hands were tied in the talks, thats not something we believe is in the UKs interest.

The government has said parliament will get a vote on any final deal with the EU, but only to take it or leave it. Some peers in the House of Lords, and lawmakers in the lower house, want parliament to be given a bigger say in the process.

Earlier, Mays trade minister, Liam Fox, accused the unelected peers in the upper house of trying to block the democratic will of the British people.The press service of the Israel Defense Forces has refused from comments on media reports about the latest strikes on Syria and Israels possible involvement.

"We dont comment of reports of foreign mass media," a spokesman told TASS on Monday.

Syrias government television channel Suriya said earlier a missile strike had been launched on Sunday night, targeting positions of the Syrian government troops near the cities of Hama and Aleppo.

According to Sky News Arabiya TV, the strike destroyed a large depot with Iranian weapons 10 km to the west of Hama (220 km from Damascus). The report said there were deaths among the Syrian forces and Iranian military advisers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed U.S. President Donald Trump about evidence of a past secret Iranian nuclear weapons program at a meeting in Washington on March 5, a senior Israeli official said on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

Trump agreed that Israel would publish the information before May 12, the date by which he is due to decide whether to pull the United States out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

In a prime-time televised statement on Monday night Netanyahu presented what he said were Iranian documents obtained in a daring Israeli intelligence operation that purportedly prove Iran had been developing nuclear weapons before the 2015 deal that it signed with the U.S. and world powers.Israel has invited a group of Russian experts to familiarize themselves with documents on the Iranian nuclear program presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, a source in Jerusalems authorities told TASS.

"The Russian groups have been invited [to study the materials]," the source said. "At the moment there is no particular information whether they are coming or where this will take place."

The experts may study the documents either in Russia or in Israel, the source added.

On Monday, Netanyahu accused Iran of concealing its nuclear weapons program and archives, expressing confidence that the Iranian nuclear deal was based on Tehrans lies. The PM also provided Israeli intelligence data with 100,000 files allegedly proving that the Iranians were lying about the nuclear program designed for military use.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the deal on Irans nuclear program, was signed between Iran and six international mediators (the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, the United States, and France) on July 14, 2015. On January 16, 2016, the parties to the deal announced beginning of its implementation. Under the deal, Iran undertakes to curb its nuclear activities and place them under total control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in exchange of abandonment of the sanctions imposed previously by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the United States over its nuclear program.The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), refused to assess the statement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tehrans alleged nuclear developments bypassing the agencys control, TASS reports.

"In line with standard IAEA practice, the IAEA evaluates all safeguards-relevant information available to it. However, it is not the practice of the IAEA to publicly discuss issues related to any such information," the agency said in a statement on its website.

In the report issued in December 2015, "the Agency assessed that, before the end of 2003, an organizational structure was in place in Iran suitable for the coordination of a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device. Although some activities took place after 2003, they were not part of a coordinated effort. The Agencys overall assessment was that a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device were conducted in Iran prior to the end of 2003 as a coordinated effort, and some activities took place after 2003," it said.

The agency also found out "that these activities did not advance beyond feasibility and scientific studies, and the acquisition of certain relevant technical competences and capabilities." "The same report stated that the Agency had no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009. Based on the Director Generals report, the Board of Governors declared that its consideration of this issue was closed."

On Monday, Netanyahu accused Iran of concealing its nuclear weapons program and archives, expressing confidence that the Iranian nuclear deal was based on Tehrans lies. The PM also provided Israeli intelligence data with 100,000 files allegedly proving that the Iranians were lying about the nuclear program designed for military use.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known as the deal on Irans nuclear program, was signed between Iran and six international mediators (the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Russia, the United States, and France) on July 14, 2015. On January 16, 2016, the parties to the deal announced beginning of its implementation. Under the deal, Iran undertakes to curb its nuclear activities and place them under total control of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in exchange of abandonment of the sanctions imposed previously by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the United States over its nuclear program.At least six people were killed and seven others injured when their car plunged into a gorge in northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh Monday, police said, Xinhua reports.

The accident occurred at Nehrian in the state's Una district.

"The car carrying 13 people rolled into the gorge after it veered off the road when its driver lost control of the speeding vehicle," a police official said.

While six bodies have been pulled out of the mangled remains of the car, those injured were rushed to local hospital, he added.

"All the victims were returning home to the neighboring state of Punjab from a pilgrimage in Himachal Pradesh in the car which was overloaded," the official said.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, he added.

India has one of the highest number of road fatalities in the world. Road accidents occur mostly due to poor driving or badly maintained roads and vehicles.British parliamentarians said they were prepared to issue a formal summons for Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg to appear before them and answer questions over a data scandal which has engulfed the technology giant Reuters reported

The social network has faced questions on both sides of the Atlantic over how millions of users details got into the hands of political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, and over its wider handling of personal data.

Zuckerberg previously declined to come in person to answer questions from British lawmakers, instead sending Facebooks Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer to face a four-hour grilling last month. Schroepfer apologized for errors made by the firm and vowed to do more to improve transparency.

But the head of parliaments Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee Damian Collins said on Tuesday he still wanted Zuckerberg to appear before lawmakers, ideally by May 24, and listed 39 questions or points which remained unanswered.

While Mr Zuckerberg does not normally come under the jurisdiction of the UK parliament, he will do so the next time he enters the country, Collins wrote in a letter.

We hope that he will respond positively to our request, but if not the Committee will resolve to issue a formal summons for him to appear when he is next in the UK.Explosions in and around a mosque in northeast Nigeria killed at least 27 people on Tuesday, a hospital official said, in the latest in a spate of attacks by militants in the region, Reuters reported.

The blasts in the town of Mubi bore the hallmarks of Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency in Africas most populous country since 2009 and often deploys suicide bombers in crowded places.

The jihadist group on Thursday carried out an attack in Maiduguri, capital of neighboring Borno state, that killed four people.

More than 30,000 people have been killed in the insurgency, which has also forced some two million to flee their homes.

Abdullahi Yerima, police commissioner in Adamawa state, said a suicide bomber struck at the mosque at around 01:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) and a second bomber detonated a device some 200 meters (220 yards) away as worshippers fled.

Ezra Sakawa, chief medical director of Mubi general hospital, said 27 people died and 56 were injured.

Earlier police said about 24 people had been killed and more than a dozen were hurt.

Boko Haram held territory in Adamawa state in 2014 but troops pushed the insurgents out in early 2015 and Mubi was relatively peaceful until a suicide bomb attack in November 2017 that killed 50 people.

Insecurity has become a politically charged subject in the run-up to a national election next year. President Muhammadu Buhari, who took office in 2015 with a promise to end Boko Harams push to create an Islamic state in the northeast, has said he wants to seek another term.

The bombings on Tuesday are the latest in a string of attacks in the northeast.

Mubi is around 200 kilometres (124 miles) away from Maiduguri where last weeks attack was the second in a month. At least 15 people were killed and 83 injured when militants descended on the city in early April.

The government has said since December 2015 that Boko Haram has been defeated. But the insurgents have carried out a number of high profile attacks in the last few months, including the kidnap of 111 schoolgirls from the town of Dapchi and a strike in the town of Rann that killed three aid workers.

Nigerias government in March said it was talks with Boko Haram, which split into two main factions in 2016, with the aim of securing a permanent ceasefire. It did not disclose details of the faction with which it had held discussions..

A map produced by the U.S. development agency in February and seen by Reuters shows Islamic State in West Africa, which split from Nigerias Boko Haram, controls a swathe of territory in the states of Borno and Yobe which are next to Adamawa.A spokesman for Rosneft, Mikhail Leontyev, refuted media reports on Tuesday that the oil companys CEO Igor Sechin may take a government position, TASS reports.

"We have no such information. The company is working as scheduled and forming a significant part of budget revenues and is responsible before its shareholders, including major international companies and funds," Leontyev said.

"The companys leadership is working under a contract and the contract of Igor Ivanovich Sechin has been signed, and under it he has to work for two more years - this is exhaustive information," he noted.

Earlier media reports said the Rosneft CEO could become the prime minister or the first deputy prime minister in the new Russian government.Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu held a phone conversation on Tuesday with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told reporters, TASS reports.

"The minister held phone talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss the latest events in Syria and Homs," the source said.

Chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria Yuri Yevtushenko said on Monday that on April 29 militants of illegal armed groups twice shelled Homs districts of al-Aidum, al-Khudari, al-Durdiya and Term Zeitun from the southern outskirts of the settlement of Tell Bisa in the province of Homs. According to him, four missiles were fired. Two people died and 13 more were wounded.

The Hurriyet newspaper reported that on April 29 the Syrian army carried out several operations in Homs on the ground and in the air against supporters of the so-called Syrian opposition. The report said that the forces backed by Iran also took part in the offensive.Baku, Azerbaijan, May 1

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Fifty-six illegal migrants have been detained in Turkeys Van province, Turkish media reported May 1.

Forty-eight of the migrants are citizens of Afghanistan, five are citizens of Pakistan and one is a citizen of Bangladesh.

All illegal migrants will be deported back to their countries, according to the report.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizogluThe co-founder of WhatsApp - the messaging app that Facebook bought for $19 billion in 2014, its largest-ever acquisition - is leaving the company, CNBC reports.

Jan Koum said in a Facebook post on Monday that it was time to "move on" and take time to do things outside of technology.

"And I'll still be cheering WhatsApp on  just from the outside," he wrote.

The Washington Post, which earlier reported details of Koum's departure, said Koum would leave both WhatsApp and Facebook's board. Facebook did not address Koum's future role at Facebook when contacted by CNBC.

Koum's departure comes at a crucial time at Facebook as the company reels from revelations of Russian election manipulation, fake news, data leaks and more. Koum has long been an advocate of privacy, writing in 2014 about his experience growing up in the USSR when he feared communications would be monitored by the KGB. In 2012 he posted a salvo about Google's data collection, writing, "Your data isn't even in the picture. We are simply not interested in any of it."

Koum's Monday post announcing his departure did not mention privacy concerns, and did not specifically address his roles in Facebook outside WhatsApp. But according to the Post, Koum was "worn down by the differences in approach," particularly around data targeting, encryption, ad-based revenue and mobile payments.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg responded to the post on Monday, writing he was thankful for what Koum taught him about "about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands."

"Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp," Zuckerberg wrote in a comment on Koum's Facebook post. But Zuckerberg has also pushed WhatsApp to "move faster" to grow its business base, despite scrutiny from the European Commission surrounding the company.US Defense Secretary James Mattis is seeking to circumvent potential conflicts with US allies that have purchased Russian military equipment with an appeal to US legislators to relax sanctioning requirements against countries that do so, Sputnik International reports.

Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday that "national security exemptions" ought to be injected into the existing Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), arguing that it is in the US' long-term interest to avoid such conflicts with its allies.

"There are nations in the world who are trying to turn away from formerly Russian-sourced weapons and systems," Mattis said, arguing that those countries still rely on Moscow to update their existing systems with new technology.

"We only need to look at India, Vietnam and some others to recognize that eventually we're going to penalize ourselves," he said.

Such an amendment to CAATSA would likely affect Turkey after its recent purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems, sometimes called "F-35 killers," in reference to the oft-hyped and over-budget American-made stealth jets that are expected to dominate US air operations in the coming decades.

Without the amendment, Turkey, a NATO ally, could see sanctions from the US Treasury Department, as could India, should it finalize a deal with the Russian Federation to purchase $5 billion in air defense equipment. Reportedly, talks between Russia and India are in their final stage. India began seeking the air defense system after China, a local rival, purchased their own from Russia.

US State Department Assistant Secretary Wess Mitchell told the House Foreign Affairs Committee last week that Turkey is at risk of suffering sanctions over the move. Sales of the Russian missile defense system are "causing a lot of concern," Mattis told Congress members Thursday.

CAATSA was passed by Congress in July 2017 in a bid to punish Russia for supporting Ukrainians that wanted to reunify with Russia as well as for its involvement in Syria, which began in September 2015, after the Syrian government officially requested military assistance from Moscow.US President Donald Trump has decided to extend the talks with the European Union, Canada and Mexico on metal imports tariffs for 30 days, the White House said in a statement, Sputnik International reports.

"The Administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days," the statement said.

According to the statement, the administration has reached a final agreement with South Korea prescribing cancellation of these tariffs on metals imports.

"The Administration has also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil with respect to steel and aluminium, the details of which will be finalized shortly," the statement said.

In March, Trump signed an order to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminium imports. The European Union, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, Brazil and South Korea were granted exemptions, which were in effect until May 1.

Numerous EU leaders and officials have expressed hope that the European Union will be exempted from the US new high tariffs on aluminium and steel imports.

Also, the White House is also expected to announce that it finalized a deal to exempt South Korea from the tariffs, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday citing a senior administration official.The US authorities have removed the Russian flag from the building of Consul Generals residence in Seattle, Russias embassy in Washington said Monday, adding that the move is illegal and the flag should be placed back, TASS reports.

"Today under the cloak of night the US authorities removed the state flag of the Russian Federation from the residence of Russias Consul General," the embassy said. "Those illegal actions" against the Russian national symbol are unacceptable and are viewed as "another example of gross breach of international law by Washington," the diplomatic mission emphasized.

"Let the US authorities remember that the residence of Consul General is the property of the Russian Federation, which is inviolable. In this respect, we demand an immediate return of our national flag to its legally compliant place - on the flag-post over the building of the residency," Russias embassy said, adding that it also insists on "returning all illegally captured Russian diplomatic property in the cities of Washington, San Francisco, Seattle, the states of New York City and Maryland."

In September 2017, the Donald Trump administration closed the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco, the Russian trade mission in Washington and its branch in New York. The consulate and trade mission are Russias state property and have diplomatic immunity.

In late March 2018, the US administration announced it was expelling 48 Russian diplomats and 12 diplomats from Russias permanent mission to the UN in New York. It also closed the Russian consulate in Seattle.The US-led coalitions air strikes have killed at least 25 civilians in the Syrian province of Al-Hasakah, leaving dozens wounded, TASS with reference to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Tuesday.

According to SANA, on Tuesday morning, air strikes were carried out on the Al-Fadl settlement located near the city of Al-Shaddadi. There are two elderly people among the victims, as well as women and children. Several residential dwellings have been destroyed, SANA reported.US-backed Syrian militias on Tuesday relaunched their offensive to seize the last territory ISIS controls in the east near the border with Iraq Reuters reported

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, had paused the battle after Turkey launched an assault in January against their northwestern Afrin region.

We have rearranged our ranks, said Lilwa al-Abdallah, spokeswoman for the offensive in oil-rich Deir al-Zor province.

ISIS militants stepped up attacks there in recent weeks in a bid to reorganize; she told a news conference at an oilfield on the eastern bank of the Euphrates river. Our heroic forces will liberate these areas and secure the border...We welcome the support of the Iraqi forces.

Ahmed Abu Khawla, commander of the Deir al-Zor military council fighting under the SDF, said they were working with the Baghdad government and Iraqi army through a joint operations room to defeat the militants.KYODO NEWS - May 1, 2018 - 20:56 | Urgent, All

A roller coaster at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka stalled and left some ride-goers hanging upside down for up to two hours before they all were safely rescued, the movie theme park said Tuesday.

No injuries were reported among 64 passengers on the Jurassic Park-inspired Flying Dinosaur roller coaster after two carriages suddenly got stuck at around 4:45 p.m., the theme park said.

The same roller coaster also had similar trouble during operation in August and September last year, leaving some passengers stranded.

Each carriage was full with 32 passengers. One carriage halted about 20 to 30 meters above the ground on its upward track while the other stopped just before reaching the terminal.

(From USJ official website)

A safety device was activated after detecting some abnormality and halted the operation of the roller coaster. Theme park staff guided stranded passengers to the ground through the aisle along the rail of the roller coaster before resuming operations two hours later.

The theme park was crowded with visitors due to Japan's Golden Week holidays from late April to Sunday. Despite the accident, many people lined up to ride the roller coaster as soon as operations resumed shortly after 7 p.m.

A spokesperson for USJ said the suspension of the roller coaster was the result of the operator's priority on safety.

But some visitors were apparently horrified by the accident. A 42-year-old woman from Hiroshima city with her three children said, "It's scary to think if we had been on board. I don't want to ride it anymore."

A 24-year-old woman from Kumamoto city who rode on the roller coaster shortly before the suspension was surprised by the news. "It's already a terrifying ride, so I want them to operate it safely."

The roller coaster was launched in March 2016 over a 1,120-meter course, with the highest point being 37 meters above the ground.KYODO NEWS - May 1, 2018 - 11:28 | World, All

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Monday that Yasukuni Shrine is "a sensitive issue for the Chinese" and that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe needs to pay attention to the feelings of neighboring countries.

"I think it's a sensitive issue for the Chinese. He should take into consideration the sensitivities of other countries," he said in an interview Monday with Kyodo News, referring to the war-linked Tokyo shrine.

"Whether you like it or not, Japan invaded China. In wars, you do a lot of bad things," he added.

The shrine has been a source of friction with Asian countries that suffered from Japan's militarism during World War II as it honors Japanese leaders convicted as war criminals along with millions of war dead.

Mahathir also said that thanks to Abe being in power for over five years, much longer than many of his predecessors, he has been able to "stabilize (Japan's) economy much better."

"Give him a chance, he can do a good job. Those are minor things," he said, referring to a flurry of political scandals that have led to declining public support for Abe's government. "All PMs do some little wrong things. If you change PM every now and then the country cannot move."

Touching on his "Look East" policy that he launched back in 1981, Mahathir said, "Japan still has a lot to teach Malaysia."

"It's not about FDI. It's about learning work ethics of people of Japan, Korea and China. It's the work ethics that determine if a country can do well," he said.

Mahathir, 92, who ruled Malaysia from 1981 to 2003, is seeking the leadership again, this time as the opposition's candidate in next month's general election.The FIR states that the whole incident was 'premeditated' and that the entire 'conspiracy was hatched by the BJP minister and his son', who committed the act in a display of 'hooliganism'.What is now a prototype could one day lead to an industrial-grade system to store alternative energy to feed into the electric grid

Stanford researchers have developed a water-based battery that could provide a cheap way to store wind or solar energy generated when the sun is shining and wind is blowing so it can be fed back into the electric grid and be redistributed when demand is high.

The prototype manganese-hydrogen battery, reported today in Nature Energy, stands just three inches tall and generates a mere 20 milliwatt hours of electricity, which is on par with the energy levels of LED flashlights one might hang a key ring.

Despite the prototype's diminutive output, the researchers are confident they can take this table-top technology up to an industrial-grade system that could charge and recharge up to 10,000 times, creating a grid-scale battery with a useful lifespan well in excess of a decade.

Yi Cui, a professor of materials science at Stanford and senior author on the paper, said manganese-hydrogen battery technology could be one of the missing pieces in the nation's energy puzzle - a way to store unpredictable wind or solar energy so as to lessen the need to burn reliable but carbon-emitting fossil fuels when the renewable sources aren't available.

"What we've done is thrown a special salt into water, dropped in an electrode, and created a reversible chemical reaction that stores electrons in the form of hydrogen gas," Cui said.

Clever chemistry

The team that dreamed up the concept and built the prototype was led by Wei Chen, a postdoctoral scholar in Cui's lab. In essence the researchers coaxed a reversible electron-exchange between water and manganese sulfate, a cheap, abundant industrial salt used to make dry cell batteries, fertilizers, paper and other products.

To mimic how a wind or solar source might feed power into the battery, the researchers attached a power source to the prototype. The electrons flowing in reacted with the manganese sulfate dissolved in the water to leave particles of manganese dioxide clinging to the electrodes. Excess electrons bubbled off as hydrogen gas thus storing that energy for future use. Engineers know how to recreate electricity from the energy stored in hydrogen gas so the important next step was to prove was that the water-based battery can be recharged.

The researchers did this by re-attaching their power source to the depleted prototype, this time with the goal of inducing the manganese dioxide particles clinging to the electrode to combine with water, replenishing the manganese sulfate salt. Once this salt was restored, incoming electrons became surplus, and excess power could bubble off as hydrogen gas, in a process that can be repeated again and again and again.

Cui estimated that, given the water-based battery's expected lifespan, it would cost a penny to store enough electricity to power a 100 watt lightbulb for twelve hours.

"We believe this prototype technology will be able to meet Department of Energy (DOE) goals for utility-scale electrical storage practical," Cui said.

The DOE has recommended batteries for grid-scale storage should store and then discharge at least 20 kilowatts of power over a period of an hour, be capable of at least 5,000 recharges, and have a useful lifespan of 10 years or more. To make it practical such a battery system should cost $2,000 or less, or $100 per kilowatt hour.

Former Department of Energy Secretary and Nobel laureate Steven Chu, now a professor at Stanford, has a long-standing interest in encouraging technologies to help the nation transition to renewable energy.

"While the precise materials and design still need development, this prototype demonstrates the type of science and engineering that suggest new ways to achieve low-cost, long-lasting utility-scale batteries," said Chu, who was not a member of research team.

Shifting away from carbon

According to DOE estimates, about 70 percent of U.S. electricity is generated by coal or natural gas plants, which account for 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions. Shifting to wind and solar generation is one way to reduce those emissions but it creates new challenge involving the variability of power supply. Most obviously, the sun only shines by day and, sometimes, the wind doesn't blow.

But another less-well understood but import form of variability come from surges of demand on the grid - that network of high-tension wires that distribute electricity over regions and ultimately to homes. On a hot day, when people come home from work and crank up the air conditioning, utilities must have load-balancing strategies to meet peak demand: some way to boost power generation within minutes to avoid brownouts or blackouts that might otherwise bring down the grid.

Today utilities often accomplish this by firing up on-demand or "dispatchable" power plants that may lay idle much of the day, but can come online within minutes - producing quick energy but boosting carbon emissions. Some utilities have developed short-term load balancing that does not rely on fossil-fuel burning plants. The most common and cost effect such strategy is pumped hydroelectric storage: using excess power to send water uphill, then letting it flow back down to generate energy during peak demand. However, hydroelectric storage only works in regions with the water and the space, so to make wind and solar more useful DOE has encouraged high capacity batteries as an alternative.

High capacity, low cost

Cui said there are several types of rechargeable battery technologies on the market, but it isn't clear which approaches will meet DOE requirements and prove their practicality to the utilities, regulators and other stakeholders who maintain the nation's electrical grid.

For instance, Cui said rechargeable lithium ion batteries, which store the small amounts of energy needed to run phones and laptops, are based on rare materials and are thus too pricey to store power for a neighborhood or city. Cui said grid-scale storage requires a low-cost, high-capacity, rechargeable battery and the manganese-hydrogen process seems promising.

"Other rechargeable battery technologies are easily more than 5 times of that cost over the life time," Cui added.

Chen said novel chemistry, low cost materials and relative simplicity made the manganese-hydrogen battery ideal for low-cost grid-scale deployment.

"The breakthrough we report in Nature Energy has the potential to meet DOE's grid-scale criteria," Chen said.

The prototype needs development work to prove itself. For one thing it uses platinum as a catalyst to spur the crucial chemical reactions at the electrode that make the recharge process efficient, and the cost of that component would be prohibitive for large-scale deployment. But Chen said the team is already working on cheaper ways to coax the manganese sulfate and water to perform the reversible electron exchange.

"We have identified catalysts that could bring us below the $100 per kilowatt hour DOE target," he said.

The researchers reported doing 10,000 recharges of the prototypes, which is twice the DOE requirements, but say it will be necessary to test the manganese-hydrogen battery under actual electric grid storage conditions in order to truly assess its lifetime performance and cost.

Cui said he has sought to patent process through the Stanford Office of Technology Licensing, and plans to form a company to commercialize the system.

Yi Cui is also a professor in the Photon Science Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and a Senior Fellow of the Precourt Institute for Energy, a member of Stanford Bio-X and the Stanford Neurosciences Institute. Additional coauthors include Guodong Li, a visiting scholar in materials science and engineering and now with the Chinese Academy of Sciences; postdoctoral scholars Hongxia Wang, Jiayu Wan, Lei Liao, Guangxu Chen and Jiangyan Wang; visiting scholar Hao Zhang; and graduate students Zheng Liang, Yuzhang Li and Allen Pei.

This work was funded by the Department of Energy.

###Description

The Long Island Business Expo returns in 2018 and will be hosted at the NYCB Live Exhibition Hall.

About

The Long Island Business Expo is a one day event designed for business owners & executives of small & mid-sized businesses to gain access to high level education and growth opportunities. This annual business trade show and conference brings together executives from all industries to enjoy face-to-face networking, business education and an expo floor filled with the latest and greatest products and services to help you run a better business.

Networking

There are many opportunities to meet your next business partner or customer at the LI Busines Expo. Network with vendors on the show floor, meet our speakers or exchange business cards with other attendees. Or you can attend the After-Hours Networking Event which is designed to casually promote networking while enjoying some appetizers and a cash bar.Defense

DOD seeks battlefield blood delivery drones

Battlefield drones typically deliver weapons or spy out enemy positions. Now the U.S. military is looking for ideas on how to deliver blood and medical products to remote locations to treat wounded troops on the spot.

The specs of the solicitation from the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental -- the ability to deliver a 5-pound package over 100 kilometers in "austere environments" -- strongly suggest that they're looking at an unmanned aerial vehicle system that supports refrigeration or other means of temperature control.

"These deliveries, ideally automated, will provide essential items to critically wounded military personnel as quickly as possible after an injury occurs," the April 23 solicitation states. "Ability to sustain a very high frequency of operations over an extended period of time is critical. Speed of delivery, reliability and robustness to failure and interference, response time, and overall delivery throughput are critical."

Similar efforts are underway elsewhere in the Department of Defense. The Marine Corps' Next Generation Logistics branch and DODs Rapid Reaction Technology Office, for example, recently tested the Hive Final Mile project, which aims to resupply troops on the battlefield via drone. That system involves a mobile application for placing orders, an automated drone launcher, software for determining what drone to fly and managing flight paths, and a cloud storage component for keeping track of all the flights and orders.

DIUx is looking for solutions from vendors by May 1, with an eye to fielding a system within two to three months.Emerging Technology

IARPA wants help fending off invasive aquatic species

The federal government is searching for technology to detect shellfish, seaweed or other aquatic organisms coming to U.S. ports via ballast on foreign vessels or stuck to hulls of ships.

Although federal agencies such as Customs and Border Protection and the Agriculture Department have agents and facilities to detect potentially harmful insects, plants and animals on vessels coming through seaports in on-board cargo, it's hard to see the underwater portion of those ships where some potentially nasty foreign intruders can also reside.

Invasive aquatic life that has stowed away in ship ballast has already taken a toll on the U.S. economy. Fish, shellfish and plants have crowded out native fish and plant, and they have clogged up public and industry water infrastructure. Estimates cited by the Fish and Wildlife Service said invasive species cost the U.S. more than $120 billion a year.

The Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Agency said in an April 23 request for information that more needs to be done for early detection of aquatic invasive species.

IARPA may not only be concerned with finding mussels from Asia or Europe on ship hulls, however. Along with the double barreled dangers of spiking global commerce and a warming climate that can make life easier for those threats, the agency said "emerging biotechnological technologies" could also be an issue moving ahead.

The agency wants to talk with industry about how to identify a broad range plants and animals that might be tiny, literally in an ocean, as well as how to take samples and extract data and interpret that data.

Along with detection details, IARPA also wants to talk about rapid screening technologies that could be used to look at ballast water and hulls to find potential threatening organisms without slowing down international shipping at ports or at marinas.

Responses are due June 8.Cybersecurity

More detail on why DHS banned Kaspersky

A pair of filings in the Kaspersky Labs' ongoing legal battle with the U.S. government fills in some blanks regarding justification for the governmentwide ban on the companys products.

On April 16, the U.S. government filed a motion to dismiss one of two lawsuits filed by Russian-based antivirus and cybersecurity firm. The government argued that because the 2017 Binding Operational Directive banning Kaspersky from federal networks was followed up by similar language in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, Kaspersky Lab does not have legal standing since "lifting the BOD would in no way affect its inability to obtain a federal contract."

Additionally, the company has argued that the Department of Homeland Security had an obligation to consult with them and provide a meaningful opportunity to rebut or mitigate the governments concerns before issuing a ban. The government's motion argues that Kaspersky's claim "rests on the unsupportable assumption that it was entitled to due process before DHS took action" and notes that the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 gives the secretary of Homeland Security the ability to issue BODs in response to "a known or reasonably suspected information security threat, vulnerability, or incident" that threatens the IT security of a federal agency.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) announced legislation last week to clarify that the secretary of Homeland Security is not required to provide notice to private companies before issuing BODs.

Meanwhile, new filings in the case last week give some detail on the nature of U.S. objections to Kaspersky products. While media reports have detailed the role of Kaspersky Lab's antivirus program in the theft of classified information stored on the home computer of National Security Agency contractor Nghia Hoang Pho in 2015, a December 2017 memo does not mention the case or reference any redacted or classified information in its final justification.

Instead, DHS Assistant Secretary for the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications Jeanette Manfra claims that the potential threat posed by Kaspersky products alone, as well as their legal obligations under Russian law to assist the Federal Security Service on intelligence matters, pose a sufficient danger to federal networks.

The underlying evidence presented by DHS to Kaspersky Lab remains classified, but Manfra's memo sheds some new light on the department's concerns about personally identifiable user data automatically sent to Kaspersky servers. She cites language contained in the companys 2013 and 2018 end-user license agreements for its anti-virus software and notes that in "a telling omission," the 2018 agreement no longer provides an assurance to users that the company will not process their personally identifiable information or combine it with other datasets.

The memo also claims that the agreement requires users  even those who decline to participate in the Kaspersky Security Network -- to automatically provide information about installed programs, detected threats and infections, checksums of processed objects, technical information about the user's computer as well as other devices connected to it and online activity.

Current EULA language on Kaspersky's website does say "if you do not wish to provide information to the Kaspersky Security Network service, you should not activate" it. Questions about the accuracy of the government's claim were sent to Kaspersky Labs U.S. press office, but the company said it needed to check with the companys global team before responding.

In response to questions regarding the accuracy of the governments claims, Kaspersky Lab sent a lengthy statement saying users retain control over the amount of data they share and have the freedom to reduce such data to the absolute minimum that is essential for the product to function such as database updates and product license expiry information. The company also claims data sent to Kaspersky is never attributed to specific individuals.

Furthermore, data sent to Kaspersiy Lab is not attributed to a specific individual, as the information is used as aggregated statistics, on separated servers with strict policies regarding access rights, the statement reads. Analyzing data to strengthen protection capabilities is an industry best practice that is applied by several IT security vendors around the world.

Note: This article was updated on May 4 with additional comment from Kaspersky Lab.U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil settled sharply higher on Monday, driven by bullish comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

July Comex High Grade Copper futures finished slightly better on Monday on expectations of higher demand from top consumer China after a report showed a resilient economy despite a modest monthly decline in manufacturing activity.

Growth in Chinas vast manufacturing sector eased only slightly in April in a sign of broad economic resilience, though slowing export orders pointed to risks to the outlook amid concerns over a U.S.  China trade war.

Additionally, Chiles Escondida, the worlds largest copper mine, said on Thursday early contract talks with its workers union ended without an agreement, setting the stage for legally scheduled negotiations to begin in June.

Gold

June Comex Gold futures dropped sharply on Monday, hitting a six-week low in the process. The selling was fueled by a rise in the U.S. Dollar to a 3 -month high. Trading was likely limited because of the Labor Day holiday in Asia.

Gold is also being pressured by increased demand for higher risk assets, rising Treasury yields and expectations of additional Fed rate hikes later in the year.

Federal Reserve officials are scheduled to convene on Tuesday and Wednesday for a regular policy meeting. The central bank is widely expected to stand pat on policy and investors will be looking for hawkish language in its monetary policy statement that hints at additional rate hikes later this year. At this time, investors are pricing in a rate hike in June and September.

The easing of geopolitical tensions also put pressure on gold. Investors are easing their concerns over a potential trade war between the United States and China as well as worries over potential military action involving North Korea now that the rogue nation has agreed to dismantle its nuclear testing facility.

Crude Oil

U.S. West Texas Intermediate and international-benchmark Brent crude oil settled sharply higher on Monday, driven by bullish comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said Israel has evidence that Iran lied about its nuclear program after signing the 2015 agreement with global powers. Iran dismissed Netanyahus accusations, calling them propaganda. He went on to say the he was sure U.S. President Donald Trump would do do the right thing in reviewing Irans nuclear deal with western powers.

Story continues

Trump has until May 12 to decide whether to restore sanctions on key oil-producer Iran that were lifted after the international agreement.

Traders fear that new sanctions will lead to a supply disruption that could lead to higher prices.

This article was originally posted on FX Empire

More From FXEMPIRE:Iran has followed in Russias footsteps by banning Telegram, the app many people there use for public groups and encrypted personal messaging.

The move came just weeks after Irans rulers started telling people to instead use locally-developed communications platforms.

Considering various complaints against the Telegram social networking app by Iranian citizens, and based on the demand of security organizations to confront the illegal activities of Telegram, the judiciary has banned its usage in Iran, Reuters quoted state TV as saying.

The Iranian judiciary said it had banned Telegram because of propaganda against the establishment, terrorist activities, spreading lies to incite public opinion, anti-government protests and pornography.

Iran has previously issued temporary blocks on Telegram during waves of protests, such as those that took place at the end of last year and in January this year. At the time, Telegram founder Pavel Durov said the platform had refused to shut down channels used for peaceful protests--Telegram channels are public groups, separate from the encrypted-functionality that the app also provides.

Telegram is hugely popular in Iran. According to Al Arabiya, 40 million people there--around half the population--use it.

Both President Hassan Rouhani and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, announced in April that they would no longer use the platform. Khamenei did so while urging followers of his Telegram channel to instead use homegrown platforms such as Soroush and .

It remains to be seen how well the ban will work in practice. As in Iran, Russian authorities have also ordered Internet service providers to block access to Telegram, but it reportedly still works there.

Indeed, the Russian Telegram ban--which stems from Telegrams refusal to hand over the keys to users encrypted conversations--has proved to be a debacle.

In order to keep Telegram up and running in the country, the apps developers moved its backend infrastructure over to a series of cloud platforms, such as those run by and . The Russian telecommunications regulator, Roskomnadzor, responded by adding millions of those cloud platforms IP addresses to its blacklist, taking out bystander web services that also rely on the platforms.

Story continues

Thank you, each and one of the 12,000+ people who stood up to support the freedom of internet and Telegram today in central Moscow. You make me proud and excited to be Russian. https://t.co/1Vwa1FQgIO  Pavel Durov (@durov) April 30, 2018

Durov, a veteran entrepreneur who these days lives outside Russia, is organizing protests against the ban.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com(Corrects quote in last para to drop "Iran")

* Khamenei assails U.S. after Pompeo visits Riyadh

* Says Washington incites Riyadh

* US working with 'inexperienced rulers'

* Any power challenging Iran will be defeated

* Pompeo said Iran destabilising region

By Parisa Hafezi

ANKARA, April 30 (Reuters) - Iran's supreme leader on Monday hit out at the United States a day after new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Riyadh, accusing Washington of trying to stoke a "regional crisis" by provoking its ally Saudi Arabia to confront Tehran.

In remarks broadcast on state television, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated longstanding calls for the United States to "leave" the Middle East, which he called Iran's home, and said any power seeking to challenge Iran would be defeated.

"One of the ways to confront Iran is to provoke inexperienced rulers of the region," he said, in an apparent reference to Saudi Arabia's 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"Americans are trying to provoke Saudi Arabia against Tehran ... Their aim is to create more regional crisis ... to push Muslims to fight against Muslims."

"If these governments gain more wisdom, they will not confront Iran. If they confront Iran, they will be defeated."

Khamenei's remarks were aired a day after Pompeo met Saudi King Salman in Riyadh on a flying visit to the region.

Pompeo said on Sunday that the United States was deeply concerned by Iran's "destabilising and malign activities" in the Middle East.

Appearing to address those remarks, Khamenei said Iran had no intention of limiting its influence in the Middle East.

"Americans are the ones who should leave ... The Middle East, the west of Asia and the Persian Gulf is our home," Khamenei said.

Tehran and Riyadh have long been locked in a proxy war, competing for regional supremacy from Iraq to Syria and Lebanon to Yemen. U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly backed Saudi Arabia in its efforts to counter Iran's influence.

SANCTIONS RELIEF

Story continues

Iranian state TV quoted Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying Tehran would keep on backing its friends in the region despite U.S. pressure to curb its influence.

"The cooperation between America and Saudi Arabia will further destabilise the Middle East and will lead to more crisis in the region," Qasemi said. "Pompeo's remarks about Iran are baseless and repetitive ... As long as the legitimate governments of the regional countries need our help, Iran will remain in those countries."

In Riyadh, Pompeo reassured Saudi Arabia that the United States would exit Iran's 2015 multinational nuclear deal, unless European signatories of the accord "fix" it.

Trump has given the European signatories a May 12 deadline to "fix the terrible flaws" of the 2015 nuclear deal, or he will refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran.

Under Iran's settlement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program to satisfy the powers that it could not be put to developing atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were lifted in January 2016.

Khamenei has warned that Tehran would stick to the accord as long as the other signatories respected it, but would "shred" the deal if Washington pulled out.

Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and the European Union say Washington cannot unilaterally cancel an accord enshrined by a U.N. resolution. But they have called on Iran to curb its regional influence and ballistic missile program.

Trump accuses Iran of supporting terrorism and says the 2015 deal does not do enough to block its path to acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran says it does not seek nuclear arms, and blames Washington and its allies for stirring Middle East tension.

Iranian officials on Monday reiterated that Tehran had no intention of suspending its defensive missile capability.

"By accusing Iran, Americans want to justify their presence in the region and to sell weapons to the regional countries," Tasnim news agency quoted deputy head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami as saying.

(Writing by Parisa Hafezi, Editing by Alison Williams, Editing by William Maclean)JERUSALEM, May 1 (Reuters) - A planned live test of Israel's Arrow-3 ballistic missile interceptor in the United States has been postponed to improve the system's readiness, the Israeli Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

Israeli and U.S. officials previously said that Arrow-3, which is partly manufactured by Boeing Co, would undergo a trial interception in Alaska toward the summer of 2018. Israel's statement on Tuesday did not give a new date for the event.

(Writing by Dan Williams Editing by Andrew Heavens)Jeff Bezos

David Ryder/Getty Images

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos recently spoke in an interview in Berlin about what he's learned from the challenges his company has faced and how he deals with criticism.

Amazon has faced scrutiny about everything from product features to wages, and most recently dealt with some strong opinions about its business practices from President Trump.

Bezos says that there are two kinds of critics, and that the key is always to "look in a mirror and decide, are your critics right? If they're right, change. Don't resist."

Jeff Bezos has faced his fair share of criticism ever since he launched Amazon as an online bookseller in 1994, competing with the likes of Barnes & Noble, and he's since created a strategy for dealing with harsh feedback.

"At that time all of the headlines ... the funniest were about how we were about to be destroyed by this much larger company," Bezos said in an interview with Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner at a recent awards event in Berlin.

He still remembers the most searing one: "Amazon.TOAST."

The headlines about Amazon getting destroyed didn't turn out to be true, of course. In the past eight years alone, Amazon added 530,000 employees and is now one of the most valuable companies. But that kind of rapid growth also opened Bezos and the e-commerce giant up to scrutiny from consumers, unions, and even the president of the United States.

Throughout it all, Bezos says his approach to criticism and what he preaches to Amazon employees has been this: "When you're criticized, first look in a mirror and decide, are your critics right? If they're right, change. Don't resist."

He expanded on that to say that there are two kinds of critics: the well-meaning ones and the self-interested ones. When these critics share feedback, a focus on what can actually be controlled and what's in the best interest of the customer makes it easier to tease the two apart.

Story continues

When the Kindle launched, for example, the novel "1984" was taken off the digital e-readers by Amazon in the middle of the night because of copyright issues, but no notice was given to consumers. In retrospect, Bezos believes that was the wrong move.

When it comes to the unions who argue that Amazon doesn't pay its employees well enough, though, Bezos says he believes that his company has good communication with its workers and doesn't need a union to be an intermediary.

Bezos says the company and its executives "would be very naive" to think that Amazon wouldn't be criticized, and that he welcomes scrutiny from the government now that Amazon is a large corporation, because it's something he knows comes with the territory.

"If you're going to do anything new or innovative, you have to be willing to be misunderstood. If you cannot afford to be misunderstood then for goodness' sake, don't do anything new or innovative."

You can read  or watch  the full interview with Bezos right here.

NOW WATCH: How does MoviePass make money?

See Also:Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday made permanent a temporary ban on his country's citizens traveling to Kuwait to work following numerous cases of murder and abuse of Filipino workers.

The ban is being imposed despite the Philippines' reliance on remittance money from its Kuwait-based workers; some 262,000 Filipinos are employed in the oil-rich Gulf sheikhdom.

Hundreds of cases of sexual abuse and suicide as well as unexplained disappearances of domestic workers have been coming out of Kuwait and other Gulf states for several years.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday made permanent a temporary ban on his country's citizens traveling to Kuwait to work, following a series of abuse and murder cases involving Filipino victims.

The ban is being imposed despite the Philippines' reliance on remittance money from its Kuwait-based workers  262,000 Filipinos are employed in the oil-rich Gulf sheikhdom, 60 percent as domestic staff.

Although the ban may prove financially painful to the impoverished nation of 103 million, Duterte sounded resolute in his decision.

"I would like to address to their patriotism: come home," the president said to his countrymen abroad. "No matter how poor we are, we will survive. The economy is doing good, and we are short of our workers."

The Kuwait ban was first imposed in February, triggered by the discovery of a murdered Filipina maid whose body had been left in a freezer for a month by her Lebanese employer.

Numerous cases of sexual abuse and suicide, as well as unexplained disappearances of domestic workers, have been coming out of Kuwait and other Gulf states for several years, with Filipina women particularly at risk.

Since 2016, 196 Filipino workers have died in Kuwait, and nearly 80 percent of those deaths were due to physical abuse, according to the Philippines' Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. In 2017, the Philippine embassy in Kuwait registered 6,000 cases of abuse, sexual harassment and rape.

Story continues

Responding to the ban, Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Sulaiman Al-Jarallah expressed "the keenness of the State of Kuwait to protect the rights of all residents, including the Filipino community, within the framework of the labor laws in force in the State of Kuwait," according to a government statement translated from Arabic.

The minister also expressed his country's "willingness to cooperate with friends in the Philippines to look at ways to resolve all outstanding issues related to Filipino employment."

The two countries had been in negotiations to lift the ban, but this ended after Kuwaiti authorities arrested two Philippines embassy staff for allegedly helping maids flee their abusive employers.

Kuwait then expelled the Philippine ambassador last Wednesday after he publicly criticized the abuses, and recalled its own envoy in Manila.

"There will be no more recruitment for especially domestic helpers. No more," Duterte told local media Sunday. He added that if workers wanted to stay it was their choice, but said, "All I ask is that the employers treat the Filipinos with the humanity they deserve."

Ban could backfire

But the ban may actually backfire, said Human Rights Watch , which warned it could "increase abuses of workers who are forced to resort to unsafe and unregulated channels to enter the country" and thus become more vulnerable to trafficking and other dangers.

The rights group recommended the two countries instead work together to pursue reforms, adding that, "Kuwait should confront the outcry over deaths, beatings, and rapes of domestic workers by taking immediate steps to reform the kafala system, which traps workers with abusive employers." The kafala system ties workers' visas to their employers, preventing them from leaving without their employers' consent.

Filipinos are one of the world's largest diaspora populations, with more than 10 million  that's one in ten  seeking work abroad. At home, one in five Filipinos live below the poverty line, according to the Asian Development Bank. Growth is looking up, however; the World Bank projected a maintenance of 6.7 percent growth until 2020, boosted by increased infrastructure spending and remittances.

Remittances from the Filipino global diaspora totaled $26.9 billion in 2016  equivalent to half the country's total export revenue for the year. Roughly a third of that comes from the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait is the eighth-largest source of remittance revenues.

Migrant workers comprise two-thirds of Kuwait's population of 4 million, which has the highest migrant worker-to-citizen ratio in the Middle East. Kuwaitis rely heavily on domestic staff.

Duterte said in January, in one of his many public condemnations of the issue, "I do not want a quarrel with Kuwait. I respect their leaders but they have to do something about this because many Filipinas will commit suicide."





More From CNBC

TipRanks

Who doesnt like buying a quality product a discount? We all do it, some of us go looking for it, and its made fodder for comedians, well, just about forever. Its only logical, after all, to buy cheap when you can. That holds true in the stock markets, too. The old cliche of buy low and sell high remains a basic truth of the market. The only trick is finding the right stocks to buy low. Right now, Wall Street is watching the tech sector intently  these stocks are showing both discounted priA large part of investment returns can be generated by dividend-paying stock given their role in compounding returns over time. Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX:S68) has returned to shareholders over the past 10 years, an average dividend yield of 4.00% annually. Does Singapore Exchange tick all the boxes of a great dividend stock? Below, Ill take you through my analysis. Check out our latest analysis for Singapore Exchange

How I analyze a dividend stock

If you are a dividend investor, you should always assess these five key metrics:

Is its annual yield among the top 25% of dividend-paying companies?

Has it paid dividend every year without dramatically reducing payout in the past?

Has the amount of dividend per share grown over the past?

Is its earnings sufficient to payout dividend at the current rate?

Will the company be able to keep paying dividend based on the future earnings growth?

SGX:S68 Historical Dividend Yield May 1st 18

How does Singapore Exchange fare?

The current trailing twelve-month payout ratio for the stock is 82.18%, meaning the dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Going forward, analysts expect S68s payout to remain around the same level at 86.44% of its earnings, which leads to a dividend yield of 4.16%. Furthermore, EPS should increase to SGD0.37. If dividend is a key criteria in your investment consideration, then you need to make sure the dividend stock youre eyeing out is reliable in its payments. Whilst its per-share payments have increased during the past 10 years, there has been some hiccups. Shareholders would have seen a few years of reduced payments in this time. Relative to peers, Singapore Exchange produces a yield of 3.63%, which is high for Capital Markets stocks but still below the markets top dividend payers.

Next Steps:

With these dividend metrics in mind, I definitely rank Singapore Exchange as a strong income stock, and is worth further research for anyone who considers dividends an important part of their portfolio strategy. Given that this is purely a dividend analysis, I urge potential investors to try and get a good understanding of the underlying business and its fundamentals before deciding on an investment. There are three fundamental factors you should look at:

Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for S68s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for S68s outlook. Valuation: What is S68 worth today? Even if the stock is a cash cow, its not worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether S68 is currently mispriced by the market. Other Dividend Rockstars: Are there better dividend payers with stronger fundamentals out there? Check out our free list of these great stocks here.



To help readers see pass the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price sensitive company announcements.



The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned.Sprint may lose a third of its value if T-Mobile merger deal falls through: Analyst

"If this deal doesn't get approved, you're likely to see Sprint shares fall to something like $4 or so," says analyst Craig Moffett.

The $26.5 billion deal is likely to face stiff regulatory scrutiny from the Trump administration.

The nation's third- and fourth-largest wireless companies have considered a combination for years.

Sprint S could lose about a third of its value if its blockbuster merger deal with T-Mobile TMUS falls through, one analyst told CNBC on Monday.

"It would seem to us if this deal doesn't get approved, you're likely to see Sprint shares fall to something like $4 or so," said Craig Moffett, founding partner at MoffettNathanson.

Sprint stock was about 12 percent lower, under $6 per share, in premarket trade Monday after it agreed to be bought by T-Mobile U.S. in an all-stock deal worth $26.5 billion. T-Mobile's stock was 2 percent lower. The deal values the combined company at about $146 billion.

However, the deal is likely to face stiff regulatory scrutiny from the Donald Trump administration, which has been resistance to AT&T T 's proposed acquisition of Time Warner TWX .

T-Mobile and Sprint  the nation's third- and fourth-largest wireless companies  have considered a combination for years, including a failed attempted merger in 2014 under the Barack Obama administration.

In a " Squawk Box " interview, Moffett said he expects a 50/50 chance of regulatory approval, saying Sprint has a lot more riding on the merger than T-Mobile, which he sees as a much more attractive stock.

The combined company, which is touting an ability to create a large-scale 5G network and thousands of U.S. jobs, will take the T-Mobile name and will be run by T-Mobile CEO John Legere.

"T-Mobile has a pretty good path forward on a stand-alone basis and Sprint doesn't," Moffett said. "Sprint has generated positive free cash flow in years and years and they were burning cash before they even started spending money on their network."

Story continues

Walter Piecyk, a research analyst at BTIG, told CNBC that he puts a less than 40 percent chance that the deal will be approved. "You're going to see that reflected in the stock prices today," he said.

"T-Mobile can live without Sprint. Can Sprint live without T-Mobile?" he added.

WATCH: BTIG's Piecyk analyzes hurdles to the deal

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





More From CNBC

The timing of the U.S.-China trade war is 'very ironic,' says Alibaba co-founder

Alibaba EVP and co-founder Joseph Tsai warned that major U.S. industries are already hurting from the tariff standoff.

Tsai said he isn't as concerned about smaller U.S. business owners, which Alibaba is targeting long-term.

The timing of trade tensions may be poor, but Tsai said he thinks the trade war will prove "a temporary blip" in the U.S. Chinese relationship.

The hreat of a trade war between the U.S. and China comes just as China's shifting economy could provide an opportunity for U.S. exports, according to Alibaba BABA EVP Joseph Tsai.

"The trade war comes at a very ironic time," Tsai said on CNBC's "Closing Bell."

"There are now 300 million Chinese consumers that are demanding and desiring to buy from all over the world, so there's a great opportunity for producers from America, from Europe, to sell to China, and access this large consumer-base."

Tsai, who co-founded e-commerce giant Alibaba, warned that U.S. businesses are already hurting from the tariff standoff.

"It's already happening, and it's because soon after the U.S. put on tariffs on some Chinese products, China felt that it had no choice but to retaliate," he said.

Among those immediately affected, Tsai said, are industries surrounding major U.S. exports, like soybeans. Tsai isn't as concerned about smaller U.S. business owners, which is why he thinks Alibaba will be fine.

"In the long run, it does not jeopardize anything," Tsai said. "We want to access the small businesses in the United States, and even if there are some tariffs on some of the items, there's still a lot of other categories that present great opportunities."

Alibaba's perceived security aside, Tsai said the e-commerce giant is looking long-term, beyond what Tsai called "a temporary blip" in the trade relationship between the U.S. and China.

Although the timing of trade tensions may be poor, Tsai said he thinks the trade war will prove "a temporary blip" in the U.S. Chinese relationship.





More From CNBC

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is upbeat about President Trumps trade agenda. But hes not promising a free lunch. If you dont show youre willing to absorb a little bit of pain, how on earth are you going to get things changed? he said at the Milken Institutes annual finance-fest in Los Angeles, before heading to China for trade negotiations.

In a conversation with Yahoo Finance Editor-in-Chief Andy Serwer, Ross jabbed the New York Times, rhapsodized about space, and predicted Trumps threats on trade would ultimately produce success. Trade worries is one big thing holding back financial markets in an otherwise robust economy, with investors worried that tit-for-tat tariffs will blow up into an outright trade war.

Ross downplays those risks, pointing to tariffs on Korean-made washing machines the Trump administration imposed earlier this year. There was a bit woe-is-me, Ross said. Well, guess what. Both Samsung and LG are increasing their production of washing machines in the United States.

[More from the Milken Conference: Heres what will cause the next stock-market crash]

The Commerce Secretary provided an update on negotiations with Canada and Mexico about revamping the North American Free Trade Agreement, a huge trade pact that undergirds much of the US economy. Either well have a deal in the next few weeks or it probably wont be until the fall, Ross said, pointing out that upcoming elections in Canada and Mexico this summer would probably require a pause if theres not a deal. By the same logic, Rosss fall deadline might be unrealistic, given that the US midterm elections are in November.

The New York Times recently ran a story saying the Chinese plan to rebuff key US demands on trade. Ross was droll when asked about that. Apparently the New York Times has developed psychic powers, he said, as titters filled the ballroom where he spoke.

Ross ripped the World Trade Organization, which is supposed to manage disputes between member countries, which include both China and the United States. The WTO is an obsolete set of rules, Ross said. Its been more or less created to benefit exporting countries [such as China], to the detriment of importing countries [such as the United States]. That mimics Trumps frequent claims that the United States is a victim taken advantage of by smarter countries in various trade deals.

Story continues

Ross showed a surprising passion for space, praising Elon Musks Space X for finding cheaper ways to launch rockets. Ross explained how his Commerce Department will function as one-stop shopping for new regulations meant to streamline commercial operations in space. The man in the moon is going to become a gas station attendant, Ross said. To get big payloads to Mars, it would make sense to go to the moon and refuel there. Since theres little gravity on the moon, he explained, launches are easier. Ross predicted that space will rocket (sorry) from a $340 global business to one exceeding $1 trillion.

Serwer asked Ross what he thinks of the Goldilocks economy, in which most things are more or less going right. I dont like the Goldilocks name because we dont intend this economy to be eaten by a big bear, he answered. Then he explained why everything will work out, for the foreseeable future.

Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com. Click here to get Ricks stories by email.

Read more:

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman

Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedInThe United States has decried the killing of journalists in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan and accused the militants of trying to undermine the country's upcoming elections by attacking the "cornerstone of democracy."

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Twitter called the twin suicide attacks that killed at least 25 people including nine journalists in Kabul on April 30 "senseless and barbaric."

"Independent media is a cornerstone of democracy," he said. "Despite today's attack, the vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure."

Pompeo added that "we will not turn blind on this." The Islamic State (IS) extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed the most media workers ever in a single attack in Afghanistan.

The twin blasts came little more than a week after an April 22 suicide blast claimed by IS that killed 60 people at a voter registration center in Kabul.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the attacks were aimed at undermining Afghanistan's electoral process ahead of parliamentary elections in October.

"This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," Mattis told reporters in Washington late on April 30.

The killings occurred when multiple journalists covering a suicide bombing in the Shash Darak area of Kabul were hit by a second blast set off by a suicide bomber carrying a press pass and pretending to be a reporter, officials said.

Among those killed were two RFE/RL journalists, a woman training to become an RFE/RL reporter, and AFP's chief photographer in Kabul. The other journalists killed were working for Afghan media.

"Where media are in danger, all other human rights are under greater threat," the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "outraged."

"The deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work," the UN chief said through a spokesman.

"Those responsible for such crimes must be swiftly brought to justice," Guterres added.

Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah also called it "an attack on democracy and an effort to silence the voice of the voiceless," while President Ashraf Ghani called it an example of "war crimes."

A BBC Afghan reporter was killed separately on April 30 in Khost Province on the border with Pakistan.

"Actions like this one only strengthen our steadfast commitment to the people of Afghanistan," said General John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

"This tragedy reminds us of the danger that our teams continually face on the ground and the essential role journalists play for democracy," AFP chief executive Fabrice Fries said.

Afghanistan was already considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with at least 20 killed last year. Last week, unidentified gunmen shot a journalist in the southern city of Kandahar.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan, AFP, AP, and ReutersLocal governments' cybersecurity crisis in 8 charts

This article was first posted on The Conversation.

Within the past few weeks, two large American cities learned that their information systems were hacked. First, Atlanta revealed that it had been the victim of a ransomware attack that took many of the citys services offline for nearly a week, forcing police to revert to taking written case notes, hampering the Atlantas court system and preventing residents from paying water bills online. Then, Baltimores 311 and 911 dispatch systems were taken offline for more than 17 hours, forcing dispatchers to log and process requests manually. Both attacks could have been prevented. And they are more evidence of the poor, if not appalling, state of local government cybersecurity in the United States.

We know this because in 2016, in partnership with the International City/County Management Association, we conducted the first-ever nationwide survey of local government cybersecurity. Among other things, the survey data showed just how poorly local governments practice cybersecurity.

Under near-constant attack, but not fully aware

Nearly half  44 percent  of all the respondents told us they experience cyberattacks at least daily. Based on prior research, we are confident that rate is actually much higher.

The volume of attacks isnt dropping  and in some cases its increasing.

But even so, many communities didnt know how frequently they are attacked, and most didnt count or catalog initial attacks -- though more than half did track more serious incidents and breaches.

More than half werent able to determine who was attacking their systems.

Unprepared to respond, and with not enough support

Certainly, there are local governments that do a commendable job with cybersecurity. If previous research into government information technology systems and electronic government can be a guide, they are most likely larger, more well-funded and more well-managed governments. However, the data from our more recent survey strongly suggest that at least some, and perhaps even a large fraction of, local governments may be unable to respond to electronic intrusions.

In part this is because few local officials are aware of the need for cybersecurity. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents to the survey, who were nearly all information technology or cybersecurity officials, said that top managers understood the need. However, among other groups in local governments, awareness dropped considerably. Perhaps as a result, support for cybersecurity efforts was also not as strong as Atlantas and Baltimores experiences suggest it should be.

With most local government officials and staff unaware and unsupportive, it is not surprising that cybersecurity is so poor among American local governments. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms admitted that cybersecurity was not a high priority, although it certainly has gone to the front of the line.

And yet, crucial barriers remain, largely to do with how much money is allocated to cybersecurity efforts.

Getting more people in the know

If local officials are going to do a better job protecting their information assets, theyll first need to know a lot more about whats actually happening. The numbers of survey respondents who answered Dont know to our questions was surprisingly high. No top local officials, whether elected or appointed, should be unaware of basic cybersecurity information, like whether their systems have been attacked or breached, or whos attacking their systems and why.

Knowing these answers will only become more critical as computing becomes more deeply embedded in systems running smart cities. If computers control traffic lights, sewage plants and electrical grids, then the consequence of attacks is more severe than just loss of information or computer services.Getting blood to wounded troops via drone

On the battlefield, drones are typically used to get a remote view of enemy positions. Now the Pentagon wants ideas on how unmanned aerial systems can be used to deliver blood and medical supplies to remote locations to treat wounded troops on the spot.

The Defense Innovation Unit Experimental said it wants to be able to deliver a 5-pound package over 100 kilometers in "austere environments," suggesting that they're looking at an unmanned aerial vehicle system that supports refrigeration or other means of temperature control.

"These deliveries, ideally automated, will provide essential items to critically wounded military personnel as quickly as possible after an injury occurs," the April 23 solicitation states. "Ability to sustain a very high frequency of operations over an extended period of time is critical. Speed of delivery, reliability and robustness to failure and interference, response time, and overall delivery throughput are critical."

Similar efforts are underway elsewhere in the Department of Defense. The Marine Corps' Next Generation Logistics branch and DODs Rapid Reaction Technology Office, for example, recently tested the Hive Final Mile project, which aims to resupply troops on the battlefield via drone. That system involves a mobile application for placing orders, an automated drone launcher, software for determining what drone to fly and managing flight paths, and a cloud storage component for keeping track of all the flights and orders.

Additionally, Zipline -- a Silicon Valley startup that currently delivers blood by drone in Rwanda -- is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Transportation on its bid for participation in the Federal Aviation Administration's Unmanned Aerial Systems Integration Pilot Program, proposing to use drones to deliver medical supplies across the state.

And medical-supply delivery by drone already has been tested stateside. Early efforts in the area include NASAs Langley Research Centers work in 2015 with the drone company Flirtey to deliver supplies to free clinics in Wise County, Va.

DIUx is looking for solutions from vendors by May 1, with an eye to fielding a system within two to three months. Read the request for solution briefs here.

This article was first posted to FCW, a sibling site to GCN.Hey MBA2020Vision If you're planning two years out, I'd really like to see you nail the GMAT. Your GPA of 3.2 is going to be on the lower end of the range for most Top 15 schools so to make yourself more attractive and help mitigate that, I'd love to see 740+. CBS, Booth, and Haas are going to be tough at the 720 level. You have the luxury of time so go for it. Note that most people tend to do worse on the actual GMAT than they do on practice exams so my other advice is to take the GMAT soon so you know what you're dealing with. If you get a 740, boom! Done. If you get a 680, you know you have to knuckle down.I also want you to look more closely at your transcript and decide if you were a B+ guy in general, or if there were any quantitative classes that really pulled you down. If the latter, I'd like to see you proactively address that by taking a stats class or similar.I hope that helps a bit!Krista_________________eshan429 wrote:

From a group consisting of ballet dancers from Italy, Germany, and France, including at least three ballet dancers from each country, how many same country pairs of ballet dancers can be selected?



(1) The group consists of 11 ballet dancers.



(2) The group consists of an equal number of Italian and French ballet dancers.



Source: Edvento Blog

Psst...If that helped press the thumb on the left Signature Read More

OE Below:This problem cannot be solved through formula. Given that the group consists of at least three ballet dancers of each country, we know that at least one same country pair of each country can be selected. From the first nine ballet dancers, we can therefore make three pairs, leaving three unpaired ballet dancers. To think through the problem, it is useful to conceptualize removing those nine ballet dancers from the group. We will need additional information about any ballet dancers left in the group to solve the problem.Evaluating Statement (1) Alone:Once those first nine ballet dancers have been removed, only two ballet dancers remain, but we do not have sufficient information about the country of the two ballet dancers to solve the problem. If the two remaining ballet dancers are from same country, we can add this final pair to the first three. This scenario results in four pairs and three orphans. However, if the final two ballet dancers are from different countries, each will make a new pair with one of the original three orphans, resulting in five pairs and one orphan. This is NOT sufficient. Eliminate choices A and D.Evaluating Statement (2) Alone:This statement gives no information about how many ballet dancers are in the group. This is NOT sufficient. Eliminate choice B.Evaluating Statement (1) and Statement (2) Together:Given that the group consists of 11 ballet dancers and that there are an equal number of Italian and French ballet dancers, there are two possible scenarios. Three Italian, three French, and five German ballet dancers would yield four pairs total. Four Italian, four French, and three German ballet dancers would yield five pairs total. This is NOT sufficient. Eliminate choice C.The correct answer is E._________________I was absolutely floored by this tiny quote from Zora Neale Hurstons 1928 field interview with Cudjoe Lewis, who was one of the last known survivors of the last slave-ship to come to the United States. He arrived in the US from what is now Benin in 1859 or 1860, smuggled in on the Clotilde at the age of 19. His given name was Kossula.

I want to know who you are and how you came to be a slave; and to what part of Africa do you belong, and how you fared as a slave, and how you have managed as a free man? His head was bowed for a time. Then he lifted his wet face: Thankee Jesus! Somebody come ast about Cudjo! I want tellee somebody who I is, so maybe dey go in de Afficky soil some day and callee my name and somebody dere say, Yeah, I know Kossula. 

Hurston spent three months interviewing Kossula, and even longer trying to get his history published. Because of her training an anthropologist she refused publishers demands that she rewrite Kossulas vernacular testimony. 87 years later, it is being released for the first time, and I just bought it.

The Last Slave [vulture]

Barracoon: The Last Black Cargo, by Zora Neale Hurston, drops May 8 [amazon bookshop.org]

[This is where I originally expected this quick post to stop.]

Kossula was a leader of the community of Clotilde survivors who after attempting to return to Africa, created a settlement outside Mobile, Alabama called Africatown. In a 1914 book called Historic Sketches of the South, Emma Roche Langdon recounted the stories of the Clotildes voyage, the survivors, and their descendants. She spelled his name Cudjoe Kazoola Lewis.

In 1959, on the 100th anniversary of the Clotildes arrival, the Progressive League of Plateau erected a memorial to Cudjoe Kazoola Lewis in front of the Union Baptist Church. The monument was created by Henry Williams, a welder and history buff, which is what they call someone who also saved and preserved the Africatown cemetery. On a pyramid of bricks made by Clotilde survivors sat a lengthy bust of Lewis by Charles Rhodes, a young understudy of Williams.

The original was carved in wood, to be cast in bronze. When the bronze bust was ripped off the base and stolen in 2002, the pastor said it had been in front of the church for about three decades. Was he off by 15 years, or had it taken until the 1970s to make the cast of Rhodes sculpture?

In 2008 a new, similarly shaped sculpture was unveiled, though this picture from a local newscast shows it next to a wall, not on the brick pyramid, because it was installed at the Africatown Welcome Center alongside a bust of John Smith, a mayor of the nearby town of Prichard. The sculptures were donated by two filmmakers from Africa, Thomas Akodjinou from Benin and Felix Yao Amenyo Eklu from Togo, in 2007.

On his blog Akodjinou honored John Smith for his involvement in the Alabama Benin Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which saw Africatown as an historic symbol of reconciliation between the two interconnected cultures.

In March 2011, both sculptures were vandalized, with their heads ripped off. The sculptures were originally described as marble, but from the look of this painted and chipped base, I am doubtful.

The headless busts were still visible in 2016 when Belgian artist Maarten Vanden Eynde visited Africatown. His account is disheartening, if not downright harrowing. Besides the historic cemetery, which is sinking, many of the structures and homes are run down or abandoned, and the area is threatened by surrounding industrial redevelopment. [Tho tbh, it looks kind of typical on GSV from 2011-2017.]

In 2016 sculptor April Livingston launched a GoFundMe to make a new bust, just the head this time, to be cast out of iron. It was bolted to the base in February 2017, when she promised the local news that she could cast a million more. Me, Im most interested in the history of the previous three.

Historic Sketches of the South (1914), by Emma Roche Langdon [archive.org]

On her 1928 trip Hurston filmed Cudjo Lewis and other AfricaTown residents. [youtube]

New Cudjoe Lewis bust dedicated (the 3rd or 4th, depending) [wkrg]

A few months ago, a reporter [thought he] found the wreckage of the Clotilde [al, thanks wb]

May 2018 UPDATE: WNYCs On The Media devoted an entire show to Africatown and the importance of preserving and telling its founders stories. [wnycstudios.org]You can now support the 720,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, simply by opening your web browser.

The HopePage was launched by Unicef Australia on Monday as a new initiative that allows spare computer processing power to be used to mine Monero cryptocurrency.

Users can select how much computer power they are willing to donate to the mining, with no personal information stored during the process.

The longer one stays on the site, the more Monero mined.

The mined cryptocurrency is then converted into real money to be used as part of Unicefs humanitarian work.

We wanted to leverage new emerging technologies to raise awareness about current humanitarian crises and raise funds to support children caught up in them, said Unicef Australias Director of Fundraising and Communications, Jennifer Tierney.

The HopePage allows Australians to provide help and hope to vulnerable children by simply opening the page while they are online.

The funds generated from the HopePage will go towards water, food, medicine and immunisations for the Rohingya refugees who have fled their homes in Myanmar and are now living in one of the worlds largest refugee camps in Bangladesh.

The HopePage. Source: Unicef Australia

The site is powered by Coinhives AuthedMine service.

Coinhive was developed last year to mine Monero and initially did not require consent before running its mining code, meaning users could unknowingly fall victim to cryptojacking.

Coinhives mining code has been found running on a number popular sites, including Googles DoubleClick, leading some anti-malware software to block it.

AuthedMine is the revised version of Coinhive and requires users to opt-in before running.

Unlike Bitcoin, mining Monero does not require specialised equipment or enormous computing power, meaning an everyday PC or laptop can be used to mine.

While its a first for Australia, similar initiatives have proven successful overseas.

Late last year, New York not-for-profit Bronx Freedom fund launched Bail Bloc, a similar initiative, where Monero is mined to raise money for defendants who cant afford bail.

The site has now generated 23.64 Monero since November, equating to more than $7,800.As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQKabul, May 1 (IBNS): Strongly condemning terrorist attacks in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and in Kandahar, senior United Nations officials, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, underscored the need to bring those behind the attacks to justice.

According to reports, at least 14 civilians were killed and over 30 injured in two attacks that took place on Monday morning (local time) in a heavily populated neighbourhood in central Kabul. The second attack was timed 30 minutes later to target journalists arriving on the scene and emergency services personnel seeking to provide aid to victims of the first attack.

The deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work, Guterres said in a statement attributable to his spokesperson.

Those responsible for such crimes must be swiftly brought to justice, he added.



These attacks caused untold human suffering to Afghan families, Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and the head of the UN Assistance Mission in the country (UNAMA), said in a separate news release.In a third attack, at least 11 children were killed in a suicide bombing that reportedly targeted a military convoy in Kandahar province.

He also condemned the attacks in Kabul, coming just ahead of World Press Freedom Day, as a direct assault on freedom of expression.

Yamamoto also reiterated the protections accorded to civilians under international humanitarian law and called on all parties to uphold their obligations, at all times.

The UN officials also extended their condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

UNAMA/Ari GaitanisIslamabad, May 1 (IBNS): A new Islamabad International Airport was inaugurated in Pakistan's Islamabad city on Tuesday.

The new airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Abbasi said his government not only initiates projects but also completes them.

During his address at the event, Abbasi said the airport is crucial as it sits at the crossroads of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and will help to become a new hub of interconnectivity.

"The new facility will also act as a gateway to economic development by employing people and spurring business activities," the PM was quoted as saying by Geo News.

He said: "The airport reflects the work of five years of the current government."Calgary, May 1 (IBNS): A body has been found inside the wall of a shopping mall washroom in Calgary, media reports said.

Police have started investigation into the matter.

In a statement issued by the Calgary Police Service, any foul play in the whole incident has been ruled out.

The statement reads, "Despite the circumstances of where the body was located, investigators do not suspect foul play and the death remains classified as undetermined."

Police confirmed that the person is male but the identity is yet to be known.

The cause of the death is still unknown.

Police told CTV News that the body was found by a maintenance worker who removed the wall in the fourth floor of the washroom to examine a flushing mechanism.

Calgary Police spokesperson has been quoted by CTV, "If you were to look at the toilet, there's a panel behind it, so that when people move it would automatically flush."

"When they removed that panel, they found a deceased person behind that wall."

The Calgary Police statement further read, "The investigation into when the victim died and how he ended up inside the wall is still ongoing."Some analysts have called the uprising a prelude to a revolution. Some call it an example of the way Iranians typically air their public concerns. But, what transpired in Iran was an extraordinary popular revolt. At its core was the middle-class poor, whose welfare is left to the mercy of the market. They have benefited from educational opportunities, but failed in the job market, their livelihood uncertain. As leadership has done little to deal with the problem they are faced with, indifferent authorities are seeing more protests each day in Iran.

Esmaili failed to say whether these indictments have been issued nationwide, or if they were only related to cases in Tehran. Also in question is how demonstrations against high prices and unemployment are determined to be crimes against national security.

The chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Judicial and Legal Affairs, Allahyar Malekshahi, inspected Evin Prison in January 2018. Afterward, he said that more than 4,500 people had been arrested nationwide during the protests, and 438 of them remained behind bars.

More than 20 university student organizations expressed concern in February, because dozens of students faced national security charges that could send them to jail for many years for participating in peaceful protests. In a statement, they said, Unfortunately, the criminalization of student activities is a problem that persists at full strength despite being criticized by student activists for many years. The statement added, All the detained students have been released on bail but in recent days a considerable number of them have been summoned to court and informed of serious charges.

Tehran University officials have attempted to distance themselves from the prosecutions, and have not pressed any charges. Tehran University Chancellor Mahmoud Nili Ahmadabadi said several students were still in detention even though they were not involved in any political activities on campus. In fact, Ahmadabadi told the semi-official Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), We didnt have any problems with these students and they didnt have any problem with the university. We dont know why they have been detained. I have asked my colleagues to urgently follow up on the cases concerning these student detainees but the security officials are not providing us with all the information.Several different reports are circulating across the region, with some blaming the United States and United Kingdom, and others blaming Israel, for being behind the explosions on the military sites that were being used by the notorious Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The explosions occurred late in the evening of Sunday 29th April. The military bases that were hit were in Aleppo and Hama. The Brigade 47 base on the outskirts of Hama which is used by militias controlled by Iran was one of the targets.

Reports of the attacks were confirmed by the Syrian army, but it did not offer up further details other than location.

Western media reports suggest that there were at least 40 people who died as a result of the missile strikes.

Just hours before the strikes occurred, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benyamin Netanyahu, had met with the new US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Tel Aviv at the IDF headquarters. Later in the day, Prime Minister Netanyahu, spoke on the telephone to United States President Donald Trump. According to the White House, the two leaders spoke about the challenges and threats in the Middle East, especially those posed by the Iranian regime.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights in the United Kingdom confirmed that most of the people killed in the missile attacks were fighters from abroad. Rami Abdel Rahman, the organisations director, said: At least 26 fighters were killed, including four Syrians. The others are foreign fighters, a vast majority of them Iranians. Given the nature of the target, it is likely to have been an Israeli strike.

Russia, the Syrian regime, Iran-backed Hezbollah and Iran have all accused Israel of being behind the attacks.

A few weeks ago, the United States led a missile attack on Syria targets after the despicable use of chemical weapons on civilians, including children. The United Kingdom and France participated in the attacks and the leaders of these countries explained that they felt they had no option but to act immediately to deter future attacks on civilians.

Irans presence in Syria has been deadly and the Iranian regime is prepared to go to any means to maintain its quest for regional hegemony. If Iran had not been involved, it is almost certain that the civil war there would have ended years ago.

Iran is not being challenged for its involvement in such crimes, hence it is continuing. President Trump often calls the regime out for its belligerence, but it makes very little difference.

The people of Iran have been calling on regime to stop its meddling abroad. The country is in a dire state economically and the people are bearing the brunt of it. They have specifically urged the regime to leave Syria.A New Zealand-based taxi fleet owner had the brainwave to do what Aussie taxi services have failed to see: self-disruption to add a delivery service, now with massive growth and a new franchise business.

Couriers have often been the bane of my life. Turning up on time only exists in some fictional reality, while tracking a parcel to your door is impossible  even though you can track your pizza delivery in real time!

I've long wondered when someone would disrupt the courier business, and a New Zealand taxi fleet operator has managed to do so, far more intelligently than the delivery-drive cold-food horrible mess than is Uber Eats and other lame delivery services.

And so it turns out that Murray Bell had the idea to transform his Whitestone Taxis business into Whitestone Post, which grew into using a global technology solution that helped him automate processes, intelligently utilise his staff's spare time, and which grew into a whole new business opportunity that was never originally envisioned.

The idea started as a part-time project in 2014, but first, some important back story on how we got here.

Bell tells us that his business started two decades before that as Whitestone Taxi, growing into "a prominent taxi service provider in Oamaru, a South Island town in New Zealand, 90 minutes up the highway from Dunedin."

He explained that he wanted to "optimise driver downtime during late night hours"  and it turned into a Eureka moment!

He hit upon the idea of offering a "private postal service within a defined area".

The drivers would do late-afternoon pick-ups of mail at senders doors, sort it, rubber hand-stamp the envelopes Whitestone Taxis and deliver it within a guaranteed 10am timeframe.

Genius! Talk about effectively using labour already available, and clearly not pestered by the type of massive rush-hour traffic you'd see in a major city.

It was the beginning of a beautiful business, because thanks to this success, Bell wisely decided to invest in his fledgling, but rapidly growing, mailing business.

This is when Whitestone Taxis transformed itself into Whitestone Post, and when Bell knew he had to get even more serious than he had already been in bringing the business to this point.

To do this, Bell initially bought a Pitney Bowes Dm800i Postage meter. The company, with three part-time staff, was now growing.

As volumes were on the rise, Bell told us that he "wanted to invest in automation", which was clearly a clever move.

As one does, Bill researched the market diligently, and decided to invest in Pitney Bowes automated mail, fold and insert line. He even decided to get in on the act of printing some of the direct-mail content himself, and pumping it through his gradually expanding mail service!

Well, when you get a great idea that customers love, it's no surprise to learn that the idea flourished!

Business started picking up, whereby in 2014, Whitestone Post delivered 3500 mail pieces in six months, posting a year-on-year growth of more than 160% in just three years!

Bell could tell that he was on the right growth path, and his vision to better utilise his staff time, while at the same time growing revenues using the right automation solution.

As you can expect, it transformed the company. It turns out that disrupting yourself isn't just something Apple does, but something successful businesses do to re-invent themselves and stay relevant in the modern era.

So, it's here that Bell has some interesting observations for small to medium enterprises.

At this point for SMEs reading, the Bell tolled for thee, with Bell reckoning that "digital transformation for SMBs can be quite different to those of enterprise customers".

He says that "the key to success is not just deploying one or more digital technology or automating the process, but encapsulate it to transform business models, develop new revenue streams related to core products or services".

Indeed, as Bell says when he speaks to SMEs: "For small and medium businesses like us, everything starts with a change in mindset".

As you'd expect, Bell's disruptive efforts didn't just end at disrupting his own business for the better, but actually disrupted the businesses of others.

This is because, in no time, Bell explained that "the efficiency of the Whitestone Post service began to give the national carrier, as well as other private national competitors, some stiff competition in the local area  and today, on a national basis.

We're told that this steady upward growth encouraged Bell to expand his business, but this time with the belief that automation that would help them grow and scale.

To achieve this, Whitestone Post "opted for a solution that included SendPro P1000 with a Relay 7000 mail inserter and a Riso ComColor X1 7150 inkjet press", which Bell noted "provided efficiency and scale".

Here's a photo of the Riso ComColor X1 7150 - the article continues thereafter, please read on!

Of course, there were more benefits.

A number of these included but were not limited to: uploading graphics from a PC to print logos, inserting a return address, and adding a promotional message.

Bell said that sending efficiency also increased as Send Pro P1000 could seal and print envelopes for up to 180 letters a minute, and Relay was able to fold and insert communications into more than 5000 letters an hour!

Fast forward to the recent past that was 2017, and Bell said, "Whitestone is now growing organically by offering franchise in other parts of New Zealand.

At the moment, we can print on our RISO for any franchise that is a start-up, delivering all the printed material to them. We can also print, insert and address from our clients databases.

Amid all the talk of declining use of postal services, our experience has been that addressed direct-mail is a thriving business -- and market research shows that it receives far more eyes on it than letterbox inserts, Bell continued.

Looking back over the past three years, Bell concluded: Were now providing all sorts of digital services, you wouldnt associate with taxis, and are now sourcing work from all around NZ making the most of Internet connections".

So, if you have an idea that rings a bell in your own mind, and have a way to disrupt your own business for the better, then Bell's example makes a loud clanging sound that success is in everyone's reach.

Whether you'll need one of Pitney Bowes' intelligent machines to do the job depends on the type of disruption you have in mind, but even with all the digital devices we have at our disposal, physical printing and physical deliveries are just as an important part of the mix as ever.

Now if only some of Australia's taxi companies could be as smart as Murray Bell, instead of merely trying to copy Uber's app yet again  but that's a saga fit for print and delivery in the future.

Until then, may all your deliveries come on time, and may courier companies one day let you track your delivery as efficiently as you can your pizza  which makes me wonder if that statement rings any bells with Murray!From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report.

Nearly 2.4 billion people around the world used a smartphone in 2017. By the end of 2018, more than a third of the global population will be using a smartphone.

Those numbers -- from Mobile Marketing Magazine -- sound great, dont they? More people will have more information at their fingertips.

However, smartphone technology can be a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, it sends us unlimited amounts of information. We dont have to wait. Our devices ring, ping, vibrate and light up with the latest news from family, friends and around the world.

On the other hand, this immediate access to information may become an addiction. And it may make some people feel lonely, anxious and depressed.

These findings are from a 2018 study from San Francisco State University and have been published in NeuroRegulation.

Erik Peper and Richard Harvey are both health education professors at the university. They led the study.

In a statement to the press, the two professors claim that overuse of smart phones is just like any other type of substance abuse.

Peper explains that smartphone addiction forms connections in the brain that are similar to drug addiction. And these connections form slowly over time.

Also, addiction to social media may affect our emotional state.

The two professors asked 135 university students about their smartphone use and their feelings. They found that students who used their phones the most reported higher levels of feelinglonely, depressed and anxious.

Peper and Harvey do not blame users for their technology addiction. They blame the tech industrys desire to increase corporate profits. As Peper writes, More eyeballs, more clicks, more money.

The researchers warn that workers in the technology industry know how to manipulate our brains and turn us into addicts.

But the researchers also suggest ways to fight back.

They say that we can train our brains to be less addicted to our phones and computers.

Erik Peper suggests turning off push notifications and other such alerts on our phones. These instant announcements excite the same pathways in our brains that once warned us of dangers in our environment. But instead of warning us of a large predator looking for dinner, we are alerted to a sale on shoes or the fact that a friend from high school is eating a hamburger in Las Vegas.

More often than not, our devices share unimportant information as if our lives depended on it. Our brains see the notices the same way. And that is a problem. So, just turn them off.

The researchers also suggest taking control of when and where you answer a text or email. You do not need to answer them all. And you certainly dont need to answer them as soon as you get them.

They also suggest setting limits on the time you spend on social media. If you want to catch up with friends on Facebook, set aside a small amount of time to it. Schedule periods of the day to focus on important tasks and do not allow technology to interfere.

Two of Erik Pepers students share ways they have changed their use of technology.

One student, Khari McKendell, closed his social media accounts. He says he still calls and texts people. But he adds that he wants to spend most of his time with his friends in person, not online.

Another student, Sierra Hinkle, says she has stopped wearing headphones while she is out. She says this makes her more aware of her surroundings. And when she is with friends at a bar or restaurant, they all put their phones in the center of the table. The first one to touch a phone buys everyone a drink.

Hinkle says that she and her friends aim to use technology in ways that are useful, but that dont take away from real-life experiences.

And thats the Health & Lifestyle report. Im Anna Matteo.

How you use technology. Do you feel your use of technology is healthy and balanced? Or do you feel it is becoming an addiction? Let us know, in the Comments Section,

Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly edited it.

_______________________________________________________________

QUIZ

Quiz - Smartphone Use May Lead to Addiction, Loneliness, Depression? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

double-edged sword  n. something that has both good and bad parts or results

ping  n. computer term to send a usually brief message (such as a text message) or notification to a person's phone

vibrate  n. to move back and forth or from side to side with very short, quick movements

access  n. a way of being able to use or get something

addiction  n. a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble)

anxious  adj. afraid or nervous especially about what may happen

neurological  n. the scientific study of the nervous system and the diseases that affect it

alert  v. to make (someone) aware of something

push notification  n. computer term A push notification is a message that pops up on a mobile device. App publishers can send them at any time; users don't have to be in the app or using their devices to receive them.

clicks  n. computer term the act of selecting something on a computer screen by pressing a button on a mouse or some other device

manipulate  v. to deal with or control (someone or something) in a clever and usually unfair or selfish way

excite  v. to increase the activity of (something, such as nerve tissue) : a chemical that excites [=stimulates] the nerve cells in the brainDrax Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and supply of electricity in the United Kingdom. The company operates through three segments: Generation, Customers, and, Pellet Production. It produces low carbon and renewable electricity; and provides system support services to the electricity grid. The company owns and operates Drax Power Station that produces electricity from biomass and coal with an installed capacity of 3,906 megawatts (MW) located in Selby, North Yorkshire; Cruachan Power Station, a pumped hydro storage station, with an installed capacity of 440 MW located in Argyll and Bute, western Scotland; and Lanark and Galloway hydro-electric power stations with an installed capacity of 126 MW located in southwest Scotland. It also owns and operates combined cycle gas turbine power stations, including Damhead Creek power station with an installed capacity of 805 MW; Rye House power station with an installed capacity of 715 MW; Shoreham power station with an installed capacity of 420 MW; and Blackburn power station with an installed capacity of 60 MW located in England. In addition, the company owns and operates Daldowie fuel plant that processes sludge from a wastewater treatment plant and converts it into dry and low-odour fuel pellets. Further, it manufactures and sells compressed wood pellets for use in electricity production; supplies and manages electricity and gas for large industrial and commercial sector customers, as well as small businesses; and provides debt recovery services. Drax Group plc was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Selby, the United Kingdom.

Read MoreOrmat Technologies, Inc. operates as a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of geothermal and recovered energy power business. It operates through the following segments: Electricity, Product and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment focuses in the sale of electricity from the company's power plants pursuant to PPAs. The Product segment involves in the manufacture, including design and development, of turbines and power units for the supply of electrical energy and in the associated construction of power plants utilizing the power units manufactured by the company to supply energy from geothermal fields and other alternative energy sources. The Energy Storage segment consists of battery energy storage systems as a service and management of curtailable customer loads under contracts with U.S. retail energy providers and directly with large commercial and industrial customers. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Reno, NV.

Read MoreChina Hydroelectric Corporation is a developer, owner and operator of small hydroelectric power projects in China. The projects are located in Zhejiang, Fujian, Yunnan and Sichuan. As of December 31, 2012, wholly owns 22 operating hydroelectric power projects and have controlling interests in three operating hydroelectric power projects. In March 2012, the Company sold 100% of the Yuanping hydroelectric power project. In April 2013, the Company sold the Yuheng hydroelectric power project, a 30 megawatt (MW) project located in Fujian province. In July 2014, the Company announced that it has completed the merger with CPT Wyndham Sub Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CPT Wyndham Holdings Ltd.

Read MoreIf youre a Facebook users you probably already realize the company knows a lot about you based on the things you post, the people and brands you interact with, and other things you do on the Facebook website or in a Facebook app.

But Facebook also tracks you as you interact with third-party websites and apps thanks to Like buttons and other tools that integrate Facebook. Thats even true if you dont have a Facebook account.

The companys come under heavy scrutiny for its privacy policies and practices recently and Facebook is scrambling to make changes to improve its image (and comply with European privacy regulations that will be enforced starting later this month). The company is expected to talk about some of those things at the Facebook F8 developer conference that gets underway today.

Ahead of his keynote presentation, CEO Mark Zuckerberg teased one upcoming feature. Its called Clear History, and itll let you delete some of the data Facebook has collected and opt out from future collection sort of. But theres a catch: youll need a Facebook account to use it.

Clear History is expected to roll out in the coming months, and itll let users do three things:

See the data that third-party sites and apps send to Facebook about you. Delete data thats already been collected. Stop Facebook from associating such data with your account in the future.

That third one is interesting for a few reasons. First, its the first time Facebook has really offered users a way to opt-out of this sort of data collection. Second, its not really a complete opt-out. The company will still receive data as you visits websites that use Facebook Like or Analytics services. That data will just be anonymized rather than associated with your account.

Facebook says the anonymous data will continue to be useful to Facebook and third-party developers, since it can help provide demographic information (like the age, sex, or geographic location of users) without identifying specific users.

That said, if youre part of the #DeleteFacebook movement, or youve always avoided the service because of its privacy practices, todays announcement is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, Facebook is giving users a bit more control over their privacy settings. On the other, you need to have a Facebook account to use it.

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Missiles Hit Military Bases  26 People Dead, Earthquake Recorded

At least two dozen people were killed in missile strikes carried out against government bases in Syria, according to reports on Monday, April 30, which said that many of those among the dead were Iranians.

The Syrian army said on Sunday that rockets had struck several military bases in the Hama and Aleppo countryside in what it said was new aggression by its enemies, state television said, Reuters reported.

Syria: state TV says 'enemy missiles' fired at regime bases https://t.co/NP8QCQ3WTw  The Guardian (@guardian) April 30, 2018

Syria is being exposed to a new aggression with some military bases in rural Hama and Aleppo hit with enemy rockets, an army source was quoted as saying without elaborating.

Israel has previously hit Iranian-backed militia outposts in Syria, mainly targeting arms convoys of the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah. Israel regards the group, which is fighting alongside President Bashar al-Assad, as the biggest threat on its borders.

We dont comment on foreign reports and we have no information at this time, Israels military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said.

Reports indicated that the blast hit the Brigade 47 base, which also caused a chain reaction of explosions in Hama, according to The Independent newspaper. The shockwaves were felt as far away as Lebanon and Turkey, registering a 2 on the Richter scale.

Syria Army: 'Enemy' Missiles Strike Two Bases; Iranians Among Dozens Reportedly Killedhttps://t.co/TmJgUWyUqy pic.twitter.com/OX7XRITej6  Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) April 30, 2018

Other reports said that missiles hit positions near Aleppo overnight.

No parties have claimed responsibility for the strikes.

Syria blamed Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom for the states, adding that 18 Iranian nationals were killed.

Irans state-run Tasnim news agency said that rockets didnt hit or kill any Iranian soldiers.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a group based in the UK, said that 26 pro-Syrian government soldiers died in the blast.

On Monday, the Syrian military carried out 140 air strikes on the town of Rastan and surrounding villages in the rebel enclave between the cities of Hama and Homs, Reuters reported.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Why is Falun Gong persecuted?Torontonians attend a vigil in Toronto on April 29, 2018 to commemorate victims of the April 23 van attack tragedy. (Omid Ghoreishi/The Epoch Times)

Thousands Commemorate Lives Lost in Toronto Van Attack Tragedy

TORONTOThousands of Torontonians commemorated the victims of the April 23 van attack incident in a Sunday night vigil attended by the governor general, the prime minister, premiers of Ontario and Quebec, the mayor of Toronto, and many other officials.

The #TorontoStrong Vigil was held at 7 p.m. at the Mel Lastman Square, located very close to the scene of the tragedy which took the lives of 10 people and left many injured.

Attendees laid flowers, lit candles, and placed cardboards with notes of tribute to the victims at a memorial site by the entrance of the venue.

The program featured talks by the citys faith community, as well as choir and musical performances. First responders drew a standing ovation from the crowd as they entered the area, and attendees received with cheer news that the #TorontoStrong fund set up in part by the City of Toronto in support of the victims of the tragedy, has surpassed $1.8 million in donations.

The event was attended by the Governor General Julie Payette, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer, Ontario Premier Kathryn Wynne, Toronto Mayor John Tory, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, and many other elected officials. The program didnt include talks by the officials.

Alek Minassian, a resident of Richmond Hill, Ont., has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder as a result of the incident.

Minassian, 25, made a brief court appearance on April 24, the day after the attack, speaking only his name. His next court appearance will be via video on May 10.

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Remembering Victims of the Toronto Van Attack TragedyThe most senior Vatican official to be charged in the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis will return to an Australian court today to learn whether he must stand trial on charges that he sexually abused multiple victims decades ago.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington will rule in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on whether the prosecutions case against Australian Cardinal George Pell is strong enough to warrant a trial by jury.

Lawyers for Australias highest-

ranking Catholic argued during a four-week preliminary hearing in March that the accusations were untrue and should be dismissed. Pell has said through his lawyers that he will plead not guilty if the magistrate decides against dismissing the charges.

Pell, Pope Francis former finance minister, was charged last June with sexually abusing multiple people in his Australian home state of Victoria. The details of the allegations against the 76-year-old have yet to be released to the public, though police have described the charges as historical sexual assault offenses  meaning the crimes allegedly occurred decades ago.

His alleged victims testified in the first two weeks of the preliminary hearing via a video link from a remote location to a room closed to the media and public.

Defense lawyer Robert Richter told Wallington in his final submissions two weeks ago that the complainants might have testified against one of the churchs most powerful men to punish him for failing to act against abuse by clerics.

But prosecutor Mark Gibson told the magistrate there was no evidence to back Richters theory that Pell had been targeted over the churchs failings.

Since Pell returned to Australia from the Vatican in July, he has lived in Sydney and flown to Melbourne for his court hearings. His circumstances are far removed from the years he spent as the high-profile and polarizing archbishop of Melbourne and later Sydney before his promotion to Rome in 2014.

Pell wore a clerics collar and a face showing little emotion while attending court during his hard-fought and extraordinarily long preliminary hearing.

He was frisked for weapons in standard security procedures as he entered the high-rise court building, and shared its corridors with alleged drug dealers, thieves, thugs and drunk drivers during breaks in court proceedings.

The case places both the cardinal and the pope in potentially perilous territory. For Pell, the charges are a threat to his freedom, his reputation and his career. For Francis, they are a threat to his credibility, given he famously promised a zero tolerance policy for sex abuse in the church.

Advocates for abuse victims have long railed against Francis decision to appoint Pell to the high-ranking position in the first place. At the time of his promotion, Pell was already facing allegations that he had mishandled cases of clergy abuse during his time in charge of Melbourne and Sydney, Australias largest cities.

So far, Francis has withheld judgment of Pell, saying he wants to wait for justice to run its course. And he did not force the cardinal to resign, though Pell took an immediate leave of absence so he could return to Australia to fight the charges. Pell said he intends to continue his work as a prefect of the churchs economy ministry once the case is resolved.

In recent years, Pells actions as archbishop came under particular scrutiny by a government-authorized investigation into how the Catholic Church and other institutions have responded to the sexual abuse of children.

Australias Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse  the nations highest form of inquiry  revealed last year that 7 percent of Catholic priests were accused of sexually abusing children in Australia over the past several decades.

In testimony to the commission in 2016, Pell conceded that he had made mistakes by often believing priests over people who said they had been abused. And he vowed to help end a rash of suicides that has plagued abuse victims in his hometown of Ballarat.

Pell testified to the inquiry in a video link from the Vatican about his time as a priest and bishop in Australia. He did not attend in person because of a heart condition and other medical problems.

Police said at the preliminary hearing that they had planned to arrest Pell for questioning had he returned to Australia in early 2016 to testify.

His lawyers argued in court that Pell was targeted for special treatment by detectives from a police task force that investigated historical sex abuse. Police witnesses denied that accusation.

The investigation of Pell began in 2013 before any complainant had come forward to police, whom Richter accused of running a get Pell operation.

Pells lawyers told the court in February that the first complainant approached police in 2015, 40 years after the alleged crimes, in response to media reports about the royal commission.

Pell was charged by summons in Rome and agreed to return to Australia to face the allegations. Rod McGuirk, Melbourne, APLawmaker Sulu Sou has called on the government to reclaim the land located at zone C and zone D of Nam Van Lake. Sou has urged the administration authorities to announce the invalidity of related lands as soon as possible, and to follow with the announcement of immediate procedures to reclaim the land. He also requested the government to learn from the Hong Kong Airport Core Program, with particular reference to the construction and architecture concepts, to combine the harbor development of Zone B in the new urban zone, and to develop the Nam Van land. In Sous opinion, once the govearnment reclaims the land, it should begin developing them to create a sustainable culture, sustainable ecosystem, and a sustainable leisure landmark on the south coast of the Macau Peninsula for the next generation.

School building works suspected of violating relics protection law

The ongoing engineering works at the Colegio Mateus Ricci is reportedly suspected of violating laws concerning the protection of cultural relics, according to a report by Jornal Cheng Pou. The works started at the beginning of this year on one of the schools buildings. It was reported that the relief on the external wall had been damaged. The Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) said that the current undergoing work consists of maintenance work on the architectures internal and external walls according to its original design, including the maintenance work of the relief school badge on the front door of the building and the peeling and damaged decoration. The building, which was first built in 1868, started being used as a school facility in 1955. The IC has emphasized that the building is a property that has been evaluated as a structure with architectural value.The foreign minister of North Koreas chief ally China will visit Pyongyang this week following the historic summit between the leaders of the two Koreas.

The trip by Wang Yi comes as Beijing and Pyongyang continue an effort to repair ties that have suffered from tensions in recent years, and ahead of a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and the Norths leader Kim Jong Un.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a statement that Wang will visit tomorrow and Thursday.

China is the Norths only major economic partner, but trade has declined by about 90 percent following Beijings implementation of economic sanctions imposed over the Norths nuclear bomb and ballistic missile tests.

Kim last month made his first visit to Beijing since taking power six years ago, kicking off a flurry of diplomacy highlighted by his meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in last week. South Korean officials said Kim told Moon that he would be willing to give up his nuclear weapons if the U.S. commits to a formal end to the Korean War and a pledge not to attack the North.

Kim also pledged to shut down the Norths nuclear test site in May and disclose the process to experts and journalists from South Korea and the United States, Seouls presidential office said.

China has long called for dialogue between the parties and welcomed the summit as a vehicle for reducing tensions. Analysts say Chinas sanctions implementation may have helped prompt the Norths diplomatic initiatives although the secretive regime in Pyongyang has made no public comments on the issue.

China says sanctions are intended to further diplomacy rather than punish the North and opposes any measures that could topple the regime, possibly bringing a tide of refugees across its border and leading to the stationing of U.S. and South Korea troops in the North. APChinese factory growth has slowed slightly, according to a monthly survey released yesterday that showed activity in the worlds No. 2 economy holding up despite worries over trade tensions with the U.S.

The official purchasing managers index came in at 51.4 for April, easing from 51.5 in the previous month but still above the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction on the indexs 100-point scale.

The latest numbers come amid simmering trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, with potential implications for Chinas sprawling export-oriented manufacturing sector.

The trade conflict will be in the spotlight again this week as U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin leads a delegation to Beijing for talks aimed at defusing the threat to economic relations between the worlds two largest economies.

The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasings survey found that factory output was stable but new orders and new export orders weakened for the month, indicating waning demand.

Imports and exports continued to maintain growth, [but] the growth rate has slowed down, said Zhao Qinghe, senior statistician at the National Bureau of Statistics, which released the data on its website .

The latest numbers assuaged fears about a slowdown in Chinas economy, which grew at an unchanged 6.8 percent pace in the first quarter. Forecasters are expecting growth to cool this year as Beijing tries to rein in rising debt levels.

The official manufacturing PMI points to economic conditions having remained healthy in April, Chang Liu of Capital Economics said in a commentary. Slower growth is likely in the months ahead as the drags on economic activity from weaker credit growth and the cooling property market intensify.

Activity in the rest of Chinas economy also held up fairly well, with further growth in the services sector, which is playing an increasingly important role as communist leaders in Beijing pivot the country away from its agricultural and industrial roots. The groups non-manufacturing purchasing managers index rose to 54.8 from 54.6 in March. APA convicted thief was recaptured yesterday three weeks after a rare escape from a Japanese prison and an island manhunt he may have eluded by swimming.

Tatsuma Hirao escaped from a low-security prison in Ehime prefecture on April 8 during a work assignment while serving a 5  year sentence for theft. The escape caused anxiety in the region and attracted national attention.

After escaping, he allegedly drove a stolen car along a highway connecting several islands.

Police believe he arrived on the island of Mukaishima, where more than 1,000 police searched for him daily. They said his fingerprints were detected at the scenes of several reported thefts of clothes and food after the jailbreak.

Hirao, 27, was arrested yesterday after being spotted walking on a street in Hiroshima after an internet cafe reportedly notified police that a man resembling him visited. In a video of the arrest broadcast on TV Asahi, a man identified as Hirao tried to climb over a concrete wall to escape, but was pulled down, thrown to the ground and seized by several policemen.

The island has abundant places to hide. It has about 1,000 houses made vacant by an aging and shrinking population and is also only 200 meters from the Hiroshima coast.

Media reports say Hirao told police that he swam from Mukaishima to a city in Hiroshima prefecture to escape the manhunt, then took a train west to Hiroshima city. Hirao said he hid in vacant houses while on the island, but became tired of evading police, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Hirao was arrested in 2013 for a series of robberies in southern Japan.

Japan has a relatively low crime rate, and prison escapes are rare. Its population is declining and the average age is rising quickly. APCloee Chao, a frequent organizer and leader of protests held across the city, said she has noticed a decline in the number of participants in demonstrations.

Interviewed by the Times, Chao, founder of the Macau Gaming Industry Frontline Workers Union, noted that in Macau, residents are wholly disappointed at the government and at the companies. [Residents] think that despite coming out to express their opinions, the government will take note of their opinions but [the government] maintains the same attitude. [] These people are desperate to the point where they have no hope nor courage to walk out and take part [in the demonstrations].

In the past, I used to feel we had many people [attending]. [After] we expressed our opinions, there would be improvements. [However, now] we see that our opinions are completely ignored, lamented Chao.

In Chaos opinion, the current situation has poor ramifications for the city.

When explaining the reasons behind the daily fading of people, who are enthusiastic to express their opinions through public activities, Chao indicated that the main reason lies in the administration system.

The government officials and businessmen comprise [] a single body. A government official is one person, the lawmaker is the same person and the boss is also that same person. They continuously rip off our benefits, complained Chao.

[Groups which organize demonstrations] have been suppressed one by one, but there are still many of them. [] The situation concerning the young generation has also deteriorated, [because] they were disappointed [in the beginning]. They [the youth] also worry that their company [employers] will create problems [due to their participation in demonstrations], she added.

Several groups have planned to organize demonstrations on Labor Day, including associations from the gaming industry and those from the Pearl Horizon pre-sale buyers group.

Chao told the Times that she expects approximately 500 people to attend this years demonstration, led by herself. Protestors will assemble today, at 3:30 p.m., in the NAPE area, and will start marching at 4 p.m.

The main goal of this particular demonstration is to ask casinos to give 14-month salaries per year; to increase salaries by a minimum of 5 percent annually; to cancel CCAS radiation gambling tables; and to better control smoking in prohibited areas.

Kou Meng Pok, president of the Pearl Horizon Proprietors Association, told the Times through a phone interview that his group has applied for a permit from the police authority to organize a demonstration of 5,000 participants.

When questioned by the Times as to whether there are declining participants in their demonstrations each year, Kou said I dont have such a feeling. Sometimes, some people are tired, they take a rest [sit out the demonstration], but then others take their place.

Kous group will start its demonstration today at the Polytec Group headquarters.

Last year, during International Labour Day, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) reported that approximately 2,600 people participated in demonstrations.

According to a PSP statement which was released yesterday, one group and four Macau individuals applied to hold organized demonstrations today.

Police issues warning ahead of May 1

The Public Security Police Force (PSP) issued a warning last week over the Labor Day demonstrations, which was reiterated yesterday during the police press conference.

In the note to demonstrators, the PSP appeals to organizers and participants to conduct their actions in a legal and safe manner and following all the police orders and instructions on site. The PSP spokesperson said that demonstrators should try not to affect the social order of the population.

The same spokesperson added as a warning to the participants to not be affected by agitators that would lead them to have irrational behaviors, noting that if the law [regarding assembly and reunion] is breached the perpetrators will be accused of aggravated disobedience.

The police forces will not show any tolerance, the spokesperson added, warning any illegal behavior will be prosecuted.

The police spokesperson also said that since it is forecasted that the street marches will gather a lot of people [participants] the police will enforce all measures to control the activities in order to prevent the disruption of the normal activity of the city. RMSelf-driving delivery vehicles that are polite to pedestrians? Faster and more precise robotic arms? JD.com, the largest challenger to Alibabas e-commerce empire in China, is investing in technology to speed up warehouse operations and delivery to shoppers who want service quickly.

In China, its testing drone delivery, has opened an automated warehouse thats improved on manual sorting, and its testing deliveries using unmanned vehicles at universities in Beijing. It also uses these self-driving vehicles that look like rolling ice cream carts to move goods inside its warehouses.

Though it does not sell in the United States, the Beijing-based online retailer is also leaning on its 2-year-

old research and development lab in Silicon Valley to recruit top talent and get access to tech startups. The goal: Bring that expertise back to China.

Dr. Hui Cheng, the head of robotics research at JD.s Silicon Valley Research Center, recently spoke with The Associated Press about the priorities of the lab, the spoiled Chinese consumer and the prospect of talking robots. Under Cheng, who previously worked on Amazon Gos cashier-less store project, JD is working on areas like artificial intelligence.

Cheng says the centers main goal is to serve people in China and Southeast Asia. He says hes not planning to use the center as a foothold to launch in the U.S. and directly challenge Amazon.

 How is the Chinese consumer different from the American consumer?

Hui Cheng  [Chinese consumers] are a bit spoiled. Its all about free service. Also, theyre expecting high-quality products. We can directly deliver to peoples doors, a bit different from the U.S. where they just drop it off. Our delivery employees are in charge of certain geographical areas and are very familiar with the customers in those areas. They know when theyll be home. They call when they get there. Theyre very accommodating.

 What are your main priorities at the Silicon Valley center?

HC  Weve been testing indoor and outdoor autonomous deliveries. Robotic arms. Were developing state-of-the-art technologies in many areas like artificial intelligence and natural-language processing.

 What about the autonomous cars?

HC  We are emphasizing social robots. How are they going to be part of the social environment? How are they going to interact with pedestrians? How will they be polite? We dont want them to be considered threatening or dangerous.

 Will they be able to talk?

HC  We are developing a lot of natural-dialogue capabilities so they will know how to speak in the future.

 Has the Uber pedestrian crash slowed research into autonomous vehicles?

HC  Our vehicles operate on sidewalks at about five or six miles per hour and theyre much smaller than passenger cars. Theyre extremely safe.

 Are you testing drone work in Silicon Valley?

HC. Theres some cutting-edge technology [in Silicon Valley], but we are not actively testing or developing software in drones.A missile attack targeting government outposts in Syrias northern region killed 26 pro-government fighters, mostly Iranians, a Syria war monitoring group said yesterday, amid soaring Mideast tensions between regional archenemies Israel and Iran.

Iranian media gave conflicting reports about the overnight incident amid speculation that it was carried out by neighboring Israel.

The attack came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu talked to President Donald Trump on the phone. The White House said the two leaders discussed the continuing threats and challenges facing the Middle East, especially the problems posed by the Iranian regimes destabilizing activities.

A day earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ratcheted up the Trump administrations rhetoric against Iran and offered warm support to Israel and Saudi Arabia in their standoff with Tehran.

We remain deeply concerned about Irans dangerous escalation of threats to Israel and the region and Irans ambition to dominate the Middle East remains, Pompeo said after a nearly two-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The United States is with Israel in this fight, he added on his first trip abroad as Americas top diplomat.

Israel has cited Irans hostile rhetoric, support for anti-Israel militant groups and development of long-range missiles.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said yesterdays attack appears to have been carried out by Israel and targeted an arms depot for surface-to-surface missiles at a base in northern Syria known as Brigade 47. The Observatory said four Syrians were also among the casualties.

It said the death toll could rise as the attack also wounded 60 fighters and there were several others still missing.

Iranian state television, citing Syrian media, reported the attack.

However, an Iranian semi-official news agency denied reports that Iranian fighters were killed or that Iranian-run bases were hit. The Tasnim news agency quoted an unnamed Iranian informed official in its report but did not elaborate on the denial.

Another semi-official news agency, ISNA, said the strike killed 18 Iranians, including a commander, in a suburb of the central city of Hama. It cited local sources and activists for its report.

The missiles targeted buildings and centers which likely include a weapons depot, ISNA reported.

The Syrian government-owned Tishrin newspaper quoted what it called sources on the ground as saying that the attack on military positions in Aleppo and Hama provinces consisted of nine ballistic missiles fired from American-British bases in north Jordan. The report could not be independently confirmed.

There was also no immediate comment from Israel, which rarely confirms or denies its attacks in Israel. Israeli media reported that the security cabinet will hold an unscheduled meeting on the subject of the nuclear deal with Iran.

President Donald Trump has set a May 12 deadline to decide whether to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal  something he appears likely to do despite heavy pressure to stay in from European and other parties. APMontana rancher Fred Wacker had thousands of head of cattle fattening up along the Yellowstone River for export to China when President Donald Trump picked a trade fight with the Asian nation.

The dispute threatens a USD200 million deal that Wacker helped secure last year to ship Montana beef to China, yet the potential setback to his business plans hasnt diminished his stalwart support for Trump.

Im not going to follow him over the cliff, but Ill take a pretty good jump, Wacker said as a small team of cowboys on his Cross Four Ranch herded hundreds of cattle onto trucks headed for summer pasture.

Deep in Montanas ag country, ranchers and farmers support of Trump is being put to the test as the presidents bellicose threats of a trade war risk their livelihoods. Its a constituency that voted heavily for Trump and that has a lot to lose, both in existing trade and new deals like the one involving Wacker that could send tens of thousands of Montana cattle to China over the next several years.

The conflict faced by Trumps supporters in Montana, where some 28,000 farms and ranches make agriculture a top economic driver in the state, is reflective of the one facing the larger U.S. agriculture industry, which also largely backed Trump but now risks becoming a casualty if a trans-Pacific trade war erupts.

Wacker, his white cowboy hat pulled down tight atop his head as he weighed the outgoing cattle, remains firmly in Trumps camp. He views the Republican presidents aggressive stance on China as unsettling but necessary, and hopes it will bring parity to what has long been a lopsided trading relationship between the two nations.

That situation was beginning to reverse itself when Trump reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year to lift a 13-year ban on U.S. beef exports to China. That opened the door to the deal between Montana ranchers and Chinese e-commerce leader JD.com, Wacker said.

Since Trump challenged China on trade, JD.com has gone silent, Wacker said, but he remains confident in the presidents approach.

We would not even be talking about this if it werent for the Trump administration, he said of the deal he helped broker during a trip to Beijing last year.

This largely rural state, once known for its independence in voting for candidates individual qualities over political party, has grown a deeper shade of red over the past decade as voters increasingly break toward GOP candidates. That trend culminated in 2016 with Trumps 20-point trouncing of Democrat Hillary Clinton in Montana.

The GOP now hopes to use that momentum to oust the states Democratic senator, Jon Tester, in this falls election.

Trump over the weekend called for Tester to resign for what the president called false allegations that scuttled the nomination of Ronny Jackson to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Tester did not respond directly but said he would keep fighting for veterans.

Tester, who is seeking a third term, is himself a farmer from the little town of Big Sandy and has already used the tariff issue to scold Trump.

If you put me and my neighbors out of business  not you personally, but the administration  weve got a major problem here, Tester told Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue earlier this month.

Trumps victory paid off for farmers and ranchers in the form of rollbacks of environmental regulations imposed during the Obama administration that farmers and ranchers considered burdensome, including ones that could affect irrigation ditches, biotechnology and pesticides.

Trumps tactics on trade have been more unsettling for the industry. First, he announced plans to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, which caused some Mexico importers to look to South America for crops like wheat. Then, he pulled out of a trans-Pacific trade deal that he viewed as unfavorable to the U.S.

After his threats to China elicited a proposal for a retaliatory tariff on U.S. beef, wheat and other products, Trump floated rejoining the trans-Pacific deal to get more leverage over Beijing. He abruptly dropped the idea days later.

The whipsaw changes roiled agriculture markets, and not everyone who makes a living off the land retained the same fealty to Trump as Wacker.

Wheat farmers in particular worry about how tariffs would affect their market, which has gone through a turbulent stretch in recent years. More than 70 percent of Montana wheat is exported, primarily to Asia, according to the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. Although less than 10 percent of that grain ends up in China, farmers say the potential for growth in the nation of almost 1.4 billion people is huge.

Larry Johnson, a Montana farmer who grows wheat, barley, peas and mustard on nearly 41 square kilometers near the small community of Kremlin, said he sells some wheat to China, but thats not his biggest concern. What he worries about is that North Dakota soybean farmers will switch to wheat because of Chinese tariffs on soybeans, putting them in competition with him.

All of our crops are intertwined, he said. That directly affects our bottom line. I could see a 10 percent loss of income easily.

Johnson described himself as a progressive conservative  conservative on financial matters and progressive on social issues. He wasnt in favor of either the Republican or Democratic presidential candidate in 2016, but said the agriculture industrys support of Trump is giving way to the realization that the president doesnt understand the industry.

Trumps public comments serve only to create uncertainty in the market at an already uncertain time for many farmers, he said.

One day the president puts a tweet out, and the next day the price of soybeans is down 45 cents, Johnson said. It makes you very nervous.

The ag industry is keenly aware that Chinas trade policies have kept U.S. products out of the market there, said Montana Grain Growers Association President Michelle Erickson Jones. She said she agrees with Trump that China must be held accountable, but she favors more conventional routes, such as going to the World Trade Organization.

About 280 miles (450 kilometers) east of Johnsons Kremlin farm, Buzz Mattelin grows durum wheat, barley, beets and lentils in Culbertson. He said he is unhappy that his commodities are being used as bargaining chips in a potential trade war, and worries farmers like him will end up as collateral damage.

Im patriotic, and Im going to do my share. But I dont want to bear all the pain, either, Mattelin said. Matthew Brown and Matt Volz, APThe following companies are subsidiares of General Motors: 2140879 Ontario Inc., ACAR Leasing, ACAR Leasing Ltd., ACF Investment, ACF Investment Corp., AFS SenSub, APGO Trust, Adam Opel, Adam Opel GmbH, Aftermarket (UK), AmeriCredit, AmeriCredit Consumer Loan, AmeriCredit Consumer Loan Company Inc., AmeriCredit Financial Services, AmeriCredit Financial Services Inc., AmeriCredit Funding, AmeriCredit Syndicated Warehouse Trust, Annunciata Corporation, Argonaut Holdings, Argonaut Holdings LLC, BOCO (Proprietary), BOCO (Proprietary) Limited, Banco GMAC, Banco GMAC S.A., Baylis (Gloucester), Boco Trust, Boden Brussels, CHEVYPLAN, CHEVYPLAN S.A. Sociedad Administradora de Planes de Autofinanciamiento Comercial, Cadillac, Cadillac Europe, Cadillac Europe GmbH, Carve-Out Ownership, Carve-Out Ownership Cooperative LLC, Chevrolet Deutschland GmbH, Chevrolet Sales (Thailand), Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Limited, Chevrolet Sales India, Chevrolet Sales India Private Ltd., Chevrolet Sociedad Anonima de Ahorro para Fines Determinados, Controladora General Motors, Controladora General Motors S.A. de C.V., Cruise, DCJ1, DCJ1 LLC, DMAX, DMAX Ltd., Dealership Liquidations, Dealership Liquidations Inc., Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems UK, Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems UK Overseas Corporation, EDS (Electronic Data Systems), FAW-GM, Fundacion Chevrolet, G.M.A.C., GCAR Titling Ltd., GM (UK) Pension, GM (UK) Pension Trustees Limited, GM APO Holdings, GM Administradora de Bens, GM Administradora de Bens Ltda., GM Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters Ltd., GM Auslandsprojekte, GM Automotive, GM Automotive Services Belgium, GM CME, GM Canada Holdings, GM Canada Limited, GM Components Holdings, GM Components Holdings LLC, GM Cruise, GM Cruise Holdings LLC, GM Cruise LLC, GM Defense LLC, GM Eurometals, GM Eurometals Inc., GM Europe Treasury, GM Finance, GM Finance Co. Holdings LLC, GM Financial, GM Financial AB, GM Financial Canada, GM Financial Canada Leasing, GM Financial Canada Leasing Ltd., GM Financial Colombia Holdings LLC, GM Financial Colombia S.A. Compania de Financiamiento, GM Financial Consumer, GM Financial Consumer Discount, GM Financial Consumer Discount Company, GM Financial Del Peru, GM Financial GmbH, GM Financial Holdings LLC, GM Financial Insurance Services, GM Financial Mexico Holdings, GM Financial Mexico Holdings LLC, GM Financial Real Estate, GM Financial de Mexico, GM Financial de Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.R., GM Financial del Peru S.A.C, GM Global Business Services, GM Global Propulsion Systems -Torino S.r.l., GM Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, GM Global Technology Operations, GM Global Technology Operations LLC, GM Global Tooling, GM Global Tooling Company LLC, GM Global Treasury Centre Limited, GM Holden, GM Holden Pty Ltd., GM Holdings U.K. No.1 Limited, GM Inversiones Santiago Limitada, GM Investment Trustees Limited, GM Korea, GM Korea Company, GM LAAM Holdings, GM LAAM Holdings LLC, GM Mexico Holdings, GM Mobility Europe GmbH, GM PSA Purchasing Services, GM Personnel Services, GM Personnel Services Inc., GM Philippines Inc., GM Plats (Proprietary), GM Regional Holdings, GM Regional Holdings LLC, GM Retirees Pension Trustees, GM Retirees Pension Trustees Limited, GM Subsystems Manufacturing, GM Subsystems Manufacturing LLC, GM Technical Center Korea Ltd., GM Viet Nam Motor Company, GM-DI Leasing, GM-DI Leasing LLC, GMAC - Instituicao Financeira de Credito, GMAC Administradora de Consorcios, GMAC Administradora de Consorcios Ltda., GMAC Banque, GMAC Continental, GMAC Espana de Financiacion, GMAC Holdings (U.K.), GMAC Lease B.V. (aka Masterlease Europe), GMAC Nederland N.V., GMAC Prestadora de Servicios de Mao de Obra Ltda., GMAC Servicios, GMAC UK, GMAC de Venezuela, GMAC-Prestadora de Servios de Mo-de-Obra, GMACI Corretora de Seguros, GMACI Corretora de Seguros Ltda, GMAM Real Estate I, GMCH&SP Private Equity II, GMCH&SP Private Equity II L.P., GMF Australia Pty Ltd, GMF Europe, GMF Europe Holdco, GMF Europe LLP, GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, GMF Funding, GMF Germany Holdings, GMF Global Assignment, GMF Global Assignment LLC, GMF International, GMF International LLC, GMF Leasing LLC, GMF Leasing Warehousing Trust, GMF Wholesale Receivables, GMGP Holdings, General Motors (China) Investment Company, General Motors (China) Investment Company Limited, General Motors (Thailand), General Motors (Thailand) Limited, General Motors - Colmotores, General Motors - Colmotores S.A., General Motors Advisory Services LLC, General Motors Africa and Middle East, General Motors Africa and Middle East FZE, General Motors Asia, General Motors Asia LLC, General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings, General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings LLC, General Motors Asset Management, General Motors Asset Management Corporation, General Motors Australia, General Motors Australia Pty Ltd., General Motors Austria, General Motors Austria, General Motors Auto, General Motors Auto LLC, General Motors Automobiles Philippines, General Motors Automobiles Philippines Inc., General Motors Automotive Holdings, General Motors Automotive Holdings S.L., General Motors Belgique Automobile NV, General Motors Belgium, General Motors Chile, General Motors Chile Industria Automotriz Limitada, General Motors China LLC, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology CIS LLC, General Motors East Africa, General Motors Egypt, General Motors Egypt S.A.E., General Motors Espana, General Motors Europe Holdings, General Motors Europe Limited, General Motors Financial Chile, General Motors Financial Chile Limitada, General Motors Financial Chile S.A., General Motors Financial Company, General Motors Financial Company Inc., General Motors Financial International, General Motors Financial Italia, General Motors Financial Suisse, General Motors Financial UK, General Motors Financial of Canada, General Motors Financial of Canada Ltd., General Motors Finland, General Motors France, General Motors GBS Hungary, General Motors Global Service Operations, General Motors Global Service Operations Inc., General Motors Hellas, General Motors Holden Australia, General Motors Holden Australia NSC, General Motors Holden Australia NSC Pty Ltd., General Motors Holden Australia Pty Ltd., General Motors Holdings LLC, General Motors IT Services (Ireland) Limited, General Motors India Private, General Motors India Private Limited, General Motors International Holdings, General Motors International Holdings LLC, General Motors International Operations, General Motors International Operations Pte. Ltd., General Motors International Services Company, General Motors International Services Company SAS, General Motors International Services LLC, General Motors Investment Limited, General Motors Investment Management, General Motors Investment Management Corporation, General Motors Investment Participacoes, General Motors Investment Participacoes Ltda., General Motors Investments, General Motors Investments Pty. Ltd., General Motors Ireland, General Motors Israel, General Motors Israel Ltd., General Motors Italia, General Motors Japan, General Motors Japan Limited, General Motors LLC, General Motors Limited, General Motors Manufacturing Poland, General Motors Nederland, General Motors New Zealand Pensions, General Motors New Zealand Pensions Limited, General Motors Overseas, General Motors Overseas Commercial Vehicle, General Motors Overseas Commercial Vehicle Corporation, General Motors Overseas Corporation, General Motors Overseas Distribution, General Motors Overseas Distribution LLC, General Motors Peru, General Motors Peru S.A., General Motors Poland Spolka, General Motors Portugal, General Motors Powertrain (Thailand), General Motors Powertrain (Thailand) Limited, General Motors Research Corporation, General Motors South Africa, General Motors South Africa (Pty) Limited, General Motors Suisse, General Motors Taiwan, General Motors Taiwan Ltd., General Motors Technical Centre India, General Motors Technical Centre India Private Limited, General Motors Treasury Center, General Motors Treasury Center LLC, General Motors Turkiye, General Motors UK, General Motors Uruguay, General Motors Uruguay S.A., General Motors Venezolana, General Motors Ventures, General Motors Ventures LLC, General Motors Warehousing and Trading (Shanghai), General Motors Warehousing and Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., General Motors de Argentina, General Motors de Argentina S.r.l., General Motors de Mexico, General Motors de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., General Motors del Ecuador, General Motors del Ecuador S.A., General Motors do Brasil, General Motors do Brasil Ltda., General Motors of Canada, General Motors of Canada Company, General Motors-Holden's Sales, General Motors-Holden's Sales Pty. Limited, GigaPower LLC, Global Services Detroit, Global Services Detroit LLC, Global Tooling Service Company Europe, Global Tooling Service Company Europe Limited, Go Motor Retailing, Go Trade Parts, Grand Pointe Holdings, Grand Pointe Holdings Inc., Grand Pointe Park Condominium, Grand Pointe Park Condominium Association, H.S.H., Haines & Strange, Holden New Zealand, Holden New Zealand Limited, IBC Pension Trustees, IBC Pension Trustees Limited, IBC Vehicles, Lease Ownership Cooperative, Lease Ownership Cooperative LLC, Lidlington Engineering Company, Lidlington Engineering Company Ltd., Limited Liability Company "General Motors CIS", Master Lease Germany, Maven Drive, Maven Drive LLC, Millbrook Pension Management, Millbrook Pension Management Limited, Monetization of Carve-Out, Monetization of Carve-Out LLC, Motor Repris Automocio, Motors Holding, Motors Holding LLC, Motors Properties, Motors Properties (Trading), Multi-Use Lease Entity Trust, North American New Cars, North American New Cars LLC, Omnibus BB Transportes, Omnibus BB Transportes S. A., OnStar Connected Services Srl, OnStar Egypt Limited LLC, OnStar Europe, OnStar Europe Ltd., OnStar Global Services, OnStar Global Services Corporation, OnStar LLC, OnStar de Mexico, OnStar de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Opel Bank, Opel Danmark, Opel Group, Opel Group Warehousing, Opel Leasing, Opel Norge, Opel Sonderdienste, Opel Southeast Europe, Opel Sverige, Opel Szentgotthard Automotive Manufacturing, Opel Wien, P.T. G M AutoWorld Indonesia, P.T. General Motors Indonesia, PIMS, PIMS Co., PT. General Motors Indonesia Manufacturing, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center Company Ltd., Prestadora de Servicios GMF Colombia S.A.S., Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, Reliance Motor Car Company, Riverfront Holdings III Inc., Riverfront Holdings Inc., Riverfront Holdings Phase II Inc., SAIC GM (Shenyang) Norsom Motors Co. Ltd., SAIC GM Dong Yue Motors Company Limited, SAIC GM Dong Yue Powertrain Company Limited, SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Company Limited, SAIC General Motors Corporation Limited, SAIC General Motors Investment Limited, SAIC General Motors Sales Company Limited, SAIC-GMAC Automotive Finance Company Limited, SAIC-GMF Leasing Co. Ltd., Servicios GMAC S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Chengxin Used Car Operation and Management Company Limited, Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., Sherwoods (Darlington) Limited, Sidecar Technologies, Skurrays Limited, Stam-Terberg Autobedrijven B. V., Strobe Inc., VHC Sub-Holdings (UK), Vauxhall Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Vehicle Asset Universal Leasing Trust, Vickers (Lakeside) Limited, Vision Motors Limited, WRE, WRE Inc., and Zona Franca Industrial Colmotores SAS.Pengrowth Energy Corporation, a resource company, explores for, develops, and produces oil and natural gas assets in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia provinces in Canada. The company explores for crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, shale gas, and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing properties are the Lindbergh thermal property covering an area of 20,800 net acres located in Alberta; and Groundbirch property totaling an area of 12,536 net acres located to the south west of Fort St. John, British Columbia. As of December 31, 2018, the company had 269 net producing oil and natural gas wells; and 586 net non-producing wells, as well as total proved plus probable reserves of 446.6 millions of barrels of oil equivalent. Pengrowth Energy Corporation was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of The Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc..King Mohammed VI, who is on a friendly and working visit to the Republic of Congo, held tete-a-tete talks with President Sassou Nguesso in Brazzaville on Monday (April 30).

The two Heads of State later on proceeded to the launch of the construction works of a fishing unloading site at the port of Yoro in Brazzaville, a project that falls in line with the Moroccan Sovereigns Africa-oriented strategy and his efforts to upgrade South-South cooperation.

The project translates the close and privileged ties binding Morocco and the Congo and the two parties shared ambition to consolidate their cooperation in the fisheries sector, the preservation of sea resources and the protection of the marine environment. The new facility is also meant to upgrade small-scale fisheries, and improve the living and working conditions of the artisanal fishing community in the central African country.

The fishing unloading facility, worth 30 million dirhams, stretches over a surface area of 1.7 hectare of which 2,250 square meters will serve for fisheries handling, conditioning and marketing purposes.

The project will be endowed with state of the art equipment, including a fish hall, ice factories, cold-storage rooms, shops, a boat repair workshop, as well as medical dispensaries and daycare centers to help mothers working in the fishing sector. Actually, besides the about 500 artisanal fishermen to benefit from the facility, there are 600 women wholesalers and 3,000 women fishmonger-retailers

The new facility will help create new jobs and develop micro-poles to combat poverty, optimize the economic performance of small-scale fisheries, increase beneficiaries incomes and improve working and sanitary conditions, the objective being sustainable and integrated human development.

The project, to be completed within 24 months, illustrates Moroccos determination to support the economic and social development of the Republic of Congo, in the context of a win-win partnership, as well as its desire to diversify and expand the scope of cooperation, and implement innovative instruments through which the Kingdom shares with African countries its expertise in wealth and employment- generating sectors.Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Research published today has revealed new clues which might help explain why young people with the most severe forms of antisocial behaviour struggle to control and regulate their emotions, and might be more susceptible to developing anxiety or depression as a result.

The study, published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, used neuroimaging methods to investigate young people with the condition 'Conduct Disorder' - typified by symptoms that range from lying and truancy, through to physical violence and weapon use at its more extreme end.

Researchers from the universities of Bath (UK), Cambridge (UK) and the California Institute of Technology (USA) wanted to understand more about the wiring of the brain in adolescents with Conduct Disorder, and link connectivity to the severity of Conduct Disorder and 'psychopathic traits' - the term used to define deficits in guilt, remorse and empathy.

Through functional MRI scans of young people with Conduct Disorder as well as typically-developing teens, the team analysed the amygdala - a key part of the brain involved in understanding others' emotions - and how it communicates with other parts of the brain.

Previous studies by the research team suggested that adolescents with Conduct Disorder find it difficult to recognise angry and sad facial expressions, and so the purpose of this experiment was to establish what goes wrong at a brain level that could explain this.

They found that youths with Conduct Disorder showed significantly lower amygdala responses to angry and sad faces. Patients with amygdala damage show a range of problems such as reading others' emotions and, given the similarities in behaviour between these patients and youths with Conduct Disorder, scientists had previously hypothesised that the amygdala might be damaged or dysfunctional in some way.

When the researchers analysed connectivity between the amygdala and the brain's prefrontal cortex - the region responsible for decision making and behavioural inhibition - they found surprising clues that could explain why certain groups of youths with Conduct Disorder find it difficult to control their emotions.

Contrary to previous thinking, youths with Conduct Disorder and high levels of psychopathic traits showed normal connectivity between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, whereas those with Conduct Disorder alone showed abnormal connectivity between these brain areas.

Dr Graeme Fairchild, from the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, explained: "These results may explain why young people with Conduct Disorder, but without psychopathic traits, find it difficult to control their emotions - especially strong negative emotions like anger.

The parts of the brain that are normally involved in regulating the emotional parts of the brain appear less able to do so in the youths with Conduct Disorder alone. Over time, this could lead to them developing comorbid mental health problems like depression or anxiety, whereas youths with psychopathic traits might be protected from developing such problems.

"This study shows that there may be important differences between youths with high and low levels of psychopathic traits in the way the brain is wired. The findings could have clinical implications, because they suggest that psychological treatments that enhance emotion regulation abilities are likely to be more effective in the youths with Conduct Disorder alone, than in the psychopathic subgroup."

As an under-researched and often misunderstood condition, the team now hope their findings can feed into more targeted interventions to better help young people with Conduct Disorder and their families. This could involve neurofeedback methods which train young people to control activity in specific parts of their brains using MRI.

They are currently running a large-scale European study - investigating sex differences in antisocial behaviour to investigate whether boys and girls with Conduct Disorder show similar or different brain abnormalities relative to typically developing boys and girls.

Explore further New facial recognition findings could help develop new treatments for conduct disorder

More information: Michael P Ewbank et al, Psychopathic traits influence amygdala-anterior cingulate cortex connectivity during facial emotion processing, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (2018). Journal information: Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Michael P Ewbank et al, Psychopathic traits influence amygdala-anterior cingulate cortex connectivity during facial emotion processing,(2018). DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsy019According to new public opinion research commissioned by Nationwide Children's Hospital, 87 percent of Americans agree there needs to be more mental health support (including increased treatment, therapy and prevention resources) available to help children and adolescents in their communities. Credit: Nationwide Children's Hospital

According to new public opinion research released today and commissioned by Nationwide Children's Hospital, 87 percent of Americans agree there needs to be more mental health support (including increased treatment, therapy and prevention resources) available to help children and adolescents in their communities.

The Harris Poll, one of the longest running surveys tracking public opinion in the United States, conducted the survey in February and March of this year.

Of the 2,000 total respondents, 500 were parents with children younger than 18. One-third of these parents (37 percent) say there is a child or adolescent in their life who they think may need mental health support.

"The survey confirms the public knows what the research shows and what we see in clinic - the need for pediatric behavioral health services is significant," said David Axelson, MD, chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health and medical director of Big Lots Behavioral Health Services at Nationwide Children's.

In the survey, families identified expense (37 percent) and insurance coverage (33 percent) as the primary barriers to accessing to pediatric mental health services. This is why a critical area of focus for Nationwide Children's Behavioral Health is prevention. Pediatric mental health experts meet kids where they are in their communities and classrooms. For example, Early Childhood Mental Health provides consultation and training for preschool and homecare providers to prevent preschool expulsion due to behavior issues. Expulsion rates of children prior to kindergarten are at rates up to 34 times higher than the rates of children expelled from kindergarten through 12th grade, combined. The Center for Suicide Prevention and Research offers an evidenced-based suicide prevention program for area middle and high schools.

In a new public opinion research released today and commissioned by Nationwide Children's Hospital, families identified expense (37 percent) and insurance coverage (33 percent) as the primary barriers to accessing to pediatric mental health services. Credit: Nationwide Children's Hospital

"The goal of programs like these is to remove barriers and intervene before a family ever needs to come to a provider's office," said Dr. Axelson.

Nationwide Children's is working toward increasing access to mental health services by opening the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion, a freestanding facility fully dedicated to children and adolescents with behavioral health conditions. Thanks to a transformational $50 million gift from Big Lots and Big Lots Foundation, upon completion in 2020 it will be the largest behavioral health treatment and research center dedicated to children and adolescents on a pediatric medical campus in the U.S.

Solely devoted to children and adolescents with behavioral health challenges and mental illnesses, the Pavilion will be nine stories at completion. The space will house behavioral health researchers and foster collaboration between community partner agencies. It will also provide the opportunity for expanded education and training for those in the mental and behavioral health field. The approximately 386,000 sq. ft. building will be home to integrated behavioral health services including a Psychiatric Crisis Center with an Extended Observation Unit, a Crisis Stabilization Unit, inpatient units and intensive outpatient programs. The hospital will continue to grow services across their multiple community locations and increase attention to integrating behavioral health care in to primary health care settings.

"There has been growing awareness of the importance of behavioral health disorders in children, which have the potential for long-term, negative impact on their health and society," said Dr. Axelson. "Many communities like ours are thinking about how to improve access to high quality behavioral health services because it is the right thing to do."

Explore further More than one in 20 US children and teens have anxiety or depressionCredit: CC0 Public Domain

Racial disparities in pain management have been well-documented, with doctors historically more willing to prescribe opiates to whites than to other racial and ethnic groups.

But in light of new national policies to improve prescribing practices, University of Michigan researchers wanted to know whether racial and ethnic disparities in how pain is managed have changed in recent yearsparticularly if any shift in opioid prescribing was associated with changes in the use of other pain medications.

To do this, researchers looked at prescription data from people who reported moderate to severe noncancer pain in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 2000-2015. They identified common opiates and three classes of non-opiate pain medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and cox-2 inhibitors.

There are negatives and positives to the results. In 2015, an equal number of blacks and whitesapproximately 23 percentreceived opioid prescriptions, which suggests that doctors are no longer discriminating against blacks when prescribing narcotics for pain relief.

The bad news is that blacks now face increased risk of addiction through exposure to prescription narcotics. Historically, it's been thought that the ongoing opioid addiction epidemic affects more whites than blacks or Latinos.

"To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a potential narrowing of the divide in opioid prescribing by race and ethnicity," said lead author Matthew Davis, U-M assistant professor of nursing.

First author Jordan Harrison, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania who received her doctorate from U-M's School of Nursing, says opioid use and the associated risks are often perceived to be an issue primarily among white Americans.

"Our findings suggest, however, a persistent reliance on opioids across all racial/ethnic groups," she said. "More work is needed to examine the complex interaction of patient and provider factors that influence opioid prescribing practices."

Also worth noting is the use of opioids relative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among blacks and whitesuse of NSAIDS is higher among blackswhich hints at a preference difference in prescribing NSAIDS, Davis says.

"It's not that patients in pain aren't being treated, it's the differences in the choice of what is prescribed," Davis said.

The study did not examine why more blacks are now using prescription opioids, but the change could partially reflect gains in public insurance coverage since 2010. However, all racial and ethnic groups experienced similar declines in private health insurance coverage.

After adjusting for age and sex, prescription opioid use increased across all racial and ethnic groups over the study period, with the greatest increases (78 percent) among whites. Hispanics appear to use opioids less than other groups, with about 15 percent using opioids over time. This is about the same as the number of Hispanics getting NSAIDS.

Overall, the researchers found that 30-35 percent of American adults who have pain received a pain medication of some kind over the 15-year period, regardless of ethnicity.

As the number of prescriptions for opiates increased across the board, the use of NSAIDS (Motrin, Aleve) also increased overall. Use of muscle relaxers and Cox-2 inhibitors (Celebrex, Vioxx) decreased.

Davis is also a member of the U-M Center for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.

The study, "Trends in prescription pain medication use by race/ethnicity among US adults with noncancer pain, 2000-2015," appears in the American Journal of Public Health.

Explore further Use of opioids for pain in ERs on the rise, but racial differences in use still exist

More information: Jordan M. Harrison et al. Trends in Prescription Pain Medication Use by Race/Ethnicity Among US Adults With Noncancer Pain, 20002015, American Journal of Public Health (2018). Journal information: American Journal of Public Health Jordan M. Harrison et al. Trends in Prescription Pain Medication Use by Race/Ethnicity Among US Adults With Noncancer Pain, 20002015,(2018). DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304349Credit: stock.adobe.com

The opioid addiction and overdose epidemic continues to take the lives of too many Americans. Of the nearly 64,000 overdose deaths reported in 2016, almost two-thirds involved a prescription or illicit opioid. Yale faculty have confronted the crisis in myriad ways, including research that impacts policy and medical practice.

In 2016, experts from Yale Schools of Medicine and of Public Health delivered a strategic plan for combating opioid misuse in the state to Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy. In this second year of the three-year effort, known as Connecticut Opioid REsponse (CORE) Initiative, the Yale team and its collaborators have made strides on several fronts.

"This has been a tremendous opportunity for our team, and we are making progress. We face challenges due to workforce and resource constraints but we are working with key stakeholders to find effective and sustainable solutions," says Dr. David Fiellin, professor of medicine, emergency medicine, and public health, and director of the Yale Program in Addiction Medicine.

Legislation and data sharing. As a result of the CORE plan, the Connecticut legislature passed House Bill 7052, An Act Preventing Prescription Opioid Diversion and Abuse. The legislation allows for increased data sharing between state agencies, which will allow them to monitor overdose incidence, address overdose risk, and evaluate access to treatment for opioid overdose survivors.

Expanding access to evidence-based effective treatment. Yale Drs. Jeanette Tetrault and Ellen Edens helped organize trainings throughout the state to allow physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to prescribe buprenorphine, a medication that reduces cravings and relapse among people with opioid use disorder. In a 2015 study, Yale researchers found that patients who receive the medication in the Emergency Department are more likely to enter treatment after and reduce opioid use long-term. All Yale emergency medicine physicians are being trained in using this medication, and the practice has become a national model.

Reducing overdose risk. The CORE team worked with the three largest health systems in the state to have the Connecticut Prescription Drug Monitoring System integrated into electronic medical records. That collaboration helps providers identify patients at risk for addiction before they are prescribed an opioid.

Focus on prescribing guidelines for providers. Drs. Daniel Tobin and William Becker have partnered with the state Department of Consumer Protection to identify providers with patients receiving high-dose opioids, or opioids in combination with other drugs that increase risk for overdose. Their goal is to train the providers on appropriate prescribing, consistent with Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and a Food and Drug Administration blueprint.

Access to the overdose-reversal drug, naloxone. Dr. Kathryn Hawk and the Addiction Medicine Collaborative have led multiple trainings of emergency medicine doctors and more than 90 medical, nursing, and public health students in overdose education and administration of naloxone, the main drug used to reverse the effects of an overdose and save lives.

Awareness and education. The CORE team hosted an event for media to help journalists more accurately report on the opioid crisis and addiction to the public. They have also given talks throughout the state to local and state-wide constituencies regarding the nature of addiction, appropriate opioid prescribing, and treatment of opioid use disorder.

Explore further People with opioid use disorder have high suicide rateA new web-based support programme will help reduce the psychological stress that impacts men who are recovering from prostate cancer.

The new programme, which has been developed by researchers at the University of Surrey working alongside NHS clinicians, offers online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions and both filmed and interactive peer support to survivors of the disease. Prostate cancer is the UK's most common cancer in men with over 47,000 cases diagnosed annually.

Side effects of treatment such as urinary, sexual and bowel problems and body issues can have a negative effect on men's psychological wellbeing. Recent studies have shown that 65 per cent of men with prostate cancer report unmet psychological needs and up to a third experience anxiety and depression. Men with prostate cancer also have a higher risk of suicide than their healthy male counterparts, showing a lack of provision for psychological wellbeing within this group.

A study based on the new platform, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research Cancer, reported that men who used the new system found it helped them cope after having prostate cancer. Men reported feeling empowered by the programme signalling a change of attitude in how they approach life post cancer.

Lead author Jane Cockle-Hearne, a Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, said: "Men traditionally are reticent about seeking help for their mental health, particularly when it is related to prostate cancer. This may be due to embarrassment about asking for help or a reluctance to admit they have a problem, either physical or emotional. What we have found is that this can lead to longer periods of depression and anxiety, which over time can seriously affect a person's quality of life and how well they cope with their physical problems.

"Thanks to medical advances in diagnosis and treatment, increasing numbers of men are surviving prostate cancer, which is incredibly welcome. But we must act now to treat their mental health too. This new programme will enable men to get the information and support they need, as well as providing the NHS with a cost effective way to deliver high quality health care."

More information: Jane Cockle-Hearne et al. A Web-Based Intervention to Reduce Distress After Prostate Cancer Treatment: Development and Feasibility of the Getting Down to Coping Program in Two Different Clinical Settings, JMIR Cancer (2018). Jane Cockle-Hearne et al. A Web-Based Intervention to Reduce Distress After Prostate Cancer Treatment: Development and Feasibility of the Getting Down to Coping Program in Two Different Clinical Settings,(2018). DOI: 10.2196/cancer.8918(HealthDay)Early general medicine readmissions are more likely than late readmissions to be preventable with hospital-based interventions, according to a study published online May 1 in the Annals of Internal of Medicine.

Kelly L. Graham, M.D., M.P.H., from Harvard Medical School in Boston, and colleagues examined data from 822 adults readmitted to a general medicine service at 10 academic medical centers in the United States. A structured survey instrument was used to determine whether readmissions within seven days of discharge differed from those between eight and 30 days after discharge regarding preventability.

The researchers found that 36.2 percent of early readmissions were preventable versus 23 percent of late readmissions. For preventing early readmissions, hospitals were better locations (median risk difference, 22.8 percentage points). In contrast, for preventing late readmissions, outpatient clinics (median risk difference, 10 percentage points) and home (median risk difference, 5.6 percentage points) were better locations.

"We believe it is time to change the model for patient outcomes after hospital discharge to one that recognizes shared accountability for readmissions along the entire spectrum of care," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

Explore further Dementia increases the risk of 30-day readmission to the hospital after discharge

Copyright  2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.CAR T cells ready for infusion. Credit: Penn Medicine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded approval for a personalized cellular therapy developed at the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center, this time for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-Cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy. Today's approval includes treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) - the most common form of non-Hodgkin's lymphomaas well as high grade B-cell lymphoma and DLBCL arising from follicular lymphoma. The approval was granted today to Novartis for the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel, formerly CTL019), making it the second indication for the nation's first personalized cellular therapy for cancer.

DLBCL affects approximately 30 percent of patients with NHL, and there are an estimated 27,000 newly diagnosed cases of DLBCL in the U.S. each year. About 6,500 of those patients have relapsed or refractory disease after two or more therapies and may now be eligible for Kymriah.

"This is an exciting eventseeing this lifesaving therapy become available widely to a large patient population with an unmet medical need," said Stephen J. Schuster, MD, the Robert and Margarita Louis-Dreyfus Professor in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Lymphoma Clinical Care and Research and director of the Lymphoma Program at Penn's Abramson Cancer Center. "Many lives may be saved."

In August 2017, Kymriah became the first therapy based on gene transfer ever approved by the FDA, when it was authorized for children and young adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The FDA's action is the latest accomplishment in the alliance between Penn and Novartis, which entered into a global collaboration in 2012 to further research, develop, and commercialize Kymriah and other CAR T-cell therapies for the treatment of cancers.

Investigators at Penn's Perelman School of Medicine, who led research, development, and clinical trials of CAR T therapy, in collaboration with Novartis, called today's approval a massive step with potentially life-saving implications for patients.

Schuster led two studies examining CAR T therapy in DLBCL, including research published in the New England Journal of Medicine detailing long-term follow up of the first cohort of these patients treated with the therapy at Pennand the global, multi-center, Novartis-sponsored trial known as JULIET. At the 59th American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting, the data presented from the JULIET trial showed an overall response of 53 percent, with 40 percent of patients achieving a complete response, among the 81 infused patients with three or more months of follow-up or earlier discontinuation. At six-month analysis, the median duration of response was not reached.

"We're proud to have developed this therapy through all phases of development and clinical trials right here at Penn and in collaboration with Novartis," said Carl June, MD, the Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy in the department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine and director of the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies in the Abramson Cancer Center.

Kymriah will be available through a network of certified treatment centers throughout the United States, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

The treatment modifies patients' own immune T cells, which are collected and reprogrammed at the Novartis manufacturing facility to potentially seek and destroy the patients' lymphoma cells. Once they are infused back into patients' bodies, these newly built cells both multiply and attack, targeting cells that express a protein called CD19. Tests reveal the army of hunter cells can grow to more than 10,000 new cells for each single engineered cell patients receiveproducing durable remission rates in refractory lymphoma -, and can survive in the body for years.

"Our collaboration with Penn has delivered Kymriah, a transformational therapy and first CAR-T to be approved, initially for pediatric and young adult patients with ALL and today for adult patients with DLBCL," said Liz Barrett, CEO, Novartis Oncology. "We are grateful to Penn for their leadership and to the courageous patients who participated in the clinical trials that have advanced Kymriah to be one of the most exciting technologies ever developed to fight cancer."

Kymriah was first tested at Penn in 2010 in adult patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The first DLBCL trial, including double hit lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma, opened at Penn in February 2014.

Many patients in the DLBCL trials experienced a side effect called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS is a toxicity associated with CAR T therapy, which includes varying degrees of flu-like symptoms, with fevers, nausea, and muscle pain, and can require ICU-level care.

According to the data presented at ASH, 58 percent of patients in the DLBCL global study experienced CRS, including some who experienced moderate or severe toxicities. Twenty-one of those patients (26 percent) required treatment with tocilizumab, a therapy approved for CAR T cell-induced severe or life-threatening CRS, or corticosteroids. All of those patients recovered from their CRS. Other toxicities included infections (34 percent of patients), cytopenias or low blood count (36 percent), neurologic events (21 percent), febrile neutropenia (13 percent), and a metabolic abnormality called tumor lysis syndrome (one percent). All of the toxicities resolved on their own or with treatment, and there were no treatment-related deaths.

Novartis will create a registry to follow patients for 15 years after being treated to monitor their progress and any potential, future side effects.

The Novartis-Penn Center for Advanced Cellular Therapeutics (CACT) opened in 2016 and hosted Vice President Joe Biden at the launch of his Cancer Moonshot initiative, cementing Penn's role as international innovator in the development and manufacturing of personalized cellular therapies.

Additional leaders of the DLBCL research include Jakub Svoboda, MD, an assistant professor of Hematology Oncology.

Both of Schuster's studies were supported by Novartis. The single-site trial was also supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (1R01CA165206), as well as through philanthropic support for the Lymphoma Program at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania from James and Frances Maguire and the Frances Maguire Lymphoma Research Fund, Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, and Sharyn Berman and the Richard Berman Family Funds for CLL and Lymphomas.

Patients who are interested in T-cell therapies at Penn Medicine can call 215-316-5127 for more information.

Note: The University of Pennsylvania has licensed some technologies involved in these studies to Novartis. Some of the scientists involved in these trials are inventors of these technologies. As a result of the licensing relationship with Novartis, the University of Pennsylvania receives significant financial benefit, and some of these inventors have benefitted financially and/or may benefit financially in the future.

Explore further Global CAR T therapy trial shows high rates of durable remission for NHL

More information: Stephen J. Schuster et al. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Refractory B-Cell Lymphomas, New England Journal of Medicine (2017). Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine Stephen J. Schuster et al. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Refractory B-Cell Lymphomas,(2017). DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1708566In Vitro Fertilization: Update on Challenges and Innovative Solutions/Cover Art for May 1, 2018 special issue of Birth Defects Research, published by the Teratology Society with John Wiley & Sons. Credit: Michiko Watanabe, PhD

Large for gestational age babies and congenital heart defects (CHD) are just two of several risks needing further examination in the emerging field of assisted reproductive technology, according to the editors of a special issue on in-vitro fertilization in Birth Defects Research. The special issue just published by the Teratology Society with John Wiley & Sons, focuses on continued research regarding several aspects of the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure that clearly call for more answers surrounding safety outcomes for the resulting children.

The scientific journal issue released today (see the Overview, DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1227) includes "Neonatal outcomes following fresh as compared to frozen/thawedembryo transfer in in vitro fertilization (DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1216)," research co-authored by Kristin Van Heertum, MD, and Rachel Weinerman, MD, both practicing physicians who routinely deal with IVF issues at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Dr. Weinerman is also a guest editor of the issue and concludes that "as technologies advance and improve, there are more and more indications for frozen embryo transfer in clinical use" and that embryo freezing may even play a role in preventing negative outcomes by allowing time for the uterine environment to normalize.

Another review (DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1219) included in the special issue examines frozen embryo transfer and the risk for large for gestational age babies. The research provides potential mechanisms for this association. "It has been noted that implantation of frozen embryos results in larger babies," explained Michiko Watanabe, PhD, co-editor of the special Birth Defects Research issue and professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "But whether having a larger baby has negative long-term consequences has not yet been determined."

Congenital heart defects (CHD) have also been associated with IVF. However, a review (DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1228) by Avinash Patil, MD, at the Center for Personalized Obstetric Medicine in Phoenix, AZ, shows that only milder CHD may be associated with assisted reproductive technologies. "This information is good news when counseling a potential IVF patient since severe congenital heart defects risk does not seem to be higher with assisted reproductive technology," said Dr. Watanabe

Other topics covered in the issue include the expertise of Marcos Meseguer, MD, one of the pioneers in the field of time-lapse microscopy of early embryos to assess quality (DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1226), and "The impact of contemporary preimplantation genetic screening and diagnosis in the prevention of aneuploidy (DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1220)," co-authored by Shelby A. Neal, MD, and Marie D. Werner, MD with Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey. Time lapse microscopy and other testing might allow selection of the one best embryo for implantation, thus avoiding twinning and other multiple births that increase risks for mothers and fetuses.

Explore further Frozen embryos more effective than fresh in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

More information: Rachel Weinerman. In vitro fertilization (IVF): Where are we now?, Birth Defects Research (2018). Rachel Weinerman. In vitro fertilization (IVF): Where are we now?,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1227 Kristin Van Heertum et al, Neonatal outcomes following fresh as compared to frozen/thawed embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization, Birth Defects Research (2018). DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1216 Sine Berntsen et al. Large for gestational age and macrosomia in singletons born after frozen/thawed embryo transfer (FET) in assisted reproductive technology (ART), Birth Defects Research (2018). DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1219 Avinash S. Patil et al. Severity of congenital heart defects associated with assisted reproductive technologies: Case series and review of the literature, Birth Defects Research (2018). DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1228 Belen Aparicio-Ruiz et al. Selection of preimplantation embryos using time-lapse microscopy in in vitro fertilization: State of the technology and future directions, Birth Defects Research (2018). DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1226 Shelby A. Neal et al. The impact of contemporary preimplantation genetic screening and diagnosis on the detection of aneuploidy and inherited genetic diseases, Birth Defects Research (2018). DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1220

Provided by Teratology SocietyAbout a decade ago, evolutionary psychologists suggested that humans have evolved a first line of defense against disease: a behavioural immune system (BIS). This system is thought to be unconsciously activated, to varying degrees, when an individual perceives, rightly or wrongly, that there is a threat of disease. Although we cannot see microorganisms with our naked eye, we are nevertheless able to identify cues (such as coughs, unpleasant smells or skin lesions) which hint at the possible presence of pathogens, whether or not these are actually present or represent real health threats. Scientists have suggested that the activation of the BIS leads to prejudiced and avoidant attitudes and behaviour towards those who display superficial cues connoting disease.

But how does this affect our dating lives, where two competing needs are pitted against one another  i.e. the potential benefits of connecting and finding a mate versus the need to protect oneself from disease? McGill scientists set out to find out, by looking at the activation of the BIS in young, single, heterosexual Montrealers in both real speed dating events and in experimental online dating.

The results were convincing. And not so happy.

"We found that when the behavioural immune system was activated it seemed to put the brakes on our drive to connect with our peers socially," said Natsumi Sawada, who holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from McGill University and is the first author on the study which was recently published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

"We hadn't expected this to be the case in real life situations like dating where people are generally so motivated to connect. The results suggest that beyond how we consciously or unconsciously think and feel about each otherthere are additional factors that we may not be consciously aware of, such as a fear of disease that may influence how we connect with others."

Explore further Protecting young adults' sexual health

More information: Natsumi Sawada et al. Activation of the Behavioral Immune System: Putting the Brakes on Affiliation, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (2017). Journal information: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin Natsumi Sawada et al. Activation of the Behavioral Immune System: Putting the Brakes on Affiliation,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/0146167217736046Credit: CC0 Public Domain

The power of exercise to boost metabolism could arise from a fat molecule with an unexpected source.

In a new study led by Kristin Stanford of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, a lipid released from fat, or lipokine, produced by brown fat was shown to surge in the bloodstream after exercise. Laurie Goodyear of the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical School was the co-lead author of the study, which appears in the journal Cell Metabolism.

Brown fat sets itself apart from ordinary white fat in its ability to generate heat. It's what keeps hibernating bears warm and it is known to be a powerful calorie burner. Some call it "good fat."

Until 2009, scientists thought brown fat was only in human babies, who benefit from its warming nature. But in recent years, brown fat has been recognized as a small part of adult fat stores, and become a focus of researchers seeking a better understanding of metabolism.

"Before this rediscovery of the role of brown fat, we were focusing our efforts on white adipose tissue - the fat most people think of when they think about obesity and ways to improve weight loss," Stanford said.

In the new research, two study groups underwent blood testing to evaluate changes in their lipids after bouts of moderate-intensity exercise. One group rode a stationary bike for 40 minutes; the other ran on a treadmill for 45 minutes. The 56 study participants included people of different ages and activity levels.

"One lipokine just shot right up to the top," said Stanford, a researcher in Ohio State's Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center.

The researchers found a consistent pattern of increasing levels of a lipokine called 12, 13-diHOME post-exercise. That fat molecule had previously been linked to exposure to cold temperatures.

"We know that exercise is great for metabolism, but we don't fully understand why that is on a cellular level. This study shows that burning of brown fat and this lipid in particular likely play an important role," said Stanford, an assistant professor of physiology and cell biology at Ohio State.

Most research suggests that exercise does not increase brown fat's ability to take up fuels such as carbohydrates and fats, nor does the exercise increase brown fat's ability to burn more calories - and this makes sense because the fuels are needed instead by the exercising muscles that are rapidly burning calories, Goodyear said.

"It's fascinating that rather than burning calories during exercise - which is what occurs with cold exposure - brown fat is functioning to signal the muscle to take up more fatty acids to use as fuel," she said. "During exercise, all the different metabolic tissues, surprisingly including fat tissues, 'talk' to each other, which enables the muscles to use energy, contract and perform."

To confirm the connection to brown fat, Stanford and her colleagues conducted a study in mice. When the animals exercised, they also had increased levels of the lipokine in their bloodstreams. But after surgical removal of brown fat stores from the mice, there was no evidence of an exercise-induced increase in the fat molecule - a finding that suggests that brown fat is the source of the lipokine, Stanford said.

"This shows that these lipokines can be regulated by exercise, and it highlights a new role that brown fat could play in the metabolic benefits of exercise," Stanford said, adding that the results were surprising because previous studies have shown that exercise leads to a decrease in brown fat activity.

Those studies found that brown fat takes up less glucose during exercise, which makes sense because it likely doesn't need fuel during exertion, she said. In this new research, fat molecules are shown to be released during exercise.

Stanford's hope is that this establishes a new role for exercise to improve health, she said.

Next, she wants to determine the mechanism for how this lipokine works. One day, the researchers hope, this work could lead to development of new pharmaceuticals to mimic the effects of exercise to enhance muscle function, lower blood lipid levels such as triglycerides and burn more energy to help treat obesity and type 2 diabetes.

More information: Cell Metabolism, Stanford et al. "12,13-diHOME: An Exercise-Induced Lipokine that Increases Skeletal Muscle Fatty Acid Uptake." DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.03.020 , Journal information: Cell Metabolism Cell Metabolism, Stanford et al. "12,13-diHOME: An Exercise-Induced Lipokine that Increases Skeletal Muscle Fatty Acid Uptake." DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.03.020 , www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/f  1550-4131(18)30241-9Opioid over-prescription after open and laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. Credit: Alyssa A. Mazurek

The increase in opioid deaths in the last 20 years led a medical student at the University of Michigan Medical School and colleagues to look at excessive opioids prescribed to treat acute surgical pain following various procedures. Alyssa A. Mazurek presented a study during the American Association for Thoracic Surgery's 98th Annual Meeting that assessed patterns of opioid prescribing for open and laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (HHR) and found that patients used far fewer opioids than were actually prescribed.

"The deadliness of the opioid epidemic has become one of the largest public health crises of our time, and its devastating effects are felt throughout the country," explains Mazurek, who presented the study results during a moderated poster session. "However, there has been very little investigation into opioid prescribing practices after thoracic surgeries. Further investigation is needed to understand what mechanisms are contributing to excessive prescribing and morbidity, such as opioid dependence, addiction, and narcotic diversion, associated with postoperative opioid use."

Investigators reviewed the charts of 89 "opioid naive" patients who underwent open (including transthoracic and transabdominal) or laparoscopic HHR between January and December 2016, and who had received an opioid prescription after surgery. "Opioid naive" was defined as patients not taking an opioid at the time of their preoperative history and physical. Their objective was to describe the patterns of opioid prescribing and consumption after open and laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (HHR); and to characterize the practices that may contribute to excessive opioid prescribing and morbidity of postoperative opioid use.

Patients were surveyed regarding postoperative opioid use, opioid disposal habits, and any narcotic education received. Sixty-nine percent of patients completed the survey, of whom 27 had open surgery and 34 had laparoscopic surgery. Thoracic physician assistants and nurses (RNs) were surveyed regarding factors that contribute to their opioid prescribing and counseling practices.

The results showed that patients used far fewer opioids than were prescribed after both open and laparoscopic HHR. Patients only used 52 percent of narcotics prescribed to them, with a significant number of patients reporting leftover pills due to lack of proper disposal, a combination that provides a dangerous source for narcotic diversion. The investigators identified several factors that may be contributing to over-prescribing of opioids and the associated morbidity of postoperative opioid use, including: wide variation within prescribing; variety of factors influencing prescribing practices that differ among providers; inadequate patient education; inadequate and improper use of adjunct pain medications; and leftover pills not disposed of properly.

"It has become clear that surgeons and other healthcare providers play a major role in the over-prescribing of opioids after surgery," says Mazurek. Various studies have demonstrated the high prevalence of and detrimental long-term consequences of continuing to use opioids after surgery, such as opioid dependence/addiction, opioid overdose, and narcotic diversion.

Mazurek concludes that, "Given the growing awareness of this epidemic and the willingness of surgeons around the country to address it means we can also play a huge role in reducing excessive opioid prescribing and the number of unused pills that permeate into the community by further understanding prescribing practices and creating procedure-specific guidelines."

Explore further Physician education and guidelines lead to drop in opioids prescribed after hand surgery

More information: "Opioid Over-Prescription After Open and Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair," by Alyssa A. Mazurek, Alexander Brescia, Ryan Howard, Alexander Schwartz, Kenneth Sloss, Andrew Chang, Philip Carrott, Jules Lin, William Lynch, Mark Orringer, Rishindra Reddy, Pooja Lagisetty, Jennifer Waljee, Michael Englesbe, Chad Brummett, and Kiran Lagisetty. Presented by Alyssa A. Mazurek at the AATS 98th Annual Meeting, April 28-May 1, 2018, San Diego, Calif., at the Moderated Poster Session on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The abstract for this presentation can be found at: "Opioid Over-Prescription After Open and Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair," by Alyssa A. Mazurek, Alexander Brescia, Ryan Howard, Alexander Schwartz, Kenneth Sloss, Andrew Chang, Philip Carrott, Jules Lin, William Lynch, Mark Orringer, Rishindra Reddy, Pooja Lagisetty, Jennifer Waljee, Michael Englesbe, Chad Brummett, and Kiran Lagisetty. Presented by Alyssa A. Mazurek at the AATS 98th Annual Meeting, April 28-May 1, 2018, San Diego, Calif., at the Moderated Poster Session on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. The abstract for this presentation can be found at: aats.org/aatsimis/AATS/Meeting  m/Abstracts/P30.aspx

Provided by American Association for Thoracic SurgeryPeople having a heart attack get faster life-saving treatment to restore blood flow to the heart if they live in states that allow emergency medical crews to bypass hospitals that don't offer the specialized treatment in favor of hospitals that do, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions, an American Heart Association journal.

The study looked at how quickly heart attack patients received percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI, a preferred treatment to open blocked arteries. Not all hospitals have the specialized capability to perform PCI, so researchers compared treatment times in states with and without policies that allow emergency medical services (EMS) to take patients directly to hospitals that offer PCI, even if that means bypassing closer facilities.

In this study, 57.9 percent of patients living in states with hospital bypass policies received PCI within relevant guideline-recommended times, compared to 47.5 percent of those living in states without bypass policies.

American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines call for patients to receive PCI within 90 minutes or less from first medical contact if they're taken directly to a PCI-capable hospital and within 120 minutes or less if first taken to a non-PCI-capable facility and transferred.

"Our findings provide a compelling case for state-level policies that allow emergency medical services to take patients directly to the PCI-capable centers," said Jacqueline Green, M.D., M.P.H., the study lead author and a cardiologist at Piedmont Heart Institute in Fayetteville, Ga. "A policy that improves access to timely care for even an additional 10 percent of patients could have a significant impact on a population level."

Green conducted the study during fellowship training at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The analysis involved 19,287 patients treated at 379 hospitals in 12 states. Researchers compared time to treatment for heart attack patients receiving care in 2013 and 2014 in six states with bypass policies (Delaware, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania) to treatment times for patients in six states without bypass policies (Connecticut, New York, Minnesota, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.)

Even though the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival did not differ across states, patients treated in states with bypass policies received faster intervention once they contacted emergency medical services.

In states with bypass policies, 57 percent of people having heart attacks received PCI within 90 minutes or less of first medical contact and 82 percent underwent PCI within 120 minutes or less of first medical contact.

Those numbers were significantly lower in states that did not have bypass policies, where 45 percent of people received PCI within 90 minutes or less and 77 percent within 120 minutes or less.

Patients taken to non-specializing nearby hospitals often face critical delays in treatment because they need an initial evaluation before being triaged to a specialized hospital. Patients in states with bypass policies were more likely to receive a diagnostic electrocardiogram prior to hospital arrival, compared with patients treated in states without those policies (75 percent compared with 69 percent). This earlier diagnosis can allow for faster life-saving treatment once the patient arrives at the hospital.

Researchers noted a key challenge in any heart attack care was that a substantial number of patients (27 percent) delayed accessing EMS or didn't access EMS at all and took themselves to the hospital.

The study was funded by the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline program which aims to develop coordinated systems of care led by EMS and hospitals teams to use guidelines and best practices to treat heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest. The goal is to improve and expediate care from the moment a person first has symptoms, to calling 9-1-1, getting to the right facility to get the right treatment and continuing through hospital discharge, rehabilitation and recovery.

An accompanying editorial notes that the timely delivery of appropriate care to heart attack patients is complex and has many unique facets.

"The present analysis demonstrates that allowing EMS providers to bypass non-PCI-capable hospitals in favor of PCI-capable hospitals can significantly reduce time to appropriate reperfusion therapy," write authors Daniel Kolansky, M.D. and Paul Fiorilli, M.D. of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

"Although much work has already been accomplished to expedite the care of these patients, we need to continue to put together all the pieces of this puzzle to provide the best possible heart attack care for our patients."

They note areas for improvement including:

routine use of pre-hospital ECG transmission (and early cath lab activation), development of community-based education outreach programs to improve patient symptoms recognition, and

continued development of regionalized systems of care for STEMI patients to reduce the overall time from EMS activation to reperfusion therapy.

"This study strengthens the case for state government leadership in developing robust systems of EMS care that can triage and transport patients with time-critical conditions such as heart attacks," Green said.

Explore further Heart attack patients taken to PCI hospitals first treated fasterCredit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have developed an algorithm that, when paired with wearable sensors, provides more informative and effective monitoring of the way MS patients walk in real life.

The improved monitoring of the way MS patients walk will help clinicians more easily assess the effectiveness of existing treatments and disease progression in MS patients.

The pioneering study, Free-living and laboratory gait characteristics in patients with multiple sclerosis is published today in the journal, PLOS ONE.

Assessing the way a person walks (gait) is often used as an indicator in the early stages of MS - a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Mobility problems affect 75 per cent to 90 per cent of people with MS.

Up until now, gait analysis has only been carried out in laboratories. Doctors at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals approached researchers at the University of Sheffield and asked them to help find a way to measure how patients walk in 'real life' conditions.

Dr Claudia Mazza, a researcher based at the Insigneo Institute for in silico Medicine at the University of Sheffield, said: "The measurements we take of people with MS in a lab may not be an accurate representation of their everyday condition. Having data from real life scenarios will help clinical staff assess a patient's condition more accurately. For patients this will mean better treatment as a result of clinicians being more informed about their condition.

"We started off by checking that our portable sensor was accurate, comfortable and able to give the same results as a lab based sensor. We then developed an algorithm (computer program) specific to the patient's condition (in this case MS) which processed the measurements taken from this sensor.

"We ensured this algorithm was capable of handling and processing data from complex movements outside labs. Although this is a small study, the results are encouraging and it gives us enough information to progress to a large scale clinical trial."

Dr Sivaraman Nair, Consultant Neurologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said: "Assessing the changes in the way patients with MS walk is key to understanding the progression of disability. It is particularly important to look at these indicators at an early stage as it can also tell us about the effectiveness of the medication they are taking.

"Currently, mobility of MS patients is assessed in specialised gait laboratories. The relevant technologies can be expensive and require highly skilled personnel. The impact of this research could therefore be significant for patients as well as cost-effective.

"The potential applications of this research are not just limited to MS but could be used for other conditions that could benefit from monitoring gait, such as Parkinson's disease."

The next stage of the research will involve working with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (for Translational Neuroscience) to conduct a larger clinical study.

Innovative Medicine Initiative and pharmaceutical companies are investing 50 million in research linking digital assessment of mobility to clinical endpoints to support regulatory acceptance and clinical practice.

Explore further MS stem cell treatment stabilises disease and reduced disability, trial showsIn late 2015, an unexpected name popped up in the liquor industry press: Bob Dylan.

A trademark application for the term bootleg whiskey had been filed under Mr. Dylans name. Among those who noticed the news was Marc Bushala, 52, a lifelong fan and a liquor entrepreneur whose bourbon brand, Angels Envy, had just been sold for $150 million. Mr. Bushala said he immediately spent weeks obsessing over this concept of what a Dylan whiskey could be.

So he reached out, and after being vetted by Mr. Dylans representatives, Mr. Bushala  who speaks branding jargon like flavor profile and name exploration in an earnest Midwestern accent  talked to Mr. Dylan by phone, and proposed working together on a portfolio of small-batch whiskeys. As he saw it, there was just one problem: The name bootleg, while an apt Dylanological pun, wasnt quite right for a top-shelf liquor. Might Mr. Dylan, Nobel laureate, be open to some name exploration?

It was a little bit daunting, Mr. Bushala said of his pitch.

But it worked. Next month, he and Mr. Dylan will introduce Heavens Door, a collection of three whiskeys  a straight rye, a straight bourbon and a double-barreled whiskey. They are Mr. Dylans entry into the booming celebrity-branded spirits market, the latest career twist for an artist who has spent five decades confounding expectations.

Mr. Dylan is not simply licensing his name. He is a full partner in the business, Heavens Door Spirits, which Mr. Bushala said had raised $35 million from investors.That makes it impossible for city officials to aim scarce resources at the most problematic owners. And it makes it hard for researchers to know, for example, if property has become concentrated among fewer owners.

Because the stakes are so high and the spillovers significant, there has always been a public element to private property, said Susan Pace Hamill, a law professor at the University of Alabama who has written about L.L.C.s since the late 1980s.

Should tenants have a right to know who theyre renting from? she said. Should cities have a right to know who owns the property? The answer is a resounding yes.

L.L.C.s today hide what should be public information, she argues.

I am quite disturbed by that, she said. Having participated in the evolution of L.L.C.s from their early days, I feel like theyre being abused.

Wyoming passed the first L.L.C. statute in 1977 at the prodding of oil and gas interests, creating an entity with the liability protections of a corporation without the tax responsibilities of one. Hardly anyone took advantage of the tool, and few states followed until the I.R.S. blessed L.L.C.s a decade later. They then quickly became the entity of choice for all kinds of businesses, and by the mid-1990s, all 50 states had L.L.C. laws.

In Milwaukee, according to research by a Harvard doctoral student, Adam Travis, L.L.C.s have grown to about a quarter of the rental market in the two decades since they became legal in the state.

The original idea was never specifically about real estate, and anonymity wasnt particularly the appeal. But over time, Ms. Hamill said, state laws have made it easier to conceal whos behind L.L.C.s. So they have simultaneously grown more common and less transparent.Such changes are seen at their property listing at 84 Chelsea Ave., which has been expanded into a 3-bedroom, 2-bath  one of the only such single-family houses in Napa priced at under $500,000 during April.

Sennott grew up in Napa, went to law school and landed in Lake Tahoe, where she was the in-house attorney for an organization that helped victims of domestic violence.

Later, Sennott relocated to Napa with her family. And, as she had previously worked in real estate law, thought real estate sales would be a smooth transition.

Arteaga is originally from Mexico and moved to Napa around 2000. He initially worked as a mortgage loan officer but decided to transition to real estate.

Sennott noted that some residents are often reluctant to sell their homes because selling their home and buying another one would raise their property taxes.

But there is an initiative that would allow homebuyers age 55 and older to transfer the tax assessment of their old home to a new home, regardless of the increase in value or location of the new home in California.19422018

Paul was born November 13, 1942 in Berkeley, California to his parents Raymond and Ethel Nichols. He grew up in Richmond, Berkeley and Point Richmond respectively.

His childhood was not a very happy one. At age seven he started to have severe respiratory problems. The doctors said he was not going to live past 11. Well, Paul, through his strength, strong will to live, and his undaunting faith in our Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ  fooled them all  Paul made it to 75 years of age.

Paul graduated from Berkeley High School in 1961. He graduated with honors from Armstrong Business College in 1964. He went back to work for Charles Schwab Stock Brokerage in Berkeley for a few years. Next Paul worked for Dean Witter Stock Brokerage in Berkeley for about 10 years. His last job was at Wells Fargos main headquarters in San Francisco. Paul was in charge of accounts receivable where he had to handle checks, sometimes in the excess of one hundred thousand dollars.

In 1976 Paul married the love of his life, Gloria Evie Nichols. They were married for seventeen wonderful years, and then tragedy struck  Pauls precious Gloria died at 59 years of age from heart disease.If the pastries were delightful, the students, with their energy, enthusiasm and earnestness were even more so. Smiles abounded.

One last course at the Greystone Campus during May and June, and the students will head back to the Hyde Park, N.Y. Main Campus for graduation on July 25.

What comes next? The students have put a great deal of thought, time and CIA resources into their post-graduation plans. CIA Greystone provides students with an assigned career services counselor, and offers quarterly career fairs and online networking with employers specifically seeking C.I.A. graduates.

Bachelors degree students also spend one semester on a paid internship with a food service establishment approved by the school, and are encouraged to build their professional networks during that experience.

The students of the Baking and Pastry Arts class aspire to a wide range of career goals. Some, like Sandy Arana of Greenwich, Conn., and Gabby Hazelton of Babylon, N.Y., are looking for management positions with a restaurant group or hotel.

Kylie Barrows, of Norton, Massachusetts and her chef fiance, hope to combine travel and work, with six-month assignments at restaurants throughout the world, via a Restaurant Association of America program.Napa Farmers Market Kids Activities: Bring your little ones to the Napa Farmers Markets Education Station at 9:30 a.m. for StoryTime. At 10:30 a.m. our Harvest of the Month activity will introduce youngsters to Super Spinach.

Charlotte Billings is the manager of the Napa Farmers Market. Connie Evans is on the board of directors of the Napa Farmers Market.

The Napa Farmers Market takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parking lot of the South Napa Century Center, 195 Gasser Drive, Napa. Vendors include many local produce and flower growers; fresh seafood and meat merchants; ready-to-eat fare; plus, other hand-crafted wares. Educational kids activities, chef demos and nonprofit-organization booths add to the enriching, multicultural shopping experience. The market also participates in the Market Match program, doubling the value of CalFresh benefits purchasing power for all eligible food products. For more information or a schedule of upcoming events, visit www.napafarmersmarket.org.If there was any question that the new townhomes under construction at the former Napa Valley Register site in downtown Napa would find willing buyers, wonder no more.

It only took 10 weeks to find buyers for all 19 homes in the first two phases of construction, said Scot Hunter. Hunter is the broker for the project, which was created by Vesta Pacific Development.

It was amazing, said Hunter. We figured it would take longer to sell out. However, the first unit was sold on Jan. 15 and the last on April 3. All units sold for the asking price, he said.

The development, dubbed Register Square, covers the block bounded by Second, Seminary, Third and Wilson streets, with additional units facing Third Street just west of Seminary.

Priced at $760,000 to $865,000, some locals expressed surprise at the cost of the first 19 units. But that didnt seem to bother the new buyers.

One future Register Square resident is George Castellano of New Jersey.

Castellano, who lived in Napa for about five years in the 2000s, said hed wanted to return to the valley for some time.

Napa is hard to duplicate, he said. Its a slice of heaven.Young people age 18-25 historically register at low rates and vote very infrequently, he said. But if every eligible 18-25 year old was registered to vote and voted, they would be the biggest group of voters in the country.

To facilitate voter registration at the event, the Secretary of States Office and the League of Women Voters set up tables in the gym with election information and voter registration forms for students to fill out.

Senior Nate Barbe grabbed a registration form and began filling it out right after the rally.

Voting has always been on my mind, said Barbe. Watching my parents go through it and see them do it all the time, I wanted to be able to vote and pick the right person to do the right job.

Joining Padilla on stage during the rally was Napa County Registrar of Voters John Tuteur, who has been encouraging teens and adults in American Canyon for years to register and vote, and help boost their citys participation levels in elections, which have tended to lag other parts of the valley.

Results from the 2016 election showed just under 75 percent of registered voters in American Canyon actually voted, compared to other cities in Napa County that ranged from 82 percent to 86 percent.SANTA ROSA  A Lake County man was sentenced Monday to six years plus 32 years to life in prison for his role in the robbery and shooting of an armored car guard in Windsor and an assault of a police officer in Calistoga in 2016.

Ivan Morales, 25, was sentenced for the premeditated attempted murder of a Loomis armored car guard outside a Chase bank in Windsor, robbery with personal use of a weapon, assault with personal use of a weapon, assault on a peace officer and vehicle theft.

His co-defendant Sergey Gutsu, 25, of Antioch, pleaded no contest during his trial to the attempted murder of a peace officer, robbery, assault, shooting at an occupied vehicle and vehicle theft. He was sentenced to 51 years to life in prison.

The defendants drove to Windsor in a Suzuki that they carjacked in Sacramento and pulled behind the Loomis truck when the guard got out with a moneybag on July 12, 2016.

Three of the five rounds Morales fired from an AK-47 struck the guard, identified only as Glen in court. He was not present at the sentencing.

Morales and Gutsu fled with $30,000 in a Chevrolet Suburban to Calistoga where Calistoga police Officer Luis Paniagua collided his patrol car with the Chevrolet. Gutsu got out of the Chevrolet and shot at Paniagua.A new study by the California Franchise Tax Board  the states primary tax collection agency  reveals that the SALT deduction limit will cost Californians an estimated $12 billion a year in higher payments to Uncle Sam beginning this year. Three-fourths or $9 billion will fall on Californians with incomes of $1 million or more, the FTB calculates, with the other $3 billion coming from those with taxable incomes of $100,000 to $999,999.

Conversely, the expanded standard deduction will generate lower federal tax bills for most other California taxpayers.

Overall, therefore, the federal system becomes more progressive, as tax mavens term it, in California because the rich will pay more and lower-income folks will pay less  right in line with what liberal Californians profess.

So why are Californias Democratic politicians complaining that the federal tax overhaul is a slap at this and other high-tax states?

Its really quite simple. If the wealthiest Californians can no longer write off their big state income tax and local property tax payments on their federal returns, they will feel the full impact of those taxes and may be motivated to flee the state for lower-taxing states, taking their high taxable incomes with them.Under Measure Cs stipulations, when an arcanely-calculated total of 795 more acres of oak woodland are converted to other land uses, (mostly agricultural) even the removal of two oak trees on a parcel would require extensive studies, and permits. Requiring a rigid standard of three trees planted for each removed, there is no accounting of whether additional trees may actually be creating a denser wildfire fuel load, or overly-dense, poor wildlife habitat.

The wildfires that burned over 60,000 acres of our watersheds were devastating. According to Greg Giusti, emeritus University of California oak woodlands expert, tens of millions of oak trees were likely severely damaged or killed. Tree loss aside, the devastating damages to our watershed lands will literally take decades to heal. Do we really need to divert our attention to doubling or even tripling permit requirements or should we attend to the real source of oak woodland loss?0846 -- A landlord and tenant were having a dispute on Madrona Avenue. Police told the landlord it was a civil matter.

0938 -- Police were notified of a controlled burn that would be occurring at Fir Hill/Madrona at 10 a.m.

1012 -- An iPad and iPhone were lost last night. They might have been left on top of the car when the owner went out for dinner.

1024 -- A mail carrier asked police to check on elderly Spring Street residents who hadnt picked up their mail in a while and werent answering the phone.

1048 -- Police cited an unregistered van downtown.

1053 -- A gray Trek bike was reported stolen from a carport on Main Street.

1323 -- Report of a loud leaf blower on Dean York Lane. The caller said the blowing occurs every Thursday for three or four hours.

1509 -- Report of a reckless driver traveling in the center lane of Main Street near Grayson Avenue.

1552 -- A caller was concerned about safety in the Crane/Grayson area due to cars rolling through the stop sign.The St. Helena Police Departments small team of volunteers are looking for more people to fill out their ranks.

It gives me something to do with my day thats good for the community, said Perry Butler, one of the five volunteers serving in the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program, launched last August and overseen by Officer Steve Peterson.

The department is looking for about five more volunteers. The job is ideal for retirees who want to do something positive for the community, or for young people who are studying criminal justice and considering a career in law enforcement, Butler said.

Volunteers must pass a background check and undergo a six-week training program that covers various skills like driving, proper use of police radios, and even firearms, although volunteers do not carry guns.

Volunteers are issued a uniform and a marked patrol car and given the authority to write parking tickets, enforce city codes concerning leaf blowers and construction noise, man roadblocks, direct traffic, keep an eye out for reckless drivers or suspicious activity, and conduct vacation checks to make sure nothing is amiss at vacant houses.Chief Martin was the Operations Chief on the night of October 8, 2017 on the Atlas Fire, Biermann wrote in his nomination for Martin. He was responsible for all fire operations and ensuring deployment of limited resources, as well as the coordination and management of personnel.

Martin worked closely with law enforcement for priorities and evacuation rescues, according to Biermann. His command presence on the radio exhibited confidence with our plan that night, and while six civilians tragically lost their lives that night, countless numbers of lives were saved. Chief Martin remained composed during extreme conditions which directly resulted in the fact that no first responders, fire or law enforcement personnel were seriously injured that night.

Arianna Kampton was nominated for recognition as a volunteer at the Soda Canyon Fire Station by Scott Bauder, who identified Kamptons bravery and dedication during those terrible weeks of firefighting.

Arianna responded immediately to the fire as soon as she heard the tones go out, Bauder wrote in his nomination. She remained on duty for the next two days until forced to take a rest.Opposition "Armenia" faction MP: Authorities shouldn't ruin relations with Iran

Karabakh President receives members of "Aramazd" military detachment

Louise Mushikiwabo: International Organisation of La Francophonie is very sensitive to Armenia's political issues

Louise Mushikiwabo to Pashinyan: You have much more difficult issues to manage for the country and the region

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff vows to continue military operations to counter Iran

Mohamed Salah demands salary increase from Liverpool

Iran FM to discuss developments in Caucasus with his Russian counterpart

What are consequences of high blood pressure?

Armenia FM receives Special Representative of OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in South Caucasus

Karabakh emergency situations service: Remains of 2 more Armenian servicemen found in Jrakan

330,000 children were sex abuse victims in French Catholic Church

Armenia ex-defense minister: We need to ask Pashinyan what he agreed with Aliyev with regard to mine maps

Belgium returns to Egypt artifacts that were illegally exported from country

Lothar Matthaus, 60, divorces fifth wife

      

Opposition MP: Turks are pressuring Armenia more and more since there is no response from Yerevan

Greece proposes pan-European hedging mechanism against sharp fluctuations in gas prices

ARF-D member: I am certain that there will be rallies in Armenia in November

Czech Republic signs deal to buy new air defense system from Israel

Scientists develop implant that treats severe depression

Macron and Blinken discuss tensions between Paris and Washington

Kharrazi warns Azerbaijan to not be under any illusion about relying on foreign forces for security

Armenia President arrives in Rome on state visit

Armenian Premier League names best coach and best footballer of the month (PHOTO)

Truck providing for rear of Armenia's army damaged after gunshots fired by Azerbaijan in Yeraskh section of border

EU: Facebook outage shows need for more players

Digest: Putin-Pashinyan's meeting rumored, quake hits Armenia

Armenia PM congratulates teachers on their professional day

UK officials hold talks with Taliban in Afghanistan

Armenia opposition MP: Ruling party deputy is granting AMD 1,000,000,000 in assistance to Goris, why isn't he arrested?

Armani receives Italian squad, leaves autograph on Mancini's historic jacket (PHOTOs)

Armenia government intends to tax electronic services provided by non-resident organizations

Ohanyan on Iran-Azerbaijan relations: Everything must be done do prevent hostilities in Armenias Syunik Province

Aliyev threatens Iran, advises not to pry its nose into Azerbaijans affairs

Anti-Corruption Committee chief, US Ambassador discuss justice sector reforms in Armenia (PHOTOS)

Armenia ex-defense minister Seyran Ohanyan on detention of Davit Tonoyan

Karabakh President meets with relatives of teachers who fell in 2020 war

Dollar loses value in Armenia

Armenia health minister signs cooperation agreement with Lithuanian counterpart

Armenia deputy justice ministers receive EU delegation

Baku office of Iran Supreme Leaders representative in Azerbaijan closed

Milan to offer new deal to Stefano Pioli

Iran closes its airspace to Azerbaijan's air force

Armenia opposition MP: There are fears that Armenian authorities could fulfill all demands of Azerbaijan

Ships of Georgia and NATO hold joint exercises in the Black Sea

Real Madrid President: In January we will have news about Mbappe

IMDb to film Cruel Intentions reboot

Armenia opposition MP: It's hard to expect anything good from the Putin-Aliyev-Pashinyan meeting

Armenia legislature supports opposition candidate for post of Public Services Regulatory Commission member

Rio Ferdinand names Premier League's top footballer

Bitcoin price surpasses $ 50,000 for the first time since September 7

Azerbaijan, Georgia sign defense cooperation plan

Mbappe: I never thought Messi would move to PSG

Members of Armenia opposition factions leave session of parliamentary standing committee

HBO reveals first teaser for Game of Thrones prequel

Kocharyan, Gevorgyan trial: Yerevan court gives defense lawyer 1 week to get familiarized with 128 volumes of case file

Mbappe: I never thought Messi would move to PSG

How is immunity to coronavirus formed after vaccination?

Khachatryan, Kopirkin discuss Armenia-Russia economic cooperation

Earthquake hits Armenia-Georgia border zone

Armenia ex-deputy PM, now opposition MP Gevorgyan's lawyer motions court to recognize his parliamentary immunity

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I went to premiere: Ambiguous - "Venom: Let There Be Carnage" (NO SPOILERS)

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Lithuania to share experience with Armenia in waste recycling sectorYEREVAN. The Republicans have decided to thwart the Prime Ministers election.

PM candidate, opposition movement leader, Civil Contract Party Political Council member, and National Assembly (NA) of Armenia Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan stated the aforesaid in a video message on Facebook.

He called on people to go out to the streets.

Also, Pashinyan noted that they will assemble on Tuesday at 11am at Republic Square, the heart of Armenias capital city of Yerevan.

The NA on Tuesday will convene a special session to debate and then vote on the next PM of Armenia. Pashinyan is the sole candidate nominated for this position.

On Monday morning, the Yelk faction held a meeting and nominated Nikol Pashinyan its candidate for the next PM of Armenia.

Also on the same day, closed-door negotiations were conducted with the MPs of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party and the Tsarukyan Factions. These factions announced that will vote for Pashinyan.

In addition, a talk was heldin the presence of the mediawith the deputies of the NA faction of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), and Pashinyan responded to the questions of these MPs.

The RPA, Tsarukyan, Way Out, and ARF factions have 58, 31, 9 and 7 seats, respectively, in parliament.

At least 53 votes are needed to elect the new Prime Minister of Armenia.

After 11-day nationwide protest actions by the Nikol Pashinyan-led movement, ex-President and RPA leader Serzh Sargsyan resigned from his recently-elected post of Prime Minister, on April 23.

Subsequently, Pashinyan announced that they will continue negotiations with the incumbent authorities on April 25, and toward achieving a smooth transfer of power in Armenia. But it became clear on the evening of April 24 that this talk would not take place.

Acting PM and RPA Vice Chairman Karen Karapetyan stated that Pashinyan had posited new, unilateral demands.

Nikol Pashinyan, in turn, announced that they are resuming their protests as of April 25, since the RPA wants to retain power at the expense of Sargsyans resignation.

And on April 26, Pashinyan invited Karapetyan to start the second round of negotiations on April 27, and before the media.

But Aram Araratyan, the spokesperson of Karen Karapetyan, issued a statement on April 27, according to which the acting PM considers negotiations with Nikol Pashinyan viewless, and therefore he refused to take part.

And on April 29, civil disobedience actions resumed after a two-day break.YEREVAN.  A snap election cannot have a positive impact on the development of our country.

Vahram Baghdasaryan, head of the National Assembly (NA) faction of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), on Tuesday told the aforementioned to reporters in Parliament.

He noted this when asked whether the RPA will favor a snap parliamentary election in the country.

A snap election cant have a positive impact on the development of our country; on the contrary, it can throw [the country] back, Baghdasaryan stated. We would have noticed any protest action after the [parliamentary] elections in 2017 (). But everyone was happy after those elections; that is, its not the elections that have caused a wave of protests. There is dissatisfaction that we dont deny.

And when asked whether Armenia will have a new Prime Minister on Tuesday, he responded as follows, in particular: That depends on the moods of the MPs. At any rate, we will have a PM within his constitutional term because the country cant be kept paralyzed.

Baghdasaryan, however, said he is not worried that the situation could strain if the PM is not elected on Tuesday.

Im not one of those politicians to act under pressure, Vahram Baghdasaryan added. We need to think about what progress will our country haveor will it have at all, or notsix months later, one year later.

The NA on Tuesday will convene a special session to debate and then vote on the next PM of Armenia. Pashinyan is the sole candidate nominated for this position.

On Monday morning, the Yelk faction held a meeting and nominated Nikol Pashinyan its candidate for the next PM of Armenia.

Also on the same day, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutyun Party and the Tsarukyan Factions announced that they, too, will vote for Pashinyan.

But the ruling RPA NA faction has not yet made a final decision on how to vote. To note, however, RPA faction head Vahram Baghdasaryan had stated that if the other three political forces represented in parliament nominated a single candidate, their faction would not get in the way of Armenia having a new PM on Tuesday.

Nikol Pashinyan on Monday held talks with all parliamentary factions. His talk with the RPA faction was open to the media.

The RPA, Tsarukyan, Way Out, and ARF factions have 58, 31, 9 and 7 seats, respectively, in parliament.

At least 53 votes are needed to elect the new Prime Minister of Armenia.Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB Monday tackled American President, Donald Trump for inviting President Muhammadu Buhari for talk on democracy, saying there is nothing democratic about the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration to justify his invitation to the White House for political and economic discussions.

A statement by IPOBs Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, said it would like to know if President Trump, by virtue of the invitation to Buhari, is justifying the cold blooded massacre and illegal detention of tens of innocent Biafrans that rallied in Igweocha, Port Harcourt, by the present administration in Nigeria, on that fateful day of January 20, 2017 during Trumps inauguration.

According to IPOB, What the Trump administration appears to be doing is inadvertently giving the green light to the brutal anti-democratic regimes in Africa of which Buharis APC is one, to murder and detain at will, innocent people and dissenting voices. If not, there is nothing democratic about Buhari to justify his invitation to the White House for any discussion.

Whoever it is at the United States Embassy in Abuja, responsible for compiling and transmitting reports of the regimes atrocities back to the State Department in Washington, failed woefully in his or her duty, because the Buhari regime is the worst government in the history of Nigeria.

IPOB statement read further: We would like to seize this opportunity of the meeting between President Trump and Buhari to draw the attention of the American people to the plight of Biafrans in detention across Nigeria, especially the four in a maximum security prison simply because they came out to celebrate with millions of other people around the world the day President Donald Trump was sworn into office. It is also important that we remind the US presidency and the good people of United States of America, since it appears the US embassy in Nigeria failed to do so, of the enormity of the brutality and cold blooded massacre of innocent citizens merely exercising their right to freedom of assembly on that fateful day of January 20, 2017.

There is something morally repugnant about Buhari visiting Washington to discuss democracy when his administration is not democratic. The failure of US government to hold this regime to account is what may have emboldened and encouraged them to embark on the wholesale ethnic cleansing of parts of Benue State.

IPOB would like to know if President Trump, by virtue of this invitation to Buhari, is justifying the cold blooded massacre and illegal detention of tens of innocent Biafrans that rallied in Igweocha, Port Harcourt, on that fateful day of January 20, 2017 during his inauguration. What the Trump administration appear to be doing is inadvertently giving the green light to brutal anti-democratic regimes in Africa of which the Buhari APC is one, to murder and detain at will, if not there is nothing democratic about Buhari to justify his invitation to the White House for any discussion on governance and democracy.

Whoever it is at the United States embassy in Abuja, responsible for compiling and transmitting reports of regime atrocities back to the State Department in Washington, failed woefully in his or her duty, because this current Buhari regime is the worst government in the history of Nigeria. According to IPOB, the present APC government in Nigeria led by President Buhari has nothing qualifying it to be given the honour of visiting the office of the leader of the free world, both in terms of brutality, wickedness and total disregard for democratic norms and rule of law. Welcoming Buhari to the White House means welcoming tyranny into the bowel of democracy.

It sends out the message that United States of America is standing shoulder to shoulder with a mass murderer and tyrannical government, contrary to its stated objectives. What those who are behind this visit of President Buhari to the White House may have succeeded in doing is give the official President Trump administration endorsement to Nigerian President Buhari, to go on killing and locking people up at will, including those that came out on the streets to celebrate President Trumps victory.

IPOB said the visit by President Buhari to White House makes a mockery of the ideals, values of the founding principles of the United States of America, adding that if the man responsible for the illegal detention and brutal murder of those celebrating the election of a US president is being welcomed to White House as if nothing happened, one wonders if President Trump is not aware of the 20th of January 2017 massacre at Igweocha, Port Harcourt, or the US mission to Nigeria, especially the US ambassador, failed to inform the White House and President Trump about the incident. IPOB named Mr. Ikenna Igwe Mazi, Mr. Uchenna Innocent, Mr. Bright Sunday Okoro and Mr. Chidinma Godwin Nwafor, as some of the people arrested and until date still languishing in prison for no other reason than the fact they were celebrating Trump victory.

They were detained on a trumped up charge of treasonable felony for celebrating the inauguration of a US president that is today wining and dinning with the same man that threw them in jail. There is something morally repugnant about this. The very least President Trump can do is to demand that Buhari immediately release all IPOB activists and other political detainees across Nigeria.Home | News | General | APCN releases manifesto as 2019 elections draw close, advises Nigerians ahead of exercise

- The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) says the release of the manifeto is for the people to digest its content ahead of the 2019 election

- The APCN urges Nigerians to ask candidates and their parties questions before casting their votes

- The party wants the people to make the right choices so that they would enjoy the dividends of democracy

The Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN), on Monday, April 30, officially unveiled its manifestos to the public while warning Nigerians to avoid selling their votes but instead engage candidates and their political parties.

The warning was given by the partys national chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Galadima, who urged Nigerians to understand the programmes of candidates ahead of the 2019 general elections.

READ ALSO: Threat to impeach Buhari: Presidency allegedly targets 15 senators over alleged corruption

Daily Trust reports that Galadima, in a statement signed and issued in Abuja, asked the federal government to tackle the rising insecurity in the country, especially in Benue state.

Political party manifesto is a vital compact and covenant between political parties and the people. It is a statement of objective, vision and agenda of a political party prior to election.

It is a public declaration of aims and policies of a political party or a candidate. It sets out a political party framework leading to a direction if voted into power.

Since the second republic in Nigeria it has become almost difficult for political parties in Nigeria to present to the people a concise instrument of engagement.

What is usually giving to the public is a document which is neither a working or a workable document with no commitment.

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Our people should open their eyes in 2019 in order to enjoy dividend of democracy by refusing to be influenced by anyone, by refusing to be bought over, by ensuring proper engagement of political parties and their candidates and by voting for them based on their programmes.

It is on this note that we present to Nigeria the laudable vision and mission statement of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, the statement read.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that a former governor of Kano state, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, has declared his interest in contesting for the presidency in the 2019 general elections under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shekarau, 62, who is also the immediate past minister of education, said in an open letter, that his decision to seek for PDPs presidential ticket was informed by clarion calls from Nigerians and after wide consultations.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: GeneralHome | News | General | BBNaija 2p018: After revealing what went down between herself and Miracle under the duvet, check out what Nina is saying to her fans

One of the most controversial BBNaija 2018 housemate, Nina Chinonso Onyenobi, has taken to social media to apologize to her fans for being too outspoken in some of her interviews.

This post reportedly came in after a video of where she disclosed how she and Miracle made love to each other several times in the house. Nina in her post apologized for making an offensive state on social media.

On Monday, April 30, the young lady shared a picture of her on her Instagram handle as she promised never to make such comments again and thanked her fans for their continuous understanding.

READ ALSO: Tobis self-acclaimed ex-girlfriend accuses him of cheating with her best friend

Her post reads: Hi guys, just want to clear up certain things. First of all, I did that interview next day after I got back from South Africa. And as at then i didnt have a team to teach me certain things..... Secondly, I am still new to this and still learning. I want to apologize for sounding offensive or coming across as insensitive in some of my interviews. Expressing myself isnt one of my strong suits however I am willing to learn and I promise I will do better. Love you all for understanding and loving me! Bless.

See post below:

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NAIJ.com earlier reported that BBNaija ex-housemate Miracle in an interview admitted that he was intimate with his fellow housemate Nina while in the house. The ex-housemates in their different media tours has been confronted with their actions while in the house and they have being opening up about it.

Nice one!

BBNaija Finale 2018: Nigerians share their thoughts on Cee-C, Miracle - Street Gist| Naij.com TV - on NAIJ.com TV.

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: GeneralHome | News | General | Aide, group donate to orphanage, babies to mark Delta dep govs birthday

WARRISENIOR Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Mrs Doris Warri Aboh alongside her group, Successful Christian Global Outreach, have donated gift items to an orphanage and motherless babies home in Warri and Ekpan General Hospital in the state.

The visit by Aboh and her group to the Heart of Delta Childrens Home, Warri and the two hospitals was in honour of the state Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, the grand patron of the group, who turned 50 years penultimate Monday.

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro

The group as a way of celebrating his birthday and its one year anniversary, decided to give back to the needy in the society.

The children at the orphanage, who sang songs of joy, received bags of rice, garri, Indomie noodles, eggs, tomatoes, cakes and other gift items.

The matron of the home, Mrs Adu, expressed joy at the gesture of the group, which she said had put smiles on the faces of the children.

Mothers of babies born on the birthday of the deputy governor got Pampers, clothes, sanitary pads and cash to support the newborns.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Vivian Ighalo, who had a baby girl said she was happy that her daughter shares the same birthday with the celebrant, while also expressing gratitude for the gifts.

She wished both the deputy governor and her daughter well on their birthday.

Aboh, who extolled the virtues of her boss, the celebrant, said: We decided to honour our grand patron who loves and shares our vision and so has partnered with us and has been so supportive in prayer and funds.

His Excellency is a man that is not just rich, but by the special grace of God, he is not underprivileged, so we do not have gold to give to him. What we feel we can use to honour him is when we give out to the underprivileged in the society because that is his main focus. His main vision is what drives his personality and character. He is a man with a heart of love, she added.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: GeneralHome | News | General | Attack on Nwodo alarming, brutish  Udeogaranya

By Ebun Sessou

CHIEF Charles Udeogaranya, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC and a presidential aspirant of the party, Monday, condemned the security situation in the country, the menace of hersdmen and the recent bombing of the home of president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, saying an abomination has taken over the land.

Speaking with Vanguard, Udeogaranya said nothing explains or justifies the carnage happening around Nigeria which is getting worse by the day.

How can someone just wake up and bombs another persons house. The intention was to kill Nwodo but the enemies failed. This is a direct, deliberate attack on Chief Nwodo who is a peaceful man in all ramificactions.

 I have been trying to get in touch with him but his line has been busy.I want to hear from him what actually happened. I dont want to say the internal crises in Ohanaeze could have led to this but those behind this wicked act are enemies .

I am deeply alarmed at the resort to violence by elements who perpetrated this act and I hope the Police would fish out those behind this. This incident is unfortunate and we urge our leader not to lose focus on his task of unifying the Igbos and building bridges of peace amongst Igbos across the world.Nwodo is a peace advocate and should put the incident behind him and move on.

Udeogaranya said further: Nigeria is still trying to contain the increasing attacks by the now notorious herdsmen who have turned the country into a massive graveyard.

This is indeed very sad. Nowhere is safe anymore and Nigerians are totally exposed and faced with these dark clouds of fear and anxiety. Look at what has been happening in Benue and now, it is escalting towards prominent Igbo sons. We should gear up to defend our land, he said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: GeneralBaramulla, May 01: J&K Police on Monday evening said that unknown gunmen shot dead three youth in Baramulla town.

Police identified them as Asghar Khan, Asif and Haseeb Khan, all residents of Jamia Mohalla, Old Town, Baramulla.

Deputy inspector general of northern Kashmir Dr Sunil Gupta told reporters that all the deceased are below 23.

We have recovered rounds of AK-47 from the spot. They fire at them from close range, he said.

The DIG said that some locals are witnessed to the incident.

We are recording their statements, he said.Home | News | General | America needs Nigeria to make Africa great again  Gov Bello

Kogi State Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello has hailed the renewed interest of the United States in the greatness of Nigeria, saying Nigerias economic renaissance is key to African prosperity.

Gov. Yahaya Bello

Governor Bello made this known through a message a statement by his Director General of Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo. He said the current working visit of President Buhari to the US will unlock massive opportunities between the two giants.

Nigeria is the hope of Africa with her market, human and mineral resources. A super power like the United States will no doubt find in Nigeria, a viable partner to deepen Africas prosperity through technology and agriculture.

For a long time, US has been pessimistic about Nigeria. Corruption has been one of the biggest barriers between the two nations. But with President Muhammadu Buhari at the helms of affairs of Africas biggest nation, America is beginning to see a partner in anti-corruption and fight against poverty.

Bello said Nigeria will reap massively from the historic visit of President Buhari, saying Kogi State is prepared to play host to some of the biggest players in the agricultural world.

His words: It is interesting to note that Agriculture is one of the focal points of the Presidents visit to the states. Kogi is a leading agricultural destination in Nigeria and our people are looking forward to the benefits of the visit as it concerns ensuring food security in Nigeria.

Kogi is the mineral capital of Nigeria with many mineral resources. But we see Agriculture as the future of the state. Kogi will be prepared to play host to some of the biggest players in the Agric world to make the nation self-sufficient in food production.

The Governor also urged the United States to help Nigeria in the fight against terror, saying Nigeria is committed to ensuring global peace and security.

Gov Bello to Kogi Workers: Thanks for accepting our reforms

..promises better days ahead for workers

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has saluted the civil servants in the state for their sacrificial understanding of the unwavering commitment of his administration to civil service reforms, saying their patriotic sacrifices is beginning to yield fruits.

The Governor who stated this in a statement released through his Director General of Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo said his administration perfectly understands the place of labour in deepening democracy and development and shall continue to partner with labour to make Kogi State more prosperous and more generous to the destinies of future generations.

Bello implored workers to continue to cooperate with his administration in its avowed drive to make the state a better place for all.

The labour movement around the world has been an assured partner against corruption and human rights abuse. It is therefore understandable that labour keyed into our civil service reforms to rid the service of unintended beneficiaries who had deprived genuine workers of their rights to regular wages and salaries.

I have tremendous respect for labour because they are not only the most important contributor to our development agenda, but they are veritable partners in promoting excellence in governance. Good governance is enhanced and catalyzed by a well motivated labour.

It is our hope that labour will continue to support our agenda of ensuring discipline and productivity in government work places to serve our people well and create wealth for our dear State.

Governor Bello also assured labour of pragmatic, beneficial programs that will rebound the morale of labour, saying his administration will continue to prioritize payment of salaries to boost the morale of workers and their confidence in the administration.

He urged labour to continue to support the New Direction Agenda of Government in order to build a virile, strong and better Kogi State.

The Kogi I am striving to build cannot be achieved without your unalloyed support and commitment to duty. I therefore urge all the Kogi workers to continue to support our administration, he said.

The Governor said despite the drastic drop in revenue allocation to the State and the competing needs of the state, his administration has continued to its best in payment of salaries and pensions, assuring that he will continue to support the labour movement to play its role in helping his administration become the best ever in the history of the state.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: GeneralHome | World | Africa | 'Tainted' candidates worry Chamisa

HARARE - Opposition MDC president Nelson Chamisa has headaches over the calibre of some candidates vying to contest as MPs and councillors, as their characters are dodgy after having been fingered in corruption, a senior official has said.

Over 4 000 candidates have submitted their CVs to register interest in representing the MDC either in local government or parliamentary elections in the forthcoming general polls set for no later than August this year.

Former Zengeza MP Tafadzwa Musekiwa last week said Chamisa, who took over as MDC leader following the death of its founding president Morgan Tsvangirai in February, was worried that candidates with a tainted past could win in primary elections set for next week.

Musekiwa, who recently came back into the country from the United Kingdom where he had sought asylum after fleeing political violence, said the feeling was MDC supporters must elect only "clean leaders".

"There are people who engaged in embarrassing corruption whose stench could be smelt from as far afield as the UK, especially at Chitungwiza Municipality but had the guts to apply seeking to hold public office again, we must reject those come primary elections," Musekiwa told an MDC Alliance rally at Jonasi Primary School in Mashonaland East's Seke district last week.

"Tsvangirai even fired them but now they have taken advantage of the fact that they have served their suspensions so they are back to further taint the image of the party. Some of them have a limited educational background but we don't want MPs who when they go to council Zanu PF will celebrate. Moreover, Chamisa needs a team of capable MPs from whom he can form a Cabinet," he added.

Tsvangirai removed all 24 of MDC councillors from the 25-member town council of Chitungwiza in 2010 following a probe into alleged corruption in the Harare satellite town.

In 2016, Tsvangirai admitted that his councillors, particularly in Harare, are corrupt and that he was considering firing them if the scourge did not stop.

The former prime minister warned Harare councillors that he would expel them the same way he had done Chitungwiza.

"I want to warn Harare City Council, that they must decisively deal with this cancer (corruption) both among the councillors and the Harare City Council staff at Town House because it is important to deal with corruption. This party does not tolerate corruption. That is why years back we had to dismiss the whole Chitungwiza council because of corruption. Harare (city council) you are warned," said Tsvangirai.

With general elections fast approaching Chamisa's party has set May 12 as the deadline for compilation of its final candidates' list.

The party's aspiring national assembly candidates met in Harare last week ahead of provincial assembly meetings that were held this week to update the aspiring councillors.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: AfricaPulwama: Sameer Tiger, one of the top militants of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and a close associate of the outfits commander Riaz Naikoo, was killed along with a fellow militant, Aqib Khan, in a gunfight with government forces here in Drubgam village of Pulwama district, on Monday.A young civilian, Shahid Ahmad of Arihal Pulwama, was shot dead and 20 others were taken to Pulwama district hospital, most of them with bullet injuries, after government forces opened fire at youths hurling stones at them near the site of the gunfight. Twelve of the injured were referred to Srinagar hospitals for specialised treatment.Army Major Rohit Shukla and another soldier were critically injured during the gunfight with the militants. They are undergoing treatment at armys base hospital in Srinagar.

They are in critical condition, an army officer told Kashmir Reader.

The gunfight was triggered early Monday morning in Drubgam, the native village of Sameer Ahmad Bhat alias Tiger, following a cordon and search operation by government forces.

A senior police official from the area told Kashmir Reader that the area was cordoned off in the wee hours of Monday, following credible inputs regarding presence of militants in the area.

At about 9am, the militants opened fire from a residential house in which they were trapped, in a bid to make their escape, the police official said.

He said that the two army men were injured in this initial burst of fire.

The fire was retaliated and in the process the militants were restricted to a position of no escape. Two to three houses were zeroed in on and the cordon was made watertight, the official said.

The gunfight, sources said, continued for several hours and concluded with the killing of the two militants.

The forces used heavy explosives, reducing to rubble at least two residential houses in the area, sources said.

Director General of Police SP Vaid confirmed the killing of Tiger and Aqib Khan. He was of the opinion that Tigers killing should bring peace to the area.

He was involved in a number of civilian killings. His killing should bring peace to the area, Vaid said.

Sameer Tiger was a wanted militant and had been active since 2016. He was a prominent face of the Hizb and his pictures kept surfacing on social media every now and then.

Police have maintained that Tiger was an Over Ground Worker and a stone-pelter before he joined militant ranks.

The police have also accused Tiger of many militant attacks and civilian killings in their press release.

The other slain militant, Aqib Khan, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, of Rajpora had joined militant ranks in July 2017.

Bodies of both the militants were handed over to the next of kin after completion of medico-legal formalities by the police.

As per sources, at least 5 militants appeared in Drubgam village soon after Tigers body reached his home. The militants offered several rounds of gun salute to their fallen associate, sources said, while people in thousands were in attendance.

Civilian killing and the injured:

As soon as the news of the encounter reached people, thousands started marching towards the encounter site, despite restrictions and road blocks laid by government forces. People, including women, marched towards the site of the encounter, mostly on foot, in an attempt to rescue the militants.

As the number of civilians around the encounter site kept swelling and the stone-throwing got intense, the government forces opened fire to disperse them.

Pellets were also fired at the protesting people, though the police maintained that the civilian was killed and others were injured in cross firing.

Medical Superintendent of Pulwama District Hospital, Dr Rasheed Parra, told Kashmir Reader that 21 injured were brought to the hospital.

One was brought dead. We tried our best to revive him but couldnt, he said. Most of the injured had bullet injuries. We have referred 12 of the injured to different Srinagar hospitals and the rest are under treatment here, Parra said.

Hundreds thronged Pulwama District Hospital to offer blood for the injured. We have so far collected 15 pints of blood and you can see that dozens are waiting outside to offer more if needed, a hospital employee told Kashmir Reader.

The killed civilian was buried at his native village Arihal after hundreds attended his funeral.After criminalizing the Bible and medical choice, California is now trying to outlaw home schooling

If democrats had their way, every single young person in the country would have no choice but to go through the public education system, during which time they would all be indoctrinated with left wing, anti-conservative propaganda. They strongly believe in the idea that the state  not parents, but the state  should have more of a say in the upbringing of children. Thats why it shouldnt come as a surprise to learn that the liberal state of California actually tried to pass a bill that could have done away with home schooling forever.

Initially scheduled to be heard on April 25 but ultimately pulled from the Education Committees agenda, AB 2926 stated: This bill would require the Superintendent to establish a broadly representative and diverse advisory committee to advise the Superintendent and the State Board of Education on all appropriate matters relative to home schools, which the bill would define.

Additionally, the bill states that, starting on or before July of 2020, the advisory committee would be required to made recommendations regarding the appropriateness and feasibility of proposed requirements on home schools, and would also require the Superintendent and state board to make recommendations to the Legislature and Governor regarding additional requirements on home schooling.

AB 2926 goes on to explain exactly what is meant by the term additional requirements, stating that they shall include, but are not limited to, both of the following: minimum qualifications for home school instructors and additional content or curriculum standards.

Its not exactly known what the bill means when it calls for minimum qualifications for home school instructors, but in the far-left state of California, one can only imagine. Will parents be forced to teach their children common core math? Will they be forced to teach their children that there are 64 genders instead of just two? Will they have no choice but to tell their kids that man is the sole contributor to global warming? The possibilities as to what is meant by additional content or curriculum standards are endless.

The truth is that in the state of California, individual liberty is quickly becoming nonexistent, and in more ways than one. Back in 2015, Californias legislature passed SB 277, which ultimately threatened to eliminate the freedom of parents to decide against vaccinating their children for personal or philosophical reasons.

At the time, Governor Jerry Browns office issued the following statement regarding the passage of SB 277 through Californias legislature: The governor believes that vaccinations are profoundly important and a major public health benefit, and any bill that reaches his desk will be closely considered. (Related: The state of California is now worried about coffee and browned foods as a new law requires cancer warnings based on murky science.)

But its not just the freedom to home school and the freedom to reject vaccinations for your children thats under attack in socialist California; its also the freedom to practice religion. Assembly Bill 2943 would make it an unlawful business practice to participate in a transaction intended to result or that results in the sale or lease of goods or services to any consumer that advertises or engages in sexual orientation change efforts with an individual. This would mean that AB 2943 would threaten the sale of the Bible, considering the fact that the Bible condemns homosexuality and defines marriage as being between one man and one woman.

For those who dont live on the west coast, California should serve as a stark reminder of what happens when the government is allowed to grow in both size and scope without any limitations whatsoever. The late Ronald Reagan said it best: As government expands, liberty contracts. Read Collapsifornia.com for more news coverage on the failed, collapsing socialist state of California.

Sources include:

DailyWire.com

NaturalNews.com

WorldEventsAndTheBible.comThis post originally ran on April 30, 2018 and was updated on March 18, 2019.

Until recently, Andrew Yang, whos seeking the presidential nomination of the Democratic Party in 2020, was considered a fringe candidate and certainly not a household name.

But after appearing on Joe Rogans podcast and The Breakfast Club, his bold ideas have been garnering attention, especially among the conservative youth of America. His supporters (the #YangGang) have made him the subject of internet memes as snippets of his interviews have been trending on Reddit and 4chan, a site popular among white nationalists.

Did Trump just lose the 2020 meme war? Memers flock to @andrewYangVFAs campaign centered around AI mass job loss requiring universal basic income (UBI) after mentions on @JoeRogan and @WikiLeaks. See #Yanggang and #yanggang2020 for thousands of examples. pic.twitter.com/n7vxeMN4l2  WikiLeaks (@wikileaks) March 8, 2019

While hes been garnering more attention recently, Yang was actually one of the first candidates to throw his hat into the ring, filing paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on November 6, 2017.

The central tenet of his campaign is the idea of universal basic income (UBI). All U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 64 would receive an unconditional $1,000 per month, which would cost the U.S. between $2 trillion and $3 trillion per year.

Humanity-adjusted GDP

Yang, 44, is the founder and former CEO of Venture for America, a nonprofit fellowship program that connects college graduates with two years of experience at start-ups or early-stage companies. Previously he served as CEO of Manhattan GMAT until its acquisition by Kaplan in 2009. Given his work as an entrepreneur and business leader, Yang said hes anxious about workers being displaced by automation.

Story continues

Currently, gross domestic product, or GDP, is the universal way to measure the market value of goods and services produced in a given economy. Yang proposes a new measurement that takes factors like mental health, childhood success, engagement with work, levels of criminality and recidivism into account. Though he has yet to come up with a name, the working title is something along the lines of American Scorecard.

GDP, as a baseline, would be difficult to adjust into something more holistic. Theres something called quality-adjusted life years. You can imagine something like humanity-adjusted GDP, Yang said in an interview with Yahoo Finance last year.

How to measure happiness?

But the danger of this kind of measurement is that it can become more of a gimmick than a solution. South Asian nation Bhutan received splashy attention for proposing Gross National Happiness as an alternative way to measure its progress. Every five years, 8,000 randomly selected households participate in a survey that measures variables within nine domains: community vitality, culture, ecology, education, good governance, health, living standards, and time use.

Despite this so-called attempt to prioritize citizens happiness, it appears that Bhutan being a happy nation is a misconception. In fact, it barely made it into the top 100 happiest countries, according to a 2017 United Nations report.

Yang acknowledged how difficult it is to measure subjective factors like psychological well-being.

We could rely upon the depths of despair index, something that is very much rooted in hard data. Of course, happiness is tougher to measure, but things like suicide rates or drug abuse are more concrete concepts that people can understand, he said.

Humanity First

Yangs platform is rooted in the idea that automation will ultimately displace most Americans. His campaign slogan is Humanity First and his new book is called The War on Normal People: The truth about Americas disappearing jobs and why universal basic income is our future.

Seventy percent of Americans now agree that technology is going to eliminate more jobs than it creates over the next 10 years. And as a result, our campaign grows every day, he said.

Tech executives like Teslas Elon Musk and Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg have both emphasized the importance of humans in their increasingly algorithm- and robot-oriented business models. Still, Musk even admitted that excessive automation at Tesla was [his] mistake. Humans are underrated.

Yang said this seemingly humanity first approach doesnt have a widespread impact.

While Elon and Mark and others are going to hire thousands of people, we have to look at in context. Were going to create thousands of jobs in certain places for certain people with skill sets on the coasts. But the majority of Americans arent going to be able to take advantage of those opportunities.

How feasible is universal basic income?

Referencing shrinking opportunities in industries like administrative work, sales, retail and transportation, Yang said he believes UBI is vital to give Americans the foundation they need to survive in the future.

UBI is vital so we can build a ground-up economy, based upon the businesses that people want to start in their towns, he said.

Basic income experiments around the world are having mixed results. Last year, Finland decided to scrap its UBI experiment with 2,000 unemployed people. Meanwhile, a 12-year trial in Kenya revealed that people spend the monthly stipend on basic necessities  not alcohol and drugs like skeptics claim.

Last fall, Y Combinator founder Sam Altman proposed what could be the largest research project in the U.S  but that would still involve only 1,000 people. Yang said his proposal is strikingly different from these relatively small-scale pilots. The impact of $1,000 a month on families and individuals is so demonstrably positive. Childrens graduation rates go up and their personalities actually become more conscientious and agreeable. Mental health improves, domestic violence goes down, hospital visits go down, he said.

The problem with the Finland trials and a couple of the other trials arent true universal basic income in that they target people in a particular situation, like theyre out of work.

While Yang is undeniably a long-shot candidate, he said he believes his candidacy will have a net positive effect on the political conversation.

Im very confident that this campaign will do an immense amount of good because Americans are waking up every day and realizing that they do need bigger and more genuine solutions.

Melody Hahm is a senior writer at Yahoo Finance, covering entrepreneurship, technology and real estate. Follow her on Twitter @melodyhahm.

Read more:oil bitcoin

Venezuela has recently offered India a 30 percent discount on crude oil purchases if the country purchases it using its oil-backed cryptocurrency, the Petro.

According to a report published by the Business Standard, a team of experts from Venezuelas blockchain department went to India last month to conduct the deal.

While in India, Venezuelas experts struck a deal with Delhi-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinsecure, to sell the Petro in India. As covered by CCN, the oil-backed cryptocurrency was announced late last year and has been sold to investors. Itll be launched after the presidential elections in Venezuela, which are set to take place on May 20.

Coinsecures chief executive officer, Mohit Kalra, revealed Venezuela was looking to add the Petro to the platform, so the cryptocurrency could be traded against bitcoin and the rupee. He added that the 30 percent discount was offered during the discussions. He was quoted as saying:

They are going to different countries and making offers. The offer that they have given to the Indian government is: you buy Petro and we will give you a 30 per cent discount on oil purchases.

As covered, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro has claimed the Petros pre-sale raked in $5 billion. The cryptocurrency was sold on 127 countries, and reportedly saw 171,000 would-be investors register to enter its pre-sale.

Kalra further added that Venezuela wanted to host a conference in India, in which Maduro would pitch the oil-backed cryptocurrency. The deal Coinsecure has with the countrys government will now see it offer Venezuela White Label cryptocurrency exchange solutions, so the Petro can be traded in Venezuela.

Kalra added:

That would be run by their brand name, but the back-end will be us. We plan to provide them with 10-15 cryptocurrency players.

Angel Gonzales, Venezuelas vice-minister for hydrocarbons, told Business Standard that the countrys government expects countries like India to have a huge interest in its cryptocurrency.

Story continues

As covered by CCN, the Petro has drawn criticism, as the century-old think tank Brookings Institute claimed it undermines legitimate cryptocurrencies, and the countrys own National Assembly declared it unconstitutional.

US President Donald Trump has banned US citizens and residents from purchasing the oil-backed cryptocurrency, as it was created to bypass US sanctions. Venezuela has thanked Trumps Petro ban, as it claims it was free publicity that helped double the number of interest investors.

Nevertheless, Business Standard revealed Venezuela plans to make the Petro its official currency by 2020. The country has claimed it will have a positive impact on its economy in three to six months, and that it may charge for exports in the currency.

Some investors, however, are still skeptical when it comes to the Petro. Speaking to Business Standard, a source stated:

Even if it is backed by oil, it is more of a centralised currency. Nobody knows how many coins will be launched or issued. It is not decentralised like bitcoin or ethereum.

Reports show Indias oil imports from Venezuela average around 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) between November 2017 and February this year.

Featured image from Shutterstock.



The post 30% Off! Venezuela Offers India Cheap Crude Oil on a Discount, if Paid in Petro appeared first on CCN.

Spectacular full moon seen on Buddha Purnima (in photos)

Skywatchers got a chance to see a spectacular full moon on the night of Buddha Purnima on Monday.I hope to one day have enough money to hire a regular cleaning service. We had our old house professionally cleaned before we put it on the market last year and it was sooooo worth it.

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lol i'll probably wind up getting a cleaning service when i live alone. just for maintenance and dusting! i hate dusting.

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hiring a cleaning service would be great, im jealous

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Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! <3



Also, it's gonna be 80+ degrees in Chicago today! :0

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yess!!! It's so nice, I'm enjoying it since I think it's going to thunder and be bad Thursday.

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You got: Ophelia (Hamlet)



Femme fatale! You're a little crazy, in a good way (kind of). You're a good person at heart, and very loyal, but in your remarkable beauty, a bit naive.

When convenient, get yourself to a nunnery. Learn how to swim.



https://www.buzzfeed.com/leehschwartz/design-a-castle-and-well-tell-you-which-shakespea-3ei9l?bfsource=bbf_enus&utm_term=.psR56x64r#.biPxl8ldJ



Edited at 2018-05-01 05:02 pm (UTC) Ophelia (Hamlet)Femme fatale! You're a little crazy, in a good way (kind of). You're a good person at heart, and very loyal, but in your remarkable beauty, a bit naive.When convenient, get yourself to a nunnery. Learn how to swim.

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You got: Hamlet (Hamlet)





To be or not to be! You are a basket case, a loner, and get wrapped up in depression and anxiety. Stroll through your castle alone, thinking about woes. You're pretty angsty, and a bit of a heartbreaker. Beware of poison swords.



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You got: Macbeth (Macbeth)



Oh brave and valiant Macbeth! Your ambition makes you powerful, but beware this same ambition. Some may call you evil or foolish, but you simply place your own wants and needs first, even if it is detrimental to those around you. You're an existential hero, and also secretly sensitive.



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You got: Hamlet (Hamlet)

To be or not to be! You are a basket case, a loner, and get wrapped up in depression and anxiety. Stroll through your castle alone, thinking about woes. You're pretty angsty, and a bit of a heartbreaker. Beware of poison swords.





lol yes

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You got: Viola (Twelfth Night)

Smart, strong and independent! Quite the hard-ass. But, you tend to make things more complicated than they are. You rely on yourself to solve your problems, but your weakness is soft boys.



Mostly accurate lmao

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You got: Ophelia (Hamlet)



Femme fatale! You're a little crazy, in a good way (kind of). You're a good person at heart, and very loyal, but in your remarkable beauty, a bit naive. When convenient, get yourself to a nunnery. Learn how to swim.



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You got: Hamlet (Hamlet)

To be or not to be! You are a basket case, a loner, and get wrapped up in depression and anxiety. Stroll through your castle alone, thinking about woes. You're pretty angsty, and a bit of a heartbreaker. Beware of poison swords.

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You got: Hamlet (Hamlet)



To be or not to be! You are a basket case, a loner, and get wrapped up in depression and anxiety. Stroll through your castle alone, thinking about woes. You're pretty angsty, and a bit of a heartbreaker. Beware of poison swords.



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You got: Macbeth (Macbeth)

Oh brave and valiant Macbeth! Your ambition makes you powerful, but beware this same ambition. Some may call you evil or foolish, but you simply place your own wants and needs first, even if it is detrimental to those around you. You're an existential hero, and also secretly sensitive.

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You got: Romeo (Romeo and Juliet)



A hopeless romantic! You're sensitive, which makes you a good person, and very likable, but you are also impulsive and let your emotions take control of you. You're overall a pretty popular guy with a lot of friends. Stop pining, and don't drink poison.





Not at all.

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Just being weird and sad y'all, trying to pump myself up for these dozens of calls I'm gonna have to make...

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yesterday i spilled meatloaf on my pants at work, and today i spilled coffee on my skirt. i'm done for the week.

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I hope that this is the month that I finally get a job I want.

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my sister doesnt know im flying in for her birthday so im looking fwd to surprising her :)

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Hopefully a job and/or getting to the half way point in my novel finally.

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the end of the semester

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Sleep

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all the national holidays

going abroad to see a friend next weekend

EUROVISION



I think May is gonna be a good month, at least if the weather doesn't insist on sucking all the way through

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Im going to Costa Rica end of the month with my husband. We are staying in an ecolodge in the middle of the rainforest so Im stoked!

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The person I'm covering for coming back so I can go back in my damn office.

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getting both my cc paid off. i paid off my visa today and my mastercard will be paid off on the 31st, wooo

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I hope that this is the month that I finally get a job, period.



I would say that I'm looking forward to Stars on Ice, but I'm not sure I can afford to see it. :'(

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I'm seeing Johnny Marr at the end of the month!

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SEEING FEVER RAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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same

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Sunshine! After all this snow and rain I just want some sun. I'm desperate to go out and plant flowers and veggies.

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Cold! I need the summer to go away.

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my raise kicks in later this month!

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same goals

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new restaurant opening near by, tattoo appointment, cousin stopping by for a week long visit

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finally getting laid after 5 months

The start of a somewhat meaningful relationship with no bullshit.





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same

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The farmer's market opening in my town

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Getting my (more or less) annual haircut. Noting fancy, just taking off the couple of inches that grew since last year's.

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i know i'll get through my revision and exams....because i have to....and i do every semester.....but it's always sf hard and makes me feel awful about myself while i struggle to hold all the relevant concepts in my head i know i'll get through my revision and exams....because i have to....and i do every semester.....but it's always sf hard and makes me feel awful about myself while i struggle to hold all the relevant concepts in my head

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Day 10 million of me being tired af, before I nap for 10 years I just wanna say the people getting mad at food blog is the funniest

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What's up

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also, it's like 80 degrees today and i just wanna be outside all day long

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My boyfriend and I have planned vacations together every month from now through the end of the year. I'm hoping it helps me survive my boring job

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I woke up late... at around 11 lol. At some point Im gonna need to take a shower but until then Im gonna try and catch up on my writing since I havent done any for a few days due to feeling bad.

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Help me. Over the weekend, YouTube recommended clips of my 600 pound life (due to me watching 90 Day Fiance) and I watched hours and hours of them.

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It really sucks you in. Have you discovered Steve Assanti yt?

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I saw the clip where he was going cross country and his dad didn't want to keep stopping for food. However, I think I'm just going to sit down and watch the whole episodes that include him because oh boy, he's a brat.

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Oh god, I have fallen into that hole before. If I recall correctly, it was the other way around for me My 600 Lb Life pulled me into 90 Day Fiance.

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haha, i love that show. i watched it a ton while i was in the hospital for a week. the nurses loved it too.

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I'm ready for the new season of 90 Day Fiance - Happily Ever After



I change the channel when the 600lb Life commercials come on - cant sit through full episodes

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I have 45 days until I leave for vacation and I have scheduled every single work out until I leave. God help me lmao. I'm determined to just be fit and tone up some before I leave.

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LinkYessss moar posts lol



I really appreciate Tom and learning about his improvisation. Makes me proud as a big Spider-Man fan.



Edited at 2018-05-01 07:47 pm (UTC)

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Right?! His version of Spidey isn't even my favorite (by a pretty wide margin), but I can admit he's a pretty great actor and has pulled off some truly classic moments as the character.

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Who was your favorite portrayal? Mine always changes because honestly, they're all so different.

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that scene destroyed me, and to find out that he improvised that.

wow. youngest cast member, acting out ppl like rdj and cucumberpatch

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damn, tom holland improvised the lines? wow. kid is good.



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I think it shows he's the best Peter Parker ever cast

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true

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seriously

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Yup..can't disagree. And to think how many people complained (including me) when he was cast.

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Agreed. I've never liked any of the Spider-man films until the one with him. And when I saw the schoolbus I knew it meant we'd see him and I actually clapped and was all, 'yay, Spidey!' to myself. I LOVE his Peter/Spiderman. They FINALLY got it right.

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i think taika would have lost his shit if they got rid of his val

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[ Link to spoiler ] He's a Skrull right? There's no other reason to have William Hurt keep popping up in cameo roles unless they're planning something bigger down the line. I'm guessing Skrull + Phase 4 leads to Secret Invasion. Finally a post so I can discuss my General Ross theory.

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What

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ]



IDK, just seems so weird to me to have Ross continue to show up in these bit parts without a payoff. Captain Marvel basically gives the filmmakers the opportunity to introduce Skrulls and their shape shifting. Since Ross would have been around at this point (though I have no idea if he is in the film) he seems like a good candidate. Plus you give William Hurt something more substantial to do. Skrulls are shapeshifting aliens that will be featured heavily in Captain Marvel. They also like to get into it with the Fantastic Four. One of Marvel's big crossover events was Secret Invasion, where a bunch of heroes were replaced by Skrulls https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_Invasion IDK, just seems so weird to me to have Ross continue to show up in these bit parts without a payoff. Captain Marvel basically gives the filmmakers the opportunity to introduce Skrulls and their shape shifting. Since Ross would have been around at this point (though I have no idea if he is in the film) he seems like a good candidate. Plus you give William Hurt something more substantial to do.

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[ spoiler ] Ohhhh, that would be awesome. I just really want to see Secret Invasion adapted someday :)

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idk, I think it's because they needed a tie with the government. I mean he probably is (which kinda means Liv Tyler is a skrull too?)

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Oooooh I hope this is true! I also hope the skrulls are experimenting on him in space and make him the Red Hulk!!

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Weren't the Skrulls the ones who seeded the Inhumans with that Terragen mist?

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he improvised that scene? damn. (i cannot spell for my life today)



Edited at 2018-05-01 07:50 pm (UTC)

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YASSSS!!! MY QUEEN VALKYRIE IS ALIVEEEEE!!! (I'm guessing she also survived the snap?)

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i imagine she's the only defense the surviving asgardians have, so i should hope so

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I will destroy the Russo's if they play that fucking game and she didn't survive the snap but escaped the damn ship lmao

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I was pretty indifferent to Holland's Spidey but this movie changed that, specifically *that* scene. He was so great.

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wow ngl i stared at your gif for a solid few minutes

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] That dream he was describing to Pepper about having a kid was definitely alluding to something right? Like it wasn't so much a dream as an alternate reality that's gonna come true in Avengers 4. The Russos are being all Lynchian and shiz Theory about Tony Stark

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] I know some ppl think something among those lines might happen bc they cast a teenage version of Ant-Mans daughter Cassie who was a Young Anger iirc, so maybe theyll do something with the children of heroes

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I assumed it was tied to Peter

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You were in the bathroom at the very beginning of the movie? lol

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] I mean, there's a theory going around on Tumblr about Nat being pregnant with Steve's kid because she touched her stomach when she reached Steve at the end, so I don't know what to think anymore because Cassie is also gonna be a teenager on Avengers 4.

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Did anyone hear about the Hawkeye is Ronin theory?



Why are people trying to make him relevant? Why doesn't he just stay away?

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ]







Edited at 2018-05-01 08:03 pm (UTC) that theory came from that one photo I put it under cut because it might be too big and russo brothers said he and ant-man will have a huge role in av4

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damn i was hoping he wouldn't be in the next one either lol

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[ Link to spoiler ] a full sleeve tattoo, which IIRC was Ronin's thing. There is another photo of him out there where he has

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I know the Russos said he's have a bigger part but idk about the Ronin theory.

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i fucking love hawkeye

talk about badass

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I wouldn't have a problem with Hawkeye if anything besides Jeremy Renner were playing him

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Hawkeye in his comic books is seriously a great character. If he got written better and not played by Jeremy Renner I think he would have been insanely popular. I just need them to use him so that Kate can be introduced.

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i like my theory where valkyrie escapes asgard and finds love with...janelle monae

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She could play Moondragon

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omg YES! someone tell james gunn to execute this RIGHT NOW

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Dirty computer and IW exist in the same universe

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The fact it was improvised, jfc... I can't stop thinking about it, it RUINED me

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You're not cute with that GIF, OP, the wound is still too fresh :(

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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] seeing how over team iron man was about the accords. its completely irrational but I felt like I won. and then Steve basically telling Ross to fuck off...it was everything #teamcapforever One thing that was really fucking satisfying in IW was

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with the whole beard look and black armour, ross was probably filling his pants lol

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"I'm not looking for forgiveness and I'm long past asking for permission."

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YASS mte

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Oh it was so so satisfying. After two years of dealing with some parts of fandom using the Accords as some sort of bludgeon against Steve it was so amazing to see the movies basically show "See Steve and Sam were RIGHT about the Accords", and they stated their reasons for it very respectfully and never tried to force anyone to agree with them or blackmail with proper medical care for someone they care about(when it should have been a right, not something Bucky only got based on whether Steve signed the Accords) or say, withhold information from a teenager and bribe him to fight on his side).



Whereas Tony basically tried to bully and guilt them into signing it and then some of his fans ignoring all the issues we see with the Accords in Civil War(including Tony himself BREAKING them twice and suffering no consequences for it, while Team Cap was left in the Raft to rot, for doing the same thing, if Steve hadn't made it his priority to break them out).

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yeah i have no idea why people have been pissed that we didn't get xander. like, do we really need to see it in addition to everything else? people are already complaining that there was too much going on.

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The problem is that Marvel was making a big deal of keeping track of where the infinity stones were, so when Thanos shows up at the beginning of the movie with one already in his power it feels kind of lame.



Also they basically killed Glenn Close off screen!

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one reviewer said he was sad they didn't get it but understood why it was left out. but half of xandar is left, right? that's how thanos operates, so it leaves it open for a return of later, right?



Edited at 2018-05-01 11:32 pm (UTC)

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john c reily lives !!!

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oh thanks for adding that gif op



thanks

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LinkTalk about your mood whiplash.

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I want new teeth. How do I get veneers? My teeth shifted when I got my braces off lmao. My teeth are yellowing too :(

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Just get them whitened? I'd opt for invisalign before I'd get veneers, they're tens of thousands of dollars.

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I'm having to do a different version of Invsalign, called Clear Correct since my wisdom teeth pushed everything and made my teeth crooked again. It's the devil. My husband's stepsister is doing the Invisalign and her trays are thin and not even noticeable. When mine are so damn painful and annoying and have made my teeth way worse. 0/10 would not recommend.

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Veneers are not permanent, you often have to have them replaced every ten years



if you're say in your twenties you're talking about a $10,000 cost every ten years for the rest of your life



you're better off finding a good dentist and orthodontist if you can

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do you own an electric toothbrush? those whiten your teeth & keep them really clean.

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agree w/ others about seeing an orthodontist

also crest whitestrips bb! my teeth are sensitive, so i use the 30 min ones every other day & i swear i see a difference after the 1st use

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Sweet Prince of SNL





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Mte jim..mte

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5k on SNEAKERS???? Currently Im rocking $40 CAD adidas sneaks from the outlet mall. Damn I cant even imagine. I thought snl paid shit? Also hes the new jimmy fallon of snl. That is not a compliment

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i feel like that's an unfair comparison but idk who it's unfair to, jimmy fallon for actually being a" thing" during snl - like like he actually did bits and had memorable characters, i feel like davidson shows up once or twice per episode lol and the only time any1 notices is when he's just doing standup during weekend update - or pete davidson for being funnier than fallon regardless



also i feel u lol i bought two pairs of adidas for under 100 bucks and now i tell everyone i'm a sneakerhead and they're like "bitch what..."

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But he's buying at resale for these shoes. When they initially came out, they would've been around $150-250 USD. Shoe resale market is insane.



But I understand the struggle for paying $5k on sneakers. I'm a sneakerhead and I might have spent close to that in a 2 year period.

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lmao op i know you said it was random but i still thought there'd be some transition to it not just like I SPENT 4000 DOLLARS ON SHOES AND ALSO MY OLD HS PRINCIPAL MOLESTS KIDS ON HIS BOAT

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i want these but they already dropped in us. they are dropping in eu on may 3.







the new air jordan 1s came out today. i did not enter any raffles. they have suede on them and not sure on the longevity.







then i saw sza was promoting air jordan 1s that are like a remix.







she is also doing promo for a satin air jordan 1 shattered blackboard. if you get that resale on that will be good for higher sizes because guys will want that pair of shoes. legit. satin air jordan 1 banned resale on it ranges from $2200-$5000. i don't even know what the stock for those will be like.











I don't like his shoe choices.i want these but they already dropped in us. they are dropping in eu on may 3.the new air jordan 1s came out today. i did not enter any raffles. they have suede on them and not sure on the longevity.then i saw sza was promoting air jordan 1s that are like a remix.she is also doing promo for a satin air jordan 1 shattered blackboard. if you get that resale on that will be good for higher sizes because guys will want that pair of shoes. legit. satin air jordan 1 banned resale on it ranges from $2200-$5000. i don't even know what the stock for those will be like.

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my latest pickup.

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Ooh I like that.

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ik most of the ppl who buy shoes like this are loaded and so they dgaf if they get ruined but i can't imagine spending 300+ dollars on sneakers or whatever, what happens if it rains?! what happens if i get dirt on them? will ppl judge me for taking them off in the middle of the street and rocking back and forth in the fetal position w them clutched to my chest?

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I wanted those watermelon AM1s pretty bad but after a crazy March and April I made a new rule that any time I come close to buying a new pair of shoes, I send that money to my student loan instead. It sucks. I hate it.



But I did get the South Beach AM97s before I made the rule, so there's that.

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Also how can you not like those Jordan 3s, they are classic! Uptempos aren't my thing but the 3s and the collabs are nice.

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what are the best sites/sources to keep track of releases...i feel like i'm always a month behind because all i do is follow Sneaker News on twitter

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dude looks like the crypt keeper and i get bad vibes from him..

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I wear flip flops/sandals basically every day, and just wear sneakers for the gym and stuff. Also I don't watch SNL but this guy is kind of annoying

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jfc i just spent $200 on shoes for work and i have buyer's remorse 



as far as HS goes, my class ('07) and '08 basically ran off our principal at the time. he was a former military school principal from canada and got his kids into the magnet program as sophomores/juniors so everyone was pissed off. then he tried to run us as a military school and no one was havin it. he ended up firing 2 or 3 popular teachers and yeah... no one liked him. i think he lasted a year. i found out yesterday the *NEW* principal is tearing down our gyn that was named after a coach that got murdered by her daughter's ex boyfriend. alums as PISSED. AS. FUCK.

the husband still works there.

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this comment took a turn too lol

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WAAAAIIIT I feel like I saw an investigation discovery thing about the coach..didnt her ex shoot him in their home and then killed himself?

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I got a few things wrong -

The mother ( coach speech teacher) and her daughter got shot and died, the new BF survived. The son currently works at my alma mater.



https://www.myplainview.com/news/article/Life-in-prison-for-man-convicted-in-2000-double-8854509.php Hm, I just google'd it and couldn't find any Forensic Files/48Hrs-type show on this case.I got a few things wrong -The mother (speech teacher) and her daughter got shot and died, the new BF survived. The son currently works at my alma mater.

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why are popular sneakers so ugly? someone explain

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straight men

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The 90's are back

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IA and I feel like the back of your shoe will get caught when you're walking down stairs

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he looks like he is ill in that thumbnail on the video. :-/

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that's just his face

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well what he said about the principal is disturbing

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all of those shoes are so ugly

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MTE

Thank you. The audacity to mock other sneakers but then say these look good... I honestly cannot.

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I give him a lot of credit for using SNL to talk about his mental illness and while he's obviously being humourous, a lot of it is really idk how to explain it, he's not sanitizing a lot of it and it's a good thing.

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LinkThe Dominican Republic and China announced Tuesday they were establishing diplomatic relations as the Caribbean country became the latest nation to dump Taiwan, leaving it with just 19 diplomatic allies around the globe. Taipei said it was "deeply upset" at the decision, which it blamed on "dollar diplomacy". The move deepens the island's international isolation while its giant neighbour flexes its economic and political might on the global stage. The Dominican Republic said it believed its switch to ties with China would be "extraordinarily positive for the future of our country", in an official statement. "The Dominican Republic recognises that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory," it added. Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy which sees itself as a sovereign nation but has never formally declared independence from the mainland. Beijing considers it a renegade province to be brought back into the fold and is increasing international pressure to prevent any recognition of the island. Beijing announced Tuesday morning that it would exchange ambassadors with the Dominican Republic "as soon as practicable". Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said the government "deeply regrets that Dominican Republic and China established ties on May 1". Wu said the ministry "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's diplomatic allies" and accused Beijing of failing to honour its promises to those countries it had wooed away. Its actions had damaged cross-strait relations and eroded trust, said Wu, who blamed China's financial incentives for ending Taiwan's 77-year alliance with the Dominican Republic. The foreign ministry had summoned the Caribbean country's ambassador to deliver a protest and tell him to close the embassy, Wu said. - Vatican next? - Taiwan now has 19 diplomatic allies left -- 10 in Latin America and the Caribbean, two in Africa, six small island nations in the Pacific and the Vatican. Beijing and the Holy See severed diplomatic relations in 1951 and remain at odds over who should appoint bishops. But an apparent warming of relations between China and the Vatican -- considered Taiwan's most powerful remaining official ally -- has triggered concerns that the Holy See may also switch allegiance in what would be a crushing blow to Taipei. Wu insisted that ties with the Holy See "would not be in immediate danger" even if there were a breakthrough agreement on designating bishops in China. In June last year Panama cut ties with Taipei to open relations with Beijing while Costa Rica did so in 2007. "This latest development is proof, yet again, that Taiwan needs to focus its energies developing solid and multifaceted ties with unofficial diplomatic allies," said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottingham's China Policy Institute. The Dominican Republic joins a long list of small countries that "in a heartbeat will throw principle out the window for the sake of getting more from China", Cole added. Taipei's Mainland Affairs Council slammed the Dominican Republic's move, blaming Beijing for undermining cross-strait ties. "We call on China to immediately stop provocative actions of exerting extreme political and military pressure on Taiwan," it said. - 'A warning' - The government of President Tsai Ing-wen is trying to enhance Taiwan's international profile but faces a concerted attempt by Beijing to shrink its space on global platforms. Taiwan is regularly shut out of influential forums as organisers come under pressure from Beijing. Mainland China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949, when the defeated Nationalist government fled to the island. Beijing has consistently said it wants Tsai to recognise that Taiwan is part of "one China" but she has not done so. Comments by premier William Lai expressing his personal support for Taiwan's independence have further riled Beijing. "Given the current cross-strait political climate, things like this (losing an ally) are bound to happen sooner or later, it's just a matter of when and which country," said political analyst Tang Shao-cheng at the National Chengchi University in Taipei. "The timing of China establishing ties with the Dominican Republic is meant as a warning for Taiwan not to cross the red line to show support for Taiwan independence, since (Beijing's) recent verbal intimidation and sabre-rattling did not yield desirable results," she said. burs/lm/smSri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena on Tuesday reinstated his justice minister, who was sacked nine months ago for publicly criticising a billion-dollar deal to lease a loss-making harbour to China. Former justice minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was sworn into cabinet with the higher education and culture portfolios, in a reshuffle prompted by the resignation of six ministers last month. Sirisena's office did not say why Rajapakshe was brought back into the fold despite his sacking last August. Rajapakshe had been forced out of the cabinet after criticising the controversial $1.1 billion lease of a loss-making deep sea port to China. He was also accused by his own party of delaying the prosecution of former government figures accused of murder and corruption under former president Mahinda Rajapakse, who led the country through the conclusion of a decades-long civil war until his ouster in a 2015 poll. Sirisena won that election with the support of current prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe but the relationship between the two men has since broken down, with Sirisena accusing Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) of corruption. Wickremesinghe, who stared down calls for his resignation after a disappointing showing in February local elections, also survived an impeachment attempt last month. Despite tensions between the two men, both kept their respective portfolios in Tuesday's reshuffle, with Sirisena helming the defence ministry and Wickremesinghe retaining his economic affairs responsibilities. Former president Rajapakse, whose family continues to wield enormous influence in Sri Lanka, won a decisive victory over members of the ruling coalition in the February polls and has demanded a snap general election.Endangered red pandas found in Tehrathum

Red pandas, the shy and charismatic endangered mammal species, have been found in Tinjure-Milke-Jaljala forest area in Tehrathum, Sankhuwasabha and Taplejung districts.Some of the study participants were shown one of the two doctor's offices above. The office on the left featured angular shapes and the office on the right had circular shapes. This was the busy office. Others saw an office that wasn't busy. Credit: Ohio State University

When you're waiting in a busy restaurant or doctor's office, it may matter whether the tables, light fixtures and other objects are round or square.

In a laboratory study, researchers found the shape of physical objects in a service business affected customer satisfaction, depending on how crowded the business was in the experimental scenarios.

Angular shapes suggested competence to customers, which increased their level of satisfaction when the business was busy. In contrast, circles suggested friendliness and warmth to customers, which increased their satisfaction when the business was not crowded.

"Just manipulating this subtle environmental cue had an influence on customer satisfaction in our study," said Stephanie Liu, lead author of the research and assistant professor of consumer sciences at The Ohio State University.

The findings may seem odd, but the effect of shapes on people has long been studied in fields such as psychology, marketing and architecture, said Vanja Bogicevic, co-author of the study and a doctoral student in consumer sciences at Ohio State.

"For example, circles and angles are used in very deliberate ways in urban design to convey meaning," said Bogicevic, who is a former architect.

Circles are a signal of warmth due to their resemblance to the sun, and suggest harmony and friendliness. Hard angles are generally found in human-made objects - think street grids in cities - and so have an association with competence, toughness and strength.

This is the first time researchers have explored the impact of circular and angular shapes on consumer response in the service industry, according to Liu.

The study appears online in the Journal of Business Research and will be published in the August 2018 print edition. Liu and Bogicevic conducted the study with Anna Mattila, a professor at Pennsylvania State University.

The researchers did two related studies.

The first study involved 166 adults who participated online. They were given a scenario in which they imagined themselves eating at a restaurant named Tarragon with a friend. Half the people were shown pictures around the restaurant in which the restaurant logo, ceiling lights, a flower vase, candles, wall paintings and tables all had rounded shapes. The other half saw the same objects, but they all had straight lines and sharp corners.

Some participants were told there were no customers in the waiting area, while others were told it was crowded.

The rest of the scenario was the same for all participants and described a pleasant meal with good food and fast service.

After reading the scenario, all participants were asked how they thought they would rate their server in terms of warmth and friendliness and in terms of competence.

Participants were then asked several questions in which they rated how satisfied they thought they would be in this scenario and how likely they would be to recommend this restaurant to others and to visit again.

Remember, the only way the scenarios differed for study participants was how crowded the restaurant was, and the shape of the physical objects in the space.

But those two factors interacted in a way that had a significant effect on how they rated their satisfaction with and loyalty to the restaurant, Liu said.

When the restaurant was not busy, participants who saw the environment with the rounded edges reported higher levels of satisfaction and loyalty. But when the restaurant was busy, the angular environment led to more satisfaction and loyalty.

Why was that? When the restaurant was not busy, the circular shapes focused customers' attention on the warmth and friendliness of their server, which then led to more satisfaction, Liu said.

But when the restaurant was busy, it was the angular shapes that were more likely to prompt participants to rate their server as competent, which led to higher levels of satisfaction.

"We used shapes to influence perceptions about the employees' behavior," Liu said. "The shapes helped determine what the participants focused on."

A second study replicated the results with a different group of participants - 245 university faculty, staff and students - and a different scenario, this being a visit to a health care facility to be treated for an illness.

The results were the same as the first study, Liu said.

These findings fit neatly into the growing body of research on sensory marketing, which examines how things like color, touch and smell all influence consumer perceptions, attitude and behavior.

"The effect of shape on consumers is a new direction for sensory marketing," Bogicevic said.

Liu said the study suggests one way that service businesses can provide fast service to many customers while still maintaining customer satisfaction.

"The physical environment of service businesses can be designed in such a way as to maximize customer satisfaction. Shapes are an important part of that," Liu said.

More information: Stephanie Q. Liu et al. Circular vs. angular servicescape: "Shaping" customer response to a fast service encounter pace, Journal of Business Research (2018). Journal information: Journal of Business Research Stephanie Q. Liu et al. Circular vs. angular servicescape: "Shaping" customer response to a fast service encounter pace,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.04.007Pulsating intense colors, a visualization tool developed by the US Army Research Laboratory indicates how well two people's brains are synchronized during a real-world experiment. Credit: US Army photo by David McNally

The battlefield of the future will be complex, with mountains of data moving rapidly between commanders, operations centers and the joint warfighter. In this multi-faceted environment, Army researchers and their partners are seeking solutions.

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory formed an alliance in 2010 with universities and industry to enable "revolutionary advances" in Soldier systems technology by merging neuroscience, psychology, engineering and human factors to deliver those solutions.

"Humans simply cannot process the amount of information that is potentially available," said Dr. Jonathan Touryan, the collaborative alliance manager and a neuroscientist at the lab's Human Research and Engineering Directorate at APG. "Yet, humans remain unmatched in their ability to adapt in complex and dynamic situation, such as a battlefield environment. We need a greater capability to be able to estimate and predict human variability, behavior and intent across different contexts."

Touryan said the researchers are working on new technologies that will enable more seamless integration with intelligent agents, that take advantage of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

"In theory, intelligent agents will have parallel computational power that is much greater than that of humans," he said. "In developing human-agent integration principles, we hope to accentuate the strengths of both while mitigating individual weaknesses."

Army researchers test a driver's reaction to distractions in a virtual reality computer simulation. The experiment provides data to scientists who may be able to offer solutions to mitigate the distractions and help Soldiers to complete their missions. Credit: US Army photo by David McNally

The alliance, which will continue for two more years, recently held a biennial research management board where laboratory leadership and their partners looked at progress so far and envisioned the path ahead.

"This Alliance is about taking all that we have learned in the field of neuroscience and neurotechnology and moving that out of the laboratory and putting it in the real-worldArmy relevant contexts and real-world environments," Touryan said.

During the review, attendees watched demonstrations of research successes, such as a study to gauge how effective communications can be in a life and death situation. Outfitted with a sensors looking at the body and in particular the brain, a driver and passenger drove up and down a busy expressway while the passenger communicated information.

"What we're interested in doing is understanding whether we can look at the synchrony between the physiologiesthe brain response or the heart rate responsebetween the driver and passenger, and use that synchrony to predict whether the driver is going to remember the information the passenger is telling them after the drive is over," said Dr. Jean Vettel, an Army neuroscientist. "We need a greater capability to be able to estimate and predict human variability, behavior and intent across different contexts. This means people, individuals, environments and groups."

The experiment also used a unique visualization tool developed at the laboratory. Known as CLIVE, or Customizable Lighting Interface for the Visualization of EEGsor brainwavesthe tool shows how well two brains are synchronized.

Credit: The Army Research Laboratory

"As CLIVE was showing this synchronization across the brain, we know as neuroscientists that certain brain regions are implicated in particular tasks," said Dr. Javier Garcia, an Army neuroscientist. "Whenever it is yellow that means there is high synchrony at that particular brain region between the passenger and driver. Whenever it's blue, there's low synchrony between the passenger and the driver."

With 244 individual LED lights, CLIVE can portray many colors and intensities.

"One of the challenges is that it's often very difficult for us to explain or visualize what's going on inside people's brains to other people who are non-scientists," said Dr. David Hairston, an Army neuroscientist. "This was a creative way that we came up with to show people what's actually going on inside someone's head when they're doing different types of activities."

In another demonstration, a participant with brainwave sensors participated in a computer simulation while researchers introduced external distractions and measured how her brain reacted.

"That is a tremendous challenge because these are very subtle electrical signals that can be swamped by a whole number of other processes physical movement or changes in the environmentand we've developed technologies that enable us to measure these signals, both on the physical sensor side as well as through signal processing," Touryan said.

As a basic science research program with many potential applications, the scientists said it is challenging to know exactly how their research will translate into technology in the future Army.

"Within the current Army mission-space, as autonomous systems become more prevalent, an increasing cognitive burden is going to be placed on the Soldier as they engage with autonomous systems and maintain situational awareness," Touryan said. The more we can understand how the brain processes this information the better we'll understand how to communicate with other intelligent agents."

The alliance, officially known as the Cognition and Neuroergonomics Collaborative Technology Alliance, has seven principal organizations as consortium members and a number of institutions as sub-awardees. They are primarily academic institutions like the University of Florida, the University of California San Diego, Columbia University and the University of Texas, San Antonio as well as international partners and a number of smaller programs with other universities and small businesses.

"Collaboration is, I think, essential because our academic partners have a broad understanding of the scientific problem-space - they have unique insights and resources so they make excellent partners when executing basic science research," Touryan said. "We (ARL) provide complementary expertise and understanding within the Army problem-space and the critical gaps that need to be addressed in our research. Together we can develop combined project plans and research programs that push the science forward in a way that leads to technology transition that will be useful in future Soldier systems."

Explore further Industry expected to advance research innovated by Army-led science consortiumThe EU has indicated British companies could be blocked from bidding for contracts on Galileo, its 9 billion (10 billion euros, $12 billion) satellite system developed to rival America's GPS

Britain will explore developing and launching its own satellite navigation system, Downing Street announced on Tuesday, amid doubt over its future inclusion in a key European project after Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May has created a taskforce of engineering and aerospace experts led by the UK Space Agency "to develop options for a British Global Navigation Satellite System that would guide missiles and power satnavs", No. 10 said.

The team will examine providing both civilian and encrypted signals to give any British system similar commercial and security capabilities as the dominant US GPS system, it added.

The EU has indicated British companies could be blocked from bidding for contracts on Galileo, its 9 billion (10 billion euros, $12 billion) satellite system developed to rival America's GPS.

Britain played a major role in the development of the system, which is expected to be fully operational in 2026, and has argued it should be able to continue taking part as a full member after leaving the EU in March next year.

But London appears to be losing the argument.

The bloc decided earlier this year to move one of Galileo's satellite monitoring bases from Britain to Spain after Brexit to "preserve security".

A Downing Street source said: "We want full access to Galileo, including the crucial secure elements that will help guide British missiles should they be needed to keep us all safe.

"But if we don't get access, we will find an alternative."

Britain will be able to use Galileo's open signal, but its armed forces and emergency services may be denied access to an encrypted system when it is fully operational in 2026.

Business Secretary Greg Clark wrote to the EU Commission last month expressing concern about Britain's possible post-Brexit exclusion from the secure elements.

Specialists from government and private industry will take part in the new taskforce, with the aim of launching a British system by the mid-2020s, Downing Street said.

The system would utilise the country's Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies to provide the global network of locations necessary for the ground-based infrastructure, No. 10 added.

These British territories currently house equipment needed for the running of the EU's Galileo system, it noted.

A recent government review estimated that a failure of navigation satellite service could cost the British economy 1 billion a day, with defence, critical national infrastructure and emergency response all reliant on the technology.

Britain is a world-leader in developing satellite technology, building 40 percent of the world's small satellites and one in four telecommunications satellites, with Glasgow behind more than any other European city.

Explore further Brexit costs Britain data center for Europe's satnav system

 2018 AFPAstronaut Clay Anderson examines a carousel holding material samples in preparation for a smoke detection experiment aboard the International Space Station. Credit: NASA

What had been a peaceful and productive mission for the six men aboard the Russian space station Mir, including U.S. astronaut Jerry Linenger, nearly became a tragic nightmare during the evening of Feb. 24, 1997. A lithium-perchlorate canister, designed to generate oxygen via a chemical reaction, suddenly burst into flames when activated. Although the fire was quickly subdued, a dense, life-threatening smokedifferent in form and movement from its gravity bound counterpart on Earthrapidly filled the station. Being confined in a limited area 360 kilometers (224 miles) above the nearest fire brigade made the situation even more precarious. "You can't just open a window to ventilate the room," commented cosmonaut Aleksandr Lazutkin in a NASA report about the incident.

Fortunately, logical thinking and quick action by the Mir crew limited the fire's impact and prevented any injuries or smoke-related complications from occurring. But the lessons learned that day haven't been forgotten by NASA. Working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) since 2002, the space agency has been intensely studying the behavior of smoke in microgravity as the foundation for developing fast, sensitive and reliable methods for detecting it during spaceflight. In a new paper in Fire Safety Journal (FSJ), a team of NASA and NIST researchers describe how they looked at the smoke particles produced by five materials commonly used aboard crewed spacecraft, defined their characteristics and evaluated how well they could be detected by two traditional systems.

Because not all of the particles were consistently detected, the researchers recommend that "the next generation of spacecraft fire detectors must be improved and tested against smoke from relevant space materials."

Detecting a fire in space requires a very different process than on Earth. Here, buoyancywhich is dependent on gravitycauses hot gases to rise and makes a flame extend into a long and pointed shape. Smoke particles rise as well, which is why we place detectors on the ceiling. In microgravity, there is no buoyancy, so flames are spherical in shape with the smoke often aggregating into large particles or long chains that spread in all directions. Therefore, smoke detectors on the International Space Station (ISS) and other modern spacecraft are placed within the ventilation system rather than on a compartment wall (There is no "up and down" in a spacecraft to define a ceiling anyway.).

Additionally, the materials aboard a spacecraft that might become fuel for a fire are not the same as potential combustibles in terrestrial environments. This means the smoke generated by a fire in microgravity also may have different properties depending on the source, and those traits must be considered when designing effective smoke detectors for crewed vehicles.

Four of the five materials used to produce smoke particles in experiments aboard the International Space Station. From left to right: cellulose (cotton fiber), Kapton (polymer for thermal insulation), silicone rubber (for seals and gaskets) and Teflon (for insulating wires). Not pictured: Pyrell (polyurethane foam for packing). Wires conduct electricity which heats the samples and generates smoke. Credit: Michael E. Newman/NIST

To scientifically define the characteristics and behavior of smoke particles in space, NASA and NIST conducted the Smoke and Aerosol Measurement Experiment (SAME) aboard the ISS. The findings from this long-term study are discussed in the new FSJ paper.

SAME investigated the smoke particles produced by five materials commonly found aboard spacecraft: cellulose, in the form of a cotton lamp wick; Kapton, a polymer used for thermal insulation; silicone rubber, used in seals and gaskets; Teflon, used in insulating wires; and Pyrell, a polyurethane foam used for packing items to survive the forces of launch and re-entry.

The samples, wrapped in wire filaments, were loaded by an ISS astronaut into a rotatable carousel enclosed within one of the station's gloveboxes. A software program would then apply electrical current to the wires to heat the materials and produce smoke. The smoke was then "aged" in a chamber to simulate the time it would take to build up in a real fire scenario. In each of the SAME runs, the aged smoke was directed to six devices: a sample collector (for electron microscopic analysis on Earth that defined the morphology of the smoke particles), a particle counter, a commercial smoke detector and a mass monitor used to measure particle size, and two different spacecraft smoke detectors, the ionization model used during the space shuttle program and the photoelectric system now aboard the ISS.

"By controlling and changing three factors: the rate of sample heating, the airflow passing around the heated material and the age of the smoke generated, we obtained valuable data about smoke from a variety of possible fire conditions," said Tom Cleary, an author on the FSJ paper and the NIST engineer who calibrated the equipment used in SAME.

Evaluating the performance of the current ISS smoke detector yielded a somewhat disturbing finding.

A candle flame in Earth's gravity (left) and microgravity (right) showing the difference in their combustion. In gravity, the flame is long and pointed; in microgravity, it is spherical. Credit: NASA Johnson Space Center

"The large smoke particles produced by overheating the cellulose, silicone and Pyrell samples were easily picked up by the light-scattering photoelectric ISS detector," said Marit Meyer, a research aerospace engineer at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and lead author on the FSJ paper. "However, it frequently failed to detect the smaller smoke particles from Teflon and Kapton, a big concern because both materials are extensively used in electronics which is the most likely source of fire and smoke in space."

Meyer added that the older ionization detector from the space shuttle era fared only slightly better for Teflon smoke.

"Considering the wide array of materials and heating conditions possible in a spacecraft fire, as well as the complications from background aerosols in the cabin environment such as dust, we concluded that no single smoke detection method currently available is sensitive enough to detect all possible smoke particle sizes," she said. "More research is needed to better understand how fires behave in microgravity, and in turn, how best to detect them as early as possible by whatever type of smoke they create."

Helping provide that knowledge is the goal of the next-level NASA fire study, the Spacecraft Fire Experiment, also known as Saffire. During three tests conducted in 2016 and 2017, unmanned ISS cargo vessels at the end of their missions were turned into orbiting fire laboratories, complete with probes, sensors, cameras and other sophisticated devices. Ground crews remotely ignited the Saffire fuel samples, monitored the progress of the test, and collected the fire data produced. Each experiment fittingly ended with the vehicle burning up in Earth's atmosphere.

Three more Saffire burns are scheduled for 2019 and 2020, which also will include smoke particle measurements. As with SAME, NIST's Cleary calibrates all the smoke particle instruments used in the program.

Explore further Change your smoke detector batteries when you change your clocks

More information: Marit E. Meyer et al, Evaluation of spacecraft smoke detector performance in the low-gravity environment, Fire Safety Journal (2018). Marit E. Meyer et al, Evaluation of spacecraft smoke detector performance in the low-gravity environment,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.firesaf.2018.04.004The first class of the "MIT and Slavery" undergraduate research project ran in the fall of 2017. Set in motion by MIT President L. Rafael Reif with Melissa Nobles, the Kenan Sahin Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the course was developed and taught by Craig Steven Wilderthe Barton L. Weller Professor of History and the nation's leading expert on the links between universities and slaveryin collaboration with Nora Murphy, the MIT archivist for Researcher Services.

The findings from the initial class include insights about MIT's role in the post-Civil War era of Reconstruction; examples of racism in the culture of the early campus; and the fact that MIT's founder, William Barton Rogers, had six enslaved people in his Virginia household, before he moved to Massachusetts in 1853. The findings also suggest new lines of research that will enable MIT to contribute to a larger national conversation about still hidden legacies of slavery, especially the relationship between the Atlantic slave economies, the fields of science and engineering, and U.S. technical institutions.

As the "MIT and Slavery" research continues over the coming semesters, MIT is also conducting a community dialogue series, MIT and the Legacy of Slavery, led by Dean Melissa Nobles. The dialogues are an opening chapter in MIT's commitment to researching this history and making it public. A series of events will create campus-wide and community-wide opportunities for shared discussions of the findings and our responses. The first event in this series was held in February, and the second, The Task of History, takes place Thursday, May 3, 5-7 p.m.

SHASS Communications spoke with Nobles and Wilder to hear their thoughts about the ongoing research project and the community dialogue series.

Q: MIT's approach to exploring the Institute's historical relationship to slavery is unfolding somewhat differently than the process at other universities. Can you describe MIT's approach, and what it means for the community and the Institute's responses to the research findings?

Wilder: Our undergraduate students are engaged in an ongoing research project examining MIT's ties to slavery. As I like to note, MIT students are rewriting the history of MIT for MIT. Their focus on the early history of the Institute allows us to explore the connections between engineering, science, and slavery in antebellum America, which will make a significant and new contribution to the work being done by the dozens of universities that are now researching their historical ties to slavery. MIT is uniquely positioned to lead the research on this subject.

Nobles: It has been 15 years since Brown University launched its three year study of the university's historical connections to slavery. Since then, several other colleges and universities, including Georgetown, Harvard, and Yale, have taken up similar multi-year studies. Three key features distinguish our project from these earlier effortsto which we are indebted for the precedents they provide.

The first is that rather than the research project starting unofficially and at the faculty level, in this case President Reif and I initiated the process, consulting with MIT historian Craig Steven Wilder about the best way to respond to inquiries about MIT's connections to slavery. Neither the president nor I knew the answers to those questions. But we did appreciate our great good fortune in being able to turn to Craig, the nationally recognized expert on the relationship of slavery and American higher education and the author of "Ebony and Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America's Universities." Craig recommended an innovative approach, which he then developed with Archivist Nora Murphy: a new, ongoing MIT undergraduate research class to explore this aspect of MIT's story. President Reif and I provide resources and support.

The second distinctive quality, which flows from the first, has to do with timing. The norm at other universities is that some years of research predate the public release of the findings. By contrast, MIT announced the initial findings only a few months into the project and will continue releasing new findings each term. This means that the MIT community as a whole has the opportunity to be involved in this endeavor in real-time, as the research matures, learning from the emerging findingsand making informed suggestions for potential official Institute responses. We do not know what the research will find in full, nor what it will ask of us, and I envision a fluid process, one that can respond to new findings, as our community and leadership take the measure of this new dimension of MIT history.

The third distinctive aspect is our project's intellectual scope, whichby virtue of MIT's expertise in science and technologyalso allows us to explore a more far-reaching question: the connections between the development of scientific and technological knowledge and the institution of slavery and its legacies. The Institute's founding at the start of the Civil War in 1861 involves MIT in one of the earliest such legacies: the reconstruction of America's southern states, and new social, legal, and economic realities that arose in the transition from slave to free labor, some of which we continue to grapple with today.

Q: At President Reif's request, Dean Nobles is leading a series of community dialogues about the early findings from the "MIT and Slavery" class. What plans are there for this phase, and what do you hope the dialogues will produce?

Wilder: The community dialogues are an effort to bring the early and ongoing research from the "MIT and Slavery" course to the various constituencies on campus, to our alumni, and to people and institutions in the Cambridge-Boston area. Our history can help us make new and lasting connections to communities that neighbor MIT but remain separate from it. Dean Nobles is planning an exceptionally rich and inviting range of events and activities to anchor these community exchanges. The forums will provide opportunities for us to receive feedback on the project and to solicit opinions on how MIT can respond to this history as the research continues to unfold.

Nobles: I envision the community dialogues as fulfilling two purposes. The first, and most important, is to engage and deepen our collective understanding of the history and issues surrounding MIT, slavery, and Reconstruction, which was itself the immediate legacy of slavery. The second is to provide various ways by which the MIT community can engage with the ideas and questions raised by the research.

We will shape the dialogues to reflect and advance these two purposes. We will also organize activities, such as small group gatherings, film screenings, panel discussions, and other creative projects designed to encourage and catalyze conversation and reflection. We envision a number of activities each semester. One hope is that the dialogues will inspire MIT community members to incorporate the research findings, and the questions they raise, into their own thinking, teaching, and endeavors.

For example, during our February event, at which the first group of student-researchers announced their early findings, Alaisha Alexander '18 summoned the audience to a creative investigation. She asked that we all go back to our labs, libraries, and classrooms, and be newly alert for ways in which larger social issues, and specifically, racial issues, may be embedded or reflected in our fields. This strikes me as an extremely important question, one worth asking precisely because now, as in the past, larger social, political, and economic processes are inextricably connected to technological and scientific advances. Examining MIT's history and its connection to slavery allows us to think in new waysabout our past but also about the present and future.

And, of course, as the research and the dialogue series progress, we will always be interested in hearing from the MIT community. In addition to responses via emails and participation in scheduled events, we will set up a mechanism so that community members can contribute comments, ideas, suggestions, and insights.

Q: Alongside the MIT and Slavery project, Professor Wilder and others are engaged in creating a consortium of technical universities that will research broader questions of the relationship of the sci/tech fields to the institution of slavery and the U.S. slave economy. Do you envision ways that MIT faculty, students, and staff can participate in this broader research effort?

Wilder: The goal of the consortium is to bring several antebellum and Civil War-era engineering and science schools together to produce a more complete history of the rise of these fields in the Atlantic slave economy. The current plan is to have each school establish a research project that draws on its strengths and reflects its institutional needs. The consortium will help coordinate efforts and move resources between universities, and it will host regular conferences where participating faculty, archivists, librarians, and students can share their research.

Nobles: I am really looking forward to this multi-university research project because it will shine a bright light on long understudied dimensions of the historiography of slavery and of science and technology. For example, in most American history classes, we learn that the introduction of the mechanical cotton gin in the early 1800s exponentially transformed the productivity and hence profitability of cotton cultivation. This technological "advance" for productivity also meant, of course, an intensified need for slave labor, to grow and harvest ever-increasing amounts of cotton. Undoubtedly, the connections between science and technology with slavery go far deeper and wider than the cotton gin. The entanglement of the slave economy, science, and technology is a very rich topic area, and one that MIT is uniquely qualified to examine.

Explore further Using research to end modern slavery

More information: MIT and the Legacy of Slavery: MIT and the Legacy of Slavery: shass.mit.edu/news/news-2018-m  s-community-dialogue

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.Credit: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Trump administration recently announced a new policy that could vastly expand the sale of armed aerial drones, a specialty of Nicholas Grossman. The professor of political science at the University of Illinois teaches international relations and is the author of the new book "Drones and Terrorism: Asymmetric Warfare and the Threat to Global Security." He spoke with News Bureau social sciences editor Craig Chamberlain.

These weapons have given the U.S. a high-tech advantage on the battlefield and in counterterrorism, where their use has also often been controversial. Should we be concerned about a policy that allows for their wider sale to other countries?

Expanding drone sales is not especially concerning for American security. The United States will still limit sales to allies and not allow sales of the most advanced models, some of which remain classified.

However, for those concerned about armed drones in general, it's reasonable to be wary, because this demonstrates that many countries plan to launch missiles from unmanned aircraft. Some of those countries will be less concerned with avoiding civilian casualties when firing at suspected terrorists, and some may use American-made drones for other purposes, such as domestic surveillance.

That being said, Israel, India, China, Turkey, Iran and others produce drones similar to the models American companies sell. The United States restricting drone sales will not prevent other countries from acquiring them.

What developments in the use of drones do you think might surprise people?

Most people focus on governments deploying drones, but terrorists, insurgents and other nonstate actors are using them as well.

Hezbollah acquires advanced models from Iran and is one of only 10 entities that have fired missiles from a drone at targets on the ground. The other nine are all countries.

The Islamic State group buys small drones on the commercial market and adapts them for military use. The same $1,000 quadcopter models that businesses and hobbyists use for aerial photography can be used for battlefield surveillance. And in Iraq, Islamic State jury-rigged some of these small drones to drop bombs on U.S.-backed Iraqi and Kurdish forces, or to crash into them in a kamikaze-style attack. For the first time in history, insurgents can have an air force.

The growing commercial drone market also creates concerns that terrorists will deploy them in the United States and other developed countries. Small, reasonably priced drones couldn't take down a building, but they could carry a grenade-sized explosive, which weighs about the same as a camera. Governments are insufficiently prepared for this danger.

How do you foresee the future military development and use of drones, and what's driving it? How might it change military strategy and political decision-making?

Drones will continue advancing, taking on an increasing number of military tasks. Some will start partnering with humans, increasing what one person can do on the battlefield. Some examples in development include a fighter pilot surrounded by a few semiautonomous support drones, a squad of soldiers with robotic pack mules to speed movement and small surveillance drones to help troops avoid ambushes. War is becoming robotized.

These developments allow advanced militaries to act faster and more precisely, and reduce the risk to personnel. That means fewer combat deaths on "our" side and fewer civilian deaths on "their" side, both of which are positive developments. As a result, technologically advanced countries such as the United States will be able to sustain counterterrorist and counterinsurgency missions  such as the war in Afghanistan  for a longer time at lower cost, increasing the chances of victory.

However, there's a risk this undermines public influence over governments' use of force. The more states fight with drones, the less they need people to sacrifice. That separates democratic publics from the costs of war, reducing governments' need to get their people's permission before using force in their name, which is potentially problematic.

What are your greatest concerns related to the future development of this technology? And what policies or measures should we consider as a result?

I have two main concerns, the first of which is the increasing autonomy of military drones. As artificial intelligence advances, drones will be able to take on more tasks without human direction. It is inevitable some will be capable of deciding to attack targets on their own. However, killing a human being is a grave decision, and it is important people remain a part of it.

My second concern is terrorists adapting commercially available drones to monitor and attack civilian targets. To protect against that, I recommend developing counterdrone measures. Some companies already make anti-drone nets, which are fired from something that looks like a hand-held bazooka on the ground or are dropped from an anti-drone drone in the sky. France and the Netherlands have begun training eagles to knock down drones in restricted areas.

However, my main recommendation would be electronic measures that send signals to nearby drones, forcing them to turn around or land. That way, instead of having to spot a potentially dangerous drone and deploy nets, eagles or something else, the defenses would protect a building, bridge, base, etc. 24/7  without having to spot a drone first.

Explore further France to arm military surveillance dronesMillstream National Park, Pilbara, Western Australia. Credit: Wikimedia

There is a mystery in Earth's ancient past, and the clues lie in the desert rocks of Australia and other ancient places.

The last century has seen rapid advances in our understanding of how the Earth formed, and how the movement of continents through plate tectonics continues to shape our lands, oceans and mountain ranges.

But geologists are yet to agree on one important question: what was the Earth like before the plates formed?

New research, published in the journal Geology, supports the theory that early Earth was highly volcanically active, and that evidence of the violent transition to plate tectonics can still be seen today.

"Geology is built upon an idea, uniformitarianism, that we can study geological processes occurring today and use these to understand how the Earth works at timescales of millions of years," says Dr. Adam Beall, who studied early Earth dynamics during his Ph.D. project at the University of Melbourne.

"This method breaks down when we try to understand the early Earth, because it was hotter and behaved in a completely different way. Geologists have the difficult task of imagining how the Earth's oldest continents formed by processes we can no longer observe."

"There are two views," says Professor Louis Moresi, from the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Melbourne.

"One is that there was no such thing as 'before plate tectonics." There was a cloud of dust, you formed the Earth, and as it crystallises out and becomes solid you immediately get some form of plate tectonics.

"And then the other paradigm is that the first billion or so years of Earth were nothing like modern plate tectonics."

Plate tectonics shape our planet, creating structures from canyons to mountain ranges. Credit: Pixabay

The Earth is constantly being heated from within by radioactivity, and this heat needs to go somewhere. Plate tectonics, sometimes called continental drift, is the planet's way of releasing this heat.

"With plate tectonics, the whole ocean basin rolls over, which puts the cold outside stuff into the interior and the hot inside stuff on the surface, which is how you get the energy out," says Professor Moresi.

Scientists agree that early Earth was hotter and more radioactive than it is today. So if there was no plate tectonics, where did all that heat go?

Geologists looked elsewhere in the Solar System for an alternative explanation.

Io, one of Jupiter's 69 moons, is the most volcanically active place in the Solar System, and Professor Moresi says this could be a model for the ancient Earth.

"On the moon Io, the inside heat turns itself over to the outside volcanically so you just basically have these endless eruptions of volcanoes."

This theory, which is gaining in popularity, is called the 'Heat-Pipe Earth".

Professor Moresi and his colleagues have built an open source computer model of the lithosphere, which covers the Earth's crust and upper mantle, to a depth of about 200 kilometres, and this was the perfect tool to model the death of the Heat-Pipe Earth.

Dr. Beall, during his Ph.D. work supervised by Professor Moresi and working with Associate Professor Katie Cooper from Washington State University, used this program, called Underworld, to model early Earth's transition to plate tectonics, focussing on the thin layer of solid rock  called the "Heat-Pipe lid' - that would have covered most of the Heat-Pipe Earth.

A craton in Pilbara, Western Australia, from a satellite. Credit: Wikimedia

And by doing so they may have solved a second geological mysterywhy are there parts of the Earth that are not affected by plate tectonics?

While most of the Earth's crust has been constantly crushed, melted, uplifted and eroded through the actions of plate tectonics, some regions, called cratons, haven't changed in billions of years. Examples of these large, mostly flat landforms are found in Western Australia, the Amazon basin, Southern Africa and parts of Canada.

"Plate tectonics creates a massive structure like the Himalayas, but eventually it will just erode away," says Professor Moresi.

"And yet these cratons just sit there, and they don't deform very much, and we can still see the original, nearly four-billion-year-old structure in some places."

Parts of Australia are built from these ancient cratons, and they are the source of much of our mineral wealth, including the vast iron ore deposits in Western Australia.

Professor Moresi says the heat pipe theory explains how these rocks originally formed, but not why they are so strong.

Thick layers of volcanic rock have been mapped out, supporting the idea that the cratonic crust initially formed through many volcanic eruptions. But Professor Moresi says this process should form thin layers of rock, while cratons are very thick, more than 200 kilometres.

"So they must have formed in a time where they were able to become very thick, and very very strong," he says.

"The extreme thickness of these ancient cratons was first proposed more than 50 years ago, but no one has been able to solve the mystery of why they are so thick," says Dr. Beall.

The researchers computer simulated models show cratons forming as thin mantle rock sinks in response to plate tectonics emerging. This would have been a one-off event. Credit: University of Melbourne

"A few years ago, our colleague on this project, Associate Professor Katie Cooper, came up with a hypothesis that the cratons had thickened as cold mantle rock sunk below.

"An unusually large amount of sinking mantle rock is required and I wondered if this could be triggered by the initiation of plate tectonics, which would have been catastrophic and probably occurred at a similar time to craton formation."

The researchers tested this idea with the computer model. In the simulations, the cratons are formed during the violent transition from heat-pipe to plate tectonics.

"Our solution is pretty simple," says Professor Moresi.

"During the transition to plate-tectonics, the Earth goes through this complete overturn. It has stored up a lot of energy for a billion years or so, and then it's all released in a short period. And you can see in the video that the flat thin rock gets crumpled up into these zones by this very strong, impulsive overturn.

"And that doesn't repeat, because once plate tectonics starts it's a different paradigm and you don't build up that stress again.

"So in one action you create these incredibly strong rocks that then last for billions of years."

Explore further New timeline proposed for plate tectonics

More information: A.P. Beall et al. Formation of cratonic lithosphere during the initiation of plate tectonics, Geology (2018). Journal information: Geology A.P. Beall et al. Formation of cratonic lithosphere during the initiation of plate tectonics,(2018). DOI: 10.1130/G39943.1The process of electroplating in the CIRES intrument lab. Credit: Katie Weeman/CIRES

Last September, CIRES chemist and instrument designer Don David and colleagues Dave Pappas and Xian Wu at the National Institute of Standards and Technology discovered a powerful new plated metal combination that superconducts at easily attained temperaturespaving the road for the next critical steps in the development of cutting-edge supercomputers. David and his colleagues just published the new recipe: an ultrathin layer of rhenium sandwiched between layers of gold, each measuring 1/1000th the diameter of a human hair that can superconduct at critical temperature over 6 Kelvin.

"The sheer magnitude of the critical temperature was unexpected," said Don David, director of the CIRES Integrated Instrument Development Facility and coauthor on a paper published this week in Applied Physics Letters. "We had been thinking for a while about ways to impart superconducting properties to gold and copper films, and we were surprised at how robust and effective the thin layer of electroplated Re was."

A superconductor is a material with zero electrical resistance when cooled to a critical temperature. This temperature is usually strikingly low and expensive to obtain. The team's electroplated rhenium meets ideal characteristics desired for use in circuit boards for ultrafast, next-generation computing applications: superconducting at higher, easier-to-achieve critical temperatures, easy to work with mechanically, non-toxic, and melts at high temperatures. The new finding is already drawing attention from international computing giants.

Electroplating, the process passing an electrical current through an aqueous solution of a dissolved metal to create a metal coating on a submerged object, is something David does almost daily. David's work is in high demand in the research community: He and his team support science by plating instruments like charged-particle optics and components for cryogenics applications, and in this case, circuit boards for a team at NIST. They were looking for a metal plating that might be superconducting for the Pappas's Quantum Processing Group at NIST. The team had unsuccessfully tried a number combinations, then one day David's NIST colleague Xian Wu suggested they try rhenium: a hard, trace metal, with a high melting point, often used in the construction of jet engine turbines.

The team tested for electrical resistance, and were happy to see it superconduct up to 6K, well above the boiling temperature of liquid helium (4.2 K). The team is now investigating the role of hydrogen incorporation, interfaces, and strain on the enhanced superconducting temperature. But whatever the reason for the enhancement, being able to electroplate a superconductor is a giant step forward in the creation of tomorrow's high-performance, superconducting computers.

Inside every computer there is a circuit board: a layered, electronic plank etched with thousands of conductive pathways. Pulses of electrical information called "bits" speed across the board, carrying out the computer's functions. In regular computers, these electrical pulses are hindered by the material that comprises the boardelectrical resistance slows down the electrons scurrying about the circuitry, and the wasted energy becomes heat. But with a superconductor, there is literally zero electrical resistance, so there is no heating. This efficiency will result in exceedingly fast and powerful computer systems.

Superconductors aren't new, but the new paper presents evidence that electroplated rhenium may be the best material found to date for superconductive computer circuit board construction. Many other superconductive materials, like mercury or lead, are difficult to work with mechanically, have poor soldering properties, or melt at too-low temperatures. Even more impressively, the electroplating process would be easily scaled-up to mass-production, David said.

The team has applied for a provisional patent, and their work has already sparked interest from several technology giants and government sponsors.

Explore further Some superconductors can also carry currents of 'spin'

More information: D. P. Pappas et al, Enhanced superconducting transition temperature in electroplated rhenium, Applied Physics Letters (2018). Journal information: Applied Physics Letters D. P. Pappas et al, Enhanced superconducting transition temperature in electroplated rhenium,(2018). DOI: 10.1063/1.5027104Over the last 25 years many scholars have questioned the existence of the kingdom of David and Solomon, which was supposed to have existed in the 10th century BCE. This was based to a large extent on the lack of evidence of royal construction at the heart of the region in which the kingdom supposedly existed. As a result, it was assumed that the rulers at the time were just local chiefs who ruled only over Jerusalem and its immediate surroundings.

Now researchers from Bar-Ilan University in Israel have uncovered new evidence that supports the existence of Israel's united monarchy and indicate that the Kingdom extended beyond Jerusalem's vicinity. The findings were recently published by Prof. Avraham Faust and Dr. Yair Sapir in the journal Radiocarbon.

Over the past decade Prof. Avi Faust, of the Martin (Szusz) Department of Land of Israel Studies and Archaeology at Bar-Ilan University, excavated a large residence of the type, known as a "four-room house", which was destroyed in massive conflagration in the 8th century BCE, during one of the Assyrian campaigns. The residence is located at Tel 'Eton in the Shephelah (20 km. southeast of the city of Qiryat Gat). This large building had at least two stories and its ground floors extended over some 225 sq. m. Large, high quality ashlar stones were placed in the building's corners and entrances. The structure was built on the highest part of the mound, on top of deep foundations, using high quality building materials and according to a meticulous plan. Hundreds of vessels and additional finds were discovered within the conflagration. "Surprisingly, radiocarbon dates from within the floor make-up and from within a foundation deposit that was placed below the floor indicate that the building had already been erected in the 10th century BCE, between the late 11th century and the third quarter of the 10th century BCE. This date is in line with other finds related to the construction, like the foundation deposit itself," says Prof. Faust. Faust and Sapir say that construction of such a large residence on the top of the mound, visible from a great distance, along with the significant growth of the size of the city at the same time, was an important event in the history of Tel 'Eton.

But who initiated the change? The researchers say that the evidence hints at the identity of the builders. The mere fact that the residence was built as a classical four-room house, a style that was very dominant in Israelite sites and missing or rare at Canaanite and Philistine sites, seems to send a clear message regarding the identity of the builders - the emerging Israelite polity in the highlands.

Interestingly, however, the site was not destroyed during the changes, and new construction and development were apparently not a result of a conquest and the arrival of new population. Thus, while the transformations were inspired by the highland kingdom, the development was done in cooperation with the local population. This is also indicated by the combination of the highland, Israelite-inspired architectural style, along with the use of the Canaanite tradition of placing foundation deposits below the floors.

The finds are indicative of impressive public construction underway already in the 10th century BCE, and even on the use of ashlar stones in the region of Judah at this early stage. When the finds from Tel 'Eton are combined with those at other sites in the region, the process in which the highland polity took over the Shephelah, and gradually colonized it, can be reconstructed.

Faust and Sapir stress that "the association with David is not based on direct archaeological evidence, but solely on circumstantial grounds". The source of the changes at Tel 'Eton (i.e,. the erection of the four-room residency and the growth in size of the site) appears to be in the highlands, and since these changes took place at the time when David was supposed to have existed in the highland, the link is plausible." They add that "if someone thinks that there was no king by the name of David, we should find another name to call the highland king in whose time the region was incorporated into the highland kingdom".

Beyond the identification of social complexity in Judah already in the 10th century BCE, the study has broader implications for archaeology. "The finds from Tel 'Eton indicate that structures can exist for centuries, but the finds reflect their last period of usage. From their long lives - sometimes centuries - very little will be found, and even less will be reported," says Faust. One of the negative implications of this, he says, is that a series of destructive events following a long period of peace will lead to extensive information on the time of the destruction, but very little on the era that preceded it. "Archaeologists should therefore be careful when they conclude that the rarity of finds from these eras indicates that society was poor, and lacked social complexity."

Explore further Archaeologists uncover entrance gate and fortification of Biblical city

More information: Avraham Faust et al, The "Governor's Residency" at Tel 'Eton, The United Monarchy, and the Impact of the Old-House Effect on Large-Scale Archaeological Reconstructions, Radiocarbon (2018). Avraham Faust et al, The "Governor's Residency" at Tel 'Eton, The United Monarchy, and the Impact of the Old-House Effect on Large-Scale Archaeological Reconstructions,(2018). DOI: 10.1017/RDC.2018.10Women have been historically and culturally disadvantaged and still find themselves on an uneven playing field in the workplace today. Credit: Shutterstock

Danish companies lag behind their Nordic competitors when it comes to women's representation in leadership roles.

But why is this? And are gender quotas the answer to the problem?

An analysis of women in leadership, or lack of it, from The Danish Institute for Human Rights, shows that the proportion of women in top leadership roles in Denmark was 15 per cent in 2015. This is an increase of five percentage points since 1995. The percentage of women in positions such as, Chairman of the Board, has increased from around three to six per cent in the same 20-year period.

According to a report by the Danish Business Authority, more than half (54 per cent) of 1,200 of the biggest companies in Denmark (those that are subject to policy guidelines for the gender composition of management) do not have a single woman representative among their most senior management.

In a soon to be published study in the scientific journal Ephemera, we argue that one of the reasons why Denmark has the lowest proportion of female leaders in the Nordics is in our collective perception that we already meet equality targets. We have already dealt with the same data in this article.

In other words, we see gender equality as a core value that is special to Denmark.

But this picture of already having achieved equality, blinds us to the occasions when equality is lacking, for example in management. We don't see this lack of equality as a problem and if we do not see the problem, it is of course difficult to find workable solutions.

A voluntary arrangement for more women in leadership

In 2010 and 2011, we interviewed 45 managers from 37 of the 110 organisations that originally signed an agreement to encourage more women into leadership, prior to the existing target policy.

The agreement was voluntary and there were no sanctions for companies that failed to meet their own, self-imposed targetsthey could simply try again. The agreement is the antithesis of the commonly held view of quotas as an involuntary initiative, forced upon companies.

Many of the people we interviewed saw quotas as frighteningthe worst-case scenario for their organisation. In their eyes, quotas cheated both male applicants and women, if they were awarded a job simply because of their gender. As management pointed out, companies should solve the problem of too few women in leadership themselves. Anything else is an admission of failure.

Fear of quotas is irrational and illogical

We wonder why management are so dismissive of regulation in this particular area. We regulate elsewhere, for example, the environment, climate adaptation, and economic and redistribution policy. Here, society recognises that the equilibrium of so-called free market forces is less than satisfactory and should be regulated.

We think that the fear of quotas is irrational and illogical since research has shown that it is an effective toolnot only in increasing female representation, but also in breaking down stereotypes and changing peoples' opinions of women in leadership

So why do only two per cent of Danish leaders support the use of quotas to increase the number of women in management?

Unconscious bias

Opposition to quotas could arise when it is perceived as a kind of uninvited guest, which plays havoc with the way we usually organise ourselves, or the normal way of filling management positions.

Quotas challenge our faith in the idea that we live in a meritocracy, where a professional recruiting process always ensures that the best candidate gets the job, with no bias or cronyism.

The question is, does an almost ideological belief in meritocracy, just like the concept of equality itself, allow for a distorted practice that systematically holds women back and effectively functions as a male quota?

A blind faith in merit gives our biases a free reign, which inevitably influences how we evaluate each other by unwittingly relying on gender stereotypes and other assumptions.

The executives we interviewed saw merit as an objective, universal, and measurable standard with which they could evaluate potential leaders. But this conceals the subjective processes that shape our image of the "ideal" candidate.

Managers chosen according to their personality

Most managers pride themselves on their ability to judge whether a candidate will "fit in," within the first minute of them stepping through the door.

Most also think that it is difficult, if not impossible, to judge someone's qualifications, competences, and results in such a short time. So something else is at play here: Bias.

Our research also shows that companies look for "the whole person," whereby something as abstract as personality, plays a role, not to mention whether the candidate embodies the "right" qualities.

It paints a picture of a personality market, rather than a labour market for managers.

Myths and facts on quotas

If we look more closely at places that have implemented gender quotas, it is clear that quotas can take many different forms and it does not need to be so black and white. Quotas can also be used in modified forms, for example in a tiebreak situation where both candidates are equally qualified. In this case, the interviewers are allowed to choose according to gender.

Simply by finding herself in a tiebreak with a male candidate, helps to show the female candidate's worth, because she is already a member of an under-represented group.

The threshold system is another type of quota, where candidates are tested, and need to score above a certain amount to pass. Thereafter it is permitted to take gender into account, and prioritise a candidate from the under-represented group because everyone above the given threshold are deemed qualified.

Both systems are built on the assumption that if gender diversity is a part of an organisation's vision, their values, or goal, then, they should be able to take legitimate decisions based on this.

A typical counter argument is that women who are promoted via a quota system, end up being marginalised and seen as a "quota woman" before anything else. We could not find any evidence that this actually occurs. In other words, "quota women" are not marginalised any more or less than women in general.

On the contrary, women who get their jobs as part of a quota are often just as qualified or more so than both their male and female non-quota counterparts.

Quotas are good for business

There is also an economic argument for introducing gender quotas at management level.

Quotas increase the chance that female candidates will be promoted to a position of leadership, which gives more women an incentive to build up the necessary competences.

Without quotas, the opposite is true: Women generally perceive that they have less of a chance of being promoted compared to men. Research clearly shows that even less-suitable male candidates are encouraged to work on their leadership skills at the expense of more suitable female candidates.

Assuming that these newly motivated women develop better management skills than the men they are said to replace, this means that implementing gender quotas would in fact, boost the overall talent pool.

Facts

Quotas are thus not a threat against merit. Rather they bring us closer to a meritocracy, by helping to combat the negative consequences of bias against women and also to men who do not conform to the 'classic' normative ideals of masculine styled management.

Bias influences expectations of candidates

It is important to understand that we are all biased. Our biases are the glasses through which we see and understand the world. This world is, roughly speaking, built on the idea that masculinity is strong and decisive, while femininity is caring and embracing. These biases shape our different expectations of male and female management candidates.

In this way, women are evaluated as inferior to men, even when they exhibit the same behaviour since leadership roles are typically described in terms of masculine norms. Studies have even shown that we judge the same CV less favourably when it features a female name at the top compared to a male name. We simply judge women and men differently.

To put it bluntly and at the risk of making ourselves unpopular, men are generally privileged to be born male, as they are (unconsciously) associated with leadership qualities and potential.

This does not mean that all men sail through life. Some men do meet resistance in their professional ambitions, and in some cases perhaps even more so than some women.

Self-belief created their position

Research shows that people from privileged groups tend to believe in merits and personal virtues even when confronted with their own privileges.

Why? Because the idea of privilege tends to break with their own self-image: That everything they have achieved is due to their personal deserves and is entirely down to hard work, diligence, and a preference for carrier over family, for example.

If we buy the argument that men are over-represented in positions of leadership and on boards of directors simply because they are more skilled, then it follows that the under-represented group, women, are absent because they do not deserve to be there. This argument of intrinsic talent actually suggests that men are naturally superior to women.

When some groups, in this case men, fit the remit of leadership particularly well, it also raises the question of whether one really is entirely responsible for this remarkable fit? In other words, are we all really on an equal footing, regardless of background? Or do our circumstances also play a role?

Equal opportunities presuppose (competitive) conditions. That brings us to the root of the problem: That certain groups (in this case women), have been historically and culturally disadvantaged and so find themselves on an uneven playing field today.

Denmark should follow the example of our neighbours

As long as the myth of meritocracy is allowed to exist and the road to quotas remains closed, we will continue to have less qualified candidates for positions of management.

This is because of our own biases, which prevent us from recognising qualified candidates among women and men who break the mould of stereotypical masculine leadership.

The answer to why we are so far behind our Nordic neighbours lies partly in our unconscious bias and in our steadfast belief that the best candidate is always chosen.

Some of our neighbours have implemented quotas, and if we want more women leaders, then we must follow their example. Quotas can act as a counter to our bias and help us to reach a situation where we really are judged based on merit and not by our gender.

Explore further Gender quotas can work but it depends on how employees feel about them

This story is republished courtesy of ScienceNordic, the trusted source for English-language science news from the Nordic countries. Read the original story here.Government plans Lumbini monorail feasibility studies

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has proposed developing a monorail network connecting Buddhas birthplace Lumbini, Tilaurakot and Ramgram with the Gautam Buddha International Airport for sustainable development of tourism in the region.Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Researchers reexamining historical seismograms from the 1906 Meishan earthquake have uncovered a new mechanism for the quake, one of the deadliest to ever strike Taiwan.

The new mechanism provides a better fit for the fault rupture expected from the magnitude 7.1. earthquake, as well as a better fit for the distribution of recorded damage and aftershocks, according to the report in the journal Seismological Research Letters.

The findings will help seismologists improve their understanding of the complex fault systems in this area, "which is important to provide better information for seismic hazard assessment," said Kuo-Fong Ma of the Earthquake Disaster & Risk Evaluation and Management (E-DREaM) Center in Taiwan.

The result might also encourage others to use historical records in tectonically active countries to "explore the full fault system rather than a single fault segment for seismic hazard evaluation," she added.

The 1906 Meishan earthquake caused 1258 deaths, 2385 injuries and leveled 6769 houses near its namesake village. Ground shaking has been estimated at a Mercalli intensity of IX or "violent," meaning that there would have been significant damage to large buildings, including building shifted off their foundations.

Field studies conducted after the earthquake suggested that the earthquake was related an east-west strike-slip rupture on the Meishan Fault. However, there has been a longstanding debate about whether this rupture represents the earthquake's true origins. The surface rupture was short compared to what might be expected for such an intense quake, for instance, and reports of damage and aftershocks were confined in a north-south pattern, instead of an east-west pattern.

With these inconsistencies in mind, Ma and her colleagues decided to reexamine the historical records of the earthquake. The researchers used the original seismogram recordings from three seismic stations in Taiwan, which were archived at the Earthquake Research Institute of Tokyo University, along with historical literature collected with the help of Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau.

The researchers used these original records to create new artificial waveform simulations for the earthquake, to evaluate several models of how the fault might have ruptured. They created artificial waveforms from the original seismograms because of the difficulties in accounting for unknown instrument responses and in digitizing the historical records, Ma explained.

The simulated waveform data uncovered a discrepancy between the first motions of P-waves and S-waves (the first and second waves detected by a seismograph in the event of an earthquake) that suggested the earthquake's mechanism might not have been a pure strike-slip rupture, the researchers said.

The scientists then hunted for an alternative fault motion in the region that could better explain the data. They concluded that the preferred mechanism would be a thrust fault oriented in a northeast-southwest direction, with a small right-lateral component.

Rupture along this type of thrust fault is more consistent with the level of shaking intensity and the pattern of aftershocks seen after the 1906 earthquake, Ma and colleagues said.

Explore further Seismologists introduce new measure of earthquake rupturesCredit: University of East Anglia

Mainstream media coverage of humanitarian crises is "selective, sporadic, simplistic and partial", according to a new consumer survey.

Respondents indicated widespread dissatisfaction with the quantity and quality of mainstream news coverage and highlighted a desire for more investigative reporting and scrutiny of the aid sector itself.

The in-depth survey was conducted before the widely reported Oxfam UK sexual misconduct scandal by Dr Martin Scott, a senior lecturer in media and international development at the University of East Anglia (UEA), and humanitarian news agency IRIN News.

It investigated how people working or interested in the humanitarian aid sector view global media coverage of humanitarian issues. Does the coverage do justice to critical issues? Does it include sufficient field reporting and reflect subject expertise? What are the main news sources? What impact, if any, does news coverage have on the respondents' professional work?

Many of the 1,626 respondents, who included aid workers, researchers and government officials, said mainstream news coverage concentrates on a small number of crises, thus relegating most crises as 'neglected' or 'forgotten'. More than 70 per cent of respondents said the mainstream news media does not offer enough coverage of humanitarian issues. A common complaint was that mainstream news coverage was "sensationalist" and "lacked in-depth analysis". Reporting of humanitarian issues and crises was frequently referred to as "reductive", "cursory", "simplistic" and "shallow".

Overall, the most sought after aspect of reporting on humanitarian issues is expert analysis. "Respondents want more and bolder investigative reporting and more consistent expert analysis of humanitarian issues and crises, including analysis of the aid sector as a whole," said Dr Scott. However, many think there is insufficient investigative reporting on the sector.

One reader commented that "bosses are more likely to react to news stories about sexual harassment of and by employees, than to their own employees raising concerns". That view was echoed by UK International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt's recent words:

"Remember, we only learned about (the recent Oxfam scandal) from journalists, operating in a free press, in our democratic country."

Respondents indicated that quality news coverage can play an important role in shaping responses to crises, most commonly by stimulating further research and/or advocacy and by informing organisational or operational priorities.

"These findings show that news coverage of international humanitarian crises matters - and that quality journalism matters," said IRIN Director Heba Aly. "Readers are yearning for deeper, more meaningful journalism about the challenges our world faces; and when we as media organisations deliver that kind of reporting, we can have real impact. We shouldn't underestimate the power - nor the responsibility - that we hold."

Only three mainstream news outlets were mentioned by more than half of the respondents as a key source for news and analysis on humanitarian issues: the BBC, The Guardian and Al Jazeera English. Alongside The New York Times and the Washington Post, these were frequently described as the only "exceptions" to the mainstream news media's poor coverage of humanitarian crises.

Respondents identified the most popular specialist news providers as Devex, Foreign Policy, IRIN, Reliefweb, News Deeply, the Thomson Reuters Foundation and UN Dispatch.

Survey respondents included individuals working for international NGOs (28%), the United Nations (9%), academia (9%), national or local NGOs (8%), government organisations (8%) and in the corporate sector (5%). A majority of respondents were either mid-career (32%) or senior professionals (41%) and had either "some" (34%) or a "significant" amount (30%) of decision-making authority within their organisations. While most were based in the US or Europe, others worked around the globe, from Mexico to Kenya, at headquarters and in the field.

Explore further Ebola media coverage impacted how the public perceived the disease and survivors

More information: For further information about the project and to view the survey report "Attitudes towards media coverage of humanitarian issues within the aid sector", see For further information about the project and to view the survey report "Attitudes towards media coverage of humanitarian issues within the aid sector", see http://www.humanitarian-journalism.netVial of mosquitoes. The University of Cincinnati found that mosquitoes seek a blood meal not just for protein to lay eggs but also to quench their thirst. Credit: Andrew Higley/UC Creative Services

When it's hot and dry, mosquitoes like nothing more than the refreshing taste of you.

Biologists with the University of Cincinnati discovered that female mosquitoes bite not only to get the protein they need to lay eggs but also to quench their thirst during a drought. Now researchers are trying to find out just how often mosquitoes must bite to stay hydrated, which could help doctors fight illnesses such as malaria.

The findings were published May 1 in Scientific Reports.

"It makes sense," UC biology student and study co-author Elise Didion said. "We find the highest transmission rates of West Nile virus during droughts because mosquitoes may use blood meals to replace the water they lose."

The researchers presented the study in January at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology conference.

Mosquitoes often pose a nuisance and disease threat after rains when they can lay eggs in standing water. But UC's research found that dry conditions provide little protection from the biting pests.

Because of the diseases they carry, mosquitoes are the deadliest animal threat by far to people. Malaria alone kills more than 400,000 people per year. About half of the world's population is at risk of infection. And mosquitoes carry a host of other fatal or debilitating diseases, including yellow fever, dengue and encephalitis. In the United States, mosquitoes have been known to spread viruses such as West Nile, Eastern equine encephalitis and Zika.

Every new detail about their physiology and behavior could help health agencies fight mosquito-borne illness, UC biology professor Joshua Benoit said.

"It will make for better modeling for when disease outbreaks occur," Benoit said. "When it's dry, it might be easier for a mosquito to locate a host than limited supplies of water or nectar."

The new insights into mosquito behavior came about serendipitously, researchers said.

UC students were studying a batch of thirsty, dehydrated mosquitoes when some escaped from a vial.

"They noticed the mosquitoes were unusually aggressive," Didion said. "They were all trying to bite."

Benoit and his students study mosquitoes in their biology lab, where adults of six species are sequestered in large mesh boxes in a room kept at a balmy 82 degrees. Each box has a source of water and nectar and a place to lay eggs to create a constant supply of lab specimens.

"It's like the Ritz-Carlton in there," UC student Gabriela Nine joked.

Researchers studied the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens, for the dehydration study. But the lab also is home to the more aggressive Aedes aegypti, the species most likely to spread diseases such as Zika, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Female mosquitoes typically need the protein found in blood to lay eggs. Students warm a capful of chicken blood covered in a thin membrane that mimics animal skin.

Mosquitoes are sensitive to carbon dioxide in animal breath, one of the fun ways they can follow you down a trail. Didion said she breathes into their mesh cage at feeding time to stimulate their appetites. Even so, just a few of the more than 1,000 mosquitoes in the cage responded by landing on the metal disk.

Benoit said what's surprising about mosquitoes is how infrequently they will seek a blood meal when they have ample water and hydration.

University of Cincinnati student Christopher Holmes holds a vial of mosquitoes in a biology lab. Credit: Andrew Higley/UC Creative Services

"Normally only 5 or 10 percent of female mosquitoes will feed at any time, depending on the species," he said. "Dehydration has a big impact on whether they feed normally or not."

In their study, dehydration prompted as many as 30 percent of female mosquitoes to seek a blood meal.

The researchers theorized that dehydration would lead to a suppressed metabolism, reduced activity and decreased blood feeding in the northern house mosquito. But surprisingly, they found that conditions of dehydration increased the propensity of mosquitoes to land and feed on a host. Meanwhile, mosquitoes with ready access to water did not seek blood meals at a higher rate when exposed to similar temperature and humidity.

The students put their theories to the test in natural but controlled conditions at the UC Center for Field Studies, a sprawling research center outside Cincinnati. Researchers released adult mosquitoes in a large mesh enclosure called a mesocosm that mimics conditions they would find in nature.

After more than a week, researchers introduced a membrane-covered disk of blood that mimics a bird or animal host. Researchers then collected blood-feeding mosquitoes on two occasionsa day after it rained and a day after a dry spellto see what physiological differences they could detect in the two groups, along with random non-feeding mosquitoes they also sampled.

The biologists found that dehydrated mosquitoes in the mesocosm were more likely to seek a blood meal compared to mosquitoes that were not thirsty.

Benoit and his biology students collaborated with UC mathematical sciences professor Yanyu Xiao, who came up with models that predicted biting rates and the resulting disease transmission under varying weather conditions.

"I had been working on mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and West Nile, so it was the perfect match for me to expand my research network," Xiao said.

Xiao said to track mosquito-borne illness, you have to understand human demographics, too.

University of Cincinnati student Elise Didion demonstrates how mosquitoes in a mesh habitat are attracted by body temperature and carbon dioxide in a UC biology lab. Credit: Andrew Higley/UC Creative Services

"In my literature review, I found that typical disease infection wasn't over the summertime but in transitory times when water levels shrink and the flowers dry up," she said. "Look at the daily pattern of rainfall and seasonal drought." Xiao says the study of those two patterns proves when mosquitoes are "really looking for human blood."

Mosquitoes are a personal nemesis for her wherever she goes, whether it's Florida or Canada, Xiao said.

"The mosquitoes in Alberta are giant. The first time I went to a conference there, I took a walk along the river after my presentation. After that I couldn't see, my face got bitten so badly," she said.

Benoit said it does not take long for mosquitoes to become dehydrated to the point where they might seek a blood meal.

"We saw the behavioral effects within two or three hours under low humidities and higher temperatures," Benoit said. "It was completely changing their behavior."

Similar behavioral changes were observed in two other species of lab mosquito that were exposed to dehydrating conditions.

UC student and study co-author Christopher Holmes said this research holds the promise of saving lives.

"If we know how mosquitoes react to drought, we can better predict when you'll see a disease outbreak," Holmes said. "It's a step in the right direction toward understanding how the environment affects mosquitoes, which we really can't answer right now."

A warming climate could mean more frequent and longer periods of drought in areas where mosquitoes pose a health threat.

"You could see effects on mosquitoes that probably will be exacerbated with the increasing frequency of drought, increasing duration and increasing severity," Holmes said.

Explore further A new way to thwart disease-spreading mosquitoes

More information: Richard W. Hagan et al, Dehydration prompts increased activity and blood feeding by mosquitoes, Scientific Reports (2018). Journal information: Scientific Reports Richard W. Hagan et al, Dehydration prompts increased activity and blood feeding by mosquitoes,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24893-zLSD Stokes I (bottom), Stokes V (middle), and diagnostic null (N) spectra (top) obtained for HD 101065 on four nights between 2015 and 2017. The LSD spectra were calculated using eight different line lists, indicated in each panel. For each panel, spectra for 2015 June 5, 2016 June 16, 2017 June 4, and 2017 June 7 are shown from bottom to top; the last three are shifted upwards for better visibility. The LSD Stokes I, Stokes V, and diagnostic null (N) spectra at the top show all four spectra overplotted. Credit: Hubrig et al., 2018.

European astronomers have conducted a study of Przybylski's star and found that it takes almost 200 years to fully rotate on its own axis. The finding, which could have implications for the understanding of chemically peculiar stars, is reported April 19 in a paper published on the arXiv pre-print repository.

Located some 370 light years away from the Earth, Przybylski's star (also known as HD 101065) is a rapidly oscillating Ap star (a type of chemically peculiar star) in the constellation of Centaurus. The star has been the subject of numerous observations, as it fascinates astronomers mainly due to its exotic chemical composition.

However, although many of basic properties of Przybylski's star have been uncovered by previous studies, its rotation period remains a mystery. What is known is that in general, Ap stars could have rotation periods ranging from a half-day to even 300 years.

Now, a team of astronomers led by Swetlana Hubrig of the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam in Germany, presents a new research regarding Przybylski's star, which focuses on magnetic and pulsational variability of this object. The study, based on observations performed between June 2015 and June 2017 with the use of the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher polarimeter (HARPSpol) at ESO's 3.6 m telescope in Chile, has also found that the star, besides its chemical peculiarity, is also unusual when it comes to its rotation.

"Our analysis of newly acquired and historic longitudinal magnetic field measurements indicates that Przybylski's star is also unusual with respect to its extremely slow rotation," the researchers wrote in the paper.

Hubrig's team found that the probable length of the rotation period of Przybylski's star is about 188 years. This calculation was made by analyzing all available longitudinal magnetic field measurements and adopting a dipolar structure of the magnetic field of the star.

However, the researchers underlined that the estimates made by them are tentative and need further studies to confirm them. Therefore, they added that their findings regarding the rotation period should not be considered as a unique solution at the moment.

"Our estimation of a 188 yr period should thus not be considered as a unique solution, given the time coverage of the longitudinal magnetic field measurements of 43 yr, which represents a lower limit on the true rotation period of HD 101065," the paper reads.

According to astronomers, the discovery of a very long rotation period of Przybylski's star along with the previous detection of slow rotation in six other magnetic Ap stars suggests the possible existence of other not yet identified slowly rotating Ap stars.

They concluded that further observations of such stars could be very important in improving our knowledge about their formation and processes behind their slow rotation. These processes are not yet identified by astronomers. It is generally assumed that Ap stars are slow rotators because of magnetic braking and that most of the angular momentum is lost in the pre-main-sequence phase.

Explore further Magnetic fields discovered in two hot evolved stars

More information: S Hubrig et al. Magnetic and pulsational variability of Przybylski's star (HD 101065), Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2018). S Hubrig et al. Magnetic and pulsational variability of Przybylski's star (HD 101065),(2018). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/sty889 Magnetic and pulsational variability of Przybylski's star (HD101065) arXiv:1804.07260 [astro-ph.SR] arxiv.org/abs/1804.07260 Abstract

Since its discovery more than half a century ago Przybylski's star (HD101065) continues to excite the astronomical community by the unusual nature of its spectrum, exhibiting exotic element abundances. This star was also the first magnetic chemically peculiar A-type star for which the presence of rapid oscillations was established. Our analysis of newly acquired and historic longitudinal magnetic field measurements indicates that Przybylski's star is also unusual with respect to its extremely slow rotation. Adopting a dipolar structure for the magnetic field and using a sine wave fit to all reported longitudinal magnetic field values over the last 43yr, we find a probable rotation period P_rot ~ 188yr, which however has to be considered tentative as it does not represent a unique solution and has to be verified by future observations. Additionally, based on our own spectropolarimetric material obtained with HARPSpol, we discuss the impact of the anomalous structure of its atmosphere, in particular of the non-uniform horizontal and vertical distributions of chemical elements on the magnetic field measurements and the pulsational variability. Anomalies related to the vertical abundance stratification of Pr and Nd are for the first time used to establish the presence of a radial magnetic field gradient. Journal information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

 2018 Phys.orgCredit: CC0 Public Domain

A team of researchers from several institutions in Germany and China has found evidence of domesticated wheat in China around 2600 BCE (Before Common Era). In their paper published in the journal Nature Plants, the team describes their work and its possible implications. Guanghui Dong with Lanzhou University in China offers a New & Views piece on the study.

Rice is widely grown and consumed in China, but less well known is that the country is also the largest producer of wheat. Today, scientists would like to know the path that wheat took to get to China. Prior research has shown that wheat was first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent around 8500 BCE. It then spread west into Europe and east into Asia. Some theories suggest the most logical path for the latter was straight east into and across Asia. Others have proposed that it took a more northerly route, while others yet have suggested a more southerly route. In this new effort, the researchers suggest that it was carried east to places along the Yangtze and then migrated west. They do acknowledge, however, that wheat could have been introduced into Asia, and more specifically into China, many timestheir findings simply show the likely earliest introduction. They suggest wheat was carried by travelers to eastern parts of China, where it was subsequently planted and harvested.

To come to these conclusions, the team performed radiocarbon dating on ancient wheat grains and charred wheat remains dug up in Bronze-Age and Neolithic excavation sites (Zhaojiazhuang and Dinggong sites in Shandong Province), which have yielded artifacts dated back to 8500to 1500 BCE. According to tests, the wheat samples dated from around 2600 BCE, which predates grains found and tested in other parts of China. The researchers do not know why wheat would have been carried to eastern parts of China, but suggest that it might have represented an exotic crop. There is also the possibility that it was simply exchanged by travelers as part of cultural trade. They do not believe their findings are the last word on the debate surrounding the introduction of wheat into China, however, even if their findings hold up. The next logical question would be which routes it took as it migrated west.

More information: Tengwen Long et al. The early history of wheat in China from 14C dating and Bayesian chronological modelling, Nature Plants (2018). Tengwen Long et al. The early history of wheat in China from 14C dating and Bayesian chronological modelling,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41477-018-0141-x Abstract

Wheat is regarded as one of the most important West Asian domesticates that were introduced into Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age China. Despite a growing body of archaeological data, the timing and routes of its dispersal remain controversial. New radiocarbon (14C) dating evidence from six archaeological sites in the Shandong and Liaoning Peninsulas and Bayesian modelling of available 14C data from China suggest that wheat appeared in the lower Yellow River around 2600 Before Common Era (BCE), followed by Gansu and Xinjiang around 1900 BCE and finally occurred in the middle Yellow River and Tibet regions by 1600 BCE. These results neither support long-standing hypotheses of a progressive spread of wheat agriculture from Xinjiang or Gansu to eastern China nor suggest a nearly synchronous appearance in this vast zone, but corroborate transmission to lower Yellow River elites as an exotic good through cultural interactions with the Eurasian steppe along northsouth routes. Journal information: Nature Plants

 2018 Phys.orgPolice march down Swanston Street in Melbourne. Credit: Nils Versemann / Shutterstock.com

The central role of public spaces in the social, cultural, political and economic life of cities makes it crucial that they're accessible to everyone. One of the most important qualities of accessible public spaces is safety. If people do not feel safe in a public space, they are less likely to use it, let alone linger in it.

Perceptions of safety are socially produced and socially variable. It is not simply the presence of crime  or "threatening environments"  that contributes to lack of safety or fear.

All sorts of measures are put in place to make public spaces safer, from design to policing. But when we consider the effectiveness of these measures, we always have to ask: whose safety is being prioritised?

Women and members of ethnic and sexual minorities are among those who experience particular kinds of threats, abuse and violence in public spaces.

If we don't account for the social dimensions of safety, there's a risk that measures designed to enhance safety will have the opposite effect for some urban inhabitants.

Safety for a privileged few?

There are many examples of safety measures that privilege the interests of some groups over others.

The gating of urban environments and the privatisation of public space allow the wealthy to buy a form of safety by separating themselves from the wider community. Such approaches aim to provide safety for the few, rather than the many. But this might actually add to people's fear by creating a kind of urban border anxiety.

In architecture and planning, "crime prevention through environmental design" has gained traction as a way to enhance the safety and accessibility of public spaces. This school of thought suggests that spaces can be designed to reduce crime and enhance feelings of safety and security. Improving lighting and sight lines are examples of this.

These design principles are useful, but can only take us so far.

Design can certainly help to prevent some activities. But we need to ask: exactly what are we trying to prevent, where, and why are we trying to prevent it? Does it make our cities more just, for example, to design teenagers out of public spaces by blasting classical music or broadcasting ultrasonic frequencies that can annoy only their young ears?

Credit: Ed Gorwell Source: ABS 2008-09 Crime Victimisation Survey

Who misses out on feeling safe?

There are more banal, everyday examples of how public security measures can work to make some safe at the expense of others.

Consider the 2011 Transport for NSW "customer courtesy" campaign. The campaign, which placed posters on trains and train stations, sought to improve the "customer experience" by reducing the discomfort caused by "beastly behaviours" like loud talking and seat hogging.

These may cause discomfort for some public transport users, as surveys suggested. But many passengers are likely to be concerned about another "beastly behaviour"  racism. People from ethnic and religious minorities, especially women, too often experience racism, abuse and violence on public transport.

Not only do those customer courtesy campaigns fail to call out discrimination as unacceptable, they can unintentionally give licence to racist behaviour. Eyewitness videos have shown passengers speaking languages other than English being abused by other passengers who insist they should not have to listen to such speech.

Police use of "sniffer dogs" at train stations, public spaces and events also illustrates how security measures can be exclusionary. In New South Wales, well over half of all searches resulting from sniffer dog "hits" find no drugs on the person. And the locations in which sniffer dog operations have taken place mean that the young, the poor, ethnic minorities, Aboriginal people and LGTBQI communities seem more likely to be searched.

Police justify these operations on the grounds that they "send a message" to potential offenders, thereby enhancing public safety. But this can make people in these locations feel less, rather than more, safe.

Research in the LGTBQI community in Sydney in the early 2000s found: "Calls for greater numbers of local area police are as numerous  as complaints about their visibility and overbearing presence."

For members of this community, homophobic violence, not recreational drug use, threatened safe access to public space. And yet while people struggled to have the threat of homophobic violence taken seriously, large groups of police with sniffer dogs constantly patrolled their streets, clubs and festivals, making people feel less safe and more threatened.

Principles for social justice

So, how can we ensure that safety and security measures in public space actually create safety for all? Setha Low and I have offered a set of social justice principles for planning and policing of public spaces. These are:

distribution and redistribution: are public spaces equally accessible to all, regardless of people's income or where they live?

recognition: are some identities and ways of being in the city unfairly denigrated or stigmatised? Is there recognition that urban inhabitants have different identities and cultures?

encounter: do public spaces create opportunities for encounters across different identities, without discrimination and harassment?

care and repair: are public spaces cared for, and are the resources for care and repair fairly distributed?

procedural justice: is the planning of public spaces open to all in a democratic process?

Taking these principles into account can help us to avoid safety measures that have the perverse effect of reducing accessibility for some, and to approach safety in a way that makes the city more accessible and just for all.

Explore further Gender makes a world of difference for safety on public transport

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.In this March 31, 2014 file photo, the shadow of a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion is seen on low level cloud while the aircraft searches for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean, near the coast of Western Australia. In an update released late Monday, April 30, 2018, Ocean Infinity, the American technology company conducting the search, said it had scanned up to 1,300 square kilometers per day since launching its mission in late January. The new scan of ocean floor hasn't found any sign of MH370. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File)

A new scan of the Indian Ocean floor for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has searched nearly 80,000 square kilometers (31,000 square miles) since January without finding any sign of the wreckage. But the company looking for the plane, which has been missing for more than four years, said it is still determined to find it.

This comes despite earlier hopes that a 25,000-square-kilometer (9,650-square-mile) area most likely to contain the missing aircraft had been identified.

Ocean Infinity, the American technology company conducting the latest search, said in an update Monday that it had scanned up to 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) per day since launching its mission far off the west coast of Australia in late January. It has searched both inside and outside an area identified by Australian authorities.

"Whilst it's disappointing there has been no sign of MH370 in the Australian Transport Safety Bureau search area and further north, there is still some search time remaining," Ocean Infinity chief executive officer Oliver Plunkett said in a statement.

"Everyone at Ocean Infinity remains absolutely determined for the remainder of the search," he said.

Flight 370 disappeared March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing with 239 people aboard. No transmissions were received from the aircraft after its first 38 minutes of flight, but it is believed to have crashed in the far southern Indian Ocean based on the drift patterns of crash debris that washed ashore on distant beaches.

The governments of Malaysia, China and Australia called off the nearly three-year official search in January 2017. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's final report on the search conceded authorities were no closer to knowing the reasons for the plane's disappearance or its exact location.

In January, the Malaysian government pledged to pay Texas-based Ocean Infinity up to $70 million if it could find the wreckage or black boxes of the aircraft within 90 days. Ocean Infinity uses up to eight autonomous vehicles capable of operating in depths up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet), and Plunkett had launched the search by saying his company had "a realistic prospect" of finding the aircraft.

He said Monday that its technology had performed "exceptionally well," with "significant amounts of high quality data" collected.

The company's Seabed Constructor research vessel is stopping in the West Australian port of Fremantle for resupply and crew rotation before returning to the search until it's forced to quit in the southern hemisphere's winter.

Plunkett's statement indicated Ocean Infinity's search could be halted before mid-June due to weather conditions at sea.

Explore further Malaysia OKs new search by private company for missing plane

 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.On May 29, staff at Starbucks 8,000 outlets, including this one on Oxford Street in Berkeley, will take part in anti-bias training. Credit: UC Berkeley photo by Yasmin Anwar

When Starbucks announced plans to conduct anti-bias training at its 8,000 outlets following the unprovoked arrests of two African-American customers in Philadelphia, UC Berkeley psychologist Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton was at once impressed and skeptical.

A veteran scholar of prejudice, stigma and race relations, Mendoza-Denton is keenly attuned to under-the-radar discrimination that runs counter to the stated values of seemingly progressive individuals and institutions.

"It's a huge step that most CEOs wouldn't want to take, and so I applaud them," says Mendoza-Denton, UC Berkeley's associate dean of diversity and inclusion and one of four faculty to win this year's Distinguished Teaching Award.

That said, he recalls Starbucks 2015 "Race Together" campaign that encouraged baristas to strike up conversations with customers about their racial and ethnic backgrounds, and which was roundly criticized.

"It was very symptomatic of race relations in the U.S., in that people try to do the right thing and everyone has something to say about it, and criticize it, including me," quips Mendoza-Denton, author of the 2010 book Are We Born Racist?

A native of Mexico, Mendoza-Denton is very much a world citizen, having lived in Thailand and Africa's Ivory Coast, among other places.

He approves of anti-bias training insofar as it can jumpstart difficult conversations about deeply ingrained prejudices that play out as micro-aggressions.

Ultimately though, he'd prefer to see a greater commitment to diversity at all corporate and institutional levels, not just the middle and lower rungs of the ladder.

Moreover, two decades of his research show that the cognitive, social and physiological symptoms of racism recede significantly when people bond over common experiences and goals.

And so, he keeps beating the drum for cross-race relationships, which means more people stepping out of their comfort zones and making friends with people from different backgrounds.

Here's more about Mendoza-Denton's views on implicit bias and the state of race relations.

What's the difference between overt racism and implicit bias?

With old-fashioned racism, you make no bones about your racism. Implicit bias, on the other hand, does not have to correspond with your explicit attitudes. You may value diversity and equality, but still end up treating people differently because of their identity in ways that you are not aware.

For example, if someone doesn't hold the elevator door for you, it could be that they didn't see you or they were in a hurry, or it could be that your race had something to do with it. Over time, that kind of ambiguity can wear on your ability to function in an academic or workplace setting.

Does anti-bias training work?

It depends. There's fairly compelling research showing that anti-bias or diversity training either has no effect or backfires. If you are forced to talk about bias, you might feel resentful. Or, you might do the training and feel like you're morally clean and no longer required to monitor your behavior, which could lead to further transgressions. Anti-bias training needs to be followed up with a long-term commitment to change.

Is social media helping raise awareness of racism?

Social media gives voice and image to a narrative that's been available, but not heard, long before social media came along. But through social media, that narrative is accessible to many more people in a very visceral way. On the other hand, these are not the only images that social media lifts up. When you're online, you can also find very negative stereotypes that become ingrained in viewers' minds.

The hard question is, how do you open people's hearts to the plight of communities where black people are dying at the hands of police officers? No video clip is going to help if people don't feel compassion, and that's the challenge we have today.

You co-authored a study that tied racism to heart disease among both blacks and whites. What surprised you about the finding?

We hypothesized that implicit bias would contribute to higher mortality rates, but instead we saw that poor health outcomes, including mortality, were more likely to be linked to overt racism. This suggests that explicit racism continues to get in the way of health-care, jobs and other sources of well-being and advancement.

How about implicit bias in academia? Is that a problem?

Most faculty want the best for their students, but change is often met with stiff resistance, especially from professors who feel that being made to change the way they do things infringes on their academic freedom.

Professors wield a lot of power in that they decide which scholarly work is worth taking on, and their biases can go unchecked when the standards for how to evaluate a student's work are too vague or ambiguous. For example, a white male professor may dismiss ideas pitched by women or minorities while endorsing similar ideas when pitched by male students.

A recent study of mine shows that in most STEM fields, minority and female graduate students publish less. Some of that can be attributed to the similarly vague ways students get the opportunity to publish. Our recent findings suggest that one way to combat implicit bias in academia is by creating clearer expectations and guidelines for assessing students and scaffolding their progress.

By the way, this also applies to business. The Wall Street Journal just reported that Starbucks has no clear guidelines for the conditions under which non-paying customers can stay. This is exactly the kind of situation where bias is likely to occur.

What about white people who feel they are being unfairly stereotyped or passed over?

You definitely have a camp who will tell them, 'Get over it. This is reality. You need to check your privilege,' all of which is true. But these truths have to also be paired with compassion, not contempt, because people may just avoid contact with other races to avoid uncomfortable feelings and conversations altogether.

That's why I keep going back to interracial contact and friendship. It's better to have co-workers from different backgrounds, better to invite kids from different ethnicities over for play dates. Not to talk about race every single time, but to share common experiences and goals. To share in our common humanity.

Are younger generations less likely to harbor racial biases

That was the argument they made about my generation, but it didn't turn out that way. As we grow up, we are still pushed towards segregated jobs, housing and social networks, and this generation will face the same pressures. We need to change the fundamental make-up of our institutions to give intergroup contact a chance to work.

That's why we have to be all-in when it comes to reaching across racial barriers, and I believe Berkeley is at the center of this American experiment. At Berkeley, we have a lot of messiness and not getting it right, and a lot of fighting and inequality, but there's a commitment to working through to a better, more equitable place. Change is slow. I hope we at Berkeley can show that we are in it for the long haul.

Explore further Reducing racial bias in childrenCredit: Dr Nicholas Hardy, courtesy of the Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford

The King James Bible, first published in 1611, has been found to have been translated by a Frenchman  according to three sources newly discovered by a University of Birmingham researcher.

Although the King James Bible went on to become the most popular translation throughout the English-speaking world, the circumstances surrounding its production have always been mysterious.

New research has shed light on the translators who worked on the first edition, with King James commissioning a renowned French scholar, Isaac Casaubon, who was visiting London at the time, to work on the final revision of the translation.

Dr. Nicholas Hardy, University of Birmingham said: "The sources show us that the translation was not just an English affair. Casaubon was a Frenchman who had only just arrived in London, and could barely speak or write English.

"Instead, he corresponded and conversed with the other translators in Latin, the common language of scholars in Europe at the time."

The King James Bible was drafted by more than forty translators, divided into 'companies' working on separate sections of the Bible. The companies then sent delegates to London to revise the whole translation before it was printed.

But the few documents that survived from the drafting and revision stages told us almost nothing about how the translators actually worked with one another.

Now Dr. Nicholas Hardy, University of Birmingham, has found three new sourcesincluding Casaubon's work on the translation, which had previously gone unnoticed by scholars for 400-years  in both the British Library, in London, and the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford.

These sources are the first new discoveries of their kind for half a century and led to the discovery of the Frenchman's involvement in the translation.

Credit: University of Birmingham

Dr. Hardy's discoveries include a printed copy of the ancient Greek version of the Old Testament, as well as a set of three unpublished letters between Casaubon and another of the translators John Bois, discussing difficult elements of the translation.

The third discovery was that of Isaac Casaubon's notebooks in the Bodleian, where they have been since the 1670s. In one of these notebooks the researcher found records of conversations which Casaubon had with another translator, Andrew Downes, about further problems associated with the translation.

The discoveries brings the number of known sources associated with the translation of the King James Bible up to seven, enabling us to learn a lot more about how the King James Bible was translated.

Dr. Hardy, University of Birmingham added: "Casaubon was regarded as the world's most accomplished scholar of ancient languages, and the translators consulted him because they were still dealing with a lot of unresolved problems in the original texts which they were translating from.

"These new sources show us how complex those problems were, and how strongly the translators could disagree with each other about how to solve them. For example, one of the toughest questions they faced was about the relationship between parts of the Old Testament that survived only in Greek and Latin, usually known as the 'apocryphal' books, and the parts that survived in Hebrew.

"Casaubon was there to help the translators deal with issues like this, but they did not always agree with the solutions he put forward."

Dr. Hardy has just published an edition and translation of the correspondence between Bois and Casaubon, as well as an extensive discussion of their context and the other relevant sources, in a contribution to a collection of essays on the making of the King James Bible.

He is currently writing a book-length study of the King James Bible for Princeton University Press.

The first source is a printed copy of the ancient Greek version of the Old Testament in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, containing thousands of handwritten annotations in its margins. This book had been part of the Bodleian Library's collections since the 1650s, but its annotator was unknown until Hardy recognised the handwriting as that of John Bois, one of the King James Bible's translators. Hardy then found a copy of the annotations by one of Bois's contemporaries in Leiden University Library in the Netherlands, which confirmed Bois's authorship of them. Many of the annotations were written by Bois in the course of his work on the translation.

Hardy's work on Bois's Old Testament led him to his second discovery. This was a set of three unpublished letters, held in the British Library since the early nineteenth century, which Bois exchanged with another translator while he was revising the translation in London. Bois's correspondent was Isaac Casaubon, a renowned French scholar who was visiting London. Casaubon was not previously known to have been involved in the translation. Bois wrote to Casaubon with several queries about specific passages which he and his colleagues had struggled to translate, and Casaubon replied to each one.

For the third discovery Hardy returned to the Bodleian Library, in Oxford, where Casaubon's notebooks have been since the 1670s. In one of these notebooks, he found records of conversations which Casaubon had with another translator, Andrew Downes, about further problems of translation which he did not discuss with Bois, covering the New Testament as well as the Apocrypha.

Explore further Ancient Bible fragments reveal a forgotten historyA plan to temporarily store tons of spent fuel from U.S. commercial nuclear reactors in New Mexico is drawing fire from critics who say the federal government needs to consider more alternatives.

Dozens of people packed a meeting Monday in Roswell as regulators took comments on the proposal by Holtec International to construct a below-ground space that could house about 100,000 metric tons of used fuel.

Ranchers and dairy operators suggested the plan could affect agriculture and oil and gasstalwarts of the southeastern New Mexico economy.

Supporters say the project could provide another economic boost to the region, already home to the federal government's only underground repository for Cold War-era waste generated by decades of bomb-making and nuclear research.

The meeting comes just days after a congressional subcommittee reviewed a proposed budget for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission that was centered partly on the decadeslong stalemate over what to do with the nation's nuclear waste.

Holtec is seeking an initial 40-year license, but critics that include members of New Mexico's congressional delegation have concerns that the federal government has no plans for permanent disposal and the waste could end up marooned in the state indefinitely.

Don Hancock with the Southwest Research and Information Center, an Albuquerque-based watchdog group, said federal regulators need to consider improving storage capabilities where the fuel is already being kept. Hancock and others have raised questions about transporting the waste across the country.

At Monday's public meeting, which was the first of three planned this week in New Mexico, dairy owner Al Squire said any contamination of the air or drinking water could disrupt the ability to market his products.

"An entire industry could be destroyed in the midst of widespread consumer panic that would most certainly follow such an accident," Squire said in a statement.

Holtec officials have argued that the project would be safe and address growing demand.

The storage facility would be located in a remote area on 1,000 acres between the cities of Carlsbad and Hobbs.

The latest budget request by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission includes more than $47 million for a long-stalled nuclear waste repository at Nevada's Yucca Mountain, 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Las Vegas. That state's Republican governor and lawmakers from both parties oppose the plan.

U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican who chairs a subcommittee on energy and water development, said at a hearing last week that Yucca Mountain should be part of the solution to address the waste problem and that the nuclear commission's scientists have said waste can be safely stored there.

"But even if we had Yucca Mountain open today, we would still need to look for another permanent repository," Alexander said. "We have more than enough used fuel to fill Yucca Mountain to its legal capacity."

The quickest and likely least expensive way to meet government obligations is to contract with a private storage facility, Alexander said.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, said about 3,000 metric tons of highly radioactive rods are stored close to the ocean and population centers in her state alone. She acknowledged that efforts to move the waste away from reactor sites have been hamstrung in part by the politics surrounding Yucca Mountain.

Republican U.S. Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada said in a letter to Feinstein and Alexander that Yucca Mountain poses risks that must be addressed.

"To date, however, Nevadans have not received any assurances from the NRC that their concerns will receive the process and consideration they are due under existing law," he wrote.

New Mexico's Democratic senatorsTom Udall and Martin Heinrichhave asked for more public meetings on the Holtec proposal. They say residents outside southeastern New Mexico should have a say.

The commission is accepting online comments through May 29.

The proposal has the support of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez as well as cities and counties in the region.

Explore further Proposal advances to store nuclear waste in New Mexico

 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.Govt becoming authoritarian: NC leader Rijal

Nepali Congress (NC) leader Minendra Rijal has alleged that the left alliance is gradually becoming authoritarian. He accused Prime Minster KP Sharma of being arrogant.Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A team of researchers from several institutions in Germany and Israel has used theoretical analysis to explain the conditions under which mega-ripples form in areas where sand dunes rise. In their paper published in the journal Nature Physics, the group describes combining field measurements with theory to come up with an explanation for mega-ripples. N. M. Vriend and P. A. Jarvis with the University of Cambridge offer a News & Views piece on the work done by the team in the same journal issue.

Most people have seen pictures, video or firsthand vistas of deserts with sand dunes. Such deserts, it has been noted, form dunes in just one average size, which are often characterized by ripples. However, the researchers note that there is an exceptionsometimes, there are smaller, dune-like bedforms that are larger than ripples. They are called mega-ripples because some believe they are merely a larger version of the ripples that normally occur on dunes. In this new effort, the researchers sought to learn more about mega-ripples through serious study.

Prior study has shown that dunes and ripples form when wind blows sand around. Sand forms due to erosion. Dunes form when there is instability between the transport of sand, and the topography and the speed at which the wind blows. The variations between these factors is what causes the differences in size between dunes in different deserts. Ripples, on the other hand, are formed by more subtle forces, such as grains of sand that hop around rather than fly in the windripple spacing is defined by hop length. The researchers wanted to know about mega-ripples. What causes them to form, and why are they so rare? To find out, they built a model to replicate what occurs naturally, and then changed factors until mega-ripples formed.

The strongest factor influencing the development of mega-ripples, the team found, was grain size under erosive conditions. In areas where there is moderate but constant wind, grain sorting occurs, leaving coarser grains behind due to their weight. Those grains can pile up and develop into mega-ripples. But not for very long, because weather conditions change. For this reason, the researchers have declared mega-ripples to be a type of dune, not a large ripple.

More information: Marc Lammel et al. Aeolian sand sorting and megaripple formation, Nature Physics (2018). Marc Lammel et al. Aeolian sand sorting and megaripple formation,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-018-0106-z Abstract

Sand is blown across beaches and deserts by turbulent winds. This seemingly chaotic process creates two dominant bedforms: decametre-scale dunes and centimetre-scale ripples, but hardly anything in between. By the very same process, grains are constantly sorted. Smaller grains advance faster, while heavier grains trail behind. Here, we argue that, under erosive conditions, sand sorting and structure formation can conspire to create distinct bedforms in the 'forbidden wavelength gap' between aeolian ripples and dunes. These so-called megaripples are shown to co-evolve with an unusual, predominantly bimodal grain-size distribution. Combining theory and field measurements, we develop a mechanistic understanding of their formation, shape and migration, as well as their cyclic ageing, renewal and sedimentary memory, in terms of the intermittent wind statistics. Our results demonstrate that megaripples exhibit close similarities to dunes and can indeed be mechanistically characterized as a special type of ('reptation') dune. Journal information: Nature Physics

 2018 Phys.orgTitle page and dedication from a 1613 King James Bible, printed by Robert Barker. Credit: Private Collection of S. Whitehead

The King James Bible, often referred to as the "authorised version", is one of the most widely read and influential books in history. Published for the first time in 1611 at the behest of King James I of England, the translation was the work of more than 40 scholars, who started from the original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible.

Because of the Bible's fame, people might be surprised to hear that it is still possible to find previously unknown and unidentified sources that shed light on how it came together. In fact, the process of translation remains mysterious  and there is plenty of work left to be done on how this was done. This reflects the wider possibilities of research into pre-modern literature and history  and there is still a huge amount to find out through archival research.

Over the past few years, I have been researching new evidence about how the bible was translated and have identified three new pieces of evidence that had been written by the King James translators in the course of their work. Before that, scholars had only found four: a copy of an earlier English translation, parts of which were apparently revised by some of the translators; an anonymous draft of part of the New Testament; a set of notes on part of the Apocrypha by the translator Samuel Ward; and notes on the New Testament by another translator, John Bois. Nothing had been added to these sources since the 1970s.

Fresh information

My work brings the total number of sources from four up to seven. But what are the three new items? The first thing that links the three items is that they were not accurately catalogued. The first was a printed copy of the Old Testament in the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford, annotated heavily by Bois, a linguist of whom it is said he could "write Hebrew with an elegant hand" by the age of six.

But although the sub-collection this book belongs to has been in Oxford for centuries, it still has not been catalogued to modern standards.

The information available for each book is basic  in this case, the catalogue entry did not reveal that the book contained annotations, much less that they were by a well-known biblical translator. It is one of hundreds of thousands of early printed books all over the world that scholars still have to inspect in person in order to find out what they contain.

The same is true of the second and third items I found. The second was a set of handwritten letters exchanged between Bois and the celebrated French scholar, Isaac Casaubon  who had arrived in England in 1610 at the behest of James I and who also participated in the translation. These letters have been in the British Library for about two centuries, but the catalogue says nothing about them other than the names of the correspondents.

The third item was a series of notes in the Bodleian Libraries which Casaubon made after discussing various problems of translation with another translator, Andrew Downes, a professor of Greek at Cambridge University.

John Boiss annotated copy of the Greek Old Testament. Photo Nicholas Hardy, courtesy of the Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford; Bodleian Library, D 1.14 Th.Seld., p. 343

Similarly, the notebook containing this record of the translation has a catalogue entry, but it is patchy, imprecise and does not capture the required level of detail. Again, there are thousands of partially catalogued manuscripts all over the world that stand ready to yield secrets like these to researchers who are willing to take a punt and consult them directly.

Common language

The next factor that links all three discoveries might surprise readers who think of the King James Bible as a distinctively "English" cultural product: they were all written in Latin, and they all involved some sort of foreign as well as English input. The printed edition of the Old Testament which Bois annotated had been published in Rome and Bois and Casaubon corresponded with each other in Latin. Casaubon's conversations with Downes, similarly, were held and recorded in Latin, because Casaubon could not speak or write English.

Latin was the closest thing Europe had to a common language at the time, especially for its intellectual elites. Because comparatively few scholars of this period can read Latin, even a little knowledge of the language can open many different doors to unknown dimensions of early modern culture.

Golden age of English writing?

One thing is even more important than access to under-catalogued collections or material in unfamiliar languages, however. I needed a reason to do this research in the first place. In my case, there were two overarching motivations for my work on the King James Bible.

First, I was interested in these sorts of sources because I was interested in what the history of scholarly practices could tell us about the history of religion. Religion is often studied as though it were a matter of unquestioning faith, spiritual piety or clashes between fixed, mutually exclusive doctrines.

I wanted to show that Christian readers of the Bible in the early modern period were at the cutting edge of intellectual culture and were capable of seeing their sacred texts as historically and culturally specific documents. The sources I found illustrate how and why they could do this, as another commentator has already observed.

Second, I wanted to unpick the commonplace notion that the King James Bible, like other translations of the Bible into English from this period, was a product of a newly independent, assertive national literary culture: the culture of writers like Shakespeare, to take the most famous contemporary example. It may have come to look this way in subsequent centuries, but at the time it bore witness to constant cooperation and exchange between English and continental scholars.

The vast majority of researchers in my field are like me: they don't enjoy the task of wading through library catalogues or reading Latin manuscripts for its own sake. The reason they do those things in the first place is to test and critique the grander narratives which we tell each other about the past.

Explore further New sources prove a Frenchman was one of the translators of the King James Bible

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.One of the longest river studies in the world has discovered that an important part of the planet's extinction crisis may have gone unnoticed

Global change is causing freshwater species to be lost twice as fast as in any other ecosystem, and new research, which studied Welsh rivers and streams for over 30 years, has found that the number of specialist invertebrates are dwindling.

Cardiff University researchers monitored fourteen streams at the Llyn Brianne Observatory, collecting data from the headwaters of the River Tywi in Wales since 1981. The data revealed that specialist organisms, like predatory flatworms, certain stoneflies or caddis larvae, are in sharp decline, as their precise needs make them vulnerable to changes in climate.

Not only is the change in their environment causing their numbers to decrease, but once these species become scarce they have limited ability to recolonise their previously occupied habitats.

The study, completed by Cardiff University's Water Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, University of Trento, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research and the Computer Science Department at Martin Luther University, not only shows that specialist invertebrates are declining, but it potentially gives an early warning of bigger changes to come.

Professor Steve Ormerod, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, said: "Freshwater ecologists are seriously concerned at the plight of the world's rivers, lakes and wetlands, and at the rate at which they're losing plants and animals of many types.

"Yet, many people are unaware of this ongoing tragedy hidden beneath the water surface. Our results show that the build up to species extinction can start in a subtle way, for example, where climate change causes numbers to decline before sudden disappearance.

"We've already lost one species like this across large areas of Wales, the flatworm Crenobiaalpine, whose specialism is predation in cool-water streams.

"We need to step up action to prevent these losses and work of this type will help to inform the best approaches while providing a timely wake-up call."

Dr. Stefano Larsen, University of Trento, added: "Species extinction is now a major global issue, but is seen mostly as large-scale changes where whole habitats are lost, invaded by non-native species, polluted or over-exploited.

"Local trends have been less clear, particularly from long-term studies at sites like Llyn Brianne, where the absence of serious ecological disruption means that more subtle changes are visible.

"Our study shows how species with special ecological needs progressively form a smaller and smaller proportion of the species in our study streams, and there is a risk of them disappearing altogether."

Explore further Climate change impacts stream lifeIndia agrees to set aside 125 rail cars

India has agreed in principle to increase the number of dedicated railway rakes for shipping goods to Nepal fivefold to 125.Nepal asked India for additional rakes as Nepali traders were having a hard time getting freight wagons to transport third country imports from Kolkata port. Sometimes, they had to wait for months to transport their goods from Kolkata to Nepal.Indian PM Modi to enter Nepal from Janakpur

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to fly directly to Janakpur on a helicopter from India.Last week we discussed one of the major hurdles recent immigrants from southeastern Kentucky faced when they tried to assimilate into middle class society in Ohio: they talked like hillbillies. This week well look at a second hurdle: the matter of dress.

In Hillbilly Elegy, J. D. Vance notes that his Papaw wore the same outfit every day: painters pants and a graying tee shirt with a pocket for his smokes. Papaw also believed in air drying his clothes. By this he meant tossing his attire into the washing machine, running it through a full cycle, then leaving it in the machine to air dry.

When Papaw finally got around to taking his clothes out of the washing machine they were wrinkled and smelled of mildew. But he simply put them on and went about his business. It wasnt that Papaw didnt notice that respectable men in Middletown, Ohio didnt dress like he did, its just that Papaw didnt give a damn. Dressing like a bum was perfectly acceptable in Jackson, Kentucky, and if it wasnt acceptable in Middletown, that was Middletowns problem.

Papaws attitude may seem perverse to usto say nothing of being antithetical to his own chances for success in Ohiobut thats only because we dont understand the power of the cultural legacy Papaw brought with him to Middletown.

To try to get at what motivated Papaw, lets look at a situation that is more familiar to us. A woman well call Amal has left her Middle Eastern country and migrated to Dayton, Ohio with her husband. Amal believes that a woman should always behave modestly in public and should cover herself whenever she leaves her home. So she wears a burqa. (Actually, Amal wears a niqab, but since no one in Dayton, Ohio knows what a niqab is, well call it a burqa.)

Amal knows perfectly well that other women in Dayton dont wear burqas, and she surely knows that wearing the burqa will impede her ability to assimilate into the Dayton community. She will have few friends among Daytonians. If she wishes to work, it will impede her ability to get and hold a job. When Amal walks around Dayton in her burqa people stare at her and sometimes make ugly comments (Terrorist!).

So controversial is the burqa that entire nations (France and Belgium) have banned it, and thousands of towns and regions around the world, from China to Spain to Switzerland to Russia, have also banned it. Amal is well aware that her clothing choice is controversial but she wears it anyway. Is she merely perverse and indifferent to her chances for success in Ohio? Not at all. Its simply that her attachment to her Muslim culture is stronger than those other considerations.

And so it was with Papaw. The Scots-Irish in Kentuckylike the Scots-Irish everywhereare characterized by a fierce independence of spirit, and that spirit isnt likely to falter simply because somebody in Middletown doesnt like the way Papaw dresses. It may seem silly and obstinate to us, but its no more incomprehensible than is Amals determination to wear her burqa.

But matters could not have been more different with my grandparents. Determined to succeed in Ohio, they carefully noted how respectable people dressed and copied that dress down to the nth degree. Their clothes might have been a bit threadbare, and they might be patched here and there, but at least from a distance they dressed like any other decent citizen of Springfield, Ohio.

To a person who was to-the-manor-born (i.e., a middle class Ohioan), dressing sensibly was second natureit wasnt something you needed even to think about. But to someone newly arrived from southeastern Kentucky, trying to dress like the locals was a constant, anxiety-laden challenge. Nothing about it came naturally and so the rules of dress, instead of being a matter of easy habit, were rigid and exacting. They had to be that way, because, left to their own devices, Kentucky folk were likely to dress like, well, like Papaw.

Consider, just as a random example, the matter of polishing ones shoes. In the 1940s and 1950s, no respectable man would put on a suit and go out in public wearing scuffed shoes. It simply wasnt done. (All this went to hell in the 1960s, of course.) But if a normal middle class man forgot on occasion, the consequences were modest. Some wag might stare at Freds shoes, raise his eyebrows, and say, Been out hoein pertaters, Fred? Fred would get the point and remember to polish his shoes next time (probably).

But in my family failing to polish your shoes was like violating one of the Ten Commandments. So thoroughly was this edict drilled into me that, when I was drafted into the army I immediately began polishing my combat boots to a high shinemuch to the amusement of my fellow draftees, who wore boots that looked liked they had already been to war and lost. (As a not-incidental aside, Im convinced that wearing polished boots once saved my life, but thats another story.)

My wife claims that, when she thinks of me in my characteristic activity she doesnt think, There he goes, off to work, or Hes out playing with the kids, or Hes reading a good book. No, when she thinks of me she thinks, Hes probably polishing his damn shoes again!

Even today, very nearly a century after my grandparents left Barbourville, Kentucky, the thought of putting on a business suit and going out in public wearing unpolished shoes fills me with the Creeping Heebeejeebies.

Next week well take a look at a thirdand much biggerobstacle to hillbilly success in middle class Ohio.

Next up: On Hillbilly Elegy, Part VII'Israel ready to establish agricultural training centre in Nepal'

CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting with Israeli ambassador to Nepal Benny Omer on Tuesday.KAZ Minerals PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and processing copper and other metals primarily in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. It operates through Bozshakol, Aktogay, East Region and Bozymchak, and Mining Projects segments. The company operates the Aktogay and Bozshakol open pit copper mines in the east region and Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan; three underground mines in the east region of Kazakhstan; and the Bozymchak copper-gold mine in Kyrgyzstan. It also develops greenfield metal deposits; operates Koksay deposit in Kazakhstan, and the Baimskaya licence area in the Chukotka region of Russia; and produces and sells various by-products, such as gold, silver, molybdenum, and zinc. In addition, the company supplies and distributes heat, water, and electricity; and offers construction, project management, financing, management, sales and logistics, and repairs and maintenance services. The company was formerly known as Kazakhmys PLC and changed its name to KAZ Minerals PLC in October 2014. KAZ Minerals PLC was founded in 1930 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

Read MoreTake a look through "Mission to Mars" coverage that has been published so far. We will have new stories everyday and we have videos, photos, aThank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.Armenia's political crisis deepened Wednesday as opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan called for protesters to block key transport links after lawmakers rejected his bid to become prime minister. Pashinyan supporters have pledged to ramp up pressure on authorities to force the ruling Republican Party, which withheld support for the protest leader despite tens of thousands massing in the streets, to quit power. "From 8:15 am tomorrow all roads should be blocked, I announce a general strike," Pashinyan told supporters gathered in the capital Yerevan's Republic Square late Tuesday. "A revolution of love and tolerance is continuing," he said, also urging people to block an airport and turn out for a huge rally Wednesday evening as the crowds chanted "Nikol! Nikol!". Parliament had voted 45 in favour to 55 against Pashinyan, with the Republican Party headed by ousted former prime minister Serzh Sarkisian rejecting his candidacy after hours of deliberation during a day-long special session. "The political force which declared a war against its own people has destroyed itself," Pashinyan said in parliament after the vote. "No one will be able to take victory away from the people." Pashinyan previously warned that the lawmakers' unwillingness to back him could lead to a "political tsunami". Armenia has been in the grip of a severe political crisis in recent weeks, with observers and the international community expressing concern that the turmoil could destabilise the small south Caucasus country. Pashinyan, who spearheaded the mass protests that led to the resignation of veteran leader Sarkisian last month, has insisted that only he can rid the poor ex-Soviet nation of corruption and poverty and conduct free and fair elections. He had been thought to be just a handful of votes short of a majority in parliament. Ahead of the vote lawmakers from the Republican Party grilled Pashinyan on a number of technical issues in an apparent effort to make him appear incompetent. "The entire country is united in its demand that the Republicans' rule must end," said Laura Shahverdyan, a 22-year-old student. Anait Tolmasyan, a 63-year-old pensioner, added: "We all only have one demand: the Republicans must go. Nikol is the true leader of the Armenian people." - Political dead end - Eduard Sharmazanov, vice speaker of parliament and the Republicans' spokesman, excoriated the 42-year-old former newspaper editor, implying he was unpredictable. "Mr Pashinyan, I don't see you at the post of prime minister, I don't see you at the post of commander-in-chief." A lawmaker from the Elk coalition that nominated Pashinyan, Edmon Marukyan, accused the Republicans of leading the country into a "dead end". A source familiar with negotiations told AFP earlier this week that the Republican Party leadership was clinging to power and opposed Pashinyan's election. The source said Pashinyan and the Republicans had struck a backdoor deal several days ago, but it appears that the ruling party backed out at the last minute. Pashinyan had secured the backing of two other key parties including Prosperous Armenia. But ahead of the ballot he was at least seven votes short of the 53 he needed from the 105-seat legislature, where the Republican Party has a majority. - Arch-enemy watches closely - Armenia is dependent on Russia economically and militarily and Pashinyan had said his premiership would not threaten traditionally tight ties with Moscow. Armenia has for decades been locked in a bitter dispute with Azerbaijan over Nagorny Karabakh, a breakaway statelet with an Armenian ethnic majority that is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has closely watched the political crisis, with analysts warning Armenia's arch-foe could use the turmoil to its advantage. One Azerbaijani lawmaker, Gudrat Gasanguliyev, called on Tuesday for a special session of parliament, citing the prospect of "civil war" in Armenia.An adviser to Hong Kongs leader on Tuesday renewed his call for the city to enact national security legislation in stages, in exchange for Beijings approval of more democracy locally.

But Ronny Tong Ka-wahs suggestion was dismissed by a member of the opposition Democratic Party, Senia Ng Sze-nok, who argued that Hong Kong should be allowed more democracy first, before making its own law to protect national security.

If we want to guarantee that Article 23 legislation is compatible with our freedom of speech, then I think that we should first have a democratically elected chief executive and Legislative Council, Ng said, referring to the provision in the Basic Law, Hong Kongs mini-constitution, that the city must enact its own law to criminalise acts such as treason and subversion.

Ng, a 29-year-old barrister who is not a party official, was appointed in March as a member of the Youth Development Commission, a high-level advisory body chaired by the citys No 2 official, Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung.

The Hong Kong government shelved its Article 23 bill in 2003 after half a million people took to the streets to oppose it, fearing an erosion of civil liberties.

Last month, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the city was still not ready for the legislation, even though Beijing officials, such as liaison office chief Wang Zhimin, have ramped up warnings that laws against offences such as treason and sedition were overdue and needed to tackle independence advocacy.

Speaking on an RTHK radio programme on Tuesday, Ng argued that Hong Kong needed to achieve a popular ballot for the chief executive, so that the citys core values, such as freedom of speech and the rule of law, could be guaranteed.

But Tong, a member of Lams Executive Council, countered that the chief executive should promise to handle both the issues of national security and democracy as soon as possible, or before her term expires in 2022, especially when democracy was not a top priority for Beijing.

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They simply want a stable Hong Kong, so they dont have to look into their own backyard while they deal with other  important national issues, he said.

At least in their mind, they said  I can live without democracy in Hong Kong, thats their mentality.

Tong argued that enacting Article 23 legislation would help Hong Kong and Beijing to rebuild mutual trust. Then with more trust, the central government could be more willing to allow the city to enjoy more democracy, he added.

I think Article 23 is the only chip that we have  because this is what Beijing wants, and we want democracy. So each of us wants something that the other side can give, he said.

Tong reiterated that he would prefer to enact such legislation in stages, in a reference to his proposal last November that offences concerning treason and secession would be dealt with first because they were more straightforward. They could be followed by offences about state secrets, he suggested at that time.

Speaking on the same programme, pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu argued that national security legislation had to be done first before giving Hongkongers more democracy.

This article Article 23 national security law in Hong Kong could help win more democracy, government adviser Ronny Tong says first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.Australia's market watchdog on Tuesday expanded legal action against Rio Tinto and former senior executives of the mining giant related to a troubled 2011 investment in Mozambique coal assets. The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) said the new legal proceedings focused on Rio's failure to acknowledge losses related to the investment in an interim financial report issued in 2012. ASIC specifically alleged that former Rio chief executive Tom Albanese and former chief financial officer Guy Elliott "failed to take all reasonable steps" to comply with due diligence and reporting requirements related to the Mozambique operation. Tuesday's move builds on a decision by ASIC in March to take the world's second-largest mining company, as well as Albanese and Elliott, to court for allegedly engaging in "misleading and deceptive conduct" by misrepresenting the value of the Mozambique assets. The Anglo-Australian firm purchased them in 2011 for US$3.7 billion, and sold them for just US$50 million three years later, writing off US$3.0 billion from its value. The watchdog already said in March that it wanted to levy fines against Albanese and Elliott and bar them from managing corporations for a period of time. Rio and the two ex-chiefs were also charged with fraud by US regulator the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in October last year over similar allegations. Rio Tinto said in response to the SEC charges that the case was "unwarranted". It made no immediate comment on Tuesday's move by ASIC. Rio has also separately settled a case with Britain's Financial Conduct Authority about the timing of writing down the same projects.By Flavia Bohone

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - A 22-story abandoned office building occupied by hundreds of squatters was engulfed in flames and collapsed in the centre of Sao Paulo early Tuesday, shooting a massive black cloud of smoke into the sky and red-hot chunks of debris into nearby structures.

At least one person died and three others were missing, a fire department spokesman said. According to authorities, 400 people were registered as living in the building, which belonged to the government.

The cause of the fire was not known.

Live television images in the early morning hours showed a firefighter on an adjacent rooftop talking to a man clinging to a rescue rope and trying to escape from the upper part of the burning building.

Suddenly, the structure collapsed and the man disappeared into the rubble. Authorities said he likely died, but were searching for him. In the afternoon, firefighters continued searching for additional victims amid concrete chunks and twisted metal pipes.

An adjacent building caught fire, but was evacuated and no one was injured. That blaze was brought under control relatively quickly, Sao Paulo Fire Brigade Lieutenant Andre Elias told Globo TV.

The abandoned former office building had 22 stories, according to the fire department and not 26 stories as reported by some media. It once housed a branch of Brazil's federal police and had been occupied by squatters for the past seven years.

Sao Paulo state Governor Marcio Franca, at the scene, told the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper it was a "tragedy foretold."

The city and state governments have been working for years to forcibly remove squatters from buildings in central Sao Paulo, with plans for revitalising the area.

Franca said about 150 buildings in the region were occupied by organised groups of squatters, who have pressured the government for years to provide housing for the city's homeless.

The governor said it was legally difficult to force people to evacuate the old and decaying buildings.

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"There is not even a minimal condition for people to live in there," Franca said. "People live there in desperation. This was a tragedy foretold."

The mayor of Sao Paulo, Bruno Covas, told reporters at the scene that the state government had offered to provide housing for the displaced families, and Brazil's president, Michel Temer, also offered federal assistance during a visit to the site.

Temer, a deeply unpopular president due to various corruption scandals and attempts to reduce Brazil's relatively expansive welfare net, left the scene quickly amid jeers from some of the displaced residents.

(Reporting by Flavia Bohone, Anthony Boadle, and Brad Brooks; additional writing by Gram Slattery; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe and Lisa Shumaker)Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) National Servicemen, soldiers (Yahoo News Singapore file photo)

The family of a 19-year-old full-time National Serviceman who died on Monday (30 April) are demanding a full explanation from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) after an anonymous note alleging negligence by commanders began circulating online.

Private (PTE) Lee Han Xuan Dave, a Guardsman from the 1st Battalion Singapore Guards, displayed signs of heat injury in the morning of 18 April after completing an 8km fast march in Bedok Camp, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement on Monday.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (1 May), Cecilia Yeo, the deceaseds aunt, shared the contents of a Facebook post from a fellow soldier claiming that Dave struggled to complete his fast march and showed signs of extreme physical exhaustion but was forced by senior commanders to finish it.

The anonymous Facebook user accused commanders of not following the proper protocol for a soldier in heat exhaustion. Sergeants were just surrounding the young NSF talking cock and launching and cracking jokes around him, obviously thinking the soldier is trying to keng, the user added.

Referencing the note, Yeo said that while the truth cant bring my nephew back, he deserves the truth to be told.

I am sharing this in pain but we demand full explanation from SAF to the public, who trustingly sent their children to serve the nation. I hope you share our pain and support that SAF must release full investigation and identity of all culprits to the public, she wrote.

According to Mindefs statement, an SAF medic attended to Lee immediately on 18 April to bring down his core temperature, and the private was then evacuated to the camps Medical Centre where the SAF medical team continued body cooling measures and treatment on him.

Lee was brought to Changi General Hospital, where he remained warded in the intensive care unit.

Unfortunately, PTE Lees condition did not improve in the ICU and worsened during the hospitalisation, said Mindef. He was pronounced dead at 5.32pm on Monday at the hospital.

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The Ministry of Defence and the SAF extend their deepest condolences to the family of the late serviceman and are assisting the family in this time of grief, the statement added.

Yahoo News Singapore has sent queries to Mindef for their reaction.

Armys post

In a Facebook post on Tuesday evening, Chief of Staff  General Staff Brigadier-General Siew Kum Wong said that as with all training related deaths, the Armed Forces Council would convene an independent Committee of Inquiry (COI), chaired by a senior civil servant from outside Mindef/SAF to investigate the incident.

The COI has full powers and access to information and personnel to investigate the circumstances leading to death, determine the contributory factors, and make recommendations to rectify any lapses or inadequacies uncovered. Should there be training safety violations, the personnel responsible will be held accountable, he wrote.

In recognition of Lees service, he was accorded posthumous recognition of the rank of Corporal First Class (CFC), Siew said. The late Lee will also be given a military funeral, he added.

Mothers post

Separately, in a Facebook post on Monday, Jasmine Yeo, the mother of Lee, revealed that her son had signed up to donate his cornea before his passing.

According to news reports, Lee was the only child of Yeo, a spa manager, and property agent Dennis Lee. He attended Rulang Primary School, Yuhua Secondary School and Jurong Junior College. He enlisted into national service in early January this year.

On Tuesday, the bereaved mother also shared her sisters Facebook post urging friends to find the truth about Lees death.Prithvi Man Shrestha is a political reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering the governance-related issues including corruption and irregularities in the government machinery. Before joining The Kathmandu Post in 2009, he worked at nepalnews.com and Rising Nepal primarily covering the issues of political and economic affairs for three years.A Hong Kong policeman has been arrested for allegedly indecently assaulting a woman less than a year and a half after he was suspended for trespassing in the womens changing room at a police station.

The 36-year-old constable, who was formerly from the New Territories North Regions Quick Reaction Force, was picked up in Tai Po on suspicion of assaulting a 21-year-old woman inside the building where he lived.

The incident took place in Fu Shin Estate at about 12.30am on Sunday. A police source said security footage showed a man who looked like the officer had shared a lift in the building with the victim. The man allegedly assaulted her in a public area soon after she stepped out of the lift.

The officer was arrested on Monday afternoon.

The officer, who joined the force in May 2009, had previously been suspended from duty over a separate incident at the New Territories North regional headquarters in Tai Po on December 30, 2016.

The source said the constable claimed on that day that he had a headache and could not take a shift. He said he needed to go to the mens changing room for a rest but was later seen in the womens changing room, while two female officers were inside. They reported the incident to their superiors.

The constable claimed he was in the room to look for a lost item.

The source said police legal advisers from the Department of Justice found there was insufficient evidence in this case to raise a criminal charge. The department then launched a disciplinary review.

The officer was suspended on January 4 last year, while a disciplinary proceeding involving six charges against him was ongoing. It was expected to be concluded in August this year.

A police spokesman said the department attached great importance to the conduct of police officers and would not tolerate any illegal acts.

This article Hong Kong policeman arrested on suspicion of indecently assaulting woman first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.Hong Kongs highest court on Monday struck down a bid from more than 30 major banks and law firms, as well as Amnesty International, to support a lesbians legal battle that has far-reaching implications for gay expatriate couples in the city.

The ruling was handed down by the Court of Final Appeal about a month after 15 financial institutions, 16 law firms and the global human rights group petitioned the court to have a say in what has become known as the QT case.

A spokesman from Davis Polk and Wardwell, the lawyers representing the banks and law firms, said they were disappointed, but respected the courts decision.

Hong Kong faces strong competition from other international financial cities in the region and globally and the current immigration policy risks putting Hong Kong behind other jurisdictions, he said, adding that the institutions believed respecting diversity was essential for the city to attract talent.

QT, as she is known in court, followed her partner, known as SS, to the city but was denied a dependant visa despite the pair having entered a civil union in Britain. QT won in a lower appeal court in September to have their British civil union recognised in the city for the purpose of a dependant visa.

The decision upended the Immigration Departments practice of granting such visas only to heterosexual married couples. Following the ruling, the government lodged a final appeal, which will be heard on June 5.

The 15 banks and 16 law firms told the court in late March that since they had an interest in the policy  which affects their ability to hire gay employees in Hong Kong  they wanted to take part in the June 5 hearing to present a more rounded picture.

Amnesty International offered to provide its expertise so that the court could have an independent analysis of the legal issues.

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In the judgment, Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li and his fellow justices, Roberto Ribeiro and Joseph Fok, acknowledged that the policy carried consequences for employers.

The [Immigration] Directors policy, insofar as it excludes the spouses of persons in same-sex marriages, must have some limiting effect on the pool of persons who can, or may wish to, come to work in Hong Kong, they wrote.

But in rejecting them, the judges said the arguments presented by the banks and law firms had already been covered by QTs lawyers.

They said that while Amnesty could provide expertise in the matter, some of it was irrelevant and the expertise that was relevant had already been included.

Amnesty International was disappointed by the ruling, but respected it. Senior policy adviser Jan Wetzel said the judgment confirmed the principle that NGOs could play a role in future human rights cases.

This is an important aspect for future applications to intervene, whether by Amnesty International or others, he said.

QT, a British citizen, entered a civil partnership in England just months before moving to Hong Kong in 2011 with SS, who had been offered a job in the city.

But after her arrival, QTs application for a spousal visa was denied, prompting her to apply for a judicial review in 2014.

She lost at the Court of First Instance, but won at the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the Immigration Departments refusal amounted to indirect discrimination.

The 15 international financial institutions are: ABN AMRO Bank; AIG Insurance Hong Kong; Australia and New Zealand Banking Group; The Bank of New York Mellon; BlackRock Asset Management North Asia; Credit Suisse; Goldman Sachs; Morgan Stanley; Nomura International (Hong Kong); Royal Bank of Canada; Societe Generale Hong Kong Branch; State Street Bank and Trust; Barclays; Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Hong Kong; and Macquarie Group.

The 16 law firms are: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld; Allen and Overy; Ashurst Hong Kong; Clifford Chance; CMS Hasche Sigle Hong Kong LLP; Eversheds Sutherland LLP; Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Herbert Smith Freehills; Hogan Lovells; Latham and Watkins; Linklaters; Morley Chow Seto; Morrison Foerster LLP; Oldham, Li and Nie; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison LLP; and Ropes and Gray LLP.

This article Hong Kongs top court denies 31 major banks and law firms bid to support lesbian expat QT in LGBT rights battle first appeared on South China Morning Post

For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018.Morocco on Tuesday cut diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing the Islamic republic of using its ally Hezbollah to deliver weapons to the separatist Polisario Front in Western Sahara. Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said the decision had nothing to do with "current regional or international developments", referring to rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and its allies on one side and Shiite Iran its camp on the other. The Lebanese Hezbollah quickly rejected Rabat's accusations, blaming the decision on foreign "pressure". At a press conference in Rabat, Bourita said "a first shipment of weapons was recently" sent to the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which is seeking independence, via an "element" at the Iranian embassy in Algiers. "Morocco has irrefutable proof, names and specific actions to corroborate the complicity between the Polisario and Hezbollah," he told reporters. The decision to sever ties with Tehran is "in response to Iran's involvement, through Hezbollah, in allying itself with the Polisario over the past two years in order to target the security and higher interests of Morocco". Bourita was speaking upon his return from Tehran, where he said he informed his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif about Morocco's decision. The foreign minister said he departed Tehran along with Morocco's ambassador to Iran. "I will ask the Iranian embassy's charge d'affaires to leave the kingdom as soon as possible," Bourita added. - 'False accusations' - Morocco and Iran have had strained relations and severed diplomatic ties in the past, the last time in 2009 when Rabat cut ties with Tehran but they were restored at the end of 2014. According to Bourita, Iran and Hezbollah have had ties with the Polisario Front since 2016, when the Lebanese Shiite militant group set up a committee to support the Polisario. After that, he said, a Hezbollah military delegation visited the Polisario Front in the Tindouf area in southwest Algeria. Hezbollah quickly denied that it was arming the Polisario, accusing Morocco of caving to "pressure from the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia to direct these false accusations". Hezbollah said Bourita was "free... to look for a more convincing argument to sever ties with Iran". Washington, Riyadh and Israel have frequently condemned Iranian interference in the Middle East. Iran and Saudi Arabia broke off diplomatic relations in January 2016 and are engaged in a regional power struggle. Both countries support opposing camps in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon. The Polisario and Morocco fought for control of Western Sahara from 1975 to 1991, with Rabat taking over the desert territory before a UN-brokered ceasefire in the former Spanish colony. Rabat considers Western Sahara an integral part of Morocco and proposes autonomy for the resource-rich territory, but the Polisario Front insists on a UN referendum on independence. On Friday the UN Security Council backed a US-drafted resolution that urges Morocco and the Polisario Front to prepare for talks on settling the decades-old conflict. It also renewed for six months the mandate of a UN mission that has been monitoring the ceasefire in Western Sahara since 1991. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have been deadlocked since the last round of UN-sponsored talks in 2008. Morocco maintains that negotiations on a settlement should focus on its proposal for autonomy for Western Sahara and rejects the Polisario's insistence on an independence referendum.Achyut Wagle holds PhD in economics and is currently a professor at the Kathmandu University School of Management. He is an econo-political analyst, writing for The Kathmandu Post for many years.The Philippines on Tuesday welcomed an olive branch from Kuwait over their migrant labour row, days after President Rodrigo Duterte announced a permanent ban on Filipino workers going to the Gulf state. The dispute, simmering for months, erupted last week when Kuwait expelled the Philippine ambassador over videos of embassy staff helping Filipino workers flee allegedly abusive bosses in Kuwait. But the Kuwaitis sought to calm the crisis after Duterte said on Sunday that he was making permanent the departure ban in place since February, when a murdered Filipina maid was found in her employer's freezer. Kuwait's Deputy Foreign Minister Nasser al-Subaih said on Monday the row was "largely a misunderstanding" and "we do not believe in escalation". Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano welcomed that conciliatory message on Tuesday. "This gesture on the part of Kuwait, a country with which we have a shared history and strong people-to-people ties, will allow us to move forward," Cayetano said in a statement. "We affirm our friendship with the government of Kuwait and its people. The strength of that friendship will withstand this misunderstanding," he added. Cayetano apologised last week for the rescues, but Kuwait called them violations of sovereignty before expelling the Philippine envoy and recalling its own ambassador from Manila. Before relations plunged, Kuwait and the Philippines had been negotiating a labour deal that could have resulted in the lifting of the ban on Filipinos leaving to work in the Gulf state. In a speech marking Labour Day, Duterte reiterated his long-standing condition that Kuwait implement more worker safeguards before the standoff can end. "We are pushing for better protection of migrant workers especially those in vulnerable groups such as domestic helpers or household workers in the Middle East," he said. The president added the protections should include guarantees that Filipina maids be allowed to keep their phones and passports, which some employers confiscate to keep the workers in line. Duterte also repeated an offer of free transport to Filipinos in Kuwait who want to return home, promising assistance when they get back. "We shall mobilise continuously till everyone who wants (to come back) will come home," he said. Around 262,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait, nearly 60 percent of them domestic workers, according to the Philippine foreign ministry. Duterte previously said workers returning from Kuwait could find employment as English teachers in China, citing improved ties with Beijing. The Philippines has sent millions of its people to work abroad, seeking salaries they cannot get in their relatively impoverished nation. The money they send back home accounts for about 10 percent of the Philippine economy.A group of tourists travel by elephant along a main road, as the Sigiriya rock fortress is seen in the background in Dambulla, Sri Lanka August 19, 2017. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte/Files

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Anti-Muslim violence and an outbreak of dengue fever in Sri Lanka have led the government to slash its target for tourist arrivals this year after a record 2017.

Tourism Promotion Minister John Amaratunga said on Tuesday that 2.5 million arrivals were expected, down from an earlier estimate of 3 million, generating revenue of $4 billion.

He said a case of sexual assault against Dutch tourists in April in the town of Mirissa had also harmed the country's image abroad, though he could not quantify the impact of the incident in terms of visitor numbers.

In March, the government declared week-long a state of emergency in the central district of Kandy after rioting in which mosques and Muslim homes and businesses were destroyed.

Travel warnings for dengue are still in effect for Sri Lanka after an outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus killed more than 300 people there last year.

"When these things happen our targets get shifted... but we are working hard to attract more tourists," Amaratunga said.

Tourism accounts for nearly 5 percent of the $87 billion economy and is a key main foreign exchange earner, along with the garment and tea industries, and remittances from Sri Lankans working abroad.

Year on year, tourist arrivals rose 24.1 percent in March and by 17.1 percent in the first quarter, according to government data.

Arrivals hit a record high of 2.1 million in 2017, and revenue from tourism an all-time peak of $3.63 billion.

Mirissa is a tourist hotspot in southern Sri Lanka famous for whale watching.

(Reporting by Ranga Sirilal; Editiing by Shihar Aneez and John Stonestreet)FILE PHOTO: Peters Putnins, Latvia's chairman of the Financial and Capital Market Commission, speaks during an interview in Riga, Latvia March 7, 2018. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins - RC1750448150/File Photo

By Gederts Gelzis and John O'Donnell

RIGA/FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Latvia's parliament voted on Thursday to scale back domestic banks' ties with risky shell firms under laws aimed at tackling money laundering, but pressure will remain on the Baltic state to do more.

Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis vowed to improve policing of banks after the United States triggered the closure of Latvia's third biggest bank, ABLV, accusing it of money laundering and breaching sanctions on North Korea.

The scandal placed the country of two million people in the middle of a power struggle between Russia and the United States and has triggered a debate over stricter money-laundering controls throughout Europe.

Washington, an important military ally for the former Soviet-ruled state, is keeping up pressure on Latvia to tackle the problem, much of which officials privately say involves wealthy Russians.

Riga has scrambled to show its willingness to reform. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Dana Reizniece-Ozola travelled to Washington for talks with senior U.S. Treasury officials, her agenda showed.

Ahead of the vote, Reizniece-Ozola called for patience from critics. Transparency International said Latvia still needed to beef up its authority to fight money laundering, for example.

"The criticism is not directed to the policy ... but to enforcement," she said. "It can't be changed overnight."

The law passed on Thursday bans banks from dealing with shell companies unless they can prove they are legitimate firms. The vote was 57 in favour and 17 against, all members of the pro-Russian opposition Harmony party.

Latvia's financial watchdog said it hoped the law would cut the number of the roughly 17,000 opaque shell firms with links to Latvia by at least two-thirds within a couple of months.

Louise Shelley, a professor and expert in money laundering at George Mason University in Virginia, said Latvia would need to do more, however.

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"Until the U.S. government sees a significant change in the flows of Russian money through Latvia, it is unlikely they will relieve the pressure," she said. "This requires ... greater law enforcement action."

GATEWAY

Since securing independence from Russia in 1991, more than a dozen Latvian banks have promoted themselves as a gateway to Western markets for clients in Russia and former Soviet states such as Ukraine - and promised Swiss-style secrecy for clients.

Since the country joined the European Union in 2004, transfers were deemed less risky for Western banks to handle than if they had come directly from Russia, bankers and officials have said.

In many cases, money was lodged in a Latvian bank and then funnelled to accounts elsewhere, such as Switzerland, they said.

Many lenders taking foreign deposits dealt with shell companies, roughly half of which are registered in Britain and the British Virgin Islands, making it hard to identify the ultimate beneficiary.

The new law will upset what experts see as a central pillar of a financial system that allowed money to arrive from Russia or elsewhere and be taken out as dollars or euros.

More than 200 million euros was taken out of Latvia last year in cash, bringing the total value of banknotes leaving to more than 750 million euros since the start of 2015, according to customs data seen by Reuters.

The case has now attracted the attention of the European Parliament, as well as officials in the European Commission, the bodies responsible for writing new European laws.

Lawmakers at a European Parliament hearing on Thursday examined the situation in Latvia and similar problems in Malta.

Earlier this year, the chairman of Malta's Pilatus Bank was arrested on charges of breaking U.S. sanctions, prompting criticism of the Maltese authorities for inaction.

Peters Putnins, who heads Latvia's banking watchdog, spoke at the hearing and acknowledged the need for change.

"The global political situation has changed," he said, adding that the proportion of foreign deposits in Latvian banks would further decline from roughly 30 percent of the total now.

Foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics said further reforms were in train.

"We are all interested in cleaning up things," he told Reuters. Latvia wants to be "the country that managed to clean up the sector and to get out of this situation stronger than before".

Not everyone is in agreement, however. The Russian-speaking opposition, who come from a 500,000-strong minority in the country, are sceptical about the need for radical change.

Igors Pimenovs, a Harmony party lawmaker, said the government should be careful not to drive away foreign clients and allow "political retaliation between the East and the West".

"Latvia is really a bridge" between Russia and the West, said Pimenovs. "Not only a geographical one but also an economical one."

(Writing By John O'Donnell; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)Over 3,000 apply for 2nd job stint in SKorea

A total 3,155 candidates have applied to take Computer Based Test (CBT) for jobs in South Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS). In the CBT model, Nepali migrant workers who have previously worked in South Korea can apply again for a second tenure.Matthew Lee

Tel Aviv, Israel.- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday ratcheted up the Trump administrations rhetoric against Iran and gave warm boosts of support to Israel and Saudi Arabia in their standoffs with Tehran.

Pompeos comments in Riyadh and then Tel Aviv came as he neared the end of the Middle East leg of his first trip abroad as Americas top diplomat. He has called for concerted international action to punish Iran for its missile programs and other actions that he said destabilize the region.

The tough line was welcomed by his hosts, particularly in Israel, which considers Iran its greatest threat and has led calls for the West to revise or reject the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.

We remain deeply concerned about Irans dangerous escalation of threats to Israel and the region and Irans ambition to dominate the Middle East remains, Pompeo said after a nearly two-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The United States is with Israel in this fight.

"We remain deeply concerned about Irans dangerous escalation of threats to Israel".

Israel has cited Irans hostile rhetoric, support for anti-Israel militant groups and development of long-range missiles. It also has complained the nuclear deal does not do enough to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear-weapons capability, and expressed concerns about Irans involvement in the civil war in neighboring Syria.

Israel says it will not allow Iran to establish a permanent military presence in Syria, fearing the Iranians use it to launch attacks. Iran must be stopped, its quest for a nuclear bomb must be stopped, its aggression must be stopped and were committed to stopping it together, Netanyahu said.

President Donald Trump is to decide by May 12 whether to keep the U.S. in the nuclear deal. Pompeo repeated the Trump position that if we cant fix it, he is going to withdraw.Kim Tong-Hyung

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA.- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told his South Korean counterpart at their historic summit that he would be willing to give up his nuclear weapons if the U.S. commits to a formal end to the Korean War and a pledge not to attack the North, Seoul officials said Sunday.

Kim also vowed during his meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday to shut down the Norths nuclear test site in May and disclose the process to experts and journalists from South Korea and the United States, Seouls presidential office said.

Tambien te puede interesar: Influential Burning Man festival co-founder dead at 70

While there are lingering questions about whether North Korea will ever decide to fully relinquish its nukes as it heads into negotiations with the U.S., Kims comments amount to the Norths most specific acknowledgement yet that denuclearization would constitute surrendering its weapons.

U.S. national security adviser John Bolton reacted coolly to word that Kim would abandon his weapons if the United States pledged not to invade.

Asked on CBS Face the Nation whether the U.S. would make such a promise, Bolton said: Well, weve heard this before. This is  the North Korean propaganda playbook is an infinitely rich resource. What we want to see from them is evidence that its real and not just rhetoric, he added.

During their summit at a truce village on the border, Moon and Kim promised to work toward the complete denuclearization.Jill Lawless

London, UK.- Britains interior minister resigned Sunday amid a scandal over authorities mistreatment of long-term U.K. residents wrongly caught up in a government drive to reduce illegal immigration.

Prime Minister Theres Mays office said late Sunday that May had accepted the resignation of Home Secretary Amber Rudd. Rudd had been due to make a statement to Parliament on Monday over the Windrush scandal, which has dominated headlines in Britain for days and has sparked intense criticism of the Conservative governments tough immigration policies.

The furor has grown since the Guardian newspaper reported that some people who came to the U.K. from the Caribbean in the decades after World War II had recently been refused medical care in Britain or threatened with deportation because they could not produce paperwork proving their right to reside in the country.

The government has now issued an apology over its treatment of the 'Windrush generation', who are being ordered to prove they have the right to stay in Britain - even though they have been here over 50 years.

Like EU citizens who live in Britain now, Windrush migrants have permission to stay under UK rules.

But they have been told that they have to prove they are eligible to stay - despite it emerging that landing cards recording their arrival dates were destroyed in 2010, months after Theresa May became Home Secretary.Christopher R.| Ken Thomas

WASHINGTON, US.- The White House said Monday it would postpone a decision on imposing tariffs on U.S. imports of steel and aluminum from the European Union, Canada and Mexico for 30 days, avoiding the potential for a trade battle with Europe as the U.S. prepares for tense trade talks in China this week.

The Trump administration said it had reached an agreement with South Korea on steel imports following discussions on a revised trade agreement, the outlines of which were previously announced by U.S. and South Korean officials.

And the administration said it had also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil on steel and aluminum that will be finalized shortly.

The White House provided temporary exemptions in March and had until the end of Monday to decide whether to extend them.

Announcing the trade actions, the White House said in all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment and protect the national security.

Facing a self-imposed deadline, President Donald Trump was considering whether to permanently exempt the EU and Mexico, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil from tariffs that his administration imposed last month on imported steel and aluminum.Britains second- and third-largest grocery stores, Sainsburys and Asda, announced plans on Monday to merge and create what will be the countrys largest supermarket chain, with nearly 3,000 stores across the United Kingdom.

To drum up support for the roughly $18 billion merger, which will have to pass muster with regulators in London, Sainsburys CEO Mike Coupe took to the airwaves  to sing Were in the Money as he waited to go on TV.

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Watch Sainsbury's CEO sing "we're in the money" while waiting to talk about the 12 billion merger with Asda - he's since apologised for his "unguarded moment" https://t.co/Kuaowz0q1u pic.twitter.com/jYMngcahS2  ITV News (@itvnews) April 30, 2018

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Were in the money, the sky is sunny/ Lets lend it, spend it, send it rolling along.

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The chippy tune comes from the American musical film 42nd Street, which was produced in 1933 and imagines an end to the Great Depression but has sometimes been associated with avaricious behavior. Needless to say it was not the best choice for the music-loving chief executive, though his companys stock did rise nearly 17 percent at the prospect of becoming the countrys No. 1 grocer.

It was an unfortunate choice of song, from the musical 42nd Street, which I saw last year. And I apologise if I have offended anyone, Coupe said afterward, according to a statement provided to the Guardian. This little earworm about rolling in money had nothing to do with the subject of Coupes imminent interview, Sainsburys insisted. To attach any wide meaning to this innocent, personal moment is preposterous, a company spokesperson said.

The company says buying Asda from Walmart will allow it to reduce prices of everyday goods by 10 percent and has no plans to close stores. The British Labour Party called for an investigation, arguing that the acquisition would create a duopoly with unrivaled power to dominate.

Not in the money quite yet.0

On the opening track of Dirty Computer, which is also called Dirty Computer, the first sound other than Janelle Monaes voice singing the title phrase is Brian Wilson, who enters oooh-ing at almost equal volume when shes still halfway through -puter. Somehow sounding like its 1968 instead of 2018 and this is the original lost Smile album appearing right on schedule, the 75-year-old pop legends tones are multitracked so he can stand in for the whole of the Beach Boys, with the most cherubic, gravity-free harmonies of their teenage symphonies to God.

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Monae has said she felt compelled to connect with Wilson after learning that the Beach Boys famous gentleness of timbre evolved from the Wilson brothers trying to practice without their parents overhearing. Perhaps she was especially drawn to that story because one of her main anxieties around this album has been how her large and devoutly Baptist family in Kansas City, Kansas, would take their famous 32-year-old relative coming out as pansexual, the celebration of which is high on Dirty Computers to-do list (though nowhere near as high as it is on Janelle-loves-Tessa Twitter). In this song, she has been sending urgent text messages to heaven pleading for some kind of explanation. (Text message caught up in the sky/ Oh, if you love me, wont you please reply?) Dirty Computer is Janelles grown-ass symphony to God.

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With, of course, another twist. As she sings in Crazy, Classic, Life: I just wanna find a God, and I hope she loves me too.

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Given that the Beach Boys are widely (if wrongly) perceived as composing the whitest music ever, this amounts to Monae starting out an R&B album very much about black-girl magic, not by asserting purism but by muddling cultures and genres, the oppresseds and the oppressors, which is the (often ugly) root of all American music. Her personal operating system is crawling with influences and attractions of all kinds, not only pansexual but panmusical: The bugs, she sings, are in me. And also in Wilson, whose music derives first of all from black doo-wop, and whose voice on this track is gradually supplanted by a flanged synthesizer, as if being written over by Monaes creativity.

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She hasnt lost interest in using binary to go beyond the binary.

So much of the press coverage of this record has referred to it as Monae finding her voice or bringing to the forefront her real or authentic self. Writers and editors may have intended these as euphemisms for coming out before she finally raised the velvet curtain explicitly in Rolling Stone last week. But in the process, theyre reinforcing a myth of a unified and definitive self that Monaes music has always been screeching-robotnoisy about opposing. She may no longer be inhabiting the character of Cindi Mayweather, the androgynous android persona shes used as a conceptual vehicle in her career to date, but too many observers are now interpreting that phase as simply a kind of virtual silicone-and-steel closet, rather than the transparent queering device for a techno-geek that it was.

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Its true that Dirty Computer is about sex like her music never has been before, luxuriating in the flesh and in the pleasures (and punishments) of black skin specifically. But that doesnt mean its about authenticity or ego integration, or that shes lost interest in the fluid projection of self as a 21st-century condition and metaphorin using binary to go beyond the binary. It still has computer in the title, for gods sake, and its release was accompanied by an online Dirty Computer dystopian sci-fi short film (or, as Monae calls it, an emotion picture). Its this hybridity that makes Monaes politics more effective than most 2018 woke pop: The imperative to confine nonwhite artists to a limited set of descriptors comes partly from audiences legitimate desires for clear camps of solidarity, but that fannish urge to essentialism can become the patsy of a patriarchal system of division and control. Monaes policy of noncooperation with such limits is the core of her aesthetic. Shes calling herself queer and pansexual rather than lesbian or bisexual, but her preferred tag is free-ass motherfucker.

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Not to downplay the importance of her coming out. The stories of black women in music who havent felt (and often still dont feel) able to be open about their sexuality are many, and they often seem to track with careers that become erratic and falter, no doubt partly due to the pressures of sustaining that schism between private and public life. She told Rolling Stone, I want young girls, young boys, nonbinary, gay, straight, queer people who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality, dealing with feeling ostracized or bullied for just being their unique selves, to know that I see you. And now she can be seen too, even by those who didnt know how to read between her lines of code.

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Of course the Beach Boys primary genre is surf music. You surf the internet on a computer; therefore Dirty Computer is web-surf music. How has it taken this long for a song to make this joke?

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From any other artist, the title Dirty Computer would have brought porn directly to mind. Coming from the intellectual Monae, its taken weeks for that meaning to occur to me. Im still not sure that joke is even there (or the surfing one either).

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Wilsons presence is also a reminder of the running theme in Monaes career: that game recognizes game and genius recognizes genius. Stevie Wonder also appears on this album, and Monae has been mentored and promoted by the likes of Outkasts Big Boi and especially by the late Prince. Though it gets forgotten because he became so wary of his music being ripped off on the internet late in his life, the younger Prince was as much an early adopter and technophile as Monae is, doing songs like My Computer, Computer Blue, and Emale, and becoming the first major artist to release an album exclusively online (1998s Crystal Ball). But more importantly, shes an inheritor of his style-crossing musical taste, his majestically playful (and gender-shmender) fashion sense, his superhuman performance energy, and his in-the-round vision of how song and presentation and rhetoric and mystique combine to make the final work of art.

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Rather than say shes found her real self on Dirty Computer, lets talk about how shes discovered a more musical self.

She even has her own smaller-scale version of Paisley Park, a house in Atlanta that serves as the HQ and creative hub for Monaes Wondaland Arts Society, a collective of artists who collaborate with her and are mentored by her in turn. Many of them play key creative roles on Dirty Computer, both album and film. (This is a quality in which she exceeds her mentor, who was a great collaborator but one nobody would call a collectivist.) Persistent rumors that Prince secretly was writing Monaes songs were hater-misogynist guff, but he did serve as a sounding board, on the phone at any time of day or night. Shes spoken movingly in interviews about how hard it was to finish Dirty Computer without him. But I also wonder whether it would have had as much impact, if she would have had the same intensity, if he had not passed on to (as she always puts it) another frequencyif she hadnt felt a pull to try to step into his shimmering purple void, knowing that while she cant fill it, neither can anyone, and it needs guardians.

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Such musical elders devotions to Monae are especially striking because out of all her talents, music itself hasnt always seemed the strongesttoo many of her songs seemed like stiffly formal exercises, created from the concept down rather than from the sound up. Rather than say shes found her real self on Dirty Computer, lets talk about how shes discovered a more musical self, one thats more on par with Monae the conceptual artist, Monae the rhetorician, Monae the stage performer and film actor (Moonlight, Hidden Figures), and Monae the greatest practicing American wearer of clothes, costumes, and sculptured hair.

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Dirty Computer the album has multiple bangers, where previously Monae had precisely one, Tightrope. Shes finding ways to use the fact that her funks never exactly funky to her advantage. As a rapper, for example, shes much more the great speaker whom we saw at the Womens March and introducing Kesha at the Grammys, for instance. Realizing that allows her to be a more original rapper, who on a song like Django Jane is working neat, tight corners rather than attempting diagonal flows. On Screwed, her stentorian rapping is distinctly reminiscent of Madonna on Vogue, and it seems like a perfect counterbalance to Monaes heritage from Prince to draw on his 80s and 90s female counterparta reclamation of the erotic politician we lost when Madonnas Sex book and Erotica album proved too much for the mainstream. (The Madge voice returns at the top of Americans too, after some uncannily Lets Go Crazyesque church organ.) Screwed is a blowout hedonism-versus-apocalypticism scenarioare we all screwed, and if so, should we all screw? Its not my favorite track, but it might have my favorite line: You fucked the world up, now/ Well fuck it all back down.

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The tracks I love the most are, of course, the all-out Prince tribute Make Me Feel (the best Kiss sequel amid a field strewn with fallen imitators) and Pynk, which swipes an approach from guest vocalist Grimes (whos been missing from the airwaves for too long) to weave a uniquely delicate, plush pink-swaddled texture for perhaps the most extended tribute to the vagina, labia, and tongue in the history of popular song. And definitely I like I Like That, co-produced by Atlantas veteran studio stars Organized Noize (behind truckloads of classic-era Outkast, not to mention TLCs Waterfalls), which also includes some of Monaes most emotionally detailed personal storytelling.

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In each of those cases, Monae sounds like shes at ease with the fundamental squareness of her vocal and sonic instincts, always the paradox about this artist whos otherwise one of the hippest women in America. A few listeners have compared moments on this album to Taylor Swift, and its closer to the truth than Id have guessed. Theyre both nerd auteurs whose relationships to rhythm are arms-length in a pop period when rhythm rules. Monaes at her best leaning confidently into her queer-squareness until it multiplies and forms an electric kind of houndstooth pattern, instead of a series of walls for her to run into because a songs been built with nothing but left turns at right angles. On this album, shes more sparing with the trick movessuch as the chromatic falls in the pre-choruses of Make Me Feel (literally bending the scale on the very words sexual bender) or the little stutter-gasp cadences in the oh me, oh my refrain of I Like That (which give proof to Monaes boast, Im the random minor note you hear in major songs)and theyre better for it. They can stand out from the grid this way, like the brightly colored accents shes lately added to her former black-and-white uniforms.

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The videos are still better than the songs, but not by as wide a gap. And maybe only because they are also better than almost all her earlier videos.

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Dirty Computer the emotion picture, however, is not keeping the Lemonade visual album up at night. Its a good-looking slice of amateur, Trump-era, allegorical sci-fi (described by everyone as a Black Mirror episode set in a Handmaids Taleish world, because that is the only way to describe it), incorporating the music videos, with Monae and Tessa Thompson (and a token male lover, but who cares) as the would-be resistance. It does reinforce the themes of the videos and the album but is nowhere near as memorable as either, unless I have been subjected to the films Nevermind gas (Nirvana tribute or Nirvana diss?) since watching it. In which case, please send Tessa to rescue me.

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The optimistic side of the dirty-computer concept predominates here, that of nonconforming pathways in our machinery-subverting social conditioning. As she extends it on Take a Byte (where Eves apple is a Macintosh): Your code is programmed not to love me, but you cant pretend/ Oh, what a surprise. But the way computers in 2018 are dirtied by fake news, corporate and political data mining, etc., is here too. As the gradually expanding subgenre of anti-Trump albums goes, Dirty Computer wears its topical references smartly, in ways that wont seem worn out next year and could have been applied almost as easily to any other phase of American imperial and capitalist malfeasance, like the George W. Bush or Reagan years.

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In Crazy, Classic, Life, theres a sound clip of Pastor Sean McMillan discussing what Martin Luther King Jr. said about the Declaration of Independence, and then Monae sings, We dont need another ruler/ All of my friends are kings. The ruler bit is a shot at Trump, but the richer image is of any would-be tyrant trying to suppress a nation of Dr. Kings. She goes on, Im not Americas nightmare/ Im the American dream, in the best tradition of dissenters and marginalized people refusing to let anyone tell them theyre not real Americans. That thought comes back up on the exuberant final track Americans, with another McMillan excerpt: This is not my America/ But I tell you today that the devil is a liar/ Because its gon be my America before its all over.

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Monaes example is revealing of just where Kanye West, the other major black American pop artist whos made news this week, has gone wrong. As egocentric as hes always been, before now West rarely seemed to exempt himself from the black experience. If anything, he sometimes politicized personal matters (celebrity feuds, award-show prizes, clothing lines) out of proportion to more humanitarian issues. Now, like a Fox News pundit, he has, at least temporarily, bought into the bootstrapping libertarianism so enticing to highly successful white Americans, as if individuals are the pure authors of their fate, and history, community, luck, and infrastructure have no bearing. Monae values her free-ass motherfucker self-definition and self-expression as much as West does, but shes not deluded about the fact that they happen within what social boundaries and structures permit, and if there are to be more women like her, those possibilities have to expand.

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So if some of the praise for Dirty Computer is more extravagant than the music quite lives up to, its because its the vision of an album that the despairing American left in 2018 would have had to invent if Monae didnt exist. And Monae knew that, which is why she invented herself.

10000

Not to mention, pussy pants.The cycle of controversy surrounding Michelle Wolfs performance at the White House Correspondents Dinner has moved into a new phase, as her fellow comedians close ranks around her. It helps that shes worked with many of them: Wolf wrote and performed for both The Daily Show With Trevor Noah and Late Night With Seth Meyers on her way up. So Meyers would probably have had Wolfs back even if President Trump hadnt brought up his gig hosting the same dinner:

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The White House Correspondents Dinner was a failure last year, but this year was an embarrassment to everyone associated with it. The filthy comedian totally bombed (couldnt even deliver her lines-much like the Seth Meyers weak performance). Put Dinner to rest, or start over!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 30, 2018

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Meyers was visibly thrilled that his 2011 routine is still getting under Trumps skin. But also launched a forceful defense of his one-time employee:

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Michelle Wolf doesnt need anyone to defend her, but she is our friend. So just know that when you call her filthy, you are right. She is filthy. And she is mean, which is what we love about her. Because those are wonderful qualities for comedians and terrible qualities for free world leaders.

Meyers also criticized the White House Correspondents Association president Margaret Talev for her weak statement backing away from Wolf last night, on the grounds that she knew what she was getting when she hired Michelle Wolf. Meyers can prove it, too: When Wolf was announced as the host, Talev released a statement praising Wolfs truth-to-power style, exactly what she now says was not in the spirit of the event. But Meyers harshest criticism comes in the form of a plug for Wolfs upcoming Netflix show:

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Heres the good news: Michelle Wolf has a new show premiering on Netflix May 27. Its called The Break, and based on what happened Saturday, you can be sure that it will be great, because shes not going to waste any time trying to decide when it is or isnt proper to make fun of people in power who lie to us on a daily basis.

Reducing real political disagreements with real consequences to questions of manners is always an absurd distraction, but especially so when Donald Trump is president. Good for Meyers (and Wolf) for unapologetically pushing back.This years Tribeca Film Festival was a locus of social issues, from its day-long Times Up lecture series to award-winning films about halted immigration and rural American poverty. But few films were as chillingly relevant as Kim A. Snyders Notes from Dunblane: Lessons from a School Shooting, wherein two priests from school shooting-wrecked towns talk each other through their trauma. The poignant film began as a conversation between survivors of the Newtown school shooting and Dunblane, Scotlands 1996 attack, but Parkland students joined the conversation in a special post-film discussion on Sunday.

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Notes from Dunblane opens with news footage from a March 1996 elementary school shooting in Dunblane, Scotland, before flashing forward 16 years to the 2012 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Correspondence between priests in each town frame the films narrative of resilience and connection. Dunblanes Father Basil OSullivan, filled with not again dread, reaches out to Newtowns Father Bob Weiss via e-mail. The two form a close relationship as they help each other through their grief: Weiss writes about his difficulty explaining God to disillusioned children, and OSullivan empathizes with the onus of counseling grieving parents. Its a well-outlined and touching human story that deservedly took home Tribecas Best Documentary Short Film award at this years festival.

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Perhaps the films greatest impact at the festival, however, came when it united survivors of Dunblane, Newtown, and Parkland for a post-screening discussion. The panel, moderated by actor John Slattery, brought Notes from Dunblanes ethos to life as these survivors united across oceans and generations. The event reunited Fathers OSullivan and Weiss for the first time since the films shooting. Panelists also included Newtown survivor Mary Ann Jacob and Parkland students Dylan Kraemer and Ryan Deitsch.

The survivors shared a visceral passion for gun regulation, but they were also united in their trauma. In the documentary, Father Bob Weiss mentions the visions of broken glass that would haunt him at night. During their post-screening discussion, Parkland survivor Dylan Kramer said he can still taste the gunpowder.

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Its been three months for you, right? Sandy Hook library clerk Mary Ann Jacob asked the Parkland survivors. Its gonna take a lot longer. She said one of the greatest gifts they got after Newtown was when Columbine survivors came to their town.

One of the most striking takeaways from this Scotland-US assembly was just how resigned the United States has become to gun violence. Our hearts were broken again when we saw the tragedy in Newtown, Father OSullivan said, whereas Father Weiss noted that the Sandy Hook massacre showed him that no one is exempt [from school shootings] anymore. When recounting his experience during the Parkland shooting, Dylan Kraemer noted that once the shooting began, we all knew, sadly, exactly what was going on.

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Through their activism, each community is working to upend this deadly norm. Dunblane residents advocated for, and won, major gun control laws across the UK. Now, Father OSullivan doesnt understand why Newtown never instigated similar change. [Its] not for me to make a comment about a great country like the United States, he said in the documentary, but I dont understand it. (The line garnered weary chuckles from the audience.)

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Of course, the panel didnt just revel in sorrow. Parkland student Ryan Deitsch spoke eloquently about his and his peers March for Our Lives activism. These are just Band-Aids on stab wounds, he said of Floridas lackluster gun control laws. Our country is only as strong as our weakest laws. He also noted that Parkland had been given the spotlight because their shooting happened in a white, affluent community in south Florida. His brother and March for Our Lives Chief Strategist, Matt Deitsch, spoke up from the audience with similar words of wisdom: If you guys leave this theater and dont do anything, then youve failed us and weve failed you.

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Harvard Divinity Schools David Hempton, a U.K. native, also stood up to add that he was more optimistic than Ive ever been before in this country, thanks to the Parkland students activism. I think we are all [optimistic], Notes director Kim Snyder echoed, because you guys are gonna vote.

As far as legislation they adamantly dont support goes, Newtowns Mary Ann Jacobs was quite clear. When asked what she thought of arming teachers as a school staffer, Jacobs fired off a quick reply. The only people that are having that conversation are the NRA leadership and President Trump.When did music critics lose their ability to kill? It happened gradually. And we never quite stopped to acknowledge the sea change.

Look at Pitchfork: Its been years since the site had the kind of cultural cachet on which it built its empire. But music fans of a certain age can still rattle off the acts that landed notorious reviews and landmark 0.0 ratingsTravis Morrison! Robert Pollard!! Liz Phair!!! Im a music fan of that age: When I first started paying attention to Pitchfork, in the early 2000s, it was at its tastemaking peak. And when it panned you, it stung.

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The most infamous tale is that of Black Kids, a perfectly harmless indie-pop band from Jacksonville, Florida. In the fall of 2007, they broke out with a cutesy single, Im Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You. Their debut EP, Wizard of Ahhhs, got an 8.4 out of 10: good enough for the sites coveted Best New Music designation. They were Pitchfork-approved, and they were ascendant, quickly signed to Columbia Records, a major label. By the summer of 2008, when they released their debut, Partie Traumatic, the whiplash came fast and hard.

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Pitchfork gave it a 3.3. There was no review, just a photo of two frowning pugs. It was overlaid with a single wordSorryand a pre-emoji emoticon, of the kind now lost to the ravages of time:

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:-/

Officially, the review didnt end Black Kids career. But it certainly knocked it far, far sideways: The LP sold only 5,000 copies in the first week of its release, and within a couple of years, the band split with Columbia. (Last year, nearly a decade later, Black Kids finally put out their second album, titled Rookie, as if to suggest that the first album had never happened.) Black Kids arc was the most compact, perfect example of Pitchforks reach at its most deleterious.

At some amorphous point within a few years of Black Kids rise and fall, the idea of the critic as assassin dissolved completely. First, the internet democratized access to music. We didnt really need gatekeepers anymore; for a whole generation, reading about what something sounded like, when you could just listen to it for free yourself, felt increasingly like an insane thing to do. Second, the internet atomized music fandom. The monoculture weakened; a million little tribes sprung up in its place. How could any one person claim a universal authority over all of that?

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At some amorphous point within a few years of Black Kids rise and fall, the idea of the critic as assassin dissolved completely.

A few months ago, I decided that I wanted to look back at those last moments when critics could kill. I would do it through Pitchfork, for better or worse the defining critical portal of the past 15 years. I would talk to Black Kids and to Travis Morrison and to the other targets of Pitchforks most infamous reviews, asking them: How did it feel? What did those reviews do to you?

I started with Black Kidsand, through a publicist, was quickly, politely rebuffed. The same thing happened with the Flaming Lips, whose experimental 1997 album, Zaireeka (released as a four-CD set meant to be played simultaneously), landed one of the sites earliest double zeros. (The review is no longer online, and the site later published a sort of mea culpa, but it can still be read via the Wayback Machine.) And with Liz Phair, whose 2003 self-titled album (a joyously blasphemous pop effort from the indie god) got blanked too.

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With optimism, I moved on to Robert Pollard, the famously freewheeling frontman of Guided by Voices. Technically, his 2005 solo album Relaxation of the Assholea compilation of live stage banterwas given a simultaneous 10.0 and 0.0. In retrospect, the review was self-aware and full of love. A quote: [E]very time Bob bitches about Adam Duritz, I kind of secretly wish that he was my dad.

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My optimism was misplaced. First I was told he was doing press. But finally, after weeks of consistent badgering, I was told, He is not going to want to talk about that record :(

I pushed on, to the more obscure corners of the Pitchfork annals of shame.

No one remembers the derivative San Diego cock-rock band Louis XIV. Which is actually too bad, because their reviews were some of the most entertaining pans Pitchfork ever pulled off. Writing up 2005s The Best Little Secrets Are Kept (which they awarded a 1.2), Nick Sylvester imagined a bizarre back-and-forth between frontman Jason Hill and a doctor to whom Hill is spilling his rambling, horny guts. A quote: [S]he was like, what the fuck, Jason, am I gonna get some, too? Gimme some of that shit! And then Im like, fuck you, bitch. Im a fuck machine with only one speed: fuck.

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Louis XIV is no more but Hill is still, it turns out, in music: Hes the composer for David Finchers Mindhunter. I reached out through a Netflix publicist and, quickly, they agreed to an interview. First I was told, He mentioned he couldnt remember which Pitchfork coverage you were referring to (I guess it didnt bother him too much!) We set up a time to talk. And then it was canceled. I suggested to the publicist that perhaps Hill was getting cold feet for confronting his demons, and I was assured it couldnt possibly be the case. He was just swamped and hyper focused on work.

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Nearly the same thing happened with a publicist for the Airborne Toxic Event, another forgotten Southern California rock project. When their 2008 self-titled album got a 1.6, the band actually responded in real time, with An Open Letter To Pitchfork Media. (Sample quote: [W]e have to admit that we found ourselves oddly flattered by your review.) Wouldnt they embrace the chance to talk some more?

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First I was told that, if I just waited a few weeks, frontman Mikel Jollett would be happy to chat. I waited. And then I heard Jollett had suddenly entered the studio in Brian Wilsonesque seclusion. The publicist told me, He was cool with it 3 weeks ago and now is literally being a hermit.

My experiences with the Australian band Jet were, at the very least, quicker. I reached out to a publicist for Jets co-songwriter Chris Cester, whod just put out a solo album. I heard, Chris is in L.A. and available. I explained I wanted to ask him about Pitchforks 0.0 review of Jets 2006 album Shine On, which was just an embedded YouTube video of a monkey peeing in its own mouth. I heard, Chris has a lot on at the moment and Im not sure it is good timing so we will give it a miss. Sorry mate.

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Then I went to Morrison. In the 90s, Morrison fronted the beguilingly peculiar D.C. band the Dismemberment Plan. In 2004, his solo debut, Travistan, landed a 0.0. Wrote Chris Dahlen, Travistan fails so bizarrely that its hard to guess what Morrison wanted to accomplish in the first place  Ive never heard a record more angry, frustrated, and  more determined to slug [its] flaws right down your throat.

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One mitigating factor with, say, the Black Kids review was that the band, to be honest, really wasnt very good. But Travis Morrison is a unique and special artist. And after that review he effectively never had a solo career.

I emailed Morrison directly explaining my piece. He wrote back:

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I regretfully have to decline. Thanks and good luck.

I wrote back that I understood his decision and that should he change his mind, Id be all ears. He thanked me again and this time added:

Btw I did not know Liz Phair got a 0.0. I see it was for her pop record. I dont want to do any interviews. But I [want] to say something about that. Because I so deeply love her art. I think that record was not her most completely executed. But I do think it was her most visionary gesture. I always admired her for it. Now hipsters listen to Carly Rae Jepsen and no one thinks about it. But Liz Phair was pretty ahead of that curve. And she really got some nasty shit about it. Mostly, of course, from white male critics. What a bunch of fucking garbage. Ok thats all. Sorry, I suppose it is the one thing I have to say about all this. Now Im actually done. Dunno if its usable! Good luck.

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I was ready to give up altogether. Then, blessedly, Thurston Moore agreed to talk.

It was like, Thats the sacred cowlets put a spear through it.   Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth

From 1981 through 2011, Moore fronted Sonic Youth, as iconic an act as exists in the history of indie rock. In a 2000 review written by Brent DiCrescenzo, Sonic Youths NYC Ghosts & Flowers was allotted a perfect zero. No, I have not forgotten to put the numbers into the rating spaces above, DiCrescenzo gloats. In over two years of writing for Pitchfork, Ive waited for the one album that would warrant a 0.0.

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At first, I was surprised that it was Moorewho was, of all the people I contacted, objectively the most famouswho was available to talk. Then I realized it was his stature that was freeing him to do so. By declining my interview requests, the other acts suggested that perhaps this is still, all these years later, too sensitive a thing to explore. But Moore led Sonic goddamn Youth. Pitchfork couldnt hurt him.

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He Skyped me from London, where hes lived for the past few years, to talk about the 0.0.

So was it pretty dramatic? I asked.

I wouldnt say it was traumatic, he laughed. Hed misheard me. It felt appropriate.

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It certainly didnt get to me in any personal way. It did seem fairly perverse that we were being shredded by Pitchfork. I forget what the text of the review was, but I do remember it made a stink. It was something youd hear people talking about. Like, Oh my God, a zero. Nobody gets a zero! It has to be pretty terrible to get a zero! I dont remember getting angry at it. I just remember thinking, Oh, weve become the whipping boys of indie rock because were kind of old and in the way. As challenging as that record was to certain listeners, I didnt think it really deserved a zero. It was a bit of a schoolyard ha-ha kind of thing. We were certainly critical darlings through the 80s. It was like, Thats the sacred cowlets put a spear through it. I understood it on that level.

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Years later, Moore told me, he was doing an innocuous phone interview when he heard the interviewer say, By the way, I have to tell you something.

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The interviewer was DiCrescenzo, the former Pitchfork critic. He revealed to Moore that it was he who had given the band the 0.0. And he said, I have to tell you that Ive changed my perception on that record. I actually think its great.  DiCrescenzo added hed actually asked Pitchfork if he could do a new review. They had passed on the offer. And I kind of just laughed, Moore said. I dont know if he was saying that to appease me. He did sound like he was being genuine. It was nice to hear. And thats pretty much the whole story. (In 2013, writing for TimeOut Chicago, DiCrescenzo recalled his own end of the phone call. I apologized and told him that I now love the record, he wrote. Its unlike anything else, eerie and beautiful. The fiftysomething eternal punk told me never to be sorry for the nonsense I typed.)

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I asked Moore if it affected the recording of Murray Street, the follow-up to NYC Ghosts. If somehow, at least for a bit, the review had gotten stuck in the back of his head. He laughed again. Absolutely not. The next album was recorded just after 9/11. We were working from a place of, just, complete shock. You picked up your heart and your intellect and went forward with it. And, you know, a funny zero review: It had absolutely no credence on your life.

A lot of artists maintain an antagonistic pose toward critics. For fans, that puffed-up antagonism can read like the ugly returns of a large and prickly ego. And it is ego, for sure! But the antagonism is justified too. It is part of the artists job, after all, to believe in their art completely.

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In our conversation, Moore was self-aware about that antagonism. He told me that early on, in the 80s, if he saw something written that was snarky or negative I would think, OK, Im gonna go find this person and do some doughnuts on their front lawn and throw some eggs at their house!  By the 90s, hed made peace with the negative reviews. (He also clarified that, sadly, he never went through with the doughnuts and the eggs.) I asked him if he thought wed ever again have voices in music criticism that could make or break careers. I dont know, he said, simply enough. He made it clear, though, that hed loved music criticism as long as hed loved music and that he still loved music criticism. That he saw it as a very necessary force.

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After speaking to Moore, I tried all the other acts one more time. I hoped maybe an association with his cred would get them to open up. It didnt do the trick. From Morrison, at least, I got one more message:

Hi Amos. Thanks but no. Ive been talking about this for over a decade. I would really like to move on. It was a really frightening and awful experience. Everything that goes along with modern internet humiliation stories happened to me in 2004. It was at much smaller scope, since it was a smaller scene then, but it all happened. Ive actually decided to stop doing interviews altogether so I can get away from this. For the most part, people irl dont see me in this light, or bring it up very often, or even know what Pitchfork is. But Im just branded with this as the media sees it. I dont think itll ever stop. So I think I need to take action to get away from it. Obviously, this email is fodder for anything you do. I understand that. Consider this my last statement on the matter, or anything, I suppose.

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That emailthat email breaks my heart a little bit. Morrison doesnt sound antagonistic at all. He sounds resigned. Other than Moore, whod been granted catharsis via a reviewers apology, everyone passed on my offer to revisit the old Pitchfork wounds. Which brings us back to where we started and underlines the point of our endeavor. We are left with the assumption that these were career- and life-altering moments. That they were painful then, and they are still painful now. And thatthat is something that is very, very hard to imagine happening again.

It was all I really wanted to hear. And Morrison seemed to be the only one with the grit to come out and say it. What was it like when critics could kill? It fucking hurt.The era of Republican rule effectively ended in January, when Doug Jones was sworn in to the U.S. Senate. With a Democrat representing Alabama and Arizona Sen. John McCain out indefinitely, Republicans can no longer afford a single defection on big, partisan legislation considered under fast-track reconciliation rules, meaning they now have a majority in name only.

Some conservatives, though, are in denial about the curtain closing and are anxious to get more before their era of unified control comes to an end.

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Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, as the Hill reported this morning, is leading a group of restive conservatives who want to vote on a budget resolution that would set up a special processknown as reconciliationto allow the GOP to pass ambitious legislation, such as an ObamaCare repeal, with a simple majority. Cruz is a believer in base-turnout elections. He also needs to turn out his own base, in particular, to win re-election back home.

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier this year chose not to pursue such a budget resolution. Any kind of controversial, partisan legislation through reconciliation would both make life better for red-state Democrats and probably fail, since it would require crafting a product that Sens. Rand Paul, Mike Lee, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski could all agree on. If the idea being pursued through reconciliation is health careand what else would it be?each of these problems would be degrees more damaging. Health care remains Republicans worst issue, and the longer its in the news, the more it harms them and helps vulnerable Democrats. Weve seen several attempts to get Collins and Paul on the same comprehensive health care bill. They have all failed for reasons far more unbridgeable than bad luck.

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But maybe the next time would be different?

The Washington Examiners Quin Hillyer reports that representatives of numerous conservative groups, under the stewardship of former Sen. Rick Santorum, seem just a few weeks away from being able to unveil a new Obamacare replacement that could both pass Congress and work well in the real world. The unveiling will coincide with the groups launching a concerted effort to rally grassroots support and give courage to House and Senate members to pass it. Hillyer notes that the White House has been quietly yet constructively supportive of the project, with Vice President Mike Pence personally involved.

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The legislation would be similar to the failed GrahamCassidy bill of last fall, which would wipe out the current Obamacare structure and replace it with block grants to the states. The new version would fiddle with the formula that, in previous iterations, disproportionately hurt states that had expanded Medicaidi.e., mostly blue states.

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It is not hard to believe that Rick Santorum has spent the past few months sitting in a restaurant booth somewhere scribbling out a new comprehensive health care bill on napkins. Nor is it difficult to believe that conservative groups occasionally join him in this booth, and that even Mike Pence has paid a visit.

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What seems much harder to believe is that Mitch McConnell would see this as having anything close to a chance of reaching 50 votes, or that it would be good politics right now. Even if, say, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski found themselves so peeved with Democrats over the failure last month to pass an Obamacare stabilization package that they were willing to stick it to the libs by supporting repealand I dont see them doing that!it still wouldnt solve the Paul problem. Rand Paul does not believe that the federal government should be spending money, in the form of premium subsidies or block grants, on health care. He hated GrahamCassidy, and hell hate this new version too.

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McConnell will not want to touch this. He wants to put a few difficult bills for red-state Democrats on the floor, perhaps one to make the individual tax cuts permanent, and otherwise focus on confirming as many judges as he can. Judges, deregulation, tax cuts, judges, judges, tax cuts. This is the message he wants to focus on, and when McConnell commits to a certain strategy, he commits.

Though the House might feel that their majority is lost, and they might as well push for as many partisan items as possible now, the Senate is a different story. Its far from lost, but if theyre not careful, they could cede control over executive and judicial nominations to Chuck Schumer. Republicans had a little more than a year to get done what partisan legislation they were going to get done, and they had some hits and misses. That time period is over.Panel to fix payment for leaving projects

The Energy Ministry has formed a committee to decide how to compensate the promoters of the Kabeli-A and Lower Hewa hydro projects which will be inundated by another larger plant that the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) plans to build on the same river.Last week, Donald Trump gave his first television interview in months. In speaking to the amicable hosts at Fox & Friends, the president inflicted an impressive amount of legal damage on himself on a number of different fronts. Its already been noted that Trumps words likely hurt his interests as they relate to his personal attorney Michael Cohens various legal woes. Whats not been commented upon as widely is that Trumps account of his 2013 trip to Moscow might provide new evidence of obstruction of justice.

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First, its worth walking through the multiple ways in which Trump damaged Cohen and, by extension, himself. As Slates Ben Mathis-Lilley noted, Trumps statement that Cohen had handled a tiny, tiny little fraction of his legal work and was more a businessman than a full-time lawyer was, within hours, cited in a legal filing by prosecutors in the Southern District of New York as evidence that Cohens claims of attorney-client privilege for materials seized in FBI raids had been overly broad.

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Similarly, Stormy Daniels lawyer Michael Avenatti has been taunting the president on TV and Twitter, saying that he intends to make hay of Trumps other Cohen-related comments. Avenatti noted how Trumps remarks that Cohen represented him with this crazy Stormy Daniels deal appeared to be in direct conflict with what Trump had previously said on the matter. Further, Avenatti is seeking to depose the president on the question of his involvement in the Daniels case, and this contradictory confession has the potential to make that more likely. If Trump was represented by Cohen in the matter, than the presidents testimony could resolve some of the central questions of the dispute. I think its going to add to the foundation, Avenatti told CNN, that we have as it relates to our efforts to depose the president.

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Trumps statements about issues implicated by special counsel Robert Muellers Russia probe could prove even more damaging. Heres the relevant passage of the interview, in which the president discusses the James Comey memos that were released the previous week:

Theyre phony memos. He didnt write those memos accurately. He put a lot of phony stufffor instance, I went to Russia for a day or so, a day or two, because I owned the Miss Universe pageant. So I went there to watch it because it was near Moscow, so I go to Russia. Now, I didnt go thereeverybody knows the logs are there, the planes are there. He said, I didnt stay there a night. Of course I stayed there, I stayed there a very short period of time, but of course I stayed. Well his memos said I left immediatelyI never said that. I never said I left immediately.

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Trump is referring to a memo in which Comey claimed that during their private Jan. 28, 2017, White House dinner, Trump broached the subject of the alleged golden showers tape. According to Comey:

He said he had spoken to people who had been on the Miss Universe trip with him and they had reminded him that he didnt stay over night in Russia for that. He said he arrived in the morning, did events, than showered and dressed for the pageant at the hotel (he didnt say the hotel name) and left for the pageant. Afterwards, he returned only to get his things because they departed for New York by plane that same night.

As former federal prosecutor Liam Brennan wrote in Slate last week, this episode would be critical to proving obstruction of justice by President Trump. The most difficult aspect of proving obstruction, Brennan noted, is demonstrating that the subject is acting with corrupt intent. Prosecutors can do this by pointing to efforts to deceive investigators. Brennan argued the revelation, first reported by Bloomberg, that Trump did stay in Russia overnightand thus, that any statement he made to Comey to the contrary would have been an effort to mislead an investigatorproved corrupt intent.

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Now Trump appears, on Fox & Friends, to be lying about his lie. Well, Trumps defenders would posit, its just Comeys word against Trumps. But even if you take the presidents word over that of the former FBI director and his comprehensive contemporaneous notes, theres still a problem. As Comey noted in a second memo, Trump allegedly made this claim about not staying overnight in Russia a second timethis time with a witness in the room.

Heres what Comey said of a Feb. 8, 2017, Oval Office meeting that occurred with former Chief of Staff Reince Priebus seated to my right:

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The President brought up the Golden Showers thing and said it really bothered him if his wife had any doubt about it. He then explained, as he did at our dinner, that he hadnt stayed overnight in Russia during the Miss Universe trip.

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Whats further notable is that Priebus tried to interrupt this line of thought:

Twice during this part of the conversation, Reince tried to interject a comment about the [redacted] and why it was even in there, but the President ignored him.

Its also worth noting that, per Comeys Feb. 8 memo, Priebus also asked Comey as part of a private conversation if there was a FISA warrant out on Michael Flynn. This information would have been useful for any potential confederate of Flynns and could itself be evidence of obstruction of justice if anyone with that knowledge sought to influence Flynn. Remember, Yahoo News reported that Trump was communicating with Flynn as late as April 2017, allegedly encouraging him to stay strong. The New York Times, meanwhile, reported last month that Trumps former attorney John Dowd broached the possibility of a pardon with Flynns attorney in a further possible attempt to obstruct the probe. Which is all just to say that Priebus role here could be integral and he could have a strong motivation to cooperate with investigators if his own actions come under scrutiny, as Comeys memo indicates they might.

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We know that Priebus was interviewed by Mueller this past October. Priebus also apparently took his own handwritten notes, documents that reference the presidents interactions with Comey.

Indeed, the New York Times reported in January that Muellers team had evidenceincluding the Priebus memosthat corroborated parts of the Comey memos. From the Times:

Mr. Mueller has also substantiated claims that Mr. Comey made in a series of memos describing troubling interactions with the president before he was fired in May. The special counsel has received handwritten notes from Mr. Trumps former chief of staff, Reince Priebus, showing that Mr. Trump talked to Mr. Priebus about how he had called Mr. Comey to urge him to say publicly that he was not under investigation.

If any more of what Priebus wrote down or told Mueller contradicts the presidents claims, that would be further evidence hes lying, which would be further evidence of his corrupt intent, which would be further evidence of obstruction of justice.

As the Washington Post reported earlier this month, Muellers team had told Trumps lawyers they are preparing a report about the presidents actions while in office and potential obstruction of justice. If Mueller watches Fox News, he could have one more big chunk of evidence to make his case.To an extent rarely discussed by the media, Donald Trumps presidency has been defined by an overwhelming, unrelenting hostility toward the rights of transgender Americans. In just 15 months, the Trump administration has withdrawn federal guidance protecting transgender schoolchildren, employees, and homeless people. It has attempted to outlaw transgender military service and painted trans individuals as disordered deviants who are too mentally unstable to serve. One-third of Trumps judicial nominees have anti-LGBTQ records, including one who described transgender children as part of Satans plan.

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In the coming weeks, the administration will launch its next attack on trans rights by announcing the revocation of a landmark regulation that protects transgender people from discrimination in health care. The Department of Health and Human Services will argue that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit doctors and hospitals from turning away transgender patients, or insurance companies from refusing to cover gender-related treatment. This time around, however, civil rights advocates are prepared to fight back. In fact, theyve already laid the groundwork for a two-pronged legal attack to maintain the ban on anti-trans health care discrimination.

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The ACAs protections for LGBTQ people lie in Section 1557 of the law, which forbids medical providers and insurance companies from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Like many federal courts, the Obama administration interpreted sex discrimination to encompass discrimination against transgender people on account of their transition from one gender to another. If a medical provider refuses to provide hormone therapy to a transgender man, for instance, it has declined treatment based on his sex, concluding that an individual assigned female at birth should not receive the recommended care. Thus, in May 2016, HHS issued a regulation interpreting Section 1557 to bar discrimination in health care on the basis of transgender status.

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In the last weeks of Obamas tenure, U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor issued a nationwide injunction blocking the new rule from taking effect. Texas, which sued to block the rule, was able to maneuver the case in front of OConnor, who had a track record of sweeping decisions that proscribed the Obama administration from implementing LGBTQ-friendly policies. The judge did not disappoint, finding that the rule violated the religious freedom of doctors and insurance companies. He also held that the rule unlawfully extended Section 1557s protections to transgender people, when in fact sex discrimination only encompasses biological differences between males and females.

Donald Trumps presidency has been defined by an overwhelming, unrelenting hostility toward the rights of transgender Americans.

This decision flew in the face of Supreme Court precedent defining the contours of gender bias. But instead of appealing it, Trumps Department of Justice paused the litigation. New leadership at HHS, the DOJ told OConnor in a filing, has now had time to scrutinize the trans-inclusive rule and had concerns as to the need for, reasonableness, and burden imposed by the policy. Thus, HHS had decided to take the opportunity to initiate rulemaking proceedings to reconsider the Rule. Translation: The Trump administration decided to revoke the Obama-era rule and, presumably, replace it with a policy permitting anti-trans discrimination in health care.

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Now the administration is reportedly poised to do just that. In April, the DOJ informed OConnor that HHS had finalized the new rule and will publish it once the White House approves.

LGBTQ advocates have anticipated this move, preparing two lines of attack against the administrations imminent rollback of Section 1557. The first took the form of a lawsuit filed against the state of Wisconsin on Monday by the National Health Law Program, the civil rights firm Relman, Dane & Colfax, and the law firm McNally Peterson. The suit, filed on behalf of two transgender Wisconsinites, takes aim at the states Medicaid program restrictions, which explicitly exclude coverage of any transition-related treatment. It argues that this exclusion violates Section 1557 as well as the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

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The Wisconsin lawsuit illustrates an important aspect of Section 1557: It creates a private right to enforce it. That means that while HHS is responsible for enforcing its nondiscrimination protection, individuals can also sue under the law to vindicate their rights independently.

Joseph Wardenski, a lead attorney on the case, told me that while hes disappointed that HHS is flouting the law and taking a step backwards, the ACAs protections remain enforceable. Section 1557s statutory prohibition on sex discrimination forbids discrimination against transgender people seeking medically necessary care, Wardenski said. While the Trump administration may deny that fact, it cant stop federal courts from enforcing the law.

But its also not at all clear that HHS can actually get away with gutting Section 1557. The lower courts have developed a sizable body of case law establishing that sex discrimination encompasses anti-trans discrimination. And the Supreme Court itself has ruled that sex stereotypingpunishing an individual for not complying with gender normsconstitutes discrimination on the basis of sex. When a medical provider declines to treat a transgender patient because it feels he should comport with the sex assigned to him at birth, its denying treatment on the basis of a stereotype. The ACA was designed to strike at the entire spectrum of medical discrimination; it would be rather odd to exclude this clear-cut form of gender-based discrimination from the laws ambit.

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For that reason, the American Civil Liberties Union is ready to file suit against HHS as soon as it issues a final rule carving out trans protections from Section 1557. Joshua Block, a senior staff attorney at the ACLUs LGBT & HIV Project, told me that from everything we have heard, the proposed rule is based on fundamental errors of law and would jeopardize the health of transgender people. Moreover, the revision marks an unlawful attempt to rewrite the law in a blatant effort to omit a disfavored minority. Congress directed HHS to bar sex discrimination in health care on the basis of sex; the agency cannot decide to ignore this mandate because it happens to smile upon certain forms of sex discrimination.

This debate is not theoretical. A 2015 survey of transgender people found that 33 percent of respondents had experienced health care discrimination, while another 33 percent did not go to a health care provider because they couldnt afford it. These findings are in line with other studies that indicate rampant anti-transgender discrimination among both doctors and insurers. The ACA was designed to remedy these problemsyet perversely, the Trump administration is attempting to undermine its solutions. Now its up to the courts to declare that Section 1557 means what it says.MONTGOMERY, AlabamaOn Thursday, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice opened in Montgomery to remember the thousands of Americans who were hanged, burned, or otherwise murdered by white mobs. The memorial sits just a short drive from the state capitol building, where three days earlier, the state of Alabama had celebrated Confederate Memorial Day, an official state holiday. Its a city where slave traders once sold children for profit, and where slave owners would later launch a rebellion, and form a government, on the conviction that slavery was necessary, inviolable, and good. Its the same city where, in living memory, a sitting governor pledged his total commitment to segregation in the face of an unprecedented civil rights struggle, and wherein the presentmore than 30 percent of black people in the area live under the poverty line.

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The central structure of the memorial is a looming cloister where 800 steel columns hang from the roof. On each column is a state, a county, and the names of everyone lynched there, along with the dates of their deaths. The columns start at eye level, but as you walk through the memorial, the floor descends and the structures hang like so many victims. You, the visitor, become a kind of witness to the ritualistic murders that claimed at least 4,000 black Americans between 1877 and 1950: from the collapse of Reconstruction to the beginning of the end of Jim Crow. The scale of that killing becomes clear in an adjacent room, where replicas of those hanging steel structures are placed like coffins on the ground, arranged in alphabetical order for visitors who want to find the one that marks their town or county.

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For me, two markers mattered: Ware County, Georgia, and Gadsden County, Florida, where my mother and father are from, respectively. Four people were lynched in Ware and four people in Gadsdenthe earliest in 1881, the latest in 1941. Walter Wilkins, killed on June 27, 1908, in Ware Countys seat of Waycross, had been accused of assaulting a young white girl. It is difficult, for me, to express the feeling of finding the columns that mark your originsseeing the names of the victims and imagining the terror and fear that must have coursed through those communities. And thinking, too, that the most recent killings happened within living memory of people you knew, or who knew your parents and grandparents.

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Racial hierarchy and inequality still exist today, but Jim Crow is gone and the public, socially sanctioned violence that defined the lynching era has largely disappeared. Which may lead some to ask why? Why dwell on this painful period of American history? Why fight to bring this unspeakable violence into the national consciousness? And why work to integrate it into public memory when lynching remains an incredibly fraught metaphor for racial conflict, with heavy symbolic baggage that weighs on any conversation around the subject?

The answer is straightforward. We live in a moment when racismexplicit and unapologetichas returned to a prominent place in American politics, both endorsed by and propagated through the Oval Office. And in that environment, a memorial to racial terrorismone which indicts perpetrators as much as it honors victimsis the kind of provocation that we need, a vital and powerful statement against our national tendency to willful amnesia.

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The victims of lynching and racial terrorism deserve a memorial that makes plain the scale of the offense and the magnitude of the crime. The communities in question deserve a chance to reckon with the weight of their history. And Americans writ large need an opportunity to grapple with this period as we struggle to understand a present that contains disturbing echoes of our not-too-distant past.

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Neither the memorial nor the museum shies away from calling lynching what it wasracial terror violence. Terrorism is a loaded term, but Bryan Stevenson, whose nonprofit Equal Justice Initiative organized and built the memorial and the accompanying Legacy Museum, embraces it and its implications. When a black person was lynched, they were not just lynching that person, they were targeting the entire African-American community, said Stevenson. Nobody thinks that the 9/11 perpetrators were just trying to kill only the people who worked at the World Trade Tower. They were trying to terrorize the rest of us, and thats the reason why we felt justified in fighting a war. I look at the exodus of 6 million people who flee the American South during this period as victims of lynching, even though they werent strung up. And in that respect, you have to use the word terrorism to characterize this violence.

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Both the memorial and museum show how widespread and wanton this campaign of violence could be. Elbert Williams was lynched in Brownsville, Tennessee, in 1940 for working to register black voters as part of the local NAACP. Reverend T.A. Allen was lynched in Hernando, Mississippi, in 1935 for organizing local sharecroppers. Jack Turner was lynched in Butler, Alabama, in 1882 for organizing black voters in Choctaw County.* By highlighting offenses like labor and political organizing in addition to alleged sexual violence against white womenthe most remembered casus belli for lynchingthe memorial reminds us that this violence was first and foremost a form of social control, a way to preserve race hierarchy against the claims and actions of black Americans. Many were killed with the approval of state authorities. Few committed any real crime. The murderers themselves escaped punishment or accountability. Some participants, like future senator Ben Tillman of South Carolina, would go on to Washington.

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With brutal, unspeakable violence, white communities affirmed their virtue, and the white South, as a whole, affirmed its power.

The terror wasnt just for blacks accused of supposedly unacceptable conduct in their contact with whites. In her investigation of the lynching of three Memphis grocersThomas Moss, Calvin McDowell, and William Stewartpioneering journalist and anti-lynching activist Ida B. Wells concluded that their alleged offense was simply success. The lynching had been an excuse to get rid of Negroes who were acquiring wealth and property and thus keep the race terrorized. An April 1919 edition of the Chicago Defender records a lynching in Blakely, Georgia, where Pvt. William Littlea soldier returning from the war in Europewas accosted by whites who demanded he remove his uniform. Several weeks later, after warnings that he had worn his Army garb for too long, he was found dead, beaten by a mob.

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These murders werent driven by a small group of virulent racists but were embraced by most white communities in which they occurred. They were communal acts that imparted meaning to spectators and participants alike. What is made clear in the museum is that the history of lynching is for white Americans as much as it is black ones. It is a history of how the white South constituted itself through communal violence, creating and policing the borders of its racial identity. Lynching wasnt just a way to enforce caste relations between blacks and whites, it was also a tool white Southerners used to define the meaning of their whiteness.

You can see what this looked like in the large body of lynching photographs, some of which are presented in the museum as evidence of lynchings broad acceptance among white Southerners. The pictures had a purpose: They were circulated by perpetrators as mementos, souvenirs, and propaganda, meant to warn blacks of the danger of stepping out of line, no matter how innocuous the offense. A 1935 photograph from the lynching of Rubin Stacy, a young homeless tenant farmer, shows the perpetrators and their families in comfortable, seemingly well-constructed clothing. The men are wearing slacks, the women and girls are in dresses. At their center is Stacys lifeless body, hanging from a tree, his hands cuffed. One of the girls is smiling. A 1930 photograph from the lynchings of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith, both 19, shows a crowd that is large, well-dressed, and visibly interested in the grim spectacle. Another photographfrom the 1916 lynching of 17-year-old Jesse Washington in Waco, Texasshows a crowd of thousands watching as his body burns and smolders.

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White communities celebrated these lynchings in the local press, as documented in 100 Years of Lynchings, a collection of contemporaneous news accounts. Zachariah Walker, a negro desperado, was carried on a cot from the hospital here last night and burned to a crisp by a frenzied mob of men and boys on a fire which they ignited about a half mile from town, crowed the Montgomery Advertiser in a story dated Aug. 15, 1911. Politicians were often enthusiastic supporters of these efforts. Commenting on a recent lynching in his state, Gov.

Cole Blease of South Carolina told crowds that he would rather have resigned the office, and led the mob himself, than deter any white man from punishing that nigger brute.

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This was more than gruesome titillation or curiosity. The age of lynching emerged at a time when much of the country was preoccupied with the decline of traditional morality, represented by urbanization and the growing autonomy of women. This larger context is outside the scope of the museumwhich turns its attention to the victimsbut it is an important part of understanding the lynching era and why it matters for the present. In the white South, that preoccupation blended with patriarchal norms, evangelical religion, and white supremacy to produce a noxious brew where, as historian Amy Louise Wood writes in Lynching and Spectacle: Witnessing Racial Violence in America, 18901940, white southerners  conceptualized the threat of black enfranchisement and autonomy as  a dire moral threat to white purity, literally a physical assault on white homes and white women. And in this vision, black men came to personify the moral corruption that they believed to be the root cause of social disorder.

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Lynchings served two purposes: They both preserved white dominance against the prospect of black equality and restored the presumed moral status of white communities by eliminating threats to white purity and virtue as well as white authority. These killings often took a ritualistic cast. Lynch mobs at times gave their victims time to pray and, more frequently, wrought confessions from them, writes Wood. Likewise, lynch mobs paid close attention to torment and suffering, practices that publicly rehearsed narratives of human sin and divine judgmentwell known in an age of public, deeply held Christianity. It is not without meaning that lynching defenders condemned victims as demons, fiends, and brutes, nor is it coincidence that, in her defense of lynching, prominent temperance activist, suffragette, and future U.S senator Rebecca Latimer Felton thundered that if there is not enough religion in the pulpits to organize a crusade against sin  nor manhood enough in the nation to put a sheltering arm about innocence and virtue then lynch a thousand times a week if necessary.

The central narrative of lynchingthe lie of inherent black criminalitystill shapes public life.

With brutal, unspeakable violence, white men affirmed their manhood, white communities affirmed their virtue, and the white South, as a whole, affirmed its power. To murder with impunity, in full view of the public, is to claim total authority. On the other side, both black men and black women were shown their essential powerlessness in Southern society. And the extent to which black women were lynchedMary Turner, for instance was killed with her unborn child for complaining about the lynching of her husbandserved to underscore the scant value attached to their lives and womanly virtue. If the master-slave relations of the antebellum South were shattered by the Civil War and Reconstruction, then lynching helped recreate them, albeit on more democratic lines, as all white Southernersand not just a select, propertied fewcould claim the right to kill. Lynching dramatized the Souths emerging caste system at the same time that it defined its terms.

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That rigid caste system may be gone, but the central narrative of lynchingthe lie of inherent black criminalitystill shapes public life. Just weeks ago, 14-year-old Brennan Walker was shot at after knocking on a door in the predominantly white Rochester Hills, Michigan. The woman at the door thought he was there to rob them, and her husband, who heard her screams, ran down with his shotgun. Walker had simply stopped, on his way to school, to ask for directions. He was lucky. In 2013, 19-year-old Renisha McBride knocked on a door in a Dearborn Heights neighborhood, seeking help after a car crash. The homeowner, Theodore Wafer, opened his door and fired his shotgun, killing her. Compare both incidents to a lynching account presented at the memorial: A black man was lynched in Millersburg, Ohio, in 1892 for standing around in a white neighborhood.

The specter of the black criminal continues to weigh on our justice system. Stevenson is quick to note that the most reliable predictor of a death penalty sentence is still the race of the victim, not the perpetrator. Black killers of white victims are far more likely to receive a death sentence than black killers of black people.

Lynching echoes in other ways. Our politics are in the grip of a backlash defined, in large part, by deep racial entitlement on the part of many white Americans. Indeed, racial violenceor the promise of suchremains a potent tool for defining the boundaries of white racial community. As a candidate for president, Donald Trump promised state action against Hispanic immigrants and Muslim refugees. Not as punishment but as defensea way to keep America free of people that, in his view, cannot assimilate. How did he describe these groups? As rapists, criminals, and drug dealersdangerous gang members who defile and kill innocent American women. Far from repelling voters, this language primed and activated racial fear and resentment among many white voters, supercharging its electoral potency. Trump wasnt just defining an enemy, he was speaking a language of racial threatof purity and moralitythat has its roots in the lynching era.

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Perhaps, had white Americans in particular possessed a better understanding of the lynching era and what it entailed, they would have viewed Trumps message of past greatness with appropriate skepticism. I think about the history, and I realize weve never said, Never again,  Stephenson said. We didnt say, Never again at the end of enslavement. We didnt do it at the end of lynching, at the end of segregation. And because we havent actually articulated the commitment, things keep happening. We keep replicating new forms of bigotry and discrimination that get applied to people of color and to African Americans in particular, that ideology of white supremacy survives.

The National Memorial for Peace and Justice forces Americans into a difficult but necessary confrontation over the depths of our racial divide. Its a rebuke to the whitewashed history of Make America Great Again as well as the naive post-racialism of the recent past. And it tries to push the story forward. A statue titled Raise Up shows a row of men, their heads and shoulders coming out of stone, their hands raised above their heads. You dont need a guide to know what theyre saying. Hands up, dont shoot. Placed after the central monuments of the memorial, it connects the racial violence of the past to the racial violence of the present, challenging the triumphant narratives that make todays Americaand todays Americansfundamentally different than those who lived before.

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Its reminiscent of journalist Isabel Wilkersons comparison between lynchings and police shootings, following the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. The rate of police killings of black Americans is nearly the same as the rate of lynchings in the early decades of the 20th century, wrote Wilkerson, placing those events on a continuum with the violence that drove the Great Migrations of the 20th century. The haunting symmetry of a death every three or four days links us to an uglier time that many would prefer not to think about, but which reminds us that the devaluation of black life is as old as the nation itself and has yet to be confronted.

There are other potent connections between the past and the present. The public nature of lynching echoes in the ubiquitous videos of police assaults and police killings. Like lynching photographs, they have sparked outrage and galvanized activists, building political will for criminal justice reform. But they also turn trauma into endlessly repeated spectacle, rehashing the initial injury and reminding black people of their tenuous place within American society.

There is some danger in the directness of these comparisons. To use lynching too much as a metaphor is to wear it down, robbing it of its specificity and meaning. A phrase like high-tech lynchingor rhetoric that compares harsh criticism to a lynch mobobscures far more than it illuminates. Still, theres reason to keep lynching as a metaphor and analytical tool; as the Legacy Museum shows, there are too many parallels between that era of racial terrorism and the current struggles against police brutality and white racial backlash to ignore.

But what do we do with those connections? The memorial and museum suggest one approach. Both are interactive in a sense. Individual communities can claim one of the individual monuments that make up the memorial. They can remove it to their town or county and erect it as a memorial to their particular victims of lynching. Over time, visitors will be able to see who has taken a marker and who hasnt, who is reckoning with their history and who isnt. Stevenson also hopes that after experiencing the monuments and exhibits, individuals are primed to act. He wants the country to look at racial terrorism and say, Never again, and in pursuit of that end, the Equal Justice Initiative will provide information to help visitors register to vote or sign petitions relating to racial justice and reform.

Its both a powerful gestureconnecting this history to the politics of todayand one that doesnt quite fit the sheer radicalism of this project. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice isnt just a memorial. It is an indictment of the United States and its ongoing commitment to racial hierarchy. It argues, explicitly, that white supremacy is fundamental to the structure of this society. And it suggests that our only option for uprooting those evils is a radical correction from our present course.Fading in the polls and running out of time before next weeks West Virginia primary, Republican Senate hopeful and ex-con Don Blankenship is ratcheting up his attacks on the GOP establishment.

In a new ad posted to Facebook on Monday, Blankenship seemed to suggest Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell either uses or sells hard drugs. Or as Blankenship puts it near the end of the lo-fi spot: One of my goals as U.S. senator will be to ditch Cocaine Mitch. 

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While Blankenship offers no explanation for his new nickname for McConnell in the ad, Fox News reports that his campaign told the network that it is rooted in accusations of drug smuggling on Chinese ships associated with the family of McConnells wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. (The Nation reported in 2014 that Colombian inspectors once found 90 pounds of cocaine aboard a shipping vessel owned by the family.) The ad continues Blankenships recent semiobsession with Chao, who was born in Taiwan before coming to the United States at the age of 8. In a series of recent interviews, Blankenship has referred to Chaos father, who was born in Shanghai but is now a U.S. citizen, as a wealthy China-person, and suggested that Chao and McConnell cant be trusted to put Americas interest first because of their connections in China.

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The rest of the 30-second ad is just as absurd. Blankenship begins like so: The politicians are running a lot of crazy ads. They blew up the coal mine, and then put me in prison. Now theyre running ads that say the coal mine blew up and I went to prison. Theres no surprise there.

Blankenship, the former CEO of Massey Energy, is correct that there is no surprise that his time in prison has become an issue in the campaign. This time last year, Blankenship was still in a halfway house finishing out his one-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring to violate federal mine safety standards in connection with the devastating 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch coal mine, which killed 29 men. Blankenship alleges that it was federal regulators who were really to blame for the blast and that he was merely a political prisoner in the Obama administrations war on coal and an innocent victim of a Benghazi-style cover-up. So unbelievable is that claim that not even our conspiracy- and persecution-minded president wants to be seen with Blankenship.

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McConnell and the rest of the GOP establishment fear that if Blankenship were to win the GOP nomination next week, he will spoil their chances of defeating Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin this fall in a state Trump won by more than 40 percentage points in 2016. The party had hoped they could ignore Blankenship, but after he emerged as a serious contender this spring, GOP allies launched a well-funded covert attack against him last month. It appears to be paying off.

A pair of polls last week found Blankenship in a distant (but not too distant) third pace behind his two main rivals, state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins. McConnell, however, isnt celebrating just yetand not just because the primary is still a full week away. On Tuesday night, Blankenship, Morrisey, and Jenkins will all be onstage for an evening debate hosted by Fox News. No one expects Blankenship to go quietly.South Korean President Moon Jae-in said this week that President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize for jump-starting the various recent summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, so its worth asking whether Moon was merely massaging Trumps ego to gain favor, as many other leaders have learned to do, or whether theres something to his proposal.

Or, to put the question in less grandiose terms: Does Trump deserve some credit for putting Korean peace on the table after seven decades of warlike tensions?

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Trump, of course, believes that hes entirely responsible for the blooming climate of detente. At his recent rally in Michigan, he quoted a panel on a fake news show discussing the KimMoon summit. They were saying, What do you think President Trump had to do with it?  Trump bellowed to the crowd. Ill tell you what. Like, how about everything!

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It was an absurd overstatement; the spurt of new and historic diplomacy has been galvanized by Moon and deftly shaped by Kim at every step since the Winter Olympics. However, many have argued that Trumps maximum pressure and belligerent rhetoricstarting last summer with his threat to unleash fire and fury like the world has never seen if North Korea didnt stop testing nuclear weapons and long-range missileshave driven Kim to the table. The threat was reminiscent of Richard Nixons madman theory, in which he sought to convince the North Vietnamese that he was crazy and might even launch nuclear weapons if they continued to wage war. Nixon was convinced that the ploy would prod North Vietnams leader, Ho Chi Minh, to come begging for peace in a matter of days.

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The strategy didnt work, in part because Ho, a keen observer of world politics and a onetime aspiring U.S. ally, knew that Nixon wasnt that sort of madman. By contrast, Kim may well have thought Trump was the real thing and responded accordingly, toning down his own rhetoric and slowing down his nuclear program.

There may be something to this theory, but the facts dont lend it much support. Trump issued his fire and fury fusillade on Aug. 8. Three weeks later, on Aug. 29, Kim test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile over Japan. On Sept. 3, he detonated a nuclear device at a test site for the sixth time, this one his most powerful explosion to date, so much so that he declared it a hydrogen bomb and Western experts didnt refute the claim. On Sept. 15, he test-launched another intermediate-range missile. Finally, on Nov. 29, he fired another missile, this one having sufficient range to strike U.S.

territory.

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In other words, after Trumps most bellicose remarks, Kim conducted four major tests honing his ability to strike the United States and our allies. (This was on top of the four tests hed conducted in 2017 prior to the fire and fury tweet.) Far from being intimidated by Trumps threats, Kim pushed ahead steadily on his path to acquiring a nuclear arsenal or, possibly, accelerated his effort.

Far from being intimidated by Trumps threats, Kim pushed ahead steadily on his path to acquiring a nuclear arsenal.

On New Years Day, just one month after the Nov. 29 missile test, Kim made the pivot and launched his charm offensive, offering to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics, to be held in South Korea, a move that sparked the current round of diplomacy. One interpretation is that he did so not while quaking before Trumps big guns but rather with the confidence that he now had some big guns of his owna small but viable nuclear deterrent to assure that neither Trump nor any other foe could attack North Korea without fearing a retaliatory strike.

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Its possible that Trumps aggressiveness compelled Kim to assemble this deterrent quickly. Its also possible that Moon embraced Kims diplomatic shift so avidly in order to keep Trumps itchy finger at bay. But this picture is very different from one that portrays Trump as a Nobel-worthy peacemaker.

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Its also possible that Trumps warnings, and the widespread sense that he might mean them, prompted Chinese President Xi Jinping to tighten sanctions on North Koreaand that this economic pressure helped drive Kim to adopt a more conciliatory approach.

The evidence here is mixed, at best. It is true that China, North Koreas largest ally and trade partner, has cut off exports of certain goods, with painful results. However, China has also facilitated the rerouting of these goods through back channelswhich couldnt happen without Xis consent. In any case, Kim and his entourage havent seemed to tighten their belts, and the Kim dynastywhich has ruled North Korea since its creation after World War II and has ordered the expansion of its military forces even in the face of mass poverty and, not long ago, a deadly faminehas never viewed their peoples well-being as a high priority of national policy.

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Nonetheless, there is evidence that the current Kim, having built a few dozen of the supreme weapons that his father and grandfather had only dreamed of amassing, seems keen on reforming the countrys economy to some degreeand publicly said so in his recent meeting with Moon, even admitting that hed be embarrassed to have the South Korean president travel on North Koreas dilapidated roads.

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To some extent, then, Chinas tightening grip on North Koreas economy might have speeded Kims turn to diplomacy, and Xi may well have tightened that grip in response to Trumps pressureto keep Trump from launching a war that would have disastrous consequences for China and its interests in the region.

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However, before Trump starts dreaming of white-tie glory in Oslo, he should consider one more caveat: This deal is not yet done; peace overtures may be on the table, but its way premature to think that peace is at hand.

The fact that Kim pivoted toward diplomacy only after acquiring a plausible nuclear arsenali.e., only after he could claim the status of a nuclear powermakes it extremely unlikely that he would surrender that status in exchange for mere assurances from any American president, much less from the untrustworthy Trump. Yes, the South Koreans have reported that Kim is willing to end his nuclear program in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade North Korea. But first, North Korea hasnt yet confirmed this report, and second, Pyongyangs long-standing concept of denuclearization involves not just the surrender of its nukes but also the withdrawal from the region of all U.S. forces that could possibly carry nukesin short, the withdrawal of the U.S. military from within firing range of the Korean Peninsula: the ultimate decoupling of the United States from South Korea, which has long been the Kim familys fantasy.

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American allies and several U.S. officials have two worries about the upcoming summit. The first is that it will failKim wont agree to give up his nukes in exchange for practically nothingand thus Trump will have no choice but to back down from his threats or to act on them. The second is that Trump is approaching the talks with such high hopes (intensified by the absurd dangling of a Nobel Peace Prize) that he may sacrifice vital U.S. interests for the sake of making a deal.

NBC News reported Monday that last summer, Trump was so furious at South Korea that White House chief of staff John Kelly had to talk him out of ordering the withdrawal of U.S. troops from its territory. Just as alarming, Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the summit with Kim should take place at the Peace House, near the Demilitarized Zone on the border between the two Koreasthe same place where Kim and Moon metso that if the talks succeed, the great celebration could be had on the site instead of in some third-party country.

This remark was alarming for two reasons. First, if he thinks a comprehensive peace treaty could be signed after just one set of meetings, either he will be sorely disappointed or the treaty will be a bad one. Second, in publicly expressing his exuberance, he let the North Koreans know that hes desperate for a dealthe worst possible negotiating tactic in advance of any talks, much less the boldest and riskiest talks that an American president has ventured in years.According to the New York Times, special counsel Robert Mueller has four dozen questions he wants to ask President Donald Trump about the Russia investigation. At least 18 of them focus on James Comey, the man Trump fired as FBI director last year in a failed attempt to lift the cloud of the investigation. Many of the questions involve meetings between Trump and Comey. Comey says Trump pressed him for personal loyalty and asked him to drop his investigation of thenNational Security Adviser Mike Flynn. Trump denies it. Its Trumps word against Comeys.

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Thats why Trump has relentlessly attacked Comeys credibility since he fired him. On Saturday night, at a rally in Michigan, Trump again called Comey a liar and a leaker for disclosing, in contemporaneous memos, the contents of their meetings. Trump mocked the interviews Comey has given in recent weeks about the former directors new book, A Higher Loyalty. Watch the way he lies, said Trump.

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By all means, watch Comeys interviews. Theyll give you a chance to hear directly from the man whose testimony could put Trump away for obstruction of justice. We know Trump has a long record of fabrication and delusion. But what about Comey? How does he conduct himself when pressed to answer hard questions? To find out, I spent the past two weeks watching and listening to every available interview on Comeys book tour, from the BBC to Sacramento, California, talk radio. Over the course of 19 interviews, I came away with two impressions. One, Comey is indefatigably earnest. I can see how he grates on people. And two, if I were a juror, Id believe him. Hes telling the truth.

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In the interviews, Comey gets grilled about physical depictions of Trump in his booknormal-size hands, ill-fitting tieswhich come across as unflattering. The complaint is that Comey did this to get back at Trump for firing him. Thats a bum rap. Comey is just another policy guy trying, clumsily, to write descriptive prose. The better critique is that Comey is what Trump called him: a showboat. He gives press conferences when he shouldnt, he writes a book, he hawks it with the stamina of a decathlete. Ill grant you all that. But under interrogation, Comeys answers, unlike Trumps, are modest and reflective. His demeanoreyes, voice, ease of responseshows no hint of dishonesty. Compared with Trump, hes a far more credible witness.

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Trump claims to know things he doesnt know. Comey makes no such pretense. When he doesnt know something, he says so. Did people connected to Trump collude with Russia? I dont know, Comey told ABCs George Stephanopoulos. Does Russia have something on Trump? I dont know, Comey told USA Todays Susan Page. Was Trump a crooked businessman? I dont want to talk about things I dont know about, Comey told the New Yorkers David Remnick. Did Trump ask Mike Pompeo, who was then the CIA director, to pressure Comey last year to drop his investigation of Flynn? Comey demurs, saying he didnt witness the conversation. How much Russia evidence remains secret? Comey demurs again, noting that in the year since he was fired, Its possible things that I knew have changed.

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Trump casually attributes bad motives to Comey. Comey doesnt reciprocate. Why wont Trump criticize Russia? I dont know, and Im not in a position to speculate, Comey told a CNN town hall. Why did Trump keep telling Comey, when he was FBI director, that Trump hadnt used prostitutes? No idea, Comey told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow. When Trump pardoned former Bush aide Scooter Libby, was that a signal to Trump associates caught up in the Russia investigation? I dont know, Trump told Page.

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Trump attacks everyone connected to Comey. Comey doesnt attack people connected to Trump. In the interviews, Comey rebuffs invitations to speculate about Attorney General Jeff Sessions and pro-Trump FBI agents. He defends FlynnGood people do lie, and my sense of Flynn was he was a good guyand refuses to criticize Flynns plea agreement. I cant see whats on the other side of the wallthat is, what is the evidence, and whats the nature of his cooperation, Comey told NBCs Chuck Todd.

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Trump, armed with no evidence, accuses Comey of crimes. Comey, armed with lots of evidence, levels no such charges at Trump. Mueller may conclude that there is nothing that touches President Trump or any of his senior people, Comey told Stephanopoulos. And thats fine, so long as hes able to find that truth. When NPRs Carrie Johnson and Steve Inskeep pressed Comey to say that Trump had obstructed justice, based on Comeys memo about Trump asking him to drop the Flynn investigation on Feb. 14, 2017, Comey refused to bite:

Obstruction of justice requires a demonstration of corrupt intent. And Im just a witness when it comes to that particular incident, the Feb. 14 incident. And so I dont know what the evidence is that the prosecutor and investigators have gathered with respect to intent.  It would be an overreach for someone on my part to say, I know what the evidence is. How would I possibly know what the evidence is? I dont know what communications President Trumps staff were having with him. I dont know what he said to others.

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When Comey does venture an interpretation, he cautions that he might be mistaken. I could be wrong, he says. This is speculation. This is just a guess. I might be misinterpreting it.

Trump lauds himself and blames others. Comey criticizes himself and takes responsibility. He says he hedged too much about the Hillary Clinton email investigation, botched his announcement when he ended it, unwisely told Trump that he wasnt under investigation, and failed to speak clearly to Trump about FBI independence. He calls himself cowardly for ducking, rather than challenging, Trumps efforts to corrupt him. He accepts blame for anti-Trump texts written by two FBI employees without his knowledge: Im responsible for their actions and their poor judgment. He welcomes a forthcoming report by the Justice Departments inspector general: Maybe theyll criticize me. Thats OK. What I wanted was a full accounting of the decisions we made.

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Trump often repeats his mistakes because he doesnt understand himself. Comey studies his own flaws, so he can correct them. I could be reasoning poorly, I could be seeing facts poorly, Comey told NPR. I make mistakes all the time. He confessed to Stephanopoulos: My primary worry about myself is an overconfidence that can lead to  closed-mindedness.  I have to be careful not to fall in love with my own view of things.

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When Trump is accused of bias, he denies it and digs in. When Comey is accused of bias, he listens. At the CNN town hall, Comey urged the audience to understand biases, cross-examine yourself. To root out biases, he explained, you have to bring them to consciousness. In several interviews, Comey spoke of the now-infamous Oct. 27, 2016, letter in which he revealed his resumption of the Clinton email investigation. Comey said he hadnt thought about polls when he decided to send the letter. But he conceded that the expectation of a Clinton victory must have affected him:

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Stephanopoulos: Wasnt the decision to reveal influenced by your assumption that Hillary Clinton was going to win? And your concern that she wins, this comes out several weeks later, and then thats taken by her opponent as a sign that shes an illegitimate president Comey: It must have been. I dont remember consciously thinking about that, but it must have been. Cause I was operating in a world where Hillary Clinton was going to beat Donald Trump  that shes going to be elected president, and if I hide this from the American people, shell be illegitimate the moment shes elected, the moment this comes out.

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Trump surrounds himself with sycophants. Comey, mindful of his own biases, chooses advisers who are willing to correct him. He described to Remnick how his FBI team talked him out of publicly contrasting Clintons email practices with gross negligence. Comey told NPR: I make mistakes all the time, which is why I worked hard to surround myself with people at the department and the FBI who would bang on me, who would talk to me, who would tell me what they thought.

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Thats why Comey has become a better person and leader than Trump. Its why you should believe Comeys account, not Trumps, of what happened in their private meetings. At age 71, Trump is still a child. I would give myself an A+, he declared Thursday on Fox & Friends, when asked to assess his presidency. Nobody has done what Ive been able to do.

Comey, meanwhile, has grown up. To become a good leader, he told Mike Allen of Axios on Monday, you have to realize youre not good enough, and the path to getting better is learning from other people. Part of that, he explained to Stephanopoulos, is just aging and getting to realize that doubt is not a weakness. Doubt is a strength. Dont trust the man who pretends he knows everything. Trust the man who admits he doesnt.What was your opinion of Mr. Comey during the transition?

What did you think about Mr. Comeys intelligence briefing on Jan. 6, 2017, about Russian election interference?

What was your reaction to Mr. Comeys briefing that day about other intelligence matters?

What was the purpose of your Jan. 27, 2017, dinner with Mr. Comey, and what was said?

What was the purpose of your Feb. 14, 2017, meeting with Mr. Comey, and what was said?

What did you know about the F.B.I.s investigation into Mr. Flynn and Russia in the days leading up to Mr. Comeys testimony on March 20, 2017?

What did you do in reaction to the March 20 testimony? Describe your contacts with intelligence officials.

What did you think and do in reaction to the news that the special counsel was speaking to Mr. Rogers, Mr. Pompeo and Mr. Coats?

What was the purpose of your calls to Mr. Comey on March 30 and April 11, 2017?

What was the purpose of your April 11, 2017, statement to Maria Bartiromo?

What did you think and do about Mr. Comeys May 3, 2017, testimony?

Regarding the decision to fire Mr. Comey: When was it made? Why? Who played a role?

What did you mean when you told Russian diplomats on May 10, 2017, that firing Mr. Comey had taken the pressure off?

What did you mean in your interview with Lester Holt about Mr. Comey and Russia?

What was the purpose of your May 12, 2017, tweet?Last week, the Massachusetts Supreme Court upheld the statutory cap on the number of charter schools that can operate in the state. Traditional public school supporters hailed the decision as a major policy victory, one they hope will stave off extensive charter-school growth and subsequent negative effects on traditional public schools. The court suggested these fears may have been the states primary motivation in capping charter-school growth.

But the impact of the decision will extend well beyond charter-school policy, because it speaks more broadly to what the right to education means and how it is relevant to education reform. All 50 state constitutions, in one way or another, guarantee access to equal, adequate, and stable public education. Beginning in the 1970s, disadvantaged students and school districts used this state right to education to try to force legislatures to equally and adequately fund public education. In about half the states, this so-called school-finance and education-quality litigation prevailed, with generally positive results.

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In the past few years, though, a new group of education reformers who believe schools should operate more like businesses have tried to push this precedent in a new direction. Their movement began with legislation to reform the teaching profession. They asked policymakers to restrict the influence of unions, narrow or eliminate tenure, and rate teachers based on how their students perform on standardized tests. They were successful at passing these laws in several states. Where they failed, theyve turned to the courts, trying to leverage older legal precedent regarding the right to adequate and equal public education to further their current policy agendas.

The highest-profile example was Vergara v. State, a case filed in California in 2012. It relied on California precedent from the 1970s that recognized a fundamental right to education under the California Constitution. The Vergara plaintiffs made a claim analogous to those from the 1970s, arguing that students in predominantly minority schools were receiving qualitatively inferior instruction. The difference, however, was that while inadequate funding was the cause of the educational inequalities in the 1970s, the Vergara plaintiffs argued that teacher tenure was the cause of todays inequality. Tenure, they argued, prevented schools from removing grossly ineffective teachers. If true, teacher tenure should be unconstitutional just like any other policy that deprives students of their fundamental right to education.

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The fact that the state was denying students in predominantly minority schools a good education was pretty clear. The disagreement was over the cause and the remedy.

Vergaras general theory about challenging deprivation of education was on point. The problem was that the plaintiffs made a huge logical leap regarding the causes of unequal access to quality instruction, a leap that rested on faulty assumptions. Many other factorsmost importantly inadequate funding and segregationcause unequal access to quality instruction, not teacher tenure. And even if tenure plays some role, that does not necessarily make tenure protections unconstitutional. The remedy could just as easily be to require the state to provide districts with the assistance they need to remove tenured teachers who are no longer meeting teaching expectations.

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The trial court ignored these factual and policy distinctions and famously declared teacher tenure unconstitutional in 2014. The state Supreme Court would later see through the trial courts flawed reasoning and reverse its decision in 2016, but the trial court decision had already produced ripple effects across the nation. Within months, the trial court decision emboldened anti-tenure advocates to bring copycat lawsuits in New York and Minnesota, which are still pending today.

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Vergara also provided the model for the Massachusetts charter lawsuit. If plaintiffs could dictate tenure policy by claiming it denied students equal education, charter advocates might be able to use the constitutional right to education to similarly further their own interests. In 1993, in McDuffy v. Secretary, the Massachusetts Supreme Court held that the state constitution guarantees students the right to an adequate education. When the McDuffy plaintiffs established that their schools lacked the necessary resources to obtain an adequate education, the court ordered the state to reform the way it funded public schools.

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The new Massachusetts charter lawsuit argued that rather than increasing school funding, another remedy could be appropriate when the state fails to provide an adequate education in its public schoolseliminating the cap on charter schools in the state. If charter schools can provide a better education, the argument goes, the remedy to inadequate public schools should be to open more charter schools.

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The Massachusetts Supreme Court rejected the claim for the same reasons that the California Supreme Court dismissed the tenure case: While students have a right to equal and adequate educationand a remedy when the state fails to provide itthe precise remedy falls within the states discretion. Even in McDuffy, the court had not ordered a specific remedy or level of funding; it had simply emphasized that schools resources were inadequate and left it to the state to develop a plan to fix it. The charter-school claim asked the Court to go further and dictate a precise policy remedysomething courts almost never do.

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No doubt, then, the Massachusetts Supreme Courts decision comes as a rebuke to those who would highjack the right to education for their own agenda. But those who support traditional public schools should not cheer too loudly: The court also indicated that it was not receptive to school-finance and education-quality claims either. It wrote that the education clause imposes an affirmative duty on the Commonwealth to provide  constitutionally adequate  education opportunities, but to succeed, plaintiffs must demonstrate that the Commonwealths extant public education plan does not provide reasonable assurance of an opportunity for an adequate education to all of its children, rich and poor, in every city and town, over a reasonable period of time, or is otherwise arbitrary, nonresponsive, or irrational.  So no matter what remedy plaintiffs are seekingmore charters or moneyeducational opportunities have to be really bad for a really long time for plaintiffs to state a valid claim.

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A similarly sad story played out in Vergara, where teacher tenure survived but so too did poor educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. The fact that the state was denying students in predominantly minority schools a good education was pretty clear. The disagreement was over the cause and the remedy. The fact that plaintiffs got the cause and remedy wrong did not mean that the state was doing anything right.

Court decisions that turn away charter and teacher-tenure claims may help public school advocates, but they can be hollow victories for public school students. While the decisions prevent the perversion of the right to educationwhich is a good thingthey do nothing to actually improve the educational opportunities that students receive. To the contrary, when the Massachusetts Supreme Court indicates it will only entertain claims involving widespread and protracted education failures, it makes it harder for plaintiffs to bring otherwise valid challenges to serious and continuing funding inequalities and inadequacies in public schools. When courts do this, they create their own perversion of the right to education. And this trendthe increasing reluctance to enforce students right to education right nowis the most troubling of all.Reports of sexual assault are up in the military for the seventh year in a row, according to the fiscal year 2017 report the Pentagon released this week. All four branches of the military saw a jump in reported incidents over the past year, with a total year-over-year increase of 9.7 percent. By comparison, between fiscal years 2015 and 2016, the number of reports only increased by 1.5 percent.

The Marine Corps saw the biggest spike in sexual assault reports14.7 percentwhile the other three branches documented increases of between 8.4 and 9.3 percent. Since fiscal year 2012, sexual assault reports have increased by more than 88 percent across the entire U.S. military. The number of reported incidents in fiscal year 20176,769is the highest since 2006, the earliest year with public data. The statistics includes cases in which a service member is either the victim of an alleged assault or the subject of a criminal investigation into an alleged assault.

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We consider this large increase in reporting as an indicator that Service members continue to gain confidence in the Departments sexual assault response system, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Robert Wilkie said in a letter introducing the fiscal year 2017 report.

Increases in sexual assault reports at any institution are usually seen as a good sign, since sexual assaults are notoriously underreported. Low reporting numbers usually mean that victims fear retaliation by their peers or superiors and dont expect that their perpetrators will be held accountable by established systems of justice. A 2015 Human Rights Watch report found that survivors of military sexual assault who reported the crimes were often subjected to physical and verbal abuse, ostracized from their peer groups, and denied professional advancement.

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In his letter, Wilkie claims that actual occurrence of sexual assault in the military dropped 50 percent for men and 30 percent for women between fiscal years 2012 and 2016, based on responses to a survey of active-duty members that was not given in 2017. About 1 in 3 service members who experienced a sexual assault made a report in 2016, up from 1 in 14 a decade earlier. The fiscal year 2016 survey found about 4.3 percent of military women and 0.6 percent of military men had been sexually assaulted in the prior year.

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Nearly equal numbers of men and women are victimized by sexual assault in the military, mainly because fewer than 1 in 5 service members are women. But women are reporting sexual assault at more than twice the rate of men, according to the fiscal year 2017 report. The report outlines ways the four branches tried to destigmatize reporting and prevent retaliation in cases with male victims, including an interactive computer program used by the Army to tell soldiers the real-life story of a man who was assaulted by his unit members. (The computer program allows the man to tell his story across the military, without forcing him to visit each unit and relive his assault.)

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The major jump in year-over-year reporting increasesand the spike in reports in the Marine Corps in particularmay owe to the much-publicized nude photosharing scandal that started in the Marine Corps and hit all branches of the military. In early 2017, hundreds of veterans and active-duty military personnel came under investigation for distributing thousands of nude photos of female colleagues and other women in secret Facebook groups, Google Drive folders, Tumblrs, 4chan threads, and a site called AnonIB. Groups of men took surreptitious photos of female service members changing, asked the womens ex-partners to share old nude photos, and encouraged men to post sexualized images women consensually but privately shared with them. The militarys response to these revelations was demoralizingmilitary law only criminalizes taking nude photos without a subjects awareness or consent, not distributing nude photos without a subjects consent. But the ensuing national conversation about entrenched misogyny in the military and the exploitation of the women in its ranks may have emboldened survivors to make known the violations theyve endured.

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Though victims of assault are reporting more often, their accused perpetrators are less likely to face punishment. In fiscal year 2017, 62 percent of cases yielded disciplinary action, down 9 percentage points from 2013. Its possible that when reporting sexual assault was less common, survivors would only move forward with a formal complaint if there was overwhelming evidence on their side, and the personal threshold for reporting has dropped. The 2017 report says some cases didnt lead to disciplinary action because the victims didnt want to participate in the justice proceedings. Making survivors feel safe enough to report their assaults doesnt do much good if they still fear retaliation for appearing before the court-martial.Thomas Homan, the top official of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and a supporter of hard-line immigration policies, announced Monday that he will retire in June.

A former Border Patrol agent who led the agency at a time when immigration arrests increased by 40 percent, Homan was nominated in November by Trump to be director of ICE, but his nomination stalled as the Homeland Security Department never submitted the required paperwork. According to the Wall Street Journal, that delay resulted in part from hesitation from Homan, who felt frustrated and undermined by Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsenincluding when she did not move forward with his recommendation to separate parents and children when they cross the border so all parents could be prosecuted. (Nielsen praised Homan in a memo, and her office said the Journal mischaracterized their relationship.)

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Senate Democrats, who largely oppose Homans immigration policies, sent a letter on Friday to Nielsen to ask why DHS had not provided the paperwork for his nomination, suggesting DHS was afraid to place him in the position of answering questions under oath. (According to the Washington Post, Homan was in limbo long enough that at a certain point he could not legally be called an acting director any longer and instead was given the title Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Director.)

But according to the Journal, Homan had already been preparing for retirement when Trump took office, and he told Nielsen of his decision to retire in February. Nielsen encouraged him to wait so as to not contribute to a period of high turnover rate in the senior levels of the Trump administration.

On Monday, however, Homan said his retirement had to do with family matters. The decision to leave federal service after more than 34 years is bittersweet, but my family has sacrificed a lot in order for me to serve and its time for me to focus on them, he said in a statement.Sherpa is pursuing a masters in environmental management in New Zealand.It took longer than expected, but disgraced former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price appears to have been welcomed back into polite society. Untethered from the political concerns that dictated what he could say either as a congressman or Cabinet member, Price is now able to tell certain truths about health care policythough, in telling them now, he only confirms his own dishonesty about them when it mattered.

Speaking at the World Health Care Congress on Tuesday morning, Price laid out the consequences of congressional Republicans decision to eliminate the individual mandate penalty in last years tax reform bill.

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There are many, and Im one of them, who believes that [removing the mandate] actually will harm the pool in the exchange market, because youll likely have individuals who are younger and healthier not participating in that market, he said, and consequently, that drives up the cost for other folks within that market.

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Youve got to love the actually here. Actually, the mandatean imperfect instrumentwas put into the Affordable Care Act for a policy purpose. Democrats didnt, actually, put the mandate into the bill because they found it politically wise to irritate constituents for the sport of it, actually. No, really. They actually did it to achieve balanced risk pools. And now that its gone, it will actually upset the balance of risk pools and increase premiums. This is an actual thing.

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Prices point about the mandate is actually the opposite of what he said in his capacity as the administrations point person on health care reform during negotiations over the bill last year.

The individual mandate is actually one of those things that is driving up the cost for the American people in terms of coverage, Price said in a July 2017 interview on ABCs This Week shortly after the dramatic failure of health care reform on the Senate floor.

With legislative repeal-and-replace seemingly dead, Price was considering what administrative relief he could bring to health care markets, and an expansion of individual mandate waivers was high on the list. He didnt get very far. In September, he resigned under scrutiny for chartering fancy planes for lengthy flights between D.C. and Philadelphia. Good to see that hes landed on his feet.Good news: It looks like we have located this weeks installment of The People Who Are Drawn to Donald Trump Are Definitely All Very Normal and Well-Grounded! (Last weeks featured a paternity dispute between two Trump 16 campaign staffers that somehow now involves a claim that the moon landing was a hoax.)

The characters in this weeks dumb soap opera are Donald Trumps longtime personal physician, Harold Bornstein, and his former bodyguard, Keith Schiller. The background is that in February 2017 the New York Times printed an article about Bornstein in which he said that Trump takes the hair-growth drug Propecia. Apparently this upset the president, as one might imagine, though Bornsteins disclosure to the Times might not have violated patient confidentiality laws given that Trump appears to have previously given Bornstein permission to make public statements about his health. Bornstein now tells NBC that two days after the Times piece was published, Schiller and another individual arrived at his office without warning to take Trumps medical records:

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In an exclusive interview in his Park Avenue office, Bornstein told NBC News that he felt raped, frightened and sad when Keith Schiller and another large man came to his office to collect the presidents records on the morning of Feb. 3, 2017. At the time, Schiller, who had long worked as Trumps bodyguard, was serving as director of Oval Office operations at the White House.

(NBC notes that Schillers behavior might also have violated privacy laws if he did not have written permission from Trump to take the records. Bornstein says he wasnt shown any such document.)

The 70-year-old Bornstein told NBC that is discussing the metaphorical rape publicly as means of gloating now that Ronny Jacksonthe White House physician who took over Trumps care as Bornstein fell out of favorhas been publicly embarrassed. This is like a celebration for me, he said.

Normal! Very normal.On Monday night, the New York Times released a list of about four dozen questions that special counsel Robert Mueller wants to ask President Donald Trump as part of his probe into Russian election interference. On Tuesday morning, the president tweeted his response.

So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I see...you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2018

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It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened! Witch Hunt!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2018

Basically everything Trump says here is a lie.

There are a few things to unpack, but lets go through in order of the most obvious falsehoods.

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No questions on Collusion.

Trump says that there are No questions on Collusion in Muellers list. The Times reported the list with its own editorial presentation and helpfully broke the questions down into categories. One of those categories is Campaign Coordination With Russia. That would otherwise be known as collusion. There are 13 questions in this category, not zero. One question specifically asks: What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?

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It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened!

Trump appears to be arguing that because theres No Collusion!as the mantra goeshe couldnt have possibly obstructed justice. First, the collusion question is an open one that is still subject to investigations in the Senate Intelligence Committee and by the special counsel. The various Russia investigations have already turned up multifaceted evidence of the Trump campaigns communications with Russians and Russian intermediaries as well as Donald Trump Jr.s confessed aim of getting derogatory information on Hillary Clinton from the Russians that would be useful to the campaign. Leaving all that aside, though, Robert Mueller has turned up several other crimes that happened. The president allegedly went to great lengths to obstruct efforts to look into at least one of those crimes: Michael Flynns lies to federal investigators, to which Flynn has already pled guilty. James Comeys testimony about Trumps alleged efforts to impede the Flynn investigation aside, Muellers team has many, many other questions about other potential avenues of obstruction. Also, Trumps argument is a fallacy: You dont need to prove the underlying crime in order to prove obstruction of justice. In fact, the point of obstructing justice is often to make the underlying crime harder to prove!

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Oh, I seeyou have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information.

Again, the question of to what extent Trumps campaign tried to and succeeded in colluding with Russia is an open one. There is already lots and lots of public evidence about those efforts, though. The second part here is interesting. Trumps claim that the investigation began with illegally leaked classified information has little basis in fact. The special counsels probe began in response to reporting in the New York Times about James Comeys memo documenting an Oval Office meeting with Trump in which the president allegedly cleared the room and told the former FBI director, I hope you can let this go, in reference to the Flynn investigation. (Trump denies both of these things, to which Comey testified under oath.) That memo was recently released and it was marked UNCLASSIFIED. It remains unclear whether that memo was reclassified as confidential after the fact or if it has remained unclassified. Either way, Trumps efforts to tarnish the special counsels genesis as criminal is a transparent absurdity.

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So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media.

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Here, Trump seems to be implying that his political enemiesand possibly the special counsel itselfleaked the questions to the media. Theres no evidence of this. In fact, the questions appear to have come from somebody in Trumps orbit, which might seem to imply that they had permission from the president himself. The Times described its source as a list compiled by the presidents lawyers of questions that Muellers team had read to them. That document was provided to The Times by a person outside Mr. Trumps legal team, the Times reported. I guess its possible that Trumps lawyers gave the special counsel their list, and the special counsel decided to leak Trumps lawyers version instead of its own. It would be hard to try to decipher the point of all that. The release might be useful, however, to someone who wanted to attempt to smear the special counsels office as leakers and put talking points into the public realm around the focus of the inquiry.

Whoever put these questions out there and for whatever reason, just about everything Trump has said about the episode is untrue.This piece was originally published on Just Security, an online forum for analysis of U.S. national security law and policy.

What do special counsel Robert Muellers 49 questions for President Donald Trump tell us about the state of the investigations into possible obstruction of justice, abuse of power, and Russian collusion?

What do Muellers questions indicate about the state of the special counsels investigations?

News reports and commentators suggesting that Muellers interview of the president is focused only on obstruction were plainly incorrect.

First, Muellers questions about collusion show that it is likely that Mueller has already identified crimes involving collusionsuch as a conspiracy to defraud the United States through an evasion of the Federal Election Commissionand Mueller is asking here only about Trumps possible knowledge and personal involvement. In other words, the questions indicate that there is a there, there. That said, we want to be cautious here. We are only identifying this as a likely scenario, though not necessarily one that is certain. There are possible alternative explanations. It may be, for instance, that the special counsels office, in an effort to be comprehensive and show no stone was left unturned, would ask Trump, as a subject of the investigation, a series of questions before terminating the investigation. As an example, James Comey writes in A Higher Loyalty that with respect to the Hillary Clinton email investigation, he knew already by early 2016 that it would not likely produce a prosecutable case but that he insisted on pursuing all reasonable leads, including conducting an interview of Hillary Clinton three days before announcing on July 5 that the FBI would not recommend charges.

Thats not unusual.

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Second, Muellers questions show that news reports and commentators suggesting that Muellers interview of the president is focused only on obstruction were plainly incorrect. The Russia collusion investigation is a key component of the investigation as reflected in at least 13 of the questions. It is a useful reminder, as the investigation marches forward, to remain skeptical of some of the media analysis on the status of the special counsels work.

Remarkably, in a tweet this morning, the president said there were No questions on Collusion in Muellers 49. We are confident that his defense lawyers see it differently and are very concerned about the 13-plus questions concerning collusion coming from the special counsels office. The fact that Trump would flatly deny even this most obvious truthof what is contained in the questions themselvesis a further indication of his lack of credibility in this space. Muellers team would do well to add another question, When you have denied there was any collusion, what exactly is your definition of collusion? (For the record, we use the term collusion as a shorthand here. As a legal matter, the most relevant crimes appear to be conspiracy to defraud the United States and campaign finance laws.)

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Snap back to the old normal

The premise of the questions that Mueller seeks to put to Trump are a startling reminder of how far this president has deviated from the proper norms of respect for the law and legal institutions. The long series of questions involving Trumps time in office are a catalog of his accumulated transgressions in action and word. And to see them laid out is startling, because over the first 15 months of Trumps presidency the public has become inured to Trumps repeated norm violations: his lies, shifting stories, denigrations of legal institutions and processes. Again and again, Trump has blown through warnings that his actions, statements, tweets matter, are consequential, could compromise legal processes and expose him to legal jeopardy. And now here they are, stacked up by the special counsel who wants to put them all to Trump and ask him, essentially, what were you thinking?

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These questions suggest that the special counsel is serving as a bulwark in protection of the baseline understandings of the rule of law and of what is entailed by true abuse of power before Trump entered into office.

Two lessons for the House Intelligence Committee

The Mueller questions indicate that the House Intelligence Committee majority completed its investigation prematurely. It was always likely that the committees decision to end with a determination of no evidence that the Trump campaign colluded, coordinated, or conspired with the Russian government would come back to haunt the committee when further revelations by news outlets and the investigation itself showed otherwise. In particular, one of Muellers questions suggests he has evidence about an entire line of questioning that is absent from the House Intelligence Committees majority report. Specifically, Mueller asks, What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign? There is no indication that the House committee even knew to ask about this line of questions. Regardless of whether the committees chairman ended his investigation prematurely, developments such as the disclosure of these questions show that the majoritys report may have a short shelf life, soon to be overtaken by other revelations and events.

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(As an aside, we should note that many news outlets and commentators are suggesting that this question about Manafort is completely novel and has no reference in earlier press reports about possible forms of collusion. Thats not completely accurate. Back in August 2017, CNN reported that the U.S. intelligence community had intercepted communications between suspected Russian operatives relay[ing] what they claimed were conversations with Manafort, encouraging help from the Russians as well as their efforts to work with Manafort  to coordinate information that could damage Hillary Clintons election prospects.)

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What can we tell from the fact that a large majority of the questions address obstruction and a smaller fraction address collusion?

Some have concluded that the proportion of questions devoted to obstruction indicates that this remains the real focus of Muellers investigation as opposed to collusion. That inference is mistaken. First, there is reason for Mueller to be more detailed and thorough in his line of questions about obstruction as opposed to collusion. Many of the facts surrounding the possible obstruction allegations are publicly known and therefore Mueller is not tipping his hand by asking Trump about those specific actions or statements. With respect to collusion, Trump and his lawyers likely know much less about what Mueller knows, so it makes sense for Mueller to pose broader, less specific questions. Second, to this point about the broad nature of the collusion questions, they appear to be general starting points that could be followed up by many, many more specific questions. Third, as weve noted several times in the past, the focus of the obstruction inquiry has always been on intent, which is notoriously difficult to prove. That would explain why Mueller wants to question Trump about what he was thinking each time he acted in a way that could have interfered with the FBIs investigations.

Collusion will likely turn more on proof of actions or agreements: if it is found that there were acts of collusion between the campaign and the Russians, the intent will likely be easier to prove. In other words, the two areas of law lead to a different set of questions asked in different sorts of ways. That means it is difficult to draw any insights about the relative state of the two investigations from these two sets of questions.

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Whats missing from the questions?

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Possible financial crimes like money laundering are not a part of the Mueller questions (watch Rep. Adam Schiffs remarks on the fact that this topic is missing from these questions). There are a couple questions that relate to Trumps business dealings, but these are evidently tied to potential motives for collusion and opportunities for collusion via business partners. A question on real estate dealings with Felix Sater, for example, is specific to Russian real estate developments during the campaign and most likely relates to Saters emails with Michael Cohen (also mentioned by name in the same question) in which the two men discussed the real estate deal in relationship to getting Trump elected. Similarly, Muellers question about Trumps 2013 trip to Russia for the Miss Universe pageant asks about meetings with the Agalarovs and Russian officials at the time. (For more analysis of how the Russian players involved in the Miss Universe business dealings were also the same players involved in the Trump Tower meeting, read Jeffrey Toobins sharp analysis.)

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We are assuming that this set of questions is, indeed, exhaustive. If Mueller has not posed questions about Trumps business dealings that could involve independent financial crimes, that would mean the special counsel is likely not investigating those matters at all. Thats because Mueller would know he is unlikely to get a second bite at the apple by rolling out a separate set of questions and asking for a second interview with the president. Many commentators previously concluded that some of Muellers reported subpoenas and questions of witnesses concerning aspects of Trumps finances meant the special counsel had crossed Trumps red line and had begun to investigate financial crimes. The 49 questions are a healthy reminder that such subpoenas and questions may be nothing of the sort but instead involve issues of motive, leverage, and overlapping Russian government connections directly related to the collusion investigation.

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Of course, one wild card here is the investigation of the presidents longtime personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen. If Cohens investigation turns up evidence of serious crimes involving Trump, FBI investigators would presumably be duty bound to pursue it. It bears reminding that Muellers questions predate the searches of Cohens materials.

What are the legal pitfalls and legal perils set up by the questions themselves?

In A Higher Loyalty, James Comey describes how investigators in the Hillary Clinton email case followed standard investigative practice by interviewing Clinton at the end of the investigation when the investigators knew as much as they could about the facts and therefore could put the proper questions to Clinton and assess the veracity of her answers. [I]nvestigators prefer to master all of the facts before questioning the subject, so that interrogators can ask smart questions and so the subject can be confronted, as necessary, with documents or statements made by other witnesses, Comey writes. When investigators are properly armed, it creates additional pressure on the witness to tell the truth, and it allows the investigators to know when he is lying, which is often a sign of an attempt to cover up behavior the witness knows to be wrong. Moreover, lying during an interview with the FBI is itself a crime (whether or not under oath). During the Trump interview, Mueller and his team would be supremely well-prepared. If Trump lies, they will know it instantly, and Trump will increase his legal jeopardy. Even if Trump were not charged for perjury, those lies and fabrications would indicate a consciousness of guilt for the underlying crime.

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One of the places Trump seems most vulnerable to perjury is in answer to the question When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting? It would be astonishing if he was not told of this meeting with his three senior campaign officials involving an offer from known associates (Goldstone and the Agalarovs) of assistance from the Russian government. (Steve Bannon and Sam Nunberg, for what thats worth, have also said they are relatively sure Trump knew.) But if Trump tells Mueller he knew back then, in June 2016, about the meeting, he will not only contradict what he and Donald Trump Jr. have told the public. He will also contradict what Don Jr. reportedly testified to Congresscreating legal jeopardy for his son.

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Why does Mueller ask about any efforts taken to reach out to Mr. Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon?

As one of us wrote previously, if Trumps lawyers dangled the possibility of a pardon for Flynn, with Trumps knowledge, that could itself become part of an obstruction case. Although the presidents power to pardon is near absolute, dangling a pardon presents different issues because unlike a pardon it is done secretly and its aim appears to be to encourage someone not to cooperate with law enforcement (whereas when someone is pardoned, they become free to be subpoenaed to testify without fear of self-incrimination and the president must face the public costs in issuing the pardon). If Trump worried that Flynn might cooperate, a suggestion that Flynn might be pardoned down the road could encourage him to keep fighting and not strike a plea deal with the prosecutors. Such a dangle, therefore, could be part of a larger effort to block the FBIs investigations and to impede those investigations reaching Trump and other members of his inner circle.

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(As an aside: While it may be that a pardon provided with an improper purpose cannot be undone, there is precedent for investigating a president to assess whether a crime was committed in connection with a pardon that he granted. In his book, Comey tells how when he became the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, he inherited an investigation into whether President Bill Clintons pardon of Marc Rich was the result of a corrupt bargain. In the end, the investigation was closed without any charges being put forward.)

Similarly, regarding immunity, one of us wrote in a previous Just Security essay that an early gambit by Flynns attorney to get him congressional immunity to testify was also likely an effort to gum up the criminal investigation of his client. Under precedent dating back to the Oliver North and John Poindexter cases, a grant of immunity from Congress would likely have made it impossible for a criminal case to proceed against Flynn. Notably, Trump tweeted at the time that Congress should grant the immunity to Flynn. It is admittedly speculative on our part, but Muellers question to Trump about whether he reached out to Flynn regarding seeking immunity suggests that Flynn might have told Mueller that the whole immunity ploy was Trumps idea to begin with. The effort to obtain immunity via congressional testimony would not itself be an illegal obstruction of the criminal investigation, but it would add to the picture of an organized effort to achieve that desired result (by both legal and illegal means). In other words, it could help prove the elusive mental element in a case of obstruction.

Some commentators suggest Muellers questions indicate Jared Kushner is in legal jeopardy. Is that a well-founded inference?

We dont see it. Kushner may, indeed, be in legal trouble, but Muellers questions dont specifically show it. The one question identifying Kushner involves his reported attempt to set up a back channel with the Russians after the election. We do not see why that alone would mean a big takeaway from Muellers questions is Kushners legal jeopardy. It is also true that Kushner was reportedly only interviewed for an hour by Mueller, but we do not believe that added factor is reason to conclude Kushner is now a target. For example, Kushner may be quietly cooperating with the special counsel, he may have pleaded the fifth (and would have no incentive to disclose that fact), he may have been interviewed more recently without reporters knowing it, and he may be still set to interview later. There just is not enough here to suggest much one way or the other about Kushners legal situation. That said, there may be other indications, separately reported and well-known, that indicate Kushner does face serious legal exposure. Muellers questions dont.

More from Just Security:

What Questions Should Congress Be Asking DOD About Civilian Casualties?

Google Employees Ire Over DODs A.I. Work Shows Need to Bridge Tech and SecurityUpdate, May 8, 2018: On Tuesday, President Donald Trump removed the United States from the Iran deal. Slate recently spoke with Middle East expert Karim Sadjadpour about the far-reaching consequences of Trumps decision. The interview is printed below.

Despite pleas from Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, President Donald Trump appears likely to pull America out of the Iran deal, which Barack Obamas administration made in an attempt to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons. Although Trump has twice certified that Iran was in compliance with the agreement, known as the JCPOA, he must do so again by May 12, and the signs from his administrationwith hawkish voices like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton in key rolesare that he will not this time. Indeed, Trumps closest ally in the region, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, gave a speech on Monday in which he accused Iran of planning to back out of the deal and lying for years about its program.

But if Trump is set on exiting, the questions of what it will mean for Iran and the broader Middle East remain.

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To talk about the latest developments, and the Middle East going forward, I spoke by phone with Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who was once based in Iran with the International Crisis Group. During the course of our conversation, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, we discussed Trumps actual foreign policy doctrine, why Israel and Saudi Arabia might regret playing to Trumps anti-Iran instincts, and what the end of the nuclear deal would mean for nuclear politics.

Isaac Chotiner: Do you think Trump declaring Iran not in compliance and pulling out of the Iran deal will have an immediate impact in the region, or will this be more like a slow-burning fuse?

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Karim Sadjadpour: I think if Trump unilaterally pulls out of the Iran deal, Iran will be very likely to react by saying the United States has reneged on its side of the deal, and therefore they are going to reconstitute their nuclear activities. I dont think Iran is going to go from zero to 100, meaning they are not going to kick out all inspectors and announce that they are going full speed ahead on nuclear weapons. I think what they are more likely to do is go from zero to 20 and take a more deliberate approach to restarting their nuclear activities in a way to maintain the guise that it is still a civilian nuclear program. And most importantly, they will want to create fissures to separate Europe and America, and Russia and China from the United States.

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What do you think the reaction from Israel and Saudi Arabia will be?

To take a step back: I look at the nuclear deal in three different boxesthe nonproliferation box, the domestic box, and the regional box. In the nonproliferation context, I would argue and I think most of the world would argue that the nuclear deal has been successful. It has curtailed Irans nuclear activities and subjected the country to more transparency. In the domestic box, it has been somewhat of a disappointment. The Obama administration had hoped that the deal would be transformational for Iran and empower forces of moderation, and that really hasnt happened.

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But in the regional box, you have had the greatest disappointment. The nuclear deal lifted major financial restrictions on Iran, so it gave Iran a pretty significant cash injection, and Iran simply doubled down on its long-standing regional policies of opposition to Israel and Saudi Arabia, and funding Assad and Shia militias. I think that Prime Minister Netanyahu would be happy if the deal unravels. I think the Saudi leadershipif they believe the United States is going to increase its presence in the region, that would be welcomed by the Saudis. But if we simply see a unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal followed by withdrawal from the region, that is something that the Saudis very much fear. That you are untying Irans hands, untethering Iran from the JCPOA but not tying it with a regional strategy to counter Iranian activities.

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We see proxy wars all over the Middle East, and the United States has been backing the Saudi side in most of these disputes. How worried are you about the prospect of an actual war between Saudi Arabia and Iran?

The proxy wars will certainly continue because neither the Iranians or the Saudis are really paying the human cost of their rivalry: It is Syrians, Yemenis, Iraqis, and others who have paid the enormous humanitarian cost. Frankly, the risk of Israeli-Iranian confrontation in Syria is much higher than Iran-Saudi direct confrontations. According to some estimates, Iran and its proxies have 50,000 men in Syria even if you dont count the Assad regimes military as part of Irans forces, which some would. But as Iran continues to build and solidify its presence in Syria, and now use more sophisticated technologies such as more armed drones, the Israelis see that as an existential threat, and they have hit weapons depots in Syria, which have allegedly killed Hezbollah and Iranian operatives.

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Do you think the Trump administration has any plan for all these things that might happen or worsen if they pull out of the Iran deal?

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I think to the extent there is a coherent Trump strategic doctrine, it could be called the Divorce Doctrine, which obviously mirrors his personal life.

Ugh, I was going to make that joke.

He has essentially advocated unilateral U.S. divorce from numerous commitments, whether that is the Paris accords, NAFTA, or the JCPOA. And again, I think that for the Israelis and the Saudis, they may be happy with U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, but not from the region, and that is Trumps instinct. So that could be the worst of both worlds for a country like Saudi Arabia. I think the Israelis understand that a war with Iran is a war they could start but not finish, and would require U.S. involvement to do so.

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So is there any sense from Saudi Arabia and Israel that they are playing with fire by stoking Trumps anti-Iran instincts?

No. I havent seen evidence from either Prime Minister Netanyahu or other leadership in the region that they are looking several steps ahead at the potential consequences of unraveling the nuclear deal. I think Israel and Saudi Arabia were so incensed by the Obama administrations efforts to bring about equilibrium in the region that they are simply content to return to what they see as the status quo ante, which is an American alignment with Tel Aviv and Riyadh, and hostility to Tehran. But that needs to be wedded to an Iran strategy. The Trump administration has some folks like Secretary of Defense Mattis who are capable of thinking strategically about Iran, but when you have a president focused on these daily self-inflicted crises, it is difficult to have a clear sustained strategy on any foreign policy issue.

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What effect do you think pulling out will have within Iran and on the Iranian government?

Any time you have heightened insecurity in a country, I think that plays to the strength of security forces. In Irans case, an unraveling of the nuclear deal would really render President Rouhani a lame duck, and strengthen the Revolutionary Guard, who I would argue have already been strengthened the last two years. But it would strengthen them even more. Iran is experiencing a convergence of numerous crises: They are hemorrhaging money in Syria and on Shia militias in Iraq and Yemen, they have domestic and environmental crises, women are taking to the streets and taking off their headscarves, the currency is in a downward spiral, and so it is totally unpredictable. I am skeptical that pulling out of the deal is going to bring about the collapse of the Iranian regime that is then replaced by an Iranian government that resembles Norway. More likely this plays to the security forces who are undemocratic and hostile to the United States.

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And yet you say these forces have already been strengthened during the last two years, when the deal was in effect. Thats not a particularly hopeful picture for reformers in Iran.

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I have always subscribed to [historian] Ibn Khalduns thesis when it comes to Iran, which is that regimes are oftentimes built and destroyed over three generations. The first generation builds it, the second generation preserves it, the third generation loses it. The Soviet Union lasted three generations. The Islamic Republic of Iran is kind of entering its second-generation leadership and, again, I think it was fanciful that the nuclear deal was going to transform Iran into a democracy, and I also think it is fanciful to think pulling out will lead to the collapse of the Islamic Republic. Like the Soviet Union, this is a system you essentially have to contain and constrain until it crumbles under the weight of its own malaise and internal contradictions.

One thing I forgot to mention that is relevant is that there are three main actors in the equation: Trump, Netanyahu, and Ayatollah Khamenei, who are all facing major internal political crises at home. I am not making the argument that it is a Wag the Dog situation, in which they would necessarily launch wars for internal political expediency. But I would say that an external conflict could benefit all of them domestically and divert the conversation.Given their potentially fickle fan bases and often precarious livelihoods, YouTubers dont usually insult their viewersthey need someone to smosh that subscribe button and buy all that merch. But once in awhile, they just cant stop themselves from letting their followers have it, especially the ones whove taken their awe and admiration to an uncomfortable extreme: fan fiction.

When vloggers read fan fic about themselves, it can get kind of brutal: They wantonly make fun of their most loyal followers spelling and grammar, accuse them of stereotyping, even call them names like cuck and pussy-ass bitch. Sure, the practice is mean (though seldom mean-spirited), mocking as it does the romantic and erotic desires of mostly young, mostly female adorers by older, more powerful boys and men. But when theyre done right, such videos are a comic gold mineand arguably a necessary one.

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Fan fiction is more than half a century old, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The idols change, from Spock to Mulder to One Direction to a catacombs worth of sexy vampiresbut the feverish, melodramatic timbre and (largely) bad writing stay the same. So its entirely expected that, as YouTube stars supplant traditional celebs among children and teens, stories about figures like Logan Paul have become mainstays of fan fic hub Wattpad, which sees more than half a million tales uploaded to the site every day. (Wattpad, in fact, hosts more than 7,000 fan fics about the worlds most notorious YouTuber. Im thrilled to report that I have no idea how many of them reinterpret the word Logang.)

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Reading fan fiction about yourself is harder than it looks, and not just because you might dread each new word that you force yourself to read aloud. The genre is a tricky test that demands vloggers get visually inventive, while showing off the wit, personality, and whatever other qualities inspired someone to sit down and type out the fantasies they had about a creator. The result is often a Frankenstein-ish mashup of other genres: the cringe video, the reaction video, and in one case, a try-not-to-laugh challenge. Like almost anything on YouTube, a few sparkle, while the rest hardly justify their running time. Still, its an important exercise in fan management, where creators get to insist they arent whatever idealized versions of themselves that exist in viewers headswhile rewarding the fiction writers devotion with a direct response, however sneering it ends up being.

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One of this genres best examples is among its most popular: web comic artist James Rallisons thoroughly creeped-out but ultimately sweet rejoinder to a fan fic about him. Viewed 7.8 million times, I Read Fanfiction About Me is animated like the other videos in Rallisons TheOdd1sOut channel, and thus effectively a storybooklike illustration of a fans story about him. (Rallison notes in the video that having a fic written about them is one of the three big milestones for any YouTuber, along with gaining 1 million subscribers and having their work stolen or reacted to by a fellow creator.) The fan fic that he reads is fairly innocuous, featuring an 11-year-old girl stalking a same-aged version of Rallison (whos almost 20 at the time of the video). Rallison frequently interrupts his reading or summary of the fic with his own funny asides, taking offense at the fictional James use of Axe body spray or laughing at the 18 times that hes referred to as senpai (Japanese for teacher or master). At one point, Rallisons admirer in the story drinks in the scent of his Axe, which she refers to oh-so-earnestly as senpai smell. If you dont LOL, you have no soul.

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There are a lot more swerves in adorkable rapper Dave Browns Reading My Own Fanfiction, which continually and hilariously veers in awkward, unwieldy directions. Browns visual format is a lot like the other reading fan fic videos, combining close-ups of himself talking to the camera with shots of the text hes reading. Lighthearted charm carries the video, from the Snapchat-like filters that embellish Browns reactions to the spirited, British-accented readings he gives the half-dozen or so excerpts. I laughed each time he robotically bellowed the fan fic argot he came across, like, I guess Ill see you around, YOUR NAME. His jokey demeanor (This Dave is rather forward!) is a welcome tonic as the stories introduce new love interests who need saving from self-harm, depression, and other metal illnesses. Watching the video, the gulf between the jaunty vlogger that Brown is and the romantic superhero that the fics imagine him to be is impossible to cross. Its an endearing reality check.

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Neither Rallison, who usually appears in animated form as a humanoid pile of circles, nor Brown, with his A.V. Clubapproved fire-engine-red waist-length hair, are exactly mainstream-heartthrob material. More conventionally attractive superstarslike (since self-outed) vlogger Connor Franta, hip-hop artist Lil Drip, and the Logan Paulaffiliated Dolan Twinsgiggle and blanch their way through much raunchier stories, sometimes with tasteful beeps ensuring that their videos wont be rated 18-plus by YouTube. (They know who their fans are.) The dirtier the stories, the greater the cringe comedy should be, but not in these cases. These teen pinups let fan vulgarity do all the work, instead of engaging with the material in a fun or interesting way. Ethan Dolan acting out his twin brother Graysons fictional lupine lust, for example, means barking like a crazed dog, his lack of imagination laced with contempt. If its a boner kill that the fratty pair is after, theyve succeeded.

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All fan fic isnt adoring, of course. One of the reasons why male vloggers reading stories about themselves is so genially low-stakes is that the tales are largely, if sometimes disturbingly, worshipful. Prominent female YouTubers, in contrast, are often the source of envy among fan fiction readers and writers (the vast majority of whom are girls and young women), and so fan fic is sometimes weaponized as a tool of humiliation against them. Vlogger Sarah Baskas sister reads a story about her that involves a corn dog as a sex toy, for example, while gamer SSSniperwolf (nee Lia Shelesh) is disgusted by a tale in which shes mind controlled into having sex with a stranger. Im sure theres a video out there of a female YouTuber reading nongross fan fic about herself, but I couldnt find one. Perhaps the best that fan ficd female vloggers can hope for is to be shipped with another vlogger, however shudder-inducing it is to be matchmade with a total strangeror worse, a work acquaintance.

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Is there something a little churlish about successful vloggers ridiculing fans for not being sophisticated enough in their desires or their self-expression? Of course. But the need of YouTubers to humanize themselves probably outweighs the stings, particularly as many creators lack the resources and sometimes the mindfulness to protect themselves from rabid fans. Unlike conventional celebs, vloggers are often pressured to be endlessly responsive to viewers in order to cultivate a sense of connection and authenticity. Even if not every creator makes a reading fan fic video, the genres existence alone helps police the borders of fandom by maintaining the boundaries that do and probably should exist between YouTubers and fans.

As for the fan fic writers, I hope having their de facto love letters picked apart by the objects of their obsession doesnt dampen their enthusiasm (or desire) but inspires them to keep growing as writers and explorers. And take it from this former fan fic addict (who wrote a fair bit but rarely disseminated it): You dont need to publish everything you think. In your later years, you might even be relieved that you refrained.For years, Facebooks like button has been following you around the web. Whenever you visit a website that has a like buttonwhich a ton of websites doit sends data back to Facebook, telling the social network that youve been there. That helps Facebook track your interests and target you with ads based on your online browsing history. But it also gives the company a nearly comprehensive record of everything you do online, even when youre not using Facebook.

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Thats finally going to change. On Tuesday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook is building a new privacy control called clear history. It will allow you to see the information Facebook has collected about your use of websites and apps that employ Facebooks tracking tools. And then, if you want, you can tell Facebook to forget that information, much like the clear history button on your internet browser. From Zuckerbergs post announcing the new feature:

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In your web browser, you have a simple way to clear your cookies and history. The idea is a lot of sites need cookies to work, but you should still be able to flush your history whenever you want. Were building a version of this for Facebook too. It will be a simple control to clear your browsing history on Facebookwhat youve clicked on, websites youve visited, and so on.

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From a privacy perspective, the move is one of the most significant in Facebooks history. It signals that the company is taking seriously the user backlash and threats of regulation in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal and congressional hearings.

Note that clearing your history wont entirely delete the information from Facebooks servers, however. Rather, Facebook said it will clear the information from your account. That means it will still store your browsing history, but it will do so in a way that doesnt identify you as the person who was doing that browsing. Facebook will also let you opt out of that kind of tracking in the future, although again, it will still track you in an anonymized way.

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Zuckerberg warns that there will be downsides for users. Presumably, theyll be targeted with ads that are less relevant to them, although a recent survey suggested many people wouldnt actually view that as a downside. From Zuckerbergs post:

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To be clear, when you clear your cookies in your browser, it can make parts of your experience worse. You may have to sign back in to every website, and you may have to reconfigure things. The same will be true here. Your Facebook wont be as good while it relearns your preferences. But after going through our systems, this is an example of the kind of control we think you should have. Its something privacy advocates have been asking forand we will work with them to make sure we get it right.

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There will be downsides for Facebook, too. The companys ad targeting is premised on its ability to track, store, and analyze data about each of its users. One of its most effective forms of advertising has been its use of retargeting, in which it shows you an ad for a product that you previously viewed on a different site, such as Amazon.com.

The company will still track users in all kinds of ways, of course. For instance, its still going to be closely watching everything you do on Facebook itselfwhich posts you like, what stories you click on, who your friends are, etc. But using Facebook will no longer require that you let it essentially spy on just about everything you do online. It makes Facebook less of a Panopticon.

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Its such a big move that it may put pressure on Google to do something similar. That might be more difficult for Google, which relies even more heavily than Facebook on tracking peoples web browsing.

These new features are not coming right away, however. Facebook said in a separate post that clear history will take a few months to build, and it has yet to work out exactly how to implement it. The company says its working with privacy advocates, academics, policymakers and regulators to get their input on its approach to data anonymization, and what exceptions it should build in for the rare cases where we need information for security purposes. Those details will matter.

In the meantime, Facebook is sending a message that its willing to make some substantive changes to its privacy practices, and not just cosmetic ones. And it certainly has room to do that: Even amid its PR crisis, the company is making more money than ever.The DNA matching site that helped California authorities track down the Golden State Killer deserves credit for one thing, at least: Its privacy notice is more honest than most.

If you require absolute privacy and security, we must ask that you do not upload your data to GEDmatch, says GEDmatch.com, an open-source database that lets people upload their DNA data and conduct genealogical research. If you already have it here, please delete it. GEDmatchs notice also warns that your information will be shared with other users of the site, and that measures to protect it from third parties will never be perfect.

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Warning people in clear language about what data theyre giving up when they sign up for an online service is important. Its something that most big internet platforms fail to do, opting instead to hide their privacy policies in layers of impenetrable legalese that they know almost no one will read. Thats a problem that U.S. legislators finally seemed concerned aboutand potentially even interested in fixingwhen they grilled Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg last month over the Cambridge Analytica data leak.

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But law enforcements use of GEDMatch in the Golden State Killer search has something else in common with Cambridge Analyticas harvesting of Facebook user data. And it reminds us of a second major problem with online privacy that might prove even harder to solve: When you sign up for an online service, its rarely just your own data that youre handing over. In many cases, youre also giving up the goods on people you knowoften, without their knowledge, let alone consent.

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Admirable as GEDmatchs privacy notice may be, the man now suspected of being the Golden State Killer probably never saw it, because theres no evidence that Joseph DeAngelo ever used GEDmatch. Rather, investigators uploaded a DNA sample from one of the killers crime scenes to the database and found a partial match with the DNA of some distant relatives of DeAngelos.

Those distant relatives may not have even known who DeAngelo was. They may never have considered that uploading their own DNA to GEDmatch would make it possible for police to identify a member of their (very) extended family as a suspect in a crime. But thats exactly what happened, because the whole point of DNA analysis is that relatives share chunks of their genomes in common. So whenever you upload your DNA or allow it to be uploaded by a service like Ancestry or 23andMe, youre essentially uploading identifiable portions of your whole familys DNA.

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The analogy to Cambridge Analytica is that most of the people whose Facebook data was swept up by researcher Aleksandr Kogan had not actually signed up for Kogans app, called This Is Your Digital Life. Like GEDmatch, Kogans app directly collected data from a relatively small number of people, who knowingly, if cavalierly, signed up for it and agreed to its terms of service. But those terms gave it access to the data of those users Facebook friends, tooeven if those friends had never heard of it. Thats how Kogan collected data on tens of millions of Facebook users, even though only about 270,000 reportedly used his app.

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Facebook has since clamped down on third-party app developers access to the data of people who dont sign up for their apps. But collection of data on users friends and real-world contacts still happens on a mass scale on Facebook and many other platforms.

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Correctly identifying a serial rapist and killer isnt the only way that this data can be used.

For instance, the find friends feature on many social apps asks you to upload data from your phones contacts list. The app then uses those phone numbers, email addresses, etc. to find people on their network who are also in your phone. But apps can also use this information to build so-called shadow profiles of people based on information that they themselves may or may not have chosen to upload. This practice gained attention in 2013 when Facebook accidentally exposed the personal contact information of users who had never given Facebook that information. It turned out Facebook had collected it from their friends and stored it without their knowledge.

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No ones going to shed a tear for the privacy of the suspected Golden State Killer, assuming authorities have the right person this time. And the case dramatically illustrates the potential benefits of publicly available DNA information.

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The problem is that correctly identifying a serial rapist and killer isnt the only way this data can be used. For just one example, it can also be used to mistakenly identify someone as a suspect. Investigators looking for the Golden State Killer did just that in 2017, according to the Associated Press, when they obtained a court order to draw a DNA sample from a 73-year-old Oregon man in a nursing home. He turned out not to be a match, and experts in genealogy say such false positives are extremely common. And, of course, theres always the possibility of DNA matching being used for more nefarious purposes by hackers and others working outside the legal system.

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Weve long known that the privacy policy system for online services was broken, in ways that encouraged people to give up control of their data without knowing how it could be used or misused. Requiring clearer notifications would help with that. But as U.S. legislators prepare to seriously tackle online privacy, Cambridge Analytica and GEDmatch are a stark reminder that the problems go deeper than just better informing users of what theyre giving up about themselves. They also need to understand what theyre telling online service providers about their friends, family, and contactsand what all those people might be telling online service providers about them.After several spurned invitations to testify, the U.K. Parliament is now presenting Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg with an ultimatum.

On Tuesday, U.K. lawmaker Damian Collins sent a letter to Facebook stating that Zuckerberg will face a formal summons to testify before Parliament the next time he visits the country if he does not accept its invitation to do so on May 24.

I have today written to @facebook requesting that Mark Zuckerberg appears in front of @CommonsCMS as part of our inquiry into fake news and disinformation. Read it here: https://t.co/jXZ5TjiZld pic.twitter.com/m0NU5Uyf2L  Damian Collins (@DamianCollins) May 1, 2018

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The House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Committee has invited Zuckerberg three times to personally answer questions about the effect of fake news on democracy and data privacy. The committee has been investigating efforts made by Russian actors and Cambridge Analytica affiliate AggregateIQ to influence the Brexit vote. Facebook recently admitted that Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed the information of about 1 million users in the U.K., and that AggregateIQ spent $2 million on Brexit ads. Its still unclear whether AggregateIQ used Cambridge Analyticas data for the ad campaign, and the two companies have disputed claims that they are linked.

In response to the committees most recent invitation in March, which came shortly after news first broke of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook instead decided to send CTO Mike Schroepfer. U.K. legislators were outraged at Zuckerbergs refusal to appear, with one member of Parliament calling the decision cowardly and another saying it was absolutely astonishing.

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Schroepfer appeared before the committee last week, though members found a significant portion of his testimony to be unsatisfactory, particularly in response to questions regarding the EUs upcoming General Data Protection Regulation and dark ads.

Zuckerberg himself testified to the U.S. Congress in April, appearing before the Houses Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senates Commerce and Judiciary Committees. The CEO avoided making any major gaffes, and shares for the company surged shortly afterward.

The House of Commons has the power to find people guilty of contempt if they reject a summons, though the legislative body has not fined or imprisoned anyone for contempt since 1666. Facebook will have until May 11 to respond to the committees request.

Facebook declined a request for comment.Royal Thai Armed Force Chief to arrive Wednesday for official visit

Chief of Joint Staff of the Royal Thai Armed Force, General Tarnchaiyan Srisuwan is arriving in Nepal on a four-day official visit on Wednesday.5 hours ago

Workers at all of Kellogg's U.S. cereal plants go on strike

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  Work at all of the Kellogg Company's U.S. cereal plants came to a halt Tuesday as roughly 1,400 workers went on strike, but it wasn't immediately clear how much the supply of Frosted Flakes or any of the company's other iconic brands would be disrupted. The strike includes plants in Omaha, Nebraska Battle Creek, Michigan; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Memphis, Tennessee.

Read ArticleNorsk Hydro ASA engages in producing and supplying alumina and primary aluminum. It operates through the following segments: Bauxite & Alumina; Primary Metal; Metal Markets; Rolled Products; Extruded Solutions; Energy; and Other Eliminations. The Bauxite & Alumina segment include bauxite mining activities, sourcing arrangements, and alumina commercial operations. The Primary Metal segment focuses on the production, remelting and casting activities of aluminum. The Metal Markets segment involves all sales and distribution activities relating to products from its primary metal plants and operational responsibility. The Rolled Products segment consists of rolling mills located in Europe. The Energy segment manages captive hydropower production, external power sourcing arrangements to the aluminum business and identifying and developing energy solutions. The Extruded Products segment relates to extrusion based business, located mainly in Europe and the Americas, which is focused on delivering solutions to the building and construction, transportation, and engineered products industries. The company was founded on December 2, 1905 and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

Read MoreIssues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship.Residents of a village in Vietnams Central Highlands have been separated from the civilized world as the neighborhood sits atop a 1,000 meter high mountain.

They have no access to concrete roads, electricity, education and healthcare, and their names are never registered in the governments books.

Locals name their isolated village Cheng Leng after the mountain Plei Cheng Leng which generously embraced it.

The mountain, situated at the junction of the borderlines of Chu Se, Phu Thien and Mang Yang districts in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, is the habitat of the Jarai people, one of the 54 ethnic minority groups of Vietnam.

Tough life

Inside her traditional-style stilt house roofed with iron sheets which was burning under the overwhelming sun of the Central Highlands, Rmah Kam, an old Jarai grandma, was busy moving back and forth.

She was cooking lunch for her two grandchildren, who would be left in her care whenever their parents go to work on the field deep in the forest.

Rmah Kam was among the first to settle down in Cheng Leng some two decades ago.

Her well-kept identification card, issued by police in the erstwhile Gia Lai-Kon Tum Province in 1979, is no longer valid in todays times, even though it is the only legal document supposedly proving her existence.

The rest of her family members had no documents at all, whether birth certificates or identification cards.

She and the two grandchildren then had a mo

The lunch of the grandma and children was far from meager, consisting of only rice and bland soup of wild leafy vegetables.

Here we are short of everything, except the wild greens, she said.

Her next-door neighbor is Ksor Djrih, who is also one of the founders of the Cheng Leng village.

Djrih said that poverty and hardship was nothing out of the norm here, but life has been becoming more difficult as the village became crowded due to the rises in the number of big families and new settlers.

Life is tough here, Djrih said.

We lack everything, [and] lacking water is the most miserable.

No water for the crops, for drinking, for washing.

There are only two wells for the whole village, not enough at all. The more crowded the village becomes, the less water and more misery for us.

No school, no hospital

Ksow Tho, Ksor Thoat, Rmah HLim and Rmah Lan spent time hanging around their stilt houses, awaiting their parents to come back from the field.

The kids, aged between 14 and 15 years old, are the first generation to be born in Cheng Leng, who never knew a day of going to school.

I stay at home to look after my two siblings while my parents and two sisters go to the field, Ksor Tho shyly said.

The field is in the forest, very far away.

The children speak no Vietnamese, but only their mother tongue of ethnic Jarai language.

The village is the whole and only world they ever know about since birth, and possibly for the next many years of their lives.

Rmah Kam and her now-invalid ID card, issued in 1979, is seen in this combined photo by Tuoi Tre.

Sitting at the gate of his house, Rmah Trui blankly stared at a random vacant space in front of him.

While he was supposed to go to the field like most of the adults of some 20 households in the village, Trui had to stay at home to look after his two children for the last few days. They were badly ill.

Perhaps they were sick from the bite of forest mosquitoes. I used to be bitten. It takes a really long time to heal, he said.

Trui has recently moved to Cheng Leng from a village at the foot of the same mountain, where he had no field to grow crops, struggling to make ends meet for his small family.

He did not know for sure if the children were really bitten by the mosquito, hoping that they would soon get better like he did.

In case things turn worse, he might carry them down for at least an hour on the only walking trail to a Jarai shaman living at the foot of Plei Cheng Leng Mountain for some traditional treatment.

Taking the kids to the nearest hospital, which already takes a day of travelling, will be the last option when the shaman gives in.

And no money

Local authorities are fully aware of the villages existence.

Phung Trung Toan, chairman of Chu A Thai Commune of Phu Thien District, said there are currently 20 households living in Cheng Leng.

It all started in 2004, when eight households with 40 people relocated to Cheng Leng from a village in Chu A Thai. The remaining Cheng Leng villagers came from other neighboring villages, mostly in Chu Se District, he added.

Toan said that authorities were scratching their heads on how to help the villagers.

Geographically speaking, Cheng Leng is located in HBong Commune in Chu Se.

Chu Se authorities might officially register the village into its geographic system, paving the way for local budget to be spent on building roads and power lines for Cheng Leng, according to Toan.

But the infrastructure development would be extremely costly for the poor locality, he said, putting estimates at a few dozen billion dong. (VND10 billion = US$438,500)

Another solution is to migrate the Cheng Leng villagers down the mountain, which is also deemed unfeasible as there are no available crop fields left for those farmers in the existing villages.

The commune authorities have asked them several times to come down the mountain, promising them with household registration and citizen cards, Toan said.

But they kept saying no because there were no fields for them there.

The official said he would report to the higher level which might come up with another possible solution.

In the meantime, little can be done for Cheng Leng and its children.First started around eight years ago, the Malaysian corner along 100m of Nguyen An Ninh Street in downtown Saigon has been luring Malaysians to its variety of foods, clothings and other Malaysian products.

Tourists can easily find purses, souvenirs and eateries here.

The street stands out with colorful signage in Malaysian language and mannequin wearing flamboyant Malaysian female clothes like tudung or baju kurung.

Dark-skinned Malaysian salesmen wearing the Malaysian round-shaped hat kopiah and baju melayu, Malaysian mens costume, give greetings in their native language.

The whole street seems to be filled with a Malaysian aura.

In the beginning

According to a resident nearby, the Malaysians did enjoy big successes at first when they started selling clothes in 2010.

Any Malaysian visiting Saigon will just drop by this area, but after some time they all moved out out business, he added.

Ive no idea why they abandoned their shops. Perhaps they couldnt compete against the local market.

The Malaysian businesses were sold to the Islamic Chams living in Saigon. Chams, or Cham people, are a minority ethnic group bearing relation to Malays.

Every year as December approaches, this Malaysian street is more hustling than ever as this is the recession time for Malaysian students.

With Malaysian parents taking their kids to Vietnam on vacation, anything on the street can sell like hot cakes.

Dul Hamids mobile cake cart

Your correspondent came across a peddler selling cakes in the middle of a scorching hot afternoon.

He is Dul Hamid, a Muslim Cham person. He has been selling cakes on his mobile cart for the last five years.

Displayed on his carts are pastel goreng, or spiral curry puffs and cassava cakes beautifully arranged.

Observation Hamid for a while, your correspondent could see some customers even buy ten packages of pastel goreng at a time in Malaysian Ringgit.

Ive just delivered 20 lunch boxes for a Malaysian tourist group. Ive got my own hotline, so whenever they call Ill make the foods and package them for delivery, he said.

They especially like cassava cakes. Sometimes I have to wake up at 3am as there are too many orders.

Telling about his job, he said that after doing business in Malaysia for several years, he and his Vietnamese wife came back to Saigon, where they have been selling cakes and lunch servings until now.

Dul Hamid also works as a motorbike driver.

The pioneer

Along this street, Basiroh is the most popular restaurant amongst the Malaysian community. It is named after its owner, a female Cham person living in Saigon.

When your correspondent arrived, Ms Basiroh was busying serving a tourist group from Kuala Lumpur and talking to them in Malaysian Malay.

They came here after recommendations from my friends, so we actually consider each other on a friendly relationship, she said.

Basiroh is proud to introduce herself as the first person to start this Malaysian street rolling.

It all started near the end of the 1990s when I was a market researcher for a British corporation headquartered on Pasteur street, District 1, she explained.

One day when she brought her foods down to eat on the facade of her office, a Malaysian tourist group saw her and asked: Do you sell Muslim foods around here?

Then they bombarded her with questions on where to find Malaysian clothes.

This gave her the idea of doing business in Malaysian clothes and foods.

For the next two years, Malaysians coming to Saigon were pleased at her service, and increased tourist influxes, Basiroh moved on to hire a place on Nguyen An Ninh street and opened a fashion boutique.

Malaysian customers coming to her clothes store often ask her for Muslim foods as well, and even ask her to cook for them.

From then on, she added foods to her services.

It was just a small kitchen at first with around three low stools by the road side, but then she turned it into a restaurant.

At one point she was owning three restaurants named Basiroh, the biggest success any businessman can see around this area.

The Malaysians love pho. Its weird really! They keep coming here thanks to word of mouth, she commented on the Malaysian peoples taste.

Many of the Malaysian foods at her place also receive positive compliments from eaters.

To her, the key to success is the Vietnamese sauces of various types.

At first I thought the Malaysians preferred bland taste, but after I added Vietnamese seasoning, especially fish sauce, they all take to it like ducks to water, she shared.A Vietnamese man in Da Nang has spent a quarter century devoted to providing tailor-made shoes for the leprosy patients throughout the countrys central region.

A typical workday for Pham Anh begins with a walk through the Da Nang Dermatology Hospital.

Armed with a pen and a piece of paper, the 50-year-old stops in at each room, knocking on doors and carefully examining patients feet. No, hes not looking for diseases nor is he attempting to cure an unknown rash.

His goal is more modest  taking the correct measurements to design free-of-charge bespoke shoes for underprivileged patients.

Simple, right? Not really.

Pham Anhs customers all have one thing in common that makes finding the perfect fit considerably more difficult  they are all leprosy, also known as Hansens disease patients whose feet have been deformed the infection.

Kim Van Hung, director of the Da Nang Dermatology Hospital, said the clinics management works with Pham Anh as part of their mission to provide the best possible care, down to the smallest details.

We care for them in many little ways, like making sure that they have shoes that fit so they can feel like their feet are as pretty as those of healthy people, Hung elaborated.

Shoes of all shapes, but no sizes

Leprosy can attack several areas throughout the body of an infected patient. When it spreads to the legs and feet, patients often need to have parts of their toes and feet amputated.

For some, the infection is so severe that only their hindfoot  the area consisting of the ankle and heel  can remain. In turn, each shoe is built specifically for each patients foot.

Shoes for leprosy patients have no size, and none are the same as one another, he said.

Though a daunting task, Anh the shoemaker has spent the last 25 years designing shoes to fit those special feet, no matter the shape or size.

His work has extended to leprosy patients beyond the walls of the Da Nang Dermatology Hospital and into the surrounding districts and provinces.

And in that quarter century, how many shoes has he made? Too many to remember, he told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

Pham Anh at his workplace. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Standing at his workspace in the hospital, Anh proudly showed off two black, dumping shaped shoes, one round and the other bent in the middle, like a dented bracelet.

These are the shoes I made for a leper from Hoa Vang District, Anh explained.

Forming the correct shape for the shoes is one thing, the other is choosing a suitable material for the sole so that there is a hard layer and soft cushioning to cover the feet.

Though appearing relatively simple, that one pair of shoes alone took two weeks to build, every second of which was worth it, Anh said, when the patient first saw the pair and exclaimed How well you made the shoes!

Two weeks is short compared to many of the shoes Anh has made that have taken months to complete. The lifespan of the shoes isnt guaranteed either. As the patients foot changes alongside the diseases progress, a new shoe must be made.

Several of Anhs customers have been working with him for decades. With each visit, he notes down their footprints, sizes, and personalities, in his notebook.

Sometimes, by the time the shoes are ready, the patient had already passed away.

Whenever I start making a new pair of shoes, I work as if I am doing it for my own loved ones, he said.

One of the typical designs for leper - the heel area includes a hole. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Special journey

Anh has been the only shoemaker serving lepers in Da Nang for the last 15 years, since the Dermatology Hospital opened its department of leprosy.

Before starting at the hospital, Anh worked as an electrician in a leprosy village near Da Nang. After the leprosy village closed, Anh moved to work at the hospital, repairing medical equipment, managing water and electricity, and making shoes for leprosy patients.

Learning to make special shoes wasnt a walk in the park for Anh. He had to undergo a three-month apprenticeship at the Quy Hoa Central Dermatology Hospital in Quy Nhon, the capital of the south-central province of Binh Dinh, to learn the ins-and-outs of the unique process.

After learning from a master, Anh graduated the apprenticeship program with a certification as a shoe technician for leprosy patients.

Even though he is not a doctor, Anh is respected by many at the Da Nang Dermatology Hospital.

His wife also works in a leprosy hospital.

In the hospital where each person has a very different fate, he says, his leads a peaceful life, knowing he is doing such a special job.

Pham Anh measures a leprosy patients foot. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Not only working in the hospital, Pham Anh also joins doctors on monthly and quarterly visits to local lepers at their homes to provide medical examinations and medicine. Anh uses the opportunity to collect measurements from the patients for shoemaking. His main task during the visits is tracing each patients food to ensure the proper shape for the mould. To leprosy patients, shoes that fit are not just a piece of footwear, but also a means to protect their health.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!A Vietnamese driver has been detained after he hit and killed a woman while backing his pickup truck, after having traveled in the wrong direction, on a street in the north-central city of Vinh, police said on Tuesday.

A video capturing the horrific scene when the truck, with Doan Dinh Son identified as being behind the wheels, reversed at high speed and mowed down a woman on her bicycle, was posted on social media on Monday.

The incident occurred on Quang Trung Street in Vinh, the capital of Nghe An Province, an official from the municipal police unit confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday.

The victim was identified as 60-year-old Nguyen Thi Luu, with Son taken into custody for investigation, the official added.

Son was traveling in the wrong way on Quang Trung Street at around 5:30 pm on Monday, when he had a near head-on collision with a four-seater car, driven by a woman, according to the polices account.

Son then left his vehicle and started a quarrel with the female driver, before returning to the pickup truck and backing it at a high speed.

Shortly after reversing the vehicle, Son crashed into Luu, who died when she was being rushed to the hospital by the man who hit her.

The video capturing the scene has caused widespread outrage among social media users, who call for severe punishment for the truck driver.The ABC has breached the ABC Code of Practice after ABC Political Editor Andrew Probyn editorialised that former PM Tony Abbott was  the most destructive politician of his generation.

In October Probyn was reporting on a climate change speech by Tony Abbott, to the Global Warming Policy Foundation think tank.

Tony Abbott, already the most destructive politician of his generation, now intends on waging war on what he calls environmental theology,' he said.

While media watchdog the Australian Communications and Media Authority gave most of the report the all-clear, it found the editorialising was a breach of the ABC Code of Practice. The ACMA investigation, following a complaint, found the statement was judgemental, not in language considered as analysis.

ACMA Chair Nerida OLoughlin said, The impartiality provisions in the ABCs own code require it to demonstrate balance and fair treatment when presenting news, and avoid conveying a prejudgement.

This is only the second breach by the ABC of its impartiality rules since 2011. While this demonstrates strong compliance with these important provisions of the code, the ABC did not get it right on this occasion.

In responding to the complaint, ABC referred to the Macquarie dictionary for a definition of destructive as .tending to overthrow, disprove, or discredit. It is the case that Mr Abbott over his long political career has succeeded in overthrowing his political and ideological opponents, and in his speech to the GWPF he sought to discredit or disprove the consensus on climate science. In the highly competitive context of federal politics, destructive is not necessarily a pejorative descriptor, it suggested.

ABC has since advised ACMA that ABC News will incorporate the finding into its editorial compliance training programs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLxDEOmf6AkTemporary ban on yarsagumba harvest

Surma Rural Municipality in Bajhang district has issued a temporary ban on yarsagumba harvesting saying that the caterpillar fungus was still sprouting and should not be picked.2017 Canadian drama The Disappearance begins on Universal later this month.

The 6 part series chronicles the inexplicable disappearance of a 10-year-old boy and its effect on his family.

The cast includes Peter Coyote, Camille Sullivan and Aussie-Canadian Aden Young.

Written by Normand Daneau & Genevieve Simard, originally as a French language drama, it debuted as an English language drama in Canada in October and the UK in February.

When Anthony Sullivan (Michael Riendeau: Real Detective, Early Winter) vanishes while on a birthday scavenger hunt arranged by his grandfather Henry, his family are left devastated.

As the family frantically search for any clue that could lead them to Anthony, long-held secrets are uncovered, threatening to tear the family apart.

Henry Sullivan (Peter Coyote: Patch Adams, A Walk to Remember) a retired judge and former prosecutor, begins his own investigation into Anthonys disappearance, even though his involvement threatens to derail the police case.

As Anthonys parents, Luke (Aden Young) and Helen (Camille Sullivan), desperately search for anything that could lead them to their son, tensions rise as Luke begins to suspect that his sons disappearance could be connected to his fathers past.

Helen, willing to do anything to be reunited with her son, finds herself dangerously following any clue that could help her find Anthony.

8:30pm Tuesday May 22 on Universal.Be prepared for a little bit of anarchy, a little bit of soapbox and a little bit of lateral thinking from Corey Whites Roadmap to Paradise.

Comedian Corey White is an old soul in his youthful body, demonstrating surprising concern for the planet and the bigger picture than many of his generation.

With a tiny ABC crew in tow he offers his own brand of solutions to societys problems: Democracy, Australia Day, Environmentalism, Capitalism, Gambling, Domestic Violence, War on Drugs, Foster Care, Terrorism, and Housing.

In bite-size 15 minute videos he is part-John Safran and part-Myles Barlow.

Hi, Im Corey White, three time University drop-out, ex-foster kid and former meth amphetamine addict, he announces.

Im full of ideas about how to make Australia a better place.

In his first episode he tackles Democracy, seen entering a hardware store with an axe referring to the slaughter of all politicians (relax, it isnt what you think).

But like 74% of Australians young Corey is also disillusioned with government.

Democracy is very shit. I dont like having to look at Sam Dastyaris face. But Authoritarianism is way shittier, he suggests.

But democracy is the least shit way of organising society. I think Winston Churchill said that.

There are cute sketches of a primary-school aged Corey promising to lower the price of tomato sauce at the school canteen. But even school aged politicians lie.

I became hugely unpopular. People thought I had lied just to get power, he recalls.

There was sauce on my hands. And I swear to God I could still smell it.

Corey consults with a Switzerland expert where a public petition of 100,000 signatures can lead to a national referendum, or 50,000 signatures can halt new laws in their tracks.

For any disillusioned three time University drop-out, ex-foster kid and former meth amphetamine addict, Switzerlands system represents a much better approach to democracy.

Speaking direct to camera, which is his style when he isnt doing interviews, White demonstrates confidence and lateral ideas. But its clear that he is very creative behind the scenes, structuring his arguments into scripted, comedic form.

The second episode tackles Capitalism but relies too heavily on 3 Skype interviews and less of the amusing sketches. An interview with a Finnish expert on their Universal Basic Income suddenly looks less convincing given its recent cessation. Alas, the rule of comedy is always timing (perhaps ABC should reschedule it as the last episode?).

Corey White may not be rifling through Ray Martins garbage, nor breaching restricted zones during APEC meetings, but he is likely to provoke comment and challenge a few perceptions -even on his very limited ABC budget.

Corey Whites Roadmap to Paradise airs 9:40pm Wednesdays on ABC.Observational series RBT is relocating from NSW to South Australia with Screentime to formally open its Adelaide office in July.

Screentime SA will be headed up by accomplished series producer and director Colin Thrupp, working with executive producer Basia Bonkowski.

This is the first time Screentime has opened an office outside Sydney in its 22-year history. In addition to Pine Gap currently in production, SA has been home to ANZAC Girls and 2 seasons of Wolf Creek. Screentime SA is looking to attract, develop and produce content in South Australia, bolstered by the SAFC and independent facilities.

Screentime Executive Chairman Bob Campbell said, The establishment of Screentime SA will see us working with the South Australian creative community to continue to build our production slate in the State. ANZAC Girls and two seasons of Wolf Creek  as well as our current productions Pine Gap and RBT  strongly illustrate our commitment to production in South Australia which will be further enhanced by this initiative with the South Australian Film Corporation.

South Australian Film Corporation CEO Courtney Gibson said, Attracting Screentime to open an office in the State is all about maximising opportunities for South Australian creatives and crews, not just in drama but also in non-scripted production. Screentime is one of Australias leading forces in non-scripted and its fantastic having someone with Colins peerless credentials driving the development of production with the local sector via Screentime SA.

Nine Head of Content Production and Development Adrian Swift: Our audience love RBT  the diligence and patience of the police and the extraordinary stories they hear from drivers up to no good on our roads. Were thrilled to be going to South Australia to discover a new police force and a lot of new stories as they keep our roads safe and disastrous drivers under control. We congratulate Screentime on the move and thank SA Police and the SAFC for their support of the production.

Screentime and Matchbox Pictures are opening offices in Adelaide under a two-year funding allocation from the Arts South Australia-funded South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) under the Television Company Partnership Initiative.Top leaders echo Buddhas teachings

The President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister and political party leaders reiterated the message of peace, non-violence, and community harmony on Monday, the 2,562th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.Amnesty's shocking report describes in full details and recorded evidence how the authorities in iran are deliberately wiping out physical proof that can lead to the truth about what happened to the 4,000 - 5,000 prisoners detained for political reasons in 1988. These prisoners were murdered in a series of state-sponsored executions lasting for approximately five months across Iran.

There is a video showing a bulldozer paving the way for a new road on the burial spot. Unbelievably the government of Iran is actually turning the sites into massive rubbish dumps or making new graveyards in its place.

You can even follow up on the satellite imagery that clearly shows these changes. There are enough photos and video to back up this vital case. The group producing the report has said that its possible for there to be 120 of these burial sites in the country. All which contain what remains of a murdered generation.

What is known to some in Iran as a supreme leader, at that time was Khomeini. He was the one in charge of giving the sentence or fatwa for the killing of 30,000 innocent Iranians, all because of their political beliefs. There is a copy of the actual fatwa still in existence.

Imprisoned for spreading the word

It appears the only crime these prisoners committed was to disagree with the Islamic rule.

The victims were mostly of the Peoples Mojahedin Organization (PMOI) Others of different groups such as the Fedaian or the communist Tudeh Party had been executed as well. Followers of People's Mujahedin of Iran were arrested for such activities as distributing the organisations newspapers or being present in peaceful demonstrations.

Some had even been arrested again after their release, only weeks before the massacre, to be dealt with for good.

Hussein-Ali Montazeri was the deputy to Khomeini and he was removed from his position in government because he did not agree to the killings. Families of the victims were alerted of the news as word started spreading amongst those that had witnessed the violent scenes.

They were told in person by prison guards that their children or relatives had been killed, however, they were not informed of where the bodies were hidden. It was then that restless family members took to cemeteries looking for signs of any recent digging. Still most fates of those killed remains unknown.

Harsh conditions

Ive actually spoken with some of the people who know about the 1988 massacre or are close families of the victims. Those prisoners had served long time sentences and were deliberately kept in harsh conditions.

What needs to happen now is for justice to be done. I strongly support the idea for an international trial to take place and for those responsible of carrying out the fatwa like Ayatollah Morteza Eshraqi, Hojatt al-Islam Hossein-Ali Nayyeri and Hojjat al-Islam Ali Mobasheri to be held accountable by law.

These families also want influential International Organisations to intervene and stop Iran's government from taking away what is left to discover of these grounds.Every Friday, Palestinian protesters gather to protest their right of return. The gathering is called the 'Great March of Return' where protesters march towards the barrier separating Israel from Gaza. They are met by IDF Forces (Israeli Defence Forces) some firing tear gas, with others firing live rounds. Many Palestinians have been killed and injured in these confrontations and the world has condemned Israel for its actions.

The Gazans are planning these marches to culminate on May 15, a day of sadness for many Gazans. Nakba Day for them was the forceful removal of Palestinian civilians in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

For them, it was their holocaust and one can see why these people would want to return to their ancestor's lands.

Gaza is besieged from the air, from the sea, and on the land by Israel. Gaza is wholly dependent on outside suppliers and these are strictly controlled by Israel and Egypt. Some have compared the Gazan experience to the Warsaw Ghetto where thousands of Jews lived controlled by the Nazis.

Arab Nations like Saudi Arabia and Egypt have called on Hamas who governs the territory to stop the marches.

Ghost Dance of the 1800's

Many see a similarity between the Palestinian plight and that of Native Americans. Both peoples have been forced off their land and have fought colonising forces. In the case of the Native Americans, it was and still is against an issue with the American government.

With Palestinians, it is with the Israeli government and this clash has taken many forms.

Back in the 1800's, it seemed for all their resistance, Native Americans were and are up against overwhelming forces. It is the same for Palestinians today as they face an Israeli government-backed ironically enough by the USA.

Some have called the Palestinian 'Great March of Return' a desperate act by a desperate people.

So it could possibly be, as the Gazans have tried everything to get the world's attention about their plight. Perhaps this act is all that is left to them risking Israeli tear gas and live rounds.

So Native Americans in the 1800's lead by a so-called prophet Wovoka did the same thing. Protesting against the expanse of European-Americans in what was their land.

Their demonstrations took the form of a dance called the 'Ghost Dance' practiced by tribes for millennia. It was a belief that the white man and his colonial activities would cease and the land return to the Natives.

Unfortunately, this did not happen and US authorities at the time took a rather dim view of this activity. Many Natives were killed or injured in these dances particularly infamously at 'Wounded Knee' which attracted condemnation at the time. Natives today still remember this atrocity committed by US forces with anger and sadness.

Gaza's plight

Will the suffering of the Gazan people ever end as this 'Great March of Return' is indeed a desperate act by a desperate people?

'The Great March of Return' protests will carry on until May 15 and unfortunately, there will be fatalities.

There will be injuries by the score too as Israeli bullets are indiscriminate. It is noticeable with Brexit and Windrush being given maximum coverage that the actions in Gaza are barely mentioned.

The world talks about peace but then turns a blind eye for whatever reason.International Trade Secretary and passionate Brexiter, Liam Fox, is not happy with the House Of Lords. Last night, the government suffered another three Brexit defeats in the House of Lords, bringing the total up to nine.

Key among the defeats was one amendment which would allow MPs to return to the negotiating table if Theresa May's deal was rejected. According to the Guardian, this amendment is seen as a means to prevent a no-deal outcome.

The vote was carried by a majority of 91, following which Liam Fox appealed to Labour MPs from leave-constituencies to reject the amendment in the House of Commons.

Branding the House of Lords as "unelected," he accused its members of trying to "thwart the view of the British electorate."

Liam Fox - It's not acceptable for an unelected house to try & block the democratic will of the British people... so we will be leaving the EU... we'll be leaving the single market & we'll be leaving the customs union.#StopBrexit #FBPE pic.twitter.com/nobC8DXGzp  Haggis_UK - #FBPE   (@Haggis_UK) May 1, 2018

The string of House of Lords defeats is now towering over this week's critical meeting of the Brexit cabinet sub-committee.

Ministers are split on customs union

This week's talks are likely to focus on whether the UK ought to remain in the customs union. Boris Johnson and Liam Fox want Theresa May to steer clear off her preferred option of a customs partnership.

In such an arrangement, the UK would have to collect import tariffs on behalf of the EU.

Although this is the prime minister's preferred option, many see it as remaining in the customs union in all but name. Some have pointed out that remaining in the customs union or a customs partnership would also go a long way toward resolving the Irish border issue.

But Liam Fox considers anything resembling a customs union as a "complete sellout."

Speaking to John Humphrys on BBC 4 Radio, Fox admitted that the hung parliament had made it difficult to agree on Brexit legislation. When asked, would he resign if a customs partnership deal was agreed upon, Fox refused to reject the possibility.

DUP threatens to leave the government if Northern Ireland is kept in the customs union

Earlier this week, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier travelled to Ireland and Northern Ireland to speak to politicians and meet with members of the public. The Irish border issue remains unresolved. Barnier's visit was intended to quell fears and gain a better understanding of the border region.

On Monday, politicians from both sides of the border met at the all-island civic dialogue on Brexit with Barnier in attendance. Politicians from the Republic and Northern Ireland representing different political parties shared their views on Brexit.

Northern Ireland's largest party, the DUP, was noted by its absence.

Just hours before Barnier's arrival in Dundalk, DUP party leader Arlene Foster said that he (Barnier) was "not an honest broker."

The DUP has been highly critical of the EU, its chief Brexit negotiator, and the Irish government, accusing them of bullying the UK into keeping Northern Ireland in the customs union. According to Politics Home, Nigel Dodds, the DUP leader at Westminster, said that he would be willing to scrap his party's confidence-and-supply agreement with the Tories if Northern Ireland was coerced into staying in the customs union and parts of the single market.Sajid Javid has been appointed as Home Secretary, replacing Amber Rudd who resigned after repeatedly struggling to account for her role in the unjust treatment of Windrush-generation migrants. Many political commentators claim this as a moderate appointment and have been repeatedly stating the fact that he is a second-generation Pakistani born in the UK, but this has little bearing on the fact that he is a right-wing, Margaret Thatcher devotee, who upholds the same regressive ideology.

Previously he was the communities and local government minister, with his biggest challenge thus far being the Grenfell tower disaster.

Which he has repeatedly failed to organise suitable housing for the victims of the fire.

The right man for the job?

Javids first plan will be to clean up the mess left by Amber Rudd and Theresa May but is he up to the task and importantly, is he the right person for the job? The first problem is that he has contributed to the Windrush disaster that has engulfed the department by voting in favour of every immigration policy put forward by Theresa May when she was Home Secretary herself. He has also voted against giving rights to EU citizens who are already living in the UK post-Brexit and has generally taken a hard-line approach to immigration.

The hostile environment created by Theresa May that Javid voted in favour for, was the 2014 Immigration Act and it made it harder for people to prove that they had the right to remain in the UK.

Furthermore, he has previously tweet the same obscene rhetoric about uncontrolled immigration under the last Labour government. He has voted against banning the detention of pregnant women for immigration reasons, voted in favour of making it an offence for someone to work or rent a home if their immigration status prohibits it and for immigration checks on those who want to open a bank account.

He also voted in favour of restricting the already small amount of support available to failed asylum seekers and illegal migrants and he also voted against allowing asylum seekers permission to work if the decision on their application takes longer than 6 months. He has not only been complicit in not standing up for migrants but actively voting to create the hostile environment that has created the Windrush disaster but the move to put him in the role is most likely a PR decision because of the fact that he is a second-generation Pakistani who was born in Britain.

Javid begins as he probably means to go on

Sajid Javids first day in the office could have gone better, within 10 minutes of his first speech to parliament, he had already misled parliament  the exact reason why his predecessor Amber Rudd resigned  over the Windrush disaster. In response to a question by Diane Abbott about the protections removed by the Immigration Act 2014 for the Windrush generation, he said that the protections were not removed. However, this fact is provably wrong as proved by Diane Abbott herself when she tweeted the article from the Guardian that revealed key protections had been removed that could and has affected the Windrush generation.

This is not the first time that he has knowingly misled parliament, back in December he published figures that local councils set their 2018 budgets to, however, Andrew Gwynne received a reply to his query whether he and his office knew that the figures they published were wrong.

Both Javid and his office admitted in the reply that when they published the figures, they knew that they werent accurate. So, is he the man for the job or is this just another attempt to put a shield in front of the real culprit of this mess, Theresa May?United Nations Security Council envoys pose for a photograph with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after their meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 30, 2018. REUTERS/Michelle Nichols

Thomson Reuters

By Michelle Nichols

DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked the U.N. Security Council on Monday to press Myanmar to take back hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled a military crackdown to take refuge in her country.

Security Council envoys visited Hasina in the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, before traveling to Myanmar for meetings with its government leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing later on Monday.

"They should put more pressure on the Myanmar government so that they take their citizens back to their country. That's what we want," Hasina told reporters.

The visit by the Security Council envoys, to see the aftermath of a military operation in Myanmar's western Rakhine State, puts a global spotlight on the crisis which the United Nations and others have denounced as ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims.

Myanmar denies the accusation, saying the military was engaged in a legitimate counter-insurgency operation.

Rohingya insurgent attacks on security posts in Rakhine State in August last year sparked the crackdown that, according to the U.N. and rights groups, sent nearly 700,000 Rohingya fleeing to camps in neighboring Bangladesh.

Hasina said the refugees should return "under U.N. supervision where security and safety should be ensured".

"They want to go back to their own country. So the Security Council can play a very pivotal role," she added.

When asked if U.N. supervision meant the deployment of peacekeepers, Hasina said: "Not exactly, well, that the U.N. will decide".

Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye, who is leading rehabilitation efforts in Rakhine, declined to comment.

Kuwait's U.N. Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi, one of the envoys, told Hasina the Security Council wanted to "send a clear strong message ... that we're determined to end this humanitarian crisis".

Story continues

The envoys visited camps on Sunday, where distraught refugees pleaded for help ahead of the coming monsoon season. Many live in bamboo-and-plastic structures perched on hills in the southeast Bangladesh district of Cox's Bazar.

'DIFFICULTIES'

Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete the voluntary repatriation of the refugees within two years but differences between the two sides remain and implementation of the plan has been slow.

"We know there are difficulties in the talks between Bangladesh and Myanmar on the return of the refugees but it is important ... to create the appropriate conditions for the refugees to go back freely and voluntarily to their home of origin," said al-Otaibi.

The envoys are due to travel to Rakhine State on Tuesday.

The Security Council asked Myanmar in November to ensure no "further excessive use of military force" and to allow "freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all".

They will seek to push the Myanmar government to implement those requests, diplomats said.

Hasina also called on Myanmar to implement the recommendations of a commission headed by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which was appointed by Suu Kyi in 2016 to investigate how to solve Rakhine's long-standing tensions.Among the commission's recommendations was a review of a Myanmar law that links citizenship and ethnicity and leaves most Rohingya stateless.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to basic services such as healthcare. Many in Myanmar regard Rohingya as illegal immigrants from mostly Muslim Bangladesh.

(Additional Reporting by Thu Thu Aung and Yimou Lee in YANGON; Editing by Darren Schuettler)

See Also:FILE PHOTO: Empty beer cups with the Carlsberg logo are stacked at the Eiffel Tower fan zone during the Spain v Czech Republic EURO 2016 Group D soccer match in Paris, France, June 13, 2016. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Strong growth in China for Carlsberg <CARLb.CO> helped to dilute the negative effects of currencies and lower volumes in the Russian market, allowing the Danish brewer to stick to its annual profit forecast.

Sales in the first quarter fell 5 percent to 12.70 billion Danish crowns (1.5 billion pounds), below the 12.89 billion crowns forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts.

However, it still expects mid single-digit organic growth in operating profit this year.

Carlsberg, the world's third-largest brewer behind Anheuser Busch InBev <ABI.BR> and Heineken <HEIN.AS>, continued to lose market share in Russia, where it owns the Baltika brand and which accounts for around a fifth of sales.

Russian initiatives to discourage drinking have included banning the sale of beer in so-called PET bottles, popular plastic bottles larger than 1.5 litres, which has hurt sales in Carlsberg's biggest market.

"Our volumes grew in all markets except for Russia," Chief Executive Cees t'Hart said on a conference call.

The decline in volumes in Russia reflected an overall market decline of around 4-5 percent, Hart said, although Carlsberg is also losing ground to rivals.

"Our market share decline in Russia accelerated during the year," he added.

Graphic: Carlsberg share performance versus peers - https://reut.rs/2jkYJU8

CHINESE SURPRISE

Carlsberg, which did not disclose earnings figures, said revenue was hit by a negative currency impact of 5 percent.

Sales fell in both Western and Eastern Europe, with Asia accounting for the only region with sales growth.

The Chinese market was a positive surprise, with sales up 16 percent and volumes increasing 9 percent, well ahead of analysts expectations. China last year became Carlsberg's largest single market in volume terms.

"We seem to have a momentum in China," Hart said in an interview.

The Chinese market is driven by international premium beer brands, which sell at two to three times the price of mainstream brands.

Story continues

Closure of 19 breweries in western China and a push into big cities in the east has helped Carlsberg lift operating margins there to 14-15 percent from around 6 percent two years ago, Hart said.

In 2015, the chief executive launched a major cost-cutting programme and a strategy to revive growth which has been subdued since the company took over Baltika in 2008.

Carlsberg shares traded 2 percent higher at opening but pared gains to trade up 0.5 percent by 1030 GMT.

"We are supportive of management and cost cutting delivery, but for the equity story to push on the company now needs to demonstrate improvement in topline," Jefferies analyst Edward Mundy said in a note.

(Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath/Keith Weir)Soldiers loyal to Syria's President Bashar al Assad are seen near a bus carrying rebels from Yarmouk Palestinian camp in Damascus, Syria April 30, 2018. SANA/ via REUTERS

Thomson Reuters

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Dozens of hostages held by militants in northern Syria reached army lines on Tuesday, launching a deal for insurgents to quit an enclave south of Damascus, state media and a monitor said.

State news agency SANA said 42 people were freed in the first step of the agreement, arriving in government territory at a crossing near Aleppo city.

Women, children, and men including some soldiers wept and hugged on the bus, live on state TV. Islamist rebels had kidnapped the people in a village in rural Idlib as they swept into the province three years ago.

South of Damascus, buses shuttled 200 fighters and relatives out of the Yarmouk enclave under the swap between the government and insurgents, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The fleet arrived at the same crossing near Aleppo in the early hours, the UK-based war monitoring group said. The fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, formerly linked to al-Qaeda, would go to Idlib in the northwest near the Turkish border.

President Bashar al-Assad's military and its allies have pushed to crush the last insurgent footholds around the capital Damascus through a string of offensives and withdrawal deals.

The pocket south of Damascus includes zones held by Islamic State and others by rebel factions, which have fought each other. It has been the focus of intense fighting since the Syrian army recaptured eastern Ghouta last month with Russian and Iranian help.

Bombing has left parts of the once-teeming Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in ruins, and the United Nations raised warnings over the fate of civilians still stuck there.

The evacuation deal for Tahrir al-Sham to surrender also includes allowing people to leave two pro-government Shi'ite villages, which the insurgents have encircled in Idlib.

State media said ambulances carried some critically ill patients out of the villages, al-Foua and Kefraya, on Tuesday morning in the first step of the agreement.

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(Reporting by Ellen Francis, Editing by William Maclean)

See Also:JUBA, South Sudan (AP)  Ten aid workers have been released after being abducted in South Sudan almost a week ago, said the U.N. on Monday.

Three U.N. staff and seven aid workers, all South Sudanese nationals, went missing last week when their convoy traveling in Central Equatoria province was hijacked.

The aid workers, employed by a variety of organizations including the South Sudanese Development Organization, ACROSS, Plan International and Action Africa Help, were flown back to Juba by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

This is the second kidnapping of aid workers in less than a month. Seven aid workers were abducted earlier this month and later released in the same area.

The U.N. says it's "outraged" at the deteriorating situation for aid workers in the country. Last week a humanitarian was killed in Leer County, bringing to 100 the number of aid workers killed since the onset of South Sudan's five-year civil war.

"I am deeply concerned by the insecurity faced by aid workers in South Sudan, who are risking their lives to save others," said the U.N.'s humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan, Alain Noudehou.

Opposition forces loyal to former Vice-President Riek Machar have claimed responsibility for the most recent abductions saying that the U.N. is sending humanitarians into rebel-controlled areas without clearance.

"This is undermining the leadership of the (opposition) and it has to stop immediately as it has resulted into misunderstandings and endangering of lives of the workers and our displaced population," opposition spokesman, Lam Paul Gabriel said in a statement. The opposition's leadership found out about the detained aid workers two days ago and immediately ordered their release, Gabriel told The Associated Press.

But the U.N. says it never enters into an area to deliver aid until negotiations with all parties are completed.

South Sudan's government says the opposition is executing a "mass starvation" strategy for people in the Equatoria region and wants rebel commanders to be held to account by the East African regional bloc leading the upcoming peace talks which will also include Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, the government's army spokesman, Lul Ruai Koang, told AP.

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Right groups are calling on all warring factions to stop targeting aid workers and for South Sudan's authorities to investigate the attacks and hold those responsible to account.

"Attacks on aid workers have become the norm in South Sudan with dozens killed, injured or have disappeared since the conflict began. This flagrant violation of international law must come to an end," said Seif Magango, Amnesty International's deputy regional director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.

See Also:An American Airlines passenger has accused airline staff of calling police on her for "flying while fat and black" after an attendant called law enforcement at the request of another passenger. The incident occurred on a flight from Raleigh-Durham to Washington, D.C., on April 26.

A spokesman for American Airlines said the airline has "an obligation" to contact law enforcement if any passenger requests it.

Amber J. Phillips, who lives in Washington, D.C., and co-hosts news and politics podcast Black Joy Mixtape, said the American Airlines flight attendant called Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) officers when her flight landed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Phillips tweeted that she allegedly made a white female passenger seated beside her feel "uncomfortable" because their arms were touching.

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GettyImages-630428306

SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty

Noting that seating space felt limited on the flight, Phillips, 28, said the woman beside her "spent the entire 45-minute flight making an active scene" because their arms were touching, "loudly asking if I could 'move over' on a plane so small everyone's carry-on bags had to be valeted." "It was awful," she added.

I'm tired but in the morning, I'll tell you all how a white woman @AmericanAir flight attendant called the cops on me bc I made the white woman siting next to me uncomfortable bc my arm was touching hers on flight AA5580. The cops were called on me for flying while fat & Black. pic.twitter.com/9vc0PoFbX4  amber j. phillips (@AmberJPhillips) April 27, 2018

Phillips said she "decided to take a picture and video to document the incident" before getting off the plane to board a shuttle transporting passengers to the airport.

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"While I'm on the shuttle this woman lied that I assaulted her and the American Airlines flight attendant called the cops to remove me from the shuttle bus," Phillips continued in the Twitter thread.

Phillips said she felt the white woman on the plane "knew she was wrong."

"She knew I was going to hold her accountable with my pictures and that's when she decided to pair up with the white American Airlines flight attendant to call the cops on me after I was already off the plane and on the shuttle to go home," Phillips said.

She added that while she was waiting on the shuttle another passenger asked her if she was OK, to which she replied, "no." "I asked the woman, 'will you take my number? And if something happens to me, please record it and send it to me,'" Phillips wrote on Twitter, adding that her phone was dying and she "didn't want to die without proof."

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Phillips said that when an officer, who she noted was a white man, arrived, she watched as he spent several minutes speaking with the woman who had been seated beside her and the flight attendant who initially called police.

"He then walked over to me and asked me to step off the shuttle," Phillips wrote, adding that she complied.

When the officer asked her for her I.D., Phillips said she questioned whether he had asked the other passenger involved in the incident for her I.D. "He aggressively responded to me by saying, 'I'm not dealing with your abuse! Give me your I.D.!' I handed him my passport and he yanked it out of my hand," she said, adding that the officer then asked if she had "another form of I.D."

Phillips said when she asked if the officer wanted to know her version of events, he declined, saying in an "aggressive" tone "No! I'm investigating this as an assault."

"I very calmly said, 'wow, ok.' I backed up and made sure my hands were visible, which upset the officer as well and he called in for an additional cop."

Phillips said that a gate manager, who arrived with the second officer, was her "saving grace." She said the gate manager, who was black, was the first person to ask her "What happened?"

The podcast co-host said she told the gate manager her account, but said the second officer involved said he wanted to speak with her about her "behavior" with the first officer. The second officer also allegedly told her police were required to speak with the other passenger first because she was the "victim" despite the fact no crimes were committed.

Phillips said she was able to leave after asking police whether she was being "detained" or not, adding that she left "deeply terrified" and used the last 2 percent of her battery to call a friend "to tell her where I was and what to do if something happened to me."

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A spokesperson from American Airlines told Newsweek in a statement that the airline called law enforcement upon landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at the request of a passenger, but did not state which passenger asked for police to be called.

"American did not request law enforcement, we requested law enforcement on behalf of another passenger who requested it," the spokesperson said.

They said the airline has reached out directly to both customers involved for more information since Thursday.

The airline also tweeted in response to Phillips's Twitter posts, writing: "We want to make the world a smaller, more inclusive place" and asking her to message the company with more information, as well as her contact information.

We want to make the world a smaller, more inclusive place. Please meet us in DM with more info and your contact info.  American Airlines (@AmericanAir) April 27, 2018

A spokesperson from MWAA confirmed that police responded to a call from the American Airlines flight after a passenger "made a request for police assistance."

"The request followed a reported in-flight incident involving two passengers, which continued on an American Airlines shuttle bus at Reagan National Airport," the spokesperson said.

MWAA officers asked both passengers to get off the shuttle to speak with law enforcement, the spokesperson said.

Read more: Family sues American Airlines over daughter's death

However, police determined there was "no immediate threat to passenger safety," the spokesperson said, adding that no charges were filed and that "Both passengers continued on their way without further incident."

Phillips's experience has sparked outrage online, with more than 17,000 people retweeting her account of Thursday's incident on Twitter.

Bernice King, a civil rights activist and the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., said Phillips's story was "hard to read and digest."

"I can't imagine what it was like to live it," she wrote on Twitter. "I'm sorry that you experienced this." Tweeting at American Airlines, King asked, "What steps are you taking to ensure that this doesn't continue to happen?"

American Airlines did not appear to respond to the tweet.

Phillips has yet to respond to a request for comment from Newsweek.

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekWell-connected

Air routes must be a key agenda during Indian PMs visit if new international airports are to be feasibleDr David Goodall is flying to a Swiss clinic to end his life (Picture: David Goodall/GoFundMe)

A British-born scientist who is 104 is flying to Switzerland next week to end his life at a euthanasia clinic.

Australias oldest scientist, Dr David Goodall, who was born in London, doesnt have a terminal illness but says he regrets living for so long.

The former university lecturer says his quality of life has continued to deteriorate in recent years.

He told ABC News: I greatly regret having reached that age.

Im not happy. I want to die. Its not sad particularly. What is sad is if one is prevented.

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If one chooses to kill oneself, then that should be fair enough. I dont think anyone else should interfere.

The botanist and ecologist was born in London in 1914 and went to Australia in 1948, becoming a lecturer at the University of Melbourne.

He celebrated his 104th birthday a month ago and now plans to fly business class to Switzerland to end his life.

Dr Goodall will travel to Switzerland with Carol ONeil from pro-euthanasia group Exit International (Picture: David Goodall/GoFundMe)

Voluntary euthanasia laws have yet to be passed in West Australia and would only be applicable to those with a terminal illness.

Dr Goodall told Seven News: My feeling is that an old person like myself should have full citizenship rights, including the right of assisted suicide.

A GoFundMe page has been set up so Dr Goodall can travel to Switzerland in business class rather than economy.

He is expected to leave Perth for Switzerland in the coming days.

He will be accompanied by his friend, and the West Australian co-ordinator of pro-euthanasia non-profit organisation Exit International, Carol ONeil.Thousands of people gathered in Moscow, Russia, on April 30, in support of the Telegram messaging service, following attempts by state regulators to block the service, The Moscow Times reported.

Radio Free Europe reported that the move came after the messaging service refused to give the Federal Security Service (FSB) access to users private messages.

This footage shows protesters throwing paper planes on Academician Sakharov Ave in Moscow as part of the protest on Monday. Credit: Zhenya Kalenov via StoryfulShould pupils from Eton be penalised in the job market? (Picture: PA)

Companies should discriminate against job applicants from Eton, a former Tory education secretary has said.

Justine Greening described a potential employee from Eton as probably not as impressive as someone with the equivalent grades from a less highly thought-of school.

She said employers should consider the school the applicant attended as part of a contextual recruitment process, the Times Educational Supplement (TES) reported.

Former education secretary Justine Greening (Picture: PA)

Ms Greening was speaking in New York last month at a summit on social mobility organised by the Sutton Trust, TES said.

According to TES, she said: Contextual recruitment basically says when youre looking at someones grades whos applied for a job to you, look at in the context of the school they went to.

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She added: So if you get three Bs from Eton, youre probably not as impressive as somebody who gets three Bs from the school in a part of the country where the school (wasnt) doing well.

She said there is software available to help employers do this, and companies should use it to look at the quality of candidates, TES said.

Annual fees at Eton are 40,000 (Picture: PA)

Ms Greening said Eton pupils may not be as impressive as those at less salubrious schools (Picture: PA)

Ms Greening said contextual recruitment would allow employers to stop fishing in a talent puddle and start fishing in a talent pool.

Eton College charges fees of more than 40,000 per year and has educated 19 British prime ministers, including David Cameron.

Ms Greening attended a comprehensive school in Yorkshire. She quit prime minister Theresa Mays cabinet in January, reportedly because she refused to move from the department of education to work and pensions.

She is being tipped as a potential Conservative candidate in the upcoming race for London mayor.Donald Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to unify Korea, the South Korean President has reportedly suggested.

Moon Jae-in's comment came after a historic summit on Friday in which he met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace," Mr Moon told a meeting of senior secretaries, according to an official who briefed media.

During the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade, both leaders stepped into North and South Korea before agreeing to a "complete denuclearisation" of their peninsula.

Mr Trump is preparing for his own summit with North Korea, suggesting that it might be held in a truce village that straddles the border separating the two Koreas.

"Numerous countries are being considered for the MEETING, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the Border of North & South Korea, be a more Representative, Important and Lasting site than a third party country? Just asking!" the US President tweeted.

In floating the idea of a Trump Nobel, Mr Moon was responding to a comment by Lee Hee-ho, the widow of late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung.

She said Mr Moon deserved to win the prize in recognition of his peace efforts, leading him to say Mr Trump should get it.

In January, Mr Moon said Mr Trump "deserves big credit for bringing about the inter-Korean talks. It could be a resulting work of the US-led sanctions and pressure".

:: North v South: A tale of two Koreas

During Monday's meeting, Mr Moon called for a joint study with the North to identify economic projects that could be resumed without violating international sanctions imposed on North Korea for its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

"The study is to set in motion the programmes that are not subject to sanctions, while exploring what the two Koreas could do when the sanctions are lifted in the future," the official quoted Mr Moon as saying.

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The Trump administration has been leading a global effort to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that Mr Trump would maintain a "pressure campaign" of sanctions on North Korea until the nuclear weapon programme is demolished.

Late Saturday, Mr Trump told Mr Moon in a phone call that he was pleased the leaders of the two Koreas reaffirmed the goal of complete denuclearisation.

The White House confirmed in March that a US-North Korea summit would take place. Mr Trump said last week he is weighing up "three or four dates" and "five locations" for the talks.A Vermontville, Michigan, high school couples promposal was criticized as racist by their fellow students as a smiling teen posted photos to social media holding a sign about black people picking cotton. A nearly identical phrase was used just last week by a Florida teen who was then banned from prom.

Maple Valley High School student Grace Guernsey told WILX-TV in Lansing, Michigan, that she scrolled by the photo this weekend of two classmates on Instagram, who she did not identify because they are minors. The controversial couple were seen holding a prom-date proposal on poster board with the following phrase: If I was black id be picking cotton...but im white so im picking you for PROM?

Guernsey said she felt bad for the couple when she saw the image.

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Screen Shot 2018-04-30 at 10

Screenshot: Instagram

"I hope that people think before they do things like this. Things like this can really hurt people. When I saw it, I was hurt by it because I'm black. And I'm not picking cotton," Guernsey told WILX-TV on Sunday. "It's kind of sad. I don't think they meant offense by it, but they are just uneducated about what really was going on at that time. Yes, it's not happening now, but we don't need reminders of what happened in the past...we know.

This is not even the first time this month that the same denigrating slavery-era reference was used in a poster board promposal on social media.

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Just last week, 18-year-old Florida senior Noah Crowley was banned from attending his high school prom after posting a photo of him holding nearly the exact same words on a sign. If I was black, Id be picking cotton, but Im white so Im picking u 4 prom? read the Riverview High School students stenciled poster board.

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Crowleys parents worked out a deal with administrators that will keep him from attending any more school functions.

Screen Shot 2018-04-30 at 10

Screenshot: YouTube

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After numerous familial conversations and lengthy discussions with Riverview High School administrators, we have jointly agreed that our son will not be attending any further school activities or functions, including the Prom or graduation ceremony, the statement said.

Back in Michigan, the school districts superintendent, Michelle Falcon, responded to the couples racial backlash in a brief statement provided to WILX-TV.

"The district was made aware of the social media postings late yesterday," Falcon said. "We are currently investigating the situation and at this time we dont have any additional information to share. "

This article was first written by Newsweek

More from NewsweekTom Nabarro has realised his dream of becoming a father (SWNS)

A snowboarder is celebrating being a father for the first time after he was paralysed from the neck down in a horror accident.

Tom Nabarro thought his dream of becoming a father would never come true after he dislocated his neck in the fall in Bulgaria in 2007.

But now, 11 years later, the 33-year-old is celebrating the birth of his son Ori with wife Ellen, who stood by him following the accident.

Tom Nabarro before (left) and after his snowboarding accident. (SWNS)

Mr Nabarro, from Standlake, Oxfordshire, said: Not being able to have children was one of the things I worried about most.

So to finally have a baby of our own is absolutely incredible.

We have been enjoying every moment with our son so far  every squawk, gurgle or piglet-like noise.

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The software engineer nearly died when he dislocated his neck in the snowboarding accident, and suffered three cardiac arrests.

He spent over a year in Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, with girlfriend Ellen by his side before he was finally discharged in 2008.

The couple moved into a wheelchair-adapted home and Mr Nabarro proposed in October 2010  and they married two years later.

The 33-year-old was paralysed in a snowboarding accident (SWNS)

The pair were able to have a normal sex life but they were both worried that having a family might not be possible.

Mr Nabarro recalled: When we found out Ellen was pregnant we were so happy and just felt a huge sense of relief.

It was hard seeing friends and family become pregnant. When we did conceive the reality didnt really hit us for a little while.

Ori loves the sensation of curling up on his chest, soothed by the rise and fall of his fathers breathing (SWNS)

Ori  whose name means my light in Hebrew  was delivered at John Radcliffe Hospital, in Oxford, on March 14 weighing 7lb 6oz.

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Chest X-rays and blood tests revealed the tot had meningitis, but has now fully recovered.

While Oris devoted dad may not be able to pick hi up and cuddle him, he has found other ways to bond with the tot.

Mr Nabarro will hum Ori tunes and read him stories as he is unable to cuddle his son (SWNS)

Mr Nabarro added: I would love to hold and cuddle Ori in a hands-on fashion but instead we are focusing on the things I can do, like reading him stories, having him lie on my belly and listen to my voice.

The couple have nicknamed their son BOJ  for bundle of joy  and hope one day to give him a little brother or sister.World Labour Day: President calls for conducive industrial relations

The 129th International Labour Day is being marked across the globe on Tuesday.By Francesco Guarascio

VALLETTA (Reuters) - Several thousand people rallied in the Maltese capital Valletta on Tuesday in a show of support for the government, which is facing judicial inquiries into alleged corruption and European Union questions over the rule of law.

The rally, organised by Malta's Labour Party to mark Workers' Day, took place two days after demonstrators marched through Valletta chanting anti-government slogans and calling for justice after the killing of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Galizia was killed by a car bomb in October. Three people have been charged for carrying out the murder but police have not identified who ordered it.

Addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said Malta was moving forward on issues of justice but he did not mention the investigation into Caruana Galizia's murder.

He said, however, he had been victim of "the biggest lie" in Malta's political history, an apparent reference to the journalist's allegations - so far unproven - that his family had received kickbacks.

After Caruana Galizia's murder, Malta has come under pressure from European institutions, with a probe underway on its banking supervision by the European Banking Authority, and calls for investigations into the country's rule of law by the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.

Organisers said about 20,000 people took part in the rally.

The Mediterranean island is the smallest state of the European Union, with a population of 430,000.

It has experienced an economic boom over the last years, partly fuelled by business-friendly measures adopted by Muscat's government, including a scheme to sell Maltese citizenship to wealthy individuals.

"I have come here for Joseph first, then for Workers' Day," said one demonstrator, Joyce Farrugia, 48.

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; additional reporting by Chris Scicluna; Editing by Angus MacSwan)FILE PHOTO - Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Yanghee Lee gives her report to the Human Rights Council at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, March 12, 2018. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations human rights expert on Myanmar voiced deep concern on Tuesday at a sharply escalation in hostilties in Kachin state, citing reports of the army using aerial bombings, heavy weapons and artillery fire on civilian areas near China.

Innocent civilians are being killed and injured, and hundreds of families are now fleeing for their lives," Yanghee Lee, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said in a statement.

Thousands of people rallied on Monday in Kachin to demand humanitarian access for villagers trapped by fighting between government forces and ethnic minority insurgents that has displaced more than 5,000 people. Any wilful impediment of relief supplies may amount to war crimes under international law," Lee said, appealing for access.

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay, editing by Tom Miles)WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House said on Monday that information released by Israel on Iran's nuclear programme provides "new and compelling details" about Tehran's efforts to develop "missile-deliverable nuclear weapons."

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the White House statement said.

U.S. President Donald Trump is due to decide by May 12 whether to pull the United States out of a 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran.

(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Sandra Maler)Exploration and development company W Resources has begun a reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Sao Martinho gold project in Portugal.

The five week programme will see approximately 2,000 metres of total drilling spread across 15 holes as the company plans to extend gold resources identified at the site in a 2016 diamond drilling campaign.

The Sao Martinho West and East deposits will both be targeted, with seven and eight holes planned for each respectively.

A mineral resource estimate carried out by Golder Associates in June 2016 concluded that the project hosts a total resource of 11,987 contained ounces of gold.

Michael Masterman, chairman of W Resource, said: "Hot on the heels of the completion of the Tarouca tungsten drilling programme we are pleased to have commenced RC drilling at the Sao Martinho gold deposit with the objective to substantially increase the size of the JORC gold resource.

W Resources has access to an expanded area around the project through its wholly owned subsidiary Iberian Resources Portugal which in 2012 gained a licence for the exploration of the "Crato-Assumar-Arronches area", a 188 kilometer squared area adjacent to Sao Martinho.

As of 1623 BST, W Resources shares were down 0.96% at 0.52p.These were the movements in some of the most widely-followed 10-year sovereign bond yields:

Longer-term government bonds were generally higher on Tuesday, save in the US, as traders positioned themselves ahead of the US central bank's policy announcement the next day.

The latest economic data out in the States was again rather 'mixed', with the ISM institute's widely-followed gauge manufacturing sector gauge printing at 57.3 for April which was down from a reading of 59.3 in March (consensus: 58.5).

Nevertheless, economists were quick to point out how the 'new orders' subindex contained in that survey barely slipped, retreating from a reading of 61.9 to 60.2.

In parallel, another subindex linked to the 'prices paid' by companies edged higher from 78.1 to 79.3 - its highest reading since April 2011.

Ian Shepherdson at Pantheon Macroeconomics labeled the retreat in the gauge of new orders as "very modest", adding that it "remains very high by historical standards".

"If orders remain at this level, we'd expect no further significant decline in production [...] Relatively cold and snowy weather likely hurt a bit, but the bigger story, we think, is uneasiness over tariffs, which might be inducing a bit of caution, at the margin.

"That said, the bigger picture globally is that manufacturing surveys have peaked in recent months, and we don't expect to see new highs in the ISM in this cycle even if the trade war talk fizzles our completely."

Meanwhile, in the UK, IHS Markit's factory sector PMI retreated to a 17-month low of 53.9 in April, down from a reading of 54.8 for March (consensus: 54.9).

Economists appeared to be in agreement that the data would likely forestall a hike in Bank Rate at the May meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee.

For his part, Rob Dobson at IHS markit chipped-in: "Business optimism has also dipped to a five-month low as concerns about Brexit, trade barriers and the overall economic climate remained widespread."Former Autonomy chief financial officer Sushovan Hussain has been convicted of fraud in the US, marking the first judgement against the firm as part of a long-running legal battle between it and tech giant Hewlett Packard .

Hussain, a British citizen, was found guilty of artificially inflating the UK software firm's financial position before it was sold to HP. His lawyers have said they will appeal.

Prosecutors claimed that as far back as 2009, senior managers at Autonomy had attempted to inflate its share price, making it look more appealing to potential bidders by artificially raising the number of transactions on its books.

When HP acquired Autonomy in 2011 at a cost of 7.1bn ($10.7bn), boosting Hussain's personal wealth by $7.7m, according to court documents, the US firm claimed to have uncovered accounting irregularities and a year later was forced to write off $8.8bn of the British software firm's value.

Autonomy founder and chief executive Mike Lynch denied HP's allegations, claiming the US company was simply making accusations to distract from its own poor management and performance.

Lynch, also British, and Hussain are also facing a civil case from HP for damages.

Hussain was found guilty on all 16 charges, in what was referred to as an "unsustainable Ponzi scheme" during his decade-long tenure as the firm's finance manager and could face a maximum penalty of 20 years behind bars and a fine of $0.25m, plus restitution, for each charge.

Sentencing has been set to take place on Friday.

"As we have consistently maintained, Mr Hussain engaged in outright fraud and deliberately misled the market about non-existent sales through a series of calculated sham transactions," HP said.

"That Mr Hussain attempted to depict the fraud as nothing more than a misunderstanding of international accounting rules was, and still remains, patently ridiculous - and the jury has now held him accountable for his role in defrauding HP," the company added.European stocks were holding on to mild gains by midday on Tuesday amid quiet, holiday-thinned trade, as markets in France, Germany, Italy and Spain were closed for Labour Day.

The benchmark Stoxx Europe 600 index was up 0.1% to 385.75.

Investors were digesting news that US President Donald Trump has given the EU, Canada, Mexico and other allies another 30-day reprieve from new steel and aluminium tariffs. The exemptions will now last until 1 June, giving the US and the exempted nations more time to work out deals.

London Capital Group analyst Jasper Lawler said this is encouraging news and supports the notion that the tariffs are just a negotiating stance by Trump, who in fact has no intention of implementing them.

"That said, there is still plenty of uncertainty over the US - China trading relations and the US - Iran nuclear deal to keep investors on edge.

"Many markets across the globe are closed for Labour Day so trading is expected to be a trickle out of the blocks rather than anything more high impacting. Commodities are expected to remain in focus with oil prices hovering around 3  year highs as Trump threatens to pull out of the international nuclear deal with Iran, unless it is renegotiated by 12th May."

Corporate news was scarce, although oil giant BP was a bright spot after posting a 71% jump in profit for the first three months of 2018 as its upstream business reported its strongest quarter for more than three years.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: "BP hit all the right notes in its morning update, but after a 20% gain over the past six weeks a 1% gain was all that could be hoped for. Compared to Shell, BP still has a few issues to work out, but the meaningful break of the 525p ceiling that has held for four years will be an encouraging sign that the market has more faith in the firm now that the Deepwater Horizon spill has now more or less receded from view."

Elsewhere, Danish brewer Carlsberg was a touch higher after it said sales in the first quarter fell 5% due to a negative currency impact and lower volumes in its key Russian market.The National Crime Agency is carrying out a review of allegations of fraud at HBOS in a move that could lead to a full criminal investigation.

The NCA said its review of evidence would extend beyond the scope of a previous investigation that led to the imprisonment of six people in 2017.

Thames Valley Police, which carried out the original investigation, asked the NCA to review allegations of fraud at HBOSs impaired assets division for London and the South East. The review will decide whether the allegations require a full criminal investigation by NCA or other agencies.

Two former HBOS employees, Lynden Scourfield and Mark Dobson, were jailed in January 2017 for fraud and other offences committed between 2003 and 2007. HBOS was rescued by Lloyds Banking Group at the peak of the financial crisis in 2008.

Scourfield, who was in charge of looking after troubled business customers, took bribes from David Mills to load loans on to struggling companies and refer them to Mills's financial consultancy, which charged high fees and in some cases took control of the business.

Many of the businesses went bust and some of the owners lost their homes. Mills and his wife also went to jail over the scam.

A number of companies have reported allegations of significant fraud involving a former employee of HBOS and their associates. These include allegations of asset stripping through the use of corrupt consultants as well as allegations of fraud and money laundering. The sums of money involved could be significant, running to many millions, the NCA said.

Lloyds has set up a 100m compensation scheme for victims of the fraud, who had complained the bank reacted too slowly to their complaints. Victims have also claimed HBOS knew about the fraud as long ago as February 2008 and that the total value of the fraud may be closer to 1bn.

Lloyds said it welcomed the investigation. The news appeared to leave the bank's investors unperturbed as its shares rose 0.6% to 65p at 08:23 BST.The embattled TSB chief executive is to face intense questioning from MPs as the bank stumbled into its second week of chaos following its catastrophic IT failure. Paul Pester, along with the banks chair Richard Meddings and a representative from Spanish parent group Sabadell, will be hauled in front of the Treasury committee on Wednesday to explain how TSBs IT systems collapsed more than a week ago, and how they will compensate affected customers.  Guardian

The National Crime Agency is launching a fresh probe into a multimillion-pound banking fraud at HBOS to decide if there should be a new, full-blown criminal investigation. The announcement is a setback for Lloyds Banking Group, which bought HBOS in 2008. Six individuals, including two former HBOS employers, were jailed in 2017 for committing the fraud, which centred on the Reading branch of the bank. It was described by the judge as an utterly corrupt scheme that left small business owners cheated, defeated and penniless.  Guardian

Property investment company Urban Exposure will launch a 150m listing on Londons junior market today after shelving its previous plans to float in 2014. The Aim listing will enable the company to raise money to increase both the amount it is able to lend to housing developers, and to pick up more clients for its asset management division which looks after companies finances, it said. It will offer 150 million shares to investors at 1 each.  Telegraph

Collapsed retailer Conviviality rejected an 11th-hour rescue deal that would have secured the final 18m needed to save the Bargain Booze owner, an investor has revealed. Crystal Amber, the Aim-listed activist investor, made a written offer to the company to help complete Convivialitys 125m fund-raise in the days leading up to its collapse, but was rebuffed by the firms management. - Telegraph

The former finance boss of Autonomy was facing jail last night after he was convicted of using accounting tricks to flatter the companys finances before it was bought by Hewlett-Packard. A jury in San Francisco found Sushovan Hussain guilty on 16 counts of wire fraud in connection with allegations that he and others had duped HP and its investors before the 7 billion takeover.  The Times

The founder of Shire has come out in support of a proposed takeover by a Japanese rival. Harry Stratford, 70, who launched the pharmaceuticals company from an office above a village off-licence near Basingstoke in the mid-1980s, said that a 46 billion proposal from Takeda represented a fair price.  The Times25 October 2021

The WorldSkills Conference 2021 will review the impact of the pandemic on green skills development, on jobs and poverty, and on apprenticeships, as well as analyse data and trends at the global and regional level, bringing participants up to date with the learning and solutions that have emerged from this crisis.Search teams came from all over the area looking for the 4-year-old boy who was ripped from his mother and swept out to the deep ocean water when a Rogue Wave suddenly broke on the beach where they were walking. Both the mom and son were knocked off their feet by the huge and strong wave, but it was the undercurrent that carried the 4-year-old out to deep water in just a few seconds.

Ripped from his mother

The mom could only watch as her little boy was pulled further out to sea until another wave broke her line of sight. That was the last time she saw her little boy.

The boy has been identified as Wesley Belisle, who was visiting relatives in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, with his parents. He was their only child.

The family lives in Manchester, New Hampshire and were just visiting the Outer Banks at the time of the horrendous incident. Despite searching 130 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean last week there was no sign of little Wesley's body. All that was found was his little cap about an hour after he was swept out to sea.

Boy's cap recovered

The ocean current in the area is so strong that it carried the boy's hat two miles from where he went into the ocean in just that hour's time. Today Wesley's body was discovered by the Currituck County Sheriff's Office, about 35 miles away from the beach that Wesley was on when that rogue wave struck, according to the Virginian Pilot.

The boy's body was found on Carova Beach after the official search and recovery efforts were suspended. Despite the authorities calling off the official search, locals and teams of professional searchers took it upon themselves to carry-on looking for the body of the boy.

Almost impossible search

The hardest part of a search in that area has to do with the ocean currents.

There was no way to estimate where the body of the boy would most likely travel. Still, people took to the beaches, launched their own boats, and even searched from the air, all on their own.

After the Kitty Hawk Police Department announced the suspension of the search on Facebook they were inundated with calls offering to help in the search.

They posted another Facebook post saying all were welcome to search for the recovery of the boy. The currents in that area of the ocean, off North Carolina's Outer Banks, are so unpredictable that there was no one area they could pinpoint to search.

Wesley's body found

Before Wesley's body was found today, the community held a memorial for the boy on Sunday. People created a make-shift shrine to little Wesley on the beach near where he went into the water. The family received an outpouring of love and condolences from all over the world after the tragedy hit the headlines.Justa a few weeks back, the North Koreans and Donald trump were trading insults and threatening each other. Kim had appeared to become more belligerent after the claimed successful test of his H-Bomb. President Moon of South Korea and Japan had also ranged against Kim in support of the USA. Kim, however, has done a magicians trick. Just like Merlin the magician from King Arthurs days, the Korean dictator has started looking reasonable and accommodating.

After a summit meeting with the South Korean president Moon, he announced a suspension of all nuclear tests and the closure of his nuclear testing site.

The US President Trump hailed the steps taken by Kim and now the stage is set for a Trump-Kim summit very soon. The Washington Times has reported that Kim has promised to give up his nuclear arsenal if the USA promises not to attack North Korea.

Nuclear weapons

The Change Of Heart of the North Korean Dictator Kim has happened in a very short time. Many are wondering how Kim changed his stance overnight and some feel that Kim may be playing another game as a leopard cannot change his spots. Kim is a shrewd leader and one wonders whether he will in reality de-nuclearize especially after stating many times that nuclear weapons in possession of North Korea are non-negotiable. There is, however, a distinct possibility that he may stop further testing as he has an H- Bomb in his arsenal.

The fact is, Kim does not need to test any more weapons. He has already entered the nuclear powers club, though the nuclear powers do not recognize him. Secondly, he will like to rid himself of dependence on China. All neighbors of China including Vietnam do not consider China a friend. The Korean leader is wary of China and this is an excellent time to try for an independent course with a president who wants to get in the history books.

All this would not have been possible if Trump had not agreed to the summit with Kim. For decades US presidents did not think it proper to have a meeting with the North Korean leader.

Trump-Kim summit

The Trump-Kim summit will be important as it will wean the North away from the influence of China. The USA will be pleased with this.

Kim may also agree to stop further developments of WMD but the chances that he will hand over his nuclear weapons and rely only on conventional weapons may turn out to be a pipe dream. Kim is young and cunning and knows a trick or two about diplomacy.

One thing for sure, though Kim may not give up his nuclear weaponry, he will be more reasonable and the Far East will be a safer place. It may also mark the end of Chinese influence in this region.At age 12, "Cinderella"  that is, Jules Massenets French opera "Cendrillon"  finally debuted at Metropolitan Opera. Composed in 1899, it took 120 years to reach that famous stage. While the delay may be inexcusable, at least the Met can make amends by programming this delightful work frequently in future seasons. The whimsical production by director and costume designer Laurent Pelly was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2006, where American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato first interpreted the title role. Since then, the production has traveled the world, stopping in Barcelona, Brussels, London, and Lille, France, often with Ms.

DiDonato at the lead and British mezzo-soprano Alice Coote appearing opposite her as Prince Charming, a trousers role. Both ladies appeared in the Saturday matinee, April 28, performance flanked by other luminaries, simultaneously broadcast in high definition to cinemas worldwide.

The look of Cendrillon

Cendrillons home is awash with neutral colors and earth tones. The Princes palace is regal crimson, magenta, and glittering gold. Oddly, the enchanted oak scene takes place in a library stuffed with oversize books in stacks and on shelves. At home, Cendrillon dresses like a scullery maid; for the palace, she dons a dreamy, gleamy hoop skirt of chiffon and sparklesivory tones at the top with the voluminous skirt progressively darkening towards the floor to suggest the womans humble station amidst the ashes.

An ingenious unit set with foldable walls allows for quick scene changes. Across the walls appear lines and paragraphs, in French, from Charles Perraults 1697 book of fairytales, specifically the story of Cendrillon. According to Joyce DiDonato, Director Laurent Pelly was smitten by that book in childhood, and his whimsical, yet at times serious, production confirms her assertion.

 Massenets Cendrillon is Live in #MetHD worldwide this Saturday, 4/28! Dont miss a luminous new production ... utterly enchanting (@Observer) starring @JoyceDiDonato in the title role. pic.twitter.com/gSrbPtmIj8  Metropolitan Opera (@MetOpera) 25 April 2018

"You simply have to see it" @observer@MetOpera Cendrillon  Massenet#EncoreScreening @JerOperaHouse

Sun 29th April | 6pm  BO (01534) 511 115 pic.twitter.com/VdgESqP5Lk  Jersey Opera House (@JerOperaHouse) 29 April 2018

Leading 'men'

Cendrillons affectionate but henpecked father, Pandolphe, provides the principal male voice in the cast dominated by mezzo-sopranos and an occasional soprano.

Frances bass-baritone Laurent Naouri sings with warmth and soothing tone, especially in his Act III duet with Cendrillon. Playing Prince Charming is Alice Coote, convincingly dressed and groomed to look very much the handsome male. Her light, supple voice turns alluring in duet with Cendrillon, and the role fits her even better than Idamante in last seasons Mozart rarity "Idomeneo," another trousers role. Massenet was ahead of his time, depicting his Prince as utterly lonely and depressed, much in need of being rescued by a beautiful, self-confident maiden.

Array of ladies

Israeli mezzo-soprano Maya Lahyani and Chinese soprano Ying Fang are Cendrillons clueless stepsisters, Dorothee and Noemi, respectively.

Heard always in an ensemble, one doesnt have the opportunity to distinguish their delicious voices from the rest. As their imperious mother, American mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythewho arguably received the most uproarious ovationis the archetypal wicked stepmother par excellence, singing with fearsome power when things dont go her way, yet perfectly negotiating all the comedic schtick of her doesnt-know-shes-funny self. Joyce DiDonato glows in the title role, which she has inhabited throughout 12 years. She deploys a multifaceted voice thats best in Cendrillons tender passages, and her Tony-Award-worthy acting makes one almost believe she represents a historical character.

Yet theres more 

Chorus and Orchestra underpinning

Whether eight or 40 members are onstage, Metropolitan Opera Chorus is chameleonic, adapting itself to each vocal situation, but never just blending into the background. Its brief offstage passage in the enchanted oak scene is superbly sensual. French conductor Bertrand de Billy leads an energetic yet sympathetic reading of the score and isnt afraid of brisk tempi. Under his baton, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra paints a replete palette of symphonic color. Particularly extraordinary for their otherworldly sonorities are the scenes featuring The Fairy Godmother, deftly sung by South Korean stratospheric soprano Kathleen Kim, who is just as kooky as she is commanding in mustering her fairy forces.

Why see Cendrillon

Four ballerinas and as many dancers interpret the ballet sequences that thread throughout the four acts, displaying numerous styles, always elegant, sometimes zany. The presentation of the princesses from distant realms is priceless, and Italian choreographer Laura Scozzis wildly inventive paces for the four ballet couples, the soloists, and 40+ chorus members  who perform the most creative conga youll ever see  is itself worth the price of a ticket. And thats if you manage to survive the upwards of 20 unique, quirky gowns adorning said princesses. How Laurent Pelly accomplishes so much cartoonish couturier alternating between just crimson and burgundy defies belief.

And did we say that this is one opera that is totally kid-friendly? In fact, droves of youngsters were present in Saturdays sold-out crowd.

"Cendrillon," by Jules Massenet has three performances remaining through May 11 at Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York, New York."The Young and the Restless" spoilers promise that Victor Newman (Eric Braeden) and Nikki Newman (Melody Thomas Scott) are about to hit another turning point in their marriage. What comes next for The Mustache and his long-time love is still up in the air, but it seems that they might close down their open marriage. If so, there are two schemers in Genoa City that might be out of luck!

Arturo and Helen: Siblings and schemers?

"Y&R" spoiler info has Arturo Rosales (Jason Canela) hitting GC in early February, and, coincidentally, Helen Wallace (Sitara Hewitt) came around mid-February.

Both were able to rapidly attach themselves to big power players in town. Arturo used Nikolas Newman (Joshua Morrow) as a stepping stone to meet Nikki and bound right into her bed.

And we learned recently that Helen was not only glommed onto Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) by working at Jabot, but also is the mistress of The Mustache! Helen and Arturo have enough of a resemblance to be siblings and both seem to be interacting with the same set of power players in Genoa City. If they are running a con, is it about profit or payback?

'Y&R' revenge plan

As of now, Arturo and Helen are both romancing half the powerful Newman pair, but "Young and the Restless" spoilers hint that that changes soon.

Victor is close to figuring out that Arturo is bedding his wife and he doesn't like it -- even though he agreed to the open marriage. Nikki also didn't like having Helen at the ranch and staring down the table at her husband's mistress.

With Victor's recent death scare, Victor And Nikki might be thinking about resuming a traditional marriage and loving each other again.

If so, that leaves Arturo and Helen out in the cold. And if the pair is scheming together, it shuts down their plans. Another question to consider is whether Helen and Arturo are schemers or whether they came to town with revenge on their minds.

RT for Arturo

Like for Luca #YR pic.twitter.com/P8lC8cWGBn   Soaps Fan  (@soapsfan6457) April 6, 2018

A Santori scheme?

Its been a minute since Luca Santori was in town, but he's a big schemer and furious that he wound up in prison thanks to the Abbotts and Newmans.

Given how powerful and bitter the Santori family is, perhaps Helen and Arturo are part of that crew and came to Genoa City specifically to target Jabot, Newman Enterprises, and the Newmans personally!

Jack's face after Nikki told him the nature of Victor and Helen's relationship. 

Meanwhile, Victor is asleep in his wheelchair. #YR pic.twitter.com/bHCtnSRyNy  Colleen (@jetergirl410) April 23, 2018

Are Arturo, Luca, and Helen family? Is there something deeper afoot her than just booty calls and boy toys? While "Young and the Restless" spoilers haven't provided details yet or much of a backstory, there is lots of potential here. Helen supposedly had a reputation as a top chemist, but that doesn't mean she's not a Santori or that the powerful family falsified her background.

What do you think? Are Helen and Arturo working together? Are they schemers or just unlucky in love and about to get dumped by their older Newman lovers? "Y&R" spoilers tease that Arturo is also working an angle with Abby Newman (Melissa Ordway) which is another sign he might be targeting the Newmans for something more than romance. We'll find out more soon with the latest "The Young and the Restless" spoilers.The US embassy in London was shifted from Grosvenor Square, Mayfair to its new location in Nine Elms, south of the Thames in January. On that occasion, the presence of Donald Trump would have made a lot of difference but that did not happen. He refused to go because he felt the relocation was an incorrect decision that had been taken by the earlier administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Sky News reports that Trump has raked up the issue again while speaking at a rally in Michigan. He has said that the new US Embassy in London was in a "lousy" location, and added that the previous location was the best in London.

Arguments of Trump

Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Britain on Friday 13 July. At the rally, he explained that he was supposed to visit London earlier to open the new embassy but he did not agree to go because he was not happy with the change in location. He criticized it as an incorrect decision. At that time, there was speculation that the reason for the cancellation lay elsewhere. There were fears of large-scale protests in London if he did arrive.

Shifting of the US embassy from Grosvenor Square was initiated by the administration of George W. Bush and was made public in October 2008, shortly before Barack Obama took over. Trump said that, according to information available, the Mayfair site had been sold for $250m and the cost of the new setup runs to over a billion dollars.

The London Underground will add a new branch line to facilitate public transportation to the new location of the embassy.

BBC adds that one of the reasons for moving the embassy from Mayfair was its size. It was considered to be too small to install a modern security system that had become necessary in view of newer threat perceptions.

The embassy in Vauxhall was opened on 16 January 2018.

Sadiq Khan rakes up an old issue

London mayor Sadiq Khan has raked up an old issue related to the Twitter war between him and Donald Trump. It was after the terror attack on London Bridge in which seven persons were killed. At that time, Londoners had taken to the social media to vent their ire and threatened to resort to protests in case Trump arrived in London to open the US embassy.

Since Trump plans to go there now, the Mayor has suggested that it would be in the fitness of things if he tenders an apology for his earlier actions. Sadiq Khan has indicated to a section of the media that demonstrations are inevitable during the visit and he wants them to be peaceful and lawful.One of the largest companies producing farm equipment worldwide, Mahindra Group, joins the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in May to become its largest internationally headquartered tenant, said Guru Ghosh, vice president for Outreach and International Affairs at Virginia Tech.

The new center seeks to create breakthrough products for North American markets. At the same time, the companys Virginia Tech research project in mechanical engineering aims to advance emerging farm technologies, like fruit-picking robots.

Rajesh Jejurikar, president of Mahindra & Mahindras Farm Equipment Sector, said, Mahindra Group strives to be at the forefront of technology and innovation with a view to improve lives of our customers. We believe that leveraging the ecosystem of a leading academic institution such as Virginia Tech will foster innovation and enable us to stay ahead globally.

The Virginia site was selected for its reputation in supporting research endeavors, according to the company. Mahindra North America is headquartered in Houston, Texas, which also was considered. Aravind S. Bharadwaj, chief technology officer for Mahindras farm equipment sector in Chennai, India, said, The Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center offers the perfect setting for both research and testing. The commonwealths rural communities married with Virginia Techs research expertise were the winning factors in narrowing down to Virginia Tech.

An outline of the research can be seen in this two-minute YouTube video:Saherah Khan, of Clifton, Virginia, a student in the Pamplin College of Business, will graduate this month and take a formative step toward achieving her long-term goal of developing policy that provides equal educational opportunities for all children.



Through the nonprofit Teach for America program, Khan has made a two-year commitment to teaching in low-income Washington, D.C., schools.

I want to experience the injustices occurring in classrooms firsthand, before I move on to tackling how best to improve educational policies affecting children living in poverty and homelessness, Khan said.

Khan is a business management major, with a concentration in consulting and analysis, and a recipient of the Pamplin New Horizons Scholarship, established in 2013 to recruit more students with a diverse background to Pamplin and to promote a better understanding about the importance of diversity in higher education and in the workplace.

Khan will also receive a degree in public and urban affairs, with a concentration in public policy, from the School of Public and International Affairs in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies.

Management consulting is applicable to any business, including strategies for nonprofit work, said Khan. I feel that with these two degrees I am getting the best of both worlds for what I want to do. Also, I truly believe that it is a real benefit to be able to approach challenges with knowledge that extends beyond one area.

Her motivation for choosing a career path dedicated to equal education  and her commitment to social justice in general  comes from her personal story, Khan said. While living in a rural Pakistani village for two years between middle and high school, she was forbidden to attend school.

Conditions there, especially for girls and women, were dehumanizing and made me realize how important an education is to self-worth, Khan said.

Returning to Northern Virginia, she attended Centreville High School, where she learned about the Pamplin New Horizons Scholarship during her senior year.

I am grateful for this $20,000 scholarship, as it was instrumental in me being able to attend college, enabling me to pursue my dreams, said Khan.

Khans internships and other extracurricular activities are diverse but all within her interests of public policy, government, nonprofit management, poverty, and welfare policy.

She was a community engagement intern at the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax, Virginia; a policy and research intern at Peacework in Blacksburg; and a Congressional intern for Sen. Mark Warner in Roanoke. Her responsibilities ranged from advocating for the well-being of shelter families and placing children and teens in appropriate summer programs to researching and writing white papers to answering legislative and casework-related phone calls from constituents throughout Virginia.

Currently, Khan serves as a special advocate at Court Appointed Special Advocates in Christiansburg. Since fall 2017, she has represented Virginia Tech on the student advisory committee for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

As a fellow in the Young Democrats of America College Leadership Academy, Khan spent a full day lobbying on Capitol Hill around issues that currently affect college students, including the American Health Care Act of 2017 and Student Loan Repayment Assistance Act of 2017.

From May 2016 to August 2017, she served as a campus ambassador for the Peace Corps, creating innovative campus programs and engaging in student outreach that included class talks, social media efforts, and campus events.

Last year, Khan founded Humans Against Social Injustice, a nonprofit organization that partners with local organizations to address a wide range of social issues, including homelessness and education.

Khan hopes to pursue a graduate degree in education and social policy and to work for the U.S. Department of Education, where she can help facilitate change.

My life has taken a few detours, said Khan. But I believe the obstacles I overcame in Pakistan, the experiences I have gained while a student, and what I will learn while working for Teach for America are all going to help me create the change I wish to see in this world.

Written by Barbara MicaleGeoffrey Saunders, associate professor of pathology in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the university community since 1982, Saunders made significant contributions to the profession of veterinary medicine through his scholarship in the field of anatomic pathology, and he applied his clinical skills and knowledge through his work at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Blacksburg.

In the classroom, Saunders was an advisor to many students on masters degree and doctoral dissertations and helped them develop successful careers in the private sector, academia, government, and industry.

He is a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Saunders received his bachelors degree, masters degree, and doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of California, Davis.

With a history of discovering and carrying newfound creatures into her home as a child, it came as no surprise to her family and friends when Aubrie Michelle Smith, of Stephens City, Virginia, decided to pursue a career caring for animals.

Now, not only will she earn her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech in May, but shell do so as her classs valedictorian and recipient of the Richard B. Talbot Award.



I am very blessed to be where I am today, said Smith. I am deeply honored to be selected as the recipient of this years Richard B. Talbot Award in memory of our founding dean.



Smith completed a bachelor's degree in biological sciences with a minor in animal and poultry sciences from Virginia Tech in 2014. During her undergraduate years, she gained experience as an animal and poultry science teaching assistant, found early access to the veterinary college as an animal care technician, and spent her summer working at an entomology research center.



In the summer prior to starting veterinary school, Smith was accepted into the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP), where she started a research project with human cardiac stem cells, which later led to publication.



While pursuing the veterinary colleges small animal track, one of five options in the tracking curriculum, Smith expanded her horizons through diverse learning experiences. From visiting Atlantic salmon farms in southern Chile, to visiting the vivariums in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, she has studied veterinary medicine in seven states and four countries. Its good to get a different perspective, she said.



Outside of the classroom and clinics, Smith remained active in extracurricular activities. She served as a member of the Companion Animal Club, Public Veterinary Practice Club, as well as the student chapters of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. She also served as a student ambassador for the school  a position in which she says she enjoyed sharing [her] enthusiasm with prospective students.



With plans to keep traveling in the future, Smith has accepted a position working in emergency medicine in Northern Virginia. While she is looking forward to the next step, she is doing so with a sense of nostalgia for all her years in Blacksburg, including her classmates who now feel, she said, like a family.



Vet school has pushed me further mentally than I ever thought I could go, Smith said. I am very proud of my alma mater and all of my classmates who have made this journey with me. I will miss seeing all their faces, along with the wonderful faculty and staff at VMCVM. Virginia Tech will always hold a special place in my heart.

Written by Leslie Jernegan, a masters degree student in the Department of English in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

If an industrial concern were run as the Army is being run, it would be bankrupt in six months, one U.S. soldier wrote on a World War II survey.

I think the whole nation should be asked to sacrifice as much as the soldier, another scrawled.

Still another concluded his handwritten remarks with a vigorous To hell with Hitler!

These sentiments are excerpted from just a few of the more than 65,000 entries captured in a remarkable collection of written reflections by U.S. soldiers who fought during the Second World War.

A team of Virginia Tech experts is now poised to bring those narratives to a broad audience through The American Soldier in World War II, a national initiative aimed at using crowdsourcing and natural-language-processing techniques to reconstitute a comprehensive portrait of the largest army in U.S. history.

This immense collection of World War II reflections provides us an unparalleled view of this monumental conflict from the personal perspective of the American soldier, said Edward Gitre, the Virginia Tech assistant professor of history who is leading the project. We are hoping to write  quite literally  tens of thousands of personal expressions of soldiers into the historical record.

Early in the conflict, the War Department created the Army Research Branch, a social and behavioral sciences unit that surveyed and interviewed approximately 500,000 soldiers over the course of the war. Participating service members were promised anonymity.

Free from the threat of censorship or retaliation, tens of thousands of those soldiers not only filled out the lengthy surveys, but also provided handwritten commentary.

While the quantitative data were later digitized and are available through the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration and Cornell Universitys Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, the comments themselves have long been available only to those who could view them on microfilm rolls on-site at the National Archives building in College Park, Maryland.

As a result, the very personal words of thousands of soldiers have remained largely unread. So, in the spring of 2017, Gitre secured a National Endowment for the Humanities startup grant to create searchable digital archives of the soldiers personal, real-time insights into military service. The National Archives has provided support as well, initially through the coordination of the public release of relevant digitized records.

During World War II, the U.S. Army was a citizen-soldier force, as only a fraction of the more than 16 million men and women who served in the Armed Forces had any prior military experience, said Gitre. For some, the transition came naturally; others had difficulty.

These soldiers were eager to offer additional advice, praise, and criticism, and to share their stories of serving in the Army. Their remarks touch on everything from patriotism to morale to such mundane topics as unsavory rations.

The American Soldier Project, said Kurt Luther, the initiatives technical director and an assistant professor of computer science in the College of Engineering, is a researchers goldmine into understanding the common soldiers experience during World War II. The key is to make their words more accessible to scholars and the public. Handwriting is generally hard for computers to read, but humans can be pretty good at it.

The project team will take advantage of that human skill through a crowdsourced transcription project on Zooniverse, an online citizen-science platform with more than a million registered volunteers.

To help engage the public in capturing those remarks digitally, Virginia Tech will also host a transcribe-a-thon on May 8  the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, better known as VE Day  from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Athenaeum of Newman Library. The university is encouraging other sites across the country to participate virtually in the transcribe-a-thon as well.

Once the crowd has transcribed all the soldiers handwritten responses, which Gitre predicts will take a year or two, the teams next task will be to relink that commentary to the multiple-choice survey responses using both human and artificial intelligence to identify salient topics across the collection, with natural-language processing and other innovative computational methods.

The team will then make the reconstituted data accessible to the public and to scholars through an open-access website that will enable exploration of the surveys and responses.

Finally, the team will work with David Hicks, a professor in the Virginia Tech School of Education, to craft lessons for high school teachers and college professors, with the aim of using the handwritten reflections to engage students in primary-source analyses of wartime experiences.

The U.S. helped the Allies win World War II because thousands of ordinary Americans fought and sacrificed, either on the home front or on the battlefield, said Luther. Its important to understand the experience of these everyday men and women who gave so much for the greater good. This project helps tell the stories of their experiences in their own words.

The May 8 transcribe-a-thon is hosted by University Libraries in collaboration with the Department of History, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and the Department of Computer Science.

In addition to Gitre and Luther, key project collaborators include Aaron Schroeder, a senior research scientist, and Gizem Korkmaz, a research assistant professor, both in the Social and Decision Analytics Laboratory of the Biocomplexity Institute. Schroeder and Korkmaz will extract data from the survey files and apply artificial intelligence tools to determine collection topics.

Other major Virginia Tech contributors include Nai-Ching Wang, project developer and a doctoral candidate in the Department of Computer Science; Michael Hughes, social science consultant and a professor in the Department of Sociology; and, in University Libraries, Corinne Guimont, digital publishing specialist; Christopher Miller, digital humanities coordinator; Michael Stamper, data visualization designer; Nathaniel Porter, data consultant; and Marc Brodsky, public services archivist.

The American Soldier in World War II is a fabulous project and a great fit for Virginia Tech, said Peter Potter, director of publishing strategy for University Libraries. At University Libraries, we are particularly gratified to be playing a part because it requires us to draw upon expertise in multiple areas in which we are especially strong, including in the digital humanities, data management, and informatics more broadly. We see this as an opportunity not simply to bring long-hidden records out into the open, but to maximize their usefulness to the largest number of potential users, from scholars and students to anyone in the general public with an interest in Americas crucial role in World War II.

The National Endowment for the Humanities  a U.S. government agency that provides grants to support research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities  has been a significant funder of history and literature projects in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, with nearly $1 million in grants in the past six years alone.

In addition to providing digitized records, the National Archives, the countrys official recordkeeper, will be promoting the project to its citizen-archivist community and will ingest completed transcriptions back into the National Archives Catalog.

The Social Science Research Council  an international, independent nonprofit organization  granted the project usage rights to the original research it published in 1949.Unisys takes $250M TSA award with 'Stealth' solution

Unisys is finally able to celebrate a $250 million Transportation Security Administration win that is a takeaway from an incumbent.

Unisys first won the five-year Domain Awareness Integrated Network Support Services contract in November. General Dynamics' mission systems business was the incumbent and took its protest to the Court of Federal Claims.

Technically a blanket purchase agreement, TSA wants a platform to integrate data collected from passenger and baggage screening equipment. The platform will provide real-time awareness and risk assessments of cybersecurity threats to the equipment.

General Dynamics argued it should have been picked due to having a better technical score and the fact that price was the least important factor in the competition.

But the price gap was huge between Unisys and GD to the tune of $150 million.

The solicitation required bidders respond to a task order as part of the evaluation for the contract award. Unisys' bid was $30 million versus GDs of $180.1 million.

Whenever an agency picks a higher priced bidder, it has to explain why the higher price represented best value to the government.

In this case, TSA just couldnt do it.

TSA could not identify close to [$150 million] in technical benefits that would justify paying this price premium, the agency told the court.

Interestingly, GDs bid was below the governments estimated value for the contract.

One of GDs complaints is that technology at the heart of Unisys proposal is too risky. Unisys plans to use its Stealth cybersecurity product and touts it in its announcement of the win.

Stealth is what Unisys describes as a microsegmentation software that will allow TSA to connect and manage all of its airport screening equipment on the agencys global network. The technology will secure users, data, applications and systems from cyber threats, Unisys said.

Stealth uses encryption and cloaks the network from external attackers as well as mitigating insider threats, the company said.

GD argued that TSA failed to evaluate the hidden costs and risks of moving to Stealth, which GD claims would require TSA to rewrite how programs access STIP databases. An error in rewriting the programs that access the STIP database could make the [transportation screening equipment] data inaccessible, thus making security threat trends unidentifiable, General Dynamics argued.

Venkatapathi PV Puvvada, president of Unisys' federal business, defended Stealth in a statement to Washington Technology.

In this competition, the innovative and disruptive approach Unisys proposed for the TSA was the most significant differentiator, he said.

TSA acknowledged that there were some concerns with Unisys proposal but GDs arguments didnt take the whole of the technical solution into account. The court ruled that TSA acted reasonably in describing Unisys technical proposal as acceptable.

Unisys and TSA argued the agency's concerns with Unisys technical proposal only represented moderate risk.

And with the huge price differential, the moderate risk was worth taking.Aberdeen area high school top performers from Week Eight of the fall season

Here are the top performers from this week.A southern New Mexico judge who also has law enforcement experience was sworn onto the state Supreme Court on Monday.

New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Gary L. Clingman was sworn into office by Chief Justice Judith Nakamura.

Gov. Susana Martinez in April appointed Clingman to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Edward Chavez. Clingman will fill the seat through the general election process.

Clingman was a district judge in Lea County for the 5th Judicial District from 1997 until he was tapped for a seat on the states highest court. He was chief judge of the judicial district from 2006 to 2013, according to a news release from the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts.

Clingman graduated with a law degree in 1984 from Texas Tech University School of Law and he earned a master of judicial studies from the University of Nevada in 2014.

He worked as a private practice attorney with a Hobbs law firm from 1985 to 1997, and previously as a law enforcement officer and oilfield worker.This story has been changed to correct the amount of the Google grant for the Rolling Study Hall program.

SANTA FE  Santa Fe Public Schools is one of 16 school districts in 12 states being added to Googles Rolling Study Hall program, an initiative that allows students with long commutes to gain access to the internet so they can do homework on the bus to and from school under the oversight of an on-board tutor.

We want to do everything we can to make that bus ride really productive for you, Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., told a group of several dozen students gathered in Santa Fes Milagro Middle School gymnasium just before boarding a bus for a demonstration.

Udall said the purpose of the program is to close the digital divide, or homework gap, between students that dont have access to the internet at home.

According to a 2015 report by the Pew Research Center, low-income homes with children ages 6 to 17 are four times more likely to not have access to broadband at home than middle- or upper-income families. Theres also a divide of more than 10 percentage points between black and Hispanic households compared to white households, according to the research.

Udall said he became an advocate for the program after hearing from a student-athlete in Las Cruces who, because of his practice and game schedule, was doing his homework from a school parking lot where he could tap into the internet.

The program is being funded with an $85,000 grant that will pay for the installation of mobile Wi-Fi routers and other equipment on six buses, as well as pay stipends for teachers willing to ride the bus and serve as tutors.

Neal Weaver, director of digital learning for SFPS, said the buses were selected based on the number of students aboard and the duration of the bus route.

One of the biggest keys is the time spent with the curriculum and being able to extend the classroom, he said, adding that the program could be expanded in Santa Fe if it proves successful.

Google says it has already proven to be successful in pilot programs in North and South Carolina, where promising gains in reading and math proficiency were recorded.

Alex Sanchez, Googles project manager for Rolling Study Hall, said some students spend more than two hours per day on a school bus. The Rolling Study Hall can be a real game changer for them, he said.

Santa Fe Public Schools may have an inside track for being selected by Google. Tom Ryan, the districts chief information and strategy officer, is chairman of the board for Consortium for School Networking, a national nonprofit group that is partnering with Google and Kajeet, a mobile broadband provider, on the Rolling Study Hall program. Ryan said the technology provides for another opportunity for creating a high-quality learning environment.

We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com.Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

Desperate panting (windows fogged up).

The street address. The make and model of the vehicle. The license plate number. A number to call for more information.

All those details were provided by Madelyn McCabe, an employee at Rehms Nursery in Northeast Albuquerque, in a call to report a parked SUV where five dogs were abandoned  and ultimately left to die inside.

McCabe made the report in a call to the citys 311 citizen help line around noon April 4.

She was expecting a quick response from the citys Animal Welfare Department and said that at that time she saw only one distressed dog inside the unventilated vehicle.

Dog locked in cart (sic) 1/2 block north on Alvarado on the street just north of ally (sic) from Rehms, reads the 311 note, describing the vehicles location near Alvarado and Lomas NE.

McCabe also provided the phone number for the nursery but said no one tried to reach her again after the initial call.

She said she had thought someone would arrive to assist the animal and left work in the afternoon.

But by 4 p.m., as outside temperatures reached the 70s, other Rehms employees realized that no one had seen anyone from Animal Welfares field operations team come by. They checked the vehicle, and now it looked like at least two dogs were dead.

Rehms employee Joshua Deale called police at 4:20 p.m.

Theres two dogs that are dead inside, Deale told a 911 operator. We called animal control and nobody ever came out.

By the time police arrived 25 minutes later, all five of the animals had perished in the heat.

After the tragedy, Animal Welfare told the Journal the field officer had been unable to locate the vehicle  which also had its blinking hazard lights on.

Mayor Tim Keller ordered the department to investigate the incident soon after the animals died.

But when asked again about the employees inability to locate the car in light of the amount of information found on the 311 recording, Animal Welfare spokeswoman Desiree Cawley responded with an email:

We launched a full investigation, and the driver who neglected to find the vehicle with the dogs inside is no longer with the City. We are committed to ensuring that the Animal Welfare Department is implementing best practices to prevent tragic events like this from happening again.

Cawley wrote in a later email that during the investigation of the incident, that employee resigned.

The woman accused of abandoning the dogs, 31-year-old Sara Mauter, is being held at the county jail and faces five charges of extreme cruelty to animals.

Annette Rosenow, the owner of the dogs, has said she was moving to Texas and hired Mauter and her boyfriend to help transport 11 of her dogs to her new home after posting an ad on Craigslist.

The remaining animals were safely returned to Rosenow, who faces dozens of animal-related offenses in Torrance County, where she lived, and Albuquerque. Charges include failure to vaccinate and unsafe transporting of animals in vehicles.

Around the web

zergnetJurors on Monday acquitted a 25-year-old man of murder charges in a 2017 shooting that left two men dead.

Anthony Kapinskis attorney said the young man had been punched repeatedly before he grabbed a gun and, acting in defense of himself and his life, shot 21-year-old Jordan Mucher and 22-year-old Paul Francia.

The altercation, which took place in a church parking lot near Montgomery and Carlisle in June, was recorded on surveillance cameras. Defense attorney David Chacon said a group of three people surrounded Kapinski in a planned and premeditated attack.

The video clearly showed that Anthony sustained between six and 10 punches, depending on how you want to count them, and he was pummelled into his own vehicle by somebody who, the evidence showed, was twice his size, Chacon said. Thats when he was forced to act, to defend himself.

Early on, a witness told police that the trio believed Kapinski had stolen car parts from them. But Chacon said Monday that the motivation for the fight was never made clear.

Chacon said the six-day trial before 2nd Judicial District Judge Benjamin Chavez was difficult for everyone involved.

There are two families who are grieving and hurting because their children are gone today, but on the other side of that, should Anthony be held criminally culpable? he said. Thats a completely different question. Thats the question that the jury was called to decide.

A spokesman for the District Attorneys Office said Monday that self defense claims are difficult to refute.

The video evidence of the fight leading up to the shooting was significant for the jury, he said.Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

A community support shuttle service operated by New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers has begun offering free rides to people who live on the streets and others in need of services in the Downtown area.

The shuttle is sponsored by the city of Albuquerques Department of Family and Community Services, and city officials joined leaders from Health Care for the Homeless, St. Martins Hospitality Center, Heading Home, Steelbridge and other community organizations to kick off the service on Monday.

Albuquerque City Councilor Isaac Benton said the innovative project, which started as a pilot program, will benefit the community.

All of these (community organizations) surveyed their clients, and we got a good survey sampling of where people needed to go, Benton said. Were restarting this with a route that is primarily in the Downtown area. It will give people easy access to some of the places where they need to go.

The city awarded the operating contract to New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers at a cost of $175,583 from the Department of Family and Community Services operating budget.

The shuttle is a 10-passenger vehicle and will provide a trained peer support specialist on board to help passengers navigate their way to appointments and provide support.

It will run Mondays through Fridays between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., making stops at Good Shepherd/Steelbridge on Second SW, Alvarado Transportation Center at First and Central SW, Health Care for the Homeless at 1217 First NW, Noon Day at 2400 Second NW, Coronado Park at 301 McKnight NW, St. Martins Hospitality Center at 1201 Third NW, Storehouse at 106 Broadway SE, the main location of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Public Library at 501 Copper NW and the Social Security Administration office at 500 Lead SW.

Although the shuttle uses a timetable of five to 10 minutes between stops, times are estimated arrival times. Service providers can call 505-569-3530 to let the shuttle know a rider is waiting or to determine the estimated arrival time of the next shuttle.

When we think of ending homelessness, this is a simple solution that shortens each step towards people getting off the streets by getting them to the places they need to be to address their situation, said Jenny Metzler, executive director with Health Care for the Homeless. I hope that it will benefit those riders.

In addition to the planned route, riders can request stops at the Barelas Community Center at 801 Barelas SW, the Johnny Tapia Community Center At Wells Park at 500 Mountain NW and the New Mexico Human Services Department Income Support Division at 1401 Lamberton NE.

Riders can also request stops at the Barrett House, Veterans Administration Hospital, MATS detox rehabilitation center and the University of New Mexico pharmacy from 9 to 10 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Route times may change because of those stops.

No shuttle service is available between noon and 1 p.m.

The shuttle will not run on federal holidays.

Aside from providing a much-needed resource, I think the one thing that is important is that as a community, weve developed this program to help those in need as a group of people concerned with the needs of our community, said Bobby Ehrig, CEO of New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers. This is another value-added benefit to being in Albuquerque.WASHINGTON  Praying for the poor is now apparently a firing offense in the corridors of power.

House Speaker Paul Ryan did not give a reason when his chief of staff this month told the Rev. Patrick Conroy, a Jesuit priest and House chaplain, to resign or face dismissal.

But we know this much: Ryans office complained to Conroy about a prayer he offered on the House floor during the tax overhaul debate that those who continue to struggle in America would not be made losers under new tax laws. Ryan admonished the priest after the Nov. 6 prayer, saying, Padre, you just got to stay out of politics, Conroy told the New York Times.

He was warned. He was given an explanation. Nevertheless, he persisted.

Over the five months since Ryans warning, Conroy dared to continue to preach the teachings of Jesus on the House floor:

He prayed to God that lawmakers would help the least among us.

He prayed for them to follow the example of St. Nicholas, who fed the hungry, brought hope to the imprisoned, gave comfort to the lost.

He admonished lawmakers to serve other people in their need, and to pray for the unemployed and those who work but still struggle to make ends meet.

After an immigration deal collapsed, he urged those who possess power here in Washington be mindful of those whom they represent who possess little or no power.

He prayed for lawmakers to be free of all prejudice and, after the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, to fulfill the hopes of those who long for peace and security for their children.

But such political sentiments are apparently no longer compatible with service as House chaplain. As you have requested, I hereby offer my resignation, Conroy, named chaplain seven years ago by John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, wrote to Ryan on April 16. The ouster became public Thursday.

Only in this perverted time could a priest lose his job after committing the sin of crying out for justice for the poor.

But then, look around: Everywhere are the signs of a rising kleptocracy. The $1.5 trillion tax cut did make winners of corporations and the wealthy. And actions since then show that the Trump administration is making losers of the poor.

In a speech to bankers last week, Trump budget director Mick Mulvaney spoke of the hierarchy that he followed when he was in Congress: If you were a lobbyist who never gave us money, I didnt talk to you. If you were a lobbyist who gave us money, I might talk to you.

Also last week, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt was on Capitol Hill, defiant as lawmakers grilled him about his lavish expense account  at a time when Trump wants to cut the EPA budget by 25 percent  and coziness with corporate lobbyists, most notably renting a condo at a sweetheart rate from the wife of an energy lobbyist. I simply have not failed to take responsibility, Pruitt said after blaming bureaucrats and others. Ive simply recited the facts.

Meanwhile, Ben Carson, secretary of housing and urban development, last week proposed to triple the rent charged to the poorest families living in subsidized housing. Its clear from a budget perspective and a human point of view that the current system is unsustainable, Carson explained. Its hard to sustain help for the poor when youre proposing to cut HUD spending by 14 percent next year  and when youve borrowed $1.5 trillion to give tax breaks mostly for the wealthy.

Conroy, of course, didnt preach about such truly political things; he prayed, generically, for compassion. In the prayer that earned him Ryans reprimand, he merely reminded lawmakers that the institutions and structures of our great nation guarantee the opportunities that have allowed some to achieve great success, while others continue to struggle. He prayed that lawmakers guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans.

Such heresies continued. He prayed for peace and reconciliation where those virtues are so sorely needed. He prayed for them to rise above self-interest and immediate political wins. He prayed for them to promote justice, equity and truth.

He admonished them to show respect for those with whom they disagree.

On Friday morning, in the well for one of his last remaining prayers, Conroy prayed for all people who have special needs and those who are sick, and for those who serve in this House to be their best selves.

Best selves? Respect? Reconciliation? No can do. Later Friday, Rep. Joseph Crowley of New York, a Democratic leader, rose to request an investigation into Ryans dismissal of Conroy. Republicans moved to quash the proposal  and, to nobodys surprise, they prevailed.

If you preach about the poor in todays Washington, you dont have a prayer.The Navajo Nation is commemorating an important milestone this year, the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of 1868 and the return of the Dine people to their ancestral homeland.

From 1863 through 1866, more than 11,500 Navajos were marched to Bosque Redondo near Fort Sumner, a distance of 350 to 400 miles. It became known as The Long Walk. The Navajo people werent allowed to leave internment at Fort Sumner and return to their ancestral homeland until Navajo leaders signed a treaty with the United States on June 1, 1868.

Of the more than 11,500 Navajos on the Long Walk, only about 8,500 returned home. The others succumbed to age, illness and harsh conditions, according to Navajo Nation Vice President Jonathan Nez. We were not wanted in this land at one time, and it was almost total annihilation of our people, he says. Now, 150 years later, we are the most influential indigenous nation in the world.

Today, there are 350,000 Navajos, and they have a homeland that covers 27,000 square miles, stretching across parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. The Navajo people have made invaluable contributions to both New Mexico and the United States, with their rich culture and unique language. It was, after all, the Navajo Code Talkers who played an instrumental role in helping the U.S. and its allies win World War II. The elite group of Marine recruits used their native language to create a code that proved to be unbreakable by the Japanese.

Nez says retelling the history of The Long Walk, as well as the entire history of the Navajo people, from the Navajo perspective will encourage a renaissance in the Navajo culture, language and way of life.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Navajos returning to their ancestral homeland, the two known copies of the treaty will be on display  in June at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Ariz, and from June 8 through August at the Bosque Redondo Memorial Museum at Fort Sumner State Monument.

Other events are also being held to commemorate the anniversary. For information, go to www.navajotreaty1868.navajo-nsn.gov.

This anniversary offers an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the contributions of the Navajos and other native people to our state and nation.

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.In his first state Board of Finance meeting since being appointed to the University of New Mexicos Board of Regents, Michael Brasher voted to approve an on-campus taproom at UNM, clearing the way for the project to move forward.

In casting that vote, Brasher demonstrated why its a bad idea to have one individual serve as both a university regent and a member of one of the oversight boards that vets university projects.

Its the equivalent of serving as both a member of the prosecution team in a trial and a member of the jury thats going to decide guilt or innocence.

Brasher defended his vote on the $650,000 taproom, saying he disclosed his role as a UNM regent at the beginning of the meeting and no one asked him to recuse himself. He said he also asked for a legal opinion from an assistant attorney general who staffs the Board of Finance meetings, and based on that opinion, there was no legal reason to recuse himself.

But a spokesman for Attorney General Hector Balderas suggested Brasher made a bad call by voting on the measure, even if the Attorney Generals Office concluded he didnt break the law. James Hallinan also noted the AG representative at the meeting issued no opinion, but advised that technically Mr. Brasher could serve in both roles.

Attorney General Balderas believes that all efforts must be made to remove even the appearance of a conflict of interest by those serving in fiduciary roles involving taxpayer dollars, Hallinan said. Even in this instance, a legal technicality should still be vetted against the slightest appearance of impropriety.

Multiple lawmakers and government ethics advocates have told the Journal they think Brasher should recuse himself from any Board of Finance vote involving UNM, and at least one prominent lawmaker has argued Brasher should recuse himself from all higher ed votes as long as he serves as a UNM regent.

Brasher rejected that advice during last weeks meeting, which is a shame.

Appearances are important, and Brasher crossed a line by voting on a UNM issue.

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  2018 Albuquerque Journal

Bernalillo Countys Metropolitan Detention Center has approved an inmate breastfeeding policy that places it among a small group of jails and prisons nationwide offering inmates access to a breast pump and support.

Tracking by the New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force shows at least 10 jails and five state prison systems, including New Mexicos, that have or have experimented with policies allowing inmates access to a breast pump, milk storage and/or physical access to nurse their child.

MDC recently approved its formal policy after years of conversation over language about which inmates qualify for the policy and how to enact it securely.

Were really proud of MDC for being leaders, said Lissa Knudsen, chairwoman of the Breastfeeding Task Force, which advocates for the rights of breastfeeding women and children. This is a huge paradigm shift for them.

The policy allows lactating inmates in general population to use a breast pump and storage facility and live breast-feed a child. Inmates in segregation or other specialty incarceration units will be allowed into the program case by case, according to the policy.

Volunteers and trained MDC staffers will help facilitate pumping and nursing visits.

The World Health Organization says that exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years of age or beyond, and cites health benefits for mother and child.

In addition to health benefits, County Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins says, there are psychological and societal benefits, too.

Its important to think about this as a public safety initiative. There are mountains of evidence that show having a child can be a very powerful motivator for change, so when inmates can stay connected with their families, their risk of recidivism goes down, she said. When we identify evidence-based public practices that support that (recidivism) goal, its worth investing.

The Task Force is providing the breast pump, so there shouldnt be an extra cost to the state facilities, Knudsen said.

Knudsen said her group, one of four to receive large grants from the Kellogg Foundation over the past five years, has advocated for such a policy at the state level, too.

The New Mexico Department of Corrections last year implemented a pilot lactation program but faced a lawsuit over its implementation by an inmate who said she was prevented from physically nursing her baby during visitation. That lawsuit under litigation.UC San Diego will try to alleviate severe autism in children by giving them a non-psychoactive chemical found in marijuana, a project funded by the biggest private donation ever made in the U.S. for such research.

The $4.7 million study involves the controversial compound cannabidiol, or CBD, which is marketed nationwide as something of a miracle drug, capable of treating everything from cancer to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Regulators believe CBD does show therapeutic promise. But they also say the miracle drug claims are wrong or based on anecdotes rather than scientific evidence. Last fall, the FDA warned four companies to stop saying things like CBD makes cancer cells commit suicide.

UC San Diego asked the Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation of Lindon, Utah, for $4.7 million to study whether CBD can ease the most severe symptoms of autism, including seizures, self-injuring behavior and crippling anxiety.

The foundation agreed, and is urging the federal government to remove marijuana from its list of Schedule 1 drugs so that cannabis can be widely studied.

Schedule 1 drugs are defined as substances and chemicals with no accepted use in medicine and a high potential for abuse. As a result, the government provides little money to study marijuana.

The listing contradicts the findings of many federal, industry and university scientists who say cannabis appears to help in treating a variety of diseases and disorders, including epilepsy, chronic pain and the vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

Parents are pressing scientists to expand their research to autism spectrum disorder, a developmental brain disorder that afflicts 3.5 million people in the U.S. Some parents have given CBD to their autistic children, notably in states like California where medical and recreational marijuana are legal.

Ive spoken to parents who swear that this is effective  but it needs to undergo scientific research, said Scott Badesch, president of the Autism Society of America based in Bethesda, Md.

UC San Diegos Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) will conduct a clinical trial involving 30 autistic children with severe symptoms. The children, who will be recruited from throughout the region, will be given a liquid form of CBD provided by a federally approved laboratory in Arizona.

During the study, which begins next year, the children will also undergo behavioral testing, MRI scans and electroencephalograms. The patients will range in age from 8 to 12.

Its important to do this study to show whether there is objective improvement, or whether (CBD) is detrimental, or whether it doesnt do anything at all, said Dr. Doris Trauner, the UC San Diego pediatrics and neuroscience expert who will lead this aspect of the study.

The university says the overall project, led by Dr. Igor Grant, will determine if CBD is safe and tolerable, and whether it alleviates adverse symptoms of ASD; determine whether and how CBD alters brain activity, neurotransmitters and/or brain network connectivity; and determine whether biomarkers or neuroinflammation are altered by CBD.After spending time on the run  including a stretch in surrounding states  a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder and other charges in connection to a fatal road-rage incident that left a teenager dead last month.

The Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Monday night that Alexis Rogers, 19, and the male were arrested earlier in the day in connection to the fatal shooting of Efrain Arzate Jr., 16. Deputies didnt identify the 16-year-old suspect or respond to questions on Monday, but the shooter is identified in a criminal complaint against Rogers as Damian Luna, a juvenile.

Arzate was a rear passenger in a car with his brother and other young adults when he was shot in the head on March 20 while heading south on Coors. Deputies found the victims near Gun Club Road and Kirk Lane and Arzate was transported to the hospital, where he died.

The victims said they had encountered teenagers in a Mercedes on Coors and exchanged words when they were stopped at a light near Rio Bravo, and then the Mercedes started following them. A short time later people with Arzate reported hearing gun shots before noticing he had been shot, according to the criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Police relayed a description of the suspects and the vehicle to deputies in the field on the night of the shooting, and one remembered stopping a group of teenagers about two weeks prior. That deputies call history traced the Mercedes to Rosalyn Garcia, who is Rogers mother, according to the complaint.

During the investigation, detectives spoke with juveniles who were in the car with Rogers and Luna at the time of the shooting, they obtained photographs of Luna with a firearm in his possession the night of the shooting and collected bullet casings from the scene, according to the criminal complaint filed.

Witness AB said Damian had shot an entire clip at the victims while another friend, a juvenile identified as NV, had fired a gunshot into the air, the complaint states.

According to one juvenile witness, after the group learned that someone had been killed in the shooting, they fled first to El Paso and then to Nevada and Colorado, where they left the Mercedes before coming back to New Mexico.

Luna has been in custody since April 17 on a juvenile warrant. He declined to speak with investigators.

Alexis Rogers was the driver and the only adult, a detective wrote in a complaint. As the driver of the offender vehicle, Alexis aided in escalating the incident by intentionally following the victims and allowing Damian to shoot at them from her vehicle.

Deputy Felicia Maggard, a spokeswoman, said in the release that police dont currently have any outstanding suspects.Leadership changes are coming to the city of Albuquerques Department of Family and Community Services as part of an effort to create programs that help keep kids off the streets, expand affordable housing and homelessness services and address gaps in health services, including for those struggling with behavioral health and addiction.

Mayor Tim Keller on Monday appointed Lisa Huval as deputy director to oversee housing and homelessness efforts. She recently served as associate director at the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness.

Gilbert Ramirez, a licensed clinical social worker who most recently was the director of student support for Health Leadership High School in Albuquerque, was appointed deputy director for health programs, including behavioral health.

Claire Dudley-Chavez will serve as a senior education advisor focusing on early childhood, after-school and summer programs. She was executive vice president for policy and stakeholder engagement at United Way of Santa Fe County/New Mexico Early Childhood Development Partnership.

Carol Pierce was appointed by Keller in February as director of the Family and Community Services Department. She was previously manager for the School-Based Health Center Program at University of New Mexico, Pediatrics.

Making sure that we have a team running point on some of our citys most pressing challenges is a priority for me, Keller said in a statement. To really tackle the public safety needs of our city and bolster the police departments efforts to fight crime, we also need focus on addressing education, behavioral health and homelessness. The Family and Community Services department is now set up to do that, with leaders who will help us create a safer and more inclusive Albuquerque.By now, you are probably used to the probing questions your doctor asks during your annual checkup.

How have you been sleeping lately? Any increased stress at work? Problems at home? Have you engaged in any risky sexual activity?

Dont be surprised if, in the future, the questioning turns to guns.

With gun violence on the rise over the past few years and mass shootings happening more frequently, physicians are making a renewed push to treat the issue as a public health crisis. And part of that begins in your doctors office.

Doctors, especially primary care physicians, are in a unique position to know some of the most private details of our lives, including many indicators that could suggest a higher risk of being a victim or perpetrator of gun violence.

The Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California Davis has launched a new tool kit for doctors and nurses that teaches them how to gently introduce the topic of guns into the conversation, with a special emphasis on spotting red flags that could indicate risks for suicide, domestic violence, homicide or childrens access to guns.

While physicians liken the strategy to previous campaigns that involved asking patients about seat belt use or smoking, gun rights advocates see it as intrusive and a way for doctors to leverage their status in society to ultimately reduce ownership of firearms.

The What You Can Do initiative was conceptualized after the Las Vegas, Nev., massacre in October, when a lone gunman fired indiscriminately into a crowd of concertgoers from a hotel high-rise, killing 59 and wounding 422. It was the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

Those who have studied mass shooters say many of them  although not all  showed warning signs before committing their crimes.

The programs founders acknowledge, however, that violence is much more likely to occur closer to home.

Nearly 23,000 people in the U.S. were killed in firearm suicides in 2016, accounting for 59 percent of all gun deaths that year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A 2017 study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found nearly 1,300 children die from gunshot wounds each year, and about 6 percent are accidental shootings.

Dr. Kelly Motadel, a pediatrician and chief medical officer at Vista Community Clinic in North County, said the question of gun access in the home is already a common one in pediatricians offices, but that the inquiry should become standard across all age groups.

People dont think of their doctor as political. It allows us to be more of a neutral party and come at it from an I care about your health issue rather than a gun control issue, Motadel said. She pointed to research that showed just a doctor mentioning a risk factor makes a patient more likely to reduce that risk factor.

Even though theres a lot of doctor-bashing out there, most people still respect their doctor, she added.

The organizers stress the project is not about restricting peoples rights to firearms, or politicizing the issue.

Having a gun in the home increases the risk of violence and death for everyone in the home, said Rocco Pallin, a research data analyst at UC Davis and the projects director. Its about the gun owner being responsible and understanding the risk of having that gun.

A Florida law in 2011 aimed to restrict doctors from asking about guns, but the Docs vs. Glocks law was overturned by a federal appeals court last year. As long as the doctor feels the question is relevant to the patient, then it is legal, the UC Davis program advises.

Doctors are advised in the guidelines to approach the gun conversation with patients respectfully and to realize that many gun owners already take safety very seriously. It also urges doctors to keep in mind that firearm ownership can be reflective of longstanding beliefs and values.

Much of the advice to doctors revolves around being able to identify patients who might be at higher risk than others.

That can include someone with a history of violent behavior, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, or mental illness. Special attention should also be paid to demographic groups that include children for accidental shootings, middle-aged and older men for suicide, and adolescent and young men for homicide.

The conversation with the patient should typically begin with asking if the patient owns or has access to a firearm and if anyone else might have access, according to the guidelines. The doctor should take steps to make the conversation specific to the patients circumstances, relate to the patients well-being, be educational and include follow-up in case conditions change over time.

Recommendations to the patient might include safe gun storage tips, firearms safety classes or how to properly dispose of an unwanted gun.

Doctors can jot down the patients answers in the file, but are otherwise prohibited from sharing personal health information due to federal law. However, if the doctor uncovers information that suggests the patient or someone else is in imminent danger, then the doctor can take preventative measures that include contacting family, law enforcement or mental health providers.

Doctors can also suggest that in times of crisis guns be stored temporarily outside the home, such as with a police department or at a local gun range. In California, law enforcement officials or family members, but not doctors, can file a Gun Violence Restraining Order that prohibits certain people from owning guns, such as patients exhibiting homicidal or suicidal intent.

The Annals of Internal Medicine is supporting the project and is urging colleagues to take the pledge to at least commit to talking about firearm safety with their at-risk patients. More than 1,000 physicians have signed up so far.

Some question, however, if it is realistic  or fair  to continue to expect more from doctors with increased patient loads and work requirements.

Ive administered health care facilities side by side with physicians for 35 years, and the amount of required information that we have put on them in the last decade is not sustainable long term, said Fran Butler-Cohen, CEO of Family Heath Centers of San Diego. Until we address these societal issues more effectively through legislation and policy, it is absolutely unfair and unconscionable to continue to demand more and more of our medical professionals.

They are not responsible for the nations opioid epidemic, they are not responsible for obesity, she added, and clearly cannot act in place of good, solid gun control legislation.Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said the VoteVets political action committee sponsored the television ad supporting Damon Martinez. The VoteVets Action Fund, a 501c(4) non-profit, paid for the ad.

WASHINGTON: VoteVets Action Fund  a progressive, pro-veteran advocacy group  will begin airing television ads in the Albuquerque market over the next week in an attempt to persuade Democrats to vote for Damon Martinez in the 1st Congressional District primary on June 5.

The $40,000 ad buy  much like Martinezs own campaign ad launched on television last week  riffs on President Donald Trumps former career as a reality television host on The Apprentice. It opens with footage of a younger Trump announcing Youre fired to an unknown contestant on the show.

The moment is meant to symbolize when Trump fired Martinez and 46 other U.S. attorneys in March 2017.

Why did Donald Trump fire New Mexicos U.S. Attorney Damon Martinez? an announcer intones. Because Martinez prosecuted corporations that pollute our environment, because he cracked down on domestic violence and took assault weapons off the streets, because he fought for his fellow veterans and our families.

Its time to send Trump a message  our progressive values cant be fired, the announcer says as the ad closes.

In announcing the groups endorsement of Martinez, Jon Soltz, an Iraq War veteran and chairman of VoteVets, said Martinez puts country and community first.

From signing up after Sept. 11, to deploying to the Middle East, to serving as U.S. attorney to uphold justice here at home, Damons committed his life to serving, Soltz said in a statement. Right now, we need that in Washington  someone who puts others above himself.

ENDORSEMENT: Equality New Mexico, the states largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, on Monday endorsed Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., for governor of New Mexico.

The group also endorsed Democratic state Sen. Howie Morales for lieutenant governor. Equality New Mexico called Lujan Grisham a tireless, decades-long advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in New Mexico and across the country, and noted that in 2013 and 2014 she served as co-chairwoman of the New Mexico Unites for Marriage campaign, which help usher in gay marriage in New Mexico.

The Lujan Grisham endorsement comes on the heels of recent accusations by Riley Del Ray, a transgender former intern assigned to Lujan Grishams Capitol Hill office, that the congresswoman discriminated against her by firing her from the internship in 2015. Lujan Grisham maintains Del Rey was fired for poor job performance.

Michael Coleman: mcoleman@abqjournal.comSANTA FE  A new era began at Los Alamos National Laboratory on Monday when management of the cleanup of legacy nuclear waste at the lab was formally transferred to a new contractor.

N3B won the bid for a $1.39 billion five-year contract  with an additional five years in two optional extensions  last December.

This significant change for the Laboratory marks the beginning of a new era, LANL Director Terry Wallace wrote in a Monday morning memo to all LANL employees that was obtained by the Journal.

Wallace praised LANL staff for its exceptional work in executing the Department of Energy Environmental Management program over the past 2 years. He noted that treatment of the remaining inventory of remediated nitrate salt drums was completed last November and the successful treatment of 27 remaining un-remediated nitrate salt drums concluded in March.

The results of this hard work and extensive preparation were zero injuries, zero security issues, and zero events that significantly affected workers, the public or the environment, he wrote.

In 2014, the Department of Energy decided to separate remediation of radioactive and other hazardous material generated by decades of nuclear weapons work from the Los Alamos operating contract. The change came after a drum of radioactive waste packed improperly with a combustible mix at Los Alamos breached at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, resulting in a shutdown of the nuclear storage facility.

N3B is a consortium led by Huntington Ingalls Industries that involves Newport News Nuclear BWXT-Los Alamos, a part of Los Alamos National Security LLC that has held an operating contract with the lab since 2006. Also partnering on the contract are Tech2 Solutions  a joint venture between Tetra Tech and Sealaska Technical Services  and Longenecker & Associates, which was selected to support quality and contractor assurances, and other functions, according to the Huntington Ingalls Industries website.

Jay Coghlan of Nuclear Watch New Mexico, a frequent critic of the lab, still has concerns about the transition.

Its far (from) being a new era when the swamp just gets deeper, he said in an email to the Journal.

Coghlan said that more than half of Tetra Techs work cleaning up an old naval base in San Francisco was downright fraudulent and cost American taxpayers a quarter of a billion dollars to do over. He also said New Mexicos next governor should throw out the toothless consent order governing the cleanup negotiated by Gov. Susana Martinezs Environment Department.

When those two things are done, then maybe it will be a new era for cleanup at Los Alamos, he said.NEW YORK  Immigrants say President Donald Trumps administration has become almost everything they feared, but while they rally across the United States on May Day, their focus is less on huge turnout Tuesday than on the first Tuesday in November.

People were marching and holding other demonstrations for labor and immigrant rights from New York to Georgia to California on International Workers Day, amid similar actions worldwide.

The Trump administration has made very clear that theyve declared war on the immigrant community on all levels, said Javier Valdes, co-executive director of the advocacy group Make the Road New York.

Immigrant rights groups have joined in May Day activities for more than a decade, initially to push back against harsh legislative proposals and later to clamor for reform and legal status for immigrants in the country illegally who were brought to the U.S. as children or overstayed their visas.

Now, they want to drive turnout in the midterm elections. Advocates hope voters target lawmakers who have pushed for measures that hurt immigrants and replace them with immigrant-friendly policymakers, said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles.

Elections have consequences, and the consequences for our community have been dire, and if we do not change the balance of power, we question our ability to remain free in this country, she said.

Protesters still are taking aim at policy changes under Trump, including a country-specific travel ban, the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, high-profile detention and deportation efforts, and proposals to cut back the overall numbers of people allowed to immigrate permanently.

Trump and his supporters say the enforcement and policy changes are needed for national security and economic benefits. Some of the new policies have gotten tangled up in court, and Trump hasnt secured funding for his coveted border wall with Mexico.

After the rallies, immigrant rights groups will join LGBTQ, African-American and womens organizations this summer to push for the election of new leaders, Salas said, adding that they hope to see more support from Americans who arent immigrants.

It is really a fundamental question about what kind of a country were going to be, she said. For us, the question of immigration is a question about race, and it is also a question about real equality in this country.

___

Taxin reported from Santa Ana, California. Taxin and Hajela cover immigration issues for The Associated Press. Follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/dhajela and https://twitter.com/ataxin . For more of their work, search for their names at https://apnews.com .

___

This version has been corrected to correct the spelling of the Make the Road New York CEOs last name, Valdes not Valdez.When the owners of Cottonwood Mall last October said they were planning to redevelop the vacant storefront formerly owned by Macys, they were mum on the names of any future prospects.

Now it looks like a new Hobby Lobby store will be filling some of that retail hole.

Mall owner Washington Prime Group on Tuesday confirmed that the Oklahoma-based arts and crafts retailer will join the tenant lineup at the mall, occupying 53,800 square feet. Details regarding the Hobby Lobby grand opening, as well as information regarding other new retailers at Cottonwood Mall, will be shared in the future, but in a previous news release, Washington Prime said it was targeting off-price retailers and home furnishings sellers.

We are excited to welcome Hobby Lobby to Cottonwood Mall, said B Janecka, general manager of the shopping center. Our continued investment in the center reflects our commitment to the community and our ongoing focus on providing our guests with an increasingly dynamic environment in which to shop, dine and spend time together.

The mall owner said last October that the price tag to remodel the former 164,800-square-foot box was $21 million.

Hobby Lobby has more than 800 stores across the nation, including nine in New Mexico, and appears to be keen on the Land of Enchantment for new store rollouts.

According to the White Sands Mall Facebook page, Hobby Lobby will have a soft opening at the Alamogordo shopping center on May 14. And earlier this year, the chain also confirmed that its heading to the Las Estancias shopping center in the South Valley in 2019, where it plans to open a 55,000-square-foot store.

It was not clear Tuesday what would happen with the companys existing West Side store off Eagle Ranch Road.

Calls to Hobby Lobby corporate offices seeking comment were not returned, but in previous news articles, the company said it hires between 35 and 50 people to staff each store.

According to the company website, each Hobby Lobby store offers more than 70,000 crafting and home decor products including floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies.

Though some traditional retailers have struggled against online operators, Hobby Lobby has largely charged ahead, saying it plans to open 60 stores this year and hire as many as 2,500 new workers.

Retail analysts say customers will head to brick-and-mortar outlets for something they cant get online: tactile experience. Hobby Lobby certainly fills the bill on that front, with the company drawing people for its many craft classes.A fire in the Santa Fe National Forest about 9 miles west of Espanola grew from 20 to 42 acres overnight.

Air tankers were deployed on Monday, but the air operations were suspended after someone flew a drone over the burn area.

If you fly, we cant, a news release from the U.S. Forest Service said. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area.

The Chicoma Fire, burning about 5 miles east of Chicoma Peak, was first reported Monday afternoon. Its cause is unknown, a U.S. forest Service spokeswoman said Tuesday morning.

As of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, it was reported to be 50 percent contained.

In all, about 60 firefighters are working the blaze, including a 20-person hot shot crew out of Taos and a 20-person wildland firefighter hand crew. They are working to improve and enforce containment lines, according to the news release.

Resources committed to the blaze include four fire engines, two water tenders and a helicopter.

Communities to the east and northeast are warned that they may be impacted by smoke because of prevailing winds, and that smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease should take precautionary measures.

The Santa Se National Forest has been under Stage I fire restrictions since April 13. Those restrictions require that campfires, charcoal grills, and coal and wood stoves only be used at developed campsites or picnic areas where fire rings and grills are provided and prohibit campfires at camp sites elsewhere in the forest.

The Santa Fe National Forest put a halt to prescribed burns April 25.

The Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico will be implementing fire restrictions on Monday.Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

WASHINGTON  Two highly respected women with deep ties to New Mexico  one still living and one now deceased  received glowing recognition from President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday during a ceremony honoring the crew and passengers aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, which blew an engine and made an emergency landing in Philadelphia last month.

During the Oval Office event, Trump singled out Tammie Jo Shults, a Tularosa native and former Navy fighter pilot, for her heroic composure and skill in landing the badly damaged plane. The president also made special mention of Jennifer Riordan, a beloved member of the Albuquerque community and passenger on the plane who was killed in the April 17 accident when debris from the engine tore into the planes cabin.

Tammie did an incredible job, Trump told a small pool of reporters gathered to cover the event, and later added that everybodys talking about her heroism in landing the plane.

Shults, now a resident of San Antonio, Texas, beamed as Trump  seated at his desk in the Oval Office  turned to shake her hand.

I understand you were one of the first women ever to fly tactical fighter aircraft in the United States Navy, Trump said. You drew from years of training and safety, and you knew how to land that plane. We salute you and every member of this crew. Thank you very much.

Trump also praised Riordan, the only person to die in the highly unusual accident. She was a wife and mother of two who worked as an executive for Wells Fargo in Albuquerque. More than 1,000 people attended Riordans memorial last month.

Our hearts break for the family of the passenger who tragically lost her life, Trump said, adding that Riordans loved ones are grieving the loss of a loving wife and mother.

We send our prayers to Jennifers husband and their two beautiful young children, Trump added. We ask God to hold this family close as they grieve their loss. She mustve been a fantastic woman, clearly a fantastic woman.

Shults has declined media interviews since the accident and did not take any questions Tuesday.

Passengers on the troubled flight praised her calm demeanor after the accident, noting how she coolly and compassionately walked down the aisle in an attempt to comfort them after landing. Some have compared her to Chesley Sully Sullenberger who landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in 2009, saving everyone aboard after the plane struck a flock of geese.

Shults issued a statement posted on Southwest Airlines social media pages along with first officer Darren Ellisor, who was also in attendance Tuesday.

We feel we were simply doing our jobs, Shults and Ellisor said. Our hearts are heavy. On behalf of the entire crew, we appreciate the outpouring of support from the public and our coworkers as we all reflect on one familys profound loss.

Shults father, Rusty Bonnell, was a farmer and raised his family on a ranch in Otero County. Shults graduated from Tularosa High School in 1979.

The National Transportation Safety Board is examining whether metal fatigue caused an engine fan of the Boeing 737-700 to snap in midflight.

Flight attendants Rachel Fernheimer, Seanique Mallory and Kathryn Sandoval were also honored in the Oval Office on Tuesday.

You were a little bit nervous up there? Trump asked the flight attendants.

Not at all, they responded, smiling and shaking their heads.Copyright  2018 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Ridiculous, overreaching, premature.

That's how speakers at a public hearing Tuesday described a rule proposed by the state Public Education Department that would allow the agency to oversee educator preparation programs.

Although the PED has cited state statute that allows it to create an accountability reporting system, some think the rule's evaluation system  which would implement site visits and a scorecard system  was out of the statute bounds.

The PED's proposal would allow the agency to decide whether teacher prep programs can keep operating, regardless of whether the institution is private or public. National accreditation groups, such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, currently have that job.

Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education President David Peercy called the rule a very bad idea and nonsense at an APS committee meeting Monday night, saying the national accrediting bodies have the training and expertise to oversee educator preparation programs.

Most of the speakers Tuesday felt that the PED still needed to address significant flaws in the rule, which the department proposed putting into effect by the end of the month.

Dawn Wink, director of teacher education at Santa Fe Community College, read a letter that expressed concerns among college of education deans from across the state, including the University of New Mexico's Salvador Hector Ochoa, New Mexico Highlands University's Virginia Padilla-Vigil and Northern New Mexico College's Joaquin Vila.

Wink told the Journal that the deans' stance on the rule boils down to being willing to embrace accountability, but being concerned about the scorecard system proposed.

The scorecard would rate the programs on an A to F scale, mirroring PED's K-12 grades that have caused statewide pushback from schools. The report would take into account acceptance rates of candidates into the program, how they do on performance and licensure tests, and how those who complete the programs are rated in NMTEACH, a controversial state teacher evaluation system.

The scorecard would also look at teacher retention in the state, teacher placement into high-need areas and diversity of the cohort, over which the deans feel they have little, if any, control.

PED Secretary-designate Christopher Ruszkowski said improving teacher prep is a multifaceted process and the state must leave nothing to chance when it comes to preparing aspiring teachers for our students.

Penny Garcia, dean of the Eastern New Mexico University College of Education and Technology, also signed the letter and noted that ENMU in Portales attracts a high volume of students from Texas who often move back home after graduation, a fact that would affect their score on the retention factor on the evaluation.

She also said major components of the rule are still being developed and it's premature to put it into place this month. ENMU Board of Regents member Dan Patterson called the rule blatantly ridiculous and possibly unlawful.

Attorney General Hector Balderas sent a letter to Ruszkowski that reiterates concerns from leaders of education prep programs on whether the Legislature's mandate is being met with the rule.

Because the rule may be susceptible to legal challenge, Balderas wrote, I encourage you to take pause in the rulemaking process to ensure that these institutions and the Department of Higher Education, as well as parents, students and teachers, are truly collaborative partners in this undertaking.

Higher Education Secretary Barbara Damron said PED officials have met with her department multiple times and that the Higher Education Department agrees that the current system needs improvement.

Some of the speakers at the public forum thought the PED's rule was headed in the right direction to achieve that.

The topic of teacher preparation has come up often in various meetings throughout our state; however, there is a lack of transparency regarding the effectiveness of the training new teachers are receiving, said Hope Morales, director of policy for Teach Plus New Mexico.

Morales said she thinks the rule addresses a big problem affecting the state: teacher training accountability. But she also told the Journal she thinks the rule can move forward only with continued collaboration from teachers and districts.

Ruszkowski said the review process should take about a month and all feedback will be considered.Airbnbs global campaign #LiveThere firmly emphasized companys global mission 'Belong Anywhere'. Urging guests to break away from mundane travel experiences by discovering destinations through the eyes of locals, the new campaign aimed to connect millions of hosts and guests around the world to participate in immersive travel.

Airbnb India launched the #LiveThere Campaign across TV, Print, Digital and OOH in India with both Static and Video Content along with Influencer Marketing and UGC led activation on Social. The campaign aimed to inspire travellers to reimagine the way they travel, showcasing authentic, curated experiences made possible through Airbnb and its people-powered community.

Talking about the victory, Varun Raina, Marketing Manager Airbnb India said Airbnb is the antidote to modern, mass produced tourism. We know that every traveler is different and every host is unique. Together, we help people around the world not just go somewhere, but truly live there. The Effies award strengthens our belief in the power of people to people connections and the supporting locals wherever people travel on Airbnb

Organised by the Confederation of Asian Advertising Agency Associations (CAAAA) and Tenasia Group, the Asia Pacific Effie Awards honours the regions most outstanding marketing communication works that have proven results in meeting strategic objectives. Winners of the 2018 competition were announced at the Awards Gala which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel, Singapore on 27 April 2018.

For more related stories visit here.Cheil India bags D&AD Pencil for The Good Vibes Project under Digital Design  Beta category. Commemorating 15 years of Cheil in India, the win embraces our philosophy of creativity inspired by technology.

Conceptualized, designed and developed in-house by Cheil, Good Vibes app brings together the power of creative thinking, technological innovation for a meaningful purpose. Through the language of vibrations, the Good Vibes app gives the deafblind a much needed tool to communicate. Available on the Google Play store, the app can be downloaded and used for free.

Good Vibes app is the first ever two way communication tool for deafblind community. The app can take tactile input and transmit it as tactile output. The app has no visible UI, and works on a set of hand gestures and taps, helping the deafblind community to connect and chat with each other from wherever they are.

Speaking on the win, Atika Malik, Chief Operating Officer, Cheil WW India, said, Our team has delivered a breakthrough creative idea with innovation at its core. Its usage across the world will be as rewarding as the award recognition is. We are especially proud to receive it, since it demonstrates the new age creativity Cheil embraces of solving consumer or business problems by harnessing the best of creativity and technology. Without any boundaries. We look forward to many more.

Good Vibes app is an innovation that is built upon Cheils core values. We are humbled to receive the first ever Pencil and adding to the total of 6 Pencils for Cheil Network at D&AD2018. We are delighted to know that the world is recognizing meaningful work. The real award will come when we see more and more people with such disability using this app to communicate with each other and living a normal life! added Sagar Mahabaleshwarkar, Chief Creative Officer and Sanjeev Jasani, Chief Digital Officer.

The app also won four Abby Awards at the recently held GoaFest 2018, including Gold Abby for Technology (Utility / Tool).

After interacting with the deafblind and their caregivers, we knew we had our task cut out. We had to design a user experience that replicates touch & feel - the only form of two-way communication used by them. With the Good Vibes app, we dug deep and explored a whole new dimension of app design: one that works for those cant see or hear. The result is the invisible UI  probably the first of its kind. And it works like magic. added, Vijay Simha, Executive Creative Director & Vinod Sivan, Group Creative Director: the duo that led the design and development of Good Vibes app.

For More Stories Visit Here.YouTube has released the Q118 India Ads Leader board, a list of the top ads and promoted videos that Indian audiences consumed during the first quarter of the year. A list of the top ads and promoted videos that Indian audiences consumed during the first quarter of the year. These ten ads clocked an astounding 1.36 million hours of watch time, with mobile devices accounting for 83.8% of the watch time.

The YouTube Ads Leader board showcases the most creative ads that people choose to watch. The list represents the top 10 ads on YouTube in India that resonated most with audiences over the past month and celebrates the brands that performed best through a combination of popularity and promotion.

For More Stories Visit Here.Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier?

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Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page.A former Aiken podiatrist was sentenced Tuesday for his role in a conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone, which is a schedule II controlled substance that is a highly addictive opiate.

Dr. Mackie James Walker Jr. was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Michelle Childs to 188 months in prison, according to a release provided by U.S. Attorney Beth Drake.

The 188-month term of imprisonment followed sentencing hearings that spanned the course of three days. Evidence produced during the hearings showed Walker sold prescriptions of oxycodone, a powerful and addictive painkiller, to dozens of individuals without any legitimate medical purpose.

Walker directly communicated with several co-conspirators who in turn would recruit individuals for sham medical examinations, and, in some circumstances, no examinations were performed prior to Walker issuing a prescription for the drug, according to the release.

He reportedly earned as much as $1,000 per prescription of oxycodone, Drake said.

Based on the investigation, Walker wrote illegal prescriptions in excess of 1 kilogram of oxycodone tablets, and, in total, 14 individuals were charged for their roles in the conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone.

This doctor sold powerful, addictive narcotics in breach of his responsibility as a physician," Drake said in the release. "The courts sentence sends a powerful message to drug dealers with initials behind their name  be they doctor, nurse, or veterinarian.

The charges were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad, the Aiken County Sheriffs Office, the Aiken Department of Public Safety, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Bureau of Drug Control, the Burnettown Police Department, the Columbia Police Department and the Richland County Sheriffs Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Garner of the Columbia office prosecuted the case.

Drake stated this case represents another example of the fine work being done by Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies working together to combat the opioid epidemic our community is experiencing.

ICYMI: Top 10 Stories of May 2018 Here are Aiken Standard's top 10 stories from the month of May, including everything from crime to seafood.Turkey has awarded a multibillion-dollar contract to domestic company British Motor Corporation (BMC) to mass-produce the Altay tank and develop the tank's engine. The Undersecretariat for Defense Industries, or SSM, said it is now negotiating with the firm, owned by Turkish businessman Ethem Sancak, who is known to be close to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Sancak is also a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party's executive council.

Two other companies were interested in the tender for Altay tank, which is actually an improved version of South Korea's K2 Black Panther tank.

The first primary contractor candidate for the Altay project, initiated in 2007, was Koc Holdings Otokar, but the SSM said it rejected that proposal in 2017 because of reservations about Otokar's engine. There were allegations, however, that Koc Holding wasn't chosen because of the companys anti-government stance during 2013 protests. When news broke that BMC had been awarded the tender for the Altay, Otokars stock lost 6% of its value; it had spent about $500 million to develop the project.

The other company in the running was FSNN, a joint venture owned by Turkey's Nurol Holding and London-based BAE Systems.

The Turkish army currently has the following quantities and types of tanks in its arsenal: 339 Leopard 2A4, 391 Leopard 1R, 170 M60 T, 619 M60A3 TTS, 752 M60 A3 and 758 M48A5T2. Turkeys goal is to replace the older M48-series and M60-series tanks with the Altay.

According to SSM plans, production of the first batch of 250 Altay tanks will begin in 2019 and the first 15 tanks will be put into service in 2020, while 20 tanks are to be delivered in 2021. The total number of tanks Turkey will procure will be around 1,000, which will replace most of the old tanks in inventory. This major project will be spread over 20 years and will cost around $25 billion to $30 billion.

The goal is to ensure maximum participation by Turkish industries. ASELSAN Electronics will be the local subcontractor responsible for the subsystem and fire-control system. State-owned ammunition producer MKE will produce the main gun system, while Roketsan will develop and produce the armor package. Obviously Turkeys defense industry companies are very excited about the prospects of the Altay tank. In general, Turkish companies are capable of manufacturing all the subsystems of the tank, with one exception: the engine.

Altays engine has always been the subject of speculation. An earlier attempt by Tumosan, owned by Albayrak Group, to build an engine for Altay under a $100 million contract fell through after a technical support deal with Austrian AVL List GmbH was canceled because of Austrias arms embargo on Turkey.

Despite Berlin's tense relations with Turkey, it looks like Germany will be involved in the Altay tank engine project. German newspapers have reported that BMC has entered a partnership in Ankara with Dusseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group and will build a joint engine factory in Adapazari in northwest Turkey.

Rheinmetall, which manufactures Leopard tanks, will support BMCs production of the first 250 Altay tanks with the MTU Friedrichshafen 1,500-horsepower engines. It will also provide know-how for BMC to develop an 1,800-horsepower engine that will be used in subsequent production. Rheinmetalls participation in the Altay project is seen by many as the best indicator that ties are normalizing between Germany and Turkey.

The Altay project has approached its mass production phase with no problems in procuring its systems, but the engine uncertainty prevails. Also, although Turkeys defense industry will acquire significant experience in mass-producing the Altay tanks, it's not clear if the project will be profitable over the long term.

According to some defense industry experts who spoke with Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, the cost of a single Altay tank will be around $30 million, making it more expensive than the Russian T-90, US Abrams, German Leopard, British Challenger and South Koreas K2 Black Panther tanks. Turkey has to find ways to export the Altay to lower its cost, and Ankara has already contacted Qatar, Pakistan and Malaysia as potential customers.

Turkeys 20-year Altay venture very much resembles the "Made in India" Arjun tank saga. Development work on the Arjun tank began in 1974 and the first batch wasn't delivered to the Indian military until 2004, after a three-decade-long, exhaustive and very costly development and procurement process. Arjun was seen as an indigenous Indian effort that fell short of the military's expectations, many defense experts say.

Indeed, the Indian military acquired the Arjun in limited numbers and by no means did that tank replace the Russian-built T-72 or T-90, the mainstays of India's armored formations. By the time the last T-90s roll out, India will end up operating more than 2,000 of those tanks. By contrast, its army employs only 124 Arjun tanks in just two of its 67 armored regiments.

Will the fate of Turkeys main battle tank Altay be the same as Indias Arjun? The answer lies in solving the engine problem and whether Turkey can export the finished product. What is beyond dispute is that if Turkey's army ends up being the sole buyer of the Altay tank, then the Turkish armys armored personnel will be using the most expensive tank in the world.On April 10, Iranian authorities announced a policy of unification of exchange rates  a move that has generated confusion, especially among those economic players who relied on the countrys free currency market. The fact is that the newly unified rate of 42,000 rials to the US dollar is not yet widely available. At best, it is only available to those importers who had access to the so-called forex chamber rate, which was previously at about 37,000 rials to the greenback. As such, this equates to an actual devaluation of the national currency. In line with returning calm to the market, one of the most recent steps by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) has been to expand an already existing online system referred to by its Persian acronym NIMA (Integrated System for Hard Currency Transactions). The question is whether NIMA will succeed in addressing the needs of the Iranian economy.

NIMA was originally put in place in February as a pilot project and gradually took shape during the month of March. In its initial format, NIMA was designed as a central platform to register hard currency needs of importers and other groups outside the banking sector. That system was meant to induce transparency into the dealings of foreign exchange bureaus, which have been an integral part of the countrys hard currency management system alongside other financial institutions. As a first step, on March 2, the CBI held a workshop for representatives of foreign exchange bureaus that are affiliated with mainstream banks to introduce NIMA and also prepare the grounds for their connectivity with the integrated system  a system in which merchants were supposed to register their needs for imports that were not allocated currency at the lower forex chamber rate, and currency bureaus meet those needs through transparent and online transactions.

However, this news was buried in the turmoil that the currency market experienced in March. In fact, rumors that the implementation of NIMA would make any unconventional currency transactions impossible may have partly contributed to the rush of many groups to secure hard currency holdings for their future needs.

In the aftermath of the recent currency crisis and the introduction of a unified exchange rate, the government suddenly announced the introduction of NIMA as the single platform to streamline all hard currency transactions by establishing the exact volumes of supply and demand for merchants (importers and exporters), corporations and even individuals who may need hard currency for travel and studies, and so forth. In other words, an online system that initially had been designed to provide a platform for marginal hard currency transactions has been elevated to be the main portal for all such transactions.

In brief, NIMA is in place to streamline supply and demand, which should in theory help establish a realistic price for the national currency. However, the past performance of the Iranian authorities suggests that supply will be managed and demand will be filtered, and especially by the CBI. Still missing are all the needed laws and regulations to determine which demands for hard currency have the right to register with the system  and receive their hard currency. The incomplete system is proof that the CBI was forced to accelerate its original process in order to calm the market and push back against those who saw the CBIs incompetence as a cause of the recent upheavals in the currency market.

Incidentally, CBI Gov. Valiollah Seif has admitted the shortcomings of the new system and has asked all those economic players whose needs have not been integrated into NIMA to be patient. In official communications, Seif presents NIMA as a safe platform for currency transactions and underlines that allocations would be made for exporters and importers in a timely manner.

But this is one of the problems: Exporters and importers are not the only components of a healthy currency market. As such, the system will be overwhelmed for a while, especially as long as NIMA fails to meet the needs of private sector companies and individuals. For now, many economic stakeholders remain skeptical about the availability of hard currency at the unified rate of 42,000 rials against the US dollar, and they continue to purchase foreign notes or transfers at a price of at least 55,000 rials against the greenback on the free market.

Virtually all analysts and observers know that the process of unifying exchange rates will be a difficult one, especially because a number of economic actors used the previous two-tiered foreign exchange system to engage in corrupt dealings. Therefore, the introduction of NIMA is not just based on the countrys economic needs and its international obligations to fight money laundering, but also reflects a desire to undermine corrupt practices that have empowered institutions ingrained in the so-called deep state in Iran. In fact, money laundering activity in the country is estimated to have been $26 billion in the past Iranian year. One can imagine that powerful players will push back against NIMA and still carve out a space for their illegal activities. That is why at the end of the day, flawless implementation of NIMA should be the top priority.

Evidently, viewed through the political lens, NIMA gains further significance. One can argue that it has the potential to push back against some of the corrupt networks and at the same time to take speculation out of the currency market. Both these factors will help CBI and the government to induce more stability into economic affairs. However, considering the unconventional nature of many demands for hard currency  by entities using currency as a hedging mechanism, tax-evading companies and currency speculators, for capital outflow by Iranians wishing to migrate abroad and for inflow through remittances and investments by the Iranian diaspora  there will always be a space for a black market where a different rate can be generated. That would mean a return to a differential between the official and the unofficial rates and a new platform for corrupt practices. Furthermore, as long as a higher rate emerges, exporters will be hesitant to register their supply on NIMA and will look for ways to benefit from the higher parallel exchange rate.

Having experienced the rate fluctuations of the past year, Iranian officials need to acknowledge that they have had severe regulatory weaknesses in managing the financial sector. One can see this in the continued operation of unlicensed financial institutions. Therefore, any new effort to induce stability into the market needs to be accompanied by clear administrative and supervisory structures, both to prevent new channels of corruption and also to be prepared for sudden demand hikes. In a first assessment, the push for transparency is positive, but NIMA seems ill-prepared to manage the complexities of the Iranian currency market.

That is why the CBI would be best advised to declare a phased approach to the process, allow the free market to operate within clear boundaries and gradually turn NIMA into a powerful and all-encompassing platform. If the phased approach is implemented successfully, NIMA could regulate the currency market, put an end to many rent-seeking activities and stop a number of corrupt practices that have plagued the Iranian economy.Iran has reacted to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus charges that the Islamic Republic has archived its know-how related to the development of nuclear arms, calling his speech a childish presentation. On April 30, Netanyahu accused Tehran of having a secret nuclear weapons program, called Amad, and charged that Tehran had continued to pursue such arms even after the project was shuttered in 2003.

Iranian officials believe that Netanyahu made these allegations as part of his plan to influence US President Donald Trumps decision on whether to waive sanctions related to the Iranian nuclear deal on May 12. Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) along with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom) plus Germany in 2015.

In an interview on Iranian state television, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Abbas Araghchi described Netanyahus presentation on the matter as childish and ridiculous. Araghchi, who had been a senior negotiator for the nuclear deal talks, said, That Netanyahu performs a show 10 days before Trumps announcement of his decision about the JCPOA indicates that this is [pre-]meditated theater for influencing Trumps decision, and that they are seeking to set the stage for scrapping the JCPOA. And it is interesting that everyone has become mobilized [to kill the deal], and the Zionist regime has entered the stage at the highest level.

Araghchi added, We are prepared for all scenarios, but the very nature of these allegations and actions shows how much the United States, the Zionist regime and Saudi Arabia are concerned and angry about the JCPOA and the conditions that this agreement has created for Iran.

Regarding Netanyahus claims of having alleged evidence of Iranian wrongdoing, Araghchi emphasized, On the basis of such claims, [Israel and other opponents of the JCPOA] created the issue of PMD [possible military dimensions] and claimed that Iran was seeking [nuclear] weapons.  Iran had also cooperated during these years to prove its innocence. And ultimately, in the final conclusion by the IAEA in 2015, it was made clear that all of these claims were void, and the case was closed by  the International Atomic Energy Agency and [its] Board of Governors.

In addition, fellow nuclear negotiator Hamid Baeidinejad, now Iran's ambassador to the United Kingdom, tweeted, All documents presented by Netanyahu were available and known to the IAEA which after a comprehensive ten years study found no indications of Iran having conducted activities linked to a nuclear weapons program. IAEA decided accordingly to permanently close the issue in 2015.

Netanyahus charges also elicited a reaction from Defense Minister Amir Hatami, warning Israel of a surprising response unless it stops its conspiracies and dangerous behavior. Hatami asserted, These [allegations] are in line with the hostile scenario of Trump against the Iranian nation.  Bringing up such claims is not accepted by people and [world] public opinion.

Mohammad Javad Jamali Nobandegani, a senior member of the Iranian parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, noted, Prior to [all] this, Netanyahu has had a history of painting [an alarmist picture] of Irans military nuclear activities at the United Nations, but despite that [IAEA Director General Yukiya] Amano has announced 11 times that the Islamic Republics nuclear activities have been peaceful.

Nobandegani further stated, They intend to scare the European and regional countries [from engaging with Iran], but this is not a good pretext for exiting the JCPOA, as the Islamic Republic has been committed to all of its obligations under the JCPOA, and the US hasnt honored its commitments.

In other news, on April 30, the Culture and Media Court of the Iranian judiciary ordered local internet service providers to gradually block access to the popular messaging app Telegram, which is believed to have more than 40 million users in the country.

Among the reasons the court cited for its decision were disruption of national unity  by raising racial and ethnic issues and provoking people to riot and [fomenting] uproar, acting against the security of the country through terrorist groups and aiding propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

The judiciary's order to block Telegram was issued despite the government's publicly stated opposition to such a decision. The administration of President Hassan Rouhani released a statement on May 1 that read, The detection of national security threats, policymaking and [adopting] appropriate measures are solely the responsibility of the Supreme National Security Council, and others are required to coordinate with this supreme institution.

The Supreme National Security Council is the highest policymaking body in Iran. The president heads the council. The statement, which noted that it was reiterating Rouhanis position, also asserted that determining public policy that impacts the needs and desires of tens of millions of citizens cannot be based solely on a decision by the judiciary.We have three problems, Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman quipped during an April 29 speech in New York, Iran, Iran, Iran. Israel does not have a Palestinian problem, nor problems of poverty and corruption. Fortunately, there is Iran. Liberman did not invent the Iranian magic bullet for every ailment. That patent is registered to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the countrys top presenter who on April 30 recycled information about Irans nuclear program using amateurish show-and-tell aids. Here is what the prime minister said three years ago in response to a sharp rebuke by the governments watchdog agency, the State Comptroller, on housing policy failure: When we talk about the cost of housing, cost of living, I never forget for one moment life itself. This is how Netanyahu dismissed his critics for dealing in minutiae. And what is life itself? The struggle against Iran, of course. The biggest threat to our lives now is Irans nuclear armament, Netanyahu went on to explain on his Facebook page.

In addition to the Iranian nuclear issue and Iranian-sponsored terrorism, Israel now has the Iranian problem on the Syrian border. However, an additional Iranian problem hides behind these three but fails to get worthy coverage; when life itself is under threat, only a fool would bother the man who protects it with questions about a few cigars (as Netanyahu supporters refer dismissively to the police investigations against him on suspicions of corruption). Netanyahu himself advanced this approach only recently, when he insisted on speaking at the April 18 torch-lighting ceremony marking Israels 70th Independence Day, against the tradition reserving that honor to the Knesset speaker. When Netanyahu conducted his hostile takeover of national prime time and spoke about our enemies that think were a passing fad," who wants to think about the state of the countrys education system? How many Israelis took the trouble to fact-check the speech by the prime minister, who pledged on Israels festive birthday, In 70 years, you will find here a state that is far stronger than today. His promise is based on the assumption that a countrys long-term might is only measured by the number of its missiles, fighter jets and tanks.

Many, many countries, on all continents, admire our material and spiritual achievements, our achievements in science and culture, Netanyahu boasted at the event. Several days later, the Aaron Institute for Economic Policy at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya posted on its website a set of indicators measuring Israels performance in 10 key policy areas and comparing them with averages measured in the worlds most developed countries. It found Israel lagging behind in all areas, other than health care. Despite Israels robust economic growth, the net poverty rate  after discounting for taxes and benefits  is the highest in the developed world, as measured by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The number of murders, attacks and rapes per capita is higher than in most other developed countries, i.e., OECD member states. Israel is also behind in terms of a significant number of environmental protection indicators.

Netanyahu cited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who crowned Israel a technological powerhouse on a recent visit here. The prime minister never misses an opportunity to boast of Israels high-tech prowess. However, the success is not due to government policy; it is achieved despite government policy. According to the Aaron Institute, Israel lags behind the developed world in terms of both results and effectiveness. For almost 20 years, Israeli schoolchildren have been ranked in or around 40th place in the international PISA tests that measure scholastic achievements of 15-year-olds in dozens of participating countries (72 took part in 2015), and in first place in terms of the gap between the strongest and weakest students compared to other OECD countries.

Israel Bank experts point to the direct link between the failure of Israeli students in international testing and their subsequent poor performance as adults in international PIAAC skill surveys, which assess the basic skills and competencies of adults around the world, and low productivity rate in the workplace. Despite the low rankings, Israel is still placed in the bottom third of OECD member states in expenditure per student. According to the Knesset Research and Information Center, the rate of government spending on nonmilitary-related research and development  especially in the fields of health, environment and energy  is significantly lower than the OECD average.

The 2019 budget includes cuts of some 25% in the countrys agricultural research by the Volcani Center. The Ministry of Agricultures chief scientist Avi Perl said recently that he fails to understand how such a severe blow to the institutes activity fits in with the boasts to the world about Israels scientific and agricultural research development and its mobilization for giant projects in India, China and Russia. It is also difficult to understand how the ongoing cuts in the higher education budget fit in with the bragging about Israels status as a technological powerhouse.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, some 11% of those holding a doctoral degree from Israeli institutions live abroad. They include 25% of those with doctoral degrees in mathematics, 19% who have a doctorate in computer sciences, a similar rate of doctors in materials engineering, and 17% of those with a doctoral degree in aeronautics and space engineering. Over the past three years, the number of academics moving back to Israel has dropped by 23%. The rate of those leaving is higher than of those returning.

On the 70th anniversary of its founding, the State of Israel has no lack of problems, chief among them efforts by Iranian religious zealots to take over the region and the protracted conflict with the Palestinians. A focus on a defense-oriented agenda plays into the hands of the Netanyahu-led right wing in two ways: A public focus on the immediate Iran threat both perpetuates the longing for someone portrayed as a strong leader and sweeps under the Persian rug burning social problems, such as health care and education, that Netanyahu has downgraded to the status of quality of life issues. The problem is that contempt for quality of life results, eventually, is contempt for life itself.WASHINGTON  European powers and Russia said Tuesday that Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus claim that Israel has obtained a 50,000-plus page archive of Irans pre-2003 nuclear weapons research from a storage warehouse in Tehran only proves the need to maintain the Iran nuclear deal. But European reaction to Netanyahus televised presentation Monday comes as diplomats see growing signs that US President Donald Trump will not issue Iran nuclear-related sanctions waivers this month and instead announce he is withdrawing from the deal.

The Israeli prime ministers presentation on Irans past research into nuclear weapons technology underlines the importance of keeping the Iran nuclear deals constraints on Tehrans nuclear ambitions, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said Tuesday.

The deal was put in place exactly because there was no trust between the parties, otherwise we would not have required a nuclear deal to be put in place, European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said.

The relevance of this [Iran nuclear] agreement is heightened by the information Israel has presented, a French Foreign Ministry representative said Tuesday.

Hamid Baeidinejad, Iran's ambassador to the UK and a former nuclear negotiator, said the information Netanyahu presented is already known to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"All documents presented by Netanyahu were available and known to the IAEA, which after a comprehensive ten years study found no indications of Iran having conducted activities linked to a nuclear weapons program," Baeidinejad wrote Tuesday on Twitter. "IAEA decided accordingly to permanently close the issue in 2015."

European efforts to keep Trump in the deal were at the forefront of visits to the White House last week by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. But Macron acknowledged in a press conference upon his departure that he did not think he had succeeded.

"My view [is]  that he will get rid of this deal on his own, for domestic reasons," Macron said April 25. "My view is that there is a big risk he will leave."

Trump is expected to not issue the waivers this month, but to not immediately reimpose sanctions, which can take as long as 180 days to go into effect. He will then urge the Europeans in the meantime to try to negotiate a more comprehensive deal with Iran that addresses concerns about Iranian behavior not covered in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Those concerns include sunsets that let Iran expand its enrichment capacity after a decade, ballistic missile proliferation, and Iran's presence and support for militant proxy groups in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

What I have been led to believe is Trump will withdraw from JCPOA, but not engage in snapback [of sanctions], to give the Europeans time to talk to the Iranians, to address other aspects [of Iranian behavior] left untouched by the deal, Pooya Dayanim, an Iranian American pro-democracy activist who last week met with groups lobbying the US administration to toughen or abandon the nuclear accord, told Al-Monitor.

They are going to have the Europeans approach Iran and propose, lets bring other issues  and have a comprehensive agreement, Dayanim said, adding that the Trump administration thinks Iran is weak enough to come to the table again.

Former State Department Iran expert Suzanne Maloney also believed Trump was likely to not issue the waivers this month, but stressed that Trump is unpredictable. She also said the administrations apparent plan to then pressure the Europeans to try to negotiate a bigger deal with Iran before the sanctions kick back into place is unlikely to work.

Nobody really knows what Trump is going to do. I say that with reasonable confidence about the people around him, Maloney, now with the Brookings Institution, told Al-Monitor. Netanyahu played to his sweet spot and complete loathing of the deal and conviction that it was a fraud from the beginning. But [French President Emmanuel] Macron also succeeded a little bit more than initial reviews gave him credit for.

Trumps inclination has always been renegotiation, not rip up, Maloney said. But the administrations apparent approach to pressure the Europeans and Iranians into a renegotiation is a long shot. I think it will almost certainly implode. There is almost no chance this could succeed.

The world is not going to explode on May 13, Maloney said. But there will be an intensification of what we have been seeing over the course of the past few weeks: Everyone trying to find a way to fix it.  There will be a month of frantic maneuvering and diplomacy to try to salvage diplomacy from the ashes of whatever decision Trump makes.

Newly confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking to journalists as he arrived at Andrews Air Force base Monday from a weekend trip to NATO, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan, said his team was still trying to reach an agreement with the Europeans on a deal to toughen policy toward Iran. But he hinted that transatlantic relations might soon get tested by Trump withdrawing from the Iran deal.

Were working diligently to fix this thing, Pompeo said. I mean, on the plane weve been working to try and get language right that will address President Trumps concerns. So were still working our way there.

Weve had lots of conversations with the Europeans, Pompeo continued. We share the same end goal to keep the Iranians from ever having a nuclear weapon. I am confident that we will continue to have good relations with our European partners should the president choose to pull out of this.The Donald Trump administration is siding squarely with Morocco regarding its occupation of the Western Sahara, suggesting that the unorthodox president is ready to shake up longstanding US policy toward the decades-old North African conflict.

The UN Security Council on Friday adopted a US-sponsored resolution that is unusually critical of the pro-independence Polisario Front after tabling an earlier US draft that was even more favorable to Morocco. The resolution renews the UN peacekeeping mission to the Western Sahara, MINURSO, for six months while calling out the Algeria-backed Polisario for recent tensions in the region.

The MINURSO resolution that the Security Council just passed is definitely not the MINURSO resolution that weve seen in previous years, David McKean, a program officer at the nonprofit Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, told Al-Monitor. Every couple of years Morocco finds a way to influence the conversation by taking pretty aggressive action.

Pro-Moroccan activists applauded the Trump administrations apparent evolution on the issue, which has been the subject of a Washington lobbying war for years between Morocco and Algeria. Rabat spent almost $4 million to influence Congress and the executive branch in 2016, according to a review of lobbying disclosures by Al-Monitor, compared with less than $500,000 combined by the Polisario and its Algerian patron. The dispute even played a minor role during the 2016 US presidential campaign, where Hillary Clinton was criticized for appearing to favor Rabat while taking Moroccan money for the Clinton Foundation.

It appears that Moroccos diplomatic strategy to mobilize support for its position on the Western Sahara is starting to bear fruit, Samir Bennis, the co-founder of the pro-Rabat Morocco World News, wrote in a column after the United States unveiled its original draft.

And in another recent development that the Morocco World News took as further evidence of a shift in the US position, the State Department in its annual human rights report last month for the first time labeled the Polisarios political arm a separatist group. A State Department spokesman, however, downplayed the significance of the term.

Our position has not changed, the spokesman told Al-Monitor. We continue to support the UN-led process designed to bring about a peaceful, sustainable and mutually agreed solution to the conflict in the Western Sahara.

The conflict over the phosphate-rich desert region to the south of Morocco has raged for decades as Rabat claims sovereignty over the territory while some native Sahrawis want independence. War between Morocco and the Polisario ended in 1991, when the UN launched a process to prepare for a referendum on independence, but it has stagnated as both sides fail to agree on who would get to vote.

Fridays resolution, which passed 12-0, renews MINURSOs mandate for six months instead of the usual 12. Russia, China and Ethiopia abstained because they viewed it as unfair to the Polisario, which was singled out for its presence along a buffer zone at the border with Mauritania, which the resolution labeled destabilizing actions.

The Polisario maintains that it withdrew its military presence in the buffer zone last year. A March report from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, however, called on the Polisario to withdraw from the area, while noting the groups receptiveness to receiving an expert mission to the buffer zone  unlike Morocco, which opposes any such expansion of UN involvement. The report went on to encourage Rabat to reconsider this initiative so that both parties can engage in a bona fide discussion on the matter, but the UN resolution did not echo that call.

Ahead of the vote, Amy Noel Tachco, a US representative at the United Nations, argued that MINURSO no longer had a political purpose and that the UN has allowed Western Sahara to lapse into a textbook example of a frozen conflict.

The United States wants to finally see progress in the political process meant to resolve this conflict, a US official told Al-Monitor. Over the next six months we expect that the parties will return to the table. We also hope that neighboring states will recognize the special and important role they can play in supporting this negotiating process.

For its part, the Polisario downplayed the resolutions harsh language and instead praised the decision to renew MINURSOs mandate for a mere six months. The new UN envoy to the Western Sahara, Horst Kohler, has called for a new round of negotiations this year.

Weve been extending it for a long time without any results, Mouloud Said, the Polisarios envoy to Washington, told Al-Monitor. The next round of negotiations we are ready to start even this week.  We just hope that Morocco will not drag its feet as they [have] in the past.

Yet Morocco has ruled out resuming a political process unless the Polisario withdraws from the buffer zone.

If they will not withdraw, there will be no political process, Moroccos ambassador to the UN, Omar Hilale, told reporters after the vote. They have to choose  provocation and violation and they will have the Security Council in front of them, or the political process. The ball is on their side now.Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met with Mike Pompeo, his US counterpart, in Brussels last week on the sidelines of a NATO ministerial gathering in the hope of opening a new and more positive chapter in Turkish-US ties.

There was little to suggest, however, that Cavusoglus first contact with the new secretary of state resulted in major breakthroughs with regard to the many problems besetting Turkish-American ties.

To the contrary, the readout of the meeting from the US side, and the remarks by Cavusoglu after the meeting, showed that differences remain, even if they are being contained as a result of backstage diplomacy.

Former Secretary of State Rex Tillersons visit to Ankara in mid-February kept tensions between Turkey and the United States from boiling over. Tillersons visit came at a time when the two strategic partners appeared to be heading toward a military standoff over Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters in Syria.

Ankaras threats to go after US-supported YPG fighters in the city of Manbij could not be brushed off by Washington after Turkey launched its Operation Olive Branch in January against the YPG in the northern Syrian city of Afrin.

Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist organization that poses an existential threat to Turkey. It has indicated that it will do what is necessary to prevent this group, and its political wing, the Democratic Union Party, from establishing a presence along Turkeys border with Syria.

It was Ankaras apparent determination that prompted Tillerson to visit Turkey with a view to reducing tensions and preventing the situation from spinning out of control. Washington also distanced itself from Turkeys operation in Afrin, saying it had no forces in that city and, therefore, no interests there.

During Tillersons visit, a results-oriented mechanism was established between Ankara and Washington to discuss the YPG and other problems that have been clouding ties, and seek mutually acceptable solutions.

Ankaras hopes were momentarily dashed, however, after President Donald Trump unexpectedly nominated the hawkish Pompeo to replace the more circumspect Tillerson.

Turkish officials immediately remembered that Pompeo once characterized Turkey as a totalitarian Islamic dictatorship in a tweet, which he later removed.

Whoever becomes secretary of state, they would have to first learn how to respect Turkey, Cavusoglu said in March in his response to Pompeos nomination.

Nevertheless, Ankara remains hopeful that an arrangement over Manbij can be arrived at. US officials, in turn, have noted Turkeys support for the recent US-led strikes against regime targets in Syria as a positive development, diplomats in Ankara indicate.

Talking to reporters in Brussels after his meeting with Pompeo last week, Cavusoglu said that if the United States complied with the preliminary agreement on a road map arrived at between Ankara and Washington, then the YPG would evacuate Manbij.

Otherwise, Turkey would intervene itself against terrorists, Cavusoglu warned, revealing that doubts about US intentions linger on the Turkish side.

Turkish government officials said Turkey has proposed joint patrols with the United States in Manbij after the YPG is forced to leave the city. However, the State Departments readout of the Pompeo-Cavusoglu talks did not provide any indication that an agreement on any joint action had been arrived at yet.

Building upon prior discussions on Manbij, the two reaffirmed their support for the established bilateral process to find a common way forward, the State Department readout said.

Meeting with reporters in the Pentagon earlier this week, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis told the semi-official Anatolia News Agency that differences with Turkey over this topic remained. He added that discussions were continuing, but refused to say anything regarding their progress.

Unlike Afrin, US forces are deployed in Manbij, as well as regions east of the Euphrates held by the YPG, and senior US military officials have said they would defend their forces and their allies against any attack.

Despite the hard talk from Ankara, and the hawkish position of some in the Pentagon against Turkey, there are retired Turkish diplomats who believe Turkey and the United States will arrive at some compromise over Manbij.

Faruk Logoglu, who was Turkeys ambassador in Washington from 2001 to 2005, said the commemorative message to Armenians that Trump issued on April 24 shows that Washingtons brakes as far as Turkey is concerned are still working.

Trump did not term the killing of Ottoman Armenians in 1915 as genocide, a characterization that Turkey rejects. There was speculation that he would use the G word this time, given the anger in Washington against Turkey.

As far as Manbij is concerned, I think a middle ground will be found, Logoglu told Al-Monitor. He said there were signs that the model worked out by Ankara and Washington would also be extended east of the Euphrates to areas currently held by the YPG with US support.

As to Pompeos characterization of Turkey as a totalitarian Islamic dictatorship, Logoglu said the newly confirmed secretary of state probably retains this belief today.

But his current position places great responsibilities on his shoulders. This will ensure that he acts according to Americas broader interests, and not his personal opinions, Logoglu said.

US support for the YPG, however, is only one of the topics  albeit the most urgent one for Ankara presently  that have been undermining Turkish-American ties.

Other topics include the United States refusal to comply with Turkeys demand to extradite Fethullah Gulen, the Islamic preacher accused of masterminding the attempted coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in July 2016.

Turkey, in turn, is refusing US demands for the release of American pastor Andrew Brunson, who has been in a Turkish prison since December 2016 and is being tried for allegedly supporting not just Gulen but also Kurdish terrorists.

The arrest of Turkish members of the US consular staff in Turkey on similar charges is also a topic Washington remains sensitive about.

Secretary Pompeo conveyed the administrations concern for US citizens and Mission Turkey local staff detained in Turkey, Washingtons readout of the Pompeo-Cavusoglu meeting said.

Reporting from Washington, Cansu Camlibel of Hurriyet Daily News pointed out that there has been no single conversation between Trump and Erdogan where the US president did not [say] Brunsons name.

In an April 17 tweet, Trump referred to Brunson as a fine gentleman and Christian leader who is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason.

Trumps angry tweet came in response to the refusal by a Turkish court to release Brunson, who will remain in prison pending a verdict in his trial.

Press reports indicate that another sensitive issue discussed by Cavusoglu and Pompeo, but not mentioned in the readout, was Washingtons serious concern over Turkeys decision to buy Russian made S-400 anti-ballistic missile systems.

The Brunson case has prompted three US senators to present a bill that would prevent the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. They said they were responding to President Erdogans "path of reckless governance and disregard for the rule of law.

A senior Western diplomat talking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity characterized the mood among US officials and politicians toward Turkey as ugly.

Some in Ankara believe that difficulties with the Americans will be overcome and that Turkey and the US will eventually realign their policies in Syria, the diplomat said. This shouldnt be taken for granted, he added.

Responding to the threat of US sanctions against Turkey, Cavusoglu told reporters in Brussels that if Washington decided to go down that path, Ankara would respond in kind.

Such remarks show that there is still much confidence to be restored in Turkish-US ties if the sides are to overcome their serious differences.Turkish police detained 77 people who defied a ban to mark May Day at Istanbuls Taksim Square, the traditional protest site that still remains contentious four decades after dozens of leftists were killed there during May Day celebrations.

Authorities deployed more than 26,000 police officers around the city, cordoned off Taksim Square with metal barricades and suspended public transit and traffic on roads leading to the key transport hub to prevent marchers from reaching the space. Helicopters patrolled the skies above the square.

The extraordinary measures underscore President Recep Tayyip Erdogans determination to keep a lid on potential unrest ahead of elections to be held June 24 under the continuing state of emergency. The historic vote, which Erdogan pulled forward by 17 months, will usher in constitutional changes that will vastly expand the powers of the president and formally sideline the parliament.

Hundreds of tourists struggled to reach hotels or leave for the airport from Taksim, a major tourism center, reported CNN Turk, showing footage of them dragging suitcases past riot police.

A handful of labor group representatives were allowed to hold moments of silence in Taksim early in the day. A pro-government union left a wreath at a statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern republic, and carnations nearby to commemorate the 37 people who were killed in 1977 after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a crowd estimated at 500,000 people, sparking a panicked stampede.

Thousands of workers gathered at a rally on the citys Asian side that was organized by left-wing unions after their request to gather in Taksim was denied again this year. Smaller events were held in cities across Turkey.

In 15 years, we have striven to resolve problems regarding our workers rights and laws with as much of the resources of the state and the country as possible, Erdogan said in an International Labor Day message.

We have come together with all labor unions and civil society organizations whose real agenda is workers rights and benefits, he said. We have taken care not to be one of those who instrumentalize workers and laborers on such a meaningful day as May 1.

Workers face a myriad of problems in Turkey, including one of the worlds highest worker fatality rates, a lack of legal protections and dwindling union membership. Almost 400 workers were killed on the job in the first three months of this year alone, according to the Workers Health and Work Safety Assembly. The International Trade Union Confederation ranks Turkey among the 10 worst countries for workers rights.

Just one in eight workers belongs to a trade union. The official unemployment rate is above 10% despite rapid economic growth, and low wages have left millions of workers at the hunger threshold.

Since the chaos of 1977, Taksim Square has been mostly off-limits to those wanting to draw attention to these issues. Then, in 2010, Erdogan designated May 1 a national holiday and relaxed the prohibition on gathering at Taksim, part of wider liberalization efforts earlier in his rule.

May Day celebrations were held at Taksim without incident the following two years, bolstered by a 2012 European Court of Human Rights ruling that Turkish authorities had violated their right to peaceful assembly with their earlier prohibitions.

Then, the ban was reinstated in 2013 due to security concerns arising from a controversial construction project at Taksim Square, viewed by many Turks as the symbolic heart of the secular republic. The decision sparked protests that snowballed into Turkeys largest anti-government demonstrations in a generation as tens of thousands of people occupied the adjacent Gezi Park, a rare green space in the city that was slated for demolition to make way for a shopping mall. At least eight people were killed and thousands were injured over two weeks as police suppressed the protests and finally cleared the park.

Erdogan likened the protests to a coup attempt. Three years later, he faced down an actual military coup and has ruled Turkey largely by decree since imposing emergency rule in its aftermath.

Gezi Park survives, despite occasional threats by Erdogan to destroy it, while the rest of Taksim is undergoing an extensive transformation. Behind Ataturks statue rise construction cranes and the domes of a great mosque, the realization of an elusive dream of Turkish Islamists since the 1950s to build a house of worship in the square.

At the same time, the Ataturk Culture Center, a modernist building erected in 1969 that straddles the eastern end of Taksim, is being dismantled. Erdogan shut the landmark down a decade ago and now plans to replace it with an opera house. Last year, he hired the son of the cultural centers original architect to design the new building.

The rest of the square is encased in concrete with a few potted trees and benches. On Tuesday, it stood empty.Iraqi Yazidis are healing from the pain and hardship they suffered at the hands of the Islamic State, which swept their areas, killing men and forcing women into sexual slavery for over 2 years.

In a sign of the return to normal life, the Yazidi New Year was celebrated in a Yazidi temple April 8 for the first time since the liberation from IS.

The celebration involves many Yazidi traditions and customs that characterize their heritage and history. They ceremonially cut firewood and press olives to extract oil to light the lanterns of the temple in Lalish for the entire year.

The distinctive domed temple sits at the foot of a mountainous area northwest of Mosul in Ninevah province, in a dense forest of olive and other trees. Cutting the local wood and pressing the olives are part of a sacred Yazidi religious duty.

Researcher Ahmed Shingaly, who participated in the ceremony, told Al-Monitor, This is their ancestral homeland. The temple was built to bring together Yazidis from around the world to practice their religious rites. It is not about the edifice alone but about the land that was planted with olive trees, which are never cut. The new generation is invested in growing and taking care of more olive trees.

However, Shingaly felt a deep sadness from some of the worshipers despite the large turnout. He said, Thousands of Yazidis, mainly children and women, are still unaccounted for, in reference to the more than 3,200 women and children that are still held captive by IS, which deems them infidels.

The temple of Lalish is the only temple to which Yazidis from around the world make pilgrimage. Shankali said, Visitors have to take off their shoes and walk around the temple in sincere contemplation so that their prayers are heard and answered.

Yazidi writer Akram Darwish, who also attended the ceremony, gave Al-Monitor a detailed account of the annual ritual. He said, Once summer is over, olives are ripe and ready to be picked from the trees in the large valley near the temple. The olives are then stored inside large storehouses in the temple, as has been the custom for many years.

Darwish went on, With the beginning of spring, the olives are taken out of storage and are pressed during a celebration of thousands of Yazidis, who consider it a religious duty. The extracted oil is used to light 500 lanterns in the temple every day before sunset.

He said that the Yazidis also gather wood and cut down trees for three days. "But they make sure not to cut down saplings or green trees or harm the forest.

Yazidis are expected to make at least one pilgrimage to the Lalish temple in their lifetimes. Yazidis who live in the area visit it all year round.

Saman Daoud, a Yazidi journalist based in Germany, told Al-Monitor, There is an urgent need, more than ever before, for this annual religious celebration and the participation of Yazidis from around the world. I was there for this years celebration along with hundreds who came from Europe, Australia and the United States to visit the temple.

Daouds statements echo a report by the British Daily Telegraph on June 2, 2017, that said number of visitors to the temple had reached 1,000 people every Friday.

Daoud spoke about another Yazidi tradition, saying, Pilgrims wrap a piece of cloth on the temple column, praying to God to answer their prayers. They leave thousands of pieces of worn-out cloth wrapped in place.

As Yazidis resume their normal lives after the great tragedies they have suffered at the hands of IS and some of the residents of nearby villages who collaborated with the organization, some of the worshipers renewed calls for a secure future through international protection and declare the massacres of their people ethnic cleansing at The Hague.

Muslim religious institutions such as the Sunni Endowment are reassuring Yazidis that they recognize the tragedies and crimes they have suffered. Eskandar Watout, a member of the parliamentary security committee, told Al-Monitor, This has now become a part of the past. Today, the security forces are capable of fully protecting minorities, including Yazidis. IS has been defeated and will never return to Iraq.Johannesburg, South Africa  Making her rounds on a bright spring morning, Cora Bailey brakes sharply and points at a cross-breed dog with thick chestnut fur and a missing hind leg. This is Snoopy, Bailey says, as the dog, true to her name, snoops through a putrid mound of rubbish amidst the long grass that lines the roadside.

She literally took a bullet to protect her owner. Unfortunately, we couldnt save her leg, Bailey says. Even the dogs arent safe here.

She sighs, lights a cigarette and drives on.

Fifteen years ago, Bailey, who has deep smile lines and a sharp sardonic wit, founded the CLAW animal welfare clinic here in Durban Deep, a defunct Victorian-era gold mine on the western flank of Johannesburg, South Africas famous city of gold.

Today, Baileys clinic continues to stand as an enduring place of sanctuary for animals like Snoopy, even as a bloody resources conflict has engulfed this forgotten mining town, often catching local residents in the crossfire.

There have been so many dead bodies, Bailey told Al Jazeera. Ive lost count.

There are around 350 illegal miners in the Durban Deep area, according to the South African Human Rights Commissions [Shaun Swingler/Al Jazeera]

Formerly nicknamed the Grand Old Lady in mining circles, Durban Deep officially ceased its operations in 2001. But the 12-million ounces of gold still believed to be un-mined in the area have drawn thousands of low-income migrants, mostly from Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Many have moved into Durban Deeps abandoned bungalows on leafy streets once inhabited by wealthy white mine employees.

According to figures from 2011, the last time a nationwide census was done in South Africa, there were 744 people living within the former mine village itself, but the surrounding settlements of Matholesville and Sol Plaatje, both of which are largely sustained by illegal mining in the Durban Deep area, had populations of approximately 15,000 and 25,000 respectively. These populations are likely much higher today.

Throughout these settlements, vendors sit on street corners selling headlamps, balaclavas, knee pads and other essentials to the many young men who look to carve out a living underground.

But growing competition for gold in an area of rampant poverty and unemployment has sparked a deadly turf war. In the past few years, informal miners, colloquially known as zama zamas, which roughly translates from isiZulu as take a chance, have been murdered here by rival gangs and syndicates on an almost weekly basis, residents say.

According to Brigadier Sam Manala, station commander at Roodepoort Police Station, approximately 90 percent of murders in his precinct, which includes Durban Deep, are related to illegal mining. This is one of the biggest problems that we are facing in this area, Manala told Al Jazeera.

A 2015 report by the South African Human Rights Commission said that there are approximately 30,000 illegal miners operating across South Africa, with an estimated 350 of those mining in the Durban Deep area. Bailey believes the number today is much higher.

The report goes on to say that the rapid rise of zama zamas is a reflection of the widespread decline of the countrys formal mining industry; the failure of the African National Congress government to better regulate the informal mining sector; and the political and economic turmoil of neighbouring countries  an estimated 75 percent of zama zamas in the country are undocumented immigrants.

Deputy Mineral Resources Minister Godfrey Oliphant has said that about 10 percent of South Africas gold production, worth about R7 billion ($565m), is taken out of the country each year through illicit mining, much of it from in and around Johannesburg. Since 2012, this highly lucrative industry has claimed the lives of more than 300 illegal miners in clashes over the control of mine shafts.

In Durban Deep, the scale of illegal mining and the resulting conflict has steadily intensified since the land was bought by Johannesburg developers Dino Properties in 2014. The change of ownership has cast uncertainty over the future of the approximately 800 residents who inhabit the mines crumbling former staff houses and hostels, cut off from even basic services.

Within the next five years, Dino plans to build approximately 18,000 affordable housing units as part of a broader government-backed project intended to help mitigate Johannesburgs 800,000 housing unit shortage.

Many of the illegal miners come from neighbouring Lesotho and Zimbabwe [Shaun Swingler/Al Jazeera]

In a joint venture with Dino, Australian mining company West Wits Mining has been awarded a licence by the Department of Mineral Resources to resuscitate Durban Deep mine, claiming in 2016 that this will both improve security in the area and create up to 2,500 jobs. Neither West Wits nor the Department of Mineral Resources could be reached for further comment for this story.

According to Etienne Meyer, who is heading up the Dino development, the project is already having a positive impact on reducing illegal mining activities and associated violence in the area.

But Bailey dismisses Meyers claims. The industry is bigger than ever, she says, adding that the community has been hearing about this supposed five-year plan for at least the last four years, but nothings really changed so far.

As if to punctuate her point, Bailey rounds a corner and drives along a dirt track past groups of women busily crushing and grinding pieces of rock into fine gold-flecked sand. The women, their hands and clothes covered in white dust, look up warily as Baileys car passes, then carry on with their work.

A little further along the road, apparent gold buyers load sacks full of the zama zamas quarry into expensive cars before making their way back into the city. A police car crawls past the makeshift marketplace and then drives on without stopping.

David van Wyk, a mining researcher with the Johannesburg-based Bench Marks Foundation, says that these buyers, who are often connected to international organised crime syndicates, are largely to blame for the escalating violence associated with illicit mining, and that zama zamas tend to be the victims rather than the villains.

The syndicates that buy the gold try to force a price on the guys that dig it out. Then when theres a dispute, violence breaks out, van Wyk says. Or its competing syndicates trying to control groups of zama zamas that are operational in specific areas.

Fani Magwaza lives in a whitewashed bungalow with chipped walls and a rusting corrugated zinc roof. On his front porch, a few young men play pool on a tattered old table. Around the side of the building, a group of five Zimbabwean zama zamas prepare to go underground, testing their torches and packing rations into their backpacks.

Magwaza, a former mine worker, moved to Durban Deep in 2002. Like most residents, he is now unemployed, but gains a small income from running an informal tuck shop and leasing spare rooms in his home to zama zamas. He estimates that up to 85 percent of local residents are living in some way or other from the proceeds of illicit mining.

Sitting on a well-worn armchair in his dimly-lit lounge, Magwaza says he has seen his fair share of violence over the years. A lot of people have been killed here, he told Al Jazeera. They even killed one of my dogs. They just came past here one day and shot him for no reason. Another time I was also shot in the leg. This place is terrible. There is no peace.

Magwaza adds that he has no faith in the polices ability to protect local residents from the ever-present violence, echoing a commonly held sentiment that police officers are in fact complicit in the illegal mining industry. Sometimes the station commander will arrange a sting operation, but then the cops will tip off the miners and the buyers because they are also profiting too much from this business, Magwaza says.

Manala, the brigadier, told Al Jazeera that he cannot deny that there are some police officers that are corrupt, but our crime intelligence is working on that and we will deal with that accordingly.

Hangwani Mulaudzi, spokesperson for the Hawks, a national directorate that targets organised crime and corruption, said his organisation was undertaking an ongoing series of investigations into illegal mining across South Africa, including alleged widespread police involvement in the industry.

But Bailey says there is little hope of restoring Durban Deep residents faith in the police. No one ever seems to feel obliged to do any actual law enforcement whatsoever here and no crimes are ever solved, she says.

According to Felicia Thisani, coordinator for a local volunteer group called Women as Safety Providers (WASP), women and children often bear the brunt of the lawlessness. We deal with a lot of rape and abuse cases, she says. Sometimes its difficult to sleep at night thinking about all of these things.

Sarah Crawford-Browne, a health science lecturer at the University of Cape Town who is writing her PhD on continuous trauma, says that in fractured, violent communities like Durban Deep destructive energy generally gets channelled in a way that is going to affect those that are most vulnerable.

But the opposite side of that is that theres also no protection and no policing, and therefore no accountability. So people are not having to control those violent impulses because there is no structure that they are pushing up against, she added.

Since two female paramedics were attacked and one of them raped while attending to a burn victim in Durban Deep in 2010, ambulances also routinely refuse to respond to call-outs to the area, Bailey says.

Bailey and her staff at CLAW often end up filling the void. Among other things, they run an aftercare centre for local children and a womens group. Bailey has also often been called on to intervene when groups of desperate residents have tried to take the law into their own hands by attacking suspected criminals. Theres not much I havent seen here, Bailey says.

Later in the day, Bailey pays a visit to Blessing*, a tall and softly-spoken Zimbabwean who came to South Africa in 2006. Blessing began illegally mining in Durban Deep in 2012, sometimes spending up to a week at a time underground, descending as far as 40 metres below the rocky surface. Sitting on an upturned paint bucket outside his shack in Sol Plaatje, he says that in a good month he could make R2,000 (about $170) for his efforts.

In March 2017, Blessing was shot in the leg by a group of men who robbed him of his quarry when he came up from a few days underground. The assailants also shot dead one of his companions. Due to the enduring pain in his leg, Blessing has been unable to work since.

But despite the risks, as soon as his leg allows, Blessing says hell go back underground.

Things are difficult. I have a child, he says, motioning towards a three-year-old girl playing in the street behind him. Sometimes we go hungry. Even though I am scared to go underground again, even though its not safe, I dont have a choice.

Blessing* is not his real name; it has been changed to protect his identity.Armenia still has a long way to go to ensure consolidation of democracy and the rule of law.

After mounting a large-scale and ultimately effective campaign of civil disobedience, a movement of people power in Armenia, led by Nikol Pashinyan, a young member of parliament, appears to have delivered on multiple fronts. The embattled and unpopular prime minister, Serzh Sargsyan, was forced to step down on April 23. More importantly, the civil disobedience campaign also produced civic engagement at extra-ordinary levels, thereby opening a new chapter to Armenias statecraft.

While a great victory for the movement on the ground, the slim majority of the incumbent regime which Serzh Sargsyan represented, blocked Mr. Pashinyan from being elected as interim prime minister during the parliamentary elections on May 1. In an effort to regroup, the incumbent Republican party prolonged the crisis, pushing the people back into the streets. According to the constitution, next election will be held seven days after todays vote.

The political sophistication of the people is evident both in terms of their disciplined approach to nonviolent strategies, but also their determination to pursue their goals through the existing constitutional order, no matter how flawed. They have already successfully registered their protest at an attempt at constitutional engineering, by repudiating the attempt of the embattled ex-president-turned-prime minister to secure a de facto third, and potentially indefinite, term in power.

The crisis is over the institutional foundations of the state. The constitution has been respected, despite the discredited parliamentary elections in 2017 that brought the incumbent Republicans to power. This institutional adherence has offered Armenia a solid democratic opening, and a chance to translate this popular movement into a long-term democratic consolidation. The people realise it, the incumbent party in the parliament does not.

Lessons learned from around the world

The movement needs to continue working through the institutions, no matter how flawed and fragile. A path that is incremental, patient, inclusive and open to compromise appears to be one that has worked in other cases of democratic consolidation, and may well deliver in Armenia.

In Chile, popular movements opposed to the dictatorial regime initially supported all forms of struggle, including violence. However, by 1986, the opposition had transformed and broadened its tent to build a homeland for all, with a focus on nonviolent civil action.

Similarly, in Ghana, the leader of the opposition party insisted on participating in the 1996 election, without a clear path to electoral victory, and spawned a largely non-violent civil society movement. It was not until the 2000 elections that Ghana underwent a peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box and that initiated democratic consolidation in the country.

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In many respects, Armenia is in a better position than many other nations attempting democratic transitions. In contrast to democratic movements that formed against military dictatorships in South America, or those of Portugal and Spain in the 1970s, Armenias movement follows a relatively long period of gradual liberalisation occurring against a broader backdrop of semi-authoritarianism.

The events in Armenia are an instructive example of how a little bit of democracy is ultimately an oxymoron, in both language and practice.

The Armenian movement is perhaps more similar to that of Hungary in the 1980s than to those of Georgia or Ukraine in this century: It is distinctly non-geopolitical, with its leaders explicitly dissociating themselves from larger global powers, and appears to be fundamentally grassroots and organic.

The Armenian movement has unfolded within the constitutional parameters of the state without challenging the states foundations. This is ultimately both a tactical advantage for the movement and a long-term gain for Armenian statehood: rather than starting from scratch, a daunting task in a geopolitically charged and highly authoritarian neighbourhood, the focus is on restructuring and reforming, rather than rebuilding the entire constitutional system.

The existing schism between the civil and political realms is an impediment for translating the will of the people on the streets today into institutional outcomes in the parliament tomorrow.

Democratic transitions are inherently multi-level processes. They involve civil society, political society, rule of law, state apparatus, and economic society. Armenias foundations for a successful transition and a democratic consolidation are, perhaps surprisingly, strong.

As evident in the success of the large-scale civil disobedience movement, the country possesses significant capacities in its civil society. Its administrative state remains functional as well. Market-based economic institutions are evolved and intact, albeit dominated by oligarchic interests and large businesses.

The rule of law, while arbitrarily applied, at least has created the basic expectation among the populace of the need and value of constitutional adherence. It is in the arena of political society, defined as free and inclusive electoral contests, where Armenia has lagged since independence. Electoral fraud and reliance on administrative resources to control ballot outcomes have, over the years, crippled trust between society and the government.

And it is on this area of societal trust that the current movement would do well to focus. The existing schism between the civil and political realms is an impediment for translating the will of the people on the streets today into institutional outcomes in parliament tomorrow.

Pashinyan, the opposition movements leader, has been deftly striving to build public solidarity and reject the notion of political vendetta. These are the right tones to strike in any movement that endeavours to advance popular protest to democratic consolidation.

Risks and rewards moving forward

As highlighted by researchers who study such events throughout history, many mass civil movements have toppled non-democratic regimes, but if left alone, it has been remarkably difficult for them to produce democratic transitions and consolidations.

For successful outcomes, the complementarity of civil society with the political society of the state is necessary. Parties, elections, electoral rules, political leadership, alliances and legislatures are needed to translate democratic energy from the streets into the formal political institutions of the state. Simply put, the people may have done their part, but invariably the time comes for the politicians to exercise their skills in negotiation, compromise and alliance building.

In Armenia, under continued public pressure from the streets, the clock is ticking for politicians.

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For the longer term, any new government in Armenia will need to produce and present a clear democratic dividend to the population. Brought to power on a wave of economic discontent, the new government will be under pressure to deliver quickly.

Working through broad coalitions of political parties, in partnership with civil society, will be essential towards managing expectations and reforming the institutions of the rule of law.

Consensus-based governance in parliament will be needed to evaluate potential reforms to the existing constitution which, while functional and in some ways progressive, does not sufficiently preclude means by which democratic and anti-authoritarian gains may be rolled back in the future.

Armenias much-contested and newly minted parliamentary system offers tools to accommodate a Republican Party that will invariably see its near-term political fortunes decline. Democratic consolidation will succeed only if power transitions occur through the ballot box, with votes conducted with unimpeachable electoral integrity. Losers need to know they can both gain and lose power through elections.

The civil movement was in many ways not about Sargsyan, nor should it be about Pashinyan. It is about an eroded social trust between the government and its people. This can be repaired by a clean vote, peaceful transfers of power, and a constructive and healthy push-and-pull between a perpetually active civil society and legitimate political forces, for years to come.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.There is growing discontent in Iran with the war effort in Syria and it is increasingly being expressed publicly.

This is the second part of the article. Click here to read the first part focusing on the Islamic Republics efforts to control the official narrative on Syria.

While the Islamic Republic of Iran has been a staunch supporter of Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria, little attention has been paid on public attitudes within the country.

While Tehran has tried to maintain complete control over information regarding the war in Syria and the narrative about its military involvement, it has not fully succeeded. The war on terror and axis of resistance rhetoric have not been enough to mollify the Iranian public and its demand for accountability.

Despite the Iranian state medias blackout on issues related to the Syrian war, Iranians propensity to consult a myriad of Persian-language media sources abroad has kept them well informed.

Rising societal awareness about Tehrans Syria military intervention has undermined the regimes monopoly of interpretation, and Iranian officials have increasingly had to face questions from the public about its moral and economic dimensions.

Recent protests and public encounters have shown that Iranians are increasingly unhappy about their countrys involvement in Syria. The war is having an aggravating effect on already growing political and socioeconomic grievances at home.

Iranian officials speak out

The first high-level official to publicly speak out against involvement in Syria was the late Ali-Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani, a former Iranian president and a mentor to current Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.

In August 2013 (days after the Ghouta chemical attack near Damascus), in what is believed to be the first speech by an Iranian official openly admitting Assads use of chemical weapons, he said: The prisons are crammed full and there is no more room, so they have seized a few stadiums to fill them up, too. The Syrian people are experiencing harsh conditions. On the one hand, they are bombed with chemicals by their own government, and on the other hand, they can expect American bombs.

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It was not only hardliners that came after Rafsanjani for his comments; the Rouhani administration, too, criticised him.

In April 2017, Gholam-Hossein Karbaschi, popular former mayor of Tehran (1990-1998) and one of the leaders of the Executives of Construction Party, founded by Rafsanjani in 1996, also criticised Irans intervention in Syria. In a speech delivered in the city of Isfahan during an electoral campaign event in support of Rouhanis candidacy for a second term, he said: Yes, I also wish that in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, in all these places, peace is established, the oppressed protected and the Shia Muslims there strengthened. But can all these goals only be achieved through cash payments, delivery of arms, killings and beatings?

Karbaschi argued that Iran should seek a diplomatic solution to the Syrian conflict instead of a military one. The audience welcomed his remarks with enthusiastic applause.

His speech drew the ire not only of IRGC-affiliated media, but also of the government. Two days later, a Rouhani administration spokesperson responded to Karbaschis criticism: [When] we are dealing with blind terrorism and the lack of regard for peoples lives, then I believe force is the language to respond with to their cowardly acts.

A few days later, the Isfahan Provinces justice department filed a lawsuit against him, claiming that his speech was a criminal statement and an insult to the martyrs defending sacred sanctuaries.

Leave Syria alone!

Following Karbaschis speech, ultra-conservative newspaper Kayhan wrote: Karbaschis comments are a deja vu of the 2009 sedition (hardliners term for the Green Movement), when Irans foreign policy was blatantly questioned behind the smokescreen of the presidential elections and the perverted slogan Neither Gaza, Nor Lebanon, I Give My Life for Iran!'

It was that very slogan that was resurrected during the December-January rebellion which swept across the country. In fact, it was one of a number of slogans chanted in Iranian streets that explicitly expressed popular discontent with Irans regional policies. Another popular one was: Leave Syria alone, deal with us!

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Many Iranians have come to draw a direct link between their particular domestic grievances and the war in Syria, believing that the money spent on the conflict (estimated at between $6bn and $20bn annually) should be instead spent on the populations needs at home.

These sentiments have also been voiced on university campuses, despite ongoing repression against students.

In December 2016, during a Students Day event at Tehrans Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT) with prominent Iranian conservative MP Ali Motahari, a student activist took the stage and challenged key moments of the Islamic Republics history, including its involvement in Syria. He declared amid applause:

I fear the day when and I am certain that we will be condemned by history on why we have in the case of Syria stayed that silent, towards that heinous genocide that is taking place  Mr Motahari, with all that is happening in Syria, are we really standing in the front of righteousness? 500,000 people have been killed. These numbers easily pass our lips but generations in Syria have been burned. Syria has been ruined. Where are we standing in this game?  We are certainly convicted in front of the tears of Syrian children.

In April 2017, at an event at Tabriz University with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps theoretician Hassan Abbasi, a student challenged him on stage. Amid cheers and applause, he said:

Hassan Abbasi, your ideology is the ideology of terrorism and fear, of sending weapons to the bloodthirsty dictator Bashar al-Assad, and of supporting him. Your ideology is to play with the nationalistic and religious beliefs of the people, defending non-existent shrines in Homs and Idlib. What shrines?  Your ideology places the budget of Iran in the bank account of Hezbollah in Lebanon. By Hasan Nasrallahs own admission, their weapons, their daily livelihood, their food, and even their underwear are provided through the budget of the Iranian people. My final word is that we shall never forgive or forget your treachery and your crimes.

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Some uneasiness about the war in Syria seems to have also spread among some Iranian conscripts. While in the early years in the conflict, many volunteered to go to Syria and Iraq, there seems to be less enthusiasm today. One military conscript told a German weekly last year:

I see what happens in Aleppo and Homs and Idlib, and am thinking to myself: Why all that? I know that this war is cruel and that we Iranians are very, very deeply involved  They will certainly send me abroad. I really dont want to kill children in Syria but I think I have to do it.  Iranian martyrs cult: fine and good, but if I do not know what I am dying and killing other people for, I find it hard to look forward to my duty.

Irans Syria campaign seems to have put an end to the myth of the Islamic Republic being involved in conflicts only for self-defence. Much of the Iranian public seems to understand that the Assad regime, which Iran is defending, and ISIL are mutually reinforcing each others barbarity.

And now that victory over ISIL has been proclaimed and Irans military is still deployed in Syria, more questions will be asked. The war on terror rhetoric will not work that well as it did a few years ago.

The economic and human costs of Tehrans Syria intervention are increasingly coming to the surface. Irans elite will have to carefully manoeuvre in light of increasing awareness about Syria and ongoing socioeconomic and political protests.

During the recent rebellion, billboards with apocalyptic scenes from Aleppo were put up, warning Iranians against joining the protests which would turn their country into another Syria. With the Islamic Republics image of a noble saviour of Syria crumbling, such fear tactics will not be enough to silence public grievances on domestic and regional issues alike.

Editors note: This article has been updated after publication to remove a sentence on protest chants in Isfahan and Kazeroun.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance.Criticism of the US governments choice of expert witnesses in the trial of anti-fascist defendants is mounting.

On Friday, US Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Kerkhoff filed a motion naming Christina Williams, an analyst with the FBI, as an expert witness in the upcoming trial of six defendants on June 4.

The six defendants are part of a group that includes 59 people facing hefty charges over their alleged involvement in protests against US President Donald Trumps inauguration.

The court filing explains that Williams expertise derives from her history of FBI work, including in counter-terrorism.

Much of her testimony will be largely based on her reading of four popular books, including Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, a recent bestseller authored by historian Mark Bray, the filing explains.

Her testimony will deal with the use of black bloc, a tactic in which demonstrators dress in all black and conceal their identities with hoodies, ski masks, sunglasses or scarves.

In the context of the black bloc tactic, direct action often refers to violent direct action because the purpose of the black bloc is to achieve anonymity within the group, Fridays court filing (PDF) reads.

Wearing all black, the filing continues, creat[es] an environment in which it is difficult for law enforcement to stop and/or to arrest individual perpetrators of violence and destruction.

It is really quite absurd, author Bray told Al Jazeera by telephone.

It is interesting how history has become a sort of focal point of this case  I think its very much indicative of a lack of concrete evidence and the kind of whimsical nature of the prosecution, he added.

Bray, who is also a historian of political radicalism and one of the organisers of protest movement Occupy Wall Street, said the governments case was largely based on the notion that if one wears black or covers their face at a protest, they necessarily intend to commit criminal acts.

But thats not what the history says, and thats not what the book says, he concluded.

The other three books identified in the court filing as evidence of Williams expertise are The Guide: A Handbook on Direct Action and Activist Security, Insurrection: Citizen Challenges to Corporate Power and The Black Bloc Papers.

Several controversial witnesses

The introduction of Williams as an expert witness comes after the governments request to admit an anonymous undercover agent as a witness was rejected by Judge Robert Morin in March.

The undercover agent, who was identified by the pseudonym, Julie McMahon, had infiltrated protests involving black bloc tactics in the past.

After the judge denied the introduction of the anonymous witness, the prosecution was granted an extension in order to find another expert witness to testify about black bloc.

The defendants are facing a slew of felonies related to rioting and property damage over their alleged involvement in, or organising of, demonstrations against Trumps inauguration on January 20, 2017.

During the anti-fascist and anti-capitalist bloc march, the windows of some stores, including Starbucks, were broken.

Police cordoned off participants and bystanders, attacking them with pepper spray and other weapons.

More than 230 people were surrounded and arrested, among them protesters, reporters, bystanders, medics and legal observers. Most were subsequently issued a felony rioting charge.

While several defendants subsequently reached deals with authorities or had their charges dropped altogether, the majority were hit with additional felony charges when a superseding indictment was returned in April 2017.

The charges carried sentences that could put defendants behind bars for several decades.

In November 2017, the prosecution sparked widespread criticism when it introduced into evidence a video by Project Veritas, a far-right group known notorious for its dubious ethical practices while carrying out doing undercover research activities.

The following month, a jury found the first batch of six defendants not guilty on all charges, which included both felonies and misdemeanours.

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In January, charges were dropped for 129 defendants. In a court filing at the time, US Attorneys Office for DC said it would focus on the remaining 59 defendants by dropping the charges against the other 129.

In February, the Partnership for Civil Justice Fund (PCJF) filed a lawsuit against DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Karl Racine in the US Attorneys office seeking information about the relationship between the prosecutors and police and right-wing political groups, including Project Veritas.

That lawsuit accuses the District of Columbia of unlawfully denying a request to provide information the PCJF sought in a Freedom of Information Act filed in November 2017.

Sam Menefee-Libey, an activist with the DC Legal Posse, said the latest choice of Williams as an expert witness is further evidence of the governments overreach.

Its yet another instalment in the ongoing saga of the prosecutions general disregard for the professed standards of the criminal justice system, Menefee-Libey told Al Jazeera.

If they think that someone can read widely available books about organising and use those books to prosecute people engaged in political activity, that sets a scary precedent.Critics say Israels controversial barriers to keep out wild beasts are counterproductive to its security concerns.

Speaking during a 2016 visit to a newly completed security barrier along Israels border with Jordan near the southern Red Sea city of Eilat, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to one day see the entirety of the Jewish nation fenced in.

In the end in Israel, as I see it, there will be a fence like this that surrounds the whole country, Netanyahu said.

Ill be told, this is what you want, to protect the villa? The answer is yes. Will we surround all of the state of Israel with fences and barriers? The answer is yes. In the environment we live in, we need to protect ourselves from wild beasts.

Wild beasts  also translated as predators  was, for many, a phrase targeted at both Palestinians and the citizens of surrounding Arab states. It was, too, a choice of words in keeping with this controversial statesman who has enjoyed jousting with his Middle Eastern neighbours in a colourful career that also sees him currently facing accusations of corruption at home.

Yet, 70 years after the state of Israel was established, questions have been raised over the long-term viability of its penchant to erect barriers and its future plans to further insulate itself in the region.





Behind fences

Yossi Mekelberg, a professor of international relations at Regents University London, said the 708km West Bank wall  which most Israelis claim is a security barrier against terrorism, but which is seen by Palestinians and others as a segregation fence  is a product of the [Israeli] occupation.

Israel has put itself behind fences instead of reaching peace agreements. It has confined itself to quite an isolated life in the region, Mekelberg told Al Jazeera.

The region is not an easy region. Israel has legitimate security concerns. But the way that it deals with [them], exaggerates and exacerbates [matters] at the same time.

The construction of the West Bank wall was given the green light in 2002. Critics contend that far from being a legitimate Israeli security tool, the wall has simply acted as a land-grab that has annexed Palestinian territory inside the occupied West Bank, confining Palestinians to a ghettoised life.

The West Bank wall is widely seen as the inspiration for President Donald Trumps pledge to erect an impenetrable barrier between the United States and Mexico. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump declared: We have to build a wall. Walls work. Just ask Israel. Walls work. They work.

Other Israeli barriers include the fence along the border with Egypt, which was completed in 2012 in order to deter the flow of African migrants.

How could we have guaranteed a Jewish-democratic state with 50,000 and after that 100,000, and it would have reached 1.5 million [African immigrants]? declared Netanyahu in defence of the barrier earlier this year.

It is also currently constructing a cement separation wall along its northern border with Lebanon  which Lebanons Higher Defence Council has deemed an aggressive act  while continuing its blockade of the Gaza Strip, despite Israels disengagement from the Palestinian territory in 2005.

Animals in the jungle

Haggai Matar is executive director of Israeli-based 972  Advancement of Citizen Journalism, a non-profit publisher that opposes the occupation and provides first-hand reporting and analysis of events in Israel and Palestine. He said by fencing off a besieged Gaza and presiding over a wall in the occupied West Bank Israel can avoid making tough decisions.

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The notion that were the villa in the jungle and we need these walls to defend ourselves against the animals in the jungle around us  that Israel is the front line of Western civilisation or the European island in the Arab Middle East  are metaphors [for how Israel sees itself], Matar said to Al Jazeera. And the walls are the embodiment of these metaphors.

The one-time Israeli conscientious objector, who spent time in jail for refusing to serve in the Israeli army, continued: The walls signify us not being part of this area  of being foreign, of being eternally a foreign object in the Middle East. The walls are there to maintain that notion to help [Israelis] reconceptualise themselves as foreign and superior to everything around us.

Advocates of Israels various barriers, fences and walls point to the need for the state to protect itself against outside threats in a hostile environment.

Richard Verber, senior vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told Al Jazeera that Israel faces many challenges  from a security perspective above all.

Youve got Hamas, which is a terrorist organisation in Gaza, [the Palestinian movement] Fatah, which under [Mahmoud] Abbas is, at best, holding in there, while his successors are jostling for power, Hezbollah, in Lebanon, with thousands of rockets they have from Iran and unrest in Syria. Its a very dangerous neighbourhood.

Outdoor prison

But others argue Israels security concerns as a sovereign state go hand-in-hand with the political choices it has made over its short existence. For instance Gaza, largely by way of Israels unrelenting air, land and sea blockade, has been variously described as the largest outdoor prison in the world.





Whats happening in Gaza, in my mind, is something that is unacceptable, said Mekelberg. Even if Israelis are not the only culprits in what is happening in Gaza, its definitely playing a major, major part. The blockade hurts the Gazan people severely.

Many of those who have accused Israel of assuming a walled-in approach to nationhood  both physically, in the stark terms that Netanyahu set out, and mentally  see an ominous future for the state in its current form.

This was exactly against what the founding fathers of the state of Israel and the Zionists wanted, contended Mekelberg. They wanted to liberate Jews out of this mentality of living behind borders and being isolated from the world.

This siege mentality is, Im afraid, becoming more and more ingrained [in Israeli society].

Follow Alasdair Soussi on Twitter: @AlasdairSoussiFifty years since the May 1968 student uprising, Al Jazeera explores the movements legacy for protesters today.

French police cracked down on violent protests in Paris, echoing scenes that played out half a century ago during the countrys 1968 uprising.

More than 1,000 demonstrators  some of whom hurled projectiles at police, torched vehicles, and set a McDonalds ablaze  took to the streets of the capital on Tuesday in advance of an International Workers Day rally.

The events in Paris, which saw police use water canon and tear gas in response, were not the only demonstrations to take place in France, however.

Throughout the country, public-sector workers and students marched against French President Emmanuel Macrons plans to reform the countrys economy and higher education system.

More than 20,000 people were estimated to have been involved, according to police.

Spring of discontent

But the so-called spring of discontent, which has seen protests including student sit-ins and train strikes take place, has also evoked memories of an anti-government movement that erupted 50 years ago this month.

In May 1968, students and workers rose up against the conservatism of General Charles de Gaulles government, culminating in an estimated 10 million workers downing tools during labour strikes that threatened to wreak havoc on the French economy.

Half a century on, the movement  which briefly threatened to collapse the status quo before parliamentary elections a month later resulted in a landslide win for de Gaulle  continues to infuse the spirit of protest in France and elsewhere today, Biba Pavard, author of Mai 68: The Second French Revolution, told Al Jazeera.

Thats why I prefer to talk about 68 as many years in one. It had started before and lasted for a long time, Pavard said.

And neither was it an exclusively French movement. If uprisings were happening in places such as Africa, South America, and, of course, the United States it was because ideas were circulating, writings were being translated, and movements shared common references like Che Guevara or Mao. These influences live on today.

1968 uprising

But whereas recent anti-government protests in France have appeared to be focused on economic and educational grievances, mass involvement in the uprising of 1968 was largely sparked by police using a heavy-handed approach against student protesters at Paris Sorbonne University throughout early May.

On the evening of May 10, having evacuated students from the university one week earlier on account of clashes between the student body and authorities, riot police acting under government orders assaulted student barricades surrounding the campus in Paris Latin Quarter.

The action, supposedly taken in a bid to clear the roads for traffic, prompted many to express solidarity with the protesters.

For Christine Delphy, now 77, it was moments such as these, of seemingly overzealous policing, that pushed her into the protest movement.

I did not feel concerned at the beginning, Delphy, who was a sociology researcher during the spring of 1968, told Al Jazeera.

But one day, as I was crossing the Saint-Sulpice square trying to find shelter from the riots, I saw a group of policemen hitting the roof of a car, spitting their rage like mad dogs even if there was a family with kids inside. From that moment on, I started to participate in every single demonstration. I still do it as much as I can.

Christine Delphy was a sociology researcher during the uprising in May 1968 [Morade Azzouz/Al Jazeera]

Old approach, or new movement?

In addition to those whose involvement in protests has carried forward from 1968 onwards, the sight of students and workers uniting in protest on the streets of France in recent days has, in appearance at least, drawn parallels between the events of half a century ago and today.

For Pavard, the coming together of those in education and those in employment to lay down tools and books in favour of debate and demonstration harks back to a driving factor of the May uprising 50 years ago.

People stopped working so they had time to think, Pavard said.

Students, artists and workers were sharing their ideas and discovering how much common ground their demands had beyond specific points like the rise of salaries or the freedom of jailed protesters. They were questioning the very structure of power.

Not everyone, however, is content with the ongoing comparison between past and the present.

Heloise Starroz, a first-year student at the Sorbonne, told Al Jazeera the legacy of those protesting in 1968 is not reform, but failure.

We are fed up with these parallels. We want to think that our movement has its own spirit, Starroz said.

And overall, we cant forget that many of the May 1968 supporters let their utopia die to go on their summer vacations.Armenias parliament failed to elect a new prime minister after a special session, deepening a political crisis following two weeks of protests against the government.

The only candidate for the post of interim prime minister was Nikol Pashinyan, 42, the opposition leader who called for mass demonstrations.

Pashinyan, who led the protests that forced Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan to resign last week, said the Republican Partys decision on Tuesday not to back his candidacy was an insult to the people.

He was greeted by a jubilant crowd of tens of thousands in central Yerevan, the capital, after losing the vote.

Pashinyan said that starting on Wednesday morning, his supporters would launch a general strike and block roads, railways stations and airports. He said the protest would be peaceful, and called on police to put down their shields and join his movement.

Legislators voted 45 in favour to 55 against, with the ruling Republican Party rejecting Pashinyans candidacy during a day-long extraordinary session in parliament.

Syuzanna Petrosyan, from the USC Institute of Armenian Studies, told Al Jazeera the constitution provides a seven-day period to vote again on a new leader, otherwise parliament will be dissolved and new elections must be held.

Political tsunami

Pashinyan had secured the support of all opposition factions in the parliament but needed votes from members of the ruling coalition to obtain a majority vote.





Mr Pashinyan, youre a good parliament member, but not qualified for prime minister, Arman Saghatelyan, a member of the Republican Party of Armenia, said in his speech to parliament.

Ahead of the session, Pashinyan urged supporters to take to the streets on Tuesday to pressure parliament to choose him as prime minister and warned the ruling elite about the consequences of clinging to power.

You would think that in the situation that has unfolded conclusions would have been drawn, but the Republican Party has started to play cat-and-mouse with the people, said Pashinyan, who swapped his usual camouflage T-shirt for a suit and tie.

Addressing Republican Party officials, he warned: Your behaviour  treating the tolerance of the people as a weakness  could become the cause of a tsunami.

Whats next?

Between 30,000 and 40,000 people gathered at Republic Square in Yerevan to follow the parliamentary session on large television screens.

They spat on us but were not going to tolerate this, bakery owner Samvel Rustamyan, 46, said, jeering and punching the air with his fists. This government just wont resign on its own will. Its tens of thousands of us, and we need to them go. We cant take this any more.

Petrosyan said Pashinyan portrays himself as a man of the people who has pledged to implement the political, social, and economic reforms that they desire and change electoral codes to ensure free and fair parliamentary elections.

Theres been so much distrust of the government for decades in the country. Hes saying the people have spoken, the streets have spoken, theres a new authority now in the country  and the authority belongs to the people. Hes the peoples candidate for prime minister, she said.

Sargsyan became prime minister on April 17, after a decade as president, in what was seen by opponents as a power grab. The mass demonstrations began soon after, spearheaded by Pashinyan.Residents say two suicide bombers detonated explosives at a mosque and a market in Mubi town.

At least 24 people have been killed in a double suicide attack on a mosque and a market in northeast Nigeria, police say.

More than a dozen were hurt in the explosions in the town of Mubi on Tuesday.

Abdullahi Yerima, police commissioner in Adamawa state, said a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the mosque at about 1pm (12:00 GMT) and a second bomber exploded a device 200 metres away as worshippers fled, Reuters news agency reported.

As I am talking to you now, 24 persons are confirmed dead and the scene is cordoned off by anti-bomb squads and other security personnel, state police spokesman Othman Abubakar was quoted as saying by The Associated Press.

Two local residents who had attended the funerals of the victims told AFP news agency that more than 60 people were killed in the attack.

It was the second time in six months that dozens have been killed in an attack on a Mubi mosque. Last November, a teenage suicide bomber attacked worshippers as they gathered for morning prayers, killing at least 50 people in one of the regions deadliest assaults in years.

Haruna Hamman Furo, the head of the Adamawa state emergency management agency, described Tuesdays attack as devastating.

Roof blown off

Residents said they saw a young man wearing a suicide vest entering the mosque with the worshippers.

Isa Danladi said he was about to leave his house near the mosque when he heard the blast.

The mosque roof was blown off and the prayer was midway when the bomber, who was obviously in the congregation, detonated his explosives, Danladi said. This is obviously the work of Boko Haram.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the blasts bore the hallmarks of the armed Boko Haram group, which has waged a deadly campaign of violence in Africas most populous country since 2009, and often deploys suicide bombers in crowded places.

More than 20,000 people have been killed in the insurgency, which has also forced some two million to flee their homes.

Boko Haram held territory in Adamawa state in 2014, but troops pushed the group out in early 2015 and Mubi was relatively peaceful until the suicide bomb attack in November 2017 that killed 50 people.

Insecurity has become a politically charged subject in the run-up to a national election next year that President Muhammadu Buhari  who took office in 2015 with a promise to end Boko Harams push to create an Islamic state in the northeast  has said he wants to contest.

Reporting from Abuja, Al Jazeeras Jamela Alindogan said the attack came at a critical time.

The Nigerian army launched an intensive operation around Lake Chad where it is believed that Boko Haram members with allegiance and connections to ISIL are based out of, she said.

The Nigerian army has put a deadline to finish the presence of the Boko Haram group in at least about four months, but many question whether thats possible given that the majority of the focus is on a military solution and not on a societal one.A hard border resulting from Brexit would breach the Good Friday agreement.

ByCardinal George Pell, a former top adviser to Pope Francis, has been ordered by a court in Australia to stand trial for several historical sexual abuse charges.

The 76-year-old, the Vaticans former finance chief, is the most senior Catholic cleric to be sent to trial for sex offences.

After a month of preliminary hearings in Melbourne, Magistrate Belinda Wallington said on Tuesday she was satisfied that there was enough evidence in multiple charges against Pell to stand trial by jury.

When asked his plea, Pell shouted, Not guilty. He has steadfastly maintained innocence ever since being charged in June last year.

The cardinal has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations.

Victoria Police charged him last year after multiple people reported him for sexual misconduct in his home state of Victoria. The police described the charges as historical sexual assault offences because the crimes allegedly occurred decades ago.

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No details of the complaints or the crimes have been released to the public. Testimonies during the hearing remain confidential.

Pells lawyers told the court in February 2018 that the first complaint reached the police in 2015, 40 years after the alleged assault.

They said the complaint came forward after seeing media coverage of an investigation into how the Catholic Church and other institutions responded to sexual abuse of children in Australia over a number of decades.

The head of Sydneys Catholic Church has previously spoken out in support of Pell, describing him as a man of integrity in his dealings with others, a man of faith and high ideals, a thoroughly decent man.Rwandas most popular form of transportation recently saw its first female drivers, changing the perception of women.

Getting around in the Rwandan capital Kigali is best done by moto  or motorcycle  a form of transportation common in countries in East Africa.

Motorbikes serve as taxis, zooming between cars often in breakneck fashion, bringing passengers and their luggage from point A to B.

Although countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have different names for the form of transport, motos are ever-present in each.

But in Rwanda, the profession of moto driver has been dominated by men, not only leading to potentially dangerous moments for women using the motos, but also excluding them from gaining economic power.

Now, one company is slowly trying to change that, employing the first female moto drivers in Rwanda.

When we started this project, there were no female moto drivers. So I went out to look for women for this project, Sandrine Nikuze told Al Jazeera.

Nikuze works for SafeMotos, the first moto company in Rwanda to start employing women as drivers.

But finding those women was not easy.

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I talked to the women who sold goods on the side of the street, which is not allowed in Rwanda, she said.

When I interviewed them, I told them we could change their lives. I told them they no longer had to fear the police who would chase them because they were selling goods on the side of the streets.

But when I tried to talk these women they said, no woman can do that. They thought people were going to laugh at them, and they thought they wouldnt be able to ride the motorcycle, Nikuze said.

They were simply afraid of doing it.

Female empowerment

But Nikuze persevered, eventually signing up five women, of whom three got their moto license.

The idea to enroll women as drivers came from Barrett Nash, one of the two founders of the company.

Rwanda talks a lot about female empowerment, so I was struck by the fact there were no female drivers, Nash told Al Jazeera.

Currently, the most important thing is for both the drivers and the customers to feel like female drivers are normal.

People often say things like oh females cant drive, but the people on the back often dont even notice the drivers are female because they wear helmets and cant see theyre women, Nash said.

SafeMotos is implementing a feature allowing female customers to request female drivers [Courtesy: SafeMotos]

Nikuze recalls an instance one of the drivers told her about, confirming this.

Two female drivers were at the same place, and one of them looked a bit more like a man. The customer went to the driver who looked a bit more manly, and he said bad things about female drivers, she said.

When he reached the destination he discovered he was being driven by a female, after which he said no way I cant believe it. After that he apologised, but he learned from that experience that women can do this just as well.

And, maybe more importantly, the womens lives are improving because they gain financial independence and respect within the community.

Every woman has to believe in herself. Sandrine Nikuze

The women have all sorts of backgrounds: single mothers, married women, anyone who wants to change Rwandan culture and be more independent, Nikuze said.

The company is now looking at a feature to allow female customers to specifically request female drivers, which would improve the safety for both driver and customer.

But currently, there simply are not enough women who drive the motorcycles to meet that demand, partially because it is an issue getting enough motos for the women, who currently have to go through a complicated process to acquire a bike.

We still have a problem getting motos, Nikuze said, explaining the women start paying for their motorbikes three months after starting to work for the company.

Nikuze said she is currently looking at solutions to solve this.

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We want to work with the government to provide women with loans so they can get their own motos, she said.

Hopefully soon, she said, the company will also employ female drivers in more rural parts of Rwanda, not just Kigali.

Despite the low number of female drivers in Rwanda zooming through the city, Nikuze said her work achieves more than just womens employment.

It is also about a cultural shift, she emphasised, changing the perception of men and women in Rwanda  and around the world.

Every woman has to believe in herself. If you as a woman dont believe in yourself, in your abilities, nobody else is going to believe in you, she said.

We as females need to stand up and fight for our rights and fight for our improvement, Nikuze added.

I would really love every Rwandan woman, every African woman and every woman all over the world to believe that we can do everything we can do that we want to.France commemorating 50 years since 1968 uprising

Is Frances current wave of protests the same as the 1968 uprising?Tehrans dismissal comes as US calls Netanyahu speech compelling even as EU official says no proof Iran violated deal.

Irans top officials have bristled at the Israeli prime ministers allegations that Tehran secretly pursued a nuclear weapons programme, dismissing them as lies aimed at influencing US President Donald Trump ahead of a crucial deadline for the fate of the Iran nuclear deal.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Benjamin Netanyahus speech was a repetition of past accusations, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already disproven.

Netanyahu is trying to affect Trumps upcoming decision about the Iranian 2015 international nuclear deal, or JCPOA, but, Tehran is prepared for any scenario by Trump, Araghchi was quoted by Irans Mehr news agency as saying.

Bahram Ghasemi, Irans foreign ministry spokesman, also denounced Netanyahus propaganda show on Tuesday, saying he had nothing to offer but a pack of lies, according to Mehr news.

In a statement on Wednesday, the IAEA said that the agency found no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009.

IAEA noted, however, that before the end of 2003, an organisational structure was in place in Iran suitable for the coordination of a range of activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device.

It said the the activities did not advance beyond feasibility and scientific studies, and the acquisition of certain relevant technical competences and capabilties.

Trump faces a May 12 deadline to decide whether to keep the US commitment to the nuclear deal  renew the agreements prescribed sanctions relief for Iran  or withdraw from it.





Following Netanyahus speech, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif described the Israeli prime minister as the boy who cries wolf, adding that his presentation had been coordinated to effect Trumps May 12 decision.

Netanyahus speech came against a backdrop of sustained efforts by the Trump administration and its allies at home and in the Middle East to cancel, or at least renegotiate, the 2015 nuclear pact signed between Iran and the US, France, Russia, Germany, China, the UK and the European Union.

The Israeli leader has been a leading critic of the agreement, saying it fails to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons capability.

Following Netanyahus speech, the White House issued a statement calling it compelling, even as the European Union (EU) pushed back, saying Iran has not violated the terms of the 2015 deal.

These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people, the statement said.

In a press conference with Nigerias President Muhammadu Buhari, Trump also said that whats happening today, and whats happening in the last little while, and what weve learned has really shown that Ive been 100 percent right.

Netanyahus performance

Newly-installed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said the documents obtained by Israel show beyond any doubt that the Iranian regime was not telling the truth.

But the EUs top foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini said Netanyahus presentation has not put into question Irans compliance with the nuclear deal it signed with world powers.

I have not seen from Prime Minister Netanyahu arguments for the moment on non-compliance, meaning violation by Iran of its nuclear commitments under the [nuclear] deal, she said.

Mogherini also said that the IAEA has also published at least 10 reports certifying that Iran has fully complied with its commitments.





She said that if any country has information of non-compliance of the deal, it can and should address and channel this information to the proper, legitimate, recognised mechanisms in place to address any concerns.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Jonathan Cristol, of the World Policy Institute, said the Israeli prime minister failed to prove that Iran breached the 2015 agreement.

Netanyahu has not shown any evidence that Iran has violated its agreement, or anything that comes after July 2015 at all, he said.

So I am a little bit confused as to what the whole performance was about, beyond really just trying to confuse President Trump, and provide ammunition for him to be able to withdraw from the deal on May 12, Cristol added.

Nothing new to revelation

Iran experts said the documents Netanyahu presented pre-dated the nuclear agreement in 2015, when Iran disavowed pursuing a nuclear weapons programme.

Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, said what Netanyahu revealed was already public knowledge, adding it vindicates the need for the Iran deal.

We need the deal to verify [Netanyahus] claims, without it Iran can do whatever it wants, he wrote on social media.





Under the deal signed in Vienna, Iran scaled back its uranium enrichment programme, and promised not to pursue nuclear weapons. In exchange, international sanctions were lifted, allowing it to sell its oil and gas worldwide. However, secondary US sanctions remain.

Since Trump came to office, he has taken several steps to block the deal. In October, he refused to certify that Iran is living up to the accord. He also targeted several Iranian businesses and individuals with new sanctions.

On January 12, Trump announced he is waiving the US sanctions for the last time. He said, if his demands to fix the deal are not met within 120 days, the US will withdraw from the deal on or before May 12.Lawsuit alleges Iran trained September 11 hijackers but official investigation found no evidence of Iranian involvement.

A judge in the US has issued a default judgement requiring Iran to pay more than $6bn to victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks that killed almost 3,000 people, court filings show.

Mondays ruling in the case  Thomas Burnett, Sr et al v. The Islamic Republic of Iran et al  finds the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and The Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran liable for the deaths of more than 1,000 people as a result of the September 11 attacks, Judge George B Daniels of the Southern District Court of New York wrote.

Iran is ordered to pay $12,500,000 per spouse, $8,500,000 per parent, $8,500,000 per child, and $4,250,000 per sibling to the families and estates of the deceased, court filings say.

A 4.96 annual interest rate will also be applied to the amount, starting from September 11, 2001 to the date of the judgement.

A default judgement is issued when a defendant does not contest the case in court.

Daniels issued other default judgements against Iran in 2011 and 2016 that ordered the Islamic Republic to pay victims and insurers billions of dollars for damages and deaths in the hijacker attacks.

Iran has not commented on the cases.





Allegations against Iran, Saudi Arabia

Though the lawsuit alleged Iran supported the hijackers with training and other assistance, any Iranian involvement in the attacks remains unclear.

The 9/11 Commission, which was tasked with preparing a full and complete account of the circumstances surrounding the attacks, found no evidence of direct Iranian support, other than certain 9/11 hijackers travelled through Iran on their way to Afghanistan, without having their passports stamped.

Saudi Arabia remains the main target of US citizens looking for damages in relation to the attacks.

The judgement against Iran was issued in a court case consisting of more than 40 lawsuits that have been consolidated over the years.

Plaintiffs allege that Saudi Arabia provided material support to the 19 hijackers who crashed commercial airliners into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.

Another plane, reportedly targeting the White House, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers confronted the hijackers.

Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi citizens. Plaintiffs are seeking billions of dollars in damages from Saudi Arabia.

JASTA lawsuits

Typically, sovereign governments are immune from lawsuits in US courts.

That changed in 2016 when the US passed the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA), which opened states up to lawsuits involving their alleged participation in international acts of terrorism.

Saudi Arabia, which has long been an alleged supporter of the attacks, engaged in a massive lobbying campaign in the US to block the acts passage.

Campaign tactics included misrepresenting legal consequences of passing the law by telling policymakers and veterans that US soldiers could be sued in foreign courts.

Lobbying and public relations firms hired by Saudi Arabia paid for veterans to fly to Washington, DC, in order to visit legislators and argue against JASTAs passing.

News reports said some veterans did not know their trips were paid for by the Saudis.The vote amended a law which previously required the whole cabinet to vote on the declaration of war.

The Israeli parliament has voted in favour of granting Israels prime minister the power to declare war, solely with the approval of the defence minister.

The vote on Monday amended a law which previously required the whole cabinet to vote on such a move, transferring that authority to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Avigdor Lieberman, his defence chief.

The Knesset approved the amendment 62 to 41, allowing Netanyahu and Lieberman to declare war in extreme situations.

The change was introduced by Netanyahu shortly before his theatrical presentation in which he claimed to present proof of Iran having secretly pursued a nuclear programme.

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According to the Israeli Haaretz newspaper, the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee initially voted against the proposal, but it was later approved by the Knesset during a second and third reading.

Although Netanyahu would currently require approval by Lieberman, it is not uncommon for Israeli prime ministers to be appointed as minister of defence during their time in office.

David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Rabin, Ehud Barak and Shimon Peres all served as ministers of defence during their stint as prime minister.

Rising regional tensions

Netanyahus speech on Monday came against a backdrop of sustained efforts by the US and its allies in the Middle East to cancel, or at least renegotiate, the 2015 nuclear pact signed between Iran and the US, France, Russia, Germany, China, the UK and the European Union.

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He claimed that Iran, after signing the nuclear deal, intensified its efforts to hide files pertaining to its nuclear programme.

Iranian state TV called Netanyahus accusations propaganda.

Netanyahu has been a leading critic of the nuclear agreement, saying it fails to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons capability.

He has also welcomed US President Donald Trumps pledges to withdraw from the Iran deal if it is not changed.

Trump praised Netanyahus presentation as good, saying it and other recent events show he has been 100 percent right about Iran.Other suspected members of the caravan have been charged with illegally entering the US by the Justice Department.

Some of the roughly 200 Central Americans travelling in an immigrant caravan have crossed the US-Mexico border and applied for asylum in the United States, according to activists on the ground.

Volunteer group Pueblos Sin Fronteras (PSF), Spanish for People without Borders, said in an early morning tweet on Tuesday that eight of the asylum seekers, mostly from Honduras, had been accepted by the US Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) and will begin applying for asylum.

Others were kept at the border crossing. On Monday, CBP officials at the San Ysidro crossing in California said they were at capacity and could not accept more, according to reports.

The first eight members of the caravan have started being processed by the U.S. authorities. The rest of the group is praying outside #caravan #immigration pic.twitter.com/LXMfrF6Abz  Maya Averbuch (@mayaaverbuch) May 1, 2018

Photos appeared to show some of the immigrants climbing the border fence between the two countries.

The Department of Justice has charged 11 of the possible caravan members with entering the US without documents, a misdemeanour offence.

Kirstjen Nielsen, the US secretary of homeland security, said in a statement last week that if you enter our country illegally, you have broken the law and will be referred for prosecution. If you make a false immigration claim, you have broken the law and will be referred for prosecution.

PSF said in a social media post on Monday that the immigrants had been waiting for more than 18 hours before CBP illegally denied them the ability to enter the US and apply for asylum.

The caravan began in southern Mexico in March and has marched northward since. The group arrived in Tijuana, a border city just south of California, last Wednesday.

PSF has organised caravans for several years, but this is the first that has attracted mainstream media coverage in the US.

President Donald Trump, whose campaign platform included a hardline stance against immigration and initiated a crackdown on undocumented immigrants after assuming office in January 2017, criticised the asylum seekers via Twitter on Tuesday morning.

The migrant caravan that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are, Trump tweeted.Rabat accuses Tehran of providing financial and logistic support to Polisario Front through Lebanese proxy Hezbollah.

Morocco has announced it will cut diplomatic ties with Iran over Tehrans support for the Polisario Front, a Western Saharan independence movement.

Moroccos foreign ministry said on Tuesday it will close its embassy in Tehran and expel the Iranian ambassador in Rabat over Irans support for Polisario.

Rabat accuses Tehran and Lebanese proxy Hezbollah of training and arming Polisario Front fighters.

Moroccos foreign affairs minister, Nasser Bourita, told Al Jazeera that Rabat has evidence that incriminates the Iranian government, which assisted Hezbollah in providing financial as well as logistical support to Polisario through its embassy in Algiers.

Bourita said he presented the evidence to his Iranian counterpart earlier in the day in Tehran, which included documentation of arms deliveries made to the rebel group.

This month Hezbollah sent [surface-to-air] SAM9, SAM11 and Strela missiles to the Polisario with the connivance of Irans embassy in Algiers, he told reporters.

Morocco was left without a choice but to act and cut diplomatic ties and close its embassy in Tehran.

Bourita said he had just returned from Iran after informing it of Moroccos decision to sever relations. Rabats ambassador has already returned home and Irans charge daffaires was expelled on Tuesday with immediate effect, he said.

American pressure

There was no immediate Iranian reaction to the Moroccan move or accusation. Iran has backed Polisario in the past.

Hezbollah denied in a statement it was training and arming Polisario and said Morocco had taken its decision under American, Israeli and Saudi pressure.





The Western Sahara region is split by an earthen wall where territory east of structure falls under the Algerian-backed Polisario Front.

Spain relinquished control of the territory in 1975 that was subsequently claimed by Mauritania, Morocco and Polisario.

Mauritania, however, withdrew its claim to the territory and proceeded to recognise the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in 1984.

UN efforts have repeatedly failed to broker a settlement over the disputed territory that Polisario says belongs to the Sahrawi people.

Morocco, which controls 90 percent of the territory including its three main towns, insists it is an integral part of the kingdom and only semi-autonomy is on the table. Polisario demands a referendum on self-determination be held.

In 2009, Rabat broke diplomatic links with Tehran after an adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran had sovereign rights over Bahrain.

Moroccos foreign ministry also accused Iran at the time of attempting to spread Shia Islam in the predominantly Sunni kingdom.Palestinian National Council meets for first time in 22 years

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered the opening session speech, which was heavy on history, light on policy.Family members unable to establish whereabouts of loved ones after they were taken away by suspected secret police.

Relatives of as many as 18 Russian citizens, including eight children, have expressed concern about the wellbeing of their Egypt-based family members, saying they are unable to establish their whereabouts after they were taken away by suspected secret police officers.

According to the relatives, Sakinat Baisultanova  a 31-year-old divorced mother of six children aged three to 10  disappeared in Cairo on March 12. Family members said they lost her trace since then and they believed she is being detained by the secret police.

Later in March, Baisultanovas former in-laws, Mohamed Aligadjiev and Suad Khapizova, flew from Russia to the Egyptian capital to search for her and to care for her young children.

However, on April 24, armed Egyptian secret police stormed the homes of several Russian community members and arrested Baisultanovas former in-laws; her six children; her sister, Mesedo; two other children and a number of other Russians, according to relatives.

Several family members of the disappeared individuals told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that they were still unable to establish the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Huseyn Baisultanov, a cousin of Baisultanova, told Al Jazeera over the phone from Turkey that he travelled to Cairo in April to search for her and inquire with the Egyptian authorities about her  but to no avail.

He said he checked with police but was not provided with any information.

Al Jazeera was unable to reach the Egyptian authorities for comment on this report.

Sources familiar with this case told Al Jazeera that they suspect Baisultanova might have been targeted because of her ex-husband Ahmed Aligadjievs alleged ties to armed groups in Russia.

The sources said Aligadjiev was not on the run from anyone and lived a normal life as a refugee in Turkey.

According to the BBC Russian service, Baisultanova moved to Egypt last year with her children but overstayed her visa.

Baisultanova had lived in Turkeys largest city, Istanbul, for several years with her husband before she divorced him three years ago.

The Russian consulate in Egypt told the BBC Russian service: We were notified by relatives and we contacted the local authorities and asked for the reasons for the detention of these people and their actual location. Unfortunately, the local authorities have not given us an answer.

Since the dissolution of the former Soviet Union, thousands of Russian citizens moved to live in Egypt and other countries in the region.

There is an estimated 5,000 Russian citizens living in Egypt today, including many students and small business owners.

A phone call to the Russian embassy in Cairo for comment on this report went unanswered.

Follow Ali Younes on Twitter @ali_reportsDismantling of sound equipment used to broadcast competing propaganda is part of goodwill effort between rival states.

North and South Korea have begun removing loudspeakers used to broadcast competing propaganda messages across its shared border, as ties between the rival states continue to warm up following a breakthrough meeting of their leaders late last month.

South Korean defence ministry personnel on Tuesday started to remove the loudspeakers installed in the front line of Paju in front of journalists  the first action Seoul has taken following the historic meeting on April 27.





The defence ministry also told the South Korean news agency, Yonhap, that its North Korean counterpart had also begun dismantling its loudspeakers on the other side of the border earlier in the day

It did not say how long it will take to dismantle the loudspeakers installed in at least 40 locations along the border.

For years, South Korea has been using sound equipment to broadcast anti-Pyongyang messages.

South Koreas use of the loudspeakers became a source of irritation in the past, with North Korea threatening artillery strikes against the equipment unless they were switched off.

At some point during decades of the military face-off between the rival Koreas, the speakers were either turned off or removed as their ties improved, only to be turned on again as relations became sour.

Messages included a criticism of North Koreas communist system, news on South Korea and even K-pop music.

But South Korea switched it off anew before the meeting between South Koreas President Moon Jae-in and the Norths Kim Jong-un.

During the meeting between the two leaders, they agreed to stop hostile acts and committed to begin talks on denuclearisation and ending the Korea War.

Trump-Kim summit location

Aside from using loudspeakers, South Korea also distributed anti-Pyongyang leaflets using balloons in the past.

The unification ministry, which oversees inter-Korean relations, has pleaded for cooperation on the implementation of the commitments during the summit.





In the past, opponents of talks with North Korea, including dissidents and defectors, had tried to distribute messages across the border against Pyongyang.

The suspension of scattering leaflets is of importance not only in easing military tensions but also protecting the security and safety of residents in border areas and preventing social conflicts, Yonhap news quoted a ministry spokesman as saying.

Meanwhile, talks continue between the Koreas and the United States as to the venue of the expected meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim later this month or early in June.

On Monday, Trump suggested on social media that the demilitarised zone at Panmunjom between the two Koreas would be more representative, important and lasting site than a third country for his meeting with Kim.

Singapore is also in contention as a venue for the meeting, as it presents itself as a neutral option, with the city-state having a long-standing relationship with the US and also diplomatic ties with Pyongyang.

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, has also been suggested as a possible venue, as well as Geneva in Switzerland, the venue of many peace talks.Britains ambassador to the UN calls for a proper investigation into alleged crimes against Rohingya in Myanmar.

Myanmar must carry out a proper investigation into alleged crimes against the countrys minority Rohingya population, Britains ambassador to the United Nations said.

Karen Pierce called on Tuesday for the root causes of the crisis  which has seen hundreds of thousands of Rohingya flee Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh as a result of what the UN has described as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing by government security forces  to be addressed.

In order to have accountability there must be a proper investigation, said Pierce, part of a four-day UN Security Council (UNSC) envoy visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh.

It doesnt matter whether it is international or domestic, as long as its credible.

The probe could be carried out either by the International Criminal Court or Myanmars own government, Pierce added.

But some questioned the envoys commitment to justice.

Accountability of the perpetrators is the most important step, but unfortunately the UN Security Council seems unwilling to apply this to the Burmese militarys top brass, Kyaw Win, founder of the Burma Human Rights Network, told Al Jazeera.

Failure of accountability has sent the wrong signals to the perpetrators and now they know that they can get away with it [their actions]. Inaction or ineffective action from the international community risks many lives in Burma, he said, using Myanmars former name.



Yesterday in #Burma with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. #UNSC pressed Burma on UN access, creating conditions for #Rohingya refugees to go home safely, credible investigations into the violence, and addressing root causes of the crisis. pic.twitter.com/Pmsj2SDSOH  Karen Pierce (@KarenPierceUK) May 1, 2018

Some 670,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar since security forces launched a violent crackdown in the countrys western Rakhine state last August, according to the UN, in the wake of deadly attacks on military posts by members of the Arakan Rohingya Solidarity Army (ARSA).

Since then, Myanmar security forces have been accused of rape, murder, torture and setting Rohingya homes on fire.

Stronger action on sexual violence

Government officials have denied the militarys complicity in instigating violence against the Rohingya, though pledged on Tuesday to take harsh action against any perpetrators of sexual violence.

Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Myanmar armed forces, told the Global New Light newspaper on Tuesday the military was taking stronger actions against such offenders.

Sexual violence [is] considered as despicable  according to the tradition, culture and religion of the country, Hlaing said, adding the government is ready to receive any refugees who wish to return to Myanmar.





De facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, in her nearly hour-long meeting with the envoys, pledged to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended.

Suu Kyi noted Myanmars difficulties in transitioning to rule of law after decades of military dictatorship, said the diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity.

She said what had happened or what was alleged to have happened to some of the Rohingya villagers was not acceptable and that if evidence were available it should be reported to the Burmese authorities and they would investigate, said Pierce.

Suu Kyis civilian government has little control over the military.

In February, Bangladesh released a list of more than 8,000 Rohingya for repatriation. As of April 1, not a single person had been returned, despite Myanmar officials having verified the identities of some 600 individuals, according to international rights group Human Rights Watch.

The UNs refugee agency has said conditions in Myanmar are not yet conducive for returns to be safe, dignified and sustainable.

Myanmar and Bangladesh announced a repatriation deal in January, but rights groups and Rohingya have raised concerns about the agreement, saying it does not guarantee full citizenship or safety for those who return.About the show

earthrise is Al Jazeeras award-winning environmental show exploring the most significant threats to our planet by highlighting eco-friendly solutions from around the world. earthrise brings you the stories of those who strive to improve our quality of life and reduce our negative impact on the earth.Atheists, agnostics, and people who just don't give a darn about God keep telling us they are just as moral as, if not more moral than, people of faith.

Really? All the following exist because countries reject religion and adhere to moral codes generated by men.

The casual killing of those whose lives "aren't worth living."

Murdering 56,000,000 unborn babies each year because they are inconvenient, or because they are women to be.

The mass murder of 100,000,000 people in the last century.

Sexual objectification of women.

The use of violence to silence "offensive" speech.

A hedonistic ruling class oppressing all who object to its "values."

The reality is that without God, men become monsters.

The only God-free cultures we know of, the various communist regimes of the this and the last century, have been the most oppressive, evil, and aggressive "civilizations" that the world has ever seen. In less than 100 years, they killed around 30,000 times as many people as the Inquisition, which was mostly a governmental, not a Church activity, did in 500 years.

In religion-free Cambodia, roughly 25% of the population was exterminated for the "greater good."

It's true that many people in those hellholes still had faith, but the people who made the rules and who oversaw the horrors rejected God. From a purely functional perspective, those countries had no religion.

How can this be, given that we all know atheists, agnostics, and those who just don't care who are decent folk?

The answer is that in a Christian society, even those who don't believe in God absorb through the culture Christian values  what Catholics call the Natural Law.

Take the Golden Rule, for example. It says, "Do onto others what you'd have them do onto you."

Faithless people often point out that one doesn't need to believe in God to believe in that rule. That's true. The problem is that without God, there can't be any objective moral code.

If there is no God, then morality is defined by people, since there is no other option. But people disagree on what is moral and what isn't. Many people thought the Holocaust and black slavery in the South were perfectly moral, for example, and there are even groups, small in size at the moment, thanks be to God, that support raping children.

But since people don't agree on what is moral, and there's no objective way to decide which people are right, that means that morality is subjective. It's what an individual says it is.

History has taught us that when people believe they are the source of morality, horrible things tend to happen.

For example, Stalin, Mao, and Pol Pot rejected the Golden Rule. Yet without God, all we can say is that we disagree with their opinions on morality. Those who lack faith can't say that Stalin, et al. are wrong or evil  only that they, good people with no faith, disagree with them.

It's true that in societies where religion exists, things aren't perfect, but if that religion is Christianity, we see that the horrible things that happen go against what Christianity teaches  though there are always those who feel they can redefine what Christ taught to support their beliefs. Jesus told us to love one another as we love ourselves, which would clearly rule out slavery of the sort practiced in the South, yet there were some people who professed Christianity but rejected that truth. But there were many more Christians who rejected that bizarre interpretation and who eventually died in huge numbers to end slavery.

In a sense, religion is like the speed limit. If the speed limit is 55 mph, a lot of drivers will go 65, but few will go 75. If we relax the speed limit to 65, a lot of people will drive 75, and some will drive 85. In a world without religion, a world with no moral speed limit, the Gulag becomes common.

If a society relaxes its moral rules by rejecting God, it gets more evil and greater evil. That's why in England, the government can prevent parents from trying to save the life of their own child with their own money. That's still not something that can happen in America, because America is far more religious than England.

Sadly, the left in America is working hard to oppress and eliminate religion. The left speaks of freedom of worship, being able to go to a church in private and worship, rather than freedom of religion, being able to publically live one's faith by condemning slavery, for example. The left has ensured that teachers in public schools can safely extol the wonders of sexual hedonism and atheism but must fear instant termination if they proclaim the Gospel.

The reality is that the left rejects religion because religion stands between the left and the total control of others that the left wants. Like their ideological fathers Stalin, Mao, and Pol Pot, leftists in America believe they have the wisdom to rule over the rest of us rubes. We see this in large things, the left denying science and saying men can become women, and little things, the left telling us how big our glasses of soda can be.

America was founded on the uniquely Judeo-Christian belief that individuals have intrinsic value and rights that the State can't take away:

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.

Note that if rights aren't endowed by our Creator, then they can come only from government, which means that government can take them away. This means that the powerful have literal life-and-death control over the lives of the powerless.

Thomas Jefferson, a Deist, not a Christian, also said our rights wouldn't be respected if people weren't religious:

God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.

Imagining a world without religion means imagining that America had never been founded, or that if it had, it wouldn't have been different from the hundreds of other countries where rights flow from the powerful few, not from God.

Religion can be bad; witness Islam. But Christianity, for all the faults of Christians, supports the fundamental American belief in the value and equality of men. Without Christianity, what's wrong with racism, income inequality, or raping children? After all, if we're all just meat machines with no free will  Hawking points out in The Grand Design (Kindle Locations 311-313) that without God, we can't have free will  what's wrong with any of those things?

If everyone, from a crack addicted inner-city baby to the president, isn't of equal value, then what's wrong with the more valuable oppressing the less valuable?

The left wants the benefits of religion  belief that we need to help the poor, belief that racism is bad, etc.  without actually allowing people to live religious lives. We've seen how that works out in the communist regimes, and there is no reason to believe that if leftists succeed in throwing God out of public life, America will turn out any better than the Soviet Union did.

We need to fight the left and keep Christianity as the moral bedrock of our nation while allowing all people to live their faith, no matter what they are, if we are to avoid descending into a fascist state where the government controls every aspect of our lives.

You can read more of Tom's rants at his blog, Conversations about the obvious, and feel free to follow him on Twitter.The story of Yugoslavia is a cautionary tale and a warning for those who underestimate the strength of nationalism.

Yugoslavia was an artificial country, created after World War I from Serbia, Montenegro, and much of Austria-Hungary. It was a monarchy run by the same royal family that ruled Serbia before the war. It was occupied by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy during World War II. Yugoslavia was liberated not by the Soviet Union, but by its own partisan forces. Therefore, there were no Red Army troops in Yugoslavia to force the country to become a satellite state of the Soviet Union like the other countries of Eastern Europe.

Yugoslavia was held together by the unifying figure of Josip Broz Tito. He was an ethnic Croat, not the largest ethnic group in the country, but he was still respected by the various peoples of Yugoslavia for his role in liberating Yugoslavia from German and Italian occupation. While Yugoslavia was communist, Tito remained independent of Joseph Stalin and led Yugoslavia his own way. Tito was first allied with Stalin but broke with him in 1948. Yugoslavia was an important figure in the non-aligned movement during the Cold War. Tito promoted "Brotherhood and Unity" and suppressed nationalism, sometimes by force.

Tito died in 1980. In the 1980s, the country's economy declined, and nationalism began to rise. The country broke up in 1991 during the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. The country had been divided into six republics and two autonomous provinces. The republics of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia all seceded, leaving Serbia and Montenegro as the remnants of Yugoslavia.

Serbia was led by Slobodan Milosevic. Milosevic wanted to create a Greater Serbia, where ethnic Serbs living outside Serbia would be incorporated into their country. Specifically, he wanted the regions of Bosnia and Croatia that were majority Serbian. Serbs in Croatia didn't want to live under Croat rule, because during World War II, the Croats allied with the Nazis and fascists and committed many atrocities against the Serbs. They tried to secede from Croatia. Croatia objected to this, to which Milosevic responded that if Croatia could secede from Yugoslavia, then Serbs living in Croatia could also secede.

Serbs in Bosnia also tried to secede and conquered much of the country. The Muslims and Croats in Bosnia united to fight the Serbs. After NATO bombed Serbian-controlled areas in Bosnia, they agreed to negotiate. The Dayton Agreement was signed in 1995, which led to the end of the war. Bosnia became a union of two entities, the Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A few years later, fighting broke out in Kosovo. Kosovo was majority ethnic Albanian, but Serbia still claimed the province, because it was part of the Kingdom of Serbia and the province of Serbia in Yugoslavia, and it had much historical significance. It was the site of the defeat of Serbia by the Ottoman Empire in 1389. NATO bombed Serbia, which led to the country withdrawing troops from Kosovo. Gradually, peace returned to the region. Montenegro became independent from Serbia in 2006, and Kosovo declared independence in 2008, although Serbia, Russia, and many other countries don't recognize it.

The trend since 1914 has been countries breaking up, not uniting. Austria-Hungary broke up after World War I, its territory becoming part of seven countries, some of which were new. After the fall of communism, Yugoslavia broke up, as was detailed previously. So did Czechoslovakia, which peacefully broke up into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. So did the Soviet Union itself, which in 1991 broke up into 15 different countries based on the old Soviet socialist republics. This caused ethnic problems, because there were large minorities of Russians in the Baltic states, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. These problems flared up in 2014, with the unrest in Ukraine and Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Ethnic conflict in multiethnic countries is not limited to Europe. Most modern African countries were created by European colonial powers and have no ethnic majority. This has led to ethnic warfare, one example being the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970, where the Igbo people tried to secede as the nation of Biafra but were defeated. Most modern Middle Eastern countries were also artificially created by European powers after World War I. This has led to violence in Iraq among Shia Arabs, Sunni Arabs, and Kurds. This has also led to ethnic and religious tensions in other countries such as Syria and Lebanon.

It certainly seems that diverse countries tend to be unstable. That being said, what lies ahead for the most diverse country in the world, the United States?

It is highly likely that the United States will break up sometime in the near future. Since the 1960s, the United States has become more racially heterogeneous and more politically polarized. The right and left have grown increasingly farther apart and see each other not as fellow Americans, but enemies. This polarization has accelerated since the presidential election of Donald Trump in 2016. Americans used to mostly have the same religion, Christianity, and now they don't. Many are irreligious or are members of other religions. The immigration of large numbers of people from Latin America and Asia since the Hart-Celler Act of 1965 has transformed the United States. As a result of this mass immigration, white people are projected to become a minority in the United States in 2042. No other country has undergone such a rapid demographic transformation in such a short period of time.

Many racial nationalists want a piece of the United States for themselves. Some Mexican nationalists want the Southwest to become a part of Mexico again or to become an independent country called Aztlan. Some black nationalists want the Deep South to become an independent all-black country, believing that black Americans have a different identity from other Americans because they were enslaved and therefore deserve their own country. Some white nationalists, especially in the Alt-Right movement, want one part of the United States to become an "ethnostate" where only white people live, the most common proposal being the Pacific Northwest.

Some might argue that the number of people in the United States who want to see the country break up are small in number, and therefore it is unlikely to happen. This is true, but the number of things that unite us as a country are becoming fewer, and the number of things that divide us as a country are growing. This trend shows no signs of stopping or slowing down.

A country without a common sense of nationhood won't last. If the United States were racially diverse but politically united, it could survive. If the United States were politically divided but racially homogeneous, it could survive. But if the United States is both racially diverse and politically divided, it will not survive.

If this country does break apart, will it happen peacefully as in Czechoslovakia, or violently as in Yugoslavia? Time will tell, but if our Civil War is any indication, unfortunately, it will likely be more like Yugoslavia. Let us hope this is not the case.Speaking in English to reach the widest international audience possible, Israel's Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu presented Iran's own documents, videos, blueprints, and files, proving what opponents of the Iran agreement stated three years ago: Iran lied about its nuclear weapons development. Iran is developing nuclear weapons. Iran continues to lie.

You may well know that Iran's leaders repeatedly deny ever pursuing nuclear weapons. You can listen to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei: "I stress that the Islamic Republic has never been after nuclear weapons." ... Well, tonight, I'm here to tell you one thing: Iran lied. Big time.

After signing the nuclear deal in 2015, Iran intensified its efforts to hide its secret nuclear files. In 2017, Iran moved its nuclear weapons files to a highly secret location in Tehran. ...

So this atomic archive clearly shows that Iran planned, at the highest levels, to continue work related to nuclear weapons under different guises and using the same personnel. ...

Iran was required by the nuclear deal to come clean to the International Atomic Energy Agency about its nuclear program. This was an explicit condition for implementing the nuclear deal. Iran has to come clean. So in December 2015, the IAEA published its final assessment of what it called the military aspects of Iran's nuclear program. This is the report. ...

Here's what Iran actually told the IAEA. It said, Iran denied the existence of a coordinated program aimed at the development of a nuclear explosive device, and specifically denied  get this  specifically denied the existence of the Amad plan. The material proves otherwise, that Iran authorized, initiated, and funded Project Amad, a coordinated program aimed at the development of a nuclear explosive device. ...

Iran said to the agency that it had not conducted metallurgical work specifically designed for a nuclear device. But the files again show that this is a lie. Iran conducted extensive metallurgical work specifically designed for a nuclear device. Here's an original Iranian photo. Plenty more in the archive.First, state that permanent denuclearization is a non-negotiable demand. The only things to be discussed on this subject are how it, and the end of ICBM production, are to be accomplished.

Second, be prepared to walk away if Kim does not agree to permanent denuclearization.

Third, propose that the current North Korea be divided into two parts near the 44th Parallel. The new Democratic People's Republic of Korea would be in the mountains north of Sinanju, on the west, and Hungnam, on the east. The new Middle Korea would be south of the 44th Parallel and north of the current DMZ. All three Koreas would be separate and independent countries free to charter their own future. Such a division has not been on the table since 1951. It should be reintroduced at any meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un. China, Japan, and South Korea might even agree with it since it could bring stability to the region.

Since 8 April, President Trump has clearly stated that he plans to do the first two of these proposals. Now the third proposal needs some consideration. It is not new. It was debated in March 1951 among Washington, the U.N., and MacArthur. Four alternatives were being considered then:

1. Go for a military victory.

2. Go for a ceasefire near the narrow neck of Korea (44th Parallel).

3. Go for a ceasefire near Pyongyang and Wonsan.

4. Go for a ceasefire near the 38th Parallel.

The same four alternatives had previously been considered in October-November 1950. But then MacArthur was riding a wave of popular support and wanted to land on the east coast with the X Corps and have the Eighth Army advance to the Yalu River. That plan was launched at the end of November and was a disaster, so in March 1951, MacArthur could not push for a military victory.

On 20 March 1951, MacArthur was told not to make a major advance above the 38th, since Washington and the U.N. had decided to seek a ceasefire near the 38th Parallel. Ridgway planned to advance ten to twenty miles north of the 38th Parallel to get better defensive positions.

On 24 March, MacArthur offered to confer with his military counterpart about a ceasefire  he had in mind the narrow neck of Korea (44th Parallel). Truman considered this an attempt to sabotage his policy and decided to remove MacArthur.

Although this third proposal was considered before, few know of its history. Even fewer have thought about its advantages. It would be useful to reintroduce it. Kim will not go along with it until China thinks it is a good solution and Kim is told that if he wants to survive, he will have to accept it. It should at least be on the table. Also, there should be a formal end to the Korean War and a pledge of all parties not to attempt to remove the North Korean regime by war. Those now appear to be part of any deal.

Eastern culture is different from the West's. This is one of the reasons the U.S. and the West have fared so poorly in past negotiations. Trump seems to have remembered the axiom of negotiating from strength. The State Department and the foreign policy establishment are full of people who do not understand the difference between Western negotiations with compromises to get a solution in the center and the Eastern use of "negotiations" as a form of conflict to achieve their goals. The North Koreans are good at this, so it is important for our negotiators to pay close attention to what they say and relate it to what they have said, and done, during previous negotiations.

Trump, Pompeo, and Bolton ought to be able to correct the errors made in the past from negotiating "the Western way" and compromising. They must see it as a final battle in the gray zone to advance U.S. interests through all means other than war.

On a personal note, the last time I was in the walled city of Yongbyon (now the location of their secret uranium-enrichment plant) was 28 November 1951, after having fought off Chinese attacks for four days. It was there that I realized that long-term success does not come from military might and the destruction of your enemies. I realized that it comes from ideological superiority that is able to achieve stability through equilibrium among all of those with the ability to influence outcomes.

Sam C. Holliday, Armiger Cromwell Center, LLC.The migrant caravan organizers may think they've seized the "narrative" in their bid to open the borders, using Central American migrants as their wedge, but Homeland Security boss Kirstjen Nielsen has put the matter in perspective. Speaking to Fox News, she warned that fifteen terrorists a day are trying to get into the United States one way or another.

That's how many they know about. How many others, we don't know. According to Fox News, she explained it this way:

People think of border security in very different ways but to me it's very simple: border security is national security[.] ... What we see at the Department of Homeland Security, we see 15 terrorists either planning to travel or actually traveling to the United States each day, known and suspected terrorists. So that means they are coming through our legal land, port and air but they could be coming across that (southwest) border.

It's been a while since we have heard from the terrorists, given the thrashing President Trump gave to ISIS over in the Middle East. But apparently, they're still out there, still trying to come here, and nobody benefits more from illegal alien activism of the Central American sandalista crowd looking to remake themselves more than the beasts who behead.

For that, is it any wonder most Americans aren't sympathetic to the caravanners and all their illegal-alien sob stories meant to tug at our heartstrings? Breitbart reports that a majority of likely voters think President Trump is right to stop the caravan's finest from entering the United States.

According to the latest poll by Rasmussen Reports, about 54 percent of likely voters said the Trump administration should stop the "hundreds of people from Central America who have come across Mexico in a highly publicized caravan" that are "threatening to enter the United States illegally any day now." Only about 37 percent of likely voters said the caravan of asylum-seekers and border-crossers should be allowed into the U.S. while they await their immigration and asylum hearings. Less than ten percent said they were not sure what to do with the caravan.

The caravan movement is nothing more than the assertion of a false right of those living in hellholes of their own making (these people vote for left-wing populists who coddle criminals and promote socialism and, not surprisingly, don't like the result) to come to the United States help themselves to the taxpayer-paid services on demand. Yet the terrorists are still out there, still dreaming of the great jihad martyrdom to make something meaningful of their otherwise worthless lives, and recognize that there's nothing but benefit in it for them, as Nielsen's data shows.

Nielsen is on the mark for pointing out the bigger problem threatening all of us.Kanye West is now under threat for his unwillingness to conform to the victim mentality thrust on so many African-Americans. The first overt threat from someone with a public profile has come from a rapper named Delmar Drew Arnaud, who affects the stage name Daz Dillinger, apparently culturally appropriating the aura of Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger, a white man.

CBS Los Angeles reports:

A former member of Snoop Dogg's rapping entourage is calling for gang members to assault Kanye West for his recent support of President Donald Trump. Daz Dillinger, who recorded several successful hip hop records as part of Tha Dogg Pound duo in the 1990s, made the apparent threat in a video posted to his Instagram, which was later removed. (WARNING: Video includes explicit language, viewer discretion advised.) "Yo national alert, all the Crips out there, y'all f Kanye up," he said, referring to the infamous Los Angeles-area street gang.

Here is explicit, outright thuggery aimed at enforcing conformity with a view that empowers putative "leaders" who make their living out of protest, while discouraging the efforts of strivers who educate themselves, work hard, and gain the epithet of "acting white" for their troubles.

Mr. Arnaud's bitterness is understandable if his artistic and popular achievements are a matter of two decades past. I am far from an expert on rap, but I do know that Kanye West is still a wealthy and successful figure, and Daz Dillinger is not in any way comparable  only a success as a hanger-on in the orbit of a star, and even that small success is in the past.

So what else has he got left other than to call on others to do the dirty work of vengeance against the more successful?

This is one more piece of evidence that Kanye West's apostasy is a genuine threat to the social order that has kept African-Americans down for too many years.My first take on seeing the live broadcast of Michelle Wolf's comic speech at this year's White House Correspondents' Association dinner at the Washington Hilton last Saturday was revulsion and disgust. Like many conservatives, I felt as though this was the intolerable last straw of an elitist left-wing mainstream media gone bonkers.



Michelle Wolf at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Over the next two days, Wolf's speech  clearly the most famous or infamous one in the entire history of the annual event that began in 1921  was reviewed and debated endlessly on the cable news channels. On Monday night, Laura Ingraham's Fox News show had a particularly interesting discussion of what Wolf said, featuring Jeffrey Lord, Ari Fleischer, and Lee Habeeb. Video of the program is currently online, with the discussion starting here.

I noticed that  other than the unedited live broadcast of the dinner  subsequent news reports used clips of what Wolf said that were all edited, censored, or bleeped, making a serious evaluation impossible.

I located a transcript online of her presentation, but it was flawed. I laboriously compared the transcript to an unedited recording of what Wolf said, corrected it, and added in parentheses where the audience responded.

One reason I was initially repulsed by Wolf was her delivery: her voice has that quality of fingernails on a blackboard. (She referenced and made fun of that during her speech.) It's the same reason I have a hard time actually watching Rachel Maddow: her off-putting affect. Reading the Wolf transcript as I listened to her again, I got a different impression. Yes, her routine was raw and crude. But working with the transcript, I saw parts that were funny and original. Disclosure: I am not a fan of 99% of modern comedy and never watch Comedy Central or the late-night shows on broadcast television. My touchstones of comedy are classic comedians like George Burns and Gracie Allen, Jack Benny, and most recently Seinfeld.

Wolf did make fun of CNN, MSNBC, Megyn Kelly, and others on the left  although probably two thirds of her jokes were aimed at the right. And the latter were more cutting.

Even so, I am thinking now that we may be making too much of this episode. Speech is supposed to be free, after all, and if we can't take a joke  even a questionable, bad joke  well, what then?

I'm interested to know if people who read the transcript think I might have a point here or agree with my cats that I've lost my mind.

[Editor's note: Be warned that the following transcript contains uncensored profanity and other crude language.]

Michelle Wolf's presentation at the 2018 White House Correspondents' Association annual charity dinner, April 28, 2018, The Washington, D.C. Hilton

All right, this is long. This has been long. Yeah. (Laughter.) Good evening. Good evening.

Here we are the White House Correspondents Dinner. Like a porn star says when she's about to have sex with a Trump, "Let's get this over with." (Laughter.) Yep, kiddos this is who you're getting tonight.

I'm going to skip a lot of the normal pleasantries. We're at a Hilton, it's not nice. (Laughter.) This is on C-SPAN, no one watches that. (Laughter.) Trump is president, it's not ideal. (Laughter.) White House Correspondents Association, thank you for having me, the monkfish was fine. (Laughter, applause.) And just a reminder to everyone, I'm here to make jokes, I have no agenda, I'm not trying to get anything accomplished. So, everyone that's here from Congress, you should feel right at home. (Laughter, applause.)



Michelle Wolf.

Now, before we get too far, a little bit about me. A lot of you might not know who I am. I am 32 years old, which is an odd age  10 years too young to host this event, and 20 years too old for Roy Moore. (Laughter.) I know, he almost got elected, yeah. It was fun. It was fun. (Laughter.)

Honestly, I never really thought I'd be a comedian, but I did take an aptitude test in 7th grade, and this is 100% true. I took an aptitude test in 7th grade and it said my best profession was a clown or a mime. (Laughter.) Well, at first it said clown, and then it heard my voice and was like, "Or maybe mime." (Laughter.) "Think about mime."

And I know as much as some of you might want me to, it's 2018 and I am a woman, so you cannot shut me up  unless you have Michael Cohen wire me $130,000. (Laughter.) Michael, you can find me on Venmo under my porn star name, Reince Priebus. (Laughter, applause.) Reince just gave a thumbs up. [Audience cam show Preibus with thumb and and laughing.]



Audience at 2018 White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

Okay. Now, people are saying America is more divided than ever, but I think no matter what you support politically, we can all agree this is a great time for craft stores. (Laughter.) Because of all the protests, poster board has been flying off the shelves faster than Robert Mueller can say, "You've been subpoenaed." (Laughter.)

Thanks to Trump, pink yarn sales are through the roof. (Laughter.) After Trump got elected, women started knitting those pussy hats. (Laughter.) When I first saw them I was like, "That's a pussy?" I guess mine just has a lot more yarn on it. (Laughter.) Yeah. You should have done more research before you got me to do this. (Laughter.)

Now, there is a lot to cover tonight, there's a lot to go over. I can't get to everything. I know there's a lot of people that want me to talk about Russia and Putin and collusion, but I'm not going to do that because there's also a lot of liberal media here and I've never really wanted to know what any of you look like when you orgasm. (Laughter.) Except for you Jake Tapper. (Laughter.) I bet it's something like this. [Wolf makes stone face.] Okay, that's all the time we have. (Laughter, applause.)

It is kind of crazy that the Trump campaign was in contact with Russia when the Hillary campaign wasn't even in contact with Michigan. (Laughter.) It's a direct flight; it's so close.

Of course, Trump isn't here, if you haven't noticed, he's not here. And I know, I know, I would drag him here myself, but it turns out the president of the United States is the one pussy you're not allowed to grab. (Laughter.) He said it first, yeah, he did. You remember? Good.

Now, I know people really want me to go after Trump tonight, but I think we should give the president credit when he deserves it. Like, he pulled out of the Paris agreement, and I think he should get credit for that because he said he was going to pull out and then he did, and that's a refreshing quality in a man. (Laughter.) Most men are like, "I forgot." (Laughter.) "I'll get you next time." Oh, there's going to be a next time? (Laughter.) And people say romance is dead. (Laughter.)

People call Trump names all the time, and look, I could call Trump a racist, or a misogynist, or xenophobic, or unstable, or incompetent, or impotent, but he's heard all of those and he doesn't care. So tonight, I'm going to try to make fun of the president in a new way, in a way I think will really get him.

Mr. President, I don't think you're very rich. (Laughter.) Like I think you might be rich in Idaho but in New York you're doing fine. (Laughter.) Trump is the only person that still watches Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and thinks, "Me!" (Laughter.) Although I'm not sure you'd get very far. He'd get to like the third question and be like, "I have to phone a Fox & Friend." (Laughter.)

I'm going to try a fun new thing, okay? I'm going to say, "Trump is so broke," and you guys go, "How broke is he?" All right?

Trump is so broke. . .

Audience: How broke is he?

Wolf: He has to fly failed business class. (Laughter.)

Trump is so broke. . .

Audience: How broke is he?

Wolf: He looked for foreign oil in Don, Jr.'s hair. (Minor Laughter.)

Trump is so broke. . .

Audience: How broke is he?

Wolf: Southwest used him as one of their engines. (Minor laughter.) I know, it's so soon. It's so soon for that joke. Why did she tell it? It's so soon.

Trump is so broke. . .

Audience: How broke is he?

Wolf: He had to borrow money from the Russians and now he's compromised and susceptible to blackmail and possibly responsible for the collapse of the Republic. Yay, it's a fun game! (Minor laughter.)

Trump is a racist, though. (Minor laughter.) He loves white nationalists, which is a weird term for a Nazi. Calling a Nazi a white nationalist is like calling a pedophile a kid friend (Laughter), or Harvey Weinstein a ladies' man (Laughter)  which isn't really fair; he also likes plants. (Laughter.)

Trump's also an ideas guy, he's got loads of ideas, you've got to love him for that. He wants to give teachers guns, and I support that because then they can sell them for things they need, like supplies. (Laughter, applause.) That's a lot of protractors. (Laughter.)

A lot of people want Trump to be impeached. I do not, because just when you think Trump is awful, you remember  Mike Pence. (Laughter.) Mike Pence is what happens when Anderson Cooper isn't gay. (Laughter.) Mike Pence is the kind of guy that brushes his teeth and then drinks orange juice and thinks, "Mmm." (Laughter.)

Mike Pence is also very anti-choice. He thinks abortion is murder, which, first of all, don't knock it until you try it. (Laughter.) And when you do try it, really knock it. You know, you've got to get that baby out of there. (Minor laughter.)

And yeah, sure, you can groan all you want. I know a lot of you are very anti-abortion, you know, unless it's the one you got from [sic] your secret mistress. (Laughter, minor applause.) It's fun how values can waver, but good for you.

Mike Pence is a weirdo though, he's a weird little guy. He won't meet with other women without his wife present. When people first heard that, they were like, "That's crazy." But now in this current climate they're like, "That's a good witness."

Which, of course, brings me to the #MeToo movement. It's probably the reason I'm here. They were like, "A woman's probably not going to jerk off in front of anyone, right?" (Minor laughter.) And to that I say, "Don't count your chickens. [Unintelligible] you want to party." (Laughter.)

Now, I worked in a lot of male-dominated fields. Before comedy, I worked at a tech company, and before that, I worked on Wall Street, and honestly, I've never been sexually harassed. That being said, I did work at Bear Stearns in 2008, so although I haven't been sexually harassed, I've definitely been fucked. (Laughter.) Yeah, that whole company went down on me without my consent. (Laughter.) And no men got in trouble for that one, either. (Laughter.)

Now, things are changing; men are being held accountable. You know, Al Franken was ousted, that one really hurt liberals. I believe it was the great Ted Kennedy who said, "Wow, that's crazy, I murdered a woman." (Laughter.) Chappaquiddick, in theaters now. (Minor laughter.)

I did have a lot of jokes  had a lot of jokes about Cabinet members, but I had to scrap all of those because everyone has been fired. (Laughter.) You guys are going through Cabinet members quicker than Starbucks throws out black people. (Laughter.) Now, don't worry they're having an afternoon, that'll solve it. (Minor laughter.) We just needed an afternoon. (Laughter.)

Mitch McConnell isn't here tonight, he had a prior engagement, he's finally getting his neck circumcised. (Laughter.) Mazel. (Laughter.)

Paul Ryan also couldn't make it. Of course, he's already been circumcised. Unfortunately, while they were down there, they also took his balls. (Laughter.) Yeah, 'bye Paul. Great acting, though, in that video.

Republicans are easy to make fun of, you know, it's like shooting fish in a Chris Christie. (Laughter.) But I also want to make fun of Democrats. Democrats are harder to make fun of because you guys don't do  anything. (Laughter.) [Audience cam of Chris Christie smiling.] People think you might flip the House and Senate this November, but you guys always find a way to mess it up. You're somehow going to lose by 12 points to a guy named Jeff Pedophile Nazi Doctor. (Laughter.) Oh, he's a doctor? (Laughter.)

We should definitely talk about the women in the Trump administration.

There's Kellyanne Conway. Man, she has the perfect last name for what she does. Conway. It's like if my name was Michelle Jokes Frizzy Hair Small Tits. (Laughter.) You guys have got to stop putting Kellyanne on your shows. All she does is lie. If you don't give her a platform, she has nowhere to lie.

It's like that old saying, "If a tree falls in the woods, how do we get Kellyanne under that tree?" (Laughter.) I'm not suggesting she gets hurt. Just stuck. (Laughter.) Stuck under a tree. (Laughter.) Incidentally, a tree falls in the woods is Scott Pruitt's definition of porn. [Audience cam Kellyanne Conway unsmiling.] We all have our kinks. (Laughter.)

There's also, of course, Ivanka. She was supposed to be an advocate for women, but it turns out she's about as helpful to women as an empty box of tampons. (Laughter, minor applause.) She's done nothing to satisfy women, so I guess, like father, like daughter. (Laughter.) Oh, you don't think he's good in bed, come on. (Laughter.)

She does clean up nice, though. Ivanka cleans up nice. She's the Diaper Genie of the administration: on the outside, she looks sleek, but the inside, it's still full of shit. (Laughter.)

And of course, we have Sarah Huckabee Sanders. [Motions to Sanders sitting 5-6 feet away from her on the dais.] We are graced with Sarah's presence tonight. I have to say I'm a little star-struck. I love you as Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid's Tale. [Dais cam: Sarah Huckabee Sanders looking bemused.] (Laughter.) Mike Pence, if you haven't seen it, you would love it. (Laughter.)



Michelle Wolf at the dinner. Huckabee Sanders is hidden behind the podium, just to the left of ABC's Jonathann Karl (with glasses).

Every time Sarah steps up to the podium I get excited, because I'm not really sure what we're going to get  you know, a press briefing, a bunch of lies or divided into softball teams. (Laughter.) "It's shirts and skins, and this time don't be such a little bitch, Jim Acosta!" (Laughter.)

I actually really like Sarah. I think she's very resourceful. She burns facts, and then she uses that ash to create a perfect smoky eye. (Laughter.) Like maybe she's born with it, maybe it's lies. It's probably lies. (Laughter.)

And I'm never really sure what to call Sarah Huckabee Sanders, you know? Is it Sarah Sanders, is it Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is it Cousin Huckabee, is it Auntie Huckabee Sanders? Like, what's Uncle Tom but for white women who disappoint other white women? [Dais cam Sarah Huckabee looking uncomfortable.] (Laughter.) Oh, I know. Ann Coulter. (Laughter.)



Sarah Huckabee Sanders listens as Michelle Wolf focuses on her.

We've got our friends at CNN here. Welcome, guys, it's great to have you. You guys love breaking news, and you did it, you broke it. (Laughter.) Good work. (Laughter.) The most useful information on CNN is when Anthony Bourdain tells me where to eat noodles. (Laughter.)

Fox News is here. So, you know what that means, ladies? Cover your drinks. (Laughter.) Seriously.

People want me to make fun of Sean Hannity tonight, but I cannot do that, this dinner's for journalists. (Laughter, minor applause.)

We've got MSNBC here. MSNBC's new slogan is, "This is who we are." Guys, it's not a good slogan. (Laughter.) This is Who We Are is what your mom thinks the sad show on NBC is called. (Laughter.) Did you watch This is Who We Are this week? Someone left on a crockpot, and everyone died. (Laughter.)

I watch Morning Joe every morning. We now know Mika and Joe are engaged. Congratulations, you guys. It's like when a #MeToo works out. (Laughter.)

We also have Rachel Maddow. We cannot forget about Rachel Maddow. She's the Peter Pan of MSNBC, but instead of never growing up, she never gets to the point. (Laughter.) Watching Rachel Maddow is like going to Target  you went in for milk but left with shampoo, candles, and the entire history of the Byzantine Empire. (Laughter.) I didn't need this.

And of course, Megyn Kelly. What would I do without Megyn Kelly? Probably be more proud of women. (Laughter.) Megyn Kelly got paid $23 million by NBC, then NBC didn't let her go to the Winter Olympics. She's so white, cold, and expensive, she might as well be the Winter Olympics. (Laughter.)

And by the way, Megyn, Santa's black. The weird old guy going through your chimney was Bill O'Reilly. (Laughter.) Might want to put a flue on it or something.

There's a lot of print media here, there's a ton of you guys, but I'm not going to go after print media tonight because it's illegal to attack an endangered species. (Laughter.) Buy newspapers.

There's a ton of news right now, a lot is going on, and we have all these 24-hour news networks, and we could be covering everything. Instead, we're covering three topics. Every hour is Trump, Russia, Hillary, and a panel full of people that remind you why you don't go home for Thanksgiving. (Laughter.) "Milk comes from nuts now all because of the gays." (Laughter.)

You guys are obsessed with Trump. Did you used to date him? Because you pretend like you hate him, but I think you love him. (Laughter.) I think what no one in this room wants to admit is that Trump has helped all of you. He couldn't sell steaks or vodka or water or college or ties or Eric, (Laughter) but he has helped you. He's helped you sell your papers and your books and your TV. You helped create this monster, and now you're profiting off of him. If you're going to profit off of Trump, you should at least give him some money, because he doesn't have any. (Laughter.)

Trump is so broke. . .

Audience: How broke is he?

Wolf: He grabs pussies 'cause he thinks there might be loose change in them. (Laughter.) Alright, like an immigrant who was brought here by his parents and didn't do anything wrong, I gotta get the fuck out of here. Good night!

Flint still doesn't have clean water. (Applause.)

Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran reporter and analyst of news on national politics, media, and popular culture. He is a frequent contributor to American Thinker. Follow Peter on Twitter at @pchowka.As we look at the front pages, we see a so-called caravan trying to jump a fence in San Diego.

It's an interesting image, because our family came here as political refugees many years ago. I remember the tedious process that included going from Cuba to Mexico, and then to Jamaica, where we waited for the okay to travel to Miami. After that, and respecting the laws of the U.S., we were granted residency.

Here is the difference from the people hanging from the fence in California. My parents did not expect the U.S. to automatically say "yes." They understood that it was up to the USA, not us.

The situation on the U.S.-Mexico border is also fascinating because of what is happening down in Venezuela.

First, "Brazil declares emergency over Venezuelan migrant influx." Like Central Americans, Venezuelans have concluded that their country is no longer suitable for living.

And second, "Venezuelan refugee crisis adds to Colombia's growing challenges." Down there, this crisis is complicating social services, such as health care and schools. In other words, humanitarianism and economic reality are meeting each other every day.

It's a terrible situation, from Guatemala to Venezuela. I can understand their pain and suffering. At the same time, you cannot rush to a border and expect to be given entrance. It is up to the country, not the people seeking asylum

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.The Anti-Defamation League will no longer participate in the Starbucks "anti-bias training day." The company will shut all of its outlets on May 29, and employees will be forced to attend anti-bias workshops.

The ADL had originally been invited to help develop curricula for the workshops, but after complaints from black activists, the company decided to ban the ADL from participating.

The anti-bias workshops are a response to the arrest of two black men who wanted to use the restroom at a Philadelphia Starbucks without buying anything. The employees and manager followed the longtime company policy of reserving restroom privileges to paying customers only, but the CEO, Kevin Johnson, refused to back his own employees enforcing his own company's policy.

What are the black activists so agitated about?

Politico:

Almost immediately after the April 17 announcement, activists attacked Starbucks over the ADL's involvement, citing the ADL's support for Israel and its arms-length relationship to the Black Lives Matter movement. "The ADL is CONSTANTLY attacking black and brown people," Women's March organizer Tamika Mallory posted on Twitter. "This is a sign that they are tone deaf and not committed to addressing the concerns of black folk." Mallory came under fire earlier this year after attending a Feb. 25 speech by Louis Farrakhan in which the Nation of Islam leader said "the Jews have control over" the FBI. Cat Brooks, the co-founder of the Anti Police-Terror Project, told ABC News that she agreed with Mallory, saying, "You can't be a piece of an anti-bias training when you openly support a racist, oppressive and brutal colonization of Palestine." The Washington chapter of Black Lives Matter, meanwhile, tweeted that the ADL was "ultra pro-cop," and cited a 2016 letter in which Greenblatt said "ADL has not endorsed the Black Lives Matter movement" because "a small minority of [its] leaders ... supported anti-Israel  and at times anti-Semitic  positions." Greenblatt's letter didn't identify the leaders in question. Starbucks' exclusion of the ADL from its May 29 training session became apparent on April 24 when a press release about the event failed to mention Greenblatt in connection to it. Instead, it said the company would "consult with" the ADL in connection with longer-term efforts.

Starbucks caved to pressure to develop an "anti-bias" day, and now it is caving to pressure to exclude the ADL. I think if we cut open Mr. Johnson and examined his spine, we'd find it was made of Jell-O.

The irony is that the black activists are displaying the most obscene kind of bigotry and bias in calling for the exclusion of the ADL. But left-wingers don't do irony, and activists, especially, are impervious to charges of hypocrisy.

The message being sent by Starbucks is plain as day: everyone is welcome at Starbucks except Jews who support Israel.David Bernstein at Reason.com alerts us to a blog post by a USC professor who believes that free speech on campus is under attack by a "cabal of right-wing provocateurs" looking to make universities look bad because they shut down conservative speakers.

Michael Simkovic wrote:

Recently, the Federalist Society invited South Texas College of Law Houston's Josh Blackman to lecture at CUNY law school. Professor Blackman's sparsely attended lecture drew protestors because of Blackman's previous criticism of an amnesty program for undocumented immigrants [sic] and his use of language the protestors interpreted as racial dog whistling. A university official asked the students to be respectful, defended Blackman's right to speak, and admonished the students "please don't take the bait." One student noticed Blackman recording himself and asked Blackman, "You chose CUNY didn't you? Because you knew what would happen if you came here." (CUNY, like Vassar, has a reputation for left-wing student activism). Blackman deflected the question. One protestor used an expletive, which Blackman repeated.

Got that? Blackman came to CUNY only to expose the liberal university as being unfriendly to conservative speech. Otherwise, he had nothing of value to say and engaged in "racial dog whistling."

Bernstein:

(1) Josh Blackman is an incredibly mild-mannered, polite, nice guy. The protesters didn't identify any "dog whistle" language; they just called him a racist because that's their default criticism of anyone they don't like. Simkovic should be ashamed of himself for suggesting that the students may be correct in asserting Blackman has actually indulged in racism, which is a kiss of death in academia, and particularly potentially damaging to a young less-established law professor like Blackman. A public apology should be forthcoming. (2) Josh hasn't criticized the amnesty program per se, which he supports, he's criticized its implementation by executive order, which he believes is unconstitutional. The fact that neither the students nor Simkovic can appreciate the distinction doesn't speak well of either. (3) Josh is, I believe, the most prolific speaker for the Federalist Society. He speaks at many schools every year. By Federalist Society rules, the students at each chapter have to invite him, he can't invite himself. In short, the idea that he somehow chose CUNY to provoke a reaction is ridiculous, and the notion that presenting an anodyne talk on free speech, which Josh had presented at several other law schools without incident, should provoke any sensible, mature person is ridiculous.

"Ridiculous" is a kind way of saying "brain-dead." But this is the state of academia, whose members feel threatened by any speech that colors outside the liberal lines.

The whole piece is like this, full of illogic and innuendo, suggesting that the fault with the threats to free speech on campus lies with those who engage in and defend free speech, rather than those bent on suppressing it. Here's a bit more from the blog post, arguing that journalists should simply ignore it when campus speakers are harrassed [sic], shouted down, and subject to or threatened with violence: "When students are goaded into tactical mistakes, journalists should ask themselves whether mean-spirited provocations by seasoned political operatives preying on vulnerable teenagers and inexperienced young adults genuinely deserve news coverage. The United States faces serious economic challenges which get far less attention than this stage-managed political theater." And of course, the article has to have the requisite references to the Emmanuel Goldsteins of the modern left, the Koch Brothers, who are mentioned four times for no discernable [sic] reason.

Talk about a dog whistle: any mention of the Koch brothers brings howls of outrage from the left  something Simkovic certainly knows. It really is formulaic criticism: deny there's a problem with intimidating conservatives, urge the press to keep it quiet, raise the specter of racism without cause to do so, and mention a right-wing bogeyman like the Koch brothers.

Simkovic has the formula down pat.According to Oculus Executive Producer of Experiences Yelena Rachitsky, the Facebook-owned company is now looking at ways to bring real actors to at least some of its VR experiences. The concept is based on the idea that using live actors in motion capture suits can bring a much more immersive experience to the technology. Effectively, the company wants to create a virtual theater experience that puts users front-and-center in the action. That would be playable from anywhere. More specifically, it has been described  in its current state  as something of a crossover between the popular indie game Journey and a live-action interactive production called Sleep No More. The latter of those is a VR experience which places participants alongside actors in motion capture suits in a three-warehouse set. So, while its not necessarily going to be a game in its final iteration, it sounds like it would be a combination of that and something more theatrical.

Of course, there is already a trend in this type of VR experience which has collectively been called Immersive Theater. However, its not certain how Oculus could pull it off in a more virtualized setting. Other experiences have depended on visual, audio, verbal, and sometimes physical interactions with actors and environment. Facebook wants to recreate that in a more casual setting, such as from a users home. Rachitsky says this is a clear way that VR can scale and become both more unique and mainstream. However, its not immediately clear how the company would be able to bring the experience to a significant number of users. If the concept does go mainstream, it could involve hundreds or thousands of participants all at once. Thats going to be difficult to maintain if it relies on actors.

In the meantime, Facebook and Oculus are expected to debut or at least introduce the concept in greater detail at some point during its F8 developer conference. That event actually starts today and there has also been speculation that some new Oculus hardware will be shown in support of the project as well. That also remains to be seen but at least, in this case, the wait wont be long at all.Samsungs 5G-ready home router announced by the company at this years iteration of Mobile World Congress has been certified by the United States Federal Communications Commission after already receiving testing approval and is widely expected to be launching through Verizon in the second half of the year. The nations largest mobile service provider has been touting its 5G fixed wireless access service as the first commercial implementation of the next generation of connectivity, having already confirmed its planning an experimental rollout that will cover select U.S. cities in partnership with Samsung later this year.

The newly certified router is the left-most device seen in the image above which was originally shared by Samsung in late February. The gadget is identified by the model number SFG-D0100, ships with 64 antennas, and utilizes a 22 MIMO array with beamforming support. Samsungs offering is meant to be connected to millimeter-wave bands and serve as a cutting-edge alternative to traditional routers, i.e. broadband Internet access. A separate router may still be a necessary part of the setup, at least as far as the first generation of Samsungs 5G FWA solutions is concerned, with the newly revealed FCC certificate not mentioning 802.11 support. Verizon is presently targeting Sacramento, California, and between two to four other cities for a 5G FWA launch in the second half of the year. The scope of the companys initial launch will likely depend on the real-world performance of the service in Sacramento thats expected to be its first supported market.

Verizon said its 5G FWA trials with Samsung have repeatedly exceeded expectations in terms of consistency, data transfer rates, latencies, and capacities, with the company planning to build on that service and offer a fully mobile 5G solution in select U.S. cities early next year once first 5G-enabled smartphones are commercialized. In the meantime, AT&T is already working on 5G pucks, i.e. hotspots that are meant to allow for such connectivity as early as this year, though it also isnt planning on carrying 5G-ready handsets before 2019. T-Mobile and Sprints merger that the duo officially announced on Sunday is entirely centered on 5G, with the two firms arguing that only a tie-up would allow them to push the industry forward and allow the U.S. to not fall behind in the global wireless race.WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum is leaving Facebook three and a half years after the Menlo Park, California-based social media giant acquired the company he established in 2019 together with Brian Acton, the software engineer said Monday, shortly after The Washington Post reported hes quitting due to disputes with Facebooks management over data privacy practices employed by the messaging service. Im taking some time off to do things I enjoy outside of technology, such as collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars and playing ultimate frisbee, Mr. Koum wrote on Facebook, adding hes still supportive of his team but without personally elaborating on the reasons behind his departure.

The development is leaving Facebook without both WhatsApp inventors, with Mr. Acton already leaving the firm last September and going on to co-found the Signal Foundation. The entrepreneur was also openly critical of Facebooks privacy practices in the past, having publicly called for people to delete their accounts on the worlds largest social media network following the emergence of the Cambridge Analytica scandal in late March. In response to Mr. Koums announcement, Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote that WhatsApps ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in peoples hands will always remain a crucial component of the messaging service, seemingly suggesting the industry veteran hasnt left the company over privacy disputes.

Mr. Koum was previously said to have been disillusioned by the manner in which Facebook treated its $19 billion purchase, particularly in regards to its stances on in-app advertising and the fact that it was pushing to merge its user data with that from its blockbuster acquisition from 2014. WhatsApp still doesnt display ads but Facebook suggested it may start doing so in the future, with the company moving to start monetizing its popular service after tripling its user base to some 1.5 billion people over the last three and a half years. EU regulators are presently also clashing with Facebook over the matter, having previously suggested theyve been misled while approving the merger as Facebook claimed it doesnt have the technological capability to cross-reference WhatsApp user data with that mined by its main platform. Facebook recently started displaying ads in its Messenger app and is presently developing new WhatsApp features for businesses meant to help it start generating some returns on its major investment. Mr. Koum is now set to leave Facebooks board of directors as well, The Washington Post claims.BarcelonaEl Palau is a secondary school in Sant Andreu de la Barca where nine teachers are currently being investigated by the Prosecutors office for allegedly humiliating the children of Spanish Guardia Civil officers the day after the referendum of October 1. Several children whose Guardia Civil parents are stationed in Sant Andreu attend El Palau. Last night someone spray-painted slurs on the school walls aimed at the nine teachers: nazis, scum and separatists.

The teachers support group posted a message on Twitter decrying the attempt to split up our school and destroy our students social cohesion by naming names.

Ens volen trencar lInstitut i la cohesio social dels alumnes #ieselpalau #9delpalau amb noms i cognoms pic.twitter.com/urYVA2tJdj  Suport IES El Palau (@9delpalau) 30 de abril de 2018

The graffiti appeared the day after Madrid-based newspaper El Mundo revealed the names and photographs of the nine members of staff who are being investigated. Controversy over the expose went up a notch when Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera tweeted the story and used it to slam Mariano Rajoys government for failing to discipline the nine teachers who are currently being investigated over alleged hate crimes.

Los maestros separatistas que senalaron publicamente a hijos de @guardiacivil en Cataluna. La fiscalia les investiga por delitos de odio, pero el Gobierno de Espana dice que no les abrira expediente. Con cobardia nunca se vence al nacionalismo. https://t.co/LOaSxV36El  Albert Rivera (@Albert_Rivera) 29 de abril de 2018

Riveras post prompted many replies on social networks, accusing him of singling out teachers who so far have been found guilty of no crimes. Furthermore, some users criticised the Ciudadanos leader for doing with these teachers whose actual names and pictures were printed in the newspaper article the same as he had criticised in the past, when the homes of unionist leaders were spray-painted.

This morning Ciudadanos MP in Catalonia Lorena Roldan tried to play down the controversy and stated that the graffiti shows that there is an obvious social divide in Catalonia and that is why we urge the pro-independence parties to form a government. It is necessary for societys wounds to heal up and these incidents, which we have experienced ourselves in the past, should never happen, she noted. Roldan censured the perpetrators of the graffiti, which might constitute a hate crime and we decry that, regardless of who is responsible. That is why we urge the pro-independence parties to condemn these actions.

Tomorrow, May 1, there will be a demonstration at noon in Sant Andreus town hall square to support the teachers who are being probed. Interestingly, local education affairs are managed by a Ciudadanos councillor in Sant Andreu de la Barcas local government.COP26 may be a cop-out in the making COP26 is just about a month away. Delayed for a year by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference has built up even more expectations and momentum during the intervening monthsClifford Chance has restructured its top role in Tokyo with the appointment of joint managing partners.

Reiko Sakimura and Leng-Fong Lai have been named the offices co-managing partners. Eiichi Kanda has stepped down from the role he held since 2012, but will continue with the firm. Kanda will focus on client relationships and contacts, as well as growing his real estate and infrastructure practice, the firm said.

Sakimura, who specialises in international debts and equity offerings, is the firms capital markets head in Tokyo. She joined the firm in the city in 2009 from Linklaters, where she was a partner. She was also previously a director at UBS.Digging through the posts on the website, one can see all the space-related activities Boeing is involved in, from the development of the Space Launch System (SLS) to the CST-100 Starliner capsule or Trumps visit to the companys St. Louis facility.Among the things posted on the website , theres a piece of writing called SpaceX Falcon Heavy is too small for deep space exploration. In the article, Boeing quotes NASAs head of spaceflight Bill Gerstenmaier as saying the Falcon Heavy, despite being described by Elon Musk as the most powerful operational rocket in the world, is too small for NASAs needs.Deep space exploration, meaning venturing with humans and machines beyond Earths gravity well, is NASAs next big business plan. The agency plans a return to the Moon, the creation of a lunar space station and a landing on neighboring Mars.For all those plans, says Boeing, the rocket of choice should be the SLS, not the Falcon. Thats because their rocket will be capable of carrying into space equipment that is too large for the Falcon Heavy.The Falcon Heavy launch turned heads in February, but SpaceXs rocket is a smaller type of rocket that cant meet NASAs deep space needs. Once the Boeing-built SLS is operational, it will be the most powerful rocket ever built, says Boeing.It is not the first time Boeing takes aim at SpaceX in this newly ignited corporate space wars. While speaking at a Politico Space Forum earlier in April, Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing CEO, said that the first person that would get to Mars would do so in a Boeing machine.If the company will find some spare time, he even hinted Boeing might find the Tesla Roadster launched by Musk into space in February and bring it back.Submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism on December 19, 2017, the report included testimonials from employees who stated that certain data with respect to fuel economy and emissions may have been altered. Thats right, ladies and gentlemen, Volkswagen and Mitsubishi werent alone in their pursuit to fool the public with cars that arent as clean as advertised.Taking notice of this information, the MLIT instructed Subaru on December 22, 2017, to investigate these allegations and submit another shameful report. Care to guess what of information was unraveled? As the headline implies, an estimated 903 vehicles built by Subaru had their fuel economy and emissions data altered From at least December 2012 and November 2017 is all that Subaru is willing to share with the general public, further mentioning that number of vehicles subject to sampling of fuel economy and emissions (6,939). Thats 13 percent of the vehicles that were investigated. Whats more, the number of vehicles for which data were found in measurement equipment is 6,530 according to the second of two reports.These being said, what motivated Subaru to alter the data? According to the Japanese automaker, inspectors engaging in sampling of fuel economy and emissions were instructed by their seniors () with the intention of reducing variance in measurement values in order to avoid questions from the Group Chiefs and the Section Chief on such variance. Some of the Group Chiefs knew about this illegal practice. On the other hand, Subaru highlights that managers at or above the Section Chief level and executive managers were not aware of alterations.To avoid such events in the coming years, Subaru decided to reform its corporate culture from the ground up. We would like to reiterate our deepest apologies for the significant trouble and inconvenience caused to our customers, partners, and all other stakeholders, the company said in a statement.EV

The company was launched in 2016, and one year later the job of steering it fell in the hands of McNabb. Less than a year after taking charge, the executive decided to leave the organization, for unspecified reasons. Before taking over Electrify America, McNabb led the groups diesel settlement agreements and implementation in the United States.Palazzo will be taking over sometime this year, after serving in various position in the Volkswagen Group ever since 2011. Most recently, he has been head of the groups E-Mobility business.Electrify America has taken off with its mission to enable Americans to discover the benefits of electric driving and provide the nationwide charging infrastructure to do so, said Volkswagen of America CEO Hinrich J. Woebcken.We are pleased to welcome Giovanni Palazzo, an expert in e-mobility in both vehicles and infrastructure, to lead the organization into its next phase of implementation.The task ahead for the new executive will not be an easy one. Electrify America committed itself invest $2 billion in infrastructure by 2027. Of that, $800 million is to be invested in the state of California alone, as the state is seen to be the most-friendly location in the world.By the end of next year, the company plans to deploy 2,000 chargers across 484 sites in 17 metropolitan areas and on highways in 39 states.Earlier in April, Electrify America announced a partnership with Walmart which would allow it to install chargers at Walmart locations across 34 states, making the retailer the biggest charging stations host in the United States.Among the chargers to be deployed is ABBs Terra High Power charger, a 350 kilowatts monster that is capable of providing electric cars with 125 miles (200 km) of power in just eight minutes.With more than 700 exhibitors at this weeks AUVSI XPONENTIAL show in Denver, theres a drone for every purpose and the association says UAS applications are expanding. This business is adding more and more jobs to the overall economy, the associations president, Brian Wynne, told some of the 8500 attendees at an opening-day keynote address.

And just since last years Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International show in Dallas, several new companies have established UAS operation, including Airbus. Wynne said new drone activities are popping up monthly, although regulationor actually lack of itcontinues to hinder further growth.

I would say the skys the limit, except we all know thats not true. Its more like 400 feet, said Steven Bradbury, a Department of Transportation official who briefed the opening session on the state of UAS regulation. But he said the industry has, nonetheless, expanded its footprint considerably. Well over a million small drones have been registered with the FAA and more than 100,000 of those are commercial operators.

While Bradbury acknowledged that the FAA is moving slower than the industry would like on critical regulation such as beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, he said both agencies are primarily concerned with safety and security.

Americans have no tolerance for an aviation mishaps  terrorism or an accident, he said. A drone involved in a significant accident or terrorist act would create a setback for the industry, he added.

Meanwhile, the DOT has announced that it sees the legal framework to streamline approvals for drone deliveries under the so-called Air Taxi Exemption rule in FAR Part 298. To qualify, would-be operators will have to show evidence of insurance, register with the FAA and have a safety plan in place.As drones multiply, as they are expected to do, incidents of GPS (or GNSS) jamming and spoofing are expected to rise in concert during the next decade. That poses not just a threat of loss of the vehicles, but also to nearby aircraft and unaware people on the ground, according to Jeremy Bennington of Spirent, a company that specializes in jamming and spoofing defense. Bennington spoke at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL Expo in Denver this week and sketched a threat thats not yet emergent, but will escalate enough to require drone manufacturers to harden their aircraft against interference.

Bennington said more than 150,000 incidents of jamming or spoofing have been recorded, affecting aircraft, ships and ground vehicles. And its not a hard thing to do. If you want jam GPS, get your credit card out. Its really rather easily done, he told a group of XPONENTIAL attendees. The event is organized by the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and although dominated by aircraft systems, land and marine vehicles are also represented. And all of them have been jammed or spoofed.

In one incident in Hanover, Germany, Bennington said, a GPS emulator being used for maintenance disrupted inbound aircraft navigation and actually electronically moved the runway threshold. It took authorities hours to find the source. NASAs ASRS has recorded more than 100 incidents of interference, some serious enough to cause aircraft to lose position data. While jamming splatters the signal, spoofing actually fools the GNSS receiver into believing its somewhere else. In one well-known incident in the Mediterranean Sea, more than 20 ships were spoofed into believing their positions were miles away from their true location.

Drones are beginning to use a method called sensor fusioncross checking position with radar, lidar or inertial systemsto defeat spoofing, but these systems add cost and weight. Bennington says the industry will have to respond sooner than later. We will see the impact as more drones enter service, he said.The Dominican Republic is terminating its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan and pledging to recognize it as "an inalienable part of China," reports the AP.

The big picture: It's a setback for Taiwanese sovereignty and a win for Beijing, which is increasingly wary of Taiwan's leanings toward independence and threats to the One-China policy. The Dominican Republic's move comes as the U.S. is ramping up diplomacy with Taiwan under President Trump.Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari met with President Trump on Monday to discuss the U.S.' economic, strategic and diplomatic partnership with Nigeria.

Why it matters: Trump's relationship with African countries has been mired in public and diplomatic scandal, and his meeting with the president of Africa's most populous country presents an opportunity to make amends.

Trumps relationship with African countries in general was damaged by his alleged characterization of them as shithole countries. Adding insult to injury, former Secretary of State Rex Tillersons visit to Africa was marred after he was fired in Nigeria. There is still no assistant secretary of state for Africa, and numerous high-level, Africa-related positions across the administration have yet to be filled.

Trump and Buhari focused on strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership, fostering economic growth and encouraging Nigerias democratic trajectory (national elections are scheduled for for February 2019). Nigeria has also requested more security assistance for the fight against Boko Haram and further support in recovering looted Nigerian funds now parked in the U.S.

The big picture: Scandals aside, the Trump administrations relationship with Africa shows continuity with past administrations. It has encouraged economic development and investment, proceeded with the sale of light aircraft (which the Buhari administration wanted badly), expanded U.S. security assistance to those fighting violent Islamist extremism in Africa and continued support of the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and other medical assistance programs. Buhari's visit in itself is also bound to enhance Nigerias leadership position in West Africa.

John Campbell is the Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian on Tuesday accused former President Serzh Sarkisian of trying to prevent Armenias parliament from electing him prime minister and to regain power one week after resigning as premier.

Pashinian attacked Sarkisian and another former president, Robert Kocharian, during an emergency session of the parliament which discussed his candidacy for the countrys top executive post. He blamed them for the fact that the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) has still not pledged support for his bid to replace Sarkisian.

According to rumors handing in the air, last night Serzh Sarkisian and Robert Kocharian started personally exerting pressure on deputies from all National Assembly factions, warning them not to vote for the candidate of the Armenian people, Pashinian charged on the parliament floor.

The infamous duo has devised a plant to stop the popular wave [of protests] and return to power, and its main tool remains the same: threats, physical and psychological pressure and compromising material, he said, warning of unpredictable and undesirable consequences.

Sober up before its too late because your behavior can literally cause a political tsunami, Pashinian added, appealing to Sarkisian and Kocharian.

The opposition leader went on to urge supporters to flood streets and squares across the country and stop the HHK leadership from stealing your victory. Thousands of them already rallied in Yerevans Republic Square as he addressed the National Assembly.

Pashinians 30-minute speech was followed by a question-and-answer session, with as many as 26 parliamentarians signing up to ask him questions. The parliament was due to vote on his prime-ministerial candidacy later in the day.

Pashinian has been endorsed by his Yelk alliance, the Tsarukian Bloc and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. The three groups control 47 of the 105 parliament seats. The remaining 58 seats are held by the HHK. The latter has said that it will decide whether or not to back Pashinian just before the vote.

The HHK has not nominated a candidate of its own. The ruling partys parliamentary leader, Vahram Baghdasarian said late last week that the HHK will not obstruct Pashinians election.

Baghdasarian clarified on Tuesday morning that he only promised that HHK lawmakers will not prevent the parliament from making a quorum.The Armenian parliament failed to elect opposition leader Nikol Pashinian prime minister on Tuesday despite his warnings about continued unrest in the country.

Pashinian was backed by only 45 members of the 105-seat National Assembly following a lengthy and heated debate on his bid to succeed Serzh Sarkisian as premier. He needed at least 53 votes.

Fifty-six other lawmakers representing Sarkisians Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) voted against him in line with a decision announced by the HHK leadership shortly before the vote. HHK leaders said during the debate that Pashinian is not fit to govern the country.They also pointed to his lack of government experience and questioned his ability to serve as commander-in-chief of Armenias armed forces.

Several HHK deputies also pointed Pashinians past harsh criticisms of Armenias membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). They claimed that Armenia could find itself at odds with Russia if he comes to power.

Vahram Baghdasarian, the HHKs parliamentary leader, claimed that Pashinians tenure would be fraught with destructive consequences and fateful dangers for the country. He also said that Sarkisians resignation on April 23 was a sufficient response to the massive street protests launched by Pashinian.

I hoped to hear a conceptual speech by a candidate for prime minister but I witnessed a speech that only flattered peoples ears and was not based on a program, said Eduard Sharmazanov, a deputy parliament speaker. Mr. Pashinian, you didnt convince me. I dont see you as commander-in-chief.

Pashinian tried in vain to win over at least some members of the HHK majority when he twice gave speeches in the parliament and answered questions from over two dozen lawmakers. In the end, only HHK deputy, Felix Tsolakian, voted for him.

Voting for Pashinian were deputies affiliated with the opposition Yelk alliance, Gagik Tsarukians bloc and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun). One of Dashnaktsutyuns seven deputies, Aghvan Vartanian, refused to back the opposition candidate, however, defying a decision made by his party. Vartanian said he is ready to resign from the parliament as a result.

Pashinian warned before the vote that the parliaments failure to choose him as prime minister would mean that the ruling party has destroyed itself at once and irreversibly. He also said that the full victory of his popular movement is inevitable.

A force declaring a war on its own people cannot exist and what we are seeing is not the HHK or its parliamentary faction but a ghost, he said. He strongly condemned HHK claims that his premiership would hurt Russian-Armenian ties and increase the risk of a war with Azerbaijan.

The result of the parliament vote means that the National Assembly will have to meet again by May 8 for another debate on the next prime minister. Under the Armenian constitution, the legislature will be automatically disbanded and fresh elections will be called if it again fails to choose a premier.

The vote came as tens of thousands of Pashinian supporters again rallied in Yerevans Republic Square. The opposition leader addressed them later in the evening, calling the HHK a political corpse and saying that further negotiations with the ruling party can only be about its political funeral.

We must move forward to liberate even the most remote inch of our homeland, he said. There is no force in Armenia that can stand up to you.

Pashinian urged his supporters to again block streets and roads across the country starting from Wednesday morning. He also called for a general strike and a boycott of university and school classes.By Guy Verhofstadt

Since 2004, when the European Union was enlarged to include many of the former communist states of Central and Eastern Europe, its regional funding mechanism has been heavily geared toward ameliorating economic inequalities between old and new member states. To ensure cohesion within the EU, overcoming disparities between countries and improving trade, transport, and communications infrastructure throughout the bloc have long been seen as critical.

The EUs cohesion policy is in fact its most visible initiative. Investments made through the Cohesion Fund promote regional development, support innovation, improve education, and expand digitalization and transport networks, and sustain programs that improve the single market by boosting growth, productivity, and specialization. The cohesion policy benefits citizens, local communities, and businesses across the EU, but particularly in newer member states.

The Cohesion Funds next seven-year budget will run from 2020 to 2027, and the European Commission will offer proposals for how it should be allocated in early May. The negotiations over those proposals are expected to be fierce. For one thing, several new priorities have come to the fore in recent years, not least the need for stronger border protection, a system to manage migration, and more joint defense projects.

Complicating matters further, EU leaders hope to keep spending at current levels even after the United Kingdoms withdrawal from the bloc next spring. And once spending priorities are agreed upon, the European Parliament will still have to approve the final budget.

But arguably the most important political development since the last budget negotiations in 2014  more important than refugee inflows or Brexit  has been the emergence of illiberal, right-wing populist governments in Hungary and Poland. Under the 2014-2020 cohesion budget, which totaled over 350 billion ($424 billion), Poland and Hungary received 77 billion ($93 billion) and 22 billion ($26 billion), respectively, making them the largest and fourth-largest net beneficiaries of EU funds. And net budget contributors such as Germany, France, and the UK, it should be noted, heavily subsidize this largesse.

And yet, rather than embracing the values that have inspired such generosity, Poland and Hungarys authoritarian-minded governments have been actively undermining the rule of law and dismantling their judicial systems. If either country were to apply for EU membership today, their bids would be rejected.

Both governments have cracked down on nongovernmental organizations and targeted or co-opted the media. Still, in what remains of Hungarys free press, one can sometimes find credible reports alleging that Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his cronies are pillaging EU funds to benefit themselves, their families, and their business associates. In fact, Orbans government has been the subject of a number of investigations by the European Anti-Fraud Office.

Despite such behavior, Orban was re-elected earlier this month, and his Fidesz party, in alliance with the Christian Democrats, now holds a two-thirds parliamentary majority  enough to amend the constitution. During the election campaign, Orbans government saturated the country in xenophobic, anti-Semitic propaganda. According to election monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the vote was characterized by a pervasive overlap between state and ruling party resources, undermining contestants ability to compete on an equal basis.

Meanwhile, Polands ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party is currently under investigation by the European Commission for serial breaches of EU rule-of-law standards and infringements on judicial independence.

It is unacceptable that EU taxpayer money is being used to prop up the vanity projects of illiberal elites who show no compunction about undermining the democratic institutions that make the EU what it is. From 2020 onwards, it is critical that cohesion funds be disbursed on the condition that recipient member states uphold and enforce the rule of law.

To that end, the EU should introduce an objective procedure to monitor compliance and freeze funds when necessary. For example, if Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union is triggered against a member state for violations of the rule of law, all funds allocated to that country should be placed into a reserve fund. And until the Article 7 procedure is suspended or reversed, those funds should be redirected to support universities, research institutions, and other civil-society groups in that country.

This approach would demonstrate to the citizens of wayward countries that the EU does not want to punish them for their governments behavior. And it would give those governments a much stronger incentive to comply with EU rules and uphold the shared values that allow the single market to function properly.

The sad reality is that illiberal governments, such as those now in power in Poland and Hungary, are more than happy to take EU money while rejecting EU values. It is time to demonstrate that contempt for EU norms carries a price.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: The EU must stop funding Illiberalism

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Scott Vaughan and Durwood Zaelke

In the fight against climate change, carbon dioxide attracts the bulk of regulators attention. But while long-lived CO2 is a key contributor to rising temperatures, it is not the only culprit. Other short-lived super pollutants are also warming the planet, and none is in greater need of regulation than methane.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, methane is 86 times more potent than CO2 as a heat-trapping gas over a 20-year period, and is responsible for about a fifth of the warming caused by humans. If the international community is to have any chance of meeting targets set by the Paris climate agreement and keep global warming well below 2C above preindustrial levels, the control of methane must be a high priority. At the moment, however, that is not happening on a global scale, and only a handful of countries  led most recently by Canada  have committed to managing methane.

A recent report by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) called methane an intriguing policy problem, because there is no dominant cause. Recent spikes in emissions have been attributed to a variety of sources, including forest fires and fermentation in rice fields.

Measuring methane, including by using todays infrared cameras, is challenging. According to the NAS report, not even the United States has the tools to measure, monitor, and account for methane effectively. But improved measurement tools for detecting sources of methane are on the horizon, and are being successfully tested in California on low-flying planes, with the goal of perfecting the tools for use on satellites.

Even as we improve our tools for detecting methane leaks, we must pursue aggressive methane reductions. If the world follows the lead of methane-mitigation innovators like Canada and California, it is possible to make fast and dramatic reductions.

Three sectors need urgent regulatory attention, starting with the oil and gas industry. According to the International Energy Agency, improving methane capture in the oil and gas value chain would be cheap and effective, given that roughly half of the sectors 76 million tons of annual methane emissions results from easily contained leaks. And, because methane is actually a marketable product, capturing it can be achieved at no net cost.

Second, methane emissions in agriculture, and especially in livestock farming, need tighter controls. Here, too, improved management has a strong economic rationale. For example, mandating the use of methane-capture devices such as anaerobic digesters would help farmers harness methane from cattle and pigs, providing a renewable source of energy generation that could replace fossil fuels used to power equipment.

Finally, governments at all levels should require the capture and use of methane emitted by landfills and wastewater treatment plants. With new methane-measurement practices, countries, cities, and companies could address sources of methane that are easily controlled, laying the groundwork for tougher challenges in the years ahead.

And yet, despite the availability of viable solutions, many countries continue to ignore the low-hanging fruit of methane mitigation. Two years after the US, Mexico, and Canada pledged to take collective action and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, progress has stalled. In the US, the Trump administration has exempted energy companies from methane capture during drilling, while Mexico has offered only non-binding pledges.

Fortunately, Canada is going in the other direction. Canadian regulators just released new rules aimed at reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry by as much as 45% over the next seven years. These rules solidify Canada as a global leader in methane-reduction efforts.

The rules also advance Canadas national interests. Projections for the Arctic show that the region is warming at twice the global average and is losing reflective sea ice at a staggering pace. Without this icy shield to reflect heat back into space, warming accelerates, permafrost melts, and ancient stores of methane and CO2 are returned to the atmosphere. Not only does this cycle drive up global temperatures, it also threatens the survival of Canadas northern communities.

Canada may have an added source of motivation for implementing new methane rules. But such rules amount to an opportunity to help countries and cities around the world recommit to methane-mitigation strategies. When Canada hosts the G7 summit in June, its leaders will have an opportunity to advance this agenda; they must take it. If the world is to meet the temperature targets of the Paris accord and slow the pace of warming, every gas responsible for a warmer planet  not just CO2  must be measured and appropriately managed.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Canada takes the lead on methane emissions

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Kamila Aliyeva

Baku marked the International Jazz Day with an amazing concert program. The International Mugham Center became a venue for a unique concert, where famous Azerbaijani and American musicians performed on one stage, and true jazz fans attended the event.

The event dedicated to the International Jazz Day was organized by the organizing committee of the Baku International Jazz Festival with the support of the Azerbaijani National Commission for UNESCO and the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the opening of the concert, Ambassador-at-Large of the Foreign Ministry, Secretary General of the National Commission of Azerbaijan for UNESCO Elnur Sultanov noted that Azerbaijan has long and rich traditions of jazz.

This kind of musical art has gained popularity in our country since the 1930s of the twentieth century. Jazz music continued its successful development path and the foundation of unique Azerbaijani jazz has been laid. Today, jazz is one of the most popular types of musical art. Azerbaijani jazz performers with great success take part in various international contests and music festivals.

Then, Elnur Sultanov handed a memorable gift with the engraving of the logo of the Azerbaijani National Commission for UNESCO to director of the Baku International Jazz Festival Leyla Efendiyeva.

In her speech, Efendiyeva stressed that Azerbaijani jazz has a rich history. There were jazz orchestras under the leadership of Niyazi, Tofig Guliyev and Tofig Ahmadov. The world of Azerbaijani jazz music is associated with the names of such famous musicians as Rafig Babayev and Vagif Mustafazade.

Addressing the event, Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan William Gil expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the event dedicated to the International Jazz Day, as well as for the opportunity to enjoy jazz music and to reflect on the development of jazz and the relevance of this kind of musical art in the world.

It was noted that jazz appeared in late 19th - early 20th century in New Orleans. The combination of ragtime and blues has given rise to a new musical direction - jazz, which continues to evolve to this day. Jazz was formed as a mix of several musical cultures.

Gil stressed that he is a big fan of jazz music, noting that jazz music is distinguished by improvisational style and reflects the best elements of American culture.

He also noted that multicultural values in Azerbaijan have an ancient history.

Then, the floor was given to the music. The evening program featured well-known and young Azerbaijani musicians and members of the American group Kennedy Administration, who created unique atmosphere in the hall with their phenomenal performing skills.

Melik Ramiz, Seymour Hasansoy, Elnara Hasanli, Ruslan Huseynov, Elvin Mirzoyev and a number of musicians won over the audience with improvised freedom and powerful energy.

The creative tandem of the honored artist of Azerbaijan, pianist and composer Isfar Sarabsky and famous Azerbaijani jazzman, saxophonist Rabin Sultanov transferred the audience to the musical space of amazing concordances and improvisations.

Dynamic group Kennedy Administration won the hearts of listeners from the first meeting. Any scene on which the vocalist of Kennedy steps out gets sincerity and gives exciting energy to the viewer.

Ms. Kennedys voice has its own timbre and a mix of playfulness and seductive charm. She conquered the audience not only with musical talent, but with artistry. The whole audience sang along with her in a single rush.

The enthusiasm was expressed by the audience, rewarding all musicians with stormy applause and shouting Bravo!.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Kamila Aliyeva

The International Mugham Center, as part of its organizational activities, presents projects to promote mugham, ashug, national folk and classical music.

The Center will host a concert of ethnic performers from Peru on May 4 at 8 pm.

On this day, foreign musicians will meet with Azerbaijani mugham performers. The concert is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan together with the Mugham Center and will be held within the framework of the 2nd IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival.

Musicians from Peru Karl Struyf and Alejandro Rivas will perform together with the honored artists of Azerbaijan Sahib Pashazade (tar) and Togrul Asadullaev (kemancha), as well as the talented khanende Nisbet Sadraeva at the concert called Charango meets Mugham.

Charango is an ancient plucked stringed musical instrument that is used for accompaniment in Latin American music. Predominantly male instrument Charango looks like a guitar, has 10 strings and a tone range up to two octaves. This allows one to perform on it an extensive repertoire of melodies.

On May 6, the center will also host a concert Rembetiko meets Mugham, at which ethnic performers from Greece will meet with the same musicians from Azerbaijan.

Tickets can be purchased at all ticket offices of the city, ASAN service centers and website www.iticket.az .

The International Mugham Center constantly organizes interesting projects with the evenings of ethnic music of foreign countries. The International Mugham Center implements project Pearls of ethnic music, within the framework of which concerts of ethnic musicians from Romania, Moldova, Turkey, Greece, Morocco and other countries were held on its stage.

The center also implemented a very successful project Sound Waves, as part of which Azerbaijan was visited by ethnic musicians from Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal and other countries.

Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Kamila Aliyeva

The Days of Italian Opera will be held in Baku on May 3-6 with the support of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture, the Italian Embassy and the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

On this occasion, a meeting of journalists with Italian Ambassador Augusto Massari took place at his residence on May 1.

The ambassador expressed gratitude to the organizers of such an interesting educational project, as the Days of Italian Opera in Baku.

Azerbaijan is showing great interest in the culture and history of Italy, which cannot but rejoice. This brings our countries closer together. I am sure that this joint project will be a great success. From May 3 to 6 residents and guests of the capital will be able to see such masterpieces of the Italian opera as Madama Butterfly and The Barber of Seville, he noted.

Massari also noted that this year marks 150 years since the death of the famous Italian composer Gioacchino Rossini.

Within the framework of the Days of the Italian Opera, the opening of an exhibition of paintings will be held at the Opera and Ballet Theater, reflecting not only his musical works, but also artistic creativity.

The organizer of the exhibition is the Roman Opera House Cara Italia, Alfin di Miro. The exhibition will also feature works by renowned artist Giorgio de Chirico and antique Italian costumes. The exhibition will take place on May 3-20.

A concert of the famous Italian organist, artistic director of the orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali Maurizio Salerno will be held in the Hall of Chamber and Organ Music on May 4. He performed with concerts in the U.S., South America, Russia and Australia.

Within the framework of cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Italian Embassy in Azerbaijan, it is planned to hold an exhibition in Baku, where portraits of Shah Ismail and his son will be exhibited, according to Massari.

The portrait of Shah Ismail will be brought to Baku from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

The diplomat stressed that the holding of this exhibition is also planned taking into account the importance of Shah Ismail's personality for Azerbaijan.

It was noted that Italy is a country friendly to Azerbaijan, and the exhibition will be highly appreciated.

The diplomat added that negotiations are underway at this stage, therefore he cannot tell the exact date of the exhibition, but, perhaps, it will be held in October.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Rashid Shirinov

Since the beginning of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the late 1980s, Turkey has been the country that provided the strongest support for Azerbaijan in its attempts to restore justice and to return the Armenia-occupied Azerbaijani lands by peaceful means.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again voiced full support for Azerbaijan in this issue during Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs official visit to Turkey last week.

The issue of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a national issue for Turkey We want an immediate settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of Azerbaijan, Erdogan stated.

In her recent interview with Day.Az, Turkish political expert Ayshe Celik noted that Erdogans statement was a direct message to the international community about the unity of views and priorities of Azerbaijan and Turkey.

For Turkey, the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem given the inviolability of the Azerbaijani borders is of fundamental importance. Erdogan has noted that this issue should find a fair and objective solution, based on the requirements specified in the adopted resolutions of the UN Security Council and documents of other international organizations in accordance with the principles of international law, Celik noted.

She added that the theses voiced by Erdogan have once again confirmed the position of Turkey in this priority issue for Azerbaijan, as well as the intention of the Turkish government to continue insisting on the return of the Azerbaijani territories.

Speaking of the 7th Session of the Azerbaijan-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Ankara, headed by Erdogan and Aliyev last week, Celik noted that it is another important platform for discussing pressing issues of international importance.

Such meetings are of great importance, especially in the context of the geopolitical situation in the region and the world. Azerbaijan and Turkey are important strategic partners, the closest allies who pursue a purposeful policy of good-neighborliness and security in the region and the world, she said.

However, the occupation policy of Armenia, which has been continuing against Azerbaijan for more than 25 years, as well as Armenias territorial claims against its other neighbors, has always been the main threat to security in the region.

The Armenian leadership should bear in mind that Azerbaijan and Turkey will never give up their attempts to ensure full safety in the region, and the fair settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the fundamental condition to achieve this goal.

The conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Until now, Armenia controls fifth part of Azerbaijans territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Sara Israfilbayova

The Labor and Social Policy Committee of the Parliament of Azerbaijan discussed the draft law On employment on April 30.

In accordance with the Constitution of Azerbaijan, the law establishes the legal, economic and organizational bases of the state policy in the field of employment assistance, as well as state provision of social protection for job seekers and unemployed.

It was noted at the meeting that only minor amendments are needed in the bill.

The draft was recommended for consideration of the plenary session of the Parliament in the second reading.

Moreover, it is planned to make amendments to the law on provision of ordinary leave for a number of educators.

According to the amendment, ordinary leave of 42 calendar days must be provided to senior officials, educators, music managers, practical psychologists, methodologists, defectologists, speech therapists, and psychologists of educational facilities.

The current code says that ordinary leave of 42 calendar days is provided to senior officials, educators, music managers and practical psychologists of orphanages, preschool childrens educational institutions.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov signed a decree, according to which imports of equipment to the country within the framework of projects of reconstruction of oil refineries will be exempted from customs duties beginning from May 29.

The decree will remain in effect until December 31, 2021.

The corresponding changes were made to the decree "on the rates of customs duties for export-import operations in Azerbaijan".

This proposal of the Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR was agreed with the ministries of Finance, Economy, Energy and the State Customs Committee to ensure long-term energy supply, production for domestic and foreign markets of competitive oil and gas and petrochemical products that meet modern standards.

SOCAR announced the liquidation of the Azneftyag refinery and its merger with the Baku Oil Refinery named after Heydar Aliyev, in 2015. This decision was made in the framework of work to improve and optimize the structure of SOCAR.

The cost of modernization of the Baku oil refinery named after Heydar Aliyev is estimated at about $2.2 billion.

By the construction of a new bitumen production facility, the current infrastructure of former Azerneftyag oil refinery will be fully decommissioned and the coastal areas will be emptied and handed over for the realization of White City project. Furthermore running costs of Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery will be optimized and the country will be provided with high-quality bitumen.

The modernization of the Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery will be completed by 2021. The production capacity of the refinery will be increased from 6 million to 7.5 million tons per year as a result.

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Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Sara Israfilbayova

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and BOTAS plan to establish a joint venture to manage the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) project.

Each party will own 50 percent of the shares of the joint company, Turkish media outlets reported, adding that the joint company will also be responsible for the safety of the gas pipeline.

Southern Gas Corridor CJSC has 51 percent share in TANAP project and SOCAR Turkey Enerji AS, a subsidiary of SOCAR in Turkey  7 percent, BOTAS  30 percent and BP  12 percent.

SOCAR Turkey Energy has joined TANAP shareholders at the end of March this year. The company has purchased a share from the "Southern Gas Corridor" CJSC.

The Economy Ministry owns 51 percent of shares, SOCAR-49 percent.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority projects for the EU and provides for the transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian region through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.



At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.



As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).

TANAP project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijans Shah Deniz field to the western borders of Turkey. The gas will be delivered to Turkey in 2018 and after completion of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline's construction natural gas will be delivered to Europe in early 2020.

The length of TANAP is 1,850 kilometers, with an initial capacity of 16 billion cubic meters of gas. Around six billion cubic meters of this gas is meant to be delivered to Turkey, with the remaining volume to be supplied to Europe.

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Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzTrend:

A rally led by Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan has began on April 30 in the Republic Square in the center of Yerevan, RIA Novosti reported.

Earlier, the opposition column marched from the Nzhdeh Square along the central streets of the Armenian capital.

The protesters hold national flags, as well as various posters, including the poster "Russia Armenia Friendship Forever". Opposition addresses the crowd, while Pashinyan is also on the stage.

Several dozen policemen are on duty in the Square where the rally is held. The situation is calm.

Armenias opposition launched mass protests against the candidacy of Serzh Sargsyan for prime minister of the country. Rallies have been held in Yerevan since April 13. The opposition accused Sargsyan of poor governance and deteriorating economic situation in the country. On April 17, the opposition announced the beginning of a "velvet revolution".

Less than a week later, on April 23, Sargsyan resigned amid continuing protests.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzTrend:

Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan Bakhyt Sultanov and China's Finance Minister Liu Kun agreed to conclude an inter-agency memorandum of understanding and cooperation in the near future, during the meeting, organized within the framework of Sultanov's working visit to Beijing, the press service of the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan said in a message.

Kazakh minister stressed that the two countries expand investment cooperation, attract loans for the integration of the Chinese "One Belt One Road Initiative" and Kazakhstans Nurly Zhol program.

The parties also discussed the current economic situation of the two countries, the expansion of cooperation, as well as the activities of financial markets and their services, including the Astana International Finance Centre.

During the visit to Beijing, Sultanov also held talks with the Chairman of the Securities Regulatory Commission of China, the Chief Customs Officer of China and Vice President of Exim Bank of China.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Kamila Aliyeva

Uzbekistan intends to liquidate the majority of off-budget funds in the near future.

This is provided for by the Draft Concept for Improving the System of Public Finance presented on the eve by the country's Finance Ministry.

It is proposed to close the Irrigated Lands Improvement Fund, the Republican Road Fund, the non-budgetary Fund for the Development of the Material and Technical Base of Educational and Medical Institutions, the Clean Drinking Water Foundation, as well as other inefficient funds. Instead, the country should move on to implementing program-targeted methods for financing infrastructure and investment projects.

In addition, according to the document, careful study of off-budget funds of ministries and departments should be carried out, formed from deductions from state duties, levies and non-tax payments, administrative and financial sanctions for their expediency and ensuring the unity of the state budget.

To date, off-budget funds of 36 ministries and departments, the amount of which is about 1.5 percent of GDP, as well as social and infrastructure projects financed by international financial institutions in the amount of 2 percent of GDP are not reflected in the consolidated budget.

Therefore, experts propose to change the current situation and include incomes and expenditures of extra-budgetary funds of ministries and departments, as well as social and infrastructure projects financed from the funds of international financial institutions in the consolidated budget of the republic.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzBy Rashid Shirinov

The list of countries whose citizens can visit Azerbaijan via the ASAN Visa system has been supplemented by the name of another state.

From now on, Djibouti citizens will be able to receive electronic visas through ASAN Visa, the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan informed on May 1.

When the ASAN Visa system was launched in June 2016, citizens of 81 countries were able to benefit from obtaining an e-visa in a short time, but now, thanks to the improvement of the system and expansion of its coverage, e-visa is available to citizens of 95 countries.

Azerbaijan applied electronic visa in order to make the process of obtaining the entry documents cheaper and quicker. Today foreigners can get e-visas just in three days.

All they need to do is to visit ASAN Visa website to submit an application, fill in the necessary information and pay the state fee online. After that, the e-visa will be sent to the email of the applicant in three days, and in case of urgent need  in three hours. The cost of a standard visa is $20, and of an urgent one  $23.

The launch of ASAN Visa system has certainly facilitated attracting more tourists in Azerbaijan. In 2017, the number of foreigners coming to the country increased by 20 percent compared to 2016 and reached 2,691,998 people. This is the highest figure observed so far, and ASAN Visa played a big part in achieving such a great number.

In general, the number of tourists visiting the country has increased by five times over the past 10 years thanks to the wonderful climate of Azerbaijan, its culture, cuisine, nature, attractions, and diversity. The hospitality of Azerbaijani people, the capital with its super modern and ancient buildings draw the attention of all tourists visiting this South Caucasian country. The most popular destinations are Baku, Gabala, Guba and many other cities.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAzJohn Templeton describes his life with wife Billie as "65 years of togetherness."

They rode to work together each day to the Texaco plant in Port Arthur, took their lunch breaks together and at the end of the day went home together.

When John and Billie retired, they filled their hours by volunteering and caring for ailing family members and a neighbor, all of whom battled Alzheimer's disease.

They never grew tired of being together, said John, 91.

When Billie passed away in April 2016, John was by her side.

"She went so easy," Templeton

recalled. "One minute she just stopped breathing. It was so easy."

That night, for the first time in 65 years, John was alone.

"I really surprised myself by how well I did" after Billie was gone, he said. "I was worried about depression, trouble sleeping, but we were so happy together and had such a good life, and I am so grateful" for that.

Templeton said keeping busy got his mind on other things and helped him not dwell on the fact that Billie was gone.

Templeton keeps a calendar, its days filled with a healthy list of to-do items. There's Monday morning zumba, Bible study in the afternoon. On Tuesday's, he plays a game of 42. His prayer group meets on Wednesdays, and Thursdays offer weekly afternoon social hour.

Mealtime camaraderie

There are monthly events, as well, among them the gathering of "The Romeos." Templeton is a charter member.

The Romeos (Retired Old Men Eating Out) aren't looking for love. They're looking for food.

Although no one can remember exactly how the group formed, the camaraderie of a night out with the boys, trying new restaurants or enjoying old favorites, has kept the club going for nearly 7 years now.

Recently, five of the group's members gathered in the Calder Woods lobby, lounging comfortably on couches and talking while waiting for their bus to arrive.

Templeton and newcomer Ronnie Adams, 81, offered a hand as Paul Kessler, 96, made his way up the bus steps.

On the ride to Catfish Cabin in Lumberton, the men enjoyed a little small talk and debated what to order. They gazed out the bus windows, talking about how much the area has changed since the old days.

Once inside the restaurant, each grabbed a basket of peanuts on the way to the table. The sound of cracking peanut shells mingled with the soft country music coming out of speakers overhead.

"Billie never could quite bring herself to toss her shells onto the floor, but I don't have any problem with it," Templeton said, smiling, as he swept the small mound piled before him from the table.

He said he used to knock her shells on the floor just to tease her.

The conversation dropped off after the men were served their platters of catfish, shrimp and potatoes.

As they waited for their checks, the men chatted about where to go next month.

Templeton suggested a steakhouse. Greg Cottington, 84, who lived in Miami before moving to Texas, offered up Cuban as an option.

The debate, unfinished, carried over on the ride home.

Caregiver still giving

Back inside the Calder Woods lobby, the Romeos parted ways after exchanging goodbyes.

Templeton said he planned to read or watch some television until bedtime.

Today, Templeton will likely join others in a monthly meeting for Alzheimer's caregivers. The group meets the last Monday of each month.

Templeton joined the support group after Billie's diagnosis and has continued attending as a volunteer since her death.

The group helped him cope as Billie's condition deteriorated.

As a volunteer who has lived the experience, Templeton said, "I'm able to inject some information and help."

"Our goal is to educate caregivers on what to expect and the necessity of them caring for themselves."

KBrent@BeaumontEnterprise.comAUSTIN  Texas schools ravaged by Hurricane Harvey will be eligible to receive new federal funding to help classrooms return to their normal operations.

U.S. Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced the $89.4 million for Texas schools Monday.

PHOTOS: SETX schools damaged by Harvey

Hurricane Harvey inundated schools across Houston and the state's coastal region, forcing districts to close down some schools and transfer students to other campuses. In October, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told lawmakers that it will cost Texas taxpayers $1.64 billion over the next two years to help schools ravaged by Hurricane Harvey rebuild and avoid financial loses.

"As communities get back on their feet in disaster-affected regions, we continue to support them in every way we can," said Secretary DeVos. "This additional funding will ensure students, teachers and staff have ongoing access to the services they need to fully recover and rebuild."

RELATED: Harvey recovery funds may prioritize wealthy, advocates say

The money is part of the Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations (K-12 Restart) program. The money will go to the Texas Education Agency which will send the money to public schools to help "defray expenses related to restarting school operations and restoring the normal learning environment for students and families affected by the hurricanes and wildfires," according to the education department.

Alejandra Matos covers politics, education and immigration policy. Follow her on Twitter. Email tips to alejandra.matos@chron.com.Here are seven updates on ASC companies and industry-relevant companies to note.

Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare and Nashville, Tenn.-based Envision Healthcare will be forced to arbitrate, after the U.S. District Court of Southern Florida granted United's motion to compel arbitration and its stay of action, according to a court filing. Read more.

Investment manager Jim Chanos of Kynikos Associates took a shot at Envision Healthcare's billing practices while speaking on CNBC. Mr. Chanos said Envision is in trouble because of its "deceptive or aggressive use of reimbursement."

Nashville, Tenn.-based Hospital Corporation of America's Surgery Center of Rome (Ga.) celebrated its 30th anniversary and it's 125,000th completed procedure.

Eden Prairie, Minn.-based OptumCare, including Birmingham, Ala.-based Surgical Care Affiliates, plans to grow toward more consumer-centric care and risk-based contracting in the future, said OptumHealth's CEO Andrew Hayek during the first quarter conference call April 17.

Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare purchased the final 15 percent ownership interest in Addision, Texas-based United Surgical Partners International from Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, upping its ownership to 95 percent.

Provision, Device Reprocessing Solutions is partnering with MedTech/MedCare and Henry Schein to encourage sales and provide support for Provision's medical device reprocessing solutions.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Montecito Medical acquired Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin's building in Pewaukee.Reimbursement is increasingly uncertain as the healthcare industry rapidly progresses toward new payment models and sites of care. The ASC arena is not immune to these changes.

"As we all know, these reimbursement dollars seem to be dropping every year, and the supplies and the expenses that we have with running these centers seem to be going up every year," said Jeffrey Peo, chief development officer of Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America, in an April 25 webinar sponsored by ASCOA and hosted by Becker's ASC Review.

ASCOA, founded in 1997 by three surgeons, is an ASC management and development company. Since its inception, the company has developed or acquired 70-plus centers nationwide. Three executives from ASCOA shared their expertise during the webinar. They are:

 Margaret Chappell, RN, senior vice president of operations

 Sharon Johnson, BSN, RN, senior vice president of operations

 Ellen Wziontka, corporate materials manager

The executives discussed five areas that hold the most opportunity for ASCs to maximize their profits.

1. Staffing. Adequate staffing is a key aspect of surgery center success. ASCs need staff members with the right skills and attitude to get the job done. ASC staff members need to understand the differences between what is required of them at a hospital and what is required at an ASC, Ms. Johnson said.

"In an ASC, everyone has to jump in and be part of a team," she said. "Cross-training, flexibility  those things are key to a great staffing model because of the way an ASC runs.  You have to have the right people; they have to be the right fit for the facility; they have to be the right fit for the rest of the team."

When interviewing candidates for ASC staff positions, Ms. Johnson suggested trying to get a sense of their personality to ensure they are a cultural fit, and also make sure they have the skill set for the job that is available. She stressed that ASC administrators should conduct cross-training among employees to widen the staff roster in case of an emergency or if several staff members are on vacation at once.

Finally, it is important that ASC administrators keep up to date on regulatory changes regarding what kind of licensed professionals can do what kind of task.

2. Scheduling. ASC facilities typically use one of two types of scheduling: block scheduling or compact scheduling. Surgeons usually prefer block scheduling, as this allows them to schedule their office hours and cases at hospitals. However, block scheduling can leave surgery centers with a time block that is not used to its full capacity.

Some ASCs use compact scheduling, wherein cases are scheduled on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Surgeons tend to be resistant to this type of scheduling, but it allows ASCs greater flexibility in scheduling and helps ensure that the centers are performing the maximum number of cases that can be performed in any given time frame.

"It becomes more important to know your surgeons," said Ms. Johnson. "Each center is different, has different surgeons, different types of cases. So you have to tailor your specific schedule to be the most efficient for your center, whether it be block or compact."

Another important factor related to scheduling is taking patient recovery times into account. Ms. Johnson noted that high-acuity cases should be scheduled first if possible, to allow patients maximum recovery time in the post-anesthesia care unit.

3. Case volume. ASCs need to be strategic about increasing case volume, said Ms. Chappell. Administrators can look at numerous factors to determine why their case volume might be low, including the center's staffing, payer mix and proportion of in-network versus out-of-network cases, as well as instrumentation and technology. Make sure each of these factors is optimized at your center.

A lack of physician satisfaction may also be a reason case volume is low. "Talk to your physicians  get in front of them," said Ms. Chappell. "Are they leaving your center happy? Or are they frustrated and miserable? What is it that they actually need in the center? They'll tell you. Do they realize their schedulers are not sending every single eligible case to your center? If they're not, you need to have that talk with the physician."

4. Billing and collections. Emphasizing patient responsibility is essential for making sure your ASC is receiving accurate payments on time. Ms. Chappell suggested collecting copays upfront. Staff should call patients before they come in for their procedure to tell them how much they will owe prior to the procedure. This will also give staff the opportunity to explain the bill and field patient questions. Collecting upfront payments is the best way to drive down bad debt, she said.

Additionally, use the post-service appeals process and retroactively appeal denials when necessary. Use the tools on payer websites and review medical guidelines so you know what you can do to reduce the number of denials and receive additional payment.

5. Group purchasing organizations. While ASCs typically have materials managers, these individuals tend to wear many hats, and therefore may not be able to dedicate as much time to their core responsibilities as necessary. Ms. Wziontka said that when she visits an ASC, she usually finds numerous opportunities for cost savings via materials that are not on contract but should be.

ASCs have numerous contracts, so contracts dropping off without anybody realizing is a common issue.

"Contracts tend to fall off at any time," said Ms. Wziontka. "Reason one would be, they expire and they just drop off, and it would be better if the GPO was forthcoming, [letting you know] here's the issue, you have a contract, you're coming off that contract, be prepared to sign an LLC. But they aren't necessarily very good at doing that, so you're going to want to be able to look and see and verify."

Finally, keep an eye on your usage. If your materials usage increases significantly year over year, you could be eligible to jump to a better tier and receive better pricing options.

Watch a recording of the webinar here and download the slides here. To learn more about ASCOA, click here.





Newly appointed CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD, requested his $375,000 salary be reduced after a Democratic senator and others sent a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar asking why Dr. Redfield's salary is nearly twice what his predecessor earned, The Washington Post reports.

Mr. Azar agreed to Dr. Redfield's request for a reduced salary, an HHS spokesperson told The Washington Post April 30. Dr. Redfield told Mr. Azar he did not want his salary to become a distraction from his role as CDC director, according to the spokesperson. Officials did not offer details on Dr. Redfield's new salary.

In a letter April 27 to Mr. Azar, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., requested justification for why the agency offered Dr. Redfield "a salary significantly higher" than that of his predecessors and other HHS leaders.

"It is difficult to understand why someone with limited public health experience, particularly in a leadership role, is being disproportionately compensated for his work as compared to other accomplished scientists and public health leaders in comparable roles within the federal government," Ms. Murray wrote.

Ms. Murray noted Dr. Redfield was hired under Title 42, a salary program that aims to attract health scientists with skills critical to government work. However, it is not typical to use Title 42 to recruit a CDC director. Dr. Redfield's predecessor, Brenda Fitzgerald, MD, who was director for six months before her January resignation, had an annual pay of $197,300 and was not paid under Title 42. Dr. Fitzgerald's predecessor, Tom Frieden, MD, whose annual pay was $219,700 before he left the position in January 2017, was also not paid through that program.

"The Secretary of Health reduced Dr. Redfield's salary only after concerns were raised, and the public still deserves thorough answers to my questions about why Dr. Redfield  who has limited public health experience to begin with  was hired under a special hiring authority intended for candidates with rare scientific, technical, or clinical skills, and at a higher salary than many Cabinet secretaries," Ms. Murray added.

In an effort to comply with government ethics rules, Dr. Redfield announced his resignation earlier in April from positions at four groups, including a gene therapy biotechnology company and an AIDS organization.Numerous privacy incidents at health IT suppliers, hospitals and other healthcare organizations captured public attention last month.

While media outlets reported on the following breaches in April, healthcare organizations experienced breaches as early as 2007.

Here are 15 incidents covered by Becker's Hospital Review in April.

Note: The incidents are presented in order of number of patients or organizations affected.

1. West Hills, Calif.-based Center for Orthopaedic Specialists, which is a part of Providence Medical Institute, a physician foundation encompassing a number of practices roped under Renton, Wash.-based Providence Health & Services, reported computer systems at three of its facilities were compromised by a malicious software that encrypted patient data and demanded money to restore the clinics' access. COS notified 85,000 patients.

2. Inogen, an oxygen supply device manufacturer, notified 30,000 existing and former customers their personal data may have been improperly accessed.

3. Several Des Moines, Iowa-based UnityPoint Health employees' email accounts were compromised and accessed by unauthorized individuals between Nov. 1, 2017 and Feb. 8, 2018. The organization notified 16,429 patients, according to HHS' Office for Civil Rights breach portal.

4. Earlier in 2018, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Illinois Department of Human Services mailed 4,136 individuals notices that contained their personal information to incorrect addresses.

5. Arlington-based Texas Health Resources notified about 4,000 patients who received care in 2017 their protected health information may have been breached when an unauthorized third party potentially gained access to some employees' email accounts.

6. Cambridge (Mass.) Health Alliance notified roughly 2,500 patients that an unauthorized third party gained access to some of their protected health information.

7. Chesapeake (Va.) Regional Healthcare notified 2,100 sleep center patients after discovering two unencrypted, portable hard drives containing their electronic protected health information were missing.

8. Polk County (Iowa) Health Services accidentally and unknowingly disseminated the protected health information of 1,000 patients who received care at the Crisis Observation Center in Des Moines, Iowa from June 2014 to January 2018.

9. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and its business associate, The Management Group, notified 779 participants of its IRIS program  a Medicaid home- and community-based service for adults with long-term care needs  to a breach of their personal information after a laptop and work bag were stolen from a TMG IRIS consultant in February.

10. About 595 NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem patients received letters notifying them to a potential compromise of their protected health information after a laptop went missing from the facility in January.

11. Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolina Digestive Health Associates notified about 100 patients after it learned an employee stole their personal information  including Social Security numbers, dates of birth and names  and shared it with fraud suspects.

12. MEDantex, a medical transcription service for hospitals, clinics and private physicians, leaked thousands of physicians' patient medical records because it failed to password protect a portion of its site  an error found by KrebsOnSecurity April 20. Some documents dated as far back as 2007.

13. Lake Mary, Fla.-based MedWatch, a care management company that offers risk management solutions to self-funded health plans, notified its clients' health plan members April 13 that a vendor misconfiguration error exposed their protected health information between October 2017 and December 2017.

14. Grindr, a gay dating app, gave users' HIV statuses and other information from their profiles to two outside data-optimization firms.

15. A registration employee at Miami-based West Kendall Baptist Hospital exploited patient credit card information to make personal purchases.

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Mayo Clinic's main campus in Rochester, Minn., is slated to implement an Epic EHR May 5, a Mayo Clinic spokesperson confirmed to Becker's Hospital Review May 1.

Mayo Clinic plans to implement a single Epic EHR to replace the three EHR systems in use across the health system by the end of 2018, ABC 6 News reports. The first site of Mayo Clinic's systemwide rollout deployed the Epic EHR at La Crosse, Wis.-based Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare in July 2017. The Arizona and Florida campuses will go live in the fall of 2018.

Internally, the project is nicknamed the "Plummer Project," in reference to Henry Plummer, MD, who Mayo Clinic credits with creating the first unified health record at the health system more than a century ago.

"Before this project went live, it involved really two and a half years of planning," Richard Helmers, MD, regional vice president of the Mayo Clinic's northwest Wisconsin region, told ABC 6 News. "People from all the campuses throughout Mayo were meeting for a week a month in Rochester for a long time to design the electronic medical records."

The systemwide Epic implementation is part of a multiyear technology modernization project across Mayo Clinic, which officials estimate encompasses $1.5 billion worth of investments.Here are 15 revenue cycle management service expansions involving healthcare vendors and providers in April.

1. Xifin, a healthcare IT company, and PriorAuthNow, a software company, partnered to help hospital-based and independent labs with prior authorization.

2. R1 RCM will provide expanded services to South Bend, Ind.-based Beacon Health System.

3. The Texas Hospital Association and Connance, a provider of predictive analytics solutions, are teaming up for revenue cycle management improvement.

4. Cognizant closed its acquisition of RCM company Bolder Healthcare Solutions.

5. Citizens Medical Center in Victoria, Texas, partnered with AccessOne, a Fort Mill, S.C.-based provider of patient financing options.

6. OmiSYS and Comprehensive Pharmacy Services are joining forces to provide technology solutions designed for hospitals' retail pharmacies.

7. Infinitt North America, a healthcare image and data management solutions developer, will provide ImagineSoftware's medical billing solution.

8. HealthCare Futures, Premier Healthcare Systems and RSI Enterprises joined forces to launch a revenue cycle management company.

9. MedData, a provider of RCM solutions, has a new patient financial platform.

10. Navigant Consulting and Miami-based Baptist Health South Florida created an RCM joint venture.

11. SCI Solutions, a Seattle-based patient scheduling, referral management and revenue cycle software provider, added DatStat to its portfolio.

12. Healthcare Administrative Partners, a provider of RCM solutions, launched a radiology-focused clinical data analytics and business service called Deep Dive Analytics.

13. Triad Radiology Associates, a Winston-Salem, N.C.-based radiology practice, picked Healthcare Administrative Partners for RCM and practice management services.

14. AdvantEdge Healthcare Solutions added to its healthcare finance offerings with the acquisition of Professional Management Inc.

15. QueueLogix, a provider of RCM software and services and a HealthChannels subsidiary, partnered with ReferWell, a cloud-based platform focused on the medical referral process.

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Mississippi hospital changes ER pricing policy after newspaper's probe into child's expensive visitAs part of a cost reduction effort across the organization, Davenport, Iowa-based Genesis Health System will close its clinic in Muscatine, Iowa July 31, reports the Muscatine Journal.

The closure announcement of Genesis Health Group, Muscatine Family Practice and Women's Health comes days after Genesis Health said it would eliminate 48 positions across the network, including 12 executive positions.

"Genesis, along with the majority of healthcare organizations across the country, must address the challenges of shrinking reimbursement and escalating costs that are causing extreme financial pressures on the provider side of healthcare," said Genesis Health Group's Executive Medical Officer Kurt Andersen, MD.

Genesis officials said patients served at the Muscatine clinic will be absorbed into other local clinics. Genesis has 40 clinics across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, not including the Muscatine facility.

All services offered at the clinic will be available until July 31.

In January 2018, Moody's Investors Service affirmed Genesis Health Systems' "A1" rating and stable outlook.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 2:12 p.m. CST on May 1. An earlier version of this article mistakenly reported that Kennett Square, Pa-based Genesis HealthCare was closing the clinic in Muscatine. This is inaccurate. Genesis Health System in Davenport, Iowa, is closing the clinic. The earlier article also mistakenly reported that Genesis Health System previously warned it may have to file for bankruptcy. This is inaccurate; Kennett Square, Pa.-based Genesis HealthCare previously discussed bankruptcy. Becker's Healthcare regrets the errors.Maine advocacy groups, including the Maine Primary Care Association and Maine Consumers for Affordable Health Care, filed a lawsuit against Republican Gov. Paul LePage's administration, alleging the state's executive branch disregarded voter-approved Medicaid expansion, according to a Politico report.

In November, Maine became the 32nd state to approve Medicaid expansion and the first to do so via referendum. But Mr. LePage subsequently said he would not implement Medicaid expansion without full funding from state lawmakers. As of the end of the last state legislative session, a funding agreement was still not in place.

Now, to try and force implementation on the health law, the advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit against the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, alleging Mr. Page's administration has ignored the ballot initiative, according to the report.

"With the goal of getting healthcare to people as soon as possible, we decided we couldn't wait any longer," said Robyn Merrill of Maine Equal Justice Partners, reports Politico.

A spokesperson for Mr. LePage's office did not immediately respond to Politico's request for comment.

Maine Equal Justice Partners initially put the Medicaid expansion issue on the November 2017 ballot after Mr. LePage vetoed multiple legislative attempts to expand coverage to more low-income residents. If Medicaid expansion is fully implemented, approximately 80,000 Mainers will be able to gain coverage.

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Healthcare has a cost problem, and Kaiser plans to solve itHHS is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to review a District of Columbia appeals court ruling that Medicare was inappropriate when it altered its methods for calculating uncompensated care reimbursements six years ago, according to Law360.

Here are seven things to know.

1. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued the ruling in July 2017.

2. HHS filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the appeals court decision. HHS states that the July ruling conflicted with other appeals courts decisions. According to Law360, those decisions found CMS' changes to Medicare reimbursements do not have to conduct notice-and-comment rulemaking. The petition states: "The decisions of other courts of appeals reflect the view that instructions from HHS to its Medicare Administrative Contractors, [which act on behalf of the agency] about Medicare fractions lack the force and effect of law, and thus do not qualify as a 'substantive legal standard'" with regards to Medicare reimbursement."

3. The petition to the U.S. Supreme Court comes roughly four months after the D.C. Circuit Court declined to reconsider its previous ruling, according to Law360.

4. HHS stated in its petition: "The court of appeals' decision threatens to undermine HHS' ability to administer the Medicare program in a workable manner."

5. In 2014, a group of hospitals filed a lawsuit over CMS' move to include Part C enrollees with Part A enrollees when calculating disproportionate share hospital payments, which reimburse hospitals for care delivered to indigent patients. The move resulted in lower payments to hospitals, according to Law360. The lawsuit sought to push CMS to recalculate the DSH formula without Plan C enrollees.

6. HHS is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to take another look at the appeals court decision because the agency contends it "creates a circuit split by holding that Section 1395hh's notice-and-comment procedures apply to interpretive rules." The agency argues the D.C. court's decision undermines the agency's ability to conduct its reimbursement program.

7. CMS no longer groups patients with Part C Medicare plans with Part A enrollees for those reimbursement purposes, according to the report.

Access Law360's full report here. Read the full petition here.

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9 recent hospital, health system outlook and credit rating actionsUninsured patients in Texas could have an easier time challenging excessive hospital bills in light of an April 27 ruling from the Texas Supreme Court, reports The Texas Tribune.

Here are six things to know about the ruling and its potential effects.

1. The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Crystal Roberts. Ms. Roberts received various services at North Cypress (Texas) Medical Center following a 2015 car accident, including X-rays and CT scans, according to the report. She later found out she was on the hook for more than $11,000 and subsequently sued the medical center over what she deemed as an excessive price.

2. As part of her legal challenge, Ms. Roberts sought information from the medical center about how much an insurer, such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield or Medicare, would have paid for the same services, reports The Texas Tribune. Texas law on hospital and emergency medical services liens states liens do not cover "charges for other services that exceed a reasonable and regular rate for the services."

3. North Cypress said it wouldn't provide the requested information because it was not material to the lawsuit and argued revealing "confidential and proprietary" insurance information would cause the organization "irreparable harm," according to the report.

4. The Texas Supreme Court sided with Ms. Roberts, ruling the information was material to her case. There was a caveat, though: the ruling states hospitals could ask the trial court to seal that information so it would be available to the patient but not the broader public.

5. Ms. Roberts' attorney James Amaro said the Texas Supreme Court decision ultimately means uninsured accident victims in similar situations will be able to more easily challenge excessive hospital bills with access to insurance information, according to the report.

6. Attorneys for NCMC did not return The Texas Tribune's requests for comment on April 27. However, Chad Ruback, one of the medical center's lawyers, previously told Law360 a ruling such as the one handed down April 27 "would, sadly, increase costs for all hospital patients," according to The Texas Tribune. Mr. Ruback also told Law360 he is concerned "this type of discovery tactic will routinely be used to strong-arm settlements of otherwise meritless claims against hospitals."

Read The Texas Tribune's full report here.

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Mississippi hospital changes ER pricing policy after newspaper's probe into child's expensive visitBruce Moskowitz, MD, an internist in West Palm Beach, Fla., and member of President Donald Trump's social circle at Mar-a-Lago, has reportedly played a significant role in halting the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' $16 billion project to modernize its legacy EHR, four current and former senior VA officials familiar with the matter told Politico.

Former VA Secretary David Shulkin, MD, announced the VA's intent to transition its legacy EHR, VistA, to Cerner last year. The deal has been met with concern from physicians and health IT experts regarding the project's interoperability challenges and leadership changes. However, Dr. Moskowitz's involvement has greatly infuriated many clinicians involved in the effort, including Dr. Shulkin prior to his departure, a former senior VA official told the publication.

Sources told Politico Dr. Moskowitz objected to the $16 billion Cerner deal because he does not like the Cerner EHR software implemented at the two Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare hospitals he maintains privileges at in Florida. He has reportedly been on two or three monthly calls with the contracting team responsible for implementing the 10-year project since last November, two senior VA officials told the publication.

Dr. Moskowitz's concerns effectively delayed the Cerner-VA deal for months, sources said, indicating the level of influence members of President Trump's inner circle potentially have over government decisions, Politico reports. However, that influence swings both ways, as President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner was reportedly instrumental in Dr. Shulkin's June 2017 decision to select Cerner for the project, according to the report.

A team of investigators from the VA's Office of Information and Technology began investigating the Cerner EHR system implemented at Dr. Moskowitz's hospitals following his complaints and found the technology to be out of date, two sources told the publication.

Despite the delays, a VA spokesperson said April 25 that finalizing the Cerner-VA contract was a priority for Acting Secretary Robert Wilkie. The spokesperson did not comment on Dr. Moskowitz's specific role in the project. Instead, he noted, "Proper due diligence is required to ensure the best interests of veterans and taxpayers are served before the department enters into any agreement of this size and importance. We are doing that now, and expect to make a final decision and corresponding announcement  in the coming weeks," Politico reports.

Several health IT experts who spoke with Politico said they believe the Cerner deal will go through, however, because it would not be realistic for the department to renegotiate the contract or to keep the VA's current legacy EHR.

Dr. Shulkin and Cerner declined to comment to Politico, and Dr. Moskowitz and the White House did not respond to the publication's requests for comment.

To access the Politico report, click here.Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare completed the sale of St. Louis-based Des Peres Hospital to Chesterfield, Mo.-based St. Luke's Hospital May 1.

As part of the deal, St. Luke's acquired the 143-bed hospital and affiliated physician practices.

St. Luke's also rebranded Des Peres Hospital as St. Luke's Des Peres Hospital.

"St. Luke's is the St. Louis area's only independent healthcare provider, and we are confident that welcoming St. Luke's Des Peres Hospital into our family is a win for everyone," Christine M. Candio, RN, St. Luke's Hospital president and CEO, said in a May 1 statement. "Now, we will engage in a collaborative process to determine our future plans to further our mission of improving the quality of life for patients and the community."

The sale is part of Tenet's hospital divestiture plan, which officials expect will yield more than $1 billion in proceeds. The 68-hospital system also completed its sale of Berwyn, Ill.-based MacNeal Hospital, for which Tenet received $550 million of cash proceeds during the first quarter of 2018, and sold its minority interest in four Texas hospitals in March.The emergency department serves as the primary driver of admit volume in most hospitals, accounting for more than half of hospital admissions on average. If an ED fails to function efficiently  whether due to slow discharge processes, inefficient ED operations or ED staffing issues  some patients may leave without ever seeing a provider.

This content is sponsored by TeamHealth.

"If people are coming to the ED, they want to be seen, and if they can't get in, [hospitals] lose revenue and potential admissions," explains Jody Crane, MD, TeamHealth's chief clinical officer of emergency medicine and co-author of The Definitive Guide to Emergency Department Operational Improvement. Comprising 20,000-plus clinicians, TeamHealth is a physician-led company offering staffing, administrative support and management services.

Patients entering a hospital via the ED tend to report lower Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores compared to patients who are directly admitted, Dr. Crane continues.

"Poor-performing EDs can really hinder ED revenue and inpatient revenue and utilization," Dr. Crane warns. Poor patient experiences can translate into bad HCAHPS scores, which affect hospitals' reimbursements in the value-based environment.

Patient flow is a major component of well-functioning EDs, and smooth patient hand-off processes can have a ripple effect across department operations hospital-wide. As the "front door" of the hospital, the ED is intertwined with the hospital's clinical, operational and financial goals. Messy patient flow systems may negatively impact care, bottom lines, patient satisfaction scores, clinical quality and patient safety. Fortunately, there are several key steps hospital leaders can take to get their patient flow on the right track.

ED challenges  overcrowding, boarding and closed inpatient beds

The U.S. reports 141.4 million ED visits annually, according to the CDC/National Center for Health Statistics. A Press Ganey study of 1.5 million patients at 1,893 hospitals found patients who spent one hour to two hours in the ED reported an overall satisfaction rate of 89 percent. The satisfaction rate dropped to about 77 percent when patients spent six-plus hours in the ED.

"The take-home point is: If you're efficient in the way you handle patients and you deliver reliable care, then patients are going to be almost uniformly satisfied," Dr. Crane says. "The best way to please patients is to provide them with a reliable experience that is better than what they expected."

Besides lowering patient satisfaction scores, inefficient patient flow in the ED can negatively influence operations across the hospital system. Consider an ED that is over capacity daily. In this scenario, let's say a patient suffering from acute appendicitis walks through the door at 6 p.m. and is not seen until 3 a.m. The patient requires surgery at this point, but a surgeon is no longer onsite at such an early hour. Now, the hospital must call in staff to perform a surgery in the middle of the night. Ultimately, a weak patient flow system pushes volume into the overnight shift, when hospitals already have less staffing.

"It you're not keeping up with your demands, that overnight hospitalist is going to be overwhelmed," says Dr. Crane.

Additionally, Dr. Crane notes inefficiencies and constraints in other parts of the hospital can aggravate crowding in the ED and increase length of stay to roughly one day. This crowding may be due to closed inpatient beds. Strapped with cost constraints, hospitals are attempting to cut down on unnecessary spending, including closing inpatient beds not in use. Unfortunately, this has a ripple effect on ED patient flow.

"We're encountering an unusual phenomenon of patients in the ED who are waiting to get upstairs, but there are closed beds upstairs," explains Dr. Crane. While boarding in the ED may seem like the most appropriate solution in the short-term, it can also inadvertently lead to poor care quality, decreased patient safety, delayed care and low patient satisfaction, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.

"It's not that we're running out of inpatient beds, but we're running out of resources to care for patients on the inpatient side," Dr. Crane says. "It's a big dilemma."

Don't just 'go with the flow'

How do ED leaders begin improving their patient flow systems? Improving patient flow within an ED requires trial and error and a deep-dive analysis. Dr. Crane suggests ED leaders first look at their metrics to pinpoint bottlenecks. Is the hold-up at the front door or is it a backend problem with transferring patients upstairs, for example?

Next, investigate your ED's staffing efficiency to determine if the department has the appropriate mix of physicians and nurses at the appropriate times. Organizations don't want to land too high or too low on national benchmarks for staffing productivity, as each extreme indicates either an excess or dearth of resources.

"We look at alignment of resources and make sure they're paired up with demand coming through the door," Dr. Crane says.

With a firm understanding of your ED's problem areas, ED leaders can take action. Dr. Crane recommends mapping out an ED revamp in the following four steps.

1. Build an improvement team. Identify every person who touches a patient and map the exact flow of the patient's journey through the ED. This visual presentation will help uncover hurdles that need addressing.

2. Conduct a streaming analysis. Historically, the focus of an ED has been on accelerating the "door-to-doctor" process. Now, there is a shift toward improving the "door-to-in-process," which goes beyond door-to-doctor to include completion of testing and treatments during the encounter. To improve this time, organizations need to determine the acuity mix of their ED patients via a streaming analysis, in which organizations measure the number of low-acuity, mid-acuity and high-acuity patients coming through the door each day.

"Try to understand, based on your specific volume and acuity, what the right care pathways are for those patients. Some EDs may need no pathways and some may need two or three," Dr. Crane says.

3. Align staff. Much like a streaming analysis, a staffing analysis forecasts patient demand for services every hour of the week, and even by season. Armed with this information, ED leaders can match staffing to expected demand to ensure coordination and optimization of staffing resources between physicians, advanced practice clinicians, and nurses.

Physicians and nurses in particular compose two major resource groups in an ED, and hospital leaders are tasked with getting the mix right. When an ED is short a nurse, it doesn't matter how many physicians are working, and vice versa  the patient will not move through the system efficiently.

"Staffing is really important relative to flow," says Dr. Crane. "The alignment through the week and the absolute numbers  you have to make sure you're in a range."

4. Keep an eye on the backend. Within the ED, it's imperative for physicians and nurses to practice handoffs. However, ensuring smooth patient flow on the backend may require restructuring on the inpatient side.

"[Assess] flow management within the hospital, from speeding up discharges and really addressing the bed availability issue," says Dr. Crane.

How to keep a finger on the pulse of your ED

Initiating change requires commitment, and leaders need to champion the new future. Dr. Crane refers to this process as "unfreezing" the ED, in which a team objectively analyzes the department's current state and decides where the department needs to go based on metrics.

"Part of that change involves visualizing what the future state should look like," Dr. Crane says. "We design a new system that could potentially work."

Major behavioral change requires a gentle hand. Don't jump in full force with the new system, but rather initiate rapid cycle testing. Try out a new patient flow process on a historically non-busy day. If it works well, try it on a busy day and then for a week. If it still operates smoothly, implement it permanently.

"[Rapid cycle testing] enables you to safely try a new process and objectively look and see if you've improved your metrics," Dr. Crane says. "We engage folks by giving them a taste of the future." He also encourages involving the C-suite by inviting executives to do a round in the ED and engage with the frontline staff.

Once a new system is in place, keep an eye on these seven "power metrics" to monitor patient flow:

Door to Doc Left without being seen Discharge length of stay Admitted length of stay Boarding hours Provider productivity Patient experience

"When we're monitoring, we track the most important metrics with a dashboard and compare them with CMS benchmarks," says Dr. Crane.

How TeamHealth can help

Improving patient flow in the ED can have widespread, positive effects on operations hospital-wide. Hospital leaders considering addressing their patient flow concerns head on need not feel overwhelmed, however. With its roots in emergency medicine, TeamHealth has almost 40 years of experience offering support services, communication networks and educational resources for emergency medicine professionals.

TeamHealth's thousands of emergency medicine providers continue to develop best practices to deliver the highest standards of evidence-based care. The company can help your hospital monitor and enhance patient flow and develop triage and staffing models to ensure a top-performing ED.Although hospitals continue to develop tools to structure patient handoffs and improve communication transfer, numerous facilities still struggle to reduce medical errors after implementing these initiatives, calling for a need to improve these processes in the long-term, two authors argue in a Harvard Business Review article.

Margaret Luciano, PhD, assistant professor in the WP Carey School of Business at Tempe-based Arizona State University and Bob Dent, DNP, RN, senior vice president, COO and Chief Nursing Officer at Midland (Texas) Memorial Hospital, discuss this issue, noting long-term improvements from Midland Memorial Hospital's initiative to improve hospital staff communication.

Here are seven insights from the article.

1. Midland Memorial Hospital leaders noticed communication issues in the hospital's perioperative unit, where the majority of patient handoffs had missing information at some level. Although the missing information was not always critically important or time-sensitive, such as patient age being more likely to be omitted than patient drug allergies, the incomplete handoffs delayed patient care and led to important information being lost.

2. To address this problem, hospital administrators implemented TeamSTEPPS in 2012, which is a commonly used set of evidence-based strategies and tools for improving communication among providers. The tools included paper checklists and mnemonic devices. The hospital required staff, including surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, technicians and other perioperative unit providers, to receive training for the program.

3. Although the program initially appeared to be successful, within several months, only some care providers were using the new checklists and communication techniques. Additionally, nurses reported over 20 percent of patient handoffs still had missing information by the end of 2013.

4. To establish a more systematic, long-term approach for improving patient handoffs from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit, the authors started working with management and staff in the perioperative unit in 2014. "We knew that a checklist and one-time training wouldn't produce sustainable change, so we created a plan with six stages: 1) preparing, 2) launching, 3) adjusting, 4) boosting, 5) formalizing, and 6) refreshing."

5. The six-stage approach worked to engage management and staff throughout the change and took in their feedback. During each stage of the process, perioperative unit managers and care providers performing the handoffs had to learn and execute their tasks while openly communicating and evaluating how effective the initiative was. "The core idea was that managers and staff would systematically work together to change their behaviors and work processes, rather than working in a limited and idiosyncratic fashion," the authors noted.

6. The handoff improvement program successfully decreased how many handoffs had missing or inaccurate information, and the hospital's team is keeping up with these improvements. Nearly three years after the program launched, staff members report they "follow a standardized method of sharing information when handing off patients," the authors noted. Additionally, managers suggest the percentage of handoffs with missing or inaccurate information is consistently less than 10 percent.

7. "Ultimately, patient handoffs are one of many areas for quality improvement in healthcare, and a similarly structured approach may help with other initiative," the authors wrote. For the authors, success depends on viewing change as a process as opposed to an event, engaging management and staff members and using quality indicators to evaluate the initiative across all stages. "Healthcare organizations have an important opportunity to improve the quality of patient care, but they have to make their efforts last."As hospitals and health systems work to reduce healthcare-associated infections, a number of harmful pathogens, such as Clostridium difficile, may evade traditional disinfectants and manual cleaning processes. To eliminate these pathogens from high-touch surfaces, hospitals can incorporate UV disinfection technology. Today's technology uses a subtype of ultraviolet light called UV-C. Adding treatment with UV-C into cleaning routines can help to effectively kill bacteria and pathogens and reduce HAI rates.

This article is sponsored by Diversey.

Incomplete disinfection drives HAIs

For many hospitals, current cleaning interventions may not completely address the risk of HAIs. A study published in American Journal of Infection Control found patients admitted to rooms that previously held a patient infected with a multidrug-resistant organism were significantly more likely to contract that infection. "This risk could be 1.5 to 3.5-times higher, which supports the fact that the environmentcan play a role in the spread of infection, and for a variety of reasons, healthcare facilities may not be cleaned and disinfected as well as they could be," says Jim Gauthier, senior clinical advisor of infection prevention at Diversey, a Charlotte, N.C.-based cleaning and hygiene product provider.

Incomplete or insufficient cleaning of surfaces most commonly in contact with patients can contribute to infection rates. In fact, it is estimated that 20-40% of HAIs result from transmission of pathogens by a healthcare worker after touching another patient or a contaminated surface, Gauthier says.

HAIs not only threaten the safety of patients and staff, but can also be a significant expense for hospitals due to longer patient stays, more treatment costs and less reimbursement for procedures. In the U.S. alone, HAIs range between $28 billion and $45 billion in annual direct hospital costs, according to a study published in Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics & Outcomes Research.

Reducing HAIs is especially important in an era of value-based medicine. In 2008, CMS began denying hospitals payment for the treatment of some conditions that occurred during a patient's hospital stay and were not present on admission. Three of the 10 hospital-acquired conditions selected for this policy involve HAIs, according to a study published in Medical Care.

"An increasingly important driver of finance in healthcare, especially in the U.S., is how we perform," Gauthier says. "Performance measures, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) acquisitions, factor into the reimbursements that are paid to healthcare facilities."

Diversey, which provides cleaning technologies in areas from healthcare to hospitality, offers a framework for hospitals to fight off HAIs through UV-C disinfection programs. The company's portable UV-C machines disinfect hospital rooms, hard surfaces, and noncritical equipment and devices.

When deciding to incorporate this technology into cleaning routines, hospital executives can examine numerous published studies providing understanding of what makes a UV-C disinfection program an effective business move, how UV-C disinfection technology works, what questions to ask when considering UV-C and how to effectively operate UV-C devices.

UV-C disinfection programs eliminate bacteria that manual processes may miss

Infection prevention experts agree: Thorough cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces are essential elements of effective infection prevention programs. However, traditional manual cleaning and disinfection practices in hospitals are often suboptimal. Inconsistent manual cleaning processes, time pressure and lack of an auditing process can affect the efficacy of manual disinfection.

To be sure, no-touch disinfection technologies should not replace manual cleaning and disinfection processes. However, adjunct technologies, such as UV-C disinfection machines, can become a critical part of how healthcare settings control HAIs, Gauthier says.

Here are five reasons healthcare settings are adding UV-C disinfection machines to their infection control efforts.

1. Manual cleaning is inconsistent. Hospitals need the right products and reliable disinfection procedures. Manual disinfection can certainly be effective, but the problem is this: no two rooms will ever be cleaned to exactly the same specifications, regardless of how explicit or detailed the standard procedure may be. Human error will always be part of manual disinfection.

"You can never over-emphasize, the importance of evaluating current Cleaning and disinfection protocol and continuous improvement, yet it may not be enough," Gauthier says. By utilizing UV disinfection, the inevitable differences in the disinfection process from room to room become less pronounced, further protecting patients and facilities from healthcare-acquired infections. Healthcare settings can benefit from the additional assurance afforded by the application of UV-C disinfection devices.

2. Manual disinfection isn't 100 percent efficacious. Numerous studies show standard manual cleaning or disinfection of surfaces can reduce, but often does not eliminate, important pathogens such as C. diffcile and MRSA. Of 1,917 patient rooms cleaned using standard processes and detergent, nearly 25 percent still contained strains of MRSA, according to a 2014 study in BMJ Journals. This finding suggests hospitals cannot rely on manual cleaning alone to fully eradicate pathogens and deter HAIs.

3. Antibiotic resistant organisms can survive on surfaces for weeks to months. "Even viruses, such as noroviruses, can survive on surfaces outside the body for seven to 14 days without much difficulty," Gauthier says. Research into UV-C's ability to eliminate antibiotic-resistant organisms is promising. There are numerous studies supporting the efficacy of UV-C in reducing the viability of a broad range of problematic pathogens, particularly antibiotic resistant strains. For example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology subjected antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to UV energy, and found UV disinfection processes dramatically reduced the survival of antibiotic-resistance genes of E. coli. Hospitals can use UV energy as a disinfecting technology in addition to manual cleaning and disinfection to help eliminate the particularly robust organisms that cleaning wipes and disinfectants may not reach.

4. UV-C helps cover surfaces wipes and chemicals may miss. UV-C machines work to fill the gaps that wipes and chemicals miss when cleaning a patient room, which can help hospitals achieve the best possible cleaning practices. UV-C machines, which serve as a 'no touch' method of room decontamination, can reduce key pathogens on surfaces in patient rooms, according to a study published in Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. The study authors recommend using a 'no touch' system for terminal room disinfection after discharging patients to reach areas of patient rooms that are not easily accessible for cleaning via wipes and chemicals, such as keyboards, monitors and workstations on wheels. State of the art UV-C technologies offer portability and compact footprints facilitating terminal cleaning and daily use, helping to minimize the buildup of pathogens over time.

5. UV-C can help meet patient expectations for cleanliness. When asked what impressed them most about the healthcare industry, the greatest number of respondents chose a visible commitment to infection prevention, according to a survey of 1,000 patients conducted by the Health Industry Distributors Association.

"Cleaning and disinfection is something that is very important to patients," Gauthier says. "Utilizing a UV system is a very visible way of showing patients and families that the hospital is committed to reducing infections as best they can."

How UV-C technology works

Before hospitals add UV-C technology to their cleaning routines, there are several components to understand about how UV-C machines work.

To combat HAIs, healthcare staff can implement what Rick Dayton, Chief Architect of Diversey, calls the "1-2 Punch."

"The 1-2 Punch is the combination of the right chemical and manual cleaning solutions and the addition of a robust UV-C technology that can really help to fight HAIs. And, of course, the 1-2 Punch is best delivered by a well-trained EVS staff," Dayton says.

UV-C technology works by UV-C energy penetrating through the cell walls of bacteria, viruses and bacterial spores and into the DNA strand to ultimately disrupt the cell's ability to replicate. After exposure to UV-C energy, the pathogen is unable to replicate itself. "It's an environmentally friendly, effective and non-chemical approach to preventing infection," Dayton says.

To properly apply the UV-C portion of the "1-2 Punch", hospital staff must understand the two primary factors that make or break the application of UV energy: the angle at which UV is applied and the distance between the object being disinfected and the UV source.

To properly address these key criteria, Diversey's MoonBeam3 UV-C disinfection device has three individual UV lamps on adjustable arms. These arms can be positioned at nearly any angle to target UV-C light, and users can position the heads of the device to optimize UV-C dosing. Finding a system that is fast and simple to operate helps enable consistent usage of the system, and the Diversey technology provides fast cycle times, typically three to ten minutes, and a simple operating system that can be used by almost any staff member.

Dayton frequently demonstrates the physics supporting why it is important to apply UV energy at the correct angle. "With UV energy, when you're applying light directly onto the surface, that's when you maximize the amount of energy applied to that surface, enabling faster kill of pathogens."

One way to set up UV-C devices in a patient room is to have two devices  one on either side of the patient's bed. If UV-C is being used in the OR, the device can be placed at the foot of the operating table. "You want to have the ability to directly impact the surfaces with direct light for the fastest cycle and greatest efficacy," Dayton says.

It is also critical to get the energy as close to the surface as possible, Dayton says. "The bulb output may be constant, but the farther away you get, the lower the applied energy. The energy actually decreases by the square of the distance from the bulb. It is not a linear relationship for electromagnetic energy."

10 questions hospital executives should consider when choosing UV-C technology

Given that no two healthcare settings operate in exactly the same way, from number of employees and patients to discharge times and room organization, hospitals can assess the different aspects of UV-C technology to ensure it is a good fit for their facility.

Here are 10 questions to consider when choosing UV-C technology.

1. Will the turnover time associated with using UV-C fit the facility's peak needs so patients do not have to wait a long time for rooms to be cleaned?

2. How many patients are discharged each day at the facility?

3. Where will UV-C machines be used? For example, will they be used in the operating room or areas that are constantly occupied, such as the intensive care unit?

4. How many machines should our facility purchase?

5. Where are the machines most needed in the hospital?

6. What does the cycle of completion, maintenance and audit look like for the machines?

7. Does the organization need to increase staffing to operate UV-C technology?

8. What types of education and training does staff need?

9. When is the best time to optimize UV-C disinfection? For example, should it be used after discharges during the day or in procedure rooms and operating rooms at night?

10. How will the machines affect workflow in the system?

8 tips for effectively operating UV-C devices

After understanding how UV-C devices fight HAIs and considering how this technology can fit in to a given healthcare setting, hospital staff may need to address several challenges when operating the devices.

Here are eight tips for effectively getting the most from your UV-C devices.

1. When considering the importance of having a short distance between the UV source and the object as well as the correct angle, EVS staff should be well aware of the areas of greatest importance  the high frequency of touch surfaces (as defined by the CDC). This allows the greatest intensity of UV exposure to be applied in the shortest amount of time, Dayton says.

2. Ensure the availability of technology as close to the point of need as possible. Significant time can be wasted porting the devices from one end of the hospital to the other. The reality is that if a UV device is not used because of logistic challenges, the benefit won't be realized.

3. To ensure cleaning schedules are consistent, create a spreadsheet listing who cleans what  e.g., who is responsible for cleaning the different pieces of equipment. This is often not established clearly.

4. To know what works for a given setting, hospitals can work with the UV-C machine manufacturer to evaluate the hospital's traditional workflow practice. In this way, hospitals can better identify how different types of rooms can incorporate UV disinfection.

5. Most manufacturers of UV devices have tested disinfecting results. Hospital staff can read these manufacturers' white papers to compare quality and determine the efficacy of each machine's ability to reduce pathogens. There is currently no standardized testing methodology for UV technology, so white papers need to be scrutinized for where the test organisms were placed in relation to the bulbs of the machine being used. Distance from surfaces and angle of incidence are two of the most important factors influencing UV-C efficacy.

6. To measure how the device is reducing the formation of bacterial colonies, hospital staff can complete a swab and culture test before and after EVS staff manually disinfect a room, and then complete the same test after applying UV. Staff can analyze changes between these results.

7. UV is a surface-only technology and is not an effective solution for soft surfaces, such as curtains. These surfaces still require a separate disinfection process.

8. Hospital staff should monitor the life cycle of their UV light bulbs. The machine may or may not provide a warning when the bulb has been utilized for a long time and is approaching the end of the effective life of the bulb. Some systems operate even with burned out bulbs providing an ineffective disinfection cycle.

Conclusion

In the battle against HAIs, UV-C technology can help hospitals increase the strength of their cleaning system, promote safety and satisfaction for patients and curb the financial burden of lengthy patient stays.

"No one is perfect. We can train our staff to go in and do the best possible manual clean, but there are a lot of areas that may be missed, and bacteria that could be left behind," Gauthier says. "There are a lot of surfaces within a healthcare setting where an adjunct technology can help dot that last 'i' in 'disinfection' in terms of taking care of organisms that could make patients sick."

For more information on Diversey's MoonBeam3 UVC disinfection device, visit www.sdfhc.com.As healthcare costs continue to pile up and superbugs raise new concerns, hospital leaders should look to button up their organization's approach to a seemingly simple task that continues to be stumbling block for too many hospitals  hand hygiene.

This content is sponsored by Ecolab.

Hospital-acquired infections are a lingering and troublesome problem for healthcare facilities. Every year, Medicare cuts payments by 1 percent for hospitals that fall in the worst-performing quartile on hospital-acquired conditions, which includes patient infections with potentially deadly pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In 2017, CMS penalized 751 hospitals for poor performance on these measures, reducing Medicare reimbursements for fiscal year 2018.

The burden MRSA places on hospitals extends beyond CMS penalties. The drug-resistant bacteria was associated with 80,000 infections and 11,285 deaths in 2011, according to the CDC. Estimates cited by PEW Charitable Trust suggest the annual cost of treating hospitalized MRSA patients falls between $3.2 billion and $4.2 billion. Hospitals can better protect their patients and their bottom lines from potentially deadly infections with effective, technology-supported solutions designed to improve hand hygiene compliance.

Hand hygiene can reduce infection rates  when staff comply

A CDC-backed 2016 study of an 835-bed hospital identified a link between improved hand hygiene compliance and lower rates of hospital-acquired infections. When the hospital improved hand hygiene compliance by 10 percent, the facility saw 197 fewer infections and 22 fewer deaths over a 17-month period. The improvements correlated to an estimated $5 million in savings.

While the benefits of strong hand hygiene are significant and demonstrable, achieving high rates of compliance among providers remains an obstinate challenge for many hospitals and health systems. The CDC estimates some healthcare workers initiate hand hygiene less than 50 percent of the time they should.

To boost compliance, many hospitals rely on direct observation, which involves individuals monitoring hand hygiene practices of providers. While shown to have some positive influence over compliance, direct observation has several shortcomings that make it a relatively unreliable method by which to achieve excellent and sustainable hand hygiene adherence in the long-term.

For one, employing individuals to manually observe handwashing practices is labor-intensive and costly, especially for small or mid-sized organizations with limited resources. Another notable challenge is the Hawthorne effect, or the occurrence of altered behavior when an individual is aware he or she is being observed.

When hand hygiene auditors monitor compliance, researchers suspect the Hawthorne effect may artificially inflate compliance rates. A 2014 study in BMJ Quality & Safety found providers were significantly more likely to use hand sanitizer dispensers visible to direct observers versus dispensers that were not visible to observers. This suggests that for hospitals to permanently improve hand hygiene compliance across the board, they'd have to employ a small army of direct observers to patrol the facility at all times.

"Hand hygiene event rates were approximately threefold higher in hallways within eyesight of an auditor compared with when no auditor was visible, and the increase occurred after the auditors' arrival," concluded the study's authors. "This is consistent with the existence of a Hawthorne effect localized to areas where the auditor is visible and calls into question the accuracy of publicly reported hospital hand hygiene compliance rates."

The good news is hospitals no longer have to rely on direct observation alone to achieve top-tier hand hygiene compliance rates. Healthcare leaders can leverage the latest in advanced electronic compliance monitoring technology designed to capture every hand hygiene event and deliver real-time feedback to providers in order to help keep harmful pathogens out of the patient zone.

Protect the patient zone

As part of its comprehensive hand hygiene program, Ecolab  a global provider of water, hygiene and energy technologies  offers a highly accurate compliance monitoring system. The system electronically monitors hand hygiene engagement through an electronic badge worn by providers. Importantly, the patient bed is also monitored, creating a patient zone that interacts with provider badges to ensure hygiene compliance. This element is unique to the Ecolab system. When a provider enters a patient room and engages in hand hygiene, a light on the badge will turn green indicating it's safe to interact with the patient. If the provider does not appropriately initiate hand hygiene, the badge light will turn red upon entering the patient zone. The badge can also be programmed to emit an audible chirp or beep to remind the provider to wash or sanitize his or her hands.

"It's like the reminder when you get in your car to put on your seatbelt," says Kathleen Burzycki, senior marketing manager with Ecolab. "That reminder lets you know when you're being unsafe in a car, and this reminder lets providers know when they're being unsafe around a patient. We're changing behaviors right at the point of contact."

Beyond protecting the patient zone, the Ecolab compliance monitoring system generates robust data on provider hand hygiene performance. This information is transmitted to a dashboard, which generates reports on hand hygiene adherence that can be accessed directly or disseminated via email. These reports can encompass data from the whole system or drill-down to specific locations, dates, departments and even specific providers. These reports can also provide assessments of seven-day and 90- day compliance trends, as well as detailed information about the specific nature of missed hand hygiene opportunities, such as when they occurred in the care episode.

Additionally, the system can generate individual report cards, so providers can benchmark their own performance both hospitalwide and within their own department. Ms. Burzycki says this system encourages hand hygiene compliance through positive reinforcement.

"We want this to be something that's encouraging, and that people feel competitive and proud about the fact that they do a great job of washing and sanitizing their hands before interacting with patients," says Ms. Burzycki.

The dashboard also features information on device battery life and indicates when there is little to no product in automatic dispensers.

Swift installation, robust data, substantial results

Another unique component of the Ecolab system is how easily it can be installed. The solution requires little IT involvement and no major infrastructure. When Wellington (Fla.) Regional Medical Center opted to implement the Ecolab system, installation involved new faceplates for the sanitizing stations and a few monitoring beacons placed in different parts of the facility, according to the hospital's infection prevention director Dianne Manzari.

"They didn't need anything from us from an IT perspective," says Ms. Manzari. "We just had to badge our employees, and that process went really well."

When VCU Health in Richmond, Va., opted to pilot the Ecolab solution in two 30-bed units, the entire installation process took about a week, according to Nadia Masroor, an infection prevention data analyst with VCU Health. Ms. Masroor notes this swift installation process would not have been possible if VCU had chosen a realtime locating system solution to monitor hand hygiene.

"With a RTLS solution, this process would have taken much longer because the patient would have had be taken out of the room," Ms. Masroor says. "[The Ecolab] solution is much easier because the patient can remain in the room during the installation process, because it doesn't require any sort of drilling under the bed."

Ms. Masroor also notes that immediately following installation, providers began receiving feedback. With direct observation, feedback is limited  hand hygiene observers cannot be on the floor 24 hours a day. The Ecolab compliance system, on the other hand, monitors every single hand hygiene opportunity. In the span of two months, the solution captured data on 400,000 hand hygiene interactions at VCU. Ms. Masroor says they've used the data to encourage top hand hygiene performers.

"It doesn't have to be a punitive thing," Ms. Masroor says. "We acknowledge and share this information with our staff who are doing well."

At Wellington Regional Medical Center, leaders were outspoken with staff about how the solution was meant to directly translate into improved outcomes and better patient safety. This, and the fact that the compliance system does not track the movement of providers or when they go on breaks, helped some staff members overcome any concerns regarding perceived "big brother" elements sometimes associated with electronic monitoring. The implementation of the solution at Wellington Regional has yielded noticeable results.

"This system allows us to push reports out to directors on a daily basis, and they can see down to the individual level how their staff performed and they can have real-time discussions with their staff about the data," Ms. Manzari says. "This is something direct observation never gave us the opportunity to do.  It has most definitely changed behavior."

The rate of hand hygiene compliance at the Florida hospital has doubled since the installation of the Ecolab system, according to Ms. Manzari.

The sort of success documented at Wellington Regional with the

Ecolab system is not unique. Ms. Burzycki says Ecolab has been documenting significant improvements in hand hygiene adherence with those who have implemented the compliance solution.

"In one recent trial in a single unit we saw a 200 percent increase in compliance," Ms. Burzycki says. "They went from the 20s to the low 80s within 30 days of implementing the system and continued increase."

Ms. Burzycki adds that hospitals where the Ecolab system has been in place long-term, periods ranging from two to six years, are sustaining hand hygiene compliance rates of 90 percent on average.

Why now is the time to implement an electronic hand hygiene solution

Federal scrutiny of hospitals with regards to hand hygiene performance has intensified in 2018. As of Jan. 1, The Joint Commission began citing individual failures to perform hand hygiene in the process of direct patient care as a deficiency, meaning providers' accreditation is at risk when individual staff members are seen being noncompliant. The rule applies to all accreditation programs. Before 2018, surveyors with the commission would only cite a failure to implement hand hygiene improvement programs and make progress with these programs as a deficiency, with exceptions to home and ambulatory care accreditation programs.

Ecolab supports The Joint Commission's focus on hand hygiene by working to ensure each patient interaction is safe through the monitoring of 100 percent of events for provider wash in and wash out. The company also engages in risk-sharing agreements to create strong client partnerships aimed at achieving and sustaining high rates of hand hygiene compliance. The Ecolab system will help hospitals get compliance above 80 percent and keep it there, month after month and year after year.

Hand hygiene is a basic function in any hospital or health system, and no organization has it right until it can report 100 percent adherence rates around the clock. Fortunately, hospitals, clinicians and caregivers can improve their hand hygiene and augment compliance programs through affordable, easy-to-use electronic monitoring systems that help physicians practice at their best.The weekend's news that Sainsbury's and Asda are to merge to become a retail superpower appears to have sent shockwaves throughout the retail industry. But, to me, it comes as no great surprise. Deals of this nature and kind are constantly on the cards. In fact, I can confidently predict that this is the first of many more mergers and acquisitions to come.

Before the Brexit referendum, there was a global trend towards the development of pan-European retail supergroups, with constant rumours in the industry of talks between the leading UK supermarket groups and companies like Carrefour in France, and Albert Heijn in The Netherlands.

These discussions often lead to nothing, but in the instance of Sainsbury's and Asda things are looking very different indeed, particularly after the very bullish announcement that the new retail supergroup will result in no store closures and no job losses.

That greatly surprises me since it is almost inevitable that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will conduct a full and thorough investigation into the finer details of the new business venture and, if past form is anything to go by, they will call for stores to be sold off where local monopolies exist in certain parts of the country.

This could, potentially, lead to some store closures and job losses in Northern Ireland as well as in other geographic regions of the UK.

In this region, Sainsbury's had originally planned to have a store portfolio of 20 stores - they currently have 15. Asda (when they took over the Morrisons store portfolio in Northern Ireland) was also keen to expand. Both store groups have found that it has been extremely difficult to do so, although Asda has been successful in gaining planning permission for a number of new stores.

Nationally, both Sainsbury's and Asda have found themselves in the position that it is becoming increasingly difficult to grow market share through the organic route. Therefore, the merger seems like a very good opportunity for both retailers, both here in Northern Ireland and in the rest of the UK. There are obvious scales of economy benefits for both store groups, but there are also fairly obvious questions about healthy competition in the retail grocery sector.

However, to announce that there will be no store closures and no job losses strikes me as a very bold statement.

The big question is WHY are these two store groups merging? While it is accurate to state that Asda is stronger in the north of the UK and that Sainsbury's has a stronger power base in the south, the geographical position of their store portfolios is not a good enough reason to merge.

I would respectfully suggest that the principal reason for the merger is to cut costs, the benefits of which will (hopefully) be passed on to consumers.

Even if there are no store closures and no job losses (which I very much doubt will be the case), there will have to be cost savings realised in their distribution networks.

Suppliers will undoubtedly be further squeezed for tighter and tighter margins, which could very easily result in job losses in the supply chain. The newly-formed retail supergroup will most definitely have better purchasing power and stronger buying muscle than ever before, and they will almost certainly be looking to realise price benefits in the supply chain.

When Sainsbury's announced their store development programme for Northern Ireland in June 1995, David Sainsbury (now Lord Sainsbury of Turville) promised NI consumers that they would see price savings of between 10-12% in their weekly (at that time) shopping baskets. However, many consumers would argue that this did not turn out to be the case.

Yesterday's announcement by Sainsbury's chief executive, Mike Coupe, similarly promised that there would be price savings for consumers of "around 10% on many of the products customers buy regularly". Based on past experiences here, I have my doubts about this price promise.

At the end of the day, this merger is about two principal factors: to help both retailers to take on the imminent threat of the arrival of Amazon and its foray into the grocery sector in the UK, and the rapid advances of discounters like Aldi and Lidl who have successfully managed to erode the market share of Sainsbury and Asda.

Another reason why Sainsbury's and Asda want to merge is to trim costs, and that will most likely be done through store rationalisation (in spite of their promises) and job cuts both in stores and in their respective administration centres.

Ostensibly, the merger is being presented as a great idea for both companies to take on Tesco, Amazon and the discounters in order to be able to pass on price savings to consumers.

In reality, it means trimming costs, adjusting budgets, squeezing suppliers, closing stores and job losses. Nothing is ever quite what it seems - even in the retail world.Let's give Michel Barnier, the EU chief Brexit negotiator who's on a two-day visit to Northern Ireland, a practical answer to the border question. A workable Brexit deal that gives Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, a series of useful favourable terms, or concessions, in the final Brexit treaty is both possible and available.

To get that deal there needs to be a more practical involvement by business interest groups based in Northern Ireland which builds a workmanlike understanding and is delivered in the negotiations. This can answer the Barnier request that he should be offered a UK solution.

The passive 'cannot do anything' paralysis is unnecessary and unhelpful. The 'backstop' option as agreed by the UK government and the EU negotiators can be used to agree a deal. This deal would be designed as a fail-safe if the UK does not obtain a customs-free agreement with the EU.

A workable outcome, consistent with implementing Brexit and avoiding the unnecessary idea of a trade border 'down the Irish Sea', a nearly seamless Irish border, can be devised. Practical business priorities must be accommodated to allow a Brexit border outcome that allows the economies to continue to function.

The serious weakness which has emerged and is becoming more worrying is that Northern Ireland's interests are not being forcefully articulated. Some of these concerns were reflected in the recently published letter from the head of the NI Civil Service sent to senior UK Brexit negotiators. As is already clear, the UK Government is being tasked to provide workable arrangements to minimise the impact of the UK/Ireland border.

Rather than quibble about the unfortunate, near incompetent response from the UK negotiators, Northern Ireland interest groups need to articulate possible practical arrangements to facilitate a near seamless Irish border.

Already in the negotiations there is an acceptance that cross-border flows of goods of NI origin from small and medium sized businesses might attract a suitable treaty waiver from customs duties (in either direction). This would be supported by a proviso that there would be continuing regulatory alignment with existing EU technical and food standards.

Since the post-Brexit trading environment will start from a position of regulatory alignment, this proviso should pose no immediate problems and might continue indefinitely.

For larger businesses (other than SMEs) engaged in cross-border trade, a minimal requirement would allow for no immediate border facilities or checks, subject to these businesses registering as 'an approved economic operator' with periodic data returns and powers of inspection.

If there continues to be an absence of informed local influence there is a risk that the UK might (at the least) miss the opportunity to build these flexibilities into the final agreement. The UK Government, in the Cabinet, has been searching for what seems a much more complicated set of arrangements which have attracted criticism as either too complicated or even unworkable. A locally devised, locally appropriate system for this island would have obvious merits.

If there is an acceptance of the more liberal cross-border trading arrangements then the Irish border question will take a less significant role in the full EU/UK agenda, opening the way to agreement on a range of other questions.

Of particular importance is the need for clarity on the operation of the local labour market. Critically there is an initial agreement that the UK/Ireland common travel area will allow people to live and/or work anywhere in these islands. However, a broader degree of flexibility is being sought on behalf of Northern Ireland.

David Sterling, the head of the Civil Service, has argued to the Migration Advisory Committee that Northern Ireland needs access to skilled labour from the south of Ireland and further afield  "to compete successfully in international markets". His argument is based on the different needs of Northern Ireland. This becomes a sensible plea for an extra waiver for NI in the Brexit treaty.Health campaigners and GPs have called for minimum pricing on alcohol to be introduced in Northern Ireland after the legislation came into force in Scotland.

The Scottish government's public health measure sets a floor price of 50p per unit of alcohol and is designed to tackle the country's long-standing drink problem.

It means a 70cl bottle of whisky cannot be sold for less than 14, while a 75cl bottle of 12.5% wine could be sold for no less than 4.69.

Strong beers and ciders will also be affected by the pricing changes.

Neil Johnston of health charity group Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke claimed a similar move here would eventually save 63 lives a year and result in almost 2,500 fewer hospital admissions.

"We very much welcome the introduction of this radical measure in Scotland," he said.

"We note that the legislation is in place in the Republic and regret that we have no Assembly or Executive in place to push forward this vital legislation." Mr Johnston rejected criticism that the policy would penalise "ordinary" drinkers.

"Minimum pricing and bans on alcohol promotions only have a small impact on moderate drinkers," he said.

"The most substantial effects are experienced by high risk drinkers who will have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular and other diseases."

The British Medical Association (BMA) Northern Ireland, which speaks for GPs, also renewed its call for minimum pricing to be introduced.

Dr Paul Darragh, who is the chairman of the BMA Northern Ireland's Public Health Forum, said alcohol has become significantly more affordable - with serious adverse health consequences for individuals and their families

"Every day, right across Northern Ireland, doctors see first-hand the devastating effects of heavy and binge drinking on our patients and their families.

"Some one in five people here consume alcohol above recommended limits, with some consuming very heavy levels of alcohol. The affordability of alcohol has increased significantly over the past 25 years, and BMA believes that a minimum price per unit of alcohol should be set at no less than 50 pence per unit.

"We also need action to restrict the advertising of alcohol."

Dr Darragh said the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on the health service cannot be underestimated.

He said: "Alcohol is also a risk factor for other harms including domestic violence, child abuse, road traffic crashes and criminal and disorderly behaviour. We would ask that the Department of Health now take action to implement minimum unit pricing."

A spokesman from the Department said: "The former minister set out her intention to bring forward a consultation on minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Northern Ireland in early 2017.

"Unfortunately, this consultation was not finalised or agreed by the minister or the Executive prior to its fall. Therefore, it will be for a future minister and Executive to agree the way forward on this issue."A motion is due to be tabled tonight at Belfast City Council in reaction to proposed job losses in leisure centres across the city.

The motion, brought forward by People Before Profit's Matt Collins, will also call on the council to explore the possibility of bringing leisure services back under council control.

Three years ago, Belfast City Council (BCC) decided to outsource leisure provision in the city to operators GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited).

Trade union Unite says that, since then, more than 100 former BCC employees have been replaced with "poorly paid, casual workers".

On April 7, hundreds of leisure workers and their supporters marched along the Falls and Shankill roads to highlight concerns about job losses and "the erosion of workers' terms and conditions".

Workers say that GLL's current plans will threaten some 49 jobs in Belfast. During Tuesday evening's monthly council meeting at City Hall, a protest against the proposed jobs cuts will also take place, organised by Unite.

Mr Collins said the outsourcing of leisure in the city has been a "disaster" and leisure provision in Belfast should be brought back under council control.

"This campaign by workers and unions is growing in momentum and it cannot be ignored anymore," he said.

"Workers are rightly disgusted by the actions of GLL who have systematically run down their terms and conditions and the conditions of some of the centres - all while being subsidised by ratepayer's money.

"The outsourcing of leisure has been a disaster and it's high time the parties who voted for it recognise that, and join this campaign."

In a statement, GLL said it was a charitable social enterprise that is "in the process of implementing a modernisation programme" which will include "the restructuring of the leisure services it provides within Belfast".

"This is a hugely positive project, which will improve employment opportunities in the city with the creation of 50 new jobs," it added.

"While some historic staff roles will change, the restructure offers fantastic career development prospects within the leisure industry."

Unite regional officer Michael Keenan said: "Going forward, we need to see the protections afforded to these positions when they were with BCC maintained, not replaced with zero hour contracts on lower pay."TSB bosses are set to be grilled by an influential parliamentary committee this week as the lender's internet banking meltdown enters a second week.

Chief executive Paul Pester, chairman Richard Meddings and a yet to-be-confirmed representative from TSB's Spanish owner Sabadell will appear in front of the Treasury Select Committee tomorrow as customers continue to report difficulty accessing their accounts.

A major IT upgrade earlier this month left some customers locked out of their bank accounts, meaning they have been unable to manage their day-to-day finances or pay bills in some cases - while others reported being able to see other people's accounts.

In a letter to Treasury Select Committee Chair Nicky Morgan dated April 27 but publicly released on Monday, Mr Pester said he was "deeply sorry" for the problems but that a number of fixes had been implemented and a "proactive customer redress programme" had since been launched that included the waiving of all overdraft charges for the month of April.

Mr Pester said around 700 customers had been declined when using an ATM abroad on Sunday, April 22 - the weekend the IT migration took place - and that around 402 customers were able to see data normally not available to them, though all had received an apology.

He went on to say that while only 72% of customers were able to access the app on Monday, April 23, that number had risen to 93% by Friday.

"This is typical of the proportion we would have been pre-migration," Mr Pester explained.

However, the "combination of lower than expected internet and app availability" as well as the "high levels of publicity surrounding TSB" led to a higher than normal volume of calls which meant average wait times for its call centres were one hour last Monday and 30 minutes by Thursday.

Up to 1.9 million people using TSB's digital and mobile banking found themselves locked out of their bank accounts last week, though it was unclear how many customers were still affected as of Monday.

Commenting on the correspondence with TSB, Mrs Morgan said: "The Treasury Committee is extremely concerned by the problems at TSB, and by the apparent miscommunication to customers about the extent and nature of these problems.

"It's been reported that services such as online banking have been down for some TSB customers for over a week. Many individuals and businesses will have made arrangements for the planned outage, but not for the additional time that the systems have been unavailable.

"We will take evidence from TSB and Sabadell representatives to find out how they got into this mess, who is responsible, and how they are putting it right."Packie Donnelly plans to sell his three farms and retire by the time he is 60. And yet, it is going to take something special to push him to make the break and retire from a job that has been more than a means to an end for his entire working life.

"People keep me going and say there is no way I will ever walk away, and they might be right," he said.

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"I've spent so much time and worked so hard to get the farms built up and I'm very particular about the way things are done. Everything has to be spotlessly clean and 100%, so it would be hard for me to leave it to someone else.

"I think I will have to move to Spain or somewhere if I sell up."

Packie (54) has three holdings all within a few miles of one another in and around Rathkenny and Martinstown, outside Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Brought up on a farm, it seemed only natural that he should follow in his father's footsteps.

"I am the oldest boy, there were eight children in total - four boys and four girls," he explained.

"I was reared on the farm and always farmed. As far back as I can remember I worked on the farm.

"I would have been milking the cows, wheeling dung, doing anything and everything that needed done.

"My dad had milking cows and sheep. We grew spuds as well and we had pigs and I helped with all of it.

"Then, when I was 17, I went to Australia.

"My mum's brother had a farm out there and I went to stay with him. I was only meant to be over there for about six months but I ended up staying three years and spent time in Melbourne and Tasmania."

However, unlike many people who spend time travelling in Australia, Packie made the decision to return to Northern Ireland.

"I was always going to come back because I wanted to farm," he explained.

"I came home and did what I wanted to do and when I was in my mid-20s my dad died and I continued on working on the family farm."

At the same time, Packie worked as a lorry driver, but 15 years ago he decided to make the biggest financial investment of his life and purchase a farm.

"I wanted to farm all the time," he explained.

He now has more than 100 acres across the three farms and while he is doing a job he loves, it is not without its own headaches.

"There's so much red tape," he said.

"There are rules and regulations for everything, you might own the land, but you have no say any more on how it is used, that's basically how it is.

"I'm not sure how the red tape now really compares to farming when I was younger, because I just got on with it then and didn't really know any better.

"I voted for leave with Brexit because I thought it would be a good thing for farmers, but no-one seems to know now what's going to happen, whether it's going to make things easier or harder.

"The weather can be a big problem as well when you're a farmer, you're very reliant on getting some dry weather to get work done."

One of the things which has helped Packie to ensure that his farms remain sustainable through difficult and challenging times has been his interest in showing.

He has an endless list of accolades under his belt and this in turn has helped him to raise the profile and price of his cattle and sheep.

He is so passionate about showing that he even spends a great deal of his spare time on judging.

"I'm actually going to Spain to judge the week before Balmoral," he said.

"It's something I have always enjoyed doing, although it didn't come from my dad, as he wouldn't have been interested.

"I think I would miss it if I didn't do it."

In addition to the countless hours that he spends in preparing for shows, Packie also spends a great deal of time at markets, building up a rapport with potential customers.

He said this is crucial to the success of his business.

"It's so important to talk to people, to make sure you are selling the best stock possible and they will always come back to you," he said.

So, what is the one piece of advice he would give to a young person looking to start out in farming?

Be prepared to work extremely hard, according to Packie.

He said: "You have to get out and get the work done whenever you get the opportunity and if that means staying out until eight or 10 at night, then that's what it takes.

"Your day doesn't finish until all the work that needs to be done gets done."

However, he acknowledged that conditions are very different nowadays compared to when he was starting out.

"I don't think you would be able to buy a farm and start from scratch," he said.

"There is too much cost and red tape and unless you're inheriting land to farm it would be too dear.

"If you give a young fella 100 acres of land, they would still need the money to buy the stock, the tractors, the machinery, 100 cattle can cost 100,000.

"Even if he has 100 sheep he is only going to get 4,000 and that isn't a living."

Despite his words of warning to the younger generations, Packie has no regrets about his choice of career.

"There hasn't been one occasion where I have regretted getting into farming," he said.

"Unless I am working, I'm not happy.

"I've no family, just my wife Rhonda, but I've no children and no-one coming behind me so I'll be looking to sell the farms and the idea is that we will go and live somewhere sunny.

"I'm starting to get to the age where I need to think about the future, I don't want to be doing it forever, but I'm not sure I will be able to walk away."Sacramento Police Department(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) -- "Going to kill you ... going to kill you ... going to kill you."



Those are the words heard on a chilling 1977 phone call that is believed to have been made by the "Golden State Killer," who police say committed 12 murders, at least 50 rapes and multiple home burglaries throughout California in the 1970s and 1980s.



Heavy breathing can also be heard on the call, which was released by the FBI.



Victims often received hang-ups or terrifying phone calls before and after attacks, author Michelle McNamara said in her book on the case, according to The Washington Post.



Jane Carson-Sandler, who police say was raped by the "Golden State Killer" in 1976, told ABC News, "I received phone calls where he would just hang up."



"He did not speak to me that I remember, but he would just hang up," she said. "So I knew he was still out there and I knew that he could come back."



Decades went by without an arrest in the mysterious case -- until this year.



Joseph James DeAngelo, a 72-year-old former police officer, was arrested last week, taken into custody at his home in Sacramento County, where the crime spree started.



DeAngelo has not entered a plea. He returns to court May 14.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.Sainsbury's and Asda have confirmed they are in advanced talks over a merger (Stock picture)

Store closures and job losses are inevitable in Northern Ireland if the merger between supermarket giants Sainsbury's and Asda goes ahead, a retail expert has warned.

The duo, which together are thought to employ around 5,000 people here, confirmed they are in advanced talks over a merger which would create a new supermarket giant with over 50bn in sales.

Retail analyst Donald McFetridge said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) watchdog will insist on closures where monopolies could exist if the two join forces.

Trade union Unite has called for "guarantees on jobs" and demanded sit down meetings with senior bosses at both Sainsbury's and Asda. The chains have a total of 31 branches in Northern Ireland. Sainsbury's has 14 and Asda 17.

Both supermarkets have stores in Belfast and Bangor. Mr McFetridge said that ahead of previous mergers the CMA has "called for stores to be sold off where local monopolies exist".

"This could potentially lead to some store closures and job losses in Northern Ireland as well as in other geographic regions of the UK," he said.

"In this region, Sainsbury's had originally planned to have a store portfolio of 20 stores - they currently have 14. Asda (when it took over the Morrisons store portfolio in Northern Ireland) was also keen to expand.

"Both groups have found it has been extremely difficult to do so, although Asda has been successful in gaining planning permission for a number of new stores."

Mr McFetridge said the deal would also be bad news for suppliers. "Suppliers will undoubtedly be further squeezed for tighter and tighter margins, which could very easily result in job losses in the supply chain," he added.

Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts added: "If this proposed merger takes place, it will be a significant game changer for grocery retailing, locally and nationally.

"If this merger of the UK's second and third largest multiple supermarkets takes place, 1 in every 3 spend will be spent in this new giant.

"Retail NI has concerns about the impact this would have on squeezing many smaller suppliers as this new business will have huge buying power.

"This will have to be examined by the Competition and Markets Authority."

Mr Roberts added he has "no doubt that our local independent grocery sector will move forward and continue to provide choice, quality and a competitive price for consumers".

"Big is no longer beautiful when it comes to retail," he said.

Asda recently announced plans to open its 18th store in Northern Ireland at the former headquarters of Nortel in Newtownabbey.

According to the most recent report from research organisation Kantar Worldpanel, NI consumers have boosted their supermarket spending over the last year, with overall growth of 2.1%. That was the province's strongest year-on-year growth since May 2014.

Tesco remains NI's biggest supermarket, with sales growth of 3.3% in the 52 weeks to March 2018 and a market share of 35.2%. Sainsbury's had the second-biggest supermarket share at 17.3%, while Asda had 1% growth sales but its market share fell to 17.1%.An employment tribunal in Liverpool awarded 110,165 compensation earlier this year against the Department for Work and Pensions after former employee Mrs Carrabyne (Carrabyne v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Case 2401990/2016) was found to have been unfairly dismissed and subjected to unlawful disability discrimination following her dismissal under the absence management policy.

The tipping point for the decision to dismiss was four days' absence in January 2016 due to gastric flu.

At the time, the claimant was already on a final written warning following significant absences of 64.5 days and 59 days, which related to her recognised disabilities of depression and hip problems.

A number of reasonable adjustments had been made including a phased return to work, flexible working hours, specialist workstation equipment and extended trigger points under the absence management policy - ie, four days added to the standard eight days in a rolling 12-month period.

But the tribunal concluded that the employer was in breach of its duty to make reasonable adjustments (under Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 akin to Section Six of the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland ) in failing to discount the absences or further extend the trigger points.

The decision to dismiss was based upon a full review of Mrs Carrabyne's attendance record and not solely the four-day absence. Her non disability-related absences would not have resulted in a first written warning, let alone dismissal. The tribunal noted that the disability absences were a considerable time ago, that her conditions were well-maintained and that she had made huge strides in relation to improving her attendance.

The tribunal concluded that under the test for unfair dismissal, as a large organisation with significant resources, the employer did not act reasonably in treating the circumstances as a sufficient reason for dismissing the employee, and in determining the case in accordance with equity and the substantial merit of the case under the ERA 1996 (Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996), the merits of the case tipped in favour of the claimant retaining her job and not losing it.

Awarding a substantial figure of 110,165.14, the compensation ordered by the tribunal included 91 weeks' loss of earnings, 17,184 toward the cost of her Open University degree following a change in career path, three years' future loss until she qualified as a psychologist, injury to feelings and psychiatric injury of 21,318 and three years' pension contributions. An offer of reinstatement was declined by Mrs Carrabyne on the basis that she would not be able to trust the management, which the tribunal accepted.

Conversely the tribunal found that it would have cost the employer nothing to extend the trigger points, and that reasonable adjustments were available and were not put in place.

It noted that as one of the vicissitudes of life, any employee can catch a stomach bug and be off for a period of time and it was not reasonable or necessary to dismiss the claimant in the circumstances.

For large employers in the public sector, the importance of factoring in further adjustments between the final written warning and dismissal stages in an absence management policy and setting out clearly the adverse impact of an employee's absence on other staff within the department and the public services they deliver, cannot be understated. Employers should always obtain legal advice in relation to their duties and responsibilities before taking action up to and including dismissal against disabled employees under their absence management policies.

Louise McAloon is a partner in Worthingtons Solicitors in Belfast. Worthingtons and Legal Island will be delivering an absence management event at the Merchant Hotel on May 24, 2018, called Out of Office: Absence Management in the Public Sector. It will review the legal principles surrounding absence management and how to manage different types of absence, including 'the point of no return' and advising on how best to go about saying goodbye to a public sector employee whose absence record is unacceptable. For further details, please telephone 028 90434015 or email louise@worthingtonslaw.co.ukBosses at Warrenpoint Harbour said they have pressed their desire for a border that supports frictionless trade during a meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

The port, which is located in Co Down, close to the border, said over 80% of its seaward trade is to and from Great Britain.

Around 40% of cargo handled last year either started or ended its journey in the Republic.

Chief executive Clare Guinness, who hosted a visit from the Taoiseach yesterday, said it had been "a welcome opportunity to meet with the leader of our closest trading partner".

"We used the meeting to press on Mr Varadkar, our desire for a border that supports frictionless trade, ensuring that it can continue to flow and grow.

"While this is our preferred position, we are actively formulating plans to deal with whatever scenario results from the Brexit negotiations."

Meanwhile, EU Brexit Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier has held meetings with business bodies Manufacturing NI, Retail NI and Hospitality Ulster during his visit to Northern Ireland.

In a joint statement, the organisations said: "We stressed to Mr Barnier that there is a need to find a way which ensures no border in Ireland or between these islands in the interest of our economy and the hundreds of thousands of people across Northern Ireland who work in our businesses."Michel Barnier has warned of the risk of a hard border returning in Ireland.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator urged rapid movement on the vexed issue ahead of this June's meeting of the bloc's leaders.

He also said there could be no withdrawal deal without a "backstop" option, meaning if no better solution is found Northern Ireland would continue to follow EU rules relating to the all-Ireland economy and North-South co-operation.

Mr Barnier said: "The backstop is not there to change the UK's red lines.

"It is there because of the UK's red lines.

"The UK's decision to leave the single market and the customs union creates a risk that the hard border will return.

"This is why it is necessary to have a self-standing backstop solution."

Many operational details have yet to be resolved surrounding the UK's only land border with an EU state after Brexit and the issue is top of the agenda in Brussels.

Mr Barnier visited the Irish border town of Dundalk yesterday.

He said: "We need to agree rapidly by June on the scope of all-island customs and regulations, the safety and controls that we need to respect the single market."

This summer's meeting of European leaders in Brussels would be a "stepping stone" for the final summit in October, which is the deadline for reaching an agreement on withdrawal, he added.

"The backstop is needed in order to respect the integrity of the single market and the EU's customs union.

"Some people think that we could have two different sets of rules on the island of Ireland and still avoid border checks.

"But Ireland is a member of the EU - and a proud member, I add.

"It is an active player, active, very active player, in the single market. Goods that enter Ireland also enter the single market.

"It is called the 'single' market for a reason.

"So, since we all agree that we do not want a border, and since the UK agreed to respect Ireland's place in the single market, then that means goods entering Northern Ireland must comply with the rules of the single market and the Union Customs Code."

A joint report on the UK's withdrawal agreed in December by Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker included both British proposals, along with the third "backstop" option which would keep Northern Ireland in the customs union. But a version published by the EU in February and agreed by the EU27 in March contained only the "backstop", effectively drawing a customs border down the Irish Sea, to which a furious Theresa May said "no British prime minister could ever agree".

This week marks Mr Barnier's third visit to Ireland and Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said he was a friend of the country.

After delivering the keynote speech during a meeting of the Irish government-hosted All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit in Dundalk, Mr Barnier crosses the frontier to Newry in Co Down for meetings with business leaders.

Today he will visit the other, north-western end of the porous 310-mile border at Londonderry.

DUP leader Arlene Foster has said he did not understand unionist culture. She told the BBC: "He's hearing a very strong message from the Republic of Ireland's government, he's hearing it from Sinn Fein. We have tried to get him to understand the unionist position for the people of Northern Ireland, but he hasn't really responded to that and I'm disappointed about that."

In response, Mr Barnier said: "My door is open."

Asked if the visit was "helpful", the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "It's a matter for Michel Barnier where he chooses to spend his Monday mornings."DUNDALK, IRELAND - APRIL 30: Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald pictured at the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit meeting on April 30, 2018 in Dundalk, Ireland. EU Chief Negotiator on Brexit Michel Barnier gave an overview of the ongoing Article 50 negotiations with the UK. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

I have very much enjoyed my time in Ireland and Northern Ireland over the past two days. Yesterday, I attended the fourth All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit in Dundalk and I met - and learned a lot from - a whole range of people.

My first stop in Northern Ireland was to visit InterTradeIreland in Newry, a cross-border body set up by the Good Friday Agreement.

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I got a good sense of the issues facing businesses from across Northern Ireland. Today, I am in the beautiful city of Derry-Londonderry, where I will again meet cross-border businesses.

I will be in Dungannon this afternoon.

From 1999-2004, I was the EU Commissioner for Regional Policy. Northern Ireland was very much part and parcel of my working life, as I oversaw how the PEACE funds were spent. On one of my visits at the time, I remember speaking to John Hume and David Trimble about the achievements of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement, and both told me about how crucial the EU and the PEACE programme was in helping to foster peace in Northern Ireland.

This was long before the UK's decision to leave the EU, and the beginning of the subsequent negotiations, for which I find myself as the EU's chief negotiator.

My role here is not to mediate between different positions on Brexit, neither in London nor in Belfast, but to negotiate on behalf of the 27 member states and to look for practical solutions to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.

While I still believe that remaining in the EU would have been the best course of action - as do the majority of the people of Northern Ireland - I respect the sovereign decision of the people of the UK as a whole. My job is to ensure that the entire UK leaves in an orderly fashion, rather than in a disorderly fashion.

After Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 on 29 March last year, the leaders of the 27 countries of the EU recognised the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland and declared that flexible and imaginative solutions will be required to avoid a hard border.

In this context, I am committed to finding such a solution that protects the Good Friday Agreement, north-south cooperation and the functioning of the all-island economy, while respecting the UK's constitutional order. We have no choice but to protect the achievements of the past 20 years. We have no choice but to try to find a solution. And find a solution we must.

In December, we agreed with the UK that if the question of the border cannot be solved through the future EU/UK relationship, or through specific solutions, the so-called "backstop" option would apply. I am more than aware of how sensitive this issue is and how this was received by some in the UK.

But allow me to clarify a few things. We are not asking Northern Ireland to remain within the EU. We are not asking Northern Ireland to become closer to Dublin and more distant from London. Rather, we are proposing technical, practical solutions to a complex challenge created by Brexit.

And we would be more than happy to examine any proposals that the UK Government makes, so long as they apply to the unique situation on Northern Ireland, and respect the fact that Ireland will remain a member of the European Union. Just as we respect Northern Ireland's constitutional status, the UK has to respect Ireland's place in the EU. Ireland will remain a member of the EU, the Customs Union and the Single Market. We will continue negotiating with the UK government on this issue, and all the other aspects of the UK's withdrawal from the EU. I would very much hope that we can make substantive progress in time for the June European Council. We can then continue the scoping of the framework for the future EU-UK relationship in parallel with wrapping up the final details of the withdrawal agreement.

An agreement that ensures an orderly withdrawal of the UK, including the backstop on Ireland and Northern Ireland, will pave the way for a broad and ambitious future partnership between the EU and the UK which is in the best interest of both sides, not least of all Northern Ireland.Special clinics have been set up to deal with the thousands affected.

The Belfast Health Trust is recalling 2,500 patients following an independent review of patient notes relating to the work of a single consultant neurologist.

The Trust said it was taking the action following a review of patient notes by both the Trust and the Royal College of Physicians into the work of , Dr Michael Watt. Review appointments have been offered to all patients affected to assure them they are getting the best treatment, the Trust said.

The consultant is currently not treating patients, the trust said although he remains an employee.

Concerns about patient diagnosis were raised in December 2016 by a GP.

The Trust apologised and said it had set up special clinics to cope with the number of people affected. It said it intended to see them all withing the next 12 weeks.

Some of those affected are as young as 14 and the Trust has not ruled out the possibility some of those affected could be deceased.

Were you a patient of Dr Watt? Contact newseditor@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Dr Mark Mitchelson, Medical Chair of Division at the Trust said: I fully understand this will cause significant anxiety to many patients and their families and for that we are truly sorry.

"Other doctors raised concerns with the Trust regarding the care and treatment provided by Dr Michael Watt to a small number of patients.

"As a result of our own review and a further review carried out by the Royal College of Physicians, we would like to invite a number of his patients back for a review appointment to assure them, their families, and ourselves that they are receiving the best treatment."

He continued: "The recall of such a large number of patients is so that we can be confident and thorough in ensuring that patients are having the best possible care. To ensure patients are seen as quickly as possible we have set up a large number of additional clinics and we intend to see all patients within the next twelve weeks. Again, we are truly sorry for the anxiety this will cause.

Belfast Trust has contacted every patient for review and it is asking patients to get in touch to make an appointment.

For anyone who may be worried and is seeking further support, an advice line has been set up. The telephone number is: 0800 980 1100 and lines will be open weekdays from 9am  9pm and weekends from 9am  5pm.

The Royal College of Physicians in a statement added: "The review of the patient records by our team of clinical experts confirmed patient safety concerns.

"The final report was issued to the Trust on 26 April 2018 and we will continue to monitor their work to implement the recommendations of our report. We have been encouraged by the approach the Trust is taking to ensure patients are proactively seen and are receiving care that is of a high standard."Daniel McArthur (director of Ashers Bakery) and with wife Amy at the High Court in Belfast. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Christian bakers have been punished by the state for refusing to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage slogan, the UK's highest court heard today.

Counsel for the McArthur family claimed they face being compelled to provide a product which went against their deeply held religious beliefs.

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The McArthurs, who run Ashers' Baking Company, declined an order placed by customer Gareth Lee at its Belfast city centre shop in May 2014.

They are now seeking to overturn two previous rulings that they directly discriminated against Mr Lee due to his sexuality.

As the appeal opened at the Supreme Court, sitting in Northern Ireland for the first time, the family's barrister stressed their deeply-held views on marriage.

David Scoffield QC told the five justices hearing the case: "Mr and Mrs McArthur have been penalised by the state, in the form of the judgment, for failing to create and provide a product bearing an explicit slogan 'Support Gay Marriage' to which they have an objection of conscience."

Mr Lee, a gay rights activist, had requested a cake depicting Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie and the controversial motto for an event to mark International Day Against Homophobia.

Bosses at the bakery refunded his money for the order because the message went against their Christian faith.

Backed by the Equality Commission, Mr Lee sued, claiming he was left feeling like a lesser person.

In 2015 Belfast County Court held that the bakery had unlawfully discriminated against him on grounds of sexual orientation and religious belief or political opinion.

The firm was also ordered to pay 500 compensation to Mr Lee, whose legal action was backed by Northern Ireland's Equality Commission.

With the verdict upheld at the Court of Appeal in October 2016, the McArthurs have taken their fight to the Supreme Court.

Before entering the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast the bakery's general manager, Daniel McArthur, reiterated their problem has always been the message, not the customer.

"We's served him before, we'd serve him again," he insisted.

"But some people want the law to make us support something with which we disagree.

"We'd rather it hadn't come to this. But the Equality Commission has pushed for an interpretation of the law which extinguishes conscience.

"They seem to think that some people are more equal than others."

With Northern Ireland Attorney General John Larkin QC supporting the McArthur's case, Mr Scoffield contended there was no unlawful discrimination involved.

"The reason they didn't fulfil the order was on the basis of those (religious) beliefs," he told the court.

"Notwithstanding that, the appellants have been held liable and ordered to pay damages. In our submission that's plainly a case of compelled speech."

Counsel argued it was irrelevant to the family that Mr Lee happened to be gay.

"They would equally have refused to provide that cake with the slogan to a heterosexual customer," he said.

"Their difficulty was the content of the cake, not the characteristic of the customer."

Rejecting the finding of direct discrimination, he added: "If Mr Lee had been straight there would have been no difference."

Mr Scoffield also submitted that the lower courts' rulings imposed an obligation on businesses to provide bespoke, lawful goods "however offensive the product may be to the traders deeply held religious beliefs".

The court heard Ashers have been in business for 15 years, making 1,600 celebration cakes annually.

"An issue like this has never arisen before or since," Mr Scoffield added.

Counsel for Mr Lee and the Equality Commission responded by stressing the case was about conflicting rights and dealing with any breach of the legislation.

Robin Allen QC said: "Mr Lee and the Commission do not in any sense downplay the importance to Mr and Mrs McArthur of their conscience, their views on same-sex orientation and the biblical concept of marriage.

"It's not our case they are not entitled to those views, it's not our case that they are not serious from their point of view, and its not our case that they are not worthy of respect."

The barrister continued: "This is a case that has an interest beyond just the parties.

"It's concerned partly with the separation of roles within the State, partly with how democratically laws are constructed to deal with difficult issues, and how the effect of these laws and individual circumstances bend or do not bend to human rights... and the role of the court in dealing with them."

The two courts below had got the law correct, Mr Allen told the five justices.

"Not only that - that the law itself was the product of deep democratic consideration over a long period of time involving wide consultation input at the highest level of human rights bodies trying to work out how to deal with issues of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and discrimination in relation to religion and belief."

Setting out the circumstances behind his client's visit to the bakery, Mr Allen said: "He didn't go in there with any abusive intent.

"He knew nothing at all of the religious beliefs of Mr and Mrs McArthur, and there was nothing at all that might have indicated that to him."

Mr Lee was told he could bring in a logo to put on the cake, the court heard.

He picked up a leaflet showing Ashers would ice products depicting everything from a witch celebrating Halloween, to football teams and anniversaries.

"That was what Mr Lee understood was the offer that they were making to the world at large when he went in with his logo of Bert and Ernie and 'Support Gay Marriage'," the barrister submitted.

"What Mr Lee asked hem to do was not egregious, it was not outside the ordinary course of business they did, it was not a trial and not an abuse.

"I say this loudly now... because commentators have suggested otherwise.

"It's not the case that Mr Lee was doing anything wrong or unusual or strange in bringing that logo and asking for it to be iced."

Mr Allen contended that the bakery would have been entitled to say they "don't do politics" at all.

"Then, in that case, it's not making any distinction between different political classes."

The case continuesThe Belfast Health Trust is expected to make a statement to the media today in relation to an investigation into the serious allegations (stock photo)

A senior medic at the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Belfast is being investigated over claims of misdiagnosing disorders, it has emerged.

The Belfast Health Trust is expected to make a statement to the media today in relation to an investigation into the serious allegations.

It's understood the senior doctor at the RVH has been accused of the misdiagnosis of conditions including Parkinson's disease.

The number of patients affected by the claims is not yet clear.

Concerns were raised following a report from the Royal College of Physicians' (RCP) Northern Ireland office to the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT).

A spokesman for the BHSCT said: "The trust is aware of the report which we are investigating and we will take appropriate action."

The trust is expected to make further announcements about the investigation and the RCP report today.Parents of children at a troubled west Belfast school are considering their response after it was confirmed the principal is to return to her job after two years away.

Claire White will return to De La Salle College in west Belfast after being on leave since May 2016. She had been on extended leave after a dispute broke out among staff.

The board of governors said that given "significant improvements" at the school it was "the right time" for her to return.

The governors said they were fully supportive of her return and had confidence in her ability to "continue our journey of improvement".

The Concerned Parents of De La Salle group said it is considering protesting or holding a public meeting as their response to Mrs White's return but wanted to hear from more people on what they should do.

In a post on their Facebook page, it said that parents had been kept in the dark.

"Parents have not been provided with any information in relation to an investigation into the conduct of the principal during and prior to 2016," the post read.

"Due to the amount of overwhelming feedback from parents, students and staff who are in clear agreement for Mrs White's non return, we have been asked to consider organising a public meeting or protest.

"Before we do so we would like more concerned parents to give their thoughts and view for this."

In April 2016 then Education Minister John O'Dowd ordered an independent panel to review the situation at the Catholic secondary. Parents expressed concerns over their children's education following a dispute among staff.

A large number of the staff staged protests in the school and called in sick over the handling of a disciplinary matter.

Marian O'Neill is currently acting principal at De La Salle.

In a letter posted on the school's website, chair of the board of governors Monica Culbert confirmed that Mrs White was returning to her role.

It also said that Mrs White had the governors' full support.

"The board of governors have deliberated on the arrangements for the long-term leadership of the college moving forward and have been in discussions with our substantive principal Mrs Claire White," the letter reads.

"In light of the significant improvements that have taken place within the college, the board of governors are in agreement that it is now the right time for Mrs White to return to her post as principal at De La Salle College. In discussion with Mrs White we have agreed that she will return to her post at the end of this academic year.

"Mrs White has the full support of the board of governors in returning to her post as principal of our college. And we are confident in her ability to lead the staff as we continue our journey of improvement."

In a statement, Mrs White said she was pleased the governors had decided on her return and was looking forward to working with the school community again.

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools had not responded to a request for comment by the time of going to press last night.A suspected killer who has been on the run from Maghaberry Prison since last November has been arrested.

Charles Valliday from Belfast is a remand prisoner who has been unlawfully at large since Thursday, November 9.

Police arrested the 46-year-old at an address in the Springfarm area of Antrim at 2pm yesterday.

His brother, James Valliday (52), was arrested at an address in north Belfast area on Sunday December 17, 2017, and was returned to prison at that time.

The pair failed to return to prison after being released on compassionate bail to attend a relative's funeral.

Both men had been remanded in custody on charges surrounding the murder of Christopher Mackin in Belfast on March 1, 2012. Charles Valliday has denied murder, while James Valliday denies assisting offenders.

Mr Mackin was shot at least seven times outside his College Square North home.

Detective Inspector Darren McCartney added: "I would like to thank members of the public who came forward with information following our appeal to locate Charles Valliday and James Valliday, which undoubtedly helped officers establish their whereabouts."Taoiseach Leo Varadkar meets students including Alana McCourt at Newbridge Integrated College, in Loughbrickland, Co Down, yesterday

DUP MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has accused the Taoiseach of showing "poor manners and disrespect" for visiting Northern Ireland "outside of normal protocol".

A spokesman for Leo Varadkar denied the claim and insisted that "standard protocol" had been followed. The Taoiseach said he wasn't "an invader" and had been trying to be "a good neighbour" with his visit.

Mr Varadkar visited Lurgan and Warrenpoint after meeting EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Dundalk.

Sir Jeffrey said: "Leo Varadkar's visit is another demonstration of the poor manners and disrespect which appears to be the Irish government's Brexit strategy.

"Having told unionists just over a month ago that he recognised statements and actions by the Irish government were unhelpful or intrusive, he follows this up with a visit which no local representative is informed about and none of the other normal protocol is followed."

The DUP MP continued: "It is increasingly apparent that the Irish government does not seem to care about securing a sensible and pragmatic outcome from Brexit which can work for both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

"Their preferred approach is to use Brexit in whatever way possible to undermine Northern Ireland and particularly its constitutional position."

However, a spokesman for Mr Varadkar denied there had been any breach of protocol. He said: "Mr Varadkar is using the visit to meet young people at an integrated school, visit the Jethro Centre in Lurgan and meet with business people in Warrenpoint to speak about the impact of Brexit.

"Visiting Northern Ireland regularly is a priority for the Taoiseach. As is standard protocol, the Northern Ireland Office was informed."

Mr Varadkar told the BBC: "I really just wanted to do something different.

"I can assure anyone that I am not an invader, I just want to be a good neighbour. I received a very warm welcome."

Last week, Brexit Secretary David Davis was criticised for failing to meet local politicians or journalists during a visit to Co Armagh. His department later apologised for breaching protocol by failing to inform the local Sinn Fein MP Mickey Brady about his visit.

Meanwhile, DUP MEP Diane Dodds last night accused Dublin of failing to engage with innocent victims of terrorism in border communities.

She said: "The Taoiseach and Irish Foreign Affairs Minister have been very willing to involve themselves in issues affecting border communities in Northern Ireland, not least in relation to concerns surrounding the UK's exit from the EU.

"The Irish government however is less keen to engage with the families of those murdered by republican terrorists in the same areas - particularly where there is suspicion of state collusion.

"Had Mr Varadkar offered some notice of his most recent visit then questions could have been asked about the lax security policy along the border during the IRA's terrorist campaign.

"This may be one aspect of the border which the Taoiseach is less keen to talk about."

Mrs Dodds accused Dublin of failing to respond to a "dossier of substantive correspondence" sent by the family of Ian Sproule, who was killed by the IRA in Castlederg in 1991.

There have been allegations that gardai passed on information to republicans which was used to justify the 23-year-old's murder.

Mrs Dodds claimed the Irish government's track record "shows scant regard for the needs of innocent victims of terrorism across Northern Ireland".

She added: "If the Taoiseach is genuine about meeting the needs of everyone in border communities, he should address this failure as a matter of urgency."Dad Graham and mum Joanne with son Andrew (8) and daughter Faith (6). The family are raising funds for Northern Ireland Childrens Hospice who care for Andrew at home and at the hospice

Cattle breeders have rallied around a Co Tyrone boy with a rare illness by putting valuable cow embryos up for sale in an unusual auction.

Andrew McFarland (8) from Trillick lives with a rare neurodegenerative condition - a variant form of late infantile Batten disease (CLN5) which causes blindness, complex epilepsy and the loss of mobility and the ability to communicate.

His health deteriorated rapidly last year and his parents Joanne and Graham were told he may not survive past Christmas.

To thank the NI Children's Hospice for their care during this traumatic period, Andrew's uncle Howard McFarland came up with the novel idea of selling two of his prized Limousin cattle embryos - worth thousands of pounds - in Ballymena next Monday.

Members of the British Limousin Cattle Society added their backing, with farmers from across the UK donating further embryos for a second auction in Carlisle this Saturday.

Andrew's mother said she was overwhelmed by the support.

"The donations have been extremely generous, but particularly breeders in the mainland who have their own hospices to support and yet there they are donating to ours," she said.

Andrew had no serious health problems until he began to lose his sight aged five, with his condition formally diagnosed in September last year.

"He had been in hospital for two months having uncontrollable seizures, had pneumonia and was in intensive care," Mrs McFarland said.

"The only way we got to spend Christmas together was thanks to the hospice. The staff there gave up their holiday so we could have ours together.

"We were told he wouldn't get home. But we prayed for him and he did get home.

"Andrew's sister Faith had been from pillar to post being looked after by one family member to the next.

"She hadn't seen us and we hadn't seen her properly. It was just so good to have the four of us together for the first time in two months."

Describing her son, she said: "Andrew's gorgeous, he's absolutely beautiful. He's sitting here and I'm giving him his medicine and he's got the biggest brown eyes and a lovely smile. He's such a happy wee boy. Faith makes him laugh so much too."

Andrew's father Graham added: "The staff at Northern Ireland Hospice are simply amazing, nothing whatsoever is a problem for them. There was always someone on hand if needed and we were looked after in every way. We managed to have some very valuable quality time with our close family."

David Hamill from the NI Limousin Cattle Club helped to organise the Ballymena auction and said the farming community was making regular donations to support the family.

The British Limousin Cattle Society said that "members have way exceeded expectations with their donations".

It added: "The club and the McFarland family are staggered and humbled by the support the event has attracted from the Limousin community; they pass on their heartfelt thanks."

A fundraising page has also been set up to raise further funds for the NI Hospice.

It can be found at JustGiving.com by searching for NI Limousin Cattle Club.Family and Friends during the funeral of Joleen Corr at St Paul's Church in West Belfast on Tuesday. Joleen Corr was fatally injured in December 2016 in Downpatrick, and in a landmark ruling a judge said her food and drink could be withdrawn because she was in so much pain, nearly 18 months after she was critically injured. Pic Pacemaker Press

Family and Friends during the funeral of Joleen Corr at St Paul's Church in West Belfast on Tuesday. Joleen Corr was fatally injured in December 2016 in Downpatrick, and in a landmark ruling a judge said her food and drink could be withdrawn because she was in so much pain, nearly 18 months after she was critically injured. Pic Pacemaker Press

Family and Friends during the funeral of Joleen Corr at St Paul's Church in West Belfast on Tuesday. Joleen Corr was fatally injured in December 2016 in Downpatrick, and in a landmark ruling a judge said her food and drink could be withdrawn because she was in so much pain, nearly 18 months after she was critically injured. Pic Pacemaker Press

Family and Friends during the funeral of Joleen Corr at St Paul's Church in West Belfast on Tuesday. Joleen Corr was fatally injured in December 2016 in Downpatrick, and in a landmark ruling a judge said her food and drink could be withdrawn because she was in so much pain, nearly 18 months after she was critically injured. Pic Pacemaker Press

Family and Friends during the funeral of Joleen Corr at St Paul's Church in West Belfast on Tuesday. Joleen Corr was fatally injured in December 2016 in Downpatrick, and in a landmark ruling a judge said her food and drink could be withdrawn because she was in so much pain, nearly 18 months after she was critically injured. Pic Pacemaker Press

Family and Friends during the funeral of Joleen Corr at St Paul's Church in West Belfast on Tuesday. Joleen Corr was fatally injured in December 2016 in Downpatrick, and in a landmark ruling a judge said her food and drink could be withdrawn because she was in so much pain, nearly 18 months after she was critically injured. Pic Pacemaker Press

Family and Friends during the funeral of Joleen Corr at St Paul's Church in West Belfast on Tuesday. Joleen Corr was fatally injured in December 2016 in Downpatrick, and in a landmark ruling a judge said her food and drink could be withdrawn because she was in so much pain, nearly 18 months after she was critically injured. Pic Pacemaker Press

Family and Friends during the funeral of Joleen Corr at St Paul's Church in West Belfast on Tuesday. Joleen Corr was fatally injured in December 2016 in Downpatrick, and in a landmark ruling a judge said her food and drink could be withdrawn because she was in so much pain, nearly 18 months after she was critically injured. Pic Pacemaker Press

Hundreds of mourners who attended the funeral of a west Belfast woman who died almost a year-and-a-half after being viciously attacked were told she had a "heart of gold".

Joleen Corr (27) died last Thursday after treatment was withdrawn due to the pain of her injuries which she sustained in 2016.

Father Anthony Devlin urged the congregation in St Paul's Church on the Falls Road to focus on "our blessed Mother" who knows the experience of her family's pain during a Requiem Mass.

"She knows what it's like to be with one who is dying," he said.

"Her son was crucified and violently killed - she knows what the pain of this is like."

The clergyman also said that, like Jesus, Joleen was surrounded by loved ones when she died.

"Her mummy, her sisters, her brothers and all the family gathered around her in love," he said.

"To ease her, to help her and telling her that they loved her.

"This was the last thing Joleen would have heard and understood."

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Fr Devlin recalled how the "bubbly" mum-of-one was "full of life" before she was severely injured in an assault at her Downpatrick home which left her in need of round the clock care.

Ms Corr passed away peacefully in the arms of her mother at Northern Ireland Hospice while surrounded by her family.

"She was a person you wanted to be around because she had a heart of gold," he said.

"She was a great friend to many."

However the priest said that the beautician's "greatest success" and source of "greatest joy" was her little son James who is too young to understand his great loss.

"He just knows that things have changed completely," he said.

"There will be great love and care for him as he takes his next steps."

Michael O'Connor (32) is on remand awaiting trial for the attempted murder of Ms Corr and grievous bodily harm. The Public Prosecution Service is reviewing the attempted murder charge following Ms Corr's death.

Mr O'Connor, from west Belfast, denies the charges.The bonfire was built close to an electricity substation in Newtownards

A "dangerous" loyalist bonfire that sparked controversy after it was built beside an electricity substation in Co Down has been removed.

The pyre provoked outrage after it first appeared beside Circular Road in Newtownards last Monday.

Strangford MLA Mike Nesbitt was contacted by people living in the area who expressed "serious concerns" and called for the removal of the materials.

"These are residents who have lived in a very settled part of the town for decades and they obviously don't want this on their doorstep," he said.

The former leader of the Ulster Unionist Party said the bonfire is not needed as a long-running community fun day already takes place in the Scrabo Estate.

He too expressed concerns about the location.

"It is right beside an electricity substation and I passed on very real fears to the police, local council, NIE networks and the Housing Executive in the sincere hope that common sense prevails," he said.

Chairman of Scrabo Residents Association David McAlonan said he too has been contacted by concerned residents.

"There has never been one at this location before and many residents have expressed serious concerns about the implications for health and safety.

"We share their concerns and have relayed them to the council and the Housing Executive."

A local resident witnessed the materials being removed by a contractor under police supervision early on Sunday morning.

"I'm glad to see it has been taken away and thankfully without any trouble - it's ridiculous to think you can light a bonfire there," they said.

"Hopefully it doesn't reappear."

A Housing Executive spokesperson said the agency does not approve of bonfires on its land and will always remove materials if it is safe to do so.

"We had been notified of dumping on a site which we own," they added.

"This site is adjacent to a major electricity substation and there are genuine concerns about the danger and distribution that a bonfire here could cause."

PSNI Inspector Ray Shaw said that while the PSNI is not the lead agency on bonfires it works closely with local communities and statutory bodies to address concerns.

He confirmed that police monitored the removal of the bonfire which had been placed "dangerously close" to the electricity substation and street lighting.

Meanwhile, a number of dumping sites have appeared throughout Belfast, including in Mount Vernon and Milltown.

The Housing Executive has erected steel barriers around nearly 100 pallets at the Milltown site after Department for Infrastructure staff were approached and told to stop removing materials.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said last week: "The department is currently liaising with the PSNI and other statutory partners to determine the best way to manage this site."Northern Ireland's Education Authority overspent its budget by nearly 20m in 2016/17, according to a report from a key public sector watchdog.

Kieran Donnelly, the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) for Northern Ireland, said he was ''concerned" at what had been discovered when his team looked at the 2016/17 accounts of the Education Authority (EA), the public body which oversees Northern Ireland's school system.

The auditor found that:

the Education Authority was not formally told what its allocated budget was until March 23, 2016 - just six working days before the start of the financial year;

the EA did not agree how the budget would be managed, including the savings to be achieved until August 2016 - five months later;

the EA's total budget allocation for 2016-17 was 1,543.4m.

However, its total expenditure was 1,562.5m - an overspend of 19.1m.

The Department for Education - one of the two main funders of the Education Authority - said that the main causes of the EA's overspend were a higher than expected spend on school budgets (7.8m), on special education needs (6.8m), and school maintenance (3.9m).

The Education Authority is supposed to get prior approval before any overspending is made.

Reacting to the report, Education Authority chief executive Gavin Boyd said: "We recognise the significance of the 19m overspend in 2016/17 highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and we welcome his recognition of the challenges we face as an organisation.

"The C&AG report highlights that the main causes of the overspend are higher than budgeted expenditure by schools as well as increased spending on support for children with special educational needs and on school maintenance.

"The education sector has been facing growing financial pressures since 2010/11.

"These had a major impact in 2016/17 as budgets have continued to reduce and more schools are going into deficit."

Mr Boyd said that around 99% of the EA's budget is spent directly on schools or on services directly supporting children and young people.

"This leaves very little room for reducing spending without seriously impacting the educational experiences of our children and young people," he said.

"Whilst we continue to make the case for more money for education, we have also been meeting regularly with school principals and other education partners to promote the need for transformation.

"We must ensure that our education system delivers what we need for our young people and is based on a model that is financially sustainable in the longer term."

Last night, Ulster Unionist education spokesperson Rosemary Barton MLA said the overspend showed that the local education system was underfunded.

"No one will be surprised to hear that our local schools are finding it increasingly difficult to balance their budgets, but they will be surprised at the sheer pace and scale at which the situation is deteriorating," she said.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said funding issues were now critical.

"The confirmation from the C&AG that the EA overspent its budget in 2016/17 is serious, but the reality is we are in a much worse position now than we were then," she added.

"It is shocking that the funding situation in our local education system is critical - and absolutely nothing is being done to resolve it."

In the absence of a local Assembly, the C&AG report will be received by the Secretary of State for consideration.A Northern Ireland man has died while on holiday in Spain.

Coleraine man Aaron Henderson died while in Magaluf on the island of Majorca while on a family holiday.

It has been reported he died on Monday after suffering serious head injuries, although the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Tributes have flooded social networks for the well-known man with hundreds of messages of support for his partner and family.

East Londonderry MLA Maurice Bradley offered his condolences to the family.

This is devastating news," he told Causeway Coast Community News.

Aaron was a well-known young man, a keen Coleraine fan, he was well liked by his peers and known by customers to the family business.

My thoughts go to Aarons partner and his entire family circle.

Coleraine family firm Paul Henderson Wholesale announced it would be closing until further notice following the death.

"We appreciate your patience and understanding and ask that you respect the familys privacy at this time," the firm said.

Hundreds offered their condolences.

"So sorry to hear the news devastating for you and all wider family big hugs to you through this difficult time," said one tribute.

"No words can describe what your going through your in my thoughts and prayers."

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said that it was supporting the family.A man who hands out Gospel tracts on Saturdays on the streets of Coleraine has appeared at the town's magistrates court charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting police.

David Campbell McConnell (60) has been charged following an alleged incident on Saturday, March 31, this year in the Park Street area of Coleraine.

The alleged circumstances have yet to be outlined to the court, but it is understood he was handing out Gospel tracts to passers-by on the date in question.

The defendant is a son of the late Willie John McConnell, who once was given an MBE for his services to the railway industry but hit the headlines when he won the 3.8m on the lottery in 1995.

David McConnell, of Liswatty Road in Ballyrashane near Coleraine, was wearing a suit, shirt and tie as he appeared in the dock.

A police officer said she believed she could connect him to the charges.

A prosecutor said the defendant did not turn up at an earlier hearing and an arrest warrant had been issued but it had then been served "by arrangement".

The prosecutor said there were no objections to bail.

McConnell told District Judge Liam McNally that although he "honoured him" as a judge "on earth" the Lord was his "saviour".

A defence lawyer told the court the defendant understood the charges.

The defendant asked if he could address the court and said he was "not guilty".

McConnell told the court he had told the PSNI the "RUC was a good police force".

Judge McNally freed the defendant on his own bail of 200 and adjourned the case until mid-May to fix a date for a contest.Daryl Robert Cameron McCourt (23) and 22-year-old co-accused Callum Pugsley were both handed a two-year sentence at Belfast Crown Court

Two men were jailed yesterday on charges arising from a creeper burglary carried out in Belfast last summer.

Daryl Robert Cameron McCourt (23) and 22-year-old co-accused Callum Pugsley were both handed a two-year sentence at Belfast Crown Court.

Judge Geoffrey Miller QC told the pair they will serve half their sentences in prison, with the remaining 12 months on licence when they are released from custody.

A prosecution barrister said a property on Ravenhill Street was broken into during the early hours of July 10, 2017, and items including car keys, bank cards and an Amazon Echo Dot were stolen.

Also taken was a Volvo X60 which contained a laptop.

The occupiers - who were sleeping during the burglary - discovered their home had been broken into around 6.30am. Around three hours later, the stolen Volvo was involved in a collision in Damascus Street.

McCourt, from London Road in Belfast, and Pugsley, from Blackwood Street, were identified as being in the Volvo, both from their descriptions and from CCTV.

The prosecutor said that when Pugsley was arrested later that day, some of the stolen items were found in his home.

He told officers McCourt had picked him up in the Volvo that morning, that they drove around for a while and McCourt was behind the wheel when it crashed.

McCourt - who sold the stolen laptop and Echo Dot in a store in the centre of Belfast - was arrested in the early hours of the following day.

He initially denied selling the items, but was shown CCTV footage from the store. His fingerprints were also found on a TV stand in the house he broke into.

While both men later admitted a charge of aggravated vehicle taking causing damage, McCourt pleaded guilty to a further four offences, including burglary, while Pugsley admitted an additional two offences, including receiving stolen goods.

Judge Miller was told that both men appeared before the court with extensive criminal records.

A barrister representing McCourt spoke of his client's heroin addiction - but said he was seeking treatment and now "abstinent". Branding McCourt's childhood as "unsettling and troubled", the barrister spoke of paramilitary death threats and substance misuse.

Regarding last July's incident, the barrister said that while McCourt "does not seek to excuse his behaviour", it was carried out "whilst in the grip of addiction".

Pointing out the close proximity to McCourt's home and the house he broke into, the barrister added: "This was opportunistic. It was committed on his way home."

Pugsley's barrister also spoke of a "very unsettling childhood" which included "losing association" with his parents, a chaotic lifestyle peppered by periods of homelessness and "drifting into pro-criminal gangs".

Revealing Pugsley's heroin addiction was a catalyst for his offending, the barrister said his client had "weaned himself" off the drug, and was now hoping for a more positive future and "attempting to get help".

Passing sentence, Judge Miller said there was "no question" that the custody threshold had been passed.

He also recommended both McCourt and Pugsley attend any programmes aimed at tackling addiction as part of their year on licence.The incident happened on the M1 Motorway last year.

A man has been charged with dangerous driving after allegedly driving at 150mph on Northern Ireland's M1 motorway.

Police Chief Superintendent Jon Burrows said it was the highest detection he had known.

He said the driver had been filming himself at the time for a social media update.

A 29-year-old has been charged with dangerous driving.Michel Barnier is greeted by Mayor Maoliosa McHugh as he arrives at the Guildhall in Derry (Niall Carson/PA)

A DUP councillor has questioned if councils were treated differently during the visit of Michel Barnier to Northern Ireland.

Dungannon councillor Kim Ashton has asked why Derry City & Strabane District Council was given prior notice of the visit of the EU's chief Brexit negotiator and alleged it was involved in putting the itinerary of the trip together.

In a statement, Ms Ashton said Mid Ulster District Council - which she serves on, and which was visited by Mr Barnier - was not given prior notice for the visit.

"On Michel Barniers visit to Londonderry he was greeted by the Mayor of the city and the Council was involved in putting together the itinerary for his visit. On the other hand for Mr Barniers visit to Dungannon the Council has not even been told that it is to happen," she said.

"The European Commission in Belfast need to explain why they believe a rural council is somehow less important than one covering a city. Is Mid Ulster looked upon by the Commission as a lesser part of Northern Ireland? They should explain why Mid Ulster Council has been snubbed."

Ms Ashton added it had been a "very poor visit, mired with controversy" and accused the European Commission of making it "more about photographs rather than substantial issues".

During this week's visit, Mr Barnier has taken in stops north and south of the border.

On Monday he attended the fourth All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit in Dundalk, before crossing the border to visit InterTradeIreland in Newry.

On Tuesday Mr Barnier has has been making stops in Londonderry and Ms Ashton's constituency of Dungannon in Co Tyrone.

Writing in Tuesday's Belfast Telegraph, Mr Barnier said: "I am committed to finding such a solution that protects the Good Friday Agreement, north-south cooperation and the functioning of the all-island economy, while respecting the UK's constitutional order."

Speaking just prior to Mr Barnier's arrival in Northern Ireland, DUP leader Arlene Foster said he was "not an honest broker".

Mrs Foster said: "He is hearing a very strong message from the Republic of Ireland government, he is hearing it from Sinn Fein. We have tried to get him to understand the unionist position here in Northern Ireland but he hasn't responded to that."

Speaking after a meeting with Mr Barnier during his visit to the border areas on Tuesday, Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson said he had heard the case for special status.

"I welcomed Michel Barnier to Derry this morning and it is important that he had the opportunity to see at first hand the disastrous impact Brexit would have here," she said.

"During his visit Michel Barnier heard the concerns of local stakeholders about the impact of Brexit and the prospect of the imposition of a hard border and the need for the north to secure special status within the EU."

Mrs Anderson also said she had "made it clear" to Michel Barnier that the DUP "do not speak for the people of the north" - the majority of whom voted to remain in the EU - and that she was pleased he had shown support for the backstop option.

Throughout this visit Michel Barnier heard the clear message that people do not want a hard border, they want to see the Good Friday Agreement protected in all its parts and that do not want any reduction in our rights, she added.

Derry and Strabane District Council and the European Commission in Belfast have been contacted for comment.The sister of Inga Maria Hauser has made a heartfelt plea to anyone with information about her murder to come forward.

Last month police renewed their appeal for information and launched a new operation spanning Northern Ireland and Scotland in the hunt for the 18-year-old's killers.

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Inga Maria was found brutally murder in a forest outside Ballycastle in 1988 - 14 days after she was last seen alive on a ferry from Scotland. No one has ever been convicted of the attack.

In the intervening years police have tried to trace the culprits and at one stage staged a large-scale DNA screening of people.

They said over 30 calls have been made to police since their anniversary appeal and they believe they are getting closer to catching those responsible.

Friederike Leibl has written an open letter to the people of Northern Ireland in a bid to encourage anyone with information about her sister's killing to contact the PSNI.

She wrote: "It's been nearly 30 years since my younger sister Inga-Maria was so brutally murdered, you cannot imagine how the murder of my sister has affected my family - we are broken inside.

"My father was worst hit - he fell ill with prostate cancer in 2005 and was treated for depression when the whole body was full of cancer.

"The fact of being confronted with this murder for a lifetime is just cruel, sick, sick. So I ask you to come forward with information, otherwise my sister's soul will never rest."

Inga Maria's body was found dumped in a remote part of Ballypatrick Forest outside Ballycastle, Co Antrim. Detectives believe a number of people may have been involved either directly or in the cover-up, and have previously said they only need fractional pieces of evidence to bring the chief suspect or suspects to justice.

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A man in the rural area east of Ballymoney in Co Antrim was seen soon after the murder with scratches on his face, sparking rumours in the community that he had been involved.

Police said Inga Maria was subjected to a "vicious and ruthless assault".

"We believe members of the public may hold vital information about who killed the teenager and as a result received over 30 calls which we are currently assessing," said Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray.

Some of the developments over this period have been interesting and are being progressed by the investigation team.

One strand of the operation was to identify the man whose DNA was found at the crime scene. A previous DNA screening process was one of the largest ever conducted and involved many hundreds of people, throughout the UK.

"However, as time evolves so does DNA science so we have carried out further familial DNA screening. We have now received the results and have met with scientists and other specialists in order to take these forward.

We still believe we are extremely close to progressing criminal justice action against Inga Marias killer or killers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Murray said anyone with information about who killed Inga Maria owes it her family to come forward so they can have closure after 30 years.

After 30 years, it's time to tell us what you know - contact Police by calling detectives in Maydown on 02871379783, he added.Terminally-ill patients have made an appeal to the Department for Communities for a change to the rules which govern how the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is awarded.

On Monday a delegation of individuals with end of life conditions, led by SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon, met with representatives from the Department at Stormont.

PIP is gradually being phased in to replace the Disability Living Allowance in Northern Ireland.

As it stands, individuals are only applicable for to be assessed under special rules - where the claim takes around two weeks to be processed, and doesnt require a face-to-face assessment - if they have a diagnosis of less than six months to live.

Individuals who fall outside this criteria, even if they have an end-of-life diagnosis, find themselves facing what can be a taxing reassessment process to move from DLA to PIP.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph Martin Murtagh, a dementia sufferer and member of Dementia NI, described how he was called to go for an assessment despite having an end-of-life diagnosis.

"I was in a terrible state with depression and all of the rest. See when I got the letter saying youve been reviewed from DLA to PIP, when I got the letter I just went inside myself," he said.

"When I told my friends and family and that, everybody said dont worry about this, youll be OK.

"Dont let anybody tell you dont worry about it, because youll worry about it. Im sick, I know I have the alzheimer's and two sisters died with it, and the other one is still alive. So I have seen every stage and I know what to expect.

"...why put me through all that again? That is suicidal so it is, and so depressing. Why after me being diagnosed and going through all that, and that was only five or six months ago, why do all that again and put you through all that again?"

The SDLP's Nichola Mallon said she planned to petition other party leaders for their support on a rule change and then bring this to the permanent secretary in the Department of Communiities.

It comes after action taken in the devolved Scottish Parliament to abolish the requirement for a diagnosis of less than six-months to live to be eligible for treatment under the special rules.

"These people are dying. They do not need to be spending the time that they have left sitting worrying about a PIP assessment, going through an intrusive face-to-face assessment and then waiting up to three months on payment," she told the Belfast Telegraph.

"So were willing to work with anybody and everybody to bring about that change."A woman headbutted a woman in a nightclub then punched and pulled a policewoman by the hair after being ejected, Coleraine Magistrates Court has heard.

Hannah Elizabeth McGill (21), of Ballywillin Road, Portrush, was put on probation for a year and told to undergo anger management after the incident at Kelly's nightclub in the seaside town.

Police saw the defendant screaming at door staff after being ejected and then lashing out at an officer and pulling her to the ground, gripping her hair and punching her.

McGill had previously pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly behaviour, assault, assault on police, resisting police and criminal damage.

District Judge Liam McNally said her behaviour was "nothing short of appalling".Belfast city council will write to Facebook and Twitter calling on them to address their failure to tackle threats of violence and abuse directed at women.

The move was agreed at Tuesday nights monthly council meeting at City Hall and follows a string of recent high-profile bullying incidents on Twitter directed towards women.

In a motion proposed by Alliance councillor Sian ONeill and seconded by councillor Kate Nicholl, the council agreed to write to Twitter and Facebooks European headquarters in Dublin to voice their concern over the issue.

Councillor ONeill said the social media giants need to back up their policies with action as they have a responsibility to ensure human rights are respected.

You only have to search names of some female politicians- including many here in Northern Ireland - to see this vile and unacceptable hatred, she added.

The Alliance representative detailed some of the abuse she has received on social media in the past and said enough is enough.

Councillors from all parties spoke in support of the motion, which originally "called on" the social media platforms to tackle the problem, before it was later amended to include writing directly to Facebook and Twitter about the issue.

PUP councillor Billy Hutchinson recalled how he felt physically sick when he previously had to put out a press release condemning the abuse his colleague, fellow councillor Julie-Ann Corr Johnston, had received on social media.

Whether its a member of our party or a member of another party receiving this abuse, we will come out a condemn it, he added.

Independent councillor Jolene Bunting said this type of behaviour is just not acceptable and called on police to do more to tackle the problem.

Sinn Feins Mary Ellen Campbell urged those on the receiving end of misogynistic abuse: Dont let people into your head that you wouldnt let into your home. Dont be silenced.

DUP council group leader Lee Reynolds pointed out the three of the leaders of the five main political parties here are women and said his party fully support the motion.

The scale and repetition of the abuse that thrives on social media would put anyone off joining political life, he added.

I see these messages coming to my party leader daily - its non-stop. The tools in place are simply inadequate and not worth the e-paper theyre not really written on.Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted all protocols were followed in regard to his visit to Northern Ireland.

His office was responding to a request for a comment over Lord Kilclooney's "typical Indian" tweet.

The peer sparked a Twitter racism row on Monday after referring to the race of the Irish premier in response to a news item on the DUP claiming the visit occurred "outside normal protocol".

Read More

Lord Kilclooney - better known as veteran politician and businessman John Taylor - insisted the comment was not racist saying no Irish politician would have behaved in a similar manner. He has refused to remove the offending tweet.

"The Indians are a great race," he added.

Asked for a comment, the Taoiseach's office said: "The Taoiseach took the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland yesterday following the All Island Civic Dialogue in Dundalk.

"He used the visit to meet young people at an integrated school, visit the Jethro Centre in Lurgan and meet with business people in Warrenpoint to speak about the impact of Brexit. Visiting Northern Ireland regularly is a priority for the Taoiseach.

"As is standard protocol, the Northern Ireland Office was informed."

The Northern Ireland Office has confirmed Monday's visit by Mr Varadkar followed correct procedure.

I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians.a member of the British/Indian APPG only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!  Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) April 30, 2018

Typical Indian was meant to be a comparison with an Irishman who would have a better understanding of Unionist opinion in Northern Ireland  Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) April 30, 2018

You still do not understand the difference between being Irish by nationality as Varadkar is and being half Indian by race as Varadkar has confirmed he is. Nothing racist about it - simply factual.  Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) April 30, 2018Unionist MEPs have been accused of bad manners for not meeting the EUs Brexit negotiator during a visit to Northern Ireland.

Michel Barnier was greeted in Londonderrys historic Guildhall by Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson, who suggested that the DUPs Diane Dodds and Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson were failing to represent the unionist people by snubbing Mr Barnier.

Ms Anderson also said the DUP would not be too put out if there was a harder border on the island of Ireland, something they may regard as a job done, she suggested.

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Speaking before a meeting with Mr Barnier, she was asked about the absence of the unionist MEPs.

I think its unfortunate that they havent turned up. The parliament is not open today.

The European Parliament is closed, so theres no reason why both of the MEPs from the unionist population shouldnt be here.

All three of us should be maximising the opportunity when Michel Barnier is in our constituency.

I think its political bad manners that the MEPs  and I have to say the two council leads from the DUP and UUP  were both invited here this morning, and neither of them have turned up.

I dont think really when you have a chief negotiator coming from the EU that its a good signal to send out because I dont think its representative of the people, the protestant, unionist, loyalist people, who would want their own representatives taking the opportunity to express their views, she said.

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Asked why she thought they did not attend, Ms Anderson said: On the one hand, while they say they dont want a hard border in Ireland, I think what it does do is send a signal to the constituencies that are living adjacent to the border that maybe they dont care too much whether there would be a hard border or not on this island, because he is coming to the border constituencies, rightly so because the entire focus of the European Parliament and the negotiations is about Ireland.

And were hearing that the withdrawal agreement could collapse if there is not an agreement about Ireland, so he needs to come to the areas that are going to be most affected by that.

And whilst the DUP and the UUP are telling us that they dont want a hard border in Ireland, there is another trend of thought that believes that particularly the DUP, who didnt vote for the Good Friday Agreement, didnt support it, will not be too put out if it is undermined in all of its parts.

They will not be too put out if there is a harder border here in Ireland and it reinforces partition.

And for some of them, particularly their MPs, they may view that as a job done.

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Last week, Mrs Dodds and Mr Nicholson issued a joint statement welcoming Mr Barniers visit but expressed disappointment that it was announced by a Sinn Fein MP.

Mrs Dodds said she had already committed to meetings in London and could not meet him.

She told the BBCs Sunday Politics: Michel Barnier is the negotiator for the EU 27. I am delighted that he is coming to Northern Ireland.

I was told by the EU Commission that this was an opportunity to meet stakeholders and not politicians.

I certainly meet Michel Barnier on a very regular basis and debate with him in the Strasbourg chamber.

She also said the DUP met him in Brussels a few weeks ago and insisted it was important to have input at the Brexit discussions in London.

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Asked about the EU maintaining peace funding in Northern Ireland, Mr Barnier said: I think that we must, and we have to maintain co-operation between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and in particular to maintain the peace programme.

He said the European Commission will propose a new framework this week for future financial plans.

And I can tell you that we are ready to maintain the peace programme, he said.

Mr Barnier said he was delighted to be in the historic and vibrant city of Derry, and said he had already enjoyed a walk on the Peace Bridge.

The EU chief negotiator was in the city to meet with business leaders.Academic Abigail Aiken (left), TD Ruth Coppinger and Dr Rebecca Gomperts at a press conference in Dublin on medical abortion pills (Laura Paterson/PA)

Campaigners have said five women a day in Ireland seek abortion pills online.

Ruth Coppinger TD said the state is delighted about this as without this escape valve women would die.

She spoke at a press conference in Dublin ahead of a briefing for senators and TDs.

In afternoon I'm hosting media & then TD briefing with Dr Abigail Aiken & Dr Rebecca Gomperts. Dr Aiken spoke at #8committee on her research into use of abortion pills here. The pills are part of #8thRef debate & important that facts on their safety are known #dubw #repealthe8th  Ruth Coppinger (@RuthCoppingerSP) May 1, 2018

Abortion is currently only available in the Republic when a mothers life is at risk, but not in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, rape or incest.

Draft legislation to be introduced if the referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment is passed later this month proposes enabling unrestricted terminations for pregnancies up to 12 weeks.

Abigail Aiken, assistant professor at the University of Texas, Austin, told the conference there were no fatalities in the 1,000 women in Ireland involved in a study she led which showed an estimated five per day requested abortion pills online.

She said: Had we not these online telemedicine services run by doctors, Im not sure Id be able to sit here and tell you that there had been no fatalities because the things that people have looked for trying to find these services are shocking.

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A recent study she carried out of 40 women in Ireland found they considered falling downstairs, drinking alcohol and being punched in the stomach as methods of abortion before finding the online pills.

She said of the 1,000 in the previous study 95% end their pregnancy without complications, 5% need a minor surgical procedure to do so and 3% needed medical treatment for a complication.

A total of 63% of those requesting the pills already have children.

She said the women reported being unable to contact a doctor or lying to them for fear of criminalisation, adding: We have to remember that its not the medication abortion pills that are the problem, its the impact of the law on women.

Dr Rebecca Gomperts, medical director of Women on Web, the largest doctor-led telemedicine provider of the medication, said the pills were safer than taking penicillin.

Solidarity TD Ms Coppinger said: If we legalise up to 12 weeks that would cater for 92% of all abortions that take place among Irish women and could be done safely with the pills.

She said: The state in this country is delighted that Women on Web exists. Lets be absolutely clear, its an escape valve.

Because if Women on Web did not exist, and other reputable providers, there would be deaths, there would be injuries of poor women who cant travel.

John McGuirk, of the Save the 8th campaign, accused the Yes campaign of scaremongering over women being unable to go to their doctor if complications arise from the pills.

He claimed the Yes campaign has repeatedly said how dangerous these abortion pills are.

The referendum is due to be held on May 25.Former Ulster Unionist deputy leader Lord Kilclooney has denied being racist after calling Irelands Taoiseach a typical Indian.

The peer, who is no longer a member of the UUP, said he is certainly no racist after his remark about Leo Varadkar was met with condemnation.

I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians.a member of the British/Indian APPG only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!  Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) April 30, 2018

Mr Varadkar was born in Ireland. His father is from India and mother from Ireland.

Lord Kilclooney, 80, stirred controversy in a tweet on Monday as he commented on a news story about DUP criticism of Mr Varadkar regarding his visit to Northern Ireland.

He replied to the tweet, writing: Typical Indian.

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The tweet was met with condemnation on social media.

Lord Kilclooney later tweeted: I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG, only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!

Last November, Lord Kilclooney acknowledged a remark he made about Mr Varadkar had caused upset and misunderstanding so he was withdrawing it.

He had referred to the Taoiseach as the Indian.The European Union is pushing back against the UKs proposals for keeping the Irish border open after Brexit, David Davis has confirmed.

Mr Davis was speaking a day ahead of a crucial meeting of Theresa Mays Brexit inner cabinet to thrash out the Governments position on future customs arrangements.

Unconfirmed reports earlier this month suggested that EU officials had dismissed both UK proposals  a customs partnership under which Britain would collect tariffs on the EUs behalf and a streamlined arrangement using technology to avoid the need for border checks  as unworkable.

Now the Brexit Secretary has told the House of Lords EU Committee: The Commission did push back on both.

They were concerned about how we would run a new customs partnership on the one hand, and they were  in the context of Northern Ireland  objecting to the notion of exempting small businesses from the streamlined arrangement.

Brussels is concerned both by the prospect of porosity on the EUs external border and by the risk of creating a precedent which might be copied elsewhere, he said.

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The European Commission has drawn up a backstop alternative option if neither proposal works, which would see Northern Ireland effectively remain in the customs union  something Mrs May has said no prime minister could accept.

Meanwhile, Mr Davis warned that the UK could be left in a sort of limbo if it fails to ratify a new agreement on its future trading relationship with the EU by the end of the Brexit transition period in December 2020.

Mr Davis said he wanted a pretty substantive political agreement on the future in place by October, ready to be signed soon after the official date of Brexit in March 2019 and ratified by parliaments across Europe during the 21-month transition.

He admitted it will be difficult to get the separate EU withdrawal deal through Parliament in the autumn if the Government has no more than a broad political declaration in place by that time.

Parliament will vote more than once on the withdrawal agreement and I would be surprised if parliamentarians are happy to vote for the expenditure of 35-39 billion without knowing what we are getting for it, he said.

Asked how he hoped to secure parliamentary backing, in the wake of a string of defeats in the House of Lords, he replied: By getting a good deal.

And he acknowledged that this will depend on persuading Brussels to negotiate 40 or more workstreams simultaneously.

If we try to do 45 different subjects in sequence, I will be dead and buried and probably my grandchildren will be dead and buried before we get there, he said.

We have got to do it in parallel. We are on that now and I think we are going to be there soon-ish.

Mr Davis said the Government aimed to have large amounts of detail on the future framework  maybe even including legal wording  nailed down by the formal date of Brexit in March 2019.

I would be aiming to conclude the negotiations if I can get to that point by then, so they can sign and then start the ratification process, he told peers.

The framework will have to be ratified by the European Parliament, both Houses of Parliament in Westminster and national and regional assemblies in the 27 remaining states he said.

And he warned: We absolutely need to have ratification completed before the implementation period is over, otherwise we are in a sort of limbo.

Eloise Todd, the chief executive of the Best for Britain campaign against hard Brexit, said: Its a classic Brexit rewrite. Yesterday David Davis told us he had put forward proposals on the Irish border and echoed (Michel) Barniers concern that a solution to the Irish border question is found rapidly.

Today instead were informed the exact opposite: that the Government is still drawing up proposals with that he hopes will be tied up in October. The reality is pretty stark  David Davis is clueless.The sister of a man stabbed to death by a burglar in the Gambia fears his killer could walk free amid a court shambles that has seen the case adjourned 44 times.

Briton Jack Kenley was repeatedly knifed by an intruder as he was waking up at his home in Kotu in August 2015.

His accused killer was found hiding behind a door and told police he had murdered the 52-year-old as he searched for money to steal.

Court proceedings have been dogged by delays and, almost three years later, Mr Kenleys sister Elaine Kellett, 52, from Maidstone, Kent, fears she may never get justice.

Calling on Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to intervene, she said: My brother was stabbed to death in his own home yet we have been waiting three years for justice and there is no sign of that happening any time soon.

After fighting for justice for this long and experiencing over 44 adjournments to my brothers case, I am calling on Boris Johnson to step in and help us. Jack was a British citizen but it feels like he has been forgotten and there is a very real chance that his killer could walk free.

He admitted killing my brother but that was deemed inadmissible, and he is suddenly considered a child despite saying that he was 18 to officers when he was arrested.

It is a shambles and the state prosecutor seems unwilling to appeal either of those things. That is why I am begging Mr Johnson to look at the case and see if there is anything he can do to help.

During the court proceedings, the accused killers confession has been deemed inadmissible and there has been confusion over his age.

At first he told police that he was 18 but later a bone test suggested he is 17 and should therefore be tried as a child. Lawyers for Mr Kenleys family want a second, independent test carried out to check the result.

Father-of-four Mr Kenley was living in Bedfont, West London, when was he was introduced to a Gambian woman, Fatou Sarjo Kenley, and the pair married.

In 2009 he moved to the Gambia to be with her and Mr Kenley and his wife, who was working for the countrys armed forces, had their own home built on land in Kotu.

Mrs Kellett said: They were both madly in love and Jack was happier than I have ever seen him. He questioned whether moving to The Gambia was the right thing to do but, as far as I could see, it was. She is funny, strong and he just really loved everything about her.

She in part blames herself for her brothers death as she sent him a text message on the morning he died and fears the sound may have woken him and caused the killer to strike.

Mrs Kellett said: My brother liked sleeping in and I texted him about 11am Gambian time. I later found out that that was when he was murdered.

I cant help but think that my text message woke him up and then he saw the killer in his room, which resulted in him stabbing Jack to death. I could have been the reason that my brother lost his life and that thought haunts me.

It was Fatous adopted daughter Isatou who called Elaine to break the news that her brother had been stabbed.

Remembering the moment that she was told her brother, who had 13 grandchildren, had died, she said: We had a call to say he was out of surgery and that he was asking for a cigarette. As a result, we all assumed he was going to be all right.

The next thing I knew I was getting a call from Fatou to say that he had died. I dropped the phone as I was in such a state of shock.

Moments before he passed away he said to send his love to me, our mum and our dad. Fatou was crying down the phone and I couldnt say anything as I was so devastated.

Since then, she has been fighting to make sure that her brothers accused killer faces trial.

The familys lawyer Magdalena Knez, from Slater and Gordon, said: Mr Kenley was brutally killed in his own home and his alleged killer caught at the scene with the murder weapon.

Yet, three years on, Mr Kenleys family are still seeking answers about what happened and justice for his murder. We echo Mrs Kelletts call for the Foreign Office to taking a more active role to get this case heard and achieve justice for the family.Peers inflicted yet another defeat on the Government over Brexit (Victoria Jones/PA)

Theresa Mays plans for Brexit have been dealt further blows after a fresh wave of defeats in the House of Lords.

Here, we look at what it means for the Government:

 So, what headache for the Government have peers caused this time?

The Lords voted by a majority of 91 to give Parliament a decisive say on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

#HouseofLords votes 202 for, 260 against amendment on referendum on negotiations before withdrawal, so change to the #EUWithdrawalBill is not made. Watch for more https://t.co/yq5cNXOlT2 pic.twitter.com/lKA6KvW2Nz  House of Lords (@UKHouseofLords) April 30, 2018

 What does it mean for the Prime Ministers exit strategy?

It would put an end to Mrs Mays position that the UK will leave the EU with no deal if MPs reject the final package she secures. The Government says it would weaken the UKs hand in negotiations with Brussels and could even give Parliament the power to delay the UKs exit from the European Union indefinitely.

 Did any Conservative peers rebel?

Some 19 Tories rebelled, including former fronthbenchers Lord Heseltine, Lord Patten of Barnes and Lord Willetts. They say the countrys future should be determined by Parliament rather than the Government.

#HouseofLords votes 270 for, 233 against amendment on parliamentary mandate for negotiating Brexit deal, so change to the #EUWithdrawalBill is made. Watch for more https://t.co/vxrXlAbCPG pic.twitter.com/m1t7B19ydR  House of Lords (@UKHouseofLords) April 30, 2018

 What happens next?

The amendment to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill will go to the Commons to be voted on by MPs. The Government will seek to overturn the result and Tory Remainers will face intense pressure to fall into line.

 Was it the only defeat peers inflicted on the Government?

It was the first of three on Monday evening. They also supported a move to give Parliament approval of the mandate for negotiations over the UKs future relationship with the EU and backed a post-Brexit system that enables lone child refugees to join family members living in the UK.

It takes the tally overall to nine defeats, with ministers seeing off just two challenges.What the papers say - May 1

The fallout from the resignation of Amber Rudd as Home Secretary features on many of the morning papers, along with the Iran nuclear deal and the merger between Sainsburys and Asda.

The Times leads with Sajid Javids appointment as Ms Rudds replacement, as he seeks to break free from Theresa Mays legacy at the department and put his own stamp on immigration after Brexit.

THE TIMES: Javid to end hostile era for illegal immigrants #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Q3DR2Fn8KL  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) April 30, 2018

The Daily Telegraph leads on claims from Israel that the nuclear pact with Iran was based in deception.

The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Nuclear deal was based on deception, claims Israel' #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/Oj6nsqPCLz  The Telegraph (@Telegraph) April 30, 2018

The Windrush generation lead the Guardian, with the new Home Secretary pledging to do right by immigrants from the Caribbean.

Guardian front page, 1 May 2018: Javid steps into the breach as PM tries to halt Windrush crisis pic.twitter.com/cwlAwboYlu  The Guardian (@guardian) April 30, 2018

The Financial Times reports on a feverish tide of takeover activity, pointing to the proposed merger of Sainsburys and Asda, and similar deals between T-Mobile and Sprint.

Just published: front page of the Financial Times UK edition Tuesday May 1 https://t.co/CKOAyxsVMQ pic.twitter.com/ehsPknlFnl  Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) April 30, 2018

The Metro runs with a picture of Mr Javid and reports that he said he was the right choice to sort out the Windrush scandal.

The i runs with a similar picture, saying the installation of the Bromsgrove MP will signal a fresh start.

I: Javid signals fresh start at the Home Office #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/refGZlETcI  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) April 30, 2018

The Independent reports that Mr Javid wants to distance himself from the rhetoric of creating a hostile environment for immigration, as referenced by the then Home Secretary Theresa May.

The Daily Mirror says there is mounting pressure on Theresa May to quit as Prime Minister over the Windrush scandal.

The Sun carries a story about a barrister being dismissed after allegedly spanking a junior colleague.

The Daily Mail calls the House of Lords the house of unelected wreckers and reports that peers succeeded in their latest bid to derail Brexit.

The Daily Express carries stories about a Parkinsons sufferer being beaten up in a care home and a terminal cancer patient waiting 16 hours for a bed, saying the care system is in crisis.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star reports that comic Peter Kay is happy to have returned to the stage.Sometimes you dont even need to know the rules of a sport to realise youve just seen something special happen in a match.

Thats exactly the case with this college ultimate frisbee game in Virginia, US, but it also helps to know it had gone to sudden death  known as universe point  and this was the play that won it.

With the scores at 12 apiece, that final point was scored by Georgetown catcher Danie Fain in what video-maker and ultimate frisbee fan Akshat Rajan said was one of the greatest upsets in College Ultimate history.

UNC Wilmington was heavily favoured, he told the Press Association. Georgetown was ranked 76 in the nation.

The match was being played in the Atlantic Coast Mens D-1 Regionals in Axton.

By winning this game after that play, Georgetown would go on to defeat University of Virginia to qualify for Nationals, something nobody expected, said Akshat.

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On universe point Akshat says teams are usually more conservative, but not in this case, with Georgetown player Christian Boxley managing to keep the frisbee in play without touching the ground.

If it were caught there, it wouldve been incomplete as the player caught the frisbee out of bounds, said Akshat.

Instead, he pulls off a play known as a Greatest, which is an extremely rare and difficult play made when someone catches a frisbee out of bounds and throws it back in bounds while still in the air and with his feet not touching the ground.

To add to that, one of the Georgetown players attempts to catch it, is slides off of his hand, and into Danie Fains hands, who makes an incredible layout extension grab to score.Protesters wearing masks of US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un march with others at a May Day rally in Tokyo (Koji Sasahara/AP)

Workers and activists have marked May Day with rallies to demand their governments address labour issues.

International Workers Day is a public holiday in many countries, though activities are restricted in some places, sometimes leading to confrontations.

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Here is a look at some of the events around the world:

Turkey

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Police in Istanbul detained more than a dozen demonstrators who tried to march towards Istanbuls symbolic main square in defiance of a ban.

Turkey declared Taksim Square off-limits to May Day celebrations citing security concerns. Roads leading to the square were blocked and police allowed only small groups of labour union representatives to lay wreaths at a monument there.

Still, a group of some 25 people chanting Taksim cannot be off limits on May 1 tried to push their way into the square but were rounded up by riot police.

Taksim holds a symbolic value for Turkeys labour movement. In 1977, 34 people were killed there during a May Day event when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.

Philippines

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About 5,000 people from various groups rallied near the presidential palace in Manila.

They were protesting over the failure of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfil a major campaign promise to end contractualisation, the widespread practice of short-term employment.

The protesters also demanded that the government address issues including low wages, unemployment and trade union repression.

South Korea

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Thousands of labour union members rallied in central Seoul for a higher minimum wage and other demands.

They chanted slogans urging the government to implement a 10,000 won (6.82) minimum wage and convert all non-regular employees to regular workers with equal pay and treatment.

The rally was organised by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. The police estimated the crowd at 10,000 people.

The union members also demanded that the government scrap the restructuring of the shipbuilding and car industries, and reform the huge conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy.

Indonesia

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About 10,000 workers from various labour groups rallied near the presidential palace in Jakarta to voice their demands.

Most of the workers came from Jakarta and nearby suburbs, but some travelled from West Java and Surabaya.

The protesters urged the government to avoid outsourcing, and to raise their wages. They also asked the government to stop foreign labourers from working in Indonesia, saying it decreases employment opportunities for local workers.

Cambodia

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About 2,000 garment workers gathered at a park in Cambodias capital, Phnom Penh, for a rally organised by a garment union coalition.

The workers wanted to march to the National Assembly to urge politicians to help them address labour-related concerns, but the group was stopped by riot police.

Prime Minister Hun Sun spent May Day with some 5,000 garment workers just outside Phnom Penh. He thanked the workers by announcing that each of them will receive 50,000 riel (9.18). With a general election coming up in July, Mr Hun Sen has for the past year been courting the large bloc of garment workers, whose unions have traditionally been strong supporters of the opposition.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankas government has postponed the rallies and processions that mark May Day because the week-long celebrations of the national festival of Vesak carry on until May 2 this year.

The government said in a statement that the decision was taken following requests by leading Buddhist monks, who are very influential in the majority Buddhist country. Vesak is also known as Buddha Purnima and marks the enlightenment of Lord Buddha.

The government has asked political parties and trade unions not to hold rallies on May 1. Some have said they will ignore the government directive and mark the day.

Usually, Sri Lankan political parties and trade unions celebrate International Workers Day with colourful parades and giant rallies to showcase their political and organisational strength.

The government said it will mark International Workers Day on May 7.

Greece

Expand Close Protesters during a rally organised by the Communist-affiliated PAME labour union outside the Greek parliament (Petros Giannakouris/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook

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Thousands of Greeks marched through central Athens in at least three separate May Day demonstrations.

Museums were also shut while ferries remain were tied up in port and public transport operated on a reduced schedule in strikes marking labour day.

Police said at least 7,000 people were at the first demonstration in Athens, which was organised by a communist party-led union. The protesters marched by parliament and headed up a major avenue to the United States Embassy.

Another four demonstrations were planned in Greeces second largest city of Thessaloniki in the north.



Spain

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More than 70 cities across Spain have held May Day marches calling for gender equality, higher salaries and pensions now that the countrys economy is back on track.

The demonstration in Madrid was among the biggest, with thousands rallying behind the slogan Time to win.

CCOO union official Unai Sordo says that a social majority is emerging from the psychosis of the (global financial) crisis in 2008 that hit Spain hard.

Pepe Alvarez, the secretary general of UGT  the other main union in Spain, said that meeting the demands of feminists, youths and pensioners are necessary to redistribute wealth in the country.

Spains economy, the fourth-largest in the 19-country eurozone, has in recent years posted some of the fastest economic growth in Europe. Last year, it reached 3.1%.



Germany and Austria

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Tens of thousands of workers marched across Germany and Austria rallying for their rights in the face of globalisation.

In Vienna, some 12,000 people gathered in front of city hall, some carrying banners with slogans against planned welfare cuts by the new government.

Meanwhile, around 4,000 union supporters marched on different routes through Berlin, before assembling at the German capitals landmark Brandenburg Gate.

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We have more rich and even richer people than we ever had before, said protester Aimo Tuegel in Berlin. And, on the other hand, work and working conditions for workers continuing to get worse.

In Nuremberg, where the German Confederation of Trade Unions, or DGB, held its main event this year, some 6,500 protesters cheered as the groups leader, Reiner Hoffmann, said the unions managed to civilise industrial capitalism some 100 years ago and would also be able to tackle contemporary challenges like digitalisation.

The DGB said that altogether some 340,000 people participated in almost 500 May Day events across Germany.She had to go. Amber Rudd's resignation over what she herself described as "the Windrush scandal" became inevitable as the evidence mounted remorselessly against her.

And now the pundits are asking whether this sorry story could trigger the prospects for an early General Election - possibly in the autumn. Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has spoken about the odour of a decomposing Government.

This event has highlighted the inability of the Government to handle an internal problem - the way they did tackle it was shambolic, to say the least.

But, worse than that, the unwelcome spotlight is now trained on Theresa May herself. Opposition MPs are now demanding she makes a Commons statement on her role in this whole affair when she was Home Secretary.

The departure of Rudd - the Prime Minister's protection shield - has made Mrs May more vulnerable than ever.

The Government's campaign to protect Rudd before she resigned was laughably ridiculous.

Fellow ministers, who were wheeled out one by one to say what a brilliant minister Rudd was, sounded insincere and without conviction. Everyone could see through that.

And the statement from Downing Street that the Prime Minister had full confidence in her now looks like a blatant untruth.

Rudd's claim that she was unaware of targets set for the deportation of illegal immigrants merely served to demonstrate that she had lost control of the Home Office and did not know what went on - inexcusable.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has picked Sajid Javid to replace Rudd.

The Government is now beginning to look in serious disarray.

Meanwhile, Labour smell blood. Having helped to depose of Rudd, they are now setting their sights on the prize scalp of all: the Prime Minister herself.

In short, her Government is in dire trouble.

n Meanwhile, the exposure of the Windrush affair could scarcely have come at a worse moment for the Government on the cusp of this week's local government elections.

The Tories' prospects at these elections were bleak enough, anyway, and these disclosures have made a bad situation that much worse.

Many ethnic minority voters, who might have otherwise been expected to vote Conservative on Thursday, will certainly, at the very least, think twice before doing so - or, more likely, not vote at all for them.

After all, a picture has been painted - probably not inaccurately - that the Home Office is going is own merry way leaving departmental ministers with virtually no control over it; a very bad situation indeed.

The Tories do look as though they are in a bad way, with reports of Cabinet disunity and frustration. These included claims of a spat between the Prime Minister and her Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson - a claim which, as you might expect, Downing Street has fiercely denied.

But there is a cynical saying in Fleet Street: never believe a story until it has been officially denied.

So, we know where we stand with that. But my prediction is that there will be no Tory victory parades after next Thursday's poll.

Is the House of Lords getting too big for its boots?

The votes of this unelected chamber for Britain to remain in the customs union after Brexit is probably at total variance with what the elected House of Commons wants - certainly, the Government wants a clean break from the union, so the UK can indulge in international trading without any strictures from Brussels.

If this situation does develop much further, we could be seeing an ugly war of words between the Commons and Lords, which some have warned could even degenerate into a constitutional crisis.

The role of the House of Lords is to check what emanates from the Commons, not to do battle with them.

But, unless wiser counsels prevail, that is where they could be heading.

So, stand by for an unseemly political confrontation.

A major change has come over Donald Trump since he became US President: his handshake.

Before he was voted into the White House, Trump had an aversion to shaking any hands at all - it was a phobia of catching germs.

Nowadays, however, his handshakes have become almost grotesque in their length and technique.

He grips the hand of his "victim" with the ferocity of a shark's teeth plunging into your flesh and with his tiny hands pulls the person he is welcoming towards him, almost causing them to lose their balance. Then he seems reluctant to be the first to let go.

Both Macron and Trudeau, leaders respectively of France and Canada, have suffered at his hands.

He also holds hands like a young suitor. He held Theresa May's hand coming down the White House staircase (no surprises there) and virtually dragged Macron into the limelight, before indulging in some bizarre air kissing and hugs. A very strange man.

Meanwhile, it is good news he is coming to Britain. But bad news that influential people, like Speaker John Bercow, are so unwelcoming in their attitude.

Bercow may think he is being clever and brave; in fact, he is simply being uncouth and insulting to a man who was elected by a majority of US voters to the White House.

I trust the organisers of this event in July will not allow themselves to be influenced by pipsqueaks.David Davis and the European Union Chief Negotiator in charge of Brexit negotiations with Britain, Michel Barnier

In the once popular game of chicken, the first driver who swerves off the road to avoid danger loses.

Victory involves staying calm, showing courage and holding your nerve.

That's the backdrop against which the two-day visit to Northern Ireland is taking place of the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier. Brussels and London appear to be on a collision course.

The two sides are facing off with increasing menace, revving their engines and kicking up dust. As they prepare to drive straight at each other, it will be a case of who flinches first.

Mr Barnier piled on the pressure yesterday. There could be no Brexit withdrawal deal without a "backstop" option for the border, he said.

If no better solution is found, Northern Ireland would continue to follow EU rules relating to the all-Ireland economy and North-South co-operation. Mr Barnier laid the blame for the situation clearly at London's door. "The backstop is not there to change the UK's red lines. It is there because of the UK's red lines," he said.

"The UK's decision to leave the single market and the customs union creates a risk that the hard border will return.

"This is why it is necessary to have a self-standing backstop solution."

Brussels' agenda is quite clear. The border is leverage in its battle to keep the whole of the UK in the customs union. As a weapon in the negotiations, it is powerful and emotional.

Arlene Foster yesterday accused Mr Barnier of being "aggressive" towards unionists in the Brexit talks.

She said he didn't understand their history, culture or position. He was not acting as an "honest broker" in the talks, the DUP leader claimed.

But Mr Barnier is not there as some neutral referee. He bears no ill-will to the UK or unionists. Indeed, the silver-haired, urbane Frenchman has more than likely paid scant attention to the DUP or any other political party in Northern Ireland until fairly recently.

He just wants the best deal possible for Team EU.

It is those selfish, strategic reasons - as opposed to any ideological predisposition - which puts him on a more friendly footing with Dublin, Sinn Fein and nationalist politicians.

The DUP's political priorities could well be tested in the weeks and months ahead. Will its dedication to the Union - and hence its opposition to special status for Northern Ireland - totally triumph over its support for Brexit?

Will it be prepared to accept the UK remaining in the customs union in order that the economic union between Britain and Northern Ireland remains unaltered?

There are staunch pro-Brexit voices in the party's Westminster ranks such as Sammy Wilson and Ian Paisley. But others, including deputy leader Nigel Dodds, may support leaving the EU but are not diehards.

The stakes are high as we wait to see who blinks first in the Brexit battle.A researcher from a major London-based TV news show rang me on Friday to discuss the Ashers case.

We talked over the basics - the McArthur family, who own Ashers bakery, run a successful family business. Gareth Lee, a gay rights activist, asked Ashers bakery to make a cake with the slogan 'Support Gay Marriage' on it. Ashers were happy to sell Mr Lee a cake, but not to promote a view contrary to their firmly-held religious beliefs.

When they politely declined to bake the cake, they were taken to court in a case supported by the Equality Commission. They lost and are now appealing to the Supreme Court, which is sitting in Belfast this week for the first time ever.

But isn't that unfair to gay people, the London researcher asked me. I explained that Mr Lee had been served by Ashers before and they would happily serve him again. "Oh" she said, seeming a little surprised by this, but she persisted that it seemed unfair. I explained that if I, the chief commissioner or anybody, gay or straight, had asked them to make that cake they would have politely declined. "Oh" she said again sounding surprised.

She had one more attempt to point out the perceived unfairness to gay people. This time I explained that Peter Tatchell, the UK's leading gay rights campaigner, who had initially opposed Ashers, now supported their cause. He said: "Ashers did not discriminate against the customer, Gareth Lee, because he was gay. They objected to the message he wanted on the cake: 'Support gay marriage'."

There was one final "Oh" from the researcher. She hadn't realised Mr Lee had been served before, that the case was about the message not the customer, and that Peter Tatchell believed the case set a dangerous precedent. The researcher admitted she was a little behind in her knowledge of the case and that it now sounded much more interesting.

Northern Ireland's most famous cake was purchased almost four years ago and some are understandably tired by the whole saga. There is considerable ignorance about the facts of the case and the implications of the ruling. "Only in Northern Ireland," I heard someone comment. Except there is an almost identical case heading to the Supreme Court in America. The issue of free speech is a global one.

While the case has been portrayed as a battle between gay rights and religious freedom, it is actually about compelled speech and conscience. It has implications for everyone and that is why we should all care.

Discrimination against people is wrong. Ashers cannot and should not be able to discriminate against Mr Lee because he is gay. But discrimination against ideas is right and necessary in a free society - because some ideas are good and some are bad. The distinction is subtle but critically important.

This case is about forcing Ashers, or anyone for that matter, to use their skills to support a cause they disagree with. It tells people they can have their conscience or beliefs, but they are to be kept private. It is the State deciding which views it thinks are appropriate in the public square.

For the sake of a free and fair society, I for one hope and pray the Supreme Court will rule in favour of Ashers.

Peter Lynas is director of the Evangelical Alliance in Northern IrelandCMX Bypass, Monaghan is located within easy reach of both Belfast and Dublin

With its convenient setting, a host of cost-effective business space and an indigenous corporate landscape rivalled by no other Irish county, Monaghan is being dubbed as the perfect post-Brexit base for investors.

When Monaghan firm, Combilift, opened Irelands largest single-site factory last week, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar travelled up for the occasion - an endorsement that tells NI investors this county has something unique to offer in a post Brexit world.

Located midway between Irelands two largest business hubs, with travelling times of just over one hour from Belfast, and 50 minutes from Dublin, the county provides not only a convenient but a cost effective base from which to do business.

Couple its advantageous location with an already thriving business community that spans agri food to retail and e-commerce, with a network of business support firmly in place, and its understandable why the location is savouring its moment in the spotlight as prime estate after our exit from the EU.

Monaghan is also is one of few hubs in Ireland to have a high density of native investors with six out of ten employers born and bred there.

And those businesses have formed strong links with local education providers to address skills gaps and ensure a robust talent pool for future generations and investors to come.

Among its top corporate residents it counts Monaghan Mushrooms, Combilift, Cloud10beauty.com, Mullan Lighting, Silver Hill Food, Agro Merchants Group, Kerry Foods and Celtic Pure.

Speaking about the benefits of investing in a Monaghan address, Eamonn OSullivan, chief executive of Monaghan County Council said:

Monaghan's location, within easy reach of Belfast and Dublin International Airports with good road access to the major ports, provides businesses with direct access to the EU and UK markets. When combined with lower costs of business set ups and the supportive ethos in the county, this makes Monaghan a very attractive proposition for new business investments.

Garry Quinn of Belfast firm Go Power Energy is one investor who has realised the benefits of setting up shop in Monaghan. He opened an office in Carrickmacross two years ago.

Expand Close Belfast firm Go Power Energy has a base in C:TEK, Carrickmacross - just one of Monaghan's high-tech, purpose-built enterprise, technology and business parks / Facebook

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He said: We opened a base in Monaghan because we started to trade in the Republic of Ireland. For us it was about opening doors and creating employment in the area.

We found that doing business in the Republic and being based elsewhere than the usual cities proved successful for us because we are customer focused and people liked the fact we were based locally.

Mr Quinn, who has since opened other bases in ROI, said Monaghans close proximity to other counties also proved beneficial.

And Mullan Lighting, a firm set up in 2008 within an historic former shoe factory that has Monaghans rich business heritage at the heart of its makeup, has seen business soar from its base there.

Edel Treanor, marketing director at the firm, says location is everything when it comes to business success.

Manufacturing our products in a remote rural village in Co. Monaghan is part of the Mullan Lighting brand itself. From the old shoe mill in Mullan village we manufacture and sell our products to 55 countries worldwide. Its a story that our customers across Europe and the Middle East still find fascinating.

Were very accessible when customers come to visit us from abroad. We often take customers to sample the local food and drink in Glaslough village or Monaghan town - which is becoming known a food destination.

Ms Treanor adds that straddling the border has benefits for those who want to operate effectively post-Brexit.

In our case were less than a stones throw from the border with county Armagh. Should courier charges and customs clearance delays for delivery to the United Kingdom raise significantly post-Brexit - where about 20% of our exports go - were in a position to warehouse and ship goods bound for this market within a few miles of our current premises in county Monaghan. So we benefit from having untethered access to the European Single Market while also benefiting from potentially lower shipping rates and lower shipping times into the United Kingdom. This is all still up in the air though for the time-being.

And Mallon Foods, an employer of 120 staff members, has reinforced its faith in the business acumen of Monaghan by seeking planning permission for a two-storey extension to boost its production in Hilden, on the outskirts of the town.

It makes sense to stay put in a location where office space is competitively priced - one third of the cost of commercial property in Dublin.

A mix of setups are available to those seeking a foothold in the EU. These include state-of-the-art industrial units to multi-use conference venues and hot-desking space with flexible rental terms.

Purpose-built enterprise, technology and business parks in Monaghan Town, Carrickmacross, Clones, Ballybay and Emyvale further accommodate businesses of various sizes in high-spec, self-contained units, and are equipped with high-speed broadband, shared kitchen facilities and ample parking.

For food start-ups, cutting-edge incubator kitchen facilities at the Ballybay Enterprise Park sets the scene and Enterprising Monaghan, a non-profit organisation with an aim to boost corporate activity in the area, recently secured a 200k grant from Enterprise Ireland to develop the existing facility into a Regional Food Centre of Excellence.

And the 62-acre Lough Egish Food Park in Ballybay is a hub for agri-food producers including Lakeland Dairies, Glanbia, Rangeland Foods, Golden Irish and Swift Fine Foods, as well as construction and logistics specialists.

Investment in business space sits alongside the countys proactive approach to supporting newcomers and existing players with Monaghan County Council and Local Enterprise Office offering training courses, mentoring and grant advice/support to ensure any outside investment in the county is rewarded.

Find out more about locating your business in County Monaghan at monaghanbusiness.com

Fifteen ambassadors from the United Nations Security Council arrived in Myanmar on Monday to begin their probe of violence against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state during a military crackdown that drove 700,000 of them to Bangladesh.

The delegation, led by Security Council President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, met with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing after visiting vast displacement camps in Bangladesh where the Rohingya live. They are slated to head to northern Rakhine state on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Aung San Suu Kyi said Myanmar is ready to accept Rohingya refugees who have been approved for repatriation after officials verified that they lived in Rakhine state before the crackdown, according to a statement issued by her office.

She also said that Myanmar needs Bangladeshs cooperation to expedite the repatriation process and that the country should submit completed repatriation application forms, as agreed to by both nations, without further delay.

Aung San Suu Kyi also discussed the governments providing of humanitarian assistance to all people, the need to build trust in communities, the citizenship process for returning Rohingya, the closure of displacement camps that house Rohingya, the issuance of National Verification Cards for returning refugees, and enforcing the rule of law in Rakhine state.

When the diplomats met with Min Aung Hlaing, they asked him about the security situation in Maungdaw and Buithdaung  two of the three townships where the crackdown took place  the repatriation process, projects on which Myanmar can work with U.N. agencies in Rakhine, and the militarys willingness to act in accordance with the law in the state.

Min Aung Hlaing responded that the army is the only institution that can protect the country and that it will take action against anyone who violates rules and laws.

The Rakhine crisis occurred because of Muslim militants he referred to as terrorists who carried out deadly attacks on 30 police outposts on Aug. 25, 2017, and caused other violence in the northern part of the state, he said.

Myanmar is ready to accept back Rohingya refugees according to an agreement it signed with Bangladesh last November, and the army is ready to work with other institutions according to the governments directions, Min Aung Hlaing said.

He also told the delegation that the army has been taking action against soldiers who have been found guilty of raping Rohingya girls and women during the crackdown.

The military stands accused of human rights violations that include indiscriminate killings, rape, torture and arson in Rohingya communities. Both the U.N. and the United States have said that the campaign amounted to ethnic cleansing.

Min Aung Hlaing told the U.N. team that international organizations must be fair to local ethnics  meaning those other than the Rohingya  when performing humanitarian work in Rakhine and that they should study the documents and photos that the Myanmar army has provided to them to learn about the on-the-ground situation.

A comprehensive look

Pyone Kaythi Naing, a National League for Democracy lawmaker in the lower house of the national parliament, said the diplomats had planned to meet with six members of parliament, but had to cancel because of a flight delay on account of bad weather.

She also suggested that the delegation meet with various communities and civil society organizations.

Because the situation in Myanmar is very sensitive and complicated, they need to look comprehensively at the issues from different angles and perspectives, she said. The important thing for us is explaining the issue to them in a way that will foster a solution and resolve problems, and not create more complications.

On Tuesday, the U.N. delegation will go to Maungdaw township by helicopter to visit refugee repatriation centers and ethnic and Muslim villages, said Maung Maung, deputy director of the Information and public Relations Department of Rakhine state.

The delegation members will return to Rakhines capital Sittwe in the evening and then head to Myanmars capital Naypyidaw.

Things are going slow

Earlier on Monday, the delegation also met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and expressed concern that progress on resolving the Rohingya refugee crisis was moving slowly.

Myanmar should act in accordance with the agreement it has signed with Bangladesh, Hasina said during the meeting, according to Ihsanul Karim, the prime ministers press secretary who relayed the comment to BenarNews.

Hasina also told the delegation that the repatriation of the refugees should be done under the supervision of the U.N. and that he expects China, Russia, India, and Japan, to play a major role in resolving the crisis.

We have been concerned that things are going slow, Gustavo Meza-Cuadra said. "That is the reason the Security Council is here ... On our arrival New York, we will continue our discussions. This is one of the issues that is on the top of our agenda.

After the delegation ended its three-day visit to Bangladesh and was about to head to Myanmar,

Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, Kuwaits permanent representative at the U.N. and a member of the delegation, told the media at the airport in Bangladeshs capital Dhaka that the situation cannot remain without solutions.

We are determined to find an end and a solution for this crisis. We are not expecting to have to easily solve this problem very quick[ly], he said. But all the parties should show commitments to solv[ing] it as soon as possible.

We cannot remain silent about it, and when we go back to New Yorkwe will try to explore ways and means to speed up the implementation of the agreement signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar for [the] safe, free, and voluntary and dignified return of the refugees, he said.

Reported by Radio Free Asia, a sister entity of BenarNews.Updated at 4:50 p.m. ET on 2018-04-30

A Danish national of Yemeni descent on Monday became the first person sentenced under Malaysias new law against fake news after he pleaded guilty to posting inaccurate criticism of police on social media.

Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, 46, will serve a month behind bars after apologizing and admitting that he posted a video on YouTube accusing police of making a slow response to distress calls when a Palestinian electrical engineer was shot dead in Kuala Lumpur on April 21.

Malaysia began prohibiting fake news in April after its parliament passed a law that makes maliciously spreading or creating fake news punishable by up to six years in prison and a maximum fine of up to 500,000 ringgit (about U.S. $128,000). Critics said the law could potentially stifle free speech as the country gears up for its May 9 general election.

Salah, who holds a Malaysian tourist visa, said in his video that authorities took 50 minutes to respond to the killing of Fadi Mohamad Al Batsh, a 35-year-old university lecturer who was gunned down by two men on a motorbike as he walked to a mosque in the capital.

But police said it took them only eight minutes and prosecutors charged that Salah published fake news through his video with ill intent.

I apologize to Malaysians. I did not know such a law and I did not have any knowledge about it, Salah, who was wearing a white robe and a green skullcap, told the court in English.

The court sentenced Salah to a week in jail, including time already served since his arrest on April 23, and a fine of 10,000 ringgit (about U.S. $2,500), but he chose to serve a month behind bars in lieu of paying the fine.



Salah, who was not represented by an attorney, said he posted the video in a moment of anger but meant no harm.

Prosecutors said the two-minute video, which has been deleted from the video-sharing portal, showed Salah appearing near the scene of Al Batshs killing after the shooting.

Police said they were pursuing suspects in the killing. Last week, investigators released a picture of one of the alleged shooters who had a striking resemblance to a computer-generated sketch of one of the suspects believed to be of European or Middle Eastern origin.

The militant group Hamas has eulogized Al Batsh as a member and accused Israel of involvement in the killing, but Israeli officials dismissed the allegations.



Malaysias Anti-Fake News Act covers news, information, data and reports that are deemed wholly or partly false and includes features, visuals and audio recordings. The law applies to offenders outside Malaysia and includes foreigners, if the country or any of its citizens are affected.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement challenging Salahs sentence.

Malaysias first conviction under its fake news law shows authorities plan to abuse the new provision to criminalize critical reporting, CPJ senior Southeast Asia representative Shawn Crispin said. The dangerous precedent should be overturned and this ill-conceived law repealed for the sake of press freedom.



Muslim-majority Malaysia is not the only Southeast Asian nation that recently clamped down on false news. Lawmakers in Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines also are preparing legislation to counter the proliferation of fake news online.Philippine troops head back to the devastated village of Mapandi which has been cleared of Islamic State group-linked militants in Marawi city in southern Philippines, Oct. 19, 2017.

The United States on Monday declared a former Filipina teacher as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, alleging that she facilitated the transfer of funds to the slain leader of the Islamic State (IS) in the Philippines and helped Indonesian militants acquire firearms.

Myrna Mabanza (alias Myrna Ajijul Mabanza), a resident of the southern Philippine province of Basilan, was involved in the January 2016 transfer of $107,000 to Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of the Marawi siege, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said in a news release. The source of the funding was not included in the news release.



Hapilon, the acknowledged leader of IS in the Philippines, launched the Marawi siege with other pro-IS militants in May 2017.

The siege ended in October after security forces killed Hapilon in five months of vicious gun battles that led to the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly militants.

As a result of todays designation, all property and interests in property of Mabanza subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with her, the treasury department said.

Sigal Mandelker, the treasurys undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said Mabanza also served as an intermediary between extremist groups in Southeast Asia that are recruiting, training, and deploying radical terrorists.



The United States continues to map and disrupt ISIS financing networks in Southeast Asia and is resolved to cut their access to the international financial system, Mandelker said, using another acronym for IS.

Mabanza was arrested and detained during an anti-drug raid on Sept. 7, 2016, in the southern city of Zamboanga, where she worked as a public school teacher, according to a Philippine police news release two years ago. Police seized three small packets of meth from her during the raid.

It was not immediately clear if Mabanza remained in detention, but the treasury department said that in February 2016, she also served as an intermediary between Hapilon and IS elements in Syria.

In March 2016, Mabanza coordinated another transfer of funds with Hapilon, the treasurys statement said, adding that during the same month a senior ISIS official in Syria planned to send financial support to Hapilons group through Mabanza. It was not immediately clear if that transaction went through.

In April 2016, Mabanza helped facilitate the travel of a Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) representative who traveled from Indonesia to the Philippines, according to the departments release, which did not identify the militant.

Mabanza accompanied the JAD representative to Basilan, Philippines to meet Hapilon, it said.

The JAD representative traveled to the Philippines, purchased firearms for IS-aligned militants in Indonesia and set up training courses for Indonesian militants in the southern Philippines where they received firearms training in pro-IS guerrilla camps and learned basic bomb-making techniques, the statement said.

Mabanza passed the licensing test for elementary school teachers in November 2012, according to the Manila-based Professional Regulation Commission.

JAD, which was formed in 2015, is composed of almost two dozen Indonesian extremist groups that had pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi. The U.S. Department of State designated JAD as a Specially Designated Terror Group on Jan. 10, 2017.Let's pause to take a look at 10 extraordinary mothers in the Bible. These women obeyed God's calling, served sacrificially, and built a life of faith for their family. We can learn much from the examples of these Biblical mothers.

1. Sarah: The Mother Who Waited

In Genesis 11:30 we learn, Now Sarai was childless because she was not able to conceive. This would have grieved both Sarah and Abraham, and in Genesis 15 when the word of the LORD came to Abram he answered, what will you give me LORD since you have not given me an heir? God tells him to look at the stars in the Sky, for that would be the number of his offspring. Abraham and Sarah waited 15 years before God renewed His promise, and 10 more years before the promise was fulfilled and Sarah bore a son, Isaac.

Sarah probably wouldnt win an award for waiting and she even laughed at the idea that God could do what He promised, but thankfully Gods promise did not rely on the level of Sarahs faith. God fulfilled His promise according to His plan and Sarah responded in Genesis 21,

God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. And she added, Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.

Can you imagine waiting that long for a blessing? Sarah tried to believe the promise, but she had doubts until it finally came to fruition. Then she laughed with joy at what the LORD had done. Isaac would go on to continue the legacy of his father Abraham.

2. Hagar: The Mother Who Endured

Hagar was an Egyptian slave and a maidservant to Sarah, the wife of Abraham; she didnt have much say about anything and especially not in becoming Abrahams wife. Though her status changed, she was still secondary to Sarah.

Once Hagar became pregnant with Abrahams child, a rift developed between her and Sarah. After receiving mistreatment from Sarah, Hagar fled toward her homeland. But she met the angel of the LORD who told her to return, He also promised her numerous descendants through her son whom she was to name Ishmael.

Later, Hagar and her son Ishmael were sent away into the desert, where she believed they would both die. But God is faithful and showed her a well. Genesis 21 tells us, God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer.

Hagar thought she would get to escape her misery, but God called her to return to it. She obeyed, and He blessed her and her son just as He promised He would.

3. Rebekah: The Mother Who Believed

Rebekah was a woman of great faith, obeying God when Isaacs servant told her of the man who wanted to marry her. Genesis 25 tells us that when Rebekah became pregnant she could feel the babies jostling within her. When she asked the LORD why this was happening, He answered her: Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger. In that time, the older would have never served the younger, and the firstborn son would have inherited the best of everything.

When Isaac was old in age, he told Esau to hunt and prepare food so that he could receive his blessing. But Rebekah overheard this and told Jacob to bring her food so she could prepare it for Isaac first. Jacob was unsure about deceiving his father, but Rebekah responded in Genesis 27, My son let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me. I think it is safe to say that she remembered and took very seriously what God had spoken to her during her pregnancy.

Rebekah risked deception to follow Gods promise because she believed what He said was true. It should be noted that God did not call Rebekah to deception, but God is sovereign despite the good or bad choices we may make. And His plan unfolded exactly as He had told her. Later her son Jacob would wrestle with God and be given a new name, Israel.

4. Leah and Rachel: The Mothers Who Had to Share

When Jacob went to stay with his uncle Laban, he met one of his daughters, Rachel, and loved her. He wanted her for his wife and was willing to work seven years to marry her. But Laban tricked Jacob by giving him his older daughter Leah in marriage instead. Jacob worked another seven years for Rachel, and he loved her more. Leah, knowing that she was unloved, bore Jacob many children to please him, while Rachel remained barren.

Both women ended up giving their maidservants to Jacob, who in turn bore him more children. Genesis 30 tells us, Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. Rachel bore Jacob two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, before she died in childbirth with Benjamin.

Siblings like to compete, but can you imagine having to share a husband with your sister, feeling like you always had to outdo the other. But God blessed both Leah and Rachel with children, continuing his covenant promise with Abraham. Leah and Rachels sons would go on to form the 12 tribes of Israel.

5. Jochebed: The Mother with a Plan

A new King in Egypt came to power who was under no obligation to honor Josephs deeds in Egypt and keep the special arrangement with the Israelites. He was worried about the Hebrews outnumbering and overtaking the Egyptians, so he made them slaves. He also commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill Hebrew baby boys when they were born, but they did not listen. Then Pharaoh gave another decree in Exodus 1, Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.

A Levite woman, Jochebed, gave birth to a son and hid him for 3 months. Exodus 2 tells us that when she could hide him no longer, she coated a papyrus basket with tar and pitch, placed the baby in it, then she set it in the reeds along the bank of the Nile. Jochebeds daughter, Miriam, watched to see what would happen as Pharaohs daughter went down to bath. When Pharaohs daughter saw the basket, her servants retrieved it for her and inside she found the baby crying and knowing he was a Hebrew child she felt sorry for him.

Miriam then spoke up and asked her if she would like her to fetch a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby; she agreed and Jochebed returned with her daughter to nurse her own baby. Pharaohs daughter paid Jochebed to nurse and raise the baby until he was old enough to come live with her. She then adopted him as her son and named him Moses.

Jochebed was determined to find a way to save her son, and God blessed her plan. Not only was her son saved from death, she was able to nurse and raise him until he was old enough to go live with Pharaohs daughter. Her son, Moses, went on to free the Hebrew people from Egypt, leading them in the desert toward the Promised Land according to Gods plan.

6. Samsons Mother: The Mother Who Followed the Rules

She is not mentioned by name in the Book of Judges, although some would say she is the Hazelelponi mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4. We cannot know for sure, so we can deduce that what she did is more important than her name. She was married to a man named Manoah but was unable to conceive. Judges 13 tells us,

The angel of the LORD appeared to her and said, You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.

Samsons mother knew there was something special about the angel of the LORD, and when her husband was afraid they would die for having seen the face of God she became the voice of reason saying He would not have told us these things if He were going to kill us.

She gave birth and named the baby Samson, and the LORD blessed him. Although some of his actions were questionable, the LORD used him mightily in His plan to defeat the Philistines.

7. Naomi: The Mother-in-Law Who Shared Her Faith

Naomi and her family fled to the country of Moab because of a famine in their land. Her husband died, and her two sons married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth. After 10 years both of Naomis sons passed away, and Naomi heard that the LORD had blessed the land of her people with food again. She told her daughters-in-law that they could return home to find new husbands. Although they both wept at her leaving, one refused to leave Naomis side. Orpah returned to her people and her gods, but Ruth said,

Dont urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.

Ruth was already learning from Naomis faith even during a time of bitterness. Naomi continued to watch out for Ruth and instruct her wisely in her dealings with Boaz, who became her kinsman redeemer. The LORD blessed Naomi, and she gained a son when Boaz married Ruth. Ruth and Boaz had a child, and the women of the land said to Naomi,

Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.

The child was named Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David who would be king. -Ruth 4:17.

8. Hannah: The Mother Who Kept Her Promise

Hannah was married to a man who loved her very much, but he also had another wife. This wife was able to bear children, but in 1 Samuel 1:5-6 we learn that the LORD had closed Hannahs womb. The rival wife provoked Hannah continually, but Hannah would go to the house of the LORD to pray. Her husband tried to console her saying, Dont I mean more to you than 10 sons? in 1 Sam. 1:8. Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly; she made a vow saying,

LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servants misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.

In fact, she was praying so hard that her lips were moving but no sound came out so that the priest, Eli, thought she was drunk. The LORD blessed Hannah, and she gave birth to a son and named him Samuel, saying, Because I asked the LORD for him. -1 Sam. 1:20

She did just as she had promised, and when the boy was old enough she took him to the house of the LORD and presented him to Eli. Hannah then prayed,

My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. And her beautiful prayer continues in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Samuel lived a life dedicated to the LORD, and he would go on to lead the people of Israel, anointing Israels first and second kingsSaul and David.

9. Elizabeth: The Mother Who Believed in Miracles

Elizabeth was married to a priest named Zechariah, and Luke 1 tells us that both Elizabeth and Zechariah were righteous before God, observing all of His commands. But Elizabeth was childless, and they were both old in age. Similar to people in Jobs day, people would have thought that sin prevented Elizabeth from bearing a child. This would have been very hard to face, especially being a wife of a priest.

When Zechariah was serving in the temple, an angel of the Lord, Gabriel, approached him and said,

Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Luke 1:13-14

Zechariah still questioned how this would be possible and because he doubted he was struck mute for the duration of Elizabeths pregnancy. Elizabeth was overjoyed at this blessing of life and said, The Lord has done this for me In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people. Luke 1:25

When Mary, the mother of Jesus, came to visit her cousin Elizabeth, the baby leapt in Elizabeths womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She took great joy in Marys pregnancy and blessing from the Lord. And when it came time for Elizabeth to give birth, she named her son John. When neighbors went to confirm this with Zechariah he wrote the same name and his mouth was opened; everyone wondered at what the child would be since his birth was miraculous.

John would go on to baptize people from their sins with water. He would prepare the way for the Messiah.

10. Mary: The Mother Who is Blessed among Women

Mary, a virgin pledged to a man named Joseph, was also visited by the angel Gabriel. He said to her in Luke 1:31,

Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacobs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.

Mary wondered at how this would be possible, and the angel told her, The Holy Sprit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Mary embraced these words in faith. When she visited her cousin Elizabeth, Elizabeth proclaimed, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Mary believed God would fulfill His promise.

An angel of the Lord also visited Joseph, who put him at ease with Marys pregnancy. As we read in Matthew 1, Joseph took Mary to be his wife, but they did not consummate the marriage until after she had given birth. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for a census, where she gave birth in the humblest of environments.

Mary treasured up many things in her heart as she raised Jesus, but she also had to endure the greatest sacrifice of all timeher son was the Son of God and He had come to give Himself up as a sacrifice, the one and only sacrifice that could be made for mankind. She had to watch Him suffer, be tortured and mocked, and die a cruel death on a cross by crucifixion.

John 19 tells us,

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mothers sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, Woman, here is your son, and to the disciple, Here is your mother. From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Even while He was dying, Jesus cared for His mother and gave her a new son to love her. Mary was blessed among women, for she was chosen by God to bear His Son and raise Him. Though there was death there was yet joy for Mary, as her son did not stay dead. He rose again from the grave, securing eternity for her and all who would believe.

Liz Kanoy is a senior editor with Crosswalk.com.The total of new car registrations increased slightly for the month of April when compared to April 2017.

According to official statistics released today by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) the number of new car registrations in April 2018 went up by 3.33% on last year.

However, for the year to date new car registrations remain down 4.68% on the same period in 2017.

New Light Commercial Vehicle registrations (LCV) were up 6.51% (1,800) on April 2017 (1,690) and year to date are up 5.39% (14,323).

While New Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV) are also up 4.74% for the month of April (243) compared to the same month last year (232) and are down 8.31% (1,158) year to date.

Imported Used Cars have increased 19.31% for April 2018 (8,649) when compared to April 2017 (7,249) and year to date are 11.74% (34,763) ahead of 2017 (31,111).

Carlow, Louth and Wexford are the only counties to see a rise in new car registrations in the first four months of the year.

SIMI Deputy Director General, Brian Cooke says that today's figures are broadly in line with expectations.

"The slight increases in all sectors for the month can be attributed somewhat to the extra working days in April 2018 compared to last year, as Easter fell in March," said Mr Cooke.

"Brexit continues to impact on business, as evidenced by the continued strong levels of used imports from the UK.

"Total new car registrations are projected to reach around 120,000 by the end of the year, a decline of 8.6% on 2017."

Digital DeskBy Gordon Deegan

Dublin City Council has said it is seriously concerned over plans for a 100m office development for the city centre on a site owned by beef baron Larry Goodman and his son.

The council has put on hold plans for the redevelopment of the Setanta Centre on Dublins Nassau Street, which is owned by Mr Goodman and his son.

The plan to redevelop the centre, which was built in the 1970s, into an eight-storey office block has already been opposed by the Kilkenny luxury goods retailer, which operates a flagship store on the site.

While the shop is not directly affected by the building plans, Kilkenny said the work would have a serious financial impact on its day-to-day business.

Dublin City Council has now expressed serious concerns over the proposed developments height and scale.

In putting the plan on hold, the council has taken account of the Kilkenny Shop objections; the group also having warned of job losses at its store as a result of the redevelopment work.

There is a further concern that the current design may impact and weaken the visual presence of the Kilkenny shop; an established and significant part of the retail and tourism experience of this area. This is not considered acceptable and should be reviewed, the council said.

It said that the concerns raised by Kilkenny have not been addressed in the planning application and that more details are required.Ireland's hardware sector is set for strong growth as the recovery in housebuilding continues.

With the economy forecast to grow by between 4% and 5% in the coming years the sector could create a further 2,000 jobs between now and the end of the decade, according to Hardware Association Ireland CEO, Annemarie Harte.

Speaking at the Association's 80th anniversary conference, Ms Harte said that 2,000 jobs could be considered a conservative estimate.

"According to the latest CSO figures the hardware sales grew by 5.1% in 2017.

"We can anticipate an increase in this figure during the next two years as a result of additional housebuilding.

"Forecasting is always an inexact science, but the hardware sector is a vital component in the construction industry supply chain and current trends point to robust and sustainable growth in both sales volumes and employment.

"Ten per cent growth in both could be a conservative estimate."

Ms Harte also pointed to the risk to the sector proposed by Brexit.

"Our members source some 20% of their imports from the UK but it is the timber sector which faces the greatest challenges," said Ms Harte.

"The Irish timber sector contributes 2.6bn to the economy and sustains 12,000 full time

rural jobs directly and indirectly.

"Over half of Irish sawmills output is exported, and 95% of those exports go to the UK.

"In addition, 90% of panel products produced in Ireland are exported, with two thirds going to the UK."

She said that the government must pay particular attention to the needs of the timber sector during Brexit negotiations.

Digital DeskUlster Bank has announced that it is the first bank open for applications for the Government's new Credit Guarantee Scheme.

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation initiative aims to help commercially viable SMEs who are finding it difficult to access finance through traditional channels.

The funding is aimed at SMEs that have insufficient and/or a perception of higher risk.

Key features include facilities of between 10,000 and 1 million, terms of up to seven years, as well as Term Loans, Demand Loans and Performance Bonds.

"Ulster Bank is delighted to be the first bank to offer the new Credit Guarantee Scheme as part of a number of supports to business customers," said Eddie Cullen, Managing Director, Commercial Banking Division, Ulster Bank.

"Its particularly important because it is specifically designed for SMEs that may be finding it hard to access finance."

Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Pat Breen, T.D. said: "The previous Credit Guarantee Scheme has been very successful with 560 facilities totalling 88.8 million sanctioned since it was launched in 2012, supporting 3,519 jobs.

"The new scheme has been expanded to provide even greater support for Irish SMEs to sustain and grow their businesses and increase the number of job opportunities across the country."

Digital DeskWorkers at five UK McDonald's restaurants have walked out on strike in a dispute over pay and union recognition.

Staff in Manchester, Cambridge, Crayford, south-east London, and two branches in Watford, formed picket lines as part of the action.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union is seeking formal recognition from the US fast food giant as well as campaigning for a 10-an-hour minimum wage and an end to lower rates for younger workers.

A union spokesman said members of the public, trade unionists, Labour Party members and others have been offering support to the strikers.

Lewis Baker, a McDonald's worker from Crayford, said: "Every message of support builds our confidence as we demand a fair wage and respect for the job."

Annalise Peters, who work at McDonald's in Cambridge, said: "The public and the labour movement have given us so much support and encouragement. When we went on strike last September it felt like a new workers' movement was being born."

Paul Pomroy, chief executive of McDonald's UK, said none of the affected stores would close, pointing out that only 11 workers out of a total of 120,000 were involved in the action.

He added that he prided himself on listening to staff, saying: "We survey them twice a year, and have recently increased the starting pay rate, giving the biggest increase to younger workers."

The union said more than 11 workers were taking action.

Richard, a striking @McDonalds worker in Watford, stands outside his store and tells bosses: You cannot belittle us. We are part of the trade union movement and we will win!



CEO Steve Easterbrook earns 5,500 an hour. Richard is fighting for a 10 living wage #McStrike pic.twitter.com/orPLIUql6z  Jack Shenker (@hackneylad) May 1, 2018

A McDonald's spokesman said: "We are expecting industrial action outside five of our restaurants today. With three strikes scheduled to take place this morning, we can confirm that across these three restaurants only one person who was scheduled to work took industrial action and this was in Manchester. Other attendees, at Cambridge and Crayford, were protesters and not our employees on strike.

"While we are disappointed, given our focus on putting people at the heart of our business, we are reassured that the number of our people involved is very low and an extremely small proportion of our UK workforce of 120,000.

"It is also regrettable that, during this process, we have had reports of intimidation of our people from activists. That is not behaviour we tolerate under any circumstances and we intend to investigate this further.

"We take the interests and well-being of our people very seriously and encourage anyone to speak up if they ever have any concerns.

"Our people can talk to our managers and raise issues informally, or more formally through our grievance procedure, and this is our preferred route to dealing with issues relating to our workforce. We remain committed to our people and their well-being at work.

"The intended strike action relates to pay and contracts. Over the last three years, we have taken a number of additional steps to ensure McDonald's UK remains a great place to work.

"Since September 2015, we have made three significant pay moves, and to maintain the many benefits we offer, from the great training and development opportunities, to payment of overnight premiums, which so many businesses have taken from their people in recent times.

"As promised last year, everyone has now been offered a minimum guaranteed hours contract. Despite this, around 80% of our people have selected to stay on flexible contracts because they value the opportunity to fit their work around their other commitments."

John McDonnell

UK shadow chancellor John McDonnell has written to McDonald's chief executive Steve Easterbrook saying the workers' demands were "fair and reasonable" and suggesting a meeting to discuss issues such as pay and union recognition at the company.

He said: "I believe that every worker deserves what they are calling for - a real living wage of at least 10 an hour, security in work and a choice of fixed hours, the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of age, and the right to form a trade union and for that union to be recognised by the company.

"Under a Labour government, all workers will be entitled to a real living wage of at least 10 an hour, an end to zero-hour contracts, an end to the unjust youth minimum wage rate, and powers for unions to support workers who wish to form a union.

"It is not too late to address the problems your workers have raised and to secure a reputation for your company as a good employer."

PAUpdate - 9.08pm: The HSE have released a statement reiterating its deepest apologies to women for any worry caused by the CervicalCheck debacle.

They have revealed that around 3,000 women in Ireland have been diagnosed with cervical cancer in the past 10 years, and CervicalCheck carried out an audit of 1,482 previous cervical screening tests on those women.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister Simon Harris could bow to mounting pressure and replace the Government's planned cervical cancer HIQA-led inquiry with a full-scale commission of investigation after revealing the number of women affected could be "double" what was previously believed, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith.

Mr Harris contradicted Taoiseach Leo Varadkar by saying he is open to scrapping the initial HIQA plans after saying a "potentially considerable number" of cervical cancer cases over the past decade have failed to be included in the initial HSE review.

While admitting "quite frankly I don't know" how many more women are involved, Mr Harris said he agreed with Fianna Fail health spokesperson Stephen Donnelly's suggestion the latest revelation could "double" the current 208 women affected by the scandal.

Watch the Dail debate below

They said that the audit is used to test and assure the standard of work that is being done and it was undertaken after the women were diagnosed.

They said: "That is to say that the Cervical Screening Programme did not withhold information from any woman that delayed their diagnosis of cancer. Rather the audit process of their previous smears was undertaken as a response to them having been diagnosed and of this being notified to CervicalCheck.

"When CervicalCheck is notified that a woman has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, the womens previous screening history can be reviewed. CervicalCheck carried out an audit of 1,482 previous cervical screening tests on women who were diagnosed with cervical cancer from 2008 to 2018. Clinical audit is used to test and assure the standard of work that is being done by a health service or facility.

Of 1,482 women who were notified to CervicalCheck as being diagnosed with cervical cancer, it was found that in the cases of 208 women, on look-back, the screening test could have provided a different result or a warning of increased risk or evidence of developing cancer.

They said more than three million cervical screening tests have been performed in Ireland since 2008, and more than 50,000 cases of pre-cancer and cancer have been detected and treated following cervical screening.

Further information and updates for the public will be provided over the coming days on cervicalcheck.ie.

Update - 8.53pm: A patient advocacy group says women affected by the CervicalCheck debacle just want the truth.

CEO of Patient Focus, Brigid Doherty, says women she has spoken to could have avoided serious medical intervention if their irregular smears had been caught earlier.

She said: "Both of those were in their late 30s, early 40s, and they had hysterectomies so the choice is taken away from them.

That's huge, if you haven't completed your family.

"So, yes, disappointment, anger, but the big issue for the majority is the lack of communication, the open, honest communication.

"Of course this is what has affected the trust in the service, are we going to be told the truth?"

Update 7.43pm: A "potentially considerable number" of cervical cancer screening tests undertaken by Cervical Check have not been audited - meaning the scale of the cervical cancer crisis could be far higher than first believed, writes Fiachra O Cionnaith.

Health Minister Simon Harris told the Dail tonight that the numbers revealed so far this week may not be the full picture.

The fresh revelations mean there could be many more women who should have had their initial smear tests acted on.

Earlier today, the Irish Cancer Society met with the Minister to seek reassurances on behalf of the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal and all the women who are now worried about their smear results.

At that meeting, Minister Harris agreed to the societys request that a letter be sent to all women of screening age addressing any concerns they may have about CervicalCheck and highlighting the value of the service.

Averil Power, Chief Executive at the Irish Cancer Society, said: "Vicky Phelan has repeatedly stressed she doesnt want her experience to put women off going for smear tests. It is essential this message gets through to the women of Ireland and they are not deterred from availing of a test that could save their lives.

"Understandably, many women are confused and worried at present. It is essential the Government reassures them by writing to them, answering their questions and highlighting the value of the service."

Ms Power welcomed the Ministers commitment to the move, and stressed that "everything possible must be done to help all the women affected by testing errors, and their families, on a one-one basis".

She said: "The Independent Clinical Review process must be set up as soon as possible and carried out in a supportive, patient-centred way.

"We want to make sure these women get the right support, clinical, psychological or otherwise."

Speaking at the start of the Dail debate, Mr Harris said he was told in recent days that all cervical cancer cases notified to the National Cancer Registry since 2014 had been audited to ensure all correct measures were taken.

However, in a shock move, the Health Minister said he has now learned "this is not the case".

He said: "I have to inform the House of some emerging information that I have received late this afternoon from the serious incident management team.

"While I had previously been advised and it had been commonly understood that the Cervical Check clinical audit covered all cases notified by the National Cancer Registry, I have been informed this afternoon that this is not the case.

While Cervical Check has audited all cases notified to it, I have been informed that a potentially considerable number of cases will not have been subjected to an audit of their screening history.

"These are not new cases of cancer. Nor is it a group of women wondering if they have cancer. These are women who have already been diagnosed with cervical cancer and treated as such but their cases have not been included in a clinical audit," Mr Harris said.

"Vicky Phelan's case has highlighted a number of weaknesses in how people engage with health services.

"Given the gravity of the situation, it is vital we introduce a process where everyone understands what happened and what needs to be done to rectify it.

"In the last two days significant progress has been made in contacting the 162 women whose audit results showed anomalies."

He revealed that the 1800 45 45 55 helpline had got around 6,000 calls by yesterday evening.

Health Minister says more than 208 women may have been affected by cervical cancer controversy pic.twitter.com/P0Pdx3snsi  RTE News (@rtenews) May 1, 2018

Reacting to the news Sinn Fein's health spokesperson Louise O'Reilly said it was "outrageous" that the scale of the issue was not yet known.

"There are women watching us this evening that are not aware of their own medical records - that is outrageous."

Fianna Fail health spokesperson Stephen Donnelly went on to describe evenst as an "outrage".

"What we have seen so far is nothing short of an outrage ... and it has led to widespread fear and anger across Ireland."

Labour's Alan Kelly says the Minister has dropped a bombshell with the news.

Mr Kelly said: "What is the number of cases that have now not been audited? And in your speech, you haven't told us.

This is a bombshell.

"What volume of women have not had their cases audited?"

Update 5.56pm: The Health Minister Simon Harris is making a statement in the Dail on the CervicalCheck scandal in the next hour.

The Department of Health has released the briefing note given to Simon Harris before Vicky Phelan's case went to court.

It says not telling her about the audit of her cancer test was not a patient safety issue.

3.09pm: CervicalCheck memo: Dept was told Vicky Phelan case was not 'a patient safety incident'The Government has published a briefing note sent to Health Minister Simon Harris concerning the Vicky Phelan CervicalCheck case.

The note was sent to the minister on April 16, before the case was heard at the High Court.

It says "that publicity around the case and/or settlement is likely".

The National Screening Service and Jerome Coffey, Head of the National Cancer Control Programme, advised the Department of Health in writing that "they do not consider this to be a patient safety incident but rather a reflection of the known limitations of the current screening test".

According to the memo, the current CervicalCheck testing method has "low sensitivity" of 60%-75% which means that it "produces a not insignificant number of false negative results", saying the "known limitation" is one of the reasons women are screened regularly.

It says that CervicalCheck carried out a review of Ms Phelan's case in 2014, but adds: "At the time in 2014, the outcomes of clinical cancer audits were used by CervicalCheck for education and training purposes only."

Link above seems to have stopped working - here it is https://t.co/hrWHnOp2hq  Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) May 1, 2018

Ms Phelan settled her case against a US lab last week, after being wrongly informed in 2011 that she had the all clear.

Three years later, a review found the results were incorrect.

She was diagnosed with cervical cancer around the same time, but she only found out about that review last year.

Update 2.59pm: Women suing the State over cervical cancer misdiagnoses will not be dragged through the courts, the Dail has heard.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he has asked Attorney General Seamus Woulfe to settle cases quickly without legal actions, writes Juno McEnroe.

The Cabinet met this morning and discussed the fall-out from the Vickie Phelan case and the fact that three quarters of 208 women with cancer were not told of a delayed diagnosis.

Ms Phelan was forced to go to court where her case was settled but this was after the Government were aware of her situation.

Facing Dail questions, Mr Varadkar said that it would be months rather than years before an inquiry would finish its work into the cancer tests scandal.

He also ruled out for the moment a commission of inquiry looking into the failed communications and inaccurate tests controversy as it would take too long and involve lawyers.

However, Labour's Brendan Howlin warned that HIQA may have limited powers during its investigation, including making adverse findings.

Mr Varadkar also told the Dail that, as a former minister for health, he was not aware of patient safety issues around cervical cancer checks or any audits of such.

The Taoiseach has also said he will not fire HSE boss Tony O'Brien, saying there is no proof that sending the smear tests abroad for examination meant they were any less accurate than if they had been examined here.

Mr Varadkar said: "The basis on which you've called for the dismissal of Tony O'Brien is based on an assertion that the decision to outsource these tests to the US in 2008 somehow cost lives.

"I explained why that is not yet supported by the facts and I think everyone, even Tony O'Brien, deserves a fair hearing before they are condemned."

Health Minister Simon Harris has later today agreed to take questions over Ms Phelan's case and the patients who were not told about inaccurate tests.

He will also publish documents, redacted, given to him in the lead-up to Ms Phelan's court case earlier this year and what advice was given about patient safety.

2.33pm: Simon Harris answers questions surrounding CervicalCheck smear test controversy

Minister for Health Simon Harris is answering questions in the Dail surrounding the CervicalCheck smear test controversy.

The Department of Health is also expected to publish a memo that was sent to the Minister three days before Vicky Phelans High Court case over her treatment.

The memo reportedly indicated women were not automatically being given the results of their smear audits.

The Health Minister is due to clarify what he was told before the situation became public knowledge.

The Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says the scandal means the head of the HSE Tony O'Brien should resign.

She said: "I think his position is untenable, I think he should step aside and if heis not prepared to do that I think he should be sacked."

Mary Lou McDonald.

Update 1.15pm: The Director General of the HSE Tony O'Brien said there was no question of anyone in the Cervical Check programme seeking to withhold information about cancer diagnoses.

He also said that he has not given any consideration to stepping down.

Tony O'Brien

Tony O'Brien says the clinical review of cases was triggered by cases of cancer. Tony O'Brien told RTE's Sean O'Rourke that it is an issue of concern and disappointment that he wasn't informed of Vicky Phelan's case, but this is secondary to the work of the serious management team, dealing with cases and restoring confidence in the Cervical Check programme. Hea said: "That's kind of secondary to the bigger issue now, which is the crisis of confidence which has ensued."

Clarifying what he meant by secondary, he said "not for today".

Mr O'Brien added that a case management will be undertaken to find out why Vicky Phelan's case was not escalated in the way it should have been. He said the fact that he used to be the director of Cervical Check, makes this quite personal for him.

By international benchmarks, he said, the labs were performing as they should be and were subject to high quality standards. In addition, he added that the US labs are only dealing with Irish patients and Irish smear tests are not being mixed in with a greater cohort of US patients, who are tested yearly.

The smear test is not, he stressed, a diagnostic test but a screening one and there is no laboratory in the world that can provide 100% accuracy on that type of cytology.

"The reality is that the cytology test is not 100% effective, it has a level of assurance which is well below 100%. All of the literature, all of the information given to anyone who uses the Cervical Check programme makes it clear and the term that's often used about women getting the all clear, no one gets the all clear, either an abnormality is detected or it's not," he said.

He explained that liability arising from an error, outside the exceptional margin of error, would lie with the laboratory. Mr O'Brien said the HSE is working hard to restore confidence in the programme.

This included, he said, new clinical governance and the establishment of a helpline to offer reassurance to women. Anyone, he said, that wanted their case to be re-examined would be accommodated. He said that explanations from former Clinical Director of Cervical Check Professor Grainne Flannelly, while not satisfactory, were the truth.

"She was telling the truth that while she had engaged in a process which sought to have women informed, there was a missing link in that process," he said, "in that the central programme office did not have verification that individual women had been provided with that information'.

He said she stood down because she is deeply committed to the programme and wanted to help restore confidence in it. Mr O'Brien said there wouldn't be a programme without her commitment over the last number of years. He also said that he spoke to Professor Flannelly at length before she announced her resignation, asking her to consider carefully her decision.

He also spoke of being in favour for a mandatory duty of candour being enshrined in law.

Meanwhile, a patient advocacy group says the CervicalCheck scandal has shown we have gone backwards in terms of Open Disclosure.

Several inquiries are due to take place into how 17 women died who had been screened for cervical cancer.

Donal Buggy, Irish Cancer Society

162 out of 208 women whose files were audited were not told they were part of a HSE lookback.

Bridget Doherty is CEO of Patient Focus  and they have been hearing from women who had abnormal smears that were missed  as well as those who could have had earlier, less invasive treatment.

"We have talked for years about Open Disclosure so why they didn't practice this this time, we just want to know why," said Ms Doherty.

It's not acceptable. We are absolutely horrified and we're disappointed because we're gone backwards in a sense.

She described the impact on the women who have been in touch with Patient Focus.

"Both of those were in their late 30s-early 40s and both of those had hysterectomies so you know, the choice is taken away from them and that's huge if you haven't completed your family."

A HIQA investigation will now take place  with the terms of reference due in around two weeks.

A clinical investigation will also take place, but will that be enough to restore confidence in cancer screening programmes?

Donal Buggy from the Irish Cancer Society says while they have no specific concerns about breast check and the Bowel screen programme  there will need to be changes.

"We would like to see them internationally benchmarked against best practice and that information to be made publicly available on an annualised basis as part of this review in order that we can have the confidence that our screening services in Ireland are as good as the screening services anywhere else in the world.

"And that's the minimum that we should expect."

Update 1pm: Elaine Loughlin, Political Correspondent

Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald has called on HSE director general Tony O'Brien to resign in the wake of the CervicalCheck scandal.

The Dail is due to discuss the failures in cervical screenings this afternoon after emerged that 17 women who initially received incorrect results have since died. their cause of death is as yet unconfirmed.

The HSE have also confirmed that at least 208 women who have been since diagnosed with cervical cancer were initially told their tests were negative.

Speaking outside Leinster House, Ms McDonald said she "doesn't believe for a second" that a "a full appreciation of the scale" of the the failings within CervicalCheck.

She said Tony O'Brien was told "categorically" that the outsourcing of smear tests to the US had led to cases being missed.

"He was told this by the very committee that had responsibility for quality assurance, Tony O'Brien, from what I can ascertain, ignored that advice up to and including a scenario where the committee charged with quality assurance stepped aside, now that's quite and astonishing turn of events," she said.

"Tony O'Brien presides over the HSE an organisation, and let it be said with the backing of Government, that has aggressively pursued women though the courts in circumstances where they knew that fault was on the side of the State and the HSE itself and yet he has seen fit to preside over all of that.

"My view is that Tony O'Brien's position is untenable, I don't believe he has credibly led the HSE," said Ms McDonald.

Update 12pm: Fianna Fail have called for a memo given to health minister Simon Harris about cancer patient Vickie Phelan's case to be published in full and for a Dail debate on the tests scandal.

Speaking in Leinster House this morning, health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said he had met the minister and officials but that the five-page memo was redacted.

Fianna Fail want the memo published.

Fianna Fail's Stephen Donnelly.

Mr Donnelly was highly critical of a the culture in the Health Service Executive which he said was rotten and quite possibly sinister.

But he said the focus this week on the cervical cancer controversy must be on the women and their families and in particular those who were not told about their false negative cancer tests.

We now know sadly some of them are deceased. In the first instance, the focus must be on engaging with those women, with those families, providing support, providing counselling where needed.

There was also a need to look at how the information had been disseminated, it was added.

He said after meeting Minister Harris this morning that they had looked at the memo of the information given to Mr Harris on April 16, just days before Ms Phelan's case went to court.

He said there were important questions that needed to be asked such why women were not told of the false negative test results, who took that decision within the HSE and why clinicians had not passed on information to patients.

The party want to know who ultimately made a decision to withhold the information for years.

But Mr Donnelly also had some tough words for the HSE, adding that there was a culture of gagging orders and not passing on clinician information.

There is a culture in parts of the HSE which I believe is rotten, is potentially quite sinister and has not served the public well, he said.

- Juno McEnroe

Update 10.45am: Doctors will have to inform patients of screening programme problems under proposed Patient Safety Bill

Doctors will have to inform patients of problems with screening programmes  under a proposed Patient Safety Bill.

The Health Minister Simon Harris says mandatory open disclosure will apply for serious reportable incidents  including screening.

162 women with Cervical Cancer were not told they were part of a review of the Cervical Check programme, and could have benefited from earlier intervention.

Andrew Jordan from the National Association of GPs says patients deserve to be told everything about their care.

He said: "We have a responsibility to people, if somebody has a terminal diagnosis we owe them, we have a responsibility, they have to put their affairs in order, they may need to make a will.

"If you don't inform the patient you may deny them that opportunity, so you haven't got the right not to disclose."

Simon Harris.

It is also being reported that a memo given to Health Minister Simon Harris about the cervical cancer scandal on April 16 stated women were being told about the missed diagnoses.

There have been calls for Mr Harris to publish the memo in the Dail this afternoon.

According to Independent.ie the memo referred to Vicky Phelan's case and is unlikely to be published because it contains Ms Phelan's personal information.

Earlier: Cabinet to approve statutory investigation into CervicalCheck scandal this morning

The cabinet will approve a statutory investigation into the CervicalCheck scandal this morning.

The Minister for Health wants HIQA to investigate why 162 women were not told their smear tests were being reviewed.

208 women had their smear tests audited but just 46 of those were informed - meaning the remainder did not know there might be a problem with their cancer check.

17 women who were part of the review died.

Vicky Phelan.

The figures came to light after terminally ill Vicky Phelan settled a case last week after having her own diagnosis delayed, leading to her cancer being more developed when she learned of it.

Health watchdog HIQA is now being asked to carry out a root and branch review of the CervicalCheck programme.

It will look at communication with patients and quality assurance of the tests carried out.

The screening programme here will be compared with international best standards and HIQA will be asked to look at any implications for other cancer screening programmes.

An expert panel will also be set up to offer the women involved an independent clinical review and provide them with any supports needed.

Cabinet is expected to sign off on the plan this morning.

Next week Simon Harris will bring forward proposals to make it mandatory for doctors to have to tell patients about serious reportable events affecting them.

He believes affected women should get an independent review.

He said: "I think it is really important that women who have been impacted by this have an opportunity to have an independent clinical review probably with clinicians from abroad who can advise them of their case, all of that facts around it and indeed review their case.

"I then want that independent clinical expert panel to inform HIQA's investigation and the work of the international peer review group."

The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says patients need to be informed of all results, including those of any reviews.

It is also encouraging women to continue having smear tests and is working to restore public confidence in the screening programme.

Dr Cliona Murphy, the Institute's Chair and Consultant Obstetrician at the Coombe hospital says screening is necessary.

She said: "It is important to remember that screening is a very important public health initiative and over the last ten years CervicalCheck has saved many lives.

"We would have expected maybe five times more women to die from cervical cancer if we did not have the screening programme."

- Digital DeskA coroner has criticised "repeated failures" at a high-profile abortion clinic following the death of a mother of one, hours after she had her foetus terminated.

Dr Sean Cummings said the case involving Aisha Chithira, 31, who travelled to England from Ireland to have a termination at a Marie Stopes clinic in Ealing, was "desperately sad".

West London Coroner's Court heard Ms Chithira died in January 2012 following a late-stage abortion after being discharged from the west London clinic despite vomiting and feeling dizzy, and displaying symptoms that "were not appreciated as potentially sinister".

Ms Chithira suffered a tear to her uterus during the "blind" procedure performed under anaesthetic, as a surgeon struggled to remove a 22-week-old foetus from a womb that had not fully dilated.

Afterwards she vomited and complained of feeling unwell to her husband, but was helped into a taxi to a cousin's home in Slough by staff who had told her she could not stay overnight.

Later that night the mother suffered catastrophic internal bleeding of around two litres and died.

Dr Adedayo Adedeji, who performed the procedure, and nurses Gemma Pullen and Margaret Miller were charged with manslaughter by gross negligence and a health and safety breach but the case was dropped in 2016.

Recording a narrative verdict, acting senior coroner for west London Dr Cummings said the case had been "catastrophic" for all those concerned.

After the procedure Ms Chithira had "light bleeding", complained of feeling hot, thirsty and dizzy and fell to the floor, staff at the clinic reported.

However, observations taken by a nurse showed her blood pressure and pulse were normal and doctors told the court her symptoms were "atypical" or "unlucky".

This meant her position was "difficult to diagnose and consequently the severity was missed", the coroner concluded.

He said: "Her death resulted from the manifestation of a recognised complication of the procedure resulting in sometimes subtle and atypical symptoms and signs which were not appreciated as potentially sinister at the time.

"There were repeated failures of recording of observations by different clinicians involved in her care."

Ms Chithira, who was from Malawi but settled in the Republic of Ireland, had a history of non-cancerous growths around the womb called fibroids which made the procedure more complex.

She had decided to have an abortion after miscarrying twins at 30 weeks and then having her baby girl delivered by C-section, making her worry that childbirth was too much of a risk.

She had to wait a month to obtain a visa to travel to the UK after it became clear the procedure could not take place in Ireland, and consequently due to the late stage of the pregnancy a number of clinics would not accept her.

Ms Chithira's husband Ryan said in a statement released after the verdict that his loss was "compounded by the torturous process that has seen my wife's case dragged through the courts over the past six years".

Dr Cummings identified an "element of complacency" within the west London clinic, but said he could not return a verdict of neglect as invited because he was not satisfied there had been a gross failure.

Last month Ealing Council became the first in the country to create a protest-free safe zone outside the Marie Stopes clinic after concerns for patients.

Emma Doughty, a specialist medical negligence lawyer from Slater and Gordon, which represents Ms Chithira's family, said: "It is crucial that lessons are learned to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again.

"I hope that today's verdict marks a turning point in Ms Chithira's family being able to rebuild their lives."

Richard Bentley, managing director at Marie Stopes UK, said: "We remain deeply saddened by the death of Aisha Chithira and our thoughts and sympathies are with her family.

"We have taken significant steps since 2012 to ensure that we are providing the best in abortion care and continue to do so. In particular we have effective processes in place to ensure our clients have been assessed as fit for discharge before they leave our clinics, however late in the day that may be.

"The safety and well-being of those we treat is fundamental to all that we do and we will ensure that all learnings from this case are acted upon as part of our relentless focus on delivering clinical excellence."

Dr Anthony McCarthy, from the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC), said: "The tragic death of Aisha Chithira thanks to Marie Stopes highlights the low ethical standards of the abortion industry and their contempt not just for unborn children but for the women in crisis whom they betray.

"The coroner found of Aisha that there were 'repeated failures of recording of observations by different clinicians involved in her care', findings in line with the well over 2,600 failures found by the Care Quality Commission, alongside statements by staff to the effect that women patients were treated like cattle.

"Small wonder that Marie Stopes, which has shown little sign of reforming, wants a 'buffer zone' to stop mothers hearing about real help available to have their babies."

Some 2,634 incidents were recorded between 2015 and 2016 after CQC inspectors visited 12 Marie Stopes sites in England, SPUC said.

PABy Tom Tuite

A judge has described as extraordinary how almost two-thirds of a Co. Cork seaside towns raw sewage was still being pumped directly into the local harbour.

Irish Water received fines totalling 9,000 and was ordered to pay costs in three prosecutions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that came before Dublin District Court today. The utility company pleaded guilty to breaching surface water and waste water discharge regulations at three popular tourist destinations.

The prosecution was brought after Irish Water failed to carry out improvements at Castletownbere and Castletownshend in Co. Cork and at Kilfenora in the Burren in Co. Clare.

It had been granted a two-year grace period by the EPA to get the necessary work done, prosecution solicitor Maeve Larkin told the court.

Judge John Brennan said there were grave concerns about the two Co. Cork towns and it was extraordinary that in 2018 raw sewage was being pumped into the sea there.

EPA inspector Patrick Chan told Judge Brennan that Castletownbere had a population of about 1,300. Four septic tanks take 36% of waste water.

He agreed with Ms Larkin that the remainder, 64%, was untreated and carried by a pipe and discharged directly into the towns harbour.

The court heard that oysters from the harbour which were usually eaten raw had to undergo further treatment before they could be consumed.

Irish Water was supposed to build a treatment plant for all the waste water there but it will not be completed until 2021, the court was told.

Mr Chan said he lifted a manhole and could clearly see human waste travelling out into the harbour untreated.

He agreed with defence counsel Eoghan Cole that there was no negative microbiological impact and Irish Water was working with other stakeholders in a joint project to work out ways it should be treated and in two years there will be standardised European protocols.

He also agreed Irish Water co-operated and the location was not a straight-forward site.

It was a picturesque rural village and a suitable location had to be found for a treatment plant, a pipeline and a discharge location, which will cost Irish Water 8m, Mr Cole told the court.

The defence barrister asked the court to note that other factors, including agribusiness, in relation to the impact on the harbours oysters. A fine of 2,500 was imposed by Judge Brennan in relation to this prosecution.

He said it was extraordinary that in 2018, 64% of Castletownberes waste water went untreated into the harbour.

Mr Cole also asked the court to note that the problems had existed before the creation of Irish Water when local authorities were responsible. Judge Brennan said Irish Water found itself in this situation that there was no water treatment facility.

However, he warned that if in future it was being put forward as mitigation it would not be accepted.

The EPA inspector also told the court that there as no water treatment plant at Castletownshend which had a population of around 450 people.

File photo of Castletownshend.

Their sewage was discharged directly into the sea at a nearby beach.

He showed the judge photos of the beach including one where children could be seen playing just 50 metres from a culvert carrying the sewage into the sea.

He said one photo showed it contained, white pieces of toilet paper and brown matter.

The defence said Irish Water will have a treatment plant in operation there in 2021 at a cost of 4m.

Judge John Brennan said it was a grave concern that raw sewage was discharged into the amenity and that it was a tourist location and also used by children.

The lack of signage about the problem was also not the responsibility of Irish Water which shared its data with the local authorities, Mr Cole said.

The judge impose a 3,500 fine in that prosecution.

The court heard that the Kilfenora case related to ground water entering the supply of drinking water. Mr Cole said the discharge problem here had existed since 1974. The EPA had given Irish Water 20 months to come up with a solution.

Counsel submitted that the difficulty in dealing with this problem had been coming up with a plan that did not cause a visual impact issue in a scenic area like the Burren. This meant solutions that applied elsewhere did note apply here, counsel said.

Irish Water had also offered to connect to the mains people in the area who have private water supplies.

The court also noted that Irish Water had pleaded guilty in the three cases and the issues had existed before it took over responsibility from local councils.A mother-of-five who experienced a delayed cervical cancer diagnosis has spoken of her experience after her case was uncovered as part of a recent HSE review.

Speaking to Raidio na Gaeltachta, Emma Mhic Mhathuna said that she has had smear tests every three years since the birth of her daughter, 15, and up until 2016 all the results came back normal.

The nurse called me and said that something was showing up in the smear, and that I needed to go to the hospital ... On September 20, 2016 I got a biopsy done, but the doctor said to me straight out there and then that he didnt need to wait to get the test results back, you have cancer and we have to act quickly, Im ordering an MRI for you.

"That was Wednesday, and on Monday I got the MRI and the doctor told me I had stage 2B cervical cancer.

I was saying to myself, how did things get so bad ... and I had the letter from (the smear in) 2013 to say everything was fine.

Every four months I have an appointment with the hospital to check that everything is ok. On April 4 I was there, and I had the kids with me because we have a game, when I get the all-clear I buy a helium balloon in a shop in Cork and we have a little party... when theres cancer in the house, the children are always worrying if everything is ok ...

On April 15, thats a fortnight ago, I knew there was something wrong with my body again. I went to the doctor and he found something that was more than 1 cm there ... I was at the hospital last week and had to get a biopsy done yesterday."

Her health concerns are so great that she has asked her younger son's primary school to let him make his confirmation early.

"Everything is up in the air now ... Seamus is making his confirmation next Tuesday, and Im very worried about everything, so I asked the church and the school if Mario can make his confirmation as well.

"Hes in fourth class. Its good for me that they can both do it together. I had new clothes bought for them anyway.

When news broke that there were a number of misdiagnoses with cervical checks, she received a phone call from her doctor with the bad news.

Last Sunday, my doctor in Dublin called. He said that he hoped I was reading the stories in the paper about the Cervical Check. He said he didnt have all my files in front of him, but that I was one of the women involved.

"I asked him to call Cork and to tell them to take good care of me.

The doctor told me that the smear results I got in 2013 were wrong  the first indications of cancer, the cells changing in the body, were there.

Ive an appointment with my doctor today because my head is spinning. Im still going round in shock, is it true?

"In 2004, I got a knock on my door to tell me my mother was dead. It was unbelievable, she was 44. I was 23 at that time, and on my own. Its like that again. Im waiting to open my eyes and to be back in my bed and that this is not true.

If I had got the right results at that time, I wouldnt be where I am now  I had a kidney infection in January, I have a lung infection now. My life, well, Im not too worried about my life, but the kids are very very young.

There wasnt enough uptake on the HPV vaccine. After what Id gone through ... I said Id have to take a stand and help people."

Emma Mhic Mhathuna was interviewed today on An Saol o Dheas on RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta.Update 5.10pm: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he initially thought the Twitter account of Lord Kilclooney - who called him a "typical Indian" - was a parody.

The former Ulster Unionist deputy leader denied being racist after making the comment about Mr Varadkar on Monday.

Speaking at Leaders' questions in the Dail, Mr Varadkar said: "In terms of Lord Kilclooney's tweet, I did see it. I actually had thought that was a parody account, but seemingly it's not.

"It actually is for real, but that's all I'll say about that."

I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians.a member of the British/Indian APPG only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!  Lord John Kilclooney (@KilclooneyJohn) April 30, 2018

Earlier: I'm no racist, insists Lord Kilclooney amid row over Varadkar comment

Former Ulster Unionist deputy leader Lord Kilclooney has denied being racist after calling the Taoiseach a "typical Indian".

The peer, who is no longer a member of the UUP, said he is "certainly no racist" after his remark about Leo Varadkar was met with condemnation.

Mr Varadkar was born in Ireland. His father is from India and mother from Ireland.

Lord Kilclooney, 80, stirred controversy in a tweet on Monday as he commented on a news story about DUP criticism of Mr Varadkar regarding his visit to Northern Ireland.

He replied to the tweet, writing: "Typical Indian."

The tweet was met with condemnation on social media.

Lord Kilclooney later tweeted: "I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG, only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!"

Last November, Lord Kilclooney acknowledged a remark he made about Mr Varadkar had caused "upset and misunderstanding" so he was withdrawing it.

He had referred to the Taoiseach as "the Indian".

- PABy Declan Brennan

A convicted sex offender has received a partially suspended prison sentence for repeatedly breaching a child protection order.

UK citizen Anthony Luckwill (45) has a history of claiming to be involved in the production of films and as far back as 1999 he had set up a child-acting agency in Kerry. He has numerous convictions for possession of child pornography in Ireland and in Wales.

In July 2012 a court imposed 16 orders against him as part of child protection measures introduced in the Sex Offenders Act 2001. These included forbidding him from posing as a film director or journalist in search of child subjects.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that in November 2016 Luckwill approached a woman in the Longford Arms hotel and told her he was involved in the modelling industry and encouraged her to send her two young sons for auditions.

Luckwill had rented a premises from the Chamber of Commerce in Longford town on the pretence of running a business. When local gardai became aware of Luckwill's presence in the town they approached him and searched him.

They found an electronic device which contained 104 images of young boys in their underwear. The court heard the images are not categorised under the law as child pornography but that Luckwill admitted he breached the 2012 court order by having them.

Luckwill also admitted breaching the same order by changing his name by deed poll in February 2017 and by assessing social networking sites. Luckwill had informed gardai that he was assuming the new name Colin Harold Gregory and that he planned to move to the UK.

Judge Pauline Codd imposed a two-year prison sentence and suspended the last six months. She said the most serious breach was Luckwill presenting himself as someone with contacts in modelling because it involved seeking access to children.

Diarmaid Collins BL, defending, said that his client wished to change his name because of the high degree of media attention he attracted. Counsel said journalists had doorstepped him at a number of hostels he was staying at and as he attended the Probation Service offices.

He said there was fire damage to a house he had stayed at with a friend. Mr Collins also said there was a reported incident where another member of the public had to be escorted because a group of concerned members of the public mistook him for Luckwill.

Luckwill also has a conviction for inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency from the UK island of Guernsey and convictions for sexual assault and defilement of a young boy in Meath.

Mr Collins said that Luckwill wasn't trying to be clandestine about his name change and informed gardai the next day.

Garda Sergeant David Grogan told the court that in January 2017 gardai went to visit Luckwill at his rented room in Rathgar, Dublin and seized a laptop and an iPod. The laptop was set up to delete the internet search history every hour.

114 images of young boys in underwear were found on the devices as well as evidence of visiting a number of social media websites, including dating sites involving profiles created using online pseudonyms. The images again are not classified as child pornography but he was in breach of the order prohibiting him from looking at images of children naked or in their undergarments.

Sgt Grogan agreed with Mr Collins that investigators forensically examined the laptop and iPod. Counsel said there was no evidence that his client was using social media for predatory behaviour.By Gordon Deegan

The father of tragic teen, Jack Dinan has described the six-day long search for his son as torture.

At the coroner's inquest into the death of the 19-year-old Ennis teen last November, Patrick Dinan also revealed that his wife, Lorna and himself were worried about Jacks mental health in the weeks leading up to his disappearance and death and secured medical help for their son.

The teen posthumously became a father for the first time one day after his missing body was discovered in a wooded area outside Ennis on November 6 last.

At his funeral Mass last November, Jacks sister, Jade told mourners that little Keelan Jack was born on November 7 and we are so, so grateful for this gift Jack has left behind.

At the funeral Mass, Jade also made a plea to those feeling alone or lost to seek help. She said: The pain of suicide is something I would never wish on another family.

At the inquest, consultant pathologist, Dr Terezia Laszlo said it is likely that Jacks body lay in the wooded area for a number of days but was unable to say exactly how long.

Jack went missing on October 31 and took with him his father's rifle and some ammunition from the family home on Ennis' Considine Rd.

Jacks body was found six days later. The cause of death was recorded at the inquest as brain damage secondary to a gunshot. Coroner Isobel O'Dea recorded a narrative verdict in accordance with the evidence.

The wooded area is located around one mile from his home on Considine Rd in Ennis and while he was missing, the family had to contend with false reports that he was sighted at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre in Dublin where the gardai placed the shopping centre in lockdown.

In her comments to the family, County Coroner, Isobel ODea alluded to that. She said: I remember vividly the speculation in the media as to where Jack might have been and the trauma that would have caused when he was so close to you during all of that time.

In his deposition, Patrick Dinan said that in the couple of weeks prior to his disappearance, Jack had not left the house and myself and my wife were worried about his mental health.

Mr Dinan said that the family contacted the acute psychiatric unit in Ennis and a crisis nurse and a doctor came to see Jack.

Mr Dinan said that his son was in the process of being diagnosed but didnt have a diagnosis.

Mr Dinan said that during those weeks Jack had been up and down those days, he might be good in the morning and down in the afternoon".

Mr Dinan said that Jack had been taking medication that he had been prescribed for only three or four weeks at that stage.

Mr Dinan said that the medication seemed to help him and he was sleeping better and he was in better form.

On the day that Jack went missing, Mr Dinan said that Lorna phoned him to say that Jack wasnt at home and Mr Dinan returned home to see that his gun and ammunition that he locked away were also taken.

Mr Dinan said that on the morning that Jack went missing he stuck his head into his sisters room and said sorry for disturbing you.

He said: She was the last person to see him and she went back asleep.

Mr Dinan said that: We spent six long days looking for Jack and it was torture. We searched and grasped for hope but I knew after a few days that Jack was dead. He never left home much and he wouldnt have stayed away.

The following Monday, Mr Dinan recalls a garda sergeant and garda calling to the door to say that Jacks body had been found.

Local man, Martin Barry was out walking a friends dog that day and said that to avoid cattle in a field near Beechpark he entered a wooded area.

Mr Barry said that he saw a foot and I didnt want to see any more.

Mr Barry said that he knows the Dinans and knew it was Jack as he was very aware of the ongoing search for the teen. Mr Barry immediately reported what he saw to the Gardai.

Dr Laszlo said there was no alcohol found in Jack Dinans system but did find evidence of the prescribed psychotic drug he was taking.

She said: It has sometimes different side effects and can cause hallucination.

Insp Paul Slattery sympathised with the Dinan family and told Patrick Dinan: It was pure torture that I saw in your face during the search.

Insp Slattery said that members of the Gardai and Civil Defence stayed on after their shift to continue looking for Jack during the search because Jack was somebodys son and somebodys brother.1. Yes. There should be absolute certainty that the election was free and fair.

2. Yes. The audit could and should lead to stronger laws governing elections in the state.

3. No. Former President Trump wants the audit to further cast doubt on the 2020 vote.

4. No. Its a waste of money, an attempt by Abbott to gain favor among Trump backers.

5. Unsure. It seems unnecessary but it may provide some worthwhile findings.

Vote

View ResultsA former minister claims a zero tolerance approach may be the only way to clean up Dublin's north inner city.

Last year a report commissioned by the Government recommended a range of measures to address gangland violence and the prevalence of drugs.Airstrikes have killed at least 23 civilians in one of the last pockets of Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria, according to Syrian state media.

Meanwhile, US-backed forces in the area announced they have resumed their campaign against the extremists.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear if the airstrikes in the Hassakeh province were carried out by the US-led coalition or the Iraqi air force.

It said the strikes killed 10 children, six women and seven elderly people.

The state-run Syrian News Agency said 25 civilians were killed in the airstrikes south of the town of Shadadi, blaming the US-led coalition.

The strikes took place in an area where the US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are battling IS.

Lelwa Abdullah, an SDF spokeswoman in the adjacent Deir el-Zour province, said the final phase of a large operation against IS in eastern Syria has begun.

She said the SDF will "liberate those areas and secure the Syrian-Iraqi border and end the IS presence in eastern Syria once and for all".

The SDF had redeployed hundreds of its forces to western Syria after Turkish troops attacked the Kurdish-held Afrin enclave earlier this year, effectively putting operations against IS on hold.

Ms Abdullah said IS attacks have increased in recent weeks in parts of eastern Syria near the border with Iraq as the extremist group seeks to regroup.

She said the clearing operations will take place with the help of the US-led coalition and Iraqi forces across the border.

a Syrian government soldier hugs a woman inside a bus carrying released families who were held for years by al-Qaida-linked fighters. Pic: SANA via AP

Elsewhere in Syria on Tuesday, more than three dozen Syrians held for years by al-Qaida-linked insurgents in the country's north west were released as part of a deal to hand over areas around Damascus to the government, state media reported.

State-run Al-Ikhbariya TV broadcast images of the released men, women, children, who arrived by bus at a government-controlled checkpoint in Aleppo province.

Many were in tears, and they could be seen kissing and hugging Syrian soldiers. The captives had been held by the insurgents in northern Syria since 2015.

It is the latest in a series of evacuation deals for areas around the capital that have been besieged for years and subjected to heavy bombardment by government forces.

The UN and rights groups have criticised the deals, saying they amount to forced displacement.

The latest deal concerns Yarmouk, a Palestinian refugee camp that was a built-up residential area before the civil war.

IS militants still control parts of the camp and a neighbouring area, where they are battling government forces.

The 42 people freed on Tuesday are the first batch of more than 80 to be released.

Under the deal, fighters from the al Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group will withdraw from Yarmouk, while about 5,000 people in Foua and Kfraya, two north-western villages besieged by insurgents, will be allowed to relocate to government-held areas.

PAScientists are appealing for help with developing new cancer treatments, by using people's smartphones as they sleep.

An app has been designed to use a mobile's processing power overnight to examine new potential drugs.The owner of a South African wildlife park had a lucky escape after he was mauled by one of his lions.

The terrifying moment 67-year-old Mike Hodge was attacked by the lion was caught on camera by someone at the Marakele Predator Park at the time.

The footage sees Mr Hodge, a British ex-pat, entering the enclosure.

An individual outside of the fencing appears to be attempting to distract the animal and lead him away from Mr Hodge.

However, the lion quickly spots the owner and bolts in his direction.

Mr Hodge is unable to escape in time and the ferocious animal mauls and then drags the man towards some brush.

He is dragged out of sight of the camera as people are heard screaming for help and calling for a rifle to be brought.

Mr Hodge was able to be rescued from the enclosure and was rushed to hospital where he is recovering from neck and jaw injuries sustained in the attack.

The park remains closed in the wake of the incident and it is thought that the lion has been put down.

Mr Hodge and his wife Chrissy opened the park in 2010 after emigrating from the UK.

Speaking to The Sun, a friend of Mike's said: "He is no fool around lions and knows how to interact with them but clearly something went wrong."

Digital DeskAnother day, another damning indictment. Commonwealth Banks culture has been found to be blinded by its own profitability, ruled by an incestuous mates club too chummy to challenge or escalate problems and too many snouts in the trough taking generous remuneration packages despite serious customer failings.

A report card commissioned by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) into CBA's culture and governance has given the nation's biggest bank a massive fail.

If regulation had been part of the terms of reference, the regulators would have also scored a fail. Given APRA commissioned the report regulators were off the table and they therefore dodged a bullet.

The report paints a picture of an organisation where the board failed to challenge a highly intelligent executive team that had a propensity to bury bad news and weave it into something positive.We members of the fourth estate can be such fawning bunch when it comes to the top end of town, so is it any wonder the Big Four banks have taken to hiring their own talent to really give the bosses a grilling.

On Tuesday it was Commonwealth Bank boss Matt Comyn copping a brutal interrogation from his thoroughly independent PR flack Geoff Elliott from GraCosway.

And Elliotts big exclusive was the fact that Comyn is giving up his short term incentives (STI) - worth more than $2 million - for a second year in a row.

This fact did not make it into CBAs official press release, so it is good to see that the banks media rep for-hire muscled this closely held secret out of him.Shopping mall landlord Vicinity Centres has launched a Supreme Court appeal after being stung with an estimated $7 million local council open space levy after subdividing and selling off the development rights above its The Glen mall.

The legal action follows a busy week for Vicinity, one of the countrys largest landlords, which saw it settle a billion-dollar swap of assets with Singapores sovereign wealth fund GIC and firm- up guidance at 18.2 cents per security in a March quarter update.

The new \'gallery\' food court Vicinity and Perron Group's The Glen shopping centre.

Vicinity chief executive Grant Kelley said the group had settled the exchange of a 49 per cent $562.3 million interest in its Chatswood Chase Sydney mall for a $556 million half stake in GICs Queen Victoria Building, The Galleries and The Strand Arcade in Sydney.

Following the acquisition ... Vicinity has a unique competitive advantage in attracting best of class international and domestic retailers into the portfolio, he said.Laura Menschik, a financial planner and director of WLM Financial, says for many people a major attraction of a move to the regions is to be able to get into the property market or to sell their capital-city home and reduce their mortgage by buying a cheaper home. But anyone thinking of making the move has to first draw up a realistic budget, to see if the move stacks up. While the costs of housing are likely to be much less, there are likely to be increases in some expenses, such as spending on petrol, and families may be paying school fees for the first time, Menschik says. Employment is usually the biggest issue for people considering the move. Can you work from home or get a job as a teacher at the local school where you will be paid the same but, hopefully, be spending less? Menschik says. Is there going to be work, including for those who want to work part-time and work for the children when they are older and want to establish a bit of financial independence. For Sam and Hanna, the answer was self-employment. The siblings ran a cafe together in Melbourne and were looking for a business to buy when they visited their cousins in Albury and fell in love with the area.

The siblings bought the Electra cafe on the main street in November last year and recently rebranded it Thick as Thieves. The menu features Mediterranean flavours, inspired by the familys Lebanese heritage. Having family in Albury has made the move from Melbourne easier for Hanna Kadi. Hanna moved with her husband Ayman Hatoum, 35, and their daughter Elissa, 4. Hatoum is a hairdresser and while he did not line up work before the move, Hanna says there are plenty of salons looking for staff. Having family in town has made it easier to integrate. Hanna says she has regular customers and the fruit and vegetable sellers and garbage collectors know her by name. The most striking difference to the big city is the cost of real estate  the cafe in Melbourne cost about twice as much in rent as the one in Albury.

Affordable property For Sam, who is single, the move to Albury is a chance to become a home owner for the first time. Melbourne is just too expensive to buy a house, if you havent bought one already, its harder and harder for young people to even think about buying a house, he says. I havent checked out the prices in Albury yet ... but its definitely on the cards. Hanna says she and her partner worked hard to buy a house in Epping in Melbourne about four years ago, which they hope to keep. If business keeps going well, theyll also buy a home in Albury at the end of the year. Albury is a thriving regional centre, but other families make their escape to much smaller towns.

Merryn Padgett and Marcus Andrews and their two children live in Paynesville - population 3000 - in the Gippsland Lakes region in eastern Victoria. The couple initially bought a beach house to get away from Melbourne every now and again, but moved permanently in 2008 and have a much smaller mortgage. Marcus Andrews with his kids Quinn, 11, and Asha, 6, enjoying the relaxed lifestyle in the Gippsland Lakes region. Padgett, 38, works full-time for the local shire in community engagement. Andrews, 53, takes care of Quinn, 11, and Asha, 6, and has started an online business: Earth and Sea, a campervan rental business powered by the Camplify.com.au booking platform - a kind of Airbnb for campervans. Andrews estimates he has made about $12,000 in the six months since starting the business - it is modest, but growing. A few years ago, he suffered a heart attack and couldnt return to full-time work. He is on medication and can no longer do strenuous work. Back in the city, he owned two restaurants and worked long hours, often seven days a week.

"We were making good money; pretty much living the so-called dream," Andrews says. "I was supposedly successful but I was unhappy; I couldn't see a future for us in Melbourne." He says it took a few years to adjust. People here were a bit shy to start with, but we have now made good friends, he says. Andrews says he can't imagine returning to the city and struggles to even visit Sydney or Melbourne because of the traffic and crowds. Paynesville in Victoria, where Merryn Padgett and Marcus Andrews live. Credit:Simon Johanson Population growth

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released this week show Melbourne had the largest population growth of 125,400 during the year to June 30, 2017, followed by Sydney with 101,600 and Brisbane with 48,000. Together, the three cities accounted for more than 70 per cent of Australia's population growth. While Melbourne is growing faster, the bureau's figures show the trend of getting away from the hustle and bustle is strongest in Sydney. Overseas migration added 84,700 people to Sydney's population in 2017, but about 40,000 people left the city, with about 14,000 of those going to Melbourne. People from other parts of Australia come to Sydney, but the net figure from those shifting within Australia is a loss of about 18,000 people from Sydney. Location, location Doron Peleg, the chief executive of residential property researcher RiskWise Property Research, says one of the key drivers of low quality of life in Sydney and, to a lesser extent, in Melbourne, is most people have to have two full-time incomes to be able to afford a house.Work has stopped on the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing after two further serious accidents last week.

The large infrastructure project, funded by the federal and state governments, is building a new highway crossing of the Great Dividing Range at Toowoomba.

Toowoomba Second Range Crossing Credit:Nexus Infrastrucure Pty Ltd

Work is being completed by a group of companies named the Nexus Consortia.

The two new incidents are in addition to a series of serious incidents now being investigated by Queenslands Workplace Health and Safety division.The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to remind all councillors about the expected standard of behaviour.

Increasingly, the behaviour of councillors is coming under public scrutiny and public expectation is that councillors will conduct their roles in full accord with legislation, local laws, policy and procedure and in a way that is respectful of others and promotes councils good standing in the community.

I encourage each of you to monitor your behaviour in the council chamber, ward offices and elsewhere, and to contemplate the possibility that unmitigated unruly and abusive behaviour is not only counterproductive in terms of the conduct of councils business but has the potential to affect the health and safety of others present in the council chamber as well as tarnish the good reputation of council.

At the first council meeting after recess on Tuesday, and one day after the letter from Mr Jensen was sent, Cr Owen said she would change her approach to chairing meetings.

I will draw your attention to the words I used towards the end of the final meeting of the last session, and I quote, I am putting all councillors on notice. We are in this place, it is a place of political debate but also a place of decorum, she said.A deaf and partially blind blue heeler who kept a three-year-old girl safe in bushland near Warwick has been awarded Queenslands first honorary police dog.

The young girl, Aurora, spent a night lost in bushland, where temperatures dropped to 15 degrees, after she wandered from her familys property last month.

Her dog Max, an old-timer at 17, spent the night by her side.

About 100 SES volunteers, two helicopters and police scored the family property at Cherry Gully looking for Aurora but it was Max who led to her discovery.Police are searching for an intruder who stabbed a man during a home invasion in Brisbane's south-west on Tuesday.

Two children, aged one and three, were inside the Todd Street home in Taringa when a man forced his way in and confronted a man and woman who were sleeping about 6.30am, police said.

Detectives, forensic and scientific officers were on scene were a man was stabbed in his Taringa home on Tuesday May 1, 2018. Credit:QPS Media

A fight broke out between the two men and the resident was stabbed a number of times to his neck, hands and upper body.

The intruder ran from the scene and was known to the pair, police said.Thousands of dollars have been raised for a World War II veteran who lost everything in a house fire in Brisbane's south on Sunday night.

Neighbours helped 99-year-old Bob escape his Salisbury home as fire ripped through his property.

Bob with his dog Peppe, who is missing after the house fire, and vet Dr Ahmed. Credit:Mandy Carins

One of his beloved dogs died in the blaze.

Firefighters managed to save most of Bobs war medals and memorabilia but his clothes, photos and other possessions were destroyed.In a bad year, there could be as few as 400 to 600 bilbies around Charleville. In a good year, maybe 2000, according to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service expert Peter MacRae. In 2007, bilbies began to lure tourists. Mr MacRae and his fellow ranger Frank Manthey called themselves the Bilby Brothers and the Save the Bilby Foundation was born. In 2007, then-deputy prime minister Mark Vaile saw merit in building a national bilby centre in Charleville and promised more than $5 million to get the work done. A letter dated March 27, 2007, from Mr Vaile to Charleville councils chief executive officer Chris Blanch explains the never-fulfilled promise. I am pleased to advise you that on the recommendation of the Darling Matilda Way Sustainable Region Advisory Committee, I have approved funding of up to $5,076,547, Mr Vaile wrote.

That never eventuated, but Charleville residents kept talking about the promise to build a largely underground national bilby centre, so tourists could watch the bilbies in their burrows. Recently, the outback Murweh Shire Council, which takes in Charleville, has invested in luring tourists. It has upgraded its airport terminal ($3.2 million), and added a new planetarium ($120,319 of $620,000) to its Cosmos Centre, which has itself received a $500,000 federal boost. Now, Charleville wants to be part of a new business case for a bilby centre. Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud wants to see a bilby centre in Charleville. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The council has the support of local federal MP David Littleproud, who will look to support the project from his government's $481 million Building Better Regions program. "I strongly support a national bilby centre in Charleville and have already spoken with the local council about this project because the federal government has funding programs  like the Building Better Regions Fund  which could help to get it off the ground," Mr Littleproud told Fairfax Media. "Not only would this centre promote the bilby as a national icon and work towards protecting this endangered species but also this centres creation would provide another great drawcard to the Murweh region. "I see tourism is an important element to the diversification of the economy in rural and remote communities and think a national bilby centre in Charleville would be an exciting addition." In the wild there are about 600 bilbies around Charleville in poor seasons. Credit:Save the Bilby Foundation.

Murwehs economic development officer, John Nicholson, wrote Charlevilles submission for the original bilby centre and says bilbies genuinely draw tourists. Anything with an eco-tourism slant is really very, very popular and anything to do with endangered species will always have an impact with tourists, he said. Mr Nicholson said the council would also back a business case being prepared for a national bilby centre. "But we need to evaluate how many additional tourists it might attract, he said. The Cosmos Centre attracts about 20,000 visitors a year.

Mr Nicholson said Tourism Australia statistics showed the industry was worth about $33 million a year to the region. When you get the shops and the small businesses asking you Have the tourists started? Have the tourists started? you realise just how important tourism is to the region, he said. There is now a small Bilby Experience in Charleville, run on a peppercorn rent for five years from a room at the Charleville train station by the Save the Bilby Foundation. Visitors to the attraction increased from 3500 in 2015 to 6200 in 2017. Mr Bradley, recently returned from two weeks repairing bilby fences in Currawinya National Park south of Charleville, said the Save the Bilby organisation would support a new business case for a national bilby centre if it did not distract them from "saving" bilbies.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on the levee protecting Charleville during the 2015 election. Credit:Tony Moore "There must have been merit behind that original application, because it was for a significant amount of funding and I know that regional tourism is a very significant and important part of what is keeping those towns alive at the moment. The grey nomads, regional tourism and the market seem to be growing year on year on year." Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones asked Murweh Shire Council to apply for funding in one of the categories in the $36 million in tourism grants available this year. I encourage the council to apply for this funding for a centre at Charleville, she said.A Brisbane family is furious after being ordered to leave a south-east Queensland beach by staff at a nearby resort, despite the area being public.

Lisa Wilkins says security staff at Tangalooma Island Resort, on Moreton Island off Brisbane, told her she and her family weren't entitled to use part of the beach near the property during the Easter long weekend.

"Why is it so hard for Tangalooma to share the beach?" Ms Wilkins posted on Facebook.

"Shame for blocking public access to what we pay for."The state government will pay $30 million to settle a class action and offer an historical apology following the Palm Island riots in 2004.

The Federal Court ruled in 2016 certain police officers had acted unlawfully and in contravention of the Racial Discrimination Act following the death in custody of Mulrunji Doomadgee on Palm Island and during the following riots in 2004.

Lex Wotton launched the class action against the state government and Commissioner of the Police Service. Credit:Paul Harris

Mr Doomadgee, who was also known as Cameron before his death, was found dead in his cell on Palm Island, off north Queensland, on November 19, 2004, with broken ribs and a ruptured spleen and liver.

He had been arrested by Sergeant Chris Hurley for causing a public nuisance. His death sparked the Palm Island riot.Labor's land clearing laws are an "ugly manifestation of the city-country divide, an opposition MP has argued.

But the government insists its legislation, which is expected to be passed this week, strikes the necessary balance between supporting farmers and protecting the environment.

Farmers and their supporters protest outside Parliament House in Brisbane on Tuesday. Credit:AAP

The overhaul will stop broadscale clearing of remnant vegetation for high-value agriculture and expand the definition of high-value regrowth.

Currently, the definition includes vegetation that has not been cleared since the beginning of 1990, but it will be expanded to include vegetation that is at least 15 years old, securing an extra 450,000 hectares of protected vegetation.Outcomes of Queensland government grants will be more transparent but other elements will remain confidential and a shake-up of state taxes will not go ahead.

The Palaszczuk government has released its response to a Queensland Productivity Commission report into the manufacturing sector, which was handed to the government six months ago.

Manufacturing Minister Cameron Dick says the government will report more details of attraction incentives in annual reports.

The commission recommended the government avoid providing "attraction incentives" to individual firms or projects.

But if it continued, the government should link grants to measurable outcomes, and publish the number, names and size of firms assisted, the value of assistance provided to each firm and the details of contracts with individual firms.Yangon: Thousands of people rallied on Monday in Myanmar's war-torn Kachin State to demand humanitarian access for villagers trapped by fighting between government forces and ethnic minority insurgents that has displaced more than 5000 people.

Kachin Independence Army rebel watches no man's land, towards the Myanmar army front line from a outpost in Hpalap mountain last month. Credit:AP

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of Myanmar's most powerful ethnic minority insurgent forces, has regularly clashed with government troops in the mountainous region bordering China and India since 2011, when a 17-year-old ceasefire broke down.

The United Nations said thousands of people have been displaced since fighting in the area escalated in early April.

The KIA and aid workers have called it the most intense conflict since Kachin guerrillas started fighting the government for greater autonomy in the early 1960s.EDITOR'S NOTE: The High Court overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for historic child sex offences in a judgment handed down April 7, 2020. In a unanimous decision all seven High Court judges found Victoria's Court of Appeal should not have upheld Pell's conviction It found the evidence could not support a guilty verdict.

London: Cardinal George Pell is likely to be replaced as head of the Vaticans Secretariat for the Economy now that he has been committed to stand trial on sexual assault charges, an experienced Vatican observer says.

"The great likelihood is that hes never going back to Rome, at least as head of the Secretariat," said John Allen jnr, editor at Crux and a long-time reporter and author on Catholicism and the Vatican.

Before charges were laid and Pell left for Australia last year, he was one of the most powerful men in the Vatican.New York: The adult film actress Stormy Daniels on Monday filed a lawsuit accusing US President Donald Trump of defamation for a tweet suggesting she made up an incident where she said she was warned not to discuss an alleged sexual encounter with Trump.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, sued over an April 18 tweet in which Trump suggested she lied about the existence of a man portrayed in a sketch she released a day earlier.

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels Credit:AP

The sketch depicted a man Daniels described as having threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011. She offered a $US100,000 reward for information about him.

"A sketch years later about a nonexistent man," Trump wrote. "A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!"Sao Paulo: An abandoned high rise building occupied by squatters in downtown Sao Paulo caught fire and collapsed on Tuesday, sending chunks of fiery debris crashing into neighbouring buildings and surrounding streets.

Firefighters said at least one person had been killed in the collapse and that there could be more.

The building, a former headquarters of the federal police, caught fire around 1:30am local time. Firefighters set up a perimeter and worked to evacuate people.

The building in downtown Sao Paulo collapsed as firefighters worked to put out a fire that began in the middle of the night. Credit:Sao Paulo Fire Department

A few hours later, as flames engulfed the building of at least 20 stories, it collapsed. Globo TV, which was covering the fire, captured the destruction. Images showed the floors falling on themselves like dominoes and debris flying in all directions.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

The Sisters of Mercy have finally lifted the vow of silence.

The confidentiality agreement that blocked the mystery buyer of the Angel Guardian Home in Dyker Heights from revealing his intentions for the block-sized complex finally loosened enough for him to speak about his plans for the site, and how the communitys voice helped shape them.

Developer Scott Barone credited Brooklyn Paper sister the Bay Ridge Couriers extensive coverage of local needs and concerns since the propertys sale last year as what informed his decisions to include a senior center, affordable housing, senior housing and perhaps a school there  in addition to the market-rate condos he had originally planned for the entire site  as well as to preserve the main building, which locals have been pushing to landmark to protect it from the wrecking ball.

We really heard three things from the community at large: that they need schools and senior housing, that the Narrows Senior Center is something thats important to this community as a whole, and that this building is important to this neighborhood, and were going to do everything in our power to keep it there, said Barone, the founder and president of his eponymous management company, which has previously developed hotels, luxury apartments, and office and commercial buildings across the city.

The developer said that he has already had meetings with the Landmarks Preservation Commission about the century-old main building, but his current plans are to preserve it as part of the final design, though hes not yet sure what would go there.

It is our intention at this time to keep that main building in place, he said, and if it were to be landmarked, were okay with that.

Barone said he expects to close the Angel Guardian deal within the next two to three months  pending approval from the Vatican  and that 60 percent of the block-sized property bound by 63rd and 64th streets and 12th and 13th avenues will be devoted to market-rate condos, with an additional 15 percent earmarked for affordable housing and the last 25 percent split between senior housing and perhaps a school.

City rules do not require the developer to include affordable housing, but a spokeswoman for the nuns promised the development would include some affordable housing when this paper broke the news of the sale last December.

Barone also pledged to offer the Narrows Senior Center a long-term lease at its current rent when the new buildings are complete, easing the worries of the soon-to-be-displaced seniors.

We are 100-percent, without a doubt, offering to bring back the Narrows Senior Center with the same amount of space they have  at the current rent  for a 10-year lease, he said. It might not be for a couple years, because I cant have seniors running around an active construction site, but well sign that lease now.

Barone added that he was not involved with the seniors impending eviction, originally schedule for February, but postponed until mid-May.

The Catholic Charities Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens  which operates the Narrows Center and plans to relocate the seniors to a space in Borough Park  did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

One of the organizers of the Guardians of the Guardian civic group said she was glad the developer heard  and is apparently heeding  the communitys concerns, but added that the group was opposed to the school and wants affordable senior housing instead.

The fact that he wants to work with the community is wonderful, the fact that were going to get the senior housing is great, Im very happy that hes supportive of the senior center, but Im still concerned about the school, and getting as much senior housing in there as possible, said Fran Vella-Marrone.

But Assemblyman Peter Abbate (DBensonhurst), who met with Barone and other local elected officials and civic leaders including Vella-Marrone and Community Board 10 district manager Josephine Beckmann at the CB10 office on April 26, told this paper that a school would be a boon for the area  which is the citys most overcrowded school district  even though some locals staunchly oppose the idea.

I understand some people will be against the school, but its the right thing to do, Abbate said. [The seniors] grandchildren are going to need schools, and we need it.

Councilman Justin Brannan (DBay Ridge), who promised to build a school within his first term, was also at the meeting, and added that the developer should take advantage of this rare opportunity to alleviate the districts overcrowded schools.

One of the things weve discussed is that its so rare that we have such a large plot of land become available, and it would be shortsighted for us not to make use of it [for a school], he said.

State Sen. Marty Golden (RBay Ridge) and Councilman Carlos Menchaca (DSunset Park) were also at the meeting, along with reps from the offices of Rep. Dan Donovan (RBay Ridge) and Borough President Adams, plus CB10s chairwoman Doris Cruz, and the nuns attorney.

Barone said the firm won the competitive bidding process in December, and that if the deal goes through as expected, he wouldnt break ground on the site for at least a year  adding that construction will likely take much longer, even though they wont try to change the zoning to build higher, as some had originally feared.

If I was to start today, its probably a three-year process, he said. But were not going for any zoning changes.

The lot is currently zoned for three-story row houses and mixed-use buildings.

And Barone also apologized for the shroud of secrecy surrounding the deal, adding that the confidentiality agreement prevented him from talking, and backlash from the concerned community shocked the nuns.

On behalf of the Sisters and myself, I want to apologize for some of the confusion and lack of transparency, he said. The only reason we havent spoken to anyone is that up until four or five days ago, we and the Sisters were bound by a confidentiality agreement, which is very typical of a real-estate transaction.

The secrecy surrounding the deal drove rumors and led locals to fear the worst, prompting protests and outrage that took the nuns by surprise, Barone said, and the vow of silence on the deal prevented him or the Sisters from assuaging their fears.

There was a fair amount of public outcry that was unexpected, and [the nuns] arent businesspeople  they didnt know how to respond or what to do.

But Barone said hes now looking towards the future, and will be happiest once the deal is done.

Its a beautiful building, and Im going to be very happy to own it for a very long period of time, he said.

The Sisters of Mercy did not respond to a request for comment by press time.

Reach reporter Julianne McShane at (718) 2602523 or by e-mail at jmcsh ane@c ngloc al.com . Follow her on Twitter @juliannemcshane.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

This chili was on fire!

Some Brooklyn members of New Yorks Bravest traded their protective suits for aprons on Friday to cook up spicy stews at a Cobble Hill fund-raiser for their peers across the city.

Amateur chefs from squads in Brooklyn Heights, Red Hook, and Downtown faced off against competitors from outer-borough ladders in the inaugural Firehouse Chili Cook-off, serving their signature bowls of beans to raise awareness and cash for a group of do-gooders that offers support and mental-health services to firefighters and their families, a rep for the organizer said.

We definitely showed the community who we are and what we do, said Friends of Firefighters spokeswoman Sylvie Brown. It was a festive, fun family night, and we were really happy with the turnout.

First place in the friendly culinary competition went to a pair of Manhattans Bravest for their pulled-pork-stuffed stew served with a side of corn bread, but a local firefighter with Red Hooks Ladder 101 came in a close second with his Red Hook Raiders Roasted-Green Chili, which Brown declared amazing.

I kept going back for more, she said of John Fuchss dish.

And all of the six participants recipes packed flavor in every bite, according to another firefighter in attendance.

The competition was very good, there were different styles, said Franklin Richardson III, who is stationed at a ladder on the distant isle.

Proceeds from each $25 ticket sold for the bash at event space The Invisible Dog, which also featured an auction and live music, will go towards Friends of Firefighterss work in the five boroughs, according to Brown, who said the group is already salivating at the prospect of restaging the cook-off next year.

Were already planning, she said.

Reach reporter Julianne Cuba at (718) 2604577 or by e-mail at jcuba @cngl ocal.com . Follow her on Twitter @julcuba.Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC

Theyre reel-y outraged.

Bird lovers are calling for an end to fishing in Prospect Park after a great horned owl ensnared by line in the meadow died hours following its arrival at a wildlife rescue on April 27.

Why they allow fishing in this park is beyond me, said Ann Feldman, a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club. Everything gets caught in the lines  swans, ducks, herons. This is the first owl, but its a stupid policy.

Park rangers last week tracked the owl for days after noticing it was snared by the line, but couldnt get their hands on the creature until its injury rendered it unable to fly, according to the rescuer unable to save the ailing bird.

It was so lethargic and weak that they were able to catch it, and thats a bad sign, said Bobby Horvath, who runs Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation out on faraway Long Island. Whenever you can catch a bird of prey, it absolutely needs help.

The owl suffered from starvation and a horrific leg wound that exposed its raw flesh, according to Horvath, who said the raptor was beyond saving by the time he received it, and that it perished within hours of arriving at his facility.

It was in such critical condition  wet, ice cold, pale, he said. We gave it heat, pain medication, and fluids for shock, but within three hours, it passed away.

Great horned owls are rarely spotted within city limits, according to Feldman, who said that until someone spied a nest in the park about four years ago, more than a century had passed without a passerby eyeing one of the nocturnal creatures above Brooklyns Backyard.

Feldman said she previously kept watch of this particular owl, a male who left a mate and chick behind, and his nest for the Department of Parks and Recreation  which is currently mapping birds of prey nesting spots in order to flag areas where exterminators shouldnt place deadly rodenticide after a red-tailed hawk ingested the poison in Prospect Park and died in Horvaths care last December, according to a rep.

And now that the patriarch is dead, its surviving family faces an uncertain future, Feldman said.

The father is the one that does the hunting, so his death is pretty serious, she said. Birds really do need two parents.

The great horned owl is far from the first bird in the park to suffer at the hands of careless fishermen, who notoriously snare waterfowl and other winged creatures with their lines.

Last year, a swan entangled by fishing line died shortly after being rescued by a local wildlife advocate, who said she watched a robin and a seagull perish after encounters with lines in 2016.

Meadow caretakers at the Prospect Park Alliance installed special receptacles in which to discard fishing supplies back in 2015, and the Parks Department can slap anglers with fines up to $75 for failing to comply with the agencys regulations, which include the proper disposal of equipment, according to a spokeswoman, who lamented the recent feathered fatality.

Failure to remove fishing line fragments and hooks from Parks land and waters is a violation of our rules, and puts animals in danger, said Maeri Ferguson. This is an extremely unfortunate situation and serves as a reminder to New Yorkers to fish responsibly.

But fishing protocol in city parks follows state laws on the sport  which do not explicitly forbid tossing paraphernalia into the water, according to the leader of another wildlife organization, who demanded Albany crack down on negligent anglers and said her group is raising money to install receptacles for unwanted lines and hooks at all city fishing spots.

In New York State, they ask not to discard it, but its not a law, said Rita McMahon, a director at the Manhattan-based Wild Bird Fund. Fishing line hurts a lot of animals, not just water fowl, but turkeys, turtles, and the owls, as you see.

And although bird lovers may balk at the hobby, catch-and-release fishing is a beloved tradition in Brooklyns Backyard that dates back decades  in 2011, meadow stewards ended the parks long-running Macys Fishing Contest that drew youngsters to Prospect Park lake for 63 years before budget cuts rendered it impractical, the New York Daily news reported at the time. Caretakers at the alliance, however, still host summer angling workshops sponsored by the retailer, as well as seasonal fishing events such as the safe-casting class held in the park as part of its Earth Day celebration earlier this month.

Horvath said he doesnt expect the state to ban fishing in Prospect Park any time soon, arguing line-casters are a generally responsible bunch spoiled by a few bad apples.

Its more of an ethical thing, people need to clean up after themselves, he said. If youre intentionally leaving debris behind that can cause damage to an animal, thats irresponsible.If things go to plan, Larsen & Toubro Ltd and Schneider Electric SE may soon announce one of India's biggest M&A deals in the year so far. Citing sources in the know, a Bloomberg report said that India's largest engineering and construction company has agreed to sell its electrical unit to a consortium led by Schneider Electric SE for a whopping $2.1 billion (around Rs 14,000 crore), including debt.







In fact, the deal could be announced as early as this week. The year so far has reportedly registered four deals in the billion-dollar category. As per the deal being hashed out, Schneider will own a 74 per cent stake in L&T's electrical unit while Temasek Holdings Pte will own the balance.







The report added that the division's net revenue for the nine months ended December 31 was up 12 per cent to Rs 3,590 crore. Two weeks ago, after BSE questioned L&T about this rumoured deal, the latter had replied that "as part of its long-term strategy plan Lakshya 2021" the group was constantly scanning its portfolio and would "carry out restructuring from time to time".







The Indian multinational agreed that its 'electrical and automation business' was also being considered for "appropriate restructuring" but informed the bourses that "In compliance of Regulation 30 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, we shall make necessary disclosures at appropriate time".







The deal has actually been a long time in the making. Last November, L&T's Chief Financial Officer R. Shankar Raman had told the media company that the company expected to sell its electrical unit by March 2018 and that due diligence was underway.







He had significantly added that the company was looking to push into the information technology space, be it analytics, mobility, cloud or artificial intelligence, through acquisitions. Selling off its non-core and sub-scale businesses was reportedly part of the grand plan.







For instance, last October, L&T sold its entire stake in its subsidiary EWAC Alloys to ESAB Holdings for Rs 522 crore. Before that, in August, it divested its entire stake in L&T Cutting Tools Ltd to IMC International Metalworking Companies BV for Rs 174 crore. "The reason we are stepping out of these profitable but sub-scale businesses is that we don't see them becoming a billion-dollar-plus revenue generating businesses," Raman had explained at the time.Stepping up its crackdown on money laundering and round-tripping, Sebi recently came out with a detailed framework for risk based Know Your Client (KYC) documentation of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). Among other things, the market regulator made it clear that non-resident Indians (NRIs), overseas citizens of India (OCI) and resident Indians cannot be beneficial owners of FPIs. NRIs and OCIs can only obtain an FPI licence on condition that they limit their roles to investment advisors and do not invest their money. Sebi further sought a comprehensive list of beneficial owners from the existing FPIs within six months.

Turning up the heat



But these new rules have several FPIs worried. According to a report in The Business Standard, global funds typically ask fund managers to put up some seed capital, called skin-in-the-game in industry parlance. For instance, in Singapore, a fund manager has to invest $240,000 as seed capital. But a PIO making such an investment is in direct violation of the FPI rules. Hence, to meet this obligation, and avoid regulatory scrutiny, the daily added that several NRI fund managers have infused seed capital through innovative structures like limited liability partnerships (LLPs) so that they, or their family members remain end-beneficiaries.

Sebi, till now, had turned a blind eye to such creativity. But with the quantum of money involved growing annually - along with growing concerns about the misuse of such practices - the market regulator is now upping its vigilance. Since being allowed over two decades ago in November 1992, FPIs cumulative net investment in the Indian equity market stood at Rs 8.86 lakh crore (as of the last fiscal), while the cumulative figure for debt securities crossed Rs 4 lakh crore.

Citing sources, the daily said that this move will hit several funds where a PIO owns in the range of 15 per cent to 49 per cent. Most of these funds belong to jurisdictions such as Mauritius, Cayman Islands, and Luxembourg, which are known for light domestic laws and minimum compliance. "Several Indians have been misusing the FPI route even though the regulations have been clear from the beginning. Since these funds are already regulated in their home countries, Sebi so far has had a hands-off approach. However, the regulator now seems to have turned the heat on them," said a source.

The new rules

In a circular dated April 10, Sebi redefined the term "beneficial owner" for FPIs. "Beneficial Owner is the natural person(s) who ultimately owns or controls an FPI and should be identified in accordance with Rule 9 of the Prevention of Money laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005 (PMLA)," said the circular, adding that their controlling ownership interest will also henceforth be aligned to the PMLA rules. The threshold for a beneficial owner in case of a partnership firm or trust now stands at 15 per cent and 25 per cent in the case of companies.

The threshold is further reduced to 10 per cent if the fund is incorporated in a high-risk jurisdiction as previously notified by Sebi. Before these tweaks, the cap reportedly stood at 51 per cent of the total investment corpus. The regulator also asked Category II and III FPIs to disclose the name and address of the beneficial owner(s), their tax residency jurisdiction along with percentage shareholding capital or profit ownership in the FPIs. These rules reportedly mean that of the 8,000-odd FPIs registered as Category II funds, a whopping 6,000 of them will now be subject to stringent KYC norms for the first time. No wonder the FPI brigade is so rattled.

With PTI inputsPrime Minister Narendra Modi today kick-started the BJP's massive election campaign in Karnataka with an eye to wrest power from the incumbent Congress. Karnataka is among four states where the Congress is in power. The voting for the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12, and results will be announced on the 15th of the month.

Ahead of the polling, the Prime Minister is expected to address 15 rallies in different parts of the southern state. Today, PM Modi addressed a massive gathering in Chamrajnagar - a constituency believed to be Congress and Janata Dal-Secular's bastion. This was one of his three rallies planned for the day. Later, he will visit Udupi and Chikkodi in Belagavi. Ahead of his Udupi rally, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Krishna Matha and meet the senior seer there.

While addressing the rally today, Prime Minister responded to Rahul Gandhi's challenge of a 15-minute face off in parliament. He said: "I challenge you (Rahul Gandhi) to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of your government in Karnataka without reading from any piece of paper. You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue." Last month, the Congress President had asked the Prime Minister for one-on-one debate for 15 minutes in the parliament. He had said that 'if I am allowed to speak for 15 minutes in Parliament, PM Narendra Modi will run away'.

The battle of Karnataka has become a fight of prestige as both the national parties - BJP under Narendra Modi and Congress under Rahul Gandhi - are preparing for 2019 General Elections. The Congress wants to save its last major state after losing multiple state assemblies ever since Narendra Modi and Amit Shah took Charge in Delhi. And the BJP wants to win the state to leave behind by-polls defeat that cast a shadow on the popularity of the ruling party and PM Modi ahead of crucial general elections.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi began his campaign almost a month ago visiting multiple districts and religious Maths. Last week, the Congress released its manifesto for Karnataka in which it promised to create one crore jobs in next five years. The Congress President also claimed the his government under Siddaramaiah had fulfilled 95 per cent of the promises made in the last manifesto.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a series of tweets on Monday questioned the Prime Minister's record in job creation. He said: "You promised jobs, but then advised youth to sell pakodas. You said demonetisation would end black money, but it only brought misery to common ppl. And then you come here and call real development a lollipop?"

Among the issues that have dominated this election so far are: corruption, unemployment, price rise and lack of access to drinking water.

Almost a month before the high-stakes election, India Today-Karvy Insights had conducted an opinion poll in Karnataka. The biggest takeaways from that opinion poll is that no one party is expected to cross the magic number of 112 that is required to form the government in the state. According to the opinion poll, the ruling Congress can hope to win between 90 and 101 seats and the BJP will win between 78 and 86 seats.

However, BJP's Karnataka Chief Ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa later rejected the prediction and said that he would form the next government in the southern state. If the BJP wins, Yeddyurappa will become the Chief Minister for the second time. He was the Chief Minister of the South Indian state from May 30, 2008 to July 31, 2011.

Some of the key takeaways from India Today-Karvy Insights opinion polls:A total of 150 schools affiliated to the UP Education Board achieved a feat they would not want to boast about. In UP School Education Board results for intermediate and secondary classes declared on Sunday, these 150 schools scored the 'perfect zero' - meaning no student studying in these schools in Class 10 and Class 12 was able to pass the exam.

Of these 150 government as well as aided schools, total 98 schools failed to clear the exams in the high school class, while as many as 52 schools failed in Class 12 exam, reported Hindustan Times.

If authorities are to be believed, these schools failed because the state government had put in place stringent anti-copying measures this year, and carried out a crackdown on copying mafias all over the state.

The report said the anti-copying steps taken by the government not only stopped corrupt examinee teachers from indulging in unfair practices but also led to several students quitting their exams altogether.

Among all districts, the most notorious one in terms of maximum institutions achieving the 'not-so-coveted' zero result mark is Ghazipur. No student in a total of 17 schools in this district - 11 intermediary and six high schools - was able to get the passing marks.

The list is followed by Allahabad and Azamgarh, where six each school reported zero results. Other districts that reported zero results included Hardoi, Bahraich, Mau and Mirzapur, Agra, Aligarh, Lucknow, Kannauj, and Gorakhpur, etc.

India Today reported the UP Education Board for the first time implemented strict anti-copying measures this year, forcing those who totally depend upon copying to either quit from appearing in the exam or failing in it.

The government had installed CCTV cameras across 8,000 examination centres all over the state and had constituted a special task force to mitigate the chances of mass copying.

Rajnish Shukla of Fatehpur and Akash Maurya of Barabanki secured the first position with 466 marks each (93.2 per cent) in the Class-12 exam, while Anjali Verma topped the Class-10 exam with 96.33 per cent.Visakhapatnam (Vizag)-based start-up Zebi Data India has come up with 'Zebi AI Chain', its blockchain-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution and says it has been deployed in over 200 hotels in the city. Announcing this at a press conference in Hyderabad on Tuesday, May 1, Babu Munagala, the founder and CEO of the company said hotel brands such as "Novotel, The Park, Taj Gateway, Ginger use 'Zebi AI Chain,' not only to protect their guest data but also to help law enforcement officials in proactive identification and prevention of criminal activities."



He says historically, the data transfer between the hotels and law enforcement offices has been done manually, by carrying paper-based documents. This carries huge privacy risk as the sensitive data on the papers are vulnerable to misuse during transportation and storage of papers. At the same time, the processing times are also unnecessarily long and cumbersome. The company is talking to others potential customers and looking at other sectors too such as education.

Land records in Andhra



A major breakthrough for the company has been its engagement with the government of Andhra Pradesh, where, in December 2017, it launched its Zebi Chain, a block chain-powered tamperproof and immutable data security solution. It has been deployed for land records of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority. Earlier, in December 2015, the three year old start up raised $1 million (Rs 6.8 crore) from a bunch of unnamed San Francisco-based angel investors and again in February and March this year raised another $ 10 million from its Initial Coin Offering (ICO). It now harbours hopes of crossing $ 60 million after four years, be profitable in three years and get there with less than 1000 people. Currently, it has close to 30 people. Its business model is build largely around the transaction fee and the data access fee that will emanate after the product is deployed.An India Today investigation showed that data harvesting to manipulate voters is perhaps even more brazen in India than the case of UK-based Cambridge Analytica. Meanwhile, every app being downloaded in mobile devices today is collecting user data constantly. And despite the comprehensive White Paper brought out by the Justice Srikrishna committee on a data protection framework for India, the draft for a comprehensive law that can protect the data and privacy of Indian citizens is still not ready.

But while the draft for the overarching data protection and privacy law is taking time, the Ministry of Health and Welfare have prepared a clear and relatively short Digital Information Security in Healthcare Act (DISHA) draft in end-March and invited comments. Unlike the Srikrishna committee white paper, this one takes a far more cut and dried view of protection of health records and data of individuals.

The purpose of DISHA is to regulate the generation, collection, storage, analysis, transmission and ownership of patient health data and personally identifiable information. It calls for the creation of a central regulator called National Electronic Health Authority, and of state regulators called State Electronic Health Authorities. It also calls for the setting up of Health Information Exchanges by the government.

The great thing about DISHA is that it is very clear both about who owns the data (the patient does) and about what it be used for and who it can be shared with. It explicitly states that a patient's data can only be used for treating him - and that too with his consent (in the case of a minor, the legal guardian can give proxy consent, but once the minor reaches majority, he owns the data, can access and correct it or can even withdraw it).

More importantly, even the entities that can collect digital health data (DHD) like clinics or diagnostic centers have specific obligations under the draft Act. And the DHD which is stored or transmitted has to be done only on a need to know basis. DHD can be collected, stored and analysed only for these purposes

(a) To advance the delivery of patient centered medical care;

(b) To provide appropriate information to help guide medical decisions at the time and place of treatment;

(c) To improve the coordination of care and information among hospitals, laboratories, medical professionals, and other

entities through an effective infrastructure for the secure and authorised exchange of digital health data;

(d) To improve public health activities and facilitate the early identification and rapid response to public health threats and

emergencies, including bioterror events and infectious disease outbreaks;

(e) To facilitate health and clinical research and health care quality;

(f) To promote early detection, prevention, and management of chronic diseases;

(g) To carry out public health research, review and analysis, and policy formulation;

(h) To undertake academic research and other related purposes. Even in these, personally identifiable data can be used only for the first three points. For all others, only de-identified and aggregated DHD can be used.

The Act provides for strict punishment in case the data is not securely kept or if it is misused in any way. It also makes it mandatory for the collection to happen only after taking a patient's approval.

The major problem with the Act is that it does not take into account the proliferation of fitness and other wearable devices that are also collecting health data and transmitting it. Nor does it take into account the hundreds of personal health and fitness apps that are being launched every day. The Act in its present form cannot regulate them.

Still, in every other respect, DISHA is very clear cut and can serve as the model for even the overall data protection regulations and Privacy Act as long as it also takes into account other devices that collect digital health data.Good news for flyers, especially frequent flyers! The Telecom Commission has approved the facility of data connectivity on air. Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan said that in-flight connectivity in the Indian airspace will be available in the next three to four months. "Almost all recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on this have been accepted. We are expediting the process (to start) and within three months it should be ready," she told reporters after the meeting, as mentioned in agency reports.

According to TRAI recommendations, passengers would be able to access the internet and make calls once they are 3,000 mt in air. A plane usually touches 3,000 mt in four to five minutes from takeoff. The restriction of 3,000 mt has been imposed to maintain compatibility with terrestrial networks.

"The DoT will now make the necessary amendments to the relevant laws to create a separate category of licences for in-flight connectivity operators, which could be telecom service providers. After making the amendments, the delay will invite applications from those interested in providing these services," a senior official said, as mentioned in The Indian Express.

The official said that in order to promote the concept of in-flight connectivity service providers should be asked to pay a nominal licence fee of Re 1 per annum. As mentioned in reports, the government, however, would not intervene with the pricing mechanisms used by the operators.

Not only that, the Telecom Commission also granted its approval for a telecom ombudsman to look over consumer complaints. The official said that there is a grievance redressal mechanism inside the DoT and that it receives over 10 million consumer complaints every quarter. He added that TRAI had asked for additional powers to set up an ombudsman and the Telecom Commission gave its approval to this proposal. "Now the TRAI Act will be amended to this effect and the regulator will take a call on the mechanism of how the ombudsman will function and how many such ombudsman will be needed across the country," he said.

(With agency inputs)A sudden drop in the stock of U.S. Treasury debt held in Ireland has fueled speculation that U.S. multinationals may be shifting some of their gigantic cash piles back to the United States in response to changes in how foreign earnings are taxed.

After rising six-fold since 2012, Irish-based holdings of U.S. Treasuries fell by $13.5 billion in February, according to data from the U.S. Treasury International Capital, or TIC --their biggest ever monthly drop.

"While one data point doesn't make a trend, this is the biggest monthly decline in Ireland's Treasury holdings since the data became available, and coincided with the hotly discussed U.S. corporate repatriation theme," Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Carol Zhang told clients.

Ireland is the third-biggest overseas home to holdings of U.S. Treasury securities -- a whopping $314 billion of paper that is almost on par with the country's annual economic output.

That is partly because Dublin is a major center for international fund management and custody businesses, but also reflects Ireland's hosting of the European hubs of U.S. technology and pharmaceutical companies.

Apple, Google, Microsoft and Pfizer all have long-established Irish operations and large amounts of cash to bank outside the United States.

At least one -- Pfizer -- bases some of its treasury management operations in Ireland and Linkedin profiles show staff employed there in "fixed income management."

These subsidiaries are not required to publish separate accounts, and so it is unclear how much of their cash might be held in Ireland.

The TIC release for February, the latest month for which data is available, meanwhile tracks only the registered location of U.S. government securities held overseas, not who owns them.

There is no evidence in the data to show which companies might be returning cash to the United States or indeed whether the drop is down to repatriation.

But with U.S. bond yields hitting four-year highs recently, analysts see some signs of selling. ING debt strategist Padraic Garvey said the TIC figures indicated "liquidation of dollar-denominated products ... the data is pointing in the logical direction."

Ireland's central bank said it could not comment on official U.S. data. It said its own analysis showed the Irish financial sector's holdings of Treasuries had been stable in 2017, with no 2018 data yet available.

A senior banker at a custodian firm told Reuters he had not heard of any bond portfolio-management mandates being pulled recently. He speculated that the drop was a one-off event caused by changes to a single company's balance sheet.

The $13.5 billion figure is almost the same as the amount iPhone maker Apple needs to repay to the Irish exchequer -- 13 billion euros -- after the European Commission ruled the firm had received unfair tax incentives from Dublin.

Apple and Ireland are both appealing the ruling but Dublin has set up an escrow account for the cash and in early March chose Bank of New York Mellon to administer it.

Apple declined to comment.

Filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission show Apple held almost $60 billion of U.S. government debt at the end of 2017. Google held $37 billion and Microsoft held nearly $120 billion of government and agency debt. The filings do not show where the Treasuries are held.

But if U.S., not European, tax payments drove February's data change, Treasury holdings inIreland as well as other offshore locations are likely to fall further.

"If the decline was truly a reflection of offshore cash repatriation, Ireland's Treasury holdings should continue to decline," said BAML's Zhang, who estimates the seven top U.S. firms hold more than $200 billion in Treasuries.

By some estimates, U.S. multinationals hold over $3 trillion worth of worldwide profits offshore, in cash as well as various securities, the consequence of arrangements allowing them to "defer" paying U.S. tax unless they repatriated the money.

But under changes unveiled late last year, U.S. companies will be taxed on profits accumulated abroad, whether or not the money is repatriated. A lower tax rate of 15.5 percent and the opportunity to pay it over eight years offer a clear incentive to bring cash home.

Credit analysts surveyed by J.P. Morgan Asset Management in March predicted the top 10 U.S. tech and pharma firms would repatriate at least $300 billion -- a third of the cash they hold overseas -- to take advantage of the tax cut.

"If you are a U.S. corporate, you have a window now to do something and a lot of them, if not all, are doing something," said Bob Michele, head of global fixed income at JPM AM.

"They may not bring it all back this month or this year but they have started to bring some of it back."

Analyzing filings from the first quarter earnings reported by U.S. companies with big offshore cash balances, JPM AM noted a cumulative fall of almost $20 billion in these balances since 2017's last quarter.

The figures do not include Apple, with a total overseas stash of $285 billion, which posts its results on Tuesday. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ienews, latest-news

A collection of residents' groups in Canberra's inner south have challenged the veracity of a valuation Canberra Services Club has used to deconcessionalise its block next to Manuka Oval. The valuation the club submitted as part of its application to deconcessionalise the land claimed the prominent block, next to Manuka Oval and opposite the Manuka shops, was worth just $250,000. But the Griffith-Narrabundah Residents' Association, Kingston and Barton Residents Group, Friends of Manuka Pool and the Inner South Canberra Community Council have lodged submissions to the planning authority challenging that figure. When clubs or other community groups apply to deconcessionalise land, they must submit a valuation of the block, which is then used to calculate a "pay-out amount", a dollar figure the applicant must pay the government to deconcessionalise the land. The Colliers International valuation would mean, if the government accepted the figure as accurate, that the club would need to pay only $125,000 to deconcessionalise the block to make way for a sale or potential $45 million redevelopment on site. But the residents groups say the valuation, if accurate, would mean the block was worth only about $100 a square metre  a far cry from the $8.4 million paid at auction for the nearby block now housing the East Hotel. Inner South Canberra Community Council president Marea Fatseas said the figure was "laughable" and she was amazed anyone could suggest "straight-faced" that the 2468 sq m block, zoned for leisure and accommodation [CZ6] would be worth only $250,000. "The valuation makes me think what would the mums and dads out there struggling to try to buy a home in Canberra think about the block in Manuka being worth only $250,000, when they cant get a block of land for a house for that in the outer suburbs," she said. Griffith Narrabundah Community Association committee member Wayne Arthur said his group was simply pointing out that if the government took the valuation at face value, taxpayers would be receiving "a whole lot less revenue" than if a real market value was applied. "We've taken a fairly narrow approach in our submission as we think that basically this current application doesn't meet the criteria for the public interest test, so the minister should not approve it," he said. The Griffith-Narrabundah Residents' Association submission claimed the valuation was "simply not credible" and assuming the block sold for the same price per square metre as the East Hotel block did, it would be worth $7.129 million "or more than 28 times the value as assessed by Colliers". However, Planning Minister Mick Gentleman said irrespective of the Colliers valuation, the government's valuation office would complete a "critical assessment", which he described as a "thorough and robust process" to find an accurate current and market value for the block. He had also not received a brief from the planning authority on the application, and could not decide whether it would be in the public interest, or not, until he had a chance to consider the brief. Club president Mike Kinniburgh said he was not an expert in property valuation, and that is why the club sought a "professional, independent valuation" and he had no reason to think why it would be incorrect. "We just got an independent valuer and theres lists of acceptable valuers to the government, I wouldnt have even known who the valuer was that did it," he said. The other residents groups also questioned why the application should be allowed to proceed, in the absence of a promised master plan for the area, as well as a community panel Chief Minister Andrew Barr promised before the 2016 election. She said the proposal was one in a series of "ad hoc proposals" the government was considering separately that would affect the wider area, stretching from the Manuka shops, past the oval and Telopea Park and down to Kingston Foreshore. "This area's got about a dozen heritage-listed sites, but what the government is doing is allowing a site-by-site approach to development without any thought about the whole precinct and how it should be planned," she said. Despite the community concerns, Mr Gentleman would not commit to either pausing the club's application, or to speeding up the plans for a community panel and new master plan for the area. He reiterated the government's previous comments the community panel would not be convened until at least next year. Despite concerns a broader plan was needed to encompass the oval, Manuka and Kingston shops and the Kingston Foreshore, the prospect seems unlikely to eventuate, with Mr Gentleman saying only that a master plan for the Manuka Group Centre was completed in 2013.

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A prominent developer is seeking permission to build a large storage facility near the Red Hill nature reserve, a proposal that local residents and environmentalists have blasted as "abhorrent" and out of keeping with the nature of the site. A block of land near the reserve could become the site of a 20,000 square metre storage facility under plans submitted by Hindmarsh development company. Red Hill Regenerators conservation officer Dr Michael Mulvaney said the scale of the proposal was "abhorrent". "A proposal that will impact Red Hill reserve, build on areas in which waste has been dumped and which is immediately downslope of large toxic, unstable and permeable legacy rubbish dumps, and is at a scale that is abhorrent to the local community," he said. "Hindmarsh are treating both the Legislative Assembly and the local community with contempt." Last year Hindmarsh outlined a proposal to build a major residential development on the land, drawing criticisms from residents concerned about ecological impacts. Now Hindmarsh has put forward an alternative plan, seeking government approval to use the land as the site for a self-storage facility. Hindmarsh ACT development manager Greg Smith said the self-storage proposal did not mean plans to build housing on the block had been scotched. Instead, it kept options open while the company waited to hear whether the ACT government would re-zone the land for residential use, Mr Smith said. The site, Section 66, is classified by the ACT government as a service zone. A self-storage facility would avoid the need to rezone. Hindmarsh would, however, need the government to approve a lease variation increasing the maximum building footprint from the currently specified 500 square metres to the proposed 20,500 square metres. It is typically easier to be granted a lease variation than it is to get a territory plan variation. COX architecture has developed a concept outlining a possible multi-storey self-storage facility on the site totalling 20,500 square metres, plans lodged with the government read. The concept demonstrates that a self-storage facility can be accommodated on the site with adequate car parking, access, circulation and with minimal impacts to the surrounding area. The Red Hill Regenerators community group has previously highlighted concerns about building on the potentially-contaminated Hindmarsh site. Im concerned particularly if you have families living there, and kids you might be up on the block making cubby houses or digging in the soil and we dont know what they could be exposed to, Dr Mulvaney said last year. Dr Mulvaney said the group did not necessarily oppose storage on the site, but was concerned about the massive size of the facility. He pointed to Hindmarshs application to increase the development footprint from the currently-allowed 500 square metres to 20,500 square metres. The scale of the proposal is totally out of keeping with the nature of the site, the aesthetics of the surrounding open space and nature reserve, and the high conservation values that exist on parts of the site and surrounding land, he said. ACT Greens planning spokeswoman Caroline Le Couteur said she was extremely sceptical of the self-storage proposal, and wondered whether Red Hill residents would welcome it. It could be a manouvre to force residents to choose between a massive storage building, or a residential development with a comparitively smaller visual impact on the landscape, she said. In February, Purdon Planning wrote to the ACT government on behalf of Hindmarsh to outline the storage proposal. In this letter, Purdon stressed that a self-storage building would have minimal visual and ecological impacts. Increasing the gross floor area to allow development of the site for store will improve the visual amenity of the sites and will not have any negative impact on adjacent residents, the proposal read.  There are no endangered ecological communities on the site and removal of vegetation is negligible due to the disturbed nature of the site at present. However, Dr Mulvaney said the land was home to bats and sugar gliders, and was an important habitat for gang-gang cockatoos. We recently saw gang-gang cockatoos successfully raise young on the site. There are only a handful of those sites across the ACT, he said. Hindmarshs Greg Smith said the company would continue consulting with residents in the area as the plans progressed. Public consultation on the proposed lease variation closes on May 18.

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Canberrans can now fly direct to Singapore every day, with Singapore Airlines increasing the number of flights to Changi Airport from four per week. Daily flights on the route will begin at 11.15pm on Tuesday, with passengers to land in Singapore at 5.15am local time. The new services mean travellers will also be able to fly into the ACT from Singapore each day, landing in the capital at 10.20pm after a 70-minute stopover in Sydney. Singapore Airlines regional vice president Philip Goh said the airline had swapped out the Boeing 777-200s it previously used for Canberra flights, replacing them with Boeing 777-300ERs that gave Canberra Airport passengers access to first class and premium economy for the first time. Four of the 264 seats on the new planes are in first class, with 48 in business class, 28 in premium economy and 184 in economy class. The introduction of the new premium cabins, combined with lie-flat business class seats and the move to a daily service, will ensure the ACT and surrounding region is provided with a choice of premium travel options, Mr Goh said. The changes come after Singapore Airlines scrapped its "capital express" route, ending direct flights from Canberra Airport to the New Zealand capital Wellington less than two years after they began. They also follow the February launch of flights between Canberra Airport and Doha, via Sydney. Chief Minister Andrew Barr said those services had streamlined travel for Canberrans visiting the Middle East and Europe, and boosted tourism in the ACT. "Already, these services have contributed to record numbers of international visitors to our city, boosting our tourism industry, which now employs over 16,000 Canberrans," he said. Mr Barr said the ACT government was now focused on working with Canberra Airport to establish links with China, which was Canberra's top tourism market, and Auckland, which would improve access to North America.

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A firefighter has rescued a dog from a burning home in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon. Station officer Jeff Scheetz found the dog, Cleo, while fighting a blaze that has left a house in Laptz Close, Palmerston, with major damage. "I couldn't see the dog because of the smoke, but I felt him at my feet," Mr Scheetz said. Cleo was unharmed, and the Emergency Services Agency said the dog's owners were very relieved when they were reunited. "Whilst we couldn't save the house, we are glad that Cleo is safe," ACT Fire and Rescue commander Russell Cameron said. Firefighters arrived at the house on Tuesday afternoon to find fire and smoke coming from the roof. Four pumpers, the breathing apparatus support vehicle, a HAZMAT vehicle and two commanders responded, with the street closed as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. It has since reopened. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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Sydney and Melbourne now outstrip London, New York, and Los Angeles for expensive housing. Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth arent far behind. All of them rank as among the most expensive cities in the world for housing. Australias housing market is a catastrophe so dire that it has become an international joke, even in New York. And when it comes to renters on low incomes, a group that has been ignored by governments for years, the picture is even bleaker. Canberra is worse than Sydney on that measure. Even Hobarts overheating rental market is starting to catch up to Sydney. Anglicare Australias ninth Rental Affordability Snapshot, released on Monday, has even more bad news for renters. We surveyed 67,000 rental listings from across the country. Only 485 rentals were affordable for someone on the Disability Support Pension. 180 were affordable for a single parent with one child on Newstart. Age pensioners have it a little easier, but only just. An age pensioner can afford just 833 listings out of 67,000. Some groups have it worse than others. There are simply no affordable rental listings at all for a person on Newstart or Youth Allowance in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth. This is pushing people into desperate situations. We know of Anglicare clients who spend almost 80 per cent of their incomes on rent. That number isnt a surprise when you consider that the median unit rent in Sydney has climbed to $525 a week. The net pay of someone earning the minimum wage is just $599. Anyone trying to find a secure and affordable place to live already knows how broken the system is  and understands what that overused phrase really means. It means that paying the rent can leave pockets so bare that there is no money to put food in the fridge. It means that people from the country cant afford to pursue careers in the city. It means those who do move to take jobs dont get ahead at all. Instead, they face years of expensive squalor. It means that rents in regional areas are high as well, with the added challenge of scarce jobs. And it means that Australia is becoming more unfair and more unequal. Newspapers publish rental horror stories so often that many of us are no longer shocked by them. Weve heard it all, from tents in backyards, to large families crammed into tiny apartments, to eye-wateringly expensive detached housing. It is in these conditions that millions of Australians will live for good. Renting is no longer a safety net for people on low-incomes. One in three Australians rent and many of them are in rental stress. Research shows that most want more security, and half fear being blacklisted if they ever need to raise a concern with their landlord. Of course, many landlords are fair and reasonable. But that hardly matters, because a rental market this overheated cant reward good landlords or punish bad ones. The laws dont offer much of a fallback to the foibles of the market. In most parts of the country, tenancy laws give the power to landlords and afford almost no security to renters. Its easy to look at this crisis and conclude that it is all a senseless accident. But here again, the truth is ugly. We got here because as a country, we have grown used to treating our homes as our main investment vehicles. Tax breaks mean that housing is much more attractive than other investments. Our system has been designed to favour investors and speculators, and that is driving up prices. We have heard a lot in recent years about how this is hurting home buyers, but its also driving up rent. As the community grows more anxious about the crisis, most recent budgets have included some kind of nod to housing affordability or homelessness  a new grant here, a funding boost there. But the scale of the problem is so dire that these efforts have proven to be piecemeal. Year after year, our Rental Affordability Snapshot and countless other studies show that the problem is only getting worse. To say that our tax settings have caused a crisis is an understatement. They are causing a meltdown, and we wont be able to truly fix it until we redesign our housing policies so that they work for everyone. Anglicare Australia is calling for a fairer tax system by limiting negative gearing and capital gains tax exemptions. We can invest the billions we save in social and affordable rental housing for people in need. And, we need to make renting fairer and more secure by reforming tenancy laws around the country. These actions are no longer optional. If we dont make these changes  and make them quickly  we will condemn a generation of renters to years of hardship and insecurity. Kasy Chambers is Anglicare Australia's executive director

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Comic geniuses Monty Python were never accused of holding back from crude humour. One of their more memorable lines  "I fart in your general direction"  uttered by the Insulting Frenchman, fits this bill. Yet their scenes are often divorced from reality, skirting outside the bounds of the possible. However you say it  flatulence, bum sneezes, letting one rip or plain old farting  it is (usually) an involuntary act that is met with embarrassment. This is particularly true in the office, where it certainly is not met with the triumphant gloating of the Insulting Frenchman. So it may surprise some readers to learn that intentional farts are in fact frequently cited as sources of workplace grievances and evidence of bullying. Not only are accusations levelled that a colleague farted in their general direction, it is often the case that someone farted in their specific direction. Could it really be that fact, at least when it comes to flatulence in the workplace, is stranger even than Monty Python? The recent case of Hingst v Construction Engineering involved an allegation that the plaintiff's immediate supervisor deliberately farted in his specific direction. This resulted in multiple altercations, where the plaintiff, David Hingst, sprayed his supervisor, Greg Short, with deodorant while calling him the imaginative name "Mr Stinky". Among other allegations, Hingst alleged that Short's actions amounted to a "complex conspiracy" to "marginalise him and terminate his employment". This resulted, it was claimed, in Hingst suffering psychiatric injuries. The Victorian Supreme Court threw the case out, with Justice Rita Zammit ultimately concluding that no bullying had occurred. Aside from being the source of many jokes, the case raises questions about what constitutes bullying and unacceptable workplace behaviour. Indeed, it raises questions about the potential consequences of even an involuntary act for employees and employers. These consequences could be amplified further in the Australian Public Service, where the APS code of conduct is brought into play. It is established that a mental element, such as knowledge, intent or recklessness, is not (usually) required to establish a breach of the code. Even in circumstances where a public servant's behaviour was not deliberate, intentional or even voluntary, it can still be harassment. This is because harassing behaviour is not measured against the perpetrator's intentions; rather, it is based on whether a reasonable person would conclude the behaviour would humiliate, offend, intimidate or cause a person unnecessary hurt or distress. Had Hingst been an APS employee and made a code of conduct allegation against his supervisor, it is quite possible that the allegations would have been investigated  I have seen lesser allegations upheld. In Hingst, Zammit found it was the termination of Hingst's employment that led him to return obsessively to the flatulence episode, which at the time had not created the alleged psychiatric harm. Rather, it was held that Hingst had "reacted in an extreme and unreasonable way to the termination of his employment, which led him to seek revenge against those whom he blames for his loss". On Hingst's own admission, had he not lost his job and if other incidents had not occurred, such as an alleged abusive phone call, the flatulence would "never have been a big issue". From this, we can hypothesise that a reasonable person would not conclude in these circumstances that Short's flatulence would humiliate, offend, intimidate or cause Hingst unnecessary hurt or distress. Therefore, it's unlikely that Short, in an APS workplace, would be found to have breached the code of conduct, again in these specific circumstances. Having said this, there have been other instances where the act of targeted flatulence would most certainly breach the code. For example, in Bell v Boom Logistics, an act of targeted flatulence was found to "possibly attract dismissal, being an assault". However, this incident was manifestly targeted: the perpetrator "had his hand on his bum cheek, pulled his cheeks apart and farted in my face". Of course, Bell is a severe example, but it nevertheless illustrates that involuntary acts can meet the standard required to establish a bullying and harassment  or (as the case may be) a breach of the APS code of conduct. Should you find yourself in Hingst's position (or in the shoes of the unfortunate victim in Bell), it is important to report the unwanted conduct to HR. Your employer owes you a duty of care, and in some instances farting, when it is part of a pattern of bullying or abuse, could give rise to a claim in negligence. In such cases, employees must establish that the harm was reasonably foreseeable and recognisable, and the employer failed to take reasonable steps to mitigate that risk. As Justice Robert Osborn provides in Brown v Maurice Blackburn Cashman: "[A] finding that a particular risk of injury is reasonably foreseeable involves a judgment of fact and value' and it is a matter of fact for the decision-maker to determine whether a defendant ought to have reasonably foreseen his or her conduct might cause psychiatric injury." By contrast, in Hingst, the harm manifested from termination of employment. However, had Hingst suffered psychiatric injury directly from his supervisor's conduct, the case might have been decided differently. Whenever conduct is alleged to have caused psychiatric injury, it should always be cause for pause in a workplace. However curious behaviour like alleged targeted flatulence is, even if it doesn't amount to bullying, as Zammit concluded, it did paint "a picture of the working culture" at the workplace. Those prone to flatulence should take care to ensure their behaviour doesn't result in messy, if unintended, consequences. John Wilson is the managing legal director at Bradley Allen Love Lawyers and an accredited specialist in industrial relations and employment law. He thanks his colleague James Connolly for his help in preparing this article. john.wilson@ballawyers.com.au

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Labor has called for the government to meet its own deadline by declaring which departments or agencies would be moved to regional areas in next week's budget. Opposition spokesman on regional services Stephen Jones said the government needs to release business cases and plans to give certainty to regional communities. "Labor has always been sceptical about the extent of the Coalitions decentralisation policy because we think its all smoke and mirrors," he said. Former minister for regional development Fiona Nash said in May last year that the government would allocate funds in this year's budget for moving "departments, agencies or parts of them" to the regions. Since then Ms Nash was disqualified from parliament as part of the dual citizenship saga, and the portfolio was taken on by Darren Chester and now John McVeigh. Ms Nash also told ministers last year they would need to "actively justify" why their departments or agencies must not be moved. Labor said it doesn't support the decentralisation policy, but is calling on the government to give local governments around Australia certainty. "Over the last year, the Turnbull Government has raised expectations in regional Australia about the decentralisation of government functions and agencies. A number of local councils have put considerable resources towards this exercise," Mr Jones said. "The Coalition have, however, talked their decentralisation agenda up throughout regional Australia and so, regional communities are right to expect they will see significant funding attached to this policy in next weeks budget. Otherwise, it is clear that they have been taken for a ride." A spokeswoman for Regional Development Minister John McVeigh said the government was pushing ahead with decentralisation, but didn't commit to announcements in the budget. "The Coalition government remains committed to its decentralisation agenda," she said. "Future opportunities to broaden the public service footprint across Australia will continue to be considered in a practical and common sense way, to ensure more people can enjoy the benefits of secure, high-paying public service jobs outside inner city Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney." "All matters associated with the federal budget will be announced on budget night," the spokeswoman said. The government has already committed $25 million to move the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to Armidale in NSW, a decision which has resulted in more than half the agency's workforce leaving in the past two years.

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I've heard only praise spoken of former ACT land tsar David Dawes, who resigned from his multiple government jobs just over a year ago. There was a hitch, though: should he have accepted those roles? The Labor government had placed Dawes in an invidious position. He was head of the Land Development Agency, which sells territory land and should ideally operate at arm's-length from government, at the same time he was head of the Economic Development Directorate; that is, when he was also one of Chief Minister Andrew Barr's top economic advisers. That ground was fertile enough for perceptions of competing interests, even without the added soil of his past as chief lobbyist for Canberra's building industry; a man who knew well those on the other side of the negotiating table. (That may have had public benefits, too, but it certainly also led to impressions of chumminess.) In late 2016, ACT Auditor-General Maxine raised concerns about the LDA's lack of transparency, accountability and probity, highlighting several purchases where it could not demonstrate integrity. The government later split the agency in two, though not, Barr said, because of any concerns about maladminstration. Still, frustrations arose in our smallish city about the perceived cosiness between former ACT politicians, senior bureaucrats and developers  and especially officials who resigned to work alongside the developers they encountered in their government roles. As Kirsten Lawson wrote in The Canberra Times in 2016, it wasn't that anyone had "acted corruptly or unethically. Rather, they're working in a system that apparently tolerates potential conflicts and to some extent asks us simply to trust." The concerns were significant enough that they became an election issue, though it was hardly decisive (the Liberal opposition lost votes that year). Anyway, it likely won't surprise Canberrans to learn Dawes has set up shop as a consultant in "property and land development" and "master planning", who offers "access" and "experience". And he certainly can offer that. Good luck to him. But his case is bound to raise old concerns about former officials' post-government employment, particularly when it aligns so closely with their public service responsibilities. The NSW Public Service Commission has a very attractive website dedicated to its Capability Framework, replete with colourful graphics and animations. Unfortunately, like its federal equivalent (the jargon-heavy Integrated Leadership System), its words let it down. For example, the "framework" (itself among the most overused and least useful of words favoured by public servants) is introduced as: "The NSW public sector Capability Framework is a key deliverable against the Public Service Commission's strategic priority to develop NSW public sector capability." An "impactful" summary indeed. Please send in your favourites from the Australian public sector. A book voucher to whomever finds the sentence with the highest words-to-meaning ratio. Email psi.editor@canberratimes.com.au.

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Weather forecasts could pack a PR blow for the Bureau of Meteorology if staff endorse a plan to use its social media accounts to broadcast statements supporting their cause in a workplace fight. Bureau public servants locked in an ongoing battle over a new workplace deal could sting their bosses by weaving union-endorsed hashtags and messages into tweets and Facebook posts predicting the weather. Staff at the 1600-strong agency will vote next week on several measures ramping up pressure on the bureau by banning data entry, use of company vehicles and travel outside 8.45am and close of business among other actions. The most potent of threats to bosses could be a staff vote on whether to add a Community and Public Sector Union-authorised hashtag or statement to website and social media updates - "including but not limited to 'tweets', Facebook posts, and online public weather forecast products". Union members at the bureau in November began rolling strikes at times they judged would cause the most disruption to management. Another round of industrial action starting in late February saw staff taking blocks of strike action at any time of the day or night, on top of existing work bans. The agency has used consultants to ask its public servants why they rejected a new workplace deal, after three "no" votes including a decisive 60 per cent rejection in December. Weather bureau staff in March stepped up strikes in their fight for a new workplace deal as bosses continued to refuse conciliation at Fair Work. The protected action ballot is expected to run for a little over a fortnight from May 8. CPSU deputy secretary Beth Vincent-Pietsch said its members at the weather bureau had asked for the ballot to step up efforts to resolve their long and bitter dispute. Thanks to sustained pressure from CPSU members, management have taken some cuts off the table but they still havent moved on the core issues," she said. "It has been almost five years since BOM staff last had a pay rise and theyre not taking this attack on them, their work and their families lying down." Ms Vincent-Pietsch said "harsh and unreasonable cuts" for frontline staff working shifts and in remote locations remained a barrier to resolution. "All BOM workers deserve far better than this, and yet managements only solution has been to throw money at an outside consultant while ignoring the solutions that are staring them in the face. Rolling strikes and other industrial action will continue while staff vote in the protected ballot. "The message to BOM management is clear: Stop tinkering around the edges and at least match what other federal agencies have offered by taking these unacceptable cuts to existing workplace rights and conditions off the table, Ms Vincent-Pietsch said. The Bureau of Meteorology said it was negotiating in good faith for an enterprise agreement acceptable to staff and consistent with the governments workplace bargaining rules. It was regularly meeting with employees and their representatives, most recently last week, and had provided them with a revised proposal now being considered, it said. "The bureau remains committed to reaching agreement with staff and their elected workplace representatives as soon as possible," a spokesman said. Fair Work in March scheduled a hearing for June 15 after a conference failed to end the dispute.Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing.

You are our people. You Care. We Care2.Electronics Corporation of India Limited has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the posts of Technical Officer and Junior Artisan. Those interested can check out the eligibility, salary scale, how to apply and the complete details of the government job here. Selected candidates can earn up to INR 21000. The selection process will be through a walk-in that will be held on May 3, 2018.

IIT Delhi Recruitment 2018 For Project Scientist: Earn Up To INR 51200

ECIL Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details

CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Technical Officer and Junior Artisan Organisation Electronics Corporation of India Limited Educational Qualification First-class engineering degree for Technical Officers and ITI for Junior Artisans Age Limit 30 for Technical Officers and 25 for Junior Artisans Skills Required Engineering and technical skills Salary Scale INR 21000 for Technical Officers and INR 15418 for Junior Artisans Job Location Tarapur, Nagpur and Mumbai Industry Engineering Experience Freshers can apply Application Start Date Apr 30, 2018 Walk-in Date May 3, 2018 Venue Ecil Zonal Office, 1207, Veer Savarkar Marg, Dadar (Prabha Devi), Mumbai - 400028.

Also Read: KELTRON Recruitment 2018 For Various Posts: Earn Up To INR 45000

How To Apply For ECIL Recruitment 2018

In order to apply for ECIL Recruitment 2018, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log on to the ECIL official website.

Step 2: Click on the Careers tab.

Step 3: Select Walk-Ins.

Step 4: Click on the application form link.

Step 5: The application form will be displayed on the screen.

Step 6: Take a printout of the application form and fill your details in the fields provided.

Step 7: Carry the application form to the walk-in interview along with supporting documents.Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), one of the national-level law entrance examinations, is conducted for admissions to the five-year integrated undergraduate law programmes at the 19 NLUs spread across the country.

Over fifty thousand aspirants are expected to take CLAT every year. As the competition for this online test is at its peak, we suggest aspirants focus on the scoring sections. Out of the five sections in CLAT, most of the students are pretty confident on legal aptitude and logical reasoning sections. The English part can be managed with vocabulary and comprehension. One can tackle the mathematics section with the elimination process. However, there are no short-cuts or tricks for the general knowledge and current affairs section.

The general knowledge and current affairs section surely increases your score and can be completed in less than 15 minutes provided you are confident with the answers. This section carries 50 marks and stands equal with the legal aptitude in the exam. The official notification says the candidates will be tested on their static general knowledge besides current affairs - both international and national. As this section is playing a significant role in cracking the CLAT exam, let's tour how to prepare for it specifically in the last week.

Explore The Section-wise Preparation Tips For CLAT

Current Affairs

More than half of the questions in this general knowledge section will be from current affairs. During this last phase, we suggest that aspirants do not go for a detailed study of current affairs. Try to mark all the national and international events that have happened in the particular year. Never ignore the people on the news and why they are on news for a course of time because direct questions are expected. Starting from prizes to sports, never ignore any of these areas as they are part of the current affairs.

Take any good year-round-up book of your choice and start reading the daily happenings. Some of the important books are India Year Book and Manorama Year Book. Not all the areas are important for CLAT. The focus should be on the events and news makers.

Static General Knowledge

The official notification clearly says that they will be tested on their static general knowledge. The static general knowledge consists of history, science and geography.

History: Be it ancient or modern history, students' focus should be on the timeline. Try to highlight the topics while preparing, which will help you recollect what you've studied. The more focus should be on the modern history and freedom movement. Direct questions may come on Gandhi's era, so be confident.

Geography: The questions are likely to be asked on the physical and social geography. The primary focus should be on the map pointing and countries. Never master the concepts in geography because there will not be too many questions based on them. Give special importance to the demographics also.

Science: This includes traditional science concepts such as reproduction and digestive system. Apart from knowing the concepts, aspirants must work on the latest developments in science & technology.

Important Tips To Crack CLAT In One MonthYou didn't read it wrong. The Last of Us: Part II is one of the games coming to the PS...Pakistan cement export revenue continues to grow

01 May 2018

Pakistan cement exports during the first nine months of the current fiscal year (July 2017-March 2018) recorded a YoY fall of 8.5 and 13 per cent in terms of quantity and value in dollar, respectively, says the Federal Bureau of Statistics, Government of Pakistan.



Pakistan exported 3.337Mt of cement and earned export revenue of US$166.6m in July 2017-March 2018 compared to 3.646Mt at US$191.51m in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.



In March 2018 the country exported 335,023t of cement at US$16.88m compared with 264,300t at US$13.24m in February 2018. This represents a MoM increase in exports of 34.3 per cent in terms of volume and 27.4 per cent in value in dollars. Similarly, if compared with data of March 2017 (204,159t at US$11.37m), the export of cement saw a growth of 73.9 per cent and 48.4 per cent YoY in quantity and dollar value, respectively.



During July 2017-March 2018, Pakistan exported 1.49Mt of cement to Afghanistan and recorded a growth of 3.1 per cent. But cement exports to India fell by 2.7 per cent to 895,878t and to rest of the world by over 24 per cent.



The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has stated that exports have started improving in February 2018 and have continued this trend in March 2018. Exports from the north increased mainly due to sudden surge in exports to Afghanistan, which increased from 0.037Mt in March 2017 to 0.106Mt in March 2018.

Published underPueblo real estate market shows no signs of cooling

It could take a long time for Pueblo's housing shortage to change, making home ownership a long-term goal for college graduates and average wage earners.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says dramatic intelligence discovered this week reveals that Iran is brazenly lying about its nuclear weapons program.

Netanyahu says Iran is violating a 2015 nuclear deal. Intelligence shows that half a ton of files related to its nuclear weapons programs were moved to a highly secret location in Tehran after the deal.

"These files conclusively prove that Iran is brazenly lying when it says it never had a nuclear weapons program," he said.

The files include more than 55,000 pages and 55,000 files on some 180 CDs.

The prime minister showed copies of the material in a nationally televised address. The nuclear program in Iran to build a weapon was called Project Amad.

Netanyahu talked with President Donald Trump about the information over the weekend. Trump has said in the past that he wants the country out of the deal, and a deadline to re-certify the deal is coming up soon, according to Fox News.

"In a few days time, President Trump will make a decision on what to do with the nuclear deal," he said. "Im sure hell do the right thing, the right thing for the United States, the right thing for Israel, the right thing for the peace of the world.

On Monday, Trump said he would make a decision on or before May 12.

"That doesn't mean I won't negotiate a new agreement," the president said. Well see what happens."

Netanyahu also detailed the information to Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. He said would next speak with leaders in the United Kingdom and China.

The 2015 nuclear deal lifted some sanctions on the country on the promise that the country would cut back on its nuclear program.

But Netanyahu says the deal doesnt prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons capabilities.

"The nuclear deal gives Iran a clear path to producing an atomic arsenal," he said Monday.

Photo courtesy: Getty Images

Publication date: May 1, 2018Some Ugandan faith leaders say their nation should accept African refugees facing deportation from Israel, while others counter that resettlement would place too heavy a burden on already overtaxed refugee programs.

Up until a few weeks ago, Uganda and Rwanda had been widely viewed as the two African countries that would absorb the refugees in a deal with Israel, which claims about 40,000 African refugees live in Israel illegally and should be deported. Up until a few weeks ago, Ugandan officials had spoken positively of the possibility of accepting refugees from Israel.

But now officials from both Uganda and Rwanda have denied that they struck a deal with Israel to absorb them.

Ugandan clergy are nevertheless considering that at least some of the African refugees in Israel may still wind up in their country. Many say these refugees  many of whom have arrived in Israel since the mid-2000s, fleeing unrest and war in Eritrea, Sudan and other war-torn countries, and surviving a dangerous trek across the Sinai Desert  should be welcomed in Uganda.

When someone is escaping for security reasons and is seeking help desperately, as a Christian we have no alternative but to accept them, Roman Catholic Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu, Uganda, told Religion News Service in a telephone interview.

The migrants and their supporters in Israel have argued that their home countries are still unsafe for them.

Retired Anglican Bishop Macleord Baker Ochola of Kitgum, an influential Ugandan peace envoy, also spoke in favor of resettlement of the refugees in Uganda.

I support it. When there is a problem, its good to help, said Ochola, who has worked to aid those displaced by a brutal rebel war in northern Uganda. These migrants must find a place and I would be happy to see my country help.

Odama said Israels financial aid for migrants returning to Africa would be critical, given the refugees from the conflict in South Sudan that Uganda is already struggling to serve.

Uganda is hosting thousands of other refugees from South Sudan. There was an international appeal for support that did not go very well. This is why Israels support for these refugees and others would be needed, said Odama, chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, a Catholic organization.

But other clerics worry that more refugees could take too big a toll on a network of aid workers and refugees that is already overwhelmed.

There are already thousands and the numbers keep increasing, said Anglican Bishop Johnson Gakumba of the Northern Uganda Diocese. While the intention is good, I think we need to be careful to not allow numbers that we cannot manage.

The resources are already strained, added Gakumba, whose region is hosting most of the South Sudanese refugees.

In November Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu developed a controversial plan to deport the refugees, offering them $3,500 to relocate to a third country or face indefinite imprisonment or deportation.

Courtesy: Religion News Service

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: May 1, 2018In 2020, we were the church on our heels. A global pandemic shut down much of our world. But the church has been on the move since it was birthed; it will continue to be on the move until God makes all things new.Five years ago, I worked as a defense attorney, advocating for children. One day I walked into the break room of the office I shared with a few other attorneys and found a new coworker eating lunch. Darryl (not his real name) wasnt a typical legal assistant. He had recently been released from prison after serving an 18-year sentence for murdering his roommate. Darryl was 20 years old when he was sentenced to prison. Im not sure why he committed this murder, but I know he was involved in a local gang. After Darryl was denied parole over and over again, his grandmother asked a coworker of mine to represent him in a hearing. My coworker agreed, and Darryl was released. Now, at age 39, he worked as an employee in our officehis first legal job.

Darryl wasnt accustomed to having friendsnot positive friends, anywayso I often stopped by his office just to say hi. I sat and chatted with him at lunch, and I always offered my help if he had any questions. As time went by, I found opportunities to share more about my faith and ministry. He asked about my weekend and evening plans, so I talked about the local homeless shelter where I served and the Bible study I attended. I told him that I would travel to local jails and prisons telling women about a God who loved them.

One day he asked me, Do you think God could love someone like me after all the horrible things Ive done? I told him yes and described to him the amazing, forgiving love of God. After a few weeks, Darryl came to my office with a new question: How do people become Christians? On this day, we forgot that I was an attorney. We forgot that we were at work. We were just two sinners in need of a Savior. I shared my story with him, about a broken little girl who needed someone to love her. I told him about the pain I had experienced, and about a God who walked with me every step of the way. I became vulnerable, and I asked if he was interested in following Jesus. He said, I guess thats what Im trying to do right now. We prayed, he confessed, and he decided to follow Jesus. He looked as though a weight had been lifted from him.

One day he asked me, Do you think God could love someone like me after all the horrible things Ive done?

I invited him to my church that night for Bible study and introduced him to some godly men. In a conversation with one of them, he said he wanted to be baptized. I was surprised, but thrilled. They informed him that he could do it at a later date, but he was adamant. So our baptism team asked Darryl several questions, took time to explain the importance of baptism, and prayed with him. Then they prepared him with baptismal garments.

Darryl was large, so he and the men were concerned about the logistics of submerging him in the water and raising him up again. Soon an army of men appeared. They told Darryl not to worry; they would get him down and back up. With a look of determination, he said, Lets do this. My friends and I waited by the baptismal pool, clapping and cheering. We sang, Come and take me to the water, take me to the water, take me to the water, to be baptized! When he came up out of the water, he smiled and shook his head as if to say, What just happened to me? We were moved. We were speechless. We were thankful to God.

I invited Darryl to join us for church on Sunday. For several weeks, Darryl accompanied me while I picked up people for church and Bible study. In my car, he told me stories from his childhood. He was neglected and abused as a child. Both of his parents were addicted to drugs and alcohol, and they spent much of his childhood in prison. Because of his weight, he was a victim of bullying. Children tied him up, pushed him over, and called him piggy. His depression turned to aggression, and in his teens, he became a hit man for a local gang. Each time he shared these stories, he regressed to the hurting child he once had been.

On one such car ride, as we delivered people to church, Darryl received a number of phone calls from people asking where he was. I could tell something heavy was on his mind, but he was afraid to bring it up. I pressed him, and finally he asked, Can you drive me to see my grandmother? I need to say goodbye. Darryl believed his grandmother was the only person who ever truly loved him, yet he felt like hed only been a burden to her. Now she was in hospice and wasnt expected to live much longer. We sat in silence most of the way as I struggled to find the right words. Once we arrived, I asked if\ he needed me to go in with him, but he wanted to do it alone. So I prayed for him and left.

After that, the men in my church advised me that it was not wise for Darryl and me to drive to church together. Although my intentions were good, they said it was better for him to come to church with another male. I also switched jobs around that time, and because of these developments, my contact with Darryl diminished.

We met for lunch once and had a great time catching up. He was grateful to be out of prison, but struggled to live this new life. As we ate, someone approached him wanting to talk. Darryl greeted the man quickly and brushed him off. I grew concerned that Darryl was regressing. Still, I remained hopeful that he was on the right track. But about a month later, I received a short, vague email from Darryl saying that things werent going well. It was the last I heard from him.

Tears blurred my vision when I saw the suspects picture. It was Darryl.

One morning, a month after Darryl sent his email, I got up and turned on the news. Two teenage girls had been shotone dead and the other in critical condition. The alleged suspect was on the run, and police were searching for him. Tears blurred my vision when I saw the suspects picture. It was Darryl.

Reports indicated that the slain teenage girl was the daughter of Darryls ex-girlfriend. The injured girl was her niece. The media reported that Darryl shot the girls after his girlfriend had discontinued their relationship.

For weeks, everywhere I went people talked about the monster who committed this heinous crime. They had no idea I knew him. They didnt know his story or his brokenness. They didnt know the internal battle waging within my heart and mind over the facts of the case.

When the police arrested Darryl, he apologized to everyone in front of the news cameras and asked people not to judge other prisoners for his actions. While he was in the county jail, I sent him Scriptures and encouraging notes. I also sent two of my dearest male friends. They assured me that Darryl had received my cards and that he knew I loved him, but they informed me that he was severely depressed. He was inconsolable over what he had done.

My heart ached. What could I have done differently? Did I do enough? Did I abandon him?

Then one day I received a phone call from one of the men who visited Darryl. They found Darryl dead in his cell today, he said. Hes gone. I sobbed and screamed as if he were my own brother. It was a pain I had never felt before. Was he in heaven? Was this Gods will? The pain reached deep into my soul.

I judged myself. I judged my ministry. I wondered if I should have done more to disciple him. He had trust issues. Was handing him off to other people the right thing to do? Or should I have connected him to my male friends earlier?

Discipleship doesnt always go the way we think it should. When the people under our care grow into great men and women of God, it is glorious. But when they have setbacks or turn away from the faith, it can be heartbreaking.

My former coworker who gave Darryl the job told me we did everything we could. We helped him find employment and an apartment. We invited him into our lives. Still, I wonder if things could have turned out differently.

In my current place of employment, I work to protect children who have been abused or neglected. I recently posted Darryls picture in my office to remind myself why I fight to protect children. Darryl was abused and neglected. He needed love and support. He needed adult role models to show him a different way of life.

I will continue to love with reckless abandon. I will still walk alongside those in jail, prison, and shelters. I will face disappointments. But I will not become cynical. As Jesus said, It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick (Mark 2:17). I still believe anyone can change through Gods power.

Carmille Akande is a licensed attorney and minister who spends her time visiting prisons, homeless shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes sharing the love of Jesus. You can follow her on Twitter @CarmilleAkande.In the 1980s, thousands of enthusiastic enlightenment-seekers built a commune called Rajneeshpuram in the rugged Central Oregon desert and for their brief time there, clashed with the residents of the rural town of Antelope.

For anyone like me who grew up in Oregon in the 80s, Rajneeshpuram is a part of the mythic landscape of the region. Stories about a guru with a fleet of Rolls Royces, rumors of sexual orgies, and casual jokes about bioterrorism (dont eat at the salad bar!) are as much a part of our childhood as campfire tales about Bigfoot on Mt. Hood. My father, who was a youth pastor in the 80s, took a tour of Rajneeshpuram toward the end. He came home with stories of heavily armed hippies and spaced-out farm workers who were probably drugged without their knowledge.

The Rajneeshees or sannyasins, as they call themselves, were members of a new religious movement founded by an Indian man known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh or Osho. (The group still exists, albeit in different form.) What began as a globetrotting search for cosmic illumination, a celebration of free love, and a quest to build a utopia in America ended in disappointment and criminal charges.

The recently released Netflix documentary Wild Wild Country unpacks the extraordinary story. Through interviews with Rajneeshs followers, residents of Antelope, local journalists, politicians, and law enforcement, the documentary follows the group from their initial ashram, or commune, in India to their ill-fated intentional community built on the expansive Big Muddy Ranch.

It might be easy to dismiss Rajneeshpuram as a marginal cult, but the groups combination of spirituality, capitalism, and celebrity culture has a long history in America and is observable in relatively traditional corners of 21st-century revivalism (for example, the prosperity gospel movement), and in nontraditional groups like Scientology. Wild Wild Country gives evidence that the tradition of American religious innovation exists in part because of an even older, more fundamental human desire for transcendence, meaning, and belongingone we might see in ourselves.

Although the movement began in India, the series shows Osho and his personal secretary Ma Anand Sheela creating something that seems destined for the US. They exploited their celebrity status (Wild Wild Country shows bits and pieces of their numerous media appearances), were highly entrepreneurial, and displayed no shame in commodifying their spiritual practices in order to get top dollar (USD and other currencies) for their brand of enlightenment.

Interview soundbites from the sannyasins capture the groups thoroughly American optimism. I dont think there has ever been a city thats been laid out and built like this, says Philip Toelkes (a.k.a. Swami Prem Niren), A city that would be based on love and compassion and sharing, rather than ownership and greed and anger.

As the recent Malheur National Wildlife Refuge standoff demonstrates, land use in the American West is a contentious issue full of ethical quandaries. The Rajneeshees quest to build a small city on ranching land was held up by local government officials and community activists, and when they took over the nearby town of Antelope and renamed it Rajneesh, the locals were unmoved by any pleas for freedom of assembly.

During the 1980s, some argued that local resistance to the controversial, foul-mouthed, and exceedingly charismatic Sheela (depicted as the groups real leader) was the result of provincial white retirees who were rejecting multicultural hippies because of their own bigotry. The assumption has some credibility when we consider Oregons ignominious history of exclusion laws, the response of most Americans to religious innovators (see, for example, 19th-century reactions to the Latter-day Saints church), and the resistanceby manyto women of color in leadership.

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However, the reality was far more complex than a tale of small-town bigotry. The townspeople of Antelope were hardly without sophistication or resources. (Nike founder Bill Bowerman was one of their principal allies.) And although the sannyasins were on the receiving end of local animus, their transgressions went beyond extramarital sex and meditation to bioterrorism, fraud, and even attempted murder.

A quick glance at US history tells us that the Rajneeshees werent the innovators they thought they were: They are not the first or last group to attract members to countercultural or even criminal practices. (The recent story of NXIVM is evidence that transgressive groups are continually made and unmade in the US.) Free love seemed pretty new to many rural Oregonians (especially filmed free love), but John Humphrey Noyess Oneida Community experimented with complex marriage (a.k.a. free love) in the mid-19th century. The followers of Osho were not the first group to build what they hoped would be an exemplary community (a city upon a hill, if you will), and they were not the first American religious community willing to resort to surprising levels of violence; that story predates the republic.

What they were doing wasnt entirely unique to their own era, either. When interviewed in Wild Wild Country about their reasons for following Osho to Oregon, many of the mostly educated, white, middle-class sannyasins talk about their dissatisfaction with the so-called American dream and a sense of emptiness that came with wealth and opportunity. These reasons are not all that different from the ones given by West Coast Jesus People for their conversions to Christianity in the late 70s and early 80s.

All my life I've been searching for that crazy missing part, sang Keith Green in 1977. Green found what he was looking for in charismatic, Californian Christianity (as did many others, including my parents), but that line could have just as easily come out of the mouths of the sannyasins in Oregon. The beliefs and practices, of course, are very different, but the yearnings for spiritual connection, intimacy, and belonging are notably similar.

Although it might seem counterintuitive, part of what makes the series compelling (and seriously bingeable) is this relatability. As many reviewers have noted, those who watch find themselves vacillating between sympathy for the sannyasins and for the inhabitants of Antelope, from beginning to end. Wild Wild Country illustrates the uncomfortable fact that people are drawn toward outlying forms of religion not just because they like being strange, although surely some are, but rather for reasons many of us can understand: Something about their current cultural context is not satisfying their emotional, spiritual, or physical needs. Many convertswhether to the Church of Christ or Church of Scientologyshare that feeling.

In Wild Wild Country, Osho and Sheela are entertaining to watch. Who can get enough of Oshos fancy cars or Sheelas expletive-laden excoriations of the state of Oregon? And the directors work hard to show how some, like Australian Jane Stork, became so enamored with the community that they were willing to go to murderous lengths to protect it. Interviews with citizens of Rajneeshpuram and Antelope also give viewers engrossing insights into how innovative groups form, galvanize, and then sometimes fracture and die.

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But the story is most striking when we think about those not featured in the film. What happened to the average sannyasins who left their former lives (including spouses and children) to join paradise, only to see it destroyed? What was life like for the sannyasins children? They are not featured in this film, but several have since written about their experiences of abandonmentthe cost of their parents attempts at illumination and utopia.

As the documentary explains, Rajneeshpuram is now Washington Family Ranch. It was abandoned by the sannyasins, purchased by a wealthy businessman, and eventually given to the evangelical parachurch organization Young Life. I spoke recently with Ben Herr, who managed the ranch during the transition. We talked about the extraordinary stories he collected while exploring the property, connecting with former residents of Rajneeshpuram, and working to gain trust from the community of Antelope.

For Herr, the narrative is one of redemption. Its a miracle, he said, referring to the fact that Rajneeshpuram, the most opposite thing of Jesus, has been transformed into a camp where thousands come to learn about him. If you can come up with a more redemptive God-story than that, he said, throwing his hands up and trailing off.

One citizen of Antelope, understandably leery from the last experience, sees a different story. We went from free sex, the Rajneeshees, to no sex, Young Life, says John Silvertooth in the film. But, he acknowledged, theyre much better neighbors than the Rajneeshees.

Leah Payne is an assistant professor of theological studies and a William Penn Honors Program Faculty Fellow at George Fox University. She is author of Gender and Pentecostal Revivalism: Making a Female Ministry in the Early Twentieth Century(Palgrave, 2016). Her current research explores politics in Pentecostal and charismatic communities, and in her free time she blogs about religion and pop culture at leahpayne.blogspot.com.Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Our United States of America has many complex issues that weigh heavily on the hearts of every attentive citizen. This coming Thursday, May 3, 2018, we will be celebrating National Day of Prayer. Hundreds of different concerns will be brought boldly to the divine throne of grace by people of deep, sincere, vibrant faith. Many of those concerns will cluster around three Godly priorities in America's core values. These values incidentally are positively addressed in our Pledge of Allegiance  unity, liberty, and justice.

These three core values are certainly at risk presently. Consider this brief sampling of how these same values relate to our present public crises:

UNITY Crises: malignant partisanship; demeaning public rhetoric; verbal abuse and intimidation of people of faith; fake news

LIBERTY Crises: violations of freedom of conscience; shutting down free speech; oppressive bureaucracy; constrained school choice; compromised privacy; ideological captivity of many educational venues; abuses of eminent domain

JUSTICE Crises: dysfunctional public schools; mass incarceration; ecological injustices; abortions at will; inequitable employment opportunities; violent bias

Given these and other current crises, we especially welcome our National Day of Prayer this coming Thursday. Even in the days of preparation, let us unite, praying especially earnestly for the LORD's redeeming wisdom, vital justice, meaningful liberty, and amazing grace!

Is anyone at a loss of words? Perhaps! Here is an American prayer we can all join in earnestly, on the National Day of Prayer or any day:

America's Prayer, 2018

O Amazing God of Grace,

We are deeply grateful to You who already so generously blessed America. We unite in blessing You, O LORD, true Author of Unity, Liberty, and Justice, core issues of our present crises.

You planted the early seeds of liberty and justice by unifying many amazing founders who trusted Your Scriptures.

You united the American people with spiritual Awakenings that inflamed their passions for liberty and justice, expressed in the Declaration of Independence honoring You.

You united our nation to win Independence and to craft and amend the amazing Constitution protecting liberty and justice.

You liberated people to lead the Fulton Street prayers and then to fight to win the path to liberty and justice for the slaves and oppressed.

You united America justly to win World Wars, justly to liberate Jews from Nazi genocide, and justly to liberate American minorities from discrimination.

You united Americans for justice, care and healing after 9/11  and to protect liberty.

NOW, please liberate us from malignant dis-unity and current injustices, and

liberate us from malignant dis-unity and current injustices, and NOW, please unite us again through Awakening us to You  and to Your redeeming wisdom, vital justice, meaningful liberty, and amazing grace!

Amen!Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

One of my friends is a black pastor. He is also a conservative Republican. As a result of his political views, he has been told by many of his friends that he is not black enough. And that leads to an obvious question: Is black an ideology and not just a color? If so, since when, and why?

I imagine that Kanye West would have something to say about this today.

He has come under heavy criticism for his positive tweet about black conservative Candace Owens, followed by even more intense criticism for his open support of President Trump. As noted by the strongly-leftist Teen Vogue, "People have expressed everything from rage at what they feel is a form of betrayal in his coming out as a Trump supporter to concern about his mental health."

But where is it written that blacks must be Democrats or liberals? Where is the betrayal? As Chance the Rapper tweeted, "Black people don't have to be democrats." (By no means, though, was he expressing support for Trump, as his following comments made clear.)

It's true that a large percentage of white evangelicals voted for Donald Trump. But that was ideologically driven based on their evangelical convictions, not their whiteness. For them, defeating the ultra-liberal, pro-abortion Democrat, Hillary Clinton was of paramount concern. (According to exit polls, 57 percent of whites voted for Trump, 37 for Clinton, and 6 percent for other candidates, or they didn't respond to the poll. So, the white vote as a whole was hardly monolithic. Plus, there has been a steady stream of white evangelical resistance to Trump.)

It's true that a large percentage of American Jews voted for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. That too was ideologically driven, since most American Jews are quite liberal, espousing a highly humanistic form of Judaism. In contrast, the more traditional a Jewish person is, the more he or she is to vote Republican.

Exit polls also indicated that two-thirds of Asians and Latinos voted for Hillary (compared to slightly over one-quarter who voted for Trump), and among other races, 56 percent voted for Hillary and 36 percent for Trump. So, while the clear majority of non-white voters stood for Hillary, they were hardly monolithic in their vote.

In contrast, black vote for Hillary was 89 percent, with only 8 percent for Trump (and 3 percent other or no answer). Why this overwhelmingly high percentage of black support for Hillary?

It's perfectly understandable that many black voters would have cast their lot with President Obama, recognizing the historic importance of having our first black president.

But their support for him in 2012 was not that much higher than their support for Hillary Clinton in 2016 or other Democratic candidates in previous elections. Why the assumption that blacks will vote Democrat?

On average, black Americans are more religious than white Americans, and many black Americans have strong, pro-family roots. How then do they end up being Democrats in such high numbers?

Planned Parenthood hasn't done them any favors. (Massive understatement.) The welfare system has not elevated their status. Identity politics have not served them well. Why, then, can a black pastor be told that he is not black enough because of his conservative political views?

The obvious answer is that African Americans share a unique history (and, often, ongoing experience), because of which they share certain beliefs and convictions and outlooks. In their mind, it is the Democratic party that has shown an interest in their well-being, that understands their struggles, and that wants to work with them against inequality and injustice.

Many African Americans also see the Republican Party as being insensitive to their needs. It is, some think, the rich (white) man's party. It's almost as if, in the minds of many black Americans, it was Republicans who enslaved them in the past. (Interestingly, from what I have gleaned anecdotally, more recent African immigrants do not lean Democrat in such large numbers. But I'm not aware of solid data to support this.)

All this being said, it is an insult to believe that African Americans cannot think for themselves, as if they, of all ethnic groups in our country, are unable to break out of the pre-conceived mold.

It is true that Taleeb Starkes listed "Lack of Diversity" as one of "The Top 5 Issues Facing Black Americans."

In his words, "Blacks repeatedly demand an 'honest dialogue or debate about race.' But how can there ever be an honest dialogue about race between blacks and whites when there is virtually no honest dialogue between blacks and blacks? It's hypocritical. And if a black doesn't think, 'whites are ultimately responsible for black people's problems,' they're labeled a 'sell-out,' 'Uncle Tom,' or 'race-traitor.'

"As long as this type of groupthink exists, race-reverends of the Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson type will continue to be celebrated while independent black thinkers such as Professors Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams will be shunned."

This is certainly a problem, but perhaps now is a good time to put these issues on the table again and ask: Must blacks be Democrats? And what (or who) are you betraying if you are not?

What if Trump's economic policies proved beneficial for black Americans? Would that change their vote? And what would it take for Republicans to make African Americans feel welcomed and esteemed?

These days, it's not just black intellectuals like Professors Sowell and Williams who are making the case for conservatism. It's voices like Diamond and Silk. And maybe even voices like Kanye.

Either way, whichever way black Americans decide to vote, my only encouragement is this (and I look in the mirror as I speak as a white evangelical): Don't allow groupthink to do the work for you. You are far better than that, and our nation needs your independent voices. We need you to think for yourselves.Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

More and more states are now toasting new laws that allow for alcohol sales on Sundays. Indiana, Minnesota, and Tennessee are some of the latest. Even my own home state, North Carolina, amended its alcohol laws last year to allow for alcohol sales before noon on the Lord's Day.

There is considerable data to show such changes exacerbate alcohol-related problems.

The "Community Preventive Services Task Force," is an "independent, nonfederal, unpaid panel of public health and prevention experts that provide evidence-based findings and recommendations about community preventative services, programs, and policies to improve health." Its 15 expert members, who are appointed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that "increasing the number of hours and days when alcohol can be sold in bars, restaurants, and liquor stores leads to greater alcohol use and related harms, especially motor-vehicle crashes. National, state, and local policies that remove previously banned alcohol sales on weekend days (usually Sundays) or that increase the hours of sale by 2 or more hours contribute to excessive drinking and many dangerous outcomes, including driving after drinking and alcohol-related assault and injury."

There are also reputable studies which show that, in the long term, Sunday alcohol sales actually result in a loss of money for establishments, typically due to additional overhead costs. Moreover, any tax gains are always exceedingly small in comparison to the price citizens pay in social costs for the luxury of more drinking time on the Christian Sabbath.

But I suggest it's not the loss of money that ought to be the greatest concern. Instead, it's the negative impact on religious influence that should be of paramount importance.

Many would argue allowing alcohol sales on Sundays shouldn't do anything to hurt the ministry of churches. But the evidence demonstrates otherwise.

For instance, authors Jonathan Gruber and Daniel M. Hungerman, with the National Bureau of Economic Research, found in "The Church vs. the Mall: What Happens When Religion Faces Increased Secular Competition?" that "when a state repeals its blue laws religious attendance falls, and that church donations and spending fall as well." They added, "These results do not seem to be driven by declines in religiosity prior to the law change..."

Furthermore, Gruber and Hungerman assessed the effects of changes in these laws on drinking and drug use and discovered "repealing blue laws leads to an increase in drinking and drug use, and that this increase is found only among the initially religious individuals who were affected by the blue laws. The effect is economically significant; for example, the gap in heavy drinking between religious and non-religious individuals falls by about half after the laws are repealed."

When governing bodies pass laws or policies that allow for Sunday sales of alcohol, they are almost exclusively driven by business interests at the expense of religious interests. Yet, we are more than bread and wine. Neither are we simply what we possess. We are also living souls. And even more important to the well-being of our citizenry are those things that make for character.

Liberty is dependent on good morals, and a society with a strong moral constitution cannot be separated from religious instruction and inspiration. Therefore, governments do well when they aren't calloused or indifferent to religion, but approve policies that accommodate and encourage it.

Such a friendly relationship between government and religion is not a violation of church and state, as some might contend. In fact, in the U.S. Supreme Court case, McGowan v. Maryland (1961), the High Court decided 8-1 that Blue laws are not unconstitutional just because they arise from religious underpinnings. The Court ruled, as mostly understood and administered, Sunday laws prohibiting commerce in certain instances are of a secular purpose rather than a religious one. What is more, in Zorach v. Clauson (1952), SCOTUS said, "When the State encourages religious instruction or cooperates with religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events to sectarian needs; it follows the best of our traditions. For it then respects the religious nature of our people and accommodates the public service to their spiritual needs."

RESPECT, or better said, the lack of it, seems to me to be at the heart of the changes allowing for alcohol sales on Sundays  a loss of respect for the 4th Commandment  a loss of respect for churches that meet on Sunday and the indispensable tax-free services they provide to people who suffer from addiction issues  a loss of respect for the sacred.

Let's face it, the primary reason alcohol sales have been denied on Sundays across the country have been out of deference and respect for the churches. Where is this respect today?

It isn't that government should be legislating church attendance. However, there was a time when government was more sensitive and supportive of religion's efforts to produce the kind of morality necessary for a principled and free people. Sunday alcohol sales inhibit and diminish religion's optimum opportunity to flourish. To argue Sunday alcohol sales do nothing to negatively impact religion's positive influences is to fail to understand alcohol, religion, and culture.

Except one be atheistic or indifferent to religion altogether, who really wants to toast to that?

Rev. Mark H. Creech is executive director of the Raleigh-based Christian Action League of North Carolina Inc.Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment

Unlike comedy in past years, today's left-leaning comedians no longer make funny jokes, the type of jokes the average person can repeat. Now it's a barrage of cruel, insulting and profane remarks. This is quite hypocritical because the left champions treating everyone as if we're walking on eggshells. You can't "fat shame" or insult someone's appearance, or the precious little snowflakes might get upset. But Saturday evening's White House Correspondents' Dinner was full of that kind of cruel humor.

President Trump did not attend  why would he want to sit through a monologue of Trump bashing? If he wants to hear that, he can tune in to late night comedy, which has turned into vicious attacks on Trump and conservatives. Trump wrote in a campaign email, "Why would I want to be stuck in a room with a bunch of fake news liberals who hate me?"

Michelle Wolf, a comedian who hosted the event, made disgusting jokes during her 15-minute monologue, many which are too inappropriate to reproduce here. She called White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders "an Uncle Tom but for white women who disappoint other white women." She took a cheap shot at Sanders' appearance, "I'm just excited Sarah finally gets to go to prom," a reference to the dinner's reputation for being a "nerd prom." Sanders sat a few feet away not smiling.

Maybe Wolf thought it was acceptable to make rude jokes about Trump because he often attacks his opponents on Twitter. But Sanders has done nothing to deserve the vicious attacks. Wolf no doubt thinks of herself as a feminist. Feminists have been saying for years that it's wrong to criticize women's appearances. Wolf probably attacked Sanders' appearance because there's nothing substantive to attack about her. Sanders has excelled in the position of press secretary.

Wolf called President Trump a racist who "loves white nationalists." She used profane language to talk about Trump's alleged relationships with women and joked crudely about allegations regarding him and a porn star. Wolf made many more crude sexual references. Considering the left's aggressiveness cracking down on sexual harassment with the #MeToo movement, it was pretty hypocritical for her to make sexual jokes so crude they cannot be reproduced here. She signed off her routine using the f word.

Some of the left-leaning journalists realized the rude and hypocritical joking directed at conservatives wasn't helping them. AP reporter Meg Kinnard tweeted, "If the #WHCD dinner did anything tonight, it made the chasm between journalists and those who don't trust us, even wider. And those of us based in the red states who work hard every day to prove our objectivity will have to deal with it." Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent of The New York Times, tweeted, "Unfortunately, I don't think we advanced the cause of journalism tonight." The Atlantic concluded that Wolf did not understand the distinction between "roasting" and "bullying." Axios, the Washington, D.C. tipsheet, called it a "big, embarrassing win" for Trump.

The left-leaning Washington Post ran an article entitled, "For the sake of journalism, stop the White House correspondents' dinner." In it, Margaret Sullivan said "it's become close to suicidal for the press's credibility." She admitted that Trump looked more like he represents the interests of real Americans by holding a campaign rally in Michigan that evening instead of attending. In contrast, the journalists looked like elitists with their ritzy dinner at The Hilton. Plenty more left-leaning journalists piled on, realizing the disastrous dinner made them all look bad.

The dinner has gradually been losing its allure, no doubt due to the offensive joking. The New York Times stopped attending the dinner in 2008, likely due in part to really rude skewerings of President George W. Bush. The A-list celebrities who used to attend mostly stayed away. Comedian Kathy Griffin was one of the few celebs who showed up, probably because she is desperate to revive her failing career after taking a photo with a bloodied replica of Trump's head. She fit right in with the coarse jokes.

Whatever happened to good old-fashioned humor? There was no need to sink into the gutter. If they had kept the jokes tasteful, Trump probably would have attended. Trump tweeted Sunday that Wolf had "bombed," and that the dinner was a "very big, boring bust."

Unfortunately, these people with their demented sense of what's "funny" are the ones writing daily news about the Trump administration. If you needed any more evidence of their journalistic bias, the vile hatred toward Trump and his staff was on featured display at the dinner. It remains to be seen whether the journalists will clean up their act next year or whether they will continue to bring about the complete demise of the annual event, which has been around since 1921.Alabama teacher claims principal sent her home for wearing 'Just Pray' shirt to school

A teacher from Alabama claims that the principal sent her home because she came to school wearing a shirt with the slogan "Just Pray" on the front.

In a now-deleted post on Facebook, Chris Burrell, of Mobile County Public School District, claimed the principal told her to go home and change her shirt or wear a sweater over it.

Burrell said she went to school on Monday morning without meaning to pick a shirt that would spark a religious issue. The T-shirt was part of a fundraiser for a local 11-year-old girl, Aubreigh Nicholas, who has been battling with an inoperable brain condition. A group called Aubreigh's Army distributed the shirts to help fund the girls' medical expenses.

"I didn't think twice about it," Burrell reportedly wrote. "I wasn't trying to promote religion, it was just my Monday feel-good shirt."

Martha Peek, the school district superintendent, told reporters that the school's principal was simply following the dress code policy that students and staff must abide by as the "Just Pray" shirt could reflect religious beliefs.

"So at the point of looking and seeing 'pray' on it, the principal said, 'can you put on a sweater or something,' knowing that there are other people who object to that," Peek said. "We have to be cognizant of everyone's beliefs or everyone's thoughts in a public school," Peek added.

The superintendent said that the school was still supportive of 11-year-old Aubreigh's fight and said the incident with Burrell was an "unfortunate connection."

Despite the school's response to the t-shirt, Burrell will not be subject to any disciplinary action.Christian groups in Nigeria hold protests over government's failure to stop killings

Christian groups in Nigeria held protests on Sunday to call out the federal government over its failure to put a stop to the violence committed by militants across the country.

The protests were organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) last week following an attack that resulted in the deaths of at least 17 worshippers in St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Benue State.

In Ondo State, Christians were outraged after the governor failed to directly address them when they protested in front of the Government House. The deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi, tried to explain the governor's absence, but he was chased away by the protesters.

"It is the governor or nobody; we voted for him and we expect him to take our issues seriously. The deputy governor should go back, we don't want him to address us," the protesters said, as reported by The Vanguard.

Protesters in Oyo State stayed within their churches instead of marching through the streets. Clergymen in Oritamefa Baptist Church in Ibadan, led by CAN President Dr. Supo Ayokunle, held placards such as "Enough of Bloodshed in Nigeria," "FG, stop these wicked acts" and "CAN says no to religious killings."

In Ekiti State, Christians marched from the CAN state headquarters in Adebayo/Opopogbooro area to the Government House to deliver a letter to the President Muhammadu Buhari through Gov. Ayo Fayose.

Meanwhile, the Most Rev. Sunday Ola Makinde, who previously served as the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, has urged Buhari to fire service chiefs and reorganize the nation's military apparatus.

"The situation in Benue State is lamentable but for once, I think Mr. President has got it right this time, at least, for coming out and expressing his regret at the right time and warning us that it should not degenerate into a religious crisis," Makinde said.

"The President should now hearken to the voice of reason which has been agitating for a change in the military apparatus of the nation. That is my candid opinion now," he added.

In Benue State, the protesters called on Buhari to resign over his failure to stop the violence across the country.

CAN also called on the international community to intervene in order to prevent a religious crisis in the country, stating that the recent attack in the state was a jihad that needs to be stopped.Does Jesus dislike evangelism?

The former leader of one of the UK's few mega churches (Abundant Life, Bradford), Paul Scanlon, is now someone who gives 'Master Classes in Communication'. Recently he communicated a very interesting thought that has caused a bit of a stir and hit a nerve. He Instagrammed: 'Christians and non-Christians agree on one thing  we both dislike evangelism.'

He explained what he meant: 'Christians dislike it because we feel awkward and non Christians dislike it because we are awkward. Many of us should've received a medal for surviving evangelism... It was more like an assault because it was more about our guilt than their souls. You don't have to evangelise anyone, just love accept and serve people. I didn't build my church on evangelism (in fact I banned the word) but on love and service and we flourished.'

It's an interesting comment that reveals much about the evangelical church in the West today.

1. We have adopted a post-modern form of communication

The major problem with the statement is that it is an ambiguous piece of communication. If Paul were saying that he doesn't like the caricature of evangelism which is so often presented (people shouting at street corners, shoving tracts into hands and knocking on doors seeking to make a 'gospel presentation') then most of us would be saying 'amen and amen'.

But the problem is not with the truth behind the statement (because all caricatures carry a degree of truth  otherwise they would not work) but with the distortion that it presents. As in all unclear messages, this post sends out differing signals to different groups, and causes people to argue at cross purposes about disparate things.

2. We have left the news out of the Good News.

Paul Scanlon's remarks reminded me of the advice reportedly given by St Francis of Assisi: 'Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.' The modern equivalent is, 'You don't have to preach a sermon, you are the sermon.' The trouble is that this sets up a false antithesis between preaching and doing. Both surely go together? Indeed the statement itself is nonsensical  how do you communicate without using the primary means of communication God has given us, words? Even more how do we communicate his Word without using his words?

3. We have equated the Good News with being nice.

People are very concerned with how we are perceived. Are we thought to be 'awkward' or 'unloving'? By the standards of our culture we will often be judged as unloving, just as Jesus was condemned by the standards of his. This is because in contemporary Western society to challenge someone's values, identity and culture is considered to be a great sin (unless you are challenging biblical Christianity!). But that is precisely what the gospel does. It does not affirm us in what we are, but promises to change us into something far better. It's not nice. But it is real love. Our message is not, 'Look at how nice we Christians are  you can become like us,' but rather, 'Look at how beautiful Jesus is  you can become like him.'

4. We have confused the fruit with the root

If we believe the gospel we will care for the poor, seek to welcome people and desire to serve. But we don't do these things in order to earn brownie points in heaven or as some kind of religious penance. We do them because they are the fruit of a heart changed by the grace of Jesus. We don't do them to virtue signal nor as a substitute for evangelism. Without the root of gospel proclamation, you cannot have the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

5. We have forgotten why Jesus came

The important factor is not whether non-Christians like evangelism. It is not whether Christians like evangelism. It is what Jesus thinks about evangelism. He doesn't like it. He loves it! That's why he came: 'Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness' (Matthew 9:35). He set up his church so that it would be advanced through the proclamation of the message: 'My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message' (John 17:20). The early disciples, rather than being embarrassed by the message and seeking to replace it with 'loving, accepting and serving everyone', proclaimed the Good News as much as they could: 'Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah' (Acts 5:42).

If evangelism is misunderstood, then rather than banning the use of the word, we should seek to reclaim it. I wonder if one of the reasons we are embarrassed by its use is not just the example of poor evangelism, but rather that we are embarrassed by the biblical gospel and would prefer to have our own watered-down, contextualized, safe version. Jesus does not give his people that option.

Christ is not interested in how we build our churches. He is interested in building his church, against which even the gates of hell don't have a chance. His church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. It is the pillar of the truth. It is founded in truth and grows in truth. Jesus doesn't need a PR company, spiritual psychobabble, a new communication strategy or evangelism programme. He just needs us to believe what he has said and pass on the Good News about him, 'adequately, intelligently, enjoyably and powerfully'. We don't want people to see how nice we are  we want them to see how beautiful Jesus is, and how his beauty overcomes our ugliness. Our society and our churches desperately need more, not less, of that evangelism.

David Robertson is associate director of Solas CPC in Dundee and minister at St Peter's Free Church. Follow him on Twitter @TheWeeFleaPentecostal church's bank account frozen by Charity Commission amid 'serious regulatory concern'

A Pentecostal church in London has had its accounts frozen and is under investigation by the Charity Commission which found 'cause for serious regulatory concern'.

The independent regulator of charities in England and Wales announced today that it has been investigating the Croydon Tabernacle since March, and has found 'substantial unexplained expenditure and potentially conflicted payments to people connected with the charity'. Its statement added: 'As a result of its concerns, the Commission has frozen a bank account controlled by the charity.'

The church, which claims a membership of some 250 adults and 150 children, was founded in November 1996 as an outreach mission of the international Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), itself established in 1952. Another church under the RCCG umbrella, the New Life Assembly in Barnet in London, was investigated by the Charity Commission in 2015.

The Croydon Tabernacle's website says it had a predominantly Nigerian membership and has evolved to include members across the Ghanaian and Ugandan communities.

The Commission said it has been engaging with the church since November 2016 to examine its concerns; this included a meeting with the charity in February 2017. 'However the engagement did not resolve the regulatory concerns so a statutory inquiry has been opened,' the Commision said.

The inquiry will examine the extent of risks to charity property and whether 'there has been misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity and/or breaches of trust or non-compliance with charity law; potential conflicts of interest have been adequately identified or managed; connected party payments or transactions have been properly authorised'.

After it has concluded an inquiry, the Commission will publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.

Reports of previous inquiries by the Commission are available on GOV.UK.

A Croydon Tabernacle spokesperson said: 'Our board of trustees has received a notice of statutory inquiry from The Charity Commission. We have been assisting fully with their inquiries and, under their guidance, we will take appropriate action to make sure we are compliant.

'We would like to thank our tireless army of volunteers for their hard work within our congregation, our local community and far beyond. We appreciate their patience and understanding while this inquiry takes place.'

The RCCG declined to comment.Pope Francis praises Korean leaders for committing to denuclearization

Pope Francis has lauded North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean president Moon Jae-in for taking steps towards peace and committing to denuclearize the Korean peninsula.

On Sunday, the pontiff addressed the leaders' summit during a prayer at the St. Peter's Square. He said that he would continue to pray for peace in Korea as its leaders took historic steps towards reconciliation.

"I pray to the Lord so that the hope of a future of peace and fraternal friendship does not disappoint, and that the collaboration may go on to bear fruit for the beloved Korean people and the entire world," Pope Francis said.

On Friday, Kim and Moon made history after the North Korean leader crossed the demarcation line that has divided his state from South Korea for decades. Kim became the first North Korean leader to step onto South Korean soil since 1953.

The two leaders also signed the Panmunjeom Declaration that signified "peace, prosperity and unification" between the North and the South. The agreement also declared that there would be no more wars on the Korean Peninsula.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Korea also welcomed the developments between the two states. In a statement, Archbishop Kim Hee-Jung said that the meeting was an answer to prayer.

"I expect that the fruits of this inter-Korean summit, which God has made in response to our prayers and efforts, will be more energized by the unification ministry and private exchanges that the Korean Catholic Church has promoted during that time," the rchbishop said.

The Catholic Church in Korea has been praying for reconciliation and true peace in the Korean Peninsula each year on June 25, the Korean War anniversary, since 1965.Trump piles pressure on Nigeria's president as Christian death toll rises

Pressure is growing on Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari after a spate of killings of Christians in the country's Middle Belt region.

Herdsmen from the nomadic Fulani ethnic group, who are Muslims, have been targetting Christians, who are mainly agriculturalists. While there have been long-standing tensions between the two groups, herdsmen are now armed with weaponry including AK47 assault rifles and critics say they have been infiltrated by Islamist terrorists.

In a meeting yesterday with Buhari, US president Donald Trump took the Nigerian president to task for not doing more to stem the violence. In a joint press conference he said: 'We are deeply concerned by religious violence in Nigeria including the burning of churches and the killing and persecution of Christians. It's a horrible story.'

He said: 'We encourage Nigeria and the federal state and local leaders to do everything in their power to immediately secure the affected communities and to protect innocent civilians of all faiths including Muslims and including Christians.'

The Fulani attacks are now claiming more lives than the better-known Boko Haram insurgents in the north east of the country. Hundreds of Christians have died this year, including two attacks last week that claimed 19 and 39 lives respectively.

Nigeria's House of Representatives summoned Buhari to appear and account for the killings. It also passed a vote of no confidence in the country's armed forces chiefs and the security advisers to the president, and suspended its sittings for three days.

Church leaders have condemned the government's failure to deal with the situation. A statement from Nigeria's Catholic Bishops Conference entitled 'When Will This Barbarism End?' after the killings of two priests and their parishioners said Christians feel 'totally exposed and most vulnerable'. It said bishops had repeatedly raised the issue of security and felt 'violated and betrayed' at the lack of action.

The statement called for Buhari to resign, saying: 'Whether this failue is due to inability to perform or lack of political will, it is time for him to choose the part of honour and consider stepping aside to save the nation from total collapse.' It also called on Nigerians to arm themselves for self-defence.

The Methodist Church Nigeria called on Buhari to declare the armed herdsmen terrorists, saying they had 'graduated from carrying bows and arrows to sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 assault rifles which they deploy against host communities across the country'.

Protests by thousands of Christians took place across the country on Sunday led by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). In Ondo state, Rev John Ayo Oladapo said the protest was necessary because of the killing of innocent Christians. 'We are here today to register our displeasure to the on going killings across the country. We want to say Christians in the country are not second class citizens. We will not allow these killings,' he told Vanguard.

Dr Supo Ayokunle, protesting at Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan, said: 'Since 2009, bloodshed has continued, governments after governments, administrations after administrations have been promising us not to fear and go about our businesses, that they are on top of the situation but we have seen that they are never on top of it.'

Buhari, 75, has suffered from poor health but has announced he is to seek another term in office. The continuing violence is expected to impact on his support at the polls.Weaponising faith: How the cross is being used by right-wing nationalists

There's a little-noticed controversy brewing in the German state of Bavaria which ought to worry Christians everywhere. That's not because it directly affects us, if we don't live there, but because it's a straw in the wind that says something about how Christianity is being co-opted by politics.

The Bavarian government has decided to mark the 'Christian identity' of the 'Land' by hanging crosses in all its public buildings.

Now, it's quite possible to argue that this is just a recognition that the state is historically Christian (and Catholic, actually)  as Bavaria's chief minister Markus Soder does. But that's not how it's being seen by many Christians today. According to Evangelical Focus, a survey in Bild Am Sonntag found 64 per cent of the population is against the move, including 62 per cent of Protestants and 48 per cent of Catholics.

An open letter from the Union of Young Catholics and the youth wing of the EKD, the main Protestant church, said: 'As young Christians we are shocked.' It continued, 'the Christian symbol of the salvation of God for everyone is being used to draw limits and exclude people', adding that the political use of this Christian symbol leads to 'emptying its theological meaning'.

This is precisely correct. It is not, in fact, the first time a European government has tried it  Italy fought a long-running battle to be allowed to display crucifixes in schools that ended up in the European Court of Human Rights, which found in its favour in 2011. Again, it was fiercely resisted by the country's Protestants, who saw the imposition of a Catholic symbol as discriminatory and offensive.

The question of how the state should use religious symbols has been an ongoing and controversial feature of US life, too. The notorious Judge Roy Moore, who lost a Senate election last year amid a welter of accusations about sexual misconduct, was better known for refusing to remove a granite monument depicting the Ten Commandments from state property. He was removed from office, but his case was a rallying-point for conservatives who wanted to assert the Christian character of the country.

What these three cases have in common is that they are not about religion. They are using a religious symbol as a proxy for something else. In the case of Bavaria, it is fear of Muslim immigration; last year the state banned burqas and full-face Islamic veils. In Italy it was a reaction by a right-wing government to the perceived erosion of Italy's Catholic identity by aggressive secularism (and by Islam, too). In the US, the inconveniently massive monument  while obviously breaching the country's famed separation of church and state  was a political statement of conservative opposition to the entire 'liberal' drift of US society. Moore himself is an outspoken opponent of homosexuality and Islam, among much else.

And that's not all. In Poland and Hungary, leaders appeal to Christianity as a bulwark against the watering down of the native populations by an influx of foreign (Muslim) migrants. Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orban, has vowed to create a 'Christian homeland'. In the UK, the absurd Britain First organisation staged 'Christian patrols' in Muslim-majority areas, using crosses to intimidate Muslims and assert Britain's 'Christian' identity. In Trump's America, evangelicals back their president not because he's particularly religious  they know he's not  but because his nationalist rhetoric chimes so exactly with what they think about their country, and their worries about how it's changing. A Muslim travel ban? That sounds pretty good to them.

So what if one German state wants to put a crucifix on the wall of a town hall? At one level, it's no big deal. But again and again, we've seen what happens when religion gets co-opted by nationalists. People stop thinking clearly. They start seeing enemies where they should be seeing friends and allies. Religion doesn't sanctify politics, it gets corrupted by politics.

It's possible, of course, to get too wound up about all this  the conclusion, in fact, of the ECHR in the case of the Italian crucifixes when it reversed an earlier ban. It said a crucifix was 'an essentially passive symbol'. Well, perhaps  though Christians ought to worry about the cross of Christ being described in such terms. But when it's used as an aggressive, hostile statement of national and cultural identity instead of a symbol of God's love for the whole world, we should definitely worry.

Critics of evangelicals in the US accuse them of weaponising faith in the service of a toxic world-view. What's happening in Europe shows they aren't alone. But we don't need weapons to spread the gospel  particularly not a weapon disguised as a cross.

Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoodsWhat did the real Jesus look like? And what did he wear?

Everyone knows how to recognise Jesus. He is portrayed in art, film and literature in much the same way. His image is found repeatedly in countless churches and Christian buildings. He is usually somewhat European: a man with nut-brown hair (sometimes blond) and light brown or blue eyes. He has a long face and nose, and long hair and a beard. His clothes are also long: a tunic down to the ground, with wide baggy sleeves, and a large mantle. He is fairly well-tended (combed hair, good teeth, clean) and his clothes look newly washed.

But what did Jesus look like really, as a Jew in 1st-century Judaea? What colour was his skin? How tall was he? What did he wear?

These are questions I grappled with as I wrote my book, What did Jesus look like? It is a subject that has interested me for a long time. I wanted to see Jesus clearly.

In the Gospels, he is not described, either as tall or short, good-looking or plain, muscular or frail. We are told his age, as 'about 30 years' (Luke 3:23), but there is nothing that dramatically distinguishes him, at least at first sight.

We do not notice this omission of any description of Jesus, because we 'know' what he looked like thanks to all the images we have. But the Jesus we recognise so easily is the result of cultural history. The early depictions of Jesus that set the template for the way he continues to be depicted today were based on the image of an enthroned emperor and influenced by presentations of pagan gods. The long hair and beard are imported specifically from the iconography of the Graeco-Roman world. Some of the oldest surviving depictions of Jesus portray him as essentially a younger version of Jupiter, Neptune or Serapis. As time went on the halo from the sun god Apollo was added to Jesus' head to show his heavenly nature. In early Christian art, he could be beardless, but he then often had the big, curly hair of Dionysus.

The point of these images was never to show Jesus as a man, but to make theological points about who Jesus was as Christ (King, Judge) and divine Son. They have evolved over time to the standard 'Jesus' we recognise.

So can we imagine Jesus appropriately in terms of the evidence of the 1st century? I have wondered about the fact that Jews were known in antiquity as a 'nation of philosophers' (Josephus, Apion 1:179). Was that partly because of their appearance? A male 'philosopher' in antiquity was thought to have shortish hair and a rough beard. The idea is that such men did not bother to visit barbers very often, as they were concentrating on more important things. But their hair would not have been very long. The acceptable style in the Roman world was to be clean shaven and short-haired. As Paul says in his letter to the Corinthian church, 'Does not even nature tell you that for a man to have long hair is dishonourable to him?' (1 Corinthians 11:14).

The only exception to that for Jews was if you undertook a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21; Acts 21:24). For this vow, you let your hair grow, and didn't drink wine, among other things. John the Baptist was a lifelong Nazirite, dedicated by his parents to God, as the Gospel of Luke indicates (Luke 1:15), but Jesus was not, because he is often found drinking wine (Matthew 11:19).

There are indeed portrayals of Jewish men with the 'philosopher' look on Roman coins issued by the emperors Vespasian and Titus. These show captive Jewish fighters (partially stripped), after they revolted against Rome in the years 66-70 AD. It would be reasonable to think then that at least some Jewish men in Judaea looked like this, even if there is stereotyping.

As for Jesus' body, I've consulted with experts on ancient skeletons in Israel. What I have learnt is that Judeans of the 1st century were closest biologically to Iraqi Jews of the contemporary world. In terms of a colour palette then, think dark-brown to black hair, deep brown eyes, olive-brown skin. Jesus would have been a man of Middle Eastern appearance. In terms of height, an average man of this time stood 166 cm (5 ft 5 inches) tall.

Our overall appearance though is not just about our bodies. Much depends on what we do with our bodies. There are some incidental details in the Gospels that tell us what Jesus wore.

He wore a tunic, called a chiton in Greek. Often you would have two: an outer one and a thinner inner one, sometimes called a sindon (Mark 14:63). An outer tunic in Judaea was invariably made of two pieces of material, one front and one back, joined at the shoulders and sides, with stripes running from shoulder to hem. The inner tunic could be made of one piece. This is a detail of interest to me, because Jesus is said in the Gospel of John (19: 23-24) to have worn a one-piece tunic. John the Baptist asked people to give away their second tunic (see Luke 3:11). Wouldn't Jesus have done so? In wearing only an inner tunic, he would have been dressed in very basic clothing.

Men's tunics were usually knee-length. Long tunics (stolai) were worn by women or occasionally by wealthy men in high-honour positions. But Jesus states: 'Beware of the scribes who desire to walk in long tunics (stolai), and to have salutations in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at banquets' (Mark 12:38). Clearly he is not one of them.

Over a tunic, a man would wear a mantle (himation, Mark 10: 50). This was a large piece of woolen material. Power and prestige were indicated by the quality and colour: purple and certain types of blue and red. Jesus' disciples see his clothing (mantle and tunic) transform into a bright white hue during the Transfiguration (Mark 9:3, Matthew 17:2), which means these were not coloured or bright white as a rule. In terms of the 'before' and 'after' of a washing powder advertisement, Jesus' clothing was the 'before'.''JOAN TAYLOR is Professor of Christian Origins and Second Temple Judaism at King's College, London

Thus in the end we see him as a man of Middle Eastern appearance, with scruffy, shortish hair and beard, wearing very basic clothing: a knee-length, thin, one-piece tunic and an undyed mantle.

With a close reading of the Gospels, it turns out that Jesus' appearance coheres perfectly with his teaching. In advocating his disciples give away all but their essentials to the needy (Matthew 19: 20-22), he practised what he preached. I wonder if we would recognise him, as he really looked, if we met him on the way.

Joan E Taylor is Professor of Christian Origins and Second Temple Judaism at King's College, London. 'What did Jesus look like?' is published by Bloomsbury.Will Smith tells 15 million Instagram followers about God while skydiving

Oscar-nominated actor Will Smith has been using social media to motivate and inspire his followers and in a recent post, the "Suicide Squad" actor shared his thoughts about God as he took up skydiving.

In a video post on Instagram, Smith detailed how he was able to conquer his fear while up in the sky at 14,000 feet. He said that amid the danger and as he was "looking down to death," he experienced the most blissful event of his life.

"You realize at the point of maximum danger, is the point of minimum fear," the actor said. "God placed the best things in life on the other side of fear."

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith) on Apr 26, 2018 at 9:39am PDT

Smith went skydiving in Dubai while on holiday with wife Jada Pinkett Smith and their children in March. The star of "Men in Black" went skydiving at least five times before when he previously visited his favorite city. This time, he brought his kids, Trey, Willow and Jaden, to the air with him.

In 2015, Smith spoke to The Christian Post about his faith while promoting the movie "Concussion," which featured the life of Christian Nigerian forensic expert Dr. Bennet Omalu. He and the real-life subject of the movie got along so well because of their shared belief in God.

Smith, who was raised in a Baptist household and went to a Catholic school as a child, also revealed that it was his grandmother, whom he fondly called Gigi, who molded his love for God. The actor regarded her as his spiritual teacher and has previously honored her on social media.

"She was the most spiritually certain person that I had ever met in my entire life," Smith said about Gigi. "Even to the point that when she was dying she was happy, like she was really excited about going to heaven."Collecting guide: Jadeite jewellery

Prized for its translucency and the quality of reflecting something like water inside, jadeite continues to be the most sought-after gemstone in China. Senior specialist Fung Chiang offers an expert introduction, illustrated with pieces previously offered at Christie's

Jade or jadeite  whats the difference? The term jade is actually a catch-all term that encompasses two separate minerals: nephrite, which is more opaque and traditionally used for sculptural objects and ornaments, and jadeite, which is more translucent and can be polished to a high lustre, making it more suitable for jewellery. As senior specialist Fung Chiang explains, In ancient China people believed that whatever the substance was, if you thought it was beautiful enough then you could call it jade. Now, however, there is technology that can look into the chemical and physical properties of a stone to discover whether it is jadeite or nephrite.

A jadeite and tortoise shell hair pin. Set to the top with a jadeite arc, joined to a tortoise shell double hair pin, mounted in gold, hair pin 11.1 cm. Sold for HK$32,500 on 29 May 2018 at Christies in Hong Kong

When did jadeite become popular in China? Unlike nephrite, which has been an important material in Chinese art for more than 1,000 years, jadeite only arrived from Burma in 1784. By the beginning of the 19th century it had become widely sought-after, its popularity perhaps due to the Empress Dowager Cixi, who was, as Chiang puts it, a diehard fan of the stone. This led to the officers and noblemen trying to amass as much as possible so that they could give it to her and wear it themselves, says Chiang, which resulted in an astronomical rise in value. Today, due to limited production in Burma and its continued popularity among Chinese buyers, jade is still considered to be one of the top gemstones in the Eastern market alongside coloured diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

A superb jadeite bangle. The semi-cylindrical jadeite bangle of brilliant emerald green colour and high translucency, inner diameter approximately 53.7 mm, width approximately 13.8 mm, thickness approximately 8.2 mm. Sold for: HK$40,440,000 on 27 May 2014 at Christies in Hong Kong

Why is jadeite so prized? One of the reasons jadeite is so prized for jewellery is what is referred to as its water content in Chinese. The crystalline structure of jade is finer, enabling rays of light to penetrate the stone more easily to create translucency, explains Chiang. This creates a reflection and refraction, causing the viewer to see something like water inside the stone itself, which is what makes jadeite so special, and so valuable.

A suite of jadeite and diamond jewellery. Comprising a necklace, set with 15 oval jadeite cabochons, each within an oval-shaped diamond surround, to the pear and marquise-cut diamond floral spacers, a ring and a pair of earrings en suite, mounted in gold, largest cabochon approximately 17.8 x 15.2 x 7.2 mm, necklace 37 cm, ring size 6, ear pendants 2.4 cm. Sold for HK$24,060,000 on 29 November 2016

How are jewellers able to create such intricate designs with jadeite? When it comes to precious stones, its important to distinguish between toughness and hardness, says Chiang. Diamond is the hardest material in the world, but it is brittle. Jadeite is much tougher. When you apply force on a ruby, a diamond or a sapphire, it will break into two pieces easily, but you can carve into jadeite or pierce it without breaking it into several pieces.

A jadeite and tourmaline pendant necklace. Suspending a jadeite carving, one side depicting a boy and a bat, the other side carved with foliate motifs, to the tourmaline bead and length adjustable silk cord, carving approximately 35.8 x 22.2 x 8.5 mm. Sold for: HK$562,500 on 29 May 2018 at Christies in Hong Kong

Jewellers are therefore able to apply intricate designs onto jade, such as spiderweb or honeycomb motifs that would be impossible on other gemstones. What does jade symbolise? Prized by scholars and collectors for centuries, jade symbolised purity, knowledge and righteousness, as well as protection. Many people still believe that when you wear jadeite it will protect you from getting hurt and bring you good health and wealth, says Chiang. Chinese people are quite superstitious; we had a client a few years ago who told us that she had fallen over, but because she was wearing a jadeite bangle on her wrist the bangle broke and she didnt get hurt at all.

A superb jadeite and diamond bracelet. Designed as a line of six oval jadeite cabochons, alternating with circular-cut diamond collets, mounted in gold, largest cabochon approximately 14.9 x 12.9 x 5.9 mm, bracelet 18.2 cm. Sold for HK$15,040,000 on 31 May 2016  a world auction record for a jadeite bracelet

Does size matter? There are only two sizes that matter in the jadeite market, says Chiang: Simply put, these are small and large. Small generally indicates beads with a diameter between 8 and 11 mm, while large beads would range from 12 to 17 mm in diameter, or even more.

A Jadeite and Diamond Necklace. Composed of sixty-nine jadeite beads, measuring approximately 8.2 to 10.8 mm, spaced by a pair of jadeite hoops and an oval-shaped diamond, weighing approximately 1.50 carats, to the similarly-cut diamond clasp, weighing approximately 3.02 carats, mounted in platinum, largest hoop diameter approximately 18.6 mm, thickness approximately 6.8 mm, necklace 73.5 cm. Sold for: HK$33,700,000 on 29 May 2018 at Christies in Hong Kong

When we talk about large bead necklaces people generally refer to the biggest three or five pieces being over 15 or 16 mm in diameter, but youll often find that the beads close to the clasp are only 12 or 13 mm in diameter, says the specialist.

An extraordinary jadeite bead, ruby and diamond necklace. Composed of 29 graduated jadeite beads, measuring approximately 14.7 to 15.9 mm, to the cabochon ruby and old-cut diamond clasps, mounted in gold, 48.0 cm. Sold for HK$95,725,000 on 28 November 2017  Christies auction record for a jadeite bead necklace

Truly remarkable pieces, he explains, are those that have beads of a uniform size. The bead necklace is the most valuable and sought-after style of jadeite jewellery because its difficult to match the quality and size of the beads, Chain continues. Last autumn we sold a necklace that was composed of 29 jadeite pieces, and every single one of them was 15 mm in diameter, which is very unusual. The estimate was HK$56.8 million, and the final price was HK$95 million  about $12 million.

A magnificent pair of jadeite and diamond ear studs. Each set with a thick high-domed jadeite cabochon of very even brilliant emerald green colour and high translucency, to the brilliant-cut diamond gallery, the back enhanced by diamond-set scrolls, mounted in 18k white gold, cabochons approximately 26.41 x 21.81 x 11.08 and 26.40 x 21.92 x 11.61 mm. Sold for HK$51,640,000 on 25 November 2014  a world auction record for a pair of jadeite earringsCitizens of the feathered tribe  Audubons The Birds of America

Offered in a dedicated sale in New York on 14 June, this exceptional example of the most valuable illustrated book ever produced  and an icon of American art  was sold to benefit environmental causes

The two lanky purple herons appear to be deep in conversation. The adult bird, with its rich brown ruff, gestures with a raised blue leg as if to emphasise a point; the younger heron  its plumage still a juvenile snow-white  shrugs its rounded shoulders and keeps its bill shut. The engraving is both rigorously ornithological and strangely anthropomorphic. When you look at an engraving like this one, you have the feeling that you know these birds, that they are old friends.

This is one of the 435 hand-coloured illustrations in The Birds of America, the magnum opus of John James Audubon. He was 35 years old, bankrupt, and just out of debtors prison when he had his great idea. He would use his skills as an artist and a woodsman to document, as never before, the bird species of his homeland. The undertaking would involve lengthy expeditions through North America to discover and observe all the species he could find. Audubon was setting out to create a bird collection in print, and as a collector he was a maximalist: his book was to be the catalogue raisonne of American ornithology.

It is hard to think of any other book that absorbed its creator so totally. Audubon was not just the author of the work. The years that he spent scouting and observing, painting and writing, were just the start of it. He went on to become an unstoppable one-man publishing industry, deeply involved with every aspect of the books production. He made several trips to Europe to find the engravers and colourists with the skills he required. While there, he travelled ceaselessly to present his portfolio to wealthy potential subscribers. And he publicised his project by speaking at countless salons and learned societies, where he told practised tales of his adventures in backwoods America. With his flowing dark hair, his eyes (according to one admirer) like an eagles in brightness, and his colonial French accent, he turned out to be a fine frontman for his own endeavour. In London and Paris he seemed as exotic and attractive as the little citizens of the feathered tribe, as he called his birds.

Audubon had resolved at the start of the venture that every bird would be depicted at life size, to give readers a true impression of its appearance. It was a hugely ambitious idea  the pages would have to be enormous  but it was absolutely the right thing to do. The finished volumes of The Birds of America were printed on double elephant, the largest size of paper then available. A bound copy measures more than a metre from top to bottom: to lift its cover is like opening a wardrobe door.

And what stunning creatures are to be found inside. Every engraving is a brilliant synthesis of artistry and zoology, of close observation and tight composition. The white pelican, for example, poses majestically in profile and fills every inch of the page. The point of its bulbous beak, the crown of its head, the soles of its yellow feet, all kiss the oblong border like the intercepts on a Cartesian graph.

Other birds in the book are notable for more sombre reasons. In 1813, Audubon witnessed the annual migration  and the mass slaughter  of millions of passenger pigeons. As he recounts in one of his anecdotal Episodes, they were tediously easy to kill. The banks of the Ohio were crowded with men and boys, incessantly shooting at the pilgrims, wrote Audubon. Multitudes were thus destroyed... The [hunters] began to move among the dead, the dying and the mangled, picking up the pigeons and piling them into heaps. When each man had as many as he could possibly dispose of, the hogs were let loose... Audubon believed that there was no danger to the species as a whole, because passenger pigeons were so unimaginably numerous. Yet almost exactly a century after the orgy of shooting that he witnessed, the last passenger pigeon died in Cincinnati Zoo. The Carolina parrot, beautifully illustrated in the book, was also blasted to extinction where it roosted  not because it was edible but because it was a pest: it liked to eat the fruit in farmers orchards.

Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have atttended the Offshore Technology Conference over the past 50 years. Some who made the trip this year reflected on their past experiences, while others made memories for the first time.

Companies survive dips in market

Every other year since 1984, Kjetil Stuland,, an International Energy Agency official from Norway, makes it to the convention floor. He understands that changes in size reflect the state of the oil market.

Stuland, 67, recalls a couple of low turns through the years, but nothing like 1987, when the industry was still recovering from a severe oil bust. He recalled oil was running about $10 a barrel and the conferences Astrodome venue was only half full. That changed substantially when he came back in 1989.

To see the change in industry over these three years, that was amazing, Stuland said. Both the technology and the number of people coming here [was better]. The companies had survived these very tough years. Also, the chance to see, how, not only the conference, but the companies are coming back and prospering.

At OTC, Stuland is usually looking to meet people, exchange business cards and network. Some things never change.

Opportunities following missed attendance

Naser Dakhil attended his first OTC in 2007 and returned every year through 2011. Then the Libyan civil war broke out.

Dakhil, a native of Libya and engineer for the oilfield services company GASOS Libya, returned to OTC for the first time in nine years. Dakhil, who lives in Lynnwood, Wash., said he is hoping to restart buisness partnerships that were interrupted by the war, which stalled oil production and projects, and will help rebuld the nations energy infrastructure.

Dakhil had another reason for coming to OTC. He hoped to introduce a new gerneration to the oil and gas industry, namely his son, Suhaib, who recently graduated from college with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Im trying to get him to carry on, Dakhil said.

First-time excitement

Sybil Oyeagoro, a Houston resident, put off coming to OTC for years. She finally made it for the 50th.

Oyeagoro said she wasnt disappointed, impressed by the vast number of companies, booths and exhbits. Her goal: find a new job.

Oyeagoro is on a year-long leave from offshore production at Shell and is seeking for work onshore so she can be close to her four children. Im trying to make connections with people, just to see what is out there, she said.

In the meantime, she is enjoying the spectacle of OTC.

Im just walking around smiling, seeing all these companies, Onyeagoro said. Everybody having something set up is wonderful,

She made it a point to stop by the booth of engineering and construction firm KBR, since she often drives past the companys Houston headquarters. There, she told the amused KBR exhibitors, that her kids often confuse the companys acronym with the KGB, the old Soviet secret police.

jose.gonzalez@chron.com

twitter.com/jrgzztxFor much of the past 50 years, a favorite feature of the Offshore Technology Conference has been the models of offshore platforms, developments and ships. Here are this year's offerings and some from the past.One of Europe's largest energy companies, Statoil, plans to change its name to "Equinor" this month as it increases its focus on offshore wind and takes the focus off of crude oil.

In an interview at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, the chief executive of Norway-based Statoil CEO said the change was a necessity - it was just a question of when and what new name.

"We had the discussion, 'Who are we going to be in the future?'" said CEO Eldar Stre. "Beyond oil and gas, we say we really want to be a broad energy company. We need to think about this evolution even 50 or 60 years from now. You can't say, 'I'll fix it later.'"

And the reality is the Statoil name was no longer attractive to the younger generations who must be recruited into the industry, he said.

The new Equinor name - to be formally adopted in mid-May - combines "equal" to reflect its corporate values and more balanced portfolio with "Norway" to maintain its roots and pride.

Apart from lowering its carbon footprint, and even more practically, Statoil in recent years sold its pipeline and retail fuel businesses, leaving it increasingly focused on oil and gas exploration.

"We're extremely exposed to oil and gas," Stre said. "It's important to have a portfolio that's more resilient to the oil and gas volatility."

So, in recent years, Statoil has emerged as a pioneer in offshore wind farms and, most recently, on the floating wind turbine facilities that can be built even farther offshore where the winds are stronger.

While it may not seem like it, offshore wind was a natural expansion for Statoil.

"We are the biggest offshore operator in the oil and gas space. We have all the marine engineering and logistics competence. All the people who run these wind projects come from oil and gas," Stre said. "We can switch employees between oil and gas and offshore wind. That has given us an immense starting point."

Statoil currently has a bevy of wind farms offshore of Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom, including the brand new Hywind Scotland floating wind farm, the first of its kind. More projects are planned offshore of the Netherlands and Poland, he said.

RELATED: Statoil greenlights world's first floating wind farm

In the United States, Statoil has a sizable Gulf of Mexico presence for oil and gas, but it's looking to the East and West coasts for wind.

The first American wind project for Statoil under development is the Empire Wind project 20 miles offshore of New York on 80,000 acres of federal waters. The offshore wind farm will eventually power the equivalent of 1 million New York homes, Statoil says.

He said Statoil also is eyeing wind projects offshore of Maine, California and even Hawaii. Costs are coming down and, depending on the location, Statoil no longer needs to depend on government subsidies to profitably develop wind farms to compete in electricity markets, he said.

In addition, Statoil is now developing its first-ever solar farm project, but in Brazil. That will serve as a pilot project from which to potentially expand.

By 2030, Stre said Statoil plans to dedicate about 2o percent of its annual capital spending to renewable projects. But Statoil can still increase its oil and gas investments simultaneously, he emphasized.

"We will still produce oil and gas with pride."The Permian Basin in West Texas, a vast stretch of dry land  very dry, actually  has taken center stage at the offshore industry's largest annual summit this week.

But it's called the Offshore Technology Conference. Offshore! What gives?

Well, let's take a look at the numbers.

First, there's a drilling boom in the Permian Basin, and in the Gulf of Mexico, not much new is going on.

Related: At OTC, a growing love of land

The number of drilling rigs working in the Gulf of Mexico has fallen from 63 in the height of the last oil boom in 2014 down to 18 in late April. That's actually a drop of six compared to the worst of the oil-bust in mid-2016.

Back then, the Permian Basin's rig count fell to 132. But it has climbed back up to 452 as U.S. oil prices break above $65 a barrel.

There are a lot of different reasons for that. One assumption people make is that it must be a lot cheaper to get oil out of the Permian than in the Gulf. It is cheaper, but the break-even prices in the Permian and the Gulf have been moving a lot closer together in recent years.

Here's a mouthful: Full-cycle break-even costs. That's the oil price oil companies need to recover costs for drilling a well and bringing it into production. In the Permian, it's $42 a barrel; in the Gulf of Mexico, it's $52 a barrel, according to Norwegian research firm Rystad Energy.

All things considered, those numbers aren't that far apart. And U.S. oil prices settled at $67.25 a barrel on Tuesday. So why has Wall Street embraced one and abandoned the other? Analysts say public equity markets have a bias against anything that doesn't have the word "shale" in it. Why?

Because life is short. A new offshore project in shallow or deep waters will make its money back in six to seven years. In the Permian Basin, it only takes a year  down from 2 years in 2014, Rystad says.

"The main thing is, offshore is a long-term commitment," said Maierdan Halifu, senior analyst at Rystad in Houston. If you make a discovery and sanction a project, you're making a commitment for the next six or seven years. But shale is very flexible. You can drill wells relatively fast and get the return relatively fast."

It also depends on the investor's views of oil market fundamentals, he added.

"If they believe oil demand will need the project to come online in 2023 to 2025, then they should be confident enough to develop these offshore fields," he said. "But if they're skeptical, then shale can be a source for them to turn profits quickly and go away if the price is very bad. It's flexible."

Related: Offshore, onshore, who cares? Look at all the cool models at OTC

Another thing is, the cost of making new discoveries in each reasons is vastly different. In the Permian, adding exploration costs into the mix brings the break-even price to $48 a barrel. In the Gulf of Mexico, it hikes it up to $155 a barrel, Rystad believes.

But that doesn't mean companies aren't launching new projects offshore around the world. Rystad projects the global oil industry will sanction 134 new offshore projects this year, up from 67 in 2017 and 38 in 2016. That's mostly being driven by the major oil companies.

"They had significant cost decreases," said Matthew Fitzsimmons, oilfield service researcher at Rystad.

Global offshore break-even prices in shallow waters have dropped from $75 a barrel to $30 a barrel. Deep-water projects had a similar trajectory, with its break-even prices falling from around $80 a barrel to $45 a barrel.

In the U.S. shale plays, break-even prices in 2013 and 2014 were somewhere around $85 to $100 a barrel. Those have dropped to $45 to $55 a barrel this year.A baby was left "without any notice" Monday night at a Houston fire station, according to the Houston Fire Department. Later in the evening, the child was picked up by a family member.

The fire department said the baby, about 18 months old, was dropped off about 8:40 p.m. at Station 76, which is at 7200 Cook Rd. near Alief. Houston police responded to the scene a few minutes later.Dear Abby:

I need advice badly. A close family member has been living with a woman who sexually assaults people by grabbing their genitalia, kissing them forcibly on the mouth and touching their buttocks. Shes completely without boundaries.

We have an important family event coming up and have decided not to invite her because we dont feel safe around her. The close family member is incensed with us, furious even. He chalks his girlfriends transgressions up to medical events.

Abby, are we right to not allow her to be part of situations where she will undoubtedly behave like this? Or must we just accept it and move on, as our family member insists, in spite of being well aware of her pattern of behavior?

Anonymous in the East

Dear Anonymous:

Do not allow yourselves to be forced into anything that would make any of you uncomfortable. Unless this family member can guarantee that his lady friend will not disrupt the festivities by acting out, she should not be invited.

Dear Abby:

My best friend and I are grandmothers. While I enjoy a healthy relationship with my children and grandchildren, the same is not true for her.

Because of issues surrounding her divorce, she's in contact with only one of her three children. All three side with their father. Recently, her pregnant daughter (Erin, who has mental health issues) told her mom she never wants to see her again and turned her away from the baby shower.

The only way my friend knew Erin had given birth was from social media. No one in the family told her. Although Erin unfriended her mom on Facebook, I still see her posts. Naturally, she shared the news about the new baby.

My question is, should I comment on the news? Erin knows I'm close to her mom. I'm aching to tell her to let her mom back into her life and about the importance of a relationship with grandparents. Should I? Or should I just offer my congratulations and let it be?

Values Family in the Midwest

Dear Values Family:

By all means congratulate Erin on the new baby, but postpone the lecture about the importance of grandparents for a separate conversation. Right now, I doubt Erin would appreciate what you have to say. Later, when things calm down in her troubled relationship with her mother, she may be more open to your message.

Dear Abby:

I'm dating a man who insists that I pay for our dinners every time he comes to visit. He doesn't even offer. One time when I didn't pick up the check he reached across the table and handed it to me. I'm not sure how to handle this.

Worth A Treat In West Virginia

Dear Worth A Treat:

The next time this user comes to visit and hands you the check, hand it back and walk out of the restaurant. If he claims to have forgotten his wallet as well as his manners, stop dating him.

Reader Alert!

If you know a student who would like to enter the $5,000 Dear Abby College Columnist Scholarship contest, see the information on DearAbby.com and learn more. The deadline is fast approaching.

DearAbby.com

Dear Abby

P.O. Box 69440

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Andrews McMeel SyndicationMay is filled with design events, from authors signing copies of new books, to home tours of historic homes all fixed up and waiting for visitors. Steve Quillian, an expert on restoration of wood windows, will be in town for a job at The Church at 1548 Heights, and while he's here, the local AIA chapter is hosting a workshop for others interested in honing their skills.

Here's a roundup of events worth attending:

Jay Baker book signing: Houston architect Jay Baker will sign copies of his new book, "Making Things," noon-1 p.m. May 5 at Kuhl-Linscomb, 2424 W. Alabama.

Boulevard Show House: Award-winning interior designer Laura Umansky, founder of Laura U Interior Design, is opening her new home in Boulevard Oaks as a fundraiser for Preservation Houston. The 1925 Tudor-style home has been renovated and redecorated top to bottom. The event is noon-4 p.m. May 5-6 at 1644 North Boulevard; Tickets are $20 at the door or at blvdshowhouse.com.

Galveston Historic Homes Tour: Nine historic homes in Galveston will open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 5-6 and 12-13 for the Galveston Historical Foundation's annual homes tour. Homes are at 1318 Sealy; 1121 33rd St.; 2424 Ave. L; 2123 Ave. K; 3528 Ave. P; 3608 Ave. O; 3018 Ave. ; 1723 Mechanic; 1503 Church. Tickets are $30, $35 after May 4; galvestonhistory.org.



Kathryn Scott book signing: New York interior designer Kathryn Scott will sign copies of her new book, "Creating Beauty," 5-8 p.m. May 17 in a private residence in Tanglewood. Sign up to attend by emailing RSVP@chateaudomingue.com.



Historic preservation workshop: Historic preservation expert Steve Quillian will be in Houston for repairs on The Church at 1548 Heights, and he'll lead workshops on wood window restoration 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 19-20. The seminar is hosted by the American Institute of Architects Houston chapter and classes run $65-$250; for information or to register go to aiahouston.org.

Christopher Spitzmiller trunk show: Famed maker of beautiful lamps and dinnerware Christopher Spitzmiller will be at Found for the Home 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 10. He'll bring larger cache pots, faux bois items and pieces from his marbleized collection. He's also designed new mirrors, which he'll have on hand. Found is located at 3433 W. Alabama.

Heart Card: Shop all over Houston and help raise money for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. For $50, you can purchase a Heart Card that you use for 20 percent discounts at retailers and a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entree at participating restaurants in Houston through May 6. For information or to buy the card, go to ahahouston.org.

Store closing: Lynn Goode Vintage, a retail store specializing in original midcentury modern home furnishings, is closing. Shop regular store hours, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, through June 30. For information, email info@lynngoodevintage.comLeading a university or health institution is the toughest job in the nation, University of Texas System Chancellor Bill McRaven said Tuesday morning at his last in-person board meeting in his position.

The assessment says a lot coming from McRaven, credited with orchestrating the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011. He plans to step down at the end of May after about three years as chancellor. The retired Navy admiral, who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia when he was in Afghanistan, was briefly hospitalized in November.

McRaven praised the presidents of universities and health institutions in the UT System in his remarks, at one point calling their jobs "Herculean," after receiving a certificate of appreciation.

At the board meeting, in Houston, he set out an optimistic vision for the UT System, calling it an institution that can build future leaders and one that should challenge accepted ideas. He said he trusted students with the nations future.

Make no mistakes about it  we have challenges in this country today, but I am more convinced than ever that the future is in very good hands, he said.

McRaven was honored on Friday with an endowment for future chancellors discretionary spending. Board chair Sara Martinez Tucker said the fund nearly doubled in size to $900,000 by Tuesday, and officials expect it to continue to grow in size.

McRaven said in December he would resign at the end of the academic year, attributing the decision to his health.

The system has not yet named his replacement. He will work at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin after he steps down as chancellor.

Lindsay Ellis writes about higher education for the Chronicle. You can follow her on Twitter and send her tips at lindsay.ellis@chron.com.Middlelands was the first music festival of its kind to plant roots on Texas Renaissance Festival grounds in Grimes County and it will probably be the last.

It was a year ago that the polarizing electronic dance music festival began taking shape in Todd Mission, roughly seven miles from Magnolia proper.

LAST YEAR IN PHOTOS: Middlelands festival brings thousands of EDM fans to Texas Renaissance Festival grounds

Over the course of a few days in early May 2017, the area exploded with activity as thousands of EDM devotees came to camp and dance the days and nights away at the area northwest of Houston.

Running May 5-7, the event was a hit with festival-goers, but very vocal locals weren't too thrilled about scantily-clad attendees and loud, throbbing dance music rustling through the forests nearby.

While the response to the festival was overwhelmingly positive, many local parents weren't excited about the likes of Major Lazer, Kaskade, Danny Brown and Datsik keeping their children awake.

The Grimes County Sheriff's Office made approximately 40 arrests of concert-goers for drug possession and various other charges the night of the concert, further complicating matters for the freshman festival.

FUN IN THE SUN: Final thoughts on Houston's In Bloom festival

The overall response to Middlelands was positive on social media, and fans were touting the event as one of the best music festivals they had ever attended. Even those who camped on the grounds for the weekend reported a pleasant experience with no major incidents. Event organizers estimated there were 66,000 attendees over the course of three days.

A new local traditional was on the verge of being born, but weeks after the last Day-Glo-painted co-ed left town, Texas Renaissance Festival organizers announced they would not be hosting Middlelands again.

"Middlelands was a great success and brought over 60,000 people to the area from all over the country and the world. However, after a meeting with executive leadership and based on Texas Renaissance Festival's overall mission, we have made the decision to not move forward in hosting the event again," said Texas Renaissance Festival general manager Terre Albert in a statement soon after.

Jamaal Ellis/For the Chronicle

"We were very surprised and disappointed by the decision ...," Pasquale Rotella, founder and CEO of Insomniac, responded later in a statement. "From the beginning, MDL producers set out to create a safe and enjoyable experience for both attendees and residents in the surrounding neighborhoods, with hopes to stimulate the growing local economy."

On April 1 this year there was a false rumor that it was relocating to Waxahachie but EDM fans soon realized that it was an April Fool's joke.

A spokesperson for the festival told Chron.com this week that there was no further news on Middlelands finding a new venue, nor did they share any plans for 2018 or 2019.

Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com.League City police shot and killed a man wielding a samurai sword while they were serving a warrant for his stepson Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Officers with the League City Police Department Combined Agency Response Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives went to a home on the 300 block of Morningside Drive around 5 a.m. to execute a narcotics and weapons search warrant, according to Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset.

As the officers were searching the home, one officer entered a bedroom to find Roger Fortner, 49, wielding a samurai sword "in an aggressive posture." One officer fired a "bean bag", or flexible baton round at Fortner, who would not stand down. A second officer fired several shots from a rifle, killing Fortner at the scene. Trochesset said he did not know how many shots were fired, as he is still waiting on the autopsy report.

READ ALSO: Man fatally shot after robbing gas station, police say

Officers who were involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, said Kelly Williamson, a spokesman for the League City Police Department. The Galveston County Sheriff's Office is also investigating the shooting.

Fortner's stepson and wife were in the house at the time of the shooting, Trochesset said. The stepson was the subject of the search warrant. Both Fortner's wife and stepson were brought into the League City Police Department for questioning. It is not yet clear if the stepson was charged with any crime related to the search warrant.

The Combined Agency Response Team is a SWAT team made up of members from League City, Alvin and Pearland police departments.

The home on Morningside Drive is in a quiet residential neighborhood just behind Hall Elementary School.

Other than the yellow police tape that surrounded both entrances to the block on Morningside where the man was shot, it appeared to be a normal morning. Residents went about their business, yard workers toiled in front lawns of neighboring houses, and children played in the nearby elementary school playground, blissfully ignorant of any police activity.

Still, some neighbors were bothered by the sight of police and SWAT team storming their otherwise peaceful community. Gail Stiteler, a resident of the subdivision surrounding Morningside since 1983, takes her morning walk everyday through the neighborhood, memorizing her route so that she can hit exactly three miles.

On Tuesday morning, she saw the yellow crime scene tape blocking her from entering Morningside, a sight that "threw me for a loop," she said.

"I walk past those houses everyday and I've never seen anything that stood out like, 'Wow, I should be more aware'," Stiteler said. "I feel totally blindsided by this."

Stiteler said it was hard to tell which house was targeted by police because three different houses were blocked off. In the 35 years Stiteler has lived in this neighborhood, she has always felt safe.

She said it was unsettling to suddenly feel threatened.

Stiteler, 73, said what happened on Tuesday wouldn't keep her from her morning walks, but the shooting incident does give her pause. The idea that someone was shot and killed in what had been a relatively quiet community makes her uneasy.

"If I could get hold of those people that do these things, that bring this kind of activity into our lives," she said, balling her fists, "I would have something to say to them."

READ ALSO: Man fatally shot in west Houston parking garageA young girl was sexually assaulted outside a library in La Porte on Sunday night, police said.

The girl was walking alone along South Broadway Street near the La Porte Public Library, which is across the street from La Porte Junior High and La Porte Elementary. As she was walking past the library, a man approached her and sexually assaulted her, detectives said.

The man fled the scene down West F Street and has yet to be captured.

NEW SUIT: Karolyis file lawsuit against USA Gymnastics

The suspect is described as having short brown hair and facial stubble, La Porte police said. He is between 20 and 30 years old and has a tattoo of a date on his right wrist and a tattoo of a woman on his upper chest, near his shoulder.

He was last seen wearing a black tank top and boxers.

Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call the La Porte Police Department at 281-471-2141.

Jay R. Jordan is a breaking news reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan.The Katy Fire Department is scheduled to provide fire protection to the nearly 3,000 homes in Firethorne starting in May, but some residents are unsure thats their best option.

Katy City Council on April 23 approved an agreement for automatic aid assistance between the city and Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 151, which handles fire protection for Firethorne. Under the agreement, the MUD will pay for costs plus a 5 percent administrative fee.

The vote by Katy City Council was opposed by Richard A. Stiles, a Firethorne resident who spoke at the meeting. He said the MUD board failed to notify residents of Fort Bend County Emergency Service District No. 4s notice to terminate its fire-service contract until just recently. He asked that council defer action until the possibility of being annexed by ESD No. 4 is explored.

Katy Councilman J. Gary Jones pointed out that the agreement between the city and MUD 151 includes a clause that allows for its cancellation with 30 days notice.

At the council meeting, Katy Mayor Chuck Brawner said MUD officials talked with Katy Fire Chief Russell Wilson about a year ago regarding the transfer of firefighting services.

Id hate to see the area without proper public safety, he added.

ESD No. 4 Commissioner Ed Krenek said the district gave notice to terminate the contract not fire protection.

No one approached us about other options. Were kind of a little bit in the dark.

He talked of an orderly transition between fire services and said ESD No. 4 wouldnt just pull out of the fire station south of Firethorne on May 21. Well make sure the citizens are properly protected.

Krenek explained district officials believe the ESD contract with MUD 151 unfairly assessed Firethorne residents less for fire service compared with what district residents pay. ESD No. 4 levies a tax rate of 10 cents per $100 of valuation on the 30,000 to 35,000 people who live within the district.

Whereas, residents of Firethorne paid $9.54 per residential water connection each month, said Brandi Crone, ESD No. 4 business manager. And the nonresidential fee is $9.54 per 2,000 square feet, she added. Krenek said the person who owns a $1 million home is paying the same amount for fire protection service as the person who owns a $100,000 home.

Chad Norvell was MUD 151 board chairman when the fire station opened at Crossover and FM 1463 in May 2013 to serve the Firethorne area. MUD 151 built the station which opened as the Fulshear-Simonton Fire Departments Station No. 4. The department is funded by ESD No. 4. Norvell said he can see ESDs officials point about raising the fees a little bit, but noted that the MUDs taxes pay for the fire station and that other communities also benefit by having a fire truck located at that site.

He agrees with Stiles that the MUD has not communicated with residents and he doesnt support the plan with the Katy Fire Department.

Its not the most fiscally conservative option, he explained. Norvell said hes not happy with the way the MUD handled the matter. He noted seven months elapsed between when the ESD first notified the MUD of the contract termination and officials of the two groups met. They should have informed the community so that options could have been evaluated, he said.

Crone said the district sent a certified letter dated March 27, 2017 to the MUD 151 board of directors and to the MUDs legal counsel, with notice of contract cancellation and an offer to meet to discuss options. She said district officials met with the MUDs board president and legal counsel on Oct. 12, 2017. Neither MUD board president Keith Gier, nor Whitney Higgins of Allen Boone Humphries and Robinson LLP could be reached for comment by deadline.

But the April 22 posting on the MUD 151s website says, in part, that after considering available fire protection service options, the City of Katy came out as the department most willing and able to provide full-time staff and life-saving services to the district in our region. Factors cited in the decision include full-time staffing, an improved Insurance Services Office rating  a grade of a communitys fire protection  to reduce residents insurance premiums and increased availability of EMS crews.

ISOs range from 1 to 10 with 1 being the best. The Katy Fire Department has an ISO rating of 2, according to the State Fire Marshals Office. Fort Bend County ESD No. 4 with an alternative water supply  where there are no hydrants  has a rating of 5 and a rating of 3 where the fire protection service area has hydrants, according to the State Fire Marshal. More than five road miles from a fire station or outside the boundary of a fire protection area is a 10.

Whats next is to be the subject of a May 1 in-district meeting involving Brawner, Wilson and other fire protection officials who will meet with residents, according to a notice posted April 22 by the MUD on its website at http://fbcmud151.com/. That notice also was emailed to residents and Norvell said thats the first official information from the MUD about whats happening.

In the board minutes of the May 27, 2017 FBC MUD 151 meeting, Higgins talked of the notice to cancel and of ESD No. 4 considering annexing the district. Stiles said he knows some citizens who are working toward a petition to put annexation on the ballot. Norvell said he sees annexation by the ESD as a permanent solution.

Crone said that a minimum of 50 signatures is needed on an annexation petition. The board will evaluate the petition and decide if its in the best interests of the district to proceed as the ESD is responsible for all election costs. If the annexation is placed on a ballot, it must be approved by both the residents seeking to be annexed and those who already live within the district, she said.

Krenek noted that most of the Jordan Ranch community recently successfully petitioned to be annexed by ESD No. 4.

Krenek said the district has other locations from which to serve the Fulshear ETJ after it leaves Station No. 4. The ESD is working toward becoming a department of full-time firefighters with the process started last fall and continuing through 2019, said Crone and Krenek. The Katy department has converted to full-time firefighters.The San Jacinto River Authority board of directors voted unanimously Thursday to approve a proposed plan that would call for lowering Lake Conroe up to 2 feet on a season basis. The plan must receive approval from the City of Houston to proceed.

The City of Houston serves as the majority water-right holder of Lake Conroe, owning two-thirds of the water rights, and still needs to weigh in on the proposal.

According to information provided by the SJRA, the intent of this strategy is to provide a near-term, flood mitigation benefit for the next two to three years while other flood mitigation strategies are implemented.

"This is not a done deal," SJRA General Manager Jace Houston said. "This is a temporary plan for the lowering of Lake Conroe that is year to year. Every year, this plan will be reviewed and must be approved by a vote of the board members. This is a short-term flood mitigation plan, while long-term plans such as dredging along the West Fork of the San Jacinto River are developed and put into action. The ultimate goal is to develop a joint operating strategy involving both Lake Conroe and Lake Houston."

According to information from SJRA, starting April 1, it would begin to gradually reduce the level of Lake Conroe to 200 feet above mean sea level. Normal pool is 201 feet above msl. The plan would be to reach that mark by April 15. Then, on June 1, the SJRA wouldl begin to capture flows to restore normal lake elevation.

For the fall, starting on Aug. 1, the lake would be gradually reduced to 200 feet above msl by Aug. 15, then continued to be drained to 199 feet above msl by Aug. 31.

Starting Oct. 1, the SJRA would begin to capture flows to restore normal lake elevation.

According to Houston, if a storm enters the forecast while releases in the spring or the fall are being made to lower the lake level, releases should be stopped and the river allowed to drain out until rainfall is out of the forecast.

"If the levels of the lake are at 199 MSL before any of the lake releases, we won't release any of the water," Houston said.

When asked the significance of the dates, Houston stated they are based upon weather patterns since April and May are typically rainier and the area experiences more severe storms and hurricanes in the August and September months.

According to SJRA, the City of Houston is still in the process of considering its options related to flood mitigation strategies for Lake Houston. This proposal only addresses Lake Conroe.

There were several Kingwood and Lake Conroe residents in attendance at Thursday's meeting who shared a difference of opinion on the lowering of Lake Conroe.

"Obviously, we're going to get mixed reactions from both sides," Houston said. "Kingwood residents requested we consider something to provide temporary relief for downstream flooding issues because of the sand and silt that accumulated after Hurricane Harvey. We had the Lake Conroe Association President Mike Bleier who had an issue with the lowering of the lake."

Late last August, Hurricane Harvey dumped up to 60 inches of rain in some areas, including more than 30 inches in the Lake Conroe water basin. The SJRA was forced to release water at a rate of more than 79,000 cubic feet per second, which around 2-1/2 times the previous release rate record of around 33,000 cfs set in the 1994 floods. Kingwood was pummeled with floodwaters from the various tributaries in Montgomery County pouring water downstream, with SJRA and the Lake Conroe Dame release bearing the brunt of the blame for thousands of homes and businesses flooded and even swept away, including lawsuits filed.

However, for Lake Conroe resident Doug Strand, his boat dock currently sits in approximately 3 feet of water, thus the lowering of Lake Conroe by up to 2 fee could make using his boat dock and boat unusable.

"Lowering the levels of Lake Conroe as a means of flood control has never happened before, so why now?" Strand asked. "I contacted the SJRA earlier this year and was told they had no authority to lower the levels of the lake; but now, they are going to send this proposal to the City of Houston to lower the lake levels and they are most likely going to do so. It's disturbing. Lowering the level by 1 foot may not affect a lot of Lake Conroe residents; but 2 feet, that's a lot."

Strand recently sent a letter to Montgomery County Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador, whose precinct includes Lake Conroe, concerning the lowering of Lake Conroe and also a letter to the SJRA requesting a study of the impact on homes along the lake and businesses and make the proposal open for public comment.

"The best time to use the lake is during August and September; a lot of Lake Conroe residents may not be able to use the lake if it's lowered too far," Strand said. "There are thousands of homes along the lake, and I believe no one from the Lake Conroe area is for the lowering of Lake Conroe."

In a previous letter penned by Mike Bleier, a Lake Conroe resident and president of the Lake Conroe Association, he stated they fully support the Lake Houston and Kingwood communities' call for remediation of the San Jacinto River, but not the main body of Lake Houston unless it is coupled with a reduction of water. A Kingwood group, as well as some Houston leaders and state legislators, have called for a 3-foot permanent reduction in Lake Conroe's level to 198 feet above msl.

"The Lake Conroe Association does not support any kind of reduction of the water levels on Lake Conroe  whether it is permanent or temporary," Bleier stated in a previous article in The Courier.

"In addition, SJRA and the City of Houston are still in discussions with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to determine how releases will be treated for purposes of water rights accounting," Houston stated in a release.

According to information disseminated by Bleier, an unresolved issue relates to the "permitted yield" of Lake Conroe.

"Currently, the maximum yield (withdrawal) is 100,000 acre-feet per year," Bleier wrote in a letter to fellow LCA members. "SJRA owns 1/3 of that 'yield' while the City of Houston owns 2/3. Will any releases of water for flood control be counted against the maximum annual amount of water allowed to be withdrawn? Under current interpretation, TCEQ would state it does count against 'yield.' It is expected that SJRA and the City of Houston will attempt to modify their 'permit' with TCEQ to remove such a stipulation so that water released for flood control does not count against the 100,000 acre-feet annual 'yield.'"

This new proposal from SJRA does not include the pre-release of water before a storm event.

"This is not a good idea for Lake Conroe for many reasons," Houston said. "The release of water from Lake Conroe prior to a storm would put flows into the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston potentially exacerbating flooding. Staff from the City of Houston, the Coastal Water Authority and the Harris County Flood Control District have expressed their desire to not pre-fill the river and Lake Houston prior to a storm with water released from Lake Conroe."

In regard to the dredging and remediation of the lower West Fork of the San Jacinto River, work is expected to begin June 8 with the Corps of Engineers spearheading this effort. Their goal is to remove 3 million cubic yards of sand, which could last anywhere from six months to 18 months.For people living with diabetes, even the smallest scrape can lead to potentially dangerous circumstances. High blood sugar can damage nerves, which may cause numbness in the feet and legs, and lead to a narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, which can result in less oxygen being circulated throughout the body to aid in healing.

If you have a wound that doesnt heal properly, early treatment can help you get back on your feet. The Houston Methodist Wound Care Program at Sugar Land uses a multidisciplinary approach for treating wounds that wont heal.

Diabetic foot wounds

Timothy Oppermann, M.D., board-certified surgeon with Houston Methodist Surgical Associates, encourages patients to take a proactive approach. Diabetes accounts for about 60 percent of lower limb amputations not related to injury in adults, clearly illustrating the importance for diabetic patients to closely monitor their health and take quick action to provide the proper care to even the smallest wound, particularly in the feet, Oppermann said.

Warning signs of a chronic, nonhealing wound include:

* Persistent pain in the area around the wound

* Discoloration of the wounds edges

* Increased drainage from the wound site

* Redness or swelling around or spreading away from the wound

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

The programs doctors and nurses are certified in wound care medicine, and work with patients and their primary care team to monitor, manage and treat wounds with the most advanced treatments available, including compression wraps, antimicrobial dressings, bioengineered skin substitutes and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The programs RN case managers bring exceptional care and compassion to their roles. Michael Yaakovian, M.D., board-certified surgeon with Houston Methodist Surgical Associates, treats patients with diabetic foot problems and other nonhealing wounds. Hyperbaric therapy supplies oxygen under pressure that supersaturates the red blood cells and plasma with oxygen, so when blood is supplied to the area of the wound, these supercharged blood cells help repair the wound and kill the infection, leading to the generation of new blood vessels and tissue growth, Yaakovian explained.

Self-care tips

For people with diabetes, managing wounds to prevent complications requires care and diligence. Take good care of your feet with the following tips:

1. Inspect and wash feet daily. With poor sensation, there may be the presence of wounds that could go unnoticed.

2. Keep wounds clean and dry to reduce risk of infection.

3. File your toe nails. Clipping may increase the risk for skin injury.

4. Wear proper-fitting shoes and socks at all times.

5. Control your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol to slow down the progression of diabetic complications.

To schedule an appointment at Houston Methodist Wound Care Program at Sugar Land, call 281-275-0770 or visit houstonmethodist.org/wound-sl to learn more about the program. Visit Facebook at fb.com/methodistsugarland for news, events and information.Houston ISD officials lowered the districts projected budget shortfall again on Monday, saying the district now faces a $104 million deficit.

Rene Barajas, the districts CFO, said at a budget workshop Wednesday the new estimate reflects about $11 million he hopes will be unspent from this school year.

That $11 million will flow to the districts 83 smallest schools through a subsidy for schools with low enrollments, but all other schools still are likely lose about $90 per student in funding.

RELATED: HISD to cut administrative costs, trim per-student funding to fill budget gap

It is not the first time budget officials have pared down the projected deficit, which originally was estimated at about $208 million. In that earlier scenario, district officials worried that Hurricane Harvey would lead to substantial declines in local property tax values and student enrollment.

Officials shaved the projected deficit to $115 million earlier this year in hopes that a lawsuit focused on recapture payments will turn out favorably for HISD. Recapture refers to money property-wealthy districts must pay the state to subsidize property poor school districts. If the lawsuit ends in a victory for property-wealthy districts, it could cut about $51 million from HISDs recapture payment.

Budget officials trimmed the deficit further after learning the state would cut the amount districts affected by Hurricane Harvey would pay in recapture due to lower projected property values. The state adjustment would have given Houston ISD an additional $42 million.

READ ALSO: School districts in Houston, statewide feel crushing effects of budget troubles

The $42 million in state adjustments, however, no longer is an option. The Harris County Appraisal District told Houston ISD officials Monday property values increased by nearly 2 percent over the values assessed in 2017.

"That $42 million will go away but will be made up in the fact we now have a positive property value increase for next year," Barajas said.

District officials on Monday also proposed changing the way Houston ISD's magnet schools are funded.

A committee of 29 principals, parents, academics and community members began studying the district's magnet system last summer and presented its first recommendations in January.

Mark Smith, chief student support officer, said the committee recommended that money schools get for their magnet programs could be separated into four annual allotments and one long-term funding stream.

Q & A: How do Houston ISD's magnet schools and programs work, anyway?

The capital funding proposal would give schools occasional infusions of cash for infrastructure-like expenses, such as building a dance studio or creating a science lab.

Under the plan, HISD would spend $2 million for an annual allotment, $11 million for staffing, $7.5 million for magnet coordinators and $2 million in unforeseen costs.

Smith said magnet funding at the district level would remain unchanged from this year, but individual schools could see less money due to changes in how some programs are funded, such as those specializing in career-and-technical training, fine arts and gifted-and-talented education.

RELATED: Houston ISD proposes drastic changes to school funding, magnet programs

In January, the district proposed cutting "double-funding" from schools that already receive extra money from the state. For example, the state gives schools additional money per each gifted student they teach and additional money through the district's magnet funds. Smith proposed lessening the district's share of the funding.

Smith said schools with such programs could lose "hundreds of thousands" of dollars in the 2018-2019 school year under the plan, although others did not see their budgets affected nearly as much and some magnet programs will receive more money from the district.Three attorneys practicing in the greater Houston area have been sanctioned by a disciplinary panel due to misconduct, according to a report Monday from the Texas Bar Association.

Jimmy Wayne Ballew Jr., 38, of Houston, agreed to a three-year suspension beginning Mar. 15 based on the findings of the grievance committee of the State Bar of Texas, according to the report. The panel determined that Ballew settled a legal matter without his client's permission, did not keep the client reasonably informed, failed to provide enough explanation on a matter for the client to make informed decisions, and was dishonest and deceitful in his conduct. The disciplinary committee ordered him to pay $2,500 in attorneys' fees and direct expenses.

Ballew did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.

In another action by the board, Jeremiah David Canady, 38, of Friendswood, agreed to a nine-month probated suspension beginning April 1 after the committee found that he had neglected a legal matter he took on, failed to promptly answer requests for information and failed to refund advance payments of fees he did not earn. The Harris County regional committee ordered him to pay $500 in restitution and $500 in attorneys' fees and direct expenses.

The finding means he can continue to work as a lawyer, but must comply with terms of probation set by the board. Canady, whose practice had faced more severe sanctions prohibiting him from legal practice in 2016, said this situation coincided with a period in which he was immobilized by a back condition, suffered chronic pain and panic attacks and could not maintain his workload.

"I let a bunch of clients slip," he said. "I shouldn't have done that."

He said he has undergone treatment and is actively building up his practice while on probation.

Conroe attorney Pattie Jo Nolan was suspended for 24-months for improper professional conduct after a Feb. 14 ruling. Nolan was given a 24-month probated suspension effective March 1 for continuing to practice law during a period she had been administratively suspended for nonpayment of dues and taxes and failure to respond to request from the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel. The panel ordered her to pay $1,500 in attorneys' fees and direct expenses, according to the Texas Bar Journal.

She will be able to continue her legal practice during the suspension as long as she abides by the terms of her probation, the state bar said. Nolan was not immediately available for comment.In Texas we do things a little bit differently. We have a signature way of befriending the scary and embracing danger. Sometimes with no thought of the consequences.

This past weekend a report by the Austin American-Statesman's London Gibson looked into Texas' relationship with tigers, mainly as pets. Gibson reported that there are up to 2,000 currently in the state of Texas, kept as pets, with only 50 or so registered with state officials.

HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: A deep dive into Texas' obsession with keeping wildlife as pets

That's probably a startling figure for people who don't live in the Lone Star State.

The Harris County Public Health Department has rules for keeping dangerous wild animals as pets, which it defines as "a lion, a tiger, an ocelot, a cougar, a leopard, a cheetah, a jaguar, a bobcat, a lynx, a serval, a caracal, a hyena, a bear, a coyote, a jackal, a baboon, a chimpanzee, an orangutan, a gorilla or any hybrid of an animal listed in this subdivision."

All of these animals must be registered with the county and their young must be registered at least after birth.There are also rules for the enclosures that these animals are kept inside.

MORE TO COME: The Houston Zoo announces ambitious plans, additional habitats

In Harris County, wild animals must not be kept within 1,000 feet of a school or child care facility. They also cannot be kept within 1,000 feet of a residence in an unincorporated area of Harris County.

Tigers in the wild across Asia, China, and eastern Russia, are endangered to the tune of only an estimated 3,000 or 4,500 roaming. Quite a different habitat than someone's backyard property, maybe eating brisket or chicken necks every day.

Having a tiger as a pet may seem like a good idea but an expert notes that it's not all roses.

Dr. Joe Flanagan at the Houston Zoo says that he has been involved in a number of seizures with Houston-area animal welfare groups over the years. He's been with the Houston Zoo since 1982 and has been called to assist when tigers and the like are found roaming city streets or being mistreated in backyard enclosures.

ZOO DOCTORS: See what it takes to give a Houston Zoo gorilla a physical exam

"Chimps, tigers, and bears and everything you can imagine in between," Flanagan says.

Anyone with enough money can buy a wild animal if they know where to look but why do people want tigers in the first place? It costs tens of thousands of dollars to even care for them a year, including meat costs.

"They are magnificent animals and very cute as cubs," he says. "When they discover how hard it is to keep them things get out of hand." He's seen them in horrible conditions with little room to even move.

"They can be kept humanely but many are not," Flanagan says. "There are space concerns, nutritional concerns, any number of things."

In 2017 the Big Cat Public Safety Act was introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives. Of its 123 sponsors only one was from Texas. Government officials have tried to ban the ownership of exotic and dangerous animals but so far no bill has been passed.

HOUSTON HISTORY: See how the Houston Zoo has evolved over the past 100 years

People who do keep tigers should know that they are doing the animals a disservice. Some tigers have even been mutilated or de-fanged in the hopes of making them more safe.

"A backyard is no place for these guys," Flanagan says. "They need special care and attention that only a zoo can provide."

Wild animals, even the ones at the Houston Zoo, retain their wild traits, Flanagan says. That can make having a tiger as a pet very dangerous. It' shard to turn off what Mother Nature installed at the point of manufacture.

"There is no doubt that wild animals inspire passion and love but that should also mean that their health and well-being is paramount," Flanagan said.

Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com.A Spring ISD principal has apologized for a comment she made regarding an elementary school student in special education.

Ponderosa Elementary School Principal Shanna Swearingen was overheard saying the comment regarding the student, who has a history of running from class, on April 17 in front of three staff members, Click2Houston reported.River Pointe Church leaders, Mayor Allen Owen and Missouri City officials recently gathered to celebrate the start of construction of the churchs third permanent location to be built in Missouri City.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at 7042 Knights Court where a new 42,000 square-foot church is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2019. The new facility is being built on a 18.5 acre site and will feature adult, student and kids spaces designed to facilitate more intimate group gathers and a large sanctuary space to have an estimated capacity of 2,500 people per weekend.Victoria Martin, a resident of the Village of Alden Bridge, celebrated the successful release of her second childrens book today.

Martins book Itty Bitty Is That You? is the second in the Itty Bitty series and shows a day in the life of Nana and her 145-pound Newfoundland dog, Itty Bitty.

I didnt know that I wanted to be a childrens book author, Martin admitted. The stories are true stories about my stepmother and her dog. Ive always had an amazingly awesome, close relationship with Nana. Shes like a Norman Rockwell grandmother, stepmother, kindergarten teacher. Shes just perfect. And she always had great stories to tell about Itty Bitty.

Nana frequently shared tales about Itty Bitty with Martin, who then would relay them to her co-workers. While working at a Barnes & Noble in Bellevue, Wa., a co-worker told Martin to quit talking about the story and write it. So she wrote Itty Bitty Wouldnt Budge, which shows the struggles Nana incurred one day trying to get Itty Bitty to go home after a long walk.

I just needed somebody to light a fire under my tush, she said. So I wrote this story in 20 minutes and it came out in March of 2015. And its been a really fabulous experience since then.

The first Itty Bitty book received multiple five star reviews on Amazon and Martin has held readings at numerous libraries and elementary schools across the country. She said that she has been grateful for the positive feedback.

Its when I get a five star review from somebody I dont know  thats special. Thats really special. It had an impact on them. When you think about it, its really hard to sell one childrens book. When you go to Barnes & Noble or any other childrens store, each picture book is better than the one before. Theyre all fabulous, Martin said. So to sell one book is, I think, a huge accomplishment.

She donates a percentage of sales from the book toward Best Friends Animal Society in Utah, which rehabilitates a variety of animals. She also has donated several copies to Little Free Libraries across the nation and the globe.

Itty Bitty is everywhere from Alaska to California, to New York and New Jersey. Shes in Amsterdam. Shes in Budapest and Vietnam, Martin said. She is in the Burj Al Arab hotel (in Dubai). She is safely there in the childrens library. Thats amazing and cool.

Itty Bitty Is That You? covers the day that Itty Bitty gets to go to the dog groomer and how Nana almost took home the wrong dog. Martin said she wrote it to build on the first story and develop a series.

What encouraged me to write the second story was I felt it would have a little more credence if I had a series. To me it feels like it carries more weight, Martin explained.

Both books end with Itty Bitty curled on the rug with her favorite toy duck and dreaming about her day.

One thing I did with both of these books is I made the ending exactly the same. So if youve read the first book youll feel sort of comforted by the second book because youll know the ending, and if you havent read the first book then youll still enjoy the second book, Martin explained.

Her experience as a self-published author has been incredible, she added, and more than she ever expected.

Its been amazing and fantastic and incredible. I never would have dreamed that this would ever be part of my life and part of a lasting remembrance that I would pass on, Martin said.

The two books are available online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Mascot Books. For more information about the author or to schedule a reading event, email Martin at Ittybittywouldntbudge@gmail.comWith just two weeks to go before his scheduled execution, lawyers for lovers' lane killer Juan Castillo filed another plea for clemency Tuesday, arguing that the San Antonio man wasn't the shooter and highlighting the "manifest unfairness" of his case.

The 37-year-old former cook and laborer, who was sent to death row for his role in a 2003 slaying in Bexar County, is slated to die by lethal injection May 16 - his fourth execution date in the past year.

Now, Castillo's attorneys are asking the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for a commutation in light of claims that he was framed as the shooter based on false testimony.

"He's been wrongfully convicted," said clemency attorney Greg Zlotnick. "No physical evidence places him at the crime scene at all."

Instead, Castillo's conviction rested largely on witness accounts, a fact that's come up in court filings, the first clemency petition in April and a supplement to the petition filed on Tuesday. The clemency requests also point to claims of bad lawyering and a judge who "rubber-stamped" an appeal rejection without letting the defense weigh in first.

"Our system of justice cries out for clemency in Mr. Castillo's case," the 173-page April petition notes.

The condemned man was originally convicted in 2005 of killing teenage rapper Tommy Garcia Jr. during a botched robbery.

Castillo's then-girlfriend lured the targeted man to a secluded spot with the promise of sex and drugs. But while the two were making out in his Camaro, Castillo and another man attacked, according to court filings. Wearing ski masks and carrying weapons, they dragged Garcia from the car - and Castillo shot him seven times in the process.

Castillo was one of four people convicted in the crime, but the only one hit with a capital sentence. Now, defense counsel says he wasn't even there at the time of the slaying.

During the punishment phase, Castillo represented himself - a decision made after he was "stunned" by the guilty verdict, and disappointed in his trial lawyer's performance.

He was scheduled for execution last May, but the date was reset after prosecutors failed to give 90-day notice to the defense. In September, he was again scheduled to die, but the date was pushed back again, this time in light of the impacts of Hurricane Harvey.

Two months later, his next execution date was called off in light of claims of false testimony from a jailhouse snitch.

"I described what Juan Castillo supposedly told me about the capital murder," former Bexar County inmate Gerardo Gutierrez wrote in 2013, according to court records. "Juan Castillo never told me this information about this capital murder case. This testimony was untrue about Juan Castillo. I made up this testimony to try to help myself."

Because of the recanted testimony, the case was sent back to a trial court. There, prosecutors filed recommended findings - but a judge ruled on them one day later, before the defense got a chance to file its recommended findings. The whole process, Zlotnick said, makes a "mockery of fundamental fairness."

But once the judge decided that the bad testimony wouldn't have actually made a difference in the outcome of the case, Castillo was given the May execution date.

"Failure to grant clemency to Mr. Castillo may lead to the execution of an innocent man," the petition argues.

The Board of Pardons and Paroles is expected to decide on May 14. If they side with Castillo, the plea for clemency goes to the governor's desk for a final decision.

In addition to the pleas for a commuted sentence, Castillo's appeals attorneys with Texas Defender Services still have claims in front of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

"I'm not the worst of the worst," Castillo argued in a hand-written letter attached to the petition. "My life still has value."Harris County Commissioners Court will vote Tuesday on whether to seek a disparity study to see who benefits from millions of taxpayer dollars doled out every year for public projects.

If approved by the court, the study likely would look back several years to determine whether county contracts, such as those to design and construct roads, parks and buildings, utilize woman- and minority-owned businesses at a rate commensurate with their prevalence in the region.

Such a study could be a precursor to consideration of a program aimed at broadening the countys reach to minority- and women-owned venders and contractors. Houston and many other cities, as well as the state of Texas, have operated similar programs for years, setting goals to get contractors to share the work with historically under-utilized businesses, often by hiring them as subcontractors.

You have to have some policies and procedures to overcome inequities that were embedded for a long time, said Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who has pushed the initiative, and said he would pay for it out of his precinct budget. The study is expected to take a year and cost about $1 million, Ellis said.

Ellis said he does not necessarily believe minority- or woman-owned businesses are being underutilized, but said the study should be done to provide a baseline and to determine whether any actions need to be taken in one of the most diverse major metropolitan regions in the country.

I would prefer to let the numbers speak for themselves, Ellis said.

The city of Houston first conducted a similar study in 2006 and identified a statistically significant underutilization of various ethnic and gender groups. A 2009 disparity study by the state of Texas provided the basis for a non-binding goal seeking 21 percent of building construction work be given to historically underutilized businesses, those that are 51 percent or more owned and controlled by minorities or women, according to the state comptrollers office, which manages the program.

In 2017, historically underutilized businesses made up 18.8 percent of the states building construction spending, up from 17.9 percent the year before, according to state figures.

I think weve created a lot of opportunity to remove barriers from our past, Ellis said of the state program.

It was not clear Monday what the full scope of a county study would be. Commissioners Court controls spending not just of the county, but also of the Harris County Flood Control District and the Harris County Toll Road Authority.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack has expressed reservations about who would pay for the study and questioned its necessity, but still said he would welcome the review.

As far as Im concerned, they can study this all they want, Radack said.

An analysis of contracts awarded so far in 2018, shows the county has awarded more than 30 percent of its engineering contracts to minority- or women- owned businesses, according to the county engineering department.

The proposed study, Ellis said, would look at contracts across all county departments.

I dont know that anybodys done a disparity study where they said there is no disparity, said Richard Huebner, who ran the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council for more than 30 years. I suspect we would find some disparity, and then we can pinpoint that in a targeted program to correct that.

Budget Officer Bill Jackson said the county also is implementing a new accounting system, set to go in effect in March 2019, that could better track spending.

mihir.zaveri@chron.com

twitter.com: mihirzaveriIf you need a reason to adopt a dog from an animal shelter, supermodel Kate Upton and her husband Astros pitcher Justin Verlander are here to sway your decision.

"So many precious dogs waiting for someone to give them a fur-ever home!" #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpettoday," Upton wrote in Instagram, Twitter and Facebook posts on Monday. She and Verlander (sporting a Detroit Tigers hat instead of Houston Astros, btw) were pictured petting a dog who seems pretty happy to be with the two.The house is painted pale purple. Near the front door, a wooden sign adorned with flowers reads, Live life in full bloom.

For more than 40 years, Estela Beaudreault had called this modest house in east Houston  1,200 square feet, with tall trees and a converted garage  her home. But when it took on two feet of water during Hurricane Harvey, she didnt know if she could ever come back.

Beaudreault, 71, has been living in a FEMA-provided motel room since the flood that ruined her house and transformed her neighborhood. But this week, thanks to volunteers who fixed up her place, Beaudreault is finally able to move back in.

Team Rubicon, a California-based nonprofit made up mostly of military veterans, spent six weeks making Beaudreaults home livable again. Its the first of 100 Harvey-flooded homes the national organization plans to repair with the help of skilled volunteers.

Monday afternoon, as Beaudreault took her first look at the house at a Welcome Home party, the tears started flowing.

If you hadnt come to my aid, I dont know what I would have done, Beaudreault told a group of Team Rubicon volunteers in her front yard. Seriously, I was ready to give up.

Team Rubicon got started in 2010, after an earthquake decimated Haiti. When established aid organizations were slow to get to Port-au-Prince, CEO Jake Wood and a fellow ex-Marine gathered up supplies and volunteers and flew into the heart of the disaster just days after the earthquake.

Now, Team Rubicon has 80,000 volunteers across the country and has helped people rebuild after 250 disasters  wildfires and tornadoes, flash floods and mudslides, even epidemiological outbreaks such as cholera.

If youve heard of a disaster in the past 10 years, weve probably done it, Wood said.

About 70 percent of Team Rubicon volunteers are military veterans. People who have served the country in the military often have a desire to keep serving even after their military careers have ended, Wood said, and Team Rubicon can use their skills to help people recover from disasters.

Helping people on their worst day

Beaudreaults house represents the next frontier for the nonprofit, Wood said. Typically, Team Rubicon moves in just after a disaster and stays for a week or a couple of months, he said. But the organization has plans to expand into long-term recovery projects, and Hurricane Harvey is the groups first such long-term effort.

The group plans to repair 100 houses damaged by Harvey. Beaudreaults is the first.

We always say our organization is here to help people on their worst day, Wood said. This new effort, he said, allows them to be there not just on the worst day, but in the long run.

With an enormous pair of scissors, Beaudreault cut a red ribbon and walked inside her finished home.

The last time she saw her house, it was underwater. Now, new vinyl flooring looks like gray-toned wood, smooth and clean. New laminate kitchen counters look like marble. Throughout, the homes walls are painted pale gray with white trim.

Your house is all over my clothes, Courtney Collum told Beaudreault with a laugh. Collum, a Team Rubicon volunteer and a Coast Guard veteran, has been painting the womans house for days, and paint has splashed onto every piece of Collums clothing.

But its been worth it, Collum said, to see what a group of strangers can do for a neighbor in need.

All the volunteers have put sweat equity into her home to restore the hope in Estelas heart, she said.

A few of Team Rubicons helpers, like Collum, are fellows or full-time staffers. Most volunteers work in their spare time or take vacations days from work. Team Rubicon has worked locally with the St. Bernard Project, a nonprofit that set up an office in Houston after Harvey to help get damaged homes repaired and rebuilt.

Building relationships

Beaudreaults neighborhood is still recovering; a home across the street has been boarded up and abandoned, and neighbors have put out furniture and other debris on the curb.

Repairing 100 homes is the proverbial drop in a bucket compared to the problem, Wood acknowledged. But Harvey, he said, is a prime example of how the need can last for months, maybe years, after a disaster occurs.

You have an army of people who want to continue to help, Wood told Beaudreault on Monday.

In fact, Team Rubicons next project is just a few blocks over.

More than just sweat equity and volunteer work, the project is building relationships.

Its unbelievable how your house looks, Teaira Johnson, a Team Rubicon fellow and an Army veteran, told Beaudreault before they went inside. Its my first time seeing it, too.

The Welcome Home event seemed too much like an ending for Johnson, who goes by T-Bone.

Ill be here to visit, though, she told the woman. Dont worry about it.

Beaudreault gave her a hug.

Any time you feel like it, she said.

alyson.ward@chron.comStephen Willeford, the man who chased down and shot the gunman responsible for killing 26 people in at Sutherland Springs church in November, penned an op-ed for The Dallas Morning News on Monday that provides a look at his thoughts on gun ownership and the mass killing he helped end.

The op-ed comes just days before the National Rifle Association, of which Willeford is a member, hosts its 147th annual conference in Dallas on Friday. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are expected to attend.

RELATED: A Sutherland Springs hero ducks the limelight

Though there has been local opposition to the planned conference, Willeford defends the NRA throughout the op-ed.

"Anti-gun politicians and anti-gun activists have made clear their belief that the way to stop criminals is to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens, and many have blamed the men and women of the NRA for acts of deranged individuals," he writes. "Sometimes, it feels like the mainstream media hates firearms. I am proof that they are wrong. I am also proof that the NRA's familiar mantra is true: The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun."

He also gives a personal account of the morning of Nov. 5, when Devin Kelley stormed into the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and opened fire on the parishioners, killing 26 and wounding another 20. It was the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history.

"I live across the street, and when my daughter told me there was a shooter and I heard the shots myself, I fell back on my years of NRA training, grabbed my AR-15, and ran across the street to engage the shooter. People say I saved lives that day. I hope that's true. I did what the Lord called me to do," Willeford writes.

RELATED: Sutherland Springs church members to meet President Trump

Willeford says he grew up shooting guns and the community in which he grew up taught him to respect firearms and the Second Amendment. Shooting is a family activity that brought the community closer, instilling a sense of responsibility for one's neighbor.

NRA members, Willeford says, are good people who practice safety and responsibility.

"We are not the bad guys," he says.

He claims restricting gun rights harms lawful owners and benefits criminals, who don't obey laws anyway.

"I have been saddened to see politicians demonize the men and women of this organization lately," he says. "It's an organization that taught me a great deal and of which I've been a proud member most of my life."

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdownsHarris County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to seek a special election on Aug. 25 for what likely will be a multi-billion-dollar bond package that, if approved by voters, would be the largest local investment in the region's flood control system after Hurricane Harvey.

The move comes a month before the start of the 2018 hurricane season and more than seven months after the epic storm, with the election timed to coincide with Harvey's one-year anniversary. County officials have spent months wrangling over when best to schedule the election, lest the measure fail and scuttle efforts to overhaul the area's flood control efforts after one of the biggest rain storms in United States history.

"Why August 25?" Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said. "It's the one year anniversary of Harvey. I don't think we want to go a year and not be able to say we're doing something. People who care about mitigation, resilience, flood control, they'll be energized and they'll want to go out. Will there be somebody who wants to stand in the face of what we went through during Harvey and say 'I want to be against it'? I kind of dare them to do it."

It is not clear yet what the bond referendum will include. The court on Tuesday floated a $2.5 billion price tag  a number that could change as a priority list of flood control projects emerges. Emmett said the number of projects would be in the "hundreds" and likely would include the buy-out of all of the county's high-priority areas at highest-risk of flooding, approximately 5,500 properties.

ADVOCATES WARN: Harvey funding won't reach enough low-income families in Houston

A huge chunk of funds, between $500 and $700 million officials estimate, could go toward local matches for federal grants and projects. A match could be required for the completion of four bayou widening and straightening projects underway with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along Hunting, White Oak, Brays Bayou and Clear Creek. Bayou engineering projects on Halls and Greens Bayou  some of the areas in the county most vulnerable to flooding  also likely would be targeted.

Emmett said all of the county's 22 watersheds would see some sort of investment.

The bond funds also could help finance the construction of an oft-discussed third reservoir northwest of the city to contain storm water from Cypress Creek.

"We have been working on a list of potential projects to both cover what we see as local match opportunities to leverage federal dollars, as well as other projects that may not qualify for federal dollars," Harris County Flood Control District Executive Director Russ Poppe said.

What repeatedly has been billed as a "no-brainer" response to Harvey, however, drew concern from some members of Commissioners Court Tuesday, who warned that the election likely would be the county's only shot at getting voters' approval and could face steep political hurdles. A Rice University survey last year found that less than 10 percent of Houston region residents suffered serious damage to their homes during Harvey, and almost 49 percent of those surveyed did not support an increase in property taxes to pay for flood control projects.

In addition, the bond measure almost certainly will require a property tax increase. According to an estimate from the county budget office, if $2.5 billion in bonds are issued over 15 years, the average single-family home owner would pay an additional $4.71 in property taxes per year in the first year, eventually rising to $58.86 in 2034.

"The biggest challenge is, one, there's a group of people that are against increasing taxes," said environmental attorney Jim Blackburn, who is pushing for transparency in the bond formulation process and supports the measure. "We have got to zero-out that group that's coming in for sure."

Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis raised concerns about voter turnout during a summer election and instead called for the election to be held during the November mid-terms, when more voters are guaranteed to be at the polls.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Jack Morman and Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle said they initially leaned toward a November bond election, but were persuaded by Emmett to support the earlier date.

"My basic instinct has been that I prefer a November ballot, but if you're willing to take point and put everything you got into it, I will give you your second today," Cagle told Emmett.

Despite his reservations, Ellis initially cast the sole vote against the Aug. 25 date, but later changed his vote after pleas from his colleagues to project unity.

Several advocates and community leaders raised concerns at the Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday about community oversight and equity in spending the bond money, if voters approve of the measure.

Federal dollars, which historically have funded massive flood control projects, such as the Addicks and Barker dams or the widening of Brays or Sims bayous, require a rigorous cost-benefit calculation that prioritizes dollars in damage avoided and could discount the poorer parts of the county.

"Poorer communities have historically received less money for flood protection than wealthier ones," said Texas Southern University urban planning and environmental policy professor Robert Bullard, who has pushed environmental justice issues for years. "We must add a community oversight committee and a robust public engagement program into the bond proposal process."

Poppe said the district plans to hold several public hearings, among other outreach efforts, to involve members of the community, though that process has yet to be formulated.

"We're going to be as public as we can," he said.

Emmett said he would be willing to talk about an oversight committee.

The vote on Tuesday authorized the county to write a letter seeking permission from Gov. Greg Abbott to call the election, who by law needs to give his go-ahead before it can move forward. A spokeswoman for Abbott said Tuesday that Abbott has no comment until he receives the actual letter.

"We're requesting the governor to approve that date, and I believe, obviously, the state needs to be a big partner in this," Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack said. "I guess we'll hear one way or the other."

If Abbott approves it, the county still would have to call the election.

mihir.zaveri@chron.com

twitter.com/mihirzaveriYi-Chin Lee/Staff

Mayor Sylvester Turner will deliver his third annual State of the City address on Tuesday to a luncheon crowd convened by the Greater Houston Partnership.

It is unclear whether Turner will make any particular announcement Tuesday, but the mayor has tended to make headlines in in recent addresses.For most tech-company CEOs and entrepreneurs, having a platform business model and successfully taking it to scale is stuff of legend. Due to their network effects and ability to create a virtuous cycle where the benefit of a product or service increases as more people use it, platform business models have become the dominant business model for the digital economy.

Platforms have proven themselves in the high tech and B2C space with household names such as Apple, Airbnb, Microsoft and Uber and in recent years have become the go-to strategy for B2B industry clouds such as those of GE Predix, Philips HealthSuite and many others.

At the recent SAP Ariba Live conference in the Netherlands, I had an opportunity to sit down with Barry Padgett, President, SAP Ariba, to discuss what is one of the worlds largest and most successful platform business models  the SAP Ariba network which supports over 3.3 million companies in over 190 countries, and which conducts over $1.7 trillion in commerce annually. Thats over two times the annual commerce volume of Alibaba, Amazon and eBay combined.

I was curious to understand Mr. Padgetts views on the companys platform strategy, the power of ecosystems, his approach to further expanding the SAP Ariba ecosystem, and where enabling technologies and trends such as AI, IoT and Industry 4.0 may take the company in the future. Heres some of the insights from our conversation.

Strategic tenets of the platform approach

In terms of the tenets of his strategy, Mr. Padgett recognizes that while everyone sees themselves as a platform, in reality its very hard to do and doesnt happen overnight. The Ariba Network has taken over 20 years to reach its position of industry scale today. While the hard part of building scale in the platform has been completed, Mr. Padgett has considerable plans for the future. Next steps in the strategy are to continually add incremental business value, to expand technical scalability through innovative engineering, and to continually seek opportunities for competitive differentiation.

As SAP Ariba continues to grow, theres tremendous opportunity to tap into the SAP account base and the synergies with SAP core customers, but also to continue to grow the non-SAP business. Today in fact, over 40% of the business is with non-SAP accounts as SAP Ariba onboards many customers in the larger end of the mid-market.

Procurement with purpose

Beyond the growth of the business, the company has placed a large emphasis on procurement with purpose and this was a major focus at this years SAP Ariba Live event with invited speakers from Shell and Save the Children International among many others.

Due to the volume of commerce transacted on the platform, and the sheer number of suppliers on the network, the company is in a tremendous position to really help its customers impact positive global change in the supply chain. This includes impactful improvements in areas such as corruption, child labor, slavery/forced labor (where there are over 40 million forced laborers worldwide), conflict minerals, human trafficking and poverty.

One of the ways its doing this is via its Supplier Risk module that makes risk due diligence a natural part of the procurement process. The module has access to syndicated data from more than 600,000 sources and utilizes continuous monitoring and machine learning techniques to analyze over 200 environmental and social factors that companies can use to profile their suppliers against.

The power of the ecosystem

Part of the power of platform business models is due to their ecosystems and the ability for third-parties to innovate and extend the platform with new products and services. This is often termed permissionless innovation where third-parties are essentially free to innovate rapidly through use of APIs and without extensive pre-work, negotiation or burdensome governance.

Mr. Padgett sees two dimensions to SAP Aribas continuous build-out of its ecosystem. The first is to continue to expand vertical services in the purchasing and procurement domain and to seamlessly integrate the various modules to improve the customer experience. In this regard, the company is staying firm in its core mission as the worlds largest business network of buyers and suppliers with no compelling need to move into adjacencies or try to disrupt other markets.

The second is to continue to expand all the underlying horizontal platform services that enrich the platform such as treasury, payments, identity, authentication and data services. To help clients gain real-time, actionable insights into their supplier networks, SAP Ariba has onboarded several partners such as Made in a Free World which provides visibility into slavery footprint data around the world.

The next big thing in procurement

The recent CPO Survey 2018, Whats the Next Big Thing in Procurement, jointly conducted and sponsored by Dr. Marcell Vollmer, Chief Digital Officer, SAP Ariba and Prof. Karsten Machholz, Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Management, University of Applied Sciences Wurzburg-Schweinfurt, collected 452 responses from procurement and operational leaders across the globe and was released to the public at SAP Ariba Live in Amsterdam.

The survey explored new and groundbreaking insights on trends and challenges that are shaping the future of procurement. In the research, IoT was seen by respondents as the largest current technology trend, but RPA and AI were seen as the future.

In terms of his perspective on AI, Mr. Padgett recognizes the immediate near-time value of robotic process automation for reducing costs and improving efficiencies in procurement in areas such as order management, invoice management and contract management. The survey clearly supports this view with 63% of respondents seeing automation as important and having it on their roadmaps. In addition, theres tremendous opportunity on the table for CIOs and CPOs to extract business value since only 5% of respondents have highly automated systems and processes today.

Mr. Padgett also has longer-term value in mind where AI can truly empower procurement with purpose through cognitive and intelligent procurement. In this later stage, AI moves beyond automation to provide buyers and suppliers with options instead of data so that they can create ethical, sustainable supply chains, all while extending their competitive advantage.

Procurements role within industry 4.0

Another interesting area we discussed was that of IoT and Industry 4.0. In the German vision of Industry 4.0, which envisions a world of smart factories, smart machines and smart products, the items being manufactured communicate details of their own manufacture while moving down the production line in real-time  thus enabling mass customization even down to a lot size of 1.

SAP Aribas recent announcement with SAP regarding the launch of their Manufacturing Network highlights some of the possibilities - including 3D printing and manufacturing as a service - when next generation procurement is connected to next generation design and manufacturing in a cloud-based, collaborative business network.

The network provides a cloud-based collaborative platform integrated with SAP Ariba solutions connecting customers with manufacturing service providers, such as suppliers of 3D and computer numerical control (CNC) printing services, material providers, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and technical certification companies.

With all these avenues for growth, innovation, collaboration and for procurement with purpose, it may well be that were still at the beginning of the SAP Ariba networks ultimate evolution. Its a platform business model success story thats still unfolding.In an interview a couple of years back, Steven Aldrich, the then senior Vice President of Business Applications at GoDaddy pointed out that only 20% of small businesses used professional @companyname.com email addresses. The rest continued to use free email apps like Gmail for their business communication.

Having your own professional email address lends a certain credibility to your business operations. But not all small businesses have the resources or the inclination to manage a website and an associated email address. Such businesses focus on platforms like Yelp and Angies List for customers and use their Gmail or Outlook email addresses to communicate with their customers.

Among the free email tools, Gmail is particularly popular among small businesses. For one, the Google ecosystem goes far beyond email and includes tools to organize chats (Google Talk), video conferencing (Google Hangouts), file management (Google Drive) and appointment scheduling (Google Calendar). These are tools that are critical to business operations.

But the Google tools listed above are simply a small part of business productivity. The popularity of Gmail has spawned a host of third party tools that help small business owners up their productivity and increase business. As a small business owner, here are a few productivity areas you must consider investing in.

Customer support

Gmail is the default customer support inbox for many businesses. But using an email application for support can quickly get overwhelming. This is because such queries can relate to several different departments with varying levels of priority. Using one inbox to sort and attend to all these requests could cause a lot of clutter and confusion. There are however a bunch of in-built tools that can make customer support a breeze, such as:

Labels . Gmail labels let you tag each email according to its department and/or priority.

. Gmail labels let you tag each email according to its department and/or priority. Star . Your support executive could star messages that need higher priority and visibility

. Your support executive could star messages that need higher priority and visibility Filters . You could filter each incoming message based on keywords or the subject and automatically redirect the message to the right person in your organization.

. You could filter each incoming message based on keywords or the subject and automatically redirect the message to the right person in your organization. Canned responses. Google has a bunch of useful features on their Gmail Labs section that are useful for customer support management. The Canned Responses feature lets you choose from dozens of template messages when responding to commonly asked support requests. You may also automate this with the help of filters.

Sales acceleration

Cold email outreach is an integral component of doing business today. Identifying targeted prospects and reaching out to them can be resource-intensive in the absence of sales acceleration tools.

One of the popular tools here is Streak, a CRM built on the Gmail platform. The tool helps businesses send personalized emails to hundreds of customers with just one click. In addition to this, users can also automate their email delivery and follow ups, set up email tracking and monitor open/click rates to make your sales process

Email Analytics is another popular Gmail tool that automatically tracks essential metrics for sales teams and customer support teams, such as average time to reply, number of sent & received emails over time, average time until first response, and much more. According to one of their recent studies, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the busiest periods in terms of opened emails. The tool enables executives to visualize the productivity of their employees over email, billing itself as Google Analytics for Gmail.

If your business also handles a lot of cold calls, then add-ons for tools like RingCentral make it simple to make calls from right within your Gmail inbox.

Marketing automation

Gmail features like filters and canned response make it possible for small businesses to implement a basic version of marketing automation. A simple filter can take care of adding a recipient to a marketing list (using the Category feature) or sharing free downloadables in exchange for providing their email address.

In addition to this, tools like Yesware and Quickmail make it easy for a business to handle marketing mailers through Gmail. If you are not in a mood to spend money on such tools, you could also look at a free Google Sheets extensions to execute these functions.

Invoice management

Sending and receiving invoices, following up with vendors and handling contracts are all resource-intensive tasks for a small business. A number of third party tools have Gmail add-ons that simplify these processes. For instance, the HelloSign add-on lets Gmail users electronically sign any PDF attachment in their inbox. Tools like Quickbooks, Zoho and Xero all have apps that can integrate with your Gmail inbox to manage invoices.

In addition to what has been listed above, there are add-ons and extensions that help businesses in specific industries improve productivity. For instance, extensions like Hippo help users in the healthcare industry send HIPAA-compliant emails over Gmail. There are also tools like Apogee and Calamari that help Human Resource professionals handle their business better over Google.

Getting a professional email address is quite inexpensive and every business should get one. However, it is also worth pointing out that the productivity features available on a free email provider like Gmail are quite extensive and do more than make up for potential deficiencies.Despite a rapidly improving job market, senators such as Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, and Kirsten Gillibrand have called for a new program in which the federal government would provide a full-time job to every American adult who wants one. Their proposal differs from programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which partially subsidize private-sector jobs, not government jobs. And unlike the public-works programs of the New Deal, this taxpayer-funded federal job programdetails to comewould be permanent.

Universal employment is a worthy goal. Chronic joblessness depresses lifetime earnings substantially (even after the joblessness ends), damages relationships, and leads to serious health problems. But the new proposal is unworkable and implausible. Advocates estimate that 10.7 million currently unemployed and under-employed Americans would sign up. Yet the guaranteed wage of $15 per hour, plus benefitswhich exceeds the current compensation levels for 40 percent of all workerswould induce millions of working Americans to quit their jobs and join the new program. Millions of others not currently looking for work, including retirees, would find the benefit package irresistible. Advocates estimate that the cost of salary, health care, child care, transportation, supplies, and capital goods would total $56,000 per employee. If participation rises to 20 to 35 millionwhich seems likelythe annual cost would swell to between $1 trillion to $2 trillion. An accompanying reduction in welfare benefits for these workers would offset only a small fraction of this cost.

Even the low-end estimate of $1 trillion would create the largest federal program, exceeding even Social Security. It would be five times as expensive as the recent tax cuts and 12 times costlier than the recent defense-spending boost. Raising $1 trillion annually would require 70-to-80 percent federal income tax rates for single adults earning over $80,000 and couples earning more than $160,000. State and payroll taxes would leave these families paying total tax rates in the 80 to 90 percent range.

Meanwhile, the federal jobs guarantee would reduce funding for other programs. Social Security and Medicare face an $82 trillion cash deficit over the next 30 years. Liberal politicians have rallied around a single-payer health plan estimated to cost $32 trillion over ten years, as well as free college, more K-12 education spending, and universal pre-K. Yet once lawmakers have imposed 80-to-90 percent combined marginal tax rates to pay for a guaranteed jobs program, where would the money come from to pay for Social Security, Medicare, and these other items? Cutting defense spending to European levels would merely close one-seventh of the Social Security and Medicare funding shortfall. The liberal wish list would have no room for other priorities.

The compensation level for these guaranteed jobs, meantime, would destroy many private businesses. If any worker can take a government job with a $15 wage, full-time hours, and full benefits, then many industries operating on tight margins will not be able to compete for workers. Retail would likely shift further to the Internet, and fast-food restaurants would accelerate their shift to automation. Restaurants, landscapers, and industries dependent on cashiers and manual labor would survive on a limited basis, with notably higher prices.

Imagine that Washington has hired 10 million unemployed and underemployed workers, raided industries like retail and fast food, and attracted millions of people who have been out of the labor force for years. What does the government do with 20 to 35 million lower-skilled workers? As Megan McArdle notes, most infrastructure projects require extensive training in operating heavy machinery. Teaching and day care require degrees and certifications. Basic landscaping, janitorial services, and beautifying public property require little training, but the economy does not need 20 million people performing them. The senators proposal is inspired by a vision of workers as widgets that can be easily slotted into any function, wherever theyre needed. In practice, though, the kinds of projects that get done will be dictated not by public need but by the characteristics of workers with few skills and little training. Having workers cycle in and out of the system based on the business cycle, seasonal job trends, and the ability to find private sector work would saddle these public projects with constant turnover, retraining, and upheaval.

There is a moral hazard to the proposal, as well. If everyone is guaranteed a $15 per hour government job with full benefits, can they never be fired? If so, then there will be little incentive to work hard. A guaranteed government jobs program would also attract those who cannot keep a private-sector job due to behavioral issues such as harassment, threats, and abuse. Perhaps these workers would simply be transferred from project to project, or segregated from othersessentially collecting a $30,000 salary, plus benefits, without adding any real value. The families paying enormous taxes to support such individuals may not be amused.

Expecting the government that brought us the DMV, Post Office, and an unusable Obamacare website to operate competently a jobs program for more than 20 million workers is fantasyland economics. The scale of the program would require the largest federal bureaucratic structure in American history, outside of World War II. Massive incompetence, corruption, and mismanagement would be inevitable.

There is no easy path to creating plentiful, well-paying jobs. Rather than launching another break-the-bank government program, lawmakers should instead focus on encouraging economic growth, supporting education and job training, and expanding policies such as the EITC.

Photo: EtiAmmos/iStockGovernment unions dodged a bullet in 2016 when an eight-member Supreme Court deadlocked 44 on a case that would have ended the right of labor groups to collect fees from workers who dont want to be members. In late February 2018, with Justice Neil Gorsuch replacing the late Antonin Scalia, who died before the Court rendered the 2016 decision, the justices heard a new challenge to the compulsory fees in Janus v. AFSCME. Though the Court isnt likely to render a decision on the case until late spring, worried labor leaders, anticipating that the ruling will go against them, are scrambling to prepare for the worst: a world in which they can no longer forcibly dun workers.

Illinois state employee Mark Janus, a social worker, sued to overturn a state law requiring that he pay the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees a fee to represent him, even though he objects to many of its positions and activities. For years [AFSCME] supported candidates who put Illinois into its current budget and pension mess, Janus complained in a 2016 opinion piece. His legal brief argued that all government-union activities, including collective bargaining, are political and that the union fees therefore compel him to finance ideas with which he disagrees. (See Judgment Day for Public Unions, Winter 2018.)

Janus asked the court to reverse a 1977 decision, Abood v. Detroit Board of Education, which sanctioned laws like the one in Illinois that gives AFSCME the right to collect fees from him. The Abood ruling is based on a notion advanced by labor leaders that nonmembers must pay their fair share for the cost of union representation in a workplace. In Illinois, AFSCME has set the fair share fee at 78 percent of dues.

Government labor leaders worry about losing these fees because their membership has been steadily declining for a decade. After peaking at nearly 7.9 million in 2009, public-union ranks fell to just 7.2 million in 2017, thanks to government cutbacks in the wake of the Great Recession. AFSCMEs membership is down by 155,000, or 10 percent.

The decline could accelerate after Janus. Sara Steffens, secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America, which represents 60,000 New Jersey public-sector workers, told an AFL-CIO convention last fall that only 54 percent of her members say that they would keep paying fees if they were no longer mandatory. The California Teachers Association estimates that it could lose up to 40 percent of its nearly 300,000 members, according to the blog Education Intelligence Agency.

To prepare for life after Janus, unions say that theyre going to have to spend far more money and time on recruiting and representing membersactivities that have taken a backseat over the years to political action. Out of a $202 million budget in 2016, AFSCME spent just $36 million representing workers but $55 million on political activities.

AFSCME leadership is trying to have face-to-face conversations with as many of its 1.35 million members as possible to convince them of the benefits of belonging. The union wants members to sign commitment cards to stay on and is also trying to convert as many of its 110,000 fee-payers as possible to full membership before the Court makes a ruling.

Unions are also urging locals to seek changes to collective bargaining agreements that will make retaining members easier, post-Janus. The National Education Association has sent its locals a document, 8 essentials to a strong union contract without fair-share fees, that urges negotiators to obtain contract clauses guaranteeing that union officials can meet with all new employees to sell them on memberships advantages. Unions also urge local negotiators to obtain paid release time for labor officials, freeing them from their regular government duties so that they can perform recruiting workon the taxpayers dollar.

For inspiration, unions are looking to government groups that already operate in a right-to-work environmentnotably, federal unions, where membership isnt compulsory. Last summer, the publication Labor Notes explained the tactics of a Portland, Oregon, local of the letter-carriers union. One move: help workers file grievances against the post office that result in extra payfor instance, when letter carriers work past sunset. The local boasts that 98 percent of members earn back their dues by making a blizzard of such complaints, with union help.

Other unions are turning to helpful legislators. A New York bill, recently signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo, would leave it to unions to determine how and when members could leave. The legislation also requires new employees to attend orientation sessions designed to enlist the workers into the union.

Much is at stake. Government workers in New York who dont want to belong to unions pay them more than $100 million a year in fees, according to a recent report by the Empire Center. That kind of money is the biggest evidence that if the court rules in Januss favor, unions will struggle fiercely to hang on to revenues.

Photo by Alex Wong/Getty ImagesGifts of land can be valuable if the land turns out to have development potential. However, holding land will not always enable a charity to profit from potential development. Expertise in promoting land for the purpose of obtaining planning permission will usually need to be harnessed.

There are a number of ways in which charities can benefit from development value while minimising the costs and risks involved in obtaining planning permission. These include, firstly, entering into a promotion agreement with a promotor, who will apply for planning permission and pay the professional fees and costs associated with doing so. Once planning permission has been obtained, the proceeds of sale will be split in preagreed proportions. Secondly, a charity could grant an option to a promotor, giving them the option to purchase the land at a pre-agreed discount once planning permission has been granted.The highest riser in this years review of the haysmacintyre / Charity Finance 250 Index is arguably its biggest success story. Medical research charity LifeArc jumps 160 places to the top of our ranking, narrowly missing promotion into the Charity 100 Index, based on three-year average income of 61.3m.

Formerly known as Medical Research Council Technology, LifeArc more than tripled its annual income to 128.9m in the financial year ending 31 March 2017, as a result of the royalty monetisation of the drug Keytruda. The drug recently received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Commission, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for use in the treatment of advanced melanoma and particular forms of lung cancer.

New entrants

Elsewhere, this years review sees 18 new entrants. Aside from Alternative Futures, which drops down from the Charity 100 Index despite its income holding fairly steady at around 60m, the highest new entry is the Affinity Trust in position 68. It works to help people with learning disabilities to live independently, and recent years have seen it steadily grow its funding from local and NHS authorities for supported accommodation services, taking its total income from 30.7m in 2011/12 to 45.2m in 2015/16.

Meanwhile, the Katherine Martin Charitable Trust enters the Charity 250 Index in position 73, based on three-year average income of 39.5m. The Trusts principal source of funding is dividend income from its majority shareholding in Singleton Birch, the UKs largest independent lime supplier. The beneficiaries of the Trust, designated in Katherine Martins will, are Barnardos, the NSPCC and the RSPCA in proportions determined by the trustees.

The fourth-largest new entrant, which sits in position 77 with threeyear average income of 39.3m, is the Rhodes Trust  Public Purposes Fund. It was established to provide annual scholarships enabling students from countries around the world to undertake either second undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at the University of Oxford.

The Trusts income has more than tripled over the last three years from 21.7m in 2013/14 to 68.3m in 2015/16. Income for 2016/17 has fallen back to 32.9m, though this will be sufficient to remain in the Charity 250 Index next year.

Much of this fluctuation can be attributed to the Trusts 150m Campaign for the Second Century, which closed during 2016/17 having achieved its fundraising target. It set out to build an endowment that would secure the charitys 83 scholarships in perpetuity. Over 2,500 people and institutions, including more than half of all living Rhodes Scholars, contributed towards its success.

Income requirements

Membership of both the Charity 100 and Charity 250 Indexes is reviewed every spring to take into account income fluctuations and new charities. This year, the minimum income requirement for entry into the 250 Index rose by 7 per cent, from a three-year average of 21.2m to one of 22.8m. Most exits this year are charities whose income has not kept pace with this increase, though there are two notable exceptions.

One is the Lifeline Project, which went into administration last May. The majority of the drug and alcohol abuse charitys services have been transferred to Change, Grow, Live.

The other is Sightsavers, which has been promoted to the Charity 100 Index. The international charity, which works to treat and prevent avoidable blindness, has moved up 14 places to the penultimate position in the Charity 100 Index, based on three-year average income of 62.5m.

Risers and fallers

Aside from LifeArc, other charities that have made large leaps up the league table include the Challenge Network, up 46 places to position 29, and the Halo Trust, up 45 places to position 130.

At the Challenge Network, total income has almost doubled from 36.1m to 65.3m over the last three years, resulting in a three-year average of 51m. The increase derives largely from a comparable rise in contract income resulting from the increase in the number of young people undertaking National Citizen Service.

At the Halo Trust, meanwhile, total income rose by 60 per cent to 40.8m in the year to 31 March 2017, reflecting a 9.1m increase in UK government funding, and contracts worth 4.7m subcontracted from its sister charity the Halo Trust (USA).

The biggest faller is Rathbone Training, which drops 109 places to position 245. Total income at the youth training charity fell by 23 per cent from 23.7m to 18.3m in the year to 31 July 2016. According to the trustees, the fall reflects continued government spending cuts  along with European funded contracts not beingreplaced and a continued reduction and restriction on the work of key partners, such as youth services and key referral agencies.Cancer Research UK has appointed Michelle Mitchell to replace Sir Harpal Kumar as chief executive when he stands down this summer.

Mitchell has been chief executive of the MS Society since 2013 where she has overseen the development of a 100m research fundraising appeal. Before that she was charity director general at Age UK.

She is a non-executive director of NHS England, and has been a trustee of The Kings Fund and the Power to Change Trust.

Kumar announced that he planned to stand down last autumn, having run the charity for more than ten years.

Mitchell said: Its a privilege to be appointed as CEO of the worlds leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research. Like many people, I have family who have been affected by cancer and Im passionate about Cancer Research UKs goal to speed up impact on survival. I have admired the work of the charity for many years, and I look forward to leading it as we embark on the next chapter of our critically important mission.



For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector sign up to receive the Civil Society News daily bulletin here.The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into a Christian church charity, over substantial unexplained expenditure and potentially conflicted payments to people connected with the charity.

The Croydon Tabernacle is under investigation after the Charity Commission examined the charitys financial information, and found cause for regulatory concern. The regulator has frozen a bank account controlled by the charity, as part of its investigation.

The Commission has been engaging with the charity since November 2016 to examine its concerns, this has included a meeting with the charity in February 2017.

However, the Commission said that the engagement did not resolve the regulatory concerns so a statutory inquiry has been opened.

The charitys objects include advancing the Christian faith, relieving people who are in conditions of vulnerability or hardship and promoting charitable purposes which might benefit the areas of Surrey, Greater London and other parts of the United Kingdom or the world.

The Charity Commission said that the inquiry will examine the extent of risks to charity property, and whether:

There has been misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity and/or breaches of trust or non-compliance with charity law

Potential conflicts of interest have been adequately identified or managed

Connected party payments or transactions have been properly authorised



A Croydon Tabernacle spokesman said: Our board of trustees has received a notice of statutory inquiry from the Charity Commission. We have been assisting fully with their inquiries and, under their guidance, we will take appropriate action to make sure we are compliant."

We would like to thank our tireless army of volunteers for their hard work within our congregation, our local community and far beyond. We appreciate their patience and understanding while this inquiry takes place.



Editor's note: This story was updated on 02/05/2018 to include a comment from the Croydon Tabernacle.Over a quarter of the largest 100 charities in the UK do not have a modern slavery statement published online, according to new research published today.

The Modern Slavery Act received royal assent in March 2015 and includes a requirement for all businesses with a turnover of more than 36m to produce annual statements on modern slavery in their organisations supply chain.

It requires organisations to publish the statements online with a link to them in a prominent place" on their website's homepage.

Charity Finance magazine looked at the largest 100 charities' websites and found that 27 of these did not have a modern slavery statement.

While all these organisations have an income of more than 36m, some say the legislation does not apply to them because the Acts definition of turnover is only the amount charged for goods and services minus any discounts and taxes paid.

Nevertheless, the Home Office has said that all organisations, regardless of size, may find it helpful to voluntarily produce a statement, and recommends that they should be open and transparent about their recruitment practices, policies and procedures in relation to modern slavery.

No statements

Some of the charities without online statements, had them published elsewhere, while some said they did not produce one because the regulation did not apply to them.

The largest charity not to have a statement published online is Macmillan Cancer Support. The charity does however have guidance for staff to ensure we are taking all relevant steps to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our supply chain as far as possible.

Citizens Advice said its turnover was way below the threshold due to much of its 99m income coming from grants.

Unicef said it was not legally obliged to issue a statement but that is would voluntarily do so covering its financial year to December 2017.

WWF UK made a similar pledge. WWF adheres to clear values and we believe that modern slavery is wrong. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and although WWF is not strictly obliged to publish a statement under the Modern Slavery Act, we do believe it is important and as such are working on publishing our position.

"We already have a substantive clause in our standard terms and conditions requiring partners and suppliers to commit to taking steps to ensure that slavery is not occurring in their supply chains.

Others such as RSPB, Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and the Leverhulme Trust said the regulation does not apply to them.

Subscribers to Charity Finance can read the full article online here.One of the most revealing and interesting pieces of information in Taken on Trust, last year's Charity Commission report into trusteeship, is how divided the voluntary sector is. The report reminds us, in effect, that there isn't one charity sector.

Our sector is sometimes described as a loose and baggy monster - a group of bodies which have little common ground - only a legal structure and a set of principles.

Im not sure that's quite right. Charities arent in the business of doing the same thing and they dont have the same business model. So I dont think there is one typical charity. But I think we can find a framework into which we fit those different organisations.

Perhaps the best analogy is that charities are like breeds of dog. Outwardly, they can look very different, but all share something which is essentially the same.

Who's in the tent?

First, perhaps its worth culling the bodies on the Charity Commission register which NCVO excludes from its definition of general charities - including independent schools, universities, housing associations, religious organisations, and state bodies - to leave what we might call the voluntary sector.

Voluntary sector bodies exist to make the world a better place. Broadly they do this in three ways. A smallish group of arts and heritage organisations preserve some aspect of our common culture. A larger group exist to ameliorate some form of systemic disadvantage - to make life fairer in some way. And by far the largest group of charities exist simply to bring communities of people together.

These groups arent the same, though. The "fairness sector is significantly more professionalised. That is, paid staff are usually at least comparable in number to trustees, although they may be outnumbered by other volunteers. The bigger group of voluntary community bodies operates almost entirely without money. It is choirs, ramblers associations, guide troops and WIs.

The fact that most charities are community bodies, though, explains two things - why half of all trustees are beneficiaries, and why charities are more common in affluent areas. If the most common charity is a village hall or WI then of course trustees are beneficiaries, and of course there are more in affluent areas, where people have time for association and the skills to establish formal bodies.

If I were to try to capture the public image of a charity, I would say it is the "fairness sector" which they first think of when they hear the word.

This group of fairness charities is obviously then divided into the familiar silos of beneficiary group, which separates out some charities further - aid and animals in particular, because unlike most charities they do not support people facing disadvantage in the UK.

Where does the money come from?

Charities which raise money in the same way often have a lot in common.

An analysis by nfpSynergy last year found six main income streams - fundraising, legacies, trading, service delivery, investment and linked charities - a surprisingly common arrangement where a single stakeholder provides all the funds.

It also found that broadly, charities single largest income stream seems to largely define their behaviour.

Service delivery charities tend to have very different structures, and to be subject to the pressures of markets and external competitors. Lower levels of autonomy seem to make them more vulnerable to mission drift.

Those funded by investment are likely to have much smaller staff, and to have particular questions of accountability. They are also much less likely to deliver front line services themselves - for no particularly fundamental reason, when you think about it.

Those driven by fundraising and trading are the face of the sector, because they interact daily with supporters, and because brand awareness is a key tool they use to raise money. Again, when the public think of a typical charity, these are what they have in mind. Many people think they are the whole sector. And it is these charities' behaviour which really drives public trust.

Scale

Another way to divide charities up is by size.

Scale is obviously about resource, but I think its more helpful to think in terms of head count, because that is what drives how a charity is run.

The biggest divide is between voluntary and professional organisations. Taken on Trust found that 80 per cent of registered charities have no employees or volunteers other than the trustees. Almost all these charities had a turnover of less than 100,000 a year.

At the other end of the spectrum, we have a handful of really huge charities with significant income, and significant reputations - probably no more than a couple of hundred.

In the middle there are 30,000 or so charities where the paid staff do the work, but everyone knows each other personally. (This, again, is the public's typical charity.)

We need to take fundamentally different approach to these three groups of charities, because reputationally and relationally they can have little common ground. They inhabit different worlds, need different support, and have different needs.

To me it's about how the executive and board connect to the staff and the cause. If the organisation is voluntary the connection is visceral. The administrators are the users. If it's a small-to-medium charity the connection is personal. The senior individuals have a direct connection.

Scale obviously comes with significant advantages but one problem is that the personal connection is lost. When we talk about a lack of trust in charity, I suspect it is these 200 charities we are talking about.

Connected to scale is the issue of reach - whether a charity is local or national or regional, or sometimes a mixture. Charities delivering in local communities are focused on different networks. They have different approaches and different needs.

The sectors focus on lobbying and fundraising makes it very centralised. Almost half of all professional charity workers are based in London, and more than half the money in the sector is accrued in London. Which makes it a real challenge to represent the 50 million Britons who live and work elsewhere.

What does it mean?

Hopefully this offers some clear bounds on a sector which seems sometimes to sprawl. Each charity should fit somewhere in this framework. If I wanted to get more granular, I could have written more about the geographical location in which you deliver, and the primary channels you use - lobbying on behalf of beneficiaries, providing information, using a physical location.

Each charity will have common bounds with many others in this framework but will most likely also find itself unique, or nearly so, when all the above factors are taken into account. It is this, perhaps, which means that those looking from the outside see a clear case for more mergers while these within often do not.

I think it also means our sector looks different from how it is often perceived. It means there are probably less than 4,000 charities which fit the public archetype. And it indicates to me that the legal definition and the practical expectation of what a charity is are very different. I wonder if its time the former was brought a little closer to the latter.The independent student newspaper that gave both of us our start in journalism is now goneits board secretly voted to dissolve the paper after years of waning advertising revenue. Now, as alumni of The Daily Campus at Southern Methodist University, but also journalism educators, were left with a deep sense of loss and personal failure.

In April, alumni were informed that the board of The Daily Campus had voted to dissolve just three months earlier. The last issue would be in May. In less than a month, a dozen of us mounted a frenzied and emotional campaign to save it, writing a new business plan and raising about $40,000. The board rejected our efforts and our money, and the journalism school offered no help in keeping the paper independent. We were told it was too late, and the paper would be absorbed into the journalism school and go totally digital. The board may have made their decision in secret, but theres still a lot of stinging truth to that statement: Had we rallied around the paper years ago, we wouldnt have had to attempt resuscitation in its final moments.

ICYMI: She identified herself as a reporter. He then walked behind her and punched her in the side of the head

The Daily Campuss quality had declined significantlya far cry from what it had been when we were students in 1992 and 2009, when the paper broke news of campus sexual assault and school mismanagement, winning dozens of awards along the way. There are many reasons for this devolution: a lack of consistent, dynamic leadership; board members with no journalism experience who served short terms; a student body showing more interest in fashion media (the actual name of a new minor brought into the journalism school) than hard news; and a long-running feud between the journalism program and the paper that no one stepped up to fix. The current students who we worked with during our last-ditch effort to save the paper were talented, dedicated reportersthey simply had no support system.

A student-run and independent press is integral to journalism education, and we hope our failures can help educators and alumni maintain thriving independent newsroomsor, if a newsroom has already lost its independence, give students as much freedom as possible.

SMU is an opaque institution with a long history of attempting to stifle student voices; we both experienced it as former editors of the paper, two decades apart from each other. But the type of accountability reporting that irritated administrators has been on the decline. A feud between faculty and students had bubbled over, funds were low, and it seemed to all responsible parties that the paper would be better off in the hands of capable journalism school professors. The threat of censorship seemed distant to the board of the paper, and the benefits seemed obvious: better leadership, no more bizarre feuding, and fewer money problems. As alumni who had shirked involvement, it was hard to articulate a case to the contrary.

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Its easy to imagine that, if alumni had been united behind the paper all along, things might be different. The Daily Campus never had a united alumni base, unlike many other student papers across the country. We mostly discovered each other online, brought together by our shared goal of saving the paper.

An alumni group could have enthusiastically staffed the board with appropriately experienced journalists, provided student reporters with mentorship and taken responsibility for fundraising. As alumni of both the journalism school and the paper, we also could have bridged the divide that existed between the two. Our dedication was simply never harnessed.

If your student paper is one of the few remaining truly independent newsrooms, a lot is at stake if that independence is lost. Censorship is an obvious problemwhen schools hold the pursestrings, its easy for them to step in to quash coverage they dont like. When university administrators are in charge, as we have seen, unflattering stories about employees are ordered to be deleted from the archives, or overly cautious university lawyers require takedowns of harmless content in the face of bogus legal threats. Independence matters.

ICYMI: The story of a journalist who became a killer

But independence is far from the only loss. Student-run papers provide a learning laboratory that it is extremely difficult to properly run when professors are in charge. When these newsrooms are at their best, students learn to be reporters, editors, graphic designers, and business managersall in a space where its okay to make the mistakes that are necessary for learning. In real newsrooms, reporters have to sell their stories to editorsthey do not receive automatic publication because a professor assigned them a story in class. Student newspapers can and should function in the same way: Reporters should pitch stories and learn to work with editors who may disagree with themeditors who might even be wrong. And students should also learn to be editors. They should be given the authority to make hard choices about which stories work best for their outlet. And now that entry-level jobs at local newsrooms are dwindling, this experience is even more crucial. Students will fail, and they will fail a lot, but this failure is necessary. As the College Media Adviserss code of ethics demands, There should never be an instance where an adviser maximizes quality by minimizing learning.

So what can you do as supporters of the student press?

Assume that your student newspaper is failing. Even if it seems healthy from the outside, revenue is always a problem, and as we discovered, a century-old institution could be on the verge of permanent closure before you know it. Dont wait for it to run a Save the Newspaper campaign. Give money and support, and ask leadership how they are doing and what they need to be sustainable long-term. A few thousand dollars a year could be the difference.

Connect with current students at the paper. Follow them on Twitter and promote their work. Congratulate them when they do well, and when they break a big news story, brag about it. Help them make connections to the professional world. Use your platform.

Ask how you can help. You have a ton to offer student media operations, and journalism types can be a bristly, independent sort who are often bad at asking for that kind of help. Can you run a workshop or a pre-semester bootcamp? Skype into a newsroom meeting? Volunteer to review student portfolios and packages before they go to awards competitions or apply for jobs? Serve as a student mentor?

Is there an advisory board for your newspaper, journalism department, or college? Get on it. No advisory board? See if you can start one. One of the most disheartening things about our rescue effort was that we had dozens of alumni wanting to help, but because we hadnt been in touch, nobody in a position to make a difference cared what we had to say.

Be willing to use your political capital, and not just at your alma mater. When student newspapers are being shut down, or when student voices are being censored by administrators, be loud. Put pressure on administrators and donors to show they value the free press on campus. Give to student free speech and press organizations such as the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and the Student Press Law Center, who regularly step up to fight these battles.

Remember that your allies arent just old student newspaper geeks. Our last-ditch fundraising efforts included big donations from a hedge fund manager with no journalism ties, a film professor, and an anonymous student media fan who wasnt even an alumnus and offered a bitcoin. (You know who you are, and thank you!)

Our attempts to save our independent student newspaper were frustrating: We were told we were too late, that we were just acting out of nostalgia, and that journalism is better off under the guidance of college administrators and professors than in the hands of the students themselves. We may have been too late, but we think the value to student learning, and to the university community as a whole, is greater when students have more control and more freedom. It may be dangerous to the universitys brand butas media lawyer Frank LoMonte pointed out the other dayreal journalism tends to do that sort of thing. Our efforts may have failed at our alma mater, but we will continue to stand with the students and faculty across the country who still believe independence is the hallmark of great student journalism.

ICYMI: Lawyer behind Hannity revelation at Cohen hearing speaks

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Jessica Huseman and Daxton Stewart are the authors of this article. Jessica Huseman is a national politics reporter at ProPublica and teaches data and investigative reporting at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, where she earned her masters. She was on staff at The Daily Campus between 2009 and 2011. Daxton "Chip" Stewart is a professor of journalism at Texas Christian University and associate dean of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication. After his undergraduate career at SMU, he went on to practice law and earn a doctorate in journalism, and he now teaches and writes about media law. He was on staff at The Daily Campus between 1992 and 1994.For almost a century, a single wooden chair has been sitting on the aptly named Rural Street in Evergreen, Alabama. Nobody knows exactly how long the chair, as its simply and lovingly called, has been there. Most say since at least World War II, or even the 1920sas long as the Bozeman family has owned it. Its old, and has lost a few slats over the years, but the oak skeleton is still strong enough to support a stack of The Evergreen Courant every week. And on top of those newspapers sits a small black cigar box with a worn label reading 50. With no online presence to speak of, the weekly newspaper relies on this honor system to sell copiesthough most of its revenue comes from a pool of dedicated subscribers.

Robert Gaston Bozeman III is the third-generation owner and publisher of the Courant. His grandfather, Robert Gaston Bozeman, Sr., moved to Evergreen in the 1920s and became the Courants publisher after its original owner died. Bozeman isnt sure, but he guesses the newspaper, which was established in 1895, officially switched hands in 1925. Bozemans grandfather ran the Courant until 1956, at which time his father, Robert Gaston Bozeman, Jr., became the owner. Bozeman, Jr. died in 1991, leaving Bozeman III to carry on the Courants legacy.

Back when Bozeman, Sr. was at the helm, Courant readers would wait outside the newspapers office for the latest issue, which was done in-house on a letterpress. People would wait literally on sidewalk to get their paper, Bozeman says, and sometimes they were so impatient theyd step inside and grab papers as they were being printed. Bozeman, Sr. didnt like the disruption, so he grabbed a chair, stuck it outside, and rested the newly printed papers on it, topped with one of the several cigar boxes that littered the newsroom.

The only difference today is a 40 cent price increase, and 25 miles. Bozeman drives 30 minutes to the city of Monroeville where the Courant is now printed. He puts a stack of papers on the chair when he gets back. A hundred or so people swing by in the first hour-and-a-half, Bozeman says. The cigar box usually collects between $20 and $25 on Wednesday, $10 to $15 on Thursday, and a few more dollars on Friday. Of course, The Evergreen Courant doesnt solely rely on its chair-and-cigar-box business model to stay afloat. Like most community newspapers, its heavily dependent on a loyal base of subscribers3,600 at the moment. The Courant serves the whole of Conecuh County, which has a population of 13,228 according to the 2010 US Census. Evergreen is the countys largest city, with just under 4,000 residents.

ICYMI: The story of a journalist who became a killer

The cigar box has been stolen only three times in its history. His grandfather caught the first guy, sometime in the 1960s, after seeing him swipe the box from the newsroom window. Bozeman himself once had to chase someone down the street. But most of the time, people dont mess with it. They know its a tradition, Bozeman says. The chair may be the same one from his grandfathers tenure, but theyve gone through dozens of cigar boxes over the years due to wear and tear. That chair ought to wind up in the Smithsonian or Newseum one day, its such an icon, Ed Williams, retired Auburn University journalism professor and native of Conecuh County, says.

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The chair is not Evergreens only claim to fame. Since 1973, its been dubbed the Collard Green Capital of Alabama. And just last June, the State Senate officially designated Evergreen the Bigfoot Capital of Alabama. The Courants ace reporter and managing editor, Lee Peacock, often writes about sightings of the legendary creature in Conecuh County; he even judged a Bigfoot Calling Contest in Evergreen this March. And Conecuh Sausage is iconic among Alabama breakfast enthusiasts. Its hickory-smoked links have been a staple of Conecuh County cupboards since 1947, and theyve since made their way into restaurants and supermarkets across the southeastern part of the United States.

The chair does more than just sell papers. Where the newspaper sits, everyone inside can see outside when people stop by, Williams says. It facilitates an interaction you dont see at most newspapers. Its not unusual for Williams to pop inside the office before or after grabbing his paper. Its a small room, maybe 10 by 30 feet, with a few desks scattered about for the papers handful of employeessix including Bozeman. A persons name is only in paper two times, when theyre born and when they die, Williams says. Thats true with large dailies, but peoples names appear in the community newspaper all the time.

Because of this close and stable relationship, the financial state of community newspapers is often in a better place than its metropolitan counterparts, according to a study from the Tow Center for Digital Innovation. They publish exclusive content not offered elsewhere, write the studys authors, Christopher Ali and Damian Radcliffe, and also tap into ultra-local advertising markets. Its a niche that community newspapers have that no other media source has, says Felicia Mason, executive director of the Alabama Press Association. It doesnt matter if the newspaper covers a town of 500 or 5,000. If you wanna know [something], theres nowhere else youre gonna get that other than your local newspaper, Mason says. The Courant brings in $300,000 in annual revenue. Sometimes theyre up, sometimes theyre down. But its been pretty consistent the last few years.

Lately, only one thing worries Bozeman about the news industry. Tariffs are hurting printing as a whole, he says. Hes referring to the tariffs imposed on Canadian newsprint by the US government earlier this year. Most publishers, including community newspapers like the Courant, rely on this cheap source of paper for their products. The new tariffs, though not yet permanent, are affecting newspapers of all shapes and sizes.

Because the Courant hasnt made the move to digital, the tariffs are especially worrisome. A walk through the newspapers office is a bit like stepping into the past. Sure, theyve traded hot type for computers, and plates for PDFs. But Bozeman cant quite bring himself to part with the Linotype Model 14 sitting in the back of the building. When his grandfather purchased it in 1925, it was a state-of-the-art machine. Now its a museum-worthy relic, much like the chair and cigar box out frontand the Courant itself.

ICYMI: Dissatisfied with the national medias frame, Appalachia finds its own voice

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Meg Dalton is a freelance journalist and audio producer based in Connecticut. She's reported and edited for CJR, PBS NewsHour, Energy News Network, Architectural Digest, MediaShift, Hearst Connecticut newspapers, and more. Follow her on Twitter: @megdalts. Find her on Twitter @megdalts.A series of attacks in Afghanistan killed 10 journalists on Monday, in the deadliest day for the countrys media since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. Nine journalists were killed in a suicide bombing that appeared to target the media in the capital city of Kabul, while a reporter for the BBC Afghan service was shot and died in the eastern province of Khost. Dozens of civilians were also killed.

According to Reporters Without Borders, an initial blast set off at a street checkpoint near the headquarters of Afghanistans main intelligence agency killed mostly ordinary civilians. A second suicide bomb was detonated half an hour later, after reporters had arrived on the scene. CNN reports that the suicide bomber was disguised as a TV cameraman. Six other journalists were injured in the explosion.

These are all Afghan reporters that have been killed, but at least five are working directly for the international media, the Committee to Protect Journalists Executive Director Joel Simon tells CJR. So theses are the reporters who keep the world informed. This is not a local story; its not just about local news coverage in Afghanistan. This is a threat not just to the Afghan media, this is a threat to global media.

Attacks across Afghanistan today killed nearly 40 people, including 11 children. Afghan security forces, NATO soldiers and journalists were the intended targets. @WmBrangham details the deadly bombing pic.twitter.com/joAnKFc7DO  PBS NewsHour (@NewsHour) April 30, 2018

Reporters Without Borders lists those killed in Kabul: ToloNews cameraman Yar Mohammad Tokhi, three Radio Azadai (Radio Free Europe) journalists (Ebadollah Hananzi, Sabvon Kakeker and Maharam Darani), two TV1 cameramen (Ghazi Rasoli and Norozali Rajabi, aka Khamoush), AFP photographer Shah Marai Fezi, Mashal TV reporter Salim Talash and Mashal TV cameraman Ali Salimi. The BBCs Ahmed Shah, 29, was killed yesterday in Khost. BBC World Service Director Jamie Angus said Shah had been respected and popular, and called his death a devastating loss.

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The attacks also mark the deadliest day for journalists anywhere in the world since the January 2015 shootings at Charlie Hebdo in Paris. Nearly two decades into the American presence in Afghanistan, the national conversation in the States has largely turned away from the situation on the ground. Simons says that while the Afghan media has tremendous challenges, its press is one of the most successful institutions to develop in Afghanistan.

RELATED: Americas role in a climate of hatred for journalists

News of the bombings drew attention to the challenges faced by journalists around the globe while many are looking inward. Were so focused on domestic issueswere debating endlessly what happened at the White House Correspondents Dinnertheres just less space for international news, fewer resources, fewer bureaus, Simon says. Our ability to stay informed about global events depends on these networks of local journalists, who work with each other and keep the world informed. This was a deliberate attack on that system.

Marai published a blog in 2016 detailing his time reporting in Afghanistan after the initial fall of the Taliban in 2001. The poignant final words of that post: I have never felt life to have so little prospects and I dont see a way out. Its a time of anxiety.

Other notable stories

ICYMI: The predictable outrage over the White House Correspondents Dinner

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Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.Connecticuts Democratic U.S. senators announced Wednesday theyve introduced federal legislation to help state homeowners with concrete foundations crumbling from the presence of an iron sulfide.

One bill would provide $100 million in federal funding over five years for states like Connecticut that have created pools of money to help homeowners pay for repairs to their damaged residential structures. A second proposal would create a similar grant program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy previously sought financial assistance from FEMA for the homeowners but was told the issue didnt constitute an emergency or major disaster.

We simply cant wait for them to recognize their responsibilities, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, referring to FEMA. The governor was right to request (assistance). Were going to change the law to force them.

An estimated 30,000 or more homes and condominiums built in eastern and central Connecticut from the mid-1980s to 2016 could have failing foundations because of the presence of pyrrhotite. It reacts naturally with oxygen and water, causing concrete to crack and crumble over the decades, making some homes unsellable and unlivable. In many cases, homeowners have been unable obtain insurance. It can cost as much as $200,000 to replace a foundation.

The problem also has been discovered in Massachusetts, in communities near the Connecticut border.

Hundreds of central and eastern Connecticut homeowners have received reimbursements from the state to test for the presence of pyrrhotite. Also, a new insurance company created by the General Assembly, funded with $100 million in state bonds over the next five years, is beginning to take shape and will begin providing financial assistance to the neediest cases.

But state and local officials have agreed that wont be enough money. Theyve been debating how best to generate more revenue to help the homeowners. Theres some support in the General Assembly this session for a $10 surcharge on Connecticut homeowner policies to help raise more money. The session adjourns on May 9.

The Connecticut Coalition Against Crumbling Basements, a group of affected homeowners, warned its members not to get our hopes too high about the legislative proposals by Blumenthal and Sen. Chris Murphy.

Its ALL about follow through, follow through, follow through!!! the group wrote on its Facebook page on Wednesday.

Murphy acknowledged it will be an uphill fight to secure the federal funds, but promised not to leave any rock unturned. Murphy said he secured a commitment from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson to work with him to help the Connecticut homeowners. Murphy also invited Carson to visit the state so he can meet with the affected homeowners and see the damage firsthand.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Munich Re Introduces Smart Mobility Program to Reduce Auto Fleet Collisions

Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. unveiled its Smart Mobility Program offering a toolbox of solutions to address the complex issues surrounding commercial auto losses and to help reduce or avoid the risk of collision for commercial fleets. Smart Mobility includes LossDetect (patent pending), an automated text-mining tool that analyzes automotive claims data and recommends potential solutions.

Our Smart Mobility Program integrates technology and risk management solutions based on historical loss analysis to offer an innovative approach to the safety challenges faced by commercial fleet owners, said Mike Scrudato, senior vice president, mobility, Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. Our partnerships with leading edge companies in telematics and crash avoidance, in conjunction with our LossDetect tool, help us identify ways to increase safety and reduce collisions for fleet owners and their employees.

Munich Reinsurance Americas LossDetect portal analyzes unstructured auto claims data to determine causes of loss and matches that with one or several of the Smart Mobility Program tailored solution(s) to assist in helping to reduce auto collisions:

Collision Avoidance  Utilizes aftermarket collision avoidance products that are designed to warn of driving behaviors that could lead to an accident such as speeding, tailgating, lane departures, etc.

Telematics  Captures vehicle performance and driver characteristics via an in-vehicle OBD device or a mobile app to offer operational insights (e.g., driver distraction) and savings via a reporting dashboard.

Driver Coaching  Customized training focused on improving individual driver safety.

Advanced Fleet Monitoring  Solutions that provide individual driver feedback and fleet assessment using advanced analytics to help monitor training and driver performance and benchmark against internal/external performance analytics.

The Smart Mobility Program is available to insurance company and broker clients, public entities, and small to mid-size companies with commercial fleets. The LossDetect portal can be accessed by all commercial fleet owners as well as Munich Re America customers. Visit us here to learn more.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions New Vehicle History Data to Help Insurers Predict Future Loss, Assess Risk

LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a provider of data, analytics and technology for insurance, announced the launch of LexisNexis Vehicle History. It provides a more holistic view of a vehicles lifecycle by gathering data on previous damage events, ownership changes, odometer readings and other data points to help insurers make a more accurate risk assessment.

LexisNexis Vehicle History provides a robust and simplified data gathering and delivery process that insurers can incorporate in their existing workflows. The solution draws from a variety of data sources to integrate important vehicle-related attributes into the pricing equation, while maintaining a simple quoting process for the consumer by prefilling information about the vehicles history. LexisNexis Risk Solutions insurance customers have access to data and analytics with sub-second turnaround utilizing a single point of entry that eliminates the need for technology resources to implement the product.

Annuity Provider First to Focus Exclusively on Structured Settlements for Personal Injury Victims

Company officials announced the launch of the Independent family of companies including subsidiary affiliates Independent Life Insurance Company and Independent Life Assignment Company. Independent Life will be the first annuity provider to focus solely on the personal injury structured settlement market.

The Texas-based company will complement the industrys current life insurance carriers that offer annuities to fund structured settlements from their larger suite of insurance products. Independent Life Assignment Company will work to craft customized payments streams that best meet the financial needs of personal injury victims and their families and will fund those streams with custom annuities from Independent Life Insurance Company.

Independent Life Assignment Company will serve a nationwide market soliciting assignment of settlement liabilities from settling parties and buying funding annuities from Independent Life Insurance Company, its newly launched sister company.

Independent Life Assignment Company, Independent Life Insurance Company and their holding company, Independent Insurance Group, were formed as a collaboration between management and LKCM Headwater Investments, the private equity arm of Luther King Capital Management, a Fort Worth based investment firm founded in 1979 with approximately $15 billion in assets under management for high net worth individuals, institutional clients, private investment partnerships and mutual funds.

In addition to Atkins, the Independent Life Insurance Company management team includes Donald J. Herrema, vice chairman and chief investment officer, and J. Todd Hagely, chief financial officer. Atkins is also president of Independent Life Assignment Company with Daniel P. Durbin, vice president of Marketing and Sales, Patrick J. Hindert, vice president of Business Development and Christopher M. Bua, vice president of Internal Sales.

Independent Life Insurance Companys risk profile is differs from previous annuity providers funding structured settlements because it is a single purpose insurer without the entanglements of unrelated product lines that have challenged some other providers. Additionally, it does not have any historical structured settlement annuities with pricing out of alignment with todays investment environment.Serious questions linger about the fate of medical marijuana in Iowa as Republican lawmakers find themselves considering an eleventh-hour deal that would expand the program to more patients.

The states sole manufacturer of medical cannabis oil worries that, once sales begin in about seven months, many patients will realize treatment would be unaffordable, impractical or unobtainable due to restrictions placed on the fledgling industry. The lack of a robust market, in turn, would jeopardize access for those who still could benefit.

Weve provided some false hope, said Sen. Joe Bolkcom, an Iowa City Democrat who has backed efforts to expand access to medical marijuana. There are thousands of Iowans counting on us to deliver.

Iowa legalized possession of cannabis oil in 2014, but there was no legal means to obtain the substance until a bill approved last year allowed for its manufacture and for five dispensaries  planned for Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Davenport, Waterloo and the Des Moines suburb of Windsor Heights. The expansion was part of last years budget negotiations, and it was one of the final bills following all-night negotiations on the last day of the session.

Last years deal capped the amount of THC, the most psychoactive compound in marijuana, at 3 percent for any legal cannabis oil. That limit has been the main target of advocates seeking to further expand medical marijuana in the state.

A lot of people misunderstand how Iowas THC cap works, said Lucas Nelson of Des Moines-based Kemin Industries, which is the lead consultant for MedPharm Iowa, the states first and currently only cannabis oil manufacturer. Nelsons uncle, who is the president and CEO of Kemin, is the founder of MedPharm Iowa. Nelson oversees the relationship between the two companies, which share a campus in Des Moines.

The state limits the ratio of THC in medical cannabis oil products  not the overall amount given to a patient. So, Nelson said, a patient who may benefit from a large dose of THC could still obtain it, but would have to consume more units of low-THC products. Essentially, patients would pay for filler that would cost several times the equivalent of high-THC products.

Those costs would price out many patients, who would be paying out of pocket for MedPharm Iowas pills, droppers or creams. Some patients might not be able to take a large number of pills or other delivery methods, Nelson said, placing access to medical marijuana out of reach. Iowa prohibits smoking or eating medical marijuana.

With this cap in place, there are too many people who cant be treated, Nelson said. If this program is to be sustainable, what that means is we have to be able to give the patients what they are actually seeking so they can actually treat their conditions.

A bill to remove the THC cap received a preliminary vote in the Iowa Senate last week. The legislation also would expand the list of qualifying conditions, which currently includes cancer, epilepsy, untreatable pain, multiple sclerosis and terminal illnesses. And, the bill would allow doctors to recommend the cannabis oil be used as a treatment for other conditions not listed if they believe it would be beneficial.

Peter Komendowski, president of Partnership for a Drug Free Iowa, a private nonprofit organization that works to minimize high-risk behavior in Iowas youth, said the states current THC limit already sets a dangerous precedent that could result in further marijuana legalization. His group remains skeptical about medical use of marijuana and argues its not a proven treatment for pain.

House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, a Clear Lake Republican, said she would prefer to wait for the recommendation of an advisory board created as part of last years last-minute deal. The advisory board is charged with making recommendations on Iowas medical marijuana program, and the board plans to have the THC limit on its agenda at an August meeting. A report from the board would be finished in November.

Upmeyer said legislators could look at the boards recommendations next session, which begins about a month after cannabis oil sales are scheduled to begin. She said legislators should wait for the board to weigh in, but she did not rule out holding a vote soon on the Senates bill.

Medical marijuana is one of several issues  including bills on abortion and the opioid crisis  that have received support from just one chamber in the Republican-controlled Legislature that could be brought forward as leaders negotiate a compromise on the state budget and tax cuts to wrap up the session.

Nelson said it would take several months to ramp up production of high-THC products, so delaying a vote could leave people uncertain if or when theyd have adequate access to medical marijuana.

MedPharm Iowa has invested more than $10 million in its manufacturing facility to prepare for sales to begin Dec. 1. The state is accepting proposals for a second manufacturer, which would be selected this summer and would bring products to market starting in July 2019.

Nelson said MedPharm Iowa has committed to remaining in the market, but he cautioned that more patients are needed to make the business sustainable. He said the implications of the THC cap took some time for everyone to understand following the passage of last years legislation.

As of Thursday, 725 people were registered to purchase medical cannabis oil, according to statistics distributed by the Iowa Department of Public Health. MedPharm Iowa hopes to see that figure grow to 12,000 patients able to receive treatment.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.California utility giants PG&E Corp. and Edison International gained on Tuesday as state policy makers advanced a bill that would address their future wildfire liabilities.

An amended version of the legislation now being weighed by Californias Senate would shield utilities that comply with approved safety plans in state proceedings should one of their power lines spark a wildfire. Theyd remain subject to potential civil lawsuits, and the bill wouldnt be retroactive  meaning PG&E and Edison could still face billions of dollars in costs from wildfires that destroyed thousands of structures last year.

Both PG&E and Edison rallied on news of the amendment Tuesday as it offers investors some clarity as to how Californias utilities will be held responsible for wildfires that have intensified amid warmer temperatures and drier weather. Analysts have estimated that wildfires that broke out last year alone could cost PG&E more than $15 billion in claims and Southern California Edison more than $4 billion. The scale of the destruction by the fires and the uncertainty around whether the utilities will be stuck with the bill have wiped out billions of dollars of market value from both companies.

Several groups including California State Association of Counties said they supported the bill as amended because a previous version had broadly protected utilities against wildfire liability. The bill passed Tuesday out of the Senates governmental organization committee.

The amended text should be available in print by the end of next week, said Paul Payne, a spokesman for state Senator Bill Dodd, a sponsor of the bill. Under the legislation, utilities would have to submit safety plans to reduce the risk of events such as wildfires to state regulators every two years.

State Senator Jerry Hill was the lone vote against the bills passage out of the committee. He said he remained concerned that the legislation would hold consumers accountable for wildfire costs and not the utilities.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.A recent Washington Court of Appeals ruling opens the door to bad faith lawsuits naming individual insurance adjusters.

The case involves Moun and Aung Keodalah versus Allstate Insurance and Tracey Smith, the adjuster who worked for Allstate and handled his claim.

In April 2007, Moun Keodalah was involved in a collision with a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist who struck Keodalahs truck was killed and Moun was injured. The motorcyclist was uninsured and Keodalahs auto insurance policy provided $25,000 in underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

Both the Seattle Police Department and Allstate determined the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed at the time of the collision.

Keodalah requested the policy limit, but Allstate refused and offered $1600 instead. Allstate assessed 70 percent liability on Keodalah. When he requested an explanation for the liability assessment Allstate raised its offer to $5000.

Keodalah sued Allstate, asserting a UIM claim. Allstate designated Smith as its CR 30(b)(6) representative. Despite having the police report and its own report in its possession, Smith claimed Keodalah ran the stop sign and was on his cell phone at the time of the accident. Prior to trial, Allstate upped its settlement offer to $15,000. Keodalah refused and the case proceeded to a jury trial.

Even at trial, Allstate maintained that Keodalah was 70 percent at fault. The jury, however, determined the deceased motorcyclist to be 100 percent at fault and awarded Keodalah $108,868.20 for his injuries, lost wages and medical expenses.

Keodalah proceeded to file a bad faith lawsuit against Allstate and Smith. Allstate filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The trial court dismissed Keodalahs claims against Smith only and submitted the case for review.

The appeals court reversed the lower courts decision, finding that an individual employee insurance adjuster can be liable for bad faith and violation of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The case was remanded to the trial court.

Read the opinion in the case of Moun & Aung Keodalah v. Allstate Insurance Company And Tracey Smith, 75731 -8 (Wash. Ct. App. 2018Carnegie Mellon Qatar Celebrates 90 New Graduates

Eleventh graduating class represents 18 nationalities

April 30, 2018

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2018, with 90 students receiving their degrees in front of family, friends, faculty and alumni.

Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, presided over his first graduation in Qatar. He gave a charge to the new graduates: "Class of 2018, as you finish this chapter of your lives and embark on new ventures, always remember: you are Carnegie Mellon graduates. You are thinkers, collaborators, problem solvers and innovators. You are leaders. Take what you have learned at Carnegie Mellon and shape your world."

The Class of 2018 consists of eight biological sciences graduates, 37 business administration graduates, 13 computer science graduates and 32 information systems graduates. Members of the class represent 18 nations, with almost 40 percent Qatari nationals.Hashtags are everywhere. They are used by millions across all social media platforms.

But the concept of tagging social media groups or topics with a hashtag is credited to one man, Chris Messina.

He's a product designer who has been working in Silicon Valley for more than a decade.

While running an internet consulting company in 2007, he had an idea.

"There was a small group of us in San Francisco using an early social network called Twitter," Messina said. "We were thinking Twitter needs some kind of group organizing framework."

He got the idea of using a hashtag from Internet chat rooms that had a pound symbol in front of them. He decided to pitch the idea to Twitter, but the company told him it was "nerdy" and that it would never catch on.The head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said Monday it's time that health care catches up with other industries when it comes to providing consumers greater transparency about prices up front and easier access to their records and health data once they have received care.

"We know that any other place in the economy you can know what things are going cost. Somehow in health care it's a big mystery," said CMS administrator Seema Verma, in an exclusive interview at the World Health Care Congress in Washington, D.C., where she was the keynote speaker.

"We are starting (with) asking hospitals to post their prices on line. We have a long way to go," she said.

While the agency spent much of 2017 focusing on the administration's efforts to repeal Obamacare, this past month CMS issued a series of new proposals aimed at promoting greater interoperability of digital health-care records. They include forcing hospitals to post their prices online, and pushing them to transfer patients' discharge records to their doctors electronically, even if the doctors are not part of the same health system.

Doctors who treat Medicare patients are already required to write prescriptions electronically. CMS now wants them to also make it easier for patients to access those records digitally.

"Imagine a world if you're collecting all of your health-care data from the time of birth all the way through your life," Verma said. "We want to get to a point where patients have all of their health-care information in one place."

Health officials will take comments from industry stakeholders and the public on the proposed data access rules over the next two months.

The comment period closed last week on the administration's proposals to allow health insurers to sell short-term plans that would not have to comply with Obamacare coverage regulations.

The proposal met with a record number of comments, with a number of health insurance groups expressing concern that the short-term plans will undermine the health exchanges by siphoning off younger, healthier consumers who will no longer face a penalty if they enroll in non-compliant plans in 2019.

Verma would not say whether the administration will roll out the short-term plans in time for open enrollment on the health exchanges this fall.

Also, she categorically rejects critics' arguments that the administration's actions undermined the Obamacare marketplaces as they were beginning to stabilize in the last year.

"We want to move as quickly as possible, but we have to go through that process of considering (the comments) we've received," Verma explained. "The bottom line is that insurance premiums have skyrocketed and there's a number of people that just can't afford to pay."

President Donald Trump is expected to unveil new proposals to combat rising drug prices soon. The administration's 2019 budget outline includes a proposal to give Medicare Part D plans for seniors more power to negotiate lower prices from manufacturers, and it initiates a pilot program that would allow state Medicaid programs to test drug formularies aimed getting more competitive prices.

Massachusetts has a Medicaid waiver requesting the ability to administer its own formulary in order to negotiate pricing beyond the current discount for the safety net program. So far, the administration has not indicated whether it plans to grant the waiver.

While declining to address the Bay State's request specifically, Verma outlined what she considers key issues for approving state requests.

"Generally (when) we look at every waiver ... we want to get states where they want to go; achieve objectives they want to achieve," she explained, but added that plan savings are also an important factor. "We look at budget neutrality  proposals won't cost federal government anymore than the federal plan."

Verma would not commit to a timeline for the new proposals, but says we should expect to hear a lot more changes from her agency over the coming months.When CNBC's Jim Cramer heard from a caller on Monday about recent declines in the stock of United Rentals, he knew he had to calm her fears about the seemingly unforgiving market. "The world has turned, our market has turned on anything industrial believing that there is going to be a dramatic slowdown because of our trade war," the "Mad Money" host explained. "The world has decided that these stocks can no longer be owned because a trade discussion that is turning into a tiff and a tussle has made it so people think the world is done growing." So as stocks reversed course and erased their early-day gains, Cramer set out to find what's working in a market that changes its mind on a dime. "It's a motley crew for certain," he said, pointing to "the utilities, the real estate investment trusts, ... the oil and oil service stocks, a smattering of domestic companies with no Chinese inputs, some takeovers and the companies that can deliver finely honed upside surprises, like McDonald's this morning ... or Visa last week." But looking at Monday's intraday trading  from the decline in telecommunications stocks to the broad-based selling in the technology sector  it became clear to Cramer that those pockets of strength weren't enough to sustain a rally. "But, and this might be a mighty big but, these leaders are enough to keep us from plummeting," he said. "[That's] something we need to take into consideration, especially at a time when so many commentators are eager to give up [on and] bury this market."

Allergan CEO on new depression drug

Brent Saunders, CEO, Allergan Scott Mlyn | CNBC

One of Botox maker Allergan's newest drugs could flip the script when it comes to treating depression, Chairman and CEO Brent Saunders told CNBC on Monday. Depression  and the suicides associated with it  is one of the top causes of death among younger generations. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States in people between the ages of 15 and 44. "Ripasudil is a great drug that we have at Phase 3," Saunders told Cramer. "We'll get the data [in the] early part of next year. It could be an absolute game-changer for depression."

The key to success for T-Mobile and Sprint?

T-Mobile CEO John Legere speaks on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, April 30, 2018. Brendan McDermid | Reuters

As ridiculous as it may seem, Cramer could see the T-Mobile-Sprint merger gaining government approval thanks to the man at the center of it all: T-Mobile CEO John Legere. After interviewing Legere and Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" on Monday, Cramer doubled down on his praise of Legere, calling him "the greatest salesman of our era." "Look, I've known John forever," the "Mad Money" host said on Monday. "He's made outrageous promise after outrageous promise after outrageous promise, he's put forth one ridiculous claim after another, and every single one of them has been borne out or come true." All things considered, Cramer argued that Legere could be the key to approval for the $26.5 billion deal. But he wasn't so confident when he first heard about it.

Ventas CEO on chasing the 'Silver Wave'

Debra Cafaro, CEO, Ventas Scott Mlyn | CNBC

Real estate investment trust Ventas may have gotten criticism from analysts on its earnings call, but the negativity seemed off-base to Chairman and CEO Debra Cafaro. Ventas, a REIT focused on senior living, got flak for extending its lease contract with Brookdale, the largest senior living provider in the United States. But Cafaro told Cramer on Monday that the market got it all wrong. "The Brookdale lease extension that we announced on Friday is really fantastic. It's great for us and it's also positive for our customer Brookdale," the CEO said. "The main point is that we extended our lease maturities on about [$]180 million of annual rent out to 2025, and so we have eight more years of lease protection guaranteed by Brookdale." And for Ventas, those eight years don't just mean cost savings, but the beginnings of a longer term strategy. "We start to see, in 2020, huge growth in the senior population," Cafaro said. "And so by 2025, this so-called Silver Wave will be rockin' and rollin' and that is really, really positive for us."

First Data Corp. CEO on international growth

Frank Bisignano, CEO, First Data Scott Mlyn | CNBC

On a day when his company's stock skyrocketed nearly 19 percent, First Data Corp. Chairman and CEO Frank Bisignano revealed to Cramer some of the key factors that pushed shares higher after earnings. "It was very important to make a turn and buy CardConnect, buy BluePay," the CEO said of First Data's recent acquisitions. "Those were fast growth companies in a fast growth area and they've paid off handsomely." Bisignano emphasized the importance of expanding his company's business to be cover more than just bank-affiliated merchant acquisition. With CardConnect and BluePay, First Data gained access to e-commerce, card gifts and, most importantly, double-digit growth. "Both were leaders," the CEO said. "We went and bought both those properties  they were double-digit growers  and we brought their capability into the rest of our company and consolidated a lot of the business and now have those assets helping the rest of the company grow."

Lightning round: Can't fight the trendThe May 1 deadline for steel and aluminum tariff exemptions for U.S. allies has been extended, the White House said.

Instead, the Trump administration has decided to postpone the decision on some allies, including the European Union, for 30 days to allow further discussions. Those extensions will affect the EU, Canada and Mexico.

The U.S. has agreed in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil on "alternative means" to address steel tariffs for now, but the White House said if these alternatives aren't finalized shortly, it leaves open the possibility of reimposing tariffs. A senior administration official told CNBC that decision period would be 30 days, as well.

South Korea's exemption from tariffs is permanent because it agreed to quotas as part of a new trade deal. Administration officials have asked other countries what level of quotas they would agree to.

One person briefed by the administration told CNBC: "Quotas are an active part of the discussion with every country on the exemption list."

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is leading the process for country exemptions, except for the European Union, which Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is leading. The Commerce Department is also spearheading the process for product exemptions. The National Security Council is overseeing the entire process.

The May 1 deadline on the tariff exemptions was set in a presidential memorandum on the topic.

Here's the statement on the extensions:

Today, President Donald J. Trump issued two proclamations authorizing modifications of the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. The Administration has reached a final agreement with South Korea on steel imports, the outlines of which were previously announced by U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Republic of Korea Minister for Trade Hyun-chong Kim. The Administration has also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil with respect to steel and aluminum, the details of which will be finalized shortly. The Administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days. In all of these negotiations, the Administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security.



These agreements underscore the Trump Administration's successful strategy to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminum industries.

CNBC's Lori Ann LaRocco and Kayla Tausche contributed to this report.Amazon is now under scrutiny from both sides of the aisle, as Sen. Bernie Sanders echoed President Donald Trump's criticism of the e-commerce giant in a tweet this week.

"You know what Amazon paid in federal income taxes last year? Zero," the 2016 Democratic presidential hopeful said in a tweet Monday evening.

The Vermont senator linked to a Forbes article, which pointed to CEO Jeff Bezos' rise in net worth as Amazon's stock benefited from a huge earnings beat last week. Bezos, the world's richest man by Forbes' estimates, added $9 billion to his own value as the stock shot up.

TWEET

Trump has publicly confronted the company for its tax practices. The president called Amazon a "scam" that costs the post office "billions," and claimed that Bezos pays "little or no taxes to state and local governments." Trump was referring to on Amazon's practice of not collecting state sales taxes for "third-party" sellers in most of the U.S., the White House said.

As for Sanders' claim, he may technically be correct. The company paid $957 million in total taxes last year, according to Amazon's 2017 annual report. But it appears that money went to state and international taxes and Amazon had a credit for the federal level last year due to perfectly legal maneuvers related to stock-based compensation and the 2017 tax act.

Ahead of those tweets, Axios reported that Trump is "obsessed with" and wants to "go after" the e-commerce giant, citing five sources who have talked about the company with him.

TWEET

The president also went after Amazon in August, tweeting that "Amazon is doing great damage to tax paying retailers. Towns, cities, and states throughout the U.S. are being hurt  many jobs being lost!"

Trump has attacked Bezos' other company, the Washington Post, accusing the outlet of publishing fake news.

Bezos has largely stayed quiet in response to Trump's affronts. He criticized Trump ahead of the 2016 election and said his behavior "erodes our democracy." Bezos also offered to #sendDonaldtospace, after Trump accused the CEO of a tax "scam" involving Amazon and the Post.

https://twitter.com/JeffBezos/status/674008204838199297Currently, Agility Robotics is selling Cassie , a two-legged robot with no arms, to researchers for robotics work. (Cassie is named after the cassowary, a two-legged flightless bird from Australia and New Zealand.)

That's according to Damion Shelton, the CEO and co-founder of Agility Robotics , a start-up based in Albany, Oregon, which is building robots that can walk and run.

A world where humanoid robots deliver your packages to your door may be as little as two to three years away.

So far, Agility Robotics has sold three Cassie robots (University of Michigan is a customer, for example) and has sales for another three in progress. The goal is to sell another six Cassie robots, "so optimistically 12 customers total for the entire production run of Cassie," Shelton tells CNBC Make It. Each Cassie costs less than $300,000.

Robot testing in the rain. Just another day on North Campus.

"That is obviously, though, a relatively compact market, and is not why we're doing the company," says Shelton, in an interview with CNBC Make It.

Indeed, the next generation of the company's legged robots will also have arms, says Shelton. And one target use for the more humanoid robot will be carrying packages from delivery trucks to your door.

Shelton says his house is a perfect example of how a legged robot would assist in delivery. He has a steep driveway, so delivery trucks often park at the bottom and the driver has to walk the package up to his doorstep.

"We see a lot of that kind of general class of problem ... which is that the last-mile solution works for most of the last mile and then not the last 50 to 100 feet," Shelton tells CNBC Make It.

"Because those [last yards] tend to be environments that are designed for people, and people have legs. So things that are very easy for a person to navigate  like a curb or a flight of steps or toys left in the front yard or whatever  things that are very easy for people to kind of move through without thinking about it" are roadblocks for anything with wheels, he says.

Even further in the future, Agility Robotics envisions using the robots in conjunction with autonomous vehicles.

Agility Robotics hopes to be testing humanoid robots delivering packages in pilot studies by the end of 2018. Commercial deployment will start on a limited basis in two to three years, says Shelton. The deliveries will start in areas of the country with mild environments, like Southern California. By 2021 or 2022 Agility Robotics expects to see slightly more widespread use of its products for last-mile package delivery, says Shelton. Agility Robotics could either sell or lease the robots to delivery companies.

For a roboticist, a future where legged robots deliver packages to your door may be exciting, but for regular people, the idea of humanoid robots can be frightening.

Robots standing around: fun. What's more fun? An office tour. With robots.

"We've made deliberate choices to use softer shapes, bright colors, not going for super anthropomorphic," says Shelton. "There is a need to make sure that you know the robots don't come across as threatening and that we are mindful of people's reactions to them.

"I would say that that is something that the robotics community as a whole has tended to not think through," says Shelton. "[P]eople have tended to produce things that look cool to robot enthusiasts, which end up with sort of a science fiction-y kind of look to them  a lot of white colors or shiny metal that looks a lot more 'Terminatory' than something you would want to have running around your house."Akamai Technologies trounced Wall Street's estimates for first-quarter revenue and profit on Monday as its aggressive push to cloud security paid off and traditional business of speeding up content delivery on web stabilized.

Shares of the company rose 4.3 percent to $74.75 in extended trading.

The company's revenue rose 11.4 percent to $668.7 million, beating analysts' estimate of $654 million, with revenue from cloud security business surging 36 percent to $149 million.

But net income fell 28 percent to $53.7 million, or 31 cents per share, in the quarter ended March 31 as the company recorded a $15 million restructuring charge and $23 million related to settlement of a legal dispute.

The company's media content business remained under pressure as large media customers such as Apple and Amazon.com develop in-house capabilities to handle their web traffic.

Revenue from the big six internet platform customers such as Facebook, Microsoft, and Netflix fell 14 percent to $44 million, but the overall media and carrier division revenue rose 6 percent to $316 million.

"We expect it (revenue from big six) to be more or less like that this year, so it will be less than last year but now the declines are much smaller," Chief Executive Officer Tom Leighton told Reuters on a post-earnings call.

"The big six are now less than 7 percent of our revenue overall and they are no longer having the impact on our revenue growth that they did before.

"Excluding items, Akamai earned 79 cents per share, beating analysts' average estimates of 70 cents, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.Amazon is adding 2,000 jobs to its Boston tech hub in fields including cloud computing and speech science, the company announced Tuesday.

Boston is one of the tech giant's largest footholds and is a finalist to win the company's second headquarters. Amazon has been paying visits to each of the 20 North American finalists.

Amazon said Tuesday it's invested more than $400 million in Massachusetts since 2011, adding corporate offices and fulfillment centers.

"In just a few years, we've grown from a handful of software developers and scientists to a team of more than 1,200, inventing new capabilities and products on behalf of millions of customers around the world," Rohit Prasad, Amazon's Boston-based head scientist for Alexa, said in a statement.

The Amazon Alexa smart assistant faces growing competition from Google's and Apple's versions. Smart assistants are increasingly taking on new and complex tasks, with Amazon announcing last week that Alexa would soon gain memory and hold contextual conversations.

The Boston jobs news follows a similar announcement on Monday in which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Amazon would be adding 3,000 jobs in Vancouver, British Columbia.There are two ways to look at Apple right now.

On one hand, the company's a profit machine  and investors are hoping to see some of that money given back to them Tuesday night in stock buybacks, as Apple divvies up overseas cash that it brought back to the U.S. thanks to tax cuts.

But the $999 elephant in the room  the iPhone X  tells a different story, at least according to some investors and suppliers. If you listen to them, there are many red flags around Apple's business, and it could be putting the future of the company in question.

Those are just a few of the topics Apple's executives will need to address Tuesday night, when the tech giant reports quarterly earnings.

If you pull at the threads of Apple's businesses, there's evidence the company is moving in the right direction: The Apple Watch leads the wearables market, many billions of dollars have already been returned to investors, earnings are at all-time highs, and the software and services business brought in $8.47 billion in revenue last quarter (that's about the size of 13 Twitters). In fact, it's only been a few months since Apple got its most bullish Wall Street estimates ever.

Apple isn't exactly on the decline: Wall Street still expects it to post a nearly 28 percent jump in earnings and a 15 percent rise in revenue from a year ago, according to a Thomson Reuters consensus estimate. Apple's nearest competitor in terms of market capitalization, Amazon, posted income of just $1.9 billion over the holidays  when Apple's net income was $20 billion.

But Apple's runaway growth over the past few years has saddled it with big expectations: It has the highest market capitalization of any public company, a sign that investors think it has a bright present and future. That, in part, has been driven by "super-cycle" expectations that Apple would take its fancy new phone and sell it to all the customers it gained a couple of years ago, when it released the massively successful iPhone 6 series.

Apple has plenty of existing customers at 1.3 billion, but some analysts think the company overshot with its $999 price tag on the iPhone X, which competed with the iPhone 8 over the holidays. Apple's prices have been undercut by Chinese brands like Huawei and Xiaomi, which now offer higher-end handsets, and consumers are also keeping their phones for longer periods. Apple also has struggled to keep its "super-cycle" iPhone 6 customers stocked with replacement batteries after revelations that Apple had quietly changed battery settings to manage performance issues.

But it's also important to remember that Apple is a much bigger, more diverse company than it was when it released the iPhone 6-generation phones. While Apple's new handset was its most expensive yet, it also released cheaper products, like a new iPad. It's selling three high-end handsets, when it used to focus its efforts on one at a time.

The question is: Is Apple diversifying fast enough? Its last earnings statement suggests maybe not. IPhone revenue was $61.58 billion, compared with the next-biggest segment, services, at $8.47 billion.

That's why Apple's forward guidance will be so important, as the company balances growing its core iPhone business while focusing on future initiatives, like smart speakers, watches and augmented reality. Generous buybacks could keep investors around, at least short term, as the business model shifts.

"Apple has found a narrative revolving around capital allocation," wrote independent analyst Neil Cybart, who has a blog called Above Avalon. "Instead of iPhone sales or Apple Services revenue gaining importance, Apple's balance sheet strategy is driving the company's new Wall Street narrative."

Others, though, are less optimistic.

Apple's "expected large capital return program could mitigate the impact, but we believe the investor narrative post-earnings will likely be dominated by whether iPhone can grow over time," Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi wrote. "Moreover, the history of the 6S cycle suggests that the stock may have further room to fall if consensus numbers decline following earnings."

 CNBC's Tae Kim and Patti Domm contributed to this report.Blackstone is expanding its presence in the nearly $300bn market for US subprime car loans, while some of its competitors are showing signs of throttling back.

The world's biggest private equity firm pushed into car loans in 2011, buying a majority stake in Exeter Finance, a subprime specialist based in Irving, Texas. Blackstone has since injected more than $400m into the company and poached its senior management team from Santander Consumer, the biggest US subprime auto lender.

The company's loan portfolio expanded about 10 per cent to $3.4bn in 2017. This year, Exeter has jumped four places in the ranks of the top issuers of securities backed by subprime car loans, according to S&P Global. Exeter has already issued $1.1bn of such securities this year, not far from its 2017 total of $1.4bn, putting it second only to Santander's $3bn.

"Exeter has grown its portfolio and is going to grow it even more this year, given its strong performance," said Martin Brand, a senior managing director at Blackstone, who oversees the firm's investment in Exeter and other financial institutions.

Private-equity firms moved into subprime car loans in the years after the financial crisis, as big banks pulled back under tighter supervisory standards and tougher rules on capital. Perella Weinberg, for example, bought a majority stake in Flagship Credit Acceptance in 2010 while Lee Equity Partners bought out Skopos Financial a year later.

But some of these subprime lenders have run into trouble, hurt by losses on loans and the higher cost of funds. Recent closures of private equity-backed lenders include Pelican Auto Finance, shut down by its sponsor, Flexpoint Ford. Flagship, meanwhile, reduced its portfolio by 8.5 per cent through 2017, with losses on recent deals running higher than expected, according to S&P.

Flexpoint, Flagship and Perella declined to comment.

"Some companies funded by private equity are decreasing their origination volumes year over year," said Amy Martin, head of subprime auto ratings at S&P. "We think that is a sign of equity not supporting the company with respect to their growth goals but it could also be an indication that they are trying to improve credit quality and tightening lending standards."

Data on pools of subprime loans originated by Exeter show cumulative net losses of about 20 per cent. That compares with average annualised losses of 8.3 per cent in 2017 across all subprime car loans, according to S&P.

According to the New York Fed there were $282bn of subprime loans outstanding at the end of the third quarter last year. The Fed defines subprime as borrowers with credit scores of less than 620 on the commonly used FICO scale.

"I think [subprime lending] provides an important service because it is often the only way these consumers can get a car and travel to their jobs," said Mr Brand of Blackstone. "Our credit performance is improving year over year, our profitability is improving and our position in the market is improving."

More from the Financial Times:

People love fitness trackers, but should employers give them out?

CFTC: deliberate defaults may be 'market manipulation'

Blackstone's Japan move highlights governance fightAnalysts have warned the energy market is extremely sensitive to any geopolitical developments, especially regarding the outcome of the Iran nuclear deal and sanctions.

"Sometimes people forget that actually, it was not that long ago we were down at $28 a barrel  I think oil prices today feel a bit frothy," Brian Gilvary, CFO at BP, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Tuesday.

Crude futures stood within $1 of highs not seen in more than three years on Tuesday morning, amid a broad price recovery which has helped the resurgence of some of the world's largest oil and gas groups in recent quarters.

Oil prices look to have climbed to unsustainable levels and could soon start to fall away from multi-year highs, BP's chief financial officer (CFO) told CNBC Tuesday. Crude futures stood within $1 of highs not seen in more than three years on Tuesday morning, amid a broad price recovery which has helped the resurgence of some of the world's largest oil and gas groups in recent quarters. "Sometimes people forget that actually, it was not that long ago we were down at $28 a barrel  I think oil prices today feel a bit frothy," Brian Gilvary, CFO at BP, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Tuesday. He added the recent uptick in crude futures had most likely been driven by elevated global demand and a stronger-than-expected alliance to OPEC-led production cuts.

Iran nuclear deal

The price of oil collapsed from highs of almost $120 a barrel in June 2014 due to weak demand, a strong dollar and booming U.S. shale production. OPEC's reluctance to cut output was also seen as a key reason behind the fall. But, the oil cartel soon moved to implement output cuts  along with other oil-producing nations  in late 2016. Alongside Russia and other allied producers, OPEC has spearheaded an ongoing international effort to try to clear a global supply overhang and prop up prices. The agreement, which came into effect in January 2017, has already been extended through until the end of this year  with producers scheduled to meet in June to review policy. The output controls have widely been viewed as a success, with several major global producers honing in on achieving their original aim of reducing industrialized oil nations' back to their five-year average.Carlsberg's first-quarter sales fell 5 percent, weighed by a negative currency impact and lower volumes in the key Russian market where its market share continued to decline, the Danish

brewer said on Tuesday.

First-quarter sales came in at 12.70 billion crowns ($2.06 billion), below the 12.89 billion forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts.

The company, which did not disclose earnings figures, said it still expected mid single-digit organic growth in operating profit this year.WHEN: Today, Tuesday, May 1, 2018

WHERE: CNBC's "Squawk on the Street"  Live from the Milken Institute Global Conference 2018

Following is the unofficial transcript of a CNBC interview with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and CNBC's David Faber on CNBC's "Squawk on The Street" (M-F 9AM  11AM) today, Tuesday, May 1st. Following is a link to video from the interview on CNBC.com: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/05/01/commerce-secretary-ross-talks-tariffs-china.html?play=1.

All references must be sourced to CNBC.

DAVID FABER: WELCOME BACK TO THE MILKEN CONFERENCE. I'M DAVID FABER HERE IN LOS ANGELES. AND WELCOME BACK TO "SQUAWK ON THE STREET" AS WELL. I'M JOINED BY THE U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY NOW, WILBUR ROSS. THANKS FOR BEING HERE.

WILBUR ROSS: GOOD TO SEE YOU DAVID.

FABER: NICE TO SEE YOU, TOO. WE HAD A CHANCE TO TALK ABOUT A YEAR AGO HERE. BUT YOU'VE CERTAINLY BEEN WITH MY COLLEAGUES PLENTY AND WITH US AS WELL VIA THE WONDERS OF TELEVISION RECENTLY. BUT THINGS ARE ALWAYS CHANGING. SO LET'S START WITH SOME OF THE RECENT NEWS: WE HAVE EXTENDED THE EXEMPTION TO THE 232 TARIFFS FOR THE EU 

ROSS: YES.

FABER: -- FOR A MONTH.

ROSS: YES.

FABER: WHY?

ROSS: BECAUSE WE'RE HAVING SOME POTENTIALLY FRUITFUL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT AN OVERALL REDUCTION IN TRADE TENSIONS BETWEEN THE EU AND OURSELVES.

FABER: AND WHAT DOES "PRODUCTIVE TALKS," MEAN? WHAT DOES THAT ACTUALLY INVOLVE?

ROSS: WELL, WHAT IT MEANS IS THAT WE'RE GETTING INTO A WHOLE LOT OF TOPICS. THERE HASN'T BEEN SERIOUS DISCUSSION WITH THE EU SINCE THE TTIP TALKS BROKE OFF SHORTLY BEFORE THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CAME IN. SO THERE ARE A LOT OF ISSUES. AND WE'RE HOPEFUL THAT SOMETHING GOOD WILL COME OUT OF IT.

FABER: IS IT SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN IMAGINE CONTINUES SO THERE IS YET ANOTHER EXTENSION AND ANOTHER? WOULD THAT BE TYPICAL OR AS TIME GOES BY SHOULD WE LOOK FOR SOME SORT OF MARKER THAT EITHER YOU'VE MOVED TO CLOSE TO AGREEMENT OR NOT?

ROSS: WELL I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ANY ATTENTION OF PROTRACTED EXTENSIONS. THAT DEFEATS THE WHOLE PURPOSE. EU IS AROUND 15% OF ALL STEEL WE BRING IN, SO IF WE ARE GOING TO IMPOSE IT WE'LL HAVE TO DO IT PRETTY SOON OR ELSE PEOPLE WILL START GAMING THE SYSTEM.

FABER: SOUTH KOREA HAS GOT THE EXEMPTION THEY WANTED FOR GOOD, CORRECT?

ROSS: WELL IT'S NOT AN EXEMPTION. SOUTH KOREA AGREED TO 

FABER: RIGHT.

ROSS: TARIFFS ON THE ALUMINUM AND TO A VERY LOW QUOTA, 70% OF THEIR 2015 - 17 AVERAGE SHIPMENT. SO I WOULDN'T CALL THAT AN EXEMPTION. IT FITS IN VERY WELL.

FABER: UNDERSTOOD. YOU ARE LEAVING FOR CHINA LATER TODAY.

ROSS: YES, THIS EVENING.

FABER: WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTATIONS  WHO ARE YOU MEETING WITH OVER THERE?

ROSS: WELL WE'RE MEETING WITH THE SENIOR PEOPLE. IT WILL BE SECRETARY MNUCHIN, MYSELF, AMBASSADOR LIGHTHIZER, LARRY KUDLOW AND PETER NAVARRO.

FABER: AND THE COUNTER PARTS THAT YOU'LL BE NEGOTIATING WITH ARE  ARE WHO?

ROSS: THE SAME PROPORTIONATE LEVEL PEOPLE.

FABER: AND THE EXPECTATIONS, AGAIN, GOING INTO THESE TALKS WHEN WE REPORT ON THEM OR HEAR THINGS. SHOULD WE BE THINKING THAT YOU'RE GOING TO COME BACK WITH SOME SORT OF A DEAL? DO YOU GO IN HOPING YOU'LL ACTUALLY REACH AN AGREEMENT OR IS IT PART OF JUST MORE TALKING THAT IS GOING TO CONTINUE BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES?

ROSS: THERE HAS BEEN TALKING BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS. PRESIDENT TRUMP IS OF THE VIEW IT IS NOW TIME FOR ACTION.

FABER: SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

ROSS: WELL OUR TRADE DEFICIT IS TOO BIG AND TOO CONTINUING, TOO CHRONIC AND TOO INSPIRED BY EVIL PRACTICES.

FABER: ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC THEN? I MEAN, TYPICALLY IN  BEFOR CONVERSATIONS LIKE THE ONES YOU ARE GOING TO BEGIN TOMORROW, THE GROUNDWORK HAS BEEN LAID. HAS IT BEEN LAID FOR YOU TO POTENTIALLY REACH AGREEMENT? DO YOU KNOW WHETHER THE CHINESE HAVE COME TO A CERTAIN PLACE WHERE THERE IS NOT THAT MUCH DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES?

ROSS: YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE YOU ARE UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY GET INTO THE CONFERENCE ROOM. AND IT'S NOT MY PRACTICE TO NEGOTIATE THINGS IN THE PRESS ROOM, AS YOU KNOW. SHOULD BE IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM.

FABER: ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC?

ROSS: I WOULDN'T BE GOING ALL THE WAY OVER THERE IF I DIDN'T THINK THERE WAS SOME HOPE.

FABER: "SOME HOPE." THAT DOESN'T SOUND OPTIMISTIC.

ROSS: I CAN'T PREJUDGE BECAUSE THESE TALKS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR A VERY LONG TIME. THE ISSUES ARE VERY SQUARELY IN FRONT OF EVERYONE. THE CHANGED INGREDIENT IS WE DO HAVE THE 232s PENDING AND WE ALSO HAVE THE 301 PENDING REGARDING INTELLECUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. SO THAT'S A DIFFERENT FRAME OF REFERENCE FROM WHAT WE'VE HAD BEFORE.

FABER: I UNDERSTAND THAT. YOU KNOW IT'S FUNNY, THE 232 THE TARIFF SIDE AND THEN THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SIDE GET LINKED BUT THEY'RE VERY DISTINCT. I MEAN, IS IT POSSIBLE YOU COULD FEEL AS THOUGH YOU HAVE VICTORY ON ONE AND NOT ANOTHER BUT YOU'RE OKAY WITH THAT? BECAUSE STEALING INTELLECUAL PROPERTY OR FORCING COMPANIES TO SHARE IS A VERY DIFFERENT THING THAN DUMPING STEEL OR ALUMINUM.

ROSS: WELL, NOT REALLY. IT'S REALLY ALL ABOUT BEHAVIOR. STEEL AND ALUMINUM DEAL WITH TODAY'S WORLD, WHAT IS RIGHT NOW. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS DEAL WITH THE FUTURE. WE HAVE TO SAFE GUARD BOTH WHAT'S GOING ON TODAY AND THE FUTURE. AND IN FACT ON IPR, NEXT MONTH THE PATENT OFFICE WHICH IS PART OF COMMERCE WILL ISSUE ITS 10 MILLIONTH PATENT. 10 MILLION PATENTS. NO COUNTRY HAS EVER REMOTELY APPROACHED THAT TOTAL. THAT'S OUR FUTURE, IS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.

FABER: YEAH, IT'S INTERESTING IN TALKING ABOUT THAT. OF COURSE OUR FUTURE IS ALSO THINGS LIKE 5G AND WIRELESS

ROSS: SURE:

FABER: WHICH HAS COME UP A LOT IN OUR CONVERSATIONS. YESTERDAY WE HAD THE CEOS OF T-MOBILE AND SPRINT WHO ANNOUNCED THEIR DEAL. VERY FOCUSED ON THAT AND SAYING THAT CHINA IS AHEAD OF US. IS IT TRUE?

ROSS: YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS REALLY AHEAD OR BEHIND UNTIL IT IS TRULY PERFECTED. NOBODY HAS 5G TOTALLY PERFECTED YET. I THINK THE PITCH THAT SPRINT AND T-MOBILE ARE MAKING IS AN INTERESTING ONE THAT THEIR MERGER WOULD PROPEL VERIZON AND AT&T INTO MORE ACTIVE PURSUIT OF 5G. WHOEVER PURSUES IT, WHOEVER DOES IT, WE'RE VERY MUCH IN SUPPORT OF 5G. WE NEED IT. WE NEED IT FOR DEFENSE PURPOSES. WE NEED IT FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. WE REALLY NEED TO BE THE PLAYER IN 5G.

FABER: SO THAT IS ONE OF THE PRIORITIES FOR THIS ADMINISTRATION?

ROSS: OH, FOR SURE. WE CAN'T NEGLECT THE IMPORTANT PARTS OF TECHNOLOGY.

FABER: WE'VE TALKED TO YOU MANY TIMES, OF COURSE, OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, WILBUR. BUT WHAT COMES UP A LOT IN OUR CONVERSATION WITH YOU AND WITH OTHER EXPERTS RELATED TO CHINA TRADE IS TPP. AND I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY PEOPLE WE HAVE ON  FROM BOTH THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT  WHO SAY WE NEVER SHOULD HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM TPP.

ROSS: WELL, I COULDN'T DISAGREE MORE WITH THEM. TPP WAS A FLAWED DEAL. AND IF YOU GO ROLL THE CAMERA BACK TO NOVEMBER OF 2016, WHOEVER WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO TPP. HILLARY CLINTON CAME OUT AGAINST IT SEVERAL TIMES. PRESIDENT TRUMP CLEARLY WAS AGAINST IT. THERE WAS NO WILL, NO POLITICAL WILL IN EITHER PARTY, IN THE CONGRESS FOR TPP.

FABER: I  YOU KNOW YOU'VE OBVIOUSLY SAID FLAWED. THE PRESIDENT IN HIS INTERVIEW WITH JOE KERNEN SOME TIME BACK ALSO TALKS ABOUT THAT AS WELL. WHAT'S THE FLAW? WHAT IS THE KEY PROBLEM? BECAUSE THE PRESIDENT AT LEAST HAS ENTERTAINED THE IDEA OF POTENTIALLY CONSIDERING GOING INTO IT IF THE CONDITIONS WERE RIGHT. BUT WHAT ARE THE FLAWS AND WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS WE WOULD NEED TO CONSIDERABLY REENTER?

ROSS: WELL THE PRESIDENT HAS ALWAYS SAID THAT IF THE TERMS OF THE DEAL THAT MATTER. AND ONE OF THE MANY FLAWS IN THE TPP WAS THE RULES OF ORIGIN. AS YOU KNOW THAT IS A BIG TOPIC IN THE NAFTA TALKS RIGHT NOW. BUT IT IS EVEN WEAKER PROVISION IN TPP THAN WE HAD IN THE OLD NAFTA, THE NAFTA 1.0. SO THAT'S JUST ONE OF MANY EXAMPLES. IT WAS A FLAWED ARRANGEMENT AND WAS WAS NOT PARTICULARLY A PRO U.S. ARRANGEMENT IN OUR VIEW. SOME PARTS WERE OKAY BUT A LOT OF THE PARTS WERE NOT. WHEN THE PRESIDENT WITHDREW HE DIDN'T WITHDRAW FROM ASIA, NOT BY A LONG SHOT. HE WITHDRAW FROM A FLAWED DEAL.

FABER: YOU'RE  IT'S NOT YOUR EXPECTATION THAT THERE'S GOING TO BE A WAY FOR US TO THEN REENTER TPP?

ROSS: IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE TERMS. RIGHT NOW OUR PLATE'S A LITTLE BIT FULL IN THE TRADE AREA SO IT' IS NOT SOMETHING THAT'S GONNA BE DONE TODAY OR TOMORROW.

FABER: THE CONTINUED FOCUS ON TRADE DEFICITS IS SOMETHING ELSE MANY PEOPLE DISCUSS. SOME DISMISS THE FOCUS ON IT AND THE IDEA THAT IT'S A ZERO SUM GAME  THAT'S CHINA'S GAIN IS OUR LOSS AND VICE VERSA. AND THEY POINT TO GROWING BUDGET DEFICITS AS ONE OF THE KEY REASONS THAT WE HAVE A TRADE DEFICIT. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TWO. DO YOU BUY THAT CONNECTION?

ROSS: NO, I DON'T. IF YOU LOOK AT A CHART ABOUT CHINA'S HISTORY, GDP WAS BUMPING ALONG. SUDDENLY THEY GET ADMITTED TO THE WTO. IT ZOOMS. TRADE CIRCLES SUDDENLY ZOOM. OURS SUDDENLY GO BAD. THAT IS NOT A FUNCTION OF TRADE DEFICIT. THAT'S A FUNCTION OF BEHAVIOR.

FABER: SO WHEN YOU GO TO CHINA TONIGHT AND BEGIN YOUR MEETINGS, HOW MANY DAYS, BY THE WAY, ARE YOU SCHEDULED TO BE THERE?

ROSS: IT ALL DEPENDS ON HOW WE PROGRESS. BUT WE EXPECT TO BE BACK OVER THE WEEKEND.

FABER: OVER THE WEEKEND. BUT CONCEIVABLY COULD BE A NUMBER OF DAYS.

ROSS: WELL, IT COULD BE SHORTER IF IT'S NOT SATISFACTORY.

FABER: WELL, ALRIGHT. SO IF YOU'RE COMING THURSDAY, WE'RE GONNA  WE MAY HAVE A BAD DAY ON THE MARKETS.

ROSS: WE'RE NOT THERE TO SEE  TELL TEMPLES.

FABER: DO YOU GO IN KNOWING WHAT CONSTITUTES VICTORY?

ROSS: WE HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA OF WHAT WE NEED TO COME OUT WITH. BUT ANYTHING THAT IS DISCUSSED OVER THERE WILL COME BACK TO THE PRESIDENT FOR APPROVAL. BECAUSE FOR SURE EVEN IF THEY CAME IN ON MOST THINGS WE WANTED, FOR SURE THERE WILL BE SOME THINGS THAT PERHAPS ARE NOT TOTALLY SATISFACTORY. SO THIS IS GOING TO COME BACK TO THE PRESIDENT. THIS WON'T BE SUDDENLY IN BEIJING A BREATHTAKING RELEASE "EVERYTHING IS SOLVED."

FABER: UNDERSTOOD. WHAT WOULD REPRESENT A SETBACK IN YOUR OPINION?

ROSS: I DON'T THINK ANYTHING MUCH CAN BE A SETBACK.

FABER: WHY NOT? I DON'T UNDERSTAND. WHY NOT?

ROSS: BECAUSE IF WE DON'T MAKE A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT WE WILL PURSUE THE 232s AND IMPOSE THEM. WE'LL PURSUE THE 301 AND IMPOSE IT. SO ONE WAY OR ANOTHER WE ARE GOING TO DEAL WITH THIS RECURRING PROBLEM OF TRADE WITH CHINA.

FABER: BUT THAT WILL REQUIRE TO A CERTAIN EXTENT SOME SACRIFICE ON THE PART OF AMERICANS. WHETHER IT IS FARMERS WHO ARE NO LONGER GOING TO BE ABLE TO SELL SOYBEANS OR ANY NUMBER OF OTHER AREAS OF AMERICAN INDUSTRY THAT CONCEIVABLY WILL FIND THEMSELVES AT THE MERCY OF THE BACK AND FORTH HERE AND WHAT THE CHINESE MAY DECIDE TO RESPOND IN KIND, RIGHT?

ROSS: WELL, SURE. THE CHINESE HAVE ANNOUNCED WHAT THEIR RESPONSE WOULD BE. THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS ANNOUNCED WHAT ITS RESPONSE WILL BE. BUT AS YOU KNOW THE PRESIDENT HAS A COUPLE OF IDEAS THAT I THINK ARE QUITE TRUE. NUMBER ONE, WE ARE THE ONES IN THE DEFICIT POSITION. THAT MEANS THEY HAVE MORE TO LOSE AT THE END OF THE DAY THAN WE DO. NOW, WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE TRYING TO COMMIT SUICIDE HERE. WE DON'T WANT TO HAVE THEM DIE AND US DIE. BUT IT'S A FACT THEY HAVE MORE RISK THAN WE DO. SECOND, WHEN THEY RAISE TARIFFS SAY ON OUR SOYBEANS, THE PROBABILITIES ARE THEY'RE GONNA RAISE THEIR OWN COSTS. THEY DON'T BUY ANYTHING FROM US AT A PREMIUM PRICE JUST TO BE NICE TO THE U.S. THAT MEANS IF WE'RE NOT SELLING IT TO THEM THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO GET SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS NOT GOING TO CHARGE THEM AS LOW A PRICE. AND PARTICULARLY RIGHT NOW BRAZIL SUPPLIES A MAJORITY OF THE SOYBEANS TO CHINA. WE SUPPLY AROUND 30%. FOR BRAZIL TO REPLACE ALL OF OUR SOYBEANS THEY WOULD HAVE TO EXPORT 60% MORE TO CHINA. WELL GUESS WHAT, IF THEY HAD 60% MORE AT THE RIGHT PRICE THEY'D HAVE SOLD IT TO THEM ALREADY. SO REAL WORLD THEY WOULD HAVE TO DIVERT PRODUCT FROM SOME OTHER MARKET TO SELL IT TO CHINA. PROBABLY THEY WOULD WANT A FURTHER PREMIUM FOR DOING THAT FOR DISRUPTING HISTORIC CUSTOMER RELATIONS. AND IF THEY DID THEN THE PEOPLE IN THAT OTHER COUNTRY STILL NEED SOYBEANS AND WE COULD SELL THEM. SO I THINK IT IS FAR MORE COMPLICATED THAN I WILL POKE YOU, YOU POKE ME. TRADE IS AN INFINITELY COMPLEX THING. DOESN'T LEND ITSELF TO VERY SIMPLE CONCLUSION.

FABER: ALRIGHT, WELL WE WISH YOU LUCK IN YOUR ON COMING TRIP

ROSS: THANK YOU.

FABER: AND YOUR NEGOTIATIONS AND APPRECIATE YOUR TAKING SOME TIME.

ROSS: GOOD TO SEE YOU, DAVID.

FABER: GOOD TO SEE YOU, TOO. WILBUR ROSS, THE U.S. COMMERCE SECRETARY. CARL, BACK TO YOU.

For more information contact:

Jennifer Dauble

CNBC

t: 201.735.4721

m: 201.615.2787

e: jennifer.dauble@nbcuni.com

Emma Martin

CNBC

t: 201.735.4713

m: 551.275.6221

e: emma.martin@nbcuni.com

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For more information about NBCUniversal, please visit http://www.NBCUniversal.com.BP's finance chief does not believe there is any evidence to support the story that the oil giant's chief executive was once poisoned in a Russian plot.

Bob Dudley, the American boss of the British oil major, was thought to have been forced to leave Moscow in 2008 after blood test results showed he was slowly being poisoned, British newspaper The Sunday Telegraph reported, citing a former employee of BP.

"I think that firmly sits in the category of urban myth," Brian Gilvary told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Tuesday. "I served on the TNK board for two terms, one with Bob and one when Bob left, but the story seems to do the rounds every three, four or five years."

"I think it is a complete urban myth and there is absolutely no substance to that story that we're aware of within the company," he added.

Rumors of the plot  which was said to have been orchestrated by Russian security services  first circulated in 2014.



At the time of the alleged incident, Dudley was running a profitable joint venture called TNK-BP.The stock market isn't even lower on trade concerns because investors hope President Donald Trump gets lucky on China, CNBC Jim Cramer said Tuesday.

"We're in suspended animation here," Cramer said on "Squawk on the Street," adding investors are finding it difficult to commit capital to stocks such as industrials without knowing the conclusion of the Trump administration talks with China later this week.

The "Mad Money" host said earlier this week, "The world has turned, our market has turned on anything industrial believing that there is going to be a dramatic slowdown because of our trade war."

Cramer added on Tuesday, "I think people are starting to fear the president gets lucky and gets China," meaning if the U.S. and China don't end up in a trade war sellers of the market might get caught on the wrong side of the trade.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox Business on Monday he is "cautiously optimistic" about an upcoming meeting with officials from the world's second-largest economy, adding the Trump administration is looking to have a frank conversation on trade.The EPA announced last month it would revise standards set by the Obama Administration, which Administrator Scott Pruitt called "too high." The EPA and Department of Transportation have proposed eight separate options to the White House, though freezing the standards at 2020 levels has emerged as the preferred path to revision, The New York Times reported.

The country's most populous state is leading a coalition of 17 states and Washington, D.C., in a lawsuit aimed at defending new standards aimed at raising fuel efficiency and curbing greenhouse gas emissions from the nation's fleet of passenger vehicles. Together, the states and the District of Columbia make up 43 percent of the U.S. automobile market.

California filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Environmental Protection Agency over the Trump administration's intention to weaken fuel efficiency standards for automobiles.

The evidence is irrefutable: today's clean car standards are achievable, science-based and a boon for hardworking American families.

A legal challenge from the Golden State was widely anticipated. A provision built into the Clean Air Act gives California the right to set its own fuel efficiency standards, and state officials vowed to defend that right ahead of EPA's announcement last month.

Pruitt telegraphed a challenge to California's special status in April, saying federalism "doesn't mean that one state can dictate standards for the rest of the country."

Gov. Jerry Brown, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the California Air Resources Board filed the suit on Tuesday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The suit asks the court to set aside and hold unlawful the process the EPA began last month to revise the fuel efficiency standards.

The suit argues the agency and Pruitt acted arbitrarily and capriciously, did not follow regulations and violated the Clean Air Act in making a final determination that "the current standards are not appropriate and should be revised." That determination kicked off the official revision process.

"The evidence is irrefutable: today's clean car standards are achievable, science-based and a boon for hardworking American families. But the EPA and Administrator Scott Pruitt refuse to do their job and enforce these standards," Becerra said in a statement.

The EPA did not immediately return a request for comment.

In his final determination last month, Pruitt said the Obama administration cut short an evaluation period meant to assess whether the nation's automakers could realistically achieve the EPA's previously established standards. The Obama EPA determined the standards were achievable, but Pruitt concluded that determination was wrong.

The so-called corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE standards, were set to roughly double from 2010 levels to about 50 miles per gallon.

The jurisdictions taking part in the suit are California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington state and Washington, D.C.European equities closed mixed on Tuesday as most bourses were closed for the Labor Day public holiday.

The U.K.'s FTSE 100 closed provisionally 0.15 percent higher, with other prominent benchmarks  from the likes of Germany, France and Spain  all shut for the day.

Just Eat was among the top performers, up by 4 percent. The company reported a 24 percent increase in U.K. orders in the first quarter of the year and a jump in revenues of 49 percent.

BP shares rose 1.8 percent. The company said that profits surged 71 percent amid the rally in oil prices.

In other corporate news, the U.K. competition and markets authority submitted its opinion on the 21st Century Fox-Sky merger to the U.K. government on Tuesday. Culture Minister Matt Hancock is set to give his verdict on the takeover by June 13.

In terms of data, U.K. manufacturing PMIs came in below expectations at 53.9, against an expected 54.8. As a result, sterling fell to a 15-week low of $1.3683.

The poor data narrow the chances that the Bank of England will announce a rate hike Thursday.Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes told CNBC on Tuesday he doesn't think the social media giant has done enough to protect its users' personal data.

The issue over privacy came to the forefront after the research firm Cambridge Analytica was recently accused of improperly accessing the personal user data of as many as 87 million Facebook users.

Hughes said it is now a question of what Facebook and others will do next, and whether that should include government intervention.

"It's not just enough to trust the corporations. I think that there's a role for public policy as well," he told Brian Sullivan on "Closing Bell" from the Milken Institute Global Conference.

He believes public pressure should be kept up on companies to make sure data are secure. At the same time, there should be something like a data privacy bill of rights or some type of "consumer data protection bureau that makes sure that there's the rule of law when it comes to these questions," he said.

Hughes, a Harvard dormmate of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, was the early spokesperson for the social network. He also worked on the products team.

Hughes left Silicon Valley to help organize the online efforts for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.

"There is a sense all of these companies have gotten very big very fast. Perhaps too big," said Hughes, now co-chair of The Economic Security Project.

During his congressional testimony in April, Zuckerberg acknowledged it is "inevitable" there will need to be some regulation of social media.

"I also think you have to be careful about what regulation you put in place," the CEO said.

Hughes said while companies can and should innovate, they should also make sure that data is protected and that "people can share in the upside," he said.

"A small group of companies is creating historic level of profits" from that consumer data, he said.

He thinks they can put about 5 percent into a sovereign wealth fund and then cut a dividend check.The company that makes Gibson guitars and Baldwin pianos filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection early Tuesday amid what it called a "devastating" financial fall.

Nashville, Tenn.-based Gibson Brands requested court protection from its creditors, saying it had support from many of them for a deal that would allow the company to survive.

Founded in 1894, the company said it planned to continue designing, building and selling musical instruments and equipment, including other brands such as Wurlitzer, Dobro, Epiphone, KRK and Cerwin Vega.

But the company said it would kill its Gibson Innovations unit, which makes Philips-branded headphones, speakers and other electronic accessories.

Known for providing instruments to stars such as Elvis Presley, BB King, Keith Richards, Pete Townsend and Lenny Kravitz, Gibson sells more than 170,000 guitars annually in more than 80 countries, according to a court filing. The company claims market share of more than 40 percent in electric guitars above $2,000.Not so long ago, at the height of the so-called euro zone crisis, the phrase "Greek debt" graced headlines and news bulletins on a daily basis, and remained at the forefront of investors' minds for weeks if not months at a time.

In the current age of Brexit and Conservative Party resignations, that is no longer the case. But for Greek citizens who have suffered years of government cuts and international opprobrium, the issue has never faded from the national consciousness. And that holds just as true for an army of European bureaucrats and politicians who are now tasked with closing the book on what many consider to have been the most frightening chapter in modern Europe's financial history.

In a couple of weeks' time a group of international debt inspectors will land in Athens, where they will gain access to the Greek government accounts and pore over its policy proposals for what may be the final time. If this team of forensic economists comes away satisfied with the local authorities' reform efforts, as well their finances, it should in theory mean that European leaders will be able to settle on a long-term plan for the struggling country's hundreds of billions of euros in outstanding debts by the end of June.

The unraveling then repackaging of Greece's national debts has proved a long and tortuous journey for all involved, with eight years of tight supervision by a handful of foreign governments and funds, over the course of three separate bailouts. But unless a major roadblock appears between now and then, August 20 will mark the first day in almost a decade that Greece's leaders  most prominently Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his finance chief Euclid Tsakalotos  would regain full control over their own spending. The alternative  a continuation of foreign supervision of government accounting that exists today  would be far from politically palatable for Tsipras as he prepares for national elections next year.

For that to be avoided though, decisions beyond his direct control will need to be taken. For not only must the Greeks themselves show that they have met the dozens of various commitments imposed on them by their creditors, with further progress still required in areas such as the privatization of state assets, reforms to the energy sector, and rules around property foreclosures. But euro zone finance ministers must agree on how the country's debt load  currently equivalent to 180 percent of GDP (gross domestic product)  can be reduced, delayed or otherwise recalculated.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has thus far very publicly refused to participate in the current bailout round, which formally ends in August, because its in-house models for Greece's economy indicate the current debt repayment program is not sustainable  even though Athens has managed to beat some recent budgetary predictions. The continued absence of the IMF poses a potential problem for Greece's investors  both current and future  since the Fund's involvement in a debt program tends to boost confidence that repayments can and will be made by a nation that has previously faced default.Then-National Rifle Association First Vice-President Sandra Froman waves to the crowd after making remarks during opening ceremonies of the NRA's national meeting April 15, 2005 in Houston.

Amalgamated Bank, which describes itself as promoting socially responsible causes, wants Sturm Ruger to agree to a list of demands involving gun safety and sales practices by this Friday or it says it will withhold its vote for Froman. The company, it says, is too closely tied to the NRA.

One big campaign is against an NRA-connected director on the board of Sturm Ruger & Co ., one of the nation's largest gun makers. Groups are threatening to withhold their votes for Sandra Froman's renomination as director to the board, where she has been a member since 2015. Froman has been a director of the National Rifle Association for 26 years and was its president from 2005 to 2007.

Next week, activist shareholders will make their first attempt at shaking up the gun industry using their votes instead of just their voices.

The relationship between Sturm and the NRA "may inhibit the ability of your company's Board to accurately evaluate the risks the company faces," Amalgamated's CEO, Keith Mestrich, wrote in a letter to the company last month. "The NRA plays a key role in shaping the gun industry's response to calls for gun control measures, opposing even incremental changes and common sense reforms supported by a majority of gun owners."

Sturm Ruger's meeting comes just days after the NRA holds its annual meeting this weekend in Dallas, where Vice President Mike Pence is among the scheduled speakers.

A Sturm Ruger spokesman didn't return a call for comment. And a request to Froman for comment, made by way of an NRA spokesman, also wasn't returned.

Another community group, Majority Action, is organizing retail investors to push big fund companies like BlackRock and Vanguard, Sturm Ruger's biggest shareholders, to assert their voting power. The group organized about six weeks ago, seeing now as a crucial moment for changing the gun industry.

"We were looking at how you enable everyday investors to access the levers of power when it comes to holding companies accountable," said James Rucker, its co-founder, who is on the board of directors of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

But even before these recent demands, controversy was certain to erupt at Sturm Ruger's meeting, scheduled to take place May 9 at a resort in Arizona thousands of miles from its Connecticut headquarters. The company has a factory in the area.

Wednesday's vote will be the first test this year of a proposal by a faith-based shareholder group urging the nation's gun industry to act after recent extreme examples of gun violence.

Specifically, that proposal, backed by the Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment, asks gun makers like Sturm Ruger to prepare a report about the financial and reputational risks associated with their business. The coalition plans to introduce a similar proposal on the proxy of American Outdoor Brands, which typically holds its meetings in the fall.

Two major shareholder voting advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis, have thrown their support behind the coalition's proposal, Sturm Ruger's board, on the other hand, is advising shareholders to vote against it. "We believe that firearms safety is a laudable and appropriate goal," it said in the proxy. "However, we also believe that adequate safety practices and procedures are available."

BlackRock said in a note to clients in March that it is time to take action on gun violence, adding it could use its position as a large shareholder to vote against boards and management and back shareholder proposals management doesn't like. But it won't comment about how it plans to vote its 2.8 million shares next week.

Several companies connected to the gun industry have changed their policies in recent weeks in response to the upswell of protests after a shooting in a Florida high school in February left 17 people dead. Major retailers such as Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods put limits on gun sales, and banks like Citigroup said it would restrict gun sales by business partners.

Fund managers like BlackRock and State Street said they would start a dialogue with gun makers about what they are doing to promote safety. BlackRock has even rolled out new funds that specifically remove stocks of gun makers and sellers.

Amalgamated wants the gun maker to publicly endorse universal background checks, funding for government to to crack down on illegal distribution, and funding for government research into gun safety and public health. They also want a commitment to responsible distribution contracts, monitoring of distribution chains and investments in gun safety technology and commercialization.

Froman, 68, is a lawyer and long-time gun industry supporter. The Southern Poverty Law Center found her name in a 2014 member directory of a secretive ultra-conservative group called the Council for National Policy. Tax forms from 2015 and 2016 filed by that organization list her as treasurer.

The year she became president of the NRA, the gun lobby won a crucial legal battle in the form of a new law limiting liability claims against gun makers. That same year, a donor program for the NRA launched and, as reported by Bloomberg in 2012, took in nearly $15 million from gun-related companies.

Froman has pointed to Smith & Wesson's decision in 2000 to voluntarily comply with certain gun safety measures as its downfall. Grassroots gun supporters forced the company into bankruptcy after it made that "deal with the devil," she has said.

"The grass roots is a powerful force that the government can't control and can't fight," she said in a speech in 2011 to a group that supports knife ownership. "Just look at what's happened with the rise of the Tea Party movement. Most of the battles that NRA has won have been won by sheer political power."

The NRA is said to be the subject of fresh scrutiny about its ties to a Russian government official recently sanctioned by the U.S. That official, Alexander Torshin, is a lifetime NRA member, CNN reported Friday.

One of Torshin's former aides, Maria Butina, the founder of the Russian group "Right to Bear Arms," was hosted by Froman as part of the annual NRA Women's Leadership luncheon in 2014. Butina posted a photo of the two on her blog back then, calling Froman a "legendary woman."

Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun safety group that began as an organization founded by former New York major Michael Bloomberg, also details the NRA's connections to Russians, including Torshin and Butina, on its website.

The proxy advisory services have advised shareholders to vote in favor of all the of the directors nominated to Sturm Ruger's board, including Froman. ISS did note that Sturm Ruger has a contract with the NRA for some of its promotional and advertising activities and paid the group $800,000 last year.When Apple gaps higher immediately following its after-hours earnings report, the next day it typically gives back some of that gain, declining by an average of nearly 1 percent between the opening and closing bells.

Birinyi Associates studied Apple's post-earnings behavior since 2009. It found Apple stock has gapped up, or shot higher 65 percent of the time right after its earnings report, in the period between the earnings release in the after-hours market session to the last price in pre-market trading."Even if he isn't questioned under oath, Trump could still open himself to charges if he lies to Mueller's team, since lying to the FBI is also a crime."

Trump also has a long history of not listening to his lawyers when it comes to lawsuits and his preparation of them. Even if he isn't questioned under oath, Trump could still open himself to charges if he lies to Mueller's team, since lying to the FBI is also a crime.

Trump would likely make the obstruction case for Mueller if he would agree to be questioned under oath. The obstruction of justice area of inquiry illustrates the difficulty Trump would face if he agrees to questioning by Mueller. Mueller would have to establish that Trump acted with "corrupt intent" in trying to derail the Russian probe. This is an extraordinarily high burden.

He'd ask why Trump instructed his White House counsel to urge his attorney general not to recuse himself and raged at Jeff Sessions' failure to protect Trump from the probe. No answer Trump gives will help end the probe. Rather, it will make Mueller's case.

Mueller earned his reputation for being an extraordinarily effective prosecutor. He worked for 12 years in the U.S.'s Attorney office and has investigated and prosecuted crimes ranging from major financial fraud to public corruption cases. Trump and his lawyers simply don't know what information Mueller has, and who has flipped and provided information to him.

Optically, staying quiet would give the president's critics a field day at his expense. Refusing an interview with Mueller could have steep political costs and be seen as an implicit admission of guilt by the president. But misleading the special counsel will likely end his presidency.

There is truly nothing to gain for the president by cooperating with Mueller but there is an impeachment to lose. Only four sitting presidents have been deposed in our country's history. One of those presidents, Bill Clinton, was impeached for lies he told during that deposition. If Trump agrees to be questioned by Mueller, he will likely end up in the same position.

Commentary by Andrew Stoltmann, a Chicago-based attorney who has handled a broad range of both criminal and civil matters in federal and state court. Stoltmann primarily represents defrauded investors in lawsuits across the country against companies like Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, and UBS. Stoltmann is an adjunct securities law professor at Northwestern's School of Law in Chicago. Follow him on Twitter @stoltmann1971.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.

Correction: An earlier version of this article said sitting presidents can't be subpoenaed or forced to answer special counsel inquiries. It is unclear whether that is the case and it could become an issue for the Supreme Court to decide.A man is seen as a silhouette as he checks a mobile device whilst standing against an illuminated wall bearing Telegram's logo.

Iran's judiciary court has blocked the use of messaging app Telegram, according to state media.

The ban, effective as of Monday, relates to concerns of the popular service being used to coordinate illegal activity, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran's government-funded and controlled news agency.

Telegram was used by anti-government protestors during widespread unrest earlier this year. The country banned the use of the service during those protests, but only temporarily.

Telegram is considered to be the most popular messaging app in Iran. It is estimated that more than 40 million Iranians are signed up to the app. Iran has a population of more than 80 million.

Iran has been promoting a homegrown messaging app called Soroush instead. The app reportedly contains emojis that feature veiled women calling for "Death to America."

The Islamic country's clampdown comes hot on the heels of a move by Russia's communications regulator to bar domestic access to Telegram. The FSB, Russia's intelligence agency, had tried to gain access to Telegram's encryption keys but the company refused.

Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder and CEO, has called for "digital resistance" to Russia's Telegram ban, in the belief that it will compromise Russians' human rights.

Internet censors in both countries are able to filter what websites and apps people can gain access to. To get around this, some use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access websites as if they are connecting to it from a different country.

Russians protested the Kremlin's move to block Telegram at a march in Moscow on Monday, in support of internet freedom and privacy.LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault regrets selling his shares of Apple too early and said that he "should have kept them until today."

Speaking to CNBC's "The Brave Ones," the French businessman said that he was "lucky" to have met Steve Jobs after the tech founder had turned to him for advice at the turn of the millennium on whether to launch Apple stores.

"And I don't know if you will remember but at that time every competitor of him was telling it was crazy to open (a) store for Apple. I remember Dell was saying that. Obviously they were wrong because Apple stores are a big success.""What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?" the question asks.

One question in particular is raising new concerns about whether Trump's campaign actively sought help from Moscow  and highlights campaign chief Paul Manafort in the process.

Despite President Donald Trump 's insistence to the contrary Tuesday , potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia is, indeed, a focus of four dozen questions special counsel Robert Mueller reportedly submitted to Trump's legal team.

It's one of the questions Mueller's team submitted to Trump, The New York Times reported Monday evening. The newspaper said someone outside Trump's legal team provided the list.

The Trump campaign did not respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Prior media reports have documented attempts from Russian sources to reach out to Trump's campaign. Most notably, Trump campaign officials, including Manafort and Donald Trump Jr., met Kremlin-connected lawyers in a now-infamous June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower. The Russians had promised damaging information on Trump's political opponent, Hillary Clinton.

But the question about campaign outreach to Russia flips the script, giving a new thrust to the much-debated possibility that Trump's campaign may have initiated, rather than merely accepted, contact with President Vladimir Putin's regime.

"The list of questions does seem to be a road map for what Mueller is interested in, and it's interesting from that perspective," said Michael German, a former FBI special agent and current fellow with the Brennan Center for Justice's Liberty and National Security Program.

"The questions seem formulated to solidify elements of chargeable offenses," German added in an interview with CNBC.

German cautioned, however, that Mueller's question may in fact be based on publicly available information.

Specifically, The Washington Post reported in September, citing people familiar with the discussions, that Manafort in 2016 offered to provide a Russian oligarch with Trump campaign briefings.

"If he needs private briefings we can accommodate," Manafort reportedly told an intermediary of the Kremlin-linked billionaire, Oleg Deripaska, in an email dated July 7, 2016.

No evidence surfaced that Deripaska received, or responded, to the email, the Post reported.

Trump on Tuesday criticized the Times for publishing the questions, calling the "leak" of the list of questions "disgraceful."

He also said that there were "no questions on collusion" in the list. Although the word "collusion" is not specifically used, multiple questions ask Trump to provide his knowledge of his campaign officials' contacts with Russian sources.

Trump tweet

Trump tweet 2

The White House did not respond to CNBC's request for comment.

While Trump said the "phony crime" of collusion "never existed," David Shapiro, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said that lawyers generally stick to the "rule of thumb" of "never ask a question unless you already know the answer."

But, he added, the inclusion of the question could also be a strategic move by Mueller's team.

"There may be a sort of bluffing aspect," Shapiro said. "Lawyers are crafty folks."

According to the Times, some of the other questions were:

When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting?

What discussions did you have during the campaign regarding any meeting with Mr. Putin? Did you discuss it with others?

During the campaign, what did you know about Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign?

What did you know about communication between Roger Stone, his associates, Julian Assange or WikiLeaks?

What did you know during the transition about an attempt to establish back-channel communication to Russia, and Jared Kushner's efforts?Longtime advocates say we're closer than ever to adopting the program.

Political philosopher and economist Karl Widerquist remembers a poll from 10 years ago that showed just 12 percent of Americans approved of a universal basic income. That's changed  and quickly. Today, 48 percent of Americans support it, according to a recent Northeastern University/Gallup survey of more than 3,000 U.S. adults. The survey looked at universal basic income as a solution for Americans who have lost jobs to automation. "It represents an enormous increase in support," said Widerquist, an associate professor at Georgetown University in Qatar and an advocate for a universal basic income. "It's really promising." Proposals for universal basic income programs vary, but the most common one is a system in which the federal government sends out regular checks to everyone, regardless of their earnings or employment. Pilots programs are underway in Canada and rural Kenya. India  with a population of more than 1.3 billion residents  is considering establishing a universal basic income as well. Finland's trial with a universal basic income, in which payments were given to 2,000 unemployed people, will come to an end this year. Other experiments are still ongoing.

People are saying, 'Look we cannot let inequality continue to grow because the political consequences could be a disaster.' Guy Standing co-founder of the Basic Income Earth Network

Y Combinator Research, based in Oakland, California, started a test of a basic income last year and is raising funds to expand the research project. This year, in Stockton, California, Mayor Michael Tubbs' Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration will give several dozen low-income families $500 each month in a study of basic income. Alaska residents have each received a payment annually for decades from the Alaska Permanent Fund, which has ranged from around $330 to more than $2,000. These examples are an opportunity to refute many of the myths about a universal basic income, said Guy Standing, co-founder of the Basic Income Earth Network. He recently spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on the subject. "The claim is often made that if you give people a basic income, they'll become lazy and stop doing work," Standing said. "It's an insult to the human condition. "Basic incomes tend to increase people's work rather than reduce it." That's because research has shown that a basic income can improve people's mental and physical health, Standing said, as well as encourage them to pursue employment for reasons more meaningful than just a need to put food on the table. Rising income inequality and its effects have triggered a "perfect storm" for basic income, Standing said. "People are saying, 'Look we cannot let inequality continue to grow, because the political consequences could be a disaster'," Standing said, pointing to the recent rise of more authoritarian figures.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's detailed accusation that Iran lied about its nuclear program makes little difference to the fate of its nuclear deal, according to analysts.

Neytanyahu delivered a visual-heavy presentation Monday that claimed to prove Tehran secretly pursued developing nuclear weapons, in a bid to undermine support for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 agreement signed with six major world powers to curb its nuclear program in exchange for economic sanctions relief.

"Tonight, I'm here to tell you one thing. Iran lied, big time," he said in a televised statement from Israel, displaying a trove of files comprising 55,000 pages of documents and 183 CDs he called an "atomic archive."

Diplomats and intelligence experts, however, have refuted the idea that these documents prove anything beyond what they already knew when the deal was signed  that Iran certainly did pursue nuclear arms development, which then led to stringent international sanctions and ultimately the negotiation for a deal. During the 2015 negotiations, Iran was suspected of lying about the military dimensions of its now-shelved nuclear program from 2003. But the experts said Israel's evidence still does not point to a violation of the JCPOA or current pursuit of a bomb.

So, rather than shock supporters of the deal into opposing it, which may have been among Netanyahu's aims, the presentation has left the JCPOA's fate largely unchanged. It's most likely to fail regardless, analysts said.

"It is unclear whether any new information regarding Iran's nuclear activities was revealed or any new argument for scrapping the nuclear deal," said Hasnain Malik, global head of equity research at Exotix Capital.Sanofi and Regeneron have agreed to lower the price of their cholesterol medicine in exchange for easier access for patients covered by pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, the first of a number of deals the drugmakers hope to strike to increase use of the medicine.

The Sanofi and Regeneron drug, called Praluent, will also be the only one in its class covered on Express Scripts' 25 million-member National Preferred Formulary Plan, which will exclude a competing medicine made by Amgen, the companies said Tuesday.

Amgen and Express Scripts shares were down nearly 2 percent in Tuesday's premarket, while Regeneron and Sanofi were down less than 1 percent.

Praluent's new price will be $4,500 to $8,000 per year, the range recommended in March by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, or ICER, an unaffiliated pharmacoeconomics group, Regeneron said. That's down from a list price of $14,600 set when the drug was approved in 2015.

The price reduction will come in the form of a rebate; the list price itself won't change. In March, Regeneron and Sanofi said they planned to strike such deals because so many patients were having trouble accessing the drug due to barriers from insurers and high co-pays.

"This paradigm-shifting agreement is designed to break the gridlock so that Praluent is finally able to reach patients most in need," Regeneron Chief Executive Officer Len Schleifer said in a statement Tuesday. He noted cardiologists in the U.S. "have experienced unprecedented challenges in securing access for Praluent for patients who were clearly appropriate, but were denied coverage."

Praluent, along with Amgen's drug, Repatha, is in a class of medicines known as PCSK9 inhibitors, first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2015 to lower LDL, or so-called bad cholesterol, in patients who don't get enough benefit from statins like Lipitor.

The medicines were expected to be commercial blockbusters, given the millions of Americans with high cholesterol, but sales have disappointed. Praluent drew $195 million in 2017 revenue, while Repatha brought in $319 million.

Analysts expected that longer-term studies proving that the drugs help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke would help spur sales; Amgen's results came last year, while Regeneron and Sanofi's were reported in March.

But with the latter results, Regeneron and Sanofi also pledged to lower the price of Praluent to try to open up access, after a pattern of reimbursement trouble Schleifer started referring to as "#deniedRx."

A report in March took the new data into consideration. ICER calculated two price ranges for Praluent based on patients' risk levels. The $4,500 to $8,000 range was for higher-risk patients: those who had had a recent coronary event, like a heart attack, with LDL cholesterol of more than 100 milligrams per deciliter, despite intensive treatment with statins.

For all other patients who had recently had an acute coronary event, ICER recommended a price of $2,300 to $3,400 per year for Praluent. The deal with Express Scripts is for all patients eligible for the medicine.

A spokeswoman for Amgen, Kristen Davis, said Tuesday that the company is "disappointed" with Express Scripts' decision to exclude Repatha from its National Preferred Formulary, noting the pact will affect about 2,000 patients taking the medicine.

Davis also noted the plan represents about a third of Express Scripts' business, and "Amgen can still compete for the other two-thirds where we are continuing to offer significant discounts and rebates on Repatha in exchange for improved patient access."

Sales of Repatha more than doubled in the first quarter, compared with the same period last year, to $123 million.

"We have been aggressively negotiating with several payers for months now to expand patient access to Repatha," Davis said. "We are offering significant discounts that are in line with our competitors and have multiple offers pending."

Express Scripts Chief Medical Officer Steve Miller said the decision to only cover Regeneron and Sanofi's drug on that plan came down to the clinical data.

"The reason to exclude the Amgen product is: while both of them work in a very similar manner, the data is really good for Praluent," Miller said in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box" Tuesday.

Citing the longer-term study data presented in March, Miller noted "the drug could actually decrease heart attacks, decrease strokes, but actually also decrease mortality. So this drug can allow people to live longer and better lives."

The agreement is also designed to streamline prescribing of the medicine, the companies said.

Starting July 1, physicians will have to fill out a simplified form confirming the medicine is appropriate for the patient, based on what it has approved to treat and the patient's profile. The companies call that a "significant simplification" from the current system, which requires multiple steps and lots of paperwork, from lab results to detailed patient histories.

Also starting in July, Express Scripts will pass a portion of the rebates from Regeneron and Sanofi directly to patients, aiming to lower their out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. Payers are increasingly adopting these so-called point-of-sale rebates amid the debate over drug prices. That's a change from the practice of distributing rebates across plan beneficiaries to lower premiums.

Regeneron said it's in active discussions with other payers to strike similar deals.Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer and founder of Facebook, speaks during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.

The United States is failing to keep up with Europe in regulating technology corporations like Facebook and Google, a congressman told CNBC on Monday.

Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Maryland, said that he was concerned about the U.S.'s lack of tools for dealing with tech companies that fail to prevent the misuse of users' data.

Facebook has been under fire since it emerged that the data of millions of users was improperly harvested by Cambridge Analytica, a data analytics firm that briefly worked for the Donald Trump election campaign.

"I think the U.S. is in a position of needing to catch up," Representative Sarbanes said in a phone interview. Sarbanes said he was unsure whether government bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) "have the kind of dedicated expertise" to deal with data protection and privacy issues.

"I think that Europe's done that better, because there are governmental bodies that are dedicated to this kind of oversight and accountability and making sure they build that capacity and that expertise to be able to keep up," Sarbanes said. "I think that's something that the U.S. should look at potentially as well."

Congressman Sarbanes said he was also concerned by fake news on Facebook during the 2016 presidential election and allegations that misinformation was driven by Russia. Facebook deleted more than 270 pages and accounts associated with Russia's Internet Research Agency, a so-called "troll farm" based in St. Petersburg.

He said that the likes of Google and Twitter were in a similar position to Facebook in terms of the amount of data that is collected from users.

Sarbanes was one of several lawmakers that confronted Facebook's Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg during a committee hearing last month.

Zuckerberg told lawmakers that his own data had been compromised as a result of the scandal and that Facebook failed to notify the FTC about the leak of users' data to Cambridge Analytica. The analytics firm obtained the Facebook data through a quiz app called "This Is Your Digital Life," made by Cambridge University academic Aleksandr Kogan.

Commentators have said that U.S. politicians did not ask the Facebook CEO difficult-enough questions.

In the U.K., Facebook's CTO admitted that the social network did not read the terms of Kogan's app and did not notify the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), Britain's data watchdog, immediately after it learned of the sharing of data with Cambridge Analytica.

Europe is about to introduce a huge data law that could charge companies fines of up to 4 percent of global turnover if they fall foul of the legislation.Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein hit back Tuesday against Trump-allied Republican lawmakers who drafted articles of impeachment against him, saying "the Department of Justice is not going to be extorted."

"They can't even resist leaking their own drafts," Rosenstein joked.

C-SPAN tweet

He said that the reported articles of impeachment are only the latest threats against him.

"They've been making threats, privately and publicly, against me, for quite some time," he said, "and I think they should understand by now, the Department of Justice is not going to be extorted."

He added, "Any kind of threats that anybody makes are not going to affect the way we do our job."

Rosenstein's remarks came during an event at the Newseum in Washington, less than a day after news reports revealed that Republicans in the conservative House Freedom Caucus drafted articles of impeachment as a "last resort" against the Justice Department's second in command.

Rosenstein appointed special counsel Robert Mueller to conduct the probe into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. President Donald Trump has repeatedly called the investigation a "witch hunt."

At the Tuesday event, Rosenstein defended his department's practices against the threat from Congress, using the example of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, warrants as an example. Some Republicans, including members of the House Intelligence Committee's Republican majority, have accused the Justice Department of seeking warrants against Trump-connected figures based on political bias.

Rosenstein contrasted the measures of personal accountability involved in submitting a FISA warrant with the articles of impeachment that leaked against him this week.

"I just don't have anything to say about documents like that, that nobody has the courage to put their name on, and that they leak in that way," Rosenstein said.

Preet Bharara, who was fired as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York by Trump, took to Twitter to weigh in on Rosenstein's comments. Bharara said Rosenstein "spoke deliberately, forcefully and provocatively," and stated: "Maybe a reckoning is at hand."

Preet Bharara tweet 1

Preet Bharara tweet 2"In fact, they bought back shares, a few gave out bonuses; there's no evidence whatsoever that the money's been massively poured back into the American worker."

"There is still a lot of thinking on the right that if big corporations are happy, they're going to take the money they're saving and reinvest it in American workers," Rubio said in the interview published Thursday .

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio , in a move that may undercut his party's message about the recent tax overhaul ahead of the 2018 midterm elections, told the Economist magazine there is "no evidence whatsoever" the law significantly helped American workers.

The tax overhaul, which sailed through the Republican-controlled U.S. Congress in December without Democratic support, permanently cut the top corporate rate to 21 percent from 35 percent. Tax cuts for individuals, however, are temporary and expire after 2025.

Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have said their tax overhaul will lead to more take-home pay for workers and have touted the bonuses some workers received from their employers as evidence the law is working. Rubio voted for the proposal even though he had lobbied party leaders for a larger child tax credit.

Rubio's staff did not deny he made the statement.

"Senator Rubio pushed for a better balance in the tax law between tax cuts for big businesses and families, as he's done for years. As he said when the tax law passed, cutting the corporate tax rate will make America a more competitive place to do business, but he tried to balance that with an even larger child tax credit for working Americans," Rubio spokeswoman Olivia Perez-Cubas said in an email.

The tax law is Republicans' only significant legislative achievement since Trump took office as they head into the midterms, when all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and about a third of the 100-member Senate's seats are being contested.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said earlier this month that the tax bill, as written, is projected to add $1.9 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.Confidence among America's small-business owners remains near an all-time high, despite concerns about how the Trump administration's trade policies might impact businesses in the coming months. For the first time since CNBC and SurveyMonkey began taking the pulse of Main Street more than a year ago, a majority of small-business owners across the country say business conditions are "good."

The CNBC/SurveyMonkey Q2 Small Business Confidence Index dipped to 61, down from the record first-quarter reading of 62. The decline can be attributed to a sharp increase in the number of small-business owners who expect trade policy to have a negative impact on their businesses in the next year. That number rose from 17 percent in the first quarter, to 28 percent in this quarter's poll.

The index is calculated on a scale from 0100 and is based on the responses to eight key questions. A zero indicates no confidence, and a score of 100 indicates perfect confidence. The quarter-to-quarter change is within the margin of error.

The CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey, an online poll with responses from more than 2,000 small-business owners each quarter, was conducted from April 1117.

"Concerns about trade having a negative effect on small business is at an all-time high this quarter," said SurveyMonkey's chief research officer, Jon Cohen. "This is the first time since we started doing the survey that we have a year-on-year comparison, and we've been asking about trade not just after the White House raised prospects of implementing tariffs, but we've been asking this question for five quarters."Small business employees saw their wages grow last month at the strongest rate in more than two years, according to a report from human resources firm Paychex.

Hourly earnings in April increased at an annual rate of 3.25 percent, the best showing since 2016. Wages of $26.56 per hour last month were up 2.69 percent, or 70 cents, from a year ago.

(Source: Paychex)

"The low unemployment rate is contributing to steady increases in wage growth," Martin Mucci, Paychex president and CEO, said in the report released Tuesday. "With tightening labor conditions and wages continuing to show positive momentum, business owners and HR managers will need to focus on recruitment and benefit strategies to attract and retain qualified talent."

However, the overall Small Business Jobs Index of business conditions declined 0.12 percent from last month to 99.53.

(Source: Paychex)

Tennessee remains the top-ranked state for small business job growth, Paychex said. Arizona ranks first in annual hourly earnings growth. The manufacturing sector has seen the pace of small business growth improve nearly 1 percent from last year.

Paychex  a provider of payroll, human resource, insurance and benefits outsourcing services for small-to-medium-sized businesses  draws its numbers from client payroll data.

In a separate study out Tuesday, the CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Survey found that confidence among America's small business owners remains near an all-time high, despite concerns about President Donald Trump's trade policies. The online poll, with responses from more than 2,000 small business owners each quarter, was conducted from April 1117.

The surveys come three days before the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases its closely watched April employment data. Nonfarm jobs grew less than expected in March, but average hourly earnings rose more than forecast.T-Mobile CEO John Legere (R) and Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure pose for pictures on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, April 30, 2018.

Several years ago, Sprint's largest shareholder, SoftBank, quietly approached two of the nation's top regulators with a question: If Sprint were to merge with T-Mobile, would the government approve it?

The answer was an emphatic no.

"The idea of eliminating a pesky rival may have made sense for Sprint, but not for the American consumer," Bill Baer, the former assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's antitrust division, and Tom Wheeler, the former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, disclosed last year in an essay warning about the prospect of a T-Mobile-Sprint deal. "We made that clear, and Sprint reluctantly ditched the idea."

Well, fast-forward to this past weekend: Sprint and T-Mobile have disregarded that earlier guidance and announced a merger that they argued would "provide U.S. consumers and businesses with lower prices, better quality, unmatched value, and greater competition." They contend that AT&T and Verizon need a viable player to battle against, and that unless they merge, the wireless industry will become less competitive.

More from The New York Times:

How Would a T-Mobile-Sprint Merger Affect Your Cellphone Bill?

Pitch Behind T-Mobile-Sprint Merger: Keep Up With China in 5G

Sprint and T-Mobile to Merge, in Bid to Remake Wireless Market

No matter how much hyperbole Sprint and T-Mobile expend trying to sell the deal, it is hard to see how this merger won't turn into a battle with regulators. The transaction would reduce the number of wireless carriers from four to three and, importantly, eliminate competition from Sprint, which has held prices down across the industry by operating as the lowest-cost carrier. To some analysts and market experts, it is a textbook example of a merger that would normally be blocked.

"It would not surprise me if they can come up with an economist with a model that says this is all unicorns and cupcakes," said Michael Kades, formerly a lawyer at the Federal Trade Commission and now the director of markets and competition policy for Washington Center for Equitable Growth. "But the market concentration is presumptively anticompetitive."

Just look at the share prices of AT&T and Verizon after the deal was announced: They hardly moved. If investors truly believed that a combined T-Mobile-Sprint would be a competitive threat and drive down prices, shares in AT&T and Verizon would have fallen significantly.

T-Mobile and Sprint are going to have to overcome basic math as well. One of the tools regulators use to assess the competitiveness of an industry is a formula called the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. If the index produces a result of more than 2,500 points, the industry is considered highly concentrated and the government starts poking around. If it determines that a deal would cause the number to jump by more than 200 points, it is considered pre-emptively anticompetitive.

So here are the numbers on Sprint and T-Mobile: If they were allowed to merge, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index for the wireless industry would go from 2,825  already over the threshold  to 3,258, a jump of more than 400 points, according to the statistics firm Statista.

Of course, Sprint and T-Mobile are doing everything they can to shape the narrative and suggest that the marketplace is much larger.

"This isn't a case of going from four to three wireless companies  there are now at least seven or eight big competitors in this converging market," John Legere, T-Mobile's chief executive, who would become the combined company's leader, said in a statement. He said that the industry is in a mash-up with cable players like Charter and Comcast that are trying to get into wireless, and that AT&T is now the largest TV provider in the country.

It is true that the wireless and cable industries are likely to continue to transform over the next decade, but it is far from clear how the market will be divided. The efforts by the cable companies to get into the wireless game are nascent and, at least so far, unproved.

For better or worse, regulators generally make their assessments based on the current marketplace; they are not prophets.

Part of T-Mobile-Sprint's argument is that the combined company could rapidly deploy the next generation of wireless technology, known as 5G, and that its progress in that area would force AT&T and Verizon to move faster.

"Only the combined company will have the network capacity required to quickly create a broad and deep 5G nationwide network in the critical first years of the 5G innovation cycle  the years that will determine if American firms lead or follow in the 5G digital economy," the companies said in a statement.

They also suggest, perhaps trying to align themselves with President Trump's jobs agenda, that the merger would create more, not fewer, jobs.

But many analysts are not convinced.

"I don't think that is credible," Craig Moffett, a veteran telecommunications analyst from the firm MoffettNathanson, said of the claim about jobs. "And AT&T and Verizon are going to do 5G anyway."

The argument that a merger would make the United States more competitive with other countries in wireless technology is a long shot. The Department of Justice doesn't usually consider nationalism arguments when considering proposed mergers. And Mr. Kades, of the equitable growth center, pointed out that the government is already investigating AT&T and Verizon over allegations they colluded to make switching carriers more difficult, creating an even greater incentive to keep as many competitors in the market as possible.

Mr. Moffett said he put 50-50 odds on the deal's being approved. "It comes down to whether the D.O.J. decides to use the traditional lens of consumer welfare as measured by consumer prices," he said, "or whether they use an unconventional lens about access to new technologies."

He speculated that Sprint could privately take a different approach with regulators behind closed doors, arguing that it "is a failing firm absent this merger and that there is no real path to sustainability without T-Mobile."

That might generate some sympathy from regulators given the hemorrhaging of cash at Sprint and the additional funds it will need to build out a 5G network. But if history is any guide, it wouldn't help the deal's chances of being approved.

Back in 2011, AT&T tried to buy T-Mobile, and one of the arguments for the deal then was that T-Mobile needed a lifeline. The government blocked the merger.

"T-Mobile has not just survived but thrived," Mr. Moffett said, noting that regulators "are still taking victory laps" for the competition that ensued after it blocked that transaction.

Even if Sprint were to fall into bankruptcy several years from now, it isn't as if it would disappear. It would most likely go through a restructuring and would probably be snatched up by a cable operator, creating even more competition.

Would it be fair for Sprint to have to go it alone? Maybe not. The company is clearly the laggard in the industry and desperately needs to gain scale. But our antitrust laws were not created simply to help struggling companies; they were constructed, ultimately, to benefit customers.

(Disclosure: Comcast is parent of CNBC.)Do you check your work email in bed? Do you eat lunch at your desk? If this sounds like you, it may be time to re-evaluate your work-life balance. Not only can having a more balanced life make you happier but it can also make you a more productive employee.

Some companies are better at promoting this kind of equilibrium than others. Job search site Indeed analyzed over 72 million reviews to assess which companies are the best at encouraging work-life balance.

Here are the 15 companies that are best at helping employees achieve a balance between the personal and the professional:CNBC's Josh Lipton and Jim Cramer spoke to Apple CEO Tim Cook about March quarter earnings, where Cook tried to dispel negative sentiment about iPhone sales.

In particular, he dismissed the idea that a longer upgrade cycle would hurt Apple:

"The important thing from my point of view is the iPhone active install base has been growing double digits and is still growing double digits. So what does it mean? It means that on a conceptual basis that there are a lot more iPhones being deployed new than are being retired. And that's really great for us and that's part of the reason why services went up 31 percent last quarter," Cook said.

Cook also noted that the iPhone X marks the only time that the top-tier iPhone was the best selling.

Here's an approximate transcript:

Tim Cook: We had our best Q2 ever. Revenues were up 16 percent year-over-year, earnings per share were up 30 percent year-over-year. Revenue was powered by iPhone growing 14 percent, services growing 31 percent, and the category that we call other products the watch, the AirPods, and home pod etc, grew 38 percent year-over-year. So, it was a terrific quarter.

iPhone was powered by iPhone X. iPhone X was the most popular iPhone each and every week of the quarter, and that's of course, on top of last quarter, it was also the most popular iPhone every week since its launch. So, the iPhone X has been a huge success and it's the first time since we split the lineup back at iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus that the top model has been the top-selling model. That's unprecedented in that history.



Services, not only were a record for Q2, but all-time record for any record in our history. And it was broad-based. Each of our major geographies grew over 25 percent, and we had Many many services that did really well from the App Store which set an all-time record, to iCloud to Apple Pay to Apple Music and more. All of these services were hitting all-time records. Our paid subscriptions for the quarter, exceeded 270 million by the end of the quarter. That is up a 100 million, over a 100 million year-over-year. So we are seeing an enormous move to services that includes both our services and the third party services that we sell on the iOS App Store and the App Store TV-O apps.



If you look at the iPad, iPad grew both units and revenue for the fourth consecutive quarter and the new iPad that we announced at the end of March and an education event has been very very well-received and we are looking forward to have tons of those out there to education and consumer.



In terms of geographies, Greater China grew 21 percent, which was our best growth rate in Greater China in two and a half years. So we are incredibly proud of that.

From a cash return point of review, we bought $23.5 billion of our shares back during the quarter which was the largest amount we have ever done for any quarter, in our history and we are announcing today that the board has approved a $100 billion buyback and a 16 percent increase on dividend which is our largest increase on dividend since we launched it back in 2012. It was an incredible quarter. From a guidance point of view, we are guiding revenue between $51.5 billion - $53.5 billion for our fiscal Q3.

Any questions?

Josh Lipton: So last time we talked Tim, after Q1 results, you said the iPhone X was the best selling iPhone and that still holds true?

Tim Cook: Yes.

Josh Lipton: How does that shape maybe how you think about the opportunity on the high end versus lower-priced models now looking ahead?

Tim Cook: I think there are customers...with the market being so large for smartphones, it is essentially most people in the world, you need a variety of phones that meet individual needs. So we will have as we do today, a range of products from entry to top of the line.

Josh Lipton: The iPhone ASP [average selling price], in the holiday quarter, it had jumped to $796. I know for this quarter the street was looking for about $742. Looks like iPhone ASP actually clocked in at $728.

Tim Cook: If you remember, in the call last quarter, [chief financial officer Luca Maestri] made this point during the Q and A session that as you head into Q2, we lower channel inventory on iPhone. In particular, we lowered it by 1.8 million units. I think that was much more than the Street anticipated. And if you look at where we lowered it, we lowered it disproportionately on the high end of the line and we anticipated that and we told everybody in January that that obviously means that the sell-in ASP which is the $729 that you are quoting, is less than the sell through ASP.

Josh Lipton: Let me take a step back from this quarter, Tim. It's something we talk a lot about at CNBC is consumers are holding onto iPhones for longer. There is a recent survey where 60 percent of users were holding onto iPhone for two or more years, according to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners, that was compared to 51 percent twelve months ago. What is the impact of the lengthening of this cycle on Apple's business?

Tim Cook: I think the upgrade cycle has a different story in each country so most people in this country talk about upgrade cycles of this country. So if you think about the U.S., over time the U.S. went from a traditional subsidy model where people were paying $199 instead of $599 or $699 for a phone, and so when that subsidy model went away and people began paying installment payments instead, there has been a lengthening of the replacement cycle in the U.S. In some countries that didn't occur. And also in some countries, there was never a traditional subsidy, it was always buying the phone at price. So you see different stories in different countries so it's very hard to talk about it at aggregate.

But the important thing from my point of view is the iPhone active install base has been growing double digits and is still growing double digits. So what does it mean? It means that on a conceptual basis that there are a lot more iPhones being deployed new than are being retired. And that's really great for us and that's part of the reason why services went up 31 percent last quarter. We have been talking about this for several quarters, many quarters, to bring people's attention to it because it's very important and last quarter we exceeded $9 billion in services revenue in a single quarter.

Josh Lipton: So at least in countries and geographies like the U.S. where there is a lengthening of the upgrade cycle, that same consumer is buying more Apple products and services than they used to? Is that one way of looking at it?

Tim Cook: It means that there are a lot more people to buy...yes, that is true too, but the bigger point that it makes is that a lot more people have an iPhone and are using it, that means that a lot of iPhones that we sell and a lot of people forget this, are sold to people who are new to iPhone which are either people switching from a different kind of smartphone or people who are buying a smartphone for the first time. There is still a fair number of people around the world, that are buying a smartphone for the first time. That may seem strange to us because we have been using it for ten years but it's not so strange for many people.

Josh Lipton: You talked about Greater China, can you walk us through demand trends in mainland China?

Tim Cook: Yes, iPhone X was the most popular smartphone in all of China last quarter. So that is a powerful statement I think when we have the very top phone being the most popular smartphone there. The demand trends are 21 percent revenue there is powered by three main areas  iPhone, of course, is growing. In order to grow 21 percent at the country level in Greater China you have to grow really well at the iPhone level. But also the Mac is growing and took share and services are growing. Services was very powerful last quarter.

Josh Lipton: Did you see any impact of escalating trade tensions between U.S. and China?

Tim Cook: No, I don't think so. I am pretty optimistic there.

Josh Lipton: You are? Why, Tim?

Tim Cook: Why, because I think that China and the U.S. have this unavoidable mutuality, where the U.S. can only win if China wins, China can only win if U.S. wins and the world can only win if both win. I mean it's pretty much that simple. So if you look at what history tells us that countries that are the most open and most diverse do the best. And the folks that are closed and least diverse, their citizens do the worst. And it tells us that again and again and again. And I think both countries know that. And so yeah I am optimistic.

Josh Lipton: Do you think Apple is insulated from those tensions because of the [investments] on the ground there?

Tim Cook: You know, never gonna say we are insulated from anything. We do many things in China, we have large operations there, we are running our company on a 100 percent renewable energy which is a big deal in China and very much a outlier in doing that. We also have really encouraged more than a 1.5 million app developers that are writing apps for iOS and the App Store so we have people there focus on everything from manufacturing to developing and I think we have become a key part of the community.

Josh Lipton: Services, Tim. You budgeted $1 billion for original programming in 2018. RBC estimates that Netflix stands at $2 billion, Amazon at $3 billion.

Tim Cook: We never announced $1 billion, that's rumor and scuttlebut, so I am not going to comment on what size budget we got.

Josh Lipton: So let me ask, how do you judge the success of original programming? Will it bother you if Apple wasn't mentioned in the same breath in the awards season?

Tim Cook: We haven't even announced what it is yet. Why don't you ask me that after we announce what it is.

Jim Cramer: You approved another $100 billion [in buybacks]. How much did you have left over, so what's the total you'll be buying?

Tim Cook: We have $10 billion left over, and we are announcing today as well that ten will be completed during this quarter and we will start on the $100 billion.

Jim Cramer: How do you get a step-function up 100 million in services, that's just rather remarkable, and what do you regard as your installed base now?

Tim Cook: The active install base is over 1.3 billion. We had mentioned that last quarter and although we are not providing a number this quarter, it's higher than what it was last quarter so it's continuing to move up, double-digit on a year-over-year basis. So what you have got is you have more services for customers to pick from, and a lot more devices that are out there and a lot more customers out there that are buying. That's essentially what's behind the services revenue.

Jim Cramer: Do you want to try to talk to me about what Fortune size company?

Tim Cook: We have already surpassed a Fortune 100, and what we have said is versus where we were in '16, we are going to double by 2020, that would mean we would be at least a $48 billion per year services business.

Jim Cramer: You did pull out wearables, is wearables therefore a real mover or is it just something you're proud about?

Tim Cook: Our revenues grew almost 50 percent and that is very much powered by the watch and AirPods. So it was another record quarter for the watch, we have really hit an air pocket with the cellular series 3, and we had more carriers adopt it so in the quarter including starting in mainland China on that. And so it is doing extremely well. And that one we did say, if you look on a backwards basis, we are a Fortune 300 company already in the wearable space.

Jim Cramer: Anything about customer [satisfaction]?

Tim Cook: The customer sat of iPhone X is coming in at 99 percent. It's just so unbelievable, we are so proud for that. And it's actually 99 percent for the combination for X, 8 and 8 Plus so the new lineup.



We are doing extremely well with switchers.

Jim Cramer: If you look at where your workforce is right now, divided between U.S. and China, you have hired so many people in the U.S.

Tim Cook: Yes, we have hired a tremendous number. China is more of a story of the population around developers, which don't work for us directly but their economic engine is the App Store, and people in our manufacturing partners is a big piece of the China employment as well. We have a sizable employee population there but smaller than the U.S.

Josh Lipton: We had Qualcomm's CEO on CNBC recently, and he suggested that when you are going to be deposed in that case, that you might feel more inclined to settle. Is that how you feel?

Tim Cook: Unfortunately when you are the CEO of a big company these days, you get deposed quite a bit, and so depositions don't motivate me to do anything. We have never wanted to be in this lawsuit, we went into it reluctantly, because we had no choice. And so, if they begin to sort of admit the problems we would love to find another approach. I find no joy out of it either, it just doesn't bother me to have to do it.

Disclosure: Cramer's charitable trust owns shares of Apple.If the Trump administration decides to slap steel and aluminum tariffs on some allies, it will have to do so "very soon," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

On Monday, the White House said it extended the May 1 deadline for tariff exemptions on allies such as the European Union, Canada and Mexico for another 30 days. Ross said the White House has "no intention of protracted extensions" and wants to make a decision soon to curb alleged trade abuses.

"If we're going to impose it, we're going to have to do it pretty soon, or else people will start gaming the system," the Commerce secretary told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" on Tuesday.

The U.S. and EU have held "potentially fruitful discussions," and Ross said he hopes the entities can potentially avoid tariffs. The Trump administration has already permanently exempted South Korea from tariffs because the country agreed to quotas under a new trade deal. It could also exempt countries such as Argentina, Australia and Brazil due to a separate agreement to address trade practices.

Trump has contended international dumping of steel and aluminum has hurt American producers of the metals. He proposed the tariffs in part to follow through on campaign promises to crack down on what he calls unfair trade practices.Bornstein said Schiller, who at the time was director of Oval Office operations at the White House, and his team did not give him a form signed by Trump that would have authorized the release of the records they took, "which is a violation of patient privacy law," NBC News noted.

That was just two days after Bornstein, who had been Trump's doctor since 1980, told The New York Times that he had prescribed the president the hair-growth medicine Propecia for years.

Dr. Harold Bornstein told NBC News that the "raid" by Trump's longtime personal bodyguard Keith Schiller and another "large man" came on Feb. 3, 2017, and that they were joined by the Trump Organization's chief legal officer, Alan Garten.

President Donald Trump 's former longtime doctor says he felt "raped, frightened and sad" after a top White House aide conducted a "raid" on his New York City medical offices and took the president's health records last year, according to a new report.

Bornstein also said the men asked him to take down a photograph on the office wall that showed Trump and the doctor together. In that photo, Trump is giving his signature "thumbs-up" gesture.

The doctor also was quoted as saying that Trump cut ties with him after the Times story.

"I couldn't believe anybody was making a big deal out of a drug to grow his hair that seemed to be so important," Bornstein said.

"And it certainly was not a breach of medical trust to tell somebody they take Propecia to grow their hair. What's the matter with that?"

Bornstein gained notoriety in 2016 when he wrote a letter claiming that, if elected, Trump would be the healthiest American president ever, calling Trump's health "astonishingly excellent."

Bornstein was not available for comment when CNBC called his office.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders, when asked about Bornstein account on Tuesday, said, "It would be standard procedure for the president, a newly elected president's medical records, to be in possession by the White House medical unit."

"And that's what was taking place," Sanders said at a press briefing. "Those records were being transferred to the medical unit, as requested."

Schiller left the White House last fall. After that, CNBC reported in February that his private security firm had been collecting $15,000 per month for services provided to the Republican National Committee.People watch a television news screen showing pictures of US President Donald Trump (C) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (R) at a railway station in Seoul on November 29, 2017.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the time and place of a critical summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un could be announced in the coming days.

The president did not give any more details on the meeting, during which he will try to craft a path toward the dictatorship giving up its nuclear and missile programs.

"I want to get peace. The main thing  we want to get peace. ... We'll see," Trump told reporters during an event at the White House. "We're setting up meetings right now and I think it's probably going to be announced over the next couple of days  location and date."

Asked later Tuesday about Trump's comments, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the list of potential meeting locations has been "narrowed." She said she expects an announcement "soon."An Iranian man walks past the stock exchange building in the capital Tehran. BEHROUZ MEHRI | AFP | Getty Images

Iran's fragile economic recovery is in jeopardy with President Donald Trump widely expected to scrap an internationally-brokered nuclear deal and re-impose sanctions against the regime. Trump has given the European nations that helped broker the 2015 nuclear deal  which he called "terrible"  until May 12 to change it, but that is looking increasingly unlikely. Iran has said it won't accept changes to the deal, which saw it reigning in its nuclear ambitions in return for a relaxation of international sanctions that had sorely damaged the oil exporter. Europe has so far failed to convince Trump to save the nuclear agreement, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Where sanctions will hurt most? Now, those sanctions are likely to return and Iran's economy, which was slowly recovering due to the nuclear deal, could suffer again  particularly in key sectors for the economy, such as oil and banking. "We are expecting that Trump will withdraw from the nuclear deal on May 12 and this is likely to come with a first step of re-imposing sanctions related to Iran's oil sector," Dalia Naguib, MENA Analyst at advisory services firm Frontier Strategy Group, told CNBC Tuesday. "We could see more sanctions come back related to strategic sectors like the auto sector or around Iran's shipping sector," she told CNBC's Squawk Box Europe.

Iran's oil is the main source of its export earnings but agriculture, the services sector, manufacturing and financial services are also pillars of the economy too, according to the World Bank. The bank noted in a report last year that Iran's growth prospects relied on the pace of Iran's reintegration with the global economy in terms of banking, trade and investment. But if further sanctions are imposed on Iran, companies and international banks are unlikely to touch the country during that time, one analyst said. "As always, the parts of the economy that will be worst hit are the parts that are most internationally-connected," Marcus Chevenix, MENA analyst at independent research firm TS Lombard, told CNBC Tuesday. "And those parts in Iran are oil and banking. If I had to flag up an area that was very vulnerable it would be banking," he said. Chevenix said that if the U.S. decided to impose "secondary sanctions" on Iran, it could prevent European firms doing business with the country, even if they wanted to. Secondary sanctions deter other countries or institutions (such as European banks) from doing business with Iran because they don't want to be blacklisted  or "exposed" as Chevenix said  by the U.S. for doing so, effectively cutting off Iranian business from access to external investment and financial systems. "If Trump was to impose secondary sanctions, he could cut off the Iranian banking system from the rest of the world and that would take us back to a pre-2015 situation. The U.S. has all sorts of unilateral power here," he said.

Sanctions 'very bad' for IranTyson Foods, known for its Ball Park hot dogs and Jimmy Dean sausages, has nearly doubled investors' money in the last three years.

"Everybody wants more protein," Tom Hayes, president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods, told Brian Sullivan on "Closing Bell" Tuesday, live from Los Angeles at the Milken Institute Global Conference.

"All the way back to 1960, protein has grown worldwide 3 percent a year," he said. "And we're a fantastic protein company."

The Springdale, Arkansas-based company produces pork, chicken, beef and prepared foods. Despite a recent setback  shares fell 6.2 percent last month in response to China's retaliatory tariffs on American goods  Tyson has grown substantially in the last three years.

Shares were trading around $70 Tuesday, compared with $40 in May 2015. With a revenue of nearly $40 billion and a market cap of more than $25 billion, the company is one of the largest food and beverage companies in North America, according to Statista.

"We just want to make cash-on-cash return for our investors and keep that train running," Hayes said.

With share prices up and extra funds from President Donald Trump's new tax policy  about $300 million  Hayes said the company will invest in capital spending, worker pay and facilities. Both full-time and part-time employees received a bonus earlier this year, and the company will continue to add jobs and invest in automation, he said.

"We're taking some of those jobs that team members don't want necessarily and moving them up the curve," Hayes said.

The company continues to do business internationally as well. Hayes said about 10 percent of sales are exports.

"We want trade to continue to flow," the CEO said.Britain is set to enforce greater transparency in tax havens after a minister for the U.K. government announced Tuesday it would not oppose a legal amendment proposed by a cross-party alliance of lawmakers.

Some overseas British territories that are notorious for being tax havens for the world's wealthiest, such as the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, will now be required to reveal beneficial owners of assets held in a register available to the public.

A total of 40 lawmakers, including 19 from the ruling Conservative party and Ed Miliband, the former leader of the Labour opposition party, had forced the hand of Prime Minister Theresa May to debate an amendment on financial secrecy and offshore money laundering. That debate was set to take place Tuesday before the minister's announcement.

The U.K. Foreign Office said Monday it had evidence that a century-old loophole has been exploited by money laundering schemes to move up to $80 billion out of Russia.

Laundering schemes use Scottish Limited Partnerships (SLPs) and Limited Partnerships (LPs), both two types of businesses often owned by legitimate firms, as a way to pass dirty money through the U.K.

It also said that five men were responsible for over half of 8,800 "limited partnership" businesses registered between January 2016 and May 2017, with 17,000 companies registered at just 10 addresses.Getty Images

United Airlines is scaling back its animal transportation program after several pet deaths and mix-ups. Under the new policy, which takes effect June 18, United will only transport dogs and cats in the cargo hold. It is also banning several short-nosed dog breeds. The airline has transported more animals in its cargo hold than any other U.S. carrier, and has flown with ocelots, rabbits and geckos.

The tighter restrictions come after a passenger's French bulldog puppy died after the bag it was in was stored in an overhead bin aboard a United flight in March. United flew two other dogs to the wrong destinations shortly afterward. Last year, a traveler's spaniel died while in United's care. A giant rabbit that was flying United from London to Chicago also died. Under the new rules, United will no longer transport more than 20 dog breeds and four breeds of cats in its cargo holds "out of concern for higher adverse health risks." Some of the banned dogs include Boston terriers, boxers, pugs, and Persian cats. The restrictions present a challenge to travelers moving long distances with their pets but also to animal breeders who use airlines to deliver dogs, cats and other animals to customers.

Breeds banned from cargo hold:

That puts United's policy more in line with that of its competitors Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. The airline is working with American Humane, an animal welfare group to improve its pet transportation program. United reported to the Department of Transportation the highest number of animal deaths of any U.S. carrier: 18. American and Delta each reported that two animals died on their planes last year. Those figures refer to animals that were transported in the cargo hold, not the cabin. United is also limiting when and where pets can fly because of concerns about high temperatures. United will not accept cats and dogs in the cargo hold between May 1 to Sept. 30 to or from Las Vegas, Palm Springs, California, Phoenix or Tuscon, Arizona. United had suspended its pet transportation program following the death of the puppy and the two mix-ups in March. It has since started issuing brightly-colored bag tags for animals traveling in the cabin with passengers. The new rules announced Tuesday do not affect in-cabin animal transport, but CNBC reported earlier that it is reviewing its in-cabin pet policy.

WATCH: United halts shipments of pets[The stream is slated to start at 2:30 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.]

The White House is expected to field reporters' questions Tuesday, following a report revealing questions submitted to President Donald Trump by special counsel Robert Mueller as part of the probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 election.

The nearly 50 questions, reported by the New York Times, ask for Trump's answers on topics including his campaign's potential outreach to Russia and his decision to fire key administration members, including former FBI Director James Comey.

Trump called the Times' report "disgraceful" in tweets Tuesday morning, claiming that there were "no questions on collusion."

trump tweet 1

Trump tweet 2

Trump's legal headaches grew on Monday after porn star Stephanie Clifford filed a defamation lawsuit against the president.

Clifford, who performs under the name Stormy Daniels, had filed a separate lawsuit in March to void a nondisclosure pact she signed before the 2016 election barring her from discussing an alleged affair with Trump. She was paid $130,000 as part of the agreement, which was brokered by Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. Cohen is currently under investigation for potential financial crimes, and is mired in a legal fight over a trove of his materials seized in FBI raids in April.

Clifford's new legal action came in response to a tweet Trump sent  the only Twitter reference he has made to the porn star's first lawsuit  accusing her of pulling a "con job" on the news media.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration on Monday night pushed back a May 1 deadline on steel and aluminium tariffs, giving some allied nations another chance to qualify for exemptions.

The decision has been postponed for 30 days to allow further discussions.He failed to mention that nearly every weapons analyst and diplomat engaged in negotiating the deal had known of the project for years. Netanyahu's speech led President Donald Trump to follow up with remarks during his press conference with the Nigerian president.

Mr. Trump stated that his opposition to the deal had always been "100 percent right" and now upheld by the Israeli announcements.

This flurry of major statements follows quickly after new Secretary of State Pompeo's day-after-confirmation trip to Israel and Saudi Arabia this weekend.

In strong and consistent statements, as if they had been developed for weeks, Pompeo expressed deep concern about how the Iran deal did nothing to deter Iran's aggression in the region, support for terrorism, or development of new missile systems.

That the agreement does not include any of those realities because it is aimed at curtailing centrifuge production and uranium enrichment  and that it has done so successfully  was not mentioned.

This burst of assertions against Iran should not be a surprise. In early March, speaking before the annual meeting in Washington of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee [AIPAC], the speeches of Mr. Netanyahu, Vice-President Pence and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Haley all echoed that the flawed Iran deal does not sufficiently constrain Iran from being a threat to Israel in many ways.

These claims create the feeling of an all-too-well-orchestrated crisis that the U.S.-Israeli alliance must address forcefully and soon. The narrative awaits some "trigger event" between Iranian forces and Israel in Syria that would lead Israel to declare it was facing imminent attack. Then, the cloud of crisis would give way to the fog of war.As countries around the world face the possibility of escalating tariffs, history serves as a reminder that trade wars are nothing new.

Harold James is a professor at Princeton University and an official historian of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In an interview at the IMF in Washington, he recalled the lessons learned, and perhaps forgotten, by the international community in recent trade wars.

The Smoot-Hawley Trade War (1930-1934)

"One of the big narratives at least was that the Great Depression had its origins in a trade conflict," James said. "It started with a tariff in the United States, the Hawley-Smoot tariff."

The Smoot-Hawley tariffs were named after two U.S. lawmakers: Senator Reed Smoot and Representative Willis Hawley. James said their original legislation was intended to protect American farmers in an era of increasing protectionism. The law, officially called the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930, ended up placing tariffs on thousands of imported U.S. goods.

"Every congressman wanted to add something on for their district, and so it became this immense compendium of tariffs on any product that you can think of," James said.

The aim of the Smoot-Hawley tariffs, he said, was to make foreign products more expensive to encourage Americans to buy domestic products. In fact, it raised the prices of goods for ordinary Americans as other countries retaliated with their own tariffs.

"In 1930, when it comes into effect, it really does quite a lot of damage to the world economy and world trade contracts very, very dramatically during the Great Depression," James said.

After the Great Depression, international institutions like the IMF were established to help prevent future trade wars. Trade agreements were negotiated multilaterally to reduce tariff levels and make commitments not to raise them again.

"Basically, from the 1950s to 2012 or 2013, every year world trade grew more than world industrial production," James said.Xoogler Demo Day organizer Kevin Yen hands out stickers to participants: Green for startups, blue for investors, and red for press.

Demo days are a dime a dozen in Silicon Valley, but there was something slightly unusual about one that happened in San Francisco late last week. It was taking place in one of Google's city offices, but was mostly made up of people who had decided to pursue success by leaving Google. Hosted by a community called Xoogler.co, the event featured 24 startups founded by former Googlers, with an audience of 118 angel or early-stage investors, many of whom were current employees or alumni themselves. The popularity of the "Xoogler" network has popped in recent years, marking an interesting symbiosis between Alphabet, which has increasingly tried to keep its entrepreneurial talent on board, and ex-employees who feel pulled to venture out on their own while still relying on its extensive network.

Xoogler founder Chris Fong (right) poses on Google's deck to snap a photo with one of the startup founders.

Since its founding in 2015, the Xoogler community has sought to connect former Googlers interested in entrepreneurship: offering meet-ups, formal events, a Slack group, funding opportunities through a Xoogler syndicate, and some benefits from Google itself. As it has in the past, Google hosted this most recent demo day and donated food, drinks, staff, and signs. It also gives Xoogler-run startups $20,000 in Cloud credit, a perk that benefits both the founders and its own Cloud business, which can hook potentially hot companies into its ecosystem before they blow up. "In some ways, the money is like seed funding from Google," Julia Enthoven, founder of an online video editor called Kapwing, says.

She worked as a product manager Google for two years and tells CNBC that she had started to apply to its internal startup incubator, Area 120, but ultimately decided to take her idea outside the company instead. Since Google created Area 120 roughly two years ago, it has launched a handful of apps, but Enthoven knew she wouldn't learn as much about recruiting or scaling if she stayed within the tech giant. Plus, building something that's already owned by Google isn't as sexy as potentially getting bought by Google some day, even if you have to forgo free lunches and steady paychecks in the meantime. "Startups are risky, but there is a great upside if you're successful," Enthoven says. "With Area 120, there doesn't seem to be a great upside." Last week's event was Xoogler's second demo day in the Bay Area. It's also held one in London, and has upcoming plans for Los Angeles and Singapore, too. Presentations at the most recent event had a strong artificial intelligence and blockchain bent, with applications as varied as boat chartering, fertility tracking, and voice journaling. The network doesn't track how many startups get funding due to its demo days, but half a dozen founders and investors told CNBC that they'd set up one or more meetings following the event.

Startups came from around the country (and some flew in from Europe and Asia) to participate in the demo day.

"There have been exits on a smaller scale in the past, but we have grand visions," says Kevin Yen, one of the event's organizers. "We've had 'pony' level exits but we believe that there's unicorn potential." It may take a while to reach that milestone, as most venture-backed startups fail (of the 33 startups that presented at the 2016 Xoogler demo day, fewer than two-thirds still have an active web presence). However, for new angel investors, knowing that founders worked at Google feels like a form of due diligence. Investor Sri Gorthy, who worked at Google for 8 years himself, says that Xoogler-run companies have become his "sweet spot," since he trusts that anyone who worked there has a strong work ethic. He has previously invested in two, plans to find three more to contribute funding to this year, and is in the process of setting up meetings with several he saw at the demo day.

During one of the mingling sessions, for which Google provided sandwiches and cookies, participants swap business cards.I'm currently on the graphics desk. I've also been an assistant city editor and a reporter on the community and education beats. You can reach me by email at oliviagarrett@mail.missouri.edu or on Twitter @_oliviagarrett.

Follow this search 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The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission formDevelopers with blockchain skills have become the hottest commodity in the freelance marketplace, according to a new study.

Freelance employment website Upwork released its latest quarterly index of the 20 hottest job skills, which shows that job postings for workers with blockchain skills have grown exponentially this year.

In its last quarterly report, blockchain technologists were in second place behind those with skills in robotics.

"Blockchain appears to be the next uncharted, highly talked about technology similar to what the 'cloud' was back in the mid-2000's," the Upwork report says. "Its growth exceeded 2,000% for three quarters in a row on Upwork.com, and in Q1 it experienced more than 6,000% year-over-year growth, making it the fastest-growing skill out of more than 5,000 skills on the site."

According to another recent report from Upwork, 53% of hiring managers surveyed cite access to skills as their biggest hiring challenge, and the majority (59%) are already utilizing flexible talent.

Demand for workers with computer/mathematical skills exceeded supply by 17% this year, according to job data analytics firm Burning Glass Technologies.

There were 5,743 mostly full-time job openings calling for blockchain skills in the last 12 months, according to Burning Glass Technologies; that represents a growth of 320%.

The initial hype around blockchain has evolved as more enterprises take the distributed ledger technology seriously, according to Upwork. "Major companies such as Samsung and IBM are already leveraging it in innovative ways, while Salesforce is planning on unveiling a blockchain offering for its customers during Dreamforce in September," the report said.

Burning Glass Technologies

Bitcoin cryptocurrency developers were in third place for freelance skills in Upwork's previous quarterly report, but those technologists have since dropped out of the top 20 job skills list. Meanwhile, blockchain technologists are advertising their services for as much as $250 per hour, according to Upwork's listing site.

As skills become more specialized, companies either need to invest in re-skilling to prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow or leverage freelance professionals who are nearly twice as likely as traditional employees to proactively take re-skilling upon themselves, Stephane Kasriel, CEO of Upwork, said in a statement. Many of todays Fortune 500 companies are already doing this, and adoption of flexible workers will increase as hiring gets harder.

The median income for fulltime blockchain developers in the U.S. is $140,000 a year, compared to general software developers, whose annual median pay is $105,000, according to Matt Sigelman, CEO of Burning Glass Technologies.

In high-tech regions of the U.S. such as Silicon Valley, blockchain developers earn as much as $163,000; in New York City, they can earn as much as $150,000, according to Sigelman.

"Most of the demand for blockchain developers is still concentrated [in high-tech regions]," Sigelman said.

Upwork

Blockchain becomes a disruptive skill

It's not hard to imagine blockchain as a "disruptive skill" that is both fast-growing and hard to find, according to Burning Glass. While the technology and hiring patterns are in their early stages, employers need to start figuring out where they will find blockchain talent, "even as they are still considering how the technology will change their business.

"Because of its connection with 'cryptocurrencies,' blockchain is associated with finance, and major banks like Liberty Mutual, Capital One and Bank of America have posted openings," Burning Glass Technologies said in its blog. "There are also companies devoted to building blockchain applications, like Consensys Corporation. But the demand for blockchain is much broader, including major consulting firms like Accenture and Deloitte and technology companies like IBM and SAP.

"This is additional evidence that the business world is starting to take blockchain seriously."

CME Group Inc., for example, announced this week it plans to launch bitcoin futures.

Cryptocurrency market capitalization has grown in recent years to $172 billion, with bitcoin representing $94 billion, or more than half of the total, according to CME Group.

Gartner forecasts the business value-add of blockchain will exceed $3.1 trillion by 2030, indicating that it shows promise in terms of utility for business and is a technology thats here to stay, the Upwork report said.

A recent survey by SAP found that 92% of business leaders view blockchain as an opportunity, with the most promising use cases ranked as:

Supply chain and IoT  63% Legal and regulatory  19% Cryptocurrency  8% Sustainability  3%

Additionally, the World Economic Forum just released a toolkit to help executives better understand whether blockchain is an appropriate and helpful tool for their business needs. As more executives try to navigate this technology, there is soaring demand for talented experts familiar with it who can help demystify it and explore potential uses, Upwork noted.

SAP

Enterprises are considering the ways blockchain distributed ledgers can create more efficiency by eliminating the need for central administration, as is required with a relational database.

Enterprises are also asking their tech vendors about blockchain for audit logging and/or verifiable logs, which is viewed as a reliable way of tracking what happened in an organization to satisfy regulatory auditors, according to Zulfikar Ramzan, CTO of RSA Security, a subsidiary of the Dell EMC Infrastructure Solutions Group.

"It's a very hot topic right now," Ramzan said in an earlier interview with Computerworld. "We are definitely getting a lot of inbound inquiries around blockchain and its implication within enterprise environments. I think it's driven largely by the fact that when there's a new technology out there, to some degree people want to be buzzword compliant with the latest and greatest."

The 20 fastest-growing freelance skills in the first three months of 2018 saw more than 130% year-over-year growth in demand, while demand for the top 10 skills grew more than 400% compared to the same time period last year (Q1 2017).

The top 20 fastest-growing skills, Q1 2018:

Blockchain Tensorflow Amazon DynamoDB Voice over Subtitling Art direction Content strategy Computer vision Microsoft Power BI Augmented reality Chatbot development React native Media buying Go development Information security Scala development Instagram API Adobe Premiere Machine learning AngularJS development

Banks are moving toward blockchain in droves for its ability to create an open, cross-border system for clearance and settlement of financial transactions. IBM, for instance, has built a new blockchain-based financial service for use as a cross-border currency exchange by several banks.

Last year, IBM partnered with a Polynesian payments system provider and an open-source FinTech payment network to implement a new international exchange based on the blockchain electronic ledger. The ledger will serve 12 different currencies across Pacific Islands as well as Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Mastercard is launching its own blockchain-based network to enable partner banks and merchants to make cross-border payments faster and more securely. The Mastercard blockchain service can be used to clear credit card transactions and eliminate administrative tasks using smart contract rules  thus, speeding transaction settlement.

JP Morgan Chase last October rolled out a blockchain pilot program for global payments. The financial services giant said the blockchain-based Interbank Information Network "will enhance the client experience, decreasing the amount of time  from weeks to hours  and costs associated with resolving payment delays."

Blockchain explained

Blockchain is an electronic ledger  similar to a relational database  that can be openly shared among disparate users to create an unchangeable record of their transactions, each one time-stamped and linked to the previous one. It can also be used as a private electronic ledger.

Each digital record or transaction in the thread is called a block (hence the name), and it allows either an open or controlled set of users to participate in the electronic ledger. Each block is linked to a specific participant.

Maersk Ninety percent of goods in global trade are carried by the ocean shipping industry each year. A new blockchain solution from IBM and Maersk will help manage and track the paper trail of tens of millions of shipping containers across the world by digitizing the supply chain process.

Blockchain can only be updated by consensus between participants in the system, and once new data is entered, it can never be erased. The blockchain contains a true and verifiable record of each and every transaction ever made in the system.

While blockchain skills initially showed up in artificial intelligence and automation fields, they've now spread into other, more traditional roles, such as software developers, financial quantatitive analysts, and network engineers.

"What's interesting here is what we refer to as the hybrid-job economy; that's the notion that increasingly jobs are combining skill sets. If you look at some of the jobs growing the fastest and are highest value to companies are those with a sort of mixed-skill genome," Sigelman said.

For example, mobile app developers may be asked if they have marketing and commerce skills that web developers aren't typically expected to have.

"And, blockchain is having a lot of the same characteristics for some reasons that aren't all that surprising becuase it's a foundational technology and fundemental re-think of the underpinnings of how we transact and connect," Sigeman said.

How to become a blockchain developer

The path to becoming a blockchain developer is relatively simple, said Sigelman, who has noticed online courses being offered by universities, such as Princeton, UC Berkeley and Stanford.

For example, Stanford University's Coursara, its venture-backed education-focused technology company, is offering online courses.

Many companies seeking blockchain developers are advertising for workers with Java Script and Python language coding experience, which are standard software skill sets. Others, however, are looking for developers with skills in cryptography and machine learning, Sigelman said.

"I think somebody who is on the leading edge of software development is not going to feel like these blockchain skill sets are new ground for them," Sigelman said.

While fiinancial services (see Bitcoin) was the first industry to jump on board the blockchain wagon, industries such as technology service providers, international shipping, healthcare, power utilities and real estate have been quick to explore its use, too, for everything from smart contracts that automatically execute when certain conditions are met to controlling security access to sensitive control systems.

One new company, ShelterZoom, created a blockchain for buying and selling real estate online thats in beta-testing now.

IBM Watson Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are exploring the use of blockchain for secure patient data exchange, including sensitive electronic medical records, clinical trials and data culled from mobile devices and wearables.

Blockchain is also making inroads into industries as diverse as retail sales, administrative services, transportation and warehousing, where it's being used as way to manage distributed supply chains.

Karim Lakhani, a professor of business administration at the Harvard Business School, compared blockchain's impact to that of the Internet because it creates an open, distributed network that allows anyone to share data in a secure manner.

"Settlement of [stock trades] takes time because you're going from one system to the next... and it can take days and cost a lot to transfer money across the world and across multiple systems...versus a direct message system on a network," Lakhani said. "If we have an open, distributed ledger where we can verify transactions taking place and we can build in a programmed logic of how actions take place, that the reduction in transactions costs and increase in the number of new novel applications that can be developed far outweighs the purported benefits of relational database systems."

"It's a whole new paradigm for the way information is stored, shared and acted upon," Lakhani added.Javid 1) He becomes Home Secretary

He was appointed over the phone yesterday morning  Herald

Hes the first non-white holder of a great office of state  The Times

Heres his record on Brexit  Daily Express

Ministers claim hell use his promotion to try to succeed May  The Sun

While Eurosceptics hope hell block Customs Union exit fudge  Daily Mail

The new home secretary, Sajid Javid, the first BAME holder of one of the great offices of state, will find an inbox brimming not just with the backlash over the Windrush scandal, but with arguments to come over policing cuts and rising knife crime as well as a difficult counter-terror climate. Born in Rochdale in 1969, the former investment banker and Margaret Thatcher devotee, is on the right of the Conservative party. His appointment will give him a voice on the powerful cabinet subcommittee on Brexit and will keep the balance of EU leavers and remainers in the top offices, but he can only be categorised as a remainer in the most technical sense. Javid backed remain in the referendum, probably under pressure from David Cameron, saying it was with a heavy heart and no enthusiasm. He has since swung firmly behind leavers in the cabinet.  Guardian

>Yesterday: ToryDiary: Javid. Muslim, Brexit adaptee, comeback kid  and not a May protege. Her Home Office era is over.

Javid 2) He ditches the hostile environment policy

Sajid Javid has warned the Home Office to expect an overhaul after the Windrush scandal as he ditches the policy of creating a hostile environment for illegal immigrants and seeks to break free from Theresa Mays legacy. Mr Javid, who replaced Amber Rudd as home secretary yesterday, opened the door to the return of appeals and legal aid for those facing deportation. The first non-white holder of a great office of state said that he would do whatever I can to rectify the treatment of Caribbean-born Britons caught up in a clampdown started by Mrs May when she was home secretary.  The Times

He speaks for first time as home secretary in the Commons  The Sun

He says hell do right by the Windrush generation  Guardian

He distances himself from his predecessors  Daily Telegraph

But faces their issues  FT

Potential reforms could include reintroduction of appeals and legal aid  The Times

People make fun of his power stance  The Sun

>Yesterday:

Javid 3) Hague: He needs to get an iron grip on the Home Office

The first thing I would do if I were Sajid Javid, the new Home Secretary, is make sure I have the people around me to help get an iron grip on the Home Office. It is essential in any big job in government to have special advisers, private secretaries and a permanent secretary of the whole department who spot problems and detect a crisis in the making even when their boss is busy with daily events. Whatever Amber Rudd did, she does not appear to have been well served by such people. Her successor needs to act with cold ruthlessness in ensuring the excellence and loyalty of the people around him  nothing else will guarantee that the Home Office is doing what he wants it to do and that he knows what it is doing.  Daily Telegraph

Editorial:

Javid has two options  The Times

Comment:

But will he be allowed to change the direction of policy?  Rachel Sylvester, The Times

He and Abbott have already had their first fight  Patrick Kidd, The Times

His despatch-box bearing was at-yer-throat  Quentin Letts, Daily Mail

Some thoughts on his life so far  Guy Adams, Daily Mail

Why this is a remarkable appointment  James Forsyth, The Sun

May tries to draws line under Windrush controversy

Theresa May has attempted to distance herself from the row over the Home Offices enforced removals targets that has already claimed the scalp of one of her most senior ministers, Amber Rudd. The prime minister tried to draw a line under the affair by arguing that Rudd had only resigned over a single error, while separating the issue from the wider scandal over the Windrush generation. She again declined to place the blame for the debacle, which has caught up thousands of people and is widely regarded as a result of her own hostile environment strategy, on individual ministers or civil servants at her former department.  Guardian

She pledges to keep up fight against illegal immigration  Daily Mail

Rudds decision to go was personal  The Times

But blame put on Ind  The Sun

And inquiry is called for  Daily Telegraph

Friend says Rudd will get involved with the fight against hard Brexit  Daily Telegraph

Comment:

May is losing cabinet ministers fast  Martha Gill, Daily Telegraph

Shes become the plaything of events  Janan Ganesh, FT

Dont forget how much she hates change  Rafael Behr, Guardian

I think Rudd couldve survived  Matthew Parris, The Times

She got herself in tangles  Nick Hopkins, Guardian

>Today: ToryDiary: Our monthly survey is out. What should Mays Brexit customs policy be? Whos to blame for Home Office fiascos? Plus: the Lords future

Brokenshire replaces Javid as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

The former Northern Ireland secretary recently returned to Westminster  Herald

He says local government is in the blood with me  The Times

Hes embarrassed by revelation that he tried to block plans for new homes  The Sun

James Brokenshire has been appointed as the Communities Secretary just three months after undergoing life-saving surgery to treat his lung cancer. He will take up the reigns at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government today following the departure of Sajid Javid, who has been made Home Secretary following the shock resignation of Amber Rudd on Sunday evening. The surprise reshuffle comes just hours after Ms Rudd quit in the wake of the Windrush scandal, following the publication of another leaked letter appearing to show that she misled Parliament over the existence of targets to deport illegal immigrants.  Daily Telegraph

>Yesterday: MPs etc: Brokenshire, the May loyalist, returns to grapple with the housing challenge

Brexit 1) House of Lords votes that parliament should have meaningful say on outcome of negotiations, even if no deal

The government has suffered a heavy defeat on a crucial Lords vote that could pave the way for parliament to send ministers back to the Brussels negotiations if MPs vote down Theresa Mays Brexit deal. Labour said the amendment, which is the seventh Lords defeat for the government on the EU withdrawal bill, would effectively prevent Britain crashing out of the EU with no deal. The cross-party amendment was supported by 19 Tory rebels, winning by a majority of 91. Ministers have previously warned that should parliament vote down the deal agreed by negotiators, Britain would leave the bloc with no agreement. The amendment, led by former Tory minister Douglas Hogg, would change that scenario, meaning parliament could alter it and ask the government to reopen EU talks.  Guardian

The government has indicated ministers will push back hard  Daily Express

The vote was 335 votes to 244  Daily Telegraph

19 Tories rebelled  Guardian

During debate, LibDem peer equates May to Hitler  The Times

Baker calls comments irresponsible  The Times

Brexiteers call the chamber a cosy cabal of Remain  Daily Telegraph

Kawczynski says time has come to start talking about abolition  Daily Express

Comment:

The Lords has placed itself against democracy  Marcus Fysh, Daily Telegraph

Brexit 2) May faces criticism for considering an association agreement

Rees-Mogg calls it second-tier EU membership  Daily Express

Theresa May is considering signing up Britain to a catch-all agreement with Brussels that Brexiteers fear will amount to EU Mark II. Mrs May has told ministers that the UK could potentially accept an association agreement with the EU, which critics say would make Britain a rule taker from Europe. Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, and David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, are also open to the idea, which was first raised at a meeting of the Cabinets Brexit sub-committee last week. Mr Hammond said it would save time to sign up to something the EU is already familiar with, while Mr Davis also said such an arrangement could work.  Daily Telegraph

>Today: Henry Newmans column: No more delays, Prime Minister  its time to make a decision on customs

>Yesterday: Bernard Jenkin in Comment: The new customs partnership idea should be dead in the water  it is the opposite of taking back control

More Brexit

Comment:

Havent the Irish learnt from what happened to the Greeks?  Ruth Dudley Edwards, Daily Telegraph

Rees-Mogg: Why Trumps visit is of great importance

The planned visit of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to the United Kingdom in July is well-timed and of great importance. By then the European Union Withdrawal Bill ought to have passed into law and a mere three months of negotiations are scheduled to settle the terms of our departure. Once we have left our alliance with the EU, the United States will be even more central to our foreign policy than it currently is, especially as we are unlikely to be flavour of the month with the EU after our departure. It is our national good fortune that the president with whom we will develop this new arrangement is Mr Trump. His election depended upon similar factors to those that led to Brexit.  The Times

More Conservatives

Curtice predicts Conservative wins in council elections  The Sun

Greening promotes contextual recruitment  The Sun

The NHS needs to go digital  Alan Mak, The Times

And Labour

Over three hundred women quit party over transgender shortlist row  The Times

Woodcock suspended over harassment allegations  Guardian

Hes one of Corbyns strongest critics  Daily Telegraph

Netanyahu claims Iran continuing to hide and expand its nuclear weapons development

Trump says hes been proven 100 per cent right  Daily Mail

News in Brief

Javids opportunity  Oliver Wiseman, CapX

And the challenges he faces  Fraser Nelson, Spectator

Heres some advice for him  John Wheeler, Reaction

The Lords votes  BrexitCentral

On Michelle Wolf  Masha Gessen, New Yorker

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of continuing to hide and expand its nuclear weapons knowhow after a 2015 agreement with global powers, presenting what the Israeli prime minister claimed was new and conclusive proof of violations. Netanyahu presented a series of slides and photographs of documents which he were drawn from a half-ton cache obtained by Israeli intelligence a few weeks ago. The New York Times reported that Mossad had broken into a warehouse in January and smuggled them to Israel the same night. The report did not say how such a large amount of documentation was transported in secret. However, key documents highlighted by Netanyahu had previously been seen by the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as early as 2005 and made public by the agency in 2011.  GuardianIf it ever existed in the first place, the kinder, gentler politics is long dead  kicked into a gutter somewhere and left to rot in the name of the many. Thats been evident on all sorts of fronts for a long time.

But sometimes the sheer vitriol and unpleasantness that is openly paraded on parts of the modern British Left retains the capacity to shock. The racist slurs flung at Sajid Javid since his appointment as Home Secretary are one example. He has been dismissed as an Uncle Tom, a coconut, and the token coloured guy, for example, by people who otherwise proclaim themselves anti-racist, politically correct egalitarians.

Such poisonous bile obviously comes from somewhere pretty unpleasant. Troublingly, it suggests that, for some, the rejection of racism is a principle that only extends to those they agree with; if anyone dares to differ from Leftist dogma then it becomes acceptable once more to deride them for the colour of their skin. Worse, it also hints at a sense of political ownership towards ethnic minority Britons; the language of betrayal used towards various ethnic minority Conservatives seems to be founded on an assumption that someones race somehow means that their loyalty is owed to, and owned by, the Labour Party.

Javid, of course, has dually sinned against the bizarre illogic of identity politics. Not only does he outrage those who believe that his race ought to dictate his politics, but he is also deemed to be guilty of a class betrayal.

His crime? The shocking, counter-revolutionary act of having been successful.

Consider this tweet from Richard Burgon, the Shadow Justice Secretary:

Burgons pose is as one concerned about (bogus) conflicts of interest  though oddly he doesnt seem to be worried by his own reliable defence of trade union powers, despite his previous career as a trade union lawyer. Why specify, and even capitalise, the guesstimate that Sajid Javid reportedly earned 3 MILLION a year, though? Evidently hes suggesting that this is in itself somehow scandalous, and seeking to play on the politics of envy.

Tellingly, when I asked what the problem was with a working class guy working hard and being hugely successful, before giving up a massive pay packet to enter public service, one reply came back over and over again from grassroots Corbynites. Far from being a positive story of opportunity in modern Britain, I was told that Javids success made him ex-working class, he had pulled the ladder up and abandoned his working class roots, et cetera, et cetera.

Success is itself a crime in Corbynite thought. One persons extra pound must, they imagine, be filched from the pocket of someone else. If you have something, you must be undeserving of it: the act of possession is itself evidence of wrongful deeds. Property and guilt are one and the same. Toryism, of course, compounds the charges. In these terms, succeeding from a working class background, while in possession of non-socialist views, is the most unforgivable betrayal of all.Claire Ainsley is the author of The New Working Class: how to win hearts, minds and votes, published today. She is Executive Director of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and the book is written in a personal capacity.

At the last general election, Theresa May made a distinct pitch to a particular audience. At the halfway point in the campaign, the Conservative battle bus went into the heart of traditional Labour territory to make an appeal to working class voters. Whilst the pitch was not enough to win those seats, the Conservatives did have one of their best showings amongst working class voters in 2017. And historically, Labours working class vote is declining. So who is now working class, and how can political parties gain their support?

My new book finds that there is still a sizeable working class in Britain today, but it has changed, and politics has failed to change with it. With the exception of Mays recent pitch, politicians dont often talk about the working class. And when they do, they are usually talking about the traditional working class  an important but shrinking part of the population. But even today, more people will say themselves that they are working class than say they are middle class, despite years of politicians focussing on middle class and aspirational voters.

Up and down the country there are millions of people who could be considered new working class. But it is different to the traditional working class. It is made up of people doing jobs in the service sector like retail, hospitality and care; it is multi-ethnic, and diverse; living off low to middle incomes. The new working class is not some distant grouping: it is in every town, city, village, high street, office, shop and place of work. It makes up nearly half the population.

Many of these voters do not feel like any political party is speaking for them. This is not a reflection on the current leaders of any of the parties: this has been a historic trend as Labours association with social class, and social class identity itself, has been weakened over time. My book set out to find out how to win their hearts, minds and votes. What does this tell the Conservatives?

How the working class voted 1964-2015

Source: Goodwin/Heath for JRF (2017)

There are three main conclusions for the Conservatives. The first is that there are plenty of vote-winning policies which could be taken up by the main parties but they need to move closer to where the public is. Policies such as a day one employment rights charter for all, and incentivising businesses and employers to take on social responsibilities, are the kinds of policies that could gain the backing of the new working class.

The second is that the new working class, and the general public, do not perceive the Conservatives values to be closely aligned to their most important values. Using the data from Policy Exchanges research for the Just About Managing report by James Frayne, four values stood out for the new working class, and amongst all groups: family, fairness, hard work and decency. The policy agenda in the book is built around this framework. But the values most closely associated with the Conservatives  such as entrepreneurship and tradition  did not rate as highly. And Labour has a closer alignment with the values felt to be most important to the new working class, and the wider general public.

The third is that policies do matter, but only take you so far. Social identities play an important role in voter choice, and policies can act as clues, telling the voter who the party is. This new working class is very, very different to the working class that has gone before it and much more diverse. It wont answer to a label of class but it will pick up on signals  positive and negative  that a party is on their side.

All political parties are guilty of listening to themselves, and people like them, too often. Above all, this is an appeal to all of the parties to understand this new working class, to listen to their interests and views, and act on them. The party that does could hold the key to the next election.Dr David Shiels is a contemporary historian and College Research Associate at Wolfson College, Cambridge.

This Thursday, a by-election will be held in the constituency of West Tyrone. The poll was triggered by the resignation of Sinn Feins Barry McElduff, whose short tenure as MP ended in controversy following a video he posted on social media on the anniversary of one of the worst incidents of the Troubles. West Tyrone has been regarded as a safe Sinn Fein seat since it was first won by the party at the 2001 general election. In 2017, McElduff topped the poll with just over 50 per cent of the vote. Following his resignation, there had been some talk of fielding a unity or victims candidate against Sinn Fein, but these plans came to nothing, and five parties are contesting the election.

A rural constituency, bordering Donegal in the Republic, West Tyrone includes the towns of Omagh and Strabane. The affairs of the constituency are often overlooked in Northern Ireland, and the by-election will attract little interest from the media in London. This is unfortunate, because the issues being debated in West Tyrone are central to the debate over Brexit and the future of the Union. Because of Sinn Feins policy of abstention from the Westminster Parliament, the constituency has not had a representative who has taken their seat in the Commons for 17 years. Despite Sinn Feins claim to be standing against Brexit & Tory austerity, their absence from Parliament makes it easier for the Conservatives (with the help of the DUP) to command a majority in the Commons.

Recently, Sinn Feins policy of abstention has been the subject of sharper criticism from nationalist voices in the Republic. Micheal Martin, the leader of Irelands main opposition party, Fianna Fail, has said that it was totally illogical for Sinn Fein to say they can stay out of Westminster given that Brexit is the single greatest issue facing our generation. The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has urged Sinn Fein to consider entering the Commons to make things better for Ireland over Brexit.

Sinn Feins leaders have firmly rejected any departure from their policy, and for good reason. The suggestion that the party might come to the rescue of Jeremy Corbyn is an intriguing one, but the plan would probably not work out as intended (and in any case the numbers are not there to defeat the Government in a confidence motion). For one thing, the party understands the way that English politics works: were Sinn Fein seen to be helping to defeat or bring down the British Government, the backlash against them would probably propel the Conservatives back into office with a majority.

Moreover, Sinn Feins policy of abstention is not just about objecting to the oath or affirmation of allegiance to the monarch. For Sinn Fein, it is about a long-term strategy of making Westminster seem irrelevant in Irish affairs. Irish Republicans look back to the 1918 General Election  when Sinn Fein won 73 out of 105 Irish seats  as the democratic basis for a sovereign, independent Ireland. In the tradition of their predecessors, who refused to recognise Westminster and set up an alternative Parliament, the revolutionary Dail Eireann, in 1919, Sinn Feins MPs are campaigning for the right to speak in the present-day Irish Parliament. Whatever the short-term attractions of going to London, the party knows that as soon as they concede the principle that their votes in the House of Commons matter, it becomes harder to defend the logic of abstentionism at all.

The restoration of direct rule would further advance Sinn Feins cause. While direct rule was often derided as a colonial form of government when it operated in the period before 2007, the democratic deficit would become more apparent in the context of English Votes for English Laws. How is it right that British MPs can vote on matters affecting only Northern Ireland, especially when there are parts of Northern Ireland that do not have any representation in the Commons? The West Tyrone Question is a bit like the West Lothian Question in reverse, and there are really no satisfactory answers to it.

From the Unionist point of view, Sinn Feins abstentionism presents a serious challenge to their arguments about the legitimacy and authority of the British Parliament. At the 2017 General Election, seven out of 18 constituencies effectively opted out of the British Parliament, at a time when that Parliament is making decisions that will affect them in the long term. But it is easy to forget this as the DUP celebrate their current influence at Westminster. Sinn Fein knows that the DUPs influence will not last forever, and they also know that opposition to the confidence and supply deal in Britain works to their advantage.

At the same time, the prospect of Direct Rule  or even a more limited form of Direct Rule by stealth  will raise uncomfortable questions for Unionists, too. How would they react to Westminster passing legislation on same-sex marriage, or reform of the laws on abortion? Will they resort to the familiar anti-Westminster rhetoric of the past, helping to make Sinn Feins arguments for them? All of these questions are a reminder that Westminster is relevant to the future of Northern Ireland, notwithstanding Sinn Feins claim to the contrary. Until last year, Sinn Fein had at least been prepared to make the Northern Ireland Executive work. But they know that they can continue their policy of double abstention, staying out of the institutions in Belfast and London, without damaging their long-term strategy. Unionists need the institutions to work.

Ultimately, Northern Irelands constitutional status will not change unless the people vote for Irish unity in a border poll. That said, by continuing to win support for their policy of abstention, Sinn Fein are already winning a moral victory over the Unionists. As far as West Tyrone is concerned, the argument for the Union may be lost already. The policy of abstention represents a greater challenge to the Union than Brexit.Five years ago, the TaxPayers Alliance reported that in the last year, five times more Labour people were appointed to public bodies than Tories.

Since then, the figures have varied, and some Conservative members or supporters have been selected to fill important posts.

Nonetheless, it remains the case that, since it took office in 2010, our Party has punched beneath its weight when it comes to public appointments. One of the reasons seems to be that Tories simply dont apply in the same number as Labour supporters.

To help remedy this, every week we put up links to some of the main public appointments vacancies, so that qualified Conservatives might be aware of the opportunities presented.

         

Ministry of Justice  Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is responsible for: providing independent and effective investigation of complaints falling within the Ombudsmans Terms of Reference; investigating all fatal incidents occurring in the services in remit, and producing a written report of every investigation; making recommendations to the services in remit and the appropriate Secretary of State; providing more general findings to the services in remit and the public at large; building effective working partnerships with other independent scrutiny bodies and other relevant agencies; leadership and management of the Ombudsmans Office; producing an annual report, to be laid before Parliament by the Secretary of State for Justice; and responding to recommendations from the Harris Review into self-inflicted deaths in custody of 18-24 year olds.

Time: 37 hours per week.

Remuneration: 100,000 per annum.

Closes: 07 May

         

National Citizen Service Trust  Chair

Government is committed to the continued development of the NCS programme, with around 1 billion of funding available between 2016/17 and 2019/20. The management of NCS is moving from the existing Community Interest Company to a new Royal Chartered public sector body, with an expected launch date later in 2018. This new organisation will be overseen by a new Board. We are seeking a Chair and non-executive directors to join this new Board. This is an extraordinary opportunity. The successful individual will have the chance to lead NCS through a period of organisational change and beyond, to advocate and communicate with energy and commitment, to achieve great value for money for the taxpayer, and to be responsible for transforming the lives of future generations.

Time: One or two days per week.

Remuneration: 400 per diem, up to 40,000 per annum.

Closes: 09 May

         

Independent Commission for Aid Impact  Chief Commissioner

The role of Chief Commissioner for the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated individual with strong experience in international development to lead ICAI in providing independent scrutiny of all UK government aid provision (totalling around 13bn a year), supporting Parliament to hold the government to account for its impact and value for money. A successful Chief Commissioner will demonstrate the ability to influence and improve the effectiveness of UK aid while remaining independent from government. The Chief Commissioner will lead a board of three commissioners to develop thematic reviews on strategic issues faced by the UK Governments aid provision, supported by a service provider and secretariat.

Time: Full time.

Remuneration: >92,776 per annum plus benefits and pension package.

Closes: 08 May

         

NHS England  Chair

The primary objective of the Chair is to ensure the strategic direction of NHS England, the body responsible for arranging the provision of health services in England, is aligned to wider Government healthcare policy and that members of the NHS England Board, the senior decision making structure of the organisation, are accountable to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Parliament and ultimately patients, for organisational performance. In order to deliver this objective the Chair will be required to: provide leadership and strategic oversight throughout the Boards decision making processes, ensuring affairs are conducted with probity, and that policies and actions support the Board to discharge its functions and duties effectively, in the interests of patients, so that they meet the requirements of the NHS England Mandate and Five Year Forward View

Time: 2-3 days per week.

Remuneration: 63,000 per annum.

Closes: 10 May

         

Single Financial Guidance Body  Chief Executive

As Chief Executive and Accounting Officer you will be responsible for the overall efficiency and effectiveness of a large, new and significant guidance body responsible for merging the services of three respected organisations. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the exceptional leadership and management skills required throughout the design and development phase of the new organisation, and for the successful and seamless delivery of key services to consumers during the transitional period. As Chief Executive you will be responsible for working closely with the SFGB Board to provide the vision, direction and leadership in the formulation and achievement of SFGBs strategies and objectives.

Time: Full time.

Remuneration: 175,000 per annum.

Closes: 13 May

         

Prison Service Pay Review Body  Chair

As Chair of the Review Body you will have responsibility for working corporately with members to advise the government annually on the pay of Governors, Operational Managers, Prison Officers and support grades in England and Wales and equivalent posts in Northern Ireland. This role represents an influential, worthwhile and intellectually stimulating challenge. We are looking for a new Chair with senior management level experience, and a strategic/senior level understanding of unionised environments and employee relations. To help you decide if you have the qualities and skills required for this post, we have listed below the criteria that we will apply when assessing candidates.

Time: Circa 35 days per annum.

Remuneration: 350 per diem.

Closes: 17 May

         

Office of Rail and Road  Chair

The ORR is the combined economic and safety regulator for railways in the UK. It has a wide ranging and complex remit which includes monitoring the performance of Network Rail and Highways England; regulatory oversight of HS1 and the Channel Tunnel; ensuring that the rail industry provides a service that is safe for passengers and staff; overseeing a range of consumer protection obligations which sit in railway companies licences and in general consumer law; and acting as the competition authority for the railways.

Time: Two days per week.

Remuneration: 85,000 per diem.

Closes: 29 MayHenry Newman is Director of Open Europe.

After weeks when the politics around Brexit seemed strangely calm, things are heating up again, quickly. In the week of local elections, this risks adding to Theresa Mays problems over Windrush and Amber Rudds resignation. In her three major Brexit speeches, the Prime Minister succeeded in moving the Governments policy agenda forward (a little) and avoiding a total split in the Party. Yet decisions have been repeatedly deferred rather than addressed. One such issue is around the Governments customs policy. If its mishandled, a major crisis could ensue.

In Parliament, its looking more and more possible that a majority in the Commons coalesces in favour of the Government forming a new Customs Union with the EU after Brexit. As Ive repeatedly argued, that would be an error. Only Turkey is outside the EU and in a Customs Union. Even those countries closest to the EU like Norway and Switzerland chart their own course on trade. And  as Kemi Badenoch pointed out on Any Questions  even countries which trade very closely together like Australia and New Zealand, or Canada and the USA, havent formed a customs union.

Mystifyingly, the Government seems reluctant to make a clear case for leaving the Customs Union. That reluctance may be compounded by the fact that it still hasnt decided on its customs policy. We are over halfway through Article 50 and there are still two options on the table. But, rather than choosing one, the decision point has been repeatedly delayed. Its time for a decision and to my mind theres only one sensible choice.

The first option is the highly streamlined model, known in Whitehall as Max Fac (short for Maximum Facilitation). This would see the UK and EU agreeing to minimise all customs checks, using clever technology and building on best practice from around the world. There would be a customs border between the UK and EU, but it could be minimal. So it wouldnt be entirely frictionless but it would be smooth and light-touch.

The second choice is called a hybrid model or a Customs Partnership. It rests on the EU recognising UK customs checks as equivalent to their own, and vice versa. Goods which enter the EU at Rotterdam could travel to the UK without further checks. Thats not that far-fetched an idea given its how customs within the EU already work!

But the partnership gets more messy. The theory goes that, in that model, the EU would also agree to allow the UK to do separate trade deals. Lets imagine the UK (but not the EU) agreed a deal with China eliminating tariffs. A business would have to pay the EUs tariff on an imported widget from China. But would be able to re-claim the tariff if they could demonstrate that the widget was staying in the UK. Sounds complex? It is. Why would the EU agree to it? And, if the UK continued to work as a customs post for the EU, why wouldnt the EU insist on Britain continuing to hand over most of the tariffs collected?

Last autumn, the Treasury insisted that the partnership model was included in the Governments position paper on customs. But it was quite clearly then considered an also ran  widely dismissed by officials and advisers. More recently with the prospect of a rebellion on the Customs Union in the Commons gaining force, the partnership model seemed like it could have provided a way of persuading reluctant Remainers to keep backing the Governments policy. By the time of the Mansion House speech, it had emerged as the preferred model.

Over a year ago (which just shows you how little the debate has moved) Open Europe considered this half-in, half-out partnership approach. We thought it would be hard to negotiate, overly bureaucratic for both business and government, and politically very difficult in domestic terms. We also warned that it would inevitably create an inertia in our trade policy, where the global opportunities of Brexit were neglected in an attempt to protect the status quo. Our verdict was it was too clever by half.

When I interviewed Jacob Rees-Mogg, the ERG chair, last week he went one step further and called the idea cretinous. Yesterday, Bernard Jenkin wrote for this site, criticising the idea. Ive also heard that David Davis has privately raised with Downing Street significant concerns over the plan, including echoing Open Europes concerns about a potential legal challenge in the WTO.

Around the Cabinet table  or, more importantly, the crucial eleven-person Brexit sub-committee on Strategy and Negotiation dubbed SnN  Hammond was the key backer, supported by Rudd, Greg Clark and David Lidington. Boris Johnson, Davis, Liam Fox and Michael Gove were opposed, with Gavin Williamson reportedly a convert to that side. Karen Bradley was expected to back the Prime Minister. Yesterdays mini-reshuffle sees a new voice around the table, with Sajid Javid replacing Rudd. My suspicion is that Javid will back the Brexit side, who are increasingly working together to co-ordinate their position.

Ditching the Customs Partnership option seems like a political no-brainer. Crucially, the EU side has already reportedly dismissed both of the UK options  Max Fac and a partnership. So its hard to hold up the partnership option as a way of solving the Irish border issue. Equally, while the partnership option seemed like it could have been a mechanism a month ago for keeping potentially rebellious MPs onside, many of those are now aiming to force the Governments hand towards a fully fledged customs union. If Cabinet back the partnership model, that wont necessarily defuse the rebels.

If the Prime Minister jumps the wrong way on this crucial question, she risks losing the support of Brexiteers in Cabinet and undermining her very stability in the job. But although Theresa May has often been painfully slow in coming to decisions, she has tended ultimately to make the right political call. On the question of customs she faces yet another crucial test. She must not defer it.James Frayne is Director of communications agency Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion.

Is the I didnt see it defence for a senior politician reasonable or credible? This was the defence unsuccessfully used by Amber Rudd in her attempts to stay in post at the Home Office. Answering this question is fundamental to assessing politicians performance and, in Rudds case, judging whether it was right for her to resign.

Some of those reading this will have much more first-hand experience of government than I do, but I saw the realities of departmental life close up for a while, working at the Department for Education between March 2011 and September 2012. I joined at the tail-end of the highly chaotic period following Michael Goves arrival in the department after the 2010 election. In that period, not only did Gove introduce Free Schools and Academies but he replaced the controversial Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme which oversaw a major new building programme.

As many readers will remember, this latter policy particularly led to chaos and appalling media stories  and chaos was endemic in the department. The department mishandled the communications of the BSF changes, with some schools told they werent being rebuilt when they were and, worse still, with some schools being told they were being rebuilt when they werent. Up to that point, Gove had been arguably the great hope of the Government, but people were soon suggesting he wasnt up to the job. He went on to become a hugely successful, reforming Secretary of State, but as 2011 approached his future as a leading politician looked precarious.

Was all this Goves fault? No, not at the beginning. Secretaries of State must be able to trust their officials and press officers with simple things like list generation. Its not credible to expect the Secretary of State to say, are you sure about that school in Cheshire? If they questioned every detail in every memo, nothing would get signed off. Similarly, at that time, the department was incredibly slow getting letters to the outside world sent out accurately. Not only were letters late and a backlog developing, which reflects badly on the Secretary of State, but they were riddled with typos. (Hardly a national scandal but symptomatic of wider problems). Again, early on, this wasnt Goves fault. At that time, the department he inherited was simply not up to the job and you cant turn around a place like that in a few months.

How did Gove sort things out? Through hard experience, the intelligent hiring of advisers and other outsiders, the use of third party advocates and policy brains, and a rapidly rolling internal restructure. This ongoing restructure was particularly important. A new private office was created that was higher functioning than the one that went before, the best officials were given more influence and responsibility, and the third party network delivered intelligence and in turn made a public case on his behalf. Emerging political and policy emergencies were spotted early and headed off; crises were dealt with fast by securing all the facts and releasing them comprehensively and quickly; and a pro-active political and policy narrative helped drive the department forward. A year into the job, and certainly by the end, Gove was, and should have been, completely on top of his brief and the actions of the department. Yes, surprises still occurred, to all of us, but it was hard for us to blame others by this point.

At one level, its ludicrous to compare the DfE to the Home Office. Theres no denying that the Home Office is a much more complex and demanding environment than the DfE; the issues at stake are more immediately important, and theres infinitely more scrutiny. The I didnt see it defence is much more credible  and for longer  at the Home Office. However, not far off two years into her time in office, its hard for Rudd to put this defence up with credibility  particularly on such a high-profile, controversial issue like illegal immigration. Thats not to suggest she must have definitely been aware of policies that she claimed she wasnt, but certainly that she should have been. Rudd should have had systems in place to warn her of impending problems, and she should have been in command of the department sufficiently to have swept all relevant facts into the public domain quickly. The fact she couldnt do this left her in severe trouble.

This is a shame, as Rudd commands unusual respect from the adviser class. More than any other politician Ive heard about directly, officials, advisers and outside experts talk about her professionalism, judgement and courtesy (although I have personally always doubted her understanding of the electorate). She will no doubt be back in charge of another department soon, and with the experience to make it work better than she did before. Her temporary demise in this job is actually the norm, and theres no disgrace in it.

People will be expecting miracles from Sajid Javid. But he wont be really in a position to be judged for departmental management for six to nine months. After that point, its on him. Failure will mean its back to a smaller department, success will mean theres no limit to what he can achieve.Bugcrowd has tapped former ForeScout executive Todd DeBell for a newly created global channel leadership position as the company looks to rapidly expand its business with partners.

The San Francisco-based crowdsourced security testing provider is looking to grow its channel business from less than 25 partners globally to accounting for between 80 percent and 90 percent of global revenue, DeBell told CRN exclusively. DeBell started April 9 as Bugcrowd's first-ever senior director of global channels and alliances.

"It's not just a 'me-too' situation," DeBell said. "This is a very different, new and exciting space."

[Related: The Bug Bounty Business: How Solution Providers Are Cashing In]

Bugcrowd has to date primarily leveraged channel partners for their relationships in the end-user community in a conventional buy-sell motion, DeBell said. But partners also have the opportunity to deliver margin-rich remediation services, helping clients take care of any issues on their applications or devices that were identified by security researchers during the vulnerability testing process.

Partners will also have the option of leveraging Bugcrowd's bench to deliver professional services around the crowdsourced vulnerability testing, according to DeBell. He said the opportunity around professional and remediation services appealed to the more than 25 domestic and international partners he spoke with during the RSA Conference in mid-April.

"It's a much-needed space," DeBell said. "It's an opportunity for partners to take advantage of."

DeBell has less than 10 direct reports today, but he expects the team to grow very rapidly over the next three to six months. He also hopes to strengthen bonds between the channel organization and Bugcrowd's inside sales team and technology alliance partners.

The experience at Bugcrowd should be similar to the five years DeBell spent as global channel chief of security management vendor FireMon. There, DeBell said he got to lay the groundwork, help the company grow from an earlier stage, and take advantage of lots of untapped opportunity in the market.

Conversely, by the time DeBell joined ForeScout in July 2016, the company was more of a known commodity with a proven track node of success and plans to go public. DeBell left ForeScout in December 2017 after spending 18 months as the company's vice president of worldwide channels.

DeBell said Bugcrowd's biggest differentiator is using the security researcher community to proactively get ahead of problems before a program or application goes into the wild. By identifying issues up front through crowdsourced security vulnerability testing, DeBell said channel partners can help clients maintain their reputation for quality work while saving them time and money in the process.

Although bug bounty programs are sometimes perceived as being competitive to services offered by solution providers, DeBell said similar offerings such as penetration testing have already been on the market for a while, with end users increasingly demanding proactive testing as part of any engagement.

"We're testing it just like it would be tested in the wild," DeBell said.

Bugcrowd has been on a tear as of late, raising $26 million in March as part of a Series C funding round led by asset management firm Triangle Peak Partners. All told, the company has raised $48.7 million in five rounds of outside equity since its founding less than six years ago.

Building a relationship with Bugcrowd over the past six months has made it easier for Nexum to penetrate to C-suite and have more business-level conversations with CIOs and CISOs, according to David Lesser, president and CEO of the Chicago-based company, No. 215 on the 2017 CRN Solution Provider 500.

The biggest opportunity with Bugcrowd is around larger organizations in verticals such as financial services or insurance that have cash to spend, Lesser said. Any customer with large portals or public-facing reservation systems would particularly benefit from Bugcrowd's offering, according to Lesser.

Lesser has worked with DeBell for the past 15 years, and said he's always been impressed by DeBell's ability to bring passion and creativity together and create unique programs for the channel. Lesser hopes DeBell focuses on building a channel program at Bugcrowd that commands integrity with a locked and solid deal registration process.

"Todd [DeBell] is relentless in being an advocate for the channel," Lesser said. "Bugcrowd is a people business, and Todd's best attribute is dealing with people."From Genesis to Revelation, we see that one of our Creator Kings primary qualities is his lavish generosity. We are made in the image of this generous King, wired to reflect his generosity to the rest of creation. Indeed, giving back to God and to his people is part of our DNA, a sign of our family resemblance to our generous Creator. Giving is what we do best; the air into which we were born. Giving signals and solidifies our allegiance to and dependence on God and his kingdom.

Idolatry is an economic issue. When we read about the Israelites worshiping the god Baal in 1 Kings 18, we tend to think of them developing a preference for wooden idol images. But the primary attraction to Baal wasnt a pretty statue; it was an economic promise. For the nations around Israel, Baal was the rider of the clouds, who brought the rains and blessed the earth.When Baal showed up, the heavens rained oil, the rivers ran with honey, mothers gave birth to healthy children, and even the dead could be raised. Little wonder, then, that when King Ahab chose to marry a woman from Baal territory, the farmers in Israel built a house for this new god and welcomed him to the neighborhood (see 1 Kings 16:31).

Of course, most Israelites probably didnt totally reject Yahweh, the God of Israel. They likely continued going to church, paying their tithes, and saying a prayer or two now and againespecially on holidays. They just added Baal worship to their insurance policy. After all, if youre a farmer, its only practical to invest in getting the rider of the clouds to like you.

Yahweh would have none of it. He sent his prophet Elijah to tell Israel to stop limping between two different opinions (1 Kings 18:21 ESV). Through Elijah, God declared that Baal couldnt deliver the goods and his people couldnt have it both ways.

To win his people back, God demonstrated his power and mocked Baal along the way. Baal promised the rains, so God sent a drought at the word of his prophet (see 1 Kings 17:1). While Baal worshipers went hungry during the drought, God fed Elijah meat and bread delivered to him daily by carrier ravens (see v. 6).

Even on Baals home turf, people starved while waiting for Baal to bring his promised abundance. Meanwhile, in the midst of Baal country, God made oil and flour overflow for Elijah and his newfound friends (vv. 1416). When Baals people died, it was Elijah who raised them to life (v. 22). Yahweh took care of his own while the king who had turned to Baal because of his claim to bring home the economic bacon wandered the countryside hoping to find a bit of grass for the few horses and mules who hadnt died yet (see 1 Kings 18:45). Baals 450 prophets worked themselves into a frenzy, cutting themselves, dancing, and chanting to their god. But there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention (v. 29 ESV).

But God listened to his prophet. He sent fire from heaven. He sent the rain in torrents. He turned the hearts of his people back to himself. He solicited their allegiance, work, and worshipfor himself and his kingdom. The battle for their hearts took place in part on the battlefield of their bank accounts. Worship, after all, is an economic issue.

From Pretty Statues to Silver and Gold: Jesus or Mammon?

Jesus knew all about gods such as Baal. He also recognized, though, that people in his day faced a new, subtler, and perhaps even stronger temptation: to treat money as an idol like Baal, an idol to worship as a god to get what they wanted. But humans cannot serve two kings. Jesus reminds us that when we try, we risk devoting ourselves to money and hating him (see Luke 16:13).

In fact, the New Testament teaches that money and greed are often the loudest and most appealing idols seeking to steal our attention. Paul declares that greed is idolatry, that to be greedy is to worship other gods (see Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:3). Once we remember that the Jews saw idolatry as the ultimate sin that put one outside the community of faith, we can hear the full force of Pauls words. Idols had always threatened to steal the love, trust, and service God deserves and demands.By equating greed with idolatry, Paul provocatively told the church they didnt have to go into a rival temple to worship another god. Their greedy hearts created other gods out of every coin in their coffers.

Thats why Jesus warned his followers to watch out for all kinds of greed (see Luke 12:15). His parables tell of farmers destroyed in the midst of their prosperity because they hoarded wealth and failed to be rich toward God (see vv. 1621), of rich men sent to hell for their failure to let go of their wealth for the sake of their neighbor (see Luke 16:1931), and of eternal judgment declared on the basis of ones willingness to share with those in need (Matt. 25:3146). All these parables point in the same direction:

money wants our worship. But every bit of ourselves we give to our stuff we snatch away from our true King.

Mauled by Money: The Cost of Economic Idolatry

The Bible also teaches us that the wages of our economic idolatry is death. [People] who want to get rich, Paul declares, fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (1 Tim. 6:9)

Stop for a moment. Do you believe that? That wanting to get rich inevitably causes such destruction? Paul goes even further. He writes that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil that has led some to wander from the faith and pierce themselves with many griefs (v. 10). In Pauls opinion, love of money wounds the worshiper, woos them away from the faith, and wells up in all sorts of other evils.

Because our material possessions so often seduce us into worshiping them like gods, they pose possibly the preeminent threat to worshiping Jesus. When we worship money, it mauls us. Money becomes a spiritual power that too often uses us rather than the other way around.

In a truly horrific passage, Jeremiah writes that our worship of idols consumes not only our flocks and herds but also our sons and daughters (Jer. 3:24). Our idols never stop consuming and destroying that which we hold most dear. In the end, Those who make [idols] will end up like them, as will everyone who trusts in them (Ps. 115:8 NET). When we give, we reflect the image of our giving God. But when we worship the idol of money, when our lives are oriented primarily toward earning, getting, and keeping, we become deformed, reflecting not the image of Yahweh, Lord of heaven and earth, but money, the god of me and mine. We become increasingly committed to a lifestyle of an abundance of possessions.

Such living falls far short of the life Jesus invites us to experience.

Excerpted from "Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give," by Michael Rhodes, Robby Holt and Brian Fikkert. Used by permission of Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  April 2018.

Practicing the King's Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give. With their experiences as a pastor, urban community development expert, and bestselling author of "When Helping Hurts" and president of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development, Michael Rhodes, Robby Holt, and Brian Fikkert offer eye-opening true stories of economic discipleship in action. They explore six key biblical themes of worship, community, work, equity, creation care, and rest to dig into what the Gospel means for how we use our resources.

Photo courtesy: UnsplashP&O Cruises Australia announced six new dedicated cruises to Papua New Guinea in its latest program release, calling at Alotau, Kitava Island, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island and the Conflict Islands.

One of the highlights is a new 11-night round-trip voyage to one of the most remote locations in the Coral Sea, the Conflict Islands, the company said.

The cruise on the Pacific Aria departs Sydney Harbour mid-November 2019 and calls at the group of 21 islands.

In 2016 P&O became the first cruise line in the world to offer calls to the Conflict Islands.

The latest program sees five 10-night New Guinea Island Encounter cruises departing Brisbane with an option for families to take advantage of the two Papua New Guinea cruises taking place during the school holidays.

The cruise lines latest brochure also features an exotic line-up of six new one-way cruises to or from Singapore including an 18-night Australia and Southeast Asia Discovery cruise departing Adelaide in March 2019 and calling at Port Kelang, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand.

P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said the new program offered an exciting selection of unique longer cruises to Asia and Papua New Guinea combined with the extremely popular shorter getaways, themed cruises and voyages to the South Pacific Islands enjoyed by guests all year round.

In our latest program we continue to offer cruises from more Australian home ports than any other cruise line in the market with round trip itineraries from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland, Myrmell said.

During this season we have scheduled dry docks for Pacific Explorer and Pacific Dawn in Singapore which has provided an opportunity to offer a choice of new cruises of 13-nights or more to the Far East.

The Conflict Islands continue to prove extremely popular two years on from our first voyage and were pleased to offer this stunning corner of the world up to guests with a new itinerary from Sydney.

Each year we aim to provide unique shore experiences at the destinations we visit. From traditional cooking classes in Alotau, the capital of Papua New Guineas Milne Bay Province to discovering the ancient volcano in Rabaul on Papua New Guineas north-eastern tip  there is something for everyone to enjoy in Papua New Guinea, he said.

The new 2019-20 program will deliver 136 cruises in total including 64 SeaBreak cruises of 2, 3 and 4-nights in duration departing Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland.Welcome back! After shooting several episodes during the RSA Conference in San Francisco, this week Salted Hash talks mobile threats with VASCO's Will LaSala. In addition to this week's episode, we've also got some additional footage from the conference.

Mobile threats are something you hear about from time to time, but when you're at a show like the RSA Conference (one of the largest vendor-driven shows in the U.S.), do you really think about mobile security? No one will blame you if you assumed the affirmative, but the reality is, most people don't.

Keeping the problems with the RSA Conference mobile application out of the limelight for now, mobile threats include lost or stolen devices, as well as poorly defended devices. At one point while walking the North Hall, there were mobile phones and tablets left laying around all over the place. While some them might have had passcodes, or other protections, most likely didn't  but does it matter? If someone has physical access to your device, it isn't yours anymore.

This week Salted Hash visited Will LaSala, the director of Security Solutions and security evangelist at VASCO Data Security, to talk about the various mobile threats travelers have to contend with on a regular basis.

Once you've heard Will's take on the topic, watch the videos below for more from the show.

Episode 22: It's time to kill the pen test.

No seriously, give him a chance to explain. We spoke to Adrian Sanabria, director of research at Savage Security, about de-emphasizing network penetration tests to put more focus on attack simulations and helping companies improve their defenses.











Episode 23: Having fun with honeypots and botnets

We visited with Israel Barak, CISO at Cybereason, to talk about his company's recent honeypot research, which yielded some interesting attack observations, especially once the human attacker got involved.









Cinco de Mayoalso known as an excuse to go drink margaritas and eat tacosis upon us and it falls on a Saturday this year.

Click through to see where you should head for Mexican food this Cinco de Mayo.

Recently, the carnitas taco from El Charrito (with locations in Greenwich and Stamford) was named the best taco in the state.

"The famously posh town of Greenwich may be the last place you'd expect to find real Mexican takeout food," the Daily Meal writes.

"The carnitas tacos are typical: a couple of flavorful steamed corn tortillas with a scattering of sweet, crispy pork bits, minced onions, cilantro, and lime segments on the side to squeeze over everything. Simple and perfect," the site describes.

El Charrito started in 2006 as a taco truck in Stamford; owners and ex-spouses Alex and Carlos Terron then opened a takeout spot in Riverside, and now a full sit-down restaurant in Stamford for a total of three existing locations now.

This isn't the first time, El Charrito has gotten national recognition. For example, back in 2011, the TLC show "Best Food Ever" featured the truck on a segment about food trucks.





There are also plenty of spots to grab a margarita around here. The cocktail, which is traditionally made with tequila, lime juice and triple sec, has many variations today from spicy to fruit-flavored, on the rocks and frozenbut its exact origin in unknown.

One popular theory is that it was invented in 1938 by a Mexican restaurant owner for a showgirl named Marjorie King.

According to National Geographic, "King was allergic to all forms of alcohol except tequila, but didn't like to drink the stuff straight. Herrera supposedly solve the problem by adding salt and lime and creating the world's first margarita."BRIDGEPORT  Demonstrators took to downtown streets Tuesday for International Workers Day, demanding that Bridgeport become a sanctuary city and for better working conditions and options for immigrants.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., the dozens of participants at Tuesdays rally  a part of a global event known as May Day  marched from McLevy Green to Bridgeport City Hall and wrapped up at the Make the Road Connecticut office on State Street.

The world is listening tonight, said Francisco Baires, the community organizer for Make the Road Connecticut. We are part of a global movement today.

Make the Road Connecticut was among the organizations involved in hosting Tuesdays rally, along with Fairfield Standing United, CTCore Organize-Now! and Bridgeport Generation Now.

Nixie Garcia, 9, of Bridgeport, one of nearly a dozen children who marched with the adults at the rally, held up a sign that said, We deserve a fair work week.

My sign is for my parents, she said. I want parents to get off work at a good time to come home and stay with us.

Some of the youth at the rally demanded better funding for schools  the citys Board of Education is currently trying to cut $13 million from its 2018-19 operating budget. The youngsters also said they want more attention to the importance of public transportation.

There was also a heavy focus on how painful deportation is on individuals and families.

We want to walk down the street and feel safe, said Sonya, a Fairfield County resident from Honduras who said she is currently fighting a deportation order. I will keep fighting. ... We have to defend our rights and our dignity. We cant live in fear.

Many demonstrators said they feel unfairly targeted as immigrants. Others, including many of the children at the event, took a stand about their future in America.

Im here to stay, said Brian Ramirez, an 11-year-old Bridgeport resident. People that come here should feel safe to be here, to live here, to stay here. Im here to stay. My family is here to stay.

Nely Mendoza, a Honduras native and Bridgeport resident who has been in the United States for 11 years, said she wants officials to declare Bridgeport to be more than a welcoming city, which was declared by city officials on May 15, 2017.

I want Bridgeport to be a sanctuary city because I do not feel safe, Mendoza said, drawing a round of applause. Im afraid theyre going to separate me from my husband and my kids.

I want my mom and dad and everyone to live here  safe, said Diego Mendoza, the young son of Nely Mendoza, during his speech to the group of demonstrators at McLevy Green.Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media

Bridgeport Hospital will offer an American Heart Association administration of medicine class from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, May 17 at the hospital, 267 Grant St.

The cost is $65 for the full program or $30 for injectable medicine only. Registration is required. Call 888-357-2396 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.org/events. For information about workplace or community-based group classes, call 203-384-4497.FAIRFIELD - A Naugatuck construction worker, accused of secretly photographing men in the locker rooms at YMCAs in Waterbury and Southington, has been charged with taking video of a police officer dressing in the YMCA here.

Leonidas Torres-Cabrera, 30, of Spring Street, Naugatuck, was charged with voyeurism with malice and disorderly conduct. He is free after posting a total of $37,500 in bonds in the three jurisdictions.UPDATE:

Derby police have issued a clarification Wednesday after state police put out a news release asking for the publics help in identifying a suspect.

The department said its in the process of obtaining an arrest warrant for the suspect, but that the suspect is not accused of stealing from senior living facilities in Derby.

The investigation only pertains to a theft of wallets from St. Vincent DePaul, Derby police said.

Derby police said on Jan. 29, officers investigated the theft of two wallets from employees of St. Vincent DePaul thrift store on Roosevelt Drive.

While other agencies may be investigating this same suspect for the aforementioned crimes targeting senior living facilities, there is no evidence that this activity occurred in Derby, police said.

Original story:

DERBY  Police are hoping the public can help them identify a man accused of stealing from senior living residents.

Derby police are currently investigating a case where a man  described as an older, thin build, black man  pretends to be a contractor or flower delivery person to gain access to senior living residences or communities to burglarize the residents, state police said Tuesday.

Once the man is inside the facility, police said, hell enter apartments of elderly people who are sleeping and claim hes there to fix a water leak from the floor above them.

Then, police said, the suspect steals wallets and jewelry from the residents, using their credit cards to purchase designer clothing and electronics.

It is believed that this suspect has committed similar crimes in other towns and states, state police said.

Anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts is asked to call their local state police troop or local police department. Tips can also be send 274637, with TIP711 and the information in the text. All calls and texts will remain confidential.

State police urges the public to be cautious of anyone trying to gain access to their business or home under false or potentially suspicious pretenses.Contributed Photo\Patty Swanson / Contributed Photo

HARTFORD  The states tax commissioner will step down from his post next week to pursue a new job, the governors office announced Tuesday.

Commissioner Kevin B. Sullivan has headed the Department of Revenue Services since 2011.A former George Washington University student sued her alma mater Friday, claiming the school mishandled her sexual assault case, an allegation that came as schools and students nationwide continue to struggle with concerns over campus sexual violence.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, alleges that GWU "actively created and was deliberately indifferent to a culture of sexual hostility and violence" at the school. It was filed by Aniqa Raihan, who alleges she was sexually assaulted in 2014, during her freshman year, in a campus dorm room.

The male student Raihan accused in the incident was given a "deferred suspension" instead of facing the disciplinary action that a university panel had recommended, the lawsuit alleges.

"The practical effect of that was no sanction, because [Raihan's alleged assailant] was allowed to continue his studies and graduate on time, as if nothing had happened," Raihan's attorney, Alex Zalkin, said at a news conference.

The university, he said, "fostered an environment on campus in which sexual misconduct is tolerated and tacitly approved."

A university spokeswoman, Maralee Csellar, said in a statement that GWU takes sexual misconduct and sexual violence concerns seriously.

"The university is committed to fully supporting survivors, providing an equitable process for those who are accused, and treating appropriately those who are found responsible for engaging in sexual misconduct or sexual violence," she said.

Raihan had previously made public the allegations she raised with university officials. At a commencement ceremony in May 2017, she was among the protesters who unfurled a banner that read "GW Protects Rapists," according to the GW Hatchet, the school's student newspaper.

"We have stated previously in response to prior concerns Ms. Raihan has raised in the media, the university respectfully disagrees with her characterization of the administrative process and outcome in this situation," Csellar said. "The university will vigorously defend itself in court and will not comment on the specifics of this case."

Zalkin said Raihan has also filed a Title IX complaint with the Education Department. Title IX is the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in schools that receive federal funding.

The lawsuit alleges that in March 2014, Raihan was drinking and playing games with friends in her dorm room. Her roommate asked the group to leave, and the accused student invited Raihan to his room. Raihan began to feel dizzy, and the man suggested she rest on his bed, according to the court documents. The man tried to kiss Raihan, who said she turned away and also tried to push him away, the documents state.

Raihan can remember going in and out of consciousness, the complaint states. Before she blacked out, she remembers the man "engaging in sexual activity with her that she did not consent to."

Raihan said Friday that the university had created an environment in which people like her attacker knew they could get away with an assault, and survivors like her "knew that there wasn't even a point in reporting."

Raihan filed a formal complaint with GWU officials in October 2016, about two years after the alleged attack. A hearing was held in December 2016, and a university panel found that the accused student had engaged in sexual misconduct. The panel recommended that he be suspended, according to the lawsuit.

But the male student was instead given a deferred suspension, which meant he could finish his classes without a delay. A university official had suggested the deferred punishment, which the student affairs dean signed off on.

At Friday's news conference, Raihan, a 22-year-old who lives in Philadelphia, said she wasn't sure what a deferred suspension meant and had to find someone to explain the punishment.

"It was immediately infuriating," Raihan said. "And then obviously really upsetting to know that GW could acknowledge what happened, could find him responsible . . . and they accept what happened to me, but they're just not going to do anything about it."

The lawsuit alleges that university officials didn't immediately tell Raihan about the hearing or sanction. After repeatedly trying to get information about the matter, Raihan eventually learned of the outcome in March 2017, more than 150 days after she filed her complaint.

The lawsuit alleges that the university delayed investigating and deciding on the allegation of sexual misconduct. "GW also consistently fails to communicate with students who file reports of sexual misconduct, including failing to provide timely updates to claimants," the lawsuit says.

Raihan said she tried to speak to university officials about her case but was given false information. She said she believes the school "created an elaborate lie about the adjudication process" to cover up the deferred suspension decision, the lawsuit states. She also claimed the university did not put additional safety measures in place to protect her during the process, although she shared a campus with the man she had accused of assaulting her.

The court documents include the name of the man accused of the assault, but an attempt to contact him by The Washington Post was unsuccessful.

The lawsuit seeks damages, with an amount that would be established at trial, according to the documents. Raihan said she has gone to meetings with university officials, which have included discussions of how the complaint process could be improved, she said. A year has passed since those meetings, she said, and she doesn't see the changes she sought.

"This lawsuit is a way to keep the pressure on them to actually make changes, not just hire people to look at your policies, not just say you're going to make a change," she said. "We're not going to forget about this and move on until they actually make this process better."David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, the long-running HBO series about the New Jersey mob, once explained to me the uncanny brilliance of the show.

Everything that everybody says is untrue. Complete falsehoods, self-justifications, rationalizations, outright lies, fantasies and miscommunication, he said. Theres always sort of a joke going on, which is that these people arent communicating at all.

With that guiding philosophy, Chase might have scripted our current presidential administration. And not just because hed get the chronic fibbing right  but because he would, once again, be writing about a bumbling, brutal, bargain-basement mob.

In a widely circulated excerpt from A Higher Loyalty, former FBI Director James B. Comeys meditation on leadership  it really is a book about leadership, not merely an effort to extenuate his mistakes in the 2016 election  the mob is represented as both metaphor and model for the Trump syndicate.

In the early 1990s, Comey, then an assistant U.S. attorney, aided in the demolition of the New York mafia. When he says in his book that Trump and his coterie reminded him of a 1980s mafia social club, Comey is not broadsiding Trump so much as describing a specific dynamic, Trumps modus operandi as a leader.

The Life begins with a lie, Comey was told in 1992, by Salvatore Sammy the Bull Gravano, a cooperating witness who had just flipped on his fearsome mob boss, John Gotti. By the Life, Gravano seemed to designate the violent crime and perks of brotherhood that make up the underworld of wiseguys and made men.

At the goofy goth initiation into made-man paradise, that first lie, Comey explains, is the programmed response to Do you know why youre here? Of course, every recruit knows why hes at the dreamed-of christening, but each also knows his answer in this catechism: No.

Comey remembers Gravano saying that with that no, he was off and running. His bosses now had Lie No. 1 on him, and knew he was willing to invert the truth on command.

Likewise, in Comeys book  and in his memos, which were declassified and released last week  the former FBI director recounts being isolated with the Oval Office capo, who tested his willingness to lie as a prelude to demanding loyalty.

As in Gravanos scenario, the falsehoods that Comey is expected to go along with at first seem trivial. On Jan. 28, 2017, at a private dinner, it was inauguration and crowd size, as Comeys memos record.

Trumps exaggeration of the attendance figure was, of course, a foundational lie of his presidency. It was also one he insisted his flunkies, notably former White House spokesman Sean Spicer, recite on command. By testing whether Comey would accept that absurdity, Trump seems to have been priming the pump for later, bigger lies hed ask Comey to cosign on.

You get the sense that if Comey swallowed the lies  and better yet, amplified them in the media  he might have been made  one of Trumps guys, like Attorney General Jeff Sessions. And then Comey would enjoy what, exactly? Huzzahs on Twitter, and a 10 percent discount on a Mar-a-Lago membership?

In any case, something infinitely, deliberately hazy. The Life? Or La Cosa Nostra  that thing of ours.

Why in the world would anyone willingly bind himself to woolly non-promises from men like John Gotti or Donald Trump? Why choose to submit to the caprices, contempt, hazing and inevitable betrayal of tyrants?

At least with the original mafia, you got a social network for your wife and children, the best cuts of bresaola, elaborate weddings and funerals. But what does Trump give? No community, no faith, no language, no signature red sauce binds the Trump syndicate together.

In fact, the biggest mystery of Trumps presidency, to me, is the prostrate compliance of former alpha males  Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Rep. Devin Nunes, and on and on  for nothing.

What kind of bribes are these men taking, what blackmail are they enduring? Mimi Rocah, a former federal prosecutor who also helped bring down the New York crime families, gave me an answer I didnt expect: none. The bosses dont bother with carrots and sticks, they just exploit psychological vulnerabilities.

The mob is like a cult, she told me.

Strong and not-so-strong men and women become toadies not because a boss gives them reflected glory or even money  though there may be some of that  but because they crave an idol, a reason for being and the feeling of belonging in this thing of ours. Whatever that thing is.

The good news is that that spell can break. Breaking away is hard, Rocah told me, but it happens all the time.

If the consequences they face are severe enough, and especially if theyve learned their superiors slagged them off, some mob underlings will flip.

Trump Organization fixer Michael Cohen, in the hot seat after the FBI raided his office and hotel room on April 9, may be in that process now. Cohen could well be terrified of prison or fines. He might also now know that Trumps loyalty to him is as wispy a concept as that thing. (On Friday, Trump confidant Roger Stone said the president treats Cohen like garbage.)

Or maybe Cohen will simply be exhausted by the lies, big and small. If so, he could start by admitting that the statement hes best known for  Im the guy who would take a bullet for the president  is the biggest hokum of all.

Virginia Heffernan is a Los Angeles Times columnist.A 38-year-old Atlanta man has pleaded guilty to shipping more than 200 pounds of marijuana to Connecticut via the U.S. Postal Service.

Shamar Sheist Madden, 38, pleaded guilty Monday before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.Tom McWilliams, senior vice president of the Mississippi Credit Union Association, will be honored as the 2018 Credit Union Hero of the Year, by Credit Union Magazine.

Across the decades of my career, I have been blessed to know and build an amazing credit union family. I love what I do, and my motivation has always been simple: A desire to offer the best professional growth opportunities to help others become heroes for their own members, said McWilliams. I am honored, and truly humbled, to receive this recognition and to know I have made a difference.

Tom McWilliams is the consummate lifelong learner, said Ann Hayes Peterson, CUNAs vice president of publishing and editor-in-chief. His contributions have influenced the development of credit union managers and leaders throughout his state and the movementand always with the goal of changing members lives for the better.The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection should send quarterly reminders about submitting credit card agreements, CUNA wrote to the bureau Monday. CUNAs letter was sent in response to a bureau request to the Office of Management and Budget to continue collecting certain documents from credit card issuers.

Card issuers are required under the CARD Act to submit to the bureau agreements between issuers and consumers, as well as any college credit card agreements to which the issuer is a party.

While at first very onerous, since credit unions have been complying with these requirements for the better part of the past decade, the compliance burden has declined, the letter reads. We acknowledge the benefit to consumers of being able to easily access the bureaus website to review and compare credit card agreements across all issuers. To ensure agreements are submitted on a timely basis, we ask the CFPB to send quarterly reminders to card issuers.Michigan judge last week sentenced former Valley State Credit Union President/CEO Stanley Hayes to serve up to 20 years in prison for embezzling $710,000.

He pleaded guilty in a state court in February to 13 felonies, which included embezzlement, computer crime and racketeering.

Judge Andre Borello in Saginaw County Circuit Court also ordered Hayes to pay $709,000 in restitution and $1,014 in state costs and fees.

Hayes, 45, was CEO of VSCU in Saginaw from 2005 until he was fired in 2016.

In order to make the financial position of VSCU appear better than it was to auditors, Hayes used embezzled funds to pay loans, including loans held by dead persons. Most of the money was siphoned from the credit union via computer transactions, but nearly $200,000 in cash was taken from Hayes teller drawer over several years, according to state prosecutors.A CUES staffer recently talked with a member who had been focused on technical training for employees at his credit union. But now the member was letting the pendulum swing the other way and looking for leadership training for managers and executives.

CUES director of professional development, Jennifer Stangl, is well aware that credit unions tight training budgets often drive this need to make hard choices about which training they will offer. In the first installment of her new Purposeful Talent Development column, Jennifer compares technical training to sharpening the machete that cuts through the jungle so you can effectively help members. In turn, she describes leadership training as getting out the map to ensure your machete-wielders actually get you where you want to go.

Over time, your credit union will need to invest in these two types of learningand sometimes a blend of both. Let me be more specific.

Your credit union cant exist unless it is operating in line with applicable rules and regulations. So teaching your employees about compliance is key. Thats machete training, like the courses offered through CUES Online University.

Still, the most compliant credit union in the world wont succeed if it doesnt have leaders steering it toward its long-term mission and vision. Being ready to do that requires map training, like the three segments of CUES CEO Institute, which focus on strategic planning, organizational effectiveness and leadership development, respectively.

Directors need map training, too, like CUES Governance Leadership Institute. (Hear a webinar playback about Fostering a Learning Board, presented by Michael Daigneault, CCD, founder and president of Quantum Governance, CUES partner for governance consulting services.)

Finally, sometimes credit union employees need both machete and map learning. For example, think of your mid-level managers who probably would benefit from getting nitty-gritty knowledge from CUES Online University. Are they also ready to strengthen their management skills through something like CUES Vertexa new program that assesses emerging leaders base capabilities, trains them, then re-reassesses them to gauge progress?

In all, your credit unions talent development program needs to include a plan for offering both machetes and maps. Enroll in our two-segment Elite Access: Virtual Classroom course, Promoting a Culture of Learning, to find out about more steps you can take to increase your organizations ability to learn.NAFCU will attend the CFPBs Credit Union Advisory Council (CUAC) meeting beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern May 17 for a discussion on the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) and several of the bureaus requests for information (RFI) on various regulatory activities.

The meeting will take place at the bureaus headquarters in Washington.

Most of the new HMDA requirements went into effect Jan. 1. They affect home equity lines of credit, establish transactional thresholds for coverage and expand the number of HMDA data points to be collected from credit unions.

NAFCU has a host of HMDA compliance resources available to association members, including charts and guides, articles, webcasts and blog posts.

Also being discussed at the May 17 CUAC meeting are the CFPBs RFIs to obtain public feedback on how to improve its functions and outcomes for consumers and the entities it regulates. As NAFCU puts together comments for the CFPB on these requests, credit unions can submit their own input to NAFCU through its Regulatory Alerts on these RFIs.5 things to watch: Berlin Brothersvalley, Windber set for grudge match

Five things to look for when Berlin Brothersvalley hosts Windber in battle of unbeaten WestPAC teams.Afghanistan was rocked by a double suicide bombing in Kabul and a shooting in the eastern Khost province claiming 36 lives. The terror attacks struck during the rush hour on Monday (April 30) in a busy area Shash Darak in capital Kabul.

The modus operandi of the two attacks was unique in the sense that it was well-crafted and executed with great precision carrying ISIS signature. The first suicide attack was carried out by motorcycle-borne perpetrators near the office of the National Directorate of Security (NDS). Subsequently, after 30 minutes, when journalists and medical help were being rushed, a second suicide strike was carried out with immense ferocity killing 10 journalists.

Security forces run from the site of a suicide attack after a second bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, on April 30. (Credit: AP photo)

The plan was perfect and the terrorists were sure and were in complete readiness to strike when the medical and press coverage team were expected to arrive at the scene of the ghastly incident to ensure that fatalities are more and the publicity maximum.

Reacting immediately to the terror attacks, the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee disclosed that the casualties included a photographer, Shah Marai of the AFP, a correspondent of the Radio Free Europe covering the Dari service, a journalist of Al Jazeera, BBC Afghan service head, Najib Sharifi along with other mediapersons. These strikes dealt a severe blow to the media fraternity in Afghanistan.

The explosions have also shaken the confidence of the huge posse of journalists in Afghanistan forever present to cover the political happenings as well as the general public of Kabul who are now reeling under fear and insecurity due to spiralling cases of homegrown terror.

Importantly, these strikes occurring close to the intelligence headquarters, and other crucial government buildings as also near the US embassy are really a cause of serious concern. Afghan security agencies seem clueless as the terror attacks continue to hit Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan at regular intervals. Very recently, six persons died due to car bombings. Its pertinent to state that on April 22, a deadly suicide attack killed as many as 57 people. Also, in southern Afghanistan, 13 were killed and many injured.

ISIS, which is active in Afghanistan, claimed responsibility for these terror strikes. Now the question is - how does the Afghan authorities tackle this ongoing violence? It needs a political solution as well as tough military action. Political because its learnt that the last couple of weeks saw some fragmented groups of Taliban sending overtures to the Afghan establishment for notifying Taliban as a legitimate party to enforce peace.

Its very likely that diehard and conservative Taliban elements, opposed to the pacifist forces, were behind such attacks so that peace is never on track. Such forces are also considered to be enjoying the backing of the Pakistan intelligence and security services who are opposing tooth and nail not to give peace a chance.

Possibly, Pakistan also wants Afghanistan to wean away from India in the sphere of security and intelligence cooperation so that Pakistan freely pursues its terror agenda. Against this backdrop, it now appears imperative for the US to proactively step in, provide hard human and technological intelligence to the Afghans to pre-empt misadventures of any kind. Or else, terror strikes will be the order of the day with no signs of any cessation of mindless suicide bombings.

Crucially, ISIS has its presence felt loud and clear on the Afghan turf. There is a huge fan following and sympathisers in Afghanistan of the ISIS. Experts assess that afghan fighters, now with ISIS, in and around Syria, may end up returning to Afghanistan finding safe passage through Balkan states and other safe routes. Once they are back in Afghan territory, they will, in all likelihood, add additional muscle power to the Jihadi forces already active in Kabul and its vicinity, spreading the ISIS blueprint.

The US and India need to jointly collaborate to defeat the evil designs through a robust covert operation, which also merits attempts to foil Pakistan's plans to puncture the growing Indo-Afghan friendship.

Also read: Pak-sponsored terror in Afghanistan: Why India has to stay alertBomb blasts and terror attacks have become so normal in Kabul that within hours of any such incident, the rest of the city, except the grieving families, continues with its daily chores. Even the international media appears to have long forgotten the Afghan war, and casualties in terrorist attacks have been reduced to mere numbers.

But even by Kabul standards, Monday's twin blasts by purported ISIS terrorists was a bleak reminder that the longest war that the United States had declared after 9/11 to end terrorism is far from over. Only last week, ISIS attacks at voter registration centres in Kabul and Baghlan province had killed at least 63 and injured more than hundred others.

As a blast was heard in the Shash Darak area of the Afghan capital, brave journalists came to cover the event while locals gathered to help the injured, like they always do. A second suicide bomber who was carrying a camera himself to blend among the media personnel, according to police, just then detonated his bomb.

Afghan security forces at the site of a second blast in Kabul on April 30. (Credit: Reuters photo)

Deadliest day for Afghan media

This was clearly the deadliest day in the history of Afghan media since the fall of Taliban. In a clear case of shooting the messenger, among 31 dead so far nine were journalists. The list of dead included chief photographer of AFP in Kabul, Shah Marai, three journalists of Radio Liberty, locally known as Radio Azadi - Maharram Durrani, Ebadullah Hananzai and Sabawoon Kakar. TOLO News cameraman Yar Mohammad Tokhi, 1TV journalists Ghazi Rasooli and Nowroz Ali Rajabi, Saleem Talash and Ali Saleemi of Mashal TV were also among the dead.

Afghan journalists are seen after a second blast in Kabul on April 30. (Credit: Reuters photo)

At least eight other journalists were injured. The Islamic State has claimed the Kabul twin attacks, claiming they have killed the apostates.

In a separate targeted assassination, BBC Pashto service reporter Ahmad Shah was the 10th journalist killed in the Khost province on the same day.

Ruchi Kumar, one of few foreign journalists still based in Kabul, described the Monday attack as surreal. She wrote, As the death toll continued to rise, it still seemed surreal that so many of our colleagues had paid such a heavy price just for doing their jobs. Even as reports continue to pour in across social media, there were few visuals, if any, of the attacks, because nearly all of Kabul's photojournalists and videographers had either been killed, injured or were in shock.

On a bloody Monday, 11 more children were killed in a school in Kandahar province when suicide bomber detonated a car targeting a Romanian patrolling troop. Sixteen more people, including five Romanian soldiers, were wounded.

Past attacks

This is not the first time journalists have been targeted in Afghanistan. Another BBC journalist Abdul Manan Arghand was killed in Kandahar last week on his way to work.

In November, last year, Pashto language Shamshad TV was attacked by ISIS terrorists posing as policemen, killing at least one and injuring 20.

In 2016, terrorists stormed the headquarters of TOLO TV, killing at least seven and leaving over 25 wounded.

Besides targeted killing, journalists have also been victims of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. In the famous 2014 Serena Hotel attack, AFP journalist Sardar Ahmad was shot dead along with his wife and two children.

At least 15 media professionals were killed last year in targeted attacks according to Reporters without Borders (RSF). Earlier, the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) reported 101 incidents of violence (including 13 deaths) against media workers in 2016, up sharply from 73 in 2015.

Fledgling media

Freedom House categorises Afghanistan as partly free (Indian media is also considered partly free), but the media-scape of the war-torn country remains the single biggest success story of post-Taliban era.

In fact, Afghanistan fares better than most in the region. RSF ranked Afghanistan 118 (two places better than 2017) in 2018 World Press Freedom Index (India is 138, Pakistan 139 and Iran 164).

For a country marred in conflict and civil war for over three decades, mushrooming of a vibrant civil society, increasing number of grassroots organisations and local NGOs, as also increasing number of media houses are biggest achievements of last two decades.

Television and cinema were considered haram (forbidden) by the reactionary Taliban regime and hence even TV antennas were destroyed. None of the TV or radio channels were allowed to broadcast, except the state-owned Shariat Radio that served as the mouthpiece for the regime. Similar was the fate of the newspapers.

The Northern Alliance-administered North Afghanistan had managed to run Badakhshan Television, broadcasting news and films for around 5,000 viewers for three hours a day.

With the help of foreign aid, the country has seen unmatched growth in the field of information and communication. From almost no electronic media until 2002, today Afghanistan has 110 TV channels and 304 radio stations, according to Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA).

During the Taliban period, to make international calls one needed to come to Peshawar, Pakistan. By March 2017, approximately 89 per cent of population came under mobile telephone coverage. Afghanistan today has more than 21.5 million active GSM subscribers.

Afghan entrepreneurs have in fact launched some of the most ambitious and creative projects. In May last year, Zan TV, Afghanistans first and only TV station run by and for women, was launched. In the same month, first issue of a Vogue-like lifestyle magazine, for women called Gellara was published.

Headquartered in Dubai, Saad Mohsenis Moby Group is largest Afghan media conglomerate running TOLO TV, TOLO News, Arman FM, 101India, and Vice Middle East and North Africa, among others.

According to Afghan parliamentarian and chairperson of Women, Civil Society and Human Rights Commission, Fawzia Koofi, Taliban and Daesh (IS) continue to target our innocent people and civilians. They particularly attack journalists as they think, that way they can attract more attentions.

She further said that terrorists have no respect for media and freedom of speech since they reveal their crimes, adding, They are against any progress.

Also read: Pak-sponsored terror in Afghanistan: Why India has to stay alertChinese President Xi Jinping is a princeling: his father Xi Zhongxum was a senior political leader in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes from a humbler background, but the two men have one quality in common: ruthlessness.

The Modi-Xi bilateral in Wuhan marked only the opening move in an elaborate chess game between the duo.

Afghanistan is the chess board.

Whoever it aligns with  China or the US  will have the edge

Xi wants India to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), though Chinas vice-foreign minister Kong Xuanyou said in Wuhan, China wont force it on India to or be too hard on it.

Without Indias participation, however, the BRI will lack legitimacy. Kongs statement is, therefore, more pragmatic than definitive.

Enter Afghanistan. Xi knows that the United States is already encouraging India to play a larger economic role in Afghanistan. The decision by Xi and Modi to work jointly on economic projects in Afghanistan satisfies three Chinese concerns and two Indian ones.

First, India-China infrastructure projects will indirectly draw India into the BRI which, as Xi announced late last year, will extend to Afghanistan.

Second, for that to happen, peace must return to Afghanistan with the Pakistan-sponsored Taliban joining an Afghan coalition government at some stage. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of the BRI, already faces security threats from Baloch insurgents. Restoring peace in the region is therefore key to BRIs success. Indias economic role in Afghanistan, now backed by China, can help.

Third, a deeper economic partnership in the region between India and China will, Xi hopes, help wean India away from the US orbit of influence. Xi is keenly aware that by 2030 the worlds three largest economies will be the United States, China and India. In this geopolitical triangle, China and the US will form the two largest angles and India the smallest. But though the smallest, India will be the swing power. Whoever it aligns with  China or the US  will have the edge.

NSG membership and designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist will form part of the agenda of future Modi-Xi meetings.

Xi sees US-China rivalry in Cold War terms. As this century unfolds, India will increasingly play, in this new Great Power rivalry, the role Britain played during the Cold War between the US-led West and the Soviet Union. With Britain, an emasculated power, and Europe, entrapped in pacifism, India is the only regional power with a large economic and military presence that the US can rely on to counter China. Hence comes the carefully crafted change in India-US joint statements, highlighting the Indo-Pacific rather than the Asia-Pacific, giving prominence to the Indian navys strengths in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It is a doctrine that conflicts with Xis ambitions in the region.

Xi knows that India and the US are developing a strong strategic military partnership. That is why he played the pan-Asian card with Modi. In Wuhan, Xi spoke emphatically of China and India as Asian powers building a globalised and multipolar world together.

As a shrewd strategist, Modi sees two benefits from Xis gameplan. The first is neutralising Pakistan. While Xi has his own geostrategic reasons for drawing India into a pan-Asian orbit, Modi knows that joint India-China economic projects in Afghanistan will cool Pakistans fevered opposition to Indias growing role in a country Islamabad has long coveted as part of its strategic depth theory.

The second benefit for India in Xis new overtures is that a joint India-China co-operation lowers the temperature on the eastern front. With Indias military still under-equipped to fight a two-front war, a modus vivendi with Beijing will help the Indian Army focus on counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir and infiltration of terrorists across the Line of Control (LoC).

Will Pakistan buy into the emerging India-China entente cordiale? Clearly not. But it may have little choice. Geopolitical alignments are changing rapidly. China and the US are locked in a trade war. Chinas exports to the US are over $500 billion. Chinas imports from the US, at $170 billion, are only a third of that. Beijing is, therefore, vulnerable to punishing trade tariffs that US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose.

Developments in the Korean peninsula have also worried China. The meeting last week between South Korean president Moon Jae-in and North Koreas Kim Jong-un came as a result of US, not Chinese, pressure. The proposed Trump-Kim summit will sideline China. Beijing has been ruled out as a venue. Mongolia or Singapore is likely to be the venue for the historic summit.

As Jane Perlez wrote in The New York Times: China finds itself removed from the center of the rapidly unfolding diplomacy, and is unusually wary about Mr. Kims objectives in reaching out to his nations two bitterest enemies (South Korea and the United States). With events moving so quickly, and Beijing finding itself largely left on the outside, analysts say China and its leader, Xi Jinping, must at least consider what they called worst-case contingencies. The loss of prestige is a big problem for China and Xi, who wants everyone else to view China as an essential actor of international relations. So China fears the outcome could be either a North Korea or a unified Korean Peninsula leaning toward the United States.

A unified Korea could be a nightmare for Beijing

A unified Korea could, despite Xis endorsement of the peace treaty between Moon and Kim, be a nightmare for Beijing. Since the 1950-1953 Korean war, China has used North Korea as a buffer state to keep 28,000 US troops stationed in South Korea at a safe distance. A unified Korea could bring them to Chinas doorstep.

Increasingly isolated and in Trumps crosshairs, Xis pragmatism has compelled him to launch his charm offensive and seek co-operation with India rather than confrontation. The possibility of Doklam 2 has significantly receded.

Modis next move on the chessboard will be interesting. Pakistan-abetted terrorism needs to end. Membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and designating Masood Azhar as a global terrorist will form part of the agenda of future Modi-Xi meetings.

The balance of power between Beijing and New Delhi has shifted subtly. Both Xi and Modi know that Afghanistan is where the winning moves in this elaborate geopolitical chess game will be made.

Also read: How Modi and Xi Jinping can transform India-China relationsThe Sher Mahi, an indigenous fish of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is facing serious threats to survival due to climatic changes, water pollution and overfishing. The scientific name of the fish is Clupisoma Naziri and it is found in river basins adjacent to Afghanistan. Fish lovers proudly compare it with trout, because both the species have spine horns and such small scales that they do not have to be removed to cook the fish.

But this fish may be in trouble. Experts in the fisheries department of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, zoologists and those in the fish business have observed a decrease in the population of Sher Mahi in its main habitat, the Kabul river.

They believe extreme weather events  especially severe floods and erratic rainfall  combined with water contamination and over-fishing are the main cause of the depletion. The construction of the Warsak dam, in 1960, also added problems. The dam blocked the migratory route of the fish, which winds from Kunar-Kabul-Jalalabad in Afghanistan to Torkhem-Peshawar to Charsadda-Mardan and to some areas of the Indus river at Nizampur (Nowshera district) in KP and finally to Kalabagh in Punjab.

This problem takes on an added urgency because the fish cannot be reared in water ponds, or fish farms, due to its highly sensitive nature. Experiments of rearing the Sher Mahi in hatcheries have so far resulted in failure.

For the last few years we are observing a considerable decrease in catch of local fishermen, said Musafar Khan, the owner of a fish hut located on the bank of the Kabul river at Haji Zai village in Charsadda district.

Two fishermen along with their gadgets, including inflated plastic tube and net, waiting for public transport on the outskirts of Peshawar to travel to Michni and fish for Sher Mahi (Image by: Adeel saeed)

Gul Rahim, a fisherman from the KPs Peshawar district, claimed that ten years ago he used to catch 15 to 20kg of the fish on a daily basis. This provided him with a steady income. Now he catches at most 1.5kg of fish.

The decrease in the fish population has been matched by a steep rise in its price. Three years ago, a kilogramme of the fish cost approximately PKR 400-500 (USD 3-4). Now it costs PKR 1,100 (USD 9.5) per kilogramme, depriving poorer inhabitants of the fish.

An alarming decrease in population of Sher Mahi has been observed during the last few years, raising concerns about its survival, said Muhammad Diyar Khan, the director of the fisheries department of Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KP).

There is no departmental survey conducted so far to evaluate the loss, but based on the reports obtained from fishermen and locals dwelling on the embankment of the Kabul river, it is assumed that around 50 per cent of the Sher Mahi population has disappeared, he added.

Diyar disagreed with the idea that new methods of fishing  such as through electrocution or the use of dynamite  was a major factor behind the depletion of the Sher Mahi. These methods are used for fishing in stagnant water while the Sher Mahi is found only in fresh running water.

However, the high price of the fish is leading to more people trying to catch the fish, creating more pressure on the Sher Mahi. In a negative cycle, the high price created by its low availability, is creating a greater incentive for over-fishing.

Fish in hot water

There are, though, wider causes. The rise in temperature of the Kabul river due to global warming has reduced oxygen dissolution in water which has affected the Sher Mahi, claimed Maqsood Ahmad Siddique, who, before his retirement, served as the assistant director of the fisheries department of KP.

The increase in the temperature of water and the direct disposal of waste  both human and industrial  alters the pH level  how acidic the river water is.

Clupisoma Naziri is a sensitive fish and requires more than normal the ratio of oxygen in water for survival, observed Zaigham Hasan, an assistant professor at the Zoology department of the University of Peshawar. Sher Mahi fish is so delicate that it dies as soon as it is caught in the net. If the normal ratio of oxygen in water is 5 parts per million (ppm), the Sher Mahi requires 6 ppm, Zaigham said. Similarly, for breeding and egg laying, the fish requires oxygenated water which is not available thus affecting reproduction of the species. Since the fish feeds mainly on insects, water pollution has led to a shortage of its food.

The Subhan Kawar, so polluted by crushed particles of marble that it has turned white, carries its pollution into the Kabul river [Image: Adeel Saeed]

Zaigham also blamed water contamination due to disposal of waste by the hundreds of marble industries located on the banks of the river Kabul at Shabqadar area in Charsadda district. The nearby Mohmand Agency is rich in marble deposits so there are hundreds of marble crushing units directly disposing waste into Kabul river.

There are around 150 marble units in Subhan Khawar, Michni and Yakaghund area and the majority of them are complying with environmental laws, claimed Himat Shah, the general secretary of the All Marble and Chips Industries on Warsak road in Peshawar.

Talking to thethirdpole.net, Himat Shah said there are hundreds of marble industries in KP and owners are cooperating with the Environment Protection Agency. The director general of the Environmental Protection Agency KP, Muhammad Bashir, said that the EPA ensures that industries comply with environmental laws. When his attention was diverted towards the flow of contaminated water from the Subhan Khawar into the Kabul river, he said there are a large number of marble industries located in tribal areas which are out of the jurisdiction of the EPA.

Polluted water (white in colour) of the Subhan Khawar converges into the Kabul river at Shabqadar Tehsil of Charsadda district [Image: Adeel Saeed]

The stone crushing and other industries have a bad record in KP.

The deputy director (technical) of the EPA, Muhammad Hanif, disclosed that out of the 90 marble units in Subhan Khawar only four have set up septic tanks. Hanif said the EPA is aware of the issue and after a hearing process, owners of the marble units will be issued with Environmental Protection Orders to install septic tanks.

Meanwhile, caught between a warming climate, a growing population, and the destruction of its habitat, the Sher Mahi continues to dwindle away.

(The story first appeared on thethirdpole.net)

Also read: 5 'Avengers: Infinity War' fan theories that will keep you going till the next filmBrookdale Senior Living, Inc. engages in the operation of senior living communities. The firm manages independent living, assisted living and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers. It operates through the following segments: Independent Living Assisted Living & Memory Care, CCRCs, Health Care Services and Management Services. The Independent Living segment is primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors who desire an upscale residential environment providing the highest quality of service. The Assisted Living & Memory Care segment offer housing and 24-hour assistance with ADLs to mid-acuity frail and elderly residents. The CCRCs segment offers a variety of living arrangements and services to accommodate all levels of physical ability and health. The Healthcare Services segment provides home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services, as well as education and wellness programs, to residents of many communities and to seniors living outside communities. The Management Services segment composes of communities operated by the company pursuant to management agreements. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Brentwood, TN.

Read MoreWilliam Lyon Homes (NYSE:WLH) released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November, 6th. The construction company reported $0.37 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $0.30 by $0.07. The construction company earned $466.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $487.15 million. William Lyon Homes had a net margin of 3.04% and a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 6.98%. The business's revenue for the quarter was down 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.68 EPS.

View William Lyon Homes' earnings history.Texas Pacific Land Corp. operates as a landowner in the State of Texas. Its surface and royalty ownership allow revenue generation through the entire value chain of oil and gas development, including through fixed fee payments for use of the firm's land, revenue for sales of materials used in the construction of infrastructure, providing sourced water and treated produced water, revenue from its oil and gas royalty interests, and revenues related to saltwater disposal on land. The company also generates revenue from pipeline, power line and utility easements, commercial leases, material sales and seismic and temporary permits related to a variety of land uses including midstream infrastructure projects and hydrocarbon processing facilities. The company operates through following segment: Land and Resource Management and Water Services and Operations. The Land and Resource Management segment focuses on managing oil and gas royalty interest and surface. The Water Services and Operations segment offers operators an unparalleled breadth of service across the majority of the Permian Basin. The company was founded in April 2020 and is headquartered in Dallas, TX.

Read MoreFirst Data Corporation provides commerce enabled technology and solutions for merchants, financial institutions, and card issuers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates through three segments: Global Business Solutions, Global Financial Solutions, and Network & Security Solutions. The Global Business Solutions segment provides solutions to merchants, such as retail point of sale merchant acquiring, e-commerce, and mobile payment services, as well as cloud based point of sale operating system that include a marketplace for proprietary and third party applications. The Global Finance Solutions segment provides technology solutions for bank and non-bank issuers, such as credit, retail private label, commercial card, and loan processing, as well as licensed financial software systems; suite of account services that include card personalization and embossing, customer communications, and professional services; and call center solutions and back office processing. The Network & Security Solutions segment offers EFT network, stored value network, and security and fraud solutions, as well as other value added solutions to its clients in GBS and GFS segments, smaller financial institutions, and other enterprise clients. First Data Corporation was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Read MoreUnited Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. Its Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; and offers modernization products to upgrade elevators and escalators, as well as maintenance and repair services. The company's Carrier segment provides heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation products, solutions, and services for commercial, government, infrastructure, residential, and refrigeration and transportation applications. This segment also offers building services, including audit, design, installation, system integration, repair, maintenance, and monitoring. Its Pratt & Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; and provides aftermarket maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as fleet management services. The company's Collins Aerospace Systems segment provides electric power generation, power management, and distribution systems; air data and aircraft sensing systems; engine control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; engine components; environmental control systems; fire and ice detection, and protection systems; propeller systems; engine nacelle systems; aircraft lighting, seating, and cargo systems; actuation and landing systems; space products and subsystems; avionics systems; flight controls, communications, navigation, oxygen, and training systems; food and beverage preparation, and storage and galley systems; and lavatory and wastewater management systems. The company offers its services through manufacturers' representatives, distributors, wholesalers, dealers, retail outlets, and sales representatives, as well as directly to customers. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of EnerSys: ABSL Power Solutions Inc., ABSL Power Solutions Ltd., Acumuladores Industriales EnerSys SA, Alpha Alternative Energy Inc., Alpha Broadband Services Inc., Alpha Innovations Industria e Comercio de Produtos Eletronicos Ltda., Alpha Innovations Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Alpha Mexico Network Power S.A. de C.V., Alpha Tech Energy Solutions India Private Limited, Alpha Technical Services Ltd., Alpha Technologies Ltd., Alpha Technologies Pty. Ltd., Alpha Technologies Services Inc., Alphatec Technologies (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Argus Research Ltd., Batterias Hawker de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Battery Power International Pte Ltd., Coppervale Enterprises Inc., DCPM Engineering Sdn Bhd, EH Batterien AG, EH Europe GmbH, EH Global Holdings GmbH, EH Swiss Holdings GmbH, ENAS Industrial Batteries Morocco Sarl, EnerSys (Chaozhou) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (China) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Chongqing) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Jiangsu) Huada Batteries Company Limited (94.7%) *, EnerSys (Luxembourg) Finance Sarl, EnerSys (Yangzhou) Huada Batteries Co. Ltd., EnerSys A/S, EnerSys AB, EnerSys AD, EnerSys AE, EnerSys AS, EnerSys Advanced Systems Inc., EnerSys Argentina S.A., EnerSys Asia Limited, EnerSys Australia Pty Ltd., EnerSys BV, EnerSys BVBA, EnerSys Battery Private Limited, EnerSys Brasil Ltda., EnerSys Bulgaria EOOD, EnerSys Canada Inc., EnerSys Capital Inc., EnerSys Cayman Euro L.P., EnerSys Cayman Holdings L.P., EnerSys Cayman Inc., EnerSys Delaware Inc., EnerSys Delaware LLC I, EnerSys Delaware LLC II, EnerSys Delaware LLC III, EnerSys Delaware LLC IV, EnerSys Delaware LLC V, EnerSys Energy Products Inc., EnerSys Europe Oy, EnerSys European Holding Co., EnerSys GmbH, EnerSys Holdings (Luxembourg) Sarl, EnerSys Holdings UK Ltd., EnerSys Hungaria Kft., EnerSys India Batteries Private Ltd., EnerSys JSC, EnerSys LLC, EnerSys Ltd., EnerSys Malaysia Sdn Bhd, EnerSys Mexico Holdings LLC, EnerSys Mexico Management LLC, EnerSys Participacoes Ltda., EnerSys Reserve Power Pte. Ltd., EnerSys S.r.l., EnerSys SARL, EnerSys SNC, EnerSys South East Asia Pte. Ltd., EnerSys de Mexico II S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys de Mexico S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys s.r.o., EnerSys sp. z o.o., EnerSystem Chile Ltda., Enersys Aku Sanaya Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Esfinco LLC, Hawker GmbH, Hawker Power Systems Inc., Hawker Powersource Inc., Hawker Systems GmbH & Co. KG., ICS Industries Pty Ltd, ICS Industries Pty Ltd., ICS Sheet Metal Pty Ltd., Industrial Battery Holding Ltda., International Communication Shelters Australasia Pty Ltd., Lancord Pty Ltd., Lenmic Pty Ltd., MIB Energy Sdn Bhd, N Holding AB, National Infrastructure Pty Ltd., National Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd., NaviSemi Energy Pte Ltd., NaviSemi Inc., New Pacifico Realty Inc., NorthStar Battery Company LLC, NorthStar Battery Company LLC, NorthStar Battery DMCC, Outback Power Technologies Inc., Powercom (NSW) Pty Ltd., Powersonic S de R.L. de CV, Purcell Systems, Purcell Systems Inc., Purcell Systems International AB, Quallion LLC, Riverfront Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Shenzhen Huada Power Supply Mechanical & Electrical Co. Ltd. , SiteTel Shanghai Co Ltd., SiteTel Sweden AB, Telecomponents & Supply (Hong Kong) Ltd., The Enser Corporation, UTS Holdings Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (JB) Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (PG) Sdn Bhd, YCI Inc., and Yecoltd S. de R.L. de CV.The following companies are subsidiares of American Tower: 10 Presidential Way Associates LLC, 3267351 Nova Scotia Company, 3286208 Nova Scotia Company, 3298099 Nova Scotia Company, 52 Eighty LLC, 52 Eighty Partners LLC, 52 Eighty Tower Partners I LLC, ACC Tower Sub LLC, AT Kenya C.V., AT Netherlands C.V., AT Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT Sao Paulo C.V., AT Sher Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT South America C.V., ATC Africa Holding B.V., ATC Africa Shared Services (Pty) Ltd, ATC Antennas Holding LLC, ATC Antennas LLC, ATC Argentina C.V., ATC Argentina Cooperatief U.A., ATC Argentina Holding LLC, ATC Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ATC Atlantic C.V., ATC Atlantic II B.V., ATC Atlantic III B.V., ATC Backhaul LLC, ATC Brasil  Servicos de Conectividades Ltda., ATC Brazil Holding LLC, ATC Brazil I LLC, ATC Brazil II LLC, ATC Burkina Faso S.A., ATC CSR Foundation India, ATC Chile Holding LLC, ATC Colombia B.V., ATC Colombia Holding I LLC, ATC Colombia Holding LLC, ATC Colombia I LLC, ATC EH GmbH & Co. KG, ATC Ecuador Holding LLC, ATC Edge LLC, ATC Ethiopia Infrastructure Development Private Limited Company, ATC Europe B.V., ATC Europe LLC, ATC European Holdings Inc., ATC Fibra de Colombia S.A.S., ATC France Cooperatief U.A., ATC France Holding II SAS, ATC France Holding SAS, ATC France Reseaux SAS, ATC France SAS, ATC France Services SAS, ATC GP GmbH, ATC Germany Holdings GmbH, ATC Germany Services GmbH, ATC Ghana ServiceCo Limited, ATC Global Employment B.V., ATC Heston B.V., ATC Holding Fibra Mexico S. de R.L. DE C.V., ATC IP LLC, ATC India Infrastructure Private Limited, ATC Indoor DAS Holding LLC, ATC Indoor DAS LLC, ATC International Cooperatief U.A., ATC International Financing B.V., ATC International Financing II B.V., ATC International Financing II Holding LLC, ATC International Holding Corp., ATC Iris I LLC, ATC Kenya Operations Limited, ATC Kenya Services Limited, ATC Latin America S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., ATC MIP III REIT Iron Holdings LLC, ATC Managed Sites Holding LLC, ATC Managed Sites LLC, ATC MexHold LLC, ATC Mexico Holding LLC, ATC Niger Wireless Infrastructure S.A., ATC Nigeria C.V., ATC Nigeria Cooperatief U.A., ATC Nigeria Holding LLC, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited, ATC On Air + LLC, ATC Operations LLC, ATC Outdoor DAS LLC, ATC Paraguay Holding LLC, ATC Paraguay S.R.L., ATC Peru Holding LLC, ATC Polska sp. z o.o., ATC Ponderosa B-I LLC, ATC Ponderosa B-II LLC, ATC Ponderosa K LLC, ATC Ponderosa K-R LLC, ATC Sequoia LLC, ATC Sitios Infraco S.A.S., ATC Sitios de Chile S.A., ATC Sitios de Colombia S.A.S., ATC Sitios del Peru S.R.L., ATC South Africa Investment Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, ATC South Africa Services Pty Ltd, ATC South Africa Wireless Infrastructure (Pty) Ltd, ATC South Africa Wireless Infrastructure II (Pty) Ltd, ATC South America Holding LLC, ATC South LLC, ATC Spain LLC, ATC TRS I LLC, ATC TRS II LLC, ATC TRS III LLC, ATC TRS IV LLC, ATC Tanzania Holding LLC, ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited, ATC Tower (Ghana) Limited, ATC Tower Services LLC, ATC Uganda Limited, ATC Uganda ServiceCo (SMC) Limited, ATC Watertown LLC, ATC WiFi LLC, ATS-Needham LLC, ActiveX Telebroadband Services Private Limited, Adquisiciones y Proyectos Inalambricos S. de R. L. de C.V., Agile Airband Ohio LLC, Agile Connect LLC, Agile IWG Holdings LLC, Agile Network Builders LLC, Agile Networks Indiana LLC, Agile Networks Site Development LLC, Agile Towers LLC, Alternative Networking LLC, American Tower Asset Sub II LLC, American Tower Asset Sub LLC, American Tower Charitable Foundation Inc., American Tower Delaware Corporation, American Tower Depositor Sub LLC, American Tower Guarantor Sub LLC, American Tower Holding Sub II LLC, American Tower Holding Sub LLC, American Tower International Holding I LLC, American Tower International Holding II LLC, American Tower International Inc., American Tower Investments LLC, American Tower LLC, American Tower Management LLC, American Tower Mauritius, American Tower Servicios Fibra S. de R.L. de C.V., American Tower Tanzania Operations Limited, American Tower do Brasil - Cessao de Infraestruturas Ltda., American Tower do Brasil  Communicacao Multimidia Ltda., American Towers LLC, BR Towers, Blue Sky Towers Pty Ltd, Blue Transfer Sociedad Anonima, Broadcast Towers LLC, CNC2 Associates LLC, California Tower Inc., Cell Site NewCo II LLC, Cell Tower Lease Acquisition LLC, Central States Tower Holdings LLC, Colo ATL LLC, Colo Atl, Communications Properties Inc., Comunicaciones y Consumos S.A., Connectivity Infrastructure Services Limited, DCS Tower Sub LLC, Eaton, Eaton Towers (Lilongwe) Limited, Eaton Towers Ghana (M) Limited, Eaton Towers Ghana Limited, Eaton Towers Holdings Limited, Eaton Towers Kenya Limited, Eaton Towers Limited, Eaton Towers Niger S.A., Eaton Towers Uganda Limited, Essar Telecom Infrastructure, Eure-et-Loir Reseaux Mobiles SAS, GTP Acquisition Partners I LLC, GTP Acquisition Partners II LLC, GTP Acquisition Partners III LLC, GTP Costa Rica Finance LLC, GTP Infrastructure I LLC, GTP Infrastructure II LLC, GTP Infrastructure III LLC, GTP Investments LLC, GTP LATAM Holdings B.V., GTP LatAm Holdings Cooperatieve U.A., GTP Operations CR S.R.L., GTP South Acquisitions II LLC, GTP Structures I LLC, GTP Structures II LLC, GTP TRS I LLC, GTP Torres CR S.R.L., GTP Towers I LLC, GTP Towers II LLC, GTP Towers III LLC, GTP Towers IV LLC, GTP Towers IX LLC, GTP Towers V LLC, GTP Towers VII LLC, GTP Towers VIII LLC, GTPI HoldCo LLC, Ghana Tower InterCo B.V., Global Tower Assets III LLC, Global Tower Assets LLC, Global Tower Holdings LLC, Global Tower LLC, Global Tower Partners, Global Tower Services LLC, Gondola Tower Holdings LLC, Grain HoldCo LLC, Grain HoldCo Parent LLC, GrainComm I LLC, GrainComm II LLC, GrainComm III LLC, GrainComm LLC, GrainComm Marketing LLC, GrainComm V LLC, Haysville Towers LLC, IW Equipment LLC, IWD Equipment LLC, IWG Holdings LLC, IWG II Holdings LLC, IWG II LLC, IWG Miami LLC, IWG Towers Assets I LLC, IWG Towers Assets II LLC, IWG-TLA Australia Pty Ltd., IWG-TLA Canada Corp., IWG-TLA Encanto 1 LLC, IWG-TLA Encanto 2 LLC, IWG-TLA Encanto 3 LLC, IWG-TLA Encanto LLC, IWG-TLA Holdings LLC, IWG-TLA Media 2 LLC, IWG-TLA Media LLC, IWG-TLA Telecom LLC, IWL-TLA Telecom 2 LLC, Idaho Tower Company LLC, InSite (BCEC) LLC, InSite (MBTA) LLC, InSite Borrower LLC, InSite Co-Issuer Corp., InSite Guarantor LLC, InSite Hawaii LLC, InSite Issuer LLC, InSite Licensing LLC, InSite Towers Development 2 LLC, InSite Towers Development LLC, InSite Towers International 2 LLC, InSite Towers International Development LLC, InSite Towers International LLC, InSite Towers LLC, InSite Towers of Puerto Rico LLC, InSite Wireless Development LLC, InSite Wireless Group, InSite Wireless Group LLC, Insite Wireless LLC, Invisible IWG Holdings LLC, Invisible Towers LLC, JT Communications LLC, LAP Inmobiliaria Limitada, LAP Inmobiliaria S.R.L., LL B Sheet 1 LLC, Lap do Brasil Empreendimentos Imobiliarios Ltda, Lease Advisors-AU PTY LTD, Loxel SAS, MATC Digital S. de R.L. de C.V., MATC Infraestructura S. de R.L. de C.V., MATC Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., MC New Macland Properties LLC, MCSU Properties LLC, MHB Tower Rentals of America LLC, MIP III Iron Holdings LLC, MIP III U.S. Iron LLC, Microwave Inc., Municipal Bay LLC, Municipal-Bay Holdings LLC, New Towers LLC, PCS Structures Towers LLC, R-CAL I LLC, RSA Media Inc., Repeater Communications Group I LLC, Repeater Communications Group II LLC, Repeater Communications Group III LLC, Repeater Communications Group IV LLC, Repeater Communications Group LLC, Repeater Communications Group V LLC, Repeater Communications Group VI LLC, Repeater Communications Group of New York LLC, Repeater IWG Holdings LLC, Richland Towers LLC, Signum/IWG Tower Corp., Southeast Network Access Point LLC, SpectraSite Communications, SpectraSite Communications LLC, SpectraSite LLC, T8 Ulysses Site Management LLC, TLA PR-1 LLC, TLA PR-2 LLC, Telecom Lease Advisors Management 2 LLC, Tower Management Inc., Towers of America L.L.L.P., Transcend Infrastructure Holdings Pte. Ltd., Transcend Towers Infrastructure (Philippines) Inc., Turris Sites Development Corp., Turris Sites IWG Corp, Tysons II DAS LLC, UNIsite, Uganda Tower Interco B.V., Ulysses Asset Sub I LLC, Ulysses Asset Sub II LLC, UniSite LLC, UniSite/Omnipoint FL Tower Venture LLC, UniSite/Omnipoint NE Tower Venture LLC, UniSite/Omnipoint PA Tower Venture LLC, Vangard Wireless LLC, Verus Management One LLC, Viom Networks, and Virdi IWG Holdings LLC.MasTec, Inc. engages in the provision of infrastructure construction services. It operates through the following segments: Communications; Oil and Gas; Electrical Transmissions; Clean Energy and Infrastructure; and Other. The Communications segment performs engineering, construction, maintenance and customer fulfillment activities related to communications infrastructure, primarily for wireless and wireline/fiber communications, and install-to-the-home customers. The Oil and Gas segment offers services on oil and natural gas pipelines and processing facilities for the energy, and utilities industries. The Electrical Transmission segment deals with the energy and utility industries. The Clean Energy and Infrastructure segment serves energy, utility and other end-markets through the installation and construction of power generation facilities, including from clean energy and renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass, as well as various types of heavy civil and industrial infrastructure. The Other segment comprises of equity investees, other small business units that perform construction, and other services for a variety of international end-markets. The company was founded by

Read MoreReinsurance Group of America, Inc. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of traditional and non-traditional life and health reinsurance products. It operates through the following segments: U.S. and Latin America; Canada; Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Corporate and Other. The U.S. and Latin America segment markets individual and group life and health reinsurance to domestic clients for a variety of products through yearly renewable term agreements, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance. The Canada segment offers individual life reinsurance, and to a lesser extent creditor, group life and health, critical illness and disability reinsurance, through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. The Europe, Middle East, and Africa segment serves individual and group life and health products through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements, reinsurance of critical illness coverage that provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness and underwritten annuities. The Asia Pacific segment comprises individual and group life and health reinsurance, critical illness coverage, disability, and superannuation thr

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Lloyds Banking Group: A G Finance Ltd, A.C.L. Ltd, ACL Autolease Holdings Ltd, ADF No.1 Pty Ltd, Addison Social Housing Holdings Ltd, Alex Lawrie Factors Ltd, Alex. Lawrie Receivables Financing Ltd, Amberdate Ltd, Anglo Scottish Utilities Partnership 1, Aquilus Ltd, Automobile Association Personal Finance Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services 2 Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 2) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 3) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland)) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 1 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 2 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 3 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 4 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 5 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 6 plc, BOS (USA) Fund Investments Inc., BOS (USA) Inc., BOS Edinburgh No 1 Ltd, BOS Mistral Ltd, BOS Personal Lending Ltd, BOSSAF Rail Ltd, Bank of Scotland (B G S) Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland (Stanlife) London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Branch Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Central Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Edinburgh Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Equipment Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Foundation, Bank of Scotland LNG Leasing (No 1) Ltd, Bank of Scotland London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Nominees (Unit Trusts) Ltd, Bank of Scotland P.E.P. Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Structured Asset Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Transport Finance 1 Ltd, Bank of Scotland plc, Bank of Wales Ltd, Barents Leasing Ltd, Barnwood Mortgages Ltd, Birchcrown Finance Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Financial Services Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Land Development Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Mortgage Services Ltd, Black Horse (TRF) Ltd, Black Horse Executive Mortgages Ltd, Black Horse Finance Holdings Ltd, Black Horse Finance Management Ltd, Black Horse Group Ltd, Black Horse Ltd, Black Horse Offshore Ltd, Black Horse Property Services Ltd, Boltro Nominees Ltd, British Linen Leasing (London) Ltd, British Linen Leasing Ltd, British Linen Shipping Ltd, C.T.S.B. Leasing Ltd, CBRail S.A.R.L., CF Asset Finance Ltd, CF1 Ltd, CM Venture Investments Ltd, Cancara Asset Securitisation Ltd, Capital 1945 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 12 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 3 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 5 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 9 Ltd, Capital Bank Property Investments (3) Ltd, Capital Personal Finance Ltd, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2018-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2019-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Cardnet Merchant Services Ltd, Cashfriday Ltd, Cashpoint Ltd, Caveminster Ltd, Cedar Holdings Ltd, Celsius European Lux 2 S.A.R.L., Central Mortgage Finance Ltd, Chariot Finance Ltd, Cheltenham & Gloucester plc, Cheltenham II Securities 2020 DAC, Cheltenham Securities 2017 Ltd, Chepstow Blue Holdings Ltd, Chepstow Blue plc, Chester Asset Options No.2 Ltd, Chester Asset Options No.3 Ltd, Chester Asset Receivables Dealings Issuer Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings No.2 Ltd, Chiswell Stockbrokers Ltd, Clerical Medical Finance plc, Clerical Medical Financial Services Ltd, Clerical Medical International Holdings B.V., Clerical Medical Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Clerical Medical Managed Funds Ltd, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Spanish Prop Co SL, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Prop Co SA, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Property Company S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Funding S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Investments S.A.R.L., Conquest Securities Ltd, Corbiere Asset Investments Ltd, Create Services Ltd, Credit Card Securitisation Europe Ltd, Dalkeith Corporation, Deva Financing Holdings Ltd, Deva Financing plc, Deva One Ltd, Deva Three Ltd, Deva Two Ltd, Dunstan Investments (UK) Ltd, Edgbaston RMBS 2010-1 plc, Edgbaston RMBS Holdings Ltd, Elland RMBS 2018 plc, Elland RMBS Holdings Ltd, Eurolead Services Holdings Ltd, First Retail Finance (Chester) Ltd, Fontwell Securities 2016 Ltd, Forthright Finance Ltd, France Industrial Premises Holding Company, General Leasing (No. 12) Ltd, General Reversionary and Investment Company, Gresham Nominee 1 Ltd, Gresham Nominee 2 Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 1) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 10) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 11) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 12) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 13) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 14) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 15) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 16) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 19) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 20) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 21) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 22) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 23) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 24) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 25) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 26) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 27) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 28) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 29) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 3) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 30) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 31) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 32) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 33) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 34) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 35) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 36) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 37) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 38) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 39) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 40) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 41) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 44) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 45) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 46) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 47) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 48) UK Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No 3) Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No.11) UK Ltd, HBOS Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS Final Salary Trust Ltd, HBOS Financial Services Ltd, HBOS Insurance & Investment Group Ltd, HBOS International Financial Services Holdings Ltd, HBOS Investment Fund Managers Ltd, HBOS Social Housing Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS UK Ltd, HBOS plc, HSDL Nominees Ltd, HVF Ltd, Halifax Credit Card Ltd, Halifax Financial Brokers Ltd, Halifax Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Halifax Financial Services Ltd, Halifax General Insurance Services Ltd, Halifax Group Ltd, Halifax Investment Services Ltd, Halifax Leasing (June) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (March No.2) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (September) Ltd, Halifax Life Ltd, Halifax Loans Ltd, Halifax Ltd, Halifax Mortgage Services Ltd, Halifax Nominees Ltd, Halifax Pension Nominees Ltd, Halifax Premises Ltd, Halifax Share Dealing Ltd, Halifax Vehicle Leasing (1998) Ltd, Heidi Finance Holdings (UK) Ltd, Hill Samuel Bank Ltd, Hill Samuel Finance Ltd, Hill Samuel Leasing Co. Ltd, Home Shopping Personal Finance Ltd, Horizon Capital 2000 Ltd, Housing Association Risk Transfer 2019 DAC, Housing Growth Partnership GP LLP, Housing Growth Partnership LP, Housing Growth Partnership Ltd, Housing Growth Partnership Manager Ltd, Hyundai Car Finance Ltd, IBOS Finance Ltd, ICC Enterprise Partners Ltd, ICC Equity Partners Ltd, ICC Holdings Unlimited Company, Inchcape Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Software Ltd, International Motors Finance Ltd, Kanaalstraat Funding C.V., Katrine Leasing Ltd, LB Healthcare Trustee Ltd, LB Motorent Ltd, LB Quest Ltd, LB Share Schemes Trustees Ltd, LBCF Ltd, LBG Brasil Administracao LTDA, LBG Capital Holdings Ltd, LBG Equity Investments Ltd, LBI Leasing Ltd, LDC (General Partner) Ltd, LDC (Managers) Ltd, LDC (Nominees) Ltd, LDC GP LLP, LDC I LP, LDC II LP, LDC III LP, LDC IV LP, LDC Parallel (Nominees) Ltd, LDC V LP, LDC VI LP, LDC VII LP, LDC VIII LP, LTGP Limited Partnership Incorporated, Legacy Renewal Company Ltd, Leicester Securities 2014 Ltd, Lex Autolease (CH) Ltd, Lex Autolease (VC) Ltd, Lex Autolease Carselect Ltd, Lex Autolease Ltd, Lex Vehicle Finance 2 Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing (Holdings) Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing Ltd, Lime Street (Funding) Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I Holdings Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I plc, Lloyds (Gresham) Ltd, Lloyds (Gresham) No. 1 Ltd, Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Ltd, Lloyds America Securities Corporation1, Lloyds Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Branches) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Colonial & Foreign) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (I.D.) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (International Services) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Stock Exchange Branch) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Asset Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Scotland Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (HP) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.4) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (LM) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds LLP, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 7) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 9) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Holdings Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 11) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 20) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 5) Ltd, Lloyds Bank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Hill Samuel Holding Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank Insurance Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank International Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 6) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 8) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank MTCH Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 10) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 13) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No.16) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Offshore Pension Trust Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 1) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 2) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pensions Property (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Properties Ltd, Lloyds Bank Property Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank S.F. Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Subsidiaries Ltd, Lloyds Bank Trustee Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank plc, Lloyds Banking Group Pensions Trustees Ltd, Lloyds Capital GP Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Properties Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Property Investments Ltd, Lloyds Corporate Services (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Engine Capital (No.1) U.S LLC, Lloyds Far East S.A.R.L., Lloyds General Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Group Holdings (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Holdings (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Hypotheken B.V., Lloyds Industrial Leasing Ltd, Lloyds International Pty Ltd, Lloyds Investment Bonds Ltd, Lloyds Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Lloyds Investment Securities No.5 Ltd, Lloyds Leasing (North Sea Transport) Ltd1, Lloyds Leasing Developments Ltd, Lloyds Nominees (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Offshore Global Services Private Ltd, Lloyds Plant Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Portfolio Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Premises Investments Ltd, Lloyds Project Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No. 3 Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No. 4 Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No.5 Ltd, Lloyds Secretaries Ltd, Lloyds Securities Inc., Lloyds TSB Pacific Ltd, Lloyds UDT Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds UDT Asset Rentals Ltd, Lloyds UDT Hiring Ltd, Lloyds UDT Leasing Ltd, Lloyds UDT Ltd, Lloyds Your Tomorrow Trustee Ltd, Loans.co.uk Ltd, London Taxi Finance Ltd, London Uberior (L.A.S. Group) Nominees Ltd, Lotus Finance Ltd, MBNA, MBNA Direct Ltd, MBNA Europe Finance Ltd, MBNA Europe Holdings Ltd, MBNA General Foundation, MBNA Global Services Ltd, MBNA Indian Services Private Ltd, MBNA Ltd, MBNA R & L S.A.R.L., MBNA Receivables Ltd, Mainsearch Company Ltd, Maritime Leasing (No. 19) Ltd, Membership Services Finance Ltd, Mitre Street Funding S.A.R.L., Molineux RMBS 2016-1 plc, Molineux RMBS Holdings Ltd, Moor Lane Holdings Ltd, NFU Mutual Finance Ltd, NWS Trust Ltd, Nominees (Jersey) Ltd, Nordic Leasing Ltd, Ocean Leasing (July) Ltd, Oystercatcher Nominees Ltd, Oystercatcher Residential Ltd, PIPS Asset Investments Ltd, Pacific Leasing Ltd, Penarth Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Penarth Funding 1 Ltd, Penarth Funding 2 Ltd, Penarth Master Issuer plc, Penarth Receivables Trustee Ltd, Pensions Management (S.W.F.) Ltd, Peony Eastern Leasing Ltd, Peony Leasing Ltd, Peony Western Leasing Ltd, Permanent Funding (No. 1) Ltd, Permanent Funding (No. 2) Ltd, Permanent Holdings Ltd, Permanent Master Issuer plc, Permanent Mortgages Trustee Ltd, Permanent PECOH Holdings Ltd, Permanent PECOH Ltd, Perry Nominees Ltd, Prestonfield Investments Ltd, Proton Finance Ltd, R.F. Spencer And Company Ltd, Ranelagh Nominees Ltd, Retail Revival (Burgess Hill) Investments Ltd, SARL Coliseum, SARL Hiram, SAS Compagnie Fonciere De France, SCI Astoria Invest, SCI De LHorloge, SCI Equinoxe, SCI Rambuteau CFF, SW Funding plc, SW No.1 Ltd, SWAMF (GP) Ltd, SWAMF Nominee (1) Ltd, SWAMF Nominee (2) Ltd, Saint Michel Holding Company No1, Saint Michel Investment Property, Saint Witz 2 Holding Company No1, Saint Witz 2 Investment Property, Salisbury II Securities 2016 Ltd, Salisbury II-A Securities 2017 Ltd, Salisbury III Securities 2019 DAC, Salisbury Securities 2015 Ltd, Sandown 2012-2 Holdings Ltd, Sandown 2012-2 plc, Sandown Gold 2012-1 Holdings Ltd, Sandown Gold 2012-1 plc, Savban Leasing Ltd, Scotland International Finance B.V., Scottish Widows Administration Services (Nominees) Ltd, Scottish Widows Administration Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Annuities Ltd, Scottish Widows Auto Enrolment Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Europe, Scottish Widows Financial Services Holdings, Scottish Widows Group Ltd, Scottish Widows Industrial Properties Europe B.V., Scottish Widows Ltd, Scottish Widows Pension Trustees Ltd, Scottish Widows Property Management Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Personal Wealth (ACD) Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Personal Wealth Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Wealth Holdings Ltd, Scottish Widows Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Trustees Ltd, Scottish Widows Unit Funds Ltd, Scottish Widows Unit Trust Managers Ltd, Scottish Widows Fund and Life Assurance Society, Seabreeze Leasing Ltd, Seaspirit Leasing Ltd, Share Dealing Nominees Ltd, Shogun Finance Ltd, Silentdale Ltd, St Andrews Group Ltd, St Andrews Insurance plc, St Andrews Life Assurance plc, St. Marys Court Investments, Standard Property Investment (1987) Ltd, Standard Property Investment Ltd, Sussex County Homes Ltd, Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, Swan Funding 2 Ltd, Syon Securities 2019 DAC, The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Plc, The British Linen Company Ltd, The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Mortgage Business plc, Thistle Financing Holdings Ltd, Thistle Investments (AMC) Ltd, Thistle Investments (ERM) Ltd, Thistle Leasing, Three Copthall Avenue Ltd, Tower Hill Property Investments (10) Ltd, Tower Hill Property Investments (7) Ltd, Tranquility Leasing Ltd, Trinity Financing plc, UDT Budget Leasing Ltd, UDT Sales Finance Ltd, Uberior (Moorfield) Ltd, Uberior Co-Investments Ltd, Uberior ENA Ltd, Uberior Equity Ltd, Uberior Europe Ltd, Uberior Fund Investments Ltd, Uberior Infrastructure Investments (No.2) Ltd, Uberior Infrastructure Investments Ltd, Uberior Investments Ltd, Uberior Nominees Ltd, Uberior Trading Ltd, Uberior Trustees Ltd, Uberior Ventures Australia Pty Ltd, Uberior Ventures Ltd, United Dominions Leasing Ltd, United Dominions Trust Ltd, Universe The CMI Global Network Fund, Upsaala Ltd, Vine Street IX LP, WCS Ltd, Ward Nominees (Abingdon) Ltd, Ward Nominees (Birmingham) Ltd 1, Ward Nominees (Bristol) Ltd 1, Ward Nominees Ltd 1, Waverley  Fund II Investor LLC, Waverley  Fund III Investor LLC, Waymark Asset Investments Ltd, West Craigs Ltd, Wetherby II Securities 2018 DAC, Wetherby III Securities 2019 DAC, Wetherby Securities 2017 Ltd, Wood Street Leasing Ltd, and Zurich Insurance Group - UK Workplace Pensions and Savings Business.The following companies are subsidiares of ENI: Adriaplin Podjetje za distribucijo, Agenzia Giornalistica Italia SpA, Agip Caspian Sea BV, Agip Energy and Natural, Agip Karachaganak BV, Agip Petroli, Aldro Energy, Banque Eni SA, Burren Energy (Bermuda) Ltd(1), Burren Energy (Egypt) Ltd, Burren Energy Congo Ltd, Burren Energy India Ltd, Burren Energy Plc, Burren Shakti Ltd, D-Service Media Srl, D-Share SpA, D-Share USA Corp., Dhamma Energy Group, Dunastyr Polisztirolgyarto Zartkoruen, Ecofuel SpA, Eni AEP Ltd, Eni Abu Dhabi BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading Services BV, Eni Albania BV, Eni Algeria Exploration BV, Eni Algeria Ltd Sarl, Eni Algeria Production BV, Eni Ambalat Ltd, Eni America Ltd, Eni Angola Exploration BV, Eni Angola Production BV, Eni Angola SpA, Eni Argentina Exploracion, Eni Arguni I Ltd, Eni Australia BV, Eni Australia Ltd, Eni Austria GmbH, Eni BB Petroleum Inc, Eni BTC Ltd, Eni Bahrain BV, Eni Benelux BV, Eni Bukat Ltd, Eni CBM Ltd, Eni Canada Holding Ltd, Eni China BV, Eni Congo SA, Eni Corporate University SpA, Eni Cyprus Ltd, Eni Cote dIvoire Ltd, Eni Denmark BV, Eni Deutschland GmbH, Eni East Ganal Ltd, Eni East Sepinggan Ltd, Eni Ecuador SA, Eni Elgin/Franklin Ltd, Eni Energy Russia BV, Eni Exploration & Production Holding BV, Eni Finance International SA, Eni Finance USA Inc, Eni France Sarl, Eni Fuel SpA, Eni G&P Trading BV, Eni Gabon SA, Eni Ganal Ltd, Eni Gas & Power France SA, Eni Gas & Power LNG Australia BV, Eni Gas Transport Services Srl, Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Ltd, Eni Hewett Ltd, Eni Hydrocarbons Venezuela Ltd, Eni Iberia SLU, Eni India Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ots 1 Ltd, Eni Insurance DAC, Eni International BV, Eni International NA NV Sarl, Eni International Resources Ltd, Eni Investments Plc, Eni Iran BV, Eni Iraq BV, Eni Ireland BV, Eni Isatay BV, Eni JPDA 03-13 Ltd, Eni JPDA 06-105 Pty Ltd, Eni JPDA 11-106 BV, Eni Kenya BV, Eni Krueng Mane Ltd, Eni LNS Ltd, Eni Lasmo Plc, Eni Lebanon BV, Eni Liberia BV, Eni Liverpool Bay Operating Co Ltd, Eni Lubricants Trading (Shangai) Co Ltd, Eni Marketing Austria GmbH, Eni Marketing Inc, Eni Maroc BV, Eni Mediterranea Idrocarburi SpA, Eni Middle East Ltd, Eni Mineralolhandel GmbH, Eni Montenegro BV, Eni Mozambico SpA, Eni Mozambique Engineering Ltd, Eni Mozambique LNG Holding BV, Eni Muara Bakau BV, Eni Myanmar BV, Eni Mexico S. de RL de CV, Eni Next Llc, Eni North Africa BV, Eni North Ganal Ltd, Eni Oil & Gas Inc, Eni Oil Algeria Ltd, Eni Oil Holdings BV, Eni Oman BV, Eni Pakistan (M) Ltd Sarl, Eni Pakistan Ltd, Eni Petroleum Co Inc, Eni Petroleum US Llc, Eni Portugal BV, Eni RAK BV, Eni RD Congo SA, Eni Rapak Ltd, Eni Rovuma Basin BV, Eni Schmiertechnik GmbH, Eni Sharjah BV, Eni South Africa BV, Eni South China Sea Ltd Sarl, Eni Suisse SA, Eni TNS Ltd, Eni Timor Leste SpA, Eni Trading & Shipping Inc, Eni Trading & Shipping SpA, Eni Transporte y Suministro Mexico , Eni Tunisia BV, Eni Turkmenistan Ltd, Eni UHL Ltd, Eni UK Holding Plc, Eni UK Ltd, Eni UKCS Ltd, Eni ULT Ltd, Eni ULX Ltd, Eni US Operating Co Inc, Eni USA Gas Marketing Llc, Eni USA Inc, Eni USA R&M Co Inc, Eni Ukraine Holdings BV, Eni Ukraine Llc, Eni Ukraine Shallow Waters BV, Eni Venezuela BV, Eni Venezuela E&P Holding SA, Eni Vietnam BV, Eni West Africa SpA, Eni West Ganal Ltd, Eni West Timor Ltd, Eni Yemen Ltd, Eni do Brasil Investimentos em Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo Ltda, Eni gas e luce SpA, EniPower Mantova SpA, EniProgetti Egypt Ltd, EniProgetti SpA, EniServizi SpA, Esacontrol SA, Esain SA, Eurl Eni Algerie, FRI-EL Group, First Calgary Petroleums LP, First Calgary Petroleums Partner Co ULC, First Calgary Petroliums, Floaters SpA, Gas Supply Company Thessaloniki - Thessalia SA, Gazoduc Transtunisien SA - Scogat SA, Ieoc Exploration BV, Ieoc Production BV, Ieoc SpA, LNG Shipping SpA, Lasmo Sanga Sanga Ltd, Liverpool Bay Ltd, Mizamtec Operating Company, Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Nigerian Agip CPFA Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, Nigerian Agip Oil Co Ltd, OOO Eni Energhia, OOO Eni-Nefto, Oleoduc du Rhone SA, Petroven Srl, Raffineria di Gela SpA, Resources (Nigeria) Ltd, S. de RL de CV, SEA SpA, SeaPad SpA, Serfactoring SpA, Servizi Aerei SpA, Servizi Fondo Bombole Metano SpA, Societa Petrolifera Italiana SpA, Societe de Service du Gazoduc, Societe pour la Construction du, Tecnoesa SA, Trans Tunisian Pipeline Co SpA, Transtunisien SA - Sergaz SA, Versalis Americas Inc, Versalis Congo Sarlu, Versalis Deutschland GmbH, Versalis France SAS, Versalis International SA, Versalis Kimya Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Versalis Mexico S. de R.L. de CV, Versalis Pacific (India) Private Ltd, Versalis Pacific Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Versalis Singapore Pte Ltd, Versalis SpA, Versalis UK Ltd, Zetah Congo Ltd, Zetah Kouilou Ltd, and zemeljskega plina doo Ljubljana.The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various personal and commercial banking products and services in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases through auto dealer network. It also provides credit cards; real estate secured lending; auto finance; consumer lending; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, private banking, investment advisory, and trust services to retail and institutional clients; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to companies, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,085 branches, 3,440 automated teller machines, and 1,223 stores, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Read MoreJacobs Engineering Group Inc. provides technical, professional, and construction services. The company's Aerospace, Technology, Environmental and Nuclear segment offers scientific, engineering, construction, nuclear, environmental, and technical support services to the aerospace, defense, technical, and automotive industries. Its Buildings, Infrastructure and Advanced Facilities segment develops/rehabilitates plans for highways, bridges, transit, tunnels, airports, railroads, intermodal facilities, and maritime or port projects; develops or rehabilitates critical water resource systems, water/wastewater conveyance systems, and flood defense projects; and provides engineering design, construction management, design build, and operations and maintenance. This segment also designs and constructs buildings; offers consulting, engineering, procurement, construction management, and delivery services for life sciences clients; and provides services relating to modular construction and other consulting and strategic planning services, as well as offers services in containment, barrier technology, locally controlled environments, building systems automation, off-the-site design, and fabrication of facility modules. The company's Energy, Chemicals and Resources segment offers services relating to onshore and offshore oil and gas production facilities, processing facilities, gathering systems, and transmission pipelines and terminals; feasibility/economic studies, technology evaluation, conceptual engineering, front end loading, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance, and commissioning services; and engineering, procurement, and construction solutions. This segment also provides services, such as manufacturing complex, expansions, modifications, and management of plant relocations; construction management and field construction services; and services to operate and maintain facilities. The company was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Read MoreBanco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA engages in the traditional banking businesses of retail banking, asset management, private banking, and wholesale banking. It operates through the following segments: Spain, the United States, Mexico, Turkey, South America, and Rest of Eurasia. The Spain segment includes mainly the banking and insurance business that the group carries out in Spain. The United States segment consists of the financial business activity of BBVA USA in the country and the activity of the branch of BBVA SA in New York. The Mexico segment refers to banking and insurance businesses in this country as well as the activity of its branch in Houston. The Turkey segment reports the activity of Garanti BBVA group that is mainly carried out in this country and, to a lesser extent, in Romania and the Netherlands. The South America segment comprises of operations in n Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The Rest of Eurasia segment includes the banking business activity carried out by the group in Europe and Asia, excluding Spain. The company was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

Read MoreThe following companies are subsidiares of Canon: Axis AB, Axis Communications, Axis Communications AB, BriefCam, Canon (China) Co. Ltd., Canon (Schweiz) AG, Canon (Suzhou) Inc., Canon (UK) Ltd., Canon Anelva, Canon Australia Pty. Ltd., Canon Bretagne S.A.S., Canon Business Machines (Philippines) Inc., Canon Canada Inc., Canon Chemicals Inc., Canon Components Inc., Canon Dalian Business Machines Inc., Canon Deutschland GmbH, Canon Electron Tubes & Devices Co. Ltd., Canon Electronics Inc., Canon Europa N.V., Canon Europe Ltd., Canon Financial Services Inc., Canon Finetech, Canon Finetech Nisca Inc., Canon France S.A.S., Canon Hi-Tech (Thailand) Ltd., Canon Hongkong Co. Ltd., Canon IT Solutions Inc., Canon Inc. Taiwan, Canon India Pvt. Ltd., Canon Information Systems Research Australia Pty. Ltd., Canon Italia S.p.A., Canon Machinery Inc., Canon Marketing Japan Inc., Canon Medical Finance Co. Ltd., Canon Medical Systems Corporation, Canon Medical Systems Europe B.V., Canon Medical Systems Manufacturing Asia Sdn. Bhd., Canon Medical Systems USA Inc., Canon Middle East FZ-LLC, Canon Nederland N.V., Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Canon Prachinburi (Thailand) Ltd., Canon Precision Inc., Canon Research Centre France S.A.S., Canon Ru LLC, Canon Semiconductor Equipment Inc., Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd., Canon Solutions America Inc., Canon System and Support Inc., Canon Tokki Corporation, Canon U.S.A. Inc., Canon Vietnam Co. Ltd., Canon Virginia Inc., Canon Zhongshan Business Machines Co. Ltd., Canon Zhuhai Inc., Fukushima Canon Inc., Harbour IT Pty. Ltd., Kite, Kite.ly, Milestone Systems, Milestone Systems A/S, Miyazaki Canon Inc., Molecular Imprints, Molecular Imprints Inc., Nagahama Canon Inc., Nagasaki Canon Inc., Oce Printing Systems G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Oce-Technologies B.V., Oita Canon Inc., Oita Canon Materials Inc., Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Virtual Imaging, and lifecake.FBL Financial Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, sells individual life insurance and annuity products. The Annuity segment sells various traditional annuity products that primarily consist of fixed rate and indexed annuities, and supplementary contracts. The Life Insurance segment offers whole life, term life, and universal life policies. It also involved in the property-casualty business; and provision of wealth management, investment advisory, and marketing and distribution services for the sale of mutual funds and insurance products, as well as leasing services. The company markets its products to Farm Bureau members, and other individuals and businesses through exclusive agents and agency managers under the consumer brand name of Farm Bureau Financial Services in the Midwestern and Western sections of the United States. The company was founded in 1945 and is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Read MoreDaimler AG, together its subsidiaries, develops and manufactures passenger cars, trucks, vans, and buses in Germany and internationally. It operates through Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans, Daimler Trucks and Buses, and Daimler Mobility segments. The Mercedes-Benz Cars segment offers premium and luxury vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz brand, including the Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and Mercedes-EQ brands; small cars under the smart brand name; and ecosystem of Mercedes-Benz under the Mercedes me brand, as well as vans and related services under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands. Daimler Trucks and Buses segment offers its trucks and special vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Western Star, FUSO, and BharatBenz brands; and buses under the Mercedes-Benz, Setra, Thomas Built Buses, and FU brands, as well as bus chassis. The Daimler Mobility segment provides financing and leasing packages for end-customers and dealers; and automotive insurance brokerage, banking, investment, and fleet management services under the Athlon brand. It also sells vehicle related spare parts and accessories. Daimler AG was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany

Read MoreWall Street analysts have given Dividend 15 Split Corp. II a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Dividend 15 Split Corp. II wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.

View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.The following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE).Nevsun Resources Ltd. engages in the mining and development of mineral properties in Europe, Africa, and North America. It explores for gold, copper, zinc, and silver deposits. The company's principal assets include Timok project, a copper-gold development project in Serbia; and Bisha copper- zinc mine in Eritrea. It also holds exploration licenses and permits in Serbia and Macedonia, as well as in the Bisha mining district. The company was incorporated in 1965 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. As of January 7, 2019, Nevsun Resources Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited.

Read MoreResolute Energy Corporation, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the acquisition, exploitation, exploration for, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States. Its principal project area is located in the Delaware Basin portion of the Permian Basin, Reeves County. As of December 31, 2017, it had interests in approximately 27,100 gross acres located in the Permian Basin of Texas; and its estimated net proved reserves were approximately 53.4 million barrels of oil equivalent. Resolute Energy Corporation was founded in 2004 and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Read MoreTailored Brands, Inc. (NYSE:TLRD) posted its earnings results on Wednesday, March, 18th. The company reported ($0.46) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.54) by $0.08. The company earned $690.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $708.46 million. Tailored Brands had a negative net margin of 14.39% and a negative trailing twelve-month return on equity of 138.49%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was down 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($0.28) earnings per share.

View Tailored Brands' earnings history.The following companies are subsidiares of World Fuel Services: AHT Services LLC, ANY-G B.V., ANY-G Services B.V., AVCARD Holding Company (BVI) Ltd., AVCARD Services (BVI) Ltd., Advance Petroleum LLC, Air Petro Corp., Alta Fuels Llc, Alta Transportation LLC, Altitude Ventures Holding Inc., Amelia Holding AB, Ascent Aviation Group Inc., Associated Petroleum Products, Associated Petroleum Products Inc, Avinode AB, Avinode Aktiebolag, Avinode Group AB, Avinode Inc., Baseops International Inc., Bergen Energi AB, CarterEnergy Corporation, Casa Petro S.R.L., Chrome Club Inc., Colt International, Colt International Europe SARL, Colt International LLC, Colt International das Americas Servicos de Aviacao Ltda., Colt Risk Management Services LLC, Combustibles Aereos Nacionales S. de R.L. de C.V., Ecuacentair Cia. Ltda., Energie-Tankdienstgesellschaft Bremen mbH, Falmouth Oil Services Limited, Falmouth Petroleum Limited, Gib Oil Limited, Hellenic Aviation Fuel Company S.A., Henty Oil Limited, Henty Shipping Services Limited, JCP Brazil LLC, K T M Inc., KTM Inc, Kinect Consulting LLC, Kinect Energy AS, Kinect Energy Denmark A/S, Kinect Energy France Sarl, Kinect Energy Germany GmbH, Kinect Energy Green Services AS, Kinect Energy Hungary Kft, Kinect Energy Inc., Kinect Energy Markets AS, Kinect Energy Netherlands B.V., Kinect Energy Pty Limited, Kinect Energy Spot AS, Kinect Energy Sweden AB, Kinect Energy UK Limited, Kropp Holdings Inc., LFO Holdings Limited, Lakeside Oil Company Inc, Linton Fuel Oils Limited, MH Aviation Services (Pty) Ltd., MS Europe B.V., MS Lebanon LLC., MS Technology Solutions Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, MSTS Consorzio, MSTS Holding LLC, MSTS Payments LLC, Marine Energy, Multi Service Aero B.V., Multi Service Comercio S. de R.L. de C.V., Multi Service Egypt, Multi Service Holding B.V., Multi Service Middle East FZ-LLC, Multi Service Pre Paid Solutions B.V., Multi Service Private Label B.V., Multi Service Pty Limited, Multi Service Singapore PTE. LTD., Multi Service Technology Solutions, Multi Service Technology Solutions Inc., Multi Service Technology Solutions Inc. / Jordan LLC, Multi Service US Holding LLC, NCS Fuel IQ Limited, NCS UK Holding Co. Limited, NCS US Inc., Nature Port Reception Facilities Limited, Nordic Camp Supply ApS, Nordic Camp Supply B.V., Nordic Camp Supply Estonia OU, Norse Bunker AS, Oil Shipping (Bunkering) B.V., Oil Shipping Korea Limited, Orchard (Holdings) UK Limited, Orchard Energy Limited, PAPCO Inc., PAX Distribution LLC, PT Oil Shipping Trans Indonesia, PT Servicios de Guatemala Limitada, Papco, PayNode AB, Pester Marketing Company, Petro Air Corp, PetroServicios de Costa Rica S.R.L., Petromundo Internacional S.R.L., Redline Oil Services Limited, Resource Recovery of America Inc., SchedAero Inc., Schedaero AB, Servicios Auxiliares de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Servicios Ecuatorianos de Energia-Secsa CIA. LTDA, Servicios WFSE Ecuador C.L., Servicios de Combustible Atlanticos S.R.L, TGS Petroleum Inc, TM Hawkins Brazil LLC, Tamlyn Shipping Limited, Tank and Marine Engineering Limited, The Hiller Group Incorporated, The Lubricant Company Limited, Tobras Distribuidora de Combustiveis Ltda., Tramp Group Limited, Tramp Holdings Limited, Tramp Oil & Marine (Argentina) S.R.L., Tramp Oil & Marine (Chile) Limitada, Tramp Oil & Marine Limited, Tramp Oil (Brasil) Ltda., Tramp Oil Germany GmbH, Tramp Oil-Schiffahrts-und Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co., Trans-Tec Mundial S.R.L., U.S. Energy Engineering Inc., U.S. Energy Services Inc., WF Lubricants S.L., WFL (UK) II Limited, WFL (UK) Limited, WFL Mozambique LDA, WFS & J Company Limited, WFS (Guam) Limited, WFS Agencia de Naves Limitada, WFS Commercial Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., WFS Danish Holding Company I ApS, WFS Danish Holding Partnership K/S, WFS UK Holding Company II Limited, WFS UK Holding Company III Limited, WFS UK Holding Partnership II LP, WFS UK Holding Partnership III LP, WFS UK Holding Partnership LP, WFS US Holding Company I LLC, WFS US Holding Company II LLC, WFS US Holding Company III LLC, WFS US Holding Company IV LLC, WFS US Holding Company IX LLC, WFS US Holding Company V LLC, WFS US Holding Company VI LLC, WFS US Holding Company VII LLC, WFS US Holding Company VIII LLC, WFS US Holding Company X LLC, Watson Petroleum, Western Aviation Products LLC, Western Petroleum Company, Wilhelmsen Marine Fuels (WMF), World Fuel CX LLC, World Fuel Capital Limited, World Fuel Cayman Holding Company I, World Fuel Cayman Holding Company III, World Fuel Cayman Holding Company IV, World Fuel Cayman Holding Company V, World Fuel Commodities Services (Ireland) Limited, World Fuel Gas and Power Limited, World Fuel PG Trading Limited, World Fuel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd, World Fuel Services (Bahamas) LLC, World Fuel Services (Costa Rica) Limitada, World Fuel Services (Denmark) ApS, World Fuel Services (Hong Kong) Limited, World Fuel Services (KG) LLC, World Fuel Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., World Fuel Services (New Zealand) Limited, World Fuel Services (Panama) Limited Liability Company Sociedad De Responsabilidad Limitada, World Fuel Services (Singapore) II Pte. Ltd., World Fuel Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd, World Fuel Services (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, World Fuel Services (Taiwan) Limited, World Fuel Services (Uruguay) S.A., World Fuel Services Argentina S.R.L., World Fuel Services Aviation Limited, World Fuel Services Belgium BVBA, World Fuel Services CZ s.r.o., World Fuel Services Canada ULC, World Fuel Services Chile Limitada, World Fuel Services Company LLC, World Fuel Services Corporate Aviation Support Services Inc., World Fuel Services Europe Ltd., World Fuel Services European Holding Company I Ltd., World Fuel Services Finance Company S.a.r.L., World Fuel Services France SAS, World Fuel Services Inc., World Fuel Services International (Panama) LLC, World Fuel Services Italy S.r.L., World Fuel Services Japan G.K., World Fuel Services Kenya Limited, World Fuel Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., World Fuel Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited, World Fuel Services Peru S.R.L., World Fuel Services Private Limited, World Fuel Services Regulatory Holdings LLC, World Fuel Services Trading DMCC, World Fuel Services Turkey Petrol Urunleri Dagitim Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, World Fuel Singapore Holding Company I Pte Ltd, World Fuel Singapore Holding Company II Pte Ltd, and Yacht Fuel Services Limited.The Southern pays an annual dividend of $2.64 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 4.23%. SO has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The Southern has been increasing its dividend for 26 consecutive years, indicating the company has a strong committment to maintain and grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio of The Southern is 81.23%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, The Southern will have a dividend payout ratio of 74.37% next year. This indicates that The Southern will be able to sustain or increase its dividend.

View The Southern's dividend history.Home-grown auto major Mahindra and Mahindra on Tuesday reported 18 per cent jump in total tractor sales to 30,925 units in April.

New Delhi: Home-grown auto major Mahindra and Mahindra on Tuesday reported 18 per cent jump in total tractor sales to 30,925 units in April.

It had sold 26,151 units in April last year, Mahindra and Mahindra said in a statement. Domestic sales were at 29,884 units as against 25,208 units in the year-ago month, up 19 per cent, it added.

Exports last month stood at 1,041 units as against 943 units in the year-ago period, up 10 per cent, it said. M&M President - Farm Equipment Sector, Rajesh Jejurikar said, "With the prediction of a normal monsoon we expect positive sentiments to continue and boost tractor demand in the coming months."Prices of the i20 Active remain unchanged as well with a price tag ranging between Rs 6.99 lakh and Rs 9.77 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).

Hyundai has launched the refreshed i20 Active in India. The updated cross-hatch is not entirely based on the Elite i20 facelift, which was launched at the Auto Expo 2018. Instead, it looks identical to the previous model. The prices of the i20 Active remain unchanged as well with a price tag ranging between Rs 6.99 lakh and Rs 9.77 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The updated i20 Active renews its rivalry against the Honda WR-V, Fiat Avventura and the Tata Nexon.

Whats new?

The i20 Active gets a new dual-tone colour option (Marina Blue with Polar White roof) which is offered only on the top-spec SX variant. To put things into perspective, the Elite i20 offers three options (red- and orange-black, along with white-black) on its second most loaded variant.

Gets a new boot lid applique with Active label

Offers Hyundai's latest 7-inch infotainment system with an improved display compared to the previous unit, same as the Elite i20 facelift. Also new, is the Arkamys tuned sound system and an Android app-based remote

The front armrest can now slide to-and-fro, while it also has a new rear armrest now that features cup holders, same as the Elite i20

The cabin gets new exterior colour-coded accents and upholstery

ISOFIX child seat anchors are now offered with the top-spec SX variant

Rest of the equipment list is similar to the previous model

The recently revealed 2018 Euro-spec i20 Active gets a redesigned boot lid that now houses the licence plate, same as the Elite i20 facelift. Hyundai has, however, not offered the same with the 2018 i20 Active here. Moreover, the Euro-spec 2018 Elite i20 and i20 Active also get LED elements in the tail lamps that are again missing in the models sold here. In fact, the India-spec i20 Active has carried forward the same set of tail lamps, while the Elite i20 facelift offers updated units with refreshed interior elements.

Mechanically, the i20 Active remains unaltered and is powered by the 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.4-litre diesel. The petrol is mated to a 5-speed manual, while the diesel is coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Source: CarDekho.comCompany signed a share subscription agreement for subscribing up to 8,00,402 Class C preferred shares of Resson Aerospace.

New Delhi: Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) has signed a share subscription agreement to acquire up to 10 per cent share capital of Canada's IT firm Resson Aerospace Corporation for up to CAD 6.63 million to be paid in cash.

"The company has on Tuesday signed a share subscription agreement for subscribing up to 8,00,402 Class C preferred shares of Resson Aerospace Corporation, Canada, which would result in the company holding up to 10 per cent of the share capital of Resson on a fully diluted basis," M&M said in a regulatory filing.

M&M said the cost of acquisition is up to CAD 6.63 million (equivalent to approximately Rs 34.5 crore) to be paid in cash. Resson is focussed on providing technology solutions for agriculture.

It has developed a system which captures and interprets images to give farmers information about the state of their fields and crops. It operates primarily in Canada and the US. Resson had a turnover of CAD 1.43 million in the calendar year 2017.

M&M said the acquisition of shares in Resson is expected to support its businesses by developing technology solutions for the company's farm division.The government will be able to provide electricity connections to all households by December as per the target under the Saubhagya scheme, Power Minister R K Singh said Tuesday.

New Delhi: The government will be able to provide electricity connections to all households by December as per the target under the Saubhagya scheme, Power Minister R K Singh said Tuesday.

He also said that the government is considering preponing the deadline for achieving 24X7 Power for all target by three month to December 31, 2018. The initial deadline under the Rs 16,320 crore Saubhagya scheme was March 31, 2019.

"We signed agreements with the states in 2015 that we want 24x7 supply and the all the states are signatories to that. The deadline is March 31, 2019," Singh said addressing a press conference on government's achievement on electrifying all villages. "We are trying to prepone (the deadline for 24X7 power) it because if you ask, is there any hurdle. I will say no because there is sufficient power in the grid."

He said discoms can buy power and the Centre has given them enough funds to strengthen their distribution and transmission system but they were not doing it because of losses (financial stress).

On Saubhagya scheme Singh said, "I have visited all the states talked to the Chief Minister, Power Ministers, Pradhan Sachiv and CMDs of various discoms and discussed in detail. I am sure that we will achieve this target." However, he added: "We have one major challenge that is Uttar Pradesh. We are sure that we will achieve the target. Rest, in any state no CMD, Pradhan felt that this target cannot be met by December 31, 2018."

At present, as many as 3.13 crore households across the country would be electrified under the Saubhagya scheme while 50.06 lakh families have already got power connection under the programme so far as per government web portal.

About the opposition claims that 94 per cent villages were electrified by them, the minister said that "if it was so easy then why did not they do it in 60 years. They could have done that and announced their achievement."

Singh told reporters, "I saw a letter written at the time of roll out of Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana. Then Congress Presisent had said in the letter that by 2009, we will electrify all the villages. What happend? Did it happen?"IDBI Bank on Tuesday said the CBI has examined documents related to its loan exposure to the companies of former Aircel promoter C Sivasankaran.

New Delhi: IDBI Bank on Tuesday said the CBI has examined documents related to its loan exposure to the companies of former Aircel promoter C Sivasankaran.

The state-owned bank had given a loan to Axcel Sunshine Ltd in February 2014, which had turned into a non-performing asset (NPA) or bad loan in December 2015, IDBI Bank said in a regulatory filing.

It was responding to exchanges with regard to a news article that the CBI has booked ex-Aircel (telecom firm) promoter Sivasankaran's firms in Rs 600 crore loan fraud case.

"CBI in this context has been examining certain documents relating to the loan given by IDBI Bank and have spoken to the senior officers of the bank, who had handled the case," IDBI Bank said. "The officers are providing the requisite information and clarification to the investigating authorities," it added.

IDBI bank said the loan given to Sivasankaran's firms which turned bad has been fully provided for. The bank had initiated recovery actions to recover dues from the borrower in August 2016, it said. On April 26, CBI officials informed that the agency has registered a case against Sivasankaran's two firms and CEOs of Syndicate Bank as well as Indian Bank for allegedly defaulting on loans worth Rs 600 crore taken from IDBI Bank.

Former IDBI CMD Kishor Kharat, now MD and CEO of Indian Bank, and Syndicate Bank MD and CEO Melwyn Rego, who was Deputy MD of IDBI Bank, were booked by the CBI.New Delhi: The telecom department is likely to consult the law ministry and the attorney general to safeguard the administrative route of allocation against any legal challenge for E&V spectrum bands.

Spectrum in the E band can transmit 1,000-megabit data per second. It is mostly used as backhaul means, connecting the core of a telecom network to nodes and then onto towers, to transmit data. The two bands are useful as in places where the companies cannot lay fibre network. This spectrum is not an access spectrum and is not used for direct mobile connectivity.

Backhaul spectrum allocation will help enhance mobile signal carrying capacity between two towers, reduce call drops and improve voice and data quality.

There is no controversy over allocation methods. The E&V bands will be allocated under the administrative allocation route because thats the only option.

We will take enough legal precautions, which could include routine legal pre-emptive moves like getting the law ministrys approval and consulting the attorney general, sources said.

A telecom commission agenda for May 1, drawn up earlier in April, has listed several recommendations including net neutrality, M2M communications, administrative allocation of spectrum, ombudsman, proliferation of broadband through public Wifi network, in-flight connectivity, cloud services, regulatory framework for internet telephony, ease of doing business and MWA-MWB, E&V bands.

Sources said the telecom commission may not discuss the E&V band allocation on May 1 as the government would like to form a view among the other key ministries and top legal officers on the same. But as and when it is discussed and approved, it will have to through administrative route.

Experts, DoT and Trai officials say backhaul spectrum is different from access spectrum, which is allotted to the operators in patches not in blocks. Therefore by the very technical nature, it cannot be offered under the auction route. The backhaul spectrum is used for augmenting signals between mobile towers.

Trai in 2014 had recommended that E band should be charged at Rs 10,000 per annum per link of 250Mhz and prescribed Rs 1,000 per annum per link of 50Mhz each for V band carriers. The government is also set to release the draft new telecom policy on Tuesday after the approval of telecom commission.Mumbai: For the third edition of the event organised by the actor's Paani Foundation, Aamir Khan had urged college students to volunteer for the event being held on Maharashtra Day. The Bollywood superstar is leading a team of about 1 lakh volunteers today to villages for a Mahashramdaan. According to a report, Alia Bhatt is set to accompany Khan. The idea was to look for a youth icon who could encourage the young generation to partake in promoting water conservation across the drought-ridden state of Maharashtra.

A source told to Mid-Day, "Aamir was keen to get a youth icon associated with the project so that the initiative appeals to the young generation. Alia was only happy to be part of it. She will take some time off from the shoot of Kalank to join him for the day. However, Alia will return to the city by 2.30 pm to be part of promotions for her upcoming spy-drama 'Raazi'."

While the event is set to be held across 75 talukas and 24 districts in the state, Alia will join the team for the proceedings in Latur, Maharashtra.

On the work front, Alia will be next seen in 'Raazi' and Aamir is currently working on 'Thugs of Hindostan'.Not one, two or three but four ladies are all set to rock and roll in their red carpet look at the Cannes International Film Festival this year.

Deepika Padukone will be marking her second year, and of course, you cannot not think about Sonam Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan when it comes to Cannes. This time, Kangana Ranaut will also be attending the festival, promoting our country India there.

According to a report on DNA, Deepika will walk the red carpet on May 10 and 11, followed by Aishwarya, who will walk on May 12 and May 13. Sonam will grace the red carpet after Aishwarya, i.e. on May 14 and 15, post her wedding on 8th May.

While it is yet not known when Kangana will be part of the red carpet, the festival will be held from May 8-19.Mumbai: Google on Monday dedicated its creative doodle to mark the 148th birth anniversary of the father of Indian Cinema Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke.

Born on April 30, 1870, in Trimbak, Phalke gave Indian Cinema its first silent film, 'Raja Harishchandra' in 1913 with special effects, making it a huge hit.

He made 95 movies and 27 short films in his career spanning 19 years, till 1937.

"Created by guest artist Aleesha Nandhra, doodle shows a young Dadasaheb in action as he went about directing the first few gems in the history of Indian cinema," wrote the Google blog post.

"After stints as a painter, draftsman, theatrical set designer, and lithographer, he chanced upon Alice Guy's silent film, The Life of Christ (1910). Phalke resolved to bring Indian culture to the silver screen. He traveled to London to learn filmmaking from Cecil Hepworth," it added.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, for lifetime contribution to cinema, was established by the Government of India in 1969. The award is considered as one of the most prestigious awards in Indian cinema.It was being believed that Sanjay Dutt had opted out of Kalank after Madhuri Dixit Nene replaced Sridevi in the movie.

But then came the most pleasantly surprising news of the year, as they both agree to do the movie together after almost 25 years of hiatus.

However, there was one movie which Sanjay Dutt reportedly walked out of, which is his old friend Lovel Aroras movie Blockbuster.

Post that, the actor shifted his dates to getting back on Torbaaz sets. Here are some images of him from the sets:

The actor reportedly had differences and asked the makers to rework the script before he resumes shooting for the film.

Torbaaz also stars Nargis Fakhri, who is currently having the time of her life with her alleged boyfriend Matt Alonzo.Mumbai: Twinkle Khanna responded to a message by an Indian Navy officer, who warned her against auctioning a costume piece worn by her husband Akshay Kumar in the film, 'Rustom', saying she "will not retaliate with violent threats but by taking legal action".

The author-producer had recently supported Akshay's announcement to sell off the "actual naval uniform" he donned in the 2016 film, which was loosely based on the 1959 Nanavati murder case.

Khanna received a lot of flak on social media for backing the sale, the proceeds from which would go to "the cause of animal rescue and welfare".

The original message, by Lt Col Sandeep Ahlawat, was shared by senior journalist Sandeep Unnithan on Twitter, who claimed the author was "one of the finest men in uniform" known to him.

In a Facebook post, Lt Col Ahlawat called Khanna's idea of auctioning the costume "as sick as your funnybones jokes/book/blog".

He wrote what Akshay wore in the film, as Commander Rustom Pavri for which he won his maiden National Film Award for best actor, was "a costume and not uniform".

"Indian Armed Forces wives (Army, Navy, Airforce) do not auction their husbands uniforms. Uniform is not a piece of cloth that a producer hands over to cinestars for enacting roles and make some quick bucks. The permission to wear the uniform comes from the office of the President of India. Uniform is earned with your blood, toil and sweat which is placed on the mortal remains of a soldier along with the tricolour," he added.

Lt Col Ahlawat warned Khanna that he will "drag you to the court" if she even made "a feeble attempt to auction this piece of costume in the garb of 'UNIFORM'."

"You touch our honour and we will give you a bloody nose," he added.

Khanna replied to Unnithan's tweet, questioning whether it was plausible to "to threaten a woman with bodily harm for trying to raise funds for a charity".

"As a society do we really think it's all right to threaten a woman with bodily harm for trying to raise funds for a charity by auctioning a uniform used in a movie, a piece of film memorabilia? I will not retaliate with violent threats but by taking legal action! #JaiHind," she wrote.Bad night's sleep could cause depressed people to consider suicide. (Photo: Pixabay)

A bad night's sleep can cause people who are depressed to consider suicide, the Daily Mail reported.

Previous studies have found insomnia can make people more irritable and tense and less likely to exercise, which has been found to reduce depression.

"Sleep plays a hugely important role in our physical and mental well-being. When we sleep, our bodies recover from the physical and mental exertion of the day," study author Donna Littlewood, from the University of Manchester, told the Daily Mail.

Improving sleep quality in depressed people can help treat their condition.

"Many people with mental-health problems experience sleep problems, but sleep can be treated effectively using psychological and pharmacological interventions," Littlewood told the Daily Mail.

Adding, "This study highlights that it is important for clinicians to provide treatment for sleep problems, when working with people who experience suicidal thoughts."A new study has found people who are raised in cities without pets have a higher risk of developing mental health issues, the Daily Mail reported.

Why? Because people who grow up in the countryside with animals are exposed to bacteria-laden dust that helps make their immune systems stronger and more capable of dealing with stress.

University of Colorado Boulder researchers believe their findings prove that kids need to be out in nature more, as environments too sterile can have an impact on mental health.

Human are become less exposed to microorganisms as close to 50% of the globe's population living in area.

"It has already been very well documented that exposure to pets and rural environments during development is beneficial in terms of reducing risk of asthma and allergies later in life," author of the study Christopher Lowry, a professor of integrative physiology at CU Boulder, told Daily Mail. Adding, "This study moves the conversation forward by showing for the first time in humans that these same exposures are likely to be important for mental health."

40 German men between the ages of 20 to 40 years old participated in the study. 20 were raised on farm, while the rest were city folk.

The participants had to give a speech in front of people who showed no reaction to test their stress levels. They also had to solve math equation and given a certain amount of time.

The men also provided blood and saliva samples so researchers could monitor their immune response. Those results proved to be very insightful. Levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were much higher in men who were raised in cities.

"People who grew up in an urban environment had a much-exaggerated induction of the inflammatory immune response to the stressor, and it persisted throughout the two-hour period," Professor Lowry explained in the report.

He added: "If you are not exposed to these types of organisms, then your immune system doesn't develop a balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory forces, and you can develop a chronic, low-grade inflammation and exaggerated immune reactivity that makes you vulnerable to allergy, autoimmune disease and, we propose, psychiatric disorders."UTIs affect many women at some point in their lives and are usually caused by bacteria entering their urinary tracts from their bowels, which can occur during sex.

A new study found two patients receiving hospital treatment fro the condition carried the same infection-causing bacteria that was found in their dogs faeces.

While one of the patient recovered after a year, their dog still harboured the bacteria, suggesting that it is a permanent carrier and transmitted infection to owner

It is unclear how dogs may infect their owners with UTIs. Nonetheless, study author Dr Peter Damborg, from the University of Copenhagen, urges pet owners to avoid being licked by their animals, particularly if they have weak immune systems.

According to studies, UTIs affect many women at some point in their lives and are usually caused by bacteria entering their urinary tracts from their bowels, which can occur during sex.

Speaking to the New Scientist, Dr Damborg said people in general should take precautions when in contact with their pets.

Dr Damborg adds that although none of the study's participants appeared to catch infections from their cats, this could theoretically occur.

The findings were published in the journal bioRxiv.

Not only that, studies have also found that parasite in cats' faeces may cause Alzheimer's and even cancer

This comes after research released last September suggested a parasite that is commonly found in cats' faeces may cause Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and even cancer.Globalisation and rapidly developing technology has rendered millions of craftsmen and their trades almost obsolete. (Photo: Pixabay)

These jobs can be best described as vanishing acts. They have become or are on a path towards becoming obsolete because of technology.

From butchers to bakers and candlestick makers, May Day is a celebration of all things worker-related.

The annual festival, which falls on May 1 and is known in some countries as International Workers Day, is marked across the globe with public holidays and street parties.

However, there are those, for whom, the occasion is a solemn reminder that their jobs may not be around forever as globalisation and rapidly developing technology has rendered millions of craftsmen and their trades almost obsolete.

Shoe makers, washer-women, rickshaw pullers and even photographers have all seen their ways of life come under threat in recent years.

Heres taking a look at the world's vanishing trades.

Watchmaker: An artisan who makes and repairs watches, the influx of digital and factory made watches have made the more or less obsolete. However, originally they were master craftsmen who built watches, including all their parts, by hand.

Washerwoman: Once present throughout the world, the washerwoman or laundress is a woman who takes in laundry. Both terms are now old-fashioned. With the advancement of washing machines and modern means of cleaning clothes, this job is well on its way towards becoming history.

Shoemaking: Originally, shoes were made one at a time by hand. Traditional handicraft shoemaking has now been largely superseded in volume of shoes produced by industrial mass production of footwear, but not necessarily in quality, attention to detail, or craftsmanship.

Tourist photography: Once prevalent across all tourist destinations, modern phones with inbuilt cameras and easy-to-use digital cameras have replaced these people who were once known to capture some of our best moments.

Lift operator: An elevator operator or lift attendant is a person specifically employed to operate a manually operated elevator. With the advent of user-operated elevators such as those utilizing push buttons to select the desired floor, few elevator operators remain.

Gas lamp lighter: A lamplighter is a person employed to light and maintain street lights. Very few exist today as most street lighting has long been replaced by electric lamps.

Pulled-rickshaws:A pulled rickshaw (or ricksha) is a mode of human-powered transport by which a runner draws a two-wheeled cart which seats one or two people. In recent times the use of human-powered rickshaws has been discouraged or outlawed in many countries due to concern for the welfare of rickshaw workers and has been replaced mainly by cycle rickshaw and auto rickshaws.

News stands and newspaper delivery: News stand owners have struggled in recent years thanks to the prevalence of online. Subsequently, newspaper delivery boys too have seen decline in business due to prevalence towards online media.

Photographers: Even photographers have struggled against the tide of new technology - those specialising in pre-digital development methods like the analogue camera are fast losing demand.Had officers or the lifeguard gone in earlier, they might have been dragged under the water themselves. (Photo: Pixabay)

Mateusz Fijalkowski was an assistant manager of a pool in Fairfax, Virginia, two years ago.

In the United States from Poland on a summer programme, Fijalkowski spent most of his time hospitalised after nearly drowning in that pool. Now the 23-year-old, is suing the police officers and lifeguard who pulled him out.

According to Fijalkowski, he was left underwater for more than two minutes. He says in a lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Virginia last week, that eight police officers watched and stopped a lifeguard from jumping in to help.

Police contend that the officers acted appropriately to both save him and protect the lifeguard and themselves from a disturbed person.

When the lifeguard did pull him out, according to his lawsuit, Fijalkowski had stopped breathing and had no pulse.

Speaking about it Mateusz Fijalkowski said that the police allowed him to sink before their eyes.

Im glad that in the end they realised that they shouldnt let me drown, but I dont thank them for letting me die, clinically, before their eyes.

He is suing because he has more than $100,000 (73,000) in medical bills from the episode, he said.

The police, on their part, are incredulous.

They saved his life  he did not die, Fairfax County Police chief Edwin Roessler said. Youre going to sue someone for saving your life?

Had officers or the lifeguard gone in earlier, they might have been dragged under the water themselves, he added.Bengaluru: A 26-year-old woman killed her two minor sons by pushing them into a lake before jumping self in, at Kalkere village of Magadi Taluk on the outskirt of the city on Sunday. The deceased have been identified as Sujatha (26) and her two children Nakul (6) and Vishal (4). Sujatha was married to Anjana Murthy, a welder, for the last eight years and was living with him in a rented house in Tavarekere.

The police said that Sujatha was leaving home along with her children every other day for the last one week, telling her husband that she needed to see a doctor. Despite her husband insisting to drop her off to the doctor in Kalkere, Sujatha refused.

On Sunday too, Sujatha left home telling Murthy that she was going to the doctor but never returned. Murthy went to Kalkere where Sujathas parents stay and inquired if their daughter had come home along with the children. But her parents told him that they havent seen their daughter for over a week.

A concerned Murthy searched everywhere in Kalkere and Tavarekere. Meanwhile, villagers in Kalkere spotted three bodies floating in the lake on Sunday evening and informed the police.

The Magadi Rural police identified the bodies with the help of the villagers and informed their family members. The police have taken up a case of unnatural death. Sujathas parents told the police that they did not suspect Murthys hand behind the suicides, as he looked after their daughter very well.Thrissur: A man set ablaze his estranged wife by pouring petrol over her at Kundukadavu, Puthukkad, on Sunday. Jeethu, 29, the victim, who suffered 80 per cent burns, is battling for her life at Thrissur Medical College. The accused, Pazhappilli Biraj, 39, is absconding. Jeethu was living separate from her husband at her house at Kodali, a few km from Kundukadavu, due to domestic issues and they had filed a mutual divorce petition.

She was allegedly having a relationship with another person, said Puthukkad police. The incident happened when Jeethu was coming out of a Kudumbasree meeting held at a house where she paid money for a loan she had taken. She had come in an autorickshaw accompanied by her father and they were about to return in the vehicle when she was attacked.

Her husband, who was waiting outside the house with a can of petrol, poured it over her and lit her up. Jeethu was first rushed to a private hospital at Chalakudy and shifted to Thrissur Medical College. Puthukkad SI S.P. Sudheeran said that Biraj, who fled the scene after the crime, may surrender on Tuesday. The police has slapped IPC section 307 for attempt to murder against him. The couple have no children. Biraj was working in a Gulf country as a fitter and welder. Jeethu, a shop assistant, had developed a relationship with a man on Facebook.A pregnant relative of a BJP candidate in the upcoming panchayat polls was allegedly raped in West Bengal's Nadia district, police said on Monday. (Representational Image)

Kolkata: A pregnant relative of a BJP candidate in the upcoming panchayat polls was allegedly raped in West Bengal's Nadia district, police said on Monday.

The BJP pointed fingers at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging that the goons of the ruling party had committed the crime to teach a lesson to the opposition candidates for daring to contest the May 14 polls.

The TMC dismissed the allegation as baseless.

The incident occurred in Shantipur of Nadia district on Sunday night.

The sister-in-law of the victim is contesting the gram panchayat polls on a BJP ticket. According to the family members of the victim, the goons of the ruling party were threatening them to withdraw the nomination for the last few days.

"Last night, the TMC goons broke into our house and beat us up brutally. When we tried to resist them, they dragged my sister-in-law, who is six months' pregnant, away and raped her," one of the family members said.

The victim was taken to a local hospital and subsequently, referred to a hospital in Kolkata, where she is battling for life, the family member added.

Nadia Additional Superintendent of Police, Rural, Toushif Ali Ajhar said, "We have received a complaint and initiated an investigation, but no one has been arrested." Senior BJP leader of Nadia district Jagannath Sarkar accused the TMC of threatening the opposition candidates and alleged that the incident was to terrorise the people. TMC Nadia district president Gouri Shankar Dutta claimed that the allegations were "completely baseless".

In Kolkata, state BJP Mahila Morcha president Locket Chatterjee visited the victim at the hospital.

At the state-run NRS hospital, a scuffle broke out between the police and the BJP Mahila Morcha supporters as the securitymen stopped the saffron party activists from entering the hospital premises as it might create problems for the other patients.Hyderabad: Cyberabad Cybercrime Wing has nabbed four gangs who had been creating fake identity proofs like PAN card and voter Id card by using passport-sized photographs downloaded from websites, to illegally obtain credit cards of different banks. They also created fake payslips of MNCs. One of the fake proofs included downloading a picture of a corporator and misusing it. Through the fake ID proofs, they managed to hoodwink the banks and cheat them of several crores of rupees.

Of the four gangs nabbed, one had a Deputy Paramedical Officer (Gazetted rank) working in the Medical and Health Department of AP Government, who had attested the fake documents created by the other members of the gang. Of the 16 others arrested, there were sales executives of different banks who assisted in the preparation of fake identity proofs to obtain credit cards. All together the four gangs have duped banks and a private finance firm to the tune of Rs 2,32,81,276.

A techie approached the cops stating that his KYC details had been misused for obtaining a credit card, using which a transaction of Rs 88,654 was made. Inquiries revealed that the kingpin P. Shivaram Prasad conspired with other suspects, prepared fake payslips of MNCs, obtained PAN Cards and other identity proofs. All this was managed by A. Hemarama Prasad who was a sales executive in a private bank for tele and physical verification of documents.

Later they got the fake documents attested by M Moshe, the Deputy Paramedical Officer for obtaining the credit cards and also to file IT returns. Two members of the gang obtained credit cards in their own names. Using 33 SBI credit cards, they cheated to a tune of Rs 36,83,509, while Sivaram alone cheated Bajaj Finance by taking electronic articles appliances from electronic stores to the tune of Rs 37,89,255 using fake PAN Cards and ID proofs. In the same manner, another three-member gang obtained an SBI credit card using the KYC details of BN Reddy Nagar Corporator Ms M Laxmi Prasanna and cheated to the tune of Rs 1.04 lakh.

In another similar case, a four-member gang obtained 17 SBI cards using fake documents and cheated the bank to the tune of Rs 1,45,50,512. The credit cards were obtained in the name of different firms namely SR Traders, Aditya Traders and VK Enterprises, on whose names current accounts were in operation in the banks.

In the fourth case, two suspects obtained three SBI credit cards and cheated the bank to the tune of Rs 6,45,111. The 16 suspects were arrested, but three are absconding.Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah once again took to Twitter on Tuesday morning after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's jibe about a "two-plus-one formula to give the formula a spin of his own -- one that easily fit with his party's corruption allegations against the BJP.

Launching his campaign for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated his election meeting by targeting Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah.

Read: Congress in Karnataka believes in ease of doing murder: PM Modi

"While the party workers keep slogging, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is following a two-plus-one formula by contesting in two seats and fielding his son from one. The ministers are following one-plus one formula by fielding their sons and daughters," PM Modi said.

Also Read: Speak for 15 minutes without reading from paper: Modi dares Rahul in K'taka

The Congress has been defensive about the BJP accusations of dynastic politics. The party, which has fielded five top leaders along with their sons and daughters, contends that the young leaders have earned the ticket by working hard for the constituencies.

Siddaramaiah responded swiftly to the statement made by the Prime Minister. The Karnataka Chief Minister said, the two-plus-one formula could also apply to the BJP's fielding of two Reddy brothers -- the scam-tainted mining barons from Ballary -- and one Yeddyurappa.

Today PM avoided talking about his complicity in closing CBI cases against the Reddy bros. Instead he spoke about some 2+1 formula.



Here is the explanation to his formula to win election. 2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy.#2Reddy1Yeddy https://t.co/FozyhwOyHA  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018

Siddaramaiah, whose younger son Dr Yatheendra Siddaramaiah is contesting from safe seat Varuna, also tweeted:

Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM @narendramodi ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!



Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018

Siddaramaiah has been on an attack spree on Twitter since Monday, slamming the BJP for corruption charges against the party's presumptive Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa and mining baron Janardhan Reddy.

Two of the Reddy brothers -- Gali Somashekhara Reddy and Gali Karunakara Reddy -- have been fielded from constituencies in the Ballari area. Gali Janardhana Reddy, against whom most of the corruption allegations are levelled, is a top campaigner for the party. The BJP has cited political expediency, saying they are needed to win the seats in the area.

Also Read: As PM Modi begins K'taka campaign, Siddaramaiah asks sharp questions

One tweet of Siddaramaiah even asked the BJP to come clean on whether they really wanted BS Yeddyurappa to be the Chief Minister. It cited news reports on speculations that PM Modi does not intend to share stage with him in view of the corruption allegations.

BS Yeddyurappa was present at Tuesday's rally which was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Journalist Kamal Shukla said the cartoon he shared on Facebook was related to the Supreme Court's observation on the alleged mysterious death of Judge BH Loya. (Representational Image)

Raipur: A Bastar-based journalist has been booked on sedition charges for sharing a cartoon on Facebook that allegedly had "derogatory" references to the judiciary and the government.

"A case has been registered against Kamal Shukla under Section 124-A of the Indian Penal Code with Kotwali police station of Kanker district on the complaint of a Rajasthan-based person," Superintendent of Police KL Dhurv told news agency PTI. He said the man from Rajasthan filed the complaint against Shukla with the Raipur cyber-cell, which transferred the case to Kanker police.

Shukla is the editor of 'Bhumkal Samachar' newspaper, published from Kanker. Speaking to PTI, Shukla said the cartoon he shared on Facebook was related to the Supreme Court's observation on the alleged mysterious death of Judge BH Loya.

On April 19, the apex court dismissed pleas seeking an independent probe into the death of judge Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case.

Also Read: No probe into Judge BH Loya death case, SC says pleas 'scandalous'

"People across the country are expressing their views on the issue and so did I. Nothing was offensive about the cartoon and nor did it amount to sedition," Shukla said. He said he had removed the post from his Facebook page. He said he would continue to write honestly on issues that interested people, adding that he was being "implicated".Last week, Bengal government had seized 20 tonnes of rotten meat, suspected to be of dead animals and sourced from dumping grounds, meant to be supplied to eateries and departmental stores in the state as well as neighbouring states. (Photo: File/Representational)

Kolkata: The West Bengal government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the allegations of processed meat being sourced from dumping grounds, a senior official said on Monday.

Last week, the government had seized 20 tonnes of rotten meat, suspected to be of dead animals and sourced from dumping grounds, meant to be supplied to eateries and departmental stores in the state as well as neighbouring states -- Jharkhand, Odisha and Bihar.

So far, 10 people, including a leader of a political outfit, have been arrested in connection with the case.

The state enforcement branch has also started to investigate into the matter simultaneously.

According to SP (Diamond Harbour) Koteshwar Rao, several teams have been deployed in greater Kolkata and outside West Bengal to trace the culprits involved in the business of selling meat of dead animals.

"We are conducting raids to get hold of the culprits involved in the incident. Officers all over the district have been alerted to keep a tab on those who are involved in selling meat of dead animals," Rao said.

The police suspect that as many as five influential individuals acted as middlemen for the racket.

"These individuals are scattered in different parts of the state including others in the neighbouring states. We are trying to establish the chain. The racket seems to be quite an organised one," he said.

Currently, the state consumer affairs department is preparing a detailed report on the matter.

"We are chalking out a detailed report on this matter. Once it is complete, we will submit it to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee," Consumer Affairs Minister Sadhan Pandey said.

The West Bengal government has directed all police stations in the metropolis and the districts to keep a watch on the sale of meat in their areas, officials said.Nalini Chidamabaram was allegedly paid a legal fee of Rs 1.26 crore by the Saradha group for her appearances in court and the Company Law Board over a television channel purchase deal. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: In fresh trouble for the family of former finance minister P Chidambaram, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned his wife Nalini in connection with its money laundering probe into the Saradha ponzi scam.

Officials said Nalini has been summoned at the Kolkata office of the central probe agency on May 7. The agency wants to record her statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) with regard to a specific link of her in this case, they said.

The Madras High Court had last week dismissed a petition by Nalini in which she had challenged these ED summons to her to appear as a witness in this case.

Justice SM Subramaniam had rejected Nalini's contention that women cannot be called for investigation out of their place of residence under CrPC Section 160 (police officer' s power to require attendance of witnesses), saying such exemptions are not mandatory and are subject to facts and circumstances of a case.

Holding that such an exemption was not provided under the PMLA, the judge directed the Enforcement Directorate to issue fresh summons fixing a date for the investigation and proceed with it in accordance with law.

The ED had first issued the summons on September 7, 2016 asking Nalini, a senior lawyer, to appear at its Kolkata office as a witness in the Saradha chit fund scam. She was allegedly paid a legal fee of Rs 1.26 crore by the Saradha group for her appearances in court and the Company Law Board over a television channel purchase deal. She had earlier been questioned by the ED and CBI in this regard but agency sources had claimed that she was being summoned in the "light of new evidence". During the hearings at the Madras HC, Nalini had contended that the summons was "purely politically motivated to damage her reputation."

Pointing out that receiving fee by a counsel for representing an accused was not an offence, she had said every lawyer who appears for a suspect in criminal cases charges professional fee.

The ED had filed a charge sheet in this case in a special PMLA court in Kolkata in 2016.

Nalini's son Karti is already being investigated by the ED in two separate money laundering cases of the Aircel-Maxis deal and the INX Media case and he has been questioned multiple times by the agency in context of these cases.Hyderabad: Parents of three-month-old Druvan, who succumbed to sepsis at Niloufer Hospital, began protesting outside the hospital, where they allege the infection was acquired. Druvan, who was admitted to the hospital for fever, underwent a blood transfusion, where O positive blood was transfused into his body. When he was brought to the hospital a second time, his parents were asked to go elsewhere as they did not have blood.

When they took him to another diagnostic centre, they were told that Druvans blood group was B positive. This led to a major altercation between the parents and doctors at Niloufer Hospital on April 18. The infant was then put under emergency and critical care in the hospital for klebseilla sepsis. Doctors were brought in from the Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences to review the case.

Faced with immense pressure from the infants parents, the doctors explained in writing to the director of health and medical education on why they had transferred O positive blood, stating that blood grouping will not be established properly in neonates and infants of up to six months of age due to the poor expression of antigens and antibodies in the blood. While doctors stated there have been no reactions after the blood transfusion, Mahesh, the infants father said, The infection was acquired from the hospital. I brought the infant here for treatment of fever. There was no infection at the time.Hyderabad: Hyderabad High Court on Monday cautioned Andhra Pradesh Government that all land acquisitions for various projects in the state will be halted and a field inquiry is required to identify eligible persons, who need to be given compensation, for land acquired from them for various projects in the state.

The High Court was responding to Andhra Pradesh Governments statement that there are no eligible persons under the project affected category in 448 notifications issued for land acquisition for various projects in the state.

A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice K. Vijaya Lakshmi was dealing with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Andhra Pradesh Agricultural Workers Union, represented by its secretary Venkateswarlu, challenging the action of the authorities concerned in resorting to displace the affected families under the various projects without announcing resettlement and rehabilitation packages.

On April 24, the Bench found fault with the method adopted by the authorities of the Andhra Pradesh Government in identifying the project affected families.

It directed the Andhra Pradesh Government to furnish the list of awards passed so far to provide benefits to affected families in the 600 notifications issued for land acquisition in the state by April 30.

When this case came up for hearing, Advocate General of Andhra Pradesh Dammalapati Srinivas told the court there were no project affected families in the 448 notifications  none of the artisans, agriculture labourers and other affected people were included.

He submitted that the authorities had conducted door-to-door survey and also public hearing and none of the people came forward stating any difficulty caused to them due to the land acquisitions in their area.

The Advocate General also said that they also admitted that they will not fall under the project affected families as they are seasonal workers.

He further submitted that the land owners also admitted that there are no project affected people in their areas where land acquisitions are on.

Reacting to the submissions of the AG, the Bench said: It is unbelievable and also a wonder. When you conduct a survey, you would either add ineligible people or you would say that there are no eligible people.

While stating that the court has doubt on the governments statement, the Bench asked the AG whether the court can examine the notifications issued by the government in the newspapers or will the AG place the truth before the court on his own.

The Bench warned that it will stall the entire land acquisitions in the state if it is found that the information provided by the authorities are false.

The Bench asked how the authorities could claim that they are seasonal workers when some areas have only one crop while some areas have two or three crops.

The Bench also asked as to how the authorities could claim that there are no eligible families when those engaged in farm activities are defined as poor agricultural labourers.

When the AG sought to adjourn the case to get instructions from the authorities concerned , the Bench adjourned the case to Wednesday.Union minister Piyush Goyal borrowed the phrase to hit back at the Congress chief for a tweet targeting him over corruption allegations. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced his "naamdar versus kaamdar (dynast versus worker)" jeer for Rahul Gandhi in Karnataka, Union minister Piyush Goyal borrowed the phrase to hit back at the Congress chief for a tweet targeting him over corruption allegations.

Rahul Gandhi has demanded for Union minister Piyush Goyal's resignation over allegations of his involvement in a Rs 48 crore scam. The Congress president accused the Union Railways Minister of being involved in the Flashnet scam, which he said is about "deceit, conflict of interest and greed".

Piyush Goyal was quick to retaliate, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to say that unlike Rahul Gandhi, who is a 'naamdaar' (dynast), he is a 'kaamdaar' (worker) and has not learnt the art of living without working.

Till 26th May 2014, before I became a Minister, I was a professional Chartered Accountant & investment banker. Unlike you, Mr @RahulGandhi, I have not learnt well the art of living without working. I am also a kaamdaar (worker) and not a naamdaar (dynast)  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 1, 2018

Rahul Gandhi's tweet on Tuesday morning had listed three points to justify his demand for Piyush Goyal's resignation.

An image linked to his tweet alleged that the minister had sold the stock of a company he owned at 1,000 times the face value, while he was a junior minister in the power department. The purchaser, Piramal group, had an interest in the power sector, Rahul Gandhi alleged.

Piyush Goyals, 48 CR. #FlashNet Scam is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed. The evidence is on the table. Yet, the media will not touch the story.



It is a tragedy for our country when journalists entrusted to stand for the truth, will not speak.#GoyalMustResign pic.twitter.com/WeUaSAT8wg  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 1, 2018

He alleged that this happened when Piyush Goyal was the minister of state for power.

"Piyush Goyal's, 48 Crore Flash Net Scam is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed. The evidence is on the table. Yet, the media will not touch the story. It is a tragedy for our country when journalists entrusted to stand for the truth, will not speak," Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter, using the hashtag 'GoyalMustResign'.

Addressing an election rally in Karnataka on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Rahul Gandhi in almost the same words. "Congress president, Sir, we cannot sit before you. You are 'naamdar' (famous), while I am 'kaamdar' (ordinary worker). We have no status to sit in front of you," he said.Flagging 'Kannadiga pride' ahead of Karnataka Assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had unveiled the flag. (Photo: File | PTI)

New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday said the Karnataka government's proposal to approve an official flag for the state was put on hold as the election code of conduct came into force due to the upcoming Assembly polls.

The Home Ministry's comments came after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve the state flag.

"The request for a separate flag was received from Karnataka. Since the election code of conduct has come into force, the consideration has been put on hold," an official spokesperson said.

The Assembly elections in Karnataka would be held on May 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state on Tuesday for campaigning for the BJP.

Invoking Kannada pride, Siddaramaiah had on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve the state flag.

"Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has declared himself a Kannadiga. Becoming Kannadiga means accepting Kannada language, naada geete (state anthem), naadadwaja (state flag)," he said.

"Will you become true Kannadiga by giving approval to Karnataka's nada dwaja? #AnswerMadiModi," Siddaramaiah tweeted in Kannada.

Flagging "Kannadiga pride" ahead of the Assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had unveiled the proposed official state flag for the state in March.

The state's flag, in hues of yellow, white and red, has the state's emblem 'Gandaberunda', a two-headed mythological bird, at its centre.

The proposal was forwarded to the Centre for mandatory approval.Deepa Nishanth has also sought Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's help to track down the accused and arrest them. (Photo: Facebook screengrab/Deepa Nishanth)

Thiruvananthapuram: Thrissur-based lecturer Deepa Nishanth has registered a police complaint against death threats she received from BJP functionaries after she shared a Facebook post seeking justice for the Kathua rape victim.

Deepa, who teaches at Sree Kerala Varma College, gave a screenshot of the threats that she received to the police.

A day before filing the complaint on Monday, Deepa has also sought Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's help to track down the accused and arrest them.

Nishanth has also accused one BJP leader of sharing her number.

According to a report in NDTV, Deepa, in her police complaint, said "Attempts of threatening and shaming me has been going on in social media. TG Mohandas has posted my phone number and address on twitter which has created problems for me at a personal level."

TG Mohandas is the convener of BJP's intellectual cell.

"I am told that false complaints have been filed against me at Thrissur police station. Social media groups with explicit content have been carrying my photographs and details, causing much damage to me. Now I am complaining because of death threats against me," the lecturer said.

In the screenshot, a man purportedly from Bahrain identified as Ramesh Kumar Nair wrote on Facebook on April 28: "We want her blood as well. She has crossed our limits of patience."

In reply to this comment, another man, Biju Nair said, "We will keep trying Ramesh."

Biju Nair is reportedly a worker of the BJP's information technology cell.

However, BJP intellectual cell convenor TG Mohandas denied sharing the lecturer's phone number with those who abused and threatened her on social media.

Deepa Nishanth apparently found herself in trouble after she endorsed the view of a Bengaluru-based IT professional Deepak Sankaranarayanan, who in early April wrote on Facebook that the horrific gang-rape, torture and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua was carried out with the consent of "31 per cent of India's voters".

The BJP's vote share in the 2014 Lok Sabha election was 31 per cent.

The Thiruvananthapuram police have already filed a case against Sankaranarayanan.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The arrest of accused in the suspected murder of Liga Skromane continues to lag on for want of scientific evidence.

It is learnt that the police was seeking secret information from local residents in connection with the case. Despite, appeals, no one reported having seen suspicious activity or individuals at the place where Ligas body was found. The lack of cooperation from the area was affecting the probe.

The result of sample slides sent for Forensic analysis was yet to be revealed. Meanwhile, the regional media has named four accused that were in police custody. One of them, a Yoga instructor clarified that he has no role in the murdered and fears being arraigned.

The men in custody claimed to have been elsewhere when Liga had gone missing on March 14. However, there was secret information that they were in the area. The police was attempting to find evidence to see if the men can be connected to Ligas death.

The autopsy report points to the possibility of strangulation. No evidence of sexual abuse could be found. Ligas body was found dangling from vines at a mangrove-covered plot on the banks of Karamana River at Pallithura.

Liga, a native of Latvia was living in Dublin, Ireland. She came to India with sister Ilze on February 4. She was undergoing treatment for depression when she went missing.Mysuru: With an aim to dethrone Congress from Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick started his campaign in the poll-bound state today. The Prime Minister, who would be addressing 15 rallies in different parts of the state in 5 days, is addressing a rally at Santhemarahalli in Chamarajanagara district.

Speaking at the rally, PM Modi said, Before I came here, I was told there is a 'wave' for the BJP in Karnataka. Now that I am here, I can tell you - it is much more than that. There is not a BJP wave in Karnataka but it is a BJP storm.

Lauding BJPs state chief Yeddyurappa, the Prime Minister said, BS Yeddyurappa is the hope of the people of Karnataka and he is going to be the next chief minister of the state.

On day 1 of his election campaign, PM Modi also lashed out at the critics while speaking about rural electrification.

"We have done what was not done in the last 70 years since independence. We aim to electrify the 4 crore households of the 25 crore households which are still not electrified," the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that he dedicates the historical achievement of the country on 28 April, when all villages in India were electrified, to the workers and labourers of the country on the occasion of Labour day.

Taking a dig at the Congress party, PM Modi said, In 2005, Manmohan Singh had said he will provide electricity to every village by 2009. What happened to that? In any case, we saw how the Congress treated Dr. Manmohan Singh. They tore off ordinances and disrespected him.

Responding to Congress president Rahul Gandhis 15-minutes face-off challenge in Parliament, Prime Minister Modi said, He (Rahul Gandhi) had challenged me that if he speaks for 15 minutes then I will not be able to stand in front of him. Yes, you are right, you are a 'naamdar', what right do we 'kaamdaars' have to even sit in front of you.

PM Modi further challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of Congress government in Karnataka without reading from any piece of paper.

You (Rahul Gandhi) can speak in Hindi, English or your mother tongue (Italian), the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi further said, In Karnataka there is no law, there is no order. The Lokayukta is not safe, how can the common people be safe.

Accusing the Congress party of nepotism, the Prime Minister said, There is 2+1 formula which being practiced in Karnataka, it is a version of the Congress's family politics in Karnataka. Kabhi kabhi jaagnewale aur zadatar soonewale yahan ke CM ka yeh political innovation hai (This is the initiative of the chief minister, who is mostly sleeping)."

"If CM has a 2+1 formula then ministers have 1+1 formula. Relatives of the ministers are fighting polls. This is hurting the workers of the Congress," he added.

Attacking the Siddaramaiah government, PM Modi said the state was not progressing due to unemployment and the state was not able to tap the tourism potential under the current government.

"Why are the people of Chamarajanagar not getting access to proper drinking water, jobs and why is the tourism potential here not being harnessed. What is the state government doing?" he asked.

Speaking about Centres achievements, Prime Minister Modi said, It is the NDA government that is working to transform the lives of farmers. The farmers of Karnataka are benefitting from the various initiatives of the central government.Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has been invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend a meeting in the National Capital on May 2, a senior official said on Monday.

Deb had received the invitation to the meeting of chief ministers a month ago, additional secretary in the chief minister's office Milind Ramteke said. The CMs' meeting was on the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, he said.

The official's statement came in the wake of reports in a section of the media that Modi had summoned Deb to Delhi over the chief minister's controversial statements on a range of issues.

Read: PM Modi summons Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb over controversial statements: report

It was yet to be confirmed whether the chief minister would be going to Delhi, the official said.

Deb had recently courted controversy when he said the Internet existed in the Mahabharata era.

Also Read: Internet, satellite existed in days of Mahabharata, says Tripura CM Biplab Deb

Last week, he had questioned the rationale behind Diana Hayden being crowned "Miss World" 21 years ago. Deb was all praise for Aishwarya Rai, who won the "Miss World" crown in 1994, saying she represented "Indian women".

Also Read: Diana Hayden not worthy of Miss World crown: Tripura CM sparks row

Deb had also claimed that international beauty pageants were a farce.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing rallies at Santhemarahalli in Chamarajanagara district, and Udupi and Chikkodi in Belagavi on Tuesday. (Photo: File)

Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his election campaign today for the BJP in poll-bound Karnataka with an aim to unseat the Congress from power and form its government in the southern state for a second time.

PM Modi, who last visited Karnataka for campaigning in February, will be addressing rallies at Santhemarahalli in Chamarajanagara district, and Udupi and Chikkodi in Belagavi today.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Krishna matha ahead of his Udupi rally. PM Modi will meet the senior seer there.

At least a dozen rallies are expected to follow in the coming days, party sources said.

On the eve of Prime Minister Modis visit, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posed some sharp questions to him on corruption charges linked to BJPs presumptive chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and mining baron Janardhan Reddy on Twitter.

"Dear @narendramodi, Heard you are visiting Namma Karnataka tomorrow. We welcome you to our state. While you are here, we Kannadigas would like you to address the following concerns, first of Siddaramaiahs chain of tweets posted with the hashtag #AnswerMaadiModi said.

In a series of tweets, Siddaramaiah assailed the Prime Minister over BJP giving tickets to "tainted" mining baron G Janardhan Reddy's brothers and associates as also declaring Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate.

Dear @narendramodi ,



Heard you are visiting Namma Karnataka tomorrow. We welcome you to our state.



While you are here, we Kannadigas would like you to address the following concerns.



 #AnswerMaadiModi   Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 30, 2018

Would G Janardhan Reddy be joining your rallies here? You have given his family & friends 8 tickets, hoping it will help BJP in 10-15 seats.



And then, you lecture us on corruption.



Please end this hypocrisy. Kannadigas arent wearing Kamala on their ears.  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 30, 2018

You first make scam tainted @BSYBJP your partys CM face in Karnataka. Then media reports that you dont want to be seen sharing the stage with him at rallies!



Karnataka wants to know if Yeddyurappa is still your CM candidate?  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 30, 2018

Raising issues like tickets being given to "rape" accused and MLAs who watched porn in the Assembly", the chief minister also hit out at PM Modi over promises that were not kept.

In tweets that followed, Siddaramaiah referred to incidents of rape in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath "protected" a BJP MLA accused of sexual assault, while party MLAs defended the rapists of a child in Jammu and Kashmir.

"And then your party makes bombastic Ads to politicise rape in Karnataka?!" Siddaramaiah said.

In Karnataka, you give tickets to rape accused & MLAs who watched porn in Assembly. In UP, CM Adityanath protects a BJP MLA who raped a 16 Yr old girl. In J&K, your MLAs defend rapists of a child.



And then your party makes bombastic Ads to politicise rape in Karnataka?!  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 30, 2018

Siddaramaiah also said the Modi government had failed to create jobs for young people and advised them to sell 'pakodas' instead. He attacked the Prime Minister over demonetisation, and not waiving farm loans.

First, you promised 15L to ppl, then Shah called it an election Jumla. You promised jobs, but then advised youth to sell pakodas. You said demonetisation would end black money, but it only brought misery to common ppl.



And then you come here and call real development a lollipop?  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 30, 2018

Polling for the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12, and results will be declared on the 15th of the month.

(With PTI inputs)When Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the venue of Udupi rally, he was welcomed with chants of 'Namma Modi'. (Photo: Twitter/@BJP4India)

Udupi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that his government is working to transform the lives of farmers in Karnataka.

Addressing a rally at Udupi, the Prime Minister said, "It is the NDA Government that is working to transform the lives of farmers. The farmers of Karnataka are benefitting from the various initiatives of the Central Government."

The Prime Minister further assured the people of Karnataka that the BJP will leave no stone unturned to fulfill their aspirations. He also ensured all round development of the state.

Addressing the second rally on Tuesday after Chamarajanagara rally this morning, the Prime Minister said, "People of Karnataka have decided to punish the Congress in the assembly elections."

Hitting out at Congress government in Karnataka, PM Modi said, "The government is talking about enhancing 'Ease of Doing Business' in the country, but Congress believes in 'Ease of Doing Murder'. This is the culture they have developed."

The Prime Minister further said that violence cannot exist in a democracy. He said, "It is shameful how BJP Karyakartas (workers) were murdered in Karnataka.

Talking about the recent attack on Karnataka Lokayukta, the Prime Minister said, "Congress promotes intolerance and violence. There can be nothing worse than attack on Lokayukta. Congress leaders' and Congress president's disrespect towards Shri Deve Gowda ji is not acceptable. If such is their mindset, how can they think good for people of Karnataka? The Congress must answer on increasing crimes."

"There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former Prime Minister Deve Gowda ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time. The way Congress president Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful," PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister further accused the Karnataka Congress government of sheltering the sand mafias. He said, "Congress government in Karnataka sheds the sand mafias. Those who loot cannot be accepted to remain in power. They must go."

Prime Minister Modi also said that he has received a lot of love from the people of Udupi and there is no language barrier between him and the people of the region.

"Your love is such that language cannot act as a barrier between us," he said.

PM Modi also thanked the people for waiting for his rally in scorching heat and added that he will repay the people's love with development.

"The way people of Udupi have had ushered their affection towards Jan Sangh and the BJP for so many years is heartening," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi further said that his government has opened bank accounts for the poor. "Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana," he added.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the venue of Udupi rally, he was welcomed with chants of 'Namma Modi'.

The Prime Minister started his Udupi rally by greeting the gathering in the regional language. He also said that he shares a special relationship with the region.

Polling for the 224-member Karnataka Assembly will be held on May 12, and results will be declared on the May 15.Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palanisamy will leave for New Delhi on Wednesday on an official visit, amid speculation about a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the backdrop of strong pro-Cauvery protests in the state.

Palanisamy, who will attend a meeting of chief ministers called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various schemes to be implemented on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, may meet some Union ministers but there was no official word on his interaction with the Prime Minister.

Palanisamy had earlier submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter's visit in Chennai recently where he had urged the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) and Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee (CWRC) urgently.

Tamil Nadu has been witnessing protests by opposition parties, including the DMK, and some other outfits over the delay in constitution of the CMB despite the February 16 order of the Supreme Court.

In a significant verdict to resolve the decades-old dispute between southern riparian states over Cauvery river water sharing, the Supreme Court had increased Karnataka's quota by 14.75 tmcft and reduced that of Tamil Nadu while allowing it to extract 10 tmcft of groundwater from the river basin.

The state government has also filed a contempt petition against the Centre in the Supreme Court for not constituting the CMB within six weeks from February 16, the day the apex court pronounced its verdict. The top court has since asked the Centre to formulate a draft Cauvery management scheme and agreed to hear on May 3 its plea seeking two more weeks to finalise the scheme. The Centre had sought time saying discussions were being held at various levels.THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The social media has taken a sudden interest in activist Ashwathy Nair, who has landed in soup over the Liga affair. It may be recalled that the police have started a probe against her after she complained about the indifference shown by the chief ministers office when the family of the slain Latvian woman approached it to for help. However, Ashwathy Nair is one of the most notable philanthropists here.

She set up the NGO Jwala Foundation that feeds hundreds of street dwellers. Apart from providing food, they take sick street dwellers for treatment and attend to mentally and physically challenged peoples need. Nearly a thousand street dwellers were rehabilitated by the NGO in coordination with the social justice department.

Knowing the pain of hunger and value of food led them to feed street dwellers, she says. Born to a poor family at Muttathara, her mother Vijayakumari toiled to provide her food. She says once she gave a food packet to an alms-seeker at Pazhavangadi, triggering a fight for food among homeless people.

With this, the medical representative-turned -lawyer started cooking food at her home with the help of her mother. Her mother runs a thattukada close to Ponnara school and fends for her.

With contributions pouring in, she started the NGO. Over the period they bought an autorickshaw and a mini-van. Operating externally, they cater to the welfare of patients in the ninth ward of Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital.

However, she faced trouble when she supported the protests in front of the secretariat. She involved herself in the case of Sreejiths custodial death at Parasala and toddler Rudras death at SAT hospital. As per Ashwathy, the shadow police have started visiting her neighbourhood at Muttathara often.

The mother of two says that she was badly hurt by the complaint filed against her alleging she had swindled Rs 3.5 lakh under the pretext of helping Ligas family. I was not used to such criticism and it has brought me great mental agony, she said underplaying her hospitalisation to fatigue.Sitaram Valmiki said the farmers tied him to a tree, pulled out his moustache and forced him to drink urine. (Photo: ANI)

Badaun (Uttar Pradesh): A Dalit man was allegedly beaten and forced to drink urine by a group of men after he refused to harvest their crops in Uttar Pradesh's Badaun district.

Sitaram Valmiki, who has a small farm, was harvesting his wheat crop on April 23 when farmers of the 'upper caste' asked him to harvest their crops first. After he refused, they dragged him "all the way to the village and thrashed him with sandals," he told news agency ANI. The farmers also tied him to a tree, pulled out his moustache and forced him to drink urine, he alleged.

Sitaram's wife went to the police after neighbours alerted her.

According to a report in NDTV, the police have booked four farmers - Vijay Singh, Vikram Singh, Sompal Singh and Pinku - for torturing the Dalit man.

After the complaint, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ashok Kumar said, "a case has been registered and probe is underway."

This is not the first time such incidents against Dalits have been reported.

On Sunday, a Dalit man was allegedly beaten up for riding a horse during his wedding procession in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district.

A case has been registered under SC/ST Act and seven people have been arrested, the police said.

(With ANI inputs)New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a slew of measures to monitor and fast-track trials across the country in sexual abuse cases involving children under stringent POCSO Act. Additional solicitor general Pinky Anand told the court that the child underwent a second surgery at AIIMS and all efforts would be made to provide medical help to the child. She also produced in the court a copy of the ordinance. It said, as per the data it was alarming to note that there is a huge pendency of 1,12,628 POCSO Act cases across India. Even as per the NCRB data, the pendency rate of POCSO Act cases was 89% whereas conviction rate was only 29.6%.Hyderabad: For the first time, 314 students from the TS Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TSWREIS) and the TS Tribal Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society (TTWREIS) cleared the JEE Mains exam, the results of which were announced on Monday.

Amongst the 314 students, 179 are from Social Welfare Residential School. 135 Tribal Welfare Residential students also attended the IIT-JEE Mains exam 2018. Among those who attempted and passed this year are sons and daughters of daily-wage workers, agricultural labourers, construction masons, vegetable vendors and tribal people, according to the officials.

TS Residential Educational Society secretary Dr R.S. Praveen Kumar congratulated the toppers and lauded the remarkable results. He credited the success to the vision of Chief Minister KCR, the support of Scheduled Caste Development minister Mr G. Jagadish Reddy and tribal welfare minister Mr Azmeera Chandulal.New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed shock and serious concern over the fading of colour of the 700-year-old historic monument Taj Mahal in Agra and asked the Centre and Archaeological Survey of India to take the assistance of national/international experts to restore the heritage site to its pristine glory.

A Bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Deepak Gupta voiced concern on seeking photographs submitted by PIL activist M.C. Mehta and orally observed It (colour of the marble) was first becoming yellow. Now it seems to be green and black. Mr. Mehta had filed the PIL in 1984 seeking court intervention to the deteriorating condition of Taj.

Referring to the nearly 35 year old PIL, the Bench said, It appears that you do not have the expertise or you have but do not want to utilize it or you do not care about it (Taj). Every state dignitary visiting the country is made to visit Taj. Either it (monument) stays or goes. You have to decide it. There may be a time that there will be no judicial will to deal with this.

Additional solicitor general (ASG) Tushar Mehta, for Uttar Pradesh along with Ms. Aishwarya Bhati, and ASG A. S Nadkarni, for the Centre assured that all possible steps would be taken to preserve and protect this monument.Hyderabad: A biker suffered minor injuries when the vehicle of Malkajgiri MP Ch Mallareddy hit his bike at Uppal Ring Road on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when the vehicle, which was part of MAUD and IT minister K. T. Ramarao's convoy, was returning towards Uppal after inaugurating an underpass at Chintalmet. The MP, however, was not present in the vehicle as he was travelling with the minister in the latter's vehicle, sources said. The injured man was given first-aid at a nearby hospital.Hyderabad: Ravi Patel, a man from Jagtiyal district who was being held against his will in Saudi Arabia, was rescued from the clutches of his employer and brought back to India on Monday..

Mr Patel, an employee of Sitaf Saudi Co. Ltd, had reached out to K.T. Rama Rao, the minister for NRI Affairs and MP K. Kavitha on Twitter, seeking their help. He had said, Ive been in Saudi Arabia for two years. My employer is not sending me back home, nor has he paid me for the past four months. He said that he was helpless because he came from a poor family, and he wanted to commit suicide.

Responding to the request, Mr Rao directed officials and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to bring the aggrieved Indian back home and also asked them to arrange the flight tickets. He replied to the tweet saying, Ravi, we will bring you back to India safely. Not to worry brother.

Mr Patel was working in Jeddah with Sitaf Saudi Co Ltd. The embassy officials sought his details and reached out to him. After some to and fro communication, the distressed is successfully returning to Hyderabad.

On Monday, Ravi took to Twitter and wrote, I am safe and on the way to my motherland India, Solved all my problems that I faced while working in the company.

He thanked minister K. T. Rama Rao and the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia for supporting him.New Delhi: Moving in swiftly to block Karnataka chief minister Siddharamaiahs attempts to invoke the Kannada pride before the high stake elections, the Centre on Tuesday put on hold the state governments proposal to approve an official flag for the state. Invoking Kannada pride, Mr Siddaramaiah had on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve the state flag.

Mr Modi during an interaction with partys state leaders last week had said that he was a Kannadiga and wanted to learn the language. Mr Modi, who began campaigning in the state from Tuesday, promised a Swachchh, Sundar and Surakshit Karnataka.

Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has declared himself a Kannadiga. Becoming Kannadiga means accepting Kannada language, naada geete (state anthem), naadadwaja (state flag)," said the Karnataka chief minister. "Will you become true Kannadiga by giving approval to Karnataka's nada dwaja? #AnswerMadiModi," Mr Siddaramaiah tweeted in Kannada.

Despite Mr Siddaramaiah efforts to rake up Kannadiga pride and the Lingayat card, feedback with the saffron leaders suggest that most of the voters are not happy with the Congress government's development track record.

After Mr Siddaramaiah asked the Prime Minister to approve the state flag, the Centre on Tuesday directed that the proposal of the state government be put on hold as the election code of conduct had come into force.

Flagging "Kannadiga pride" ahead of the Assembly polls, Mr Siddaramaiah had unveiled the proposed official state flag for the state in March.Choudaraiah had earlier filed a petition with the AP SHRC against the police and other departments and sought an inquiry.

Hyderabad: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday issued notices to the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the constitution of state human rights commissions (SHRC) in both states.

Choudaraiah has alleged that both the AP and Telangana governments committed atrocities on farmers and other sections of the population by using police personnel to execute projects, acquiring land for private companies, and stopping people from conducting protests and rallies, which is a violation of Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

Responding to the allegation, the SC issued a notice to the AP government to commence an inquiry on the violation of human rights of farmers under the Purushottapatnam lift irrigation scheme and also issued notices to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and to 16 state governments to appoint chairpersons and members of SHRC wherever such posts remain vacant.

According to reports, on May 29, 2017, farmers at Purushottapatnam village of Seetanagaram mandal in East Godavari entered their fields demanding relief under the Land Acquisition Act 2013, in return for giving up their land for the lift irrigation scheme.

In response, the police allegedly used brute force to control them and subjected them to house arrest for nearly a week. Moreover, women protestors were allegedly manhandled by male police personnel.

Choudaraiah had earlier filed a petition with the AP SHRC against the police and other departments and sought an inquiry. As AP does not have the required number of SHRC members to accept the petition, the matter was referred to the NHRC, which asked the AP SHRC to take up the issue and accordingly, the East Godavari collector was asked to start an inquiry.

Choudaraiah has claimed the inquiry lacks credibility, since it was conducted by the same officials who are facing allegations of human rights violations, as a result of which he filed a PIL in the SC.

He said, "We want the state government to investigate the violation of human rights of farmers and women in Purushottapatnam, and punish the guilty. The SC's notice will also help fill vacancies in 16 SHRCs so that people's grievances may be redressed."

The SC bench has now adjourned the case for four weeks.The department of telecom hopes this will be available to travellers within three to four months.

New Delhi: Soon you will be able to make calls and surf the Internet while flying. The Telecom Commission on Tuesday approved a proposal to allow mobile calls and Internet services in domestic and international flights in India.

The department of telecom hopes this will be available to travellers within three to four months. People travelling on ships too will be able to use this facility.

Telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan said the panels decision will be operational immediately.

The facility is expected to be rolled out in 3-4 months, once the modalities of these niche licences and back-end agreements are worked out, said Ms Sundararajan, who also heads the Telecom Commission.

On what this would cost passengers, the secretary said the price would have to be worked out on a mutually-agreed basis between service providers and the airlines. A separate category of licences will be created for this service.

It will also provide for connectivity on ships in Indian territorial waters, she said.

It will also boost the revenue of airlines.

It may be noted that globally, many airlines already offer wi-fi services, but they now have to switch it off when they enter Indian airspace.

Meanwhile, in a major relief to consumers, the panel also cleared proposal for an ombudsman under Trai as recommended by the regulator.

Besides present mechanism of registering complaint with telecom operators, an unsatisfied consumer can now approach consumer courts seeking relief for their grievances and thereafter also approach ombudsman for redressal of their complaints.

Ombudsman will be created by Trai. Trai had said they do not have powers to create them. Therefore it is now proposed to give them the powers to create an ombudsman...This will bring in much better and more satisfactory grievance redressal system, Ms Sundararajan said.New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a slew of measures to monitor and fast-track trials across the country in sexual abuse cases involving children under stringent POCSO Act, including a direction to all High Courts to set up a panel of three judges to look into such cases.

A Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud passed this order on a writ petition filed by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava seeking a direction for expeditious disposal of such cases.

The High Courts may constitute a committee of three judges to regulate and monitor trials of cases under the POCSO Act, the top court directed.

The High Courts of all the states would see that the cases registered under the POCSO Act, as prescribed under the Act, are heard and decided by special courts, it said, adding that such courts may be assigned to deal with such cases exclusively.

It also asked the High Courts to issue a direction to special court judges not to grant adjournments during the trial of child abuse cases.

The top court also directed the Director General of Police (DGPs) or police officer of same rank of all states and UTs to ensure that probes in POCSO cases were conducted expeditiously and the witnesses produced in the courts for recording of testimonies.

It also asked the High Courts to ensure that the proceedings in such cases were conducted in child-friendly atmosphere in the trial courts.

With these directions, the bench disposed of the PIL filed by Mr Srivastava. The PIL was filed to save the life of the child brutally raped by a 24-year-old relative at a Delhi hospital.

Counsel brought to the notice of the court that over one-lakh cases were registered under POCSO and only 11,000 cases had been disposed of. He also pleaded for death penalty to those who sexually assault children in the wake of the shocking rape of an eight-month-old infant by a youth in Delhi.

Since the Centre promulgated an ordinance to provide for death penalty to the accused in sexual offences against children, the petitioner urged the court that these cases should be expeditiously disposed of.Hyderabad: The Telangana state government has issued orders on Tuesday for implementing Telugu as a compulsory subject in schools.

As per the Government Order dated May 1, 2018 schools should implement Telugu as a compulsory subject in schools from the academic year 2018-2019.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao earlier said that his state government had decided to make Telugu a mandatory subject in all public and private schools from the coming academic year.

In March this year a Bill was passed in the Telangana Legislative Assembly making Telugu compulsory in all schools.

The Telangana state government received the sub-committee report on making Telugu mandatory from Class I to Intermediate in November 2017, after which the Bill was moved on the floor of the House by Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Kadiam Srihari in March 2018.Hyderabad: AICC secretary V. Hanumantha Rao on Tuesday met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and briefed him about the political situation in Telangana and proposed the new front planned by TS Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Mr Rao told Mr Gandhi that Mr Chandrasekhar Rao is en-acting the front drama to promote his son and IT minister K.T. Rama Rao as the Chief Minister after the 2019 elections.

He said the TRS chief wants to enter the national politics with the federal front and handover state politics to his son. The former Congress MP said the Telangana Chief Minister is not getting good response from other regional parties from other states. He said that the Congress in Telangana should expose the KCRs family rule and corruption.Bengaluru: Jailed former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's daughter and former foreign minister, Dunya Maumoon on Monday issued a strong appeal to India to push for the release of her father, a day after the ailing leader was instructed by a criminal court to prepare his defence against terrorism charges over an alleged plot to overthrow the government, thereby ending the family's hopes that the 80 year old would be placed under house arrest.

"I call upon India to assist and support the release of my father," Ms. Maumoon said, issuing a heartfelt appeal to Delhi to remember that it was Mr. Gayoom who had built and sustained the relationship between the Maldives and India for thirty years.

Warning that the Maldives experiment with democracy maybe failing and that the future of her country remains uncertain, she told this newspaper: Friends have to be there in times of need. It is important that India be with us and is seen to be with us, the Maldives and the Maldivian people in supporting the country and assisting in whichever way as possible, in a purely advisory role."

Her appeal to India to step in and help end the crisis between President Abdulla Yameen and Mr. Gayoom, his half-brother and political mentor comes at a particularly sensitive time with the Maldivian leader seen as actively trying to woo China and limit India's strategic footprint in the archipelago.

In the first open criticism of the crisis by a member of the Gayoom family, Ms Maumoon said that "Democracy in the Maldives is a crisis point.

It is a serious crisis, with far reaching consequences.. there is a cycle of vengeance. In an oblique reference to the falling out between the two half-brothers that many say was a result of Mr Gayooms reluctance to endorse a second term for President Yameen, Ms Maumoon said, Both sides in the conflict have a moral obligation to set aside personal grudges and prioritize on national interest. We all have a duty to ensure that this democracy survives this crisis and we leave a better nation for the future generations. International parties such as the UN and India, have a moral and justified role in sincerely helping us to achieve this.

Calling on the Male government, headed by her estranged uncle President Yameen to allow her father to move back home, Ms, Maumoon, who had stepped down as state health minister after her father and brother were detained in early February, added, I sincerely hope that justice will be served and seen to be served. Mr Gayoom had raised the issue of his poor health and age, at his court appearance on Sunday.

I call upon the government once again to consider my fathers age. The government, should on humanitarian grounds, allow him to move back home. He poses no threat to society, and they must consider the fact that he has served his country for so long. He has already spent 80 days in jail, she said.

Ms Maumoons brother, lawmaker Faris Maumoon was produced in court on Monday. Her brother-in-law has also been detained.

Appealing to the international community to step in, she admitted that it had been a painful and difficult time for the family.

My father was taken into custody. My brother is being held, and now my brother in law. It is a very difficult situation for me, my mother and sister. I believe my father is entirely innocent. He would not do anything that goes against the constitution and the laws of the country. That holds true for my brother and brother in law.

Admitting she quit her post as minister of state in the health ministry at the express wish of her father, she said, The future of our country remains uncertain, our experiment with democracy may be failing.

With only months to go before key elections, she said, For now, I remain an independent who can voice my opinion on various issues. I continue to call for dialogue and discussion, but people are not tolerant or willing to listen to each other. Instead hatred and divisions are winning and as a society, the wounds are deep and raw.

The international community should play an advisory role, and put the country back on the path to peace, she said. With so much division in our society, it might be a good thing to bring in an international party. We should not be dictated to by other countries or organizations. Ultimately, the decisions have to be taken and owned by Maldivians. We, Maldivians have to lead the process.

Apart from Mr. Gayoom who served as president of Maldives from 1978 to 2008, the Maldivian chief justice Abdulla Saeed and top court judge Ali Hameed have all been formally charged with terrorism over the alleged plot to overthrow the government alongside Gayooms son Faris and his son in law and several opposition leaders. The crackdown was not just aimed at the opposition Maldives Democratic Party, but rather at the opposition as a whole; members aligned with the breakaway faction of the ruling PPM, especially my father and brother, suffered the most, she said.Vijayawada: Pawan Kalyan, the leader of the Jana Sena party, on Tuesday said that the Jana Sena was prepared to contest all 175 Assembly seats in the next elections. He added that a team of 1,200 members had already been assigned the task of identifying the right candidate for each constituency. Mr Pawan Kalyan held a meeting with key leaders from the 13 districts of the state at the party office on Monday. He introduced Dev as the chief political strategist of the party and said that Mr Dev would be involved in designing an institutional policy and an election strategy for the party.

He urged the party cadre to ensure that they made an impact from the booth level to the state level by implementing the partys election strategy. It is very easy for opponents to question the Jana Senas political experience. Jana Sena, as a party, may not have much political experience, but every activist has experienced at least two general elections. This is the first generation of the Jana Sena, and we all come from middle-class families, Mr Kalyan said, adding that the party had activists in every village.

He said that in the last elections, he had wanted to have Jana Sena candidates contest 70 to 80 Assembly seats and 8 Lok Sabha seats, but he was forced to support the NDA because of the prevalent circumstances. Contesting without an adequate understanding of conditions at the grassroots level leaves no scope for learning; it doesnt yield good results. Unity among castes is our first and foremost ideal. The Jana Sena doesn't represent any caste. It has been established to provide talented activists with an opportunity to succeed, he said. Mr Pawan Kalyan will tour the state from May 11 onwards to announce the members of the district committee for each district.HYDERABAD: Telangana Congress working president and MLA Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has been offering Rs 100 crore as election expenditure to pro-Congress regional parties in the states to work against the Congress in the coming elections. Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, he alleged that in the discussions held recently with Janata Dal (S) in Bengaluru, KCR had offered Rs 100 crore to it. He criticised that the TS Chief Minister has bec-ome a BJP agent.

Mr Vikramarka also alleged that in the name of Federal Front, Mr KCR is distributing the public money to other political parties in the country. The said that Mr KCRs Federal Front is BJP B team only. He said that Mr KCR is always an opportunist politician. Mr Vikramarka said that it is ridiculous for Mr KCR to say that all promises announced in the election manifesto were implemented. The Telangana Congress working president said that he was ready to discuss this issue at any Grama Panchayat.

Mr Vikramarka said that if Mr KCR comes himself or sends his son and minister K.T. Rama Rao, they are ready to discuss this. He also said that if the Chief Minister is sincere, he should accept this challenge. He alleged that Mr KCR has been cheating the people with a false propaganda. The Telangana Congress working president said that the TRS government had been spending all the funds for one or two irrigation projects and neglecting peoples welfare.Hyderabad: The new front proposed by Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will only end up helping the BJP, CPI general-secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy said, and cited BJP president Amit Shahs welcoming of the move as evidence. He also added that anybody with some political understanding will choose to stay out of the front.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Mr Sudhakar Reddy said it is difficult for the CPI to have an understanding with other political parties at a national level to defeat the BJP in the coming elections, but the party is open to a state-level alliance. He also hinted at a possible alliance with the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS), headed by Prof. M. Kodandaram and ad-ded that the state committee of the CPI was trying to create a wide platform against the TRS and the BJP in the state. The party disagrees with the political ideology of the TRS at every level, Mr Sudhakar Reddy said. The CPI general-secretary said that the party is planning to strengthen Left parties in the coming days to present an alternative before the people.

The CPI party Congress held at Thiruvananthapuram passed a resolution highlighting the need for a broader Left and Secular platform in the country. Remarking that the fight is against the BJP, its communal forces and corporate system, Mr Sudhakar Reddy commented that the alliance should defeat the BJP. Terming the hand over of maintenance of the Red Fort to a private firm shameful, Mr Sudhakar Reddy also said he wouldn't be surprised if the maintenance of government was handed over to private parties.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJPs chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa share a lighter moment during Karnataka election campaign rally at Chamarajanagar on Tuesday.(Photo: PTI)

Udupi (Karnataka): In remarks that raised eyebrows in political circles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for insulting JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda, saying it showed his arrogance.

He said Deve Gowda was one of the most respected and tallest leaders for whom he had great respect.

Mr Modis remarks assume significance as they come after most pollsters predicted a fractured verdict in the Assembly elections, with no party attaining a majority on its own.

In a no-holds-0barred attack on the JD(S) in Hassan, the home turf of H.D. Deve Gowda, Mr Gandhi had earlier accused the party of acting like the B team of the BJP to help bring it back to power in the state.

Addressing a gathering, Mr Gandhi had then remarked that JD(S) leaders are under the impression that people will not see through their back door politics to help the BJP.

There may be multiple teams of the RSS at work but they cannot stop the Congress from emerging victorious in the polls in Karnataka, he had said.Dr. K. Laxman, BJP TS president takes a bath after spending the night at the home of Gowri Kumari a Dalit, in Aliabad village of Shameerpet- Medak district, as part of the Palle Nidra campaign.

Hyderabad: With months to go for the 2019 elections, the Dalits are back in focus, at least for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Telangana, with the party high command asking its members to dig out cases of atrocities against Dalits and build a connection.

Nearly 16 per cent of TS population are from the Scheduled Castes, a major vote bank for all parties, since the state Assembly has 19 reserved seats for SC and 12 for Scheduled Tribes (ST). The BJP has also adopted the Palle Nidra campaign, where a BJP leader eats and stays with a Dalit family for a day.

The sleepover at a Dalit home was popularised by Rahul Gandhi and practised later by the TD too. The BJP is vigorously campaigning against what it calls unfulfilled promises made by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to Dalits, and the Rajanna-Sircilla incident, where eight Dalits were allegedly subjected to third-degree torture, has come into prime focus at rallies in SC-dominated areas.

Through the Palle Nidra, the BJP has reached out to 400 villages and met over 10,000 participants. During the BJP state president K. Laxmans stay at one Venkateshs house in Aliabad in Shameerpet mandal of Medak district, the family served him dal, sambar, and tomato chutney, and briefed him on the problems faced by Dalits. Another campaign, called Dalit Adalat, is being held to highlight the administrations failures, and so far, nine adalats have been held in reserved areas.

As part of the Grama Sarva Suraj Abhiyan, senior BJP leaders are reaching out to rural voters on three issues. First, to promote Central schemes, second, to draw attention to the governments failure to make a Dalit the CM, and third, to highlight the way in which it claims funds meant for SC/ST are being diverted.

A BJP leader said, In the name of SC/ST welfare, funds are being diverted. Even the Comptroller and Auditor General has reported it. As per the SC /ST Sub-plan Act, based on the population, the government has to allocate a budget through its ministry. The Telangana government had promised that `1 lakh crore would be spent for the community, but that has not happened.Its a history-making handshake for sure: North Korean leader King Jong-un and his South Korean counterpart clasped hands across the military demarcation line that separates the two countries before they ventured behind closed doors to begin their talks.

Symbolism was rife is this carefully coordinated and rehearsed encounter, with even the table they sat across being custom-made for the occasion and measuring exactly 2,018 millimetres wide  a nod to the year this meeting is taking place; a year which may well see a formal end to the 65-year-long Korean war and (possibly) what will be, undoubtedly, a not-to-be-missed summit between Kim Rocket Man Jong-un and Donald His Orange Eminence Trump.

Peace between the Koreas may or may not break out, denuclearisation may or may not happen and even the Kim-Trump summit is far from confirmed. But one thing is certain: whether he travels to South Korea or to Singapore (a likely choice for the NK-US summit) Kim Jong-un will be taking his toilet with him. This isnt some metaphor; whenever he travels, the North Korean leader is accompanied by his luxury bathroom.

Now this would come as a surprise to most North Koreans, as state propaganda would have them believe that Kims body is so well-calibrated that he does not, in fact, produce any waste like the rest of us mortals.

Nevertheless, Kim doesnt commute with his commode because hes one of those people who simply cant use other peoples loos; the travelling toilet is actually for security reasons: Kim is concerned that foreign powers and hostile agencies are constantly trying to steal a sample of his stools in order to analyse them and learn if he has any health issues they should know about. This isnt paranoia, as scatological spying has a long and interesting history.

Stalin, for one, was very interested in learning more about Chinese leader Mao Zedongs personality, and when Mao visited Russia for what was to be his only meeting with Stalin, the Soviet supremo ordered that his Chinese counterpart (and strategic rival) be well fed and taken care of during his stay.

This wasnt just hospitality or communist camaraderie, as a well-fed Mao would then also need to frequently visit the bathroom. Unknown to him, his excrement was then collected and sent to a special lab for testing. The tests werent designed like those conducted on modern stool samples which can determine infection etc  but was instead intended to glean clues as to Maos personality. Soviet scatologists believed (based on a once trendy pseudoscience) that a subjects personality could be determined by studying their stools.

One reason the USSR had to resort to this, according to former agent Igor Atamanenko, was because contemporary Soviet spies did not have the kind of listening and surveillance tech available today and so had to resort to extravagant means of intel collection.

The Cold War saw a lot of this kind of behaviour: reportedly the CIA and MI6 tried and failed to collect Mikhail Gorbachevs stool samples ahead of his planned visit to Washington.

French spy Count Alexandre de Marenches claimed to have had more luck with Leonid Brezhnev, Marenches revealed that when Brezhnev was staying in a Copenhagen hotel during a state visit, French spies rented the suite below him and, after dismantling the plumbing, intercepted his toilet flushings and sent the samples to Paris for analysis.

Operation Tamarisk, while not concerned directly with the intelligence value of human waste, worked on similar lines. Targeting Soviet military liaisons in East Germany, the allies first deprived the Soviets of toilet paper in the hope that  faced with a crippling shortage  they would use official documents as a substitute.

The logic went that since these documents couldnt be flushed down the toilet, they would be discarded along with other trash and, once retrieved and (one hopes) thoroughly washed, could provide much-needed intel.

In more recent times, there is at least one reported case of Israel also plumbing the depths in order to gather information on hostile leaders. When the Syrian leader Hafez al-Assad visited Jordan for the funeral of King Hussein in 1999, he found that a special toilet had been constructed for his personal and exclusive use.

While this may have fed his considerable ego, what he didnt know was that this toilet was a joint venture between Mossad and Jordanian intelligence and, unlike most other toilets, did not connect to a drain but to a specimen jar. Minutes after he used it, the jar was sped off to a hospital in Israel and analysed.

Reportedly, the Israelis determined that Assad did not have long to live and adjusted their Syria policy accordingly. Modern day espionage is dominated in the popular imagination by high-tech gadgets and near-magical surveillance technology but its always useful to remember that it does pay to literally get your hands dirty. After all, its not just loose lips that can sink ships.



By arrangement with DawnFor forces taking on the might of the Delhi Durbar, the Ramlila Maidan in the nations capital is hallowed ground. This is where Jayaprakash Narayan at the head of a phalanx of anti-Congress leaders had rallied when the Emergency was lifted to challenge Indira Gandhi just before the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, where history was made. This is the ground Rahul Gandhi chose to present himself before the nation on Sunday, after becoming his partys president late last year, to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it was a credible arrival.

The Congress leader played it tactically. It was evident that he was targeting the heart of the current establishment. Right through his half-hour-long speech, the focus didnt waver as he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making promises with no truth in them.

Mr Modis party and the RSS came in for passing mention, but it was the highly centralised and personalised establishment that the PM symbolises  even in the eyes of the BJP and RSS  that the Congress president aimed for. Rank and file voters who opted for Mr Modi in 2014, and some even in the saffron fold, would have identified with the speech.

When Mr Modi was the challenger back in 2014, and right through the last four years of his government, he has referred to the Congress only obliquely and kept his focus on Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The calculation is that without them the Congress will be shorn of leadership. In a similar manoeuvre, Mr Gandhi directed his narration in the format of peoples anger or Jan Aakrosh (at the rally of the same name) with the Modi establishment. The meaning was clear  without Mr Modi, there is no credible leader in the BJP-RSS.

The Congress chief also strongly signalled that he would seek to unify his party when he referred unselfconsciously to the recent comments of senior party leader Salman Khurshid who is sitting here. Mr Khurshid had criticised the partys decision to work to impeach the Chief Justice of India and in subsequent comments had said that the Congress too had the blood of Muslims on its hands.

Mr Gandhi said he would protect Mr Khurshid as his party accepted multiple voices, unlike Mr Modis one-man show. When the party is fighting the RSS, we have to fight unitedly, he declared.

It was the Congress Partys show of strength. There were no references to the side canvas of non-Congress secular parties. The Congress president in fact exuded confidence that his party would win the coming state elections, including in Karnataka. He would no doubt be aware that the many non-BJP parties would bother with the Congress only if it can defeat the BJP in one-on-one situations. Any credibility can only ensue from the results on the ground."In Syria, were locked and loaded, said US Permanent Representative to the UN Nikki Haley, confronting the Russian delegation at the UN General Assembly debate after the US-led cruise missile strike on Syria.

"In Syria, were locked and loaded, said US Permanent Representative to the UN Nikki Haley, confronting the Russian delegation at the UN General Assembly debate after the US-led cruise missile strike on Syria. Vintage American gunfighter talk  almost straight out of the The Gunfight at the OK Corral.

American diplomacy has never been inhibited in larger-than-life proclamations of manifest destiny, whether at the General Assembly or pushing foot-dragging coalitions of the willing into conflict zones in Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan, and now in Syria. The Reagan doctrine of America leading the free world against the evil empire (then Soviet Russia, now Vladimir Putins Russia) requires the United States to be in a state of constant military alert. Wherever America has intervened militarily in pursuit of this grand strategy, regime change, the replacement of the existing regime by another more pliable one, has always been the objective. Saddam Hussein in Iraq is one example, terminated with extreme prejudice in 2003 at the end of a hangmans rope after Iraq was invaded and occupied over alleged weapons of mass destruction, that were never found, almost 12 years after the US had earlier defeated the Iraqi Army in 1991 in Operation Desert Storm.

Now in 2018, Syria, under Bashar al-Assad is under attack by another American-led coalition of the willing  this time Britain, France and Germany. Is he also on a target list and likely to meet a similar end if events in Syria turn out unfavourably for him?

The war in Syria entered its eighth year on March 15, 2018. It is rooted in the tumultuous events of the Arab Spring that swept across the Arab world in 2011, and the present situation there is now totally obscured in gun-smoke. The ethnicities, religion, affiliations and political objectives of the various warring factions which lay waste to the country are hard to determine or differentiate. They range from Baathists, Alawites, various factions of the Syrian Army, Islamic jihadis, Syrian Kurds, Israelis, possibly Mossad and of course the ubiquitous CIA.

In the process, Syria has been turned into an unrestricted weapons loose free-fire zone like Korea, Vietnam, Serbia and Yemen. Historical ruins at Antioch and Palmyra have been demolished and irreplaceable artefacts vandalised by armies of jihadis and looters, just like the Bamiyan Buddhas were destroyed by Wahabi extremists and radicalised Taliban elements in Afghanistan.

What is amply clear to India, as a concerned third-party observer, is that the Syrian conflict is an extension of the Cold War between Russia (then the Soviet Union) and the United States, both of whom have ground troops and air power assets directly involved in the fighting. In the process, Syria has turned into an unending purgatory for its citizens, 50,000 of whom have reportedly perished in the crossfire, with another million or more languishing in refugee camps.

India is not directly involved in the Syrian war, but nevertheless has a fairly substantial indirect interest because the fallout from Syria is more than likely to

directly affect this country in major ways.

The possibility of conducting large-scale humanitarian evacuations of Indian nationals in the conflict zone by sea or air always exists. India has the requisite resources and troops for these operations, in which our armed forces are enviably adept.

Another issue with a far more lethal potential is the possible fallout in India and South Asia of a fratricidal Arab conflict in North Africa and the Middle East. Al Qaeda appeared in Iraq soon after the execution of Saddam Hussein, and subsequently morphed into an even more venomous strain  Daesh, or Islamic State.

Daesh is already operating in the Indian subcontinent, with the support of the Pakistan Army and Inter-Services Intelligence, and contesting for its share of the ultra-jihadi terror space in India, challenging even established locals like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Hizbul Mujahideen in Kashmir and the Jamat-ul-Mujahiddin Bangladesh on their home turf. The black flags of Khorasan have already appeared in Pakistan.

A scattered few have even ventured out momentarily on Indian territory, on the streets of Srinagar, flown by pro-azadi street mobs as they throw stones at the Indian Army, police and paramilitary forces instigated by the Hurriyat.

With the benefit of experience, India has legitimate concerns that should events ultimately not go favourably for Bashar al-Assad in Syria, leading to factional fighting and a violent implosion of that country, it is quite likely that another terrorist group will be born, this time possibly Shia, based on Hezbollah. Iran may decide to intervene and send troops to the aid of their Shia co-religionists in Syria. The Shia-Sunni pandemic smouldering in the world of Islam can intensify and spread to the subcontinent, on Indias doorstep.

At this precise juncture, by what can only be karmic happenstance, comes the pronouncement of judgment after eight long years on the Mecca Masjid and Samjhauta Express blast cases, acquitting the main accused, Swami Aseemanand, for lack of evidence. The Supreme Court grants bail, after eight years in prison, to Lt. Col. Shrikant Purohit, a serving intelligence officer of the Indian Army who had been tasked to obtain information about Abhinav Bharati, a Hindu group allegedly involved in the Mecca Masjid and Samjhauta Express bomb blasts.

The officer had been detained by the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Maharashtra police and severely tortured in police custody. A public uproar greeted these revelations. The Indian Army has outwardly maintained a stone-faced facade, but a sense of outrage and a feeling of resentment is gathering within the organisation at this latest manifestation of total disregard shown by the political class to increasing incidents of harassment and discourtesy to the defence services, in this case by the treatment of a serving Army officer by the Mumbai police to serve ulterior political motives.

Undoubtedly this is an undesirable state of affairs, but one that seems likely to continue.Vodafone has launched new plans for its users to take on its rivals.

In a bid to take on the competition, telecom operators are leaving no stone unturned to dominate the race. Almost every day we witness new prepaid/postpaid plans that come loaded with benefits. It appears that its now Vodafones turn to play its cards.

Vodafone has unveiled two new prepaid plans of Rs 511 and Rs 569, which offers 2GB data and 3GB of data per day, but the plans are currently available in select circles.

Rs 511 prepaid pack valid for 84 days: Under this plan, the telecom is offering its users 2GB of 3G/4G daily data usage, unlimited local and STD voice calls including roaming and 100 SMS on daily basis.

Jio, on the other hand, is offering its users the same benefits in just Rs 448 valid for 84 days. Whereas Airtel is offering 2GB of 3G/ 4G data per day alongside the same voice calling and SMS benefits for Rs 499, valid for 82 days.

Rs 569 prepaid pack valid for 84 days: Under this offer, Vodafone is offering the same voice calling and SMS benefits, but with 3GB of 3G/ 4G data daily data usage. Jio, on the other hand, is offering 3GB of daily data for Rs 299, but it is only valid for 28 days.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.A year ago, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was dazzling thousands of software developers with the prospect of augmented reality features that could let people spruce up apartments with digital art.

This year, things might be different.

The companys annual F8 conference kicks off in San Jose, California, following a year of fake news, privacy scandals, congressional testimony, Russia investigations and apologies. Facing the startups, software developers and other tech folks who are normally some of Facebooks biggest fans, Zuckerberg will have a chance both to apologize again for the companys missteps  and to talk about where things go from here.

If his recent statements are any indication, Zuckerberg will probably mention that Facebook must take a broader view of its responsibility in the world, emphasize the value of the Facebook community and hint that Facebooks efforts to fix things will be good for everyone  users, developers, Facebook itself, and even the world.

Zuckerberg also might recap some of the privacy-related changes Facebook has made in recent weeks, including new restrictions on user data apps can have access to. Facebook also might unveil additional changes.

Its been six weeks since the Cambridge Analytica scandal broke, revealing that the political data-mining firm inappropriately accessed the information of as many as 87 million Facebook users. Facebook has been doing damage control ever since.

For Zuckerberg, thats meant repeated apologies to users and lawmakers, two days of congressional questioning about whether and how the company protects its users privacy. For Facebook, its also meant to further limiting the data developers can access and how long they can access it; several audits; and the suspension of apps suspected of violating Facebooks rules around user privacy.

One such app maker, Cubeyou, says it was wrongfully suspended without warning and remains suspended despite having provided evidence that it didnt sell or misuse peoples data.

The problem, Cubeyou CEO Federico Treu said, is that Facebook is so big and so important that it can cut off anyone from its service with no consequence. Cubeyou has about 30 employees; Facebook, nearly 28,000.

At F8 this year, Treu expects lots of questions about the future of Facebooks relationship with developers. Instead of owning up to its faults, he said, Facebook is trying to put the focus on bad developers, bad advertisers and the Russians.

Facebook did not immediately respond to a message for comment on Cubeyou.

Zuckerberg is also likely to talk up new stuff, including AR and virtual reality. For instance, Facebook could use the conference to release a portable headset designed to turn the so far geeky realm of virtual reality into a mass phenomenon. Zuckerberg announced the $199 device, called the Oculus Go, six months ago without specifying when it would go on sale.

Oculus, a VR company Facebook acquired in 2014, already sells a more expensive VR headset called the Rift. But that device needs to be tethered to a personal computer. That restraint, coupled with a $399 price tag and the cost for a PC to power the device, is one of the reasons VR so far has mainly appealed to lovers of video games who want to play in three-dimensional artificial worlds.

Facebook is counting on the Oculus Go to widen the audience for VR. Last year, Zuckerberg described his strategy for using VR to reshape the way people interact and experience life, much as the companys social network already has. His goal is to have 1 billion people immersed in VR on Oculus headsets at some indeterminate point in the future.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.When Microsoft released Windows 10 in 2015, it mentioned one aspect pretty clearly about the operating system  Windows 10 is a service and not an OS. This means that Microsoft will keep on servicing Windows 10 with security updates and new features over the course of time. Microsoft has rolled out numerous updates since then, adding new features and elements into its PC OS. The latest one to roll out from their labs is the April 2018 update that brings with itself a host of new goodies.

One of the most important features that the April 2018 update brings with itself is the Timeline feature. Think of this as a sort of Continuum feature fused with a History page for your PCs tasks for Windows across different machines. Windows 10 will now allow you to see your previous tasks at a glance and will allow you to carry forward a particular task to another Windows 10 PC, provided that you have your Microsoft account logged in on both the devices.

Dictation is another feature meant to turn Windows 10 users a bit lazy. One can access it by using the Windows + H key combination and read out the content to your computer, provided you have got yourself a decent microphone. Windows 10 will now also notify you of any Bluetooth peripherals that are ready to pair with the PC. Since we are on the topic of notifications, Windows Defender will now allow users to keep the annoying update notifications at bay. Additionally, the Focus Assist feature automatically silences all the notifications while you are presenting on a projector or playing a game.

Microsoft has also given a slew of smart features to Windows 10. Users can now set audio output preferences per app, i.e. you can choose between your speakers and your headphones for playing audio while opening a particular music streaming app. Then theres Tab muting in Edge browser, which allows for users to mute audio from a particular tab so as to prevent annoying advertisements blasting out on the speakers in the middle of a conference. Microsoft is also adding support for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) that have the full support of Google, Apple, and now Microsoft across mobile and desktop operating systems. Theres also a new Nearby Sharing feature that allows for Windows 10 users to share files nearby quickly, like Apples AirDrop.

The Windows 10 April 2018 update has started to roll out slowly and if you havent received it yet, keep checking for the update notification in Windows Update.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.Britains road investigators were told by Tesla engineers that the autopilot function, including traffic-aware cruise control and auto-steer, was only intended to assist a 'fully attentive driver'. (Photo: Representational Image | File)

London: An Indian-origin Tesla owner who was filmed relaxing in the passenger seat after putting his supercar into autopilot mode on a busy UK highway has been banned from driving for 18 months.

Bhavesh Patel was spotted leaning back with his hands behind his head beside an empty drivers seat as his Tesla S60 cruised at about 40mph along the M1 motorway near Hemel Hempstead last year.

The 39-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving and was handed down the driving ban, ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work and undergo a 10-day rehabilitation programme.

He was also directed to pay 1,800 pounds in court costs to the UKs Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) at a hearing earlier this month.

What Patel did was grossly irresponsible and could have easily ended in tragedy, investigating officer Kirk Caldicutt, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, told the Shropshire Star.

This case should serve as an example to all drivers who have access to autopilot controls and have thought about attempting something similar. I want to stress that they are in no way a substitute for a competent motorist in the driving seat who can react appropriately to the road ahead, he said.

At St Albans Crown Court on April 20, Patel admitted that the stunt in May in 2017 had been silly, but insisted that he was simply the unlucky one who got caught trying out the amazing feature on the car.

Britains road investigators were told by Tesla engineers that the autopilot function, including traffic-aware cruise control and auto-steer, was only intended to assist a fully attentive driver.

But Patel chose to switch on the autopilot function before moving across to the passenger seat and leaving the steering wheel and foot controls completely unmanned while his GBP 70,000 car was in motion. A witness, who was a passenger in another car, filmed Patel as the car drove past.

Footage of the incident was first posted on social media before it was reported to police and a Notice of Intended Prosecution was then sent to Patel in the post before he was interviewed at a police station.Trump has denied having an affair with Clifford but acknowledged last week that his personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, represented him in negotiations with the porn star.

New York: Porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Donald Trump in 2006, filed a lawsuit against the president on Monday for defamation.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, lodged the complaint with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.

In the suit, Clifford said that Trump made "false and defamatory" statements about her in an April 18 tweet. Trump's tweet was in response to the release by Clifford the previous day of a sketch of a man whom she claimed warned her in 2011 to "leave Trump alone."

Clifford claimed she was threatened in a Las Vegas parking lot after agreeing to an interview with "In Touch" magazine about her alleged affair with Trump.

After Clifford released a drawing of the man she said threatened her, Trump tweeted: "A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total can job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!"

"Trump's statement falsely attacks the veracity of Clifford's account of the threatening incident that took place in 2011," the lawsuit said.

"Trump's statement is false and defamatory," it said.

"Trump used his national and international audience of millions of people to make a false factual statement to denigrate and attack Clifford. Clifford has suffered damage as a result of Trump's false and defamatory statement in an amount to be proven at trial but in excess of USD 75,000," it said.

Since Trump's statement, Clifford has received further threats and has had to hire bodyguards, the complaint said.

"Clifford has been exposed to death threats and other threats of physical violence, causing her both emotional and economic damages," it said.

Trump has denied having an affair with Clifford but acknowledged last week that his personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, represented him in negotiations with the porn star. Cohen has admitted paying USD 130,000 to Clifford -- a payment the porn star says was made to keep her quiet just days before the November 2016 presidential vote. Clifford has sued Trump in Los Angeles seeking to have the "hush agreement" invalidated.

The next hearing, in that case, has been set for July 27.

New York: Porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with Donald Trump in 2006, filed a lawsuit against the president on Monday for defamation.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, lodged the complaint with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. In the suit, Clifford said that Trump made "false and defamatory" statements about her in an April 18 tweet. Trump's tweet was in response to the release by Clifford the previous day of a sketch of a man whom she claimed warned her in 2011 to "leave Trump alone." Clifford claimed she was threatened in a Las Vegas parking lot after agreeing to an interview with "In Touch" magazine about her alleged affair with Trump. After Clifford released a drawing of the man she said threatened her, Trump tweeted: "A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total can job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!" "Mr Trump's statement falsely attacks the veracity of Ms Clifford's account of the threatening incident that took place in 2011," the lawsuit said. "Mr Trump's statement is false and defamatory," it said. "Mr Trump used his national and international audience of millions of people to make a false factual statement to denigrate and attack Ms Clifford. "Ms Clifford has suffered damage as a result of Mr Trump's false and defamatory statement in an amount to be proven at trial but in excess of USD 75,000," it said. Since Trump's statement, Clifford has received further threats and has had to hire bodyguards, the complaint said. "Ms Clifford has been exposed to death threats and other threats of physical violence, causing her both emotional and economic damages," it said. Trump has denied having an affair with Clifford but acknowledged last week that his personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, represented him in negotiations with the porn star. Cohen has admitted paying USD 130,000 to Clifford -- a payment the porn star says was made to keep her quiet just days before the November 2016 presidential vote. Clifford has sued Trump in Los Angeles seeking to have the "hush agreement" invalidated. The next hearing in that case has been set for July 27.The Secretary-General extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. (Photo: File)

United Nations: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed outrage over the series of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, with a top UN official in the country saying the attacks on journalists ahead of World Press Freedom Day is a "direct assault on the freedom of expression".

Twin suicide blasts, claimed by the ISIS, in the Afghan capital Kabul on Monday killed 25 people, including 10 journalists, in what Reporters Without Borders said was the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

Read: Journalists among 21 dead in twin suicide blasts in Kabul, IS claims attack

In a third attack 11 children were killed and 16 people wounded, including foreign and Afghan security force members, when a suicide attacker exploded his bomb-laden car near a convoy in the southern province of Kandahar.

Top UN officials underscored the need to bring those behind the attacks to justice. The attacks in Kabul and Kandahar caused numerous casualties among civilians, emergency responders, and school children, Guterres said in a statement attributable to his spokesperson.

"The deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work. Those responsible for such crimes must be swiftly brought to justice," the UN chief said.

The Secretary-General extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. Strongly condemning the terrorist attacks, senior United Nations officials also stressed the need to bring those behind the attacks to justice.

"These attacks caused untold human suffering to Afghan families; UNAMA condemns them in the strongest possible terms," the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Tadamichi Yamamoto said in a separate news release.

He said is "outraged" by the attack which appears to have deliberately targeted journalists, coming just ahead of World Press Freedom Day.

This, he said, is a "direct assault on the freedom of expression." "There is no justification whatsoever for such attacks. Those who have organised and enabled these attacks must be brought to justice and held to account," the UN envoy said.The crew alerted police and he was detained for 15 days for the unauthorised removal of aviation facilities. (Photo: File | Representational)

Beijing: A Chinese man has been detained after he opened the emergency exit on a plane as he felt "stuffy" while waiting to disembark.

The man, identified only by his surname Chen, was waiting to leave the flight at Mianyang airport in the southwestern province of Sichuan when he decided he could do with some fresh air.

Unfortunately for him, the handle he pulled was attached to the emergency exit and not only did the hatch come free from the plane, but it also activated the escape slide, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

Chen, 25, who was returning from the island of Hainan, insisted he did not know that it was an escape route, adding Because it was so stuffy, so hot on the plane, I just pushed down on the window handle beside me. When the door fell out, I panicked.

The crew alerted police and he was detained for 15 days for the unauthorised removal of aviation facilities. He will also be fined 70,000 yuan (USD 11,000) to cover the airline's costs.

The airline, which was not named in the report, said it would cooperate with public security agencies in their investigation.

This is the latest in a string of safety incidents in recent years involving Chinese travellers opening emergency exits.

In April 2016 a 30-year-old bulldozer driver, who had never travelled by air before, ignored warnings by cabin crew and opened the emergency exit door to get some fresh air just before his flight took off from Shenzhen airport in the south of the country.

The man, who said he was worried about getting air sick, was detained for a week and fined 500 yuan after the flight was delayed for an hour.

The previous year a man who said he thought the emergency escape handle was a handrail was given 10 days' detention and a second passenger was given a similar sentence for opening an escape hatch while waiting to board a flight at Nanjing airport.

China's civil aviation industry has responded by imposing a slew of penalties, including flying bans in addition to existing fines, on blacklisted travellers, the Post report said.The gathering of South Korean, Japanese and Chinese leaders is the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea. (Photo: AFP)

Seoul: South Korea, China and Japan will hold a Trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced on Tuesday, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea

The gathering on May 9 will bring together the South's President Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in the neighbours' first such meeting for more than two years.

It follows a historic and headline-grabbing summit between Moon and the North's Leader Kim Jong-un last Friday. They vowed to pursue denuclearisation and a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, setting the mood for Kim's much-anticipated face-to-face encounter with US President Donald Trump

But analysts have urged caution, warning that similar previous pledges have come to nothing, and that the North has yet to make clear what concessions it is willing to make with its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

All three of the neighbours are deeply involved with North Korea-- the South as its neighbour, key US ally Japan as a sometime target for its threats, and China as its key diplomatic backer and business partner.

Friday's summit, in which Kim and Moon exchanged smiles, handshakes and warm words in front of the world's cameras, was a marked contrast to the tensions of last year.

The North staged its most powerful nuclear test to date and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland as Kim and Trump traded threats of war and personal insults, sparking global security fears.

The thaw between the Koreas, triggered by The Winter Olympics in the South, has repercussions for the geopolitics of the region.

Japan has long maintained a hardline position on negotiations with Pyongyang but has found itself left on the sidelines.

With concerning growing in Tokyo over whether it should change tack, a hawkish Abe expressed a willingness to meet Kim -- a message which Moon relayed to the North's Leader during the summit.

Kim said in response he was "willing to talk to Japan any time", Moon's office said on Sunday, adding the South's Leader would be "happy to build a bridge" between the two nations.

But Moon's trip to Tokyo will be the first visit by a South Korean Leader to Japan in more than six years, with relations between the two US allies marred by disputes over history and territory.

During a day-long visit to Tokyo, Moon will "share the result of the inter-Korea summit and discuss ways to strengthen Trilateral cooperation to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean peninsula", Moon's office said in a statement.

Moon also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday for UN inspectors to observe the promised shutdown of the North's only known Nuclear Testing Site at Punggye-ri.

In Tokyo, Moon will also have a separate summit with Abe to discuss ways to develop "future-oriented ties" with Japan, it added.

The South and Japan face a common threat from the North's rapidly-advancing nuclear weapons and missile technology, but have locked horns over the issue of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a row over Seoul-controlled islets claimed by Tokyo

The two Koreas share a bitter resentment over Japan's brutal 1910-45 occupation of the peninsula and the so-called "comfort women" are a hugely emotional issue in the South.

Moon's predecessor Park Geun-hye reached a controversial deal with Japan in 2015 under which Tokyo offered one billion yen (USD 8.3 million) to the victims.

But some of them slammed the deal, saying it did not oblige Japan to take legal responsibility, and Moon has repeatedly urged Tokyo to do more.

Life-size bronze statues of a girl symbolising "comfort women" have been installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Dozens of activists clashed with police today as they attempted to set up another statue commemorating slave labourers at the Busan site.

Ties are further strained by the islets called Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima by Tokyo. This dispute was referenced by Seoul at the inter-Korean summit with a banquet dessert featuring a peninsula map including them, drawing an angry protest from Japan.

The last visit by a South Korean Head of State to Japan was 2011 when then-President Lee Myung-bak met then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. But ties soured after Lee made a surprise visit to Dokdo a year later.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Netanyahu made the comments in an elaborate presentation that included props, video and slides, broadcast live on television from Tel Aviv. (Photo: File)

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address on Monday he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time, as the US considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

But while Netanyahu accused Israel's main enemy Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, he did not provide evidence that it had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Netanyahu made the comments in an elaborate presentation that included props, video and slides, broadcast live on television from Tel Aviv. He said Israel had obtained tens of thousands of files "a few weeks ago in a great intelligence achievement," saying they had been moved to a secret compound in Tehran in 2017 that looked dilapidated from the outside. As he spoke, binders that he said held copies of original documents were on shelves behind him, as were cases containing CDs.

"Tonight we're going to reveal new and conclusive proof of the secret nuclear weapons programme that Iran has been hiding for years from the international community in its secret atomic archive," Netanyahu said.

"We're going to show you Iran's secret nuclear files."

Netanyahu then laid out what he said was a years-old secret nuclear weapons programme stored away and which he could be put into action at any time.

US President Donald Trump has a May 12 deadline to decide on whether or not to walk away from the nuclear deal, which he has derided as "insane" partly because its restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.

Most world powers however say the nuclear deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord -- which Iran signed with Britain, France, China, Russia, the United States and Germany -- to either be altered or scrapped. He says the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement does not prevent Tehran from eventually obtaining nuclear weapons and says the lifting of sanctions has increased Tehran's ability to finance proxy militants in the Middle East.

Netanyahu also wants to see curbs on Iran's missile programme. His presentation came after he met visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday and spoke with Trump by phone on Saturday.

Pompeo reiterated during the visit that Trump will withdraw from the nuclear deal with Iran "if we can't fix it". He also joined Netanyahu in lashing out at Iran.

"Iran's ambition to dominate the Middle East remains," Pompeo said.

Rob Malley, a former official in president Barack Obama's administration, said on Twitter that "for those who have followed the Iranian nuclear file, there is nothing new in (Netanyahu's) presentation".

"All it does is vindicate need for the nuclear deal. But the Israeli prime minister has an audience of one: Trump. And he's unfortunately unlikely to reach the same conclusion."Japanese External Trade Organisation (Jetro) in association with IT trade body Nasscom and Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru (IIMB) on Monday formally inaugurated Indo-Japan Startup Hub in Bengaluru.

"The decision to set up startup centre was taken during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan last year and it was mentioned in the joint statement of Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe," Hiroshige Seko, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) told DH.

Seko said this would serve as a platform for promotion of information exchange, business collaboration and investments between the vibrant and innovative start-up ecosystems of the two nations.

"Bengaluru convinced me that sky is the limit for India-Japan economic relationships. Japan's strength in hardware and India's strength in software will further fuel innovation. In the age of IoT, India-Japan partnership will help solve challenges like Society 5.0," he said.

The Indo-Japan Startup Hub is part of Jetro's Global Acceleration Hub Progaramme which is already present in other 12 crountries. Jetro and Nasscom will be the nodal agencies to execute this startup hub which will be located at the IIM-B.

According to an analyst, Japan is looking at Indian startups to further expand its tech prowess. "Japan is looking at a major shift in its business with digital disruption and dramatic changes in auto industry. They are looking at India to get used to various technology and access to other geographies later," the analyst said.

Besides Masayoshi Son's SoftBank Group's investment to the tune of $6 billion, Indian startups are also witnessing investments from Japanese investors like Mistletoe, Incubate Fund, Beenext and Anew Holding.

India and Japan have already started their cooperation in IT and IoT through bilateral Joint Working Group on IT and Electronics through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nasscom and IoT Acceleration Consortium (ITAC) of Japan.

The Japanese companies have expressed support for the initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart City, Clean India, and Startup India.

According to sources, Japan is gearing up to launch a one-year startup visa programme soon to attract foreign entrepreneurs. The programme will be included in an economic package to be approved by the government.

Under Japan's new startup visa programme, foreign entrepreneurs will have 12 months to live and work anywhere in Japan, especially in special zones in Fukuoka City and Tokyo.Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a 102-year-old man in his latest film "102 Not Out", says he strives to better himself with each film rather than focus on goal posts.

According to the 75-year-old, who has been in films for almost 50 years and continues to bat, 'not out', every day is a learning experience. His work ethic, he said, is not to break records.

If the audience does not notice the artiste's efforts, he or she tries to up their game the next time, Bachchan told PTI.

Excerpts from an interview with the versatile actor on his upcoming film, which releases this Friday, his understanding of the generation gap and the legacy of writing in his family.

Q. The trailer shows the dynamics between a father and the son. You have been a famous son to a famous father, legendary poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and vice versa. How would you describe your relationship with your father and son Abhishek?

A. My father, made his 'nom de plume' his and our surname - Bachchan. He gave it dignity, value, creativity and respect. I would ever endeavour to carry his legacy forward and expect the next generation to do similar.

Q. What did you discover about yourself - both as an actor and a person - after working on "102 Not Out"?

A. Every day at work is a learning (experience). We hope that the viewer shall notice it. If not, we shall strive harder the next time.

Q. How would you say generation gap between the newer generations is changing today in the digital age?

A. Each decade, or at times less, shall bring a new generation into the world. They come with their own ideas, outlooks and understandings of life. Growth depends on this. I welcome it and make an effort to be in tune with them. Social media is a help, as is my own effort on the blog and other such platforms.

Q. How was it reuniting with Rishi Kapoor after almost three decades? Could you share some inside stories?

A. Getting together after a gap of 27 years with Rishi ji, was just like getting off a bicycle and getting on it again. The inside stories would take a lifetime to narrate. Suffice to say they were all very pleasant and joyous.

Q. How was it working with director Umesh Shukla? His "OMG: Oh My God" was brilliant.

A. He is a consummate director and easy to work with, giving a free hand of his interpretations to his actors. I hope that after you see "102 Not Out", you will be able to pay him the same compliment as you have for "OMG".

Q. Your character in the film is trying to break the record for the oldest man held by a Chinese man in the movie. After almost 50 years in Hindi cinema, what more records do you want to break?

A. I am not aware if I have broken any records. But certainly my work ethic is not to break records, but to break my back in trying to do justice to the work that I have been subscribed to.

Q. Your daughter Shweta Nanda has written a novel. Looks like she will keep the tradition of writing alive in the family?

A. Indeed yes. I am a very proud father more so because she carries the legacy of my father forward.

Q. Do you think there is a book somewhere waiting inside you despite your busy schedule?

A. Never. I possess no such qualities.In a bid to mount pressure on the BJP-led Centre and the Maharashtra government, nearly 50,000 farmers will converge in Dahanu in Palghar district, nearly 150 km from Mumbai, to highlight the plight of the farming community.

The rally, being organised by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), would also oppose key projects like the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, the dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Nagpur-Mumbai super-communication expressway and the Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, the brainchild of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The morcha's preparation is being overseen by the AIKS Thane-Palghar District Council.

The morcha is a follow-up of the March 6-12 180 km march by farmers, a majority of them tribals, from CBS Chowk in Nashik to Azad Maidan in Mumbai.

"There are a whole lot of farmers issues. Besides there are elitist projects for which land is being acquired, like the bullet train project and the Samruddhi corridor...land acquisition is taking place for these projects, including the twin districts of Thane and Palghar," AIKS president Dr Ashok Dhawale told DH.

Thursday's rally will begin at Sagar Naka and will culminate at the Suru Baug near Paar Naka, Dahanu.

Dhawale, presently a CPM central committee member, was unanimously elected as president of AIKS at its national conference in Hissar, Haryana, last year.

This rally will be led by AIKS national and state leaders like Dhawale, MLA Jiva Pandurang Gavit, Kisan Gujar and Dr Ajit Nawale as well as leaders of Left parties like the CPM and PWP - former MP Nilotpal Basu, former MLA Narasayya Adam, MLC Jayant Patil, Mahendra Singh and Mariam Dhawale.

"Over 50,000 farmers from all over Maharashtra walked from Nashik to Mumbai for seven days. The discipline that the peaceful march displayed and the night march taken to help the students of class X, so that their board exam does not get disrupted, was very well received by the people all over the state and the country. As a result of the massive support of the people, the state government had to bow down and accept the demands of the farmers....while some issues are being addressed, this rally is a follow-up of the same," Dhawale said.

The timing of the rally is significant, as the Palghar-ST constituency goes to bypolls on May 28. The polls have been necessitated due to the death of BJP MP Chintaman Vanga.

The two bypolls, Palghar-ST and Bhandara-Gondiya, where it is necessitated as BJP MP Nana Patole quit and joined the Congress, are crucial and prestigious for the ruling BJP.

The Congress is contesting the Palghar seat with the support of Sharad Pawar-led NCP. The Shiv Sena, however, is not backing the BJP candidate.Four civilians and two militants, including Hizb-ul-Mijahideen commander Sameer Tiger, were killed in separate incidents across the Kashmir Valley on Monday.

Tiger and his accomplice were killed in an encounter at Drabgam area of south Kashmirs Pulwama district. A civilian was also killed in subsequent clashes between stone-pelting youth and security forces near the site of the gunfight while over a dozen others were injured.

The gunfight broke out after a joint team of army, special operations group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Drabgam, Pulwama, 35 km from here.

The militants hiding in the area opened fire after a forces party closed in on them, triggering a gunfight. Two security personnel, including a major, were injured in the initial exchange of fire, they said and added both the injured security personnel have been evacuated to Armys 92-Base Hospital in Srinagar.

Reports said soon after the gunfight, a large number of youth threw stones and tried to proceed towards the encounter site. The police and paramilitary forces used tear smoke shells, pellet guns and fired shots to disperse them. In the incident, an 18-year-old boy identified as Ashraf Dar who sustained a critical bullet wound, died.

Over a dozen protesters have also been injured during the clashes near the encounter site.

In a separate incident, three civilians were shot dead by unidentified militants in Khanpora area of north Kashmirs Baramulla district on Monday evening. Sources said the gunmen fired upon the three persons near Iqbal Market Khanpora, Baramulla, 55 km from here. In the incident, the trio sustained serious bullet wounds and died on the spot.

On Twitter, the police confirmed that three civilians were killed by militants in old town Baramulla.

Initial reports identified the victims as Asghar Khan, Asif and Haseeb Khan, all residents of Baramulla. Reports said soon after the incident, security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area to trace the assailants.The reasons given by the government for the return of the Supreme Court Collegiums recommendation for the elevation of Uttarakhand Chief Justice K M Joseph to the top court are unconvincing. The government accepted the name of lawyer Indu Malhotra for appointment, but wrote to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra that the name of Justice Joseph was being returned as the Collegium did not follow the norms of the Supreme Court in making the recommendation. The only qualifications prescribed by the Constitution for a Supreme Court judge are that he or she should be a high court judge or a lawyer with experience or a distinguished jurist. But some norms have evolved over the years related to seniority or representation for regions, states, communities etc. The government has invoked them in the case of Justice Joseph. The Collegium had, in fact, mentioned them, but stated that he was the most deserving judge for elevation.

Seniority has not been an important consideration in judicial appointments. Four incumbent judges of the Supreme Court had many other judges senior to them in various high courts when they were elevated. Justice Deepak Gupta had 50 other judges who were senior to him. Norms like representation for states, high courts, communities etc were never strictly followed till now. In any case, these have never been invoked to reject the appointment of a judge who had a fine judicial record and merit on his side. There are other vacancies in the court which can be filled up in accordance with these norms. That is why the governments decision has given rise to the suspicion that Justice Joseph is being penalised for his 2016 judgement which quashed the imposition of Presidents Rule in Uttarakhand and led to the restoration of the Congress government there. If it is meant to be a punishment for Justice Joseph and a warning to others, that is an attack on judicial independence and autonomy.

There is no good explanation for the government sleeping on the Collegiums recommendation for three months. The reasons cited by the government existed even at the time of the recommendation in January. This, too, raises questions about the governments bona fides. In 2014, when the name of Gopal Subamaniam was returned, the then Chief Justice of India R M Lodha wrote to the government not to repeat that procedure. But Justice Misras response was mild. He said that the government had the right to return the recommendation. The governments right is not disputed. The question is whether the right was exercised well and correctly. This assumes importance in the context of the perception that the government is increasingly trying to control the judiciary.SALT LAKE CITY -- Fixer Upper star Chip Gaines responded to a recent USA Today opinion piece that criticized Chip and Joanna Gaines for spending much of their time on their business rather than with their family.

I don't know Daryl, (and) he clearly doesnt know me, he tweeted about the articles author, Orem native Daryl Austin. But for the record: If there is ever a need (with) my family (first), I'll shut this circus down so fast it will make your head spin. But Jo (and) I believe, (with) God anything is possible. Including having an amazing family and career you love.

I dont know daryl, & he clearly doesnt know me. But for the record: If there is ever a need w/ my family (1st), I'll shut this circus down so fast it will make your head spin. BUT jo & I believe, w/ God anything is possible. Including having an amazing family AND career you love. https://t.co/3DbWIIKMnh  Chip Gaines (@chipgaines) April 28, 2018

https://twitter.com/chipgaines/status/990179480864993281

Last week, Utah-based writer Austin wrote an opinion article for USA Today in which he criticized the Fixer Upper couple for not putting their family first, even though they "are often portrayed as the gold standard of 'family first' couples," he wrote.

Instead, Austin wrote, the family focuses much of their time on their business and brand, rather than their family.

No matter how rich and famous, we are all limited by the same 24 hours in a day, he wrote. You cannot do all theyve done (or even a fraction of it) and still have any real time left over for family. Frankly, I wonder where they even find the time to brush their teeth, let alone spend quality, one-on-one time with each child daily."

Multiple media outlets  including the Deseret News, Houston Chronicle, Fox News and Country Living  wrote about the article.

Austin said in a full statement to the Deseret News on Monday that he received a heavy amount of feedback about his original piece, including the response from Gaines.

I appreciated what he said, Austin said in a statement. I want to address what he said, and what others have said. I'm hesitant to do so, however, because I worry people will see it as me defending what I originally wrote. I stand behind everything I said but think some elaboration may be helpful to some readers.

Austin said hes been criticized by readers for not knowing what really happens in the Gaines life.

But, he said, the family puts so much of their lives in the public spotlight that he can understand their life pretty easily.

He said in a statement that he understands the family is busy (like all families), but he doesn't understand why the Gaineses "keep saying that they want more time with their children, yet they keep choosing to take on more and more outside responsibilities notwithstanding."

Theres a disconnect between what they say and what they do and I thought it was a valid point of view worth exploring, he said in a statement to the Deseret News. When you're in the public eye as much as they are, I believe they need to take responsibility for the you can have it all lifestyle they convey to their millions of fans and would-be imitators. But that's just my opinion.WEST JORDAN  The Jordan School District plans to boost starting teachers' salary to $42,800 annually in the 2018-19 school year, up from $40,000, under an agreement approved by the school board.

The school district announced the schedule late last week after the Jordan School District Board of Education ratified a negotiated working agreement with the Jordan Education Association. The agreement must also be ratified by association members, said JEA president Vicki Olsen.

In sum, the school district has agreed to invest $19 million in educator pay raises in the next school year, providing all teachers "a $3,675 raise when they factor in their step increase," a fact sheet from the school district states.

Under the agreement, Jordan School District would set aside $3 million for a new initiative intended to reward "exemplary work." Educators would be able to apply for grants up to $3,000 each.

The agreement also would increase mentor teacher pay, compensates elementary school teachers for parking lot duty and increases stipends paid to teachers who give up their prep time and teach an extra period.

"This is an ongoing, long-term commitment to improve teacher salaries," the statement by the school district said.

The school district employs 2,762 teachers who serve 53,519 students. It is the state's fourth largest school district and one of the fastest growing statewide.

Jordan School District has 59 schools and "due to rapid growth, five new schools will open in the 2019-20 school year," the statement said.

Correction: An earlier version inferred contract negotiations between Jordan School District and the Jordan Education Association are final. Teacher union members have not yet ratified the agreement.JUNCTION, Piute County  Rural communities often don't have the amenities of city life, and the lack of services sometimes presents a significant challenge when it comes to learning.

Videoconferencing technology, however, is now making a difference for the deaf in some of Utah's most hard-to-reach places.

Under a program offered by the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, deaf students in remote areas are receiving live interpreting services throughout the day on their tablets.

At Piute High School, the program has helped 15-year-old sophomore Kaylee Miller through subjects like history.

"I never learned to lip-read or speak, I only sign," Miller said Friday through her regular interpreter, Emilee Taylor.

Miller said Taylor would also help her by transcribing lines of text.

"It helps me to get the words so I don't miss them as much," Miller said.

Taylor's job during class time is to listen to the teacher and give the lesson to Miller in sign language.

She also asks questions on behalf of Miller through earbuds the teacher wears.

Because a high school education requires learning about various complex topics, Taylor has to do her own homework on the subjects  as much as two hours per day  to better serve Miller.

"It's actually really enjoyable for me, because I love learning," Taylor said. "Being able to constantly refresh your mind on these topics is one of the best parts of the job."

Emily Longshore, lead interpreter for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, said it's essential to success for the interpreters to put in the time.

"We know what the classes will be talking about, make sure that we are researching so we know how to describe the events that are happening," she explained.

Longshore, who was providing remote interpreting services for Miller on Friday from a rented space more than 160 miles away at Orem Junior High School, said improvements in videoconferencing technology have made the approach a realistic option.

While only a relatively small number of students receive live remote interpreting services during each school day, Longshore said the program has also been put into place for other deaf students when their regular interpreters are away or ill.

Spokesperson Susan Thomas said the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind serves roughly 1,800 deaf, blind, visually impaired and hearing-impaired students across the state, and most live outside the metropolitan area, adding to the need for the program.

Miller's family moved to Junction last fall, and her mother said her performance in school has actually improved considerably with a live interpreter helping her through her tablet.

"I think it's great, I think it's awesome," the mother, Jamie Greenwood, said. "It's a really positive thing for her, and it's really helped her a lot. It opens up new opportunities for deaf children. It really does."

Miller said students like her need access.

"We want to make sure that we're involved," Miller said. "I don't think I'm missing anything. I'm very proud to be deaf."PROVO  A Provo photographer convicted of inappropriately touching teenage boys while they posed in their underwear has been sentenced to jail and will be deported after he serves his time.

Kyle Celis Navarrete, 32, pleaded guilty in March in 4th District Court to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, and four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old, a class A misdemeanor. In exchange, several other counts of forcible sodomy and forcible sexual abuse were dismissed.

In 2017, Navarrete, who owned Island Boys Photography, arranged photo shoots for at least four boys, ages 16 and 17. During those shoots, Navarrete convinced the boys that in order to get a modeling career they needed to include underwear shots in their portfolio. He would then touch the boys' genitalia under the guise of "adjusting" them for the photos.

Provo police talked with other modeling agencies who said they would never take those types of pictures for a teenager's portfolio unless they were specifically applying for a swimsuit modeling job.

The Utah County Attorney's Office had pushed for prison time for Navarrete. Instead, the judge suspended the prison time and sentenced him to a year in jail with credit for the 147 days he has already spent in the Utah County Jail.

After he serves his jail time, he will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and deported back to the Philippines, according to prosecutors. Navarrete entered the United States on a student visa in 2009.

If Navarrete re-enters the United State illegally, it will be considered a violation of his three-year probation, the judge ordered. The judge also ordered that if the maximum sentence in the case were ever imposed due to a probation violation, then Navarrete would serve his two suspended one-to-15-year sentences at the Utah State Prison consecutively.WOODS CROSS  When Keziah Daum went shopping for her senior prom dress at a local vintage store, she was looking for something both modest and classy.

"I remember being there, and I'm like, 'I want to find something that's a little more modest. Don't want to send the wrong message,'" the senior at Woods Cross High School told the Deseret News Tuesday.

Little did Daum know that the dress she chose would soon spark outrage and a worldwide debate.

In her search for the perfect dress, she had a difficult time finding one with an "appropriate" neckline, Daum said. When she saw a red Chinese quipao dress with gold and black embroidery at Decades Vintage Clothing in Salt Lake City, she fell in love.

"It was so gorgeous and fit well. And I loved it a lot because it showed beauty in other ways than revealing your body," she said. "I wanted to be a little unique."

On April 21  the day of the dance  she and her prom group were photographed at the state Capitol. The next day, she posted some of the photos on Twitter.

Within a few days, her prom photos would be seen by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, spurring criticism from many who called her choice of attire "cultural appropriation."

Cultural appropriation is "the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture," according to the Cambridge Dictionary.

Daum, who just celebrated her 18th birthday, does not have Chinese heritage. However, her family is "multicultural," according to her mother. She has part-Hispanic cousins, and her nieces and nephews are of Pacific Island descent.

Though Daum says she initially chose the dress for its beauty, she's learned more about its history and meaning  it symbolizes "female empowerment and equality," she explained.

"It doesn't matter what culture that comes from, it's a great lesson for a young woman to learn," Daum's mother, Melissa Dawes, said.

What became a worldwide debate within a few days started with one retweet. On Friday, Jeremy Lam shared Daum's prom photos with a caption that read, "My culture is NOT your (expletive) prom dress."

Lam's post has since been liked nearly 180,000 times and retweeted 42,000 times. The story has also been picked up by several news outlets throughout the world.

"This isn't OK. I wouldn't wear traditional Korean, Japanese or any other traditional dress and I'm Asian. I wouldn't wear traditional Irish or Swedish or Greek dress either. There's a lot of history behind these clothes. Sad," another Twitter user wrote.

Many also criticized a prom group photo that Daum posted in which she and her group posed with their hands together, bowing.

However, the woman says the photo was not meant as a comment about Chinese culture at all. "It was in reference to a YouTube channel called h3h3Productions with Ethan Kline.  It was nothing to do with race. In fact, it wasn't even my idea. I didn't even know what it was at the time," she explained.

Irene Maya Ota, a professor of social work at the University of Utah whose teaching focuses in large part on cultural understanding, said that even good intentions can lead to cultural appropriation, which she defines as "taking little bits and pieces from a culture that's not your own, and using it any way you want to, without regard to its history."

"You have to be aware of the consequences," Ota said. "That dress is full of symbolism, full of a cultural understanding that gets lost when you use it inappropriately. I think the biggest problem is that when you take something that you don't understand, then it becomes stereotyped, which is always really dangerous."

On Friday, Daum became emotional because of the unexpected criticism and attention, and told her mom she wanted to take her social media accounts down.

Her mom responded, "Do what you want, but did you do anything wrong? If you take it down, then those who attack you win," Dawes recalled.

The student decided to keep her Twitter active, stand up to her critics and stand by her decision to wear the dress.

"I've told myself, 'You know, I've done nothing wrong.' This had a great intent to it, and the meaning behind it is very important. And knowing that what I did was right helps me get through the hate," she explained.

Within a few days, the tides turned and many who read Daum's story jumped in to her defense. "The longer it's gone on, it's getting better. There's more people standing up," she said.

Daum says she has since received thousands of messages of support, many from Chinese people.

One commenter wrote, "I am a Chinese, and I thank you for choosing our culture for your big day. Beautifully presented! I love it!"

Another wrote, "If I were to show this to my VERY Chinese mother, she'd laugh and think it was cute and she would compliment you on how pretty the dress looks. She definitely wouldn't be offended. Haters need to get a life. Keep doing you!"

"For everyone negative, there's a hundred positive," Daum said.

The teen's Twitter followers shot from 200  mostly friends before  to 18,000. "It's just like blown up, and I was not expecting this," she said.

And the most positive response of all came from China Tuesday in a report from South China Morning Post.

"They didn't call it 'cultural appropriation.' They were proud to see something that they love being shared outside their borders. It was beautiful to them," Dawes said.

Daum said she wants to use her newfound social media notoriety in positive ways.

"I want to be able to not be known as the girl who was racist and wore a dress to prom. I want to be known as the girl who showed that it's OK to show your appreciation and love for other cultures."

Contributing: Annie KnoxSALT LAKE CITY  A coalition of conservation groups said it reached an agreement with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service over the recovery of the threatened Gunnison sage grouse, a move which puts on hold a lawsuit against the agency.

The species is found in Colorado and southeastern Utah and is on the endangered species list.

Ryan Shannon, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, said the agreement ensures the bird will get a recovery plan before it is too late.

"This critically imperiled species has really suffered as its habitat has been lost to oil and gas drilling, urban sprawl and overgrazing. A robust recovery plan is a good first step toward preventing the grouses extinction," Shannon said.

The groups sued to have the bird classified as endangered rather than threatened, but the new agreement stays that legal action and instead requires the federal agency to come up with a recovery plan within 30 months.

Signed in late April, the agreement had the nod from the states of Colorado and Utah, as well as San Juan County.

The plan requires details of threats to the species and site-specific management plans to either eliminate or mitigate those threats. It also requires monitoring to ensure recovery goals are met.

The grouse is limited to a relatively small area of southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah.

According to the coalition, a history of habitat loss and fragmentation has left the Gunnison sage grouse to dwindle to seven isolated populations, with a total of approximately 4,000 birds as of spring 2017. It says six of those populations are in decline.

The groups that brought the lawsuit are the Western Watersheds Project, the Center for Biological Diversity, WildEarth Guardians and Advocates of the West.

In other action, three of those groups filed a new lawsuit Monday challenging the Trump administration over practices they say are gutting protections for the greater sage grouse on more than 2 million acres of the bird's prime habitat.

The suit filed in U.S. District Court in Boise asserts the Bureau of Land Management acted outside federal law in its approval of oil and gas lease sales in multiple Western states, including Utah.

"Sensitive wildlife, like the iconic sage grouse, face irreparable harm. We are asking the federal court to enforce the laws on the books and protect our magnificent public lands from these unlawful actions," said Laird Lucas of Advocates for the West, lead attorney on the case.

The lawsuit, filed by Western Watersheds Project, the Center for Biological Diversity and Advocates for the West, asserts the U.S. Department of Interior is illegally prioritizing oil and gas development over the protection of the bird's habitat.

Under land use plans adopted in 2015, the groups say the federal government is obligated to focus its oil and gas leases outside of sage grouse habitat. Those plans are intended to prevent the birds decline and preclude its protection under the Endangered Species Act, but the groups say a BLM directive effectively eliminated those sage-grouse agreements.

The state of Utah filed a lawsuit two years ago against the federal government, objecting to the 2015 plans because it said they imposed unnecessary restrictions.Nithiin To Play An Architect In His Next

Nithiin is currently busy in his upcoming movie titled Srinivasa Kalyanam. The movie is directed by Satish Vegnesa, who is currently in Chandigarh on a hectic schedule. Rumours are rife that Nithiin is playing an architect in the film and the team has found some good spots in Chandigarh to shoot for it. There are a few key scenes being shot there.





Produced by Dil Raju under his banner Sri Venkateswara Creations, the movie is also featuring Raashi Khanna as the female lead. Moreover, Satishs Satamanam Bhavathi has won the National Award. Seeing this, fans have high expectations from 'Srinivasa Kalyanam'. Notably, besides Srinivasa Kalyanam, Nithin also has Chal Mohan Ranga lined up for release this year.





His earlier film showcased family bonding but as per the reports, this one also adds a typical Telugu marriage to it. The films technical crew comprise Mickey J Meyer composing music while Sameer Reddy is cranking the camera. The team is expected to return to Hyderabad on May 5 after a 15-day shoot.





For latest movie reviews, ratings and trailers, download the Desimartini App.

Source: static.sify.comSmartphone manufacturers are looking for new ways to grab consumer attention and this is apparent from the plethora of sub-brands and new private labels companies are creating to grab a bigger chunk of the smartphone market. Huawei has Honor, Flipkart has its private label Billion and has also recently announced a strategic partnership with Asus. Amazon also launches phones under the 10.or brand and the e-commerce platform has now partnered with Oppo. Amazon and Oppo will together unveil the Realme 1 smartphone on May 15, which is touted to be a departure from the boring design and specs currently offered by smartphones. The online retailer has put up a webpage for the device and it is seen featuring the Diamond Black rear panel, which was previously seen on the Oppo F7 Diamond Black edition.

Neither the pricing nor the specifications of the upcoming Oppo Realme 1 have been revealed, but the company says that it will offer the beautifully designed and power packed choices in the range of INR 10,000-20,000 on Indias largest marketplace, Amazon India. From the Amazons microsite, it is clear that the Realme 1 will be aimed at customers who want an eye-catching smartphone. It features slightly rounded edges and its rear panel resembles a faceted design, which has been compared in the Amazon ad with a very simple looking rear panel of an unknown smartphone. The Realme 1 is being Made in India and also shares OPPOs production line in the country.

On Amazon, the Realme 1 is seen featuring a single rear camera with an LED flash. There is also an image of a smartphone undergoing the companys quality tests, we cant say for sure if it is the realme 1. But if it is, then the device could feature a front-facing home button, which could also double as a fingerprint sensor. The device is also said to have undergone rigorous testing for ensuring its quality and the after sales service and support will be handled by Oppo. The smartphone manufacturer claims to have more than 500 authorised service centres across the country. Powered by OPPOs global R&D centres and AI patents, the Realme 1 is built to give you performance like never before, reads the Amazon microsite, suggesting that the upcoming smartphone could also come with some AI-based features.

Speaking on the launch of the brand, Madhav Seth, Chief Executive Officer of Realme India said, Today, young consumers prefer a better phone design that represents their different but real personalities. They are looking for an affordable price option without compromising on the built-quality and the device performance. On the functional side, their ask is a smarter camera and selfie experience. Realme phones will satisfy the needs of the young and online consumers through its exquisite design, leading specs, cutting-edge technology and industry-leading quality. We believe we will be the real disruptor in online smartphone market!

There is speculation that the recently launched Oppo A3 in China could be rebranded as the Realme 1 in India. This could be the case as the Oppo A3 is priced at CNY 2,099 (Rs 22,100 approx) in China and the company could launch a less powerful variant of the device in India. The Oppo A3 features a 6.2-inch full HD+ LTPS display and is powered by the MediaTek Helio P60 SoC with 4GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage. There is also a notch on top of the display. The device is equipped with a 16MP rear camera with a f/1.8 aperture and dual-LED flash. On the front, it features an 8MP sensor with a f/2.2 aperture.

The Realme 1 could go up against the likes of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro and the recently announced Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1. Xiaomi recently announced a price hike for two of its devices. The 4GB RAM/ 64GB storage variant of the Redmi Note 5 Pro now sells for Rs 1,000 more, at Rs 14,999, whereas the Xiaomi Mi LED Smart TV 4 has received a Rs 5,000 price bump and now costs Rs 44,999. The company cites the rise in import duty for PCBAs and rupee depreciation as the reason behind the price hike. You can read more about it here.The Samsung Galaxy S9 is a beautiful piece of work. Its future- forward design, the stunningly bright display and a re-engineered camera is an attractive proposition if you have the the money lying around, but its unlikely to deliver the satisfaction of buying something unique. Samsungs flagship phone for the first half of 2018 is an iteration of its predecessor at best, and an underwhelming upgrade at its worst.

Samsung Galaxy S9 detailed review

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is a follow-up to last years Galaxy S8, but looking at the phone, you wouldnt be able to tell them apart. The Galaxy S8s design was not only functional and ergonomic but it also looked stunning too. No need to fix that which isn't broken. While thats definitely a good thing, the Galaxy S9 comes across more like an S variant of the Galaxy S8, much like how Apple uses the term to define minor upgrades to its iPhone lineup. There are definitely some welcome upgrades, especially in making biometric authentication easier and faster, and a whole new approach to low-light photos, apart from tiny, but meaningful additions.





Between the Samsung Galaxy S9 and the S9+ this time, the difference is not just the battery and the display size. Now there are two cameras at the back of the elder sibling. But being a stickler for compact devices, the smaller Galaxy S9 feels way more ergonomic and easier to use than the bigger variant. The smaller form factor makes it easier to grip the phone and allow for one-handed use.

However, all that is also pertinent for the older Galaxy S8, so is there a justification to upgrade to the newer and more expensive Galaxy S9 instead of the S8? We find out.

Design

Place the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S8 side-by-side and you will not be able to tell them apart. At least from the front. While every other OEM has gracefully embraced the notch, the Galaxy S9 boldly stands out as a full-screen device without ugly cutouts in the display. Instead, Samsung maintains small, but prominent forehead and chins on the front while the display curves around the edges to blend in with the rest of the body. This design philosophy is more preferable over the Notch as the screen is uninterrupted and theres some space to grip the phone when held horizontally.

Everything that was good with the Galaxy S8 has been carried over to the Galaxy S9, with minor refinements. The bezels are just a little more thinner and about two millimeters have been shaved off in height, making the phone feel even more compact without messing with the 5.8-inch display size. The Infinity display takes up most of the surface and curves down the edges to meet the metal frame, and it looks just as stunning as the Galaxy S8, if not a little aged. Samsung also introduced a lilac purple colour variant of the Galaxy S9 which we received for the review and the glass panel at the back makes it stands out from the crop of metal unibody phones.

Youll know things have changed when you turn the phone around. The placement of the fingerprint sensor on the Galaxy S8 was universally hated, so Samsung moved it around. It is now just below the camera lens, where your finger is very likely to miss the sensor again. Thankfully, it is much easier to reach than last year's fingerprint sensor.

Holding the Galaxy S9, it feels like Samsung put every bit of effort to make this a premium smartphone.Youll know where your money went when you cradle this phone in your hands.

Display

The 5.8-inch Infinity display is the center of attraction of the Galaxy S9. It looks a lot like the one on the Galaxy S8 with the Super AMOLED panel sort of melting into the metal frame along the edges. The QHD+ resolution also remains the same. Being a Super AMOLED display, the black levels are deep with a high contrast ratio. The default display calibration isnt as oversaturated as on the Galaxy S8 though. Samsung seems to have worked on making this one of the more colour accurate panels. However, if youre not happy with the colour temperature, you can tweak it in the display settings.

The display is Mobile HDR Premium compliant and also Daydream-ready. I particularly liked the Adaptive display setting which tweaks the colour temperature and brightness based on the ambient light, much like what Apple does with its TrueTone display.

All that was said about the display on the bigger S9+ stands true for the smaller sibling as well. Being more compact, the pixel density on the S9 is much higher at 570 ppi as compared to 529ppi on the S9+. Ideally, that should make the panel on the S9 appear crisper and more vibrant, but it doesnt make much of a difference here as the AMOLED panel made by Samsung is one of the best out there.

Performance and UI

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and the S9+ has the same set of hardware under the hood  Samsungs proprietary Exynos 9810 in global markets and the Snapdragon 845 in the US and some other regions. Both chipsets are manufactured on a 10nm process and houses an octa-core processor. The Exynos chipset can hit a max clock speed of 2.7GHz, coupled with an 18-core Mali-G72 GPU. All that should make the Galaxy S9 one of the fastest device around. But it would be hard to eke out that level of performance from the chipset.

We ran the AnTuTu Stress Test with Qualcomms Trepn Profiler running simultaneously to note the CPU frequency that the chipset clocks when handling different workloads. Turns out, the CPU hardly went above 1.79GHz and only when the load on the CPU and the cores were at 100 percent did the performance cores hit the max clock speed. That too after quite sometime of sustained load on the chipset.

Most of the times, the Exynos 9810 chipset will not go above the 1.79GHz mark which is the base clock speed of the high-performance M3 cores. Only when the CPU is stressed for a particularly long time will the chipset hit the advertised max clock speed. But thats not essentially a bad thing. Samsung is actually giving itself some headroom should there be a need for the extra power.

Then again, the Galaxy S9 does have a tendency to heat up a lot. I even got a prompt about the phone overheating and shutting down apps in the next 20 seconds. Samsung hasnt used a heat pipe in the device and the glass back offers no means for the heat to dissipate.

Benchmark reports peg the Galaxy S9 higher than all other flagships from last year, although it wasnt at par with the S9+. 3DMark Slingshot gave a score of 3801 as compared to 3884 on the S9+ while on AnTuTu the difference was of 40,000 points. Thats an unusually high difference and we are probing it further. Geekbenchs single core performance between the two was similar, but the multi-core performance was less by about 900 points (which again is alarmingly high).

Samsungs UI isnt helping either. Yes, it has improved vastly over the older versions. It even has a new name now  Samsung Experience. Its more optimised but still takes up a lot of memory even when idle. While the bigger S9+ has extra 2GB of RAM to compensate for it, the smaller sibling sometimes slows down and stutters a bit, but quickly gets back on its feet. Using the phone as a daily driver, I often found around 25 percent RAM left free, which is never a good thing when the going gets tough. The battery drop when idle is also around 4-5 percent over a period of 4-5 hours. Thats much higher than what phones with stock Android offer.

The real-world performance of the phone, however, was quite flawless. Apps open soon as you tap on them and switching between two memory-intensive apps doesnt take much time. There are also no lags in performing basic operations while gaming will be more or less without a hitch.

Theres reason for the UI to be memory-intensive though. Samsung offers a plethora of features that are unique to Galaxy devices, most of which aim to improve productivity. The Edge Panel which makes apps, shortcuts and contacts easy to access by just swiping from the edge is really useful while the Samsungs windowed mode can make any app appear in picture-in-picture mode. Finer things like the Samsung Health app that allows users to keep track of important factors like heart rate and sp02 levels, while the settings menu allows just about every aspect of the phone to be customised.

Samsung has also beefed up its security features with the S9. The Iris scanning is now combined with facial recognition to make it more reliable. Biometrics is needed to access the secure folder and in place of passwords.

Introduced in the Samsung Galaxy S9 are the new AR emojis  animated avatar resembling your appearance which can be shared in the form of GIFs while messaging. It doesnt work as well as its iOS counterpart, but the varied expressions can be entertaining for the first few times you use it.

And then theres Bixby. Samsungs voice-based AI-assistant once again gets a dedicated hardware button and is still quite half-baked. However, Samsung has promised a Bixby 2.0 later this year, which will open the platform up to third-party developers and will be more integrated with IoT devices. Currently, Bixby can run basic commands like opening apps, sending messages and calling people. It can also leverage the camera to allow users to perform visual searches and translate in real time.

The Samsung Experience UI is pretty much the same in both the Galaxy S9+ and the S9. Most of the features (save for the AR emojis) are now available in the Galaxy S8 as well as the Galaxy Note 8. If Samsungs UI is why youre looking to upgrade, its better to stick to the older models.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S9s design and display are not new. Theres simply no difference in the way the phone looks and feels as compared to its predecessor. So why will you be interested in it? Well, Samsung wants you to buy this phone because of the innovation it has made in the camera by putting a dual aperture mechanism on the rear camera. The S9 rocks a 12-megapixel 26mm camera with dual-pixel autofocus, optical image stabilisation and single LED flash. The camera sensor is 1/2.5-inch which is the standard size in smartphones, while the pixel pitch is 1.4um. Whats interesting is that the camera can switch between f/1.5 and f/2.4 depending on the amount of ambient light.

But heres the thing. In a time when even mid-range smartphones are shipping with apertures as wide as f/2.0, why would Samsung want to put a tiny f/2.4 aperture? That small an aperture, especially with a tiny 1/2.5-inch sensor will have no use whatsoever in improving the imaging prowess. Ideally, smaller apertures are used to make the photos sharper with tighter exposure and more details. But the sensor size in smartphones will cap the light absorption to a point where the f/2.4 aperture will not make much of a difference.

At day time, photos taken in f/1.5 and f/2.4 apertures have practically no difference whatsoever. The phone is smart enough to adjust the shutter speed and exposure to compensate for the lower aperture while at f/1.5, the same adjustments are made to nullify the extra light. Whats the point of the f/2.4 aperture then? It comes across more of a gimmick, and in marketing terms, putting a tiny aperture makes the f/1.5 aperture (which is the real innovation here) stand out. Furthermore, the LG V30 boasted of the widest aperture till last year at f/1.6. Samsung wanted to go a step further, but that small an improvement could only be highlighted by diverting the attention to the dual aperture, which indeed has never been seen before in a smartphone.

The f/1.5 aperture, on the other hand, puts the S9 ahead of the competition. The wide aperture helps capture a lot more light and the resulting shots are quite well-lit. However, if you compare the photos with those taken with the Galaxy S8 (that had a f/1.7 aperture), the difference is in the light intake. The same noise reduction algorithm is also present in the Galaxy S9 that softens the details and save for the exposure, nothing much has changed here. Theres also Samsungs signature yellowish tinge in the low-light shots.

Samsung wants you to think the dual aperture technology is a reimagination of the smartphone camera. Surely there have been a lot of engineering effort put in, but thats doesnt reflect in the end users results. The f/2.4 aperture has no practical advantage whatsoever and in this day and age, Samsung has no right to put that small an aperture in a flagship phones camera.

But the dual aperture is not the only thing new in the camera department. The Samsung Galaxy S9 can shoot super slo-mo videos at 960 frames per second. The feature was introduced in the Sony Xperia XZ Premium last year, and Samsung seems to have cracked the formula to do it as well. The tech works by shooting 960 photos per second to slow down motion. The camera stores that many shots in the DRAM chip which is then processed and transferred over to the storage. The phone can give an output of 720p, even when Sonys new Xperia XZ2 can do the same at 1080p. Once again, this isnt anything new or innovative but Samsungs implementation of the tech is better than Sonys. The phone can detect motion inside a box in the frame to slow it down. Its much more intuitive, but the fact remains that the feature is pretty much unusable after 5 PM as shooting at 960 fps requires a massive amount of light.

The front camera though, has been mostly left untouched. The same 8-megapixel sensor with f/1.7 aperture and 25mm lens has been carried over from the Galaxy S8 to the S9. Selfies come out well detailed with just the right amount of exposure with the option of applying filters and beauty effects. Its pretty standard, the implementation of it. Theres a selfie focus mode that can simulate the background blur while a wide selfie can basically take a panorama with the front camera. Both are quite useful and help in augmenting the selfie experience.

Battery

The Samsung Galaxy S9 takes after its predecessor in terms of the battery capacity as well. The phone retains the 3,000mAh battery, but the power-hungry Exynos chipset does not give the same result. As we noted in the performance section, the Exynos chipsets of the Galaxy S9 is hungrier to take power which depletes the battery quicker than its predecessor. The Galaxy S9s PCMark Work 2.0 battery life performance was around 25 percent lesser than the Galaxy S8. Definitely not a good sign for a future-forward flagship phone. Using the camera and especially shooting slo-mo videos drains the battery a lot quicker, as do performance-intensive games and apps. The new PubG mobile game dropped the battery percentage from 80 to 40 in less than an hour of gameplay.

Having said that, Samsung bundles a fast charger with the phone which fills up the tank in less than an hour and a half. Thats a saving respite considering how the phone fails to last the average work day. I often found myself plugging the phone in after a day out reporting which usually includes doing a live stream, shooting photos, Tweeting, and taking videos, apart from the back and forth messaging with my team at the desk.

A good battery life should be a given when you are splurging half a lakh rupees on a device that is a phone first and then everything else. All the innovation and all the design improvements aside, a dead phone is an useless piece of junk in the pocket.

Bottomline

All things combined, the Samsung Galaxy S9 comes across more of an iteration of last years innovation than a step forward towards the future.Its futuristic design will surely catch the eyes of onlookers but more often than not, it will be mistaken for the older Galaxy S8. The camera too will not make much an impact in making your social media game stronger, and more often than not, you may find yourself red-faced when the phone unexpectedly runs out of power while youre showing off all the cool features the Galaxy S9 struts.The Paytm 'Build For India' initiative has now progressed into the fourth month of its journey of nurturing open-source projects and start-ups. We attended another event held by the initiative to find that many of the teams and individuals who are a part of the open source incubator have progressed rapidly towards shaping their ideas into reality. However, there are still a long way to go before a start-up can call itself truly successful. In order to graduate from the nascent stage of development to the final deployment phase, there are many hurdles which a start-up has to clear. In order to help them meet their goals, Paytm held a Mentor Day event session of its 'Build For India' initiative, where the company called upon experienced professionals from the tech industry to educate start-ups about the importance of UI/UX designing, Agile product development methodology, and about Open Source software and its licensing.

Saurabh Jain, head of Paytm - Build For India initiative kicked off the event and called upon Nishesh Bhatnagar, Product Designer at Paytm, who explained the role of UI/UX development and how one needs to be aware of designing their products with minimal friction as it impacts the users who are experiencing the product, be it software or hardware. This was quite an informative session as it covered almost all aspects from the users standpoint, which is usually gained after years of experience and interaction with the end user.

Next up was an eclectic session on Agile product development, delivered by Srinivas Mothey, Vice President at Paytm. He emphasised on various aspects of the latest product development strategy which deviates from the norm of sequential or relay race approach for developing a product. Naba Magrabi, Open Source Senior Consultant for Lyra Infosystems then informed the attendees about Open Source software. She delved into the history and development of Open Source software and spoke at length of the various licenses involved with and to keep in mind while using Open Source software, the categories in which their licenses are divided into and more.

Some of the startups also got the chance to display how far their ideas have progressed and what they are all about. The BlockChain group in the Paytm Build For India event showcased their idea of leveraging the latest technologies for transforming the used car market. One of the group members said during the presentation (the quote has been edited for clarity), Its difficult to keep track of trustable data when buying a used car. However, using blockchain technology, one can be assured that the statistics of the second-hand car in question is as close to the real metrics as possible. The team says that the technology is currently in Alpha testing phase and they are aiming for entering Beta testing in three months. They are also looking forward to apply the same technology to other areas like real estate, medical records, the stock market and more. Overall, the event was successfully pulled off and all the groups present at the event surely got to take away new information and advice from industry professionals, which will surely help them in their endeavours.



Disclosure: Digit is the media partner of Paytm ''Build For India' initiative.Tony at the pier in Killybegs. Photo Brian McDaid.

The death has been announced of Tony O'Callaghan, Killybegs. He was 68.

Tony was well known across the county and country. He had a very successful career as a journalist with the Irish Press and the Donegal People's Press, working there with the then editor, the late John MacIntyre.

In more recent years Tony has been the Donegal Democrat's correspondent for Killybegs and also contributed other news and feature stories on a regular basis.

Tony was well known in political and business circles and in the fishing industry and was a fantastic advocate for everything good about Killybegs, a town he loved with a deep passion.

Confirming his passing, his brother Bernie O'Callaghan said in a post on social media: "Very sorry to announce the passing of my brother Tony after a short illness. RIP. He had a very successful career with the Irish Press, Donegals People Press and had numerous clients in the political world. A loving man who had a wonderful sense of humour he will be sadly missed by his wife Trish, children Karen and Conal and large family, friends and colleagues. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace."

All of us here in the Donegal Democrat and Donegal People's Press are deeply saddened at today's news and wish to convey our deepest sympathy to Tony's family and many, many friends on his very sad passing. He was a superb journalist, but for us he was much more than that, a guide, a mentor, a friend with a light touch and a fantastic sense of humour.

May he rest in peace.The Australian Federal Government will support the Australasian New Car Assessment Program for a further five years.

Currently one of 23 members supporting ANCAP, the Government has funded the vehicle and road safety organisation since 2010.

Making the announcement during this week's National Road Safety Week, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the Government's $6.64 million commitment until 2023 will help in its own goal for safer roads and a lower road toll.

The work of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program is vital to improving the safety of vehicles on Australian roads and it is crucial we provide assistance at a Federal level to help it continue.

We are investing in making roads safer around Australia  especially in the regions  which helps drivers, but this is just one piece of the puzzle. Thats why the Government is working as best it can with State and Territory Governments, road safety advocates and organisations, such as ANCAP, to head towards zero road fatalities in Australia.What is it?

The practical cousin to BMWs 5-Series sedan, a family-friendly wagon bucking the trend toward SUVs. More popular than the X5 luxury SUV or 5-Series sedan in its home nation of Germany, the Touring is a relatively rare sight on Australian roads.

How much does it cost and what do you get?

Priced from $115,500 as a petrol-sipping 530i model, the 5-Series touring costs $6600 more than its regular sedan sibling.

Yes, that is a big number. But just about everything you could want comes as standard.

Customers who choose the 530i Touring receive 19-inch wheels, a brilliant 12.3-inch infotainment screen hooked up to BMWs latest iDrive system and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, digital dash and head-up display systems and brilliant adaptive LED headlights. The manufacturers full suite of driver aids is also part of the deal, bringing stop-and-go traffic jam assistance, adaptive cruise control and steering assistance systems along with modern basics such as autonomous emergency braking and blind spot warning systems.

A Luxury Line pack included as a no cost option adds four-zone climate control, leather trim with heated and ventilated seats, a powered tailgate  activated either with the keyfob or by sweeping your foot under the rear bumper  along with ambient lighting, chrome trim and other niceties.

BMW supports the 5-Series with a three-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty. Its service inclusive maintenance plan costs $1795 for five years or 80,000 kilometres.

Whats under the bonnet?

The wagons place as a niche vehicle in Australia limits powertrain options here  you can only get it with a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine. We tested the car in 530i petrol form, which brings a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine using a claimed 6.5L/100km  around 8L/100km in the real world - to produce 185kW and 350Nm.

Those outputs are adequate for a car this size, helping the five-door reach 100km/h in 6.5 seconds at full throttle. Lighter across the front axle and freer to rev than its diesel cousin, there is a sweetness to the petrol engine on flowing country routes  if not around town, where a lack of torque can leave lead-foots feeling frustrated.She: Since its conception in 1919, Citroen has been driven by style and innovation. A century later, the French brand continues that tradition with the fashionable new C3 that looks both cheeky and charming. Style-wise, there are similarities with his bigger sibling, the C4 Cactus, such as the trademark Airbump door panelling. Like the Mini, the C3 is big on personality and individuality. Steve, we can both agree this isnt your average city car?

He: In more ways than one, Dani. Like you say, this is a very style-orientated small car. Citroen Australia has given up on trying to be a maintream player in the city car segment, so theres only one model, the C3 Shine, and its priced from $23,490 plus on-road costs. While thats cheaper than the Mini Cooper (which starts at $27,050 for the five-door model) its right at the top of the mainstream city car market - more than the Volkswagen Polo, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris. But its a very different proposition to those cars, with its funky exterior looks and premium touches inside.By Courtney Lindwall

Health experts agree that there is no safe level of exposure to lead. Often making its way into our drinking water supply after leaching from old pipes, the heavy metal can cause serious and irreversible damage to the bodyaffecting the nervous system, fertility and cognitive ability, among other functions.

Through the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all community water systems to prepare and deliver an annual water quality report and to take action in the event of lead contamination. Yet some municipalities continue to flout their obligations. A 2016 NRDC analysis indicated that more than 18 million people were being served by 5,363 community water systems that violated the Lead and Copper Ruleand some counties never even reported the troubling data.

Currently, lead levels in the drinking water of Newark, New Jersey, are among the highest of any large water system in the U.S. The Natural Resources Defense Council and the Newark Education Workers Caucus (NEW Caucus), an association of educators who teach in Newark's public schools, are applying pressure on the city, as well as city and state officials, to restore a safe drinking water supply. But until sufficient action is taken to comply with Safe Drinking Water Act standards, residents there (and anyplace where lead is an issue) should take these steps to minimize their exposure.

1. Get Your Tap Water Tested for Lead

If you live in Newark, you can request a free test from the city's water department (call 973-733-6303 or email [email protected]); many other cities also offer this service to the public. If you'd prefer independent testing, you can get it done by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, which lets you pay what you can afford for the test, or check the EPA website to find a certified lab that can perform the testing. Be sure that the lab you choose asks that you collect multiple samples of your tap water.

When collecting samples from a tap for testing, it's important that you avoid turning on the water in your home for at least six hours prior to sampling. There may be varying instructions from your city or lab on how to collect the samples, but collecting this "pre-flush" sample is a must.

2. At the Sink, Let It Run

Flush faucets by running water for a minimum of five minutes prior to consumption. (But rememberif you are taking samples of your water for lead, do not flush your faucets.)

3. Use Only Cold Tap Water for Drinking

Warm or hot water is more likely to contain elevated levels of lead. Also, do not boil your drinking waterthat can concentrate the lead content.

4. Choose and Maintain Your Water Filter Carefully

Install and use water filters that are certified to remove lead by NSF International (labeled as meeting "NSF/ANSI Standard 53" for lead removal). See here for a review of how to pick and operate a filter, and here for a list of filters that reduce lead levels. Also, be sure to change the filter cartridges regularly, in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

5. Maintain Your Faucet Aerators, Too

Remove and clean individual faucet aerators, as lead particles and sediment can collect in the aerator screen.

6. Protect Growing Bodies

To the extent possible, use only filtered or bottled water to prepare baby formula and food. Children and pregnant or nursing women should also use filtered or bottled water for drinking and cooking. Further, parents should consider having their children tested for lead exposure by a doctor or pediatrician.

7. If You Can Afford It, Consider Replacing Your Own Pipes and Fixtures

Determine whether you have any lead-containing pipes and fixtures in your home. A certified plumber should be able to help you if you cannot. Replace any indoor household plumbing that may contain lead. If you do install any new household pipes or fixtures, flush the cold water taps afterward.

That said, here's an important caveat: If you find that the pipe bringing water to your home from the street (service line) contains lead, do not remove that pipe. The city should remove and replace the entire length of the lead service line, because replacing only part of it could cause lead levels to increase. For more information about the problem with partial lead service line replacements, see here.

8. Call City Officials and Legislators

It's critical to urge those in charge to fix the problem and keep you informed about their progress. In Newark, residents are encouraged to contact the Newark water department, their city council members, and the mayor. (Newark city government's main number is 973-733-6400.) Express your concerns, and let officials know the city's lead levels are unacceptable. Contact your state and federal legislators (Newark's federal officials are Rep. Donald Payne Jr., 973-645-3213; Sen. Cory Booker, 973-639-8700 and Sen. Robert Menendez, 973-645-3030), and urge them to fund water infrastructure improvement projects.The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by Constitution Pipeline to challenge New York state's denial of a water quality certification for the natural gas project.

Natural Gas Intelligence reported: "The petition was distributed for conference, or discussion, on Friday, but the justices simply denied it."

The ruling leaves in place the August 2017 judgment of the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which sided with the state. This is a big win for the attorney general's office and the state's authority to protect its waters and natural resources.

"Great news for New Yorkers today as SCOTUS declines to hear challenges to New York's denial of a key certification for the Constitution Pipeline," Attorney General Eric Schneiderman tweeted Monday. "Clean water is a basic right. We won't allow a pipeline to put that at risk."

The proposed projectwhich environmentalists have dubbed "the Keystone of natural gas"is an interstate pipeline running from Pennsylvania (ground zero for fracking in the Northeast) to New York that would transport 0.65 billion cubic feet per day of shale gas.

Schneiderman warned that the project would include construction of 100 miles of new natural gas pipeline across undeveloped lands in central New York, impacting and crossing more than 250 streams and more than 80 acres of wetlands.

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved construction of the pipeline in 2014 and again in 2016, but conditioned that approval on certification from New York state.

New York's Department of Environmental Conservation denied the certification in April 2016 on the grounds that Constitution failed to provide sufficient information to demonstrate that the project would comply with the Clean Water Act and meet New York's water quality standards.

Constitution challenged the Department of Environmental Conservation's denial to the 2nd Circuit last year, but lost. And earlier this year, FERC maintained the state's decision and rejected Constitution's attempts to shorten the time states have to consider natural gas pipeline applications for Clean Water Act permits.

Although Constitution may soon run out of legal options, the project is still not dead. According to Reuters, "the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the company's appeal of the 2nd Circuit's ruling does not necessarily kill the project. The company has separately petitioned FERC to overturn the state agency's decision. In March, the federal regulator gave itself more time to consider the issue."

Partners of the project include Williams Companies, Inc., Duke Energy, WGL Holdings, Inc. and Cabot Oil & Gas.

"Without a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, there is a serious risk that states will use the Second Circuit's ruling to abuse their narrowly circumscribed [Clean Water Act] authority in their efforts to frustrate interstate natural gas pipeline development at the expense of vital national interests," the project sponsors have said.

The attempt to appeal the 2nd Circuit decision at the Supreme Court is supported by the energy industry, with the National Association of Manufacturers, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the Natural Gas Supply Association, the American Petroleum Institute and the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers filing a joint amicus brief.

S&P Global Platts noted:

The industry has increasingly raised alarms that New York has been acting as a veto on federal pipeline permitting decisions. They argued that if left un-reviewed, the 2nd Circuit decision would give states a roadmap for blocking construction of FERC-approved pipelines and deprive states and the nation of the benefits of the centralized process set out in the Natural Gas Act.

Moneen Nasmith, staff attorney with Earthjustice, who represented intervenors helping to defend New York's decision, said her group was happy but not surprised "by the recognition by the court that the petition had no merits."

"We're definitely elated that the court agreed to allow the 2nd Circuit's decision to stand and that the state's authority to say no to a thoroughly deficient application will remain in place."

She added that the industry's worries about the 2nd Circuit's decision blocking natural gas development are "wildly exaggerated."

According to Natural Gas Intelligence, the developers said Monday that they "continue to believe that this FERC-approved project should be allowed to proceed with construction."By Paul Brown

The global climate treaty, the Paris agreement, already ratified by a huge majority of the world's governments, is for the next 10 days in intensive care.

That doesn't mean it's in danger of expiring, but that it needs a hefty boost so that the countries which signed up to it in 2015 will make commitments that will give it teeth.

So talks aimed at ramping up international action to cut carbon emissions and speed up progress on the treaty have begun in the German city of Bonn, attended by representatives of 193 governments.

The talks last until May 10, and the basic agreements which the organizers, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, hope they will have reached by then will go to a summit meeting in December for approval.

Today the world is on course to heat up by 3C under the impact of the increasing consumption of fossil fuels, double the amount that scientists say is likely to be sustainable by human civilization and the natural world. The talks are aimed at getting governments to be far more ambitious than their current national plans for greenhouse gas emissions cuts.

With 2017 already the costliest on record for climate-related disasters as well as the third hottest ever recorded for the U.S., the effects of climate change are already causing severe economic and political problems. The World Bank says 143 million people may soon become climate migrants.

With this background the grouping of Small Island States, currently led by Fiji, is starting a new conversation between governments and society, called the Talanoa Dialogue. The plan is to share ideas and methods of speeding up progress on combatting climate change. These ideas will then be submitted to the government ministers at the December conference of the signatories to the Agreement, known in UN jargon as COP 24, in Katowice, Poland.

Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the UN Climate Change secretariat, said: "The Talanoa Dialogue is a key opportunity for all stakeholders to come together and share stories on how we can significantly step up climate action to prevent even greater human suffering in the future."

This first phase of the Fiji-led Dialogue will introduce a new element to the talks on May 6, when countries and other stakeholders, including cities, businesses, investors and regions, engage for the first time in what is billed as interactive story-telling around their ambitions.

Silver Lining

This will include many U.S. stakeholders who disagree with Donald Trump. He has repudiated the Paris agreement and seems unable to accept the scientific consensus that human activity is warming the worlda setback which seems to have redoubled some countries' efforts to act to reduce their own emissions.

There are hopes that, by COP 24, 30 more countries will have joined the 111 that have already ratified another agreement, the Doha Amendment, which is aimed at implementing extra emissions reductions for developed countries.

The Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, an international group of U.S.-based grass roots organizations, says there are only four years left to take the radical action needed if the Paris agreement's ambitious target of keeping global average temperature rise at no more than 15C above pre-industrial levels is to be achieved (Paris's other, more modest target is 2C). It says countries must step up their action in both the short and the long term.

As ever, one sticking point in Bonn is finance, particularly how the rich countries that have largely caused the problem of climate change should help poorer countries adapt to rising temperatures and sea levels. Developed countries pledged in 2009 to provide $100 billion a year by 2020 to help this adaptation, but they are far from reaching their goaland President Trump has withdrawn a U.S. pledge of $2 billion.

Hopeful Signs

But there is some optimism at the talks. The giant strides that China and now India are taking towards adopting renewables and phasing out coal for generating electricity could not have been predicted five years ago. The world-wide programs by cities to clean up air pollution and introduce electric vehicles are also expected to have a dramatic effect on reducing emissions, and there are hopes that some countries will reach their Paris targets more easily than they expected.

The chair of the Least Developed Countries group (LDC), Gebru Jember Endalew, said, "Climate change is a critical issue and an urgent, global response is required. Lives and livelihoods across the world are on the line, particularly in the LDCs.

"We have a very small window of time left to develop a set of clear, comprehensive and robust rules to enable full and ambitious implementation of the Paris agreement before the December 2018 deadline.

"Keeping global temperature increase below 15C is a matter of survival  science tells us that even full implementation of current commitments under the Paris Agreement will not be enough to reach 15C."

Reposted with permission from our media associate Climate News Network.

A new report highlights the significance of the Paris climate agreement in pushing global climate action.

All of the 197 signatories of the landmark accord now have at least one national law or policy on climate change, an analysis published Monday by the London School of Economics (LSE) found.

The Global trends in climate change legislation and litigation: 2018 snapshot shows there are now more than 1,500 national climate change laws and policies worldwide, with 106 introduced since the Paris agreement was signed in December 2015.

"Of the 106 new laws and policies passed since the Paris agreement was reached, 28 explicitly reference the agreement," the report states. "Further analyses will be required to determine if these new laws and policies are consistent with the Paris agreement and countries' nationally determined contributions. Alignment between national and international goals will be pivotal to meeting the Paris targets."

The report, from researchers at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the ESRC Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy at LSE, was released Monday as representatives of 193 governments meet at the two-week Bonn Climate Change Conference in Germany. The summit is aimed at increasing global action to cut carbon emissions and speeding up progress on the Paris agreement to keep global temperature rise this century well below 2C.

The report's authors pointed out, "The ability to import internationally declared targets into actionable national laws and policies, and to translate those targets into action, will have a great impact on the success of the Paris agreement."

Also in the analysis, the researchers identified "a new wave" of climate change-related lawsuits and a number of "strategic" cases that "could have significant impact in holding governments and greenhouse gas emitters accountable for climate change."

The are now about 1,000 of climate-related lawsuits, with some cases focused on forcing courts to rule on the consistency of countries' actions with the Paris agreement. For instance, Greenpeace Nordic and the Nature and Youth environmental group sued Norway in November. The plaintiffs alleged that the government is contravening the Paris agreement and has failed to abide by its constitutional obligation to safeguard the environment for future generations.

According to the LSE report, more than 800 of the 1,000 climate-related cases stem from the U.S., including roughly a dozen lawsuits filed directly against the Trump administration's rollbacks of climate regulation.

President Trump, who does not believe in climate change and is ramping up development in fossil fuels, controversially announced his intention withdraw from the Paris agreement, making the U.S. the only signatory in opposition.

U.S. cases also include efforts from San Francisco, Oakland and New York City that have filed lawsuits against major fossil fuel companies, alleging they knew about the threat of climate change for decades but concealed information about it.



On the other hand, the researchers also determined that in the U.S., "industry, conservative NGOs and others have brought suits to support climate change deregulation, reduce climate protections generally or at the project level, and target climate protection supporters."Vatican Treasurer George Pell must face trial on charges of historical sexual abuse offences, an Australian court has ruled, making him the most senior Catholic official to be tried on such allegations.

The 76-year-old cardinal pleaded not guilty in Melbourne on May 1, Reuters news agency reported.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington said that Pell's case will proceed to trial in a Melbourne court, following a month-long pre-trial hearing.

Pell left court without commenting, surrounded by police and with his legal team.

Pope Francis has said he would not comment on the case involving his economy minister until it was over.

However, Pell will remain on a leave of absence from his Vatican position as he faces charges of "historic sexual offenses" in his home country of Australia, the Vatican has announced, Catholic News Agency reported.

The full details and nature of the charges have not been publicly revealed, and it's unknown when the trial will begin.

The decision to go to trial came after a month-long preliminary hearing in Melbourne, Australia's second city.

The cardinal is accused of misconduct dating back decades, during his first years as a priest until he became the Archbishop of Melbourne.

He has been accused of groping two boys at a swimming pool in the New South Wales city of Ballarat during the 1970s, as well as assaulting two members of a choir at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne during the 1990s.

More precise details about the charges were not made public.

Most of the charges against the cardinal had been dismissed during the preliminary hearing.

Vatican spokesperson Greg Burke issued statement saying: "The Holy See has taken note of the decision issued by judicial authorities in Australia regarding His Eminence Cardinal George Pell.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

"Last year, the Holy Father granted Cardinal Pell a leave of absence so he could defend himself from the accusations. The leave of absence is still in place."

A statement issued by Pell's lawyers and distributed by the Sydney Archdiocese, his last employer before his Vatican posting in 2014, said Pell had fully cooperated with police investigators and "always and steadfastly maintained his innocence."

"He would like to thank all those who have supported him from both here in Australia and overseas during this exacting time and is grateful for their continuing support and prayers," the statement said.

Under his bail conditions, Pell cannot leave Australia, contact prosecution witnesses and must give police 24-hour notice of any change of address, The Associatied Press reported.

Pell is reported to be the first cardinal to face a criminal trial for sexual misconduct CNA reported.

In 2013, Scottish Cardinal Keith O'Brien resigned as Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh following allegations of predatory sexual misconduct.

The Vatican later announced that O'Brien would not continue his duties of a cardinal. He did not take part in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. The allegations against O'Brien were not reported to involve minors, and he did not face criminal charges. O'Brien died March 19.Police issue warning over loud exhausts, stretched tyres

Police are urging motorists who modify their cars to ensure their vehicles remain road legal.

The Roads Policing Unit revealed its received increased reports of vehicles with loud exhausts and intentional backfiring, as well as stretched tyres.

Officers warn exhaust systems and silencers must be maintained in good and efficient order and not altered after the date of manufacture to increase the noise they make.

Stretch tyres - where smaller tyres are fitted to the rim and stretched to fit - are illegal, with officers warning this is dangerous.

The RPU says road safety must be maintained and that those found to be breaking the rules will be issued with vehicle defect rectification forms.In line with the groups strategy of investing across the broader European market shareholders are advised that MAS has through a subsidiary of PKM Investments S.a.r.l., entered into a sale and purchase agreement (the SPA) to acquire from MD CE Holdings Limited and Atrium Turkey Samsun B.V.

Being two wholly-owned subsidiaries of Atrium European Real Estate Limited, the entire issued share capital of a special purpose vehicle that owns the retail centre known as Militari Shopping Centre (Militari), located in Bucharest, Romania (the acquisition).

SALIENT TERMS OF THE ACQUISITION

The purchase price for the acquisition is EUR 95.0 million (purchase price) to be settled in cash and payable upon fulfilment of certain conditions precedent to the SPA.

Militari is located west of Bucharests city centre. Bucharest is the capital city of Romania and has a population of 2.1 million. Militari has benefitted from extensive residential densification in its immediate surroundings since its opening in 2009 and benefits from an aggregate catchment of approximately 294,000 people within a 45 minute drive. Current residential schemes under development will add a further 4,000 apartments in the immediate vicinity, with scope for significant continued development in the area. This is expected to lead to strong growth in footfall.

Militari has 53 tenants spread across 56,416 square metres of gross lettable area, of which 53,666 square metres relates to retail and 2,750 square metres to office space, in addition to 2,500 parking spaces. The annual net operating income of Militari is EUR7.1 million at a weighted average rental of EUR10.6 per square metre per month. Militari was opened in 2009 and is anchored by Auchan (hypermarket), Praktiker (DIY), Decathlon (sports goods) and various international fashion brands such as H&M, C&A, Reserved, New Yorker, LC Waikiki, Pepco, Deichmann, Hervis, Humanic, Koton, Takko and many others. The current tenant mix has a weighted average lease term of 5 years from April 2018 and the site is fully occupied. Food and grocery tenants contribute 26%, while fashion and lifestyle tenants contribute 49% of passing rent.

The asset provides stable underlying income over the medium term with good prospects for future growth that will drive MAS direct investment return. It is expected that lease extensions and some capital expenditure will enhance income levels. The prospect of new competition is low with nearby residential developments contributing to drive growth in footfall. There is capacity to significantly extend and/or re-develop the centre as demand grows in the medium term and beyond.

The purchase price of the shares reflects the fair value attributed to Militari as determined by the directors of MAS. The directors of MAS are not independent or registered as professional valuers or professional associate valuers in terms of the South African Property Valuers Profession Act 2000 or otherwise. The net operating income detailed above approximates the net profits attributable to the acquisition.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

The acquisition is subject to conditions precedent that are standard for a transaction of this nature, as well as the obtaining of certain permits from the relevant local authorities in Bucharest.

Completion of the acquisition is expected to take place within the next three months.

CO-INVESTMENT AGREEMENT WITH PRIME KAPITAL

The acquisition has been undertaken in terms of a long-term co-investment agreement that MAS has entered into with Prime Kapital Limited. MAS' effective economic interest in the acquisition is the equivalent of an 80% direct participation in the performance of Militari and a 20% participation at the weighted average cost of external funding achieved by the joint venture with Prime Kapital, in line with the previously announced co-investment agreement. Prime Kapital has sourced and will manage this acquisition under the co-investment agreement.

PIPELINE

A number of further investment opportunities are presently being actively pursued and the market will be further updated as those discussions are concluded.

CATEGORISATION OF THE ACQUISITION

The acquisition is categorised as a Category 2 transaction in terms of the JSE Listings Requirements and as such is not subject to shareholder approval.MAS is listed on the Main Board of the JSE and is listed and admitted to trading on the Euro MTF market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.SAN DIEGO - May 1, 2018 - The increase in opioid deaths in the last 20 years led a medical student at the University of Michigan Medical School and colleagues to look at excessive opioids prescribed to treat acute surgical pain following various procedures. Alyssa A. Mazurek presented a study during the American Association for Thoracic Surgery's 98th Annual Meeting that assessed patterns of opioid prescribing for open and laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (HHR) and found that patients used far fewer opioids than were actually prescribed.

"The deadliness of the opioid epidemic has become one of the largest public health crises of our time, and its devastating effects are felt throughout the country," explains Mazurek, who presented the study results during a moderated poster session. "However, there has been very little investigation into opioid prescribing practices after thoracic surgeries. Further investigation is needed to understand what mechanisms are contributing to excessive prescribing and morbidity, such as opioid dependence, addiction, and narcotic diversion, associated with postoperative opioid use."

Investigators reviewed the charts of 89 "opioid naive" patients who underwent open (including transthoracic and transabdominal) or laparoscopic HHR between January and December 2016, and who had received an opioid prescription after surgery. "Opioid naive" was defined as patients not taking an opioid at the time of their preoperative history and physical. Their objective was to describe the patterns of opioid prescribing and consumption after open and laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (HHR); and to characterize the practices that may contribute to excessive opioid prescribing and morbidity of postoperative opioid use.

Patients were surveyed regarding postoperative opioid use, opioid disposal habits, and any narcotic education received. Sixty-nine percent of patients completed the survey, of whom 27 had open surgery and 34 had laparoscopic surgery. Thoracic physician assistants and nurses (RNs) were surveyed regarding factors that contribute to their opioid prescribing and counseling practices.

The results showed that patients used far fewer opioids than were prescribed after both open and laparoscopic HHR. Patients only used 52 percent of narcotics prescribed to them, with a significant number of patients reporting leftover pills due to lack of proper disposal, a combination that provides a dangerous source for narcotic diversion. The investigators identified several factors that may be contributing to over-prescribing of opioids and the associated morbidity of postoperative opioid use, including: wide variation within prescribing; variety of factors influencing prescribing practices that differ among providers; inadequate patient education; inadequate and improper use of adjunct pain medications; and leftover pills not disposed of properly.

"It has become clear that surgeons and other healthcare providers play a major role in the over-prescribing of opioids after surgery," says Mazurek. Various studies have demonstrated the high prevalence of and detrimental long-term consequences of continuing to use opioids after surgery, such as opioid dependence/addiction, opioid overdose, and narcotic diversion.

Mazurek concludes that, "Given the growing awareness of this epidemic and the willingness of surgeons around the country to address it means we can also play a huge role in reducing excessive opioid prescribing and the number of unused pills that permeate into the community by further understanding prescribing practices and creating procedure-specific guidelines."

###DALLAS, May 1, 2018 -- People having a heart attack get faster life-saving treatment to restore blood flow to the heart if they live in states that allow emergency medical crews to bypass hospitals that don't offer the specialized treatment in favor of hospitals that do, according to new research in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions, an American Heart Association journal.

The study looked at how quickly heart attack patients received percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI, a preferred treatment to open blocked arteries. Not all hospitals have the specialized capability to perform PCI, so researchers compared treatment times in states with and without policies that allow emergency medical services (EMS) to take patients directly to hospitals that offer PCI, even if that means bypassing closer facilities.

In this study, 57.9 percent of patients living in states with hospital bypass policies received PCI within relevant guideline-recommended times, compared to 47.5 percent of those living in states without bypass policies.

American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines call for patients to receive PCI within 90 minutes or less from first medical contact if they're taken directly to a PCI-capable hospital and within 120 minutes or less if first taken to a non-PCI-capable facility and transferred.

"Our findings provide a compelling case for state-level policies that allow emergency medical services to take patients directly to the PCI-capable centers," said Jacqueline Green, M.D., M.P.H., the study lead author and a cardiologist at Piedmont Heart Institute in Fayetteville, Ga. "A policy that improves access to timely care for even an additional 10 percent of patients could have a significant impact on a population level."

Green conducted the study during fellowship training at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The analysis involved 19,287 patients treated at 379 hospitals in 12 states. Researchers compared time to treatment for heart attack patients receiving care in 2013 and 2014 in six states with bypass policies (Delaware, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania) to treatment times for patients in six states without bypass policies (Connecticut, New York, Minnesota, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.)

Even though the time from symptom onset to hospital arrival did not differ across states, patients treated in states with bypass policies received faster intervention once they contacted emergency medical services.

In states with bypass policies, 57 percent of people having heart attacks received PCI within 90 minutes or less of first medical contact and 82 percent underwent PCI within 120 minutes or less of first medical contact.

Those numbers were significantly lower in states that did not have bypass policies, where 45 percent of people received PCI within 90 minutes or less and 77 percent within 120 minutes or less.

Patients taken to non-specializing nearby hospitals often face critical delays in treatment because they need an initial evaluation before being triaged to a specialized hospital. Patients in states with bypass policies were more likely to receive a diagnostic electrocardiogram prior to hospital arrival, compared with patients treated in states without those policies (75 percent compared with 69 percent). This earlier diagnosis can allow for faster life-saving treatment once the patient arrives at the hospital.

Researchers noted a key challenge in any heart attack care was that a substantial number of patients (27 percent) delayed accessing EMS or didn't access EMS at all and took themselves to the hospital.

The study was funded by the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline program which aims to develop coordinated systems of care led by EMS and hospitals teams to use guidelines and best practices to treat heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest. The goal is to improve and expediate care from the moment a person first has symptoms, to calling 9-1-1, getting to the right facility to get the right treatment and continuing through hospital discharge, rehabilitation and recovery.

An accompanying editorial notes that the timely delivery of appropriate care to heart attack patients is complex and has many unique facets.

"The present analysis demonstrates that allowing EMS providers to bypass non-PCI-capable hospitals in favor of PCI-capable hospitals can significantly reduce time to appropriate reperfusion therapy," write authors Daniel Kolansky, M.D. and Paul Fiorilli, M.D. of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

"Although much work has already been accomplished to expedite the care of these patients, we need to continue to put together all the pieces of this puzzle to provide the best possible heart attack care for our patients."

They note areas for improvement including:

routine use of pre-hospital ECG transmission (and early cath lab activation), * development of community-based education outreach programs to improve patient symptoms recognition, and

continued development of regionalized systems of care for STEMI patients to reduce the overall time from EMS activation to reperfusion therapy.

"This study strengthens the case for state government leadership in developing robust systems of EMS care that can triage and transport patients with time-critical conditions such as heart attacks," Green said.

###

Co-authors are Alice Jacobs, M.D.; DaJuanicia Holmes; Karen Chiswell, Ph.D.; Rosalia Blanco, M.B.A.; Matthew Roe, M.D.; Eric Bates, M.D.; William French, M.D.; Douglas Kupas, M.D.; Greg Mears, M.D.; and Brahmajee Nallamothu, M.D.

Additional Resources:

Available multimedia is on the right column of the release link - https://newsroom.heart.org/news/patients-get-faster-life-saving-treatment-in-states-with-policies-allowing-direct-transport-to-specialized-heart-attack-care-hospitals?preview=5a59989b1ed95b4293b600918ae28e42

After May 1, view the manuscript and editorial online.

Find hospitals recognized for achievement in Mission: Lifeline and other American Heart Association quality improvement initiatives.

Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews

For updates and new science from Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions, follow @CircAHA

Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at heart.org/corporatefunding.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke - the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.Research appearing today in Nature Communications finds useful new information-handling potential in samples of tin(II) sulfide (SnS), a candidate "valleytronics" transistor material that might one day enable chipmakers to pack more computing power onto microchips.

The research was led by Jie Yao of the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and Shuren Lin of UC Berkeley's Department of Materials Science and Engineering and included scientists from Singapore and China. Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry, a DOE Office of Science user facility, contributed to the work.

For several decades, improvements in conventional transistor materials have been sufficient to sustain Moore's Law - the historical pattern of microchip manufacturers packing more transistors (and thus more information storage and handling capacity) into a given volume of silicon. Today, however, chipmakers are concerned that they might soon reach the fundamental limits of conventional materials. If they can't continue to pack more transistors into smaller spaces, they worry that Moore's Law would break down, preventing future circuits from becoming smaller and more powerful than their predecessors.

That's why researchers worldwide are on the hunt for new materials that can compute in smaller spaces, primarily by taking advantage of the additional degrees of freedom that the materials offer - in other words, using a material's unique properties to compute more 0s and 1s in the same space. Spintronics, for example, is a concept for transistors that harnesses the up and down spins of electrons in materials as the on/off transistor states.

Valleytronics, another emerging approach, utilizes the highly selective response of candidate crystalline materials under specific illumination conditions to denote their on/off states - that is, using the materials' band structures so that the information of 0s and 1s is stored in separate energy valleys of electrons, which are dependent on the crystal structures of the materials.

In this new study, the research team has shown that tin(II) sulfide (SnS) is able to absorb different polarizations of light and then selectively reemit light of different colors at different polarizations. This is useful for concurrently accessing both the usual electronic - and the material's valleytronic - degrees of freedom, which would substantially increase the computing power and data storage density of circuits made with the material.

"We show a new material with distinctive energy valleys that can be directly identified and separately controlled," said Yao. "This is important because it provides us a platform to understand how valley signatures are carried by electrons and how information can be easily stored and processed between the valleys, which are of both scientific and engineering significance."

Lin, the first author of the paper, said the material is different from previously investigated candidate valleytronics materials because it possesses such selectivity at room temperature without additional biases apart from the excitation light source, which alleviates the previously stringent requirements in controlling the valleys. Compared to its predecessor materials, SnS is also much easier to process.

With this finding, researchers will be able to develop operational valleytronic devices, which may one day be integrated into electronic circuits. The unique coupling between light and valleys in this new material may also pave the way toward future hybrid electronic/photonic chips.

Berkeley Lab's "Beyond Moore's Law" initiative leverages the basic science capabilities and unique user facilities of Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley to evaluate promising candidates for next-generation electronics and computing technologies. Its objective is to build close partnerships with industry to accelerate the time it typically takes to move from the discovery of a technology to its scale-up and commercialization.

###

The study, "Accessing valley degree of freedom in bulk Tin(II) sulfide at room temperature," is available here (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-03897-3.pdf).

Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry is a DOE Office of Science user facility.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory addresses the world's most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab's scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel Prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. For more, visit http://www.lbl.gov.

DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit http://science.energy.gov.Now, geologists have discovered a likely culprit: major volcanism, as revealed by a widespread pulse of mercury. The study was led by geologist Grzegorz Racki of the University of Silesia, Sosnoweic, Poland. "Up until now the main debate on this mass extinction has been what the main direct cause was," explains Racki. "We provide the first clear evidence for volcanism." The study was published online ahead of print in GEOLOGY on 26 April, 2018.

The team analyzed rocks from Morocco, Germany, and northern Russia, all dating from the same short geologic interval 372 million years ago, just before the Frasnian-Famennian boundary. In addition to being spread across two continents, the rocks varied from black shale, grey shale, to limestone, and ranged from a few centimeters to a few meters thick. Yet they all shared one particularly striking characteristic: a sharp mercury peak hundreds of times higher than background.

In other mass extinctions, elevated mercury has been closely linked to big-time volcanic episodes. In fact, points out Racki, mercury has become to Earth-based catastrophes what iridium is to extraterrestrial-based ones. "Mercury as a geochemical fingerprint of volcanism appears decisive in the new stage of mass extinction studies," he says.

"Now we can say that all of the 'Big Five' mass extinctions coincide with major volcanic events," adds co-author Paul Wignall, with the University of Leeds in England. "Until our discovery, this (late Devonian extinction) was the major exception."

So far, the actual smoking gun--a large region of age-appropriate volcanic rocks--has yet to be unearthed. Racki suggests that the leading candidate may be in Russia, although telltale volcanic rocks have apparently either been eroded away or deeply buried.

That absence actually provides another take-away from the study, says Wignall. "It's possible to discover evidence for giant volcanic episodes, using trace metals in sediments, even when the lavas themselves may have long vanished," he says.

###

FEATURED ARTICLE

Mercury enrichments and the Frasnian-Famennian biotic crisis: A volcanic trigger proved?

Contact: Lead author: Grzegorz Racki, racki@us.edu.pl

Geology, https://doi.org/10.1130/G40233.1

GEOLOGY articles are online http://geology.geoscienceworld.org/content/early/recent. Representatives of the media may obtain complimentary articles by contacting Kea Giles at the e-mail address above. Please discuss articles of interest with the authors before publishing stories on their work, and please make reference to GEOLOGY in articles published. Non-media requests for articles may be directed to GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org. http://www.geosociety.orgTAMPA, GAINESVILLE and MIAMI, Fla. (May 1, 2018) - The Florida Department of Health's James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program has armed Moffitt Cancer Center, University of Florida (UF) Health Cancer Center - Gainesville, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami and numerous collaborating centers with $1.36 million to address cancer disparities and improve outcomes and care for individuals affected by pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is projected to become the second leading cause around 2020. It also has the lowest five-year survival rate of any leading cancer at only 9 percent.

"This award is significant and timely because pancreatic cancer is a malignancy desperately in need of funding to foster advancements in its prevention, earlier diagnosis and treatment," said co-principal investigator Jennifer B. Permuth, Ph.D., M.S., a molecular epidemiologist and assistant member in the Departments of Cancer Epidemiology and Gastrointestinal Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center. "The burden of pancreatic cancer is particularly high in Florida, a racially and ethnically diverse state that is expected to continue to rank second in the number of lives lost to pancreatic cancer this year."

"We also know that the incidence and deaths rates related to pancreatic cancer are higher in the African American population as compared to other racial and ethnic groups," said co-principal investigator Jose G. Trevino, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at the UF Health Cancer Center-Gainesville. "We need to better understand why these disparities exist and we believe the answers to these questions might be in our personal biology."

Due to these grim statistics, Permuth and Trevino co-founded the Florida Pancreas Collaborative in 2015 with Nipun Merchant, M.D., chief surgical officer and director of the Surgical Oncology Research Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Mokenge Malafa, M.D., senior member of Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Moffitt, using funds awarded by the Florida Academic Cancer Center Alliance. The collaborative between Moffitt, UF and Sylvester initially focused efforts on developing novel early detection and prevention strategies, and is now able to tackle other important areas, including health disparities, with new academic and community partners throughout the state.

Over the next three years, pancreatic cancer researchers and clinicians with expertise in many areas including oncology, radiology, surgery, epidemiology, nutrition, genetics, molecular biology and pathology will be working with patient advocates to recruit patients from different racial and ethnic groups newly-diagnosed with and treated for pancreatic cancer at one of approximately 17 participating Florida centers to build the first state-wide 'biobank' dedicated to minimizing disparities and personalizing care for individuals affected by pancreatic cancer. A biobank is a valuable resource that involves collection, processing and storage of blood and tissue obtained during biopsy and surgery to improve our understanding of health and disease. When combined with clinical data and medical images, the Florida Pancreas Collaborative will be able to investigate biological processes that may underlie disparities and poor outcomes and target them with more effective therapeutic strategies tailored to the individual.

"Our team is extremely excited about this opportunity that's been given to us by the state of Florida," Trevino said. "We believe that this grant is absolutely critical to us having a better understanding of pancreatic cancer in different patient populations."

"Collaborative, multi-institutional cancer disparities research of this kind has been lacking. Together, we have an important opportunity to make a difference in the lives of thousands of patients with pancreatic cancer in our state and beyond," said Permuth. "Our long-term goal is to minimize disparities, improve quality of life, increase survival, and provide hope for individuals and families affected by pancreatic cancer."

###

About Moffitt Cancer Center

Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt is a Top 10 cancer hospital and has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999. Moffitt devotes more than 2 million square feet to research and patient care. Moffitt's expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet status, its highest distinction. With more than 5,700 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.1 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About UF Health Cancer Center

The University of Florida Health Cancer Center stands alone in the state of Florida in its unique ability to blend comprehensive patient care and innovative research in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. It boasts a membership of more than 230 researchers and clinicians from across the University of Florida, a top 10 public university, and UF Health, the Southeast's most comprehensive academic health center. The UF Health Cancer Center's clinical enterprise uses a comprehensive care model, with multidisciplinary cancer programs offering advanced treatment options, such as minimally invasive and robotic surgery, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy -- as well as access to clinical trials with limited availability elsewhere. The UF Health Cancer Center is a state-designated Center of Excellence, along with its partners -- the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute in Jacksonville and the Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center. For more information, visit cancer.ufl.edu, or visit Facebook and Twitter.

About Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth - the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is among the nation's leading cancer centers and South Florida's only Cancer Center of Excellence. A 2015 study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that cancer patients treated at Sylvester have a 10 percent higher chance of survival than those treated at nearly any other cancer center in the nation. With the combined strength of more than 120 cancer researchers and 130 cancer specialists, Sylvester discovers, develops and delivers more targeted therapies, providing the next generation of cancer clinical care - precision cancer medicine - to each patient. Our comprehensive diagnostics, coupled with teams of scientific and clinical experts who specialize in just one type of cancer, enable us to better understand each patient's individual cancer and develop treatments that target the cells and genes driving the cancer's growth and survival, leading to better outcomes. At Sylvester, patients have access to more treatment options and more cancer clinical trials than most hospitals in the southeastern United States. To better serve current and future patients, Sylvester has a network of conveniently located outpatient treatment facilities in Miami, Kendall, Hollywood, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs and Coral Gables. For more information, visit http://www.sylvester.org.A leading researcher at The Sainsbury Laboratory has been honoured with a prestigious international award in recognition of his innovative work on plant immunity.

Professor Cyril Zipfel, a senior group leader and the current Head of The Sainsbury Laboratory at the Norwich Research Park, UK, has been announced as the fourth recipient of the Tsuneko & Reiji Okazaki Award awarded by Nagoya University (Japan).

The award - launched in 2015 - is made each year to an early-career scientist who has made significant contributions to biology through "innovative and original approaches or transformative technologies.".

Professor Zipfel is the first plant scientist to win this award, which recognises a young scientist's "extraordinary efforts and accomplishments" and aims to encourage his or her future success.

Previous winners of the award are: Professor Feng Zhang from the Broad Institute of MIT, Professor Yukiko M. Yamashita from the University of Michigan Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Professor Maria Barna from Stanford University.

Professor Zipfel said: "I am deeply honoured - especially in the light of the amazing scientists who give their name to the award and the distinguished previous recipients. I am also very proud to be the first plant scientist to receive the award."

Professor Zipfel's ground-breaking research investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying plant immunity and how this knowledge can be used to improve disease resistance in crops.

He has been consistently listed as Highly Cited Researcher since 2014 in the field of Animal and Plant Sciences.

The Okazaki award is administered by the Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM) from Nagoya University (Japan).

It is named after Professor Tsuneko Okazaki and her husband the late Professor Reiji Okazaki who in the 1960s discovered what became known as the Okazaki fragments. These are newly-synthesised DNA pieces formed during DNA replication which were identified by the Okazaki laboratories at Nagoya University.

Professor Zipfel will deliver a lecture as part of an award ceremony in October 2018.

###

For more information on the award go to: http://www.itbm.nagoya-u.ac.jp/okazaki_award/index.htmlNew Rochelle, NY, May 1, 2018--Mayo Clinic researchers, reporting results of the SMART study, have shown that abnormal results on a stress electrocardiogram are an independent predictor of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, heart failure, hospitalization for chest pain, and death in perimenopausal or menopausal women. The study, which also demonstrated the predictive value of the blood biomarker brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), is published in Journal of Women's Health, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Journal of Women's Health website.

The article "Prognostic Utility of Stress Testing and Cardiac Biomarkers in Menopausal Women at Low to Intermediate Risk for Coronary ARTery Disease (SMART Study): 5-Year Outcomes" is coauthored by Sharon Mulvagh, MD, Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) and Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada) and colleagues from Mayo Clinic (MN and Phoenix, AZ), Memorial Hospital (Jacksonville, FL), Assiut University (Egypt), and Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova (Reggio Emilia, Italy). This prospective study evaluated the predictive value of stress testing and cardiac biomarkers over a 5-year follow-up period in women who were at low-to-intermediate risk of a cardiovascular event.

"Clinicians need effective and proven noninvasive tools to assess women of low-to-moderate risk of a cardiovascular event who present with chest pain and related symptoms," says Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Women's Health, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA, and President of the Academy of Women's Health. "In this study, Mulvagh et al. established the predictive value of stress ECG and resting BNP and emphasize the importance of future research to discover cardiac biomarkers of myocardial ischemia at earlier stages in women."

###

About the Journal

Journal of Women's Health, published monthly, is a core multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the diseases and conditions that hold greater risk for or are more prevalent among women, as well as diseases that present differently in women. Led by Editor-in-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA, and President of the Academy of Women's Health, the Journal covers the latest advances and clinical applications of new diagnostic procedures and therapeutic protocols for the prevention and management of women's healthcare issues. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Journal of Women's Health website. Journal of Women's Health is the official journal of the Academy of Women's Health and the Society for Women's Health Research.

About the Academy

Academy of Women's Health is an interdisciplinary, international association of physicians, nurses, and other health professionals who work across the broad field of women's health, providing its members with up-to-date advances and options in clinical care that will enable the best outcomes for their women patients. The Academy's focus includes the dissemination of translational research and evidence-based practices for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of women across the lifespan.

About the Publisher

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including LGBT Health, Transgender Health, Population Health Management, and Breastfeeding Medicine. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 140 Huguenot Street, New Rochelle, NY 10801 http://www.liebertpub.com

Phone: (914) 740-2100 (800) M-LIEBERT Fax (914) 740-2101New research published in Cancer Immunology Research by Drs. Esteban Celis and Hussein Sultan of the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University could serve as the stepping-stone in constructing vaccines with a greater likelihood of finding and attacking

AUGUSTA, Ga. (May 1, 2018) - New research published in Cancer Immunology Research by Drs. Esteban Celis and Hussein Sultan of the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University could serve as the stepping-stone in constructing vaccines with a greater likelihood of finding and attacking tumors in the human body.

According to Celis and Sultan, the key in this vaccine strategy is increasing the amount of time a cytokine called interleukin 2 (IL2) stays in the body. IL2 is a molecule in the immune system responsible for regulating the activity of some white blood cells known as killer T cells.

"After administering peptide-based vaccines in mouse models of cancer, we saw that sustained IL2 signaling dramatically increased the number of tumor-specific cancer-killing T cells (CD8+)," said Dr. Hussein Sultan, a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Celis, leader of the Center's Cancer Immunology, Inflammation and Tolerance Program.

During their experiments, Celis and Sultan noticed there was also an increase in the T cells' ability to resist cancer immune evasion caused by a protein called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). It is well known that the PD-L1 protein can be produced by tumor cells, allowing them to evade destruction by the killer T cells.

"Together, these results substantially improved the antitumor efficacy of peptide-based vaccines in tumor-bearing mice," Sultan said.

Celis added, "In order to be effective, IL2 needed to be administered either as a complex of IL2 and anti-IL2 antibody, or in the form of polyethylene glycol-modified IL2 (PEG-IL-2). These formulations prolonged the half-life of IL2, allowing sustained activation of the IL2 receptor on vaccine-generated T cells, allowing them to survive longer in the body and attack the tumor."

According to Celis, it is difficult for vaccines to induce antibodies against tumors because most of the tumor antigens are not foreign proteins, as is the case with viruses. On the other hand, T cells have the capacity to recognize other types of antigens.

"As we know, cancer cells are created when normal cells undergo certain mutations," Celis said. "So, they don't always look foreign to our immune system."

Both Celis and Sultan hope their observations in mouse models of cancer can find their way into clinical studies with human cancer patients.

"Working on this research project was very rewarding and exciting," Sultan said. "I want to help the scientific community discover insights on how to use the body's immune system to fight this devastating disease."

###A multidisciplinary study by Monash University Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) researchers has revealed that a lethal fungus destroys the immune cell that would ordinarily kill it by stealing its source of nutrients.

Candida albicans is a microscopic fungus commonly found in the human body but which can turn into a dangerous infection in vulnerable hospital patients. These life-threatening infections affect an estimated 400,000 people worldwide annually and have an alarming mortality rate of 40 per cent. C. albicans is one of a handful of fungal species that collectively kill at least 1.5 million people per year.

The study, led by Associate Professor Ana Traven in Monash University's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, was published today in the high-impact journal Cell Metabolism.

The sugar glucose is important for macrophages, a type of immune cell, to mount an effective attack on disease-causing microbes. As they respond to infection, macrophages undergo a metabolic shift increasing consumption of glucose, and become dependent on it. The fungus competes with the macrophages, rapidly consuming the glucose and causing the macrophages to die.

"The bug turns the immune cell's need to consume glucose against it by depleting this key nutrient, turning the metabolic change in the immune cell into its Achilles' heel," Associate Professor Traven said.

"We did a lot of experiments to prove that this was the case. Now we can see what happens at the interface of immune cells and the microbe. It's a very significant finding," she said.

Associate Professor Traven said that similar research papers looking at immune cell metabolism - a burgeoning field - predominantly studied the host's response to the microbe, not what the microbe was doing.

"That's the significance of our work - we've looked at the whole picture," Associate Professor Traven said.

She said the research was conducted in immune cells and an animal model, and that it remained to be seen how the discovery translated into human disease.

"It's a long road in understanding how you could manipulate metabolism and nutrients to try to help," she said.

Finding alternative treatment strategies was critical in the face of rising concerns over antimicrobial drug resistance, Associate Professor Traven said.

"Although we tend to underestimate their burden, estimates are that deaths from fungal infections are comparable to deaths from tuberculosis and malaria, which are well-recognised global challenges," she said.

###

Co-first authors on the study were Monash BDI's Drs Timothy Tucey and Jiyoti Verma, with Dr Thomas Naderer as co-senior author with Associate Professor Ana Traven. Dr Traude Beilharz, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Monash Bioinformatics Platform collaborated on using advanced RNA-sequencing technology to probe how the immune cell and the microbe respond to each other. The laboratories of Professor Michael Hickey from Monash University's Centre for Inflammatory Diseases and Associate Professor Rob Wheeler from the University of Maine in the US were also collaborators on this study.

This research was supported by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Read the full paper in Cell Metabolism titled Glucose homeostasis is important for immune cell viability during Candida challenge and host survival of systemic fungal infection.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.03.019

About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute

Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the newly established Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.A new CubeSat mission -- GTOSat -- will not only provide key observations of the environmentally forbidding radiation belts that encircle Earth, it will provide initial steps of a new technological vision.

This mission of firsts will serve as a pathfinder for new radiation-tolerant technologies that could help scientists realize a long-sought dream: deploying a constellation of small satellites beyond low-Earth orbit to gather simultaneous, multi-point measurements of Earth's ever-changing magnetosphere, which protects the planet from the constant assault of charged particles streaming off the Sun.

Furthermore, it will be the first CubeSat to operate in geostationary transfer orbit, or GTO -- from which it derives its name -- and the first to use the latest, more robust version of the NASA-developed Dellingr spacecraft bus -- the Dellingr-X.

NASA HTIDeS Awards GTOSat and Others

"Third time's a charm," said Larry Kepko, a scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. He had tried before to secure funding under the agency's Heliophysics Technology and Instrument Development for Science, or HTIDeS, program to build and launch the mission. In addition to GTOSat, the HTIDeS program awarded funding to four other CubeSat missions, 13 sounding-rocket and balloon investigations, and 12 instrument-development efforts.

Expected to launch in early 2021, the $4.5-million GTOSat will gather measurements from a highly elliptical Earth orbit that is a standard transfer orbit for communications satellites operating in geostationary orbit about 22,000 miles from Earth. From that location, GTOSat will use its two onboard instruments to measure high-energy particles that likely originate from solar wind and cosmic rays.

These particles gyrate, bounce, and drift through two concentric, donut-shaped rings called the Van Allen belts, sometimes shooting down to Earth's atmosphere or escaping into space. Named for James Van Allen, their discoverer, these radiation belts are located in the inner region of Earth's magnetic environment, the magnetosphere. There they swell and shrink over time as part of a much larger space-weather system that can disrupt satellites and GPS communications, threaten the health and safety of astronauts working in low-Earth orbit, or even -- when extreme -- interfere with the power grid.

"These energetic particles can damage spacecraft and pose significant risks to astronaut health," said GTOSat Principal Investigator Lauren Blum, a Goddard scientist who submitted the winning proposal. "This region of space isn't just scientifically interesting. It directly affects us here on Earth."

Currently, NASA's Van Allen Probes, the second mission of NASA's Living With a Star program, are providing unprecedented insight into the physical dynamics of the radiation belts. However, the two probes, which launched in 2012, are running out of fuel and are expected to retire in a couple years. GTOSat will provide new data after the Van Allen Probes mission is over, Blum said.

Dellingr-X Offers Solution

To continue gathering measurements of the Van Allen belts, however, the GTOSat team needed to assure that the spacecraft bus and its instruments could withstand the hostile environment that larger, more traditional spacecraft -- like the Van Allen probes -- are built to tolerate. A successful CubeSat mission demanded that its hardware and software were prepared to tolerate the onslaught of charged particles, which can destroy electronics and ultimately end missions, Blum said, adding that to date most CubeSat missions operate far below the altitude of the Van Allen belts.

The Dellingr-X spacecraft offered the perfect solution.

A follow-on to the original shoebox-sized Dellingr that engineers specifically designed to be less expensive, more reliable than most CubeSat spacecraft, and capable of executing NASA-class science, Dellingr-X adds a new level of capability.

Dellingr-X's all-important command and data handling and electrical power systems will be radiation tolerant; in other words, they will be able to withstand high-energy particle hits that sometimes cause electronic systems to latch-up and draw too much current.

Both technologies were developed under the Goddard Modular SmallSat Architecture, or GMSA, program, which the center initiated to create overarching system designs and technologies to dramatically reduce mission risks without significantly increasing the cost of smaller platforms.

Future Missions to Benefit

Enabling GTOSat isn't the only benefit of these new GMSA technologies, Kepko said.

NASA is studying a couple constellation-type missions that might employ as many as 36 SmallSats -- spacecraft larger than CubeSats but smaller and less expensive than more traditional satellites -- in multiple locations within the magnetosphere that encompasses the Van Allen belts. Dellingr spacecraft wouldn't be appropriate for these types of missions due to their small size, but a GMSA-based SmallSat weighing between 110-220 pounds would be, he said.

As a pathfinding mission, the relatively inexpensive GTOSat will demonstrate these new technologies and give them flight heritage, he added. "This paves the way and opens the door to eventually flying multiple satellites in a SmallSat constellation beyond low-Earth orbit -- something I've waited my entire career to happen but hasn't because it's prohibitively expensive to build and fly multiple, more traditional spacecraft."

###A new study published in JMIR Medical Informatics describes how a "smart home" prototype may help people with dementia dress themselves through automated assistance, enabling them to maintain independence and dignity and providing their caregivers with a much-needed respite.

People with dementia or other cognitive disorders have difficulty with everyday activities - such as bathing, dressing, eating, and cleaning - which in turn makes them increasingly dependent on caregivers. Dressing is one of the most common and stressful activities for both people with dementia and their caregivers because of the complexity of the task and lack of privacy. Research shows that adult children find it particularly challenging to help dress their parents, especially for opposite genders.

Researchers at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, Arizona State University, and MGH Institute of Health Professions are applying "smart home" concepts to use technology to address the challenges of dressing people with dementia. Using input from caregiver focus groups, they developed an intelligent dressing system named DRESS, which integrates automated tracking and recognition with guided assistance with the goal of helping a person with dementia get dressed without a caregiver in the room.

The DRESS prototype uses a combination of sensors and image recognition to track progress during the dressing process using barcodes on clothing to identify the type, location, and orientation of a piece of clothing. A five-drawer dresser - topped with a tablet, camera, and motion sensor - is organized with one piece of clothing per drawer in an order that follows an individual's dressing preferences. A skin conductance sensor worn as a bracelet monitors a person's stress levels and related frustration.

The caregiver initiates the DRESS system (and then monitors progress) from an app. The person with dementia receives an audio prompt recorded in the caregiver's voice to open the top drawer, which simultaneously lights up. The clothing in the drawers contains barcodes that are detected by the camera. If an item of clothing is put on correctly, the DRESS system prompts the person to move to the next step; if it detects an error or lack of activity, audio prompts are used for correction and encouragement. If it detects ongoing issues or an increase in stress levels, the system can alert a caregiver that help is needed.

"Our goal is to provide assistance for people with dementia to help them age in place more gracefully, while ideally giving the caregiver a break as the person dresses - with the assurance that the system will alert them when the dressing process is completed or prompt them if intervention is needed," said Winslow Burleson, PhD, associate professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, director of the NYU-X Lab, and the study's lead author.

"The intent of the DRESS prototype is to integrate typical routines and humanized interactions, promote normalcy and safety, and allow for customization to guide people with dementia through the dressing process."

In preparation for in-home studies, the study published in JMIR Medical Informatics tested the ability of the DRESS prototype to accurately detect proper dressing. Eleven healthy participants simulated common scenarios for getting dressed, ranging from normal dressing to donning a shirt inside out or backwards or partial dressing - typical issues that challenge a person with dementia and their caregivers.

The study showed that the DRESS prototype could detect clothing orientation and position as well as infer one's current state of dressing using its combination of sensors and software. In initial phases of donning either shirts or pants, the DRESS prototype accurately detected participants' clothing 384 of 388 times. However, the prototype was not able to consistently identify when one completed putting on an item of clothing, missing these final cues in 10 of 22 cases for shirts and 5 of 22 cases for pants.

Based on their findings, the researchers saw opportunities to improve the prototype's reliability, including increasing the size of the barcodes, minimizing the folding of garments to prevent barcodes from being blocked, and optimal positioning of participants with respect to the DRESS prototype.

"With improvements identified by this study, the DRESS prototype has the potential to provide automated dressing support to assist people with dementia in maintaining their independence and privacy, while alleviating the burden on caregivers," said Burleson, who is also affiliated with NYU's Tandon School of Engineering, Steinhardt School, Courant Institute, and College of Global Public Health.

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In addition to Burleson, study authors include Diane Mahoney of MGH Institute of Health Professions and Cecil Lozano, Vijay Ravishankar, and Jisoo Lee of Arizona State University. The research was supported by the National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health (R21NR013471).

About the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is a global leader in nursing education, research, and practice. It offers a bachelor of science with a major in nursing, a master of science, post-master's certificate programs, a doctor of nursing practice degree, and a doctor of philosophy in research theory and development.A team of physicists has uncovered properties of a category of magnetic waves relevant to the development of neuromorphic computing--an artificial intelligence system that seeks to mimic human-brain function.

"As we continue to pioneer novel computing paradigms, understanding the characteristics and promise of their building blocks is essential," explains Andrew Kent, a physicist at New York University who led the research team. "Our findings reveal how one of these components act, which is the next step in helping realize their potential."

The research, which appears in the journal Scientific Reports, also included scientists from the University of Barcelona and the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona. Its lead authors were Jinting Hang, an NYU physics graduate student, and Christian Hahn, an NYU postdoctoral fellow who presently works at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany.

Kent and his colleagues previously imaged magnetic solitons, a then-undetected magnetic wave, which offer the possibility to serve as an energy-efficient means to transfer data in consumer electronics.

Solitons, or solitary waves, were theorized to occur in magnets in the 1970s. They form because of a delicate balance of magnetic forces--much like water waves can form a tsunami. These magnetic waves can potentially be harnessed to transmit data in magnetic circuits in a way that is far more energy efficient than current methods that involve moving electrical charge.

In the Scientific Reports study, the scientists examined a specific type of soliton--a magnetic droplet, which is dynamic; the magnetic waves that make up this kind of soliton oscillate rapidly.

In their work, the researchers unearthed some of these droplet solitons' functionality--specifically, how far or long solitons can propagate without dissipating and how long they take to form.

"This category of solitons may be important to the development of brain-inspired computing systems," explains Kent. "For example, they function as oscillators with a memory and thus mimic some characteristics of neurons."

A video of this process may be viewed here. It shows a magnetic droplet orbiting an electrical contact to a thin magnetic layer. The perimeter of the contact is shown by the blue circle. The magnetic moments in the droplet oscillate very rapidly compared to the time it takes for the droplet to complete an orbit. Like water drops, a magnetic droplet will evaporate, or disappear, when no longer sustained by an electrical current.

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The work was supported by a grant from National Science Foundation (DMR-1610416).COLUMBUS, Ohio - When you're waiting in a busy restaurant or doctor's office, it may matter whether the tables, light fixtures and other objects are round or square.

In a laboratory study, researchers found the shape of physical objects in a service business affected customer satisfaction, depending on how crowded the business was in the experimental scenarios.

Angular shapes suggested competence to customers, which increased their level of satisfaction when the business was busy. In contrast, circles suggested friendliness and warmth to customers, which increased their satisfaction when the business was not crowded.

"Just manipulating this subtle environmental cue had an influence on customer satisfaction in our study," said Stephanie Liu, lead author of the research and assistant professor of consumer sciences at The Ohio State University.

The findings may seem odd, but the effect of shapes on people has long been studied in fields such as psychology, marketing and architecture, said Vanja Bogicevic, co-author of the study and a doctoral student in consumer sciences at Ohio State.

"For example, circles and angles are used in very deliberate ways in urban design to convey meaning," said Bogicevic, who is a former architect.

Circles are a signal of warmth due to their resemblance to the sun, and suggest harmony and friendliness. Hard angles are generally found in human-made objects - think street grids in cities - and so have an association with competence, toughness and strength.

This is the first time researchers have explored the impact of circular and angular shapes on consumer response in the service industry, according to Liu.

The study appears online in the Journal of Business Research and will be published in the August 2018 print edition. Liu and Bogicevic conducted the study with Anna Mattila, a professor at Pennsylvania State University.

The researchers did two related studies.

The first study involved 166 adults who participated online. They were given a scenario in which they imagined themselves eating at a restaurant named Tarragon with a friend. Half the people were shown pictures around the restaurant in which the restaurant logo, ceiling lights, a flower vase, candles, wall paintings and tables all had rounded shapes. The other half saw the same objects, but they all had straight lines and sharp corners.

Some participants were told there were no customers in the waiting area, while others were told it was crowded.

The rest of the scenario was the same for all participants and described a pleasant meal with good food and fast service.

After reading the scenario, all participants were asked how they thought they would rate their server in terms of warmth and friendliness and in terms of competence.

Participants were then asked several questions in which they rated how satisfied they thought they would be in this scenario and how likely they would be to recommend this restaurant to others and to visit again.

Remember, the only way the scenarios differed for study participants was how crowded the restaurant was, and the shape of the physical objects in the space.

But those two factors interacted in a way that had a significant effect on how they rated their satisfaction with and loyalty to the restaurant, Liu said.

When the restaurant was not busy, participants who saw the environment with the rounded edges reported higher levels of satisfaction and loyalty. But when the restaurant was busy, the angular environment led to more satisfaction and loyalty.

Why was that? When the restaurant was not busy, the circular shapes focused customers' attention on the warmth and friendliness of their server, which then led to more satisfaction, Liu said.

But when the restaurant was busy, it was the angular shapes that were more likely to prompt participants to rate their server as competent, which led to higher levels of satisfaction.

"We used shapes to influence perceptions about the employees' behavior," Liu said. "The shapes helped determine what the participants focused on."

A second study replicated the results with a different group of participants - 245 university faculty, staff and students - and a different scenario, this being a visit to a health care facility to be treated for an illness.

The results were the same as the first study, Liu said.

These findings fit neatly into the growing body of research on sensory marketing, which examines how things like color, touch and smell all influence consumer perceptions, attitude and behavior.

"The effect of shape on consumers is a new direction for sensory marketing," Bogicevic said.

Liu said the study suggests one way that service businesses can provide fast service to many customers while still maintaining customer satisfaction.

"The physical environment of service businesses can be designed in such a way as to maximize customer satisfaction. Shapes are an important part of that," Liu said.

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Contact: Stephanie Liu, 614-292-7184; Liu.6225@osu.edu

Vanja Bogicevic, Bogicevic.1@osu.edu

Written by Jeff Grabmeier, 614-292-8457; Grabmeier.1@osu.eduThe Trump Administration's proposal to slash funding to fight global health threats like malaria, Ebola, and HIV/AIDS could cost states thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic investment and put the health of residents at risk, according to a new state-by-state analysis released today on Capitol Hill by the Global Health Technologies Coalition (GHTC). This first-of-its-kind analysis quantifies how federal funding to create vaccines and treatments to combat deadly global diseases also benefits American states.

"While the Administration claims cuts to global health research are putting America first, the data suggest otherwise," said GHTC Director Jamie Bay Nishi. "US funding for global health research is not only saving lives worldwide, it's also paying significant economic and health dividends across American states."

According to the analysis, US investments in global health research and development (R&D) from 2007 to 2015 generated considerable economic benefits for individual states--creating jobs and injecting millions of dollars into local economies. For example, in Maryland alone, US-funded global health research contributed US$2.5 billion to the state's economy and created more than 30,700 jobs for its residents. Similarly, Georgia has these investments to thank for 5,800 local jobs and $349 million to its economy.

The analysis also underscores the dangers of ignoring neglected diseases in an increasingly interconnected world by enumerating how these diseases--assumed by many to only afflict the world's poorest--also affect individuals across every state. The state-by-state analysis includes data on well-known diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and Zika; but also lesser-known threats like dengue and chikungunya, which many do not realize have been locally transmitted in the United States. For example, Florida has seen 779 cases of dengue since 2010, including a local outbreak in 2009-2010 that sickened 88 people, as well as 1,216 cases of Zika since 2015, including 220 cases from local mosquito transmission.

In addition to reporting the overall economic impact to each state of federal funding for global health R&D, the new analysis also documents how local universities and research institutions are benefiting from these investments and identifies private-sector companies within each state that are working to advance new innovations to combat long-standing and emerging global health challenges.

Global and national benefits of global health R&D

This state-by-state analysis builds upon a report released last year by GHTC and the health-oriented think tank, Policy Cures Research. The report, Return on innovation: Why global health R&D is a smart investment for the United States, examined the national and global impact of US spending on global health R&D. It found that from 2007 to 2015 alone, $14 billion in US government investments in global health innovations contributed to the advancement of numerous new technologies to combat dangerous global diseases, while also creating 200,000 new American jobs and generating $33 billion in US economic growth.

The Return on innovation report revealed that while this spending may be directed at solving global health challenges, most of the money--89 cents of every dollar--stays in the United States, funding researchers and stimulating industry investments.

Public funding for global health R&D under increased threat

Despite the increase of health threats and the strong returns both at home and abroad from these investments, US government spending for global health R&D has been unreliable. According to the G-FINDER report, which tracks global funding for R&D for neglected diseases, outside the emergency allocation for the Ebola response, US public investment has been on the decline since 2012. While 2016 saw a modest uptick, investment remained $178 million below 2012 levels. Now, President Trump is proposing further deep cuts across the government's global health and medical research portfolio for fiscal year (FY) 2019 and exploring ways to roll back prior years' spending through presidential rescissions, which could target these same programs, though details remain unclear.

Specifically, in its FY19 budget proposal, the Administration has called for a 36 percent cut, over FY18 enacted levels, to global health programs at the US Agency for International Development, which fund vital research to develop new health innovations for vulnerable communities worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control could see a 17 percent cut to the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, which develops tools to detect and fight deadly diseases abroad before they reach American shores, as well as a 16 percent cut in funding for its global health programs responsible for conducting critical disease surveillance and immunization activities. The budget also includes a 9 percent decrease to the National Institutes of Health's National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which funds important research on infectious disease threats like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Zika.

"We hope Congressional policymakers will see the wisdom to reject these dangerous cuts," said Nishi. "Slashing funding for global health research will not only mark a retreat from America's humanitarian and moral leadership in the world; it will also put the health of US citizens at risk and harm the economies of states."

Top 10 states benefiting from global health R&D investments

Based on federal funding for global health R&D invested in state from 2007 to 2015 and jobs created as a result.

Maryland: $2.5 billion | 30,700+ jobs

New York: $916 million | 9,600+ jobs

California: $876.4 million | 11,800+ jobs

Virginia: $874.5 million | 9,700+ jobs

Washington: $783.9 million | 9,700+ jobs

Massachusetts: $731.1 million | 8,400+ jobs

North Carolina: $410 million| 5,900+ jobs

Pennsylvania: $352.8 million | 4,300+ jobs

Georgia: $349.1 million | 5,800+ jobs

Texas: $201.6 million | 3,100+ jobs

View data for all states on GHTC's online data tool: http://www.ghtcoalition.org/in-your-state

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About the Global Health Technologies Coalition

The Global Health Technologies Coalition (GHTC) works to save and improve lives by encouraging the research and development of essential health technologies. We bring together 30 nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and aligned businesses to advance policies to accelerate the creation of new drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and other tools that bring healthy lives within reach for all people. Learn more at http://www.ghtcoalition.org.It is well known that certain wasps suppress the immune systems of their caterpillar hosts so they can successfully raise their young within those hosts. Now researchers at Penn State show that, in addition to suppressing caterpillar immune systems, wasps also suppress the defense mechanisms of the plants on which the caterpillars feed, which ensures that the caterpillars will continue to provide a suitable environment for the wasps' offspring.

According to Gary Felton, professor and head of entomology, a type of virus, called a polydnavirus, resides within the ovaries of the female wasps and, when injected into caterpillar hosts, is responsible for suppressing both the caterpillar immune response and the plant defense mechanism.

"We found that not only do polydnaviruses suppress the immune systems of the caterpillars, but they also attenuate the defense responses of the caterpillars' host plant," said Felton. "The polydnavirus suppresses glucose oxidase in the saliva of caterpillars, which normally elicits plant defenses. Suppressing plant defenses in this way benefits the wasp and the virus by improving the wasp's development and survival within the caterpillar."

The team -- which included Ching-Wen Tan, doctoral student in entomology -- placed parasitized and non-parasitized caterpillars onto tomato plants. After allowing the caterpillars to feed on the plants for 10 hours, the researchers harvested the remaining leaves and examined them for enzyme and gene expression activity associated with a defense response.

"Using molecular and biochemical techniques, we found that parasitized caterpillars induced significantly lower enzyme activity and defense-gene expression among the tomato plants than the non-parasitized caterpillars," said Tan. "We also determined that the caterpillar's saliva, which was reduced in glucose oxidase by the polydnavirus, was responsible for inducing these lower defense responses in the plants."

The results appear online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

According to Felton, the team's results support the findings of another study by Feng Zhu of Wageningen University in The Netherlands and colleagues that appeared in the same issue of PNAS.

"That study also shows that the polydnavirus of a parasitoid-caterpillar system -- a different system from ours -- has a similar ability to influence host plant immunity," said Felton. "In nature, a significant percentage of caterpillars are parasitized by wasps. In addition, tens of thousands of wasp species harbor polydnaviruses. As a result, there is strong potential for our results and the results of the Feng Zhu team to be very common among many plant-herbivore interactions."

Tan adds that the results of the two studies suggest that the interaction between plants and their natural enemies is much more complex than previously thought.

"Our study demonstrates the important role that microorganisms play in plant-insect interactions," she said. "The ability of polydnaviruses, which possess less than a couple of hundred genes, to so dramatically affect wasps, caterpillars and plants is remarkable."

The Penn State team plans to examine whether other parasitic wasps and viruses that can parasitize a much broader range of caterpillar species also can suppress plant defenses in a similar capacity.

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Other authors on the paper include Michelle Peiffer, research support assistant in entomology; Kelli Hoover, professor of entomology; Cristina Rosa, assistant professor of plant pathology and environmental microbiology; and Flor Acevedo, Ph.D. student in entomology.

The National Science Foundation supported this research.New research shows small, New World monkeys called marmosets may be an important animal model for emerging viruses with the potential for harmful effects on fetuses. Establishing animal models for emerging diseases, like Zika, is necessary for the development of vaccines, therapies and diagnostics. Results of a study published in the journal Scientific Reports (Nature.com) showed pregnant marmosets inoculated with the Zika virus at a specific point during the first half of their pregnancy spontaneously aborted the fetuses at almost exactly the same time - about two weeks after the infection. In addition, histology on the fetuses showed neurological abnormalities.

"There is strong interest in the scientific community in developing animal models to understand Zika virus with the goal of developing vaccines and therapies," said lead author Suzette Tardif, Ph.D., a Scientist at Texas Biomedical Research Institute and Associate Director of Research at the Southwest National Primate Research Center. "We believe marmosets may be an especially relevant model for effects on infection in pregnancy."

While a number of different animals are being studied as possible models for investigations of the Zika virus, including macaques and baboons, this is one of several studies that showed marmosets may be especially sensitive to the infection.

"It's early days, but the results are encouraging," Tardif added.

Collaborators in the study included virologists, microbiologists, primatologists and OB/GYNs from Texas Biomed, the University of California at San Francisco, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and University of Illinois at Chicago.

After the initial outbreak of Zika in Brazil that caused a large number of babies to be born with severe brain abnormalities, scientists who capture marmosets in the wild found they had antibodies to Zika, indicating the monkeys do get infected with the mosquito-borne illness. A study published by Texas Biomed and UCSF scientists in 2017 found male marmosets mimic human disease when infected with the Zika virus, with the infection found to linger in saliva and semen.

"We have a theory that the placenta may be a reservoir for the Zika virus which would explain why there's so much of it because we find a huge number of infected cells there," said Jean Patterson, Ph.D., Texas Biomed Scientist in the Department of Virology & Immunology and senior author of the study.

With her research partners, Patterson is proposing further studies on the impact of West Nile and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in pregnant marmosets. The idea is that these animals could serve as an effective model for pinpointing whether emerging viruses cause fetal development problems during pregnancy.

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The Southwest National Primate Research Center at Texas Biomed houses a colony of 300 marmosets. This study was funded by the generosity of many donors and the Southwest National Primate Research Center P51 National Institutes of Health grant #P51 OD011133.

Texas Biomed is one of the world's leading independent biomedical research institutions dedicated to advancing health worldwide through innovative biomedical research. Texas Biomed partners with hundreds of researchers and institutions around the world to develop diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines against pathogens causing AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, hemorrhagic fevers and parasitic diseases responsible for malaria and schistosomiasis. The Institute also has programs in the genetics of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, psychiatric disorders and other diseases. For more information on Texas Biomed, go to http://www.TxBiomed.org.Palliative care provided by specialist medical and nursing teams to patients with complex health needs significantly improves their experience of care, new research from Trinity College Dublin shows.

Palliative care teams provide expert pain and symptom management guidance to patients in the treatment of serious illness. They also provide care options before and after discharge and help patients and their families make the best decisions in relation to their needs.

The study that has just been published in JAMA Internal Medicine, estimated the effect of palliative care on 133,188 adults admitted to hospital in the United States. It was conducted in collaboration with the National Palliative Care Research Center at Mount Sinai Medical School in New York, and the Palliative Care Economics (PaCE) research group at Trinity's Centre for Health Policy and Management.

The researchers found that not only is palliative care associated with a shorter hospital stay and lower costs, but that this effect is greatest for those with the most complex health needs often for whom the highest costs are associated with their care. This is the first study to show this association. It follows multiple similar studies that found high-cost, poor value treatment patterns to be unavoidable among the sickest patients.

"People with serious and complex medical illness are a priority worldwide, due to the challenges in providing them with the best care, but also as they account heavily for health care spending yet experience poor outcomes," says the study's lead author Dr Peter May, Research Fellow in Health Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

"The news that palliative care can significantly improve patient experience by reducing unnecessary procedures and expediting discharge is highly encouraging. It suggests that, through improved decision-making and communication, we can improve outcomes and curb costs even for those with advanced illness."

Eighty per cent of deaths in Ireland occur with serious chronic disease, and Ireland has the fastest growing palliative care needs in Europe due to increasing numbers of death from cancer and neurodegenerative conditions including dementia. International evidence suggests that people with serious chronic illness account for 50% of health care spending while constituting only 15% of the population, but that this expenditure yields poor value with patients and their families experiencing unmet symptom burden, high stress and poor quality of life, as well as lost earnings and severe financial pressures.

Senior author Professor Charles Normand said, "Although this study was conducted in the United States, its results should be of significant interest in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe.

"While some factors such as access and incentives may be context-specific, other challenges such as appropriate decision-making for people with complex illness in acute settings are universal. Our results point to possible mechanisms to improving this decision-making."

###The All of Us Research Program opens for national enrollment Sunday, May 6. Led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), All of Us is an unprecedented effort to gather genetic, biological, environmental, health and lifestyle data from 1 million or more volunteer participants living in the United States. A major component of the federal Precision Medicine Initiative, the program's ultimate goal is to accelerate research and improve health.

"The diversity expected among California's participants in the All of Us Research Program will be an important part of the scientific journey to discover how people's personal characteristics, including genetics, behaviors and their physical environment, affect individual health," said Hoda Anton-Culver, PhD, co-leader of the California Precision Medicine Consortium, principal investigator of the All of Us Research Program at UCI School of Medicine and director of the UCI Genetic Epidemiology Research Institute. "We look forward to advancing the future of health with our many participants."

Unlike research studies that are focused on a specific disease or population, All of Us will serve as a national research resource to inform thousands of studies, covering a wide variety of health conditions. Researchers will be able to access data from the program to learn more about how individual differences in lifestyle, environment and biological makeup can influence health and disease. Participants will be able to access their own health information, summary data about the entire participant community and information about studies and findings that come from All of Us.

In California, the All of Us Research Program is being implemented by the California Precision Medicine Consortium, which is co-led by Anton-Culver and Lucila Ohno-Machado, MD, PhD, at UC San Diego Health and also includes UC Davis, UC San Francisco, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the San Diego Blood Bank. In San Diego, San Ysidro Health is also enrolling participants, and the Scripps Translational Science Institute at The Scripps Research Institute is working with corporate partners to enroll participants nationwide.

Congress has authorized $1.5 billion over 10 years for All of Us. More than 25,000 people nationwide have already joined the program as part of a yearlong beta testing phase that helped shape the participant experience.

"The time is now to transform how we conduct research -- with participants as partners -- to shed new light on how to stay healthy and manage disease in more personalized ways. This is what we can accomplish through All of Us," said NIH Director Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD.

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How to Participate

To learn more about the All of Us Research Program and how to join, please visit JoinAllofUs.org

Participants are asked to share different types of health and lifestyle information, including through online surveys and electronic health records, which will continue to be collected over the course of the program.

At different times over the coming months and years, participants may be asked to share physical measurements and provide blood and urine samples.

To sign up at UCI, please enroll here: https://www.joinallofus.org/en/get-started-step1

For participant questions, please call 949-824-0281or email allofus@uci.edu

To ensure that the program gathers information from all types of people, especially those who have been underrepresented in research, not everyone will be asked to give physical measures and samples. In the future, participants may be invited to share data through wearable devices and to join follow-up research studies, including clinical trials. Also in future phases of the program, children will be able to enroll, and the program will add more data types, such as genetic data.

Data from the program will be broadly accessible for research purposes. Ultimately, the All of Us Research program will be a rich and open data resource for traditional academic researchers as well as citizen scientists -- and everyone in between.

"All of Us" is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit http://www.uci.edu.Platinum Informatics is a new spin-out company providing state of the art software solutions for the management, visualisation and analysis of large and complex data sets in a wide range of laboratory and industrial environments. The company is commercialising software developed for more than ten years within the University of Dundee by Professor Angus Lamond's team in the School of Life Sciences.

Platinum Informatics has built upon software created for the analysis of biological big data, generated in Professor Lamond's world-leading Laboratory for Quantitative Proteomics. The software was originally created, with funding provided by the Wellcome Trust, to support the analysis of human disease mechanisms.

Platinum Informatics will be developing new software products with additional funding provided by a recent SMART:SCOTLAND feasibility grant from Scottish Enterprise.

Platinum Informatics use the cloud to deliver their software to customers around the world.

Professor Lamond, co-founder of Platinum Informatics, said, "I am delighted that we have now been able to translate the innovative software we have spent over ten years creating for our academic research to generate tools that help solve the many challenges created by the growth of big data in research, industry and healthcare. Our software can now be used by customers around the world to make it easier to manage and analyse large and complex data sets. This demonstrates the real commercial value and impact of the world leading research being conducted by scientists at the University of Dundee."

Rob Kent, Head of Software Engineering and co-founder of Platinum Informatics, said, "I am excited by this opportunity for our new software to revolutionise the way we interact with big data in the 21st century. We believe that Platinum Informatics can provide the tools that will deliver major impact across industry, healthcare and academia".

Professor John Rowan, Vice-Principal (Research, Knowledge Exchange & Wider Impact) of the University, said, "The work of Professor Lamond and colleagues has been established as world-leading for many years, and the launch of this new company builds on that extremely strong base.

"We are always looking to see how the knowledge generated at the University can be applied to create wider economic benefit and jobs, so it is hugely encouraging to see an innovative new company like Platinum Informatics being formed."

Dr Wendy Hanson, of Scottish Enterprise's Innovation and Enterprise Services team, said, "Platinum Informatics is a fantastic example of a young innovative spin-out company with global growth ambition. We know that companies that put innovation at the heart of their business grow their sales twice as fast as those that don't, and that they're more likely to export, have higher levels of productivity and be more attractive to investors. These are crucial competitive advantages, not just for Platinum Informatics, but for the long-term success of the Scottish economy."

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Much of the work of Professor Lamond's lab over the past decade has been funded by the Wellcome Trust.

For more on Platinum Informatics see http://www.pt-informatics.comFUELLED by the growth in global communications and connectivity, the public relations industry has grown massively. Now, the challenge is to ensure that professionalism is raised and sustained around the world. Research led by experts at the University of Huddersfield's Business School shows how this can be done, and its findings - including a specially-developed software package - have been featured at a major international conference.

In 2014, The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management - a confederation of the world's major PR and communication management associations and institutions - set out its aim to create a global "capability framework" for the profession. Two years were spent researching all available frameworks and background literature and then the Global Alliance was ready to take the step to develop its own.

In 2016, the Global Capability Framework project began, and the University of Huddersfield's Professor of Corporate Communication, Anne Gregory, an ex-chair of the Global Alliance, became director of the project, with substantial backing from the University's own research fund.

Dr Johanna Fawkes - a leading academic in the PR field - was appointed Principal Investigator and academic partners at universities in eight overseas countries were recruited to ensure the internationalism of the research.

The Global Capability Framework has now been unveiled at the Global Alliance's 2018 Conference in Oslo. In addition to a report and presentations about the Project, there were also demonstrations of a software package that was developed in tandem with a start-up company formed by a team of talented University of Huddersfield students.

The package is an online assessment tool developed for use by individual PR practitioners, team leaders and employers so that they can identify the capabilities they would like to develop. Once they have discovered skills gaps that they need to fill, they are directed to the relevant online resources, such as the hundreds of tutorials available from the UK's Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Dr Fawkes - whose previous academic appointment was in Australia - believes the worldwide growth of PR means the project is especially important.

"There isn't an organisation or any country in the world that doesn't have some communication function," she said. "Growing global connectivity means that every organisation and some individuals need to have a voice in this very loud market place and there is no doubt that it has grown as a sector in terms of recruitment and its economic contribution."

But this growth is not an "unmixed blessing", added Dr Fawkes, who has a research background in PR ethics. She acknowledges that the challenge of securing attention in an increasingly competitive environment can mean that standards slip.

"If PR is to achieve its potential, it has to have an ethical foundation," she said. "The Global Capability Framework will help to ensure this if its standards are taken on board. The role of the professional associations who have supported our work globally is crucial."

The detailed report issued by Professor Gregory, Dr Fawkes and their colleagues includes the conclusion that a widely shared set of public relations and communication capabilities helps define the profession globally and that professional bodies. They have found that large employers are enthusiastic about using the new framework for training and education, plus individual and team management.

The current chair of the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management, Jose Manuel Velasco Guardado, describes the Framework is "one of the most significant projects that we have ever initiated".

"It is literally a game changer for the profession. We are grateful to Professor Gregory, Dr Fawkes and the global team for making such a seminal contribution."

###

* When the research project based at the University of Huddersfield's Business School sought developers for the software that would be part of the Global Capability Framework, they looked no further than the University's Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre, where students Jonathan Langley, Peter Waugh and Edward Andrew had formed the software development business Torchbearer Interactive during an Enterprise Placement Year. Although the main focus is on games development, the Torchbearer team worked closely with Professor Gregory and Dr Fawkes on creating the online assessment tool.David Hullender, a longtime UTA professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has been named a 2018 Piper Professor by the San Antonio-based Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation.

"I'm honored and humbled to receive this award," said Hullender, who started at The University of Texas at Arlington in 1970. "It's never seemed like a job. I enjoy teaching students and often I learn from them as well."

Hullender almost never ended up at UTA.

"Carl Files, the mechanical engineering chair at the time had come up to MIT," Hullender said of the top-notch university where he had earned his doctorate. "He wanted someone from MIT to teach at UTA and I told him that I'd never set foot on a college campus again." Hullender's first job was at General Dynamics, the Fort Worth manufacturing facility that is now Lockheed Martin. Files continued his efforts to recruit Hullender to teach at UTA.

"He convinced me to teach one night class and I guess it took," Hullender said. "I was already teaching somewhat at General Dynamics. There were engineers there who were not familiar with some of the latest computer technology. I was using information I learned in college and passing that on to engineers I worked with. I thought why not give teaching a try."

The Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation awards the Piper Professors, names Piper Scholars for scholarships and dispenses student loans. The award, established in 1958 to recognize outstanding college professors across Texas, is made annually to 15 educators to honor their dedication to teaching and for their outstanding academic achievement. Hullender is the 11th UTA professor to be named a Piper Professor.

Each award includes a certificate of merit, a gold pin and an honorarium of $5,000. An impartial selection committee takes nominees from two- and four-year institutions across the state.

Erian Armanios, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, said Hullender's 2018 Piper Professor naming is an acknowledgment of the transformative power of caring, motivating and inspiring the lives of generations of students for 48 years and counting.

"Instilling self-confidence to be a life-long learner starting in the classroom, is Professor Hullender's mantra as teacher and mentor," Armanios said. "To quote one of his former students: Dr. Hullender's teaching is a life experience both through in depth view of the course material and real engineering problems."

The accolades from former students are many and include one from Gary Greene, president and CEO of Fort Worth's Cugar Machine Co. "I was equipped with the necessary tools to handle a broad range of skills including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems and designs," Greene said in a recommendation letter. "You had a positive and logical approach for every problem one might be faced with."

Greene also praised Hullender's positive approach to not only engineering challenges and applying what he learned from the professor. "Utilizing your well-organized straightforward, positive approach, I have used these same basic principles you shared with me to reach out to others with a positive, simplified solution to solve most any problem they're faced with," Greene said in the letter.

Aaron Davenport, another of Hullender's past students, said his former instructor was always approachable and fair. He said one of Hullender's strengths was teaching problem-solving instead of formula memorization.

"Since problem solving was stressed instead of the formula or solution, my understanding and knowledge has stuck," Davenport said in his recommendation letter. "I feel confident that what I learned in Dr. Hullender's class, because of the way he presented the material, will be used throughout my career."

###

Hullender received the 2014 Most Valuable Faculty award sponsored by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He also received the 2008 Lockheed Martin Excellence in Teaching Award, the 1983 Outstanding Teacher in the college of Engineering and the 1972 Young Engineer of the Year sponsored by the Fort Worth Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.

Hullender earned his doctorate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Oklahoma State University.A $US3.6 million grant from global charity the Wellcome Trust will accelerate the search for much-needed new medicines for malaria, a disease that kills almost half a million people worldwide each year, especially young children and pregnant women.

The funding grant will support a collaborative team of researchers from Australia's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and biopharmaceutical company Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA, known as MSD in Australia, to identify and investigate 'drug-like' molecules for treating malaria.

The new treatments will be targeted at the deadliest forms of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax.

----The search for new antimalarial drugs---

Half of the world's population was at risk of contracting malaria, said Professor Alan Cowman, who is leading the research project at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute with Associate Professor Justin Boddey and Dr Brad Sleebs.

"Current strategies to control, and possibly eliminate, malaria rely on effective treatments. However in the past three decades we have seen the emergence of parasite strains that are resistant to commonly used drugs," Professor Cowman said.

Professor Cowman said the team had already discovered drug-like molecules, created by MSD, that prevented P. falciparum parasites growing in red blood cells.

"The Wellcome Trust support will allow us to modify these molecules to increase their potency and selectivity against the parasite and test them against all parasite lifecycle stages. In two years we aim to generate new compounds that have appropriate properties that will allow them to undergo preclinical and clinical testing as potential new antimalarial drugs," he said.

Dr Sleebs said the candidate antimalarial molecules would be further evaluated for safety and efficacy in preclinical models. "An important part of the project is that we will look ahead and try to understand how difficult it will be for the parasite to develop resistance to the candidate drugs, and why resistance develops. In the past we've seen resistance to some anti-malarial drugs emerge in less than a decade, so we want to ensure any new drugs we develop will be effective in the longer-term," Dr Sleebs said.

Any potential antimalarial drugs discovered by the collaboration would be further investigated through clinical trials before potentially being available for use.

---Building on research expertise----

The project is built on a research discoveries by Institute researchers, showing a protein called plasmepsin V was essential for the malaria parasite to grow within human red blood cells.

"We recognised that plasmepsin V was an attractive drug target for malaria, in part because of its similarity to other proteins, called aspartyl proteases, that have been successfully targeted by drugs," Associate Professor Boddey said.

"New antimalarials will need to be a combination of therapies in one tablet that kill the parasite at multiple stages of its lifecycle. The Wellcome Trust funding has enabled us to hunt for drug-like compounds that kill the blood, liver and mosquito stages of the malaria parasite and then further improve their activity through our collaboration with Merck, who have a formidable track record in developing drugs."

For more than 80 years, MSD has contributed to the discovery and development of novel medicines and vaccines to combat infectious disease.

The project relies on the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute's expertise in malaria biology, drug discovery and structural biology.

"We have a 40-year history of malaria research at the Institute, and have made many important discoveries in this time, building up teams of experts and collaborators needed to advance our research," Professor Cowman said.

The Institute acknowledges the important role of the BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH) Partnership Hub in encouraging and supporting the joint application by the Institute and MSD for Wellcome Trust funding.

###Religious schools in Belgium are a popular academic and spiritual choice for expat parents with young children.

One of the first things which strikes expats recently arrived in Brussels is its ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. For parents of young children, there is also a thriving community of schools to choose from.

A deputy administrator of a Brussels-based school says modern faith-based education eschews strict religious teaching in favor of character-building. These schools instill values and ethics in young people, regardless of background.

The diversity of Belgiums religious education

Belgium has a long tradition of religious (predominantly Catholic) education. As the countrys demographics have changed over time, so has the provision of schools that cater to different faiths.

A 2014 study on religious education at schools in Western Europe noted that in Brussels private schools, Catholic religious education remained dominant (92.7% to 99.6%). In the citys public school system, meanwhile, most (43%) primary students now attend Islamic religious education, followed by moral education (27.9%) and Catholic religious education (23.3%).

There is also a growing demand for the teaching of other world faiths in Belgian schools. For example, the Hindu Forum of Belgium aims at developing a curriculum for teaching Hinduism in Belgian schools in consultation with Hindu academics in India, the UK, the USA, France, and elsewhere.

Belgiums religiosity is a patchwork tapestry woven together out of traditional Catholic church-related elements, new religious experiences introduced by immigrant communities and an undefinable complex set of late modern world views of younger generations, the report stated.

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Religious education in Belgium embraces other views

A patchwork tapestry it may be, but religious education in Belgium has also moved on from the pure catechesis of old. Today, many religious schools in Belgium, whether private or public and regardless of denomination, reference other religions or philosophical worldviews. Belgiums national curriculum, furthermore, requires every student to spend at least two hours per week, for 12 years, studying morals  either non-confessional or religious.

Modern, forward-thinking religious schools in Belgium create a link between faith in the community and the daily life experiences and needs of young people. They are inclusive places which draw in elements of non-confessional moral education for pupils in a pluralistic society.

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The advantages of attending a Catholic school in Belgium

One of the most important choices a parent will ever make is that of schooling for their children. For expat parents, considerations will range from location to language medium, curriculum, academic and spiritual environment.

Private Catholic schools in Belgium can offer not only an excellent academic grounding, but also establish good habits and virtues as well as a sense of individuality in young people  elements that are integral to a childs future happiness.

For example, tutorials are tailored for each child, and we also seek to establish a collaborative relationship with parents. Ultimately we have a shared goal with them to develop the childs character while enabling them to reach their academic potential.

For example, teachers, as well as being highly qualified and competent educators, are humane and empathetic. We seek for our pupils a freedom which enables them to live a more complete life. It is not simply about acquiring technical skills or knowledge.

One of these philosophies taught at some religious schools in Belgium is liberal arts education. This teaches students to respect and use words responsibly, and recognize and appreciate everything that is good, true and beautiful.

A liberal arts education offers a broad understanding of reality, clarity of thought, excellence in writing, and effective speaking skills. These are all valued in many professions and management roles.

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Muslim, Jewish and Protestant schools in Brussels

As a federal state, Belgium guarantees freedom of education, which allows other religions and worldviews to organize their own schools. In Antwerp, for example, there are 30 Jewish schools catering to the citys large Orthodox community. The Protestant community runs seven schools in Flanders, the Schools with the Bible (scholen met de bijbel). There are also a number of Islamic primary schools in Brussels.

There are also many non-confessional schools in Belgium. Fourteen schools are led by free-thinkers (vrij onderwijsplatform) and most schools that offer alternative education are non-confessional as well.A 38-year-old Colombian vet appeared in a New York court Tuesday, accused of injecting liquid heroin into puppies to evade border control in a drug smuggling ring.

Andres Lopez Elorez was arrested in Spain on a US warrant and extradited to the United States on Monday. If convicted on conspiracy charges, he risks spending at least 10 years and potentially life behind bars.

His arrest was part of a 12-year DEA investigation and he was remanded into custody, pending trial, US officials said.

Prosecutors say he used his vet skills to surgically implant packets of liquid heroin into the bellies of puppies transported from Colombia to the United States. Once in America, the heroin was surgically removed, officials said.

Ten puppies were discovered in a raid on a makeshift clinic in Colombia in 2005. The New York Times said three of the dogs later died as a result of infections.

As alleged in the indictment, Elorez is not only a drug trafficker, he also betrayed a veterinarians pledge to prevent animal suffering, said Richard Donoghue, the US Attorney based in Brooklyn.

Dogs are mans best friend and, as the defendant is about to learn, we are drug dealers worst enemy.

US officials say Elorez was part of a Colombian-based conspiracy from September 2004 to January 2005 that smuggled heroin into the United States using various methods to conceal the narcotics from detection.More than 20,000 ravers who attended an illegal outdoor party in northern France this weekend were accused Monday of damaging a nature zone and disturbing the local birdlife.

The gathering at an abandoned former military site in Marigny in northern France was for the 25th edition of Teknival, an unauthorised electronic music festival that is meant to last until Tuesday.

Local group Conservation for the Natural Areas of Champagne-Ardenne filed a police complaint on Monday and said local authorities had not done enough to prevent the damage.

Roger Gony from the association said that the base had 410 species of flowers and plants, as well as rare orchids which had led the base to be declared a nature reserve in 2005.

Its a critical period for local fauna: the birds need peace and quiet. When we go, we get authorisation and we enter extremely discreetly in order not to disturb them, Etienne Clement from a local bird protection group said.

He said that nearly 200 tonnes of rubbish had to be collected at the site after the last Teknival event in Marigny in 2005.

The festival is an annual illegal rave for techno fans that is held at a secret location which is revealed only at the last minute.

At the military location in Marigny, dozens of different sound systems lined the former runways, while revellers parked vans and camped out throughout the base.

Part of its appeal is its uncommercial, illegal nature, as well as the open sale of drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy.

If it was legal, thered be more lights, more beer tents and kebab shops on the tarmac, one attendee, 30-year-old Raphael, told AFP on Sunday. It would be like a giant club.Around 60 activists began a march from the French-Italian border to London on Monday, calling for Europe to do more to welcome migrants and refugees.

The 1,400-kilometre (870-mile) route, starting from the Italian town of Ventimiglia, will see people walk on 60 different stages, stopping along the way to talk to local people.

The crowd that set off on Monday include prominent anti-globalisation activist Jose Bove, a French member of the European Parliament.

It began with a minutes silence in a car park for the 17 victims whom organisers said had died since 2015 trying to cross the border into France via road, rail or on foot on treacherous mountain passes to the north.

There are lots of us today and I hope that the march will gather energy, Maya Konforti from the French migrant association Auberge des Migrants said at the start.

We call on all of France and Europe to join us in marching and to do it joyfully, energetically and enthusiastically, she added.

The border between Italy and France has become a bottleneck for migrants travelling north after Paris reinforced its security there with increased policing and passport checks.

Far-right activists from the pan-European movement Generation Identity have also begun patrolling mountain passes to try to stop migrants crossing the Alps into France as more obvious road and rail routes close.

Local authorities in Frances Hautes-Alpes region said Monday that they would no longer allow patrols by the activists, who have sometimes posed as state agents.

This march is aimed at reaching people while we are walking and explaining that welcoming people is a necessity, Bove said of the march.

Bove, a former farmer, made his name by tearing down a partially built McDonalds in southern France in 1999 and has since campaigned against genetically modified crops and industrial agriculture.

Like the others, he will not complete the entire route, but organisers say activists will relay each other at different stages.The European Union's three largest economies agree on the need to be "ready to react" to trade tariffs imposed by the United States, France's presidency said Sunday.

The EU must be ready to react, if necessary, with efficiency and speed, it said in a statement after telephone talks between French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Britains Prime Minister Theresa May on the potential impact of new US tariffs.

Crippling US tariffs on steel and aluminium are set to take effect on Tuesday, and key trading partners including the EU have urged the White House to exempt them from the additional cost.

US President Donald Trump met last week with Macron and Merkel but gave no indication of whether or not he planned to exempt the EU, which last year exported over $7.7-billion of steel and aluminium to the US market.

Eurozone powerhouse Germany last week said it expected Washington to impose the tariffs from May 1, although a key economic advisor to Trump hinted Thursday that concessions might be made to the EU.

Its very important that somany of our friends make some concessions with respect to trading practices, tariffs and taxes, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow told CNBC.

He pointed to concerns about equal treatment of automobiles in the EU as an example.

Macron, Merkel and May discussed the tariffs and said they hope the United States doesnt take measures contrary to transatlantic interests, the Elysee statement said.

Trump imposed the tariffs last month on national security grounds, saying cheap imports were undermining US producers crucial to military preparedness, but gave a temporary reprieve to the countries that are the main suppliers to the US market.

The measures were targeted primarily at overproduction by China, which has been the key focus of Trumps combative trade policies.

The EU has threatened to impose their own punitive tariffs on key US goods if they are not shielded from the steel and aluminium duties.

In a state visit to Washington last week, Macron called for cooperation among allies on trade.

You dont make trade war with your allies, Macron warned addressed the US Congress.

The three EU leaders also discussed the Iran nuclear deal, which Trump has threatened to scrap, the French presidency said.Privacy Settings

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NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using.The United Nations has dispatched members of its Prevention of Torture committee to make their first ever inspection of Portugals prisons and check if inmates have any protection against torture and ill-treatment.

The inspectors are due to visit prisons, police stations, correctional facilities for women and juveniles, and some of Portugals psychiatric institutions.

The experts will meet government officials and Portugals own national monitoring body, the national preventive mechanism or NPM of Portugal, as well as charity workers.

During our visit we will address the current situation of people deprived of their liberty in Portugal, said Nora Sveaass, heading the delegation which will be working from May 1st to 10th.

We will discuss with the authorities steps Portugal needs to take to effectively prevent torture and ill-treatment of people in detention, which is an integral part of the countrys full implementation of its treaty obligations.British lawmakers on Tuesday backed a measure to impose sanctions against people guilty of human rights violations in memory of late Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.

Similar legislation in the United States has been used to target Russians, and the change received new political impetus in Britain following a March nerve-agent attack blamed on Moscow.

The amendment to the sanctions and anti-money laundering bill would allow the government to impose sanctions to provide accountability for or be a deterrent to gross violations of human rights.

It was passed without a vote in the House of Commons after agreement with the main opposition Labour Party, although it must now be approved by the House of Lords.

It comes after a campaign led by William Browder, a former Moscow financier turned anti-Kremlin activist for whom Magnitsky worked when he revealed a massive fraud by state officials.

Shortly afterwards Magnitsky himself was charged with tax evasion, and after 11 months in squalid prisons, he died in detention on November 16, 2009.

This is a huge milestone for Britain and our campaign. Its a really huge win for justice, Im delighted, Browder told AFP.

Russian human rights abusers have been sheltering their money in the UK without any fear of the consequences for the last two decades, and this should put the fear of God into them that their assets will be seized.

He added: This would have happened with or without the Salisbury attack but that focused everybodys minds on the bad intents of the Putin regime.

Prime Minister Theresa May had promised to bring forward the law after the poisoning of a former Russian spy in the English city of Salisbury on March 4, also vowing new powers against hostile actors.

She said at the time: We will play our part in an international effort to punish those responsible for the sorts of abuses suffered by Sergei Magnitsky.

The US Congress in 2012 passed the Magnitsky Act, which has allowed Washington to slap tough sanctions on dozens of senior Russian officials, blocking them from visiting the United States or affecting their finances.

British authorities already had limited powers to freeze the assets of foreign officials who abuse anti-corruption and human rights activists.An Italian former financial analyst who posted pictures of a female intern colleague on pornographic websites was on Tuesday jailed by a London court for 16 weeks.

Davide Buccheri, 25, of Bologna, Italy, was also ordered to pay 5,000 (5,670 euros, $6,810) in compensation to her.

He was sentenced following a conviction for harassment at Westminster Magistrates Court last Friday.

The London School of Economics graduate carried out a seven-month campaign against his victim after she rejected his romantic advances while they both worked at M&G Investments.

He took photos from her social media and uploaded them alongside pornographic pictures of other women, before trying to discredit her by telling their bosses at the asset management firm.

You, having been spurned by her in a very professional and gentle and understanding way, set about on a course of revenge, said Judge Richard Blake in passing sentence.

This is a 21st-century sort of revenge in that you invoked the powers of the internet and social media.

She will live forevermore with the fear that someone will Google her name and some ghastly website will come up and she will be reminded of the offences that you invoked.

Buccheri targeted the unnamed victim between September 2016 and May 2017, when she was a university student, the court previously heard.

He became besotted and framed in his mind a romantic attachment when he met her, according to a probation report.

Buccheri has since left M&G Investments  where he earned 44,000 a year in salary and a bonus of 60,000 in 2016  returning to live with his parents in Italy where he has struggled to find work, the court heard.

I recognise that this is a tragedy for you, Blake added.

The consequence of this is to destroy your career as it stood at the time of these events.A British parliamentarian was accused of racism on Tuesday after branding Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar a "typical Indian".

John Taylor, 80, known as Lord Kilclooney, was reacting to a news report about criticism of Varadkars visit to Northern Ireland on Monday.

In the article, a member of parliament had accused Varadkar of poor manners and showing disrespect by not informing a local representative about his trip on Monday.

Kilclooney, a member of the British parliaments appointed upper House of Lords since 2001, said Varadkar, who has an Indian father and an Irish mother, was a typical Indian.

Kilclooney had 10 years as a member of the European Parliament from 1979 and 18 years as a member of the British parliaments elected lower House of Commons from 1983 before joining the Lords.

Kilclooney used to represent Northern Irelands Ulster Unionist Party. UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said his remark was a racist comment.

Kilclooney later tweeted: I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians.

He defended his comment by saying: Typical Indian was meant to be a comparison with an Irishman who would have a better understanding of Unionist opinion in Northern Ireland.

You still do not understand the difference between being Irish by nationality as Varadkar is and being half Indian by race as Varadkar has confirmed he is. Nothing racist about it  simply factual.

In November, he referred to Varadkar as the Indian, claiming it was shorthand for an Indian surname which I could not spell.Britain's overseas territories will be required to publicly reveal who ultimately owns the companies registered there after the government on Tuesday bowed to MPs' demands to improve transparency in tax havens.

Territories such as the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos will have until December 31, 2020 to create public registers of so-called beneficial ownership or face direct intervention by London.

Prime Minister Theresa Mays minority government had favoured a more consensual approach but acknowledged Tuesday that it would not be able to block an amendment in the House of Commons backed by many of its own MPs.

Margaret Hodge, an opposition Labour MP who tabled the amendment to the sanctions and anti-money laundering bill, welcomed the concession.

When it is passed, this simple measure of requiring British overseas territories  our tax havens  to publish public registers of beneficial ownership will transform the landscape, she said.

Whether it is a tax avoider or tax evader, a kleptocrat, a criminal, gangs involved in organised crime, money launderers or those wanting to fund terrorism, it will stop them exploiting our secret regime, hiding their toxic wealth and laundering money into the legitimate system.

Transparency is a very powerful tool. With open registers we will then know who owns what and where. And we will be able to see where the money flows.

Transparency International, a campaign group, said it was a hugely significant moment in the fight against corruption around the world.

These jurisdictions have long been the Achilles Heel of our defences against dirty money, said director of policy Duncan Hames.

Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan said Britain had helped lead coordinated global action to promote transparency. It has established its own register for British firms, and was planning another for overseas companies.

He noted many overseas territories had created central registers of ownership accessible to law enforcement agencies, but expressed concern about the significant economic impact of forcing them to go further.

He also noted the democratic questions raised by directly intervening in the affairs of autonomous states.

But he told MPs: It is without a doubt the majority view of this House that the overseas territories should have public registers ahead of it becoming the international standard.Britain and the United States on Monday launched a research programme billed "the most detailed and extensive examinations of a massive Antarctic glacier ever undertaken" to gauge how quickly it could collapse.

Teams from Britains Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the US National Science Foundation (NSF) will visit the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica to assess if its cave-in could begin in the next few decades or centuries.

The collapse of the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica could significantly affect global sea levels, the NERC said in a statement.

Its executive chair Duncan Wingham added the fate of the glacier is one the big unknowns in Antarctic science.

We currently do not know enough about the likelihood, timing and magnitude of the collapse of West Antarctic glaciers such as Thwaites for countries to be able to plan accordingly, he said.

The 20 million (22.8 million euros, $27.5 million) collaboration will see 100 scientists and the most up-to-date instruments and techniques deployed to one of the most inhospitable regions of the world.

It will include drills able to make access holes 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) into the ice with jets of hot water and autonomous submarines.

Satellites show the Thwaites region is changing rapidly, but to answer the key questions of how much, and how quickly sea level will change in the future requires scientists on the ground with sophisticated equipment, said William Easterling of the NSF.

The five-year, eight-project venture  called the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC)  is the largest joint project undertaken by the two countries in Antarctica for more than 70 years.

Researchers from South Korea, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand and Finland will also contribute to the international effort to deliver answers to some of the big questions for scientists trying to predict global sea-level rise, NERC added.

British science minister Sam Gyimah said: Rising sea levels are a globally important issue which cannot be tackled by one country alone.

According to NASA, Antarctica lost 125 gigatonnes of ice annually between 2002 and 2016.

The white continent holds 62 percent of global freshwater reserves and its thawing could contribute to the desalination of the worlds seas, seen as a fatal occurrence for many marine species.WASHINGTON  With a looming production decline in the Gulf of Mexico, the Trump administration is moving quickly to reduce regulations and open up leasing across U.S. waters to attract more oil and gas companies.

Last week the agency that oversees offshore drilling announced plans to roll back Obama-era drilling regulations put in place following the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in 2010.

"Attitude and regulation matter in a big way. If a company has a choice where it deploys its capitol, the price of the commodity matters but that's the same everywhere with some small marginal differentials," Scott Angelle, who leads the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, said in a recent interview. "It is clear that one of the differences between this administration and the previous administration was they were interested in driving people out of the Gulf of Mexico."

But if Trump hopes to boost U.S. offshore oil and gas production, he has work cut out for him. Last year oil production from the Gulf of Mexico averaged 1.6 million barrels per day, an all-time record. But with investment down significantly since crude prices fell in 2014, analysts are projecting production to begin declining in 2022.

Theres still a fear prices will go down again, said Imran Khan, a senior manager at the research firm Wood Mackenzie. Once the decline starts to kick in, unless we start sanctioning some more projects were looking at least three to four years of decline if not more.

The hope within the oil and gas sector is that Trump will not only loosen regulations, but vastly expand the waters available to explore. All U.S. waters, with exception of the Gulf of Mexico, are virtually off limits for drilling. But Trump has plans to change that, with a lease sale scheduled for next year for the Beaufort Sea off the northern coast of Alaska.

At the same time the administration is weighing whether to open exploration in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, despite objection from governors there that industry will foul their coastlines and hurt lucrative tourism.

At some point [the Gulf] would be expecting to see declining production, said Erik Milito, director of upstream at the American Petroleum Institute, the industry trade and lobbying group. Theres only so much you can do when youre isolated. From a policy standpoint, were hoping for expanded opportunities.

Drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is concentrated in its eastern sections and the industry is hoping to extend exploration to the central and western Gulf. Buthe potential for expanded drilling under reduced safeguards for drilling is drawing opposition from environmentalists worried that another Deepwater Horizon is looming.

That effects of the explosion, which caused more than 4 million barrels of crude to spill into the Gulf, is still being felt today, said Cyn Sarthou, executive director of the environmental watchdog Gulf Restoration Network.

Tar balls still show up on beaches after storms. Large stretches of coral beds off the coast of Texas were killed and still havent come back. And scientists have documented an increased death rate in a population of dolphins on the Louisiana coast that Sarthou believes is connected to the spill.

As long as we dont have regulations that require safety for workers and the environment ahead of profit, the possibility continues of another BP disaster, she said. Were moving into deeper and deeper water with greater and greater risk.

The U.S. Gulf faces increasing competition from offshore fields in Brazil and Mexico, where oil is found in shallower waters and easier to access. But the Gulf remains a draw for large oil and gas companies.

With so many platforms, pipelines and other equipment already in place, projects there dont have the large costs of developing offshore fields in in other countries, Khan said. And with more than a century of drilling history, geologists are well tuned to the vagaries of the ocean bottom in the Gulf of Mexico.

But each year companies go into deeper and deeper water, accessing fields with greater degrees of underground pressure, increasing the risk of an accident. For the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, that will mean deciding whether oil companies can produce oil without putting workers and the environment at risk.

Youre poking a straw into very high pressure, Khan said, so youre going to need the equipment able to contain it.

james.osborne@chron.comA Kerrville consulting firm has accused former president Stephen Canty of overstating the amount of money clients owed the company by $25 million, the firms bankruptcy lawyer said Monday.

By manipulating the books, Canty was able to tap more of the companys $27 million line of credit with Texas Capital Bank, bankruptcy attorney James Wilkins said during a creditors meeting Monday.

Were going to find out exactly what he embezzled, pilfered, Wilkins said of Canty.

HJH Consulting Group Inc., which does business as The Salt Group, has accused Canty of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty but hasnt taken any legal action against him.

FBI agents are investigating possible wrongdoing at HJH, three people familiar with the probe told the San Antonio Express-News last month.

Canty came in and confessed, Wilkins said. HJH then hired an outside auditor, who determined that Cantys story about the manipulation of receivables was accurate, Wilkins added.

Canty hasnt made any public comments. He is represented by criminal defense lawyers Gerald Gerry Goldstein and Cynthia Orr, who didnt attend the creditors meeting.

Orr declined to respond to the comments Wilkins made during the meeting, which was conducted by Jim Rose, an attorney for the U.S. Trustees office.

HJH filed Chapter 11 on April 2 due to the fact that it one of its employees manipulated (its) accounting records to its detriment, it stated in an April 9 court filing. It listed $2.5 million in assets and $25.2 million in liabilities. Texas Capital Bank, owed $24 million, is the largest creditor.

Two HJH-related firms, US Tax Recovery Partners and B2B Prospecting, also filed for bankruptcy protection.

Canty was terminated March 26 after a 19-year career at HJH. State corporate records listed him as HJHs president, but he also served in the same role at US Tax Recovery. HJH CEO and principal owner Harlan J. Hall said Canty was gifted a 5 percent ownership interest in both US Tax Recovery and B2B.

HJH has has provided cost and expense reduction advice to clients for 30 years. US Tax Recovery, which has ceased doing business, offered to help clients achieve tax savings. B2B helps drum up business for HJH.

Hall told Rose that HJH has had three audits a year over a five-year period.

We have undergone 15 audits that were signed off, he said. He and Wilkins declined to comment after the creditors meeting.

The companies are trying to recovery money for the bankruptcy estate to pay creditors, Wilkins said.

Texas Capital Bank, meanwhile, is trying to determine the true receivables that it has liens on, Wilkins said. The bank has a forensic accountant reviewing the books, he added.

Wilkins alleged that for reasons unknown to us, Canty made false entries on spreadsheets to make it appear that money was owed on accounts previously closed. But he said HJH is trying to determine if Canty created a fictitious entity with an employer ID number as a way to allegedly embezzle money.

The creditors meeting was attended by some former employees who say they havent been paid their final weeks of pay. They were instructed to file claims with the bankruptcy court.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | pdanner@express-news.net | @AlamoPDJames Avery, who started what would become a South Texas jewelry empire out of his mother-in-laws garage in 1954, died Monday at 96.

James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a one-man operation that has grown to employ more than 3,500, including several hundred locally, is known for creating charms, rings and other sterling silver and gold designs that are popular gifts for birthdays, Mothers Day, Christmas and other events.

The company announced his death through a Facebook post Monday afternoon, saying, He was a dynamic, creative and generous man who touched the lives of many people during his lifetime through his work, his art and his giving spirit. It invited people to leave tributes on its company website.

Within hours, dozens of fans had posted comments on the company website about the man and the jewelry he designed. Nearly 2,000 left comments on the Facebook post.

Thank you for allowing me to quietly share my faith in such a beautiful eloquent way, Shawna Morris posted on the company website. Your creative expressions are family heirlooms that will be cherished for generations.

Another remembered how fun it was to work for the company.

A wonderful organization to work for, James Avery was my first job in High School, Michelle Ferris posted. I started in 1987  stayed until 1994 and was very grateful to have been given the opportunity. Mr Avery use to come to the store and visit frequently and knew all of us by name when he walked in; he made it really feel like a family company.

Born Homer James Avery on Dec. 7, 1921, in Milwaukee, Avery was raised in Detroit and Chicago before enlisting in what was then the Army Air Forces right after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

Training at Lackland AFB, Avery received his wings in 1944 and flew 44 missions over Germany as a B-26 bomber pilot.

It was a good experience for me, Avery said in a 1986 San Antonio Express-News interview.

Though he grew up attending church with his parents, Avery drifted away during my college years at the University of Illinois, Avery said.

Graduating in 1946 with a bachelors degree in industrial design, Avery set up the design department at the University of Iowa and was invited to do the same at the University of Colorado.

He became interested in jewelery design in 1948, when a few of his students expressed an interest.

I got a book and found out I needed this and that, Avery said. I learned how to solder and started making a few things  realized it was another avenue of design I might think about.

It was a few years later that Avery and his first wife divorced, an experience that precipitated his return to church.

I realized for the first time in my life that I was not in control, Avery said in a 2005 Express-News interview. When you get in deep trouble, the thing that is very important is to have someone to put their arms around you and comfort you. I found that in the church.

Inspired by his renewed faith to design a cross that he wore around his neck, Avery was soon making them for others.

It put the idea in my head that this could be something fulfilling for me, Avery said in the 1986 interview.

Avery met his second wife, Texas native Sally Ranger, while teaching in Boulder, Colorado.

Moving to her hometown of Kerrville in 1954, Avery started crafting jewelry in his mother-in-laws garage.

Two weeks later he sold his first piece.

Hiring his first employee in 1957, Avery continued to grow his business steadily through the years, opening the first retail store in Kerrville in 1973.

Today there are 80 James Avery Artisan Jewelry stores in Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Tennessee in addition to home base Texas and in 200 Dillards stores in 28 states. All merchandise is also available online.

Though perhaps best known for his religious designs, including his first piece, the Plain Latin Cross, which is still available for purchase, Avery realized that variety is key to the business.

About 20 percent of what we sell is what we call faith-based; the other 80 percent isnt, he said in a 2012 Express-News interview. And that stands to reason. You can buy a cross or two, but how many crosses do you need? So we have to offer other things.

One of the few companies of its kind that is vertically integrated, the business is also privately held and family owned.

I think its important that we design, make and sell all our merchandise, Avery said in 2012. Everything  is made within 60 miles of this office. With a lot of jewelry companies, someone else makes what they sell. Not us. And all our stores are company-owned.

Avery has always played up a Texas theme, whether it be the charms representing Texas summer camps Waldemar or Mystic or the ode to Texans favorite burger, the Whataburger charm.

After Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston last summer, the company pledged to donate all proceeds from its Deep in the Heart of Texas charm to relief efforts.

Turning the business over to his sons in 2007, Avery stayed active, coming to the office and attending design meetings, but refused to interfere with how his successors ran the business.

I dont micromanage, Avery said in 2012. When I give somebody a job, I dont want to say, Oh, youre doing it wrong. Heres the way you do it right.

Avery, who was divorced three times, was married to wife Estela Avery for more than 25 years.

He is survived by sons George Avery, Jim Avery, Chris Avery, Tim Avery and Paul Avery, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Avery also helped raised five children from two of his wives.

The family was unavailable to comment Monday.

Funeral services will be private.

mheidbrink@express-news.netInexpensive solar panels powering a local network delivering Wi-Fi to public housing residents has caught the attention of the Mozilla Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the company behind the Firefox web browser.

The San Antonio Housing Authority pitched the idea as part of the Smart Community Networks Challenge, managed and sponsored by Mozilla and the National Science Foundation. SAHAs proposal won a $10,000 honorable mention and advances to the second phase of the challenge.

Noting that 10 percent of Americans dont have access to quality internet connectivity, the challenge sought proposals addressing wireless connectivity in places where its a challenge.

Ten percent of all people in the U.S.  34 million people  lack access to internet connectivity, a number that jumps to a staggering 39% in rural communities and 41% on Tribal lands, the contests website says. The Smart Community Networks Challenge aims to close this access gap by enhancing wireless connectivity in areas where internet access is a challenge, whether due to geographic, financial or other factors.

SAHA pitched the idea of a solar-powered mesh network, which for the non-technical types, means a network of devices scattered about a specific area that are all talking to each other to deliver data to devices. The system creates a Wi-Fi blanket over an area.

Some 90 teams presented proposals in the contest, said Jo Ana Alvarado, SAHAs director of information technology.

Alvarado said SAHA picked its Cassiano Homes on the West Side as the test site.

We decided to go for Cassiano Homes because we have 757 clients in 499 units there, she said.

That area lacks connectivity and even accessing electricity can be difficult in some areas, Alvarado said.

SAHA has been working on increasing connectivity to its residents, in part with the ConnectHome program launched by then-President Barack Obama and unveiled in San Antonio by then-Housing Secretary Julian Castro.

The solar-mesh Wi-Fi project could bring internet to many more SAHA residents because it can be scaled up, Alvarado said.

She and her team won praise from Councilman Manny Pelaez and the Innovation and Technology Committee he runs.

Were only as smart as our citizens are, he said. You cant be a well-informed participatory citizen if you dont have access to whats almost a natural resource  the internet.

The network can deliver internet speeds of about 10 to 15 megabits per second. Thats a fraction of the speed of gigabit internet, like what Google Fiber offers, but its still fast enough to do homework, apply for jobs, pay bills and complete other tasks that require internet connections in the 21st century.

The solar-panel-topped poles cost less than $1,000 each, Alvarado said. Now, she and her team are working on the second phase of the contest  a working prototype is due in late June. In August, contestants will demonstrate their technology in Mountain View, California. Winners will be announced in the fall with awards ranging from $50,000 to $400,000.

Josh Baugh is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jbaugh@express-news.net | @jbaughTommy Calvert will stand on the steps of the Bexar County Courthouse today to register his opposition to San Antonio bidding on the 2020 Republican National Convention.

The county commissioner is arguing that the RNC  which is being pushed by Brad Parscale, a part-time San Antonian who is running President Donald Trumps 2020 re-election campaign  would drive away spending from Mexican nationals offended by Trumps attacks on undocumented immigrants.

Calvert also contends the convention would damage the citys national reputation and put us at risk for violent protests.

The last two arguments also have been made by former Mayor Phil Hardberger, who told San Antonio Express-News reporter Josh Baugh last week that in Trump, We have someone whos been hostile to the majority of the people who live in San Antonio.

Hardberger also said he saw the possibility of unrest comparable to what gripped Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

With the City Council planning to discuss the issue in executive session Thursday, its worth considering what factors should  and shouldnt  dictate the citys next move.

For one thing, we should remember that hosting a political convention is not the same thing as endorsing the agenda of that convention.

Hardberger knows this well, because he served as mayor in 2006 when San Antonio welcomed a Texas Republican Convention filled with bilious attacks on Latino immigrants, including a claim from Tina Benkiser, then-party chair, that back in the good old days, immigrants came here to be Americans. And they learned to speak English!

Cleveland hosted the RNC less than two years ago when Trump was nominated for president, but nobody thinks of Cleveland as Trump Town. New York hosted the RNC in 2004, at the height of the Iraq War, but nobody came away thinking of New York as the city that loves the Iraq War.

By the same token, S.A. wouldnt be branded as a pro-Trump city simply because we allowed the GOP to use our facilities for a convention.

And if were genuinely concerned about the appearance that were giving tacit approval to anti-immigrant rhetoric, we might ask ourselves why no one is complaining that next month this city is hosting the Texas Republican Convention  featuring the smooth stylings of Greg SB4 Abbott and Dan Criminal Aliens Patrick.

We also shouldnt base our RNC decision on how much interest we believe the convention is drawing (or not drawing) from other cities.

While only Charlotte, North Carolina, has publicly announced its bid for the convention, we dont know what other cities might be in the mix. After all, Ron Kaufman, chairman of the partys Site Selection Committee, met with S.A. business leaders six weeks ago and we didnt find out about it until last week  and only then because of a Parscale tweet.

Its hard to believe Parscale is motivated by a desperation to unload the convention on some poor unsuspecting city. Even if no other bids are forthcoming, the GOP already is on solid ground with Charlotte, a city that ably handled the Democratic National Convention six years ago and is located in a swing state.

Regarding concerns that we could be facing another Chicago 1968, that seems pretty hyperbolic.

That convention was a perfect storm of awfulness: an oppressive mayor, Richard Daley, who encouraged police officers to beat up any protester who made him look bad; a ruptured party that nominated a Vietnam War apologist who didnt even bother to enter the primaries; and a feeling among many protesters that they were living in a police state and had no recourse but the overthrow of the federal government.

Even if we dont face another Chicago, however, we could encounter something like what happened in New York in 2004, when police officers arrested 1,800 protesters and the city ended up paying $18 million to settle civil rights claims.

Parscale predicts the RNC would pump $200 million into the local economy. Getting to that point, however, requires a $68 million to $70 million bid.

This city recently spent a combined $385 million to upgrade the Alamodome and the Convention Center, so we could do big things; host big events. And they dont get much bigger than a national political convention. But is any financial bonanza worth tearing this city apart?

Ultimately, the decision shouldnt be based on what we guess that others will think of us, but what we will end up thinking about ourselves.

Gilbert Garcia is a San Antonio Express-News columnist. Read more of his stories here. | ggarcia@express-news.net | @gilgamesh470AUSTIN  After expressing dissatisfaction with Lupe Valdezs answer when she was quizzed about her allegedly anti-immigrant policies as Dallas County sheriff, a Latino voting group Sunday instead endorsed Houston businessman Andrew White in the Democratic runoff for governor.

Latino youth have spoken. As a child of immigrants and the first in my family to go to college, I know our endorsed candidates will work to protect the rights of all Texas families and make sure that young Latinos like me will be able to afford to go college and fulfill our dreams, said Jamileth Ortega, president and founder of the Jolt chapter at Texas State University.

Jolt, which describes itself as a civic engagement organization working to mobilize Latino millennial voters, also backed Democratic congressman Beto ORourke in his race against Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

But its endorsement of White could be more important since the two Democrats are battling in the May 22 runoff for the party nod to face Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Its significant since a key selling point for Valdez is her groundbreaking image as the first woman and first Hispanic elected Dallas County sheriff.

The immigration issue took a critical turn during the forum in the question to Valdez, whose work as sheriff on the matter is typically presented in light of her tangling with Abbott.

Valdez was among law enforcement officials who opposed the anti-sanctuary cities law championed by Abbott last year.

She also drew Abbotts wrath in 2015 for saying she wouldnt comply with all federal requests to detain unauthorized immigrants past their release date if the immigrants only were accused of minor offenses.

But Valdez said she still had cooperated with the federal government, a point that was important at the forum. While Valdez was sheriff, a federal lawsuit was filed against her and the county alleging peoples constitutional rights were violated when they were held for immigration officials.

Jolt student leader Karla Quinones of Dallas prefaced her question to Valdez by saying her legacy as sheriff seemed to be one of supporting anti-immigrant policies that expanded immigration enforcement.

Quinones said Valdez had complied with warrantless detentions and cited an instance in which people walked out of a meeting with the then-sheriff and Immigration and Customs Enforcement saying Valdez had turned her back on them.

Why should we trust you today? asked Quinones, seeking a commitment to issues including a stand against unconstitutional ICE warrants.

Valdez told the crowd she would love to explain some issues but only had a very short time at the forum.

Of course, look at me, Im going to fight for as much immigration as I can, but immigration is a federal issue. And there are certain things that we have to do, Valdez said, adding that several things were quite misunderstood.

Valdez emphasized her work against the anti-sanctuary cities measure and said she wished those who had walked out the ICE meeting would have stayed to get information they needed.

On Twitter afterward, Jolt said it would have liked to see Valdez go more in detail on her record.

Later, Valdez was asked by reporters about the question of trust and about her record.

I think it was one persons opinion, Valdez said. I think there is a misunderstanding of the track record.

The governor actually sent me what I call nastygrams because of my position of defense of the people that were being deported, she said.

Valdez generally described the lawsuit against her and the county as one focused on ICEs authority.

I have to be real careful how I discuss that. The lawsuit is still going on, Valdez said.

After addressing several questions from reporters, Valdez said, Ive given you your answers. You wanted some answers. Ive given them to you, OK. Now, let us do what we love to do best and deal with some of the voters and go on to the other things we have to do.

White said Valdez had dodged the question and said he shares the concerns that prompted the immigration query to her.

Lupe needs to answer those questions, and today, she didnt really answer those questions, White said.

White, who also was asked about immigration at the forum, initially bypassed a question about his company, Geovox Security, which sells heartbeat technology that is used to find people in vehicles.

The Houston businessman previously has answered questions about Geovox from the San Antonio Express-News, saying it sells its technology around the world. The technology is used in the United States at nuclear stockpiles, military facilities and federal prisons. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice also is a customer.

Whites company has demonstrated the technology to the Border Patrol but he said the technology isnt used on the U.S. border.

At the forum, White emphasized his opposition to a militarized zone on the border, his backing for a pathway to citizenship that makes sense and his support for Dreamers brought here without documents as children.

When asked a second time about the security company, White said it is an example of smart border enforcement that has saved lives. He said it has been used in other countries to fight sex trafficking and to make sure people dont die hidden in the back of trucks.

Im sure this issue might be used against me, that I have a quote border security business, White said. But the reality of it is, its used to protect peoples lives.

Peggy Fikac is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | pfikac@express-news.net | @pfikacAUSTIN  Gov. Greg Abbott has pursued a busy national and international schedule in his first term that has driven state-paid travel expenses for his security detail to more than $1 million and counting.

Security accompanies Abbott whether he is pursuing job expansion for Texas, fundraising for his campaign, promoting his book, speaking at a political event or vacationing in Hawaii  the most expensive single destination reported so far for the security detail, at more than $71,000.

But the title of costliest trip is a moving target.

Not yet available is the security cost of Abbotts recent nine-day business development trip to India.

And at least one trip with multiple destinations cost more than his recent holiday in Hawaii. His January 2016 trip to Israel and Switzerland to meet with leaders and promote Texas business interests cost nearly $97,000 for security.

Abbotts direct travel expenses typically are covered by means outside of state taxpayer money, such as his campaign or an economic development entity.

But the security detail is funded by taxpayers through the Texas Department of Public Safety. The San Antonio Express-News regularly tracks this expense through reports maintained by the agency.

Since Abbott took office in January 2015 through February, the latest report available, the travel cost for his security detail has mounted to $1.2 million. Of that, $1 million is for out-of-state trips. The total includes travel, fuel, food, lodging and a category called other. It does not include salaries or overtime.

One of the Democrats vying to face the Republican governor in November said Abbott should reimburse taxpayers through his campaign account for security expenses on trips that arent for state business. At last count, Abbott had more than $41 million in cash on hand.

Governors need security when theyre traveling and taking care of the peoples business. But should taxpayers be on the hook for security costs when Abbott wants to have a steak dinner and some wine with the Koch brothers? No. Should they have to pay for him to be on Fox & Friends or address the NRA? No, said Juan Bautista Dominguez, spokesman for former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez. Working Texans are already hurting from Abbotts raid of education funds and neglect of health care. They cannot afford his tea party jaunts.

Related: Gov. Abbott answers Speaker Straus concerns over enterprise fund

Valdez faces Houston businessman Andrew White in the May 22 runoff election for the Democratic nomination for governor.

White, son of the late Democratic former Gov. Mark White, was more measured.

In the interest of taxpayer funds, I hope the governor would reduce his security detail for out-of-state trips  especially out-of-state personal trips  to the absolute minimum security required, White said.

Matt Hirsch, deputy chief of staff for Abbott, said the governor isnt open to making reimbursements for security. Like former Gov. Rick Perrys staff did, he points out that being governor is a 24-hour-a-day job and that security requirements are determined by DPS.

The taxpayer-funded cost of security for a governor was highlighted when Perry ran for president while holding his state office.

Like Abbott, Perrys direct travel expenses typically were not charged to taxpayers. But Perrys state-paid security costs ballooned as he raced for the White House.

Perrys security detail incurred nearly $3.7 million in out-of-state travel expenses from his 2010 re-election through December 2014, his last full month in office. Of the total, $1.8 million was tallied when he sought the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

Rep. Lyle Larson, R-San Antonio, has unsuccessfully pushed legislation to require state officeholders to pay for the cost of security on trips outside the state for personal or political reasons. He also has pushed ethics legislation to rein in the appointment of big donors by governors. Larson was among lawmakers whom Abbott unsuccessfully sought to unseat in this years GOP primary.

Larson said that in the next legislative session, he wants to work with the governors staff on a solution that can be part of overarching ethics legislation that will transcend political party affiliation regardless of who resides in the (Governors) Mansion.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman John Zerwas, a Richmond Republican who is running for House speaker, said lawmakers might want to have more discussion about the issue of security costs, noting the spotlight on the matter when Perry was traveling.

I dont know that we ever developed a solid policy position on it, Zerwas said.

Like any official, Zerwas said, the governor has political obligations. Like any person, he said, the governor has a need for private time.

The governor is the single most recognizable public figure that we have. We cant expect him to not ever have some personal time away, Zerwas said. He still is going to need some security in that case.

Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson said Abbotts security cost plays into a larger story to which we are increasingly sensitive, that of security for officials overall, including in the Trump administration. Jillson cited the example of Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt, who was reported by the Associated Press to have a swollen 20-member security detail that cost the agency millions of dollars.

Read more: Gov. Abbott's appointees have given him more than $14 million

While acknowledging cases such as that of former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was badly injured in a shooting, Jillson said an attack harming a governor hasnt happened in decades.

The idea that you need a security team to protect a governor  Im not convinced, Jillson said. At least not that it needs to be an extensive security team.  We are in danger of overly securitizing our public officials and separating them from the public.

DPS Director Steve McCraw said that when Perry was governor that he worried whether there was enough security, saying Perry had received death threats.

Among trips by Abbott and his wife, Cecilia, who also gets security protection, are multiple visits to California, where their daughter attends college. On one such trip last year, Abbott presided over the coin toss in a game between the University of Alabama and the University of Southern California.

Abbott also has traveled outside the country for state business and for personal time. In addition to Israel, Switzerland and India, he went to Mexico and Cuba on state business. Besides Hawaii, he has vacationed in Paris, Rome, Mexico and Sydney, where he exchanged hats with the Australian prime minister.

The governor went to President Donald Trumps inauguration and has had other visits to Washington, including to advocate for the states need for assistance after Hurricane Harvey.

He has promoted his book, Broken but Unbowed, in New York; given speeches; attended conservative gatherings, including those in California and Colorado involving the billionaire Koch brothers; and raised money in Oklahoma for his campaign.

Peggy Fikac is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | pfikac@express-news.net | @pfikacSALEM, Ohio  The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency continued its call for more regulations to improve water quality in Lake Erie and Ohios rivers during a public webinar April 25.

The event was a follow-up to the EPAs March 22 draft of impaired waters in the state, which for the first time included the open waters of western Lake Erie.

Ohio EPA Director Craig Butler said the state EPA had been working with the U.S. EPA for the past couple years to determine whether Lake Erie should be declared impaired, but both parties lacked an accurate way of assessing the lake.

The state EPA solicited area universities and water quality scientists, who devised a way of using satellite data to determine when the algal blooms resulted in an impairment. The state model divides the lake into seven assessment units, measured across multiple seasons and years, with a 20,000 cell per millimeter threshold for bloom density.

Considered impaired

If any two of six consecutive years are violated, then the western waters are considered impaired.

Butler said the EPAs report on impaired waters is giving us an opportunity to make some judgments about nutrients and also how we allocate resources across the surface water.

The EPA released a second report, the Nutrient Mass Balance Study, April 16, which showed that ag-related discharge into the states rivers was not improving fast enough to meet the 40 percent phosphorus reduction by 2025.

(Story continues below video.)

Farmers and farm groups are both concerned about the states direction to fight nutrient runoff, and say regulations should be science-based, and something the farmer can reasonably comply with.

It does take a mandatory and a voluntary set of actions, and we have that now in the state of Ohio, said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

Research conference

Sharp spoke during a stakeholders panel April 27, during Ohio State Universitys annual research conference at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster. He said farmers will consider adopt new ways of farming, but they need to see results for their efforts

If you bring them good science, they will do good things with it, he said.

Tom Fontana, director of research and education for the Ohio Soybean Council, said farmers still want to know the effect of legacy phosphorus, or nutrients which were applied years ago, but remain active in the soil. He said they also want to know how much is being lost through surface and tile drainage, and how particulate nutrients become dissolved.

Our farmers want to do the right thing when it comes to environmental stewardship (and) they also want to stay in business.

Low commodity prices and a late spring are adding to farmers worries this year. And some of the new equipment they are buying to help control nutrient placement, and the conservation practices they are installing in their fields can cost $100,000 or more per operation.

Finding solutions

The stakeholder panel reiterated the importance of cost-share funding and federal support, but said solutions have also been found that cost much less. In 2015, the Knox County Farm Bureau and Conservation District developed a mobile app known as ONMARK, which helps farmers track the ideal times to apply fertilizer and manure. This program was created with a $30,000 grant, and has been made available to farmers across the state.

It (water quality) doesnt always take millions of dollars, Sharp said. It just takes some creativity.

Butler is proposing that the state legislature take up legislation that will give the EPA more jurisdiction over agricultural pollution. Specifically, he proposes that the states definition of agricultural pollution be expanded to include fertilizer, which would allow the Ohio EPA to issue a watershed in distress and focus on reducing nutrients in specific areas of the state.

The state EPA will continue to accept comments on its draft of impaired water bodies through May 4. Comments can be sent by email to epa.tmdl@epa.ohio.gov, or in writing to Ohio EPA Division of Surface Water, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216-1049, Attn: 303(d) comments.

Following public review and comments, a final report will be submitted to U.S. EPA.

Related coverage:A campaign called 'We Are Welsh Farming' has been launched today to highlight the variety of ways in which farming benefits Welsh communities.

NFU Cymru will spell out the importance of farming to Welsh Assembly members with the launch of its We Are Welsh Farming campaign at the Senedd on Tuesday (1 May).

The launch will see the screening of a video which showcases the roles farmers play in producing the nations food and enhancing the environment and Welsh culture.

The campaign will encourage farmers across Wales to post examples on social media of the variety of work they carry out that underlines their importance.

Farmers will be encouraged to post their stories under the hashtags #WeAreWelshFarming or #NiYwFfermioCymru.

At the Senedd launch, NFU Cymru President John Davies will tell AMs that the need for farmers to promote the wide variety of work they carry out is greater than ever before with Brexit on the horizon.

As farmers we are often guilty of understating just how much we do that is of benefit to wider society  perhaps its because were busy in our roles as food producers, custodians of our environment, champions of Welsh language and culture, drivers of the rural economy and the people who provide the backdrop for the Welsh tourism industry that we dont think to promote all the good work we do, Mr Davies said.

Its that humility that means our story is one that goes relatively untold.

With Brexit on the horizon and the uncertainty that brings, it has never been more important for farmers to step out of the shadows and shout about the wide variety of work they carry out for the people and communities of Wales, the NFU Cymru President added.

The campaign will provide farmers with the platform to showcase the diverse range of work they do for the Welsh public.

As part of the NFU Cymru launch, members of the Welsh Assemblys Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee will be meeting with an NFU Cymru member from their region to learn more about the range of ways that farmers business benefits the AMs constituency or region.Canada holds "great potential" and is "incredibly important" as an emerging market for British meat post-Brexit.

Currently the sixth largest importer of British food, Canada offers significant potential for British meat sales growth in the coming years.

A major international food and drink show in Canada will showcase British red meat and dairy products this week.

Levy-funded AHDB is exhibiting at SIAL Canada alongside Hybu Cig Cymru  Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) to showcase premium farm produce from Britain.

SIAL is now the only event of its scale in Canada, with almost 1,000 national and international exhibitors from 50 countries, hosting more than 18,000 visitors.

Throughout the three-day event in Montreal, the British meat levy bodies will showcase high quality pork and lamb. AHDB Dairy will also be exhibiting premium cheese alongside nine producers from Britain.

AHDB Senior Export Manager Susana Morris said the show provides the perfect opportunity to exhibit British products on a global stage.

This is an incredibly important market for us, she added. Canada is the sixth largest importer of food products. It is vital that we look at new markets and opportunities to ensure that British meat and dairy products are front of mind for importers.

'Genuine appetite'

According to Welsh meat body HCC, Canada is an emerging market for Welsh red meat and holds great potential.

Deanna Jones, Export Development Executive for HCC said: Were seeing increasing interest in PGI Welsh Lamb in particular, in many parts of the country, from retailers and restaurant suppliers who are looking for high quality meat.

Attending the SIAL Montreal show in collaboration with AHDB and QMS will allow us to build on connections between Welsh processors, food importers, retailers and foodservice distributors, and continue to grow this market.

Laurent Vernet, Director of Strategic Engagement with QMS, is also attending the show and said that the market in Canada offers significant potential for British meat sales growth in the coming years.

Ms Vernet said: Canadian consumers have a genuine appetite for quality natural lamb produced with traditional grass fed and extensive methods. SIAL Canada is a fantastic opportunity for us to meet with buyers, reinforce the key messaging and secure trade for our exceptional brands with a specific focus on Scotch Lamb PGI.

We will also use the opportunity of this trade exhibition in Montreal - known as the food capital of Canada - to showcase our lamb to key Canadian food opinion leaders.

Earlier this year, approval was given to export beef from the UK to the Canadian market after approval was given by inspectors.Farm safety is once again in the spotlight following news of a farmer who sustained life-threatening chest injuries after he punctured his lung on a tractor spike.

Dennis Bowman, who farms between Renwick and Croglin near Kirkoswald, Cumbria sustained the severe injuries when a grab spike from his tractor loader pierced his chest.

Mr Bowman, who was carrying out maintenance on the machinery at the time, was thrown to the ground by the impact, but not before the ten inch spike had broken his rib and punctured his lung, leaving an open cavity on his chest.

He was working on his own at the time but somehow managed to pick himself off the floor and alert his wife, Barbara.

Im glad I got to my feet there and then, the 69-year-old said. If I hadnt, Im not sure I would have been able to after a couple of minutes.

Extensive injuries

He was able to get a lift to the doctors surgery in Kirkoswald and astounded the local GP by walking through the door despite his extensive injuries.

A North West Ambulance Service paramedic was on scene but it was clear that Dennis needed flying to the nearest major trauma centre, which is Newcastles Royal Victoria Infirmary.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service, based nearby in Langwathby, arrived within a few minutes. Dr Theo Weston, of GNAAS, assessed Mr Bowman and administered advanced pain relief before the grandfather of eight was airlifted to Newcastle.

The whole ordeal was captured by a television production company who spent last summer embedded with GNAAS. The footage was shown as part of the ten part series, Emergency Helicopter Medics, now available on Channel 4's on demand service, All 4.

Mr Bowman paid tribute to all those who played a part in his recovery: People dont realise just how much difference the air ambulance makes, he said.

I know the ambulance paramedic and she said by road it would have taken about an hour and a half, but we were there in about 15 minutes.

Machinery safety

Within a week of coming out of hospital, Mr Bowman was back doing light work around the farm, with neighbours stepping in to help with more labour-intensive jobs.

Thats just what happens round here, he said, thanking members of the community who had rallied round to help.

Poorly used or faulty vehicles and machinery are the biggest cause of death and injury on farms.

According to Martin Malone from the Scotland Farm Safety Partnership: Machinery and transport continue to be the main causes of life changing and life ending injuries on farms.

In fact 40 per cent of all farm workers who have lost their lives in agriculture over the past decade were workplace machinery-transport related.'Nature Recovery Maps' should be at the foundation of future farming and planning policy, according to a new report by the Wildlife Trusts.

Published on Tuesday (1 May), it details how a 'Nature Recovery Network' could be established by mapping out important places for wildlife which need to be protected as well as key areas where habitats should be restored.

The Wildlife Trusts believe new laws are needed, including an Environment Act, to ensure this happens.

It calls for farmers to guide habitat creation to ensure government targets are achieved for wildlife recovery.

The report launch coincides with the final week of two key government consultations which present a rare opportunity  the first in living memory  to influence the future of both national farming and planning policy.

The consultation on the future for food, farming and the environment closes exactly one week today, on the 8th May. It asks where public money, in the form of subsidies to farmers, should be spent in the future.

'Revolution'

The Wildlife Trusts calls for a "revolution" in the way that farmland is managed.

It blames intensive farming and urbanisation for the decline of wild places and species, and calls for farm support to work towards the recovery of nature and wildlife.

In a statement, the organisation said: "Farmers need healthy soils and large populations of pollinators, like bees, to grow crops. We need clean, healthy water running into our rivers. We need a wildlife-rich countryside to relax in."

The Wildlife Trusts want to see rules that reward farmers and land managers for the benefits they provide for society, and for the Common Agricultural Policy to be replaced with a system that supports public benefits.

Defra Secretary Michael Gove has already announced the government's commitment to a 'green Brexit', one which promotes higher animal welfare and environmental standards in the farming industry.

However, some in the farming industry hold concerns a 'green Brexit' could focus too much on environmental matters at the expense of food production.Now entering its third year, the Great British Cheese Awards is destined for great success again this year.

Celebrating the best of British artisan cheeses produced and distributed by independent cheese makers and retailers, award organisers Great British Chefs and Peters Yard already predict more producers and retailers to enter this year.

There is a vital factor to the success of the Great British Cheese Awards. Unlike any other similar events, the general public have a large involvement in the awards.

It is the people who eat, enjoy and buy cheese who have the greatest say on the cheeses, producers and retailers who should be recognised and rewarded for making and selling outstanding British cheese.

Last year around 9,000 people voted for their favourite cheeses, producers and retailers and voting numbers are expected to swell well into the tens of thousands this year.

Entries for the 2018 Awards opened on 28th April and producers and retailers have until 19th June to complete their free online entry. The public can also nominate their favourite cheeses, producers and retailers until 19th June.

From those with the most nominations and entries a long list will be created voting then opens to the general public who have until 14th August to cast their votes that will determine those cheese producers and retailers shortlisted for an award. A prestigious panel of judges will then come together to taste and judge the overall category winners.

'Fantastic initiative'

The Great British Cheese Awards are organised by Great British Chefs and Peters Yard, whose crispbread has been named as the best biscuit for cheese out there.

Co-founder of Peters Yard, Wendy Wilson-Bett said: We are pleased to once again be lead sponsor for the Great British Cheese awards. This is a fantastic initiative to be included with especially as there is such a positive involvement by the general public. We hope that these awards will also encourage more people to seek out and buy great British cheese.

Ollie Lloyd, CEO and founder of Great British Chefs commented: We launched The Great British Cheese Awards two years ago with the objective of producing a catalogue of great artisan cheese and to also discover up-and-coming cheesemakers.

The response we have received has been was way above expectation and we are grateful to the continues . remarkable support from producers, retailers and especially the general public. We are confident that the third awards will be the greatest yet and create a platform for cheese producers and retailers to showcase the very best of the artisan cheese industry.

2017 award winners included The Bristol Cheesemonger, Fen Farm Dairy, Cornish Cheese Co. Cornish Blue, Two Hoots Barkham Blue, Lincolnshire Poacher, Hampshire Cheeses Tunworth, and Norton & Yarrows Sinodun Hill.

The overall category winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held in London in October.Viewers have praised Countryfile for tackling the subject of mental health and suicide rates within the farming industry.

Statistics show 50 farmers a year end their lives, according to Sunday's episode of the hit BBC programme.

Reasons range from a poor harvest to dire financial situations. However, homosexuality within the industry also appears to be a major factor.

One farmer who spoke out on the programme was Frank, who did not come out until he was in his sixties.

I knew I was gay from very early years. It was difficult because youre always trying to cover up something that may give it away, he said. And farming being as macho as it is, who wants a gay, weak workman?

Youve got your gay life and youve got your real life. He added: As I got older I felt this was wrong. At the age of 60 I finally decided to come out.

'Pressure'

Frank said that after the death of his brother he fell into severe depression, which was compounded by remaining in the closet.

Twitter

He eventually made contact with Keith Ironson, who runs the only gay farmers helpline in the UK. Keith told the programme: The pressure in the farming community to get married and produce an heir is enormous. So a lot of folks did exactly that.

Frank said that after receiving help from mental health specialists, he decided to make the big step and come out to his friends and family, which took three years.

He said: Youre not being yourself, youre covering this part of your life up all the time.

The guys here are all fine about it. Theres been very little hostility except a few people who don't call me anymore.

Youre going to have a lot of mental anguish about whether youre doing the right thing but at the end of the day I found it liberating and you dont have to hide yourself. You can be who you are.

'Hard to live a lie'

Social media applauded the programme for shining a light on homosexuality with the industry.

Twitter user Mand said: Good on you Frank, everyone has a right to be exactly what they want to be. It must be so hard to live a lie. That's hope for an increasingly accepting society.

Another user named David Rogers said: As a gay person that just happens to work in farming I thought it was an excellent issue to discuss on #countryfile I feel it also isn't the older generation that might struggle with their sexuality. I hope young farmers clubs are doing all they can to support anybody in need.

Charities such as the Farming Community Network and RABI help farmers who are suffering from mental health issues.Labour crisis: Scottish farmers urged to complete survey

NFUS survey wants to find out scale of crisis- AI is creating jobs, yet 80% of respondents say there is a lack of talent to fill positions

- More than 50% of respondents use AI to improve products and increase efficiency

- C-suite support and performance metrics are needed to scale AI strategies

LONDON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Business leaders are optimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job creation, according to a poll by EY conducted at the EmTech Digital Conference, produced by MIT Technology Review Insights. The poll of 122 business leaders found that, although AI is expected to reshape the traditional workplace, more than half (52%) of respondents believe it will have a positive impact on job creation. In fact, about a third (32%) of respondents say that, with the implementation of AI, more jobs will be created than lost, and an additional 20% anticipate that AI will create a surge in new jobs, boosting the economy.

Jeff Wong, EY Global Chief Innovation Officer, says:

"Like the poll respondents, many of the people on teams I work with don't feel their jobs are jeopardized by AI. In fact, they demand intelligent automation that enables them to redirect their time toward more complex work that drives greater employee engagement and adds real value. We estimate that we will save approximately 2.1 million hours of our people's time on repetitive tasks in fiscal year 2018 due to automation. Those are hours that can be repurposed and reinvested into the EY business."

Talent gap is the top concern for organizations looking to apply AI

While organizations are increasingly implementing AI technologies, adoption plans are being hampered by a shortage of people with relevant skills, which may explain the proportion of organizations applying AI for purely functional capabilities. Indeed, a shortage of requisite talent to drive AI adoption is the top challenge to an enterprise-wide AI program, according to 80% of respondents, followed by a lack of integration of AI insights into current business processes (53%), a lack of managerial understanding and sponsorship (48%), and data used for AI not being trusted or of high quality (48%).

Businesses want to use AI to improve, but aren't tracking progress

The poll found that the top three outcomes that business leaders want from AI are to improve and/or develop new products/services (54%), achieve cost efficiencies and/or streamline business operations (50%) and accelerate decision-making (49%). Findings also showed that although organizations are seeing how AI can help them succeed, more than half (52%) are not clearly defining business outcomes or key performance indicators (KPIs) related to AI. Instead, they are primarily focusing on piloting and learning.

Organizations lack scalable, enterprise level AI strategy

While 30% of business leaders say their organizations have functional AI capabilities and are piloting the technology within corporate functions, they still need an enterprise-wide AI strategy that aligns with these programs. Only 21% of respondents' organizations are making progress in securing C-suite support and rolling out a strategy for applying AI, while another 28% say their organizations have limited to no capabilities, and the technology is not regarded as a strategic, overall priority.

Chris Mazzei, EY Global Innovation Technologies Leader and Chief Data & Analytics Officer, says:

"Enterprises are increasingly applying AI to their operational models. As a result, we are seeing leaders develop a more sophisticated view of how the technology could impact value creation and provide commercial differentiation. While AI is still in the early stage of maturity, businesses need to develop an AI strategy that is supported by the C-suite with the proper team to execute and measure its success."

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

This news release has been issued by EYGM Limited, a member of the global EY organization that also does not provide any services to clients.

About the poll

EY and MIT Technology Review Insights recently polled 122 business leaders attending a conference in San Francisco to gather insights regarding the current state of AI adoption.

Lizette Kodama

EY Global Media Relations

+1 212 773 7472

lizette.kodama@ey.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/381362/EY_Logo.jpgThiel College and University of Pittsburgh have reached an agreement that will allow Thiel juniors to be admitted into the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs graduate program

Greenville, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2018) - Thiel College students can earn guaranteed admission to The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public & International Affairs as a junior through an agreement signed recently.



Students who meet the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs admission standards can be admitted to the graduate program in their junior year of undergraduate studies. Students admitted to the graduate program will also be awarded a minimum $5,000 merit scholarship.



Students will receive their Bachelor's degree from Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) and move on to the University of Pittsburgh to choose from its Master of Public Administration, Master of Public & International Affairs, or Master of International Development degrees.



"This is a tremendous opportunity for Thiel students to gain an outstanding liberal arts foundation and then move seamlessly to graduate studies at a recognized, ranked and respected institution," Thiel College Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Liz Frombgen, Ph.D., said. "The agreement with the University of Pittsburgh connects our students to another resource for reaching their full potential."



The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public & International Affairs is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2018 and is one of the country's oldest and most prestigious professional schools for public service. It is currently ranked seventh nationally in international/global policy and administration and 19th nationally in local government management by US News and World Report. Foreign Policy magazine ranks it among the top 20 master's programs for a policy career in international relations worldwide.



"We at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs have been very impressed by the quality of Thiel College's undergraduate program and its mission of educating all students," said Michael Rizzi, Ed.D., GSPIA's Director of Student Services. "We are confident that a student who graduates with a Thiel degree is well prepared for the rigors of our master's degree program, and we see this partnership as a natural connection between two high-quality institutions."



About Thiel College



Thiel College (https://www.thiel.edu/) is a private liberal arts institution founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 25 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio to more than 900 students. A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016 and remains committed to combining tradition with innovation.



Media Contact:

Thiel College

7245892188

ddirienzo@thiel.eduImproving fiscal performance and continued growth opportunities are anticipated for 2018

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 30, 2018) - CardioComm Solutions, Inc. (TSXV: EKG) ("CardioComm" or the "Company"), a leading global provider of consumer heart monitoring and electrocardiogram ("ECG") software solutions, released its 2017 year-end financials, demonstrating continued sales growth, a profitable 2017 and increased confidence from the Company's auditor.

The 2017 figures are the result of management's continued focus on expense control coupled with new revenue generation opportunities. A summary of the SEDAR-posted financials shows the Company reported 2017 working capital of $486,911; net earnings of $39,609 versus a reported loss of $23,057 for 2016 (an increase of $62,667) and revenue growth of 11.7% to $1,749,269 in 2017, from $1,557,555 in 2016.

Material to this year's financial filing is the removal by the auditor of the going concern statement from the 2017 financial statements. Operationally, the Company has been cash flow positive over the last six fiscal quarters. The Company's financial statements also accommodate a 70% recovery of a non-operational cash loss of $113,235 related to an international banking transition.

The predominant drivers for revenue growth were increased software licensing contracts that generated recurring revenue streams and customized engineering contracts from device manufacturers and telemedicine groups. Revenue realized from hardware sales fell from 42% of total revenue in 2016 to 21% in 2017. All software-related revenues increased 21%, from 58% in 2016 to 79% in 2017. This increase is in line with the Company's recognized core competency and growing strategic market position as an innovator in ECG device communications, ECG data management solutions and ECG review and interpretation solutions, as well as the Company's status as a preferred "software as a medical device" provider to the medical and telemedicine industries.

The Company will continue to emphasize maintaining its recognized leadership as a software innovator in high impact medical software engineering through confirmation of plans to introduce multiple biometric and vital signs monitoring capabilities to its software offerings, as well as automated interpretation algorithms to its GEMS and SMART Monitoring ECG offerings. The Company believes access to new and innovative devices will lead the way for further software sales growth, as device manufacturers look to provide consumer and medical markets with access to novel technologies that can provide medically credible results.

CardioComm Solutions has earned the ISO 13485 certification, is HPB approved, HIPAA compliant and holds clearances for the sale of its HeartCheck technologies from the European Union (CE Mark), the USA (FDA), China (CFDA) and Canada (Health Canada).

To learn more about the CardioComm Solutions' products, please see the Company's websites www.theheartcheck.com and www.cardiocommsolutions.com.

About CardioComm Solutions

CardioComm Solutions' patented and proprietary technology is used in products for recording, viewing, analyzing and storing electrocardiograms for diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. Products are sold worldwide through a combination of an external distribution network and a North American-based sales team. CardioComm Solutions has earned the ISO 13485 certification, is HIPAA compliant and holds clearances from the European Union (CE Mark), the USA (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Etienne Grima, Chief Executive Officer

1-877-977-9425 x227

egrima@cardiocommsolutions.com

www.cardiocommsolutions.com

Forward-looking statements

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CardioComm Solutions and certain of the plans and objectives of CardioComm Solutions with respect to these items. Such statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.

In evaluating these statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this release other than as required by applicable laws, including without limitation, Section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 (Continuous Disclosure Obligations).

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.WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Seoul Ceuticals (www.SeoulCeuticals.com), a newly launched cult beauty favorite in the United States, will soon be available to customers throughout the middle east. The company is currently evaluating qualitied wholesalers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and throughout the GCC, and plans to have partners in place by the middle of the year.

Founded by Craig Romero, the architect of the widely popular skincare brand, OZNaturals, Seoul Ceuticals aims to meet the demand for high quality but affordable Korean skincare. "Our experience with OZNaturals has shown us that consumers throughout the middle east are passionate about the latest advances in beauty," said Romero. "We believe there is great demand with this audience for the innovative approach Korean skincare products bring to the beauty sector."

Seoul Ceuticals currently has two flagship products, a Vitamin C-based Day Glow Serum and an Anti-Aging Snail Repair Cream, which uses pure snail mucin (one of the most highly sought-after K Beauty ingredients) to address a wide range of skincare concerns. Their Marine Mineral Plump & Glow Essence is slated to launch May 10, 2018.

Established retailers and wholesalers interested in learning more about the opportunities for carrying Seoul Ceuticals products, are encouraged to contact the company's representative at ann.m@gachruda.com.

CONTACT:

Ann Majeski

ann.m@gachruda.comMONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/30/18 -- Saputo Inc. ("Saputo" or "the Company") (TSX: SAP) completed today the transaction announced on October 26, 2017 and acquired the activities of Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Co. Limited ("Murray Goulburn" or "MG"), based in Australia.

The purchase price of CDN$1.29 billion (A$1.31 billion), on a debt-free basis, was financed through a newly committed bank loan.

MG produces a full range of high-quality dairy foods, including drinking milk, milk powder, cheese, butter and dairy beverages, as well as a range of ingredient and nutritional products, such as infant formula. MG supplies the retail and foodservice industries globally with its flagship Devondale, Liddells and Murray Goulburn Ingredients brands. After taking into account the future divestment of the Koroit plant by Saputo in accordance with its undertaking in favour of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Murray Goulburn operates seven manufacturing facilities across Australia and one in China, and has approximately 1,900 employees.

For the twelve-month period ended on June 30, 2017, MG had revenues of approximately CDN$2.5 billion (A$2.5 billion) and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, milk supply support package forgiveness, rationalisation costs, write-downs and non-recurring costs of approximately CDN$78 million (A$79 million).

The acquisition of Murray Goulburn will add to and complement the activities of the Company's Dairy Division (Australia). By acquiring a well-established industry player, Saputo reinforces its commitment to strengthen its presence in the Australian market. The Company intends to continue to invest in its existing Australian platform and contribute to the ongoing development of its domestic and international business.

Moelis Australia acted as financial advisor to Saputo, while Ash St. Partners Pty Ltd and Clayton Utz acted as legal counsel. National Bank Financial and BMO Capital Markets were co-lead arrangers and joint bookrunners.

About Saputo

Saputo produces, markets, and distributes a wide array of dairy products of the utmost quality, including cheese, fluid milk, extended shelf-life milk and cream products, cultured products and dairy ingredients. Saputo is one of the top ten dairy processors in the world, the largest cheese manufacturer and the leading fluid milk and cream processor in Canada, the top dairy processor in Australia and the second largest in Argentina. In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the largest producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products. Our products are sold in several countries under well-known brand names such as Saputo, Alexis de Portneuf, Armstrong, COON, Cracker Barrel(i), Dairyland, DairyStar, Devondale, Friendship Dairies, Frigo Cheese Heads, La Paulina, Milk2Go/Lait's Go, Montchevre, Murray Goulburn, Neilson, Nutrilait, Scotsburn(i), Stella, Sungold, Treasure Cave and Woolwich Dairy. Saputo Inc. is a publicly traded company and its shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "SAP".

(i)Trademark used under licence.

Contacts:

Media Inquiries

1-514-328-3141 / 1-866-648-5902



DALLAS (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Justice Department, making its final case against AT&T Inc.'s (T) planned acquisition of Time Warner Inc. (TWX), on Monday urged a judge to consider 'alternative' remedies if he chooses not to block the merger outright, according to reports. The government's comments came as U.S. District Judge Richard Leon set a court hearing for June 12 to announce his ruling in the high-profile case, kicking off a six-week period of anxious waiting for both sides. The Justice Department lawyer Craig Conrath reportedly sought to hit all of the government's main antitrust claims against the deal and told Leon that he should block the transaction because it would lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in higher prices for consumers. But Conrath also laid out a fallback position for the government: If the judge decides not to block the whole deal, he should consider forcing AT&T to make a 'partial divestiture,' the lawyer reportedly said, meaning the company couldn't hold on to all of Time Warner's assets. Conrath reportedly said Leon could consider allowing AT&T to buy parts of Time Warner, but not the Turner networks, which are a focal point in the government's case. He also floated the possibility that the judge could require other types of 'structural' changes to soften the deal's impact on consumers. 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.30 American Psychological Association journals will pilot Publons' Reviewer Recognition service

PHILADELPHIA, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest scientific organization representing psychology in the United States, announced a new partnership with the peer review platform Publons, a Clarivate Analytics company. APA will pilot Publons' Reviewer Recognition service across 30 of their core journals.

Publons' Reviewer Recognition Service integrates with all peer review submission systems, providing peer reviewers instant recognition for their contributions, in full compliance with journal review policies. During the pilot, experts who peer review for APA's participating journals can instantly add records of their reviews to Publons with the click of a button. This added recognition lets APA reviewers effortlessly maintain a verified record of their peer review contributions for promotion and funding applications.

The pilot also provides APA with access to exclusive tools and insights designed to help them better understand and serve their peer review community.

The pilot builds on promising organic demand for the service, with over 1,800 APA reviewers having already manually added more than 6,000 review records to Publons.

Rose Sokol-Chang, Journal Publisher at the American Psychological Association said: "The American Psychological Association is enthusiastic about working with Publons to recognize the hard work of our reviewers. Publons offers the right balance between recognition and confidentiality, and we're excited that journal reviewers will have the ability to display their contributions to psychological science."

Laura Harvey, Head of Publisher Relations at Publons added: "Publons mission is to speed up research by utilizing the power of great peer review, a goal shared by the American Psychological Association. Through our new partnership we are pleased to help the American Psychological Association utilize our novel partner tools and cross-publisher insights to better understand and manage their peer review processes, whilst giving their reviewers recognition for all of their hard work."

Academics interested in reviewing for participating APA journals will be able to connect with an editorial member through the click of a button on the journal's profile page. For more details on the partnership and to see a list of participating journals, visit: https://publons.com/in/apa/.

About American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. The APA Journals program publishes 89 journals, including on behalf of the APA divisions and other national and international societies. For more information, please visit apa.org and apa.org/pubs/Journals

About Publons

Publons works with researchers, publishers and research institutions to speed up science and research by harnessing the power of peer review. Publons is partnered with more than 50 of the world's leading scholarly publishers, helping over 360,000 researchers to track more than 2-million peer reviews. Publons, founded in 2013 and now part of Clarivate Analytics, has offices in Wellington, New Zealand and London, UK. For more information, please visit: publons.com

Follow Publons on Facebook and Twitter:

https://twitter.com/publons

https://www.facebook.com/publons

About Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics is the global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation. Building on a heritage going back more than a century and a half, we have built some of the most trusted brands across the innovation lifecycle, including Web of Science, Cortellis, Derwent, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet. Today, Clarivate Analytics is a new and independent company on a bold entrepreneurial mission to help our clients radically reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing innovations. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

Media Contact

Jo Wilkinson, Publons

jo@publons.comIntersects 12.7 Metres of 38.0% Zinc and 28.5 Metres of 20.1% Zinc

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2018) - Zinc One Resources Inc. (TSXV: Z) (OTC Pink: ZZZOF) (FSE: RH33) - "Zinc One" or the "Company") has extended the recently discovered high-grade zinc deposit at the Mina Chica zone of the Bongara Zinc Project located in north-central Peru. Four of the drill holes reported herein show that the high-grade mineralization continues to the northwest for more than 50 metres with true vertical thicknesses ranging from 7.4 metres to 20.1 metres and zinc grades in excess of 20%. The drilling at Mina Chica is part of the ongoing program that is targeting several areas of known high-grade zinc mineralization at the project. The drill program at Mina Chica, consisting of 53 drill holes and a total of 2,370.9 metres, has now been completed with final results pending for the remaining drill holes. Drilling at Mina Grande Sur is continuing and results are expected soon.

Jim Walchuck, President and CEO of Zinc One commented, "The current drill program at the Mina Chica zone continues to expand the deposit, and will potentially have a positive impact on the resource estimate at the Bongara Zinc Mine Project expected to be released in Q3 2018. Needless to say, the drill results of this discovery have greatly enhanced our understanding of the geology at Mina Chica and continue to impress us at Zinc One. We are obviously eager to see the next round of drill results."

Mina Chica Drill Results Highlights:

 53 drill holes for 2,370.9 metres have been drilled from 18 platforms (see map in Figure 1.) o Results from 18 holes were reported previously (see news releases from April 9, and April 26, 2018)  Significant new intercepts include (see cross-section in Figure 2.): o MCH18022 - 12.7 metres of 38.0% zinc, from 6.0 metres drill depth o MCH18026 - 28.5 metres of 20.1% zinc, from 4.3 metres drill depth  True vertical thickness of 20.1 metres from true vertical depth of 3.0 metres  Holes MCH18019, 20, and 21 were drilled proximal to the southern limit of superficial mineralization.  Mineralization at Mina Chica includes zinc oxides, carbonates and silicates hosted by soils, highly-weathered carbonates, and fine- to coarse-grained dolomites.

Mina Chica is one of three known zones of high-grade, near-surface zinc-oxide mineralization along a 1.4 kilometre mineralized trend that is being tested by this drill program. At Bongarita, which lies approximately 200 metres west of Mina Chica, all results from the 36 holes (587.2 metres) drilled have been reported. A second drill rig is currently drilling at Mina Grande Sur, which lies approximately 1.2 kilometres southeast of Mina Chica. Results from 11 of 80 holes drilled, for a total of 1,782.1 metres, have been reported to date.

Geology and Discussion of Results

The zinc mineralization at Bongara is hosted by carbonate rocks and is classified as a Mississippi Valley-type deposit. The mineralization is stratabound and is basically a tabular body with irregular boundaries. Hydrozincite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, and a zinc-aluminum-iron silicate are the primary zinc minerals that are hosted primarily by soils, heavily-weathered fractured and vuggy dolomites, and fine- to coarse-grained dolomites.

Significant results, including drill-hole orientation and total depths for Mina Chica, can be found below in Table 1. In addition, the map in Figure 1 shows the drilling and the surface/pit sampling at Mina Chica. Figure 2 is a cross-section that shows the key holes that define the discovery.

Table 1.: Mina Chica Drill Results

Drill hole Easting* Northing* Azimuth Inclination Total depth From, m To, m Total, m True vertical thickness, m Zn, % MCH18019 170788 9368771 0 -90 25.0 0.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 31.4 MCH18020 170788 9368771 225 -45 23.8 0.0 5.8 5.8 4.1 23.8 MCH18021 170789 9368772 45 -45 20.7 0.0 4.2 4.2 3.0 12.0 MCH18022 170750 9368861 0 -90 34.50 6.0 24.0 24.0 12.7 38.0 MCH18023 170750 9368861 180 -45 31.3 13.3 23.8 23.8 7.4 27.5 MCH18024 170750 9368860 270 -45 26.8 8.8 19.3 19.3 7.4 23.4 MCH18025 170746 9368902 0 -90 28.0 3.0 7.5 7.5 4.5 11.0 MCH18026 170746 9368902 230 -45 59.8 4.3 32.8 32.8 20.1 20.1

*Preliminary coordinates; land survey pending

Figure 1: Drilling and Pit/Surface Sampling at Mina Chica Zone

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4668/34347_figure1.jpg

Figure 2: Cross-Section at Mina Chica Zone

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4668/34347_figure2.jpg

Sampling and Analytical Protocols

Zinc One follows a systematic and rigorous Quality Control/Quality Assurance program overseen by Dr. Bill Williams, COO and Director of Zinc One.

The sample from each core run is placed in a 60-centimetre long, plastic core box that has five columns. Core recovery, rock quality designation ("RQD"), and geologic features are logged and sample intervals, which are generally <2 metres, are chosen. Each core box is photographed and then sampled with a spatula (soil and heavily-weathered rock) or cut with a core saw, 50% of which is placed in a sample bag and stored on site in a secure location. The Company independently inserts certified control standards, blanks, and duplicates, all of which comprise at least 20% of the sample batch, to monitor sample preparation and analytical quality. The samples are stored in a secure area until such time they are shipped to ALS laboratory in Lima (ISO 9001 Certified) for preparation and assay. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed, pulverized and then a four-acid digestion is applied. This is followed by the ICP-AES analytical technique for 33 elements, including lead. The same method is used to assay zinc for values up to 20%. If zinc exceeds 20%, it is then analyzed using a titration method. The laboratory also inserts blanks and standards as well as including duplicate analyses.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Dr. Bill Williams, COO and Director of Zinc One, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Zinc One Resources Inc.

Zinc One is focused on the exploration and development of prospective and advanced zinc projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Company's key assets are the Bongara Zinc Mine Project and the Charlotte Bongara Zinc Project in north-central Peru. The Bongara Zinc Mine Project was in production from 2007 to 2008, but was closed due to the global financial crisis and concurrent decrease in the zinc price. Past production included >20% zinc grades and recoveries over 90% from surface and near-surface zinc-oxide mineralization. High-grade, zinc-oxide mineralization is known to outcrop between the mined area and the Charlotte Bongara Project, which is nearly six kilometres to the NNW and where past drilling intercepted various near-surface zones with high-grade zinc. Zinc One is managed by a proven team of geologists and engineers who have previously constructed and operated successful mining operations.

Additional Information

Monica Hamm

VP, Investor Relations

Zinc One Resources Inc.

Phone: (604) 683-0911

Email: mhamm@zincone.com

www.zincone.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zinc One cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zinc One's limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on the Bongara Zinc Oxide Project and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zinc One does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Keller Group plc

TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS

In accordance with the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rule 5.6.1, Keller Group plc ("the Company") advises that, as at 1 May 2018, the total issued share capital of the Company consisted of 73,099,735 ordinary shares of 10p each, of which 1,076,646 shares were held in Treasury.

Accordingly, the total number of voting rights in the Company's ordinary shares is 72,023,089.

The above number may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Kerry Porritt

Company Secretary

LEI number: 549300QO4MBL43UHSN10

Classification: 2.5 (Total number of voting rights and capital)1 May 2018

INDIGO HOLDINGS PLC

("Indigo" or the "Company")

Trading update

Indigo Holdings plc (NEX: INGO), the Middle East focused Investment Company that provides investors with exposure to early stage businesses, announces the below trading update.

Investment in Carvanro

On 21 February 2017, the Company announced that it had acquired a 5% stake in the Iranian car ride-sharing app, Carvanro, for 176,800. Carvanro is closing down and it has agreed with various shareholders, including the Company, to return any excess funds, after having paid off all immediate and current debts, payment of immediate salaries and expenses due to employees, liabilities due to HMRC, amongst others.

The Company will receive approximately 11,500, subject to final agreement, as full and final settlement of its shares and will accordingly take a write-off of approximately 165,300, representing a right off of approximately 94% of its investment.

Investment in Sheypoor

On 8 March 2017, the Company announced that it had invested approximately 320,000 in Net Tejarat Ahoura Company, which owns 100% of the issued share capital of Sheypoor.

Net Tejarat Ahoura Company has recently completed a fundraising of approximately 8 million at a valuation of 50 million, representing an uplift in value of 66.6% in value since the Company invested in March 2017. The Company previously invested in a round at a valuation of 30 million

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the content of this announcement.

For further information please contact:

The Company

Indigo Holdings plc

Eddie Kerman +44 (0) 20 7493 0412 NEX Exchange Corporate Adviser

Peterhouse Corporate Finance Limited

Guy Miller and Mark Anwyl +44 (0) 20 7469 0930

About Indigo Holdings plc:

Indigo Holdings is an Isle of Man incorporated investment Company targeting opportunities in the Frontier Markets of the Middle East. The region represents an exciting investment jurisdiction given recent political developments, both internally and externally, and also its considerably advantageous geographic location.

Initially concentrating on the fast-growing Technology, Consumer and Financial Services sectors, the Company is focussed on helping early stage businesses with huge growth opportunities to reach their potential and to provide significant shareholder returns. The strong background of the management team in these sectors, combined with their established business network in the region will help Indigo to identify the best possible investment opportunities.

Indigo Holdings is perfectly placed to grant UK investors unique exposure to the Middle East's renewed economic and political trajectory.PGIM Fixed Income today announced that Kunal Patel, CFA, has joined the firm's London office, as a vice president covering U.K. pension funds, insurance companies and consultants. Patel will report to Sarah McMullen, Principal, head of U.K. Client Advisory.

Patel was most recently a vice president at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), based in London, where he was responsible for coverage of investment consultant firms, and U.K. pension client relationships spanning pooled fund and segregated investments across a range of strategies. Prior to PIMCO, Patel was with Deutsche Bank Debt Capital Markets group providing tailored advice to corporate clients on debt financing, balance sheet management and risk management. He was responsible for corporate client coverage of U.K. Treasury teams and mid-market corporate clients in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium.

"Kunal's knowledge and experience across the fixed income markets makes him an outstanding partner to add value for our clients and continue our growth in the U.K.," said McMullen.

Patel received a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management from University of Oxford, Worcester College, and an MBA with a concentration in finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

About PGIM Fixed Income

PGIM Fixed Income, with $709 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2017, is a global asset manager offering active solutions across all fixed income markets. The company has offices in Newark, N.J., London, Tokyo and Singapore. For more information, visit pgimfixedincome.com.

About PGIM and Prudential Financial, Inc.

With 15 consecutive years of positive third-party institutional net flows, PGIM, the global asset management businesses of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), ranks among the top 10 largest asset managers in the world with more than $1 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2017. PGIM's businesses offer a range of investment solutions for retail and institutional investors around the world across a broad range of asset classes, including fundamental equity, quantitative equity, public fixed income, private fixed income, real estate and commercial mortgages. Its businesses have offices in 16 countries across five continents. For more information, please visit pgim.com.

Prudential's additional businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities and retirement-related services. For more information about PGIM, please visit pgim.com. For more information about Prudential, please visit news.prudential.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005221/en/

Contacts:

MEDIA:

Claire Currie

973-802-4040

claire.currie@pgim.comShowcase experience enables businesses to unlock the hidden value of extreme data sets

GeoSpock - the extreme-scale, data integration company that provides analytics, builds insight, and enables predictions across space and time today announced the launch of its Location Intelligence as a Service (LlaaS) Product Showcase.

Demonstrating a variety of real-world scenarios, the Product Showcase is used to explore the potential of smart city development, online advertising and mobility through Location Intelligence (LI) analytics functionality including dynamic filtering, movement tracking, dataset comparisons, and geofencing. Understanding LI datasets is crucial for companies looking to derive meaningful insight from extreme amounts of geospatial and temporal data, which enables informed business decisions.

The platform empowers businesses who have not yet used GeoSpock to evaluate how these LI tools unlock the power of their data, before progressing to GeoSpock's wider product suite to develop analytics, create insight, and benefit from predictions for their company's datasets. Utilising the full analytics toolset of illumin8 and extrapol8, the Product Showcase is powered by big data from Geospock's extreme-scale indexing engine, infin8.

Companies spanning the automotive, telecoms, mobility, media, and retail landscapes as well as leading and disruptive technology companies involved in developing smart city technology, and IoT capabilities will benefit from implementing GeoSpock's data visualisation platform.

Example scenarios from the Product Showcase include:

Audience profiling around supermarket store locations: targeting relevant product offers in a cost-effective way

New York taxi passenger drop-off and pick-ups: discovering the powerful combination of geospatial and temporal data

Analysis of flights arriving and departing from airports: understanding the smart city implications of population movement

Richard Baker, CEO at GeoSpock, comments: "Location Intelligence is a critical metadata metric for enterprises, with Gartner forecasting that the use of LI software by large and midsize enterprises will quadruple to 36% by the end of 2021. Geospock's interactive platform enables businesses to unlock the impact of extreme-scale data visualisation and analytics in a powerful, fast, and effective way. We are at the leading edge of the LI software market and clients are increasingly seeking a solution that drives dynamic interaction with vast sets of data, across location and in sub-second time, so we are delighted to offer Geospock's capabilities to benefit these forward-thinking businesses."

GeoSpock is fast becoming the de facto processing engine at the heart of next-generation infrastructure, including smart cities and the Internet of Everything (IoE), as well as powering future mobility applications such as the management of autonomous vehicle fleets.

About GeoSpock

GeoSpock provides analyticsbuildsinsightandenablespredictionacross space and time. Their proprietary data integration platform visualises extreme amounts of contextual data in milliseconds. Its architecture has the ability to analyse trillions of geospatial and temporal data points in sub-second response time with its high performance, cloud-based services infin8, illumin8, and extrapol8. Conceived by Dr Steve Marsh while reading for his PhD in Computer Science at Cambridge University and founded as a business in 2013, GeoSpock is the future of big data management, providing extreme-scale, high volume-ingest, ease of use, and interactive results. Learn more at www.geospock.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005132/en/

Contacts:

Media contact for GeoSpock

Sarah Redman

sarah@geospockpr.com

+44 203 642 1124New Game Formats Monetisation Strategies Boost Developer Prospects

A new study from Juniper Research forecasts that the total digital games market will reach $160 billion by 2022, up from $117 billion this year. The market is set to be boosted by the increasing prevalence of loot boxes; purchasable in-game packs which contain a random selection of items, thus monetising users in-game. The practice has already proved immensely popular globally, especially in the Chinese games sector.

For more insights, download the free whitepaper: 3 Takeaways from the Booming Chinese Digital Games Market

New Monetisation Models Game Styles

The new research, Future Games Market: Market Sizing Forecasts 2018-2022, argued that how loot boxes are monetised will be a critical decision for games developers for the future.

Research author Lauren Foye explained: "Loot boxes play upon the gamers' desire to have the most prestigious and sought-after in-game items, whether these be weapons or cosmetic goods. By monetising the random generation of items, developers are effectively encouraging a form of in-game gambling, extending both the lifecycle and engagement of games titles to their audience."

In addition, the research notes the opportunity presented by evolving game formats, as evidenced from the surge in popularity of Battle Royale titles, where dozens of players face-off in a 'last-man standing' format. Titles include PUBG Fortnite, each of which hosts 35 million unique players.

Meanwhile, in the well-established mobile games sector, Juniper finds advertising is set to play a still greater role in monetising consumers whom avoid paying into popular free titles; with ad spend reaching $20 billion by 2022.

Core Devices See Uptick in Spend

Juniper states that the console market is set for a revival, noting that the Nintendo Switch has done markedly well with over 16 million units sold since its March 2017 launch. Console revenues are set to hit $33.2 billion by 2022, up from $25.3 billion in 2017. The research pinpoints growth in digital formats, as well as anticipated boosts to sales from the next generation of consoles, now expected from 2020 onwards.

Juniper Research provides research and analytical services to the global hi-tech communications sector, providing consultancy, analyst reports and industry commentary.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005124/en/

Contacts:

Juniper Research

Sam Smith, Press Relations

T: +44(0)1256 830002

E: sam.smith@juniperresearch.comAcacia Mining plc

Registration number 7123187

("the Company")

TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS

In accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Company advises that its issued share capital comprises 410,085,499 ordinary shares of 10 pence each. The voting rights of all these shares are identical with each share carrying the right to one vote. The Company holds no ordinary shares in Treasury.

The above figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interests in, or a change to their interest in Acacia Mining plc under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

1 May 2018BlindSpotz Provide Economical, On-Package Freeze Alert to Ensure the Quality of Food, Industrial and Medical Products

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado and DAYTON, Ohio, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Billions of packages each year of perishable, temperature-sensitive products wind their way through North America's supply chain and confront every customer with a nagging question:Has it been affected by freezing temperatures in transportation or storage?

Temperatures below 32 F (0 C) can impact products as diverse as fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and meat, flowers, agricultural products, ink, chemicals, solvents, paint, medical samples, vaccines, food home delivery and certain types of mail or freight.

Click Here to Download Images.

Chromatic Technologies Inc. (CTI) has invented BlindSpotz, a new patent-pending freeze-warning technology that can be printed directly on a package. If the temperature of the package drops at or below 32 F (0 C), a permanent colored symbol appears on the exterior of the package to quickly notify the supply chain that product has been damaged.

A partnership of American Thermal Instruments (ATI) and CTI introduces freeze-warning technology that can be printed economically on individual packages to help protect the brand and consumer of medical supplies and foods, while dramatically saving money by lowering product waste. CTI will handle the technical support for all on-package printing while ATI will manage the customer implementation of cold-chain monitoring and data in support of those opportunities.

The cold-chain market is expected to grow to US$293 billion dollars by 2023, a 54% increase over 2017. This growth can be attributed to the international trade of perishable foods, technological advancements in refrigerated storage and transport, government support for the infrastructural development of the cold-chain industry and an increase in consumer demand for perishable foods. Also, expansion of food retail chains by multinationals will enhance international trade and impact the growth of the cold-chain market.

The current cold-chain technology to record temperatures between 4C (39 F) and -4 C (25 F) costs around $3 per device. CTI's BlindSpotz freeze spot technology costs pennies per package. The CTI capability embeds the technology into an ink system that can be incorporated into the existing printing process for packaging. Now billions of packages of lettuce, strawberries, flowers, paint and medical vaccines can be individually inspected for quality and safety.

Patrick Edson, CTI's chief marketing officer, explains that "Every packaging company in the world that supports food, medical and industrial clients just got access to a new pipeline of innovation to help their clients improve quality, safety and create a better consumer experience. It just requires one print station and the technology can be implemented.

"Freeze-sensitive prescriptions can now be sent by mail and it's easy for patients to confirm the product hasn't been exposed to freezing temperatures. It's also a game-changer in saving money. Today, a single dose of HepB in the U.S. for a patient costs $700. If a hospital has 100 doses in a refrigerator that has a freezing incident, it is required to discard $70,000 in inventory. With the BlindSpotz on-vial freeze indicator, the doses can be quickly sorted into 'O.K.' and 'FROZEN. DO NOT USE.' If inspection finds that only 10% have been damaged, that's a savings of $63,000," Edson explains.

Randall Lane, ATI's chief strategy officer, adds "Another big challenge is the reduction in food waste. Right now, if a truck delivering $50,000 in fresh produce is measured to be at 28 F during transportation, a customer's internal policies will dictate if the shipment is rejected or accepted. With the BlindSpotz freeze indicator on individual packages or cases, the truck can be inspected and sorted.

"In this shipment for example, the technology may reveal that 30% of the truck's packages are at risk, but the balance is fine. BlindSpotz prevents $15,000 in bad product from reaching the customer, but also saves $35,000 in good inventory being returned, dramatically cutting costs of product waste, out-of-stocks and logistics," added Lane.

Extensive government regulations from the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture require cold-chain monitoring on any food and drug product affected by temperature. The ability to now record data and inspect at the package level is an economical, dramatic improvement in monitoring and reporting.

Additional BlindSpotz technology for devices and on-pack printing is available to alert in event of thawing, warming outside of refrigeration specifications, high-heat damage, tampering and verification of high-pressure pasteurization (HPP).

About American Thermal Instruments

ATI is the company that quality and logistics managers alike turn to as the leader in temperature monitoring, inspections and asset tracking. ATI produces custom temperature monitoring solutions for industries that require the most accurate and measurable systems. www.americanthermal.com

About Chromatic Technologies Inc.

CTI is the world's largest producer of thermochromic ink and manufactures other environmentally reactive technology, such as photochromic, pressure activated, irreversible, reveal and glow-in-the dark. CTI is an innovation company that supports the world's biggest brands and package printers. www.ctiinks.com

CTI Contact: Patrick Edson Chief Marketing Officer Chromatic Technologies Inc. 1096 Elkton Drive, Suite 600 Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907 U.S.A. (719) 592-1557 pedson@ctiinks.com www.ctiinks.com ATI Contact: Randall Lane Chief Strategy Officer American Thermal Instruments 2400 E. River Road Dayton, Ohio 45439 U.S.A. (937) 429-2114 rlane@americanthermal.com www.amereicanthermal.com

Media Contact: Don Shook MERIT Media Relations LLC 3375 E. Tompkins Avenue, # 153

Las Vegas, Nevada 89121 U.S.A.

(702) 260-7600

donshook@cox.net

www.MMRpr.com

Photo- https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684108/Vaccine_QR_Code.jpg

Logo- https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/642764/CTI_Logo.jpgWerbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.The National Crime Agency is carrying out a review of allegations of fraud at HBOS in a move that could lead to a full criminal investigation. The NCA said its review of evidence would extend beyond the scope of a previous investigation that led to the imprisonment of six people in 2017. Thames Valley Police, which carried out the original investigation, asked the NCA to review allegations of fraud at HBOS's impaired assets division for London and the South East. The review will decide whether ...

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.Anglian Water Services Financing Plc - Removal of Cayman Islands Company

Anglian Water Services Financing Plc

Anglian Water requests Cayman Court consent to progress with the removal of its Cayman Islands company

Anglian Water has petitioned the Cayman Islands High Court in connection with the removal of its Cayman Islands holding company Anglian Water Services Overseas Holdings Limited, which has always been registered in the UK for tax purposes.

The move follows consent from its lenders for the company to be removed from Anglian Water's structure. It is one of a number of financial and corporate measures announced in March, designed to improve transparency, trust and customer confidence.

The full announcement may be accessed online at:

https://media.anglianwater.co.uk/anglian-water-requests-cayman-court-consent-to-progress-with-subsidiary-removal/

For further information, please contact:

Anglian Water press office (24hrs): 0871 677 0123

Jane Pilcher, Group Treasurer: 01480 323503

Anglian Water Services Financing Plc LEI: 213800DL377MH46PDY63LONDON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Due to the unprecedented inaccurate media reporting coming from the press in Malta, which is subsequently being re-distributed by international media, Ariadne Capital Group Limited is compelled to make a public statement to make clear that the suggestions being made about Julie Meyer's position are completely untrue.

Julie Meyer refutes all accusations of being put on notice of any court order or judgment in the Maltese Courts. There was a short hearing last Wednesday to deal with a couple of outstanding employment disputes which Ariadne's lawyer was in funds to deal with and in respect of which she was not asked to attend. At all stages, Ms Meyer and her team have made exhaustive efforts to collaborate and cooperate with the authorities to resolve any issues and they will continue to do so. Ariadne only wishes to have full and final compromise agreements in place with employees or consultants who did not sign agreements and are claiming employee status. This is a requirement of a regulated entity.

"Both my team and I will continue to go about our business professionally. Ariadne is in a strong position and both my team and I will continue to go about our business professionally and to make it a success," Julie Meyer says.

Media Enquiries to: Julian Pike at Julian.Pike@farrer.co.uk or +44(0)-203-375-7217

About Ariadne Capital Group Limited (ACGL):

ACGL is an investment firm based in Malta and London, UK. Our mission is to put the entrepreneur at the heart of society. Our investment strategy, 'Ecosystem Economics', drives our business approach to bring David & Goliath together to dance. We are hosting the Follow The Entrepreneur Investor Summit 2018 in Dubrovnik, Croatia from the 7th to the 10th of October. http://www.follow-the-entrepreneur.com . To register: https://follow-the-entrepreneur.com/register/Leading Industry Executive George Thanopoulos Named Chief Executive Officer

Agrees to Acquire L&W, Inc. Through an Affiliate

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS") announced today that it created a new company, Autokiniton Global Group, LP ("AGG"), to pursue investments in the global automotive supply industry. George Thanopoulos, a widely respected industry executive, will serve as AGG's Chief Executive Officer.

KPS also announced today that AGG has entered into definitive agreements to acquire L&W, Inc. ("L&W" or the "Company"). Following completion of the transaction, Mr. Thanopoulos will become L&W's Executive Chairman. Scott Jones will continue to serve as President and lead the Company's world-class management team.

L&W is a leading "Tier 1" supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in hot and cold metal stampings and welded assemblies. The Company is a leader in metal-formed components and complex assemblies, with a product portfolio that is well-positioned for key automotive trends, including electrification, lightweighting and emission reduction regulations. L&W's unique vertical integration from design through delivery results in best-in-class quality, service and delivery to customers. The Company has received over 100 awards from customers throughout its history. Headquartered in New Boston, Michigan, L&W operates 23 sales, engineering and production facilities located throughout the United States with over 3,200 employees.

KPS and Mr. Thanopoulos have a history of successfully working together to create, operate and grow automotive supply businesses. KPS and Mr. Thanopoulos partnered in 2005 to form HHI Group Holdings, LLC ("HHI"). HHI, through a series of acquisitions and other growth initiatives, became the largest North American manufacturer of highly engineered, safety-critical forged components for automotive customers and a leading manufacturer of complex, highly engineered powdered metal powertrain components and wheel bearings. HHI was sold in 2012.

Michael Psaros, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of KPS, said, "KPS is thrilled to reestablish its partnership with George Thanopoulos with the objective of replicating our shared success on a much greater scale. Our previous initiative with George, HHI, consolidated and transformed the fragmented automotive forging industry in North America, creating a company that provided its customers with stable industry leadership and world-class products, quality, technology and service. KPS intends to invest a significant amount of capital in AGG to expand the business through acquisitions in the automotive parts industry globally, leveraging our industry knowledge, manufacturing expertise and relationships on a global basis."

George Thanopoulos said, "We are very excited to acquire L&W and launch AGG. L&W possesses world-class assets, industry-leading quality and service, and a commitment to investing in state-of-the-art technology and process development. L&W's greatest asset is its customer relationships established over decades. KPS and I look forward to working with L&W's President Scott Jones and the Company's management team to build on the Company's unique strengths with a new strategic vision, financial resources and exceptional credentials in the global automotive industry."

Completion of the transaction is expected in spring 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About George Thanopoulos

George Thanopoulos served as the Chief Executive Officer of Metaldyne Performance Group Inc. ("MPG"), an industry-leading metal former focused on powertrain applications with over $3 billion in annual revenue, from August 2014 to April 2017. During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, MPG completed an initial public offering in 2014 and subsequent sale to American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. in 2017, where Mr. Thanopoulos has served as a Director. Mr. Thanopoulos formerly served as a Director of Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc., JL French Automotive Castings, Inc. and Chassis Brakes International Group. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of HHI Group Holdings, LLC from 2005 - 2014, a company he co-founded in partnership with KPS. Mr. Thanopoulos began his career at MascoTech Inc. in 1985 serving in various engineering, plant management and executive management roles.

About Autokiniton Global Group, LP

AGG was created by KPS Capital Partners, LP to pursue investments in the global automotive supply industry in partnership with George Thanopoulos.

About L&W, Inc.

L&W is a leading "Tier 1" supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in hot and cold metal stampings and welded assemblies. The Company is a leader in metal-formed components and complex assemblies, with a product portfolio that is well-positioned for key automotive trends, including electrification, lightweighting and emission reduction regulations. L&W's unique vertical integration from design through delivery results in best-in-class quality, service and delivery to customers. The Company has received over 100 awards from customers throughout its history. Headquartered in New Boston, Michigan, L&W operates 23 sales, engineering and production facilities located throughout the United States with over 3,200 employees. For more information about L&W, visit http://www.lweng.com/.

About KPS Capital Partners, LP

KPS is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $5.4 billion of assets under management. For over two decades, the Partners of KPS have worked exclusively to realize significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in manufacturing and industrial companies across a diverse array of industries, including basic materials, branded consumer, healthcare and luxury products, automotive parts, capital equipment and general manufacturing. KPS creates value for its investors by working constructively with talented management teams to make businesses better, and generates investment returns by structurally improving the strategic position, competitiveness and profitability of its portfolio companies, rather than primarily relying on financial leverage. The KPS Funds' Portfolio Companies have aggregate annual revenues of approximately $7.0 billion, operate 165 manufacturing facilities in 31 countries, and employ approximately 50,000 associates, directly and through joint ventures worldwide. The KPS investment strategy and portfolio companies are described in detail at www.kpsfund.com.LONDON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

"If we don't act now, superbugs will kill us before climate change does."Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, November 2017[1]

A simple patch which cleverly harnesses part of the body's own natural repair system - nitric oxide - could help in the fight against killer superbugs and antibiotic resistance according to recently published studies.

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684974/Edixomed_EDX110.jpg )



Millions of people are at risk of dying from infections every day, many of which can no longer be treated by even the strongest antibiotics.

Now, in two recently published studies, a breakthrough wound care system, created by the UK firm Edixomed, has been shown to kill a range of antibiotic-resistant bacteria including MRSA and E. Coli, both of which have the potential to be fatal for many people.[2],[3]

The discovery could pave the way for these easy-to-use patches to be available in hospitals across the NHS to dress wounds to prevent the growth of bacteria, and tackle established infections.

"Bacterial infections resistant to all currently available antibiotics are expected to kill over 10 million people a year by 2050. The threat is very real and of international concern; but with this technology, we have a novel, viable and innovative solution with which to strike back. Wound care is just the first of many potential applications," said Professor Art Tucker, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. He added, "Importantly, nitric oxide acts against multiple targets in bacteria to kill them, hence there is a very unlikely chance of bacteria developing resistance any time in the future."

In addition, Edixomed's breakthrough, the EDX110 wound care system, is able to deliver nitric oxide in a sustained way to give the wound or ulcer the best chance of healing. As part of the natural healing process the body normally produces nitric oxide and uses it to signal for increased blood flow and to fight infection. Edixomed's technology effectively "supercharges" the body's own natural healing processes.

In fact, recently published clinical research in diabetic foot ulcers, including infected ulcers, showed that the EDX110 patch achieved the same healing in 4 weeks as the standard-of-care approaches currently used in UK hospitals achieved at 12 weeks. The standard-of-care patients were also significantly more likely to be hospitalised due to complications with their foot ulcer.[2]

"Diabetic foot ulcers are notoriously hard-to-heal and are the leading cause of diabetes-related amputations in the UK. The recently published findings provide an essential step forward in developing solutions for the effective management of these chronic wounds," said Professor Michael Edmonds, Principal Investigator of the pivotal diabetic foot ulcer study, King's College Hospital, London. He added, "Reducing infection and accelerating healing could significantly contribute to a reduction in the number of avoidable amputations. EDX110 represents a major step forward in best practice care."

In severe cases, infection of a foot ulcer in a patient with diabetes can result in lower limb amputation or worse e.g. complications such as sepsis, multi-organ failure and death.

Facts:

The NHS carries out more than 7,300 amputations each year in the UK as a result of diabetes, 80% of these are due to foot ulcers. [4] The resulting drain on healthcare resources is enormous, with an annual cost of 1 billion to NHS England alone. [5]

The resulting drain on healthcare resources is enormous, with an annual cost of 1 billion to NHS England alone. At least 700,000 people die globally from drug-resistant infections every year - 5,000 of them in the UK. [6] , [7]

There have been no new classes of antibiotics approved since the 1980s and the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies warned in 2017 that resistance to antibiotics "poses a catastrophic threat".[8]

Key findings of the two recent studies investigating EDX110, a revolutionary new wound care system:

Laboratory tests have shown that EDX110 can kill all viable organisms for several deadly antibiotic-resistant infections including MRSA , Pseudomonas and E . Coli . [ 3 ]

and . Laboratory tests have shown that EDX110 effectively prevented and treated multi-drug resistant bacteria biofilms. Biofilms are colonies of bacteria that protect themselves from the body's immune system and actions of antibiotics. [ 3 ]

EDX110 completely healed more ulcers compared with standard-of-care (ulcers completely healed: 49% vs. 30%). [ 2 ]

EDX110 reduced diabetic foot ulcer size by almost double the amount of standard-of-care (median percentage area reduction: 89% vs. 47%).[2]

About Edixomed

Edixomed is a biopharmaceutical company commercialising next generation and clinically-proven technologies from its nitric oxide platform. Using its patented scientific approach, the company's technologies have the potential to tackle major global health challenges in wound care, dermatology and infection control. The core technology's unique feature is its ability to replenish or supplement the body's own supply of nitric oxide that is critical for sustaining healthy skin and organs. Nitric oxide is depleted or absent in many diseases and thus, the body's normal healing and regenerative processes are damaged. Restoring that essential element is at the heart of Edixomed's approach to innovative healthcare.

About EDX110

EDX110 is a revolutionary, easy-to-use, two-part wound care system, driven by Edixomed's core sustained-release nitric oxide delivery technology. EDX110 provides a protective and cushioning layer that uniquely absorbs fluid while providing a moist environment and generating nitric oxide. The role of nitric oxide in ulcer healing involves three recognised elements: vascular, as nitric oxide influences the widening of blood vessels (vasodilation) and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis);[9],[10] inflammatory, as nitric oxide influences the body's immune response;[11] and antimicrobial, as nitric oxide demonstrates potent, broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.[12]

EDX110 is not yet an approved product, Edixomed are pursuing an active programme to develop applications of their core technology in multiple wound care indications and a number of additional areas. These areas include: surgical wound care, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns, septic shock, transdermal drug delivery, ventilator-associated pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and various applications connected to antimicrobial resistance.

About nitric oxide

The discovery that a simple gas, nitric oxide, could play such an important role in the human body led to three scientists being awarded the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1998. The pioneering work demonstrated that the normal function of nitric oxide is to control blood flow in the small vessels in the skin and prevent the skin from being infected with dangerous organisms. Nitric oxide is also generated whenever the skin is injured or damaged and plays a crucial part in the normal skin healing process. However, in certain conditions, such as diabetes, the normal production of nitric oxide can be put at risk and the skin loses the essential ingredient it needs to repair itself. The result is a chronic, poorly healing wound, highly prone to infection and a major cause of concern to patients and doctors. Replenishing the missing nitric oxide in such a way as to mimic the skin's natural production is no easy task and it has eluded many of the world's leading scientists for the past two decades. Edixomed has succeeded in achieving this goal and has demonstrated the performance of its technology in a pivotal clinical trial.

You can also visit our website at: http://www.edixomed.com

References

1. Wired. If we don't act now, superbugs will kill us before climate change does. Available at: http://www.wired.co.uk/article/antibiotic-resistance-innovation-dame-sally-davies-nhs. Last accessed April 2018.

2. Edmonds M. et al. Multicenter, randomized controlled, observer-blinded study of a nitric oxide generating treatment in foot ulcers of patients with diabetes - ProNOx1 study. Wound Repair and Regeneration 2018. doi: 10.1111/wrr.12630 (https://doi.org/10.1111/wrr.12630).

3. Waite RD, Stewart JE, Stephen AS, Allaker RP. Activity of a nitric oxide generating wound treatment system against wound pathogen biofilms. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. doi: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2018.04.009).

4. Diabetes UK. Twenty devastating amputations every day. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/twenty-devastating-amputations-every-day. Last accessed April 2018.

5. NHS. National diabetes foot care audit report 2014-2016, England and Wales. 2017. Available at http://www.hqip.org.uk/public/cms/253/625/19/731/NDFA_2017_Report_PPT_Format_Final%20to%20HQIP.pdf?realName=vbKPm8.pdf&v=0. Last accessed April 2018.

6. Gov.uk. Taking antibiotics when you don't need them puts you at risk. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/taking-antibiotics-when-you-dont-need-them-puts-you-at-risk. Last accessed April 2018.

7. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. Tackling drug-resistant infections globally. Available at: https://amr-review.org/sites/default/files/160525_Final%20paper_with%20cover.pdf. Last accessed April 2018.

8. Daily Mail. 'We really are facing a post-antibiotic APOCALYPSE': Chief medical officer warns of the 'end of modern medicine' unless action is taken to create new drugs to tackle deadly superbugs. Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4976536/We-really-facing-post-antibiotic-APOCALYPSE.html. Last accessed April 2018.

9. Ziche M, Morbidelli L. Nitric oxide and angiogenesis. Journal of neuro-oncology. 2000; 50: 139-48.

10. Tucker A, Cooke ED, Pearson RM, Benjamin N. Effect of a nitric oxide generating system on microcirculatory blood flow in the skin of patients with Raynaud's Syndrome. Lancet 1999; 35: 1670-5.

11. Guzik J. Nitric oxide and superoxide in inflammation and immune regulation. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2003; 54: 469-87.

12. Fang F. Perspective series: host/pathogen interactions. Mechanisms of nitric oxide-related antimicrobial activity. The Journal of Clinical Investigations. 1997; 99: 2818-25.WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - L3 Technologies (LLL) announced a definitive agreement to sell its Vertex Aerospace business to American Industrial Partners for $540 million in cash. L3 will also sell its Crestview Aerospace and TCS business units, which are included in the Aerospace Systems business segment. The company expects to record a gain on the sale of these businesses. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2018. Christopher Kubasik, L3's CEO, said: 'This is a strategic step toward optimizing L3's portfolio. We will use the proceeds from the sale to invest in the continued growth of L3, consistent with our capital allocation strategy and plans.' 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.InfluxData Founder and CTO Paul Dix to Discuss Latest Product Releases around Application Monitoring and Store/Record Developer Tools for Prometheus and Kubernetes

InfluxData, the modern Open Source Platform built specifically for metrics, events and other time series data that empowers developers to build next-generation monitoring, analytics and IoT applications, today announced that Founder and CTO Paul Dix has been selected to present at the upcoming KubeCon CloudNativeCon Europe 2018 conference being held in Copenhagen, Denmark, this week.

Mr. Dix will lead the session titled "Integrating Prometheus and InfluxDB" on May 4 from 11:55 am CEST 12:30 pm CEST in the Auditorium 11+12 room.

In the session, attendees will learn methods for a long-term store of record for their Prometheus data. Mr. Dix will describe how InfluxDB can fill this role with recent additions adding support for Prometheus standards and protocols. This talk will show how InfluxDB supports the pull and Prometheus metrics format, and will examine Prometheus' remote/read and write interfaces and how they can be used to integrate with InfluxDB. Attendees will discover how InfluxDB's new open source query engine allows Prometheus users to perform federated queries against any number of Prometheus and InfluxDB servers.

InfluxData will unveil this new functionality this week at its Booth S-C42, demonstrating new functionality around Kubernetes, as well as providing an early view of the new functional query language IFQL.

InfluxData has rapidly built its developer and customer base across industries including manufacturing, financial services, energy, and telecommunications by delivering the fastest growing Open Source Platform that enables customers to derive better business insights, data-driven real-time actions, and a consolidated single view of their entire infrastructure from applications to microservices, and from systems to sensors. More than 400 customers, including Cisco Systems, Coupa Software, IBM, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Nordstrom, and Tesla, have selected InfluxData as their modern data platform for metrics and events. InfluxData is pioneering the shift to time series in a modern metrics and events platform, and is making it possible for customers to become data-driven and take on digital transformation initiatives.

About Paul Dix

Mr. Dix is the creator of InfluxDB. He has helped build software for startups, large companies and organizations such as Microsoft, Google, McAfee, Thomson Reuters, and Air Force Space Command. Mr. Dix is the series editor for Addison Wesley's Data Analytics book and video series. In 2010 he wrote the book Service Oriented Design with Ruby and Rails for Addison Wesley's. In 2009 Mr. Dix started the NYC Machine Learning Meetup, which now has more than 7,000 members. He holds a degree in computer science from Columbia University.

About KubeCon CloudNativeCon Europe 2018

The Cloud Native Computing Foundation's flagship conference gathers adopters and technologists from leading open source and cloud native communities in Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 2 4. Join Kubernetes, Prometheus, OpenTracing, Fluentd, gRPC, containerd, rkt, CNI, Envoy, Jaeger, Notary, TUF, Vitess, CoreDNS, NATS, and Linkerd as the community gathers for three days to further the education and advancement of cloud native computing.

About InfluxData

InfluxData, the creator of InfluxDB, delivers a modern Open Source Platform built from the ground up for analyzing metrics and events (time series data) for DevOps and IoT applications. Whether the data comes from humans, sensors, or machines, InfluxData empowers developers to build next-generation monitoring, analytics, and IoT applications faster, easier, and to scale delivering real business value quickly. Based in San Francisco, InfluxData's more than 400 customers include Cisco, eBay, IBM and Siemens. Visit https://www.influxdata.com/. Twitter: @influxdb.

InfluxData, InfluxCloud and InfluxDB are all trademarked by InfluxData. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005321/en/

Contacts:

InfluxData

Dan Spalding, 408-960-9297

dan.spalding@influxdb.comVancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2018) - eXeBlock Technology Corporation (CSE: XBLK) ('eXeBlock' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce the development of a blockchain sidechain that will allow all Bitcoin owners direct access to the Company's decentralized applications (DApps) and DApps being developed by third party developers. eXeBlock has invested nearly 1,000 hours in programmer and development time on the sidechain, which is nearing completion. Once operational, eXeBlock will earn revenue on fee per transaction basis.

Sidechaining is a term used to describe any mechanism that allows digital assets to be directly transferred between separate blockchains. As the number of independent blockchains grows, so does the need for interoperability solutions. To date, the only option available has been to convert cryptocurrencies and tokens via third-party payment gateways or centralized exchanges. eXeBlock's sidechain reduces the time, cost and risk associated with these transfers.

Commenting on the key development, Ian Klassen, President and CEO of eXeBlock, stated: "It is a powerful technology that helps establish the necessary communication and trust between two different blockchains. eXeBlock's sidechain is a key part of our strategic plan to enable mass adoption of DApps and will exponentially increase our potential customer base."

DApps running on Bitcoin and Ethereum face severe challenges in regard to scalability due to the high transaction cost and limited speed currently available. eXeBlock's DApp's are designed to be capable of tens of thousands of transactions per second (TPS).

The source code used to develop the sidechain will be made available to the Peerplays Blockchain Standards Association (PBSA) as part of eXeBlock's commitment to develop four DApps in exchange for receiving approximately 940,000 Peerplays ('PPY') tokens. This will provide Bitcoin payment support to the DApps currently in development by PBSA and other third party DApps, as well as eXeBlock's upcoming 50/50 Labs DApp, which will be available for launch on PeerPlays at the end of Q2 - 2018.

Once implementation of the sidechain is completed by node operators of the blockchain, users will be able to generate Bitcoin wallets and upon depositing Bitcoin will be able to transact using Bitcoins. eXeBlock anticipates node operators completing the protocol update sometime in Q3. Bitcoin can be used to access DApps and can also be traded with other users as payments. Users on the PeerPlays network, as example, will be able to transact within a few seconds, compared to substantially longer per transaction times on other networks. This is a major step forward in eXeBlock's mission to bring blockchain technology to a point where mass scaling of DApps is technically feasible. Deposits to Bitcoin wallets will be free, and eXeBlock will earn transaction fees when users transfer tokens within blockchain networks, and upon withdrawal back out of a blockchain network.

eXeBlock would also like to announce that its founder Jonathan Baha'I has been appointed to the Global Blockchains Technologies Corp.'s (C:BLOC) Laser Network Advisory Board and will be a key note speaker at the 2018 China Graphene Developer Conference being held in Shanghai May 5th-6th, 2018.

Jonathan Baha'i is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the high-performance server hosting and telecommunications industry, and the founder of several technology companies. He is the founder of eXeBlock Technology Corp. and eXeBlock Technology, Inc., and President of the Peerplays Blockchain Standards Association. He is a frequent speaker, radio and television commentator on blockchain, blockchain applications and peer to peer networks.

About eXeBlock Technology Corporation

eXeBlock is a designer of custom, state-of-the-art blockchain based software applications that provide profitable, secure and efficient operating solutions to businesses and markets globally. eXeBlock is one of the first Canadian public companies focused on the development of disruptive decentralized applications using blockchain technology.

For More Information about the Company, please contact:

Ian Klassen

President & Chief Executive Officer

Email: ian@exeblock.com

Tel: 604-899-0106

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words 'estimate', 'project', 'belief', 'will', 'anticipate', 'intend', 'expect', 'plan', 'predict', 'may' or 'should' and the negative of these words or such variations or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the commercialization of the 50/50 Labs application, the ability to generate revenues from the 50/50 Labs application, the value of the PPY tokens (if any) and the implementation of eXeBlock's operating plans. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. There are a number of important risk factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such risk factors include, among others, the Company's limited operating history and expected continued operating losses; failure of the Company's business strategy; inherent risks of the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry; system failures and security risks; government regulation; need for additional financing requirements and access to capital; reliance on key and qualified personnel; dependence on third party relationships; insurance; competition; and intellectual property. Other factors include risks associated with the marketing and sale of securities; dilution; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors; and the volatility of the Company's common share price and volume.

For a more detailed discussion of risk factors, refer to the Company's prospectus dated November 9, 2017 filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR www.sedar.com and on the CSE's website.

The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material risk factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing risk factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression of its business objectives, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to

in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these risk factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND,ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESPALM BEACH, Florida, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

MarketNewsUpdates.com News Commentary

Industry interest and investment in renewable energy and resources continues to rise, including various precious metal segments as researchers look for methods to enhance alternative energy applications and uses. The growing adoption of renewable energy and the newest innovations for battery storage is expected to propel growth in the global vanadium redox battery market as well as demand for a growing number of precious metals. Vanadium itself has been a little known precious metal but important traditional part of the metals industry because it provides unrivalled hardness and strength when alloyed with other metals. And now has found an exciting new use thanks to the growth of renewable energies. Vanadium has enjoyed a revival since 2016, when prices doubled after three years of annual declines. According to Pala Investments, the market is projected to continuing experiencing this growth 10-fold through 2025. Active mining companies in the markets this week include Stina Resources Ltd., (CSE: SQA) (OTC: STNUF), Vanadiumcorp Resource Inc. (TSX-V:VRB) (OTC:APAFF), Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ) (TSX:CCO), McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE:MUX), Largo Resources Ltd. (TSX:LGO) (OTC:LGORF).

Stina Resources Ltd. (CSE: SQA.CN) (OTCQB: STNUF) BREAKING NEWS: Stina Resources is pleased to announce the completion of an arm's length transaction to acquire all the outstanding assets of former Gildemeister Energy Storage GmbH, including its CellCube vanadium flow battery, and its energy storage business.

Stina has established a new wholly-owned Austrian subsidiary, Enerox GmbH, that has acquired the Gildemeister assets and business. Enerox is one of the world's first and largest researchers, developers, manufacturers and distributors of vanadium flow batteries. As an industry leader in the energy storage sector, it has installed vanadium flow batteries at over 100 sites globally.

As energy storage deployments continue to rapidly increase globally, Stina is committed to invest in technology to further its industry advantages as a global, integrated energy storage company for both customer-sided and utility scale energy storage applications.

"Our investment in the former Gildemeister's assets have enabled us to immediately offer leading energy storage technology to global markets and complements our vision for Stina to be a fully integrated energy storage company. With our end-to-end business approach, we are bringing about the next evolution in the way energy storage will be integrated in demand-side and distributed generation power infrastructure alike," says Brian Stecyk, President and CEO of Stina.

"Enerox is pleased to announce the acquisition of all the assets of Gildemeister's CellCube energy storage business and will now be able to immediately resume the sale and installation of its energy storage solutions. CellCube batteries are based on a solid decade of experience in vanadium redox flow systems with over 100 installations worldwide. These systems provide large scale electricity storage solutions for energy centric market segments that are rapidly transitioning towards a 100% carbon free power infrastructure," commented Stefan Schauss, President and CEO of Enerox.

Storage markets are estimated to reach 40 GW by 2030 according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance's research. CellCube energy storage systems address the need for energy centric storage of clean, renewable electrical energy as well as reducing the CO2 footprint of conventional power generation. Energy centric storage applications, such as the shifting of intermittent renewable energy peaks into periods of high demand, will lead the transition of modern energy supply chains around the world. Read this and more news for Stina Resourcesat:http://www.marketnewsupdates.com/news/sqa.html

In other mining industry news and developments:

Vanadiumcorp Resource Inc. (TSX-V: VRB.V) (OTC: APAFF) recently joined the Tormont50 upon invitation by the Tormont Group. The Tormont50 is a company investment platform limited to 50 companies targeting formation of an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Companies invited to the Tormont50 must demonstrate compelling reasons for investment, including, but not limited to, undervaluation relative to peers, new and innovative/disruptive technologies or methods, management/board evolution, coming events likely to drive value appreciation, and other features that could enable a multiple increase in market cap over the next six to 18 months. The Tormont50 is introduced to companies and institutional investors providing relevant and credible information for select top-growth opportunities identified by Tormont Group in the North American small-cap and microcap segment and partner to focused outreach, new introductions, investment, coverage, and other requirements needed to gain market credibility and leadership.

Largo Resource Ltd. (TSX: LGO.TO) (OTCQB: LGORF) recently announced its plan to expand production capacity at the Maracas Menchen Mine from the nameplate rate of approximately 800 tonnes per month of vanadium pentoxide ("V2O5") to 1,000 tonnes per month, being an increase of 25% over nameplate capacity. The enhanced production rate at the Maracas Menchen Mine is expected to result in an additional 200 tonnes of V2O5 being produced per month from and after June 2019 . Capital expenditures for the plan are anticipated to total approximately US$15.5 million using current exchange rates. Construction is expected to begin at the beginning of June 2018 with an expected timetable for completion of approximately 12 months, including the required permitting and commissioning. The expansion plan focuses on increasing the production capacity of the milling, fusion (deammoniator, furnace and flaking wheel), leaching and filtering areas. Management believes that total production capacity could be further increased by an additional 100 tonnes per month to an aggregate total of 1,100 tonnes of V2O5 per month if certain other upgrades and improvements are made to the kiln refractory. The Company has commissioned studies to evaluate this opportunity.

McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) recently announced encouraging exploration results from its Black Fox Complex near Timmins, Ontario, Canada. From the release: Our 2018 exploration budget at Black Fox is $15 million and we have spent approximately 30% year to date. Our primary goals are to extend mineralization around known deposits and to test targets close to our mine and mill. During Q1 a total of 42,400 meters (m) of exploration drilling was completed, consisting of 11,200 m from underground and 31,200 m from surface. All four of the areas explored: Grey-Fox Gibson, Stock, Black Fox Underground and Tamarack, returned encouraging drill assay results.

Cameco Corporation (NYSE: CCJ) recently reported its consolidated financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). "We continue to focus on what we can control," said president and CEO, Tim Gitzel. "In the first quarter we generated significant cash flow, which is due to our portfolio optimization activities, the benefits of our cost saving measures, and by pulling back on our production lever and drawing down inventory. While our average unit cost of sales was higher than a year ago, this was expected due to the care and maintenance costs incurred while production is suspended at the McArthur River and Key Lake operation. "Today the market remains quiet. There are a lot of moving pieces, and utilities continue to evaluate the implications of what is perhaps best described as unprecedented noise in the political economy. Things like the possible trade action under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, the suspension of US Department of Energy's excess uranium sales for the remainder of 2018, review of the Russian Suspension Agreement, and a potential Russian ban on all trade with US nuclear power companies.

DISCLAIMER: MarketNewsUpdates.com (MNU) is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. MNU is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. MNU and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. MNU's market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. MNU is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed MNU has been compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press release issued by Stina Resources Ltd. by a non-affiliated third party. MNU HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected," "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company's annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and MNU undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has criticized comedian Michelle Wolf over her performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which the President boycotted for the second consecutive year. Wolf's jokes about White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Kellyanne Conway, abortion, the financial crisis, and the press sparked both praise and condemnation. Commenting on Sanders' appearance at Saturday's annual function, Wolf compared her to the matronly disciplinarian Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid's Tale. Trump said that the White House Correspondents' Dinner was a total disaster and an embarrassment to the country. 'The White House Correspondents' Dinner was a failure last year, but this year was an embarrassment to everyone associated with it. The filthy 'comedian' totally bombed (couldn't even deliver her lines-much like the Seth Meyers weak performance). Put Dinner to rest, or start over,' he said on Twitter. 'FAKE NEWS is alive and well and beautifully represented on Saturday night,' according to Trump. White House Correspondents' Association expressed regret at the divisiveness of the after-dinner act by Wolf. But the former Daily Show correspondent said she has no regrets about her performance. Association President Margaret Talev addressed the organization's annual dinner on the need for a free and fair press in the U.S. and around the world. 'We reject efforts by anyone, especially our elected leaders, to paint journalism as un-American, to undermine trust between reporter and reader, or to cast doubt on the relevance of facts and truth in the modern age. An attack on any journalist is an attack on us all,' she said. 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. - May 1, 2018) - OSPREY GOLD DEVELOPMENT LTD. (the "Company" or "Osprey") (TSXV: OS) is pleased to announce it has staked additional contiguous claims at its Gold Lake Property, and Miller Lake Property ("Gold Lake" and "Miller Lake") in Nova Scotia Canada. The properties have been expanded through staking to cover additional area prospective for both vein hosted and disseminated style gold mineralization on the basis of geophysical and geochemical surveys. Both projects have historic gold production, and are part of an option agreement where Osprey can earn 100% (subject to certain royalties) in four properties.

Key Points

Miller Lake expanded by 60%, following geophysics and structural trends along strike from a sample of mineralized argillite host rock taken by Osprey in 2017

Gold Lake expanded by 57%, following structural trends and promising areas of past exploration

"As we'll soon be starting Osprey's 2018 exploration on the ground in Nova Scotia, we wanted to ensure our land holdings covered additional prospective areas contiguous to our current holdings. Although Miller Lake was acquired by the Company for its known high-grade vein hosted gold, a grab sample taken by the Company last year shows the potential for a significant disseminated style of mineralization target to exist at the project," said Company President Cooper Quinn. "I'm looking forward to continuing to explore the Mitchell Lake area in 2018, and am excited by the possibility of near-surface mineralization disseminated within the argillites here, as this style of mineralization is one of our primary exploration targets."

Miller Lake

Contiguous to Osprey's Miller Lake 356 hectare project, the Company has staked 534 additional hectares, expanding the project area by 60%. This was done to follow known structural trends, analysis of geophysics, and surface rock sampling by Osprey geologists in 2017. A grab sample of sulphide bearing argillite returned 0.25 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold from a horizon on the north limb of the anticline structure at Miller Lake, this sedimentary layer was traced using available magnetic geophysics data, and staked along strike to the east and west. There is evidence of historic production from this rock unit approximately 1,800 meters (m) to the west, as well as a bedrock sample 800 m east from DDV Gold in 2007 which returned 0.16 g/t gold.

Gold Lake

Additional staking at Gold Lake consisted of 97 hectares along the Gold Lake - Goldenville anticline to the east of the Company's current 129 hectares, increasing the property by 57%. The Gold Lake property lies just 6 km south of Atlantic Gold's currently producing Moose River mine and mill, and 13 kilometres west of NSGold's Mooseland gold deposit.

About Goldenville and Osprey

Osprey is focused on exploring historically producing gold properties in Nova Scotia, Canada. Osprey has the option to earn 100% (subject to certain royalties) in five properties, including the Goldenville Gold Project, Nova Scotia's largest historic gold producer. Goldenville hosts a current Inferred Resource of 2,800,000 tonnes at 3.20 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold for 288,000 ounces of gold (2,800,000 tonnes at 4.96 g/t gold for 447,000 ounces of gold uncapped) near the town of Sherbrooke, NS. All five properties in Osprey's current portfolio have a history of high-grade gold production. A copy of the Company's technical report titled "Technical Report on the Goldenville Property, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia Canada" prepared by Brandon Macdonald, P.Geo., dated effective February 15th, 2017 is available under the Company's profile at www.SEDAR.com.

The technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by the Company's Vice President of Exploration Perry MacKinnon, P.Geo, a 'Qualified Person' under NI 43-101.

Additional information regarding Osprey and the Goldenville property is available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com and at www.ospreygold.com.

For further information please contact:

ON BEHALF OF OSPREY GOLD DEVELOPMENT LTD.,

"Cooper Quinn"

Cooper Quinn, President and Director

For further information please contact Osprey at (236)521-0944 or cooper@ospreygold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Osprey within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Osprey provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to exploration findings, results and recommendations, as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in Osprey's public filings under Osprey's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Osprey has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Osprey disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.PALO ALTO (dpa-AFX) - A U.S. federal jury has found Autonomy Corp.'s former Chief Financial Officer Sushovan Hussain guilty of falsifying financial statements and value of the company to arrive at the $10.3 billion price Hewlett-Packard Co. paid for its acquisition more than six years ago. The jury in San Francisco federal court voted to convict Hussain Monday on all 16 counts of wire and securities fraud after a six-week trial. The British software maker was sold to Hewlett-Packard in 2011. Later, HP wrote down its value by $8.8 billion, citing fraud by Autonomy, and asked the U.S. Justice Department to investigate. HP is said to be heading towards a trial in London next year in a $5 billion civil suit against Hussain and Autonomy co-founder and former Chief Executive Officer Mike Lynch. 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.LONDON (dpa-AFX) - National Grid plc (NG.L, NGG) announced Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement with Quadgas Investments Bidco Limited for the potential sale of its remaining 25% equity interest in Quadgas HoldCo Limited, the holding company for Cadent Gas Limited. The cash proceeds from the potential sale, excluding dividends received up to March 31, 2019 and certain other adjustments, would be approximately 1.2 billion pounds. The potential sale is at the option of National Grid or Quadgas, as applicable, to complete at any time between March 1, 2019 and October 31, 2019, subject to no less than six months' prior written notice and satisfaction of customary regulatory conditions. If the sale is completed for this 25% interest, as well as for the 14% option announced in March 2017, the proceeds for both transactions would be retained for reinvestment in the business. National Grid said the potential sale will allow it to continue to rebalance its business towards a portfolio that delivers attractive asset growth of between 5% to 7%. 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, BC / ACCESSWIRE / May 1, 2018 / Renaissance Gold Inc. TSX.V: REN ("RenGold" or the "Company") expects exploration drilling programs on at least seven of its partner-funded projects during 2018. Some of that drilling is ongoing and other programs are planned for later in the year. The following is an update on two of these projects already underway.

South Roberts Project

S2 Resources (see NR dated July 31, 2017) has notified the Company of the commencement of core drilling on the South Roberts Project, Eureka County, Nevada. A recently completed CSAMT survey and an infill soil geochemistry program have significantly strengthened the drill targets on the project, located on the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend of world-class gold deposits. Figure 1 shows a geologic cross section constructed from drill hole information and a new CSAMT pseudosection from the same area. The CSAMT lends strong support to the geologic model and indicates a resistivity response interpreted to represent an upthrown anticlinal block of favorable lower plate carbonate rocks. The target lies at the crest of the anticline and in a very favorable geochemical setting.

Figure 1: Geologic cross section and CSAMT pseudosection, Line 2

Figure 2 shows the gold and arsenic and results from the recently completed 200m enzyme leach soil geochemistry survey. Detailed in-house interpretation of the soils data indicates robust Carlin-suite responses broadly coincident with the anticline.

Two initial core holes are planned to depths of ~400 meters to test multiple target horizons located in the axial zone of this anticline, as follows:

The contact between the Mississippian Webb Formation and the Devonian Devils Gate Limestone (host to the Rain and Afgan deposits)

The upper part of the Devonian Denay Limestone (host to the Gold Bar, Gold Canyon, and Goldstone deposits)

Subject to depth, the Devonian McColley Canyon Formation (host to Gold Pick and Gold Ridge deposits).

Figure 2: Enzyme Leach soil geochemistry plots showing Au and As responses and location of CSAMT lines

Silicon Project

AngloGold Ashanti is drilling the Silicon Project and they have reported the completion of three core holes, totaling 1145 meters, of a planned program to complete approximately 3000 meters. Detailed geologic mapping and a gridded soil program are underway over the existing claim block, to identify further drill target opportunities. Silicon is located in the Bare Mountains mining district, Nye County, Nevada and contains extensive exposures characteristic of the upper portions of a low-sulfidation, epithermal gold system. The project is near Corvus Gold Inc's (KOR) North Bullfrog and Mother Lode Projects, and Northern Empire Resources' (NM) Sterling Mine, where both companies are active and reporting good drill results.

Robert Felder, President & CEO states, "We are very excited to begin drilling on the South Roberts targets. The recently generated results provide a lot of encouragement on an already very strong target in a very prospective location on a major gold trend in Nevada. We are also very pleased to see the progress being made by AngloGold at Silicon and will report drill results as they become available. This is an exciting year for RenGold, with seven planned drill programs all representing opportunities to produce significant results for shareholders."

About Renaissance Gold Inc.

Renaissance Gold Inc. is a western US focused prospect generator utilizing a joint venture business model. RenGold applies the extensive exploration experience and high-end technical skills of its founders and team members to search for and acquire high-quality precious metal exploration projects that are then offered for a joint venture to industry partners who provide exploration funding. RenGold maintains a large portfolio of gold and silver exploration properties and has entered into over 60 exploration agreements including those as AuEx. On May 29, 2017, the Company acquired Kinetic Gold Corp. and its subsidiaries which hold various exploration properties located in Nevada. RenGold's objective is to consistently place its projects into exploration agreements, testing as many drill targets as possible and providing maximum exposure to success through discovery.

By: Robert Felder, President & CEO

For further information, contact:

Robert Felder 775-337-1545 or bfelder@rengold.com

Ronald Parratt 775-337-1545 or rparratt@rengold.com

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. This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Renaissance Gold Inc. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of Renaissance Gold Inc's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Renaissance Gold Inc. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

SOURCE: Renaissance Gold Inc.Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2018) - Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSXV: LME) (OTC Pink: LMEFF) ("Laurion" or the "Corporation") is pleased to provide a recap on recent corporate events and planning.

The Corporation announced in a press release disseminated on April 24, 2018 - (see https://bit.ly/2Ju0d9F) the execution of a Letter of Intent (the "LOI") outlining the terms and conditions for the extraction of gold and silver from surface stockpiles at the Ishkoday Property with a private investment group (the "Investor").

The Investor will help fund the processing of the Surface Stockpiles for gross proceeds of $5 million in two non-brokered placements - an interim $500,000 private placement, to be followed by a $4.5 million investment in a 100% owned subsidiary ("NEWCO") of Laurion, upon completion of a positive PEA.

The immediate financing of $500,000 to Laurion is set at a price of $0.07 per unit, each unit being comprised of one common share and one warrant to acquire one additional common share at a price of $0.09 per share (the "Laurion Private Placement" ).

The Laurion Private Placement is expected to be used for the completion of a Preliminary Economic Analysis (the " P EA" ) which will determine the potential to process and extract gold and any other valuable materials from the Surface Stockpiles; of the historic Sturgeon River Mine; and an Exploration Program at the Ishkoday Project.

Laurion and the Investor will each own an equity interest in NEWCO of 51% and 49%, respectively. The net proceeds from the NEWCO Private Placement for $4.5 million is expected to be used by Newco for the permitting, development and commissioning of the processing facilities that will process the Surface Stockpiles.

Laurion and Investor are working towards the execution of a Definitive Agreement by the end of Q2-2018, which will entail Management, Operating and Contracting Agreements. Terms and condition for the $4.5million placement will be mutually agreed upon, and defined in Definitive Agreement.

The former Sturgeon River Mine which produced 73,322 ounces of gold, and 15,929 ounces of silver (1936-1942) from the No. 3 Vein (24 g/t gold) generated a gold and silver bearing stockpile of 144,070 tonnes grading 1.59g/t in the Indicated Mineral Resource category (based on a NI 43 -101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR in June 2013 - See Press Release dated April 23, 2013).

Shareholder approval of this transaction is not anticipated. The transaction constitutes an arm's length Reviewable Transaction under TSX-V Corporate Finance Manual Policy 5.3 - Acquisitions and Dispositions of Non-Cash Assets and is subject to the approval of the TSX-V.

Strategic Multi-Phased Exploration Program

The Corporation has designed a strategic multi-phased exploration program over the next thirty-six months, which aims at defining a bulk precious and base metal mineralization, concentrating on rapidly defining and expanding near surface mineral resources in gold, silver, zinc and copper.

To date, the Corporation has a property-wide database of 283 diamond drill holes totaling 40,729 m, detailed sampling, mapping, assays and geochemical analysis, and ground geophysics.

The Ishkoday Project hosts a series of multi-directional veins (and stockworks). The N-NE vein sets are gold-silver-quartz bearing; whereas the NE-E sets are gold-silver-zinc-copper bearing. The abundance and proximity of these vein sets within a 3 km by 1 km outcrop segment of Ishkoday highlights the probability for near surface bulk metal potential, at the same time offering a volcanogenic massive sulphide metallogenic environment, as well as individual higher gold grade veins that could be developed separately.

Previous work since the 1980's indicates the presence of hundreds of shears, hence hundreds of veins/horizons, suggesting the potential for material vein stockworks as can be observed at other deposits in Archean Greenstone Belts, such as the Dome, Canadian-Malartic, Detour and Sigma-Lamaque Gold Deposits of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. In the case of the Ishkoday Project, there appears to be two mineralized systems, one gold-silver-rich and the other gold-silver-zinc-copper-rich.

The Laurion Private Placement will also be used for the execution of the following Exploration:

An initial validation exploration program consisting of airborne geophysics covering the 47 km 2 Ishkoday Project to better define the geological and structural elements of the entire Ishkoday Project.

Compiling, synthesizing and interpreting all of the project's technical data, producing a 3-D view of the geology and mineralization, and targeted upside potential; and

Followed by a continuous surface stripping, channel sampling and assaying of portions of the 3 km by 1 km main outcrop containing all of the known precious and metals mineralization known to date.

Corporate Filings, Annual Shareholder Meeting, Private Placement and Addition to the Technical Advisory Board

The Corporation has also filed its annual audited financial statements, management discussion and analysis, and certification of the annual filings for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (collectively, the "2017 Financials").

The Corporation will hold its Annual General and Special Meeting of the Shareholders of the Corporation in Toronto at the offices of Miller Thomson LLP, Scotia Plaza, 40 King Street West, Suite 5800, Toronto (Ontario) M5H 3S1, on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. (Toronto time). At this Annual and Special Shareholder Meeting, key initiatives and timelines will be presented, which will progressively move Laurion's Ishkoday project significantly forward in the short-term.

On March 22, 2018, the Corporation announced the completion of a non-brokered private placement for the aggregate gross proceeds of $217,000 and welcomed new key technical appointee Mr. Jean Lafleur, P. Geo., to the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Jean Lafleur, P. Geo., Laurion's Technical Advisor to the Board of Directors, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 guidelines, and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release.

About Laurion

Laurion's is an exploration discovery Corporation that is primarily focused on the development of its gold-rich polymetallic resource on its Ishkoday property.

The Corporation's main project mandate is to complete the relevant economic studies, initially working towards the processing the surface rock stockpile; and, to explore and develop the large near surface polymetallic sulphide trends which extend over a 1 km x 3 km area (collective total strike length of 9,000 m), with the aim of demonstrating the existence of a significant volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit, developing tonnage and demonstrating continuity through the execution of multiple phases of diamond drill programs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc.

Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin - President and CEO

Tel: 1-705-788-9186

Fax: 1-705-805-9256

Website: http://www.laurion.ca

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Corporation's current expectations regarding future events, including with respect to Laurion's business, operations and condition, management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, the details, anticipated timing and completion of the transactions and other matters described in this press release, including without limitation, the creation of Newco, the Surface Stockpile Transfer, the processing of the Stockpiles and the Private Placements, and the use of the net proceeds from the Private Placements. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those projected herein including as a result of a change in the trading price of the Laurion Common Shares, the failure of the relevant parties to enter into definitive agreements in connection with the transactions and other matters contemplated by the LOI, the TSX-V not providing its approvals for the Surface Stockpile Transfer or the Private Placements, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the failure of contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Corporation's publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Corporation's ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Corporation's public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario has ordered a restaurant in downtown Toronto to pay $10,000 as compensation to a black customer for racially discriminating against him and his friends.



On May 3, 2014, Emile Wickham and his three friends went to the Hong Shing Chinese Restaurant in downtown Toronto to celebrate his 28th birthday. The restaurant is an eat-in, sit down restaurant where patrons are served by wait staff, who are all East Asian.



However, Wickham and his friends, the only black patrons in the restaurant, were directed by the server to pay for their food in advance of receiving their meals. They were also the only patrons that were required to do so at the time.



When Wickham and his friends asked the server whether this was necessary, he said it was the restaurant's policy. Soon after the group pre-paid, they had one of the restaurant's staff members take a picture of the group on a cell phone.



Despite making the payment for the food, Wickham was not comfortable with having to pre-pay for his meal. So he asked the patrons at other tables if they had to pre-pay for their meals, but no one else Wickham spoke with was asked to pre-pay.



When Wickham and his friends asked the waiter why they were the only people asked to pre-pay for their meals, the waiter did not offer any explanation and asked whether the group wanted their money back.



One of the supervisory staff at the restaurant also did not offer any sort of substantive rebuttal to the group's concerns. He too asked if the group wished to receive a refund.



Wickham was born in Trinidad and Tobago, but immigrated to Canada eleven years ago. He said that the incident had a profound impact on him.



Wickham noted that while a business can make a lot of money off Black people, how they treat those people is a different story.



Adjudicator Esi Codjoe said in her ruling that the Tribunal has ordered the restaurant to pay $10,000 as compensation to Wickham for his Code rights infringements and for the injury to his dignity, feelings and self-respect.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.deCALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / May 1, 2018 / Fortem Resources Inc. (OTCQB: FTMR) (the "Company") has been made aware of a news release dated April 27, 2018 from a New York based law firm purporting to investigate "potential wrongdoing" of the Company and/or its directors and officers.

The Company is proud of its loyal and supportive shareholder base and management is committed to continuing its culture of fostering open communication between the Company and its shareholders. Management believes there is no merit to the implied activities that are being reviewed, and further encourages any shareholder who has any questions regarding the Company and its operations to call Michael Caetano, Chief Operating Officer, at (403) 241-8912 during business hours.

Management believes that this is a positive time for the Company. It has acquired a quality portfolio of oil and gas interests and now looks forward to consummating financing arrangements to further develop those properties. Michael Caetano, COO stated, "Through hard work and dedication, Fortem has come a long way and we look forward to continuing to provide a positive outcome for our shareholders."

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

FORTEM RESOURCES INC.

"Michael Caetano"

Michael CaetanoChief Operating Officer

Phone: (403) 241-8912

Email: info@fortemresources.com

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to shareholder communications; the ability to raise capital and consummate financings; and the ability to develop its portfolio of properties. 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, including the inability to raise sufficient funds for operations and property development as and when required and risks related to the business of the Company and the oil and gas industry in general. 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. Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Fortem Resources Inc.Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2018) - Bayhorse Silver Inc. (TSXV: BHS) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") has extended the new main production haulage drift at the Bayhorse Mine from the Mine portal over 700 feet to nearly the most westerly end of the historic mine workings. A crosscut I drift has been extended into the historic Big Dog Zone from the haulage way, where in 1984, Silver King Mines reported mining 5,718 tons grading an average 16.7 oz/t silver using a 6 oz/t silver cut-off grade.





Big Dog Zone Workings



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/34368_bayhorse1enhanced.jpg

The new production haulage way being developed is to ensure more than one mineralized heading can be mined at the same time from the Big Dog, and to increase the mining capacity from the current 100 tons per day to over 200 tons.







Historic Drill Intersection 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/34368_bayhorse2enhanced.jpg

In 1984, drilling intersected significant grades of silver bearing mineralization and extended the mineralization over 150 feet past the historic Big Dog, but no tonnages were assigned to the area drilled.





Historic Drill Intersection 2



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/34368_bayhorse3enhanced.jpg

Historically, in the Big Dog zone, Silver King reportedly blocked out 1,800 tons using a 6 oz/t cut off grade ready for mining when they stopped production in 1984 due to low silver prices.

The Company advises that the information contained herein, and in the images is of a historic nature. Historic production estimates, drill information and grades reported have not been verified; A qualified person has not done sufficient work to verify the historical estimates nor classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

The new main production haulageway is being extended to the west to this drilled out zone, that forms part of the suggested potential Exploration Target of between 500,000 and 1,000,000 tonnes grading between 17-20 ounces silver per ton.

Mineralized ground has been intersected in both the new haulageway and crosscut I drift to the north of the historic Big Dog workings. As well, the new crosscut I-Drift has intersected one of the large areas that Silver King , "Blocked Out" in late 1984- ready to mine.

This potential exploration target is conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

The Company has completed installation of, and is currently testing, the ball-mill to process the fines created by blasting and mining that are too small to be sorted through the ore-sorter. The Company anticipates that gravity upgrading the 800 plus tons of fines accumulated since the commencement of mining at the beginning of the 2018 will commence in the 2nd week of May, 2018.

Bayhorse CEO Graeme O'Neill emphasizes that, "The Bayhorse mine operation is a multi-faceted mine/mill/concentration operation designed to produce high-grade shipping material on site in a cost effective manner. Moving forward on many fronts simultaneously - re-opening a historic silver rich mine, installing and optimizing the x-ray transmissive ore sorter, the fines ball mill, and installing larger capacity haulageways to increase the current 100 tons/day production rate has been completed. While we have had some delays, as is normal in any start up mining operation, we believe the majority of mine reopening challenges are behind us and according to goldsilver.com the opportunities in silver are just ahead.

"The Company is not basing any decision to produce on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and also advises there is increased uncertainty and specific economic and technical risks of failure associated with any production decision."

The Company has granted 500,000 Incentive Stock Options exercisable for five years at $0.20 to consultants, management and employees.

This press release has been prepared by, prepared under the supervision of, or has been approved by Dr. Stewart Jackson, P.Geo. , a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. He is a technical advisor to the Company and holds incentive stock options in the Company.

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This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its contents.

On Behalf of the Board,

Graeme O'Neill, CEO

604-684-3394

Bayhorse Silver Inc., a junior exploration company, has earned a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine, Oregon, USA. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive exploration and mining expertise.

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.

WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - An American Airlines passenger has alleged that airline staff called police on her for 'flying while fat and black.'



Amber Phillips, 28, took to Twitter after the incident that also involved another passenger and occurred last Thursday on an American Airlines flight from Raleigh-Durham to Washington, D.C.



Phillips said that the white female passenger seated next to her on the plane felt 'uncomfortable' and asked her to 'move over' because their arms were touching.



'This white woman literally spent the entire 45 minute flight making an active scene because my arm was touching hers, loudly asking if I could 'move over' on a plane so small everyone's carry-on bags had to be valeted. It was awful!' Phillips tweeted.



Phillips said she decided to take a picture and video to document the entire incident. When the plane landed, the woman reportedly told the flight attendant that Phillips was harassing her.



According to Phillips, while she had boarded a shuttle bus after the flight deplaned, the woman lied that she was assaulted by Phillips and the white flight attendant called the cops to remove her from the shuttle bus.



The police officer told Phillips he was investigating the incident as an assault and asked both women a few questions. Both women were allowed to leave after police determined there was no wrongdoing.



American Airlines said in a statement that it called law enforcement upon landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at the request of a passenger.



In response to Phillips tweets, American Airlines said it wanted to make the world 'a smaller, more inclusive place.' The airline asked Phillips to message the company with more information as well as her contact information.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.deRIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Integrated survey of Al-Ula region brings together world-leading archaeologists

Closure of Mada'in Salih, Al-Khuraybah and Jabal 'Ikmah re-opening to the public in 2020.

A major integrated archaeological survey of the Al-Ula valley and beyond has been launched by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU), charged with protecting and regenerating this North-Western Saudi Arabia region. Until a conservation and development plan can be established, some of the sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage site Mada'in Salih, are temporarily closed to the public. Re-opening in 2020, the temporary closure will allow experts the opportunity to carry out vital research activity and plan for how to best preserve and present the sites.

(Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/685112/Royal_Commission_for_Al_Ula_Logo.jpg )



(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/685113/Al_Ula.jpg )



The Royal Commission for Al-Ula was established in July 2017 to protect and preserve the region's extraordinary ancient heritage and natural landscapes and prepare for an era of renewed international collaboration and tourism coinciding with the goals of Vision 2030.

Home to dramatic desert landscapes, spectacular rock formations and some of the Middle East's most significant ancient sites, including those built by Lihyanite and Nabataean civilisations of the 1st millennium BCE and beyond, Al-Ula is a wonder of the ancient Arabian world.

State of the Art Technology

Using state-of-the-art technologies and methods, such as aerial LiDAR scanning and photography captured from light aircraft, helicopter and drone, a team of world-leading experts, led by RCU archaeologist Dr Rebecca Foote, will meticulously document, map and model the area, supporting RCU's mission to uncover Al-Ula's ancient secrets and mysterious past. Capable of recording surface features through vegetation, the LiDAR, for example, will 'see' what lies amongst the palm groves of the oasis, and the helicopter team will record the remote and harder to reach sites.

Thoroughly documenting the area will provide a better understanding of these incredible cultural heritage sites and their ancient past, something that is vital to safeguarding it for future generations. Providing a window into the people and cultures that shaped the past, the findings will be collated in a bespoke heritage database (Arches) and used by RCU to develop a plan for preserving, studying and activating the area's unique features.

The RCU archaeological survey programme supports the Commission's mission to protect and develop the heritage and historical sites of Al-Ula in order to achieve a sustainable transformation and to enable local, regional and international visitors to learn about the richness of its cultural, historical and natural heritage.

Combined Local and International Expertise

Situated at a historic nexus of civilisations, on an important route of travel used from at least the first millennium BCE for the trade of valuable commodities such as frankincense and myrrh, Al-Ula is built on a history of exchange between cultures.

This exchange of knowledge and cultures goes back millennia and continues to be a crucial part of the area's identity, and is a blueprint for its future. Taking a collaborative approach, RCU is working with international and local archaeologists, including teams from the UK, France, Australia and KSA. As part of the Royal Commission's programme, students from King Saud University are being trained by expert archaeologists in international best practice, equipping them with the skills to become the next generation of cultural custodians for Al-Ula.

Dr Rebecca Foote, Head of Heritage & Archaeology, Royal Commission for Al-Ula said:

"At the heart of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula's archaeology programme is a commitment to preserving Al-Ula's extraordinary cultural heritage sites for generations to come. Our work observes international best practice standards and utilises some of the most sophisticated technology available. The public closure of sites such as Mada'in Salih will allow us to carry out vital work locating, mapping and visualising Al-Ula's past in order to evaluate vulnerabilities and implement appropriate protective interventions throughout the area."

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Al-Ula

Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, Al-Ula is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km, includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.

The most well-known and recognised site in Al-Ula is Mada'in Salih, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Mada'in Salih was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of more than 100 well preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. Current research suggests Mada'in Salih was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE.

In addition to Mada'in Salih, Al-Ula is home to a series of fascinating historical and archaeological sites such as: Al-Khuraybah (ancient Dadan), the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, which is considered one of the most developed 1st-millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula; thousands of ancient rock art sites and inscriptions; and Hijaz Railway stations.

About Royal Commission for Al-Ula

The Royal Commission for Al-Ula (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to protect and safeguard Al-Ula, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in North-West Saudi Arabia. RCU is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region, reaffirming it as one of country's most important archaeological and cultural destinations and preparing it to welcome visitors from around the world. RCU's development work in Al-Ula encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting the ambitious commitment to cultivate tourism and leisure in Saudi Arabia, outlined in Vision 2030.

For any media enquiries please contact Nora Sankour, Hadath Group | Nora@hadathgroup.com, +971-568-797-444Regulatory News:

The Vivendi (Paris:VIV) Management Board will present, during the next Supervisory Board Meeting on the 17th May, the initial findings relative to the different hypotheses of how the Universal Music Group capital might evolve.

About Vivendi

Vivendi is an integrated content, media and communications group. The company operates businesses throughout the media value chain, from talent discovery to the creation, production and distribution of content. Universal Music Group is the world leader in recorded music, music publishing and merchandising. It owns more than 50 labels covering all genres. Canal+ Group is France's No. 1 pay-TV company, also present in Africa, Poland, Vietnam and Myanmar. Its subsidiary Studiocanal is a leading European player in the production, sales and distribution of movies and TV series. Havas Group is one of the world's largest global communications group. It is organized in three main business units covering all the communications disciplines: creativity, media expertise and healthcare/wellness. Gameloft is a worldwide leader in mobile games, with 2 million games downloaded per day. Vivendi Village groups together talent scouting and development activities, live performance and ticketing activities, the venues L'Olympia and Theatre de l'uvre in Paris and CanalOlympia in Africa. With 250 million users each month, Dailymotion is one of the biggest video content aggregation and distribution platforms in the world. www.vivendi.comwww.cultureswithvivendi.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006355/en/

Contacts:

VivendiHuawei celebrated the 1st annual ICT Skill Competitionin Western Europe 2017-2018 at a ceremony held at Henley Business School, University of Reading on 30th April. The competition is sponsored by Huawei and aims to promote vital ICT skills in the next generation of technology professionals.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006439/en/

Mr. Robert Yang, Vice President of Huawei Western Europe EBG, presents the first prize award to Mattia Silvestrini from Marche Polytechnic University (Photo: Business Wire)

A wide range of key industry areas are covered by this competition and students gain expertise in big data, cloud computing technologies, IT storage systems, data centre management, computer networks, Huawei technologies, and much more. Use of Huawei technologies in the industry is rapidly increasing, and with big data and network hacking being such hot topics, this collaboration is ideally timed to support the industry in furthering practitioner knowledge and dealing with these complex matters.

Over 1,200 students from more than 75 institutions across Western Europe took part in the regional heat of this year's competition. Students were tested in subject areas including WLAN Security, Routing Switching, Security and Cloud Computing. The award ceremony was opened with a welcome given by Mr Robert Yang, Vice President of Huawei Western Europe Enterprise Business Group, followed by a speech given by Professor John Board, Dean of Henley Business School, highlighting the importance of the collaboration between Henley and Huawei.

Professor Zhili Sun, Vice-Chair Academia of the Huawei ICT Academy Advisory Board, introduced the Huawei ICT Academy Programme, and Professor Yinshan Tang, Vice Dean (China) of Henley Business School, presented the success of Huawei ICT Academy at Henley, including its engagement with students.

The first prize in the Western Europe stage of the competition went to Mattia Silvestrini from Marche Polytechnic University, Italy. Six of the best performers in the regional heat now have the opportunity to compete at the competition's global final which will take place in May 2018 at Huawei's international headquarters in Shenzhen, China.

In addition to the student competition, the Outstanding University Award was presented to Henley Business School, UK and the University of Alicante in Spain, in recognition of their outstanding performance in ICT talent development. The Award was received by Professor Keiichi Nakata, Head of Business Informatic Systems Accounting, at Henley Business School.

Mr. Robert Yang, Vice President of Huawei Western Europe Enterprise Business Group, said: "In entering the competition, students have learned essential skills required for today's ICT industry and passed tough challenges that we set along the way."

Professor Zhili Sun, Professor of Communication Networking at the University of Surrey, said: "I believe Huawei Academy Advisory Board, together with Huawei Technology, can benefit academia and our students."

Professor Kecheng Liu, Henley Business School's Director of Strategic Initiatives, Director of HAINA at Reading, sent his warm congratulations to all the winners, and said: "Henley Business School is honoured to work with Huawei in various fronts over the years, particularly in hosting this competition."

Huawei ICT Academy organises the competition to develop the ICT professionals of the future, building a talent ecosystem with relevant skills and experience to power the entire industry and drive digital transformation. Huawei also works with governments, offers globally recognised certifications, graduate programs and joint R&D projects to help build a sustainable ICT ecosystem.

Huawei

Huawei opened its first office in the UK in 2001 and is mainland China's largest investor into the UK. The company has 15 offices across the UK and 1,030 employees, planned to rise to 1,500 by 2017. Huawei will continue to expand its investment in the UK in the coming years, has made a 956 million contribution to UK GDP over the last three years (2012-2014) and supported 7,400 jobs direct and through its supply chain. In April 2013, Huawei opened a new UK headquarters in Green Park, Reading. Huawei UK recently created of a UK Board of Directors, with three leading members of the business community acting as non-executive directors, led by Lord Browne as Chairman.

www.huawei.com

Huawei ICT Academy

Huawei ICT Academy is a not-for-profit education program that facilitates university-enterprise partnerships. The project aims to lead ICT development, build the future of the ICT industry, and create a sound talent ecosystem by providing ICT education worldwide. To date, Huawei has fostered cooperation with more than 300 universities in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and other regions around the world. In the future, Huawei will hold higher education development summit forums and forge ICT talent alliances to further drive the healthy, sustainable, and efficient development of the ICT talent ecosystem.

www.huaweiacad.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501006439/en/

Contacts:

Huawei ICT Academy

Pallavi Malhotra:

Huawei ICT Academy Manager

pallavi.malhotra@huawei.com

00447833082979Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2018) - The Securities and Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement today issued answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Share Class Selection Disclosure Initiative, providing additional information about adviser eligibility, disgorgement, and the distribution of funds to clients.

The Share Class Selection Disclosure (SCSD) Initiative, announced on February 12, seeks to protect advisory clients from and return money to those affected by undisclosed conflicts of interest.

"It appears that many investment advisers are working diligently to evaluate whether they can take advantage of the initiative and we believe that providing these FAQs will help them make that determination," said C. Dabney O'Riordan, Co-Chief of the Division of Enforcement's Asset Management Unit. "The initiative provides a framework to quickly and efficiently resolve these issues with self-reporting advisers and return money to their clients."

Under the SCSD Initiative, the Enforcement Division will recommend standardized, favorable settlement terms to investment advisers who self-report that they failed to disclose conflicts of interest associated with the receipt of 12b-1 fees by the adviser, its affiliates, or its supervised persons for investing advisory clients in a 12b-1 fee paying share class when a lower-cost share class of the same mutual fund was available for the advisory clients. In such cases the Enforcement Division will recommend settlements that do not impose a civil monetary penalty while requiring participating advisers to return ill-gotten gains to harmed advisory clients.

The cut-off date for self-reporting under the initiative is June 12.

Please direct questions regarding the initiative to SCSDInitiative@sec.gov.Evoqua's well-configured fleet of IT-enabled treatment systems can deploy rapidly to restore water services with minimal disruptions to the industrial operations

SANTA CLARA, California, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the global water technology solutions market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Evoqua with the 2018 Global Company of the Year Award. It has earned this recognition for its strong revenue growth in 2017, its focus on the customer experience, and advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies for a variety of applications in the municipal and industrial sectors.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684735/Frost_and_Sullivan_Evoqua_Award_Logo.jpg

"Evoqua's extensive product portfolio of treatment technologies, covering intake screens and activated carbon filtration to dewatering and odor and corrosion control, makes it not just a leading provider of individual technologies but an integrated system and service provider," said Fredrick Harry Royan, Vice President at Frost & Sullivan. "Formerly Siemens Water Technologies, Evoqua has accrued 1,250 patents for water solutions in the municipal, industrial, and institutional segments."

Evoqua had the following outstanding achievements throughout 2017, leading to its prominent market position:

An order for 19 miles of its patented Envirex high-strength loop chain for installation at Detroit's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)

wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) The introduction of a service solution for its electro chlorination systems; the service was extended to the products of other suppliers

A contract to supply its MemPulse membrane bioreactor (MBR) system at the Start City WWTP

An order to supply 18 of its rotating biological contactors for the Port Chester, NY WWTP

WWTP The Alkagen AQ Solution was selected for odor control at Siesta Key WWTP

Its selection by Boeing to supply water treatment services at its 19 facilities

It acquired Noble Water Technologies and ADI Systems to cement its industry-leading position, especially in the North American market

It acquired the Olson Irrigation System to enter the agriculture and irrigation segment

Another important feature of Evoqua's success is its ability to stay ahead of the technology curve. It has responded to the increasing digitization of the water treatment industry by adopting Internet of Things (IoT) technology. It also uses remote technology to engage with customers more effectively. For instance, it analyzes information to identify potential issues with its systems, which enables it to prepare to deploy either temporary technologies or emergency services for unexpected events.

"Evoqua's value lies in being a life cycle partner to its customers, predicting their needs, and offering suggestions ahead of time. Although IoT is useful in this respect, it is the company's industrial expertise that has held it in good stead," noted Royan.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization that demonstrates excellence in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the resulting leadership in terms of customer value and market penetration.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Evoqua Water Technologies

Evoqua Water Technologies is a leading provider of mission critical water treatment solutions, offering services, systems and technologies to support its customers' full water lifecycle needs. Evoqua Water Technologies has worked to protect water, the environment and its employees for more than 100 years, earning a reputation for quality, safety and reliability around the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Evoqua operates 160 locations in eight countries and, with over 200,000 installations and 87 service branches, holds leading positions in the North American industrial, commercial and municipal water treatment markets, serving more than 38,000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.evoqua.com

Contacts:

Media

Kevin G. Lowery

724-772-1527 (office)

724-719-1475 (mobile)

kevin.lowery@evoqua.com

Investors

Dan Brailer

724-720-1605 (office)

(412) 977-2605 (mobile)

dan.brailer@evoqua.com

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector, and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Samantha Park

P: 210.247.2426

F: 210.348.1003

E: samantha.park@frost.com(2) Reflects the number of positions in issuers in which the Company has previously publicly disclosed an investment, which occurs after the Company has completed its accumulation. Cash, cash equivalents, direct or indirect currency or other hedges and income/expense items are excluded. Multiple financial instruments (for example, common stock and derivatives on common stock) associated with one (1) issuer count as one (1) position. A position that is included in the number of positions will be removed from the table only if the investment becomes 0.0% of the portfolio.

(3) For the purpose of determining the equity and debt exposures, investments are valued as follows: (a) equity or debt is valued at market value, (b) options referencing equity or debt are valued at market value, (c) long call options and short put options (or vice-versa, short call options and long put options) held on the same underlying issuer and with the same strike and same expiry are grouped together and treated as synthetic equity positions, and are valued at the market value of the equivalent long equity position (or vice-versa, the equivalent short equity position), and (d) swaps or forwards referencing equity or debt are valued at the market value of the notional equity or debt underlying the swaps or forwards. Whether a position is deemed to be long or short is determined by whether an investment has positive or negative exposure to price increases or decreases. For example, long puts are deemed to be short exposure.

(4) Includes all issuer equity, debt, and derivatives related to issuer equity and debt, and associated currency hedges. Cash, cash equivalents, direct or indirect currency or other hedges and income/expense items are excluded. The market values of associated currency hedges are included as part of the associated investment. In the event that there is a change in market cap category with respect to any non-publicly disclosed position, this information is not updated until such position is publicly disclosed.

(5) Portfolio composition is reflective of the publicly disclosed portfolio positions as of the date of this report. A position in an issuer is only assigned to a sector once it has been publicly disclosed.

(6) "Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. AUM" equals the assets under management of Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. Any performance fees crystallized as of the end of the year will be reflected in the following period's AUM.

(7) "Total Strategy AUM" equals the aggregate assets under management of Pershing Square, L.P., Pershing Square International, Ltd., Pershing Square II, L.P. and Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (collectively, the "Core Funds"). Redemptions effective as of the end of any period (including redemptions attributable to crystallized performance fees/allocations, if any) will be reflected in the following period's AUM.

(8) "Total Firm AUM" is the aggregate of Total Strategy AUM and the assets under management of Pershing Square VI Master, L.P. which operates as a co-investment vehicle investing primarily in securities of (or otherwise seeking to be exposed to the value of securities issued by) Automatic Data Processing, Inc. ("PSVI") without double counting investments by any Core Fund in PSVI.Furniture is the only product category in Versace's portfolio that is not available in India.

New Delhi: Italian fashion and lifestyle major Gianni Versace is planning to bring in its range of furniture in India to tap the fast-growing luxury market here. At present, furniture is the only product category in Versace's portfolio that is not available in India.

"We are looking (at launching the furniture range).. We have no reason why we shouldn't," Gabriella Saracino, Worldwide Licensing and Home Division Director, Gianni Versace SpA told PTI. However, she did not share the timeline of the launch of the furniture range in India. "We want to be 100 per cent sure (before launching) that it is the right location and the right partner."

On being asked whether Versace would partner locals here for its furniture range, she said, "In distribution, yes. But the production would be in Italy".

Saracino further added, "We do not want any compromise on our quality. Our furniture is made in Italy. If people want quality, they buy our products. Otherwise, there are several other options in the market".

Versace's furniture is made in Italy and exported to different markets. The home division, which includes furniture, accounts for 10 percent of Versace's total turnover.

Founded in 1978 in Milan, Gianni Versace SpA is one of the leading international fashion design houses. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products, including haute couture, accessories, jewellery, watches, eyewear, fragrances and home furnishings.

Last week, Versace and realty firm Unity Group announced tie-up for developing the Delhi's tallest building, comprising 160 branded luxury apartments, with an investment of about Rs 500 crore. This was Versace's second real estate project here, the first was in Mumbai with ABIL group, Saracino added.

On being asked whether the group is looking at partners for luxury real estate projects, she said, "At the moment, we want to concentrate of this (project)."India's education system needs to do its bit to help students future-proof their employability levels.

Predictions about India's job market are not comforting. Artificial intelligence (AI) driven woes apart, experts feel that if educators don't pull up their socks, and revisit how universities prep youngsters for the future, the existing talent crunch would only worsen, all against a backdrop of an ever growing pool of job seekers.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), in a report, has projected unemployment in India at 18.6 million for 2018, higher than the 18.3 million in 2017. The World Bank (WB), in a report, has warned India -- a nation of 1.32 billion people must create 8.1 million jobs a year to maintain its employment rate.

But, by 2019, IT technical specialist hires will fall by more than five percent. By 2021, 40 percent of all IT staff will hold multiple roles, most of which will be business-related rather than technology-related, according to Gartner. The research firm also predicts that by 2020, 75 percent of all organisations will experience visible business disruptions owing to infrastructure and operational (I&O) skill gaps, a huge increase from 20 percent in 2016.

Accessing the right talent, placing the right talent at the right time is a challenge many Indian businesses face, management consultancy AT Kearneys MD and country head, Vikas Kaushal, said in an interview to the Mint.

Bu what ails Indias job market? A talent crunch across sectors is said to be the reason behind employment opportunities drying up even when there are vacancies. The education system needs to do its bit to help students future-proof their employability levels, said stakeholders.

The curriculum has not kept pace with the rapidly changing times and therefore vacancies can be hard to fill, said Kris Lakshmikanth, Founder Chairman and MD of The Head Hunters India. Employability will improve when the syllabus reflects the demands of the industry.Educational institutes churn out graduates who lack skills required to work on-site. If you were to deploy a chemical engineer to a plant, he/she won't know what to do as the recruit does not have that training."

"The single most important thing I find missing in our education system is its ability to help individuals understand why they are studying what they're studying; what are their strengths and how can they impact society," said Ketan Kapoor, CEO and co-founder, Mettl, an assessment and skill-measurement company. The second reason is this culture of working really hard, to aim to be a perfectionist. It is important to understand that the student or the prospective employee is competing not just among peer groups in India but globally, he added.

When companies recruit from campuses, some like Infosys train recruits for six months before putting them on the job. But of late, firms that don't have that luxury, train freshers for a month and ask them to take a test.

A Japanese firm that set up an ancillary unit in Karnataka approached Lakshmikanth for help with hiring CNC machine operators. We cant find five good candidates against the companys requirement of 200. The skills required for the job are not taught in the five or six colleges, he said. The employability issue will worsen as the years go by, as many jobs will be lost to robots, he added.

Only 20 percent of the five million students who graduate every year get employed, industry lobby Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) said in a report, published last year.

Some skills, like data analytics, or data science in itself, are not sector-specific. Technological expertise is needed across sectors. So if young data scientists were to look for jobs only in the IT-sector, that would not work. Niche job skills are needed across the sector, said B Suresh, Chief Sales Officer, Naukri.com, adding that irrespective of the market scenario, good talent is always in demand and in short supply.

A Naukri.com survey found that the current optimism regarding job creation, and the existing talent crunch, only emphasise the need for up-skilling and re-skilling. The survey polled over 1,500 recruiters across industries.

There is a misalignment between industry requirements and available resources, which is a major concern for recruiters across sectors. It is vital to the health and long-term viability of an organisation to ensure that its employees have the appropriate skills for their roles; it is also conducive to overall employee satisfaction to have people working in jobs that they are well-suited for and enjoy doing, Sashi Kumar, Managing Director, Indeed India - a job search portal.

Statistics for women in the workforce is absymal in India. According to the World Economic Forum, there are 24 percent women in India's workforce, 117 million out of 478 million people. The proportion of women in private sector companies is 24.5 percent of the total workforce compared to just 17.9 percent of the public sector. The percentage of senior level female employees in India is a poor 5 percent while the global average is about 20 percent. "In context of women at work in urban India today, the past few decades have witnessed subdued activity in policy-making and public discourse, relatively," said Sairee Chahal, Founder and CEO of Sheroes, a digital platform that works towards creating and enhancing flexible work options for women.

But things could change, said Kapoor, pointing to online education. It is only a matter of time before freshers or mid-career employees head online en masse to acquire skills and be job-ready. Corporate 'digital business universities' will eventually emerge to close the skills gap, the Gartner report added.By Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted a financial hardship waiver to an oil refinery owned by billionaire Carl Icahn, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, exempting the Oklahoma facility from requirements under a federal biofuels law, according to two industry sources briefed on the matter. The waiver enables Icahn's CVR Energy Inc to avoid tens of millions of dollars in costs related to the U.S

By Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has granted a financial hardship waiver to an oil refinery owned by billionaire Carl Icahn, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, exempting the Oklahoma facility from requirements under a federal biofuels law, according to two industry sources briefed on the matter.

The waiver enables Icahn's CVR Energy Inc to avoid tens of millions of dollars in costs related to the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) programme. The regulation is meant to cut air pollution, reduce petroleum imports and support corn farmers by requiring refiners to mix billions of gallons of biofuels into the nation's gasoline and diesel each year.

The Small Refiners Coalition, which represents companies that operate small refining facilities, said the EPA is required by law to help small refineries struggling with these regulations and that such exemptions are crucial to their financial well-being. It applauded EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for protecting small refineries, regardless of ownership, from the RFS requirements.

But the exemption for CVR's Wynnewood, Oklahoma plant prompted criticism from a corn state lawmaker and the powerful corn lobby, which has already accused Trump's EPA of overusing the hardship waiver programme in a way that hurts demand for ethanol.

"Hundreds of millions - and in some cases billions - of dollars in profits isn't my definition of 'hardship,'" Iowa Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said in statement condemning the CVR waiver. "President Trump promised to support home-grown biofuels, and Administrator Pruitt is breaking that promise."

"This one's going to be hard for Pruitt to explain," Brooke Coleman, head of the Advanced Biofuels Business Council industry group, said in an email.

EPA spokeswoman Liz Bowman said that the agency does not comment on specific refineries. "But, what I can tell you is that the criteria used to grant waivers has not changed since previous administrations," Bowman added.

CVR spokeswoman Brandee Stephens declined to comment regarding the waiver. Efforts to reach Icahn and his attorney for comment were not successful.

An early supporter of Trump's 2016 presidential run and a key supporter on Wall Street, Icahn had met with Pruitt when Pruitt was being vetted in late 2016 for the EPA administrator job, according to news reports at the time.

Icahn stepped down from his position as special regulatory adviser to the Republican president last August after lawmakers cited potential ethical problems in his dual role as an adviser and an investor.

Icahn is currently under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department for his role in influencing biofuels policy while serving as Trump's adviser. Some U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern that Icahn may have used his presidential access to benefit his investments, a charge Icahn has rejected.

The EPA has said it has granted more than two dozen waivers for 2017 but has declined to name the recipients.

Under Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama, the EPA granted about eight waivers annually.

Records show CVR had been denied on at least one occasion. The Small Refiners Coalition said the Obama administration had wrongly denied waivers to firms like CVR.

Reuters has reported that Andeavor , one of America's biggest refining companies, which reported about $1.5 billion in net profit last year, was among the other companies that have received hardship waivers from Trump's EPA for its small refineries.

BLENDING CREDITS

To prove RFS compliance, refiners must earn or purchase tradable blending credits - awarded by the government for each blended gallon of fuel - and hand them in to the EPA yearly.

The EPA has the authority to exempt small refineries of under 75,000 barrels per day from the requirement under the hardship waiver programme if they can prove that compliance would cause them "disproportionate financial hardship."

With the exemption, CVR would not have to turn over the credits related to the Wynnewood facility for 2017, according to the two sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The waiver was granted in recent months but the sources did not say precisely when.

The Trump administration has encouraged small refiners to apply for the hardship waivers. A surge of applications has come to the EPA since a 2017 court ruling that the agency had used too narrow a definition of "financial hardship" under Obama.

The waivers have the potential to save companies tens of millions of dollars, by allowing them to avoid blending or paying for credits on the open market and by permitting them to sell any credits they have on hand to others.

CVR has reported a $23 million profit in the biofuels credit market in the first quarter of 2018 due to what it called a lower RFS obligation, an unusual return for a refiner that has no biofuel blending facilities.

The company also said it expects its cost of complying with the RFS requirements to fall to $80 million for the entirety of 2018 from a previous estimate of $200 million, and from roughly $249 million in 2017.

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Chris Prentice; Editing by Richard Valdmanis, Will Dunham and Jonathan Oatis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.FDI in India is expected to grow significantly following the implementation of recent government initiatives, including GST, IBC, demonetisation, and other ease of doing business reforms

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India is expected to grow significantly following the implementation of recent Government of India (GOI) initiatives, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) related reforms, enactment and implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), demonetisation, and other ease of doing business reforms rolled out recently by the central government. These reforms have boosted Indias image as a preferred destination for foreign investment, with many sectors being fully available to foreign investors for making investments without any restrictions.

These reforms resulted in India, for the very first time, figuring in the top 100 in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business global rankings, on the back of sustained business reforms by the Narendra Modi-led government. The World Banks report also recognizes India as one of the top 10 improvers in last years assessment, having implemented reforms in eight out of 10 Doing Business indicators. On the distance to frontier metric, Indias score has also witnessed a significant jump, which reflects improvements in Indias business regime in the last year itself. The upcoming foreign direct investment policy (FDI policy) 2018 presents another such opportunity to further boost investor confidence.

In this piece, we highlight some of the key changes that may be considered to the existing FDI policy:

1) Definition of real estate business: Currently, the FDI policy defines a real estate business as dealing in land and immovable property with a view to earning profit or earning income ( ..). However, the phrase dealing in land and immovable property with a view to earning profit or earning income therefrom has not been defined in the FDI policy. It is therefore unclear as to whether a one-off transaction of sale of immovable property by a foreign-owned and controlled company whose main objects under the memorandum of association does not deal in land and immovable property, would be tantamount to a real estate business. The term dealing may be extended only to activity that is in the ordinary course of business for a company i.e., permitted by the main objects clause of the memorandum of association of such a company. Therefore, it is suggested that the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) amends the FDI policy to clarify that a one-off sale of immovable property by a foreign owned and foreign controlled Indian company, engaged in an activity under the automatic route whose main objects does not deal with land and immovable property, would not be tantamount to be engaged in the real estate business.

2) Definition of e-commerce entity: Currently, it is not clear whether a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956 or the Companies Act 2013, owned and controlled by a person resident in India, having secured foreign investment of less than 50 percent (which would not qualify as an e-commerce entity under the FDI Policy) can carry on the inventory-based model of e-commerce. The DIPP may amend the FDI policy to clarify as to whether a company that is owned and controlled by a person resident in India and carrying out an inventory-based model of e-commerce is permitted to have foreign investment of less than 50 percent of its capital.

3) Sale of bundled goods and services: DIPP may amend the FDI Policy to clarify that the FDI Policy only restricts sale of bundled goods and services through internet-based commerce activities and not a pure sale of services as a stand- alone venture. A clear definition of service should be provided in the FDI policy to specify if a provision of intangible goods online would be considered as provision of services or sale of intangible goods.

4) Insurance sector reforms: In view of the current FDI Policy, FDI in a limited liability partnership (LLP) that is engaged or proposed to engage in sectors where 100 percent FDI is not permitted, such as the insurance sector business, may not be permissible under the current FDI Policy as FDI in a LLP is allowed only in those sectors where 100 percent FDI is allowed under the automatic route. Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) notified the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Investment by Private Equity Funds in Indian Insurance Companies) Guidelines 2017 (Guidelines) wherein private equity funds that propose to invest as promoters in the Guidelines are prohibited from investing directly in an Indian insurance company and the investment has to routed via a special purpose vehicle (SPV). The Guidelines requires that the SPV be either a company registered under the Companies Act, 2013 or an LLP registered under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008.

In view of the Guidelines, foreign Investment in insurance sector through usage of LLPs should be specifically permitted subject to the guidelines released by IRDA Secondly, the FDI policy effectively applies the same 49 percent automatic route cap for FDI in an insurance company and intermediaries, such as an insurance broker, despite insurance companies and insurance brokers undertaking different activities, and insurance companies being subject to greater scrutiny. Insurance brokers act for their clients and not for insurance companies and have a fiduciary duty towards their clients. Accordingly, similar FDI treatment of an insurance company receiving and investing public funds and an insurance broker is neither warranted nor necessitated. DIPP should consider amending the FDI policy to provide for 100 percent FDI for insurance brokers.

To conclude, the FDI policy 2018 presents an excellent opportunity to ride on the recent wave of reforms initiated by the Modi government. It is hoped that FDI policy 2018 will be investor-friendly and encourage foreign investments in India.

(Views are personal. Pandey is a Partner and Padhi, Senior Associate with Khaitan & Co)The Ministry of Labour and Employment has reportedly been asked by the government to accelerate the passage of workers-friendly legislations and hold back those that could be seen as anti-labour

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has reportedly been ordered to accelerate the passage of worker-friendly legislation and hold back those that could be seen as anti-labour, ahead of general elections in the first-half of 2019.

According to The Economic Times, legislation related to labour codes on wages, universal social security and occupational safety workers at commercial establishments are likely to be fast-tracked. However, a controversial bill on industrial relations, which will make it easier for companies to fire workers is unlikely to see the light of day.

Meanwhile, workers affiliated to various trade unions organised a rally in Mumbai on Tuesday, at the Azad Maidan, to protest so-called anti-labour policies being pursued by the Narendra Modi-led government, the Hindustan Times reported.

The unions have accused the government of following a policy that is against the welfare of workers. The newspaper said that more than 34 trade unions, including the Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh (RMMS) and the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS), were to participate in the protest.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on 23 April gave its nod to a Ministry of Labour and Employment proposal that sought to provide social security cover to over 50 crore workers, including those in the farm sector. The proposal aims to target those who aren't covered by the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

Media reports stated that the government could roll out the social security scheme in the ongoing financial year, ahead of seeking re-election in 2019.

In March, the Centre amended labour rules to boost contract jobs across all industries. The move marked a shift in New Delhi's employment generation strategy -- from job security to job creation. The move attracted heavy criticism, as under the new rules, workers wont be entitled to any notice-pay when their contracts are terminated.

Last July, the Cabinet approved the wage code bill that ensures a minimum wage across all sectors by integrating four labour related laws. The bill, if it is passed by Parliament, is expected to benefit over four crore employees nationwide. The Labour Code on Wages Bill will consolidate the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the Payment of Wages Act, 1936; the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976.

The looming minimum wage norms would be applicable for all workers irrespective of their pay. At present, the minimum wage fixed by the Centre and states are applicable to workers earning under Rs 18,000 a month.

With inputs from agenciesA government panel has come up with a definition of a shell company based on suggestions from the ED, SEBI, the FIU and the CBDT.

The government could reportedly zero-in on 18 parameters to arrive at a definition for a so-called shell company', a move that will help the Centre determine if a firm was floated to launder money.

According to the Business Standard, a government panel, set up in July 2017, has come up with a definition foe a shell company based on suggestions received from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

According to the new parameters, any company that transfers large sums to a related party, makes disproportionate investments in shares of other companies, or one with dubious directors, could be termed a shell entity.

The government is also planning to encourage whistle-blowers to report suspicious activity at companies and is working to link Aadhaar details of stakeholders with filings made under the companies law, Union Minister PP Chaudhary said on Monday.

Embarking on multi-pronged efforts to clamp down on illicit fund flows, the corporate affairs ministry has already struck-off the names of 2.26 lakh firm from official records, for not carrying out business activities for long, besides ordering probes into the affairs of many such entities.

"We would also encourage the whistle-blowers to come forward to inform the government, concerned authorities about any suspected activities, if they come to know about any such wrong things," Chaudhary told PTI in a recent interview.

The Minister of State for Corporate Affairs said the linking of Aadhaar details with company filings would help ascertain the authenticity of individuals concerned.

The ministry aims to tackle the issue of bogus identities in the filings of companies on the MCA 21 portal and the step to link Aadhaar will help deal with the "menace of shell companies, suspected to be used for laundering illicit funds," he said. Filings under the Companies Act are submitted to the ministry via the MCA 21 portal.

According to Chaudhary, the ministry has already asked individual stakeholders to obtain Aadhaar IDs at the earliest, for "integrating their details with MCA 21".

"The idea is to have a system in place which would help in identifying the stakeholders whose names come up in the filings made through MCA 21. Aadhaar number along with the filings would help ascertain the authenticity of the individuals," Chaudhary, also the Minister of State for Law and Justice, said.

Recently, there have been rising instances of corporate misdoings and quite a few cases have been referred to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). The SFIO is under the corporate affairs ministry.

Chaudhary said the ministry and markets regulator SEBI are working to safeguard investors' interests. "As far as educating the investors is concerned, the investors are advised to exercise due diligence before considering investing in any company," he added.

With inputs from PTITotal revenue collected under Goods and Services Tax (GST) in April surpassed Rs 1 lakh crore for the first time, the Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday

The Ministry of Finance (MoF), on Tuesday, said that the total revenue collected under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), in April, surpassed Rs 1 lakh crore, a first as far as monthly collections go.

The MoF is obviously going to town with the data -- Finance Minister Arun Jaitley termed it a 'landmark achievement'. His ministry said that the buoyancy in tax collections reflects both an upswing in the economy and better compliance. The total revenue earned by central and the state governments after settlement, in April 2018, is Rs 32,493 crore and Rs 40,257 crore respectively.

GST collections in April exceeding Rs. 1 lakh crore is a landmark achievement and a confirmation of increased economic activity as brought out by other reports  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) May 1, 2018

April was also the month for filing of quarterly Return for composition dealers.Out of 19.31 lakh composition dealers,11.47 lakh filed their quarterly return(GSTR 4) which is 59.40% & paid total tax of Rs.579 crores, which is included in Rs.1.03 lakh crore of total GST collection  Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) May 1, 2018

According to ANI, total gross GST revenue collected in April 2018 is Rs 1,03,458 crore of which Central Goods & Services Tax (CGST) is Rs 18,652 crore, State Goods & Services Tax (SGST) is Rs 25,704 crore, Integrated Goods & Services Tax (IGST) is Rs. 50,548 crore (including 21,246 crore collected on imports) and cess is Rs.8554 crore (including Rs.702 crore collected on imports).

Experts' take

The rise in GST revenue could also be linked to the rollout of e-way bills, according to experts. The e-way bill or the electronic-way bill, branded as a major anti-evasion measure, captures a vehicle's details from pickup to delivery.

Undoubtedly, the impact of e-way bill can be seen from the figures of GST revenue collection. It was highly expected that e-way bill being the strong pillar of GST would raise the revenue after implementation as the chances of evasion would be reduced to a significant extent after its rollout. Since the monthly revenue has exceeded Rs one lakh crore for the first time since the inception of GST, we can expect more increase," Vishal Raheja, DGM GST, Taxmann, a publisher of tax and corporate laws, told Firstpost.

Abhishek Jain, Tax Partner, EY, said that "the GST revenue collections in April have shown a phenomenal buoyancy as compared to the collections in previous months, which is very encouraging. With anti-evasion measures like e-way bill already introduced and others like TDS, TCS and credit matching which may get introduced in the coming months, the Government could be hopeful of very good GST collections in the current fiscal year i.e. 2018-19.

Pratik Jain, Partner and Leader, Indirect Tax, PwC India, said: As expected the GST collection crossed one lakh crore mark for the first time since GST came in. Though, there would be some impact of [the] year-end push and adjustments, it is clear that compliance is steadily improving. With the introduction of [the] e-way bill system now, one can expect the collection for April also to exceed one lakh crore.

"While the filing of 3B returns have improved and touched almost 70 percent, for composition dealers this continues to be less than 60 percent. With only Rs 579 crore coming from these dealers, Government might want to investigate it in detail. All eyes to the upcoming GST council meeting on 4 May wherein the new return mechanism is expected to be announced.

Sandeep Chilana, Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas, said: "GST collections for the month of March 2018 shows buoyance and increasing acceptance for compliances under GST laws. With anti-evasion mechanisms such as e-way bills becoming mandatory from April 1 2018, it is expected that the Rs 1 lakh crore benchmark would be sustainable in the coming months."

Earlier, Parag Mehta, Partner, NA Shah Associates LLP, said: The government has collected 7.19 lakh crore under GST for the first nine months of FY 2017-18... In the initial period, the average compliance level was 55 percent..."

"With the GSTN system working smoothly and no hindrances for generating e-way bills the compliance level should increase further. With many states introducing the intra-state generation of e-way bills for movement of goods, evasion is bound to reduce, eventually increasing the revenue. Earlier it was felt by the authorities that GST is like an elephant in the room and nobody knew in which direction it is moving. However, the stability and collections reflect the general perception that GST is moving in the right direction. With an increase in assesses and more simplification expected in the Council meeting on 4 May, there is a general perception for the increase in revenue for FY 2018-19, Mehta added.Efforts are on to find out how the credit extended for project financing in some of the South African countries can be further improved.

Johannesburg: India is ready and willing to assist in development in southern African countries, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said at the India-South Africa Business Summit 2018, noting that the region holds huge potential for trade.

Prabhu was leading a high level business delegation to Johannesburg to participate in the two-day summit from 29-30 April. "We feel that there is a huge potential that exists between these two regions," Prabhu said as he shared the platform with his counterparts form Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho and Mozambique at the summit.

Prabhu said there had been a meeting in New Delhi just a month earlier to explore what could be done in each of these countries. "It was quite an eye-opener for us, because we realised that some of these countries have so much capability which we were not aware of, so we can actually use that and bring it into India as well.

The minister said "we are preparing for each and every country what it is that we can do together. We don't want to offer one single solution to all the countries, but something befitting each of the countries in the southern African region," Prabhu said.

He said India's commitment to trade relations with Africa is "very strong" and efforts are on to find out how the credit extended for project financing in some of these countries can be further improved.

Prabhu said the steps would further benefit the countries where these projects are going to be implemented.

Despite the optimism about the pledge of support from India, Prabhu cautioned that these projects "should not be overambitious. Often the ideas don't work because of the very high ambitions that we start with, feeling that everything should be done immediately. That is not possible, even for India, which is a country much larger (than its African partners)."

Prabhu proposed that a Joint Study Group be set up to explore these ideas further. "The relationship at political level is very high and very good, but we need to transcend that relationship into the economic sphere as well to benefit both the populations from that interaction," he said.

Botswana's Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Bogolo Kenewendo, supported Prabhu's view about people in her country benefiting from any partnership with India. "Development should not be just about GDP figures the development we are looking for is now mainly focused on what is being translated to the livelihoods of our people," Kenewendo said.

"The world is looking to Africa for the next growth opportunities, and it would be wise to partner with a country that knows the struggle of Africa during the colonial times," said Swaziland's Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Prince Hlangusemphi. "I consider this a win-win situation based on mutual interest, which is why we encourage India to partner with our local businesses in various sectors of our economy," he added.

Lesotho's Minister of Trade and Industry Tefo Mapesela proposed that components for Mahindra vehicles, which were very popular in the region, could be made in Lesotho. He also sought India's agro-processing expertise and assistance in processing of apples, which are an abundant crop in Lesotho.Engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Tuesday sold its electrical and automation (E&A) business to France giant Schneider Electric for Rs 14,000 crore

Mumbai: Engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Tuesday sold its electrical and automation (E&A) business to French giant Schneider Electric for Rs 14,000 crore in an all-cash deal.

The E&A business had a net revenue of Rs 5,038 crore in the financial year ended 31 March, 2017.

Rueil-Malmaison, France-headquartered Schneider Electric SE is a 180-year-old multinational corporation that specialises in energy management, automation solutions, spanning hardware, software, and services.

"The divestment of E&A business is in line with our stated intent of unlocking value within the existing business portfolio to streamline and allocate capital and the management focus for creating long-term value for the stakeholders," chief executive and managing director SN Subrahmanyan said in a statement.

The partnership with Schneider is a win-win for the employees, business partners, and the shareholders, he added.

The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, covers all segments of the E&A business except marine switchgear and servowatch systems, Subrahmanyan said.

The E&A business offers a wide range of low and medium voltage switchgear, electrical systems, marine switchgear, industrial and building automation solutions, energy management systems and metering solutions.

The E&A business has manufacturing facilities that are located at Navi Mumbai, Ahmednagar, Vadodara, Coimbatore and Mysore, as well as in Saudi Arabia, UAE (Jebel Ali, Dubai), Kuwait, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Britain.

"The E&A business has had a strong presence for decades and is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory with outstanding technologies, brands, people and global presence. We believe the partnership with Schneider Electric, which has a strong product and geographic presence, would further enhance the business prospects for E&A business and its employees," said L&T group chairman AM Naik.Mahindra & Mahindra said the cost of acquisition is up to CAD 6.63 million (equivalent to approximately Rs 34.5 crore) to be paid in cash.

New Delhi: Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) has signed a share subscription agreement to acquire up to 10 percent share capital of Canada's IT firm Resson Aerospace Corporation for up to CAD 6.63 million to be paid in cash.

"The company has today signed a share subscription agreement for subscribing up to 8,00,402 Class C preferred shares of Resson Aerospace Corporation, Canada, which would result in the company holding up to 10 per cent of the share capital of Resson on a fully diluted basis," M&M said in a regulatory filing.

M&M said the cost of acquisition is up to CAD 6.63 million (equivalent to approximately Rs 34.5 crore) to be paid in cash.

Resson is focussed on providing technology solutions for agriculture. It has developed a system which captures and interprets images to give farmers information about the state of their fields and crops. It operates primarily in Canada and the US.

Resson had a turnover of CAD 1.43 million in the calendar year 2017.

M&M said the acquisition of shares in Resson is expected to support its businesses by developing technology solutions for the company's farm division.NDTV has sold 7.38 percent stake in subsidiary Red Pixels Ventures to AR Chadha And Co, the landlord of its office premises in the national capital

New Delhi: Media firm NDTV has sold 7.38 percent stake in subsidiary Red Pixels Ventures to AR Chadha And Co, the landlord of its office premises in the national capital, to meet working capital requirements and pay outstanding rent.

"The board of directors of the company...considered and approved transfer of up to 7.38 percent stake of the company at the rate of Rs 59,824 per equity share in Red Pixels Ventures Ltd (RPVL), a material subsidiary of the company, to AR Chadha And Co (India) Pvt Ltd, the landlord of the office premises in New Delhi," NDTV said in a BSE filing.

NDTV and NDTV Convergence currently hold 37.04 percent and 55.57 percent, respectively, in RPVL.

"Transfer of aforesaid shareholding by the company will be reduced basis the exercise of the tag along right by other shareholders of RPVL. The sale proceeds will be utilised by the company for working capital including in relation to the payment of outstanding rent by the company," the company added.

Last year, NDTV said it had initiated a turnaround plan to bring down costs and improve profitability.

NDTV has also been exiting from non-core business verticals. In September, its shareholders had approved sale of its automobile e-commerce firm Fifth Gear Ventures to Autobyte Pvt Ltd. It owned and operated automobile e-commerce portal carandbike.com.

In June, they had approved the sale of its Indian wear e-commerce firm NDTV Ethnic Retail to Nameh Hotels & Resorts.OPEC oil output fell in April to a one-year low due to declining production in Venezuela and lower shipments from African producers

London: OPEC oil output fell in April to a one-year low due to declining production in Venezuela and lower shipments from African producers, a Reuters survey found, sending compliance with a supply-cutting deal to another record.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries pumped 32.12 million barrels per day this month, the survey found, down 70,000 bpd from March. The April total is the lowest since April 2017, according to Reuters surveys.

OPEC is reducing output by about 1.2 million bpd as part of a deal with Russia and other non-OPEC producers to get rid of excess supply. The pact started in January 2017 and runs until the end of 2018.

Adherence by producers in the deal rose to 162 percent of agreed cuts from a revised 161 percent in March, the survey found. There was, again, no sign that Saudi Arabia or other big producers had boosted output significantly to cash in on higher prices or to compensate for the Venezuelan decline.

Thus, higher US oil production is needed to plug the supply gap, said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank, referring to the lack of extra barrels from other OPEC members to compensate for declines.

Oil has topped $75 a barrel LCOc1 this year for the first time since 2014, and was trading near $74 on Monday. Still, OPEC says supply restraints should be maintained to ensure the end of a glut that had built up since 2014.

In April, the biggest decrease in supply came from Venezuela, where the oil industry is starved of funds because of economic crisis. Output dropped to 1.50 million bpd in April, the survey found, a new long-term low.

Production in Angola, where natural declines at some fields are weighing on output, slipped and the country is pumping over 260,000 bpd less than its OPEC target. Nigerian exports, which have risen this year, slipped in April.

Production in Libya, which remains unstable due to unrest, edged lower after a suspected act of sabotage briefly stopped flows from Waha Oil Co.s fields, industry sources said.

OPECs two largest producers, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, pumped slightly more but not enough to offset the declines elsewhere.

Output in top producer Saudi Arabia edged up due to higher exports, sources in the survey said, but remained below the kingdoms OPEC target.

Iraq, the second-largest, pumped more because of an increase in exports from the south, the outlet for most of the countrys crude, despite maintenance at a loading terminal.

Output in the country holding the OPEC presidency this year, the United Arab Emirates, remained steady in April as it continues to show higher compliance than in 2017, sources close to the matter said. Kuwait also maintained full compliance.

Nigeria and Libya were originally exempt from cutting supply because their output had been curbed by conflict and unrest. For 2018, both told OPEC that output would not exceed 2017 levels.

OPEC has an implied production target for 2018 of 32.73 million bpd, based on cutbacks detailed in late 2016 and taking into account changes of membership since, plus Nigeria and Libyas expectations of 2018 output.

According to the survey, OPEC pumped about 610,000 bpd below this implied target in April, not least because of the involuntary declines in Venezuela and Angola.

The Reuters survey is based on shipping data provided by external sources, Thomson Reuters flows data and information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consulting firms.Petrol, diesel rates: Fuel bills won't rise as covert pressure forces freeze on prices ahead of Karnataka polls on 12 May

New Delhi: A fortnight before Karnataka goes to polls, PSU oil firms have stopped revising petrol and diesel prices even though benchmark international rates have gone up by almost $2 per barrel.

With finance ministry refusing to cut excise duty to give relief to the common man from petrol hitting a 55-month high of Rs 74.63 a litre and diesel at a record high of Rs 65.93, oil PSUs have since 24 April not changed fuel rates. Daily price notification issued by oil firms showed static petrol and diesel price since 24 April. This is despite the benchmark international rate for petrol going up from $78.84 per barrel, which was used for raising the price to Rs 74.63 a litre on 24 April, to $80.56 now, according to sources privy to fuel pricing methodology.

The benchmark international diesel rates during this period have climbed from $84.68 per barrel to $86.35. Also, the rupee has weakened to Rs 66.14 to a US dollar from Rs 65.41, making imports costlier.

Oil PSU executives refused to discuss pricing saying they have been asked not to speak on the issue. "We have been told not to discuss pricing," said a top official at one of the three state-owned oil marketing firm said. "You can neither quote me or my company on this," he said.

Oil ministry officials said they don't have anything to do with pricing and its up to the companies how they price fuel. Karnataka goes to polls on 12 May.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had last month denied reports of a directive to state oil firms to absorb at least Re 1 a litre of hike by not raising prices in line with cost.

The prices at petrol pumps of state-owned fuel retailers like Indian Oil Corp (IOC) were cut by 1-3 paisa every day in the first fortnight of December 2017 before Gujarat went to polls. They started moving up immediately after polling for assembly elections in Gujarat concluded on 14 December, leading to speculation that government may have asked oil companies to hold on to the prices.

State-owned oil companies in June last year dumped the 15-year old practice of revising rates on 1st and 16th of every month and instead adopted a dynamic daily price revision to instantly reflect changes in cost. If this practice was followed in letter and spirit petrol and diesel prices should have been increased by 50-60 paisa a litre in last one week, an analyst tracking the sector said.

The government had in June 2010 freed petrol price from its control and the diesel rates were deregulated in October 2014. Prices have since then moved more or less in tandem with international rates barring a few exceptions like the period before a crucial election.

Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia had last month and Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg had last week ruled out any immediate reduction in excise duty to cushion the increases warranted from spike in international oil price.

The BJP-led government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre.

The government had between November 2014 and January 2016 raised excise duty on petrol by Rs 11.77 a litre and that on diesel by Rs 13.47 per litre to take away gains arising from plummeting global oil prices. This led to its excise mop up more than doubling to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.

The central government had cut excise duty by Rs 2 per litre in October 2017, when petrol price reached Rs 70.88 per litre in Delhi and diesel Rs 59.14. Because of the reduction in excise duty, diesel prices had on October 4, 2017, come down to Rs 56.89 per litre and petrol to Rs 68.38 per litre. However, a global rally in crude prices pushed domestic fuel prices far higher than those levels.Over the years, the RBI has remained silent on several anti-depositor actions of banks, according to a Memorandum signed by All India Bank Employees' Association along with NGOs.

Chennai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the regulator of the banking sector has not taken the banks to task for their customer-unfriendly practices and remained silent, states a Memorandum signed by All India Bank Employees' Association along with NGOs.

"The RBI as the banking regulator has been proactive in improving the customer service rendered by banks. However, the RBI has not taken banks to task on the many customer-unfriendly practices that are increasing with impunity," said the Memorandum addressed to RBI Governor Urjit Patel.

According to the Memorandum, over the years, the RBI has remained silent on several anti-depositor actions of banks.

"The Banking Ombudsman's rulings also tend to side with banks, making no attempt to observe the pattern of complaints which would amply bring out rampant mis-selling of insurance and wealth management products," it said.

The Memorandum also drew Patel's attention to its draft circular on limiting customer liability and shifting the onus of proving customer fault on banks which is yet to be converted into a Master Circular to be followed by the banks.

"We feel that with the increased use of digital payments post the demonetisation drive, it is necessary to have in place a mechanism or system to protect customers from unauthorised banking transactions," the Memorandum said.

It also said effective portability of bank accounts is a good antidote to several restrictive practices followed by the banks, and has been successfully implemented in the telecom sector and helped consumers.

The Memorandum said no practical portability option exists in banking primarily due to standing instructions for both incomes (pensions, annuities, dividends, interest) and expenses (utilities and others) and the difficulties associated with changing those standing instructions.

Portability of loan exists on paper, but has to be made easier and seamless to execute without imposing fiscal and non-fiscal burden on the consumer.

The Memorandum also pointed out the customer agreements drafted by the banks which are not customer-friendly and their interests, frequent increase in bank charges.

"A Master circular/notification by the Reserve Bank giving teeth to the Charter of Customer Rights with clear provisions fixing timelines for redressal and escalation, penalty for negligent service and interest/compensation to customers for losses caused due to mis-selling is urgently needed," the Memorandum noted.The ED issued the summons on 7 September, 2016, as Nalini Chidambaram's name was mentioned in Saradha scam 'mastermind' Sudipta Sen's letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April 2013.

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday summoned former Union Minister P. Chidambaram's wife Nalini Chidambaram in a multi-crore Saradha chit fund scam, an official said.

The agency asked Nalini Chidambaram, a senior lawyer, to appear before its Kolkata-based office on 7 May to record her statement in connection with the case.

ED's move comes a week after the Madras High Court dismissed a petition by her, challenging the agency's summons to her to appear as a witness in its money laundering probe in the Saradha scam case in which several key political leaders are allegedly involved.

The ED issued the summons on 7 September, 2016, as Nalini Chidambaram's name was mentioned in Saradha scam "mastermind" Sudipta Sen's letter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April 2013.

In the letter, Sen said she prepared an agreement for co-accused Manoranjana Sinh, wife of Congress leader and former Union Minister Matang Sinh, and for legal consultancy services she received over Rs 1 crore in 18 months.

The CBI in September 2014 sought some clarifications from her. She then told the media that the CBI officers wanted to know whether Sinh consulted her professionally and confirmed that she had done so.

Based on the CBI case, the ED has been investigating the money laundering allegations against the main accused and his associates.

The agency is gathering information on the flow of funds collected by the Saradha Group companies from investors and probing the payments made through Saradha Group accounts to several companies and individuals.

While Rs 12 crore was allegedly paid to Sangbad Pratidin, Anubhuti Printers of former Congress Minister from Assam, Anjan Dutta, was allegedly paid Rs 7 crore.

Matang Sinh's companies had also received Rs 28 crore, according to the agency. His wife's company GNN Ltd allegedly got about Rs 26 crore.

The agency has also scrutinised the sale of Ratikanta Basu's Broadcast Worldwide for Rs 19 crore.

Names of Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty who allegedly received Rs 2 crore and famous painter Suvaprasanna whose company Debkripa allegedly got Rs 6.5 crore also figured in the ED investigations.In-flight connectivity will be available once an aircraft reaches an altitude of 3,000 meters.

The Telecom Commission, the highest decision making body for the sector in India, has approved in-flight connectivity facilitating both voice and data calls in Indian airspace, according to Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan, reported IANS.

In-flight connectivity will be available once an aircraft reaches an altitude of 3,000 meters -- the rule will maintain compatibility with terrestrial networks. A flight typically hits an altitude of 3,000 metres some five minutes after take-off, reported The Indian Express.

"Almost all recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on this have been accepted. We are expediting the process (to start) and within three months it should be ready," Sundararajan told reporters after a meeting on Tuesday.

The DoT will now make the necessary amendments to the relevant laws to create a separate category of licences for in-flight connectivity operators, which could be telecom service providers. After making the amendments, the delay will invite applications from those interested in providing these services, a senior official at the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) told the newspaper.

Furthermore, the Commission also approved the creation of an ombudsman to deal with telecom grievances, Sundararajan told reporters. The ombudsman will be set up under watchdog Trai and this will necessitate an amendment to the Trai Act, reported the PTI.

Expert's take

"The setting up of the ombudsman for the telecom sector is a great milestone.However, one will have to see how the implementation will take place given there are 100 crores plus users," said Hemant Joshi, Partner - Leader, Technology, Media & Telecommunications, Deloitte India, adding, "the approval for Ease of Doing Business too reflect the DoTs strong resolve to revolutionize and streamline the telecommunication services in India. The PCO Wi-Fi very idea to provide last mile connectivity and bring financial and geographical inclusion offers a big opportunity to telcos. However, data pricing through Wi-Fi is likely to reduce tariffs but the good news is that the Wi-Fi will be chargeable which can be a very good opportunity to increase revenues."

"Further, in-flight connectivity is a commendable move but what happens to noise levels in the plane and its impact on travellers remain to be seen and resolved. The Telecom Commission is apparently silent on how the falling profits and huge debt of Telcos, at Rs 7,70,000 crore, will be addressed... Over all, the Commission has done a great job by trying to address some of the pressing concerns of the sector. Lastly, the Commission is silent on net neutrality and the issue of the E and V bands that are critical for 5G etc... a decision should to be taken on (soon), Joshi said.

The country is one of the worlds fastest-growing aviation markets and also the worlds fastest growing internet services market, and the move is likely to boost revenue for airlines as well as service providers. The recommendations, which include providing a mechanism for the lawful interception and monitoring of Wi-Fi in aircraft cabins to ensure safety, were provided to the DoT, which will draft the final policy, reported Reuters.By Makini Brice WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An expiration deadline for exemptions to U.S.

By Makini Brice

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An expiration deadline for exemptions to U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs loomed on Monday, but U.S. allies and metals producers were still in the dark whether any countries would get extended relief, with the U.S. treasury secretary saying President Donald Trump had not made a decision.

Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminium in March, but granted temporary exemptions to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the European Union, Australia and Argentina. He also granted a permanent exemption to South Korea.

The temporary exemptions will expire at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on Tuesday unless Trump extends them. Otherwise, the tariffs will go into effect.

"The president has not made any decision yet," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told Fox Business Network in an interview that aired on Monday.

Mnuchin's comments conflicted somewhat with comments by U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who told Bloomberg News in an interview published on Sunday that the White House would continue granting some countries relief from the metals tariffs. Ross did not name the countries.

Steel industry officials said it was possible that some countries could receive longer exemptions, particularly Canada and Mexico, given that the tariff negotiations had become intertwined with talks about updating the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that any move by the United States to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium would be a "very bad idea" guaranteed to disrupt trade between the two countries.

Canada is the largest source of steel imports into the United States, with a steel industry that is highly integrated with its southern neighbour.

Trump administration officials have said that in lieu of tariffs, steel and aluminium exporting countries would have to agree to quotas designed to achieve similar protections for U.S. producers. South Korea's permanent exemption is in exchange for having agreed to cut its steel exports to the United States by about 30 percent.

Trump has invoked a 1962 trade law to erect protections for U.S. steel and aluminium producers on national security grounds, amid a worldwide glut of both metals that is largely blamed on excess production in China.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom was due to speak with Ross on Monday in a last-ditch pitch for the 28 EU member countries. She has insisted on a permanent exemption without conditions.

"The only thing that I can tell you today is that we are patient but we are also prepared," European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a news conference earlier on Monday.

If the EU is subject to tariffs on the 6.4 billion euros ($7.7 billion) of the metals it exports annually to the United States, it has said it will set its own duties on 2.8 billion euros of U.S. exports of products ranging from makeup to motorcycles.

(Reporting by Makini Brice; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey, David Lawder in Washington, Phil Blenkinsop in Brussels and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Writing by David Lawder; Editing by Frances Kerry and Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.By David Lawder and Eric Beech WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday.

By David Lawder and Eric Beech

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday.

The decision came just hours before temporary exemptions were set to expire at 12:01 a.m. (0401 GMT) on Tuesday.

"The administration has reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil, details of which will be finalised in the next 30 days. The administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days, the source said.

Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminium in March, but granted temporary exemptions to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the European Union, Australia and Argentina. He also granted a permanent exemption on steel tariffs to South Korea.

Trump administration officials have said that in lieu of tariffs, steel and aluminium exporting countries would have to agree to quotas designed to achieve similar protections for U.S. producers. South Korea's permanent exemption is in exchange for having agreed to cut its steel exports to the United States by about 30 percent.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that any move by the United States to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium would be a "very bad idea" guaranteed to disrupt trade between the two countries.

Canada is the largest source of steel imports into the United States, with a steel industry that is highly integrated with its southern neighbour.

Trump has invoked a 1962 trade law to erect protections for U.S. steel and aluminium producers on national security grounds, amid a worldwide glut of both metals that is largely blamed on excess production in China.

If the EU is subject to tariffs on the 6.4 billion euros ($7.7 billion) of the metals it exports annually to the United States, it has said it will set its own duties on 2.8 billion euros of U.S. exports of products ranging from makeup to motorcycles.

(Reporting by David Lawder and Eric Beech; Additional reporting by Makini Brice, Susan Heavey and James Oliphant in Washington, Phil Blenkinsop in Brussels and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Peter Cooney and Lisa Shumaker)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.The moves underscore Walmarts renewed focus on catching up with competitors, ranging from grocer Aldi Inc to Amazon.com Inc, in key international markets.

New York: Walmart Incs urgency to stem market share losses to rivals around the world is driving it to partner with local players in the UK and India, even as it scales back in some other markets like Brazil.

The worlds largest retailer is in talks to merge its UK arm ASDA with J Sainsbury Plc in which it will hold a minority stake. Walmart is also looking to acquire a majority stake in Indias leading online retailer Flipkart for $10 billion to $12 billion after years of under-performance there.

The moves underscore Walmarts renewed focus on catching up with competitors, ranging from grocer Aldi Inc to Amazon.com Inc, in key international markets. The retailers underperforming international business contributed less than a quarter to its total revenue of $500.3 billion in fiscal 2018.

Walmart has simply been too slow to react when it comes to their overseas business, said Burt Flickinger, managing director, Strategic Resource Group. They have finally started taking corrective action and are now dedicating their resources to where they think they can grow, he said.

It also marks a shift in Walmarts traditional approach to building a business on its own. Walmart is clearly moving away from trying to crack tough foreign markets by itself to striking partnerships because it realizes that is the fastest way to bridge the gap with competitors, said Laura Kennedy, vice president, retail sales and shopper practice at Kantar Consulting.

A Walmart spokesman declined to comment on the negotiations in the UK and India.

Overall, sales from Walmart International, which runs about 6,300 stores globally, stood at $118.07 billion in the fiscal year ended 2018, down nearly 14 percent from $136.5 billion in 2014.

This was in large part due to adverse currency movements, which hurt the money repatriated from its foreign arms, but also because of a series of missteps in major markets around the world.

In an effort to fix its international performance, Walmart in January appointed Chief Operating Officer Judith McKenna to run its international unit and has indicated it will focus on its core North American markets and growth markets like China and India.

Walmarts international woes have been exacerbated by slow decision-making over the years and even initial talks with Indias Flipkart began as far back as 2016.

Walmart initially entered the Indian market in 2007 through a joint venture with Indias Bharti Enterprises, years before Amazon debuted there. That joint venture was called off in 2013 and its presence in India has remained largely static since then, at least in part due to restrictions around foreign investment in physical retail in India.

Meanwhile, Amazon jumped in with a less regulated online marketplace offering, retail consultants and investors said. Amazon now holds about 27 percent of Indias burgeoning e-commerce market, according to Euromonitor, where Walmart remains a footnote and only operates 21 cash-and-carry wholesale stores in the country that sell to businesses.

Walmarts slow-footedness means if a deal is announced, Flipkart could be Walmarts largest acquisition to date, potentially at a steep premium to what SoftBank Group paid for a stake in the company less than a year ago.

International blunders

Walmarts international moves over the years have involved a series of blunders.

For example, Walmart bet on an unprofitable, second-tier online retailer in China in 2011 and has since been behind Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. In 2016, Walmart sold its online business in China to pick up a stake in Chinas no 2 retailer JD.com.

In Brazil, Walmart has struggled to gain traction after a decade, while in the United Kingdom it has been unable to stem market share declines to hard discounters like Aldi Inc and Lidl.

Now, Walmart is trying to offload a majority stake in its Brazilian operations to private equity firm Advent International. And on Saturday, Sainsbury said it and Walmarts British unit Asda are in talks to create the countrys biggest supermarket group.

Their combination, which some said shows Walmarts retrenching in the market, would surpass Tescos grocery market share and be worth up to 15 billion pounds ($20.7 billion).

Whether Walmarts latest moves will turn Walmart International into the growth engine it once was remains to be seen, consultants said. For now at least, investors have largely supported the decisions to jumpstart global growth made by Chief Executive Doug McMillon as exemplified by the market reaction to the talks in India.

In the short term, the Flipkart deal may look pricey, but the markets havent punished Walmart because investors realize this is probably their best chance to have a fair fight with Amazon in India, Ken Murphy, portfolio manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said.

Walmarts shares fell 20 percent from an all-time high in January largely due to concerns around its online performance in the United States. They have, however, risen 27 percent in the past year, outperforming the wider S&P 500 index, which rose 12 percent during the same period.An All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) instituted committee on examination reforms has recommended open book examination for engineering programmes.

An All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) instituted committee on examination reforms has recommended open book examination for engineering programmes. The report is being examined by the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry. If accepted, open book exams will allow students to take notes, textbooks and resource material into an exam of any engineering and technical institute regulated by the AICTE.

The panel, formed in January, said the open book system was being proposed as the traditional pattern of examination often led to rote learning. These reforms are part of the systemic changes the apex regulator of technical education is undertaking, including curriculum changes it had undertaken recently. According to the report, the academic quality of examinations and question papers in the Indian engineering education system had been a matter of concern for a long time.

According to a report in the Times of India, the changes suggested by the committee include the introduction of educational experiences to teach and assess professional outcomes including open-ended experiments in laboratories and project-based learning modules and internship experiences, among others. A wide range of assessment methods (term papers, open-ended problem-solving assignments, course/lab project rubrics, portfolios) need to be employed to ensure that assessment methods match with learning outcomes, the report said.

The committee was of the view that open book system was especially useful in testing skills in application, analysis and evaluation. Open book examination is similar to time constrained written examination but designed in a way that allows students to refer to either class notes, textbooks or other approved material while answering questions so they are less demanding on memory and hence less stressful, questions can emphasise on problem-solving, and higher order thinking, it said.

Apart from an open book exam, the committee also recommended varying difficulty levels of question papers according to the capabilities of students, testing their different cognitive skills. The committee has recommended the use of the so-called Blooms taxonomy framework to set examination papers that are well balanced, testing the different cognitive skills of students without the papers being perceived as either tough or easy.

Experts welcomed the move but cautioned that such reforms need to be implemented with care. Exam reforms cannot be done in isolation; it has to go with teaching reforms, said Pradipta Banerji, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai told the Hindustan Times.An Aam Aadmi Party delegation on Tuesday met members of a Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee seeking a solution to the ongoing sealing drive in the national capital.

New Delhi: An Aam Aadmi Party delegation on Tuesday met members of a Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee seeking a solution to the ongoing sealing drive in the national capital. AAP MLA Somnath Bharti, who was a part of the delegation, said there was fear that after local shops, shopping centres would be brought under the ambit of sealing.

After the meeting, the AAP legislator said the team was told the BJP government had a "solution" to the sealing drive being carried out against commercial establishments for alleged civic norm violations.

"We met the members of the monitoring committee. Representatives of some local shopping centres were also part of the delegation. In the meeting, we got to know that the committee doesn't have a solution, but the BJP-led central government has one instead," he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party has repeatedly demanded a Central ordinance for a permanent solution to the sealing drive being carried out by civic bodies since December. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also threatened to go on an indefinite strike if the sealing of shops and other such establishments was not stopped.A BJP MP has asked Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to explain why it displays a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, triggering a row days after a student sought permission to hold an RSS shaka on its premises

Aligarh (UP): A BJP MP has asked Aligarh Muslim University to explain why it displays a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, triggering a row days after a student sought permission to hold an RSS shaka on its premises.

In a letter written to vice-chancellor Tariq Mansoor on Monday, Aligarh MP Satish Gautam objected to Pakistan founder's picture on the walls of the AMU student union office.

AMU spokesman Shafey Kidwai on Tuesday defended the portrait, apparently hanging there for decades, saying that Jinnah was a founder of the university and granted life membership of the student union.

Traditionally, photographs of all life members are placed on the walls of the student union, he told PTI.

"Jinnah was also accorded life membership of the AMUSU in 1938. He was the founder member of the University Court in 1920 and also a donor, the spokesman said.

He was granted membership before the demand of Pakistan had been raised by the Muslim League," he said.

The spokesman said no national leader had raised any objection to the photo even after Independence. These included Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, C Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Shafey said AMU student union has a long tradition of granting life membership to prominent people in politics, social and educational fields.

Their photographs were a part of the rich heritage of undivided India and no one ever thought of raising this issue before, he said.

The first recorded life membership by the student union was the one granted to Mahatma Gandhi on 29 October, 1920, he said.

This was followed by a long list of luminaries including Rajagopalachari, Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, CV Raman and British writer EM Forster, he said.

Last week, the AMU vice-chancellor received a letter from an "RSS activist" Amir Rasheed seeking his permission to organise a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh 'shakha' on the campus.

Kidwai said, "The university is not considering any proposal for allowing any camp or shakha organised by any political party."

"We have a tradition of not allowing political parties to put up their candidates either for contesting the students' union polls or the teachers' association elections," he said.

He said AMU had "no intention" of allowing any "direct intervention" of political parties inside the campus.

AMU was not under any sort of pressure from any government agency," he added.

He said the student union enjoyed a certain autonomy within the legal framework of the university's constitution as enshrined by an act of Parliament.

"No vice-chancellor or governing body has ever tried to infringe upon such rights and hence, while we may have different views from the student union on many matters, the AMU authorities have always tried to avoid directly intervening in their matters," he added.By Lawrence White LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's National Crime Agency is expanding a review into fraud allegations at HBOS, part of Lloyds Banking Group, that have already led to the jailing of six people in a scam that pushed business owners to hire a costly turnaround consultancy. The NCA said on Monday it was following up a request from Thames Valley police, who conducted the investigation that led to the original convictions, with a view to a wider investigation into allegations of fraud and money laundering. A spokesman for Lloyds said the bank welcomed the fresh review and would cooperate fully.

By Lawrence White

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's National Crime Agency is expanding a review into fraud allegations at HBOS, part of Lloyds Banking Group, that have already led to the jailing of six people in a scam that pushed business owners to hire a costly turnaround consultancy.

The NCA said on Monday it was following up a request from Thames Valley police, who conducted the investigation that led to the original convictions, with a view to a wider investigation into allegations of fraud and money laundering.

A spokesman for Lloyds said the bank welcomed the fresh review and would cooperate fully.

The NCA said its review would look into allegations falling outside the scope of the original investigation, and that it should take six months.

The NCA also said the allegations included asset stripping, through the use of corrupt consultants as well as allegations of fraud and money laundering. The sums of money involved could be significant, running to many millions, it said.

The Agency said the review would determine whether a full criminal investigation was needed.

The initial investigation and prosecution was completed in January 2017 and related to a scam conducted between 2003 to 2008. HBOS became part of Lloyds during the financial crisis.

Lloyds has unveiled a 100 million pound compensation scheme for victims of the fraud, who had complained the bank reacted too slowly to their complaints.

The six jailed for their involvement in the original scam were sent to prison for a total of 47-and-a-half years, among the toughest sentences handed out for high-profile, white collar fraud in Britain in recent years.

The bankers had asked struggling business owners to employ a turnaround consultancy as a condition for getting a loan and they were then obliged to pay the consultancy high fees for services and, in some cases, hand over ownership.

(Reporting By Lawrence White, editing by Silvia Aloisi and Jane Merriman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.By Ginger Gibson and Diane Bartz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury officials met with about 10 industry groups on Monday to discuss the latest draft of legislation that would tighten scrutiny of foreign investment in order to limit Chinese efforts to acquire sophisticated U.S

By Ginger Gibson and Diane Bartz

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury officials met with about 10 industry groups on Monday to discuss the latest draft of legislation that would tighten scrutiny of foreign investment in order to limit Chinese efforts to acquire sophisticated U.S. technology, four sources familiar with the meeting said.

A senior Treasury official described the meeting as "uniformly positive."

"We didn't negotiate text at the meeting so much as get everyone in the room to tell them where we are and the direction the bill would take," the senior official, who wasn't authorized to speak on the record, said. "We had made a number of changes to provide clarity in the bill for industry, but at the same time, hold the line on national security."

The official said it remained to be seen how the House and Senate would ultimately craft the legislation, which would broaden the reach of the inter-agency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Corporate America has taken a keen interest in the bill because it would give CFIUS the power to further restrict Chinese investment in U.S. companies. It could also potentially lead the Chinese to retaliate and restrict U.S. company access to the world's second-largest economy.

Tightening the CFIUS process is one of several efforts supported by the Trump administration, including tariffs on steel and aluminium, to establish a more protectionist stance in an effort to tamp down Chinese imports while raising the regulatory bar on what deals get approved.

Attendees include the most powerful U.S. business lobbying group, the Chamber of Commerce, a source familiar with the situation said.

Supporters of re-writing the CFIUS rules are now hoping to attach the legislation to the National Defense Appropriations Act (NDAA), legislation that is passed annually to fund U.S. defence needs, two of the sources said. The NDAA has been voted into law for 55 consecutive years, and will likely pass even with the midterm elections on the horizon.

The vehicle for passage will be determined by members of Congress, the Treasury official said.

A draft of the bill to be discussed in the meeting, seen by Reuters, would eliminate a measure which some tech companies complained would force them to go to CFIUS to get approval for technology sales if they involved intellectual property licensing and support.

The draft also spells out that an investment fund can be passive, and not subject to CFIUS oversight even if there are foreign investors, as long as investment decisions are made by Americans and the decision on hiring those Americans is also made by Americans.

Investment funds had complained that under an older version of the bill they could be subject to CFIUS if they managed Chinese money and wanted to invest in certain companies with high end technology.

The draft also defines passive investment as "direct or indirect," but strikes a measure that says passive investors may be subject to a CFIUS review if they have access to non-technical information. Any access to technical information would remain subject to CFIUS oversight.

Treasury oversees CFIUS, whose remit is all foreign investments into the United States, including equity investments.

Under pressure from tech companies and others, the bill has already undergone a number of changes to soften its approach.

Negotiators in the administration, on Capitol Hill and working for the investment and high tech community are on their fourth version of a bill on CFIUS. The bill previously underwent at least one proposed revision that would seek to narrow its scope.

(Reporting by Ginger Gibson and Diane Bartz; Writing by Chris Sanders; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Susan Thomas)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.Shipping containers at a cargo transport compound in Port of Incheon / Korea Times file



South Korea's exports retreated in April from a year earlier, marking the first dip in 18 months, largely due to a base effect, government data showed Tuesday.

Outbound shipments reached $50.06 billion last month, down from $50.84 billion a year ago, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Imports surged 14.5 percent on-year to $43.45 billion.

South Korea's trade surplus came to $6.61 billion, marking 75 straight months in which the country's exports have exceeded imports, the ministry said.

The ministry said last month's outbound shipment decreased as local shipyards exported offshore facilities worth $5.45 billion in April last year, and companies pushed out exports ahead of the scattered holidays in early May.

When ship exports were excluded from calculation, April's exports gained 10.4 percent on-year to $48.28 billion.

April also marks the second straight month that the country's exports topped the $50 billion mark, according to the ministry. In March, the comparable figure was $51.58 billion.

In the first four months of the year, the country's cumulative exports reached a record $195.5 billion, up 6.9 percent from a year earlier. (Yonhap)The bonhomie at the border comes days after Prime Minister Modi and President Xi last week in Wuhan decided to issue 'strategic guidance' to their militaries to strengthen communication and build trust and understanding between the border guarding forces of the two countries.

Leh: In a new found bonhomie, Indian Army men and some of their families and kids on Tuesday attended a function organised by their Chinese counterparts at Chusul-Moldo meeting point on the other side of the de facto border between the two countries in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The ceremonious special border personnel meeting was a part of confidence building measures the two sides committed to after an informal summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week in Wuhan to reset the bilateral relationship.

Sources said the celebrations were held on the occasion of International Labour Day during which both the armies reaffirmed their commitment to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control that divides the Ladakh region between the two countries.

"Troops and families of both armies were part of of the celebrations which were conducted in an atmosphere of bonhomie and friendship," an official said.

Special cultural programmes were also organised by the two armies.

The official said the two armies also exchanged gifts at Wacha border post in Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh.

"Such meetings indicate the upward trend of relations between the two great nations and building of trust between the two armies deployed on the border."

The official said during the meeting the two sides discussed ways to bring down tension along the disputed borders.

The bonhomie at the border comes days after Prime Minister Modi and President Xi last week in Wuhan decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communication and build trust and understanding between the border guarding forces of the two countries.

The ties between the two countries had soured after a military stand-off that lasted for more than a month between the two armies at Doka La in Sikkim last year.Delhi Police Crime Branch has received the bone density test report of a juvenile who was apprehended in connection with the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl inside a madrasa in Ghaziabad

New Delhi: Delhi Police Crime Branch has received the bone density test report of a juvenile who was apprehended in connection with the alleged rape of a 10-year-old girl inside a madrasa in Ghaziabad, a senior police officer said on Monday.

The officer said the report of the bone density test conducted to ascertain whether the accused juvenile is actually a minor will be submitted to the Juvenile Justice Board.

Earlier this week, the police had also arrested Ghulam Shahid, the madrasa cleric, for allegedly being aware of the crime committed on the the madrasa premises.

The girl was rescued on 22 April from the madrasa by a Delhi Police team. The police were informed on 21 April by the girl's father that his daughter had gone missing after she went to the market.

Subsequently, the girl was rescued from the madrasa and the juvenile was apprehended, the police said.

The victim had recorded her statement in front of a magistrate on 23 April. She had said the juvenile had taken her to the madrasa to meet his friends.Idris Hassan Latif, former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief and the only Muslim to have served as the head of any of the three wings of the Indian armed forces, passed away in Hyderabad on Monday at the age of 94

Idris Hassan Latif, former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief and the only Muslim to have served as head of any of the three wings of the Indian armed forces, passed away in Hyderabad on Monday at the age of 94, according to media reports.

Born on 9 June, 1923, in Hyderabad and educated at Nizam's College, Latif joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1941 at the age of 18 and was commissioned in 1942. Following the completion of his training at Ambala, he was posted in Karachi, where he flew vintage biplanes like the Wapiti, Audaxes and Harts, on anti-submarine flights over the Arabian Sea, according to a report in Hindustan Times.

During 1943-44, he was one of the few Indian pilots to be seconded to the Royal Air Force in Britain, where he underwent training on more contemporary aircraft like the Hurricane and Spitfire. He returned to India in 1944 and took part in the Burma campaign.

The Indian Express reported that following Partition, Latif spurned an offer to join the Pakistan Air Force and decided to join the IAF instead.

Latif succeeded to the post of IAF chief after the retirement of air chief marshal H Moolgavkar. Latif's father was the chief engineer in the Nizam's Hyderabad state, according to The Times of India.

Latif headed the IAF from September 1978 to August 1981 and after his retirement, served as the governor of Maharashtra and was India's Ambassador to France.

The Times of India report noted that Latif flew in India's first Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 1950. He also trained pilots in the Indonesian Air Force and served as air attache to the Indian ambassador in the US and Indian high commissioner in Canada in 1961.

During the 1971 war, Latif was still the (assistant chief of air staff) ACAS (Plans), according to the Hindustan Times report. He was deeply involved in flying to the front line squadrons to take note of the situation on the ground and acquire first-hand information on the progress of the war.

Latif was in the eastern sector at Shillong when the surrender in East Pakistan occurred.

He was instrumental in convincing the government to approve the procurement of the Jaguar strike aircraft, which was lying dormant for more than eight years. He also held negotiations with the Russians and oversaw the induction of the MiG-23 and later, the MiG-25 aircraft into the IAF, the report stated.

With inputs from agenciesThe armies of India and China on Tuesday held a Border Personnel Meeting during which both sides resolved to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control, besides agreeing to work on additional confidence-building measures.

New Delhi: The armies of India and China on Tuesday held a Border Personnel Meeting during which both sides resolved to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control, besides agreeing to work on additional confidence-building measures.

It was the first such meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping held an informal summit last week in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they agreed to strengthen strategic communication between the two sides on security-related issues. The BPM took place in Chusul, Ladakh. It was a ceremonial BPM and issues related to border management were discussed during the meeting, government sources said.

They said the deliberations focused on bringing down tension along the disputed borders and ways to bridge the trust deficit. In their informal summit, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communication and build trust and understanding between the border guarding forces of the two countries.

The decisions came months after Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a 73-day long standoff in Doka La.

The sources said the armies of India and China would undertake a series of measures to bring down tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto boundary between the two countries. They said building trust between the two sides would be a focus area and the measures being contemplated to bring down tension along the border include carrying out "coordinated patrols".

A senior army official said under coordinated patrol, each side would provide advance information to the other side when a patrolling team goes to a disputed area. They said both the sides will also try to resolve local incidents as per provision of a 2003 agreement to address boundary disputes. Sources said both sides were also working on setting up a long-delayed hotline between the Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and the Chinese officer holding a similar position.

The Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) took place on the occasion of Labour Day and troops and their families were part of the celebrations, the sources said. They said both sides also exchanged gifts at Wacha border post in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh.

According to government data, the number of transgressions by the Chinese Army into the Indian territory rose to 426 in 2017 from the 273 in 2016. India and China share a nearly 4,000 kilometre-long border. Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since 16 June last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on 28 August.

The two sides hold BPM at five points: Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim.Tral is fast emerging as the new address in India of the Masood Azhar-led militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. It has carried out several attacks in Kashmir of late.

Awantipora, Kashmir: Tral is fast emerging as the new address in India of the Masood Azhar-led and Pakistan-based militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. It has recently been in the national news as it is the hometown of Burhan Muzaffar Wani, who infused a fresh lease of life in the three-decade-old insurgency in Kashmir.

On 24 April, the Jammu and Kashmir police killed four militants in the Laam forest of Tral, which is located in the volatile Pulwama district. Two days later, the police identified one of the slain militant as Mufti Yasir, the operational commander of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) who was at one time the personal security officer of Masood Azhar.

He was a commander and an important person in the JeM, Inspector General of Kashmir Police Swayam Prakash Pani said.

However, when the encounter broke out, the forces had never anticipated that their adversary would be Azhars close aide and someone who has been at the helm of new recruitment for his organisation in south Kashmir.

In recent months, particularly after the killing of over a dozen militants in Shopian district, police sources say most youths who turned to militancy joined the JeM. If 20 youths join the militants, 15 will go to Jaish-e-Mohammed. Tral is their new home, a senior police officer in Awantipora, a police district in Pulwama, told Firstpost.

The militant outfit has capitalised on the fading Hizbul Mujahideen footprint in Tral following the arrest of Tariq Pandit, a top militant from the outfit, and the subsequent busting of their hideouts in the deep woods, a police officer who keeps a close tab on Tral and its changing insurgent dynamics says.

In December 2017, the JeM lost an important force multiplier in the form of 47-year-old, barely three-feet tall divisional commander, Noor Mohammad Tantray. Considered as the brain behind the militant outfits revival in the Valley, Tantray was killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district on 26 December, 2017.

A close aide of Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Ghazi Baba, who masterminded the 2001 attack on Parliament, Tantray was arrested from Delhis Sadar Bazar on 31 August, 2003. He was serving his sentence at Central Jail, Srinagar, until he went out on parole in 2015. Later, he remained in his hometown and became a major JeM overground worker in the region.

A strange shift was taking place in the insurgent camps, says an intelligence officer. Mushtaq Latram had covertly allied with Masood Azhar in Pakistan and some of his men in Kashmir had spread this notion that Tantray was a one-time al-Umar affiliate.

Interestingly, Latram and his al-Umar outfit, did enjoy considerable support from late Molvi Mirwaiz Farooqs supporters called 'Bakras'. Tral is reportedly the second most significant address of Bakras in Kashmir, after old Srinagar.

One can easily join the dots on why former al-Umar men termed Tantray their own. In the context of Mushtaq and Masood coming together, Tantrays role as Jaishs main recruiter from Tral makes sense, the officer says. Basically, he was up to a very dangerous game by reviving the old JeM network.

Before he was killed, Tantray revived the JeM network like no other militant could have done. Along with another Jaish commander, Mufti Waqas, Tantray had played a major role in the recent attacks carried out by the outfit.

In the most recent encounter in Tral, Jaish lost four of its militants including Yasirthe personal security officer of Masood Azhar. Yasir had replaced Mufti Waqas in March 2018, after the latters killing in a brief encounter in South Kashmirs Letpora.

Since last summer, Jaish has lost 37 of its militants in Kashmir, according to its mouthpiece Al-Qalam. Now, it is attempting to give a breather to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen by making Tral as its stronghold, according to the police. The LeT and Hizbul are suffering heavily in Operation All Out.

The JeM militants are tough as compared to local Kashmiri ones. The only problem they faced was a lack of local knowledge. Now, they have the support of many locals and it is a deadly combination, Mohmmad Aslam, Senior Superintendent of police, Pulwama, told Firstpost.

By 2000, after the high-voltage IC-814 hijacking case paved the way for the release of three militants, including Maulana Masood Azhar and Al-Umar chief, Mushtaq Latram, insurgency in Kashmir saw a paradigm shift. Instead of Kalashnikov-wielding men, fidayeen squads of the Jaish-e-Mohammad started rattling the Indian state and its military installations in Kashmir.

According to officials, around 55 such attacks took place between mid-1999 and the end of 2002, leaving 161 security forces and 90 fidayeen dead. The fidayeen phase of the Kashmir insurgency was controlled by Hafiz Saeeds Lashkar-e-Taiba, along with the Jaish-e-Mohammed.

After 2003, fidayeen attacks slumped. In this phase, Kashmirs militant strikes were mostly carried out by the pro-Pakistan, indigenous Hizbul Mujahideen. But the outfit was steadily weakened by a long war of attrition with the Indian security forces and by internal divisions, forcing it to adopt a low profile.

After years of calm, JeM made a comeback at the fag-end of 2013 when its head Masood Azhar released Afzal Gurus biography called 'Aina' posthumously. In the 240-page book, the Jaish chief bats for Guru and flays New Delhi for presenting him as an unemployed, chain-smoking young man whose loyalties can be bought for peanuts.

JeM floated its Afzal Guru squad a month before the Parliament attack convict's first death anniversary. It began attacking the military installations across and outside Kashmir in his name.

For JeM, these strikes marked a stunning comeback to Kashmirs landscape. For intelligence agencies, Afzal Guru had become Jaishs larger jihad project. After attacking the Pathankot airbase in January 2016, the Jaish-e-Mohammed's Afzal Guru Squad targeted Uri army base in September 2016, Pulwama in August 2017 and Srinagar airport in October 2017, to name a few attacks. With local militancy on the rise, the coming days will not be easy.The Madras High Court has come down on the practice of awarding grace marks to medical students who fail to clear certain subjects.

Chennai: The Madras High Court has come down on the practice of awarding grace marks to medical students who fail to clear certain subjects.

Dismissing a petition filed by a third-year MBBS student of a private college in Puducherry, seeking grace marks to enable her to clear the ophthalmology paper, Justice S Vaidyanathan, in a recent order, said citizens were taken for a ride by such practices.

If the students of ophthalmology were allowed to clear the paper with grace marks and if they were going to become doctors and perform surgeries, the patients would have to regain their eyesight only with the grace of the god, the judge said.

The petitioner, who had failed twice in the ophthalmology paper, had sought a direction to the Pondicherry University to grant her three grace marks to enable her clear it.

She had secured 29 marks in the theory paper, instead of the 32 required to pass.

Noting that up to five grace marks could be granted to a student as per the university rules, she had prayed for the relief.Narendra Modi's statement on the celebration of Buddha Purnima on Monday attempted to address the issue of polarisation on the lines of caste and religion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on the celebration of Buddha Purnima on Monday attempted to address the issue of polarisation on the lines of caste and religion. At the same time, it was also aimed at boosting India's moral standing as a country which stands for non-violence and fraternity.

Modi made this statement after his return from China, a nation which has the highest Buddhist population in the world. The prime minister is also expected to address a number of rallies in poll-bound Karnataka, where Dalit issues are part of the poll pitch of the Congress. In this state, a section of Dalits has also converted to Buddhism.

The intention to re-assert India's position in the geo political space as a friendly nation was clear in Modis address. He spoke at the Buddha Purnima celebration organised by the Ministry of Culture in association with the International Buddhist Confederation at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium in Delhi.

"India has never had a history or tradition of attacking others' ideology or country. India has never been an aggressor. It has never encroached upon (the territory) of any other country," he said.

His statement was seen in the context of India's foreign policy, of of which an important is projecting Pakistan as a rogue nation and India as a victim of terrorism exported by it.

Narendra Modi's effort has been to garner support from nations with a significant Buddhist population to achieve India's broad geo-political objectives.

In 2015, while speaking at the Buddha Jayanti celebrations, he had said that the whole world has acknowledged that the 21st century would be Asia's century. He had said that the Buddha's teachings ware an inspiration and guiding spirit for Asia, as they showed the world the path to relief from problems of conflict and hatred.

In recent times, India has been keenly seeking to improve its relationship with China, a major ally of Pakistan. His statements on the occasion of Buddha Purnima can be seen as an extension of his attempt to improve ties with Beijing.

The prime minister also sent a message of fraternity to the 14 nations in Asia which have a large Buddhist population, and noted that the teachings of the Buddha had shaped the national character of several Asian countries.

He also offered "sangh dana" (donation) to Buddhist monks from countries such as Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam who were present at the event.

On the home front, Modis statements appear to be an attempt to win the trust of Dalits before the Karnataka elections.

Significantly, a large number of Dalits have adopted Buddhism due to its stand against casteism. Dr BR Ambedkar's decision to embrace the religion in 1956 gave shape to the neo-Buddhist movement. The movement kept up its momentum in the decades after Ambedkar's death in several states, including Karnataka.

Recently, more than 300 hundred persons in Gujarat converted to Buddhism. Among the ones who converted were four people who were victims of flogging at Una in Gujarat for skinning a dead cow in 2016.Even though the Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is averse to any straight talks with Pakistan given the prime minister's tough stance on the notorious neighbour; it seems to have agreed to revive the Track II diplomacy process.

The Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has agreed to revive the Track II diplomacy process with Pakistan despite its apparent aversion to conventional talks with the neighbouring country. The original Track II initiative, called the Neemrana Dialogue, received a fresh start when a high-powered delegation of former Indian diplomats, military veterans and academics travelled to Pakistan on 28 April to discuss ways to improve the India-Pakistan relationship. The initiative this time was taken by Pakistan that wanted this dialogue to happen in Islamabad since the dialogues so far had been happening in third countries.

The delegation was headed by former Ministry of Economics Affairs (MEA) secretary and Pakistan expert Vivek Katju. JS Rajput, former National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) head, was also a part of the delegation. The talks took place from 28 to 30 April where Pakistan was represented by former foreign secretary Inam ul Haque and Ishrat Hussain among others.

What is it?

The bilateral dialogue gets its name from the Neemrana Fort, where it was first held in 1991-1992. While it is similar to other Track II mechanisms in that Neemrana is also a non-governmental dialogue, it is different from others in the fact that both the foreign ministries have in the past associated themselves with it.

To many though, the revival of Neemrana would suggest that the policy of not having any engagement with Pakistan no longer holds ground. "There have been other Track II initiatives, but these were mostly funded by third parties. Neemrana had more India-Pakistan character," said former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan, according to a Times of India report.

According to the report, former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal, who is a member of the Neemrana group, has chosen not to visit Pakistan for the dialogue. He, however, said that Neemrana was an important initiative which had even survived some very difficult times in the relationship. "Neemrana has had a tough time over the past few years. Both sides felt though that it was important to keep alive that tradition but I didn't go because I don't think it would yield significant results in the current circumstances,'' said Sibal.

A brief history of the dialogue

Official sources said that it was Pakistan's turn to host the Track II dialogue but it could not take place earlier because Islamabad refused to approve it. This was apparently to show its displeasure over India's position that there could be no official talks with Pakistan until it delivered any solid state action against the breeding and funding of terrorists on its soil.

The thinking behind India's decision to allow the meeting to take place, according to sources, was that it would help those participating to assess the mood in Pakistan on important issues related to security, economy and also Afghanistan. Also, with Pakistan likely to go to polls in July, the meeting holds significant political importance as well.

Earlier, India and Pakistan had held a Track II dialogue when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on 10 July on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Ufa, Russia. This was the second such attempt under the Sharif government.

Sharif's first such effort came in 2013 when soon after his election, Sharif initiated the Track II by appointing Ambassador Shahryar Khan as his point person for the purpose. However, when the Modi government came to power the following year, the initiative was left on the back-burner.

The 10 July meeting provided an opportunity to identify some areas where the two countries could promote cooperation right away in order to reduce tensions and hostility, Pakistan's former foreign minister Sartaj Aziz had said then.

What will it achieve?

There are fundamental differences in the perspectives of the two countries that rule out any substantial yet amicable solution. According to AK Verma, the former chief of Research and Analysis Wing of India (RAW), India looks at Pakistan through the prism of geography and territory, whereas, for Pakistan, the problems with India are rooted in the mists of ideology. "A meeting ground is, therefore, difficult to attain", he says.The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) of Rajasthan

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the chief secretary and director general of police (DGP) of Rajasthan over an attack on a Dalit family by members of the upper-caste during a pre-wedding procession in Bhilwara district.

The NHRC has taken serious note of media reports, which claimed that the incident was triggered because the groom rode a mare during the traditional "Bindoli" ceremony, which takes place a day before a wedding.

Four persons were reportedly injured in the incident, which took place in the presence of police personnel.

The NHRC has issued notices to the chief secretary and DGP of Rajasthan, asking them to submit a detailed report on the matter within four weeks, along with the details of measures taken for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims, a statement issued by the commission said.

"The incident, if true, indicates that in spite of specific provisions under law and awareness campaigns run by the authorities, people belonging to the Dalit community are still being subjected to discrimination and they are not safe even after giving prior intimation to the police authorities.

"The rights to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the victims, belonging to the Dalit community, have been grossly violated due to inaction by the state authorities," the statement said.

According to media reports, the additional superintendent of police, Bhilwara has denied the allegation of police inaction and stated that seven persons have been taken into preventive custody in connection with the incident and that they would arrested under relevant sections of law, the statement added.

The additional SP has also stated that an FIR has been lodged under sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the IPC and the relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in connection with the incident.

In 2010, a similar procession during the groom's elder brother's wedding was also reportedly stopped by the members of the upper caste.

The victims have stated that they were getting constant threats after they decided to hire a mare for the "Bindoli" procession.

They have also said that an application was given to the police, informing them about the threats, but at the time of the attack, the police personnel present remained mute spectators.

The brother of the groom has alleged that the police watched silently as the upper-caste men, armed with sticks, stones and axes, beat them up and misbehaved with the women in the procession.By Kim Bo-eun



Extensive rounds of diplomacy are unfolding, prompted by the inter-Korean summit last Friday in which the leaders of the North and South agreed to achieve complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.



President Moon Jae-in affirmed close cooperation with his counterparts in the U.S., Japan and Russia on North Korea's denuclearization following his summit with the North's leader Kim Jong-un, in phone calls held over the weekend. The leaders of South Korea, Japan and China will meet in Tokyo in the coming weeks to bolster cooperation ahead of North Korea's summit with the U.S.



The meeting between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump will address the specific measures North Korea will take to achieve the set goal of denuclearization. Kim told Moon during the summit that he would invite South Korean and U.S. experts and journalists to the scene when the regime shuts down its Punggye-ri nuclear testing site this month. The U.S. has called for North Korea's complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement (CVID) of its nuclear program.



The date of the Pyongyang-Washington summit has yet to be fixed but it is likely to take place earlier than originally expected.



Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said Moon and Trump agreed the North Korea-U.S. summit should be held as soon as circumstances allow, as a means to continue the momentum of the success of the inter-Korean summit.



At a rally in Michigan, Saturday, Trump said the meeting may take place in three or four weeks.





Moon is set to hold a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping within this week, a key Cheong Wa Dae official said. Russian media reported Putin has invited Moon for a summit in Moscow in June.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked high courts across the country to set up committees of judges to monitor and regulate the trial of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked high courts across the country to set up committees of judges to monitor and regulate the trial of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud also directed the Directors General or Commissioners of Police in the states to set up Special Task Forces so that the investigation is carried out expeditiously and witnesses are produced in the court on the date of their appearance.

The court order came as the apex court was told that 112,628 cases under POCSO Act were pending before trial courts across the country, with Uttar Pradesh leading the list at 30,883.

Maharashtra, including Goa, Union Territory (UT) of Diu and Daman, Dadar and Nagar Haveli have 16,099 pending cases, followed by Madhya Pradesh (10,117), West Bengal (9,894), Odisha (6,849), Delhi (6,100), Kerala including UT Of Lakshadweep (5,409), Gujarat (5,177), Bihar (4,910) and Karnataka (4,045).

Additional Solicitor General Pinki Anand informed the court that the government had amended the law providing for death penalty for the rape of children younger than 12.The West Bengal Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sale of carcass meat collected from dump yards in the state

Kolkata: The West Bengal Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the sale of carcass meat collected from dump yards in the state, a senior officer said on Monday.

"A district-level SIT comprising state police officers has been formed to look into the case of carcass meat selling racket. Regular raids are going on in Kolkata and suburbs," Diamond Harbour Superintendent of Police Koteshwar Rao told IANS.

"We have arrested 10 persons so far. It seems all the top leaders of the racket have been arrested," he said.

The officer, however, rubbished the reports of influential people from the state being involved in the racket.

Police had seized nearly 20 tonnes of dead animal meat last week from a cold storage in north Kolkata meant to be supplied to departmental stores and hotels, and arrested those involved in the business.

The police was trying to prepare a detailed list of departmental stores and eateries where the meat was supplied while also looking into an international angle, amidst suspicion that the rotten meat was supplied to neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, a police source had said.

The racketeers used to collect carcass meat from different dump yards in and around the city and store it in the cold storage. From here it was supplied to various city restaurants and departmental stores.

Three days back, police had arrested eight persons for their alleged involvement in rotten chickens trade.West Bengal continues to witness violence ahead of the panchayat polls which were earlier slated to be held in three phases on 1, 3 and 5 May but were pushed back to 14 May after the Calcutta High Court stayed the polling process on petitions moved by the opposition parties.

West Bengal continues to witness violence ahead of the panchayat polls which were earlier slated to be held in three phases on 1, 3 and 5 May  but were pushed back to 14 May after the Calcutta High Court stayed the polling process on petitions moved by the opposition parties.

The Opposition including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) complained that they were not allowed to file nominations by alleged armed miscreants of Trinamool Congress (TMC).

According to several media reports, BJP Murshidabad district president Gourishankar Ghosh and his supporters were beaten up with sticks when they visited the government BDO office to collect their nomination forms. Former Lok Sabha member Ram Chandra Dome was also attacked allegedly by TMC activists when he was leading a procession of party candidates to file nominations in Nalhati in Birbhum district. Whereas in Birbhum, a BJP leader was stabbed when he visited the magistrate's office to complain about the lack of security for his party workers. Various instances of violence were also reported from districts like Hoogly, Coochbehar and North 24 Parganas.

In Malda, a 26-year-old youth was killed in a violent clash between the two factions of TMC over nominations. There were also reports of a clash between Trinamool and CPM workers at Mayureshwar in Birbhum district after the Marxist candidates went in a group to file their nominations. Eight Trinamool workers were allegedly injured in a clash with Congress activists at Hariharpara in Murshidabad district. Later, police claimed to have seized weapons from the area Congress office. A TMC worker was shot dead inside his own house on 24 April because of the internal squabbling within the party. Several journalists were also assaulted and confined when they went to cover the clashes.

Earlier on 8 April, in Birbhum district, bombs were hurled following a clash between the BJP and TMC workers over the filing of nominations for the Panchayat polls. The BJP, the CPM and the Congress alleged that their candidates were attacked by TMC activists also at Baruipur, Diamond Harbour and Bhangar  all in South 24 Parganas district.

However, in North 24 Parganas District too an explosion occurred near Kolkata's Dum Dum Junction on 9 April wherein the police had discovered 29 crude bombs near the railway tracks. On the same day. six policemen were injured when the BJP and the TMC workers clashed at Usti in South 24 Parganas district over the filing of nominations.

Houses of two Congress candidates were torched in the Ratua area in Malda district while nine more houses, reportedly of Congress supporters, were also set on fire. A few women candidates were also beaten up by a few TMC supporters in front of the SDO office, in South 24 Parganas. On 5 April, former MP and CPI(M) Central Committee member Ramachandra Dome was brutally attacked and he sustained a head injury while leading a group of candidates to file nominations at Nalhati in Birbhum district.

Violence was also reported from Kandi in Murshidabad where a Congress rally led by State president and MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was attacked by TMC workers. In Hooghly districts Arambagh, former All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) MLA Biswanath Karak was heckled and assaulted by TMC cadres when he accompanied AIFB candidates during filing of nominations. Such violence had been going on since 1 April and does not seem to die down even as the election date approaches.

Amid these continuous clashes, the state election commission had earlier expressed its concern and urged its officials to perform their duties. Whereas, the Left Front had called for a six-hour general strike in the state on 13 April to protest the "throttling of people's rights" owing to the pre-panchayat election violence in the state.

Going a step further, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had even demanded a President's Rule in the state. "Without imposing President's rule, no one will be able to exercise their democratic right. This is the need of the hour", Chowdhury told ANI. Union minister Babul Supriyo, too, has voiced a similar demand citing the troubled situation in the state. Supriyo even alleged that he was stopped from escorting his party workers to file nomination and that the police is helping the ruling party.

The Calcutta High Court had on 24 April directed the State Election Commission (SEC) on Tuesday to hold meaningful consultations with all stakeholders in West Bengal on security arrangements for the panchayat elections and additional force has also been called for patrolling on the polling day.In a video which has surfaced, Biplab Deb has reportedly said that if anyone interferes in his government, he would chop their nails off.

Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who has been at the centre of criticism for numerous controversial statements, has reportedly said that nails of those interfering in his government should be pulled out.

He made the remarks in a video which has surfaced and the chief minister used an analogy to explain his point. "Around 8 am, a vegetable vendor brings bottle gourd to the market. However, it gets rotten by 9 am due to the repeated digging of nails by customers. This should not happen with my government. There should be no interference in my government. If someone pokes or interferes, his nail should be chopped off. No one can touch my government," he is quoted as saying in the video by News18.

The Tripura chief minister has also stoked controversy previously. He has made several remarks which have triggered widespread criticism.

Deb had stated that the internet and satellite communication existed during the Mahabharata era. He also questioned the crowning of Diana Hayden as Miss World in 1997, saying that she did not seem to be an 'Indian beauty.'

The chief minister also stated that civil engineers, rather than mechanical engineers, should opt for civil services.

He has also asked the educated youth to set up paan shops instead of running after political parties to get government jobs. He also asked youth to explore a career in the dairy field and rear cows.

With inputs from agenciesA week after Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari lodged a complaint against the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) decision to allot two landfill sites in Yamuna floodplains, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to strike down the same decision.

The Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party are at each other yet again: This time over a protest against two new landfill sites allotted to East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC). A week after Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari lodged a complaint against the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) decision to allot two landfill sites in Yamuna floodplains, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to strike down the same decision.

AAP leader Dilip Pandey announced the party decision to file the case in the NGT. Recent allocation of land for the landfill sites by the DDA that falls under East Delhi has been done without any proper application of mind by the concerned authorities, he alleged.

Pandey further added that both landfill sites fall under the Yamuna floodplains and would cause irreversible ecological imbalance apart from causing severe health hazard in the nearby residential areas.

The petition, to which the AAP leader is also a signatory, states that the 13 acres of land at Sonia Vihar near Police Firing Range and 50 acres of land at Ghinda Gujjran allotted to EDMC are also adjacent to Delhi Jal board pipelines.

If this project starts, several densely populated colonies and villages nearby such as Sonia Vihar, West Karawal Nagar, Sabhapur Village, Chohan Patti, Dayal Pur Village, Ankur Vihar would suffer severe public health problems. Thus, there is substantial question relating to environment, wherein the community at large is affected by the environmental consequences, the petition states. The petition also alleges the DDA ruling violates the earlier order passed by the NGT for the protection of the Yamuna floodplains.

In an earlier order, the NGT ruled: We also direct that the DDA shall not, in future, issue such permission and any permission issued by the DDA or any state/authority in relation to flood plain of River Yamuna, shall be subject to the orders of the tribunal. The AAP petition seeks NGT intervention and asks the tribunal to direct respondent authorities to not disturb environment in the areas.

It further asks that the DDA be directed to cancel the allotment of Dumping land at Sonia Vihar and Ghonda to EDMC and report the same to the tribunal. It also prays for a cumulative impact study to record the status of ecology of the Yamuna floodplains.

The AAP petition in the NGT brings to the forefront Delhis burning problem of garbage disposal. Landfill sites in Delhi are a major cause of concern as all of them are seen as a public health hazard. Only last year, a blast at the Ghazipur landfill caused a collapse of mounds of garbage, which killed two persons. The EDMC was then forced to stop dumping of garbage there by Delhi's lieutenant governor.

Since then, the Delhi government and its municipal corporations have been unable to find landfill sites. Pandey further told the media, "In case the BJP-led MCD does not withdraw its decision, then the AAP will take to roads. We will take the whole matter to a logical conclusion, which will be to remove the landfill sites.

EDMC Mayor Bipin Bihari Singh expressed surprise at the AAPs statement. Even we do not want the landfill sites in the Yamuna floodplains. In fact, we were first to raise concern over the issue. We have raised our objection against the decision to establish landfill sites near Yamuna River to the lieutenant governor last week through Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwary, Singh said.Consolidating the Hindu vote is a key part of the BJP's strategy in the state as a whole, especially so in coastal Karnataka, which is viewed as BJP's Hindutva laboratory, and where it seems to be succeeding.

Where Rahul Gandhi refuses to tread, Narendra Modi rushes in. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will kick off the final leg of its Karnataka campaign on Tuesday, with three rallies planned for the prime minister, one of them in Udupi, well-known not just for the ubiquitous Udupi restaurants all across the country but also for its famous Krishna temple and ashta mutts (eight mutts).

Modi will seek the blessings of the Pejawar pontiff Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji, said to be close to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and will address a public meeting in town. Reports say top police officials have asked the mutt to restrict visitors after noon on Tuesday.

The highly venerated ashta mutts take their lineage from the 13th Century philosopher Madhwacharya, who set them up to propagate his 'Dwaita' philosophy of qualified non-dualism, and are the spiritual centre for the relatively small number of Madhwa Brahmins in Karnataka. Modi's visit will also be a morale booster for the council which handles the day-to-day administration of the eight mutts given the recent controversies surrounding it.

One of the mutt chiefs, Lakshmivara Teertha Swami of Shiroor Mutt, caused a major flutter when he decided to contest the elections as an Independent candidate (he tried in vain for a BJP ticket), and admitted to having a family on the side and accused some of his fellow swamis of similar violation of their celibacy vows, one of the strictest rules of this order for its swamis.

The mutt's governing council has taken a serious view of this charge and is considering handing over administrative control of the Shiroor Mutt to one of the other mutts. However, it glossed over his decision to contest elections as a "personal one and his constitutional right as a citizen".

Unlike the Lingayat mutts that Rahul Gandhi and Amit Shah have been visiting in recent weeks, the Udupi mutts, while respected and venerated, have little political influence in terms of generating votes. Rahul Gandhi did not make a visit, as this mutt has been at loggerheads with Siddharamiah from the time the chief minister was with the JD(S).

In fact, Swami Vishwesha Theertha had accused Siddaramaiah last November of not visiting the mutt due to "pressure from some intellectuals".

And where Rahul will not go, the BJP, of course, has to. The mutt visit will no doubt be part of the Hindu unity and Hindutva push the BJP is using, especially in the coastal Karnataka region, which includes five seats in Udupi district (Karkala, Byndoor, Kundapura, Kaup and Udupi). Siddaramaiah's differences with the ashta mutts will also probably be highlighted as part of its campaign of painting the Congress as "anti-Hindu". The BJP had set this in motion in mid-February when Amit Shah visited the homes of two slain Hindu activists in the region.

Consolidating the Hindu vote is a key part of the BJP's strategy in the state as a whole, especially so in coastal Karnataka, which is viewed as BJP's Hindutva laboratory, and where it seems to be succeeding.

Udupi is not the communally volatile district that some of the other districts in the region are. Yet, it is significant, given its hoary past and the temple and its mutts which draw pilgrims from all over. It's also the home of one of the great trinities of past Hindu philosophers  Adi Shankara, Ramanujacharya and Madhwacharya.

The BJP had lost badly to the Congress here in 2013, winning just one of the five seats in the district to Congress' three, despite the BJP's strong showing earlier. Now it has set its sights on getting back to its earlier winning ways, and chose its candidates purely from a winnability angle. Its candidate in Udupi, Raghupati Bhat, is a person who was embroiled in a sex controversy and was shown the door. The Kundapura candidate, Halady Srinivas Shetty, a four-time winner, had rebelled and contested as an Independent earlier. The Kaup candidate, Lalaji Mendon, is a two-time winner who lost to Congress in 2013. The other two seats too have veteran party workers. V Sunil Kumar, the Karkala candidate, being its only sitting MLA.

Udupi is also of sentimental value to the BJP, as it was here that the Jan Sangh, BJP's preceding avatar, had won control of the municipality way back in 1968, from where it has expanded its presence considerably today.

Rahul Gandhi's non-visit to Udupi will no doubt be a major talking point in the BJP campaign, with local party leaders claiming that even the district Congress members were not keen on his visit. But it will have to contend with strong competition, with the Congress too fielding past winners from these seats. Rahul may not be speaking to the Udupi mutt chiefs but is meeting with Shringeri Shankara mutt pontiff. And his tour of the state's coffee belt will be reinforced by Siddaramaiah's 10-day campaign tour which will cover 10 important districts, where in most places it will be a straight fight with the BJP.

 The author is former editor-in-charge, The WeekKarnataka is a state with one of the worst chances of winning for women candidates.

Bangalore: Congress member Motamma is a veteran in Karnataka politics. A former leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Council from 2010 to 2012, she is the first woman to be appointed to that position. Representing Mudigere first in 1978, Motamma is a three-time MLA who was the women and child welfare minister in SM Krishna's cabinet. Finishing her current term as an MLC, she has been given a ticket to contest Assembly elections again from Mudigere. Her long career in politics spans monumental changes like the reservation for women at panchayat levels, which increased to ensure that half of the seats went to women. Despite this, Karnataka is a state with one of the worst chances of winning for women candidates.

Would the situation be better this time around? Yes, the Congress party definitely recognises its women workers in a good manner, Motamma says. However, the list of candidates of major parties throws up no surprises when it comes to the perceived winnability of women. Congress has given tickets to 15 women out of 218 candidates and BJP five out of 213.

Data shows that the participation of women in state-level electoral politics hasnt particularly improved in the last three decades.

In fact, the highest number of women MLAs (18) was voted back in 1962 and the numbers have dwindled ever since, showing no signs of recovery. Even a constituency like Srirangapatna, which was represented by women MLAs for two consecutive decades from 1989, and would have been considered a safe seat for women, no longer has any women candidates. The mantle has now passed on to the next generation and it is the sons of these former MLAs who are now top leaders in Srirangapatna.

Performances of women in Karnataka Assembly elections over the last 30 years

Year Contested Won Forfeited 1983 38 1 27 1985 114 8 90 1989 79 10 62 1994 118 7 97 1999 62 6 44 2004 101 6 84 2008 107 3 89 2013 175 6 159

33 percent seats in Parliament a distant dream

R Poornima, the former editor of Prajavani, who has extensively written about the participation of women in electoral politics, doesnt think much can change unless it's written in black and white. There is no improvement because there is no commitment. Unless there is a law, women will never get fair treatment.

Poornima refers to the historic and long-drawn-out struggle to pass the Women's Reservation Bill which would provide 33 percent reservation of seats for women in Parliament and state Assemblies. This has been pending before the Parliament for years, from the time HD Deve Gowda was the prime minister. Even then the prime minister had told her that 33 percent is a dream, but he wanted to table the bill nevertheless. Let there be at least 10 percent reservation with which we will be able to find realistic and winnable candidates, and then we can slowly increase it. Already in Rajiv Gandhis tenure, women had made up more than 12 percent of the Parliament, the highest since then. PM Modi has slogans for everything, except for this. Even Sonia Gandhi, who has spoken about the issue many times, could have easily got this passed as the Congress party head. But no one wants to do that, Poornima says.

She remembers the time when political giants like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Sharad Yadav came out strongly against the issue. They joked that if you allow women into the Parliament in such large numbers, they would have to open a saree shop on the premises.

Malavika Avinash, BJP Karnataka spokesperson whose aspirations to get a ticket from Mysurus Krishnaraja constituency were washed away when the party announced its third list on Friday, says the lack of adequate representation of women is true of all parties and the issue brings together women across party lines. In Krishnaraja, women make up 54 percent of the population. What better reason do you need to field a woman candidate there, she says, adding that women must learn to tap into this vote bank more effectively.

While Malavika too feels that without reservation there would be no proportionate representation, she is hopeful that the bill will be passed before the end of the year. There are pointers that the bill might be passed around June-July, she said. But even without this, BJP has been moving in the right direction in terms of cultivating women leaders, she says. The manner in which BJP has tried to accord women their due during and since 2014 is encouraging. Be it in the Parliament or the Cabinet, the party has promoted their women karyakartas well. In Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections last year, 18 percent of the seats were granted to women by the party. Similarly, we are expecting enough number of candidates from Karnataka as well.

Disadvantages aplenty

Its not new for aspiring women MLAs to be constantly thwarted by the catch-all term of winnability. And in a critical election like this, its going to be even tougher for women to find a position in the starting line. From money and muscle power to the amount of time they can dedicate to the party, especially after hours, women are perceived to have many disadvantages. A womans traditional restriction to movement is not just an excuse that parties use, says Malavika. If you cant sit down with your leaders in the evenings, for example, you do miss out.

While the one sure shot way for women to enter politics at this level remains by inheriting the seat from the husband or father, even dynastic politics doesnt seem to favour women. After the death of MLA Mahadeva Prasad, his wife Geeta was given the chance to contest from his seat, says Poornima. Similarly, Parimala Nagappa also inherited her seat from her late husband but now wants her ticket to be given to her son. Maybe if they dont have a son, they would consider passing on the seat to a daughter, like in the case of Gopinath Munde in Maharashtra. But the sons always get the preference, thanks to the patriarchal outlook of society, she says.

An exception this time is Home Minister Ramalinga Reddys daughter Soumya Reddy, who is contesting from Jayanagar. Motamma too had been hoping to field her daughter this time. But my party leaders advised me that she is still a junior in the party. Let her learn the system while serving the public, I was told, and I was asked to contest instead, she says.

Motamma feels that often these political daughters don't have the opportunity to traverse an otherwise well-worn route into mainstream politics that political sons have as the latter are very early on inducted into student or youth political wings.

Proxy panchayat presidents

It is worth remembering that Karnataka was one of the first states to experiment with 50 percent reservation for women across all levels of panchayat and urban municipal councils. Despite such high representation of women politicians at the grassroots level, they continue to find it hard to climb the political ladder. But this experience has shown that reservation can throw up some unintended consequences.

In the panchayat and municipalities levels, at least half of the women are office-holders only by name. They stay at home to take care of the family while their husbands run the administrative affairs. Even Modi commented on this trend when a man once introduced himself to him as SP or Sarpanch Pati, says Poornima.

Worse still, she recounts a case in Tamil Nadu, where the elected representative, a Dalit woman, was made to sit on the floor during meetings which were usually conducted by the male, upper caste vice-president. This is obviously not acceptable. But there are many instances where women have learnt and grown politically. And their priorities have always been different: water, schools and roads. It will take some more years to train them to be politically savvy, she says.

According to Motamma, apart from the obvious challenges of moving up in a male-dominated field, woman leaders at this level are also often lacking in exposure and education. Fixing that would go a long way in fixing the imbalance.

(Ayswarya Murthy is a Chennai-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)With the Karnataka Assembly elections just weeks away, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kickstart his election campaign from Santhemaranahalli in Chamarajanagar district on Tuesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hit the campaign trail in the state from Tuesday, with rallies scheduled in Santhemarahalli , Udupi and Chikkodi on the first day. With opinion polls predicting a tight race in Karnataka, Modi is expected to address more than a dozen rallies in five days in the state.

This will be Modi's first visit to the southern state since the Assembly election dates were announced. According to The Times of India, the prime minister will kickstart his election campaign from Chamarajanagar district, where he will address a public rally in Santhemaranahalli at 11.30 am.

Following the public rally in Santhemaranahalli, Modi will head to Udupi, visit Krishna Mutt and seek blessings of the Pejawar seer before addressing another rally at AGM College Ground in Udupi at 3 pm. Later, the prime minister will travel to Chikkodi, where he will hold another rally.

The Indian Express reported that a tentative schedule has been drawn up for 15 rallies. However, owing to Modi's tight official work schedule, he is likely to spend less time at each place compared to his election rallies in the past.

According to the tentative schedule prepared by the PMO, Modi is also expected to address rallies in Gulbarga, Ballari, and Bengaluru on 3 May.

On 5 May, Modi is scheduled to visit Tumkur, Shivamogga, and Hubbali. He is expected to be in Raichur, Chitradurga, and Kolar on 7 May, according to the tentative schedule.

On 8 May, two days before campaigning comes to an end in the state, the prime minister may address public rallies in Vijayapura, Mangaluru, and Bengaluru, the report quoted party leaders as saying.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making all-out efforts to oust the Siddaramaiah dispensation from power in Karnataka, the only big state the Congress governs. Opinion polls have so far forecast a close fight between the two parties and BJP believes that Modi's whirlwind campaign in the final days before the polls can tilt the scale in its favour.

The party's president Amit Shah has been frequenting the state for months, holding rallies, meeting religious heads, addressing community events and toning up organisational machinery in the run-up to the election. The party had earlier announced BS Yeddyurappa to be its chief ministerial candidate.

With inputs from PTIPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lamented that all development in Karnataka has been 'blocked' by the ruling Congress due to its obsession with family politics

Chamarajanagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lamented that all development in Karnataka has been "blocked" by the ruling Congress due to its obsession with family politics.

"Where there is Congress, all roads that lead to development are blocked. There is only family politics, corruption and lack of harmony," Modi told a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in Santhemarahalli village, about 170 km south of Bengaluru.

Launching the BJP election campaign in the district for the upcoming Assembly election, Modi addressed hundreds of people, including party cadres.

"We hear in Delhi that there is a BJP wave in Karnataka. But, as I see it, it's not just a wave but a storm," thundered Modi.

The Prime Minister's 40-minute speech in Hindi was simultaneously translated into Kannada, a first since his visits to the southern state over the past few months, so as to connect with the people in the local language.

Law and order in Karnataka has collapsed under Congress rule, Modi said.

"When the Lokayukta in the state is not safe, how can one expect the common people to be safe under the Congress government?"

Karnataka's anti-graft ombudsman Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty was stabbed at his office by a man in the state capital on 7 March.

"For the Congress, it has always been about family politics. But for us (BJP), it is about people's politics. People of the state will decide which kind of politics they will choose (in the upcoming election)," Modi said.

He appealed to the people to vote for politics of honesty.

"Let this vote strengthen our commitment to end corruption. This vote of yours will not just choose your MLA, but will decide the future of the state.

"(BJP's Chief Ministerial candidate) BS Yeddyurappa is the hope for Karnataka and he will soon be chosen as the chief minister," asserted Modi.

Modi will also address rallies on Tuesday in Udupi and Belagavi districts.The request for a separate flag was received from Karnataka. Since the election code of conduct has come into force, the consideration has been put on hold,' an official spokesperson said.

New Delhi: The Centre on Monday said the Karnataka government's proposal to approve an official flag for the state was put on hold as the election code of conduct came into force due to the upcoming Assembly polls. The Home Ministry's comments came after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve the state flag.

"The request for a separate flag was received from Karnataka. Since the election code of conduct has come into force, the consideration has been put on hold," an official spokesperson said.

The Assembly elections in Karnataka would be held on 12 May. Modi visited the state today for campaigning for the BJP. Invoking Kannada pride, Siddaramaiah had on Monday asked Modi to approve the state flag.

"Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has declared himself a Kannadiga. Becoming Kannadiga means accepting Kannada language, naada geete (state anthem), naadadwaja (state flag)," he said.

"Will you become true Kannadiga by giving approval to Karnataka's nada dwaja? #AnswerMadiModi," Siddaramaiah tweeted in Kannada.

Flagging "Kannadiga pride" ahead of the Assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had unveiled the proposed official state flag for the state in March. The state's flag, in hues of yellow, white and red, has the state's emblem 'Gandaberunda', a two-headed mythological bird, at its centre. The proposal was forwarded to the Centre for mandatory approval.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address three rallies in Karnataka's Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi on Tuesday.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address his first rally in Karnataka ahead of the state Assembly election at 11 am on Tuesday in Santhemarahalli village in Chamarajanagar. He will address a gathering in Udupi district at 3 pm and then address a rally in Belagavi district at 6 pm.

This will be Modi's first visit to the southern state since the Assembly election dates were announced. The prime minister will kickstart his election campaign from Chamarajanagar district, where he will address a public rally in Santhemaranahalli at 11 am.

Modi will seek the blessings of the Pejawar pontiff Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji, said to be close to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and will address a public meeting in town. Reports say top police officials have asked the mutt to restrict visitors after noon on Tuesday.

Where Rahul Gandhi refuses to tread, Narendra Modi rushes in. The BJP will kick off the final leg of its Karnataka campaign on Tuesday, with three rallies planned for the prime minister, one of them in Udupi, well-known not just for the ubiquitous Udupi restaurants all across the country but also for its famous Krishna temple and ashta mutts (eight mutts).

On 5 May, he is scheduled to visit Tumkur, Shivamogga and Hubbali, while he is expected to address rallies in Raichur, Chitradurga and Kolar on 7 May. On 8 May, Modi is scheduled to be in Vijayapura, Mangaluru and Bengaluru.

After Tuesday, Modi is next expected to address rallies on 3 May in Gulbarga, Ballari and Bengaluru, The Indian Express reported, citing a tentative schedule by the Prime Minister's Office.

BJP chief Amit Shah is scheduled to be present in Chikkamagalore district to attend two public meetings on Tuesday. He will also attend a gathering in Hassan district at 4.30 pm.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah demanded that Modi "end the hypocrisy" on his stand on corruption. "Would G Janardhan Reddy be joining your rallies here? You have given his family and friends eight tickets, hoping it will help BJP in (winning) 10-15 seats. And then you lecture us on corruption," the Congress leader said.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi beginning his Karnataka campaign trail with a series of rallies on Tuesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged him to address concerns surrounding the Reddy brothers, BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa, and farmers' woes.

"In Delhi, we keep getting news of Assembly polls in Karnataka. The news say that there is a BJP wave in Karnataka. The reality is, it's not a wave, it's a storm in Karnataka," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Chamarajanagar.

"Gujarat and Maharashtra are celebrating their statehood day today. Today is also Labours' Day and I want to dedicate this day to our hard working and diligent labourers." Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a public rally in Chamarajanagar

"You don't listen to former prime minister Manmohan Singh (on electrifying villages), at least listen to your mother Sonia. Why are you fooling the nation," Modi said in a dig to Rahul.

"Perhaps due to over excitement, the newly-elected Congress president Rahul Gandhi forgets decency. He did not even bother to congratulate the hardworking labourers due to whom India's villages are getting electricity," Narendra Modi said in Chamarajanagar.

"Those who keep abusing us day and night do not tell why there are still 4 crore households without electricity. We have vowed to electrify these 4 crore households through Saubhagya Yojana," he said.

"There were 39 villages in Karnataka which did not have electricity in 2014. But because of our governance at the Centre, these villages were electrified. What did Congress government do for these villages before we came to power at the Centre," asked Narendra Modi.

"Even if he speaks for 15 minutes, it would be a big deal," Modi said.

"The Congress president (Rahul Gandhi) recently challenged me. He said that if he spoke in the Parliament for 15 minutes, then Modiji won't be able to sit at all," Narendra Modi said.

"We are kaamdaars. Our level is not such that we can sit with people like the Congress president, who look down upon us," Modi said.

Calling Rahul Gandhi naamdaar, Narendra Modi asked the gathering how the Congress president would know about the efforts of kaamdaars.

"Congress has a habit of doing politics even in progress. For five years, the rail project in Chamarajanagar has been stalled under Congress rule," said Modi

"Why are the people of Chamarajanagar not getting access to proper drinking water, jobs and why is the tourism potential here not being harnessed. What is the state government doing," Modi asked at a public meeting.

"If chief minister has a 2+1 formula, then his ministers have 1+1 formula. The relatives of those ministers are fighting polls. This is hurting the workers of the Congress," Modi said at the gathering.

"There is 2+1 formula which being practiced in Karnataka. It is a version of the Congress's family politics in Karnataka. Kabhi kabhi jaagnewale aur zyadatar soonewale yahan ke chief minister ka yeh political innovation hai(This is the political innovation of the chief minister who's asleep more than he's awake)."

"What moral right does BJP have to talk about corruption? For the last four years, the Central government has not appointed a Lokpal. When he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi never appointed a Lokayukta," Siddaramaiah was quoted as saying by ANI . He said that he had no objection to Modi coming to Karnataka, but asserted it won't "have any impact".

BJP chief ministerial candidate attacked Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Twitter for contesting for two constituencies and allowing his son to contest from Varuna.

Congress tweeted out a news report which claimed that a ground report proves that the government's claim of having electrified all villages is not true.

Minutes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi targetted Congress over Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojna, their rural electrification scheme, Congress has slammed the BJP for falsely claiming to have electrified all villages under Saubhagya Yojna.

However, the Congress party has compiled images of the prime minister dressed in expensive suits, including the one where his own name was embroidered on the fabric in miniscule lettering.

Narendra Modi, responding to Rahul Gandhi's challenge for a 15 minute debate in Lok Sabha, said this: "Congress President has challenged me, if he speaks for 15 minutes in Parliament Modi will not be able to sit. He is correct, there is no way ordinary people like me, who do not even dress well, can sit with such high and mighty people like the Congress President"

Modi says he doesn't dress well enough to match Rahul Gandhi's status; Congress responds with 10 crore suit jibe

Starting his Udupi rally with a greeting in the regional language, Modi said that the people seemed to have decided to punish Congress. He said that he shares a special relationship with the region.

"We will leave no stone unturned to fulfill aspirations of people of Karnataka and ensure all round development of the state," Modi said.

Modi said that the people of the Udupi region have given him so much love that language is no bar between us. He thanked the people for waiting for his rally in scorching heat and added that he will repay the people's love with development.

Love between me and people of Udupi is such that language no barrier between us: Modi

He said that the Congress party, which has a habit of running the country from the perspective of select few, has kept the poor people out of banks.

Modi said that the Udupi is popularly known as the land of temples but few people know that it is also the land of banking for India as the sons of this land has given important contribution to the banking sector.

He claimed that the Congress allowed the banks to be looted and misused the sector. He said that under his predecessors, the poor were intentionally not made a part of the system; they were asked for loan guarantees when they sought small loans for self-employment.

"We opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If the Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy," Modi said.

Narendra Modi said that Congress has halted work on crucial projects in the state. He said that the region was naturally blessed with coastal plains and yet it had failed to develop under the Congress.

"There might be political differences between parties but civility & respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time. I meet him at my door and open his car door for him. The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful," Modi said.

Calling the Congress leaders rrogant, Modi said "Congress' disrespect towards Shri Deve Gowda ji is not acceptable. If such is their mindset, how can they think good for people of Karnataka."

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was prompt to react on the allegations levelled by Modi during his Udupi speech. Siddaramaiah claimed that the prime minister was only spreading lies. He challenged him to debate the law and order situation in Karnataka vis-a-vis other BJP-ruled states.

"I was reading in newspapers about 2+1 & 1+1 formula in Karnataka. This is nothing but a version of family politics of the Congress. Karnataka election is a battle between 'Naamdaars' and Kaamdaars, between family politics and peoples politics," Modi said.

"Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has declared himself a Kannadiga. Becoming Kannadiga means accepting Kannada language, naada geete (state anthem), naadadwaja (state flag)," he said. "Will you become true Kannadiga by giving approval to Karnataka's nada dwaja? #AnswerMadiModi," Siddaramaiah tweeted in Kannada.

The Centre today said the Karnataka government's proposal to approve an official flag for the state was put on hold as the election code of conduct came into force due to the upcoming Assembly polls.

Siddaramaiah took to Twitter to debunk some of the claims made by Modi in his speech, while he also dared him for an open debate. Now the chief minister has indulged in a Twitter squabble with Yeddyurappa over Twitter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started his rally in Belagavi district. He continued his speech in Hindi, without the Kannada translations, as he observed that the region is an exemplar of a diverse society. He said that people here speak several language.

It is a well-known fact that the Congress party has mistreated Baba Saheb Ambedkar. The party never accepted Baba Saheb's view and today they are spreading lies before every election.

"Congress is jealous because it was our government that got the majority and a person for humble background became the prime minister," Modi said. And that is why "they are spreading lies, dividing people on the grounds of caste," he added.

Prime Minister Modi assailed Congress party in his Belagavi speech. He said that the Congress party, when out of power, is like a fish without water. Recalling the period of Emergency, Modi said that Congress was the first to assault the Constitution, just to ensure that they remain in power.

"Siddaramaiah government did nothing for the farmers in Karnataka. Why did they not ensure proper irrigation facilities to the farmers?" the prime minister asked.

He said, "Farmer welfare is a priority for us. We brought the soil health cards, ensured MSP at 1.5 times of input cost, implemented the Fasal Bima Yojana."

Congress left behind a chronic ailment of 60 years, and we are working hard to rid the country of it. "We want our farmers to become prosperous. That is why we ensured neem coating of urea. This significantly helped the farmers and stopped black marketing of urea to chemical industries," Modi said.

Speaking in Belagavi, Modi said that many take pride in calling themselves political pundits and they attempt to analyze elections every time. "Earlier too attempts were made to analyse elections and these people said that it will be a hung House in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Again, similar lies were repeated. But mark my words, every time you hear the poll pundits rambling about a hung house it means that the Congress is up for a massive defeat. This is just a way to defend Congress," Modi said.

"I urge people of Karnataka to fulfill Mahatama Gandhi ji's wish of disbanding the Congress party. Now, its Karnataka's turn and you should grab this opportunity," Modi said in his speech.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the Kisan Morcha workers in Karnataka through the Narendea Modi app. The step is latest in a series of moves to reach out to farmers, including those in poll-bound Karnataka.

In an outreach to farmers, the Modi government is organising 'Kisan Kalyan Karyashala' on Wednesday at the block level across the country, with the BJP asking its MPs to attend the programme.

Meanwhile Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah had the following questions for the prime minister as he alleged that Modi dwelt on the trivial rather an issues of importance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assailed the Congress government in Karnataka for initiating the culture of "ease of doing murder", dared Rahul Gandhi to first learn to pronounce Viswesvaraya properly before calling him for a debate, and bashed Siddaramaiah for the alleged increase in crime rate in state, as he launched the second leg of his campaign blitz.

Narendra Modi assails Congress on first day of campaigning; Siddaramaiah has 5 questions to ask

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing three rallies across poll-bound Karnataka on Thursday. The prime minister will be attending rallies in Kalaburagi, Ballari, and Bengaluru.

Amid loud cheers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the venue in Kalaburagi to address a rally ahead of the Karnataka polls. Modi waved to the crowds before taking his place on the dais.

The prime minister began his speech with 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' amid loud cheers. He also spoke in Kannada, invoking Basavanna, leading to crowds going berserk over his speech. "To this pure land, I salute," he said in Kannada, welcoming the crowds in Kalaburagi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins addressing his rally at Ballari. "Looking at the number of people who have arrived at this rally in Ballari I can already see that Congress is going to lose its last bastion soon," says Modi.

Congress is going to lose its last bastion very soon: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had promised Rs 3,000 crore packages for development of Ballari when she fought from here but once the Congress came to power, she forgot about it.

Sonia Gandhi had promised Rs 3,000 crore package for Ballari but forgot about it later, says Modi

Despite the Tungabhadra dam, farmers are not getting water for their farms and people are not able to get water in their homes. The people have been complaining about this for long but the Congress government refuses to hear about it, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Now that the elections are near, they are waking up to the various concerns but what were they doing for so long?"said Modi. The prime minister said that desilting for a year can bring relief to the people of the region.

Modi talks of illegal mining in Karnataka, says corruption is everywhere in state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Look at the rising illegal mining in the state. The Congress government here couldn't even frame a strong mining policy. Karnataka has a 'Sidda-Rupaiah Sarkar'. It has created a debt-burden for the state."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Congress party is busy doing politics on Dalits and Muslims. "The PM Fasal Beema Yojana has given strength to the farmers across the nation. Congress has the habit of doing vote bank politics. They are not the party for backward class. We wanted OBC Commission to get constitutional status but the Congress did not let it happen," said Modi.

We wanted OBC Commission but Congress did not let it happen, says Modi

Narendra Modi said that the Congress government in Karnataka is in 'sleep mode.' and they did not spend the funds allocated by Central government for the development of the state. "Congress used to term us as 'Mahila Virodhi'. But see, now we have a Defence Minister who is a woman and she is a member in the Parliament from Karnataka itself, " said Modi.

Modi mentions that Congress will lose their last bastion soon with the political pundits forecasting that JD(S) is going to trail at number 3. "A sensible voter would never vote for them". He added that Congress has changed garden city into garbage city.

Mentioning that the Congress government has no concern for the city's issues like potholes, rising corruption and crime.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi did a wordplay on the steel bridge project in Bengaluru and says, "There was a concept of a 'Steel bridge' in Bengaluru. Congress government turned it into 'Steal bridge'. They did nothing to check and put an end to corruption in the state." The money went to all state ministers' homes, added Modi. He also said the ease of doing business is becoming ease of doing murder in this city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi brings up issue of Bellandur Lake, says,"Bengaluru is known for its lake but now it has changed into the city of burning lakes. The photos of Bellandur Lake (spilling toxic foam) speak for the govt's inefficiency."

The youth of Karnataka has power to change things, but the corrupt Congress govt should be defeated first: Modi

A master craftsman, Modi showed how to build narratives, switch narratives, shape-shift between the roles of a raconteur, public speaker, leader, propagandist and end speeches with a flourish. His political rallies are a complete performance  an oratorical tour de force. They give us an inkling into the factors behind his popularity that stem overwhelmingly from his ability to connect with the masses, even at places where the audience needs a translator. At the end of his speech on Thursday in Ballari, for example, Modis broken Kannada was enough to drive the crowd to a frenzy as he raised both his hands and punched into the air and received a thunderous applause in return.

A translation of Modi's speech is being played as well to reach out to the non-Hindi speaking masses.

"Congress played the poverty card and cheated the poor. In 70 years, if Congress had paid attention to the farmers, today, my farmers wouldn't be committing suicide today. People are tired of Congress. The present condition of farmers is because of the Congress, and we're stuck washing away their sins and blunders," Modi said.

The prime minister is set to address two more rallies in Shivamogga and Mangaluru at 4 pm and 6.30 pm on Saturday. He had earlier spoken at a public meeting in Tumakuru before his speech in Gadag at 2 pm.

Modi said that Congress only knows how to spread lies and put false allegations. Lying has become a habit for the Congress party, the prime minister added while addressing a rally in Shivamogga.

Modi said that there is no difference between the 'C' of corruption and the 'C' of Congress now. He said that the party only knows how to spread lies.

No difference between the 'C' of corruption and 'C' of Congress: Modi

Modi said that the people of Karnataka will see a new government being formed under the leadership of BS Yeddyurappa on 15 May.

Karnataka will see a new govt on 15 May under the leadership of Yeddyurappa: Modi

Yeddyurappa visited homes of the poor and Congress even mocked that, he said.

Modi said that Congress leaders' personal attacks on Yeddyurappa are unacceptable. The people should teach the Congress a lesson, he added.

The prime minister will address another rally on Saturday in Mangaluru at 6.30 pm He had earlier spoken at a public meeting in Tumakuru before his speech in Gadag at 2 pm and then at Shivamogga at 4 pm.

"Congress' excuses will not work. The people who were sitting in the Parliament with support of 400 people, who did not face any opponents, got arrogant. The chief minister was not even ready to care for the people. That's why all of Congress' forts have now been demolished," he said.

"But the Congress can say whatever it wants. They are going to get punished for the five years of corruption," added the prime minister.

"They have also started their propaganda. They keep saying that Modi tampered with EVMs. So, the EVMs work fine in the places in which they win and when they lose, they start singing about EVM tampering," said Narendra Modi.

Congress can complain about EVM tampering but they will get punished for five years of corruption: Modi

Chitradurga is soon going to become a hot spot of science and technology: Modi

Proud that preparation for mission Chandrayan 2 is going on in Chitradurga: Modi

"Look at the Congress leaders, they do not know whom they should remember and celebrate. Congress insulted the people of Chitradurga by celebrating Tipu Sultan Jayanti. They did it for votes," Modi said at a public gathering in Chitradurga.

Addressing a rally in Chitradurga, Modi reminded people of the Chitradurga's valiant history and accused Congress of ignoring its leaders. "Instead of observing the jayanti of Chitradurga's last ruler Madakari Nayaka, Congress is celebrating jayanti of sultans. They have insulted the people of Chitradurga," says Modi.

Modi also accused Congress of distorting history and facts for political benefits while naming historical figures from Chitradurga and how they gave away their lives against foreign aggression. He said, "Congress is a party which indulges in vote bank politics and has a habit of distorting history for political gains."

"Congress keeps chanting about the poor to win elections but since a poor mans son become prime minister their time to cheat people has ended," he said.

"It feels like Bharat Ratna was only reserved for only one family under Congress' rule. They never gave Ambedkar the credit he deserved. But then Atal Bihar Vajpayee government was formed, which is when Ambedkar got his due," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said .

"I am from the deprived class. I am one of you, and that is why I am committed to your welfare, Modi further said.

"When Modi became the prime minister, we had sufficient power to decide who would become the president. But we made Ram Nath Kovind  a Dalit  the President of India," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

"Congress is obviously uncomfortable today because the highest offices of the land are occupied by people from poor and humble backgrounds. That is why now Congress prefers to mislead in the name of the Dalit community," he said.

Speaking at Chitradurga, Narendra Modi said, "It is our government that has strengthened the SC/ST Act. We will always work for justice for the SC and ST communities,"

"I was curious why the Congress leaders were so interested in beds. That's when someone told me that they have the habit of hiding money under their beds," he said.

Alleging that the Congress indulged in corruption in borewell schemes, Narendra Modi said, "They consumed the money for the water, they even took away the money granted for the constructed of beds in adivasis hotels. If they are in power for more days, they might even take away pillows from your house.

He urged the voters to ensure a "clean sweep" against the Congress in the upcoming Assembly polls.

"Congress does not care about 'dil' (people's hearts and feelings) or Dalits. They only care about deals. The party which is not ready to think about your welfare, it's time you give them a farewell," he said.

"The Congress ministers are such that they have character certificate ready in their suitcases. Whenever someone points a finger at them, they produce the certificate to convince the public that they are honest," Narendra Modi said in Chitradurga.

Raichur inspires me and BJP, our bond is unbreakable. When people were protesting for a separate statehood here, only Bharatiya Jan Sangh supported you while Congress opposed it," said Modi.

"Friends of Raichur, your region is steeped in history and cultural heritage. It is the land of Haridas. Here, lot of traditions have traditions, but it is unfortunate that Congress has learnt nothing from here. If they had learnt something, they would never have committed the sin of diving Karnataka.

"Congress only makes false promises and never fulfilled any when they were in power. Have they ever given you a account of what they have done for the state? Apart from levelling charges against me, do they have done any other work here? It is time to bid them farewell," said Modi.

"Who will change people's future here? The election is here to decide that. The polls are a way to express people's aspirations. BJP is committed to development while Congress is opposed to it at every step. The Congress protects the corrupt," Modi said.

"Congress doesn't let the Parliament function. They are afraid Modi is actually doing some work and so they disrupt the functioning. But BJP is committed to people's development and nobody can stop us as much as others try to," said the prime minister.

"Congress newest mantra is: speak lies, lie as many times as possible, lie loudly, lie again, the Congress has launched a campaign to spread lies. The ecosystem is such people around them spread all these rumours. So till the polls, be careful and understand what Congress is trying to do," said Modi in Raichur.

"Our Raichur is Karnataka's main switch in terms of electricity. In Bengaluru, the chief minister gets 24 hours of electricity, but in Raichur, where electricity is generated, people sit in the dark," said Modi.

"Raichur is known as the rice bowl. It cries for water. But this Congress govt knows how to milk cream from water too. Will such people do anything for the state?" said Modi.

"A Dalit was chosen as president. Even after a year, Sonia Gandhi has not given a courtesy call," he added at the rally.

"In a democracy, to win or to lose is a part of elections. One must accept their defeat. But the Congress are 'naamdaars'. They did not congratulate us, the 'kaamdaars'. Such is their arrogance that they even did not pay a courtesy call to the president upon his win," Narendra Modi said at a rally in Jamakhandi.

PM says 'arrogant' Congress did not have the 'courtesy' to call the president after his election

Modi also accused the grand old party of supporting antinational elements. "Congress leaders are standing on the stage with the antinational people who chant slogans like 'Bharat tere tukde honge,' they give such people their ashiravaad," Modi said at the public meeting.

"Shamelessly, the Congress questions the valour of the army when they conducted the surgical strikes," Narendra Modi said in Jamakhandi.

Modi also accused the grand old party of supporting antinational elements. "Congress leaders are standing on the stage with the antinational people who chant slogans like 'Bharat tere tukde honge,' they give such people their ashiravaad," Modi said at the public meeting.

"Shamelessly, the Congress questions the valour of the army when they conducted the surgical strikes," Narendra Modi said in Jamakhandi.

"I urge people of Karnataka to remain vigilant of the divisive politics of the Congress. We will not accept any division of Karnataka on the basis of caste," Narendra Modi said during a public meeting in Jamakhandi.

Bhatkal is no ordinary constituency. Call Bhatkal a "terror town" in front of a Bhatkali and you are more than likely to see a frown, a serious look of disapproval on his face. Unfortunately, for this coastal town in Karnataka, the involvement of terror masterminds Yasin and Riyaz Bhatkal, whose family name of Siddibappa got replaced with the town's name, meant Bhatkal and terror became synonymous with each other. Just about every Bhatkali resents it and having to put up with an extra layer of security check at the airport the moment the officer sees the name 'Bhatkal' on the passport.

BJP's concoctions continue unabated. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka, Pakistan is sadly invoked to try to get electoral gains within India. People see through these desperate games. Contest elections on your own issues and on your own strength; don't drag Pakistan into it.

"BJP's concoctions continue unabated. Be it Gujarat or Karnataka, Pakistan is sadly invoked to try to get electoral gains within India. People see through these desperate games. Contest elections on your own issues and on your own strength; don't drag Pakistan into it," he tweeted.

Pakistani foreign affairs spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal took to his personal Twitter account to say that the saffron party is invoking Pakistan for electoral gains.

"We expected a dignified language from him (Modi). But what he spoke was the BJP's language and not the one of a civilised person. He spoke at a very low level...this is not the language of the prime minister," he told reporters in Bengaluru. PTI

Siddaramaiah also mocked the Karnataka BJP, saying it solely depended on the prime minister as regards the 12 May state Assembly polls as it had no leader with a "face value".

The prime minister was using a language that did not befit the office he held, the Congress leader said, taking exception to Modi calling his dispensation a "10 percent government" and "seedha rupaiah sarkar" while attacking him over alleged corruption.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to hurl barbs such as "seedha rupaiah sarkar" to target him, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday lashed out at him for making "personal attacks" and speaking at a "low level".

Siddaramaiah slams Narendra Modi for speaking at 'low level', says PM's language does not befit the office he holds

During the campaigns across Chitradurga, Raichur and Bagalkot districts, spoke about @BJP4Karnataka 's priority areas such as rural development, more houses for the poor, better irrigation networks for famers, enhanced connectivity and invigorating Karnataka's agriculture sector. pic.twitter.com/Z0EtXMESY6

Narendra Modi posted a tweet about his rallies in Chitradurga, Raichur and Bagalkot distrcits, saying he spoke of issues such as rural development, better irrigation networks for farmers, housing, enhanced connectivity and invigorating Karnataka's agriculture sector.

Inspired by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, NDA Government has undertaken many efforts to positively transform the lives of the SC and ST communities. On the contrary, Congress has always disliked and humiliated Dr. Ambedkar. pic.twitter.com/sAAn945rLx

"The Congress has insulted Ambedkar. They have never accepted him. The Congress never had any time for him," Modi said at a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in Chitradurga, about 200 km northwest of Bengaluru.

The tweet also had a video which displayed Modi slamming the Congress for ignoring the interests of Dalits. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier said that the party had also insulted the architect of India's Constitution BR Ambedkar.

"Inspired by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, NDA government has undertaken many efforts to positively transform the lives of the SC and ST communities. On the contrary, Congress has always disliked and humiliated Dr Ambedkar," Modi said in a tweet.

Modi also slammed the Opposition for criticising welfare measures for women. I do not understand why the Congress mocks noble initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, building toilets and other welfare measures being undertaken for women, Modi said in Jamakhandi according to Hindustan Times.

Modi also questioned the state government for failing to deliver on the promise of building textile parks. I urge the people of Bagalkot to ask a question to the Karnataka chief minister. Ask him about his promise of textile parks. Ask him what happened to that promise. Is there a single textile park here? He did not fulfil his promises, he said. He also spoke of the Centre's SAATHI scheme for the weaver community.

"The Congress government and the present chief minister (Siddaramaiah) is insensitive towards the plight of sugarcane farmers in the Karnataka. They did nothing for their welfare," Modi said at a public meeting in Jamakhandi.

"In September 2013, Siddaramaiah went to attend World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in China and there he met Vijay Eswaran, who is an absconder. There was another absconder and Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has called both a national threat," BJP spokeperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference in Bengaluru.

Narendra Modi in Udupi LIVE updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi assailed Congress party in his Belagavi speech. He said that the Congress party, when out of power, is like a fish without water. Recalling the period of Emergency, Modi said that Congress was the first to assault the Constitution, just to ensure that they remain in power.

Siddaramaiah, sharpening his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, listed out the words he mispronounced during his speech in Udupi. The Karnataka chief minister had also challenged Modi for an open debate on law and order in Karnataka vis-a-vis BJP ruled states, after the latter claimed crime was skyrocketing in state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his Udupi address in the regional language. Taking the stage amid chants of "namma Modi" and "Vande Mataram."

Modi claimed that there is a "2+1" formula being practiced in Karnataka, and called it a version of the Congress's family politics. "If the chief minister has a "2+1" formula, then his ministers have "1+1" formula. The relatives of those ministers are fighting polls,' he said in Chamarajanagar. Elaborating on this, BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yedyurappa said that Siddaramaiah left son to fight from Varuna and is contesting from two places himself in "desperation to ascertain one victory for family."

Calling Rahul Gandhi namdaar, Narendra Modi asked the gathering how the Congress president would know about the efforts of kamdaars. "We are kaamdaars. Our level is not such that we can sit with people like the Congress president, who look down upon us," he said.

He said that there is not a BJP wave across Karnataka but rather a storm. Ahead of Modi's address, BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa said that the BJP would form a government in Karnataka without forming alliance with any other party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he is "looking forward" to being in Karnataka, where he is set to address three rallies in Mysuru, Udupi and Belagavi on Tuesday.

Modi will spearhead the BJP campaign for the 12 May Karnataka Assembly polls and is likely to address over 15 rallies in the state. Besides Udupi, he will also address public rallies in Chamrajnagar and Belgam on Tuesday.

BJP's Karnataka unit Spokesperson S Shantharam had earlier told IANS that the Prime Minister is expected to visit the state tentatively from 1 May, tentatively touring the coastal, northern, central and southern parts of the state, besides Bengaluru and Mysuru, and addressing two to three rallies daily till 10 May.

Udupi is famous for the Sri Krishna Mutt and the Ashta Mutts established by the exponent of Dwaita philosophy, Sri Madhwacharya.

The BJP fielded former MLA Raghupathi Bhat from Udupi, following which Lakshmivara Tirtha Swami of the Shiroor Mutt filed his nominationa as an independent from the seat.In Udupi, Modi held the Congress government in Karnataka responsible for 'political violence that led to the death of several BJP cadres' in the state.

Chamarajanagar/Udupi: Launching his election campaign in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of being obsessed with "politics of dynasty" and dared party chief Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government without a piece of paper.

Addrrssing election meetings, he also charged the Congress with blocking development and blamed it for political violence that led to the death of several RSS and BJP cadres in the state.

Referring to Gandhi's challenge to face him in Parliament, Modi sought to turn the tables by asking him to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the government in Karnataka without reading from a piece of paper.

The Prime Minister's attack came in the wake of Rahul Gandhi's challenge last week that if he was allowed to speak for 15 minutes in Parliament, Modi would not be able to withstand it.

Modi took a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying: "He is correct. There is no way ordinary people like me, who do not even dress well, can sit with such high and mighty people like the Congress President."

But immediately he changed gear and launched a blistering attack on Rahul Gandhi.

"The Congress President is a 'naamdaar'. So how does he know about the efforts of 'kaamdaars'. We are kaamdaars (known by our work). What is our level that we can sit with people like the Congress President who look down upon us," he asked.

Challenging Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of the Siddaramaiah government "without reading from any piece of paper", he said: "You can speak in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue (Italian)."

He also challenged Rahul Gandhi to take Visveswaraya's name five times in the 15-minute speech. "That is enough. The people of Karnataka will measure the strength of your words."

Modi also lamented that all development in Karnataka has been blocked by the ruling Congress due to its obsession with family politics.

"Where there is Congress, all roads that lead to development are blocked. There is only family politics, corruption and lack of harmony," Modi said.

Modi also attacked the Congress for indulging in "family politics" by allowing a party's leaders kith and kin to contest in the Assembly elections and hit out at Siddaramaiah.

"For the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) the rule is '2+1'. He will contest from two seats and has given his old seat (Varuna in Mysuru) to his son (Yathindra) and for the other ministers (in the state cabinet) the rule seems to be '1+1', allowing their relatives to fight polls.

"For the Congress, it has always been about family politics. But for us (BJP), it is about people's politics. People of the state will decide which kind of politics they will choose (in the upcoming election)," Modi said.

Law and order in Karnataka has collapsed under Congress rule, Modi said.

"When the Lokayukta in the state is not safe, how can one expect the common people to be safe under the Congress government?"

Karnataka's anti-graft ombudsman Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty was stabbed at his office by a man in the state capital on 7 March.

The Prime Minister also attacked former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over their promises of providing electricity to every village by 2009.

"Perhaps due to over excitement, the newly elected Congress President forgets decency. He did not even bother to congratulate the hardworking 'mazdoors' due to whom India's villages are getting electricity."

Modi said that in 2005 Manmohan Singh had said he will provide electricity to every village by 2009.

"Manmohan Singh said we will electrify villages by 2009. Sonia Gandhi went a step ahead and said we will provide electricity to every house by 2009. But what happened? In any case, we saw how the Congress treated Manmohan Singh. They tore off ordinances and disrespected him."

He said the Congress had nothing but contempt for the poor and labourers.

Modi said the government was now going to provide electricity to every household in India and asked those who ruled India for a majority of the years since 1947. "Why did they not think about the 18,000 villages lacking access to electricity."

In Udupi, Modi held the Congress government in Karnataka responsible for "political violence that led to the death of several BJP cadres" in the state.

"It is extremely shameful that the Congress government allowed violence in the state and several BJP workers were murdered. The Congress must provide an answer to the rising crime," Modi told a BJP rally at MGM College Grounds in this coastal district city.

"While the BJP is talking about the 'ease of doing business' in our country, the Congress believes in 'ease of doing murder'. This is the kind of culture they have developed."

Accusing the Siddaramaiah government of allowing the "sand mafia" to operate in the state, Modi appealed to the people to vote for change and development.

"Those who loot cannot remain in power and must be ousted," Modi said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Tuesday launched his campaign for Karnataka Assembly elections, will speak to the workers of the state BJP's farmers cell on Wednesday, the BJP said.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who on Tuesday launched his campaign for Karnataka Assembly elections, will speak to the workers of the state BJP's farmers cell on Wednesday, the BJP said. Modi's address to them via his app will come on a day when his government is organising 'Kisan Kalyan Karyashala' across the country at block-level, with the BJP asking its MPs to attend the programme.

He has often used modern communication tools to speak to party leaders and workers in poll-bound states.

Farm issues are at the centre stage of the poll campaign with both the ruling Congress and the BJP, which is at the power in the Centre, accusing each other of being "anti-farmer".Jana Sena's election plan for Telangana would be announced by August second week, Pawan Kalyan said.

Hyderabad: Actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena founder Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday said his party would contest in all 175 assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh in the 2019 polls.

"I have never stated that Jana Sena is confined to only a few constituencies. Jana Sena will contest in all 175 constituencies," Kalyan said at a meeting in Hyderabad with key party workers from the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The details of his 'mass-contact programme' would be announced before 11 May, he said.

Kalyan announced Dev as the party's chief political strategist on the occasion. Dev, who has been working with the party for 10 months, would focus on election plans and other matters, Kalyan said in a party release.

The party's election plan for Telangana would be announced by August second week, he said. Kalyan, younger brother of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, had formed the Jana Sena in 2014.

He supported the TDP-BJP alliance in undivided Andhra Pradesh in the 2014 assembly polls.

He, however, has been critical of TDP and BJP on different issues, including the NDA government not according special category status to Andhra Pradesh as promised by the saffron party."Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Union minister Piyush Goyal after accusing him of being involved in the Rs 48 crore Flashnet scam, which he said is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Union minister Piyush Goyal after accusing him of being involved in the Rs 48 crore Flashnet scam, which he said is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed.

Rahul, who attacked the railway minister on Twitter, also put a picture along with his tweet, alleging that Goyal sold his stock of Flashnet Info Solutions to Piramal group, which has interests in the power sector, at 1,000 times the face value. He has alleged that this happened when Goyal was the minister of state for power.

Piyush Goyals, 48 CR. #FlashNet Scam is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed. The evidence is on the table. Yet, the media will not touch the story. It is a tragedy for our country when journalists entrusted to stand for the truth, will not speak.#GoyalMustResign pic.twitter.com/WeUaSAT8wg  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 1, 2018

The Congress has been demanded the resignation of Goyal over the alleged scam and for conflict of interest. However, Goyal hit back at Rahul through a tweet saying that he was a "kaamdaar" (worker) and not a "naamdaar" (dynast) like him.

Till 26th May 2014, before I became a Minister, I was a professional Chartered Accountant & investment banker. Unlike you, Mr @RahulGandhi, I have not learnt well the art of living without working. I am also a kaamdaar (worker) and not a naamdaar (dynast)  Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) May 1, 2018

Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally Karnataka's Chamarajanagar attacked Rahul and the Congress over what the BJP calls dynastic politics. Modi said, "Rahul Ji, you are naamdaar (one with a name), we are kaamdaar (focussed on work)". With inputs from PTIAgitation for the Mahadayi water completed 1,006 days on 30 April and protesters have lost faith in the state and Central governments

Chandra Gouda Patil is a very short man. He draws his stature instead from being at the helm of the agitation for Mahadayi water, that completed 1,006 days on 30 April. To say he is a disappointed man would be an understatement. "For the past three years, we have beseeched both the Central and state governments to help us get Mahadayi water. But to no avail"' says Patil.

Patil is with a group of around 30 people in Navalgund, one of the epicentres of the protest for the Mahadayi, that has seen 80 bandhs so far. There have been numerous rasta and rail rokos and gheraos of the Hubbali collectorate as well. Things even took an ugly turn when 149 farmers were lathi-charged, arrested and thrown into Bellary Central Prison in 2016.

The twelfth of May, warn farmers in this part of the Mumbai-Karnataka region, will be payback time. Gursiddappa Kalungar is clear he is not voting for any of the parties this time. "I will punch on NOTA. I refuse to vote for either of the three parties," says Kalungar, pointing out that elections are also an opportunity to register protest. But how does NOTA help your cause, I ask. "It will not, in the immediate future, but it will make them wonder why they did not get those votes,'' says BH Nargund.

Mahboob, a Navalgund-based journalist with a Kannada news channel says he has covered the protest on each of the 1,006 days.

"But now there is a sense of deja vu. No one in the rest of Karnataka  leave alone the country  is interested in what is happening in this part of the state. But as a resident of this area, I am worried for gen-next if there is going to be no water for irrigation or drinking,'' says Mahboob.

The dispute involves the Mahadayi river, referred to as Mandovi in Goa. It originates in Belagavi in Karnataka, travels 30 kilometres in the state and another 50 kilometres in Goa. In 2002, Karnataka approached the water resources ministry to divert 7.56 TMC of water from the Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha river by building canals to link its tributaries Kalasa and Banduri.

The intention was to use that water to irrigate 5.26 lakh acres in the region besides providing drinking water to 160 villages, Hubbali and Dharwad cities and four more towns. That incidentally includes Badami, where Siddaramaiah is the Congress candidate this time around.

In deference to Karnataka's stand that a lot of water flows into the Arabian Sea unutilised, permission was granted, but put on hold after Goa protested. Its argument was that the ecology of the Western Ghats was being harmed. In 2016, the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal rejected Karnataka's demand to divert water from Mahadayi basin.

That gave fresh impetus to the agitation in north Karnataka. But a sense of disappointment has crept in that it has achieved next to nothing.

"We elected Siddaramaiah as our leader. He has failed to get the Centre to mediate and ensure a solution," says RC Jedi, a lawyer practising in Hubbali.

The other demand of the agitators was that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should get Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka on to the dialogue table and hammer out a solution. The prime minister's silence on the issue has worked against the BJP, which is seen as not having done enough for the region even though the Lingayat electorate here has traditionally supported it. Three of the four MPs from the affected region also belong to the BJP.

"The BJP is duty-bound to answer these questions. After all, there is also a BJP government in Goa and if the prime minister wanted, he could have convinced it to share water with us,'' says Veeresh, a resident of Navalgund. Vikas Soppin, who is associated with the protest, also feels the agitators let differences crop up over strategy and let the fizz go out of the effort.

"More than 700 farmers from Nargund have gone to Delhi, pleading for mercy killing if Mahadayi water cannot be given. In Navalgund, the convenor filed his nomination as an Independent candidate only to withdraw it on the last day. In the bargain, he created a rift in the group between those who were in favour of him contesting and those who were not. All this has meant the protest has lost a bit of steam," says Soppin.

To an outsider, it would seem ironic that on Cauvery, Karnataka farmers talk of a Karnataka First policy before releasing water downstream to Tamil Nadu. But on Mahadayi, it wants Goa to give water to Karnataka. The counter argument is that Mahadayi originates in Karnataka and therefore the state has as much right to its water as Goa does.

There is also a feeling that the Mahadayi agitation has not received adequate attention because it is too far away from the centre of power, Bengaluru  over 400 kilometres, to be precise. Moreover, most of the political leadership is concentrated in the south Karnataka region, making the northern part feel left out. Which is why the optimists see Siddaramaiah's decision to contest from Badami as the glass half-full. He has the opportunity to emerge as north Karnataka's hero if he can get Mahadayi water to Badami and its neighbourhood.The alliance between the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra has run into more trouble, this time over the contentious Nanar refinery project, a 15,000-acre project planned in Nanar village of Ratnagiri district in coastal Konkan region

The alliance between the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra has run into more trouble, this time over the contentious Nanar refinery project, a 15,000-acre undertaking planned in Nanar village of Ratnagiri district in coastal Konkan region. It is around 350 kilometres away from Mumbai.

However, the Sena isn't too happy with things. A strongly worded editorial in the party's mouthpiece Saamana compared the relationship between the two allies as "post-divorce". "Though the state government is running on Sena's support, it is living a post-divorce life. The Maharashtra government is one of the best examples of how to be together, clearly under coercion, and maintain the 'alliance' even when there is no correspondence with each other", it said.

Why the opposition?

The Sena said the refinery project will destroy the ecosystem in the coastal village. "Mango and jackfruit crops will be destroyed. The sea will get polluted affecting the quality of the fish", the article argued further, adding that the Konkan region is in a scenic part of Maharashtra.

Party leader Sanjay Raut, who pens the editorials, likened the project to the Ram Temple being destroyed in Ayodhya and a temple of Ravana being erected in its place.

Raut also accused Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of reneging on his promise that the Nanar project would not continue if locals were opposed to it. "Gujaratis and Marwaris are buying up land in and around Nanar", he said, while adding, "The dust of confusion is everywhere in the state. The government has lost itself in the dust".

Industries Minister Subhash Desai even cancelled the land acquisition notification, but Fadnavis then expressed his anger at this and said the order shouldn't have been cancelled.

Why is the project so important?

A consortium of oil marketing companies  Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco)  signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop and build a refinery and petrochemicals complex, called the Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited.

The refinery will be capable of processing 1.2 million barrels of crude oil per day (60 million metric tonnes per annum) and also produce refined petroleum products including petrol and diesel meeting the BS-VI fuel efficiency norms.

It's also important that the refinery be located at the precise location chosen because there is a port nearby and will be used for transporting the oil. Fadnavis appeared to say as much when he shot down a proposal to shift the refinery to Vidarbha. "Proposed refinery project at Nanar needs sea near the project. It is not an inland project and hence it is highly impossible to shift it to Vidarbha", Fadnavis was quoted as saying in The Free Press Journal.

"This is a central government project. The oil will be carried through underground pipelines under sea. There is no financial provision to lay pipelines on the ground and stretch it up to Vidarbha, and hence it will be set up in Konkan region only", he added.

With inputs from agenciesThat TMC would not face serious opposition in West Bengal panchayat polls was a given, but it is noteworthy that BJP is set to emerge as biggest Opposition.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on 1 May. It is being updated in light of the West Bengal panchayat elections that will take place on 14 May.

It looks as though the process leading to the panchayat elections in West Bengal is back on track after being derailed by violence, intimidation and consequent legal challenges. The state government and the SEC have moved somewhat in the right direction given the existing constraints, pre-eminently the need to finish the election before the onset of Ramzan, which gives it just one available date: 14 May. This has compelled the commission to accede to the government's advice that polling should be held on one day. Given the situation on the ground  of which more in a bit  it is unsurprising that Opposition parties are not impressed and that they will press for a judicial intervention to prevent a one-phase election.

The SEC (and, by extension, the government) will have to show the court hard data about deployment. At present, the state government can provide over 46,000 armed personnel to provide security for 43,000-odd locations hosting 58,500-odd booths. Not many are convinced that these numbers add up to adequate security.

A back-of-the-envelope calculation shows that an irreducible minimum of around 85,000 personnel will be the requirement. The state government's offer to provide 110,000 (unarmed) civic volunteers and home guards will not, in all likelihood, cut the mustard, with the Opposition or the court.

The government has, therefore, requested backup forces from other states, including neighbouring Odisha and Bihar, as well as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It hopes that West Bengal will get positive responses from the states it has approached by 3 May, before the court hearing.

This will be crucial given the latest numbers from the SEC, following the expiry of the deadline for the withdrawal of nominations. The figures are startling: first, three zila parishads have been taken by the ruling Trinamool Congress prior to polling; and, second, over 34 percent of seats across the three tiers of rural self-government will not be contested at all, ensuring victories for the Trinamool.

Broken down, this means that 34.6 percent of seats for the lowest tier  the gram panchayats  will remain uncontested. In ascending order, the corresponding figures are 33.2 percent for panchayat samitis and 24.6 percent for zila parishads.

This is literally unprecedented. Ever since panchayat elections began to be held regularly in Bengal in 1978 (that is before the 72nd amendment of 1992, which set up a new three-tier structure for elected rural self-government), there have been only two instances of the percentage of uncontested seats going into double digits: 11 percent in 2003 (under the Left Front) and 10.66 percent in 2013 (under the Trinamool Congress). This means that the number of uncontested seats is more than three times the previous high.

It also means that if the panchayat elections go ahead according to the new, one-phase schedule  after the state government and SEC manage to put together a security plan with back-up from other states that will satisfy the high court  the damage will already have been done. The playing field is not level; the Opposition is facing mountains, not hillocks.

It does appear that the likelihood that the court will not block the elections is reasonably high because the indications are that help from other states will, indeed, be forthcoming.

If that happens, the likelihood is that the ruling party in West Bengal will sweep the panchayat elections. It is, for a start, not unlikely that it will capture all the zila parishads. There could be a semblance of a contest in three districts. At the next level, few panchayat samitis will be in Opposition hands.

That the Trinamool Congress would not face serious opposition was a foregone conclusion. It didn't have to resort to widespread violence and intimidation to obtain a satisfactory result. The fact that these occurred shows that the ruling party's leadership cannot impose order on the organisation, because the organisational machinery of the party is shambolic, to the extent that it exists at all. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) had a streamlined machine, which the leadership could use to control intimidation of opponents, which did happen pervasively, however.

The Trinamool leadership's lack of control is also evident from the factionalism that has torn the party apart in some areas. That will be a matter of concern for the leadership, especially given that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is well set to emerge as the biggest Opposition party. This means that it has grown beyond the bigger cities  it is not just an urban phenomenon anymore. If the BJP gets above or around 20 percent of the vote, which is not unlikely, it will be a huge achievement.Reuters

Irans judiciary has banned the popular Telegram instant messaging app to protect national security, Iranian state television said on Monday.

Iran had been considering the ban since January when protests over economic grievances erupted in more than 80 cities and later turned into demonstrations against the clerical and security elite of the Islamic Republic.

Some hardline officials said protesters used Telegram to organise the rallies, which were ultimately contained by the Revolutionary Guards and their affiliated volunteer Basij militia. The app was temporarily blocked in January.

Considering various complaints against the Telegram social networking app by Iranian citizens, and based on the demand of security organisations to confront the illegal activities of Telegram, the judiciary has banned its usage in Iran, state TV reported.

All Internet providers in Iran must take steps to block Telegrams website and app as of 30 April, the judiciary website Mizan quoted a court order as saying.

The court order, according to Mizan, said Irans security had been threatened by Telegram as it had been used to mobilise many anti-government protests.

Mizan said: Those actions included propaganda against the establishment, terrorist activities, spreading lies to incite public opinion, anti-government protests and pornography.

"Death To America Emojis

Irans Shiite clerical rulers are wary of any revival of anti-government unrest if President Donald Trump refuses to extend US sanctions relief on Iran on May 12, a deadline set by him for European signatories of Irans 2015 deal with six world powers to fix the terrible flaws of the accord.

Britain, France and Germany have been trying to dissuade Trump from ditching the deal struck during his predecessor Barack Obamas administration. A US exit could unravel the accord and increase economic pressure on ordinary Iranians.

The order to ban Telegram was issued a few days after Iran barred government bodies from using the app, favoured by Iranian state media, politicians, companies and ordinary Iranians alike.

A widespread government Internet filter prevents Iranians from accessing many internet sites on the official grounds that they are offensive or criminal.

But many Iranians evade the filter through use of VPN software, which provides encrypted links directly to private networks based abroad, and can allow a computer to behave as if it is based in another country.

The blocking of the Telegram app should be a way to prevent users from accessing it with VPN or any other software, the semi-official Fars news agency said. Telegram has an estimated 40 million users in Iran.

Iranian officials have been encouraging Iranians to use domestic alternatives to Telegram. The Soroush app was released last month offering most of Telegrams features. But many Iranians are reluctant to use domestic apps, fearing they could be used by security services to spy on them.

The Soroush app features female emojis, covered with conservative black Islamic headscarves and carrying signs saying Death to America and Death to Israel.tech2 News Staff

While facial recognition technology has been creating ripples in the tech industry in smartphones or through surveillance, the Chennai police have decided to expand the use of its FACETAGR app to other Southern states as well. This step will help them to curb the movement of inter-state robbers.

According to The Hindu report, Puducherry's Crime Record Bureau has provided the criminal data. Other states which are yet to provide the details include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka. Currently, they have data on 67,000 criminals. This app would help the police departments in finding the details of a person who belongs to a different State.

This facial recognition technology is supposed to help the police in scanning the suspects. Once scanned it generates details about the person including the cases that have been registered against him/her and the police station the person belongs to. After the scanning is complete, further actions are taken to deal with the criminals.

The FACETAGR tech was first adopted in October 2017 by the T Nagar police station in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Then it had data of 12,000 criminals. As of now, the sharing of criminal data has only taken place between Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. Under this program, 10 out of 12 police districts are making use of this technology.

The access to this technology has been given to all the beat policemen. In Tamil Nadu's Washermanpet district, this technology is being used to catch hold of criminals.Reuters

Facebook bid on Monday to block referral of a landmark privacy case to Europes top court by requesting a last-ditch appeal, seeking to avoid a potential ban on the legal instrument it uses to transfer users data to the United States.

The case, taken in Ireland by privacy activist Max Schrems, is the latest to question whether methods used by technology firms such as Google and Apple to transfer data outside the 28-nation European Union give EU consumers sufficient protection from US surveillance.

A ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against the legal arrangements could cause major headaches for thousands of firms, which make millions of these transfers every day.

The Irish High Court this month ordered the case to be referred to the EUs top court to assess whether the methods used for data transfers - including standard contractual clauses and the Privacy Shield agreement  were legal.

A Facebook lawyer asked for the referral to be delayed to allow Irelands Supreme Court to decide if it would accept an appeal. Facebook would seek an accelerated referral to the Supreme Court so that it would take days not months to decide on whether to allow an appeal, said lawyer Paul Gallagher.

Gallagher said one of the grounds for appeal was the question of whether the EUs General Data Protection Regulation, to be implemented from 25 May, would render the case moot or irrelevant.

A lawyer for Irelands Data Protection Commissioner, said there was no precedent in Ireland for such an appeal and said such a move would simply delay a question, which is of huge urgency for people across the EU.

Millions of peoples data are being transferred and are potentially being adversely impacted by the lesser protections in the United States, the lawyer, Michael Collins said.

Sean OSullivan, representing Schrems, said his client like millions of other Europeans, faced potential continued unlawful processing of his data if the Irish appeal was to go ahead.

The case was taken in Ireland, the location of Facebooks headquarters for most of its markets outside the United States.

The judge earlier said the case raised well-founded concerns that there was an absence of an effective remedy in US law compatible with EU legal requirements. She did not indicate when a decision would be made on whether to allow a referral to the Supreme Court.Nandini Yadav

Voice is believed to be the next big thing when it comes to interfacing with our products. And the popularity of smart speakers in the Indian gadgets space, only brings that point home.

In November 2017, Amazon introduced its Echo series of products in India. The Echo range has eventually been expanded, with four Echo devices currently selling in the Indian market  Echo Plus, Echo, Echo Spot and Echo Dot. While the Echo range enjoyed a monopoly in India for a few months, last month Google launched its competitors in India  the Google Home and Home Mini.

Both these devices are powered by AI-based virtual assistants. While the Google Home has Google Assistant, the Amazon Echo range has Alexa.

Availability of Google Home and Amazon Echo devices

Being each others biggest competitors in the market, the smart speakers from the two companies are also very closely priced. The Google Home directly competes with the Amazon Echo at Rs 9,999, while the Home Mini and Echo Dot rival each other at a price of Rs 4,499.

Amazon also has the Echo Plus, priced at Rs 14,999, and Echo Spot, which costs Rs 12,999, available in India. While the Amazon Echo speakers are available on Amazon India and selected offline outlets, the Google Home devices sell on Flipkart.

Now, it is safe to assume that smart speakers are currently the hot trend, looking at how the space has evolved over the years. And with companies like Facebook and Alibaba also trying to tap this market, it further solidifies this category. However, what still needs to be seen is if these speakers actually serve any purpose for the Indian market, in particular.

Hey Google, Alexa, can you understand me?

We have seen a bunch of users videos by now, which show both Alexa and Google Assistant being smart. But whats common in all these videos? English, and queries related to those foreign countries and their trends.

Now that these speakers have come to India, we need them to similarly understand our trends, and quirks and at least our accent. English is not our first language, and a gadget in which you invest so much money cannot and should not make you feel bad about not understanding the accent properly.

To be fair, both Amazon and Google have talked a lot about customising these speakers for the Indian audience. Alexa definitely has an Indian accent, which is good to hear. Google Assistant on the speakers too is away from the thick American accent. For starters, this is a definite plus point for both the brands. Considering these speakers use AI to power them, the variety of accents and queries in a country like India should only help the speakers improve their understanding of the contexts and deliver quicker responses.

Do Alexa and Google Assistant have it in them to understand our desi queries?

What is really relevant for an Indian audience is the fact that these speakers should be able to respond to everyday queries that an average Indian has. I tested a bunch of such queries with the Echo Plus and Google Home, watch the video below to see who I found to be more Indian.

Indian searches that Alexa and Google Assistant can understand

Most of the queries I asked in Hindi, were a struggle for both Echo Plus and Home. To be honest, this was an extreme case as both devices are working to add the Hindi language support. But hey, there's no harm in trying.

Amazon claims that the Echo range offers over 12,000 skills. These skills stitch third-party service providers to its smart assistant Alexa. Skills basically mean the ability of Alexa to interact with third-party services. Amazon Echo devices support Uber, Ola, Jet Airways, Zomato, Urbanclap, Saavn, etc to complete actions such as calling cabs, ordering food, booking air tickets, and more using voice commands.

Google Home devices, on the other hand, can bring up information from the web, play music or read out reminders. But the Google Assistant currently does not bring support for any third-party Actions, except for streaming music through Gaana and Saavn. Which you can also see in the video above. One of the only successful command to both was playing Hanuman Chalisa.

Google announced Actions for the Google Assistant in 2017 but is yet to introduce them in India. Once introduced, Assistants Actions will work the same as Alexas Skills by letting users interact with third-party service providers.

But Indian languages?

This remains to be an area still untouched for the two assistants. Google introduced Hindi inputs for Google Assistant for smartphones recently, but for speakers, the support is yet to be rolled out. Towards the end of 2018 is the expected timeline though.

Amazon Alexa understands a few Hindi words here and there, but can not make much sense of a complete sentence in Hindi, as of now. Google Assistant too catches the accent but cannot intercept the language much as of now.

Having said that, speaking to Alexa and Google Assistant in English is pretty seamless and they recognise even the unmistakably Indian accent decently well.

We are hoping that Alexa and Google Assistant really pick up on the language skills, as lets face it, the next growth injection is going to come from audiences who are well versed with regional languages. English can only get Google Home and Echo Plus to a limited audience. Hindi language support can take that number to new heights. Work is on to integrate different languages, but whoever does it faster will have a definite edge over the other.

Who will it be? Only time will tell.Reuters

Taiwanese chip designer MediaTek Inc said it will comply with a government order to apply for a permit to export products to ZTE Corp , a Chinese telecoms equipment maker subjected to restrictions in the United States.

The US government this month banned American firms from sales to ZTE for seven years, saying the company had failed to comply with a settlement related to ZTE shipping US-made goods to Iran in violation of US sanctions.

ZTE said the ban, imposed as the United States and China spar over import tariffs, threatened its survival.

On Monday, a Mediatek representative told Reuters that the order from the Taiwanese economic ministrys foreign trade bureau was more a routine measure to protect Taiwanese firms than about Sino-US trade relations.

Our company is actively preparing related documents to apply for an export permit to ZTE, MediaTek said in a stock exchange filing on Saturday. With hopes that we can quickly obtain the export permit, we will then follow the law and proceed with smooth shipping.

The filing also quoted co-CEO Rick Tsai in a local news article saying the short-term impact will be limited while Mediatek complies with the order.

David Hsu, deputy director general at the Bureau of Foreign Trade, confirmed to Reuters that companies wanting to ship goods to ZTE will now need to apply for permission.

We need to confirm that their shipments are not related to nuclear bombs, chemical bombs, and the like, then after that it is permissible, Hsu said by phone. In the past, we had similar regulations, we just didnt name a company. But now weve made it a bit clearer.tech2 News Staff

If all goes according to plan, NASA will be launching its 48th mission to the Red Planet and the very first one from the West Coast this Saturday. The Mars InSight spacecraft has been tasked to probe the mysteries surrounding the deep interiors of Mars to help scientists better understand its geology and composition.

So how can you watch it live? If you are living near the launch site in Lompoc, an official public viewing location will be open at the Lompoc Airport, 1801 North H St., starting at 2:30 am which is around 3 pm IST on 5 May.

The live stream of the launch which will be streamed on YouTube and Ustream.

United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Atlas V rocket has been tasked to carry the InSight spacecraft from the Vandenberg Air Force Base at 4:05 am (PT) (around 4.35 pm IST) on 5 May. That is of course if the weather permits the launch, otherwise, NASA has scheduled the mission to be carried out on 8 June. However, regardless of the launch date, InSight will be reaching Mars' surface on 26 November.

InSight is an abbreviation of the mission's full name: Interior Exploration Using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport. As per the report by The New York Times, its landing spot will be Elysium Planitia which is a flat space of land with no mountains or large rocks in the spacecraft's line of sight. Scientists plan on studying seismic activities on the Martian surface or Marsquakes and develop a heat map of the planet's interior cores.

"The resulting insight into Mars' formation will provide a better understanding of how other rocky planets, including Earth, were created," said NASA officials on its official blog.

Several European partners, including France's space agency, the Centre National d'Etude Spatiales, and Germanys DLR, are supporting the mission.tech2 News Staff

WhatsApp co-founder and a strong advocate of data privacy, Jan Koum, has decided to quit after reported clashes with parent company Facebook regarding WhatsApp's encryption policy. Brian Acton, who co-founded the world's biggest messaging service with Koum had quit WhatsApp back in September to start a foundation after 8 years of work in the company.

Jan Koum announced his decision to quit in a Facebook post.

Here is the full text of his post talking about moving on from Facebook:

"It's been almost a decade since Brian and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people. But it is time for me to move on. I've been blessed to work with such an incredibly small team and see how a crazy amount of focus can produce an app used by so many people all over the world.

I'm leaving at a time when people are using WhatsApp in more ways than I could have imagined. The team is stronger than ever and it'll continue to do amazing things. I'm taking some time off to do things I enjoy outside of technology, such as collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars and playing ultimate frisbee. And I'll still be cheering WhatsApp on  just from the outside. Thanks to everyone who has made this journey possible."

Mark Zuckerberg responded on Jan Koum's Facebook post saying,"Jan: I will miss working so closely with you. I'm grateful for everything you've done to help connect the world, and for everything you've taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands. Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp."

As per the Washington Post Jan Koums plan to exit comes after clashing with the parent company over WhatApps strategy and Facebooks attempts to use its personal data and weaken its encryption.

Facebook has battled European regulators over a plan to use WhatsApp user data, including phone numbers, to develop products and target ads. The plan is suspended, but WhatsApp said last week it still wanted to move forward eventually.

Stanford alumnus Acton and Ukrainian immigrant Koum co-founded WhatsApp in 2009. Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion in cash and stock.

(Also read this: WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton agrees with social media outcry to delete Facebook)

WhatsApp, a pun on the phrase Whats up?, grew in popularity in part because its encrypted messages are stored on users smartphones and not on company servers, making the service more private.

Concerns about Facebooks handling of personal information have grown since the social networks admission in March that the data of millions of users was wrongly harvested by political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

Facebook has taken steps to generate revenue from WhatsApp, which unlike Facebook does not have advertising. WhatsApps management has fiercely opposed advertising, saying in 2012 that they did not want to be just another ad clearinghouse where the engineering team spends their day tuning data mining.

Instead, WhatsApp charged a $1 annual subscription. It dropped that in 2016, moving towards a plan to charge businesses for specialised accounts.

With inputs from ReutersNimish Sawant

The writing was on the wall.

A month after one of WhatsApp's co-founders Brian Acton called for #DeleteFacebook, the other co-founder Jan Koum announced his resignation from WhatsApp earlier today through a Facebook post.

"I'm leaving at a time when people are using WhatsApp in more ways than I could have imagined. The team is stronger than ever and it'll continue to do amazing things. I'm taking some time off to do things I enjoy outside of technology, such as collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars and playing ultimate frisbee," said Koum in his resignation post while assuring that he would continue to cheer for WhatsApp, 'just from the outside'.

Not just another resignation

While on the surface it may seem like just another CEO moving on from a company he founded, there is a lot more to it. According to a report by The Washington Post, the real reason for Koum's departure was disagreement with parent company Facebook over data policy and its insistence on using personal data and weakening WhatsApp's encryption. It looks like Koum isn't just resigning as CEO of WhatsApp, which he and Acton sold to Facebook for a massive sum of $19 bn back in 2014, he will also be stepping down from Facebook's board of directors, according to the report.

According to people familiar with the matter, Koum had made his intentions clear to senior executives at Facebook and was even seen less frequently at WhatsApp's office on the Facebook campus.

WhatsApp and data protection

Both Acton and Koum have been data privacy proponents. In fact, Acton even invested $50 mn from his own pocket in Signal, an app with a very secure end-to-end encryption protocol that's also used by WhatsApp. The WhatsApp co-founders had both promised that even after the acquisition by Facebook, they would protect user data. WhatsApp added end-to-end encryption in 2016 to further cement its resolve.

But over the years, we have been seeing how Facebook wants to get WhatsApp user data and use it to its advantage. There were changes made to WhatsApp's terms of services in 2016, to allow sharing of user data between WhatsApp and Facebook, including user phone numbers, devices they are using, operating systems on which the app is running and so on. Naturally, not many users were too kicked about this, leading to courts in France, Germany and Britain ordering and fining Facebook for going ahead with this.

In India, as early as 2016 the WhatsApp - Facebook case had been heard in courts, but unlike the UK and EU, which have data privacy laws in place, no such ruling was arrived at in India. According to courts, if users were not happy with WhatsApp sharing data with Facebook, they could delete the WhatsApp app from their devices.

Cyberlaw expert Asheeta Regidi had noted, "India, on the other hand, has no dedicated data protection law. Indias sole privacy legislation is the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011. These rules serve only to protect the use and disclosure of sensitive personal data. This is a closed list of information, such as information of a persons identity, financial information, health conditions, biometric information, etc. The vast troves of data in the possession of Facebook and WhatsApp, such as messages, photographs, contact lists, etc., do not fall under the category of sensitive personal data. Thus, even though WhatsApp would be sharing one category of sensitive personal data, the users identity, for the most part, the IT Sensitive Data Rules do not apply."

The concern users had was Facebook was using WhatsApp data to map user identities to their phone numbers. According to The Verge, senior Facebook leadership was also gunning for a unified user profile across all Facebook platforms so that the combined data could be used for ad targeting as well as suggesting friends based on WhatsApp contacts on your phones.

Clearly, all was not well in the WhatsApp - Facebook marriage.

Cambridge Analytica data scandal and WhatsApp's no-ads policy

While it may seem that Koum's resignation must have come as a response to the Cambridge Analytica data scandal, that's not really the truth. According to insiders who spoke to The Washington Post, Koum had made up his mind before this scandal came to light.

The Cambridge Analytica data scandal has just put the spotlight on Facebook, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg had to rightly face the music on either side of the Atlantic. Zuckerberg was grilled for close to 10 hours by the US Senate as well as the House and here's a list of all the things he promised to fix.

Unlike other properties of Facebook, WhatsApp messenger is one of the most popular social platforms around with close to 1.5 billion users  a majority of them coming from India. Given their thoughts on user data protection, both Acton and Koum have some sort of respect among WhatsApp users. With Facebook, that is certainly not the case. In fact, the report states that Facebook executives wanted to make it easier for businesses on the Facebook platform to use its tools, which could lead to a weakening of the encryption on WhatsApp, something that must not have gone down well with Koum.

Unlike Instagram, WhatsApp has still managed to stay away from bombarding its users with any form of advertising  a promise its founders had made even after the acquisition by Facebook. With WhatsApp Business now active in India, and expected to roll out globally as well, one wonders how long it can hold on to the no-advertising philosophy. This is even more important now that none of WhatsApp's data-privacy loving founders are around to keep tabs on WhatsApp? Considering that WhatsApp does not charge its users any fee either, monetising the platform is still a big question mark for its parent company. A question it's trying to answer with unsavoury data sharing measures, which have rightly faced opposition.

The road ahead

WhatsApp Business has already begun in India, and it is being speculated as one way for the platform to make money. But in order to incentivise more businesses to start using WhatsApp as a platform to reach out to their customers, Facebook will need to provide insights. And this can be done only if there is some level of user data access. How Facebook plans to do that in the post-Cambridge Analytica data scandal era remains to be seen.

Zuckerberg's comment to Koum's post was interesting and carefully worded, to say the least.

"Im grateful for everything youve done to help connect the world, and for everything youve taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralised systems and put it back in peoples hands. Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp," said Zuckerberg, which seems more like an attempt to allay any fears regarding the core philosophy of WhatsApp in a post-Koum and Acton era.

It's being speculated that Neeraj Arora, who has been associated with WhatsApp since 2011 (before Facebook acquired it) could be replacing Koum as the new CEO, according to TechCrunch.

Irrespective of who is heading WhatsApp, the news that of its founders leaving the company (with one of them even going to the extent of calling for #DeleteFacebook and investing $50 mn in a rival messaging app) speaks volumes of Facebook's data policies and where the company is headed.

We all surely dread the day when our WhatsApp messenger screen will resemble the Instagram timeline, where every few posts are interspersed with advertisements. Unlike Instagram  which has been completely gobbled up by Facebook, WhatsApp has pretty much stuck to its original avatar while adding new features over the years and managing to stick to the promise of offering an ad-free experience.

With Acton and Koum no longer heading the product, however, I wonder how long this will last.tech2 News Staff

Xiaomi's upcoming flagship, the Mi 7 which was earlier speculated to release in the first quarter of 2018 may actually arrive on 23 May, if latest images of an apparent event poster are to be believed.

The image shows a burning number 7 on it along with the Xiaomi logo on the right-hand corner which in itself is quite self-explanatory. However, according to a report by GSMArena, we cannot really confirm that the image being circulated on Chinese social media website Weibo is legitimate because the image was not shared through Xiaomi's official Weibo account, but found elsewhere within Weibo.

That said, Xiaomi did launch the Mi 6 in April last year so it is a possibility that the Mi 7 may launch later this month. As far leaks and rumours go, the Mi 7 is expected to feature Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 845 chipset along with a healthy 8 GB of RAM.

Xiaomi is also rumoured to be working on a 3D face-recognition technology which could debut on the Mi 7. In terms of design, early renders also hint at the presence of a notch on top which would make it the first Xiaomi smartphone to feature the notch.

Fans of Xiaomi in India will have to wait and see whether the company brings the phone to India once it launches as it did not do so with the Mi 6 last year.By Sonali Paul MELBOURNE (Reuters) - An Australian court is due to declare on Tuesday whether Vatican Treasurer George Pell should face trial to answer multiple charges of historical sexual offences. Magistrate Belinda Wallington will hand down her decision following a month-long pre-trial hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

By Sonali Paul

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - An Australian court is due to declare on Tuesday whether Vatican Treasurer George Pell should face trial to answer multiple charges of historical sexual offences.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington will hand down her decision following a month-long pre-trial hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court. The first 10 days of the hearing were heard in closed session, when Pell's accusers were questioned.

Pell, 76, who is due to attend court to hear the decision, is the highest ranking Catholic worldwide to face such charges, the details of which have not been made public.

He was not required to enter a plea during the preliminary hearing, but his lawyers have said he would plead not guilty to all charges if the court proceeds to a full trial.

The Australian cardinal is on a leave of absence from his role as economy minister to Pope Francis. The pontiff has said he will not comment on the case until it is over.

The prosecution alleged during the pre-trial hearing that offences took place at a swimming pool and a movie theatre in Victoria state, a church and other locations.

But Pell's lawyer, Robert Richter, wrapped up four weeks of questioning accusers and witnesses by arguing there was no evidence to support the charges against his client.

His defence raised questions about police procedure, the reliability of witnesses' memories and their psychological condition.

Richter said the evidence showed the worst of the allegations, including an alleged offence at a movie theatre, could not have occurred and he described the other charges as "reasonably insignificant".

Prosecutor Mark Gibson said none of the complainants had resiled from their allegations against Pell under cross-examination and Victoria Police Detective Sergeant Chris Reed refuted Richter's suggestions of serious flaws in the police investigation.

Pell was called back from Rome to his home country last year to face the charges.

Charges associated with two of the complainants have since been dropped, as one of them died in January and the other is medically unable to testify.

(Reporting By Sonali Paul; Editing by Jane Wardell and Neil Fullick)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.Netanyahu said in a televised address Monday he had new 'proof' of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time

Jerusalem: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised address Monday he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time, as the US considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

But while Netanyahu accused Israel's main enemy Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, he did not provide evidence that it had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Netanyahu made the comments in an elaborate presentation that included props, video and slides, broadcast live on television from Tel Aviv.

He said Israel had obtained tens of thousands of files "a few weeks ago in a great intelligence achievement," saying they had been moved to a secret compound in Tehran in 2017 that looked dilapidated from the outside.

The material obtained weighed a half a tonne, he said.

As he spoke, binders that he said held copies of original documents were on shelves behind him, as were cases containing CDs.

"Tonight we're going to reveal new and conclusive proof of the secret nuclear weapons programme that Iran has been hiding for years from the international community in its secret atomic archive," Netanyahu said.

"We're going to show you Iran's secret nuclear files."

He then laid out what he said was a years-old secret nuclear weapons programme stored away and which could be put into action at any time.

The details have been shared with the United States and will also be given to other countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he said.

'Boy who cries wolf'

After Netanyahu's statement was announced but before he spoke, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif already dismissed it.

"The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again," he wrote on Twitter. "You can only fool some of the people so many times."

Zarif then took to twitter again to lambast both Netanyahu and US president Donald Trump, who has a 12 May deadline to decide on whether or not to walk away from the nuclear deal.

Trump "is jumping on a rehash of old allegations already dealt with by the IAEA to 'nix' the (2015 nuclear) deal", Zarif tweeted.

Pres. Trump is jumping on a rehash of old allegations already dealt with by the IAEA to nix the deal. How convenient. Coordinated timing of alleged intelligence revelations by the boy who cries wolf just days before May 12. But Trumps impetuousness to celebrate blew the cover. https://t.co/5gxmmZcrF7  Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 30, 2018

Trump has derided the nuclear deal with Iran as "insane" partly because its restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.

Most world powers however say the nuclear deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

French president Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany left Washington last week after talks with Trump which failed to secure any promise to keep the deal alive.

'Dominate West Asia'

The Israeli premier has repeatedly called for the accord  which Iran signed with Britain, France, China, Russia, the United States and Germany  to either be altered or scrapped.

He says the agreement does not prevent Tehran from eventually obtaining nuclear weapons and says the lifting of sanctions has increased Tehran's ability to finance proxy militants in West Asia.

Netanyahu also wants to see curbs on Iran's missile programme.

On Monday, he said the nuclear deal was "based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception."

"Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons know-how for future use," Netanyahu said.

His presentation came after he met visiting US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday and spoke with Trump by phone on Saturday.

Pompeo reiterated during the visit that Trump will withdraw from the nuclear deal "if we can't fix it".

Trump and his West Asian allies argue the deal, approved by Barack Obama, was too weak and needs to be replaced with a more permanent arrangement and supplemented by controls on Iran's missile programme.

Pompeo, a former CIA chief and congressman, also joined Netanyahu in lashing out at Iran on Sunday.

"Iran's ambition to dominate West Asian remains," Pompeo said.

Rob Malley, a former official in Obama's administration, said on Twitter that "for those who have followed the Iranian nuclear file, there is nothing new in (Netanyahu's) presentation".

"All it does is vindicate need for the nuclear deal. But the Israeli prime minister has an audience of one: Trump. And he's unfortunately unlikely to reach the same conclusion."

Israel is considered West Asia's sole nuclear-armed nation, though it has never acknowledged the capability.By Delphine Schrank SAN YSIDRO PORT OF ENTRY (Reuters) - Hopes rose on Tuesday among a caravan of migrants who traveled from Central America to seek asylum in the United States after U.S. border authorities allowed the first small group of women and children entry from Mexico overnight

By Delphine Schrank

SAN YSIDRO PORT OF ENTRY (Reuters) - Hopes rose on Tuesday among a caravan of migrants who traveled from Central America to seek asylum in the United States after U.S. border authorities allowed the first small group of women and children entry from Mexico overnight.

Gathering people along the way, the caravan set off a month ago on a 2,000-mile (3,220-km) trek across Mexico to the U.S. border, drawing attention from American news media after President Donald Trump took to Twitter to demand such groups not be granted entry and urging stronger immigration laws.

Celebrations erupted on Monday night among dozens of migrants camped near the U.S. border crossing in Tijuana, Mexico, after U.S. officials admitted eight women and children, fueling the determination of others to remain until they were admitted.

However, the U.S. Department of Justice late on Monday announced what it described as the first prosecutions against members of the caravan, filing criminal charges against 11 migrants accused of entering the country illegally about four miles (6 km) west of the San Ysidro, California, border crossing.

"The United States will not stand by as our immigration laws are ignored and our nation's safety is jeopardized," U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement announcing the charges.

The statement did not provide a figure on any other caravan members who might have also been detained.

On the asylum applicants, the Trump administration's hands are tied by international rules obliging the United States to accept some applications. Most in the caravan said they were fleeing death threats, extortion and violence from powerful street gangs.

Dozens of members of the caravan slept in the open for a second cold desert night in the surroundings of the busy San Ysidro port of entry, after pumping fists and cheering the news late on Monday that Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) had opened the gate to eight women and children.

Those left behind said they would continue their sit-in until they were at least allowed to recount their stories to border officials and try to convince them that it was unsafe to go home. The caravan swelled to 1,500 people at one point but has since dwindled to a few hundred.

"We crossed the whole of Mexico," said Angel Caceres, who said he fled Honduras with his 5-year-old son after his brother and nephew were murdered and his mother beaten and raped. They would stay, he said, "until the last person is in, as long as it takes."

It was not clear when more of the group would be allowed to make their asylum bids. A CBP spokeswoman said the port of entry was congested with other undocumented immigrants, and that the caravan members might have to wait in Mexico temporarily.

The majority of asylum claims by Central Americans are ultimately unsuccessful, resulting in detention and deportation. The Trump administration says many claims are fake, aided by legal loopholes.

Vice President Mike Pence has accused the caravan's organizers of persuading people to leave their homes to advance an "open borders" agenda.

Only two of the dozens of people in the caravan who spoke to Reuters over the past month said they were aware of the caravan's existence before they left home. They said it had not played a role in their decision to flee what they described as appalling conditions.

Asylum seekers must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution at home, most often from a state entity. Central Americans fare badly in such claims because the state is rarely seen as directly responsible for the life-threatening situations they leave behind.

U.S. border authorities said in a statement over the weekend that some people associated with the caravan were caught trying to slip through the border fence.

Trump on Monday railed against a system that may see some of the caravan members freed in the United States until their cases are resolved, because a shortage of beds at detention centers and rules that limit how long women with children can be held.

"Catch and release is ridiculous. If they touch our property, if they touch our country, essentially you catch them and you release them into our country. That's not acceptable to anybody, so we need a change in the law," he said.

(Writing and additional reporting by Frank Jack Daniel in Mexico City; editing by Daniel Flynn, Raissa Kasolowsky and Jonathan Oatis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.A 25-year-old Chinese man, who felt 'stuffy' and opened the emergency exit of a plane to get some fresh air has been detained and fined, a media report said

Beijing: A 25-year-old Chinese man, who felt "stuffy" and opened the emergency exit of a plane to get some fresh air has been detained and fined, a media report said on Tuesday.

The man, identified only by his surname Chen, was waiting to disembark the plane at Mianyang airport in the southwestern province of Sichuan when he decided he could do with some fresh air.

Unfortunately for him, the handle he pulled was attached to the emergency exit and not only did the hatch come free from the plane, but it also activated the escape slide, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported quoting a Thepaper.cn report on Monday.

Chen, who was returning from the island of Hainan, insisted he did not know that it was an escape route, adding: Because it was so stuffy, so hot on the plane, I just pushed down on the window handle beside me. When the door fell out, I panicked.

The crew alerted police and he was detained for 15 days for the unauthorised removal of aviation facilities. He will also be fined 70,000 yuan ($ 11,000) to cover the airline's costs.

The airline, which was not named in the report, said it would cooperate with public security agencies in their investigation.

This is the latest in a string of safety incidents in recent years involving Chinese travellers opening emergency exits.

In April 2016 a 30-year-old bulldozer driver, who had never travelled by air before, ignored warnings by cabin crew and opened the emergency exit door to get some fresh air just before his flight took off from Shenzhen airport in the south of the country.

The man, who said he was worried about getting airsick, was detained for a week and fined 500 yuan after the flight was delayed for an hour.

The previous year, a man who said he thought the emergency escape handle was a handrail was given 10 days' detention and a second passenger was given a similar sentence for opening an escape hatch while waiting to board a flight at Nanjing airport.

China's civil aviation industry has responded by imposing a slew of penalties, including flying bans in addition to existing fines, on blacklisted travellers, the Post report said.A spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that its board of governors had 'declared that its consideration of this issue was closed' after it was presented with a report in December 2015.

Vienna: The UN's nuclear watchdog reiterated on Tuesday it had "no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009", citing its assessments from 2015.

A spokesman for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a statement that its board of governors had "declared that its consideration of this issue was closed" after it was presented with a report in December 2015.

The statement came a day after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled what he said was new "proof" that Iran's nuclear weapons programme could be reactivated at any time.

Without referring to Netanyahu's claims directly, the IAEA spokesman said the agency "evaluates all safeguards-relevant information available to it".

"However, it is not the practice of the IAEA to publicly discuss issues related to any such information," he added.

Netanyahu said on Monday that he would share the material with other countries and with the IAEA.

Netanyahu's presentation comes as US President Donald Trump considers whether to pull out of the 2015 atomic accord between Tehran and six world powers.

NNNNUS President Donald Trump said Tuesday it's 'disgraceful' that questions special counsel Robert Mueller wants to ask him were 'leaked' to the news media.

Washington: President Donald Trump said Tuesday it's "disgraceful" that a list of questions that the special counsel investigating Russian election interference wants to ask him was "leaked" to the news media.

The New York Times late Monday published the nearly four dozen questions given to Trump's attorneys, covering Trump's motivations for firing FBI Director James Comey last May and contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russians.

"It is so disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were 'leaked' to the media," Trump tweeted Tuesday. "No questions on Collusion. Oh, I see...you have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!"

In a second tweet, Trump said: "It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened."

But the questions do appear to indicate that Mueller is looking into possible collusion. Some touch on Russian meddling and whether the Trump campaign coordinated in any way with the Kremlin. In one question obtained by the Times, Mueller asks what Trump knew about campaign staff, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, reaching out to Moscow.

Mueller has brought several charges against Manafort, but none are for any crimes related to Russian election interference during the 2016 campaign. And Manafort has denied having anything to do with such an effort.

Trump repeatedly has called the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller a "witch hunt" and insists there was no collusion between his campaign and Russia. Trump has also accused Comey of leaking classified information. Mueller was appointed to oversee the investigation by the deputy attorney general after Trump fired Comey in May 2017.

Although Mueller's team has indicated to Trump's lawyers that he's not considered a target, investigators remain interested in whether the president's actions constitute obstruction of justice and want to interview him about several episodes in office.

Many of the questions obtained by the Times center on the obstruction issue, including his reaction to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recusal from the Russia investigation, a decision Trump has angrily criticized.

Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday night, as did White House lawyer Ty Cobb.

The queries also touch on Trump's businesses and his discussions with his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, about a possible Moscow real estate deal. Cohen's business dealings are part of a separate FBI investigation.

One question asks what discussions Trump may have had regarding "any meeting with Mr. Putin," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another question asks what the president may have known about a possible attempt by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel with Russia before Trump's inauguration.

Additional questions center on Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, who has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his discussions on sanctions against Russia with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during the presidential transition. Flynn is now cooperating with Mueller's investigators.

"What did you know about phone calls that Mr. Flynn made with the Russian ambassador, Sergey I. Kislyak, in late December 2016?" reads one question. Another asks if there were any efforts to reach out to Flynn "about seeking immunity or possible pardon."

Flynn was fired Feb. 13, 2017, after White House officials said he had misled them about his Russian contacts during the transition period by saying that he had not discussed sanctions.

The following day, according to memos written by Comey, Trump cleared the Oval Office of other officials and encouraged Comey to drop the investigation into Flynn.US president Donald Trump once more attacked the Iran nuclear deal as 'horrible' Monday, as he faces a 12 May deadline to decide on the fate of the accord

Washington: US president Donald Trump once more attacked the Iran nuclear deal as "horrible" Monday, as he faces a 12 May deadline to decide on the fate of the accord.

"In seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons," Trump told a joint press conference with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari.

"That is not acceptable," Trump charged. "This is an agreement that wasn't approved by too many people. And it's a horrible agreement for the United States."

The US president has been threatening for months to pull out of the 2015 deal negotiated between Tehran and six world powers, rejecting it as "insane" partly because its restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.

Most world powers say the deal is working as intended for now and is the best way to keep Iran from acquiring the bomb.

"I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know," Trump said. "On or before the 12th, we'll make a decision."

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu  a fierce critic of the accord who has called for it to be altered or scrapped  asserted earlier he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

Netanyahu leveled the accusations in a televised address, but did not provide evidence that Tehran had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 deal was struck.

The US president remained evasive when asked about the new Israeli charges.

"What Israel has done today in the news conference was right," Trump said, without elaborating.

The White House later issued a statement about Netanyahu's speech.

"These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the statement said.

"The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbors and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons."

The US president also rebutted the suggestion that walking away from the Iran deal would send a disastrous signal to North Korea  as Washington seeks to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

"No, I think it sends the right message," Trump said.BERLIN (Reuters) - Facebook said on Monday it had already removed a posting that called German far-right leader Alice Weidel a 'Nazi swine', but would consider its next steps after a court issued a preliminary injunction against the social media network. Hamburg's Regional Court said the U.S. firm faced fines of up to 250,000 euros ($300,000) if it distributed or allowed the distribution of the slur against Weidel, a senior leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in Germany, according to German media reports

BERLIN (Reuters) - Facebook said on Monday it had already removed a posting that called German far-right leader Alice Weidel a "Nazi swine", but would consider its next steps after a court issued a preliminary injunction against the social media network.

Hamburg's Regional Court said the U.S. firm faced fines of up to 250,000 euros ($300,000) if it distributed or allowed the distribution of the slur against Weidel, a senior leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, in Germany, according to German media reports.

The decision was not posted on the court's website, and no one at the court could be reached immediately for comment.

"Facebook had already blocked the commentary in Germany. We will now await the written opinion of the court and consider next steps," a Facebook spokesman said.

Weidel's attorney told German magazine Der Spiegel that Facebook had failed to remove the commentary, which was published on the Facebook page of the Huffington Post in September 2017, despite several complaints.

He told the magazine that the commentary remained visible to German Facebook users via foreign proxy servers even after it was taken down in Germany.

A Facebook spokesman had no further comment and said the company would have to study the court's opinion.

No comment was immediately available from Weidel.

Germany, a leading proponent of tougher regulation of social media, passed a tough law last year to clamp down on online hate speech. Facebook also faces a German anti-trust inquiry over the monetising of personal data.

Justice minister Katarina Barley also called in Facebook executives last month to discuss allegations that London-based consultancy Cambridge Analytica improperly accessed user information to build profiles on American voters that were later used to help elect U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016.

($1 = 0.8262 euros)

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by David Stamp)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.The Sunday night attack in Syria sent tensions soaring between Israel and Iran. Israel is believed to be behind several strikes on Iran-linked positions in Syria in the last year, although Israeli authorities typically do not confirm or deny such attacks.

Beirut: A senior Iranian official said Tuesday the Islamic Republic will respond "at the appropriate time and place" to a purported Israeli missile strike that killed several Iranian troops in Syria.

The comments by Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the chairman of the Iranian parliament's national security committee, were the first to directly address the attack Sunday night on outposts in northern Syria, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel.

A war monitoring group and an Iranian news agency said the strikes killed more than a dozen pro-government fighters, many of them Iranians.

"Aggression of the Zionist entity against the presence of our military advisers in Syria gives us the right to respond at the appropriate place and time," Boroujerdi said at a press conference in the Syrian capital.

The Sunday night attack in Syria sent tensions soaring between Israel and Iran. Israel is believed to be behind several strikes on Iran-linked positions in Syria in the last year, although Israeli authorities typically do not confirm or deny such attacks.

Iran is a key ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad and has sent thousands of fighters to Syria to support his forces in the seven-year civil war.

Boroujerdi met with Assad in Damascus on Monday, and hailed what he called "important victories" in their shared battle.

On Monday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the time when Iran's enemies can "hit and run" is over.Afghan journalists were shaken but defiant, vowing to continue reporting on the bloody conflict after the deadliest attack on the country's media since the fall of the Taliban in 2001

Kabul: Afghan journalists were shaken but defiant Tuesday, vowing to continue reporting on the bloody conflict after the deadliest attack on the country's media since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

Ten journalists were killed Monday, including Agence France-Presse chief photographer Shah Marai, in attacks that sparked outrage around the world and underscored the dangers faced by Afghan media.

The deadly assaults have rocked Afghanistan's tight-knit journalist community. Many of them are close friends as well as colleagues who look out for one another as they work in an increasingly hostile environment.

Hours after the double suicide blast in Kabul that killed nine journalists and 16 others, dozens of Afghan news editors and executives gathered at the site in a public display of defiance to militants.

The message was "if they destroy a line of journalists, there's going to be a longer line back at the scene within a few hours," Tolo News director Lotfullah Najafizada told AFP.

Tolo News cameraman Yar Mohammad Tokhi was among the journalists killed in the explosion that also wounded 49 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group.

Journalists from 1TV, Radio Free Europe and Mashal TV were also among the dead.

Police said a bomber had disguised himself as a journalist and blew himself up among the media covering the first blast near Afghanistan's intelligence agency.

Media outlets condemned the government's failure to provide security for journalists, particularly at the scene of attacks where secondary blasts are a constant concern.

"They (security forces) cordon off the area and journalists are left behind the line with the public," Najafizada said.

'We will not stop'

Many journalists expressed determination to continue their work despite the threats.

"Our message is that we are ready, we are not afraid of such attacks and we will stand for freedom of speech and democracy in Afghanistan," said Hamid Haidari, acting head of the news department at 1TV, which lost a reporter and a cameraman in the assault.

"We know this kind of attack will happen (again) in the future... but we will not stop, we will continue.

"It was a tough time (yesterday). But we stand against such barbaric acts."

The 10th journalist killed Monday was BBC reporter Ahmad Shah, who died in a separate attack in the eastern province of Khost.

The attacks came days after gunmen shot dead an Afghan journalist in the southern city of Kandahar.

Afghanistan was last year ranked the third most dangerous country in the world for journalists by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The media watchdog said since 2016, it has recorded the killings of 34 journalists in Afghanistan.

"We are determined to work for press freedom and keep informing people," Parwiz Kawa, editor-in-chief of the Hasht-e-Subh Daily newspaper, told AFP.

The newspaper published a black front page with photos of the nine journalists killed in Kabul. The last time it did so was in 2016 when seven Tolo News employees were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing.

"There's a level of commitment inside (Afghan) media outlets... who are mainly composed of young and educated people and they think they have a social responsibility to work and keep going," Kawa added.

But there are fears the repeated attacks on the media and the perception that militants are deliberately targeting them, will frighten some journalists into quitting.

"Some of our journalists have already left work and changed jobs because of increasing security threats," Waliullah Rahmani, director of Khabarnama Media, told AFP.

Freelance journalist Zakarya Hassani said he was under pressure from his family to stop working in the media.

"Since yesterday evening I have received a lot of phone calls asking me to quit, 'please leave your job or it will take you from us'," Hassani told AFP.

"But this is not the solution and so far the answer is no."

But Ahmad Farid Halimi told AFP he had resigned from his job at TV channel Kabul News after the attack.

"Last night my wife was crying when I came home, she was telling me 'you are not safe with this job'," he told AFP.

"I don't know what I will do in the future but I don't want to be killed for my work."Labour Day, an annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers, with origins in the labour union movement, is being marked on Tuesday by the Google Doodle

Labour Day, an annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers, with origins in the labour union movement, is being marked on Tuesday by the Google Doodle.

Labour Day, usually a public holiday, is synonymous with the International Workers' Day or Workers' Day for most countries, and is marked on 1 May. It is even referred to as 'May Day' in some countries such as India. For other nations, Labour Day is celebrated on a separate date, often one with particular significance for the labour movement in the country.

In India, May Day was first celebrated in Chennai on 1 May, 1923 following an initiative by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan.

The day is a celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement every year on 1 May, an ancient European spring festival.

In the United States, the date was chosen by a pan-national organisation of socialist and communist political parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on 4 May 1886. Across the world, the labour movement is specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

Tuesday's doodle by Google captures the spirit of the worker. It features a collection of a myriad instruments and tools used by workers in various professions, from medicine to carpentry.Fed up with the smog in Mongolia's capital, residents have resorted to sipping 'lung' tea and 'oxygen cocktails' in a bid to protect themselves from pollution

Ulaanbaatar: Fed up with the smog in Mongolia's capital, residents have resorted to sipping "lung" tea and "oxygen cocktails" in a desperate bid to protect themselves from pollution, despite health officials saying there is no evidence they work.

Ulaanbaatar topped New Delhi and Beijing as the world's most polluted capital in 2016, UNICEF said in a report warning of a health crisis that has put every child and pregnancy at risk.

With residents of so-called ger (slum) districts using coal stoves to cook and heat their homes in the world's coldest capital, where temperatures can dip as low as -40 Celsius (-40 Fahrenheit), pollution has skyrocketed.

While most of the pollution comes from stoves in the gers, road transport and power plants add to the toxic mix.

On 30 January, air pollution was 133 times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). UNICEF reported that cases of respiratory infections have nearly tripled and pneumonia is now the second leading cause of death for children under five.

Worried parents have held protests to press the government to take action.

But some businesses are cashing in, even though a WHO official says there is no evidence that such anti-smog products work.

'Life is air'

Advertisements in Mongolia boast that "drinking just one oxygen cocktail is equal to a three-hour-walk in a lush forest".

At the produce section of the State Department Store, blue cans of oxygen called "Life Is Air" are on sale for $2, and promise to turn a glass of juice into a foamy, sweet "oxygen cocktail" after spraying some into a glass through a special straw.

Other stores and pharmacies have oxygen cocktail machines that resemble coffee makers and can turn a juice into a frothy drink for $1.

Pregnant women are among the most avid customers of the Russian-made product, with some saying they are following their doctor's orders.

Batbayar Munguntuul, a 34-year-old accountant and mother of three, drank oxygen cocktails when she was pregnant, but she ended up spending much more money on medicine.

"Every winter we constantly buy medicine," she told AFP. "It has reached a point that it is like just any other grocery product that you have to buy regularly."

Like many other Mongolians, she has chosen to buy an air purifier to make sure her family breathes clean air at home. Her machine, which filters out toxic fumes, cost her $300.

The average level of PM 2.5 particles  which penetrate deep into the lungs  was 75 micrograms per cubic metre last year, or three times the exposure recommended by the WHO for a 24-hour period.

Air pollution has been linked to asthma, bronchitis, and other long-term respiratory diseases.

Some Mongolians drinking special teas named Enkhjin, Ikh Taiga, and Dr Baatar that claim to clean lungs.

Dr Baatar's CEO, Baatar Chantsaldulam, said sales surge by 20 to 30 percent during winter, when pollution tends to reach its peak.

"First it takes all the toxins out of the blood, then it turns the toxins in the lung into mucus, and all the plants in tea helps boost the human immune system," he told AFP.

But Maria Neira, the head of the WHO's public health department, said the "real solution" to protect the lungs and the cardiovascular system was to reduce air pollution and avoid exposure to it.

"The business community will offer plenty of those solutions," Neira said, referring to the oxygen cocktails and lung teas.

"We don't have any scientific evidence whether they provide any benefit," she said.

Angry parents

Non-profit organisations such as Parents Against Smog say the government is not doing enough to reduce air pollution and argue that ordinary people should not have to suffer financially to protect their health.

The group organised a sit-in protest earlier this year.

"For the past 10 years, people have known that air pollution has reached dangerous levels," Parents Against Smog coordinator Tumur Mandakhjargal told AFP.

"However, policymakers only address the issue by talking about passing out clean stoves and clean coal," Mandakhjargal said.

The NGO says the government should give some 200,000 ger residents access to loans so that they install heating insulation and replace their stoves with cleaner heaters. It also complains that a ger relocation plan has been too slow.

The government spent $120 million between 2008-2016 to combat pollution, with half of the funds coming out of its foreign aid revenue. Part of the money has gone to distributing low-emission stoves to residents of ger districts.

Last year, the parliament approved a tax exemption for companies that sell air purifiers, while Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh issued an order to distribute $1.6 million worth of the appliances to all schools.

Non-profit organisations are giving away air purifiers and anti-smog masks to schools, kindergartens and hospitals.

The non-profit group Smog and Kids donated a South Korean-made air ventilation system to a kindergarten in one of the capital's most polluted areas, and the difference in air quality inside and outside the classrooms is palpable.

Such systems can cost up to $2,500 plus $500 for installation.

But Smog and Kids representative Tumendalai Davaadalai said air purifiers were not the answer to the problem.

"Mobile air purifiers don't give oxygen, they're not plants. The decision by Khurelsukh's cabinet to distribute air purifiers is a very bad decision," Davaadalai said.

"They are just funding businesses without any positive results."North and South Korea began dismantling loudspeakers that blared propaganda across their heavily fortified border, South Koreas defence ministry said, fulfilling a promise made at last weeks historic summit

Seoul: North and South Korea began dismantling loudspeakers that blared propaganda across their heavily fortified border on Tuesday, South Koreas defence ministry said, fulfilling a promise made at last weeks historic summit.

The moves are the first practical, if small, steps toward reconciliation after Fridays meeting between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the Norths Kim Jong-un.

Moon, meanwhile, asked that the United Nations help verify North Koreas planned shutdown of its Punggye-ri nuclear test site in a phone conversation on Tuesday with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a statement from the presidential Blue House said.

Guterres said the requests need approval from the UN Security Council, but he wanted to cooperate to build peace on the Korean peninsula and would assign a UN official in charge of arms control to cooperate with South Korea, the statement said.

Several days before Fridays summit, the North surprised the world by declaring it would dismantle the test site to transparently guarantee its dramatic commitment to stop all nuclear and missile tests.

The Punggye-ri site, where North Korea has conducted all six of its nuclear tests, consists of a system of tunnels dug beneath Mount Mantap in the northeastern part of the country.

Some experts and researchers have speculated the most recent  and by far largest  blast in September had rendered the entire site unusable. But Kim said there were two additional, larger tunnels that remain in very good condition.

Border loudspeakers removed

Along the border, South Korea started taking down its loudspeakers on Tuesday afternoon, a defence official said. Activity at several spots along the border indicated North Koreans were doing the same, he said.

For decades, with only a few breaks, the two sides have pumped out propaganda from huge banks of speakers as a form of psychological warfare. The South broadcast a mixture of news, Korean pop songs and criticism of the northern regime, while the North blasted the southern government and praised its own socialist system.

As a sign of goodwill, the South had stopped its propaganda ahead of the summit, and the North followed suit.

The incremental steps come amid speculation about where Kim will meet US president Donald Trump, who said their planned summit could take place in three or four weeks.

Trump tweeted Monday that meeting Kim at the Peace House in the demilitarized zone, where Moon met Kim, would be an excellent venue.

Numerous countries are being considered for the MEETING, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the Border of North & South Korea, be a more Representative, Important and Lasting site than a third party country? Just asking!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 30, 2018

Theres something that I like about it because youre there, youre actually there. Where, if things work out, theres a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third-party country, Trump later told reporters at the White House.

But a senior US official said Singapore was still high on the list of potential sites.

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday Singapore had not had any request to host the Kim-Trump meeting.

South Koreas presidential Blue House seemed to welcome the prospect of hosting the meeting in Panmunjom, the border village where the Peace House is located.

Panmunjom is quite meaningful as a place to erode the divide and establish a new milestone for peace, a senior presidential official told reporters, asking not be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Wouldnt Panmunjom be the most symbolic place?By Ali Sawafta, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Stephen Farrell RAMALLAH, WEST BANK (Reuters) - A powerful but rarely convened assembly that calls itself the Palestinian 'supreme authority' met for the first time in 22 years on Monday, with boycotts and rifts suggesting it will struggle to achieve its stated goal of unity. In a two-hour opening address to the Palestinian National Council (PNC) President Mahmoud Abbas criticised U.S.

By Ali Sawafta, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Stephen Farrell

RAMALLAH, WEST BANK (Reuters) - A powerful but rarely convened assembly that calls itself the Palestinian "supreme authority" met for the first time in 22 years on Monday, with boycotts and rifts suggesting it will struggle to achieve its stated goal of unity.

In a two-hour opening address to the Palestinian National Council (PNC) President Mahmoud Abbas criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's decisions last year to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and to move the U.S. Embassy to the city.

Abbas told the de facto parliament of the Palestine Liberation Organisation that the American stance favouring Israel might require "tough decisions in the near future."

"If America wants to offer something let them say they support the two-state solution with east Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine and that it (U.S.) is no longer a sole mediator," he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested on Monday he was open to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, saying a "two-party solution" was likely in his first extensive comments on peace efforts since taking the job last week.

"With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome," Pompeo said at a news conference in Jordan after a visit to Israel.

Abbas is expected to use the four-day meeting of the PNC to renew his legitimacy and to install loyalists in powerful positions to begin shaping his legacy.

The 82-year-old leader told the 600 PNC members present that the council - powerful but little-known outside Palestinian political circles - was "very important because it protects the Palestinian dream."

However his handling of the meeting has met with widespread criticism - about the location of the session, its timing and who is and is not attending.

Islamist groups have boycotted it, and earlier on Monday Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh dismissed the session as a "clapping party" for Abbas.

"Is it logical that the PLO be the sole representative of the Palestinian people when it does not include Hamas and Islamic Jihad?" asked Haniyeh.

Hamas defeated Abbas's western-backed Fatah in parliamentary elections in 2006 and has been locked in rivalry with it since. Attempts at reconciliation have faltered over power-sharing disputes.

In his speech Abbas restated his demand that Hamas relinquish full control of Gaza to his western-based Palestinian Authority, whose power base is in the West Bank.

But not all the criticism came from outsiders. Three factions within the umbrella PLO said they would boycott the 700-member assembly, including the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the second largest group.

It wanted the meeting to be postponed to allow more time for reconciliation efforts between Fatah and Hamas, and to ensure broader participation.

"COLLECTIVE YAWN"

Mahdi Abdul-Hadi, a Jerusalem-based analyst, said Abbas seemed intent on driving through his own agenda and replacing enemies with loyalists on the PLO's powerful Executive Committee, whose members are appointed by the PNC.

"He needs to re-inject legitimacy and the recognition of his authority," said Abdul-Hadi.

On its website the PNC says it "represents the supreme authority of the Palestinian people in all their places of residence."

But its aging leadership - Abbas will be 83 later this year and PNC chairman Saleem Al-Zanoon is 85 - has many younger Palestinians questioning its relevance, especially those who can barely remember its last full meeting in 1996.

"This PNC will not deliver me or my generation; it wont deliver the diaspora or Gaza. The PNC is not delivering an entire generation that views these meetings with a collective yawn," said Diana Buttu, a Canadian-born former legal adviser to Palestinian peace negotiators, who now lives in Haifa.

"Abbas may think that this will grant him 'legitimacy' but the question remains - legitimacy from whom?"

U.N. Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov welcomed the meeting, but urged Abbas to work for unity. "The leadership has a responsibility to end divisions and the deteriorating economic, humanitarian and social situation in Gaza," he said in a statement.

(Reporting by Stephen Farrell, Ali Sawafta and Nidal al-Mughrabi, Editing by William Maclean and Richard Balmforth)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.Saudi Arabia has reportedly identified the suicide bomber who blew himself outside the US consulate in Jeddah in 2016.

Saudi Arabia has reportedly identified the suicide bomber who blew himself outside the US consulate in Jeddah in 2016. A senior security official told The Indian Express that on the basis of DNA tests, Saudi Arabia confirmed that the bomber was Fayaz Kagzi, an Indian national and an alleged operative of the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The suicide bombing near the diplomatic post was the first of three targeting the kingdom on 4 July, 2016. Suicide bombers also targeted mosques in the cities of Medina and Qatif.

The Indian Express report further said that when photographs of the Jeddah bomber bearing a close resemblance to Kagzi were released by Saudi Arabia, Maharashtra's Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) and NIA sought to verify if he was the man on their radar. Kagzi's DNA profile was sent to Saudi Arabia last August.

Saudi Arabia's interior ministry had previously said that the Jeddah bomber was a Pakistan resident of the Kingdom. They identified him as 34-year-old Abdullah Qalzar Khan. The statement further said he lived in the port city with "his wife and her parents" but, did not elaborate.

Kagzi fled to Pakistan via Bangladesh in 2006 and shifted his base to Saudi Arabia in 2009 to oversee the recruitment of Indian nationals to LeT, reported News18. Sources quoted in the report say that it is possible that he took on a new name of Abdullah Qalzar Khan while in Pakistan.

The NIA informed the Patiala House Court in Delhi that the terror mastermind was dead. Sources told News18 that NIA believes Kagzi was the mastermind and financier of the 2010 German Bakery blast and 2012 JM Road bombings in Pune as well. He is also suspected of teaching Hindi to 26/11 terrorists.

On 4 July, 2016, the attacker detonated his suicide vest near the parking lot of a hospital, opposite the consulate building, when security guards approached him. The attacker died and two security men were wounded with minor injuries, according to the statement published by the State-run Saudi Press Agency.

The interior ministry spokesperson had said the attacker caught the attention of the security guards, who noticed that he was acting suspiciously at an intersection by the American consulate in Jeddah, near the Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital. Most of the consulate's staff had reportedly moved offices to a new location.

With inputs from agenciesSouth Korea, China and Japan will hold a trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea

Seoul: South Korea, China and Japan will hold a trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced Tuesday, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea.

The gathering on 9 May will bring together the South's President Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in the neighbours' first such meeting for more than two years.

It follows a historic summit between Moon and the North's leader Kim Jong-un last Friday. They vowed to pursue denuclearisation and a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, setting the mood for Kim's much-anticipated face-to-face encounter with US president Donald Trump.

But analysts have urged caution, warning that similar previous pledges have come to nothing, and that the North has yet to make clear what concessions it is willing to make regarding its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

All three of the neighbours are deeply involved with North Korea  the South as its neighbour, key US ally Japan as a sometime target for its threats, and China as its key diplomatic backer and business partner.

"We want to confirm cooperation with president Moon ahead of a summit between the US and North Korea," Abe said during a visit to the Jordanian capital Amman, describing the upcoming summit as "very significant".

"I want to thoroughly discuss how we can have North Korea walk on a right path, resolve the abduction, missile and nuclear issues and create a bright future," he added, referring to the North's abduction of Japanese in previous decades to train as spies.

Friday's summit, in which Kim and Moon exchanged smiles, handshakes and warm words in front of the world's cameras, was a marked contrast to the tensions of last year.

The North staged its most powerful nuclear test to date and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland as Kim and Trump traded threats of war and personal insults, sparking global security fears.

The thaw between the Koreas, triggered by the Winter Olympics in the South, has repercussions for the geopolitics of the region.

Japan has long maintained a hardline position on negotiations with Pyongyang but has found itself left on the sidelines.

With concerns growing in Tokyo over whether it should change tack, a hawkish Abe expressed a willingness to meet Kim  a message which Moon relayed to the North's leader during the summit.

Kim said in response he was "willing to talk to Japan any time", Moon's office said on Sunday, adding the South's leader would be "happy to build a bridge" between the two nations.

But Moon's trip to Tokyo will be the first visit by a South Korean leader to Japan in more than six years, with relations between the US allies marred by disputes over history and territory.

'Comfort women'

During a day-long visit to Tokyo, Moon will "share the result of the inter-Korea summit and discuss ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean peninsula", Moon's office said in a statement.

Moon also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday for UN inspectors to observe the promised shutdown of the North's only known nuclear testing site at Punggye-ri.

In Tokyo, Moon will also have a separate summit with Abe to discuss ways to develop "future-oriented ties" with Japan, it added.

The South and Japan face a common threat from the North's nuclear and missile technology but have locked horns over the issue of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a row over Seoul-controlled islets claimed by Tokyo.

The two Koreas share a bitter resentment over Japan's brutal 1910-45 occupation of the peninsula and the so-called "comfort women" are a hugely emotional issue in the South.

Moon's predecessor Park Geun-hye reached a controversial deal with Japan in 2015 under which Tokyo offered one billion yen ($8.3 million) to the victims.

But some of them slammed the deal, saying it did not oblige Japan to take legal responsibility, and Moon has repeatedly urged Tokyo to do more.

Life-size bronze statues of a girl symbolising "comfort women" have been installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Dozens of activists clashed with police Tuesday as they attempted to set up another statue commemorating slave labourers at the Busan site.

Ties are further strained by the islets called Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima by Tokyo.

The last visit by a South Korean head of state to Japan was 2011 when Park's predecessor Lee Myung-bak met then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. Ties soured after Lee made a surprise visit to Dokdo a year later.A suicide attack on a foreign military convoy in southern Afghanistan on Monday killed at least 11 children who were nearby, officials said, amid a spate of attacks across the war-torn country.

A suicide attack on a foreign military convoy in southern Afghanistan on Monday killed at least 11 children who were nearby, officials said, amid a spate of attacks across the war-torn country.

Sixteen others were wounded, including foreign and Afghan security forces, when a bomb-laden car exploded in the southern province of Kandahar, provincial police spokesman Qasim Afgha told AFP.

The children from the madrasa had gathered around the NATO convoy for fun when the bomber struck, said Abdul Rahim Ayubi, a lawmaker from Kandahar.

Matiullah Helal, the deputy spokesman for the provincial police chief, said 19 people were also wounded, including eight Romanian NATO soldiers, nine civilians and two policemen. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Kandahar bombing and no comment from NATO.

In other violence, an Afghan police officer was killed and four people were wounded in an explosion Monday in eastern Nangarhar province, said Attuhullah Khogynai, spokesman for the provincial governor. He said the slain officer was the chief of the criminal investigations unit for Behsud district.

No one claimed responsibility for the attack, but both Taliban and Islamic State are active in eastern Afghanistan and especially in Nangarhar. The local Islamic State affiliate first emerged in Nangarhar a few years ago, then expanded its footprint to elsewhere across the country.

In other violence Monday, insurgents killed at least four Afghan policemen in an ambush in the northern Balkh province, said Sher Mohammad Abu-Tariq, the district chief in Nahri Shahi. And in another separate attack in the eastern Khost province, a 29-year-old reporter for the BBC's Afghan service was shot dead by unknown gunmen. The BBC confirmed the death of Ahmad Shah, saying he had worked for its Afghan service for more than a year. According to Associated Press, BBC World Service Director Jamie Angus called it a "devastating loss."

Islamic State and the more firmly established Taliban carry out regular attacks, with the Taliban usually targeting the Afghan government and security forces and Islamic State targeting members of the country's the Shiite minority, whom the affiliate perceives as apostates.

The relentless assaults underscore the struggles that Afghan security forces have faced to reign in the militant groups since the United States and NATO concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014. Both groups want to establish strict Islamic rule in Afghanistan.

Last week, an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked a voter registration centre in Kabul, killing 60 people and wounding at least 130 others. There were 22 women and eight children among the fatalities. And the month before, an Islamic State suicide bomber targeted a Shiite shrine in Kabul where people had gathered celebrating the Persian new year. That attack killed 31 people and wounded 65 others.

With input from AgenciesThe Dominican Republic severed ties with Taiwan and switched its allegiance to China on Tuesday, in another diplomatic blow to the self-ruled island

Taipei: The Dominican Republic severed ties with Taiwan and switched its allegiance to China on Tuesday, in another diplomatic blow to the self-ruled island, which accused the Caribbean nation of accepting false promises of aid from Beijing.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own, has formal relations now with only 19 countries, many of them poor nations in Central America and the Pacific. China says Taiwan is simply a wayward province with no right to state-to-state ties.

China and Taiwan have tried to poach each others allies over the years, often dangling generous aid packages in front of developing nations, though Taipei struggles to compete with an increasingly powerful China.

Panama ended its long-standing relationship with Taiwan last year in a major diplomatic victory for China.

China has stepped up the pressure on Taiwan since the 2016 election as president of Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party. Beijing fears she will push for Taiwans formal independence, but Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo.

The news on the Dominican Republic drew strong and swift condemnation from Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu, who told reporters that China had offered financial incentives to attract their support.

"President Danilo Medina of the Dominican Republic has ignored our long-term partnership, the wishes of the people of the Dominican Republic, and the years of development assistance provided by Taiwan, to accept false promises of investment and aid by China," Wu said.

Taiwan "strongly condemns Chinas objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwans diplomatic allies. Beijings attempts at foreign policy have only served to drive a wedge between the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, erode mutual trust and further harm the feelings of the people of Taiwan," he added.

The Caribbean country had been a diplomatic ally of what is formally the Republic of China  Taiwans official name  for 77 years, including when the government ruled all of China before being forced to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists.

Taiwans presidential office said that despite the severe challenges, the government would not bow its head in pressure to Beijing, and vowed to do all it could to protect Taiwans interests.

The Chinese governments top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, lauded the decision, in comments to reporters in Beijing at a hastily arranged news conference.

This important and correct decision by the Dominican Republic absolutely accords with the basic interests of the country and its people, Wang said. We highly appreciate this.

Growth potential immense

The Dominican Republic said it had taken the decision after a long process of consultation, taking its needs and potential into account, according to a statement on the presidents website.

It said that even without formal diplomatic ties, China was already its second largest supplier of imported products.

Of course we know that now were establishing diplomatic relations, the growth potential of our trade links is immense, presidential legal advisor Flavio Dario Espinal said.

Espinal said that the government was grateful to Taiwan.

We are deeply grateful for the cooperation weve shared for years, he said. However, history and the socioeconomic reality force us now to change direction.

In Taipei, Wu said China had failed to follow through on its promises to former Taiwan diplomatic allies, including $140 million in aid to the small West African country of Sao Tome and Principe in late 2016.

Developing nations should be aware of the danger of falling into a debt trap when engaging with China, he said.

Neither Wang, nor Dominican Republic foreign minister Miguel Vargas Maldonado, who stood by his side at the Beijing news conference, took questions from reporters.

Speaking in March, Wang said it was in the best interests of Taiwans few remaining diplomatic allies to recognise an irresistible trend and ditch Taipei in favour one China ruled by Beijing.

The Vatican is possibly next on the list, as the Holy See and China edge closer to an accord on the appointment of bishops in China.Iran on Tuesday branded Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu an 'infamous liar' over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Tehran: Iran on Tuesday branded Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "infamous liar" over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi called the accusations that Tehran lied about its nuclear ambitions "worn-out, useless and shameful".

Netanyahu's comments came from a "broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits," Ghasemi said in a statement.

"Netanyahu and the notorious, child-killing Zionist regime must have reached the basic understanding that the people of the world have enough awareness and cognisance," he added.

Netanyahu said in an elaborate televised presentation on Monday that he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

But he did not provide evidence that Israel's main enemy had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

His accusations came as the United States considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.Texas and six other states are suing to end once and for all a program that would protect some young immigrants from deportation. The lawsuit announced Tuesday comes a week after a federal judge in Washington ordered the Trump administration to resume the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

San Diego: Texas and six other states are suing to end once and for all a program that would protect some young immigrants from deportation.

The lawsuit announced Tuesday comes a week after a federal judge in Washington ordered the Trump administration to resume the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Immigrants under the Obama-era program are commonly referred to as "Dreamers." Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had threatened legal action for the past year if the program didn't come to a halt.

Joining Texas in the lawsuit are Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and West Virginia.

A federal judge in Washington called the Department of Homeland Security's rationale against the program "arbitrary and capricious." He gave the Trump administration 90 days to make a new case.

While the government has 90 days to restate its arguments before the order takes effect, presidential press secretary Sarah Huckabee characterized the ruling as "good news" for smuggling organizations and criminal networks and "horrible news for our national security."

If Tuesday's ruling by U.S. District Judge John D. Bates in Washington survives the three-month reprieve, it would be a new setback for the Trump team because it would require the administration to accept requests from first-time applicants for the Obama-era program.

Two nationwide injunctions earlier this year applied only to renewal requests for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. DACA recipients are commonly referred to as "Dreamers," based on never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act that would have provided similar protections for young immigrants.

Siding with Princeton University and the NAACP, Bates said the administration's decision in September to phase out the program over six months relied on "meager legal reasoning." He invited the Department of Homeland Security to try again, "this time providing a fuller explanation for the determination that the program lacks statutory and constitutional authority."

The judge wrote that the administration's explanation was "particularly egregious" because it didn't mention that many of the hundreds of thousands covered by the program had obtained jobs and pursued education based on the assumption that they would be allowed to renew.

DHS didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The administration contends the program started in 2012 is a misuse of executive power and that it had to act because Texas and other states threatened to sue.

In January, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ruled that the administration failed to justify ending the program; his nationwide injunction forced the administration to resume accepting renewal requests within a week.

A federal judge in New York issued a similar ruling in February; a judge in Maryland sided with the administration.

The Supreme Court in February denied the administration's unusual request to leapfrog appeals courts and take on Alsup's injunction, ensuring that DACA would stay in effect for the time being.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals put its review of Alsup's decision on a fast track, but legal experts don't expect a decision until June at the earliest. From there, it is expected to go to the Supreme Court, which may not rule until the spring of 2019.

The administration could appeal immediately Bates' ruling or try again with Bates in the 90-day window he gave. Consolidating the DACA challenges into a single case is a possibility, said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a professor of immigration law practice at Cornell University.

"It's complicated now because you have these different cases," Yale-Loehr said.

Nearly 690,000 people were enrolled when the Trump administration said it was ending the program, and 8 out of 10 were from Mexico. To qualify, they needed to have arrived before they turned 16, been younger than 31 in June 2012, completed high school or served in the military, and had clean criminal records. The two-year-permits are subject to renewal.

Yale-Loehr estimates that tens of thousands of people who meet the criteria but never applied could benefit from Bates' ruling.

The NAACP, joined by two major labor unions, sued the administration in September. Princeton, joined by Microsoft Corp. and a student, followed in November. Bates, an appointee of President George W. Bush, combined the two cases.

Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber said he was "delighted."

"While the decision does not fully resolve the uncertainty facing DACA beneficiaries, it unequivocally rejects the rationale the government has offered for ending the program and makes clear that the (Department of Homeland Security) acted arbitrarily and capriciously," he said.

Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, said he hoped the ruling would motivate Congress to deliver a legislative fix. Bradford M. Berry, NAACP's general counsel, called the ruling "a major win for advocates for justice and a compassionate democracy."At least seven people were killed in two suicide bomb attacks in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul on Monday morning, officials said.

At least 30 people, including nine journalists, were killed in two suicide bomb attacks in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Monday morning, according to TOLOnews. Wahid Majroh, a spokesman for the public health ministry, said that 45 other people were injured in the attack. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the blasts in an online statement.

Hashmat Stanekzai, a spokesman for the Kabul Police chief, said that the first bomber was on a motorbike and the second suicide bomber was on foot. The second attacker was among reporters who had gathered at the scene to cover the first suicide bomb attack, added Stanekzai. He added that the second attacker then detonated his explosives while still among the reporters.

The head of Afghanistan's Behsud districts crime investigation department was killed in the explosion while the deputy district governor was wounded, local officials confirmed.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) chief photographer Shah Marai was also among the dead. AFP says Marai died in a blast that was targeting a group of journalists who had rushed to the scene of a suicide attack in Kabul.

Two reporters for the Afghan branch of Radio Free Europe and a third who was to begin working there soon also were killed, Radio Free Europe said.

Sediqullah Tawhidi, an official from the journalist safety committee says that another journalist was among those who were killed in Monday's attack. Tawhidi says that a cameraman form the local TOLO TV also was killed.

A number of journalists have been injured in the second blast along with civilians, police and emergency personnel who were assisting the first blast victims. Mohammad Mousa Zahir, director of Wazir Akbarkhan Hospital, told that several people suffering injuries from the blasts were being treated at the hospital and some were critical, fearing that the death toll may rise.

As per an Associated Press report, Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has said that it was the deadliest attack targeting reporters since the U.S.-led invasion that overthrew the Taliban in 2001. RSF, said 36 media workers have been killed in Afghanistan in attacks by IS or the Taliban since 2016.

The police chief said that the central area of Kabul that was targeted includes foreign offices. In a statement posted on an Islamic State-affiliated website, the Islamic State group said two of its martyrdom seekers carried out the double Kabul bombings, targeting the headquarters of the "renegade" Afghan intelligence services.

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani has strongly condemned the attacks in Kabul. A statement released by the presidential palace says that attacks targeting innocent civilians, worshippers inside the mosques, national and democratic processes, reporters and freedom of speech all are war crimes.

The United States (US) Embassy has also issued a statement saying The United States strongly condemns todays savage bombings in Kabul. We extend our deepest condolences to families, friends, & colleagues of all the victims, including a number of brave journalists among the dead and injured".

With inputs from agenciesLONDON (Reuters) - Britain will be able to impose sanctions on people who commit gross human rights violations under a so-called 'Magnitsky amendment' backed by members of parliament on Tuesday. The amendment to a new Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill going through parliament passed without a vote as it was backed both by the ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party.

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will be able to impose sanctions on people who commit gross human rights violations under a so-called "Magnitsky amendment" backed by members of parliament on Tuesday.

The amendment to a new Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill going through parliament passed without a vote as it was backed both by the ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party.

Lawmakers referred to it during their debate as the Magnitsky amendment, in reference to Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who was arrested in 2008 after alleging that Russian officials were involved in large-scale tax fraud. He died in a Moscow prison in 2009 after complaining of mistreatment.

The amendment is not specifically aimed at Russians, but it comes at a time of crisis in relations between Britain and Russia following a nerve agent attack in England on a Russian ex-spy and his daughter, which London blames on Moscow.

Russia has denied any involvement in the attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal. The stand-off has led to tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats and fiery rhetoric on both sides.

Boris Johnson, Britain's foreign minister, called the passage of the amendment through the House of Commons an "important moment".

"These (provisions) will allow UK to act against those responsible for serious offences worldwide. UK stands up for human rights globally," he said on Twitter.

The United States had passed a law known as the Magnitsky Act in 2012 under which it has imposed visa bans and asset freezes on Russian officials linked to the lawyer's death.

Prime Minister Theresa May had spoken on May 14 about bringing forward a Magnitsky Act-style amendment in one of her statements responding to the attack on the Skripals.

Bill Browder, an investment fund manager who employed Magnitsky and has led a campaign to punish Russian officials he blames for the lawyer's death, took to Twitter to thank British lawmakers who played a part in the British Magnitsky amendment.

"Thank you for making a UK Magnitsky Act happen," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed allegations that Magnitsky's death was linked to mistreatment, saying he died of heart failure. A Russian court sentenced Browder in absentia in December to nine years in prison after finding him guilty of deliberate bankruptcy and tax evasion, allegations Browder denies.

(Reporting by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Peter Graff)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.Myanmar must hold a 'proper investigation' into alleged atrocities against the Muslim Rohingya, a UN Security Council envoy said Tuesday at the end of the highest-level diplomatic visit to the conflict area.

Naypyidaw: Myanmar must hold a "proper investigation" into alleged atrocities against the Muslim Rohingya, a UN Security Council envoy said Tuesday at the end of the highest-level diplomatic visit to the conflict area.

Refugees and rights groups say Myanmar's Army and vigilantes systematically raped and murdered civilians and torched villages during "clearance operations" in Rakhine state ostensibly targeting Rohingya militants.

That campaign launched last August in the mainly Buddhist nation drove around 700,000 Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh.

During the trip to Myanmar UN delegates met both civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who heads an army accused by the UN of "ethnic cleansing".

"In order to have accountability there must be a proper investigation," Britain's UN ambassador Karen Pierce told reporters, after envoys visited both the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh and Rakhine.

During his meeting late Monday with the UN envoys, the army chief denied his forces had committed rape and other sexual abuses during a crackdown which he ordered.

"The Tatmadaw (army) is always disciplined... and takes action against anyone who breaks the law," he told the delegates, according to a posting late Monday on his official Facebook page.

Rohingya women and girls in Bangladesh have provided consistent accounts of sexual violence  reports verified by conflict monitors  but Min Aung Hlaing said his forces have "no such history of sexual abuse."

"It is unacceptable according to the culture and religion of our country," he said, adding anyone found guilty of crimes would be punished.

He also repeated the official line that Myanmar was ready to take back the refugees who could be verified as residents, as per a repatriation deal with Bangladesh.

Several months after the deal was signed, no refugees have returned. They demand guarantees of safety, the right to return to their original villages and the granting of citizenship.

Another UN diplomat warned it will take "two or three years" for the refugees to be repatriated as the current timeframe to implement the deal continues to slip.

"There is a need to speed up the process," Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, the Kuwaiti ambassador to the UN, said, adding conditions must be "safe and dignified" for return.

Bangladeshi accuses Myanmar of buying time by pretending to cooperate over repatriation for the benefit of the international community.

Myanmar says its neighbour has only handed back 8,000 repatriation forms so far, many of them incomplete, delaying the return process.

Myanmar denies the Rohingya citizenship and accompanying rights.

It has driven out two-thirds of its roughly 1.5 million Rohingya population since 2012.Myanmars military has assured the United Nations of harsh action against perpetrators of sexual violence, state media reported on Tuesday.

Sittwe: Myanmars military has assured the United Nations of harsh action against perpetrators of sexual violence, state media reported on Tuesday, as UN envoys travelled to Rakhine State where the military conducted a widely criticised crackdown.

Nearly 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled from Rakhine State to Bangladesh to flee a military crackdown launched in August that the United Nations and others denounced as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

Many of the refugees arriving in Bangladesh recounted incidents of killings and rape but Myanmar largely rejected those reports as well as the accusation of ethnic cleansing.

It said its forces were engaged in a legitimate security campaign in response to a string of Rohingya insurgents attacks on the security forces.

The Security Council envoys arrived in Myanmar on Monday after visiting refugee camps on the Bangladesh side of the border, and government leaders in Dhaka.

In Myanmar, they met separately with Myanmar government leader Aung San Suu Kyi and military Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing.

Sexual violence (is) considered as despicable acts, the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper cited Min Aung Hlaing as telling the envoys.

The military was taking harsh and stronger actions against such offenders, he said.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi, in her meeting with the envoys, pledged to investigate any credible accusations of abuse, said diplomats who attended.

During the nearly hour-long meeting, Suu Kyi, noted Myanmars difficulties in transitioning to rule of law after decades of military dictatorship, said the diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Suu Kyis civilian government has no control over the military.

Myanmar civilian government spokesman Zaw Htay was not immediately available for comment.

'Cooperation needed'

Tuesday is the final day of a four-day visit to the region by the UN Security Council team.

The Security Council asked Myanmar in November to ensure no further excessive use of military force and to allow freedom of movement, equal access to basic services, and equal access to full citizenship for all.

Earlier on Monday, the council envoys met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who asked them to press Myanmar to take back their citizens.

Hasina said the refugees should return under UN supervision where security and safety should be ensured.

Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete the voluntary repatriation of the refugees within two years but differences between the two sides remain and implementation of the plan has been slow.

Suu Kyis office also said in a statement that cooperation was needed from Bangladesh on the repatriation of refugees.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar has for years denied Rohingya citizenship, freedom of movement and access to basic services such as healthcare. Many in Myanmar regard Rohingya as illegal immigrants from mostly Muslim Bangladesh.The White House said on Monday that it would postpone a decision on imposing tariffs on US imports of steel and aluminum from the European Union, Canada and Mexico for 30 days, avoiding the potential for a trade battle with Europe as the US prepares for tense trade talks in China this week

Washington: The White House said on Monday that it would postpone a decision on imposing tariffs on US imports of steel and aluminum from the European Union, Canada and Mexico for 30 days, avoiding the potential for a trade battle with Europe as the US prepares for tense trade talks in China this week.

The Trump administration said it had reached an agreement with South Korea on steel imports following discussions on a revised trade agreement, the outlines of which were previously announced by US and South Korean officials. And the administration said it had also reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil on steel and aluminum that will be finalised shortly.

Announcing the trade actions, the White House said "in all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment and protect the national security."

Facing a self-imposed deadline, President Donald Trump was considering whether to permanently exempt the EU and Mexico, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil from tariffs that his administration imposed last month on imported steel and aluminum. The White House provided temporary exemptions in March and had until the end of Monday to decide whether to extend them.

The EU has said if it loses its exemption, it will retaliate with its own tariffs on US goods imported to Europe.

The confrontation stems from the president's decision in March to slap tariffs of 25 percent on imported steel and 10 percent on imported aluminum. Trump justified the action by saying it was needed to protect American metal producers from unfair competition and bolster national security. But the announcement, which followed an intense internal White House debate, triggered harsh criticism from Democrats and some Republicans and roiled financial markets.

At the time, Trump excluded several vital trading partners  the European Union, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil  from the tariffs.

That meant the steel tariff covered just 30 percent of all imports, according to Oxford Economics. If all the exemptions were ended, it would have deepened the impact of the tariffs on American companies that use steel and potentially affect financial markets. Stock prices fell nearly 2 percent when the tariffs were announced.

Two people familiar with the process said the Trump administration had been considering whether to provide a short-term extension of the exemptions to allow for more time to review the countries' efforts to secure permanent exemptions.

One of the officials said the US trade representative has been overseeing the process for all of the countries except for the European Union, whose tariffs are being evaluated by the Commerce Department.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal deliberations.

The EU and others had been asked to spell out what limits they could accept on the amount of steel they export to the United States, how they would address the issue of excess production of steel and aluminum and how they would support the US before international bodies like the World Trade Organization. Security relationships with the US have also been part of the criteria.

South Korea agreed to limit its exports to the United States as part of broader discussions involved in updating its bilateral trade agreement with the US and was granted a permanent exemption.

China, Japan and Russia haven't received exemptions from the duties. That will likely reduce steel shipments from those countries over time. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said late Friday that quotas on imports from Europe and other countries are necessary so imports from those countries don't simply replace Chinese imports. The goal of the tariffs is to reduce total steel imports and boost US production, Ross said.

"If you let everybody back out of the tariff, and you let them out of any kind of quota, how would you ever reduce the imports here?" Ross asked at a conference of business journalists. Ross is set to discuss the issue on Monday with EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.

Germany, the EU's largest steel exporter to the US, accounted for about 5 percent of US steel imports last year. South Korea made up the largest share, shipping about 13 percent of US imports, according to an American Iron and Steel Institute analysis of government data.

The EU has compiled a list of retaliatory tariffs worth about $3.5 billion it will impose if its steel and aluminum isn't exempted.

European leaders have resisted the idea of a quota. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement on Sunday that she discussed the issue with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May after returning from a White House visit on Friday.

The three European leaders "agreed that the US ought not to take any trade measures against the European Union," which is "resolved to defend its interests within the multilateral trade framework," Merkel's statement said.

In her meeting with Trump, Merkel said, she saw little progress in obtaining permanent exemptions. "The decision lies with the president," she said Friday.

A United Kingdom spokesperson called Monday's postponement "positive" and said, "We will continue to work closely with our EU partners and the US government to achieve a permanent exemption, ensuring our important steel and aluminum industries are safeguarded."

In a separate trade battle with China, the United States has threatened to impose tariffs on $150 billion of Chinese goods in retaliation for what it argues are Beijing's unfair trade practices and its requirement that US companies turn over technology in exchange for access to its market. The White House also wants China to agree to reduce its $375 billion goods trade surplus with the US

China has said it would subject $50 billion of US goods to tariffs if the US taxes its products. Trump has announced that an administration delegation led by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and trade adviser Peter Navarro will visit Beijing for negotiations on Thursday and Friday this week.

In addition to Mnuchin, Lighthizer, Ross and Navarro, the group will include economic adviser Larry Kudlow, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad and Everett Eissenstat, deputy assistant to the president for International Economic Affairs.

"We're going to have very frank discussions," Mnuchin in an interview broadcast Monday on Fox Business.

Most analysts, however, think it's unlikely the talks will reach permanent agreements and will more likely mark the start of longer-term negotiations.Not all dividend-paying companies make a lot of money, but the ones that do could fetch you solid returns in the long run, simply because a steady flow of cash doesn't just support a dividend but allows a company to grow dividends steadily, year after year.

In fact, top dividend-paying companies like Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and 3M (NYSE:MMM) have consistently converted 15% or more of their revenues into free cash flows (FCF). Combined, the three companies generated nearly $173 billion in revenues in 2017. That's a lot of money, and a good chunk of it is going into shareholders' pockets. That's why these money-minting dividend stocks deserve your attention.

There's more to 3M than you might know

You may not hear 3M's name as often as Procter & Gamble's or Johnson & Johnson's, but you've probably used a 3M product. If you've ever stuck a Post-It note on your desk or used Scotch tape, you know what I'm talking about.

But these brands are just a tiny drop in 3M's portfolio, which comprises more than 60,000 products, serving the needs of industries ranging from healthcare, electronics, energy, consumer, to industrials. So for instance, you may not know that 3M makes products that go into electronic displays in televisions, smartphones, and other gadgets.

2017 was a record sales year for 3M, but a one-time tax hit its profits and drove its FCF to a lower-than-expected level of around $4.9 billion. Yet, 3M didn't disappoint income investors -- it raised its dividend by a good 16% and for the 60th straight year in 2017, returning $2.8 billion of its FCF in dividends.

3M's latest quarterly report wasn't well-received by the market, but the conglomerate only narrowly downgraded its earnings outlook for fiscal 2018 and still aims to convert 100% of its net income into FCF. The stock is barely 2% away from its 52-week lows and is yielding 2.5%, as of this writing.

Johnson & Johnson is doing what it should do

At 23%, Johnson & Johnson's conversion rate of revenue to FCF is the highest among the three companies discussed here. J&J generated $17.6 billion in FCF in 2017, out of which it distributed $8.9 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends.

In 2017, Johnson and Johnson increased its dividend for the 55th consecutive year, substantiating the idea that companies with strong cash flows are also better positioned to grow their dividends.

As one of the most diversified healthcare companies with 12 megabrands, including Johnson's, Band-Aid, and Neutrogena, that are sold across 60 countries, J&J looks well poised to grow earnings, cash flows, and shareholder returns for years to come.

With several drugs currently acting as significant drivers of growth, J&J's pharmaceutical segment looks well placed even as the company strives to maintain its market share in consumer healthcare and medical devices. A strong footprint in each of the three segments also makes J&J one of the most diversified healthcare companies; and it'll need some serious blows to its 12 megabrands for the company's cash flows to be hit hard enough to hurt income investors.

Procter & Gamble has some plans

Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson have a lot in common. Both are household names, global leaders in their industry, and popular stocks among income investors thanks to their Dividend Aristocrat status. (3M, too, is a Dividend Aristocrat, for that matter.)

P&G generated $9.4 billion in FCF in 2017, a whopping $7.2 billion of which was paid out in dividends. Hands down, that's one of highest dividend-to-FCF ratios even among the Dividend Aristocrats. Just weeks ago, P&G increased its dividend for the 62nd consecutive year, also marking the 128th year of regular dividend payments.

It isn't tough to see why P&G has been able to maintain its dividend streak. Having been in business for 180 years and selling its products in as many countries today across 10 product categories and more than 60 brands, P&G has proved its mettle.

To be fair, P&G is having a hard time maintaining its market share lately, which has irked investors, but the consumer giant's renewed focus on growth, partly because of investor activism, is hard to miss. For perspective, P&G is about to buy Germany-based Merck KGaA's consumer health business for 3.4 billion euros ($4.11 billion) in a deal that should add some popular over-the-counter brands to its portfolio.

P&G aims to shell out $7.5 billion on dividends in fiscal 2018, and plans to return nearly $70 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases between fiscal years 2016 and 2019. With P&G stock within striking distance of 52-week lows and yielding a strong 3.9%, you might want to take a chance on it if you're a dividend lover.Change Engine Oil Soon Indicator

On my truck, 2017 6.7 Platinum, I do not get my "Change Engine Oil Soon" light at 10% oil life remaining. On the last iteration, the dealer said it should come on at 5%,. not 10%. The manual, on page 137, says 10%. If that is messed up, maybe something else is.



The last time I brought it in. The Mechanic reset the indicator, and no further troubleshooting could be done. I am going to try again while it is still under warranty.



Does the indicator come on at 10% for everyone else?A row has broken out between farmers and animal welfare campaigners on social media over the cost of policing the badger cull in Cheshire.

A freedom of information (FoI) request sent to Cheshire Constabulary has revealed the amount charged to the Home Office for policing the Cheshire badger cull operation in 2017.

In total, 831,093 of taxpayers money was used to police the removal of 736 badgers. This works out at 1,129 per badger killed.

See also: Analysis  Is the badger cull in England working?

The Wirral & Cheshire Badger Group, which made the FoI request alongside Cheshire Against the Badger Cull, branded the costs wasteful and shameful. It said the money could have been used to fund 46 new nurses, 36 new teachers or 42 new police officers.

Rosie Woodroffe, a wildlife expert at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), who is opposed to culling, wrote on Twitter (@RosieWoodroffe): 831k to police the killing of 736 badgers? 1,129 per badger? Am I getting this right? Just for policing?

Prof Woodroffe then questioned whether culling is more effective than badger vaccination. The science isnt there to tell either way, she said.

Cheshire farmer Phil Latham responded on his Twitter account (@PhilLatham): The policing costs arent for killing badgers. There are no police costs for culling foxes or rabbits either. The costs are attributable to the self-indulgent people who take a lead from those who think the cull is unnecessary.

Government defends costs

Defra defended the costs of policing the culls, saying that its analysis shows this is far outweighed by the benefits of culling badgers to reduce bovine TB rates in herds within and around cull zones.

The departments report, Badger control value for money analysis 2017, estimated that individual culling areas should expect to see an annual net benefit of 1m.

A Defra spokesperson said: The average cost of policing each badger control area has declined significantly year-on-year since 2013, and we expect to see the same in Cheshire.

Bovine TB is the greatest animal health threat to the UK and costs taxpayers more than 100m each year. Our comprehensive strategy to eradicate it includes tighter cattle movement controls, more cattle testing and badger control in areas where the disease is rife.Former Prime Minister and billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili is returning to politics - GeorgianJournalM-tech Mobile partners with Swiftkey keyboard app News oi-Vishal Kawadkar M-tech smartphones will now come with built-in support for Swiftkey keyboard.

M-tech Mobile, a manufacturer of affordable mobile phones has partnered with the predictive typing keyboard app - Swiftkey. All smartphone models of the brand will now come with the Swiftkey app pre-installed offering a faster, easier typing experience over the native device keyboard.

With its predictive typing technology , the keyboard app learns from a user's personal writing style, making typing it more accurate. It even inserts missed spaces for the users. Swiftkey also offers a different way to type by sliding from letter to letter with Swiftkey flow. With its uniquely designed selection of free keyboard themes and emojis that even learns which emoji to predict next, Swiftkey claims to be the go- to keyboard app for new generation smartphone users.

The app offers transliteration support in 22 Indian languages - e.g. Tamil, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Telugu, Kannada etc. user can use any 5 language at a time while typing.

In February, the company announced the rollout of its new feature phone - Boss. The phone comes with boom box speaker claiming to offer louder and clearer audio performance. The phone is equipped with a 2800mAh battery that offers 12 hours talk time and 300 hours standby time.

The dual SIM feature phone comes with a 2.4-inch QQVGA display and features a digital camera. It is equipped with a powerful torch offering illumination distance up to 10 meters. The M-tech Boss comes with a 32GB expandable memory and offers features like wireless FM radio, Bluetooth, audio/video recording, GPRS, video player [3GP,MP4], auto call recording and mobile tracker among others.

With its boom box speaker, the Boss offers much louder sound quality letting users get entertained like never before. Additionally, with its powerful battery life and a range of useful features, the Boss is a real treat for our customers.' Priced at Rs 1,149, the Boss comes in 4 metallic colors - Black, Blue, Red, and Golden. The product is available across the country at 20,000 retail points of all formats and e-commerce sites like Amazon, Snapdeal, Flipkart, Shopclues, Paytm among others.

Earlier, the company launched a 4G VoLTE smartphone in the market. Dubbed as "Eros Plus" the handset is priced at Rs. 4,299.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow NotificationsApple iPhone SE 2 3D CAD renders leaked and looks impressive News oi-Vishal Kawadkar Apple doesn't seem to have any plans on giving up the iPhone SE series.

Apple is said to working on a successor of its iPhone SE, which could be dubbed as the iPhone SE 2. The device has been doing rounds for quite some time now, as new leaks and half-baked reports are pouring in at an alrming rate.

Now, the renders of the iPhone SE 2 have been surfaced online. It is not yet confirmed if these is actually how the iPhone SE 2 would shape up when it comes out but the renders are definitely looking impressive.

It has been a cuople of years since the company last launched a SE device, so it's a loong overdue an update for the Apple fanatics. While Apple is yet to confirm the existense of the device, we have come across a lot of speculations and leaks in past few weeks. Now a designer has come up with the 3D CAD renders. Though the source of the CAD files used for the designs is unvarified. So we request our readers to take this piece of information with a grain of salt.

Previously, MacRumors reported that Apple has filed for eleven new model numbers, each referring to an iPhone with iOS 11.

But hold on, before you get too excited, it's imperative to know that we aren't looking at eleven different iPhone models. The company usually gives different model numbers to the same handset to outline the country of sale and carrier. The ECC listing names five countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. If the rumors are to be believed, the iPhone SE 2 has been in works for quite some time. The smartphone will be cheaper compared to other Apple devices. Several reports claim that the device will feature a glass back and will support wireless charging. Unfortunately, it won't have iPhone X's 3D-sensing tech.

Apple has never followed an annual cycle for the iPhone SE as it does for its elder sibling. So, unlike the next flagship, the iPhone SE can drop any time. Besides, Apple is expected to launch three new models this year, out of which two will be upgraded and cheaper variants of the iPhone X. There's isn't much information about the third phone available, but it is said to be the largest iPhone ever.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow NotificationsLava ranked as the most trustworthy brand by retailers News oi-Priyanka Samsung and Lava have consistently focused on Offline as a key priority for them, with a long-term strategy, centered around trust, timely payouts, and transparency in dealings.

According to CyberMedia Research's (CMR) "Retail Sentiment Index 2018, home-grown handset maker Lava has been ranked first by retailers on trustworthiness as well as timely payouts while Samsung stood second.

The report said that the importance of Offline Channels has been underlined in recent times, with many online-only brands also opting to build their offline presence for further growth. When it comes to Offline, the key differentiation point for a smartphone brand is the level of engagement and trust that it empowers its channel partners with.

Satya Mohanty, Head- User Research Practice at CMR added, "Despite the stiff competition from Chinese mobile handset brands, Lava has held its ground in offline retail channels, scoring exceptionally well, alongside Samsung. Our survey findings affirm that Lava has been ranked first by retailers on trustworthiness as well as timely payouts."

"Brands such as Samsung and Lava have consistently focused on Offline as a key priority for them, with a long-term strategy, centered around trust, timely payouts, and transparency in dealings," he added.

As per the CMR Survey findings, the three key parameters of most importance for channel partners, includes sell-out schemes, timely payout, and transparency in dealings.

Prabhu Ram, Head- Industry Intelligence Group (IIG) at CMR said, "The success of a smartphone brand in a volatile and competitive market like India is determined predominantly by a trust with channel partners. What our survey illustrates is that Offline has to be a strategic long-term move, and not merely a kneejerk tactical one. When brands plan and invest in their channel partners, it pays off for them."

Meanwhile, CMR said in another report that, the super premium segment (Rs 50,000) saw Samsung taking top honors ahead of flagships from Apple iPhone and Google Pixel 2. While Apple reigned supreme in 4Q 2017 with the launch of iPhone X and iPhone 8/8Plus, 1Q 2018 saw the shipments of its premium flagships decline by 74 percent.

It said that in the super premium flagships segment, Apple saw its share decline from 82 percent to 25 percent, while Google went from 11 percent to 2 percent, at the end of 1Q 2018, as compared to 4Q 2017.

Amazon Echo Spot First Impressions

Furthermore, In smartphones, Xiaomi remained the clear market leader for three successive quarters with a 150 percent YoY growth in 1Q 2018. 94 percent of the smartphones were Made in India, with 26 percent YoY growth. On the other hand, imports of feature phones grew by 11 percent in market share, as 74 percent of LYF's JioPhones were imported in 1Q 2018.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow NotificationsSamsung Galaxy Note 9 receives CMIIT nod News oi-Vishal Kawadkar Samsung Galaxy Note 9 soon to be a reality.

Samsung is soon expected to launch its Galaxy Note 9 phablet. And now, the device has been certified by the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CMIIT). The information is based on two model numbers associated with the listing - specifically, SM-N9500 and SM-N9508.

Both these model numbers are listed as mobile phones, with the first being approved on March 21, while the latter got approved on April 24. Also, both the handsets are likely the Chinese variants of the device. The listed frequency band also seem to indicate that the handset is intended for the Chinese market, although some international bands also appear to be supported. Lately, lot of speculations have been doing rounds surrounding the device.

Samsung has been long reported to be working on developing an in-screen fingerprint sensor. There were a lot of reports about the Galaxy S9 featuring the new technology, but unfortunately, the company had to drop the idea due to technical constraints. Now a new report from The Korean Herald, Samsung will bring the new technology with its upcoming flagship Galaxy Note 9.

The Korea Herald's sources say, "Samsung Display has prepared three or four solutions for Samsung Electronics to embed the fingerprint sensor inside of the main display, and both are seriously considering one of the solutions," meaning that Samsung is very close to finalizing a solution. They went on to say, "The delay in deciding on the final concept for the Note 9 is due to the work in adopting the in-display fingerprint sensor. A final decision on adoption of the technology will be made by this month."

The smartphone also recently made an appearance on the benchmarking website, Geekbench. There are also reports that the device might launch in June.

As far as the specifications are concerned, The Galaxy Note 9 is said to come with a 6.3-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED display with an almost bezel-less screen. Otherwise, the flagship device is said to use the same Exynos 9810 chipset or the Snapdragon 845 processor as the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ based on the region. The other goodies expected to be seen on the Galaxy Note 9 are 6GB RAM and 64GB, 128GB or 256GB of internal storage space.

(source)

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow NotificationsGoogle teams up with CBSE for exam search result, info in search and more News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The collaboration has been put into effect beginning from JEE Main entrance exam results, that have gone live already.

Google has something to offer for most of the age groups, be it games, information on any topic and even exam results. Keeping the requirements of students in mind Google has recently collaborated with CBSE, in order to make the exam related info easily accessible by students. As per some reports from the Beebom, it is being said this new collaboration between CBSE and Google will not only allow the students to view exam-related information but will also show the board exam search results from within the Google Search.

Further, the collaboration has been put into effect beginning from JEE Main entrance exam results, that have gone live already. Following this, the students will be able to access their results quickly and securely for a number of exams by simply searching it on Google.

Shilpa Agarwal, Product Manager at Google Search, said: "With over 260 million students enrolled in more than 1.5 million schools across India, we believe having reliable, seamless, and safe access to education-related information is crucial...That's why today's updates are just the first step of many to improve access to information about important exams and other exam-related content in Google Search in India" she further added.

It is also being reported that Google has worked closely with CBSE in order to make sure that the student's data is handled securely and should be used only for showing the results on the Google's search page. However, it is also worth noting the fact that this feature or service will be available for a short period of duration. It is being said that the feature will be live for a short duration after the results are announced formally.

Further, the feature is also said to improve the search experience for the other popular exams that take place in India including, GATE, SSC CGL, CAT etc. Following this, the students who are searching for their exam will get important information like registration dates, test dates and other relative information with the Google search.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow NotificationsDenmark is still inching its way towards the F1 calendar.

Organisers of a proposed street race in Copenhagen met with the boss of Azerbaijan's similar city grand prix at the weekend.

"We had a meeting on Friday with the head of Azerbaijan's grand prix," Helge Sander, who had travelled to Baku with Lars Seier Christensen, told BT newspaper.

"He was completely open about the challenges associated with organising a formula one race in the middle of a big city, but we were in no way deterred."

The pair also met with Gunther Steiner, boss of the Haas team that runs Danish driver Kevin Magnussen.

Copenhagen's proposed city layout has reportedly already been approved by F1 circuit architect Hermann Tilke.

Tilke said in Baku: "Copenhagen will be a great place for formula one.

"The city is unique and the proposed circuit will be so beautiful with the iconic buildings in the background."

(GMM)Brunswick Schools talented seniors Wilson Stephenson, Patrick Burkinshaw and Xander Dickson are each Under Armour All-American selections.

They will play in the 2018 Under Armour Senior All-America Game, which is scheduled at Johns Hopkins Universitys Homewood Field on June 30.

Burkinshaw, rated as the top goalie in the country for the 2018 class, will play lacrosse at the University of Virginia next year. A quad-captain, the Madison resident is a consistent force in goal for the 11-0 Bruins.

Dickson, who will also continue his lacrosse career at Virginia , recently scored a career-high seven goals in the Bruins victory against The Hill Academy  one of the programs most significant wins.

Also one of the teams captains, the Greenwich resident leads Brunswick in goals (28) and assists (24) through 11 games.

Stephenson, a senior quad-captain/defender, earned All-America Under Armour honors several weeks ago and was one of the first 11 players selected to play in the All-America North vs. South game.

A Greenwich resident, Stephenson has starred on the Bruins squad for four seasons and is primed to take his lacrosse skills to Duke next season.

Currently, 33 out of 44 senior players have been announced for the upcoming All-America Game, with Brunswick leading the country with three selections. A final wave of 11 players will be selected in May.George H.W. Bush paid a touching final tribute to his late wife, Barbara Bush by wearing socks with books on them to her funeral on Saturday, April 21, but the viral moment wouldn't have been possible without John Cronin.

It was the fall of 2016 and John  a young man with Down Syndrome  was in his last year of school when he told his father he wanted to be in business with him.

LASTING LEGACY: Former President George H.W. Bush dies at age 94

John's dad, Mark Cronin, told Chron.com they thought of many potential business ideas, including a food truck, but ultimately decided on a sock business.

"Right before Thanksgiving John came up to me and said, 'Dad, we should sell socks.' He came to me with a business name and even a drawing of what the website could look like," Cronin said. "John had always worn crazy socks because they are colorful and fun, and let John be John."

So on Dec. 9, 2016, John's Crazy Socks was born.

The pair decided to skip creating a business plan and just started selling a few pairs in their home state of New York to gauge the response. In the first month alone they made over $16,000 in revenue.

"We learned a few things from that," Cronin said. "People like to buy socks, and people like to buy socks from John."

From there the business grew into a thriving "crazy sock" empire, with over 1,900 styles from different suppliers and several charity and awareness socks designed by John himself.

In 2017  the business' first full year in business  John came across an article about Bill Clinton gifting H.W. Bush some crazy socks and decided that he wanted to send Bush 41 socks as well.

"John loves sending people socks, he has even sent some to J.J. Watt and Odel Beckham after they got hurt. We sent the former president a box of socks that John picked out," said Cronin. "In March, Bush's office called us back looking for more socks, so we sent another box. This time Bush sent a lovely thank you note and sent a pair of socks back. John was over the moon."

Bush wore John's socks on several occasions including on World Down Syndrome Day (March 21), which featured a superhero John personally designed, but the most viral moment was for the funeral of Barbara Bush.

"That Thursday before the funeral, we got a call from H.W. Bush's office asking for socks that would pay homage to the former first lady," Cronin said. "The call was short notice, so we didn't have time to personally design a pair, but after careful thought, John picked out 20 pairs of socks for him and his family that would honor Barbara Bush."

They knew he would likely wear the socks, but they never expected to get as much attention as they have.

"As soon as we realized how popular they were getting, we immediately made it so that 100 percent of the profits from those socks would go to the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation," said Cronin. "We sold about 1,500 pairs of book socks. The demand was so high that we wiped out the supplier, and the socks won't be back in stock until mid-August."

While the book socks may be sold out, there are thousands of others to pick from on their website, and profits go to a variety of charities and organizations like The Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, Autism Speaks, Autism Society of America, and many more.

"It may seem counter-intuitive, but the more we do for others, the more we give away, the better it is for our business," Cronin said. "We want people to look at what John is doing and see what is possible. We want the world to know that when you give people a chance, they can produce."

Take a look through the gallery above to see other crazy socks George H.W. Bush has worn.

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli is a digital producer at Chron.com. You can read more of her stories here and follow her on twitter at @Dani_DiNapoli.Outsider candidates on Tuesday joined Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim in getting petitions in an attempt to get on the August ballot in the two gubernatorial primaries. Petitions are a way for the hopefuls to hedge their bets if they fail to attain 15 percent support in the upcoming conventions.

Republicans Mike Handler of New Canaan, David Stemerman of Greenwich and Bob Stefanowski of Madison will need 9,081 valid signatures submitted to the secretary of the state by June 12 to get on the August 12 ballot. Ganim and Guy Smith, who last month announced that the Democratic Convention is rigged for Ned Lamont of Greenwich, need 15,458 John Hancocks.(Paul Morse for the Office of George H.W. Bush) /(Paul Morse for the Office of George H.W. Bush)

Before the start of Barbara Bush's funeral, Paul Morse, former White House photographer under George W. Bush, snapped a photo of the H.W. Bush, George W. and Laura Bush, the Clintons, the Obamas, and First Lady Melania Trump standing together smiling.

The image became instantly iconic not only for the importance of the photo, and all the people in it, but also for the mood and ease with one another the group portrayed.

SO SWEET: The touching story behind George H.W. Bush's book socks, the man who started it all

According to an interview with the Daily Mail, Morse said there was a lot more to the photo than meets the eye.

Leading up to the photo, the group chatted comfortably with guests as they filed into the church prior to the service, and when it was time to take the picture, the group came together very quickly.

"Rather than me kind of getting everyone together, they were pairing down who was in the room as people were going into the service," Morse told the publication. "The former presidents were the last ones there and [Bush's chief of staff Jean Becker] asked if she could do a group picture with President Bush. It all kind of naturally came together. All of the characters were there except President Clinton, who was talking to someone. He was the last one who joined the picture and he kind of scooted in there, which is why he's partially obscured by Mrs. Clinton."

According to New York Magazine, everyone was genuinely comfortable and at ease with each other, which helped make the shot such an iconic moment, especially considering that many members of the group are considered political rivals.

"I was immediately struck by how natural everyone's expressions were. The smiles were authentic. Everyone seemed very, very comfortable around each other," Morse told the publication. "They felt very comfortable being together like that, which I thought was very remarkable. [Even after] photographing President Bush 43 and Clinton for so many years, there was a twinkle in everyone's eye that caught my attention. It's something I haven't seen in a long time."

Take a look through the gallery above to see the iconic image as well as other scenes from Barbara Bush's ceremony.

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli is a digital producer at Chron.com. You can read more of her stories here and follow her on twitter at @Dani_DiNapoli.Last month, Russia banned Telegram over the its refusal to provide users' data to government authorities. And now, it's coming to light that Iran has banned the messaging service as well.

As per reports, the decision by Iranian authorities is aimed at protecting national security. The country has seen massive anti-government protests in the past few months, and officials have been of the view that Telegram has been extensively used by organizers of these rallies.

"Considering various complaints against the Telegram social networking app by Iranian citizens, and based on the demand of security organizations to confront the illegal activities of Telegram, the judiciary has banned its usage in Iran," a Reuters report says citing Iranian state media.

Citizens, meanwhile, are being encouraged to use local alternatives like Soroush.

SourceThe needs of Blaine, Hill and Liberty counties in the wake of massive flooding was discussed Monday in a meeting between Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, officials from all three counties and the Montana Department of Emergency Services in the Timmons Room of the Hill County Courthouse.

Representatives of the counties listed some extensive damage caused by the flooding, with Liberty County Commissioner Maureen Wicks saying one bridge south of Chester was estimated by a construction company to have sustained $1 million in damages.

So it is safe to say that in Liberty County alone we have exceeded $1 million? asked Mark Gruener, a field officer with Montana Disaster and Emergency Services.

Wicks said the county definitely did.

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock signed an executive order April 18 that declared a state of emergency in the three counties along with Petroleum, Pondera, Valley and Toole counties and Fort Belknap Indian Reservation due to rapid snow melt and flooding that impacted the Milk River and Marias River basins.

Gruener had asked if any the counties had costs exceeding $1.44 million, the amount needed for a presidential disaster declaration.

Hill County Road and Bridge Supervisor Andy Hanson said that, so far, his department has spent $60,000. He said that he estimates the damage will be between $800,000 and $1.3 million.

Blaine County Commissioner Frank DePriest said that in his county more damage is being found as the water recedes.

He said relief funds from the Methodist and Presbyterian churches have helped people displaced by the flooding.

Blaine County Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinator Haley Velk said no bridges have been lost, but some have been damaged and five roads have been totally washed out.

All culverts so far appear to have survived, she said.

Blaine County Road Supervisor Dirk Drugge said that washout took some aggregate off roads that had to be fixed.

Wicks said that in Liberty County, flooding along Cottonwood Creek took out two major culverts, leading to closure of roads, and that though water in the northern part of the county is receding, the water level in Lake Elwell behind Tiber Dam south of Chester is rising.

She added that some bridges are impassible, causing farmers, ranchers and people to have to take longer alternate routes to get to the land on which they farm or ranch. She said farmers are anxious to get seeding.

So the economic impact right now is very severe, Wicks said.

She said the county is trying to get the bridges up and running as soon as possible.

We know long-term solutions will have to wait, but if we can get services to these people that is the most important thing, Wicks said.

Hanson said the water has receded in Hill County but there are six roads his department cannot reach.

He said one road has four families on the other side who were unable to get off their property, but the Road Department has cleared a back road for them to use.

Four other roads are completely washed out, Hanson said.

He said no bridges have been lost but there has been some damage to culverts,

Hanson added that the county, though, has not had a chance to visit and assess damage on some county roads.

Hansen said they have done a few emergency fixes to roads.

Gruener said that if there is damage that represents a true emergency counties should go out and fix it, but it is not known how much money they will be able to get from the federal and state government to aide in repairs.

That is a leap of faith you have to take, he said.

Gruener said that all counties should keep detailed records including photos, for all their expenses from the flooding.Dear Editor:

I am writing from Vermont but subscribe to a news service carrying Amtrak news, therefore have read the article in your paper about the pending ticlet office closure. I am also a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, or NARP. I do appreciate the train service and I have been a passenger aboard the Empire Builder plus other long-distance trains.

The reason I am writing is to just recommend that perhaps your mayor or other city officials connect with Amtrak and strongly argue about what they are doing. Perhaps appropriate members of your state legislature, your two U.S. senators and representative will get strongly involved as well.

The words that you have recorded from Marc Magliari are just public talk to make everything sound as though they are justified. You should not take it lying down. Many NARP members as well as the main organization itself are also against this mentality. What has Amtrak done to increase ridership in your area? How much advertising?

We fear that the new and current Amtrak CEO, Mr. Richard Anderson, is making some very poor decisions. He is not an experienced railroader and prior to this job has probably taken little interest in our greatest trains like the Empire Builder. He seems to be all too wound up with the Northeast Corridor.

I would recommend fighting this with a vengeance. Mr. Anderson has probably not vacationed nor travelled for business on the Builder. What would one think if a cook didnt eat his own cooking? Here Mr. Anderson, who is now seeking all kinds of ways to eliminate costs apparently does not believe in his own product, this service.

I will close with a comment written by Mr. Jim Loomis, who writes his own blog and has been a board member of NARP: And so top management at Amtrak continues to make cuts that diminish the experience for sleeping car passengers without listening to their front-line employees or the passengers themselves or the passenger rail advocates. The Amtrak brass is convinced if they keep cutting, the red ink will disappear. The question is, whos going to pay top dollar to ride on whats left when theyre through cutting?

Thank you,

Bill Scott

East Hardwick, VermontIn a new study on children with severe forms of epilepsy, researchers have found the genetic copying mistake that causes the severe epilepsy in children can be found in their parents who do not have epilepsy.

The research findings are important for reproductive counselling because these young parents are often in the middle of forming their families, says one of the researchers Associate Professor Lynette Sadleir, from the University of Otago, Wellington.

The study, a collaborative research project between the University of Washington, University of Melbourne and University of Otago, Wellington, has just been published in the international journal New England Journal of Medicine.

Our collaborators in Seattle studied the genes in blood from parents of New Zealand and Australia children with severe epilepsies, explains Associate Professor Sadleir.

Severe neurological conditions in children, including epilepsy and autism, are increasingly recognised to be due to de novodisease-causing genetic variants. De novo means the genetic copying mistake occurs in the child and is not found in either of their parents.

Parents with a child with a de novo variant are informed that they have one per cent chance of having a second child with the neurological disorder, she says.

The researchers found that in around eight per cent of apparent de novo cases, one of the parents is actually mosaic for the genetic change. Mosaicism is when the genetic change is not in every cell in the body but rather in a very low proportion of the cells.

Mosaicism occurs when the copying mistake in the gene happens later in foetal development. If the genetic copying error is in the cells of the reproductive organs but not the brain, the parent does not clinically have any neurological problems but can pass on the genetic copying error to 50 per cent of their children, says Associate Professor Sadleir.

In this study, we looked at children with severe epilepsies and apparent de novo genetic mutations as based on standard clinical type testing, she says.

These severe epilepsies, known as epileptic encephalopathies, occur in normal children who start to have many seizures at a young age and lose developmental skills.

One in four of these children will die within 20 years of seizure onset and surviving children are left with significant cognitive, behavioural and movement difficulties.

Our collaborators in Seattle used a technique that was able to find low levels of the genetic change not detectable on standard clinical testing. Usual parental clinical testing looks for the childs genetic changes in at least 30 copies of the gene in their parent.

But this method looks at over 200 copies of the gene so can detect very low levels of the genetic change in the parent.

This finding radically changes reproductive decision-making for parents, and likely applies to other severe genetic human diseases.

Our study suggests that this kind of mutational analysis for parental mosaicism should be routine for families undergoing reproductive counselling, says Associate Professor Sadleir.

If the parent is mosaic, i.e. has the genetic change in a very low proportion of the cells, the risk of having another affected child jumps to up to 50 per cent. In New Zealand, a finding of mosaicism in a parent could mean a family will qualify for pre-implementation genetic testing allowing them to select an embryo without the mutation.

Associate Professor Sadleir leads the Epilepsy Research Group at the University of Otago, Wellington, and contributed to the study along with Chontelle King, who is part of the epilepsy genetics research team.

The New Zealand children included in this study were part of Associate Professor Sadleirs epilepsy research project which aims to identify new types of genetic epilepsies, discover the genes that cause these epilepsies, understand how genetic changes in these genes work to cause epilepsy and work toward precision medicine with targeted therapies to improve the outcome of people with epilepsy.

University of OtagoMembers of the Army bomb disposal unit and gardai attended Connolly Station after the security alert Photo: Collins

A group of Irish Rail workers clearing out an old storage unit under the railway line at Connolly Station were forced to pull back and call gardai when they discovered a box of TNT.

The incident led to one of the busiest train stations in the country - as well as several offices nearby - being evacuated, and the disruption of mainline trains until the explosives were made safe by the Army bomb disposal unit.

Sheriff Street Lower was also cordoned off while the operation was ongoing.

"The alarm was raised at around midday and we first closed platforms one and two at 12.05pm as gardai were contacted. Then we evacuated the station at 12.20pm to ensure everyone's safety," said Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny.

Gardai contacted the Army and a decision was made to send a bomb disposal unit to the scene.

The discovery of the explosives, 15 sticks of TNT, was made when one of the many storage units within the arches under the railway line at Sheriff Street was being emptied by staff.

The explosives were described as commercial in nature and had been stored in the unit for a long time, possibly years.

Some of the storage units are rented out to businesses by Irish Rail but it was not known how the explosives got there or who had stored them.

Dart and commuter trains which operate through Connolly to other stations, such as Maynooth and Drogheda, continued to run but did not stop at Connolly for almost two hours.

Alarms

Luas trams also avoided stopping at Connolly Station.

At the back of Connolly Station, people in businesses and offices were forced to leave their workplaces after evacuation protocols were initiated.

"We don't know what is happening. The fire alarms went off and we were ushered up here beyond the garda tape," said one man who was standing with his colleagues on Oriel Street.

Shortly after 2.30pm the all-clear was given. The station reopened and services resumed.

In a tweet, Irish Rail said: "Security alert lifted, Connolly Station reopening after Army attended to suspect item, historic in nature. Full services resuming, delays remaining but will ease."

The Army later issued a statement confirming a bomb squad - or Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit - attended the scene.

"The explosives were made safe at the scene and removed to a secure military installation for disposal. The scene was declared safe at 2.50pm," it said.

Meanwhile, gardai confirmed that a bomb disposal team also attended at Dublin Airport yesterday following a security alert that took place on Sunday.

A statement from Dublin Airport said: "A suspicious substance was discovered on Sunday at our security screening through a normal security check on departing passengers. All procedures were followed and the gardai were alerted.

"Following a request from the gardai as a precautionary measure, the Army deployed an EOD unit to carry out some further tests."

An Army statement said its team arrived on scene at 11.10am yesterday.

"The substance was destroyed in a secure location on site and the scene was declared safe at 1.30pm," it added.HSE chief Tony O'Brien said it was known that smear testing has a failure rate.

Fifteen women who developed cervical cancer died without knowing they had been the victim of a misdiagnosis.

The news that they had been wrongly given the all-clear after having a smear test with CervicalCheck will only be broken to their loved ones this week.

The deceased patients were among 208 women whose smear test readings missed abnormalities over the past 10 years, leaving them to develop cervical cancer.

Only 46 of these women were told that an internal review of their case was carried out by CervicalCheck, unlocking the mystery behind their cancer misdiagnosis.

HSE director Patrick Lynch, who led a team that investigated CervicalCheck files in recent days, revealed 17 of the women have died but only two were told of the review of their case before they passed away.

Commitment

"The next of kin will be informed," he said.

It is unclear if all the women died of cervical cancer.

"It is a fundamental commitment in healthcare that if somebody is the subject of a review they must be informed of this and the outcome," Mr Lynch added.

The all-male team was revealing its findings following heightened public anxiety about standards at CervicalCheck.

The concern emerged after Limerick mother-of-two Vicky Phelan, who has terminal cervical cancer, was not informed of an internal review of her failed smear test for three years.

The 208 women were treated in 13 hospitals, including in Castlebar, Cork, the Coombe, Dundalk, the National Maternity Hospital Holles St, Limerick, the Rotunda, Sligo, Tallaght, Dundalk, Wexford and Letterkenny.

"They will be contacted dir- ectly by the hospital. Most of these contacts will happen today and tomorrow," Mr Lynch said.

"They will be offered an appointment by a senior clinician. We need to be open with all those who use our services."

He said he was confident the doctors will treat the women or their relatives sensitively.

It emerged last week that CervicalCheck had a policy of leaving it to the judgment of doctors on whether to tell patients of their reviews, and in the case of deceased women it could be just noted in their medical file.

HSE chief Tony O'Brien said it was known that smear testing has a failure rate.

He defended the use of laboratory facilities in the US to read half of CervicalCheck smears, saying their standards were quality-assured.

They are tailored to reading smears which are taken every three to five years from Irish women.

"If there is a concern about an original result it goes back to the original lab," he said.

"It goes to a second lab. There are layers of safeguards built in."

The internal reviews which were carried out by CervicalCheck looked at the original interpretation of the smear test result and rechecked it.

Anxious

In the case of 208 women, the second team which examined the result found the original negative reading was wrong.

Women should either have been referred for a diagnostic procedure or sent for a second smear test.

By the time they found out they had cancer their treatment was delayed.

Women who are anxious about their smear test reading in the wake of last week's controversy are to be offered another free of charge.

The team would not comment on why the reports were kept secret from the women.

CervicalCheck is to undergo an inquiry by Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), as well as an external review.

Obstetrician Dr Peter Mc- Kenna, who is now heading the HSE's women's health programme, said that from now on a new system will be in place.

If a woman develops cancer after a mistaken test reading she will be informed of the review and be part of it, he added.

CervicalCheck is to bring in HPV-related cervical screening next autumn.

This is aimed at increasing the rate of accuracy and reduce the number of tests women must undergo in a lifetime, the HSE confirmed.

It will also be reviewed by international experts, who will look at areas such as the quality of testing and whether the failure rate is on a par with norms for a screening service.New Ireland AM anchorwoman Ciara Doherty dispelled any talk of pay dissatisfaction in her role when she stepped out at the Peter Mark VIP Style Awards at Dublin's Marker Hotel.

The TV3 presenter, who has recently been made a permanent fixture as co-anchor on the breakfast time couch, told the Herald she was very happy with her salary.

Former co-anchor Sinead Desmond left the station after 11 years in the position amid rumours of a gender pay gap row.

"I'm more than happy about what I've been paid and I want to look now to the future and to the 20th anniversary. I'm happy in my position and I wouldn't have taken it otherwise," Doherty said.

She has been a part of Ireland's most popular morning show for the past two-and-a-half years and has been anchoring for the past six months.

She said she was "beyond thrilled" in her new role and is looking forward to the 20th anniversary of the show next year.

"I've loved it and I've wanted to stay on and I'm absolutely thrilled now that they've made the decision that I'm going to be the permanent anchor," she said.

Amazing

"The programme will be 20-years-old next year, so it's amazing to think I will be there as the co-anchor for its 20th anniversary.

"Myself, Mark, Alan and Aidan, we click together, and I hope people can see that."

Doherty said she has worked hard for the promotion and believes the move by TV3 is very positive for other women too.

"They have always had a female anchor, they have always had that role, but I do think other women like to see others succeed and get promoted," she said.

"I have been working in media since I was 20, and I've worked as a researcher, producer and a reporter and a presenter.

"I have worked for a long time to try and get to this point and I think people by and large are always glad to see somebody else who is female in the industry get a little promotion."

The Donegal woman walked the red carpet at the Marker in a show-stopping Catriona Hanly black and gold gown, opting to support Irish designer talent like many others among the fashionable stars there.

"I think a lot of people would be familiar with her tweeds and her blouses and her unusual edgy take," said Doherty.

"She decided this year to launch a ballgown collection and she has just literally finished it, and she gave one to me to wear.

"I didn't wear a long dress for my wedding and I never wore a full-length gown before - and I don't think I will take it off."

Doherty finished her look with earrings from Brown Thomas and a golden clutch she found at the "back of the wardrobe".These are the shocking images of a Dublin man being rescued by the Dublin Fire Brigade after a shocking explosion at his home in Kimmage.

Three units of Dublin Fire Brigade rushed to the scene shortly after 11am yesterday.

The man was dragged from the ground floor of the building as the room he was in filled with smoke.

The man, in his 50s, was treated at the scene after a gas canister exploded inside his home.

Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed that it was called to the scene after neighbours spotted smoke and flames coming from the house.

Other witnesses also reported hearing an explosion and coughing coming from inside the property.

The explosion was so forceful that a number of downstairs windows were shattered.

It broke out just before 11.10am yesterday morning at the apartment at Brookfield Grove in Kimmage.

BURNS

The man was rushed to Tallaght Hospital where he was last night being treated for burns to his hands and body.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Another person was in the house at the time of the incident but was uninjured.

A Dublin Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We had three pumps at the scene of the fire in Kimmage.

"There were two in the house, one was accounted for and the other casualty was injured and was being treated at the scene.

"The windows were blown out of the house during the fire."

"Earlier today breathing apparatus teams rescued a person from a domestic house fire in Kimmage.

"Crews rapidly entered the building on arrival and performed a snatch rescue on one casualty who was removed and treated by DFB Emergency Ambulance.

"It is believed the fire was as a result of an explosion. Investigation is under way.

"Crews from Dolphin's Barn and Rathfarnham attended, and @ESBNetworks and @GasNetIrl emergency crews."A man and a woman were threatened in Ballyjamesduff

A violent young Dublin criminal and his sister were last night being quizzed by gardai over two aggravated burglaries targeting pensioners in a border county.

The younger sibling is a male in his late 20s, has recently completed a prison sentence and is originally from the Tyrrelstown area.

He has been linked to burglaries in the Cavan area going back almost a decade.

He is well-known to gardai and while serving his sentence in Mountjoy jail was involved in a tense stand-off with officials after collecting drugs thrown over the prison wall.

The "dopey criminal" also has previous convictions for assault and weapons offences, and once spat in a garda's face during a court appearance.

His sister, who is in her 30s, has nowhere near the convictions of her brother but has been arrested on suspicion of theft in the past.

Both were arrested on Sunday in connection with two aggravated burglaries in Ballyjamesduff.

An 85-year-old woman and a 90-year-old man had a firearm pointed at them during the terrifying incidents.

The elderly lady told the Herald that she managed to alert the guards through a panic alarm at her home.

"They just came in through the front," she said.

"I was so scared, especially since I'm living on my own. The two had Dublin accents and pointed a gun at me while demanding that I co-operate.

"They stole some jewellery and money, but thankfully I wasn't hurt. Luckily I have a panic alarm which alerted the guards straight away.

"They were very helpful and I have my family who are now taking care of me.

"I'm still very shaken, but relieved they were caught," she added.

Traumatised

The two suspects then made their way to the 90-year-old's home on the other side of Ballyjamesduff.

The gang escaped with a quantity of cash and personal belongings, with the man left shaken by the incident.

It is understood he was taken to hospital the following day.

A neighbour of the 90-year-old told the Herald that it was the second time the victim had been robbed within a number of years.

"The first time around, thieves broke into his house and stole his car. It was later found burnt out," she said.

"I'm sure he's very traumatised by what happened on Sunday - he was even taken to hospital.

"His wife only died recently, which makes all this even more upsetting."

When the alarm was raised, a number of mobile units were immediately deployed in the area.

A short time later gardai spotted the suspects' getaway car on the main street in Virginia, Co Cavan, resulting in an immediate pursuit.

According to a source, a garda vehicle sustained minor damage while forcing the car to a complete stop.

The occupants of the car, a man and a woman, were arrested and taken to Bailieboro Garda Station.

They are both currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

No firearms have been recovered.13 die from COVID in Franklin County. Here are numbers from the region

newsThe present controversy concerning the non-elevation of Justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court has arisen in the context of the Central Government unilaterally dissecting the recommendation of the collegium, by appointing one recommendee and not the other.

In terms of the law laid down in the Second Judges case, and fortified by the Third and Fourth National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Judges cases, the recommendations of the collegium are binding on the Centre.The Centre is entitled to communicate to the collegium in exceptional cases alone, strong cogent reasons indicating that the recommendee is not suitable for appointment but if the stated reasons are not accepted and the recommendation is reiterated by the collegium, the appointment should be made as a healthy convention.

There are two aspects to this controversy. One, whether the Centre is entitled to segregate or dissect the names recommended by the collegium and secondly, whether the reasons given by the Centre for not appointing Justice K M Joseph can be considered strong or cogent.

As to the first aspect, while there is no clear position on whether such segregation is permissible (there is nothing in the law laid down to indicate that it is not), it may be potentially misused to disturb the line of seniority, which determines who will assume the office of the Chief Justice of India. If multiple names are recommended and the senior recommendees are returned to the collegium but the junior recommendees are appointed, the latter become senior to the former, which is not at all conducive. Though the collegium is entitled to reiterate its recommendation, but as seen in the past, there is no mechanism in place to account for the delay in appointments even after the recommendations are made by the collegium.

I personally feel that in the present case, it would be an oversimplification of the matter to suggest that a stand be taken and no appointment be made in view of such dissection/ segregation. It may ensure independence of judiciary and send a strong message, but it would come at a heavy price,with six judges of the Supreme Court set to retire this year. In such a situation, the collegium should revert as expeditiously as possible, reiterating the recommendation, as Justice Joseph is one of the outstanding judges deserving elevation to the Supreme Court.

The reasons given by the Centre for Justice KM Josephs non-appointment pertain to his seniority (or lack thereof) and adequate representation of his parent (Kerala) High Court. In my personal view, these cannot be strong or cogent reasons to return his recommendation because the Fourth Judges case clearly lays down that there cannot be any doubt that consideration of Judges on the basis of their seniority, by treating the same as a primary consideration, would adversely affect the present convention of ensuring representation from as many State High Courts as is possible. The convention in vogue is to maintain regional representation. At present, there is only one other judge (Justice Kurian Joseph) whose parent High Court is Kerala High Court. However, there are at least two or more judges from the following (parent) High Courts: Andhra Pradesh ( two), Bombay (three), Delhi (three), Karnataka (two) and Madhya Pradesh (two).

Therefore, it may not be appropriate to single out Kerala High Court alone as having adequate representation.

Moreover, the defiant attitude of the executive is evident even as regards appointment of judges to High Courts. For instance, despite the collegiums recommendation for appointing a judge to the Karnataka High Court after having given the recommendee a clean chit, the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned initiated an inquiry against him at the Centres behest. In another instance, the Centre extended the tenure of an additional judge by only six months despite the collegiums recommendation for making him a permanent judge.

The executive should appreciate that after the Second, Third and Fourth Judges cases, the judiciary is the supreme authority in matters of appointment of judges, and it is not conducive to try and dilute the primacy of the collegium. In my view, the collegium should be guarded and very assertive of its recommendations. The government, as a major litigant, cannot paralyse the process of appointment of judges, knowing that it plays a limited role.

The Fourth Judges case recognised the need for improving the collegium system, but nothing substantial has really happened since then. The fate of the new Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for appointment of judges is unknown. The need of the hour is for the judiciary to assert itself in the matter of appointments to ensure a fair and impartial justice delivery system, and for the judiciary and the executive to work in tandem and arrive at a revised MoP to ensure the independence of the judiciary.

Mohan Parasaran is a senior advocate and former Solicitor General of India

The views expressed are personalBold, courageous, confident and the one to speak her mind  thats how Mahie Gill is portrayed in her onscreen characters. But, in real life, the actor says she is quite the opposite. However, this hasnt stopped her from talking about how she faced casting couch during her initial days in the film industry.

The actor shares that there have been instances when people tried to make indecent advances to her in return for work. It happened with me a few times. I dont even remember the name of the directors. I had to meet a director, so I wore a [salwar] suit and went, and he told me, If you wear a suit and come, nobody is going to cast you in a film. Then, I met another director and he tells me, I want to see how you look in a nightie. So, you see, there are idiots all around.

Read | Vikram Bhatt: Casting couch is just the tip of the iceberg; theres much more under the water

Mahie adds that such incidents made her confused about how things worked in the industry. I was so new to Mumbai, so, I didnt know who was right and who was wrong. And when people know you are new in the industry and struggling while theyve been sitting in Mumbai for so many years, you tend to listen to them. I mean, I actually started to think that achha, aisa hota hai ki suit pehnne se role nahi milte aur koi kaam nahi dega? So, with everyone trying to give you free advice, its very difficult to meet the right kind of people, adds Mahie, who will next be seen in Tigmanshu Dhulias Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3.

For a newcomer, naive to the ways of glamour world, Mahie says it wasnt easy to deal with such situation. Asked how she managed to avoid such traps, she says, I was anyway nervous while meeting people, so, whenever someone tried to give me stupid logic or guide me in any way, I used to run away. I just used to leave that place.

Read | There are many Harvey Weinsteins in Bollywood: Shenaz Treasury makes shocking revelations

The actor admits that it really affects ones state of mind. After all this, you dont know who to meet, how to meet. There was a point when I stopped meeting people in their offices and I even used to take a friend along with me so that people dont try to act smart. But then, you want money also, so, I started doing some serials also on Doordarshan just to earn, says Mahie, who made her Bollywood debut in 2009 with the film Dev D.

Interact with Monika Rawal Kukreja at Twitter/@monikarawalBollywood actor Akshay Kumar was super excited to meet his Marathi teacher on Maharashtra Day. He labelled his Marathi manageable and credited the teacher for his knowledge of the language.

Had a chance meeting with the lady responsible for my manageable Marathi...my Marathi teacher from school :) Couldnt have met on a better day #MaharashtraDay, Akshay captioned his picture with the teacher. May 1 is celebrated as Maharashtra Day and May Day.

Akshay, who was last seen in R Balkis PadMan, has completed work on Reema Kagtis Gold and is currently shooting Kesari - a film on the battle of Saragarhi. He recently injured his ribs during the shooting of an action sequence for Kesari and had to stall shooting for the day.

Akshay Kumar at the Lokmat Maharastrian Of The Year award in Mumbai. (IANS)

Directed by Anurag Singh, Kesari also features Parineeti Chopra and will hit theatres on Holi 2019.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreBollywood producer Boney Kapoor and husband of late actor Sridevi will make a feature or a documentary on his wife. According to reports, he has already registered titles for the same.

He has reportedly settled on three titles called Sri, Sridevi and Sri Maam and registered them with the movie registration department of one of the producer associations of Bollywood. Speaking to Mid-Day, the producer accepted that he has registered three titles but refused to divulge them. There are plans to make a film, but I cant tell you whether it will be a biopic or documentary. I dont see the need to rush into anything, he told the tabloid.

These names are only a few among the 20 odd titles being registered by him, Deccan Chronicle reported. Among Sridevis earlier works that Boney has registered are films like Chaalbaaz, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Jaanbaaz and Mr India. He has also got hold of titles like Return of Mr India, it added.

Sridevi died under mysterious conditions on the night of February 24 in a Dubai hotel. She was in the desert city to attend the wedding of actor Mohit Marwah, her husbands nephew. While the rest of the family had returned to India, the actor decided to stay back to do some shopping. Things turned terribly wrong on the fateful night, when she reportedly drowned in her bath tub even as Boney waited in their hotel room. They were to go for dinner together. An investigation by authorities in Dubai concluded that Sridevis end was a case of accidental drowning resulting in death.

The actors mortal remains were cremated in Mumbai, surrounded by friends, family, industry veterans, well wishes and scores of fans on February 28.

Sridevi started out as a child actor in Tamil films at a tender age of four. She went on to work in a number of films in all four south Indian languages, before making it big in Hindi films. Some of her biggest hits include 16 Vayathinile, Moondru Mudichu, Naan Adimai Illai, Mr India, Chandni, Chalbaaz among others.

Her elder daughter Janhvi is on the cusp of making her Bollywood debut in Karan Johars Dhadak. Directed by Shashank Khaitan and also starring Ishaan Khatter, the film is a Hindi remake of surprise Marathi hit, Sairat.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreThe families of Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor and her boyfriend Anand Ahuja have confirmed that the two are getting married on May 8.

A joint statement released by the two families read: The Kapoor and Ahuja families take great joy and pride, in announcing the marriage of Sonam and Anand. The wedding will take place on the 8th of May in Mumbai. Since it is an intimate affair, we request you to respect the familys need for privacy. Thank you for all your blessings and love as we celebrate this special moment in our lives.

According to reports, preparations for the Sangeet ceremony have already begun at Anil Kapoors residence.

Sonams parents -- Anil and Sunita -- along with her cousins, will all dance to specially choreographed songs. Sonam too is expected to perform while her family will dance to hit songs from her films such as Veere Di Wedding and Khoobsurat.

Read: Before Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja wedding, she shares their romantic video

It was earlier said that the 32-year-old actor is going to tie the knot at a relatives heritage bungalow in Bandstand, Mumbai. It was also said that the reception will take place at a five-star hotel owned by her close friend.

However, Sonam told a Dubai-based portal, The National, that she would rather give the money away than spending it on lavish weddings. She also said that the idea of marriage is more appealing to her than the wedding itself.

She said, Id rather have a wedding at home than anywhere else. I think its important to do all the rituals, but I dont believe in spending all that money, I find it disgusting and very wasteful, and Im not okay with that at all.

Anand Ahuja is a Delhi-based businessman. His family is in the apparel manufacturing business. He owns a brand called Bhane.

On the work front, Sonam Kapoor will soon be seen in her home production, Veerey Di Wedding. The film, which also has Kareena Kapoor Khan in an important role, will hit the screens on June 1, 2018.Quashing claims that she may have secretly got married, actor Priyanka Chopra took to Twitter to slam gossip mongers and clarify that her wedding will not be a secret one. When the Bollywood star posted a picture on social media while on her way back from a weekend trip to Assam, the internet found her bracelet looking similar to a mangalsutra, a necklace worn by married women in many parts of India. This started speculation that she may have tied the knot secretly, which the Baywatch star has now refuted.

Hahahah! heights of speculation! This is an evil eye guys! Calm down! Ill tell u when I get married and it wont be a secret! Lol, she tweeted along with a close-up picture of the evil eye bracelet that was mistaken for a mangalsutra.

Priyanka Chopra dances the Bihu in Assam but she needs to learn it some more

https://t.co/EkUEgfbO75

Hahahah!heights of speculation! This is an evil eye guys! Calm down! Ill tell u when I get married and it wont be a secret! Lol pic.twitter.com/WPdIxXIx1I  PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 30, 2018

Priyanka was in Assam recently and paid a visit to the Subarna Prabha Bordoloi Girls High School in Jorhat over the weekend where she also performed Bihu with the girls.

Priyanka Chopra arrives in Assam's Jorhat to shoot for Assam tourism commercials. (IANS)

On the work front, the third season of her American sitcom, Quantico, began airing recently and she has also completed work on two Hollywood projects - A Kid Like Jake and Isnt It Romantic?

Priyanka Chopra: At times, my words are misconstrued; it leads to controversy



Priyanka will now start shooting for Ali Abbas Zafars Bharat that features Salman Khan in the lead role. Im looking forward to begin shooting this film and working with Salman and Ali again after a considerable time. Ive learnt a lot from them in our previous collaborations and am excited to see what this one has to offer. Im also looking forward to working with Alvira and Atul (Agnihotri, Salmans sister and brother-in-law and films producers) and the entire team of Bharat, she had said in a press statement.

Bharat will be Priyankas first Bollywood project in three years, after Prakash Jhas Jai Gangaajal.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreModel-turned-nun Sofia Hayat has confirmed that she divorced husband Vlad Stanescu after just a year of marriage and accused him of fraud, stealing and lying.

Announcing the development on Instagram, Sofia wrote, You said you were an interior designer who designed palacesYOU LIEDinfact..you were in debt..You said you loved me..YOU LIED..love does not lie or steal..I paid for our sacred Union..I paid for the bills and I paid for our food and clothes..and yet..you wanted to steal moreyou wanted everything I hadI met you..you were working in a shop..but I did not care..I still loved you. Everybody warned me not to be with someone who had no home or money..but..I did not listen..I believed in love..but you proved me wrong. So I pushed you out of my home and my life I have learnt a lesson..that I will never be with anyone again who is not my equal. Who does not give back.He who is honoured to stand by my sidewill be my equal..will inspire..create..love and know no darkness.

Sofia Hayats wedding is like nothing weve ever seen before. See pics

I allowed my light to shine through you..now you will stay in the darkness that you are. The devil came to me disguised with the face of an angel..and tried to rape me of all that I am..but the sacred Mother is the All and can see the wrong. My power is truth, love and the love for my creation..for all that is good comes from me. There is one creator..Mother..Mata..Sekhmet..Allah Maa..Mary..and one powerLOVE. Anything else..ceases to exist. Now, she added.

In a recent post along with a pensive picture of herself, Sofia wrote, In the past..the Gods fought many wars..and the one who won proclaimed himself a God and robbed everything from the Cosmic Mother and proclaimed it as his own. He won falsely..with lies..and theft. Told the lie that the universe was created by him..he took the keys of the universe from her and locked her up yet used her creation..her womb for himself..today I did not allow that to happen again and fell the False God. His lies were so sweet that even with evidence that he is a liar..you would have believed him..I saw past it all..lived through it again to say..that the devil tried to take me over..but I defeated the Devil. There is no greater power than TRUTH..LOVE..and The Mother.

Sofia also claimed former partners of Vlad shared similar instances of fraud and stealing with her. She posted screenshots of her conversations with them.

Sofia Hayat, who appeared on Bigg Boss 7 in 2013, got married to Romanian interior designer Vlad Stanescu on April 24.

Sofia has removed all her Instagram posts of the wedding that took place in London.

Follow @htshowbiz for moreIn 2012, the State Bank of India (SBI) declared Kingfisher airlines a non-performing asset (NPA). SBI had the highest exposure of Rs 1458 crore among the consortium of banks which had loaned money to the airline.

Kingfishers total debt amounted to Rs 6000 crore then. The task of recovering loans given to the company and prosecuting those who were involved in wrongdoing is still a work in progress.

RBIs December 2017 Financial Stability Report (FSR) says that there will be a complete erosion of the profits of the banking sector under the scenario of a default by the topmost 3 borrowers of each bank.

The report also shows that more than four-fifths of NPAs of banks are on account of large borrowers. A large borrower is defined as a borrower that has aggregate fund-based and non-fund based exposure of Rs 5 crore and more for the Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs).

These are two disparate facts about the current banking crisis in India. But they raise two similar questions. Would it have been possible for any person to borrow Rs 6000 crore to start an airline like Vijay Mallya could? Will the government sit back and watch if banks face a potential collapse due to default of their large borrowers? The answer to both questions is a definite no. Irrespective of whether or not malfeasance has led to the crisis of borrowers or lenders, their sheer size is bound to have played/play a role in their access/potential access to credit/bail-out. Banks gave out big-ticket loans because big borrowers inspired confidence that they would be able to pay back. Now that they cannot pay back, the government would have to infuse capital in banks and save them.

In 2017, the government announced a recapitalisation plan involving Rs 2.11 trillion for state-owned banks. While Rs 1.35 trillion out of this amount was to be raised by issuing recapitalisation bonds, the rest is to come from budgetary allocations and fundraising from markets.

The short point is the principle of too big to fail is both the cause and result of Indias banking crisis.

This argument gains even more strength when we look at how banks reacted when the NPA crisis started developing . Bad debt started mounting in Indias banking sector since the beginning of this decade itself. However, this was hidden through statistical jugglery. Instead of recognising their bad debts as NPAs, banks put them under the category of restructured loans. Things changed drastically when RBI forced an asset quality review (AQR) in the second half of 2015. While total share of bad loans have continued to increase at the same pace, most restructured loans joined the category of NPAs.

Let us assume an individual borrows money from a bank to buy a car and starts faltering on EMI payments in a year. Would the bank recognise the loan as an NPA and initiate processes to recover the money or would it enter into a negotiation with the borrower to postpone payments for a while in the hope of recovering the loans?

The former is a more plausible action on part of the bank. This is unlikely to be the case if the defaulting borrower is sitting on a huge loan due to two broad reasons. Firstly, a big borrower has much more resources at his/her disposal to deal with the methods employed by a bank to recover the debt.

Secondly, the potential loss in case of default by a big borrower is much bigger than a car loan gone bad, hence the bank would be more amenable to giving a long rope to the borrower.

The argument of too big to fail holds true for explaining bad loans in the banking system in general. The sub-prime crash which triggered the financial crisis in the US was a result of highly risky borrowing against portfolios of housing loans which were bound to face defaults sooner or later.

Because large funds and not individual house-buyers were dealing in these toxic securities, loans were given in the first place. Even though banks which collapsed were in the private sector, they had to be bailed out by using taxpayers money.

What is special about Indias banking crisis then? It is the disproportionate concentration of bad loans in the government owned banking system. Gross NPAs as percentage of total advances stood at 13.5% for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in September 2017.

The figures are less than 4% for foreign and private banks. To be sure, one could argue that higher levels of NPAs in PSBs are due to their overall dominance in Indias banking industry (60-70%). Comparing relative share of NPAs can take care of this mismatch.

Relative share of NPAs in PSBs can calculated by dividing the share of PSBs NPAs in total NPAs by share of PSBs advances in total advances in the banking sector. This exercise shows that PSBs have had a major role in creation of Indias present banking crisis.

What explains the disproportionate share of PSBs in NPAs? An earlier story by this author had pointed towards governance related issues in PSBs which makes them more vulnerable to frauds and losses. However, it would wrong to say that only PSBs face corporate governance problems.

Recent events involving ICICI Bank have shown that private banks are not immune to such practices. Is there something else which explains the concentration of bad loans in PSBs?

The next part of this data-journalism series will try and answer this question.In the past, we described a passing fad as flavour of the fortnight. In frenetic new digital India, it is the flavour of 48 hours. As is the ongoing outrage over the Modi government handing over the nations pride, the Red Fort, to a rapacious Marwari business house. A little bit of research confirms seven principles of todays polarised debate:

1) Nobody wants to be confused by facts: so nobody checks facts. Read up everything written taking apart the idea of handing over national heritage to companies. They all tell you the government is hiding the details. That this whole thing is pick-and-choose, arbitrary and that be prepared for your monuments to be branded: Dalmia Red Fort, Tata Taj Mahal and, who knows, Wipro Chittorgarh.

Nationalist outrage is a most contagious virus and I also caught it initially. Then my reporters scepticism kicked in and I made some checks. The lazy thing would have been to call tourism minister KJ Alphons. But I work late nights so I Googled instead. It took me to the tourism ministry website which, in turn, directed me to www.adoptaheritage.in. It has details of the scheme of involving companies as Monument Mitras in the running of chosen Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) monuments.

About a hundred monuments are listed for adoption. These are listed in three categories, from premium (green) to the less coveted (blue and orange). A corporate bidding for a green monument (Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Chittorgarh) has to also take one out of the other two. The website gives more details than one would usually expect from the government. It says 323 applications have been received, four approved, and provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply. All the supposedly hidden, dark and diabolical secrets are here. I can spare Alphons a phone call.

2) No political party has the monopoly on a convenient memory, if not unthinking stupidity: The Congress has been attacking this policy as a sell-out. If angry Congressmen had only bothered to make a phone call, not to NDAs tourism ministers, but to one from their own times, Ambika Soni, they wouldnt be looking so silly.

In 2007, I recorded a Walk the Talk for NDTV at the Taj Mahal and she told me about the struggles she was having with the low-level bureaucracy in her own ASI who were sabotaging the wonderful work the Tatas were doing restoring the monument. You want more details, check out Kaveree Bamzai in India Today, on how a few ASI people went to the Supreme Court, asking if it approved the changes the Tatas were making. Because, they said, the court was responsible for the entire Taj complex. C. Babu Rajiv, a wonderfully committed ASI chief tried to save the situation but failed. The Tatas pulled out after sinking Rs 2 crore and wasting much time of the worlds finest restoration experts, including Sir Bernard Fieldon and Milo Beach. So, Manish Tiwari, please do exchange notes with Ambika Soni on this.

3) Politics was more decent until a decade ago: Partly its because the older politicians were more civilised but mostly because Twitter wasnt invented then. The scheme of involving corporates in running the big national monuments was launched in 2001 by the Vajpayee government. Ananth Kumar and Ratan Tata had posed for pictures together at the Taj Mahal to celebrate the handing over. The Congress simply continued the good idea from the predecessor it had defeated. Any such thing possible now?

4) The Indian Left-libertarian loves the government: They want government out of their own lives entirely; mention Aadhaar and they jump. But everywhere else, they love to have the Bharat Sarkar and the same bureaucracy they keep cursing. Why should culture, history and archaeology be the monopoly of the state? Why cant private capital, enterprise and efficiency get involved? Surely, they have no problems cadging sponsorships from the same evil corporates for their lit-fests, generous wine and cheese laden evenings, gifts, travel grants, track-2, social sciences conferences (all paid for by sponsors). The intellectual-liberal community lives on handouts from Ford, McArthur, Rockefeller, Bill and Melinda Gates and our own Tatas and other such corporations for funding scholarships, conferences, new universities and even independent new media. All thats kosher because it is coming to us, the deserving. Talk Red Fort and it is, watan ki aabru khatre mein hai, hoshiar ho jao (national prestige is at stake, so battle stations). Ask the angry ones the last time they went to Red Fort since probably their school bussed them there, sucking at lollipops.

5) Too many in the complaining elites havent been to their monuments lately: or they would have known the mess the ASI has made of them. Open defecation may have been stopped elsewhere but most monuments, including Hampi and Mamallapuram, are open-air toilets. Their walls have love-notes scribbled, sometimes with a knife. Walk on the bridge on the beautiful Betwa river bouncing through boulders, facing the stunning old temples of Orchha early in the morning and soak in the sightsbut avoid the smells please. The ASI drove piles through the Sun Temple in Konark, the Army built barracks in the Red Fort, and my colleague Rama Lakshmi, a trained museologist, tells me about the tiny museum in Nalanda with one bored chowkidar, dusty glass cases, cobwebs, peeling walls. There is a 12th century artifact on display there, she says, which is a tiny bowl with rice grains. The text label to it simply says, burnt rice. It is the description for a powerful artifact from the 12th century. If Indias elite were going to their own monuments more often, they would also be complaining about the lack of facilities, no souvenir-economics: good quality mugs, caps, key-chains, replicas, nothing like a my mom went to Ajanta and all she got me was this lousy T-shirt. Nothing. Our monuments are run like CPWD properties.

6) They do see monuments overseas but miss some facts: Italy has the largest number of Unesco Heritage Sites in the world. Cash-strapped, its government has been handing these out to corporations, mostly the fashion brands, for restoration and upkeep in return for branding opportunities. Tods has the Colosseum, Diesel the Rialto Bridge in Venice. When you go to the Trevi Fountain next, look for the logo of Fendi and also Pradas at Venices big palace. I know, it isnt smart to mention Italian wisdom in India at this point. But it should be for the BJP-walas to complain, not their (mostly Left) liberal critics.

7) And finally, for the last twist of the knife. Many critics point out the dangers of giving great monuments to the Dalmias given that one of that complicated and large familys uncles was charged in the Babri demolition. Since they also seem to love swadeshi Archaeological Survey of India and government-run museums, they should meet the current director-general of the National Museum in the capital, Dr Buddha Rashmi Mani. This retired additional director-general of ASI got the job in 2016 until the age of 70, or further orders.

Dr Manis claim to fame: He led the excavations at Ayodhya that proved the existence of the Ram Temple underneath.

This article has been updated to correct the position occupied by Dr Buddha Rashmi Mani. The error is regretted.Bhutan has established a centre on the lines of Indias National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to monitor cross-border tiger movements, which will help protect big cats.

The National Tiger Center (NTC), based in Gelephu on the India-Bhutan border, radio-collared a tiger for the first time in the Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) on February 9.

With the centre working in full swing, we hope to work like NTCA. There was the need for a dedicated centre for tiger protection and we are glad the government supported us, said Tempa Tshering, head of the centre.

Started as a regional centre two years ago, NTC got its approval during the third Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation in New Delhi in 2016. The nod was given to ensure Bhutans participation in the global tiger recovery programme.

Global Tiger Forum (GTF) records show that there are over 3800 tigers in the world, of which India accounts for 2226, according to the All India Tiger Estimation 2015.

Impressed with the initiatives of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) for tiger conservation through NTCA, the Bhutan government felt the need to start an independent centre for protection of its 103 tigers, as recorded in the 2016 census.

One of the key objectives for establishing the centre at Gelephu is to monitor tigers that cross the border. Assam, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh adjoin the Bhutan border.

As the Royal Manas National Park of Bhutan extends as the Manas National Park in Assam, a co-ordinated plan by the managements of the two parks will be more effective in tiger conservation.

Royal Manas National Park is one of potential tiger habitats. As it borders India, it gives us a reason for securing and protecting the habitat. Thats why Gelephu is the perfect station to start NTC, Tempa said.

NTC of Bhutan is now working with NTCA and the Nepalese government to find high-altitude tigers under a project funded by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). GTF facilitates the programme.

Bhutan has recorded presence of tigers at the highest altitude -- 4400 metre above the sea level -- at its Wangchuck Centennial Park.A British national, a musician and his love for India  this is the story of Felix Stefan Kaye, who has been allowed to stay in India by the Delhi high court after the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FFRO) had directed him to leave the country on the grounds that his visa had expired.

Kaye, who has stayed in India and is a founding member of the band The Ska Vengers, came to India in 2006, fell in love with an Indian artist Ritika Singh and tied the knot with her in 2009.

But his visa had expired and proceedings were initiated against him.

Kaye had come to India as a researcher in an organisation but loved India and its culture. He has played the sitar for 15 years before coming to India and he is also a member of the bands The Jass Bstards, Emperor Minge as well as The Ska Vengers. He has also performed at various festivals, including the Jaipur Literature Festival, NH-7 Weekenders to name a few. He is also a DJ and a visual artist.

Kaye was convicted and sent to Tihar jail where he performed for the inmates. He appealed against his conviction, and the trial court commuted his sentence to a period already undergone but directed him to leave the country.

Kaye had challenged this in the Delhi high court, which directed the authorities to look into his application for the grant of an OCI status and an X-visa.

With an X-visa, foreigners visiting India on long-term entry(X) visa would not require registration with the FRROs/FROs concerned if the duration of his/her stay does not exceed 180 days on a single visit.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher ordered that the FRRO should consider the application for OCI status as well as X-visa and that no coercive measures be taken against him.

I love India, its culture and I feel this is my home. I have never felt out of place here. I just want this issue to be resolved to the earliest so that I can stay here happily with my Indian wife and daughter, Kaye said.

The courts direction comes while hearing Kayes plea challenging the FRROs decision, directing him to leave the country by March 31 this year.

The court found that Kaye got married to Ritika Singh on December 26, 2009, and applied for a marriage registration certificate on August 28, 2014. But the application was not processed till September 26, 2016.

The single-judge bench said the two-year delay in issuing the certificate of registration evidently occurred because the police verification report was sent to the SDM Kalkaji instead of the SDM Lajpat Nagar.

The petitioners counsel Akhil Sibal contended that in order to obtain the OCI status, the marriage of the artist couple should have subsisted for a continuous period of not less than two years immediately preceding the presentation of the certificate.

An application for registration of marriage, which was filed on August 28, 2014, was not processed till September 26, 2016 for no fault of the petitioner (Kaye), the court said.

It said no coercive measures be taken till the respondents (FRRO) decided on the application for OCI status and X-Visa. The respondent (FRRO) shall pass a speaking order; copy of which will be furnished to the petitioner. Pending consideration of the petitioners application for grant of OCI status and X Visa, no coercive measures will be taken against the petitioner, the court said.

The bench said if the FRRO order is against the interest of the petitioner, it should not be enforced for a period of 30 days to enable him to take recourse to remedy in accordance with law.Around three years ago, 72-year-old Ganga Ram, owner of a TV repair shop, lost his son to a traffic accident while he was crossing the road at a busy intersection in northeast Delhis Seelampur.

Since then, Ram has taken it upon himself to man the chaotic stretch and prevent any such accident. On Monday, Ram  who has been performing the duty of a traffic cop for over 30 years now  was officially inducted with Delhi Traffic Police as a traffic sentinel.

Besides Ram, 318 more were included in the group which will help the police man busy intersection and internal roads. Delhi police commissioner, Amulya Patnaik, launched the scheme as a part of the National Road Safety Week celebrations, where these 319 traffic wardens were sworn in.

I have been managing the movement of traffic for the past 30 years. But after my sons death, I come here and man traffic for at least eight to 10 hours a day, Ram said.

He reaches the intersection around 9 am, when peak traffic rush begins, and stays there till around 10pm.

I belong to a very poor family. After my sons death, my daughter-in-law is the sole earning member. My business of TV repairing barely runs. The dress combination makes people follow my directions, he said.

Seeing him on duty wearing torn shirts, neighbours got him the traffic police uniform stitched and he has been wearing one since.

Ganga Ram knows the Seelampur and Maujpur area so well that his expertise will be of great help to us. He will be get a new uniform of sentinels and he can continue his service to the society, said special commissioner of police (traffic) Depender Pathak.

These sentinels will be given identity cards, uniforms, reflective jackets and caps so that motorists can recognise them easily and adhere to their directions. This scheme is a community engagement programme, Pathak, said.

Pathak said the sentinels will support the over 5,000-strong traffic police unit since they know their respective residential areas.

The traffic police also felicitated users of the Traffic Sentinel app. People who had accumulated the highest points by uploading photographs and videos of traffic violation on the mobile application were awarded with gifts such as motorcycles, scooters, movie tickets and cash prizes.

I hope the scheme expands further and encourages more people to become the eyes and ears of the police force. This scheme will surely make an impact on the regulation and management of traffic in the city, said Patnaik.The secret sale of a six-acre plot of land holding a market value of Rs 100 crore but allegedly sold for just Rs 9 crore is at the centre of the probe in the murderous assault on an orthopaedic surgeon at his south Delhi farmhouse on Saturday night.

The 65-year-old doctor, Hans U Nagar, received three bullet wounds in the attack, but is stable and has been able to interact with the investigators. He has accused his two brothers, Ron and John, and four others of masterminding the attack, said Romil Baaniya, deputy commissioner of police (south).

Nagar told the police that his brothers and the four other suspects repeatedly threatened him and made videos of him and his farmhouse where the attack took place. He alleged that two of the four attackers were men who had recorded his video and threatened him over the last month and a half.

Apart from a large farmhouse in Fatehpur Beri, where he was shot at, Nagar and his family own several houses and properties in Delhi and Gurugram. It was the six-acre land in Gurugrams Behrampur that was a bone of contention between him and his brothers.

In his statement to the police, Nagar alleged that the market price of the Behrampur property was Rs 100 crore, but his brother John and his two associates, Nasir Khan and Dinesh Jajoo, sold it to a private firm for only Rs 9 crore around seven months ago.

When I got to know of the sale, I approached the Badshahpur police station. But some goons involved with the sale met me outside the police station and threatened me to let go of the property, alleged Nagar.

Over the last few weeks, Nagar alleged that he kept receiving threats from his brothers and the others. Over the last month or so, he had observed that his video was being recorded by unidentified people associated with the suspects. Once it was at a coffee shop in Hauz Khas and on another occasion at a wedding in west Delhis Kirti Nagar earlier last week.

The latest of such encounters was with his brother, Ron, just a day before the attack. I was riding my motorcycle at my farmhouse when I noticed Ron recording my video and that of the farmhouse. When I objected, he told me that my time was up and that he had managed it all, said Nagar in his statement in Hindi, a copy of which has been accessed by HT.

Nagar was returning to his farmhouse around 11.30 pm on Saturday when he was attacked moments after he dropped his maid at the servants quarters outside his farmhouse.

I was near my farmhouse gate in my white Renault Kwid car when I noticed three men approaching with guns. One of them was the man who had earlier threatened me outside the police station. The other man was the one recording my video at the coffee shop and the wedding, alleged Nagar.

Nagar was hit twice in his abdomen soon after the attackers began shooting at him. I took out my licenced pistol to fire at the attackers from inside the car itself. I fired many rounds and believe the two men were hit in their shoulders, said Nagar.

When the firing from the other end did not cease, Nagar came out of his car and continued firing on the attackers, forcing them to flee. Nagar was hit a third time, but he had fired a total of 13 rounds at the attackers. His car bore 16 bullets marks.

Over the next few minutes, Nagar hid in the bushes at his farmhouse before dialling the police. It was only when his daughter Emmie Nagar arrived on hearing the gunshots that he was rushed to a hospital.

Nagar is the son to an army brigadier and a German mother. He went on to marry a German himself and has four children with her.

Two of their sons are settled abroad. On his statement, his brothers and the four others are being questioned by the police, but the DCP said it was too early to say whether or not any of them were actually involved in the crime.

The investigation will take a while because of the long-drawn civil cases they were embroiled in. We have alerted hospitals in Delhi and nearby regions, but havent received any news about the two suspects believed to be hit by Nagars bullets, said the deputy commissioner of police.The Delhi government has warned students and parents against 12 fake education boards operating in the national capital.

There is no state board of government of Delhi. Further, the Directorate of Education (DoE), which regulates government, private, unaided and aided schools in Delhi, does not grant any recognition to any board, a DoE order said.

As far as Delhi is concerned, there are only three relevant boards  Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), it said.

The boards which have been declared as fake by DoE include Urdu Education Board, Gramin Mukth Vidhalyai Shiksha Sansthan, Delhi Board of Secondary Education, The Central Board of Higher Secondary Education, National Open School and Board of Secondary Open Education, Delhi.

Higher Secondary Education Board of Delhi, State Council of Senior Secondary Open Education, Delhi Board of Senior Secondary Education, Board of Higher Secondary Education, Delhi, Council of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Delhi, and The Central Board of Higher Education, Delhi, are the other fake boards operating in Delhi.From 2021, a PhD will be a must for teaching at university level , even for assistant professors, which is the entry level designation for instructors in universities, according to a draft policy document seen by Hindustan Times.

Teachers will undergo a mandatory, month-long induction programme before starting work and also have to devote two hours for mentoring of students for community development/extra-curricular activities.

According to a senior Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry official who asked not to be identified, these changes have been made to enhance the quality of education in the higher education sector. This person added that the University Grants Commission (UGC) will soon define the minimum qualifications for teachers.

So far, at the entry level, the minimum eligibility requirement for an assistant professor was that they should have cleared the National Eligibility Test (NET) and have a Masters degree.

The government is likely to notify the new qualifications and other measures for the maintenance of standards in higher education soon.

In addition to the PhD, aspirants will have to clear the National Eligibility Test (NET) or an accredited test (state level eligibility test) or other similar exams, HRD ministry officials added.

However, those who obtained PhDs before 2009 will not be required to clear NET.

UGC , which had put up the draft regulations online for suggestions and objections, has incorporated all the changes and sent it to the HRD ministry for approval.

Some of the other features of the regulations include doing away with the Academic Performance Indicator (API) based appraisal , the introduction of a simplified teacher evaluation grading system, and the addition of a academic/research score for universities to improve research output.

In addition to this, promotion in colleges up to the level of associate professor will be based on teaching-centric metrics and in universities, teaching and research-centric. A PhD has also been made mandatory for promotion to the level of associate professor in colleges and assistant professor (Selection Grade) in universities.

To encourage the return of best brains who made a mark in foreign universities, a special provision has been made in the in eligibility conditions for recruitment of assistant professors in universities and colleges. All those who have a PhD degree from a university/institutions with a ranking among top 500 in the World University Ranking (at any time) by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the Times Higher Education (THE) or the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai) will be eligible for direct recruitment and not be required to clear NET.

The Seventh Pay Commission had recommended that PhD should be the minimum eligibility for recruitment at universities. After much consideration, it was decided that it should be applicable from 2021. NET as the minimum eligibility criteria is important for a diverse country and as there are so many different subjects, said VS Chauhan, who was the chairman of the pay review commission for the seventh Central Pay Commission (CPC), and is the current chairman of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

I am unaware as to what has prompted these changes. I am sure that there must be some wisdom behind them, said Dinesh Singh, former Vice Chancellor of Delhi University.

Singh added that it was ironical that because it isnt in the Top 500 globally, the University of Delhi will, in effect, not be able to hire its own PhDs directly and require them to clear NET. I have first-hand knowledge of so many doctoral students of the universities whose doctoral work have been deemed outstanding at the global level and have been published in outstanding research journals. Such PhDs will be humiliated by making them take the NET exam, he added.Action star Jackie Chans estranged daughter Etta Ng has claimed she is homeless and is living on the streets of Hong Kong. She blamed her homophobic parents for their condition.

Ng, 18, and her girlfriend Andi Autumn posted a short video on YouTube, in which she said she has been living under a bridge. Weve been homeless for a month due to homophobic parents. We pretty much slept under a bridge, and other things. Weve gone to the police, weve gone to the hospitals, the food banks, the LGBTQ community shelters and all of them just dont give a s***, Ng said.

We dont know what to do at this point. We just want to let people know whats going on because at this point it seems ridiculous that no one can help. I dont understand, she added.

Ng is Chans daughter with former beauty queen Elaine Ng, with whom the actor had an affair while married to his current wife Joan Lin. The 64-year-old actor has not spoken publicly about his daughter but has acknowledged the affair.

Speaking to the website Coconuts, Elaine denounced her daughters claims, saying she needs to find a job. I feel that if they have no money, they should go find work. They shouldnt film a clip telling others they are broke and who Ettas father is. People all over the world work hard and dont rely on someone elses fame to get money, she said.

Ng previously told the Express that Chan has never existed in my life. I will never regard him as a father.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)

Follow @htshowbiz for moreAction superstar Jackie Chans estranged daughter, Etta Ng, has accused her parents of being homophobic and has posted a video seeking help. The video alleges that the 18-year-old, along with her girlfriend, were thrown out of their house because of their sexuality. However, Jackie Chan, who is supposed to have had an affair with Ettas mother, a former beauty queen, has never really had a relationship with the teen, it is believed. So its not clear if he is the reason behind the girls homelessness.

Weve been homeless for a month due to homophobic parents. We pretty much slept under a bridge, and other things. Weve gone to the police, weve gone to the hospitals, the food banks, the LGBTQ community shelters and all of them just dont give a shit, Etta says in the video. Reports said that Chan was asked for a comment, but gave none.

They do more harm to themselves than the community

Following this, the subject of celebrities and homophobia has come up again. Designer Suneet Varma tells us, I remember [actor] Mel Gibsons career took a nosedive, when he had said something homophobic, a while back. Every third fan of him was a homosexual, and they didnt like what he said, and his career wasnt the same as it was before. So when celebrities do say such things, they do more harm to themselves than the community. I mean, if its true that Jackie has thrown his daughter out because he is a homophobe, then Im not going to watch any of his films in future.

Ill be there for his daughter, if she needs me

Former Mr Gay India Sushant Divgikr states that homophobic comments or revelations dont bother the community at all. I dont care about what Jackie Chan thinks or says, or in fact what any celebrity has to say against the LGBTQ community. Ill be there for his daughter, if she needs me. Its not my problem, or it doesnt concern me that some people, even if they are celebrities, have such a thought process. Its their loss at the end of the day, he says.

Its something that they should be ashamed of

Filmmaker Onir, however, does feel strongly about homophobic utterances or actions by famous people. He feels that regressive comments from celebrities against the LGBTQ community show them in the negative light. Its something that they should be ashamed of. Its certainly not a very glorifying thing to say. And when situations like this happen, those whore a part of the community become aware that there are people who think like this. And even those whore homophobic get to understand that their thought process wont be appreciated anymore, he says.

The LGBTQ community has experienced a major transformation

According to wedding planner Punit Jasuja, international celebs showing homophobia is less of a problem now than what it used to be. The LGBTQ community, in India and overseas, has experienced a major transformation over the past decade, he says. The latest evolution is highlighted by major stars who are coming out. In this case, if anything, theyre going to avoid Jackie Chan. As it happened with [sexual harassment accused actor] Kevin Spacey and the #MeToo movement, people were very quick and decisive to say, We dont associate ourselves with him. In this case as well, theres no difference between homophobia and racism; and people, in todays times, are generally very quick to disassociate themselves from anyone who thinks like this.

Interact with the author on Twitter/@sammysamarthAt least 4,749 minor girls were raped and 385 gangrape cases were reported in Odisha between 2014 and 2017, the assembly was informed on Monday.

While 1,283 cases related to rape of minor girls were reported in 2017, the numbers in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were 1,204, 1,212 and 1,050 respectively, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who is also in charge of the home department, said.

He was replying to a written question from Congress chief whip Taraprasad Bahinipati, who wanted to know the number of rape cases that involved minor girls in those four years.

Patnaik said police arrested 4,462 persons in connection with the 4,749 incidents of rape of minor girls.

Odisha police registered 385 cases of gangrape between 2014 and 2017. While 92 gangrape cases were registered in 2017, the number was 93 in 2016, 109 in 2015, and 91 in 2014, Patnaik said in a written reply.

Police arrested 752 persons in connection with gangrape cases, he stated, adding that the home department was collecting information on those punished for the crimes.

Patnaik also said that provisions have been made to give the death penalty to culprits involved in the rape of minor girls below the age of 12 years.

Earlier in the day, Patnaik said action would be taken against the accused in the rape case of a minor girl in Salepur, a day after the victim succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Cuttack.

I will see to it that stringent action is taken against the accused. Rs 5 lakh has been given to the next of the kin of the victim, he told the assembly.

The six-year-old girl was allegedly raped on the night of April 21 and the accused was arrested within 24 hours, he said.

I would like to send my deepest condolence to the bereaved family and again I repeat, I feel deep anguish at this terrible incident, Patnaik said.Micro-irrigation projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), critical to making India drought-proof and producing more crop per drop, have steadily met targets since the launch of the scheme by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 2015, according to a recent review.

An analysis of the mission by HT, however, shows only a handful of states account for the overall leap. PMKSY is aimed at boosting investment in irrigation and improving efficiency of water use.

Indias current irrigation coverage of 48.7% of total sown area means two-quarters of the population engaged in farming are dependent on monsoon rainfall, which often exacerbates agrarian distress even during a partial drought.

At the national level, coverage of micro-irrigation networks beat its target for 2015-16: 572,000 hectares against a target of 500,000 hectares. In 2016-17, the coverage was 839,000 hectares against a target of 800,000 hectares.

Partial data for 2017-18 shows the government is on course to achieving or outdoing its target, agriculture secretary SK Pattanayak said. The target in 2017-18 was 1.2 million hectares and partial data from states showed that 926,432 hectares had been covered.

The achievement (for 2017-18) is likely to enhance as compilation and reporting of works undertaken in the financial year are still being uploaded, the review report seen by HT states.

States havent been able to make equal progress. All northeastern states have made zero progress. Unequal progress means meeting long-term goals can be challenging.

Just five states  Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu  account for 78% of the coverage expansion during 2017-18.

Among the laggards, Bihar was able to add just 86 hectares while Himachal Pradesh added 1,107 hectares. Punjab added 274 hectares. Top performer Andhra expanded micro-irrigation coverage in 186,444 hectares while Karnataka added 164,967 hectares. Gujarat stood third, bringing 143,134 hectares under the irrigation network.

One reason for some states lagging behind is that they were not able to release their share of funds, an official said, requesting anonymity. For centrally sponsored schemes like PMKSY, the Centre contributes 60% of funds while states have to provide 40%.

One major reason for unequal uptake of central schemes is that some states arent able to allocate their 40% share in state budgets. In irrigation, this delays the drawing up of state and district-level plans, creating backlogs, said Ashok Lahiri, a former adviser to the erstwhile Planning Commission.

Out of a total 140.13 million hectares of sown area, Indias net irrigated area is 68.38 million hectares while 71.74 million hectares are un-irrigated. To bridge this gap, the government launched the PMKSY in 2015-16 by combining ongoing schemes. Under the more crop per drop component of the PMKSY, small farmers get paid to the tune of 55% of cost of micro-irrigation systems; other farmers get 45% of the unit cost.Ashok Mitra, the first Left Front finance minister of West Bengal, died on Tuesday morning at a private hospital in Kolkata. He was 90.

An alumnus of Benaras Hindu University, Mitra became the finance minister of Bengal after Jyoti Basu formed the first Left Front government in 1977. He served as the finance minister till 1987, when he resigned following differences with Basu.

Later Mitra also became a member of the Rajya Sabha. He also served as the countrys chief economic advisor from 1970 to 1972.

Mitra was always vocal backer of devolving more power to the states. He insisted that states should have more powers to raise taxes and provided the theoretical basis to Jyoti Basus campaign that the Centre was neglecting the states.

Besides economics, his knowledge of Centre-state relations was vast. I remember that after he became the finance minister, Mitra asked me to script the annual state economic review, which I did for quite some time, said Asim Dasgupta, who succeeded Mitra as the states finance minister.

A graduate of Dhaka University in undivided Bengal, Mitra obtained his postgraduate degree from Benaras Hindu University and doctorate from the University of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. He also served in the World Bank and United Nations.

Despite being a Marxist economist, Mitra was critical of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on several occasions. After the police firing in East Midnapore districts Nandigram on March 14, 2007, where at least 14 persons were killed, he lashed out at the Buddhdeb Bhattacharjee government. If I do not speak out now, my conscience will never pardon me, Mitra had said.

After retirement from active politics, he remained in the public eye by writing several newspaper columns. In the late seventies, Mitra had famously told a bureaucrat, I am a Communist, not a gentleman. But in his writings, glimpses of both attributes were visible in ample measure.

He was also a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Mitras wife died in May 2008 at the age of 79. The couple was childless.The central government will file an application in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, asking for more time to formulate the scheme for the distribution of Cauvery water.

While the plea is likely to be made on the ground that the scheme is being given final touches, an official familiar with the developments said the real purpose was to delay it till elections in Karnataka on May 12.

The scheme is almost ready. The time is being deliberately sought to delay the formation of the scheme till Karnataka elections, said the above official. The scheme is almost finalised. Many options were being finalised and even the Bhakra Beas Management Board has been consulted.

The government is also likely to apprise the apex court with steps already taken so far. We will soon present all options before the court so that the details can be shared with the state to reach a consensus, said an official from the Union water resources ministry.

The SC had asked the Centre to present the draft of the Cauvery Management Scheme before May 3. This was after the Centre had asked for three months to formulate the Scheme. At that point, the ministry had called the issue sensitive and likely to impact elections.

Karnataka had opposed the formation of the Cauvery management board as proposed by the Cauvery tribunal.

On the other hand, political parties and farmers associations in Tamil Nadu have called for the formation of the board at the earliest. They say that a delay in the release of water is causing distress and can effect Kuruvai (short-term) crops.

The SC had given a verdict in favour of Karnataka, saying that Tamil Nadu should get 177.25 TMC of water against the earlier 192 TM as suggested by the Cauvery tribunal.

Observers believe that the BJP does not want to be seen going against peoples will in Karnataka as distribution of the river water is an emotional issue in poll-bound Karnataka. Besides, the state is also involved in a tussle with BJP-run Goa over the distribution of water of the Mahadayi river.

There are two water disputes  one is Cauvery, the other is Mahadayi. While BJP is in a tight spot on Mahadayi, they dont want to do the same on Cauvery, said A Narayana, associate professor for public policy at Bengaluru Azim Premji University, speaking to HT earlier.

Five districts of north Karnataka have been demanding more water from Mahadayi, which originates in Karnataka and flows on to Goa and Maharashtra.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lamented that development in Karnataka has been blocked by the ruling Congress due to its obsession with family politics.

Where there is Congress, all roads that lead to development are blocked. There is only family politics, corruption and lack of harmony, Modi told a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in Santhemarahalli village, about 170 km south of Bengaluru.

Launching the BJPs election campaign in the district for the upcoming assembly election, Modi addressed hundreds of people, including party cadres. We hear in Delhi that there is a BJP wave in Karnataka. But as I see it, its not just a wave but a storm, thundered Modi.

The Prime Ministers 40-minute speech in Hindi was simultaneously translated into Kannada, a first since his visits to the southern state over the past few months, so as to connect with the people in the local language.

Law and order in Karnataka has collapsed under Congress rule, Modi said. When the Lokayukta in the state is not safe, how can one expect the common people to be safe under the Congress government?

Karnatakas anti-graft ombudsman Justice P Vishwanatha Shetty was stabbed at his office by a man in the state capital on March 7.

The Congress has also failed in keeping its promises about electrifying villages, Modi said, adding that April 28, 2018 would be remembered by the country forever when 18,000 Indian villages were electrified.

(Former Prime Minister) Manmohan Singh said Indian villages would be electrified by 2009, but in four years they could electrify only two villages. The Congress has nothing but contempt for the poor, alleged Modi.

The Centre will now work towards electrifying each household in the country, he added.

Modi also challenged Congress President Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes on the achievements of his partys government in Karnataka.

The Congress President had challenged me that if he speaks for 15 minutes in Parliament, I will not be able to take it. I ask him (Gandhi) to talk about the achievements of Congress government in Karnataka, without a paper in your hand.

Modi also attacked the Congress for indulging in family politics by allowing a partys leaders kith and kin to contest in the assembly elections.

For the chief minister (Siddaramaiah) the rule is 2+1, where he will contest from two seats and has given his old seat (Varuna in Mysuru district) to his son (Yathindra) and for the other ministers (in the state cabinet), the rule seems to be 1+1, allowing their relatives to fight polls.

Fearing defeat, Siddaramaiah was changing his assembly constituencies and contesting from two seats, Modi alleged.

Siddaramaiah has filed nominations for the May 12 election from Chamundeshwari in Mysuru district and Badami in Bagalkot district, while his son Yathindra is contesting from Varuna in Mysuru district.

Though Siddaramaiah had won from Varuna twice since the 2008 Assembly elections, he shifted to Chamundeshwari, making way for his son Yathindra to contest from his home constituency.

For the Congress, it has always been about family politics. But for us (BJP), it is about peoples politics. People of the state will decide which kind of politics they will choose (in the upcoming election), Modi said.

He appealed to the people to vote for politics of honesty.

Let this vote strengthen our commitment to end corruption. This vote of yours will not just choose your MLA, but will decide the future of the state.

(BJPs chief ministerial candidate) Yeddyurappa is the hope for Karnataka and he will soon be chosen as the chief minister, asserted Modi.

The BJP wants to create a safe and secure Karnataka on the path of development, he added.

Modi will also address rallies on Tuesday in Udupi and Belagavi districts.Villagers in Khairabad area of Sitapur district are in panic after feral dogs, which once used to feed on animal remains thrown away by slaughterhouses, killed three children in separate incidents early Tuesday morning.

Station Officer (SO) of Khairabad police station, Sachin Kumar Singh said two girls - Shamli (11) and Komal (12) and a boy named Khalid (12) - were killed in by the dogs in Tikaria, Gurpulia and Khulia villages.

The incident created panic among locals who have decided not to allow their children to step outside alone. Locals said feral dogs have killed at least 14 children in the past four months around an eight-km radius in Khairabad.

READ: Stray dogs drag body in Aligarh post mortem house, 2 suspended

Infuriated by the killings on Tuesday, a group of villagers launched a drive to exterminate the dogs and shot dead three of them.

All the children were attacked by the dogs when they were alone. The villagers rushed to rescue the children after hearing their screams but failed to save their lives. The back-to-back incidents have angered villagers and subsequently shot dead some dogs in the area, Station Officer Sachin Kumar Singh said.

District Magistrate (DM) of Sitapur, Sheetal Verma conceded that the dogs were indeed attacking children for the past four months . She said the authorities of Khairabad municipality and forest department have been asked to carry out a survey of dogs in the area.

The initial survey revealed that over 100 of dogs in the area have turned rogue and been repeatedly attacking children after the closure of slaughterhouse in the area. The dogs earlier used to feed on remains that slaughterhouses used to dispose off, she said.

Verma said the forest department and Khairabad municipality are already working on it and have examined nearly 25 dogs in the area so far. We have also sought help from Lucknow Municipal Corporation for catching dogs as there is no dog-catching squad in Sitapur, she said.The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological fount of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has sent a key message to its footsoldiers as it gears up to prepare its political affiliate for upcoming electoral battles. The message, according to RSS functionaries, is this: dont lose focus on the core values of the organisation.

The message has been sent against the backdrop of internal concerns that enabling the BJPs electoral victory in the 2019 general election, which will be preceded by a string of crucial state polls, has overwhelmed all other issues in the larger organisation.

The core values, one senior functionary explained on condition of anonymity, were recognition of indigenous talent and production, preservation of traditions and languages, rooting out casteism and correcting historic perceptions that showed India in poor light.

With feedback from the cadre indicating that the BJPs electoral ambitions seem to have taken precedence over other issues, the RSS brass, at a meeting in Pune recently, reaffirmed the need for consolidating the gains the organisation has made by increasing its presence across the country through new shakhas (units) and by focusing energies on reaching untapped areas.

In March, at the annual meeting of its highest decision making body, RSS claimed its activities have spread to 95%of the countrys geographical area; its presence is limited only in parts of the north-east and Kashmir. Daily shakha gatherings are now held in 37,190 locations, which have gone up from 29,624 locations in 2014.

RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi attributed the rise in the numbers to the hard work of the Sangh. He told journalists at the end of the Pune meeting that the RSS is satisfied that in 90 years it had reached over 60,000 villages and has 80,000 units across the country.

The result of the hard work is visible in the past few years, participation at RSS events has gone up, which means acceptance has gone up. People are not only curious about the RSS, but also keen to join us, he said.

Though the RSS and the BJP share the same ideology, the former has always de-linked itself from electoral politics, asserting that social issues are the fulcrum of its activities. It has also periodically iterated that joining the RSS is not the first step towards starting a political career with the BJP.

Has the BJPs electoral ambition indeed overshadowed the Sanghs work?

There has been some concern over the RSS or its affiliates having to climb down from their positions or pull back their demands. A section of the cadre feels that the Sangh has to play a diminished role so as to keep the BJP in good stead, said another functionary who was privy to discussions on the issue.

Citing an example, he said that while the economic and labour wings of the Sangh had opposed disinvestment and foreign direct investment, the government had gone ahead with pursuit of both; another point of consternation are unmet demands such as a new education policy and a blanket ban on cow slaughter.

While the Sangh does not discourage its affiliates from stating their opposition to government policies, there has been a word of caution that statements should not embarrass the government. After we repeatedly raised the issue of economic policies hurting the small and medium enterprises, the view was taken up by the Sarsanghchalak (RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat) too, but now it has been left to the government to sort out the issue, said a functionary attached to the RSS labour arm, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh.

In a recent interview to HT, RSS watcher and author Walter Andersen said there was some churn within the Sangh on core issues being put on the backburner for the sake of political expediency. He referred to the issue of abrogation of Article 370 that gives autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, which is not being pursued by the BJP government even though it has been a core demand of the Sangh. Andersen also referred to the tension between the RSS and the BJP in Goa, where the state government has not met a demand to withdraw support to English medium schools.

Will the strains affect RSS-BJP coordination?

The RSS pulled out all stops to help the BJP prepare for the 2014 general polls and subsequently for a clutch of assembly elections. Will the strains over economic policies and other administrative decisions come in the way of the Sangh cadre buttressing the BJPs campaign? Sangh functionaries ruled that out.

Though senior Sangh leaders have been asking the volunteers to focus on the Sanghatan (organisation) rather than the Sarkar (government), the cadre will do whatever is required to. There is no disagreement over larger issues. Also, the cadre has lent their support to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi for his administrative skills and corruption-free governance, said the first functionary cited above.The Centre plans to almost double the capacity of sewage treatment in 10 major cities that pollute the Ganga most, aiming to treat 100% waste and clean the countrys longest river.

The 10 cities are among the 97 places along the 10-15-km radius of the river that push sewage into Ganga.

If we are able to manage the 10 big cities, Ganga will be much cleaner than what it already is, said Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, director general, NMCG.

According to officials of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), nearly 81% of the total sewage of 2,953 MLD (million litres per day) discharged daily into the Ganga comes from these cities.

While Kolkata, Kanpur, Patna and Varanasi top the list, they are closely followed by Allahabad, Howrah, Haridwar, Bhagalpur, Farrukhabad and Bally  discharging 2,392 MLD into the 2,525-km-long river.

The 10 cities, along with 87 towns, currently have sewage treatment plants that can treat 1,500 MLD, Mishra said.

The planned additional sewage treatment plants (STP) with a capacity of 1,525 MLD will help clean almost 100% of the sewage generated.

The new STPs have been put on fast track and the government has set a three-year deadline for achieving the target.

In the 87 other towns  some will have STPs while localised treatment of sewage can be done near the drains in some areas, the Mission DG said.

The 87 towns mostly fall in the Ganga main-stem states of Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. A few projects have also been taken up in Delhi and Haryana.

Municipal pollution, according to officials in the Mission, contributes to 70% of the pollution in the river.

In a recent report prepared by the Mission, Kolkata tops the list with the contribution of 615 MLD of sewage into the river, followed by Kanpur at 457 MLD.

Although both the cities have an existing system of STPs with a potential of 589 MLDs and 414 MLD respectively, Mishra said the system remains under-utilised.

The STP in Patna, however, is not functional. While the city discharges around 320 MLD of waste into the river, an NMCG report showed that projects with cleaning capacity of 140 MLDs are ongoing and those with another 210 MLD capacity have been approved.

Farrukhabad and Bhagalpur do not have STPs.

We are trying to make the system of existing STPs fully functional and have also approved setting up of the new STPs wherever there is a gap, said Mishra.

A clean Ganga is one of the flagship projects of the Narendra Modi government. A promise of clean Ganga was part of the 2014 election manifesto.

Untreated sewage flows into the entire 2,525-km-long river, which, according to government reports, is source of water for 43% of Indias population.

Government has earmarked a budget of Rs 12,728 crore for the Missions new initiatives, the majority which is  approximately 8,000  has been sanctioned for sewage treatment.

Besides sewage infrastructure, the government will also focus on other factors, including sanitation, solid waste management, afforestation, ghat cleaning, river front and surface cleaning. Only treating sewage will not help. The cities have to be clean to keep Ganga clean, Mishra added.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has big plans for Bellary MP B Sreeramulu, including featuring him in party posters and campaigning across the state, and might even appoint him deputy chief minister if voted to power, two party leaders familiar with the discussions said.

His possible elevation is seen as an exercise to not only break free of the power tussle between the influential Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities but also groom a new generation of young leaders in a state where the BJP is trying to grow roots .

The 46-year-old tribal leader is fighting from two seats, one of them against chief minister Siddaramaiah in Badami.

Sreeramulu will get a place of prominence in the government if the BJP is voted to power, the first party leader said on the condition of anonymity. The deputy chief ministers post in not ruled out. Vokkaliga leader R Ashoka (60) and Kuruba leader KS Eshwarappa (69) were deputy CMs in previous BJP governments.

In shifting the limelight to Sreeramulu, the BJP is trying to look beyond the present leadership that includes faces such as BS Yeddyurappa (75), Jagadish Shettar (62)  both former CMs from the Lingayat community. Sreeramulu is young, dynamic and comes from a socially marginalised Nayaka tribe with a strong population in North Karnataka districts, the first leader said. Scheduled Tribes have 15 reserved seats with a significant presence in 20 other constituencies of a total of 224.

Sreeramulu became a councillor in Ballari at the age of 25 in 1996. He made his debut in the Karnataka assembly in 2004 and entered Parliament in 2014. He is one of the most popular leaders of the BJP in Karnataka. You need to attend his rallies to see his connect, BJP general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said.

The party plans to use Sreeramulu for campaign even outside his constituencies and he will figure prominently in the party posters and share stage with the national leaders in public meetings, second BJP leader said.

Sreeramulu, a former minister, is considered close to corruption-tainted Ballari mining magnet G Janardhana Reddy and his two brothers, popularly known as the Ballari brothers. Sreeramulu and the Ballari brothers wielded immense clout in the previous BJP government. After the Reddy brothers were kicked out following corruption cases against them in the mining scam, Sreeramulu walked out of the BJP in 2012 and formed the BSR Congress Party to contest the 2013 election separately. It fielded 176 candidates, won four seats, stood second in three and polled 850,000 votes with 2.7% vote share across Karnataka. He returned to the BJP ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and won the Ballari parliamentary constituency.Armies of India and China on Tuesday held a Border Personnel Meeting during which both sides resolved to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control, besides agreeing to work on additional confidence building measures.

It was the first such meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit last week in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they agreed to strengthen strategic communication between the two sides on security-related issues.

The BPM took place in Chusul, Ladakh.

It was a ceremonial BPM and issues related to border management were discussed during the meeting, government sources said.

They said the deliberations focused on bringing down tension along the disputed borders and ways to bridge the trust deficit.

In their informal summit, Modi and Xi had decided to issue strategic guidance to their militaries to strengthen communication and build trust and understanding between the border guarding forces of the two countries.

The decisions came months after Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a 73-day long standoff in Doklam.

The sources said the armies of India and China would undertake a series of measures to bring down tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto boundary between the two countries.

They said building trust between the two sides would be a focus area and the measures being contemplated to bring down tension along the border include carrying out coordinated patrols.

A senior Army official said under coordinated patrol, each side would provide advance information to the other side when a patrolling team goes to a disputed area.

They said both the sides will also try to resolve local incidents as per provision of a 2003 agreement to address boundary disputes.

Sources said both sides were also working on setting up a long-delayed hotline between the Indian Armys Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and the Chinese officer holding a similar position.

The Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) took place on the occasion of Labour Day and troops and their families were part of the celebrations, the sources said.

They said both sides also exchanged gifts at Wacha border post in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh.

According to government data, the number of transgressions by the Chinese Army into the Indian territory rose to 426 in 2017 from the 273 in 2016. India and China share a nearly 4,000 km-long border.

Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

The two sides hold BPM at five points -- Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim.

(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)A group of Indian experts has visited Pakistan to discuss all aspects of bilateral ties and revive the Track II diplomacy process with Islamabad amidst the chill in the relationship after a number of terror attacks in India by Pakistan-based outfits.

The original Track II initiative, Neemrana Dialogue, received a fresh start with the visit, diplomatic sources here said.

The Indian side was led by former foreign ministry secretary Vivek Katju and included well- known educationist JS Rajput and other experts, while Pakistan side was led by former foreign secretary Inamul Haque.

The interactions between the two sides took place between April 28 to 30 in Islamabad, sources said.

The two sides discussed all aspects of bilateral relations and agreed that all issues between the two countries should be resolved through talks, according to a source.

The Pakistani side also included former governor State Bank of Pakistan Ishart Hussian, whose name has been circulating in the media as one of candidates to become Pakistans caretaker prime minister during general election expected to be held in July.

The Track II interaction was kept under tight wraps and nothing had been shared officially about it by the organisers.

Neemrana Dialogue was launched in early 1990s and included influential former diplomats, military veterans and academics, who were having unofficial backing from the foreign ministries of the two countries.

The India-Pakistan ties nose-dived in recent years with no bilateral talks taking place.

The ties between the two countries had strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based groups in 2016 and Indias surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The sentencing of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to death by a military court in April last year further deteriorated bilateral ties.

The two sides often accuse each other of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, resulting in civilian casualties.

Recently, India said that it would participate along with Pakistan in a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in Russia under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The Nation newspaper in an editorial hailed the exercise.

The new-fangled initiative is far from an independent cognisant initiative on the part of both the countries at mitigating grievances, and is in fact an enterprise broached under the aegis of the SCO, the daily said.

Where the exercises aim to build trust and mutual understanding, with eye towards coming up with a formula to manage border affairs, any endeavour in this area between the two acrimonious neighbours can go a long way in side stepping their tenuous relationship, it said.The district administration of Gadchiroli ordered two separate magisterial inquiries into the encounters of Rela-Kasnasur and Nainer jungle between the security forces and the suspected Maoists in south Gadchiroli in which 40 rebels were killed.

Gadchiroli district collector Shekhar Singh has ordered magisterial inquiries into the encounters under the provisions of CrPC Section 176.

The C-60, an elite anti-Maoist squad of the district, scripted history by eliminating 34 rebels in Rela-Kasnasur encounter alone  the highest ever since the left-extremism problem cropped up.

Six Maoists were killed in Nainer jungle near Jimalgatta on April 23 and a total of 18 more bodies were recovered from Indravati river near Rela-Kasnasur jungle in the same region where 16 rebels had died in an operation by security forces on April 22.

Gadchiroli superintendent of police Dr Abhinav Deshmukh said searches in Indravati have been discontinued but will soon resume with help from the forest department. The district police had engaged boats and magnets to search for bodies and weapons. The chances of finding bodies are quite less now but weapons might still be there, said Deshmukh, adding that forces are wary about conducting searches in the river due to the presence of four crocodiles on the stretch.

Police have received the post-mortem reports of 10 bodies. It says some deaths occurred due to multiple organ failure following the bullet injuries and some due to drowning.

However, several people, particularly civil rights activists, questioned the authenticity of the encounter as not a single jawan was injured in both the encounters and dubbed them as fake and a one-sided massacre.

The CPI (ML) Liberation had demanded an impartial judicial inquiry while noted Telugu poet and civil rights activist, Varavara Rao, demanded a judicial inquiry with either a sitting or a retired Supreme Court judge.

Meanwhile, the police widows association in Gadchiroli said that the Rela-Kasnasur and Nainer incidents were a perfect tribute to their martyred spouses who were brutally killed by Maoists in encounters.

Singh said that the two separate inquiries will be conducted by sub-divisional magistrates (SDM) of Etapalli and Aheri who will soon submit their reports to the administration. The task is laborious as they will have to take down statements of eyewitnesses and other concerned persons, the district collector said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ONPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched his election campaign in the poll-bound Karnataka to add heft to the BJPs efforts to unseat the Congress and form government in the southern state for the second time.

Modi addressed rallies in Santhemarahalli , Udupi and Chikkodi.

Polling for the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12, and results will be declared on the 15th of the month.

Here are the highlights:

6.57pm: PM Modi ends his speech, exhorting people to vote to change the government in Karnataka.

6.56pm: Im fighting against corruption and black money and I need your help. Under Yeddyurappas leadership, vote for a BJP-majority government: PM Modi

6.54pm: Everywhere in the world, India is being hailed. Its not because of me, its because of you. You elected a majority government. Elect us and you will be able to ask for proof of the promises we make: PM Modi

6.51pm: Congress fears loss in elections and that is why its leaders are spreading lies and fear among people: PM Modi

6.50pm: Empowering the villages, farmers and the poor is our only motive. Every Budget that we have implemented has welfare of the poor at its core: PM Modi

6.47pm: Farmer welfare is a priority for us. We brought the soil health cards, ensured MSP at 1.5 times of input cost, implemented the Fasal Bima Yojana: PM Modi

6.43pm: We want our farmers to become prosperous. That is why we ensured neem coating of urea. This significantly helped the farmers and stopped black marketing of urea to chemical industries: PM Modi

6.42pm: What has the Congress government in Karnataka done to address farmer distress? Why did they not ensure proper irrigation facilities to the farmers: PM Modi

6.41pm: Congress must answer people of the state what work they have done in Karnataka: PM Modi

6.39pm: Congress is jealous because it was our government that got the majority, a person from humble background became the Prime Minister: PM Modi

6.37pm: Just like any fish cannot survive without water, Congress cannot live without power. That is why they are spreading lies, dividing people on the grounds of caste: PM Modi

6.35pm: PM Modi begins his address at rally in Belgavi. Congress never respected Baba Saheb Ambedkar. They never accepted Baba Sahebs views, he says.

3.55pm: PM Modi ends his address at Udupi. He will also address a rally at Chikkodi in Belagavi at 6pm today.

3.40pm:

There might be political differences between parties but civility & respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect & always give him time. The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/PsA3XSLCkz  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018

3.35pm: Govt opened bank accounts for the poor. Over 31 crores accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana. If Congress had ensured their bank accounts, the poor would have contributed so much to the economy, says PM Modi.

3.32pm: On one side, the government at the Centre is bringing out schemes for Ease of doing business. But in Karnataka, they are not interested in Ease of Doing Business. They (Congress govt) believe in Ease of doing murder. This is the culture they have developed: PM Modi.

3.30pm: Violence cannot exist in a democracy. It is shameful how BJP Karyakartas were murdered in Karnataka. The Congress must answer on increasing crimes, PM Modi says in Udupi.

3.28pm: Your love is such, that language cannot act as a barrier between us: PM Narendra Modi to the audience at a rally in Udupi.

3.25pm: Our government will leave no stone unturned to fulfill aspirations of people of Karnataka and ensure all round development of the state: PM Modi.

3.22pm: I will not let your hard work go in vain, I will return this love in the form of development, says PM Modi in Udupi.

3.15pm: Narendra Modi begins his address at the public rally in Udupi.

3pm: PM Modi reaches venue of Udupi rally, welcomed with chants of Namma Modi.

12.55pm: Narendra Modi ends his speech at Chamarajanagar. He will next address a rally in Udupi at 3pm.

12.45pm: Karnatakas voters on May 12 have to choose between the Bharatiya Janata Party that has its work to show and the Congress which has only the name of its top leadership, said PM Modi.

12.42pm: In Karnataka there is no law, there is no order. The Lokayukta is not safe, how can the common people be safe, says PM Modi.

12.36pm: Congress CM Siddaramaiah is flustered. He is fighting elections from two seats and he has put his son in a third seat. Two plus one formula for the CM. Congress ministers and their children are fighting elections too--thats one plus one formula. Family politics is hurting Karnataka: Modi

12.29pm: Congress president [Rahul Gandhi] challenged me to debate with him for 15 minutes in Parliament. He said I wont be able to sit after his speech: Modi

Thats true. How can people who work (kaamdaar) sit along with people who just have their name (naamdaar), says Modi

12.22pm: Manmohan Singh, as prime minister, had promised electricity to all villages by 2009. Madam Sonia Gandhi took that further and said electricity to all by 2009, says Modi in attack on top Congress leadership

The Congress is led by leaders who have no respect for Indias history. I was shocked that they even went to the level of disrespecting Vande Mataram, adds Modi.

12.20pm: Perhaps due to over excitement, newly elected Congress President forgot decency. He did not bother to congratulate the hardworking Mazdoors due to whom Indias villages are getting electricity: PM Modi.

12.18pm: I want to dedicate the historical achievement of the country on 28 April, when all villages in India were electrified, to the workers and labourers of the country on this Labour day: Narendra modi at Chamarajanagar rally.

12.17pm: Why is it that 4 crore Indians dont have electricity even after 70 years of India attaining independence: PM Modi.

Our government will provide free electricity to all these 4 crore houses: PM Modi.

12.16pm: It would have been honourable if the Congress party had said two words about labourers and working-class people who brought electricity to the last village in India. But the Congress is only of name and not work: PM Modi.

12.15pm: April will be a red-letter day in nations history when electricity reached the last village. I honour all working class people for this: PM Modi.

12.13pm: BS Yeddyurappa is the hope of the people of Karnataka and he is going to be the next chief minister of the state, says PM Modi.

12.11pm: There is not a BJP wave in Karnataka but it is a BJP storm, says PM Modi.

12.05pm: PM Narendra Modi begins his address at Chamarajanagar.

11:53am: Congress will not win more than 50 seats. There is a wave of BJP in the state, we will win more than 150 seats, JDS will not win more than 25 seats, says Yeddyurappa

11.40am: BS Yeddyurappa is addressing the rally ahead of Narendra Modis address in Chamarajanagar.

11.10am: PM Modi has arrived at the rally venue in Santhemarahalli and will shortly address, launching the election campaign for his party. The Prime Minister is being accompanied by state BJP President and CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa.

9.25am: Modi will address a election rally at Santhemarahalli in Chamarajanagar, deep in southern Karnataka, on Tuesday around 11 am.

9am: Starting Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 15 rallies in five days across Karnataka ahead of assembly elections on May 12The special CBI court granted bail to former Haryana chief minister (CM) Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday, in connection with the 1,500 crore Manesar land scam.

The court also allowed bail to the sitting Punjab and Haryana high court judges son, Gaurav Chaudhry, who is a co-accused in the case. Other accused were granted bail in last hearing on April 19.

Hooda told media outside the court that cases against him was a political vendetta by the BJP government, but said that he has full faith in the judiciary. I will fight legal battles in court and political battles on Haryana streets to expose the real face of the ruling saffron government, he said.

Hoodas counsel SPS Parmar said the court granted him bail after taking two surety bonds of 5 lakh each. The next hearing is listed for May 31, where the matter is listed for scrutiny of challan before arguments begin on framing of charges.

Hooda, along with three of his former aides and a number of real estate firms have been charged with criminal conspiracy, fraud and corruption.

Hoodas former principal secretaries Murari Lal Tayal and Chattar Singh and former director of town and country planning department SS Dhillon  all co-accused in the scam  were granted bail following their appearance in last hearing on April 19, even as the CBI opposed their plea.

The CBI opposed Hoodas bail too.

Atul Bansal, promoter of a Gurgaon-based realty firm, ABW Group, whose 15 companies are named in the chargesheet as major beneficiary of this scam, is also out on bail.

Core team present in court

Hooda had failed to turn up for previous hearing on April 19, citing health reasons. This time, he made sure to make enough noise of his appearance. His core team members including former Haryana Vidhan Sabha speaker Kuldeep Sharma, Karan Dalal, Anand Singh Dangi and Lalit Nagar were present along with Hoodas son and Rohtak MP Deepinder Singh Hooda. Former Punjab minister Rana Gurjit Singh, who resigned after allegations of sand mining, was also seen outside court.

Kuldeep Sharma told HT that Hooda was being targeted due to his popularity. It is not prosecution, rather a persecution. People in the state are closely watching it, he said outside court room.

When asked about two more pending cases with the CBI where chargesheet is soon expected, Sharma said that this will not make any difference as all cases against him are false.

Meanwhile, sources in the CBI said that the challan in connection with illegal re-allotment of a plot to Associated Journals Limited in Panchkula is expected in next two-three weeks.

Tuesday was Hoodas first appearance after the CBI court summoned him and others in this case, following the chargesheet on February 1.

Case history

The Rs 1,500 crore alleged scam pertains to misuse of the Land Acquisition Act for acquisition of 912-acre land in Industrial Model Township (IMT), Manesar, Gurgaon.

While the acquisition was ordered in 2004 during the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) government, the process began during Hoodas government that came to power in 2005.

The Hooda government scrapped the acquisition process in 2007, only to later grant licences for housing and commercial development to the builders over 260 acres of that land who purchased land from the farmers at throw away prices.

Soon after coming to power in the state in 2015, the BJP regime had ordered a CBI probe.Starting a whirlwind five-day, 15-rally push to get his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the halfway mark in the Karnataka assembly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that he saw a storm, not a wave, in favour of his party, targeted the state government for corruption, and ridiculed chief minister Siddaramaiah for what he termed a 2+1 strategy of contesting two constituencies even while handing over his own to his son.

Modi also highlighted his governments achievements, including the latest one of electrifying all villages in the country, in one of the three rallies he addressed on Tuesday. Most opinion polls have predicted a hung assembly, with neither the Congress nor the BJP achieving a simple majority, leaving former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowdas Janata Dal (Secular) in the enviable position of deciding who gets to form the next government in the state.

Modi dismissed concerns of a hung assembly and said his party would get a clear majority; however, he seemed to be keeping his options open by not targeting the JD(S), and mentioning his regard for Deve Gowda, albeit in the context of a comparison between how the Congress insults a senior leader, and he (Modi) doesnt. I even receive him at the door, hold his vehicles door open whenever we meet, he added.

Reacting sharply, Siddaramaiah said this is a clear indication that both the parties have an internal understanding. And he pointed to the fact that Modi himself had contested two Lok Sabha seats in the last parliamentary elections, and gave his own spin to the 2+1 strategy on Twitter.

He stated that it was the BJP that had one, and that it involved two Reddys and one Yeddy , playing on the candidature of the controversial Ballari Reddys and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa.

JD(S) leader and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, however, rubbished Siddaramaiahs allegation of an internal understanding, saying: To even describe a leaders achievements or praise one freely, one should have culture. In finding fault with Modis praise and tweeting about it indicates the negative mindset of Siddaramaiah.

Modi also tore into the ruling Congress party in Karnataka, saying that the law and order situation in the state had deteriorated and claimed that the state government had only enabled ease of doing murder, citing the death of nearly two dozen BJP workers in the state. He said the people would punish the Congress party in the May 12 election.

Modi spoke at three rallies covering southern, coastal and northern Karnataka. In Santemarahalli in Chamrajnagar, south Karnataka, he spoke of his governments effort to ensure that electricity reached all villages across the country, ahead of a deadline he had set three years back. He added that the Manmohan Singh led UPA government had made a similar promise in 2005 to electrify all villages by 2009, but failed.

According to Modi, this is because his party was intoKaamdar (work oriented ) politics and not Naamdar (name-based or dynastic) politics. Reacting to Congress president Rahul Gandhis demand to be allowed to speak at least 15 minutes in Parliament, Modi challenged him to speak in any language for 15 minutes on the Karnataka governments achievements, without any notes.

In the afternoon, speaking in Udupi, he said that while banks had been nationalized (by the Congress) in the name of the poor, these very people were kept away from the doors of the banks. Modi said that his governments Jan Dhan Yojana had enabled access to banks for the poor.

In his last rally of the day, addressing voters in Chikkodi, Belagavi district in Northern Karnataka, Modi asked the electorate to vote for BJP so as to have the same party ruling at the Centre and in the state. Accusing the CM of sleeping instead of working for development, he said the elections were an opportunity to change the fortunes of the state.

Two hot-button issues of the day -- the agrarian crisis and the rights of Dalits -- found mention in Modis speeches. In one speech, he claimed the Congress was anti-Dalit and said Indias first prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had campaigned against Dalit icon BR Ambedkar. In another, he said that after forming the government in 2014, his government had discovered that there was no ownership for about 99 agriculture- and irrigation-related projects, including five in Karnataka. He also lauded BJPs chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa for introducing a separate agri-budget in the state in his earlier stint as the states CM.

Afzal Amanullah, former parliamentary affairs secretary, said: The Karnataka election campaign is set to become much shriller. And its no longer a battle for state but also has larger, national ramifications.

PM Modi will be again in Karnataka on May 3.Five months before the Dalmia Bharat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ministry of culture for the upkeep of Red Fort, a similar proposal from another corporate firm was rejected.

The Parliamentary panel on transport, tourism and culture was informed that the earlier proposal in October 2017 was rejected due to sensitivity of the monument, a senior member of the House panel said on Tuesday.

According to the terms of the MoU signed between Dalmia Bharat and ministry of tourism, the former will spend Rs 5 crore annually for five years for certain basic amenities. Opposition parties have protested against what they called as the handover of the Red Fort to private players.

The panel, led by Trinamool Congress leader Derek OBrien, had welcomed the scheme to rope in corporates for the upkeep of monuments, but at least two MPs said the panel was also given to understand that the ministry will first roll out a pilot project before implementing the scheme for bigger monuments.

The issue came up during a meeting on February. Ministry officials were categorically told that all stakeholders be consulted before the scheme is rolled out across India, a member added.

Another member said the ministry has submitted a list of 93 monuments, which have been shortlisted under the scheme but they never indicated that Red Fort will be chosen.Karnatakas voters have to choose between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that works for progress and the Congress that has only the name of its top leadership, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Modi, in his first formal election rally for the BJP in Karnataka, thanked labourers and workers for achieving his governments target of bringing electricity to all villages and attacked the Congress party for allegedly disregarding working class people.

I want to dedicate the historical achievement of the country on 28 April, when all villages in India were electrified, to the workers and labourers of the country on this Labour Day, he said in Santhemarahalli in Chamarajanagara district.

The Congress president is namdaar (dynast) so how does he know about the efforts of kaamdaars (people who work) he said, referring to his rival Rahul Gandhi.

Perhaps due to over excitement, the newly elected Congress president forgets decency. He did not even bother to congratulate the hardworking Mazdoors due to whom Indias villages are getting electricity.

Modi said Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi had failed in their promise of electrifying the entire country by 2009 when the Congress governed the country, but now were questioning his governments achievement.

Modi criticised Congress leader and Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah for fighting elections from two seats and his son from another.

There is 2+1 formula which is being practised in Karnataka, its a version of the Congresss family politics in Karnataka. Kabhi kabhi jaagnewale aur zadatar soonewale yahan ke CM ka yeh political innovation hai (This is the initiative of the chief minister, who is mostly sleeping).

In Karnataka there is no law, there is no order. The Lokayukta is not safe, how can the common people be safe, he said, referring to the attack on the states anti-corruption watchdog on March 7.

Modi will address 15 rallies in five days across Karnataka, which votes for its 224-seat assembly on May 12, underlining the states importance for his government.

Two opinion polls released on April 23 predicted a hung assembly in the elections, with both suggesting that a new government in the state would have to be formed in coalition with the Janata Dal (Secular).In remarks that raised eyebrows in political circles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for insulting JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda, saying it showed his arrogance.

Showering praise on the former prime minister at an election rally in Udupi in poll-bound Karnataka, Modi said Deve Gowda was one of the most respected and tallest leaders for whom he had great respect.

But I heard the Congress president speak at political rallies 15-20 days ago....the way he referred to respected Deve Gowdaji....is this your culture (sanskar)? This is arrogance.

Your life (as Congress chief) has just begun. Deve Gowda is among the tallest leaders of the country. You are insulting him, Modi said.

The prime minister was alluding to Gandhis speeches at his rallies in JD(S) strongholds where he attacked Deve Gowda, and called his party the B Team of the BJP.

Modis remarks assume significance as they come after most pollsters predicted a fractured verdict in the Assembly elections, with no party attaining a majority on its own.

JD(S) state unit chief H D Kumaraswamy had earlier claimed he would be the king after the polls and not the kingmaker.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah has often accused the BJP and the JD(S) of having a tacit understanding, and even claimed that Kumaraswamy had met the saffron party chief Amit Shah, a charge dismissed by the JD(S).

His father Deve Gowda, however, told a TV channel that he and his family would disown Kumaraswamy if he joins hands with the BJP.

You think about it. If his temperament is such... whose arrogance is on cloud seven...it is just the beginning of life...if he is doing this from today, how bad the coming days will be you will get to know from his deeds, Modi said attacking Gandhi.

The prime minister said the Congress party, with such arrogant leaders, is a big threat to democracy.

He urged the electorate to ensure that Mahatma Gandhis dream was fulfilled, reminding them of the Father of the Nations insistence on disbanding the Congress after Independence.

Noting that there would be differences in politics, he said, There is something called decorum in public life. Every person may have his own ego, but in social life there are certain values.

Speaking about the respect he has for the former primeminister, Modi referred to Deve Gowda as the son of this land, and a farmers son.

Whenever he comes to meet me in Delhi, I make it a point to receive him at the entrance of my home...open the door of the car for him. I also see him off up to his car, he said. 

Modi said he does that in spite of the fact that their ideologies are different and Deve Gowdas party votes against his government in Parliament.The Vasundhara Raje governments move to allot land in 25 of the states 33 districts to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for setting up party offices has spiralled into a controversy with the opposition Congress party claiming the allotments are being made at concessional rates, facilitating a land-grab, even as the BJP and the state government insist the allotments are above board, and paid for.

The BJPs desire to have an office in each of the states 33 districts comes from national party president Amit Shahs declaration that the party would have an office in each of Indias 640 districts by December 2018, well before the parliamentary elections that are likely to happen in the middle of 2019. Each district office will link to the BJPs swank new HQ in Delhi through video conference.

The BJP says there has been no violation of rules and regulations in the acquisitions in Rajasthan.

There has been no political pressure. The party has acquired land legally by paying the right price and there has been no loss to the state exchequer, said the partys media head in the state, Anand Sharma.

State Congress president, Sachin Pilot, said the BJP has gone about the land allotment in a clandestine manner and in violation of regulations. They are grabbing prime land at concessional rates. They have changed land use at several places. This is misuse of office. If the Congress comes to power, we will cancel all the allotments, he added.

Last week, the Rajasthan High Court ordered status quo on allotment after it received a petition challenging land allotment for the BJP office in Sirohi district.

Rajasthans urban development and housing minister, Shrichand Kriplani, said land has been allotted as per norms and there is no illegality. The land was given at the reserve price + 15%. The land allotment has been made in public interest. Land has been allotted after proper examination.

The party has been asked to submit all necessary documents, said Kriplani. These include the notification of party registration by the Election Commission of India, a copy of the party by-laws, an affidavit stating that previously no land has been allotted to the party, and a copy of the proposal for land allotment.

Asked if any other political party had been allotted land, Kriplani said no other party had applied. We will give land to any party that approaches us, he said. Pilot said the Congress isnt aware of this. How would we know about land allotment when the government did not publish any advertisement or write to party leaders? He said the Congress has applied for land in a couple of districts but claimed its applications were not being considered.

In two of the 25 districts , Sawai Madhopur and Bikaner, land conversion is underway before the allotment to the BJP is done.

In the remaining eight districts, the allotment is being processed in two ( Baran and Ajmer), the party has acquired private land in two (Jalore and Sikar), it has not applied for land in three (Jodhpur, Alwar and Pratpagarh), and it hasnt been able to find a plot it likes in Jaipur.

The party is scouting for 6000 sqm land for the party office in Jaipur. Sharma said the party wants land near the present office in the centrally located C-Scheme area. The party did not find the options given by the Jaipur Development Authority suitable as they are far away from the city centre, he said. Currently, BJP offices are either in government buildings or have been taken on rent, he said.Home minister Rajnath Singh will visit Mongolia soon, with India drawing up a plan to step up bilateral ties across sectors following the visit of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to Ulaanbaatar in the last week of April, officials familiar with the developments said.

Indias plans to deepen ties with Mongolia, sandwiched between Russia and China, comes at a time when Beijing is expanding its influence in Delhis periphery in South Asia, with analysts terming Indian push as an instance of politico-diplomatic astuteness.

Swarajs visit was the first visit by Indian foreign minister to Mongolia in 42 years. Prime Minister Modi had visited Mongolia in 2015 and a plan for a comprehensive partnership was in the works since then, the officials indicated.

The visit of PM Modi in May 215 to Mongolia saw the two countries raising the partnership to a strategic level. Now that the two countries would be further deepening the ties across sectors, said a government official who asked not to be named.

According to the agreed minutes of India-Mongolia joint committee, which Swaraj co-chaired on April 25, the two countries have agreed to promote the links between ministries and agencies from both sides, including closer ties between their national security councils.

The two sides take part in joint exercises and they wish to step up the security cooperation. The forthcoming visit of home minister Rajnath Singh comes in this context, said another official on condition of anonymity.

New Delhi will be hosting senior government officials from Mongolia at premier Indian institutes to train them in public policy and governance, said the minutes of the committee. For example, the Foreign Service Institute, which trains Indian diplomats, will host training programmes for Mongolian diplomats as well.

The two sides also decided to step up the cooperation in the mineral exploration sector and to speed up the plans to set up an oil refinery in Mongolia with an Indian line of credit of $ 1 billion. The two sides also agreed to explore the possibility of direct air connectivity and cooperation in the fields of telecommunication, education and health.

Commodore (retd) C Uday Bhaskar, director of the Society for Policy Studies, said that strengthening ties with Mongolia was long overdue. It makes for strategic prudence for Delhi to invest in and be engaged with Mongolia. Indias Buddhist profile is very revered in that country.

When asked if the China factor was behind Indias engagement, Bhaskar said, Even if this is not stated explicitly, political geography is an existential reality. Politico-diplomatic astuteness lies in maximising small opportunities and margins when they present themselves. Delhi has been diffident for decades.Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asserted that religion is a personal choice and it should always remain free from any coercion or allurement.

The senior BJP leader made the assertion while observing that Indian tradition takes pride in giving freedom to have, to retain and to adopt a religion or belief.

He also appealed to all religious sects to act with restraint and respect everyone, stressing the need to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in society

Singh said the countrys long standing convention for openness to new ideas, tolerance towards other faiths and giving them respect was as old as Indian civilisation itself.

The home minister was speaking at a civic reception accorded to Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan on his 101 birthday celebrations here.

I have no hesitation in accepting the fact that almost every government in this country has been tolerant towards all religions and faiths. This principle of equality and tolerance for all faiths has been a part of Indias character and sensibilities for thousands of years, he said.

Religion is a personal choice and it should always remain free from any coercion or allurement.

Unity is our strength and we must work to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in our society, Singh said, adding the spirit of tolerance has also been enshrined in Indias Constitution.

The minister said India stands united not because of one religion or some theological thought holding the political power or exercising control over the system, but because it provides space to peaceful co-existence of multiple thoughts of theologies.

The countrys entire system is guided by the Constitution, which has roots in the ancient cultural traditions of the country, Singh said.

Singh said Indian culture today was nothing but a long standing tradition of religious freedom, compassion and tolerance.

He said the problems faced by the country had always been addressed through a unique interplay of ideas and the biggest living proof of this was the Constitution which we all swear by and have taken a pledge to defend it.

Therefore, we must maintain the Sarva Dharma Sambhav in this country and continue cementing the pillars of a united India. Unity is our strength and we all must work to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in our society, he said.

The home minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was running a government at the Centre which firmly believes in taking every section of the society along and building a New India.

The goal is Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, which means development with unity, he said.

Pointing out that the dream of making India great can be realised only when people of the country are united, he said United we stand, Divided we fall.

The minister also expressed concern at the increasing violence, division and hostility in the name of religion the world over, adding the ancient Indian thought of respect for all faiths is the only way of ensuring peace and harmony.

The world today is increasingly witnessing violence, division and hostility in the name of religion. It is a cause of grave concern for us. I firmly believe that the ancient Indian thought of respect and acceptance for all faiths is the only way to ensure peace and harmony in the age of growing religious clashes and conflict, he added.

Describing Chrysostom as a great man who has lived his life by example, Singh said the metropolitans life was an inspiration not only to the people of Kerala or to the Christian community, but to the entire nation.The government is preparing for the eventuality of the Supreme Court collegium recommending the name of Uttarakhand chief justice KM Joseph once again for elevation to the top court, a week after the law ministry suggested that the collegium reconsider his choice.

While it is expected that the SCs five-member collegium will meet on this issue on Wednesday, no official notification on this had been issued till late Tuesday and HT learns the meeting isnt confirmed. Historically, the collegium has usually sent the same recommendation back even after the government suggested that it be reconsidered, said a government official who asked not to be named. The issue here is whether seniority and regional representation should be allowed to take a back seat or not, this person added.

Last Wednesday, the government cleared the appointment of senior advocate Indu Malhotra as an SC judge but put on hold the collegiums recommendation on elevating Joseph.

Soon after, Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad wrote to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra to say, The proposed appointment of justice KM Joseph at this stage does not appear to be appropriate. It would also not be fair and justified to other more senior, suitable, and deserving Chief Justices and senior judges of various high courts.

The letter pointed out that justice Joseph is 42nd in seniority among the high court judges and many HCs such as Gujarat, Calcutta, and Jammu and Kashmir are not represented in the SC.

We will decide our next step after we receive the Collegiums recommendation, a second government official said on condition of anonymity.

Legal experts say the government may not have the scope of seeking yet another reconsideration if the collegium suggests justice Jopeshs name again, but that it could adopt another strategy. The collegium is well within its rights to send the same recommendation once more. But the government can sit over the proposal as no deadline has been fixed for it to approve the decision, former law secretary TK Vishwanathan said.

Advocate Muhammad Khan, also a Congress spokesperson, said, There is no provision in any statute which authorises the government to veto the collegiums choice. If the government is allowed to dictate terms, even seemingly harmless ones (to SC), it would lead to a situation of effective control.Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of repeating lies for political purposes, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday challenged him to take part in an open debate with him on the issues of crime, and the law and order situation in Karnataka compared to the BJP-ruled states.

Responding to Modis allegations that the law and order in the state under Congress rule had collapsed, Siddaramaiah tweeted: Crime is not increasing in Karnataka abnormally. PM repeats the lie of increasing crime rate for political purposes.

I challenge him for an open debate on a single platform on crime and law and order situation in Karnataka viz-a-viz BJP-ruled states.

The Prime Minister, addressing a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in the coastal district of Udupi on Tuesday, held the Congress government responsible for the alleged murders of BJP party workers in the state.

It is extremely shameful that the Congress government has allowed violence in the state and several BJP party workers were murdered. The Congress must provide an answer to these rising crimes, he said.

The state police, however, earlier said the killings of a few people were neither communal nor political.

Siddaramaiah also hit out at Modi for his remarks that the Karnataka Chief Minister was contesting from two constituencies and changing his seat, fearing defeat.

Was it fear that drove you to contest from two parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Vadodara in Gujarat) Mr. PM Narendra Modi? Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation, Siddaramaiah wrote.

Modi had contested from both Varanasi and Vadodara in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Forget two seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party (BJP) will not cross 60-70 (seats in the upcoming election), Siddaramaiah added in his tweet.

The Congress leader also took a jibe at Modis comments that the party was allowing kith and kin to contest the elections.

For the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) the rule is 2+1, where he will contest from two seats and has given his old seat (Varuna in Mysuru district) to his son (Yathindra) and for the other ministers (in the state cabinet), the rule seems to be 1+1, allowing their relatives to fight polls, Modi said at a rally in the southern state.

Siddaramaiah has filed nominations for the May 12 election from Chamundeshwari in Mysuru district and Badami in Bagalkot district, while his son Yathindra is contesting from Varuna in Mysuru district.

Though Siddaramaiah had won from Varuna twice since the 2008 Assembly elections, he shifted to Chamundeshwari, making way for his son Yathindra to contest from his home constituency.

Reacting to the allegations, Siddaramaiah tweeted: Today PM avoided talking about his complicity in closing CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) cases against the Reddy brothers. Instead he spoke about some 2+1 formula. Here is the explanation to his formula to win election: 2 Reddys + 1 Yeddy (referring to partys chief ministerial candidate B.S. Yeddyurappa).

The Karnataka Chief Minister, along with his tweets posted a picture of the scam-tainted mining baron from Ballari district G. Janardhana Reddy, his brother G. Karunakara Reddy who will be contesting from Harpanahallli in the same district, along with Yeddyurappa.

Janardhana Reddy, who was the state Tourism and Infrastructure Minister between 2008-11 when Yeddyurappa was the Chief Minister, was arrested and jailed for about two years after the states anti-graft watchdog (Lokayukta) named him in the multi-crore iron ore mining scam that rocked Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for about a decade (2001-10).

Yeddyurappa, too, was forced to step down from the Chief Ministers post over his alleged involvement in a land scam.

The BJP is contesting from all the 224 assembly segments in the state in a bid to return to power after it lost to the Congress in the May 2013 elections.A ground-breaking joint Sino-Indian economic project in Afghanistan will send the signal that cooperation can prevail over competition and a message to Pakistan that China recognises Indias legitimate role in Afghanistan, say strategic experts.

During the two-day informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan which concluded on April 28, India and China agreed for the first time to implement a joint economic project in war-torn Afghanistan. Indian and Chinese officials will identify the project and work out the modalities of cooperation.

The two Asian powers had earlier discussed possible cooperation in third countries and as early as in 2010 when officials from the two countries exchanged views on possible infrastructure projects in Afghanistan. But the discussions which were subsequently sidelined got a major boost at the summit where Modi and Xi talked cooperation in a third country.

There will be more China-India projects in the region in the pipeline, some of which will involve a third party, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou told a media briefing at the end of the summit. Separately, an Indian official said the project will be in Afghanistan.

The decision will have a bearing on the region and on Afghanistans role as a roundabout of cooperation in Asia, said Barnett Rubin, Senior Fellow at the Center on International Cooperation and former advisor to UNAMA (UN Mission to Afghanistan).

This agreement constitutes recognition of Afghanistans efforts to become a roundabout of Asian cooperation  it is exactly what the government has been working for. It also constitutes an implicit rebuke to both the U.S. and Pakistan, Rubin said.

He added: The Trump administration has tried to portray Asia as the scene of a new cold war between China with the Belt and Road Initiative and the so-called Indo-Pacific led by the US and India. This agreement showcases the Chinese position that cooperation should prevail over competition, while the

Trump National Security Strategy emphasises the primacy of competition, Rubin said.

Chinese academics agreed, saying it opens up opportunities for India and China to engage in other countries.

It is a good start. More joint projects should be in their shared neighborhood such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and other ASEAN countries. Africa is also a region of full of possibilities, said Lili, south Asian scholar at the Institute for International Relations at Beijings Tsinghua University.

It is worthwhile to have such kind of cooperation in Afghanistan. There are so many areas we can cooperate like in infrastructure and mining, said Hu Shisheng, director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies in Beijing.

The Sino-Indian agreement is expected to rile Pakistan which has consistently tried to exclude India from a region it considers as its strategic area of influence.

Although the Chinese scholars were reluctant to comment on how Pakistan will react to the Modi-Xi decision, Rubin was clear about the message it has sent out.

The message to Pakistan is clear: China welcomes Indias legitimate role in Afghanistan. For years the Pakistan military has rationalised its support for the Taliban and other pressures on Kabul by citing the threat posed by the Indian presence in Afghanistan. Now without saying a word directly to Pakistan, China has announced that it not only recognises but wants to cooperate with the Indian presence in Afghanistan, Rubin said.Stepping up his efforts to launch a federal front as an alternative to the Congress and BJP at the Centre, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao has invited the heads of several regional parties to a much-publicised event at Hyderabad on May 10.

Among those invited by Rao, also the chief minister of Telangana, are Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam working president MK Stalin, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemanth Soren and Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav.

These dignitaries will attend the launch of Rythu Bandhu, a prestigious programme of the chief minister that has attracted nationwide attention. Invitations are being extended to other regional party heads too, a spokesperson in the chief ministers office said.

Under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, around 5.8 million farmers will get Rs 4,000 per acre of land during the kharif and rabi seasons. The agriculture department has identified nearly 14.21 million acres of cultivable land for the scheme, and the total expenditure in this regard is likely to come up to Rs 5,685 crore per season. The government made a budgetary allocation of Rs 12,000 crore for the scheme this year.

The invitation to regional party leaders is aimed at consolidating the TRS chiefs efforts to form a federal front ahead of the next Lok Sabha polls. After meeting Banerjee, Soren, former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi and Janata Dal(Secular) president Deve Gowda last month, Rao spent the first two days of this week negotiating with DMK patriarch Karunanidhi as well as other party leaders such as Stalin, TR Balu, A Raja and Kanimozhi in Chennai.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav will touch down in Hyderabad on Wednesday to work out the modalities of the proposed federal front. The TRS government has planned a grand reception for the Samajwadi Party leader on the occasion.

Besides Rythu Bandhu, Rao is expected to give his invitees the lowdown on several flagship programmes of his government  including the Mission Bhagiratha (which aims to provide drinking water to every household) and the Kaleshwaram scheme (said to be the biggest lift-irrigation project in the country).

The objective of these invitations is to bring the nations attention not only to Telanganas developmental programmes but also to Rao, who aims to emerge as a national leader in the near future, a party leader said on the condition of anonymity.iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- The Puerto Rico Governors Office announced on Monday that the island will be receiving $589 million in federal disaster assistance from the U.S. Department of Education as the island continues to recover from the ravages of Hurricane Maria last fall.

The federal agency announced Monday it would be disbursing a total of approximately $693 million to Puerto Rico, California and Texas to aid in disaster recovery.

The money granted to Puerto Rico is to assist in the rebuilding process of the education system following Hurricane Maria.

"This economic injection by the federal government will be key in the recovery process for the Department of Education. It will benefit both the teaching staff, the student body and the non-teaching staff to fully recover the normality in the education that is taught in the education system," Rossello said in a statement.

The funds are just the first in a multi-phased process, according to the U.S. Department of Education. A total of $2.5 billion will eventually be awarded.

"As communities get back on their feet in disaster affected regions, we continue to support them in every way we can," said Secretary Betsy DeVos in a statement. "This additional funding will ensure students, teachers and staff have ongoing access to the services they need to fully recover and rebuild."

The Puerto Rico Department of Education told ABC News in recent weeks that 283 schools are slated to close because of declining student enrollment following Hurricane Maria.

A spokesperson for the department says there are 319,000 students on the island compared to 346,000 enrolled students as of May 2017. The department projects that there will be 311,000 enrolled students this August. Half of schools on the island are at 60 percent of capacity.

Puerto Rico continues to recover from Hurricane Maria, which hit the island as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 20, and leveled unrivaled destruction on the U.S. territory. The official death toll from the storm is 64, though studies, including one by The New York Times in early December, showed over 1,000 people more than usual died on the island following the storm.

The whole island was without power for weeks and only stood at 68 percent in mid-December, according to the Puerto Rico Power Energy Authority (PREPA). Just two weeks ago, the entire island lost power for over 24 hours when construction crews accidentally damaged the power grid.

California's Department of Education will receive just over $14.3 million to help address damage caused by the 2017 wildfires, while Texas received over $89.4 million to address damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

Harvey, especially, was damaging to the Houston area. The storm killed 39 people, dumped 51.88 inches of rain in nearby Cedar Bayou, Texas, and caused $97 billion in damages, according to Moody's Analytics.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.In a bid to substantially enhance Indias so-called stand-off weapon capabilities, the Trump administration in the United States has agreed to supply long endurance high-altitude surveillance armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which are capable of hunting and destroying targets across seas and over land borders.

Indian and US diplomatic officials confirmed to Hindustan Times that the Pentagons decision to supply Predator-B drones to Indian military has been conveyed through official channels and that it is now up to the Narendra Modi government to take the final call based on the overall cost of Indias drone programme. The matter was taken up during official level meetings attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale and defence secretary in Washington last month, they added.

Manufactured by General Atomics, Predator-B has both land and naval versions and can be armed with air-to-land missiles, anti-ship missiles and laser guided bombs.

Stand-off capabilities refer to the ability to strike without fear of the defensive capabilities of the target.

Although the Pentagon had cleared the sale of 22 Guardian naval surveillance drones to India, New Delhi was insistent that given the costs involved, it was in favour of acquiring an armed drone which operates over both land and sea. Purchase of the Guardian drone through government to government route did not make sense as even if the unarmed drone identifies a hostile target over Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal or Arabian Sea, it will have to request for Boeing P- 8I Neptune (aircraft) to destroy the target. The time lag and effort is not worth the while. The Indian need is an armed drone which not only locates but hunts down the target, said a senior Indian government official who asked not to be identified.

The other Indian worry is about encryption keys to weaponised drone. Essentially, Indian national security planners are worried whether the US will also have control of the armed drones and could theoretically jam them . e US defence manufacturers have dismissed this concern by saying that India will have all the encryption keys for the armed drone.

This question, and the issue of the sale of the drones will come up before the technical team of Office of Secretary of Defence (OSD) policy arrives in the Capital on May 3-4, 2018 to discuss the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) with Defence Ministry officials. India needs to sign COMCASA and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for operating highly advanced US defence platforms requiring secured communication and spatial equipment.

The Indian and US officials said the sale of armed drones could also come up during the two-plus-two dialogue between external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman with newly-appointed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis in Washington later this month.

While Indian national security planners are pleased over the US nod to armed drones, the cost, logistics and maintenance of the UAVs is prohibitive due to separate command and control centres and requirement of round the clock combat vigil.Four brothers accused of beating a Dalit man in Hazratpur of Uttar Pradeshs Badaun district and allegedly forcing him to drink urine after he refused to harvest their wheat crop late last month, were arrested from their village early Tuesday, police said.

The accused Vijay Singh and his three brothers were arrested in a raid in Hazratpur area. They are being interrogated by a police team and will later be presented in court, superintendent of police (city) of Badaun, Jitendra Kumar Srivastav said.

In his complaint to the police, the victim also alleged that the brothers from an upper caste family forced him to drink their urine and pulled his moustache.

Police had registered an FIR under sections 323 (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) 506 (criminal intimidation) 342 (wrongful confinement) and relevant sections of the SC/ST Act.

Uttar Pradesh SC-ST commission has also taken cognizance of the matter and sought a detailed report from Badaun police regarding the incident.

Earlier on Monday, senior superintendent of police of Badaun, Ashok Kumar, ordered the suspension of inspector Rajesh Kumar of Hazratpur police station for dereliction of duty and ordered a departmental inquiry against him after he refused to register the victims complaint on April 23, the day he was abused.

A complaint was eventually registered on Sunday.In the aftermath of the rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Jammus Kathua district and the gang-rape of a 16-year-old in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao, the government on April 21 approved an ordinance to amend laws to award the death penalty to anyone found guilty of raping a girl below the age of 12. The Centre is also considering a similar amendment for sexual assaults against boys below 12.

Children are not just vulnerable to sexual offences committed by adults, but by children too. The matter came into sharp focus in 2012, when one of the accused in the Delhi gang rape was a 17-year-old. Until then, the maximum punishment that could be awarded to juveniles was three years of detention in a remand home irrespective of the crime.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, was amended to allow 16-18-year-olds to be tried as adults for heinous crimes such as rape and murder.

Punitive laws aside, we need to ask why these crimes are taking place.

Experts, including Enakshi Ganguly, co-director of Delhi-based non-governmental organisation HAQ: Centre for Child Rights point out that sexual offences by young people should be seen within the context of an increase in sexual crimes committed as a whole in society.

An analysis of offences committed by juveniles in the past four months reveals that many of the accused have easy access to mobile phones and know their victims. In Bharatpur, a 14-year-old allegedly raped a five-year-old. His father blames the video clips on his mobile phone that he watched with his friends. In Assams Nagaon, a 12-year-old girl was raped and set ablaze by three youths, including two minors one of whom was her cousin.

It is important to locate this in the fast changing environment children are growing up in. One example is of children recognising their sexuality earlier because of so much exposure to information, whether to the internet or through cellphone, which everyone has now. But society as a whole needs to talk to children on how to use these tools and process the information they receive. So then, when they behave inappropriately, how can we lay the whole blame on them? asked Ganguly.

Sexual offences by and against children do not occur in a vacuum.

There is little conversation about sexuality within homes and schools, but the media is rife with sexualised imagery that dehumanises women and places unfair expectations of machismo among men. All forms of sexual experience between adolescents are criminalised.

Thus, a number of those apprehended under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) are in consensual relationships with other older adolescents.

Nobody is talking to young people to figure out whats happening in their lives. By reporting only on crimes committed by children, that too of only a particular class, were creating a fear of young boys and by this we only end up alienating them, Ganguly added.

This should give us pause to think about how our silence about all things sexual with adolescents will only increase the next victims  and accuseds  vulnerability.Starting Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address 15 rallies in five days across Karnataka ahead of assembly elections on May 12, underlining the importance of the poll outcome to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in power at the Centre.

Modi will be in Karnataka on May 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8, addressing three rallies a day.

Modi will address an election rally at Santhemarahalli in Chamarajanagar, deep in southern Karnataka, on Tuesday around 11 am. He will then take a chopper to the coastal district of Udupi to address a meet at 3 pm and then to North Karnataka where he will address another rally at Chikkodi in Belgavi district at 6 pm, before flying back later in the night to Delhi.

BJP spokesperson S Prakash told HT, PM Modis entry is like (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni going into bat in the crucial few last overs of a match. His mere presence will make a difference. Given his huge personal appeal, we fully expect to get a boost to our campaign.

With most pre-poll surveys indicating either a hung assembly or a slim majority for the ruling Congress in the state, the BJP is be hoping that the Prime Ministers popularity and charisma will help it get closer to the halfway mark of 113 seats in the 224-member assembly.

The outcome of the Karnataka election is key for two reasons. One, Karnataka is now the only second large state (apart from Punjab) where the Congress is in power and a win there could see a resurgence in the party. Second, the results of the election could likely set the tone for the other upcoming assembly contests in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, before the general elections in 2019.

Modi has not been to poll-bound Karnataka in the last two months. Modi was in the state last on February 27 when he addressed an election rally in Davangere. The Congress had taunted the BJP over the PMs absence from the election cycle, alleging that he was avoiding the state fearing defeat in the polls. In contrast, Congress president Rahul Gandhi has already toured different parts of the state extensively.The Rajasthan high court has directed the state government to cancel the licences of those caught talking on mobile phones while driving. It also directed the regional transport officers (RTOs) to initiate proceedings to cancel licences after providing the offenders opportunity for a hearing.

A division bench of Justices Gopal Krishan Vyas and Ramchandra Singh Jhala issued the order on April 27 and sought a compliance report on May 22.

We are of the opinion that the drivers of four and two-wheelers are usually using mobile (phone) while plying the vehicles, which is not permissible under the law. More so, due to the said act of vehicle drivers, a number of accidents takes place, the court said in its order.

The court further directed that if a driver is found using phone while plying the vehicle, then after obtaining their photographs and other credentials, the same may be forwarded to the concerned RTO for cancellation of driving licence.

The transport department has been asked to initiate proceedings for cancellation of the driving licence strictly in accordance with law and after providing an opportunity for a hearing.

Earlier, the Supreme Court committee on road safety had recommended suspension of driving licence for three months for five offences, including talking on mobile phone while driving.

In India, use of mobile phone while driving is illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Prerna Singh, coordinator of Centre for Road Safety at Sardar Patel Police University, Jodhpur, said talking on mobile phones was a major danger to peoples lives on roads worldwide not just in India. Use of mobile phone by even a pedestrian is bad for road safety, she added.

Singh said that Rajasthan is probably the first state where the high court has issued such an order to ensure road safety.Even as Bengal Police continued to hunt for kingpins of the inter-state racket that has been selling carcass meat recovered from dumping grounds for more than five years, Kolkata and nighbouring districts witnessed a massive fall in sale of raw, processed and cooked meat.

The racket was detected on April 20 at Budge Budge in South 24 Parganas district, about 28 kilometre from Kolkata. Ten people, including Manik Mukherjee, a CPI(M) leader who was expelled by the party in 2010, have so far been arrested.

During the weekend, restaurants and eateries witnessed significant drop in footfall. Even confectioners selling meat products saw fewer customers since police investigation indicated that carcass meat was supplied to several popular and ordinary restaurants and fast food outlets. Thousands of messages, containing names of several eateries and shops, started surfacing on social media. Seeking extension of police custody for some of the accused, police told the Alipore court on Monday that influential people are suspected to be involved in the carcass meat racket.

On Monday, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) asked its food suppliers in the state not to store frozen meat. This is a precautionary measure, Debasish Chandra, group general manager, IRCTC, told the media.

Read: Inter-state racket selling carcass meat from dumping grounds busted in Bengal; ex-CPM councillor among 10 nabbed

The investigation, the first of its kind in Bengal, has created a stir because carcasses of all types of animals, ranging from cows to cats, are left to decompose in dumping grounds. Scavenging birds and animals feed on these.

On Monday, Citizens For Social Justice, an NGO, submitted a notice at the Calcutta high court for filing a public interest litigation (PIL). We want arrest of the masterminds, amendment to existing laws and introduction of penal measures. Also, the West Bengal Food Safety Appellate Tribunal should be made effective, said Arindam Das, lawyer and secretary of the NGO.

The police investigation, being conducted by a 10-member special team of the Bengal Police, could not make any more arrest since Saturday although several raids were conducted. The main case has been registered at Budge Budge police station. However other police stations in the district and Kolkata are also acting on tip-offs. A poultry near the city airport was raided on Saturday after local people complained that dead chicken were sold from there. The owner, Kausar Ali Dhali, however escaped.

We are following leads and checking account books recovered during the raids. Some entries in these records suggest that these people also supplied meat to eateries and stores where cold and processed meat is sold, said a police officer on condition of anonymity. We cannot reveal more right now, he said.

Read: Two held in Bengal for selling skin and meat of dead animals dumped in Kolkata outskirts

In Kolkata and surrounding districts, the meat business has taken a hit ever since police busted the supply chain last week.

Over the weekend, when demand for mutton and chicken peaks in Kolkata, sales dropped by more than 50 per cent. Some people bought chicken but wanted to check the live birds first, said Madhusudan Koley, a chicken seller at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation-run Gariahat market in south Kolkata.

Bengalis love Mughlai food and demand for mutton and chicken biryani and other dishes usually soars during weekends. With media reports saying that even dog and cat meat might have been served as food, people are simply avoiding restaurants, said a manager at the one of Kolkatas oldest restaurants near New Market. Please do not name our establishment. It will drive away our remaining customers, he requested.

Read: 75 dogs, to be sold for meat in Nagaland, rescued in Assam

The Bengal Police have found that carcass meat, after being processed with chemicals such as formaldehyde and frozen to a temperature of minus 44 degree Fahrenheit, was sold to traders in Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Assam.

As much as 20 tons of carcass meat, neatly packet in 1000 plastic packets, was seized on April 26 from a private cold storage in the Narkeldanga area of Kolkata on April 26. Ten people, including Manik Mukherjee, a former CPI(M) councillor of Gayeshpur municipality in Nadia district, have so far been arrested from Bengal and Bihar.

Mukherjee was expelled by CPI(M) in 2010 for working against the party. Police have found that over the past five years he used to run his operation inside a house that had the fake sign of a Central government organisation. Carcasses were brought to the house. Till he retired two years ago, Mukherjee was an employee of Kalyani municipality in Nadia district and he was assigned to look after dumping grounds in the area.

The accused have been charged under Sections 272, 273 and 308 of Indian Penal Code and Section 16 of Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, West Bengal. While Sections 272 and 273 deal with adulteration of food or drink intended for sale, Section 308 deals with attempt to commit culpable homicide.

The Budge Budge police unearthed the racket after some residents of Subhas Udyan area (about 28 km from Kolkata) caught Raja Mullick, a casual worker of the local municipality and Vincent Simon, a taxi driver, while some meat and animal parts were being smuggled out in the taxi on April 20.The date of the Bengal rural elections will be finalised by a division bench after verifying security arrangements across the state, the Calcutta high court stated on Tuesday, possibly throwing a spanner in the state election commissions plans to hold the polls on May 14.

Pulling up the poll panel for not ensuring adequate security arrangements, the single-judge bench of Justice Subrata Talukdar said a division bench will determine the polling date after conducting a proper evaluation.

The judge was hearing multiple petitions filed by the BJP, CPI(M) and the Party for Democratic Socialism (PDS) in this regard. Opposition parties have accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of resorting to violence and intimidation tactics ahead of the rural polls. Significantly, a record 34.2% of the 58,692 seats at the gram panchayat, panchayat samiti and zilla parishad levels were won by Trinamool candidates without contest.

On April 20, Justice Talukdar had ordered the state election commission to extend the deadline for filing nominations by a day. He was responding to allegations by opposition parties that Trinamool supporters prevented a number of their candidates from submitting nomination papers.

Ten days later, the judge observed that the poll body was not doing enough to ensure proper security in the run-up to the elections. Opposition parties expressed their appreciation for the court ruling.

We are glad that the court has focused on the security aspect (of the elections). It stated that the polling date can be announced only after security arrangements are finalised, said PDS general secretary Samir Putatunda.

BJP Bengal unit general secretary Pratap Banerjee also welcomed the high courts decision. There is widespread apprehension that people will not be able to cast their votes freely and fairly, especially after what happened during the nomination phase. We only want to ensure free-and-fair elections, not stop the polls, he said.

Bikash Bhattacharyya, advocate and CPI(M) leader, said it was clear that the single bench was not satisfied with security arrangements. This is why the court said that May 14 is not the final date. I feel it will not be possible for the state election commission to satisfy the court on the issue of security arrangements, he added.

But Kalyan Banerjee, Lok Sabha MP and advocate for the Trinamool Congress, believed it was still too premature for opposition parties to start rejoicing. The court has only ruled that polling on May 14 is tentative. Polling will be held on that day if the court is satisfied with the security arrangements, he said, accusing the PDS and CPI(M) of teaming up to stop the elections.

Justice Talukdar had earlier asked the state election commission to finalise the poll schedule after holding meaningful discussions with all the major stakeholders. However, the opposition parties later alleged that they were not approached for any talks in this regard.

The discussions were held only with the state government, remarked BJP state president Dilip Ghosh.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee wanted the elections to be held before the start of the Ramzan month, possibly on May 16. Incidentally, all the five phases of the 2013 panchayat polls were held during that period.

State election commission chief AK Singh had announced three-phase polling on May 1, 3 and 5 in a notification issued on March 31. However, the poll body later switched to a single-phase schedule on May 14 without offering any reason.

Justice Talukdar has fixed May 4 as the next date of hearing in the case.The Allahabad high court on Monday rejected the bail plea of Dr Rajiv Kumar Mishra, former principal of Baba Raghav Das Medical College, Gorakhpur, where several children had died after oxygen supply to the hospital was allegedly cut off in August 2017.

A division bench comprising Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice DK Singh said the order for the release of the petitioner on bail cannot be passed in light of facts and circumstances of the matter.

A case has been registered against the petitioner, Dr Mishra, on charges of criminal negligence and also under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Over 30 children had died at the medical college in the intervening night of August 10 and 11, 2017, allegedly due to disruption in oxygen supply.

In his bail application, Dr Mishra pleaded that he had been languishing in jail for the last seven months while other co-accused have been released on bail.

However, opposing the bail application, the state counsel pleaded that the case is very serious and it was due to the alleged role of petitioner that the oxygen supply was stopped. He alleged that the petitioner had stopped payment to the oxygen supplier to force the company to pay him his illegal kickbacks (commission).

As a result, the company stopped oxygen supply and which resulted in the death of several children in the hospital. Hence, he does not deserve to be released on bail, the state counsel said.

Last week, the high court had granted bail to Dr Kafeel Khan, the head of the encephalitis ward and an assistant professor at the paediatric department, who was removed from the post of the nodal officer at the National Health Mission in the wake of death of the children.

On April 9, the Supreme Court granted bail to Manish Bhandari  the oxygen supplier to the BRD Medical College and hospital who had also been arrested after the tragedy.At least 10 people of a marriage party were killed and five injured in a road accident near Lakhni in Bhandara district of Maharashtra late on Monday evening. The accident took place around 9.30 pm on the Mumbai-Kolkata national highway.

According to reports, the marriage party was coming from Sakoli on a jeep and was hit by a truck from the opposite direction.

RS Pawar, the highway police inspector, informed that at least six to seven people died on the spot and the rest on their way to the local civil hospital. We have no knowledge yet whether the bride or the groom were among the victims, he added.

All the injured were admitted to Bhandara civil hospital where the condition of three is stated to be critical.

Vehicular traffic on the highway was disrupted by locals after the incident. They also nabbed the truck driver. Hundreds gathered at the site and blocked the road in protest.On International Workers Day on Tuesday, workers affiliated to various trade unions will organise a rally at Azad Maidan, Fort, to protest against anti-labour policies being pursued by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government.

Their contention is that the NDA government is following a policy that is against the welfare of the workers and the protest will be an attempt to voice their discontent.

They will be marching under the banner of Trade Unions Joint Action Committee (TUJAC), which comprises more than 34 trade unions. These include  the Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC), Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh (RMMS) and the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS).

According to Wishwas Utgi, who is the main conveyor of TUJAC, the main aim of the government was to finish the labour class.

The labour laws amendments are fashioned to deprive the labour class of all the benefits they have achieved in the last 70 years, said Utgi.

Similarly, Sachin Ahir, who heads the RMMS, said the present government is just tweaking all figures to show that the employment scenario is rosy while the ground reality is different.

The present government at the Centre has been constantly under fire for favouring bids with industrial corporations at the cost of the labour class.

However, the government has been constantly countering this claim by saying that though some antiquated labour laws have been scrapped, nothing was being done to compromise the interests of the working class.With the arrest of three people, the Matunga police have busted a fake call centre that was being operated from Ghaziabad. The police said the gang has cheated at least 80 people of lakhs of rupees in the past six months.

According to the police, the 10 accused, who worked from a rented flat in Ghaziabad, used to call people in Mumbai, offering them personal loan. They would then ask them to deposit the processing fees and other taxes in their account number.

The racket was unearthed after Suraj Abhimanuy Muke, 30, a PhD student from Institute of Chemical Technology in Matunga, received a call from an unknown person, who posed as an employee of a multi-national bank and offered him a loan. Muke was asked to share his personal details and documents on an email ID, cityfinance@gmail.com. He was asked to deposit the processing fees, documentation charges, fixed deposit of 5%, 8% on GST, and then send some cash, said BM Kakad, senior police inspector, Matunga police station.

Muke told police he deposited money on five occasions and was cheated for 91,500.

The police traced the four contact numbers and the account number to Vasundhara in Ghaziabad.

Maruti Shelke, sub-inspector of Matunga police station, who was investigating the case along with police constables Vikas More and Santosh Pawar, visited Delhi, Ghaziabad and Noida, and stayed there for eight days. We laid a trap at an ATM in Vasudhara. On the eighth day, one of the accused Shamkant Sharma, 22, came to withdraw cash. He led to us to two other accused, said Shelke.

The duo has been identified as Vivek Sharma, 26, and Ashukumar Singh, 24. The police found 17 mobile phones, one laptop, 22 debit cards, 2 hard disk with routers from the flat.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ONAfter laying the foundation stone for the Mumbai-Ahmedbad high speed rail corridor in September 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described this project as one of the markers of a new India. The bullet train project will bring speed and employment. It is human-friendly and eco-friendly, he said. Those who farm the lands that will be acquired to build the corridor are not so sure.

The government has promised progress and development to the regions that will be connected by the bullet train, but there are concerns about what it means for small farmers who will give up their land for the project.

Diva is 50km from Mumbai and 25km from Thane. With its proximity to Thane creek, the suburb is largely agricultural and best known for its paddy fields and fishing. For the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train to go according to plan, land must be acquired from 108 villages, including Agasan, Mathardi, Desai, Betawde and Dativali in Diva. Mathardi will be the most affected, with land acquisition plans demanding more than 10 hectares of this village. Agasan, Desai, Betawde and Dativali will lose two hectares each.

On April 7, a group of 200 farmers from Diva met the district collector to talk about land compensation. The farmers said they are ready to sell their land, but they want more money than the government is offering.

Bhagwan Dagdu Mali, 54, and his three brothers own around 12 acres of land in Diva. They grow paddy during monsoon, vegetables in other seasons and have built a small pond for breeding fish. In monsoon, we grow paddy on our farm while in other season we grow vegetables like okra, eggplant and chillies. We also have a small pond where breed fish, he said, adding that the family cultivates approximately 3,000 kg of rice every year. Mali, who dropped out of school after Class 9, said, If the land is taken away by the government, we will lose Rs 60,000 to Rs 70,000 a month.

Mali was one of the 200 farmers who on April 7, met the district collector over land compensation. The authorities estimate they will need approximately 13.5m wide space for laying tracks and 4m wide for a service road. Sudam Pardesi sub-divisional officer of the district, said, We have not yet started the joint measurement survey for the bullet train project. Thus, the land which will be acquired is not finalised. The survey numbers are those which fall on the route of the bullet train. We will begin the joint measurement survey in next 15 to 20 days.

While the district has promised twice the ready reckoner rate, the farmers want four times that amount. Ready reckoner rates in Diva price one square foot at Rs 5000. The government has offered Rs 12,500 per square foot, but the farmers have demanded Rs 20,000 per square foot, which is on par with land rates in Mumbai. The farmers also want a guarantee that one member of every family that loses land to the project will be given a job.

Chintamani Munde, 48, owns seven to eight guntha (about one fourth of an acre). He said, We have demanded that the compensation be on a par with ready reckoner rates in Mumbai or other urban areas as the rates in Diva are very low. He pointed out that by selling their land, farmers like him are losing their livelihood. Once the bullet train passes through the village, the demographics of the place will change, said Munde, who is illiterate. The remaining land will also gradually become useless for farming, he said.

Farmers like Munde and Mali have seen how urbanization impacts them and their land. Today, new housing societies tower over the villages old neighbourhood with sloping roofs and narrow bylanes. These multi-storeyed buildings were constructed in the mid-2000s. After they were built, locals say saline creek water flooded the farm land and affected productivity. Anant Mhatre, 50, said, We have around 4.5 acres of land behind Lodha Palava Project. Till 2005, we used to produce more than 1,000 kgs of rice. Since the flooding, they produce only 500 kgs of rice, he said.

On April 12, a delegate of Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) visited the area to survey the land. The Mhatre family panicked because a marker was left on their farm land. We know that since it is a government project we will have to give our land, but we should be compensated properly, said 70-year-old Laxmi Mhatre, who is Anants mother.

With the bullet train expected to open to the public on August 15, 2022, land acquisition has to be completed by December 2018 as per the projects timetable. The authorities claim the process has already begun. We cannot give a specific time line for the aquisition process as it will take place with the consent of the farmers. We have started conducting meeeting with the project affected at present. Only with the consent and satisfaction of these people we will be going ahead. This can take few months, said Pardesi.

The farmers in Diva are not opposed to handing over their land, but theyre acutely aware that they will lose their way of life by doing so. Barkubai Munde, 65, of Agasan village, worried about the future that awaits them. Our farmland will be taken away by the bullet train project. It will leave us out of job and no home. No one has bothered to ask us. We are ordered to give away everything we have, she said.Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he kick-started his state-wide tour on Maharashtra Day, with a rally in Vasai near Mumbai.

Thackeray, who started his 2019 election campaign with the rally, urged people to not part with their lands in the state for Modis pet project, the Rs1.10-lakh crore Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train plan, and the proposed Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway project, which will cost Rs44,000 crore. Attacking Modi, Thackeray said he is the prime minister of Gujarat and not of the country. This is not the first time the MNS chief has attacked Modi. He had been openly critical of the PM, calling for a Modi-mukt Bharat during his Gudi Padwa rally.

I was the first person in the country to support Modi for the post of PM. But he is a different person after he took over. I have not seen such a prime minister in the history of the countryhe doesnt consult anybody, he doesnt listen to anybodys opinions, acts on whatever comes to his minddemonetisation is an example, Thackeray said on Tuesday. Thackeray had already declared that he would campaign aggressively against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led (BJP) central and state governments.

For several months now, Thackeray has been actively trying to regain the mass popularity that his party used to enjoy, through various campaigns, rallies and anti-BJP rhetorics. During his speech in Vasai, he also slammed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and said he is not in the post on merit. Devendra Fadnavis has been put on the posthe does whatever has been asked by Modi and (BJP national president Amit) Shah, he said.

The MNS chief said he has not commenced his tour as the elections are slated next year; he said he has started the tour to warn people of the state. Do not remain careless about what is happening in the state. I have come to warn that people from outside will come and rule, he said.

In the first phase of his campaign, spread over five days, the MNS chief will cover areas on the outskirts of Mumbai, such as Palghar, Murbad, Bhiwandi and Badlapur, meeting MNS office-bearers, prominent local citizens and social groups and soliciting their views.

Indications are that Thackeray has the tacit support of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who is working to bring all political parties opposed to BJP under one umbrella. Thackeray and Pawar have met and are believed to have discussed this matter.The Maharashtra government is expecting a final environmental clearance for its revised design of the mid-sea Shivaji statue, after top officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forest met last week. The new design presented to the ministry by the states public works department on April 22 proposed increasing the total height of the statue to 210 meters  a 126-metre-tall statue and a pedestal that is 84 metres high. The department has also proposed tilting the statues beam landward. The new design has the in principle permission from the ministry, but it will be confirmed once the minutes of the meeting are issued, an official from the department said.

The row over the height of the statue began in March this year, after the Opposition claimed the height had been reduced. Congress leader and former CM, Prithviraj Chavan, alleged the height of the equestrian statue was reduced from 160 metres, and instead, the height of the pedestal below it was increased. The Opposition alleged the changes in the design led to the delay in permission for the construction  the project was first approved by the Ashok Chavan cabinet in 2008, and its original cost was around Rs 250 crore.

After the environment clearance, the state government is expected to sign an agreement with the contractor, Larsen & Toubro, once a draft of the agreement is vetted by the law and judiciary department.

After the work order is issued to L&T, they will fine-tune the design of the project over the next few months and begin actual construction after monsoon, another official from the general administration department said.

The state had appointed the firm to build the memorial two months ago, after it settled the cost at Rs 2,500 crore, and a GST of Rs 300 crore.

The firms original bid was Rs 3,826 crore.

While negotiating, the specification of the material to be used for the statue has been changed and the number of jetties was reduced from two to one. This enabled us to bring down the cost, said a third official from the department.

Vinayak Mete, the chairman of the committee that oversees the implementation of the memorial project said his panel had approved the revised design earlier.

After the presentation last week, we are expecting the notification in the next few days after which the work order will be issued, said Mete, adding, The contract documents are being minutely vetted to

avoid legal hitches in the implementation of this ambitious project.In a videoconference hosted by startup website, Inc42.com, I gave entrepreneurs some advice that startled them. I said that instead of trying to invent new things, they should copy and steal all the ideas they can from China, Silicon Valley, and the rest of the world. A billion Indians coming on line through inexpensive smartphones offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to build a digital infrastructure that will transform the country. The best way of getting started on that is not to reinvent the wheel but to learn from the successes and failures of others.

Before Japan, Korea, and China began to innovate, they were called copycat nations; their electronics and consumer products were knockoffs from the West. Silicon Valley succeeds because it excels in sharing ideas and building on the work of others. As Steve Jobs said in 1994, Picasso had a saying, Good artists copy, great artists steal, and we have always been shameless about stealing great ideas. Almost every Apple product has features that were first developed by others; rarely do its technologies wholly originate within the company.

Mark Zuckerberg also built Facebook by imitating MySpace and Friendster, and he continues to copy products. Facebook Places is a replica of Foursquare; Messenger video duplicates Skype; Facebook Stories is a clone of Snapchat; and Facebook Live combines the best features of Meerkat and Periscope. Facebook also tried duplicating WhatsApp but could not gain market share, so it bought the company. This is another one of Silicon Valleys secrets: if stealing doesnt work, buy the company.

By the way, they dont call this copying or stealing; it is knowledge sharing. Silicon Valley has very high rates of job-hopping, and top engineers rarely work at any one company for more than three years; they routinely join their competitors or start their own companies. As long as engineers dont steal computer code or designs, they can build on the work they did before. Valley firms understand that collaborating and competing at the same time leads to success. This is even reflected in Californias unusual laws, which bar non-competition agreements.

In most places, entrepreneurs hesitate to tell others what they are doing. Yet in Silicon Valley, entrepreneurs know that when they share an idea, they get important feedback. Both sides learn by exchanging ideas and develop new ones. So when you walk into a coffee shop in Palo Alto, those you ask will not hesitate to tell you their product-development plans. Try asking Indian entrepreneurs this, and they will clam up, thinking you are trying to steal their ideas.

There is little doubt that Indias hottest technology companies, Ola, Flipkart, and Paytm, are also knockoffs of companies in Silicon Valley and China. Copying ideas works very well and provides a good start.

Neither companies nor countries can succeed, however, merely by copying. They must move very fast and keep improving themselves and adapting to changing markets and technologies.

Apple became the most valuable company in the world because it didnt hesitate to cannibalise its own technologies. Steve Jobs didnt worry that the iPad would hurt the sales of its laptops, or that its laptops would cause its desktop products to become obsolete, or that the music player in the iPhone would eliminate the need to buy an iPod. The company moved forward quickly as competitors copied its designs.

This is an important lesson for executives of traditional businesses in this era of exponentially advancing technologies: innovate and be fearless in disrupting yourself or be a casualty of innovation. Startups are going to come out of nowhere and wipe out your industry. Innovation from one nation will disrupt the businesses of another because ideas and business models can be easily copied. The only protection you have is to move fast and innovate faster than anyone. And feel free to copy the startups.

The fact is that technology is now moving faster than ever and becoming affordable to all. Advances in artificial intelligence, computing, networks, and sensors are making it possible to build new trillion-dollar industries and destroy old ones. The new technologies that once only the West had access to are now available everywhere. The good news is that as the worlds entrepreneurs learn from each other, they will find opportunities to solve the problems not only of their own countries, but of the world. We will all benefit from this.

Vivek Wadhwa is a Distinguished Fellow at Harvard Law School and Carnegie Mellon University at Silicon Valley. His forthcoming book, Your Happiness Was Hacked, explains how you how you can live a more balanced technology life

The views expressed are personalListen to the voice of justice and of reason! It tells us that human judgments are never so certain as to permit society to kill a human being judged by other human beings Why deprive yourselves of any chance to redeem such errors? Why condemn yourselves to helplessness when faced with persecuted innocence? Maximilien Robespierre argued in the French Assembly two centuries ago.

In 18th-century England, pickpocketing was punishable with death. Even when the offender was being hanged, there were sharpers ready to pick the pockets of spectators at the scene of the execution. This shows how ineffective a deterrent death penalty has been and therefore, Chief Justice Gita Mittal of Delhi High Court was right when she asked the government for scientific proof of death penalty as an effective deterrent in cases of child rapes.

Our government, after every heinous crime, simply amends applicable laws by providing death penalty. In the case of the Kathua victim, since it was a case of rape and murder, death penalty already existed . This ordinance is thus nothing more than a symbolic gesture. Around the world, Rightist regimes have favoured retribution. Accordingly, a few days ago, the BJP government favoured continuance of hanging by death in the Supreme Court but it doesnt appreciate that death penalty cannot be justified on the grounds of retribution or deterrence or incapacitation or proportionality. The notion of an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth has no place in our constitutionally mediated criminal justice system.

Imposition of the death sentence to satisfy societys cry for justice or even in tragic cases such as the one in Kathua must be rejected as it will never reduce incidence of child rapes.

Even the JS Verma Committee to review laws for sexual crimes did not recommend death penalty for rapes. In fact, if the same punishment is provided both for murder and rape, many perpetrators of rapes will prefer to kill the victim with extreme brutality in order to destroy evidence. So, this ordinance is against the interests of our daughters. Ideally we should improve our investigation process so that the conviction rate goes up from the current 3%. We should create dedicated children-friendly courts so that a rape trial doesnt become a traumatic experience for the survivor. Also, in 98% cases of child rapes, the perpetrators are known to the victim and the victim may not want death for the rapist.

As many as 142 countries have already abolished the death penalty in law or practice. In the whole of Europe, just Belarus has retained it. By retaining the death penalty, India will be in the dubious company of Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and China. Unlike other countries, India retains death penalty for as many 35 crimes under various penal provisions. Even retributive Islamic law provides capital punishment for less than half a dozen crimes.

One person is awarded the death sentence every third day in India. Even the Supreme Court has admitted that this is an unusually high number. With the death penalty for child rapes, this will only go up. The Law Commission of India, in its 262nd report, favoured the abolition of death penalty for all crimes except those related to terrorism. Moreover, there is no evidence of any link between successfully fighting terror and the death penalty. Britain abolished the death penalty at the peak of terror activities by the Irish Republican Army. After Yaqoob Memons execution in 2015, the Rajya Sabha, in response to a private member bill by D Raja, resolved to discuss death penalty but never took it up.

It is also questionable whether death is a punishment at all. Caesars answer is in the negative: So far as the death penalty is concerned, I can say with truth that amid grief and wretchedness death is a relief from woes, not a punishment; that it puts an end; to all moral ills and leaves no room either for joyTo kill is not to punishIf by death we cut off his joys and happiness in the same measure we cut off his sorrows and humiliationdeath is an asylum, impregnable against punishment.

In focusing on death penalty as the ultimate measure of justice to victims, we lose sight of the restorative and rehabilitative aspects of justice. Let us not be bloodthirsty as a nation.

Faizan Mustafa is vice-chancellor, NALSAR University of Law

The views expressed are personalAirAsia Xs chief executive officer (CEO), Benyamin Ismail, announced here on Tuesday that they are starting the direct Amritsar-Kuala Lumpur flight on August 16 and booking of tickets for the flight will begin on May 2. He was speaking at a function organised by the Air Asia for the announcement of the schedule of the new flight. He said, Many Sikhs and Punjabis in Kuala Lumpur had been asking us to start a direct flight to the Golden Temple city of Amritsar. So, we decided for it.

This new route is part of our efforts to strengthen our position in India, which offers us the possibility of expanding in Europe and North America. AirAsia X will focus on promoting Amritsar along with our existing destinations, New Delhi and Jaipur, as part of our overall campaign focusing on fly-thru traffic from markets like Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, said Benyamin.

Punjab minister for tourism and cultural affairs Navjot Singh Sidhu, who was also present at the function, said, The direct flight is important for Punjabis all over the world. It is a preferred destination not only for the Punjabi diaspora, but also for many foreign tourists.

Stressing on the launch of more direct flights from Amritsar to various destinations, Sidhu said only 10,000 tourists visit Agras Taj Mehal while more than 1.25 lakh tourists visit Amritsar for paying obeisance at the Golden Temple every day. Traffic from the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport has increased by 48% in the past few months. So, there is need to start more new direct flights from Amritsar.

The one-way fare of the flight is just Rs 3,555, which is very much affordable for common people. This flight will certainly boost the economy of Amritsar and the country, he said.

The airline will operate four weekly return services between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The flight (carrier code: D7188) will take off from Kuala Lumpur at 1920 hours and arrive at the Amritsar airport at 2230 hours. The return flight (carrier code: D7189) will depart from Amritsar at 2345 hours and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 0805 hours.

Member of Parliament from Amritsar Gurjit Singh Aujla, and deputy commissioner Kamaldeep Singh Sangha were also present on the occasion.After nearly 48 days of strike, the Tamil film industry is slowly but surely limping back to normalcy. During the strike, shooting of all Tamil films had stopped. One of the teams back in action is ace director Mani Ratnams Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (CCV) film crew. The film boasts of a galaxy of stars including Jyothika, STR, Vijay Sethupathi, Aishwarya Rajesh, Arvind Swamy, Arun Vijay and Aditi Rao Hydari among others.

On Monday, the films cinematographer Santosh Sivan shared a picture of the four lead male stars, STR, Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy and Arun Vijay, candidly looking at the monitor in what looks like an outdoor shoot. Sharing the picture, he wrote: The Foursome in CCV.

The Foursome in CCV pic.twitter.com/OKOupz6y84  SantoshSivanASC. ISC (@santoshsivan) April 30, 2018

Meanwhile, the team of CCV has come under attack from environmentalists for leaving behind a lot of trash while at the films shoot on the beaches near the Muttukadu estuary, about an hours drive from Chennai city. The Muttukadu beach was full of small glass pieces and an abandoned windshield, reports The News Minute.

Quoting Madhu, who works for an NGO called Bay of Life Foundation that routinely cleans the beaches, the website wrote, This happened last week -- around the 24th -- at Kovalam, where we normally surf. When the shoot was on, the surfers were asked to go elsewhere. When they came back, they saw that there was a whole lot of glass on the beach. There were also broken bottles and an abandoned windshield.

Read: Mani Ratnams film crew leaves trash behind at Muttukadu, activists fume

It may be recalled that Kovalam beach too is close to Chennai, about 40 kms from the state capital.

They also found some empty cartridges on the beach. Another activist named Showkath, working for the said NGO, told the publication that of the two actors present at the shoot -- Vijay Sethupathi and Silambarasan -- she contacted Vijay over Facebook about the trash. In response, all she got was a curt message stating that it would not happen again.

These beaches are frequented by kids and surfers, In fact, one surfer and an activist involved in beach clean-up cut a toe and a finger respectively.

The activists maintained that this was not the first time they have faced a situation like this. A few months back, another film crew involving actor Vijay and AR Murugadoss too shot on the beach.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktopThe pre-release event of Allu Arjuns forthcoming release Naa Peru Surya was organised in a big way in Hyderabad on April 29. Basking in the success of Rangasthalam, actor Ram Charan presided over as the events chief guest. Thanking Ram Charan for graciously accepting their invitation, Arjun heaped praise on the actor for scoring his careers biggest hit with Rangasthalam. He said the films success ended the industrys dry spell.

Ram Charan, thank you for being that special decoration in our event. You made us all proud. Rangasthalam success brought the industry out of slump. It brought a positive mood in the buyers. This success was followed by Mahesh Babus Bharat Ane Nenu. I hope my film completes the hat-trick of hits for this summer.

Talking about the film, in which Arjun plays a military officer with anger issues, he said hes proud to have done this project. Heaping praise on director Vakkantham Vamsi, he said: If this film succeeds tomorrow, I can say proudly say all the credit should go to Vamsi. Producer Sridhar said Im the leader of this project, but Id like to clarify it is Vamsi. I dont want to brag too much about the film, but I think I will be proud of it.

Naa Peru Surya is gearing up for release worldwide on May 4. It also stars Anu Emmanuel, Sarath Kumar, Arjun, Nadhiya and Thakur Anoop Singh among others. At the event, the films trailer was released, and it was extremely well received.

Rangasthalam stars Ram Charan and Samantha Akkineni in the lead roles.

Talking about the film, Vamsi said many hands joined together to make his directorial dream come true. Its been a long-time dream to become a director. On this occasion, Id like to thank my guru, Shri Dasari Narayana Rao, who is unfortunately not among us today. I dont know if its a coincidence or it was meant to happen that way, but my film is releasing on his birthday which is May 4.

He also thanked Allu Arjun for believing in him. Its a big deal for a star actor to believe in a first-time director. He placed his faith in me and I hope I didnt disappoint him. Its an angry young mans journey to serve for his country.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktopHotels are getting in on royal wedding mania, offering $50,000 packages fit for a queen, handing out condoms decorated with the Union Jack and hosting Champagne parties where the wedding will be shown on big-screen TVs.

New Yorks Moxy Times Square hotel is including condoms with a Union Jack logo as part of an overnight stay that also features a travel-sized bottle of gin and a British slang dictionary. Manhattans Plaza Hotel is asking guests to wear hats, gloves and other finery to a $150 Champagne breakfast beginning at 6:30 a.m., New York time, on May 19. The best-dressed attendee will win a prize of a free night at the hotel. The wedding will be live-streamed in the Plazas Palm Court on big-screen TVs as it unfolds live midday in England at Windsor Castle. A panel of experts at the Plaza will provide play-by-play commentary on etiquette, the royal family and whatever else needs explicating on this side of the pond.

This image released by USA Network shows a wedding scene from the "Good-Bye" episode of "Suits." Meghan Markles character dreams of getting married at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, though the scene was filmed at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. Both hotels are hosting royal-themed events in honor of Markles wedding to Prince Harry. (AP)

The Plaza even has a legitimate connection to Markle. In her former life as an actress, she portrayed Rachel Zane on the cable show Suits. Her character dreamed of getting married at the Plaza, though the wedding scene for the show was actually filmed at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. The Fairmont Royal York also plans festivities for May 19 with a menu that includes classic British fare like bubble and squeak (cabbage and potatoes) and bangers (sausages) and eggs.

Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans has a wedding package priced at $51,918. (The numbers match the May 19 date of Meghan Markles wedding to Prince Harry.) The package includes three nights in a two-bedroom suite, round-trip first-class airfare from anywhere in the U.S., life-size cardboard cutouts of Harry and Meghan, afternoon tea, a wedding day Champagne breakfast, take-home gifts like Wedgwood china and crystal stemware, food and shopping credits worth thousands of dollars and a lemon elderflower cake, just like the one chosen by the happy couple.

A horse and carriage in front of The Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans. It has a royal wedding-themed package priced at $51,918. The numbers match the May 19 date of Meghan Markles wedding to Prince Harry. (AP)

And thats not the only hotel package with a sky-high price tag. The Viceroy LErmitage Beverly Hills in California is offering a $30,000 royal treatment package, while the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C., is offering a $1 million wedding package that includes a private jet, custom-made gown and ring, honeymoon and more.

Whether anybody books these high-priced packages, the wedding gives hotels an opportunity to associate their brand with something special. Royal weddings occur on only a few occasions during a lifetime, said Larry Chiagouris, professor of marketing at Pace University in New York. They are therefore a rare opportunity for brands to reach large global audiences and for consumers to be a part of a rare event. So, to do so, the price of participation will always be very, very high.

The Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans. (AP)

The Drake hotel in Chicago will host a royal-themed luncheon on May 19 with the same menu served in 1996 when Harrys mother, Princess Diana, stayed there. Guests can even book the suite Diana stayed in, which has been decorated with photos of her. The Drake is also offering special royal teas, cocktails and a series of screenings of royal-themed movies like Victoria & Abdul.

In England, the Conrad London St. James has a Propose Like A Prince package with a horse carriage ride, Champagne and a room decorated with rose petals. And Mercure Hotels invited couples who share Harry and Meghans first names to apply for a free stay at one of Mercures London properties, and two couples won.

Royal-watchers heading to England will find it nearly impossible to book a room in Windsor, though hotels in London and elsewhere are still available. Londons Hotel Cafe Royal has a package that includes a luxury limo trip to Windsor Castle with a picnic hamper. Just dont try to picnic there on May 19.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for moreA suicide bomber in an explosives-laden vehicle penetrated a camp in northern Mali on Wednesday, killing at least 60 people and wounding 115 soldiers and former fighters who are trying to stabilize the region. The attack marked a significant setback for peace efforts.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) said in a statement on Wednesday that bombing was punishment for groups there cooperating with France, according to a translation released by the SITE Intelligence Group.

The statement confirmed that the attack had been carried out by al Mourabitoun, an ally of al Qaedas North African affiliate, and gave the bombers name as Abdul Hadi al-Fulani. Malian state media had earlier said there were five bombers.

The morning blast hit the Joint Operational Mechanism base in the city of Gao, home to Malian soldiers and hundreds of former fighters who signed the peace agreement with the government. Witnesses said the car breached the camp as hundreds of fighters were gathering for a meeting.

The office of Malis president late Wednesday put the provisional death toll at 60, with 115 wounded.

Dr. Sadou Maiga at Gaos hospital told The Associated Press that all other hospital activities had ceased with dozens of wounded victims arriving.

Some have died from their wounds, and others are in a very grave state, he said. At this point, its not the toll of dead and injured that interests me, its saving who I can.

The attack underscores the enormous challenges that remain in northern Mali four years after the French military led an intervention to drive the jihadists from power in the major towns across the north. The peace agreement has proved difficult to implement.

Read| 50 killed in suicide attack on military camp in northern Mali

The former fighters who signed the 2015 peace deal include ethnic Tuareg secular rebels who once fought the Malian military. Now they are supposed to be forming joint patrols in the area, though the program has yet to begin.

If the security situation continues to deteriorate, then soon there wont be any peace to keep in Mali, UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous told the UN Security Council on Wednesday. He said attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and that rivalry among armed groups continues to slow implementation of the peace deal.

Ladsous reminded the council that it has the power to impose targeted measures against those who violate the cease-fire.

At the United Nations, Malis Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop said the criminal, cowardly, barbaric attack will not deter the government from moving forward to promote peace.

The US condemned the cowardly attack, State Department spokesman John Kirby said. French President Francois Hollande, who visited a French military base in Gao just a few days ago, also condemned the attack and reiterated support for Malis peace process.

Mali has become the worlds deadliest UN peacekeeping mission. Some 29 UN peacekeepers were killed last year in attacks blamed on jihadist armed groups, according to a Human Rights Watch report released Wednesday.

The report says extremists are extending their reach further into central Mali, trying to implement their strict interpretation of Shariah law and pressuring families to give up their children as soldiers for the cause.

Malian security minister Salif Traore declined to respond to the reports specifics but said he is well aware of security challenges throughout the region.Special counsel Robert Mueller, who is probing Russian interference in the 2016 US election, plans to ask President Donald Trump more than four dozen questions focussed on determining if he tried to obstruct justice and if there was collusion by his campaign.

According to The New York Times, the questions are broadly along four lines  those related to former national security adviser Michael Flynn, his interactions with former FBI director James Comey, about attorney general Jeff Sessions, and Trump campaigns coordination with Russia. The first three pursue obstruction, while the fourth was about collusion.

In a tweet, Trump hit out at the leaked questions, falsely claiming that there were no questions on collusion, when in fact the fourth category, comprising 13 questions, was about cooperation between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Muellers team wants to ask Trump, for instance, about the Trump Tower meeting between his son Donald Trump Jr and a Russian lawyer who offered political dirt on Hillary Clinton. Mueller also wants to ask him about his 2013 trip to Russia, his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushners meeting with the Russian ambassador, former campaign chairman Paul Manaforts outreach to Russians, and the hacking of Democratic Partys computer network and the release of stolen material by WikiLeaks.

But the main focus of Muellers investigation seems to be on possible obstruction of justice.

The questions indicate that investigators plan to ask Trump, for instance, what efforts were made to reach out to Flynn with offers of immunity and pardon around the time he was reported to be considering cooperating with Muellers probe. Flynn has since pleaded guilty of lying to the FBI about his Russia contacts and is cooperating with the probe.

Mueller also wants to understand Trumps reasons for firing Comey and intends to ask if it was because of the former FBIs directors refusal to not probe Flynn or to shield anyone from the investigation. Trump has said he fired Comey for botching up the probe against Hillary Clinton and has also said the former FBI director had been lenient to his Democratic rival.

The investigators want to know about Trumps treatment of Sessions, who has been targeted on Twitter for recusing himself from the Russia probe. They are also interested in the fate of the probe itself  Trump has yet to categorically rule out dismissing Mueller.Employees at the office of India Tourism in midtown Toronto received an unexpected communication in mid-March: After nearly 58 years of serving as a bridge between Canada and India, the operation was being terminated.

By the end of the month, as directed by the Ministry of Tourism, all functions of the office ceased, including those for promoting India as a destination for Canadians, as the office has done with advertising in travel supplements of major dailies, on cabs and on public transit for many years.

By the end of April, the office was piled with packing boxes, with artefacts that were on display in Toronto readied to be shipped.

The sudden announcement was a bit of a shock to those in the travel and hospitality business, some of whom used to coordinate with the tourism office. One person said he was disappointed that this link was being severed, though he would not speak on the record since he continues to have dealings in both countries. India Tourism has had a presence in Canada since 1960 but with this exit, that will come to an end.

Travel between the two countries has grown substantially in recent years. In 2011, the number of Canadians visiting India was at 259,017 and the provisional figures for 2017 show the number has increased to 338,925. Similarly, Indians departing for Canada increased from 139,213 to 190,565 during the same period.

The functions of the India Tourism office in Toronto, its sole presence in Canada, will move to New York, which will serve as the North American hub and handle matters like representing India at travel events across Canada. The office in Los Angeles is also being shuttered.

This is a worldwide cost-cutting and rationalisation measure, since multiple other offices in Paris, Milan, Amsterdam, Sydney and Johannesburg are also being closed. Frankfurt will serve as the European hub, while a new Moscow office will come into existence, and the offices in Singapore and Dubai will also function as regional hubs.

Meenakshi Sharma, additional director general, Ministry of Tourism confirmed moving the Toronto office to New York.

Its a part of our restructuring exercise. We feel that our office in New York will cater to our needs in Toronto, she said, adding that such restructuring has been done in other countries as well.A maintenance worker called in to fix a broken toilet at a mall in the western Canadian city of Calgary made a gruesome discovery behind a wall on Monday: a body.

The adult male body was found in the morning hours in the womens washroom near a fourth floor food court at the CORE shopping complex.

Police said workers had removed a panel behind a self-flushing toilet to access the wall and determine why it wasnt working. Firefighters were called in to assist with the bodys removal.

Despite the circumstances of where the body was located, investigators do not suspect foul play and the death remains classified as undetermined, Calgary police spokeswoman Emma Poole said.

The deceased mans identity and cause of death have not yet been determined.

Local media suggested the man may have fallen into the space behind the wall from a ventilation shaft above.

The investigation into when the victim died and how he ended up inside the wall is still ongoing, Poole said.The Islamabad International Airport was finally inaugurated on Tuesday, after years of delays and controversies over kickbacks and substandard equipment.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated the airport, expressing hope that the first greenfield airport of Pakistan would eventually emerge as one of Asias major aviation hubs after its operationalisation. Spanning over 4,238 acres, the airport consists of a four-level passenger terminal, two runways and parking bays for wide-body aircraft.

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight landed as part of the inauguration ceremony.

Abbasi said he hoped the new airport was a source of development for the area and help bring trade and employment opportunities for the people of the region.

Using the opportunity to score political points, he commented that development depended on the continuation of the democratic process in Pakistan. The one and only reason Pakistan strayed from the path of development in the past was that democracy was derailed in the country, he said.

We saw certain timely benefits in dictatorships, but no nation has ever succeeded without democracy.

Constructed at a cost of more than Rs 100 billion, the IIA is the largest airport of Pakistan and is connected to the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

It is capable of serving nine million passengers and 50,000 metric tonne of cargo every year in its first phase, while the modular design enables expansion to serve up to 25 million passengers per year by 2025.

IIA was conceived in 1984 and land was acquired in Fateh Jang to ease the load at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport.

Civil Aviation Authority official Amir Mehboob told the audience that the current annual turnover of passengers at the old Benazir Bhutto International Airport was about 4.5 million. The number of passengers is growing by 14% annually compared to the national air passenger growth of less than 4%, he added.

So far the name of the airport has not been decided. The prime minister has rejected proposals to name it after former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Other proposals were to name the airport after Fatima Jinnah, the sister of Pakistans founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, or after the countrys first prime minister Liaqat Ali Khan.

Some quarters have proposed to name it after Abdus Sattar Edhi, the world-renowned social worker who passed away in 2017.Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday told the Palestine Liberation Organisation parliament, which was meeting for its first full session since the 1990s, that he plans to take unspecified tough steps against Israel and the United States soon.

Abbas told hundreds of delegates that he is sticking to his rejection of any US proposals for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal following the Trump administrations recognition in December of contested Jerusalem as Israels capital and a decision to move the US embassy there in mid-May.

This is completely unacceptable, he told the Palestinian National Council members during the opening of their four-day meeting in the West Bank. We will not accept this deal, and we will not accept the US as the sole broker.

Abbas appeared to dismiss media reports quoting Saudi Arabias powerful crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, as saying Palestinians should stop complaining and accept what they are being offered by the Trump administration.

Abbas did not refer to those reports specifically, but said he has been assured that Saudi Arabia remains supportive of the Palestinian positions. We hear lots of rumours, he told the delegates. Dont believe them.

The 83-year-old Abbas warned that he might take tough steps in the near future in our relationship with our neighbours (Israel) and the Americans. He did not elaborate, but said they would be important and far-reaching.

In rambling comments bound to trigger a backlash in Israel, Abbas also spoke about his views of history, portraying the creation of Israel as a European colonial project.

The truth is that this project is a colonial project aimed at planting foreign bodies in the region, he said.

The meeting of the PLO parliament comes at a time of deep divisions between Abbas and his domestic rival, the Islamic militant group Hamas that controls Gaza Strip.

Hamas has raised its leadership profile in recent weeks by organising mass protests on the Gaza border with Israel. In the weekly marches, thousands of Palestinians gather near the border fence, with smaller groups approaching the barrier, throwing stones or firebombs and burning tires.

Thirty-nine protesters have been killed and more than 1,700 wounded by Israeli army fire over the past month. Israel, which has come under mounting international criticism for the use of lethal force against unarmed protesters, says it has the right to defend its border and alleges that Hamas uses the protests as cover for attacks.

Abbas praised the brothers in Hamas for belatedly adopting what he called peaceful resistance.

Thank God, they (Hamas) finally agreed and this is effective, he said, while urging organisers to keep people away from the border fence because of the high risk of harm.South Korea, China and Japan will hold a trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced Tuesday, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea.

The gathering on May 9 will bring together the Souths President Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in the neighbours first such meeting for more than two years.

It follows a historic summit between Moon and the Norths leader Kim Jong Un last Friday. They vowed to pursue denuclearisation and a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, setting the mood for Kims much-anticipated face-to-face encounter with US President Donald Trump.

But analysts have urged caution, warning that similar previous pledges have come to nothing, and that the North has yet to make clear what concessions it is willing to make regarding its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

All three of the neighbours are deeply involved with North Korea -- the South as its neighbour, key US ally Japan as a sometime target for its threats, and China as its key diplomatic backer and business partner.

We want to confirm cooperation with President Moon ahead of a summit between the US and North Korea, Abe said during a visit to the Jordanian capital Amman, describing the upcoming summit as very significant.

I want to thoroughly discuss how we can have North Korea walk on a right path, resolve the abduction, missile and nuclear issues and create a bright future, he added, referring to the Norths abduction of Japanese in previous decades to train as spies.

Fridays summit, in which Kim and Moon exchanged smiles, handshakes and warm words in front of the worlds cameras, was a marked contrast to the tensions of last year.

The North staged its most powerful nuclear test to date and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland as Kim and Trump traded threats of war and personal insults, sparking global security fears.

The thaw between the Koreas, triggered by the Winter Olympics in the South, has repercussions for the geopolitics of the region.

Japan has long maintained a hardline position on negotiations with Pyongyang but has found itself left on the sidelines.

With concerning growing in Tokyo over whether it should change tack, a hawkish Abe expressed a willingness to meet Kim -- a message which Moon relayed to the Norths leader during the summit.

Kim said in response he was willing to talk to Japan any time, Moons office said on Sunday, adding the Souths leader would be happy to build a bridge between the two nations.

But Moons trip to Tokyo will be the first visit by a South Korean leader to Japan in more than six years, with relations between the US allies marred by disputes over history and territory.

Comfort women

During a day-long visit to Tokyo, Moon will share the result of the inter-Korea summit and discuss ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean peninsula, Moons office said in a statement.

Moon also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday for UN inspectors to observe the promised shutdown of the Norths only known nuclear testing site at Punggye-ri.

In Tokyo, Moon will also have a separate summit with Abe to discuss ways to develop future-oriented ties with Japan, it added.

The South and Japan face a common threat from the Norths nuclear and missile technology, but have locked horns over the issue of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a row over Seoul-controlled islets claimed by Tokyo.

The two Koreas share a bitter resentment over Japans brutal 1910-45 occupation of the peninsula and the so-called comfort women are a hugely emotional issue in the South.

Moons predecessor Park Geun-hye reached a controversial deal with Japan in 2015 under which Tokyo offered one billion yen ($8.3 million) to the victims.

But some of them slammed the deal, saying it did not oblige Japan to take legal responsibility, and Moon has repeatedly urged Tokyo to do more.

Life-size bronze statues of a girl symbolising comfort women have been installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Dozens of activists clashed with police Tuesday as they attempted to set up another statue commemorating slave labourers at the Busan site.

Ties are further strained by the islets called Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima by Tokyo.

The last visit by a South Korean head of state to Japan was 2011 when Parks predecessor Lee Myung-bak met then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. Ties soured after Lee made a surprise visit to Dokdo a year later.US President Donald Trump has postponed the imposition of steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached agreements for permanent exemptions for Argentina, Australia and Brazil, the White House said on Monday.

The decisions came just hours before temporary exemptions from the tariffs on these countries were set to expire at 12.01 am (0401 GMT) on Tuesday.

In a statement, the White House said that the details of the deals with Brazil, Argentina and Australia would be finalized shortly, and it did not disclose terms.

The administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days. In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security, the White House added.

A source familiar with the decision said that there would be no further extensions beyond June 1 to stave off tariffs.

Trump on March 23 imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum in March, but granted temporary exemptions to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the EU, Australia and Argentina. He also has granted a permanent exemption on steel tariffs to South Korea.

Trump has invoked a 1962 trade law to erect protections for US steel and aluminum producers on national security grounds, amid a worldwide glut of both metals that is largely blamed on excess production in China.

The tariffs, which have increased frictions with US trading partners worldwide and have prompted several challenges before the World Trade Organization, are aimed at allowing the two US metals industries to increase their capacity utilization rates above 80 percent for the first time in years.

Trump administration officials have said that in lieu of tariffs, steel- and aluminum-exporting countries would have to agree to quotas designed to achieve similar protections for US producers.

Exemption terms unclear

Spokesmen for Australias Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the countrys Trade Minister Steven Ciobo both declined to comment when contacted by Reuters about the deals terms before the White Houses official announcement.

Shares in Bluescope Steel Ltd, Australias only steel producer, rose on reports of the agreement, trading 0.6 percent higher by 0320 GMT after opening lower.

South Korea earned its permanent exemption from steel tariffs by agreeing to quotas that will cut its steel shipments by about 30 percent from 2017 levels. Seoul is still subject to US aluminum tariffs.

The White House said the agreements reflect administration efforts to reach fair outcomes with allies to protect our national security and address global challenges to the steel and aluminum industries.

Todd Leebow, president of Majestic Steel USA, a Cleveland-based distributor of domestic steel products, said American steelmakers needed certainty that import protections wont be eroded.

Were hopeful this extension moves us toward the most productive path for our domestic steel industry -- the tariffs President Trump announced earlier this year and a quota system to limit the amount of imports flooding our country, Leebow said in a statement.

The metals tariffs have caused some divisions within Trumps Republican Party, as steel and aluminum consuming industries have warned that higher prices would hurt their competitiveness.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, a pro-trade Republican from Texas, said he would work to ensure that the tariffs are narrow and targeted to protect our workers and job creators here at home.

But Canada, Mexico and the European Union have all insisted that they will not accept quotas to gain permanent exemptions from the US tariffs.

A British government spokeswoman in Washington said the extension for the EU was positive, but the UK steel and aluminum industries needed safeguarding.

We remain concerned about the impact of these tariffs on global trade and will continue to work with the EU on a multilateral solution to the global problem of overcapacity, as well as to manage the impact on domestic markets.

Negotiations over US steel and aluminum tariff exemptions for Canada and Mexico have also become intertwined with intensified talks to reach an agreement to update the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Canada is the largest steel exporter to the United States, and its industry is highly integrated with that of its southern neighbor, with raw materials and finished steel crisscrossing the Great Lakes region.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that any move by the United States to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum would be a very bad idea guaranteed to disrupt trade between the two countries.

If the EU is subject to tariffs on the 6.4 billion euros ($7.7 billion) of the metals it exports annually to the United States, it has said it will set its own duties on 2.8 billion euros of US exports of products ranging from makeup to motorcycles.United States President Donald Trump has said he will decide on whether to withdraw from the deal within 12 days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran covered up a secret nuclear weapons programme.

Netanyahu on Monday said he has proof about Irans secret nuclear weapons programme. The Israeli Prime Minister gave Trump plenty of ammunition for pulling out of the 2015 pact on Monday, CBS News reported.

Under the deal, Iran agreed to stop its nuclear programme in return for sanctions being lifted. But Netanyahu insists Iran didnt live up to its end of the bargain. Im here to tell you one thing: Iran lied. Big time, Netanyahu said.

Unveiling bookshelves full of binders, Netanyahu said his government had captured tens of thousands of documents proving Iran pursued nuclear weapons while it told the world it only sought civilian nuclear power.

Incriminating charts, incriminating presentations, incriminating blueprints, incriminating videos and more, he said.

Netanyahu said the material was taken from a secret government facility he called Irans atomic archive.

Even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowhow for future use. Why would a terrorist regime hide and catalogue its files if not to use them at a later date? Netanyahu asked.

On Monday evening, the White House issued a statement saying Netanyahus information is new and compelling.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu presents material on Iranian nuclear weapons development during a press conference in in Tel Aviv on Monday. (AP)

This information provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons, the statement read. These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people.

The statement ended with: The Iranian regime has shown it will use destructive weapons against its neighbours and others. Iran must never have nuclear weapons.

Netanyahus speech comes ahead of a May 12 deadline for Trump to decide whether the US will stay in the Barack Obama-era nuclear deal. The agreement called for international inspections of its nuclear facilities.

At the White House, Trump said he was keeping his options open.

Im not telling you what Im doing, but a lot of people think they know, Mr. Trump said. And on or before the 12th, well make a decision.

Informed sources said the Israelis shared their intelligence with the US before Mondays press conference. Trump said it proved the agreement was a bad deal.

And Ive been saying that it is happening. Theyre not sitting back idly... theyre setting off missiles which they say are for television purposes. I dont think so, Trump said.

The presidents new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned Iran at his confirmation hearing earlier this month.

With the information I have been provided, I have seen no evidence they are not in compliance today, Pompeo said.A member of the House of Lords has triggered a race row after he referred to Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar  who reportedly visited Northern Ireland without following protocol  as a typical Indian.

John Taylor (Lord Kilclooney) tweeted the comment in response to a BBC report which quoted Democratic Unionist Party MP Jeffrey Donaldson as saying that the Monday visit by Varadkar  born to an Indian father and Irish mother  was outside of normal protocol and showed poor manners.

Taylor, a former deputy leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, quickly denied the charges of racism: I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG (all-party parliamentary group), only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians... My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!

He added: It is not racially abusive as he himself has confirmed he is half Indian. That is great and not to be dismissed as the Indians are a great race.

However, by then the damage was done. Former Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt tweeted that the comment could only be interpreted as racist.

Naomi Long, the leader of Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, said Taylor was an embarrassment, telling BBC that the comment was a slur on all Indian people with his use of the word typical, adding that she wanted the speaker of the House of Lords to raise the matter with him.

Democratic Unionist Party MLA Christopher Stalford tweeted: I dont know what John Taylor (Lord Kilclooney) thinks hes playing at but he doesnt speak for me. Absolutely ridiculous behaviour.

This is not the first time that Taylor has played up Varadkars Indian roots. In November, he had referred to Varadkar as the Indian, but later withdrew the comment.

This fact was not lost on Irish senator Niall O Donnghaile, who said he would ask the speaker of the Irish senate to contact the speaker of the House of Lords, urging him to take appropriate action regarding yet another offensive tweet from a member of the House of Lords regarding... Varadkar.

For his part, Varadkar has dismissed the allegation of not following protocol  he said he had informed the Northern Ireland office about his trip across the border.

I can assure anyone that I am not an invader, I just want to be a good neighbour. I received a very warm welcome in Northern Ireland today, he said, after visiting Armagh and Down counties.

However, Taylor claims Varadkar damaged relations between Northern Ireland and Ireland by making what he called a provocative visit. He has damaged North/South relations by being continually offensive and provocative to the Unionist majority in NIreland, Taylor tweeted.Navy Captain and astronaut Sunita L. Williams served as flight engineer and science officer on the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of NASA.

Admiral Harry B. Harris assumed command of the U.S. Pacific Command in 2015. U.S. Navy photo.

Additional resources such as posters, presentations, and facts of the day are available from the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute .

Midshipman 3rd Class Melody Lee from the U.S. Naval Academy fires an M-16 rifle during a live-fire exercise on the flight deck of USS Nassau (LHA-4). U.S. Navy photo.

Aviation Machinists Mate 2nd Class Charles Wang performs maintenance on an F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft engine in the hangar bay of USS Nimitz (CVN-68). U.S. Navy photo.

In the words of Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., Americas greatest asset is not our assembly lines or weapons systems, or even our great ships, submarines, and airplanes  its our people.

Fireman 2nd Class Telesforo Trinidad, a Sailor from the Philippines, received the Medal of Honor for rescuing two shipmates after a boiler exploded aboard USS San Diego (Armored Cruiser No. 6) on 21 January 1915.

(Armored Cruiser No. 6) on 21 January 1915. Lieutenant Susan Ahn Cuddy, a Korean American, served in the Navy as a member of the WAVES [Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service] and became a gunnery officer.

Rear Admiral Ming E. Chang became the first naturalized Asian Pacific American naval officer to reach flag rank when he was promoted to rear admiral in 1980.

Senior leaders including Rear Admiral Peter A. Gumataotao and Rear Admiral Ron J. MacLaren have continued the tradition of leadership and service.Now Open

1 May 2018

China's first Atlantis resort in the city of Sanya has officially opened, culminating four years of anticipation for a CNY 11 billon (close to US Dollar two billion) project, developed by owning company - Fosun International and managed by reputable and global hospitality leisure brand operator, Kerzner International. Atlantis Sanya promises to redefine holidaymaking and propel Hainan Island into a new era of world-class hospitality and tourism.

Atlantis Sanya's grand opening, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of Hainan Province Special Economic Zone festivities, was marked by a gala unveiling event that was attended by Hainan government officials, business leaders, and international and Chinese celebrities.

Overlooking the South China Sea, Atlantis Sanya boasts one of the largest open-air aquariums in the world, The Ambassador Lagoon, a unique underwater habitat, home to more than 86,000 species of marine life, mesmerising visitors as they journey to discover the mythical heart of Atlantis. The resort's 1,314 guest rooms and 154 suites not only offer spectacular island and coastal vistas, but also serene views of life below the waves, from seven uniquely designed underwater suites - the first guest experience of its kind in China. At the heart of Atlantis Sanya is the Lost Chambers Aquarium, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the mysteries of the ocean and learn more about the richness and diversity of its inhabitants.

Guests can also enjoy exhilarating water play at the 200,000-square metre Aquaventure Waterpark and enjoy interactive sea mammal experiences at Dolphin Cay and Sea Lion Point. Atlantis Sanya's wide range of dining options include 21 restaurants, cafes, and lounges, including Bread Street Kitchen and Bar by world-famous celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Ossiano Underwater Restaurant and Bar, which are poised to become Hainan's top gastronomic spots. For conferences, events, and meetings, Atlantis Sanya offers an expansive 5,000 square metre MICE facility. The resort also provides families with a playful Miniversity recreational centre and operates the first AHAVA Spa in the Asia-Pacific region.

In building Atlantis Sanya, Fosun Tourism and Culture Group envisioned a high-quality, one-stop tourist destination that caters to families - part of the company's mission of helping families live happier lives. Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, sees Atlantis Sanya as a response to the growing trend of family--focused hospitality, ushering in a new era for tourism in Hainan and China as a whole.

Atlantis Sanya has turned the concept of traditional hotels on its head by reinventing the complex holiday market. Atlantis Sanya will form a distinct tourism ecosystem in Hainan as well as play an industry-leading role in promoting structural reforms of the tourism industry in Hainan in order to improve the quality of tourism in Sanya and Hainan. From a broader perspective, Atlantis Sanya is in a class with Shanghai Disneyland and the upcoming Universal Studios in Beijing in promoting China as a world-class tourist destination and enhancing the overall tourism industry.Supplier News

1 May 2018

Mobile is a growth category for the travel industry as established markets experience rising usage and emerging markets add millions of consumers who look and book with their smartphones. It is even more vital tool for in-trip engagement as the majority of travelers globally report that they use their smartphone as their main conduit for information and communications as they travel. It is therefore an area that travel brands must address in 2018 in order to maximise their return on investment and avoid falling behind competitors.

Based on EyeforTravel and SAP's new Driving Intelligent, Interconnected Mobile Engagement Throughout the Travel Journey report, here are three key ways in which mobile will influence the travel marketing in 2018.

1. Getting to customers through their smartphones as they travel is going to be key in building a relationship

Smartphones are used most during the actual trip itself, presenting a golden time to reach them through this medium. For 67% of British, French and German consumers, the smartphone is their key device during their trip and 98% of Chinese international travelers report that they use their smartphone whilst abroad, with 65% reporting that they use their smartphone to search for restaurants or to use navigation tools.

What's more there are more ways than ever to reach the consumer through their smartphone, none of which are being fully exploited by travel brands so far. First and foremost there are apps. Although these are difficult to get installed on a user's device, they have excellent engagement rates and allow owners to send push notifications, which were found to be the most effective form of in-app advertising by our research. However, just a third of travel brands currently have an app. Beyond this, consumers can receive or request messages from travel brands through SMS, used by 24% of travel brands, MMS (8%), QR codes (16%), and instant messaging services (29% of travel brands). The latter of these could be key, as IHS Markit predicts that there will be 7.5 billion messaging and communication app accounts by 2020, giving unrivalled reach

2. Automated outreach is going to go wider and get a whole lot more effective

In order to get relevant and engaging messages to consumers, travel brands will need to automate the process through data analysis and AI-enabled services. We found that among the 41% of travel brands that have automated mobile outreach, 83% report that is effective at driving satisfaction. These services can be used to build loyalty and drive revenues through a variety of services that give the consumer key pieces of information that makes their journey easier and upsell and marketing messages. Currently, 78.4% of travel brands that have an automated messaging service report that they can send booking confirmations and reminders but just 37% can send post-stay marketing messages and 35% emergency notifications. We can expect the number of travel brands with automated outreach to grow in 2018 alongside the type and content of their messages. Brands will take on a multichannel strategy with their messaging, using the most appropriate format for the customer based on where they are in the journey. For example, SMS for a change in gate, or push notifications from an app for excursions at the destination.

3. Mobile sites will become better at grabbing the last-minute booking

Although mobile is a fast-growing channel when it comes to the booking itself, desktops and laptops still rule the roost when it comes to share and even more so when it comes to spending. Instead, mobile appears to still be a last-minute channel, especially for hotels. Just under 65% of respondents from all verticals in the survey say that mobile lead times are either much shorter or slightly shorter than desktop bookings, with 40% answering that they are much shorter. Nearly double the rate of respondents from the accommodation group report that mobile lead times are much shorter  59% to 31%.

This makes the mobile web experience critical, as smaller screens and a need for swift information will make relevancy and presentation critical. In our survey 39% of brands reported that they were prioritizing the mobile web and a further 6%, said they were shifting to mobile web, far above those who said they were prioritizing apps. We can expect the number of travel brands who have a responsive or adaptive website to rise from the 58% who currently do.

Optimizing this experience will be driven by growing abilities to personalize landing pages and streamlining the moments from arrival on the site to the check-out based off growing data analysis capabilities and A/B testing. Furthermore, advances in revenue management and yield maximization techniques will increase the profitability of last-minute mobile bookings.

To access the research and get ahead of the competition, download this completely free mobile market report to access:Supplier News

1 May 2018

PARSIPPANY, NJ -- Lodging Interactive, an award winning digital marketing and social media engagement agency exclusively serving the hospitality industry, today announced the launch CoMMingle Live Real-Time Reputation Management for hotels and resorts. CoMMingle LiveSM provides the highest level of reputation management by writing and posting guest review responses on all major OTA's, social media platforms and for major hotel brands. The service also ensures franchised properties remain in compliance with brand guidelines while maximizing brand quality scores.

"There is no question the guest review landscape continues to change at a rapid pace. TripAdvisor once the 'defacto' guest review site now gives way to Booking.com and Google reviews, which when combined make up to 50% of the industry's total guest review volume," stated DJ Vallauri, Lodging Interactive's Founder & president. "And according to a recent Moz report, the quality of native Google reviews is a huge factor in the search engine's ranking algorithm."

CoMMingle Live, is the hospitality industry's first reputation management service to include real-time live chat human engagement via Facebook and the hotel's website. The company's USA based live chat agents are at the ready to assist any guest, potential or past guest 7 days a week.

In addition, CoMMingle Live monitors and responds to guest reviews on:

TripAdvisor Booking.com

Expedia

Hotels.com

Travelocity

Orbitz

Facebook Reviews Google Reviews Instagram

Twitter

Marriott Verified Reviews

Starwood PHG Reviews

Hilton Hotels Reviews

IHG Brand Reviews

Serving hotels and resorts since 2009 Lodging Interactive's CoMMingle Social Media Division has established itself as the industry leader in full service hotel reputation management and social media marketing and engagement. Customers include the Omni Berkshire Hotel in New York, the Boston Harbor Hotel, the Hawks Cay Resort and hundreds of other properties.

"Our team responds to over 200,000 guest reviews per year and works with hundreds of properties around the globe" added Mr. Vallauri. "We believe CoMMingle Live is a

natural service extension and delivers unmatched value to our customers."

For more information please click here or call 877-291-4411 ext. 704.Press Release

1 May 2018

London UK/Spokane WA -- At Magnuson Worldwide, America's fastest growing hotel brand, we are proud to announce the addition of the Inn of Loudon to the new By Magnuson Worldwide Collection.

Advertisements

The Inn of Loudon has easy access to Interstate 75, with many dining options within walking distance, and downtown Knoxville is a short 30 minute drive. Nearby attractions include Hiwassee College, Craighead Caverns, and Neyland Stadium. The Sugarlimb Industrial Park and the Tellico Industrial Park are both less than 15 miles from the Inn of Loudon.

Guests of the pet friendly Inn of Loudon can start each day with a complimentary breakfast and stay connected with free high speed internet service. All guestrooms are well equipped with standard amenities that include free high speed internet access, hair dryer, coffee maker, microwave, mini fridge, free local calls, alarm clock radio, safe, cable TV, and individually controlled heat and air conditioning.

Thomas Magnuson, CEO of Magnuson Worldwide says: "We are delighted to be welcoming the team at The Inn of Loudon to the Magnuson family."Popular

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HeinOnline is a repository of online materials for legal and historical research. In addition to the Law Journal Library, coverage includes the American Law Institute Library, Philip C. Jessup Library, Foreign & International Law Resources Database, U.N. Law Collection, World Trials Library, U.S. Federal Legislative History and Presidential Libraries, English Reports Full Reprint (1220-1865), Legal Classics and more.

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Access limited to members of the Washington University CommunityThe feud between Kanye West and Long Beach legend Daz Dillinger seems to be escalating at an aggressive rate. Yesterday, it was reported that Dillinger called for a "national alert," banning Kanye from California and encouraging Crip members to "fuck him up" if they see him. Today, it was reported that Kanye had filed a restraining order against Dillinger, and that the police were eyeing Dillinger due to his threats.

Now it appears that the police may have made their move in attempting to question Dillinger about the whole affair. In an Instagram video posted today, Dillinger is seen walking down the street, passing several police vehicles on the way. He mentions that the police stopped him in the street, and asked him about Kanye. Luckily for Dillinger, he was "blessed," and didn't have anything on him that could have resulted in an arrest.

Dillinger then doubles down on his original intentions, saying, "Let the smashing and dashing begin." What he means by that is left vague, but Daz seems serious about this, so whatever it is, it's probably bad news for Kanye. He also brings the Kardashians into the mix, asking if Kanye's mother-in-law and Kardashian matriarch, Kris Jenner, called the cops on him.

Dillinger captioned the post, "THA CRIP GOD @dazdillinger STOP  BY THE COP FOR KANYE RANT THANKS @tmz_tv @krisjenner ai."

Here's hoping that nothing serious actually comes from this beef, but at this rate is seems that anything could happen. You can check out Daz Dillinger's Instagram video below.Kanye West's unexpected alignment with Republicans and other prominent right-wing figures has stirred up quite the controversy over the past several weeks. It initially kicked off after he tweeted, "I love the way Candace Owens thinks." The tweet caught many by surprise but was later the most harmless of tweets after pledging his love for Donald Trump. One person who's both been conversing and critical of Kanye during this time is Hot97's Ebro Darden. During his show this morning, he revealed that his conversation he had with Kanye West and Candace Owens this morning.

Ebro is not here for Candace Owens and will certainly not give her a platform. He detailed the conversation earlier today and said that off the top, she asked him when she'll be invited to his show to tell her point of view.

"I said, Well I just dont have people on to have conversations about aligning themselves with hate groups and racists. It's not what we do up here. Nor do I want to bring someone else up here to have that.  he explained. "I dont believe what were going through right now means we have to align ourselves with hateful people."

He said that he referred to her as Candie, which seemed to have rubbed her the wrong way. However, the conversation kept moving forward and Ebro detailed the part of the conversation where he grilled her about her stance on "Make America Great Again." "When was it great?" he said during the bit.

"She went on to tell me about the again part for her means the time when her sharecropping grandfather was able to buy land. That's her again." He said. "Of which I said, 'So you want to go back to when black folks were sharecroppers?"

You could peep the full interview below.Apple earnings this week will confirm what most investors have finally accepted: The iPhone X didn't live up to the hype. The results should also provide clues on the company's next strategy for its most-important product.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook and other Apple executives have a "major prove-me" period ahead, beginning with a new sales forecast and a conference call with analysts on Tuesday, GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives said. He and other analysts cut their iPhone sales estimates, and Apple shares were are down almost 8 percent in the past two weeks through Friday.

The stock got a bit of a reprieve on Monday, with RBC analyst Amit Daryanani saying the "magnitude of investor negativity is likely overdone." Investors could also still find reason for optimism in the potential for strong growth from Apple services and an upgrade to the company's capital return program. Morgan Stanley said it expects Apple to hike the program by $150 billion to a cumulative total of $450 billion by 2020 and increase its quarterly dividend to 94.5 cents a share from 63 cents.

Recent concerns about Apple's iPhone business were fanned by suppliers that reported weak demand for high-end handsets, another sign the smartphone boom that made Apple the most-valuable company is ebbing. It's also under pressure in China, where some consumers are shunning pricey iPhones and local rivals like Oppo and Vivo are grabbing market share.

On Tuesday, Apple is expected to report fiscal second-quarter iPhone unit sales grew just over 2 percent from a year earlier. For the fiscal third quarter, unit sales will be down 5 percent year-over-year, according to average analyst forecasts compiled by Bloomberg.

Expectations were higher when Apple launched new phones late last year. However, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus looked similar to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models from about three years earlier. The iPhone X had a bright, edge-to-edge display and 3-D facial recognition, but the $999 starting price was too much for some consumers.

That left a hole in the market for a breakthrough iPhone close to the previous price -- and Apple is already working on filling this demand. The company is preparing a new lower-cost iPhone that looks similar to the iPhone X and has some of its most-appealing features, Bloomberg News reported earlier this year.

"That lower-priced iPhone X, essentially, should be a successful product. That launch itself could move iPhone sales up 5 percent a year," said Gene Munster, co-founder of Loup Ventures and a longtime Apple analyst. Still, he warned that the days of 15 percent annual iPhone growth are over.

When the X launched last year, Apple paid handsomely for the new Face ID system, stainless steel casing and sharper, more efficient OLED screen technology. The iPhone X's parts cost $115 more than the iPhone 8's, according to a November analysis. That made it difficult to price the product much below $999, without slicing Apple's legendary profitability.

The new, lower-cost iPhone will use an LCD display that's about half the cost of the OLED screen in the iPhone X. It's also likely to use an aluminum casing versus stainless steel. That could bring the price close to $700, a level that's proven successful for many years.

In addition, Apple will launch a giant iPhone with a 6.5-inch screen and an update to the current iPhone X size, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News earlier this year.

While results on Tuesday will likely show slower Apple growth, this broader iPhone strategy could revive sales when the new devices come out toward the end of 2018.

For most companies, one product facing growth headwinds wouldn't be a concern. For Apple, the iPhone generates about two-thirds of sales, and the other third comes mostly from products and services best used with an iPhone. Here are some of the key numbers to watch on Tuesday:

- Analysts are looking for revenue of $61 billion in the fiscal second quarter, or 15 percent year-over-year growth, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Earlier this year, Apple forecast sales between $60 billion and $62 billion for the period.

- Fiscal second-quarter iPhone unit sales are expected to be 51.9 million, up from 50.8 million a year earlier, according to average analyst forecasts compiled by Bloomberg.

- For the fiscal third quarter, analysts see 39 million iPhones sold, on average, down from 41 million in the same period of 2017.

- The average selling price for iPhones will be $740 in the fiscal second quarter and $691 in the third, according to average analyst projections.

- Fiscal second quarter services revenue will hit around the $8.5 billion level reported in the holiday quarter. Munster sees 18 percent to 20 percent growth.

- Analysts are also looking for growth in Apple's Other Products unit, which includes the Apple Watch, AirPods and HomePod.

Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi said weakness in the current iPhone lineup was caused by a structural slowdown in the growth of new customers and the high pricing of the X model. A saturated smartphone market means Apple can't do much about the first problem, but its pricing strategy can vary depending on the specific iPhones being offered.

"The rumored lineup could quickly change, and pricing remains a wild card - Apple appears to have somewhat mis-estimated price elasticity this time around, but what might they change going forward?" Sacconaghi wrote in a recent note to investors.

--With assistance from Bloomberg's Jeran Wittenstein and Brandon Kochkodin .Tens of thousands of people from around the world streamed into NRG Park on Monday for the offshore energy industrys biggest showcase. But instead of deep ocean waters, vendors, analysts and executives had their eyes on West Texas.

While the offshore sector is again showing signs of life after an extended downturn, the focus on U.S. shale drilling at 50th edition of the Offshore Technology Conference was a reminder that the action  and the money  remains onshore in oil and gas fields such as the Permian Basin in West Texas. With U.S. oil prices sitting just below $70 a barrel, investment has surged into cheaper and quicker projects in shale, especially the productive Permian, leaving potential offshore developments high and dry.

Even though they call it the Offshore Technology Conference, this is very much a land show, said Larry Kerr, vice president of petroleum pumps for Milwaukee-based Gardner Denver, which has a growing OTC presence primarily to promote its onshore shale equipment.

OTC has for decades served as a pedestal to the biggest and most advanced pieces of oil equipment and technology, and invariably, the most impressive specimens scattered across the vast exhibit hall floor of the NRG Center are meant to wind up on the floor of the ocean, rather than on dry land. But that has changed rapidly in recent years.

The growing place of shale at OTC indicates that the offshore sector, despite increased optimism, still faces years of recovery following the two-year oil bust that hit bottom in early 2016. Industry officials are certainly feeling better today with prices nearly $20 a barrel higher than a year ago, increased exploration that has led to recent offshore discoveries, and green lights for projects in the Gulf of Mexico by Royal Dutch Shell and the British oil major BP.

The sector, like its shale counterpart, is also getting more competitive, pursuing new designs expected to shave billions of dollars off the costs of deep-water platforms and projects. Analysts forecast 2018 as transition year for offshore energy, followed by slow growth in 2019 and 2020. Houston, of course, is a global center of the offshore energy industry, home to scores of drillers, equipment makers, services firm and marine transportation businesses, as well as OTC.

But most investment is going onshore. For example, Chevron, an OTC sponsor, plans to spend $3.3 billion in the Permian this year, one of its two largest investments. Oil and gas companies have brought 149 more rigs into operation on U.S. lands over the past year compared to just one in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes.

As a result, equipment sales are moving toward onshore oil and gas, not only in North America, but also in the Middle East and Argentina. As oil prices have climbed, manufacturers have shifted from repairing old equipment to making new equipments.

Offshore is still zero, in terms of manufacturing activity, said Mike Rios, a Houston sales manager at automated oil field sensor maker GP:50, of New York. It's very expensive to drill offshore, so its going to be the last thing to pick up. Its going to take a long time.

Theres no onshore equivalent for OTC, so the massive, weeklong exhibition now serves as the largest de facto venue for both, said Jon Stanton, chief executive of the Scottish engineering firm Weir Group, which has expanded in recent years to become one of OTCs largest exhibitors, primarily to tout its onshore equipment and services. Most companies have developed at least some sort of onshore business, added Paul Coppinger, president of Weirs oil and gas division, which is based in Fort Worth.

Major oil companies like Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron and BP still have vast and growing operations in the Gulf of Mexico, but many of mid-tier oil producers such as Noble Energy and Apache Corp., both of Houston, have abandoned the region, selling assets to private equity-backed firms and heading for West Texas.

At OTCs opening ceremonies Monday morning, one of the main speakers was Ryan Lance, the CEO of ConocoPhillips. The Houston oil producer recently eliminated deep-water exploration to cut costs and focus more on land operations in North America. He said oil prices, while healthier, are still subject to sudden swings, and theres great concern about investing in multibillion-dollar deep-water projects that take several years to develop.

The industry needs to drive down break-even costs so the offshore projects can compete for capital, Lance said, noting that his company still operates offshore platforms and wells.  We have not abandoned offshore.

Neither has OTC, which celebrated a half-century of advances that, long before the shale boom, allowed oil companies to extract energy in some of the most hostile environments under the most challenging conditions. In 1947, the first rig that would fit the modern idea of offshore drilling, the Kermac No. 16 rig, was located about about 10 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico in water depths of only 20 feet or so.

Fast forward nearly 70 years to 2016, Royal Dutch Shells Stones project started producing 200 miles offshore in the Gulf at depths of 9,500 feet  the deepest ultra-deepwater project in the world.

Next month, Shell will launch its next major deep-water platform in the Gulf  the Appomattox  last week signed off on yet another Gulf platform, called Vito. But Vito was approved only after Shell cut 70 percent from the original price tag before the oil bust.

The future is about being more scrupulous, said Harry Brekelmans, Shells projects and technology leader. We will need much more innovation and collaboration.

jordan.blum@chron.com

twitter.com/jdblum23

collin.eaton@chron.com

twitter.com/collineatonhcU.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston, expressed concern to NASA contractors about the timeline for launching the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft during a visit to his hometown on Monday.

Exploration Mission-1, an unmanned trek that will take SLS and Orion past the moon, is slated to launch in December 2019 and contractors and suppliers continue to work toward that. But, as previously announced, that date will likely be pushed to spring 2020.

Its just critical that we get it up and flying as quickly as possible, Culberson told media after touring Oceaneering Space Systems in Houston. Every delay is a concern and a worry.

Culberson chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science that funds NASA. He was in Houston to get an update on the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft by prime contractors Orbital ATK and Lockheed Martin. The companies suppliers were also in the audience.

The thing you need to stay focused on is your mission, he told the crowd.   Theres strong bipartisan support for NASA.

The agency received $20.7 billion in the fiscal 2018 spending bill signed into law in March. Part of that money is to build a second mobile launch platform to assist with liftoff. Culberson said appropriating that money will minimize the time needed between the unmanned Exploration Mission-1 and the first manned flight slated for 2022, known as Exploration-Mission 2.

LEARNING: Students get taste of astronaut life at Houstons Space Center University

NASA agreed that having a second mobile launcher, which will transport the rocket to the launch pad and then hold that rocket for liftoff, could allow the agency to move up Exploration Mission-2. It is examining potential dates and should have an announcement in the coming months.

While hearing about the launch timeline, Culberson asked about suppliers that could be causing delays for the spacecraft and rocket, which will be integral for NASAs plans to send humans beyond the International Space Stations low-earth orbit.

Larry Price, Lockheed Martin Orion deputy program manager, said the suppliers are identifying problems early and finding resolutions. If theres an issue, they work to ensure it doesnt stop other work and affect the launch date.

He said in a followup email that problems are hardly uncommon when developing complex, first-of-a-kind systems, and that contractors and suppliers are diligent in addressing them.

We work through challenges with all of our partners as a team to hold our scheduled, he said.

Thousands of supplier companies across the U.S. are working on SLS, Orion and Exploration Ground Systems, supporting more than 16,000 jobs in 50 states. More than 165 supplier companies in Texas are contributing and providing more than 750 supplier jobs this year.

Im counting on you guys to put the cattle prod to them, Culberson told Price. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor tasked with designing, testing and manufacturing the Orion spacecraft.

Culberson also queried Orbital ATK on whether the SLS rocket boosters are reusable. Both Elon Musks SpaceX and Jeff Bezos Blue Origin are developing reusable rocket components, with Blue Origins latest test flight occurring Sunday in West Texas. It flew the New Shepard, being designed for space tourism, for its eighth test. Both the spacecraft and booster had flown before.

If Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are successful in launching rocket bodies and engines four to 10 times, at least, that changes the whole equation, Culberson said.

The SLS engines are not designed to be reused, said Brian Duffy, Orbital ATK vice president for NASA Programs.

The event was hosted by Oceaneering Space Systems, which is producing the airbags that upright the Orion spacecraft after it lands in water, and the Thermal Curtain that will protect components inside the rocket booster from heat generated during launch.

AT JSC: NASA's Johnson Space Center preps Orion module  for failure

Carl Walz, director of business development for Oceaneering Space Systems, said the event was an opportunity for Oceaneering employees and area suppliers to feel Culbersons enthusiasm for NASA and space.

Mark J. Hahn, Jr., president of Houston Precision Fasteners, also noted Culbersons interest in the space program. He said the recent spending bill appropriating money to NASA has allowed his company, which creates structural fasteners that hold together various components of the SLS and Orion, to hire people and buy equipment.

SLS and Orion, for us, has really increased our business, Hahn said.

andrea.rumbaugh@chron.comThe offshore energy industry has spent the past half-century pushing into deeper and deeper waters, using ever-advancing technologies to find oil and gas thousands of feet below the oceans surface and produce millions of barrels a day in the most challenging conditions.

But these advances have come at the cost of hundreds of lives and billions of dollars in property, financial and environmental losses. And it has often taken tragedies, followed by litigation, government fines and bad public relations, to spur companies to improve safety, legal and safety specialists and workers advocates said.

"Its not an industry that says, Gosh, we could be doing better. Lets do this,"said Kim Nibarger, chairman of oil bargaining for the United Steelworkers Union which represents 30,000 oil workers, including oil and gas production workers in California and Alaska.

Over the years, post-mortems analyzing equipment and operations after rigs have capsized, exploded or caught fire have led to improvements. Operating systems have become automated, back-up systems are standard practice and monitoring can be done from anywhere are among some of the steps energy companies have taken to improve safety.

Some drillers also are trying to change their culture by shortening shifts and providing more training so employees can make better on-the-fly decisions. And when it looks like a bad storm is brewing like Hurricane Harvey in the Gulf of Mexico last summer, crews are evacuated, no doubt to avoid another tragedy like the Alexander L. Kielland, a platform off the coast of Norway that capsized during a 1980 storm and killed 123 workers, mostly by drowning.

Wafik Beydoun, who chairs the French oil major Total in Kuwait and is chairman of the Offshore Technology Conference, said companies have designed platforms and rescue boats to withstand the heaviest seas and winds. Today, he added, it is standard operating procedure to disconnect the well head from the platform when storms are approaching. That way, even if a storm destroys the platform, the the well head and environment are protected.

The drilling industry  onshore and offshore has a fatality rate seven times higher than for all U.S. workers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Helicopter crashes were among the leading cause of death, according to a 2013 study that looked at seven years of on-the-job deaths in the energy industry.

Eighty-nine workers in the oil and gas extraction industry died in 2015, according to the Labor Department, down from 144 the previous year. The number of drillers who die on the job roughly corresponds with the price of oil. The low point in the past 15 years was 2009 - a year when average oil prices fell to $53.48 per barrel from $91.48 the previous year.

When the worst happens in the offshore oil and gas industry, the consequences can be so catastrophic that industry insiders have to just mention the rig name to trigger memories of explosions, fires and loss of life. In the oil industry, the mention of Piper Alpha brings back the summer day in 1988, when the worlds worst oil disaster killed 167 workers.

The rig in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland was undergoing maintenance and workers removed a pressure safety valve on one pump. The crew didnt finish and a warning not to use the pump wasnt passed along to the next shift. The pump was activated and a series of explosions quickly engulfed the entire platform in fire, preventing many workers from reaching the life boats.

Scotland launched a public inquiry that recommended the government split oversight of production and safety between two separate parts of government with the Department of Energy overseeing production and the nations health and safety executive in charge of safety. At the time of the explosion, the Department of Energy was responsible for ensuring both production and safety in the North Sea.

Deepwater Horizon, the 2010 disaster that killed 11 workers, is still fresh in the minds of many oil industry executives. The rig, owned by the British oil major BP, was in the final stage of drilling an exploratory well off the coast of Louisiana, but a host of problems including leaky cement, valve failures and the misinterpretation of pressure tests led to an explosion and one of the largest oil spills.

Bob Dudley, chief executive of BP, referred to Deepwater Horizon in public comments as rocking the company to its core. Since then BP trains employees on drilling simulators, monitors well operations from Houston and performs more well maintenance. The company also reinforces the notion that everyone at BP has the power and the responsibility to stop a job if something doesnt seem right.

Worker advocates had high hopes that a widespread decrease in injuries would follow Deepwater Horizon. But that hasnt happened, said Houston lawyer Jason Itkin. Instead, the number of oil and gas workers who died on the job has jumped since then. The year following Deepwater Horizon the drilling death toll jumped to 142 and remained in the triple digits for several years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"Ninety-nine-point-nine percent of the time, the time the problem is that someone on the rig feels pressure from someone on land to do it quicker," said Itkin, who represented injured Deepwater Horizon workers, including the family of one who died. "Theyre worried theyll lose their job it they dont speed it up because their performance is based on production or speed or how much the company will make."

As oil companies have moved into deeper water to drill, technology has become more complex. But when disaster strikes, human error or negligence, rather than technology, is often the problem.

Tests on the strength of the cement to seal the well on the Deepwater Horizon, for example, were misinterpreted by BP employees on land and the blowout preventer which would have automatically sealed off the well and prevented an explosion was not checked while out at sea, said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, who recently received a grant from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to predict when an offshore rig is at risk of a catastrophic accident.

But a cultural shift is happening in the oil industry, he said, as some companies rethink 12-hour shifts and ways to give their workers more rest. When people get more sleep, the number of accidents declines, he said. In addition, the industry is increasing automation, which means fewer workers at risk on offshore rigs.

As you go into more and more challenging areas, you are likely to have accidents, Krishnamoorti said. But the scope will be less loss of life and less environmental danger.

lynn.sixel@chron.com

twitter.com/lmsixelKen Richardson, executive vice president of global offshore at American Bureau of Shipping, known as ABS, has been attending the Offshore Technology Conference since 1986. Richardson joined ABS in 1982 as an engineer in the Machinery Department.

ABS, headquartered in Houston, sets standards for safety, design, construction and operation of marine and offshore assets and delivers survey and engineering services to clients in 70 countries. He recently spoke with the Houston Chronicle about the changes at OTC and in the offshore industry during his 30 years of attending the conference. Edited excerpts follow.

Q. What does ABS do?

A. We work with clients on compliance and operational efficiency of their assets, with a focus on safety and efficiency. On the offshore side of our business, this includes offshore fixed platforms, offshore floating, production platforms and offshore exploration or drilling units, and offshore supply vessels.

Q. Do you often find new technologies at the OTC that support future offshore developments?

A. Some years more than others. During the 50-year lifespan of OTC, ABS has been involved in delivering a succession of offshore industry technological firsts. Some examples include: the first mobile offshore drilling unit, the first production spar, the first semisubmersible offshore wind turbine, and the first offshore support vessel in Gulf of Mexico to use hybrid power.

Q. How has the OTC changed since the mid 80s, when you first started attending?

A. For one, the mix of exhibits has changed. In earlier years, the OTC was more focused on drilling, drilling contractors, and smaller vendors. The (oil and gas) industry was in a slow period during the mid-80s. OTC reflected the pick-up in business in the early 90s with more exhibits from larger vendors and a more diverse and robust technical program. Technology has always been the focus. But the number of papers and the diversity of topics in those papers has evolved significantly. And of course, the show changed venues in 2002 from the Astrodome to NRG Park.

Q. What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the OTC?

A. My least favorite part is standing in the booth for hours. My favorite part is meeting people and catching up with acquaintances and friends who I havent seen in a while. The conference draws many people whove been in this industry for a long time, and various companies put on receptions with interesting crowds of people. Thats very enjoyable.

Q. Do you remember any particular conferences as the best or worst?

A. They all have some different characteristics depending upon their focus, which changes year to year. But some OTCs stand out for various reasons. In the 80s, it was quite exciting for me, as a young engineer just starting in this industry, to go to the receptions and meet industry leaders and clients who I may have spoken with, but hadnt yet met.

Q. How has the offshore oil and gas industry changed over the years?

A. The primary theme in offshore over the last 15 to 20 years is taking advantage of reserves in deeper water. In the last few years, not only have reserves been deeper, but they are also much more complex. Theyve required the development of new technologies, designs and structures.

Q. How is business in the marine and offshore sectors right now?

A. The marine transportation sector, and the offshore production and exploration sectors, are a little depressed. The drop in oil prices had a significant impact on many offshore projects. Delaying large projects impacts the drilling rig market which impacts the offshore supply market. The entire offshore market has been struggling for around two years.

Last year, attendance at the OTC was down significantly. It will be interesting to see if the mood at the OTC this year is as subdued as it was last year.

Q. Are you optimistic?

A. Were cautiously optimistic. 2018 probably wont improve significantly. 2019 might be better. Its hard to tell.

Q. Are you preparing for an upturn in the offshore sector?

A. Yes. There is a shortage of experienced people in the industry because of its cyclical nature. More activity is being devoted to training young people. At ABS, were going through the process of hiring new graduates out of various technical schools and putting them in a year or longer training program. The idea is to train younger people and keep them moving through the organization.. Many oil companies and large manufacturers are also training more people.

Q. Does that mean oil prices are expected to increase?

A. The industry is cyclical, and it will pick back up. There will be renewed interest in producing oil and gas offshore. The capital allocation right now is moving onshore to shale, but it will come back to offshore. Well need the workforce to do the work.A new report by Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty shows a 49 percent spike in sales in Bellaire during the first quarter from a year earlier. There also was a 36 percent rise in Meyerland, and a 10 percent increase in west Houston.

Price gainers included River Oaks, where the median hit $2.3 million after a 22 percent rise, and the Heights, which experienced a 9 percent gain to a median sales price of $449,200 in the first quarter.

Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty sells homes across Houston from offices in Briar Hollow/River Oaks, Memorial, the Bay Area, Kingwood, Cypress and The Woodlands.

Company president Marilyn Thompson spoke with the Chronicle about the report and her outlook for Houston. Edited excerpts follow.

Q: What's going on in Bellaire?

A: It's across the board. Bellaire was affected by Hurricane Harvey. The sales went up. Several of the areas, homes are selling for land value.

Q: Are you seeing people shy away from neighborhoods after the flood?

A: No, not really. They're in such prime locations. If you want to go to the Medical Center or you work in the Medical Center, there really isn't a better neighborhood than Meyerland, Bellaire, the museum area, West U. Those neighborhoods are going to continue to sell simply because of their location. Some people are buying these homes that flooded. They're going fix them up and take their chances on when the next 500-year flood comes along.

Q: What's happening with lot prices?

A: The lot prices are OK. Land is land. No more land is being made. What they have to understand is if they buy one of those lots with the new guidelines the city of Houston is putting into place, they will have to build up. They won't be able to build on lot level. It adds to the costs.

Q: Can you highlight some price trends?

A: Land values are pretty steady. We're seeing a bump in the home prices over last year. Mostly the closer-in neighborhoods.

Q: What about the relocation market? Has Harvey scared people off?

A: No. Houston has still got tremendous job opportunities. Harvey is not going to scare people off. They may ask us where did it flood, but once they see that it hit every area of the city, it was not particular about where it hit this time. It was across the board in Houston.

Q: How is The Woodlands doing?

A: The Woodlands is growing stronger. You're going to pay over $1 million for some of those houses, but they're really big. You've got such great schools where the houses are in The Woodlands. That's what people want. Schools do drive the market somewhat.

Q: Are buyers concerned with the uncertainty of changes coming at HISD?

A: We're going to have to wait and see what happens with those changes. People do buy in certain areas because they love the schools. Look at West U Elementary and Roberts Elementary.

Q: What's driving the 10 percent uptick in west Houston?

A: New companies are moving out there. People are moving closer to where they're working. The oil prices have come up, and they will continue to go up. People will continue to buy.

Q: Are people have trouble finding homes?

A: There's a lot of inventory now. That's good. A lot of these homes are being priced exactly where they will sell. We don't see a lot of negotiating down in price.

katherine.feser@chron.com

twitter.com/kfeserThe Trump administration has announced a position on protecting migratory birds that is a drastic pullback from policies in force for the past 100 years.

In 1916, amid the chaos of World War I, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and King George V of Great Britain signed the Migratory Bird Treaty. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) wrote the treaty into U.S. law two years later. These measures protected more than 1,100 migratory bird species by making it illegal to pursue, hunt, take, capture, kill or sell live or dead birds, feathers, eggs and nests, except as allowed by permit or regulated hunting.

This bold move was prompted by the decimation of bird populations across North America. Some 5 million birds, especially waterbirds like egrets and herons, were dying yearly to provide feathers to adorn hats, and the passenger pigeon had just gone extinct. Fearing that other species would meet the same fate, national leaders took action.

Now the Interior Department has issued a legal opinion that reinterprets the act and excludes incidental take  activities that are not intended to harm birds, but do so directly in ways that could have been foreseen, such as filling in wetlands where migrating birds rest and feed. Why? For fear of unlimited potential for criminal prosecution. As the argument goes, cat owners whose pets attack migratory birds or drivers who accidentally strike birds with their cars might be charged with crimes.

But the MBTA has not been enforced this way. It is applied to cases of gross negligence where potential harm should have been anticipated and avoided, such as discharging water contaminated with toxic pesticides into a pond used by migratory birds. This new reading of the law means that companies will escape legal responsibility and liability for actions that kill millions of birds every year.

Pollution, development and habitat loss kill birds

Purposeful killing is only one of many threats to migratory birds. Habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and collisions with buildings take heavy tolls on many species. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, every year more than 40 million birds are killed by industrial activities or structures such as power lines, oil pits, communication towers and wind turbines. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico killed more than 1 million birds in a single event.

Seventeen former Interior Department officials representing every presidential administration from Nixon through Obama have written a memo expressing deep concern about the new policy. As they explain, the MBTA has given industries a strong and effective incentive to work with government agencies to anticipate, avoid and mitigate foreseeable death or injury to birds.

Kathy Adams Clark

For example, it prompted energy companies to install nets above pits where they store waste fluids from oil drilling. Because these pits look like water sources, birds often land on them and can become trapped and die. Installing nets over the pits has cut annual bird deaths from roughly two million birds yearly to between 500,000 and one million. Not perfect, but a meaningful improvement.

Global citizens, global consequences

Because migratory birds dont recognize international boundaries, the consequences of reinterpreting the MBTA may be felt across borders. In one year, an individual warbler may spend 80 days in Canadas boreal forests, 30 days in the United States at resting and refueling sites during migration, and over 200 days in Central America.

At the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, we have constructed maps and animations using data collected by volunteers for eBird, the worlds fastest-growing biodiversity database. These references illustrate how migratory birds connect countries. Many spend the year in locations that span the Western Hemisphere.

The eastern-breeding magnolia warbler, for example, spends winters in areas in the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America that are fractions of the size of its breeding range. Seeing how densely these birds are clustered in their winter habitat shows us that each acre of that territory is important to their survival.

Similarly, most populations of the western-breeding western tanager overwinter in Mexico. By identifying where bird populations winter in this way, we can better target conservation actions to protect species throughout their annual cycles.

Dave Walsh / VW Pics / Getty Images

Still at risk

Today we know much more than early conservationists did about the value of birds. Healthy bird populations pollinate crops and help plants grow by dispersing seeds and preying on insects. Migratory birds also contribute billions of dollars to economies through recreational activities like hunting and birdwatching. And they connect us with nature, especially through the dazzling spectacle of migration.

Conserving migratory birds requires effective protection both in the United States and through international agreements and partnerships. The most important threats are loss and degradation of habitat, which can be caused by land conversion  for example, clearing forests for farming  or by climate change.

In the 2016 State of North American Birds report, an international team of scientists assessed the conservation status of 1,154 birds across Canada, the United States and Mexico. They found that over one-third of all North American bird species are at risk of extinction without meaningful conservation action.

Birds associated with oceans and tropical and subtropical forests year-round are in the most dire straits. More than half of North American seabirds are declining due to pollution, unsustainable fishing, energy extraction, pressure from invasive species and climate change. Birds that rely on coasts, arid lands and grasslands also are in serious decline.

There are no easy solutions, but new science is supporting responses. Transformational citizen science projects like eBird are developing vast data sets to help pinpoint where conservation action should focus. Bird conservation groups and government agencies have formed international teams to eradicate invasive predators on islands that are critical to breeding seabirds and drafted multinational agreements to clean up large floating mats of garbage in our seas that can choke, trap or poison seabirds and other animals.

Birds are a shared resource among nations. Where governments have acted, they have successfully protected migratory birds and the habitat they depend on. In my view, the Trump administrations shift would abdicate U.S. leadership on migratory bird conservation and undermine public good for private profit.

This is an updated version of an article originally published on August 15, 2016.

Amanda Rodewald is Professor and Director of Conservation Science, Cornell Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Get the Gray Matters newsletter. It relies on coasts, arid lands and grasslands.AUSTIN -- As Texas House lawmakers investigate what the state's response should be to the growing opioid crisis here and around the nation, tort reformers are growing concerned that trial lawyers are "unethically" recruiting clients to go after big pharmaceutical companies.

Chairman of the Select Committee on Opioids and Substance Abuse, state Rep. Four Price, R-Amarillo, was asked about "ambulance chasing" attorneys by Jay Leeson, host of the Other Side of Texas Radio Show based in Lubbock.

In response, Price pointed out that the committee's study of the issue  as laid out by retiring Speaker Joe Straus  does not include looking at litigation.



That's even though some counties around the state including Upshur, Bexar and Harris have filed suit against manufacturers of opioids seeking to recoup uncompensated care costs.

Price noted that at least $350 million in opioid overdose-related costs have been racked up at local emergency rooms.

"If you really study these issues, there's a shared level of responsibility up and down that spectrum from the manufactures to the prescribers to the distributors to the patients themselves," he said.

Price said the committee will take its time in coming up with recommendations by November for the next Legislature to consider. "Not all of big pharma's going to love our recommendations. I'm sure not all prescribers or patients will love our recommendations," he said.

The full story can be found in the Quorum Report. Copyright 2018, Harvey Kronberg,http://quorumreport.com/index.cfm, All rights are reserved. This story is presented as part of the Houston Chronicle's collaboration with Quorum Report. For inside information on Texas politics and government and to sign up for real-time updates, go here.WASHINGTON - White House Chief of Staff John Kelly on Monday denied that he said President Donald Trump is an "idiot," calling an NBC News story "total BS."

Kelly's statement came about 45 minutes after NBC News published a report that described a number of fights between Trump and his embattled chief of staff. The outlet reported that Kelly often tells senior aides that they have to save the president from himself and his impulses - and that Trump does not understand policy.

"He doesn't even understand what DACA is. He's an idiot," Kelly told White House aides, according NBC News, which cites two White House officials present for the meeting.

"I spend more time with the President than anyone else and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship. He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS," Kelly said in a statement released by the White House press office. "I am committed to the President, his agenda, and our country. This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump and distract from the administration's many successes."

The Washington Post has not independently confirmed that Kelly called Trump an "idiot," but the chief of staff has occasionally referred to the president in derisive terms and has threatened to quit, current and former White House aides said.

The quick denial underscores how damaging the remarks could be for Kelly. Trump, according to longtime advisers, hates the notion that any aide can control him - or that he lacks intelligence.

The president grew angry last year when NBC reported that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called the president a "moron." Tillerson did not deny the comment, instead saying at the time in response to questions that, "I'm not going to deal with petty stuff like that."

In one interview, the president seemed to challenge Tillerson to an IQ test. Tillerson was fired via tweet last month.

Kelly, who joined the administration last July and was charged with instilling discipline and order into a chaotic West Wing, has fallen out of favor with Trump in recent months and is no longer included in many key decisions, according to White House aides. The president shouted at Kelly after the chief of staff went on Fox News and said Trump has "evolved" on building a border wall, The Washington Post has reported.

Trump has chafed at Kelly's strictures and limitations, and other staff members have become convinced that Kelly is not always truthful, particularly after his conflicting stories on the dismissal of aide Rob Porter following allegations of spousal abuse.

The NBC story also said that Trump had wanted to remove troops from the Korean Peninsula in February before the Winter Olympics, but Kelly eventually convinced him not to after a loud fight. Trump has mused in recent months about pulling troops out of the country, aides say, and told donors in Missouri last month that he might do so if South Korea did not make concessions on trade.What Mueller Wants to Ask Trump About Obstruction, and What It Means

WASHINGTON  Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russias election interference, has at least four dozen questions on an exhaustive array of subjects he wants to ask President Donald Trump to learn more about his ties to Russia and determine whether he obstructed the inquiry itself, according to a list of the questions obtained by The New York Times.

The open-ended queries appear to be an attempt to penetrate the presidents thinking, to get at the motivation behind some of his most combative Twitter posts and to examine his relationships with his family and his closest advisers. They deal chiefly with the presidents high-profile firings of the FBI director and his first national security adviser, his treatment of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and a 2016 Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and Russians offering dirt on Hillary Clinton.

Now Playing: President Donald Trump is passing up a chance to say whether he will fire special counsel Robert Mueller and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. He says there's been speculation that he would get rid of them but "they're still here." (April 18) Video: Associated Press

But they also touch on the presidents businesses; any discussions with his longtime personal lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, about a Moscow real estate deal; whether the president knew of any attempt by Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, to set up a back channel to Russia during the transition; any contacts he had with Roger J. Stone Jr., a longtime adviser who claimed to have inside information about Democratic email hackings; and what happened during Trumps 2013 trip to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant.

The questions provide the most detailed look yet inside Muellers investigation, which has been shrouded in secrecy since he was appointed nearly a year ago. The majority relate to possible obstruction of justice, demonstrating how an investigation into Russias election meddling grew to include an examination of the presidents conduct in office. Among them are queries on any discussions Trump had about his attempts to fire Mueller himself and what the president knew about possible pardon offers to Flynn.

MEANWHILE: Chief of staff Kelly calls 'BS' on report he called Trump an 'idiot'

What efforts were made to reach out to Mr. Flynn about seeking immunity or possible pardon? Mueller planned to ask, according to questions read by the special counsel investigators to the presidents lawyers, who compiled them into a list. That document was provided to The Times by a person outside Trumps legal team.

A few questions reveal that Mueller is still investigating possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia. In one of the more tantalizing inquiries, Mueller asks what Trump knew about campaign aides, including former chairman Paul Manafort, seeking assistance from Moscow: What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign? No such outreach has been revealed publicly.

Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for Trump, declined to comment. A spokesman for the special counsels office did not respond to a request for comment.

ANOTHER LAWSUIT: Stormy Daniels sues Trump for defamation

The questions serve as a reminder of the chaotic first 15 months of the Trump presidency and the transition and campaign before that. Mueller wanted to inquire about public threats the president made, conflicting statements from Trump and White House aides, the presidents private admissions to Russian officials, a secret meeting at an island resort, WikiLeaks, salacious accusations and dramatic congressional testimony.

The special counsel also sought information from the president about his relationship with Russia. Mueller would like to ask Trump whether he had any discussions during the campaign about any meetings with President Vladimir Putin of Russia and whether he spoke to others about either American sanctions against Russia or meeting with Putin.

Through his questions, Mueller also tries to tease out Trumps views on law enforcement officials and whether he sees them as independent investigators or people who should loyally protect him.

For example, when FBI Director James B. Comey was fired, White House officials said he broke with Justice Department policy and spoke publicly about the investigation into Clintons email server. Muellers questions put that statement to the test. He wants to ask why, time and again, Trump expressed no concerns with whether Comey had abided by policy. Rather, in statements in private and on national television, Trump suggested that Comey was fired because of the Russia investigation.

CORRESPONDENTS' DINNER: Comedian 'wouldn't change a single word' of her speech

Many of the questions surround Trumps relationship with Sessions, including the attorney generals decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation and whether Trump told Sessions he needed him in place for protection.

Mueller appears to be investigating how Trump took steps last year to fire Mueller himself. The president relented after the White House counsel, Donald F. McGahn II, threatened to resign, an episode that the special counsel wants to ask about.

What consideration and discussions did you have regarding terminating the special counsel in June of 2017? Mueller planned to ask, according to the list of questions. What did you think and do in reaction to Jan. 25, 2018, story about the termination of the special counsel and Don McGahn backing you off the termination? he planned to ask, referring to the Times article that broke the news of the confrontation.

Mueller has sought for months to question the president, who has in turn expressed a desire, at times, to be interviewed, viewing it as an avenue to end the inquiry more quickly. His lawyers have been negotiating terms of an interview out of concern that their client  whose exaggerations, half-truths and outright falsehoods are well documented  could provide false statements or easily become distracted. Four people, including Flynn, have pleaded guilty to lying to investigators in the Russia inquiry.

The list of questions grew out of those negotiations. In January, Trumps lawyers gave Mueller several pages of written explanations about the presidents role in the matters the special counsel is investigating. Concerned about putting the president in legal jeopardy, his lead lawyer, John Dowd, was trying to convince Mueller he did not need to interview Trump, according to people briefed on the matter.

Mueller was apparently unsatisfied. He told Dowd in early March that he needed to question the president directly to determine whether he had criminal intent when he fired Comey, the people said.

But Dowd held firm, and investigators for Mueller agreed days later to share during a meeting with Dowd the questions they wanted to ask Trump.

When Muellers team relayed the questions, their tone and detailed nature cemented Dowds view that the president should not sit for an interview. Despite Dowds misgivings, Trump remained firm in his insistence that he meet with Mueller. About a week and a half after receiving the questions, Dowd resigned, concluding that his client was ignoring his advice.

Trumps new lawyer in the investigation and his longtime confidant, Rudolph W. Giuliani, met with Mueller last week and said he was trying to determine whether the special counsel and his staff were going to be truly objective.

Muellers endgame remains a mystery, even if he determines the president broke the law. A long-standing Justice Department legal finding says presidents cannot be charged with a crime while they are in office. The special counsel told Dowd in March that though the presidents conduct is under scrutiny, he is not a target of the investigation, meaning Mueller does not expect to charge him.

The prospect of pardons is also among Muellers inquiries, and whether Trump offered them to a pair of former top aides to influence their decisions about whether to cooperate with the special counsel investigation.

Dowd broached the idea with lawyers for both of the advisers, Flynn and Manafort, according to people with knowledge of the discussions. Manafort has pleaded not guilty on charges of money laundering and other financial crimes related to his work for the pro-Russia former president of Ukraine.

Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general who was ousted from the White House in February 2017 amid revelations about contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States, ultimately pleaded guilty last December to lying to federal authorities and agreed to cooperate with the special counsel.

After Gen. Flynn resigned, what calls or efforts were made by people associated with you to reach out to Gen. Flynn or to discuss Flynn seeking immunity or possible pardon? Mueller planned to ask.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.WASHINGTON - Conservative House allies of President Donald Trump have drafted articles of impeachment against Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversees the ongoing special counsel probe, setting up a possible GOP showdown over the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The document, which was obtained by The Washington Post, underscores the growing chasm between congressional Republican leaders, who have maintained for months that Special Counsel Robert Mueller should be allowed to proceed, and rank-and-file GOP lawmakers who have repeatedly battled the Justice Department during the past year.

The draft articles, which one of its authors called a "last resort," would be unlikely to garner significant support in Congress. But the document could serve as a provocative political weapon for conservatives in their standoff with Mueller and the Justice Department.

Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus - led by Rep. Mark Meadow, R-N.C., a Trump confidant - finalized the draft in recent days. It came after weeks of disputes with Rosenstein over the Justice Department's response to congressional requests for documents about the decisions and behavior of federal law-enforcement officials working on the Russia investigation and other federal probes, including the investigation into 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's email server.

Meadows acknowledged the draft in an interview Monday, calling the one-page document "a last resort option, if the Department of Justice fails to respond" for his requests for more information.

"My frustrations about their inability to respond to simple requests could warrant further action," Meadows said, adding that many of his colleagues are nearing a breaking point with Rosenstein.

The Freedom Caucus, which counts a few dozen House Republicans as members, is one of the more influential blocs in Congress because of its ability to drive debates to the right inside the House and Meadows' close relationship with the president.

Still, the group's impeachment draft would face many challenges if it were referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. Republican leaders have kept their distance from calls to remove Rosenstein from office, and Democrats have argued that the GOP's clashes with the deputy attorney general are little more than a pretext to weaken Mueller's efforts.

In recent weeks, the Judiciary Committee reached an agreement with the Justice Department over documents it wanted turned over - possibly curbing the appetite of its leaders for a fight.

Impeaching a federal official is an exceedingly difficult endeavor. While House members can refer impeachment articles to the House Judiciary Committee, it is usually up to the committee to debate or draft impeachment legislation that could be brought before the House for a vote. A simple majority is then needed for an article of impeachment to pass and be sent to the U.S. Senate for a trial. Two-thirds of the Senate is necessary to convict and remove the accused from office.

Should the Judiciary Committee decline to take up a proposal, Meadows and his colleagues are considering offering articles of impeachment under what is called a "privileged" resolution, which is when a floor vote is quickly called if the House speaker approves.

The last federal official impeached by the House was federal judge Thomas Porteous, who was convicted by the Senate in 2010 on bribery allegations.

A spokesperson for the House Judiciary Committee declined to comment on the draft or the prospect of impeachment proceedings. A Justice Department spokesman also declined to comment on the draft.

Democrats have said that conservative criticisms of Rosenstein are aimed at protecting Trump. But Meadows and others involved in the impeachment discussions say their concerns are serious and should be heard.

The draft criticizes Rosenstein's disclosure of materials related to a classified surveillance warrant application and subsequent renewals targeting former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Conservatives have alleged the Justice Department acted inappropriately because the department relied on information in its warrant applications that was funded by Clinton's presidential campaign. The warrants were approved by multiple judges.

The conversatives' outline, which is divided into eight parts, focuses on Rosenstein and surveillance matters in the first three articles. The document asserts that the veteran Justice Department official "engaged in a pattern of conduct incompatible with the trust and confidence placed in him" in his dealings with Congress and "failed to enforce multiple laws" in the warrant process.

The draft also states that Rosenstein "knowingly provided misleading statements" during congressional testimony about steps the federal government took to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz announced in March that he will examine the series of applications to surveil Page, along with the department's relationship with former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, whose research was cited in those requests.

The impeachment draft comes at a charged moment within the Republican Party and inside the White House. Trump warned in recent days that he could make sweeping changes at the Justice Department and has repeatedly railed against the special counsel investigation as a "witch hunt" that is baseless and politically motivated.

And it follows months of pressure on Rosenstein, going back to January when Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., called him a "traitor" who should be criminally prosecuted.

"They have a witch hunt against the president of the United States going on, I've taken the position - and I don't have to take this position, maybe I'll change - that I will not be involved with the Justice Department," Trump told Fox News in an interview last week. "I will wait till this is over."

The impeachment draft comes even as other House Republicans have cooled their tensions with Rosenstein, who has largely capitulated to lawmakers' demands.

In early April, for example, the Justice Department gave House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., access to a redacted document detailing the origin of the investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russia to influence the 2016 election, just a day after Nunes had threatened impeachment proceedings. At the time, Nunes publicly thanked Rosenstein for his cooperation, although he said his subpoenas would remain in effect.

Similarly, the Justice Department came to an agreement in recent weeks with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., and House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., who had been seeking documents on the investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server and the firing of Andrew McCabe as deputy FBI director, among other things.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., when asked in April at a news conference about Mueller and Rosenstein, said "they should be allowed to do their jobs."

But Meadows and others in his wing of the House GOP, such as Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, have continued to question Rosenstein and met with him at the Justice Department in mid-April to discuss document production. Meadows and Jordan left the session disappointed and have been talking through what the articles of impeachment could be ever since.

"The Department of Justice's willingness to comply with legitimate requests are more lip service than actual actions," Meadows said Monday.Houstonians aren't the only ones staying indoors during the region's hottest months.

Bugs, from roaches to spiders, are also seeking refuge from Houston's scorching temperatures.

In general, insects tend to thrive during warmer weather as they look for a chance to breed or feed.

Instead of calling an exterminator taking preventative measures can be the cheapest and best way to make a home bug-free.

See tips above on how to prevent bugs from invading your home during summer.

RELATED: Things to know about bed bugs

Now Playing: Twinkies are said to be able to survive nuclear holocaust, but new science shows why cockroaches are just as hard to get rid of. Video: Buzz 60

Fernando Ramirez is a reporter for Chron.com and the Houston Chronicle. You can follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93.AUSTIN  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is demanding that the federal government immediately end a program protecting young immigrants brought to the country illegally as children in a multi-state lawsuit filed Tuesday.

Ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has long been a priority for Paxton, who has repeatedly threatened legal action against the federal government unless the administration phased out the DACA program. While some states have sued to keep the protections in place, the Texas-led seven-state lawsuit is the first seeking to terminate DACA.

Left intact, DACA sets a dangerous precedent by giving the executive branch sweeping authority to ignore the laws enacted by Congress and change our nations immigration laws to suit a presidents own policy preferences, Paxton said in announcing the legal action.

In September, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of the program, but legal challenges and recent court rulings have allowed the program to continue. Last week, a federal judge in D.C. ruled that DACA protections must stay in place and the government must resume accepting new applications. The judge determined the administration's decision to terminate the program was based on the virtually unexplained grounds that the program was unlawful.

Judges in Brooklyn and San Francisco have also issued injunctions ordering the program to remain in place, but neither required the government to accept new applications.

President Trump has a duty under the Constitution to take care that the law be faithfully executed. Activist judges should not stand in the way of the president fulfilling his constitutional duty, Paxton said. DACA encourages lawlessness within the federal government and at our borders.

More than 689,000 people are protected under the DACA program, according to government statistics released last September. About 16 percent of them  or 113,000  live in Texas.

Paxtons office alerted the White House that the state would file the lawsuit, but emphasized that the Trump administration is not the target of the states action. He said the administration has been all about the rule of law.

Our frustration is not with the administration, its with three federal judges in various places in the country, Paxton said.

Paxton said the lawsuit does not ask the Trump administration to deport immigrants or rescind existing permits. Six other states  including Louisiana, Alabama and Arkansas  joined Texas lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Brownsville.

Waste of money?

Several lawmakers  mostly Democrats  law enforcement officials and immigration organizations denounced Paxtons lawsuit.

Karen Tumlin, the legal director for the National Immigration Law Center, stressed in a series of tweets that Texas lawsuit doesnt impact the earlier court decisions that have shielded the program from attempts by Paxton and numerous Republicans in Congress to shut it down.

She said her message to anyone considering renewing their DACA applications is to proceed if it makes sense for them. This lawsuit changes nothing in your calculus, Tumlin said. Talk to a legal provider, see if renewal is right for you.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo wrote on Twitter that he proudly stands with DACA recipients.

History will show those of us that stand with these productive immigrants (who had no say in their life journey) were just in doing so, Acevedo said.

Sen. Jose Menendez, of San Antonio and the chairman of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus, called the lawsuit a waste of taxpayer dollars.

It has been widely accepted that children who are covered under DACA who are brought to this country as children through no fault of their own have done well in our educational settings, have done well in the workforce, have served our nations armed forces with distinction, Menendez said.James Avery, the founder of the Kerrville-based jewelry store that bears his name, has passed away.

The store announced the news on its website and social media channels Monday afternoon. Avery died Monday, April 30, 2018.

"It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of our founder, James Avery," a Facebook post reads. "We are forever grateful to Mr. Avery for giving us the opportunity to be a part of his dream. He was a dynamic, creative and generous man who touched the lives of many people during his lifetime through his work, his art and his giving spirit."

The World War II veteran was 96 years old and had operated the store for more than 60 years.

He and his wife, Estela, a San Antonio native and Providence High School graduate, were married for more than 20 years. She is the executive director of the San Antonio River Foundation.

RELATED: The story of James Avery Craftsman, Texas' favorite jeweler

Now Playing: Did you know Billy Graham had met with every president since 1950? Video: GoodHousekeeping

A previous San Antonio Express-News article described his jewelry store, known for their sterling silver charms, as privately-owned and family-operated. At that time, the store was earning $156 million a year.

Last year, following Hurricane Harvey, Avery's stores pledged to donate all proceeds earned from its 'Deep in the Heart of Texas' charm to relief efforts.

The store's homage to the founder also said his "contributions will always be remembered as the company continues to build upon his artistic legacy."

SUBSCRIBERS: Read more about James Avery

James Avery Jewelry also asked donations to charities be made in lieu of flowers.

Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for MySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkyeJust days before the National Rifle Association is to begin its annual meetings in Dallas, the organization is featuring a Texas hero in newly launched videos to recruit new members.

Stephen Willeford, a lifetime NRA member who shot the man who killed 26 people in Sutherland Springs last year, is featured in the new 60-second video recounting what happened on Nov. 5, 2017.

"My daughter came into the bedroom and she said, 'Dad, there's a man in black tactical gear shooting up the baptist church.'" Willeford says in the NRATV video with the church where the actual shooting occurred in the background. "Every one of those shots, to me, represented one of my neighbors, one of my friends."

Willeford says in the video that while the gunman had an AR-15, so did he and he was determined to do something about what was happening.

On the morning the gunman opened fire on the church, Willeford responded by getting his own weapon and confronting the shooter. Police say Willeford wounded the killer, who then hopped into his vehicle to flee. Willeford and another man Johnny Langendorff pursued the killer who later crashed his vehicle and killed himself.

Now Playing: Sutherland Spring church members to meet with President Trump Video: Fox4

Willeford has given few media interviews since the event, but has begun to become more involved politically of late.

Earlier this week he wrote an op-ed piece in the Dallas Morning News defending the NRA's decision to come to Dallas for its annual meeting and publicly opposing gun control group efforts to restrict gun rights.

"I am also proof that the NRA's familiar mantra is true: The best way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," Willeford writes in the piece welcoming the NRA to the city.

Willeford also traveled to Houston in early April to play a role in U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's campaign re-election kickoff event.

Jeremy Wallace writes about state politics and government for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter at @JeremySWallace.President Donald Trump plans to appear at the National Rifle Associations annual meeting in Dallas this week, yet another sign that he has moved away from his pledge to pursue modest gun control in the aftermath of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting that left 17 dead.

Trump, who campaigned as a fierce defender of gun rights, shocked politicians from both parties after the Parkland shooting by voicing support for expanded background checks for gun purchases and raising the minimum age to purchase some firearms.

But Trump abandoned those ideas after meeting with NRA officials, and he now appears ready to show his appreciation this week to a group that went all-out for him during the 2016 campaign and has remained among his most loyal supporters. Trump has attended the event for three straight years, and this will be his second appearance there as president.

Its just going to be somewhat sad, said Ed Scruggs of Texas Gun Sense, a nonprofit gun control advocacy group based in Austin.

Before that audience, Scruggs said, it is hard to believe Trump will offer any moderation on the topic of guns.

Hell be completely setting aside Parkland, Sutherland Springs and Las Vegas, Scruggs said.

The four-day event, which starts on Thursday, also will include speeches from Vice President Mike Pence, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the state's two U.S. senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz.

CNN, quoting two sources familiar with the matter, was the first to report Trump's expected visit to Dallas, though NRA officials on Monday did not yet list Trump as a confirmed speaker or add him to the official agenda.

Pence is scheduled to address the NRA meeting at noon Friday. Neither the NRA nor the White House publicly said when Trump will speak at the event. Before Trump was set to attend, Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRAs Institute for Legislative Action, lauded Pences record as a friend of the NRA.

Now more than ever, we need principled people in public office who will fight to defend the Constitution, Cox said. Our members are excited to hear him speak and thank him for his leadership."

Ironically, the U.S. Secret Service will prohibit audience members from having a firearm during the Trump and Pence speeches. NRA officials told attendees the decision was not theirs and due to the Secret Service taking jurisdiction.

As a result, firearms and firearm accessories, knives or weapons of any kind will be prohibited in the forum prior to and during his attendance, the NRA said in a statement on its website. The gathering will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, less than a mile from Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated 55 years ago.

The ban on guns for the Republican presidents and vice presidents speeches had drawn criticism from gun control advocates, specifically from survivors of the Parkland massacre who have organized nationwide marches and rallies calling for a ban to assault-style weapons and other gun control measures.

The NRA has evolved into such a hilarious parody of itself, Parkland student Cameron Kasky wrote on Twitter with a screenshot of the notice against guns at the event.

More than 80,000 NRA members and gun enthusiasts are expected in Dallas for the 147th annual meeting. Its the NRAs first trip back to Texas since the 2013 convention in Houston.

Trump has touted his support for gun rights during past Texas visits. On a June 2016 campaign stop in The Woodlands, after a massacre at an Orlando nightclub that left 49 people dead and another 53 wounded, Trump urged the crowd to imagine if someone at the nightclub had been armed and returned fire at gunman Omar Mateen, who had an assault rifle and a handgun and was later killed by a SWAT team.

That would have been a beautiful, beautiful sight, folks, the billionaire developer and reality TV star said to the roar of the crowd. He added, Nobody will protect your Second Amendment like Donald John Trump. Nobody! Nobody!

Trump offered gun control advocates some hope of reforms in March during a meeting at the White House with members of Congress. At that meeting U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, told Trump that most Americans support a call for universal background checks, but Congress has failed to pass changes.

You have a different president now, Trump told Murphy. You went through a lot of presidents and you didnt get it done. You have a different president. And I think, maybe, you have a different attitude too. I think people want to get it done.

But shortly after those comments, the White House was quick to emphasize to reporters that what the president supports is not necessarily universal background checks, but certainly improving the background check system.

The NRA meeting in Dallas comes just weeks after a new poll shows that despite the states gun-friendly reputation, most Texans support universal background checks. A Quinnipiac University poll of 1,029 showed that 94 percent support mandatory background checks for all gunbuyers, and 53 percent said they support a ban on assault-style weapons.

After this week's visit to Dallas, Trump will soon return to Texas. The White House previously confirmed that Trump is expected to attend a fundraising event in Houston on May 14 at a location still not announced as of Monday. Trumps most recent official stop in Texas as president was in September when he came during the Hurricane Harvey recovery effort.

jeremy.wallace@chron.comAUSTIN -- In the latest fallout from a Sunday confrontation at a political town hall, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez is apologizing for not answering when she was called out by young Latino activists over her actions on immigration while she was the Dallas County sheriff.

"This weekend, I fell short," Valdez said in a lengthy statement. "A young woman asked me a question at a forum over the weekend regarding my track record, and she did not get the answer she deserved. I am sorry, and I understand why people are disappointed."

After the Sunday meeting, the voter-activism group Jolt The Vote endorsed Houston entrepreneur Andrew White for governor -- a snub to the first Latina running for Texas governor.

The controversy began when Dallas high school student Karla Quinones asked Valdez why the Latino community should trust her after her "anti-immigrant" legacy in Dallas County, where she cooperated with federal immigration authorities.

Valdez responded that Quinones had misunderstood her actions, and that she would continue to fight for the interests of the Latino community on immigration issues if elected.

But she offered no detail on her actions as Dallas County sheriff, bristling to reporters later that she had opposed Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on various immigration issues she feels are harmful to the Latino community.

After the forum ended, other Latinos in attendance were critical of Valdez for dodging the question and for complying with federal immigration mandates they said were unfair to the Latino community in Dallas.

White had called on Valdez to answer the question. Valdez aides promised a statement by late SAunday.

In a statement released Monday night -- a day after the forum -- Valdez insisted that she had done the best she could in dealing with competing interests on federal immigration law by federal and state officials and the interests of the local community.

"While I was sheriff of Dallas County, I complied with detainers or else we could have risked funding for a range of resources, including drug courts, juvenile justice programs, and body cameras," she said, insisting that, "I didn't have the ability to change federal or state policy and Governor Abbott got his way."

"I wish we could have done more, and that is why I am such an outspoken advocate for comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship," Valdez said in her statement. "It is why I spoke out forcefully against Governor Abbott's fear-based policies that attack our immigrant communities."

She also said she has opposed the state's "sanctuary cities" ban from the start.

"Communities and local law enforcement officials need partners in state and federal government, not threats and ultimatums," Valdez said. "Ultimately our efforts in speaking out against SB 4 (the sanctuary-cities ban) weren't enough."

Abbott, who has remained silent so far to both Democrats' bashing on his policies other than to predict she will be the Democratic nominee, responded Tuesday morning to Valdez.

"This is not the first time Sheriff Valdez has made clear her intention to eviscerate Texas' ban on sanctuary cities and it won't be the last," Abbott campaign spokesman John Wittman said.

"This November, voters will have a choice over whether they want to turn Texas into a sanctuary state in the mold of California or uphold the Rule of Law and keep Texas the model for the rest of the nation."

White was also called out Sunday for his ownership in a company that sells heartbeat-sensor equipment that is used to locate people who have been secreted inside trucks and in disaster rubble. It has been demonstrated as useful in border enforcement.

White insisted that investment helps save lives of people who are victims of human and sex trafficking rings, and said it also used by officials in a number of other countries and in Texas prisons to curb smuggling.One in seven Texans, nearly 4 million of us, benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. But changes to the welfare program in the House Agriculture Committees proposed Farm Bill will push needy, hardworking Texans off the program while failing to provide a path to higher-paying jobs.

By the time the Farm Bill  a massive omnibus package passed every five years  makes it to President Donald Trumps desk, Congress must restore these cuts to SNAP.

The proposed rules would require able-bodied SNAP recipients to show that they work an average of 20 hours per week each month. Currently, Texas requires 20 hours per week averaged over three months. Since many SNAP recipients work part-time jobs with unpredictable hours, a lost job or shift reduction is more likely to disqualify Texans from receiving benefits. One bad month, and youre out under the proposed rules.

OPINION: Work rules for public assistance are shortsighted

The first time a worker fails to meet the proposed requirements, he or she cannot apply for SNAP for a year. The second time, the punishment is three years. These proposals are counterintuitive and only punish Texans for trying to do the right thing.

Ronald Reagan famously said the best form of welfare was a job. Today having a job is increasingly not enough to avoid needing help affording basic necessities. Thirty-two percent of SNAP households had a wage-earner in 2017, up from 20 percent in 1989. The poverty line for a family of four is $25,000 annually, yet a full-time worker earning the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour earns just $15,080.

EDITORIAL: Cutting the federal food assistance program mainly hurts children

MORE: Eliminating food deserts would allow more residents greater access to fruits and veggies

Consistent employment at a living wage is still the best way for Texans to get off public assistance  thats why the Farm Bill includes funds for job training. Unfortunately, thats not nearly enough to have any kind of impact  less than $50 per person who would need help.

Houston-area non-profits, like the Houston Food Bank, are starting to ring the warning bell about the damage that this Farm Bill could do to their charitable efforts. For all their good work, the more than 200 food banks in the Feeding America network can only provide one meal for every 12 provided by the SNAP program.

Texas saw a spike in SNAP applications after Hurricane Harvey, and more than 800,000 people along the Gulf Coast benefited from a special version of the program for victims of natural disasters. Members of Congress have time to reverse these proposed cuts to this crucial safety net before the Farm Bill comes up for a vote.When Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced plans to consider unlocking the energy America has offshore, he probably expected howls of outrage from the multimillionaires who live along the coast and politicians who represent them.

What he probably didnt expect, though, was the criticism from some supporters of the military. They worry that more drilling could disrupt offshore training exercises and impact military preparedness.

Offshore drilling has long coexisted with military training. For years, oil exploration has occurred near military bases and seaports in the Gulf of Mexico without hampering operations or readiness. Thats because the federal agencies involved, the Departments of Defense and Interior, carefully synchronize operations and set strict standards for safety.

OPINION: The offshore industry is safer than ever

In fact, studies conducted by the Department of Defense show that offshore drilling, with some restrictions on permanent structures, is compatible with military requirements for 89 percent of the surface area of the eastern Gulf of Mexico and 95 percent of the Atlantic seaboard.

Its useful to remember why cultivating natural resources in these waters is so important. Even with 94 percent of the areas off of Americas coast closed, offshore exploration still delivers 1.6 million barrels of oil daily  about 16 percent of total U.S. production.

The potential for opening more areas to drilling is vast. Current estimates point to 90 billion barrels of untapped oil offshore. President Donald Trumps plan to open these areas to exploration will vastly increase Americas own oil and gas inventory and continue to reduce U.S. reliance on overseas energy providers.

OPINION: Domestic energy is key to independence

America is currently a leading global oil and natural gas producer, but competition from Russia and China is increasing. Russia and China are already exploring and drilling for oil in coastal waters without compromising military preparedness. There is no reason the United States should fall even further behind.

The claim that offshore drilling endangers national security is curious to say the least. And it should not be used to deny Americans, especially in coastal regions, the additional benefits the gas and oil industry can bring to their communities. Opening the Atlantic and Pacific to oil exploration could increase domestic oil production by 3.5 million barrels a day and create 840,000 jobs. Such domestic job creation is exactly the type of activity politicians and the media criticize presidents for not creating enough of. This should make all of them happy.

MORE: Offshore drilling good for jobs, global position

And offshore energy, far from an obstacle to military preparedness, is an essential component of national security. By the Pentagons own estimates, drilling is compatible with important training exercises. Arguing otherwise ignores the facts and jeopardizes Americas foreign policy objectives.

For decades, politicians and critics in the media have been claiming that the United States must reduce its reliance on oil imports. Such reliance was blamed for U.S. military operations in the Middle East. Between the fracking revolution and open ocean energy exploration, the day of U.S. energy independence is drawing near. You would think politicians and media critics would be happy to have within our grasp what they have always claimed that they wanted: A secure America which is energy independent. Its strange that they are not celebrating.

Barton is the founder of Hyatt Solutions and speaks around the country on energy and energy security matters. He previously served as the deputy director of Middle East policy at the Pentagon.Its always great to see investment in new technology, especially when it changes the world around us for the better. That couldnt be more apt this week, as the oil and gas industry gathers in Houston for the 50th Offshore Technology Conference. For five decades, OTC has brought energy leaders together, with the purpose of advancing technology solutions for the oil and gas arena. Its incredible how much our industry has changed.

Technology was the enabler 30 years ago when considering the harsh offshore environments now so critical to supplying the world with the energy it needs. These days, from a service company perspective, the playing field has leveled somewhat. Major players share similar capabilities. What was challenging before may have necessitated a system design capable of operating at 10,000 feet water depth, more than 60 miles from the shore. Investment was very much directed toward developing these types of frontier offerings.

OPINION: The offshore industry is safer than ever

And while technology was previously viewed as the main differentiator, today its just one part of the innovation required to unlock hydrocarbons and monetize them safely and efficiently. This follows the realization that the supply chain can integrate and manage certain related activities better than in the old system, where the operator had more of a command-and-control approach. It has resulted in partnerships, consortiums, merger and acquisition activity in the supply chain and new propositions.

The downturn has been undoubtedly tough, especially on major oil and gas hubs such as Houston, but I think it has focused us, too. The price of oil will always fluctuate, and the world we operate in has fundamentally changed with new forms of energy becoming more viable. We must find ways to reduce cost, increase efficiencies and develop new technologies to deliver oil at a lower cost. At Baker Hughes our vision for the future, Subsea Connect, looks at how to better enable projects through a combination of innovative approaches and next-generation technology solutions, designed, developed and applied to reduce the total cost of ownership for our customers.

OPINION: Offshore energy and a strong military go hand-in-hand

By innovative approaches, I mean connecting earlier than ever before with customer engagement at the concept, evaluation and selection phases, as well as before and during front end engineering and design. Our customers have come to the table, working hand-in-hand with us to develop the technical and commercial solutions that make projects a reality. Its also about the way we connect with execution partners in the Subsea Umbilicals, Risers & Flowlines (SURF) space; or with financing partners to offer innovative commercial solutions. Its about connecting to the reservoir, too, using the related insights to inform our designs and plan for the life of field. This is an approach that is fully aligned with the operators interests and requires the same level of innovation as technology development.

Beyond collaboration and making connections, technological innovation has a clear role to play. More than the pioneering solutions we required before to reach the next place  deeper, longer, higher pressures and higher temperatures  what the industry needs today is a new class of products and systems designed to target optimization and drive-up productivity, efficiency and reliability, while retaining the required functionality. Innovation that enables subsea projects  at even more competitive costs.

Were being given the opportunity to demonstrate the potential of investing in projects that see us collaborating with operators to improve returns, or providing solutions that span the breadth of our portfolio. These include long-term partnerships designed to minimize tendering costs and improve execution efficiency and risk mitigation. Its a massive change from the traditional transactional relationships of days gone by.

OPINION: Wind, other renewable energy sources are the answer to climate change

Digital advancements also play a key part. New tools are being used to redefine project execution, and data analytics are driving a greater connection between people and equipment, improving operational efficiency and reducing non-productive time.

These changes mean we must attract new talent, such as next-generation engineers who are digitally fluent. Academic institutions, including leading ones here in Texas such as Rice University, Texas Tech and the University of Texas at Austin, play an important role in nurturing the skills and capabilities the industry needs. In that digital world, comfort around analytics and an understanding of the possibilities are incredibly important. Equally, we need policymakers and regulators to help shape the rules and laws that will define our future operating environment, as well as governments that continue to foster an environment attractive to investment.

While it has been tough, the truth is that this cycle has presented us an opportunity to work smarter and more efficiently. The old ways will simply not work! We need to connect technology, commercial solutions, integrated design and execution, a collaborative approach and flawless execution to deliver success in this new era of the exploration and production industry. Innovation still matters; it is just no longer limited to technology.

Saunders is president and CEO of Oilfield Equipment at Baker Hughes, a GE company.WASHINGTON  T-Mobiles proposed merger with Sprint would create a new national wireless giant capable of taking on Verizon and AT&T. The combined company, which would be called T-Mobile, would cover about 100 million customers.

But how, exactly, will all those customers fare if regulators sign off on the deal? And what about the millions of customers who use Verizon and AT&T?

Heres what you need to know.

 Will my bill go up?

Possibly, but not immediately. Its difficult to promise that prices will remain at their current levels, even though the companies say consumers should expect the deal to lower prices.

But more competition is generally regarded as better for consumers. After all, look at what happened after regulators denied an attempted merger by T-Mobile and Sprint in 2014.

That year, after regulators signaled they would reject a deal, the two companies began a price war that rippled across the industry. Then in August 2016, T-Mobile was the first carrier in the United States to offer unlimited voice, text and data plans. The next day, Sprint began offering a $100 unlimited voice, text and data plan for two lines. Six months later, Verizon and then AT&T followed with similar offerings. Overall, wireless prices declined 13 percent from March 2016 to March 2017, according to the Labor Department.

more techburger Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. See More Collapse

When T-Mobile and Sprint aggressively competed for budget-conscious customers and began gaining subscribers with lower prices, AT&T and Verizon ended up following suit.

 What other changes might I see as a wireless subscriber?

Beyond lower prices, T-Mobile has been a driving force behind giving consumers more flexibility. Since 2014, T-Mobile has let consumers forgo long-term contracts and allowed users to bring the devices of their choice to its network. It eliminated roaming charges in Canada and Mexico and promised no surprise fees or taxes in its monthly bills.

Those policies were praised by government officials as proof positive that a four-way competition among the big carriers had been the right decision. They called T-Mobile a maverick in the wireless industry. (T-Mobile and Sprint say they would continue to offer similar policies.)

But the question is whether T-Mobile would still have the incentive to be as scrappy after the merger  when it would look a lot like the big telecom providers it was forced to contend with as an aggressive upstart.

The biggest problem with this merger is that these two companies are each others biggest competitors for serving middle-income, budget-constrained wireless customers, said Gene Kimmelman, a former senior antitrust official at the Justice Department who was at the department when it sued to block AT&Ts proposed merger with T-Mobile in 2011.

 Will the company be more like T-Mobile or Sprint after the merger?

The combined company would be called T-Mobile, and have T-Mobiles attention-grabbing chief executive, John Legere, in charge. The main headquarters would be at T-Mobiles offices in Bellevue, Washington, with a second headquarters at Sprints offices in Overland Park, Kansas.

But the new company would be a combination of different cultures. T-Mobile has ranked at the top of recent customer satisfaction surveys, and Sprint has often lagged behind its rivals in customers minds. T-Mobile has invested heavily in marketing itself as an industry rebel, with Legere out in front, insulting Verizon and AT&T on Twitter. Sprint, on the other hand, is much more reserved and its customers arent likely to follow its executives on social media.

 How will the merger affect my service? Will I experience technical problems when the networks are combined?

Customers of the combined company would have greater coverage across the country, especially those in rural areas whose current provider would get a boost from the other companys towers.

And even if regulators scuttle the merger, the companies said they had struck a roaming agreement that will allow customers of either company to use the other companys network.

The roaming agreement also helps the companies prepare to merge their infrastructure in the event the deal goes through, although its hard to say that customers wouldnt experience some glitches in service. The companies havent revealed any details on what kinds of service plans would be offered and what devices would be permitted. And billing and customer service would also have be consolidated, which could be a tricky transition.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment.The draft strategy has two key goals:

* Designing a system focused on achieving the biggest impact, such as ensuring businesses have proportionate and effective risk management, and supporting small firms, high-risk sectors and the most vulnerable workers;

* Raising the capability throughout the system, from staff to management.

The paper also outlines four priorities, the first being a broader set of measures and targets that will replace an injury focus with a health focus when the targets expire in 2021.

Further priorities include creating a durable and proportionate regulatory framework, which will include a review of the legislation in 2020, putting workers at the centre of the system, and ensuring strong sector leadership with industry, unions and government working together to improve health and safety.

New Zealand has made good progress in recent years in reducing the rate of acute harm. However, urgent work still remains, said Lees-Galloway.

I want to ensure that we are reducing all types of significant harm at work  this includes broadening the focus from acute harm to make sure were managing wider health risks, including mental health.

The draft strategy paper said the level of work-related harm has improved from a low base and was still high by international standards, with more than 250 people killed and almost 2,000 seriously injured on the job over the past five years.A fight to put artisanal fishers on the map in Costa Rica

by Anita Makri

May 02,2018 | Source: Sci Dev Net

In August 2015, the government of Costa Rica received a letter from a tiny fishing community on the northern Caribbean coast. Nestled between Tortuguero National Park and the Nicaragua border, the community of Barra del Colorado  some 2,000 people  have been quietly making a living out of shrimp fishing for generations.



The letter took issue with a 2013 constitutional vote to a ban trawling  a fishing method that can damage marine environments by pulling along undesired fish species and destroying habitats at the ocean bottom. The vote targeted industrial and semi-industrial trawling operations. But it made no exception for fishers operating at a smaller scale, to catch fish for food or to sell locally for a basic income. For Barra del Colorado and similar communities, it meant losing the legal right to their only livelihood, and a way of life.



In this place this is the only work we can do, says Ligia Mejia Guzman as she deftly cleans the days catch, shrimp by shrimp. The work, which occupies most women in the community, is without social security, leaves fingers bleeding as acid wears off the skin, and earns her about 20,000 colones (US$35) each day  on a good day  for two short fishing seasons a year. She learned it as a child and, like the rest, she is thankful for it.



The letter marked the beginning of a fight for the licence to fish, which continues today. One of the communitys allies is CoopeSoliDar R.L, a local development NGO that facilitated a consensus-building policy process  the National Dialogue for the sustainable use of shrimp  involving government institutions, NGOs, and all productive fishing sectors. We have been dealing with conflicts at the grassroots level, very serious conflicts, trying to get an equilibrium between marine conservation and the sustainable use of these resources that bring development to a lot of people, says Vivienne Solis Rivera, a biologist with CoopeSoliDar.



The NGO is working in Barra del Colorado to build the communitys capacity to reclaim their licence. That means research, workshops, getting organised to have a voice in policy discussions  work that Solis Rivera says in recent years has had a boost from a new addition to the toolbox: a set of International Guidelines on Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries adopted by the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in June 2014.



The product of a long consultation with over 4,000 stakeholders from over 120 countries, the guidelines are the first international instrument dedicated entirely to the immensely important  but until now often neglected  small-scale fisheries sector, according to FAO. They emphasise the rights of artisanal fishers and offer guiding principles for governance and development of the sector. Costa Rica is by no means unique in overlooking small-scale fisheries. But FAO believes it is the only country to make the guidelines, which are voluntary, a part of its national development plan. This makes it a case the UN agency is keen to watch.



Troubled waters



The effort has been controversial, going head-to-head with the countrys strong drive for conservation that has seen over a quarter of its territory designated as protected land. There is a real conflict with the environmental agenda, Solis Rivera says, pointing out that high-profile campaigns have tipped the scales considerably. She believes the guidelines have added a crucial counterweight to that: for CoopeSoliDar and the national fisheries management body, INCOPESCA, having them in hand has meant the communitys concerns get more weight in policy. They give small fishers a presence; and this, she says, makes them disruptive.



According to Nicole Franz, a fishery planning analyst who leads FAOs work on the guidelines, such conflicts arent unusual. We do see that at times there are tensions, she says, citing a lack of dialogue between the agencies and NGOs leading the different agendas. Her hope is that the guidelines offer a basis for constructive collaboration. At a meeting convened by FAO last year at the Rockefeller Foundations Bellagio Center in Italy, delegates from around the world agreed to work towards indicators to monitor implementation of the guidelines through pilot projects.



Solis Rivera, who took part in the meeting, believes the guidelines can make a difference by concretizing a range of issues relevant to policy that affects small fishers. When the guidelines were approved [in Costa Rica], we were able to really get a tool that could be used to provide more inputs of the need of this approach that considers human rights as the main backbone of conservation, she says. The fishermen who take their boats out a few kilometres away from Barra del Colorado, just where the mouth of Rio Colorado meets the Caribbean sea, catch only the amount of shrimp they can sell to middlemen in the area, plus a small percentage each for their families.



They know that their nets dont drag along as much fauna as other trawlers. Yet it takes studies to persuade Costa Ricas government  and thats what the community has set out to do, with help from CoopeSoliDar. Solis Rivera says the guidelines have helped secure the time and money needed to do the research. Since February, through a temporary research licence, the men have continued to fish legally while gathering information about the sustainability of their practices. That licence is due to expire soon. At a meeting last week, the community heard that early results of a study commissioned by CoopeSoliDar are promising.



Hanging in the balance



When it comes to the evidence on trawling, Solis Rivera says the devil is in the detail: in some cases semi-industrial fishing is less damaging than a fleet of small trawlers. She argues that the answer isnt to ban trawling outright, but to manage it and look at the specifics of each case. Trawling by small boats along the coast is indeed different from trawling by large industrial boats, says Tony Charles, a professor and research fellow at Saint Mary's University in Canada, and Director of the Community Conservation Research Network. He agrees that the right approach is a mix of measures depending on the fisheries, species and what works in a particular area. Jesus Chavez, president of the fishermens association and lead signatory on the letter that protested the ban, says the conditions in the Caribbean are very different [from elsewhere in the country], and the productive activity is very different.



Jorge Jimenez is director of MarViva, one of the local conservation NGOs that favours the trawling ban. There is no evidence that grants an exception, he says, adding that research clearly shows the technique harms the environment as well as the resource that artisanal fishers depend on. Jimenez says conservation should be focused on the long-term well-being of communities, but argues this cannot be built on destruction of marine resources. A revision of existing fishing practices  providing better prices for [fishers] products  and ensuring the well-being of the ecosystem is the balance we need to achieve.



Charles says fishers can be trained to switch to new methods  but if trawling is the only way, its important to compromise and work with them to reduce its impact. Conservation cannot be achieved through one action like a trawl ban, he says. Should a government be so rigid in a trawl ban that it hurts those who most understand the coastal marine habitat and who are most likely to care about conserving fish and ocean? That does not seem the best path.



Information and power



Other communities are also struggling to get an official licence to fish. A group of women mollusc gatherers in Chomes, a fishing community of some 3,000 people on the countrys Pacific coast, have secured a licence for just one of the four species they can harvest. With the help of CoopeSoliDar, theyre now organised, routinely recording data on the mollusc species in their mangroves.



The idea is to capture knowledge that then feeds into policy discussions. We really need to generate information that is clear to them [the community], that is simple, that is in their own language, and that they can manage to improve their resources, says Marvin Fonseca-Borras, a geographer with CoopeSoliDar. Back in Barra del Colorado, Fonseca-Borras is leading a discussion with fishermen and an environment ministry official over a map that captures the communitys knowledge of marine areas and fish species. Marine spatial planning techniques are probably the most powerful tool that we have to communicate with fishers, he says. It provides information on the biological diversity of the marine ecosystems, but it also gets us to reduce differences between the different actors. And it allows us to find viable solutions to the challenge of combining conservation and development.

Theme(s): Fisheries Resources, Communities and Organisations.Thailand: 11 per cent of fisheries inspections have led to prosecution

May 02,2018 | Source: Undercurrents News

The Thai government says it has detected and prosecuted 503 cases of labor rights violations and 87 cases of human trafficking in its fisheries sector since the beginning of 2015, accounting for 11% of all the inspections carried out on vessels and in seafood processing establishments. The numbers are part of a response provided to the group Human Rights Watch as Thailand continues to work to get out from under the cloud of a threat by the European Union, in 2015, to ban all seafood imports from the country. The advocacy group, based in New York City, had suggested Thailand needed to backup its words with more action.



As a result of the efforts, the overall situation of workers in the fisheries sector of Thailand over the past three years has drastically improved, the letter says. Nevertheless, the Thai government continues to pay close attention and try its utmost to increase the effectiveness of enforcement of those measures to ensure that workers in the fisheries sector receive full legal rights and protections. Thailand recounts how it has recently established special arrest teams for fishing-related crimes at sea, which it says resulted in 50 cases of arrests between March 11 and March 22. The cases involved both Thai and non-Thai vessels, according to the letter.



Additionally, the countrys Ministry of Labor has worked with the International Labor Organization to develop a manual for labor inspections at sea, ports and seafood processing establishments. The government has promised to double the number of inspectors at its port-in port-out (PIPO) centers, while continuing to use new retinal scanning technology and increased inspections of employment documents. From 46,269 migrant workers in the fisheries sector interviewed at the PIPO Centers in 22 coastal provinces in 2016, 3,222 workers were found to not have been treated in accordance with the labour protection law and legal actions were taken against the employers, the government says.

Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Fisheries Resources, Communities and Organisations.Terrorist Attack in Kabul

Washington, DC - Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: "The United States strongly condemns todays senseless and barbaric attack in Kabul that killed 29 people and wounded dozens more, including several brave journalists and media professionals. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who were injured and killed, and we mourn all those who lost their lives.

"The independent media is a cornerstone of democracy. Despite todays attack, the vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure, in large part due to those journalists and media professionals who tragically died in todays attack, but whose courageous and steadfast work helped lay the foundation for Afghanistans thriving and resilient independent media. The international communitys commitment to the Afghan people and a lasting peace in Afghanistan will not be shaken by such attacks.

"The United States, along with our Afghan and international partners, is committed to defeating ISIS in Afghanistan, which has claimed responsibility for this attack. We stand with the people, the independent media, and government of Afghanistan and remain committed to supporting the Afghan peoples efforts to achieve peace, security, and democracy for their country."Secretary of State Pompeo's Meeting With Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi

Washington, DC - Secretary Pompeo met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on April 30th and reiterated the close relationship and strategic partnership between the United States and Jordan.

During their meeting, the leaders recommitted to working together to support bilateral ties between the United States and Jordan and to make progress on key regional issues, including the administrations dedication to achieving Middle East peace and efforts to de-escalate the violence and support a political process to bring the conflict in Syria to an end. In this regard, the Secretary and Foreign Minister agreed on the urgent need to confront Irans destabilizing presence and malign behaviors in Syria and the region.Secretary of State Pompeo's Meeting With Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono

Washington, DC - Today, Secretary Pompeo met with Japanese Foreign Minister Kono in Amman, Jordan. Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Kono reaffirmed our commitment to achieving the permanent and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea and to continuing close coordination on this issue.

The two leaders expressed their joint commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and enhancing a free, fair, and reciprocal U.S.-Japan economic relationship. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed other issues of regional and global concern.Korean Actress Han So Hee on Action Sequences in My Name: Was Worried About Hurting OthersWanted: Commercial jet airline pilots. No experience necessary. But you have only 12 days to apply.

That's literally the pitch right now for aspiring pilots who'd like to work for Ireland's Aer Lingus, flying as an entry-level first officer aboard Airbus A320 and A321 LR NEO aircraft.

It's an unusual program, one that could offer a pathway to a well-compensated career, where the cost of training can otherwise be prohibitive. Sign up, get accepted, train for 14 months--and then take the controls.

Here's the history of the program and the details--and, if you're interested in becoming a pilot for a famous airline or know someone who might be--the link for the initial application.

(If you do know someone who might be interested, keep in mind, the deadline to apply this year is May 13.)

History

Aer Lingus has been doing similar kinds of "we'll train you" recruitment drives and mentorship programs for decades, but this year's announcement comes in the midst of a worldwide pilot shortage that actually forced a small, regional U.S. airline to shut down recently.

And it's coming right after a Southwest Airlines captain landed a crippled Boeing 737 in Philadelphia last month. People credited her cool under pressure to her prior experience as one of the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy.

Of course, most of today's airline pilots don't come from the military. Fortunately, it's unlikely you'll ever have to get into a dogfight with a Russian MiG while behind the controls of an Airbus or a Boeing 737.

As some non-military veteran pilots who contacted me after the Southwest story pointed out, you can learn everything you need to know about flying a commercial airliner from--no surprise--actually learning on a commercial airliner.

Training

Obviously, they're not just going to put you in the cockpit and send you off to transport passengers. It all starts with a 14-month training program at an independent flight training school, selected and paid for by the airline.

Complete that, and you get a Multi Pilot's Commercial License, followed by 12 more weeks of training in Dublin on the A320. After that, you take the controls in the right-hand seat of an Aer Lingus airplane, as a pilot and first officer.

Although there may be some fine print that isn't obvious on the application site, it appears if you make it through the qualifications, you're pretty much assured a job.

Compensation

They don't say exactly what the job pays, except that it's "expected to be extremely high for a limited number of positions."

Elsewhere, Aer Lingus says they pay pilots who've been trained to fly their Airbus aircraft elsewhere an annual starting salary of 72,000 euros, which is about $86,541.

On top of that, the value of the training itself is significant. For example, JetBlue advertises a similar program to train aspiring pilots and place them as first officers with their airline--but the program charges aspiring students $125,000 to cover the training.

Here, the training is free--although, if you don't wind up working for Aer Lingus afterward for some reason, you'll have to repay the cost of the course. Also, "Aer Lingus will provide a small allowance during the course."

That sounds like it's not exactly full-time first officer pay, but it is something.

Qualifications

The soft qualifications are a little vague. They say they want people who are "technically-minded, mature, responsible, and committed to succeed."

You also have to be over 18, fluent in English, and have the right to live and work in the European Union. That last point might be a sticking point for Americans, so this is the time to figure out if one of your grandparents was born in Ireland, Italy, Poland, or Spain--or even if one of your great-grandparents was born in Hungary.

Currently, Aer Lingus flies throughout Europe and to the United States and Canada. I can imagine that with no seniority you'd start your career doing the overnight back and forth between Dublin and Dusseldorf. But hey, North Rhine-Westphalia is beautiful this time of year.

Deadline

The "fully sponsored and mentored Future Pilot Training Programme" starts this fall, but initial applications must be received by May 13 at 17.00 GMT, according to the program's website, which is also where you'll find the application.

That's 5 p.m. to you and me. Better get used to those European timetables.The California Supreme Court issued a ruling on Monday that makes it more difficult for companies to label workers as independent contractors rather than employees, a decision that could dramatically increase the costs for startups reliant on the gig economy.

The court abandoned the existing test for deciding a worker's employee status, which included factors like whether a person could be fired without cause and amount of supervision. Now, workers are considered employees if their job is considered to be the "usual course" of the business operations.

What's more, the firm must prove it does not direct the worker or control them in order to prove that that person is an independent contractor. Delivery drivers at Dynamex, a Dallas-based business that tracks packages and offers nationwide services, brought the case after the company's California workers were reclassified as contractors in 2004. Under the new rules, if you're a delivery driver and you're a contractor for a delivery business, making deliveries would qualify.

This decision could greatly impact companies like Uber and Lyft--which are based in California and have built business models dependent on the cheaper labor of independent contractors--by requiring them to pay workers' compensation and unemployment taxes, along with following the minimum-wage and overtime laws, according to The New York Times. Categorizing gig workers as employees tends to cost between 20 and 30 percent more than classifying them as contractors, the Times reported.

It's unclear whether the company directly implicated by this decision will seek to overturn the ruling; a call to Dynamex's attorney, Robert G. Hulteng, at Littler Mendelson in San Francisco, wasn't immediately returned. The California Supreme Court is the highest court in the state, and all other state courts must abide by its ruling.

It's also worth noting the California ruling follows a New Jersey Supreme Court decision that offers the more worker-friendly test. Several other states offer similar tests to determine how to classify an employee. The California decision may, in turn, drive other states to revisit their standards, suggest legal analysts.In mid-April I decided to do something I hadn't done in years: see a doctor. My cough had gotten so bad that I couldn't avoid it any longer. After work, I walked into my local urgent care center for the first time and filled out some paperwork.

About 20 minutes later, the receptionist told me the center couldn't determine whether or not it accepted my insurance. He had tried calling the provider, but its office was closed for the day. He and a physician's assistant explained that I could either get treated now and risk taking on a high bill, or go home and try all over again tomorrow.

The choice was easy for me--I wasn't about to risk paying several hundred dollars for something that could wait till morning.

Then I thought of the healthcare startup I'd been researching. Seattle-based 98point6 claims it has built a platform that could replace physician visits with text chats. Via an app, users first talk with a chatbot that asks questions and collects diagnostic info. An on-demand physician then takes over the chat, asks more questions, and ultimately makes a diagnosis. The product has been approved by regulatory bodies in 10 states, including California, New York, and Michigan, and is launching in those states May 1. The company expects to be nationwide by the end of the year.

The initial cost: $20 for the year--less than the cost of an average co-pay.

Within a few minutes of me downloading the app, a self-deprecating chatbot was asking me questions about my symptoms, and seemingly, based on the appropriate follow-ups, understanding them. A few moments later, a board-certified family physician was messaging me. He drilled down on the symptoms some more (Any wheezing? Did your inhaler help? Any fever, aches, or chills?) and then made a diagnosis: acute bronchitis. He prescribed a steroid pack, the prescription for which he wired to my local pharmacy, and sent me a care plan for treating the symptoms. The whole process, including the initial signup, took about 15 minutes.

The area of opportunity 98point6 is targeting is a big one. The U.S. population is growing at a rate faster than its number of physicians. A 2018 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of up to 49,300 primary care physicians by 2030. Inefficiencies in the system--a recent study found that doctors spend half their time on record-keeping--have compounded the problem. Last year, new patients in large metro areas had an average wait time of 24 days to get an appointment.

Robbie Cape, the startup's CEO and co-founder, sees 98point6 as a useful addition to the ecosystem. "We are not looking to disrupt the healthcare industry," Cape says. "We're not looking to disrupt the primary care industry. We're looking to save primary care from where we believe it will naturally go without us."

A platform like this, he argues, would help keep healthcare costs down, since patients would be more likely to seek help before their condition required more serious care. In some cases, he says, that could have a life-saving effect: The company's research found that adding a single primary care physician to a population of 10,000 people would reduce the group's mortality rate by 5.3 percent.

"A relationship with a primary care physician is likely the most important medical relationship that an individual has," Cape says. "Forty or 50 years ago, patients and their families had this very real-time relationship with their doctor. We think we have the ability to bring back primary care to when it was immediately accessible."

A new model for care.

Building an instant, digital physician platform is no easy task. Cape--who spent 12 years at Microsoft and founded family organization company Cozi, which he eventually sold to Time Warner--co-founded the company in 2015 with former Seattle Children's Hospital surgical director Gordon Cohen. They spent the interim years stocking its staff and board with medical professionals. The platform's on-call doctors are all board-certified physicians and permanent employees of the company. Cape won't reveal how many physicians the startup has hired, though he does say it's launching with 110 employees in total. The startup has $36 million in funding, all from individual investors who he says wish to remain private.

Since each state has its own regulations regarding practicing medicine over the phone and internet, the company must make sure it meets those distinct requirements in each jurisdiction before it can launch. (New York's regulations, for example, required me as a first-time patient to have about a 30-second video call with the doctor who treated me before we hung up and continued via text.) Federal regulations don't allow for-profit companies to practice medicine directly, so 98point6 had to set up smaller corporations in each state.

The startup's goal is for its platform to serve as a substitute for essentially anything, aside from annual physicals, requiring a primary care physician visit: a cough, a persistent headache, a prescription refill. Cape says that during beta testing, the system achieved a 93 percent resolution rate.

Time will tell if the model is sustainable. Doctors don't come cheap, and the company will have to employ many of them to remain as patient-friendly as it intends: The goal, Cape says, is to never have wait times of more than 30 seconds.

The $20 annual cost, meanwhile, is sure to draw people in--it essentially pays for itself after one use--but it's too good to last. After the first year the price will jump to $120, which might be worth it for some people, but not everyone. The question will be whether 98point6 can make the calculus work in its favor. It will also have a corporate offering, though Cape declined to discuss the pricing details.

Many startups have tried to change healthcare already. Companies like Pager and Heal have created doctor-on-demand platforms for home visits. Oscar, hailed as a potential disruptor to the healthcare system when it launched in 2013, has undergone shifts to its business model and is yet to turn a profit, though it says that day is coming soon. Kiosk-based health startup HealthSpot reportedly raised more than $54 million before shutting its doors last year.

One demographic that could be the key, of course, is Millennials. Only 43 percent of Millennials use a primary care physician, according to healthcare nonprofit FAIR Health. Putting that care at their fingertips could change the dynamic dramatically.

Cape sees the company as bypassing the inefficiencies of a system burdened by regulation. "A few decades ago, when someone picked up the phone to call their primary care physician, the physician wasn't worried about how to code the phone call," Cape says. "We've seen a lot of innovations attempted in primary care, and the need to cut cost and to build process into primary care. They've made things more financially efficient, but those connections between doctors and families have really started to fall apart."On each day of Small Business Week, Inc. will spotlight a different competitive advantage of local brick-and-mortar companies.

Small companies thrash the giants on service. Businesses with 10 employees often care for their customers better than those with thousands, greeting people at the door and sticking with them to answer questions and fetch different sizes or options. Staff members are encouraged to solve individual problems creatively. And they are considerate of customers' time: patient while attending to them and quick to make repairs or alterations so they can walk out with their purchases.

These companies are masters of customer service.

Gazebo Intimates

"Most people don't know you can alter a bra," says Judith Fine.

She's right. Women view bras as enigmatically sized, more-or-less uncomfortable garments either hanging askew on racks in department stores or eroticized on mannequins in glam establishments like Victoria's Secret. But at Gazebo Intimates, just off Main Street in Northampton, Massachusetts, bras are tools that serve the woman. "All we want is to make you feel comfortable," says Fine, who sold the business in 2016 but retains a financial stake.

That means if a bra doesn't fit perfectly, a seamstress is on hand to alter it. "It's just a piece of fabric," says Fine. "You can take the straps up. You can take the eyes and hooks in. You can take the cups in. You can make darts in the sides."

Fine--a "flaming hippie"-turned-actress-turned-nude model-turned clothes designer--launched Gazebo in 1978. The original business comprised only her creations: chemises, camisoles, and nightgowns in vintage lace and pure silk or cotton. Unable to keep up with demand, Fine began ordering lines from other manufacturers. Soon, bras dominated the stock.

Gazebo became known for its extensive inventory (band sizes range from 30 to 54; cups from AA to M) and for its staff's determination to achieve perfect fit every time. There's no self-service at Gazebo; women are attended from the moment they walk in. An employee first asks a customer if she knows her size. "She will say she's a 34B," Fine says. "Well, we know she is not a 34B. So we'll say, 'OK, we can start there. But I am also going to hand you a 36F.'"

Fine taught herself to fit bras by sight and trained other employees, including Donna McNeight and Amy Dickinson, the store's current owners. About 10 percent of bras require alterations. Staff may swap out an underwire for one with a better shape or take in a strap if the woman has sloped shoulders. The work is free for up to a year. If a bra becomes loose over time, for example, they will remove the hooks and eyes, cut away some fabric, and then replace them.

About 12 to 15 customers per week come in for post-mastectomy fittings, which may take as long as an hour in private rooms outfitted with couches, chairs, and art on the walls. "By the time women come to us, they have probably had chemo," Fine says. "They have had radiation. They have been poked and prodded and touched and pulled and taped and cut. We are there to make them feel whole. We are there to give them dignity."

Gazebo also serves a growing number of transgender clients. Fine, McNeight, and Dickinson take pride in providing a safe and comfortable environment for them. The three women agree their favorite customers, though, are girls coming in for their first fittings. "We try not to be old ladies about it," Fine says. "The last thing she wants is for some lady to go, 'Here I come! Let's see what you look like, dearie!'"

River City Bikes

When 500 people routinely churn through your store on Saturdays, service starts with having enough people on the floor. At River City Bicycles, in Portland, Oregon, 20 employees--as well as founder Dave Guettler--are on hand to assist customers and perform on-the-spot repairs.

Practically every employee is an expert by virtue of his or her own avid riding habit. The staff has included national bike champions and professional frame builders. And because employees work four-day weeks, they evince the patience and good cheer of the unstressed. "I don't want people to be burned out," Guettler says.

Biking was just taking off in Portland in 1995 when Guettler took over a mattress-manufacturing plant by a freeway off-ramp. A recent transplant from the Bay Area, where he had co-owned a chain of "crappy" bike stores, Guettler dreamed of creating a business with top-notch service and selection in a gorgeous space. "I wanted it to look more like a living room than a traditional bike shop," says Guettler, who built all the fixtures, displays, and counters himself.

Anticipating frequent rain, Guettler constructed a test track upstairs, complete with bumps, so customers can audition their bikes without leaving the store. The track also calms parents watching small children take their first rides. Recalling how welcomed he had felt at Bergdorf-Goodman when an employee once offered him a Pilsner ("I bought an $18 pair of socks"), Guettler installed a coffee bar near the entrance and tempts customers with free cappuccino.

In a private studio just steps from the main store, three certified bike fitters use advanced motion-capture software along with traditional tools to adjust bikes to owners' bodies. Customers sign up for the service after they've used their bikes for a while so they can describe any problems. "Many times they are very, very small adjustments that make all the difference in the world," Guettler says.

The excellent service and selection, he says, are in lieu of constant sales he ran at his old business. "We may not get the immediate bump we would with a sale," he admits. "But by respecting the customer, the benefit is long-term."

Sugarsnap Catering

If you want folks to mingle, get them talking about food.

That's the strategy at Sugarsnap Catering, in Burlington, Vermont. When clients tell owner Abbey Duke they want people to meet each other, she'll set up stations around the room to promote conversation. At one station a chef is carving heirloom tomatoes and concocting little salads with gourmet salt and fresh mozzarella. Another is building Korean barbecue lettuce wraps. A third is slicing whole roast vegetables and plating them with sauce.

There might be a table where several local chocolate or cheese producers discuss their wares and pass out samples. "It helps people engage with the experience and with each other," Duke says.

Sugarsnap does more traditional gigs as well. About a third of the business is drop-off catering, typically sandwich platters for business lunches. (Ben & Jerry's is one longtime corporate client; Sugarsnap inhabits the same building as the ice cream giant's headquarters.) For those jobs, "the important thing is that you be reliable, you take care of them, and you don't waste their time," says Duke.

That holds for the full-service side, too. But when she's catering wedding, parties, and conferences, Duke has more room to both problem-solve and get creative. She asks clients how they want guests to feel and behave, which determines whether she deploys waiters passing trays or a barbecue station. Often she will give advice on venues.

Sugarsnap also can provide things that are difficult to find because Duke grows them herself. She launched the business in 2003, simultaneous with starting a farm. There she grows fresh flowers, asparagus fronds, and broom corn for decorations. Sugarsnap's meals are flavored with unusual homegrown fresh herbs, such as summer savory and lemon thyme. And Duke delights in producing odd edible garnishes, including rat tail radishes and cucamelons, which she says look like adorable little watermelons.

"People told me I was crazy to start two high-labor, low-margin businesses at the same time," Duke says. "I guess I was naive. But I think you have to be a bit naive to do it."

Mast Shoes

When customers have stuck with you since Truman was president, you're doing something right.

A woman in her 80s recently told Molly Mast-Koss that she'd been shopping at the family's Ann Arbor, Michigan shoe store since she was a teenager. Others recall being served by her grandfather, Walter Mast, who opened Mast Shoes with his wife, Helen, in 1942. Mast-Koss, who runs the business today, still uses her grandparents' Brannock devices to measure customers' feet. "People say, 'I can't remember the last time I had my feet measured,'" Mast-Koss says. "We hear that multiple times a day."

Mast-Koss and her staff of 15 do more than measure the length and width of feet. They also eyeball the height, the arch, the ankle, and how the foot moves. They ask questions about pain or difficulty walking. Some customers come with referrals from doctors who know Mast will have just the shoe for sufferers of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. If a customer who comes in the morning says her feet swell by evening, staff may ask her to return later for a better fit.

But Mast is not an orthopedic shoe store. Rather it is a store selling fashionable shoes that are also healthy for feet. That requires substantial time and care examining every style from Mast-Koss's preferred brands for structural integrity, arch support, alignment, and fit characteristics. (The store carries more than 10,000 pairs.) "We do have dress shoes," Mass-Kost says. "We don't do stilettos."

Employees don't just hand over boxes and disappear. Rather they stay to watch customers walk around, checking for abnormalities like pronation. And don't call those employees "clerks." They are "professional shoe fitters" trained by Mast in the technical specifics of each shoe, as well as foot and ankle biomechanics. "After three months of training, our people are fully competent," says Mast-Koss. "But to be fully proficient, knowing more than you need to know, takes a year."

The store also brings in medical professionals--specialists in diabetes, chiropractors, and physical therapists among them--to provide employees continuing education. "There is a doctor coming in a couple of weeks who is training his patients to walk with shorter steps," Mast-Koss says. "He's found it has been beneficial to the health of their joints."The brilliant start-up that ignited an industry never grasped the basics.

Some day we will build a thinking machine. It will be a truly intelligent machine. One that can see and hear and speak. A machine that will be proud of us.

-- From a Thinking Machines brochure

In 1990, seven years after its founding, Thinking Machines was the market leader in parallel supercomputers, with sales of about $65 million. Not only was the company profitable; it also, in the words of one IBM computer scientist, had cornered the market "on sex appeal in high-performance computing." Several giants in the computer industry were seeking a merger or a partnership with the company. Wall Street was sniffing around for an initial public offering. Even Hollywood was interested. Steven Spielberg was so taken with Thinking Machines and its technology that he would soon cast the company's gleaming black Connection Machine in the role of the supercomputer in the film Jurassic Park, even though the Michael Crichton novel to which the movie was otherwise faithful specified a Cray.

In August of last year Thinking Machines filed for Chapter 11. It had gone through three CEOs in two years and was losing money at a considerably faster rate than it had ever made it.

What caused this high-flying company to come crashing to earth? The standard explanation is that Thinking Machines was a great company victimized by the sudden cutbacks in science funding brought about by the end of the cold war.

The truth is very different. This is the story of how Thinking Machines got the jump on a hot new market -- and then screwed up, big time.

Until W. Daniel Hillis came along, computers more or less had been designed along the lines of ENIAC. In that machine a single processor completes instructions one at a time, in sequence. "Sequential" computers are good at adding long strings of numbers and at other feats of arithmetic. But they're seriously deficient at the kinds of pattern-recognition tasks that a two-week-old puppy can master effortlessly -- identifying faces or figuring out where it is in a room. Puppies can do that because their brains -- like those of all animals, including humans -- are "massively parallel" computers. Instead of looking at information one jigsaw-puzzle piece at a time, a brain processes millions, even billions, of pieces of data at once, allowing images and other patterns to leap out.

While a graduate student at MIT's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, Hillis, whom everyone knows as Danny, had conceived of a computer architecture for his thesis that would mimic that massively parallel process in silicon. Hillis called the device a "connection machine": it had 64,000 simple processors, all of them completing a single instruction at the same time. To get more speed, more processors would be added. Eventually, so the theory went, with enough processors (perhaps billions) and the right software, a massively parallel computer might start acting vaguely human. Whether it would take pride in its creators would remain to be seen.

Hillis is what good scientists call a very bright guy -- creative, imaginative, but not quite a genius. He is also an inveterate tinkerer, whose work has always been more fascinating than practical. On the fifth floor of Boston's Computer Museum, for instance, is a minimalist computer constructed of fishing line and 10,000 Tinkertoy parts. Hillis built it to play and win at tic-tac-toe, which it invariably does. His other work includes a robot finger that can differentiate between a washer and a screw but is flummoxed by a piece of gum; a propeller-driven jumpsuit that allows its wearer literally to walk on water; and a home robot constructed of paint cans, lightbulbs, and a rotisserie motor.

At the AI Lab, Hillis had become a disciple of legendary AI guru Marvin Minsky. The two were determined to build a connection machine as a tool with which to develop software programs for artificial intelligence. Because the cost would be prohibitive for a university laboratory, they decided to form a company. They went looking for help and found Sheryl Handler.

Handler had participated in the start-up of the Genetics Institute, a Harvard-based genetic-engineering firm. Her background was eclectic: she had studied interior design, held a master's degree in landscape architecture from Harvard, and at the time was pursuing a doctorate in city planning at MIT. She was also running her own nonprofit consulting firm, specializing in third-world resource planning. She had a taste for classical music and a fine appreciation for style. She'd even been the subject of a Dewars Profile that ran with the quote "My feminine instinct to shelter and nurture contributes to my professional perspective."

Handler also had a talent for cultivating friendships with brilliant and famous people. One of her Genetics Institute colleagues later called her a "professional schmoozer." She quickly proved her usefulness by connecting the people who would build the Connection Machine with CBS founder William Paley. Hillis, Minsky, and Handler pitched the idea to Paley and CBS president Fred Stanton in a meeting to which Hillis wore his customary jeans and T-shirt. Still, he managed to impress the television moguls, who with others eventually agreed to kick in a total of $16 million to the venture.

In May 1983, despite the lack of a business plan, the company was founded and took up shop in a dilapidated mansion outside Boston that once was owned by Thomas Paine, the author of the Revolutionary War pamphlet Common Sense. Hillis and Handler called their new company Thinking Machines because, says Hillis, "we wanted a dream we weren't going to outgrow." As it turned out, there was never much danger of that.

The new company's managers immediately got into a disagreement over the market for supercomputers. Hillis and Handler (Minsky quickly became a figurehead at the company) wanted to design a machine strictly along the lines of Hillis's thesis, a machine that would have its maximum impact as a research tool for scientists studying artificial intelligence. (Hillis envisioned his machine eventually becoming a sort of public-intelligence utility into which people would tap their home PCs, thereby bringing artificial intelligence to the world.) Howard Res-nikov, a research director recruited by Minsky, on the other hand, argued for a more flexible architecture that could support whatever style of computing was needed to solve real-world problems. After all, the more problems the machine could solve, the more sales prospects there would be.

For a year, while the argument went on, the company did nothing. Finally, Handler and Hillis won out. "We had all sorts of reasoned discussions," says Resnikov, "and then emotional decisions were fundamentally made by Sheryl and Danny." Resnikov lasted another two years before he quit. Emotional decision making would last almost until the company fell.

In the first few years it didn't seem to matter. Thinking Machines didn't need to make good business decisions because it had the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. A research arm of the Defense Department, DARPA was looking for computer architectures that would enable tanks, missiles, and other weapons to recognize enemy targets and understand spoken orders. In 1984 Hillis and his colleagues at Thinking Machines repackaged Hillis's thesis and pitched it to DARPA. The agency responded by offering the company a multiyear $4.5-million contract. Now all Thinking Machines had to do was build one of the world's fastest computers in two years' time.

The company promptly went on a hiring binge. Its prime hunting grounds were the computer-science departments of MIT, Carnegie-Mellon, Yale, and Stanford -- which happened to house four of the world's leading AI labs. Everyone, from programmers to administrative assistants, had to be interviewed by Handler, who had a very specific, if mysterious, idea of who would be good enough to work for Thinking Machines. (Many researchers later reported that once they were hired, they never got to speak to Handler again -- even when they were alone with her in an elevator.)

In fact, Thinking Machines was becoming Handler's aesthetic creation as much as the Connection Machine was Hillis's. In the summer of 1984 the company moved into its new home -- the top two floors of the old Carter Ink Building in Cambridge, Mass., a few blocks from MIT. Handler personally oversaw the design of the office space, insisting that each office be painted a different and specific color. Huge open spaces were created to stimulate idea sharing and creativity. A plush cafeteria was put in, complete with a gourmet chef. Couches were scattered throughout the offices so that researchers could take naps or even sleep there overnight, which many of them did. And the soft-drink machine was wired to a terminal. Researchers who wanted a drink simply typed in their choice.

In short, Thinking Machines was becoming a hacker's paradise. The thinking, says Lew Tucker, one of the company's research directors, was that "if they were fed, they'd practically live at Thinking Machines." If Hillis disapproved, he didn't make it known. Having taken to commuting in an antique fire engine, he could hardly play the pragmatist to Handler's stylist.

In May 1985, Thinking Machines announced the impending completion of the first Connection Machine, the CM-1. The announcement would be made on the third floor of the Carter Ink Building. Handler had every surface on the new floor repainted a slightly different shade of mauve. When it was done, she wasn't satisfied. So she had her researchers and scientists paint it again.

The CM-1 was an AI researcher's dream. Unfortunately, few AI labs could afford a $5-million computer, and, as Resnikov had predicted, hardly anyone else was interested. When it came to general scientific computing, the CM-1 was "a dog," in the words of Gordon Bell, a computer guru and architect of the famous VAX computer at Digital Equipment Corp. It had no facility for running FORTRAN, the de facto standard computer language of science; nor could it do what are known as "floating-point operations," the operations that manipulate numbers in scientific computation.

Thinking Machines sold seven CM-1s, but only because DARPA brokered and subsidized most of the deals. If the company was going to stay in business, it would need a machine that could pull its weight outside AI research. Unfortunately, according to Resnikov, the decision to tailor the CM-1 to the AI "nonmarket" cost Thinking Machines three years in the real-world marketplace.

In April 1986, Thinking Machines announced the arrival of the CM-2, a machine the scientific community actually could use. The CM-2 was able to run FORTRAN and to do floating-point operations. It was also a piece of work artistically: a five-foot cube of cubes -- done up in what Thinking Machines employees called "Darth Vader black" -- in whose innards red lights flickered mysteriously. But the machine's exotic massively parallel technology still needed special software, which meant its users had to learn new programming techniques. The CM-2 might be more like the human brain than a sequential computer like the Cray was, but scientists knew how to write programs for the Cray. Many of Thinking Machines' first customers, says Dave Waltz, who ran the company's AI group, did most of their computing on the floating-point processors, ignoring the 64,000 single-bit processors.

As a result, there still wasn't much of a market for Connection Machines. But thanks to the support of DARPA, which continued to broker deals, Thinking Machines didn't have to seriously contemplate building a machine that had a natural market. "Our charter," says Tucker, "wasn't to look at a machine and figure out the commercial profit. Our charter was to build an interesting machine." But the definition of interesting would soon change.

In the late 1980s, DARPA and the Bush administration, having accepted the fact that the end of the cold war had reduced the urgency for military supercomputing, came up with a new challenge for parallel computing. They began to talk about solving what D. Allan Bromley, the president's science adviser, dubbed "grand challenge" scientific problems: modeling the global climate, analyzing the folding of proteins, mapping the human genome, predicting earthquakes, revealing the nuances of quantum mechanics. The problems didn't require artificial intelligence, just enormous computing power.

The official name of the new project was the High Performance Computing and Communication (HPCC) program, and DARPA was the lead agency, with a projected budget of several billion dollars through 1996 to accomplish its goals. At the top of the list: building a computer capable of a teraflop -- a trillion floating-point operations per second.

Not surprisingly, Thinking Machines had an inside track on getting a chunk of the projected budget. While other computer companies were out wooing customers, Handler had been cultivating a friendship with Bromley. As soon as Thinking Machines promised it would have a scaled-down version of a teraflop machine ready by 1992, the agency awarded the company an initial contract of $12 million.

In the meantime, several computer companies were exploring a new technology -- a compromise between the comfort of sequential computing and the performance of massively parallel machines. A sort of "moderately parallel" design, the technology entailed stringing together a smaller number of the powerful, cheap, off-the-shelf microprocessors used in PCs and workstations -- rather than the thousands of highly customized but less powerful processors used in the Connection Machines -- into a single supercomputer that would work with existing software.

The cost advantages of using off-the-shelf chips, as well as the functional advantage of running existing software, seemed overwhelming -- especially considering the fact that few customers outside the tiny AI community had much interest in Thinking Machines' massively parallel design. Even Hillis eventually came around and chose the moderately parallel design for the company's next generation of machine. Unfortunately, the old dream died hard: the decision came only after 18 months of internal bickering. Once again, the company was off to a late start.

What's more, there were signs that the company was still chasing the wrong market. Industry analysts in 1992 were projecting that the growth in supercomputers was not in science but in business applications -- in particular in what's known as "database mining," an area that could well become, as IBM parallel-computing expert Art Williams put it, "the killer application" for parallel computers. With the country in a recession, businesses needed every competitive advantage they could get, which meant knowing their customers' preferences and buying habits in intimate detail. They had begun to collect all conceivable data and were feeding them into their mainframes, looking for any insight that would help them maximize profits. But it sometimes took mainframes hours, even days, to churn out the answer to a single question. So large companies were beginning to check out parallel computers.

In fact, Thinking Machines had sold two Connection Machines to American Express. That got management at Thinking Machines talking about starting a business supercomputer group, an idea that appears at first to be a no-brainer. But at Thinking Machines the idea got stuck in endless discussions. Hillis and Handler already were bitter about having to target general scientific computing rather than artificial intelligence; they weren't about to jump on the idea of servicing mere merchants. Hillis later complained about the injustice of a world where "the real money is in handling Wal-Mart's inventory rather than searching for the origins of the universe."

Nonetheless, thanks to DARPA, Thinking Machines went into the black for the first time. In 1989 the company reported a profit of $700,000 on revenues of $45 million. Handler promptly signed a 10-year lease with the Carter Ink Building for a whopping $6 million a year -- about $37 a square foot. (Lotus Development Corp., which was virtually across the street from Thinking Machines, was paying $8 a square foot.) Thinking Machines also hired another 120 employees, bringing the total to over 400. Meanwhile, the company had developed an image as one of the leading high-tech companies in the country. It was, says Stephen Wolfram, who founded the highly successful software company Mathematica, "the place that foreign trade delegations would come to visit to see where American business was at these days."

Yet competition was looming. Cray Research launched a crash program in 1990 to get a massively parallel machine on the market within two years. IBM was doing the same. Even Fujitsu Limited, one of Japan's major supercomputer manufacturers, was in the process of opening a parallel-computing lab, looking toward marketing a 1,000-processor machine.

If there was ever a time that Thinking Machines could, and needed to, put itself on a solid financial and competitive foundation by merging with a deep-pocketed company or by going public, it was now. But Handler nixed all deal making. She felt the company could get a wildly successful teraflop machine out on its own.

As the company forged ahead with its frantic effort to bring the new machine out on time, the corporate culture started to shift from openness to paranoia. Employees weren't allowed to discuss the machine with one another in the cafeteria. Customers were kept in the dark. The new machine was dubbed the CM-5, to foil hackers acting as corporate spies who presumably would be rummaging through the company's files looking for a nonexistent CM-3.

Thinking Machines announced the CM-5 in October 1991. Hillis claimed it had the highest "theoretical" peak performance of any supercomputer ever, if you added enough processors to it. The reality: at the time completion of the CM-5 was announced, the machine was slower than its predecessor, the CM-2. Among other problems, the standard chips the company had chosen weren't ready, so some machines had to ship with slower, earlier-generation chips. Meanwhile, competitors like Intel, Kendall Square Research (KSR), MasPar Computer, and nCube were starting to ship faster supercomputers. More than ever, Thinking Machines was depending on its DARPA edge to move its products.

Then, in August 1991, as DARPA was about to start the process of determining which supercomputer vendors would win the lion's share of its planned spending spree, the Wall Street Journal broke the story that the agency had been playing favorites. It turned out that DARPA had subsidized -- sometimes to the tune of the entire purchase price -- the sale of some 24 Connection Machines in recent years. The subsidies added up to a gift to Thinking Machines of $55 million -- 20% of the company's lifetime revenues to that point.

DARPA had greased Intel's supercomputing wheels too but had left the rest of the supercomputer industry to fend for itself. And now the other players were howling. Perhaps the clearest and most damning criticism came from KSR founder Henry Burkhardt: "Vendors handed money by the government have no interest in solving customers' problems," he growled.

An embarrassed Bush administration put an end to Thinking Machines' DARPA gravy train. For the first time the company had to sell its machines on their merits in an open market. At the end of 1992, Thinking Machines reported a loss for the year of $17 million. The CM-5 wasn't selling, and the company was hemorrhaging money. Hillis was no longer spending much time in the office. The first round of layoffs had started. Salaries were frozen. Requests for new laptop computers were being denied.

Meanwhile, Handler had an enormous marble archway installed in the atrium of the Carter Ink Building. When a national supercomputer conference was held in Seattle, she decided to stay in San Francisco and commute to Seattle from the swank Stanford Court Hotel. She commissioned a $40,000 logo design for a CM-5 sweatshirt and then rejected it. While the company was sinking, she focused her attention on putting out a cookbook with recipes from the company's now-infamous cafeteria. Increasingly paranoid, she had a video camera aimed at her personal parking spot and, by some accounts, made people take meetings with her in her parked car. She hired a bodyguard, telling her colleagues that she had received death threats.

Some members of Thinking Machines' board suddenly seemed to realize that the person who had been running the company all those years had no business skills. The board discussed dumping Handler, but she managed to get her biggest enemies there kicked off.

In early 1993 a new president was brought in, but Handler, who remained CEO, quickly got rid of him. Later in the year a lawyer named Richard Fishman was hired as president. Fishman was a longtime friend of Handler, but when he realized that no outsider would fund the sinking company while Handler remained at its helm, he engineered her ouster.

Fishman focused the company on the business market and began looking for a partner. Sun and IBM were interested, says Tucker, but weren't willing to take on Thinking Machines' mounting debt, which included six more years of rent at the Carter Ink Building, a $36-million commitment.

In mid-August, Thinking Machines filed for bankruptcy protection, and Fishman resigned. Soon Hillis himself left the company that had been founded around his thesis. Thinking Machines would reemerge as a small software firm selling programs for its former competitors' parallel computers.The long-lost art of the worlds first major global war has been rediscovered inside a historic manor house complex in the Kent countryside.

Eighteen images of ships, scratched on the buildings walls by French prisoners of war in the mid-18th century, have been found by historical investigators carrying out conservation work at a National Trust property, Sissinghurst Castle, 13 miles south of Maidstone.

Together with 16 other previously known ship images at the site, it is the largest collection of pre-19th century prisoner-of-war art ever discovered in Britain. All 34 graffiti images are now being studied in detail.

Historians believe that originally there were up to 3,000 PoW drawings carved on Sissinghursts walls  and that hundreds are still hidden under early 20th century plaster, awaiting discovery.

The art was produced by French and other PoWs captured by Britain in the run-up to and during the Seven Years War (1756-1763). It was the first really major global war  with fighting taking place in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, South America, India, the Philippines and West Africa. In total, the conflict involved 17 different countries and other political entities and cost around 1.5 million lives  three times more than the only earlier truly global conflict, the War of the Austrian Succession, which had ended only eight years previously.

For more than 200 years nobody knew what this painting represented. Then new research revealed it was the Seven Years War detention centre at Sissinghurst (National Trust/John Hammond)

The conflict brought death and suffering to troops and civilians alike  and prisoners of war were certainly not exempt.

Some 61,000 French and other enemy troops were held captive in a network of oppressive detention centres throughout Britain.

Many were kept incarcerated for between two and seven years. Thousands died from typhus and other diseases. Dozens were murdered by their guards. Across the Channel, thousands of British PoWs suffered in equally terrible French prison camps.

Of the 61,000 French and other prisoners (including Germans, Scandinavians and Italians) incarcerated in Britain, around 3,000 were kept in appallingly overcrowded conditions at Sissinghurst.

A guard shoots a prisoner of war who has come too close to the perimeter of the detention centre (National Trust/John Hammond) (National Trust Images/John Ham)

These were the men who, to alleviate the emptiness and boredom of their imprisonment, scratched and chiselled vast numbers of ship images into the walls of the castle. The 34 engravings of ships, the majority of which have only been discovered over the past year, have now been recorded in detail by Britains leading historical graffiti expert, archaeologist Matthew Champion. His recording work has revealed the substantial variety of vessels in which the men had served.

A leading expert on 18th century ships, Dr Peter Goodwin, former curator of Nelsons flagship HMS Victory, believes that some of the better preserved graffiti represent small privateers, fishing vessels and merchantmen. The privateers  mostly in the 55ft to 70ft range  would have had relatively small crews (probably no more than a dozen men each), while the merchant vessels (in the 60ft to 110ft range) may well have also functioned as privateers or as French troop transports.

Overall prisoner-of-war statistics for the Seven Years War, together with analysis of the ship types portrayed in the graffiti, suggest that the majority of the men at Sissinghurst were sailors (often fishermen and the crews of small privately owned and operated privateer warships, acting on behalf of the French government).

In the 16th to 18th centuries, it was common practice to privatise warfare  with British, French and other governments licensing privateers (in effect, government-backed pirates) to attack and capture enemy shipping. In the Seven Years War just over 30 per cent of the 61,000 PoWs in Britain were from such vessels.

However, fishermen and the crews of ordinary merchant ships were also seized by the British  not as enemy combatants, but as part of a policy to harm the French economy and to capture men who might otherwise potentially be recruited or press-ganged into the French navy. Around 17 per cent of the 61,000 PoWs in Britain fell into that category.

A prisoner of war about to be bayoneted by a guard at Sissinghurst (National Trust/John Hammond) (National Trust)

Interestingly, only 8 per cent of the PoWs came from official French Royal Navy warships  a fact reflected in the Sissinghurst graffiti where it is likely none of the currently visible ship engravings portray really large warships of that kind.

As well as sailors, there were an estimated 27,000 French and other soldiers incarcerated as PoWs in Britain. On the whole, these were troops who were being transported by the French government by ship to the various overseas theatres of conflict.

Its not known from which ships the Sissinghurst prisoners came, but key battles which provided large numbers of French POWs took place in August 1759 off the coast of southern Portugal (the Battle of Lagos) and in November 1759 off the coast of Brittany (the Battle of Quiberon Bay  known as the Trafalgar of the 18th century  a pivotal sea battle that helped determine the course of the war).

It is therefore conceivable that some of the prisoners at Sissinghurst came from major French warships captured in those two battles  the Temeraire, the Modeste and the Centaur, all captured in August 1759, and the Formidable, captured in November of that year.

Recommended Art gallery discovers more than half of its paintings are fake

In a sense, some of the French PoW graffiti (depicting ships captured by the Royal Navy) symbolise the emergence by 1759 of Britain as the worlds top naval power  a position it then maintained for almost 200 years. For the remainder of the 18th century, that year was known as the UKs annus mirabilis.

The PoWs at Sissinghurst and the nine other major UK camps were, in part, guarded by local militiamen  not by regular soldiers. The militiamen were notorious for being much less disciplined and much more corrupt than regular troops. They were also often brutal.

A carving thought to be the name of a prisoner (National Trust)

The graffiti is of great importance because it adds to our understanding of who these prisoners were and perhaps even how they perceived their role in the war. In a sense, the images arent just pictures of ships but are also statements of communal identity, said a leading expert on 18th century PoWs, Cambridge historian Dr Renaud Morieux, who is investigating Sissinghurst and the other Seven Years War PoW camps for a groundbreaking new book (The Society of Prisoners: War Captivity, Britain and France in the Eighteenth Century) due out early next year.

The men at Sissinghurst  including those who created the ship graffiti  seem to have led a fairly miserable existence.

Prisoners could be shot for not putting out their lights on time, for walking too close to the camps perimeter fence, and even for not instantly obeying instructions to collect clothes hung out to dry.

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The guards also sometimes beat their captives with the blunt side of their sabres.

For the slightest infringements of regulations, the prisoners could have their food provision cut in half.

The guards also frequently confiscated the personal property of prisoners  and then sold the items back to other prisoners. It seems that the militiamen used the camp as an opportunity to bolster their meagre incomes.

The records also reveal that letters from the prisoners wives and families were often kept by the militiamen and not handed over.

All of this generated huge resentment on the part of the prisoners. There were escape attempts at Sissinghurst  and even petitions to the British Admiralty protesting against the harsh conditions. On one occasion, the PoWs protested against the lack of proper clothing provision by turning out on parade for their captors scantily clad or indeed stark naked. The furious militiamen retaliated to this naked Gallic insult by cutting the prisoners food provision as well as their supply of clothing.

Not only has the graffiti survived, but the letters withheld by the militiamen also still exist  along with a series of artefacts made by the PoWs.

Detailed analysis of those letters and other documents is currently being carried out by Dr Morieux and will be published in his book early next year.The winner of the Turner Prize 2018 will be announced tonight, with four emerging artists competing for the honour and the accompanying 25,000 windfall.

Forensic Architecture, Naeem Mohaiemen, Charlotte Prodger and Luke Willis Thompson are this years entrants, all video-centric creators concerned with the most pressing political and humanitarian issues of the day, according to Tate Britain director Alex Farquharson.

Response to the nominations has mellowed considerably in recent years but in its 1990s heyday, when the accolade was regarded as a key event in the Cool Britannia calendar and provided a reliable source of controversy.

Damien Hirsts Mother and Child Divided, an art work comprised of a cow and calf bisected and suspended in formaldehyde, which won the 1995 Turner Prize, on show in the Tate Britain, London (PA)

The Turner was routinely picketed by the Stuckists, a protest group calling for a return to figurative painting, who would demonstrate outside Tate Britain dressed as clowns bearing placards dismissing it as a state-funded advertising agency for Charles Saatchi and arguing that it should be renamed the Duchamp Award for the destruction of artistic integrity.

The only artist who wouldnt be in danger of winning the Turner Prize is [JMW] Turner, they would rather pointedly argue.

The Guardian was moved to question whether Fiona Banners 2002 entry Arsewoman in Wonderland amounted to art or pornography, putting the question to adult film star Ben Dover (Porn is the new rock and roll and what this piece of art is, in my opinion, is verbal justification for it. It allows all the Islingtonites to get off on the sexy stuff without sanctioning porn).

Culture Minister Kim Howells dismissed the prize as conceptual b******t, to the glee of Prince Charles, that same year.

Damien Hirsts cows preserved in formaldehyde are undoubtedly among the most iconic and divisive spectacles to have featured, along with Tracey Emins My Bed (1998), which didnt actually win but was sufficiently notorious to inspire performance artists Yuan Chai and Jian Jun Xi to offer a riposte, staging a pillow fight among its sheets before being removed by security.

Tracey Emin (Getty) (Getty images)

Both were synonymous with the so-called Young British Artists movement and came to be closely associated with the cigarettes-and-Chablis spirit of the moment.

The Turner Prize may be maligned in some quarters as pretentious or willfully oblique but, like Trafalgar Squares Fourth Plinth, it provides a rare opportunity to put challenging, immersive contemporary art before the general public and for that service alone deserves to be cut some slack.

With that in mind, here's a brief look back at some of its many memorable winners.

Gilbert & George, 1986

The duo - famed for dressing alike and resembling cohabiting bank managers  won for one of their trademark stained glass-inspired psychedelic collages in the second year of the Turners life (painter Howard Hodgkin won the first).

They distanced themselves from the honour, however: We dont like prizes. We are apart from all that.

Rachel Whiteread, 1993

Whiteread became the Turners first female winner for House, a sculpture made by using a derelict house in east London as a mould, filling it with liquid concrete and stripping away the exterior cast to create a fossil.

Rachel Whitereads House 1993 (Sue Omerod) (Photo: Sue Omerod  Rachel Whiteread)

The divisive nature of the accolade was emphasised when she also won that years Anti-Turner Prize, naming her the worst artist in Britain, and saw her project dismissed as meritless gigantism by critic Brian Sewell, a staunch traditionalist who later argued that opening a gallery in the North East denied more sophisticated Londoners a chance to see new exhibitions.

Antony Gormley, 1994

Gormley, who felt so differently to Sewell he would later design the Angel of the North, won for Testing a World View.

The work was an installation of five identical cast iron figures, bent at the waist, arranged around the room in different positions to pose questions about architectural space and how human posture conveys mood.

Damien Hirst, 1995

Unquestionably one of the most famous works of art in the world, Hirsts Mother and Child Divided presented four glass tanks housing a cow and her calf severed in half, the carcasses suspended in formaldehyde.

The work developed an idea Hirst first put forth in 1991 when he embalmed a tiger shark in The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living.

Damien Hirsts 1991 work The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living (PA)

Punk rock Renaissance man Billy Childish, a former boyfriend of Tracey Emin and founding Stuckist, gave one of the most clear-eyed assessments of Hirst and his body of work in the song Art or Arse? (You Be the Judge): Damien Hirsts got his fish in a tank/Some say its art, others think its w**k.

Gillian Wearing, 1997

60 Minutes of Silence, Wearings film of actors standing still for an hour dressed as policemen, is perhaps best remembered as the subject of a live Channel 4 News discussion that Emin stormed out of while in a state of heightened refreshment, a defining controversy associated with the Turner.

Gillian Wearing (Immo Klink)

Wearing unveiled Parliament Squares first statue of a woman, suffragist Millicent Fawcett, at a ceremony in Westminster in late April this year.

Chris Ofili, 1998

When it comes to materials, Chris Ofilis portrait paintings comprised of elephant dung coated in polyester resin take some beating. His reaction was also refreshing: Oh man. Thank god! Wheres my cheque?

One, No Woman No Cry, quoted Bob Marley and poignantly depicted a black woman weeping for the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence in Eltham, south east London, a crime that shocked Britain in 1993 and saw the victims mother Doreen spearhead a campaign calling for an inquiry into the subsequent failed police investigation.

Steve McQueen, 1999

McQueen, who would go on to become an admired Hollywood director and make Hunger (2008), Shame (2011) and 12 Years a Slave (2013), was the first filmmaker to win the Turner.

Steve McQueen, now an Oscar-winning director (Getty) (Getty Images)

Nominated for his 16mm black-and-white short films including Bear and Deadpan, in which he recreated a well-known Buster Keaton stunt from Steamboat Bill, Jr (1928), McQueen was somewhat overshadowed in the public imagination by Emins unmade bed.

Martin Creed, 2001

Work No. 227: The Lights Going On and Off did precisely what its title suggested, being an installation in which an empty room is intermittently plunged into darkness.

The piece confounded some and infuriated others, with fellow artist Jacqueline Crofton pelting it with eggs. Madonna added to the furore when she shouted Right on, m********s! live on TV, before the 9pm watershed, when announcing Martin Creed as winner.

Ben Dover liked it though.

Grayson Perry, 2003

Hailed as the first transvestite potter to the win the Turner (That we know of, he adds), Grayson Perry was honoured for his classically beautiful ceramic vases painted with satirical  and frequently sexual  contemporary imagery.

Grayson Perry with his work (Rex)

Accepting the award in the guise of Claire his teddy-sporting alter ego and wearing an exquisitely embroidered Victorian party frock, Mr Perry quickly became a national treasure.

Now primarily working in tapestry, he has since become a popular broadcaster, tackling themes related to social class and the changing face of masculinity on Channel 4.

Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Naeem Mohaiemen Naeem Mohaiemen, Tripoli Cancelled, 2017, single channel film. Dimitris Parthimos Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Naeem Mohaiemen Portrait of Naeem Mohaiemen Abeer Hoque Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Naeem Mohaiemen Naeem Mohaiemen, Tripoli Cancelled, 2017, single channel film. Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Naeem Mohaiemen Naeem Mohaiemen, Two Meetings and a Funeral, 2017, three-channel installation, Hessisches. Lanesmuseum, Kassel, cocumenta 14. Michael Nast Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Charlotte Prodger Charlotte Prodger. Portrait 2017. Emile Holba Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Charlotte Prodger Charlotte Prodger, a still from BRIDGIT, 2016. Single channel video with sound, 32 minutes. Courtesy of the artist Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Charlotte Prodger Charlotte Prodger, a still from BRIDGIT, 2016. Single channel video with sound, 32 minutes. Courtesy of the artist Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Charlotte Prodger Charlotte Prodger. Stoneymollan Trail, 2015. Single channel video with sound, 43 minutes. Courtesy of the artist Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Forensic Architecture Collage by Forensic Architecture, 2018 Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Forensic Architecture Counter Investigations: Forensic Architecture at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Installation View. Mark Blower Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Forensic Architecture Saydnaya_4: This corridor in the prison, known to be linear, was experienced by a survivor while he was tortured and the space was distorted by the traumatic conditions at the moment the memory was encoded. Forensic Architecture, 2016 Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Forensic Architecture Saydnaya_1: Saydnaya prison, as reconstructed by Forensic Architecture using architectural and acoustic modelling. Forensic Architecture, 2016 Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Luke Willis Thompson Portrait of Luke Willis Thompson Courtesy of the artist Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Luke Willis Thompson Luke Willis Thompson, autoportrait, 2017. Installation view, Chisenhale Gallery. Commissioned by Chisenhale Gallery and produced in partnership with Create. Andy Keate Turner Prize 2018 shortlist: in pictures Luke Willis Thompson Luke Willis Thompson, autoportrait, 2017. Installation view, Chisenhale Gallery. Commissioned by Chisenhale Gallery and produced in partnership with Create. Andy Keate

He won huge plaudits for his 2013 BBC Reith Lectures Playing to the Gallery, as good an introduction to the often perplexing world of modern art as you could wish for.

Susan Philipsz, 2010

One of the most interesting recent winners was Scotlands Susan Philipsz, the first to win for an entirely aural work.

A recording of the artist singing the traditional sea shanty Lowlands Away under Glasgows bridges was played through speakers into the exhibiting gallery, conjuring an evocative sense of place and the past calling us back through time with ancient words.Ashley Judd is suing disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, accusing him of damaging her career after she refused his sexual advances.

A complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Ms Judds behalf alleges that Mr Weinstein acted as the headwind limiting her career in retaliation for her rejecting his sexual demands. It alleges that he undercut her effort to be cast in Lord of the Rings by describing her as difficult to work with.

With those baseless smears, Weinstein succeeded in blacklisting Ms. Judd and destroying her ability to work on what became a multi-billion-dollar franchise with 17 Academy Award wins and many more nominations, the complaint, reviewed by Reuters, says.

A representative for Mr Weinstein issued a statement hours later saying the former studio boss has "neither defamed Ms Judd nor ever interfered with Ms Judd's career". Instead, it said, he championed her work and repeatedly approved her casting for two of his films: Friday in 2002 starring Salma Hayek, and Crossing Over with Harrison Ford in 2009. Mr Weinstein has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.

However, lending some weight to Ms Judd's claims about her career, Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson said last year that he was told to avoid casting Ms Judd because he had heard she was difficult to work with.

"I recall Miramax telling us they [Ms Judd and fellow actress Mira Sorvino] telling us they were a nightmare to work with and we should avoid them at all costs," he said. As a direct result of the smear, both women were removed from the Lord of the Rings casting list, he said.

Ms Judd is among the numerous women who have accused Mr Weinstein of unwanted sexual advances, claiming the Hollywood filmmaker invited her to his hotel room before proposing that they exchange massages or that she watch him shower.

Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Show all 42 1 /42 Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Harvey Weinstein Harry Weinsteins reputation as one of Hollywoods leading executives was long cemented in stone. The acclaimed movie mogul, who produced Oscar-winning films Shakespeare in Love, The English Patient, and The Artist, clocked up box office successes and accolades aplenty. But this has quickly changed since a chorus of women have come forward to accuse the Hollywood producer of sexual harassment and assault. Since the New York Times bombshell report disclosed sexual harassment and rape allegations against the film mogul dating back decades, Weinstein has been fired from his namesake company, expelled from the Oscars and has had his wife leave him. Weinstein has apologised for having caused a lot of pain but has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Annabella Sciorra The Sopranos actor alleged Weinstein raped her after shooting The Night We Never Met, a 1993 movie that Weinstein produced. Similar to the stories told by other women, Weinstein drove the actor home, only to reportedly burst into Sciorra's apartment and start unbuttoning his shirt. He shoved me onto the bed, and he got on top of me, Sciorra said. I kicked and I yelled. Weinstein then allegedly locked her arms and forced sexual intercourse on her. After the incident, Sciorra found it increasingly hard to get work, many filmmakers saying 'We heard you were difficult', something the actor claims was because of the 'Weinstein-machine'. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Natassia Malthe The model and actress, who has appeared in around 50 films, said she met Weinstein at a BAFTA after party in 2008 while she was working as a spokeswoman for LG. She told a press conference in New York that she felt pressured into telling Weinstein she was staying at the Sanderson Hotel after being put on the spot. Malthe, now 43, said after her shift on February 10 she went back to her room and went to sleep, but was awoken by "repeated pounding" on her door, from someone yelling: "Open the door Natassia Malthe, it's Harvey Weinstein." Feeling humiliated, she said she opened the door. She alleged Weinstein began implying sex would get her a role in an upcoming film while semi-undressed and then he began to masturbate. "I was sitting on the bed talking to Harvey when he pushed me back and forced himself onto me. It was not consensual. He did not use a condom," she said. AP Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sean Young The actor, best known for her role in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, said that Weinstein exposed himself to her in the early 1990s, when she was starring in the Miramax-produced Love Crimes - a production company that Weinstein headed at the time. "I personally experienced him pulling his you-know-what out of his pants to shock me," she said. "My basic response was, 'You know, Harvey, I really dont think you should be pulling that thing out, its not very pretty.'" Young never worked with Weinstein again after the incident. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lupita Nyong'o In an op-ed for The New York Times, the Oscar-winning actor said she was invited to Weinsteins family home in Connecticut on the premise of watching a film shortly after they met in 2011. But she said shortly after it started he "insisted" in front of his children that she follow him and she was led to his bedroom. The Kenyan-Mexican actress, now 34, said she felt pressured into giving him a massage after he offered her one. "Before long he said he wanted to take off his pants," she wrote."I told him not to do that and informed him that it would make me extremely uncomfortable. He got up anyway to do so and I headed for the door, saying that I was not at all comfortable with that." Over the years that followed, he continued to get in touch, Nyong'o said, and when she declined another proposition she felt her career was threatened. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lena Headey Writing on social media, the Game of Thrones actor claims she first met Weinstein at the Venice Film Festival in 2005 where, after taking her for a walk by the water, he made some suggestive comment and gesture. Headey claims she bumped into Weinstein years later where he kept asking her questions about her love life. She alleges that, when Weinstein invited her to his hotel room to show her a script, the "energy shifted. The actor notes how, after saying she was not interesting in anything but the work, Weinstein was furious, apparently marching her back to a lift, "grabbing and holding tightly to the back of [her] arm." She claims that, after paying for her car, he whispered in her ear: "Don't tell anyone about this, not your manager, not your agent. Headey finished the post, writing: I got in the car and I cried. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Laura Madden Madden, a production assistant who worked at Miramax for a decade, told the Times that Weinstein allegedly prodded her for massages at hotels, a common theme among the sources the Timess reporters spoke with. On one occasion, she claims she locked herself in his hotel bathroom, sobbing Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Judd recounted for the Times how Weinstein allegedly harassed her while she was filming Kiss the Girls in 1996, inviting her to his hotel room and asking her for a massage, then inviting her to watch him shower. Judd first went public with the allegations in a 2015 interview with Variety during which she discussed the experience without naming the producer involved. She described Weinsteins alleged behaviour as coercive bargaining; I said no, a lot of ways, a lot of times, and he always came back at me with some new ask, she told the Times AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rose McGowan McGowan reportedly reached a previously undisclosed $100,000 settlement with Weinstein in 1997, over an incident that occurred in a hotel room Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mimi Haleyi Mimi Haleyi said she was assaulted by Weinstein in what appeared to be a child's bedroom in his New York City apartment in 2006 when she was in her 20s. She said she was aspiring to work in television and film production when she was first introduced to him at the London premiere of The Aviator around two years earlier and he helped her get experience on the set of a TV show being produced by The Weinstein Company. But, she added, he repeatedly hassled her and even tried to force himself through her front door in an effort to get her to join him on a trip to Paris. At one point he allegedly forcibly performed oral sex on an aspiring production assistant while she was on her period. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emily Nestor Nestor had been temping at the Weinstein Company for only one day in 2014 when Weinstein allegedly offered to boost her career in return for sexual favours, according to the Times. She declined and reportedly complained of his behaviour to colleagues, who later passed the information on to senior executives. An internal Weinstein Company document cited by the Times describes Nestors encounter with Weinstein as follows: She said he was very persistent and focused though she kept saying no for over an hour Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ambra Battilana In March 2015, Battilana, an aspiring model and actress, was reportedly summoned to Weinsteins office on a Friday night to discuss her career. According to a police report cited by the Times, Battilana claimed she was assaulted by Weinstein, who grabbed her breasts after asking if they were real and put his hands up her skirt. Weinstein later claimed that Battilana had set him up, according to colleagues of his who were interviewed by the Times. The Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, later declined to press charges, and according to the Times, made a payment to Battilana. On 5 October, the International Business Times reported that after Vance dropped the charges, he received $10,000 from Weinsteins lawyer Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lauren OConnor Lauren OConnor, an employee of the Weinstein Company, penned a memo to executives alleging a toxic environment for women at the company. The memo cited numerous incidents of Weinstein harassing or coercing women who worked for him. She expressed fear that Weinstein was using her and other female employees to facilitate liaisons with vulnerable women who hope he will get them work. That same year, Weinstein allegedly reached a settlement with OConnor Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Kate Beckinsale The actor, who starred in the Weinstein Company films Serendipity and The Aviator, alleges that she was invited to Weinsteins hotel room at the age of just 17. When she approached the door, the producer reportedly greeted her dressed in just a dressing gown. I was incredibly naive and young and it did not cross my mind that this older, unattractive man would expect me to have any sexual interest in him, she wrote on Instagram. After declining alcohol and announcing that I had school in the morning I left, uneasy but unscathed. Theo Wargo/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Gwyneth Paltrow The actor alleges that after he cast her in the title role of the film Emma when she was 22, he took her to his hotel room, placed his hands on her and suggested massages. I was a kid, I was signed up, I was petrified, Paltrow told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Asia Argento Italian actress Asia Argento has alleged that in 1997 Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her as she repeatedly told him to stop. When I see him, it makes me feel little and stupid and weak, Argento told The New Yorker. After the rape, he won. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Cara Delevigne The British model and actress penning an Instagram post claiming that Weinstein had ordered her to kiss another woman in his hotel room, and tried to kiss her on the lips. AFP/Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Ashley Judd Ashley Judd said she rebuffed Harvey Weinsteins unwanted sexual advances by offering to consent only after she had won an Oscar. When she was initially invited to a meeting with Weinstein, Judd said, she was surprised to learn the producer was in his hotel room - a tactic that recurs in other womens accounts. Echoing the accounts of other women, Judd said Weinstein suggested she give him a massage and then invited her to watch him shower. After a volley of nos she said she would only after she wins an Oscar, fleeing after making the comments. Reuters/Mike Segar Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Judith Godreche French actress Judith Godreche said when she was 24 Weinstein invited her to his hotel room and asked to give her a massage. The next thing I know, hes pressing against me and pulling off my sweater, she told the New York Times. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Mira Sorvino The Oscar-winning actor said she found herself in a hotel room with Weinstein in 1995 where he started massaging my shoulders, which made me very uncomfortable, and then tried to get more physical, sort of chasing me around. According to an interview in The New Yorker Weinstein subsequently arrived at her apartment late at night and she had to call a friend to come over to pose as her boyfriend in order to get Weinstein out of the house. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Katherine Kendall The actress said Weinstein undressed and chased her around a living room when she was just 23. She subsequently felt that telling others meant Ill never work again and no one is going to care or believe me, she told the New York Times. WireImage Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Tomi-Anne Roberts As an aspiring actress and working in a restaurant in New York, Tomi-Ann Roberts encountered Weinstein who encouraged her to audition for one of his films back in 1984. She subsequently went to meet him and found him naked in the bath and invited her to get naked and get into the bath with him, she told the New York Times. She said she left feeling manipulated. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Myleen Klass It has also been alleged that the disgraced film producer propositioned Myleene Klass with a sex contract at Cannes Film Festival in 2010. One of the singer and television personalitys friends reportedly told The Sun, Klass had told Weinstein to f*** off. Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Sophie Dix Sophie Dix, best known for her role as Captain Sadie Williams in Soldier Soldier, described her encounter with Weinstein when she was 23 as the single most damaging thing thats happened in my life. She told The Guardian Weinstein had pushed her to her bed and was tugging at her clothes. She rushed to the bathroom to escape, but when she came out she found him standing there masturbating. I quickly closed the door again and locked it, she said. Then when I heard room service come to the door I just ran. Rex Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lea Seydoux The actor and director claims she had to fight off Weinstein after he brought her to his hotel room during what she remembers to be 2012. He suddenly jumped on me and tried to kiss me. I had to defend myself. Hes big and fat, so I had to be forceful to resist him. I left his room, thoroughly disgusted, she wrote in The Guardian. AFP/Getty Images Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Claire Forlani British actress Claire Forlani wrote on Twitter that she had evaded Weinsteins advances on five occasions at the age of 25. At meetings with the Hollywood a-lister, she says massage was suggested, and that Weinstein had boasted of all the women hed had sex with. Mark Douet Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Florence Darel French actress Florence Darel claimed Weinstein relentlessly pursued her in the mid 1990's and propositioned her while Eve Chilton, his wife at the time, was in the hotel room next door. I was astonished, she told People magazine. When you have someone so physically disgusting in front of you, continuing and continuing as though this was all perfectly normal What happened to me may not be illegal but it was inappropriate. Very inappropriate. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lysette Anthony Lysette Anthony, who starred as Marnie Nightingale in Hollyoaks, has claimed Weinstein raped her in the late 1980's after turning up to her London home in the late 1980s. She described the disgraced film producers alleged attack as pathetic and revolting and said it left her feeling disgusted and embarrassed. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Dawn Dunning Dunning said she met Weinstein in 2003 when she was 24-years-old and the disgraced film producer suggested she have a threesome with him and someone else. She told the New York Times Weinstein got angry when she refused. Youll never make it in this business, she said he told her as she left. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Rosanna Arquette Rosanna Arquette was already well known for her role in Desperately Seeking Susan, when she said she met Weinstein at his hotel to pick up a script in the early nineties. Weinstein was dressed only in a dressing gown, and tried to put her hand on his erect penis. Speaking to the New York Times, Arquette said as she left she told him: I will never be that girl. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Emma de Caunes Caunes, a French actor, claimed Weinstein took her to his hotel room in 2010 supposedly to retrieve a book he was making into a film, but once there he went into the bathroom. De Caunes said he then emerged naked, with an erection and told her to lie on the bed. She fled the room. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Zoe Brock Model Zoe claimed that she had to lock herself in a bathroom at Weinsteins hotel in 1997, after the mogul had sent all of the assistants out of the room, and then appeared naked. I was alone with Weinstein, she told ITVs This Morning programme. He very quickly left the room and came back naked. He chased me naked. Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Barth Actress Jessica Barth described an encounter with Weinstein in 2011 in an interview with The New Yorker in which she said Weinstein veered between offering her roles in films and demanding a naked massage. She alleges the producer said to her: So, what would happen if, say, were having some champagne and I take my clothes off and you give me a massage? When she tried to leave, he then promised to give her the number of a female executive at the company. He gave me her number, and I walked out and I started bawling, Barth said. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Romola Garai The actress told The Guardian she felt violated after she went to a meeting with Weinstein at the age of 18 and he met her in his hotel room wearing nothing but a dressing gown. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Heather Graham Graham claimed that during a casting opportunity in the early 2000's Weinstein had told her he had an open relationship with his wife. He could sleep with whomever he wanted when he was out of town. I walked out of the meeting feeling uneasy, Graham told Variety. There was no explicit mention that to star in one of those films I had to sleep with him, but the subtext was there. Graham was never hired to work in a Weinstein film. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Jessica Hynes Spaced and W1A star Jessica Hynes tweeted about an encounter with Weinstein earlier this week, but subsequently deleted the tweet. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Lucia Evans The actor told The New Yorker that after a meeting to discuss casting her in various projects, Weinstein forced her to perform oral sex on him. I said, over and over, I dont want to do this, stop, dont. She added: Hes a big guy. He overpowered me. I just sort of gave up. Thats the most horrible part of it, and thats why hes been able to do this for so long to so many women: people give up, and then they feel like its their fault. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louisette Geiss The former actress said she met Weinstein to pitch a film script she was working on. During the meeting, Weinstein allegedly went out and reappeared naked and got into a jacuzzi where he masturbated in front of her and said he would make the script into a film if she stayed and watched. Getty Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Liza Campbell Liza Campbell, a British writer and artist, alleged that Olympically ugly Weinstein asked her to join him in the bath and began getting undressed at a hotel. In a piece for The Times, Campbell claimed she was forced to sprint to the door to escape. Rex Features Harvey Weinstein: his accusers Louise Godbold Writing in a blog post, Louise Godbold, a non-profit director in Los Angeles, said her encounter with Weinstein took the form of an office tour that became an occasion to trap me in an empty meeting room. She said then Weinstein was begging for a massage, his hands on my shoulders as I attempted to beat a retreat.

She said she repeatedly rebuffed Mr Weinsteins advances before reaching a compromise that seemed to placate him: Finally I just said, when I win an Oscar in one of your movies, OK? she told ABCs Diane Sawyer.

Despite his consistent denials, a barrage of accusations have cost Mr Weinstein his role at Miramax - the production company he founded with his brother Bob Weinstein.

He faces multiple criminal investigations, with law enforcement officials in Los Angeles, New York and London currently pursuing open investigations.Kanye West has revealed that he "was hurt" that Jay-Z and Beyonce didn't come to his wedding.

The rapper opened up about his relationship with Jay in a nearly two hour-long interview with Charlamagne tha God - specifically with regards to Jay and Bey not attending West's nuptials to Kim Kardashian in 2014.

Charlamagne brings up when Jay said West "went too far" in talking about his family when the rapper brings up his own wedding to Kardashian.

"It depends on how you look at it: if we're brothers, we are family," the 40-year-old rapper explains. "Then it's my family. If we're business associates then it was too far."

He then brings up Jay and Bey skipping his wedding: "Respectfully, I have to say I was hurt that they didn't come to the wedding. I understand they were going through some things, but if it's family, you're not gonna miss a wedding."

"I'm not using my interview to put out any negative things, but I've got to state my truth," he continues.

Then Charlamagne brings up that the rumour that Bey had an issue with Kardashian as what prompted the musical couple to skip out on his wedding.

But West doesn't necessarily agree. "I'm not sure," he says. "I'm past it, but at the time I was hurt about it."

He says he never "addressed it directly" with Jay and doesn't "think the answer fixes it."

When asked if West has seen Jay in-person, he replies:"I haven't seen him, but I can feel him."

The lengthy interview also addresses the rapper's return to Twitter, his mental breakdown and how he forgave himself for the Paris robbery where Kardashian was held hostage.

Watch the full interview here.Senegals charismatic superstar Baaba Maal has visited Britain many times since bursting on the world music scene 30 years ago, but normally with a full electric band in tow.

It is therefore a rare treat to catch him performing virtually alone, with an acoustic guitar  and proving the decades have not withered his spectacular voice, which is as powerful as ever.

In Londons Union Chapel, perched beneath the stained-glass windows and before the pulpit in a shining, silver gown, Maal inevitably strikes something of a Christ-like figure and one with a message.

Several messages in fact  the limitless potential of his native continent, the importance of education, the transformational power of travel when it is a choice and not forced by brutal wars.

If that all sounds a bit heavy for a Friday night, dont be fooled, because the rhythmic guitar work, the gorgeous melodies and that voice are the real highlights.

The setlist is a trip down memory lane, featuring only the title track from his recent return-to-form LP The Traveller, with old favourite "Baayo" perhaps the pick of the lot.

There is only one misstep  when an anecdote about his love of travel trips over into a rather embarrassing joke about how long women take to wash their hair, iron their clothes and get ready to go.

Quickly forgotten, its back to Maals finger-whirring majesty of the guitar and intense vocals  the intoxicating "Tara" is particularly lovely  before the crowd rises for a brief jamming session to see the evening out.Natasha Gordons debut play buzzes with comic energy and boasts moments of affecting intensity as it portrays a Jamaican family coping with grief.

When Gloria, the grandmother of this clan, dies of cancer, her London home becomes the centre of the traditional Jamaican nine-night wake. Family, friends, and mourners from the local community descend to celebrate the departed over several days of dancing and singing, rum, storytelling and laughter.

Sophie, the white daughter-in-law, contrasts this admiringly with the emotionally cramped culture she was brought up in  people hardly able to look the bereaved in the eye. But for Glorias children, this prolonged party is more of a mixed blessing. The strain of enforced conviviality exacerbates tensions.

Robert, the driven, dodgy businessman son (Oliver Alvin-Wilson) wants to sell the house quick in order to ease his money troubles. This puts him at loggerheads with Lorraine (excellent Franc Ashman), the daughter who took early redundancy to care for the ailing Gloria. She angrily objects that this is a home rather than a property and that their mothers spirit has not yet been released. The two see eye to eye more over their half-sibling Trudy (Michelle Greenidge), who got left behind in Jamaica as a toddler when Gloria emigrated to Britain and started a new family.

These raw, primal emotions are offset (without being undercut) by the mischievous comedy that bubbles through the script and Roy Alexander Weises beautifully judged production. Cecilia Noble is gloriously funny as the formidable, glowering Aunt Maggie who knows what she thinks about every aspect of the mourning ritual and wont be easily gainsaid. The wonders that woman can work on a corpse: Me grease up she foot good, help the stockings fi slide on. People tink, because yuh dead, yuh dont need Vaseline... Even she husband tek picture on Whatsapp to send back home. The Jamaican patois is deployed to brilliantly comic, never condescending, effect.

Though we dont get a glimpse of Gloria, we build up a pretty detailed picture of her. I loved the filthy laugh that Aunt Maggie lets out in a speech praising her Freedom Pass (de only decent ting me get from dis teefing government) and agreeing that Gloria was certainly one for getting around on those north London buses (You can say dat again). It is 70 years since the Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury Docks and with the current political storm over citizenship and the threat of deportations, it feels particularly timely for the National to be giving a voice to that generation and its descendants in this humane piece.

You want it to be longer. Running at 110 minutes straight through, Nine Night has to leave too many loose ends  for example, Roberts future relationship with Sophie, pregnant at 45, remains unresolved.

But the cast perform it to perfection, with Ashman snagging the heart as the put-upon, underappreciated Lorraine and Greenidge at first hilariously sociable and then harrowingly resentful as the revenant Trudy. The piece generates a fantastic atmosphere of inclusion. Natasha Gordon is an actress, but I have no doubt that from now on, we will be hearing a lot more from her as a dramatist.

Until 26 May (nationaltheatre.org.uk)A network of Chicago charter schools are facing backlash for their strict bathroom rules that are causing some menstruating female students to bleed through their pants - and for the schools dress code solution to the issue.

The strict rules at the Noble Network of Charter Schools were originally reported by an NPR affiliate, who detailed the limited bathroom visits and the subsequent punishments students could face for breaking the rules.

According to a female student who spoke to an NPR reporter anonymously at the time, the students had to rely on bathroom escorts - who were often unreliable.

We have bathroom escorts, and they rarely come so we end up walking out of class and that gets us in trouble.

But who wants to walk around knowing theres blood on them? It can still stain the seats. They just need to be more understanding, the student wrote.

If feminine hygiene products are not changed every few hours or when necessary, they can leak.

Since the first NPR report, some of the charter schools have reportedly acknowledged the issue and offer an accommodation - by adding an exemption to the dress code that allows students who have bled through their pants to wear a sweatshirt around their waist to cover the stain.

If a menstruating student has bled through her clothing, she can inform a teacher who will send an email to staff announcing the name of the girl who has permission to wear her sweater tied around her waist, so she doesnt receive demerits for violating dress code.

Based upon the schools existing rules, violating dress code or other school rules results in an automatic detention after four demerits in a two-week period.

Why can't all children go to primary school? Show all 2 1 /2 Why can't all children go to primary school? Why can't all children go to primary school? 9375.bin Why can't all children go to primary school? 1533.bin

Students are also required to pay $140 for a character development course if they reach 13 detentions, according to the NPR.

On social media, people are outraged by the rules outlined in the report, with many suggesting the school is violating child safety violations.

In addition to health violations stemming from blood on the seats, tampons left in too long can also cause toxic shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.

And others have pointed out the shaming that can be associated with allowing a girl to wear her sweatshirt tied around her waist - as other students will know why.

After the first report, Constance Jones Brewer, president of the Noble Network of Charter Schools, sent an email to staff stating that parts of the story were exaggerated or plainly false and that our work is not easy.

Brewer also stated: Dont be discouraged by this article; I know the truth of Nobles incredible work, and I know you do, too.

Charter schools are schools that receive government funding. In Chicago, the Noble Network of Charter Schools educates approximately one out of 10 high school students, according to the NPR.

The Independent has reached out to The Noble Network of Charter Schools for comment.A flight attendant with Emirates is winning legions of fans by documenting her glamorous travels on social media.

Despite having to deal with irate passengers, jet lag and unsociable working hours, working as a flight attendant is something that many people dream of.

And, one air stewardess is here to give you serious wanderlust.

Dubai-based Brigita Jagelaviciute, from Lithuania, has cultivated a following of nearly 60,000 fans on Instagram by sharing inspirational snaps of her glamorous lifestyle.

And at just 23-years-old she is well on her way to becoming a social media sensation.

Jagelaviciute might not earn a six-figure salary like other globetrotters, but her job as a flight attendant means she gets to visit some of the most beautiful locations around the world.

In fact, in the last 12 months alone Jagelaviciute has been on an impressive 80 trips, the Daily Mail reports.

But despite exploring mountains in New Zealand, sunbathing on Bondi beach and handgliding over Rio de Janerio, she says theres still plenty more to see.

So far Ive ticked off 74 countries - and thats only 30 per cent of the world, so I still have a long way to go, she said.

My latest favourite has been New York. There is just something magical about the Big Apple - the energy and the hustle and bustle of the city. It just always leaves me inspired.

The avid explorer says that she knew she wanted to be a flight attendant the moment she first saw Emirates cabin crew walking through an airport several years ago and that being able to wake up and do something different everyday is part of the reason she loves her job so much.

I dont like waking up at the same time and doing the same thing five days a week only to wait for the weekend, she explained.

Meeting new people when youre young is also lots of fun and this job is a great opportunity to make some long-lasting friendships.

Of course, as with most jobs working as a flight attendant does have its downsides and Jagelaviciute admits that, no matter how much she travels, the jet lag can sometimes get the best of her.

The worst part of being a flight attendant is most definitely jet lag. Its hard to even explain what you feel if you have never experienced it, she said.

You have to be capable to quickly adjust to different temperatures, time zones and places and its not easy. I think even after having worked many years in aviation people still struggle sometimes to fight it.

By sharing her travels online through Instagram, YouTube and her blog, Jagelaviciute says she hopes to encourage anyone who wants to travel or start a career as a flight attendant.

It is an adventurous career so be ready for anything and everything, she adds.

But most importantly, try to learn as much as you can because travelling this world is the best education you can ever have.Sushi is a very beloved Japanese dish, with its expansive array of flavours, textures and varieties playing a huge role in its ever-growing popularity.

While the dish has been around for several centuries, all who enjoy eating sushi have their own way of preparing it.

Some prefer to mix the wasabi with soy sauce before combining with the sushi, whereas others opt to forego any additional sauces or supplements altogether.

Nobuyuki Nobu Matsuhisa is a Japanese celebrity chef best known as the owner of his eponymous Nobu restaurants.

Matsuhisa opened his first restaurant in Los Angeles in 1987, before opening the first Nobu restaurant in New York City in the early 1990s with the partnership of actor Robert De Niro.

As an expert in his field, Matsuhisa has gone into great detail explaining how he believes sushi should be consumed.

This is how you should eat sushi, according to the chef renowned for his culinary prowess.

Wasabi

Many people who eat sushi like to add far more wasabi than necessary to test their limits when consuming the fiery plant.

However, according to Matsuhisa, theres no need to add extra wasabi when eating a sushi combination of rice and fish.

This is because its always added in between the rice and the fish anyway.

Sashimi

Sashimi, a Japanese dish that consists of slices of raw fish or meat, is served with soy sauce and wasabi.

A great deal of people may assume that they should add the wasabi in the soy sauce before then dipping the sashimi into the mixture.

However, Matsuhisa prefers what he describes as the more traditional way of first placing the sashimi in the soy sauce before adding a touch of wasabi to the middle of the fish, he explained to Business Insider.

He then picks up the sashimi with his chopsticks and lets the excess soy sauce drip off before eating.

Nigiri

When it comes to nigiri, slices of raw fish placed on top of beds of rice, Matsuhisa is very specific about his method of consumption.

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First, he uses his chopsticks to make a half turn with the nigiri on the plate, placing it on its side.

He then picks it up and places the side with fish on it on the soy sauce, leaving the side of rice dry.

After consuming the nigiri in one bite, he then eats a small piece of ginger to cleanse his palate.

Sushi roll

Matsuhisa states that there is no choice when eating a sushi roll.

According to the sushi aficionado, you should dip just a little bit of the rice on the sushi roll in the soy sauce, then eat it all in one bite.

He believes the key to enjoying a sushi meal is to start with the lighter bites first, before moving onto the heavier pieces, such as sushi rolls, at the end.

However, as Matsuhisa points out: This is my way. While he is no doubt extremely knowledgeable about the ins and outs of sushi, everyone has their unique preferences.Facebook is set to hold its annual F8 developer conference, expected to reveal software updates and its latest advances in virtual reality. But more significant than what will be unveiled is what isnt - highlighting how this event couldnt come at a worse time.

Around 5,000 attendees will watch CEO Mark Zuckerberg take to the stage at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in California at 6am PDT (6pm BST), in what will be an extraordinary exercise in damage limitation.

The company continues to reel from revelations that the UK data firm Cambridge Analytica harvested Facebook user data for the purpose of political propaganda during the 2016 US Presidential elections and Brexit campaign.

Less than a month ago, Mr Zuckerberg was sat before Congress answering questions about how this was able to happen, while just this week one of the companys board members left Facebook over an apparent clash over privacy policy.

Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures Show all 8 1 /8 Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures President Barack Obama talks with Zuckerberg during a town hall style meeting at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, California, 20 April 2011 Getty Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures David Cameron talks to the Facebook founder during the internet session of the G8 summit in Deauville, France, 26 May 2011 Getty Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former French president Nicolas Sarkozy meet Zuckerberg at the G8 summit in Deauville, France, 26 May 2011 Getty Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures Zuckerberg talks to Sarkozy at a G8 summit in Deauville, France, 25 May 2011 AFP/Getty Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meets the Facebook CEO at the companys headquarters in Menlo Park, California, 30 April 2015 Getty Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures Zuckerberg with former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Tokyo, 29 March 2012 AFP/Getty Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Zuckerberg at a townhall meeting at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, California, 27 September 2015 AFP/Getty Mark Zuckerberg meets world leaders  in pictures Zuckerberg with other business leaders and the Chinese President Xi Jinping Getty

It is therefore no surprise that what was likely to be Facebooks big announcement at this years conference - a home assistant that would essentially double as a listening device - has reportedly been scrapped from the agenda.

Facebook has been late to introduce a smart voice assistant, after successful launches from other technology giants like Amazon, Apple and Google proved that the market for such a product is massive.

But despite some privacy concerns surrounding the Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod and Google Home, none of Facebooks rivals currently suffer from the same stigma that the social network has gathered in recent months.

The data scandal surrounding Facebook has meant the company might be holding back on releasing new technology (REUTERS)

According to a March report from Bloomberg, Facebook has put plans to introduce new home products on hold, in order to not prolong negative press from the data scandal. Focus-group testing for an artificial intelligence-powered device also drew concern from people about having a Facebook-branded device in their living rooms, according to the publications sources.

But while Facebook may still release the hardware later this year, the focus of F8 2018 will be on assuaging the anger of its users while also placating its developers - many of whom depend on the liberal sharing of personal data for their own services to work.

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This delicate balance may also mean less of the usual techno-utopian vision that Mr Zuckerberg usually puts forward at this time of the year. Alongside the usual connecting the world platitudes are usually ground-breaking technologies that display how Facebook is using its billions for the good of humanity.

Last year it was about a device that lets you hear with your skin and a brain-computer interface that allows people to type using just their thoughts. This year, the most exciting announcements will be around shorter term goals of augmented and virtual reality technologies.

In February this year, Facebooks vice president of AR and VR Andrew Bosworth said F8 would reveal the biggest AR/VR news from Facebook to date. Given whats happened since then, this may well be just a sideshow.

In a series of Facebook posts leading up to the conference, Mr Zuckerberg highlighted the work Facebook has been doing to "keep people safe" through new tools that will better respect people's privacy.

"One thing I learned from my experience testifying in Congress is that I didn't have clear enough answers to some of the questions about data," Mr Zuckerberg said.

"We're working to make sure these controls are clear, and we will have more to come soon."The UK parliament could issue a formal summons forcing Mark Zuckerberg to speak to MPs if he continues to refuse to do so willingly.

Damian Collins, the MP who chairs the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said that he hopes Mr Zuckerberg will choose to come to London and speak to them. But if he keeps refusing it will have to issue a formal summons the next time he is in the UK, Mr Collins wrote in a letter to Facebook.

Mr Collins added that Mr Zuckerberg is rumoured to be coming to Europe at the end of May, and extended yet another offer for the Facebook boss to come and speak.

How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Show all 9 1 /9 How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Lock your profile down If you havent done this already, do it now. In Settings, hit the Privacy tab. From here, you can control who gets to see your future posts and friends list. Choose from Public, Friends, Only Me and Custom in the dropdown menu. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Limit old posts Annoyingly, changing this has no effect on whos able to see your past Facebook posts. Instead, on the Privacy page, you have to click on Limit Past Posts, then select Limit Old Posts and finally hit Confirm on the pop-up. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Make yourself harder to find You can stop completely random people from adding you by selecting Friends of Friends from the dropdown menu in the Who can send you friend requests? section of the Privacy page. Its also worth limiting who can find your Facebook profile with your number and email address. At the bottom of the page is the option to prevent search engines outside of Facebook from linking to your profile. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Control access to your Timeline You can limit who gets to post things on your Timeline and who gets to see posts on your Timeline too. In Settings, go to Timeline and Tagging and edit the sections you want to lock down. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Block people When you block someone, they wont be able to see things you post on your Timeline, tag you, invite you to events or groups, start conversations with you or add you as a friend. To do it, go to Settings and Blocking. Annoyingly, you have to block people on Messenger separately. You can also add friends to your Restricted list here, which means theyll still be friends with you but will only be able to see your public posts and things you share on a mutual friend's Timeline. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Review tags One of Facebooks handiest privacy features is the ability to review posts youre tagged in before they appear on your Timeline. Theyll still be visible on the News Feed while theyre fresh, but wont be tied to your profile forever. In Timeline and Tagging, enable Timeline review controls. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Clean up your apps You can view a list of all of the apps youve connected to your Facebook account by going to Settings and Apps. The list might be longer than you expected it to be. Its worth tidying this up to ensure things you no longer use lose access to your personal information. If you dont want to log into websites and apps with your facebook account, scroll down and turn Platform off. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Change your ad preferences You can view a list of everything Facebook thinks youre into and tinker with your ad preferences by going to Settings and Adverts. A lot more information is displayed on the desktop site than the app, so wed recommend doing this on a computer. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Download your data Facebook lets you download all of the data it has on you, including the posts youve shared, your messages and photos, ads youve clicked on and even the IP addresses that are logged when you log in or out of the site. Its a hell of a lot of information, which you should download to ensure you never over-share on the social network again.

But he noted that parliament does have the power to compel him to appear if he continues to refuse to do so.

It is worth noting that, while Mr Zuckerberg does not normally come under the jurisdiction of the UK Parliament, he will do so the next time he enters the country, Mr Collins wrote, in a letter addressed to Facebooks head of public policy in the UK. We hope that he will respond positively to our request, but if not the committee will resolve to issue a formal summons for him to appear when he is next in the UK.

The DCMS select committee has repeatedly asked Mr Zuckerberg to appear for questioning, and he has repeatedly refused. Most recently, the company said that its chief technology office Mike Schroepfer would appear instead.

Mr Schroepfer appeared before the committee last week, facing a grilling that saw MPs laugh at him and suggest that Facebook had conspired to mislead British politicians.

Mr Collins noted in his letter that Facebook had failed to answer nearly 40 questions, all of which were set out in the same letter sent to Facebook.

The committee expects those questions to be answered by 11 May, he said. We would like confirmation of Mr Zuckerbergs attendance by the same date, he wrote.

The select committees letter was published on the same day as the beginning of Facebooks F8 conference, at which Mr Zuckerberg is expected to address the ongoing controversy around privacy. It will be his first public appearance since he was grilled over two days by the US Congress.

Ahead of his keynote, the social networks founder said he would discuss Facebooks approach to safety while at the event, writing in a Facebook post that he was looking forward to sharing more of what were working on during F8.

Our focus in 2018 is to keep people safe, and to keep building the experiences people expect from us, he said.

We are taking a broader view of our responsibility  to not only give people powerful tools but to make sure these tools are used for good.When it comes to learning a new language, popular opinion holds that it is more difficult to achieve as an adult than a child.

But is there really a critical period for language learning?

While it has been hard to prove, new research published in the journal Cognition, suggests that there is in fact a cut-off age where picking up a new skill becomes more challenging.

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So, when is the best time to learn a second lingo?

According to a new study, performed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US, if you want to achieve proficiency similar to that of a native speaker you should start learning before the age of 10.

Interestingly, children up to the age of 17 or 18 remain highly skilled at understanding the grammar of a new language, but it is here that ability begins to tail off.

Measuring the grammatical ability of 670,000 people of different ages and nationalities using a quiz, scientists asked participants their age, how long they had been learning English, and in what setting, before they were required to determine whether a sentence was grammatically correct.

Approximately 246,000 of the participants had grown up speaking only English, while the rest were bi or multilingual.

The most common native languages - excluding English - were Finnish, Turkish, German, Russian and Hungarian.

Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities Show all 10 1 /10 Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 1: Seville, Spain 12019 Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 2: Detroit, USA Vito Palmisano Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 3: Canberra, Australia Jason Tong Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 4: Hamburg, Germany Falco Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 5: Kaohsiung, Taiwan Getty Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 6: Antwerp, Belgium Getty Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 7: Matera, Italy Turkish414 Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 8: San Juan, Puerto Rico Sam Valadi Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 9: Guanajuato, Mexico Bud Ellison Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2018 Top 10 Cities 10: Oslo, Norway Corinna

The majority of the people who completed the quiz were in their 20s and 30s. However, the youngest participant was 10-years-old and the oldest in their late 70s.

After analysing the date using a computer model, the scientists revealed that grammar learning was strongest in childhood and persisted into teenage years.

But, thats not to say learning a language in adulthood is impossible.

Instead, the results suggest that after the age of 18 people will still learn quickly but may not achieve the same proficiency of native speakers.

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It's possible that there's a biological change. It's also possible that it's something social or cultural, study co-author Josh Tenenbaum, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told the BBC.

There's roughly a period of being a minor that goes up to about age 17 or 18 in many societies. After that, you leave your home, maybe you work full time, or you become a specialised university student. All of those might impact your learning rate for any language.When it comes to the birth certificates of their children, Prince William and Kate Middleton like to keep their occupations and various titles simple - they're listed on their children's birth certificates as simply the Prince and Princess of the United Kingdom.

Proving the newest royal has some pretty impressive parents, the couple listed their official royal occupations on the birth certificate of their third child, Prince Louis, which was released by Kensington Palace.

And it turns out, their occupations as the Prince and Princess of the United Kingdom, which are also listed on Princess Charlotte and Prince Georges birth certificates, are technically accurate for both William and Kate.

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As the next in line to the throne behind his father, Prince Charles, William has always been a Prince - born His Royal Highness Prince William of Wales.

However, he did dabble in other careers before settling into his duties as a father-of-three and a stay-at-home prince.

Prior to marrying his college sweetheart, Catherine Middleton, William joined the Royal Military, where he received his commission as a second lieutenant in the Household Cavalry in December 2006.

Two years later, Prince William was appointed to be a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and has since joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot.

For Kate Middleton, her title and subsequent occupation as Princess of the United Kingdom didnt exist prior to her marriage in 2011.

And despite claims that you can only be born a princess, Kate is a princess through her marriage to a prince - although it would be incorrect to refer to her as Princess Catherine or Princess Kate.

Prior to marrying Prince William, Kate worked multiple jobs, including as an accessory buyer with the British retailer Jigsaw and for her familys event planning company, Party Pieces.

The mother-of-three was also, and still is, a philanthropist - as is her husband.

When she married Prince William, Kate gained the title of Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Cambridge, which she commonly uses, and the title of her husband - meaning she became Princess William of Wales, according to Town and Country magazine.

Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Show all 32 1 /32 Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, paint an elephant statue at Kaziranga Discovery Park in Panbari village, in Kaziranga, some 250 km from Guwahati, the capital of the north-eastern state of Assam Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, feeds a baby elephant at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) at Panbari reserve forest in Kaziranga in the northeastern state of Assam, during the royal visit in India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge, meet a rhino calf at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) at Panbari reserve forest in Kaziranga in the northeastern state of Assam Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine and Prince William take a Game drive at Kaziranga National Park at Kaziranga National Park in Guwahati Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William visit a contact centre run by the charity Salaam Baalak, which provides emergency help and long term support to homeless children at New Delhi railway station Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge meet a young dancer as they watch dancing by the fireside during a Bihu Festival Celebration at Diphlu River Lodge Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet Prime Minister of India Narenda Mod in New Delhi's Hyderabad House during day three of the royal tour to India and Bhutan Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine and William visited the Banganga Water Tank. They were given a traditional welcome at Bangana Water Tank and met representatives from SMILE, an organisation working in an economically deprived urban area to support local enterprise Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Duchess Of Cambridge enjoys a game of cricket during a visit to meet children from Magic Bus, Childline and Doorstep, at Mumbai's iconic recreation ground, the Oval Maidan Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge at India Gate in New Delhi Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and his wife Catherine take part in an event at the Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge meet young entrepreneurs during a visit to Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prepare to lay a wreath at the Inida Gate in New Delhi Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge remove their shoes at Gandhi Smriti in New Dehli, India before paying their respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess toured the museum housed in the Old Birla House and paid their respects at the place where Mahatma Gandhi's life ended on 30 January 1948 Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William pose for a picture at India Gate Memorial Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Catherine pay their respects at the place where Mahatma Gandhi's life ended on 30 January 1948, at Gandhi Smriti, the Old Birla House museum Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge poses with local school children as they tour Old Birla Hous in Gandhi Smriti in New Dehli Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke Duchess of Cambridge meet children from local charities Magic Bus, Childline and Doorstep, and join game of cricketwith boys from the Dilip Vengsarkar Academyat the Oval Maidan recreation ground Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are garlanded as they arrive at the Banganga Water Tank in Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge plays football during a visit to meet children from Magic Bus, Childline and Doorstep Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge react after playing football during a visit to the Banganga Water Tank in Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William play football games during a visit to the Banganga Water tank, where they met representatives of SMILE Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at a Bollywood Charity Gala hosted by the British High Commission and the British Asian Trust at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for a Bollywood Inspired Charity Gala at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge speak with Boman Kohinoor during a meeting in Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stand after laying a wreath on the martyrs memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai

However, when it comes to official documents, such as the birth certificate of their third son, it is simply easier to refer to themselves as the Prince of the United Kingdom and the Princess of the United Kingdom.

Prince Louis Arthur Charles was born on Monday April 23 2018, weighing 8lb 7oz and is fifth in line to the throne, after both his siblings.With prom season officially upon us, many schools have cracked down on dress codes to the dismay of students.

But one high school is taking dress code requirements a step further with the modesty ponchos they plan to hand out to any students deemed to be breaking dress code.

Ahead of the schools prom night, set for May 12, Fox 2 reported that Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan plans to hand out colourful ponchos to students in inappropriate outfits - and students and parents are not happy.

Prior to prom, students at Divine Child High School and their parents were required to sign a dress guideline agreement.

However, it appears the school didn't think the signed agreement was enough to deter students - as they have now put the ponchos on display inside the school as a visual reminder.

According to Fox 2, the ponchos are displayed alongside a note that reads: If your dress does not meet our formal dance dress requirements - no problem! Weve got you covered - literally. This is our Modesty Poncho, which youll be given at the door. :)

A student, who wished to remain anonymous, told Fox 2 that teachers will determine at the door if a dress violates the dress code.

I do believe the school has gone too far with this. As we walk into prom, we are to shake hands with all the teachers and if you walk through and a teacher deems your dress is inappropriate you will be given a poncho at the door, the student revealed.

However, according to the teacher who thought of the modesty ponchos, the point of the ponchos is to bring the focus back to inner beauty.

The teacher behind the idea, Mary Pat O'Malley, told Fox 2: We are trying to focus on the inner beauty and not draw attention to something that doesnt need attention drawn to it.

It was really intended as a deterrent and a light-hearted one at that, the teacher said.

Time for change: How a young woman plans to shake up the school system Show all 2 1 /2 Time for change: How a young woman plans to shake up the school system Time for change: How a young woman plans to shake up the school system 261039.bin FRANTZESCO KANGARIS Time for change: How a young woman plans to shake up the school system 261040.bin

Despite the insistence that the ponchos are light-hearted, at least one parent has complained, according to Fox 2.

The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's a method of shaming, a method of building and degrading to females and its interpretation what's modest and what isn't.

According to a picture of the schools written guidelines, dresses must be appropriately fitted and modest. Dresses cannot have plunging necklines or plunging back openings, exposed cleavage, two-pieces, or visible midriffs.

Additionally, dresses must be no higher than one inch above the knee - and cutouts below the traditional bra line even with sheer material allowing skin to show are not permitted and will result in a modesty poncho.

The school's announcement comes as multiple students face criticism over prom dress appropriateness.

The Independent has contacted Divine Child High School for comment.Scotland has become the first country in the world to implement a minimum unit price for alcohol.

Overnight, prices have risen making it illegal for shops in Scotland to sell alcohol for less than 50p per unit.

The government has introduced the new legislation in a bid to curb the nations drinking problem and save lives.

The move, which is expected to hit high-strength ciders and cheap own-brand spirits the worst, has been welcomed by medical professionals as the biggest breakthrough in public health since the ban on smoking in public.

So much so, that Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, hailed it as "bold and brave."

Designed to target booze that attracts problem drinkers, it is unlikely that the price of alcohol in pubs, clubs and restaurants will be affected.

However, those that line supermarket and corner shop shelves will see some of the biggest rise in prices.

Here, we take a look at how the cost of some of your favourite beverage will change.

Cider

Sainsburys  Bulmers, previous price 8 for 8 x 500ml, 2.3 UK Units  new minimum price 9.20

Iceland - Frosty Jack, previous price 3.69 for 3L, 22.5 UK Units  new minimum price 11.25

Tesco - Scrumpy Jack, previous price 3.75 for 4 x 400ml, 2.6 UK Units  new minimum price 5.20

Asda  Strongbow, previous price 9 for 12 x 440ml, 2.2 UK Units  new minimum price 13.20

Vodka

Iceland  Glens Vodka, previous price 12.50 for 70cl, 26.3 UK Units  new minimum price 13.15

Sainsburys  Vodka Basics, previous price 10.75 for 70cl, 26.3 UK Units  new minimum price 13.15

Tesco - Imperial Vodka, previous price 5.75 for 35cl, 14 UK Units  new minimum price 7

Tesco  Russian Standard Vodka, previous price 12 for 70cl, 26.6 UK Units  new minimum price 13.30

The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol Show all 10 1 /10 The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 10. Poland Results from an OECD report The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 9. Germany The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 8. Luxembourg Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 7. France The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 6. Hungary Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 5. Russia AFP/Getty Images The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 4. Czech Republic The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 3. Estonia Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 2. Austria Getty Images The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 1. Lithuania AFP/Getty Images

Whisky

Asda - Famous Grouse Whisky, previous price 12 for 70cl, 28 UK Units - new minimum price 14

Lidl  Glen Orchy Scotch Whisky, previous price 13.99 for 70cl, 28 UK Units - new minimum price 14

Tesco - Scots Club Blended Scotch Whisky, previous price 11 for 70cl, 28 UK Units - new minimum price 14

Wine

Asda - Garanega Pinot Grigio, previous price 12 for 2.25L, 25.9 UK Units  new minimum price 12.95

Lidl  Cimarosa Malborough Sauvignon Blanc, previous price 5.99 for 75cl, 9.3 UK Units  new minimum price 6.29

Morrisons  Silver Bay Point Red, previous price 7.50 for 2.25L, 18 UK Units  new minimum price 9

If your go-to tipple isnt on the list, you can work out the price change yourself by calculating how many units it has.

To do so, multiply the total volume of a drink in ml by its ABV (alcohol by volume) and divide by 1,000.

For example, a 70cl (700ml) bottle of whisky at 40 abv equates to 28 units  which would mean a minimum price of 14.There was a poignant moment at Barclays AGM today when Ocean Hyland, a 22-year-old First Nations activist from Canada, raised the issue of the bank financing a tar sands pipeline in British Columbia.

The Tsleil Waututh Nation fiercely opposes the development, which it fears will increase tanker traffic and bring with it a heightened risk of oil spills and pollution, facilitating the expansion of the Alberta Oil Sands in the process. It is backed by environmental organisations such as Greenpeace.

In March, I highlighted a damning report on the banking industrys financing of extreme fossil fuels like this, which according to a coalition of non profit organisation surged to a $115bn (84bn) in 2017.

Britain had only one bank in the top ten worst offenders in the form of HSBC. But last month that bank said it would mostly stop funding new coal power plants, tar sands projects and arctic drilling, a welcome sign of progress.

We recognise the need to reduce emissions rapidly to achieve the target set in the 2015 Paris Agreement... and our responsibility to support the communities in which we operate, Daniel Klier, HSBCs group head of strategy and global head of sustainable finance, said at the time.

The decision was pragmatic: banks like his will suffer as much as the rest of us as the malign consequences of carbon pollution mount and the global economy takes the hit.

It also leaves Barclays as an outlier.

The answer Ms Hyland received when she raised the issue was similar to the one I got when I followed it up with the bank: Were looking at the issue and preparing new policies for publication on extreme oil and on climate change.

At the meeting the re-election of Barclays chief executive Jes Staley was backed by more than 99 per cent of investors, despite the Financial Conduct Authority saying it wants to fine him for an attempt to unmask a whistleblower and the presence of activist Ed Bramson on the shareholder register. He's seeking a shake up.

In his opening remarks, Mr Staley declared the huge task of restructuring Barclays to be complete while hailing the considerable progress made against his strategy of making Barclays a transatlantic consumer and wholesale bank anchored in London and New York with very positive consequences for the future.

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 could be seen as sending a message to Mr Bramson: We're on the right track so pipe down.

If that is so and Barclays is the strong bank with the potential Mr Staley says it has, the financing of the destructive activities Ms Hyland opposes, which represent only a relatively small part of its business, ought to be unnecessary.

It is thus to be hoped that the promised publications will represent more than a PR whitewash and signal their end, sparing Ms Hyland, who travelled more than 4,000 miles to attend the AGM, from another long flight next year.Services for people struggling with alcohol dependency have reached crisis point, according to a new study.

A lack of sufficient investment and not enough staff left many health professionals concerned about the state of the sector, the report found, adding that it cannot survive without additional funding.

Only 12 per cent of the 154 health professionals surveyed by recently merged Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK felt that resources in their area were sufficient.

More than half of respondents (59 per cent) felt the situation had become worse over the past three years, with residential rehabilitation facilities hit the hardest.

Cuts to services of between 10 per cent and 58 per cent were also reported.

The study, which will be launched on Tuesday at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm said: "Substance use treatment services in England are, it appears, facing a crisis."

"The challenges facing alcohol treatment services are numerous and, in many cases, acute.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. 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PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. 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"They are, undoubtedly, a consequence of funding cuts which have gone beyond what a functioning system can sustain if the goal is the meaningful reduction of harm to individuals, families and communities.

"Alcohol services cannot survive at their current level of funding."

In England, there are around 595,000 people in need of specialist support for dependency on alcohol.

Around 108,000 people receive treatment, according to a study by the University of Sheffield in 2017.

It is thought approximately 200,000 children are cared for by someone with a drinking problem.

The report calls on the government to develop a national strategy for tackling alcoholism, "plug the gap in treatment funding" and order a national review into staffing problems.

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of the new charity formed by the merger of Alcohol Concern nd Alcohol Research UK, urged those in charge to act now.

She said: "Around 595,000 people in the UK are dependent on alcohol. It's clear that the government must develop a national alcohol strategy to address the harm they and their families face, and include treatment at its heart to reduce the suffering of the four in every five who currently do not access the services they need.

"This report shows very clearly what action is needed and we urge policy-makers, practitioners and service providers to join together to implement these recommendations to help the hundreds of thousands of people who are in desperate need of support."

Press Association contributed to this report.It has inspired long running myths  notably that it hides a stash of Victorian pornography  is home to 10 storeys of books, has given rise to some dark tales of famous literature and has dominated the skyline of one of the nations most historic university cities for almost a century.

At 157ft tall and 17 floors, Cambridge University Librarys tower can be seen for miles around but has largely kept its secrets to itself and its contents (approaching one million books) have given rise to much speculation.

But now in a new free exhibition, Tall Tales: Secrets of the tower, we reveal some of the truth about what the great skyscraper really holds.

Just over a year ago, the first question at my interview for the job of Cambridge University librarian asked about the importance of a legal deposit  or copyright  library.

The factual answer is that, by law, it means we are entitled to receive a copy of every book that is published in the United Kingdom and Ireland. But the answer that speaks to my passions as a librarian and archivist, is that it means we are home to a collection that tells the remarkable story of our national life through the printed word.

The tower collection is a treasure trove for readers and researchers (Cambridge University)

In the exhibition, which opens on 2 May, we lift the lid on two centuries of popular publishing in the UK, received under the Copyright Act and held in the tower since the building opened in 1934.

Victorian toys and games jostle for a place with colourful childrens books, Edwardian fiction in pristine dust jackets and popular periodicals. Once considered of secondary value to the main academic collections, the tower collection is a treasure trove for todays readers and researchers.

At the time they were published, librarians would never have considered these books important. Many were ephemeral, populist, mainstream scribblings not worthy of the notice of Cambridge scholars, and so banished to the tower.

Its a marker of how little was thought of the books that no thought was given to future browsing by author or subject, and they appear to have been placed in the sequence simply in the order in which they arrived in any one year.

Today, this makes for quite surreal bedfellows with, say, an edition of War and Peace elbowing for position next to a Dull Thud (a long-and-probably-best-forgotten murder mystery). But in terms of social history, its fantastic.

You can literally stand in front of a given year and see exactly what was published. This must be the academic equivalent of being a child in a sweet shop; an experience the exhibition tries to recreate for visitors with a towering pillar of 1,950 books with the serious and the quirky side by side.

The preservation of illustrated jackets likely makes the tower collection unique (Cambridge University)

The benign neglect of these books had other unexpected benefits. It wasnt until the early 20th century that the potential of the dust jacket (a term that derives from its original role as a purely utilitarian paper wrapper used by 19th-century booksellers to protect ornate leather bindings) as art began to be recognised.

Through the 1920s, the illustrated jacket became established as a vibrant area of the applied arts. Most libraries discarded these paper wrappers on purchase. But Cambridge, opting for efficient minimum handling, did not, a decision we can delight in today.

This probably makes the tower collection unique  unusual even among its peers in the legal deposit libraries of Oxford, Trinity College Dublin, the British Library and the National Libraries of Scotland and Wales.

Recommended Cambridge University named best in UK in annual league table

Looking around the Tall Tales exhibition, the changing fashions through display of book jackets is striking. The Mediterranean colours of Ernest Hemingways The Old Man and the Sea, the darker tones of William Goldings The Pyramid, or the action and adventure of Ian Flemings Casino Royale  with artwork by the author himself.

You cant go up into the university library tower without a trip down memory lane, especially if you, like me, were a bookish child.

Id forgotten, until I spotted Five Fall into Adventure (1950), my excitement aged seven of devouring all my fathers dog-eared copies of the Famous Five. What a guilty pleasure to see those old friends again in the exhibition.

At the time they were published, librarians would never have considered the books in the tower important (Cambridge University)

Perhaps you might not expect to find the original series of the Mr Men in a university library, but arent you glad these much-loved characters will still be here in hundreds of years, representing one of the most successful picture books of all time with sales of over 100 million copies in 28 countries worldwide? And to think it all began when Roger Hargreaves son asked him what a tickle looked like.

Preserving the documentary heritage, which is what the UK and Ireland copyright libraries do for the nation, is about retaining the breadth of what is published. There is a suspicion that Cambridges strength of secondary holdings from the mid-19th century onwards came about not so much because of a positive desire to collect (as is now the case) but because it was easier to accept every book than to make decisions on each item.

But there are signs of selectivity on secondary periodicals of the period, driven by space, and that selection reflects the taste and social judgements of the time. We have The Girls Own Annual (in the exhibition), but not the less respectable Victorian title Tit-Bits, which ran for 80 years from the 1880s. We only started taking the Beano in 1976 (about the time I began waiting for it to drop through the letter box so I could read Dennis the Menace), although it started between the wars; but the Eagle  a more middle-class magazine for children  we have from its first issue in 1950.

The space issue is a serious one. In 2000/01, Cambridge University Library was receiving about 1,600 printed books a week (85,000 per year) and about 1,800 serial parts (newspapers and so on). Even with 17 floors, a growth rate of two miles a year is far from sustainable.

To help meet our responsibility as part of the national collection, we have just opened a brand new book store in nearby Ely. It doesnt have a tower but it does have more than 100 kilometres of shelves reaching 11 metres high (imagine two giraffes).

Legal deposit also moved into the digital age on 6 April 2013, when new legislation for electronic deposit came into force. Since then, weve received a little over 250,000 ebooks on deposit and 270,000 printed books.

There is also now a Non-Print Legal Deposit UK Web Archive, which includes millions of UK websites and surely must be the digital tower collection of popular ephemera for the future. Ironically, under the terms of current legislation, this internet treasure trove can only be accessed in the physical reading rooms of the copyright libraries, despite its electronic format.

What, finally, about the Victorian pornography? It has long been a student myth in Cambridge that the librarys tower is where the more risque books are hidden away from prying eyes.

A visit to the exhibition will be a trip down memory lane for many (Cambridge University)

While the exhibition debunks this story, works of a sexual nature do come into the library and for many years were secreted away in a collection that came to be known as the Arc (from the Latin for secret things).

The Arc used to be stored in the safety of the librarians office. Today the remainder of the Arc is in the vaults and the majority of modern additions are books that have been withdrawn from publication for legal reasons, like libel.

And in my office, no more forbidden books but a print of a rare suffragette poster, one of 14 originally shelved in the tower until recently on display in the library to mark 100 years of womens suffrage. Times do change and, as the second female Cambridge university librarian in 600 years, these symbols do matter.

This year, for the first time, the rainbow flag flew from the iconic library tower to mark LGBT+ history month and show that our city and university are places where people can be themselves without fear of discrimination.

The Cambridge University Library is the work of architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who also gave us the much loved red telephone box (the design of which is mirrored in the librarys tall windows), Battersea Power Station, and the Bankside Power Station (now Tate Modern).

Its an irony of the exhibition that the tower, home of so many cultural riches, was an afterthought, not in the original plans. Philanthropist John D Rockefeller, who generously provided much of the funding for the building, felt it needed a bold statement to reflect its academic standing.

Tall Tales hopes to make the secrets of the university library welcoming and open to all visitors. The treasures were proud to display provide a rare insight to a wealth of ephemeral and popular literature that little survives today outside of the copyright libraries.

The exhibition is a testament to the importance of legal deposit  both print and now electronic  which has been part of English law since 1662, helping to ensure our nations publications, and thus intellectual and cultural history, is collected and preserved for all future generations.

Tall Tales: Secrets of the Tower is open until 28 October 2018. Dr Jessica Gardner is Cambridge Universitys librarian and director of library services@CamUniLibrarianJames Bulgers father has launched a legal challenge to stop killer Jon Venables being protected by a lifelong anonymity order.

He kidnapped, tortured and murdered the toddler with friend Robert Thompson in Merseyside in 1993, when they were both 10 years old.

Ralph Bulger and his brother, Jimmy, are appealing to the most senior family judge in England and Wales to overturn an injunction that prevents identification of the person previously known as Jon Venables.

Their lawyer told the High Court that the 2001 ruling was granted on the basis he had been rehabilitated and would not reoffend, but a string of cautions and convictions including for child sex offences show the situation has changed.

Solicitor-advocate Robin Makin said he needed material relating to the injunction almost two decades ago to prepare his case.

Sir James Munby, president of the family division, gave him until 4 June to confirm precisely how Jamess relatives want the anonymity order to be changed or scrapped.

The court heard that Venables had been granted legal aid to cover the proceedings.

Jamess mother, Denise Fergus, said she was not involved in the application because she did not want Venables or his family to be targeted by vigilantes.

 James Bulger's mother says Jon Venables 2018 sentence a "farce"

I understand the motivation for the application, but my concern is that if Venables were known by his own name, it could lead to vigilante action and innocent people being hurt, she added.

He was released on licence in 2001 after serving eight years in a secure childrens home and was later granted lifetime anonymity by a High Court judge.

While living under a new identity, Venables has been formally cautioned several times for violating parole conditions, getting into drunken fights and possessing class A drugs.

Recommended Social media users could face jail for naming James Bulger killer

He was sentenced to a further two years in prison in 2010 after admitting downloading and distributing indecent images of children, then jailed again for 40 months in February.

Now 31, Venables pleaded guilty to possessing more than 1,000 pictures of children as young as six and a sickening paedophile manual.

Ms Fergus, who attended the hearing, called the sentence a farce because this is reoffending and there is a pattern of behaviour.

She said that if Venables was ever released on parole again, he must be kept on a very tight leash.

When he was arrested he told police he was plagued by stupid urges and had let people down.

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The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. 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PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. 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PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA

Venables and Thompson had been playing truant from school and stealing from shops when they spotted two-year-old James at the New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, Merseyside, on 12 February 1993.

The pair led him out of the area by hand and walked him across Liverpool past dozens of people, telling people who challenged them that James was their younger brother or lost.

They tortured James on a railway line near a disused station, leaving him with so many injuries that none could be ruled a fatal blow.

Venables and Thompson then left his body on the tracks to be mutilated by a passing train in a failed attempt to present his death as an accident, later becoming the youngest convicted murderers of the 20th century.

The horrific case shocked Britain and sparked national debate about the age of criminal responsibility and how to deal with child offenders.

It has sparked several rounds of subsequent legal action, including a failed claim to the European Court of Human Rights where Thompson and Venables lawyers claimed their trial had not been impartial.

In 1999, Jamess parents applied to the same court in an attempt to be awarded rights over the length of the killers prison sentences, but it was not granted.

Several people have been convicted of other offences relating to the case, including attempting to identify Venables and Thompson, posing as them and stalking Ms Fergus.

Additional reporting by PAOrganised criminal gangs are selling badgers for up to 700 each to be used in vicious fights with dogs, experts warn.

Former paramilitaries in Ireland, both north and south of the border, are among those involved in the illegal and cruel trade, which involves gambling large sums of money, say wildlife groups.

And it is feared the governments multi-million-pound badger cull is fuelling the gangs thirst for badgers to subject to battles with dogs.

Police in the West Country issued a warning about the involvement of crime syndicates in badger persecution as they asked the public to keep an eye out for wildlife crime.

Operation Badger is a nationwide police operation aiming to catch offenders thought to be organising betting schemes on fights pitting dogs against badgers.

Dorset Police said: Some offenders travel vast distances through different counties committing thefts and burglaries. Their dogs can endure horrific injuries. A slow fate can await a pregnant badger, being mutilated, kicked, baited with dogs.

Badger baiting was banned in 1835 but has continued across the UK, largely passed down from father to son, according to the RSPCAs special operations unit, which investigates organised animal cruelty.

The criminals send small dogs such as terriers into a sett, trapping it, before a radio transmitter on its collar tells the diggers where to find the badger. The gangs will even try to intimidate landowners, according to the Northern Ireland Badger Group.

Dominic Dyer, chief executive of the Badger Trust, said he believed gambling on dog-fighting, cock-fighting and badger-baiting was on the rise, and that if a badger is captured alive it could be put in a fighting pen multiple times, increasing its value to the criminals.

A particular worry for us is around badger culling, he said, because there are large numbers of cagers  people who are paid 20-50 per badger when a cage is set at night and the animal is collected in the morning.

Thats not much money but when one is worth 500-700 on the black market theres the temptation to sell the badger on. Ive got no evidence but more people suddenly have a lot more access to badgers and there are no controls around the cull.

In Northern Ireland theres significant badger-baiting and a lot is linked to paramilitaries because theyve moved their illegal activity from terrorism. Theyre still very much underground and wildlife crime is linked to that.

Setting a badger onto a dog causes significant, painful injuries to both animals.

Ian Briggs, chief inspector of the RSPCAs special operations unit, said officers saw horrific injuries, particularly around a dogs lower jaw, where they lose a lot of flesh.

Because the criminals cant go to a vet, they self-medicate: they patch the dogs up with drugs bought from the internet. Eventually the flesh of the jaw may fall away. Weve seen dogs with their faces destroyed by these fights, said Mr Briggs.

There are people who have no respect for the law, for peoples property or the welfare of their dogs. They will steal from farms and go out and kill anything, be it badgers, foxes, a farm cat or deer.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA

In December 2016 a group of men from south Wales were jailed after they travelled to Devon to use their dogs in a series of abhorrent attacks on deer, badgers and foxes.

Plymouth magistrates saw graphic footage of the dogs attacks while the gangs ring leader looked on and gave encouragement.

Graham Coombes, 41, from Bovey Tracey, was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison with 3,000 costs for wildlife crimes.

Mr Briggs believes a forthcoming increase in maximum jail terms will deter some people on the sidelines from becoming involved in badger-baiting and dog fighting. Prison sentences are due to rise from a maximum of six months to five years.Victims of violent crime are dying on the streets while police forces lobby for more money to deal with rising demand, a senior officer has warned.

Amid a nationwide spike in stabbings and shootings, Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe told MPs a whole-system approach was needed to break cycles of bloodshed.

Speaking before the Home Affairs Committee, he said focusing on police officer numbers, which plummeted to a record low in the autumn, was missing a trick.

Yes we need to lobby for more resources, but while we lobby for those resources people are still dying on the streets, Ch Supt Boothe said.

Young people are crying out for services that have eroded after a number of years, so to expect something to be put in place and have an effect overnight - its not going to happen.

We need to be investing in this in the longer term to ensure we look at not just the current generation but the next ones coming along because they will just follow the same path.

He said the success of previous violence reduction programmes had caused funding to be cut because authorities thought a problem had gone, only for it to return in a year.

Ch Supt Boothe said a large portion of attacks are being committed by youths under 25 and police needed to engage with families, schools and communities to get to the root causes.

 London Shootings: 17-year-old girl dies after night of violence in Tottenham

He called for police to start innovating with local businesses to get young people at risk of being drawn into gangs, violence and criminality into employment and mentoring, adding: There are different ways of tackling this problem.

Statistics released last week showed that knife crime rose by 22 per cent across England and Wales and gun crime by 11 per cent in 2017, with more than 60 people murdered in London alone so far this year.

The governments first-ever Serious Violence Strategy has mounted a taskforce to collaborate on solutions, but the document was heavily criticised for omitting a Home Office document suggesting that budget cuts had likely contributed to rising violence and encouraged offenders.

Police officers appearing before the Home Affairs Committee emphasised the importance of neighbourhood policing, which has been hit hard by falling resources and the need to move officers into terrorism and other specialist areas.

Andy Higgins, research director at the Police Foundation, said there was no national definition of what neighbourhood policing is, leaving forces to adopt different approaches and leaving no accurate measure of officers in the role.

Garry Shewan, the retired assistant chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said there had been a degradation in the commitment to a neighbourhood policing model, which sees officers dedicated to small local areas.

Crime is changing very significantly, and to reduce it you have to have a close working relationship not just with the community but with all partners to understand why crime happens and come up with solutions, he said.

He argued that neighbourhood officers are best placed to solve problems and gather intelligence, including on gangs and extremism, at an early stage to prevent and disrupt crime.

Mr Shewan said cuts to the number of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), which have fallen by 30 per cent nationwide, would be acceptable as long as forces committed officers to the same role, but MPs heard that increasing pressure from the terror threat, violent crime, missing persons reports and mental health crises left them overstretched.

Mike Veale, the chief constable of Cleveland Police, said the demand on policing was more challenging now than ever in his 35-year career.

The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Show all 21 1 /21 The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Oluwadamilolda Odeyingbo Oluwadamilolda Odeyingbo, 18, was killed in a fight in Chislehurst on 10 January 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Hasan Ozcan Hasan Ozcan, 19, was stabbed to death on the Gascoigne Estate in Barking on 3 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Sabri Chibani Sabri Chibani, 19, was stabbed fatally in the chest in Streatham on 11 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Promise Nkenda Lord Promise Nkenda, 17, was stabbed to death in Canning Town on 14 February 2018 Facebook The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Lewis Blackman Lewis Blackman, a 19-year-old rapper from Kentish Town, was stabbed to death in Kensington on 18 February 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Abdikarim Hassan Abdikarim Hassan, 17, was stabbed to death near his home in Camden's Peckwater estate on 20 March - less tahan two hours before another man was stabbed to death nearby Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Kelvin Odunuyi Kelvin Odunuyi, a 19-year-old rapper known as DipDat and Lampz, was shot dead in Wood Green on 8 March Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Lyndon Davis Lyndon Davis, 18, was chased down and stabbed to death in Chadwell Heath on 14 March Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Tanesha Melbourne-Blake Tanesha Melbourne, 17, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Tottenham on 2 April PA The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Amaan Shakoor Amaan Shakoor, 16, was shot dead in Walthamstow on 2 April Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Israel Ogunsola Israel Ogunsola, 18, was stabbed to death in Hackney on 4 April Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, a 17-year-old rapper and aspiring architect, was shot dead in a Kennington Street on 5 May Handout The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Jordan Douherty Aspiring rapper Jordan Douherty died of his injuries outside a birthday party in Romford on 23 June Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Katrina Makunova Katrina Makunova, 17, was stabbed to death in Camberwell on 12 July 2018 Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Latwaan Griffiths 18-year-old Latwaan Griffiths was fatally stabbed on 25 July and died in hospital after being thrown off the back of a moped in Camberwell Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Guled Farah Guled Farah, 19, was shot in Walthamstow on 22 September Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Ethan Nedd-Bruce Ethan Nedd-Bruce, 18, died after he was shot outside a party at a flat in Greenwich, south-east London, on 22 October. He had also been stabbed, but the gunshot wound was the cause of death. Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Jay Hughes Jay Hughes, 15, died was fatally stabbed outside a chicken shop in Bellingham, south-east London, on 1 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Malcolm Mide-Madariola Malcolm Mide-Madariola, 17, was found suffering from a stab wound outside Clapham South Tube station on 2 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 John Ogunjobi John Ogunjobi, 16, died in front of his parents after he was stabbed in Greenleaf Close, Tulse Hill, on 5 November Metropolitan Police The teenagers murdered in London in 2018 Aron Warren Aron Warren, 18, was found stabbed in a flat block in Greenwich on 8 December and died at the scene Metropolitan Police

He cited rising cyber crime, terrorism, gang crime, mental health calls and missing people as challenges, while increased confidence in police causes more reports of sexual offences.

The demands on policing are growing at a time when the resources and budgets are decreasing, and the gap between the demand and resources is a challenge for all chiefs across the country, he said.

As social care declines, as some of the healthcare and mental health provision declines, the police service that was the last resort is now becoming the first resort.

Our officers and staff are now spending many, many hours filling the gaps that other public services are leaving.

Recommended Pioneering programme leads fight against knife crime in London

Chief Constable Veale said more than a quarter of a million missing persons incidents are being reported every year, placing an additional burden on police.

Dame Vera Bird, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners lead for victims, said only 22 per cent of calls in her home force of Northumbria are now related to criminal offences.

Chief Inspector Michael Brown OBE, mental health coordinator for the National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing, said that much of what we do is not connected to traditional idea of crime, but managing vulnerability.

Sophie Corlett, the director of external relations at Mind, said that increasing debt and housing instability was pushing more people into crisis.

The health service is not supporting people sufficiently and they are becoming more unwell than is right, she added.

(ONS (ONS)

Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Committee, called for police training on mental health to be improved.

Your police officers are going to be dealing with mental health cases all the time, she added. I feel quite worried about this if it is just one day ever in a police officers training.

The hearing came amid debate about the causes of rising violent crime across Britain.

A report by the government cited drug dealing and social media as key drivers, while claiming that the proportion of crime reported to police has increased even in areas where the amount actually being committed has stayed the same.

Meanwhile, police have called for more funding to turn around the loss of thousands of officers and voluntary groups are attacking cuts to youth services.

The government has announced millions of pounds of funding for specific projects, such as terrorism and police transformation, but refused to increase its own blanket grants and instead told forces to increase the amount of money they take from council tax.

Nick Hurd, the policing minister, said last week the government was taking urgent action against violent crime.

We will be announcing tough new laws to crack down on acid attacks and knife offences, he added.

And as crime changes, we will change our response - our Serious Violence Strategy places a new emphasis on steering young people away from a life of crime, while continuing to promote the strongest possible law enforcement response.Police are reviewing the security of all defected Russian spies living in the UK in the wake of the attack on Sergei Skripal, officials have revealed.

Sir Mark Sedwill, the national security adviser, said investigators have not yet identified who poisoned the former double agent and his daughter with nerve agent in Salisbury.

The police who are responsible for protective security and the various agencies alongside them are reviewing the security of all people who might be vulnerable, he told the Defence Committee.

Asked whether those responsible for the attack on Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia had been identified, he replied: Not yet, no.

But Sir Mark insisted that authorities had acted much faster than following the murder of another former Russian spy, Alexander Litvinenko, with radioactive polonium in 2006.

Mr Skripal, a 66-year-old former military intelligence colonel, had been living openly under his real name after being handed over in a 2010 spy swap and the attempted assassination increased fears held by other defectors.

Little over a week after the attack in Salisbury on 4 March, Russian businessman Nikolai Glushkov was found strangled at his London home.

Nikolai Glushkov, a businessman convicted of fraud in Russia, was murdered in his London home (PA/Metropolitan Police)

No one has been arrested in relation to his death and police investigations continue.

Scotland Yard said there was no immediate evidence of a link to the attack on Mr Skripal, but Mr Glushkovs links to Russian dissident Boris Berezovsky sparked fresh scrutiny over a string of suspicious deaths.

Sir Mark told MPs that Russia posed a wider existential threat to the UK, both through its nuclear capability and unconventional warfare.

What weve seen is more aggressive Russian behaviour, the development of hybrid warfare, and upgrades to their conventional military capabilities  some of them designed to threaten our own deterrent that quite rightly means were shifting the focus of defence, he said.

As weve seen most acutely in Salisbury, but with a range of other activities both in the UK and elsewhere, there is very aggressive cyber activity, subversion, money flowing into politics, information operations etc, the Russians are operating aggressively just below the level of armed conflict and that affects our national security.

He was grilled for more than two and a half hours on Britains defence capability.

Several MPs have called for the UK to increase security funding and modify plans originally drawn up several years ago in light of the changing threats posed by cyber attacks, hybrid warfare and terrorist groups such as Isis.

Sir Mark told the Defence Committee spending was already increasing year on year and was above Natos benchmark of 2 per cent of GDP, saying allies should increase their own contribution.

Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Scene of attack Members of the emergency services in hazard suits fix the tent over the bench where Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury in March 2018. Getty Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Victim - Sergei Skripal The retired Russian colonel and former double agent for MI6 was in a critical condition in hospital for more than two months after being exposed to novichok in Salisbury. He was given refuge in the UK after being jailed in Moscow for treason. Mr Skripal came to Britain as part of a high-profile spy swap in 2010 in which four men were exchanged for ten Russian "sleeper agents" in the US. In this image he is speaking to his lawyer from behind bars in Moscow in 2006. AP Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Victim - Yulia Skripal Yulia Skripal was struck down by a novichok poison alongside her father Sergei. Facebook Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Scene of attack A police officer stands guard outside a branch of the Italian chain restaurant Zizzi where the pair dined at before falling ill. It was boarded off whilst investigators worked on the building and later found traces of the chemical weapon within it. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Scene of attack Large areas of central Salisbury were cordoned off by police following the discovery of the Skripals. Traces of nerve agent were also found in The Mill pub. PA Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Victim - Nick Bailey Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, rushed to the aid of the Russian ex-spy and his daughter who were targeted with a nerve agent. He was hospitalized after aiding them and didn't leave until three weeks after the attack. Wiltshire Police/Rex Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Police investigation - Skripals home Police believe they were poisoned at home, and detectives found the highest concentration of novichok on the front door of Mr Skripals house. Getty Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Theresa May visits scene of attack Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May spokes with Wiltshire Police's Chief Constable Kier Pritchard near where the Skripal's were found. Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats over the nerve agent poisoning and suspended high-level contacts, including for the World Cup on March 14. Theresa May told parliament that Russia had failed to respond to her demand for an explanation on how a Soviet-designed chemical, Novichok, was used in Salisbury. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Skripal days before attack Sergei Skripal days before he was exposed to Novichok, that has left him fighting for life. ITV News Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Police investigation - military involvement British soldiers were deployed soon after the attack to help a counter-terrorism investigation into the nerve agent attack. One of the places they were asked to help out with was Skripal's home and it's surrounding. They were asked to remove a vehicle connected to the agent attack in Salisbury, from a residential street in Gillingham. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Police investigation Personnel in protective coveralls and breathing equipment cover an ambulance with a tarpaulin at the Salisbury District Hospital. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Police investigation The investigation extended to the grave of Sergei Skripal's son Alexander in London Road cemetery. Getty Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Police investigation The Counter Terrorism Policing Network requested assistance from the military to remove a number of vehicles and objects from Salisbury. EPA Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Home Secretary visits scene of attack Home Secretary Amber Rudd visited the scene of the nerve agent attack at the Maltings shopping centre on 9 March. Getty Skripal attack aftermath  in pictures Yulia Skripal speaks for the first time Yulia Skripal, speaking for the first time, said she felt lucky to have survived the nerve agent attack in Salisbury which left her fighting for life. Ms Skripal said her life had been turned upside down by the assassination attempt. But the Russian national added she hoped to return to her homeland one day, despite the Kremlin being blamed for the attack. Reuters

Nato needs to spend more on defence  its not just the UK up against Russia, its Nato thats the lynchpin of our defence, he added.

Im not arguing for or against increase in defence budget.

There has been heavy criticism over delays to the F-35 aircraft programme and new aircraft carriers, with Sir Mark admitting the ships will have to be escorted in contested waters by other countries assets.

He insisted the UK was still a major player in terms of global military capability, despite eye-watering gaps between what the Ministry of Defence wants to buy and can afford.

Sir Mark admitted that there were areas he would personally like to invest in but refused to name them or be drawn on whether he had discussed extra cash with Theresa May.

There are areas of vulnerability across the entire national security architecture, not just in government, a lot of this is outside government as well, he said.

Given the nature of modern warfare and the nature of non-state threats... yes I would like to invest.

The grilling came after Gavin Williamson, the defence secretary, called on people from technology and communications professions to join the UKs reserve forces to help combat disinformation campaigns.

In an interview with The House magazine, he said that army recruitment should be about looking to different people who maybe think, as a journalist: What are my skills in terms of how are they relevant to the armed forces?

They are more relevant today than anything else, having those skills, whether it be journalists, those people with amazing cyber and IT skills, those people with the ability to really understand about getting messages across.A terminally ill man has begun an Appeal Court challenge against a ban on assisted dying, arguing he should not be forced to endure a distressing and undignified death.

Noel Conway, who says he feels entombed by his motor neurone disease, is fighting for the right to enlist medical professionals to end his life.

Yhe High Court rejected the 68-year-olds challenge to the Suicide Act, which criminalises euthanasia last October. However, in January judges said the retired lecturer from Shrewsbury could appeal that ruling.

Mr Conway, who wants the right to an assisted death when he has six months left to live, still has the mental capacity to choose to die and has made a voluntary, clear, settled and informed decision.

He is proposing High Court judge should determine if a person meets those criteria.

Outlining his case to three senior judges, his lawyers said the law currently interferes with his rights. The court must decide whether that interference is justified and proportionate, they added.

The question for this court is not a very generalised one of the morality or ethics of allowing doctors to assist patients to die," Nathalie Lieven QC said.

The question for this court is rather a focused one of whether for this very specific cohort, ie terminally ill people with less than six months to live, the ban is justifiable because of an impact on the weak and vulnerable.

Mr Conway had previously asked the High Court for a declaration that the Suicide Act 1961 is incompatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which relates to respect for private and family life, and Article 14, which protects from discrimination.

He was too unwell to travel to London for the hearing but will watch proceedings over a video link from Telford Crown Court.

In a statement ahead of the hearing, he said he is now dependent on a ventilator for up to 23 hours a day and only has movement in his right hand, head and neck.

I know this decline will continue until my inevitable death, he said. This I have sadly come to terms with, but what I cannot accept is that the law in my home country denies me the right to die on my own terms. Why can I not be given the chance to say goodbye to my loved ones and go with dignity, in my own home, when the time is right for me?"

He added: Ive been touched by the outpouring of support and well wishes Ive had from members of the public, others nearing the end of their lives and people who have seen just how much damage our broken law can do. For all of these people, I will keep on fighting.

Mr Conway said his current options are to effectively suffocate by choosing to remove his ventilator or to spend thousands of pounds travelling to Switzerland to end his life, knowing his family would risk prosecution if helped.

Ms Lieven told the court there is serious objective evidence upon which Mr Conway concludes there is a real risk his death would not be quick and painless if he refuses ventilation.

She added: Mr Conway reiterates that, if suitable safeguards are in place, the wider interests of society cannot possibly be said to require him to undergo such a death in the name of securing against possible risks to weak and vulnerable individuals.

The barrister argued that a proper analysis of the safeguards proposed by Mr Conway would have shown that the current blanket ban on assisted suicide is not necessary. She said the proposal of having a High Court judge oversee the process was at the heart of the issue.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 1 October 2021 A driver talks to members of the media after passing his HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving test at National Driving Centre in Croydon, south London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. 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Ms Lieven also argued Mr Conways proposals could not pose any wider risk to society.

She said: Mr Conway is dying because of the effects of his illness any change in the law could not, itself, increase the number of those with terminal illnesses. It could not therefore, per se, give rise to any increase in risk of death amongst (for instance) those with disabilities who are not terminally ill, and hence any wider risk to the general community.

Indeed, it could just as easily be said that the real question is not whether the wider interests of society require Mr Conway to be denied assistance with dying, but whether society, as a whole, can be said to have any legitimate interest in denying Mr Conway any choice in when and how he dies in circumstances where he is already dying in other words, to exercise one of the few meaningful decisions about his end of life that remain available to him.

Ms Lieven said it was for Mr Conway to decide what he considers to be distressing and undignified and that he is the best judge on a matter as intimately personal as how he dies.

Mr Conway is being represented by law firm Irwin Mitchell and supported by the campaign group Dignity in Dying and Humanists UK.

His appeal is opposed by the Secretary of State for Justice, with campaign groups Care Not Killing and Not Dead Yet UK also making submissions against it.

The appeal before Sir Terence Etherton, Sir Brian Leveson and Lady Justice King is expected to last three days.A detective accused of having affairs with activists while undercover is facing calls for him to be prosecuted under laws used to jail a lesbian for tricking a woman into sex by posing as a man.

Detective Constable Jim Boyling also faces a police disciplinary hearing over a relationship that led to him marrying and having two children with one woman activist.

In defending himself, however, he has delivered a stinging attack on his Scotland Yard superiors, claiming: "The Met does a good line in selectivede amnesia, as indeed they do in selective disclosure."

Mr Boyling is reported to have had sexual relationships with three women while infiltrating protest groups in the 1990s. He is one of a string of officers from a now disbanded Metropolitan Police unit whose activities are now the subject of the Undercover Policing Inquiry, which has yet to hear evidence.

The undercover detective, who used the cover name Jim Sutton, married and had two children with one of the women after revealing his identity to her. She later divorced him and accused him of having used an arsenal of police resources to lure her into a relationship. His relationship with this woman will be the subject of a disciplinary hearing that will be held in secret this week.

In his defence, Mr Boyling, a police officer with 30 years' experience, has now said: "I was astonished to find, when some elements of our story appeared in the press in 2011, that the Met disclaimed all knowledge.

"I had in fact been discussing it fully with them only a few weeks previously and had made a full written declaration of our marriage to the vetting unit within a week of it taking place.

"We were divorced in 2009, which I again notified in writing to the Met. The Met does a good line in selective amnesia, as indeed they do in selective disclosure."

Mr Boyling revealed that both his children with the woman activist are "severely disabled with limited life expectancy".

Accusing the Metropolitan Police of singling him out to satisfy its press strategy, he added: "If you're going to pick on anybody, the family with the terminally ill children will probably be the weakest."

At the same time, however, another woman activist has revealed she is seeking a full High Court judicial review of the Crown Prosecution Services decision against prosecuting Mr Boyling for sexual offences or misconduct in public office.

Gayle Newland was jailed for six years after duping a female friend into sex by pretending to be a man (PA)

Her lawyer said the CPS should consider prosecuting Mr Boyling using the laws around sexual assault by deception that led to Gayle Newland being jailed for using a deep voice, a prosthetic penis and a blindfold to trick her victim into thinking she was having sex with a man.

Monica told the BBC she had a six-month affair with Mr Boyling in 1997 after he posed as Jim Sutton to infiltrate the anti-capitalist environmentalist group Reclaim the Streets.

She said: I was encouraged to be intimate and sexual with somebody who I would never ever have got involved with if I had known who he was, if I had known his true motives and his true identity.

I loved him in a way. At the time I thought he had genuine feelings for me. But now I look at that and I think actually this man was trained. He was a successful police officer. He was duping us all.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 4 October 2021 A delegate passes a street cleaner on the second day of the annual Conservative Party Conference being held at the Manchester Central convention centre AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2021 Margaret Thatcher-themed mugs for sale at the annual Conservative Party conference in Manchester EPA UK news in pictures 2 October 2021 A couple make their way through a flooded underpass in Bristol as a yellow weather warning for rain and wind is issued for parts of the UK Tom Wren/SWNS UK news in pictures 1 October 2021 A driver talks to members of the media after passing his HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving test at National Driving Centre in Croydon, south London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. 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PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA

Monica said that Jim Sutton later disappeared under circumstances that werent clear to her or other activists  a tactic used by undercover officers to extract themselves at the end of their investigations.

She only learnt of his true identity years later, after the undercover policing scandal broke in 2010.

It provoked fury about undercover detectives having sex with activists while they were supposed to be monitoring groups deemed by the authorities to be a threat to public order.

Some of the affected women claimed: The level of deception perpetrated by state agents seeking to undermine movements for social change is more akin to that of the Stasi in East Germany.

The Metropolitan Police issued a public apology and paid compensation to at least 12 women.

But in August 2014 the CPS announced the officers would face no criminal charges, saying that after a thorough investigation there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction for any offences against any of the officers.

Monica appealed against the decision under the Victims Right to Review scheme, but was unsuccessful.

She is now seeking a judicial review, and has issued a statement explaining: "The whitewashing of these serious human rights abuses must stop.

"I am appalled by the hypocrisy of police and government, who on one hand wring their hands, apologise, say this was terrible and must never happen again, yet on the other provide no disclosure, protect the perpetrators, and hold no one to account.

Her lawyer Harriet Wistrich said the CPS should also have considered the offence of procuring someone for sex, as well as the case law that secured Ms Newlands conviction.

She said: "The CPS have prosecuted and sent to prison young women who deceived others as to their gender, but when it comes to wholesale deception as to identity by police officers, they entirely excuse behaviour which has been demonstrated to have caused significant psychological damage to all the women concerned."

Mr Boyling was suspended from duty in November 2015. He now faces a police disciplinary hearing over the relationship with the activist he married.

The relationship, and Mr Boyling's true identity, were revealed when the woman told The Guardian she had met the undercover policeman shortly after the June 1999 Carnival Against Capitalism in London, where there had been clashes between police and some anti-capitalist demonstrators who had smashed windows and brawled with City traders.

At the time Mr Boyling was posing as Reclaim the Streets activist Jim Sutton.

The woman said she had a year-long relationship with Jim Sutton, without realising he was a police officer, before he claimed he was leaving to hitchhike to South Africa via Turkey.

A year later, the woman said, they were reunited when she found him in Kingston, south-west London.

At that point, she said, he revealed he was a police officer. They allegedly rekindled their affair and had two children together, marrying in 2005.

The woman alleged that Mr Boyling persuaded her to change her name by deed poll, saying she now believed this was to stop his police superiors discovering the relationship.

She claimed Mr Boyling had once scoffed at his superiors suggestion that undercover officers should avoid sex with activists, allegedly telling her that detectives had needs and that the relationships were a necessary tool in maintaining cover.

The couple divorced in 2009.

Mr Boyling stressed that he used his real name and registered his occupation as a police officer on the marriage certificate and the birth certificates of both his children. He said his ex-wife knew he had worked undercover and had spoken to other officers about it.

Mr Boyling, who is now in his fifties, said the relationship with the woman he married was genuine and had nothing to do with his deployment.

He said: "The disciplinary charge from the Met specifies that I had a relationship which constituted misconduct because it was 'without a police purpose'.

"The position of the Met appears to be that a relationship entered into as an operational tactic is acceptable, but a genuine one resulting in marriage and children constitutes misconduct."

He is, however, not contesting the Met disciplinary hearing because he says he cannot afford to stay in London during the proceedings, and does not wish to drag former colleagues and his ex-wife through the process.

The officer, who is now aged in his 50s, will however, give evidence to the public inquiry into undercover policing.

He feels he has been singled out to justify the cost of Operation Herne, a police inquiry into the activities of undercover officers.

He said: "I trust that a more accurate picture of police covert operations may emerge from the Undercover Policing Inquiry, including perhaps the testimony of others who formed genuine relationships during the course of a deployment lasting several years.

"There are a documented number of such cases which have always previously been sympathetically dealt with.

"It seems to me that my case has been handled differently purely in order to satisfy the Met's current press strategy, and the need for Operation Herne to show some sort of return for the millions of pounds of public money they have spent."

Mr Boylings lawyers declined to comment to the BBC about Monica's accusations.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Once a misconduct hearing has started, it would be inappropriate to comment outside of that process on information that may be raised during those proceedings."Brexit talks between British and European Commission officials will resume later this week in Brussels, following a warning from Brussels that time is limited to solve the Irish border issue.

Chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday said the border issue needed substantive progress before the European Council summit at the end of June.

There are just four more rounds of meetings scheduled before the summit, with officials having paused their meetings last week to take stock.

Recommended EU gives Britain June deadline on Northern Ireland border issue

Negotiations will take place on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday  with the UK side being led by Olly Robbins, Theresa Mays Downing Street Brexit chief, rather than Brexit Secretary David Davis.

Sabine Weyand, Michel Barniers deputy and Mr Robbinss coordinator counterpart, will lead officials on the UK side.

The Irish border and separation issues are expected to dominate talks, with discussions between Mr Robbins and Ms Weyand also set to take place. The round of talks will end with a stock-taking exercise.

Mr Barnier was in Ireland and Northern Ireland on Monday and Tuesday of this week meeting with civil society and business leaders in border communities to discuss the impact of Brexit. Mr Davis, who is not expected to travel to Brussels for this round of meetings, also visited the border earlier this month.

The EU chief negotiator earlier this week said there was a need for a self-standing backstop solution to the Irish border which would prevent a hard border in the event of other issues not being agreed.

David Davis is not expected to travel to Brussels for the round (AP)

He said major parts of the border issue needed to be agreed rapidly by June and warned there was a real risk that talks could collapse over the issue.

DUP leader Arlene Foster meanwhile accused Mr Barnier of not understanding the unionist position on the border.

British diplomats in Brussels are confident that a solution can be found to the border, and say they want to make progress as quickly as possible. But they argue that solving the issue needed discussions on the future relationship, which only started last week after months of insistence by the UK.

Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An abandoned shop is seen in Mullan, Co Monaghan. The building was home to four families who left during the Troubles. The town was largely abandoned after the hard border was put in place during the conflict. Mullan has seen some regeneration in recent years, but faces an uncertain future with Brexit on the horizon Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A defaced Welcome to Northern Ireland sign stands on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Mervyn Johnson owns a garage in the border town of Pettigo, which straddles the counties of Donegal and Fermanagh. Ive been here since 1956, it was a bit of a problem for a few years. My premises has been blown up about six or seven times, we just kept building and starting again, Johnson said laughing. We just got used to it [the hard border] really but now that its gone, we wouldn't like it back again Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Farmer Gordon Crocketts Coshquin farm straddles both Derry/Londonderry in the North and Donegal in the Republic. At the minute there is no real problem, you can cross the border as free as you want. We could cross it six or eight times a day, said Crockett. If there was any sort of obstruction it would slow down our work every day Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures John Murphy flies the European flag outside his home near the border village of Forkhill, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Potter Brenda McGinn stands outside her Mullan, Co Monaghan, studio  the former Jas Boylan shoe factory which was the main employer in the area until it shut down due to the Troubles. When I came back, this would have been somewhere you would have driven through and have been quite sad. It was a decrepit looking village, said McGinn, whose Busy Bee Ceramics is one of a handful of enterprises restoring life to the community. Now this is a revitalised, old hidden village Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Union Flag colours painted on kerbstones and bus-stops along the border village of Newbuildings, Co Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Grass reflected in Lattone Lough, which is split by the border between Cavan and Fermanagh, seen from near Ballinacor, Northern Ireland Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Donegalman David McClintock sits in the Border Cafe in the village of Muff, which straddles Donegal and Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An old Irish phone box stands alongside a bus stop in the border town of Glaslough, Co Monaghan Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Billboards are viewed from inside a disused customs hut in Carrickcarnon, Co Down, on the border with Co Louth in the Republic Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Seamus McQuaid takes packages that locals on the Irish side of the border have delivered to his business, McQuaid Auto-Parts, to save money on postal fees, near the Co Fermanagh village of Newtownbutler. I live in the south but the business is in the North, said McQaid. "I wholesale into the Republic of Ireland so if theres duty, Ill have to set up a company 200 yards up the road to sell to my customers. Ill have to bring the same product in through Dublin instead of Belfast Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A disused Great Northern Railway line and station that was for customs and excise on the border town of Glenfarne, Co Leitrim Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Alice Mullen, from Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, does her shopping at a former customs post on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh. Id be very worried if it was a hard border, I remember when people were divided. I would be very afraid of the threat to the peace process, it was a dreadful time to live through. Even to go to mass on a Sunday, youd have to go through checkpoints. It is terribly stressful, said Mullen. All those barricades and boundaries were pulled down. I see it as a huge big exercise of trust and I do believe everyone breathed a sigh of relief Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A bus stop and red post box stand in the border town of Jonesborough, Co Armagh Reuters

Brussels has consistently said that the whole withdrawal agreement, including citizens rights, the financial settlement, transition period, and Northern Ireland border needs to be agreed by the October meeting of the European Council in order to give time for the deal to be scrutinised and approved by bodies such as the European parliament.

The council, a quarterly Brussels summit attended by the 28 EU heads of state and government, generally has to sign off major decisions made by the European Union. With Britain set to fall out of the EU on 29 March 2019, the only real opportunity for the council to approve any deal after October would be a further summit in December. The next summit is scheduled for 21 March 2019, a date both sides want to avoid dragging talks out untilThe immigration minister has made a face-to-face apology to members of the Windrush generation who have been wrongly threatened with deportation and denied their rights in Britain.

Speaking to a room of people affected by the recent scandal, Caroline Nokes said she was personally sorry to those affected, and pledged to put things right as swiftly and effectively as possible.

To everybody who has been affected by this appalling scandal - Im sorry, said Ms Nokes, before making a personal apology to Paulette Wilson, a Jamaican woman who was last year threatened with deportation despite being in Britain for 50 years.

The meeting in Parliament, organised by Labour MP David Lammy, was attended by around a dozen MPs and most of the high-profile Windrush cases that have been highlighted by The Guardian in recent weeks.

I recognise that we as a government have a huge job on our hands to do to regain trust. I appreciate that this is going to take both effort and commitment. I hope it will not take too much time," Ms Nokes continued.

"I just wish to say formerly on record how sorry I am that this has happened on my watch, and how determined I am on my watch to put it right.

Jeremy Corbyn, who was also present, said he believed the crisis marked a seminal moment in the debate around racism and race relations in Britain, as well as stating that all of those affected should be quickly compensated.

If one thing has come out of this Windrush scandal, its that a lot of people have woken up and begun to understand what kind of country we live in and and what kind of country we want to be, the Labour leader said.

This conversation is a seminal moment in the hole debate about racism and race relations in Britain. I hope this turning point leads us to be a better, more cohesive, respectful society as a result.

Elwaldo Romeo, who was told he was in the UK illegally after living here for 60 years, thanked those who supported him resolve his case, but added: Its hurtful.. But Im one of the lucky ones.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA

Sarah OConnor, who has been told she cannot work despite coming to Britain 51 years ago, revealed the stress of her immigration battle made her suicidal: I wanted at times to take my own life. I was only six when I came over here.

"I was growing up when the National Front was about  as time went on I believed that was gone," she said. "But now with all this its become a hostile country again.

Labour MPs will raise questions about how members of the Windrush generation embroiled in the scandal will be compensated, and question the government on wider immigration issues that have arisen, in the Commons on Wednesday.Labour is to use an obscure parliamentary procedure to try to force the government to release secret documents relating to the Windrush scandal.

The party will force a House of Commons vote on Wednesday in a bid to compel ministers to hand over internal correspondence revealing what they knew about the problems being faced by Windrush immigrants, and how they responded.

The same technique was used by Labour to successfully force the government to give parliament access to 58 Brexit economic assessments that ministers had previously fought to keep private.

The motion on which MPs will vote on Wednesday demands the government give the Home Affairs Committee all Windrush-related documents and correspondence, including emails and text messages, from May 2010 to the present day.

It covers all communications between ministers, their special advisers and civil servants relating to the cases of Windrush generation immigrants.

Labour hopes to uncover how much ministers knew about the difficulties facing many members of Windrush generation. Amber Rudd, the former home secretary who was forced to resign over the matter, said she had only become aware of the cases in recent months, and had not recognised they were part of a wider problem.

The ancient procedure Labour is using gives the House of Commons the power to force ministers to release government documents to parliament. This is done by presenting a humble address to the Queen asking her to order the government to release the files.

The motion is binding and, if passed, would force ministers to make the papers available.

The procedure was commonly used by the Commons until the middle of the 19th century and is still used by parliamentary select committees to obtain government documents.

Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty

Ahead of the vote, Diane Abbott, Labours shadow home secretary, said: "With the resignation of Amber Rudd, Theresa May has lost her human shield and must now fully account for the policies she created and drove through from the Home Office into Downing Street.

"The Windrush scandal has exposed something rotten at the heart of government. We need to know what has led to this situation.

"If the prime minister is too weak to be accountable, Labour will have to force her to be accountable. We have had enough of ministers trying to dodge questions and blame others, we need full disclosure of all the facts."

The motion being tabled in the Commons asks the Queen to tell government ministers to release all papers, correspondence and advice including emails and text messages, from 11 May 2010 up to and including 1 May 2018, to and between ministers, senior officials and special advisers relating to policy decisions including on the Immigration Acts 2014 and 2016 with regard the Windrush generation cases, including deportations, detentions and refusal of re-entry, the setting of deportation and removal targets and their effect on the Windrush generation.

It also asks for papers relating to Downing Streets refusal to meet with Caribbean heads of state to discuss the issue  a decision that ignited the row that has engulfed the government in recent weeks  and all documents concerning the governments Immigration Implementation Taskforce.

The Windrush fiasco has already forced Ms Rudd to resign and piled pressure on Ms May over the hostile environment immigration policies she implemented as home secretary between 2010 and 2016. Should the documents be released, the prime minister could face fresh scrutiny over how much she knew about the treatment of Windrush immigrations and whether she ignored warnings of the impact her policies were having.Fresh questions have been raised over Theresa Mays hardline stance on immigration after reports emerged suggesting she had intervened to stop doctors from overseas coming to the UK.

The prime minister is said to have overruled other cabinet ministers arguing that more foreign doctors were desperately needed to help meet staff shortages in the NHS.

Despite pressure from the home secretary, health secretary and business secretary, Ms May is said to have refused to budge on rules that restrict the number of visas given to specialist workers from overseas.

The claims, reported by the Evening Standard, are likely to fresh pressure on Ms May to defend her immigration policy in the wake of the Windrush scandal that forced the resignation of her home secretary, Amber Rudd.

Recommended Fury as Home Office denies visas to 100 Indian doctors

The prime minister has been widely criticised for the hostile environment she presided over as home secretary between 2010 and 2016.

The latest reports suggest Ms May denied requests for visa rules to be relaxed in order to allow more doctors and other skilled workers to come to Britain.

As well as Ms Rudd, Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, and Greg Clark, the business secretary, are reported to have urged the prime minister to soften her stance.

They are said to have been lobbying Downing Street for several months amid growing concern among NHS executives and business leaders about the impact visa restrictions, coupled with Brexit, are having on the availability of skilled workers in the UK.

Last week, NHS executives warned the tough visa restrictions, designed to help the Conservatives meet their promise to cut net migration to the tens of thousands, have led to more than 400 overseas doctors being turned away since December and are depriving hospitals of desperately needed staff.

Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty

Despite growing pressure, the Standard quoted a Whitehall source as saying Ms May had absolutely refused to budge on the issue.

Another source is reported to have said: I think Jeremy and Amber were on the same page on this but No 10 were in a different place entirely.

The cap had been reached for several months consecutively and the pressures on business and the health service were building up.

The row centres on quotas that restrict the number of Tier 2 visas for specialist workers that are granted each year.

The annual limit is currently set at 20,700, but if the quota for each month is met then skilled workers seeking to come to the UK are refused. This has been the case for each of the past six months, leading businesses and NHS bosses to warn about a crippling lack of skilled staff.

 Windrush scandal: What you need to know

Asked about the story a Downing Street spokesman said it remained essential to have control of our immigration system.

He added: We are monitoring the situation in relation to visa applications for doctors, including the monthly limits through the Tier 2 visa route.

The governments tough approach to immigration has been widely questioned following the Windrush scandal, which saw people who have lived in the UK legally for decades caught up in efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration. Ms Rudds replacement as home secretary, Sajid Javid, used his first Commons outing in his new role to describe the term hostile environment as incorect and unhelpful.Tory rebels have vowed to force Theresa May to crack down on dirty money being sheltered in UK tax havens, after an attempt to head off the revolt fell flat.

The MPs plan to force overseas territories, such as the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands, to reveal the identities of the global super-rich hiding their funds in those jurisdictions.

Campaigners say the secrecy allows money laundering - including by corrupt Russian oligarchs brought into focus by the poisoning of the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, in Salisbury.

Recommended Going after the Russian money

Britain has introduced an open, public register of beneficial ownership, to reveal who owns assets held in often-complex shell companies, but the overseas territories refused the move.

In a bid to stave off likely defeat in the Commons later today on the Sanctions Bill, the Foreign Office pledged to work internationally to introduce public registers as the global standard by 2023.

But Andrew Mitchell, the former Conservative International Development Secretary leading the revolt, said the move changed nothing and that his challenge would go ahead.

He told The Independent: Its now time to staunch the illicit flow of secret tainted money and make clear we will not allow it under our flag.

Mr Mitchell said around 20 Tories would vote with him, to force British overseas territories and crown dependencies to introduce transparency by the end of 2020.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA

In alliance with Labour and the other Opposition parties, that would be comfortably enough to defeat the government.

Mr Mitchell urged the prime minister to give way, adding: The government continues to listen to our case and hope they will now agree to accept our amendment in full 

Among the senior Tories who have promised to rebel are Ken Clarke, Nicky Morgan, Stephen Crabb, Crispin Blunt, Anna Soubry, Tom Tugendhat and Sarah Wollaston.

The government had hoped to satisfy MPs by agreeing to demands for a Magnitsky amendment, following countries such as the US and Canada in targeting people accused of human rights abuses with visa bans.

But the Foreign Office has resisted pressure to go further, insisting it cannot dictate to other elected governments in the overseas territories.

However, critics of that stance point out that Britain has imposed its will before, in abolishing capital punishment for example.

Margaret Hodge, a Labour MP who has joined forces with Mr Mitchell, urged the government to accept the simple measure.

She told the BBC: We would know who owns what and where and we would be able to follow the money. We would be able to root out corruption and crime.

In the last 10 years, 68bn flowed out of Russia into the overseas territories because they are secret jurisdictions. That is seven times as much money as has come into the UK.

This secrecy allows you to hide your money and then transfer it, if it is corruptly secured, into the legal system by doing things like buying properties.Campaigners against corruption are hailing a huge win after the government caved in to pressure to end the secret hoarding of dirty money in UK tax havens.

The names of the super-rich who launder their funds in the likes of the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands will now be published, in what was widely seen as a humiliating climbdown for ministers.

Theresa May had tried to block the push to reveal who owns assets held in complex shell companies in British overseas territories  but gave way in the face of a significant Tory revolt.

Recommended EU to target UK tax haven territories as trade negotiations begin

The U-turn was seen as direct consequence of the poisoning of the former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, in Salisbury  which prompted renewed outrage about the behaviour of corrupt oligarchs.

Foreign Office minister Sir Alan Duncan told the Commons that a consensual approach working with overseas territories would have been preferred by the government.

But with defeat looming and a last-ditch bid to avoid it failing, Sir Alan conceded to the demands outlined in a proposal backed by both Labour and Tory MPs.

He told the Commons: We do not want to legislate directly for them, nor do we want to risk damaging our long-standing constitutional arrangements which respects their autonomy.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 3 October 2021 Margaret Thatcher-themed mugs for sale at the annual Conservative Party conference in Manchester EPA UK news in pictures 2 October 2021 A couple make their way through a flooded underpass in Bristol as a yellow weather warning for rain and wind is issued for parts of the UK Tom Wren/SWNS UK news in pictures 1 October 2021 A driver talks to members of the media after passing his HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving test at National Driving Centre in Croydon, south London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA

However, weve listened to the strength of feeling in this House on this issue and accept that it is without a doubt the majority view of this House that the overseas territories should have public registers ahead of it becoming the international standard, as set by the Financial Action Task Force.

We will accordingly respect the will of the House and will not vote against new Clause 6.

However, he went on to warn that the move from the government could provoke a response from the territories, which are certain to protest over the UK interfering in their internal affairs, ignoring their own sovereign parliaments.

David Cameron backed down after such a protest five years ago, delaying the introduction of public ownership registers.

On Tuesday around 20 Conservatives were ready to vote with Andrew Mitchell, the former Conservative international development secretary, to force transparency by the end of 2020.

In alliance with Labour and the other opposition parties, that was comfortably enough to defeat the government  forcing ministers to throw in the towel.

 'Tax havens': The 17 countries blacklisted by the EU

Margaret Hodge, who led the move from the Labour side, said a staggering 68bn had flowed out of Russia into the overseas territories over the past decade  seven times as much as had come into the UK.

Secrecy that has existed up to now allowed the money to be hidden, then transferred into the legal system. Some 122bn of property in England and Wales is thought to be owned through offshore companies

Ominously for the prime minister  with Commons revolts looming on key Brexit votes  Mr Mitchell said the cave-in laid bare the power of the Commons in a hung parliament.

The government has also agreed to demands for a Magnitsky amendment, following countries such as the US and Canada in targeting people accused of human rights abuses with visa bans.

He told The Independent on Tuesday: Its now time to staunch the illicit flow of secret tainted money and make clear we will not allow it under our flag.

A delighted Naomi Hirst, of anti-corruption group Global Witness, branded the announcement a huge win, adding: The UKs tax havens have featured in countless corruption and money laundering cases  ending their corporate secrecy will throw a huge spanner in the works of corrupt dictators, tax evaders and organised criminals.

Duncan Hames, director of Policy at Transparency International UK, said: Corrupt individuals everywhere will be deeply concerned that they are about to lose the secrecy afforded by the British overseas territories.

And Jon Date, of ActionAid UK, said: These measures will help flush out the corruption and tax evasion that keeps the most vulnerable people in the world  including women and girls  locked in poverty. Close Can Brexit be reversed?

Theresa May vowed to overturn an amendment to the governments Brexit legislation after suffering a key defeat in the House of Lords.

The prime minister said the government would be robust in trying to block the passage of the change, voted through the upper chamber on Monday evening, when it comes back to a Commons vote.

But she has been forced to give way to Tory rebels who had revolted over an attempt to block measures that would increase the transparency of offshore tax havens.

Facing a possible Commons defeat, the government said it would not oppose an amendment aimed at exposing the super rich who heard dirty money in British territories.

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load.Two explosions killed at least 28 worshippers at a mosque in north-eastern Nigeria and wounded at least 56 others, with many of the victims caught in the second blast while trying to flee, police said.

The attack in Mubi town came a day after President Muhammadu Buhari met with US President Donald Trump at the White House and discussed the threat from the Nigeria-based Boko Haram extremist group. Its fighters were quickly blamed for Tuesdays blasts.

This is the second time in six months that dozens have been killed in an attack on a Mubi mosque. In November, a teenage suicide bomber attacked worshippers as they gathered for morning prayers, killing at least 50 people in one of the regions deadliest assaults in years.

Recommended Boko Haram kill 15 in Nigeria

One resident, Isa Danladi, said he had been about to leave his house near the mosque when he heard the blast.

The mosque roof was blown off and the prayer was midway when the bomber, who was obviously in the congregation, detonated his explosives, Mr Danladi said. This is obviously the work of Boko Haram.

The National Emergency Management Agency coordinator in Adamawa state, Imam Abbani Garki, said 18 people were critically wounded and had been evacuated for treatment in Yola city.

Haruna Hamman Furo, the head of the state emergency management agency, called the attack devastating.

Boko Haram briefly took over Mubi in late 2014 as its fighters rampaged across the region, seizing towns and villages in its quest to establish a hardline Islamic state.

Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Show all 15 1 /15 Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Here, Aisha Umaru Gaye holds up a pumpkin that she plans to swap at the Bakasi IDP camp Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Falmata Ahmadu swaps her bowl of maize for Musa Ali Walas amaranth vegetables Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Mohammed Ali holds up two tomatoes and some dried vegetable leaves Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Isa Zakariya Audu holds pieces of firewood whilst Kakaye Ahmadu Maikifi holds up a plate of okra Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Famta Musa Tamaha holds a crate of eggs Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Zainab Umar gives parboiled soya bean paste to Aisha Jaule in exchange for spaghetti Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Abachi Mohammed holds six packets of chicken instant noodles Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Nasiru Buba exchanges detergent for a tray of peanuts Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Insua Damladi holds up a sachet of salt Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Falmata Madu exchanges her plate of uncooked rice for Hadisa Adamus ground maize Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Jibril Adamu holds okra seeds and sugared peanuts REUTERS Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Aisha Umaru presents a basin of milk as Umari Usman Kaski holds up firewood Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Aisha Alhajji Audu holds four small red onions Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Binta Lawal holds up a bowl of poultry feed with Aisha Buba Reuters Boko Haram displaced barter to survive Abdulwahal Abdulla holds a bowl of dried young tilapia fish Reuters

The military and civilian militia ousted the extremists from the town, which is a commercial hub near the border with Cameroon.

In recent months, Boko Haram activity has been concentrated in the far north of Adamawa state, around Madagali, near the border with Borno state. That area is not far from the Sambisa Forest area where the extremists had a stronghold.

Boko Haram fighters are also said to be hiding in the Mandara mountains to the east near Cameroon.At least one elementary school in Alabama has received suspicious packages addressed to students from an unknown sender.

Phenix City Schools superintendent Randy Wilkes told The Independent that one school in his district had received multiple unsolicited mailings in the last week. The packages were addressed to students at the school, and all appeared to be sent by the same person.

Students at the school occasionally take pen pals, Mr Wilkes said, but these packages struck him as odd because they were not school-sanctioned mailings.

Recommended Cambridge Analytica headquarters evacuated over suspicious package

Its very unusual, he said. I can tell you that in my almost 30 years [in the district,] Ive ever seen anything addressed directly to a student at an elementary school.

Mr Wilkes said he alerted law enforcement shortly after hearing about the mailings. Local police told him an investigation had been launched, and that other schools in other cities were involved as well.

Mr Wilkes knew of no immediate threat to his school or any others.

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 Houston and Phenix City Police Departments were leading the investigation, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Robyn Bradley Bryan said. She declined to comment further on the probe.

A nearby district attorneys office previously published a message on Facebook about similar, unsolicited mailings, but had deleted it by Tuesday morning.

The Covington County, Alabama District Attorneys Office wrote on Facebook that the FBI was investigating letters and packages of food sent to children in schools around the Southeast, according to AL.com. The sender described himself as 14 years old, mentally disabled, and a target of bullying, according to the post.

The post also claimed that the IP address for the gmail account the sender listed in his letters appeared to originate in Houston, Texas. The same IP address had appeared on websites discussing girls' underwear and types of music to listen to when he visited his pen pal in Phenix City, the post stated.

The district attorneys office did not respond to a request for comment.

An FBI spokesperson declined to comment on the case, except to say that they were not aware of any specific and credible threat to our community.

The FBI regularly shares information about potential threats through a variety of means to better enable state and local law enforcement agencies to protect the communities they serve, the agency said in a statement to The Independent.

They added: As always, we urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.Breaking an impasse at the border, the first members of a caravan of undocumented immigrants were allowed to cross into the US from Mexico and apply for asylum.

We began processing undocumented arrivals again on Monday, a US Customs and Border Patrol spokesman said.

More than 100 Central Americans arrived at the border on Sunday evening, saying they were seeking a refuge from violence and chaos in their home countries.

They were initially barred from entering and presenting their claims, with immigration officials said they lacked the capacity to process people. Numerous caravan members spent the night sleeping outside.

But eight people - two women with two children apiece - were allowed to pass through and claim asylum, organisers said. Other members of the group reacted by immigrants cheering, dancing and breaking into chants of Si Se Puede (yes we can).

The remaining group may need to remain in Mexico, where they slept for a second night, as they wait for a chance to present their claims. It may be an extended delay.

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 number of inadmissible individuals we are able to process in a day varies based on the complexity of the cases, resources available, medical needs, translation requirements, holding/detention space, overall port volume and enforcement actions, the Border Patrol said.

Organisers of the caravan - a binational effort that has enlisted attorneys and activists on both sides of the US-Mexico border - have cast doubt on the Border Patrols explanation for the wait, charging that immigration officials are intentionally obstructing caravan members amid a charged political climate.

The US is breaking the law by turning asylum seekers away, and the false claim that they are at capacity is less believable by the hour, organiser Alex Mensing told the Independent.

 Migrant 'caravan' gathers at the US-Mexico border

As the caravan traveled north from Central America, dwindling from its initial size of more around 1,200 people, it attracted the attention and then condemnation of the Trump administration.

Donald Trump has held the caravan up as a symbol of a porous border and a justification for more stringent immigration laws, blasting it on Twitter and in speeches.

The migrant caravan that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are, Mr Trump said.

Similarly, top administration officials have responded to the caravan by warning about penalties for immigration fraud, suggesting some asylum-seekers intend to present false claims. Attorney General Jeff Sessions called the caravan a deliberate attempt to undermine our laws and overwhelm our system.

While Mr Trump has invoked immigrants illegally crossing the border as a reason to construct a wall, the process for seeking asylum is different. American laws allow immigrants without documentation or visas to present themselves and claim asylum at ports of entry like the San Ysidro crossing where the caravan members are marooned.

To secure a hearing before an immigration judge, in which they would seek legal status to remain in America, they must first pass whats known as a credible fear interview in which they prove they have reasons to fear persecution if they return to their home countries.

In the interim, people who are granted an interview with a judge but are still awaiting a hearing can face extended detention.

The rules on releasing immigrants versus detaining them until their hearings vary, depending on whether the people involved are unaccompanied minors, mothers with children or adult men, but Mr Trump and other administration officials contend that releasing immigrants allows them to disappear and remain in the country illegally.

Conversely, immigration advocates say the administration has unjustifiably detained asylum-seekers who have credible cases and do not pose flight risks.The questions Robert Mueller would like to ask Donald Trump in his investigation into whether the US president was the Muscovite Candidate for the White House reflect the trail that the special counsels team have been following examining links with Russia and whether there have been attempts at obstruction of justice to cover it up.

Mr Mueller has drawn on Mr Trumps tweets, produced on an industrial scale, to formulate some of these inquiries, a gift that keeps on giving for the investigators as the president fires off boasts and threats on social media which may turn out to be damaging and self-incriminating.

In his first response, inevitably in a tweet, Mr Trump said the leaking of the Mueller questions was so disgraceful, and claimed that none of them concerned collusion with Russia. That is incorrect: although the word collusion is not in any of the questions, some of them directly address the issue of whether the numerous links between Russia and Mr Trump, his officials and members of his family were collusive.

One question, in particular, points to fresh information being received: What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign? Although Mr Manafort, Mr Trumps former campaign manager, had Russian links, mainly through his campaign management of Viktor Yanukovych, the deposed pro-Moscow Ukrainian president, outreach for campaign assistance appears to be new.

The questions looking into alleged collusion range from Mr Trumps finances, to backchannel connections with the Kremlin regarding the election. Some of them relate to material gathered by Christopher Steele, the former MI6 officer, for his controversial dossier on Mr Trump.

The questions go into what discussions Mr Trump may have had with Michael Cohen, his personal lawyer whose offices were recently raided, about real estate deals in Moscow.

There are also questions about the links of Mr Manafort  who has been arrested and charged  with Russia, and the connections his former National Security Advisor, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, also since arrested and charged, had with Russia.

There are questions about a meeting that Mr Trumps son, Donald Junior, son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Mr Manafort had with a Russian lawyer, Natalia Veselnitskaya, who supposedly had information damaging to Hillary Clinton.

Ms Veselnitskaya subsequently stated in a TV interview: I am a lawyer and I am an informant. Since 2013 I have been actively communicating with the office of the Russian prosecutor general.

There are questions, too, about Roger Stone, a long-time Trump confidant, who claims to have had prior knowledge of leaked Democratic party emails.

The 40 questions also include ones about what exactly happened at Mr Trumps 2013 visit to the Miss Universe pageant in Moscow during which, in the most salacious of the claims made by Mr Steele, Mr Trump got two prostitutes to urinate on a hotel room bed once used by Barack and Michelle Obama.

Mr Trump has strenuously denied the claims. But former FBI director James Comey recalled in his memoirs how the president would repeatedly bring up, unsolicited, the issue of the Moscow prostitute allegations and other suggestions of sexual impropriety made against him.

The sacking of Mr Comey by Mr Trump is one of the key issues in the tranche of questions relating to the alleged cover-up and attempt to obstruct justice. Mr Trump had himself suggested that he fired the head of the FBI because of the Russia investigation.

Other questions are about Mr Trumps veiled threats to fire Attorney General Jeff Sessions for excusing himself from the Russia investigation when, the president felt, he should have been in charge of it providing protection; there were similar threats to fire Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing the Mueller investigation.

Mr Mueller also turns to Mr Trumps attempts to fire him and close down the Russia investigation. The president desisted, for the time being, after the White House counsel, Donald F McGahn, threatened to resign in protest.

What consideration and discussions did you have regarding terminating the special counsel in June 2017? Mr Mueller plans to ask.

What did you think and do in reaction to January 25th story about the termination of the special counsel and Don McGahn backing you off the termination?

Where will all this lead? Mr Trump has expressed willingness to be interviewed by Mr Muellers team, but negotiations over it have been dragging on.

The presidents legal team are said to be worried that their hubristic client would not be able to help incriminate himself under questioning.

John Dowd, the lead lawyer, resigned after failing to persuade Mr Trump to rule out an interview with Mr Mueller. Mr Trump has since been facing difficulties in finding lawyers to represent him, with five prestigious legal firms refusing to do so. He has hired Rudy Giuliani, but the former New York Mayor could become a subject of the investigation himself over past remarks he has made about FBI investigation into Hillary Clintons emails.

Mr Trump has frequently ranted against the Mueller investigation and threatened to shut it down. To do so he will have to fire Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein first and replace him with someone more pliable.

Time is now a crucial factor. Congress is considering legislation that will protect the special counsel, but the Republicans seem to be in no hurry to do so.

If the Democrats win control of the Senate and the House in the midterm election then the impeachment of Mr Trump becomes much more likely, which is exactly the message the Republicans are planning to put out to get the Trump loyalists voting.

The fate of the investigation into whether Russia influenced the US presidential election is likely to be decided, at the end, by voters going to the polls in seven months time, provided, of course, Mr Trump cam be stopped from sacking Mr Mueller before then.A Russian fighter jet has reportedly intercepted a US surveillance plane in international airspace.

The Russian Su-27 jet performed an unprofessional but not unsafe interception of a US Navy P-8 plane that was flying over the Baltic Sea, defence officials told CNN and Fox News.

The jet reportedly came within 20 feet of the US aeroplane, but American pilots told officials they never felt threatened, according to Fox.

A Navy spokesman declined to confirm details of the incident to The Independent, but said the encounter had been deemed "safe".

"Due to standing DOD policy, we do not release the details of safe interactions," said Lieutenant Commander Zach Harrell, a spokesman for US Naval Forces Europe. "If an unsafe interaction occurs in the future, we will be sure to provide you more information at that time."

Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures Show all 9 1 /9 Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures The floating nuclear power plant, the 'Akademik Lomonosov', is towed out of the St. Petersburg shipyard. AP Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures Workers on the nuclear atomic icebreaker "Arktika" operated by Rosatomflot watch the floating nuclear power plant "Akademik Lomonosov" being towed . Reuters Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures The 'Akademik Lomonosov', the first in a series of floating nuclear plants planned, will be fuelled, tested and in 2019 towed 5,000 kilometres through the Northern Sea Route and put to use near Pevek, in the Chukotka Region. EPA Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures The Akademik Lomonosov is to be loaded with nuclear fuel in Murmansk. AP Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures The floating nuclear power plant. AP Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures Fishermen sail on a boat past the floating nuclear power plant "Akademik Lomonosov". Reuters Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures The floating nuclear power plant, the 'Akademik Lomonosov'. AP Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures The plant, owned and operated by Russian state controlled nuclear giant Rosatom, will pass through Estonian, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian waters towards Murmansk. EPA Russia's floating 'nuclear Titanic': in pictures The floating nuclear power plant "Akademik Lomonosov" Reuters

Russia has previously used close flybys to demonstrate its discomfort with American military planes flying over Syria and the Baltic and Black seas, according to the New York Times.

A Russian jet last intercepted an American plane over the Black Sea in January, according to officials from both countries. A US EP-3 Aries plane was flying in international airspace when it was intercepted by a Russian Sukhov SU-27 fighter jet.

US military officials deemed the January interception unsafe, claiming the Russian jet crossed "directly through the EP-3's flight path, causing the EP-3 to fly through the SU-27's jet wash.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Russias military had flagrantly violated international law, calling it the latest example of Russian military activities disregarding international norms and agreements".

 US v Russia on Syria: The story so far

The Russian Defence Ministry disagreed, saying the interception "took place in strict accordance with international rules of airspace use." The ministry blamed the US plane for flying too close to Russian airspace.

Tensions between the US and Russia have escalated in recent weeks over the conflict in Syria, where Moscow is backing President Bashar Al-Assad. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the US of trying to divide Syria over the weekend, claiming the Americans had ignored international law when launching missiles at the country.

The US, UK and France launched a missile stirke on Syria last month, after what the countries say was a chemical attack carried out by the Assad regime on its own people.Bill Gates once refused a job offer from President Donald Trump to serve as the White House science advisor.

The billionaire Microsoft founder was speaking with health and medicine news site stat and he characterised his 15 March conversation with the president as the longest conversation about universal flu vaccine that the presidents ever had. Mr Gates recalled asking Mr Trump: You should associate yourself with American innovation. Wouldnt you love to have the universal flu vaccine be something that really got kicked off and energized by you?

Mr Gates said the president was super interested in the idea, but said filling the vacancy of director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy was not a good use of [his] time when Mr Trump offered him the position, that has been vacant since the president took office last January.

The pair has met three times since 2016 and this was the first conversation focused solely on global health security, according to Mr Gates. It is a tough topic to discuss given Mr Trumps America First foreign policy and propensity to say that the US is spending too much abroad.

Playing to Mr Trump's political beliefs, the head of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation global health charity said: The capacity to build the tools that would help you be prepared for a big pandemic  the US is really the only country thats got a broad set of those tools. So even in a totally nationalistic framework, you dont want lots of Americans to die from flu or smallpox or some new pathogen".

I didnt put him to the test, whether that was a serious thing or not. He probably himself didnt know if he was serious. It was a friendly thing. He was being friendly, the tycoon and global health philanthropist said about the job offer for the vacancy that has left scientists around the country concerned about the White House's decision-making abilities on matters of public health, primarily.

 Child's vaccine and autism video is going viral - for good reason

The last person to hold the position was John Holdren who also helped form President Barack Obama's climate change politics - it was under Mr Obama's tenure that the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change was signed.

Mr Holdren's former office once had 135 staff members but has currently been dramatically pared down to just 45 employees with no chief. Mr Holdren had once told CBS News that Mr Trump "is a science and technology talent repellent".

Scientists urge ministers: tell truth on 'over-hyped' flu vaccine Show all 2 1 /2 Scientists urge ministers: tell truth on 'over-hyped' flu vaccine Scientists urge ministers: tell truth on 'over-hyped' flu vaccine web-flu-pa.jpg A vaccination is administered to a young child PA Scientists urge ministers: tell truth on 'over-hyped' flu vaccine flu-graphic-3.jpg

Despite that, Mr Gates said he was interested enough in the idea of a universal flu vaccine that he actually called the head of the Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb while Mr Gates was in the room in order to get the agency head's perspective on the idea.

Whether he will follow through with the idea or take up Mr Gates on any number of other global health programmes remains to be seen. In the meantime the Gates Foundation and Google co-founder Larry Page's family have announced plans for a $12m fund to help speed up the development of a universal vaccine.The Trump administration has removed language about freedom of the press from its guidebook for US attorneys.

The US Attorneys' Manual is a guide to Justice Department policies written for US attorneys and other department employees. It was edited late last year, for the first time in two decades, with significant changes to the Media Relations section  changes experts say reflect a larger Trump administration hostility towards members of the press.

Gone from the handbook is a section specifically reminding attorneys of the public's right to know. Gone is a section on the need for free press and public trial. Added to the manual is a section reminding employees to report any concerns to their superiors, and requiring them to disclose any contacts they have with the media.

Recommended The freedom of the press in the UK has declined dramatically

Summer Lopez, the Senior Director of Free Expression Programmes at PEN America, said the changes showed a "deliberate effort to shift the tone of internal debates away from press freedom concerns".

"It confirms what we already know: That this administration is dismissive of the important work done by the press to promote government accountability," she said in a statement to The Independent.

 CPJ names Donald Trump the world's most oppressive leader toward press freedom

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein ordered a review of the handbook last year, department spokesperson Ian Prior told BuzzFeed News, who first reported the changes.

The purpose of the overhaul  the largest since 1997  was to identify redundant sections and language, areas that required greater clarity, and any content that needed to be added to help Department attorneys perform core prosecutorial functions, Mr Prior said.

The new manual removes a section titled Interests Must Be Balanced, which reminded attorneys to balance the public's right to information with an individual's right to a fair trial and the governments ability to enforce justice.

Instead, it adds language on "the right of the public to have access to information about the Department of Justice" to a sentence in the opening section.

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

Also gone is a section on the need for free press and public trial, which previously stated that employees should consider the right of the people in a constitutional democracy to have access to information about the conduct of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and courts, consistent with the individual rights of the accused.

Added to the manual is a section on whistleblower protections, which reminds DOJ employees that they can report concerns to their management or the inspector general without threat of retaliation.

Another new section, reporting media contacts tells employees they must report any contact with members of the media about DOJ matters to their designated media representative.

Previous language in the handbook did not make such a stipulation. Instead, it said the departments Office of Public Affairs should be informed of requests from national media organisations to discuss in-depth stories and matters affecting the Department of Justice, or matters of national significance.

 Donald Trump says it's 'frankly disgusting the press is able to write whatever it wants'

Alexandra Ellerbeck, the North America Program Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said the handbook changes were largely symbolic, and more of an indication of the department's priorities than a guide to how attorneys will behave on the ground.

But taken in the context of current Justice Department leadership and the administration as a whole, she said, the changes are concerning.

President Donald Trump has made his disdain for the mainstream press clear, at one point referring to them the enemy of the American people. He has suggested challenging the licenses of television networks that run negative coverage of him, and threatened to make people who leak information to the media pay a big price.

The head of the Department of Justice, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, has made similar statements. Last year, he told reporters his department had tripled the number of leak investigations over the previous administration, and even created a new counterintelligence unit in the FBI to work on the issue.

Mr Sessions also said he would review current rules that make it difficult to subpoena reporters for the names of their sources.

Ms Ellerbeck said these comments made her nervous about the edits to the handbook.

This administration has shown an unprecedented level of overt hostility to the press, and in that context I think these changes are concerning, she told The Independent. ...Theyre another example and another indication of where the administration's priorities are when it comes to a free press.Failed Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore is suing three women who he says were a part of a conspiracy to take down his candidacy.

Mr Moore  whose Senate candidacy was derailed after several women came forward with allegations that he made unwanted advances on them sexually while they were teenagers  filed suit Monday in a lawsuit that lists his wife, Kayla, as a co-filer.

This was filed because the people of Alabama deserve to know the truth, Melissa Isaak, an attorney representing Mr Moore, said. The accusations made against Judge Moore during the US Senate campaign arose from a political conspiracy to destroy his personal reputation and defeat him in the special Senate election for United States Senate.

The lawsuit lists three women who came forward with their accusations against Mr Moore  which he has denied  alongside two other individuals.

The lawsuit notes that Mr Moore had run for office several times before the 2017 special election in Alabama, and that he had not faced accusations like those he saw last year previously.

Judge Moore has consistently espoused Biblical principles during his career in public life, the court filing reads. No hint of scandal has ever attended any of his contests for public office from the time he first ran for circuit judge in 1982 until his success in the two Senate primary elections in 2017, a period of 45 years.

Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Show all 12 1 /12 Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Democratic senatorial candidate Doug Jones speaks to reporters after voting Getty Images Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Republican Senatorial candidate Roy Moore (L) and his wife Kayla ride their horses to the polling station to vote AFP/Getty Images Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones David Watson waves in a Santa suit as he holds a Doug Jones sign AP Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Republican Senatorial candidate Roy Moore speaks to the media as his wife Kayla (R) looks on AFP/Getty Images Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Democratic Alabama Senate candidate Doug Jones casts his vote at Brookwood Baptist Church REUTERS Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Roy Moore speaks to the media after he rode in on a horse to vote AP Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Democratic candidate Doug Jones greets supporters after casting his ballot AP Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore departs on horseback after he cast his ballot in Gallant REUTERS Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Voters wait in line to cast their ballot at a polling station setup in the St Thomas Episcopal Church Getty Images Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Democratic Senatorial candidate Doug Jones (L) greets voters outside of a polling station at the Bessemer Civic Center Getty Images Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Voters exit after casting their ballots at a polling station setup in the Fire Department Getty Images Alabama Senate race: Roy Moore vs Doug Jones Democratic Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Doug Jones speaks with the media after casting his vote at Brookwood Baptist Church Reuters

Ms Isaak said that the accusations came from just three women  Leigh Corfman, Beverly Nelson and Tina Johnson  and not from nine, which she says is how news media portrayed the scandal last year.

Ms Corfman sued Mr Moore in January for defamation, leading Mr Moore to counter-sue and request that a judge stop all proceedings.

Ms Corfmans attorney, Neil Roman, told CNN in a statement that the new allegations from Mr Moore are without merit.

Leigh Corfman stands by the accuracy of every one of her statements about Mr. Moore's sexual abuse of her when she was a 14-year-old high school freshman and he was a 32-year-old assistant district attorney, the statement read. Ms. Corfman is no longer a teenager and is not going let Mr. Moore victimize her again.

Mr Moore said during a press conference that he does not have immediate plans to run for office, and that is not the reason for his lawsuit. The familys attorney said that they have been devastated by the accusations. The lawsuit seeks compensation for damages, and also punitive damages.Donald Trump's personal doctor has claimed his New York office was "raided" shortly after he told a newspaper that the president had taken hair growth medication for years.

Dr Harold Bornstein told NBC News that Mr Trump's personal bodyguard, a Trump administration employee, and one other man turned up at his office last February to take the president's medical records. The 25- to 30-minutes process left him feeling "raped, frightened and sad," he said.

Mr Bornstein said the men did not give him a form authorising the release of the documents they took, which included the original and only copy of Mr Trump's charts. They also asked him to take down a picture he had taken with the president.

Mr Bornstein identified two of the men who entered his office that day as Keith Schiller, Mr Trump's longtime personal bodyguard, and Alan Garten, the Trump Organisation's chief legal officer. He could not identify the third man.

Neither Mr Schiller nor Mr Garten responded to a request for comment, according to NBC.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed that the White House Medical Unit had taken possession of the president's records, but called it "standard operating procedure" for a new administration.

Asked if she would characterise the incident as a raid, she said: "No, that is not my understanding."

Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath of office as his wife Melania (L) and daughter Tiffany watch during inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States on the West Front of the US capital in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jim Bourg: "This photo was shot with one of two remote cameras. The cameras were monitored and triggered remotely and the pictures were transmitted to clients worldwide within minutes of being taken." Reuters/Jim Bourg Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Obama farewell address - 10 January 2017 US President Barack Obama wipes away tears as he delivers his farewell address in Chicago on 10 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "In his final days in office, Obama made a visit home to Chicago. As he spoke from the stage to his wife and daughter in the audience, he became emotional when he talked about what they had sacrificed during his time in office. I turned from photographing the Obama women embracing to find him onstage wiping away tears." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 A combination of photos shows the crowds attending the inauguration ceremonies to swear in U.S. President Donald Trump at 12:01pm (left) on January 20, 2017 and President Barack Obama sometime between 12:07pm and 12:26pm on January 20, 2009. Reuters/ Lucas Jackson/Stelios Varias Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Liberty Ball - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the Liberty Ball in honour of his inauguration in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "What I see when I look at this picture is the end of a very long day, not to mention weeks and months of preparation by many photographers, editors and network experts and the beginning of everything since." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception - 22 January 2017 US President Donald Trump greets Director of the FBI James Comey as Director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy (L), watches during the Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House on 22 January, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "I have covered the White House for 16 years and normally either the President or the pool is in position when an event starts. In this case the President was not where anyone expected him to be. In fact, he was almost blocking the door when the pool came in. We had to scramble to find a position without bumping him or the furniture as he greeted and thanked members of law enforcement for their security efforts during the inauguration. Luckily, he greeted FBI Director James Comey a few seconds after the pool had made its way into the room." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Private phone calls to world leaders - 28 January 2017 US President Donald Trump, is joined by his staff, as he speaks by phone with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office on 28 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Very early in the Trump administration, weekends were as busy as weekdays. On Trump's second Saturday the official schedule said he would be making private phone calls to a number of world leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin. I arrived early and, before sitting down at my desk walked up to Press Secretary Sean Spicer's office. He, too, was just taking his coat off. I gingerly made the suggestion that previous administrations had sometimes allowed photos of such phone calls through the Oval Office windows on the colonnade. To my mild shock, he didn't even think about it twice. "We'll do it!" he said. In truth, I really only expected the Putin call, but we were outside the windows multiple times throughout the day as the calls went on." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway - 27 February 2017 Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway (L) attends as US President Donald Trump welcomes the leaders of dozens of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the Oval Office on 27 February, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "We're often asked how much access we have to the Trump administration, and the answer is we have an awful lot. President Trump himself is very comfortable in the spotlight, and his aides are similarly unfazed by cameras. In this instance, senior advisor Kellyanne Conway was so comfortable in our presence she seemed not to consider the optics of kneeling on a Oval Office sofa to take pictures with her phone." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Angela Merkel heads to Washington - 17 March 2017 Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump hold a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House on 17 March, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Chancellor Merkel made one of the earliest important visits of any US allies to meet Trump in his first months in office. When world leaders give joint news conferences they don't always tend to give each other their full attention - but Merkel watched Trump intently at several key moments, and here seemed particularly rapt." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump welcomes truckers to the White House - 23 March 2017 President Trump reacts as he sits on a truck while he welcomes truckers and CEOs to attend a meeting regarding healthcare at the White House on 23 March, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "The White House organised a listening session with truckers and CEO's of major American companies, regarding healthcare reform. An 18-wheeler tow truck was parked on the South Lawn of the White House and as Trump welcomed the truckers someone invited the him to come and sit in the driver's seat. Trump jumped into the cab and started yelling and pretending to drive - creating one of the most memorable pictures of the year. A lesson learned, always be prepared for the unexpected." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 6 April 2017 US President Donald Trump talks to journalists members of the travel pool on board the Air Force One during his trip to Palm Beach, Florida on 6 April, 2017. Carlos Barria: "During the many trips to President Trump's residence in Florida it is usual to see the president coming to the back of the plane to chat with journalists. During one of the trips to the so called 'Winter White House', Trump had a long talk with reporters while the Air Force One entertainment system was playing one of the latest Star Wars movies. As I was listening to Trump talk I was also looking at the movie waiting for a part of the movie to frame the mood of the day. Of the many scenes, I choose the one with Darth Vader." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks during an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office of the White House on 27 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "A day before President Trump's hundred days in office I was part of the team that interviewed the commander-in-chief in the Oval Office. I was only allowed to photograph Trump during the last five minutes of the interview. The time was very tight so I had to move fast as I had pictures in mind that I wanted to shoot. I walked into the Oval Office and saw that the President had printed maps of the country showing areas in red where he won. I raised my hands holding my camera as high as possible to get the best view of the scene using a 16mm wide angle lens." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump reacts as he arrives at Harrisburg international airport, before attending a rally marking his first 100 days in office in Pennsylvania on 29 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to celebrate his hundred days in office with a victory rally. He was in friendly territory as he won with a big difference over his opponent Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, during the November elections. As usual when the commander-in-chief arrives local residents gather to greet him. This time a small group of military personnel attended the arrival. Surrounded by secret service agents Trump walked from the Air Force One and raised his hand in a sign of victory as the crowd cheered him on." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 2 May 2017 White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer (L) and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus watch as US President Donald Trump presents the U.S. Air Force Academy football team with the Commander-in-Chief trophy in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on 2 May, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "Covering the White House does not just mean covering the President. White House staffers are an important part of the story and their relationship with the President and each other is an indicator of how things are going in the West Wing. The tendency is to focus exclusively on the President once an event starts but I always try to look around to see how people are reacting as things unfold." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Secret Service - 4 May 2017 Secret Service agents use a presidential limousine as cover from spraying water as US President Donald Trump lands via Marine One helicopter in New York on 4 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "The best part of any trip to New York City with the sitting US President is the helicopter ride into Manhattan. The ride out at night can be stunning. Here, Secret Service agents protect themselves from the spray from the East River as Trump lands on the helipad." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures NATO Summit - 25 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron (unseen) before a lunch ahead of a NATO Summit in Brussels on 25 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "One of the best parts of travelling overseas for White House coverage is the chance to see the U.S. president in different environments and (literally) a different light. Here, Trump and his wife came out of the shadows to greet France's President Macron." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump meets Putin at G20 summit - 7 July 2017 US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on 7 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "On July 7, I witnessed one of the most important meetings of President Trump's first year in office. Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Germany. The world's eyes were on these two leaders after speculation about Russian interference during the 2016 US elections. We entered the room for less than two minutes, where I took dozens of pictures. But there was this very interesting moment when Trump extended his hand to Putin for a handshake. Putin paused for a second and looked at Trump's hand. That was the picture that I was looking for, a little moment that seemed to say a lot." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures First lady - 8 July 2017 First lady Melania Trump chats with US President Donald Trump during their return from Germany at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on 8 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "After President Trump's trip to Germany he arrived back at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. First Lady Melania Trump said goodbye to Trump as she was heading off in a different direction that day. While chatting a breeze blew Melania's hair up in the air." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Made in America product showcase - 17 July 2017 Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House on 17 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "This summer the White House organized an event to showcase 'Made in America' products. All kinds of exhibitors brought their products as the President and Vice President toured the event. One of the companies was Marucci Sport, a manufacturer of baseball bats based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As Trump approached a table full of baseball bats, photographers at the event, including me, rushed to get a good angle hoping that he would pick up a bat. As we predicted, he did. He took one and joked around as though he was hitting something hard. The only thing closer to him right there, was the media." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 25 July 2017 Former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski says hello to reporters as he and White House advisors including Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci accompany President Trump for an event celebrating veterans at AMVETS Post 44 in Ohio, July 25, 2017. Jonathan Ernst: "The most visible person in any White House is naturally the President, followed by the press secretary. But there are also the staff who support them. For those of us covering the Trump administration, there seem to be more compelling figures in the West Wing than ever before. It's crucial to know who's who and why they're important. When I raised my camera and back-pedalled ahead of the group to take this image Lewandowski gave me a hello. I liked the photo, but had no idea it would go a little bit viral, especially since Scaramucci, who was the biggest mover and shaker that week, was hidden back in the pack. But I guess the image catches a glimpse of what it's like to be a West Wing staffer on the road." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Campaign rally - 3 August 2017 US President Donald Trump arrives at a rally in West Virginia on 3 August, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Huntington for one of his usual campaign rallies. While members of his family spoke to the crowd he was waiting under a black curtain to be introduced. Suddenly he walked onto the stage, one of the first frames that I took was of his hand. I set my exposure for the light on the stage hoping to create this dark background and it worked." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Staring into the solar eclipse - 21 August 2017 Without his protective glasses on, US President Donald Trump looks up towards the solar eclipse while viewing with his wife Melania and son Barron at the White House on 21 August, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "On a day when everyone, and I mean everyone, was told not to look at the eclipse without protective glasses, Trump, President of the United States, couldn't help himself." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Harvey - 2 September 2017 US President Donald Trump poses for a photo as he and first lady Melania Trump help volunteers hand out meals during a visit with flood survivors of Hurricane Harvey at a relief centre in Houston, Texas on 2 September, 2017. Photohrapher Kevin Lamarque: "Trump, eager to deliver the image of a hands-on response to Hurricane Harvey, made this visit to a relief centre and obliged this woman with a selfie as Melania continued to work." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House - 15 September 2017 Donald Trump welcomes 11-year-old Frank Giaccio as he cuts the Rose Garden grass at the White House on 15 September. Frank, who wrote a letter to Trump offering to mow the lawn, was invited to work for a day at the White House along the National Park Service staff. Frank was so focused on his task that he did not notice the President arrive to surprise him. He took his father jumping in to grab his attention and point Trump out. Photographer Carlos Barria said: The image of Trump shouting at a kid who is mowing his lawn might have many interpretations in today's politically polarized United States. But for me it was just a kid who loved what he was doing, to the point he almost appeared to ignore the President." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Take a knee - 27 September 2017 A man kneels with a folded U.S. flag as the motorcade of U.S. President Donald Trump passes him after an event at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., September 27, 2017. In September, soon after Trump had made comments condemning NFL players who kneel during the national anthem, he made a day trip to a rally in Indianapolis. Jonathan Ernst managed to capture a man on one knee with a tri-folded flag and was able to use a portion of the sign on the building he was kneeling in front of to track the man down and tell his story in full. US Army veteran Marvin Boatright wanted to send a message against social injustice. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Maria - 3 October 2017 President Donald Trump throws rolls of paper towels into a crowd of local residents affected by Hurricane Maria as he visits Calgary Chapel in San Juan, Puerto Rico on 3 October, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "During an afternoon visit to Puerto Rico for President Trump to survey damage from Hurricane Maria and greet some of its victims, Trump made a stop at a church where food and supplies were being distributed. Among the items were paper towels and Trump, apparently caught up in the moment, decided to distribute some of the rolls." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Jared Kushner - 1 November 2017 White House Senior adviser Jared Kushner sits behind President Trump during a cabinet meeting in Washington on 1 November, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "The role of Jared Kushner has gone through a series of changes. He began front and centre as a high profile adviser, but as time has passed and issues surrounding him have surfaced, he has become more of a background figure." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump in China - 9 November 2017 Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands after making joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 9 November, 2017. Photographer Damir Sagolj: "It's one of those "how to make a better or at least different shot when two presidents shake hands several times a day, several days in row". If I'm not mistaken in calculation, presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump shook their hands at least six times in events I covered during Trump's recent visit to China. I would imagine there were some more handshakes I haven't seen but other photographers did. And they all look similar - two big men, smiling and heartily greeting each other until everyone gets their shot. But then there is always something that can make it special - in this case the background made of US and Chinese flags. The first time it didn't work for me. The second time I positioned myself lower and centrally, and used the longest lens I have to capture only hands reaching for a handshake." Reuters/Damir Sagolj Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 10 November 2017 US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One to depart for Vietnam from Beijing Airport in Beijing, China, November 10, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "There is a Reuters photographer in the tight pool covering the US president for every appearance he makes 365 days a year. This was just one of 32 images of mine that were transmitted on the Reuters wire of President Trump visiting China and Vietnam that day. You never know when a sudden interaction, a gust of wind or a unique facial expression will lead to a striking image that grabs peoples' attention." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures ASEAN handshake - 13 November 2017 Donald Trump registers his surprise as he realises other leaders, including Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, are crossing their arms for the traditional "ASEAN handshake" as he participates in the opening ceremony of the summit in Manila on 13 November, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Having covered a few ASEAN summits, I knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. Not everyone in the room knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. A lot was written about this unscripted moment, and what deeper meaning it might have. The simple truth is that sometimes in life there are unscripted moments." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst

The incident occurred just days after Mr Bornstein told the New York Times that he prescribed Mr Trump Propecia  a drug often to treat hair loss in men. He also told the Times that he had prescribed the president drugs for rosacea and cholesterol.

Mr Borenstein also told the Times he had floated the idea of becoming the White House physician.

The day after the story ran, Mr Borenstein said Mr Trump's longtime assistant, Rhonda Graff, called him and said: "So you wanted to be the White House doctor? Forget it, you're out."

"I couldn't believe anybody was making a big deal out of a drug to grow his hair that seemed to be so important," the doctor told NBC.

He added: "It certainly was not a breach of medical trust to tell somebody they take Propecia to grow their hair. What's the matter with that?"

 Donald Trump: Veterans Affairs secretary-nominee Ronny Jackson should drop out

Mr Trump's ultimate pick for the White House physician job, Ronny Jackson, recently stepped down from the role amid allegations that he routinely overprescribed medications to administration staff. Mr Jackson has denied the allegations.

It is unclear who will replace the White House doctor, though it will likely not be Mr Bornstein. The president severed ties with him after the Propecia incident, he said.

Mr Bornstein previously made headlines by declaring that Mr Trump would "unequivocally" be the "healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency".

He later admitted that he had written the letter in approximately five minutes, while a car waited outside.

In writing the letter, he told NBC, "I probably picked up [Mr Trump's kind of language and then just interpreted it to my own".The White House has quietly fixed a one-letter mistake on an official statement that led to some concern about the United States official policy towards Iran.

The mistake came in a Monday night statement credited to White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and asserted that Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program.

The present-tense nature of that statement contradicts determinations by the American intelligence community, which has said Tehran froze its nuclear enrichment program after the 2015 nuclear agreement was signed between the US and several other western nations.

Less than three hours later, the initial statement was amended to reflect the intelligence communitys point of view, and declared that Iran had such a program.

The White House did not issue a formal correction, but provided CNN with an explanation for the error.

The original White House statement included a clerical error, which we quickly detected and fixed, a National Security Council spokesperson told the news network. To be clear, the United States has long known that Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program.

Iran protests  in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Iran protests  in pictures Iran protests  in pictures University students at an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures A university student at a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures University students at a protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures University students run away from the police during an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures An image grab taken from a handout video released by Iran's Mehr News agency reportedly shows a group of men pulling at a fence in a street in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests  in pictures Demonstrators gather to protest in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests  in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests  in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, December 30 2017 Iran protests  in pictures Iranian clerics take part during a state-organized rally against anti-government protests in the country, in the holy city of Qom, south west Iran, 3 January 2018 EPA Iran protests  in pictures In this photo provided by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a clergyman takes a picture of a pro-government demonstration in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, Iran, 3 January 2018 ISNA via AP Iran protests  in pictures Pro-government demonstrators gather at the Massoumeh shrine in Iran's holy city of Qom, some 130 kilometres south of Tehran, 3 January 2018 AFP/Getty

The mistake comes as President Donald Trump has publicly mulled over the possibility of declaring that Iran has violated the nuclear agreement, and as European leaders have urged him against scrapping the accord. Mr Trump has given himself until May 12 to decide the fate of the nuclear deal.

While those European leaders have urged Mr Trump to stay in the deal, he has also received pressure from other allies to get rid of the deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for example, delivered a prime-time speech Monday to declare that his government had acquired a trove of Iranian documents showing that the Iranians have lied about its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Analysts have questioned how revealing the documents Mr Netanyahu claimed to have really are, though. The hour-long presentation, which was partly in English, did not disclose much new information about Irans nuclear enrichment processes, those analysts said.

Mr Trump praised Mr Netanyahus disclosures, however, indicating that the Israeli leader had his ear to some degree.

The White House has also sought to bolster Mr Netanyahus claims, and said on Tuesday that the information he presented adds new and compelling details about these efforts.Chinas top diplomat is to visit North Korea just days after the isolated country signed up to closer cooperation with its southern neighbour.

Foreign minister Wang Yi is due to visit Pyongyang on Wednesday and Thursday in the wake of last weeks Panmunjom Declaration signing, in which the leaders of the two Koreas pledged to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearisation, though without detailing specific steps.

Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in agreed to end hostile acts against each other along their tense border, establish a liaison office and resume reunions of separated families in a landmark meeting on Friday.

Negotiations with the aim of formally ending the 1950-53 Korean War were also set in motion.

Following the signing US president Donald Trump was quick to praise his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for what he called his great help on the North Korean issue. He added: Without him it would have been a much longer, tougher, process!

China is North Koreas sole major ally, but trade has declined by about 90 per cent after Beijing implemented economic sanctions due to Pyongyangs nuclear and missile tests.

In March Mr Kim visited China by train, meeting Mr Xi and the pair  according to the state-run China Daily  agreed a plan to develop relations between the two countries, and to address the Norths nuclear programme.

The 36-year-old dictator is anticipated to meet Mr Trump at some point in May or early June, though no date has been announced for the encounter the Republican accepted on the spur of the moment earlier this year.

On Twitter Mr Trump suggested he was considering the Peace House, on the border between North and South Korea, as the intended location. It is where last weeks summit between Mr Moon and Mr Kim was held.

He tweeted: Numerous countries are being considered for the MEETING, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the Border of North & South Korea, be a more Representative, Important and Lasting site than a third party country? Just asking!

If it takes place  and Mr Trump has in passing said that it yet may not  the summit would be the first US-North Korean leaders meeting in more than six decades of hostility.

Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Show all 25 1 /25 Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in raise their hands after signing on a joint statement Korea Summit Press Pool via AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Kim Jong-un heads towards Moon Jae-in to shake his hand between the military demarcation line, at the Joint Security Area on the Demilitarized Zone in the border village of Panmunjom in Paju EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hold hands as they cross the military demarcation line EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Koreans react while watching a screen reporting the Inter Korean Summit Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un chat as they arrive at the Peace House Reuters Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un was escorted by bodyguards from the North to the Military Demarcation Line that divides the two Koreas to meet with his South Korean counterpart at the truce village AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un crosses the military demarcation line to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in shake hands Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in shake hands after Kim crossing the military demarcation line Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Joint Security Area EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un speak with two South Korean children who presented Kim Jong-un with a bouquet of flowers EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting Moon Jae-in Kim Jong-un pose for photographers at the Joint Security Area (JSA) EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signs the guest book as South Korean President Moon Jae-in looks on Getty Images Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-uns entry in the guestbook. The writing reads A new history starts now. An age of peace, from the starting point of history Korea Summit Press Pool/Pool via Reuters Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-In and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talk during their summit meeting at the Peace House EPA Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un smiles AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un poses with South Korean President Moon Jae-in for a photo inside the Peace House AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un talks with South Koreas President Moon Jae-in AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in prepare to plant a pine tree near the military demarcation line AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un applaud after planting a tree at the truce village Korea Summit Press Pool/Pool via Reuters Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un and South Koreas President Moon Jae-in take a walk after they planted a tree AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un talks with South Koreas President Moon Jae-in at a bench on a bridge next to the military demarcation line at the truce village of Panmunjom AFP/Getty Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in sign on a joint statement Korea Broadcasting System via AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in embrace each other after signing on a joint statement Korea Summit Press Pool via AP Korea Summit: Kim Jong-un crosses border for historic meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, left, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in shake hands after their joint announcement AP

Mr Wangs planned visit comes as Chinas neighbours already begin to implement the de-escalation steps they agreed last week.

South Korea will remove propaganda-broadcasting loudspeakers from the border with North Korea on Tuesday, officials said, with the North expected to do the same. Both sides had already stopped broadcasts ahead of Fridays summit.

The two Koreas had been engaged in Cold War-era psychological warfare since the Norths fourth nuclear test in early 2016. Seoul began blaring anti-Pyongyang broadcasts and K-Pop songs via border loudspeakers, and Pyongyang quickly matched the Souths action with its own border broadcasts and launches of balloons carrying anti-South leaflets.

Seouls announcement came a day after it said Mr Kim had told Mr Moon during the summit that he would shut down his countrys only known nuclear testing site and allow outside experts and journalists to watch the process.

Additional reporting by agenciesAustralian Cardinal George Pell, the most senior Vatican official to be charged in the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis, must stand trial on charges alleging he sexually abused multiple victims decades ago, a magistrate ruled on Tuesday.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington dismissed around half the charges that had been heard in the four-week preliminary hearing in Melbourne but decided the prosecutions case was strong enough for the remainder to warrant a trial by jury. The number of charges has not been made public

When she asked Cardinal Pell how he pleaded, he said in a firm voice, Not guilty. Magistrate Wallington gave the 76-year-old permission not to stand, which is customary.

When the magistrate left the room at the end of the hearing, many people in the packed public gallery broke into applause.

Cardinal Pells plea marked the only words he spoke in public. Wearing a clerics collar, white shirt and dark suit, he was silent as he entered and left the downtown courthouse with his lawyer Robert Richter. More than 40 uniformed police officers maintained order on the crowded pavement outside.

Lawyers for Australias highest-ranking Catholic had argued that all the accusations were untrue, could not be proved and should be dismissed.

Magistrate Wallington dismissed one charge because the alleged victim was an unsatisfactory witness during the first two weeks of the preliminary hearing, when complainants testified via a video link from a remote location to a courtroom closed to the public and media.

It is difficult to see how a jury could convict on the evidence of a man who has said on his affirmation that he cannot recall what he said a minute ago, Magistrate Wallington said.

In my view, this is one of those rare cases where the witness demonstrated such a cavalier attitude toward giving his evidence that a jury couldnt rely upon it, she added.

She described her job in the preliminary hearing as sifting the wheat from the chaff.

Unless the credibility of a witness is effectively destroyed, credibility and reliability are matters for a jury, she said. Where the evidence is so weak that the prospect of conviction is minimal, it is not of sufficient weight to commit a defendant to stand trial, the magistrate said.

She said she did not dismiss charges merely because there is a reasonable hypothesis consistent with innocence.

Cardinal Pell, Pope Franciss former finance minister, was charged last June with sexually abusing multiple people in his Australian home state of Victoria. The details of the allegations against the cleric have yet to be released to the public, though police have described the charges as historical sexual assault offences  meaning the crimes allegedly occurred decades ago.

Mr Richter, Cardinal Pells lawyer, told Magistrate Wallington in his final submissions two weeks ago that the complainants might have testified against one of the churchs most powerful men to punish him for failing to act against abuse by clerics.

But prosecutor Mark Gibson told the magistrate there was no evidence to back Mr Richters theory that Cardinal Pell had been targeted over the churchs failings.

Since Cardinal Pell returned to Australia from the Vatican in July, he has lived in Sydney and flown to Melbourne for his court hearings. His circumstances are far removed from the years he spent as the high-profile and polarising archbishop of Melbourne and later Sydney before his promotion to Rome in 2014.

The case places both the cardinal and the Pope in potentially perilous territory. For Cardinal Pell, the charges are a threat to his freedom, his reputation and his career. For Pope Francis, they are a threat to his credibility, given he famously promised a zero tolerance policy for sex abuse in the church.

Advocates for abuse victims have long railed against the Popes decision to appoint Cardinal Pell to the high-ranking position in the first place. At the time of his promotion, the cardinal was already facing allegations that he had mishandled cases of clergy abuse during his time leading the church in Melbourne and Sydney, Australias largest cities.

So far, the Pope has withheld judgement over the cardinal, saying he wants to wait for justice to run its course. And he did not force the cardinal to resign, though the Australian took an immediate leave of absence so he could return to his home country to fight the charges. Cardinal Pell said he intends to continue his work as a prefect of the churchs economy ministry once the case is resolved.

In recent years, Cardinal Pells actions as archbishop came under particular scrutiny by a government-authorised investigation into how the Catholic Church and other institutions have responded to the sexual abuse of children.

Australias Royal Commission Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse  the nations highest form of inquiry  revealed last year that 7 per cent of Catholic priests were accused of sexually abusing children in Australia over the past several decades.

In testimony to the commission in 2016, Cardinal Pell conceded that he had made mistakes by often believing priests over people who said they had been abused. And he vowed to help end a rash of suicides that has plagued abuse victims in his hometown of Ballarat.

Cardinal Pell testified to the inquiry in a video link from the Vatican about his time as a priest and bishop in Australia. He did not attend in person because of a heart condition and other medical problems.

Police said at the preliminary hearing that they had planned to arrest the cardinal for questioning had he returned to Australia in early 2016 to testify.

Cardinal Pells lawyers argued in court that he was targeted for special treatment by detectives from a police taskforce that investigated historical sex abuse. Police witnesses denied that accusation.

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 investigation of Cardinal Pell began in 2013 before any complainant had come forward to police, whom Mr Richter accused of running a get Pell operation.

The cardinals lawyers told the court in February that the first complainant approached police in 2015, 40 years after the alleged crimes, in response to media reports about the royal commission.

Cardinal Pell was charged by summons in Rome and agreed to return to Australia to face the allegations.

APFrance.com has been officially turned over to the French government, but a New York man who owned the domain for two decades is suing the country to get it back.

The website currently redirects viewers to the English version of France.fr website, also run by the Foreign Ministry. But, from 1994 until last month Jean-Noel Frydman ran the site as a sort of Francophiles hub for those in the US. Now he wants to regain control after he claimed in his lawsuit that the government was well aware of the website and what he was doing.

Mr Frydman, a French-born New Yorker had first registered the domain name on 10 February 1994 and launched the digital kiosk about a year and a half later, CNBC reported. Domain names are a first-come, first-served product, and thats true across the globe, Mr Frydmans lawyer David Ludwig told The Verge news outlet, adding that Frances takeover of the site turns that framework on its head.

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Mr Frydman built up the website for the next 20 years, often collaborating with the French tourism agency and the consulate in Los Angeles. The tourism bureau even awarded Mr Frydmans site in 2009 with a Best Website award.

The legal battle began in 2015, however, when the French government filed legal paperwork in France which accused Mr Frydman of having created the website in bad faith and ran it without permission. They made no attempts to buy the site, according to Mr Frydman but argued that the domain was the rightful property of the government.

The case is currently being appealed in Frances highest court but in the meantime, he has filed a counter-suit in US federal court which accused the government of cyber-squatting and "reverse domain-name hijacking," or taking the domain name away from the original owner.

 London 2012 website scene from BBC's W1A

As The Verge news outlet reported the site had gone dark overnight after it had been a tourist and travel booking site for 24 years and all associated email addresses were suddenly bouncing back. In a matter of minutes, a unique and lucrative asset had gone up in smoke.

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

Its been incredibly challenging. I have no contingency for this, Mr Frydman told The Verge. The expat had begun the website early in internet history when he was at a crossroads in his career because he saw the potential of it. Among travel bookings, there was travel advice and tips, French news updates through the Le Monde newspaper, and also offered paid subscription and package holiday deals.

The site at one point had up to 100,000 visitors a month and while Mr Frydman had other domain names, France.com eventually became his sole project.

The domain had been registered under Web.com but at some point before the March 2018 transfer it had been shifted over to French registrar OVH, which will likely not fall under US federal jurisdiction, unlike Web.com.The nuclear deal with Iran is vitally important to ensure the countrys atomic programme is exclusively peaceful, the UK has said, despite accusations from Israel and the US that the agreement has been breached.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, unveiled what he claimed were documents which reveal Tehran covertly pursued nuclear weapons before signing a deal with world powers in 2015.

The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, said the information showed Irans leaders lied about a nuclear weapons programme known as Project Amad.

Netanyahu unveils what he claims is evidence that Tehran covertly pursued nuclear weapons (Reuters)

However, a spokesman said the British government has never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions.

Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, said Mr Netanyahus speech underlines the importance of keeping the Iran nuclear deals constraints on Tehrans nuclear ambitions.

He said: The Iran nuclear deal is not based on trust about Irans intentions; rather it is based on tough verification, including measures that allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency unprecedented access to Irans nuclear programme.

He added: The fact that Iran conducted sensitive research in secret until 2003 shows why we need the intrusive inspections allowed by the Iran nuclear deal today. The verification provisions in the Iran nuclear deal would make it harder for Iran to restart any such research. That is another good reason for keeping the deal while building on it in order to take account of the legitimate concerns of the US and our other allies.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powers  Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Russia and China  Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return for relief from crippling sanctions.

Donald Trump has signalled he will pull out of the agreement, which he has called the worst deal ever, but he faces intense pressure from his European allies to stick with it.

The US president gave Britain, France and Germany a deadline to fix what he views as the deals flaws  its failure to address Irans ballistic missile programme, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and sunset clauses under which some of its terms expire  by 12 May, or he will reimpose US sanctions.

Netanyahu says he believes Trump will make the correct decision about the Iran nuclear deal (Getty)

On Monday, Mr Netanyahu stood in front of stacks of files representing what he said was a half ton of Iranian nuclear documents collected by Israeli intelligence.

Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons programme, he said. One hundred thousand secret files prove it did. Second, even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge for future use.

The White House said in a statement: This information provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons.

These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people.

An earlier statement by the White House made the extraordinary claim Iran has a clandestine nuclear weapons programme, before it was corrected due to what it said was a clerical error.

Iran has denied ever seeking nuclear weapons and accuses Israel of stirring up world suspicions against it.

A spokesman for the countrys foreign ministry called Mr Netanyahus performance a threadbare charlatanism show.

The state-run IRNA news agency quoted the spokesman, Bahram Ghasemi, as saying Mr Netanyahus speech was part of fruitless efforts of a bankrupt and scandalous liar.

France and Germany also confirmed they will continue to back the nuclear agreement.Hundreds of masked and hooded anarchists smashed shop windows, torched cars and hurled cobblestones at riot police on Tuesday, hijacking a Paris May Day rally by labour unions against President Emmanuel Macron's economic reforms.

Riot police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters. Paris police chief Michel Delpuech said more than 200 demonstrators had been arrested and four people were lightly injured in the clashes, including a police officer.

I condemn with absolute firmness the violence that took place today and derailed the May Day processions, tweeted Mr Macron, who was on a visit to Australia.

Everything will be done so that the perpetrators are identified and held responsible for their actions.

Authorities said around 1,200 protesters, many garbed in black, had turned up on the sidelines of the annual May Day demonstration. The protesters were from far-left anarchist groups known as Black Blocs, police said.

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux criticised the protesters for covering their faces. When you have sincere convictions, you demonstrate with your face unmasked, he said. Those who wear hoods are the enemies of democracy.

Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 Show all 8 1 /8 Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 Protesters launch a burning trolley towards French CRS anti-riot police officers during a march for the annual May Day workers' rally in Paris on 1 May 2017 AFP/Getty Images Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 Police fired tear gas at protesters on the sidelines of the May Day march in Paris Reuters Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 Masked demonstrators gather ahead of labour unions at the traditional May Day labour march in Paris Reuters Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 A demonstrator holds a placard with the message, "No to normalised Fascism" near gendarmes securing an area at the protests Reutesr Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 Scores of hooded youths threw Molotov cocktails at security forces AFP/Getty Images Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 The annual march to celebrate workers' rights this year included calls to block far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen from winning the presidency during a run-off election on Sunday AFP/Getty Images Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 People hold banners as they march among fumes of smoke bombs AFP/Getty Images Protesters clash with police in Paris on May Day 2017 Members of the National Confederation of Labour (CNT), hold a banner reading "against the employers' offensive, the trade union response! self-governance!" AFP/Getty Images

Chanting anti-fascist slogans and waving Soviet flags and anti-government banners, the protesters smashed windows of businesses, including a Renault garage and McDonalds restaurant near the Austerlitz train station in eastern Paris.

They also ransacked shops and scrawled anti-capitalist graffiti on walls before eventually being dispersed by police.

David Le Bars, a police union official, told BFM TV that security services had decided to let the protesters smash things rather than engage them to avoid casualties on either side that could exacerbate tensions.

They came to hit capitalist symbols and burn cops. When you come with Molotov cocktails, it's to burn cops, he said, citing clashes on May 1 last year in which one police officer was seriously burnt.

Unions put the number of peaceful protesters at Tuesday's main May Day rally in Paris at about 55,000, though police put it at around 20,000. The numbers were relatively small compared to other recent demonstrations.

 People at May Day March in Los Angeles speak out on immigration

Police said the Black Blocs had mixed into a smaller demonstration of around 14,500 people which took place alongside the official union rally.

Tuesday's clashes come amid mounting union discontent with Mr Macron's plans to reboot France's economy and spur jobs growth by loosening labour regulations.

Under a union campaign to foil Mr Macron's reforms, railway staff have begun three months of nationwide rolling strikes aimed at halting a planned overhaul of state-run railway SNCF.

Speaking in Australia earlier on Tuesday Mr Macron, a former investment banker who swept to power a year ago, reiterated that he would not back down on his reform agenda.

Opposition conservative and far-right politicians accused Macron's government of being insufficiently prepared for the violent protests and criticised it for not cracking down more heavily on anarchists.

ReutersA camera follows Omar Ibrahim through a winding alley lined with shanty structures. The neighbourhood, which bears broken sewer lines, heaps of garbage and a murky river flowing through it, is the only home Omar has known his entire life.

When I was little, I used to swim. Its not something our parents allowed us to do. But we would sneak out and go swimming, says Omar referring to the once clean river that now chokes with waste in Kibera, the shanty town in Nairobi, Kenyas capital, where he lives. A short film called Mabingwa captures how the 23-year-old man and other young Kenyans perceive conservation and wildlife; two related concepts that Omar has a hazy understanding of.

Even though he had heard about lions while growing up, he only got to see them during a recent trip to the famed Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya.

Trees are rare to come by in his neighbourhood that once hosted thick green forests before transforming into the largest slum in Africa owing to urbanisation pressure. Kibera derives its name from Kibra, a Nubian word meaning forest.

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I always believe that when you climb a tree and watch the sunset it clears your mind. But now that is not possible. I imagine trees around this river, what a beautiful place it could be, he says.

Despite growing up in a village in northern Kenya close to a well known wildlife conservancy called Lewa, its not until recently that John Leruso developed interest in wildlife conservation.

The firstborn in a family of 11 was raised by his pastoralist father after losing his mother when he was two years. John almost missed a chance to access education after a drought wiped out all his fathers livestock, the only source of the familys income.

He was, however, fortunate to secure a scholarship with Lewa Conservancy and completed his university education in 2016. The 25-year-old, who now works as a community development officer for the conservancy, has developed appreciation for wildlife conservation after deriving direct benefits from it.

According to a recent report produced by Well Told Story, a research organisation based in Kenya, wildlife conservation is confusing to younger Kenyans, with most of them feeling detached from the issue.

The research, commissioned by ESCAPE Foundation, shows that Kenyan youth have varied beliefs and attitudes about what constitutes conservation depending on their level of awareness on the subject.

Conservation messages have been packaged in a complex way that does not resonate with the youth. Fragmenting conservation into different aspects only serves to confuse young people. They view this issue in a holistic way; caring for nature, says Everlyn Kemunto, Lead Researcher, Well Told Story. Besides, most youths do not see any direct reward for wildlife conservation, which makes them disinterested.

Youth who form the majority of the Kenyan population are considered crucial demographic in preserving the countrys natural resources. Statistics from the 2009 national census estimates the population of Kenyans aged between 15 and 24 at 7,944,646, 19% of the total. The following generation is even larger: 40% of Kenyas entire population is aged under 15.

The typical Kenyan appreciates wildlife and environment, but doesnt really see a role and an opportunity for them there. To really look at champions among young people is probably the only hope we have for wildlife and conservation in the future, says Paula Kahumbu, CEO of a Kenyan campaign charity called Wildlife Direct.

The report sampled 121 participants drawn from eight locations around the country. It identifies four segments of young people with varying appreciation for wildlife conservation.

Young people who lived near protected areas were more likely to engage in conservation compared to those far off. The first category of youths conserved due to cultural inclinations and awareness of the social benefits.

Fear of losing tangible benefits of conservation such as employment, scholarships and security motivated the second category of youths to engage in protecting natural resources.

Others did it because they were genuinely interested in conservation while a fourth group of youths sampled did not care at all for the issue since they did not see any significant contribution it made to their lives.

According to the report relaying conservation messages in a language understandable to youths and through proper channels, is seen as one of the ways of getting more youths engaged in conservation.

This article is reproduced here as part of the Giants Club African Conservation Journalism Fellowships, a programme of the charity Space for Giants and supported by the owner of ESI Media, which includes independent.co.uk. It aims to expand the reach of conservation and environmental journalism in Africa, and bring more African voices into the international conservation debate. Read the original story hereThe suicide bombing in Kabul on Monday that claimed nine lives and injured six others was the single most lethal attack on the media in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001. A few hours later another journalist was shot dead in Khost province. The deaths, bringing the number of journalists killed in the country to 34 in just two years, according to Reporters Without Borders, came just ahead of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May.

The attack was targeted. A suicide bomber posing as a TV cameraman detonated his bomb in Kabul amid journalists there to report on an earlier explosion in which 16 people were killed. Isis claimed credit for the murders, praising a martyrdom brother who had executed apostates. The journalist, Ahmad Shah, killed in Khost province was gunned down while he was on a bicycle on his way to work.

Ahmad worked for the BBC. Among those killed in Kabul was Shah Marai Fezi of international news organisation Agence France Presse (AFP). They were known to many of us foreign journalists who had met them while covering Afghanistan. Both men were brave and dedicated, taking great risks to record a war that gets little coverage in the West since the withdrawal of most of the international forces five years ago.

Shah Marai with one of his young sons in Kabul, 2013 (AFP)

Suicide bombers disguised as members of the media is not an entirely new form of killing in Afghanistan. The assassination of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the renowned Mujaheddin commander of the Northern Alliance, was carried out in 2001 by two suicide bombers pretending to be journalists.

The assassination was done supposedly on the orders of Osama Bin Laden following Commander Massouds warning of a massive and impending terrorist attack in the West  the attack turned out to be the ones in New York and the Pentagon on 9/11.

Commander Massoud, the Lion of Panjshir, who had carried out a long struggle against the Taliban and their backers in the Pakistani military and secret police, was killed by two Belgian Muslims of North African origin.

Part of the paperwork needed to get them into the headquarters of the Northern Alliance was forged by Islamists in London. The bomb, hidden in a television camera, was not detected because Massoud, a believer in freedom of the press, had standing orders that journalists should not be subjected to searches.

The war that followed the intervention by US-led forces after 9/11 continues with relentless violence. On the same day of the journalists murders, a suicide bomber killed 11 pupils at a religious school, madrassa, in Kandahar.

Seventy-six people were killed in a series of bombings last week in the south of the country, including in Helmand, the province where British troops used to be based.

These atrocities are chronicled by journalists who now find themselves targeted by Islamist groups. They are fully aware of the danger they face on a daily basis.

Shah Marai, who had six children, including a baby girl, wrote in his AFP article When Hope is Gone: I dont dare to take my children for a walk. They spend their time cooped up inside the house. Every morning as I go to the office and every evening when I return home all I think of are cars that can be booby-trapped, of suicide bombers coming out of a crowd.

But it is not always possible for the families of journalists to be kept safe from the violence, even with great precautions. Sardar Ahmad, who worked for the AFP agency and ran Pressistan, which helped foreign journalists in Afghanistan, had gone for a meal to celebrate Persian New Year, Nowruz, at the Serena, Kabuls most fortified hotel, in 2014 when Taliban gunmen, who had infiltrated the complex, opened fire in the dining room.

Among those killed were Sardar, his wife Homaira, six-year-old daughter Nilofar and five-year-old son Omar. Abuzar, then two years old, survived but was severely injured.

Afghanistan is not the only country, of course, where members of the media have been murdered. Eighty-one people were killed last year, according to the International Federation of Journalists annual Kill Report.

This was a modest improvement from 2016 when 93 died. Around 250 journalists were imprisoned, 160 of them by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey.

Many of these deaths in recent years have taken place while journalists have been covering conflicts. Some have been those caught up in bombings and firefights, but not all.

In Syria, the rebels and the regime have both killed members of the media. American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, as well as Kenji Goto, who was Japanese, were murdered by Isis, their beheadings carried out by the Mohammed Emwazi, Jihadi John, a British national.

He was later killed in a drone strike: two of his fellow members of the British jihadi group, the so called Beatles, El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey, who carried out torture and murders, are in custody of Kurdish security forces.

They have been giving interviews complaining that they may not get a fair trial and their civil rights are being impinged upon. The beheadings, which also included those of aid workers, are, they say, regrettable.

Flowers and tributes at a shrine for Maltese journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia who was killed by a car bomb outside her home in October (AFP/Getty)

It is not just war coverage which leads to the murder of journalists  exposing scandals in high places or criminal activities can, as we have seen, be fatal. Daphne Caruana Galizia, whose highly popular blog attacked corruption, dodgy business dealings and organised crime, was blown up in Malta in October. Ten people have been arrested in connection with the killing.

The mix of crime and politics lies behind Mexico being the most lethal country for journalists last year, with 13 killed, followed by Afghanistan and Iraq with 11 each. The attacks have continued in Mexico this year with another reporter, 77-year-old Carlos Dominguez Rodriguez, being killed in Nuevo Laredo, near the border with Texas, in January.

The director-general of Unesco, Audrey Azoulay, said: I condemn the assassination of Carlos Dominguez Rodriguez in Mexico and urge the authorities to ensure effective investigation. Bringing journalists killers to justice is crucial to end violence against those who defend the public rights to know the truth.

In London, at a ceremony to commemorate World Press Freedom Day, organised by the Afghan embassy, ambassador Said Tayeb Jawad spoke of the 10 journalists killed on Monday: Maybe because of politics we will be told some day that we have to forget about these fine brave people and forgive their killers. But we will not forgive the killers and we will not forget the journalists. The work they did was absolutely vital for democracy.

That work will continue for journalists in difficult and dangerous places. And with that, inevitably, will come deaths, injuries and imprisonment  the occupational hazard for those trying to shine a light into the dark corners of this world.Irans theocracy is based upon anti-Western and anti-imperial nationalism. So, why is the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, reinforcing the same ideals upon which his arch enemys political system is derived?

In a speech on Monday, Netanyahu lamented Iran for allegedly lying about its nuclear ambitions in an attempt to further discredit the Iran nuclear deal. His excoriation, which is likely to only encourage president Donald Trump to bolster his aggressive stance towards Iran, actually serves the interests of the countrys political and financial elite.

Since the 1950s, the Islamic Republic of Iran has had a justified disdain for the Wests statecraft, after the UK and the US colluded to overthrow the countrys democratically elected prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh. The revolutionary leader was removed from power in August 1953 by a MI6 and CIA sponsored military coup, upon nationalising Irans oil supplies, which were previously under the control of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company  now known as BP.

The event marked the gradual deterioration of Irans relationships with both Britain and America and the population, rightly so, became suspicious of British and American influence within their country. The nations king, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who consolidated his power after Mossadeghs removal, was subsequently supported by the UK and the US while serving as an Anglo-Saxon stooge until political discontent led to the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Irans theocracy depends upon external threats from the West and its Middle Eastern allies. Since the countrys Islamic uprising, it has shunned the Western global financial system, a decision initially instigated by the Muslim Shia cleric, Ayatollah Khomeini, who served as the figurehead of the religious revolution of 1979.

Many anti-imperialists, who propagate the rhetoric of third world revolutionary leaders, prescribe to the views of Irans elite, who claim their political isolationism protects their people.

The argument has a degree of credibility. But do Ali Khamenei and his Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) actually serve the interests of Iranians? Or do they propagate demagoguery and anti-Western sentiment to justify a disparate political system?

Unfortunately, the latter seems to be the case.

Since the ratification of the Iran nuclear deal in 2015, the country has experienced economic prosperity. However, as a consequence of continued US sanctions and the rapacious appetites of Irans leaders, the population are yet to receive the financial benefits of the 2015 pact, while political dissidents remain oppressed.

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Many of Irans political and financial elites would like the nuclear deal to be revoked. Their position of privilege is based upon the exploitation of the general populace and they are desperate for a third party to blame for their shortfalls.

The countrys leaders could chart a truly independent economic path for their people. But, as is the case with many once colonial subjects, those who have replaced their former masters have soon adopted their predecessors' ways. All of course, while vindicating themselves by holding their former colonial rulers to account.

Netanyahus comments only further the ideologies which Irans leaders perpetuate. Constant threats of American intervention and ongoing proxy wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have allowed Ali Khamenei and the IRGC to suppress Iranians while claiming to be safeguarding their welfare.

However, the primary victims are the Iranian people. The majority of whom have been exploited by Britain, America and Russia, who have historically used the country as a proxy playground.

Irans future will be decided by the nuclear deal. Its political stability depends upon it and history shows that aggressive sanctions generally fail.

When trading restrictions were imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Iraq in 1990, after Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait, the sanctions bolstered the dictators regime and, according to UN estimates, led to the death of 500,000 children.

Not only would the revocation of the Iran nuclear deal bolster the current government, but it would further punish the population, who have already suffered unjustly. And Netanyahus comments arent helping.Hey, Robert Mueller, I gather youve been having a hard time pinning down the president to ask him a few questions. Well, join the club. We in the media  the purveyors of fake news as he likes to call us  know a thing or two about that too. The man is as evasive as a skunk at noon.

This may sound like a bit of a whine, but the fact is Donald Trump hasnt submitted to a traditional presidential press conference for over a year. Yes, really, over a year. The last time reporters got the chance to grill him in the way past presidents have been grilled was on 16 February last year. Maybe Valentines Day with Melania had put him in a giving mood.

Recommended Follow the latest tweets from Donald Trump and what they really mean

To put that in perspective, in just their first year in office Barack Obama held 11 solo news conferences, George W Bush held five, and Bill Clinton a dozen. So Trump appearing just once is a clear break from tradition. Now we are several months into his second year and zilch, zero.

We know youre frustrated because somehow you or one of your allies contrived this morning to leak the questions you have prepared for him onto the front pages of the morning papers. You gave the original scoop to the New York Times. Why not? You have more than four dozen of them and theyre just in respect of your ongoing investigation into alleged collusion with Russia and whether or not he has tried to obstruct justice. Think how many questions we have!

Well, you got his attention, which I assume was the purpose. So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media, he raged on Twitter. (He talks to his Twitter followers all the time, of course, because thats his best way to get round us.)

Its possible the dry spell for you will be over soon. John Dowd resigned as Trumps personal lawyer in March when he concluded that his advice not to meet you was likely to be ignored. Now Rudy Giuliani is there apparently taking a different tack and we are led to believe Trump is still minded to sit down with you. We arent sure because we cant ask him.

If he does, you will have one big advantage over us. He will be bound to tell you the truth, assuming he is afraid of perjuring himself. Thats a really big deal, because in our experience he is not great at that. In a recent analysis, the Washington Post identified no fewer than 2,001 false or misleading claims Trump made in his first year in office. That computes to 5.6 a day.

What are we to do? Aides to Trump counter that his refusal to engage in the old rituals of the East Room back-and-forth with reporters is of no consequence. President Trump is more accessible than most modern presidents and frequently takes questions from the press, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders noted just this week.

Of course, in a sense thats true. Actually, many of us are suffering from Trump overload and are looking forward to him entering the DMZ on the Korean peninsula, his preferred venue for the upcoming summit with Kim Jong-un. Wifi access to get onto Twitter will be limited there.

Sanders is talking about all the times that Trump does cross paths with the White House press corps. And it is often. When he walks across the south lawn to the presidential chopper, they get to yell questions, which he may or may not respond to. It was the setting for example for his acknowledgement last month that, yes, he had just fired secretary of state Rex Tillerson.

There are the photo sprays that Huckabee Sanders sets up when reporters can crowd in with the cameras when theyre invited to record things like the start of a cabinet meeting or a sit-down beside a visiting foreign leader. Again, a bit of press hollering is tolerated.

Perhaps the nearest thing to the real thing are the joint press conferences he is obliged to hold with those world leaders. In the last few days, he has appeared alongside Emanuel Macron of France and Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria. And he gives interviews too. Last week, even the hosts on Fox and Friends, the morning show on his favourite cable channel, seemed uncomfortable when Trump phoned in for 30 minutes to get a whole barrow of stuff off his chest about everything from Mueller to the crash-and-burn of his nominee to be Veterans Affairs chief.

But none of this is the same as the president standing before the press corps for an hour or more to field whatever questions they lob at him. Generally only two or three US-based reporters get the microphone at those appearances with foreign leaders and Trump can  and regularly does  single out those he knows to be friendly to him. Otherwise, journalists travelling with the visiting head of government are picked. In the chaotic scrum of a spray or the walk to Marine One or, indeed aboard Air Force One, it is easier than ever for Trump simply to ignore questions he doesnt like or bat them away. Stupid question, was his response to one reporter asking him about the travails of his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, when he and and Macron posed for the cameras last week.

Fully-fledged news conferences, as we used to understand them, would be quite different. Eventually, hed have to take questions from journalists he doesnt favour, even from CNN and the New York Times, the two outlets he most regularly excoriates. Almost more importantly, in that setting, reporters usually get to ask follow-up questions when they are not satisfied with the answer given. And everything is live so if the presidents wiggles and waffles, the whole country can watch and score him accordingly.

Old-fashioned, maybe, but those press conferences, help the public to gain a deeper understanding of a presidents thinking on an issue; show transparency and accountability; allow journalists to raise questions the public may be concerned about; and also allow a president to shape his message, Margaret Taley, president of the White House Correspondents Association, noted this week.

Obviously Trump thinks hes doing fine shaping his image all by himself, not least thanks to Twitter. As for the rest of it  transparency and accountability  theres no evidence he cares.John McGuirk of the Save the 8th campaign at a press conference in Dublin where he accused the Health Minister of "untruths" (Laura Paterson/PA)

An anti-abortion campaigner has accused the Health Minister of untruths in a row over billboards.

John McGuirk, of the Save the 8th campaign made the accusation at a press conference in Dublin.

Last week Health Minister Simon Harris said that any claim repealing the Eighth Amendment would legalise abortion up to 26 weeks was a big lie.

His comments followed controversy over a Save the 8th campaign billboard showing a baby next to the words I had NO idea  They want to legalise abortion up to 6 months

Later this morning, @Savethe8thInfo will launch this detailed, fact-based, position paper on how the Government's bill legislates for the abortion of healthy babies at 6 months gestation. https://t.co/hLvLLAgm2k pic.twitter.com/Bp5jx7a34s  John McGuirk (@john_mcguirk) April 26, 2018

Mr McGuirk said: We have not been telling lies, the Minister, unfortunately, has chosen to engage in untruths.

It is very clear if you look at general scheme for publication that the Minister himself published.

Minister Harris says in the Bill, he says repeatedly, that late term abortions will be illegal.

I would ask Minister Harris to point out where in this general scheme for the termination of pregnancy, late term abortions are outlawed. I would ask him to point that out to the public.

Expand Close Minister for Health Simon Harris (Tom Honan/PA) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Minister for Health Simon Harris (Tom Honan/PA)

Mr Harris previously told the Times: Nowhere in the proposed legislation does it say anything about six months. That is their big lie.

The truth is the proposed legislation includes an additional restriction, that assessing viability is one of the requirements for certification and that it will not be lawful to terminate if the pregnancy is viable. That means there is a ban on late-term abortions.

He added: The proposed legislation would allow Irish women access care on consultation with their doctor up to 12 weeks only. In this case a three-day pause would be in place for women to access all information and counselling and make a considered decision.

The minister said terminations after 12 weeks would only be in exceptional, strictly controlled circumstances which include a risk to the life, or serious harm to the health of the pregnant woman, or the existence of fatal foetal conditions.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Campaign to Repeal the 8th launched a special edition referendum newspaper at an event in Buswells Hotel, Dublin.

Contributors to the publication include former Supreme Court Justice Judge Catherine McGuinness and Professor Veronica OKeane of Trinty College Dublin and Tallaght Hospital.

Therese Caherty, of the Trade Union Campaign, said: Its full of examples of how the eighth has really damaged women and full of reasons for people to vote yes on the 25th.

A referendum on repealing the Eighth Amendment in the Irish constitution to enable reform of the countrys strict abortion laws is due to be held on May 25.Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee speaks alongside student Oscar Despard at Looking to the Post Brexit Future  A Youth Perspective at the All-Ireland Civic Dialogue at Dundalk Institute of Technology. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Tanaiste Simon Coveney and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar greet EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier at the All-Ireland Civic Dialogue in the Dundalk Institute of Technology. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Unionist leader Arlene Foster was notable by her absence at the all-island Brexit conference in Co Louth.

However, her distinctly anti-EU point of view was well represented when remarks she'd made about the EU's lead negotiator, Michel Barnier, were put to him for a response.

Ms Foster had earlier in the morning described the particularly mild-mannered former French minister as "aggressive" and "does not understand" the unionist history or position in Northern Ireland.

She said he pretended to understand the issues but was "not an honest broker".

"Michel Barnier's trying to present himself as someone who cares deeply about Northern Ireland and if that is the case he needs to hear the fact that we are part of the United Kingdom; will remain part of the United Kingdom constitutionally, politically and economically," she told the BBC. "Therefore, his proposal of us being in an all-Ireland regulatory scenario with a border down the Irish Sea simply does not work."

It didn't matter to Ms Foster that nobody has ever suggested there should be a border down the Irish Sea; and that the whole point of dialogues and conferences such as the one Ms Foster declined to attend would be the ideal platform to express misgivings.

And perhaps constructive solutions to a situation of deepening impasse which threatens a bitter return to identity politics in the North.

The former French minister who served in several portfolios responded by saying he didn't wish to engage in "polemics" with Ms Foster.

He said while he "profoundly regretted" Brexit, he was "never aggressive" nor did he behave with any "spirit of revenge".

As the lead negotiator for the EU 27, Mr Barnier has - and continues to have - almost complete support from every Irish stakeholder in Brexit, including cross-party recognition, as well as from business and civil liberties groups. Their presence reflected this.

Welcoming Mr Barnier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney - the two most senior government ministers - thanked him for this "very real understanding at the heart of the EU of the serious challenges presented by Brexit to Ireland".

While there was a relatively optimistic tone - notwithstanding the fact that there was no input from the unionist side - one couldn't help feeling discussions were happening in a vacuum.

The Taoiseach appeared to rally troops by pointing out that yet another bruising round of brinksmanship is looming large, and to get ready.

We would be at another "decisive point again in a few weeks' time", said Mr Varadkar.

In attempting to appease the fears of an already Brexit-weary population, Mr Barnier said the EU wouldn't allow talks to continue with the UK unless there was "substantial progress" on the Border by June. However, it remains unclear what exactly this threshold looks like, and what substantial progress means.

The Irish Government's position is resigned to focusing on getting the British government to come up with a satisfactory interpretation of the backstop - or Option C.

This is where the North would remain within the customs union and effectively the single market in the increasing likelihood that Option A - a comprehensive trade deal and closer than close relationship - can't be thrashed out. Mr Barnier cautioned about the "real risk" that this outcome is to be expected: "We have to be prepared for all options including no deal. It is not my preference."

He said he was "not optimistic" and "not pessimistic" but "determined" that the two sides can break the deadlock.

The Tanaiste pointed to the impossible scenario where the UK believes it can stay outside the customs union and single market and expect the EU and Ireland to evade long-established rules of the single market - most of which Britain was instrumental in creating - in order to satisfy misguided Brexiteers' fantasies.

"The British government has red lines all over the place and expects the EU to accommodate them. We have red lines, so does the EU, but nobody seems to focus on that," Mr Coveney said.The Hardware Association of Ireland has warned that, of its members, the timber sector faces the greatest challenges when it comes to Brexit.

AnneMarie Harte, chief executive of the association, said that its members source around 20pc of their imports from the UK.

In addition, over half of Irish sawmills output is exported, with 95pc of those exports going to the UK.

"The Irish timber sector contributes 2.6bn to the economy and sustains 12,000 full time rural jobs directly and indirectly," Ms Harte said.

"Over half of Irish sawmills output is exported, and 95pc of those exports go to the UK. In addition, 90pc of panel products produced in Ireland are exported, with two thirds going to the UK."

Speaking at the associations 80 anniversary conference, Ms Harte went on to say that the timber market in Ireland operates on an all-island basis with roundwood and processed timber flowing smoothly in both directions between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

"In these circumstances the Government must pay particular attention to the needs of the sector in any Brexit negotiations."

Meanwhile, she said that the ongoing recovery in the housing sector, coupled with Ireland's economic recovery are driving strong growth in the hardware sector.

Ms Harte said that the industry, including retail, wholesale and manufacturing, is now responsible for direct employment of 19,000 and an overall economic contribution of 377m.

"With the economy forecast to grow by between 4pc and 5pc in the coming years the sector could create a further 2,000 jobs between now and the end of the decade," Ms Harte said.

Ms Harte went on to say that, despite very weak levels of activity in the sector in recent years, hardware sales have recovered strongly.

The pickup in housebuilding means that the sector expects growth to accelerate, which the association said will translate into increased employment.

"According to the latest Central Statistics Office figures the hardware sales grew by 5.1pc in 2017," Ms Harte said. "We can anticipate an increase in this figure during the next two years as a result of additional housebuilding."

Home Renovation Improvement

Meanwhile DCU Associate Professor of Economics Tony Foley said that the industry could be set for a further boost in the coming months as the deadline for the Home Renovation Improvement (HRI) approaches.

"The latest figures released reveal that the HRI has exceeded an estimated 1.85bn in works since it was introduced in 2013, with the majority of the spend undertaken in just three counties; Dublin, Cork and Kildare," Professor Foley said.

"Home extensions, general repairs and renovations and window replacement top the list of works completed under the scheme, with an average spend of 16,187. We can anticipate an increase in applications for the schemes as we approach the December 31deadline and this will drive further growth in the hardware sector."

Commenting on the HRI scheme, Ms Harte called for the scheme to be extended to "both to improve peoples lives and to stimulate further growth in the economy."Brexit, currency volatility and terrorism are some of the biggest potential threats to Hostelworld, the Dublin-based online-booking platform.

The warning in its annual report published yesterday came as it confirmed that it had notched up 7.5 million bookings last year, with its net revenue rising 8pc to 86.7m. Stock market-listed Hostelworld posted adjusted profit after tax of 21.7m in 2017, which was 12pc higher than in 2016.

The company, headed by chief executive Feargal Mooney, said that bookings from the main Hostelworld brand, which contribute 93pc of group bookings, rose 13pc in 2017.

However, newly-appointed chairman Michael Cawley, Ryanair's former chief operating officer, said that the industry "continues to be impacted by Brexit uncertainty and terrorist attacks, which particularly affect our key European destinations". Mr Cawley is also the chairman of Failte Ireland.

The company's annual report added that market conditions, particularly in Europe, remain uncertain, but that booking volumes in the first quarter of 2018 are in line with expectations.

"Weaker exchange rates, particularly for the US dollar, remain a significant headwind," it noted.

But Hostelworld remains strongly cash generative. When users book an accommodation stay, they pay a deposit, which represents Hostelworld's entire share of the total booking cost.

Mr Cawley noted in the report that Hostelworld had free cash flow - a key measure of a company's financial performance - of 21.5m last year, giving the group a 21.3m cash balance at the end of the year, despite dividends of 24.8m going to shareholders.

The company is planning to pay a full-year final dividend of 12 cent a share, which will represent a 75pc of its adjusted profit after tax being split amongst shareholders.

"The board continues to review its approach to returning capital to shareholders, providing returns to shareholders whilst retaining flexibility for capital and other investment opportunities," noted Mr Cawley.

Mr Mooney pointed out that Hostelworld has been investing heavily in its technology platform and opened a software development office in the Portuguese city of Porto. At the end of last December, it employed 24 people.

"Based on its initial success, we plan to substantially expand this new software delivery centre during 2018, as we expect it to play a significant role in Hostelworld's future success," said Mr Mooney.

The annual report also shows that Mr Mooney was paid a total of just under 769,000 in 2017, down from almost 1.3m in 2018.

However, his base salary last year rose to 410,000 from 400,000, and the 2016 figure also included a 850,000 one-off payment from Hostelworld's former majority shareholder, US private equity firm Hellman and Friedman.

That discretionary payment was agreed as part of Hostelworld's stock market flotation in 2015.

Mr Mooney received a 309,000 bonus last year.

The annual report also notes that outgoing chief financial officer Mari Hurley, whom the group announced in December planned to leave the group in the first half of this year, was not paid a bonus in respect of 2017, with Hostelworld's remuneration committee deciding that she should not be entitled to one.

Shares provisionally awarded to her under the group's long-term incentive plan will also lapse upon her resignation date.Dublin City Council has flagged "very serious concerns" over plans by the Goodman family for a 100m city centre office development and put them on hold.

The planning authority has delayed the ambitious application to redevelop the Setanta Centre on Dublin's Nassau Street due to issues relating to the proposal's overall height, scale, bulk and massing.

The Ternary Ltd plan for the Setanta Centre facing on to Trinity College will create at its peak 430 construction jobs and employ 1,600 people when the offices are ready for occupation.

A letter enclosed with the application confirms Setanta Centre Unlimited as owners of the site and lists beef baron Larry Goodman and his eldest son, Lawrence, as directors. Lawrence heads up the family's property interests as well as running his own property development business.

The Setanta Centre - which was built in the mid-1970s - houses the Kilkenny Design centre store.

However, the Kilkenny group has warned that the new development will result in "serious consequences" and job losses at its flagship store in Dublin where it employs 88.

In putting the plan on hold, the council has taken account of the Kilkenny Shop objections.

The local authority states that "there is a further concern that the current design may impact and weaken the visual presence of the Kilkenny shop; an established and significant part of the retail and tourism experience of this area".

The council adds: "This is not considered acceptable and should be reviewed."

The Kilkenny Group has also raised concerns in relation to the impact on its business during the construction phase and the city council has responded to those concerns.

In its request for further information, the city council states that there are "serious concerns regarding the potential consequences of these works on the business".

The council states that these concerns have not been addressed in the application and that more details are required.

The planning authority has also told Ternary Ltd to reduce the height of the planned office block.The maximum amount of funding available is 200,000 per project

Funding of 15m has been announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed through the LEADER Food Initiative.

The Initiative will provide financial supports, including for the renovation and extension of production facilities and the purchasing of processing equipment, as well as supporting participants in the artisan food and beverage sector in areas such as market development, competitiveness, and innovation.

The maximum amount of funding available is 200,000 per project and funding will be provided for both capital investment and softer supports related to analysis and development or training. This includes support for collaborative proposals where food businesses jointly address common processing and marketing challenges.

The initial tranche of 5m will be allocated in 2018. Based on the experience in delivering the initial tranche of funding, it is anticipated that the remaining 10m of this LEADER Food Initiative funding will be rolled out by 2020.

Announcing the scheme, Minister Ring said: The LEADER Food Initiative will make a vital contribution to the development of local food businesses which are central to the economic sustainability of rural areas and an important source of local jobs.

"Many local artisan producers have wonderful products but require additional investment in production facilities, equipment, processing and marketing which can help them take the next step and bring their product to a wider market."

The LEADER Food Initiative will support investment in marketing, product quality and supply chain skills for these food producers.

Minister Creed said Food Wise 2025, the strategy for the agri-food industry acknowledges the unique and important position of artisan and small food businesses in both the rural and national economy and the need to support the sector to realise its potential.

Ministers Ring and Creed concluded by encouraging artisan and small food businesses in rural Ireland to contact the Local Action Group (LAG) or Implementing Partner in their area as soon as possible to discuss the available funding opportunities. All applications for funding will be managed through the LEADER LAGs.

The LAG contact details are available through http://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/list-of-LAGs.pdfLacPatrick was formed from the merger of Town of Monaghan Dairy in the Republic and Ballyrashane Dairy in the North. It processes more than 600 million litres of milk from more than 1,000 farmers, roughly half on each side of the Border

There are mounting calls for shareholder meetings at LacPatrick Co-op to discuss the continuing uncertainty at the Ulster dairy processor.

Suppliers of the northern dairy have expressed anger and frustration at the lack of consultation from management at the co-op.

A Lacpatrick source pointed out that the co-op had written to its shareholders regarding recent developments and that it had met with farm organisations on both sides of the Border over the last week.

However, the ICMSA has backed calls for the co-op to hold a shareholders' meeting.

"We note that LacPatrick is communicating directly with individual farmer-members and with farm organisations, but we would think that the circumstances call for communication at shareholder level and that should be arranged," ICMSA president Pat McCormack said.

However, in a statement to the Farming Independent, LacPatrick insisted that it had been proactive in its communications with co-op members.

"LacPatrick has communicated directly with farmers as well as with farm organisations thus far and will continue to do so throughout this process," LacPatrick stated.

"LacPatrick proactively sought meetings with the IFA and the ICMSA in the Republic of Ireland as well as the UFU in Northern Ireland to inform them and their members of the recent developments in LacPatrick," the co-op statement added.

The co-op also pointed out that no decision on the future of LacPatrick would be taken without the "approval of shareholders".

In its letter to shareholders LacPatrick stated that its board had set out a strategic vision for the business which "may or may not include partnerships, joint ventures, mergers and other opportunities".

The letter claimed that the LacPatrick board's decision followed "approaches from international and national companies in recent months".

The move also followed a 5.5c/l cut in milk returns for Southern suppliers for March supplies.

Profitable

LacPatrick's VAT inclusive milk price fell from 35.75c/l in February (which included an early calving bonus of 3c/l for January and February) to 30.25c/l for March.

The price for Northern Irish milk suppliers was also cut to 25p/l.

LacPatrick management has insisted that the co-op is profitable and remains "in a position of financial and strategic strength".

"LacPatrick is a profitable co-op. All farmers have been paid for their milk this month and farmers will continue to be paid on time each and every month regardless of how long this process takes and regardless of the outcome," the co-op stated.

LacPatrick was created in 2015 by the merger of Town of Monaghan Co-op and Ballyrashane Co-op in Antrim. It has a milk pool of around 600m litres, with 500m litres supplied from the North and 100m from the South.

The co-op has around 1,000 suppliers, 700 in the North and 300 in the South. It has three processing sites located in Monaghan town, Ballyrashane and Artigarvan, Co Tyrone.

Among the possible merger candidates touted for LacPatrick are Dale Farm in the North, as well as Aurivo, Lakeland Dairies and Glanbia.A remarkable nine-year-old who coped with the heartbreaking loss of her little brother by raising more than 20,000 for charity picked up our Spirit of Youth Award.

Emily Magee and her family have been through an unthinkably tough year since losing four year- old Thomas in a digger accident on their farm in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, last April.

Thomas was Emilys best friend as well as her brother, and as the family struggled with their devastation at his sudden loss, she decided to organise a charity event in his memory.

Emilys mum, Jacqueline, said winning the award, which was presented to her by Derry Girls star Jamie-Lee ODonnell and Eamonn McFadden from category sponsor Harvey Norman, was the first time they had seen her smile since the death of Thomas.

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She added: It was brilliant and a lovely tribute to Thomas. Emily has been through so much and helped so many other children, so we were so glad to see her recognised.

It was lovely to see a smile on her face for the first time since we lost Thomas. She was over the moon meeting Louis Walsh  that was a real highlight for her.

Emily was still only eight when she came up with the idea for a coffee morning in her school, Maguiresbridge Primary School, last June. It was supported by hundreds of people from her local community, with more than 8,000 raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Encouraged by her success, she later organised a charity walk in Gortin on New Years Eve  again supported by hundreds  and raised 14,000.

Her mum said looking forward to the awards night gave Emily something positive to focus on as the whole family, including dad David and little sister Luciana (3), struggled with their emotions coming up to the first anniversary of Thomas death a couple of weeks ago.

And Jacqueline added she couldnt be any prouder of her little daughter, who she described as an inspiration.

She also recalled how on the night they lost Thomas, she and Emily were returning home from an event at their primary school and came across the accident.

Its like Emily has grown up overnight, she explained. We came across the accident, so there was no such thing as breaking it to her gently.

She saw the chaos. As we arrived home from a movie night at school, we came across the ambulance and police.

Thomas had decided not to go to the movie night because he preferred to be outdoors. It was a beautiful evening, so he stayed at home with his daddy.

(Seeing the accident) traumatised me, so at eight years of age it must have been a nightmare for Emily.

Even the wake and funeral were so different to normal. We had so many people of all ages in floods of tears. I am sure it was scary for her.

Fundraising was her way of coping. She called it her strategy. Even now Davey and I are still trying to function, but she is such a wee inspiration.

Thomas and her loved to bake buns, and she asked in school if she could have a bun sale for the children, then she asked if the mummies and daddies could come, and in the end it became a coffee morning.

She made the posters herself and the thankyou cards and set up the room in the school. She was a real wee busy bee.

She made a speech at the coffee morning saying that Thomas had his wish every day when he came home and played outside, which was something he loved to do, and she wanted to help make wishes come true for sick children.

The crowd that came and supported her was unbelievable for a small country area.

The Trek for Thomas was also organised by Emily, and she even approached businesses to help sponsor food and snacks.

More than 1,000 people braved the cold on New Years Eve to follow one of three walks, and Emily raised nearly 14,000.

Her mum said: We were gobsmacked by the support. People just kept coming. It was amazing. So many people contacted us to say they wanted to volunteer and help out.

Emily even opened her own money box and put all the money she got for her birthday and Christmas together and donated it.

It has been so hard for her, even going back to school. We were in pieces and she had to walk through those school gates without Thomas and see all his wee friends running around the playground and he wasnt there. That was really hard for her.

She has now started writing a wee book that some day she would like to get published on how to keep going and find courage when things are tough. She is so brave.

While the family still struggles to get on with life without Thomas, Jacqueline said he was still very much alive in their home, which is decorated with his drawings and artwork.

They also have a memory jar in which they each write down memories of happy times with Thomas and then sit around the table together and share them.

Jacqueline said they would never get over his loss. He was such a happy wee boy, she added.

Very sunny, witty and full of fun. Everyone who met him loved him straight away.

Luciana was only two when he died, but even she still asks when Toba, as she called him, is coming home. She wants to go to the angel shop and buy wings and go and get him in heaven.

For a few hours at least the family were able to celebrate and give Emily a night to remember at the ceremony.

The Spirit of Northern Ireland Award gave Emily something positive to focus on, Jacqueline said.The judge threw out McDonaghs claim which meant the six other claims collapsed with it and were dismissed

A legal action over an alleged agreement by the owners of the Opium Bar and Restaurant on Dublin's Wexford Street to buy a nearby property has been adjourned pending the outcome of talks aimed at resolving the dispute.

Trebleside Designated Activity Company, which owns the Opium Bar, has brought proceedings against John Hallinan, Geraldine Hallinan, Claire Cullen and TFF Food Ltd over an alleged failure by the defendants to complete a deal.

Trebleside, part of the Mercantile Group of bar/restaurants, claims it entered into an agreement with the Hallinans to acquire property they own at 38 and 38a Camden Row, Dublin in a 1m-plus deal.

It is claimed Ms Cullen, of Convent Road, Delgany, Co Wicklow, and TFF Food Ltd, are the occupiers and leasehold owners of the ground floor of 38 Camden Row from which coffee shop the Fat Fox operates.

Trebleside claims that for reasons unknown to it the defendants have reneged on that agreement. As a result, Trebleside had asked the High Court for an order to drive through the deal it claims the Hallinans entered into on March 27 last.

The court heard that the defendants have on numerous occasions objected to the continuing operation of the Opium bar.

The case was admitted to the fast track commercial court list by Mr Justice Brian McGovern yesterday.

However, following talks between lawyers for both sides, the entire proceedings were adjourned and the case is due to be mentioned before the court today.Patrick Neary, the former financial regulator and a key witness to the Central Bank inquiry into alleged regulatory breaches at the collapsed Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS), was unable to testify yesterday because the lender's ex-boss, Michael Fingleton, was unavailable due to illness.

The appearance of Mr Neary had been keenly anticipated and drew a larger than normal media turnout.

However, the inquiry's chairwoman, solicitor Marian Shanley, was forced to halt yesterday's proceedings after Mr Fingleton, who turned 80 in January, informed the inquiry he was too unwell to attend.

The inquiry is expected to reconvene on Wednesday although it remains unclear whether Mr Neary, who presided over the institution throughout the boom years, will reappear later this week.

He is viewed as among the most important of the 25 witnesses summoned to give evidence by the Central Bank in its long drawn-out examination of INBS's management in the run-up to its nationalisation in 2010, which foisted a 5bn clean-up bill on taxpayers.

Earlier this year, Mr Fingleton, who has elected to represent himself at the inquiry, suffered another bout of ill health, which caused proceedings to be halted for six weeks.

Last week, the prominent banker, who ran INBS for 37 years, lost a battle with the regulator after the Court of Appeal dismissed a case arguing he cannot lawfully be subject to a Central Bank inquiry.

That challenge centred on Mr Fingleton's assertion that he had retired before the inquiry was formally initiated in 2015 and the law does not allow for inquiry into his "past" conduct of the society's affairs. Lawyers for the Central Bank had rejected that argument as "nonsense".

Mr Fingleton, along with INBS' former finance director, Stan Purcell, who has also opted to represent himself, as well as INBS' head of commercial lending, Tom McMenamin and the ex-head of UK operations, Gary McCollum, are under investigation for seven alleged contraventions between August 2004 and September 2008.

The inquiry, established in 2015, has the power to impose fines of up to 500,000.

A fifth former executive, Michael Walsh, INBS's chairman from 2001 to 2009, was excluded from the inquiry in February, as part of a settlement reached with the regulator, which resulted in a fine of 20,000. Mr Walsh, a former professor of banking and finance, was also disqualified from managing any regulated financial service provider for three years after admitting breaches of financial services law.

Last week, Vincent Reilly, a partner at auditor KPMG, told the inquiry INBS failed to undertake detailed analysis of its largest loan exposures in 2008 despite the slump in property prices that helped to eventually cripple the organisation.

He claimed draft accounts submitted to him in that year showed "no underlying detailed analysis of the material loans".

In his opening statement to the inquiry in December, Mr Fingleton blamed the organisation's downfall on the regulator, claiming the systemic failures of Ireland's banking sector lay "firmly" with the Central Bank.

He said the inquiry had "artificially trumped up a case" to deflect attention from the Department of Finance and the Central Bank, and claimed the regulator and, previously, the financial regulator had full details and knowledge of the activity of INBS at all times.Fresh proceedings involving businessman Larry Goodman and US-based Dr Joseph Sheehan who are "at loggerheads" over the management and direction of a Galway-based private medical clinic have been admitted to the fast-track Commercial Court list.

Blackrock Medical Partners (BMP) Ltd, which is controlled by Dr Sheehan, has brought proceedings against Marpole Ltd, the beneficial owner of Galway Clinic Doughiska, and Marpole's majority shareholder Parma Investments Ltd, which is an entity associated with Mr Goodman.

Blackrock Medical Partners owns 25pc of Marpole.

Companies linked to Mr Goodman and Dr Sheehan have been in dispute over shareholder's agreements at both the clinic in Galway and the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin for some time.

In the latest action, which relates to the Galway facility, BMP claims Parma has orchestrated a campaign of oppressive and abusive behaviour towards Blackrock Medical Partners.

As a result, BMP seeks a declaration from the court that the affairs of Marpole Ltd and the powers of its directors are being exercised in a manner that is oppressive to BMP.

BMP also seeks various orders including that Parma either buy BMP's shares in Marpole, or Parma sells its shareholding to BMP.

The latest action differs from the other proceedings in that it contemplates a buyout by one shareholder or the other in Marpole rather than a continuation of the existing arrangement between the parties, BMP claims.

BMP says the cessation of their agreement is now preferable to its continuation.

It also sought an order consolidating this action with the two other cases which would likely save court time.

The case was admitted to the fast track Commercial Court list by Mr Justice Brian McGovern on Monday.

However, the judge said both sides should consider mediation.

In a sworn statement, Dr Sheehan said that he was prepared to engage in further mediation.

There was no object to the case being admitted to the list, and the matter is due back before the court later this month.Sean Corkery has stepped down as chief executive of Actavo, the former Siteserv, with immediate effect, the company has announced.

He will remain chairman of the company, which was bought by Denis OBrien in 2012. The company has named Brian Kelly as its new CEO, the chartered engineer is a graduate of University College Dublin and previously worked in senior international roles with SNC Lavalin, Kentz and ESB International.

Former Dell executive Sean Corkery has been chairman and chief executive of Actavo five years, he is also a shareholder in the business.

"I am delighted to have been part of a journey, where we developed from an amalgam of different businesses into a strong unified brand; have grown considerably in the period; and expanded into new markets in the United States and Kazakhstan.

"The company is in a strong position now, to look positively to the future," Mr Corkery said.

Last December, share holders led by Denis O'Brien injected an additional 10m into Actavo, which came as the company reduced head-count by around 1,200, to 5,000 globally, in a shift away from the UKs out-sourcing market.Ireland has already significantly exceeded an EU target for 40pc of people between the ages of 30-34 to be educated to degree level

One of Europe 2020 strategy's targets is that at least 40pc of 30-34-year-olds in the bloc should have completed tertiary education by 2020.

Last year more than half of Irish 30- to 34-year-olds were found to have completed third-level education.

Only Lithuania and Cyprus had a higher share of college-educated people in the same age cohort, according to information from Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU.

However, Ireland actually lags the Government's own 2020 target, which aims to have 60pc of the population between the ages of 30-34 complete tertiary education, according to numbers from the Department of An Taoiseach.

But the rationale for most people to hold a degree is increasingly being questioned.

Last month, Eoin O'Malley, director of the MSc in Public Policy at the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University, said people here will "soon need a PhD to pull a pint".

Research last year showed Irish workers are among the most overqualified in Europe for the jobs they do.

Dr O'Malley said reliance on third level needed to be balanced by the apprenticeship system in Ireland.

The number of people in apprenticeships in Ireland is at about 8,000, a small fraction of the number in third-level colleges.

By contrast, in Germany as many as 60pc of school leavers take up apprenticeships, often followed by ongoing professional education.

Irish apprenticeships tend to be heavily weighted to the construction and craft sectors, although so called 'white collar' clerical skills including accountancy and banking courses are now coming onstream.

Overall, there has been a growth in the numbers of people in the EU between 30-34 having completed tertiary education, from a 23.6pc average in 2002 to a 39.9pc average in 2017.

This growth pattern was even more significant for women, where the share of 30- to 34-year-olds with a degree increased from one-in-four in 2002 to 44.9pc in 2017. For men, the numbers rose from 22.6pc in 2002 to 34.9pc last year.

At at other end of the scale the share of early leavers from education and training (aged 18-24) has steadily decreased in the EU, from 15.3pc in 2006 to 10.6pc in 2017, with young women less likely to leave school early than young men.

As well as raising the numbers educated to degree level, the Europe 2020 targets aim to reduce the rates of early school leaving in the EU to fewer than one in ten by 2020.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Ireland had among the lowest share of 'early school leavers', along with Croatia, Poland and Slovenia in 2017. At the other end of the scale, Malta has the highest rate of 'early school leavers' in the EU.

Compared with 2006, the proportion of early leavers from education and training decreased in 2017 in all member states for which the time-series is available, with three exceptions.

The Czech Republic has experienced an increase to 6.7pc from 5.1pc, Romania saw an increase of less than 1pc, while in Slovakia the proportion of early leavers from education and training increased to 9.3pc in 2017 from 6.6pc in 2006.

Ireland was among 14 member states that have already fulfilled their 2020 national target for this indicator.

Meanwhile, the share of early leavers from education and training was lower for women than men in every EU members state, with the exception of Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia.Teresa Mannion became an Internet sensation after her weather report from the eye of Storm Desmond went viral back in 2015.

And people are still getting mileage out of her dramatic report which was broadcast live for RTE from Salthill promenade in Galway.

Dozens of tribute videos appeared in the weeks following the report including Super Ceili's earworm remix, which sampled Rihanna's hit 'Umbrella'. Comedians Oliver Callan and Andy Quirke also took a good-natured pop at the RTE journalist, and a little girl and Tipperary man did pitch perfect impressions.

Teresa also revealed that news giants CNN had been in contact with her while Ariana Grande mimicked her on Snapchat and even Snoop Dogg took notice.

Now, however, the best tribute has been paid - with a mural of Teresa on an electric box in Salthill, accompanied by her famous quote, "Don't make unnecessary journeys. Don't take risks on treacherous roads."

Teres shared a pic of the tribute on Twitter with the caption, "Arty types finished spray printing me onto an electric box in Salthill today. respect. #streetart #madaboutgalway #visitgalway #salthill #stormdesmond @metoffice @superceili #galway"

It's the gift that keeps on giving.Kanye West has suggested 400 years of slavery sounds like a choice in another set of controversial remarks.

The rapper faced criticism for his latest comments which come after he recently returned to Twitter where he has shared support for President Donald Trump.

West, 40, was taking part in TMZ Live inside the US outlets offices where he also revealed he had been addicted to opioids which led to him being treated in hospital in 2016 after having liposuction.

He said: When you hear about slavery for 400 years  for 400 years? That sounds like a choice.

Like, you was there for 400 years and its all of yall? Its like were mentally in prison. I like the word prison because slavery goes too direct to the idea of blacks. Its like slavery, Holocaust. Holocaust, Jews. Slavery is blacks. So, prison is something that unites us as one race. Blacks and whites being one race. Were the human race, he added.

The comments sparked an immediate response from TMZ writer Van Lathan who was seen confronting West in a snippet posted online.

The musician was shouting across the office: Do you feel that Im feeling  do you feel that Im being free and Im thinking free?

Lathan stood up and told the Stronger rapper: I think what youre doing right now is actually the absence of thought.

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Kanye, youre entitled to your opinion  Youre entitled to believe whatever you want, but there is fact and real world, real life consequence behind everything you just said. And while you are making music and being an artist and living the life that youve earned by being a genius, the rest of us in society have to deal with these threats to our lives.

We have to deal with the marginalisation that has come from the 400 years of slavery that you said for our people was a choice.

Lathan said he was disappointed, adding: I am unbelievably hurt by the fact that you have morphed into something, to me, that is not real.

Kanye last night attempted to clarify his comments.

"To make myself clear. Of course I know that slaves did not get shackled and put on a boat by free will," Kanye began. "My point is for us to have stayed in that position even though the numbers were on our side means that we were mentally enslaved.

"They cut out our tongues so we couldn't communicate to each other. I will not allow my tongue to be cut."

Kanye, who has frequently caused scandals since returning to Twitter last month (Apr18), then stated that his intention had been to raise a "new idea" with the remark.

"We are programmed to always talk and fight race issues. We need to update our conversation," he continued. "The reason why I brought up the 400 years point is because we can't be mentally imprisoned for another 400 years. We need free thought now. Even the statement was an example of free thought. It was just an idea... once again I am being attacked for presenting new ideas."

In the course of his interview with TMZ, West also spoke about his liposuction, revealing he was drugged the f*** out when he met with then president-elect Donald Trump in 2016.

He said he became addicted to opioids doctors had prescribed after the liposuction which led to him taking more pills during his Life Of Pablo tour which was cut short in November 2016 when he was admitted to hospital.

Earlier he had shared a video interview, recorded on March 18, with US radio DJ Charlamagne on Twitter, in which he was asked about having a mental breakdown in 2016.

He also spoke about how the robbery of his wife Kim Kardashian West in Paris in 2016, during which she was held at gunpoint at a private residence, affected him.

When asked where he is mentally, West told Charlamagne: I think Im in a stronger place than I ever was. After the breakdown, or I like to say, the breakthrough.

On what he thinks caused it, West said: Fear, stress, control, being controlled, manipulation, like being a pawn in a chess piece of life, stressing things that create, like, validation, that I didnt need to worry about as much.If you've been missing your weekly fix of Room to Improve on Sunday nights since the series wrapped there's good news - a new home renovation show is kicking off on RTE next week.

The Great House Revival airs from Sunday May 6 at 9.30pm on RTE One, filling the void left by Dermot Bannon, QS Lisa O'Brien and the RTI homeowners.

Presented by architect Hugh Wallace (of Home of the Year fame), it follows six homeowners who have taken on the monumental task of transforming derelict properties into modern homes.

There are country estates, farmhouses, cottages, and Georgian buildings rotting away across the country and the new series, filmed across two years, charts the homeowners' journeys as they attempt to restore them to their former glory.

Projects include a 11-roomed country estate in Mayo, a 15th century crumbling tower house in Cork, a Cavan Schoolhouse and a North Inner City Dublin Victorian townhouse.

Budgets range from a modest 30,000 to hundreds of thousands of euros. In episode one Bede Tannock travels from Perth to Mayo, where he hopes to rescue Ballinafad House.

It was built in 1827 and is derelict, but Bede hopes to live in it with his partner Sandra. In the first phase he also hopes to rent it out as a venue having restored the entrance hall, stairwell, two drawing rooms of the old estate house, in order to fund the second phase of the project.

He will also restore the large dining hall, assembly hall and chapel as well as the 12 room wing known as the priests' house and this is where he and Sandra will reside throughout the restoration.

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As a qualified architect and cabinet maker he'll be getting hands-on on site. But it's an epic project - there are 110 rooms and 70,000 square feet of floor space.

Local heritage builder Nicholas Prins works to secure the roof on the building - he believes that the damage caused by the weather in the West of Ireland has left the building at a dangerous tipping point.

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The first series of the Netflix original about a girl who ends her own life was a hit for the streaming service but it caused controversy as some parents and mental health experts suggested it could glamourise suicide.

The second season arrives on May 18 and will come with added resources. An updated Discussion Guide and a new Discussion Series are being added to 13ReasonsWhy.info. The latter is a set of videos where cast members address the issues in the series including bullying, sexual assaul tand drug abuse.

Any readers or viewers who require help or support can head to 13ReasonsWhy.info

The video clip shows Justin Prentice, who plays Bryce, saying: 13 Reasons Why is a fictional series that tackles tough, real world issues, taking a look at sexual assault, substance abuse, suicide and more.

His co-star Alisha Boe, who plays Jessica, says: But if you are struggling with these issues yourself, this series may not be right for you. Or you may want to watch it with a trusted adult.

The video is being introduced after the results of a research study commissioned by Netflix to look at whether and how the series opened dialogue between teens and parents.

Netflixs vice president of original series, Brian Wright, said on the companys blog that while research indicated the majority of parents felt the show brought up important topics, they wanted more resources.

The first series of the show was based on the 2007 novel by Jay Asher and tells the story of a teenage boy who is sent a box from classmate Hannah (Katherine Langford) who killed herself, containing 13 tapes explaining the reasons she ended her life.

Video of the Day

Season two will pick up in the aftermath of Hannah's death and the start of the characters' complicated journeys towards healing. Liberty High is preparing to go on trial, but someone is attempting to keep the truth behind Hannah's death concealed.

A series of polaroids will also lead Clay and his classmates to uncover a secret and a conspiracy to cover it up.The house in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, where a woman in her 80s was threatened. Photo: Damien Eagers

An 85-year-old woman and a 90-year-old man had a firearm pointed at them during two separate aggravated burglaries in Co Cavan.

A young criminal and his sister were last night being quizzed by gardai over the burglaries targeting pensioners in Ballyjamesduff.

The elderly woman told the Irish Independent that she managed to alert gardai through a panic alarm in her home.

"They just came in through the front," she said.

"I was so scared, especially since I'm living on my own.

"The two had Dublin accents and pointed a gun at me while demanding that I co-operate.

"They stole some jewellery and money, but thankfully I wasn't hurt.

"Luckily I have a panic alarm which alerted the guards straight away.

"They were very helpful and I have my family who are now taking care of me.

"I'm still very shaken."

The two suspects also made their way to a 90-year-old's home on the other side of Ballyjamesduff.

They escaped with a quantity of cash and personal belongings, with the man left shaken by the incident.

It is understood that he was taken to hospital the following day.

A neighbour of the 90-year-old told the Irish Independent that this is the second time he had been robbed within the past number of years. "The first time around, thieves broke into his house and stole his car. It was later found burnt out," they said.

"I'm sure he's very traumatised by what happened on Sunday - he was even taken to hospital this morning."

When the alarm was raised, a number of Garda mobile units were immediately deployed in the area.

A short time later, gardai spotted the suspects' getaway car on the main street in Virginia, Co Cavan - leading to a chase.

According to a source, a Garda vehicle was slightly damaged while forcing the car to a complete stop.

The occupants of the car, a man and woman, were arrested and brought to Bailieboro garda station.

The older sibling is a male in his late 20s, who only recently completed a prison term for producing an article.

The man is originally from the Tyrrelstown area and has been linked to burglaries in Co Cavan that go back almost a decade.

He is well-known to gardai and while serving his sentence in Mountjoy jail was involved in a tense stand-off with officials after collecting drugs thrown over the prison wall.

His sister, who is aged in her early 20s, has nowhere near the convictions of her brother but has been arrested on suspicion of theft in the past.

They are both currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

No firearms have been recovered.

Cavan TD Niamh Smith said targeting elderly people in their homes had a devastating impact on those affected.

"These victims will be traumatised for the rest of their days," she said.

"While rural crime in this country is on the rise, criminals forcing their way into elderly residents' homes while pointing a gun in their face is a new low.

"I suspect the people who did this had information on the area and knew what type of people to target.

"I doubt it was a coincidence that the two people they robbed were elderly.

"Elderly people in rural Ireland are really scared. On numerous occasions I've called for extra resources to be put into rural constituencies," she said.

A technical and forensic examination of the scenes has been carried out.

Investigating gardai have also recovered some of the property taken during the burglaries.

Investigations are ongoing.A 15-month-old toddler, who drank from a water bottle which allegedly contained an earwig, was awarded almost 6,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court for personal injuries.

John Ferry, counsel for Hazel Tyrell, now aged three of Ashfield Rise, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, told Judge Terence OSullivan that on December 17 2015 when Hazel was only 15 months old her mother, Colette Tyrell, had bought a number of bottles of water at Supervalu in Balbriggan, Co Dublin.

Mr Ferry, who appeared with Anthony Joyce Solicitors, said the water had been packaged in a plastic bottle bearing the details  SuperValu Kids Water Pure Irish Water 250ml.

Later that day Mrs Tyrell had given Hazel one of the bottles to have a drink.

He said that after Hazel had drunk the water her mother noticed something floating inside the bottle and on closer inspection found an insect, an earwig.

Defendants Musgrave Group , Ballycurreen, Airport Road, Cork, and Munster Soft Drinks, Shelton Business Park, Ballyneety, Co Limerick, had entered full defences to the claim that the water had been contaminated and unacceptable for human consumption.

Ms Tyrell, in a sworn statement, said that two days after drinking the water her daughter developed a swollen eyelid and spots on her body behind her neck, ears, tummy and legs. She was unwell for a few days and had been seen in the Emergency Department of Drogheda Hospital.

She had been told it was likely her daughter had suffered a mild allergic reaction and the symptoms had resolved over the following 24 hours.

Ms Tyrell stated that the material found in the water had been examined by the Health Service Executives Public Analysts Laboratory a week after the incident and it had been found that the insect was an earwig.

Mr Ferry told the court that a settlement offer of 5,000 had been made in the case and, together with 956 expenses, he was recommending acceptance of the offer to the court.

It has not been possible to correlate the rash symptoms to the ingestion of the water and medical opinion is that the cause of the symptoms is unknown, Mr Ferry said.

He said the defendants had strenuously denied negligence or liability in the case and he felt it would be best to recommend acceptance of the offer together with District Court costs.

Judge OSullivan, approving the offer, said he felt it would have been unwise for the childs legal team not to recommend acceptance of the settlement.A 64-year-old woman who lived for almost two years behind drawn blinds in her home following a robbery at work has settled a 60,000 damages claim for an undisclosed sum.

Theresa Cullen, formerly of Tamarisk Heights, Kilnamanagh, Tallaght, Dublin, told the Circuit Civil Court that when she worked as a cashier in a Topaz filling station she had been confronted by two robbers, one carrying a wheelbrace.

They had escaped with only a small amount of money.

Ms Cullen told barrister Andrew Walker, who appeared with McKeever Solicitors for Topaz Energy Limited, that she had since moved to a new home in Tralee, Co Kerry.

The court heard she froze when confronted by the robbers and was afterwards unable to leave her home alone for almost two years.

She had lived behind drawn blinds and would only go out when accompanied by one of her sons. Ms Cullen (above) had only once gone to counselling but, in a bid not to let the robbers win, had eventually taken up yoga to calm herself and help her recovery.

In her 60,000 damages claim for personal injury, Ms Cullen claimed she had developed post traumatic stress disorder and had to take anti-depressant medication while going through a very severe period of depression.

Barrister Kevin Callan, who appeared with Romaine Scally Solicitors for Ms Cullen, told Judge Jacqueline Linnane she had been a cashier at the Topaz filling station and convenience store on Belgard Road, Tallaght, on March 1, 2014 when the robbery took place.

He said a security guard had left the shop several minutes before Ms Cullen's 11pm shift ended and had left the premises vulnerable to attack.

"I couldn't leave the house for a long time and lived with the blinds drawn.

"I lost weight as I could not eat," Ms Cullen said.

Following her evidence, Mr Callan told the court her claim had been settled and could be struck out with an order for costs against Topaz Energy, Topaz House, Beech Hill, Clonskeagh, Dublin.

Ms Cullen also brought a claim against Ashjen Limited, which trades as At Risk Security Group, Oak Road, Dublin.

Following announcement of the settlement with Topaz, Judge Linnane struck out the proceedings against Ashjen Limited with no further order.The gorse fire in the Dublin mountains Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade Twitter

Dublin Fire Brigade were called to the scene last night after a large gorse fire broke out in the Dublin Mountains.

Two units from the Tallaght fire station were called after the fire started near Bohernabreena.

Two units from Tallaght Station are fighting a gorse fire in #Bohernabreena. We have a drone on scene helping to direct firefighting operations. #fire pic.twitter.com/xZAanq54kS  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) April 30, 2018

The fire brigade tweeted images and video to show the extent of the large fire.

Last night, a drone was used to assist firefighters in the operation.It has been an emotional week for women who have developed cancer after being through CervicalCheck, the national screening service.

Our Health Correspondent, Eilish O'Regan answers the questions you need to know:

If I regularly get smear tests, is there something I should be doing now?

The advice is to always be alert for potential symptoms of cervical cancer. Never ignore them.

In most cases, vaginal bleeding is the first noticeable symptom of cervical cancer. It usually occurs after having sex. Bleeding at any other time, other than your expected monthly period also considered unusual. This includes bleeding after the menopause.

Visit your GP for advice if you experience any type of unusual vaginal bleeding.

Or, if you have any worries, it is possible to ring the CervicalCheck helpline 1800 45 45 55.

Can women find out what lab their own smear tests were read in?

It is not automatically available in the information they receive after a test. However, it is possible to ring the CervicalCheck helpline 1800 45 45 55 and request the information.

If someone does not have confidence in the cervical screening programme, is there a way to get a smear test privately or is there any alternative to a smear test?

Yes, the Dublin Well Woman Centre and other services provide a private service. It can cost 85 to 100.

Are we any nearer to relieving womens worries?

A small step was made yesterday in identifying 208 women whose smear test gave a false negative result. They went on to develop cancer.

It was quite shocking for an audit team to find 162 of these women were not told of an internal CervicalCheck review of their case.

Read More

These reviews were a look-back, they had already been diagnosed with cancer. It was an examination of what went wrong.

Were they better off not knowing about the internal reviews?

No. They had an absolute right to be told a review was carried out and the findings.

Crucially, these reports told them how they developed cancer.

Abnormalities were missed in a test. The women would not have known that.

These reports contain vital information. Why were so many kept in the dark?

The audit deep who did a deep dive of relevant records last weekend said they could not speculate on why women were not informed. Some detail on this was included in a briefing note prepared for Health Minister Simon Harris such audits were carried out to determine how cancers are diagnosed and develop. Before 2015 these audits were intended for "education and training purposes".

"In 2015 a decision was taken by the HSE, in line with international best practise, to provide information on outcomes of clinical cancer audits to treating clinicians for onward communication to patients as appropriate," the briefing note states.

Are many of the women dead?

Yes, 17 are dead. Just two knew their report findings before passing away.

Which laboratories were the tests read in?

The audit team said they did not know.

Was there some cluster of mistakes?

No. The cases go back 10 years since the service started.

Will more women with wrong tests emerge?

It cannot be ruled out. Hiqa, the patient safety body, is to probe CervicalCheck. It is very good at this kind of detective work.

Had the audit team anything to say about the quality of testing?

They had no evidence that it is below standard. They also said out-sourcing half of smear tests to a lab in the US is not a risk.

When was Vicky Phelan pressed to agree to sign a confidentiality agreement?

At the back of it all is Vicky Phelan, the Limerick mother fighting cancer. She refused to sign a confidentiality agreement to prevent this being made public.

She was put under pressure by lawyers for CervicalCheck and the Texas lab where her test was misread. It happened at a mediation hearing of her case on April 9.

Health Minister Simon Harris was told of her High Court case on April 16. Did he take any action?

No. Sadly Vicky had to have a full days hearing in the High Court on April 19. There was a shocking revelation about an internal CervicalCheck report on her case. But she was not told for three years about it.

It was striking and led to an instant HSE press query from the Irish Independent.

Did Mr Harris act on the revelation and order CervicalCheck to release the review?

It seems not. It took several days for the gravity of Vicky disclosures to prompt action.Rachel Fleming, from Crosshaven, Co. Cork who was affected by cervical cancer and was 25 when diagnosed. Pic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

RACHEL Fleming was just 25 years old when she went for her first smear test and discovered she had stage one cervical cancer.

It was a huge shock. I would have considered myself to be pretty healthy. I wasnt expecting it, especially with my first test, she said.

I could have gone another five years without thinking about it. I think it was all the promotion around the CervicalCheck programme that pushed me to do it.

Ms Fleming, who lives in Crosshaven, Co Cork, with her partner David and daughter Zoe (8), urged other women to go for smear tests.

If I hadnt got the smear test, I would have been a lot worse. In light of everything thats going on now, its good to get that message out there. I hope it wouldnt turn anyone off getting a smear test.

Ms Fleming had her first smear test in August 2015 and had no concerns after she was called back for a follow-up procedure, a colposcopy.

I was still not too worried. I was called back a few days later, which naively, I still wasnt worried about. It was then I was told I had stage one cervical cancer. But they were pretty optimistic as I had been diagnosed very early.

Before undergoing a radical trachelectomy, a surgical removal of the uterine cervix, Rachel was able to have a number of eggs harvested and had embryos frozen to give her the chance of expanding her family in the future.

During her surgery, doctors discovered cancer in a lymph node and she underwent radiotherapy at Cork University Hospital.

The second I was diagnosed, everyone I found was brilliant, all the doctors and nurses. I even had a special gynaeoncology nurse who was on call all the time for me.

Zoe was only five at the time and was pretty oblivious to everything that was going on. But I was very, very lucky to have fabulous support from all my family and friends.

Ms Fleming finished treatment three months later and had follow-up checks every three months for the first two years. She now has check-ups every six months. It has taken its toll on my body, she said.

If we are to have more children itll have to be through surrogacy. Were both still very young so its nice to have that option.

Anyone with concerns about cervical cancer can receive confidential advice and support by contacting the Irish Cancer Societys Freephone Cancer Nurseline on 1800 200 700 (lines open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm).Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 7 Vote(s) - 2.14 Average

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Page: 1 2 3 4 Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week spo snouou

Vocem sine nomine audivit!

User ID: kaput

05-01-2018 02:51 AM



Posts: 67,593









Post: #1 Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

Advertisement

(Far above normal temperatures are expected to invade the Arctic this week. The likely result will be an acceleration of sea ice melt and retreat. Image source: Global and Regional Climate Anomalies.)

Quote: Major Spring Warm Air Invasion



Today, a wedge of above-freezing air is invading the Laptev Sea north of Central Siberia. Strong southerly winds issuing from Central Asia are running north into the Arctic Ocean. They bring with them 10 to 20 C above average temperatures for this time of year  which is enough to push readings as high as 35 degrees F (2 C) over what during the 20th Century would have been a solid fringe of the polar ice cap.



Over the next 24 hours, this leading edge of warm air will spiral on toward the East Siberian Sea  bringing above freezing temperatures and liquid precipitation with it.



But the main warming event for the Arctic this week will occur in the region of the Fram Strait east of Greenland. A strong low pressure system near Iceland is expected to drive wave after wave of much warmer than normal air north into the Arctic. This warm air thrust will bring with it temperatures in some places that exceed 20 C above average. Overall, Arctic Ocean basin temperatures are expected to average more than 2.3 C warmer than normal for the entire first week of May. Such high temperature departures are particularly notable for this time of year  as Arctic thermal variance tends to moderate during spring and summer.



The system will push above freezing temperatures deep into the Arctic  generating a repeat of the strange flip-flop that has become so common recently where temperatures near the North Pole are much warmer than readings further south. Warmer than freezing temperatures will also over-ride coastal portions of northeastern Greenland in yet another odd aspect of the event.



Warm storm effects including gale force winds and waves of 8-12 feet will provide added effect to above freezing temperatures in impacting the sea ice throughout the Fram Strait and northeast Greenland region. Increased insolation due to sunlight spreading over the region will also add to the overall potential for melt.

(5-Day forecast maximum temperatures show considerable warm air invasions proceeding throughout the Arctic. In many cases, temperatures near the North Pole will be warmer than regions far to the south. An impact of the warming world ocean on the Arctic environment. Image source: Climate Reanalyzer.)



https://robertscribbler.com/2018/04/30/m...ming-week/ Hamburgerwagon

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 02:52 AM











Post: #2 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

It's getting to be summer bozo LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 02:54 AM











Post: #3 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

Hamburgerwagon Wrote: (05-01-2018 02:52 AM) It's getting to be summer bozo

It's global warming.



It's global warming. Upside Down

I'm hot

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 03:01 AM



Posts: 50,462









Post: #4 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

i guess all of the ice has to melt and the ocean levels increase by 33 feet for the global warming skeptics to learn. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 03:13 AM











Post: #5 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

Very disturbing Albrecht Bear

Subscriber

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 03:16 AM



Posts: 13,024









Post: #6 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

Could they pump all that warm air down to Australia? It is a fine thing to be honest, but it is also very important to be right. - Winston Churchill LopDude

 Warning level 1200% 

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05-01-2018 03:18 AM



Posts: 19,782









Post: #7 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

Albrecht Bear Wrote: (05-01-2018 03:16 AM) Could they pump all that warm air down to Australia?

how cold is it there furry bear bro how cold is it there furry bear bro Let us honor the Lop fallen-never forget them Let us honor the Lop fallen-never forget them Albrecht Bear

Subscriber

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 03:20 AM



Posts: 13,024









Post: #8 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

LopDude Wrote: (05-01-2018 03:18 AM) Albrecht Bear Wrote: (05-01-2018 03:16 AM) Could they pump all that warm air down to Australia?

how cold is it there furry bear bro

Sub-zero. You lot up north have no idea what cold is really like. Sub-zero. You lot up north have no idea what cold is really like. It is a fine thing to be honest, but it is also very important to be right. - Winston Churchill Krampus

Registered User

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05-01-2018 03:27 AM



Posts: 10,188









Post: #9 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week





Here a starter :







People have no idea what's coming and it is in the very very near future, those who can read should research a bit on Anthropogenic Climate Disruption.Here a starter : https://collapseofindustrialcivilization...ption-acd/

It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.  Mark Twain Krampus

Registered User

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 03:29 AM



Posts: 10,188









Post: #10 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

Here an overview of Abrupt Anthropogenic Climate Change:









It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.  Mark Twain spo snouou

Vocem sine nomine audivit!

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 03:29 AM



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Post: #11 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

Bob Henson @bhensonweather





Fascinating patterns in U.S. spring leaf-out this year: 2-3 weeks late in the near-record-cold-April zone from NoPlains to Northeast, and 1-2 weeks late in Deep South, but 1-3 weeks early across the Southwest & Upper South



Fascinating patterns in U.S. spring leaf-out this year: 2-3 weeks late in the near-record-cold-April zone from NoPlains to Northeast, and 1-2 weeks late in Deep South, but 1-3 weeks early across the Southwest & Upper South LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 03:30 AM











Post: #12 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

2am Breathe Wrote: (05-01-2018 03:01 AM) i guess all of the ice has to melt and the ocean levels increase by 33 feet for the global warming skeptics to learn.

Just a couple feet is enough to take out a lot of our coastal cities, but the storm surge from something like Katrina was 20 feet, which is why FEMA demands building elevation at 16' to those designated areas. Gonna be a lot of Venice and Amsterdam. Just a couple feet is enough to take out a lot of our coastal cities, but the storm surge from something like Katrina was 20 feet, which is why FEMA demands building elevation at 16' to those designated areas. Gonna be a lot of Venice and Amsterdam. Donald J Trump

Homer's University of GREATNESS

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05-01-2018 03:35 AM



Posts: 6,934









Post: #13 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

"Go with the flow, like a twig on the shoulders of a mighty stream" Del Griffith



silversides

The bare necessities of life

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05-01-2018 03:43 AM



Posts: 28,630









Post: #14 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week











https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W7pO9UX8ek Winter Wrap Up Popurri Perez Prado

LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 03:46 AM











Post: #15 RE: Major Arctic Warming Event Predicted Over the Coming Week

2am Breathe Wrote: (05-01-2018 03:01 AM) i guess all of the ice has to melt and the ocean levels increase by 33 feet for the global warming skeptics to learn. your puss is upside down, why would anyone listen to u? your puss is upside down, why would anyone listen to u? Advertisement

















Health Minister Simon Harris is going to come under intense pressure this afternoon to publish a memo he received two weeks ago on the cervical cancer scandal.

The solicitor of Vicky Phelan made a dramatic intervention in the political row over the cervical screening scandal today when he asked Minister Harris to show him the memo he received on his client three days before her gruelling High Court action.

Mr Harris was told by his officials about the High Court case brought by Limerick mother of two Vicky Phelan on April 16.

On April 19 Ms Phelan, who has terminal cervical cancer after getting a wrong smear test reading in 2011, had to endure the ordeal of going public before the High Court in her case against Cervicalcheck and the Texas laboratory which misread her test.

Expand Close Vicky Phelan from Annacotty, Co. Limerick, pictured speaking to the media on leaving the Four Courts Picture: Collins Courts / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Vicky Phelan from Annacotty, Co. Limerick, pictured speaking to the media on leaving the Four Courts Picture: Collins Courts

It emerged on April 19 that an internal report on Ms Phelans test mis-diagnosis was carried out in 2014 but she was not informed about it until late last year.

Mr Harris who is facing a grilling in the Dail today is understood to be claiming he cannot publish the memo as it contains personal information about Ms Phelan.

However, Ms Phelans solicitor Cian OCarroll told Independent.ie this morning: The easiest thing for the Minister is to copy the memo to Vicky and me to see if it is ok to publish it.

Department of Health sources who have seen the memo told Independent.ie that the note suggested Mc Phelan's case against the HSE was being dropped and the one against a US laboratory was "likely" to be settled.

The memo added that an audit of CervicalCheck had taken place and the "outcome of all current and historical cases were communicated to treating clinicians".

The HSE admitted yesterday that 162 women out of the 208 included in the review were not told that they were part of an audit or that their cancer could have been diagnosed earlier.

Ministers will today discuss setting up a compensation scheme for women caught up in the cancer scandal that could cost in the region of 500m.

Mr Harris has already signed off on a Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) investigation into how 162 women were not told about a review of their cervical cancer test.

But he will need full Cabinet approval and monetary backing from the Department of Finance to set up a redress scheme.

There are currently "three to four" legal cases, similar to that undertaken by Vicky Phelan, which are in their early stages.

They are being handled by the State Claims Agency, which was accused by Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin yesterday of taking an "adversarial route" against Ms Phelan.

The mother-of-two was forced to give intimate evidence of her life with cervical cancer in the High Court before settling her case against a US laboratory over a 2011 smear test for 2.5m.

Government sources have indicated they want to avoid a flurry of cases coming before the courts in the wake of the controversy.

However, if taxpayers foot the initial bill for a redress scheme it is unclear how much of this money could be recouped from the laboratories involved in delivering results with false negatives.

Attorney General Seamus Woulfe is expected to be quizzed on this issue at a Cabinet meeting today.

Mr Martin said "whether they like it or not" ministers have used their public comments to indicate "a pathway towards a redress board".

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he is "very angry" about the scandal, adding that he was "filled with sadness" when he heard Ms Phelans story.

He said it was wrong that women were not informed of the audits earlier, adding that there were "appalling communications failures".

However, he urged women to continue attending cancer screening clinics. Last night, Mr Harris announced a Hiqa investigation into the controversy, which will have the power to compel witnesses from the HSE and CervicalCheck.

Hiqa will also review other screening programmes such as BreastCheck to ensure there are no similar issues. A Patient Safety Bill will be brought to Cabinet next week, to legislate for a mandatory disclosure policy in relation to screening.Mrs Fahey was told and assured that she did not have breast cancer on three separate occasions between September 2005 and March 2007.

THE husband of a woman whose breast cancer was misdiagnosed three times has urged those worried about their smear test results to "go back, get checked, kick, scream, do what you have to do".

Olive Fahey's breast cancer was misdiagnosed three times in less than two years. She had to undergo a mastectomy 19 months after the first diagnosis when an invasive cancer was finally discovered.

In October 2012, Mrs Fahey received a settlement from the HSE in aggravated damages action as a result of the misdiagnosis after she was referred to Barrington's Hospital, Limerick.

An apology from the HSE was also read out in the High Court as part of Mrs Fahey's settlement.

Speaking to RTE's Liveline today, her husband Michael said he was disappointed to see more women suffering due to misdiagnoses.

"We had to have a go at the State because we didn't want anyone else to go through that again," he said.

"I'm extremely disappointed with the health service. How many women are out there worrying today, not knowing now what's coming down the road to them?"

Mr Fahey said Olive was lucky to get treatment from a "superb" doctor in Limerick who got her back on track. Unfortunately the breast cancer has returned but the family are "dealing with it".

Mr Fahey said going to the High Court had been an ordeal for the family but they were determined to get answers.

"There is enough paperwork here to go from Dublin to Cork. It was one big wrangle the whole way through trying to get answers. That went on for a long, long time.

"You're working for the person you're with and you have to put on that face and go through it but it's not easy.

"I never really thought about it until it was all over but we could have lost everything. Wee were so wrapped up in trying to keep her going and motivated to keep going that we didn't think of it."

The High Court heard that on three separate occasions between September 2005 and March 2007, Mrs Fahey was told and assured that she did not have breast cancer.

An infiltrating invasive cancer was finally discovered in 2007 in a case which sparked a review of the breast cancer services at the Limerick Hospital.

Mrs Fahey also had to undergo 30 sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy when her cancer was finally diagnosed correctly.

Mrs Fahey's case sparked of two investigations- an inquiry ordered by Health Minister at the time, Mary Harney, in to the breast cancer services at Barringtons Hospital and also an investigation in to the care of Mrs Fahey whose tissue samples had been sent to the pathology department at University College Hospital, Galway.

The report in to Barringtons concluded there was a significant and avoidable delay in diagnosing Mrs Fahey. The Galway report found there were clear signs of malignancy in the samples sent for pathology to Galway which had come back as benign.

"We were told 10 years ago it would never happen again," Mr Fahey told Liveline.

Mr Fahey advised women who are worried about their smear test results to: "get out there, go back, get checked, kick, scream do what you have to do."

He added, "remember one thing: this is your life and you only have one life, do what you have to do."A NEW committee will review the sentencing system for people convicted of sex offences but Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has ruled out mandatory sentences.

The Justice Minister said he was "upset" hearing about the experiences of survivors of sexual abuse and said the Government can "do more" to help.

Speaking on Claire Byrne Live on RTE tonight, he said: "We can do more, I am very upset hearing the stories of these women for coming forward and speaking out, they're obviously still suffering so I'm sure it isn't easy for them.

"I'm sure we can move towards fixing this,a lot of work has been done in recent times but we can do more.

"I'm not a fan of mandatory sentencing, it's been proven in the past that it hasn't achieved what it's been designed to do as a deterrant.

"I'm also aware that there is a division of power, I as minister have to ensure that nothing I do interferes with an independent judiciary but what we could do is have a greater level of consistency - judges who are well informed going into the circumstances of each individual case and looking into the spectrum."

He continued to say that he is in favour of establishing a committee that would help to advise parameters for sentencing.

Minister Flanagan said: "I'm bringing in a number of pieces of legislation, perhaps the most important of which is the Judicial Council Bill, which for the first time will involve statutory consideration of sentences - the type of sentences, the length of sentences and the specific and a specially designed sentencing information committee to inform the judges.

"This committee would include members of the judiciary and some lay members.

"They won't deal with individual cases, what we need to do is set out the parameters under which the law will prevail.

"I've spoken to the Attorney General about this and we cannot do anything that would interfere with the independence of judge.

"There has been mention of training for judges and I think it's important there is continuous professional development for judges, the chief justice has recognised that himself."

Minister Flanagan was speaking after two women raped by Keith Burke criticised the jail term he recieved.

In July 2017 he was found he was found guilty on 23 sample charges  including rape, sexual assault and buggery.

At his sentencing hearing last month he admitted raping three foster children at the home they shared between 2003 and 2007  all three girls were under 10 years of age at the time, he was aged between 14 and 18.

Burke (29) was sentenced to seven and a half years for the rape charges and concurrent terms of six and a half and five years for the remaining charges, the final year was suspended - one of his victims, 'Sarah' (not her real name) told Prime Time Investigates last week that she feels that justice has not been served.

"I was very angry, I thought I was fine but 6.5 years, 7.5 years with one year suspended, thats nothing and what he put us through.

"Im happy but itll always be there deep down like. Ive tried to do counselling to talk about it, it just didnt work out for me. Ive really, really bad anger problems," 'Sarah' said.Paedophile journalist Tom Humphries is sharing a cell with a man who murdered his six-month-old son by stuffing tissues into his mouth.

Baby killer John Tighe and the shamed former Irish Times sportswriter have been cellmates since the weekend, after Humphries lost the plot when a third inmate was placed in a cell that he had been living in since being locked up last year in the Midlands Prison.

Jail sources have also revealed Humphries is studying Spanish in the Co Laois jail because he is planning to flee the country to a sunnier location once he completes his two-and-a-half year sentence for sexually abusing a teenage girl.

While Humphries can look forward to a post-prison life in Spain or South America, his cellmate is facing a life sentence for the murder of his baby boy Joshua Sussbier Tighe.

Humphries is a cocky type of individual  he lost the plot because a third inmate was moved into the cell he had been in even though it was designed for three people, a jail source revealed. The decision was then taken to transfer him out of that cell and now he is in with Tighe. It seems the two men are getting on well so far.

Neither inmate has come to the notice of prison authorities for breach of prison rules.

Sources say Humphries main priority is his Spanish classes that he attends on a regular basis about which he is very enthusiastic.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has previously been told Humphries exchanged at least 16,000 text messages with his underage female victim during a three-month period to March 2011 as part of the grooming process. He met up with her on five occasions during which sexual acts took place.

Humphries (55), from Sutton, north Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement of a child in Dublin between December 5, 2010, and February 19, 2011, and four counts of inviting a child to participate in a sexually explicit, obscene or indecent act between January 2010 and March 2011.

These took place when the victim was aged around 16 and Humphries was aged 47.

The court heard Humphries made contact with the girl through his volunteer work with junior GAA teams.

Tighe of Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, had denied murdering six-and-a-half-month-old Joshua on June 1, 2013, the day after the babys mother announced on Facebook that she was in a new relationship.

The babys mother, Natasha Sussbier, told the court that Joshuas death had shattered her heart into a million pieces.

During the trial, which concluded in March of this year, Tighe claimed his sons death was a tragic accident.The scene on the Coolmine Road near Coolmine Train Station this morning Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

A 19-year-old teen is in a critical condition after a hit-and-run motorist ploughed into three pedestrians in west Dublin.

Gardai are investigating the incident, which occurred near Coolmine train station, Blanchardstown, during rush hour at about 9.30am this morning.

Two male pedestrians, aged 54 and 19, were seriously injured when struck by the car. The teen is understood to be in a critical condition in Connolly Hospital.

A female pedestrian also sustained minor injuries in the incident.

The driver of the car failed to stay at the scene and subsequently fled.

During a follow-up operation, a man in his thirties was arrested a short time later in connection to the incident.

The car, a Seat with a 171-D registration  was recovered at the nearby 'Bell' pub in Blanchardstown Village.

According to Gardai, he is currently detained for questioning in relation to the incident under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Blanchardstown Garda Station.

The road leading up to the railway crossing was closed for a technical examination and local diversions were put in place.

Garda Forensic Collision Investigators were requested to examine the scene.

Residents living in the adjacent area were also prohibited from driving out of their cul-de-sac for a period of time as gardai assessed the scene.

Articles of clothing could be seen on the footpath within the sealed off area  understood to have been deliberately left behind by medical personnel.

A grey Nissan was parked close to where the incident took place, but sources say it had no involvement in the collision.

Residents and rail commuters expressed their shock in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

"I was woken up by the sirens from all the garda cars and ambulances," said an elderly man from nearby Kirkpatrick Drive.

"When I came out and saw all the commotion around the railway crossing I thought that someone must have taken their life.

"Then I witnessed someone being taken away in an ambulance. I couldn't see how badly the man was injured but I was later told that it was very serious," he said.

A mother with her two-year-old daughter said she considered herself lucky that they weren't in the area at the time.

"We walk past this level crossing most mornings at around 9.30am, but today I got held up at home. After hearing what happened I'm just so shocked.

"We could have easily been caught up in it. God knows what led someone to do this  maybe it was just some terrible accident."

Rail services at Coolmine Station are not affected.

Gardai are now appealing for witnesses to the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station 01-6667000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has utterly rejected calls to sack the Health Service Executive boss, Tony OBrien, in the wake of the cancer misdiagnosis scandal.

Mr OBrien was in charge of the national cancer screening service back in 2007 when contracts were awarded to US laboratories. He later went on to the top job in the national health administration and is due to retire later this summer.

But Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, told the Dail that Mr OBrien should be relieved of his duties after it has emerged that 17 women had died after being given a wrongful all-clear to the test results.

Replying during a highly-charged Dail debate on the issue, the Taoiseach said the Sinn Fein leaders call was based on a wrong assumption that the US contract decision had cost lives.

Even Tony OBrien deserves a fair hearing before they are condemned, the Taoiseach told the Dail.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin told RTE's Drivetime that he supported an investigation to establish all of the facts.

"I personally believe that the truth should come out first before there is any sacrificial sackings," he said of whether he supported calls for Mr O'Brien to step down or be forced to resign.

In the Dail today Mr Martin, said the women found to have cervical cancer should have been informed immediately by the health authorities that their false all-clear test results had been discovered earlier than they were led to believe.

Mr Martin noted that 162 women had not been told that an internal review of their cases had been carried out by the screening service, CervicalCheck, and that it was this which belatedly uncovered the false all-clear diagnosis.

The Fianna Fail leader rejected arguments that telling the women, in the wake of their cancer diagnosis, would have made no difference.

But I would suggest that it would have made a hell of a difference to the women involved and to their families, Mr Martin said.

Mr Varadkar pledged to get to the bottom of what has happened in the cervical cancer screening programme, CervicalCheck.

This country is one that hasnt always treated women very well so I am determined to get to the bottom of this, he said.

The Taoiseach said he first became aware of the issue Thursday or Friday last week.

He also confirmed that legislation is to be brought forward to make "open disclosure" mandatory, which would obligate doctors to inform patients of any serious event in relation to their care.

Mr Varadkar also moved to allay the fears of women who are worried about recent smear results or that they have not been fully informed of their tests.

"They [some women] are afraid that the HSE knows they have cancer and they are not being told. Thats not the case. There is nobody walking around today with a diagnosis of cervical cancer against whom that is being withheld by the HSE," he said.

A new test for cervical cancer screening is to come into effect before the end of this year, Mr Varadkar said.

The Taoiseach also said there is no evidence to date that any one of the three labs used for testing - two in the US and one here in Ireland - is any more likely to bring false negatives than the other.Michael D Higgins launched an angry defence of his government jet use and the cost of the Office of the President in a heated exchange at a press conference in New York.

In a tense stand-off with a Sunday Independent reporter, Mr Higgins furiously described questions about how his office spends taxpayers' money as "rather sad".

The President insisted he would be "perfectly happy" to sign legislation which would allow greater public scrutiny of the office under the Freedom of Information Act.

Mr Higgins made the remarks during his five-day trip to New York.

Earlier this month, the Sunday Independent reported that costs associated with the Office of the President are set to exceed 30m by the time Mr Higgins leaves office.

The sum was calculated using limited publicly available sources of information. Before publication, the Office of the President was given ample opportunity to respond.

This newspaper noted that the 30m figure includes an average of 1.2m per year paid in centenarians' bounty awards to people who have reached their 100th birthday.

Last Friday, Mr Higgins responded angrily when asked if he feels he has offered good value for taxpayers' money and if his office should come under the Freedom of Information Act.

Mr Higgins claimed half of the Office of the President's Budget is spent on the Centenarian Bounty. However, publicly available details shows less than third of the office's 3.6m budget last year was allocated for centenarian payments.

"The Centenarian Bounty is the responsibility of government. It comes into the Aras and it goes out with an appropriate letter to a centenarian from me.

"How right is it to say that this is Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins spending money?" he said

In relation to his use of the government jet, Mr Higgins said that Irish Air Corps pilots must "clock up" a certain number of hours to keep their flying licences.

He also said that using the jet "at the request of government" may allow him to attend six functions on a trip rather than three.

Mr Higgins said the Air Corps may decide not to stay overnight at a destination.

"They decide to fly back again and fly on again in the morning to pick me up as they make up their hours that they need in fact to keep their licence," he said.

Mr Higgins added: "I do feel in a way isn't it rather sad that you'd have to come to New York to ask me these questions.

"I think the people who represent the Irish American media deserve better," he said.

Mr Higgins also said he "absolutely" has the energy and capacity for another seven-year stint as President.Lord Kilclooney is photographed in the Houses of Parliament in London.

Former Ulster Unionist deputy leader Lord Kilclooney has denied being racist after calling the Taoiseach a "typical Indian".

The peer, who is no longer a member of the UUP, said he is "certainly no racist" after his remark about Leo Varadkar was met with condemnation.

Mr Varadkar was born in Ireland. His father is from India and mother from Ireland.

Lord Kilclooney, 80, stirred controversy in a tweet on Monday as he commented on a news story about DUP criticism of Mr Varadkar regarding his visit to Northern Ireland.

He replied to the tweet, writing: "Typical Indian."

The tweet was met with condemnation on social media.

Lord Kilclooney later tweeted: "I am certainly no racist and in particular have an admiration for Indians. A member of the British/Indian APPG, only yesterday I had a reply from 10 Downing St asking for a relaxation of visas for Indians. My point was that the PM had upset Unionists more than Irish PMs had!"

In November last year, Lord Kilclooney, 79, stirred controversy in a tweet by referring to Mr Varadkar as "the Indian", while commenting on a political story involving Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney

He wrote on twitter: "Simon Coveney is stirring things up. Very dangerous non statesman like role! Clearly hoping to undermine the Indian."

Lord Kilclooney later tweeted: "In Twitter one is restricted to a limited number of words and so for shorthand I used the term Indian for the new PM in Dublin.

"This has caused upset and misunderstanding and so I withdraw it. I am no way racist and accept that Varadkar is 100 percent Irish Citizen."AS many as 1,500 more women could be dragged into the cervical cancer scandal, the Dail has heard.

In what has been described as a bombshell, Health Minister Simon Harris revealed that a potentially considerable number of cases where women developed cancer were not subjected to an audit.

It was believed that all existing smear tests were re-examined as a matter of practice if a woman was later diagnosed with cervical cancer.

However, the Serious Incident Management Team (SIMT) sent into CervicalCheck since Vicky Phelan settled her case has today discovered that not all cases were examined.

Mr Harris said he did not have specific figures but agreed with Fianna Fails Stephen Donnelly that it could be in the region of 1,500.

Records from CervicalCheck show that 1,482 cases were reviewed since 2008. Of these 208 were showed to have false negatives.

Tonights revelation suggest another 1,500 will now have to be studied.

Mr Harris told the Dail this evening that a potentially considerable number of cases are now being uncovered by a special team he sent in to investigate CervicalCheck.

I have to inform the House of some emerging information that I have received late this afternoon from the Serious Incident Management Team (SIMT).

While I had previously been advised and it had been commonly understood that the CervicalCheck clinical audit covered all cases notified by the National Cancer Registry, I have been informed this afternoon that this is not the case, Mr Harris said.

While CervicalCheck has audited all cases notified to it, I have been informed that a potentially considerable number of cases will not have been subjected to an audit of their screening history.

These are not new cases of cancer. Nor is it a group of women wondering if they have cancer. These are women who have already been diagnosed with cervical cancer and treated as such but their cases have not been included in a clinical audit.

The HSE has said in a statement that approximately 3,000 women In Ireland have been diagnosed with cervical cancer since 2008, and approximately half (1,482) of these cases were notified to CervicalCheck.

The HSE SIMT is working with the National Cancer Registry to see if any other women who have had cervical cancer should be included in the audit of historical screening tests and anyone affected by this will be also be contacted.

Opening his Dail statement, the minister recognised the contribution of Vicky Phelan in bringing the scandal to public attention.

We are all here I think we can agree because Vicky Phelan spoke out. I recognise that to do so cannot have been easy for her or her family. But her courage and tenacity has done a great service to the women of Ireland and her actions will ultimately lead to improvements for all, he said.

Mr Harris defended his own handling of the controversy, saying that a briefing note supplied to him by officials on April 16 suggested women were being informed of any errors in their treatment.

In an appendix with background information, it outlined the clinical cancer audit process including that all current and historical clinical cancer audits had been communicated to treating clinicians in 2016 and that, more recently, women are informed of this audit process and have the option to request information on the outcomes of these reviews.

It was not clear until after the details of the case became public that this process was not ensuring that women were informed and once I became aware of that I ordered immediate change, he said.

Outlining the need for an investigation, Mr Harris said: Given the gravity of the situation, and the impact it has had on Vicky Phelan and potentially a number of other women, I think it is vital that we ensure that we put in place a process that will allow all of us  patients, doctors and policy makers  to understand exactly what happened, and what steps we need to rectify the situation.

The minister said he will take every action possible to ensure that an incident such as this does not happen again.

I acknowledge the very difficult circumstances that Ms Phelan and her family are now in, and I would like to thank her for her bravery in bringing this to light.

But in all the debate that is ongoing it is important that we do not lose sight of the fact that the cancer screening programme has saved the lives of many, many women.

"We must do all we can to ensure that women continue to attend for smear testing. We acknowledge things went wrong but we are determined to put things right."

The Labour Partys health spokesman Alan Kelly described the revelations as a bombshell.

We need to deal with the bombshell you are just having dropping in here today, he said.

What is the number of cases that have now not being audited. This is a bombshell. What volume of women have not had their cases audited?

The HSE has said it will provide further information and updates over the coming days on cervicalcheck.ie and anyone with concerns may contact the CervicalCheck information phone line on 1800 45 45 55.Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 4 Vote(s) - 3 Average

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Page: 1 2 3 4 5 Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048 Andrei

lop guest

User ID: kaput

05-01-2018 05:51 PM











Post: #1 Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

Advertisement



"Growth factors: Now 25 million people strong, Gaynetdin attributed the growth in Muslim population two main factors: the high birth rate among Muslim families, and through the arrival of people from Central Asia."



This high growth rate is more than making up for the declining European Russian population and once more returning Russia to positive population groth. By 2020 the muslim population of Russia will exceed 20% and according to a new article " the Muslim population could outnumber ethnic Russians within 30 years."



Very informative.



https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/featur...48743.html The Muslim population of Russia has been growing very rapidly in recent years:"Growth factors: Now 25 million people strong, Gaynetdin attributed the growth in Muslim population two main factors: the high birth rate among Muslim families, and through the arrival of people from Central Asia."This high growth rate is more than making up for the declining European Russian population and once more returning Russia to positive population groth. By 2020 the muslim population of Russia will exceed 20% and according to a new article " the Muslim population could outnumber ethnic Russians within 30 years."Very informative. Krampus

Registered User

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 05:57 PM



Posts: 10,188









Post: #2 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

We barely have until 2026 before our extinction! We barely have until 2026 before our extinction!

It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.  Mark Twain LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 05:59 PM











Post: #3 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048













https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyCHuY7uY_E Many happy Muslims came out on the streets of Moscow to celebrate Eid. Moscow needs to build more mosques for the population. Official figures are that there are 300,000 Muslims in Moscow but the real figure is 1.5 million. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:01 PM











Post: #4 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

i highly doubt it, OPie. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:10 PM











Post: #5 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048













https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfKq57aBqac Eid at the grand Mosque, Moscow. So many people. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:21 PM











Post: #6 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

LoP Guest Wrote: (05-01-2018 06:01 PM) i highly doubt it, OPie.

Well you cannot argue with the facts. The Russian army is already Muslim majority.



https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/russian-a...020.18530/ Well you cannot argue with the facts. The Russian army is already Muslim majority. AnatoliyGolitsyn

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User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:27 PM



Posts: 3,299









Post: #7 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

LoP Guest Wrote: (05-01-2018 06:01 PM) i highly doubt it, OPie.

Why when Russia has more mosques per capita than anywhere else in Europe. Why when Russia has more mosques per capita than anywhere else in Europe. AnatoliyGolitsyn

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User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:27 PM



Posts: 3,299









Post: #8 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

+5 OP. AnatoliyGolitsyn

Registered User

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:29 PM



Posts: 3,299









Post: #9 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

Think about it.



Russia has the world's largest Jewish museum and Europe's biggest collection of Mosques.



Think it's safe to say Russia is a philo-Semitic state. Andrei

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:39 PM











Post: #10 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

What people may not understand is that since the time of Peter the Great when Russia incorporated many Muslim provinces in the Caucasus and the south, Russia has been a multicultural country. This is just normal. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:40 PM











Post: #11 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

MainStreetFatCat Wrote: (05-01-2018 06:29 PM) Think about it.



Russia has the world's largest Jewish museum and Europe's biggest collection of Mosques.



Think it's safe to say Russia is a philo-Semitic state.

77.7% of Russians are ethnically Russian. The next largest ethnic group is Tartars at 3.7%



They have 170 ethnic groups designated as nations. 77.7% of Russians are ethnically Russian. The next largest ethnic group is Tartars at 3.7% https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_groups_in_Russia They have 170 ethnic groups designated as nations. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:48 PM











Post: #12 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

Putins Muslim Nightmare:



"The Russian presidents intervention in Syria is driven by fear of Islamic extremism among his countrys own Muslim minority. But rather than squelching the threat, its poised to make it worse"



http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/11/02/puti...ssad-iran/ "The Russian presidents intervention in Syria is driven by fear of Islamic extremism among his countrys own Muslim minority. But rather than squelching the threat, its poised to make it worse" Andrei

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:53 PM











Post: #13 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

MainStreetFatCat Wrote: (05-01-2018 06:27 PM) +5 OP.

Thank you, I just want to bring understanding, Russia is changing fast. Thank you, I just want to bring understanding, Russia is changing fast. AnatoliyGolitsyn

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User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:54 PM



Posts: 3,299









Post: #14 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

LoP Guest Wrote: (05-01-2018 06:48 PM) Putins Muslim Nightmare:



"The Russian presidents intervention in Syria is driven by fear of Islamic extremism among his countrys own Muslim minority. But rather than squelching the threat, its poised to make it worse"



http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/11/02/puti...ssad-iran/

It's not Putin's nightmare. Putin welcomes the Muslims. It's not Putin's nightmare. Putin welcomes the Muslims. AnatoliyGolitsyn

Registered User

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 06:55 PM



Posts: 3,299









Post: #15 RE: Russia set to be an Islamic state before 2048

Andrei Wrote: (05-01-2018 06:53 PM) MainStreetFatCat Wrote: (05-01-2018 06:27 PM) +5 OP.

Thank you, I just want to bring understanding, Russia is changing fast.

The Semitic invasion of Russia really ramped up in 1917, Vladimir Lenin among them. You're a little behind. The Semitic invasion of Russia really ramped up in 1917, Vladimir Lenin among them. You're a little behind. Advertisement

















Paedophiles James White, left, and Jason Lydiard, right, were found tied to a public bench

A priest attempted to intervene when two on-the-run sex offenders were being beaten by a mob with iron bars in a south Armagh village, a witness has said.

A woman, who asked not to be named, told the BBC that local priest Father John Heagney tried to intervene during the assault which saw child rapist James White (48) and paedophile Alexis Guesto (26) chained to a bench, covered in grey paint, and hit with iron bars during a brutal attack on Saturday.

Both men were being hunted by the PSNI when the pair were discovered by a group of men in Mullaghbawn.

The witness said: They kicked them in the head. They beat them with sticks. They jeered. They took pictures of them.

I thought one of them was dead. We went for the priest and he immediately came down and tried to plead with them. I know they had to be taken out of the community - but not like that.

Fr John Heagney confirmed that he tried to intervene but declined to be interviewed.

The woman said up to 100 people witnessed the incident, which she said had damaged the reputation of the south Armagh village.

People were saying wed rather go to Syria than to south Armagh now, she said.

White was recalled to prison on Monday while Guesto, also known as Jason Lydiard, appeared at Newry Crown Court on a bench warrant and has been remanded in custody.

The pair were wanted in Northern Ireland for a range of offences, including breach of licence and warrants.

Sources have told the Belfast Telegraph they believed the sex offenders had been hiding out in nearby Glendesha Forest.

The PSNI has said they are treating the actions against the pair as serious assault.A Garda manhunt is under way after a female student was sexually assaulted.

The incident occurred on April 17, when the victim, a third-level student aged in her 20s, was knocked to the ground and assaulted on the north side of Limerick city.

A Garda spokesman said: "Gardai are investigating a serious assault incident that occurred on April 17 at approximately 3am near Moyola Terrace, Ennis Road."

It's understood the man wore latex gloves, which has led investigators to suspect the attack was pre-planned. A description of the attacker has been circulated to all Garda stations. "We are examining a lot of CCTV footage from the area," said Superintendent Derek Smart.Irish Rail workers uncovered a box of explosives while clearing out an old storage unit under the railway line at Connolly Station, Dublin, yesterday.

The alarm was raised around midday and the station was evacuated along with several offices nearby.

Gardai and the Army Bomb Disposal Unit attended the scene and the explosives were made safe. Several offices nearby were also evacuated and Sheriff Street Lower was also cordoned off while the operation was ongoing.

"The alarm was raised at around midday and we first closed platforms one and two at 12.05pm as gardai were contacted. Then we evacuated the station at 12.20am to ensure everyone's safety," said Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny.

The discovery of the explosives was made when one of the many storage units within the arches under the railway line at Sheriff Street was being emptied by staff. The explosives were described as commercial in nature and had been stored in the unit for a long time, possibly years.

Some of the storage units are rented out to businesses by Irish Rail but it was not immediately known how the explosives got there or who had stored them.

Dart and commuter trains which operate through Connolly to other stations such as Maynooth and Drogheda continued to run but did not stop at Connolly for almost two hours.

The Rosslare service operated from Pearse Station during the incident. The Belfast service ran to and from Malahide with connections to the Dart line, and the Sligo service ran to and from Maynooth.

Luas trams also avoided stopping at Connolly Station due to the security alert.

Shortly after 2.30pm, the all-clear was given and the station reopened and services resumed.

The Army later issued a statement confirming a bomb squad attended at the scene.

"The explosives were made safe at the scene and removed to a secure military installation for disposal."

Meanwhile, gardai confirmed a bomb disposal team also attended at Dublin Airport yesterday following a security alert that took place on Sunday.

"A suspicious substance was discovered on Sunday at our security screening through a normal security check on departing passengers. All procedures were followed and gardai were alerted," said a statement from Dublin Airport. "The passengers were permitted to continue their journey following an interview with gardai."Children were left traumatised after a gang of hammer-wielding thugs burst into a busy hotel.

Gardai are probing whether a west-Dublin gang are behind two frightening incidents on Sunday night in the capital.

In the first incident, a group of men wearing balaclavas ran through the lobby of the Green Isle Hotel just off the Naas Road about 9.15pm.

There were up to seven men in the group as staff saw the gang run past the reception area and into the bistro restaurant where families with children were dining.

"There were kids screaming and nobody knew what was going on," said one source.

"There was no efforts made to take money from the registers and after the gang ran around the bar and restaurant, they ran out the door again," they added.

Perplexed staff contacted gardai and calmed the customers. Fifteen minutes later, three men whom gardai believe could be part of the same gang ran into The Swallows pub in the Deansrath area of Clondalkin.

This pub is only a few kilometres from the hotel and is popular with locals. Again they were wearing balaclavas and carried hammers, and broke a pane of glass in the entrance door to the bar as they entered.

Witnesses said they only got a few feet in the door when they were confronted by a group of customers.

"There was a brief confrontation and then the guys fled. It was all over very quickly," they explained.

Good quality CCTV footage was recorded at both the Green Isle and The Swallows to help Garda investigations.

Gardai are investigating whether the incidents stem from a feud that may have ignited at a Christening party that was held earlier in the day elsewhere in west Dublin.

While there was no trouble reported at the christening, it is understood people at the party had then moved on to other pubs in the area.

"Robbery does not appear to be a motive in these two incidents. No staff were threatened and there was no apparent effort to steal anything," said a source. "Instead, it looks like these thugs were looking for somebody in particular, and when they didn't find them in the Green Isle, they moved to The Swallows," they added.Clinton and Abby Mitchell, from Freemont, Nebraska, take a walk along Donabate Beach in the April sun after receiving a blessing in Dublin following their wedding back home in the US. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Children playing in the sand at the Forty Foot in Dublins Sandymount. Photo: Stephen Collins/Collins

Break out the sun cream and get the barbecue at the ready because the bank holiday weekend looks like it will be a hot one.

Temperatures look set to reach upwards of 20C, according to Met Eireann. While the week will see a mixed bag when it comes to sun, the forecast for the weekend is positive for sun worshippers.

Before that, though, there are a few wet days to endure.

"The start of the week will be wet enough for many places but on Thursday things start to change," Met Eireann forecaster Gerry Murphy said.

Wednesday will be a cool, blustery day with a mixture of sunny spells and passing heavy showers of rain and hail.

The highest temperatures will be around 12C with "fresh and gusty westerly winds".

The showers will die away in the evening and the winds will ease followed by a chilly night with minimum temperature of 2C to 5C and a slight ground frost developing. According to the forecaster, there will be a warm front on Thursday that will bring higher temperatures though possibly also some rain.

"Temperatures will rise to a high of 14C but it won't feel that warm."

Over the bank holiday weekend however, temperatures will start to rise again.

"On Friday and the weekend, temperatures will begin to improve with highs of 19C. Temperatures will be highest in Leinster, Munster and east Ulster.

"It will remain mainly dry throughout the weekend with a fair amount of dry weather."

While the warmest temperatures will come on Friday and Saturday, it's heavily dependent on the amount of cloud cover. The temperatures will be slightly above average for the beginning of May, which is typically around 15C.

With warmer weather on the way the Irish Cancer Society yesterday launched their annual SunSmart campaign urging people to protect their skin.

"Despite our cool and cloudy weather UV rays can reach our skin most days from April to September and cause damage that increases the risk of skin cancer," said Kevin O'Hagan of the Irish Cancer Society.Milos Forman, the director of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, died on April 13, aged 86. This iconic film, released in 1975, is, even today, familiar to our medical students. Many have seen it and approach their psychiatric placements at medical school, in the 21st century, as if practices from the middle of the last century were still prevalent.

It was based on a book of the same name by Ken Kesey, published in 1962. There are some differences between the film and the book, and the most germane relates to the charges that resulted in the protagonist, Randle Patrick McMurphy, being sent to the psychiatric institution.

McMurphy was an Irish-American Korean war veteran who had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, but later dishonourably discharged for insubordination. In the book he was a criminal found guilty of statutory rape. But in the screen version, he was sent to the psychiatric institution for committing petty offences and for an "incident on the farm" where he worked.

This rewriting of this element of the story was presumably to garner sympathy for him with the audience. He faked insanity so that he would be sent to a psychiatric hospital rather than prison, in the hope of having a comfortable, restful time there.

Once in hospital, his insubordination was evident from the beginning, when he came in contact with the powerful Nurse Ratched. She became the personification of those who were in charge of locked psychiatric wards in these institutions - cold, controlling, heartless and cruel.

More powerful than the doctors, nurse Ratched had the clout to exact the ultimate punishment on McMurphy when he attempted to dismantle her control, by giving him shock therapy and later, having him lobotomised.

This procedure involves cutting the nerves between different parts of the brain so as to alter behavioural disturbances such as aggression and extreme agitation. It was initially carried out on patients in the late 1880s but fell into decline until 1935 when it was reinstated as a treatment for psychiatric illness.

Lobotomy was still in use in the 1960s when the book was written, but by 1975, the year the film was released, it had disappeared from psychiatric practice following the discovery of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications.

One of the more caring people in the film was the psychiatrist, Dr John Spivey, who in real life was Dr Dean Brooks, Director of Oregon State Hospital, where the film was set. The other is Chief Bromden, a gentle giant, who narrates the story. He is an electively mute Native American and McMurphy's only confidant.

As a study of the rigid and oppressive nature of institutional processes in psychiatry the film is a masterpiece. Yet even at the time that it was released the practice of psychiatry and the state of its institutions was changing over to care in the community. The practices depicted were obsolete.

The same cannot be said for the book, which was published at the height of the antipsychiatry movement in the 1960s. This was promulgated by radicals such as Thomas Szasz, Foucault, Cooper, Scheffe, Laing, Lacan, Lidz and Goffman, among others.

Put simply, their view was that mental illness either did not exist or if it did, it was due to oppression and other environmental causes, among them what were termed "schizo-phrenogenic parents". Such illness required therapy, not pills or ECT.

While the book, and subsequently the film, may have hastened the end of institutional care, already in train, it has left the public with a view of psychiatry that is still seen through that particular, defunct, cinematic lens.

Even in general parlance patients who are discharged following treatment in psychiatric units (now almost all exclusively in general hospitals) are described as being "released" even though they have sought treatment of their own volition, just as with people with heart disease or arthritis.

The use of medication to treat severe depression, for example, is still met with hostility from many, while the use of legal detention to treat a person who is psychotic and placing themselves or others at risk of grave ham is frowned upon as evidence of hegemony and social control.

Terms such as "lunatic", "basket case" and "funny farm" are still used as slang for mental illness.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest has had an enduring impact and some of that may be due to the personal story of Forman himself. His mother died in a Nazi Concentration camp during WWII, while he left his native Czechoslovakia during the 1968 Communist invasion. Oppression, witnessed and experienced, has thus been a metier of his life and perhaps it is that familiarity which gave this work its enduring power.

May he rest in peace.Airstrikes have killed at least 23 civilians in one of the last pockets of Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria, according to Syrian state media.

Meanwhile, US-backed forces in the area announced they have resumed their campaign against the extremists.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear if the airstrikes in the Hassakeh province were carried out by the US-led coalition or the Iraqi air force.

It said the strikes killed 10 children, six women and seven elderly people.

#SOHR A massacre south of #Hasakah claims the lives of 14 persons at least by airstrikes on the #ISIS -controlled enclave https://t.co/JGVKm7DsEk      (@syriahr) May 1, 2018

The state-run Syrian News Agency said 25 civilians were killed in the airstrikes south of the town of Shadadi, blaming the US-led coalition.

The strikes took place in an area where the US-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are battling IS.

Lelwa Abdullah, an SDF spokeswoman in the adjacent Deir el-Zour province, said the final phase of a large operation against IS in eastern Syria has begun.

She said the SDF will liberate those areas and secure the Syrian-Iraqi border and end the IS presence in eastern Syria once and for all.

The SDF had redeployed hundreds of its forces to western Syria after Turkish troops attacked the Kurdish-held Afrin enclave earlier this year, effectively putting operations against IS on hold.

Ms Abdullah said IS attacks have increased in recent weeks in parts of eastern Syria near the border with Iraq as the extremist group seeks to regroup.

She said the clearing operations will take place with the help of the US-led coalition and Iraqi forces across the border.

Elsewhere in Syria on Tuesday, more than three dozen Syrians held for years by al-Qaida-linked insurgents in the countrys north west were released as part of a deal to hand over areas around Damascus to the government, state media reported.

State-run Al-Ikhbariya TV broadcast images of the released men, women, children, who arrived by bus at a government-controlled checkpoint in Aleppo province.

Many were in tears, and they could be seen kissing and hugging Syrian soldiers. The captives had been held by the insurgents in northern Syria since 2015.

Expand Close A Syrian government soldier hugs a woman inside a bus carrying released families (SANA via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp A Syrian government soldier hugs a woman inside a bus carrying released families (SANA via AP)

It is the latest in a series of evacuation deals for areas around the capital that have been besieged for years and subjected to heavy bombardment by government forces.

The UN and rights groups have criticised the deals, saying they amount to forced displacement.

The latest deal concerns Yarmouk, a Palestinian refugee camp that was a built-up residential area before the civil war.

IS militants still control parts of the camp and a neighbouring area, where they are battling government forces.

The 42 people freed on Tuesday are the first batch of more than 80 to be released.

Under the deal, fighters from the al Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group will withdraw from Yarmouk, while about 5,000 people in Foua and Kfraya, two north-western villages besieged by insurgents, will be allowed to relocate to government-held areas.It may be a while since your last game of hide and seek, but if money was on the line where would you lie low?

Reddit user hskrpwr has proposed a worldwide game of hide and seek, with the winner being awarded 100 million dollars  and heres eight of the spots people would hide to ensure they would be last to be found.

Who do you think would win the money?

1. This person would just take things slow

2. This hider needs a self-esteem boost

3. This person would hope seekers looked away

4. This dark thinker would head for a Norwegian archipelago

5. This one is thinking of humbler options

6. This guy thinks people generally dont search very hard

7. This figure would stay as still as possible

8. This probable Canadian thinks Canada is the answer

However, this party pooper questions the game.

And this boffin has applied some logic.

So its fair enough that this person wouldnt bother.The Armenian parliament has voted against naming protest leader Nikol Pashinian as the countrys new prime minister.

The chamber voted 45-55 on Mr Pashinians nomination after a nine-hour-long session on Tuesday.

Thousands of opposition supporters spent the day rallying out the parliament building to support Mr Pashinian.

Expand Close Supporters gather for a rally at the Republic square in Yerevan (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP) / Facebook

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The Armenian Constitution dictates that parliament will convene next week for another vote.

While addressing fellow politicians earlier in the day, Mr Pashinian warned that Armenia would be struck by a political tsunami if he were not appointed as prime minister.

The vote was called after Serzh Sargsyan, who led Armenia as president for 10 years and left office in early April because of term limits, stepped down amid the mass anti-government protests Mr Pashinian led.Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 3 Vote(s) - 2.33 Average

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Page: 1 2 3 4 US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: kaput

05-01-2018 08:43 PM











Post: #1 US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

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US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support



Not that there was much doubt who was behind it, but two days after "enemy" warplanes attacked a Syrian military base near Hama on Sunday, killing at least 11 Iranians and dozens of others, and nobody had yet "claimed responsibility" the attack, US officials told NBC that it was indeed Israeli F-15 fighter jets that struck the base, NBC News reported.



Ominously, the officials said Israel appears to be preparing for open warfare with Iran and is seeking U.S. help and support.



"On the list of the potentials for most likely live hostility around the world, the battle between Israel and Iran in Syria is at the top of the list right now," said one senior U.S. official.



The US officials told NBC that Israeli F-15s hit Hama after Iran delivered weapons to a base that houses Iran's 47th Brigade, including surface-to-air missiles. In addition to killing two dozen troops, including officers, the strike wounded three dozen others. The report adds that the U.S. officials believe the shipments were intended for Iranian ground forces that would attack Israel.



Meanwhile, as we reported yesterday, the Syrian army said early on Monday that "enemy" rockets struck military bases belonging to Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime. According to several outlets, the strikes targeted the 47th Brigade base in the southern Hama district, a military facility in northwestern Hama and a facility north of the Aleppo International Airport.



Meanwhile, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Tuesday that Israel on Tuesday morning had four problems, one more than the day before: "Iran, Iran, Iran and hypocrisy." The comment came one day after Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu "revealed" a cache of documents the Mossad stole from Iran detailing the country's nuclear program, which however critics said were i) old and ii) not indicative of Iran's current plans.



"This is the same Iran that cracks down on freedom of expression and on minorities. The same Iran that tried to develop nuclear weapons and entered the [nuclear] deal for economic benefits, Lieberman said.



The same Iran is trying to hide its weapons while everyone ignores it. The state of Israel cannot ignore Iran's threats, Iran, whose senior officials promise to wipe out Israel, he said. They are trying to harm us, and well have a response.



Iran's Defense Minister Amir Khatami threatened Israel on Tuesday, saying it should stop its "dangerous behavior" and vowing that the "Iranian response will be surprising and you will regret it." Khatami's remarks came Following Netanyahu's speech which Khatami described as Israeli "provocative actions," and two days after the strikes in Syria.



* * *



Meanwhile, in a potential hint at the upcoming conflict, Haaretz writes that two and a half weeks after the bombing in which seven members of Irans Revolutionary Guards were killed at the T4 base in Syria, Israel is bracing for an Iranian retaliation for the Syrian strikes (and if one isn't forthcoming, well that's what false flags are for).



As Haaretz writes, the Iranians response, despite their frequent threats of revenge, is being postponed, screwing up Iran's war planning. Its also possible that as time passes, Tehran is becoming more aware of the possible complex consequences of any action. Still, the working assumption of Israeli defense officials remains that such a response is highly probable.



https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-05-0...us-support Psychotic Israel is at it again, ramping up propaganda that Iran is some sort of threat when they themselves regularly attack neighboring countries and murder hundreds of children within their own boundaries.Not that there was much doubt who was behind it, but two days after "enemy" warplanes attacked a Syrian military base near Hama on Sunday, killing at least 11 Iranians and dozens of others, and nobody had yet "claimed responsibility" the attack, US officials told NBC that it was indeed Israeli F-15 fighter jets that struck the base, NBC News reported.Ominously, the officials said Israel appears to be preparing for open warfare with Iran and is seeking U.S. help and support."On the list of the potentials for most likely live hostility around the world, the battle between Israel and Iran in Syria is at the top of the list right now," said one senior U.S. official.The US officials told NBC that Israeli F-15s hit Hama after Iran delivered weapons to a base that houses Iran's 47th Brigade, including surface-to-air missiles. In addition to killing two dozen troops, including officers, the strike wounded three dozen others. The report adds that the U.S. officials believe the shipments were intended for Iranian ground forces that would attack Israel.Meanwhile, as we reported yesterday, the Syrian army said early on Monday that "enemy" rockets struck military bases belonging to Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime. According to several outlets, the strikes targeted the 47th Brigade base in the southern Hama district, a military facility in northwestern Hama and a facility north of the Aleppo International Airport.Meanwhile, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Tuesday that Israel on Tuesday morning had four problems, one more than the day before: "Iran, Iran, Iran and hypocrisy." The comment came one day after Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu "revealed" a cache of documents the Mossad stole from Iran detailing the country's nuclear program, which however critics said were i) old and ii) not indicative of Iran's current plans."This is the same Iran that cracks down on freedom of expression and on minorities. The same Iran that tried to develop nuclear weapons and entered the [nuclear] deal for economic benefits, Lieberman said.The same Iran is trying to hide its weapons while everyone ignores it. The state of Israel cannot ignore Iran's threats, Iran, whose senior officials promise to wipe out Israel, he said. They are trying to harm us, and well have a response.Iran's Defense Minister Amir Khatami threatened Israel on Tuesday, saying it should stop its "dangerous behavior" and vowing that the "Iranian response will be surprising and you will regret it." Khatami's remarks came Following Netanyahu's speech which Khatami described as Israeli "provocative actions," and two days after the strikes in Syria.* * *Meanwhile, in a potential hint at the upcoming conflict, Haaretz writes that two and a half weeks after the bombing in which seven members of Irans Revolutionary Guards were killed at the T4 base in Syria, Israel is bracing for an Iranian retaliation for the Syrian strikes (and if one isn't forthcoming, well that's what false flags are for).As Haaretz writes, the Iranians response, despite their frequent threats of revenge, is being postponed, screwing up Iran's war planning. Its also possible that as time passes, Tehran is becoming more aware of the possible complex consequences of any action. Still, the working assumption of Israeli defense officials remains that such a response is highly probable. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 08:45 PM











Post: #2 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

Iran once again proving it is the rational actor in this. conspiracyparty

Registered User

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 08:52 PM



Posts: 1,025









Post: #3 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

The Jews, I find, are very, very selfish," ...

"They care not how many Estonians, Latvians, Finns, Poles, Yugoslavs or Greeks get murdered or mistreated as Displaced Persons as long as the Jews get special treatment."



Harry Truman- 1947 Hamburgerwagon

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 08:53 PM











Post: #4 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

The public will not support it. There will have to be a false flag as always to get public support. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 08:55 PM











Post: #5 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

GO MERCA! WAR WAR WAR~~~!!! LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 08:58 PM











Post: #6 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

Golly Gee Wilikers that shithole aka Israel. Trump is their puppet so OF COURSE we're going to get our own guys/goys killed for that shithole.



Golly Gee Wilikers Trump. That piece of human feces signed off on the embassy move for ONE reason and ONE reason alone. To provoke war for Israel. He's going to go back on the Iran nuke deal for the same reason. gosh darn warmongering satanist scum bags. GrimShaw

Asinus Asinum Fricat

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:05 PM



Posts: 32,419









Post: #7 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

Trump should do it if he wants to lose both houses and in 2020. Builder of the Adytum

Enemy of the State

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:30 PM



Posts: 6,633









Post: #8 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

F-u-c-k Iran.





Too subtle?





I would not shed one tear if the Israelis kicked their ass.





And it's probably coming indeed (This post was last modified: 05-01-2018 09:31 PM by Builder of the Adytum .) LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:39 PM











Post: #9 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

The Ghost of David Carradine Wrote: (05-01-2018 09:30 PM) F-u-c-k Iran.





Too subtle?





I would not shed one tear if the Israelis kicked their ass.





And it's probably coming indeed

What has Iran ever done to you? What has Iran ever done to you? LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:41 PM











Post: #10 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

The Ghost of David Carradine Wrote: (05-01-2018 09:30 PM) F-u-c-k Iran.





Too subtle?





I would not shed one tear if the Israelis kicked their ass.





And it's probably coming indeed

There is so much ignorance in this post alone that I actually feel sad for humanity.



If this war starts, it will be the last war humanity fights against each other.

If I have to choose an evil, I will definitively chose the lesser evil Iran over



the NWO warmonger satanists patriotically oriented sycophant that are merica and sidekicks, who have killed millions and millions in non provoqued wars.



In any case, we humanity lose when they chose to wage war. There is so much ignorance in this post alone that I actually feel sad for humanity.If this war starts, it will be the last war humanity fights against each other.If I have to choose an evil, I will definitively chose the lesser evil Iran overthe NWO warmonger satanists patriotically oriented sycophant that are merica and sidekicks, who have killed millions and millions in non provoqued wars.In any case, we humanity lose when they chose to wage war. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:45 PM











Post: #11 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

The Ghost of David Carradine Wrote: (05-01-2018 09:30 PM) F-u-c-k Iran.





Too subtle?





I would not shed one tear if the Israelis kicked their ass.





And it's probably coming indeed



Yeah! Because Iran has invaded countless countries for the past 100+ years! Because Iran is actively at war and trying to subvert democratic processes throughout the world! And has 200+ military bases around the globe! They're ultra aggressors! KILL 'EM ALL! Cheer



GODDAMN IRANIANS! Killing their own democratically elected president and letting the Shias seize power! INVADE THEM! INVADE THEM NOW!!!! Yeah! Because Iran has invaded countless countries for the past 100+ years! Because Iran is actively at war and trying to subvert democratic processes throughout the world! And has 200+ military bases around the globe! They're ultra aggressors! KILL 'EM ALL! CheerGODDAMN IRANIANS! Killing their own democratically elected president and letting the Shias seize power! INVADE THEM! INVADE THEM NOW!!!! LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:46 PM











Post: #12 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

LoP Guest Wrote: (05-01-2018 08:58 PM) Golly Gee Wilikers that shithole aka Israel. Trump is their puppet so OF COURSE we're going to get our own guys/goys killed for that shithole.



Golly Gee Wilikers Trump. That piece of human feces signed off on the embassy move for ONE reason and ONE reason alone. To provoke war for Israel. He's going to go back on the Iran nuke deal for the same reason. gosh darn warmongering satanist scum bags.





but but but BUT...HER EMAILZ but but but BUT...HER EMAILZ LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:46 PM











Post: #13 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

The Ghost of David Carradine Wrote: (05-01-2018 09:30 PM) F-u-c-k Iran.





Too subtle?





I would not shed one tear if the Israelis kicked their ass.





And it's probably coming indeed





the retard is strong with this^ one. the retard is strong with this^ one. LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:51 PM











Post: #14 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

they burn our flag, yell death threats to America nd mutilate little girls. you guys support them? LoP Guest

lop guest

User ID: 1337

05-01-2018 09:54 PM











Post: #15 RE: US Officials: Israel Preparing For War With Iran, Seeking US Support

LoP Guest Wrote: (05-01-2018 09:51 PM) they burn our flag, yell death threats to America nd mutilate little girls. you guys support them?





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The man who could be Armenias next prime minister has warned that the country will be plunged into a deep political crisis if the ruling party fails to support his candidacy.

Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian, who has been nominated for prime minister, told politicians that Armenia will be swept in a political tsunami if the ruling Republic party fails to support him.

The Armenian parliament is expected to vote on a new prime minister later on Tuesday.

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Mr Pashinian is the only candidate, but the chamber is controlled by the ruling party, and Mr Pashinian needs their votes to win.

Mr Pashinian led more than two weeks of anti-government protests that forced Serzh Sargsyan, who led Armenia as president for 10 years and was elected prime minister in mid-April, to resign.

The opposition in the Caucasus Mountains country saw Mr Sargsyans move into the prime ministers chair as an attempt to stay in power indefinitely.

Tens of thousands of people have packed the square outside to show their support for Mr Pashinian.

The Elk or Exit opposition alliance formally announced Mr Pashinians nomination at the start of the session, and the opposition leader himself later took the floor to answer the deputies question before the vote was to be held.The building on fire in Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo Fire Department via AP)

An abandoned building occupied by squatters in Sao Paulo has caught fire and collapsed, sending fiery debris crashing into neighbouring buildings and surrounding streets, Brazilian officials say.

Firefighters said at least one person had been killed in the collapse and that there could be more.

The building, a former headquarters of the federal police, caught fire around 1:30am local time.

Firefighters set up a perimeter and worked to evacuate people.

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A few hours later, as flames engulfed the building of at least 20 stories, it collapsed.

Globo TV, which was covering the fire, captured the destruction. Images showed the floors falling in on themselves and debris flying in all directions.

Romulo de Souza, 49, said he was part of a squatter occupation in the neighbouring building. He said that when the fire began on the fourth floor of the former police headquarters, families began evacuating.

Happily the majority got out, he said.

Mr de Souza said that residents believed the fire could have been started by a gas leak.

Firefighter Lt Andre Elias told Globo TV that at least one person had been killed in the collapse.

Authorities were working to locate several others who were missing.

The fire and collapse will put a spotlight on occupations in Sao Paulo, South Americas largest city.

Several dozen buildings have been occupied in the city centre by highly organised fair-housing groups that take over and then fight for ownership.

Many such dwellings are run like regular apartment buildings, with doormen and residents paying monthly fees and utility bills. Others are less established and more precarious.Pizza Express said the UK market will continue to grow despite cost pressures (Ian West/PA)

Pizza Express has blamed business rates, rents and rising food prices for a fall in earnings last year, saying it remains cautious about its prospects in the near term.

The restaurant groups operating profit dropped 8.9% in the year to December 31, falling to 94.6 million.

Sales inched up 0.4% on a like-for-like basis in the UK and Ireland, and jumped 8.2% in the companys international division.

Pizza Express, which was bought for 900 million by Chinese firm Hony Capital in 2014, has been buffeted by the same pressures affecting retailers and other casual dining groups such as Jamies Italian.

Jinlong Wang, group chairman and chief executive of Pizza Express, said: As expected, the growth in international has been offset by the widely publicised sector cost headwinds in the UK, including higher food prices and wage increases as well as the rise in business rates and commercial rents.

Mr Wang insisted that, despite the pressures, the UKs restaurant sector would continue to grow because consumers are becoming more interested in food, and want to spend their disposable incomes on eating out.

Other large restaurant groups have been forced to seek agreement from landlords to close stores and cut rents as part of a restructuring plan known as a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA).

In February, Jamies Italian confirmed it was closing 12 restaurants in a CVA. It was followed about a month later by Prezzo, which announced plans to shut 94 outlets under a similar agreement.

The pizza chain expanded internationally over the year, opening 27 restaurants.

It now has more than 600 restaurants, and sells some 35 million pizzas in supermarkets in the UK a year, bringing in more than 100 million in retail sales.President Donald Trump has said the date and location of his upcoming meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could be announced soon.

Mr Trump said: I think its probably going to be announced over the next couple of days.

The president recently floated the idea of holding the meeting on the demilitarised zone separating North and South Korea.

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The meeting is expected by the end of May or early June.

Mr Trump commented as he was asked about South Korean President Moon Jae-ins recent suggestion that Mr Trump could take the Nobel Peace Prize if the two Koreas receive peace in return.

Mr Trump said Mr Moons statement was very generous.

Mr Trump said the main thing is we want to get peace.President Donald Trump has praised the actions of the crew and passengers on a damaged Southwest Airlines flight, saying they showed great character.

A woman, Jennifer Riordan, died after being almost sucked out of the plane when a window was fractured by debris from an exploding engine.

However, the pilot, Tammie Jo Schults, successfully landed the plane without further loss of life.

The president said they responded with tremendous bravery and everybodys talking about it.

Expand Close Michael Riordan, centre, pictured last week as he was joined by family members at a memorial service for his wife Jennifer Riordan (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Michael Riordan, centre, pictured last week as he was joined by family members at a memorial service for his wife Jennifer Riordan (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/AP)

Mr Trump welcomed the five-person crew and five passengers of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 to the White House.

The New York-to-Dallas-bound flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia last month after an engine exploded at 30,000 feet.

Ms Riordan died of her injuries despite being pulled back into the cabin by passengers.

Mr Trump hailed the pilot for doing an incredible job landing the aircraft and added our hearts break for the passenger who was killed.Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis giving evidence to the Lords European Union Select Committee in London on the subject of Scrutiny of UK withdrawal from the EU. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo

The European Union is "pushing back" against the UK's proposals for keeping the Irish border open after Brexit, David Davis has confirmed.

Mr Davis was speaking a day ahead of a crucial meeting of Theresa May's "Brexit inner cabinet" to thrash out the Government's position on future customs arrangements.

Unconfirmed reports earlier this month suggested that EU officials had dismissed both UK proposals - a 'customs partnership' under which Britain would collect tariffs on the EU's behalf and a 'streamlined arrangement' using technology to avoid the need for border checks - as unworkable.

Now the Brexit Secretary has told the House of Lords EU Committee: "The Commission did push back on both.

"They were concerned about how we would run a new customs partnership on the one hand, and they were - in the context of Northern Ireland - objecting to the notion of exempting small businesses from the streamlined arrangement."

Brussels is concerned both by the prospect of "porosity" on the EU's external border and by the risk of creating a precedent which might be copied elsewhere, he said.

The European Commission has drawn up a "backstop" alternative option if neither proposal works, which would see Northern Ireland effectively remain in the customs union - something Mrs May has said no prime minister could accept.

Meanwhile, Mr Davis warned that the UK could be left "in a sort of limbo" if it fails to ratify a new agreement on its future trading relationship with the EU by the end of the Brexit transition period in December 2020.

Mr Davis said he wanted a "pretty substantive" political agreement on the future in place by October, ready to be signed soon after the official date of Brexit in March 2019 and ratified by parliaments across Europe during the 21-month transition.

He admitted it will be "difficult" to get the separate EU withdrawal deal through Parliament in the autumn if the Government has no more than a broad political declaration in place by that time.

"Parliament will vote more than once on the withdrawal agreement and I would be surprised if parliamentarians are happy to vote for the expenditure of 35-39 billion without knowing what we are getting for it," he said.

Asked how he hoped to secure parliamentary backing, in the wake of a string of defeats in the House of Lords, he replied: "By getting a good deal."

And he acknowledged that this will depend on persuading Brussels to negotiate 40 or more workstreams simultaneously.

"If we try to do 45 different subjects in sequence, I will be dead and buried and probably my grandchildren will be dead and buried before we get there," he said.

"We have got to do it in parallel. We are on that now and I think we are going to be there soon-ish."

Mr Davis said the Government aimed to have large amounts of detail on the future framework - maybe even including legal wording - "nailed down" by the formal date of Brexit in March 2019.

"I would be aiming to conclude the negotiations if I can get to that point by then, so they can sign and then start the ratification process," he told peers.

The framework will have to be ratified by the European Parliament, both Houses of Parliament in Westminster and national and regional assemblies in the 27 remaining states he said.

And he warned: "We absolutely need to have ratification completed before the implementation period is over, otherwise we are in a sort of limbo."

Eloise Todd, the chief executive of the Best for Britain campaign against hard Brexit, said: "It's a classic Brexit rewrite. Yesterday David Davis told us he had 'put forward proposals' on the Irish border and echoed (Michel) Barnier's concern that a solution to the Irish border question is found rapidly.

"Today instead we're informed the exact opposite: that the Government is still drawing up proposals with that he hopes will be tied up in October. The reality is pretty stark - David Davis is clueless."A university worker stabbed his boss 15 times out of "jealousy" because she rejected him, not in the haze of a depressive illness, a court has heard.

David Browning knifed Jillian Howell in the chest, neck and abdomen after the pair spent the evening of October 26 at her home in Sandgate Road, Brighton.

She was found with the word "bully" scrawled on her head.

Her 52-year-old assailant denies the attack was murder, saying his actions were instead the result of a debilitating mental illness.

But, at the conclusion of a trial at Hove Crown Court, the prosecution rejected his defence of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Prosecutor Alan Gardner said Browning was a spurned admirer, someone "deeply self-centred, selfish, a man with a vindictive streak".

He said during his closing argument: "He offered, we know, no explanation for why he did it, only to say 'it must have been my depressive illness, that must have caused me to make a criminal decision to kill Jillian Howell'.

"We, the prosecution, say no, the evidence points to a very different reason, to this being a man who had a stable life jolted by the death of his father.

"A man who found himself in an emotional crisis, a man who found a sympathetic ear for his issues, several years younger than him, an attractive single woman.

"He plainly became attracted to her.

"But, on October 26 last year, he discovered she didn't have the same feelings as him. She rejected him and Mr Browning reacted with anger and violence, that is the reality of the case, the prosecution says."

He added: "This was a crime driven by those feelings ... of anger, jealousy, betrayal, those sort of things."

The defendant - nicknamed Spock - suffers from depression, but two psychiatrists gave differing assessments of its severity, the court heard.

One felt the diagnosis was serious enough to have rendered him incapable of making a rational decision, while the other said he was still able to function in day-to-day life.

The married father of two is said to have formed an intense attachment to his superior at the University of Brighton and confided his emotional problems to her.

It was previously heard he became "possessive, controlling and jealous", while she felt compelled to help him as she had experience working with suicidal people.

The defendant subsequently claimed the pair had clashed and that he was unhappy with her management style.

He also allegedly sprayed graffiti on the walls of the crime scene, which tried to frame her close friend Sean McDonald.

Distressing details of Ms Howell's final moments were previously described by Browning in court.

He confided his planned suicide to her and feared she would attempt to get him sectioned, prompting him to plunge a knife into her back as she tied her laces.

The Samaritans volunteer screamed "you bastard" and tried to grab the knife, Browning claimed, but he continued to stab her and replied: "I'm sorry Jill, this is what mental health does to you."

He stayed in the house for up to six hours before dialling 999, Mr Gardner said.

Officers found him outside the police station, where he told them: "In a nutshell, I have killed my boss."

The defendant, of Willow Drive in Seaford, East Sussex, denies murder but admits manslaughter by diminished responsibility and possession of a knife in a public place.

The trial continues.British Prime Minister Theresa May appointed a former banker of South Asian origin as interior minister yesterday, trying to draw a line under an immigration scandal threatening her authority as she negotiates Brexit.

Sajid Javid, the son of immigrants from Pakistan, replaces Amber Rudd, who quit as home secretary after acknowledging she had "inadvertently misled" parliament by denying the government had targets for the deportation of illegal migrants.

For two weeks, British ministers have been struggling to explain why some descendants of the so-called 'Windrush generation', invited to Britain to plug labour shortfalls between 1948 and 1971, had been denied basic rights.

Mr Javid, the first lawmaker from Britain's black, Asian and minority ethnic community to become home secretary, tried before his appointment to defuse public anger over the scandal by saying his own family could have been caught up in it.

His appointment could change the balance of Mrs May's top team in negotiating Britain's departure from the European Union in March 2019.

Ms Rudd was one of the most outspokenly pro-European members of the UK cabinet. Mr Javid was a lukewarm campaigner to stay in the bloc and has said the referendum result in 2016 meant that "in some ways, we're all Brexiteers now".

"We are going to have a strategy in place... about making sure that we have an immigration policy that is fair, it treats people with respect and with decency, and that will be one of my most urgent tasks," Mr Javid told Sky News.

A spokesman for Mrs May said Mr Javid, who had been minister for housing, communities and local government, "is one of the most experienced ministers around the cabinet table".

"At housing he has proved his drive, his ambition and determination to get to grips with difficult subjects, and these are abilities which will all be required at the Home Office," said the prime minister.

Mr Javid seemed to set out his stall for the job in the 'Sunday Telegraph' in his response to the scandal.

On learning about the treatment of the post-war migrants, he said: "I thought that could be my mum ... my dad ... my uncle ... it could be me."

But he also called on voters gearing up for local elections on Thursday, when the Conservatives could lose councils in London, to look at the government's attempts to "put things right" and its efforts to "deal with the injustices in society".

Ms Rudd lasted only 22 months, becoming the fourth minister Mrs May has lost to scandals in the last six months.Scattered vandalism marked May Day in France as hundreds of demonstrators marched across Paris to oppose economic policies pursued by President Emmanuel Macron.

Some participants smashed the windows of a McDonalds restaurant and set furniture inside on fire as the demonstration in the French capital heated up. Protesters also wore masks and threw firecrackers.

Television cameras captured vandals overturning a car and setting it on fire.

French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb posted a tweet condemning the violence and vandalism.Johnston Press chief executive Ashley Highfield has resigned, citing family reasons.

The publisher, which owns titles such as The Scotsman and Yorkshire Post, said that Mr Highfield agreed with the board that he will not put himself up for re-election at the AGM on June 5.

Ashley is leaving for family reasons and in order to fulfil his plans to transition to be a plural non-executive director as the next phase of his career, Johnston Press said in a stock market announcement.

Mr Highfield, who has been at the helm of the publisher since 2011 and spearheaded the acquisition of the i newspaper, will be replaced by finance chief David King.

Johnston Press chairman Camilla Rhodes said: I would like to thank Ashley for his significant contribution since becoming CEO in 2011.

We are sorry that he felt that his personal circumstances required a change at this time.

Ashley oversaw the successful acquisition of the i newspaper, has driven growth in our digital footprint, while making substantial progress in reorganising and restructuring our businessCamilla Rhodes, Johnston Press

Ashley oversaw the successful acquisition of the i newspaper, has driven growth in our digital footprint, while making substantial progress in reorganising and restructuring our business.

Mr Highfields departure comes weeks after Johnston Press signalled a fresh round of cost-cutting, saying a challenging market has put pressure on revenues, which dropped nearly 10% over 2017.

While Johnston Press managed to narrow its pre-tax losses to 95 million from 300.7 million a year earlier, the company said it was likely to extend an efficiency drive.

Mr Highfield said: I have been privileged to lead Johnston Press during a period of unprecedented turbulence in our industry.

Since 2011 we have grown our overall audience, in particular our digital business, created an industry-leading telesales operation and maintained margins.

The acquisition of the i newspaper has been a particular highlight.

I am proud of what the board and my colleagues have achieved and would like to thank them all for their support. I wish David every success in his new role.Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa has officially broken the world record for the worlds biggest wave ever to have been surfed, with his incredible run at Nazare beach in Portugal being recognised as a Guinness World Record.

The World Surf League confirmed the achievement at its Big Wave Awards in Santa Monica, California, on Saturday night, with the official height of the wave registered at 80 feet [24.38 metres].

Roxa, who rode the wave back on 8 November, recalled it as the best day of my life with the video going viral on social media over the weekend.

In a statement, the World Surf League said: "The award goes to the surfer who, by any means available, catches the biggest wave of the year.

"Not only did Koxa win this year's honour, but he now holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave surfed."

Celebrating his achievement, Koxa also said that the award was a dream come true.

Koxa broke the existing record which belonged to American surfer Garrett McNamara, with his wave of 78 feet [23.77 metres] standing since 2011 before being eclipsed.

As part of the awards ceremony, British surfer Andrew Cotton was recognised for the Wipeout of the Year award, having suffered a horror fall at Nazare on the same day as Koxas record. Cotton suffered extensive injuries and is still recovering from the broken vertebrae that he sustained.French far right leader Marine Le Pen waves on stage next to other populist leaders (Thibault Camus/AP)

French far right leader Marine Le Pen joined other anti-immigration populist leaders from around Europe for a May Day gathering aimed at energising their campaigns for next years European Parliament elections.

Populist leaders including Geert Wilders of the Dutch Party for Freedom, Harald Vilimsky of Austrias Freedom Party and prominent Czech nationalist Tomio Okamura descended on Nice as part of a joint effort to highlight the gains far-right parties have acquired across the continent recently.

The head of Italys nationalist Northern League party Matteo Salvini declined his invitation but will send a video message of support  as he attempts to form join a coalition government following this years inconclusive elections where many Italian voters shunned the mainstream parties.

Expand Close Marine Le Pen poses for a selfie after laying a wreath (Thibault Camus/AP) / Facebook

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Ms Le Pen laid a wreath at a monument of Frances nationalist icon Joan of Arc in Cannes before heading to nearby Nice where she will meet with the other senior figures of the European far-right.

Ms Le Pen used Nice  a French Riviera hub that boasts a diverse population  to forward her anti-immigration stance, saying it has suffered from very strong pressure from migration that has partly changed the face of the city.

En compagnie de @SteeveBriois a Cannes, je rendais hommage ce matin a Jeanne dArc. pic.twitter.com/5Pm3qVoO0H  Marine Le Pen (@MLP_officiel) May 1, 2018

Frances National Front has been struggling since a surge in support, but subsequent defeat, in last years presidential election that chose centrist Emmanuel Macron.

Since then, Ms Le Pen has been trying to cleanse it of the racist stigma that has clung to its image while maintaining the partys core closed-borders agenda.

Earlier this year, the party severed its final ties with firebrand founder Jean-Marie Le Pen  Ms Le Pens 89-year-old father  by eliminating his title of honorary president-for-life.

Mr Le Pen held a parallel ceremony at a statue of Joan of Arc in Paris.

In March, former White House strategist Steve Bannon tried to re-energise the party by speaking at a congress in France.

Some commentators warned that support from figures like Mr Bannon could hinder the partys rebranding efforts.President Donald Trump said it is disgraceful that a list of questions the special counsel investigating Russian election interference wants to ask him was leaked to the news media.

The New York Times published the nearly four dozen questions given to Mr Trumps lawyers, covering the presidents motivations for firing FBI Director James Comey last May and contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russians.

It is so disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media, President Trump tweeted. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I seeyou have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!

In a second tweet, President Trump said: It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened.

The president has repeatedly has called the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller a witch hunt and insists there was no collusion between his campaign and Russia.

President Trump has also accused Mr Comey of leaking classified information. Mr Mueller was appointed to oversee the investigation by the deputy attorney general after President Trump fired Mr Comey in May 2017.

Although Mr Muellers team has indicated to Mr Trumps lawyers that he is not considered a target, investigators remain interested in whether the presidents actions constitute obstruction of justice and want to interview him about several episodes in office.

Many of the questions obtained by the Times centre on the obstruction issue, including his reaction to Attorney General Jeff Sessions recusal from the Russia investigation, a decision President Trump has angrily criticised.

Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow declined to comment to The Associated Press on Monday night, as did White House lawyer Ty Cobb.

The questions also touch on Russian meddling and whether the Trump campaign co-ordinated in any way with the Kremlin.

In one question obtained by the Times, Mr Mueller asks what President Trump knew about campaign staff, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, reaching out to Moscow.

Mr Mueller has brought several charges against Mr Manafort, but none are for any crimes related to Russian election interference during the 2016 campaign. And he has denied having anything to do with such an effort.

The queries also touch on President Trumps businesses and his discussions with his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, about a possible Moscow real estate deal. Mr Cohens business dealings are part of a separate FBI investigation.

One question asks what discussions Mr Trump may have had regarding any meeting with Mr Putin, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another question asks what the president may have known about a possible attempt by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel with Russia before Mr Trumps inauguration.Mourners next to the grave of photographer Shah Marai. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

One of the BBC's reporters in Afghanistan has been killed in an attack in the eastern Khost province, the broadcaster said.

Ahmad Shah (29) had worked for the BBC's Afghan service for more than a year and "had already established himself as a highly capable journalist who was a respected and popular member of the team".

He was killed on the same day a co-ordinated double suicide bombing in the capital, Kabul, killed 25 people, including at least nine other journalists.

BBC World Service Director Jamie Angus called it a "devastating loss" and sent his "sincere condolences to Ahmad Shah's friends and family and the whole BBC Afghan team".

Talib Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor in Khost, said Mr Shah was shot dead, without providing further details.

The suicide bombing attack, claimed by Isil, was the deadliest to target journalists since the fall of the Taliban in 2001.

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A few hours later another suicide car bombing in Kandahar killed 11 children, police in the southern province said.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported that the news agency's chief photographer in Kabul, Shah Marai, was among those killed in Kabul.

AFP said Mr Marai died in the second blast which targeted a group of journalists who had rushed to the scene of the earlier suicide attack in the capital.

Sediqullah Tawhidi, an official from the committee, said a cameraman from the local Tolo TV was also among those killed.

Police spokesman Hashmat Stanekzai said the first suicide bomber in Kabul was on a motorbike, while the second attacker was among the crowd of reporters who rushed to the scene of the first attack, pretending to be one of the media.

He added that the second attacker then detonated his explosives while still among the reporters.

The suicide attacks took place in the central Shash Darak area, which is home to the Nato headquarters and a number of embassies in Afghanistan.

In the Kandahar attack, an official said a suicide bomber targeted a Nato convoy in the district of Daman, but killed 11 children from a religious school near the site of the blast.

The children from the madrasa had gathered around the convoy when the bomber struck, one witness said.Israel has accused Iran of lying to the world about its nuclear weapons programme both before and since the 2015 nuclear deal after Israeli intelligence stole 100,000 files from a secret "atomic archive" in Tehran.

Benjamin Netanyahu, an arch-opponent of the nuclear deal, made the dramatic public accusation in Tel Aviv less than two weeks before US President Donald Trump is due to announce whether he is pulling the US out of the agreement.

The Israeli prime minister said that spies had obtained "half a tonne" of secret documents which show that Iran's leaders never gave a full account of their past nuclear activities as required by the Iran deal, and were maintaining the know-how to build a bomb in the future. "The nuclear deal is based on lies. It is based on Iranian lies and Iranian deception," Mr Netanyahu said.

"This is a terrible deal which should never have been concluded and in a few days' time President Trump will make his decision on what to do with the nuclear deal. I'm sure he will do the right thing. The right thing for the US, the right thing for Israel, and the right thing for the peace of the world."

Mr Netanyahu's presentation, made in front of a large screen at the Israeli defence ministry, seemed designed to convince Mr Trump to follow his instincts and pull the US out of the agreement ahead of a May 12 deadline.

Mr Trump said in Washington that the Israeli presentation "really showed that I've been 100 per cent right". "That is just not an acceptable situation," he said. "They [Iran] are not sitting back idly, they're setting off missiles."

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Mr Trump refused to say what his final decision would be but said he was open to negotiating "a better deal". Iran and other members of the P5+1 bloc of world powers have said it is not possible to renegotiate the agreement or strike a new pact.

Mr Netanyahu's talk served as a counterweight to a furious diplomatic effort by Emmanuel Macron and Angela Merkel, who both visited the White House last week to implore Mr Trump not to scrap the agreement.

Britain supports remaining in the agreement and Theresa May spoke to both her German and French counterparts about the situation over the weekend.

Mr Netanyahu said the files had already been shared with the US and that American intelligence "can vouch for its authenticity". Israel plans to share it with other Western countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog.

Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister, mocked Mr Netanyahu's speech before it even began. "The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again," Mr Zarif said. "You can only fool some of the people so many times."

Mr Netanyahu said the 55,000 pages and 55,000 electronic documents had been secreted out of an archive in the Shorabad district of southern Tehran. "Few Iranians knew where it was, very few, and also a few Israelis," he said.

Mr Netanyahu said Israeli spies had pulled off one of their "biggest-ever intelligence achievements" by getting the files out of Tehran but gave no details about how they ended up in Israeli hands.

The files were from "Project Amad", which Mr Netanyahu said was a secret Iranian programme to develop nuclear weapons. Iran's leaders have said consistently that they did not want a nuclear bomb and that their nuclear intentions were entirely peaceful.

Project Amad was shelved in 2003 but elements of it secretly continued and remain functional to this day under the direction of the same Iranian scientists who conducted the original research, Mr Netanyahu said. He charged that Iran had failed to "come clean" about its past nuclear activities in 2015, after the nuclear deal was signed, when Iran was required by the agreement to tell the IAEA about all its previous research.

Mr Netanyahu did not present evidence that Iran was currently violating the terms of the nuclear deal, for example by secretly enriching uranium now.

The IAEA has said consistently that Iran is abiding by the terms of the agreement since it went into force in January 2016. It last certified Iran's compliance in February of this year. Senior US and Israeli military officers have also said in recent weeks that the Iran deal may be flawed but is achieving its central purpose of stopping Iranian progress towards a nuclear weapon.

The announcement was in character for Mr Netanyahu, who has a history of theatrical flourishes when it comes to announcements on Iran. ( Daily Telegraph, London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]South Korean soldiers move loudspeakers near the demilitarised zone in Paju (Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

South Korea has dismantled huge loudspeakers used to blare anti-Pyongyang broadcasts and K-pop songs from its border with North Korea.

The move came as the Souths president asked the United Nations to observe the Norths planned closing of its nuclear testing site.

The dismantling of dozens of South Korean loudspeakers was in line with reconciliation steps the leaders of the rival Koreas set at their historic summit last Friday.

It was still unclear if such measures could bring permanent peace because no major breakthrough in the North Korean nuclear standoff was produced after the Korean summit.

South Korean soldiers disassembled loudspeakers at multiple front-line areas before pulling them away from the border, according to Seouls defence ministry.

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South Korean media reported that Seoul detected signs that North Korea was taking similar steps on Tuesday, but the defence ministry said it could not confirm the report.

Before the summit both Koreas had halted propaganda broadcasts along the 248-kilometre (154-mile) long border.

Cold War-era propaganda warfare had resurfaced in 2016 when tensions rose sharply after the Norths fourth nuclear test.

Seoul broadcast criticism of the Norths abysmal human rights conditions, world news and weather forecasts as well as pop songs.

The North broadcast anti-South messages and praise for its own political system.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has suspended nuclear and missile tests and placed his nuclear programme up for negotiation, but scepticism lingers about how serious he is and what disarmament steps he would eventually take.

Some experts say Mr Kims sincerity would be tested during his planned meeting with President Donald Trump in what would be the first-ever North Korea-US summit talks since the end of their fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War.

Mr Trump said on Monday he likes the idea of going to the southern side of Panmunjom, the place for the Korean summit, to meet Mr Kim, though he said Singapore was also under consideration.

He said on Saturday that his meeting with Mr Kim could happen in the next three to four weeks.

During Fridays summit, Mr Kim told South Korean President Moon Jae-in that he would shut down his countrys only known nuclear testing site in May and allow outside experts and journalists to watch the process.

Mr Kim also said he would be willing to give up his nuclear programmes if the United States commits to a formal end to the Korean War and a pledge not to attack the North, according to South Koreas presidential office.

Expand Close The speakers are dismantled in Paju, South Korea (Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP) / Facebook

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Some experts downplayed the significance of the closing of the Punggy-ri test site, where six underground explosions have been conducted and which some believe may be too unstable for another.

Mr Kim denied such views, saying the site has two underground tunnels to be used for new tests.

During a telephone call with UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, Mr Moon said he wants the UN to observe the work to close down the Punggy-ri site.

Mr Moon also asked for the UN to formally declare its support for his recent summit declaration with Mr Kim, and Mr Guterres responded that he would try to contribute to an establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to Mr Moons office.

According to their summit accord, Mr Kim and Mr Moon agreed to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearisation, rather than clearly stating a nuclear-free North Korea.

North Korea has long said the term denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula must include the United States pulling its 28,500 troops out of South Korea and removing its so-called nuclear umbrella security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

Mr Kim could offer more disarmament concessions during his meeting with Mr Trump, and some analysts say Mr Kim may announce scrapping North Koreas long-range missile programme, which has posed a direct threat to the United States.Police say at least 24 worshippers have been killed in an attack on a mosque in northern Nigeria.

Adamawa State police spokesman Othman Abubakar said an explosion occurred during prayers on Tuesday afternoon and many people died as they fled and were caught by a second blast.

BREAKING: Police say at least 24 worshippers killed in attack on mosque in northern Nigeria.  The Associated Press (@AP) May 1, 2018

Mr Abubakar said the scene in Mubi has been cordoned off by anti-bomb squads and security personnel.

Local residents say they saw a young man wearing a suicide vest entering the mosque with the worshippers. One resident says the mosques roof was blown off.

Many are blaming the Nigeria-based Boko Haram extremist group for the attack.The father of a student killed in a mass shooting at a Florida high school is suing the armed officer who stood outside the building as people were massacred within.

Meadow Pollack was among the 17 killed on Valentines Day in a freshman building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

Her father, Andrew Pollack, said Scot Peterson, the former sheriffs deputy and the schools resource officer, is his main target in the wrongful death lawsuit filed on Monday in Broward County.

I filed a wrongful death suit against Deputy Peterson today. I want to expose that coward so bad. Where ever he goes I want people to recognize him and say that's one of the cowards of Broward. The SRO that let those children and teachers die on the 3rd floor!  Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) April 30, 2018

He let my daughter get shot nine times at point-blank range, Mr Pollack told the Miami Herald.

He had the opportunity to go in and instead, let all those people get murdered.

The lawsuit also names 19-year-old shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz; the estate of Cruzs mother, who died in November; and James and Kimberly Snead, the couple who took Cruz in after his mother died.

It also names three behavioural and mental health facilities that evaluated Cruz at some point before the shooting.

Mr Peterson, 54, was suspended with pay and then immediately resigned and retired on February 23, when video surveillance footage from the school showed he never entered the building when the gunfire began.

Broward Sheriff Scott Israel condemned Mr Petersons actions, saying he should have gone inside.

Peterson is my main target, Mr Pollack said. He could have stopped it. Could have saved my kid.

Nobody should be able to not do their job, receive a pension and ride off into the sunset.

The lawsuit details Cruzs troubled life, saying the teen suffered from severe mental illness and was prone to violence.

When Cruz arrived at the high school on February 14, the lawsuit claims a pusillanimous Peterson cowered in a safe location between two concrete walls as the gunman rained bullets upon the teachers and students.

I am not doing this to get famous, I am doing this so no family ever again has to feel the way my family feels. There are no excuses! We must have proper security in every school in America! I will not stop until that is accomplished. We must #FixIt! #MeadowsMovement pic.twitter.com/Hz6v9S9vrI  Andrew Pollack (@AndrewPollackFL) April 11, 2018

Mr Peterson, a 33-year veteran law enforcement officer, responded to critics in a statement issued by attorney Joseph DiRuzzo shortly after the shooting.

Allegations that Mr Peterson was a coward and that his performance, under the circumstances, failed to meet the standards of police officers are patently untrue, the statement said.

Mr Pollack said he wants to let people know that Mr Peterson is a coward.

My daughter died crawling by a doorway  shielding a classmate who also ended up dying  waiting for someone to come help her. Help never came.Protesters wearing masks of US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un march with others at a May Day rally in Tokyo (Koji Sasahara/AP)

Workers and activists have marked May Day with rallies to demand their governments address labour issues.

International Workers Day is a public holiday in many countries, though activities are restricted in some places, sometimes leading to confrontations.

Here is a look at some of the events around the world:

Turkey

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Police in Istanbul detained more than a dozen demonstrators who tried to march towards Istanbuls symbolic main square in defiance of a ban.

Turkey declared Taksim Square off-limits to May Day celebrations citing security concerns. Roads leading to the square were blocked and police allowed only small groups of labour union representatives to lay wreaths at a monument there.

Still, a group of some 25 people chanting Taksim cannot be off limits on May 1 tried to push their way into the square but were rounded up by riot police.

Taksim holds a symbolic value for Turkeys labour movement. In 1977, 34 people were killed there during a May Day event when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.

Philippines

About 5,000 people from various groups rallied near the presidential palace in Manila.

They were protesting over the failure of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfil a major campaign promise to end contractualisation, the widespread practice of short-term employment.

The protesters also demanded that the government address issues including low wages, unemployment and trade union repression.

South Korea

Thousands of labour union members rallied in central Seoul for a higher minimum wage and other demands.

They chanted slogans urging the government to implement a 10,000 won (6.82) minimum wage and convert all non-regular employees to regular workers with equal pay and treatment.

The rally was organised by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. The police estimated the crowd at 10,000 people.

The union members also demanded that the government scrap the restructuring of the shipbuilding and car industries, and reform the huge conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy.

Indonesia

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About 10,000 workers from various labour groups rallied near the presidential palace in Jakarta to voice their demands.

Most of the workers came from Jakarta and nearby suburbs, but some travelled from West Java and Surabaya.

The protesters urged the government to avoid outsourcing, and to raise their wages. They also asked the government to stop foreign labourers from working in Indonesia, saying it decreases employment opportunities for local workers.

Cambodia

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About 2,000 garment workers gathered at a park in Cambodias capital, Phnom Penh, for a rally organised by a garment union coalition.

The workers wanted to march to the National Assembly to urge politicians to help them address labour-related concerns, but the group was stopped by riot police.

Prime Minister Hun Sun spent May Day with some 5,000 garment workers just outside Phnom Penh. He thanked the workers by announcing that each of them will receive 50,000 riel (9.18). With a general election coming up in July, Mr Hun Sen has for the past year been courting the large bloc of garment workers, whose unions have traditionally been strong supporters of the opposition.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankas government has postponed the rallies and processions that mark May Day because the week-long celebrations of the national festival of Vesak carry on until May 2 this year.

The government said in a statement that the decision was taken following requests by leading Buddhist monks, who are very influential in the majority Buddhist country. Vesak is also known as Buddha Purnima and marks the enlightenment of Lord Buddha.

The government has asked political parties and trade unions not to hold rallies on May 1. Some have said they will ignore the government directive and mark the day.

Usually, Sri Lankan political parties and trade unions celebrate International Workers Day with colourful parades and giant rallies to showcase their political and organisational strength.

The government said it will mark International Workers Day on May 7.

Greece

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Thousands of Greeks marched through central Athens in at least three separate May Day demonstrations.

Museums were also shut while ferries remain were tied up in port and public transport operated on a reduced schedule in strikes marking labour day.

Police said at least 7,000 people were at the first demonstration in Athens, which was organised by a communist party-led union. The protesters marched by parliament and headed up a major avenue to the United States Embassy.

Another four demonstrations were planned in Greeces second largest city of Thessaloniki in the north.



Spain

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More than 70 cities across Spain have held May Day marches calling for gender equality, higher salaries and pensions now that the countrys economy is back on track.

The demonstration in Madrid was among the biggest, with thousands rallying behind the slogan Time to win.

CCOO union official Unai Sordo says that a social majority is emerging from the psychosis of the (global financial) crisis in 2008 that hit Spain hard.

Pepe Alvarez, the secretary general of UGT  the other main union in Spain, said that meeting the demands of feminists, youths and pensioners are necessary to redistribute wealth in the country.

Spains economy, the fourth-largest in the 19-country eurozone, has in recent years posted some of the fastest economic growth in Europe. Last year, it reached 3.1%.



Germany and Austria

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Tens of thousands of workers marched across Germany and Austria rallying for their rights in the face of globalisation.

In Vienna, some 12,000 people gathered in front of city hall, some carrying banners with slogans against planned welfare cuts by the new government.

Meanwhile, around 4,000 union supporters marched on different routes through Berlin, before assembling at the German capitals landmark Brandenburg Gate.

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We have more rich and even richer people than we ever had before, said protester Aimo Tuegel in Berlin. And, on the other hand, work and working conditions for workers continuing to get worse.

In Nuremberg, where the German Confederation of Trade Unions, or DGB, held its main event this year, some 6,500 protesters cheered as the groups leader, Reiner Hoffmann, said the unions managed to civilise industrial capitalism some 100 years ago and would also be able to tackle contemporary challenges like digitalisation.

The DGB said that altogether some 340,000 people participated in almost 500 May Day events across Germany.Kolkata, May 1 (IBNS): West Bengal Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to uproot the carcass and rotten meat rackets from the state, official said on Tuesday.

"A 10-member district level SIT, comprising of the officers of Diamond Harbour Police District and Budge Budge Police Station, have been formed to probe into the carcass meat supply racket," a senior official of Diamond Harbour Police district told IBNS.

"We have already arrested 10 persons, including two kingpins, and recovered a huge amount of rotten and carcass meat from several locations. Our SIT will investigate and unearth the entire racket," the official added.

Earlier on Apr 19, locals caught two persons, including a staffer of local municipality, red handed while they were allegedly taking dead animals' flesh away from a dumpyard at Budge Budge area in Kolkata's neighbouring South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

After quizzing the duo, another person was booked from Budge Budge area and later police nabbed five more persons, including a CPI-M leader, from several parts of West Bengal while one of the kingpins of the racket, Sunny Malik, was arrested from Nawada in Bihar.

"We have arrested nine persons so far in connection with the international carcass meat supply racket and our investigation is on to catch others involved in the case," a senior official of Diamond Harbour Police District told IBNS.

"We've already raided several cold-storage in Kolkata and few other locations in the state and recovered huge amount of carcass meat as well as rotten chicken meat," the official said.

A source in the police told IBNS that as many as five linkmen involved in the racket have been identified and police's manhunt is underway to catch them.

"We have accessed the names of food supply chains, restaurants, hotels and departmental stores where these carcass meat were being supplied for last few months or years," the source said.

The police have said that chemicals were used in order to avoid rotting of the flesh and to get rid of the stench before the meat was packed and supplied to markets in West Bengal and neighbouring states.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)

Image: Wikimedia CommonsGuwahati, May 1 (IBNS): A forest guard was injured after an one horned rhino attacked him in Assam's Kaziranga National Park on Monday.

According to the reports, the incident took place at Kathanibari forest camp area inside the world heritage site, while the forest guard was engaged in vigil at the area with other forest guards.

The injured forest guard was identified as Sabir Ahmed Laskar and he was engaged at Holalpat forest camp under Kohora range office in the national park.

"When we were engaged vigil at the area, a rhino chased us and attacked Sabir. Witnessing the unfortunate situation we had managed to flee from the area," a forest guard said.

The injured forest guard was immediately rushed to Bokakhat hospital and the doctor referred him to Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) for better treatment.

In last year, a forest guard died in rhino attack incident in the national park.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)New Delhi, May 1 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to poll-bound Karnataka on Tuesday.

He will address three rallies across the south Indian state.

"Looking forward to being in Karnataka today. I will be addressing three rallies across the state. @BJP4Karnataka," Modi tweeted.

Looking forward to being in Karnataka today. I will be addressing three rallies across the state. @BJP4Karnataka https://t.co/6X8rE9jkkL  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 1, 2018

Polling is scheduled to be held in the state on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 15.

Karnataka is one of the last few strong holds of the Congress.

The Karnataka poll has virtually turned out to be a battle between present and former Chief Ministers, Siddaramaiah and Yeddyurappa respectively.

Yeddyurappa is the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) Chief Ministerial candidate in the poll.

The BJP is eyeing on to return to power in the state.New Delhi, May 1 (IBNS): Lawmakers on Tuesday paid tributes to workers as the country is celebrating the International Workers' Day, which is also known as May Day.

May Day is the celebration of the International Workers' Day.

May Day is a public holiday usually celebrated on May 1.

It is an ancient northern hemisphere spring festival.

It is also a traditional spring holiday in many cultures.

On this occasion, Union Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted, "Labour Day greetings to every workman. On this day we celebrate contributions and achievements of workers and reiterate their rights. I wish workers the very best & applaud their contributions in the economy. #LabourDay"

Union Minister Babul Supriyo said in a tweet, "Every year, #MayDay is marked as a celebration of people who dedicatedly labour all year round for their respective organizations and nations. My tribute to all those who work tirelessly in constructing and developing our nation's socio-economic status on #LaborDay"

Image: Wikimedia commonsNew Delhi, May 1 (IBNS): President Ram Nath Kovind, will present Visitors Award for Research in the field of Basic and Applied Science and in the field of Humanities, Arts and Social Science during the meeting of Vice Chancellors of Central Universities at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday.

He will also present the Visitors Award for Technology Development.

The Visitors Award for Research in the field of Basic and Applied Science will be jointly presented to two academics.

The first is Prof. Sanjay K. Jain, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, for his contribution to the development of a drug delivery system using folic acid conjugated liposomes containing oxaliplatin for targeted delivery of colon tumors.Thishas the potential to reduce toxicity, dosage, regimen and cost of cancer treatment.

The second winner is Prof.Ashis Kumar Mukherjee, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, for his research leading to clarity on the molecular complexicity and toxicity of the components of the snake venom from differentlocales of India.

This too has likely utility as a new drug for treatment of diseases, read a government statement.

The Visitors Award for Research in the field of Humanities, Arts and Social Science will be presented to Prof. Pramod K Nayar, Department of English, School of Humanities, University of Hyderabad, Telangana, for his research and publications particularly covering the important areas of poetry for the underprivileged, memoirs and fiction, the Bhopal gas tragedy and other episodes.

The Visitors Award for Technology Development will be presented to Prof. Ashwani Pareek, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, for developing Stress Tolerant Rice of the Next Generation (STRONG). This has the potential to enhance farm incomes.

For selecting the winners, online applications were invited from all Central Universities for each category.

A Selection Committee headed by Sanjay Kothari, Secretary to the President and comprising eminent persons and academicians,assisted by a Sub Committee,chose the winners of the Awards.Guwahati, May 1 (IBNS): Meghalayas ruling National People's Party (NPP) candidate Marcuise N Marak won the Williamnagar assembly seat by defeating his nearest rival Independent candidate Sengbath R Marak by a margin of 4920 votes in the by election for the assembly constituency held on Apr 27.

The election for the Williamnagar seat was postponed following the death of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma, who was died in an IED explosion triggered by the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants near Sawilgre village, about 14 km from Samanda block in East Garo Hills on Feb 18, days before the February 27 assembly polls in Meghalaya.

With Marcuise N Maraks victory, the strength of the Conrad Sangma-led NPP increased to 20 in the 60-member Meghalaya assembly.

Marcuise polled 9656 votes, while Independent candidate Sengbath R Marak secured 4736 votes, Congresss candidate Deborah C Marak, who had won the constituency in 2013 had managed to poll 4554 votes.

On the other hand, NCP and candidate and wife of late Jonathone N Sangma, Krinilla R Marak had secured 4009 votes, BJP candidate SR Marak polled 865.

Supporters of the ruling party and Marcuise had celebrated after result of the by-poll came out.

The supporters had also come out victory procession with the winning candidate.

After victory, Marcuise N Marak said that, I would like to thank the people of Williamnagar for voting for the NPP.

This is a victory of the people of Williamnagar. I will try my level best to uplift the area and bring development. I want to once again thank them for voting for the NPP, Marcuise said.



(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)New Delhi, May 1 (IBNS): Suresh Prabhu, Minister for Civil Aviation has welcomed the Telecom Commissions approval for offering in-flight connectivity within Indian airspace.

He said that the decision would enable flyers to avail data and voice services during flights over Indian airspace and the government will now work towards creating the license framework for a special category of service providers called In-flight connectivity provider.

He said that these developments mean that airlines are now equipped to bring dramatic, yet cost effective, enhancements to the passenger experience with passengers ordering products from their phones and tablets and arranging to have them delivered to their homes, or the hotel on arrival at their destination.

He said that connectivity to the ground means cabin crews can help passengers to change their onward transit plans to accommodate for changes to their flight, while they are still in the air.

Prabhu assured that he will ensure earliest implementation and complimented those involved in the decision.

Re-iterating the governments commitment in improving the services to air passengers he stated that a new India is in the making under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi where everything is undergoing a positive transformation, from mindsets to methodologies.New Delhi, May 1 (IBNS): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that religion is a personal choice and it should always remain free from any coercion or allurement.

He was inaugurating the civic reception in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) accorded to honour Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan on completion of 100 years of age.

Singh pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi runs a government at the Centre which firmly believes in taking every section of our society along and build a New India.

The goal is Development with unity and the dream of making our nation great again can be realised only when the people of India stand united.

The Home Minister said that India has been united not because one religion or some theological thought held the political power or exercised control over the system.



This great nation is united because it provides space to peaceful coexistence of multiple thoughts and theologies.

The problems faced by this country had always been addressed through a unique interplay of ideas and the biggest living proof of this interplay of ideas is our Constitution.

Rajnath Singh said that the Sarva Dharma Sambhav should be maintained in this country and continue cementing the pillars of United India.



He said unity is our strength and we all must work to strengthen the bonds of unity, amity and harmony in our society.

Singh said this should be our resolve today when we are celebrating the birth centenary of Mar Chrysostom.

The Union Home Minister said the life and work of Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan is an inspiration not only to the people of Kerala or to the Christian community, but to the entire nation.

His life is a shining example of how God can be worshipped through selfless service for the society and the humanity.

Mar Chrysostom has endeared himself to all sections of Kerala Society through his inspiring words and works. The basic quality of Mar Chrysostom Metropolitan is his attitude of universal goodwill and his concern for the development and wellbeing of the entire community of citizens, transcending any narrow sectarian consideration.

Considering his valuable contributions to Indian society for well over six decades, the Government of India has conferred Mar Chrysostom by awarding the Padma Bhushan this year. By felicitating him with Padma Bhushan, the Government has not only shown respect towards him but also recognised his tremendous contribution, said Union Home Minister.

While remaining true to his own Faith Mar Chrysostom has been able to raise himself above all sectarian considerations and divisions. He has motivated all sections of our society to love each other for the common good.

Rajnath Singh pointed out that Mar Chrysostom is a man of prayer and he also works as a social reformer.

His contribution towards the empowerment of weaker sections of our society is also noteworthy.

He has dedicated his life to God through service of fellow human beings.

The Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan presided over the function. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Prof. P.J. Kurien, Shashi Tharoor (MP), V. Muraleedharan (MP), Minister Kadakampally Surendran, Mayor Shri. V.K. Prashanth and a host of other dignitaries and Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan were present on the occasion.

Earlier, Union Home Minister inaugurated the 19th Navaoli Jyothirdinam celebrations at Santigiri Ashram in Thiruvananthapuram.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh lauded the activities of Santigiri Ashram which not only spreads the light of spirituality but also take care of comprehensive healthcare of the society.

Rajnath Singh offered floral tributes at the lotus Parnasala at Santigiri Ashram and interacted with Ashram inmates. Bahrain Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa was the Chief Guest at the function.Janakpurdham, May 1 (IBNS): Minister for Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa on Tuesday informed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Nepal on May 9.

His visit to Nepal will be religious and cultural, Thapa said.

"Minister Thapa revealed the visits status during a press conference which followed his onsite tours to Janaki temple, where PM Modi will be holding religious worship rituals and prayers, and the public felicitation venue at the Bahra Bigaha area," The Himalayan Times.

PM Modi will also be visiting the Muktinath Temple.Mumbai, May 1 (IBNS): Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been living out of her suitcase for the last couple of months, travelling to different cities for events and numerous brands appearances and promotion.

Interestingly, the wellness entrepreneur has had a choc-o-block schedule recently as she had attended 11 events, including award ceremonies, brand summits and appearances among other professional commitments, all in 3 days in three cities  Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

While everyone who has worked with Shilpa has always praised her professionalism, dedication and hard work, she always ensures to keep to all her commitments despite it being an extremely hectic schedule.

Shilpa, who has been keeping extremely busy shooting non-stop for the dance reality show, Super Dancer 2 among other professional commitments for the last eight to nine months, has worked a way out to unwind. Doing so, the doting wife-mother has whisked her family off to Maldives for a week.

Shilpa says, The last few months have been pretty hectic and I have been running from pillar to post fulfilling my commitments including reality shows, brand summits, award ceremonies and brand appearances and promotion. Its a well-deserved break.New York, May 1 (IBNS): The latest round of United Nations climate change negotiations began on Monday in Bonn, Germany, to further develop the operating manual for implementing the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to keep temperature rises this century, well below 2 degrees Celsius.

We are witnessing the severe impacts of climate change throughout the world, said the Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, Patricia Espinosa, at a press conference.

Every credible scientific source is telling us that these impacts will only get worse if we do not address climate change and it also tells us that our window of time for addressing it is closing very soon, she added.

We need to dramatically increase our ambitions, stressed the UNFCCC chief, outlining three priorities.

First, all stakeholders - including governments, non-governmental organizations, businesses, investors and citizens  must accelerate climate action by 2020.

Second, she said, the international community must complete the Paris Agreement guidelines, or operating manual, to unleash the potential of the accord.

Third, conditions must be improved to enable countries to be more ambitious in determining their own national policies to slow down global warming.

At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP23) held last November under the leadership of Fiji, nations agreed to accelerate and complete their work to put in place the guidelines  officially known as the Paris Agreement Work Programme (PAWP)  at COP24 in Katowice, Poland next December.

At this Bonn meeting, which will run through 10 May, Governments will start drafting texts to be finalized at COP24.

Finishing off the operating manual is also necessary to assess whether the world is on track to achieve the goals of the historic Paris Agreement limiting greenhouse gas emissions, while pursuing efforts to keep the temperature rise to less than 1.5C.

Throughout this year, countries will also focus on how they can scale up their climate ambition and implementation in the pre-2020 period. All countries share the view that climate action prior to 2020 is essential.



UNEP GRID Arendal/Lawrence Hislop



Seoul, May 1 (IBNS): Contrary to claims made earlier that North Korea's nuclear test site has been damaged beyond repair, a U.S. website monitoring the Asian country said the site appears to be operational, media reports said.

According to 38 North, the test grounds in North Korea's Punggye-ri could support further underground nuclear testing.

"Newly acquired synthetic aperture radar data of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site provides additional evidence that the two mountainous areas accessible by the South and West Portals remain viable, and could support future underground nuclear testing if there were to be a political decision to do so," read the 38 North website.

"The data also corroborates Kim Jong Uns publicly reported statement that two tunnels of the site remain in good condition. In short, while Chinese seismological findings that the Mt. Mantap portion of the nuclear test site may no longer suitable for tests due to significant damage and deformation appear correct, claims that the entire site 'is wrecked beyond repair' are wrong," it said.

The claims were made at a time when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has agreed to meet US President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, media reports said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has convinced North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to hold his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, a source tells CNN.

Moon and Kim met at the same spot last week.

The meeting between the two Korean leaders grabbed worldwide attention.

The meeting between the two leaders of Korean countries led to an agreement to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and formally end the Korean War.

The venue makes the most sense logistically for Kim, the source told CNN, because media facilities and equipment are already in place, which could the allow the summit to take place "in late May."

The idea of meeting at the DMZ wasn't a complete surprise to aides, since Trump has been talking about it all weekend and raised it in his Sunday phone call with Moon, a senior US official and a person familiar with the conversations told CNN.

Trump told reporters on Monday that he was enthusiastic about the idea of holding the summit in the DMZ.

"There's something I like about it, because you're there, if things work out, there's a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third party country," he was quoted as saying by CNN.

Relationship between US and North Korea was bitter earlier this year with both Kim and Trump exchanging barbs after the Asian nation carried out several missile tests in 2017.

2017 witnessed US President Donald Trump slamming North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as the Asian nation continued to conduct several of its missile tests, teasing world peace and tranquillity and often threatening to trigger a war.

Situation became far tensed when North Korea tested an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that the nation said was capable of striking US mainland.Kabul, May 1 (IBNS): Unknown gunmen shot dead a BBC Pashto reporter in Khost province of Afghanistan, media reports said on Tuesday.

The reporter was identified as Ahmad Shah.

According to reports, the gunmen were travelling on a motorcycle when they attacked the journalist.

Ahmad Shah was killed in Khost city while he was on his way home, journalists told Tolo News.

The journalist had joined BBC a year ago, reports said.

He was based in Khost.Kabul, May 1 (IBNS): A bomb blast in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province on Tuesday left at least one person killed, media reports said.

The incident reportedly left four others hurt.

Attaullah Khogyani, the governors spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the roadside bombing occurred in the Tairai area of Kama district at around 9am.

Public representative Iftikhar Momand, his two bodyguards and a civilian were injured in the explosion, the official said,told the Afghanistan-based news agency, adding one security guard was killed.

The injured people were rushed to hospital for treatment.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Terror-hit Monday:

Two blasts rocked Kabul city on Monday,leaving the nation shocked.

According to reports, at least 14 civilians were killed and over 30 injured in two attacks that took place on Monday morning (local time) in a heavily populated neighbourhood in central Kabul.

The second attack was timed 30 minutes later to target journalists arriving on the scene and emergency services personnel seeking to provide aid to victims of the first attack.

In another incident, at least 11 civilians were killed in a blast that rocked Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Monday, media reports said.Islamabad, May 1 (IBNS): Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the twin suicide attacks in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Tuesday which killed and injured scores of people.

"We are distressed and grieved at the loss of precious human lives. We express our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and pray to Almighty Allah for early recovery of the injured," read a statement issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Government and people of Pakistan express their support and solidarity with their Afghan brethren in this hour of grief. We are confident that the resolve of brave Afghan people to defeat terrorism cannot be weakened by such cowardly attacks," it said.

"Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and resolves to fight this menace till its elimination," read the statement.

Terror-hit Monday:

Two blasts rocked Kabul city on Monday,leaving the nation shocked.

According to reports, at least 14 civilians were killed and over 30 injured in two attacks that took place on Monday morning (local time) in a heavily populated neighbourhood in central Kabul.

The second attack was timed 30 minutes later to target journalists arriving on the scene and emergency services personnel seeking to provide aid to victims of the first attack.

In another incident, at least 11 civilians were killed in a blast that rocked Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Monday, media reports said.New York, May 1 (IBNS): Adult film actress Stormy Daniels' lawyer said she is suing US President Donald Trump in connection with a "defamatory" tweet about alleged threats against her.

Daniels had earlier claimed that she was threatened by a man at a car parking spot in Las Vegas to drop her allegations of an affair with the US President.

Trump had retweeted the sketch of a man and called it a 'con job'.

"A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!," the US President had tweeted last month.

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer representing the adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, said they have sued the President 'for his recent irresponsible and defamatory statements'.

Moments ago, we filed this lawsuit against Mr. Trump for his recent irresponsible and defamatory statements about my client @stormydaniels. He is well aware of what transpired and his complicity. We fully intend on bringing it to light. #buckleup #bastahttps://t.co/ZuBjI1EY9z  Michael Avenatti (@MichaelAvenatti) April 30, 2018

"Moments ago, we filed this lawsuit against Mr. Trump for his recent irresponsible and defamatory statements about my client @stormydaniels. He is well aware of what transpired and his complicity. We fully intend on bringing it to light. #buckleup #basta," he tweeted.



American pornographic actress Stormy Daniels last month came out with a sketch of a man, who had allegedly threatened her seven years ago over her affair with US President Donald Trump, media reports said.

Stephanie A. Gregory Clifford, who is professionally known as Stormy Daniels, was reportedly offering an amount of $100,000 as a reward to anyone who could identify the unknown person.

Daniels also alleged to have a sexual encounter with President Trump way back in 2006.

Giving an interesting twist to the whole episode, the porn star said she had signed an agreement just before 2016 US presidential election to stay mum on her relationship with the US President.

Daniels' claim coincided with Trump's long-term lawyer Michael Cohen's revelation in which he said to have prepared the agreement with Daniels ahead of 2016 election. Cohen said he himself paid off the actress an amount of $130,000.

The whole saga broke out in March when Daniels, at a television interview, said she was threatened to be quiet over the affair in 2011.

She said a man had approached her in a Las Vegas car park in 2011 over the issue.

Daniels told CBS News the man had allegedly said she should "leave Trump alone".

She said the incident occurred after she decided to tell her story to a magazine.

"I was in a parking lot, going to a fitness class with my infant daughter. T-- taking, you know, the seats facing backwards in the backseat, diaper bag, you know, gettin' all the stuff out. And a guy walked up on me and said to me, 'Leave Trump alone. Forget the story.' And then he leaned around and looked at my daughter and said, 'That's a beautiful little girl. It'd be a shame if something happened to her mom.' And then he was gone," the actress told CBS News.

However, Trump has denied having an affair with the actress.



The students put their theories to the test in natural but controlled conditions at the UC Center for Field Studies, a sprawling research center outside Cincinnati. Researchers released adult mosquitoes in a large mesh enclosure called a mesocosm that mimics conditions they would find in nature.



After more than a week, researchers introduced a membrane-covered disk of blood that mimics a bird or animal host. Researchers then collected blood-feeding mosquitoes on two occasions  a day after it rained and a day after a dry spell  to see what physiological differences they could detect in the two groups, along with random non-feeding mosquitoes they also sampled.



The biologists found that dehydrated mosquitoes in the mesocosm were more likely to seek a blood meal compared to mosquitoes that were not thirsty.



Benoit and his biology students collaborated with UC mathematical sciences professor Yanyu Xiao, who came up with models that predicted biting rates and the resulting disease transmission under varying weather conditions.



I had been working on mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and West Nile, so it was the perfect match for me to expand my research network, Xiao said.



Xiao said to track mosquito-borne illness, you have to understand human demographics, too.



In my literature review, I found that typical disease infection wasnt over the summertime but in transitory times when water levels shrink and the flowers dry up, she said. Look at the daily pattern of rainfall and seasonal drought. Xiao says the study of those two patterns proves when mosquitoes are "really looking for human blood."



Mosquitoes are a personal nemesis for her wherever she goes, whether its Florida or Canada, Xiao said.



The mosquitoes in Alberta are giant. The first time I went to a conference there, I took a walk along the river after my presentation. After that I couldnt see, my face got bitten so badly, she said.



New York, May 1 (IBNS): North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has agreed to meet US President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, media reports said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has convinced North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to hold his upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump at the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, a source tells CNN.

Moon and Kim met at the same spot last week.

The meeting between the two Korean leaders grabbed worldwide attention.

The meeting between the two leaders of Korean countries led to an agreement to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and formally end the Korean War.

The venue makes the most sense logistically for Kim, the source told CNN, because media facilities and equipment are already in place, which could the allow the summit to take place "in late May."

The idea of meeting at the DMZ wasn't a complete surprise to aides, since Trump has been talking about it all weekend and raised it in his Sunday phone call with Moon, a senior US official and a person familiar with the conversations told CNN.

Trump told reporters on Monday that he was enthusiastic about the idea of holding the summit in the DMZ.

"There's something I like about it, because you're there, if things work out, there's a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third party country," he was quoted as saying by CNN.

Relationship between US and North Korea was bitter earlier this year with both Kim and Trump exchanging barbs after the Asian nation carried out several missile tests in 2017.

2017 witnessed US President Donald Trump slamming North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as the Asian nation continued to conduct several of its missile tests, teasing world peace and tranquillity and often threatening to trigger a war.

Situation became far tensed when North Korea tested an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that the nation said was capable of striking US mainland.This 4-year-old has achieved what prolific artists take years to achieve. To say that this kid is talented would be the understatement of the decade.

Meet Advait Kolarkar. who is not just holding solo exhibitions, but also selling his art for thousands of dollars at the age of four. According to reports, Kolarkar is the youngest artist in the history of the Canadian city's Saint John Arts Centre.

His paintings are mostly inspired by galaxies, dinosaurs and dragons.

According to the Vancouver Sun, Advait's mother Shruti Kolarkar, a commercial artist, said that he first picked up the brush when he was only a year old.

"He was creating something, not just playing with colours," she said. "He had a sense of composition and colour."

In fact, Advait Kolarkar's paintings were displayed at the ArtExpo in New York - the world's largest fine art trade show.

He held his first solo exhibition at the Saint John Arts Centre in New Brunswick in January this year. The show titled 'Colour Blizzard', saw his paintings fetching as much as $2,000 (over Rs 1.3 lakhs).

Advait sure is setting some serious goals for adults around him! Way to go, lad!In a disturbing footage that's now going viral, a man can be seen precariously holding onto a woman's hair after she slipped from the third floor of an apartment complex in Singapore.

YouTube Screenshot

According to local reports, the woman believed to be a domestic worker from Indonesia, was trying to fix a washing line on the third floor of the building in the town of Tampines when she fell.

The man who held her apparently broke her fall from the building and kept shouting that he was losing grip. He can be heard shouting "I cannot stand already" as passers-by gather beneath the window.

Warning: Viewers Discretion Advised

The Daily Mail quoted a witness as saying, "'This lady was from the third floor. The man who was holding her was from the second floor. He said he was eating and saw her legs hanging outside his window."

The woman was rushed to Changi General Hospital (CGH) in an unconscious state. So far, nothing else is known about her condition, but, we sincerely hope she makes a full recovery.We all know what the air hostess talk about the minute we board a flight. They take us through a list of dos and don'ts that we must adhere to, as long as we are on the said flight. Unfortunately, many people are just too resolute.

ANI

In a bizarre incident, a Chinese passenger opened the emergency exit of a plane which was about to take off.

The passenger who was feeling too hot and stifled, decided to open a window. But, to his surprise, the entire 'wall' collapsed and an emergency slide was deployed, reported the South China Morning Post.

Open a window?

Now I understand why everyone wants a window seat.   MoDiGi (@srswge) April 30, 2018

According to several media reports, the 25-year-old man named Chen, told the police that he really wasn't aware that the handle was part of the emergency exit door.

"Because it was so stuffy, so hot on the plane, I just pushed down on the window handle beside me. When the door fell out, I panicked," the defaulter claimed.

Ryanair passenger opens the emergency exit door and sits on the plane's win when his flight is delayed  >>> https://t.co/kzHOIC89wl pic.twitter.com/H5NfOOonus  100.7 KFM-BFM (@kfmbfm) January 4, 2018

Chen has been reportedly detained for 15 days and is expecting a fine of 70,000 ($11,000 USD) to cover the airline's costs.

According to the report, last year a man who purported that he thought the emergency escape handle was a handrail was given 10 days detention. A second passenger was given a similar sentence for opening an escape hatch while waiting to board a flight at Nanjing airport in China.They say creative people are tortured souls. And we have enough evidence to prove just that. As if the world wasnt sad enough after the tragic passing away of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington, we woke up to yet another rude shock recently, the demise of 28-year-old Swedish DJ Avicii.

shuttershock

The news was more tragic for the fact that the celebrated DJ was found dead in Muscat on April 20, far far away from home. He was visiting his friends in the Middle East.

While the initial reports didnt reveal the cause of his sudden death, as expected, a lot of speculations and rumours started doing the rounds. However, if recent reports are to be believed, Avicii died due to massive blood loss from a self-inflicted wound. Here are all the developments so far:

His family penned an open letter after his demise

twitter

Amidst all the chaos, the family of Avicii, whose real name is Tim Bergling, released an open letter hinting that he had committed suicide and it wasnt a freak accident. It said,

Our beloved Tim was a searcher, a fragile artist who always cared for great existential issues. A perfectionist who traveled and worked hard at a pace that led to extremely difficult stress. He really struggled with thoughts about the meaning, life, happiness. Now he no longer managed anymore. He wanted peace. We are grateful to all who loved Tim's music and have nice memories of his songs".

According to latest reports, Avicii used a shard of glass to commit suicide

According to a report in TMZ, it is revealed that he broke a wine bottle and used a shard of glass to inflict a fatal wound on himself. While one of the websites source revealed that the injury was in Aviciis neck, another source cited by them, strongly denied it and said that it was his wrist. Aviciis struggle with alcohol problems could be one of the catalysts.

Avicii retired from performing live in 2016

maxim

Even when he was at the peak of his success following the release of his hit single Levels, Avicii shocked the world when he announced that he would no longer perform live in 2016. This decision was taken due to his health problems caused by stress, anxiety and alcohol abuse.

A documentary on his life called Avicii: True Stories revealed his struggles after performing 320 shows in a single year

Avicii was a self-confessed introvert. In this particular documentary, he spoke about using alcohol as a constant excuse to help him perform. He would drink every day during his tour to help him cope up with anxiety and stress.

Avicii was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis at the age of 21

ABC

At a young age of 21, he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis - a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. One of the factors that contributed to this was his excessive drinking habit. In 2014, Bergling was hospitalised and forced to have his gallbladder and appendix removed.

Avicii build a fortune in his short career span

His hit songs helped him build a fortune in a really short span of time. In 2014 alone, he made $28 Million. Interestingly, he was never bothered about his milions. So much so, that he went on the record and said that he doesnt need that much amount of money.

Aviciis tryst with charity and helping people

twitter

Avicii donated his entire income of almost $1million, from his 2012 tour of the US to the hunger relief charity Feeding America. In 2013, he gave one million euros to Swedish aid organisation Radiohjalpen.

He won two MTV Music Awards, one Billboard Music Award and got two Grammy nominations. In fact, just three days before his death, Bergling thanked the Billboard Music Awards jury for his nomination in the Top Dance/Electronic Album category in his final Twitter post.

All we can say is that he was too young to die! RIP Avicii. The EDM scene will never be the same without you.Whenever Hansal Mehta and Rajkummar Rao colaborate, we know that we are in for a great cinematic experience.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta is reuniting with his favourite actor Rajkummar Rao to tell a hard-hitting story of terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh in 'Omerta'. Mehta says through this film he wants to provoke a thought among people about state-sponsored terrorism.

Sheikh, a British terrorist of Pakistan descent, was involved in the 9/11 terror attacks and killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl. He is currently in prison in Pakistan serving the life sentence.

"There are some standard emotions that a film leaves you with like happiness, sadness, this (film) would leave you angry. We live in a world where a villain like this exists and yet we are silent about it," Mehta told PTI.

"There is deadly silence about the truth surrounding state sponsored terrorism. It exists yet we do not talk about it. Governments don't talk about it because the business of war keeps the government solvent," he says. Today everyone is busy in their own lives and do not care about things happening in the world until something affects them directly, Mehta points out."...Only when something happens we react. I am hoping the film will tell people to think we need to react. It is in government's interest to maintain status quo they are in the business of war, fighting because governments and politicians make their money from oil and defence," he adds.

The film features Mehta's frequent collaborator Rajkummar Rao playing the part of the terrorist, but before he came on board, there were a few actors who were approached for the role. "...That is much before I met Rajkummar. With 'Omerta' I was not able to find the producer initially for the film. I even pitched the story of 'Omerta' to the producers of 'Shahid' but they wanted to make 'Shahid' first as it seemed more manageable. I think everything happens at the right time. Rajkummar and I met and that changed things for us," he says.

BCCL

Given the fair bit of violence and tone of the film, Mehta did envisage the problem in getting a smooth clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). When the director first went to the examining committee seeking an 'A' certificate, the board ordered several cuts which Mehta felt were "unjustified" and he approached the revising committee, hoping they would understand the context of the film.

"The examining committee had asked for cuts which were completely unjustified. I had gone for the screening asking A certificate. I requested them give us an A certificate, I was surprised why the cuts. I had to take the film to revising committee that's why the delay in release date. "The revising committee suggested two cuts and I could have taken to tribunal but it is unfair to producers who have invested money in the film as the tribunal would take time. There were two cuts and we did it," he says.

The two cuts ordered by the revising committee were - a sequence where Omar is urinating during the national anthem and the other was sexual in nature, Mehta says. "...It is an offensive scene and it is suppose to make you angry. There is one scene where he is having a violent sex before he carries out an operation," he adds. The director believes every film faces some difficulties but the challenge that "Omerta" posed was how to make a film on an antagonist, without glorifying anything. "...For us it was about doing this film without making him look like hero. It is about a film on an antagonist and let him be an antagonist. Let somebody loathe or hate him," he says.The film is set to release on May 4.

Youtube

Meanwhile, asked about the recent casting couch controversy, Mehta, who has always been vocal about expressing his views on topical issues, believes people react to the event and do not focus on the remedy."...We say death penalty for rapists but that is not enough. How do we prevent rapes from happening? How do we provide safety to women? We don't look at these things. It is all superficial.

"The entire system is based on superficiality and it is based on populist statements and on reaction to things that are mentioned in social media," he says.Former Chief Of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif passed away on Monday at the age of 94. Being a Muslim officer at the time of partition, he was given a choice to decide between the Indian forces and that of Pakistan, but he chose India.

He was known for his extraordinary flying skills that he displayed during Burma campaign in World War and also for his planning which led to victory in 1971 war against Pakistan. Latif was born in Hyderabad in 1923 and was commissioned in Royal Indian Air Force in 1942.

iaf

He was perhaps the only Air Force officer associated with three different air forces and participated in several battles including the World War II. He was associated with the Royal Indian Air Force, Royal Air Force and Indian Air Force.

Trained in UK

After completing his initial training in Ambala, he went to UK to get training at Royal Air Force academy. There, he underwent training on contemporary aircrafts like- The Hurricane and Spitfire with operational squadrons of RAF.

Returned and took part in Burma campaign

Latif came back to India 1944 and took part in Burma campaign, flying the Hawker Hurricane for No.3 Squadron which included flying interdiction sorties against ground targets. After the campaign, he was posted to Madras under the command of Sqn. Ldr. Asghar Khan who later went on to become the Chief of Pakistan Air Force. He became good friends with Asghar Khan and another officer Flt. Lt Noor Khan. Noor Khan also became PAF chief later.

Given a choice, he stayed with India

Latif was given choice to join forces of either India or Pakistan, but he chose India over Pakistan.

afp

Even though both Asghar as well as Noor Khan called him up to persuade Latif to join them in the fledgling Pakistan Air Force, Latif made it clear that for him, religion and country were not interlinked. It was no surprise that Latif made his way to become the first Muslim Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, the IAF website states.

In 1950, Latif after being risen to Squadron Leader became the Commanding Officer of No.4 Oorials, flying the Hawker Tempest and led the first flying past over New Delhi on 26 January in 1950-the first Republic Day.

Great Planning and procurement in 1971

During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, Latif was the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) in the rank of Air Vice Marshal, and carried out the onerous tasks of making first line assessment of frontline combat squadrons and the modernisation plans of the air force.

archive.thedailystar.net

The IAF website also says that Latif was involved in modernisation or re-equipment of the air force. He played important role in seeking government approval for the procurement of Jaguar strike aircraft which was stuck for a long time precisely for over eight years.

He also held talks with Russians and helped induction of MiG-23 and later MiG-25 into IAF.

Air Chief Marshal Latif retired as Chief of Air Staff in 1981. He later became ambassador to France and governor of Maharashtra.Around 60 kilometres away from Hyderabad, the stretch suddenly turns into a green utopia. The trees are spread over 100 acres. The once rocky and barren land has now turned lush green. Locals say it has not rained here for 120 years. But for the last couple of years, things have changed. So much that rainwater harvesting ponds have become full and even flooded.

The number of trees planted here resulted into rising groundwater.

Being uprooted can be killing. At Kanha Shantivan, everyone has come together to give a second life to trees.

NDTV

We have timed our visit to coincide with the arrival of some 60 coconut trees from Karur district of Tamil Nadu. That must easily be some 50 tonnes and arrives in lorry loads. The fronts cropped, so that transport is easy. They needed to make way for a housing project in Karur, reports NDTV.

Some 60 coconut trees, cut to make way for a housing project in Karur, arrived in lorries and Kamlesh Patel, who everyone calls Daaji, the chief guide, at Kanha Shantivanam, says it was a bonus.

They wanted to create a coconut grove and an avenue. Now they would not have to wait years and years for it. Though the cost would be prohibitive, saving the trees would be well worth it, they felt, adds the NDTV report.

NDTV

Patel has so far save at least 1000 trees.

Among those some 15 banyan trees, a few of them 150 years old, 20 peepal trees anywhere between 20 and 30 years old, as many as 300 avenue trees including Pongamia, Bauhinia and others, many of them about eight years old.Switch the Market flag

Open the menu and switch the

Market flag for targeted data from your country of choice.

for targeted data from your country of choice.Washington, DC  Today we are saddened by the loss of two journalists from our sister network, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, who were killed this morning in twin suicide blasts in Kabul, Afghanistan. A third journalist who was scheduled to join RFE/RL in May was also killed. They were among 25 killed and 45 wounded in the attacks. We join RFE/RL President Thomas Kent in deploring this cowardly act against non-combatants and extend our deepest condolences to the families of all of those who lost their lives in todays deadly attacks. With World Press Freedom Day on May 3, todays tragedy is a reminder of the dangers that journalists face every day to bring global audiences accurate, objective and reliable news.Mike Wilkins, AMP interim chief executive, will become executive chairman of the troubled financial services company until a new chair is found, AAP and The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Wilkins is not inexperienced when it comes to leading a troubled company through a rough patch, having been credited for stabilising Insurance Australia Group (IAG) as chief executive after the abrupt resignation of its former boss, Michael Hawker, SMH said.

At that time, IAG had to face a failed takeover bid from QBE and some serious concerns about its expansion to the UK. He led the insurance company from 2008 to 2013.

Before joining IAG, Wilkins worked at Promina, where he ran the business before it was listed on the stock market and then bought by Suncorp in 2006. After IAG, he served in the boards of AMP, QBE, and Medibank Private.

Craig Drummond, chief executive of Medibank Private, said Wilkins is an experienced executive who quietly delivers what he's promised.

Just by his very nature, Mike is not an over-promoter or an over-promiser, Mike is someone that says it as it is and then goes about quietly working with others to deliver the outcome that hes promised, Drummond told SMH. Theres probably not much Mike hasnt seen in his career. Hes a very experienced executive, so I would think Mike will take his time to be very thoughtful about the particular issues."

Drummond, who sat alongside Wilkins on the health fund's board, also said Wilkins has been an extremely collaborative board member, which should help in an era when bosses need to listen, rather than enforce their will.

Hes not a point-scorer, hes understated, and I think in a corporate world, and particularly the world that were now in, thats a great trait, Drummond told SMH.

Wilkins also has a good reputation among investors for being across the complex detail of an insurance business and for delivering what is promised. During his time as IAG's chief executive, the insurer's share price strongly out-performed the ASX200 benchmark, the report said.

Bell Potter analyst TS Lim said Wilkins had a strong track record at IAG, lowering business risks and improving returns. He particularly noted a deal between IAG and Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway and the insurer's move to quit the UK.

"He's a very strong person to turn around a company like that," Lim told SMH. "He's got very good execution skills and done a lot of turn-around work.

Investors welcomed Wilkin's appointment, and said the new chairman's task will be to stabilise the situation, rather than overhaul AMP's strategy.

Related stories:Another major fire occurred 12 months earlier, razing Swickers Pork processing facility near Kingaroy in Queensland's South Burnett district. The fire engulfed the plant's chillers, boning room, and export distribution centre, leaving 600 staff out of work.

Two large export beef processors told Beef Central that the recent fire events contributed to rising insurance premiums for fire protection, and confirmed that since the fires, they had carried out major risk assessments within their businesses, particularly surrounding high-risk activities like maintenance.

Other processing industry sources told the publication, however, that recent rises in insurance prices had more to do with global natural disasters impacting insurers, than isolated local fire events.

Related stories:The Telstra Security 2018 Report found that 47% of Australian businesses who became victims of ransomware paid the ransom, and 83% would pay the ransom again.

SMEs are more likely to pay ransoms due to the chances of them not having backups in place and due to their abilities to make such decisions quickly, Smith said. Criminals realise this and consequently, the greatest number of cyber attacks on SMEs this year is expected to be in the form of ransomware. Another reason why criminals attack SMEs is that they hold quality data, for example credit card or health data. This data has value.

Smith said criminals also target SMEs to get to larger ones, citing an October 2017 attack where the cybercriminal had stolen sensitive data from the network of a 50-person aerospace engineering firm that subcontracted to the Department of Defence.

Government and private enterprise are now seeking to manage this supply chain risk via contract, and many commercial contracts are now including a clause for parties to maintain certain levels of security and also carry cyber insurance, Smith said.

Smith also warned SMEs against the unprecedented volume of social-engineering fraud attacks, or business e-mail compromise. These attacks occur when criminals pretend to be customers, suppliers, or high-profile individuals within businesses and trick staff into paying large sums of money into the attackers bank accounts.

These attacks are usually successful where internal payment controls either break down or dont exist, and criminals have successfully stolen funds from all types of businesses, large and small, Smith said.

Edmund is underwritten by leading insurer, Munich Re Syndicate at Lloyds.

Related stories:"Were delighted to welcome the Milsner, Senex, Stratton and Clark professionals into the PCF family, said PCF CEO Peter Foy. In addition to the tremendous leadership and skills these partners bring to PCF, the strengthening of our southern and northern California presence as well as our entry into Nevada is a vital part of our growth plan."

"It has been exciting to share the PCF story, commented TAG Financial Institutions Group partner and financial advisor to PCF Kieran Pinney. The company has a differentiated value proposition that creates excitement and opportunity for agency owners and PCF's partnership with BHMS Investments provides the company with significant equity capital to continue to execute on its growth plan."

PCF has also completed a recapitalization and financing with Madison Capital Funding.

"Madison has a long history in the insurance and financial services market. We are excited to partner with Peter and his team, and alongside BHMS, we look forward to helping to support the next phase of the company's growth, remarked Madison managing director Jason Schryver.

Related stories:There are organizations worldwide  big risk management accounts and small ones  who are not reporting adequate values to their insurance broker or carrier, Glickman told Insurance Business at RIMS 2018. When a client reports having a $150 million hotel, but then suffers $350 million worth of damage during a catastrophe  theres a real disconnect.

At Gallagher, we talk to our clients very seriously about the importance of being honest when reporting asset values. Its about placing greater emphasis on the ethical natural and the voracity of the information being provided.

Last year was a rude awakening for many, especially for those with assets in North America, about the devastation nature can bring. Several years of benign natural catastrophe activity in the US left many prey to cultural short-term memory syndrome, and some bought blanket insurance limits with the mindset of what could simply go wrong?

If 2017 proved anything, its that catastrophe events happen, and at quite the cost. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria caused up to $220 billion in economic damage (according to Impact Forecasting). Mexico was rocked by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, South Asia suffered some of its worst monsoon flooding in years, and parts of California spent the majority of the fall up in flames.

Its critical for real estate owners and hospitality clients to be honest about the value of their assets because we can never be entirely sure when disaster will strike, according to Glickman.

Underwriters are not just looking at spreadsheets anymore. More and more US markets are taking a page out of the book of the London markets, who are actually underwriting the management of the ownership, she added. This has been going on for decades in the London market, and the US market is now starting to recognize the value in that approach. After all, just because a client is big, it doesnt necessarily mean theyre telling you the truth.

Related stories:Five months ago, in a scathing report on a 2016 accident in which two track workers were killed, U.S. safety investigators urged Amtrak to slow its trains when they pass work crews.

The nations passenger rail service didnt follow the advice and still hasnt replied to the safety recommendations the National Transportation Safety Board announced in November, according to government records and details released from investigators.

Last week, another Amtrak worker was hit and killed in a similar accident in Bowie, Maryland. The victim was an Amtrak watchman who was helping monitor safety during track work between Baltimore and Washington, when struck April 24 by Train 86.

The train was traveling at a high rate of speed and there were no work-zone restrictions in place, said NTSB spokesman Peter Knudson.

Gus Ubaldi, an engineer who consults on railroad and airport safety issues for Robson Forensic Inc., said In the interests of safety, sometimes you need to slow things down.

Safety Breakdown

While the NTSBs investigation will determine how big a factor the trains speed was in the accident, anytime workers are hit on the tracks it suggests there was a breakdown in the extensive safety procedures required to protect them, Ubaldi said.

If everybody follows the rules  the train engineer, the dispatcher, the roadway workers  nothing like this can ever happen, he said. He teaches a course in protecting railroad maintenance workers.

Amtrak declined to comment specifically about the latest accident because its under NTSB investigation.

The railroad has been implementing multiple new procedures based on NTSBs recommendations in the 2016 accident, Beth Toll, an Amtrak spokeswoman, said in an email. Amtrak is currently conducting several quantitative and qualitative risk assessments and will evaluate the inclusion of speed restrictions as a possible mitigation tactic, Toll said.

Most collisions between trains and railroad workers occur at slower speeds, she said.

The latest Amtrak accident is one of a string of at least four fatal incidents since December involving the American passenger rail carrier. In its report on a 2016 crash that killed two track workers and injured 39 other people in Chester, Pennsylvania, which was adopted Nov. 14, the NTSB said it had uncovered widespread safety concerns.

Amtraks safety culture is failing, and is primed to fail again, until and unless Amtrak changes the way it practices safety management, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said at a hearing to adopt the boards findings on the 2016 accident.

Threats to Safety

The NTSB report identified 29 active failures and latent conditions that were threatening safety, ranging from employees who had tested positive for drugs to repeated failures to follow the railroads own rules.

Amtrak has, however, taken numerous steps to try to address the safety of workers on tracks, the NTSB said in the report.

It ordered workers to improve communications when discussing work-zone procedures, issued a bulletin clarifying its protocols and created an independent group to evaluate how the railroad was complying with its rules.

Investigators havent released any conclusions about last Tuesdays accident. A southbound Maryland Transit Administration MARC commuter train was approaching the work zone at about the same time as the northbound Amtrak train arrived on a separate track, Knudson said.

The worker was hit by the Amtrak train and killed. The accident prompted lengthy delays to that train and others.

As part of its report into the 2016 work-crew accident, the NTSB issued nine recommendations to Amtrak, along with others to its unions and the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration. Among the recommendations was one calling for Amtrak to conduct a risk assessment of all work on tracks and use the results to issue significant speed restrictions for trains passing any engineering project that involves safety risks.

The NTSB, an independent agency with no regulatory powers, issues non-binding recommendations to agencies, transportation operators and others after accidents. As of Monday, Amtrak hadnt officially responded to any of the NTSB recommendations, according to the agencys records.

I think its notable that they havent responded to the recommendations, said Grady Cothen, the former deputy associate administrator for safety issues at the railroad administration. Normally, even if you dont agree with the recommendation, you respond promptly.

Toll, the Amtrak spokeswoman, said the railroad recently briefed NTSB on its plans to create what is known as a safety management system, a comprehensive way for organizations to include safety in all its decisions that was among the safety boards recommendations. It plans to be the first railroad to adopt such a system, she added.

She said the railroad is taking other actions as well to address the NTSB recommendations.

Amtrak has had a long and well-known history of issues with work zone safety on its tracks, Cothen said. Whether trains in the area of the latest accident should have been required to pass at slower speeds isnt clear yet, and such orders can cause train delays that significantly disrupt schedules, he said. Still, such accidents raise numerous questions.

The responsibility for safety falls on the work crew as well as Amtraks management, he said.

They need to observe the proper measures for protection and management needs to enforce that, Cothen said. There needs to be plenty of checking on folks to make sure someone didnt forget their train or cut a corner.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Maryland TransportationPennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has vetoed Senate Bill 936, which sought to amend the states Workers Compensation Act by establishing a formulary, or a list of prescription medications that could be prescribed to injured workers.

The formulary proposed in this bill runs counter to the compact we have made with injured workers and does so to save money for insurers and businesses, Wolf said in a letter to the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania detailing his decision to veto the legislation. The implementation of a drug formulary as prescribed by this legislation will not improve overall health outcomes for Pennsylvanias injured workers and will not stem the tide of the opioid crisis that is ravaging every area of our society.

Wolf stated in the letter that a top priority for his administration since taking office has been to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic, and he doesnt believe SB 936 addresses that goal in a responsible or targeted way.

However, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) expressed disappointment in Wolfs decision and stated in a press release that the aim of the legislation was to help injured workers as well as curb opioid prescription abuse.

With the Pennsylvania workers compensation system being plagued by the over-prescription of pain medications, especially opioids, this legislation was the best route to implement a scientifically valid, evidence-based formulary to control the overprescribing of opioids, Micaela Isler, assistant vice president of state government relations for PCI, said in the release. Time is of the essence, as a recent study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute ranks Pennsylvania second for the number of opioids given to injured workers.

PCI is composed of nearly 1,000 member companies, which write $220 billion in annual premium  37 percent of the nations property/casualty insurance.

Isler stated in the release that the insurance industry is committed to working with the governors office, lawmakers and regulators in Pennsylvania to implement reforms that will reduce the prescription of addictive opioid drugs and assist injured workers in returning to work.

We are encouraging policymakers in Pennsylvania to keep this issue on the front burner to protect injured workers, Isler stated in the release.

Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation Talent Pennsylvania DrugsInsurer Beazley has partnered with three companies to build a blockchain-based registry that will manage insurance for crisis situations such as mass shootings, the companies told Reuters.

The registry will use blockchain to speed a response to mass casualties and their financial aftermath by allowing policyholders and insurers to catalog coverage and share real-time information about threats and claims through one source, the companies said.

The registry is created with Risk Cooperative, a Washington, D.C.-based specialty insurance broker that develops Lloyds of London-backed programs, and Amsterdam-based Bitfury Group, a blockchain technology firm, and it is nearing completion, said Risk Cooperative Chief Executive Officer Dante Disparte in an interview.

A fourth company, Emercoin, is providing blockchain infrastructure for the registry.

Blockchain, a digital ledger of transactions, is the technology underpinning the first digital currency, bitcoin. But it can also be harnessed to track, record and transfer assets across all industries.

The registry is an early example of using blockchain for insurance. Many insurance industry leaders envision smart policies of all types will be stored in blockchain and automatically track premiums, pay claims and keep records.

Many companies still manually record on spreadsheets their annual policies and coverage limits, a practice that can heighten the risk of human error.

Violent events that spur mass casualties, such as an Oct. 1 mass shooting in Las Vegas that killed 58 people at a country music festival and injured hundreds more, can involve numerous insurance policy holders and thousands of claims.

Policy exclusions or having too little coverage can leave communities and victims unable to cover expenses, but those gaps are easier to spot through a permanent blockchain ledger, Disparte said.

The partner companies are next planning to develop so-called smart policies for violent acts, to be permanently stored in the registry. They will be programmed to automatically kick in when a mass casualty occurs, eliminating claims paperwork for policyholders and trimming months from the settlement process, they said.

Service providers, such as security experts and counselors, would be automatically be dispatched when an event is under way.

The companies plan to store other types of existing policies for customers who buy mass casualty coverage, Disparte said. The registry will also eliminate time-consuming audits by underwriters because transactions will be recorded in one place.

(Reporting by Suzanne Barlyn; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Topics Agencies Excess Surplus Lloyd'sFacebook bid on Monday to block referral of a landmark privacy case to Europes top court by requesting a last-ditch appeal, seeking to avoid a potential ban on the legal instrument it uses to transfer users data to the United States.

The case, taken in Ireland by privacy activist Max Schrems, is the latest to question whether methods used by technology firms such as Google and Apple to transfer data outside the 28-nation European Union give EU consumers sufficient protection from U.S. surveillance.

A ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) against the legal arrangements could cause major headaches for thousands of firms, which make millions of these transfers every day.

The Irish High Court this month ordered the case to be referred to the EUs top court to assess whether the methods used for data transfers  including standard contractual clauses and the Privacy Shield agreement  were legal.

A Facebook lawyer asked for the referral to be delayed to allow Irelands Supreme Court to decide if it would accept an appeal. Facebook would seek an accelerated referral to the Supreme Court so that it would take days not months to decide on whether to allow an appeal, said lawyer Paul Gallagher.

Gallagher said one of the grounds for appeal was the question of whether the EUs General Data Protection Regulation, to be implemented from May 25, would render the case moot or irrelevant.

A lawyer for Irelands Data Protection Commissioner, said there was no precedent in Ireland for such an appeal and said such a move would simply delay a question, which is of huge urgency for people across the EU.

Millions of peoples data are being transferred and are potentially being adversely impacted by the lesser protections in the United States, the lawyer, Michael Collins said.

Sean OSullivan, representing Schrems, said his client like millions of other Europeans, faced potential continued unlawful processing of his data if the Irish appeal was to go ahead.

The case was taken in Ireland, the location of Facebooks headquarters for most of its markets outside the United States.

The judge earlier said the case raised well-founded concerns that there was an absence of an effective remedy in U.S. law compatible with EU legal requirements. She did not indicate when a decision would be made on whether to allow a referral to the Supreme Court.

(Reporting by Conor Humphries Editing by David Goodman and David Stamp)

Topics USA EuropeReinsurance specialist Guy Carpenter & Co. announced the promotion of John Fletcher to chairman of the firms Bermuda operations.

The firm also appointed a former Aon Bermuda executive to its Bermuda team.

In his new role, Fletcher is responsible for the development of new business as well as overseeing the activities of the Casualty, Specialty and Retrocessional teams in the region.

Most recently head of Guy Carpenters Property Retrocessional practice in Bermuda, Fletcher has 30 years of reinsurance industry experience, working exclusively at Guy Carpenter. He joined the firm in 1988, and during his career has worked primarily in the property retrocession market both in London and Bermuda, where he has been based since 2013.

He reports to Kevin Fisher, president of Global Specialties at Guy Carpenter.

In addition, Guy Carpenter has appointed James Morris to the Bermuda team as senior vice president and actuarial analyst. He joins the Global Property Specialty team and provides broking and analytical services to clients and markets both in Bermuda and on a global basis. Morris joins Guy Carpenter from Aon Bermuda, where he was senior technical reinsurance analyst in the firms Global Re Specialty division.

Topics Aon BermudaScott M. Purviance has officially succeeded M. Steven DeCarlo as the chief executive officer at specialty wholesale broker AmWINS Group.

The Charlotte-based brokerage also announced other that management changes have taken effect.

AmWINS previewed Purviances elevation and the other management changes in an announcement back in January by AmWINS.

As CEO, Purviance will focus on continuing to build upon the firms foundation focused on growth, diversification and technology. Prior to taking on his previous role as chief operating officer, Purviance served as chief financial officer from 2001-2016. He was elected to the board of directors of AmWINS Group in November 2016.

DeCarlo, who has served as CEO of AmWINS since its founding in 2001, will remain on the AmWINS board of directors in the newly created role of executive chairman.

W.H. Skip Cooper is also transitioning from his current role as president to vice chairman of the board of directors. In their new roles, DeCarlo and Cooper will focus on certain key growth initiatives for the firm.

The company also announced additional management changes:

James C. Drinkwater, who currently serves as president of AmWINS Brokerage, will succeed Cooper as president of AmWINS Group. Drinkwater will also retain his position as president of the Brokerage division.

Benjamin R. Sloop, who currently serves as president of AmWINS Access, will succeed Purviance as COO of AmWINS Group.

James A. Tony Gresham, who has served as COO of AmWINS Access since its establishment, will succeed Sloop as president of the division.

DeCarlo, a 33-year-veteran of the insurance industry, has led AmWINS since 2001. Under DeCarlos leadership, AmWINS has grown to become the largest property/casualty insurance wholesaler in the United States since its formation in 1998. The firm has more than 100 locations across 18 countries and handles premium placements in excess of $14 billion annually.

Active in charitable causes, DeCarlo was the 2014 Spirit of Life Award honoree for City of Hope. He is also one of the founders of a Charlotte-based insurance charitable organization called Community Matters, Insurance Partners of Charlotte.

He received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2009.

DeCarlo welcomed Purviance to his new responsibilities. Scott is a remarkable leader who is responsible for a great deal of the firms success over the last 17 years, the outgoing CEO said. Scott has the drive, passion and ability to continue executing our 150-year vision.

Purviance returned the compliments. Steve DeCarlos vision and leadership can never be replicated, he said. Steve has been a mentor, friend and boss throughout the 17 years we have worked together building AmWINS.

AmWINS Group operates through more than 100 offices globally and handles premium placements in excess of $14 billion dollars annually.The biggest winner of DocuSign Inc.s long-awaited initial public offering isnt well-known. The venture capitalist has never appeared on a Midas List, and his firm isnt one of the venerable investment firms on Sand Hill Road in Silicon Valley.

But 12 years ago, Pete Solvik made a bet on a startup that lets people securely sign contracts online. So sure of the idea, he kept buying shares over the years for his firms, Sigma Ventures and San Francisco-based Jackson Square Ventures, where hes a partner. Last Thursday, DocuSign went public at $29 a share, and the stock rose 37 percent in the first day of trading on Friday. Solviks funds hold the biggest stake in the company, with a combined 13 percent now worth $687 million.

Solviks commitment to the San Francisco-based software company outlasted even co-founder Thomas Gonser, who now holds just 1.5 percent of shares. The payoff for Solvik and other investors didnt come fast or easy. Most startups go public or get bought in about half the time. DocuSign changed strategies a few times, shifting the sales focus from small to large customers and expanding from real-estate customers to other industries. Results in those new sectors took longer than expected to materialize, said Gonser. We expected crazy growth. It didnt happen, he said.

Another factor that complicated decision making was DocuSigns unusually large board. The company had entertained acquisition discussions with IBM, Microsoft Corp., Oracle Corp and other potential suitors. But the directors, a dozen in total, frequently disagreed over the years, people familiar with the interactions have said. Gonser and early investors would push for a sale, while later investors advocated for an IPO. This dynamic intensified during the companys fraught search for a chief executive officera 15-month process completed last year with the hiring of Dan Springer. Solvik, who had known Springer since 2004, led the CEO search.

Solvik, 59, has quietly worked his way around the Valley for decades. He worked at Apple Inc. in the early 1980s and Cisco Systems Inc. in the 1990s, where he rose to chief information officer. He left Cisco in 2002 to become a VC. Solvik joined Sigma Partners, based in Campbell, California, on the outskirts of San Jose. (Whether the location classifies as Silicon Valley would be a matter of some debate.)

Before DocuSign, Solvik had few deals of note. His most successful investment was in a data company called Topio, which NetApp Inc. acquired in 2006 for $160 million. To accumulate a 13 percent DocuSign stake for his funds, Solvik spent $17.5 million. He declined to comment, citing legal restrictions ahead of his companys debut.

DocuSign counts some of the technology industrys more recognizable names among its backers, but their wins wont be substantial. Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Alphabet Inc.s GV each invested later in DocuSigns life and own less than 5 percent.

Gonser, the last of the three founders to leave, has been reducing his DocuSign holdings for years. He still owns $82 million of stock but relinquished an operational role at the company more than two years ago to do venture investing and is now a partner at Seven Peaks Ventures in Oregon. He had been selling shares for years to the company. The most recent transaction was in 2016, when Gonser sold $3.3 million in stock at half the current price.

Related:

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.This years weather on the Southern Plains has an odd twist: Oklahoma has yet to record its first tornado, the deepest into the year its gone without one since 1962.

Although a drought has dried up moisture needed to fuel storms, state climatologist Gary McManus also attributes the streak to dumb luck. Twisters already have hit the Texas Panhandle and western Arkansas, mere miles away.

Mother Nature doesnt care where we put the geopolitical lines between Arkansas and Oklahoma or Oklahoma and Texas  its something we humans put there  we were very close to not setting that record, McManus said.

Oklahoma has not had a tornado since Oct. 21, or 189 days. However, the states good fortunes are likely to change this week because Wednesdays forecasts for it and neighboring Kansas are relatively ominous.

But for now, residents are embracing the calm.

Every day in April or May without a tornado is a wonderful day, said Rick Smith, the warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Norman.

Regardless of how long the record may stand, Smith points to the calendar and says its past time to be ready for tornadoes.

If you know you are in the 30 percent risk area for next Wednesday, what does that mean for me, what should I be doing? Smith asked. Is your storm shelter ready? I havent cleaned out my garage floor storm shelter yet this year. Ill be doing that this weekend  not because I think a tornado is going to hit my house but because its that time of year.

Some meteorologists have used the term outbreak to describe what is coming next week, but Smith says such language isnt necessary and that routine preparedness is best.

If I told you there was going to be one tornado close to you next Wednesday, I would think that the preparations you would take wouldnt be that much different if I told you there were going to be 15 tornadoes close to you next Wednesday, he said.

And the term outbreak can mean different things to different people, Smith said. Seven years ago on April 27, 175 tornadoes hit the South, killing 316 in what was considered a super-outbreak. Thirteen twisters hit Arkansas two weeks ago, which could qualify as an outbreak in some circles.

The American Meteorological Society, citing a 1977 study, says 10 or more tornadoes constitute an outbreak. That prompts AccuWeathers Reed Timmer to defend use of the term.

You dont want to say it so soon, Timmer said from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which was hit hard in 2011. Seven to 10 days out, its very difficult to point out what you may have. Now that were closer its appropriate to call it a potential outbreak.

McManus said the Storm Prediction Center forecast does perk your years up a little bit.

While the SPC in Norman posts its forecasts online for all to see, its primary audience includes local forecasters, emergency managers and organizations responsible for a large number of people, such as hospitals and theme parks. The forecast brings no surprise.

It was bound to happen, thats usually what happens in late April and early May, said Mike Honigsberg, the emergency management director for the city of Enid and Garfield County in Oklahoma.

Kissel reported from Little Rock, Arkansas.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm OklahomaAuthorities say 17 people were hurt, two seriously, when a charter bus carrying a high school chorus team crashed in South Carolina.

Colleton County Fire-Rescue Chief Barry McRoy tells WCIV-TV the crash happened early Sunday on Interstate 95 in the states southeast. He says the bus was carrying about 30 students and adult chaperones back to North Carolina. The chorus is from Beddingfield High School in Wilson.

McRoy said the bus heading northbound ran off the left side, crossed southbound lanes and went down an embankment.

McRoy said two suffered serious injuries, including the driver. Nine others were taken to the hospital by paramedics, and six more arrived later for treatment.

The Beddingfield Chorus Facebook account said all students and chaperones treated at the hospital should be fine.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Education South CarolinaTwo 19-year-old Florida residents who joined the National Rifle Association in suing over the states new gun-control law asked a federal judge to let them remain anonymous, saying they fear for their safety because NRA staff have received threatening calls and emails.

The NRA sued after the state raised the age for purchasing guns to 21 from 18 following the February massacre of 17 students and faculty at a high school in Parkland, Fla. The NRA claims the law violates the Second Amendment rights of citizens aged 18 to 20, while gun-control advocates say people who cant buy beer shouldnt be allowed to buy an AR-15.

In a filing Thursday in federal court in Tallahassee, the gun lobby group cited case law that allows plaintiffs to remain anonymous in lawsuits that are sensitive and highly personal  a standard usually used in cases involving sexual assault or pornographic material. The NRA said the teens  a man and a woman  could be put in danger by public attention.

I am afraid that if my association with the lawsuit became public, I would be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, and potentially even physical violence, the female plaintiff said in an affidavit signed Jane Doe.

Publication of her identity would expose her to unwanted public attention and censure for exercising her right to challenge a statute denying her a fundamental constitutional right, the NRA said.

Marion Hammer, a representative of the NRA, has received numerous threatening and harassing emails and phone calls, the group said. Several emails were attached to the NRAs filing, including one dated Feb. 28 saying, Next time I hope its someone in your family looking down the barrel of a gun or shot in the back trying to flee some great Floridian.

The name of the alleged sender was blacked out.

Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation FloridaFederal prosecutors have accused a North Carolina man of stealing more than $5 million in federal crop insurance funds over a four-year period.

U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon Jr. said in a news release multiple charges are filed against 43-year-old James Scott Wiggins of Wayne County, including making false statements to federal agencies and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Officials said Wiggins and his co-conspirators owned and rented farmland in Lenoir, Wayne, and Greene counties. Higdon said that between 2007 and 2011, the conspirators collectively filed false crop insurance and federal crop disaster relief claims, manipulated transactions to evade reporting requirements and engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the fraud.

According to Higdon, the conspirators paid farming expenses and outstanding loan balances with the money secured through the fraud.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Fraud Agribusiness North CarolinaCalifornia Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has approved what his office says is the first insurance coverage for commercial landlords that addresses risks specific to renting to cannabis businesses.

California Mutual Insurance Co. was approved to add lessors risk coverage for property owners who are exposed to specific risks resulting from cannabis related business activities of their commercial tenants.

As Insurance Commissioner, my goal is to make sure all Californians have insurance protection-including the legalized cannabis businesses in California, Jones said in a statement. I want to make sure that when consumers shop in cannabis businesses, when investors and owners invest in cannabis businesses, when vendors sell to cannabis businesses, and when landlords rent to cannabis businesses, there is insurance coverage available to cover everyone from losses. I encourage more insurance companies to follow California Mutual Insurance Companys lead and file insurance programs to fill the gaps in coverage for the cannabis industry.

Lessors Risk coverage provides liability and property insurance for commercial property owners who lease building space to commercial tenants. Specific commercial activities and businesses addressed by this coverage include cannabis labs, product manufacturing, cultivation, and dispensary operations.

Jones launched an initiative last year to encourage admitted insurance companies to write insurance to fill coverage gaps for the cannabis industry. The first filing and approval of an admitted carrier for Californias cannabis industry was announced in November of last year and the first surety bond program for the industry was announced in February.

Jones last week renewed his call for insurers to offer insurance products for Californias legalized cannabis industry in the wake of published reports that President Trump has abandoned Attorney General Jeff Sessions policy on federal law enforcement of cannabis.

Related:

Topics California CannabisDalton Education

Dalton Education earned our top spot with the industrys most comprehensive CFP exam prep program. While the prep courses are among the most expensive, you will have the most flexibility, in-depth course materials, videos, and testbank questions. The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass offers a money-back guarantee under certain conditions, or you may retake the program through the next exam cycle for free.

Pros Flexible live review options

Money-back guarantee under certain conditions

2,000 testbank questions Cons Less affordable than competitors

Pre-study program may take longer

Robust materials can feel overwhelming

Dalton Education won the best overall because of the companys in-depth CFP exam prep, flexibility, and a strong money-back guarantee. Founded in 2005, the Alpharetta, Georgia-based company boasts 20% to 25% higher pass rates than the national average. The company provides CFP Board education courses, along with two CFP exam prep courses: Dalton Review and Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass.

The Dalton Review Guarantee to Pass costs $2,195. The prep course includes a virtual pre-study program, in-person or virtual live review classes, and live review recordings. You also get office hours, one-on-one coaching calls, digital flashcards, free retakes, and a money-back guarantee if you score 70% or better on the exam readiness quizzes but dont pass the actual exam.

The Dalton Review is a similar course for $1,395 with fewer materials, no coaching calls, and no pass guarantee. Those looking to sample the program may access a Guarantee to Pass Demo. The company also offers financial assistance to underrepresented groups in financial planning through the Womens Initiative and Diversity Initiative.

Both CFP exam prep options offer books, videos, live virtual classes, live office hours, live or in-person four-day live review, recordings of all lessons, and a 2,000-question testbank. You can also attend an office hour for more in-depth answers.What Are Participatory Notes?

Participatory notes also referred to as P-Notes, or PNs, are financial instruments required by investors or hedge funds to invest in Indian securities without having to register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). P-Notes are among the group of investments considered to be Offshore Derivative Investments (ODIs). Citigroup (C) and Deutsche Bank (DB) are among the biggest issuers of these instruments.

Any dividends or capital gains collected from the securities goes back to the investors. Indian regulators are generally not in support of participatory notes because they fear that hedge funds acting through participatory notes will cause economic volatility in India's exchanges.

Participatory Notes Explained

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs), issue the financial instruments to investors in other countries who want to invest in Indian securities. An FII is an investor or investment fund registered in a country outside of the one in which it is investing.

This system lets unregistered overseas investors buy Indian shares without the need to register with the Indian regulatory body. These investments are also beneficial to India. They provide access to quick money to the Indian capital market. Because of the short-term nature of investing, regulators have fewer guidelines for foreign institutional investors. To invest in the Indian stock markets and to avoid the cumbersome regulatory approval process, these investors trade participatory notes.

Key Takeaways Brokers and Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) must register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Participatory notes allow non-registered investors to invest in the Indian market.

Participatory notes, referred to as P-Notes or PNs, are derivative instruments of underlying Indian assets.

Participatory notes are popular investments due to the investor remaining anonymous.

How Do Participatory Notes Work?

Participatory notes are offshore derivative instruments with Indian shares as underlying assets. Brokers and foreign institutional investors registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issue the participatory notes and invest on behalf of the foreign investors. Brokers must report their participatory note issuance status to the regulatory board each quarter. The notes allow foreign investors with high net worth, hedge funds, and other investors, to participate in the Indian markets without registering with the SEBI. Investors save time, money and scrutiny associated with direct registration.

Pros and Cons of Participatory Notes

Participatory notes are easily traded overseas through endorsement and delivery. They are popular because investors anonymously take positions in Indian markets, and hedge funds may anonymously carry out their operations. Some entities route their investments through participatory notes to take advantage of tax laws that are available in certain countries.

However, because of the anonymity, Indian regulators face difficulty determining a participatory notes original owner and end owner. Therefore, substantial amounts of unaccounted for money enters the country through participatory notes. This flow of untracked funds has raised some red flags.

Participatory Note Regulatory Issues

SEBI has no jurisdiction over participatory note trading. Although foreign institutional investors must register with the Indian regulatory board, the participatory notes trading among foreign institutional investors are not recorded. Officials fear this practice may lead to the P-Notes being used for money laundering or other illegal activity.

This inability to track money is also why the Special Investigation Team (SIT) would like stricter compliance measures for the trading of participatory notes. The SIT is a specialized team of officers in Indian law enforcement which consists of personnel who have been trained to investigate serious crimes.

However, when the government proposed trade restrictions on the notes in the past, the Indian market became extremely volatile. For example, in October 2007, the government announced it was considering curbing participatory note trading. The announcement caused the Sensex index to plummet 1,744 points during the day's session, which was greater than an eight percent drop at the time.

This market disturbance was in response to investor and government worries that the curbing of the P-Notes would be a direct hit on the Indian economy. That is because foreign institutional investors help fuel the growth of the Indian economy, industries, and capital markets, and increasing regulation would make it more difficult for foreign money to enter the market. The government ultimately decided not to regulate participatory notes.

Current State of Participatory Note Regulations

Participatory notes remain vulnerable to regulatory rulings. In late 2017, Indian regulators determined that P-Notes cannot take any derivative positions in Indian markets for reasons other than hedging. As reported by EconomicTimes.IndiaTimes.com, this stringent regulatory intervention caused investments through P-Notes to drop throughout 2018, finally hitting a more than 9-1/2 year low in November 2018. However, investments rebounded in December 2018 after regulators relaxed some of the more restrictive requirements.

Real-World Example

P-Notes can be used to purchase any Indian security an investor wants through a series of steps.

An investor deposits funds with the U.S. or European operations of a registered foreign institutional investor (FII), such as HSBC or Deutsche Bank. The investors then inform the bank of the Indian security or securities they wish to purchase. Funds transfer from the investor to the FII account, and the FII issues the participatory notes to the client and buys the underlying stock or stocks in the correct quantities from the Indian marketplace.

The investor is eligible to receive dividends, capital gains and any other payouts due to stockholders holding the shares of the Indian company. The FII reports all of its issuances each quarter to the Indian regulators, but as per law, it does not disclose the identity of the actual investor.By Sarah-Jane Murphy

A 7.2 bn transaction between Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Life and Permanent had no commercial substance because Anglo's asset profile didn't change, a jury has heard.

An expert accountancy witness said the objective of the transactions was to increase the balance on Anglo's end of year accounts.

Dan Taylor, a chartered accountant and partner at BDO in London, was giving evidence on day 66 of David Drumm's conspiracy to defraud trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Drumm accepts that the multi-million euro transactions took place in between Anglo and ILP in 2008 but disputes that they were fraudulent or dishonest.

On Tuesday, Mr Taylor told Paul O'Higgins SC, prosecuting, that he was asked to look at the transactions between ILP and Anglo in 2008 and compile a report for the purposes of the trial.

He said he believed the transactions, which were circular in nature, could have continued ad infinitum.

They were only limited by the amount of time available to put them through the banks' payment system, he said.

Mr Taylor told Mr O'Higgins he saw nothing to indicate the loans were secured.

Everything I saw indicated they were unsecured, passing cash with no underlying security, he said.

He told the jury that he did not see any contract between the two banks, but added that this was not uncommon with interbank transactions.

David Drumm (51) of Skerries, Co Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring with former bank officials Denis Casey, William McAteer, John Bowe and others to defraud depositors and investors at Anglo by dishonestly creating the impression that deposits in 2008 were 7.2 bn larger than they were.

The former Anglo Irish CEO has also pleaded not guilty to false accounting on December 3, 2008, by furnishing information to the market that Anglo's 2008 deposits were 7.2 bn larger than they were.

The trial, in its thirteenth week, continues before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury of 10 men and four women.The Garda representative association say attacks on their members are becoming more and more common.

The group is calling for a rollout of non-lethal tasers in order to tackle the issue.The Belfast Trust has said it is "truly sorry" for having to recall 2,500 patients after a probe into the work of a consultant neurologist.

The recall comes after an independent review of patient notes relating to the work of Dr Michael Watt.

It follows a review of patient notes by both the Trust and the Royal College of Physicians.

The consultant is currently not treating patients, but is still an employee, the Trust said.

Concerns were raised by other doctors about Dr Watt's management of patients, particularly his treatment plans and diagnoses.

The patients recalled were being treated for a wide range of neurological conditions, including epilepsy and MS, and are aged 14 and up.

Dr Mark Mitchelson, medical chair of division, said: "I fully understand this will cause significant anxiety to many patients and their families and for that we are truly sorry.

"Other doctors raised concerns with the Trust regarding the care and treatment provided by Dr Michael Watt to a small number of patients.

"As a result of our own review and a further review carried out by the Royal College of Physicians, we would like to invite a number of his patients back for a review appointment to assure them, their families, and ourselves that they are receiving the best treatment.

"The recall of such a large number of patients is so that we can be confident and thorough in ensuring that patients are having the best possible care.

"To ensure patients are seen as quickly as possible we have set up a large number of additional clinics and we intend to see all patients within the next 12 weeks.

"Again, we are truly sorry for the anxiety this will cause."

The Belfast Trust said it has contacted every patient it would like to review.

The Trust is asking patients to make contact so that an appointment can be made.

For anyone who may be worried and is seeking further support, an advice line has been set up.

The telephone number is 0800 980 1100 and lines will be open weekdays from 9am to 9pm and weekends from 9am to 5pm.

- PAA Dublin couple have been jailed for a total of three years and three months for the systematic neglect and physical abuse of the man's young daughter over the course of a year.

The now 16-year-old had 46 separate injuries, including puncture marks, bruises, scratch marks and cuts, all over her body when she was examined by medical practitioners in 2008 as a six-year-old girl, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told.

The child told gardai that her father never hit her nor was he present when she was hit. He was working most of the time when his partner beat her and mistreated her.

It was the State's case that he knew about the abuse but did nothing to stop it.

The girl's parents, who were both heroin addicts, had separated when she was five years old and her father moved in with the accused, who was also an addict, the following year.

The 37-year-old woman pleaded guilty to nine sample charges of wilfully assaulting, ill-treating or neglecting a child on dates between September 2007 and August 2008. She was jailed for 21 months. She has 34 previous convictions.

The 42 year-old father, was jailed for 18 months, after he pleaded guilty to two similar charges over the same period. He has 20 previous convictions.

The court was told the charges were accepted on the basis that they are sample counts.

The teenager told the sentence hearing: I have no memory of my parents or any adult coming to my aid. She added that she was not allowed to experience things as other children could.

I was not allowed to believe in Santa Claus or the tooth fairy, she said.

She stated that during the many beatings she wished her Mam or Dad would come and save me but they never did.

Witnesses later told gardai that they saw the child tied to a bed standing upright, while the girl herself said she was not allowed to fall asleep. She said she would get severe beatings for taking biscuits without permission and once had cut her hair painfully back to her scalp.

The court also heard that the woman made the child write out lines in a copy book.

A number of samples of the lines were read out by Ronan Kennedy BL, prosecuting; I am a rude, bold girl; Mammy and Daddy are sad; I am very sad; I am a cry baby; I have to be good;  I hurt Mammy and Daddy; I'm in serious trouble.

The child was taken into care in August 2008 when social workers called gardai for assistance in gaining access into the family home. The girl at that time had visible bruising to her face, was undernourished and had very badly cut hair. There was very little food in the house and it was in disarray. The girl has been in foster care since.

Detective Garda Fionnuala Whelan from the Garda National Protective Services Bureau told Mr Kennedy that the child was too distressed to be interviewed by specialist gardai when she was first taken from her father, which delayed the prosecution.

She was interviewed in 2012 but a file was not submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution until 2016. When asked by Judge Martin Nolan why the file was not submitted prior to 2016, Det. Gda Whelan replied that she was not privy to that information.

She said she took over the investigation in 2016 and the couple were arrested and interviewed.

Det. Gda Whelan said the couple were known heroin users and the woman had been attending at a local treatment centre.

She said a number of people, including a teacher, probation officers, social workers and another attendee at the drug treatment centre had raised concerns about the child's welfare at the time.

The 16-year-old girl read her victim impact statement in which she stated that the woman would drag her by the neck and painfully let her back down again.

This still causes me nightmares to this day, she continued before she added that she can recall the pain of having two black eyes from one attack.

She said on one occasion the woman painfully cut her hair back to her scalp and because of this she is still extremely anxious about getting her hair cut.

The teenager told the court that sometimes she was prevented from falling asleep, she would get beatings for taking biscuits and punched or kicked for no apparent reason.

I have physical scars on my back and others on my face and lip that I cannot explain, the girl continued.

She said she had been with her current foster family for nine years and was happy and secure there.

They are my role models. It is because of their love and care that I've become a strong person and I am optimistic for my future.

I now realise that parents should support and protect their children and not allow anyone else to hurt them.

She added that she asks herself how her father could remain in a relationship with a woman who was so cruel to his daughter and wonders why he never tried to contact her.

Judge Nolan said what happened to the girl was grotesquely wrong and that the woman had physically and mentally abused and neglected the child.

It was drilled into her that the cause of her beatings were her own fault, the judge said.

He said that the man's offence was not doing anything about what was happening to his daughter for whatever reason he chose not to see the signs or chose not to do anything about them. It was a serious moral failure and he had a particular obligation to look after her, Judge Nolan said.

The case had been adjourned overnight for Judge Nolan to consider sentence. He said today that he had initially believed that the couple were equally culpable but he had since changed his mind.

The actual abuse was committed by her so he is mildly less culpable, the judge said before he added He was the father of the child, the custodian of her care and well-being and he ignored those responsibilities.

Det. Gda Whelan said the child reported to doctors that the puncture marks were caused by thorns because she said she liked to climb. She attributed the other bruises and cuts to fights she got into with the neighbourhood children.

Her father's partner said that she bruised easily but a later blood test found this was not the case. The doctors concluded that the injuries were not accidental but were caused by physical assault.

A witness who attended the drug treatment centre with the woman was invited back to their home one evening. The following day she asked for help in reporting the case to a social worker when she witnessed the mistreatment of the child.

She later told gardai that she asked to see the little girl when the accused told her she minded her when the child's father was at work.

The accused told the witness that she often left the child standing in a corner and said that one occasion she left her standing for the day in the sitting room before moving her into the bedroom to continue standing. The accused claimed when the child started crying at 5am her father got out of bed and put her in a wardrobe.

When the witness saw the child, she was standing up in a nightdress in her bare feet, tied to a bedpost with the cord from a dressing gown. The accused started saying to the child that she had been trying to escape, the little girl backed away and started apologising saying I'm sorry Mammy before the woman hit her with her right hand.

Her brown eyes were looking up at me to do something, this witness later reported to gardai.

She said she offered to bring the child back to her home where she said she would give her a meal, but the accused refused and said she would leave her till her Dad comes home.

The woman said the accused told the child nobody wanted her and told her you'll be buried up the mountains, that's were you'll end up.

Det. Gda Whelan said the woman told gardai in interview that she had physically and emotionally abused the girl and admitted to putting make-up on her to disguise bruising when social workers visited.

I'm very sorry. I probably scared that child for life, she told officers.

The child's father admitted seeing marks but said it wasn't too serious nor did he see them very often. He said his partner was constantly complaining that the child was misbehaving and he felt it was wrong that she was disciplining her since she wasn't her mother.

Det. Gda Whelan said she believed the man was fully aware of what was going on.

George Burns BL, defending the woman, said his client first became addicted to heroin as a 26-year-old, the year before she met her co-accused. She is now on methadone and has issues with depression.

Counsel said his client was offering a contrite apology and she hoped that the teenager would reach her potential and not be affected by her harsh treatment of her in her younger years.

She was put in a situation of looking after a child when she was clearly not capable of looking after her, Mr Burns said.

Stephen Montgomery BL, defending the child's father, said his client loves his daughter and continues to love her. He had kept her clothes and toys from when she was baby. He had written a letter to the teenager.

He said he had not tried to contact her because he heard she was in a good home, in a good area and doing better than she had been doing with him.By Ann O'Loughlin

A couple have been released from custody after they apologised before the High Court today and purged their contempt over their failure to obey a High Court order to leave their home.

Linda Hussey Smith and her husband Gordon Smith walked free from the Four Courts after they agreed to comply with the court order to leave their home at Hamlet Avenue, Chieftain's Way, Balbriggan, Co Dublin.

Earlier at the High Court Mr Justice Tony O'Connor directed they be sent to Mountjoy Prison for contempt over their refusal to comply with the terms of an injunction obtained by KBC Bank Ireland Plc in March.

KBC obtained an order directing them to vacate their home on foot of a Circuit Court possession order the bank obtained in 2016.

The court heard in 2005 Mr Smith obtained a mortgage of 220,000 from the bank. He got into arrears and now owes KBC 275,000.

KBC went to execute the possession order for the property in February, but claimed its security staff were forced to leave after persons attacked them.

KBC then obtained a High Court injunction against the couple requiring them to vacate the dwelling by late March.

KBC said the couple did not leave and brought motions for alleged contempt against Mr and Mrs Smith.

The couple, representing themselves, had opposed the application and had asked for the injunction to be set aside.

In his ruling, Mr Justice O'Connor said the couple had refused, after being given a chance to obtain legal representation in the matter, to comply with the terms of the injunction.

After rejecting the Smith's arguments, the Judge ruled the couple be detained at the Bridewell Garda Station until an order directing their incarceration at Mountjoy until they purged their contempt was drawn up.

Within hours the couple returned to court, apologised, undertook not to return to the property, and purged their contempt.

The Judge also told the court comments allegedly posted on social media about the case by another person had been brought to his attention.

The Judge said the comments could amount to criminal contempt.Focus Ireland is calling on the Housing Minister to provide more clarity on the latest homeless figures.

According to the department, 9,681 people were homeless in March - a drop of 126 from the previous month.An activist who asked a Christian bakery to make a cake bearing a pro-gay marriage slogan did nothing wrong, his lawyer told the UK's Supreme Court.

The request at an Ashers branch in Belfast was within the firms ordinary course of business, Robin Allen QC said, but was refused on grounds of religious conscience, prompting a mammoth legal battle.

Another lawyer, for Ashers owners the McArthur family, told the UKs highest court the state was penalising them after they were found to have discriminated by refusing in 2014 to make the product iced with the slogan Support Gay Marriage.

The order was placed by gay rights activist Gareth Lee.

Gay rights activist Gareth Lee arrives at court (Brian Lawless/PA)

It is not the case that Mr Lee was doing anything wrong or unusual or strange in bringing in that logo and asking for it to be iced.

He would not have known that it was outside the ordinary course of business for Ashers.

Outside court bakery owners Daniel and Amy McArthur warned the law risked extinguishing their consciences.

Ashers bakery in Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said it was a case of forced or compelled speech on the states part.

Mr and Mrs McArthur have been penalised by the state in the form of the judgment at the County Court for failing through their family company to create and provide a product bearing an explicit slogan Support Gay Marriage to which they have a genuine objection in conscience.

The court, sitting in Belfast, heard the start of the two-day case on Tuesday. The five judges were Lord Hodge, Lord Mance, Lady Hale, Lord Kerr and Lady Black.

The Ashers legal battle has run for four years and attracted enormous attention.

A man holds a placard quoting the Bible outside the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA)

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK or Ireland where same-sex marriage is outlawed, with Theresa Mays DUP allies staunch opponents of the practice.

Controversy first flared when Mr Lee, a member of the LGBT advocacy group Queer Space, requested a cake featuring Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie for a private function marking International Day Against Homophobia.

His order was accepted and he paid in full but, two days later, the company called to say it could not proceed due to the message requested.

Mr Scoffield said the McArthur family were being forced to use their skills, trade and experience for a purpose inconsistent with their beliefs and claimed they must: Choose between operating their businesses or living and acting in accordance with their religious beliefs and we say that cannot be the law.

- Press AssociationA High Court judge has criticised media commentary which he said described sentencing in rape cases as opaque and not transparent.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt made his remarks yesterday during the sentencing of a man who sexually molested his 13-year-old cousin when he was aged 15.

He jailed the 30-year-old man for 14 months after citing a Court of Appeal decision which reduced the headline sentence for rape from four years to two years and six months on the basis of that man's immature age at the time of the attack.

He said that media commentary that suggested sentencing was opaque and not transparent was incorrect and that sentencing was based firmly on Court of Appeal decisions.

He referred to the case DPP v J. H., which involved a 23-year-old accused who was 15 when he orally raped an 11-year-old girl. Last July, the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence imposed by Mr Justice Hunt, ultimately reducing it, after other mitigating factors, to 18 months with six suspended.

In its ruling the court stated that what is relevant in the context of sentencing is the fact that the appellant, although now an adult, committed the crimes in question when he was fifteen years old.

A sentencing court is required to access the offenders level of maturity at the time of the commission of the offence and to accordingly access his culpability as of that time.

The court continued that while it was impossible to know how a court would have dealt with the offender had he been prosecuted as a 15-year-old boy, there is a likelihood...that any period of detention imposed would have been in the region of 12 months, followed by a period of supervision, such as is provided for in...the Children Act 2001.

In this week's case a father of two had pleaded not guilty to five charges of sexual assault and one charge of attempted rape at a house in Dublin on a date in June or July of 2003. After a trial at the Central Criminal Court a jury convicted him of two charges of sexual assault.

Mr Justice Hunt imposed concurrent sentences of 14 months and seven months for both offences. As well as his age at the time, the judge also noted the man's history of employment, his education achievements and the fact that he has young children.

Colman Cody SC, defending, told the court that his client continues to claim that the sexual contact between the two had been consensual but pointed out that as the victim was a child at the time the defence of consent is not available to my client.

Mr Justice Hunt said there was an absence of genuine remorse shown for his offending or for claims made to gardai that impugned the complainant.

Mr Justice Hunt said that the offending in the J.H. case was of a more serious nature than the case before him but that the defendant in J.H. had pleaded guilty.

When contacted by gardai in 2013, J.H. described his actions as experimental and said he was very sorry for what had occurred.

The Court of Appeal stated that the sentencing judge in J.H. did not sufficiently discount the headline sentence on the basis of the appellants young age and lack of maturity at the time when the offences were committed.

It is noteworthy that s. 52 of the Children Act 2001 provides that, firstly, a child aged under twelve years is incapable of committing an offence, and, secondly, that there is a rebuttable presumption that a child aged between twelve and fourteen years did not have the capacity to know that the act or omission concerned was wrong.

These legislative provisions help to place the culpability of a fifteen year old in context.

The complainant in this case, who lived abroad with her family at the time, had been in Ireland on a visit. She made a complaint to police in her own country in 2014, the gardai were alerted and the man was brought in for questioning. He totally denied the allegations, claiming that the woman was  prone to invention and making unreal statements.

The detective investigating the case agreed with Conor Devally SC, prosecuting, that seven days before the trial he was provided with a statement from the accused outlining an entirely new narrative of events.

He said the accused then admitted that he had both fondled the teenager's breasts and performed oral sex on her. He claimed their relationship had developed over the course of her visit to Ireland which had led to intimacy between them.

He claimed that the girl was the forward person in this relationship rather than himself.

At a sentencing hearing in March the woman read from her victim statement in which she said she was exhausted.

This process has taken everything from me. Today I am handing it back to you, the woman said referring to the accused.

I am full of anger, full of questions. I was a child and your cousin and that was not enough to make you stop. I wonder what my life as a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old, a 16-year-old and beyond would have been like had I not had to carry this, the woman continued.

You had taken from me what you wanted and gave me shame and pain that I've had to carry with me.

"The impact didn't last one night or the three weeks of the trial, it lasted a life. It lasted my life, she said.

She said she had not been sexually provocative at the time, as she said the man's version of events had suggested. She spoke of the abuse stamping out the fire in my spirit, that she changed afterwards and was later treated for post traumatic stress disorder and depression.

The woman said she couldn't dare tell her family as she was afraid of not being believed. She said she worried how it would affect her mother's relationship with her own family.

I wanted to die but I chose to survive. I chose to tell the truth. You chose to assault me. You chose to make no amends for it. You chose to lie about it. You chose to plead not guilty. You put everyone through this. It is all at your door. This is your burden to carry, not mine, yours, the woman continued.

She said the accused had made her out to be a fantasist, an obsessive, a weirdo and a liar and suggested to the jury that she would get pleasure seeing an innocent man on trial, a suggestion which she described as ludicrous.

The woman also mentioned how the man had said horrible things about her family. How her father had to hear the details of what had happened to her in evidence and that her sister and her mother had tears running down their faces during the trial.

She concluded her statement saying that she was deeply grateful to the jury for wading through this fog.

It was worth it. You are a convicted man. My single hope is that no woman is hurt by you again, the woman said.Update 2pm: European Union chief negotiator Michel Barnier says the peace process in Northern Ireland has to be maintained after Brexit.

Mr Barnier is on the second of a two day visit to Ireland and has spoken about his desire to avoid a hard border.

He says there will be no Brexit deal, if there is no deal on this.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (right) is shown the scene of the Bloody Sunday massacre, while on a walk about in Derry city. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Mr Barnier says the Good Friday Agreement is being taken into account in future plans for the EU: "This week the European Commission will propose the new framework for the future financial prospective...and I can tell you that we are ready to maintain the peace programme."

Mr Barnier walked the historic walls of Derry and was shown the Bogside area of the city where British soldiers opened fire on Bloody Sunday.

He was given a whirlwind tour after a meeting with businesses and cross-border groups in the Guildhall.

A guide walked with Mr Barnier and gave him a brief history of the city, pointing out the Bogside from the top of the city walls.

Thirteen people died when members of the Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in 1972. A 14th person died later.

All those killed on Bloody Sunday were later pronounced innocent by a public inquiry led by Lord Saville, and then-prime minister David Cameron said the killings were unjustified and unjustifiable.

Among those in the meeting with Mr Barnier before his short tour, was Dr Malachy O'Neill, Provost of the Magee Campus, Ulster University.

Dr O'Neill said Mr Barnier was very "forthright", adding that they had a "very frank open discussion", which he said was very useful to everyone in the room.

He said implications for research funding was discussed in the meeting, which lasted about one hour.

"I think he's minded to come up with a solution that works best for the unique scenario that we have in this region.

"We're as positive as we can be in, I suppose, what's an overall negative situation," he said.

Mr Barnier said he was delighted to be in the "historic and vibrant" city of Derry, and said he had already enjoyed a walk on the Peace Bridge.

Earlier: Bad manners for Unionist MEPs to snub EU's Michel Barnier - Sinn Fein

Unionist MEPs have been accused of "bad manners" for not meeting the EU's Brexit negotiator during a visit to Northern Ireland.

Michel Barnier was greeted in Derry's historic Guildhall by Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson, who suggested that the DUP's Diane Dodds and Ulster Unionist Jim Nicholson were failing to represent the unionist people by "snubbing" Mr Barnier.

Ms Anderson also said the DUP would "not be too put out" if there was a harder border on the island of Ireland, something they may regard as a "job done", she suggested.

Speaking before a meeting with Mr Barnier, she was asked about the absence of the unionist MEPs.

"I think it's unfortunate that they haven't turned up. The parliament is not open today.

"The European Parliament is closed, so there's no reason why both of the MEPs from the unionist population shouldn't be here.

"All three of us should be maximising the opportunity when Michel Barnier is in our constituency.

I think it's political bad manners that the MEPs - and I have to say the two council leads from the DUP and UUP - were both invited here this morning, and neither of them have turned up.

"I don't think really when you have a chief negotiator coming from the EU that it's a good signal to send out because I don't think it's representative of the people, the protestant, unionist, loyalist people, who would want their own representatives taking the opportunity to express their views," she said.

Diane Dodds.

Asked why she thought they did not attend, Ms Anderson said: "On the one hand, while they say they don't want a hard border in Ireland, I think what it does do is send a signal to the constituencies that are living adjacent to the border that maybe they don't care too much whether there would be a hard border or not on this island, because he is coming to the border constituencies, rightly so because the entire focus of the European Parliament and the negotiations is about Ireland.

"And we're hearing that the withdrawal agreement could collapse if there is not an agreement about Ireland, so he needs to come to the areas that are going to be most affected by that.

"And whilst the DUP and the UUP are telling us that they don't want a hard border in Ireland, there is another trend of thought that believes that particularly the DUP, who didn't vote for the Good Friday Agreement, didn't support it, will not be too put out if it is undermined in all of its parts.

"They will not be too put out if there is a harder border here in Ireland and it reinforces partition.

"And for some of them, particularly their MPs, they may view that as a job done."

Last week, Mrs Dodds and Mr Nicholson issued a joint statement welcoming Mr Barnier's visit but expressed disappointment that it was announced by a Sinn Fein MP.

Mrs Dodds said she had already committed to meetings in London and could not meet him.

She told the BBC's Sunday Politics: "Michel Barnier is the negotiator for the EU 27. I am delighted that he is coming to Northern Ireland.

"I was told by the EU Commission that this was an opportunity to meet stakeholders and not politicians.

"I certainly meet Michel Barnier on a very regular basis and debate with him in the Strasbourg chamber.

She also said the DUP met him in Brussels "a few weeks ago" and insisted it was important to have "input" at the Brexit discussions in London.

Asked about the EU maintaining peace funding in Northern Ireland, Mr Barnier said: "I think that we must, and we have to maintain co-operation between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and in particular to maintain the peace programme."

He said the European Commission will propose a new framework this week for future financial plans.

"And I can tell you that we are ready to maintain the peace programme," he said.

Mr Barnier said he was delighted to be in the "historic and vibrant" city of Derry, and said he had already enjoyed a walk on the Peace Bridge.

The EU chief negotiator was in the city to meet with business leaders.

- PABy Olivia Kelleher

The Cervical Check controversy could be just the "tip of the iceberg" according to Limerick woman, Vicky Phelan, who says that all of our screening programmes need to be looked at as soon as possible.

Speaking on Cork's Red FM Ms Phelan said that she would advise women to go for all of their smears and mammograms as they are vital. However, she admits she is worried about our cancer screening programmes in general in this country given what happened to her.

She has heard of cases of delayed detections in other forms of cancer and says that screening for all forms of the disease ought to be thoroughly examined.

Vicky has also encouraged women to go for private smears in addition to the Cervical Check programme.

"Please continue to go for smears. You can (also) pay for a private smear. I would encourage women to be honest to go more often. I think three years is too long. Pay for a private smear if you have any concerns.

"The thing to look out for in my case is bleeding between periods, dull lower back pain that doesn't go away and if you bleed after sex. If you bleed after sex 100% go to the doctor. What I don't want is women not going for smears. Cervical screening does save lives."

The mother of two, who lives in Annacotty, Co Limerick says that gagging and confidentiality orders following a delayed diagnosis should be illegal.

"Professor (John) Shepherd was on Morning Ireland or Drive Time and he said in the UK doctors are legally obliged to tell patients if a mistake has been made. There is full open disclosure and that is what we need in this country.

"Because of the legal nature of our country they (doctors) are scared stiff of being sued. But in all fairness as a doctor wouldn't you think you would have a moral and ethical obligation to tell your patients if you had made a mistake?"

Speaking on the Neil Prendeville show Ms Phelan said that gardai should be called in because her situation was covered up for so long. She stated that the system is rotten to the core."

"I think it should be a criminal investigation at this stage because of the fact that it has been covered up for in my case three years. This is only the tip of the iceberg. They are talking about these 208 women at the moment that they are looking in to.

"The English Times has a headline today about the 1,500. Since the programme was established 1,500 women have been diagnosed with cervical cancer. I think all of those cases need to be looked at.

"The review was carried out internally by the same lab that carried out these smears so an external

review needs to be carried out on all 1,500 cases of women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer. Because I don't think that 208 figure is correct. I wouldn't trust it."

Ms Phelan said she worries that a tribunal would only lead to a silencing of questions and media reportage which would "suit the HSE." However, she stresses that if it is the only way to get criminal proceedings brought in she would "welcome it."

She insisted that individuals in the HSE should "consider their position."

"Do we ever see anybody at the very top of these organisations being pushed out? It just doesn't happen."

Vicky also expressed frustration that the US lab who carried out the testing in her case are still doing tests.

She said that she planned to continue to soldier on in her fight against the condition.

"I told her (my daughter) I am going to keep on fighting. I said that I took the court case for money to go on the treatments. I shouldn't have to spend all my money on treatments. I would rather spend it on treatments and be here."

Vicky told of the difficulties involved in the taking of the case and the resultant media coverage.

"It has been very hard. I had to think hard about the pro's and con's and I knew my family would suffer as a result of it because of the publicity. I thought I would be on the news for maybe a day or two after the case.

Never in a million years would I have dreamed that this would have led off such a scandal. I never expected this type of public attention. My kids said 'everyone was asking in school about you.'

"Both of them have been very upset because it is making it real for them. They knew I was sick but I have had cancer before and I have recovered."

Vicky said she isn't angry anymore and can't "do anger."

"You can't change it. You can't change that diagnosis. I wish I could and I wish I had a magic wand. Anger gets you nowhere. I know that from previous things that happened. We have had a lot of trauma in our lives.

"My daughter was very badly burned and actually spent six weeks in hospital in Cork. That was worse than any of this. She got very badly burned. A spark from the fire escaped and caught the back of her dress.

"I could see the fireball running in to the kitchen. That was worse than anything. They were years from hell and that was just the years before I was diagnosed with cancer.

"I have had a lot thrown at me in my life. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. As long as my kids are happy and I am here that is all I want. I want a normal life at home with my kids enjoying the small things. We only appreciate those when something bad happens you."

Vicky says a move to HPV testing is vital and should be fast-tracked. She claims the HSE "got off the hook" in terms of the settlement she received from her case.

"The lab were held solely responsible for misreading my smear and for my diagnosis and they paid out my settlement with no admission of liability."

During her sickness she had to fundraise for treatment because she didn't know how long the trial

would take.

"Most of these clinical trials cost a quarter of a million dollars upwards. I don't have that kind of money. The drugs I am on are nine thousand a shot."

Vicky also says she is amazed that the Director General of the HSE, Tony OBrien, claims he only heard about the case from the media. She said she found that "hard to believe."

Ms Phelan said treatment for cervical cancer is very gruelling. One of her treatments included a radiation therapy which involves three epidurals in 10 days, and the insertion of an application up your vagina where rods are attached and they radiate what is left within your body.

"It is horrendous. It is a horrible cancer to get. I would encourage people to go for smears. Because you do not want to get it."

HIQA is set to investigate the controversy. They will also review other screening programmes to ensure that there are no similar issues. The HSE has said that it is working hard to restore confidence in the Cervical Check programme.Paula Hynes swapped her farm and family in Cork to spend almost three weeks with the Maasai in Kenya for a show on RTE tonight, writes Helen OCallaghan

WHEN the TV producer arrived on Paula Hyness Co Cork farm on a June Saturday, he had to help her cover the silage, before she had time to talk to him.

An extra pair of hands is welcome, when youre putting tyres and plastic on the silage pit, says Paula, 38, who works with her husband, Peter, on their Aherla farm, near Cork city.

The couple had won Farmer of the Year just weeks earlier, so Paula seemed a natural candidate for The Hardest Harvest, a three-part documentary about an Irish farmer, forester, and fisherman travelling to the harshest of environments in the worlds poorest countries.

Mum to Chloe, 14, Becky, 11, and Georgina, 4, Paula lives for her family and for her cows (the couple milk 180), whom she calls her ladies  she can name each on sight. A home bird, Paula had been abroad just twice  a Paris weekend with Peter and a Lanzarote honeymoon 16 years ago. The documentary would mean travelling 7,000km to sub-Saharan Africa.

When asked if shed be interested, Paula was taken aback. I thought Jaysus, Africa! but also why not? Whats the harm in auditioning? Itd be a bit of craic, and, with three daughters, the least I could do is audition, try out, show them what you can do. I never in a million years thought Id be picked.

When she heard shed been selected, she was stuck to the ground. I was like Shit, Im going. I was in panic mode. It meant a whole labour unit off the farm. The kids still had to be brought to school and my 81-year-old father having to do without me for two-and-a-half weeks. Peter and I have been together 25 years. Weve never been apart, aside from when I was having the kids.

The prospect of leaving her children was daunting, but, after some emotional weeks, Paula said her goodbyes and, last November, set off for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and on to Nairobi. Arriving into Nairobis heat, she didnt know what was ahead of her, except shed be living and working with a farming community.

Packed into two jeeps, she and the film crew set off for three hours, across southern Kenyas drought-stricken plains, their destination a remote Massai tribe in Maparasha. Towns of metal sheds and shanty houses became fewer.

The landscape was just brown, barren, no stitch of growth, just dust rising. After the last shanty town, we went on a dirt road, all humps and bumps. There was a man herding camels. It was half-an-hour to our destination.

At the boma (mud-hut enclosure, ringed by thorn-bush), the elder women did a welcome dance and presented Paula with jewellery. The chiefs son was her guide. I was totally in the dark about what tasks Id be doing, until the morning of the day Id be doing them.

Her first task was accompanying the men to graze the cows; Maasai women dont do this.

The chief picks five men to be responsible for the cows that day. These boys follow the cows for eight hours, as they look for grass. They protect them from wild animals. The cows pick away at weeds; my ladies would turn up their noses.

Its such a contrast, the harsh reality of how they live and Ireland, where you let cows into a field and they eat grass.

Paula missed her own herd dreadfully and it broke her heart to see cows so weakened from lack of nourishment they were dropping dead.

The Massai just love their cows. Theyre sacred to them. When a cow dropped down, the men would pick something and bring it to her, but, at that stage, most were beyond saving. I definitely saw 10 or 12 die. I cried in front of them some days. Other days, I cried alone.

Some tasks were tough: hunting with spear and knife, and killing a warthog for food for the dogs, and sacrificing a goat for a granddads birthday. The most satisfying task, bonding Paula closely with the women, was building her own hut.

The women handed me a strap and machete. We went four kilometres into the forest. They showed me how to cut down branches, Paula says.

After transporting the sticks on their backs to the boma, Paula and the women dug foundations, built walls, and returned to the forest for thinner, springier branches for the roof. Plaster was a mix of earth, cow pats, ashes and water, flung at the sticks.

One thing driving me to fulfil every task was this sense the men didnt think Id be able, but the women never doubted me for a second.

THE womens strength is phenomenal. Up at 5am, they milk cows/goats and make the mens tea. They collect all firewood, build houses, do all the washing. They walk 5km for water, ferrying 25-litre drums back on their heads.

They do this every day. They cook and they rear children. The gender divide is clear. The men just mind the cows. The chief and elder men sit around all day talking. When I went grazing with the men, the chief gave me a hunting knife. Massai women arent allowed one. Women from other boma came up, saying Why has she got that knife? She shouldnt have?

Connecting with her female hosts required no common language. We communicated by helping each other. I bonded with those women so much, I felt closer to them than to people Ive known all my life, Paula says. She now she has a Kenyan family and hopes to return this year. When I was leaving, two women said they were pregnant and looking forward to me meeting their babies next time I come.

Back home in Aherla now, she appreciates the conveniences: a water tap, a light switch, a state-of-the-art milking parlour.

Before buying something, I ask: do I really need this? Her Kenyan family are often on her mind. Last week came news Nairobis main river burst its banks. The ground is so hard, theres nowhere for the water to go, just straight on top to flood everything. I worry about them. I never thought I could connect with complete strangers in such a deep way.

The Hardest Harvest, RTE One, tonight at 9.35pm.In advance of her appearance at Lismore, Katherine Rundell tells Marjorie Brennan how her childhood in Africa has inspired so many of her stories.

PRODIGIOUSLY talented is a description that doesnt quite seem to do justice to the achievements of Katherine Rundell. She had barely dipped a toe in adulthood herself when she wrote her first novel for children, The Girl Savage. The book, which she wrote when she was 21, drew on her own experience of growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe.

Its publication was all the more impressive given that she wrote it as she was commencing a seven-year fellowship at All Souls College in Oxford. She has also written plays, has just finished a documentary and is a regular contributor to British newspapers and radio. For Rundell, words are sustenance and this all-

encompassing love of language and books is something she is passionate about passing on to others.

I didnt read until I was six. When I did, it suddenly clicked, I remember reading like I was hungry, reading anything  stuff I didnt understand at all. I read The Hobbit over and over but also books like Jane Eyre, without really getting any of what it was really about. Those gothic emotions and sexual tension went completely over my head at the age of seven, but I found something to love in everything I read.

If you ask a kid what they love about a book they may find it hard to articulate, but the love they feel for it is so strong at that age. I was like that, just bowled over by the potential in books.

Rundell, now 30, went on to win the 2014 Waterstones prize for childrens fiction for Rooftoppers, about a young girls search for her missing mother over the rooftops of Paris. The 5,000 prize money went towards a trip to the Amazon, which inspired her latest book The Explorer.

It tells the story of four children fighting for survival in the Amazon rainforest and won the prestigious Costa childrens book prize earlier this year. She will discuss The Explorer and her other work at the Towers and Tales childrens book festival in Lismore, Co Waterford, this weekend.

Rundells own childhood could come straight from the pages of a rollicking childrens adventure. She was born in England but moved to Zimbabwe, her mothers home country, as a child, returning to live in Brussels when she was 14.

I guess in Zim, you are always on the edge of the wild. You go to a shopping centre and monkeys will try to steal your groceries. We were 45 minutes from a wonderful game park, and at 12 I was allowed to drive the car there. You could ride horses among zebras and up to giraffes... it felt like being given a gift, and even at that age I knew how lucky I was. I had friends in England who werent riding with zebras.

I was living in a world that was staggering, if you were lucky enough to see it. I wanted in my books to show parts of the world kids mightnt necessarily get to, whether that was Zimbabwe or the Amazon or wild Russia. I want to give them another slice of life.

Rundell says she cannot remember a time when she didnt write but it was the words of a teacher that gave her the belief that she had a future as a writer.

I always wrote, from when I could first scribble. When I was about 14, after a creative writing exercise, one of my teachers wrote on it, I look forward to reading your first novel. Im sure he said it to encourage me but it was such a kind thing for an adult to say. I was honoured by it and when my first novel came out I wrote to him with a copy and he was lovely about it. I was so grateful to him.

ACCORDING to Rundell, this illustrates the importance of the words we choose to use with children.

Children can remember things much more vividly than adults  you have to take so much care. Obviously you have to be realistic but Ive been at schools where teachers talk about how difficult it is to be a writer and how unlikely it is one will get a book published. While on the one hand thats true, I feel children can find that out later. If they want to be writers it might be better to tell them to keep going, that if they have a story to tell they can be a writer. And they can.

Rundell says she feels a huge sense of responsibility as a childrens author.

Joan Aiken, who wrote The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, has this beautiful book about writing where she says because youre writing for children theres a good chance yours will be the first book they read all the way through, that you can be the first chapter book they love. That is such a responsibility, writing something that doesnt tell easy emotional untruths, that isnt sloppy with language. We need rigour in language because without that we cant think through complex ideas  how can we think about death or God if we dont have a sophisticated way of talking about them?

When it comes to recommending her own favourite childhood reads to the children she meets, Rundell has deployed a novel tactic in the past.

A writer who is still read but is not as wildly famous as she should be is Diana Wynne Jones, who wrote Howls Moving Castle which was made into a film by Studio Ghibli in Japan. She also wrote a brilliant book called Charmed Life. When I visited a lot of schools, I would say to kids, if you read Charmed Life and you dont like it, write to me and Ill send you some chocolate. I got one letter form a kid saying Ive read it, I dont like it, send me some chocolate. I would also get letters from kids saying Ive read Charmed Life and I hated it NOT! It was so adorable. That remains the book I try to make children read.

Rundell is looking forward to meeting some of her Irish-based readers when she visits Lismore. She finds writing for a younger audience very rewarding and revels in their honesty and openness.

They dont laugh at your jokes unless they think they are funny, they can be quite ruthless. They are great readers. The books I read when I was that age shaped me for the rest of my life. When kids care, they care so much that they shake with it. It is a great honour to write for children that age. Sometimes you get wonderful things, theyve done pictures or leave letters on your signing table. Those are always special moments, the ones you cherish.

Katherine Rundell appears at Towers and Tales festival in Lismore, Co Waterford on Friday and Saturday. towersandtales.ie

Other highlights at Towers and Tales in Lismore

Bold Girls launch event, Pugin Hall, Friday, 6.30pm:

Authors Katherine Rundell and Celine Kiernan discuss what it means to be a bold girl. Bold Girls is an initiative by Childrens Books Ireland marking the centenary of womens suffrage this year and aims to show girls female characters in childrens books with agency and power.

A World of Colour, Summerhouse Cafe, Saturday, 11am-5pm:

An exhibition of work by illustrator Chris Haughton, author of Goodnight Everyone. Young visitors can enjoy a worksheet as they explore the exhibition. All day event (11am to 5pm)

Knock for a Story, Lismore Castle Courtyard, Saturday, 11am-5pm:

A fun, interactive event where a host of festival artists will recite engaging short stories to an audience of six people.

Fairytales in Gothic Halls, Pugin Hall, Saturday, 12pm:

Deirdre Sullivan and Karen Vaughan, creators of Tangleweed and Brine, present feminist retellings of traditional fairytales in the suitably neo-gothic surroundings of Pugin Hall.

The Whole Story with Eoin Colfer, Saturday, 4pm:

Eoin Colfer

Former Laureate na nOg and one of Irelands best-known childrens authors Eoin Colfer (above) weaves his storytelling spell as he takes the audience on a journey through his own childhood and his books.On any given day, Yemen, Syria, Hezbollah, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, the Kurds, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and the US are involved in armed conflicts in the Middle East, writes Carlos Pascual

IN THE Middle East, all eyes are fixed on Syrias ongoing carnage and the international response to the latest chemical attack by Bashar al-Assads regime.

But if the United States seeks stability in the region, it needs a strategy to contain Irans threats to its neighbours. The most effective place to start defies conventional wisdom: It is building an international coalition for a ceasefire in Yemen.

The time to act is now, in advance of the May 12 deadline for the Iran nuclear deal.

If US President Donald Trump withdraws from the agreement, sanctions will be re-imposed on importers of Iranian crude oil.

I led the 2012 negotiations to impose oil sanctions on Iran. Re-imposing these sanctions will be harder and is likely to make them less effective, potentially undermining the kind of international consensus needed to check Irans strategic encirclement of the region.

Travel to the Middle East and you will hear that Iran has surrounded the region through proxies in Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon (through Hezbollah).

In neighbouring states, the complaint about the Iran nuclear agreement is about imminent threats: It does not stop Iran from fuelling war in Yemen, fighting Assads battles in Syria, controlling politics and security in Iraq, and supporting Hezbollah as a weapon of terror. Containing Iran, many argue, is the first step toward a stable Middle East.

Then why start with Yemen? On November 4, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile, believed to be Iranian-sourced, at the Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadhs Patriot anti-missile system failed to bring it down. By luck it missed its target. But the risk became clear. A Houthi missile that strikes Saudi Arabia will be seen as an Iranian attack and could draw the entire Middle East into war.

Of all the Middle East conflicts, the war in Yemen most sharply pits Iran against Saudi Arabia. Irans support has definitively shaped Houthi military capabilities.

In 2015, Saudi King Salman and his son and defence minister Mohammed bin Salman (who since June 2017 has also been the crown prince) launched their first military venture to counter the Houthis in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia sees Yemen as a defining point for regional power, spending $5bn-$6bn a month on Yemen. If at any point the war goes beyond Yemeni proxies to a Saudi-Iranian confrontation, it is hard to see how the escalation stops.

No one gains from a wider conflict. A regional war could undermine Saudi Arabias efforts at historic internal transformation. In Iran, spending on regional forays sparked desperation over continuing austerity, recently unleashed in national protests.

Amidst a wider war, Syria may deteriorate further into sectarian conflict, and entrench Russias dominant external role. The irony in Yemen is that both Saudi Arabia and Iran can claim victory if there is a ceasefire.

Russia, the United States, Israel, Turkey, China and the European Union would have every reason to work together to achieve this goal.

For the United States, now is the moment to consolidate these foundations into an international coalition on Yemen, pivoting from fighting Islamic State and chemical strikes in Syria, to building a diplomatic initiative that gets regional antagonists to work on a problem they can solve.

But to succeed, Washington needs to keep all the players at the table  a challenge that will grow more complicated with Trumps expected decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement.

Why would oil sanctions be harder to impose now than in 2012? In 2012, the EU, China and Russia agreed that Irans nuclear programme was a threat. Today, they believe that the nuclear agreement on Iran  the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action  keeps Irans nuclear programme in check.

To bring the nuclear agreement into force, among other actions, Iran had to reduce its uranium stockpiles by 98% to under 300 kg (about 660 pounds) for 15 years, reduce its centrifuges from 20,000 to 6,104, cease uranium enrichment at the underground Fordow facility, and allow the International Atomic Energy Agency continuous access for 15 years.

As recently as March 5, the IAEA certified that Iran is meeting its commitments. Resuming sanctions on countries that import Iranian crude would violate US obligations under the JCPOA, potentially giving Iran an excuse to rebuild its nuclear programme.

In sanctions 2.0, we should expect some countries to comply minimally because they fear the penalties, not out of conviction. For example, in 2012 the EU banned all Iranian imports, but today we should expect the bloc to take advantage of a legislative provision that would allow it to reduce Iranian oil imports in increments of about 20%.

China has concentrated all Iranian petroleum transactions through already sanctioned entities, in effect insulating itself from further sanctions, so expect China to bargain for another 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) that others will not take.

Both in 2011 and in 2017, Iran exported about 2.5m bpd. At its peak, the 2012 sanctions reduced Irans oil exports by 1.4m bpd.

For 2018, we might expect a net reduction of 300,000 bpd  even assuming all countries besides China cut an unprecedented 25%. Over time these reductions would compound and hurt, but they would not rattle Iran in 2018.

On any given day, Yemen, Syria, Hezbollah, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, the Kurds, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and the United States are involved in armed conflicts in the Middle East, and all could get worse.

A ceasefire in Yemen is not a panacea but a starting point  the one place where virtually all actors could find a reason to call a ceasefire a victory  and where diplomacy could constrain Iran at least in one part of the region.

Carlos Pascual was the US state department coordinator for international energy affairs who led the negotiations to impose sanctions on Irans oil exports in 2012. He is senior vice president for global energy and international affairs at IHS Markit. He served as US ambassador to Mexico and Ukraine. @carlosepascualA spurned former City worker who posted pictures of a female intern on pornographic websites has been jailed for 16 weeks.

Davide Buccheri, 25, was also ordered to pay 5,000 in compensation to his victim for the seven-month campaign against her after she rejected his romantic advances.

Buccheri, of Bologna, Italy, took photos from her social media and uploaded them alongside pornographic pictures of other women, before telling company bosses at the M&G investment firm where they both worked in an attempt to discredit her.

The London School of Economics graduate was convicted of harassment at Westminster Magistrates Court last Friday.

Passing sentence at the court today, District Judge Richard Blake said: I was sure that you, having been spurned by her in a very professional and gentle and understanding way, set about on a course of revenge against her.

The 25-year-old has returned to live in Bologna (Yui Mok/PA)

This is a 21st century sort of revenge in that you invoked the powers of the internet and social media.

She will live forevermore with the fear that someone will Google her name and some ghastly website will come up and she will be reminded of the offences that you invoked.

The Italian nationals campaign was waged between September 2016 and May 2017, when the victim was a university student, the court previously heard.

The former City analyst was on a salary of 44,000 and even received a bonus of 60,000 in 2016, the court heard.

But, since leaving the company, only child Buccheri has returned to Bologna to live with his parents, cannot find work, has lost contact with friends, and has been left with just 60 in his bank account.

The judge added: I recognise that this is a tragedy for you. I still have in mind the image of your father at the back of the court. I am sure this is not the way your parents expected your future to go.

You are a young man and youre clearly highly intelligent. The consequence of this is to destroy your career as it stood at the time of these events.

The court heard from a probation report how Buccheri was besotted with the victim and framed in his mind a romantic attachment when he met her.

But this was rejected at an early stage, prompting Buccheri to attempt to pursue it further, which saw his repeated advances met with rejection throughout.

Buccheri previously admitted being romantically interested but denied uploading the photos, saying he was only looking at them because he was concerned about the companys reputation.

Defending, Emily Baxter said: It is clear he developed a complete infatuation with her.

He did not have the social skills to know what to do with that or the thinking skills to assess the consequences of his actions, or the skills to deal with the rejection that he felt when she politely turned him down.

She added that the defendant still harbours hopes of working in finance, but would struggle to find work in the sector as M&G is so omnipresent.

- Press AssociationWorkers and activists have marked May Day with rallies to demand their governments address labour issues.

International Workers' Day is a public holiday in many countries, though activities are restricted in some places, sometimes leading to confrontations.

Here is a look at some of the events around the world:

Turkey

Police in Istanbul detained more than a dozen demonstrators who tried to march towards Istanbul's symbolic main square in defiance of a ban.

Turkey declared Taksim Square off-limits to May Day celebrations citing security concerns. Roads leading to the square were blocked and police allowed only small groups of labour union representatives to lay wreaths at a monument there.

Still, a group of some 25 people chanting "Taksim cannot be off limits on May 1" tried to push their way into the square but were rounded up by riot police.

Taksim holds a symbolic value for Turkey's labour movement. In 1977, 34 people were killed there during a May Day event when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.

Philippines

Protesters, mostly workers march towards the Presidential Palace during the global commemoration of Labor Day in Manila, Philippines. Pic: AP Photo/Bullit Marquez

About 5,000 people from various groups rallied near the presidential palace in Manila.

They were protesting over the failure of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfil a major campaign promise to end contractualisation, the widespread practice of short-term employment.

The protesters also demanded that the government address issues including low wages, unemployment and trade union repression.

South Korea

Thousands of labour union members rallied in central Seoul for a higher minimum wage and other demands.

They chanted slogans urging the government to implement a 10,000 won (6.82) minimum wage and convert all non-regular employees to regular workers with equal pay and treatment.

The rally was organised by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. The police estimated the crowd at 10,000 people.

The union members also demanded that the government scrap the restructuring of the shipbuilding and car industries, and reform the huge conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy.

Indonesia

Indonesian workers shout slogans during a May Day rally in Jakarta, Indonesia. Pic: AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim

About 10,000 workers from various labour groups rallied near the presidential palace in Jakarta to voice their demands.

Most of the workers came from Jakarta and nearby suburbs, but some travelled from West Java and Surabaya.

The protesters urged the government to avoid outsourcing, and to raise their wages. They also asked the government to stop foreign labourers from working in Indonesia, saying it decreases employment opportunities for local workers.

Cambodia

About 2,000 garment workers gathered at a park in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, for a rally organised by a garment union coalition.

The workers wanted to march to the National Assembly to urge politicians to help them address labour-related concerns, but the group was stopped by riot police.

Prime Minister Hun Sun spent May Day with some 5,000 garment workers just outside Phnom Penh. He thanked the workers by announcing that each of them will receive 50,000 riel (9.18).

With a general election coming up in July, Mr Hun Sen has for the past year been courting the large bloc of garment workers, whose unions have traditionally been strong supporters of the opposition.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's government has postponed the rallies and processions that mark May Day because the week-long celebrations of the national festival of Vesak carry on until May 2 this year.

The government said in a statement that the decision was taken following requests by leading Buddhist monks, who are very influential in the majority Buddhist country. Vesak is also known as Buddha Purnima and marks the enlightenment of Lord Buddha.

The government has asked political parties and trade unions not to hold rallies on May 1. Some have said they will ignore the government directive and mark the day.

Usually, Sri Lankan political parties and trade unions celebrate International Workers' Day with colourful parades and giant rallies to showcase their political and organisational strength.

The government said it will mark International Workers' Day on May 7.

Greece

Protesters holding banners and flags sing during a rally organized by the Communist-affiliated PAME labor union outside the Greek parliament, in central Athens. Pic: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris

Thousands of Greeks marched through central Athens in at least three separate May Day demonstrations.

Museums were also shut while ferries remain were tied up in port and public transport operated on a reduced schedule in strikes marking labour day.

Police said at least 7,000 people were at the first demonstration in Athens, which was organised by a communist party-led union. The protesters marched by parliament and headed up a major avenue to the United States Embassy.

Another four demonstrations were planned in Greece's second largest city of Thessaloniki in the north.

Spain

An elderly man walks in front of people holding a banner with writing reading "Decent work" and marching during a May Day rally in Pamplona, northern Spain. Pic: AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos

More than 70 cities across Spain have held May Day marches calling for gender equality, higher salaries and pensions now that the country's economy is back on track.

The demonstration in Madrid was among the biggest, with thousands rallying behind the slogan "Time to win".

CCOO union official Unai Sordo says that "a social majority is emerging from the psychosis of the (global financial) crisis" in 2008 that hit Spain hard.

Pepe Alvarez, the secretary general of UGT - the other main union in Spain, said that meeting the demands of feminists, youths and pensioners are necessary to "redistribute wealth" in the country.

Spain's economy, the fourth-largest in the 19-country eurozone, has in recent years posted some of the fastest economic growth in Europe. Last year, it reached 3.1%.

Germany and Austria

Tens of thousands of workers marched across Germany and Austria rallying for their rights in the face of globalisation.

In Vienna, some 12,000 people gathered in front of city hall, some carrying banners with slogans against planned welfare cuts by the new government.

Meanwhile, around 4,000 union supporters marched on different routes through Berlin, before assembling at the German capital's landmark Brandenburg Gate.

"We have more rich and even richer people than we ever had before," said protester Aimo Tuegel in Berlin. "And, on the other hand, work and working conditions for workers continuing to get worse."

In Nuremberg, where the German Confederation of Trade Unions, or DGB, held its main event this year, some 6,500 protesters cheered as the group's leader, Reiner Hoffmann, said the unions "managed to civilise industrial capitalism some 100 years ago" and would also be able to tackle contemporary challenges like digitalisation.

The DGB said that altogether some 340,000 people participated in almost 500 May Day events across Germany.

PAHis comments came as Transport Minister Shane Ross said there would be some positive outcomes from Brexit including attracting more tourists and new trade routes.

Both were speaking at a special all-island Brexit dialogue conference in Dundalk.

Mr Varadkar said Britains approach will have to change in some way if the Brexit withdrawal agreement is to go ahead. The agreement must be ready by October for EU leaders to review.

However, the Government and EU negotiators insist that without a deal on a frictionless border for the North by June, the withdrawal agreement would be stopped.

Without a solution to the border issue, there will be no agreement, let there be no doubt about that, said Mr Varadkar. He said there needs to be real and meaningful progress by Junes EU Council meeting.

Mr Varadkar said the best solution for Ireland would be that Britain would maintain a close relationship or the status quo with the EU. This would mean it could remain in the customs union and the single market, a position which would likely not impose fresh borders or trade tariffs.

However, the Taoiseach reiterated that it was now there in black and white that, in the absence of a proposal from Britain, the so-called backstop agreement reached with Britain in December would apply. This essentially would allow the North remain in the customs union. However, Britain claims that such a move could be akin to a land grab.

There are still huge questions about how the border will operate, with the EU already ruling out suggestions some type of technology for a solution or a cyber border would be acceptable.

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier insisted that the EU was united with Ireland on its desire not to see a hard border.

However, Mr Barnier also came under attack from unionists during his two-day visit to Ireland, with DUP leader Arlene Foster saying she believes Mr Barnier does not understand the issue and is not an honest broker.

Mr Barnier also denied unionist claims he was aggressive towards unionists in negotiations. He said he did not approach talks in a spirit of revenge.

Elsewhere, Mr Ross said Brexit also had positive aspects. Addressing an audience at the towns DIT, he said this could include trying to attract new tourism markets to Ireland or setting up new ports and trade routes.CAB officers are auditing documentation they seized from a number of professional offices whose services are being used by the crime outfit.

The gang is suspected of being involved in burglaries, the scamming of the elderly, and protection rackets.

CAB officers recently raided a home and three offices  a solicitors, an auctioneer, and an accountant  in what was the second phase of a long-running operation against the targets.

The recent search operation specifically focused on documentation relating to the purchase of property, including related financial and banking records.

Last November, the agency seized a number of mobile phones and digital devices, as well as some documentation.

This is a follow-up operation and is all about gathering evidence looking at the source of funds used in the purchase of property, said one source.

Officers have to examine all the documentation and establish the flow, and ultimately the source, of funds that were used in the purchasing  and establish whether or not those funds were the proceeds of criminality or if there was some legitimate source.

Searches in the recent operation took place in Limerick and Galway, while searches last November occurred in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary.

Local gardai, led by Chief Superintendent Gerry Roche, are assisting CAB in their inquiries and are also assisting, along with the Armed Support Unit, the local council in their actions affecting the outfit.

CAB has trained around 300 local asset profilers in divisions across the country, including a number in Limerick.

These profilers build up a dossier of assets linked to targeted criminals, which is then supplied to the central office in Dublin for consideration.

CAB is conducting a large number of investigations in the Limerick division, with an estimated 27 operations in the city and another 30 in the county.

It is the second highest number of investigations outside Dublin.

CAB is involved in both targeting the assets of the criminals, such as property, vehicles, and jewellery as well as the income they estimate is being earned by the criminals, resulting in a tax demand.

Organised gangs in Limerick are heavily involved in drug trafficking, some of them linked to the Kinahan crime cartel, as well as money laundering and burglaries.As he launched an independent statutory investigation to uncover the full facts of the case, Health Minister Simon Harris said that while he was not ruling out such a scheme, no move will take place yet.

The HSE yesterday confirmed at least 208 women who have since been diagnosed with cervical cancer were initially told their tests were negative.

Of these, 17 have died. In 175 cases, women would have been given a different clinical treatment if earlier smears had been read correctly. And 162 of the 208 were not told a review had been conducted by CervicalCheck, or of the outcome.

Cian OCarroll, solicitor for Vicky Phelan, the woman whose court action brought the cervical cancer scandal into the open, told the Irish Examiner he believed all 1,482 cases of cervical cancer notified to CervicalCheck since it began operations in 2008 should be subjected to independent review.

He also called on Mr Harris to give a better account of what he actually knew in advance of the Phelan case going to court.

In response to the growing anger over the crisis, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Mr Harris said separately that a statutory inquiry led by State watchdog, the Health Information Quality Authority (Hiqa) will be launched immediately. It will be signed off by Cabinet today.

Mr Harris said a potential redress scheme for the 208 women  which could cost tens of millions of euro  will not be fast-tracked.

In relation to redress, that is something Im not ruling out, but what I want to do firstly is establish facts and provide women crucially with their information, said Mr Harris.

There are a range of different agencies involved including the State Claims Agency. I think it would be appropriate that the attorney general might be asked for advice.

He said the inquiry will examine issues surrounding the cervical check screening programme arising from the experiences of Ms Phelan and the 208 women affected, and will also review other state cancer services as a precaution.

The inquiry will also have full powers of compellability for both documents and witnesses, and will take place in tandem with a root and branch international peer group review of Irelands cervical cancer services and the likely signing off of new mandatory laws insisting doctors provide full disclosure as part of the delayed Patient Safety Bill.

Mr OCarroll said he would welcome Hiqas involvement but questioned the merits of a statutory investigation which could drag on and on with the potential for those involved in wrongdoing to retire.

Mr OCarroll said it was essential all 1,482 cervical cancer cases notified to CervicalCheck were independently reviewed which would allow a credible reappraisal of those [HSE] statistics and the breakdown.

Its essential because women are in a position of fear, he said.

It was also important Mr Harris released any documentation given to him notifying him in advance of the Phelan court case.

It was clearly special enough to be brought to his attention. If he was told about the States defence strategy, did he approve it? I think he needs to release any details he was given.

Opposition parties have demanded a special Dail debate on the scandal today, while the cross-party health committee has sought an emergency meeting with Department of Health, HSE, and Cervical Check officials tomorrow. The Irish Cancer Society has sought an urgent meeting with Mr Harris.

HSE director general Tony OBrien admitted yesterday that the first he heard of either Mr Phelans case or the scale of the scandal was through the media.

HSE helpline: 1800 454555Dr David Gibbons, who was then chair of the cytology/histology group within the quality assurance committee of the National Cervical Screening Programme, said he brought his concerns directly to Tony OBrien, who was then CEO of the National Cancer Screening Service.

Dr Gibbons told RTEs Morning Ireland programme he had been involved with the programme between 2002 and 2006 and that at one stage a backlog of screenings was outsourced to America.

A comparison of the results from the US, versus a similar analysis conducted in this country, showed that the rate of high-grade CINs (Cervical Intra-epithelial Neoplasia or abnormal cells) was 1.8/100 here but 1.2/100 among those analysed in the US.

One third of high-grade cases we were finding, they were finding one-third less, said Dr Gibbons. That was worrying for us. They were finding too few.

He said he outlined these concerns and forecast it could be 10 years before issues began to emerge. The decision to outsource the test results to America was finalised in 2008. Dr Gibbons claimed his concerns were dismissed and he later resigned.

Mr OBrien yesterday defended his decision in 2008 to outsource smear test laboratory checks to a US firm, saying tests would otherwise have been left idle for a year or been examined by doctors on their kitchen table.

At a press conference on the escalating cervical cancer test scandal, Mr OBrien rejected growing criticism of the outsourcing plan.

Mr OBrien said in 2008 the service was poor, and I mean really poor with cervical cancer tests being left in filing rooms for up to a year due to a lack of an organised service in Ireland.

He said, as a result, he took the decision to seek help from the US firm now embroiled in the tests scandal, which could offer a service which was not available in Ireland.

The choice we had in 2008 was not having a proper service, with tests lying around for a year and possibly doctors examining them on their kitchen table. So, do I think the decision [to outsource] was right? Yes, I do, he said.

Siptu said the privatisation of critical health services needed to stop and called on Government to adhere to the outsourcing clause of the Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA).

Siptu health division organiser Paul Bell said: The unfolding tragedy of the CervicalCheck scandal shines a bright light on the real human cost of outsourcing.

There seems to be no control or accountability, until its too late. Its unacceptable.

Many members of the public would be unaware and quite possibly horrified that their medical records are being analysed thousands of miles away on an industrial scale for profit, he said. These services must be provided by the State and not offshored.Seamus OBrien, who has campaigned relentlessly for information about his son, Cathal, since his disappearance in 1994, made the appeal on Crimecall last night with his daughter, Ailse.

He said people have information  and that information is the key to resolving the case.

They may think it doesnt matter, that its too small to matter, he said. Every grain of sand goes to make a brick. And bricks build.

And in this case, information is the only thing which will build resolution.

If people have something that they can contribute, for our sake, for your own sake, and for Cathals sake, please give it in.

Mr OBriens plea comes as part of a new Garda appeal for information in relation to the disappearance of Cathal OBrien and his friend, Welshman Kevin Ball, in Cork almost a quarter of a century ago.

Supt Mick Comyns, of Mayfield Garda Station, said gardai hope that given the passage of time, people may feel that they can come forward now with information about what happened to the men, and about where their remains are.

Cathal, 23, from Kilmore in Co Wexford, moved to Cork in mid-1993 after graduating from Waterford RTC, and began working with Cork Simon, where he met Kevin Ball, 42, who was homeless in Cork at the time.

Even though it was against Simon policy, Cathal offered some of those he met in the Simon hostel, including Mr Ball, accommodation in his rented flat on Wellington Terrace on the northside of the city.

Mr OBrien disappeared in April 1994, several days after Mr Ball vanished. It was initially believed that the two men may have travelled together to England.

But when a third man, Denis Patch ODriscoll, 32, vanished in December 1994, gardai began to suspect foul play.

Their investigation would uncover a brutal murder, suspicions that Mr OBrien and Mr Ball met violent deaths, and led to the property on Wellington Terrace being dubbed the House of Horrors.

Gardai discovered that all three missing men had known each other at various times, and had all spent time in bedsits at the property on Wellington Terrace.

Garda attentions focused on a local man, Fred Flannery, who had also lived in the property.

During searches, gardai found a sock, some human hair, flesh, and a toenail on a wooded site in the Lota area in May 1995.

The material suggested that human remains had been buried there at the time, but had been moved.

Even though the material failed to provide any DNA of evidential use, Flannery was subsequently charged with the murder of Mr ODriscoll.

While he was never charged in relation to the disappearances of Mr OBrien and Mr Ball, it is suspected that Mr Flannery killed Mr Ball first after a drink-fuelled party, before killing Mr OBrien several days later when he began enquiring about Mr Balls whereabouts.

Detectives believe Mr Flannery killed Mr ODriscoll in the flat later that year when he learned what had happened to the other two men, and amid fears that he would tell gardai.

Mr Flannerys nephew, Michael Jr, told his murder trial in the Central Criminal Court in 1996 his uncle had admitted killing Mr ODriscoll at the flat by hitting him with a hammer, had cut up the body with a bow-saw and a Stanley knife, and had shown him body parts.

However, the trial collapsed sensationally when it emerged that gardai had not provided some documents to the defence. Mr Justice Robert Barr ordered Mr Flannerys release and ruled that he never be retried.

Just over three weeks later, butchered remains were found in bags buried in Lotabeg Woods between Glanmire and Tivoli. The remains were later identified as those of Mr ODriscoll.

Seamus OBrien and his son Diarmuid digging in the woods near Glanmire, looking for the body of his son Cathal OBrien who disappeared in April 1994

Mr Flannery took his own life at home in Carrigaline in May 2003.

Anyone with information about the disappearance of Mr OBrien or Mr Ball can contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021-4558510.David Healy of Tig na Mona, Rathankar, Passage West, Co Cork, is accused of arson at Munster Air Compressors, Kilbarry Cottages, Dublin Hill, Cork, on December 16 2014.

He is also accused of attempted deception by attempting to obtain a payment from FBD Insurance on January 8, 2015.

The accused denied both charges. He went on trial before Judge Gerard OBrien and a jury of seven men and five women at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Prosecution barrister, Pearse Sreenan, reminded the jury of the warning given before they were empanelled that the case was expected to be long and was likely to go into next week.

Mr Sreenan outlined some matters as a guideline for the jury but told them this was not evidence.

Mr Healy operates a business. He is director of a company, Munster Air Compressors, which is a tenant of the premises at Dublin Hill. The business was supplying and servicing machinery and plant and machinery for people and hired out the machinery to people, Mr Sreenan said.

The prosecution barrister said there would be evidence on the defendants company taking up insurance with FBD in February 2013 with a valuation for contents set at 50,000. The insurance was amended in June 2014 to increase the valuation of the contents to 350,000.

Fast forward to the night of the fire. Late in the evening  about 9pm on December 16, 2014 there was a call of a premises on fire, Mr Sreenan BL said.

David Healy is represented by defence senior counsel Elizabeth OConnell and the trial continues today.Kevin McIntosh, aged 37, of no fixed address in Cork, and originally from Glasgow in Scotland pleaded guilty to attempted robbery for his part in the crime.

Detective Garda Colin Greenway said the crime was committed at Hibernian Road in Cork on May 12 last year.

The injured party was alone when he was asked for a light for a cigarette. There was a group of people and one of them then called after him a second time asking to use his mobile phone. He said he did not have one. That was when the attack started.

One of the men in the group put his hands to the victims throat and started choking him. The victim was thrown on the bonnet of a car. His head hit the ground. He was then kicked on the ground.

Det Gda Greenway said it was only after this assault that McIntosh became involved. He went through the middle-aged mans pockets. The group then walked away down Gasworks Lane.

Judge Sean O Donnabhain said: The injured party is a particularly vulnerable type of man who would have been an easy target to younger men.

The injured party expressed the hope in his victim impact statement that the people who attacked him would never again resort to violence and instead would come to the assistance of anyone being attacked.

Paula McCarthy, defence barrister, apologised on McIntoshs behalf to the injured party.

Ms McCarthy emphasised the fact that McIntosh was not involved in the physical attack. Judge O Donnabhain said McIntosh would have been nearby to see it happening.

The 37-year-old from Glasgow said he had nine children in Scotland and was keen to return there.Mr Justice Iarfhlaith ONeill asked the minister two months ago to provide a submission by the end of March setting out how its requirement that claimants for ex-gratia payments from the State for historic sex abuse as school pupils must show that their abuser was the subject of a prior complaint.

This condition has been imposed by the State in a scheme it says is in keeping with the 2014 European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) finding in Ms OKeeffes favour.

The ECHR required the State to pay her 30,000 after finding it had a vicarious liability for the abuse she suffered at the hands of her primary school principal Leo Hickey in the 1970s.

However, solicitors for day school sex abuse victims, and other legal experts, have argued that this condition is based on a narrow interpretation of the ruling.

They say the judgement found the State liable not solely because there had been previous complaints of sex abuse by Hickey, but also over its failure to set up a proper structure to protect children from sex abuse that was already well known to be happening in schools.

Last year, Mr Bruton appointed Mr Justice ONeill as an independent assessor to consider appeals where the State Claims Agency (SCA) deemed claims for payment were ineligible. The agency was told by the Government in 2015 to make ex-gratia payments up to 84,000 in the case of claimants who were abused at schools and had previously dropped cases against the State, but only where cases were not statute-barred and evidence of a prior complaint was put forward.

Up to the beginning of March, 14 of the 19 claimants whose cases had come before the judge for review were challenging the linking of their ineligibility to absence of evidence of prior complaints. The case being made on their behalf was that such grounds for rejection were inconsistent with the European Court of Human Rights judgement.

On this basis, Mr Justice ONeill decided he needs to determine if these challenges were valid and wrote to Mr Bruton at the start of March. He asked him to send a written submission by the end of March on whether the condition requiring evidence of a prior complaint of child sex abuse to be eligible for an ex-gratia payment was consistent with, and a correct implementation of, the OKeeffe judgement in the European court.

Asked by the Irish Examiner about the status of this exercise, the Department of Education issued a response issued last Friday.

The minister has responded to the independent assessor and, on April 27 last, sent him a submission on the States interpretation of the European Court of Human Rights judgement, a spokesperson said. He said the States implementation of the OKeeffe judgement has been set out in action plans submitted every six months, which were accepted by the Council of Europes Committee of Ministers.

The Irish Examiner also asked the department for the specific aspects of the courts 2014 judgement in the OKeeffe case on which it relies for its interpretation that now requires claimants to prove prior complaints if they are to qualify for payments through the SCA process. However, this was not addressed in the response received yesterday.

Government criticised for ruling intepretation

The January 2014 ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) brought an end to Louise OKeeffes 15-year run of attempting to get civil redress, writes Niall Murray.

It came more than 40 years after Leo Hickeys conviction for abusing her in the Co Cork school where he was her principal. The general view was that the case opened the door for redress for some of the hundreds of people who previously brought civil proceedings against the State for sexual abuse in publicly-funded schools, including those who bowed to State pressure to drop their cases or face being pursued for costs if their actions failed.

But the Governments interpretation of the ECHR judgement has been the subject of repeated criticisms by victims solicitors for victims and by others. They claim the State is being selective in the aspects of the ECHR ruling it relies on for a settlement scheme administered by the State Claims Agency.

These views were made known in 2015 to the Council of Europes committee of ministers by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, UCCs Child Law Clinic (which provided free aid to Ms OKeeffes legal team), and Atheist Ireland. In essence, they argued, the ECHR finding that the State had some liability hinged on the absence of a broad system of protection against the levels of abuse in schools that was known to the State for decades, rather than the fact that complaints had previously been made about Ms OKeeffes abuser.

While the committee decided Irelands response was reasonable and flexible, and that anyone unhappy with the outcome had recourse to the courts, a number of subsequent claimants were the subject of High Court rulings that said their cases were bound to fail.

These outcomes were cited in further submissions 18 months ago, asking that the committee of ministers refer the question of interpretation back to the ECHR. However, consideration of the request may be well down the priority list on the committees order of work.

In the meantime, several victims of proven child sex abuse in schools might take their cases to the ECHR.

The outcome of any consideration of the question by Mr Justice Iarfhlaith ONeill, the independent assessor of cases ruled out for payment by the State Claims Agency settlement scheme, is uncertain.

A fourth option is for a political resolution to the matter, with a Fianna Fail private members motion likely to be heard over the coming month in which the Government would be asked to drop the prior complaint requirement for eligibility for ex-gratia payment to school sex abuse victims.The siblings, from Dublins south inner city, were arrested by gardai in Virginia, Co Cavan, in relation to the violent burglary of two neighbouring homes in Ballyjamesduff, some 10km away.

The brother is aged 27 and has a long criminal record, including for false imprisonment, robbery, threat to kill and burglary.

His sister, aged 33, has convictions for drugs, assault and criminal damage.

Shortly after 7pm on Sunday, gardai said that two intruders forced entry into the home of a woman aged in her 70s.

They threatened her at gun point and made off with quantities of jewellery and cash.

Gardai said that minutes later they entered a second house and threatened the owner, a man aged 90, before fleeing with a sum of cash.

Its understood the elderly man may have broken a bone, possibly in a fall, as a result.

A Garda spokesman said the alarm was raised and in a follow-up operation local garda units intercepted a car in Virginia.

The car rammed two garda vehicles in an attempt to escape, but gardai managed to corner the vehicle and arrest the suspects.

They were taken to Bailieboro Garda Station and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

A garda spokesman said: A technical and forensic examination of the scenes has been carried out. Investigating gardai have also recovered some of the property taken during the burglaries.

The siblings are expected to appear in court this morning.Speaking to reporters last night amid growing concern over the scale of the fallout, Mr Harris said it is vital the Government establish all facts of the case first before deciding how to help those affected.

However, despite saying Im not ruling out a compensation scheme for those affected in the future, he indicated the Cabinet is not in favour of the move at this stage by saying he is only one minister and the entirety of the Government will decide how to respond.Trader representatives met yesterday with representatives of Cork City Council as part of the Core group, set up almost two years ago to deal with city centre issues in a partnership approach.

It was the first Core meeting since the suspension on April 20 of the car ban after just three weeks.

A spokesman for City Hall confirmed last night that raising awareness of the overall strategy and vision behind the City Centre Movement Strategy, of which the St Patricks St car ban is a key part, was discussed.

He said the development of a city centre marketing campaign was also discussed and a marketing sub-committee has been established to work on this.

However, he said yesterday marked the start of what will be a long process of engagement and consultation.

The Cork Business Association (CBA) welcomed the start of that engagement.

CBA chief executive Lawrence Owens said extensive engagement and consultation, in particular with traders who run businesses on the street, will be required over the coming weeks.

In the meantime, he said, the CBA hopes to harness the energy which emerged during the campaign against the car ban, and use it in a positive way for the benefit of the city.

He said they are due to meet several business owners today to discuss a package of potential promotional initiatives, some of which could be launched as early as next week.

Private cars were banned, and a time-regulated bus lane was introduced on the citys main street on March 27 in a bid to improve bus travel times.

However, the daily 3pm-6.30pm ban on private cars was met with opposition.

Traders claimed it hit footfall and decimated afternoon trade.

Despite early indications of improved journey times on two key suburban bus routes, city councillors voted unanimously on April 20 to suspend the measure until August 9 to facilitate consultation and engagement with traders.Burma UN Security Council Team Visits Northern Rakhine State

A UNSC delegation prepares to fly to Maungdaw from Sittwe airport on Tuesday. / Min Aung Khine / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  A UN Security Council (UNSC) delegation visited northern Rakhine State on Tuesday to learn about the situation on the ground there. The team arrived in the state capital, Sittwe, on Tuesday morning and headed to strife-torn Maungdaw Township at about 11 a.m.

The delegation arrived in Myanmar on Monday from Bangladesh and met with Myanmar officials in Naypyitaw.

Daw Khin Nyo, a Lower House lawmaker and member of the Advisory Board on Rakhine State who met with the delegation on Monday, told The Irrawaddy the delegation accused the government of deliberately putting off the repatriation of Muslim refugees and raised questions about the difficulty of the repatriation procedures.

She said the delegation was unwilling to listen to Myanmar officials, and appeared unreasonably focused on unsubstantiated hearsay.

Their faces clearly showed that they didnt believe anything we said. They just didnt care to listen to us. It seems that they have been swayed by the accounts of the other side. They only talked about killings, gang rapes, and throwing living children onto fires, said Daw Khin Nyo, who attended a working dinner hosted by State Counselors Office Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe in Naypyitaw.

When the Myanmar officials asked for evidence for the claims, the delegation members said they had heard them from refugees in Bangladesh. The delegation voiced doubts when Myanmar officials said that indigenous people in Rakhine State had also been killed and victimized by the violence there, she said.

When we raised the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army [ARSA], they said that we always discuss ARSA [when it comes to the Rohingya issue]. When we talked about the Hindus killed by ARSA, they said, Please show us, Daw Khin Nyo said.

ARSA launched attacks on Myanmar security forces in northern Rakhine in August last year. The attacks prompted clearance operations by the military, which prompted an exodus of Rohingya people to nearby Bangladesh. Those who fled alleged arbitrary killings, rapes and burning of property by security forces.

Before the dinner, the delegation members held talks with State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and military commander-in-chief Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing. Despite statements issued by both sides reporting that the discussions focused on the Rakhine issue, the meetings didnt go well, according to government officials who were present.

During the meeting, the State Counselor underscored the countrys readiness to receive verified returnees and to cooperate with Bangladesh to expedite the repatriation process, according to the State Counselors Office. She stressed the importance of Bangladesh officials using the designated forms agreed upon by both countries as early as possible for verification, it said.

The Security Council delegation will hold a press conference on Tuesday evening in Naypyitaw.Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 (11:14 am) - Score 1,459

Various broadband ISPs and UK fibre optic deployment projects have today been shortlisted as potential winners for the inaugural Connected Britain Awards 2018 (Total Telecom), which forms part of an annual conference that will discuss future telecoms and broadband connectivity needs.

The event, which is due to be held between 19-20th June 2018 in London (Business Design Centre), has today published a shortlist for 7 of the 8 categories to be awarded at the event and more than 30 organisations (i.e. ISPs and network deployment projects etc.) have made the grade. The list includes some familiar names, such as Gigaclear, Hyperoptic, EE and many more.

Apparently all of the entries will be assessed by an expert panel of judges, which includes key figures from INCA, Point Topic, Total Telecom and a few other organisations.

Finalists for the Connected Britain Awards 2018 Barrier Removal Award

The Barrier Removal Award celebrates those companies who have gone the extra mile to cut through the administrative red tape and fast track Britains digital transformation.  City of London: Standardised Wayleave Toolkit

 Genesis Technical Systems: mBond P2MP

 Tameside Digital Infrastructure Cooperative

 Telcom: Node

 Westminster City Council Community Improvement Award

The Community Improvement Award recognises those companies who have taken a decidedly local focus in their efforts to transform Britains digital landscape.  Citizens Online: Switch

 Gigaclear: Conneting Chedworth

 InLinkUK: InLinks

 Three UK: Discovery with Three

 Thurrock Council: Connected Thurrock 2017/2020

 Wifinity: Good Connections Digital Skills Award

The Digital Skills Award recognises public-sector organisations or NGOs who have delivered a project based around skills improvement, aiding the community and safeguarding Britains digital future.  Citizens Online: Switch

 Dorset County Council Superfast Dorset Programme

 Good Things Foundation: Future Digital Inclusion Fibre Connectivity Award

The Fibre Connectivity Award recognises the contribution of companies who are helping to change the landscape of Britains broadband networks.  Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband

 EMS: Open Full Fibre Network at Prince Philip Park

 Gigaclear: Fibre-to-the-Premises Service

 Grosvenors London Estate  Digital infrastructure revolution

 JT Group Limited: full-fibre Gigabit Project

 MLL Telecom: Stirlings Gigabit City Transformation with CityFibre

 Tameside Digital Infrastructure Cooperative

 Thurrock Council: digital strategy with Hyperoptic

 Virtual1 Smart City Award

 SHORTLIST TO FOLLOW The IoT Award

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a driving force in the evolution of the UKs digital focus, promising to connect all things seamlessly.  Collision Management Systems: Real Time Crash Detection

 F-Secure: SENSE

 JeraSoft VCS

 JT International

 Unmanned Life: Autonomy-as-a-Service

 V by Vodafone The Superfast Award

The Superfast Award celebrates those companies who are willing to grab the bull by the horns and fast track Britains digital transformation.  Connecting Cambridgeshire Superfast Broadband Programme

 Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband

 EE: 4GEE Router + Antenna

 Fastershire

 Hyperoptic Ltd

 JT Group Limited

 Superfast Dorset

 Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council: Digital Infrastructure Cooperative

 Voneus: bringing Talaton into the digital age Wireless Connectivity Award

This award looks at the wide array of innovative projects and strategies that are evolving wireless connectivity in the UK.  City of London

 EE

 InLinkUK

 MLL Telecom Ltd

 Voneus: Bringing Talaton into the digital age

Further details can be found here.David Bowie, vice-president ANZ for global analytics leader SAS, says a safe, open and caring workplace culture is key to helping employees manage, and work against, depression even when not linked to the workplace.

Bowie recently addressed the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation during a fundraising luncheon. Kookaburra Kids was founded in 2001 and provides support for children living in families affected by mental illness.

The issue is one SAS, and Bowie personally, takes a strong interest in. The business has long supported the Black Dog Institute, also focused on the drive for mental wellbeing with its LifeSpan suicide prevention programme, that is supported by SAS' Data for Good program. SAS donates software licensing and technical expertise, giving valuable analytics support, underpinning Australia's first evidence-based suicide prevention programs.

Depression is a topic iTWire and this writer takes seriously; some online assert computing professionals may be predisposed to it, and there is a frequent discussion that computer programmers exhibit traits of Asperger's syndrome. This has led to the rise of groups such as BlueHackers, seeking to provide safe, supportive meeting areas at technical events.

Bowie was one of four panellists addressing the Kookaburra Kids' event, the others being Lucy Brogden of the Australian Governments National Mental Health Commission; Karen Oldaker, Medibanks Wellbeing and Community general manager; and Royal Marine Commandos veteran Adrian Talbot, who is now the executive manager of the RSLs Life Care Homes for Heroes programme.

Some 300 people attended the Sydney event which, coincidently, was held only days after Australian businessman, investor and philanthropist James Packer stepped down from his corporate roles, publically citing mental illness. The timing of this high-profile announcement lent added meaning to the event, given the stigma that still attaches to a condition which is all too often swept under the carpet.

While support services for those experiencing mental illness are improving, the sad truth is few services exist for children living with an afflicted family member. It is estimated that one in four children in Australia is in such a family and studies show that  without early intervention  they are 50% more likely than others to develop their own mental health problems.

The four panellists were unanimous in declaring business has a vital role to play in addressing the problem of mental illness in today's fast-paced society  a problem which goes way beyond concerns of worker absenteeism, lost productivity and staff disharmony. In fact, Brogden said, the cost to the community is estimated at $12 billion per year, equivalent to 4% of GDP. As such, companies are well advised to invest in mental wellbeing and employers need to regard mental illness like any other medical condition and address it openly. The panellists emphasised the need for managers to ensure a caring workplace in which employees feel no reluctance to speak up when mentally troubled.

SAS offers a model for such workplaces, being consistently recognised as a leading employer. David Bowie told of a company-wide meeting which discussed mental wellness openly, leading to one troubled employee overcoming denial of the problem and seeking help. This was not said in terms of "problem solved"; his own and his companys understanding of the issues are a continuing journey.

Talbot pointed out that while Defence Force personnel were often placed in highly stressful situations, the way to address mental illness was no different. The need is for an environment in which sufferers can speak up and admit to difficulty, even when it is accepted that the nature of their employment automatically attracts stress.

The discussion was summed up by moderator and TV news personality, Chris Bath, dwelling on how businesses can help, closely reflecting SAS Data for Good ethos:

Ensure a safe, caring and open workplace culture in which managers accept that mental illness is real and are alert to the signs, even when they are not directly related to workplace matters. Recognise that addressing mental illness is not HRs responsibility because afflicted employees wont through channels to seek understanding and help. What they need is a workplace culture in which they can speak freely to the manager who they expect will listen, sympathise and willingly try to help.

Dr Jim Goodnight, SAS chief executive, told iTWire, "Were seeing a growing trend especially among millennials and those born in this century. They really do believe in using data for good, and more and more companies are saying, like SAS, we ought to have a corporate social responsibility to use some of our resources to make the world a better place."

The Kookaburra Kids fundraiser lunch proved successful, with attendees leaving with a better understanding of mental illness in the workplace and how business' must address the issue, and also digging deep to contribute to the Foundation's valuable work with relief programmes for children in families where mental illness impacts their young lives.Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies has been working on its own operating systems since the US Congress published an investigation into the company in 2012, accusing it of spying.

The South China Morning Post reported that the company had an operating system that could be used instead of Windows on tablets and personal computers.

It also had a separate operating system for smartphones, the newspaper reported, citing four people who it claimed were familiar with the company's plans.

The report said the plan to develop operating systems was initiated by the company's founder, Ren Zhengfei, and it was seen as a strategic investment to prepare for "worst-case scenarios", the sources said.

Contacted for comment, a Huawei spokesperson said: "Huawei has no plans to release its own OS in the foreseeable future. We focus on products powered by Android OS."

The SCMP quoted Zhao Ming, the president of Honor, a smartphone brand that is part of Huawei, as saying during the Global Mobile Internet Conference in Beijing on Thursday: It is a matter of capacity and necessity. There is no doubt that Huawei is capable of doing it, but for now I dont think it is necessary since we work very closely with Google and will continue to use its Android system.

Huawei has come under a great deal of pressure in the US, with the most recent action by the US being a probe by the Justice Department as to whether the firm has violated US sanctions on Iran.

Last month, the US Department of Commerce slapped a seven-year ban on another big Chinese telco equipment maker, ZTE, claiming that the company had made false statements during talks in 2016 over a charge of shipping telco equipment to Iran and North Korea. Prior to that, ZTE had paid a fine of US$890 million after admitting that it violated a law that controls export of sensitive goods by shipping US telecom equipment to Iran.

As a penalty, US firms cannot sell parts to ZTE for seven years.

Also last month, iTWire reported that Huawei and ZTE would not receive any subsidies from the Universal Service Fund that the US uses to subsidise equipment bought by rural and small carriers, and Huawei is reportedly cutting back US sales efforts as a result.

The US began its efforts to force Huawei out of local contracts after the 2012 Congressional report alleged the company was a threat to national security, with a warning that Beijing could use its equipment for state-sponsored spying or cyber attacks.

In December, President Donald Trump signed a bill to ban Huawei and ZTE equipment from nuclear weapons systems in the US Defence Department. Earlier this year, Trump banned a takeover of US processor maker Qualcomm by Singapore-based Broadcom because of national security concerns; Huawei's ties to Broadcom were mentioned as a concern.

Last year, multinational electronics corporation Best Buy said it would no longer stock the company's smartphones.

This came after AT&T cancelled a deal to start selling Huawei smartphones on its plans and Verizon took the company's devices off its shelves.Sales veteran Howard Fyffe has been appointed as Veritas managing director for Australia and New Zealand.

The company said in a statement that Fyffe was joining from Nutanix, where he had been managing director for ANZ.

In his time there, he was said to have transformed Nutanixs go-to-market strategy to drive focus in the vertical segments, channel partner alignment and was instrumental in closing the largest single order in the regions history.

Prior to that, Fyffe spent 11 years at Cisco Systems, first in New York as the global sales manager before moving to the Sydney office to lead the companys architecture services business for the Asia Pacific.

Howard brings a wealth of sales leadership experience to Veritas, from building high-performance teams to developing successful go-to-market strategies and driving profitable growth for major technology companies, said Chris Lin, senior vice-president, APJ, Veritas.

I am thrilled to welcome Howard to the team to drive the next phase of our growth in ANZ, to further develop our core assets  people, customers and partners  and create an extraordinary culture, as we continue to fuel our position as the leader in data protection and multi-cloud data management.

Fyffe said: Enterprise data management has never been more critical for businesses globally, especially in light of growing privacy concerns among our customers and the resulting rise in compliance regulations.

"Veritas is embarking on an exciting journey to help customers with their digital transformations, and I look forward to steering the ANZ team to accelerate this growth momentum  one that is focused on helping ANZ businesses solve their most complex data management challenges in a multi-cloud world.

Fyffe holds an MBA from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in business and economics from Lehigh University.Australian-founded ecommerce platform BigCommerce has raised US$64 million in a round of growth equity funding, with major participants being Goldman Sachs, and current investors General Catalyst, GGV Capital and Tenaya Capital.

This brings its total raisings to more than US$200 million.

In a statement, BigCommerce said more than 60,000 merchants across 120 countries, including Avery Dennison, Ben & Jerrys, Gibson, Paul Mitchell, Sharp, Skullcandy and Sony, were using its platform.

It said merchants selling on the BigCommerce platform had processed more than US$17 billion in sales.

Our mission is to help every business selling online to maximise success through the benefits of SaaS, said BigCommerce chief executive Brent Bellm.

Ecommerce is constantly evolving, and brands need technologies that allow them to stay current and competitive. With this funding, we will continue investing aggressively in our platform, technology and team to serve customers needs at every phase of their growth.

Holger Staude, vice-president, Private Capital Investing at Goldman Sachs, said: We are excited to partner with Brent and the BigCommerce team.

"BigCommerce is an acknowledged leader in SaaS ecommerce for the mid-market, and given its track record and scale we see tremendous opportunity for continued growth.

The overwhelming interest we received for this round further validates our belief that the future of ecommerce is powered by SaaS, said Russell Klein, chief development officer for BigCommerce.

We look forward to leveraging Goldman Sachs' considerable resources and expertise.The chief executive of WhatsApp, Jan Koum, says he is leaving the company that he and co-founder Brian Acton sold to Facebook in 2014 for US$19 billion.

In a post on Facebook, Koum did not give any reason for leaving WhatsApp which is by far the most widely used messaging platform globally, with 1.5 billion users.

But his exit comes in the wake of privacy scandals at Facebook, with the social media giant having admitted to leaks of most of its users' data. One political marketing company, Cambridge Analytica, that was part of Donald Trump's campaign, was given access to the data of 87 million users.

"It's been almost a decade since Brian and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people," Koum said in his Facebook post.

"But it is time for me to move on. I've been blessed to work with such an incredibly small team and see how a crazy amount of focus can produce an app used by so many people all over the world.

"I'm leaving at a time when people are using WhatsApp in more ways than I could have imagined. The team is stronger than ever and it'll continue to do amazing things.

"I'm taking some time off to do things I enjoy outside of technology, such as collecting rare air-cooled Porsches, working on my cars and playing ultimate frisbee. And I'll still be cheering WhatsApp on  just from the outside. Thanks to everyone who has made this journey possible."

Koum and Acton started WhatsApp in 2009, charging US$0.99 annually for private communications and gathered almost 500 million users by 2014, according to the Washington Post. WhatsApp has never made any profits.

The WhatsApp founders added end-to-end encryption to the app in 2016. Their philosophy of collecting as little data as possible from their users appears to clash with Facebook's policy of snooping on users to the extent possible.

Acton, who left WhatsApp in November last year, has donated US$50 million to Signal, a messaging app made by Open Whisper Systems, and is now executive chairman of the non-profit Signal Foundation.

In a February blog post on the Signal Foundation site, Acton wrote: "(Signal founder) Moxie (Marlinspike) and I share a belief that the best way to continue to ensure the universal availability of high-security and low-cost communications services like Signal is to do so through a foundation structure that is free of the inherent limitations of a for-profit company.

"Moxie and his team have built something very special in Signal Messenger and I am thrilled to join their effort to provide the most trusted communications experience on the planet."The chances of WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange gaining a reprieve from his confinement in the Ecuadorian embassy in London have taken a blow after the US signed a security deal with the South American nation.

The deal, signed on Wednesday last week, is likely to result in an US military presence in the country, according to a report from Telesur.

It now seems unlikely that Ecuador President Lenin Moreno will pay heed to calls to restore Assange's Internet access.

Last month, Assange lost his Internet access after Ecuador took what it said was a step to stop him from interfering in other countries' affairs and pulled the plug.

There were differing versions of why Ecuador had objected, with one being that it had occurred because he raised doubts about Britain's assertions that Moscow was behind the recent poisoning of an ex-spy from Russia and his daughter.

But WikiLeaks said Ecuador had asked for removal of a tweet that said: "In 1940 the elected president of Catalonia, Lluis Companys, was captured by the Gestapo, at the request of Spain, delivered to them and executed. Today, German police have arrested the elected president of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, at the request of Spain, to be extradited."

It added: "This is the only tweet the government of Ecuador asked to be removed. In an email to his London lawyers on 27 March at 14:54 BST the Ecuadorian foreign ministry referenced no other matter."

Moreno's cosying up to the US contrasts with his predecessor, Rafael Correa, who had refused to take part in a US-sponsored plan for the country.

Assange has been taking refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy since June 2012. He was recently granted Ecuadorian citizenship and given diplomatic status in the hope that the UK would allow him to leave the embassy.The Alibaba Company, part of the Alibaba Group, has dispatched the first orders using its new Food Trust Framework, an initiative from Tmall Global, that uses blockchain technology to improve traceability along the supply chain.

A statement from the Alibaba Group said the trial had taken place in Auckland and was hosted by chief executive Daniel Zhang.

It follows an announcement last year that Price Waterhouse Coopers would be engaged as service provider in Australia, New Zealand and China to advise on setting up a framework to protect product authenticity and provide a safe and trusted marketplace.

The first two companies to test out the Food Trust Framework were Blackmores and Fonterra, which shipped products from Australia and New Zealand respectively to China.

Other companies involved in the trial were Australia Post and NZ Post.

The statement said it the pilot succeeded, the Framework could form the basis of a global supply chain model for all the Group's ecommerce markets.

Alibaba Groups Alvin Liu, general manager of Tmall Import and Export, said: Food fraud is a significant global challenge, particularly with the growing complexity of supply chains. In response, we have created a co-ordinated, world-leading and robust framework that involves stakeholders from across the supply chain to improve visibility and enhance the confidence of both end consumers and merchants.

Australia Posts group chief operating officer Bob Black said: We safeguard the transport of high-quality, genuine products to our customers, which is why were so committed to developing the Food Trust Framework.

Through our international logistics network, Australia Post delivers to more than 190 countries around the world. Were continuously investing in technology and infrastructure, and building strong partnerships to guarantee our global ecosystem is world-class to exceed customer demands.

David Walsh, chief executive of NZ Post, said: This authenticated platform will increase New Zealands already strong reputation of providing clean, green and safe products in China.

"NZ Post is delighted our trusted, reliable and visible supply chain and network has been chosen to give confidence to Chinese consumers that they are getting authenticated and genuine Kiwi products. Consumers will be able to track their purchase from paddock to plate, with full and complete knowledge of its origin and journey with us.I get 10 to 30 pitches a day in my inbox from well-meaning PR people seeking to promote themselves, their clients, or their clients products. Out of the few I open and read thoroughly each week, perhaps one or two make me want to find out more. Far fewer make it to my Twitter feed or a column.

To continue reading this article register now Get Free AccessOpen source network-monitoring tools continue to gain in popularity, and Observium came up on our radar as an enterprise-grade offering. Deployed worldwide by large organizations like eBay, PayPal, Twitter and the US Department of Energy, Observium is capable of handling tens of thousands of devices. The client list is impressive, but our test reveals whats really under the hood.

Observium runs on Linux but can monitor Windows and many other device types. The vendor recommends running Observium on Ubuntu/Debian, but it will also work on distros such as Red Hat/CentOS.

Since Apache and MySQL are prerequisites for Observium, your server needs to meet the hardware requirements to run them. In our test, a quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM and adequate storage provided enough horsepower to run our medium-size test environment.

Observium is currently in version 17.9 and available both in a Community and Professional edition. The Pro version is available as an annual subscription for about 200 (about $284) per year and receives real-time daily updates, whereas updates to the Community version are available for download about every six months. The subscription license is valid for a single production installation and two testing or development installations. There is no difference between the two versions as to capacity and capabilities, but the Pro version has a few additional features - automatic grouping, traffic accounting and restful API.

Installing Observium

Observium can be installed by using an automated script or in manual mode. The manual mode is a more granular approach, which requires downloading and installing each component (Apache, MySQL etc.) separately. We used the automated script, which provides the option of installing the Community Edition or the Pro Edition. We opted for the CE (Community Edition) and the installation wizard presented a very short prompt sequence where we were asked to create both a MySQL and an Observium user. The install downloads the needed files on the fly and at the end you have an option to create an Observium agent on the server, which we opted to do. The whole process took about 15 minutes. While the installation is easy to complete, we would have also liked to see an appliance version that could be run as a virtual machine for testing purposes.

IDG

After completing the install, it was time to launch the Web management interface. This is accessed using the IP address of the server and upon successful login we were presented with an overview screen, dominated by a map and a list of recent events as reported by devices. The map is helpful when monitoring geographically dispersed devices.

Adding devices for Observium to monitor

With the server up and running and the basic configuration in place, we added more devices. Observium can connect to pretty much any networked device that supports any version of the SNMP protocol (v1, v2c and v3). Currently over 400 OS types are supported, including servers, storage and wireless devices, and network infrastructure. We started with a small collection Linux and Windows devices, which were easilyIf you want coworkers to support security, the first thing Nick Hilderman suggests is a positive attitude. Security is often focusing on the negative aspects of things  on what could happen, the fear, uncertainty and doubt, he says. Hilderman is senior security analyst at Finning International, a Canada-based distributor of Caterpillar equipment that is two years into an infosec advertising campaign. This campaign doesnt market to customers. Its an internal push to help Finnings non-tech employees understand how important cybersecurity is.

Finning has long educated employees in security best practices. Before 2016, that education focused heavily on phishing  and was ineffective: Employees clicked through at above-average rates.

The emails also built resentment against security. People often do not like [phishing campaigns], Hilderman explains, They feel tricked; they feel manipulated; they feel like you're trying to attack them. People who are already doing their best fall for it, he continues, just to learn they were tricked by their own employer. The larger goal is good, but the approach is not. We're just trying to educate you and people hate it, he says.

So, Finnings CISO Suzie Smibert took a hard look at security education and, according to Hilderman, said Let's build upon what's good and let's make it amazing. Then the two went to work: brightly colored posters in the halls, a video series on the company intranet, regularly delivered e-newsletters.

We said, We need to come up with this marketing gimmick where people will see our content, he continues, and see it they did. Two years later, phishing clicks are below industry average and 75 to 100 employees serve as volunteer security ambassadors  employees from other departments delivering out content to different groups in the different regions, he explains.

Hilderman says those who hated security now advocate for it: These individuals are actually going around putting up the posters for us. They're standing in front of their team meetings. Ambassadors, he continues, are actually so enthusiastic about infosec that this year, Finning will award one lucky worker the title security awareness ambassador champion.

Reward good security behavior

Raising this level of support at your workplace all goes back to being positive. When we first started our click rates were quite high, he reiterates. That's a negative metric, but at the same time we could roll it into a positive one. Say your companys phishing emails get a 25 percent click-through rate. Instead of focusing on the colleagues who failed, consistently congratulate the 75 percent who didnt. Hilderman says this technique has pushed Finnings phishing stat well under the average failure rates for campaigns, and it didn't take us that long to get there, so again it was that message of not highlighting the negative results but then showing the positive of it.

When employees catch real phishing scams, congratulate them. Finnings corporate controller recently received a scam email, but let security know immediately. Then, Hilderman says, security told everyone else: [We] said, Look at this. Our user, our corporate controller received this posing to be our CFO and CEO and he recognized it, and had he not recognized this, this could have cost us upwards of $300,000 to $400,000." The controller was lauded as a company hero, he continues, credited with having stopped the attack before it even happened.

We want to show that our people are doing the right thing...Through that, people will start showing up, right? People will start doing the right thing.  Nick Hilderman

Finning then took the congrats one step further and celebrated the controllers success in a video, which serves as content for the companys larger security marketing campaign. We had our CISO on the same video just to talk about the importance of why this [video] exists, and then we got it out to the masses and it was just an incredible thing, Hilderman explains. We want to show that our people are doing the right thing...Through that, people will start showing up, right? People will start doing the right thing.

A consistent, adaptable approach to security education

Of course, its easier to do the right thing when you know what that is. Phishing employees to see what theyll fall for is unfair if staff arent already aware of best practices. Infosec has a lot to cover, so Finnings posters and employee newsletters choose a new topic to focus on each month, like online shopping safety or tax scam awareness.

Just like a magazine, security drafts an editorial calendar where issues are planned. Hilderman stresses that topics stay adaptable in case a major breach or vulnerability makes the news. Facebook/Cambridge Analytica, for example, is a hot topic hes looking to address  specifically tips on how to remove disclosure of your personal information online or secure it.

To ensure information gets to all employees, Finning translates the newsletters into Spanish for the companys South American locations. Translation isnt easy, Hilderman admits, but the efforts worth it: The controller who alerted security to the $300,000-plus scam speaks Spanish.

Working for a distributor of manufactured goods, Hilderman says, Online security and online safety are often very much the same thing. Advanced manufacturing is very different from traditional manufacturing where machines had to be replaced every time a new part was needed.

We want to teach people to secure their information, their accounts, build strong passwords, watch what's happening, because something as simple as a weak password could all of a sudden unlock the brakes of a machine.  Nick Hilderman

Today workers simply reconfigure a machines software so it can make something else. We're connecting machinery online, Hilderman says, so Finning doesnt just have to prevent data breaches, but also physical safety risks that could come from someone hacking company equipment: We want to teach people to secure their information, their accounts, build strong passwords, watch what's happening, because something as simple as a weak password could all of a sudden unlock the brakes of a machine.

One of the first things I do when I come into a company is find their key values, Hilderman advises, What's important to the company? For manufacturers, thats usually safety, so at Finning, thats where security found a niche to prove value to corporate operations as a whole. When cybersecurity is intrinsic to core business functions, employees can better understand its importance. [Securitys] message is easy to get. It's the delivery and how to present it is what the challenge is, Hilderman says.https://www.johnnyfd.com/2018/05/april-2018-travel-and-income-report.html

I really need to settle down and get back to work. This has been another crazy month of traveling and I swear this is my last month of 4-hour workweek mode before I get back to grinding and building my businesses again. I started this month in Chitwan, Nepal hiking through the jungle and running into wild boars and even a rhinoceros which was close enough for me to throw a stone at, if I wanted to get charged and trampled. Then going from eating nothing but lentils and rice for weeks, sleeping in freezing tea houses and using squat outhouse toilets, I flew to Malaga, Spain and aboard the luxury Nomad Cruise. It was such a culture shock, but somehow my life has become a drastic swing of comfort, work, and travel that it's not even strange for me anymore.

Traveling from Nepal

Airport Lounge in Madrid where I slept

At the airport lounge in New Delhi, India

Cruising to Greece









Being on the cruise ship, it was pretty easy to see a lot of difference places and even a few countries in a short time. However, the biggest downside is feeling like a complete tourist and not a traveler when you're there. Being in a place like Malta or Crete for just 7 hours is just enough to see a few sites, explore the main city and have lunch in the center, but really doesn't allow you to get to know a place at all. It's not enough time to see how locals actually live, get to know the culture, or do anything besides an organized tour or go for a walk. The worst thing is going there for few hours and thinking "okay I've seen it" or "bucket list checked" and never going back again. With places like Crete, so many people I've met have said they loved it, but now that I've been there and checked it off and checked it out, I don't really have a big desire to go back even though I'm sure I missed most of what makes it special. The same goes with Malta which is an entire country that I've now checked off even though I was there for just half a day.





The good news is that once we were off the ship, a bunch of us hung out in Athens for a week before coming to Santorini for another week which was plenty of time to get to know both of these cities. I'll write more about traveling in Greece later, but it's been a fun few weeks of travel.









Spending the day in Crete, Greece

On the rooftops of Valletta, Malta





Online Passive Income



The good news is that even without working very much and just staying in what I call maintenance mode or the 4-hour workweek mode, I've still been able to make enough money to cover my expenses. On one hand it seems like the ideal life to be able to travel the world while earning enough to keep doing it for possibly forever without really working that much. However, the truth is, making just enough to survive and keep afloat is stressful as it limits you to what you're willing to spend money on and worries you about the future. With all businesses, even passive income streams, if you're not growing them, they're slowly deteriorating, which means, taking 2 months off to travel and enjoy life is great, taking 2 years off to be lazy and not work is a death sentence to your income.



Also as much as I enjoy minimalism and living cheaply, I also want the option to be able to comfortably stay in nice Airbnb's or nicer hotels when I want to and not worry if hotels in Europe are $100 a night compared to Asia where they're less than 1/3 of that. That being said, while everything else is just maintaing, I'm acutally happy to see my youtube earnings are increasing and it's my first month at almost $300 which is awesome as I really enjoy making videos for





Youtube Ad Revenue

Dashboard of one of my Affiliate Earnings





Dropshipping Store Income



If you subscribe to my email list, you'll know that I have two dropshipping stores that I built a little over a year ago and have had my partner Sebastian run this entire time. He's been doing it on the side along with his other stores and we've recently decided to sell them so expect a listing on Empire Flippers soon. In the email announcement, I mentioned that anyone who already has a successful store or is a member of Anton's dropshipping course would have first access to buy the stores as I'd rather sell them to someone who understands how to actually run a store instead of someone without experience as it'll be easier to hand it over and not have to train them.

So far we've gotten a few interested buyers but we're still holding out for someone who knows they can grow the store and is willing to pay the full asking price of $47,000 for the two stores. If you're interested you can send an email to hello@johnnyfd.com for info on how you can put down a refundable $500 deposit to see the financials and the store URLs. Here are the sales and revenue of the stores for April 1st-30th.



Sales from Dropshipping Store #1



Sales from Dropshipping Store #2



Other and Total Income



Aside from my passive income streams and dropshipping store income, I also have investments that have become my favorite stream of money as they are truly 100% passive. If you don't have your money making you money yet, it should be a goal on everyone's bucket list. The only problem is that unless you are selling your property or your shares every month, you're not really making that amount yet which is why I never include the on paper earnings or losses in my income reports. Technically for the last two months my networth has decreased as the stock market went down, and this month I've made $2,140.13 in returns. But just like I don't count the growth or loss of how much my bitcoin or cryptocurrencies each month unless I actually sell something, I don't count this either.



The good news is my actual passive income streams make enough each month to allow me to continue to travel, invest a bit each month, and live. The best thing that ever since I've been sending my mom $1,000 each month to help support her as she's getting older, I've inspired others to do the same and both David Dang Vu and



Total Passive Income: $5,029.57

*decrease from $5,644.34 last month.







Not counting the $2,140 in paper gains for April



Overall Thoughts for April The good news is that even without working very much and just staying in what I call maintenance mode or the 4-hour workweek mode, I've still been able to make enough money to cover my expenses. On one hand it seems like the ideal life to be able to travel the world while earning enough to keep doing it for possibly forever without really working that much. However, the truth is, making just enough to survive and keep afloat is stressful as it limits you to what you're willing to spend money on and worries you about the future. With all businesses, even passive income streams, if you're not growing them, they're slowly deteriorating, which means, taking 2 months off to travel and enjoy life is great, taking 2 years off to be lazy and not work is a death sentence to your income.Also as much as I enjoy minimalism and living cheaply, I also want the option to be able to comfortably stay in nice Airbnb's or nicer hotels when I want to and not worry if hotels in Europe are $100 a night compared to Asia where they're less than 1/3 of that. That being said, while everything else is just maintaing, I'm acutally happy to see my youtube earnings are increasing and it's my first month at almost $300 which is awesome as I really enjoy making videos for my channel. Aside from that I'm still making a few thousand dollars a month from all of my affiliate income streams that I've set up over 2 years ago now and teach inside my course Income Boss. Aside from my passive income streams and dropshipping store income, I also have investments that have become my favorite stream of money as they are truly 100% passive. If you don't have your money making you money yet, it should be a goal on everyone's bucket list. The only problem is that unless you are selling your property or your shares every month, you're not really making that amount yet which is why I never include the on paper earnings or losses in my income reports. Technically for the last two months my networth has decreased as the stock market went down, and this month I've made $2,140.13 in returns. But just like I don't count the growth or loss of how much my bitcoin or cryptocurrencies each month unless I actually sell something, I don't count this either.The good news is my actual passive income streams make enough each month to allow me to continue to travel, invest a bit each month, and live. The best thing that ever since I've been sending my mom $1,000 each month to help support her as she's getting older, I've inspired others to do the same and both David Dang Vu and Tom Schmit who I met on the Nomad Cruise have been doing the same! So even with these expenses it's been another good month considering the fact that I spent the first part of it in the jungle in Nepal and the rest on a cruise ship and not working.*decrease from $5,644.34 last month.









It's been a fun month, a really amazing time actually but I really feel like I need to get back into a routine and settle down again for 1-2 months without moving. I haven't decided where yet, but I plan on going somewhere outside the Schengen Zone in Europe to spend the next 2 months and focus on work again, join a gym, and get back into a healthy eating routine. I'm thinking about somewhere in Bulgaria, but Odessa in Ukraine is always an option as well. Feel free to give some suggestions below in the comments, let me know where you plan to be this summer, and how long you're staying. The only thing holding me back from Odessa is that there's no community of digital nomads there, even though the weather in the summer is great, food is amazing, there are coworking spaces, super cheap uber rides and it's really cheap to live there.





Lets see where May takes me as well as everyone I met on the Nomad Cruise. Let me know what projects you're working on and what your summer plans are.









Warm Regards,





Johnny FD

























Here's everything I did, saw, ate, and visited from April 1st-30th, and how my passive income businesses have held up. This is my April 2018 Travel and Income Report, one that I almost skipped and didn't write because I'd honestly rather be hiking with the other digital nomads I met on the cruise and playing with my new camera that I just bought, my first ever real camera. But, for the past 3 years, I've dedicated the 1st of every new month to going through my accounting, logging into all of my dashboards, and openly sharing that info with all of you who have been following along, so here I am, sitting in my hotel lobby in Santorini, Greece sipping complimentary coffee while writing this. So enjoy, I hope you enjoy this month's write up.If you haven't already, make sure you read my blog post about Chitwan and Nepal as it really was an adventurous trip that I really enjoyed. I don't know if I'll be going back anytime soon as it was also a tough trip for adventurous travelers more than it is for fun or work but it was well worth it. After that was a flight from Kathmandu airport through New Delhi, India landing in Barcelona, Spain where I was supposed to have just a short layover and another flight down to Malaga. But as with any travel plans, things change and flights get delayed. Luckily it was my final leg which meant I didn't miss any connections and just had an awkwardly long, overnight layover in Madrid. A huge lesson learned was to give myself more of a buffer between flights and the cruise leaving as if I had missed any of the connections, especially the one first flight leaving Kathmandu I might have been screwed and missed the boat. My original thought was that I had already spent so much time in Spain last year and that I wanted to make the most of Nepal while I was there. But the result was only having 1 night in Madrid and 1 night in Malaga making it an exhusting trip where I didn't get to see much.I also didn't get to adjust to the time difference and had severe jet lag the first couple of days on the cruise. As much as I love the idea of traveling on a whim, booking flights in advance to and from countries when there aren't that many alternatives is something I've now learned to do at least a month in advance instead of waiting. Luckily I had a great time on the Nomad Cruise which I wrote about here. Malaga was a beautiful port city that I could have easily spent a few more days in, and I regret not going to Madrid earlier. I landed around 9pm in Madrid but since I had an 8am flight and desperately needed some sleep, I decided to find a place to sleep in the airport instead of going in town. I thought about sleeping randomly somewhere in the airport, but instead decided that I would either try my luck at the 24-hour airport lounge and sleep there, or spend the money on a hotel near the airport. Luckily my buddy David Vu got me a priority pass as a present, and I somehow managed to talk my way into the lounge even though it was technically only for international flights and my Madrid to Malaga one no longer counted. There they had a decent buffet, although nowhere as good as the ones in Kathmandu and New Delhi surprisingly, a great shower, and a napping room which was perfect for what I needed. I realized that the airport lounges with fancy looking food like LAX or Madrid is never as good as places that just serve buffet style rice and curry like in India which doesn't look as appealing as the individually wrapped sandwiches or placed tapas but tastes way better.Reddit 1 Email 8K Shares

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, a notorious warmonger, serial liar and supremacist racialist who used to lead the closest thing Israel has to a fascist party until parties even more extreme got elected to parliament, is attempting to bamboozle the clueless Trump into getting on a war footing with Iran.

Netanyahus breathless announcement that there was a potential weapons aspect to Irans nuclear enrichment program has been known for a decade and a half.



AFP / Thomas COEX. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, left, has just returned from a meeting with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu even seems to have provoked the White House to issue a communique falsely stating that Iran has a weapons program presently, which it promptly had to retract. The incident is so scary because it shows how easy it is to manipulate the erratic Trump and his not-ready-for-prime-time staff. That sort of thing, David Frum said on Twitter, can cause a war. And he should know.

But the retraction is incorrect, as well. Iran in the distant past had done some things that would be helpful if it had launched a full blown weapons program. It never did launch such a program.

Netanyahu instanced no evidence at all that Iran is out of compliance with the 2015 deal, and UN inspectors continually have affirmed that Tehran *is* in compliance. His allegation that Irans recent missiles are designed to be fitted with warheads is simply false.

So why try to put Iran on the front burner of American war-making? It is a desperate attempt on Netanyahus part to divert world attention from the ongoing Israeli Apartheid discrimination against the stateless Palestinians, which it militarily occupies (directly with jackboots and colonial settlers on the West Bank, indirectly with military encirclement and the sniping of innocent protesters in Gaza).

In recent weeks, Israeli snipers have used live ammunition to kill some 40 and wound hundreds of Palestinians who were unarmed and peacefully protesting their imprisonment in the Gaza Strip (70% of their families were kicked out of their homes in Israel and now live in squalid refugee camps while European Israelis took over their houses and farmland and are living it up). The sniping victims have including children, journalists, demonstrators distant from the Israeli confinement fence, and worshipers at prayer with the mention of God on their lips. Shooting unarmed people who pose no threat is a war crime, and doing it systematically amounts to a crime against humanity. So too is the crime of Apartheid described in the Statute of Rome as a crime against humanity, and Israel manifestly and robustly practices Apartheid against the Palestinians under its military heel.

The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Irans civilian nuclear enrichment program (to make fuel for reactors generating electricity) was designed to prevent Iran from weaponizing the program.

All nuclear enrichment via centrifuges is potentially dual use. Uranium can be enriched to 5% for reactor fuel, but if scientists keep feeding it through the centrifuges they can enrich it to 95% for a bomb. The Iran deal was designed to keep Iran from making high enriched uranium (HEU).

Iran accepted spot inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. No country under active inspections has ever developed a nuclear weapon.

Iran vastly reduced the number of centrifuges it has, which means it would take at least a year or even years to make HEU, even if it could do so without the inspectors detecting the signature at the site, which it cannot.

Iran discontinued and bricked in its planned heavy water reactor at Arak. Fissile material builds up on the rods in a heavy water reactor much faster than on a light water reactor, and so the heavy water ones can theoretically aid in making a bomb. Iran no longer even has a plan for a heavy water reactor.

Iran destroyed its stockpile of uranium enriched to 19.5% for its medical reactor. It has no enriched uranium higher than 5%, useful for its three reactors at Bushehr. Iran benefits from nuclear energy because it burns oil for electricity generation, cutting into the money it could make from instead selling it on the open market.

South Korea, Japan and France all use nuclear reactors for electricity generation just as Iran is starting to. France enriches uranium both for that purpose and to make nuclear weapons. If you dont think Japan could construct a bomb in three weeks if it wanted to, you dont know Japanese technology (they have a big stockpile of plutonium).

So Netanyahu and the American Right should have sighed in relief, right? Remember, Netanyahu has several hundred actual real nuclear bombs that it could drop on Iran, and Iran has bupkes. Likewise the US is bristling with nuclear warheads. Iran has some old F4 jets Nixon gave them.

In 2007, the National Intelligence Estimate of the CIA assessed that Iran did some experiments with military significance in 2003 but then halted them ever after. The 2011 NIE repeated the conclusion that Iran did not have a weapons program at that time and had not decided to pursue one.

Our sloppy and sometimes propagandistic press keeps talking about Irans nuclear weapons program, but it is a unicorn. No such thing has ever existed per se, though the experiments and programs Iran pursued as part of its civilian energy program always had potential weapons implications, and Iranian scientists did perform some occasional experiments that might have had weapons purposes.

Because nuclear enrichment is dual use, Iran until 2015 always had the option of going for broke and pursuing a bomb, using know-how gained from the civilian program. That is all the CIA was saying. It was also saying that no such decision had been taken, a conclusion echoed by Israeli politicians like Ehud Barak and by Israeli intelligence.

But the JCPOA forestalled any such decision. Iran could only make a bomb now by kicking out the inspectors and manufacturing thousands of centrifuges, in other words by putting up a huge neon sign saying I am making a nuclear bomb here.

Irans nuclear enrichment program has also always probably been intended to have deterrent effects against anyone thinking of doing to the country what Bush did to Iraq. I.e. if it was clear someone was planning to invade, Iran could in fact go for broke and try to defend itself.

Since the US right wing and the government of Israel would very much like to see Iran invaded and its government overthrown, and its legs broken, this nuclear latency or the Japan option is an annoyance they would like to remove. It is easier to execute someone if you disarm him first.

But Iran of course is already substantially disarmed, voluntarily. What is going on now is an attempt to pull the wool over peoples eyes about that and to con them into spending $6 trillion on another ruinous Middle East conflict.

That will keep everybody busy while Netanyahu finally succeeds in ethnically cleansing what is left of the Palestinians, his ulterior ultimate goal.Reddit 1 Email 100 Shares

BETHLEHEM (Maan)  Saudi Arabias crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman reportedly told a collection of Jewish leaders that Palestinian leadership have no choice but to accept Donald Trumps peace proposal, according to Israeli media. The meeting took place behind closed doors in New York last month, where Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) disapproved of the leadership of the Palestinian Authoritys Mahmoud Abbas.

Bin Salman ellegedly said: In the last several decades the Palestinian leadership has missed one opportunity after the other and rejected all the peace proposals it was given. It is about time the Palestinians take the proposals and agree to come to the table or shut up and stop complaining. Those present at the meeting were reportedly staggered by MBS remarks, and criticism of Palestinians.There needs to be significant progress toward an agreement with the Palestinians begore it will be possible to advance negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Arab world and Israel.The Palestinian issue is not at the top of the Saudi governments agendaThere are much more urgent and more important issues to deal with  such as Iran. He said. It is reported that MBS and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner- who has been appointed to the administrations team that will oversee the possible brokerage of negotiations between Israel and Palestine- are on friendly terms. The Saudi crown prince pressured Mahmoud Abbas to accept the U.S. framework of a possible peace deal between Israel and Palestine. The Palestinian Authority has maintained its position of boycotting the White House since last December. In the aftermath, Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas declared that the U.S. was no longer an honest broker in the peace talks between the two nations, following Trumps announcement recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, as well as the relocation of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Via Maan News Agency



Bonus video added by Informed Comment:Reddit Email 779 Shares

This past November, Israel announced that it had arranged to relocate 38,000 Eritrean and Sudanese refugee claimants to an African nation  widely rumoured to be Rwanda and perhaps Uganda. The internment camp at Holo[t] would be closed.

Israel claims that the vast majority are illegal migrants or, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls them, infiltrators. Truah, an Israeli human rights NGO, claims the opposite  that they have mostly fled oppression (Sudan) and forced military service (Eritrea) for a safe haven in Israel.



Journeyman Pictures: Israels Controversial Imprisoning Of African Refugees Bonus video from Informed Comment:

Most of the Sudanese and Eritreans live in Israel without access to health benefits or a legal right to work, though most were employed in the underground economy, usually in hotels and restaurants. In 2016, the Israeli government introduced a 20 per cent withholding tax on their wages.

As one of the first countries to ratify the Refugee Convention in 1954, Israel agrees not to reject refugees if they have a legitimate fear of persecution.

Yet the Israeli government initiated efforts to deport these refugee claimants that had arrived in Israel without a refugee hearing. The government gave the illegals 90 days to leave voluntarily with a grant of US$3,500 or face forceful deportation. A minority of Israelis reacted by initiating a sanctuary movement as well as one of civil disobedience and non-cooperation with Israeli expulsion efforts; a group of pilots announced that they would not fly the refugee claimants back to Africa.

At the end of January 2018, Netanyahu and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Davos. It was rumoured that they agreed to transfer thousands of Eritrean and Sudanese asylum-seekers from Israel to Rwanda.

Though some claimants took up the offer, most refused to relocate. When stories of the Israeli-Rwandan deal surfaced, Rwanda was embarrassed by the alleged agreement and the reported acceptance of resettlement costs. Both Rwanda and Uganda denied that they had signed any agreement.

A stop order on deportations

The Tel Aviv University Clinic for Refugee Rights filed a case with a special Jerusalem appeals court for refugee issues that ruled that flight from service in the Eritrean army was a justified ground for claiming refugee status, even though British and Danish courts had ruled that it was not.

A stop order was placed on the deportations. In response, the Israeli government requested, and was granted, an extension in the case of asylum-seekers from Sudan.

The High Court of Justice endorsed granting male migrants of working age a choice of either deportation with the $3,500 grant or internment in Israel.

In the diaspora, many Jews mobilized to help the refugee claimants. They lobbied the Israeli government to drop the policy and they negotiated with their own governments to at least take some of the refugees.

The effort was successful in Canada, strongly influenced by a brief by former justice minister Irwin Cotler. Both the private sector and the Canadian government agreed to sponsor refugees and 2,000 refugees will be resettled in Canada in 2018.

Refugees seeking a safe place

In the early 2000s, Sudanese fled to Egypt as refugees. By 2005, 30,000 had registered for asylum status there, but there were tens of thousands more in the country who had not been registered. But the Sudanese were still treated as foreigners with no rights to stay.

The United Nations Refugees Agency (UNHCR) was unsuccessful in mediating the dispute in which Sudanese refugee claimants were protesting the dire social and economic problems they faced in Egypt and the insecurity of their status. Overwhelmingly, the Sudanese were unwilling to return to Sudan given that they faced a worse and more dangerous situation there.

The Egyptian government turned on the refugees, using water cannons and batons. In December 2005, thousands of riot police attacked the refugees to end the protest in the camp and killed at least 20, including seven children. Egyptian human rights and refugee organizations claimed the total was much higher and that more than 100 were killed.

The Eritreans have a slightly different history. They are not fleeing ethnic cleansing and possible genocide, as the Sudanese did from Darfur, but an oppressive regime that made military service compulsory and indefinite following the 1998-2000 war with Ethiopia.

Deserters were treated harshly and subjected to indefinite prison terms. Those who fled initially made their way to Sudan and then to Libya. In Libya, they were mistreated and enslaved. By 2006, they had shifted to Egypt, but they were subjected to the same conditions as the Sudanese. Soon both the Eritreans and the Sudanese headed for Israel in the belief that this nearby democratic country would treat them better.

Israel closes its borders

In 2009, Israel created its refugee determination system. Israel also closed its southern border.

However, thousands of Eritreans and Sudanese managed to reach Israel. Contrary to some claims, there was no necessity that Egypt, as the first country in which they arrived, had the obligation to process them as refugee claimants or that Israel had the right to send them back to the country of first asylum to have the claims processed in Egypt. The first country rule is a European Union edict and not part of international law.

Israel responded by building an impenetrable border fence and detention facilities. In processing the claims, only four Sudanese and 10 Eritreans were granted refugee status or .01 per cent of Eritrean claimants compared to a success rate in Canada of 85 to 90 per cent.

The Israel-UNHCR agreement & Netanyahus reversal

In a totally surprising move, an agreement was announced recently between the Israeli government and the United Nations Refugee Agency. The UNHCR will arrange for the resettlement of 16,000 refugee claimants to other countries over five years while Israel agreed to allow an equivalent number to remain with resident permits.

Netanyahu said that he would now scrap the controversial plan to deport the Eritrean and Sudanese asylum seekers given the new unprecedented understanding with the UN.

Within a few hours, in the face of a backlash from his base, Netanyahu reversed course, first suspending the UN agreement and then cancelling it. Even more oddly, seemingly out of nowhere, Netanyahu blamed the NGO the New Israel Fund (NIF) for sabotaging the deal, but no explanation accompanied the charge.

The following day, Netanyahu, in an unprecedented move in Israel, claimed that NIF had put pressure on Rwanda to withdraw from the deal, but offered no evidence. NIF insists that it has been totally transparent and did not do what Netanyahu claimed.

All this leaves Israel in a far worse position. First, Netanyahus attack on NIF resulted in an enormous swelling of support for NIF and for the refugee claimants. The support came both from Israel and abroad.

Meanwhile, the debate continues in Israel with those opposed to the refugee claimants accusing them of being illegal migrant workers and infiltrators who, in Israel, undermine Israeli social life. The defenders of the claimants insist that the vast majority are fleeing oppression and, in Eritrea, endless forced military service.

Debating the identity of Israel

Aside from the debate over the refugee claims process, Israel introduced another dimension, its long continuing war with Arab states. Israel claims the need both to preserve its Jewish character as well as preventing Muslims from entering Israel and undermining the ethnic balance.

For many Israelis and Jews of the diaspora, the governments tough measures towards asylum seekers ignore a long Jewish tradition, for many, the essence of the Jewish character, to helping those in need.

Netanyahus reputation has suffered even more than Israels. Journalist Yossi Verter wrote:

In the face of all of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus past capitulations, it was the most disgraceful, the most transparent. In comparison to all his reversals, it was the quickest, the most humiliating. The man had already taught us a chapter on zigzags and back-and-forths  in the story of the Western Wall egalitarian prayer space and the metal detectors at the Temple Mount, for example  but this time he outdid himself, in both speed and flexibility. A contortionist could only dream of having such a liquid backbone.

However, the result, though embarrassing to the government and especially Netanyahu that finds himself boxed in, still leaves the so-called illegals without security or a clear road to the future.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.Drill results include 45.7 m of 21.7 g/t Au and 68.7 m of 15.92 g/t Au

THUNDER BAY, ON, May 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Premier Gold Mines Limited ("Premier" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update of active exploration and development programs at the South Arturo Mine, located in the Carlin Trend of Nevada. Highlights include the development of two new deposits planned in 2018, along with multiple high-grade in-fill drill results from these deposits as highlighted below.

El Nino Upper Zone

In-fill drilling in the upper zone demonstrates high grades that may have a positive effect on the resources and incentive to develop this project into the production schedule. Results include:

140 feet grading 0.33 oz/ton Au (42.7 metres of 11.20 g/t Au) including 25 feet grading 0.95 oz/ton Au ( 7.6 m of 32.47 g/t Au) in hole ELN17-MX-06

(42.7 metres of 11.20 g/t Au) ( of 32.47 g/t Au) in hole ELN17-MX-06 200 feet grading 0.20 oz/ton Au ( 61.0 m of 6.96 g/t Au) including 50 feet grading 0.46 oz/ton Au ( 15.2 m of 15.94 g/t Au) in hole ELN17-MX-14

El Nino Near-Pit

Near surface in-fill and expansion drilling also resulted in better than expected grades that provide additional incentive and upside to develop these resources. Results include:

225 feet grading 0.46 oz/ton Au ( 68.6 m of 15.92 g/t Au) including 35 feet grading 1.88 oz/ton Au ( 10.7 m of 64.57 g/t Au) in hole EL17-10

( of 15.92 g/t Au) ( of 64.57 g/t Au) in hole EL17-10 150 feet grading 0.63 oz/ton Au ( 45.7 m of 21.68 g/t Au) including 45 feet grading 1.28 oz/ton Au ( 13.7 m of 43.84 g/t Au) in hole EL17-12

Phase 3 Pit Zone

Results included exceptional widths and excellent grades that indicate additional upside and incentive to develop the next phase. Results include:

118.8 feet grading 0.23 oz/ton Au ( 36.2 m of 7.95 g/t Au) in hole ART17-01C

( of 7.95 g/t Au) in hole ART17-01C 261.6 feet grading 0.15 oz/ton Au ( 79.7 m of 5.21 g/t Au) in hole ART17-04C

( of 5.21 g/t Au) in hole ART17-04C 117.0 feet grading 0.48 oz/ton Au ( 35.7 m of 16.54 g/t Au) including 50 feet grading 0.82 oz/ton Au ( 15.2 m of 28.26 g/t Au) and an additional intercept of 226.5 feet grading 0.09 oz/ton Au ( 69.0 m of 3.05 g/t Au) in hole ART17-10C

Near-Surface Mineralization at the South Hinge Target

27.7 feet grading 0.07 oz/ton Au ( 8.4 m of 2.23 g/t Au) in hole BD17-06C

( of 2.23 g/t Au) in hole BD17-06C 77.5 feet grading 0.03 oz/ton Au ( 23.6 m of 1.17 g/t Au) in hole BD17-08C

The South Arturo Mine is a series of deposits that is operated under a joint venture between Premier (40% ownership) and Barrick Gold Exploration Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barrick Gold Corporation ("Barrick"). Barrick is the operator and processes ore from South Arturo at their Goldstrike facility located 5 kilometres to the south.

Processing of stockpiled ore from the Phase 2 pit has been accelerated in 2018 with gold production for the year having already exceeded annual guidance of 5,000 to 10,000 ounces. In addition to processing of stockpiled ore, efforts have shifted towards further exploration on the greater property package and the development of two new mining operations on the property beginning in 2018; the Phase 1 open pit and the El Nino underground mine.

"This project continues to deliver positive results and these high grade intercepts are some of the best the company has ever achieved," stated Ewan Downie, President & CEO. "Results-to-date support our belief that this joint venture, made up of several deposits in the heart of the Carlin Trend, will continue to provide a solid operational future. Premier has already realized a significant return on our investment with no dilution to our shareholders on upcoming phases of development. These deposits remain open for expansion and we expect South Arturo to remain a critical component of the Premier's production profile".

Phase 1 Open Pit Project

Development of the Phase 1 open-pit is scheduled to begin in mid-2018 and will be one of the first North American mines operated by Barrick that will test autonomous haul trucks that could lead to reduced mining and maintenance costs and improved safety.

In addition to ore that will be processed at Goldstrike, work will continue to advance a potential run-of-mine (ROM) heap leach opportunity. Column leach testing to verify ROM recoveries will be completed in 2018 to validate and strengthen recovery curves. Additional drilling may be considered to potentially add additional mineralization in the eastern portion of the pit.

El Nino Underground Project

The El Nino deposit is located down-plunge of the Phase 2 pit that was mined in 2016-17. Development of the El Nino underground mine is expected to begin in H2-2018. During 2017 core drilling from surface was completed in the Upper Zone and Cubex RC drilling was completed from within the pit to test mineralization near the pit, in-fill gaps in the Upper Zone, delineate potential voids, and condemn areas around planned underground development. Drilling results in the Upper Zone confirmed the mineral inventory; see Table 1 highlights.

Table 1: El Nino 2017 Core Drilling Highlights Hole ID Coordinates(1) Azimuth/Dip Elevation

(ft) From

(ft) To

(ft) Intercept(2)

(ft) Au

(oz/t) Intercept(2)

(m) Au

(g/t) Latitude Longitude ELN17-MX-01 41.03973487 -116.4130648 100/-85 5256 310.0 350.0 40.0 0.04 12.2 1.23 ELN17-MX-02 41.03963022 -116.4126627 350/-90 5269 370.0 425.0 55.0 0.06 16.8 2.19 including 375.0 385.0 10.0 0.16 3.0 5.52 ELN17-MX-03 41.0398133 -116.4131754 090/-80 5254 330.0 340.0 10.0 0.16 3.0 5.52 ELN17-MX-04 41.04002602 -116.4138944 030/-85 5232 290.0 300.0 10.0 0.10 3.0 3.29 ELN17-MX-06 41.03956375 -116.4126504 240/-80 5269 295.0 435.0 140.0 0.33 42.7 11.21 including 325.0 350.0 25.0 0.95 7.6 32.47 ELN17-MX-07 41.03963624 -116.4126789 340/-80 5268 355.0 365.0 10.0 0.15 3.0 5.18 375.0 400.0 25.0 0.10 7.6 3.39 ELN17-MX-08 41.03959632 -116.4127098 300/-84 5263 325.0 390.0 65.0 0.07 19.8 2.43 ELN17-MX-09 41.03957963 -116.4126393 020/-84 5269 360.0 400.0 40.0 0.13 12.2 4.35 ELN17-MX-10 41.03964441 -116.4126635 350/-75 5268 415.0 425.0 10.0 0.11 3.0 3.74 ELN17-MX-11 41.03957343 -116.4124682 032/-71 5270 370.0 470.0 100.0 0.25 30.5 8.57 including 395.0 405.0 10.0 0.44 3.0 14.98 and 430.0 440.0 10.0 0.45 3.0 15.43 ELN17-MX-12 41.03957963 -116.4126393 025/-50 5269 360.0 595.0 235.0 0.18 71.6 6.21 including 400.0 450.0 50.0 0.35 15.2 12.14 and 485.0 505.0 20.0 0.39 6.1 13.41 ELN17-MX-13 41.03980236 -116.4131149 060/-60 5254 370.0 505.0 135.0 0.08 41.1 2.78 including 395.0 425.0 30.0 0.18 9.1 6.03 ELN17-MX-14 41.03980236 -116.4131149 052/-55 5254 365.0 565.0 200.0 0.20 61.0 6.96 including 405.0 455.0 50.0 0.47 15.2 15.94 ELN17-MX-15 41.04007911 -116.4139598 358/-70 5230 350.0 365.0 15.0 0.07 4.6 2.43 ELN17-MX-16 41.04002054 -116.41387 020/-65 5232 340.0 365.0 25.0 0.31 7.6 10.70 ELN17-MX-17 41.03989219 -116.4132786 357/-54 5251 400.0 415.0 15.0 0.12 4.6 4.25 ELN17-MX-22 41.03932027 -116.4120303 020/-70 5289 365.0 405.0 40.0 0.04 12.2 1.47 ELN17-MX-23 41.03986517 -116.4132174 015/-55 5252 410.0 455.0 45.0 0.08 13.7 2.81 ELN17-MX-24 41.0398791 -116.4132419 030/-55 5252 410.0 495.0 85.0 0.06 25.9 2.19 including 440.0 455.0 15.0 0.12 4.6 4.11 ELN17-MX-25 41.03930384 -116.4120346 340/-77 5289 285.0 300.0 15.0 0.09 4.6 3.09 1) Coordinates are in WGS84, 2) True widths are estimated to be 80 to 90% of core length

The Cubex drill program has confirmed continuity of mineralization near the pit with higher than expected grades encountered near the planned portal. The Cubex drilling could not reach target depths to fully test the Upper Zone and additional surface drilling or drilling from underground will be completed in the future. Table 2 provides highlight results from the Cubex drill program.

Table 2: El Nino 2017 Cubex Drilling Highlights Hole ID Coordinates(1) Azimuth/

Dip Elevation

(ft) From

(ft) To

(ft) Intercept(2)

(ft) Au

(oz/t) Intercept(2)

(m) Au

(g/t) Latitude Longitude EL17-01 41.03900465 -116.4138531 019/0 5013 10.0 30.0 20.0 0.07 6.1 2.26 60.0 95.0 35.0 0.07 10.7 2.50 EL17-02 41.03903222 -116.4138367 019/-7 5022 5.0 185.0 180.0 0.08 54.9 2.67 including 130.0 185.0 55.0 0.15 16.8 5.25 EL17-04 41.03888924 -116.4136098 025/0 5017 35.0 95.0 60.0 0.20 18.3 6.75 EL17-05 41.03891107 -116.4135986 025/-7 5015 0.0 90.0 90.0 0.14 27.4 4.80 125.0 135.0 10.0 0.18 3.0 6.27 EL17-06 41.03888924 -116.4136098 025/-17 5017 15.0 200.0 185.0 0.12 56.4 4.22 including 50.0 90.0 40.0 0.26 12.2 8.95 and 245.0 255.0 10.0 0.21 3.0 7.03 EL17-07 41.03887254 -116.4134573 029/-5 5021 60.0 90.0 30.0 0.07 9.1 2.37 EL17-08 41.03881268 -116.4135045 029/-14 5012 60.0 275.0 215.0 0.07 65.5 2.30 including 180.0 200.0 20.0 0.14 6.1 4.87 and 245.0 270.0 25.0 0.17 7.6 5.79 EL17-09 41.03881496 -116.4135045 029/-26 5013 90.0 385.0 295.0 0.09 89.9 2.91 including 205.0 290.0 85.0 0.13 25.9 4.46 and 280.0 290.0 10.0 0.31 3.0 10.77 EL17-10 41.03904312 -116.4140177 000/-10 5017 50.0 275.0 225.0 0.46 68.6 15.91 including 105.0 260.0 155.0 0.64 47.2 22.05 and 220.0 255.0 35.0 1.88 10.7 64.56 EL17-12 41.03911454 -116.4141129 344/-10 5018 85.0 235.0 150.0 0.63 45.7 21.67 including 160.0 205.0 45.0 1.28 13.7 43.85 EL17-14 41.03905128 -116.4139246 008/-12 5018 65.0 240.0 175.0 0.09 53.3 3.05 including 220.0 235.0 15.0 0.43 4.6 14.74 1) Coordinates are in WGS84, 2) True widths are estimated to be 80 to 90% of core length

Phase 3 Open Pit Project

Phase 3 is an additional potential open pit at South Arturo and the 2017 drill program returned numerous positive results. Continuity of the mineralization was confirmed, higher-than-expected grades were encountered in the southern extent of the current pit design, and new mineralization was also intersected below the current pit design. Drilling in 2018 is planned to define the extents of the high-grade breccia zone and the potential for expansion. Table 3 provides highlight results from the Phase 3 - 2017 drill program.

Table 3: Phase 3 - 2017 Drilling Highlights Hole ID Coordinates(1) Azimuth/

Dip Elevation

(ft) From

(ft) To

(ft) Intercept(2)

(ft) Au (oz/t) Intercept (2)

(m) Au

(g/t) Longitude Latitude ART17-01C 41.03132989 -116.4208134 333/-84 5720 670.2 789.0 118.8 0.23 36.2 7.95 including 696.2 716.0 19.8 0.33 6.0 11.31 and 741.0 749.0 8.0 0.44 2.4 15.05 1088.0 1113.0 25.0 0.06 7.6 1.95 1198.0 1203.0 5.0 0.18 1.5 6.07 ART17-02C 41.03214607 -116.420721 238/-81 5790 982.4 1033.0 50.6 0.13 15.4 4.59 1098.0 1128.0 30.0 0.10 9.1 3.36 ART17-04C 41.03217877 -116.4207067 305/-73 5791 734.4 996.0 261.6 0.15 79.7 5.21 including 734.4 877.0 142.6 0.20 43.5 6.99 ART17-10C 41.03130071 -116.4207623 292/-81 5719 733.0 850.0 117.0 0.48 35.7 16.53 including 738.0 788.0 50.0 0.82 15.2 28.25 and 955.0 1030.0 75.0 0.06 22.9 2.02 including 955.0 990.0 35.0 0.08 10.7 2.57 and 1020.0 1030.0 10.0 0.09 3.0 3.12 1061.0 1287.5 226.5 0.09 69.0 3.05 including 1076.0 1121.0 45.0 0.16 13.7 5.59 1) Coordinates are in WGS84, 2) True widths are estimated to be 80 to 90% of core length

South Arturo - Exploration

In addition to continued development activities, exploration initiatives are aimed at adding additional resources and testing new target areas on the property. In 2018, activities will continue to advance the South Hinge and East Dee targets.

South Hinge is one of the primary exploration targets owing to its proximity as a potential link between the Phase 2 and Phase 3 pit designs that could lead to potential expansion of the planned Phase 3 pit. The deep high-grade target at South Hinge was not reached in the 2017 drill program, however mineralization was encountered above the target with the results highlighted in Table 4.

Table 4: South Hinge 2017 Drilling Highlights Hole ID Coordinates(1) Azimuth/

Dip Elevation

(ft) From

(ft) To (ft) Intercept(2)

(ft) Au (oz/t) Intercept (2)

(m) Au (g/t) Latitude Longitude BD17-01C 41.03669806 -116.427577 282/-55 5291 92.0 97.0 5.0 0.11 1.5 3.91 BD17-03C 41.03686944 -116.427255 269/-89 5290 82.8 87.8 5.0 0.01 1.5 0.48 BD17-04C 41.03755721 -116.4268952 323/-48 5287 42.5 47.5 5.0 0.05 1.5 1.68 BD17-05C 41.03628961 -116.4281789 140/-90 5284 142.0 147.0 5.0 0.14 1.5 4.87 BD17-06C 41.03739662 -116.4268656 218/-90 5285 58.0 85.7 27.7 0.07 8.4 2.23 BD17-07C 41.03579864 -116.4266688 198/-48 5351 46.0 59.0 13.0 0.04 4.0 1.27 BD17-08C 41.03734703 -116.4269294 151/-90 5286 0.0 77.5 77.5 0.03 23.6 1.17 including 16.0 23.5 7.5 0.07 2.3 2.37 1) Coordinates are in WGS84, 2) True widths are estimated to be 80 to 90% of core length

East Dee is a target located to the east of the Phase 1 pit believed to be located on the east side of the Bootstrap Formation; a similar structural setting to El Nino. Drilling at East Dee is planned in 2018 and the Ardent target which is a generative exploration target on the property where drilling in 2017 intersected favourable structure and strong and continuous alteration with the potential to host Carlin-style mineralization.

All abbreviations used in this press release are available at this link. (click here)

Stephen McGibbon

Reno, Nevada

March 26, 2018

December 31, 2017

Elko County

State of Nevada, USA

, P. Geo., is the Qualified Person for the information contained in this press release and is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. The primary assay laboratories for the South Arturo Mine are ALS Chemex Labs (ALS Chemex) and American Assay Labs (American Assay) in. For a complete description of sample preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures, refer to the technical report for the South Arturo dated(effective date), entitled "Technical Report on the South Arturo Mine," located on Premier's website and at www.sedar.com

Premier Gold Mines Limited is a gold producer and respected exploration and development company with a high-quality pipeline of precious metal projects in proven, accessible and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

This Press Release contains certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, including future operations, future work programs, capital expenditures, discovery and production of minerals, price of gold and currency exchange rates, timing of geological reports and corporate and technical objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the risks inherent to the mining industry, adverse economic and market developments and the risks identified in Premier's annual information form under the heading "Risk Factors". There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. Premier disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.Drilling at Robbins Hill intersects high-grade, visible-gold bearing quartz veins with similarities to mineralization at Fosterville Mine

Key intercepts: 12.9 g/t Au over 3.7 metres (m) (Estimated True Width (ETW) 3.2 m) (includes visible gold) and 9.7 g/t Au over 8.7 m (ETW 6.6 m)

Robbins Hill mineralization intersected between 300 and 550 m below surface, with grades improving as drilling extends to depth (highest grades at Fosterville Mine located below 800 m level).

TORONTO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (Kirkland Lake Gold or the Company) (TSX:KL) (NYSE:KL) (ASX:KLA) is pleased to report high-grade drill results at depth from drilling at the Robbins Hill area along the ODwyers Trend, a parallel structure to the Fosterville Trend, which hosts Fosterville Mines Lower Phoenix and Harrier gold systems (see Figure 1). Recent surface drilling has returned intercepts of visible gold with some of the highest gold grades seen to date from the Robbins Hill area. Mineralization in recent drill core displays similarities to the high-grade, visible-gold hosted quartz veins encountered in the Eagle, Swan and Harrier South zones at Fosterville.

Drill results reported are from 39 surface drill holes totaling 24,985 m that define four mineralized structures in the Robbins Hill area along the ODwyers Trend. Exploration drilling in the Robbins Hill area commenced in August 2016, where drilling has targeted down-dip extensions of mineralized structures mined from open pits in the 1990s. Drill results have demonstrated continuity of grade along four mineralized structures, namely the Curie, Rubin, Franklin and Smith faults and results indicate an increasing grade profile at depth (see Figure 2). Ongoing surface drilling is continuing to test the depth extent of the mineralization, recognizing that the highest-grade mineralization at Fosterville Mine occurs below the 800 m level.

Five holes have returned gold intersections greater than 30-gram metres over a ~350 m strike length from 12450mN and 12800mN and 300 m to 550 m below surface on the Curie Fault. To date, two holes have contained occurrences of visible gold and exploration potential remains open down-dip and along strike. The results from this drill program have been successful in identifying a potentially large auriferous mineralized system displaying width and grade continuity with the potential to yield future Mineral Resources.

Tony Makuch, President and CEO of Kirkland Lake Gold, commented: We have consistently said that there could be additional Fostervilles on our Fosterville land position, and a sizable portion of our roughly $40 million exploration budget for the area in 2018 is focused on finding the next mining operation. The intersection of high-grade, visiblegold bearing mineralization at Robbins Hill is very encouraging and supports our view that a substantial Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve expansion opportunity exists within our existing land holdings. Like our current Fosterville Mine, the Robbins Hill project area has historic production from abandoned open pits. Recent drilling has targeted the down-dip projections of mineralized structures mined in the pits to depth. The results display marked similarities to the Lower Phoenix system with faults hosting sulfide mineralization enriched with later stage visible gold, quartz-stibnite vein-hosted mineralization at depth. In fact, we have now seen this occurrence towards high-grades with visible gold in quartz veins that intensifies at depth three times; first at Lower Phoenix, then at Harrier and now at Robbins Hill, and fully believe there could be more to come.

Extensive exploration drilling is ongoing in the Fosterville area, with a total of 10 surface and underground drills in operation at both in-mine and regional targets. Of planned 2018 exploration expenditures, approximately $30 million is being directed towards the Lower Phoenix, Harrier and Robbins Hill systems within the existing mining lease. In addition to Robbins Hill, current in-mine drilling is largely focused on Mineral Resource conversion within the Swan Zone, with the Company also having commenced a program of deep drilling to test the down-plunge extension potential of Swan mineralization. Approximately $10 million of planned 2018 exploration expenditures is being directed to the Large Ore Deposit Exploration (LODE) program, which includes greenfield drilling, surface soil sampling, gravity and 3-D seismic geophysical surveys, and reconnaissance exploration on a number of targets within newly granted exploration licenses.

Robbins Hill Drilling Program

As released in the December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource update (see Technical Report entitled, Report on the Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves of the Fosterville Mine in the State of Victoria, Australia dated April 2, 2018), the Robbins Hill Area hosts an Indicated Mineral Sulfide Resource below the 5050mRL of 253 thousand tonnes (kt) @ 3.69 g/t Au for 30 thousand ounces (kozs) of gold and an Inferred sulfide Mineral Resource of 2,139 kt @ 5.03 g/t Au for 346 kozs. Drilling programs in the Robbins Hill area throughout 2016 & 2017 resulted in the addition of 340 kozs of Inferred Mineral Resources below the 5050mRL with drill results defining sizeable extensions of high-grade mineralization that also display indications of an increasing grade profile at depth. Key intercepts that are incorporated in the December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource update are listed below.

Key Gold Intercepts:

9.7 g/t Au over 8.7 m (ETW 6.6 m) in hole RHD254;

7.7 g/t Au over 9.75 m (ETW 5.5m) in hole RHD251;

7.3 g/t Au over 7.95 m (ETW 7.5 m) in hole RHD257;

5.8 g/t Au over 6.65 m (ETW 5.5 m) in hole RHD253;

4.3 g/t Au over 9.2 m (ETW 8.8 m) in hole RHD246.

ETW  Estimated True Width, all drill results are presented in Table 1 and all drill collars are listed in Table 2.

Drill results returned after the December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource estimates continue to demonstrate extensions of high-grade mineralization including visible-gold mineralization at depth. Results from a total of 7 holes and 5,004.6 m have been returned since the December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource estimate with key intercepts listed below and further details provided in the commentary that follows.

Key Gold Intercepts:

12.9 g/t Au (1) over 3.7 m (ETW 3.2 m) in hole RHD282;

over 3.7 m (ETW 3.2 m) in hole RHD282; 5.1 g/t Au (1) over 3.0 m (ETW 2.9 m) in hole RHD283;

over 3.0 m (ETW 2.9 m) in hole RHD283; 7.3 g/t Au over 3.6 m (ETW 3.2 m) in hole RHD275;

7.3 g/t Au over 2.4m (ETW 2.2 m) in hole RHD280

ETW  Estimated True Width, all drill results are presented in Table 1 and all drill collars are listed in Table 2.

(1)  Visible gold intercept

The westerly dipping Curie structure which hosts visible gold mineralization, has now been defined over a strike extent of 700 m and a vertical extent of 600 m (see Figure 3). The occurrences of visible gold have been logged in two holes between approximately 500  550 m below surface and the structure is open for expansion down-dip and along strike. Intercepts containing visible gold associated with the Curie structure include 12.9 g/t Au over 3.7 m (ETW 3.2 m) returned in hole RHD282 and 5.1 g/t Au over 3.0 m (ETW 2.9 m) in hole RHD283. The Company is continuing to drill to define down-dip extensions of Curie mineralization with drilling planned on 12500mN and 12700mN below the 4750mRL. In addition, mineral resource definition programs are planned to be undertaken into the Curie structure between the 5000 mRL and 4750 mRL to increase Mineral Resource confidence into an Indicated Mineral Resource classification.

Approximately 150 - 250 m footwall to the Curie structure is the westerly dipping Rubin structure which hosts sulfide gold mineralization over a defined strike extent of approximately 450 m and vertical extent of approximately 400 m (see Figure 4). Recent drill results include 15.0 g/t Au over 0.35 m (ETW 0.35 m) in hole RHD272 and 6.25 g/t Au over 1.2 m (ETW 1.1 m) in hole RHD257. Footwall to the Rubin structure lies a more steeply west-dipping structure named Franklin. The Franklin structure hosts disseminated sulfide mineralization of true widths between 0.5  7.0 m and recent drill intercepts through this structure include 3.6 g/t Au over 7.4 m (ETW 7.0 m) in hole RHD259 (see Figure 3). Drill holes targeting the Curie structure during 2018 will be extended to intersect the projected positions of the Rubin and Franklin structures between 12500mN and 12700mN. The current defined extent of mineralization on the Franklin structure is approximately 250 m in strike length and 350 m in vertical height.

A number of east dipping mineralized structures have been defined between the west dipping Curie and Rubin faults, with the most pervasive being the Smith structure, which is interpreted to persist over a strike extent of approximately 700 m and a vertical extent of approximately 150 m. Significant high-grade mineralization is associated with this east dipping structure and recent drill intercepts include 7.7 g/t Au over 9.75 m (ETW 5.5 m) in hole RHD251, and 5.2 g/t Au over 9.0 m (ETW 5.0 m) in hole RHD248 (see Figure 4). The presence of mineralized east dipping faults on the eastern limbs of anticlines is encouraging as analogous mineralized settings exist in the Lower Phoenix system, namely the Eagle and East Dipping structures, which are highly endowed with gold mineralization. Drill targeting of these structures will continue during 2018 to further understand the size and continuity of grade along these structures.

Robbins Hill Geology

Gold mineralization at Fosterville is associated with two main structural trends: The Fosterville and ODwyers Fault Zones. The ODwyers Fault Zone, 1.5 km east of the Fosterville Fault, intersects a folded turbidite sequence at Robbins Hill.

Robbins Hill structural architecture is similar to the Fosterville system, consisting of several folded turbiditic sequences and major NNW trending structures resulting from a WSW-ENE shortening field. A number of major NNW-trending structures have been identified at Robbins Hill, including the recently drilled Curie and Rubin Faults. These reverse faults are post-folding and are interpreted to offset fold hinges at Robbins Hill creating ideal structural zones for gold precipitation (see Figure 5).

Major sulfide mineralization is concentrated within regions exhibiting dilatational structures (veins and faults). Sulfide mineralization is dominated by pyrite and arsenopyrite but can include trace occurrences of stibnite, galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite. Visible gold occurs at depth with observations thus far hosted by the Curie Fault, including several specks <2mm in diameter. Veins hosting the visible gold are dominated by quartz with minor calcite, chlorite, albite, and epidote. Other minerals present that appear to be spatially associated with visible gold mineralization include stibnite and selvedge arsenopyrite / pyrite alteration in the surrounding host rock. Visible gold is typically associated with laminated textures within the vein.

Low-grade sulfide mineralization (~2 g/t Au) is also homogenously distributed within a rhyolitic intrusive dyke seen in the Robbins Hill pit, where mineralization is generally vertical and found close to the fold hinge(s). Hydrothermal alteration is abundant within mineralized zones including both sericitic and carbonaceous alteration.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Qualified Persons

Troy Fuller, MAIG, Geology Manager, Fosterville Gold Mine, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information and data included in this News Release.

Drilling and Assay QAQC

Kirkland Lake Gold has in place quality-control systems to ensure best practice in drilling, sampling and analysis of drill core. All diamond drill hole collars (Table 2) are accurately surveyed using a Topcon HiPer SR GPS instrument and down-hole deviations are measured by electronic multi-shot cameras.

Sampling consisted of diamond drill core that was half core sampled. Half core samples were cut longitudinally in half with a diamond saw; one-half of the drill core was sent to an independent laboratory for analysis and the other drill core half retained for reference. Sample pulps are returned from the assay laboratory for reference and future geological or metallurgical studies. Drill core sample intervals vary between 0.3 and 1.2m in length and were determined from logging of sulfide and visible gold to geological boundaries.

Samples containing visible-gold or considered likely to contain visible-gold were separated from sulfide gold samples and dispatched independently for assaying. At the laboratory visible-gold jobs were processed through a single pulverizer and material barren of gold (quartz wash) was crushed before and after each sample to minimize the potential for gold to contaminate successive samples.

Assay results are based on 25-gram charge fire assays. Mean grades are calculated using a variable lower grade cut-off (generally 2 g/t Au) and maximum 2m internal dilution. No upper gold grade cut is applied to the data. However, during future Mineral Resource studies the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed.

Drill samples were assayed at On Site Laboratories, an independent laboratory in Bendigo, Victoria. The facility is registered ISO 9001:2008 (CERT-C33510).

About Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. is a mid-tier gold producer with 2018 production targeted at over 620,000 ounces of gold from mines in Canada and Australia. The production profile of the Company is anchored by two high-grade, low-cost operations, including the Macassa Mine located in Northeastern Ontario and the Fosterville Mine located in the state of Victoria, Australia. Kirkland Lake Gold's solid base of quality assets is complemented by district scale exploration potential, supported by a strong financial position with extensive management and operational expertise.

For further information on Kirkland Lake Gold and to receive news releases by email, visit the website www.klgold.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to planned exploration programs, costs and expenditures, changes in mineral resources and conversion of mineral resources to proven and probable reserves, and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future exploration potential, potential development of the Robbins Hill area and the anticipated benefits thereof, project economics, timing and scope of future exploration, anticipated costs and expenditures, changes in mineral resources and conversion of mineral resources to proven and probable reserves, and other information that is based on forecasts of future operational or financial results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Exploration results that include geophysics, sampling, and drill results on wide spacings may not be indicative of the occurrence of a mineral deposit. Such results do not provide assurance that further work will establish sufficient grade, continuity, metallurgical characteristics and economic potential to be classed as a category of mineral resource. A mineral resource that is classified as "inferred" or "indicated" has a great amount of uncertainty as to its existence and economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that any or part of an "indicated mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be upgraded to a higher category of resource. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into proven and probable reserves.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include, among others, risks related to international operations, risks related to obtaining the permits required to carry out planned exploration or development work, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined as well as future prices of gold, as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Companys Annual Information Form dated December 31, 2017 and other disclosures of "Risk Factors" by the Company and its predecessors, available on SEDAR. Although Kirkland Lake Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors - Mineral Reserve and Resource Estimates

All resource and reserve estimates included in this news release or documents referenced in this news release have been prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") - CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators, which established standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. The terms "mineral reserve", "proven mineral reserve" and "probable mineral reserve" are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. These definitions differ materially from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7 ("SEC Industry Guide 7") under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act.

In addition, the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and are normally not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in very limited circumstances. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a mineral resource exists, will ever be converted into a mineral reserve or is or will ever be economically or legally mineable or recovered.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Anthony Makuch, President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Phone: +1 416-840-7884

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mark Utting, Vice-President, Investor Relations

Phone: +1 416-840-7884

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Table 1: Drill Assay Intercepts from Surface Drilling for the Robbins Hill Area, Fosterville Gold Mine

Hole ID From

(m) To

(m) Downhole Interval

(m) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Estimated

True Width

(m) Geological

Structure Smith Fault RHD248 328.6 337.6 9.0 5.2 5.0 Smith RHD251 396.95 406.7 9.75 7.7 5.5 Smith RHD276 261.35 264.9 3.55 2.6 3.0 Smith Curie Fault RHD242 NSI Curie RHD243 NSI Curie RHD243B NSI Curie RHD244A NSI Curie RHD245 NSI Curie RHD246 337.2 346.4 9.2 4.3 8.8 Curie RHD247 320.6 326.85 6.25 2.8 6.0 Curie RHD248 315.45 316.5 1.05 1.8 1.0 Curie RHD249A NSI Curie RHD250 372.75 375.7 2.95 3.4 2.9 Curie RHD251 347.6 350.7 3.1 6.1 3.0 Curie RHD252A 347.6 348.9 1.3 1.4 1.2 Curie RHD253 542.0 548.65 6.65 5.8 5.5 Curie RHD254 424.9 433.6 8.7 9.7 6.6 Curie RHD256 369.95 373.95 4.0 4.7 3.7 Curie RHD257 378.45 386.4 7.95 7.3 7.5 Curie RHD258 379.2 381.4 2.2 11.0 2.1 Curie RHD259 410.0 412.7 2.7 5.7 2.1 Curie RHD260 369.8 372.1 2.3 7.0 2.2 Curie RHD261 612.8 615.5 2.7 3.7 2.0 Curie RHD262 325.0 330.0 5.0 4.1 4.7 Curie RHD263 351.25 352.7 1.45 3.9 1.2 Curie RHD264 391.0 395.1 4.1 7.2 3.7 Curie RHD265 423.0 423.6 0.6 4.1 0.45 Curie RHD266 NSI Curie RHD267 NSI Curie RHD268 446.4 447.8 1.4 8.1 1.0 Curie RHD269 476.75 481.0 4.25 6.2 3.3 Curie RHD270 NSI Curie RHD272 398.5 401.5 3.0 3.7 2.6 Curie RHD273 455.35 459.65 4.3 0.4 3.9 Curie RHD274A 501.75 504.9 3.15 5.2 2.9 Curie RHD275 368.0 371.6 3.6 7.3 3.2 Curie RHD276 179.0 186.4 7.4 4.8 3 Curie RHD277 179.0 186.4 7.4 4.8 4.5 Curie RHD280 631.0 633.4 2.4 7.3 2.2 Curie RHD281 632.0 636.0 4.0 3.0 3.9 Curie RHD282 (1) 639.3 643.0 3.7 12.9 3.2 Curie RHD283 (1) 633.6 636.6 3.0 5.1 2.9 Curie Rubin Fault RHD257 636.7 637.9 1.2 6.3 1.1 Rubin RHD258 584.9 587.7 2.8 3.9 2.8 Rubin RHD259 685.2 686.7 1.5 4.1 1.4 Rubin RHD263 605.7 606.8 1.1 5.6 1.1 Rubin RHD264 659.65 660.55 0.9 2.4 0.8 Rubin RHD265 733.4 734.35 0.95 7.4 0.6 Rubin RHD272 653.6 653.95 0.35 15.0 0.35 Rubin RHD275 609.3 609.6 0.3 7.9 0.3 Rubin Franklin Fault RHD257 649.1 655.3 6.2 1.5 5.5 Franklin RHD259 739.9 747.3 7.4 3.6 7.0 Franklin RHD263 619.25 619.95 0.7 6.4 0.5 Franklin RHD264 722.3 723.0 0.7 4.3 0.5 Franklin RHD265 839.9 841.4 1.5 3.2 1.3 Franklin RHD270 673.5 675.9 2.4 1.2 1.9 Franklin RHD274A 888.25 889.0 0.75 4.7 0.5 Franklin

Notes: (1) - Visible gold observed in drill intercept Drill intercepts greater than 30 Gram-Metres (gold grade x estimated true width) are in bold text

Table 2: Surface Diamond Drill Hole Collar Locations, Fosterville Gold Mine.

Hole ID Northing

(m) Easting

(m) Elevation

(m) Collar

Azimuth () Collar

Plunge () Depth

(m) 2016 Drill Holes (Used in December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource Model) RHD242 12,453 3,182 5,158 105.8 -63.9 461.3 RHD243 12,453 3,182 5,158 101.5 -49.9 520.9 RHD243B 12,453 3,182 5,158 100.1 -45.4 496.8 RHD244A 12,453 3,182 5,158 98.8 -45.8 487.6 RHD245 12,603 3,207 5,156 94.6 -73.0 422.6 RHD246 12,603 3,207 5,156 94.1 -67.4 662.2 RHD247 12,603 3,207 5,156 94.1 -59.5 557.4 RHD248 12,603 3,207 5,156 93.7 -51.0 489.8 2017 Drill Holes (Used in December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource Model) RHD249A 12,491 3,161 5,157 90.0 -62.2 879.4 RHD250 12,491 3,161 5,157 87.5 -58.5 578.3 RHD251 12,491 3,161 5,157 88.8 -49.6 574.7 RHD252A 12,491 3,161 5,157 85.5 -47.0 571.4 RHD253 12,491 3,161 5,157 97.0 -85.3 578.5 RHD254 12,696 3,136 5,173 91.4 -71.2 650.5 RHD256 12,696 3,136 5,173 86.7 -53.4 569.4 RHD257 12,800 3,116 5,172 86.6 -67.0 899.8 RHD258 12,800 3,116 5,172 86.8 -61.5 653.8 RHD259 12,800 3,116 5,172 88.0 -75.6 767.2 RHD260 12,800 3,116 5,172 88.6 -54.6 530.8 RHD261 13,136 3,018 5,152 135.1 -86.1 803.8 RHD262 12,863 3,145 5,171 70.8 -63.5 698.6 RHD263 12,863 3,145 5,171 70.1 -70.3 670.9 RHD264 12,863 3,145 5,171 69.0 -79.4 753.8 RHD265 12,863 3,145 5,171 56.7 -83.9 866.5 RHD266 13,136 3,018 5,152 94.2 -52.7 743.5 RHD267 13,136 3,018 5,152 71.0 -61.0 855.1 RHD268 13,136 3,018 5,152 92.7 -67.1 869.8 RHD269 13,136 3,018 5,152 92.4 -72.3 860.8 RHD270 12,863 3,145 5,171 71.6 -76.1 737.9 RHD272 12,977 3,067 5,168 75.5 -68.1 720.0 RHD273 12,977 3,067 5,168 69.1 -74.9 815.6 RHD274A 12,977 3,067 5,168 66.8 -80.1 915.1 2017 and 2018 Drill Holes (Not used in December 31, 2017 Mineral Resource Model) RHD275 12,977 3,067 5,168 80.2 -61.5 692.9 RHD276 12,657 3,550 5,151 263.3 -65.4 362.8 RHD277 12,657 3,550 5,150 261.5 -74.6 584.6 RHD280 12,621 2,811 5,154 92.2 -47.8 662.3 RHD281 12,620 2,810 5,154 89.1 -52.8 881.4 RHD282 12,620 2,810 5,154 91.4 -58.6 890.6 RHD283 12,620 2,810 5,154 89.1 -64.8 930.0

Notes: Collar locations are in Fosterville Mine Grid coordinate system.Indicated Mineral Resource of 2.857 Million Tonnes of LCE and

Inferred Mineral Resource of 3.683 Million Tonnes of LCE

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP) (OTCQB:CYDVF) (Frankfurt:C1Z1) (Cypress or the Company) is pleased to announce a maiden independent resource estimate for its 100%-owned Clayton Valley Lithium Project in Nevada.

Location map for the Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Nevada:





Highlights:

Total indicated mineral resource of 597 million tonnes at an average grade of 899 ppm (0.09%) Li, which equates to a contained 2.857 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

Total inferred mineral resource of 779 million tonnes at an average grade of 888 ppm (0.089%) Li, which equates to a contained 3.683 million tonnes of LCE.

This resource estimate is the first for Cypress Clayton Valley Lithium Project and includes mineral resources on the contiguous Dean and Glory properties.

The deposit is outlined by 23 core holes drilled by Cypress during 2017 and 2018. The deposit remains open at depth, with 21 of the 23 holes ending in lithium mineralization.

The deposit is interpreted as a fossil lithium brine deposit which was uplifted by faulting above the eastern margin of the current salt playa. The lithium occurs within a large volume of mudstones, composed of volcanic ash with finer grained clay, carbonate, and salt minerals. Consistency of the nature of mineralization lends itself to interpretation by wide spaced drilling as in other sedimentary-hosted deposits.

Preliminary test work conducted at SGS Canada Inc (Lakefield) and Continental Metallurgical Services, LLC has shown the material exhibits high lithium extractions with short leach times. Lithium extractions greater than 80% can be achieved in 4 to 8 hours using conventional dilute sulfuric acid leaching. Currently, Hazen Research Inc is conducting additional leach tests and preliminary results confirm high lithium extractions for new mineral zones.

The presence of acid leachable lithium presents a significant cost savings by avoiding calcine and regrind of material during processing. Preliminary results also show the consumption of sulfuric acid and other reagents are relatively low.

The production of high-purity lithium carbonate (a typical salable product) was demonstrated in the laboratory using conventional recovery methods.

An additional 30 drill holes are required to upgrade the inferred portion of the mineral resource to the indicated category.

Cypress plans to proceed immediately with a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) based on the current indicated and inferred resources and at the same time evaluate ways to accelerate the project through additional drilling, metallurgical testing and related studies.

The large tonnage of the deposit lends potential to target higher grade lithium mineralization for the PEA, as is seen within the intercepts between GCH-06 and DCH-13

Dr. Bill Willoughby, Cypress CEO, commented on the resource estimate, This is a major milestone for Cypress. To have advanced from drilling the first hole on Dean just over a year ago to the resources we have now is truly remarkable. Its exciting not only to see validation to the size of deposit, which is something weve anticipated, but also all the other factors line up that affect how a project can become a mine. Im looking forward now to the PEA next, which I anticipate based on the results today, we will work to complete as quickly as possible.



Details of the Mineral Resource Estimate

The National Instrument 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate was estimated by Terre Lane, MMSA Qualified Professional and SME Registered Member, of Global Resource Engineering Ltd. (GRE) of Denver, Colorado. GRE has extensive experience in the resource estimation, mining, and extraction of sedimentary-hosted deposits. The NI 43-101 technical report will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days and carries an Effective Date of May 1, 2018.

GRE estimated the Mineral Resource using a database of 23 drill holes for 1,891 metres, drilled by Cypress during 2017 and 2018. The resource was calculated using a 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) gridded model (common for layered sedimentary deposits) of 6 mineralized stratigraphic units and verified using a 3-dimensional (3D) block model. The mineralized intercepts in the drill holes and a 3D interpretation of the geology and intercepts were done by Terre Lane and J.J. Brown of GRE, who are Qualified Persons under NI 43-101.

All samples for the project were assayed at ALS Chemex or Bureau Veritas, both ISO-9000 certified laboratories. The resulting assay intervals were composited for the entire sedimentary unit for the 2.5D gridded model and were composited to a 5m down-hole length for the 3D estimate. Grade capping of lithium values was not required. Model grades were interpolated in Techbase using an inverse distance squared algorithm. A tonnage factor of 1.7 tonnes per cubic meter was selected based upon general published values to represent the insitu density. Indicated Mineral Resources were defined as being within 300 meters of a drill hole, with the Inferred mineralization requiring 2 drill holes within a search ellipse of 1500 x 800 metres for each unit. The major axis was orientated north-south along valley. The sedimentary units were truncated at the Angel Island volcanic package and claim boundaries. The mineral resources reported use a cut-off grade of 300 ppm Li (0.03%), reflecting a $1/tonne mining cost, $0.50 G&A cost, and a $3,800/tonne LCE processing cost (~$13/tonne processed). These costs reflect a 10,000  15,000 tonne per day mining operation in soft sedimentary material that does not require blasting. The resource estimate used a process recovery of 80%.

An overall lithium recovery of 80% was employed for the mineral resource based on the results from laboratory testing. Confirmation leach testing on the core from DCH-16 is being conducted at Hazen in Golden, Colorado under direction of Dr. Todd Harvey, who is Qualified Person in Metallurgy under NI 43-101 from GRE. Preliminary leach results indicate relatively high grade pregnant leach solution (PLS) can be produced containing Li, K, Na and limited deleterious elements.

Table 1. Indicated Mineral Resource Total Tonnes % Li Tonnes LCE Total 597 million 0.090 2.857 million Table 2. Inferred Mineral Resource Total Tonnes % Li Tonnes LCE Total 779 million 0.088 3.683 million

CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves.

Terre Lane, J.J. Brown and Dr. Todd Harvey, of GRE are the qualified persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and have approved of the technical information in this release.

About Cypress Development Corp.:

Cypress Development Corp. is a publicly traded exploration company focused on developing the Company's 100%-owned Clayton Valley lithium project in the State of Nevada, U.S.A.

Cypress' Dean & Glory Lithium Project is located immediately east of Albemarle's Silver Peak mine, North America's only lithium brine operation. Recent exploration by Cypress has discovered an extensive deposit of lithium-bearing claystone adjacent to the brine field. With mineralization tested by drilling over a seven-kilometer trend, the size of the Dean & Glory deposit makes Clayton Valley a premier target that has the potential to impact the future of lithium production in North America.

Cypress Development Corp. has approx. 59.1 million shares issued and outstanding.

To find out more about Cypress Development Corp. (TSX-V:CYP), visit our website at www.cypressdevelopmentcorp.com.

CYPRESS DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Dr. Bill Willoughby



WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE

Chief Executive Officer

For further information contact myself or:

Don Myers

Cypress Development Corp.

Director, Corporate Communications

Telephone: 604-639-3851

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.Vancouver, BC / TheNewswire / May 1, 2018 - Dajin Resources Corp. ("Dajin") (TSX-V: DJI) (OTC: DJIFF) (Germany: C2U1) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Joint Venture Agreement (JV) with Geothermal Development Associates (GDA), Reno, Nevada. GDA's principle line of business is the development of geothermal resources for electrical generation. They hold geothermal leases that overlap Dajin's placer claims in the Teels Marsh valley. As a result of this JV, GDA and Dajin will share exploration data with the ultimate aim of supporting the development of a Lithium brine extraction facility as well as development of a geothermal plant for electrical generation and the production of direct-use thermal water. This agreement outlines a cooperative relationship where both companies will be focusing on their key strengths to mutually develop Lithium brine and renewable energy resources.

Dajin's President Brian Findlay commented, "The link between geothermal systems and Lithium enrichment has been well documented, so the presence of a strong geothermal system is a good indicator for potentially commercial grades of Lithium in brine. This factor, along with preferential access to green renewable electrical power and thermal energy to power a potential future Lithium brine operation without competition over surface and water rights, enhances the chances of identifying economic Lithium and geothermal resources". GDA's President Martin Booth said, "We are pleased with this association with Dajin who understands and appreciates the significance of geothermal resources and how collaboration can help both companies move forward on their respective developments." (click here for information on GDA)

Key attractions of Dajin's Teels Marsh valley Lithium brine project include identified near-surface Lithium-bearing brines, possession of granted water rights, and minimal land fragmentation. The basin beneath the playa is up to 8,200 feet (2,500 metres) deep. Prior geothermal exploration results indicate favourable geochemistry and shallow sub-surface temperatures of up to 206?F (97?C) at 131 feet (40 meters) depth at the northwest end of the valley. In March 2017, the Bureau of Land Management accepted Dajin's Notice to proceed with civil works and drilling as part of its exploration for Lithium brines. Construction of the roads and pads in preparation for drilling is underway. A National Instrument 43-101 report on the Teels Marsh project was released in April 2017 (a copy can be obtained by clicking here).

The technical information in this press release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements of National Instrument 43-101 and has been reviewed and approved on behalf of Dajin Resources Corp. by Dajin Directors, Dr. Catherine Hickson, P. Geo and Dr. Mark Coolbaugh, P.Geo, the Qualified Persons.

About Dajin: (www.dajin.ca)

Dajin, through Dajin Resources S.A. ("Dajin S.A."), holds concessions or concession applications in Jujuy Province, Argentina that were acquired in regions known to contain brines with Lithium, Potassium, and Boron values. These concessions exceed 93,000 hectares (230,000 acres) and are primarily located in the Salinas Grandes/Guayatayoc salt lakes basin. In February 2018, Dajin announced the results of 25 shallow brine samples covering an area of 550 hectares (5.5 km2) in the northwestern corner of the 4,300 hectare (43 km2) San Jose/Navidad mina. Concentrations ranged from 281 mg/l to 1,353 mg/l, averaging 591 mg/l Lithium. Dajin S.A. is partnered with LSC Lithium Corporation who has agreed to spend $2,000,000 to earn a 51% interest in Dajin S.A.'s Lithium properties while building a significant presence in Argentina. (click here for information on LSC Lithium Corporation)

Dajin is an early stage Lithium exploration company holding a 100% interest in 403 placer claims covering 7,914 acres (3,202 hectares) in the Teels Marsh valley of Mineral County, Nevada. These claims are known to contain Lithium and Boron values and are adjacent to the birth place of US Borax Corp's first borax mine. Dajin also holds a 100% interest in 278 placer claims covering 5,591 acres (2,262 hectares) in the Alkali Lake valley of Esmeralda County, Nevada, located 7 miles (11 kilometers) northeast of Albemarle's Silver Peak Lithium brine operation in Clayton Valley.Intersects 12.7 Metres of 38.0% Zinc and 28.5 Metres of 20.1% Zinc

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2018) - Zinc One Resources Inc. (TSXV: Z) (OTC Pink: ZZZOF) (FSE: RH33)  Zinc One or the Company) has extended the recently discovered high-grade zinc deposit at the Mina Chica zone of the Bongara Zinc Project located in north-central Peru. Four of the drill holes reported herein show that the high-grade mineralization continues to the northwest for more than 50 metres with true vertical thicknesses ranging from 7.4 metres to 20.1 metres and zinc grades in excess of 20%.

The drilling at Mina Chica is part of the ongoing program that is targeting several areas of known high-grade zinc mineralization at the project. The drill program at Mina Chica, consisting of 53 drill holes and a total of 2,370.9 metres, has now been completed with final results pending for the remaining drill holes. Drilling at Mina Grande Sur is continuing and results are expected soon.

Jim Walchuck, President and CEO of Zinc One commented, The current drill program at the Mina Chica zone continues to expand the deposit, and will potentially have a positive impact on the resource estimate at the Bongara Zinc Mine Project expected to be released in Q3 2018. Needless to say, the drill results of this discovery have greatly enhanced our understanding of the geology at Mina Chica and continue to impress us at Zinc One. We are obviously eager to see the next round of drill results.

Mina Chica Drill Results Highlights:

53 drill holes for 2,370.9 metres have been drilled from 18 platforms (see map in Figure 1.)

Results from 18 holes were reported previously (see news releases from April 9, and April 26, 2018)

Significant new intercepts include (see cross-section in Figure 2.): MCH18022  12.7 metres of 38.0% zinc, from 6.0 metres drill depth

MCH18026  28.5 metres of 20.1% zinc, from 4.3 metres drill depth True vertical thickness of 20.1 metres from true vertical depth of 3.0 metres Holes MCH18019, 20, and 21 were drilled proximal to the southern limit of superficial mineralization.

Mineralization at Mina Chica includes zinc oxides, carbonates and silicates hosted by soils, highly-weathered carbonates, and fine- to coarse-grained dolomites.

Mina Chica is one of three known zones of high-grade, near-surface zinc-oxide mineralization along a 1.4 kilometre mineralized trend that is being tested by this drill program. At Bongarita, which lies approximately 200 metres west of Mina Chica, all results from the 36 holes (587.2 metres) drilled have been reported. A second drill rig is currently drilling at Mina Grande Sur, which lies approximately 1.2 kilometres southeast of Mina Chica. Results from 11 of 80 holes drilled, for a total of 1,782.1 metres, have been reported to date.

Geology and Discussion of Results

The zinc mineralization at Bongara is hosted by carbonate rocks and is classified as a Mississippi Valley-type deposit. The mineralization is stratabound and is basically a tabular body with irregular boundaries. Hydrozincite, smithsonite, hemimorphite, and a zinc-aluminum-iron silicate are the primary zinc minerals that are hosted primarily by soils, heavily-weathered fractured and vuggy dolomites, and fine- to coarse-grained dolomites.

Significant results, including drill-hole orientation and total depths for Mina Chica, can be found below in Table 1. In addition, the map in Figure 1 shows the drilling and the surface/pit sampling at Mina Chica. Figure 2 is a cross-section that shows the key holes that define the discovery.

Table 1.: Mina Chica Drill Results

Drill hole Easting* Northing* Azimuth Inclination Total depth From, m To, m Total, m True vertical thickness, m Zn, % MCH18019 170788 9368771 0 -90 25.0 0.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 31.4 MCH18020 170788 9368771 225 -45 23.8 0.0 5.8 5.8 4.1 23.8 MCH18021 170789 9368772 45 -45 20.7 0.0 4.2 4.2 3.0 12.0 MCH18022 170750 9368861 0 -90 34.50 6.0 24.0 24.0 12.7 38.0 MCH18023 170750 9368861 180 -45 31.3 13.3 23.8 23.8 7.4 27.5 MCH18024 170750 9368860 270 -45 26.8 8.8 19.3 19.3 7.4 23.4 MCH18025 170746 9368902 0 -90 28.0 3.0 7.5 7.5 4.5 11.0 MCH18026 170746 9368902 230 -45 59.8 4.3 32.8 32.8 20.1 20.1

*Preliminary coordinates; land survey pending

Figure 1: Drilling and Pit/Surface Sampling at Mina Chica Zone

Figure 2: Cross-Section at Mina Chica Zone

Sampling and Analytical Protocols

Zinc One follows a systematic and rigorous Quality Control/Quality Assurance program overseen by Dr. Bill Williams, COO and Director of Zinc One.

The sample from each core run is placed in a 60-centimetre long, plastic core box that has five columns. Core recovery, rock quality designation (RQD), and geologic features are logged and sample intervals, which are generally <2 metres, are chosen. Each core box is photographed and then sampled with a spatula (soil and heavily-weathered rock) or cut with a core saw, 50% of which is placed in a sample bag and stored on site in a secure location. The Company independently inserts certified control standards, blanks, and duplicates, all of which comprise at least 20% of the sample batch, to monitor sample preparation and analytical quality. The samples are stored in a secure area until such time they are shipped to ALS laboratory in Lima (ISO 9001 Certified) for preparation and assay. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed, pulverized and then a four-acid digestion is applied. This is followed by the ICP-AES analytical technique for 33 elements, including lead. The same method is used to assay zinc for values up to 20%. If zinc exceeds 20%, it is then analyzed using a titration method. The laboratory also inserts blanks and standards as well as including duplicate analyses.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Dr. Bill Williams, COO and Director of Zinc One, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Zinc One Resources Inc.

Zinc One is focused on the exploration and development of prospective and advanced zinc projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions. The Companys key assets are the Bongara Zinc Mine Project and the Charlotte Bongara Zinc Project in north-central Peru. The Bongara Zinc Mine Project was in production from 2007 to 2008, but was closed due to the global financial crisis and concurrent decrease in the zinc price. Past production included >20% zinc grades and recoveries over 90% from surface and near-surface zinc-oxide mineralization. High-grade, zinc-oxide mineralization is known to outcrop between the mined area and the Charlotte Bongara Project, which is nearly six kilometres to the NNW and where past drilling intercepted various near-surface zones with high-grade zinc. Zinc One is managed by a proven team of geologists and engineers who have previously constructed and operated successful mining operations.

Additional Information

Monica Hamm

VP, Investor Relations

Zinc One Resources Inc.

Phone: (604) 683-0911

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.zincone.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect managements current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zinc One cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zinc Ones limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on the Bongara Zinc Oxide Project and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zinc One does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Condemnation poured in from across the world Tuesday after 10 journalists were among dozens killed in attacks in Afghanistan, in what the UN described as the deliberate targeting of the media.

A double suicide blast in Kabul left 25 people dead including AFP photographer Shah Marai and eight other journalists, while a BBC reporter was killed in a separate attack in eastern Khost province.

The second Kabul bomber disguised himself as a journalist and detonated himself among the crowd, police said, in what Reporters Without Borders said was the most lethal single attack on the media since the fall of the Taliban.

Journalists from Radio Free Europe and Afghan broadcasters Tolo News and 1TV were among the others killed.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was outraged by the suicide blasts, which were claimed by the Islamic State group and left another 49 people wounded.

The deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work, he said.

In a third strike on a bloody day for Afghanistan, 11 children were killed and 16 people wounded, including Romanian and Afghan soldiers, when another suicide attacker exploded his car near a NATO convoy in southern Kandahar province.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that the weakened militants were targeting journalists in Afghanistan in order to undermine the electoral process ahead of an expected vote in October.

This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs, he said.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also condemned the senseless and barbaric attack.

The vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure, in large part due to those journalists and media professionals who tragically died in todays attack, but whose courageous and steadfast work helped lay the foundation for Afghanistans thriving and resilient independent media, he said.

The BBC confirmed that its reporter, 29-year-old Ahmad Shah who had worked for the broadcaster for more than a year, was shot by unidentified armed men in Khost and that police were investigating the motive.

 Bloody summer 

The attacks came days after the Taliban began a spring offensive, in an apparent rejection of a peace talks overture by the Afghan government.

Afghanistan was last year ranked the third most dangerous country in the world for journalists by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and on Monday the watchdog urged the international community to guard the media from future attacks.

It is high time that the UN send a strong signal to the international community and to local protagonists by appointing a Special Representative for the protection of journalists, the groups chief Christophe Deloire said.

Human Rights Watch also warned that a deliberate attack on civilians was a war crime, adding in a statement Tuesday: Journalists have long paid a high price for covering Afghanistans armed conflict.

RSF said that since 2016, it has recorded the killings of 34 journalists in Afghanistan.

In 2016, seven employees of popular TV channel Tolo were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing. And in November last year, broadcaster Shamshad TV was stormed by gunmen who killed one person.

After that strike, the defiant station was back on the air within hours, with a newscaster with bandaged hands reporting on the attack as its director vowed: They cannot silence us.

 Treasured colleague 

AFPs Marai joined the agency as a driver in 1996, the year the Taliban seized power. He soon began taking pictures on the side, covering stories including the US invasion in 2001.

In 2002, he became a full-time photo stringer, rising through the ranks to become the bureaus chief photographer.

During his career he was beaten and threatened by the Taliban, and suffered devastating personal loss including in 2014 when AFP senior reporter and his good friend Sardar Ahmad was killed along with his wife and two of his children in a Taliban attack.

Marai, 41, left behind six children, including a newborn daughter.

He was buried near his home village in the Shomali Plain, north of Kabul, later Monday in a ceremony attended by heartbroken relatives, friends and colleagues.

This tragedy reminds us of the danger that our teams continually face on the ground and the essential role journalists play for democracy, AFPs CEO Fabrice Fries said.FURRY INK LaundroMutt owner Veronica Schabert paints a tattoo on Honey Knibbs, during the first Dogs Are People, Too event on Saturday at Carruthers Park in North Tonawanda. Oops! A Free Account...

Buffalo man pleads guilty to murder of Parkedge Avenue woman Buffalo resident Clarence Simmons, 34, has pleaded guilty to a murder charge in connection with a stabbing that took place last March, in the Town of Tonawandas Riverview neighborhood. According...

Western New York muralist wraps up project at Riviera Theatre Lancaster resident Tim Martin has completed the newly renovated mural on the southern wall of North Tonawandas Riviera Theatre. The mural has been in the making for over 20 years,...

Ken-Ton resident named semifinalist in National Merit Scholarship Program Ken-Ton resident Kelsey Hammel, a senior at Buffalo Seminary, has been named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Hammel now has an opportunity to compete next spring for...

Give Me Shelter silent auction scheduled Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) will host its second Give Me Shelter online silent auction from 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11, to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. People are invited...Many medical organizations have recently been promoting focused and individualized lab testing for routine screening or when pursuing a diagnosis. Research has shown that the shotgun approach to lab testing usually leads to further invasive testing which has not been proven to significantly alter morbidity or mortality.

Additionally, tests rely on pre-test probabilities and can have false-positive or negative results and even lead to adverse events from the follow-up testing. In response to this, medical organizations have created many resources to help educate and guide physicians from over-testing. The American College of Physicians (ACP) created a high-value care subdivision that discusses many evidence-based approaches to provide the best possible care while reducing unnecessary costs. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) created Choosing Wisely which is a resource in which many medical organizations create evidence-based suggestions to help guide patient care. For example, in Choosing Wisely, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) recommends not repeating hepatitis C viral load testing outside of antiviral therapy. The American College of Rheumatology recommends not testing for ANA sub-serologies if the ANA is not positive and there is low clinical evidence or suspicion of immune-mediated disease.

The goal of Choosing Wisely is, to reduce medical overuse/misuse, reduce patient harm and to provide better patient care. There are currently around 490 recommendations from many different organizations. Some recommendations are quite useful and should be instituted, while others should be followed with caution. One potentially problematic recommendation comes from the Society of General Internal Medicine that states:

For asymptomatic adults without a chronic medical condition, mental health problem, or other health concern, dont routinely perform annual general health checks that include a comprehensive physical examination and lab testing.

This statement could prove detrimental and, in my opinion, may lead physicians to miss important diagnoses. Many healthy people do not physically display evidence of disease but in fact, may have laboratory evidence of something slowly going awry. The iceberg theory states that an iceberg has only 10 percent of its mass protruding above the water, while the remaining 90 percent is underwater. This theory relates to patient care in many ways. An illness usually starts off slow and remains underwater for a considerable amount of time. It is at this time that physicians can make the biggest difference by catching the disease early before the final 10 percent surfaces. In my practice, I have uncovered many diseases in young and otherwise healthy patients who did not display any outward signs of disease. Had I not tested these patients, I would not have uncovered the asymptomatic diseases that were slowly wreaking havoc. I have been able to diagnose patients with familial hyperlipidemia, completely asymptomatic full-blown diabetes mellitus, anemia, pre-diabetes and liver diseases (specifically fatty liver diseases). By catching these diseases early, I have been able to counsel my patients and even start them on a medication as deemed appropriate. Additionally, I have noticed in my institution in particular, that much effort is made into not testing or not screening, that physicians, particularly the ones in training, miss diagnoses or get confused on which patients actually warrant further testing.

In the USA, the incidence and prevalence of fatty liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have significantly risen. The only way to properly diagnose such diseases is with liver chemistry tests and imaging studies such as a liver ultrasound. If we are strictly trained to order fewer tests on asymptomatic patients, I fear that these diagnoses will be missed. If left untreated, such diseases can eventually lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Current treatment options for NAFLD and NASH are aimed at avoiding further liver damage, immunizing against hepatitis A and B and instituting lifestyle changes (although many more are in the pipelines).

In conclusion, limiting the amount of unnecessary or wasteful testing is important as is screening patients for asymptomatic diseases. I am a proponent for using health resources wisely, but I also want to be thorough and not miss catching a silent disease in my patients at an earlier juncture where an intervention will alter the course of the disease. My suggestion is that we should continue screening patients for diseases such as liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and anemia even in the absence of symptoms as they may not be present.

Additionally, abnormal labs can be used as a tool to counsel patients on lifestyle changes and give feedback on how the changes they have instituted affected their labs. This does not mean that it has to be done yearly but can even be spread out every few years. For example, if I find that a lab test is normal or stable, I will spread out the testing time to a few years if appropriate. I believe that by doing so, we can catch diseases earlier, help counsel our patients and help prevent the iceberg from progressing to its full mass.

Shmuel Golfeyz is an internal medicine physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com13 Shares Share

I grabbed a few beach pillows, put on my old worn-out blue beach button down, poured myself a glass of whiskey and walked down to the beach from our villa to watch the sunset. My four friends and I were ten days deep into a two-week vacation. We had already toured Seoul, South Korea for three days, Tokyo, Japan for four days and Hong Kong for three days. So, I welcomed the two days of rest and relaxation that accompanied the beach resort of Vinpearl in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

I remember laying down perched up on a pillow or two to support my head. The fine, white sand of Nha Trang starting to stick to my almost empty but still cold glass of whiskey. I was in my own little world. The sun was just about to slip behind Vietnams mountain range in the distance when I heard a commotion coming from our villa. I sipped the final remnants of Johnny Walker from my glass when my friend Demitri approached me with a worried look on his face. He knelt down onto one knee next to me and said, I just puked blood.

I immediately gathered my pillows, stood up and lead Demitri to our beachfront villa. I brushed the sand off my shirt and pants and switched to doctor mode. Demitri was tremulous and hunched over due to his abdominal pain, and his physical symptoms were matched with the anxiety of being potentially sick in a foreign country.

Back at our villa, I could see that my three other friends were almost as anxious as Demitri. I got this guys, I assured them, can you grab us some bottled water please?

While one of our friends was fetching water, the other two explained that they were hanging out when Demitri felt nauseous and began to vomit. After retching a third time, Demitri saw blood. They didnt know what to do so they did the only logical thing  they went and got the doctor off the beach.

With water bottle in hand, Demitri explained that he was feeling lightheaded. I laid him down on the beach chair and lowered its head flat. The differentials ran through my head quickly with infectious etiologies being the highest. Unlikely arrhythmogenic in nature given lack of gross physical exam findings with no past medical history in an otherwise relatively young and healthy adult man in his late 20s. His lightheadedness was likely due to orthostatic hypotension likely complicating his underlying issue given that he was vomiting and had decreased oral intake over the last 12 hours.

I tweezed out that he had no other associated symptoms including fever, chills, diarrhea, black, dark or bloody stools, and he had no major past medical history. No meds or allergies. His physical exam was benign except for six firm abdominal masses which we deduced was his rock hard abs. He was in great shape with a regular heart rate and strong peripheral pulses. He was an otherwise healthy guy until today.

In the end, it was a scant amount of blood in the bowl, but it always looks worse than it is. Like adding a drop of red food dye to a bowl of water. He had something to eat earlier that day that disagreed with him and likely caused some gastritis. Highly unlikely for this to be a manifestation of a Mallory-Weiss tear or something potentially life-threatening.

Eight mg of ondansetron, or Zofran, which I keep with me when I travel helped his nausea and stomach pain and his vomiting did not return. He began to feel better within a few hours, and a lack of diarrhea pushed me to hold off on giving him antibiotics, 1g of Azithromycin that I bring with me on tropical vacations in case of travelers diarrhea.

As a medical professional the experience made me realize a few things. First, that as physicians one of our most valuable skills is our ability to triage. To be able to tell someone, You are sick and need to go to the hospital immediately, versus take two and call me in the morning. To be able to separate the inconvenient medical issues from the potentially life-threatening.

Second, that half our job as doctors is medicine, but the other half is humanism. Sure, nobody will care about how good your bedside manner is if you arent a smart doctor and are unable to do the medical part of your job. You know, diagnose and treat and all that jazz. But what separates the good from the best is the ability to connect with someone rapidly, show them you are listening and to quell their fears and anxieties that accompany being sick.

Lastly, that as a medical professional, be it a nurse, PA, or physician, you never know when you will be the only medically trained individual in an emergency situation, be it on an airplane, on the street or a beach in Vietnam. You will be the person that civilians will look to for help. So regardless of what level of training you are at, be it fellowship, residency, or medical school, use every day as an opportunity to learn and absorb everything you can. It might just help you save someones life one day.

Marc N. Katz is an internal medicine resident who blogs at KittyKatzMD and can be reached on Twitter @KittyKatzMD and Instagram.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com65 Shares Share

A cup of black coffee  such an ordinary request. Behind this request is a mother of a dying son, who due to financial restraints, has slept on the same hospital recliner chair and eaten the same oatmeal and mashed potatoes made from a water kettle every day for months. What can we offer when there is no more chemotherapy, what can we do to alleviate this mothers struggle? A cup of coffee. A plate of scrambled eggs. Sometimes, that may be all we can do.

We are sitting in the family conference room with the mother listening to the journey that brought her here today, and I realize that she has been wearing the same clothes the past week, her hair matted with sweat and her face weathered by the sickness that surrounds her. People seem different while I am on palliative care: their motivations, their demeanors, the words they choose and the tones of their voice. Maybe it is because that I finally take off the guarded armor and finally allow emotions to take charge.

Unlike the clamor and chaos during wards months, right now, time seems to slow down and is interjected by frequent silences. On palliative care, it is acceptable to allow pauses in conversations. But my mind begins to derail. On the other side of the conference room windows, I see consultants swing by with brisk steps, nursing staff answering patients calls and, occasionally, you hear a laughter or a surprised exclamation. All of this feels surreal.

One of the patients and families I met during the first day on service is someone I had admitted to the hospital a few nights before. A woman with cirrhosis and a very poor prognosis was admitted for upper GI bleed. I distinctively remember bombarding her and the family with questions, occasionally interrupting in order to stay on track  on my track. That night, I had one goal in mind: time.

I had two hours to obtain a history, perform an exam, reconcile her medications, confirm code status, formulate a plan, staff with my attending, put in admission orders and write a quality note. There was no time for me to learn that she had seven children, worked at a canary for fifty years before retiring at the age of eighty and had her children work in the orchid fields on weekends so that they would learn the meaning of hard work. Now, we sit with her and her family for more than an hour.

Through her weathered face and dark almond eyes, I see her and her husbands journey from Mexico to Texas, then to California, across the Central Valley, and through those orchid fields. I see no fear, only determination, and optimism.

Palliative care is a relatively new specialty in the medical field. The first United States hospital-based palliative care consult service was developed by the Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1985 at Detroit Receiving Hospital. As Dr. B. J. Miller, a physician, a triple amputee, and the founder of the Zen House Project in San Francisco puts it: You train people not to run away from hard things, not to run away from the suffering of others. Kaiser Permanente offers a robust multidisciplinary palliative care team  both inpatient and outpatient  with a social worker, chaplain, nurses and board-certified physicians. This seasoned group of health care providers offer not only end-of-life discussion, but more importantly, they open the conversation with patients and families regarding their wishes and goals in life early on and offers emotional support.

As an illustration of the magnitude of impact of having palliative care service, a 2010 study in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that people with lung cancer who received early palliative care in addition to standard oncologic care experienced less depression, increased quality of life and survived 2.7 months longer than those receiving standard oncologic care. A widely cited report in 2007 of a randomized controlled trial with 298 patients found that palliative care delivered to patients and their caregivers at home improved satisfaction with care while decreasing medical service use and the cost of care. However, the daily grunt of rounds, writing notes and coordinating care with consultants and ancillary staff, unfortunately, simply does not allow us the leisure of having these in-depth conversations.

During many of these humbling moments, my moral grounds were shaken and my beliefs challenged. I was shocked at how much burden the family has when a person goes home on hospice care, and I was proven wrong to think that hospice equates to accelerated death. As an aspiring infectious disease physician, diagnosing and fixing patients ailments with medical interventions give me satisfaction and purpose. End-of-life discussions and the practice of comfort care used to give me a great deal of cultural and moral incongruence.

As Dr. Gawande explains in his book, Being Mortal, Death, of course, is not a failure. Death is normal. Death may be the enemy, but it is also the natural order of things. The next time when family members ask me, What would you do if this was your parent?  I would feel more equipped and open to have these discussions and prioritize patients wishes. At the end of the day, everything we do for patients is our attempt to save them from suffering. We are trained to toggle the delicate balance of beneficence and malevolence, but sometimes, we simply need to ask them, What are your wishes?

Qing Meng Zhang is an internal medicine resident who blogs at MillennialMD.

Image credit: Shutterstock.comA new report setting out the case for Third Level education provision in Kilkenny has been greeted as 'a significant step forward' by the group charged with investigating the establishment of the Technological University of the South East (TUSE).

The report, commissioned by Kilkenny County Council, was launched yesterday in Kilkenny by Minister of State with Responsibility for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O' Connor. It sets out four options, which are not mutually exclusive, as to how Kilkenny might realise ambitions for tertiary education provision here.

Third Level Campus Identified as a Driver for Kilkenny's Economy and to Retain Local People in the County - Report concludes there is very compelling case for locating a higher education campus catering for 1,000 students in Kilkenny https://t.co/cdxmwtxVWP pic.twitter.com/QKbyGNwx1D  Kilkenny Council (@KilkennyNotices) May 1, 2018

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council Colette Byrne was unambiguous that the preferred option is for Kilkenny to be part of the TUSE. She said she hoped the Steering Group would give the report 'the serious consideration it deserves'.

A statement later published on the TUSE website said it 'warmly welcomes' the report, hailing it as 'strategically well-timed'.

"The overall goal of our ambitious proposal for a Technological University in the South East is to build on the respective histories and distinctive strengths of the two Institutes and also build the economic and social centres of the whole of the South East Region," said the statement.

"The launch of this important publication is strategically well-timed and is very welcome as we develop and strengthen our application to achieve our ultimate objective  a Technological University for the South East. Through our short and long term planning in a collaborative manner with key stakeholders across the region our objective can be achieved. This document is a significant step forward."

That Steering Group is due to report with its strategy for TUSE by Sepetember of this year.Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

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Support our mission and join our community now.There has been a lot of attention on Trumps more public trade acts such as walking away from the TPP and imposing tariffs on steel. While they are significant in themselves, they pale into comparison with what the US is looking to do to the WTO.

The WTO replaced GATT as the home of rules for trade. Countries would voluntarily join the WTO, and agree to follow the rules of the WTO. The WTO lies at the heart of having order and predictability for trade.

A key aspect of the WTO is that if two (or more) countries have a dispute over whether a country is following the WTO rules, it gets referred to a WTO dispute panel. The panel decision can then be appealed before it is final.

Over 500 disputes have gone to the WTO, with 350 of them resulting in a binding ruling. New Zealand has been a beneficiary of this system as we have won every dispute we have brought to the WTO. They are:

Australia  apples

Hungary  agricultural subsidies

EU  butter tariffs

India  quotas

Canada  dairy subsidies

US  lamb tariffs and steel tariffs

This rules based system helps smaller countries especially.

But there is a grave threat to this system. You see the finding of dispute panels is not binding until an appeal has been heard and concluded by the Appellate Body. It has seven members and each appeal must be heard by three members.

Now heres the big problem. Appointments to the Appellate Body need to be made by consensus. This has happened up until recently. But the United States in the last couple of years has been blocking any new members, to replace the retiring ones (they have a four year term).

They are not blocking new ones because they are unqualified. They are blocking any person at all being appointed so that the number of members will fall below the level needed to hear appeals.

This means no appeals can be heard and hence no disputes can be settled and enforced. So the Trump Administration is actually trying to cripple the entire dispute resolution system for world trade. That is far more significant than the steel tariffs or even TPP.

There are now only four members left on the Appellate Body. They are:

Shree Servansing (Mauritius) until September 2018

Ujal Singh (India) until December 2019

Thomas Graham (US) until December 2019

Hong Zhao (China until November 2020

If the WTO disputes process grounds to a halt because of the US, this will have huge consequences. It may not be possible to put it back together again. Countries will be able to ignore their agreements and obligations without consequence.

Such a shame to see a country which should be the foremost champion of trade, working to destroy the WTO.

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Pacomen / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young



This is the third in a series of articles covering restaurants specializing in authentic international cuisine, produced in collaboration with Todd Sample and Sara Park of food consulting brand ToddSample Eats that recommends authentic international cuisine in Korea. Authentic here doesn't mean sticking to the way things should be, it's about representing the "heart and soul" of a culture. This monthly "dine & talk" journey explores food from different regions and the people who are making them. _ ED.



By Yun Suh-young



In the "Midnight Diner," a Japanese TV series made into a film, the main character who is the owner-chef of a restaurant, known as "The Master," serves whatever food the customer feels like eating when they enter the store, anytime between midnight till morning.



The restaurant is a soul-soothing go-to place for those who want healing comfort food after a hard day at work. The place not only comforts one's stomach with delicious food but also warms the heart with care and attention coming from the Master himself, who interacts with his customers, imparting insight or being a good listener. The Master is like a "messiah," as in the eponymous name of the restaurant, to those seeking a soulful refuge in the bustling city of Tokyo.



Take the same setting into Seoul and there's a restaurant tucked away in the alleyway near Hapjeong Station emitting a similar vibe. The name is "Ozawa."



Seoul's 'Midnight Diner'



From the outside it just looks like one of the many Japanese restaurants in Seoul, selling some of the popular Japanese home-style dishes. But what makes it different is beyond the visible.



Chef Tetsuji "Ted" Ogawa, who refused to put his name on the store and modified it to "Ozawa," gives you a warm fatherly smile as you walk in. The artist-looking chef is the Master-equivalent in Seoul, serving Seoul diners with soul-comforting food till past midnight.



Anyone who sets foot into the 10-seat restaurant will have the honor of being treated with whatever food they feel like eating that day -- even if it's not on the menu. Chef Ogawa will whip up a meal based on request, with whatever ingredient he has in the store.





Chef Tetsuji Ogawa poses in front of a painting hung in his restaurant by American artist Jean Michel Basquiat. / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young



"I want my restaurant to be frequented by customers who come and say 'I want to eat this.' Then I'll say, 'Okay I'll make it for you.' That kind of style. Like 'Midnight Diner.' I can make whatever they want because they're coming to eat my food," said Ogawa, during an interview with The Korea Times.



"Now, after I quit a department store project, I can do that. So they can order food that is not on the menu -- whatever they want -- as long as the ingredients are here. That's why I put the sign up saying from March, after regular time, people can order whatever they want. If they make reservations, I can make particular dishes."



Story of 'don'



Ozawa serves a variety of "don" (rice bowls) and "men" (noodles) whose culinary history is defined by fusion and improvisation. Signature dishes at Ozawa are "oyakodon" and "tantanmen."



"About 150 years ago, there was a Japanese casserole 'nabe' (hot pot) store. One day, the chef noticed that customers would eat the chicken but leave the broth untouched. So he got rid of the broth, put an egg into the sauce and made 'oyakodon,' which became the beginning of the dish we know today," said Ogawa.



"The word 'oyako' means parent and child in Japanese. Because egg and chicken are like parent and child, that's where the name came from."





Oyakodon / Courtesy of ToddSample Eats



There are an unlimited number of "dons" in Japan, according to Ogawa.



"Don means 'bowl.' If we put rice and something on it, that's don. Udon is not the same as don. It has different character," he said.



Tantanmen, which was initially Chinese, was revised by the Japanese to fit their own taste.



"It was made by the Chinese living in Japan so the soup is Chinese style. Japanese love soup. So the Chinese lady who created the dish made it like that for Japanese people," said Ogawa.



The "pacomen," with fried pork placed on top of noodles, is another invention by the innovative Japanese.



"The Chinese meaning is 'pork rib fries.' The pork is marinated with Chinese-style sauce. Instead of chashu (grilled pork), they started putting fried pork into ramen. This is relatively new -- maybe it started about half a century ago," he said.



Pioneer of Japanese 'jipbab'



Ozawa has been running for 10-years now, mostly occupied with regular customers who find comfort in his food.



"Ozawa is on record for re-tweets (over 5,000) on our account. (I guess) everyone was looking for real Japanese-style jipbab (home food). Now gajeongshik (home-style meal) is quite popular. Japanese food is (defined by) either a few ramen restaurants with Japanese chefs or sushi places. We thought that the idea of what is Japanese jipbab is not well defined in Korea. Everything else -- like izakaya, sushi, ramen -- people know, but not jipbab," said Todd Sample, explaining why this restaurant was a perfect place to experience Japanese jipbab.



"Considering the proximity of the two countries, there's a disproportionate amount of authentic non-sushi, non-ramen places. I think that's why the response on twitter was so huge. The Japanese owner adds a premium to it. It's where the authenticity comes in," he said.



Japanese home cooking is defined as "fusion," according to the chef.



"Now we have Japanese families making every country's food in the house, so it's fusion. For traditional ones, they go outside to eat because it's hard to make it. But inside the house, they make everything -- mixing every country's style, not only Japanese style," he said.



"Here, I'm making real Japanese home-made style that is affordable, popular dishes, not traditional high-end Japanese cuisine."



Ogawa wanted to be a pioneer in jipbab. When he first opened 10 years ago, people didn't know what "donburi" was.



"First I was thinking a ramen shop. Donkatsu ramen was getting popular. But I wanted to be the frontier. So I was thinking about what I should do. Then I came up with the idea of donburi. Back then people didn't know the name 'donburi.' So I said 'Japanese-style deopbab' (Korean rice bowl with toppings). Then right after I opened the donburi shop, the trend, the boom was donburi. Other donburi shops in Seoul opened," he said.





Interior of Ozawa / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-youngSouth Korea's military said Monday it will soon pull back all high-decibel loudspeakers installed along the border with North Korea in its first step to implement the bilateral summit agreement reached last week.



The Ministry of National Defense said it will begin the work to remove the equipment from the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on Tuesday.



In their talks last Friday, President Moon Jae-in and the North's leader Kim Jong-un agreed to "completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain."



The two leaders added that the two sides will cease all hostile acts and eliminate their means, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets, in the areas along the Military Demarcation Line.



The South already stopped blaring anti-Pyongyang broadcasts over the border ahead of the Moon-Kim summit. The North has also reportedly suspended its own propaganda broadcasts.



Choi Hyun-soo, the ministry's spokesperson, pointed out that the removal of the loudspeakers is a "rudimentary" step that can be done easily in order to build military trust between the two sides.



She told reporters that the South's defense authorities have not had separate consultations on the latest measure.



Choi would not confirm the number of loudspeakers in place along the border amid news reports that there are dozens of sets, both fixed and mobile.



She was cautious about saying anything on the sensitive issue of the Yellow Sea border at the press briefing.



The Panmunjom Declaration calls for turning the tense waters around the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the sea west of the peninsula into a maritime peace zone. The area has been the scene of naval skirmishes between the two countries in the past.



It's remarkable that the term NLL was used in the official inter-Korean document. The North has long refused to acknowledge the NLL as the sea border, claiming it should be drawn further south.



Defining the western sea border is key to turning the waters into a real peace zone.



Asked if the NLL stipulated in the declaration reflects Seoul's view, Choi said it requires "additional confirmation" via military talks with the North.



The two sides plan to hold general-grade military talks in May under the summit deal. (Yonhap)



China's foreign minister will visit North Korea this week, his office said Monday (April 30), becoming the highest-ranking Chinese official to travel there in years as Beijing moves to further improve ties with Pyongyang days after a landmark inter-Korean summit.

The Chinese foreign ministry said in a brief statement that Wang Yi will visit North Korea on Wednesday and Thursday at the invitation of his North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong-ho.

The two met in Beijing in early April, days after talks between President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the Chinese capital  the first meeting between the leaders since Kim inherited power from his father Kim Jong Il in 2011.



Wang will be the first Chinese foreign minister to visit the North since 2007, a lapse that highlights the rough patch that relations between the Cold War-era allies has gone through in recent years.

Former premier Wen Jiabao visited Pyongyang in 2009.

China has backed a series of United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons programme.

But Beijing is likely eager to avoid being marginalised in the wave of diplomacy that has led to last Friday's historic summit between Kim and the South's President Moon Jae In.A March 21, 1971, photo in The Korea Times shows two long-haired dancers, describing the male as "in a trance, far from reality and absorbed in his own special world." / Korea Times file



By Matt VanVolkenburg



In the 1950s Western-style social dance gained popularity in Seoul, but, lacking experience with such contact between the sexes, many Koreans perceived it as lewd and decadent. After Park Chung-hee's 1961 coup, numerous men and women of the "dance tribe" were paraded before the public and prosecuted by military tribunals.



By 1969, however, restrictions had lifted and a variety of venues for listening to live music appeared in Seoul just as American-influenced rock and soul music began to gain popularity. The freestyle dancing that accompanied this music had evolved at the Hollywood club Whisky A Go Go, where crowds were led by dancing "go-go girls," a practice that first appeared in Korea at clubs for U.S. soldiers.



The first Korean go-go troupe, The Spookies, was formed in April 1968 and, after meeting "godfather of Korean rock" Shin Joong-hyun, began performing on US military stages. They were unveiled to Korean audiences at a series of Shin's concerts in October 1969 where they "shook their whole bodies like someone having a stroke."



That November, TBC-TV introduced a show featuring young bands and dancers called "1,2,3,Go." It soon acquainted Koreans with The Rhythms, a seven-member go-go dancing troupe of teenage girls from Yongsan Garrison's Seoul American High School.



Referred to as "no-touch" or "soul" dancing in the media, the program's "violent shaking of bodies" was criticized for its suggestiveness, and in late March 1970 it was cancelled.



Go-go dancing continued to flourish at concerts and developed in tandem with the live music scene, however. In April 1970 weekly magazine Sunday Seoul showcased The Rhythms at a three-day-long "Go-Go Gala Party" at Seoul Citizens' Hall, but it was in Seoul's nightclubs that go-go dance truly thrived.





The entrance to the go-go club Tomorrow, shown in The Korea Times in March 21, 1971, is decorated, "to make people feel as if they were entering a world of fantasy." / Korea Times fileInterpreter Kim So-yeon and former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder hold a press conference at the Press Center in Seoul, Jan. 25. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



By Ko Dong-hwan

The ex-husband of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder's South Korean fiancee Kim So-yeon is suing Schroder for having an affair with her and wrecking the marriage.

With his identity withheld, the accuser is seeking through Seoul family court 100 million won ($93,000) compensation. He said the money was for "unbearable mental pain he caused" and breaking up his marriage with Kim.

Schroder, 74, and Kim, 48, who was his interpreter, announced in January that they would marry this year. It would be his fifth marriage. He was previously married to Doris Schroder Kopf.

Kim's ex-husband claimed he had agreed with Kim to divorce after she promised she would end her relationship with Schroder. But she continued seeing Schroder and apparently never intended to keep her promise to end the affair.

The ex-husband claimed he suffered defamation when Kim told a press conference announcing her marriage with Schroder that she had already been divorced for years. She and her ex-husband divorced in November 2017.



Kopf claimed on Facebook that Schroder and Kim were having an affair that affected her breakup with Schroder.



The sight of the leaders of the two Koreas eating Pyongyang-style cold noodles at the Inter-Koreabanquet whet the appetites of Seoul residents and long queues of people formed outside of restaurants on Saturday (April 28).

"I often enjoy eating Pyongyang-style cold noodles. After seeing the two leaders (Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-in) having it at the banquet, I felt I had to have it too so I came here today. I wish we will be unified in the near future so that I can go to Pyongyang to enjoy the original Pyongyang cold noodles there," said one customer, Choi Ho-won, 30,

On Friday (April 27), the summit full of smiles and handshakes was drew to a close with the noodle dish made by a chef from a famous restaurant in the North Korean capital using a special noodle machine.











By Peter Y. Paik





In Foreign Affairs, Yascha Mounk sounds the alarm that authoritarianism is on the ascent across the globe. He argues that the link between democracy and economic prosperity, which was behind much of the appeal of democracy after the Cold war, has begun to fray: "In 1990, countries rated 'not free' by Freedom House accounted for just 12 percent of global income. Now, they are responsible for 33 percent, matching the level they achieved in the early 1930s, during the rise of fascism in Europe, and surpassing the heights they reached in the Cold War."



The share of the global economy belonging to authoritarian states will only increase as China continues to rise. Mounk is troubled by the prospect that poorer countries will henceforth choose authoritarian forms of government precisely for the reasons that they would have chosen democracy in the 1990s  because it is thought to be the most reliable way to achieve widely shared prosperity.



This predicament prompts us to reconsider what was it that enabled democracies to outperform other political systems earlier in history. For Tocqueville, American democracy had brought something new and unprecedented into the world: a nation in which prosperity could be widely shared, political liberty exercised, and the entrepreneurial spirit encouraged, without endangering social stability or moral order.



But the French aristocrat observed that the success of American society rested on certain narrow conditions. Tocqueville acknowledged the role played by slavery and the massacre of the indigenous population peoples in making possible this widely shared prosperity. But he also emphasized that a distinct culture had arisen in the U.S. that served Americans well in their pursuit of commerce.



No other nation enjoyed so wide an array of freedoms as the U.S., but what was striking to Tocqueville was that Americans appeared never to abuse their freedom. The laws gave the Americans wide latitude, but they restricted their behavior within narrow bounds, in a manner that was conducive to making money. What was critical for achieving prosperity was religious belief.



Religion encouraged a free people to defer gratification, to labor diligently, to endure hardship, and to resist the temptation of wasteful and destructive pleasures. It prompted them to channel their energies into economically productive and socially beneficial activities.



For Tocqueville, religion was vital to democracy because, in a society of free individuals, only religious belief could serve as a source of social discipline and self-control. In the absence of kings and nobles, the virtues and habits necessary for creating prosperity could find support only in religious belief.



But Tocqueville's claim that religious belief was vital to achieving prosperity strikes progressives who make up the establishment in the West as oppressive and intolerant. For progressives, religious belief, because it makes strong judgments about human behavior, is inherently oppressive. The intellectual war that progressives have launched against all forms of non-progressive thinking forbids them even from acknowledging that the moral and social discipline provided by religion had been necessary to build a modern economy.



The readiness of Westerners today to condemn the beliefs and way of life of past generations underscores the fundamental shift in values that has taken hold in the West. When westerners look back to their past, they do not see their ancestors as driven, enterprising, self-sacrificing, and innovative. Rather, their achievements and prosperity are now held to be the plunder from ransacking and exploiting non-white people.



One should be able to take a realistic view that honors the good achieved by past generations while acknowledging the bad  one's ancestors were after all only human. But it has grown too difficult for the West to maintain nuance in its judgments. Politics has become the substitute for morality. For the progressive, a person's political views are more important than actions or behavior in determining whether a person is good or not.



But if the rise of authoritarian states is depriving democracies of a key advantage, this is due in part to the fact that democracies are abandoning the moral and social discipline that enabled them to thrive in the past.



Authoritarian states are not only able to impose control and discipline from above, but they are also able to make appeals to nationalism, which the historical guilt embraced by western democracies forbids them from doing.



The West congratulates itself for its enlightenment and for its progress while also condemning its own past. It thus cannot draw on the moral resources of its heritage to counter the challenge of authoritarianism, which has the advantage of recognizing the value of social discipline.



A democracy with social discipline can withstand the challenge of authoritarianism, but a democracy without social discipline is likely to be undone because it will view the measures necessary for prevailing in this struggle as too painful or too hateful to undertake.



Tocqueville would have understood how authoritarianism could overtake democracy, for in his view, democracy cannot survive without religious belief. "I doubt whether man can ever support at the same time complete religious independence and entire political freedom," he wrote, "and am drawn to the thought that if a man is without faith, he must serve someone and if he is free, he must believe."





Peter Yoonsuk Paik (pypaik@gmail.com) is a researcher in literature and philosophy at Yonsei University.

By Donald Kirk





CHICAGO  If the 1950-53 Korean War is America's "forgotten war," the Jeju uprising that erupted 70 years ago last month is America's non-war.



Ask U.S. officials about America's responsibility for the strife that cost the lives of about 30,000 people on Jeju from April 3, 1948, to 1954, and they profess either to know nothing about it or to deny that Americans had anything to do with it. Whatever the Americans might say, however, a movement led by the Memorial Committee for the 70th Anniversary of the Jeju April 3 Uprising and Massacre, based in Jeju, pins much of the blame on the U.S.



That was the takeaway from a one-day conference hosted by the Center for East Asia Studies of the University of Chicago that I attended as a discussant. Before getting into the debate of U.S. responsibility, I should note that the highlight of the conference was not the blame game but the testimony of two Jeju citizens who were tortured and imprisoned but survived.



One of them, Boo Won-hyu, told how "they kept hitting me over and over again" before jailing him in Incheon. The other, Park Dong-su, said he was "tortured, hit on my legs with wooden bars" and also shipped off to Incheon.



Both of them made one specific request. They want the government to expunge the criminal records that have plagued them and their families ever since they were found guilty and sentenced without trial.



As Park, a teenager when he was arrested, put it, "I would like the government to restore my dignity."



For many of those at the forefront of a conscious-raising attempt to make the world aware of the suffering inflicted on Jeju, the goal is more far-reaching. They claim the U.S. Military Government in Korea, in charge south of the 38th parallel from the time of the Japanese surrender on Aug. 15, 1945, drove the South Korean police and soldiers to carry out the killing.



The basis for this claim is that American military officers, led by Lieutenant General John Hodge, commander of the American occupation, exercised control over the south at least until Aug. 15, 1948, the third anniversary of the Japanese surrender, when Syngman Rhee was elected the first president of the newly born Republic of Korea. After that, the Americans still had operational control over the South Korean armed forces.



Accusations against the U.S. have the strong support of Bruce Cumings, University of Chicago history professor who has been writing for decades about modern Korean history with a heavy emphasis on the U.S. role. It's "important for Americans to understand," he told the conference, "Americans were directing, in some cases, the suppression." The U.S., he said, bears "a deep, deep American responsibility."



But what were the Americans really doing on Jeju in the period from April 3, 1948, when "an armed uprising occurred," in the measured language of a booklet in English published by the Memorial Committee for the 70th Anniversary of the Jeju April 3 Uprising and Massacre entitled, "What is the Jeju April 3 Uprising and Massacre?"



Nearly four weeks later Major General William Dean, Hodge's right-hand man as commander of U.S. forces in Korea, went to Jeju on what the booklet says was "a secret mission" before "a crackdown policy was followed." The inference is that Dean played a role in the killing that reached a crescendo before North Korean forces invaded in June 1950. (Dean, by then commanding a division of U.S. troops, was captured as the North Koreans rolled south.) The assumption is that the Americans, if they did not personally carry out the Jeju massacre, were still largely to blame.



"The South Korean military and police launched a scorched earth operation to break down the communists on Jeju Island, and the role of the U.S. military force was crucial in this time," according to a paper presented by Hur Sang-soo, director of the Korea Social Science Institute. The uprising "was an indispensable choice," he believes, "to resist the oppression of the U.S. military."



Kunihiko Yoshida, a professor from Hokkaido University, argued the U.S. "should take full responsibility" and pay reparations. He admits, though, "there might be hurdles."



In fact, only 40-50 American advisers were on Jeju at the time of the uprising according to scholars who have studied what happened. Judging from the Americans' references to the killings, they had little understanding of what was going on. Rather, they saw their job as encouraging the Koreans whom they were advising simply to suppress what they saw as an armed revolt.



That's a familiar story as the U.S. plunges in and out of conflicts on distant fronts worldwide.





Donald Kirk (www.donaldkirk.com), author of "Okinawa and Jeju: Bases of Discontent," has visited Jeju a number of times while covering war and peace in Asia.

May 1, 2018, 11:42am ET

US wants NAFTA minimum wage thresholds

The latest proposal pushes for nearly half a vehicle\'s parts value to come from factories that pay workers at least $16 per hour.

The Trump Administration's NAFTA negotiators are reportedly pushing for new provisions that will address the extreme wage disparity between the US and Mexico.

A proposal reviewed by Reuters would require 40-45 percent of a vehicle's overall parts value to come from factories that pay workers at least $16 per hour. Higher salaries paid to product development and sales staff would be counted toward 15 percent of the threshold.

The provisions appear to address the root of the growing trade imbalance between the US and Mexico. Automakers and suppliers have flocked south to maximize profits from factories where some workers reportedly earn an average of just $3 to $6 per hour.

US negotiators are also said to have backed down slightly from their demand for 85 percent regional value content, dropping to a call for 75 percent -- halfway between the initial offer and the current rate of 62.5 percent.

If the latest proposals gain traction, automakers would have four years to accommodate the changes during a tiered phase-in transition.Kildare South TD Fiona OLoughlin, has pressed the Department of Education to push forward with the acquisition of land for the new extension of St Pauls School, Monasterevin.

Deputy OLoughlin says the Minister for Education must give this situation his attention and ensure the land acquisition is completed soon to give hope back to Kildare South and to Monasterevin.

Monasterevin has not been served well in relation to the provision of this much needed school and has been waiting 16 years for one to be provided," she said.

"I am confident that we are nearing endgame with the design stage anticipated to be completed by the end of April, early May and a lease in sight at long last. The students, parents, teachers and community of Monasterevin are all working so hard to keep the campaign going and deserve sufficient facilities to educate the youths in the area.

Last month Brian Bergin, Principal of St Pauls attended the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills meeting where he spoke about the issues and challenges around the new build for St Paul's.

A public meeting will be held at the school on May 10 next at 8 pm organised by the school action group.Newbridge Greyhound Stadium is celebrating 70 years this coming Friday, May 4, and its all for a good cause.

Face painting and friendly retired greyhounds will greet families that make their way to the Cornelscourt stadium in Newbridge. All admission sales on the celebratory night will be going to a local charity that will be announced on the night.

Newbridges first historic race meeting was held on Friday, April 30, 1948, at St. Conleths GAA Park.

More than 1,200 customers are said to have braved the unfavourable weather conditions on the opening night and paid the princely sum of three shillings. The admission then went to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Kildare is synonymous with horse and greyhound racing with many national champions bred and trained locally. Jack Moylan, a legendary jockey claimed the first Greyhound Derby in 1932 with Guideless Joe. Two years later, another top dog, Frisco Hobo, won the Derby for Athys Tim Fennin.

These winners created significant interest in greyhound racing that has now existed in Ireland for 90 years. One name steeped in this 70 year history is the Cox family, in particular Patrick J. Cox who ran Coxs bar on Main St, Newbridge.

Paddy Cox became the first chairman of the Newbridge Greyhound Racing Company and was joined by a Thomas Lawler from Halverstown, Thomas J. Kearns and Thomas Hughes, both Newbridge, among other early shareholders at the time.

In 1972, all race meetings were moved to Cornelscourt on the Milltown Road where it has remained since. Having cost 50,000 to develop at the time, it was said to be the most modern track in the country. The track directors included P.J. Cox, Owen Lawler, Sam Weller, J.B. Kearns and Michael McStay.

Many of Irelands young rising greyhound stars have started their careers at the Newbridge venue. The Cox Cup, named after the local stalwart of the sport, is due to be reinstated in 2018 and will attract much interest from the local greyhound community.

The programme for the first race meeting in Newbridge in 1948FINE GAEL Senator Maria Byrne has called for the opening of a garda station in Castletroy in Limerick, following a spate burglaries in the area.

Addressing the Seanad to Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan last week, Sen Byrne said: Castletroy, Monaleen and parts of Annacotty has a population of 13,590. The area has high technology industries and there is a very large percentage of young people among the population, including a large student population.

These areas cannot be served from Henry Street Garda station, which is seven kilometers away. In the case of assaults, burglaries and thefts, by the time gardai from Henry Street reach Castletroy the perpetrators have disappeared.

The rush hour traffic around the Castletroy area is intense and the main Dublin road is one of the slowest traffic arteries in the country. I am very alarmed at the difficulty the Gardai may have coming to the aid of anyone needing a garda in Castletroy, she said.

In response Minister Flanagan said: I very much understand that people want to see a visible garda presence in their own locality. The Programme for Government commits to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country.

He said that, as of March 22, more than 80 vehicles were available to the Limerick Garda Division and that Henry Street had a strength of 312 by February 28.

I expect that the ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and enhance visibility within our communities, enabling the Commissioner to provide additional resources across all division in accordance with identified operational need as Garda recruits come on stream.

He said that all dispersal of resources is currently being considered by the Garda Siochana Inspectorate.GARDAI are seeking to identify two burglars who broke into a fast food restaurant in the city.

Details of the incident, which happened at South Circular Road last October, were broadcast during an appeal on Crimecall on RTE One television on Monday night.

CCTV footage from what appears to be a storage room at the premises shows the culprits moving some lockers having broken in.

The footage shows that both are wearing balaclavas, gloves and dark clothing and one has a torch in his mouth.

While accepting the culprits were well-disguised, Garda Greg Freegrove appealed to viewers to come forward with any information they might have which might lead to the culprits being identified.

You might recognise them from their eyes but we have had identifications on previous shows from very small details so hopefully somebody watching has information that can progress the case, he said.

Its not known how long the culprits were in the premises or if they escaped with anything.

Crimecall can be contacted 1800 405060 while gardai at Roxboro Road can be contacted at (061) 214340.A MAN who was arrested after a five-year-old boy was approached by an adult in Limerick city centre at the weekend has been released without charge.

The man, who is aged in his 20s, was arrested on Sunday afternoon a short time after gardai were alerted to the incident  details of which were widely shared on social media.

Gardai confirmed a young boy and his father were approached by a lone male while standing outside a shop at OConnell Street.

Following the initial interaction, the boys father intervened and the male fled the scene on foot.

Following his arrest, the suspect was taken to Mayorstone garda station where he was detained and questioned under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

A garda spokesperson confirmed he was released without charge late on Monday evening and that a file is to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Investigating gardai say the man was medically assessed while in custody and that they are satisfied Sundays incident was an isolated incident.THE Limerick county town of Askeaton, which in Irish is Eas Geitine, is located on the banks of the River Deel, which enters into the Shannon Estuary.

Due to its location it became an ideal ground for early Irish settlements. One of the clans that made their home here were known as the Geitine, who settled by the small waterfall (Eas in Irish) on the Deel.

In 900, Askeaton is mentioned in a list of royal forts for the King of Cashel.

In 1203, William de Burgo acquired the castle in Askeaton on a rocky island on the Deel. William de Borgo was a Norman knight and the son-in-law of Donal Mor OBrien. Hamo de Valoignes built the castle four years earlier.

The castle site passed through several hands before 1348, when the Earls of Desmond, the Fitzgeralds, held it as their main seat of power. For the next two centuries, the Fitzgeralds ruled Munster from Askeaton. They held onto power by a series of intermarriages and alliances.

In 1569, this stronghold on Munster created much annoyance to the English Protestant crown, who wanted to oust the Earl. Over the following decade, the Fitzgeralds revolted against Protestant rule. In 1579, they tried to persuade Pope Gregory to supply six hundred troops to fight for the Catholics in Munster. The Protestant crown attacked Askeaton and although they could not take the castle, they burned the town and attacked the friary, killing most of the friars and desecrating the ancestral tombs of the Fitzgeralds.

The Earl went on the run and was captured and beheaded on November 15, 1581. His head was taken to London where it was impaled on London Bridge.

In 1641, the Confederate Irish Catholics rebelled against the crown. They laid siege to multiple strongholds in Ireland, including the castle in Limerick, and Desmond Castle. On August 14, 1642, Lieutenant Patrick Purcell of the confederate Catholics captured and held Desmond castle for eight years. In 1649, Cromwells army arrived in Ireland to defeat the Confederate Irish Catholics, leaving a wake of destruction as they went.

In 1650, the Cromwellian army reached Askeaton, taking it without resistance, though they still dismantled the building. As for Purcell, he was captured during the 1651 Siege of Limerick, and along with Dominic Fanning, Mayor of Limerick, Daniel Higgins, former Mayor of Limerick and Bishop Turlough O'Brien. Purcell was brought up in front of a court-martial held in St Marys Cathedral, Limerick by Oliver Cromwells son-in-law Henry Ireton. All four men were sentenced to death and so ended the era of Irish Confederate rule in Limerick. The ruins of Fannings castle can still be seen today in Mary Street, Limerick City. Henry Ireton died of plague in Limerick only a few weeks after the executions.

Gerald FitzGerald, 3rd Earl of Desmond, founded the friary in 1389 and was later completed by his son, John in 1420. Gerald was known as the Poet Earl and was highly regarded by the general population at the time. The friary was built with magnificent cloisters and 12 arches on each side.

Following the attack by the Protestant crown, the monks returned to the friary in 1627 but the community did not reach its former numbers until 1642. The community again abandoned the site in 1648 when Cromwells forces neared Askeaton, and did not return until the 1660s. The friary permanently closed in 1740.

As the friars left Askeaton in 1740, an interesting club known as the Hellfire Club was established to the east of the castle. The building was originally part of the castle complex. The Hellfire Clubs were where rich men in English and Irish society gathered to get involved with debaucheries such as drinking, gambling and orgies with prostitutes. There was only one other Hellfire Club in Ireland, located just outside Dublin.

In 1934, Gerald Moran recalled the story of the Hell Fire Club for the folklore compiled by schoolchildren in Ireland Beside the ruins of the castle may be seen the ruins of the "Hell-fire club". Intending members had to show their prowess by drinking a bottle of wine, bottle of brandy, bottle of whiskey and a bottle of rum. Then he should walk along a straight line some twenty yards in length. Failure to comply with the conditions led to the applicants being pushed through a window into the Deel.

Some of the members of this club were Edward Croker and his son John Croker, Ballingarde, the father of the 1st Earl of Dunraven Wyndham Quin, Adare, the Reverend Thomas Royce rector of the parish Nantenan, near Askeaton and Henry Prittie the father of the Irish peer Henry Prittie, 1st Baron Dunalley.

The Askeaton club had closed by 1800. Askeaton also houses an octagonal tower, which according to Samuel Lewis in his 1837 Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, was built by the Knights Templar in approximately 1298 during their last crusade.A NUMBER of Limerick charities are set to benefit from the proceeds of this years Mayors Ball which took place in Adare over the weekend.

The Butterfly Club  a social club for children with special needs  and The Alzheimer Society of Irelands day care centre in Adare have bee selected as the main beneficiaries by the Mayor of the city and county of Limerick, Cllr Stephen Keary.

In addition, some of the monies raised will be donated to the Mid-West School for the Deaf and Down Syndrome Limerick.

The guest speaker at the event which was hosted by the Dunraven Arms Hotel was Aogan O' Fearghail, former president of the GAA.

Local dignitaries also attended such as Conn Murray, CEO of Limerick City and County Council, Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche, Bishop of Limerick, Dr Brendan Leahy and Lieutenant Colonel Sean Murphy, commanding officer of the 12th Infantry Battalion at Sarsfield Barracks.

Politicians, including Minister-of-State Patrick ODonovan also attended the charity ball which was held outside Limerick city for the first time.

In his address Mayor Keary said there have been a number of significant events since he took up the role.

Looking back over the past ten months of my term as Mayor, there have been important milestones in Limericks story, he said.

The recent signing of contracts totalling 170 million, firstly with the European Investment Bank and then the Council of Europe Development Bank for the development of the Opera site, signalled an important marker in the rejuvenation of our city.

"This support from two of Europes premier institutions is allowing us to drive a rejuvenation in the city which we must now also push to our county towns and villages, added Mayor Keary, who also highlighted the success of Troy Studios.

Mayor Keary also used his speech to announce his intention to honour frontline council staff and members of the emergency services for their efforts during Storm Emma in March and during Hurricane Ophelia last October.TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar and Minister for Health Simon Harris were grilled in Dail Eireann this Tuesday over the HSEs blunder in the controversial CervicalCheck audit, which failed to inform 162 women that a review of smear tests was taking place.

This comes less than one week after Annacotty mother-of-two Vicky Phelan was awarded a 2.5m settlement in a High Court case against the HSE and a United States laboratory.

Ms Phelan was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer in 2014, three years after her smear test was incorrectly given the all-clear in 2011.

This January, Ms Phelan  who took the High Action with her husband Jim Phelan  was told that she had six to 12 months to live.

It later emerged that 208 women were affected by the screening controversy. And of this cohort, 162 women were not told that CervicalCheck had carried out a review, nor were they informed of the outcome.

The HSE confirmed this week that of the 162, 17 women have died.

However, it has yet to be confirmed the number who have died as a result of cervical cancer.

In an interview on RTE Radio One on Monday, Ms Phelan said: I could be another one of those women. If I had died I would have been on that list. Thankfully I didnt and Im here to tell the tale.

And by God Im going to take these guys on. I think its disgraceful what theyve been doing to the women of Ireland.

Taoiseach Varadkar and Minister Harris responded to questions put to them by the opposition in the Dail on Tuesday afternoon.

HSE director general, Tony OBrien is also facing political pressure, as Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald told the media on Tuesday that he should resign or be sacked.

Fianna Fail TD for Limerick City, Willie ODea, says the Government must not delay in the establishment of the independent inquiry into the Cervical Check controversy.

Deputy O'Dea welcomed the move to set up an independent investigation, but warned that it must not be used to withhold information from the public.Apr 30, 2021, 6 AM

A letter card written aboard RMS Titanic in 1912 and mailed from Ireland was auctioned April 21 by Henry Aldridge and Son in England. Other Titanic material with postal connections also sold.

By Michael Baadke

An April 21 auction in England offered numerous artifacts of the doomed luxury liner and royal mail ship RMS Titanic, which sank in the North Atlantic Ocean April 15, 1912.

Among the items sold in the Henry Aldridge & Son auction was a postal facing slip recovered from the body of Oscar Scott Woody, a 41-year-old postal clerk from the United States who was working in the ships mailroom and perished in the disaster.

The 3-inch by 5-inch buff-colored slip is stamped O.S. Woody and TITANIC and marked with the ships trans-Atlantic postal cancellation.

The auction firm explained that as part of the sorting process, a facing slip would be placed on a bundle of mail sacks to indicate their intended destination.

According to the Smithsonians National Postal Museum, the ship carried 3,423 sacks of mail containing more than 7 million pieces of mail, including an estimated 1.6 million registered letters and packages.

Henry Aldridge & Son reports that the facing slip sold for 14,000 (roughly $19,600), which includes the buyers premium.

Mail aboard the Titanic was lost in the tragedy, but some mail survives that was written on board the ship after it first sailed from England, but was processed and delivered to a post office during one of its stops prior to its Atlantic crossing.

The ship departed from Southampton on Englands southern coast at noon on April 10, 1912, heading across the English Channel to dock at Cherbourg, France, where more passengers boarded.

At 11:30 a.m. on April 11, Titanic arrived at Queenstown, Ireland, the ships final port of call before heading west across the North Atlantic to its intended destination, New York City.

The recent auction included a rare Titanic letter card written on board and posted with original one penny stamp and crisp Queenstown postmark.

The cryptic message on the letter card (which includes the admonishment, My wife is in England. Do not write to her) was written onboard by Henry Beauchamp, a second-class passenger who also died in the sinking.

The letter card features a bold color imprint of the White Star Line burgee and is franked with what appears to be the re-engraved 1-penny red King George V stamp issued Jan. 1, 1912 (Great Britain Scott 154).

Beauchamps letter card, addressed to London, was mailed at Queenstown on the 11th and was struck with a London receiving postmark the following day.

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The auction firm reports that the letter card sold for just over 16,000 [approximately $22,400] including premium.

For additional information contact Henry Aldridge & Son, Unit 1, Bath Road Business Centre, Bath Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1XA, England.Irelands Che Guevera stamp is voted stamp of the year; also listed as sold out

May 1, 2018, 5 AM

The 2017 Che Guevera stamp was voted as Irelands stamp issue of the year.

By Denise McCarty

Irelands controversial Che Guevara stamp has been voted stamp issue of the year by readers of An Posts new-issue bulletin Irish Stamps, The Collector.

The popularity poll for best stamp of 2017 was announced in the first 2018 issue of the bulletin, and the results were reported in the second.

In the latter bulletin, An Post said that one of the reasons that collectors chose the Che Guevara stamp was Art is about creating conversation and debate. And this stamp certainly succeeded.

The 1 commemorative (Scott 2165) shows the familiar red and black poster image of Guevara created by Irish artist Jim Fitzpatrick. The poster is based on a photograph taken by Cuban photographer Alberto Korda.

The stamp was issued Oct. 5, 2017, to mark the 50th anniversary of Guevaras death (1928-1967). In a news release about the stamp, An Post said: A famous revolutionary of Irish descent and the artwork by an Irish artist that became one of the worlds great iconic images, all come together in a stamp which has just been issued by An Post.

Ernesto Che Guevara, the quintessential left-wing revolutionary was killed in South America in 1967. An Post has chosen the 50th anniversary of his death to issue the stamp featuring the famous image of Che by Dublin artist Jim Fitzpatrick.

The news release also said: He assisted Fidel Castro in overturning the Cuban government in the late 1950s, and then held key political offices during Castros regime. Engaged in guerrilla action in Bolivia when he was arrested and subsequently executed by the Bolivian army on October 9, 1967. With his death and assisted by the popular Jim Fitzpatrick artwork, Guevara the Marxist revolutionary, went on to become a cultural icon.

Criticism of the stamp by some Cuban-Americans, Irish politicians and others was swift, but demand also was high, perhaps in part because of the news coverage.

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The original printing of 122,000 stamps sold out by Oct. 12, and the commemorative stamp was sent back to press for a second printing (Linns, Oct. 30, 2017). By mid-November, An Post was offering the stamp for sell again (Linns, Dec. 4, 2017).

As of April 24, the stamp is once again listed as sold out on An Posts online shop.I did a mistake, because I didnt ask what is the law of this country.Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, sentenced to a week in jail for breaking a law against fake news

Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaA Danish man was jailed for a week in Malaysia Monday after pleading guilty to breaking a law against fake news, the first person to be punished under the controversial legislation. The law, passed in early April, makes the deliberate dissemination of false information punishable by up to six years in jail and a hefty fine. It has sparked outrage from rights groups who believe it is aimed at cracking down on dissent. Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, a 46-year-old of Yemeni descent, admitted making and posting on YouTube a video accusing emergency services of responding slowly after a Palestinian Hamas member was gunned down in Kuala Lumpur. Fadi al-Batsh, said to be a rocket-making expert, was on his way to dawn prayers on April 21 when he was assassinated by motorbike-riding gunmen, a killing his family have blamed on Israels spy agency. The Jewish state has denied it was behind the murder.The Dane, who did not have a lawyer and was wearing white robes and a green skullcap during a court appearance in Kuala Lumpur, said he was not aware of Malaysias laws. I agree I did a mistake, because I didnt ask what is the law of this country, he said, speaking in English, his hands trembling. A clip of the video played in court, which lasted almost two minutes, showed him speaking in Arabic and complaining about what he claimed was the slow response of the police and ambulance service after the shooting.Authorities have disputed his claims. Judge Zaman Mohamad Noor sentenced him to a week in jail, including time already served since his April 23 arrest, and fined him 10,000 ringgit ($2,500). If he cannot pay the fine, then he will have to serve another month in jail, the judge said. The Dane, who had been on a 10-day visit to Malaysia when the crime was committed, said he did not have enough money to pay the fine. He said he had three wives and six children. The law banning fake news has sparked concern the government is seeking to crack down on criticism, particularly with a general election looming on May 9. Leading independent news portal Malaysiakini last week mounted the first legal challenge against the legislation, arguing it breaches constitutional guarantees to freedom of speech.Caption

WASHINGTONUS President Donald Trump said Monday he was confident his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will go ahead, as he talked up the idea of holding it in the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas. Trump revealed last week that two or three locations were under consideration for the historic meetingwhich would be the first between a sitting US president and a leader of North Koreabut had yet to publicly name a potential site. Addressing a joint press conference with his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari, Trump confirmed that Singapore was under consideration as a location, but -- following on from a morning tweetsaid the DMZ should be given strong consideration. Theres something I like about it because youre thereif things work out, theres a great celebration to be had on the site, not in a third party country, Trump said. Were also looking at other countries including Singapore, the US leader added. Everybody wants us it has the chance to be a big event. Other potential locations reportedly include Mongolia and Switzerland.The Peace House in Panmunjomthe village in the DMZ where the 1953 armistice that halted the Korean War was signedwas where Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in met Friday in a major step towards easing tension on the flashpoint peninsula. In his morning tweet, Trump had already floated the site as a possible venue. Numerous countries are being considered for the MEETING, but would Peace House/Freedom House, on the Border of North & South Korea, be a more Representative, Important and Lasting site than a third party country? Just asking! he wrote. Preparations for a Trump-Kim meeting have gathered further momentum since Fridays Korean summit, which saw Pyongyang and Seoul promise to pursue the complete denuclearization of the peninsula and a permanent peace. The United States has never been closer to potentially having something happen with respect to the Korean peninsula, that can get rid of the nuclear weapons, Trump told reporters, voicing confidence the summit would go ahead and reiterating he would walk away if it failed to live up to his expectations. Yeah, I think the summits going to happen, they very much want it, he said. Personally I think it will be a success, we will see. If its not a successyou got to get rid of the nuclear weaponsif its not a success, I will respectfully leave.High tensions to talks The planned Trump-Kim summit would cap a remarkable shift since last year, when Pyongyang carried out its sixth nuclear test, by far its most powerful, and test-launched missiles theoretically capable of reaching the US mainland. Its actions sent tensions soaring as Kim and Trump traded insults and threats of war. But in the latest sign of a spectacular detente facilitated by the Winter Olympics, Seoul said at the weekend that North Korea has pledged to shut down its nuclear test site within weeks and invite American weapons experts to verify its closure. Kim also told Moon that the North would have no need for nuclear weapons if the United States promised not to invade it, South Korean officials said. Trump has demanded the North give up its weapons, and Washington is pressing for it to do so in a complete, verifiable and irreversible way. But Pyongyang views its nuclear arsenal as essential for the regimes survival, and would likely make security guarantees a condition of giving it up. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told ABC News at the weekend that the United States has an obligation to pursue the diplomatic track with North Korea, despite often hawkish rhetoric from the Trump administration. The former CIA director also said he and Kim held in-depth talks about a complete, verifiable, irreversible mechanism for denuclearization when they met over Easter weekend. US National Security Advisor John Bolton separately told Fox News on Sunday that Libyas decision to give up its nuclear program through diplomacy was a model for efforts to get North Korea to do likewise. Pyongyang, however, regularly cites the fates of Saddam Hussein in Iraqwhose government was toppled by a US-led invasionand Libyas Moamer Kadhafi, who was killed after his fall from power, as evidence of the need for nuclear arms.PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday uncharacteristically refrained from commenting on the diplomatic row between the Philippines and Kuwait to avoid further strains in relations. Im not going to talk about it because so much is at stake, Duterte said in a mix of English and Filipino during the Labor Day ceremonies in Cebu City. Upon returning from Singapore Sunday, Duterte had said the deployment ban on Filipino workers to Kuwait would become permanent after the Gulf state expelled Ambassador Renato Villa over videos that the Department of Foreign Affairs posted on the Internet showing Philippine Embassy staff rescuing distressed Filipino workers there. In Cebu, Duterte said he wants those who wish to return to the Philippines from Kuwait to be able to do so. We will mobilize continuously until everyone who wants to be out of there would be able to come home, he said. The government, he added, will push for better protection for Filipino workers overseas, especially among domestics in the Middle East. He said he was firm on the deployment ban, but said he would keep the door open to a compromise because so much is at stake. There are more than 250,000 Filipino workers in Kuwait, at least 60 percent were employed as domestic helpers, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. Duterte said he would not utter a word against Kuwait which could trigger a backlash. Earlier, he said the Philippines would no longer pursue an agreement with the Kuwaiti government to provide better protection to Filipino workers in the Gulf state. But his remarks Tuesday indicated that this was not the case. There are on going talks between the Philippines and Kuwait. I will not not talk anymore [as this] may affect our interests, he said to the thousands of job applicants and local officials gathered inside the IEC Pavilion in Cebu City. I will no longer pick up a fight. I will go for the soft landing. I wont talk because so much is at stake, he said. But the President said that Filipino workers in Kuwait who are willing to leave that country can do so and vowed to shoulder their air fare back home. He also said worker debts to their employers and agencies would be paid. The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday welcomed Kuwaits willingness to work with Manila to iron out their diplomatic row. On Sunday, Kuwait Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah conveyed Kuwaits readiness to work with the Philippines to address the concerns of Filipino workers in the Gulf state. Citing the historic friendship between the two states after Manila sent Kuwait assistance during the Gulf war, Al-Jarallah believed both will be able to mend strained ties. This gesture on the part of Kuwait, a country with which we have a shared history and strong people-to-people ties, will allow us to move forward and hurdle the challenges we face, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement. We acknowledge with heartfelt thanks the assurances of Kuwait to work with us in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of Filipinos working there, he added. Senator Richard Gordon also welcomed the gesture from Kuwait. The DFA, however, has yet to give an update on their appeal for the release of the four drivers who were arrested and the status of the three diplomats who also face arrest if they step out of the embassy. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, along with some Cabinet members will head to Kuwait on May 7 to meet with counterparts. High-ranking officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, meanwhile, said Cayetano must be held accountable for the violation of Kuwaits sovereignty and for causing a row with the distribution of videos showing the rescue operations. This is one case where whether one is aware of the act or not, he is still accountable, one source said. It is a sensitive, high-profile issue. He should be monitoring it directly, the source added.A labor official agreed that Cayetano is responsible for the undue publicity. Yes, he should be accountable. For command responsibility by allowing undue publicity about the rescue, the official added. Another Foreign Affairs insider also said Cayetano was the one who selected the Rapid Response Team composed of some diplomats, his minions, and some blogger-propagandists or spin doctors. He selected the top minion for that office who put together the RRT. Considering rank, his office should be dealing with the irascible spin doctors, the insider added. A former diplomat said it is up to President Duterte to decide whether or not Cayetano should be held responsible for the reckless uploading of videos over social media. When DFA spokesman Elmer Cato released the two videos to the media, a blogger who was formerly appointed by Cayetano, RJ Nieto, reposted the rescue videos on his Facebook page. There were also videos of Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson in Kuwait interviewing OUMWA executive director Raul Dado, telling the public that the RRT was about to rescue a Filipino. Another video also showed that she was inside a car and telling her viewers that they were on the way to rescue Filipinos. The videos, which angered the Kuwait government, showed a woman running from a home and jumping into a waiting vehicle while another depicts a person sprinting from what looks like a construction site and then speeding off in a black sport utility vehicle. Kuwait had branded the rescues a violation of its sovereignty, adding fuel to a simmering diplomatic row between the two nations sparked by the murder of a Filipino maid. The controversial rescue video resulted in Kuwaits decision to recall its envoy in Manila; expel Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa and order the arrest or three diplomats involved in the rescues. Cayetano, during a press conference in Singapore, admitted that the video added fire to the issue, but did not express any regret that the video was released to the media and social media bloggers. He claimed that Duterte encouraged the DFA to use social media to expose cases of abuse against Filipino workers. Immediately when I found out about the video, I told them can you review the policies, take out everything, why is it there? But how come Im not being harsh in punishing people right away? Remember how many times (has) the President said, lets be aggressive, if there are cases of abuse, use the social media, Cayetano told reporters in Singapore on Thursday. In a press conference in Cebu, Cayetano slammed people who criticized the DFA rescue mission. But a political analyst and professor Richard Heydarian slammed Cayetanos comment stressing that the issue here is not the rescue itself, but the release of the rescue videos on social media. We shouldnt apologize to anyone for taking care of our own citizens, even if in defiance of international law, when host nations fail to live up to their side of the bargain  namely, upholding the basic human rights of guest workers per bilateral and international agreements, he said. He said 120 Filipino workers died or were killed in the country last year due to violence and inhumane working conditions. The Kuwaiti government has been a huge source of disappointment year after year, he said. Heydarian noted that the unfolding diplomatic crisis in Kuwait was not caused by the rescue operations but the result of irresponsible, amateurish, self-aggrandizing action of publicity-hungry few. Heydarian said that Kuwait would not have responded this way if not for the videos shared by super-trolls on Facebook. Lets not kid ourselves, Kuwaitis dont watch mainstream Filipino media, but they surely use social media outlets avidly. So stop blaming the mainstream media, its so lame! Where is the accountability? Where is the government of the best and brightest? Where is the sense of honor? Where is the real change? he said.BEIJINGThe Dominican Republic and China announced Tuesday they were establishing diplomatic relations as the Caribbean country became the latest nation to dump Taiwan, leaving it with just 19 diplomatic allies around the globe. Taipei said it was deeply upset at the decision, which it blamed on dollar diplomacy. The move deepens the islands international isolation while its giant neighbor flexes its economic and political might on the global stage. The Dominican Republic said it believed its switch to ties with China would be extraordinarily positive for the future of our country, in an official statement. The Dominican Republic recognizes that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, it added. Taiwan is a self-ruling democracy which sees itself as a sovereign nation but has never formally declared independence from the mainland. Beijing considers it a renegade province to be brought back into the fold and is increasing international pressure to prevent any recognition of the island. Beijing announced Tuesday morning that it would exchange ambassadors with the Dominican Republic as soon as practicable. Taiwans foreign minister Joseph Wu said the government deeply regrets that Dominican Republic and China established ties on May 1. Wu said the ministry strongly condemns Chinas objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwans diplomatic allies and accused Beijing of failing to honor its promises to those countries it had wooed away. Its actions had damaged cross-strait relations and eroded trust, said Wu, who blamed Chinas financial incentives for ending Taiwans 77-year alliance with the Dominican Republic. The foreign ministry had summoned the Caribbean countrys ambassador to deliver a protest and tell him to close the embassy, Wu said. Taiwan now has 19 diplomatic allies left10 in Latin America and the Caribbean, two in Africa, six small island nations in the Pacific and the Vatican. Beijing and the Holy See severed diplomatic relations in 1951 and remain at odds over who should appoint bishops. But an apparent warming of relations between China and the Vaticanconsidered Taiwans most powerful remaining official allyhas triggered concerns that the Holy See may also switch allegiance in what would be a crushing blow to Taipei. Wu insisted that ties with the Holy See would not be in immediate danger even if there were a breakthrough agreement on designating bishops in China.In June last year Panama cut ties with Taipei to open relations with Beijing while Costa Rica did so in 2007. This latest development is proof, yet again, that Taiwan needs to focus its energies developing solid and multifaceted ties with unofficial diplomatic allies, said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottinghams China Policy Institute. The Dominican Republic joins a long list of small countries that in a heartbeat will throw principle out the window for the sake of getting more from China, Cole added. Taipeis Mainland Affairs Council slammed the Dominican Republics move, blaming Beijing for undermining cross-strait ties. We call on China to immediately stop provocative actions of exerting extreme political and military pressure on Taiwan, it said. The government of President Tsai Ing-wen is trying to enhance Taiwans international profile but faces a concerted attempt by Beijing to shrink its space on global platforms. Taiwan is regularly shut out of influential forums as organizers come under pressure from Beijing. Mainland China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since the end of a civil war in 1949, when the defeated Nationalist government fled to the island. Beijing has consistently said it wants Tsai to recognize that Taiwan is part of one China but she has not done so. Comments by premier William Lai expressing his personal support for Taiwans independence have further riled Beijing. Given the current cross-strait political climate, things like this (losing an ally) are bound to happen sooner or later, its just a matter of when and which country, said political analyst Tang Shao-cheng at the National Chengchi University in Taipei. The timing of China establishing ties with the Dominican Republic is meant as a warning for Taiwan not to cross the red line to show support for Taiwan independence, since [Beijings] recent verbal intimidation and saber-rattling did not yield desirable results, she said.Armed with highly toxic hairs, invasive caterpillars may soon be marching in London, threatening oak trees and humans alike.

The London borough of Bexley issued a warning earlier this month for residents to look out for oak processionary moths (Thaumetopoea processionea) after their young were spotted emerging from eggs high up on trees throughout the borough.

The moths themselves aren't the problem. Instead, it's what comes before them: caterpillars. [Alien Invaders: Destructive Invasive Species].

The bodies of oak processionary moth caterpillars are covered in more than 62,000 tiny, white hairs that contain a protein called thaumetopoein. If people come into contact with this protein, it can cause rashes, itchy skin or, more rarely, a sore throat, eye itching and breathing difficulties. In some cases, it could even lead to anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction, according to The New York Times.

What's more, the caterpillar's hairs can stay toxic for up to five years, according to the Times. That means that coming into contact with stray hairs, such as ones found in their nests, should be avoided at all costs, the U.K. Forestry Commission warned. Even coming into contact with a single windblown hair from one of these caterpillars can lead to health problems.

London residents still have time to prepare for the arrival of the caterpillars, however. The creepy-crawlers break free of their eggs, which are high in the trees, as spring progresses. As the caterpillars grow, they start descending the trees to build nests and chomp on leaves  and grow their toxic hairs, according to the Forestry Commission. But the commission doesn't expect the bugs to begin their descent down the trees, and thus into the path of humans, until mid-May. At that point, the caterpillars will be easiest to spot when they're marching in a distinguished "nose-to-tail" formation, as their name (oak processionary moth) suggests.

(The caterpillars threaten oak trees too, though not because of their toxic hairs. For the oak trees, the caterpillars' appetite is more concerning. They devour the tree's leaves, sometimes leaving them bare and defenseless against pests, diseases and environmental stresses such as droughts and floods, according to the Forestry Commission.)

Efforts are underway to kill the caterpillars with insecticides as soon as they emerge from their silky nests, according to the Commission.

The advance of the caterpillars

Oak processionary moths aren't native to Britain; they're an invasive species. They first appeared 13 years ago, most likely as eggs hidden in oak trees transported from continental Europe, according to the Forestry Commission. Given that this southern European species has been climbing it's way north through Germany and the Netherlands for the past 20 years, how likely is it that the moths can journey even farther, and end up in our backyards in the U.S.?

"Relatively unlikely," said Mark Wright, a professor of entomology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa who researches invasive species. "It's less likely than, for example, a fruit pest or other things that are readily moved around on things that we ship around the world."

A living oak tree, on the other hand, is not really something we move around the world, Wright told Live Science. But if the toxic critters were to somehow wiggle their way into a transcontinental shipment, they would be most inconspicuous as eggs, he said. Once they turn into caterpillars, however, they aggregate and move together, making it unlikely that groups such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service would miss them, he added.

There are other toxic caterpillars in the U.S., some of which are invasive, according to Wright. "We have huge issues with invasive species in the U.S., typically because of transshipment of goods by tourists," he said. Even though the probability of this particular species getting to the U.S. is small, it's "not to say one shouldn't look out for it."

Originally published on Live Science.Dozens of people in Alabama and North Carolina have developed a rare eye cancer  and doctors don't know what's behind the apparent spike in cases in these areas, according to news reports.

So far, 18 people with this eye cancer, known as ocular melanoma, have been identified in Huntersville, North Carolina; and another group of more than 30 people in Auburn, Alabama, also say they've been diagnosed with the condition, according to CBS News. The condition typically affects just six out of every 1 million people per year, CBS reported.

What's more, three of the Alabama cases are friends who attended Auburn University at the same time.

"Most people don't know anyone with this disease," Dr. Marlana Orloff, an oncologist treating some of the patients at Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) in Philadelphia, told CBS News. "We said, 'OK, these girls were in this location, they were all definitively diagnosed with this very rare cancer  what's going on?'" [10 Do's and Don'ts to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer]

Right now, doctors don't know the answer to the question, but they say something in the environment could be a factor, CBS reported.

Ocular melanoma is a cancer that develops in cells in the eye that produce the pigment melanin, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The cancer usually begins in the middle layer of the eye called the uvea. The exact cause of ocular melanoma is unknown, but according to AAO, risk factors for the condition include: exposure to sunlight or tanning beds over long periods; light eye color; older age; and certain inherited skin conditions or having a mole in the eye.

Ocular melanoma can cause vision loss, and the cancer may also spread to other parts of the body, including the liver, lungs and bones, according to the Mayo Clinic. About 3 out of 4 people (75 percent) diagnosed with ocular melanoma survive at least five years after their diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society.

In Huntsville, researchers who studied the group of cases there recently announced that they did not find anything that could be directly attributed to the cause of the cancer cases, according to local news outlet WCNC.

One of the Auburn patients has set up a Facebook page to raise awareness, and so far, 36 people have responded saying they also attended Auburn University and were diagnosed with ocular melanoma.

"We've got to have it so that we can start linking all of them together to try to find a cause," Lori Lee, an Auburn University graduate with the cancer, told CBS News.This story was updated May 1 at 10:48 a.m. EDT.

On Aug. 6, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" on Hiroshima, Japan, leading to a nuclear blast that instantly claimed about 45,000 lives. Now, the jawbone of one of those casualties  belonging to a person who was less than a mile from the bomb's hypocenter  is helping researchers determine how much radiation was absorbed by the bones of the victims, a new study finds.

The amount is staggering: Analyses show that the jawbone's radiation dose was about 9.46 grays (Gy). A Gy is the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter, which in this case is bone. [5 Everyday Things That Are Radioactive]

"About half that dose, or 5 Gy, is fatal if the entire body is exposed to it," study co-researcher Oswaldo Baffa, a professor at the University of Sao Paulo's Ribeirao Preto School of Philosophy, Science & Letters, said in a statement.

Previous studies have measured other aspects of the bomb's catastrophic effects, including the radiation dose victims were exposed to from nuclear fallout (which is radioactive dust) and how the fallout affected human DNA and health, the researchers said.

However, this is the first study to use a victim's bone as a dosimeter  a tool that allows scientists to measure an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation, the researchers said. Moreover, the technique the scientists used  known as electron spin resonance (ESR)  is a precise method that can measure radiation dose in future nuclear events, the researchers said.

The victims jaw was found about a mile (1.5 kilometers) from the atomic bomb hypocenter in Hiroshima, Japan. (Image credit: Kinoshita et al./PLoS ONE/CC by 4.0)

"Currently, there's renewed interest in this kind of methodology due to the risk of terrorist attacks in countries like the United States," Baffa said. Techniques such as this one "can help identify who has been exposed to radioactive fallout and needs treatment" in the event of a nuclear attack, he added.

Decades-long research

The new finding is decades in the making. In the 1970s, study senior researcher Sergio Mascarenhas, who was then a physicist at the University of Sao Paulo's Sao Carlos Physics Institute, discovered that X-ray and gamma-ray irradiation made human bones slightly magnetic, according to the statement.

This phenomenon  called paramagnetism  happens because the bone contains a mineral called hydroxyapatite. When bone is irradiated, it produces CO2- that shows up in the hydroxyapatite. The resulting free radicals can then be used as a marker for radiation dose in bone.

At first, Mascarenhas thought he would use this technique to date ancient bones for archaeologists. His research was so widely lauded that Harvard University invited him to teach. On one trip from Brazil in 1972, Mascarenhas stopped in Japan so he could test the method on the remains of people from the Hiroshima blast.

"They gave me a jawbone, and I decided to measure the radiation right there, at Hiroshima University," Mascarenhas said in the statement. "I needed to prove experimentally that my discovery was genuine."

His analysis was rudimentary; the lack of advanced computers meant that the estimate couldn't separate the atomic-bomb-induced signal from the background signal. Even so,he presented the results at the American Physical Society's annual March Meeting in Washington, D.C., in 1973.

Mascarenhas was allowed to keep the jawbone and brought it back with him to Brazil.

New analysis

Thanks to new advances in technology, researchers are now able to separate the background signal from the radiation dose from the nuclear attack. [Doomsday: 9 Real Ways Earth Could End]

"The background signal is a broad line that may be produced by various different things and lacks a specific signature," Baffa said. "The dosimetric signal is spectral. Each free radical resonates at a certain point on the spectrum when exposed to a magnetic field."

When the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb, the weapon exploded about 1,900 feet (580 meters) above Hiroshima, Live Science previously reported. The person whose jaw the researchers examined was about 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers) from the bomb's hypocenter, or the spot below the bomb's blast.

To study the bone, the researchers removed a small piece that was used in the previous study and then irradiated that piece in the lab, a process known as the additive dose method.

"We added radiation to the material and measured the rise in the dosimetric signal," Baffa said. By extrapolating from this signal, the researchers were able measure other samples, including different parts of the jawbone.

This technique allowed them to determine the radiation dose the bone received, which was similar to the dose distribution found in different materials around Hiroshima, including wall bricks and roof tiles, the researchers said.

"The measurement we obtained in this latest study is more reliable and up to date than the preliminary finding, but I'm currently evaluating a methodology that's about a thousand times more sensitive than" ESR, Mascarenhas said. "We'll have news in a few months."

The study was published online Feb. 6 in the journal PLOS ONE.

Editor's Note: This story was updated to correct the process that produces CO2- in irradiated bone. CO2- is not produced when CO2 loses electrons.

Original article on Live Science.The CEO of a biomedical startup who sparked controversy when he injected himself with an untested herpes treatment in front of a live audience in February has died, according to an email sent to Live Science.

Aaron Traywick, the CEO of Ascendance Biomedical, was found dead at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday (April 29) in a spa room in Washington, D.C., according to a statement provided to Live Science by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of the District of Columbia. Traywick was 28 years old.

According to the website News2Share.com, Traywick was found in a flotation tank. Flotation tanks are soundproof pods filled with body-temperature saltwater that are used to promote "sensory deprivation."

The MDP is still investigating Traywick's death, though they note that at this point, they have no evidence suggesting foul play.

Traywick made news in October 2017, when he staged a live demonstration of a purported gene-therapy treatment for HIV, Live Science previously reported. The untested treatment was given to a volunteer named Tristan Roberts who has HIV; Roberts said that one month after the injection, his viral load had risen, not fallen. [11 Surprising Facts About the Immune System]

Shortly after that demonstration, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about using untested gene therapies, which read, in part, "FDA is aware that gene therapy products intended for self-administration and 'do it yourself' kits to produce therapies for self-administration are being made available to the public. The sale of these products is against the law. FDA is concerned about the safety risks involved."

Traywick and Roberts skirted this law, however, through self-experimentation  they weren't selling the products.

New2Share's Ford Fischer sat down for an interview with Traywick in early February.

Originally published on Live Science.ULAANBAATARFed up with the smog in Mongolias capital, residents have resorted to sipping lung tea and oxygen cocktails in a desperate bid to protect themselves from pollution, despite health officials saying there is no evidence they work. Ulaanbaatar topped New Delhi and Beijing as the worlds most polluted capital in 2016, UNICEF said in a report warning of a health crisis that has put every child and pregnancy at risk. With the residents of so-called ger (slum) districts using coal stoves to cook and heat their homes in the worlds coldest capital, where temperatures can dip as low as -40 Celsius (-40 Fahrenheit), pollution has skyrocketed. While most of the pollution comes from stoves in the gers, road transport and power plants add to the toxic mix. On January 30, air pollution was 133 times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization. UNICEF reported that cases of respiratory infections have nearly tripled and pneumonia is now the second leading cause of death for children under five years old. Worried parents have held protests to press the government to take action. But some businesses are cashing in, even though a WHO official says there is no evidence that such anti-smog products work. Advertisements in Mongolia boast that drinking just one oxygen cocktail is equal to a three-hour-walk in a lush forest. At the produce section of the State Department Store, blue cans of oxygen called Life Is Air are on sale for $2, and promise to turn a glass of juice into a foamy, sweet oxygen cocktail after spraying some into a glass through a special straw. Other stores and pharmacies have oxygen cocktail machines that resemble coffee makers and can turn a juice into a frothy drink for $1. Pregnant women are among the most avid customers of the Russian-made product, with some saying they are following their doctors orders. Batbayar Munguntuul, a 34-year-old accountant and mother of three, drank oxygen cocktails when she was pregnant, but she ended up spending much more money on medicine. Every winter we constantly buy medicine, she told AFP. It has reached a point that it is like just any other grocery product that you have to buy regularly. Like many other Mongolians, she has chosen to buy an air purifier to make sure her family breathes clean air at home. Her machine, which filters out toxic fumes, cost her $300. The average level of PM2.5 particleswhich penetrate deep into the lungswas 75 micrograms per cubic meter last year, or three times the exposure recommended by the WHO for a 24-hour period. Air pollution has been linked to asthma, bronchitis, and other long-term respiratory diseases. Some Mongolians drinking special teas named Enkhjin, Ikh Taiga, and Dr. Baatar that claim to clean lungs. Dr. Baatars CEO, Baatar Chantsaldulam, said sales surge by 20 to 30 percent during winter, when pollution tends to reach its peak.First it takes all the toxins out of the blood, then it turns the toxins in the lung into mucus, and all the plants in tea helps boost the human immune system, he told AFP. But Maria Neira, the head of the WHOs public health department, said the real solution to protect the lungs and the cardiovascular system was to reduce air pollution and avoid exposure to it. The business community will offer plenty of those solutions, Neira said, referring to the oxygen cocktails and lung teas. We dont have any scientific evidence whether they provide any benefit, she said. Non-profit organizations such as Parents Against Smog say the government is not doing enough to reduce air pollution and argue that ordinary people should not have to suffer financially to protect their health. The group organised a sit-in protest earlier this year. For the past 10 years, people have known that air pollution has reached dangerous levels, Parents Against Smog coordinator Tumur Mandakhjargal told AFP. However, policymakers only address the issue by talking about passing out clean stoves and clean coal, Mandakhjargal said. The NGO says the government should give some 200,000 ger residents access to loans so that they install heating insulation and replace their stoves with cleaner heaters. It also complains that a ger relocation plan has been too slow. The government spent $120 million between 2008-2016 to combat pollution, with half of the funds coming out of its foreign aid revenue. Part of the money has gone to distributing low-emission stoves to residents of ger districts. Last year, the parliament approved a tax exemption for companies that sell air purifiers, while Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh issued an order to distribute $1.6 million worth of the appliances to all schools. Non-profit organizations are giving away air purifiers and anti-smog masks to schools, kindergartens and hospitals. The non-profit group Smog and Kids donated a South Korean-made air ventilation system to a kindergarten in one of the capitals most polluted areas, and the difference in air quality inside and outside the classrooms is palpable. Such systems can cost up to $2,500 plus $500 for installation. But Smog and Kids representative Tumendalai Davaadalai said air purifiers were not the answer to the problem. Mobile air purifiers dont give oxygen, theyre not plants. The decision by Khurelsukhs cabinet to distribute air purifiers is a very bad decision, Davaadalai said. They are just funding businesses without any positive results.A Kerrville consulting firm has accused former president Stephen Canty of overstating the amount of money clients owed the company by $25 million, the firms bankruptcy lawyer said Monday.

By manipulating the books, Canty was able to tap more of the companys $27 million line of credit with Texas Capital Bank, bankruptcy attorney James Wilkins said during a creditors meeting Monday.

Were going to find out exactly what he embezzled, pilfered, Wilkins said of Canty.

HJH, which does business as The Salt Group, has accused Canty of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty but hasnt taken any legal action against him.

RELATED: S.A. loses 4th major company to outside buyer in last 18 months

FBI agents are investigating possible wrongdoing at HJH, three people familiar with the probe told the San Antonio Express-News last month.

Canty came in and confessed, Wilkins said. HJH then hired an outside auditor, who determined that Cantys story about the manipulation of receivables was accurate, Wilkins added.

Canty hasnt made any public comments. He is represented by criminal defense lawyers Gerald Gerry Goldstein and Cynthia Orr, who didnt attend the creditors meeting.

Orr declined to respond to the comments Wilkins made during the meeting, which was conducted by Jim Rose, an attorney for the U.S. Trustees office.

Turn to Tuesdays Business section or click here on ExpressNews.com for the full article.

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | pdanner@express-news.net | @AlamoPDThe Menil Drawing Institute, which has looked so enticingly ready for months from Richmond Avenue, will open Nov. 3 with an exhibition of works on paper by Jasper Johns that has been almost as highly anticipated.

The now-official date falls more than a year after the Menil Collection initially planned to open the world's first building dedicated to modern and contemporary works on paper.

Johnston Marklee's innovative design for a sleek, low-slung and relatively modest building proved harder to execute than expected, given the architects' exacting standards.

Menil Collection director Rebecca Rabinow, cautious after having to cancel an opening originally scheduled for October 7, 2017, has made a case for patience.

"Everything is custom. That is a challenge," she said. "We're in it for the long haul. We don't need to rush it for an artificial deadline we've set for ourselves.

What it looked like last summer: Menil postpones opening of new Drawing Institute

Nature intervened, too, after hard freezes this winter claimed many of the new plants that had just been installed into the new park that envelopes the institute and its serene courtyards, designed by landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

The 30,000-square-foot, $40 million institute is the the fifth art building on the Menil's 30-acre campus. Renzo Piano's main museum building remains closed for major renovations and a gallery redesign through the summer. Rabinow has not yet announced a reopening date, although she also expects that project to be completed by this fall.

Inside the closed Menil, curators prepare for a major reboot

In the meantime, Piano's also airy Cy Twombly Gallery, the site-specific Dan Flavin installation at Richmond Hall, and contemporary art installations in the darkened Byzantine Fresco Chapel are open to visitors, along with the greenspaces around the campus.

The institute will open with "The Condition of Being Here: Drawings by Jasper Johns," an exhibition of 41 works on paper that also celebrates the publication of the artist's catalogue raisonne of drawings, a six-volume work documenting 800 drawings. That project has been in the works for nearly a decade. (The catalog will be released later in November.)

Promised gifts by Menil trustees Janie C. Lee and Louisa Stude Sarofim and a bequest from David Whitney have made the Menil one of the world's largest repositories of drawings by Johns and a primary institution for viewing and studying this important aspect of the artist's practice.

"The Condition of Being Here" will trace the chronology of Johns' career and his method of working in motifs, rather than in series; with materials that include graphite, ink, charcoal, watercolor, colored pencil, acrylic, water-soluble encaustic, pastel, powdered graphite, gouache, and oil stick, on surfaces ranging from paper to plastic.

The institute, the new park and the renovations of Piano's original building were funded by the Campaign for the Menil, which raised more than $121 million, surpassing its original goal by more than $6 million. The campaign also supported construction of a new Energy House that has heated and cooled all of the campus' buildings since February 2017; and an increased the endowment that allows the Menil to offer free admission to all of its exhibition and public spaces.

Molly Glentzer writes about arts, culture and public spaces for the Houston Chronicle.(EDITORS: Contains spoilers.)

---

The king is dead. Long live Shuri?

One of the most shocking moments of "Avengers: Infinity War" was when Thanos snapped his fingers and half of the Marvel Cinematic Universe began to fade away. At that point, it was a guessing game as to who would remain and who would cease to exist.

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping death of the multiple Marvel heroes was the newest cultural phenomenon, Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman).

There are probably very few who believe we've seen the last of T'Challa: There's just too much money to be made in Wakanda. But the Black Panther turning into dust in this film opens the door for something we discussed previously here: the idea of Shuri (Letitia Wright) becoming the next Black Panther.

It all depends on how Wakanda responds to their king's disappearance in Part 2 of "Infinity War," which arrives in theaters next May. Can they still rule without a Black Panther reigning supreme?

"Captain America: Civil War" and "Black Panther" both confirmed that the passing of the throne was immediate when T'Challa's father, T'Chaka, was killed in a terrorist attack (in "Civil War"). T'Challa was handed the throne in "Black Panther" after surviving his lone challenge through combat with M'Baku.

Maybe "Infinity War" won't have the time to dive into Princess Shuri's potential new status and will instead use her, along with the other super-genius left, Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), as a key player without the cat costume.

Or maybe Shuri gets the throne in a unanimous, emergency vote.

T'Challa's disappearance/death is an opportunity to dive into one of the most recent additions to the Black Panther's lore. Shuri, who was created by Reginald Hudlin and John Romita Jr., first appeared in a Marvel comic book in 2005. She's most known in those circles for eventually becoming a female Black Panther when T'Challa - stop me if this sounds familiar - was presumed dead.

It's worth noting whether such a big change will be made under the direction of the Russo brothers (who are handling the "Infinity War" films) or Ryan Coogler, the director and co-writer of the extremely successful "Black Panther," who has certainly earned the right to decide what bold moves happen next with the character.

If Shuri does get the new panther duds, there could possibly be two Black Panthers in the next Avengers sequel (if T'Challa returns from the grave like many assume he will). And that would make things interesting for future stand-alone "Black Panther" sequels, too.

Whatever happens, Shuri will play a major role regardless as one of the few heroes left after Thanos's snap decision. The "Wakanda forever" chant will live on - we'll just have to wait and see who's leading the charge.Poitin, the much-anticipated Sawyer Yards restaurant, has set its opening date as May 14.

Owner/restaurateur Ian Tucker, The Irishman who arrived on the Houston dining scene last year with his Balls Out Burger in the Heights, calls Poitin (pronounced "PUUT-cheen," the name of a traditional Irish distilled beverage) a high-energy restaurant with cross-cultural cuisine. In announcing the opening date today the restaurant's concept remains vague but enticing.

"Poitin celebrates the diversity of Houston with its menu, its cocktail program and its overall unpretentious atmosphere," Tucker said in a statement. "Just as the City of Houston opens its doors to immigrants from around the world, Poitin welcomes all comers. As an immigrant myself, I have been embraced by the Houston community and have envisioned this restaurant to be a culinary embodiment of the city's inclusive spirit."

Intrigued? Here are a few more details:

The team: Executive chef Dominick Lee comes to Poitin from a successful run as sous chef at Kiran's. He will be joined in the kitchen by pastry chef Dory Fung who has the glam Yauatcha and the buzzy Aqui under her belt. Beverage director Sarah Cuneo, formerly of the Pastry War and Anvil Bar & Refuge, will be joined by assistant bar manager Kevin Doherty, who worked for Tucker at his Dublin gastropub The Exchequer. Christa Havican, formerly of Reserve 101 and Kata Robata, will serve as bar manager. Sommelier is Shannon Noelle Crow, formerly of 12 Celsius. Todd Leveritt will serve as the restaurant's director of operations.

The food: The dinner menu will include slow-braised lamb neck with harissa and cauliflower couscous; Marble Ranch wagyu with chimichurri and dulce de leche carrots; and herb-infused ricotta ravioli with cherry tomatoes, spinach and parmesan cream sauce and mushrooms.

The space: The 9,600-square-foot restaurant is designed by Houston-based Studio RED Architects. It features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, a 116-seat main dining room, three private dining rooms, and a 1,200-square-foot shaded patio. There's a 28-foot bar "reminiscent of a classic New York City hotel." Interior designer Erin Hicks helped provide design finishes and textures to the space.

The details: When it opens, Poitin will initially serve dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. Happy hour will be offered weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. The restaurant plans to begin brunch service (Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at a later date.HCPH Chief Executive Officer Annica Witschard and Chief Marketing and Product Officer Franchette Cardona

THE International Finance Magazine recently gave recognition to Home Credit for being the fastest growing consumer finance company in the Philippines. IFM Awards is an event that recognizes and honors individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to the international finance industry. Home Credit Philippines, a Prague-based fintech company that provides in-store financing for a portfolio of products, has enjoyed continuous growth since its start of operations in the country in 2013. HCPHs Chief Executive Officer Annica Witschard expressed her appreciation for the recognition.The company is set right now in expanding our reach nationwide and in adding more product segments to our portfoliogoals which we plan to meet in order to better serve our 2.5 million customers. This award is proof that we are making a step in the right direction, said Witschard. The companys market includes unbanked Filipinos who are able to avail loans from HCPH that require fewer requirements than traditional loans. The year 2017 was considered a landmark one for the company after it successfully doubled its customer count in the country from one to two million in six months.1 School shooting: The father of a student killed in a mass shooting at a Florida high school is suing the armed officer who stood outside the building as people were massacred within. Andrew Pollack tells news outlets that Scot Peterson, who was then a sheriffs deputy and the schools resource officer, is his main target in the wrongful death lawsuit filed Monday in Broward County. Peterson was suspended without pay after the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He then resigned and retired. Pollacks daughter Meadow was among the 17 killed. Pollack says Peterson could have entered, but instead let all those people get murdered. The lawsuit also names 19-year-old shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz, the estate of Cruzs mother and the couple who took him in when she died.

2 Office raid: President Trumps longtime physician said in an interview published Tuesday that after telling The New York Times that Trump took a drug to promote hair growth, two Trump aides had staged what he called a raid of his Manhattan office in February 2017 and removed all of Trumps medical files, including handwritten records and printed laboratory results. Dr. Harold N. Bornstein, who served as Trumps personal doctor for 36 years, told NBC News that the roughly half-hour encounter left him feeling raped, frightened and sad. He said that since then, he has had no contact with Trump and has been removed from his orbit.Donna Cole, president of Cole Chemical and Distributing Co., is chair of the May 7-9 Japan-Texas Economic Summit at Marriott Marquis.

Cole, a Memorial resident, said, "As Chair of the Japan Texas Economic Summit, I am excited to help bring people together to explore business opportunities in Japan and in Texas."

Business leaders, investors, state and local officials, and economic development organizations will explore opportunities for collaboration, expand their network and discuss how to further strengthen Japan-Texas relations

Cole said, "Japan is the leading major foreign director investor into Texas and has created the most jobs than any other country with over 400 Japanese companies. Texas has the 10th largest economy in the world, home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies with 11 deep water ports, 16 Texas Sea ports, 28 border crossings, 32 foreign trade zones and the largest exporter of high tech products with $6.3 billion more than California and the top exporting state in the nation.

"As a board member of the U.S. Japan Council, whose goal is to increase relations between Japan and the United States through people-to-people connections, this Japan Texas Economic Summit exemplifies their mission," Cole continued. "There is much to be gained by attending the Japan Texas Economic Summit as there are government officials and senior business executives from Japan and Texas to talk about their successes, industry trends and investment opportunities. Many cities and regions across the State of Texas are hosting hospitality rooms to share their economic development opportunities as well as government, non-profit and business resources available for participants to be fast tracked."

After the highly successful Japan-Hawaii Economic Summit in 2017, the U.S.-Japan Council is honored to host its second regional summit in Texas. The Lone Star State is a leading destination for foreign direct investment from Japan, and boasts significant resources in fields like energy and medicine, as well as unique cities with distinct characteristics-many of them poised for collaboration with Japan.

This year's summit will feature keynote addresses from prominent leaders from both countries, showcase Texas cities and their economic development opportunities, and focus on topics of importance to the Japan-Texas relationship, such as industry innovation, workforce development, energy, medicine, manufacturing, transportation, finance and national security. Visit https://bit.ly/2HxDywZ for more information, including featured speakers.

Visit http://www.usjapancouncil.org/japan_texas_economic_summit_media_registration for the summit schedule.Fort Bend ISD announced the names of the 2018 District Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year at its annual Teacher of the Year awards dinner and program, held April 19 at Safari Texas Ranch. Leigha Bishop of Lakeview Elementary is the 2018 District Elementary Teacher of the Year; and Shaughn Thomas of Lake Olympia Middle School is the 2018 District Secondary Teacher of the Year.

It is truly a humbling experience to be among so many talented, committed and dedicated educators - I know they represent our entire corps of teacher, said Dr. Charles Dupre, Superintendent of Schools. We are proud and appreciative of their efforts, and it is an honor to recognize them for their leadership in the classroom.Hundreds of masked anarchists and Black Bloc affiliates were arrested in Paris on Tuesday, Reuters reported, after rioters burned cars and smashed shop windows during the city's May Day rally.

What was once an event with roots as a spring festival in European pagan cultures has evolved into an international day of marches in the name of worker rights. But these May Day celebrations have been regularly marred by violence since at least the 19th century, as The Washington Post noted on May 1 last year.

Paris got the worst of it this year. Somewhere between 20,000 and 55,000 marchers gathered in the capital, according to Reuters, intending to march peacefully against President Emmanuel Macron's plans to roll back labor protections. But about 1,2000 "masked and hooded protesters" dressed in black stood on the sidelines, according to the news agency.

Some were anarchists, some waved Soviet flags, and some were antifascists - upset by a gathering of far-right European leaders in France on the same day.

The gathering tipped into violence.

The protesters' colored smoke bombs mixed in the air with tear gas, water from police cannons and petrol bombs. Before the chaos subsided, vehicles had been set on fire, windows at a McDonald's smashed out, several shops looted and 200 people detained, Reuters reported.

Four people, including a police officer, reportedly suffered minor wounds.

"When you come with molotov cocktails, it's to burn cops," a police union official said, according to Reuters. He added that the protesters had been allowed to target buildings, lest they be provoked into attacking people.

"Those who wear hoods are the enemies of democracy," government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux said after the violence, according to Reuters.

The rioting recalled May Day events from two years ago, when people angry at France's unemployment rate and unpopular socialist president turned Paris's Place de la Republique into a scene of chaos.

In other countries, demonstrators rallied on Tuesday against perceived injustices.

Large gatherings were planned in cities across the United States to protest President Trump's restrictive immigration policies, the Associated Press wrote. Thousands of people in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico marched against the federal government, deeply frustrated that tens of thousands of homes remain without power months after Hurricane Maria hit the island in September.

The AP listed country after country: In Cambodia, garment workers organized the main rally. In Istanbul, police detained protesters and forbade them from marching toward the main square, where 34 people were fatally shot on May Day, 1977.

But in Moscow, the AP wrote, it was not a day for outrage. About 10,000 paraded through the Russian capital on May Day, in what the news agency called a "show of power by Russian authorities."MOSCOW - After weeks of protests, Armenia's parliament on Tuesday voted against making opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan the prime minister, dealing a blow to the country's pro-democracy movement.

The vote against Pashinyan, who was the only candidate, came after demonstrations that drew as many as 100,000 mostly young people to the streets of the capital, Yerevan, and forced Serzh Sargsyan to resign as prime minister, a post he took after spending a decade as president.

The parliament voted 55 to 45 against making Pashinyan prime minister. By law, a new parliamentary vote will take place May 8. Acting Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, a close ally of Sargsyan's and a former executive at the Russian gas giant Gazprom, will stay in place.

But Pashinyan - who was widely expected to win - was far from cowed. After the result, he immediately took to the same streets he has dominated for the past weeks, swaggering and wielding a black megaphone, the Armenian news outlet CivilNet showed on its live feed. The 42-year-old was hugged and cheered by his supporters, who chanted "Nikol!" The charismatic lawmaker then addressed a crowd of thousands who had spent the day on the central square awaiting the results in blazing sunshine.

"Let the revolution of love and solidarity continue!" Pashinyan told the flag-waving crowd Tuesday evening to rapturous applause. Pashinyan called for "peaceful, nonviolent disobedience" to continue Wednesday and asked people in the country of 3 million to go on strike and block all roads, including, in a first since the movement began, access to the airport in Yerevan, the country's only civilian international airport.

"Tomorrow, the people who do not join the people's disobedience will be counted on two hands," he said triumphantly.

Pashinyan's movement gave democracy a rare boost in the former Soviet republic, allowing Armenia to shake off - at least, temporarily - authoritarian rule. While Pashinyan has insisted his movement, which is directed against the ruling elite's widespread corruption and nepotism, is free from geopolitics, he was accused by the ruling party on Tuesday of supporting "anti-Russian activism."

Moscow, which has two military bases in the country, has carefully watched the events to its south unfold over recent weeks, first with studied silence, and then with caution. Late last week, two Armenian officials, including the foreign minister, flew to Moscow for talks.

Though Pashinyan is loath to say it, some observers see Moscow's hand in Tuesday's vote.

Ahead of the ballot, Pashinyan had been grilled by parliament for four hours, and Russia was a recurring theme. One lawmaker asked Pashinyan whether he received support from figures such as Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader and thorn in the side of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Another asked whether Pashinyan had changed his view in favor of joining a Russian trade bloc, which Armenia did three years ago.

"Judging by the questions that the [ruling] Republicans were asking Pashinyan about his position with regards to Russia, some of them were trying to expose him as being anti-Russian," said Lilit Gevorgyan, principal economist for Russia and the former Soviet Union at IHS Markit.

Members of parliament also asked him about other issues, including how he would handle the country's widespread poverty and the simmering conflict with neighboring Azerbaijan.

Several lawmakers from the ruling party even singled out his appearance, making fun of his swapping a three-piece suit for the camouflage T-shirt and black cap he has worn as protest leader, a uniform of sorts that fits his self-description of being "the people's candidate."

As had become routine for the thousands of demonstrators in central Yerevan, they departed for their homes after Pashinyan's speech late Tuesday, still hopeful for change.

"People are leaving the square pretty high in terms of mood," said Marine Manucharyan, president of Civic Forum, an Armenian nonprofit organization focusing on education. The activist, who attended Tuesday's rally, described the ruling party as "out of touch with reality."

"Hopefully, within a week," she said, "the situation will change."Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2018 9:00 am

The Missouri Ozarks is an amazing place, with all its magnificent geologic formations. One of the most spectacular of those formations is not so well known except by the MOzarkians who live nearby. It has never been made into a park or a tourist attraction.

It has been called by a number of names: The James River Natural Arch, The Hootentown Natural Arch and The Inman Natural Arch.

The first of those is probably most appropriate because it is a natural arch and it is on a bluff along the James River.

The second one is perhaps the most popular in the area around the arch. The reason is that it is close to where the village of Hootentown (which should actually be Hootontown, since it was named after half-cousins Benjamin W. Hooton and William Carver Hooton, who started the village) once stood.

There is still a Hootentown Bridge across the James River near the natural arch. A bridge was first installed there after the famous 'Y' Bridge was built at Galena in 1926-27. The old iron truss bridge that wagons and buggies had used to cross the James there was dismantled. It had three spans, but one of them had been damaged in a flood. The remaining two were moved to Hootoetown to once again span the James. After many decades of use, the old truss bridge was replaced by a new concrete bridge several years ago.

While close to the remnants of the village of Hootentown, the arch sits about 20 miles south of Springfield, six miles west of Highlandville and eight miles east and slightly south of Hurley.

The formation's third name comes from the Inman Farm (again, this name was actually spelled with an 'o') that lay across the river from the arch. John Inmon settled there in the 1840s, died there in 1913 and was buried on his farm. The arch was not on the Inmon's property, but across the river on land that for many years belonged to Aaron Flood.

The arch itself is something to behold. It splits away from the top of a high bluff and is 80 feet from the base which is maybe halfway up from the river level to the top of the bluff to the top of the arch. From the base of the arch to the underside of the top is 60 feet.

The top of the arch forms a long arcing crevice that is connected to the rest of the bluff at each end. The crevice formed by that fracture is 12 feet wide at its widest. The top of the arch is much narrower than its base. Two people can walk abreast on top of the arch, but that's pretty much it. But from that narrow top, a visitor can see the wide expanse of river valley below and the hills in the distance.

Who were the first people to see this magnificent rock structure? Probably the Paleo Indians, also known as the Bluff Dwellers, who likely came across the arch in their explorations of the bluffs along the many rivers in the Ozarks. They resided in the Ozarks some 12-14,000 years ago.

Many thousands of years later, the Osage or Kickapoo Indians may have stumbled across it. And in the early 1800s, when the Delawares were sent to live on a reservation here and their village was strung up and down the James River, they most likely saw the arch.

Exactly when in the 1800s it was discovered by the European settlers who pioneered this region is, of course, unknown. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft was an early explorer of this region in December 1818, which was two years before the Delaware Indians were moved here from Indiana, and over a decade before John Polk Campbell arrived at the future site of Springfield.

Schoolcraft came through this area and found only two families living on the White River in what would soon be southern Missouri; both had settled there earlier that year. However, there were Osage Indians, and they told him of the big cave near the Finley River. Schoolcraft ventured there to see the cavern, which is near the present-day town of Ozark and is known as Smallin Cave.

He did not, apparently, hear about the natural arch on the James River just down from where the Finley empties into the James, because he does not mention it in his journal of the trip.

Although there are no trespassing signs there now, in the 1890s, the arch appeared to have been a common spot for residents to visit. Mary Scott Hair, Hurley, wrote a story in the Fall 1963 issue of the White River Valley Historical Quarterly about a group of sightseers from Hurley who visited the arch on Easter Sunday (and their outing probably included a picnic) during that decade.

The photo taken at the occasion reveals a group of Hurley residents at the base of the arch dressed in their Easter finery. How they managed the steep route down from the top (or up from the bottom, although it seems very unlikely they came by boat) dressed as they were is perplexing.

The climb up from the river below is a difficult one over the mass of rocky debris that has fallen from above to create the natural arch through the millennia. Anyone making that scramble up the steep, rough incline while canoeing the James must be young and hardy. However, the adventuresome still do that today, despite the property being posted.

If you would like to see videos of the natural arch, you can find a couple posted on YouTube. One is listed as Exploring the Hootentown Natural Arch on the James River in Missouri. Another is titled Natural Arch on the James River.

Next week: With more visitors to the arch came human tragedies.New York

The last week of the academic year at Columbia University has been even more hectic than usual.

Papers have gone ungraded and review sessions unstaffed as protesting graduate students finished a week-long strike Monday over the Columbia University administration's refusal to bargain with their union.

"What's disgusting? Union busting!" chanted hundreds of students as they paced along a street in the middle of the New York City campus, accompanied by the thump of a drum.

The crowd was made up of members of the Graduate Workers of Columbia University (GWC-UAW) as well as sympathizers, who after five days of picketing still croaked their slogans despite waning voices.

Almost two years after the National Labor Relations Board overturned a previous decision to rule that teaching assistants and graduate research assistants at Columbia were entitled to unionize, administrators have refused to negotiate with GWC-UAW's bargaining committee. The university has filed legal action.

To demand action, members of the union voted overwhelmingly to strike during the last week of Columbia's academic year.

For some, it felt like their only way to get better treatment.

"They're never going to talk to us unless we force them to, and the way we force them to is striking," said Trevor Hull, a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the chemistry department and a member of GWC-UAW's bargaining committee.

The administration remained firm in its resolve not to negotiate with the union, nor do officials have plans to bargain in the future.

"The National Labor Relations Board has repeatedly reversed itself on this issue depending on the changing political makeup of the board," said Caroline A. Adelman, a university spokesperson. "We do not understand why the GWC-UAW prefers the pressure tactics of a strike to a definitive, nonpartisan resolution of that legal question in the federal courts."

On Sunday the university's provost penned an op-ed in Columbia's student newspaper calling for a resolution in court. The next day, wind and scattered showers did not deter picketers, including alumni supporters.

On the steps of Low Library, New York's Democratic U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a Columbia alumnus, told the crowd, "When there's a misuse of power, we can't stand for that. The law must prevail over power, and that's what we're dealing with here."

Although Monday marked the final day of the strike, Hull said it will not be the union's last unless Columbia changes its position.Im fortunate enough to say that my career has been very global. My pursuits have taken me from Switzerland to Singapore and everywhere in between. Constantly working in a global context, it was important from quite early on to learn to work with the more challenging elements of different cultures, while at the same time identifying their best factors and making them my own.

Through time spent observing culture in businesses across the world, Ive come to learn that workplace cultures that emphasize collaboration, sharing and innovation are far more likely to succeed. However, cultures that permit judging a person by anything other than their abilities and merits can stymy growth or even bring down a company.

These lessons yielded big dividends when I expanded my business, Yerra Solutions, into the United States and specifically the greater New York City area. This landing spot allowed me to foster a diverse culture that I learned can be successful through my experience across the globe, while at the same time confront the challenges that emerge from these environments.

Related: 5 Ways to Overcome Cultural Barriers at Work

One example from my past that helped shape my workplace beliefs comes from my time spent as head of EMEA operations at a firm where I was building experience before starting my own venture. On several instances, employees reporting to me switched to a language I didnt speak to intentionally freeze me out of the conversation. We could spend all day discussing why they chose to do so, but the more immediate takeaway was this: any choice made in a workplace to stifle the input of another person reduces that organizations capacity to perform and innovate. An employee that needs to work twice as hard to make their voice heard will often end up being half as productive.

I will never forget this experience or how frustrating it was when I had to fight to have my contributions acknowledged. Being disregarded because of a personal characteristic can slow down someone looking to execute on a bold idea. A company that allows this to happen is one with a culture that wont foster professional development or business success. As a CEO, I refuse to lead a company where people may feel their ideas arent valued simply because of who they are.

When I first built my company, I wanted to make sure that a culture of respect and equality permeated everything we do  and not just respect for individual differences but also for larger cultural differences. Pursuing this goal takes effort, but establishing a healthy culture means never having to worry that the great work our company does will be impeded by outdated attitudes. Implementing these values is especially important for business owners in the United States, where diversity and specifically workplace diversity is commonplace. Here are three lessons Ive learned about how to build and maintain a great corporate culture.

Related: A Culturally Diverse Workforce Could Be a Boon to Your Business

Be cognizant of the past.

Many employees arrive at Yerra from environments where, because of one trait or another, they were steered towards being more of a passive force than an active contributor. We recognize that the effects of unhealthy work cultures can linger. Thats why we have several internal initiatives to promote voices from a wide range of backgrounds. We recognize that true, effective diversity of thought within our culture should go beyond our hiring practices. We strive to make sure our employees know their insights are valued. That said, no one here receives preferential treatment: each of us is given the same opportunities to succeed as anyone else. Yerra is a place where differences are valued, not pushed aside.

Related: Scale Culture Alongside Growth Through Diversity

Bringing offices together digitally.

Our workplace culture cannot exhibit any boundaries between offices. To ensure connectivity between our U.S. offices, we love using tools like Slack to make employees miles apart feel as though they work sitting next to each other. Its a great way to encourage the passionate discussion thats a sign of any healthy workplace. We always share our accomplishments, celebrate our successes and spread our new ideas throughout the firm. This ensures that good work gets due praise no matter where its been done, and that anyone can actively contribute to projects no matter their starting point.

Related: Diverse Hiring and Inclusive Leadership Is How Startups Thrive

Hiring locally, across cultures.

Despite being an international company, were committed to hiring local talent across our network including at our U.S. offices in New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey. While we are fortunate that for these two locations the local applicant pool is drawn from the melting pot that is New York City, we would take this approach regardless of region. Having supremely competent staffers that each bring different perspectives to the workplace provides an immeasurable benefit. At the same time, a wide range of cultural backgrounds allows us to effectively market to a diverse customer base. All business owners, no matter their location, should adopt this approach as best they can when filling out their staff.

For anyone looking to grow a business as I did, be ready for bumps along the way. But I can attest that it truly pays to invest some time in identifying your cultural values early on. Ignoring someones contributions or ideas just because of how they look or where theyre from is a surefire way to poison a workplace. Ignoring or not fully understanding the cultural nuances between different places where you hope to do business can also stymie growth. This is true not only among different regions of the same country but within individual offices as well. A successful and growing business requires a healthy culture and an open mind, and that is only possible if everyone has an equal chance to be heard and understood.

Related:

Good Company Culture Removes Barriers Hindering Success

HR Vocabulary You Need to Know and Comprehend

Jeff Bezos Reveals 3 Strategies for Amazon's Success



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedMorgan County

Sheriff

Arrests, Citations

 Austin G. Hall, 22, of 411 Elm St., Chapin, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 1:06 p.m. Sunday on charges of leaving the scene of a vehicle accident and driving a vehicle while registration is expired.

 Luke E. Marquard, 38, of 146 S. Marnico Lane was booked into the Morgan County jail at 2:40 p.m. Sunday on an aggravated battery charge.

 Candy J. Jackson, 47, of Rural Route 3 Box 251, Roodhouse, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 8:22 p.m. Sunday on a charge of leaving the scene of an accident.

Accidents

 A Jacksonville woman was in fair condition Monday at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield after being thrown from her motorcycle.

Kathrine A. Edwards, 50, of Jacksonville was thrown from her motorcycle about 4 p.m. Sunday at Portuguese Hill Road and Oak Street after she went off the side of the road. She was taken to Passavant Area Hospital before being transferred to Memorial Medical Center.

Jacksonville Police

Arrests, Citations

 Kyle M. Hunnicutt, 32, of 1954 Arcadia Road was booked into the Morgan County jail at 8:42 p.m. Saturday on a criminal trespass to residence charge.

 Jennifer Rosales Montelongo, 21, of Flagstaff, Arizona, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 7:47 a.m. Sunday on a domestic battery charge.

 Dakota J. Powell, 25, of 2121 Martin Luther King Drive, Springfield, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 1:04 a.m. Sunday on charges of domestic battery and criminal trespass to state land.

 Deadia Q. Burton, 18, of 709 Sheridan Drive was booked into the Morgan County jail at 7:38 p.m. Sunday on a retail theft charge.

 Gerald D. Jackson, 25, of 448 S. Mauvaisterre St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 5:00 p.m. Monday on a charge of mob action.

South Jacksonville Police

Arrests, Citations

 Leslie T. Bermel, 57, of 1429 Passavant Dr. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 11:26 a.m. Monday on a charge of theft.

State Police

Arrests, Citations

 Gabriel Gonzalez, 64, of 1210 Lafayette St., Beardstown, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 12:32 a.m. Sunday on a driving under the influence charge.



Brown County

Sheriff

Arrests, Citations

 Donisha M. Plain, 23, of Carbondale was issued a civil citation on a possession of cannabis charge at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

 Jennifer L. Hester, 34, of Clayton was cited on charges of speeding and operating an uninsured motor vehicle after being stopped at 11:55 a.m. April 24 on Illinois Route 99 in Versailles.



Cass County

Beardstown Police

Arrests, Citations

 Ramon G. Melendez, 35, of 111 S. State St. in Beardstown was booked into the Morgan County jail at 11:10 a.m. Monday on charges of home invasion, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, criminal defacement, and disorderly conduct.

Compiled by David C.L. Bauer, Nick Draper, Samantha McDaniel-OgletreeIf a Russian state-owned company has its way, remote regions of the world will soon see giant, floating nuclear reactors pumping power to port cities and drilling platforms in a real-life version of the Soviet reversal joke: In Russia, 70-megawatt nuclear reactor comes to you.

The reactor in question is called Akademic Lomonosov. Once the barge is wired into the electrical grid in the Arctic town of Pevek in 2019, it will be the world's northernmost nuclear reactor, capable of powering a town of 100,000 people (almost the population of Green Bay, Wis.) with what its manufacturer, Rosatom, calls "a great margin of safety" that is "invincible for tsunamis and natural disaster."

But environmental groups have other names for the barge: "Nuclear Titanic" is one. Another is "Floating Chernobyl."

Critics say that pretty much the worst thing you can do to a nuclear reactor is expose it to the high waves and fierce winds of the Arctic Ocean. Jan Haverkamp, a nuclear expert for Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe, called it a "shockingly obvious threat to a fragile environment."

The world will see who is right sometime next year.

"Lomonosov," named after an 18th-century Russian scientist and poet, was towed out of the St. Petersburg shipyard on Saturday for its meandering, year-long journey, the Associated Press reported.

"The floating energy plant has incorporated all the best qualities of traditional nuclear plants," Vitaly Trunev, the head of Rosenergoatom, a nuclear power station subsidiary of Rosatom, told Reuters during the launch, addressing the most obvious question. "It is protected from all kinds of natural and technical harms."

There are skeptics, including 11,000 people who have signed a petition hoping to sink plans to launch the vessel.

And, for a time, the vessel made a sizable chunk of St. Petersburg nervous. The barge was supposed to be equipped with nuclear fuel at the city's shipyard, Rosatom said, but city leaders thought better of fueling a first-of-its-kind nuclear reactor in the middle of a city of nearly 5.3 million people.

And Russia's Baltic Sea neighbors worried about what would happen if a nuclear reactor en route encountered bad weather or technical issues too close to their fjords.

So the ship - sans nuclear fuel - will be pulled through the Baltic Sea, around the northern tip of Norway to Murmansk, a Russian city of more than 300,000 residents, where it will be fueled.

It will ultimately be anchored at the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Arctic, northwest of Russia, and moored off the coast of Pevek, where it will replace an aging reactor.

By 2019, the first-of-its-kind rig will provide power for the port town and for oil rigs.

For Rosatom, it is buoyant proof of concept that a floating sea-based reactor can work. Rosatom is already in talks with potential buyers in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa, according to Russian television station RT, which estimates that 15 countries have shown interest in the floating plants.

Greenpeace has several concerns about the plan, Haverkamp said. It has written reports about what it calls Rosatom's checkered past and criticized the company's plans to use its latest venture to power-drill for fossil fuels. Rosatom, a conglomeration of nuclear-related industries under the Russian government, produces nearly 20 percent of Russia's electricity, according to its website. Among other things, the company also mines uranium.

But Greenpeace says Rosatom's latest venture, the floating nuclear barge, is dicey.

For land-based nuclear power plants, "there are thousands and thousand of measures that have been taken in order to prevent things from going really wrong," Haverkamp told The Washington Post. "If you look at the possibilities of a barge . . . the possibilities are a lot more limited. Most of the lessons of the land-based reactors cannot be adapted to this small space. You're limited to what you can do if things go wrong."

But Rosatom insists that the nuclear barge and the concept are safe and "meet all requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency and do not pose any threat to the environment."

And there are, of course, dozens of nuclear-powered vessels that spend almost their entire life at sea. According to the World Nuclear Association, about 140 ships -- mostly submarines, but also icebreakers and aircraft carriers - prowl the world's oceans. The first nuclear-powered submarine was launched in 1955.

That could be a point for either side: There are nuclear-powered submarines, some of which have been in service for years. But there have also been accidents involving nuclear-powered submarines.

One was an explosion that killed 10 and injured 49 in 1985 on Russia's Pacific Coast, according to the Maritime Executive:

"Two thousand people were involved in the ensuing cleanup, 290 of which were exposed to high levels of radiation. It was later discovered that the nuclear fuel had rocketed out of the Echo II class submarine and onto neighboring vessels, further onto the shore and into the water. Portions of the seabed are still contaminated even now."Morocco and the Republic of Congo have decided to give a new momentum to their strategic win-win partnership with the signing of 14 cooperation accords.

These accords, sealed Monday in Brazzaville at a ceremony held under the chairmanship of King Mohammed VI and President Denis Sassou NGuesso, cover various sectors including renewable energies, tourism, education, investments, agriculture, fisheries, health, vocational training

The agreements, part of moves to bolster South-South Cooperation, were signed on the occasion of the friendship and working visit paid by the Moroccan Sovereign to the Congolese capital to attend the 1st Summit of Heads of State & Government of Climate Commission of Congo Basin and Blue Fund for Congo Basin.

King Mohammed VI also launched with President Denis Sassou NGuesso the construction works for the building of a site for fishermen to unload their catch in the Yoro port.

This 2.6-million-project will contribute to the preservation of sea resources and the protection of the marine environment. It will also help improve the living and working conditions of traditional fishermen.

The project will be built over 1.7-hectare area. It will include facilities for fish handling, packaging, marketing and processing, including a market hall, ice factory, administrative offices, 150 fishermens shops, repair workshops for small fishing boats and childrens day-care center.

During his visit to the Republic of Congo, the Moroccan Sovereign addressed the 1st Summit of Heads of State & Government of Climate Commission of Congo Basin and Blue Fund for Congo Basin held Sunday (April 29).

The Congo Basin is the worlds second most important region for global carbon storage and the second largest river basin. It is also one of the largest forest areas on the planet  a region which is home to more than half of the Continents animal species, said the King in his address to the African summiteers.

This regulator of the planets climate makes Africa the worlds second lung, after the Amazon Forest. And if we want to protect the two lungs of the planet, this challenge must become a collective ambition nurtured by Africa and the world, added the Monarch.

Let us be aware of our wealth and of our ability to innovate. Let us pool our energies and summon our courage, said King Mohammed VI, affirming that the protection of environment is the cornerstone of African co-emergence and the bedrock on which the Continents inclusive economic growth will be built.

We must work together to tackle global warming and its risks, and transform our economies to promote sustainable development, underlined the Moroccan Sovereign, saying that the North African Kingdom will work resolutely and unremittingly for the implementation of the Continents large-scale development projects within the frame of solidarity-based South-South cooperation.Put 30 days back on the trade war countdown clock.

Just hours before steel and aluminum tariffs were set to kick in at midnight for key trading partners, President Donald Trump announced late Monday he is extending their exemptions until June 1. That has given the whole bunch something to cheer about, with the notable exception of the European Union.

The White House said it has reached agreements to permanently carve out three of the countries that got exemptions - including Argentina, Australia, and Brazil - and will finalize details soon. South Korea likewise has nailed down terms waving off the steel tariffs as part of a retooled bilateral trade pact. But leaders of Canada, Mexico, and the European Union need to sweat through another month of heat from Washington, as the Trump administration presses them for more concessions.

Already, though, the United States' erstwhile allies in Europe look to be the odd ones out. Canada and Mexico are likely to secure exemptions pending the resolution of North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations that resume next week. "Trump's strategy with the European Union is more fluid, as he has praised some countries, such as France, but chastised others, such as Germany, which he says needs to allow U.S. companies more access to consumers," The Washington Post's Steven Mufson and Damian Paletta write.

The Trump team has been pushing in part for quotas that would limit European imports of the metals, but E.U. negotiators have resisted. "In all of these negotiations, the Administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security," the administration said in its statement announcing the extensions.

Prospects for a permanent U.S.-E.U. deal are "dim,"the Financial Times's Shawn Donnan and Jim Brundsen write. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross spoke to E.U. Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom on Monday, but "officials close to the discussions said broader talks had become bogged down in a 'mismatch' of expectations," they write. Specifically, while the Trump administration pushes new terms for trade of industrial goods, with a focus on autos, the Europeans have balked at negotiating under the tariff threat.

The optimist's view from across the Atlantic maintains that it can't hurt to try. German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said in an interview on German radio Monday that he thinks a broader agreement to lower tariffs on a number of products, focused on manufacturing, is still possible. "I personally believe we should present an offer," he said. And Frank Sportolari, president of American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, said he is cautiously optimistic, per Reuters. "In the end, President Trump won't do anything unreasonable," Sportolari said. "He piles in with announcements of draconian measures. But in the end, there is often a solution both sides can live with."

To that point, Evercore ISI, in a Monday night note to clients, called the exemptions an "incremental positive in a diplomatic sense, since it shows sensitivity to the impact of US tariff decisions on relationships with other countries and preserves Trump options on US national security and other issues that the US sees as interlinked and related to trade decisions."

Trump has plenty of reasons to cut the Europeans some slack on tariffs considering the flash points he is confronting around the globe. Most immediately, Trump could use their help facing down China on that country's trade practices. He's sending a delegation of top economic advisors to Beijing later this week to try to forge a breakthrough on a number of trade fronts, as he tweeted this morning:

But China should also figure centrally in the administration's approach to the global glut of steel and aluminum. "China accounts for about 3 percent of U.S. steel imports by value, but Trump says that the worldwide flood of cheap steel is one factor that has led to the closure of numerous U.S. smelters, and the loss of American jobs," Steve and Damian write. "A number of other countries have agreed with U.S. officials for decades that China needs to do more to address a global oversupply of steel and aluminum, but so far they have taken measured steps at international gatherings to try to prod China toward change. Trump upended this approach by declaring he would act unilaterally, and threatening to slap tariffs on numerous U.S. allies, not just China."

Punting on the tariffs could give the administration the time and space to refocus its attention and that of its allies on China. Yet nothing about the scattershot offensive that Trump has pursued so far suggests that's likely.Progress continues to be made on the long-awaited Jacksonville Area Museum, but its still unknown when it will be open.

David Blanchette of Jacksonville, chairman of the Jacksonville Heritage Cultural Center board, which will oversee the museum, said he and board members have met with Pat Miller of the Illinois Heritage Association to map out the next steps in the museums development.

Pat has been here before to consult with past boards and was amazed at the progress that has been made in the past several years, Blanchette said.

The museum will be in the former post office building at East State and South East streets. The building is owned by the Morgan County Historical Society.

In addition to building improvements, Pat was pleased at the progress that has been made with organizing and preparing for the eventual museum opening, Blanchette said.

Some examples of that organization include a new collections policy for artifacts that will be displayed in the museum.

We also have a project that is nearly completed that has electronically cataloged all of the museums existing artifacts using Past Perfect museum software, Blanchette said. This replaces the card catalogs and shoe boxes, which have been the method of organization up until now.

Miller told the museum board that it should now focus on fundraising to complete the building and its exhibit space and an operational plan to determine staffing, policies and collaborations with other local organizations.

Pats input will help us get a better idea of exactly what we want to do and how much it will cost, Blanchette said.

The Jacksonville Area Museum collection includes items such as an early 1900s peanut roaster used by street vendors, early dental equipment and objects from Jacksonville industries and institutions.

Now that the board is re-energized, area residents have been approaching us to donate items to the collection, Blanchette said. Our new collections policy is a big help because we can tell these potential donors the types of items we are and are not seeking.

He said the museums collection focus is on material with direct ties to Morgan and Scott counties.

We realize many area residents have been patiently waiting for the museum to re-emerge, Blanchette said. Hopefully, this progress will help fuel their optimism for a museum of which we can be justifiably proud.

Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg.Saudi Crown Prince has reportedly told a Jewish gathering in the US that Palestinians have to accept US-prepared peace deal with Israel, which does not include Jerusalem or shut up.

According to Israeli media Channel 10, which refers to a diplomatic cable, Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman made the statement at a closed meeting with heads of the Jewish organizations in the US on March 27, during his recent US tour.

The Crown Prince has criticized the Palestinian leadership for having squandered multiple peace initiatives with Israel, Channel 10 said, noting that the cable was sent to the Israeli foreign ministry by Israels consulate in New York.

Comments by American and Israeli sources revealed that the Saudi royal said that Palestinians have no other option than accepting President Trumps so-called deal of century purporting to end the decades-long conflict.

In the last several decades, the Palestinian leadership has missed one opportunity after the other and rejected all the peace proposals it was given. It is about time the Palestinians take the proposals and agree to come to the negotiations table or shut up and stop complaining, the Crown Prince reportedly said.

President Trump has claimed his administration will come up with the deal of the century that will sort out the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The deal in preparation has taken off the table Jerusalem, which the US leader has recognized as Israels capital. Palestine wants to make Eastern side of the old city, the capital of their future state.

The Saudi Crown Prince also told the Israeli gathering that the kingdom no longer makes the Palestinian cause its top foreign priority, Channel 10 said, adding that MbSs remarks caused people to literally fall off their chairs.

The meeting was deemed a landmark sign of warming of ties between the kingdom and the Jewish state, which do not have any diplomatic relations.

Earlier accounts had reported that high profile secret meetings were held between the two countries and that Riyadh and Tel Aviv have been working closely in countering Iran; their alleged common enemy.In what one expert called a high-risk move, a woman found guilty in 2016 of killing her husband when she knocked him off the highway while both were chasing his lover is looking to have that conviction overturned just months before her release.

Frances Hall was 53 years old when she was convicted of murder in the death of her husband of 32 years, Bill Hall Jr., on Oct. 10, 2013, on South Loop 1604.

A jury agreed with defense lawyers that Hall acted out of sudden passion, which lowered the punishment range from five to 99 years or life in prison to two to 20 years, and handed her the lightest possible sentence  two years.

RELATED: Bill Hall Jr.'s son loses court battle for murdered trucking tycoon's assets

That sentence runs concurrently with a two-year-term for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for ramming her Cadillac Escalade SUV into a Range Rover driven by Bonnie Contreras, who had engaged in an affair with Bill Hall Jr., for three years before his death.

Frances Hall is expected to be released Sept. 7, but one of her attorneys, Adam Cortez, has filed papers with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, seeking relief from her convictions based on ineffective counsel, and a new trial, the documents state.

Gerald Reamey, a professor at St. Marys University School of Law, said in an email Monday that the writ appeared to be a high-risk, low-reward tactic.

He said a new trial and a murder acquittal would be a best outcome, but one that is very unlikely, but the aggravated assault conviction and sentence could stand, so the benefit would be having one less conviction on her record.

RELATED: 9 shocking revelations from the Frances Hall murder trial

Reamey said if a new trial is granted, she could get charged with an offense that is easier to prove, and even with expert testimony a conviction could result in a greater sentence than the one she has received.

All of this may be moot because failure by the defense counsel to call an expert in a case like this is, in my opinion, almost certainly not ineffective assistance of counsel, he said. Courts typically view decisions of this sort as a strategic choice by the lawyer, one that will not be second-guessed by the court.

Cortez concurred with Reamey, but said the Hall case is not at all like most murder cases and pointed to the local and national interest because the couples marriage and livelihood were destroyed as the direct result of a jealous mistress.

He said most cases dont include testimony favorable to the defendant, or do not involve a crash that to this day no one can offer definitive testimony as to how the accident actually occurred.

You have to be careful what you ask for, but this case is undeniably not like most cases, said Cortez. Here, Frances Hall deserves to have her conviction reversed, and if justice is actually served here, she should not be retried.

Cortez, a late addition to the defense team, alleges in the writ that Alan and Jean Brown and Leigh Cutter did not introduce evidence from a trauma expert who would have testified that Bill Hall died of the result of respiratory issues relating to being airlifted with pneumothorax, a collapsed lung, and not from injuries received in the crash.

He also alleged that another witness was to testify that the damage to the Range Rover was pre-existing, and had occurred when Bill Hall backed into a pole while driving the Range Rover, the document states.

Contreras testified during the trial that the vehicle was rear-ended more than a dozen times by Frances Hall.

Had the jury heard the additional testimony, Cortez believes they would have found her not guilty on both charges, he said.

In a rebuttal filed April 17, Jean Brown denied Cortezs allegations, stating that counsel thoroughly investigated all facts and theories for over three years in preparation, and determined that the expert testimony did not advance our theory of defense and our trial strategy, the response states.

She disputed the assertion of prior damage to the Range Rover, stating the witness provided an affidavit which said he saw no damage to the rear end of the Range Rover, which she said supported our experts testimony and Frances Halls account of the accident, the response states.

Brown also stated that her law office and that of her husband painstakingly researched the facts and the law surrounding the accident, disputing assertions that counsel did not adequately prepare.

She also stated Alan Brown was actively involved during the preparation as well as the entire trial, responding to Cortezs assertion that he slept during the course of the guilt-innocence stage of trial, and allowed Jean Brown to dictate all trial decisions.

It is not the habit of Alan Browns office that a single attorney act as lead counsel. Mr. Brown uses more of a group consciousness approach, according to the response.

Neither Alan Brown nor Cutter have submitted responses to Judge Jefferson Moore, who presided over the case in the 186th state District Court. Moore would hold a hearing on the issues and make a recommendation to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, where the decision rests.

Meanwhile, the Hall family has fractured even further since Bill Halls death and his wifes imprisonment.

Their son, Justin Hall had tried to wrestle control of his fathers estate away from his mother in Bexar County Probate Court. Mark Braswell, Justin Halls lawyer, argued that Frances Hall should be disqualified from receiving her husbands estate because she shouldnt benefit financially from her criminal act. One of her lawyers countered that a jurys finding of sudden passion negated the intent necessary to establish the willful taking of a life under the Texas Estates Code provision addressing forfeiture of property.

Their son sought to have his fathers assets placed in a constructive trust In essence, that would mean the assets would be held by Frances Hall for the benefit of Justin Hall and his sister Dominique Nikki Hall. Judge Tom Rickhoff, though, denied the request.

On April 2, Justin Hall gave notice that he intends to appeal the judges ruling.

Just whats left of the estate isnt clear. The estate was valued at about $7.7 million in 2014. Nikki Hall, as the independent administrator, said in a court filing last year the value was closer to $1.7 million.

Bill Hall Jr. Trucking Ltd. and Bill Hall Jr. Trucking GP LLC both filed for bankruptcy in the wake of Frances Halls incarceration. The LLC has owned a fleet of trucks and trailers used by the Ltd. to haul gravel and other materials for road construction.

A court filing shows the Ltd. converted from a Chapter 11 to a Chapter 7 liquidation because it couldnt come up with a plan to reorganize. The LLCs bankruptcy was dismissed in Dec. 27 because it failed to file monthly operating reports with the court. State corporate records show both companies are inactive.

Braswell accused Nikki Hall of squandering and fraudulently transferring out of her fathers estate various assets  including trucks, trailers and equipment.

Ronald S. Schmidt, Nikki Halls lawyer, said most of the Bill Hall Jr. Truckings fleet  about 150 trucks  were surrendered to lien holders. There may be some litigation brought by the lien holders, which he said will be vigorously defended against.

Kimberly Ford, a forensic accountant appointed by Rickhoff, reported in March 2 letter that Nikki gifted 32 vehicles to herself and five to her brother. She also sold 27 trucks or trailers for about $303,000. Ford didnt respond to a request for comment.

The transfers to Nikki Hall were not intended as any kind of gift, Schmidt said. I think they were used to place title to trucks in another operating company that would allow some business to continue, he said. Nikki Hall has a company called DejaBlue.

Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863

Patrick Danner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | pdanner@express-news.net | @AlamoPDHead of South African defense company Paramount has disclosed to Reuters that the company is in talks with Saudi authorities to set up a factory in the kingdom as it seeks expansion in the Middle East aside from Jordan where it is already present.

We are in negotiations with various governments in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, with a view to transferring technology and establishing production in those countries, the groups chairman Ivor Ichikowitz told the news agency.

We see the Middle East as an important growth market for us.

The defense company, part of its current expansion policy, has set eyes on the Gulf region and the Middle East; a region embroiled in conflicts namely Syria and Yemen.

The choice of Saudi Arabia coincides with the kingdoms plans to establish partnerships with global defense companies for its national military and defense company (Saudi Arabian Military Industries). The company was established two years ago in a bid to reduce Saudi Arabias defense spending.

The kingdom, the world largest weapons buyers, has been involved in the Yemen three-old conflict where it has been battling Iran-backed Houthi rebels, opposed to internationally recognized President Mansour Hadi.

The Johannesburg-based company manufactures a wide range of armored vehicles, military aircraft, and equipment and provides training to troops.

Outside the African continent, Paramount Group is present in several other countries including India and Jordan. It has also established partnership with Abu Dhabi-based International Golden Group.The federal court ruling last week against the Trumps administration recision of DACA  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  is being described as the strongest-yet rebuke of the presidents actions on Dreamers.

We prefer to view it simply as the biggest win for Dreamers  biggest because it says not only must the administration accept requests for renewal from the existing 700,000 DACA recipients, but also consider new applicants.

This will have to happen if the administration cannot, in 90 days, offer lawful reasons for the recision. If it cant, the recision goes away altogether.

In the ruling, Judge John D. Bates of Federal District Court for the District of Columbia said the administrations decision was arbitrary and capricious because the department (of Homeland Security) failed adequately to explain its conclusion that the program was unlawful.

OPINION: Not all Dreamers should get legal status

The Trump administration had phased out DACA, a process finalized in March, arguing that President Barack Obama exceeded his executive authority in starting the program and that the recision was necessary because of fears that states were going to challenge the program in lawsuits.

Bates found the threat of litigation uncompelling. Perhaps thats because a previous ruling in another federal court came about because a judge agreed with several state attorneys general who sued to block Trumps recision.

Yes, a big win for Dreamers  more than 120,000 DACA recipients in Texas  but there is need for a more permanent win. That will only come about if Congress enacts a DREAM Act.

And the irony here is that while President Trump said he wants such a solution, he has erected obstacles that make that goal virtually unattainable, including full funding for that border wall and restrictions on legal immigration.

OPINION: Dreamers need to get out of own way

Meanwhile, Trump has said he wants to shield these immigrants from deportation, but is actively fueling fears of precisely that among immigrant groups, including the Dreamers.

The GOP-controlled Congress  facing fierce re-election headwinds because of the Trump presidency going into this election cycle  has seemingly decided on not pursuing any big legislative objectives the rest of this congressional term.

It should reconsider. Keeping Dreamers in this country should be a priority. Mostly, this is the only country they know.20 Injured, Evacuation Advised After Wisconsin Refinery Explosion

At least 20 people were injured after an oil refinery explosion in Superior, Wisconsin. Authorities asked anyone within a mile radius, or within 10 miles to the south, to evacuate the area.

About the Superior, Wisconsin Refinery Explosion

According to Time, a tank explosion occurred at the Husky oil on April 19, resulting in a fire at the scene and about 20 injuries. At least six people were hospitalized following the incident.

Superior police said the fire was initially put, but reignited. Following the resignation, police began advising that anyone within a one-mile radius of the refinery, or within 10 miles due south of the refinery, evacuate for their own safety.

The cause of the tank explosion is still unclear and will be investigated once the scene is stable.

The following information was provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):

5,190 workers were killed on the job in 2016. This averages to more than 99 deaths a week or more than 14 deaths every day.

Of the 4,693 worker fatalities that occurred in private industry, 991 were associated with construction.

The leading causes of construction-related deaths are: Falls / Struck by object / Electrocutions / Caught-In-Between

Contact an Experienced Construction Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one sustained a serious injury in a construction accident, contact Thomas J. Henry. Accidents that occur on construction sites can cause severe, life-altering injuries, causing physical, emotional, and financial pain. Our experienced construction injury attorneys work diligently to make sure our clients are comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. At Thomas J. Henry, we have a record of achieving real results for our clients.

Let us assist you with your construction accident injury. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review.

Editors Note: This content is made possible by Thomas J. Henry Personal Injury Law. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of The San Antonio Express-News' or mySanAntonio.com's editorial staff. Learn more about our advertising products at www.hearstmediasanantonio.com.For the first time since I have been writing this column I am taking more of a National view than local. I hope you can forgive me for that but I feel its important to talk to you about some of the issues around the country that can have a direct impact on us.

Regional New Zealand has been handed some bad news and uncertainty in recent weeks, the most recent being the announcement of a ban on any new offshore natural gas exploration.

It came as a real shock to an industry that provides more than 8000 high paying jobs and $2.5 billion to the economy. Within an hour, New Plymouths largest engineering firm stopped all new employment.

Prior to making the announcement the Government hadnt even had the common courtesy of consulting or warning the communities and businesses that would be affected.

While I fully support the country continuing to work hard to combat climate change, that does not mean the wishes of Greenpeace or the international media should have been prioritised over the people of Taranaki.

I would challenge the Government to work on a real, sustainable transition that will include genuine consultation with communities and regions that have made a huge contribution to the development of this country and to the livelihoods of thousands of Kiwis.

What made this whole rushed process worse is the decision simply does not stack up. It certainly has nothing to do with climate change  and wont reduce our emissions one bit. These changes will simply shift production elsewhere in the world  benefiting large, foreign oil producers who we will now have to buy our oil and natural gas from.

In the last six months this Government has cancelled the previous Governments tax package which would have seen the average worker more than $1000 a year better off, announced an 11.5 cents a litre fuel tax in Auckland, proposed an additional nationwide fuel tax of up to 13.8 cents a litre and removed $5 billion from regional roading projects.

Unfortunately important funding for regional irrigation projects which would have helped farmers and growers deal with severe weather, providing certainty, jobs and export growth have been axed. large-scale industrial relations reforms have been announced which will see fewer jobs created and fewer opportunities for people looking to enter the workforce. I am watching very closely the rising cost of living and we will continue to bring pressure to bear on the Government to keep cost of living down. Applying a petrol tax alone will mean motorists paying up to an extra $15 every time they fill up. It will also mean we are all paying more for things like groceries as freight operators pass their significant additional costs onto consumers.

Whats really disappointed me is the changes are not only unnecessary but they risk taking us backwards. Our economic growth is stalling while the worlds is speeding up and thats not acceptable.

As your local MP I will work with and support good Government policies and decisions that will help my own electorate and our country be safe, prosperous and environmentally sustainable for future generations. What I wont stand by and allow to happen is for us to stall, lose opportunities or damage our chances of continuing to deliver the safe, prosperous and sustainable future we all want.

Editors note: Hibiscus Matters next Viewpoint column, in May 16 issue, will be from Labour list MP Marja Lubeck of Rodney.If you are a customer in David Reylands shop, on Whangaparaoa Road, and find yourself falling asleep; dont worry, he wont be offended.

The owner of Simply Beds says sleep is what he sells.

David has been in the bed industry all his working life. He owns stores in the St Lukes Shopping Centre and Three Kings, and recently opened the Whangaparaoa store, next to Subway.

It feels like the demographic on the Coast is similar to St Lukes  people are conscious about quality, but also want a fair price, he says.

Ive looked up here for a suitable site on numerous occasions, but the recent decision by my daughter Victoria to join the business has given me the time to make it happen.

David says a lot has changed in the bed industry since he started.

Technology has made a huge difference. Todays beds are designed to give spinal support and health benefits, with a range of comfort levels. It means two people of different sizes and weights can sleep on the same bed and both be comfortable.

New Zealand bed manufacturers are very innovative and are leaders in the field internationally.

Simply Beds stocks a range of beds to meet most needs and budgets, and some have endorsements from organisations such as the International Chiropractors Association and Sensitive Choice, which works in the area of asthma and allergies.

One of our top-of-the-range beds, the King Koil, utilises a material developed by NASA, which helps cool the bed in summer and warm it in winter.

David says taking his daughter into the business was a good move.

Shes bringing me into the computer age with a new website, and getting me on social media. Were also heading towards being a paperless business.

David says anyone in the market for a new bed should ask themselves, How important is a good nights sleep?

I think most people would agree it makes sense to invest in something that you will probably use every day for at least eight to 10 years.

How much sleep is recommended?

Older adult (65+ years) 7-8 hours

Adult 7-9 hours

Young adult (18-25 yrs) 7-9 hours

Teenager 8-10 hours

School age 9-11 hours

Toddler 11-14 hours

Infant 12-15 hours

Newborn 14-17 hours

Source, sleepfoundation.orgWhile youth crime rates continue to fall in Rodney, drugs are presenting a growing issue for young people in Warkworth.

From January to July this year, crime involving youth aged 10 to 19 years dropped 12 per cent in Rodney compared to last year.

However, Warkworth Police youth aid officer John Williams says drug taking is getting worse and is seeping into younger age groups.

Drugs are my biggest hate because I see the damage they do to kids, especially as their brains are developing, he says. There are 12-year-olds in this community doing drugs.

He says the use of harder drugs is exacerbating the issue and he is dealing with pre-teens doing drugs like P.

Springboard founder Gary Diprose says easy access to drugs is part of the problem as a lot of young people tell him it isnt hard to obtain substances.

A number of our older teens are taking P and this makes them very hard to work with because they lose the ability to think rationally, Gary says.

Rodney MP Mark Mitchell agrees that supply is the biggest issue, both at a local and national level.

Gangs are some of the biggest distributors of drugs and, as a government, its our challenge to shut them down, Mr Mitchell says.

In terms of dealing with youth drug use, I believe community-driven initiatives are the best solution.

Sen. Constable Williams says there are already good support networks in place to solve this issue and that early intervention is the key.

The earlier we can deal with children that are potentially at risk, the greater chance we have of reducing the overall problem.

Drugs damage their way of thinking so the later we get to them, the harder it is to help them come clean.

He says groups like Springboard, as well as local schools, are very pro-active in addressing the problem.

David Macleod (Mahurangi College principal) is open about drug problems within the school and we have a good grasp of who we need to help.

Schools have a great opportunity to influence their students so its important that they keep working on this issue.

A recent Youth Action Group meeting, involving police, Springboard and other youth-related bodies, supported the involvement of social workers in schools.

Unfortunately, because we have a low crime rate, we dont get allocated as much funding as some areas that have implemented this strategy, but it would assist the early prevention of issues.

There has also been an increase in female offenders and a more concentrated group of offenders.

Girls take up more of my time now than boys and are committing more high-level crime, Sen. Constable Williams says.

Im also seeing fewer small offences like shop-lifting, but those who are offending are doing it more consistently.Last weeks announcement by Transport Minister Phil Twyford and Mayor Phil Goff that the building of the Penlink Rd remains a priority for the 2018-28 decade has been a considerable relief for local politicians.

The project, which links Whangaparaoa Peninsula with the northern motorway at Redvale via a toll road and bridge over the Weiti River, was brought forward into this decade in the former governments last term due to growth in the region. But it was uncertain whether it would find favour with the current government, which declared a strong focus on public transport.

Last week it was confirmed that the project is in the refreshed Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) for 2018-28. ATAP is an agreement between government, Auckland Transport (AT) and Auckland Council about how the regions transport system should develop. The package contains a $28 billion investment in transport over the next decade including $2.8 billion from the National Land Transport Fund, $1.5 billion from the proposed Regional Fuel Tax and $360 million from Crown Infrastructure Partners.

Penlinks inclusion means that the project must be delivered in the next decade. Cr John Watson says that the timing of the project is more specifically identified as 2025-2028.

Hibiscus & Bays Local Board deputy chair Janet Fitzgerald says that the key difference this time is that a verbal committment of $200m has been made by government.

Local Board chair Julia Parfitt says the support of NZ First minister Tracy Martin and Labour list MP Marja Lubeck, of Rodney, was invaluable and that Minister Twyford honoured his commitment to look at the business case and make a swift decision.

The project in ATAP is a future proofed 2-lane version of the road, which would be delivered as a public private partnership.

Two lanes or four?

Despite spending $2.4 million on protecting a 4-lane route for Penlink, AT, along with government, now favours the original 2-lane option, while the local board supports four.

The process of obtaining consent for four lanes, when the 2-lane consent was about to lapse, took AT more than 18 months and was confirmed by the Environment Court in July, 2016. The cost included legal and other expert assistance, such as planning, engineering and design.

At the time, AT consulted with the public, including holding packed meetings in Whangaparaoa and Stillwater. Its key reasons for promoting a wider route were that network performance and resilience would increase. The design changes were also expected to reduce the risk of serious accidents and congestion on Whangaparaoa Rd, making it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, last month, AT strategic projects group manager, Theunis van Schalkwyk told the local board that two lanes would be sufficient for demand, as the level of tolling will restrict the amount of people using the road. He said that the additional cost for four lanes, of around $100 million, could then be spent elsewhere in Auckland. The 4-lane option is estimated to cost between $350$400 million (see chart).

With the 4-lane route protected, the road is considered future proofed if a 2-lane Penlink is built. Mrs Parfitt says that whether the two or 4-lane Penlink is built will depend on the private partner. She says companies that have shown interest in the project have so far indicated a preference for four lanes.

Updated business case figures prepared for the local board by AT show a wide variance in the estimated cost/benefit ratios, but the ratio for the 2-lane option is significantly higher (6.9 to 12.6) reflecting a stronger business case. The 4-lane option has a cost/benefit ratio of between 4.5 and 7.8. The figures are based on the latest Council land use and population growth rate projections, up to 2046.

Bus lane concerns

The latest AT report also suggests that peak demand for commuter bus services on the peninsula is forecast to double if Penlink is built, as the road could provide time savings of around 20 minutes for those using Penlink to get to the North Shore or city centre.

Despite this, there is no dedicated bus lane. The AT report states that the bus service frequency may benefit from sections of bus or transit lanes at key Penlink intersections but not warrant dedicated bus or high occupancy vehicle lanes along the full length of Penlink.

Mrs Parfitt says that while both versions include cycle lanes and footpaths, the 4-lane option offers greater public transport potential and allows for growth. We have seen too many projects built without sufficient forethought, and have to be extended later, costing time and money, she says. Why not do it once and do it right?

The next stage is to find a private partner. This is no time for complacency. We have to keep our foot on the accelerator so that this project can proceed, Mrs Parfitt says. ATAP includes establishing a government-council workstream to consider transport funding and financing options.

The full ATAP report is linked here.Morocco and the Republic of the Congo Monday signed 14 cooperation agreements during a ceremony in Brazzaville, held under the chairmanship of King Mohammed VI and Congos President Denis Sassou NGuesso.

The agreements were signed during the Kings friendship and working visit to Brazzaville, where he had attended on Sunday the first Summit of Heads of State & Government of Climate Commission of Congo Basin and Blue Fund for Congo Basin.

The 14 cooperation agreements cover several fields including the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, non-double taxation and tax evasion prevention.

Several other agreements signed Monday are meant to upgrade cooperation in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture, fisheries research and management, promotion of small-scale and traditional fishing, processing and marketing of fishery products, and the fight against illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.

Another important framework agreement on energy provides for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of electricity through the exchange of expertise and technical assistance in rural electrification matters, organization of internships and training cycles, and encouraging private operators to invest in renewable energies.

Other agreements cover the sectors of mining, agriculture and livestock, primary, secondary and literacy education, logistics and Health.

The Kings visit to Brazzaville, his second in the Republic of the Congo since his coming to power in 1999, was also marked by tete-a-tete talks with President Sassou Nguesso and by the launch of the construction works of a fishing landing site worth 30 million dirhams in the Yoro Port.

The fishing project translates the Monarchs unwavering commitment to the development of the continent, in the framework of South-South cooperation and acting solidarity. It gives substance to the African strategy the Moroccan King has been spearheading for years in a bid to promote a human, sustainable and integrated development.

The project also reflects the Kings willingness to improve the living conditions of African citizens and fight poverty and precariousness.

Congo is Moroccos seventh-largest customer in sub-Saharan Africa.

King Mohammed VI was accompanied by a large delegation including his advisors, Fouad Ali El Himma and Yassir Zenagui, the Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the Minister of Agriculture Aziz Akhennouch and other cabinet members.Nature & Weather, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness

By Long Island News & PR Published: May 01 2018

Hundreds of pounds of drugs collected to prevent misuse or danger to environment.

Long Island, NY - May 1, 2018 - Senator John Brooks thanks Senator John Brooks thanks Massapequa High School, the Massapequa Takes Action Coalition, Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino, Nassau County Police Department, the volunteers and all who participated, assisted, and dropped off drugs at the Massapequa Drug & Medication Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 28th at Massapequa High School. The participation from many surrounding communities was very robust, with about 500 pounds of medications dropped off for safe disposal. Also collected were 175 lbs. of needles/syringes.

The Massapequa Drug & Medication Take-Back Day was organized to provide the community with a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. The event was part of a larger, ongoing nationwide effort to collect unneeded prescription drugs, including controlled substances, for safe and legal disposal.

This initiative addressed a vital, nationwide public safety and public health concern. More than 2,000 teens - between the ages of 12 to 17 - begin abusing prescription drugs each day (according to a SAMHSA teen survey). At the same time, drug addiction experts contend that abuse of prescribed or legal narcotics, such as painkillers, are a gateway to illegal street drugs such as heroin. The rates of prescription drug abuse in the U. S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. The majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from homes medicine cabinets.Blink Device Company, a firm based in Seattle, Washington, won FDA clearance for and is releasing in the United States its TwitchView monitor. The device is used for monitoring the depth of neuromuscular blockade under anesthesia, and the company claims it is the first standalone electromyography (EMG) monitor available in the U.S. The company is working on obtaining clearance in Europe.

The system consists of a monitor, charging dock, and single use electrode arrays. The arrays can be placed on either hand in a matter of seconds and a press of a button begins train-of-four monitoring. The data collected and produced by the device can be dumped straight into the hospitals electronic medical record.

Monitors for neuromuscular blockade must be simple, reliable, and accurate, in a statement said Elise Hyman, Blinks VP of Marketing and Sales. It is evident that these principles were top of mind when developing TwitchView, a device that streamlines clinical practice and remedies well-documented clinician concerns with currently available products. Having worked for an industry giant, I was privileged to meet innovators worldwide, but Blink stood out. I am truly excited to join this team and introduce this product to the healthcare community.

Product page: TwitchView

Via: Blink Device CompanyExcel Medical, a medtech company based in Jupiter, Florida, has developed the WAVE patient surveillance and predictive algorithm platform. The system monitors patient physiological information, such as vital signs, in healthcare facilities. It then aggregates, integrates and displays this data in a variety of formats, including through smartphones, tablet computers and electronic medical record systems. This allows medical staff to access and appraise patients remotely, in real-time.

However, the system not only monitors patients, but also offers a predictive algorithm feature to provide an early warning for at-risk patients. The company claims that WAVE can provide over six extra hours warning to clinicians before a patient deteriorates to a critical stage, helping them to avert a serious medical emergency.

Excel Medical has recently hired a new CMO, Dr. Mark Koppel, to specifically address the issue of unexpected death in hospitals. Medgadget had the opportunity to ask Mark some questions about the WAVE concept and his new role.

Conn Hastings, Medgadget: Please tell us a little about how you got into this field and what attracted you to work with Excel Medical.

Mark Koppel, Excel Medical: I am a physician by training, with a background in anesthesia. I transitioned out of clinical practice very early in my career to pursue work in the commercial realm. I have held positions ranging from Medical Director to Chief Medical Officer for organizations such as GE, Wolters Kluwer Health, Pentax Medical and Exact Sciences.

I developed a deep interest in clinical decision support solutions (CDSS) while working at Wolters Kluwer Health, a company that has several highly regarded clinical support tools. As both a clinician and someone in industry, I have seen firsthand the benefit that these tools can provide. However, I have always felt that current solutions, while valuable, werent fulfilling the true promise of CDSS. Many solutions are static, lack patient specific context and do not have the ability to provide predictive information that allow clinicians to anticipate and intervene before adverse outcomes can occur. With the recent proliferation of patient data and technological tools that allow for the continuous acquisition and evaluation of this data, I believe we are finally capable of providing truly predictive patient surveillance at the bedside.

What attracted to me to Excel Medical was the history and legacy of working with approximately 80% of the leading academic institutions to acquire and analyze various disparate forms of clinical data such that clinicians can make more informed decisions with respect to patient care. This infrastructure, in conjunction with predictive algorithms, is really the ecosystem that sits at the heart of Excel Medicals mission to eradicate unexpected hospital deaths. Its the unique combination of technology and clinical content that has me very excited to work with this team to help execute the vision.

Medgadget: Can you give us some background on unexpected deaths in hospitals?

Mark Koppel: The literature indicates that there are approximately 400,000 unexpected deaths in hospitals per year. In fact, this is the third leading cause of death in America behind cardiac disease and cancer. I think this is a staggering number to most people. To be fair, there are numerous causes of unexpected hospital death, some of which may not be capable of prediction or prevention. However, we believe that several causes such as sepsis, cardiorespiratory deterioration leading to arrest, and hemorrhage lend themselves to the possibility of predicting the onset in advance such that interventions might prevent unexpected deaths.

Medgadget: Could an early warning significantly reduce the number of these deaths?

Mark Koppel: Absolutely. We know from the literature that various early warning systems can help clinicians spot clinical deterioration before clinical signs become obvious. The early notice of clinical deterioration can ultimately lead to earlier interventions, such as the activation of Emergency Medical Teams. The earlier we can intervene, the better the outcome.

To this end, Excel Medicals WAVE Platform is the first FDA-cleared predictive patient surveillance platform. Intrinsic within the system is the Visensia(R) Safety Index (VSI), a predictive algorithm designed to constantly analyze up to 5 clinical vital signs to help predict clinical deterioration due to cardiorespiratory causes. The VSI was shown to provide an average of 6 hours advance warning of clinical deterioration in a study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In the same study, UPMC reported that unexpected deaths dropped from 6 in the 60 days prior to implementing the VSI to 0 in the 24 months after implementation.

As evidenced by this data, we know that early notice and intervention can save lives.

Medgadget: So, how does the WAVE system work to monitor patients, and transmit this information to healthcare teams?

Mark Koppel: Its best to think of WAVE as an ecosystem with a stepwise progression. First, we have to consider the numerous clinical data sources being generated from a patient encounter. Data can be generated from various medical devices such as beside monitors, ventilators, and pumps as well as within the electronic medical record of the patient. In addition, newer technologies such as remote sensors show enormous promise for accumulating continuous data from ambulatory patients, including those outside of the acute environment. Second, we need infrastructure to acquire and aggregate this data into one platform. This is what Excel Medical has been doing for years in numerous institutions via our BedMaster and BedComm solutions. These products form the base camp if you will of the ecosystem.

Once the foundation is in place, the third step is to apply advanced predictive algorithms to the data that has been captured via the technology infrastructure. In this case, the VSI algorithm logic would be continuously run in the background to determine if clinical deterioration may occur in the future. Lastly, the clinical output of the VSI calculation must be generated and delivered to the clinician at the right place and at the right time. Currently, we have the capability to provide the VSI warning on a desktop or through mobile applications including phones and tablets. We are also speaking with potential partners to expand the options for clinical access of the information.

Medgadget: What types of medical emergencies can the system predict? How does the predictive algorithm work?

Mark Koppel: WAVE has been FDA-cleared for use with the Visensia Safety Index, which can give advanced notice of cardiorespiratory clinical deterioration. The algorithm is continuously sampling and analyzing 5 different vital signs at the same time. This data is then compared against a normal data set range to determine whether the current patient or patients vital signs deviate from the normal such to a degree that is abnormal. What is unique about VSI is that it is analyzing in five dimensions simultaneously and this is level of cognitive complexity that very few humans on the planet can match.

The WAVE platform has been designed to accommodate multiple areas of clinical predictive algorithms and we are actively looking at new sources of content for that purpose. Our true north is to eradicate unexpected hospital deaths, so we are keenly focused on algorithms that can help predict such conditions as sepsis, sudden cardiac arrest, and hemorrhage among others.

Medgadget: How has the system been received so far? Has it helped in reducing unexpected deaths?

Mark Koppel: We are early in the commercialization process as we have only just received FDA clearance but the early indications from potential clients has been extremely positive. The feedback we have received is that providers are desperate for solutions that can provide predictive information without interfering with clinical workflows or adding to the problem of alarm fatigue.

As for the proof, we know from the UPMC research that the platform can reduce unexpected deaths.

Link: Excel Medicalby Alex Weprin , April 30, 2018

At its NewFront presentation at Chelsea Piers in New York, Viacom on Monday officially pulled back the curtain on its big bet on digital video: Viacom Digital Studios.

The studio will feature talent and brands from across the companys suite of channels, encompassing a wide range of formats and lengths on a number of platforms. Shows produced by the studio will run on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and other platforms.

Why produce for these platforms on top of those owned by Viacom? Because that's where todays young consumers are consuming their content. Knowing your audience is half the battle, but wining them over means breaking through the clutter," said Viacom Digital Studios president Kelly Day. The best way to reach young audiences is to partner with their favorite stars to create stories for their favorite platforms.

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Programming unveiled included a morning comedy show for Facebook Watch hosted by Comedy Centrals Nikki Glaser called You Up? With Nikki Glaser"; a cooking show hosted by Jersey Shores Snooki; and Road to VidCon, which will follow a YouTube creator making the trek to the YouTube convention, which Viacom acquired a few months ago.

Speaking of VidCon, the conferences co-founder Hank Green announced that with Viacoms backing he would be launching a new conference in London in 2019.

The company also announced new programming for Snapchat and Twitter, with BET, Comedy Central and MTV all represented.

To hear Day tell it, the end goal is simple: remain relevant for a generation that is not TV-first.

Forget about view counts and followers. At the end of the day, to cut through the noise online, it is all about being part of the zeitgeist, she said.

by Melynda Fuller , May 1, 2018

The News Project (TNP), a publishing platform company formed by media executive Merrill Brown and companies from the media, journalism and technology spheres, launched today.

The platform will allow corporations, nonprofits and individuals to build and launch publishing endeavors easily and quickly through new tools and technologies offered by TNP and its partners.

The Associated Press will collaborate with TNP, offering the platforms technology through its Emerging Solutions program. In turn, TNP will give its sites access to AP content through subscription.

Brown stated: TNP provides news publishing in a box. For those who would like to launch or upgrade high-quality news products, the cost of doing so tends to be excessive and the requirements, particularly around business models, are daunting. Whats needed are cost-effective, cutting-edge solutions that provide the capabilities to build sustainable business models that dont compromise editorial realities or the consumer experience.

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TNP allows users to create a range of sites, including pop-up topical sites, branded content news hubs and nonprofit community outlets, which can frequently be cost-prohibitive for a startup publisher.

According to Brown, the intention of TNP is to provide solutions to topics and communities too often underreported. He believes by providing an easy, affordable structural tool, more voices can be heard in the publishing sphere.

Founding partners include Charming Robot, a design and user experience firm, a seed investor group led by Mark Walsh, and digital development company 10up, which engineered the platform. Technology from Piano, a digital subscription and audience intelligence technologies company, will also be integrated into the platform.

Many individual investors are also involved in supporting the platform.Michael-in-Norfolk disclaims any and all responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, reliability, operability, or availability of information or material displayed on this site and does not claim credit for any images or articles featured on this site, unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to it's respectful owners. Information on this site may contain errors or inaccuracies, and Michael-in-Norfolk does not make warranty as to the correctness or reliability of the site's content. If you own rights to any of the images or articles, and do not wish them to appear on this site, please contact Michael-in-Norfolk via e-mail and they will be promptly removed. Michael-in-Norfolk contains links to other Internet sites. These links are provided solely as a convenience and are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information or content in such site has been endorsed or approved by this blog.by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, May 1, 2018

Dentsu and WPP have undone several joint venture operations that date back to the 1980s through a stock swap. The value of the swap was not disclosed.

Dentsu Young & Rubicam and Wunderman Dentsu Inc. have become wholly owned subsidiaries of Dentsu as a result of this latest transaction. Previously, WPP held a 49% stake.

Also via the transaction, Dentsu's 51% share of Dentsu Sudler & Hennessey in Japan has been transferred to the WPP Group, which is also taking over Dentsus minority share in Dentsu Y&R in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Dentsu said that post-transaction Dentsu Y&R will be renamed Dentsu e3 Inc. (envision, engage and empower), and Wunderman Dentsu will be renamed Dentsu Direct Solutions Inc.

WPP is dropping the Dentsu from the Y&R offices it is taking 100% control of in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam, and Dentsu Sudler &Hennessy is being rebranded as Sudler.

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The ventures were initially designed to provide Y&R (not yet owned by WPP) with access to Japan and other Asian markets, while Dentsu was provided access to Y&R expertise in markets outside Japan including Europe and the U.S.

In a meeting with analysts Monday, WPPs new management indicated that it would be reassessing the firms entire portfolio with a sharp eye on its numerous minority stakes in various firms to see whether it still makes sense to retain all of those assets as currently structured.by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 1, 2018

Four media industry trade associations want Google to adjust its position when it comes to privacy and data protection. The controversy is centered on the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which the EU will begin enforcing May 25.

The letter, sent to Google CEO Sundar Pichai on April 30 from four trade associations  Digital Content Next, European Publishers Council, News Media Alliance, and News Media Association  outlines their concerns.

The letter was obtained by The Register.

The group appears to have several concerns based on legal analysis (PDF) commissioned by DCN in April. Those include Google's wish to be a controller rather than a processor; its requirement that publishers obtain consent for processing on its behalf; and that the move puts the liability for non-compliance onto publishers, writes The Register.

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Google acting as a controller enables the company to make decisions on how it received data from publishers and how the collected data on publishers' pages gets used.

At the Search Insider Summit last week in Captiva Island, Florida, Gary Kibel, partner at Davis & Gilbert LLP, explained that companies dubbed as processors are those responsible for processing the data on behalf of a data controller. A controller owns the data and determines the purposes and the way the personal data is processed.

There is a clear distinction between processing the data and controlling the data. The publishers argue, in most cases, that it is more logical for Google to be a processor then a controller. And in this case, the organizations say Google is passing the buck.

The letter also states that Googles framework for its ad policies revealed in March seem to be more concerned with protecting its existing business model in a manner that would undermine the fundamental purposes of the GDPR and the efforts of publishers to comply with the letter and spirit of the law.

Too much control, on Googles part, seems to be the final point the organizations attempt to make: the fact that Google is trying to push the liability for gaining consent onto publishers.

There are millions of dollars at stake if a company fails to comply with the GDPR rules, according to Kibel. [The EU] has the ability to impose fines of 4% of annual revenue worldwide or up to 20 million Euros, he said.by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 1, 2018

Faced with continuing pressure over its privacy practices, Facebook said Tuesday that it will soon allow users to wield more control over data it collects about them.

The company plans to roll out a "Clear History" feature that will enable users to prevent Facebook from correlating data collected throughout the web, via the ubiquitous "Like" button, with their accounts. The feature also will allow users to prevent that type of tracking data from being associated with their accounts in the future.

"The past several weeks have made clear that people want more information about how Facebook works and the controls they have over their information," Chief Privacy Officer Erin Egan stated Tuesday.

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Egan says the company will still store information about the sites or apps that people use, but will strip information that could identify users. "Well work with privacy advocates, academics, policymakers and regulators to get their input on our approach, including how we plan to remove identifying information and the rare cases where we need information for security purposes," she stated.

Egan adds that Facebook plans to send developers and publishers aggregated data for analytics.

The company's move comes as the company faces continued criticism over revelations that President Trump's data consultancy, Cambridge Analytica, harvested data from as many as 87 million Facebook users. News of the data transfers sparked hearings on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers grilled Zuckerberg about the company's privacy practices, and prompted a Federal Trade Commission investigation.

Facebook also is under pressure in Europe, where new privacy rules will take effect May 25. Egan says the new tool will take "a few months" to build, meaning it won't be ready before the new European regulations come into effect.

Justin Brookman, the director of consumer privacy and technology policy at Consumers Union, calls Facebook's move "a step in the right direction."

But he adds that much will depend on how Facebook goes about de-identifying browsing data.

"It could be done badly, it could be done pretty well," Brookman says. He adds that some studios have concluded that browsing data is intrinsically identifying.

Last year, researchers at Princeton and Stanford released the report, "De-anonymizing Web Browsing Data with Social Networks," which said ad networks may be able to determine many users' identities by linking supposedly anonymous web-browsing histories with publicly available data from social media services.

Brookman notes that privacy advocates have been asking Facebook to stop tracking people via the "Like" button for eight years. In June of 2010, advocacy groups including the Center for Democracy & Technology, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Center for Digital Democracy and ACLU of Northern California asked Facebook to refrain from saving identifiable information collected through social plugins.Parents with kids of a certain age should be on alert. Just as the Marvel mania from the latest Avenger: Infinity War begins to cool down, the younger people in your house should be getting pretty excited about Disney-Pixars Incredibles 2 premiere on June 15.

Its not like highly promoted films dont fail, but for sure, this one wont go unnoticed.

Disney has hooked up 14 promotional deals with a constellation of brands, ranging, literally, from A to Z  ADT to Zillow.

In between those two brands, add in, alphabetically, Alaska Airlines, American Egg Board, Best Western, Bounty, Chrysler, Clorox, Coppertone, Frigos Cheese Heads, Horizon Organic, Juicy Juice, Kleenex, McDonalds and SleepNumber.

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In addition, Disney Learning has partnered with Lerner Publishing Group to pair educational material with Disney and Pixar characters and brands. One that is specifically targeted to Incredibles 2 will be released the same day the movie opens.

The sequel to 2004s original Incredibles takes up where that one left off, as Mrs. Parr (voiced by Holly Hunter), also known as superhero Elastigirl, has to confront the evil Underminer (John Ratzenberger).

Dad (Craig T. Nelson), also known as Mr. Incredible, stays home taking care of the kids, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack (who, in turns out, has superhero super powers, too). They end up fighting a new villain, Screenslaver, helped by their ally, Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson).

Lylle Breier, senior vice president, global marketing partnerships for the Walt Disney Studios, saluted the 14 great brands for this incredible campaign that will reach families nationwide, according to a non-affiliated Disney fan site, Laughingplace.com.

Some of the promotional tie-ins are known:

The Egg Boards The Incredible Egg is creating customized recipes reflecting the personalities of each member of the Parr family that will show up on its Website and on social media.

Kleenex will offer special boxes that contains an Incredibles mask built into the packaging.

Chrysler will produce three new commercials pairing the Parr family with the Pacifica family van.

Coppertone will put the Incredibles kids images on its kid-oriented sunscreen products, and offer a way for kids to win free tickets through Fandango.

Frigos Cheese Heads will create point of sale tie-ins to the film.

Juicy Juice will market an on-pack takeover, and other promotions. That was to start today.by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 1, 2018

T-Mobile's proposed $26 billion acquisition of Sprint could result in "higher prices and fewer innovative services," Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) warns in a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee's leaders.

Markey is asking the committee's leadership to call a hearing to examine the wireless marketplace and evaluate the proposed merger.

T-Mobile said it had reached a deal to purchase Sprint. If the transaction goes through, the country will be left with just three major wireless carriers.

"To date, T-Mobile and Sprint have exerted competitive pressures on their larger rivals in the wireless telecommunications industry, helping drive down prices, eliminating harmful contract requirements, and making more expansive and consumer friendly data plans the norm," he writes.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) has also expressed concern over the potential merger.

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"The wireless business is already very concentrated -- there were six national companies as recently as 2003 -- and a deal that would further consolidate power is troubling," she writes in an op-ed in The New York Times. "Having fewer competitors emboldens businesses to raise prices and force consumers into long-term service contracts because they know that people dont have many options."

Warren also notes that T-Mobile took a number of consumer-friendly steps -- including ones that left consumers able to change carriers without penalties -- after regulators said in 2011 that they would block a proposed merger with AT&T.

In recent years, Sprint and T-Mobile -- which both offer unlimited data plans -- appeared to spur Verizon and AT&T to beef up their data offerings.

Sprint and T-Mobile -- which have around 100 million customers between them -- attempted to merge in 2014, but regulators blocked the deal. It's not clear how the current administration will view the potential merger.Periungual warts develop around the finger and toenails. As they expand, they can cause discomfort or pain and may disrupt nail growth. Children and adolescents are most likely to develop periungual warts, especially if they bite their nails. Treatment can stop or slow down the growth of these warts, but they may still spread or recur.

What do periungual warts look like? Share on Pinterest Periungual warts develop around the finger and toenails. Periungual warts form around the nails. At first, they may be the size of a pinhead, smooth, shiny, and translucent. Over several weeks or months, they may grow to the size of a pea and have a cauliflower-like appearance. Warts can also turn brown, gray, or black. Eventually, they may form in clusters. Larger periungual warts sometimes cause pain and discomfort.

Causes and risk factors Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause periungual warts. Other strains have associations with genital warts and cervical cancer. This virus is contagious, and a person may contract it from contact with skin or items such as towels and toys that contain the virus. HPV usually enters the skin through a cut or scrape, which is why nail-biters are more likely to develop periungual warts than other people. Individuals with compromised immune systems or atopic dermatitis are also at increased risk.

Are there complications? Periungual warts can occasionally cause damage to the nail or nail bed. A wart growing under a nail can raise it from the skin. Also, periungual warts may cause the loss of a cuticle. A person with these warts may have an increased risk of developing a soft tissue infection called paronychia. Bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both can cause paronychia. If left untreated, the infection may cause pain and permanent deformity of the nail.

Treatment Doctors often find periungual warts more challenging to treat than other types of wart. For example, a person may find it difficult to use a topical medication if a wart is growing under the nail. A doctor may consider the following factors when recommending treatment: the size of the warts

the number of warts

the location of the warts

any accompanying infection

any pain or discomfort

the age and gender of the person

any previous treatments Potential treatments include: Salicylic acid Share on Pinterest People can use salicylic acid to try to get rid of warts, but it can take time. Salicylic acid is among the most popular treatments for wart removal. According to earlier research published by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the best available evidence supports its effectiveness. This acid can destroy the HPV virus. However, it may take up to 3 months of regular applications to eliminate the wart. Products containing salicylic acid are available over-the-counter (OTC), but it is a good idea to speak with a doctor before using them. Cryotherapy In this procedure, a doctor will freeze off warts using liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy is often a quicker treatment than salicylic acid, but a person may still require three or four treatments spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart. This treatment has a success rate of 5070%. Laser therapy A doctor may recommend laser therapy if other treatments do not work. The goal is to burn off the wart, but different chemicals may have varying success rates. A study from 2011 suggests that aminolevulinic acid may be more effective than other chemicals, including the organic dye used in pulsed dye laser therapy. However, scientists need to carry out more research to determine the best laser treatment for periungual warts. Antigen injections A doctor may recommend injecting an antigen to treat stubborn warts. An antigen is a toxin or foreign substance that induces an immune response. This provoked response should kill the virus and eliminate the growth. Surgical removal In severe cases or when the wart is causing complications, a doctor may recommend surgery. However, this may not be an option for all periungual warts. The surgery takes place in several stages called curettage and cautery. First, the surgeon scrapes or cuts the wart away. Then they use heat to seal the wound. Although success rates are approximately 6585%, 30% of people may experience scarring or warts that reappear.

Are there any home remedies? A person can take steps at home to reduce the appearance of periungual warts. Wait The AAFP suggest that watchful waiting is a remedy, especially for new warts. Most periungual warts eventually disappear without treatment. Quit biting Nail-biters should try to quit the habit as quickly as possible. It increases the risk of periungual warts and other skin infections. Reduce stress Stress diminishes the response of the immune system. This can make a person more vulnerable to infection or slow healing time. To manage stress: eat a balanced diet

exercise regularly

get enough sleep

try techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation Apply apple cider vinegar Share on Pinterest People often use apple cider vinegar to treat warts, but research has not confirmed its effectiveness. Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for warts, but the evidence that supports it is purely anecdotal. No research has concluded that this is a more effective treatment than watchful waiting. To treat warts located around the nails, proponents suggest mixing 2 parts vinegar with 1 part water, then soaking a cotton ball in the mixture and affixing it to the area with medical tape or a bandage, and leaving it overnight. If a person experiences pain or a burning sensation, they should remove the cotton ball and run cool water over the area.

Prevention To prevent periungual warts, a person would have to ensure that they do not contract HPV. This may be difficult because the virus is prevalent. To avoid contracting HPV: Wash the hands regularly.

Avoid biting or picking at the fingernails or cuticles.

Wear protective gloves when washing the dishes.

Do not share towels, nail polish, or other personal items.

If a colleague, friend, or loved one has warts, avoid touching them, the surrounding area, and items that have come into contact with them.

Disinfect nail clippers and similar equipment after each use. If a person is planning to visit a nail salon, the following tips may help to reduce the risk of contracting periungual warts: Ensure that salon workers change their gloves between clients.

Request that the technician uses a new pumice stone.

Check that the technician throws away nail files and cuticle sticks after each client and adequately disinfects other tools.

Do not shave the legs before a salon visit. There is always a risk of breaking the skin, which can allow HPV to enter the wound. Even while treatment is underway, warts are contagious.OTTAWA

May 1, 2018

Canada's

May 1

Emily Stowe

Canada's

Ontario

Nova Scotia

May 1

Laurent Marcoux

/CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is celebratingphysicians and physicians-in-training, bringing national attention to their contributions to patient care, research, teaching and innovation.It is fitting to celebrate National Physicians' Day on, which marks the birthday in 1831 of Dr.first female practising physician. Dr. Stowe set an inspiring example of leadership for the generations of physicians who followed. Without her determination, we would not have the diverse and vibrant medical profession we do today.From medical students to residents, to practising and retired physicians, the medical community is fueled by a passion for medicine and helping others. As we reflect on the role of physicians and medical learners in today's health care system, let's take a moment to recognize and be thankful for their hard work and achievements. I, personally, am thankful to be part of such a community.The CMA is proud to joinand, who have traditionally acknowledged Doctors' Day at the provincial level on. On behalf of Canadians, let me express our collective appreciation to our physicians and medical learners from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Thank you for all that you do, each and every day.Dr.CMA PresidentSOURCE Canadian Medical AssociationRanveer Singh is uber talented and no one doubts that, but this latest video is proof that he is everything that Bollywood has lacked to date. Getting into the skin of his new persona, Ranveer this time has channeled his comic timing, setting the record straight that there is nothing he can't do!

One look at this video and we bet you would end up watching it on replay. Well, that's his charm. After channeling his inner Freddie Mercury and performing on the cult number 'I want to break free', the actor paid tribute to the world-renowned artist Charlie Chaplin.

Taking to his Instagram he wrote, A tramp, a gentleman, a poet, a dreamer, a lonely fellow, always hopeful of romance and adventure.  Charlie Chaplin #ChaplinsWorld #inLOVEwithSWITZERLAND.

 Twitter

This video just made us realise that if a biopic is ever made of the great comedian then Ranveer Singh was born to play that character. It takes a lot from an actor to fit the bill and get into someone else's skin and Singh is the right person to look up to, if looking for perfection.

The 'Padmaavat' actor has been quite busy and just recently wrapped up shooting for Zoya Akhtar's 'Gully Boy'. And now he will soon start shooting for Rohit Shetty's 'Simmba' with Sara Ali Khan.

So before he gears up for his next movie, the actor has decided to go for a quick break and is having a lit time in Switzerland, where we have a sneaky suspicion that he is doing something else besides holidaying.I have already written so many stories about 'Avengers: Infinity War 'and the Marvel Cinematic Universe that I've lost count. But, am I bored of it yet? Far from it, and it seems like I'm not the only one.

Everyone will keep talking about this epic movie probably until the next one comes out and everyone knows that their favorite character is coming back to life or not, and I'm not complaining. I'm more than happy to dig out more stuff and more theories about this and share with my fellow Marvel fans and all the people who felt personally victimized by Marvel because of that ending, so we'll just avoid talking about that.

You know what's a good suggestion for all the movies you watch in the future, especially Marvel movies? Go back and watch the trailers again, they portray things quite differently in that so as to not give out spoilers.

For months, we were all watching and re-watching the trailers just to look out for anything that we've missed, but turns out even Marvel was playing games with us. They changed up so many scenes just for the trailer, so that people couldn't figure out what will actually go down in the actual movie.

Here are some examples and well, Marvel did do a good job at hiding some scenes, have to give them that.

1. That Running Shot

To paraphrase Robert Downey Jr's epic Twitter Bio, you know what I'm talking about, the battle charge in Wakanda, with Captain America, Bucky, The Hulk, Black Widow, Black Panther and Okoye running.

Yes, this scene, probably the most popular shot before the movie came out, and even after, tbh. But, it's not even real. If you've seen the movie  obviously you have because why would you be reading this right now  then you know the hilarious struggle between Bruce Banner and The Hulk where, The Hulk basically tells Bruce "no", like a moody teenager.

So, yes The Hulk doesn't make an appearance in the movie except for the beginning scene and well, this shot is now a lie.

2. Thor Meeting Guardians Of The Galaxy

Since 'Infinity War' was pegged as the biggest crossover ever, Marvel obviously showed us all the different characters meeting each other for the first time ever. Remember how in the trailer, when Thor asks the 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' 'Who the hell are you guys?' and they just smile and wave at him?

In the movie, this meeting wasn't that civil but was more of a war. Initially, the guardians are ready to attack the God of Thunder but all's well when we get one of the most hilarious scenes in the movie where Star-Lord is so jealous and insecure because of Thor. Also, Drax fanboying over the beauty of Odin's son is unforgettable.

3. Bruce Banner And Natasha Romanoff's Reunion

In the trailer, Marvel set the sequence of the scenes so perfectly that at one point, it looked like Bruce Banner and Natasha Romanoff had a very nice and friendly reunion.

But, in reality, their reunion happened in a totally different setting and it was as awkward as Bruce in the entire movie.

4. Thanos And The Infinity Stones

The iconic scene in the trailer where we see the infinity gauntlet in all its glory, well turns out that is kind of a lie, kind of.

If you notice closely, you can see that Thanos is on Titan at this moment, but when this scene actually happened in the movie, he already had four stones, and only needed the time stone and mind stone to wipe out half of the universe with just a snap of his fingers.

5. Loki Giving Up The Tesseract

This one, honestly, is all about the context. The trailer shows Loki with the tesseract, which contains the space stone.

In the movie, he did give Thanos his second infinity stone, but he did that to save Thor's life. So, it all depends on your perception of the scene in the trailer.

6. God Of Thunder's 'Lightning'

In the trailer, there's a very dramatic scene where Thor raises his hand and there's just so much lightning.

Yep, this one. What a beautiful scene, it's a shame it never made it into the movie. But, Marvel did make it up to us by giving us that epic entry by Thor in Wakanda. I'm not exaggerating when I say that literally, every person in the theatre started cheering at that moment. Moreover, look at the gif closely, Thor is not even holding anything when ideally he should have had his new cool axe.

7. The Hulkbuster Scene

Remember when Tony Stark made the Hulkbuster to counter The Hulk. While he never needed to wear it in the movie, since The Hulk was just a no-show, the armour still made an appearance in the trailer.

Well, it's just so ironic that since The Hulk decided to not co-operate with Bruce, he ended up wearing the Hulkbuster while fighting Thanos and 'his children' in Wakanda. But hey, when it works, it works.

8. Thanos Crushing Thor's Head

Well, the trailer made us think that Thor might just die at the hands of Thanos with a one-second scene where he seems to be crushing his head.

As we all know that this scene never really took place in the movie. It was just Thanos using the Power Stone.

9. Thanos And The Infinity Stones 'Part Two'

I don't know what Marvel achieved by keeping the number of Infinity Stones Thanos has a secret at every point in the trailer.

Maybe, they wanted people to think that it was actually really hard for Thanos to acquire all the Infinity Stones and give us false hope that all our favourite characters will be safe. But, as we all know that during this memorable scene in the movie, Thanos already has all the stones, except the mind stone.Despite growing awareness, I find that many people, particularly in India, are still unclear about what erectile dysfunction is, what could cause it, whether it is a temporary problem or a sign of something more serious and finally how to get the help they need. So here I would like to answer some common questions related to erectile dysfunction.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

When a man is consistently unable to get and/or sustain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual performance, doctors call the condition erectile dysfunction. Although it is true that 'failure to perform' can be for various easy to explain reasons, frequent inability to get or sustain erections points to an underlying problem. If this is a persistent problem, consult a specialist who will determine if you have ED and discuss next steps with you.

Which Doctor Do I Consult?

Reach out to a men's health specialist such as an andrologist or urologist, who will make a preliminary diagnosis of your condition. Depending on the root cause of the problem, the doctor may then ask you to consult with other specialists, such as an endocrinologist, who specializes in treating hormone-related disorders.

 Thinkstock/Getty Images

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

The first step to diagnosing ED is to assess the frequency of the problem and evaluate the patient's sexual, medical and psychosocial history. This is followed by a physical examination focused on the genitourinary, vascular and neurologic systems to help identify the root cause of the problem, which could include heart disease, diabetes, abnormalities of the penis (such as Peyronie plaques), stress or lack of emotional attachment/intimacy between partners.

Is Erectile Dysfunction Treatable?

Erectile dysfunction is generally treated in one or more ways, depending on the causes identified, the patient's age and his medical history. Many patients recover from ED without undergoing any treatment  they are simply helped to overcome the underlying trigger or problem (such as stress or anxiety to perform) by a counsellor or psycho therapist. Patients who need medical intervention could be prescribed oral or injectable medicines. If these do not produce results, surgical devices and penile implants are offered as a good option to permanently treat ED.

If you find yourself dealing with erectile dysfunction, it is important that you consult a trained medical professional at the earliest. I urge you not to resort to unproven alternative therapies, religious rituals or consult with quacks to treat your condition. Remember that with the right guidance and medical help, erectile dysfunction is fully treatable. The only obstacle to ED treatment is not asking for it.

References:

1) WebMD. Erectile Dysfunction: Frequently Asked Questions About Erectile Dysfunction. Available at https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/frequently-asked-questions-about-erectile-dysfunction

2) The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Health Information Center. Erectile Dysfunction. Available at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction

The author is a consultant andrologist and men's health specialist, Manipal Fertility, Bengaluru.For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page'Black Cat', the most elite commandos of the counter-terror force NSG are all set to be deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. The Home Ministry is currently planning to deploy a contingent of the NSG commandos so that they can help the security forces in the Valley to deal with encounters and hostage-like situations.

"We are planning to deploy the NSG in Kashmir. They are trained to deal with terrorists and hostage-like situations. We are mulling over it," an official told PTI.

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NSG's Black Cat teams usually comprise of five commandos who are led by a non-commissioned officer with bomb experts and crack marksman. They often used highly effective and sophisticated equipment which includes Heckler and Koch MP5 sub-machine guns, sniper rifles, through-the-wall radar and C-4 explosives to eliminate the enemy with minimal structural damage.

This decision, if taken, will further strengthen the military and police and act as a force multiplier. Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier said that the NSG should be able to tackle the lone wolf attacks in the future, as witnessed in some western countries.

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"We have seen across the globe that a big vehicle is being used by such elements to mow down people as also lone wolf attacks being carried out by them to wreak death and destruction," he said.

"The terrorists are adopting cruel and barbaric techniques like I mentioned. This is a serious challenge and Special Forces like the NSG should prepare themselves to tackle these emerging threats," Singh added.

He also reiterated that the government was thinking how the role of NSG should be 'enlarged' in the context of security challenged that the country faces right now. And now this move to insert the Black Cat commandos in high-action areas in J&K will definitely be a shot in the arm for the security faces in the Valley.President Donald Trump's administration announced the extension of temporary exemptions for the key trading blocs at the last moment on Monday April 30. A 10% import tax on aluminium and a 25% import tax on steel were due to come into effect on Tuesday May 1.The administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days. In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security, the White House said in a statement.The administration has agreed permanent exemptions from tariffs for Australia, Brazil and Argentina it said, without disclosing further details.Three-month aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange were static around the 5pm close at $2,255 per tonne after a tiny number of trades. Asian metal markets are largely closed for the May 1 public holidays.The physical market reaction to tariffs has been for spot prices to rise sharply.The US is a major importer of both steel and aluminum; although domestic production is expected to be boosted as a result of import restrictions and metal for nearby delivery has been priced up considerably.US Midwest delivered premiums for P1020 commodity grade aluminium have risen by 135% since the start of the year to average at 22.25 cents per lb as of April 27.US hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices remain close to their highest levels in seven years and have risen 16% since US secretary of commerce Wilbur Ross filed a January 19 report to the US president recommending the imposition of tariffs.The American Metal Market hot-rolled coil index was $864.2 per tonne on April 27.The US has already agreed trade tariff exemptions from some other countries, with Brazil and South Korea offered exemptions from steel tariffs on condition that they accepted quotas for their steel exports to the US.Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

(Adelges tsugae)

*Detected in Michigan*

WATCH LIST

What to look for:

Small, round, white, cottony masses, 1/16" to 1/4".

Found on the twig at the base of the needles on the underside of hemlock tree branches.

Present year-round but most visible November through July.

Note that hemlock woolly adelgid infests eastern hemlock trees, not pines or spruces.

Hemlock woolly adelgid forms round, white ovisacs on the undersides of eastern hemlock twigs.

Close-up of a hemlock woolly adelgid ovisac. Photo courtesy of Lorraine Graney, Bugwood.org.

How to identify eastern hemlock trees:

Eastern hemlocks have short, flat green needles with two white stripes on the underside.

Eastern hemlock needles grow singly (not in clusters) from the sides of twigs, giving the branch a flat appearance.

Find out more about identifying Eastern hemlock trees in the Eastern Hemlock Identification Guide (printable PDF).

Report hemlock woolly adelgid

NOTE: Many other things may look like hemlock woolly adelgid. Please review hemlock woolly adelgid look alikes (printable PDF) before reporting

If you notice white, waxy material at the base of the needles on hemlock trees, to prevent spread, do not remove potentially infested material from the site. Take photos, note the location of the affected trees and report it to:

About this species

Habitat: Hemlock woolly adelgid infests eastern hemlock trees and has been found in Michigan in both forest and landscape settings. Eastern hemlock is found naturally in moist forest environments and along streams and water bodies. Hemlocks also are used in home, urban and park landscapes in many areas.

Native Range: East Asia

U.S. Distribution: Hemlock woolly adelgid has been identified in at least 20 states in the Eastern U.S., including portions of Michigan.

Map of hemlock woolly adelgid infestations in the U.S. - USDA Forest Service

Michigan Distribution: Active populations of hemlock woolly adelgid are present in areas of Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana and Mason counties in West Michigan. The maps below represent all known hemlock woolly adelgid infestation zones as of the date specified on each map. Areas lacking data either have been surveyed with no hemlock woolly adelgid present or have yet to be surveyed. Survey efforts are ongoing.

Local Concern: Michigan is home to an estimated 170 million eastern hemlock trees which provide important habitat and protect against erosion along rivers and streams. The hemlock woolly adelgid sucks sap from hemlock needles, killing needles, shoots and branches. Infested hemlocks become less vigorous and may turn grayish-green. Left untreated, hemlock woolly adelgid can cause tree death in 4-10 years.

Means of Introduction or Spread: Hemlock woolly adelgid can be moved from tree to tree by birds, other wildlife, the wind, and on gear, equipment, clothing, infested nursery stock or other hemlock materials. Hemlock woolly adelgid can be moved when infested branches are trimmed and disposed of, and also by vehicles or equipment brushing against infested branches.

Quarantine Information: Michigan's hemlock woolly adelgid interior and exterior quarantines regulate the movement of certain nursery stock and forest products within and from infested counties in Michigan (interior), and into the state from infested counties in other states (exterior).

Treatment: Certain insecticides are successful in treating hemlock woolly adelgid if used correctly. A qualified arborist, such as one certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, can diagnose and treat infested trees. If you are able to undertake treatment on your own, follow the guidance provided below.

More InformationThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission have fired a warning shot to 13 companies for making liquids used with e-cigarettes that resemble kid-friendly food products, such as juice boxes, candies or cookies.

Several of the companies  none of which were in Connecticut, and the bulk of which were in California  receiving warning letters were also cited for illegally selling the products to minors.

No child should be using any tobacco product, and no tobacco products should be marketed in a way that endangers kids  especially by using imagery that misleads them into thinking the products are things theyd eat or drink, FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in a news release. It is easy to see how a child could confuse these e-liquid products for something they believe theyve consumed before - like a juice box. These are preventable accidents that have the potential to result in serious harm or even death.

Not only could children consume these products by accident, but both the federal government and local experts said the packaging is intended to make e-cigarettes more appealing to children.

Cigarette model

These marketing tactics are not dissimilar to the tobacco company marketing that used cartoon characters to make cigarettes appealing to children, said Pam Mautte, director of the Ansonia-based Alliance for Prevention and Wellness at BHCare, which provides substance abuse prevention and education throughout New Haven County.

Theyre using the same tactics we worked so hard to have removed from tobacco advertising, she said.

Some examples of the products targeted by the warning letters  and being sold through online retailers  include One Mad Hit Juice Box, which resembles childrens apple juice boxes, and Twirly Pop, which not only resembles a Unicorn Pop lollipop but is shipped with one.

Mautte called the tactics targeted youth marketing, and said they up the ante on products that are already too appealing to young people.

(E-cigarettes) are already attractive and easy to conceal, she said. And now theyre pushing it to a whole other level.

Kathy Carley-Spanier, Greenwich Hospital director of community health, agreed.

The perception (theyre sending) is that this is harmless, and its not, she said.

The FDA and the FTC have requested responses from each of the companies within 15 working days. The companies are directed to inform each agency of the specific actions taken to address each agencys concerns. The warning letters also state that failure to correct violations may result in further action, such as seizure or injunction.

Varied age laws

E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes, e-vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems, are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol, which can typically contain flavorings, and can contain nicotine (though this isnt always the case), and other chemicals. The e-cigarettes are often used by people trying to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, but there has been concern about their potential appeal to kids because of their flavorings and the bright colors of their packaging.

In Connecticut, the sale of e-cigarettes to people younger than 18 is prohibited and subjected to fines, and children under 18 are prohibited from possessing these devices.

The e-cigarette industry is opposed to products that seem designed to appeal to children, said Ray Story, founder and CEO of the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association.

We at TVECA dont approve of making products in flavors that adults most likely would not use, he said. We dont condone it and we dont stand behind it. It is an adult product.

However, Story pointed out that marketing gambits like these would be less successful if there was a universal age limit and age verification requirement for anyone who buys e-cigarettes and related products. Even in states like Connecticut, in which there is an age limit, Story said young people can still buy these products online.

Still, the FDA and FTC are making a positive step with the warning letters, Carley-Spanier said.

Im glad theyre finally stepping up and getting the message out there, she said.DERBY  A secret has lain hidden for more than a century inside the cannon on the citys green.

Were used to pulling out mud, stones, beer bottles and soda cans, said Francis Miller, the directing conservator of Conserve Art in Hamden, which is restoring the monument. We never expected to find something like this.

When Mike Donovan, Millers assistant conservator, was cleaning out the barrel of one of the four Civil War cannons, out rolled a canister shot.

A big iron nut also came out so I was a little skeptical at first, said Miller. I thought it might be a bearing. But once I began researching it I determined what it was.

The weathered cast iron ball weighs 133 grams, or just under five ounces.

To people like Jamie Cohen, the former chairman of the Valley Community Foundation, the discovery made during the restoration of the city greens Civil War Monument is historical.

Francis said its like finding the Holy Grail, said Cohen, who protected the ball inside a zippered cloth purse. Every night I checked to make sure it was still there, he said before handing it back to Miller recently.

The balls were packed into tin or brass canisters, said Miller. When the cannon was fired, the canister broke apart and sent these balls flying in all directions. I cant imagine what it felt like to get hit by one.

Such a hit can be seen on the National Museum of Health and Medicines website.

They display the enormous impact the ball had in striking the skull of a 54th Massachusetts Volunteer during the Unions July 18, 1863 assault on Battery Wagner in South Carolina. They were instrumental in enabling the Union to repel Gen. George Picketts charge during the Battle of Gettysburg.

The monument was erected in two phases. The base was dedicated on July 4, 1877 and the statue exactly six years later.

But it probably hadnt been cleaned since, said Cohen, who in 2016 began spearheading a $90,000 fund-raising effort to repair and engaged Conserve Art in Hamden to restore the corroded and vandalized structure.

Over the decades the monument served as a meeting place for Valley families relaxing on the green and a play station for imaginative children reliving long-ago battles.

It depicts a weary Union soldier leaning against his long-barreled rifle. Underneath him are a series of plaques identifying the Civil War battles in Atlanta, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and New Bern with the names of 82 Derby and Huntington soldiers who died in these.

This month, both the Derby and Shelton Boards of Aldermen upped their donations to $12,500 each.

Were glad to do it, said John Anglace, the longtime head of Sheltons aldermen who grew up in Derby. I played on those cannons when I was a kid.

I always tell John hes the best Shelton alderman Derby ever had, Cohen said.

Last summer Miller and Donovan removed the black grime and greenish corrosion, restored the chipped letters and replicated the soldiers rifle strap and bayonet that had been pried away by vandals.

Now they are working on the four cannons, known as Parrot rifles, which surround the base. As they cleaned the grime and wire brushed the rust, they discovered markings identifying them as having been cast in 1851 at the West Point Foundry. Each weighs 4,200 pounds.

We found a patent stamp and casting numbers, Miller said. It would be wonderful if we could find military records that would tell us the battles they were used in.

The iron ball wasnt the only discovery by Conserve Art.

It appears one of the cannons also was struck by an incoming Confederate shell. There is a spherical dent near the firing chamber.

The dent looks like the impact of an incoming ball, said Miller. It had to have been struck with enormous force. Even if you dropped the cannon from a height of 10 feet, it would not have caused the damage this did.

For the past several weeks, Miller and Donovan have been working on the cannons at the citys Public Works Department. They were given a room inside with a hoist and allowed to set up a canopy outside.

To keep future muck and garbage out of each cannon barrel, hes installing a plastic pipe with a stopper at the end.

That will keep the debris and water out, Miller said. Two of the cannons were filled to the top with debris.

Both Miller and Cohen commended Derbys Public Works Directors Anthony DeFala and Ed Armeno and their crews for their help.

They saved us thousands by using their equipment to lift the cannons and bringing them to their facility while they build a new concrete base, Cohen said. The cannons were sinking into the ground.

All the work will be done in time for the May 28 Derby-Shelton Memorial Day parade.

The parade ends in Derby this year so well lead everyone to the green for a re-dedication ceremony, Cohen said. Well have a program acknowledging the donors and the mayors. Its an opportunity to thank the community for restoring this.

(Anyone interested in making a tax-free donation for the restoration can do so by mailing a check to the Valley Community Foundation, 253-A Elizabeth Street, Derby, Ct. 06418).NEW BRITAIN  Middletown will be well-represented by students attending the Connecticut Geography Challenge May 22 at Central Connecticut State University.

High school teams from 18 other municipalities  Bethel, Colchester, Danbury, Darien, Fairfield, Falls Village, Lyme-Old Lyme, Manchester, Middletown, Ridgefield, South Windsor, Storrs, and Wethersfield  are competing in the 27th annual event.

This years theme is Disasters: Natural and Human-Made, according to a press release.

The geography challenge is the only interscholastic geography competition in the state for high school students. It is sponsored by the Connecticut Geographic Alliance, a group of educational institutions and individuals dedicated to promoting geography education in the state of Connecticut.

The challenge requires a high level of geographic knowledge and well-developed geography skills as well as good team work, according to the release.

The competition consists of five team events:

- A problem-solving activity which requires geographic knowledge and skills to solve a puzzle.

- A map-reading activity which requires the use of technology and interpretation skills.

- An orienteering activity to test map reading and compass skills.

- A GPS activity to test the use and application of geographic knowledge and technology.

- A geography quiz bowl competition requiring extensive geographic knowledge.

The program is supported by National Geographic Society Education Foundation monies, the release said.Could you haul in a 77-pound catfish? Louis Parker did, and the beast he caught is still swimming Lake Conroe, tagged and waiting for another angler to get his or her chance.

Parker is a member of the Texas Trophy Catfish Association, a conservation group that tags trophy catfish with the goal of protecting the biggest fish in the state.

The Huntsville resident said he fishes Lake Conroe two to three times per week. "It's routine for me to catch fish over 30 pounds," Parker said.

PERFECT FOR MONSTERS: Here's why Lake Conroe is full of giant fish

He said he's caught big fish all over the lake, but his 77-pounder was caught on the north end, between Stowaway Marina and the Cagle Recreation Area.

Parker also caught a 52-pound catfish on March 29.

For each big catch, Parker tags the fish and submits the tag online at the TXTCA.org. Anglers can then go back to the website to track their tag over time.

Members of the organization, fishing in waterways across Texas, also submit photos of their biggest trophies.

Parker said if another angler catches a catfish with a tag, it's ok to keep it, but he asks that the angler go to the website anyway to record the tag for others to see.

This week, the Texas Trophy Catfish Association will participate in the fifth annual Adapt & Overcome Catfish Tournament, beginning Friday, May 4 at 6 p.m. with the jugging tournament. Jugging is a method of fishing using a line with several hooks and jugs attached.

Rod and reel begins Saturday, May 5 at 6 a.m.

Weigh-ins will be held a the April Plaza Marina on Lake Conroe. The event benefits adults and children with special needs, holding fun events, sending athletes to Special Olympics and children to summer camp.This is a blog post about two of my favorite things: coffee and brownies.

You may have heard of Dog Tag Bakery, a small business with delicious treats in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C. A living business incubator for veterans and military spouses, the bakery offers fellowships to veterans and military spouses.

Program fellows run the business doing the normal food service stuff like serving coffee, cleaning and working the register. And as they go they learn the ins and outs of running a small business, take classes at nearby Georgetown University and network with major corporations.

They also walk away from the six month program with a certificate in business administration from Georgetown.

If you're not in the D.C. area you've probably never had the chance to try anything from the bakery or support the program with your brownie dollars. Out here in Alaska land it's definitely not possible.

Which is why I was so excited yesterday to read that Starbucks is now carrying Dog Tag brownies at 8,000 of their stores nationwide. Starbucks already has an awesome veteran and military spouse hiring program. They also have military family stores around the country specifically dedicated to military support.

And now you can support all that while also supporting Dog Tag. That's a win-win.

The Dog Tag brownie, (a "salted potato chip crusted brownie" yummmm) is available in honor of Military Appreciation Month, which is celebrated annually over May. Starbucks officials said the treat will be available until early June or "while supplies last."

Now, excuse me while I make a brownie and coffee run.GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Two U.S. Army soldiers and a German woman were injured on Saturday near the base here when the car driven by one of the soldiers crashed into the woman's car, police said.

Two soldiers, who are stationed in Grafenwoehr, were both driving at high speed in their BMWs on the B2 between the towns Pegnitz and Bronn when one driver lost control of his vehicle, Pegnitz police said. He collided head-on with the car of a 50-year-old German woman.

The American driver, 30 years old, and a passenger in the BMW were hospitalized, as was the German woman, police said. The passenger, also a soldier, was later released, but the woman and the driver, who sustained serious injuries, remain in the hospital.

The second car ran off the road and into a meadow. The driver of that vehicle, age 27, then drove through the meadow in an apparent attempt to flee the scene. He was stopped at the Grafenwoehr base gate by the military police and was then arrested by German police, said Roman Markert, the Pegnitz deputy police chief.

A witness told police that the two soldiers seemed to have been racing each other. Nordbayerischer Kurier, a local newspaper, reported that the BMW that crashed caught fire.

Army spokesman Nathan Van Schaik said Army leaders were taking the latest accident involving servicemembers very seriously and plan to add joint checkpoints with local and military police on and off the installation.

Earlier this month two other accidents happened off post. In the first incident, a soldier whose vehicle had no license plates crashed into a tree on base in Grafenwoehr when he fled from MPs. In the second, a soldier was involved in a head-on collision near Hohenfels. That crash is being investigated.For the first time in five years, all three components of the Air Force achieved both their recruiting goals and end strength...A soldier who was killed in action Monday in eastern Afghanistan has been identified.

Spc. Gabriel D. Conde, 22, of Loveland, Colorado, died as a result of enemy small army fire in the Tagab district of Kapisa province, Afghanistan, according to releases from the Army and Department of Defense.

He was an airborne infantryman in 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, according to officials with the base.

Conda had deployed to Afghanistan with his brigade last September in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the ongoing counterinsurgency and security effort in Afghanistan.

According to a release from Elmendorf-Richardson, Conde first enlisted in August 2015, and had been assigned to U.S. Army Alaska since April 2016.

Officials said the circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.

Conde is the second service member to die this year while deployed in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Another soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin, was killed in action Jan. 1 in Nangarhar province, to the south of Kapisa. According to reports, Golin, of 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died when his foot patrol was attacked by enemy small-arms fire.

To date, 48 U.S. troops have died since Operation Freedom's Sentinel began at the formal end of U.S. combat operations in Afghanistan in 2015, 32 of them in hostile encounters. Some 270 troops have been wounded in action.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.The U.S. Army's top official said Tuesday that the service's Next Generation Combat Vehicle program will focus first on fielding a replacement for the Bradley fighting vehicle.

Building a fleet of NGCVs to replace the M1 tank and the Bradley is the Army's second-highest modernization priority.

Over the last six months, Army leaders have stressed that NGCVs will have to be manned as well as unmanned, but Army Secretary Mark Esper revealed that the service will focus first on the "new infantry fighting vehicle, which is what the first Next Generation Combat Vehicle will be."

"It should provide us with a great deal of capability with our armored formations," Esper told an audience at the Atlantic Council.

This is not the first time the Army has attempted to replace the Cold War-era infantry fighting vehicle. It was four years ago that the service killed its last effort to replace the Bradley, known as the Ground Combat Vehicle program.

The Army launched the GCV program in 2009 shortly after the Pentagon canceled the service's Future Combat Systems program -- a multi-billion-dollar modernization effort that included manned ground vehicles designed to replace the M1, Bradley and other legacy combat vehicles.

Replacing the Bradley then became the Army's top modernization priority. The first prototype was designed to carry a nine-soldier squad; it featured a hybrid drive engine for greater power and an active protection system designed to defeat enemy missiles. It was heavy, though, with a base weight of approximately 53 tons.

In the end, mandatory defense spending cuts under sequestration forced the Army to cancel the GCV program in 2014. Lawmakers cut GCV funding by $492 million in the fiscal 2015 budget. The move left the Army with $100 million instead of the $592 million it had requested to continue developing the program.

Army officials, however, are determined to replace the Bradley. This time around, leaders have pledged to deliver the first manned and unmanned prototypes of NGCV by 2019.

It will feature artificial intelligence to provide driver-assisted, 360-degree situational awareness as well as computer-assisted targeting and acquisition capabilities to help crew members make quicker decisions in combat, Army officials say.

The NGCV is one of the Army's six modernization priorities, which also include long-range precision fires, Future Vertical Lift, a mobile network, air and missile defense, and soldier lethality.

"This is an exciting time as the Army faces many challenges," Esper said. "It's going to take a great deal of leadership. It's going to take tough decision-making. It's going to take persistence by me and my leadership team."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.A Russian fighter jet buzzed a U.S. military spy plane in the Baltic Sea on Tuesday morning, two defense officials told Fox News.

The Russian Su-27 jet performed a "safe" but "unprofessional" intercept of a U.S. Navy P-8 surveillance plane while flying in international airspace over the Baltic Sea.

The Russian jet came within about 20 feet of the U.S. Navy aircraft, but the American pilots told officials they never felt threatened or unsafe.

It's the first incident between Russian and American military aircraft since January, when a Russian fighter jet buzzed a U.S. Navy EP-3 spy plane over the Black Sea.

In that incident, the Russian Su-27 jet came within five feet of the U.S. military plane, "crossing directly through the EP-3's flight path," according to a statement from the Navy's 6th Fleet. The encounter was so close it caused the Navy jet to fly through the Russian jet's wash.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said at the time Russia's military "flagrantly" violated international law and risked a midair collision. She called it "the latest example of Russian military activities disregarding international norms and agreements."

The interaction lasted approximately two hours and 40 minutes, according to the statement from the Navy's 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy.

American and Russian jets routinely fly close to one another in the Black and Baltic Seas, but in a professional manner, according to the Pentagon.

Tensions with Russia were ratcheted up over the weekend, when the country's foreign minister claimed the U.S. is trying to divide Syria.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.The U.S. marked a major milestone in the campaign against ISIS by folding the flag on the headquarters of the coalition's ground component in Iraq in a brief ceremony Monday in Baghdad.

Army Maj. Gen. Walter Piatt, commander of Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command (CJFLCC) and the 10th Mountain Division, and his senior enlisted adviser, Command Sgt. Maj. Samuel Roark, presided at the deactivation ceremony for CJFLCC.

"Casing the CJFLCC colors is a symbolic gesture, honoring the perseverance and sacrifice of our coalition partners," Piatt said in a statement.

"Thanks to our partnered success, we are able to continue to support the government of Iraq under the command of CJTF-OIR [Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve]," added Piatt, who has led the land component since March.

Since 2014, when ISIS fighters were at the gates of Baghdad, CJFLCC has supplied the coalition ground forces who partnered on the battlefield with the Iraqi Security Forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga in retaking Ramadi, Fallujah, Mosul and other major cities and reducing ISIS to pockets of resistance.

The 10th Mountain troops of CJFLCC will now focus through CJTF-OIR on training and advising the ISF in the buildup of its capabilities to maintain security, with emphasis on the Iraq-Syria border region.

A coalition statement said the mission was shifting "from supporting and enabling combat operations to the training and development of self-sufficient Iraqi security-related capabilities."

The closing of the CJFLCC headquarters signaled the end of major combat operations ahead of next month's scheduled parliamentary elections in Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared victory over ISIS in Iraq in December after clearing operations against ISIS in Anbar province near the Syrian border, but ISIS has maintained the ability to launch terror attacks.

In February, Iraqi government spokesman Saad al-Hadithi said that "the battle against Daesh [ISIS] has ended so the level of the American presence will be reduced."

But it was unclear whether the deactivation of the land component would immediately lead to withdrawals of elements of the estimated 5,000 U.S. troops in Iraq.

At the Pentagon Monday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis would only say that the remaining coalition force in Iraq would be "fit for its current mission."

However, U.S. air forces in recent weeks have begun shifting out of Iraq to bolster the air campaign in Afghanistan.

In a briefing to the Pentagon last week from Baghdad, Army Col. Ryan Dillon, the CJTF-OIR spokesman, said of Iraq that "while hard work remains after the defeat of ISIS' tyrannical self-proclaimed caliphate, there are encouraging signs that life is returning to normal."

"In the past month, various groups across Iraq and Syria, including Assyrians, Yazidis and Kurds, celebrated Nowruz [the Persian new year] for the first time in years, free from ISIS," Dillon said.

"We will continue to conduct operations that limit ISIS freedom of maneuver and also constrain their ability to generate forces and degrade their command and control nodes until the terrorist organization is defeated," continued Dillon, who himself was leaving CJTF-OIR to take a position with U.S. Africa Command.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.The U.S. Army hopes to prevent many of the casualties of the Iraq War from occurring in future conflicts by sending semi-autonomous convoys of combat supplies on roads that are vulnerable to enemy attack.

Part of the Army's new modernization strategy is to develop teams of manned and unmanned ground combat vehicles that give commanders the option of sending autonomous combat vehicles to attack the enemy and reduce the risk of friendly casualties.

But Army leaders are also eyeing this rapidly evolving technology for logistic operations that resupply combat formations with ammunition, water, food and other vital supplies, Army Secretary Mark Esper told an audience today at the Atlantic Council.

Esper recently visited the Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development & Engineering Center in Warren, Michigan and took a ride in a semi-autonomous vehicle prototype.

"It was being led by a manned vehicle," Esper said. "It was a closed course, but we were doing off-road travel."

Even semi-autonomous vehicles show great promise, because they could be linked in a convoy "with maybe only two persons in the lead vehicle," he said.

U.S. forces suffered heavy casualties in Iraq when the enemy routinely attacked supply convoys with improvised explosive devices.

"If you look back to the Iraq War, one of the most dangerous duties was driving, riding in a convoy between Kuwait city and Baghdad," Esper said. "We lost many, many soldiers, too many, to IED attacks and other attacks on convoys."

The commercial industry has already made advancements in autonomous technology, but there are still many hurdles before it is ready for military use, Esper said.

"We have particular challenges with the military because, unlike the commercial sector, we have to develop systems that can maneuver off-road, that can maneuver in our elements ... that can navigate obstacles, whether they are trees or garbage or rocks, whatever the case may be," Esper said. "And then on top of that, they have to be able to maneuver against an enemy force formation, so it's very complicated."

The Army hopes to have its first Robotic Combat Vehicle technology demonstrator ready by 2021 so it can help inform future designs of autonomous combat vehicles, Army officials said.

"You can see the future ahead; if we can get to that point, it will give us a great deal of capability and incredible overmatch on the future battlefield," Esper said.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.New Military Electronic Healthcare Records Program Still on Track

The Defense Department's new electronic health records system is on track to roll out at every military hospital by 2022 despite ongoing startup problems faced by pilot program users, a Pentagon official told Senators at an April 26 hearing. For more details, see this Military.com article.Six Reasons to Continue Serving

Here are financial incentives to continue serving in the Guard or Reserve: (1) reserve retirement can provide a powerful boost to your financial security; (2) continuing to serve can open your eligibility for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS); (3) it might offer you an opportunity to save big money by opting out of your civilian employers health coverage; (4) once you sign up for Medicare, you will switch to TRICARE for Life and will not need Medicare Supplement Insurance; (5) you will continue to be eligible for $400,000 of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance coverage; (6) continuing to serve also affords you the opportunity to earn monthly drill pay along with active-duty pay for annual training; and (7) you will still have an ID card that will allow you to use a nearby installations PX/BX, commissary, MWR and other money-saving services. For more on serving in the Guard and Reserve, visit the Joining the Military section.Summer Jobs for Youth in Europe

The Civilian Human Resources Agency Northeast/Europe Region is now accepting applications for the Army in Europe Youth Summer Hire Program. The program provides jobs in general clerical and light laborer positions to U.S. family member dependents ages 14-22. The job announcements will be open from April 23 to May 3. The program will run from June 25 to Aug. 3 throughout Europe. Online applications are available at USA Jobs. Direct links to the job announcements are available on the U.S. Army website. Refer to the vacancy announcement for further application requirements.

For more spouse and family support resources, visit the Military.com Spouse and Family section.Clint Eastwood's latest feature recreates the August 2015 terror attack on an Amsterdam-to-Paris train and the heroic actions of three young Americans who prevented a tragedy. "The 15:17 to Paris" is out today on Digital HD (via iTunes, Google Play, Amazon,VUDU, etc.).

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Spencer Stone, Oregon National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and their friend Anthony Sadler were traveling around Europe when a terrorist tried to open fire on a train. They stopped the gunman and saved more than a few lives that day.

Eastwood did something that only Clint Eastwood could do: he asked Stone, Skarlatos and Sadler to play themselves in the movie. None had any acting experience but Eastwood's recreation of the attack makes it clear why he wanted the men to be in his movie.

We talked to the guys before the theatrical release of the movie and you can watch our interview below.

The Blu-ray and DVD will be released on May 22nd and we'll have a full review then.Name(s) in local language(s): Pegmatitt SV for Rakke fort, Rakke, Stavern, Larvik kommune, Vestfold fylke, Norge

Latitude & Longitude (WGS84): 58 58' 46'' North , 10 1' 17'' East Latitude & Longitude (decimal): 58.97959,10.02149 GeoHash: G#: u4rps0cmj Locality type: Pegmatite Nearest Settlements: Place Population Distance Stavern 5,593 (2018) 2.4km Larvik 23,113 (2018) 8.2km Langangen 505 (2014) 17.3km Sandefjord 42,654 (2017) 20.2km Kvelde 854 (2018) 23.8km

Regions containing this locality

Eurasian Plate Tectonic Plate Scandinavia Region

Select Mineral List Type Standard Detailed Strunz Dana Chemical Elements

List of minerals arranged by Dana 8th Edition classification Group 7 - MULTIPLE OXIDES AB 2 X 4  Magnetite 7.2.2.3 Fe2+Fe3+ 2 O 4 Group 8 - MULTIPLE OXIDES CONTAINING NIOBIUM,TANTALUM OR TITANIUM A 2 B 2 O 6 (O,OH,F)  Zirconolite 8.2.5.5 CaZrTi 2 O 7 Group 41 - ANHYDROUS PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN A 5 (XO 4 ) 3 Z q  Fluorapatite 41.8.1.1 Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F Group 65 - INOSILICATES Single-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=1) Single-Width Unbranched Chains, W=1 with chains P=2  Aegirine 65.1.3c.2 NaFe3+Si 2 O 6 Group 75 - TECTOSILICATES Si Tetrahedral Frameworks Si Tetrahedral Frameworks - SiO 2 with [4] coordinated Si  Quartz 75.1.3.1 SiO 2 Group 76 - TECTOSILICATES Al-Si Framework Al-Si Framework with Al-Si frameworks  Albite 76.1.3.1 Na(AlSi 3 O 8 )  Microcline 76.1.1.5 K(AlSi 3 O 8 ) Unclassified Minerals, Mixtures, etc.  'Amphibole Supergroup' - AX 2 Z 5 ((Si,Al,Ti) 8 O 22 )(OH,F,Cl,O) 2  'Mica Group' -  Zirconolite

var: Polymignite - (Ca,Fe,Y,Th)(Nb,Ti,Ta,Zr)O 4

Regional Geology

A syenite pegmatite hosted in larvikite, NW of Rakke Fort, close to Tangmathola. Part of it has been blasted away cause to building of military installations under WW2.

This geological map and associated information on rock units at or nearby to the coordinates given for this locality is based on relatively small scale geological maps provided by various national Geological Surveys. This does not necessarily represent the complete geology at this locality but it gives a background for the region in which it is found.

Click on geological units on the map for more information. Click here to view full-screen map on Macrostrat.org

Oligocene claystone Age: Oligocene (23.03 - 33.9 Ma) Lithology: Claystone Reference: Asch, K. The 1:5M International Geological Map of Europe and Adjacent Areas: Development and Implementation of a GIS-enabled Concept. Geologisches Jahrbuch, SA 3. [147] Paleozoic intrusive rocks Age: Phanerozoic (251.902 - 298.9 Ma) Lithology: Intrusive igneous rocks Reference: Chorlton, L.B. Generalized geology of the world: bedrock domains and major faults in GIS format: a small-scale world geology map with an extended geological attribute database. doi: 10.4095/223767. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 5529. [154]

Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 LicenseMineral List

Regional Geology

Historic gold mine.In 1896, the Rising Sun Gold Mining Company was formed to take over the Rising Sun, and neighbouring Rising Sun Extended, and Inglewood leases. It is described as being close to the main road between Karangahake and Waikino, however an exploration company map locates it about one kilometre north of the highway inamongst housing and small acreages.Gold generally for Owharoa is described as found in shear zones in dacite rhyolite, although historically prospectors called it sandstone. The quartz veins form a stock work, of quartz stringers, and erratic 'bunches' of quartz in a soft country rock, the whole variably auriferous. The reefs strike north north-east, from one to twelve feet wide. The oxidised ore near the surface was rich, however the deep veins had low grades and proved unprofitable. Most mining was abandoned by 1899, leaving only the Rising Sun Mine operational.At this mine there is a main reef, and several branch reefs, trending north-south, up to 5 feet thick, but averaging 18 inches. The reef contains lenses of ore with black to greyish streaks of pyrite and argentite (probably acanthite) in milky white crystalline quartz, with occasional gold visible in the sulphides. The main ore shoot is at the northern end of the lease, and marked on the Mindat map.The mine was reported often in local newspapers, based on the mine manager's prosaic monthly reports, which usually said very little. The company lasted until 1928, when the mine was sold to the Golden Dawn Company.We have a fairly complete list of mine managers until 1916, in order, H.H. Adams, W. Tregoweth, James Smith, Tom Goldsworthy who retired after being injured underground, Harry Goldsworthy as a temporary replacement, then Tom Gillon was appointed. The first directors of the company was W.J. Geddis who is still there at least to 1916, H.H. Adams, W, Blomfield, and A. Kidd.In 1915, the Inspector for Noxious Weeds successfully sued the company for not clearing blackberries off its lease. In 1916, the battery was replaced, and ore processing increased to a commercial scale from this point.Thomas Liddle was killed in an underground explosion in 1920, after a mix-up with hand signals.In its latter years, the mine employed around twenty men. Upon closure in 1928, the local council promoted the idea of federal government assistance to convert the old battery for public crushing, but no information was found this was successful. In 1929, several local teenagers were charged with breaking into the old buildings. Having read thousands of old newspaper articles across Australasia, there is no evidence to suggest crime is increasing over recent times, in fact the opposite is true.The Golden Dawn Company re-opened the mine, and by 1934 was employing about one hundred men. Despite government assistance, the company ran out of capital and operations ceased in 1938, which was the last mining at Owharoa. The plant and buildings were dismantled and sold.4 valid minerals.

This geological map and associated information on rock units at or nearby to the coordinates given for this locality is based on relatively small scale geological maps provided by various national Geological Surveys. This does not necessarily represent the complete geology at this locality but it gives a background for the region in which it is found.

Click on geological units on the map for more information. Click here to view full-screen map on Macrostrat.org

Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References

Sort by Year (asc) | by Year (desc) | by Author (A-Z) | by Author (Z-A) New Zealand Herald newspaper (1897) The Owharoa and Waitekauri, Vol. XXXIV, issue 10528, 23 August 1897. Bell, J.M., Fraser, C. (1912) The geology of the Waihi-Tairua Subdivision, Hauraki Division. New Zealand Geological Survey, Bulletin No. 15, New Zealand Government, Wellington, 192 pages. New Zealand Herald newspaper (1915) Noxious Weeds Nuisance, Vol. LII, issue 15860, 05 March 1915. Observer newspaper (1916) Stamps Going Gold Flowing in the Land of the Rising Sun, Vol. XXXVI, issue 32, 15 April 1916. Thames Star newspaper (1920) Well-Known Miner Killed, Vol. LVI, issue 14300, 10 August 1920. New Zealand Herald newspaper (1920) Fatal Misunderstanding. Rising Sun Explosion, Vol. LVII, issue 17547, 12 August 1920. New Zealand Herald newspaper (1928) Rising Sun Goldmine, Vol. LXV, issue 20092, 01 November 1928. Auckland Star newspaper (1929) Series of Offences, Vol. LX, issue 212, 07 September 1929. Laneway Resources: an emerging gold producer, Noosa Mining Conference 19th-21st July 2017.

External LinksKey

Select Mineral List Type Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Dana Chemical Elements

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This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.Key

Nathan Wheeler saw the meteorite, a "globe of fire," as he stood outside his house in Weston early Monday morning: "its appearance was distinct and well defined, like that of the sun seen through the mist." Judge Wheeler must have been a militia man or a veteran, because he drew his precise and descriptive analogies from the drill or battlefield. The flight lasted about thirty seconds and was followed, after a short interval, by three "loud and distinct reports, like those of a four pounder, near at hand." These were succeeded by a noise similar to "a volley of musketry, protracted into what is called, in military language, a running fire," which continued for a short while after the object was lost to sight.

Fragments of the exploding stone had rained about the town, and one large piece struck not two rods distant from the Prince house. This intrepid family, upon discovering the treasure that had buried itself in their front yard, promptly dug it up and smashed it apart, discerning, with a sense of true Yankee economy, that if one stone could be valuable, many were more so. Others combed the countryside, searching for the telltale signs of violent impact.



Merchant Isaac Bronson...wrote on December 31 to report that an additional portion of the meteor, weighing approximately thirty-seven pounds, had been discovered near Taskaway Hill but that the discoverer had extravagant notions of its worth. Bronson offered farmer Jennings $5.00 and promised that, should he be able to obtain it at that price, Silliman might "rest assured" that it would be sent to "enrichthe curious and valuable" collection at Yale.

The Weston meteor drew considerable attention from across the country, even during the Embargo winter of 1807-1808. The Silliman and Day accounts appeared, in their most substantial and polished forms, in the Memoirs of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Science nearly three years after the event, but in the intervening time the essays were published "in many newspapers, and in several literary and philosophical Journals," and always in conjunction with some mention of Yale. Thomas Jefferson is supposed to have remarked upon learning of the Yalensian theory that "it is easier to believe that two Yankee professors could lie than to admit that stones could fall from heaven. And in the first version of Washington Irving's A History of New York (1809), narrator Diedrich Knickerbocker remarks of New England that "the people at large show a keenness, a cleverness and a profundity of wisdom that savors strongly of witchcraftand it has been remarked that whenever any stones fall from the moon, the greater part of them is sure to tumble into New England.

Select Mineral List Type Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Dana Chemical Elements

Gallery:

List of minerals for each chemical element O Oxygen O  Enstatite var. Bronzite (Mg,Fe2+) 2 [SiO 3 ] 2 O  Chromite Fe2+Cr 2 3+O 4 O  Forsterite Mg 2 SiO 4 O  Augite var. Fassaite (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al,Fe3+,Ti)[(Si,Al) 2 O 6 ] O  Augite (Ca x Mg y Fe z )(Mg y1 Fe z1 )Si 2 O 6 O  Albite Na(AlSi 3 O 8 ) O  Ilmenite Fe2+TiO 3 O  Diopside CaMgSi 2 O 6 O  Magnetite Fe2+Fe 2 3+O 4 O  Enstatite Mg 2 Si 2 O 6 O  Tridymite SiO 2 O  Nepheline Na 3 K(Al 4 Si 4 O 16 ) Na Sodium Na  Augite var. Fassaite (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al,Fe3+,Ti)[(Si,Al) 2 O 6 ] Na  Albite Na(AlSi 3 O 8 ) Na  Nepheline Na 3 K(Al 4 Si 4 O 16 ) Mg Magnesium Mg  Enstatite var. Bronzite (Mg,Fe2+) 2 [SiO 3 ] 2 Mg  Forsterite Mg 2 SiO 4 Mg  Augite var. Fassaite (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al,Fe3+,Ti)[(Si,Al) 2 O 6 ] Mg  Augite (Ca x Mg y Fe z )(Mg y1 Fe z1 )Si 2 O 6 Mg  Diopside CaMgSi 2 O 6 Mg  Enstatite Mg 2 Si 2 O 6 Al Aluminium Al  Augite var. Fassaite (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al,Fe3+,Ti)[(Si,Al) 2 O 6 ] Al  Albite Na(AlSi 3 O 8 ) Al  Nepheline Na 3 K(Al 4 Si 4 O 16 ) Si Silicon Si  Enstatite var. Bronzite (Mg,Fe2+) 2 [SiO 3 ] 2 Si  Forsterite Mg 2 SiO 4 Si  Augite var. Fassaite (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al,Fe3+,Ti)[(Si,Al) 2 O 6 ] Si  Augite (Ca x Mg y Fe z )(Mg y1 Fe z1 )Si 2 O 6 Si  Albite Na(AlSi 3 O 8 ) Si  Diopside CaMgSi 2 O 6 Si  Enstatite Mg 2 Si 2 O 6 Si  Tridymite SiO 2 Si  Nepheline Na 3 K(Al 4 Si 4 O 16 ) S Sulfur S  Troilite FeS K Potassium K  Nepheline Na 3 K(Al 4 Si 4 O 16 ) Ca Calcium Ca  Augite var. Fassaite (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al,Fe3+,Ti)[(Si,Al) 2 O 6 ] Ca  Augite (Ca x Mg y Fe z )(Mg y1 Fe z1 )Si 2 O 6 Ca  Diopside CaMgSi 2 O 6 Ti Titanium Ti  Augite var. Fassaite (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al,Fe3+,Ti)[(Si,Al) 2 O 6 ] Ti  Ilmenite Fe2+TiO 3 Cr Chromium Cr  Chromite Fe2+Cr 2 3+O 4 Fe Iron Fe  Enstatite var. Bronzite (Mg,Fe2+) 2 [SiO 3 ] 2 Fe  Chromite Fe2+Cr 2 3+O 4 Fe  Troilite FeS Fe  Iron var. Kamacite (Fe,Ni) Fe  Taenite (Fe,Ni) Fe  Augite var. Fassaite (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al,Fe3+,Ti)[(Si,Al) 2 O 6 ] Fe  Augite (Ca x Mg y Fe z )(Mg y1 Fe z1 )Si 2 O 6 Fe  Ilmenite Fe2+TiO 3 Fe  Magnetite Fe2+Fe 2 3+O 4 Fe  Tetrataenite FeNi Fe  Iron Fe Ni Nickel Ni  Iron var. Kamacite (Fe,Ni) Ni  Taenite (Fe,Ni) Ni  Tetrataenite FeNi Cu Copper Cu  Copper Cu

References

Sort by Year (asc) Year (desc) Author (A-Z) Author (Z-A)

Meteoritics (1976): 11(June 30): 111-130. Wagner, J.K., Cohen, A.J., Hapke, B.W. & Partlow, W.D. (1979) Vacuum ultraviolet reflectance spectra of group H chondrites:In: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference X, Proceedings, Vol 2: pp. 1797-1818. New York: Pergamon Press, Inc. (March 1979). Scott, E.R.D. & Rajan, R.S. (1981) Metallic minerals, thermal histories and parent bodies of some xenolithic, ordinary chondrites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 45: 53-67. Brown, Chandos Michael. (1989): Benjamin Silliman, A Life in the Young Republic. Princton University Press, New Jersey. pp. 221-229. King, D. T., Jr. and L. W. Petruny. (2008): The Weston Meteorite (1807) - Impact Sites in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Lunar and Planetary Science, vol. 39. Weisberg, M.K. & 8 others (2009) The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 96, September 2009: Meteoritics & Planetary Science 44 (9): 1355-1397. (Sept 2009). Grady, M.M., Pratesi, G. & Moggi-Cecchi, V. (2015) Atlas of Meteorites. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, United Kingdom. 373 pages.

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Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

North America Plate Tectonic Plate

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

First witnessed fall in the United States, December 14, 1807.Olivine-Bronzite Chondrite (H4; S3; W0).Approximate recovered mass 149.7 kg; Several stones, largest 90.7 kg (fragmented)NOTE: Most of the fragments of this meteorite were found within the boundaries of the modern town of Easton, which was the eastern part of the town of Weston until 1845, when it became a separate town. Other finds are in the towns of Trumbull and Fairfield, which were already separate towns in 1807 (King and Petruny, 2008). The locality marker is placed at the main recovery site in modern day Easton.Witnesses saw and heard the early morning red fire ball along its generally north-to-south path in southern Vermont, western Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Many sonic booms were heard, though having no experience with that modern phenomenon, it was described in ways familiar at the time, as related by Brown (1989):Benjamin Silliman and James Kingsley went to Weston on December 18 and remained for two days, interviewing witnesses, collecting specimens, and inspecting the points of impact, essentially inventing the field study of meteoritics. But right away they ran into the also newly created economic aspect of meteorites as Brown (1989) describes:About 300 pounds of fragments were obtained by Silliman and Kingsley and they are the first catalogued objects in the Yale meteorite collection, which is the oldest in the US.Sillimans first description appeared in the Connecticut Herald on December 29. But where to publish the real scientific results became a controversial topic as there were few, well received American outlets for scientific findings at the time. An early release in France was enthusiastically received. Brown (1898) summarizes the eventual outcome, not always positive in America:By 1818, Silliman had established the American Journal of Science largely to rectify this situation.King and Petruny (2008) have identified 4 of the 6 reported impact sites found in contemporary news reports, with an unconfirmed anecdote of a 5th site. None are currently in Weston because the original town was subdivided after 1807, they now reside in Easton, Trumbull and Fairfield.The primary site, the Prince house, now in Easton, is about 500 m north of a road intersection at the historic 1715 Burton House. Today this is a heavily wooded, upscale housing subdivision with a vigilant neighborhood watch.Another potential site is located a few tens of meters west of Sturbridge Lane behind several homes within Trumbull, a very stony area.A single large fragment was found at "the foot of Tashua Hill", also now in Trumbull, the exact location uncertain, with high ground now known as Tashua Knolls including a town recreation area surrounded by woods, homes, and shopping areas.Reportedly a small crater ~1.5 m wide and ~1 m deep with soil and bedrock ejected up to ~50 m away formed on the farm of Elijah Seeley, who lived on Hoyden Hill. It may be the same place as the Hoyden Hills within Fairfield.How to use the mindat.org media viewer

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It may be earnings season but one company where it isnt raining money for employees is French IT company Capgemini. Sheetal brings to you our Story of the Day podcast, which takes a closer look at the salary hikes, or lack thereof, at Capgemini.

Capgemini has given a minimal salary hike to most of its staff and none to quite a few, causing discontent within the ranks. To add further insult to unrewarded injury, the company while announcing its first quarter earnings said it had started the year with "excellent growth momentum," which it expected to continue going forward.

Capgemini has reported 3,153 million euros of revenues for the first quarter of 2018, up 7.2 percent at constant exchange rates, and has maintained its forecast for the next year.

In its earnings release, Capgemini said it expects to accelerate its growth with revenue progression of 6 percent to 7 percent at constant exchange rates, to increase profitability with an operating margin of 12.0 percent to 12.2 percent and to generate an organic free cash flow in excess of 1 billion euros.

But if you thought that kind of success translated into employees being rewarded too, you thought wrong. Employees expecting decent raises were disappointed this week after the company handed out increments of 0-4 percent.

I am far too tempted to make a let-them-eat-cake joke, but the last thing the proletariat need is a bad joke. What they do need though is more Marx. Not the 100/100 variety, but the Karl one. And leading up to this day the 1st of May, it appears the workers of the Capgemini world did manage to score some Marx and unite.

On Twitter. #CapgeminiBetraysEmployees went one hashtag. One of them went on to say and we quote, One side you say @CapgeminiIndia Capgemini starts the year with an excellent growth momentum. Other side you are not capable to give at least 1% hike.

According to some employees Moneycontrol spoke to, Capgemini also announced a cut of up to 20 percent cut in variable pay for the year. I believe it is a strategy to downsize, said an IT recruitment firm executive who did not wish to be identified.

On March 31, Capgemini Groups total headcount was 2,03,400, up 3.9 percent from last year, with an increase in employees in offshore centers to 1,15,900, which is 57 percent of the total headcount.

Salary cuts and dismal pay increases are a common strategy for companies going through financial distress. However, this obviously has an impact on employee morale, and top performers usually leave for other companies that offer superior compensation.

But here is the kicker  Capgemini appears to not be under visible financial stress. The company has been posting good results. Paul Hermelin, Chief Executive Officer of Capgemini Group said in a statement earlier on Friday, Capgemini starts the year with an excellent growth momentum. The Group continues to win market share, reflecting the alignment of its service portfolio with customer demand for both innovation and competitiveness. Demand is particularly strong in Europe and North America, driven notably by the financial services, consumer goods and manufacturing sectors.

Digital and cloud revenues grew 20 percent at constant exchange rates and accounted for over 40 percent of group revenues.

It was this dichotomy of the company earning well, but its employees not being allowed to partake in the harvest that was the focus of much incredulity on Twitter. It does feel a bit like an adolescent tantrum, but unfortunately for Capgemini, a huge multinational corporation, I am your parent and I know better therefore is not an acceptable answer.

What has Capgemini said in response to employee disgruntlement? "Our employee remuneration is defined in an objective process, consistent with industry norms, to ensure we are aligned with our customer needs, business priorities, and the overall industry evolution. Annual increments are determined by individual performance and potential, and the strategic business goals of the company," said a Capgemini spokesperson in an email response to Moneycontrol.

In its response to queries from Moneycontrol, the Capgemini spokesperson further said, "We are committed to rewarding top performers and offering them a strong career path, and have successfully completed promotions for 2018. We are also investing heavily in re-skilling our workforce. In 2017, over 60,000 employees in India have undergone training. This year, we aim to provide every employee the opportunity to participate in one or more training programs in emerging digital skills."

In other words, the ones who did not get a hike did not deserve one? Ouch. That has got to hurt. Forget cake, let them eat Crocin.

Neha Alawadhi, reporting on the Capgemini issue on Moneycontrol goes on to expand that the news of mass layoffs in the Indian IT industry has been doing the rounds for over a year now. While the industry and individual companies have consistently denied such reports, industry experts maintain there is a move to reduce the number of people on bench.

Bench is a layer of employees who are not assigned to projects, and kept ready for upcoming projects. As cost pressures increase, companies are looking at just-in-time hiring. Last year, several stories of employees being asked to leave surfaced. In a recording uploaded on YouTube last May, a person claiming to be a Capgemini employee based in Gurgaon had recorded her exit interview, where she can be heard having an argument with two company executives.

According to another industry executive who did not wish to be named, this could be an indirect way to get employees to leave voluntarily instead of asking them to quit.

Only last week, TCS employees expressed unhappiness over flat base salary on a Facebook page called TCS Confessions as the company offered 100% variable pay to many employees. Confessions featured several anonymous disgruntled employees unable to make the connection their companys 100 billion dollar market cap valuation and their own unchanged fortunes.

IT services find themselves at a crossroads  of retaining manpower they have long nurtured and adopting automation and other digital technologies which look set to disrupt their core software maintenance services. Many IT companies have started effective utilisation of large manpower through strategies such as upskilling, redeployment of people in complex technology works. This, analysts said, may have impacted the double digit to high single-digit salary hikes for many technology services professionals. Faster growth and better prices in digital technologies have not been able to offset decline in legacy business of software maintenance, the Economic Times went on to claim in one report.

At many IT services firms the average salary hike for most of the employees has been 3-4% and high performers probably received 8% in the recent past. Perhaps those numbers need revision. But if you were to ask companies, they might say it is the employee number that needs revision.

#GeneralFeeling #Hike - Now all the hard work done by the employees were paid in the form of dividend to shareholders and we are offered peanuts. It is high time people need to start investing in share market rather than believing in the yearly hikes, wrote a member of the TCS Confessions page on April 20.

Capgemini employees might nod in agreement.

And oh! Happy Labour Day to all listening in.6. Niranjan Hiranandani | Co-founder and MD, Hiranandani Group | Net worth: Rs 7,880 crore | City: Mumbai

Hiranandani Group's energy arm is targeting to invest Rs 2,200 crore to build a 635-km natural gas pipeline by 2020, a company official said.

"We expect to get all permissions for the pipeline by October and will start construction by December. It will take 18 months to finish the work," Darshan Hiranandani, managing director and chief executive of H-Energy told PTI here.

He said there are 1,100 permissions required for the pipeline, including 22 river crossings, two national parks, 58 state highway crossings and nine national highway crossings.

The company on Tuesday inaugurated the country's first floating storage regassification unit put up at the JSW- operated port in Ratnagiri district.

Hiranandani, the son of Mumbai-based builder Niranjan Hiranandani, said they have already invested Rs 1,600 crore to create the ground level facilities, including the breakwater, jetty and other infrastructure.

The investment also includes a 60-km pipeline to Dabhol, which will help connect the commodities discharged here by ships with the national gas grid.

The main ship which is docked at the Jaigad Port already has been chartered for a long-term, Hiranandani said.

Dabhol is an important town that hosts the controversial Ratnagiri Power Projects power plant, which was originally known as the Dabhol Power and was put up the disgraced American multinational Enron Corporation in the 1990s.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who inaugurated the facility, said gas from H-Energy will help trim the almost- shut power plant's losses.

At present, gas landing is possible for only six months of a year at Dabhol, whereas the JSW port is operational across the year, he explained.

Hiranandani said the company will commence operations by this October once the pipeline to Dabhol gets completed.

The unit has a current capacity to handle 4 million tonne cargo which can increase to 10 million tonne, he said, without giving any indication about timelines by which it would like to expand.

For the first year, it plans to do 1 million tonne, Hiranandani said, adding the gas will be used for a slew of purposes including serving industrial and residential customers.As per multiple media reports, Amazon and Walmart have expressed interest to invest in Flipkart which is expected to catapult Flipkart's valuation.

Even as speculation builds around the Flipkart-Walmart deal, it seems to be business as usual at the Indian e-commerce companys headquarters in Bengaluru.

US retail giant Walmart is widely expected to make an offer to buy a majority stake in Flipkart, with the deal likely to be signed as early as next week.

The deal will most likely involve Walmart buying a controlling stake of around 55 percent in the Bengaluru-based company.

"We only know what we read in newspapers," an employee told Moneycontrol, asking not to be named.

He said there is no uncertainty about jobs and employees' future as such, because the deal is like any other round of investment by a large investor.

The employee also said that as of now, the subject of the deal with Walmart has not featured in water cooler discussions. The management has also not addressed or spoken about the transaction.

"Of course we compare notes if someone brings it up, but its not an immediate topic of discussion. Flipkart is constantly in the media glare and we can barely catch up with all the news floating around," the Flipkart employee said.

Another senior executive at Flipkart who spoke to Moneycontrol on the condition of anonymity said that the top management has not communicated anything about any deal to the employees, and even if a deal was to happen, employees are not expecting any visible change in the way the company operates.

"As an employee I feel very secured because there is enough cash in the company. So an immediate churn in the employee base is not something many people are expecting," he said.

Flipkart last raised around USD 2.5 billion in August. The round saw the entry of Japan's Softbank as an investor in the company. Flipkart had then announced that it had cash in excess of USD 4 billion on its balance sheet.

While it is being speculated that Walmart may retain the top management of the company after the acquisition goes through, it is also being said that the two founders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal are looking to sell their entire stake in the company.

Is a potential change in the top management a concern? The executive mentioned above disagrees.

"If you talk to any Flipkart employee who has been in the company since the last 2-3 years, you would know that the management change here has been pretty evident. It might be possible that the top management changes again but I don't see that it will be a big surprise for any of us because as employees we are used to to it," he said.

Flipkart elevated Kalyan Krishnamurthy to the chief executive officer's position in January last year. After his elevation, a bunch of senior executives, including Saikiran Krishnamurthy, the head of Ekart, and Samardeep Subandh, Chief Marketing Officer, exited the company.

Back in 2016, the company had made Binny Bansal its chief executive officer, replacing Sachin Bansal, who then started focusing on strategy and fundraising.

Walmart has been on an acquisition spree to strengthen its online presence after it bought Amazon's competitor Jet.com for USD 3.3 billion in 2016.

Led by Marc Lore, Jets former CEO who now heads Walmarts e-commerce division, the retail giant bought e-commerce platform Shoebuy in January 2017, followed by outdoor apparel retailer Moosejaw in February, women's wear site Modcloth in March, direct-to-consumer premium menswear brand Bonobos in June, and last-mile delivery startup Parcel in September.

Interestingly, Lore and the co-founders of Flipkart - Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal - have all worked for Amazon in the past.

Walmart is "trying to create a portfolio of these brands that give us proprietary content for a reason for

millennial to come shop inside the Walmart ecosystem," Adweek quoted Lore as saying last month.He also said at the time that the company wasnt looking at making "billion-dollar acquisitions", something that is set to change with the Flipkart deal.

Neha AlawadhiIndias largest engineering and construction company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its electrical and automation business to Schneider Electric for Rs 14,000 crore. The sale is expected to be completed within 18 months, the company said in an exchange filling.

The deal, part of L&T's plan to sell its non-core units, covers all segments of its electrical and automation business except marine switchgear and servowatch systems, it said.

The E&A business has factories in India as well as in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Malaysia, Indonesia and the United Kingdom. The divisions net revenue for the nine months ended December 31 was up 12 percent at Rs 3,590 crore.

The divestment of E&A business is in line with L&Ts stated intent of unlocking value within the existing business portfolio to streamline and allocate capital and management focus for creating long-term value for our stakeholders, the companys Chief Executive, SN Subrahmanyan, said in the statement.Fortis Healthcare | In the September quarter, Rakesh Junjhunwala held a 2.65 percent holding in the stock, and FIIs have increased its stake to 41.04 percent from 40.98 percent in the June quarter. In FY21 so far the stock price has risen 0 percent to Rs 125.70 as on October 26.

Malaysia's IHH Healthcare and Sunil Munjal-Burmans sweetened their respective bids for Fortis Healthcare on Tuesday, the last day for revising bids.

IHH raised its bid by 9.4 percent to Rs 175 per share, compared to its earlier quote of Rs 160 per share. The Munjal-Burmans raised their bid by 7.2 percent to Rs 172 per share, from Rs 160 earlier.

The Malaysian firm retained rest of the proposals from its previous offer made on April 24. This included a binding proposal to invest Rs 650 crore upfront in the company through a preferential share issue without due diligence. IHH would invest the remaining Rs 3,350 crore through, but not limited to a preferential allotment, rights issue, a combination or other optimal means of solving the company's funding requirements.

"As indicated earlier, we wish to reiterate that we remain flexible to discussing with and jointly working with the Company's Board, the EAC (expert advisory committee) and existing shareholders of the Company towards identifying such other mutually-beneficial instruments," IHH said in a statement.

The Munjal-Burmans latest bid

Munjal-Burmans sweetened the bid by offering to invest Rs 1,800 crore directly into the company without seeking due diligence. Out of Rs 1800, Rs 1,050 crore would be paid upfront. The latest bid is Rs 300 crore higher as compared to the previous one.

Munjal-Burmans said the preferential allotment of warrants for Rs 1,000 crore will be done at Rs 176 a share whereas preferential allotment of equity shares for Rs 800 crore will be done at a price of Rs 167 a share.

To fund the buyout of hospital assets under the Singapore-listed firm RHT, Munjal-Burmans proposed the sale of Fortis' diagnostic arm SRL. If the SRL sale proceeds were insufficient, the duo proposed that the shortfall be funded through a rights issue. If the SRL sale itself did not materialise, then the entire purchase would be funded through a large rights issue, as plan-B.

Munjal-Burmans termed their offer as "simple, straightforward and quickest to implement to provide immediate liquidity to the company."

"We believe that there are several compelling reasons for our investment proposal to be put forward to the shareholders for their urgent consideration as it is in the best interest of all concerned," Munjal-Burmans consortium said.

Munjal and Burmans together hold around 3 percent stake in Fortis.

Fortis Board decision on May 10

IHH Healthcare is now the highest bidder for Fortis, followed by Munjal-Burmans, the KKR-backed Radiant Life Care (Rs 165 per share) and Manipal-TPG (Rs 160.60 per share).

The bidding window for Fortis closed on Tuesday at 12 pm.

Earlier, Fortis had said that the Manipal-TPG consortium would have a chance to revise its offer by May 6, based on bids received on May 1.

This was according to obligations towards the Manipal-TPG consortium, Fortis said.

The expert advisory council, consisting of Deepak Kapoor and Lalit Bhasin, would evaluate the bids after May 6 and recommend the best offer to Fortis' board which will be meeting on May 10.There is good news for over five crore subscribers of retirement fund body EPFO. Soon they may have an option to increase or decrease investments of their provident fund into stocks through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the current fiscal. In its last meeting, the Central Board of Trustees decided to explore the possibility of granting an option to increase or reduce equity allocation to subscribers contributing through ETF above the 15% cap.

The Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) had started investing in ETFs from investible deposits in August 2015. In FY16, it invested five percent of its investible deposits, which was subsequently increased to 10 percent in FY17 and 15 percent in FY18. However, subscribers were not at all pleased with this increase in exposure to equities. There were some who didnt want to risk their retirement corpus built through the EPF route. While other subscribers were keen to increase exposure to equities for better returns in the long-term.

So, what advice do financial experts have for EPFO subscribers looking to increase their exposure to equities through the ETFs route when the option is opened up?

Several investors are not reasonably patient with their active investments and panic when they see volatility in the market. Chenthil Iyer, a Sebi registered investment adviser and author of 'Everyone Has an Eye on Your Wallet! Do You?' said these investors generally invest only in fixed deposits and post office schemes. "For such investors, increasing the equity exposure through EPF route may be a good option as it is a passive mode of investing and ensures a long-term commitment.

For investors who manage their active investments and have a well-diversified portfolio, Iyer recommends a minimum equity exposure.

Arvind Laddha, Deputy CEO, JLT, has a word of caution. In the past, there have been negative returns for consecutive two-to-three years or even more from equity markets and this could compromise the savings of EPFO subscribers which they are not used to.

As not all investors understand the risk of equities and their volatile nature of returns, Kalpesh Mehta, Partner at Deloitte India, feels an investor should also consider one's age, risk appetite, financial obligations and total net worth before increasing exposure to equities through ETFs.

Here are the benefits of increasing investments in ETFs through EPF contribution as explained by Amit Gopal, Senior Vice President, India Life Capital: 1) Regular monthly SIP because of mandatory contributions; 2) Inexpensive as employees (contributors) dont have to pay fund management fees in the current model of EPF; and 3) Tax advantages on contributions. To this, Colonel Sanjeev Govila, CEO, Hum Fauji Initiatives lists institutional framework taking care of selection and research of equities while investing.

Gopal highlights drawbacks such as insufficient administrative track record, illiquidity associated with a retirement fund product, absence of choice in fund manager and products.

To this, Iyer cautions, Putting the responsibility of equity exposure of this fund on the individual may expose it to the vagaries of the individuals risk perception, leading to possible over-exposure.

EPF needs to be investor friendly with additional facilities of enhancing and reducing equity allocation which is likely to be made available in the coming two-to-three months. Iyer feels periodic electronic statements should be mailed to the subscribers which clearly mentions the amount and number of units available in ETF.

"Further an automatic mode of distributing the contribution into equity and debt should be made available based on the age of the individual just like NPS. This, he feels, will ensure minimum manual intervention in decision-making with regard to equity exposure.

According to Goyal, while EPFO have described some methods of passing on returns, nothing concrete has been implemented. "It is unclear how they will ford the system and governance challenges that could arise.

It would therefore be good if these issues are resolved before increased allocation and employee choices are implemented. An investor needs to keep a track of this developments for their own benefit.

The whole theme of EPFO providing these choices to increase and reduce equity exposure is a case of duplication of effort and design. Financial experts are advising investors to leverage existing options.

The NPS already provides the same structure and benefit. Integrating it with the EPFO and permitting portability is a more efficient way of enhancing employee choice. NPS already has the architecture and track record of administering an employee choice model, Gopal added.live bse live

nse live Volume Todays L/H More 

The Nifty and the Sensex comfortably closed above their psychological barriers of 10,700 and 35,000, respectively, on Monday on the back of better quarterly earnings reported by India Inc, and positive global cues.

Last week, the Nifty reclaimed the 10,700 mark intraday during one of the sessions, while the S&P BSE Sensex had a touch-and-go moment with the crucial 35,000 mark. The Nifty rallied 1.2 percent and the Sensex gained 1.6 percent during the week.

The Nifty concluded the April futures and options series a tad above 10,600, with a gain of around 5 percent over its penultimate expiry. Benchmark indices broke above key resistance levels as India Inc posted a strong set of numbers for the March quarter.

From the list of companies that reported quarterly earnings last week, here are five on which brokers have 'buy' recommendations, and which could net as much as 5-30 percent on the bourses.

Shriram Transport Finance: CMP Rs 1,627

Brokerage: Emkay | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 1818 | Returns: 12%

Shriram Transport Finance's delivered robust operating performance in Q4FY18 with NII growth of 38.1% at Rs 1,980 crore, supported by disbursement growth of 43.8% and AUM growth of 21% to Rs 95,310 crore, YoY.

We upgrade our FY19/20E earnings estimates by an average 1.3%. We believe CV cyclical uptrend and increasing share of diversified lending segments will keep growth momentum steady. We maintain buy with a revised target of Rs 1,818.

The company recommended a final dividend of Rs 6 per share (i.e. 60%) for the financial year ended March 31, 2018.

Shriram City Union Finance: CMP Rs 2395

Brokerage: HDFC Securities | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 2527 | Returns: 5.5%

Shriram City Union Finance's 4Q results were bogged down by the shift to 90DPD. Higher provisions (2x sequentially) led to a significant miss on net earnings. Opex jumped primarily driven by higher staff costs as SCUF built up higher bench strength.

We believe there is immense potential for SCUF in the SME space given the governments focus on this segment. Optimizing branch productivity and the maturing system of standardized sourcing and underwriting will key drivers of SME growth.

With well capitalized B/S and wide spread presence, we believe growth revival is a given. Dip in provisions and a tight leash on costs will boost return ratios 49bps over FY18-20E. Maintain buy with target of Rs 2,527.

The company recommended a final dividend of Rs 12 (i.e. 120 percent) per equity share subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing annual general meeting of the company.

Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management: CMP Rs 253

Brokerage: JM Financial | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 330 | Returns: 30%

Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (RNAM) reported a strong quarter with PAT for 4QFY18 up 35% YoY at Rs 16200 crore. Company's profitability

witnessed a sharp uptick in 4QFY18, with PAT / QAAUM at 26bps for the quarter and 24bps for the full year FY18.

We believe the resultant compression on net revenue yields will to a large extent be offset by the strong growth in other income from PMS/ AIF/ offshore businesses which are shaping up well. We factor in a 2% / 5% earnings cut for FY19E/FY20E and value RNAM at 28x FY20E EPS to arrive at our revised 12-month target of Rs 330 per share.

Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management at its meeting held on April 25 has recommended a dividend of Re 1 per equity share.

Maruti Suzuki: CMP Rs 8783

Brokerage: JM Financial | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 10,200 | Returns: 16%

Maruti Suzuki reported 4QFY18 with EBITDA margin at 14.2%, topline at Rs 20600 crore, which is inline, driven by 11% YoY volume growth and 3% expansion in realisation on healthy sales mix and lower discounts.

With new model launches and continued network expansion, we stay positive on company's long-term growth prospects. Maintain buy on the stock with target of Rs 10,200. Sharp rise in raw material costs, sharp yen appreciation, slower than expected demand are key risks.

Maruti Suzuki India has considered and recommended a final dividend of Rs 80 per share for the financial year 2017-18.

UPL: CMP Rs 740

Brokerage: Dolat Capital | Rating: Accumulate | Target: Rs 880 | Returns: 19%

UPL's net sales grew by 7% to Rs 5690 crore, volume growth during the quarter was 8% and exchange impact of -1%. Adjusted EBITDA grew by 9% to Rs 1220 crore higher than our estimate by 3%. PAT de-grew by a percent to Rs 740 crore.

We believe UPL should be able to grow by 12% CAGR over FY18-20E supported by growth in India and LaTAm and we expect earnings CAGR of 16% over the same period. The valuations are attractive at 16x and 14x FY19E and FY20E. We maintain accumulate with a target price of Rs 880.

The company recommended a dividend at 400% (i.e. Rs. 8 per equity share) on the equity shares of Rs 2 each, subject to approval of members at the ensuing annual general meeting.

The views and investment tips expressed by brokerages 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.M Gautham Machaiah

On the eve of the Karnataka assembly elections, the Congress appears keen to take its fight for cooperative federalism to its logical end. After sparring with the Centre over devolution of funds and greater autonomy to states, the Congress has now not only proposed that Bengaluru be named the second capital of India, but has also committed to invest Rs 1 lakh crore on upgrading the citys infrastructure.

The idea was first mooted in January this year when Karnataka industries minister RV Deshpande wrote to prime minister Narendra Modi seeking the second capital status for Bengaluru. Stating that the present "distance administrative system" does not do any justice to the South, the minister argued: "A county of the size and scale of India cannot be managed from one location. A second capital will help in deeper integration of the Southern states into the overall scheme of development and create a decentralised system."

Seeking the establishment of the Supreme Court and the Union Public Service Commission, and holding the winter session of Parliament in Bengaluru as the initial steps, Deshpande went on to list out various reasons for why Bengaluru fits the bill the best. "As a cosmopolitan city, it houses people of different cultures and is probably the only metro in the country where you can manage by knowing any one of the Indian languages."

The Congress' supplementary manifesto released for the Karnataka elections lists a bunch of measures that will be undertaken to make "Bengaluru eligible for consideration as the second capital". Besides a massive overhaul of infrastructure, the proposals include splitting the mammoth city corporation into smaller units to make civic administration manageable, installation of solar panels on rooftops of all government buildings, extending metro services to adjoining districts, building concrete roads across the city, and augmenting drinking water supply.

On the issue of devolution, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been leading the charge from the front, while the manifesto promises that the Congress will fight for higher allocation of funds from the Centre to Karnataka.

In a recent update posted on social media, Siddaramaiah said: "The Southern states contribute higher taxes and receive a lesser share in the form of devolution from the Centre. For every rupee of tax contributed by Uttar Pradesh it receives Rs 1.79 in return, while Karnataka gets back only Rs 0.47. While I recognise the need for correcting regional imbalances, where is the reward for development?"

Calling for a greater say for states in the countrys economic policies, Siddaramaiah added: "The economic policy that affects Indias commerce with the rest of the world also impacts the states. Yet, the states do not have a say in these policies. For instance, the South Asia Free Trade Agreement which facilitated import of cheap pepper from Vietnam adversely affected the farmers of Karnataka and Kerala. There is a need for a standing mechanism on the lines of the GST council to discuss trade policy and agrarian concerns."

The issue of fund allocation and utilisation has hoarded a lot of attention during the ongoing election campaign in Karnataka, with BJP chief Amit Shah repeatedly accusing the Congress government of pilferage and the latter stoutly denying the charge.

Though caste politics and mud-slinging continue to overshadow the election scene, the fact that important national issues like the Centre's relationships with states, and federalism are hotly debated comes as a breath of fresh air.

(The author is a political commentator and a senior journalist)07:22 PM IST

Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Bengaluru:

BJP is a grounded party which strives to work for the interests of the common man. We do not indulge in mahakaavyas, we make promises and fulfill them. Our manifesto is in the form of a set of promises-- to end corruption, to provide sufficient water for irrigation, for getting higher price for crop produce, for skilled development and for employment. We have made a promise to provide a conducive environment for entrepreneurship. We have made a promise to provide safety to the women of Bengaluru.

And in the first meeting that the party addresses after ovrthrowing the Siddaramaiah government, the roadmap for these promises will be prepared.

A Russia-made floating nuclear power plant called Akademik Lomonosov commenced its maiden voyage. The controversial vessel is built by Russia and environmentalist have dubbed it "nuclear Titanic". (Image: Reuters)

Akademik Lomonosov is the first nuclear plant in its class. It is capable of producing enough energy to power a city of 200,000 people. According to the owner of the 70-megawatt floating nuclear power plant, Rosatom, the craft is being towed through the Baltic Sea to a base in Murmansk. (Image: Reuters)

The floating nuclear plant is being criticised by environmental groups as they feel it poses a threat to the environment. (Image: Reuters)

Rosatoms project has branded as a "floating Chernobyl" by Greenpeace. (Image: Reuters)

A Russian flag flutters as Akademik Lomonosov, is towed to an Atomflot base in Murmansk for nuclear fuel loading. (Image: Reuters)

Workers are seen on the nuclear atomic icebreaker "Arktika" operated by Rosatomflot watch the as Akademik Lomonosov is being towed to the Atomflot base in Murmansk for nuclear fuel loading, in St Petersburg. (Image: Reuters)

Fishermen sail past the floating nuclear power plant. (Image: Reuters)Whistlers benchmark housing prices in the detached and townhome categories have surpassed Vancouvers, and the reason could be Vail Ski Resorts Epic Pass.

They took over Whistler Blackcomb this past year, and of the things that did was open up a market for us that we never used to havethey have the Epic Pass, which allows clients to ski at many different resorts, and it opened up the New York buyers, said Karen Garrett, broker and co-owner of DLC Sea to Sky Mortgage Team (2017). They never came to Whistler Blackcomb, but on the Epic Pass they can. Its a different echelon of buyer; youre still seeing very deep pockets but theyre just coming from other places, or theyre more wealthy clients buying into Whistler.

According to Bloomberg News, a detached house in Whistler costs $1.67mln4% more than it does in Vancouverand the Whistler Housing Authority says a third of businesses were incapable of finding enough staff last year because of the exorbitant cost of living.The bank pays its advisors every two weeks, with the second monthly check including commission the advisor earned the previous month, according to Financial Advisor IQ.

Wells Fargo contends that this timing is lawful, because the wages are paid in the pay period following that in which they are earned and that it would be administratively impractical to pay the amounts sooner, the settlement document said. Wells Fargo further contends that financial advisors have the option to receive payments in advance of this pay schedule based on estimates, and relatively few financial advisors select this option.

But the advisors said that the practice delayed their pay unfairly, Financial Advisor IQ reported.

The settlement is the latest in a string of bad publicity for the bank. The Labor Department is currently investigating the bank for allegedly pressuring customers to enroll in high-cost individual retirement accounts. Wells Fargo was also recently fined $1 billion for its mortgage and auto insurance practices. Its also been repeatedly sued for discriminatory lending and accused of retaliating against whistleblowers. Its troubles kicked off in late 2016, when it was revealed that employees of the bank had opened as many as 3.5 million unauthorized customer accounts.At the Offshore Technology Conference, people selling everything from valves and seals to titanium pipe and A.I.-based automated sensors are talking about one thing: the surging oil fields in West Texas.

For 50 years, the oil industry's largest annual summit, a weeklong gathering of energy professionals that began on Monday, has served as a pedestal to the biggest and most advanced pieces of oil equipment and technology around, and invariably the most impressive specimens scattered across the vast exhibit hall floor of the NRG Center are meant to wind up on the floor of the ocean, rather than on dry land.

But $68 per barrel oil has drawn U.S. shale drillers into a new oil boom in the Permian Basin, the oil play in West Texas and New Mexico that boasts multiple layers of oil-soaked rock. That has brought about the most important shift for Houston's huge crop of companies that make stuff and sell it to oil producers: Last year, companies mostly just repaired their equipment, and this year, they're making new stuff.

Related: 50th OTC begins with cautious optimism

But outside of the U.S. shale plays, and especially in offshore fields, everything is still quiet.

"Offshore is still zero," in terms of manufacturing activity, Mike Rios, a Houston sales manager at automated oil field sensor maker GP:50. "It's very expensive to drill offshore so it's going to be the last thing to pick up. It's going to take a long time."

Major oil companies like Chevron, Shell and BP still have vast and growing operations in the Gulf of Mexico, but a slew of mid-tier public oil producers like Noble Energy, Apache Corp. and Devon Corp. have abandoned the region, selling assets to private groups and heading for West Texas. In the Permian Basin, companies like sealing device maker MFP Seals are practically elbowing each other for the booming business.

"That's where things are getting very competitive this year," said Edward Mihalik, a Houston salesman at Michigan-based MFP Seals, which sells gaskets and hydraulic seals for drilling pipe. "Things are going crazy in West Texas."

Mihalik had nothing but good to say about the West Texas boom, but he doesn't believe there's any comparable renaissance coming for offshore drilling projects, which take a long-term upfront investment from oil companies. For now, those ventures are too risky, Mihalik said.

"One minute you're making money hand over fist, the next you thank God you don't have any debt  that's the problem with oil and gas," Mihalik said.

Related: Offshore industry embraces tech advances, but at a cost to workers

U.S. crude prices are hovering close to $70 a barrel, but prices could easily reverse if market forces let up amid tension in the Middle East. Steve Sharp, a national salesman at Sugar Land titanium pipe supplier Titanium Engineers, said he's cautiously optimistic about demand for oil field equipment.

"Things seem to be coming around but people want to see oil here for more than just a few months," Sharp said. "It takes months or years to get this high and it could take 10 days to be back at $28 a barrel."

Large oil companies, Sharp noted, are trying to show investors they can make better returns, and aren't pouring much cash into research and development efforts, affecting demand for titanium pipe, which is more resistant to high pressures and temperatures than regular steel pipe but far more expensive.

"We've seen a little bit of an uptick since October," Sharp said. But most of that growth has come in West Texas. "Offshore has been pretty quiet," he said. "It's expensive to get the oil out of there."Union Pacific is looking to hire and is offering up to $25,000 in incentives for new employees. BSNF Railway is also looking to fill multiple positions after experiencing a reported talent shortage.

"Do you have what it takes to keep our 8,600 locomotives moving through the western two-thirds of the country?" Union Pacific tweeted on April 23. "We're offering up to $25,000 in hiring incentives."The man who led the Bandidos Motorcycle Club for a decade testified at his own racketeering trial on Monday that hes not guilty of any of a host of crimes blamed on his group, and that the organizations more than 120 chapters are autonomous and run independently from the national chapter.

Jeffrey Fay Pike, 62, who joined the Bandidos in 1979 and was national president from 2006 until he stepped down after he and then-national vice president John Xavier Portillo were arrested in January 2016, described the Bandidos as a brotherhood of like-minded individuals who like motorcycles.

Pike, testifying in his own defense, also said he was unaware of racketeering crimes that include three murders and beatings or intimidation of rivals or fellow Bandidos alleged in a 27-page federal indictment against Pike and Portillo.

RELATED: Bandidos' secrets spilled by ex-national ranking member

Pike, who is to be cross-examined today by prosecutors and Portillos lawyers, said he did not authorize or order any of the violence or intimidation, and didnt sanction a war against the Cossacks Motorcycle Club, who appear throughout the indictment as targets of the Bandidos.

Former Bandidos have testified during the lengthy trial of a turf war with the Cossacks over their use of a patch on their motorcycle vests saying Texas, which is considered the Bandidos home and territory. The ex-Bandidos, now cooperating with the feds, testified that they took orders from from national members led by Pike, or El Presidente, and Portillo, El Vice Presidente.

Pike disputed the turf war, adding that he authorized the Cossacks to wear the Texas patch.

I like it when everybody gets along, Pike said. I dont like drama.

RELATED: Former Bandidos enforcer describes hit on Hells Angels member

Pike denied assertions that national officers can give local chapters their marching orders.

They dont have any authority over individual chapters, Pike said. The individual chapters run themselves. 

The ex-members also said the Bandidos periodic motorcycle runs or rallies to places like Galveston, Red River, New Mexico, and Sturgis, South Dakota, serve, in part, to discuss the clubs criminal endeavors, from discipline of wayward members to violence against rivals.

But when Pike was asked by his lawyer, Dick DeGuerin, what the Bandido runs are all about, Pike said: Its about getting your friends and your family together and just having a good time. ... Its most peoples vacation or summer vacation and thats the way we choose to spend it.

DeGuerin aimed to distance Pike from nefarious acts alleged by the ex-Bandidos who said Pike was insulated from the criminality by underlings, including Portillo of San Antonio.

At times, the testimony and the secretive wiretap and confidential informant recordings that prosecutors presented to the jury appeared to suggest that Portillo  whom Pike picked as vice president in 2013  was running the Bandidos and sanctioned the illegal conduct.

Law officers say the Bandidos grew to become one of the countrys largest and most feared biker gangs, whose members proudly wear a patch identifying them as 1 percenters  outlaws.

But Pike disputed that connotation, as well as the meaning of other patches that Bandidos wear on their cuts, or vests.

We always wear a 1 percent patch out of tradition, Pike testified. It certainly isnt meant to show society that youre breaking the law, because I dont have time.

Pike, who lives with his accountant wife in a home he built himself on a 5-acre spread near Conroe, north of Houston, said he spends his time working at his business restoring classic cars and motorcycles, tending to family and to animals on his property. His last arrest was in 1992 for criminal mischief, when he bypassed the electric meter on my house, he said.

Pike worked as a dishwasher and cook in California before moving to Texas in 1973, where he worked as a homebuilder in Houston until 1985.

He said he was introduced to the Bandidos by Jim Sprocket Lyles, who worked at a Harley-Davidson dealership in Houston and was a past national president of the Bandidos before Pike. Pike joined the Bandidos in 1979.

His predecessor, George Wegers, appointed Pike national vice president in 1999 but that the role was little more than a sounding board.

Wegers and several other Bandidos were sent to prison in 2005 in a federal racketeering case in Washington state, and Pike took over the club in 2006.

Pike testified he tried to instill reforms, including doing away with patches and other Bandidos items that described women as property.

Pike said he did not tolerate Bandidos being involved in drug dealing, but added that he did not know that some members were doing it, including Justin Forster and Johnny Downtown Romo, both of San Antonio and former national sergeants-at-arms who turned key government witnesses.

Romo testified that Portillo passed down orders in March 2006 from Pike to kill Anthony Benesh for trying to set up a Hells Angels chapter. But Pike testified that relations with the Hells Angels have been cordial since at least the 1980s and that there were no problems with them in 2006. He added that he was one of 13 Bandidos who rode to California and hung out with members of the Hells Angels Ventura chapter.

Forster testified that he carried out Pikes orders to kick out Ernie Morgas, a Bandidos chapter president in El Paso and regional officer, because Morgas had opposed Pikes proposal to split the Bandidos in the U.S. from chapters in Europe and Australia. Foster also testified that Pike dispatched him to use violence to kick out the president of the Bandidos Costa Rica chapter for the same reason, but Forster couldnt find him.

Pike acknowledged he asked other Bandidos  not Forster  to take the patches of the Costa Rica chapter president, but no violence was used to obtain them.

Pike denied any knowledge in the retaliation killing of street gang member Robert Lara in 2001, the 2014 shooting death of Geoffrey Brady, a member of a Cossacks support club, the beatings of Cossacks in August 2015 in Port Aransas and several other clashes with the Cossacks.

Pike said he wanted the Bandidos to attract more mainstream and family-oriented members  different, younger people, more settled, I guess you would say.

I didnt really lead them at all, Pike said. I just set an example, and if they chose to follow me, they did.

Pikes lawyers informed Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra that they plan to call as a witness Ralph Sonny Barger, a founding member of the Oakland, California, chapter of the Hells Angels. Barger, who reportedly cant travel because of medical reasons, could testify via video as early as today, provided that Pike finishes testifying and, if his legal team can overcome technical difficulties they were experiencing Monday during tests.

Portillos lead lawyer, Mark Stevens, wouldnt say if Portillo will testify in his own defense.

Guillermo Contreras is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | gcontreras@express-news.net | @gmaninfedlandStudent writer and first-time Michigan Technological University Design Expo visitor Wynter Lindgren gets an eyefuland talks to the winnersat the 2018 showcase of Enterprise and Senior Design projects.

This was my first time going to Design Expo and Im mad at myself for never having gone before. You know when you can see passion in someone? Thats what I got to see at Design Expo. It was a reminder why I came to Michigan Tech in the first place: because students are spirited, dedicated and innovative. Each of the 73 teams were ready with posters and presentations. Students worked long hours on these projects. This was their time to shine.

My typical Thursday would have started by trying to get to class on time. Instead, I made my way up to the Memorial Union Building ballroom to explore the array of projects. The partitions were pulled back to accommodate everyone coming and going. But it still felt a bit cramped because it was packed with posters, prototypes and people.

More than 1,000 students filled the room with conversation, talking to visitors and judges. I was able to sneak in some questions of my own. Everyone was willing to talk; it wasnt just because they had to. These students were thrilled to share what they had done and wanted tell us about it.

I walked around the hectic ballroom checking out the different teams. It was difficult to decide who to talk to in the short time I had before my class started. The exhibit space was divided into separate Senior Design and Enterprise sections.

To my left, the BoardSport Technologies caught my attention with their split snurfer project. As we talked, I found out they are working on multiple projects, including a sit ski for those with minimal or no leg mobility. On the other side of the room, I talked to a team that worked with Stryker to modify a handpiece used in brain surgery. Their modifications combine two pieces of technology to be functional and help reduce the probability of injury from having to change instruments.

During all of this excitement, the teams have to be constantly prepared for judging. Answering questions and explaining the project is crucial to winning. While their speaking skills are tested, the visuals of their media are scored as well. Teams are awarded cash prizes for placing in their categories. Scoring a cash prize is great, but what students most value is the experience.

Presenting at the Design Expo was a great capstone to all the hard work my team and I have put in throughout these last two semesters. It was awesome to be able to share our research and design fabrication with the public and the judges, as well as our fellow students, said Peter Beach, a member of the Senior Design team that won the first place Pavlis Honors College Design Expo Innovation Award.

When I had a spare minute or two, I enjoyed being able to go around and see what the rest of the teams were working on. Michigan Tech's Senior Design and Enterprise programs are so unique in their ability to prepare students for the workforce, and I'm glad my team and I were able to participate. Peter Beach, Senior Design team member

Design Expo is just a taste of what students get to do once they graduate. If their performances from the day are just the beginning, they're set to take on the world.

Expo is a community-industry collaboration

Design Expo's support system includes more than 120 partners and sponsors.

Design Expo's directing partner is ITC. Collaborating partners are ArcelorMittal, Black & Veatch, Code Blue, Ford, Miller, Michigan Technological University Innovation and Commercialization, OHM and Plexus. Innovating partners are American Transmission Company and Kimberly-Clark. The numerous sponsors provide students with challenges that require them to push harder than they've ever had to before. Without all of these supporters, the event wouldnt be possible.

Sponsors for Expo 2019 and beyond are always welcome.

Check out Michigan Tech Unscripted for a behind-the-scenes look at how a four-member Senior Design team and one of the largest Enterprise teams at Michigan Tech prepped for Expo.

... and the winners are: Senior Design Awards (based on poster/video) First place: Performance and Protection Characterization of Plug and Play Solar Systems

(team 233)

Team Members: Lauren Clark, Erik Romanski, Gabe Simmering, and Jason Wesley, Electrical Engineering

Advisor: Sumit Paudyal, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Sponsor: Consumers Energy

Team Members: Lauren Clark, Erik Romanski, Gabe Simmering, and Jason Wesley, Electrical Engineering Advisor: Sumit Paudyal, Electrical and Computer Engineering Sponsor: Consumers Energy Second place: Vibration-Induced Muffler Failure Problem (team 248)

Team Members: Carl Jolma, Scott Pederson, Stuart Crewdson, Cam Dulong, Jared Richards, and Chet Halonen, Mechanical Engineering

Advisor: Charles Van Karsen, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

Sponsor: Ardisam

Team Members: Carl Jolma, Scott Pederson, Stuart Crewdson, Cam Dulong, Jared Richards, and Chet Halonen, Mechanical Engineering Advisor: Charles Van Karsen, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Sponsor: Ardisam Third place: Keel Cooler Efficiency Improvement (team 245)

Team Members: Neil Olson, Harrison Cannon, Daanish Tyrewala, Shveta Dhamankar, and Colin Neuman, Mechanical Engineering

Advisor: Jaclyn Johnson, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

Sponsor: R. W. Fernstrum Enterprise Awards (based on poster and presentation) First place: CinOptic Communication and Media (team 120)

Team Leaders: Eric Smith, Audio Engineering and Nathan Shaiyen, Communication, Culture, and Media

Advisor: Erin Smith, Humanities

Sponsors: Pavlis Honors College, William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning

Team Leaders: Eric Smith, Audio Engineering and Nathan Shaiyen, Communication, Culture, and Media Advisor: Erin Smith, Humanities Sponsors: Pavlis Honors College, William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning Second place: Consumer Product Manufacturing (team 112)

Team Leaders: Elizabeth Barber and Jacquelyn Lahnanen, Chemical Engineering

Advisors: Tony Rogers and Sean Clancy, Chemical Engineering

Sponsors: NanoMag, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, Schmohz Brewing Co., General Motors, Kohler, Solvay

Team Leaders: Elizabeth Barber and Jacquelyn Lahnanen, Chemical Engineering Advisors: Tony Rogers and Sean Clancy, Chemical Engineering Sponsors: NanoMag, Yanfeng Automotive Interiors, Schmohz Brewing Co., General Motors, Kohler, Solvay Third place: Wireless Communication Enterprise (team 116)

Team Leaders: Alex Mahler and Nick Zayan, Computer Engineering

Advisor: Christopher Cischke, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Sponsors: Ford Motor Company, Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly Design Expo Innovation Awards, sponsored by the Pavlis Honors College Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship (ICE) First place: Nerve Stimulation through Powered Surgical Instruments: Cerebral Ultrasonic Aspiration (team 214)

Team Members: Peter Beach, Sterling Korstad, Ana-Lisia Powdhar, Matthew Sampson, and Rachel Stites, Biomedical Engineering

Advisor: Orhan Soykan, Biomedical Engineering

Sponsor: Stryker Instruments

Team Members: Peter Beach, Sterling Korstad, Ana-Lisia Powdhar, Matthew Sampson, and Rachel Stites, Biomedical Engineering Advisor: Orhan Soykan, Biomedical Engineering Sponsor: Stryker Instruments Second place: Development of a Novel Blubber-Only Satellite Telemetry Tag for Humpback Whale Conservation (team 223)

Team Members: Ariana Tyo, Reis Jones, Monica Nelson, Elizabeth Bloch, and Alex Undlin, Biomedical Engineering

Advisor: Rupak Rajachar, Biomedical Engineering

Sponsors: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI)

Team Members: Ariana Tyo, Reis Jones, Monica Nelson, Elizabeth Bloch, and Alex Undlin, Biomedical Engineering Advisor: Rupak Rajachar, Biomedical Engineering Sponsors: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) Third place: Rapid Prototyping of Ultrasound Elastography Phantom for Breast Cancer Detection (team 227)

Team Members: Ariana Tyo, Reis Jones, Monica Nelson, Elizabeth Bloch, and Alex Undlin, Biomedical Engineering

Advisor: Rupak Rajachar, Biomedical Engineering

Sponsors: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) Design Expo Image Contest First Place: Formula SAE (team 103)

Second Place: Advanced Metalworks Enterprise (team 117)

Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigans Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.Parental neglect cause of indiscipline in ...NOTICE:

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MUGSHOTS.COM IS A NEWS ORGANIZATION. WE POST AND WRITE THOUSANDS OF NEWS STORIES A YEAR, MOST WANTED STORIES, EDITORIALS (UNDER CATEGORIES - BLOG) AND STORIES OF EXONERATIONS. OUR CONTENT REVOLVES AROUND CRIME, ARRESTS AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT. WE BELIEVE IN THE CONSTITUTION AND OUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT TO PUBLISH UNPOPULAR SPEECH. OPEN RECORD LAWS WERE WRITTEN TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC; BY INFORMING THE PUBLIC OF ARRESTS AND TO HOLD LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE HUMANE TREATMENT OF ARRESTEES. MOST OF, IF NOT ALL MUGSHOT LAWS WERE CRAFTED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC FROM FEES FOR REMOVAL OF ONLINE MUGSHOTS AND TO FURTHER PROTECT THE PRESS FROM THOSE VERY SAME "MUGSHOT LAWS".WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENT FOR REMOVAL OF ARREST INFORMATION AND/OR BOOKING PHOTOGRAPHS. MORE...Les lunettes de marque ne sont pas ce qui manque dans les commerces. Il y en a de toutes les sortes dont les lunettes de []San Andreas, CA  The California Highway Patrol Valley Division Chiefs Commendation will be given to a local officer at the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club weekly luncheon on May 3rd at 12:00 pm at the Historic Murphys Hotel.

Valley Division Assistant Chief Ryan Stonebraker will present Officer Josh Wilkinson his commendation award to recognize his interactions with a local homeless individual that was observed and reported by local resident Andi Kinyon.

Kinyon posted to Facebook:

Just now at the gas station in Murphys, I saw Gary who is a very kind homeless man. I hadnt seen him in a long time and I had been a bit worried about him. There was rain in the forecast so I gave him an extra umbrella that I had. As I was walking away a CA Highway Patrol drove up on him. I hung back for a moment, afraid that they were going to give him a hard time. Gary is elderly, and very kind and honest. I didnt catch the officers name, but he got out of his patrol car and said to Gary I told you I would find you and proceeded to walk around to the back of his car and get a pair of brand new leather boots out of his truck. He handed them to Gary, and then they embraced and I was just so moved by this gesture. I am so proud to call Calaveras County my home, and wanted to remind you all how good our police force is.

Officer Wilkinson started with the CHP in October 2007. He has worked in the East Los Angeles, Modesto, San Andreas, Ebbetts Pass Resident Post offices. Officer Tobias Butzler thanks the Angels-Murphys Rotary Club for hosting the award presentation.

The CHP Valley Division serves the greater Sacramento area, encompassing ten counties, including Calaveras up to Lake Tahoe.Michelle Fuentes Welcomes Guests At Ribbon Cutting View Photos

Sonora, CA  This afternoon the community celebrated the completion of construction of Adventist Health Sonoras new 64,000 sq. ft. Health Pavilion and Diana J. White Cancer Institute at the intersection of Mono Way and Greenley Road.

The three-story building is filled with natural light, open spaces and elements of nature. During a ceremony held this afternoon prior to the ribbon cutting, in a tent adjacent to the building, new Adventist Health Sonora President Michelle Fuentes said everything inside was done intentional and on purpose, around the idea of healing, hope and inspiration.

It was noted that 250 individual community donations were given to the project, totaling around $5-million. Former Adventist Health Sonora President Andrew Jahn, who now holds a leadership post with Adventist Health in Southern California, personally thanked some of the notable donors, including the late George and Diana White (who had many family members on hand), the family of Joe and Joyce Martin, H. Randolph and Betty Holder, the Sonora Area Foundation and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians/Black Oak Casino Resort.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Mario Delise, the Director of Mission Integration, Shane Tipton, Director of Oncology Services, Jerry Kurtz, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Chad Ballard, Director of Rehabilitation Services, Greg McCullough, Finance Officer, Ed Ammon, President of Adventist Healths Central Valley Health Foundation, and Wayne Ferch, President of Adventist Healths Central California Region.

After the ribbon was cut, the hundreds on hand took a tour of the facility and saw firsthand that the ground floor is focused on radiation oncology and diagnostic imaging. The second floor houses primary care providers, rehabilitation services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and an outpatient laboratory. The third floor has medical oncology and infusion.

Afterwards, Fuentes told Clarke Broadcasting, Were excited about the state of the art technology this building is going to have, as well as the high quality care that were going to be giving the patients of Tuolumne County. The tent was filled today with people from our community, and I just want to say thank you to them for their support.Otto Catrina Speaks At Housing Summit View Photos

Tuolumne, CA  Around 100 took part in a Tuolumne County Housing Summit held Monday at the Black Oak Casino Resort.

It was spearheaded by the Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority and sponsored by the Tuolumne County Business Council, Tuolumne County Association of Realtors, Rural County Representatives Of California, PG&E and the Central Sierra Economic Development District.

Speakers included Kim Dolbow Vann, the State Director of USDA Rural Development in California, Otto Catrina, State Director of the California Association of Realtors, Peter Turnball, Manager of the Commercial Buildings and Zero Net Energy Program at PG&E and Craig Ferguson, Vice President of the Rural County Representatives of California. Tuolumne County Supervisor Randy Hanvelt and Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority Director Larry Cope helped moderate the event.

During the morning session, Catrina spoke about the state of housing in California. He noted that it can cost between $125,000 to $200,000 in places like the Bay Area to simply acquire all the fees and permits needed to begin construction on a dwelling. He stated that the California legislature currently feels rent control is the solution, but he argued that more supply is the real need. He also noted there has been little to no movement recently on efforts to reform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). He stated that CEQA doesnt need to be blown up, but modernized.

Supervisor Hanvelt encouraged those in attendance to get involved and let their voice be heard on the issue.

It was also noted locally that during the first quarter of 2018 the average sales price for homes in Tuolumne County was $344,000, compared to $319,000 during the same period a year ago. It is much higher in other areas of the state, as the median price for California is $544,000.

Speaking about the event as a whole, Cope stated afterwards, What were hoping is that some of the individuals that were there heard about things like financing mechanisms or zero net energy opportunities that that they had not known about. Were hoping that they can apply those for their projects, and we can have more housing for our residents.

The event ran from 11am-2pm. On hand were numerous locally elected officials, business leaders and realtors.Big Dreams Park and Playground Ribbon Cutting View Photos

View Video

Tuolumne, CA  With shovels in hand, many local kids turned over the first dirt for the Big Dreams Universally Accessible Park and Playground in Tuolumne.

Supporters raised around $340,000 over the past five years to make the project a reality. We reported last month that the final $20,000-plus was raised at the Sonora Sunrise Rotary Clubs Celebrity Dinner at the Black Oak Casino Resort. The playground will be constructed next to the Tuolumne Veterans Memorial Hall, replacing the existing park with one that is accessible for residents of all ages and disabilities. It will be a place where families can come together in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.

Leader of the Big Dreams effort, Sarah Garcia, whose daughter Ruby was the initial inspiration for the project, says the hope is to have the playground completed by around the first of September. However, she notes that since the group is relying on a lot of volunteer labor, the date is subject to change.

Click on the video box to learn more about the project.The Odessa Police Department Honor Guard attended the funeral today for fallen Dallas Police Officer Rogelio Santander Jr., 27, according to a press release from the Odessa Police Department.

The funeral took place at the Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall.When Sean Hannity, the popular Fox News host, was revealed this month to be a property owner and landlord of considerable scale, it highlighted how opaque the housing market has become.

Owning real estate in limited liability companies, as The Guardian reported that Hannity does, is a perfectly legal and increasingly popular practice. But the whiff of secrecy  and the umbrage Hannity has taken after the secret got out  speaks to the growing role of LLCs in the nations housing market.

LLCs shield property owners from personal liability while obscuring their identities. In some cases, so much anonymity also enables money laundering, and it can mean that tenants struggle to hold landlords accountable, that cities fail to fix blight and that researchers cant answer basic questions about the housing market.

As much as people may want to keep their financial dealings private, the housing market has long been an unusually transparent place.

We basically have a property system where youre supposed to be able to look up who owns what property, said Dan Immergluck, a professor at Georgia State University. Our English system of property recording doesnt really give you that privacy. People can look up what my property taxes are any time they want.

LLCs have eroded that expectation. There is little good national data tracking the rise of LLCs But in 2015, according to the Rental Housing Finance Survey from the Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, about 15 percent of all rental properties were owned by LLCs, limited liability partnerships or limited partnerships. That represented one-third of all rental units, and that can include single-family houses or apartment buildings.

Put another way: 92 percent of rental properties in the United States back in 1991 were held by individual owners whose names tenants could easily know. By 2015, that number had fallen to 74 percent, driven largely by the growth of LLCs, although the market today includes other kinds of institutional investors as well.

In the single-family market, which includes investors who built rental empires after the housing crash and others whove used empty properties to store wealth, about 9 percent of home sales last year were to LLCs, according to ATTOM Data Solutions, a real estate data company. Thats twice the share a decade ago. The rent-to-own company Vision Property Management, for example, has bought homes across 24 states through nearly two dozen LLCs.

In his own research, Immergluck tried to identify the largest buyers of foreclosed properties in the Atlanta area. But because one unidentified buyer could be behind many LLCs, its hard to know who is acquiring the most property, or which property owners are behind the most code violations or the most evictions.

That makes it impossible for city officials to aim scarce resources at the most problematic owners. And it makes it hard for researchers to know, for example, if property has become concentrated among fewer owners.

Because the stakes are so high and the spillovers significant, there has always been a public element to private property, said Susan Pace Hamill, a law professor at the University of Alabama who has written about LLCs since the late 1980s.

Should tenants have a right to know who theyre renting from? she said. Should cities have a right to know who owns the property? The answer is a resounding yes.

LLCs today hide what should be public information, she argues.

I am quite disturbed by that, she said. Having participated in the evolution of LLCs from their early days, I feel like theyre being abused.

Wyoming passed the first LLC statute in 1977 at the prodding of oil and gas interests, creating an entity with the liability protections of a corporation without the tax responsibilities of one. Hardly anyone took advantage of the tool, and few states followed until the IRS blessed LLCs a decade later. They then quickly became the entity of choice for all kinds of businesses, and by the mid-1990s, all 50 states had LLC laws.

In Milwaukee, according to research by a Harvard doctoral student, Adam Travis, LLCs have grown to about a quarter of the rental market in the two decades since they became legal in the state.

The original idea was never specifically about real estate, and anonymity wasnt particularly the appeal. But over time, Hamill said, state laws have made it easier to conceal whos behind LLCs. So they have simultaneously grown more common and less transparent.

LLCs are required to list a registered agent who can receive legal and government notifications, but theyre often not required to name the people who financially benefit from the investments.

The downsides of all of this have become clear, at both high and low ends of the market. In expensive cities like New York and Miami, LLCs have helped foreign investors launder money through luxury condo purchases. In poorer cities like Memphis and Milwaukee, they have enabled investors to walk away from vacant properties and tax bills.

For renters, or tenants mired in rent-to-own contracts, these entities mean they often dont know whom theyre dealing with  or whos evicting them.

These consequences worry even real estate lawyers who advise their clients to use LLCs.

The lawyer in me that represents clients says privacy, secrecy, keep my people out of the papers, said William Callison, a lawyer in Denver who specializes in LLC and affordable housing law. The policy guy in me says, Well, wait a second.

Why? Because good things happen in the light, he said, and bad things happen in the dark.

In Memphis, parcel surveys of the city have revealed that a majority of the most blighted properties belong to LLCs. Many have effectively gone out of business without selling the homes, leaving their ownership in limbo. When the city has tried to hold some responsible, there is no one to contact  the duties of those listed as registered agents having expired along with the companies.

The liability protections were talking about are liability protections from external forces, said Steve Barlow, a Memphis lawyer who directs Neighborhood Preservation, Inc., a group trying to fight blight there. LLCs are supposed to personally shield owners from, say, a tenant who breaks an ankle on the property. It shouldnt be a protection from you, yourself abandoning it, he said.

There should be a way, he and Hamill believe, to keep the liability and tax benefits of LLCs without all the secrecy. Unless or until there is, cities like Memphis are left with properties no one wants to buy and frustration from the public.

em>/em>I hear that in community meetings all the time: Whats being done with this property? Why cant you guys do something with it? said Robert Knecht, director of public works in Memphis. You have to explain to them our job is to get the owner to court.

But it is no easy thing to get a faceless company to court.Back when mySA.com first met San Antonio's most-popular Fiesta party animal, she was an unnamed meme. A week later, she is the star of her own viral photoshoot and is followed by a "mob" of fans.

Marquita Richarte has many names, but most in San Antonio have affectionately dubbed her the "Fiesta Sucia" and "Fiesta Queen." She became so popular with her blue bikini and single cleat that spotting her and taking a selfie was like earning a Fiesta badge of honor.

Erik Gustafson took the challenge a bit further  he gave her a photoshoot. And that photoshoot -- along with the thousands of photos he took while looking for her -- will soon be featured in a book of Fiesta portraits.

RELATED: San Antonio's new bikini-clad walking Fiesta meme speaks out on Market Square success

Gustafson told mySA that he's been a street photographer for more than 10 years. He was instantly intrigued by Richarte and made it his mission to take her picture.

"She's just a free spirit, she doesn't care about criticisms," he said of the ridicule Richarte sometimes faced online. "She started off with people making fun of her and she grabbed a hold of it and ran with it. She's having a good time."

Camera in hand, Gustafson searched the downtown streets and Richarte's hot spots for four days without a glimpse of the blue bikini and interesting dance moves. He was about to give up hope until he was strolling down Commerce near Navarro, looked to his left and there she was.

"She had a mob of people following her down the street," he said. "She was telling them to walk with her, that she was going to Rivercenter."

Gustafson said Richarte was "very kind." Though the overnight San Antonio celebrity was obviously very busy with fans trying to snap selfies with her, she gave Gustafson about a minute of her time.

"My heart kind of dropped," Gustafson said, describing the moment he spotted her. "I got kind of nervous. It happened so fast."

RELATED: Heartwarming, funny and viral Fiesta moments you may have missed

He published a set of ten photos. Gustafson said Richarte came up with her poses all on her own.

It seems as if San Antonio social media is hungry for anything Richarte-related. Gustafson said his Facebook post of the photos has gone viral.

"The streets were alive. Everyone was full of love and joy. It was madness for me," he wrote on Facebook. "Four days later I finally found her."

More than 2,000 people have either shared or reacted to the post.

"I post photos all the time," he said. "I have never seen anything like that, nothing on this scale."

As with most content of Richarte, Gustafson's photos generated some negative comments. But many complimented her carefree personality.

"I didn't see or hear of her hurting anyone at all," Facebook user Mae Christina Guerra said. "So why hate on her. She was doing her and didn't care what others thought of her. #VivaLaFiestaSucia2018 I hope someone makes a fiesta medal out of her with her pictures."

Click through the photos to see Gustafson's shots of Richarte and others he took at Fiesta.

Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkyeTexas has its fair share of glorified horror stories.

From the Texas Chainsaw massacre to The Donkey Lady to La Llorona, there are not many urban legends that Texans havent heard.

But perhaps the real terror lies within the hundreds of small towns that are scattered throughout the Lone Star State.

RELATED: 12 eerie Texas ghost towns to visit this summer

Social website OnlyInYourState.com listed 12 scary houses in Texas that could be haunted earlier this month, and we decided to build on that by introducing other nightmare-inducing abandoned homes across the state.

While it is unknown if evil spirits actually haunt these houses, the abandonments are located on or near some pretty creepy properties.

For example, Ranger, a small town in North Texas  which has numerous abandoned homes that are photographed by Flickr users  was once seen as a hub for members of the Ku Klux Klan.

RELATED: Drone footage shows the creepiness of an abandoned West Texas water park

On the other hand, a school in Indian Gap that has been abandoned for over 50 years stands near a historic cemetery.

No matter the case, these fear-provoking homes are as eerie as they come and the perfect gateway to the upcoming Halloween season.

Click through the slideshow to view photos of abandoned homes across Texas.

rsalinas@mysa.com

Twitter: @RebeccaLSalinasTroy woman accused of DWI with kids

A Troy woman is facing three felony counts after State Police said she drove drunk with three children in the back.

State Police were called for an erratic driver Saturday night on the Thruway in Albany. Police said the driver, Rubena Dhanraj, 22, had three children under the age of 16 in the car.

State Police said her blood alcohol content was 0.12 percent. Dhanraj was charged with three counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, and three misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

She was released on tickets for Albany City Court.

 Steve Hughes

Often-arrested Troy man charged again

BRUNSWICK  A 79-year-old Troy man who was charged with criminal mischief for cutting tree branches at a local fast food restaurant claimed he pruned the growth because it blocked his view of nearby deer, State Police said.

Troopers on Sunday said they got a complaint that an older man was cutting branches off the tree. The man had fled by the time troopers arrived but found Henry Crobok in a parked car at a nearby Dunkin' Donuts.

An employee at the Burger King had asked Crobok why he trimmed the branches, troopers said. Crobok told the worker that the branches "were blocking his view of deer located in the field behind the Burger King," State Police said.

Crobok was given a ticket and released from custody.

Crobok's arrest Sunday is just his latest run-in with police.

Crobok pleaded guilty in Albany County Court on Sept. 20, 2014, to a count of fourth-degree criminal mischief for an incident outside a gas station on Ontario Street in Cohoes earlier that year. He was accused of intentionally accelerating his red 2007 GMC pickup truck into the rear of a woman's Hyundai Accent parked by gas pumps, according to the Albany County district attorney's office.

The woman whose car was struck did not know Crobok. She suffered minor injuries, police said. Crobok was sentenced Nov. 1, 2014, to a one-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay $697.84 in restitution.

In 2009, Crobok pleaded guilty in Rensselaer County to a menacing charge after he was arrested by State Police for pouring maple syrup into the gas tanks of neighbors' cars in Schaghticoke.

 Staff report

Man accused of touching a child

MAYFIELD  A Mayfield man is accused of putting his hands down the pants of a child on multiple occasions, State Police in Fonda said Monday.

Gary Freeman, 59, was charged with felony sexual abuse and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child, police said.

Freeman was arrested after an investigation into the inappropriate contact he'd had with the victim, which included allegedly showing his penis to the child, police said. The alleged victim is under the age of 11.

Officials are continuing to investigate the matter.

Freeman was arraigned in Mayfield Town Court and sent to Fulton County Jail on $20,000 bail. He is due back in court this month, but a date wasn't provided by police.

 Amanda Fries

17 stolen camper batteries recovered

FLORIDA  Two Capital Region residents are accused of stealing camper batteries and selling them to local scrapyards.

Albany resident Charles Griffen, 32, and Schenectady resident Kristen Pohl, 24, were arrested after State Police in Fonda investigated several instances of marine and RV batteries being stolen from the Alpin Haus on Route 5S in the town of Florida.

State Police said Monday a traffic stop of the pair led to the recovery of 17 batteries.

Griffen was charged with grand larceny and criminal mischief, both felonies, police said. Pohl was charged with felony grand larceny, officials added.

They were both arraigned in Amsterdam City Court and sent to Montgomery County Jail. Griffen's bail was set at $25,000, and Pohl's was set at $10,000, police said.

The two are due back in Florida Town Court this month, officials said.

Police said additional charges and arrests are pending in Florida as well as other communities in the Capital Region as the investigation continues.

 Amanda Fries

Police investigate white powder letter

COLONIE  Police are investigating after a letter containing a white powder was opened Monday at the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services office in Latham.

The building is used to handle immigration matters and supports federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

Colonie police and fire departments were called to the office about 12:30 p.m. on Monday, police said. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

 Steve HughesBRIDGEPORT - A large crowd filled the offices of The Greater Bridgeport Bar Association Tuesday morning to mark the 60th anniversary of National Law Day.

Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis, the administrative judge for the Fairfield Judicial District, handed out the awards to the winners of this years essay contest, Hector Gonzalez, Cieanna Fernandes and Catrina Nguyen of Central High School and Chelsea Mclaren of Hallen Elementary School.

This years essay theme was Separation of Powers; Framework for Freedom.

Gonzalez, the first-place winner, read his essay to the audience in which he described the role of the three branches of government in immigration.

The three branches must improve their system of enforcing immigration, Gonzalez concluded.

This was the highlight of not only my day but one of the best things I get to do as a judge, said Bellis, who also handed out awards to the winners of the debate between Park City Magnet and Blackham schools. The debate team members and the essay winners have such a good grasp of the workings of our government, our future is in good hands, Bellis added.

Attorney Kathleen Dunn presented the bqar associations annual Liberty Bell Award to Ronald Rapice.

Established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Law Day is a national day to celebrate the rule of law and its contributions to the freedoms Americans enjoy.

This years Law Day celebration began with a breakfast at the GBBAs offices at 1057 Broad St. in Bridgeport.

Its days like this that make it all worth it, concluded GBBA Executive Director Antoinette Manganello. Lets keep the support going.

The GBBA was established in 1880, one of the oldest, continuously active bar associations in the United States.MILFORD  Director Dennis Dony Zaidi doesnt want fame or money out of his 26-minute film, Connection in Crisis  but rather, he wants it shown in as many places as possible because the crisis response dogs in the piece have done so much for so many.

This is a passion project to raise awareness and inspire people to support them, said Zaidi, of Canada. I would love to have it shown on television to have the most number of eyes see the project.

The film profiles the Milford-based K-9 First Responders, founded by city resident Brad Cole, and will be shown at 12:15 p.m. Saturday at the New Haven International Film Festival at Gateway Community College.

The film, which includes takes featuring Mayor Ben Blake, highlights the work of the group fueled by 30 dog teams of specially trained crisis dogs of all breeds and sizes who have been called in to comfort people since the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary Schoo in Newtown.

Since then, the dogs and handlers in Coles volunteer group have assisted in crises that include mass shootings in Las Vegas and Parkland, Fla.; and more locally, the fatal stabbing fo a student at Jonathan Law High School in the city and the suicide of a fire official in Branford.

The teams also work with first responders to comfort them after a crisis, Cole said.

In addition to the 30 dog teams in several states, the nonprofit also has five volunteers without dogs who assist with the work.

Cole, who is excited about the film, said with Parkland and Las Vegas in the mix, his nonprofithas spent a lot lately on deployments  the handlers and dogs need transportation, lodging, food  and need to raise about $25,000 soon to normalize the deployment budget.

No one is paid for the work and he does not receive a salary to run the nonprofit.

The film includes stories from those who were comforted by Coles 122-pound. Akita, Spartacus Chooch, and other dogs who are part of the crisis team. .

Cole, a private investigator and former special police officer in Massachusetts, was working with Spartacus, a trained therapy dog, at Yale New Haven Hospital when the shootings at Sandy Hook occurred. At the time, his office was in Southbury, right near the school, so he went to the scene early on to offer help. Spartacus, a big ball of fluff, brought huge comfort to the scene, as did other dogs later on.

After witnessing the profound impact the dogs had in comforting children and adults, Cole started K-9 First Responders.

In addition to establishing the nonprofit , they also established a training program for crisis response dogs, which are different than therapy dogs.

Cole said therapy dogs deal with people after theyve been changed by an event, but the crisis response or trauma dogs are designed to help prevent change such as PTSD from occurring.

Cole said he does the work  including the managing  because, If I dont do it, who is going to do it?

Were saving lives, he said.

Zaidi, who said he doesnt need a 9-to-5 job because he once had a renewable energy company and sold it, learned about Cole and his group in an interesting way. He was ready to send a donation one Christmas to his usual therapy dog organization and he learned they had closed.

So he went to Google to look for another group and found Spartacus Facebook page. He started the film about two years ago, all on his own dime.

When he met the dogs he realized they were different from therapy dogs and embarked on the film project.A man and woman were shot and killed in East Oakland late Monday night, authorities said.

The man has been identified as Davaughn Brown, 25, of Berkeley. The woman was Jasmine Turner, 19, of Oakland.

It was reported to investigators that they were boyfriend (and) girlfriend, Officer Felicia Aisthorpe wrote in an email.

Oakland police officers heard gunshots at 9:33 p.m. on the 1400 block of 89th Avenue, and they located a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. They were both in a car at the time of the shooting, police said.

The victims succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced deceased, said Officer Johnna Watson, a spokeswoman for the Oakland Police Department.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, Watson said.

Sophie Haigney is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigneyWith a net worth of more than $86 billion, Bill Gates is known for being one of the richest people in the world. But theres a lot more you probably dont know about the Microsoft co-founder.

Gates was born in Seattle in 1955 and discovered his passion for technology early on. In school, he met long-time friend and future co-founder Paul Allen. Together, they launched another small-business venture before coming up with the idea for Microsoft.

Related: 5 Life Lessons From Bill Gates, One of the Most Influential Philanthropists on Earth

Until he realized his desire to pursue computers, Gates had planned to become a lawyer and studied pre-law at Harvard. He eventually dropped out, launched Microsoft and met his employee and future wife, Melinda. Today, Gates is not only a self-made billionaire and tech leader, but hes also a philanthropist, an author and even a knight.

Check out these 27 surprising facts about Bill Gates.

Additional reporting by Nina Zipkin

Image credit: Joe McNally | Getty Images

1. Gates developed his first computer software program at 13 years old.

After spending a few years in public school, Gates later attended the Lakeside School, a private preparatory school in Seattle. It was there that Gates discovered his passion for computer programming and met Paul Allen, who became his close friend and later Microsoft co-founder. He also developed his first computer software program at age 13. Using BASIC computer language, the program was a tic-tac-toe game in which players could compete against the computer.

2. Gates fixed his high schools class scheduling software so he was in all-girls classes.

The Lakeside School recruited Gates to help code its class scheduling system. Gates took advantage of his new task and his coding abilities, and he and his long-time pal and later Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen tweaked the schools scheduling software and placed Gates in all-girls classes.

"Paul did the computer scheduling with me. Unfortunately for him he was two years ahead of me and he was off to college by then. So I was the one who benefited by being able to have the nice girls at least sit near me, Gates shared with BBC.

Image credit: Bruce Glikas

3. Gates and Allen formed a business partnership before Microsoft.

From the moment they met in middle school, Gates and Allen became friends -- likely because of their common interest in computer programming. While in school, the two formed a company called Traf-O-Data. They put together a small computer based on an Intel 8008 chip that measured and analyzed traffic data for the Washington state highway department. Gates and Allen made about $20,000 from the venture, but it slowly dissolved as Allen went on to work for Honeywell in Boston and Gates enrolled at Harvard.

4. He almost had a perfect SAT score.

Its hardly shocking that the genius got a near-perfect score on his SATs. Gates scored a 1590 out of 1600 on the college entrance exams.

5. Gates originally studied law in college.

In 1973, Gates began studying pre-law at Harvard University, planning to follow in the footsteps of his lawyer father. Although by his sophomore year, Gatess plans changed and he began taking some of the schools most rigorous math and science courses. Then, two years into his Harvard career, Gates dropped out to pursue Microsoft.

6. Gates was arrested twice for his driving.

In 1975, in his Porsche 911, 19-year-old Gates was arrested for speeding and driving without a license. But he didnt learn his lesson -- two years later, Gates was arrested again in Albuquerque, N.M., for another traffic violation and for driving without his license.

Theres speculation that the generic user icon in Microsoft Outlook 10 is actually a silhouette of Gatess mugshot.

7. His wife, Melinda, used to work for him.

After graduating from Duke University in 1986, Melinda Gates landed her first job at a startup -- Microsoft.

I just thought, Oh my gosh. I have to work at this company. They are changing the world. And if I get an offer, theres no way Im not going to take it,  Melinda told CBS News.

Melinda scored the job, and shortly into her time working there, she made a great impression on the boss.

Related: Warren Buffett and Bill Gates's Top Secret to Success

I met her at a New York City sales meeting, Bill told CBS. And then it was only a week or so after that, that I went up to her in the parking lot and asked if she wanted to go out.

Image credit: Bloomberg | Getty Images

8. He was once the youngest billionaire ever.

Gates made his first billion in 1987 at the age of 31, making him the youngest billionaire ever at that time.

9. On his wedding day, he rented out every room at the hotel.

To ensure privacy, Gates rented out all 250 rooms at the Manele Bay Hotel in Lanai, Hawaii, where his wedding party was staying. At the time (1994), Gates was the second-richest person in America. Taking an extra precaution to keep the media and paparazzi from flying overhead, Gates reportedly hired all of the helicopters on Maui, too.

10. He used to memorize his employeess license plate numbers to keep tabs on them.

Youd think a simple punch card or check-in system might suffice -- not for Gates. Gates memorized the license plates of his employees so he would know when they arrived at and left work.

I knew everyone's license plate, so I could look out in the parking lot and see when did people come in, when were they leaving. Eventually I had to loosen up, as the company got to a reasonable size, he revealed in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs program.

11. Gates bought Leonardo da Vincis Codex Leicester manuscript for $30.8 million.

Besides his private plane, Gatess other big splurge was Leonardo da Vincis Codex Leicester manuscript, which dates back to the 16th century. In a 1994 auction, Gates won the manuscript for $30.8 million, making it the most expensive book in the world. Gates sometimes puts the book on loan to museums.

12. In 1995, Gates became the richest man in the world.

In July 1995, at 39 years old, Gates became the richest man in the world with a fortune of $12.9 billion. He has since lost that title a few times, but he held the top spot on the Forbes Worlds Billionaires real-time ranking in March 2017.

13. He got pied in the face during a trip to Brussels.

During a 1998 trip to Brussels, Belgium, Gates was on his way into a meeting with more than 400 Belgian educators, business leaders and government officials. Upon entering the building, Gates was struck in the face with a pie. After the incident, Belgian prankster and personality Noel Godin took responsibility for the prank, and Gates didnt press charges.

"The pie wasn't even that good," a Microsoft spokesperson reported Gates as saying.

Image credit: Bloomberg | Getty Images

14. Bill and Melinda Gates run the largest private foundation in the world.

The couple launched the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. With donations from major investors, public figures and celebrities such as Warren Buffett, Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Jack Nicklaus and Big Sean, it has become the largest private foundation in the world. In 2015, it reported a $39.6 billion trust endowment.

15. He was knighted by the Queen.

In 2005, Gates received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth of England for his charitable work and achievements in technology. Gates and his wife, Melinda, met the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace for the ceremony, during which he received his KBE title -- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Gates is unable to be referred to as Sir because he is not a British citizen.

16. The number-one thing on his bucket list is not dying.

In 2013, Gates held an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit. During the session, Gates was asked if he had anything left on his bucket list. His response? Dont die

Related: How Bill Gates Became a Leadership Legend

17. His bedtime routine involves reading  and washing the dishes.

Even the richest man in the world makes time to complete his house chores. In a 2014 Reddit AMA, Gates shared that he washes his familys dirty dishes every night. He even finds the task enjoyable. Other people volunteer but I like the way I do it, he said.

In addition to washing the dishes, another part of Gatess bedtime routine involves reading for an hour. Even if its late into the night, he makes sure to get in a solid 60 minutes before bed, because for him, Its part of falling asleep, he once told The Seattle Times.

18. If he could have a superpower, it would be more energy.

In their 2016 annual letter, Bill and Melinda shared the superpowers they wished they could have. The first things to come to mind for the average person might be x-ray vision, invisibility or time travel -- but Melinda and Bill said they wanted more time and more energy.

Bill said he wished for more energy, explaining that many people underestimate the importance of energy access -- from turning on a light switch to pressing the power button on a laptop. Without access to energy, the poor are stuck in the dark, denied all of these benefits and opportunities that come with power.

19. Bill and Melinda Gatess favorite number is 122 million.

In their 2017 annual letter to Warren Buffett, who donated a chunk of his fortune to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the couple wrote that 122 million is their favorite number. It is the number of childrens lives that have been saved since 1990 as the mortality rate has declined.

Image credit: Matthew Stockman | Getty Images

20. To disguise himself, Gates wears a hat.

To ward off any unwanted attention, Gates resorts to an old-school tactic -- wearing a hat. During a 2017 Reddit AMA, Gates was asked if he ever disguises himself in public.

"I sometimes wear a hat, Gates wrote. For example when I did college tours with my son I wanted the focus to be totally on him. A lot less people recognize me when I have a hat on or else they realize I am trying to be incognito.

21. Bill and Melinda Gates are giving $10 million to each of their kids.

As of March 2017, Forbes reports Bill Gatess net worth to be $86.6 billion. Thats why it comes as a surprise that he and Melinda are planning to give only $10 million to each of their three kids. Its a massive figure to most of us, but its pocket change for this billionaire. Most of the Gatess fortune will go to charitable foundations, including their own Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

22. He doesnt do his own grocery shopping

During a visit to the Ellen Show, host Ellen DeGeneres put Gates through his paces to see if the billionaire, who by all rights is very knowledgeable about the state of the world, could guess the prices of everyday grocery items. When was the last time the Microsoft founder set foot in a store to do his own shopping? Long time ago, he admitted. Spoiler alert: He very sort of passed the test, with a little help from the audience.

23. He typically doesnt do big purchases, with one exception.

In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Gates shared that even after he became a billionaire, he always erred on the side of caution. I always wanted to have enough money in the bank so that even if our customers didnt pay us for a year, we could still keep paying everybody and do the R&D, he said. While Gates confessed to not having particularly extravagant tastes, he said that he has used his fortune for some transportation-related purchases -- a porsche in the early years and a plane for Gates Foundation travel. But there is one whimsical exception to the rule. We have a trampoline room in our house. The kids like that. Indoor trampolines. I recommend it, Gates said. Its a room with a very high ceiling.

24. He wishes he had been more socialable during college.

During an April 2018 Q&A session at Harvard, which Gates dropped out of in 1975, a student asked the Microsoft co-founder: "What is something that you regret doing, or maybe not doing, at Harvard?"

The billionaire responded, "Well, I wish I had been more sociable." He added, "I wish I had gotten to know more people. I was just so into being good at the classes and taking lots of classes."

He also revealed that Steve Ballmer, who would become CEO of Microsoft after Gates stepped down, would drag Gates out to party.

"I was so antisocial I wouldn't have even known they existed, but Steve Ballmer decided I needed some exposure to, I guess, drinking," Gates said. "So, I would go to those events and that was highly educational."



25. Mr. Gates Goes to Washington?

In a recent interview, the entrepreneur and philanthropist shared that during a conversation with President Donald Trump around the potential for a universal flu vaccine, he got an unexpected job offer. I mentioned: Hey, maybe we should have a science adviser, he recalled in conversation with science website Stat. He said: Did I want to be the science adviser? In the end, Gates courteously had to decline. Thats not a good use of my time, he said.

26. He thought about getting into politics.

Gates's dad was a lawyer, and the Microsoft co-founder considered following in his footsteps when he was in high school. In 1972, when Gates was 16, he spent the summer in Washington, D.C., to work as a congressional page. He was tasked with delivering legislation to the floor of the House and documents to the offices of various congressional representatives. The experience ultimately gave him the clarity to realize that the world of politics wasnt for him and led him down the path of pursuing business and technology.

27. He has some serious real estate.

Gates has a home in Medina, Wash., called Xanadu 2.0, named after the the mansion belonging to the title character in Citizen Kane. That fictional estate was relatively luxurious, and Gatess is no slouch in that department. It took seven years and $63 million to build the 66,000 square foot space, which houses a reception room, six kitchens, 24 bathrooms, a library with rare manuscripts, a home theater, a trampoline room and a stream thats home to salmon and trout. Plus, computer screens around the house can display any artwork youd like.

Related:

Bill Gates Got an Offer to Be Trump's Science Advisor and 26 Other Weird Things We've Learned About Him

Meet the Famous Retirees of the Business World

Tech Entrepreneurs Move Towards Philanthropy: 5 Most Charitable Business Leaders



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedNORWALK  When sisters Heather and Jennifer Bellizza first moved into a house on the Stamford shore in 2003, they were careful venturing out with their inflatable rafts  they didnt want to pop one on the spiky, armored creatures that have roamed the shores for 450 million years.

Horseshoe crabs thrived on Connecticuts beaches, sometimes in such numbers that it was hard to pick your way through them.

There were two weekends when you couldnt get in the water  it was just horseshoe crabs, Heather Bellizza said.

By the time they moved a decade later, the numbers had dipped, and on Thursday night, the Bellizzas gathered at the Maritime Aquarium with five dozen citizen scientists of all ages to help professional scientists look into what has been going on.

Over the upcoming months, the group will go out to Calf Pasture Beach to tag the prehistoric crabs swarming the shores for mating season. The data will be logged as part of Project Limulus, a Connecticut horseshoe crab census (unfortunately, registration for the remaining training is already filled, but other citizen scientist opportunities are listed on the Maritime Aquariums website).

Its the most wonderful time of the year! said Bridget Cervero, the aquarium educator supervisor, as she readied to guide the citizen scientists through the process of tagging the crabs.

Horseshoe crab eggs are essential for the Sounds ecosystem  This is essentially the Powerbar of these migratory birds  and the crabs themselves support the fishing industry  Theyre used as bait for eels and whelks  and their milky blue blood is invaluable in medicine  Its a major way we prevent cases of meningitis  explained Staff Scientist David Hudson.

As horseshoe crabs grow, they reach a point where they outgrow their exoskeletons and shed them, leaving behind a complete shell of what they once were. The trick, staff explained, to distinguishing a dead crab from a shell is the smell  either way, if you find one with a plastic tag, follow its instructions to report the finding.

The crabs are thought to live up to four decades and reach sexual maturity around 10 years old. However, adolescent crabs have become a rare site in the state.

Were not seeing this size, Hudson said, referring to crabs smaller than the palm of ones hand. Theyre really prevalent on the Cape, theyre really prevalent in Rhode Island  we want to know whats going on in Connecticut.

In their quest to gather data that could solve that question, volunteers learned how to record the tag number and date, how to hold a crab while measuring its width, and how to differentiate a male from a female (the secret is the shape of their front claws). In addition, horseshoe crabs can form chains while mating, so citizen scientists were asked to record the number of crabs in the chain they were measuring (Cervero assured those worried about disrupting that they come right back together). For the actual tagging, an awl was used to pierce the shell of the horseshoe crab, made of the same material as human fingernails.

When staff came around to each table with live horseshoe crabs, they flipped them over and cradled the crabs shell like a bowl, so the undulating legs pointed toward the ceiling. Where the legs came together was a bristling hole, the crabs mouth, which eats what is underneath it. While the animals are called crabs, theyre actually more closely related to spiders or scorpions  like arachnids, the horseshoe crab has multiple sets of eyes that detect different things, and just as a spider has lungs that resemble the pages of a book, the horseshoe crab has what are known as book gills, overlapping plates beneath its tail.

Jennifers daughter, Francesca Bellizza, a dinosaur fan and the owner of a fossilized specimen of the horseshoe crabs ancestor, the trilobite, peered closely at the horseshoe crab brought to her table. Im excited, she said of the prospect of searching for the living remnants of the Paleozoic Era at 11 p.m. on a weekday (horseshoe crab breeding is more active at high tide and at night).

David DaSilva, whose family drove in from upstate New York for the training, felt the shell of a horseshoe crab as it flexed its prong-like tail  a telson  up and down.

It felt like sometimes when you touch a snail  smooth and slightly wet, he said.

As the training wrapped up, Hudson thanked the volunteers for helping with the census.

The work you do today will be seen a decade from now, he said.

rschuetz@hearstmediact.com; @raschuetzThornwood

An off-duty police officer jumped on a coyote and throttled it as the animal attacked a 5-year-old girl on a suburban New York playground.

Kasey King-Petrellese told WNBC that the coyote appeared out of nowhere and bolted "like a cheetah" toward her daughter, Natalia, and 3-year-old son on Sunday in Thornwood.

As they fled toward their car, the animal gained on them.

"I took my foot and I kicked him as hard as I could in his face, which knocked him to the ground and he stumbled a little. And when he got up he swung over to my daughter's side and bit her arm," said King-Petrellese.

Off-duty Irvington police Officer Arcangelo Liberatore had spotted the coyote lurking nearby. He and his wife were getting their own children into their car when he heard screaming, saw the attack and doubled back, according to the Journal News.

As King-Petrellese repeatedly punched the coyote, Liberatore jumped on top of it, clutched its neck and slammed its head on the ground.

Mount Pleasant police who arrived shot and killed the animal.Publicly, most congressional Republicans have nothing but praise for Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt - at least when it comes to unraveling former President Barack Obama's environmental policies.

But privately, more than a dozen GOP members of Congress have urged Pruitt not to undo at least one Obama administration regulation.

In separate letters sent in March, four senators and 10 representatives quietly called on Pruitt to reconsider repealing tighter restrictions on emissions from a certain type of freight truck.

Republicans believe most of Obama's environmental policies choke business and stifle job growth. But doing away with this one, they believe, will undermine home-state manufacturing.

"We stand with you and welcome your continued efforts to streamline environmental regulations and repeal onerous and overreaching rules that the previous administration pushed through which hurt American industry," Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., and nine other Republican House members wrote to Pruitt.

However, when it comes to the Obama-era rules around the trucks, "repealing those requirements will undermine the significant investments made by United States job creators and manufacturers," the representatives wrote.

Similarly, four GOP senators - Todd Young of Indiana, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Thom Tillis and Richard Burr of North Carolina - joined Democrats and environmental groups opposed to the rule change to say they too "maintain concerns" with the proposed repeal.

Both letters were sent to Pruitt as part of the EPA's rulemaking process, but with none of the publicity that often accompanies Democrats' letters to the EPA chief denouncing policy shifts or demanding documents related to his ongoing ethical problems. Four congressional sources confirmed the two letters, which have not been made public. The news site Inside EPA first reported the letters.

At issue is Pruitt's plan to repeal tighter emissions standards for trucks with bodies, called gliders, that house rebuilt diesel engines.

In November, the agency proposed peeling off the patch that the EPA under Obama had put on a loophole that once allowed automakers to sell trucks with refurbished engines without needing to comply with the usual emissions standards for new vehicles.

Only a few auto firms took advantage of the technicality. One of them was Fitzgerald Glider Kits, which underwrote research at Tennessee Tech University that challenged the data the EPA relied upon to write the new rules. The new administration cited the Tennessee Tech research when justifying the repeal, though the president of the school eventually disavowed the industry-backed study.

Other automakers building cars that comply with modern emissions standards - many of them operating in states represented by the letter signers - resented the loophole that they say disadvantages car companies that have invested in developing emissions reduction technology.

The opposition highlights how the Trump administration's rule rollbacks occasionally go further than what industry really wants.

For example, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the auto industry's main lobbying arm, opposes the proposed rule rollback. In a filing with the EPA, the group described the potential regulatory chaos of allowing engines with used parts to circumvent emissions standards.

"One glaring (and perhaps unintended) result of the Proposed Repeal," the Auto Alliance noted, is that manufacturers or even customers could get around greenhouse gas emissions rules for new vehicles "merely by incorporating a few used components into their finished products."

Among the individual companies opposed are Cummins, headquartered in Indiana, and Volvo, which has a production plant in South Carolina. Young of Indiana and Sanford of South Carolina led the letter-writing effort. "Our states are home to a strong industrial base that rely upon this regulatory certainty to successfully operate and invest billions each year in research and development," Young and the other senators wrote in their letter.

"It's certainly a very conservative group of senators and members," said Paul Billings, national senior vice president for advocacy at the American Lung Association, which also opposes the rule change. "I cannot recall an issue with such a breadth of opposition."

However, opposition among Republicans to rewriting the glider rules is far from universal, which provides Pruitt some political cover. Pruitt's efforts to repeal the glider rule "make clear that he is working to unburden American families and to ensure this administration's policies are based on sound, transparent science," House Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said in a statement last year.Just a few months ago, President Donald Trump grew frustrated during a meeting in the Oval Office about protections for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador and African countries and asked, "Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?"

The African Union condemned the remark at the time. On Monday, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari became the first of its members to visit the Trump White House.

"Did you address his reported comments from earlier this year, when he reportedly used vulgar language to describe African nations?" Jordan Fabian of the Hill asked Buhari during a joint news conference.

Buhari's response showcased one possible effect of Trump's "fake news" refrain.

"Well," Buhari began, "I'm very careful with what the press says about others than myself. I'm not sure about, you know, the validity or whether that allegation against the president was true or not. So the best thing for me is to keep quiet."

If he truly doubts that Trump made the statement, partly in reference to African countries, then Buhari may be one of the few. Even the White House initially did not dispute The Washington Post's report on the comment in January.

Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill.,, who attended the meeting, told reporters, "I cannot believe that in the history of the White House, in that Oval Office, any president has ever spoken the words that I personally heard our president speak yesterday."

Sen. Lindsey O. Graham, R-S.C., another attendee, also seemed to confirm Trump's remark when he said in a statement that "following comments by the president, I said my piece directly to him."

Trump's media boosters generally accepted The Post's report but defended the president's remark as the kind of unvarnished rhetoric that got him elected.

Later, however, Trump denied saying the word, tweeting:.

"The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used. What was really tough was the outlandish proposal made - a big setback for DACA!"

The Post's Josh Dawsey subsequently reported that there is disagreement within the White House about whether Trump said "shithole" or "shithouse." The latter might not be any less offensive but would make Trump's denial technically accurate.

Perhaps Buhari believes Trump's denial. In that case, it is possible that Trump is successfully convincing world leaders that U.S. media accounts are often fake.

More likely, Buhari decided that a confrontation was not worthwhile.

"Security is the main issue," he said during a photo op before a private meeting with Trump. "We are very grateful to the United States for agreeing to give us the aircraft we asked for - the spare parts. We are even more grateful for the physical presence of the United States military."

Between the photo op and the news conference, Buhari had precisely 84 minutes with Trump. Why spend any of them on a subject that could send a meeting off the rails? Trump's propensity for denials is so strong that he could not help but chime in during the news conference, even though he was not asked about the comment.

"We didn't discuss it," Trump said. "And you do have some countries that are in very bad shape and very tough places to live in. But we didn't discuss it because the president knows me, and he knows where I'm coming from, and I appreciate that. We did not discuss it."

Had Buhari gone there, Trump might have eaten up precious meeting time. Instead, Buhari put a smile on Trump's face by questioning the "validity" of the reporting.

Trump has attempted to bond with other world leaders over "fake news." Just last week, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed Congress and included a denunciation of "fake news" that could have been interpreted as an overture to Trump, who Macron said deserves "the fair copyright for this expression."

Buhari may be the latest head of state to recognize that throwing a shot at the media is one way to get on Trump's good side.Seoul, South Korea

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has shaken off a suggestion that he receive the Nobel Peace Prize, saying that U.S. President Donald Trump "can take the Nobel prize" as long as the Koreas receive peace in return.

Moon made the comment Monday in response to a suggestion that he receive the award by the widow of late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 after a summit with then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

Moon held a summit with current leader Kim Jong Un last week in which Moon and Kim, the son of Kim Jong Il, walked together across the tense border and agreed to a raft of initiatives meant to ease animosity. Moon responded to the suggestion of Nobel glory by saying, "President Trump can take the Nobel prize. The only thing we need is peace," according to the South's presidential office.

South Korea also said Monday that it will remove propaganda-broadcasting loudspeakers from the border with North Korea this week as the rivals move to follow through with their leaders' summit declaration that produced reconciliation steps without a breakthrough in the nuclear standoff.

During their historic meeting Friday at a Korean border village, Kim and Moon agreed to end hostile acts against each other along their tense border, establish a liaison office and resume reunions of separated families. They also agreed to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, but failed to produce specific time frames and disarmament steps.

Seoul's Defense Ministry said it would pull back dozens of its front-line loudspeakers on Tuesday before media cameras. Ministry spokeswoman Choi Hyunsoo said Seoul expected North Korea to do the same. South Korea had already turned off its loudspeakers ahead of Friday's summit talks, and North Korea responded by halting its own broadcasts.

The two Koreas had been engaged in Cold War-era psychological warfare since the North's fourth nuclear test in early 2016. Seoul began blaring anti-North Korean broadcasts and K-Pop songs via border loudspeakers, and North Korea quickly matched the action with its own border broadcasts and launches of balloons carrying anti-South leaflets.

Seoul's announcement came a day after it said Kim told Moon during the summit that he would shut down his country's only known nuclear testing site and allow outside experts and journalists to watch the process.Months after President Donald Trump signed a directive ordering NASA to return astronauts to the moon, the space agency has canceled its only lunar rover currently in development.

According to Clive Neal, a University of Notre Dame planetary scientist and emeritus chairman of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group, members of the Resource Prospector mission were told to close out the project by the end of May.

"I'm a little shocked," he said. Neal, who is not directly involved in developing the mission, said he did not know the reason for the cancellation.

NASA said Friday that it would be putting out a statement about the project.

The Resource Prospector mission, which was in the concept formulation stage for potential launch in the 2020s, would have surveyed one of the moon's poles in search of volatile compounds such as hydrogen, oxygen and water that could be mined to support future human explorers. It would have been the first mission to mine another world and was seen as a steppingstone toward long-term crewed missions beyond Earth.

The cancellation, first reported by the Verge, troubles many lunar scientists. They say the mission is vital both to human exploration and to scientific understanding of the moon. In a letter to newly confirmed NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group - which conducts analyses for NASA and other space agencies - called for the mission to be reinstated and scheduled to launch in 2022.

"This action is viewed with both incredulity and dismay by our community," the group wrote. Members pointed out that Trump's Space Policy Directive 1, signed in December, calls for the United States to "lead the return of humans to the Moon for long-term exploration and utilization."

Dana Hurley, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, elaborated on the situation in an interview Friday.

"If we want to go back to the moon and really work on the moon and make it a place that we can set up research stations and study processes that are occurring on the moon ... all these things are really enabled by being able to use resources on the moon for making fuel, propellant, life support, that sort of thing," said Hurley, who works at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and is a member of the LEAG executive committee. "This mission is a first step in trying to understand how we're going to exploit those resources."

The Resource Prospector was being developed as part of the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. A prototype was field tested in 2015 and underwent vacuum and thermal testing the following year. But recently, Neal said, NASA moved to transfer the project to its Science Mission Directorate, which develops robotic missions for mainly research, rather than exploration, purposes.

That would have created a "mismatch" between the science program's capabilities and what Resource Prospector was designed to do, Neal said.

In their letter, the LEAG members advocated for keeping the Resource Prospector as part of the human exploration program. They also emphasized the importance of launching soon. A 2022 launch, they wrote, would demonstrate NASA's ability to react quickly to changes in space policy, preempt robotic missions being developed by other nations and pave the way for commercial activities on the moon.

"We have an opportunity here to not only enhance the moon in terms of science and human exploration but also to expand the lunar economy," Neal said. " And if the results from this prospecting are actually really good, w e could go a long way to setting up sustainable human exploration of Mars. We just need to know exactly how much is there."

In a move that Neal said was encouraging, Bridenstine tweeted Thursday that he'd had a "Great 3rd day on the job with the @NASA family. Excited to get to work on our plan to sustainably return America to the surface of the Moon starting with an aggressive robotic program."WASHINGTON - Solicitor General Noel Francisco notified the Supreme Court on Tuesday that he misstated what date President Donald Trump made it "crystal clear" that his travel ban had nothing to do with a campaign promise to ban Muslims.

Francisco told the court in a letter Tuesday that he meant to say the statement came on Jan. 25, 2017, in an ABC interview that is cited in the government's briefs - not on "September 25th," as he said in oral arguments last week.

His letter clarified the date but might not satisfy those who question the "crystal-clear" part.

At issue was whether Trump's past statements about a ban on Muslim entry forever tainted his actions and showed a discriminatory intent, or whether an apology would essentially clear the slate.

In his closing remarks to the justices, Francisco said his adversary in the case, Washington lawyer Neal Katyal, representing the state of Hawaii, had acknowledged that the president could remedy his past anti-Muslim comments. (Katyal added that, instead, Trump had "embraced them.")

"Well," Francisco continued, "the president has made crystal-clear on September 25th that he had no intention of imposing the Muslim ban."

That would have been around the time Trump issued the third version of his travel ban, which the court was considering, but such a statement did not seem to exist.

A Justice Department spokeswoman said last week that Francisco meant to say Jan. 25 and that he was referring to an interview with ABC's David Muir cited in the government's brief. It was about the first version of the ban.

"You're about to sign a sweeping executive action to suspend immigration to this country," Muir told the president in the interview.

"Right," Trump answered.

"Who are we talking about? Is this the Muslim ban?" Muir asked.

"We're talking about - no it's not the Muslim ban," Trump answered. "But it's countries that have tremendous terror. It's countries that we're going to be spelling out in a little while in the same speech. And it's countries that people are going to come in and cause us tremendous problems."Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman seems like an improbable purveyor of "fake news."

He doesn't run a troll farm or a website designed to spread propaganda. He's not on a mission to destroy a politician or artist. He's not even a journalist.

But this week, he was sentenced to a week in jail for a YouTube video he made, the first casualty of Malaysia's "fake news" law.

The new measure makes it a crime to share "news, information, data and reports which is or are wholly or partly false" online, in print or on TV. Social media users can be prosecuted for sharing an inaccurate story, even if they didn't know it was wrong at the time. Online service providers can also be held responsible for what people post on their sites.

It's the first law of its kind in the world.

Billboards and radio announcements sponsored by the government said that the law would help officials take on a pernicious enemy. "Fake news has become a global phenomenon, but Malaysia is at the tip of the spear in trying to fight it with an anti-fake news law," Fadhlullah Suhaimi Abdul Malek, a senior official with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, told the New York Times. "When the American president made 'fake news' into a buzzword, the world woke up."

But critics of the Malaysian government saw something else - intentionally vague legislation that will make it easy for politicians and leaders to get rid of stories they don't like. In effect, they say, the government has the power to decide what is and isn't true.

"We have a ministry of truth being created," Nurul Izzah Anwar, a lawmaker from the People's Justice Party, told the Times. Anwar's father, one of the country's most popular opposition leaders, has been in prison since 2015.

The law's opponents point out some suspicious timing - the measure was passed just months before the May elections, and while Prime Minister Najib Razak is being investigated for diverting billions of dollars from Malaysia's state investment fund.

But Sulaiman is not a government critic, nor did he speak about these subjects.

Sulaiman, a Danish citizen of Yemeni descent, said he'd been in Malaysia for less than two weeks when he was arrested.

In the YouTube video, Sulaiman said that on April 21, he was with Hamas engineer Fadi al-Batsh when he was gunned down by two assailants on a motorcycle. Batsh was shot more than 14 times. Hamas has accused Israel's Mossad spy agency of killing Batsh, according to Al Jazeera.

Sulaiman also said that he called the police, and that it took an hour for an ambulance to arrive.

But police pushed back, saying it took them only eight minutes to arrive on the scene. Malaysia's inspector general of police said a distress call arrived at 6:41 a.m. A patrol car arrived at 6:49 a.m.

Two days after he posted his video, Sulaiman was charged "with ill intent, published fake news through a video on YouTube."

At his trial, Sulaiman told the judge that he was in Malaysia on vacation from Denmark for about two weeks. He didn't know about the new law. He apologized but was convicted of "maliciously publishing false information."

Sulaiman was sentenced to at least a week in jail. He said he was unable to pay the $2,500 fine, which means he'll serve a month in jail instead. It's not the worst punishment Sulaiman could have faced. Offenders can be sentenced to up to six months in jail and fined $128,000.KABUL, Afghanistan  Twin bombings in Kabul on Monday killed at least 25 people, including nine journalists. It was the deadliest single attack involving journalists in Afghanistan since at least 2002, and one of the most lethal ever worldwide, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

A 10th journalist, from the BBCs Afghan service, was shot and killed in a separate attack Monday outside Kabul.

The bombings were the latest spasm of a conflict that began more than a decade and a half ago and shows no sign of ebbing.

In a two-stage attack, bombers detonated a first device during the morning rush and a second roughly 40 minutes later, killing emergency workers and journalists who had by then reached the site, officials said.

A branch of the Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attacks, which came just eight days after the group took responsibility for another explosion that killed 57 people lining up to register to vote.

A spokesman for the Afghan police, Hashmat Stanikzai, said the attacks in Kabul on Monday had killed at least 25 people, including four policemen, and wounded 49, but officials and witnesses at the scene said the final casualty figures were likely to be higher.

At least nine journalists died, including an Agence France-Presse photographer, Shah Marai, who had covered his war-torn homeland for 20 years.

The Afghan government said in a statement that the bombings constituted an attack on Islam and described the targeting of journalists as an unforgivable crime.

The attacks underscored the unending nature of violence in Afghanistan, which has suffered wave after wave of civil wars, foreign invasions and coups for the past half-century.

The current phase of the conflict began in 2001 with a U.S. invasion that overthrew the Taliban regime but never entirely forced out the Taliban or other emergent extremist groups, like the Islamic State.

U.S. and Afghan officials believe some attacks are the result of collaboration between elements of both the Islamic State and the Taliban.

Despite more than $100 billion in aid and the continuous presence of U.S. troops in the country, the Western-backed Afghan government has struggled to exert full control over its territory, its forces even losing control of a major city twice.

Urban attacks on civilians have become a fact of life and have turned day-to-day existence into a lottery. More than 210 people have been killed in public spaces since the start of the year.

The Afghan president, Ashraf Ghani, recently offered a peace deal to the Taliban, which controls or contests more than 40 percent of Afghan territory, according to U.S. military data released in January. Weeks later, the Taliban announced a new operation targeting Americans and their supporters.

Mondays assault occurred against a backdrop of renewed U.S. commitment to the counterinsurgency in Afghanistan. Despite initially promising to curb involvement in Afghanistan, President Donald Trump agreed to send more troops here last summer.

U.S. airstrikes in the country have reached an intensity not seen since 2012, according to military records. More than 14,000 U.S. forces are now stationed in Afghanistan, down from around 100,000 in 2010 but up from 9,800 in 2015.

Around 2,400 U.S. soldiers have been killed on Afghan soil since 2002, while research by Brown University suggests more than 31,000 civilians have died from violence in the same period.

I dont think there is any serious analyst of the situation in Afghanistan who believes that the war is winnable, Laurel Miller, a former acting special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the State Department, said in a podcast last summer.

According to Stanikzai of the Afghan police, the chaos Monday began at 8 a.m., when a bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up in the Shah Darak district of central Kabul. The attack took place near a guarded street behind the U.S. Embassy that leads to many offices, including those of the Afghan intelligence agency.

The second explosion, which was described as considerably larger, hit as emergency workers gathered near the police cordon blocking the area.

The second bomber was disguised as a photographer.

The second explosion was big, and it was among the crowd, like reporters and government staff who were waiting to go to the office, said Muhammad Yunus, 38, a witness. I was very close to the second explosion; I saw dozens of bodies laying on the ground.

Marai, the photographer, had previously written of his pride at often being among the first journalists to reach a bomb site.

After a colleague was unable to immediately reach the scene of the first bombing Monday, Marai sent a message of reassurance, saying he was already at work at the site.

No worry man, I am here, he said by WhatsApp, in a message later published by AFP.

Moments later, the second bomb exploded.

Four broadcasters for Afghan news outlets were also killed, according to Nai, an Afghan nongovernmental organization working on media freedom. Radio Free Europe later said three of its current or future employees had died, bringing the total news media death toll to nine.

One of those killed, Yar Mohammad Tokhi, a 54-year-old cameraman for Tolonews, was due to be married this month, said a friend and former colleague, Rateb Noori.

A second casualty, Abadullah Hanazai, a 28-year-old reporter for RFE/RL in Kabul, was his familys main breadwinner, and had been married just seven months, according to his colleague Ibrahim Safi.

The BBC announced that a 10th journalist  a 29-year-old reporter for the BBC Afghan service, Ahmad Shah  had been shot in a separate attack in Khost province by unknown gunmen.

In a third attack in Afghanistan on Monday, a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into an armored Romanian vehicle beside a mosque outside the southern city of Kandahar, setting off an explosion that killed 11 children and injured 16 others, officials said.

In a fourth incident, in eastern Afghanistan, one U.S. soldier was killed and another wounded Monday, the U.S. Army announced.

The latest round of violence raises fresh concerns about whether the Afghan security services can create a safe enough environment for parliamentary elections that are to be held in September.

Of Afghanistans 7,355 polling stations, nearly 1,000 are outside government control, according to security officials.

Participation is expected to be low; only 190,000 out of an estimated 14 million voters registered to vote in the first week of registration. Many voters are disappointed by the corruption rife within Afghan politics, and by successive fraudulent elections.

This article originally appeared in The New York TimesEmployees at the San Antonio Independent School District's central offices have been cleared to return inside after being briefly evacuated due to suspicious backpacks left behind, officials said.

The person who left the backpacks has been detained. Nothing dangerous was found, officials said.

The building was cleared out shortly after the bags were discovered just inside the building Tuesday around noon.

RELATED: Woman accused of stabbing husband for looking at other women during Fiesta

The San Antonio Police Department's bomb squad was called to investigate, along with SAISD police officers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, according to SAISD spokesperson Leslie Price.

Federal Protective Service personnel were also on scene, having come from the courthouse on Cesar Chavez Boulevard where they were providing beefed up security for the federal trial of Bandidos leaders.

The building was deemed safe to enter as of 12:45 p.m. and employees were making their way back into their offices, Price said.

The suspect believed to have left the backpacks there has already been detained by police and is being questioned. A police spokesperson did not have information on whether the suspect was arrested, as of 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSAJurors hearing the case of a San Antonio man accused of killing his younger brother saw photographs of the skeletal remains of the victim, who was buried in 3 feet of sand in the dunes of Padre Island National Seashore.

The trial of Gregorio Barrera opened Tuesday morning. He is accused of killing his brother, Andres Barrera, after the two fought over a family home they shared.

Barrera was 48 and already in jail on a criminal trespassing charge when he was charged with killing his brother, whose remains were found in Kleberg County on the north shore.

RELATED: Mugshot: Wife accused of stabbing husband for looking at women during Fiesta

Kleberg County Sheriffs Office investigators and the Nueces County medical examiner said the victims remains had been in the sand for several weeks before being discovered on Sept. 25, 2016.

The remains were decomposed; there was loss of soft tissue, the bones and skull exposed, Nueces County Medical Examiner Dr. Ray Fernandez told the jury as prosecutor Kimberly Gonzalez questioned him using several crime scene photographs.

Fernandez said the internal organs were so decomposed they were no longer visible. He also stated some bones were missing, likely because of animals. The body showed no sign of gunshot or stab wounds, he said, and pointed to a skull fracture and pieces of plastic around the victims neck. He said either or both could cause death.

It (the fracture) would be consistent with some object, long and hard, with some good form to it, he told the jury. Its possible a person could die with a hit to the head.

The cause of death was ruled as homicidal violence.

RELATED: Teen accused of fatally shooting nephew in December

Andres Barrera lived by himself at an apartment complex in the 100 block of Camino De Oro. He was reported missing Sept. 12, 2016, by a relative who told San Antonio police that Barreras apartment appeared to have been ransacked.

Relatives said the brothers would physically fight each other, and before the disappearance had argued over a home in the 8700 block of Sage Brush regarding a loan taken out on the property that was not paid.

The defendant, who kept his head down throughout the trial and did not look at video or photos of his brothers remains, began to cry when his sister, Martha Barrera, testified.

She said her brother Greg was the caretaker for their mother until she died in 2014. After that, he lived at their childhood home with friends and six dogs, and the family was attempting to remodel it. She said the defendant lived at the home and Andres Barrera paid the mortgage.

At some point, Andres Barrera called Bexar County constables, who served an eviction notice to Gregorio Barrera, and he left for a short period.

Martha Barrera said she tried to contact Andres Barrera over Labor Day weekend in 2016 and he never responded.

After her brother disappeared, she went to the home and found her younger brothers wallet, credit cards, checkbook, all of his belongings, in a room, she said, but her brother was not there.

Investigators at the time said in a search of the home, they found pieces of bloody wood in the garbage, spatter on the walls and ceiling, and when they pinged the victim's phone, they discovered it at the house.

Gregorio Barrera, now 50, is being tried in the 186th state District Court, presided by Judge Jefferson Moore. If convicted, Barrera faces up to life in prison.

Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863Anyone who drives in San Antonio has probably complained about the quality of its streets.

The city of San Antonio is trying to address that by putting $99 million toward street repair and upkeep in the next year's budget. But the city plans to focus on those parts of town where street quality is particularly bad, based on a rating system called a pavement condition index, or PCI score.

RELATED: Report: These are the most dangerous intersections in San Antonio

San Antonio, ideally, wants all of its streets rated A or B - those with a score 70 and above.

Today, more than 17,500 street segments in San Antonio are rated C or below - that's about 41 percent of the street segments for which the city has PCI scores (some segments have not yet been rated).

RELATED: Charging stations, traffic sensors and 8 other new technologies that make life in S.A. easier

About 3,700 street segments are rated F - a PCI score of 40 or below.

"F streets are quite expensive to repair," said Anthony Chukwudolue, the city's assistant director of Transportation and Capital Improvements. These are streets that may need total reconstruction.

To reconstruct one 30-foot-wide street costs $2 million a mile, Chukwudolue said.

Right now, the city is focused on doing as much as it can with available resources: that means fixing some F streets but not all of them. Much of the money is going to be spent on pavement preservation and rehabilitation.

RELATED: San Antonio's bus service slated to get faster after $4.3 million in improvements

With the proposed FY 2018 budget, the city is trying to address council districts where the need for street repairs is greatest - specifically, Districts 1 (central city), 2 (East and Northeast Side), 3 (South and Southeast Side), 5 (West Side), and 10 (North/Northeast Side). Cumulatively, those districts had more streets with PCI scores of C and below than the other council districts.

That doesn't mean streets in other council districts won't get repaired, but additional funds are proposed for these districts in particular.

Generally speaking, older streets are those inside Loop 410. But, soil quality also can affect a street's lifespan. The highly expansive soil in District 10, for example, means many of those streets deteriorate faster, Chukwudolue said.

Click on the slideshow to see which 15 'principal arterial' street segments have the worst PCI scores in the city. Principal arterial streets are considered "main movement" streets, which see a lot of traffic and can connect major population areas within a city.

vdavila@express-news.net

@viannadavilaThe Tricentennial Commemorative Week celebrates the confluence of cultures that makes San Antonio a one-of-a-kind city.

The special week kicked off Tuesday, May 1 with the Day of Reflection, commemorating the day Mission San Antonio de Valero (later, the Alamo) was established. This will be followed by History and Education Day today, May 2, when a VIA mobile history lab will visit area libraries and schools to introduce children to the Witte Museums exhibit: 300 Years of Confluence and Culture.

On Friday, May 4, Arts for All Day will showcase a diverse array of dance performances, musical concerts and art exhibits for residents and visitors. Legacy Day on Saturday, May 5 and Military Appreciation and Commemorative Siclovia on Sunday, May 6 will round out the fun-filled week.

In between these exciting activities, five organizations will host concurrent Founders Day events across our city on Thursday, May 3. Following a special Happy Birthday, San Antonio! puppet show presented by Hartmans House at Morgans Wonderland at 5 p.m., four universities have planned an eclectic lineup of Founders Day activities kicking off at 6 p.m. Together, these events will bring to life the different cultures that have mixed and mingled over the course of three centuries to give San Antonio its distinctive flavor. Each event will offer music, food, arts and activities. All are family-friendly, free and open to the public.

The unique history and culture of the West Side will come to life at Our Lady of the Lake University, and will include the Westside Horns and the music of DJ Chuco Garcia. San Antonios South Side will be on display at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, with performances by Native American, mariachi, folklorico and conjunto groups. An East Side celebration at St. Philips College will include a curated exhibit featuring the works of 22 local African-American artists, along with a keynote speech by Ruth Simmons, president of Prairie View A&M University and, as president of Brown University, the first African-American woman to serve as the president of an Ivy League university. Meanwhile, UTSAs campus will come alive with a folklife festival that includes performances by the Bill Smallwood Band, the Halau Hawaiian Hula and Lebanese Folk Dancers.

Perhaps more than any other Tricentennial event, Founders Day will offer something educational and entertaining for people of all ages and backgrounds. There may be no more powerful symbol for this day of living history than the original San Antonio Constitutive Act document, created in 1733 and housed at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico. This manuscript contains the order of Juan de Acuna, Marquis of Casa Fuerte and viceroy of New Spain, recognizing the lands in the San Antonio de Bexar site and giving possession of them to the 16 Canarian families that had already settled there. This historic treasure will be on display at the Founders Day Gala on the night of Thursday, May 3.

Following that event, San Antonio residents and visitors can view this vital piece of our citys origin story at Presidio Gallery, the home of A&M-S.A.s Archives and Special Collections located at 126 E. Nueva St. in downtown San Antonio.

I hope you enjoy Founders Day as one of the highlights of our Tricentennial year.

Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Ed.D., is president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio.SAN ANTONIO - A man who initially told police his nephew was shot during a home invasion last year was arrested Tuesday.

Henry Ruiz, 19, faces a murder charge in the death of Angel Zamudio Ruiz, 20, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

SAPD spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Ramos said Henry Ruiz was apprehended on the East Side.

On Dec. 21, Angel Ruiz was fatally shot while in a detached bedroom of a home at around 3:15 a.m. in the 100 block of Gorman, according to police.

RELATED: Woman guilty of killing trucking tycoon husband wants new trial

Ramos said that officers found Henry Ruiz in the same room when they arrived that night.

He, at that time, had a weapon in his hands, Ramos said.

Henry Ruiz initially told police that two men forced their way into the home and shot his relative.

The story that the arrested person gave to police didnt match the evidence at the scene, Ramos said.

Ramos said investigators found no signs of forced entry. A crime lab later matched the bullet to the gun Henry Ruiz was holding when police found him, she said.

RELATED: 20-year-old found with fatal gunshot wound to head by mother is identified

Henry said he was not involved in the shooting as he was led by officers to a police vehicle Tuesday in the Public Safety Headquarters, 315 S. Santa Rosa Ave.

Asked for details as to what occurred, Henry declined, saying yall will find out in the (trial).

Ruiz was also arrested the night of the shooting on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana, but was later released on bond, according to court records.Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fatally shot a man after he fled and opened fire on them while they were serving a warrant Tuesday on the South Side.

Agents with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operation division  which identifies and removes from the U.S. those living in the country without legal permission  tried to serve the man an administrative warrant around 7 a.m. near the intersection of Division Avenue and Ferndale Street, according to Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, with the FBI's San Antonio office.

The man, who has not been identified, fled and ran to the intersection of Vermont and Ferndale streets, where he opened fire on the pursuing agents.

At least one agent returned fire, fatally striking the man, Combs said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

RELATED: SAPD: 2 suspects arrested after armed carjacking, police chase

Investigators recovered the suspect's weapon, and the FBI has opened an assault on a federal officer case in connection with the shooting, Combs said.

One of the immigration agents suffered minor injuries, but its unclear if he was shot or injured by some other means.

Combs did not take questions about the shooting after a brief press conference near the scene. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials similarly declined to provide details.

"Per agency protocol, ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident," according to a statement from Nina Pruneda, a spokeswoman for the agency. "The agency has no further comment at this time."

According to ICE's website, the mission of the Enforcement and Removal Operations division is to "identify, arrest, and remove aliens who present a danger to national security or are a risk to public safety, as well as those who enter the United States illegally or otherwise undermine the integrity of our immigration laws and our border control efforts."

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns

AUSTIN  Attorney General Ken Paxton, as promised, announced a multi-state lawsuit Tuesday to end the program that protects certain undocumented immigrants brought to this country as children.

The lawsuit targeting the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is about the rule of law, not the wisdom of any particular immigration policy, Paxton said of the program initiated by former President Barak Obama.

The Constitution guarantees the American people the right to set their own immigration policies through their representatives in Congress, he said.

The lawsuit challenges Obamas 2012 executive order creating the program.

While the lawsuit was brought against the federal government, which administers the program, it doesnt signify frustration with President Donald Trump, Paxton said.

Instead, he said, the states are frustrated with federal judges who have thwarted Trumps efforts to phase out the program.

Sen. Jose Menendez of San Antonio was among prominent Democrats sharply critical of the Republican attorney generals action.

It has been widely accepted that children who are covered under DACA, who are brought to this country as children through no fault of their own, have done well in our educational settings, have done well in the workforce, have served our nations armed forces with distinction, said Menendez, chairman of the Texas Senate Hispanic Caucus. It just seems like such a waste of taxpayer dollars to run to the courthouse.

Paxton last year had threatened a lawsuit if DACA werent eliminated. Trump said he would end the program if Congress didnt act, but court action has stalled that effort.

Most recently, a federal judge in the District of Columbia last week ruled against the Trump administrations drive to do away with the program and, further, said DACA must accept additional applications.

Judge John Bates ruled that the Department of Homeland Security hadnt sufficiently explained why it had decided the program was against the law.

Bates postponed his ruling, however, to allow the federal government to submit a new document to support its action.

The Texas lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Brownsville, according to the attorney generals office. Other states involved are Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and West Virginia, according to Paxtons office.

The lawsuit doesnt ask for the removal of immigrants who are here and it doesnt ask for the revocation of permits that have been issued.

It does, however, ask the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to say that DACA is against the law and to stop the issuance or renewal of permits.

People whose DACA certificates arent renewed will lose their jobs, Menendez said. Their legal status in this country will be in limbo.

Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said Paxtons cruel anti-immigration agenda will rip over 124,000 Texans away from their families and jeopardize our economy.

Rep. Rafael Anchia, a Dallas Democrat who heads the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, said that rather than wasting taxpayer funds, Paxton should join the bipartisan chorus calling on Congress to fix a broken immigration system that denies these kids their rightful place at the American table.

Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. In 2014, Abbott  before taking office as governor, while he was still attorney general  announced a multi-state lawsuit challenging an expansion of the DACA program to include certain undocumented immigrants whose children were lawfully in the country. Abbotts effort ultimately was successful.

pfikac@express-news.net @pfikacMayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff on Tuesday ruled out any chances of rail being included in the areas multi-modal transit plan that could go before voters next year.

The city and countys top elected officials said after a Tricentennial press conference welcoming one of the citys first babies born on San Antonios 300th birthday that rail is an outdated mode of transportation and that the federal government isnt doling out funding for it as it did two decades ago.

Its not the first time the leaders have said as much, but they both said it again emphatically on Tuesday because theres been speculation that rail might still be in the works  and idea perhaps promulgated both by people hopeful that San Antonio would finally get rail and conversely by those who are against it and want to kill an emerging transit proposal.

RELATED: San Antonio homebuyers getting outbid and frustrated in tight housing market

San Antonio voters will likely be asked in 2019 to vote on an initial phase of the transit plan, though theres some question as to whether a public vote is required. Whether theres a legal need isnt an issue, Nirenberg said. The public will vote, likely in May 2019, on the plan and a funding source.

Nirenberg said residents from every corner of the city are demanding solutions to congestion, which is supposed to increase significantly in the coming decades as 1 million new residents are expected to move here.

The idea behind Nirenbergs call for a public vote is to garner a mandate from the public to push forward for futuristic and diverse transit. The plan is expected to include dedicated right of way for set, trackless routes that would be serviced by mass-transit vehicles that can scale up as demand increases, Nirenberg said.

Whats extraordinary about this situation is we have the chance to use future-proof technology  trackless transit that is scalable to ridership demands, that is cost-effective to cover the expansiveness of our geography, and also, again, is an opportunity to be an adopter of advanced technology, Nirenberg said.

Wolff said the overall plan would include diverse modes of transit that give residents choice about how they move around town, from buses on dedicated right of way to ride-hailing. He also speculated that bicycles, scooters and even autonomous vehicles could play a role in reducing congestion here.

This is a developing story. Please check back later for more details.Bela and Martha Karolyi have filed suit against the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics, seeking more than a million dollars in damages and saying they should not be held responsible for any lawsuits stemming from crimes committed at their Sam Houston National Forest ranch by disgraced doctor Larry Nassar.

The suit, filed last month in Walker County, accuses USA Gymnastics of being in violation of a purchase agreement and a lease agreement at the couple's ranch, which until last year housed the women's national training center, and of failing to live up to a promise to "wrap their arms" around the couple and to defend them against allegations stemming from the Nassar sexual abuse scandal.

ANOTHER LAWSUIT: Gymnast sues Karolyis, others over Larry Nassar abuse

"(USA Gymnastics) used the close relationship between itself and the Karolyis to its benefit and then disregarded the Karolyis when they no longer felt it expedient to keep them close," the lawsuit says.

Along with detailing their claims against USA Gymnastics and the USOC, the lawsuit also states in no uncertain terms the Karolyis' claim that they did not know Nassar, who has been sentenced to the equivalent of a life prison sentence in Michigan for sexual abuse of gymnasts, may have molested gymnasts at the ranch while serving as a USA Gymnastics team doctor.

"The Karolyis never had any knowledge of Larry Nassar's reprehensible conduct and would have reported such conduct had they learned of it or if there had been any suspicion," the lawsuit said.

The suit, filed by the Karolyis' Houston attorney, Gary Jewell, said the Karolyis learned in 2015 that Nassar was no longer with the federation but did not know until after the 2016 Summer Olympics that he was suspected of sexually abusing gymnasts under the guise of medical care.

They were instructed in 2015 not to disclose that Nassar was no longer associated with USA Gymnastics, the lawsuit said.

As lawsuits against USA Gymnastics and the USOC began to mount, the USOC in February 2018 asked the Karolyis, through a company owned by the couple, to indemnify the USOC against damages in court and to defend the USOC in any lawsuits filed against the USOC alleging actions that may have taken place at the ranch.

However, the Karolyis say they should not be required to come to the legal defense of USOC and USA Gymnastics because gymnasts who have filed lawsuits allege that the USOC and USA Gymnastics failed to protect them against Nassar's abuse.

"USOC's request ... is merely USOC and USAG's attempt to sacrifice the Karolyis ... to shift blame off of themselves," the lawsuit said.

In the lawsuit, which has been assigned to state District Judge Hal Ridley, the Karolyis seek a declaration that they are not required to indemnify the USOC and USA Gymnastics against lawsuit damages. It also seeks damages from USA Gymnastics, accusing the federation of reneging on a contract to purchase a portion of the ranch and of breaching its contract to hold national team training camps at the ranch.

USA Gymnastics had no right to violate the purchase contract, the couple said, because it was aware that Nassar may have assaulted gymnasts at the ranch in 2015, a full year before signing the contract to purchase the gym complex for its future use.

The couple also say that USA Gymnastics failed its duty to the Karolyis by not informing them in 2015 that Nassar was suspected of sexual abuse while at the same time continuing to use the Karolyis' name, image and reputation to promote the sport of gymnastics.

Bela and Martha Karolyi first rose to prominence in gymnastics in the 1970s in their native Romania and moved to Texas in the 1980s, where their gymnasts included Olympic gold medalists Mary Lou Retton, Kerri Strug and Dominique Moceanu.

Bela Karolyi served as national team coordinator for USA Gymnastics in 2000, and Martha Karolyi held the job from 2001 through 2016, when the U.S. women's team won its second consecutive Olympic team gold medal.Im not ready to give up on us.

Let me explain what I mean. When asked after the Constitutional Convention what sort of government the Founding Fathers had created, Benjamin Franklin replied, A Republic, if you can keep it. A grand notion at the time  one that, to this day, continues to lie at the core of our nation.

Like our Founding Fathers, we are living in a time of great political divide. Sure, it looks a little bit different now, but we are still passionately arguing about topics and policy for which we all feel strongly.

RELATED: Trump's campaign boss Brad Parscale wants 2020 GOP convention in San Antonio

Our Founding Fathers got a lot right, but nothing more so than the concept of democracy: a system of government of officials elected by the people and for the people. A government of officials who may have varying ideas and opinions on how to run our country but should all have the same goal: to make it better.

As the conversation surrounding whether San Antonio should consider throwing its hat into the ring for the 2020 Republican National Convention020, Ive been thinking a lot about these concepts our country was founded upon. The democratic process thrives with two strong and opposite political parties. And hosting a convention for either party is about supporting that democratic process.

Democracy also means transparency. Transparency means all the facts are shared with those whom we elect to make decisions for us. We cant discard ideas (or, in the case of the RNC, economic benefits) simply because we may not align politically with them.

Every chance San Antonio gets to host conferences and conventions is another opportunity to showcase our first class community to the world. And weve hosted nearly everything. These gatherings infused the economy with both in-state and out-of-state tourism dollars. These funds help finance new roads and fix our schools. The RNC alone could be responsible for generating nearly $200 million for our local economy. In 2016, the sites of the Democratic and Republican national conventions saw an increase in economic activity by $231 million and $188.4 million, respectively.

RELATED: Republican Party denies convention booth to pro-LGBT group

There has also been a lot of talk about what it will cost. Yes, we will have to raise nearly $60 million in private funds. However, the federal government gives $50 million in addition to those funds just for safety and security alone. Keep in mind that both the RNC and DNC will receive that $50 million regardless of where the conventions are held. If our federal government is going to spend $50 million of our tax dollars, then all things considered equal, Id like them to be spent here.

Furthermore, as a community we are constantly talking about economic development. How do we get companies to relocate to or build their headquarters in San Antonio? How do we create more jobs? A large gathering such as the Republican National Convention brings Fortune 500 CEOs with it, CEOs who will see firsthand everything San Antonio has to offer.

I also understand the concern over protests and potentially violent behavior that might accompany a political convention. But in Cleveland, the site of the 2016 Republican National Convention, there were fewer than 25 convention-related arrests. City officials prepared for the worst, considering how volatile the presidential primary season had been (perhaps the most volatile in our nations history).

San Antonio is not D.C. We are better than that. We work together to facilitate conversation in a community where everyones opinions are valued. Republicans work alongside Democrats, and Democrats work alongside Republicans. This is what makes us San Antonio. It is not in our DNA to spurn an opportunity based on political party. Especially not one that could bring enormous benefits for the community.

FOR OUR SUBSCRIBERS: What San Antonio needs to consider on the Republican National Convention bid

D.C. should be taking its political cues from us. We should be better. If the Republican Party  or the Democratic Party  wants to consider San Antonio for its 2020 national convention, we should seize the opportunity to show the world what San Antonio is all about: the democratic process.

I urge our City Council to seriously consider submitting a bid for this convention.

Im not ready to give up on us. I hope youre not either.

Bexar County Commissioner Kevin Wolff represents Precinct 3.Theres been a low-burning dispute in Austin over the official weighing of barbecue.

Lets cut to the meat of the issue, as recently outlined by The Texas Tribune. The Texas Department of Agriculture monitors scales retailers use to weigh the products they sell. This affects a surprising number of retailers  more than 17,000.

But a recent state law carved out those establishments serving food ready to eat right away. Its known as the barbecue bill because, well, this is Texas. Folks could have just as easily called it the frozen yogurt bill, but that just doesnt sound right.

RELATED: Paxton rules against Texas Ag Secretary Sid Miller's 'BBQ Bill' rules

Heres the beef:

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has argued against any barbecue carve-outs, saying his office is needed to certify scales. Miller is concerned Texans might be shorted on their brisket, although there is no shortage of brisket in Texas. He might also be concerned about the $35 annual fee barbecue joints would have to pay to certify their scales with the state. No doubt, it represents a thin slice of his budget.

Miller had argued the law applied only to food being served for eat-in purposes, but not carry out. He asked Attorney General Ken Paxton to weigh in, and he did, finding Miller was misinterpreting the law.

Where and when you eat your pulled pork sandwich doesnt matter. It only matters that the pulled pork was served ready to eat.

RELATED: Bill Miller Bar-B-Q asks fans, 'What city should we go to next?'

Those are our words, not Paxtons, of course. But we wholeheartedly agree with his legal analysis of this issue.

Beyond the legalese, we would note that state government has higher purposes than haranguing barbecue owners about their scales. Should an owner of a fine establishment be in the habit of shortchanging customers on brisket orders, the free market will eventually take care of such dastardly behavior.

No government required in Texas barbecue.WASHINGTON - A man who admitted to racking up more than $60,000 on credit cards is facing up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud and identity theft charges.

Elijah Chin, of Federal Way, plead guilty this week to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.Jeff Weiner may need to update his interests on his LinkedIn account. The CEO of the professional networking behemoth is also trying out his real estate skills, listing his Menlo Park, CA, estate for $9,988,000.

According to property records, the Colonial Revival originally built in 1949 was last sold in 2010 for $5.3 million. So if the deluxe property sells for the asking price, the exec stands to pocket a profit.Home prices in Las Vegas are shooting up higher than the hotel and casino towers on the glittering Strip.

Prices for single-family homes were up across the nation by about 7% annually as of March. But Las Vegas led the pack of metros, with the largest annual price hike, 12.6%, as of March, according to real estate data firm CoreLogic's recently released Home Price Index. (That's higher than San Francisco, where single-family homes were 10.8% more expensive year over year.)

Among the states, Nevada tied with Washington for the largest price gains, at 12.6%, according to the report. Sorry, Silver State buyers.

"California is losing its luster," says Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com . "These areas [that topped the list] have a lot of California-like amenitiesdry, sunny weather and great outdoor activitiesbut they dont have exorbitantly high home prices, congestion.

Nevada and Washington were followed by Idaho, at 12.3%, and Utah, at 11.2%. California rounded out the top five at 8.9%.

These states are "definitely more affordable than California, but prices are up quite a bit," Hale says. People coming in to those markets are not going to be priced out. But those who are already in those areas could be.

The dramatic rise of Las Vegas' housing market is rooted in its crash when the housing bubble burst, says local real estate agent and property manager Bryan Kyle of First Serve Realty. The Sin City metro area was among the hardest hit in the nation, so "there was more space to come back up," he says.

The market has been gradually picking up steam for the last three years, Kyle says, and now, with a strong job market and a flood of buyers, there is nary an affordable home to be found.

More affordably priced homes typically receive several offers and can sell for more than their asking prices: "If we put a home on the market for $350,000, it sells immediately.

All of the cities and states where prices are rising the most are seeing strong job growth, says Frank Nothaft, chief economist of CoreLogic.

"Millennials move there for the job opportunities," Nothaft says. And once they arrive, they compete with locals for a very limited supply of properties, driving up prices. "That's adding to the demand to buy homes.

Nationally, each state saw single-family home price increases. But some saw much lower bumps. Wyoming had the lowest price gains, at just 0.4% as of March. Washington, DC, wasn't too far behind at 1.4%; followed by Alaska, at 1.7%; Oklahoma, at 1.9%; and South Dakota, at 2%.

The post Where Are Home Prices Shooting Up the Most? Not Where Many Buyers Expect appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.MADISON  As plans are underway to open a new, independent Catholic school in town this fall, Our Lady of Mercy Preparatory Academy, discussions continue with the Town of Madison regarding leasing Island Avenue School for the 2019 school year.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Leonard P. Blair of Hartford sent a letter to First Selectman Tom Banisch last week clarifying his position on the anticipated opening of the new school, saying it will not be recognized as a Catholic school.

The letter, in part, read As the Archbishop who exercises ecclesiastical authority within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Hartford, including Madison, I see no justification for consenting to the creation of an additional new Catholic school in the area in question.

I do not intend to grant my consent or to recognize any other planned entity as a Catholic school in the area, he continued. Therefore, any new OLM school is not, and should not present itself, as a Catholic school.

Beginning with the 2018-19 academic year, Our Lady of Mercy School, located at 149 Neck Road, Madison, will merge with St. Mary School in Branford to form the East Shoreline Catholic Academy at the current site of St. Mary School in Branford.

This successor school will be located on the current St. Mary School campus in Branford rather than in the current location which is leased from the Sisters of Mercy, who have confirmed, repeatedly, that they have no intention of leasing the Neck Road building to any type of school in the future, continued the Archbishops letter.

OLM Strong was created by a group of OLM parents, students, alumni and community supporters interested in forming a new, independent Catholic school.

Discussions are ongoing with the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPCIS), in addition to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), for sponsorship of OLM Prep, said OLM Strong Spokesman John Picard.

Island Avenue School is scheduled to close in June 2019 as the Madison Public School system explores ways to reconfigure the school district due to declining enrollment. Superintendent of Schools Tom Scarice stressed that it will continue as a public elementary school until June 2019.

Selectman Bruce Wilson and Al Goldberg will be working with OLM Strong to determine whether it is in the best interest of the town and OLM Prep to collaborate on a lease agreement.

While working with the Board of Selectman, OLM Prep is also working on securing a home for the 2018-2019 school year. While Picard would not disclose the location at this time, he did say that it would work for next year.

Its a temporary solution, he said. Its a solution for a year and were very optimistic that well have Island School for 19 and the future as we go through the negotiations.

I feel very optimistic that well have a home for 18 and 19 and beyond that, in Madison he said.

According to Banisch, if any arrangement is made with OLM Prep to occupy Island Avenue, it would have to be in the best interest of the town, financially.

I dont think we are actually negotiating a lease at this point, he said. First of all, they need to see what the numbers are and then if they say, Yes, we can do that, they are going to have to prove it to us that they can.

Banisch explained that the town is not in the business of being a landlord and certain requirements will have to be met for this arrangement to be successful.

We dont want to have to maintain the building, he said. In my way of thinking it would have to cover the estimated revenues we would be losing in taxes by not being able to sell it and develop it.

The last appraisal for the property, done about a year ago, was $2.9 million, according to Banisch.

We have to consider the fact that its Island Avenue and from my cursory look around town, Island Avenue is the hottest area in town, he explained. Theyre building big houses down there. Theyre knocking down little houses and building huge houses.

So I have to think that if we put it up for sale we could get in over our asking price offer, he added.

If a leasing arrangement was made between the town and OLM Prep, it is Banischs opinion that this would not be a long-term agreement.

From their prospective theyd like to move in tomorrow and stay for the next 30 years and Ive said to them, Thats not in our plan, said Banisch.

Its in our plan to sell that property and if we do look at it, it would be for short term consideration, he added.

If they can talk the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectman into something else, its a different story. Thats not what I see and what I see is best for the town.

Sarah Page Kyrcz can be reached via email at suzipage1@aol.com.- Some youths have called protested against Senator Mathew Urhoghide's impeachment comment against President Buhari

- Urhoghide had called for impeachment of President Buhari over the withdrawal of $496m from the Excess Crude Account to purchase military aircraft

- The youths asked the senator to retract his statement without further delay or face a recall

Some youths in Edo state have staged another protest calling on the senator representing Edo south in the National Assembly, Mathew Urhoghide, to withdraw his motion against President Muhammadu Buhari over an alleged impeachable offence.

The Punch reports that protesters, who carried placards as they marched through the streets of Benin on Monday, April 30, advised Urhoghide to retract his statement or face a recall.

READ ALSO: LIVE UPDATES: White House prepares to host Buhari in joint conference wit Trump

Legit.ng gathered that the leader of the group, Valentine Aisuen, said that the senator did not consult with his constituents before moving the motion for the impeachment of the President.

The people standing before you cut across party divides. He (Urhoghide) should have called us for a town hall meeting, not for him to have personally moved a motion of such a magnitude, he added.

The lawmaker had faced criticisms for moving a motion to invoke Section 143 of the Constitution against President Buhari for allowing the withdrawal of $496m from the Excess Crude Account to purchase military aircraft without the approval of the National Assembly.

The development had resulted in a clash between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Benin Airport on Friday, April 27, wherein Urhoghide was allegedly attacked.

Meanwhile, the Edo state House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence on the President, commending him for improving the economic fortunes of the country.

The House also faulted the call by the PDP senator for Buharis impeachment .

The state lawmakers made this known in a resolution passed at plenary on Monday, following a motion moved by the majority leader, Roland Asoro ( APC, Orhionmwon South) under matters of public importance.

Asoro submitted that the call for the impeachment of the President by an Edo senator was an embarrassment to the people of Edo south and the state.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

According to him, the President was winning the war on corruption and insurgency in the country, which he said could not be fought without adequate equipment.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that Senator Matthew Urhoghide denied calling for President Muhammadu Buharis impeachment.

The lawmaker representing Edo South senatorial district in the Nigerian Senate, who moved the motion question the legality of President Buhari's withdrawal of $496m from the Excess Crude Account to by military aircraft from the United, said he was misquoted.

Buhari to Contest for Presidency in 2019 - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit Nigeria- As 2019 elections draw near, ex-governor Muazu Aliyu has said the APC will be voted out of power

- He accused the APC of committing more than enough blunder against the people of Nigeria

- Aliyu said by the end of June, he will be able to say if he will contest for any position or not

The former governor of Niger state, Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take over power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019.

Aliyu said the APC has failed the people of Nigeria and will be voted out of power in the forthcoming 2019 general elections, The Independent reports.

He disclosed this when he received members of the Inter Community Relations Committee led by Chief Olusola Ajayi, its coordinator, who visited him in Minna.

According to him, the APC government at state and federal levels had prepared a good ground for the opposition to retake over power in all three tiers of government in next years elections.

READ ALSO: Governor Bello reportedly threatens to sack aides over failed Melayes recall

He said: We will change the government of the day next year. We will work harder, we will pray harder and God will answer our prayers to end the excruciating pains and economic hardship Nigerians are going through.

Nigerians had already seen through the APC Federal Government. They cannot take Nigerians for a ride any more. Also in Niger state, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has not proved to the electorates why he should be re-elected.

Speaking on calls for him to contest either the presidential or senatorial election, Aliyu said he was still consulting and would make his position known soon.

I am still consulting. By the end of June, after the Ramadan, I should be able to tell you categorically if I will contest for any position or not, he said.

Speaking earlier, the coordinator of the Inter Community Relations Committee, Ajayi, faulted the APC administration over what he termed unfavourable policies against non-indigenes in the state, especially through the introduction of discriminatory payable fees in public schools.

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In an earlier report by Legit.ng, the Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese, Matthew Kukah, said it will be difficult for Nigeria to have a peaceful 2019 election.

He said it would be a miracle if the country pulls through the elections successfully. The respected clergy said this in an interview published in the April edition of The Africa Report magazine.

His words: It will be one of the greatest miracles if we pull through the election successfully. I do not see how we are going to conduct these elections if nothing urgent is done to increase a sense of national cohesion.

According to him, there is heightened tension in virtually all states in the country, which would make it difficult for a peaceful election to be achieved.

The next President of Nigeria. Who will win the 2019 elections? on Legit.ng TV

Source: LegitIt has just been reported that a beautiful young lady who is currently observing her one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Kwara state is dead.

According to Punch, the deceased who was identified as Eva Amadi died few days after an early morning drill at the orientation camp. She reportedly suffered a bone fracture on Monday, April 23 and died on Thursday, April 26.

Following her death, friends and family of the deceased wept uncontrollably as her remains has been transported from Kwara state to her home town in Rivers state.

Female corps member Eva Amadi reported dead after an early morning drill in Kwara state. Source: Gistreel

READ ALSO: Deaf couple finally wed after communicating via SMS in Kenya (photo)

It was further reported that the deceased was undergoing her three weeks orientation in Edu local government area of Kwara state. She attended the University of Port Harcourt where she obtained a bachelor degree in Oil and Gas Engineering.

The Public Relations Officer of the NYSC in Kwara state, Oladipo Morakinyo, confirmed that the body of the deceased was conveyed in an NYSC ambulance from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, where she was confirmed dead and embalmed to Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers state.

He noted that the federal government, through the NYSC bought the casket and paid the hospital and embalmment bills, as well as other burial expenses.

However, the Senate President Bukola Saraki, during a condolence visit to the states orientation camp disclosed that Amadi should be immortalised. He also described Amadis death as a sad event.

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The Senate President noted that the facilities at the camp were inadequate and he pledged that efforts would be made to upgrade them. He said: Please stay focused and committed. We promise that we will do our best to ensure that the future is bright. We are there thinking of you and to see how to make your life and time here very fruitful.

The Kwara state Coordinator of the NYSC, Remigus Amaefule, described the deceased as a young lady who was full of life, intelligent, beautiful and was very active in all the camp activities.

RIP!

Why do women cheat? (Nigerian Street Interview) - Street Gist | Legit.ng TV - on Legit.ng TV.

Source: Legit Nigeria- Benue government filled charges against Miyetti Allah before a state high court in Markudi, the state capital

- State governor Ortom confirmed the lawsuit in a press briefing with journalists on Monday, April 30

- The governor also faulted the poor response of security forces to the continued attacks in Benue

The Benue state government has sued the leadership of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to court over the repeated killings of innocent citizens in the state.

Channels television reports that state governor Samuel Ortom revealed this on Monday, April 30, saying the is before the State High Court in Markurdi.

READ ALSO: Governor Bello reportedly threatens to sack aides over failed Melayes recall

Governor Ortom faulted alleged inaction of the security forces to arrest the group for purportedly threatening violence; an act he claimed resulted in the multiple deaths since 2018.

Legit.ng had earlier reported that Governor Ortom revealed that 18 local government area in the state are under attack by suspected herdsmen.

Ortom said only three out of the 23 local government areas in Benue are free from herdsmen invasion and attack, Vanguard reports.

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Speaking with journalists on his return from a vacation in China, the governor said he regrets the continued onslaught against his people from some armed herders.

Calling for vigilance in among residents of the state, Ortom said, the chief of army staff Tukur Buratai would visit Benue to address some of the security challenges in the state.

Victims of Herdsmen killing buried in Benue State - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng News- The failed recall of Senator Dino Melaye in Kogi state has been seen by a human rights activist as a lesson for democracy

- Idris Miliki, a Lokoja based human rights activist said the development revealed that power still remains with the electorate

- Miliki further said that the failed attempt to recall Melaye proved that the people are enlightened on adherence to due processes in a democratic setting

Idris Miliki, a Lokoja based human rights activist, has described the failed attempt to recall Senator Dino Melaye, (APC-Kogi West) from the National Assembly as a good development for democracy.

Miliki, who is the executive director of the centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, April 1, in Lokoja, Kogi state capital, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

READ ALSO: Sex-for-mark: FUNNAB VC tells students to report randy lecturers

He said that the recall process itself and the stage it got before the eventual failure also brought some lessons for democracy, rule of law and good governance in the country.

The activist said that the exercise brought high level enlightenment as it brought awareness to the electorate that they had the power to withdraw their mandate and recall their elected legislators if found wanting.

The exercise, according to him, also enlightened the citizenry in the procedures and processes to ensure such recall should the need arises rather than fall into the pitfalls of the failed attempt.

Miliki also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and civil society organisations, to always conduct mapping of electoral violence flashpoints before going into such exercises.

He said that when such mappings were done and adequate measures taken, the kind of violence witnessed in Mopa-Muro LGA during the verification exercise would be avoided.

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Miliki urged INEC to ensure that all party agents in their future events wore their name tags and possibly, with pictures. The activist also admonished the civil society groups to take such exercises seriously and make themselves available.

He regretted that for an exercise that cut across seven local government areas of the state, not up to 50 civil society observers participated.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Melaye had reacted to the failed attempt to recall him from the Senate saying he would continue to stand by the truth.

In a couple of tweet on Sunday, April 29, the embattled senator appreciated the effort of his people to keep him in the senate.

Dino Melaye and 2019 Criminal Conspiracy | Legit.ng TV - Nigeria News

Source: Legit- A suspect of human trafficking, identified as Blessing Akwaram, has been arrested and arraigned in a magistrate court at Yaba for attempting to use one Aminat Akinbode (18 years old) for prostitution

- The chief magistrate, O.G. Oghere granted Akwaram a bail of N2 million

- The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, June 13

A Yaba chief magistrates court in Lagos on Monday, April 30, granted N2 million bail to a 30-year-old woman charged with trafficking in a teenager for the purpose of prostitution.

The chief magistrate, O.G. Oghere, also ruled that the accused, Blessing Akwaram, should provide two sureties in like sum. Oghere said that the sureties should show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos state government.

READ ALSO: Why Oyegun reportedly withdrew from APC chairmanship race

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Akwaram is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy to commit human trafficking, child abduction and child abuse to which she, however, pleaded not guilty.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sergeant Modupe Olaluwoye, told the court that the accused committed the offences at 1.00 pm on Monday, April 2 at Seme.

Olaluwoye said that the accused conspired with others still at large and trafficked in 18-year-old Miss Aminat Akinbode for the purpose of prostitution He said that the accused took away the teenager with the intent to use her as a prostitute.

Olaluwoye said she was able to escape and alert the police at Seme border. The prosecutor noted that offences contravened Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos state, 2015, and Sections 24 and 26 of the Childs Right Law of Lagos state, 2007.

PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet!

Oghere ordered that the case file should be sent to the state director of public prosecutions for advice. She adjourned the case until Wednesday, June 13 for mention.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) had arrested two persons among those repatriated to Nigeria from Libya.

Julie Okah-Donli who is the director-general of the agency explained on Thursday, January 11, that the duo were under investigation and that one of them had been transferred to NAPTIPs Lagos zonal command for questioning.

Nigerians speak on slavery in Libya - On Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng- Professor Itse Sagay (SAN) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari does not need any cabinet reshuffling

- Sagay remarked that the president has not embarked on such task because his ministers are performing their duties as expected of them

- He stated that the set of minister appointed by the president are the best hands for the jobs

The chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Professor Itse Sagay (SAN), on Tuesday, May 1 stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has not done out any cabinet overhauling since he assumed office because most of his ministers are delivering positively.

The Independent reported that Sagay particularly mentioned Babatunde Raji Fashola, the minister of power, works and housing as one of the ministers with credibility and professionalism, adding that it will be a setback for nation if Fashola is redeployed to another ministry, The Independent reports.

READ ALSO: Why impeachment plot against Buhari will fail - Former President Jonathan's aide Abati

The SAN also mentioned Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance and Rotimi Amaechi as others who are proficient in their various ministries.

Sagay said: In my view, most of the ministers or shall I say a substantial members of his cabinet are doing very well. Take for example Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Power, Works and Housing. He is doing excellently well.

"It will be madness to change a man like that who is so much on top of the job and is really doing very well on all the arms of his ministry which are three.

It will be a setback for this country if a man like that is taken to another ministry. He has to start learning afresh, learning the ropes afresh and to put another person in the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to start learning afresh in such a critical ministry will be a grave mistake.

Also, Kemi Adeosun the Minister of Finance is also doing extremely well. If you look at Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport he is doing very well. I have just mentioned three and there are others who are also doing very well.

PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet!

"That is my impression that the president doesnt want the status quo to be disturbed because he has got the best hands doing the best jobs to which they are posted.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the president had reportedly handed over the task of nominating new ministers to his party, the All Progressives Congress.

Legit.ng gathered that the party leaders would, however, carry out the assignment in consultation with state governors.

President Buhari on 2019 presidential election: will you vote for him? | Legit.ng TV

Source: LegitThe Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters in Abuja is reportedly on fire.

The fire reportedly began in the evening of Tuesday, May 1. The cause of fire has not been ascertained yet.

Report has it that the fire started at the generator house.

Effort is going on to put out the fire and no causalities have been reported yet.

Men from the Federal Capital Fire Service were at the scene to ensure that the fire did not get out of control.

The assistant comptroller, Federal Fire Service, Bello Atayin, attributed the fire incident to a technical fault at the generator house, adding that the service was quick in putting it out before it got out of control, The Punch reports.

Meanwhile, in an earlier report by Legit.ng, President Muhammadu Buhari wrote a letter to the National Assembly, explaining why he approved the withdrawal of $462 million from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) for the procurement of 12 Super Tucano aircraft from the United States government without getting approval from NASS.

PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app

However, the letter also exposed false claims by a presidential aide who said Buhari had not ordered the withdrawal of $1 billion from the ECA to procure arms to tackle Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast and that until he got approval from NASS, he would not take such action. The aide made the claim on April 9.

Nigeria is practicing Oligarchy (Nigerian Street Interview) - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: LegitYves here. Weve been featuring a lot of posts on the Universal Basic Income and the Job Guarantee, which reflects the fact that both ideas are now tolerated in mainstream discourse, to the degree that the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the Levy Institute have published and costed out job guarantee plans.

But as this Real News Network interview (and a post yesterday) stressed, when advocates discuss a universal basic income, they often have very different programs in mind, and understanding how they would work is critical in evaluating their potential impact.

SHARMINI PERIES: Its The Real News Network, Im Sharmini Peries, coming to you from Baltimore. A universal basic income it could be a solution to inequality and economic instability. The basic idea is that people should be able to receive a certain amount of money as a guaranteed source of income. It should be paid out to every man, woman, and child. It could be paid monthly, it could be paid quarterly, but primarily, through easy electronic transfers to your bank account, the way that other payments by the state are made. Well, Finland ran such an experiment, which began in 2017, and they did it with about two thousand people who received approximately $690.00 per month. But recently, they announced that they will end their income experiment in 2019. But this week, The World Bank also published a call to abolish minimum wage around the world. The World Bank argues that this would help protect workers from competition with robots. Well, joining me now to discuss all of this is Professor Katherine A. Moos. She teaches economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and is a member of the Political Economy Research Institute at UMass. Katherine, I thank you again for joining us here on The Real News Network.

KATHERINE MOOS: Its my pleasure.

SHARMINI PERIES: All right. Katherine, lets start off with the basic income. Its considered, by most people, a progressive tool, mainly because it redistributes income and improves a workers negotiating power, while reducing the stigma associated with welfare. And also, it eliminates this humiliating income test for welfare recipients, that they have to undergo, and declare all kinds of personal issues and details about their lives. Now, on the other hand, basic income is also sometimes praised by neoliberals because it can be used to justify eliminating other forms of welfare, and its redistributive powers, then, are limited. What do you think of this basic income, and is it progressive or is it a regressive tool?

KATHERINE MOOS: Yeah. Well, I think that whether or not universal basic income, or UBI, is progressive or regressive, is really still an open question. And the way I look at it is that it would really depend on two different, sort of, sets of factors. One is the details of the program; how is it implemented, how is it designed, how is it funded? Is it truly universal, is it truly unconditional, and what is the funding mechanism that makes that possible? All of that is going to determine a lot of very important things about the program. The second piece of it, which will determine whether its progressive or regressive, depends on how UBI would fit into the overall policy framework, the social/labor policy mix, in terms of; are there also high minimum wages, or minimum wages at all? Are there other labor market institutions that protect workers?

So, if a UBI program were implemented, and it was truly unconditional, and it was at a high level of funding, it could be a progressive tool, as long as there were also labor market institutions to protect workers who were, in fact, working. I f this UBI is implemented in such a way, either that its at very low benefit level, its funded in a regressive way, or if it implemented, and then other social programs are taken away, causing a net loss for workers, then it would be regressive. So, when we talk about it, we really need to understand the details before we can assess whether its going to be progressive or regressive.

SHARMINI PERIES: All right. Katherine, now as I said off the top, Finland was running an experiment with about two thousand people. Now, they have announced that this is coming to an end in 2019, just after two years. Now, is this enough time to draw conclusions about the social impact of this basic income program, and also, is the experiment not skewed from the start, because the Finnish government chose to apply it to two thousand people who were already unemployed at the start of the program?

KATHERINE MOOS: Yeah. So, from what I understand, some of the researchers working on this UBI experiment in Finland do believe that they would have benefited from more time to study this, and do believe that the experiment was cut short. The fact that the stipend was given only to unemployed workers is part of the design of the study. So, in Finland, they were trying to understand; if you supplied a universal basic income which was unconditional, would that make unemployed people more likely to go back to work, to find jobs or to engage in some kind of entrepreneurial endeavor, as opposed to a traditional unemployment insurance program, which decreased as people gain more income or gain work?

So, traditional unemployment insurance the concern is that it discourages people from going back to work, because their benefit level will decrease. So, for that purpose, the purpose of this study, it makes sense that they only studied the effect on unemployed workers. That being said, there is another criticism of the design of the Finnish study, which is that the stipend level was about 500 a month, which is not enough to live. It doesnt actually free someone from the necessity of working. So, a criticism of the design of this study is that it actually universal basic income of this type could actually be used as a way to subsidize, or promote, low wage or part time employment. So, thats another criticism of the way this particular study was designed.

SHARMINI PERIES: All right. Katherine, off the top I said that The World Banks most recent policy recommendation is to eliminate the minimum wage. And theyre saying that, in order to they say, to protect workers. Why are they saying that?

KATHERINE MOOS: Yes. So, the World Bank recently released a working draft of the World Development Report, and in it, they say that minimum wages and other labor market institutions increase the cost of hiring workers, relative to automation. So, the idea is that, if the minimum wage were eliminated, then hiring workers would be less expensive and firms would be more likely to hire them, as opposed to investing in labor-saving technology. And so, there is a logic, into the fact that firms do invest in labor saving technology, they do look to automation as the way to cut costs. But the World Bank is drawing the wrong policy and political conclusions here. Minimum wages and other labor market institutions are necessary to protect workers. Without them, there will be a race to the bottom where firms are paying lower and lower wages, because there hasnt been legal wage floor set by the minimum wage.

So, the World Bank is basically saying that work will not pay for the needs of people anymore. Its going to work is going to pay very low wages, and that there should be some sort of universal basic income, or some other kind of social insurance, to soften these low wages, and sort of pick up the slack, and maintain what they call a societal minimum standard, or minimum standard of living. And so, theyre saying that because the quality and quantity of work has been degraded all over the world, they believe that we should continue to allow firms to pay low wages, and therefore subsidize low paying work.

SHARMINI PERIES: And how does what the World Bank is recommending compliment or differ from what Bernie Sanders, this week, is talking about, which is a guaranteed jobs program?

KATHERINE MOOS: Yes. So, this is a very important point. So, the World Bank is saying, Lets get rid of the minimum wage and other labor market institutions, and instead we could have a UBI, or some other kinds of stipends, to subsidize low wage work. Whereas Bernie Sanders, and others, are now proposing a full employment jobs guarantee, which would actually guarantee a good paying job, with good benefits, to all workers who wanted them. So, the idea of job guarantee is that the public sector would actually create jobs that produce useful goods and services.

So, were talking about investing in infrastructure, were talking about investing in child care, elder care, things that people really need and want, and then also, good paying jobs along with it. So, is sort of the opposite approach to what the World Bank is saying. The World Bank is saying, Job quality good jobs are scarce, so lets lower the cost of hiring workers, so that theyre not completely replaced by machines. And Bernie Sanders, and others who are in favor of job guarantee, are saying, Lets actually create some good jobs. So, I really see these as sort of opposite approaches for dealing with the problem of not enough good jobs for the people who want them.

SHARMINI PERIES: Katherine, socially, we are entering a phase where jobs will be eliminated because of automation. We are entering a phase where all kinds of industries are going to be restructured as a result of automation. Now, is there something going on here, in terms of what the World Bank is recommending, and say, what Bernie Sanders is now pushing for, in terms of a guaranteed jobs program, or even this guaranteed income program? Are we entering a stage in our industrial world where we are preparing to address some issues that might emerge?

KATHERINE MOOS: I think that its certainly the case that we have a large-scale problem when it comes to good jobs, and theres a lot of concern about automation. And its something that economist Guy Standing calls the global precariat, which is precariously employed proletariat. And so, I think that this is a big concern. And what we see from the World Banks perspective is that theyre saying, Work has changed, work is not going to provide for peoples basic needs, so there should be something done to provide [what they call] a societal minimum standard, but it might not come from work.

Now, Bernie Sanders plan, which the details have not been released, but the general idea is to invest in things like infrastructure, and also things like child care and elder care, which, while there are some technologies that automate these, much of this actually does need to be done by people in place, when we talk about caring for children, caring for elderly people, and even infrastructure projects. So, were seeing, now, a response, and different political points of view, of how to resolve this very serious problem of both poor quality of jobs and the threat of automation.

SHARMINI PERIES: All right, Katherine. Katherine is with the Political Economy Research Institute at UMass, Massachusetts. She also teaches economics. Katherine, I thank you so much for joining us today.

KATHERINE MOOS: Its my pleasure. Thank you for having me.

SHARMINI PERIES: And thank you for joining us here on The Real News Network.Tipperary has hosted the 65th wedding anniversary celebrations of a couple who travelled the world before making Tipperary their home.

Heartfelt congratulations to Inge (Ingeborg) and Heinz (Heinrich) Gillessen on their 65th wedding anniversary.

Inge and Heinz hailed from Cologne in Germany and are now happily settled in Clerihan.

Seeking a better life, the young couple and their first born, Erika, made the arduous journey to relatives in South Africa in March 1955.

They departed Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam in a twin-engined Vickers Viscount. They flew for four days with 25 others, stopping only to refuel in France, Egypt, Sudan and Kenya.

Their journey ended with an emergency crash landing in Zimbabwe (former Rhodesia). Once local farmers rescued them, they completed the final leg of their trip by train through Musina (Messina) and on to Pretoria.

Their next child, Rudolf, arrived in November of the same year. Gabi completed the familys happiness when she was born in 1965. The family settled in Pretoria and enjoyed many years among relatives and friends.

Irish nuns who had become close family friends, educated their children. With guidance from these nuns and another close family friend, Fr. Peter Byrne CSsR (RIP), they decided to immigrate to Ireland in 1984.

Their attraction to adventure and new horizons never diminished across the years.

They were still paragliding in Austria into their late 70s. They also made many trips to India with Gabi and her husband Van into their 80s.

Heinz and Rudolf worked in engineering together in Pretoria. Father and son set up their own workshop, Gillessen & Son Engineering, when they arrived in Ireland.

Over many years, they became known the length and breadth of Tipperary and further afield. Their unique ability to make any custom part that their clients needed was well known.

Heinz was a gifted tool maker; Rudolf a talented fitter/turner. Their combined trades resulted in creative, practical solutions to their clients needs.

Inge is a terrific homemaker and is renowned for her baking, cooking and preserves. Every day after school, Rudolfs children made a beeline to Inge's house to see what goodies were on offer. They were never disappointed! Flower arranging was also a big part of Inges life.

She, and a dedicated group of volunteers, looked after floral arrangements in the local church, St. Michaels, in Clerihan.

Inge also gave German lessons to interested locals.

Their family celebrated their wedding anniversary in Cahir House Hotel on 21 April. It was wonderful to see Heinz elder sister Liesel, now in her late 80s, who had come all the way from Germany. She came with her granddaughter Martina and partner Bodo to surprise the happy couple.

Family members Erika, Gabi, Van, Rudolf, Mary, alongside friends Eileen, Eddie and Kasha were there for the celebration. They were joined by three of their five grandchildren, Jack, Adam and Roisin.

Their other grandchildren, Donovan and his wife, Susanne and Damian as well as great-grandchildren, Saoirse, Sean and Dorothea were in touch from Connecticut and Malta to add their good wishes to the celebration.

A wonderful night was had by all.

We wish Inge and Heinz continued happiness and many more adventures into the future.The Co. Tipperary launch of the Family Carers Ireland national Carer of the Year Awards took place at Coghlan's Care Plus Pharmacy in Carrick-on-Suir last Wednesday, April 25.

Family Carers Regional Manager Richie Molloy and many members of the Carrick-on-Suir Carers Support Group attended the launch where tea/coffee and home bakes were served.

Carers shared their stories and were on hand to talk to people. Mr Molloy spoke about Carer Hugh Moss from Carrick-on-Suir who was awarded Tipperary Carer of the Year several years ago and spoke of the incredible strength and dedication of the family carers who worked tirelessly to provide care for their loved ones at home.

Family Carers across Ireland make extraordinary sacrifices and work very hard, sometimes 24 hours a day to provide care for their loved ones, safely in their own homes," said Mr Molloy.

"Carers have limited access to services, particularly respite. They are over stretched and receive little acknowledgement for their unpaid work which saves the State 10bn each year," he continued.

Mr Molloy added that Family Carers Ireland was delighted to recognise the enormous contribution family carers make through the Care Plus Carers of the Year Awards. He encouraged people to nominate a deserving carer or young carer for one of the awards.

Nomination forms are available online at www.familycarers.ie, Family Carers Ireland nationwide resource centres, Care Plus Pharmacies or via the Freephone Care line: Tel: 1800 24 07 24.

The Carer of the Year Awards will be presented in Dublin in November.

Family Carers Ireland local office is located at 8 Sarsfield Street, Clonmel, Co Tipperary. For further information telephone: (086) 1727 048 or (052) 6170455, email: rmolloy@familycarers.ie or log onto www.familycarers.ie(Natural News) One of the things that the liberals love to attack Donald Trump over is when the President famously declared that the mainstream media is the enemy of the people. Just a few days ago at the PEN America World Voices Festival, for instance, failed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton condemned Trump for making such an assertion, arguing that we are now living through an all out war on truth, facts and reason. But despite the attacks from the left, does President Trump have a point? Is the media really the enemy of the people?

According to a recent Quinnipiac University poll, less than 25 percent of the American people believe that the news media is better described as enemy of the people than an important part of democracy, but among Republicans, more than half preferred the former. That means that the majority of Republicans think it is more accurate to describe the fake news mainstream media as an enemy of the people than an important part of democracy.

Indeed, the media today is not on the side of the American people; it is working against them, and in more ways than one. It wasnt always like this, however. As a matter of fact, the whole reason why the Founding Fathers decided to include the freedom of the press in the Bill of Rights is because the press was intended to be a check on the government. The media  which mostly consisted of newspapers and magazines at the time  was the peoples source of the truth, and ultimately kept them informed as to what their elected officials were up to. Once armed with this information, the people could then make decisions as to which representatives they wanted to keep and which ones they wanted to vote out.

But a lot has changed since then, and that includes the role that the mainstream media plays in our everyday lives. No longer is it a source for truthful, accurate information about the operations of our elected leaders; rather, it is a one-sided propaganda machine that works night and day to advance the liberal agenda. In fact, the media is so committed to the Democrat Party today that even those who describe themselves as journalists and independent political commentators think nothing of lying through their teeth to essentially brainwash the people into blindly supporting the progressive ideology. (Related: The purpose of the mainstream media is thought control and suppression of the truth.)

A perfect example of this is the phony Russia scandal  that is, the liberal narrative that Donald Trump colluded with Vladimir Putin and his regime during the 2016 presidential campaign. Despite the fact that there hasnt been any evidence whatsoever suggesting that any such collusion took place, the liberals within the mainstream media are constantly talking about it with the intent of tearing down the President and his administration. (Related: Heres how to avoid being brainwashed by the mainstream media.)

Back in March of this year, the Media Research Center concluded that ABC, CBS and NBC evening newscasts in the months of January and February contained ten times more negative comments about President Trump than positive statements. Additionally, out of 851 total on-air minutes devoted to Trumps administration, these three networks spent nearly 25 percent of the time (or 204 minutes) talking about the Russia investigation. Thats quite a lot of coverage set aside for a story based on nothing but lies, dont you think?

All that being said, the question that must be asked is as follows: how can the mainstream media possibly be anything but an enemy of the people if it is constantly  and intentionally  lying to the American people?

See Journalism.news for news about the news industry.

Sources include:

Standard.net

Newsbusters.org(Natural News) Have you ever noticed that almost all comedy today is slanted to the left and tends to take a bold stand against anything related to Donald Trump and the Republican Party? Comedian Rob Schneider has, and in his opinion, its getting pretty old.

The fun of Saturday Night Live was always you never knew which way they leaned politically, explained Schneider, who acted alongside SNL legends Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Chris Rock, Chris Farley, David Spade and Adam Sandler in the 1990s. You kind of assumed they would lean more left and liberal, but now the cats out of the bag they are completely against Trump, which I think makes it less interesting because you know the direction the piece is going.

Indeed, the problem with Saturday Night Live (as well as many other comedians, quite frankly) is that they have become far too predictable. Before the show even begins, audiences know what to expect  theyre about to listen to a series of harsh, anti-republican jokes that specifically go after the character of George W. Bush, Donald Trump, and others. Throw in a few comments about Russia or the so-called racism that exists on the right, and youve got a whole show.

Boring!

If these comedians  including the ones on Saturday Night Live  truly wanted to keep their audiences laughing and on the edge of their seats, then they would make it so that a left or a right wing slant wasnt immediately obvious. Some jokes would be about the bleeding heart liberals, and others would be about conservatives. Sadly, that is not even close to what typically takes place today  what many people call comedy is really nothing but a hate parade that enjoys slandering those on the right more than anything else.

A perfect example of this is what happened at the White House Correspondents Dinner Saturday night, where comedian Michelle Wolf viciously attacked White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders on an extremely personal level.

I love you as Aunt Lydia in The Handmaids Tale, Wolf began, comparing the appearance of Sanders to a bossy older woman on that particular show. Later, this conservative hater who calls herself a comedian said, I actually really like Sarah. I think shes very resourceful. Like she burns facts and then she uses that ash to create a perfect smoky eye. Like maybe shes born with it, maybe its lice Its probably lice.

Wolf said that she wasnt sure what she should call Sanders, questioning whether it would be best to refer to her as Aunty Huckabee Sanders or Cousin Huckabee. (Related: Left wing hate bigot John Oliver incited a liberal mob to attack a childrens book author.)

For her distasteful and over-the-top jokes about the White House Press Secretary, Michelle Wolf has faced a significant amount of backlash. Some are coming out and publicly stating that an apology is in order, and even Mika Brzezinski of MSNBCs The Morning Joe condemned Michelle Wolfs comments on social media. For millions of Americans who were watching at home both on the left and on the right, this wasnt a comedy routine; it was a hateful, bigoted rant against a woman who didnt deserve any of it. (Related: Truth be told, the liberals have developed an inescapable hate problem.)

Liberals in this country really should make an effort to get some new material, because to be perfectly honest, the slanderous anti-Trump, anti-conservative routine is getting old. This is particularly important if the left wants to continue holding themselves up as tolerant and compassionate, because each and every time they slander those on the right, they come across as anything but tolerant and compassionate to millions of Americans across the country.

See more news coverage of the Left Cult at LeftCult.com.

Sources include:

NYDailyNews.com

Breitbart.com(Natural News) Even on the other side of the world, big brother is alive in well.

In an unprecedented move that has civil libertarians horrified, India has created an identification system that scans the fingerprints, eyes and faces of its residents and connects the gathered information to everything from welfare benefits and entitlements to cell phones. The program, called Aadhaar, is being viewed by many as something straight out of George Orwells famous book 1984. It is Big Brother on steroids, and the potential for governmental abuse in India has seldom been higher than it is right now.

Already, the people of India are starting to feel the negative effects of the intrusive Aadhaar program. For Adita Jha, for example, Aadhaar has caused nothing but trouble. Adita was forced to wait in line three times only to sit down in front of a computer that photographed her face, her irises, and recorded her fingerprints. The data failed to upload three times, and it wasnt until the fourth time that the program worked properly and she was thrown in with the other 1.1 billion Indians already in the system.

Adita explained that it almost feels as though life is going to stop in its tracks unless you register with the government, given the fact that becoming part of the system is a requirement for hundreds of public services, including opening up a bank account and even taking exams at school. (Related: For more news on the police state, visit PoliceState.news.)

But this Orwellian style of government is not a problem that is unique to just one or two countries; rather, it is a plague that appears to be spreading across the entire globe. Last December, for instance, the London Assembly voted to arrest and prosecute pro-life Christians, as reported by Breitbart.

The London Assembly has been called illiberal and Orwellian after voting to call on the mayor to clarify the powers available to [police] to arrest and prosecute pro-life campaigners who pray near abortion clinics and offer support to mothers, accusing them of harassment, Breitbart News explained.

The motion, which was originally proposed by Labour members Dr. Onkar Sahotam and Fiona Twycross, referred to pro-life activists and Christian womens support groups as anti-choice campaigners and accused them of participating in obstruction, intimidation and harassment. If using the law to penalize individuals based on their Christian and pro-life viewpoints isnt something that seems like it came straight out of 1984, then what is exactly?

The United States is not immune to the effects of Big Government, either. A few weeks ago, it was reported that the liberal state of California was considering legislation that would ban the sale of Christian books, including the Bible, on the basis that they perpetuate beliefs on sexual morality that are not consistent with the progressive ideology.

Assembly Bill 2943 would make it an unlawful business practice in the state of California to participate in a transaction intended to result or that results in the sale or lease of goods or services to any consumer that advertises or engages in sexual orientation change efforts with an individual. (Related: Even Supreme Court Justice Breyer has warned or an Orwellian government in the past.)

The bill goes on to define the term sexual orientations change efforts as any practices that seek to change an individuals sexual orientation. This includes efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex. Because the Bible condemns homosexuality and defines marriage as being between one man and one woman, many fear that Assembly Bill 2943 would ban the sale of the Bible.

Its impossible to deny it  big government is growing bigger, and its affecting all corners of the globe in one way or another. Read Tyranny.news to stay informed of the latest assaults on human freedom by big government.

Sources include:

NYTimes.com

Breitbart.com

WorldEventsAndTheBible.comA California Highway Patrol officer was injured and hospitalized Monday evening after a vehicle crashed into his cruiser on Interstate 80 in Fairfield, the CHP said.

At about 3:40 p.m., a Solano Area CHP unit was on the right shoulder of eastbound Interstate 80, just west of Red Top Road, when it was rear-ended by a white Mitsubishi Mirage, the CHP said.



The officer suffered minor to moderate injuries. Three people in the Mirage suffered major injuries and also were taken to a hospital, the CHP said.

Officers rescued a pet rabbit from the wreckage of the Mirage.

The crash and investigation backed up traffic in the eastbound lanes of I-80, west of Red Top Road.

CHP advised drivers to use alternate routes.

It is unknown if alcohol and or drugs were a factor in the collision, and the crash is under investigation, the CHP said.The ongoing saga of electric scooters in the city by the Bay faces its next test Tuesday.

After the now-infamous scooters started piling up across San Francisco sidewalks, outside grocery stores and near public transportation stations, there was a cease and desist letter issued by the city's attorney office to the three companies operating in the area. Then, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to create a permitting process for the companies. Now, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency on Tuesday will explain how the permit process will work.

The proposal on the table will be a two-year pilot program known as the "Power Scooter Share Program."

Only five scooter companies would be allowed to operate in the city under the proposed program. Each company could have no more than 500 scooters scattered across the city. That means no more than 2,500 scooters could be cruising around city streets at the same time.

When it comes to fees, scooter companies would have to pay $5,000 for an application, $25,000 annually and a $10,000 maintenance fee, which would cover any property damage as well as storage for any illegally-parked scooters.

The SFTMA has issued letters to LimeBike, Bird the Spin  three popular scooter companies that have previously taken to the streets of San Francisco  to notify them about about the proposed program. Those companies have expressed a desire to comply.

The program is slated to be discussed during a Tuesday board meeting set for 1 p.m.Bay Area businesses are gearing up to celebrate Cinco de Mayo by preparing to sell more delicious Mexican dishes than anywhere else in the county!

It is reported that the volume of Mexican food orders placed in two Bay cities during the week of the celebration is nearly three times the national average.



Thats right  and though the day is not about big hats and festive drinks, many opt for Mexican dishes to commemorate Mexicos victory against the French army in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

According to ezCater.com, San Jose and San Francisco are the top two cities in the country that eat the most Mexican food during the holiday.

As more people choose to eat Mexican food, businesses gain more too. In San Jose, people spent 66 percent more than the national average in orders last year.

Not too far behind, San Franciscos reported average order value was 59 percent more than the national average.

During the first week of May last year, the average order value for Mexican food from San Francisco businesses including Mateos Taqueria, Rubios Costal Grill, Tacolicous and Bayshore Taqueria was 183 percent more than the national average.

What does this mean? The Bay Area loves its tasty Mexican cuisine!

The nationwide marketplace for business catering, ezCater.com, pulled its data from actual orders placed last year through its network of thousands of restaurants and caterers across the country.What to Know Most dates on food are not "expiration" dates, and may be safe to eat

U.S. law requires an "expiration date" on only one item: baby formula

"Use by" labels are voluntary; report spoiled food to the California Department of Public Health

A confusing system of food labeling has led to consumers throwing away billions of dollars worth of food products every year, and much of that food is completely safe to eat.

As a result, the U.S. grocery industry is taking steps to simplify food labels, with the goal of reducing waste and helping households save money.

"A lot of people confuse quality and safety," food research scientist Linda Harris told NBC Bay Area. "That's a big problem."



Harris is the chair of Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis. She says most food is perfectly safe to eat past the date on the label. That's because most dates on food are not "expiration" dates. They actually tell consumers when peak freshness or flavor drops off.

"The date is meant to signal quality," Harris said. "It's not a safety issue."

Some consumers may be surprised to learn federal law requires an actual expiration date on only one food product: baby formula. Every other date you see on food is voluntary, under federal standards.



That doesn't sit well with Mohammed El Hamadoui. He contacted NBC Bay Area after he ate shrimp balls that left him feeling ill.

"That is poison," El Hamadoui said, displaying the shrimp balls he saved. "It smells awful."

El Hamadoui said a supermarket sold him the package 14 days past the "sell by" date on the label. He didn't think of looking at that date until after he ate some and felt sick.

"My food was two weeks expired," El Hamadoui said.

NBC Bay Area visited the same store where El Hamadoui says he bought the shrimp balls. Shopping on April 23, we bought shrimp dated April 21; trays of raw seafood mix dated April 20; and a package of raw beef with no date at all. On shelves, we found several dry goods dated as far back as January. We shared our findings with Harris at UC Davis.

"It's not illegal to sell a product past its 'best-by' date," she said.

So, even the beef with no date at all meets federal criteria.

Without clear government guidelines, we're bombarded with terms:

Best By

Expires On

Use By

Best Flavor By

Sell By

Enjoy By

The meanings vary, and so does the science used to calculate the date. Megan Stasz of the Grocery Manufacturers Association says that's a problem for ordinary shoppers.

"What the confusion leads to is consumers unecessarily throwing away some food when it might still be good to eat," Stasz said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates as much as 40 percent of all food grown, produced and shipped in the U.S. will never be eaten. That amounts to about 218 pounds of food per person per year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It will end up in landfills, in part because consumers don't understand the labels.

That should change this summer. The Grocery Manufacturers Association is telling companies to start using either "Best if Used By" or "Use By".

"Rather than having 10 or 20 phrases on your food products now, you'll just see one of two," Stasz said.

Most products will get "Best if Used By", since the association says most food "is safe to use or consume" after the date.

The remaining few product date labels will read "Use By". Stasz tells NBC Bay Area that's reserved for highly perishable food, that could pose a health risk after the date on the label. "Maybe something like a sliced deli meat or raw shellfish that would have that food safety concern over time," she said.

Food experts are hungry to teach families about the new labels and help them stop wasting so much food.

"In turn, that can help them save money, which I think is a win for everybody," Stasz said.

The new labels are voluntary, and federal law remains mostly silent. If you ever suspect you were sold spoiled food, you may report it locally. Contact the California Department of Public Health through its website, or by calling 916-558-1784. The CDPH has authority to investigate stores for selling rotten products.

El Hamadoui told NBC Bay Area he has filed a complaint. He said all food producers and stores should step up and make labels clearer.

"It's their job," El Hamadoui said. "They're making money to do that."

A man died after he was injured in an industrial accident in Danvers, Massachusetts on Tuesday morning.

Police and fire responded to 30 Endicott St. shortly after 8:30 a.m. for an industrial accident at ITW Polymers, also known as Devcon.

The Boston Globe reports the man was installing or servicing a piece of equipment when he fell off a ladder. Upon arrival, emergency crews found a conscious and alert 35- to 40-year-old male with severe injuries.

The man was readied to be transported by a medical helicopter, but his condition worsened and he was taken to Beverly Hospital. Efforts were made to resuscitate him, but he was subsequently pronounced dead.

The victim's identity is being withheld pending notification of his family. Fire officials said he was not an employee of ITW Polymers.

The accident is under investigation by the Danvers Police Department, state police assigned to the district attorney's office and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.When the State Republican party convention ended on Saturday, Governor Charlie Baker had a primary challenger: Scott Lively, a little known attorney and Pastor from western Massachusetts.

Lively got 28-percent support from the states most conservative Republicans  significantly more than the 15-percent required to be on the ballot.

Livelys reponse: I got so much better of a percentage of the vote than anybody thought that it was a genuine, authentic rebuke to Charlie Baker.

Lively is staunchly pro-life and has been a long time vocal opponent of gay rights, though he says he is moving on from that chapter in his life.

Asked if he had changed his views on homosexuality, Lively said, No. The essential views that are biblical, I hold because Im a Christian pastor, I believe the Bible.

Asked how he thinks he can win in Massachusetts, one of the most progressive states in the country, Lively says the same way Ronald Reagan did it. By bringing social and the fiscal conservatives together, along with Catholics and union members.

And he adds, Ive got some fence mending to do with the homosexual community and Im working through how Im going to approach that.

As for his views on the current president, Lively says, I love Donald Trump. I think Donald Trump is a political genius.

Former state Republican party chair Gene Hartigan says Lively and his supporters are facing an uphill battle.

"They can shoot it out in the lifeboat, but in the end theyre not going to win the primary and after the election is over they're not going to be looked upon favorably Im sure.

Its important to remember that Baker did receive 70-percent of the support at the convention.

Hartigan believes having Lively as a challenger will actually help Baker in the long run by reminding moderate/independents - that Baker is not an ultraconservative.A man was shot to death Monday afternoon while he was sitting in his vehicle in the Little Italy neighborhood on the Near West Side, according to police.

About 1:50 p.m., the 29-year-old was shot multiple times in the left side of his body in the 1300 block of West 13th Street, and was pronounced dead on the scene, Chicago Police said.

The Cook County Medical Examiners Office hasnt provided details about the death.

There were not witnesses at the scene to verify the circumstances of the shooting, police said.

Area Central detectives are investigating.The Dominican Republic established diplomatic relations with China on Tuesday, breaking ties with Beijing's rival Taiwan in the latest blow to the self-ruled island democracy China has been trying to isolate on the global stage. Taiwan said it was "deeply upset" by the move.

Officials from China and the Dominican government signed a joint communique at an event in Beijing announcing the establishment of ties. The Dominican Republic "breaks diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which is an inalienable part of China, and will not maintain any kind of official relations or contacts," said foreign minister Miguel Vargas, who sat alongside Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi.

The decision was the latest setback for Taiwan in the Caribbean and Latin America. Panama dropped its longtime ties with Taiwan last year and established relations with China, which considers Taiwan to be Chinese territory. The island is recognized as a sovereign nation by only 19 mainly small, developing countries.

Taiwan criticized what it called China's "dollar diplomacy" and announced it would terminate ties with the Dominican Republic immediately, including all projects and assistance it provides to the Caribbean nation.

"This is an unfriendly and destructive approach to cross-strait relations," Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen told reporters at an event in Taipei, referring to China's action. "These actions will make the people in Taiwan feel disappointed and increase the variables in cross-strait relations."

The announcement came just a day after Tsai had met with the foreign minister of Haiti, one of Taiwan's allies, in Taipei.

Beijing has been seeking to increase pressure on Tsai, whose independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party says it wants stable relations with China, but refuses to endorse the "one China" principle.

Some analysts say Chinese President Xi Jinping, one of the most powerful Chinese leaders in decades, seems determined to bring Taiwan under Beijing's control during his time in office, something that would place him in the history books alongside Mao Zedong.

The island's 23 million residents are strongly in favor of maintaining their de facto independent status, but Xi has previously warned a Taiwanese envoy that the issue of unification cannot be put off indefinitely.

Wang, China's foreign minister, hailed "a new page in the history of bilateral ties" between Beijing and the Dominican Republic. "From now on, China has one more good friend in Latin America with whom we could help each other," Wang said.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said Beijing had offered "vast financial incentives" to the Dominican Republic to get it to end 77 years of diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Wu warned that Beijing has failed to deliver on hundreds of millions of dollars in pledges to some of Taiwan's former diplomatic allies. He said the Taiwanese government was "deeply upset by China's actions."

Taiwan "strongly condemns China's objectionable decision to use dollar diplomacy to convert Taiwan's allies," Wu said.

"While Taiwan faces serious diplomatic challenges, the government will not bow down to pressure from Beijing," Wu said.

Flavio Dario Espinal, legal consultant to the Dominican presidential office, said at a news conference Monday in Santo Domingo that the change in foreign policy was based on the "needs, potential and future prospects" of his Caribbean nation.

"History and socioeconomics reality now force us to change course," he said.

Espinal said that even without formal diplomatic relations with China, trade between the two countries "has grown year after year to the point that today China is the second biggest supplier of our imports."

After Panama cut its ties with Taiwan, then-Taiwanese Foreign Minister David Tawei Lee visited the Dominican Republic last July as part of a campaign to shore up its relations and propose new cooperation projects. During his stay in Santo Domingo, Lee also met with Taiwan's ambassadors in Latin America to discuss strategies for not losing more allies.

The Dominican Republic has received millions of dollars in donations for development programs from Taiwan, but the government also started commercial and political contacts with China beginning in the middle of the past decade.

According to the Dominican government, bilateral trade with China has reached $2 billion a year, making the Dominican Republic the second-largest trading partner for China among the Caribbean and Central American nations.

Espinal said the government informed Taiwan of its move earlier Monday and thanked the Taiwanese for "the cooperation that we have shared for years." He said that had allowed "the development of very important programs" for the Dominican Republic.

Taiwan split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949, and Beijing campaigns relentlessly to isolate the island globally. It cut off relations with Tsai's government shortly after she took office in 2016 and has been steadily ratcheting up both diplomatic and economic pressure. Chinese analysts say Beijing will likely continue to use its economic and political clout to lure away other Taiwanese allies until Tsai accedes to China's demands.

Tsai said Beijing's actions against Taiwan  including ramped up military drills around the island  have increased tensions.

Beijing's actions have "unilaterally undermined the peaceful status quo across the strait and are not what a responsible member of the international community should be doing," a statement from her office said. "Such mistakes should be stopped immediately."

Beijing insists that only it has the right to represent China in international society. The island is excluded from the United Nations and other multinational bodies that require official governmental recognition at China's insistence.

Associated Press reporter Ezequiel Abiu Lopez contributed to this report.In an almost unanimous vote on Monday, the Faculty Senate at Central Connecticut State University called for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities President Mark Ojakian to step down.

I was pleased but at the same time disappointed we have to do this, said David Blitz, CCSU Philosophy Department Chair.

The resolution which calls for Ojakian to resign is largely symbolic.

But faculty hope others follow their lead and that it puts pressure on the president to act.

Blitz and other faculty blame Ojakian for pushing a consolidation plan called Students First.

They worry the proposal could harm students and campuses across the state.

Thats the first time in my 29 years at CCSU that we have called for the president of anything to resign, said Blitz.

The response from Ojakian was direct.

President Ojakian is not resigning," a spokesperson wrote.

Instead on Monday Ojakian offered to work with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges to find a way to move forward with Students First, possibly in phases.

Recently the oversight organization rejected the proposal as not realistic.

Ojakian has argued the effort would save the system tens of millions of dollars and without it, students might face campus closures and tuition increases.

It could completely dishearten people and make them not want to go to one of their favorite schools because tuition is out of hand, said CCSU senior Matt Balogh.

I would say affordability is a really big part of it, said CCSU freshman Caroline Daria.

Faculty think closures and tuition increase could be avoided if the state invested more in public higher education.

Theyd also like to block any more merger ideas and get rid of the Board of Regents, which they believe would save money and maintain the integrity of each school.The Town of Mansfield is considering banning one-time-use plastic bags.

On Monday night, the Mansfield Solid Waste Advisory Committee presented a proposal to the public to eliminate checkout bags. Committee members estimate that Mansfield uses 8.6 million plastic bags every year.

"I think that would be really good for the environment," said Mansfield resident Zoe Everton.

For Everton and her mom it makes sense to shop with reusable bags, but like so many others, they often forget to bring them and end up using plastic. Committee members believe having an ordinance in place that bans the bags could help change the culture.

"I think it would be sort of an adjustment for people who live here, but I think it's definitely worth it," said Everton.

At the meeting, members pointed out that several items wouldnt fall under the ordinance including paper bags, plastic bags used to package food, plastic bags used to hold fruit and vegetables in the produce aisle, and bags used for dry-cleaned clothes.

Members said they held another public meeting before the one on Monday night and have met with several businesses. They told NBC Connecticut they've seen a lot of support for the plan.

"We did go around to all the businesses in town and tell them that we were proposing this and to get some of their ideas and concern," said Julia Sherman, a member of the committee.

"[Plastic bags are] harming the environment. It's harming marine animals, and it's ultimately harming us," said Mansfield resident Roxana Mocanu.

Mocanu has three children and said she's looking to make a better world for them and that the committees proposal should only be the beginning.

"This is a step in the right direction, and there is still a long way to go even after we ban plastic bags," said Mocanu.

Members said they still need to speak with council members individually about the proposal as well as the town attorney before they present it to the town council.

If it does end up going through, Sherman said a future proposal could include banning plastic straws.Law enforcement officers from around the country helped friends and loved ones of Dallas Police Officer Rogelio Santander fill Rockwall's Lake Pointe Church Tuesday to say goodbye to the slain officer.

Dallas police officer Rogelio Santander, fatally wounded in a shooting at a Dallas-area Home Depot one week ago, will be laid to rest Tuesday.

Santander was fatally shot while questioning a shoplifting suspect at a Dallas-area Home Depot April 24. The shooting also gravely wounded Santanders partner Officer Crystal Almeida and Home Depot Loss Prevention employee Scott Painter, both of whom are recovering.

Dallas police officer Rogelio Santander, fatally wounded in a shooting at a Dallas-area Home Depot one week ago, will be laid to rest Tuesday.

The accused gunman, Armando Luis Juarez, is being held in the Dallas County Jail on more than $4 million bond, accused of capital murder and assault of a peace officer.

Santander was a rookie when the deadly ambush on police killed four Dallas Police officers and a DART officer in 2016. Oscar Romero was Santander's former soccer coach. He told mourners Santander often waved off suggestions he apply for work at a different department.

Thats where I started, thats where I want to stay, recalled Romero.

He showed us it doesnt matter what part of town you lived in or who you are. If you can set your mind to it, with no excuses, youre going to achieve it, said Romero. He did it and thats why we loved him because he did it.

Santanders girlfriend, Jennifer Rivera, spoke at the service. She described meeting Santander while she worked at a Subway sandwich shop. Rivera said she was a young mother who didnt even have a drivers license. Rivera said Santander inspired her to set and work towards goals, including returning to school.

I ended up moving into a better job, said Rivera. Rogelio, I know youre listening to me. I couldnt have done it without you.

Fellow officers described Santander as an eager officer, quick to share a smile with anyone.

Rogelio did not say much, but he smiled at everyone, recalled Officer Courtney Collins. She also described the three year veteran officer as calm, confident and competitive.

He pushed all his friends and himself to be the best.

The bishop of Dallas' Roman Catholic Diocese, Bishop Edward Burns, told mourners that Santander was a man of character and discipline who put his family first.

Burns said that as a boy, Santander wanted to fight crime like Batman and that he "wanted to save a city."

On Monday morning, police will escort the body of slain Dallas Police Officer Rogelio Santander from a funeral home to a church. Santander's funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Rockwall and burial will take place at Restland Cemetery in Dallas.

Police officers from Dallas and other agencies lined up outside Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital to pay respects as fallen Dallas Police officer Rogelio Sanrander's body was moved Friday.

On social media Tuesday, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings posted about a fundraiser for officers Santander and Almeida.

Snuffer's Restaurant & Bar is hosting a fundraiser Wednesday. A portion of the sales will go to the Blue Guardian Foundation to benefit the officers' families. The fundraiser will take place from open to close at these locations:Texas drivers could pay less for their car insurance starting in May, State Farm announced this week.

State Farm Mutual Auto Insurance Company, by far the state's biggest auto insurer, said that, thanks to increased efficiency across the company, it's planning to decrease its overall rate by 3 percent, saving its customers a total of $100 million overall.

Click here to read more from our partners at The Dallas Morning News.

A family in Yucaipa says their Frigidaire/Electrolux stove is putting out an unhealthy level of carbon monoxide and the city's fire department and Southern California Gas Company agree.



Carbon monoxide is a deadly toxin. All gas stoves produce it.



But medical standards and industry standards conflict with each other over what's considered an unsafe level for emissions of the toxin from an appliance.



The day before Thanksgiving, Shana Turley was pregnant with daughter Gwen, watching her toddler walker and cooking up a feast.



"I started getting a headache and I just assumed it was pregnancy hormones," she said.



Thankfully the alarms started going off. Headaches can be an early symptom of CO exposure and Turley says monitors in her hallway and bedrooms all went off, she called the fire department.



They came in and confirmed that it was carbon monoxide, the Gas Company then had to come confirm that it was the stove.



SoCal Gas says it found the stove emitting CO at unsafe levels.



The utility red tagged the stove dangerous and told her not to use it.



"We're spending a ton of money getting to-go-food all the time," she said.



Turley says Frigidaire/Electrolux sent repairmen several times but the problem was never fixed and the stove never replaced under its warranty.



"Each time the technician would call Frigidaire and say it's not working there's nothing we can do nothing we can fix."



CO emissions are measured in parts per million, representing a percentage of the oxygen we breathe.



SoCal Gas checked the stove on three separate dates with three different technicians, all noting CO emissions detected at unsafe levels of 100 parts per million.



The utility's limit for emissions is 25 parts per million, Yucaipa's fire department standard for danger to life and health is 9 parts per million.



Frigidaire/Electrolux uses an appliance industry safety standard that allows for emissions up to 800 parts per million in an air-free lab test environment.



Those tests don't take into consideration the household ambient air that we breathe so if a gas stove top is suspected to be leaking, which is what SoCal Gas noted, higher emissions of CO could fill a home quickly, endangering health.



"You need to depend on and trust your public safety people, your fire people and your gas company people," said Dr. Mark Morroco, a professor of emergency medicine at UCLA. "They know their business."



Nationwide, emergency rooms treat 50,000 cases a year of CO poisoning, many caused by gas-burning appliances, he said.



The toxin is blamed for 1,200 deaths annually.



He says if safety professionals tell you to shut off an appliance, do it.



"You need to listen to them and the manufacturer."



That's what we thought was happening after contacting the company for Turley.



"Right away they wanted to do a goodwill gesture to us and offer us a stove top," she said.



In a statement to the I-Team, the company says:



"The test results show that the emissions on her cooktop are well within all standards and requirements. As a goodwill gesture we are happy to provide a similar electric cooktop."



The goodwill came with a catch, a non-disclosure agreement the company says is standard, preventing Turley from saying or writing anything disparaging about the company or  "If this release is breached Electrolux shall be entitled to all remedies allowed at law."



Turley passed on the offer to sound her own alarm about the stove she says jeopardized her family's health.



"I'd rather pay out of pocket to go ahead and buy a new stovetop and be able to do this story and let other people know what's going on, than take their offer."The Department of Justice filed the first criminal charges Monday against suspected members of the Central American migrant caravan who are attempting to turn themselves into U.S. authorities at the border in San Ysidro in order to seek political asylum in the United States.

Eleven people allegedly entered the country illegally and one defendant is also alleged to have previously been deported and was charged with illegal reentry. They were apprehended by Border Patrol agents between two and four miles west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

The DOJ said that 29 people, including the 11 people charged, were arrested in five separate incidents from April 27 to 29. According to DOJ documents, 18 people were arrested by Border Patrol at a location known to BP agents as "Goat Canyon" on April 27 at around 9 p.m.

Of the 18 people arrested in that incident, 13 were from Honduras, three were from India, one was from Mexico and another was from Guatemala.

Seven people were arrested in the same area a few hours earlier at around 6 p.m. Of the seven arrested, six were from El Salvador and the seventh was from Honduras.

In a third incident at a location known to BP agents as "W-8," two people, one from Mexico and another from Guatemala, were arrested.

In a fourth incident at a location known to BP agents as "35 Draw," one person from Honduras was arrested, and in a fifth incident at a location known as "Eucci Grove," one person from Guatemala was arrested.

The DOJ didn't confirm whether the other 18 people arrested will be charged. The department also did not confirm how it came to suspect each person as a member of the migrant caravan.

When respect for the rule of law diminishes, so too does our ability to protect our great nation, its borders and its citizens, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. The United States will not stand by as our immigration laws are ignored and our nations safety is jeopardized. U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman and his team should be commended for quickly filing illegal entry charges for individuals apprehended along the southwestern border. We will continue to work with our partners in each U.S. Attorneys Offices to aggressively pursue prosecutions of criminal illegal entry.

The complaints allege that the defendants knowingly and willingly entered into the United States at a time and place other than as designated by immigration officers, and "eluded examination and inspection by immigration officers."

The American Dream has beckoned immigrants from across the globe because of the promise that prosperity and success are within reach for all, said United States Attorney for the Southern District of California Adam L. Braverman. Those immigrants have contributed their voices and perspectives to make up our uniquely American experience. But the foundation for the American Dream, and what allows our democracy to flourish, is commitment to the rule of law. These 11 defendants face charges now because they believed themselves to be above the law. Those seeking entry into the United States must pledge fidelity to the law, not break them, or else face criminal prosecution.Here are four stories to watch for Tuesday May 1, 2018.

May Showers: Light rain and even a chance of thunderstorms are in Tuesday's forecast for Southern California as a spring storm rolls into the region. The system will deliver scattered light showers early Tuesday before rain becomes more widespread in the afternoon and into Wednesday.

May Day Marches: Thousands of union members, immigrant-rights advocates and community activists will descend on downtown Los Angeles Tuesday for the annual May Day march beginning at Pershing Square, promising traffic disruptions in the downtown area. Streets closures will be in effect for the afternoon drive.

Caravan at the Border: The first eight asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border were allowed entry into the U.S. Monday evening, according to Reuters. Those eight were the first in a group of nearly 150 people in a caravan of Central American migrants still waiting in Mexico to turn themselves in at San Diego's San Ysidro border crossing.

Canyon Road Closed: A seven-month-long partial closure of Benedict Canyon Drive, a key artery connecting the Westside with Mulholland Drive, begins today due to a major water system infrastructure project. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power project will replace a mile of aging water pipeline to ensure reliability and increased capacity for the delivery of drinking water to city residents, and the project will also install four new fire hydrants.Thousands of union members, immigrant-rights advocates and community activists will descend on downtown Los Angeles Tuesday for the annual May Day march beginning at Pershing Square, promising traffic disruptions in the downtown area.

According to organizers of the march, this year's gathering will focus on three themes -- defending workers' rights, halting deportations that "break up families" and urging residents to vote in the upcoming mid-term elections.

Nearly three dozen unions and community organizations have been involved in organizing the march, which will begin at midday at Pershing Square. Participants in the march, however, are expected to begin gathering as early as 5 a.m. at the park.

The crowd will hold a rally in front of the Immigration Court building adjacent to the park, then march east on Sixth Street, north on Main Street and east on Temple Street, ending outside the Roybal Federal Building at 255 E. Temple St., where another rally will be held.

Although the Pershing Square march is expected to be the primary event of the day, other marches are being planned in the area.

The Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition and the People's Congress of Resistance will sponsor a march beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Olympic Boulevard and Broadway, with participants scheduled to march north on Broadway, bound for a rally on Broadway between Temple and First streets.

Countering the views of the marchers, a group known as the United Patriot National Front plans to gather for a rally on Broadway and First Street at 4 p.m.

"The opposition will be marching to keep criminals from being deported and we will show the nation that we will not stand by idle as these communists try to ruin our country," according to a posting on the group's Facebook page.

Yet another march is planned at 2:30 p.m. in Boyle Heights, beginning at Cesar Chavez Avenue and Mathews Street, ending at Mariachi Plaza, 730 Pleasant Ave.

Along the way, the group will stop for a rally outside the LAPD's Hollenbeck Station to denounce police killings. Organizers said the march will include students from Roosevelt and Garfield high schools, along with immigrant families who will speak out against what they call a proliferation of private charter schools.

Union del Barrio Los Angeles is planning a separate march at 4 p.m. beginning at MacArthur Park and ending at Los Angeles City Hall, supporting workers' rights, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and legalization of street vending in the city.

Past marches have drawn tens of thousands of people, unleashing seas of humanity onto downtown streets. Motorists were being urged to plan ahead and avoid the downtown area if at all possible.

Traffic Information

The following streets and downtown Los Angeles areas should be avoided Tuesday afternoon, police said.

North: Cesar Chavez Avenue

South: Olympic Boulevard

West: Figueroa Street

East: Alameda Street

March No. 1

Assembly Time: 7:00 a.m. (Pershing Square Area)

Estimated Start Time: 1:00 p.m.

March No. 2

Assembly Time: 1:30 p.m. (Olympic and Broadway Area)

Estimated Start Time: 3:00 p.m.

Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions have been posted and will be strictly enforced.A winter weather advisory remains in effect for mountain communities east of Los Angeles as a late-season storm moves out of the area.

One to two inches of snow are expected above 5,500 feet, with some areas receiving up to 6 inches. The advisory is expected to expire by midday Wednesday as the cold spring storm moves through the region.

In Los Angeles County, Wednesday's rainfall will be spotty, as it was Tuesday. The two wettest spots in LA. County Tuesday were both in the San Gabriel Mountains -- Whitaker Peak got .26 of an inch of rain and Crystal Lake .24.

Simi Valley in Ventura County received .60 of an inch, and Bard Lake, a Simi Valley body of water also known as Wood Ranch Reservoir, got .68.

Orange County also received little rain from Tuesday's showers and roughly the same is in the cards Wednesday.

Late-season weather systems aren't unheard of, but one factor that has been a surprise is that snow has been falling in the San Bernardino Mountains this late in the year.

Temperatures, meanwhile, will continue to be below normal. Temperatures will be up to 11 degrees higher Thursday with partly cloudy skies forecast in L.A. County and sunshine in Orange County.What to Know California and 16 other states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration

The suit takes aim at a plan by the Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate standards for vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2025

EPA administrator Scott Pruitt says the standards are not appropriate and need revision. California officials say the standards are workable

California and 16 other states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its plans to scrap standards for gas mileage standards and how much greenhouse gases vehicles can emit, Gov. Jerry Brown and Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced Tuesday.

The suit takes aim at a plan by the Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate standards for vehicles manufactured between 2022 and 2025. The standards would have required vehicles to get 36 miles per gallon (58 kilometers per gallon) by 2025, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) over the existing standard.

EPA administrator Scott Pruitt says the standards are not appropriate and need revision. They were set in 2012 when California and the Obama administration agreed to single nationwide fuel economy standard.

California officials say the standards are achievable and the EPA's effort to roll them back is not based on any new research. They argue the plan violates the Clean Air Act and didn't follow the agency's own regulations.

California has a unique waiver that allows it to set its own tailpipe emissions standards for vehicles, which it has used to combat smog and more recently global warming. Twelve other states have adopted the California standards as their own.

Automakers have argued that the current requirements would have cost the industry billions of dollars and raised vehicle prices due to the cost of developing the necessary technology.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Joining California are Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia.We spend more time at home than anywhere else, which can be a problem if your own home is making you sick and you dont even know it.

South Florida has high temperatures and humidity all year round, making it a great destination to live and play. But it also makes it a perfect breeding ground for mold. Mold you can see, and mold you cant.

A Miami researcher believes theres something everyone in Florida has in their homes that can be the root of the problem  your air conditioner.

Silvia Quiles of Miramar is a homebody. She loves where she lives, but when shes at home, shes never far away from a box of tissues. She continuously blows her nose and scratches her eyes.

Theres something in the air inside the house, said Quiles.

She has to go outside to get fresh air to feel better. She visits the doctor for her itchy eyes, but hasnt gotten any answers. She also, has been searching for dust and hasnt found any.

I worry about that, but I dont see any indication, said Quiles.

Patients, Homes Studied

After two years of feeling like a patient in her own home, help rolled into her town home. Researchers with the University of Miami are swabbing their way through her house and testing the quality of her air on a regular basis After taking a mold sample this winter, researchers found mold in her home. Professor Naresh Kumar, PhD, doesnt believe Quiless mold is harmful in low quantities, but hes trying to determine where it came from.

Some types of molds are bad, like black mold, said Professor Kumar.

Hes testing hundreds of homes like hers and he has a theory that points to a place people cant easily see  behind the air conditioning vent.

Air Conditioner Concerns

The air conditioning systems that we use in Miami, they were not designed for Miami environments, said Kumar.

Most air conditioning units in South Florida arent lined with metal, theyre lined with fiberglass. With the humidity and moisture, it can be a breeding ground for mold.

Mike Dexter has seen moldy air ducts repeatedly over the years. Hes in the business of cleaning them.

By the time you see it on your ceiling or vents, its already too late, said Dexter. It spreads like cancer throughout the system, once it takes root its easier to distribute through the system.

Youll find fiberglass in most Florida homes because its cheaper than metal, it doesnt rust and its easier to install than metal.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) admits theres substantial debate about the type of air duct to use, but doesnt recommend one over the other. Its up to the builder to decide.

Researchers dont know the cause of Silvias mold yet but theyre giving her recommendations to improve the quality of her air and theyre watching closely to see if her health improves.

I think its going to benefit me and lot of people out there, that have the same problem, she said.

Things you can do at Home

There are test kits you can buy from hardware stores for less than ten dollars to test for mold in your own home. If it comes up positive, you can then send then sample to the lab for an additional cost to determine what type of mold it is. But cleaning up mold can be an expensive task, so can trying to prevent it in the first place.

Professor Kumar recommends keeping your air conditioner set at 72 degrees or lower and your humidity under 60 percent. He says even though it can be costly, the cooler conditions will help prevent mold from growing in your home.

As part of the research study, hundreds of homes will be tested in South Florida over the next few years. Patients will be checked in on continuously to see if the conditions in their eyes improve. Researchers are focusing on the patients eyes, because they say they will be most affected by mold and allergens. Plus, eye health can be indicative of other problems throughout the body.A South Florida woman was found murdered in the Panhandle and now two people are in custody for the crime that authorities say was connected to some kind of love triangle.

The body of 30-year-old Aileen Seiden was discovered on the side of the road in Franklin County on April 23, deputies said. Two days later, Zachary Abell and Christina Araujo were arrested in the killing.

Authorities said the trio was driving from Texas to their apartment building in North Miami when they stopped at a lodge in Eastpoint. There was an altercation in a room and Seiden was beaten to death before her body was dumped on a roadway, authorities said.

"Its some kind of a love triangle, Franklin County Sheriff A.J. "Tony" Smith told the Miami Herald. "We believe the male suspect may have been involved with both women. We know hes abused both women in the past. Hes a real low-life, a thug."

All three worked for Abells used-car company and car insurance business, Abell Automotive, the Herald reported.

Abell and Araujo are charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.What to Know The baby's mother died during childbirth in South Florida on March 2.

The mother listed her cousin as her next-of-kin, not the child's father who lives in Cuba.

After a paternity test, a judge ruled the baby will be in the custody of the father.

A Miami judge granted a Cuban father custody of a baby girl at the center of a dispute with U.S. relatives of the infants mother, who died during childbirth.

Family Court Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens ruled Tuesday that the child, Valeria, is the biological daughter of Yoelvis Gattorno, who lives in Cuba, and granted him custody of the newborn.

Gattorno's wife, Yarisleidis Cuba-Rodriguez, died during an emergency C-section on March 2. Valeria was born prematurely at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

Cuba-Rodriguez identified her cousin Nairobis Pacheco, and not the babys biological father, as her next of kin on hospital documents.

Pacheco told El Nuevo Herald last month that her cousin sacrificed a lot so that her daughter would not grow up in a Communist country and did not want those efforts to have been in vain. She told the newspaper that she never wanted to take the baby away from her father, but had asked for temporary custody so that Valeria would not end up in a foster home.

Cuba-Rodriguez had obtained a U.S. visa through a special lottery and arrived in Florida in October. Family members said she had planned on petitioning for husband after she was settled in the U.S. She died before the application process had been completed.



Gattorno arrived in the U.S. last week on a humanitarian visa to demand custody of his daughter. At Tuesday's hearing, the judge said he can take the girl to Cuba once she is medically cleared. It was not immediately clear how long it would take for doctors to allow Valeria to fly due to complications she suffers from a premature birth. Gattorno is legally permitted to stay in the U.S. for about three months.

The father told the court he wants his daughter to be identified on the birth certificate as Valeria Gattorno Cuba.

On Tuesday evening, he picked up Valeria from Pacheco's home.

"I'm going to hug her, tell her everything I have been wanting to say, kiss her," Gattorno told reporters outside of the home.

Meanwhile, Cuba-Rodriguez's 15-year-old daughter Flavia, who is not Gattorno's biological child, told Telemundo 51 that she fears being separated from her baby sister after already loosing a mother.

"If they take her away [to Cuba], I'm scared I won't see her grow up, her first steps, her development," Flavia said, choking back tears.

Gattorno told the station that he loves Flavia and Valeria will always be her little sister, adding she will be always be welcomed to see her where they call home.What to Know The FDLE issued a missing child alert for 12-year-old Magali Ordonez-Lucas, who has been missing from her Jacksonville home since Monday.

A missing child alert has been cancelled for a girl from North Florida who had been reported missing and may have been traveling with an adult male.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a missing child alert for 12-year-old Magali Ordonez-Lucas, who has been missing from her Jacksonville home since Monday.

Officials from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said she may have been traveling with Omar Castillo-Lopez, who reportedly called the girls father and said they were in love and he was leaving with her.

The FDLE did not say if Ordonez-Lucas had been found with Castillo-Lopez or any other details and referred all questions to the JSO.What to Know You can get free Chipotle delivered to your door from now until May 6

Chipotle Mexican Grill and DoorDash have announced a partnership and is offering the promotion to celebrate with customers

All customers have to do for their free delivery is punch in the promo code GETCHIPOTLE while checking out

Two words: Chipotle and free.

DoorDash, the on-demand restaurant delivery service, has announced a partnership with Chipotle Mexican Grill, and theyre both celebrating it by delivering your food for free, according to the Daily Meal.

From now until May 6, all Chipotle orders made through DoorDash will be delivered for free to customers in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Miami, Atlanta and even Canada.

All customers have to do for their free delivery is punch in the promo code GETCHIPOTLE while checking out. Perfect timing for Cinco de Mayo.

Whether your order includes a steak burrito, chicken burrito bowl or chips and guacamole, the Daily Meal reports all menu items are up for grabs in the promotion.

What are you waiting for?

[NY ONLY USES FLICKR/CC] Here Are 10 of NYC's Best Mexican Restaurants, According to ThrillistPolice in one Texas town say they got a call over the weekend for a vicious dog, but what officers found wasnt quite what they expected.

Texarkana Texas Police Department said in a Facebook post that Officer Travis Frost first spotted the pooch, some sort of pit bull or American Bully named Gold, laying on somebodys front porch. Frost, who acted cautiously, left the door open to his cruiser in case the vicious animal darted after him ready to attack. He then whistled at the dog, who quickly ran toward him.

But Gold wasn't ready to pummel Frost, he instead had his tail wagging, apparently wanting to make a new pal.

Texarkana Texas Police Department

Frost pet the dog, and then Gold jumped into his patrol unit, making himself right at home. Frost and his new furry buddy just sat there, taking selfies until animal control arrived.

Gold was taken to an animal care center and picked up by his owner the next day.

You shouldnt automatically assume that all pit bulls are bad dogs, the post read. They might be really loving like this guy was.

[NATL] Unbelievable Animal Stories: Dog Befriends Abandoned Baby GiraffeWhat to Know The father of a teenager fatally shot in the Parkland school tragedy has filed a lawsuit

The wrongful death lawsuit is partly against Scot Peterson, who was seen on surveillance not entering a building during the shooting

Seventeen people, mostly teenage students, were shot dead in the Feb. 14 tragedy

The father of a teen who was fatally shot in the Parkland school tragedy said he has filed a lawsuit against the former school resource officer criticized for not confronting the gunman.

Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow Pollack was among the 17 victims of the Feb. 14 shooting, said he filed the lawsuit against former Broward County sheriff's deputy Scot Peterson along with accused gunman Nikolas Cruz, the estate of Cruz's mother and other entities, on Monday.

He singled out Peterson with disdain as a "coward."

"I filed a wrongful death suit against Deputy Peterson today," Pollack wrote on Twitter. "I want to expose that coward so bad. Where ever he goes I want people to recognize him and say that's one of the cowards of Broward. The SRO that let those children and teachers die on the 3rd floor!"

Peterson retired in late February after Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said he had been suspended without pay.

"I'm not the kind of guy that's going to let him run off with his pension into the sunset," Pollack said of Peterson. "Wherever he goes, I don't want him being able to hide anywhere in the country and when he walks in somewhere they are going to look at him and point at him and say, 'That's the guy that let those children and teachers die on the third floor."

Pollack said he wanted to make Peterson feel "miserable" as he copes with his daughter's death.

"I'm miserable. I'm going to be miserable for the rest of my life. Maybe I'm going to make Peterson's life a little miserable too," Pollack said.

Israel said Peterson took a position outside of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as the onslaught occurred, citing security footage. Israel said Peterson was "absolutely on campus," adding that he was armed and in uniform during the shooting.

"After seeing video and witness statements, and Peterson's own statement, I decided this morning ... to suspend Scot Peterson without pay pending an internal investigation," Israel said in February.

When asked what Peterson should have done during the shooting, Israel said he should have "went in, addressed the killer and killed" him.

Peterson's attorney has said that his client believed the gunfire was coming from outside the building, and that his response to that kind of threat was in line with the department's training.

"Let there be no mistake, Mr. Peterson wishes that he could have prevented the untimely passing of the seventeen victims on that day, and his heart goes out to the families of the victims in their time of need," attorney Joseph DiRuzzo said in February. "However, the allegations that Mr. Peterson was a coward and that his performance, under the circumstances, failed to meet the standards of police officers are patently untrue."A Fairfax County woman is in custody after police say she gave her 6-year-old son a substance that could have killed him as he laid in a hospital bed.

When 28-year-old Elizabeth Malone brought her 6-year-old son to Inova Fairfax Hospital on April 19, he was bleeding from his mouth and tracheostomy tube, a search warrant says. Malone told the doctors that her son had been bleeding spontaneously from his mouth, nose and trach tube.

His tests came back normal, and the doctors couldn't figure out what was causing the bleeding.

According to hospital staff, the child had been admitted to the hospital seven times since February; he was admitted for bleeding twice.

The doctors became concerned that someone was causing injury to the child.

Child Protective Services was notified April 23, and the police were called two days later.

A camera was installed inside the boy's hospital room to observe what was happening, a search warrant says. It's not cleared who ordered the camera be installed.

The video captured Malone as she removed a syringe from a medical cart, emptied its contents and refilled it with an unknown substance from her purse, according to a search warrant.

She then put the substance into the child's mouth and nose, police say. The child immediately suffered a medical emergency.

Doctors at the hospital told police that the child could've died had he not been treated properly.

When officers got to the room, they saw a red fluid on multiple surfaces, including on Malone, a search warrant says.

Malone's hands were swabbed for evidence and investigators collected her clothing.

It's not clear whether investigators have determined what the substance was.

Malone has been charged with child abuse and neglect. It's not clear whether additional charges will be filed.

An Inova spokeswoman said she could not comment on specific patient cases or anything under investigation, but that under Virginia law, health care professionals are mandatory reporters when child abuse is suspected.President Donald Trump falsely claimed in a tweet that there were No questions on Collusion in a list of questions the special counsel reportedly has for the president. There are several inquiries about possible collusion among the questions published by the New York Times.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that President Trump was not involved in the decision of FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe stepping down from his position, and also hoped that everyone would get the Russia fever out of their system soon.

On April 30, the Times reported that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III had at least four dozen questions on an exhaustive array of subjects he wants to ask President Trump to learn more about his ties to Russia and determine whether he obstructed the inquiry itself. The Times published the list and said it came out of discussions between Trumps lawyers and the special counsels office, which has sought to question the president.

The next morning, Trump said on Twitter that it was disgraceful that the questions were leaked, adding that there were none on collusion, which he called a made up, phony crime.

But there are several questions in the published list about possible collusion. The Times divided the list into four categories, related to: former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, former FBI Director James Comey, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and campaign coordination with Russia. That last category includes:

During the campaign, what did you know about Russian hacking, use of social media or other acts aimed at the campaign? (A U.S. intelligence report released on Jan. 6, 2017, said Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign to help elect Trump. The report accused the Russian-based Internet Research Agency of overseeing an extensive pro-Trump social media campaign, and the Russian military intelligence agency of leaking damaging emails about Clinton and her campaign to WikiLeaks and other outlets.)

(A U.S. intelligence report released on Jan. 6, 2017, said Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign to help elect Trump. The report accused the Russian-based When did you become aware of the Trump Tower meeting? (This is the June 2016 meeting arranged by Donald Trump Jr. with a Russian lawyer offering incriminating information on Hillary Clinton. Paul Manafort, who at the time was Trumps campaign convention manager, and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, also attended the meeting.)

(This is the June 2016 meeting arranged by Donald Trump Jr. with a Russian lawyer offering incriminating information on Hillary Clinton. Paul Manafort, who at the time was Trumps campaign convention manager, and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, also attended the meeting.) During a 2013 trip to Russia, what communication and relationships did you have with the Agalarovs and Russian government officials? (Russian pop star Emin Agalarov and his father were involved in setting up the Trump Tower meeting.)

(Russian pop star and his father were involved in setting up the Trump Tower meeting.) What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign?

What did you know about communication between Roger Stone, his associates, Julian Assange or WikiLeaks? (Stone, a friend and an informal adviser to Trump, said in Aug. 8, 2016, remarks to the Southwest Broward Republican Organization that he had communicated with Assange, referring to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.)

(Stone, a friend and an informal adviser to Trump, said in Aug. 8, 2016, remarks to the Southwest Broward Republican Organization that he had communicated with Assange, referring to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.) What do you know about a 2017 meeting in Seychelles involving Erik Prince? (The Times notes that this meeting brought Mr. Prince, an informal adviser to Mr. Trumps team, together with a Russian investor close to Mr. Putin.)

For more on the key moments in the FBIs and special counsels probe of Russias interference in the 2016 election, see our Timeline of Russia Investigation.What to Know An electrical conduit from the ceiling of the Lehigh Tunnel went through the windshield of southbound tractor trailer.

Troopers found the damaged big rig while investigating a series of minor crashes caused by the debris.

Howard Sexton of Mickleton, New Jersey, died from his injuries.

Federal investigators say steel straps holding electrical conduits to the ceiling of a Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnel had corroded before a portion of conduit crashed through the windshield of a tractor-trailer, killing the driver.

The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday issued a preliminary report on the Feb. 21 accident inside the Northeast Extension's Lehigh Tunnel, about 70 miles north of Philadelphia.

The report says a 2016 inspection had found the corrosion and that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission was in the process of awarding a contract to replace the straps in the 4,379-foot tunnel when the accident happened.

Howard Sexton of Mickleton, New Jersey, was killed when the section of conduit struck him in the head.

NBC10 / Family Photo

Sexton, who had grown children, had driven for Raymour & Flanigan for the past 19 years, his family said. He had planned on retiring this summer. The furniture company issued a statement saying Sexton was a "beloved member" of its South Jersey team.

The NTSB plans to identify a cause in its final report along with safety recommendations.Pennsylvania's attorney general wants a judge to reinstate involuntary manslaughter charges against five former Penn State fraternity members arrested in connection to a pledge's hazing-related death last year.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that his office didn't agree with District Judge Allen Sinclair's decision to dismiss involuntary manslaughter charges against five former Beta Theta Pi fraternity members and demanded that a jury hear evidence and make that decision.

"That local magistrate should not have the final say, Shapiro said at a news conference Tuesday morning.

Shapiro's office is overseeing the prosecution of more than a dozen men accused of playing a role in Piazza's death. The 19-year-old sophomore died of severe head and abdominal injuries after falling several times during an evening of hazing and drinking at the now-shuttered Beta Theta Pi fraternity house.

"I am committed to holding all individuals responsible for any role they played in the hazing death of Tim Piazza," said Shapiro, who was joined by Piazza's parents at the news conference.



Last week, Shapiro's office appealed the ruling and is seeking to have the charges reinstated "so that a jury of 12 men and women from that community can make the ultimate determination about the defendants accountability."

Shapiro said he was confident that the evidence against the five members he says should be charged with involuntary manslaughter will support a conviction by a jury. Each of the five helped set up "The Gauntlet" of drinking, were aware of his fall and refused to seek medical attention in a timely manner, Shapiro said.

"They must be held accountable for their respective roles in planning that fateful night, in failing to render aid and for leaving Tim to die in their fraternity house," he said.

Prosecutors still are reviewing the cases of 15 other fraternity members charged in Piazza's death. Shapiro said his office will announce charges on Wednesday against 12 additional fraternity brothers. Those new charges stem from deleted security video that was later recovered by the FBI.

Piazza fell down the basement stairs, and spent the night on the fraternity house's first floor, mostly on a couch but he also is seen on video stumbling and falling several times.

Members of the fraternity took half-hearted and even counterproductive steps to address his condition, ultimately leaving him alone.



Footage shows Piazza walking toward the basement stairs the next morning, and then through the basement toward a bar. He is later seen near the bar, with his head on the floor in between his arms.

About two hours later, he was found unconscious and carried upstairs. Video shows fraternity members standing around Piazza for more than 40 minutes before anyone calls for an ambulance.

Piazza later died at a hospital from severe head injuries that included a skull fracture and a shattered spleen that caused massive abdominal bleeding.

"When a parent sends their child off to college, they dont expect them to be found at the bottom of a basement  unconscious and fatally injured," Shapiro tweeted Tuesday. "Tims death was a tragedy."What to Know A boy walking on the beach with his mother in the Outer Banks was hit by a wave and swept out to sea, officials say.

The Coast Guard searched for 4-year-old Wesley Belisle for hours last week and then suspended their search.

Belisle's body was found Monday morning on a beach about 35 miles north.

The body of a 4-year-old boy who was swept out to sea while walking on the beach with his mother on the Outer Banks has been found, officials say.

The body of Wesley Belisle was found at 7:40 a.m. Monday on Carova Beach, the Kitty Hawk Police Department said on Facebook. Carova Beach is about 35 miles north of where Belisle disappeared.

Information wasn't available immediately on who found the child's body.

Belisle's family was visiting the Outer Banks on vacation from New Hampshire.



Belisle and his mother were walking on the beach in Kitty Hawk on Wednesday when a wave hit the child, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement. His mother "lost sight of him in the surf."

The Coast Guard searched for the boy by helicopter and by boat, covering 130 square nautical miles. After several hours, they suspended their search.

Locals went to the beach to see if they could help, WAVY-TV reported.

A man who lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, about 70 miles north, took his powered paraglider down to the beach to search for the boy.

"It was on my mind when I went to bed, and it was on my mind when I woke up, so I was like, why not?" Jonathan Jernigan told WAVY.

Neighbors laid out seashells in the shape of a heart on the beach and said they were sending their love to the family.

"We hope that the outpouring of compassion and offers of support, thoughts and prayers to the Belisle family from people all over the world can bring them some amount of solace in this time of tremendous grief," Kitty Hawk Police Chief Joel C. Johnson said in a statement.

Belisle's family is making arrangements to have the child's body transported to New Hampshire, police said. He was their only child.Prince George's County police shot an armed robbery suspect in Greenbelt, Maryland.

I'm not pleased when we have to use force in the course of our duties but this is a dangerous individual, Chief Hank Stawinski said.



Officers from Prince George's County and Washington, D.C., were executing an arrest warrant for 26-year-old Corey Janifer on Cherrywood Lane about 11 a.m. As they tried to arrest the suspect inside an apartment after a family member let them inside, a 19-year veteran of the police force shot the suspect once in the stomach because of he felt threatened, Stawinski said.

Police said Janifer barricaded himself behind a closed bedroom door.

For their safety and his safety they forced that door, Stawinski said. In the process of forcing that door one officer  came into confrontation with Mr. Janifer, perceived a threat, fired a single shot.

Janifer was wanted for an armed home invasion robbery in D.C. Police entered the apartment knowing Janifer could have been armed, but according to Stawinski, they did not find any weapons in the apartment.

"We never seek to use force in the course of our duties, but preliminarily it appears that the interaction between our officers and this individual behind a closed door was certainly part of what played into this confrontation," Stawinski said.



Janifer was taken to a hospital in critical condition. After surgery he remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Police say no officers were hurt.

The officer, Cpl. James Dwyer, is on administrative leave, and the investigation continues.Three people tied to a crime spree spanning parts of Maryland and D.C. on Monday are in custody after a high-speed car chase, police say.

The crime spree started with a bank robbery, followed by two street robberies. Then, the suspects fled by car.

At one point during the car chase that lasted for more than half an hour, a gray car sped along Suitland Parkway in the wrong direction.

The chase came to an end on South Capitol Street near Nationals Park, when police cornered the car.

Traffic camera video shows three robbery suspects jump out of a gray car and try to escape on foot, down South Capitol Street in the opposite direction. The suspects didnt leave the brakes on the car, so the video shows it rolling down the street.

The suspects didnt get far because the police surrounded the area, and the three suspects were put into custody shortly after.

The suspects are charged with a number of crimes connected to a bank robbery, the street robberies, traffic violations and possession of a gun.After a second suspected Israeli strike killing Iranian forces in Syria, the Islamic Republic has few ways to retaliate as its leaders wrestle with both unrest at home and the prospect of its nuclear deal collapsing abroad.

Though it has long made threats about Israel's existence, Iran doesn't have a modern air force to take on Israel. Launching ballistic missiles also remains a question mark, considering Israel's anti-missile defense system, the near-certainty of massive Israeli retaliation and the risk of further alienating the West as President Donald Trump threatens to withdraw the United States from the atomic accord.

Meanwhile, Iran's long-favored strategy of relying on allied militant groups and proxies faces limits as well. Hezbollah, now bloodied and battered from Syria's long war, may not have the appetite for another conflict as the Shiite militant group tries to further integrate into local Lebanese politics.

Here's a look at what happened and the challenges confronting Iran as it weighs its response:

THE ATTACKS

On April 9, a suspected Israeli jet fighter targeted Syria's T4 air base in central Homs province, hours after a suspected poison gas attack on a rebel-held Syrian town. That strike killed 14 people, including seven Iranians.

On Sunday, just before midnight, another attack struck Syrian government outposts further north, in Hama and Aleppo provinces. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes, which targeted an arms depot containing surface-to-surface missiles belonging to Iranian militias in Hama province and a military base in Aleppo province, killed 26 pro-government forces, most of them Iranians.

Suspicion for both attacks immediately fell on Israel, which, in keeping with tradition, has neither confirmed nor denied carrying out the strikes. If Israeli jets carried out the latest assault, it would mean the country's fighters are flying deeper and deeper into Syrian territory, as Hama is some 180 kilometers (110 miles) from Israel.

IRANIAN MILITARY LIMITS

While Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the April 9 attack "a crime" and other officials threatened revenge, there are significant limits to Iran's conventional military forces.

Iran's air force, in particular, has suffered since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The backbone of its air power remains pre-revolution American F-4s, F-5s and F-14s, with a mix of other Soviet, French and aging aircraft. That fleet is outgunned by the modern U.S.-supplied fighter jets flown by Israel and the Gulf Arab states.

To counter that, Iran has put much of its money toward developing a ballistic missile force it says provides a defensive deterrent to a direct air attack. Iran's Revolutionary Guard, a hard-line paramilitary force answerable only to Khamenei, controls those ballistic missiles, which can reach Israel.

There is recent precedent for Iran launching ballistic missiles to avenge attacks. Last June, six Iranian Zolfaghar missiles targeted Islamic State group positions in Syria in revenge for an IS-claimed attack on the Iranian parliament and the mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini, the Islamic Republic's founder. However, Israeli media later reported only one made it to its target, something denied by the Guard.

Israel, in cooperation with the U.S., also has developed a multi-layer system of missile defense that could protect it against incoming Iranian fire. While no missile defense is perfect, Israel could defend itself. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, long a hawk on Iran, also likely wouldn't hesitate to launch a massive retaliatory strike.

NUCLEAR DEAL IN THE BALANCE

A missile attack on Israel would draw an immediate response from the West, in particular the U.S., which long has acted as the guarantor of Israel's safety. Trump has pledged "we have no better friends anywhere" than Israel and is moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, a move that has angered Palestinians, who claim east Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, and their Arab backers.

Any military action would further isolate Iran as Trump faces a self-imposed May 12 deadline to decide what to do about the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. That deal allowed Iran to sell crude oil on the international market and regain access to the world's banks. Losing it could mean further economic problems for Iran, which has already seen its currency, the rial, crater against the U.S. dollar.

While average Iranians haven't experienced any direct benefit from the nuclear deal, they have felt the currency crisis. Iranian government officials recognize that anger, coupled with still-smoldering resentments after nationwide protests swept the country in December and January, could further challenge their rule. That could grow with a fumbled direct attack on Israel.

PROXY PROBLEMS

Iran could fall back on its regional militant allies or proxies to launch an attack, a strategy it has used with great success after its ruinous 1980s war with Iraq. After the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, the U.S. blamed Iran for training Iraqi militants to build so-called explosively formed projectiles, which penetrated armored vehicles to maim and kill soldiers. Tehran denied doing this. Western nations and U.N. experts also say Iran has supplied the Shiite rebels now holding Yemen's capital with weapons, from small arms to ballistic missiles, something Tehran also denies.

Iran's greatest proxy achievement, however, is Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group and political organization that pushed occupying Israeli forces out of Lebanon in 2000. Since then, Hezbollah has remained an adversary of Israel and fought one war against it in 2006. Southern Lebanon's rolling hills bordering Israel remain Hezbollah's stronghold.

Iran could retaliate through Hezbollah, but the group has been battered in the Syrian war. Supporting embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad has seen hundreds of its fighters killed and wounded.

Hezbollah also wants to further integrate into local Lebanese politics as the nation votes on Sunday for a new parliament for the first time in nine years. Launching a new war could endanger its political support base, including possibly among its Shiite constituency, which is wary of another ruinous war with Israel.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

For now, Iran continues to threaten retaliation. If none comes, Israel may feel emboldened to launch strikes even deeper into Syria to clear out major Iranian bases before that country's war ends. But continuing strikes risk further escalation on all sides, with Hezbollah still heavily armed just across the Israeli border. How Russia and the U.S. would respond to any escalation remains a question as well.

Associated Press writer Zeina Karam contributed to this report.The French president's office says there's nothing mysterious about the disappearance of an oak tree he planted on the White House lawn.

It was put in quarantine, like other plants or animals brought into U.S. territory.

The sapling was a gift from French President Emmanuel Macron for his state visit to U.S. President Donald Trump last week.

An official in Macron's office said Monday that Trump insisted on holding a symbolic planting ceremony alongside Macron despite the quarantine requirement. The official said both sides knew all along that the tree would go later into quarantine.

A pale patch of grass now covers the spot.

The oak originally sprouted at the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood in northern France, where about 2,000 U.S. troops died fighting a German offensive.Massachusetts State Police have ordered an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash on Interstate 95 in Reading, Massachusetts last August.

Lynn DeWolfe, 51, of Tyngsborough, is accused of being high behind the wheel at the time of the crash. She appeared in court Tuesday for a brief hearing.

Police said DeWolfe was erratically driving a Saab 93 sedan on Aug. 24, 2017 when she hit a Subaru Impreza on I-95 north, causing that vehicle to hit a BMW K-100 RS motorcycle and two other vehicles.

The driver of the motorcycle, Christopher Weisz, 42, of Bedford, was thrown from the bike and later died from his injuries.

DeWolfe was eventually stopped by a Wakefield police officer and a state trooper and taken into custody. She reportedly told police she had taken Lorazepam and Gabapentin.

The Boston Globe reported this week that DeWolfe had been involved in another crash that same morning. A state trooper responded to the scene, but allowed DeWolfe to continue driving because there wasn't enough probable cause for her arrest, despite state police having received 911 calls about her erratic driving.

"It's painful enough that he died," widow Alexis Weisz told the Globe. "The fact that she could have been stopped that morning is heartbreaking."

State police said the trooper who pulled over Wolfe followed appropriate protocols, but the entire case will be reviewed at the request of state police Col. Kerry Gilpin, from the initial 911 calls to the communication between state police and the prosecuting attorneys.

"We have determined that the District Attorneys Office was not in possession of all relevant information related to the DeWolfe case," state police spokesman David Procopio said. "Colonel Gilpin, with the support of the administration, has ordered an independent and thorough investigation to determine how and why this occurred."

Lizzy Guyton, Gov. Charlie Baker's communications director, issued a statement Tuesday saying that the governor supports Gilpin's decision to order an independent investigation.

DeWolfe has pleaded not guilty to operating under the influence of drugs, leaving the scene of a crash that caused personal injury and death, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a marked lanes violation.

She has a prior history of drunk driving offenses. She was charged twice with operating under the influence, once in 1987 and again in 2005, and had multiple license suspensions for refusing chemical tests. She was also involved in at least four other crashes.

During Tuesday's court appearance, prosecutors said they need time to review the 79-page accident reconstruction report received this week before moving forward with the case. Another hearing is scheduled for May 31.A New Hampshire man accused of strangling his ex-fiance last month at her home in North Andover, Massachusetts, has opted to fight rendition from California, after being taken into custody last week.

Brian Chevalier, 51, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was arrested April 25 in Mexico  just over the border from Calexico, California, according to the Essex District Attorney's office. Chevalier was turned over to U.S. officials and held by the Imperial County Sheriff's Department.

On Monday, the district attorney's office said Chevalier did not waive rendition at his arraignment for fugitive from justice charges, meaning authorities need to seek a Governor's warrant to return him to Massachusetts to face a murder charge.

The district attorney's office said they cannot anticipate how long that process will take.

Chevalier is wanted in connection with the murder of Wendi Davidson who was found strangled to death in the basement of her home on April 21.

"Once it was determined it was a murder I immediately thought it was him," said Davidson's son, Josh last week.

Davidson's family said the pair had dated for a couple of months before getting engaged but broke up about a month later in March.

Her family says even though Chevalier hoped to rekindle the relationship, Davidson did not seem concerned for her safety.

"She would drop everything and be there for you and ask questions later," said her son. "Her smile would light up a room, she just touched so many lives."

Chevalier is also wanted for violating parole in a New Hampshire case.

Norfolk headteachers back evolving religious education Norfolk headteachers back evolving religious education

Norfolks headteachers say it is vital that religious education evolves to focus on tolerance and a multi-faith approach to equip children for life in modern Britain.

Hundreds join Rosary on Coast prayers in East Anglia Hundreds join Rosary on Coast prayers in East Anglia

The Rosary on the Coast prayer event was marked by hundreds of people at over a dozen locations across the Diocese of East Anglia yesterday (April 29).

Hundreds of people braved cold, wet and windy conditions across the East Anglian coast to join the first-ever Rosary on the Coast prayer initiative.



Scores of people gathered in up to 15 locations across the Norfolk and Suffolk coast including the ruins of Greyfriars Priory at Dunwich, led by Dominican friars from Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Cambridge; the ruins of St Edmunds Chapel on the cliff at Hunstanton, led by Fr Peter Rollings; and Happisburgh in Norfolk led by Elaine Haughton and members of the Sacred Heart Parish in Aylsham and Hoveton.



At Felixstowe Pier over 30 people, led by Fr John Barnes of St Felix Church, Felixstowe, prayed the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Those who attended were also from St Mary (Ipswich), St Marks (Ipswich) and the religious Sisters of Jesus and Mary (Felixstowe).



It was an extremely cold and windswept afternoon, but the atmosphere was great and helped to take our mind off the cold, said Julian Wong.



In Lowestoft, a small group from Our Lady Star of the Sea, Beccles and Kelvedon, led by Fr Paul Chanh and Apostleship of the Sea port chaplain Patricia Ezra, walked to Ness Point, the most easterly location in the UK before returning to the church for the Rosary and then to the Stella Maris Hall for refreshments.



At Sea Palling on the Norfolk coast, around 60 people, including students from the University of East Anglia Catholic Society and parishioners from St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich, were joined by Bishop Alan Hopes on the beach next to the lifeboat station.



Bishop Alan said: I commend wholeheartedly this national prayer initiative. Our parishes were encouraged to make their way to a location on the coast, and to say the Rosary in union with Catholics around our countrys shores, for three purposes: the renewal of the faith in this Dowry of Mary, a greater recognition in our culture of the sanctity of human life from conception until natural death, and finally for peace for our country and the world, in a time of great instability.



England national co-ordinator, Antonia Moffat, from Walsingham, joined a group from the National Shrine of Our Lady at the beach atWells-next-the-Sea, led by Mgr John Armitage.



Antonia said: It is clear that in a time of difficulty and need for prayer, people are looking for an opportunity for a supernatural response and a call to spiritual arms.



Many saints have emphasised the importance of the Rosary as a powerful prayer which brings supernatural solutions. We hope to witness to the power of prayer to change lives. The Rosary is the spiritual sword for our time.



Other groups taking part included: Our Lady of the Annunciation in Kings Lynn; St Josephs Church, Sheringham and Our Lady of Refuge, Cromer with groups both at the churches and the beach; St Marys Church in Great Yarmouth led by Brian Lafferty KSC; at Bacton beach in Norfolk led by St Georges parish in Norwich; and at Our Lady and St Peter Church, Aldeburgh, led by Fr Tony Rogers.



Pope Francis has given his apostolic blessing to all who participated in Rosary on the Coast and Cardinal Vincent Nichols gave his great endorsement, along with many of the bishops of England, Scotland and Wales.



Pictured above are the UEA Catholic Society at Sea Palling.



Click here or see below for a picture gallery of several locations in the Rosary on the Coast.







Brazilian couple come to Norwich on long-term mission Brazilian couple come to Norwich on long-term mission

Brazilian couple Paulo and Claudia Mussi arrived in Norwich on March 19 to live as long-term Christian missionaries working with Portuguese speaking people in the city, and the wider community around Mousehold. Jenny Seal reports.

Paulo and Claudia Mussi, from Anapolis in Brazil, have left a 10-year mission in Portugal to come to Norwich to work alongside Norwich Central Baptist Church, to serve Portuguese speaking people and the local community around Mousehold.



Paulo and Claudia have been in full time ministry for 21 years. The couple met in Sao Paulo when Paulo was studying to be a Sergeant in the Brazilian Air Force and married in 1990. In 1997 Paulo heard God call him into full time ministry and he decided to leave the Air Force.



The decision wasnt easy. The life they had was comfortable and familiar. Both had been brought up in military backgrounds, plus they had three young children and no family living nearby. Paulo waited six months for God to confirm the call to Claudia. Then one day Claudia said: God told me this is his plan, so lets go.



Paulo said: We started life in dependence on God. In that moment in 1997 we already knew that our call was to other countries - to go on mission. Not only to be a pastor, not only to be a minister, but to go out to other places.



Since then both Paulo and Claudia have gained theological degrees, and have each developed effective ministries. Paulo is passionate about teaching the Word of God, while Claudias passion is sharing the Christian faith with children and young people.



Claudia recalls: In Brazil we were part of a team that started to plant a church with children, and through the children we reached the adults. It was a social work, that we set up under a tree, trying to reach the people in the neighbourhood. The parents were not there, just the children because we offered a story and some food and things like this. Later the families started to attend because the children started to change their way of life. The fathers and mothers came to see what they were learning. And so we started to build the walls and have the church meet there. And it is there today.



When their parent church established a Mission Board Paulo and Claudia started to go on mission, first within Brazil, and then Peru and other places.



They moved to Portugal in 2008. Even then the option of coming to Norfolk was on offer. In 2006 Jorge Damasceno, who is now a Minister at Park Baptist Church in Great Yarmouth, was sent from the same Mission Board in Brazil, to start a project with Portuguese speaking people in Dereham. He invited Paulo and Claudia to work on the project. But as a family they felt it wasnt the right time.



During that 10 years," Paulo said, "almost always when we talked with Jorge he was inviting us again. But we understood that God wanted us in Portugal at that time.



In Lisbon, Paulo was an Assistant Pastor of a Baptist Church and worked in partnership with a seminary, the Instituto Biblico Portugues, where he coordinated and taught a programme in theology for small groups around the country. Claudia supported this work and also taught Evangelical Christianity as part of the Religious and Moral Education in a public school.



Despite both having developed successful ministries and everything going well, in 2016 Paulo and Claudia say everything changed. Their daughter Patrycia had moved to Dereham and they came to Norfolk on holiday to visit her. They met up again with Jorge.



Paulo said: At that time we were in Jorges house talking about his mission and our hearts were moved. And we thought, okay it is the time. Lets pray about this, but we think this is the time.



And so in March 2018 Paulo and Claudia arrived in Norwich to set up home in the Manse of what was, until last year, Silver Road Baptist Church. The church building on Mousehold Avenue in North Norwich is now part of Norwich Central Baptist Church, with plans for it to be developed into a community facility.



Claudia says: It is a different time for us because there are so many things that we left in Portugal  two of our sons we left there. It is a new situation for us not having children living at home. To not speak the language, to not have our material things.



She continues: I believe that God doesnt need us here; not here or in Portugal. He can raise up anyone that he wants in his own country. But if he is permitting us to be here, there is something in our lives that God wants to work in and through. And this has given us peace.



Claudia states that her biggest challenge is to learn to speak English and she will soon be starting an English+ course at Holy Trinity Church. As a naturally communicative person, Claudia is finding it particularly difficult not to be able to talk to people. She describes Paulo as her Google Translator and he jokes that very soon she will be speaking and I will have lost my place!



Although fluent in English, Paulo is also cautious about saying the wrong thing. He said: Its a way that God has to show us that we depend on him. You dont know everything. Youre not as ready as you think you are.



The first steps that Paulo and Claudia expect to take is to start a small weekly Bible Study in their home for Portuguese speaking families living in Norwich but connected to Park Baptist Churchs Portuguese service in Great Yarmouth. They will also be part of a working group at NCBC that develops the use of the building on Mousehold Avenue.



Paulo said: We want to serve, that is the main point for us. We dont know everything about the reason why we came. But we know that God wants us here and we are here to serve the church, to serve the Portuguese and English people.



I didnt come here with a big plan, something that will reach England, will make amazing things. No, I dont have this in my mind or in my heart. But I know that God has something to do through our lives and in our lives in this place. We are here to discover what it is and to be ready to do things that God wants us to do. And good things will happen I think.

Beneath the skeleton of a fossilised Diplodocus from the Natural History Museum, Dr Nick Spencer gave a fascinating lecture in Norwich Cathedral about dinosaurs, evolution and religion.

Beneath the skeleton of a fossilised Diplodocus from the Natural History Museum, Dr Nick Spencer gave a fascinating lecture in Norwich Cathedral about dinosaurs, evolution and religion.

King's Lynn church goes industrial to enlarge its site In a year when many churches remained closed, the Kings Glory Church in Kings Lynn opened a new centre on an industrial estate. Read more

Golden dome tops Stalhams new Orthodox church The conversion of Stalhams old police station into a new Orthodox church is nearing completion, and an iconic golden dome has recently been added to the roofline. Read more

Black Lives Matter talk at Norwich church Christian Aid speaker Chine MacDonald will speak on Wednesday October 6 about the vital importance of involving black voices in the climate justice movement  especially in this pivotal year for climate justice as the UK hosts COP26 this year. Read more

Norwich Foodbank tackles the causes of poverty Norwich Foodbank has taken on Iain Turner to lead a new project dealing with the causes of food poverty. Read more

Norwich Cathedrals Dippy and the Genesis deluge Following the news last month that well over 100,000 people have been to visit Dippy the Diplodocus at Norwich Cathedral, Matthew Pickhaver explains why he believes that Dippy helps to throw light on the biblical story of the great flood. Read more

Norwich church Gaia art shows climate emergency St Peter Mancroft, Norwich made a public declaration of a climate emergency at it welcomed Luke Jerrams Gaia Earth Artwork for October. Read more

Yarmouth mural to combat modern slavery A large mural will be erected in Great Yarmouth later this month to raise awareness of the widespread presence of slavery in this country. Read more

Norwich bishop leads the way on climate change Bishop Graham Usher is among faith leaders who have signed a statement in the lead-up to COP26 calling on governments to take urgent action to protect the earths climate. Read more

Norfolk leaders launch prayer for Armed Forces A group of Christian leaders in Norfolk is inviting churches to help launch a prayer group for the Armed Forces. Read more

Pathways Tenancy Engagement Worker YMCA Norfolk is looking for a Pathways Tenancy Engagement Worker to work closely with service users by providing them with support to help them successfully manage their new, long term, secure tenancies. Read more

Norfolk's nonagenarian seamstress makes dresses for Jordan Anna Bayles, a 96-year-old dressmaker from Wymondham, has sent her latest consignment of clothing as gifts to Christian refugees in Jordan. Read more

Matthew Projects needs a Unity Service Manager The Matthew Project is seeking to recruit a new Service Manager for its Young Peoples Integrated Substance Misuse Service (Unity) in Norfolk, funded by Norfolk County Council Public Health. Read more

Blue light services visit Dippy at night There are just under five weeks left of Dippy the dinosaurs stay at Norwich Cathedral and a spectacular farewell is planned  with emergency services workers invited to a very special preview of the event. Read more

Update with God before shutting down Ruth Lilley explains that some of the necessary housekeeping practices that keep our computers functioning correctly may have equivalent applications for our spiritual health. Read more

Norwich event to explore sustainable futures Jonathon Porritt will be among speakers looking at sustainable futures at an event leading up to the COP 26 conference on Climate Change in Glasgow. Read more

Great value residential centre in East Anglia Belsey Bridge residential centre offers fully catered group retreats in comfortable budget accommodation from only 40 per person per night Read more

King's Lynn Pastor upcycles his mission to the homeless After serving for fourteen years as Pastor at Cornerstone King`s Lynn Baptist Church, Kevan Crane has taken on a new role serving the homeless. He explains his unusual journey of faith. Read more



Sheringham Methodists celebrate 50 years

2018: St Andrews Methodist Church in Sheringham will be celebrating their fiftieth anniversary this summer, and several events are planned to celebrate Gods goodness over that period. Tony Rothe reports.



50 Years of Praise will take place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday May 26. Everyone is welcome to come and sing fifty Hymns & Songs of Praise which have been chosen by church members. Members of the public can drop by and join in at any time during the day, or come and stay all day.



The singing will be led by The New Music Group and there will be a buffet break at lunchtime. Admission is free, but any donations will go to Cancer Research UK. The programme of songs will be available at www.sheringhammethodist.org.uk and in the church.



Rosa West, from St Andrews, said In celebration of 50 years of worship at St. Andrew`s we are aiming to sing 50 hymns, starting at 10 o'clock and finishing when we run out of steam or songs, but by 4pm at the latest. Do invite your friends and help us to praise the Lord through music.



The anniversary weekend itself is June 23 to 24.



There will be a Celebration Praise & Tea at 3.30 pm on the Saturday, with the New Music Group starting off the afternoon with a time of Gospel Praise hymns & songs, followed by an Afternoon Tea. All friends old and new, from far and near, are warmly invited to attend this celebration.



Rev Julian Pursehouse, Chair of the East Anglia District of the Methodist Church will lead and be speaking at the Anniversary service at 10.30am on the Sunday morning, followed by coffee & tea.



This years Flower Festival from July 5 to 8 will also form part of the anniversary celebrations and will take the theme of Golden Moments. The churchs renowned flower arrangers will attempt to interpret in flowers special events, both nationally and locally from the last 50 years. As usual, stalls and refreshments will be available.



St Andrews Methodist Church came into being by combining the towns two existing Methodist churches  the old Wesleyan Methodist in Beeston Road and the old primitive Methodist in the town centre. On Sunday May 28 1967 a new site for the building of St. Andrew`s on Cromer Road was dedicated, and the Foundation Stone was laid on Saturday September 16 the same year. The cost of the new building was estimated at 39,000, and many fund-raising events were held and initiatives undertaken to pay for the project.



The brand new modern building was opened and dedicated on June 22 1968, with a procession of dignitaries walking across the road from St. Joseph`s Roman Catholic church, where they had robed and assembled, to open St. Andrew`s Church, pictured right.



The thriving youth and childrens work at St Andrews was able to take advantage of the splendid new building, with at least 90 children and young people on the Sunday School registers, and a Boys Brigade company was formed in 1968 to complement the one at the nearby Baptist church. The two brigades amalgamated in the mid 1970s. A Girls Brigade also started in the late 1960s.



The annual St. Andrew`s Flower Festival also started in the late 1960's, and has grown enormously in the last 50 years, now attracting visitors from across the UK. An extension was built in 1981 to accommodate a store room and coffee lounge, followed by a new pitched roof to replace the flat roofs over part of the building, and a new ceiling in the auditorium in 2002.



Rev David Philo, Minister of St Andrews, said Anniversaries are a reminder of something important that has happened in our lives or the lives of our country, occasions that have influenced our journey into the future. Many anniversaries are a celebration of joyous events and times and none more so than the building of God`s church, a place of prayer and spiritual strength. The building of St. Andrew`s with its symbolism and stained glass, where hope and truth would be shared, and Christ proclaimed was certainly a joyful moment and now celebrated in its fiftieth year. The faith and prayer, the rites of passage from baptism to promotion to glory have ensured that St. Andrew`s is more than a physical building. A tribute to the past, a salute to the present, and path to the future built for "who-so-ever will may come" and find Jesus and new life.



Visit: www.sheringhammethodist.org.uk



St. Andrew`s Methodist Church, Cromer Road, Sheringham, NR26 8SA





Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?Branch among 162 shutting across England and Wales

Newbury's Royal Bank of Scotland branch is to close later this year.

The branch, in Market Place, is among 162 that will shut across England and Wales, resulting in 792 job losses.

RBS said that the closures were linked to it not needing to sell its Williams & Glyn business, meaning that branches within close proximity to each other will be closed to avoid overlaps.

Newbury's RBS will close on November 28 and is one listed as being between 0.6 miles and 2.5 miles of another RBS or NatWest branch.

The closest NatWest branches, other than Market Place, are in Basingstoke and Tilehurst.

The announcement follows impending NatWest branch closures in Thatcham, Hungerford and Mortimer later this year.

An RBS spokesman said: We are no longer launching Williams & Glyn as a challenger bank, and we now have two branch networks operating in close proximity to each other; NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland, in England and Wales.

As a result we have had to review our overall branch footprint in England and Wales and weve made the difficult decision to close a number of Royal Bank of Scotland branches. Customers of Royal Bank of Scotland in England and Wales will be able to use NatWest branches instead for their everyday banking needs.

We now provide our customers with more ways to bank with us than ever before  customers can choose from a range of digital, face-to-face and local options to suit their needs.Asthma is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of airway obstruction and wheezing due to inflammation of the airways.

Credit: u3d/Shutterstock.com

Asthma History: early civilization

Asthma has a long history of evolution before it was categorically defined. The earliest mention of respiratory distress and wheezing (the occurrence of a whistling sound while breathing) has been found in 2600 BC in China.

Herbal fumes and extracts have been used for many centuries to alleviate the symptoms, though the underlying mechanisms and pathways were not known. The contemporary Georg Ebers papyrus found in Egypt indicated more than 700 remedies for airway discomfort.

Later, in 1792 BC, the Code of Hammurabi was created. It documented the symptoms of breathlessness in a group of individuals in Babylon.

While contributing to a range of explanations put forward to describe the condition, Hippocrates coined the term Asthma. This Greek term means respiratory distress and panting. Hippocrates correlated the occurrence of asthma with environmental triggers.

In 327 BC, during the era when Alexander the Great was extending his invasions to India, the smoke of stramonium (a herb with anticholinergic effects) was used for relaxing the lungs. During the Roman era, physicians correlated symptoms such as the inability to breathe without making noise and gasping with asthma. They also described the worsening of these symptoms with physical activity.

Asthma history: AD

In 50 AD, Pliny the Elder reported that pollen was one source of breathing difficulty. The extract of ephedra was recommended, along with wine, to ease the discomfort.

In 100 AD, a Greek physician, Aretaeus of Cappadocia, listed the symptoms of asthma, including cough, difficulty in breathing, tiredness, and heaviness in the chest. He also mentioned that the frequency of coughing increased as the condition worsened, and vice versa; and he observed that even though asthma might not be fatal, the patients lived under its constant shadow.

He prescribed owls blood along with wine, among other remedies to treat asthma. In 129 AD, a Roman Physician, Claudius Galen, based on his thorough research into human anatomy, suggested that the respiratory rate could be controlled manually as breathing was a function of muscular contraction.

During 200-500 AD, the Jewish Talmud advocated the use of hiltith, a resin found in vegetables of the carrot family, for treatment of asthma symptoms. Another Jewish scholar, Maimonides advised intake of fluid and chicken soup, good personal hygiene, and sleep based on his observations around 1200 AD.

Asthma history: the medieval era

in the Middle Ages, the knowledge of asthma and its treatments started to move forward bit by bit. Europeans started using tobacco as an expectorant to aid the removal of mucus around 1500 AD.

A Belgian researcher, Jean Baptiste Van Helmont in around 1700 AD, mentioned that asthma began in the pipes of the lungs. Bernardino Ramazzini was the first to discover a relationship between asthma and dust, and identified exercise-induced asthma.

The Aztecs used ephedra for mucus clearance in Central America. In South America, the Incas employed a cocaine-like dried leaf to treat asthma. Arsenic was recommended by a few physicians for the treatment of respiratory distress around 1800 AD.

Asthma history: modern day

A Canadian scientist, Sir William Osler, who is known as the Father of modern medicine, reported in his epoch-making book The Principles and Practice of Medicine, that asthma was a swelling of the bronchial membranes accompanied by spasm of the bronchial tubes, closely related to hay fever, often pediatric, and familial in nature.

He recognized nervous stimulation as a cause of asthma attack. His research led to the idea that asthma was a psychosomatic disease. His choice of treatment approaches reflected his understanding of the nervous system triggers of asthma.

The 1900s

In the early 1900s asthma began to be treated with selective 2-adrenoceptor agonists. Belladonna alkaloids from plant source began to be utilized from 1905. Allergy immunotherapy was also introduced during the same period for treating this ailment.

Francis Rackemann discovered that asthma could result from reasons other than allergy as well, and characterized allergic and non-allergic triggers of asthma in 1916. Kustner and Prausnitz identified IgE and its correlation with allergic reactions in asthmatics in 1921.

Physicians started to prescribe aminophylline suppositories and tablets, and adrenaline injections for asthma in the 1940s and 1950s. Inhalation anti-cholinergics were used as rescue medications, while oral combinations became popular for long-term treatment in the 1960s.

The invention of peak flow meters during the 1960s and 1970s was a technological leap aiding effective treatment. In the 1970s, extensive clinical research led to the use of inhaled corticosteroids for effective management of asthma.

As the understanding of allergen exposure and the resultant release of chemical mediators which cause airway constriction and remodeling became clearer, around 1980, targeted treatment options were established, including the antileukotrienes, cromones, and anti-IgE therapies.

After centuries of work, more promising options are being developed for asthma management with continued enhancement in the knowledge of cellular biochemistry.

Further ReadingTaking a photo each day and posting it online has complex benefits say researchers who say it supports improved wellbeing.

This is a popular social phenomenon, with Instagram having over 1.5million photos tagged #365 for each day of the year while there are thousands of members of Blipfoto, a key photo-a-day site.

A study co-authored by Dr Liz Brewster of Lancaster University and Dr Andrew Cox of the University of Sheffield recorded what photos people took, what text they added and how they interacted with others on the photo-a-day site for two months.

They found that taking a daily photo improved wellbeing through:

Self-care

Community interaction

The potential for reminiscence

Taking a moment to be mindful, and looking for something different or unusual in the day were seen as positive well-being benefits of the practice.

One participant said: "My job was a very highly stressful role... There were some days when I'd almost not stopped to breathe, you know what I mean... And just the thought: oh wait a moment, no, I'll stop and take a photograph of this insect sitting on my computer or something. Just taking a moment is very salutary I think."

It also led to more exercise and gave a sense of purpose, competence and achievement.

Another participant said: "It encourages me out of the house sometimes when I could just sit on my backside with a cup of tea. I'll think maybe I'll take a walk down on to the seafront and before I know it I'm two miles along the coast. "

The online contact helped people to manage loneliness and grief as well as meeting new people with shared interests. Several participants had taken early retirement and found that the contact established via photo-a-day replaced some of the daily office chatter that they missed.

"There's the banter in the workshop or the office or the place where you work. And perhaps [photo-a-day] offers that... Because I'm having conversations with people that I would perhaps have had in the workplace.

The online interactions created a community based on the photos and accompanying text.

"It could be a rubbish photograph but if somebody commented on it, it made it worthwhile."

The online text was used to provide personal narratives, reminiscences, and explanations of repeated images.

"I'm ever feeling down or something it's nice to be able to scroll back and see good memories. You know, the photos I've taken will have a positive memory attached to it even if it's something as simple as I had a really lovely half an hour for lunch sitting outside and was feeling really relaxed."

The researchers said the practice is "an active process of meaning-making, in which a new conceptualization of wellbeing emerges."Sandia National Laboratories materials chemist Dale Huber has been working on the challenge of making iron-based nanoparticles the exact same size for 15 years.

Now, he and his long-term collaborators at Imagion Biosystems will use these magnetic nanoparticles for their first breast cancer clinical trial later this year. The nanoparticles stick to breast cancer cells, allowing the detection and removal of even small metastases.

Imagion Biosystems and Huber have been working together synthesizing nanoparticles since the opening of the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies in 2006.

"Having access to the talent pool at CINT with experts like Dale Huber has been helpful," said Bob Proulx, CEO of Imagion Biosystems. "Additionally, the fact that CINT has a user program that allows industry to access the facilities and equipment that, otherwise, would be too expensive for a small company like ours was valuable. The initial work we did with CINT to develop a method to give precise control over the size of the nanoparticle was key for our MagSense magnetic relaxometry technology for the detection of cancer."

CINT is a user facility jointly operated by Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. CINT provides free access to state-of-the-art equipment and world-leading scientists for nanoscience researchers in academia and industry, provided they publish the results in scientific journals.

The magnetic nanoparticles are coated with cancer antibodies, which stick specifically to cancerous cells. A tiny magnetic pulse -- about the strength of a refrigerator magnet and hundreds of times weaker than one produced by an MRI machine -- can sense the difference between nanoparticles stuck to cancer cells and those that are floating freely, allowing the detection of very small metastases.

Precision synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles

However, for Imagion Biosystems' cancer detection method to work, all the nanoparticles have to be almost exactly the same size.

"A 2 percent variation is the difference between perfect and just about useless," said Huber. He added laughing, "It was eye opening for me and if had I known that in the beginning, I might not have taken on the challenge."

Erika Vreeland, who worked with Huber during her doctoral thesis to develop reproducible synthesis and was hired by Imagion Biosystems to be their chief nanoparticle scientist after she graduated said, "We eliminated all of the witchcraft of the reaction."

The standard method to make iron nanoparticles is to combine the ingredients and heat the mixture to about 650 degrees Fahrenheit. How quickly the heat increases determines the nanoparticle size, said Huber. However, just like your oven at home, it will overshoot the critical temperature and then cool down until it levels off. How much the temperature overshoots this critical temperature also affects the size, producing nanoparticles more than 15 percent larger or smaller.

Instead, Vreeland and Huber developed a method where they slowly add the ingredients to a molten metal bath whose temperature varies less than half a degree. This produces nanoparticles with less than 2 percent size variation. Huber said, "It's not the easiest way to make particles, but that's why they're so much better."

Not only did the team discover a highly reproducible method to make the tiny particles, they also transferred the process twice -- once to Imagion and once to ChemConnection, a nanoparticle manufacturer in the Netherlands that can make the nanoparticles under the strict U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Union regulations needed for use in patient clinical trials.

"The synthesis was transferred to the lab in the Netherlands while maintaining size control," said Huber. "This is huge. Everything changes, even the boiling points, because the Netherlands is basically at sea level."

Clinical trial to detect spread of breast cancer this fall

After ChemConnection makes several batches, Imagion Biosystems will perform some preclinical trials to double-check the particles aren't toxic. Then ChemConnection will make a small production lot of nanoparticles -- comparable to a half teaspoon of sugar -- for Imagion Biosystems' breast cancer clinical trials.

"Because the nanoparticles are uniform and have excellent magnetic properties, we don't need a lot. We expect that a patient will be injected with at most 1 milligram of particles," said Vreeland.

All of the patients for the first clinical trial will be selected because their oncologists' treatment regimen includes lymph node removal and biopsy. Before each patient has several lymph nodes removed surgically, the magnetic nanoparticles, coated in the breast cancer-specific antibodies, will be injected at the site of the known tumors. After the removal but before the biopsy, Imagion Biosystems' detection system will examine removed lymph nodes to look for the spread of cancer.

Vreeland said she hopes Imagion Biosystems' method will be as accurate as a pathologist, with the eventual goal of using this method first to look for cancer and eliminate the need to remove cancer-free lymph nodes.

"Our No. 1 aspiration is to see the nanoparticles make it into regular clinical use with our MagSense cancer detection technology. Beyond that we believe the nanoparticles can be instrumental in a wide variety of biomedical applications including uses in treatment of cancer or other diseases," said Proulx.

Continuing collaboration to characterize nanoparticles and solve problems

CINT and Imagion Biosystems continued the collaboration beyond the effort to produce identically sized magnetic nanoparticles. Vreeland said, "We still run into all sorts of issues all the time so being able to talk with Dale or other scientists about some of the challenges we're facing is really invaluable."

Sandia bioengineer George Bachand assisted with the early toxicology and cell-targeting studies. Sandia researcher John Reno helped characterize the size and shape of the nanoparticles, using small angle X-ray scattering.

Small angle X-ray scattering is a method to determine the size and size distribution of nanoscale materials. "With CINT's X-ray scattering instrument we can figure out exactly how big the particles are in 15 minutes. Seven or eight years ago it would take a week to figure out the same thing using electron microscopy," said Huber.

This almost real-time size measurement enabled Vreeland to predict how the reaction would end and validate that they were on the right path, she said. The team used other CINT instruments to characterize the magnetic strength and coatings of the nanoparticles.

In addition to accessing the CINT experts and equipment through its user program, the partnership with Imagion Biosystems was supported by several New Mexico Small Business Assistance Program grants, which can support proprietary research.

Source: https://share-ng.sandia.gov/news/resources/news_releases/magnetic_nanoparticles/When it comes to buying a motorcycle in India then one of the major factors for anyone looking for a purchase or an upgrade is the kind of fuel economy on offer. Kitna deti hai is the quintessential question that everyone has on their minds, even if they are just your relatives or friends getting to know about the machine you are interested in.

This is not a secret and automakers are well aware of it. Hence, almost every major two-wheeler manufacturer in the commuter segment has at least one offering in their portfolio thats meant to do just one job  give as much as mileage per every litre of fuel as possible.

Given the number of options available in the market, it can get rather confusing when it comes to knowing which motorcycles do it best. Doing so, can be a cumbersome process and to save you the trouble, we decided to put together a list of motorcycles that nail the mileage game.

Also Watch:

1. Hero Splendor+ i3S

Claimed Mileage - 102.5 km/l

The Splendor has been a favourite and also one of the high-selling motorcycles in its segment. The company claims that the Hero Splendor+ i3S (pictured above) can churn out a whopping 102.5 km/l. Thats a claimed fuel efficiency of triple digits, how cool is that?

The element behind the magic figure is Heros i3s technology which stands for idle Start Stop System. What it does, in simple words, is that it turns the engine off when the bike is at idle after a few seconds which would be scenarios like stopping at a stop light. The engine starts back again the moment you pull in the clutch, which would happen only if you want to move ahead and for which you would be slotting motorcycle into gear. This eventually results in the mileage figures that Hero claims.

It comes fitted with a 97.2cc single-cylinder engine and has a price tag of Rs 51,911 (ex-showroom, Delhi)

2. Bajaj CT100

Claimed Mileage - 99.1 km/l

Bajaj CT100. (Photo Courtesy: Bajaj)

Breathing down the neck of Hero MotoCorp is Bajaj, just like when it comes to sales numbers that are stacked up every month, with the CT100.

One of the cash cows of the company, the CT100 has a claimed fuel efficiency of 99.1 km/l. One of the biggest competitors of the CT100 is its own sibling  the Platina 100ES, which delivers a bit more torque and is also a bit more expensive than the CT100.

The bike has a 99.27cc single-cylinder engine at its heart that delivers 7.7 PS and 8.2 Nm of torque and the base model in the line-up  the CT100B skips the faired headlights in favour of a round headlamp that makes it an even more accessible option. The price for the CT100 starts at Rs 31,802 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This also makes the CT100 the most affordable option in this list.

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3. Bajaj Platina ComforTec

Claimed Mileage - 96.9 km/l

Bajaj Platina ComforTec. (Photo Courtesy: Bajaj Auto)

Speaking of the CT100s sibling, the third spot on our list goes to the Bajaj Platina. A name thats been around for almost a decade in the commuter segment, the Bajaj Platina has constantly witnessed good sales and interest in the market. Whats different in the Platina as compared to the CT100 is that the bike gets Bajajs DTS-i twin-spark technology and larger travel suspension as the front called ComforTec. The engine makes for better fuel combustion and as a result, the 102cc engine equipped Platina is able to make 8.34 Nm of torque as compared to 8.05 Nm of torque produced by the CT100. The power figures remain identical at about 8 horsepower.

Other changes include the styling, and the inclusion of an electric start feature, which is offered as standard. Price for the Platina starts at Rs 47,155 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

4. TVS Sport

Claimed Mileage - 95 km/l

TVS Sport. (Photo Courtesy: TVS)

Coming right after the Bajaj CT100 as the second-most affordable motorcycle in our list is the TVS Sport. It got itself an update last year in the form of a new instrument cluster, electric start, some chrome on the silencer and aluminium grab rails along with probably the biggest update  mileage.

The company claims that the Sport will deliver 95 km/l thanks to TVS DuraLife technology which reduces the friction in engine components for longevity of the engine and better efficiency.

It is powered by 99.7cc single-cylinder engine that makes 7.7 horsepower and 7.8 Nm of torque and is available at a starting price tag of Rs 39,693 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Also Read: Hyderabad Police Arrest 26 Parents for Letting Their Minor Ride Vehicles [Video]

5. Hero Splendor Pro

Claimed Mileage - 93.2 km/l

Hero Splendor Pro. (Photo Courtesy: Hero MotoCorp)

Rounding off our list is another Hero MotoCorp offering  the Splendor Pro. Powered by a 97.2cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, the Splendor Pro delivers 8.3 horsepower and 8.05 Nm of torque and comes mated to a 4-speed transmission. The claimed fuel efficiency on this one is 93.2 km/l and the starting price tag is Rs 48,520 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

*Note - All mileage figures are ARAI certified.New Delhi: Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection for the month of April reached Rs 1,03,458 crore, ministry of finance said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The total gross GST revenue collected in the month of April 2018 is Rs1,03,458 crore of which CGST is Rs 18,652 crore, SGST is Rs 25,704 crore, IGST is Rs 50,548 crore (including 21,246 crore collected on imports) and cess is Rs 8,554 crore (including Rs 702 crore collected on imports)," said the ministry in its statement.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley termed it a landmark achievement. "GST collections in April exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore is a landmark achievement and a confirmation of increased economic activity as brought out by other reports," Jaitley said in a tweet.

The total revenue registered after settlement in April is Rs 32,493 crore for CGST and Rs 40,257 crore for the SGST. 69.5% eligible tax-payers filed their returns in April.

The total number of GSTR 3B returns filed for the month of March up to 30 April is Rs 60.47 lakh as against Rs 87.12 lakh, added the ministry.

The ministry also said that the buoyancy in GST tax revenue was a sign of upswing in the economy adding that it also reflected better compliance. It is usually noticed that in the last month of the Financial Year, people also try to pay arrears of some of the previous months also and, therefore, this months revenue cannot be taken as trend for the future, cautioned the ministry.

The GST Council on December 16 approved mandatory compliance of the E-Way Bill for the inter-state movement from February 1 to curb tax evasion, the trial run for which started on Monday.

In the 23rd GST Council meeting in November tax rates on over 200 items, ranging from chewing gum to chocolates, to beauty products, wigs and wrist watches, were cut to provide relief to consumers and businesses amid the economic slowdown.

Hundred and seventy eight items of daily use were shifted from the top tax bracket of 28% to 18%, while a uniform 5% tax was prescribed for all restaurants, both air-conditioned and non-AC.Government data reveal that the Indian economy is growing at a robust rate but noted economist Jean Dreze believes what really counts is not growth but the improvement of peoples living conditions. In an interview with News18s Rupashree Nanda, Dreze, who was a member of Sonia Gandhis National Advisory Council and an architect of the National Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), says that there have been no major initiatives in the social field in the last four years, with the partial exception of Swachh Bharat.

The past three years have seen been back-to-back droughts followed by demonetisation. What impact do you think it has had on the rural economy? As an economist, do you see visible signs of growing distress?

The agrarian crisis, as it tends to be called, has both long-term and short-term aspects. The long-term aspects include slow growth and high uncertainty in agriculture. The agricultural sector is growing more slowly than the rest of the economy most of the time. In fact, it barely keeps up with population growth. This means that those who are unable to diversify out of agriculture tend to be left behind. Further, their livelihoods are particularly uncertain, depending as they do on good weather, remunerative prices, and other erratic factors. All this gives farmers a legitimate sense that agriculture is a losing occupation.

The short-term issues are concerned with drought and other contingencies. There was a severe drought in large parts of India in 2016, and there have also been droughts in specific regions in the last few years. Drought is not a new contingency in rural India, and we have seen worse before. The rural economy is also less dependent on agriculture than it used to be. On the other hand, the drought relief system has deteriorated. Earlier, drought years were times of large-scale relief works. Today, the government tends to rely on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for this purpose, but the programme has become so complex that it is ill-suited for large-scale relief at short notice. The public distribution system is filling that gap to some extent. But in areas like Bundelkhand, where the PDS is still in bad shape, the human consequences of drought can be very severe. Finally, the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of rural life have recently been compounded not only by the demonetisation blunder but also by growing chaos in the banking system as well as the disruptive effects of Aadhaar on the PDS and other welfare schemes. The recent wave of starvation deaths in Jharkhand is one symptom of these new insecurities.

How would you rate the performance of the economy under the Modi government?

Much depends on what you make of official statistics. If you believe them, then the Indian economy is still growing at a trend rate about 7.5 per cent per year, with short-term fluctuations, much as it has done for the last 15 years or so. That would look pretty good to most economists. However, three qualifications are due. First, official statistics have lost some credibility in recent years. The central government has turned into a propaganda machine and it is hard to guess whether the statistical system has retained its usual independence. Even if it has, recent growth estimates are bound to be speculative as substantial parts of the informal sector went off the radar in the post-demonetisation period. Second, assuming that the official statistics are reliable, the economy seems to be losing some steam right now. According to the latest Economic Survey, the growth rate has declined for two years in a row. With the investment rate declining significantly in the last few years, the slowdown may continue. There are also other signs of poor economic health, such as the declining growth of manufacturing and the crisis of the banking system.

Third, and most importantly, what really counts is not the growth of the economy but the improvement of peoples living conditions. That is where the economic situation leaves much to be desired. One dramatic symptom of this is the virtual stagnation of real agricultural wages in the last four years. Another is the damage inflicted by demonetisation on peoples lives. The paradox, so to speak, of fast economic growth and slow social progress is far from new in India, but it is perhaps more striking than ever today.

I doubt that the governments fixation with economic growth has much to do with any commitment to poverty reduction. More likely, it reflects superpower aspirations. If you want to improve peoples lives, economic growth would be important, but so would other enabling factors such as elementary education, social policy, gender equality, environmental protection, and so on. The NDA government is showing no interest in these matters. On the other hand, if your objective is to catch up with China, or even to reach a state where Hindus can dictate their terms to the whole world, as Savarkar put it in Essentials of Hindutva, then fast growth may seem like the overwhelming priority. This outlook is a good deal for people in positions of power and privilege, but it does little for human development.

PM Modi had termed the NREGA as biggest monument of UPAs failure but this year, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley increased the allocation for NREGA to an all-time high of Rs 48,000 crores. Do you feel this is a vindication of the NREGA?

The budget allocation for most government schemes goes up every year in terms of money if only to keep up with price increases. When that is the case, it is possible to claim every year that the allocation is at an all-time high, but that does not tell us much. In real terms, the NREGA budget today is still much lower than it was at its peak in 2009-10. It did increase a little in the last couple of years, but that was large to make up for the mess the NDA government had made earlier. Remember, the NREGA came under attack as soon as the new government took over in 2014, with senior politicians calling for it to be restricted to the poorest districts or even phased out. When that proved difficult, the government imposed stringent caps on NREGA expenditure, which had already stagnated in money terms in the last years of the UPA-2 government. Meanwhile, money wages were increasing because they were indexed to the price level. Employment generation was the casualty, and wage arrears also piled up. This setback is now being repaired with modest budget increases that help to restore earlier employment levels and clear the wage arrears. What these modest increases do not permit is an increase in real wages, and that is what NREGA desperately needs. If NREGA wages continue to stagnate in real terms, as they have done for many years now, the entire programme is bound to fade away sooner or later.

What are the bottlenecks in the implementation of NREGA? Delay of wage payment, stagnation of real wages, lack of political will, corruption?

The biggest problem right now is that the wage payment system is in disarray. Delays in NREGA wage payments are bad enough, but now, under the Aadhaar-based payment system, workers also face a severe problem of failed payments. According to the NREGAs management and information system, nearly Rs 500 crore of wage payments were rejected in the last financial year. Sometimes payments are rejected because of data entry errors or inconsistencies between the Aadhaar, NREGA and bank databases. Sometimes wages are credited to Jan Dhan accounts people have never heard of because they were opened without their consent. Sometimes the money goes into someone elses account, or to an Airtel wallet. Sometimes wage payments are rejected because a workers account has been closed, without his or her knowledge, for lack of e-KYC or other technical reasons. Sometimes the payment system returns an error message that no-one seems to understand. Sometimes wages have been credited but workers are told that their account has been frozen for any number of obscure reasons. And of course, no assistance is available to NREGA workers as they run from pillar to post for their meagre wages. The entire payment process has become a nightmare. Aside from causing enormous hardship to NREGA workers, this opens the door to corruption. When honest workers lose interest in NREGA, corrupt middlemen have a field day. I am not sure about other states, but in Jharkhand at least the programme is at risk of going to the dogs unless the payment system is streamlined.

My experience has shown that NREGA has not been successful in stemming distress migration  whether we talk of Bolangir or Bundelkhand? Why is that?

Recent research shows that, in the past, NREGA did reduce distress migration in areas where it was reasonably well implemented, such as southern Rajasthan. If that is not the case in Bolangir or Bundelkhand today, it must partly because NREGA wages are too low and partly because employment is hard to get. The whole idea of NREGA was that employment would be available on demand at the minimum wage. That happened to some extent in the early years, when people were allowed to turn up at the worksites without formalities. Today, however, all sorts of technicalities have undermined the principle of work on demand. NREGA wages are also lagging behind minimum wages and even market wages. For good measure, wage payments are often delayed if not rejected. In this situation, it is not surprising that many people decide to migrate during the slack season rather than depend on uncertain and unrewarding work opportunities under NREGA.

The Modi government has promised to double farmers incomes by 2022. Is that doable?

This is an empty promise. We have no reliable data on farmers incomes, so promising to double them does not commit the government to anything. Doubling farmers incomes by 2022 would require a growth rate of 20 per cent per year in real terms for four years in a row. I am not aware that this sort of runaway growth has ever been achieved anywhere in the world. Nor am I aware of any measure the government has taken that might produce such a miracle. It is frustrating to see the mainstream media lapping up so many of the governments bloated promises and discussing them as if they were serious proposals. Another example is Modicare, successfully projected as the worlds largest health care programme despite its microscopic budget.

You have been one of the biggest critics of Aadhaar and have fought against it being linked to PDS, pensions, etc. What has been your experience of Aadhaar on the ground?

My experience is largely based on Jharkhand, where Aadhaar has caused havoc. The linking of Aadhaar to welfare schemes was necessarily coercive since people have no stake in it. To enforce it, deadlines were set and those who were not able to link in good time were excluded after that. You dont do that to the privileged classes, thats why the deadlines for linking of phones and bank accounts keep getting extended. But poor people have no power, so they get shock treatment. We know for a fact that ration cards, NREGA job cards and even pensions have been cancelled en masse in Jharkhand for the sake of achieving 100% Aadhaar seeding. For good measure, the government claimed in each case that Aadhaar had enabled it to save money. It did, but at what cost to poor people? All this, however, is just a trailer. The real torture starts when Aadhaar-based biometric authentication (ABBA) is imposed. It is a mystery how the wizards of Aadhaar thought that ABBA would work in rural Jharkhand, where connectivity failures are rampant. So far, ABBA has been imposed mainly on the public distribution system, with sobering results. There are a sensible and well-tested alternative such as smart cards, already used with good effect in states like Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh. Nevertheless, the drive for wider use of ABBA continues, because Aadhaar is a kind of fetish for the central government.

The NDA government has claimed to be pro-poor. How do you see that claim against its allocation for social welfare programmes?

Every government claims to be pro-poor. Looking at the facts, the goals of social policy under the Modi government can be summed up in two words: save money. That explains why NREGA wages are frozen in real terms, why maternity benefits are still being denied in violation of the National Food Security Act, and why the central contribution to social security pensions continues to stagnate at a measly Rs 200 per month. The last example is particularly striking as 60 eminent economists had written to the Finance Minister last December to recommend a modest increase in pensions.

The message is clear: the poor should help themselves. Even budget allocations for child nutrition schemes such as midday meals and ICDS were slashed by a staggering 36% and 50% respectively, in the Modi governments first Union Budget, though this was partly reversed later under public pressure. Against this demolition job, there have been no major initiatives in the social field in the last four years, with the partial exception of Swacch Bharat if you overlook its authoritarian aspects. The schooling system continues to languish, condemning millions of children to a life of hard labour for lack of elementary education. As far as health is concerned, the central government managed to get away with empty promises year after year and do virtually nothing. In social policy as in many other fields, rhetoric and reality are on different planets today.New Delhi: A National coalition of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe outfits will mark May 1 as 'National Resistance Day' and lead protests across 20 states, including a rally at Parliament Street in New Delhi.

Tuesday's protests are a continuation of the nation-wide Bharat Bandh of April 2, which was directed against the dilution of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Several prominent leaders from across party lines, such as CPI, CPI (M), Congress and Aam Aadmi Party, have been invited to be part of the protest in Delhi.

"The National Coalition has decided to observe a one-day peaceful demonstration in all district and state headquarters, including New Delhi, against the Supreme Court's decision to dilute certain key provisions to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Based on the decisions of the National Coalition, we are observing peaceful demonstrations on May 1, 2018, i.e. International Labour Day," a statement from the Coalition read.

VA Ramesh Nathan, the general secretary of the National Dalit Movement for Justice (NDMJ)-NCDHR, said the protesters had several demands and in each state, they would submit a memorandum of their demands to the respective Chief Minister. In Delhi, they would hand over their demands to a representative of the Central Government.

"Firstly, the government must bring an ordinance to ensure that the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is preserved. Second, they should challenge the Supreme Court decision via the judicial route. Third, all Dalit and Adivasi activists who have been detained after the Bharat Bandh protests should be released. These are the three main demands but we have a whole list of other demands as well. All these demands will be put forward to the government," Nathan said.

Several political names, such as CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI MP D Raja, former CPM MP Brinda Karat, Congress MPs Oscar Fernandez and Pradeep Tamta, NCP MP Tariq Anwar and AAP government minister Rajendra Pal Gautam are on the guest list for the protest meeting at Parliament Street, New Delhi.

On April 2, protests had broken out across India against the dilution of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 by the Supreme Court. Since then, Dalit outfits have been protesting the "unfair targeting" of Dalits after the April 2 protests turned violent. Four BJP MPs from UP have written to the Prime Minister, claiming cops were targeting Dalits.New Delhi: Objecting to a portrait of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the Students Union Office at Aligarh Muslim University, BJP MP Satish Gautam has written to the Vice-Chancellor demanding that the portrait be taken down.

It is fine if Jinnah has been revered in Pakistan after Partition. But his portrait should not be put up here in India, said Aligarh MP Gautam, who also plans to speak to V-C Tariq Mansoor about it. The university should instead celebrate the contributions of Raja Mahendra Pratap and Sir Syyed Ahmed who played a crucial role in establishing the university, he added.

The portrait was installed in 1938 before Partition, at the peak of Muslim League campaign for a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

In a letter to the Aligarh Muslim University V-C, BJP MP Satish Gautam has sought an explanation for Jinnahs portrait in the Students Union office.

AMU Students Union, however, claims that Jinnah, like many other pre-Partition leaders, were conferred honorary membership of the university and as such their portraits have been installed in the campus since 1920.

Jinnahs portrait was installed when he was conferred life membership (of the Students Union) in 1938. AMU has many things from the pre-Partition era like the Victoria Gate. Should that be brought down as well? asked former AMU Students Union president Faizul Hasan.

AMU administration also maintains that AMU Students' Union is an autonomous body.

It is a tradition since 1920 to honour people of eminence with life membership. AMU first conferred it on Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 and on Jinnah in 1938. It is part of history it does not mean we are part of them or their politics. CV Raman and VV Giri were also honoured with the same, AMU Public Relations Officer (PRO) Omar Peerzada told News18.New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE has said that the re-test of the CBSE Class 12 Economics paper, held on April 25, nearly a month after it was leaked, will not delay declaration of CBSE Class 12th result 2018 and CBSE Class 10th result 2018. The Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE is likely to declare the CBSE Class 10 Result 2018 and CBSE Class 12 Result 2018 on its official website cbse.nic.in

"The results will be declared on time as the evaluation is in advanced stage despite re-exam of economics paper. We have rigorously followed up with schools to send more evaluators than the required number," a senior Board official told PTI.

There were also reports of the CBSE's Class 10 mathematics paper being leaked, but the board decided against its re-test, saying class 10 was just an "internal segment" of school education system.

The reports of a leak of the CBSE papers had caused disappointment among students across the country last month. In Delhi, students held protests accusing the CBSE of negligence and demanded immediate action against the guilty.

According to Delhi Police, the class 12 economics paper was leaked on 23 March - three days before the scheduled date of the examination.

Investigators made arrests in several parts of the country in connection with the case, including in Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh.

They claimed to have arrested the main conspirators behind the leak from Una in Himachal Pradesh. The three people were staffers of a school in the town.

The leak was exposed after an envelope containing four images of the hand-written economics paper was delivered to the CBSE headquarters in Delhi on the evening of the scheduled day of the examination  26 March.

Following reports of the leak, on April 2 CBSE tried a "leak-proof" system of "encrypted" question papers, which delayed the exam as a few centres in Delhi were unable to follow the printing of encrypted papers, e-mailed to them, at the school itself.

The HRD ministry then set up a committee to examine the process by which the CBSE conducts examinations.

The seven-member panel, headed by former HRD secretary Vinay Sheel Oberoi, will suggest measures to make the process "secure and fool-proof" using technology.

The committee has to submit its report by May 31 to the Human Resource Development Ministry.New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a slew of directions to all the high courts of the country regarding trial in sexual assault cases involving children.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra directed all high courts to ensure that the cases of sexual assault of children to be fast-tracked and decided by special courts.

The apex court also asked the high courts to instruct the trial courts not to grant unnecessary adjournments during trial of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The bench, which also comprised Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, said the high courts may constitute a committee of three judges to regulate and monitor the trials of sexual assault cases of children, as it disposed of a PIL filed by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava.

Srivastava, in his personal capacity, had approached the top court after the horrific incident of rape of an 8-month girl child allegedly by her 28-year-old cousin on January 28 in a locality near Netaji Subhash Place in north-west Delhi had come to light.

The Union Cabinet had on April 21 approved the ordinance to provide stringent punishment, including death penalty, for those convicted of rape of girls below 12 years.

The move of the Centre came after a public outcry for award of death penalty to such sexual offenders, including the assaulters of an 8-year-old girl who was gang raped and killed at Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir recently.

Srivastava's plea had also sought the provision of death penalty in such cases and framing of guidelines that investigation and trial of cases involving rape of children below 12 years of age under POSCO Act, should be completed in six months from the date of registration of the FIR.

The police had said the accused had confessed to raping the baby under the influence of liquor.

The girl's parents used to go out for work leaving their daughter in the custody of their sister-in-law. It was a Sunday when their sister-in-law's son was at home, the police had said, adding that when the accused saw his mother was not around, he allegedly forced himself on the baby.

When the girl's mother returned home, she saw blood stains on the victim's clothes and informed her husband, they said, adding she was rushed to a hospital where it was found that she had been sexually assaulted.Fakir Mohan University Odisha +3 Final University Exam Results 2018 have been declared on the official results website of the state of Odisha - orissaresults.nic.in. Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha had organized Regular, Back and Special exams for Arts/Science/Commerce (General and Honors) streams from 8th to 22nd March 2018, earlier this year.

Candidates who had appeared in these Final University exams can follow the instructions below and download their result now:

How to download Fakir Mohan University Odisha +3 Final University Exam Results 2018?

Step 1  Visit the official website  http://orissaresults.nic.in/

Step 2  Click on +3 Final University Result-2018 (01-05-2018)

Step 3  Enter your Roll Number and Submit

Step 4  Download your result and take a printout for further reference

Direct Link - http://orissaresults.nic.in/fmunivin18.htm

In case of any discrepancy or complaint, candidates must report to the Controller, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Odisha within 30 days from the date of publication of the result.New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India Justice R M Lodha on Tuesday termed as "disastrous" the prevailing situation in the apex judiciary and said though the CJI is the master of roster, the allocation of cases has to be "fair and in the interest of the institution."

Asserting that the "independence of judiciary is non-negotiable", Justice Lodha said it was for the CJI to take the institution forward by showing "statesmanship qualities" and taking his colleagues together.

"The phase we are seeing at the Supreme Court today is, to say the least, disastrous. It is high time that collegiality is restored. The judges, though with their different approaches and different view points, must find a common ground that takes the Supreme Court forward. That maintains the independence of judiciary," Justice Lodha said at a function to release a book by former union minister Arun Shourie.

Justice Lodha had faced a similar incident as in the case of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice K M Joseph during his tenure as the CJI when the NDA government had segregated the Collegium's recommendation and sought reconsideration of the name of senior advocate Gopal Subramanium as an apex court judge. Subramanium had later stepped aside from the race.

"I always felt that independence of judiciary is non-negotiable and it is for the CJI, who is the leader of the court, to take them forward. He has to show his statesmanship qualities take all brothers and sisters together," Lodha said, without making any reference to the incumbent CJI Dipak Misra.

Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice A P Shah and former union minister and a critic of NDA government Arun Shourie, who shared the platform with Justice Lodha, also criticised the overall functioning of the CJI.

Former Delhi High Court judge, Justice A P Shah, also termed the recent verdict of apex court on the death of special CBI judge B H Loya as "utterly wrong and judicially incorrect".

He said that the apex court in its judge Loya case verdict had called it as a veiled attempt to attack on the judiciary and asked "How is asking for an investigation an attack on the judiciary?"

"The system as a whole has evolved into something cold-hearted. Even with all this, the judiciary is still one of the last institutions that are respected, but that is changing," he said.

Shourie called upon senior lawyers present in the hall said "if the present CJI Dipak Misra has to say repeatedly that he is the master of the roster ... this already means that he has lost the moral authority.

He also advocated that the executive should be checked in order to prevent "totalitarian control of every institution" and said "if you do not stop them, they will go on. Most institutions are eroded from the inside".New Delhi: Days after the Centre asked the Collegium to reconsider the elevation of Justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court, all eyes are on the CJI-headed body to see if it reiterates its January 10 recommendation.

The Collegium, which is headed by CJI Dipak Misra and comprises four other senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, had unanimously recommended the names of Uttarakhand HC Chief Justice KM Joseph and senior advocate Indu Malhotra for judgeship in the countrys top court.

While Malhotra made it to the apex court, the government asked the Collegium to reconsider its recommendation on Justice Josephs elevation, saying the proposal was not in accordance with the top court's parameters. It also said that there was adequate representation of Kerala, from where Joseph hails, in the higher judiciary.

Justice KM Joseph had headed the bench that had quashed the BJP-led Centres decision to impose President's Rule in 2016 when the Congress was in power in Uttarakhand. His name was unanimously recommended by the Collegium comprising Chief Justice Misra and justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph.

While Justice Kurian Joseph has hinted at a possible reiteration by the Collegium, former Supreme Court judges told News18 that the CJI has to take a call in consultation with other judges in reiterating the name and that he is not master of the Collegium like he is the master of the rolls.

According to former SC judge PB Sawant, all judges have an equal say in the Collegium and government objections need to be examined before a call is taken.

The CJI is only a member of the Collegium. The appointment has to be approved by the Collegium and only then is it sent to the government. If it is not approved by the government and a reaction is to be sent, then the entire Collegium meets and an opinion is sent, Justice Sawant told News18.

He maintained that the Collegium will examine the reasons given for rejection by the government and it is the law that a reiteration must be accepted.

It is the law that the decision given by the CJI along with four other judges should be accepted by the government unless there are objections, which they should forward to the Supreme Court. Objections are examined by the Collegium and seen whether the government decision should be accepted or not. It is the Collegium which will decide this and not the CJI alone. This is the rule, said Justice Sawant.

Another former Supreme Court judge, Justice Ashok Kumar Ganguly, who has seen the functioning of the Collegium from close quarters, said that reiteration of Justice Josephs name must be there as everyone expects so, especially when the reason given by the government was not something which was discovered after recommendation of the Collegium.

The Collegium needs to reiterate the name of the judge and that is everybodys expectation. This needs to be a joint decision like it was a unanimous decision in January (when the recommendation was made). Once reiteration is made, the government has no choice but to accept it, said Justice Ganguly.

The circumstances cited by the government to stall the appointment, that he (Justice KM Joseph) is not the senior-most or that he belongs to Kerala, were all known facts. It was not that these facts were revealed when the Collegium made the recommendation. Hence, there is no ground to delay reiteration now. It should be done, added Justice Ganguly.

Recalling his own tenure at the apex court, Justice Ganguly clarified that now there is a split in the Collegium which is very evident.

At the time when I was in the apex court, there was no split. Now the split is evident. The fact that four judges decided to come out in the open shows their unhappiness. It was stated that things are not well with the Supreme Court, said Justice Ganguly.

But is there a chance that the Collegium does a rethink on its January 10 decision to recommend Justice KM Josephs elevation? What if the CJI dissents?

Justice Ganguly believes that since the CJI is not the master of the Collegium, reiteration will not be hampered unless two judges decide to say no to Justice Josephs elevation.

Master of the Roster is an established judicial precedent. But in the Collegium, all judges have similar weightage to their opinions. The Chief Justice is not the master of the Collegium, but certainly a very important member of the Collegium. He is the first among equals. But he is not the master of the Collegium. His opinion is as valid as the opinion of the other judges. But if two judges in the Collegium say no, then the name of the judge has to be dropped. But even if one judge dissents, be it the CJI, reiteration will take place, said Justice Ganguly.

So is the recent tussle between the Collegium and government new in judicial appointments? Maybe not.

Senior advocate Gopal Subramaniums name was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court by a Collegium headed by then Chief Justice RM Lodha. Subramanium was recommended by the Collegium along with Justice Rohinton Nariman. The Law Ministry then cleared Justice Narimans name, but did not approve Subramanium. This happened in the absence of Justice Lodha and before a reiteration could take place, Subramanium had withdrawn his candidature.

Next was the case of Justice Jayant Patel, who, while being the Gujarat High Court judge, had ordered a CBI investigation into the Ishrat Jahan murder case. When Justice Patel was supposed to be elevated as the senior most judge of the Karnataka HC, where he would have stood the chance of being the Chief Justice, Justice Patel was transferred to the Allahabad HC, where he would be the third most senior judge. However, before the transfer could take place, Justice Patel resigned from office.

The case of Justice Valmiki Mehta had proved to be the primary bone of contention between the Collegium and the Centre. Justice Mehta was recommended by the Justice TS Thakur-led Collegium, but like it happened in the case of Justice KM Joseph, the government did not approve. This led to frequent confrontations between Justice Thakur and the government. Later, Justice JS Khehar took over as CJI and the proposal of the government to transfer Justice Mehta out of the Delhi High Court was accepted.Uttar Pradesh: In a shocking discovery, almost 150 schools across Uttar Pradesh have scored zero percent in the UPMSP Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, also known as Board of High School and Intermediate Education Uttar Pradesh examinations 2018 as no students from any of these schools could pass the UP Board Class 10 Examination 2018 and UP Board 12 examinations 2018.

The UPMSP Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, also known as Board of High School and Intermediate Education Uttar Pradesh, UP Board 2018 announced the UP Board 2018 Class 12 Result at 12:30 pm and the Uttar Pradesh Board Class 10 Result 2018 at 1:30 pm (April 29). The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) UP Board announced the UPMSP Board Result 2018 or UP Board Result 2018 on the official website upresults.nic.in. The Toppers for UP Board 2018 Class 12 Result is Rajni Shukla 93.20% from Fatehpur and the Toppers for UP Board 2018 Class 10 Result is Anjali Varma - 96.33% from Allahabad.

The UP Board Class 10th and UP Board Class 12th Results 2018 will be available on official websites upmspresults.up.nic.in and upresults.nic.in.. The UP 10th Board exams was conducted from 6 February - 22 February 2018 and the UP Board 12th exams 2018 was conducted from 6 February - 12 March 2018.

According to the findings by the Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Board (UPSEB), which released the Class 10 and 12 results on April 29, no student from 98 of these 150 schools cleared the Class 10 examination while 52 schools had no students who passed Class 12, Times of India reported.

The UP Board had earlier marked at least 50 schools across Uttar Pradesh as sensitive, with no students who could pass examinations.

This year, around 75.16 percent candidates passed the Board examinations in UP, with Allahabads Anjali Varma topping the high school examinations. However, this is a dip from over 81 percent candidates who passed the UP Board exams in 2017.

The low scores are a result of the stringent anti-cheating measures put in place by the Board this year, following charges of rampant cheating in the state, officials from the Board told TOI.

The Yogi Adityanath government, intent on changing UPs reputation as the state with the highest cheating, pulled out all stops to prevent cheating, with extra vigilant teachers, CCTV cameras in all exam centres and other measures.

This is not the first time that anti-cheating measures by the government have led to a drop in the pass percentage of students in UP.

In 1992, when Kalyan Singh enacted the Nakal Adhyadesh or anti-cheating law, which made cheating in school exams a non-bailable offence, only 14 percent of students passed the Board examinations that year, Scroll reported. The law was repealed in 2013.

Based on analysis of exam results, the Board, which is currently shut for three-day after announcing the results on Sunday, is considering seeking a response from the failed institutions regarding the issue.New Delhi: Armies of India and China today held a Border Personnel Meeting during which both sides resolved to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control, besides agreeing to work on additional confidence-building measures.

It was the first such meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an informal summit last week in the central Chinese city of Wuhan during which they agreed to strengthen strategic communication between the two sides on security-related issues.

The BPM took place in Chusul, Ladakh. It was a ceremonial BPM and issues related to border management were discussed during the meeting, government sources said. They said the deliberations focused on bringing down tension along the disputed borders and ways to bridge the trust deficit.

In their informal summit, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communication and build trust and understanding between the border guarding forces of the two countries. The decisions came months after Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a 73-day long standoff in Doklam.

The sources said the armies of India and China would undertake a series of measures to bring down tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto boundary between the two countries.

They said building trust between the two sides would be a focus area and the measures being contemplated to bring down tension along the border include carrying out "coordinated patrols".

A senior Army official said under coordinated patrol, each side would provide advance information to the other side when a patrolling team goes to a disputed area.

They said both the sides will also try to resolve local incidents as per provision of a 2003 agreement to address boundary disputes. Sources said both sides were also working on setting up a long-delayed hotline between the Indian Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and the Chinese officer holding a similar position.

The Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) took place on the occasion of Labour Day and troops and their families were part of the celebrations, the sources said.

They said both sides also exchanged gifts at Wacha border post in Kibithu, Arunachal Pradesh. According to government data, the number of transgressions by the Chinese Army into the Indian territory rose to 426 in 2017 from the 273 in 2016. India and China share a nearly 4,000 km-long border.

Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

The two sides hold BPM at five points -- Daulat Beg Oldie in northern Ladakh, Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh, Chusul in Ladakh, Bum-La near Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Nathu-La in Sikkim.Ankara: Iran is ready to participate in a gas swap between Pakistan and Turkmenistan, but a long-planned pipeline to transport gas from Turkmenistan to India is unlikely to become operational, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported on Monday.

"I see it unlikely for the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline to become operational and Iran is ready for this swap to Pakistan," Fars quoted the head of the National Iranian Gas Company, Hamidreza Araqi, as saying.

The TAPI pipeline  named after the countries involved, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India  was first proposed three decades ago. But the regions complex geopolitics and security concerns have hindered its construction.

TAPI will transport 33 billion cubic meters of gas a year along with a 1,800 km (1,125 miles) route from Turkmenistans Galkynysh, the worlds second-biggest gas field, to Fazilka in northwest India.

"We have announced our readiness to Turkmenistan for exporting their natural gas to Pakistan, but have not received any response from them," Araqi said.

"Given Iran's situation in the centre of the region, we can join every gas pipeline that passes around the country."New Delhi: The suicide bomber who attacked the US Consulate in the Saudi city of Jeddah two years ago was an Indian national, confirmed Saudi Arabia on the basis of DNA tests.

A senior security official confirmed to News18 that the DNA samples they sent to Saudi Arabia matched with those of the Jeddah bomber  Fayaz Kagzi, a Lashkar-e-Taiba operative.

The Jeddah blast on July 4, 2016, which injured two security officers, was the first of three attacks to hit the kingdom that day. The other two were also in the form of blasts near a Shia mosque in Qatif and outside the Masjid-i-Nabvi in Medina.

The National Investigation Agency informed the Patiala house court in Delhi that the terror mastermind was dead. Sources told News18 that NIA believes Kagzi, who hails from Beed in Maharashtra, was the 'mastermind', 'financier' of the 2010 German bakery blast and 2012 JM Road bombing. The 34-year-old was also wanted in the Aurangabad arms haul case and is suspected of teaching Hindi to 26/11 terrorists, including Ajmal Kasab.

Saudi authorities had first released the picture of the Jeddah bomber and called him Abdullah Qalzar Khan, a Pakistani national. Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) officers identified the man in the picture as Fayaz Kagzi and subsequently, with the help of NIA, shared their suspicion with Jeddah.

Kagzi fled to Pakistan via Bangladesh in 2006 and shifted his base to Saudi Arabia in 2009 to oversee the recruitment of Indian nationals to LeT. Sources say that it is possible that he took on a new name of Abdullah Qalzar Khan while in Pakistan.

Abu Jundal, a convict in the Aurangabad arms haul case, had told investigators that he met Kagzi in Saudi Arabia. Jundal was extradited to India in 2012 and is currently facing trial in conspiracy against India cases.

Agencies believe after Jundal's extradition, Kagzi switched alliance to ISIS and became part of the Jeddah suicide bombing conspiracy.

India and Saudi Arabia have in recent times cooperated in terrorism-related cases. India could arrest Lashkar's Abdul Karim Tunda only after Saudi authorities cooperated.

Saudi Arabian ambassador to India, Dr Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati, had said last week that the kingdom has a very strong cooperation with India on countering terrorism, extremism and terror financing.

Indian Officials acknowledge that the cooperation between the two countries means Saudi is no longer a safe haven for those who want to carry out anti-India activities.New Delhi: Justice Ranjan Gogoi is learnt to have appealed to Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra to "let the country know that we are one and working together".

In an informal meeting last week, Justice Gogoi, who is next in line to become the CJI after Justice Misra retires in October, urged the incumbent Chief Justice of India to sit with his fellow judges and give country the message about the unity of the institution.

"Let us forget the past," Justice Gogoi, according to the sources, told the CJI, while imploring the latter to convene a full court meeting.

Sources told CNN-News18 that Justice Gogoi added that it is high time all judges sit together to address the situation.

Justice Misra agreed to consider calling a full court meeting but told Justice Gogoi that there has to be an agenda before a meeting of all judges on the administrative side could be called.

The CJI, according to sources, also said that issues will have to be collated for the purpose of deliberation when the full court is convened.

Subsequently, Justice Misra told Justice Gogoi that four of their fellow judges  Justices AK Sikri, Uday U Lalit, DY Chandrachud and Sanjay K Kaul  will work out the possible agenda for the full court meeting.

The CJI and Justice Gogoi were meeting informally for the second time in last 20 days over the issues plaguing the image of the judiciary.

Few days ago, the two had met when the CJI had walked Justice Gogoi and Justice Kurian Joseph to his chamber after inaugurating a gymnasium for women lawyers. However, at that point, the CJI was non-committal on a full court meeting.

A few days later, Justice Gogoi, as well as Justice Madan B Lokur, wrote a brief two-sentence letter to the CJI, requesting him to convene a full court meeting to discuss institutional issues and the future of the court.

The CJI acknowledged the letter when Justice Gogoi urged him to call the full court meeting. A full court meeting of the Supreme Court, involving all judges, is usually convened by the CJI when a matter of public importance relating to the judiciary comes up.A one-room brick structure with tin shed which looked like an abandoned go-down that it wasnt.

This was home to a young tribal couple that was quietly celebrating the arrival of a new member in their family  a baby girl. The husband was a 26-year-old Gond from a remote south-Gadchiroli village on the eastern fringes of Maharashtra. His name: Sukhdev Vadde. His wife, Nanda, slightly younger to him, was a shy, small, but energetic woman from Muria tribe; she hailed from Konta, in Chhattisgarhs restive Bastar. They lived in this small hut on the fringes of Gadchiroli town, some 180 km from Nagpur. The couple got married in mid-2014 after their parents consent  it was like an inter-clan wedding.

No big deal, one would think, except that the two shared a tumultuous past  they totted guns, trudged the undulating terrain of Dandakaranya, the contiguous forested tribal hinterland of central India day in and day out, hid in dense thickets of bamboo and teak, and fought the police in what is today one of the fiercest conflict zones in the country and in between, snatched private moments together.

Sukhdev and Nanda were armed guerillas of the CPI (Maoists), the banned organisation that the former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh once described as the biggest internal security threat to India.

They fell in love, they told me in March 2015, and were disillusioned with their armed struggle that they perceived was not going anywhere. They wanted to raise a family. They were not the only ones to give up arms. In Gadchiroli alone, such couples number over a hundred  erstwhile guerillas, now living a modest life. On April 29, 2018, among a hundred couples that got married in Gadchiroli during a mass-wedding ceremony, two couples were erstwhile Maoists who recently gave up their struggle.

This and many other factors cumulatively paint a changing context in Maharashtras far-eastern jungles where the Maoists enjoyed an uncontested domination for over three decades.

Over the past few years though, the rebels grip over Gadchiroli looks to be steadily waning in the face of many transformations. Some of their recent setbacks are a glaring pointer.

The latest one on April 22 and 23 is perhaps the heaviest casualty the Maoists have ever suffered. The Gadchiroli police claimed on two days they had neutralised a large number of the alleged rebels in the districts south-eastern parts along the Chhattisgarh border.

The cumulative toll stands at 40 today  34 from the April 22 incident and six from the action that the police claimed took place 60 km westward on April 23 in the forests of Aheri.

The two separate ambushes, the police have claimed, were led by the anti-Naxal C-60 commando teams. Among the slain Maoists were three high-ranking Divisional Committee members. Fifteen among the alleged Maoists killed were women, the police said. Identity of 18 of the dead has been ascertained and their bodies handed to their relatives. Since the other bodies are severely decomposed, the police have said they would have to do DNA-tests to confirm their identities.

What is surprising  and a bit mysterious too  is that there was no collateral damage on the police side despite the claim by the forces that a profuse exchange of fire took place on that fateful day.

Sixteen bodies were recovered on April 22; six on April 23. On April 24, reports said, 15 more bodies were found floating in Indravati, a vast river that divides Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh and plays a strategic role in the ongoing conflict. The spot where the ambush was laid by the police is tucked inside thick forests along the river. April 25, during the search operations, the police claimed two more bodies were retrieved from the river; decomposed, disfigured and likely devoured by riverine crocodiles. On April 28, one more body was found  decomposed and disfigured beyond identification  in the jungle.

The police had on day one suspected that Maoists may have suffered heavy casualties  around 40 or so. Almost all of the dead are tribals, mostly from Gadchiroli and a few from Bastar, across the border in Chhattisgarh. At least eight of the 34 alleged Maoists killed in the first ambush may have been new recruits who were being trained by one of the divisional committee members (among the slain Maoists) for a few months, the police have said.

Countering the police story, the Telangana State Committee of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist), through its spokesperson Jagan, claimed in a press release on April 28, that cops poisoned their cadres and some innocent villagers before killing them in cold blood.

The Gadchiroli police have now urged the district government hospital doctors, who performed post-mortem on the bodies of the Maoists killed during the ambush, to preserve the viscera of the bodies for chemical analysis. This is to allay the Maoist allegations that their cadres were poisoned before being shot dead

It is difficult to know what and how exactly the two ambushes unfolded  as always, both the versions would stand counter to each other.

But, it is indeed rare for the guerillas to be totally stupefied and disarmed to death with no policeman getting hurt. Take, for instance, the April 27 incident that took place in south Bijapur, on Chhattisgarh-Andhra border, where eight suspected Maoists, including six women, were killed. Three security personnel were also injured in the reported gun battle. A joint team of the elite anti-Naxalite force Greyhounds and Chhattisgarh police were conducting combing operations in the forest belt, based on information about the presence of suspected Maoists, when there was an EoF (exchange of fire).

The Gadchiroli incident looks like an ambush, and not an encounter as the police initially claimed it was and points to a reversal of strategic advantage. The level of surprise matches the stunning ambush that the rebels had laid to neutralise 76 CRPF jawans in the April of 2010 in Bastars Chintalnar-Chintagufa area, several miles eastward of the Sunday spot. The Gadchiroli incidents are by far a huge dent to the Maoists  never ever have so many cadres been slain in a span of two days.

Between 2013 and 2017, the police neutralised 76 Maoists in Gadchiroli, according to the district police data, highest casualties being 27 through 2013. In the same period, 25 security troopers got killed by the rebels. Over the last 10 years, there have been about 400 surrenders too, the data show.

The surrenders went hand in hand with the arrests and pin-pointed killings of Maoists by the police forces. Such operations followed what the police have repeatedly credited with as real-time intelligence in every single case. Maharashtra Director General of Police Satish Mathur on Monday attributed the success to accurate and specific intelligence, the low morale of the Naxals and divisions in their ranks.

The C-60 operations on April 22 and 23 are to be seen in this changed strategic context.

There was profuse and intense patrolling by security forces over the past week in the south Gadchiroli areas, according to sources in Bhamragarh, a small town tucked deep inside south Gadchiroli and close to the village of Kasansur where the first incident took place. Its considered to be a Maoist hotbed.

Intelligence

This transformation  from the locals tipping the Maoists about the police movement a few years ago to them tipping the police about the rebels location  is a strategic tilt in favour of the police in Gadchiroli.

From love affairs to disillusionment with the banned party to a stepped-up pressure from security forces in the areas they once moved freely in, to a very lucrative rehabilitation policy, a number of reasons are at play for the rebel cadres to give up the fight. Alongside, there are broad socio-economic and political changes that are steadily reducing the relevance and the need of an armed movement in the district.

A September 2013 CPI (Maoist) Central Committee (CC) document notes: Due to series of arrests in the past few years the Maharashtra movement is facing setback...Though the countrywide revolutionary condition is critical, the condition in all the states is not similar. In DK (Dandakaranya) mass base decreased in considerable area, the intensity and expanse of the resistance of the PLGA and people decreased; non-proletarian trends increased in party and the PLGA (Peoples Liberation Guerilla Army), recruitment decreased; number of people leaving the party and PLGA increased. As a result of all these this movement is facing critical situation...

Intelligence is the crucial factor in the armed conflict; the drafting of local tribals in the fight against the Maoists is paying rich dividends now.

In 1992, harangued by its inability to counter the guerilla tactics of the Naxalites, the Maharashtra police created a special crack team of policemen in Gadchiroli. The strategy was to recruit local tribals.

The top boss approved creation of a crack team of 60 tribal boys then. The C-60, as it was called, grew over time and evolved as an elite anti-Naxal force, with about a thousand troops today: trained in guerilla tactics; armed with sophisticated weaponry, and incentivised with promotions and rewards.

While C-60 too suffered casualties, the local tribal commandos who are part of it have leveraged their advantage of knowing local language, people, culture and terrain to combat the rebel guerillas.

Old timers recall how Naxals would kill aspiring C-60 candidates or their relatives in the late 1990s and early 2000s to dissuade them from joining the force, as they rightfully perceived them as a threat to their existence. Over two decades, the C-60 team has managed to lead precision operations against the Maoists, whose foot soldiers are also drafted from among the local tribals.

The April 22 and 23 operations were led by the companies of C-60 commandos, whose own network of intelligence, backed by multiple sources, expansion of satellite phone network in the region, infusion of central paramilitary troops as force-multipliers, and increased patrolling have led to pressure on the guerillas  whose strength is down and who, sources say, face severe shortage of ammunition.

Several successful operations in 2014, 2015 and 2016 were led by the C-60 commandos based on real-time intelligence. Those were not encounters. Those were planned ambushes. Add to all this, a marked reduction in local support to the armed political movement that is now quite glaring. It is highlighted in several intelligence reports and the Maoists own admissions found in the recovered documents that the banned party faces declining recruitment of new cadres in Gadchiroli and even north Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.

When Sukhdev and Nanda got married in 2014, several of their erstwhile comrades  who too had laid down their arms and surrendered before the police, joined their celebrations.

Their decision to switch sides  from the armed struggle to daily mundane household chores  looked simple but provided a peep into the many dots that are contributing to the shifting strategic grounds in what is often described as the red corridor.

(The author is a Nagpur-based journalist and a volunteer for the Peoples Archive of Rural India. Views are personal)New Delhi: Four men were arrested on Monday after a Dalit man accused them of assaulting him and forcing urine down his throat for refusing to harvest their wheat crop.

Sita Ram, 43, said the incident happened after he refused to harvest their crop in Azampur Bisauliya village. The incident allegedly happened on April 23, but an FIR was registered only on Saturday.

Superintendent of Police, Badaun, Ashok Kumar, suspended Hajratpur police station house officer Rajesh Kumar for the delay in lodging the FIR.

Vijay Singh wanted me to harvest his field. He didnt want to do it himself because the weather was bad. When I refused, they started beating me They also pulled my moustache and forced urine in my mouth, said Ram.

The four arrested are: Vijay Singh, Vikram Singh, Sompal Singh and Pinku.

The SP confirmed that the preliminary enquiry has found the allegation of assault to be true. Probe into the other allegations is on.Kolkata: Even as the fear of consuming meat of dead animals takes hold in Kolkata, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India (HRAEI) on Tuesday urged people not to panic.

The Association maintained that the reputed restaurants in Park Street, and in other parts of city, follow strict food safety standards and customers can still enjoy their favourite cuisines without apprehension.

The scare followed the recent arrest of several people selling dead chicken and meat from animal carcasses in dumpyards adjacent to the city which made their way to eateries in the city through illegal cold storage facilities.

Speaking to News18, HRAEI president Sudesh Poddar said, Most of the restaurants in the city maintain a very high standard of food and its hygiene. We procure raw materials from reputed and licensed dealers where perishable items like meat, fish, egg are carefully handpicked. Therefore, I would like to request Kolkatans and the tourists not to panic and freely enjoy their food.

Maintaining that the spurious meat mostly made way to cheap roadside eateries in and around the city, Poddar said: This is alarming and the administration should take stern measures against people who are playing with the health of people.

In the past week nine people were arrested for selling carcass meat collected from the dumpyards at Budge Budge, Sonarpur and Kalyani areas. More than 25 tonnes of rotten and carcass meat were seized from various illegal cold storages in Kolkata.

The kingpin of the racket, Sunny Malik, was arrested and our probe is still going on, Superintendent of Police, South 24-Parganas, Koteswar Rao, said.

Kolkata Municipal Corporations MMIC, Health, Atin Ghosh recently held a meeting with his officials and ordered an inquiry into the matter. The civic body has also sent samples of seized meat to Central Forensic Science Laboratory and is awaiting reports.

Well known restaurateur and senior HRAEI member Alka Sehgal, said, We discussed the matter but there is no need to panic because most of the well-known restaurants in the city are serving good and quality food. One can safely order non-veg food. We have reputed vendors and we procure products from those who maintain high standards of hygiene.

She added: We have dedicated team who maintains food safety standards and soon we are also going to set up a lab in Kolkata where we can test food samples.

Concerned over the mushrooming roadside eateries, she said, It might be possible that such meat is making its way to such food joints. There should be a mechanism to test the food these roadside eateries are serving to customers. The consumers should also think twice before going to such food joints.

Nitin Kothari, owner of popular Mocambo and Peter Cat restaurants on Park Street, said, There is no drop in the sale. People are enjoining food in my restaurant. Our Chicken Ala Kiev and Chelo Kebab are as much in demand as they were before. We dont compromise on food quality.

But yes, after this scare we have appointed more supervisors to ensure that the raw material entering our kitchen passes through multiple checks. It is scary to read about these people involved in such horrible racket, he added.New Delhi: "This is too much. This is exploitation of the poor," a "shocked" Supreme Court on Tuesday told the government when it said it has set up a committee to fix a timeline to comply with its directions on a matter relating to the welfare of construction workers.

"Is this the attitude of the Government of India towards poor people," it asked the counsel appearing for the Centre while expressing anguish over the submission.

"For fixing a timeline, you have set up a committee? What is this going on? According to us, you are sitting on (Rupees) 20,000 crore to 25,000 crore. Is this the attitude of the Government of India towards poor people of the country," a bench, comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta, said.

"This is too much. This is exploitation of the poor," the bench said while asking the government what it has done with the huge amount of money meant for the welfare of construction workers. Incidentally, the strong observations of the top court came on the International Labour Day.

The top court also directed the Secretary of Ministry of Labour to remain present before it on May 7 to explain what was happening regarding the implementation of its order and two laws enacted by Parliament on the matter.

When the counsel representing some states told the bench that they have complied with the directions passed by the top court, the bench shot back, "what have you done except buying washing machines and laptops".

"This is shocking. Is this a joke? These (construction workers) are people who have no education, no money and builders are exploiting them and the Government of India is saying that they will not do anything," an angry bench observed.

Earlier, an affidavit filed in the court by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had said that a chunk of funds meant for construction workers' welfare had been spent to buy laptops and washing machines and less than ten percent was spent for the actual purpose.

The court had on March 19 asked the Centre to frame a model scheme before September 30 to address the issues of education, health, social security and pension for construction workers.

It had said that more than Rs 37,400 crore had been collected for the benefit of these workers, but ostensibly only about Rs 9,500 crores was utilised for their benefit. It had also questioned why millions of construction workers across the country were being denied the benefit of remaining Rs 28,000 crore.

The top court had also directed the state governments and union territories to constitute an expert committee and bring out statutory rules within six months. It had said that its directions given from time to time for implementation of two laws have been "flouted with impunity".

These laws were the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (BOCW Act) and the Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Cess Act, 1996, (Cess Act).Kolkata: There is uncertainty over whether the already delayed West Bengal panchayat poll would be held on May 14, with the Calcutta High Court saying on Tuesday that the date set by the State Election Commission is not final.

A single judge bench of Justice Subrata Talukdar said that May 14 could be a tentative date but not the final one and referred the matter to a division bench. The next hearing will be on Friday. The division bench which is also hearing a case on security issues during the Panchayat poll will decide the election dates, he said.

The order was passed in response to a writ petition filed by the state's opposition parties alleging possible large-scale violence by the ruling TMC during the election.

Justice Talukdar directed the SEC to place details on security arrangements for the elections before the division bench. Earlier too, he had directed the SEC to submit a detailed report on security arrangements before the division bench.

The order is a setback for the West Bengal Election Commission (WBEC) and the Mamata Banerjee government, which had pressed for the election to be completed before the Holy Month of Ramzan starts on May 15.

The WBEC had announced the single-phase election on the suggestion of the ruling Trinamool Congress government. While voting was to be held on May 14, re-polling and counting was fixed for May 16 and May 17 respectively.

The panchayat polls were earlier supposed to be held in three phases on May 1, 3 and 5 but were delayed after opposition parties alleged their candidates were being stopped from filing nominations. The WBEC had previously cited security concerns for the three-phase poll process, so the decision to later complete the poll in one day had raised eyebrows.

Presently, there are 58,000 booths in Panchayat election. The state has only 46,000 armed policemen and 12,000 unarmed policemen. So, it would be a tough task to provide ample security at the voting booths. Usually, two to three policeman, including one armed, guard a poll booth.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh welcomed the HC order. We have full faith on Calcutta High Court and we are confident of getting justice. Presently, the situation is not conducive to conduct Panchayat Polls in Bengal. Security of people and the Opposition leaders is a major concern. I welcome Honble Justice Subrata Talukdars decision and now the division bench will decide on the poll date on May 4, he said.

Congress state president Adhir Chowdhury said the party wants the court to monitor the poll process as it doesnt trust the state election commission.

The panchayat election assumes significance as it is the last major poll in the state before the 2019 general elections. Elections will be held in 48,751 seats in 3,354 gram panchayats, 9,240 seats in 341 panchayat samitis and 825 seats in 20 zilla parishads across the 20 districts.Bengaluru: BJPs firebrand MP Shobha Karandlaje tweeted on Monday that Hindus in Karnataka should vote for the BJP and accused the ruling Congress of Muslim appeasement.

An hour before the tweet, which has since been deleted, Karandlajes mentor and BJP's CM nominee BS Yeddyurappa had said that his party would fight the polls only on development agenda as directed by PM Narendra Modi.

But not many in Karnataka are surprised by these contradictory positions.

The BJP, which is trying to unseat the Congress in May 12 Assembly elections, seems to have decided to play both communal and development cards at the same time.

A snapshot of BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje's tweet, which has been deleted now.

Political observers in Karnataka feel Karandlajes tweet is aimed at polarising Hindus is a well-coordinated move by the saffron party.

The two Hindutvta faces of the BJP, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde, have been asked to campaign extensively across the state in the next 10 days to polarise the votes, observers argue.

Yogi, who initially raised the communal bogey in Karnataka, has been away for more than two months after the humiliating defeat in Gorakhpur and Phulpur bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. And the Congress in Karnataka thought that he was not returning to campaign.

Even Hegde, who has been keeping a low profile after his remarks seeking changes in the Constitution, is back in full form, attacking the Siddaramaiah government as an anti-Hindu one.

"After giving tickets to eight members of the notorious Reddy clan of illegal mining fame and five jailbirds, the BJP's promise of corruption-free government has fallen flat on its face. People are laughing at them. Their five-year rule between 2008 and 2013 was the most corrupt in the history of Karnataka. The same scamsters are back again. Left with no other option to lure voters, the BJP is playing communal card closer to voting day. Karnataka is not UP and it will not work here," said KPCC working president Dinesh Gundurao.

Even though Karandlaje, Yogi and Hegde are openly playing the Hindutva card, Yeddyurappa maintains that his party will win only on the development plank. He is also evasive about Hindutva firebrands.

After Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's visit to over 20 Hindu temples and Lingayat mutts across the state, a nervous BJP has decided to play a bigger Hindutva card to take on Rahul Gandhi's Hindu card, say some political pundits.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also been ridiculing the BJP and Yogi Adityanath, claiming that he is a better Hindu than the fake Hindus like Yogi and Hegde.

The JD(S), the third player, has refused to get into the Hindutva debate, calling both the Congress and BJP communal.

But one thing is certain that all attempts to achieve a communal polarisation will be certainly made in the next 12 days in Karnataka.New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi and Piyush Goyal were on Tuesday locked in a verbal battle with the Congress chief demanding the Union minister's resignation over allegations of his involvement in a Rs 48 crore scam and the latter hitting back to say that he, unlike the opposition leader, was a "kaamdaar" not a "naamdaar".

The Congress president accused the Union railways minister of being involved in the Rs 48 crore Flashnet scam, which he said is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed.

Goyal was quick to retaliate, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to say that unlike Gandhi, who is a 'naamdaar' (dynast), he is a 'kaamdaar' (worker) and has not learnt the art of living without working.

Gandhi, who attacked Goyal on Twitter, also used a picture along with his tweet, alleging that Goyal sold his stock of Flashnet Info Solutions to Piramal group, which has interests in the power sector, at 1,000 times the face value.

He alleged that this happened when Goyal was the minister of state for power.

"Piyush Goyal's, 48 Crore FlashNet Scam is about deceit, conflict of interest and greed. The evidence is on the table. Yet, the media will not touch the story. It is a tragedy for our country when journalists entrusted to stand for the truth, will not speak, Gandhi said on Twitter, using the hashtag #GoyalMustResign'.

Goyal countered the Twitter attack with a tweet of his own.

"Till 26th May 2014, before I became a Minister, I was a professional Chartered Accountant and investment banker. Unlike you, Mr Rahul Gandhi, I have not learnt well the art of living without working. I am also a 'kaamdaar' (worker) and not a 'naamdaar' (dynast)."

Addressing an election rally in Karnataka on Tuesday, the prime minister attacked Gandhi in almost the same words.

"Congress president, Sir, we cannot sit before you. You are 'naamdar' (famous), while I am

'kaamdar' (ordinary worker). We have no status to sit in front of you," he said.Bhopal: Dubbed as the consensus candidate and a seasoned campaigner Kamal Nath, managed to present himself as the Congress partys unanimous face after a long time and infused palpable energy into the party workers as he assumed office as PCC President on Tuesday.

Nath, who landed in Bhopal for the first time after being appointed as the MP Congress President, was expected to arrive at party office at around 11 am but as he boarded an open truck with party seniors, including Campaign Committee president Jyotiraditya Sindia, the procession could only crawl for the next six hours and half.

Enthusiastic party workers not only accompanied him in large numbers but also erected stage to greet him at scores of places. The Congress party workers of MP reached Bhopal to walk in the rally, at 40 degrees Celsius, alongside Kamal Nath. Congress Seva Dal workers had a tough time controlling them.

Much to the delight of the party, every prominent name of Congress in the stat was present at the venue, including AICC general secretaries Digvijay Singh and Deepak Babaria, Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh, former union ministersSuresh Pauchauri, Kantilal Bhuria, Arun Yadav, Aziz Qureshi and Shobha Oza.

Several partymen told News18 that the senior leaders shared the same stage after a long time.

The party office, including the roads leading to PCC office, was decked up with banners of Kamal Nath, Jyotiraditya Scindia and others.

Besides Nath, Campaign Committee in-charge Jyotiraditya Scindia drew large cheers from the party workers during his speech.

The enthusiastic party workers however, stormed the hall at Congress office where Nath was addressing the press. He apologised to the media for the inconvenience caused by his party workers.

The unruly scenes at the event also demonstrated the state of affairs the party is in, six months away from election.

Kamal Nath, while interacting with the media, said that Strengthening the party organization is a challenge ahead for us."

Meanwhile, the outgoing party president Arun Yadav did not take part in Kamal Naths road show and as a result, most of the party seniors, including Nath himself, underlined his contribution in holding the party together in the last four years.

Yadav however, did turn up at the public meeting held at party office and expressed complete faith in Nath and Scindia.New Delhi: Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar is confident the BJP will get a clear majority in Karnataka Assembly elections rendering former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowdas Janata Dal (Secular) redundant in any post-poll political arrangement for government formation.

Javadekar is one of the central BJP leaders in-charge of election preparations in the poll-bound state. In an interview to News18, he said, Gowda is neither the king nor the kingmaker. BS Yeddyurappa is becoming the chief minister for the next five years. We are winning hands down and there is no case of hung Assembly.

A majority of the opinion polls have predicted a hung Assembly in Karnataka. JD (S) may emerge as the kingmaker in case the Congress and the BJP are not able to cross the halfway mark in a triangular contest.

Javadekar estimates the momentum of 2014 drubbing will continue to damage the Congress in Karnataka as the party has not won a single state it was in power at the time of last general elections.

Since 2014, wherever the Congress was in power was ousted by the BJP, and here as well the story will be repeated. The Congress lost 12 elections, people are preferring the BJP. In Gujarat, they lost and we won, though the effort was made by the Congress to project that defeat as victory. But it was our win. We formed the government.

Calling the Congress manifesto a bunch of lies, Javadekar feels the Congress by aligning with fringe parties has lost the plot and plank. The poor who supported the Congress in the past have drifted to us.

Rahul Gandhis temple runs, Javadekar says wont work as people know who the real disciple (bhakt) is and who is not. Rahul Gandhi indulged in chunavi parikrama and people can see through the effort that he is making in the name of religion.

The Lingayat issue will be a game changer but in will go against the Congress, the Minister feels. Yes, the Lingayat issue will be a game changer but in the opposite way. It will boomerang for the Congress. They are playing the role of dividing people. In 2013, Manmohan Singh rejected the demand and for months they did nothing about it. Why were they not sincere about it then? he asks.Voters pose outside a polling booth in Karnataka.



People were seen standing in queues to cast their votes in the early hours itself, factoring in that the temperature may go up later in the day. Also, it has been raining in different parts of south interior Karnataka for the last couple of days during the evening hours.



Senior citizens were seen in good numbers standing in queues at various polling stations to cast their votes early.



State BJP chief and party's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa, and Pradesh Congress Committee G Parameshwara were among the first to cast votes in Shikaripura in Shivamogga and Yaggere in Tumakuru respectively.



Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda along with wife Chennamma cast their votes at Paduvalahippe in Hassan district. Film actors Ramesh Arvind, Ravichandran, also scion of Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar were among the prominent personalities to cast their votes early today.



There are reports about delay in polling due to some technical issues with the electronic voting machines (EVMs) from different parts of the state.



Election for the Jayanagara seat in Bengaluru has been countermanded following the death of BJP candidate and sitting MLA BN Vijaykumar.



The Election Commission has also deferred the polls for Rajarajeswari Nagar constituency to May 28 after a massive row erupted over a large number of voter ID cards being found in an apartment.



Suspecting something fishy, both Congress and BJP have pointed accusing fingers at each other in the matter. "Today people of Karnataka are standing in queues to create history & show the nation the way to liberal, progressive, peaceful & compassionate politics & governance. I thank them for their support & wish them well," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted.



Over 2,600 candidates are in the fray-- more than 2400 men and and over 200 women. The total voters including service electors according to the 2018 final rolls are 5,06,90,538, of whom 2,56,75,579 male voters, 2,50,09,904 female and 5,055 transgender voters.



Officials said 58,008 polling stations have been set up across the state, of which 12002 have been designated as "critical", with over 3,50,000 polling personnel on duty. Police have made elaborate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of polls that will go on till 6 pm.



"82,157 people have been deployed for poll duty that includes DSPs, home guards and civil defence, and forest guards and watchers," Karnataka DGP Neelamani N Raju said. This also includes about 7,500 personnel from states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Kerala and Goa, she said, adding, central forces have been deployed.



One among the interesting aspects of this election is that four candidates who have served as Chief Minister of Karnataka are in the fray-- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (Chamundeshwari and Badami), B S Yeddyurappa (Shikaripura), H D Kumaraswamy (Chennapatna and Ramanagara) and Jagadish Shettar (Hubli-Dharwad Central.)Bhopal: Veteran politician Kamal Nath began his new innings as the chief of the Congress Madhya Pradesh unit on Tuesday by launching a scathing attack against CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, accusing him of neglecting the poor conditions of farmers despite being the son of one.

Dubbed as the consensus leader in the state where Congress has a problem of plenty, Nath was flanked by AICC general secretary Digvijaya Singh and the partys campaign spearhead Jyotiraditya Scindia as he made his way to the party office after landing at the Bhopal Airport. It took them almost six hours to cover the distance as supporters thronged the route throughout.

Addressing the packed crowd, Nath claimed that every section of Madhya Pradesh is upset, be it farmers, labourers, unemployed youth or women.

Maximum farmers committed suicide under the rule of CM Shivraj Singh who identifies himself as the son of a farmer, he said.

The nine-time MP said he does not long for any post, all he wants is to safeguard MPs future. He followed it up by asserting his prominence in the party, recounting his rapport with former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

In an indirect attack on BJP leaders, especially CM Shivraj, Nath said, In my long political career there was not a single case against me. I was connected with the public and not with betting, liquor or sand mining.

Digvijaya Singh, who was addressing his first public meeting after completion of the Narmada Parikrama, said Kamal Nath has the potential to lead, but cautioned him against multiple aspirants for a 'ticket' in the party.

There would be ten aspirants each on every seat in MP but we have to remember the one who has backing of party president Rahul Gandhi," he said, while demanding stringent action against those 'tainting' the image of the party.

Campaign Committee president Jyotiraditya Scindia also criticised the Shivraj government, saying that in the 14 years of his rule, the state of affairs in Madhya Pradesh has slipped into tatters, while BJP leaders have only turned richer. This government promised two crore jobs every year but ended up with suggestions of milk, 'paan' and 'pakoda' trade, he said.Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modis Karnataka election speech at Santhemarahalli in Chamarajanagara was different. Modi spoke in Hindi but he had a Kannada translator, a first for him.

Kannada activists have hailed it as a huge win, claiming that their consistent efforts seeking primacy for Kannada in Karnataka are finally paying dividends. The Prime Minister who never had a translator in Karnataka in the past was forced to get his speech translated because of their relentless pressure, they argued.

Earlier, the BJP people used to argue that the flow of PM Modis speech will be lost if he gets a translator. We told them that if the speech does not reach the people, it will serve no purpose even if it is good. Rahul Gandhi has used Kannada translators all over the state. Now, even Modi has agreed to have a translator. It is a big win for us, said Arun Javagal, one of the leaders of the Banavasi Balaga, an organisation fighting for primacy of Kannada.

Girish Kargadde, a software professional and a Kannada activist, called it a welcome move. We are happy that finally the Prime Minister has understood the diversity of India and decided to have a translator. Hope it wont end once the elections are over, he said.

Political observers said that this affinity for Kannada is not sudden and the BJP has been softening its stance slowly.

They reminded that the same party had stayed away from backing Kannada issues and argued that it was being used by the Congress to divide the country on the lines of language. When public protests had erupted last year over Centres alleged Hindi imposition in last July and August, the BJP had taken a strong objection to it. Some of its leaders and social media handlers had launched an attack on those who were demanding the removal of Hindi signboards from Bengaluru Metro.

The BJP had also opposed Siddaramaiah governments proposal for a Kannada flag to celebrate the state's culture. However, as the Assembly elections approach, BJP seems to have realised that primacy of Kannada in Karnataka is a potential election issue and ignoring or opposing it can be counterproductive.

Young and tech-savvy Kannada activists said some social media activists who criticised them for taking up Kannada-related issues have now gone silent.

Arun Javagal, said, We ask people to vote for the parties which fight for Kannada and Karnataka. We have no agenda. We support no political party. The BJPs U-turn proves that they have also realised that there is a strong backing for our movement.

PM Modi, apart from uttering a few words in Kannada, also paid tributes to Kannada icons in his speeches. BJP national president Amit Shah had also toured the MumbaiKarnataka region two weeks ago. The visit was more Kannada-centric.

Shah visited the memorials of Kannada icons in the region, deftly playing the Kannada card. He even tweeted in Kannada, quoting a famous poem of one of the all-time greats of Kannada literature, D R Bendre, who was from Dharwad.

Shah also visited Kumaravyasas birthplace, DR Bendres house and the memorials of freedom fighters Sangolli Rayanna and Kittur Rani Chennamma in the last two days.

The BJP chief also took a helicopter ride to Kuppalli, the birthplace of Kannada poet laureate K V Puttappa, popularly known as Kuvepmu, during his visit to Shimoga two weeks ago. Even party election in charge, ministers Piyul Goel and Prakash Javadekar, have started tweeting in Kannada.

Commenting on their new found love for Kannada, a state BJP leader said, Initially we thought that it was a politically motivated agitation restricted only to social media. Later we realised that it is indeed a serious issue and a lot of people are backing it. The Siddaramaiah government has already hijacked it playing it to the Kannada sentiments. In a crucial election like this, we dont want to be seen as an anti-Kannada party.

Siddaramaiah has dismissed BJPs Kannada outreach as an election gimmick. He said that the entire state was aware of BJP and RSS disdain for regional languages, cultures and diversity.

No one will believe them. They are good at fooling people but they have been exposed this time. They opposed the Kannada flag. Did they not? the chief minister asked.

Meanwhile, the JDS, a Karnataka-based party, which had stayed away from Kannada movements has also joined the debate. JDS state chief H D Kumaraswamy has attacked both the Congress and BJP for using Kannada for the votes.

Both are national parties and have no respect for Kannada or Karnataka. After elections, they forget Kannada and go back to the same old Hindi politics. Kannadigas should be careful about these Delhi people, he said.

Another prominent Kannada activist, Vasanth Shetty, said that their fight for language equality and primacy of Kannada in Karnataka will continue irrespective of election results. Our movement is apolitical. We will continue to fight in a democratic manner till our goal is achieved, he said.Udupi (Karnataka): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday showerd praise on former Prime Minister Deve Gowda at an election rally in poll-bound Karnataka and lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for "insulting" the JD(S) supremo.

In remarks that raised eyebrows in political circles, PM Modi said that Deve Gowda was one of the most respected and tallest leaders for whom he had great respect, and Gandhi's remarks on him showed his "arrogance".

"I heard the Congress president speak at political rallies 15-20 days ago....the way he referred to respected Deve Gowda ji....is this your culture (sanskar)? This is arrogance, the PM said.

"Your life (as Congress chief) has just begun. Deve Gowda is among the tallest leaders of the country. You are insulting him," Modi said.

The Prime Minister was alluding to Gandhi's speeches at his rallies in JD(S) strongholds where he attacked Deve Gowda, and called his party the "B Team" of the BJP.

Modi's remarks assume significance as they come after most pollsters predicted a fractured verdict in the Assembly elections, with no party attaining a majority on its own.

JD(S) state unit chief H D Kumaraswamy had earlier claimed he would be the king after the polls and not the kingmaker.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has often accused the BJP and JD(S) of having a tacit understanding, and even claimed that Kumaraswamy had met the saffron party chief Amit Shah, a charge dismissed by the JD(S).

His father Deve Gowda, however, told a TV channel that he and his family would disown Kumaraswamy if he joins hands with the BJP.

"You think about it. If his temperament is such... whose arrogance is on cloud seven...it is just the beginning of life...if he is doing this from today, how bad the coming days will be you will get to know from his deeds," Modi said, attacking Gandhi.

The Prime Minister said the Congress party, with such "arrogant" leaders, is a "big threat" to democracy. He urged the electorate to ensure that Mahatma Gandhi's dream was fulfilled, reminding them of the Father of the Nation's insistence on disbanding the Congress after Independence.

Noting that there would be differences in politics, he said, "There is something called decorum in public life. Every person may have his own ego, but in social life there are certain values."

Speaking about the respect he has for the former PM, Modi referred to Deve Gowda as "the son of this land, and a farmer's son".

"Whenever he comes to meet me in Delhi, I make it a point to receive him at the entrance of my home...open the door of the car for him. I also see him off up to his car," he said.

Modi said he does that in spite of the fact that their ideologies are different and Deve Gowda's party votes against his government in Parliament.Bengaluru: Launching his campaign blitzkrieg in Karnataka PM Narendra Modi challenged Rahul Gandhi to list out the achievements of Congress government in the state in 15 minutes in Hindi, English or your mother's mother tongue, taking a jibe at his mother Sonia Gandhis Italian roots. Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, defending Rahul, said it was the PM who was avoiding discussion in parliament. He said it is the PM who runs away from debate and relies on jumlas. Surjewala also predicted a certain defeat for the BJP and said that Yeddyurappa will be sent to the "margdarshak mandal".

Here are the edited excerpts from the interview:

Q: Prime Minister Modi has challenged Rahul Gandhi to speak for 15 minutes without looking at a paper?

A: PM Modi has come to Karnataka walking on the crutches of corruption. On one side is the Yeddyurappa gang, on the other it is Reddy gang. Hes only trying to divert attention in his classical Modi lollipop and jumla style. We had challenged PM and Sri Amit Shah to come and see the aakrosh of the people only day before yesterday.

Q: Will Rahul Gandhi take up the challenge?

A: Rahulji, can speak for hours together, it's the PM who shirks parliament, who shirks discussion in parliament, and the one who runs away. Jumlas, spoken to a captive audience, by the PM will not wash away the sins of corruption in Karnataka. He wants to avoid this discussion in Karnataka. Why is he denying Karnataka its share of money, why is he deliberately discriminating against Karnataka? That's why he is relying on jumla.

Q: There is a comparison between naamdaar and kaamdaar making it a kind of privelege issue.

A: He is insulting democracy and the people of India who elect their representatives. Modiji, may consider himself wiser than 132 crore people but that is not correct. The wisdom lies with the people. And a person like Narendra Modi, who wears a Rs 10 ten lakh monogrammed suit and auctions it for Rs 350 lakh, should be the last person to speak on these issues.

Q: The BJP often talks about the Rs 40 lakh watch? Is this your response to that jibe?

A: I think the CM adequately answered that question. Unlike PM Modi, who gets these monogrammed suits and then auctions them. I think the comparison doesnt exist. And lets not belittle the great Karnataka debate to suits and watches.

Q: The PM says he is sitting next to the future CM, referring to Yeddyurappa, but your CM says he is not sure he will be CM even if party comes to power?

A: Have you seen their body language. It is like two jilted lovers. Modi doesnt even want to be seen talking to Yeddyurappa. I think what is happening in BJP is clear. Yeddyurappa will be sent to the margdarshak mandal for BJP knows that defeat is certain. On the other hand, Siddaramaiah is leading our campaign, but Congress is about collective leadership. We have our CM, who is our tallest leader, but we have multiple leaders as well. We dont import leadership from Gujarat and Delhi, we produce leadership in Karnataka - Kannadigas are our leaders.

Q: So then why not declare him as your CM face? What's stopping you?

A: He is already our CM and the CM who is going into the polls. I think it is more than clear that he is leading our campaign. Siddaramaiah is our leader of the campaign. No body has any doubt. Congress has a collection of leaders, who are all there assisting Siddaramaiah.

Q: So there is no guarantee he will be CM?

A: I think we are getting a majority. You will find that our current CM will lead the party to victory. For us, ideology and programmes are as important as individuals. Individuals have a prominent place, like our CM has, and I dont think there are any doubts to be expressed there.At a time when the Union government is planning to set up seven advanced landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh, besides upgrading the existing ones, people in this border state are still grappling with cellular connectivity issues. In the mountain villages of Arunachal, people are greeted with a message from a Chinese mobile network, every time they turn their phones on. The villagers, along with the entire 1,126 km-long border in Arunachal, get signals from a leading telecom player in China, a source in the Army said here.

"The signals are strong enough to stretch up to 10 km on the Indian side," he said. The situation is similar for border towns on the west too, where Pakistani networks work better than their counterparts here, the Army source stated. The country's mobile services are unable to operate in the border areas due to a central government policy, he said.

"The government allows only a limited number of towers of a certain frequency in the border areas. As a result, people here receive signals from Chinese telecom companies. They cannot access the network though for lack of a SIM card," the source said.

People often get frustrated with the erratic network signals, said Joney Yaying, a resident of Zido village in Upper Siang district of the state. "Leave alone Internet banking, we cannot access the Internet or WhatsApp like others in the country," he added.

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Pema Nyisur, another villager from Gelling village in the district, said mobile service providers have erected a limited number of towers in the border areas. "If the telecom players do not install more towers, uninterrupted service will remain a distant dream for us," Nyisur added. Until a few years ago, Chamlang village in Anjaw district did not have landline connectivity, said Mailu Tega, a social worker.

The district, which has an ITBP post, recorded instances of Chinese incursion in the recent years. In January, a top service provider had set up towers in some of the remote districts of the state. Another telecom company is expected to expand its services in upper Siang district later this year. These services, however, will not be extended to the border villages, Tega rued.

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Chief Minister Pema Khandu earlier this week said the Centre has sanctioned 1,800 towers at a cost of around Rs 1,800 crore in the border areas of the state to improve connectivity. Admitting that people, as well as the Army men, are cut off from the rest of the world due to lack of mobile networks, Rural Development Minister Alo Libang, who represents Tuting-Yinkiong seat in upper Siang district, said the Centre should initiate measures to deal with the problem.

Responding to a question from PTI, Union Minister of State for Communication (Independent Charge) Manoj Sinha said his ministry is aware of a connectivity problem in the border towns.

"We are also planning to provide satellite phones to the Army and other security agencies to cope with eventualities," he said.In new online speculations that have surfaced, Samsung is planning an early launch for the next Note device. Usually, Samsung Galaxy Note series are released during IFA, Berlin in August, but if reports are to be believed the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 might launch earlier than IFA 2018. Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is also expected to be bigger than the Galaxy Note 8 with a 6.38-inch display. This will also be an 18:9 display and the expected launch timeline for the Note 9 will be July 2018. This might have also been planned as Apple's big event happens in May and the Note 9 would definitely like to have a first mover advantage for the year 2018. Here's all we know so far about the Galaxy Note 9.

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There's no word yet on how much Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 will cost when launched, but considering that the Note 8 was released not so long ago we expect the price to be very similar to the Galaxy Note 8. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has reportedly been certified by the China Ministry of Industry and Information technology (CMIIT). The certification doesn't reveal much about the device but hints at two variants of the Galaxy Note 9. This is basically a change in specifications of the SoC used - we believe just like the Note 8, the Galaxy Note 9 will also come with two processor options depending on the market, one will be from Qualcomm and the other will be Samsung's own Exynos processor. On Twitter recently we saw some leaks that hinted towards a bigger 6.38-inch display on the Galaxy Note 9. This suggests that the Note 9 will also come with a bigger battery that can also see specifications up to 4000 mAh. The display will also be an OLED panel and Samsung Display has already started producing the panel for the Galaxy Note 9. There have also been reports that claim that Samsung is 'likely' to adopt an in-display fingerprint scanner for the Galaxy Note 9.

Also Watch: Nokia 7 Plus Review

Samsung is also reportedly gearing up to start a pilot production run of the Galaxy Note 9 in the first quarter of 2018.However, Samsung itself has hinted that the Galaxy Note 9 could be its first 'foldable' smartphone. Dongjin Koh, president of Samsung's mobile business, told reporters earlier this year that the company hopes to release its first flexible smartphone next year under its flagship Galaxy Note line, according to a report.North Americas fastest growing tech conference will be moving to North Americas fastest growing tech region when Collision heads to Toronto next year. The move secures Collision in Toronto for the next three conferences happening in 2019, 2020 and 2021, building on the Toronto regions momentum as a hub for technology and innovation and leveraging the strength of Ontario and Canada as diverse and inclusive.

All three levels of government, Tourism Toronto and Exhibition Place partnered for the bid, which is expected to bring more than 90,000 attendees to Toronto over the next three conferences with an economic impact of $147 million. The 2019 conference will take place at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place from May 20-23, 2019.

"Welcome to Canada, Collision. Im happy you chose Toronto to host North Americas fastest growing tech conference for the next three years. Toronto is a key global tech hub and an example of the diversity that is our strength. Here in Canada, we know innovation and inclusion go together and the rest of the world has taken notice." commented Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada on the announcement. "Tech talent is coming to our country in record numbers and with our Innovation and Skills Plan, our government is making it easier for innovators to succeed and for investors to support them. We know Collision will bring even more energy and vision to Torontos tech scene."

Watch: Nokia 7 Plus Review | Is it the Best Under Rs 30,000?

Also read: This Smart Watch Turns Your Arm Into a Touch Screen

Collision, now in its fifth year, has gone from 5,000 to an expected 25,000 attendees in 2018. Created by the team behind Web Summit, the worlds largest and most influential tech event, Collision attracts CEOs of the worlds largest companies, founders of startups, investors and media, from more than 120 countries.

Right now feels like a special moment for Canada, and for Toronto, said Paddy Cosgrave, CEO of Web Summit. There is such energy in the city, such an open, cosmopolitan and global atmosphere. Great companies are being started and incredible talent is coming out of the region.

The conference is entering its third year in New Orleans from April 30 to May 3, following a two-year stay in Las Vegas. This is the first time the conference will be held outside of the U.S.

Collision is one of the most coveted conferences a destination can host, said Johanne Belanger, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. Hosting a conference of this magnitude demonstrates how meetings and events can be a powerful catalyst for economic development for sectors like technology and innovation, showcasing and elevating the booming tech industry, people and companies that have made the Toronto region a tech powerhouse.

The Toronto region ranks as the largest tech sector in Canada and the third largest in North America. The sector employs 401,000 people in 18,000 tech companies, accounting for 15 percent of all jobs in the Toronto region. The growth of the regional tech sector outpaced that of New York City and San Francisco combined in 2016. Based on that growth rate, Toronto will have more technology jobs than Silicon Valley within two years.Kuala Lumpur: A Malaysian court convicted a Danish citizen on Monday for inaccurate criticism of police on social media, the first person to be prosecuted under a new law against fake news.

Salah Salem Saleh Sulaiman, 46, was charged with spreading false news after he posted a video on YouTube accusing police of taking 50 minutes to respond to distress calls following the shooting of a Palestinian lecturer on April 21.

Police said they took eight minutes to respond to the shooting in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. The charge against Sulaiman said he had "with ill intent, published fake news through a video on YouTube".

Sulaiman, who was unrepresented at the court hearing, pleaded guilty, but said the video was posted in a "moment of anger" and he did not mean any harm.

"I agreed I made a mistake ... I seriously apologise to everybody in Malaysia, not just in the Malaysian police," said Sulaiman, a Danish citizen of Yemeni descent.

Malaysia is among the first few countries to legislate policing of fake news. Critics say the law is aimed at curbing dissent and free speech ahead of Malaysia's May 9 general election.

Offenders could be fined up to 500,000 ringgit ($128,000) and face a maximum of six years in jail.

The judge fined Sulaiman 10,000 ringgit ($2,552) but he opted to spend a month in jail because he could not pay.

Palestinian lecturer Faid al-Batsh was shot dead by two men on April 21. Police have yet to identify the suspects, but believe they are still in the country.

Malaysia's inspector-general of police, Mohamad Fuzi Harun, said a day after the shooting that their records showed a distress call was received at 6:41 a.m. and a patrol car arrived at the scene eight minutes later.

The Anti-Fake News Act defines fake news as "news, information, data and reports which is or are wholly or partly false" and included features, visuals and audio recordings.

The law covers digital publications and social media and also applies to offenders outside Malaysia, including foreigners, if Malaysia or a Malaysian citizen are affected.

A Malaysian media company filed a suit seeking to declare the law unconstitutional.

Governments elsewhere in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and the Philippines, have also proposed laws aimed at clamping down on the spread of "fake news", to the dismay of media rights advocates.Tehran: Iran on Tuesday branded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an "infamous liar" over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi called the accusations that Tehran lied about its nuclear ambitions "worn-out, useless and shameful".

Netanyahu's comments came from a "broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits," Ghasemi said in a statement.

"Netanyahu and the notorious, child-killing Zionist regime must have reached the basic understanding that the people of the world have enough awareness and cognisance," he added.

Netanyahu said in an elaborate televised presentation on Monday that he had new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

But he did not provide evidence that Israel's main enemy had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

His accusations came as the United States considers whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday stepped up pressure on the United States to pull out of a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, presenting what he called evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme in a prime-time address on Israeli TV.

Intelligence experts and diplomats said he did not seem to have presented a "smoking gun" showing that Iran had violated the agreement, although he may have helped make a case on behalf of hawks in US President Donald Trump's administration who want to scrap it.

Most of the purported evidence Netanyahu unveiled dated to the period before the 2015 accord was signed, although he said Iran had also kept important files on nuclear technology since then, and continued adding to its "nuclear weapons knowledge".

Tehran dismissed Netanyahu as "the boy who cried wolf", and called his presentation propaganda.

Trump has threatened to pull the United States out of the international deal unless it is renegotiated by May 12. After Netanyahu spoke, Trump repeated his criticism of the deal, suggesting he backed the Israeli leader's remarks.

"Iran's leaders repeatedly deny ever pursuing nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said at Israel's Defence Ministry, standing in front of stacks of files representing what he described as a vault full of Iranian nuclear documents obtained weeks before.

"Tonight I'm here to tell you one thing: Iran lied."

"Iran lied about never having a nuclear weapons programme," he said. "One hundred thousand secret files prove it did. Second, even after the deal, Iran continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge for future use."

Although the presentation was live on Israeli television, Netanyahu made clear his audience was abroad, delivering most of his speech in English, before switching to Hebrew.

Netanyahu said he had shared the intelligence with the United States and would dispatch envoys to France and Germany to present it. He also spoke by phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The White House later acknowledged receiving the information from Israel, saying it was examining it carefully.

"This information provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons. These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons programme that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the White House said in a statement.

Tehran has denied ever seeking nuclear weapons and accuses its arch-foe Israel of stirring up world suspicions against it.

A senior U.S. official said Netanyahu gave new U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo a heads-up about the presentation he would give while on a visit to Tel Aviv at the weekend.

"We were made aware of his plans," the official said.

ANALYSTS, DIPLOMATS SCEPTICAL

Under the 2015 nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States - Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return for relief from U.S. and other economic sanctions.

Trump gave Britain, France and Germany a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as the deal's flaws - its failure to address Iran's ballistic missile programme, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and "sunset" clauses under which some of its terms expire - or he will reimpose U.S. sanctions.

Much of what Netanyahu presented is unlikely to surprise world powers, which have long concluded that Iran was pursuing atomic weapons before the agreement was signed in 2015. That is in part why they imposed sanctions in the first place.

The French ambassador to Washington, Gerard Araud, tweeted that information about past Iranian nuclear activity was, in fact, an argument in favour of the nuclear deal, not against it.

A German government spokesman said it was vital to keep the independent inspections provided for under the deal.

Washington's European allies say Tehran has generally abided by the terms of the deal since then, and have urged Trump not to scrap it. Some independent analysts and diplomats said Netanyahu appeared to be presenting old evidence.

Eran Etzion, a former deputy Israeli national security adviser who now heads the Israeli-European Forum of Strategic Dialogue think tank, said on Twitter: "No 'smoking gun' was revealed this evening, nor was it proven that Iran is today developing nuclear weaponry or violating the (nuclear deal) in any other way."

A British government spokesman defended the accord, saying in a statement: "We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions."

"That is why the IAEA inspection regime agreed as part of the Iran nuclear deal is one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords," the spokesman added.

Speaking after Netanyahu's presentation, Trump told a White House news conference the nuclear deal was "a horrible agreement for the United States". He said it would let Tehran develop nuclear arms after seven years and had "proven right what Israel has done today" with Netanyahu's disclosures.

Washington itself has concluded, however, that Iran has not violated the deal's terms. Two U.S. intelligence officials who have monitored Irans nuclear weapons programme for years said nothing in Netanyahus remarks appeared to contradict that view.

"We have seen no new and credible evidence that Iran is violating the agreement, whether in the Prime Ministers remarks today or from other sources," said one of the officials, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Moments before Netanyahu spoke Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted: "The boy who can't stop crying wolf is at it again".

Israel is widely believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, although it neither confirms nor denies possessing atomic weapons.Ulaanbaata: Fed up with the smog in Mongolia's capital, residents have resorted to sipping "lung tea" and "oxygen cocktails" in a desperate bid to protect themselves from pollution, despite health officials saying there is no evidence they work.

Ulaanbaatar topped New Delhi and Beijing as the world's most polluted capital in 2016, UNICEF said in a report warning of a health crisis that has put every child and pregnancy at risk.

With residents of so-called ger (slum) districts using coal stoves to cook and heat their homes in the world's coldest capital, where temperatures can dip as low as -40 Celsius (-40 Fahrenheit), pollution has skyrocketed. While most of the pollution comes from stoves in the gers, road transport and power plants add to the toxic mix.

On January 30, air pollution was 133 times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). UNICEF reported that cases of respiratory infections have nearly tripled and pneumonia is now the second leading cause of death for children under five.

Worried parents have held protests to press the government to take action. But some businesses are cashing in, even though a WHO official says there is no evidence that such anti-smog products work.

'LIFE IS AIR'

Advertisements in Mongolia boast that "drinking just one oxygen cocktail is equal to a three-hour-walk in a lush forest".

At the produce section of the State Department Store, blue cans of oxygen called "Life Is Air" are on sale for $2, and promise to turn a glass of juice into a foamy, sweet "oxygen cocktail" after spraying some into a glass through a special straw.

Other stores and pharmacies have oxygen cocktail machines that resemble coffee makers and can turn a juice into a frothy drink for $1. Pregnant women are among the most avid customers of the Russian-made product, with some saying they are following their doctor's orders.

Batbayar Munguntuul, a 34-year-old accountant and mother of three, drank oxygen cocktails when she was pregnant, but she ended up spending much more money on medicine.

"Every winter we constantly buy medicine," she told AFP. "It has reached a point that it is like just any other grocery product that you have to buy regularly."

Like many other Mongolians, she has chosen to buy an air purifier to make sure her family breathes clean air at home. Her machine, which filters out toxic fumes, cost her $300.

The average level of PM2.5 particles  which penetrate deep into the lungs  was 75 micrograms per cubic metre last year, or three times the exposure recommended by the WHO for a 24-hour period.

Air pollution has been linked to asthma, bronchitis, and other long-term respiratory diseases. Some Mongolians drinking special teas named Enkhjin, Ikh Taiga, and Dr Baatar that claim to clean lungs.

Dr Baatar's CEO, Baatar Chantsaldulam, said sales surge by 20 to 30 percent during winter, when pollution tends to reach its peak. "First it takes all the toxins out of the blood, then it turns the toxins in the lung into mucus, and all the plants in tea helps boost the human immune system," he told AFP.

But Maria Neira, the head of the WHO's public health department, said the "real solution" to protect the lungs and the cardiovascular system was to reduce air pollution and avoid exposure to it.

"The business community will offer plenty of those solutions," Neira said, referring to the oxygen cocktails and lung teas.

"We don't have any scientific evidence whether they provide any benefit," she said.

ANGRY PARENTS

Non-profit organisations such as Parents Against Smog say the government is not doing enough to reduce air pollution and argue that ordinary people should not have to suffer financially to protect their health.

The group organised a sit-in protest earlier this year. "For the past 10 years, people have known that air pollution has reached dangerous levels," Parents Against Smog coordinator Tumur Mandakhjargal told AFP.

"However, policymakers only address the issue by talking about passing out clean stoves and clean coal," Mandakhjargal said.

The NGO says the government should give some 200,000 ger residents access to loans so that they install heating insulation and replace their stoves with cleaner heaters. It also complains that a ger relocation plan has been too slow.

The government spent $120 million between 2008-2016 to combat pollution, with half of the funds coming out of its foreign aid revenue. Part of the money has gone to distributing low-emission stoves to residents of ger districts.

Last year, the parliament approved a tax exemption for companies that sell air purifiers, while Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh issued an order to distribute $1.6 million worth of the appliances to all schools.

Non-profit organisations are giving away air purifiers and anti-smog masks to schools, kindergartens and hospitals.

The non-profit group Smog and Kids donated a South Korean-made air ventilation system to a kindergarten in one of the capital's most polluted areas, and the difference in air quality inside and outside the classrooms is palpable.

Such systems can cost up to $2,500 plus $500 for installation. But Smog and Kids representative Tumendalai Davaadalai said air purifiers were not the answer to the problem. "Mobile air purifiers don't give oxygen, they're not plants. The decision by Khurelsukh's cabinet to distribute air purifiers is a very bad decision," Davaadalai said.

"They are just funding businesses without any positive results."Sydney, Australia: A new scan of the Indian Ocean floor for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has searched nearly 80,000 square kilometers since January without finding any sign of the wreckage. But the company looking for the plane, which has been missing for more than four years, said it is still determined to find it.

This comes despite earlier hopes that a 25,000-square-kilometer area most likely to contain the missing aircraft had been identified.

Ocean Infinity, the American technology company conducting the latest search, said in an update today that it had scanned up to 1,300 square kilometers per day since launching its mission far off the west coast of Australia in late January. It has searched both inside and outside an area identified by Australian authorities.

"Whilst it's disappointing there has been no sign of MH370 in the Australian Transport Safety Bureau search area and further north, there is still some search time remaining," Ocean Infinity chief executive officer Oliver Plunkett said in a statement.

"Everyone at Ocean Infinity remains absolutely determined for the remainder of the search," he said.

Flight 370 disappeared March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing with 239 people aboard. No transmissions were received from the aircraft after its first 38 minutes of flight, but it is believed to have crashed in the far southern Indian Ocean based on the drift patterns of crash debris that washed ashore on distant beaches.

The governments of Malaysia, China and Australia called off the nearly three-year official search in January 2017.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's final report on the search conceded authorities were no closer to knowing the reasons for the plane's disappearance or its exact location.

In January, the Malaysian government pledged to pay Texas-based Ocean Infinity up to $70 million if it could find the wreckage or black boxes of the aircraft within 90 days. Ocean Infinity uses up to eight autonomous vehicles capable of operating in depths up to 6,000 meters, and Plunkett had launched the search by saying his company had "a realistic prospect" of finding the aircraft.

He said today that its technology had performed "exceptionally well," with "significant amounts of high-quality data" collected.

The company's Seabed Constructor research vessel is stopping in the West Australian port of Fremantle for resupply and crew rotation before returning to the search until it's forced to quit in the southern hemisphere's winter.

Plunkett's statement indicated Ocean Infinity's search could be halted before mid-June due to weather conditions at sea.Seoul: The stony-faced daughter of a Korean billionaire, whose older sister was brought low by the "nut rage" scandal, apologised Tuesday as she reported to police for questioning over allegations she sprayed a business associate in the face with fruit juice.

"I'm really sorry for causing concern," Cho Hyun-min repeatedly told a crowd of journalists outside the Gangseo police station in Seoul, without admitting to any specific actions.

Cho, who police said is accused of using violence and obstructing business, is the daughter of Hanjin Group chairman Cho Yang-ho.

Hanjin is among the country's 15 biggest business groups, owner of flag carrier Korean Air, logistics and transport firms, and with interests in information technology and hotels.

It used to own Hanjin Shipping, once one of the world's biggest shipping firms, which was declared bankrupt last year.

The younger daughter's police interrogation is only the controlling family's latest brush with the law, with a series of scandals making them some of the country's most notorious super-wealthy.

South Korea's economy  the world's 11th-largest  is dominated by a series of giant business conglomerates known as chaebols.

In the past, the chaebols contributed to the country's fast economic growth, but as the founders' sons and grandsons took over they expanded into every corner of business, and now stand accused of suffocating smaller companies and hampering innovation.

They have long had murky ties with political authorities  Samsung scion Lee Jae-yong was jailed last year for his role in the corruption scandal that brought down president Park Geun-hye, although most of his convictions were quashed on appeal.

Many chaebol families retain only a small ownership stake in their companies, but maintain control through complex webs of cross-shareholdings between subsidiaries, and rapid promotions for family members  some of whose antics have battered the firms' images.

"The Cho family is one of the most vilified chaebol families, with multiple family members implicated in alleged bad behaviour," Chung Sun-sup of online information service chaebol.com told AFP.

'Family misdeeds'

In the most infamous incident, the chairman's elder daughter Cho Hyun-ah made global headlines in 2014 for forcing two flight attendants to kneel and beg for forgiveness after she was served macadamia nuts in a bag rather than a bowl.

She ordered the Seoul-bound flight back to the gate so one of them could be ejected in an incident quickly dubbed "nut rage".

Since the accusations against her sister emerged, hundreds of Korean Air personnel have joined an online chat room to allege Cho family misdeeds against employees and domestic staff.

Police said last week they were investigating allegations that the sisters' mother Lee Myung-hee had herself abused employees verbally and physically.

Korean Air said the company had no comment.

The family are also accused of using Korean Air planes to smuggle luxury goods into the country to avoid import duties.

Chairman Cho Yang-ho  who last year faced accusations of embezzling company funds, although prosecutors rejected a request for his arrest  last month apologised for the "immature" behaviour of his daughters, both of whom resigned from their executive posts.

The row could yet impact Korean Air itself, and other conglomerates.

Thousands of petitioners went to the presidential Blue House homepage, urging the government to ban the airline from using "Korean" in its name and to expel Cho Hyun-min, who was born in the US and is an American citizen.

Under South Korean immigration law, foreigners found to have disturbed social order or harmed public safety can be ordered to leave the country.

Former lawmaker Park Won-suk said the Cho family controversies would serve as a "catalyst" for a reform drive.

President Moon Jae-in was elected last year partly on promises to reform the chaebols  a pledge various politicians have made many times before.

There has been little action so far, but Chung noted that the justice ministry last week introduced a bill to grant minority shareholders a greater voice in appointing board members.

The move was "apparently in sync with mounting public demand for chaebol reform triggered by the Cho case", he said.Melbourne: Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell became the highest-ranked Catholic ever to be sent to trial over historic sex offences on Tuesday, with the elderly priest vowing to fight the charges.

The 76-year-old was impassive throughout the hearing in Melbourne that ordered him to face a jury on "multiple" charges, although at least half of the allegations against him, including some of the most serious, were thrown out.

"Not guilty", the top aide to Pope Francis said loudly and without hesitation when asked his plea, a stance he has taken since first being charged last year.

Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington said she was "satisfied" there was enough evidence for a conviction on "multiple" charges with a direction hearing due on Wednesday to discuss a trial date.

Pell, who entered the court surrounded by a large police presence, was released on bail on the condition he does not leave Australia. He has already handed in his passport, the court heard.

The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop has been on leave from the Vatican, returning to Australia to fight the allegations which relate to incidents that allegedly occurred long ago.

The exact details and nature of the claims remain confidential, other than they involve "multiple complainants".

But in a win for Pell, some of the most serious allegations were dismissed due to inconsistencies in the evidence, including alleged offending at a cinema in Ballarat in Victoria in the 1970s during a screening of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind".

NO ONE ABOVE LAW

Lisa Flynn, a lawyer who has represented hundreds of abuse survivors in civil litigation claims in Australia, said the ruling proved no one was above the law.

"The charging of Pell for these alleged crimes reinforces that people should be and are treated equally in the eyes of the law," she said.

"This is a promising step forward for victims of sexual assault."

Pell's case has coincided with an Australian national inquiry into child sexual abuse, ordered in 2012 after a decade of pressure to investigate widespread allegations of institutional paedophilia.

The commission spoke to thousands of victims and heard claims of abuse involving churches, orphanages, sporting clubs, youth groups and schools.

Pell appeared before it three times, once in person and twice via video-link from Rome over the Church's handling of complaints against paedophile priests.

Australia's Catholic leaders have previously spoken out in support of him, describing Pell as a "thoroughly decent man".

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne on Tuesday said Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart would be making no comment.

But it added that "Archbishop Hart expressed his confidence in the judicial system in Australia and said that justice must now take its course".

The Catholic Church globally has been plagued by allegations of sex abuse among priests, with the scandals haunting the papacy of Pope Francis, who in February announced the Vatican was reviving its anti-paedophile panel.

It followed a trip to Chile in January that was seen as a resounding failure after he defended a bishop accused of covering up the crimes of a paedophile priest.

Pell was one of the pope's most trusted aides, handpicked by him in 2014 to make the church's finances more transparent.

It cemented a meteoric rise by the Australian, who was Archbishop of Melbourne and then Sydney before being named to the Vatican's powerful College of Cardinals at the behest of Pope John Paul II in 2003.Seoul: South Korea, China and Japan will hold a trilateral summit in Tokyo next week, Seoul announced today, the latest move in a diplomatic whirlwind centred around North Korea.

The gathering on May 9 will bring together the South's President Moon Jae-in, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, in the neighbours' first such meeting for more than two years.

It follows a historic and headline-grabbing summit between Moon and the North's leader Kim Jong Un last Friday. They vowed to pursue denuclearization and a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War, setting the mood for Kim's much-anticipated face-to-face encounter with US President Donald Trump.

But analysts have urged caution, warning that similar previous pledges have come to nothing and that the North has yet to make clear what concessions it is willing to make with its nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

All three of the neighbours are deeply involved with North Korea -- the South as its neighbour, key US ally Japan as a sometime target for its threats, and China as its key diplomatic backer and business partner.

Friday's summit, in which Kim and Moon exchanged smiles, handshakes and warm words in front of the world's cameras, was a marked contrast to the tensions of last year. The North staged its most powerful nuclear test to date and launched missiles capable of reaching the US mainland as Kim and Trump traded threats of war and personal insults, sparking global security fears.

The thaw between the Koreas, triggered by the Winter Olympics in the South, has repercussions for the geopolitics of the region. Japan has long maintained a hardline position on negotiations with Pyongyang but has found itself left on the sidelines.

With concerning growing in Tokyo over whether it should change tack, a hawkish Abe expressed a willingness to meet Kim -- a message which Moon relayed to the North's leader during the summit. Kim said in response he was "willing to talk to Japan any time", Moon's office said on Sunday, adding the South's leader would be "happy to build a bridge" between the two nations.

But Moon's trip to Tokyo will be the first visit by a South Korean leader to Japan in more than six years, with relations between the two US allies marred by disputes over history and territory.

During a day-long visit to Tokyo, Moon will "share the result of the inter-Korea summit and discuss ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation to denuclearise and establish peace on the Korean peninsula", Moon's office said in a statement.

Moon also asked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Tuesday for UN inspectors to observe the promised shutdown of the North's only known nuclear testing site at Punggye-ri. In Tokyo, Moon will also have a separate summit with Abe to discuss ways to develop "future-oriented ties" with Japan, it added.

The South and Japan face a common threat from the North's rapidly-advancing nuclear weapons and missile technology, but have locked horns over the issue of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese soldiers during World War II, and a row over Seoul-controlled islets claimed by Tokyo.

The two Koreas share a bitter resentment over Japan's brutal 1910-45 occupation of the peninsula and the so-called "comfort women" are a hugely emotional issue in the South.

Moon's predecessor Park Geun-hye reached a controversial deal with Japan in 2015 under which Tokyo offered one billion yen ($8.3 million) to the victims. But some of them slammed the deal, saying it did not oblige Japan to take legal responsibility, and Moon has repeatedly urged Tokyo to do more.

Life-size bronze statues of a girl symbolising "comfort women" have been installed in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul and its consulate in Busan. Dozens of activists clashed with police today as they attempted to set up another statue commemorating slave labourers at the Busan site.

Ties are further strained by the islets called Dokdo in Seoul and Takeshima by Tokyo. This dispute was referenced by Seoul at the inter-Korean summit with a banquet dessert featuring a peninsula map including them, drawing an angry protest from Japan.

The last visit by a South Korean head of state to Japan was 2011 when then-President Lee Myung-bak met then-Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. But ties soured after Lee made a surprise visit to Dokdo a year later.Washington: The porn actress alleging an affair with President Donald Trump is escalating her legal fight, suing the president for defamation.

Stormy Daniels filed the complaint in federal court in New York on Monday. At issue is a tweet Trump made in which he dismissed a composite sketch that Daniels says depicted a man who threatened her in 2011 to stay quiet about her alleged sexual encounter with Trump.

In the tweet earlier in April, Trump said: "A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!"

The filing says the tweet was "false and defamatory," arguing that Trump was speaking about Daniels and that he "knew that his false, disparaging statement would be read by people around the world, as well as widely reported."

It also says Daniels has been "exposed to death threats and other threats of physical violence."

Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, is seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages. Her attorney Michael Avenatti said Monday: "We intend on teaching Mr. Trump that you cannot simply make things up about someone and disseminate them without serious consequences."

The lawsuit is the latest legal move from Daniels, who already is suing to be released from a non-disclosure deal she agreed to days before the 2016 election in exchange for $130,000. The payment was made by the president's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. That civil lawsuit was delayed in federal court in Los Angeles on Friday, with the judge citing a criminal investigation that Cohen is facing.

Cohen asked for a delay after FBI agents raided his home and office several weeks ago. The FBI was seeking records about the nondisclosure agreement. Cohen's attorney said in court last week that because the criminal investigation overlaps with issues in the lawsuit, his client's right against self-incrimination could be adversely impacted because he won't be able to respond and defend himself.

Aided by her hard-charging attorney, Michael Avenatti, Daniels has aggressively sought to keep her case in the public eye. Several weeks ago, she revealed a sketch on ABC's "The View" that she said depicts the man who warned her in 2011 to stay quiet about a 2006 tryst with Trump.

Trump faces a number of allegations about his sexual exploits long before he ran for president. The White House says Trump did not have a sexual encounter with Daniels, and the president has denied the other allegations as well.

Trump is also facing a New York defamation lawsuit filed by Summer Zervos, a former contestant on "The Apprentice." Zervos has accused Trump of unwanted sexual contact in 2007 and sued him after he dismissed the claims as made up. A judge ruled that lawsuit can move forward.San Antonio: San Antonio police said a woman has been jailed for slashing her husband with a kitchen knife after catching him looking at other women during a night out together.

Authorities said 27-year-old Star Perez was with her husband celebrating a city festival called Fiesta on Saturday when she complained he was ogling others.

An argument erupted when they returned home and authorities allege Perez grabbed the knife and swung at her husband, striking him in the arm. He ran outside and called police. The man told officers that his wife said, "I could kill you."

Perez is being held on Tuesday at the Bexar County jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Online jail records don't indicate whether she has an attorney to comment for her.404

We're sorry! The page you were looking for couldn't be found.GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more"We've connected microscopic theories for the mechanics of granular flowing with the world's largest granular material  an ice melange," says Justin Burton, a physicist at Emory University and lead author of the research. The time lapse video, by co-author Jason Amundson of the University of Alaska Southeast, shows icebergs breaking off of the glacier and entering the melange in Ilulissat fjord.

The laws for how granular materials flow apply even at the giant, geophysical scale of icebergs piling up in the ocean at the outlet of a glacier, scientists have shown.

The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) published the findings, describing the dynamics of the clog of icebergs  known as an ice melange  in front of Greenlands Jakobshavn Glacier. The fast-moving glacier is considered a bellwether for the effects of climate change.

Weve connected microscopic theories for the mechanics of granular flowing with the worlds largest granular material  a glacial ice melange, says Justin Burton, a physicist at Emory University and lead author of the paper. Our results could help researchers who are trying to understand the future evolution of the Greenland and Antarctica ice sheets. Weve showed that an ice melange could potentially have a large and measurable effect on the production of large icebergs by a glacier.

The National Science Foundation funded the research, which brought together physicists who study the fundamental mechanics of granular materials in laboratories and glaciologists who spend their summers exploring polar ice sheets.

Glaciologists generally deal with slow, steady deformation of glacial ice, which behaves like thick molasses  a viscous material creeping towards the sea, says co-author Jason Amundson, a glaciologist at the University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau. Ice melange, on the other hand, is fundamentally a granular material  essentially a giant slushy  that is governed by different physics. We wanted to understand the behavior of ice melange and its effects on glaciers.DNA test confirms Jeddah bombings suicide bomber as Indian national: Saudi Arabia

Dubai : The Saudi Arabia authorities on Monday confirmed that DNA sample of one of the most wanted terrorists from Beed in Maharashtra matched with the DNA sample of a suicide bomber involved in Jeddah bombings in 2016.

Kagzi's DNA samples were sent to Saudi Arabia authorities in August 2017 on the basis of his resemblance to the 2016 Jeddah bombings suicide bomber.

"We have received confirmation from Saudi Arabian authorities that the DNA samples of Kagzi sent by us last year have matched those of the Jeddah bomber," an official told The Indian Express.

Fayaz Kagzi is believed to be the mastermind of blasts at German Bakery in 2010 and on J M Road in 2012. He is also alleged of teaching Hindi language to 26/11 Mumbai attackers.

With DNA match, Kagzi has been confirmed as one of the four bombers who attacked Saudi Arabia at three different locations. He had allegedly blown himself up while police tried to arrest him near the US consulate in Jeddah.

security men suspected a person while he was heading to the Prophets Mosque through a vacant lot of land used as a parking space for visitors cars. When they intercepted him, he blew himself by an explosive belt, which resulted in his death, the deaths of four security men, and the injury of five other security men, the Saudi Press agency said.The real collusion: CNN wins award at WH correspondents dinner based on Trump-Russia leak by former DNI Clapper  who was then hired by CNN

The stinking, fetid Washington swamp got even more unbearable for the vast majority of Americans after a White House Correspondents Dinner went off the rails thanks to the disgusting comedy of another Hollywood reprobate, Michelle Wolf, formerly of The Daily Show.

As President Donald J. Trump, who skipped the event for the second time in two years, spent the evening with real Americans in Michigan, scattered among the tasteless, degrading, debasing humor directed at his White House entourage who attended in his stead was an award given to CNN for reporting the fakest of fake news.

As reported by investigative journalist Sara A. Carter, the network was given a prestigious journalism prize for its role in publicizing a briefing given to then-President-elect Trump by intelligence officials in January 2017.

In its original report, CNN noted that the briefing included allegations that Russian operatives claim to have compromising personal and financial information about Trump. But the entire ordeal was a set-up.

Details of the meeting were subsequently leaked (surprise!) to CNN  and by one of the same senior Obama administration officials who orchestrated the briefing in the first place: Then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

Months later, in August 2017, Clapper would wind up being hired by CNN as a paid intelligence analyst.

Carter notes further:

Some are questioning now if this was ethical a pay for play of sorts as it raises serious questions about the role and responsibility that U.S. intelligence officials have when taking on paid positions as analysts for news organizations, while still retaining their high-level security clearances. It also raises similar questions about news organizations and their role of remaining objective and not paying their sources.

CNN reporters Jake Tapper, Jim Sciutto, Evan Perez and Carl Bernstein won the Merriman Smith Award for broadcast work and reporting on the debunked, unproven Russia dossier  which was the focus of that January 2017 brief given to the president-elect. (Related: Perjurer Clapper says Trump, Sessions were NOT under Obama admin surveillance, in direct opposition to published accounts.)

But as Carter notes, Clapper is the intelligence official suspected by Congress of leaking details of the briefing to CNN in the first place, as a way getting the dossier story out there.

Consider:

 The dossier had been circulating in Washington and New York media circles throughout the summer of 2016, but no one ran with it because not a single thing in it could be verified (especially one of the most salacious parts that Trump hired hookers to urinate on a bed once used by Barack and Michelle Obama when they were in Moscow).

 The briefing was a way to get the dossier story into the publics eye without anyone actually having to publish it (though Buzzfeed eventually did  and is now being sued over it). Whats more Clapper, Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan all knew that the DNC and Hillary Clintons campaign paid for the dossier.

Enter CNN: The network essentially reported that Trump was briefed about all this salacious stuff thats out there and even though its unsubstantiated, heres what is being said, yada, yada.

But all along the network  and Clapper, and former FBI Director James Comey, and anyone connected to the piece-of-trash dossier  used it as a means of undermining the Trump presidency, which has been non-stop since he took office.

And when CNN hired Clapper, naturally it did not disclose that he was believed by some in Congress to have been the source of the briefing leak after he asked Comey to give it to Trump in a private setting on Jan. 6, 2017.

As Carter notes, News agencies and reporters never disclose their sources, it would be unethical, but isnt it also unethical to pay sources for information or give sources jobs as analysts for your news outlet after theyve been illegally leaking classified information?

The answer is yes.

We have a conflict with our system here. We have statutes that prohibit the leaking of classified information but we have no laws punishing those who publish classified information. Until that conflict is resolved, the leaks will continue and our republic will always be in a state of compromise by petty Left-wing Deep Staters with an ax to grind.

See more Deep State compromising of Trump at DeepState.news.

J.D. Heyes is also editor-in-chief of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

TheNationalSentinel.com

SaraACarter.comHomophobic MSNBC hosts excuse: I wasnt hacked so I guess Im sorry  But I didnt do it, either!

Democrats have a tried and true way to bury bad news: They obfuscate, deflect, pretend to offer help, then decry a witch hunt and blame a right-wing conspiracy.

(Article by Joseph Curl republished from DailyWire.com)

A perfect example was Hillary Clinton after four Americans were killed in a terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012. First, she blamed a YouTube video for inciting the spontaneous assault on a U.S. compound. Then the Obama administration created a commission to find out what happened (which meant officials would no longer talk about it). Then she claimed to be too ill to testify before a Senate committee on the matter. Finally, when she did appear months later, she uttered the infamous line, What difference at this point does it make?

Thats how liberals work: Deny, blame others, distract, then angrily demand an end to the whole thing.

MSNBCs Joy Reid knows all about that tactic  and shes employed it with her very own scandal, with a new twist.

Reid was found to have posted homophobic rants on her now-defunct website more than a decade ago. First she said she didnt write them, then she claimed the site hade been hacked (yes, some hackers went into her old blog and posted homophobic articles to, you know, really nail Reid).

On Saturday, she moved the whole game forward. A community I support and deeply care about is hurting because of despicable and truly offensive posts being attributed to me, Reid said at the start of her show, AM Joy. Many of you have seen the blog posts circulating online and social media. Many of them are homophobic, discriminatory, and outright weird and hateful.

So far so good.

When a friend found them and sent them to me I was stunned. Frankly, I couldnt imagine where they came from and whose voice that was, Reid said. I hired cybersecurity experts to see if somebody manipulated my words or former blog and the reality is they have not been able to prove it.

Read more at: DailyWire.comNovember 11 is Veterans Day, and while Connecticut hosts a number of events to honor those who served, it turns out it's not a great state for them to live.

A recent study by financial site WalletHub analyzed each state and Washington DC to find the best and worst states for military retirees; Connecticut is number 46 out of 51.

Click through the slideshow to see the best and worst states for military retirees. Visit WalletHub for the full report.

The site looked at data ranging from veterans per capita to number of VA health facilities to job opportunities for veterans. One of Connecticut's lowest ranks is in the category of VA health facilities; the state is 47 out of 51 for number of VA health facilities per number of veterans.

RELATED: Veterans Day deals 2017

RELATED: What's open, closed on Veterans Day

While retirement in general is a hot subject and important for all Americans, veterans in particular have a lot riding on these years as they retire at a much earlier age than most civilians. The average age of military retirement is about 45.

RELATED: Veterans Day by the numbers

RELATED: Most, least patriotic states

Ironically, the worst state for military retirees is our nation's capitol, Washington DC. But the best state is its next door neighbor Virginia.

Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I.

According to the U.S. Census, Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars.Connecticut was one of 17 states to file a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday over the possible rollback of auto emission standards.

Last month, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the current standards were too high and should be revisited. He said President Barack Obamas administration cut the Midterm Evaluation process short and made assumptions about the standards that didnt comport with reality.

The Obama-era regulations would have raised efficiency requirements to about 50 miles per gallon by 2025, almost twice what they are now.

While the EPA affirmed these standards last year, in April 2018 the Trump Administration, without evidence to support the decision, reversed course and claimed that the greenhouse gas emissions standards for model years 2022 to 2025 vehicles should be scrapped, Attorney General George Jepsen said in a statement. The states believe that EPA has acted arbitrarily and capriciously, has failed to follow its own Clean Car regulations, and has violated the Clean Air Act.

This is the ninth lawsuit Connecticut has filed or joined against the EPA under President Donald Trump.

Connecticut, California and our partner states have sued the EPA in order to preserve the greenhouse gas emission standards currently in place for model year 2022 to 2025 vehicles, Jepsen said. These standards are estimated to reduce carbon pollution equivalent to 134 coal power plants burning for a year and to save drivers $1,650 per vehicle.

Connecticut and California are joined in the suit by the entire Northeast, Delaware, Washington D.C., Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington and Virginia.

The filing coincides with National Air Quality Week, which is designed to promote ways to improve air pollution.

Transportation emissions are one of the biggest contributors to the states poor air quality. It accounts for 67 percent of Connecticuts nitrous oxide emissions and 41 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

While Connecticuts stricter standards wont be rolled back by Pruitts decision, environmentalists and officials are worried about what these lower standards will mean for the pollution blown into the state.

Connecticuts air quality is considered the worst east of the Mississippi River with 96 percent of its residents health at risk from unhealthy air, according to American Lung Associations annual air quality report released last month.

In few places are stringent emissions standards more important than in Connecticut, which is plagued by serious air quality issues, Jepsen said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345"From Freedom Rides to Ferguson" gives Coursera participants an opportunity to learn from activist Bernard LaFayette Jr. in the context of locations important to the Civil Rights Movement. Here, LaFayette (left) talks with fellow activist Rev. C.T. Vivian at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church while filming for the course. Photo via Emory Libraries and Information Technology.

When Emory neuropharmacology professor Michael Kuhar first created a MOOC (massive open online course) based on the impact of addiction on the brain, he never imagined it reaching an international campus of hundreds of thousands of students.

But over the past five years, The Addicted Brain has done just that, as one of more than a dozen courses now available to online learners through a partnership between Emory and Coursera, an online course provider that serves learners across the globe.

To date, the partnership been a creative and successful endeavor, educating students around the world while showcasing the expertise of Emory faculty and demonstrating, in a tangible way, the universitys commitment to helping humanity.

Since the course launched in 2013, over 300,000 people worldwide entered the website and examined the course, and over 65,000 learners have taken all or part of it, Kuhar told a recent gathering of faculty at What Weve Learned from Teaching MOOCS, a workshop hosted by Emorys Center for Faculty Development and Excellence.

Reaching that many people is something I never dreamed would be feasible, acknowledged Kuhar, Candler Professor of Neuropharmacology at the Emory School of Medicine, a researcher with Yerkes National Primate Research Center and a senior fellow in the Emory Center for Ethics, who has taught at Emory for 23 years.

And the free, online teaching platform, which he once worried might feel stagnant, has actually proven much more interactive and dynamic than I ever imagined, he said.

In addition to the wide-reaching visibility the experience has brought to his own scholarship, publications and teaching, Kuhar has been intrigued to discover the impact his course has had on the lives of those in his global classroom, as illustrated by comments left in course reviews:

I learned a lot from this course that I have been able to use in my ministry capacity

As an addict, it was very informative and it helped in my decision to quit abusing drugs and to be clean and sober

This will definitely help me with the course I teach to 10th graders

You have provided me the foundation to have the conviction to be at the frontier of a community-owned initiative to help the Philippines War on Drugs

Classes that impact lives

Coursera was launched in 2012 with a vision of bringing free education to the masses.

Today, the company partners with some 164 universities, museums and institutions across 28 countries to produce more than 2,700 courses. Coursera typically provides the platform and the technical support; institutions offer the teaching talent and scholarship.

To date, that model has largely remained intact. Online learners may still elect to audit any number of Coursera classes at no charge or pay a fee of around $49 per course to receive a certification of completion, as opposed to formal academic credits.

But even as some other MOOC providers are beginning to focus on workplace-driven certifications and stream-of-revenue corporate customers, Emory has insisted on exercising its own distinctive strategy with online learning, says Pamela Scully, associate vice provost for faculty affairs and incoming vice provost for undergraduate education.

Our emphasis is on helping humanity, she says. We want to showcase our very best educators engaged in public educational scholarship, to feature professors doing interesting work and research with the kind of courses that exemplify Emorys ethical values.

For Emory, that has meant offering a mixture of courses with the capacity for social engagement and impact, says Scully, who has co-taught a Coursera class on Understanding Violence and oversees the Coursera initiative through the Office of the Provost.

Course development is led by the Center for Faculty Development and Excellence (CFDE) in collaboration with the Library and Information Services (LITS) Teaching and Learning Technologies production team. Faculty developing Coursera courses are given the opportunity to collaborate with Emory experts on online teaching, instructional design and video production.

From exploring the modern American civil rights movement in From Freedom Rides to Ferguson, taught by longtime civil rights activist the Rev. Bernard Lafayette Jr., to a course on the evolving Ebola epidemic and the launch of Health in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies, which starts May 7, the growing Emory catalogue of Coursera classes is supporting our mission as a university, says Scully.

Weve really been strategic about focusing on what we can bring distinctively to the Coursera experience, she adds.

For example, when Oxford College psychology professor Ken Carter was preparing to publish a new book on the psychology of thrill seekers, Emory staff in the CFDE and the LITS production team in Woodruff Library were able to help him to create a companion course through Coursera, which also debuts May 7.

Numbers show that strategy is working. Since Emory first launched Coursera classes, some 487,000 students have been drawn to the universitys courses, with an active enrollment of around 258,000. And enrollments keep climbing, notes Scully.

What faculty have learned

Beyond educating students, Coursera is also impacting the lives of Emory educators.

Were creating transformative teaching experiences for our faculty, who report a variety of benefits, from changing how they view assignment structure, increasing their books and publishing networks to what they get from sharing their expertise with a large audience and getting a different kind of feedback, says Stephanie Parisi, CFDE assistant director of online education.

Faculty interviews have revealed that visibility through Coursera teaching has led to invitations to be a part of new publications and collaborations, new connections to faculty and campus resources, and even increased book sales, Parisi reports.

But the biggest impact was on teaching, she says. What we heard was that the opportunity to work with an instructional designer, editor, producer and videographer changed how I look at my classroom and develop my materials, and I was a better instructor because of it.

Last year, Ellen Ott Marshall offered a version of a conflict skills course she teaches at Candler School of Theology to Emory faculty through the CFDE. The course so was successful, CFDE asked Marshall to develop Conflict Transformation for Coursera.

Employing discussion prompts, personal examples and peer-reviewed assignments, shes been pleased at how the course has translated to the new format. One difference: For her Coursera course, student examples of conflict can arrive from Nigeria, Sudan, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine  unique and rich perspectives.

Its remarkable to see how people are receiving what you put out there, says Marshall, associate professor of Christian ethics and conflict transformation.

And the discipline required to compress a semester-long class into an online format has helped her rethink the key points she wants to make. It refreshed me as a teacher, reminding me to communicate in a more clear and focused way the heart of the matter, she explains. Why am I yammering on about a point I can make in two minutes?

I work with doctoral students in the Graduate Division of Religion at Laney Graduate School and have realized that teaching effectively and thoughtfully through these technologies needs to be one of their skills, Marshall adds.

For Scully, its been empowering to see the long reach of a Coursera course to so many learners in so many countries, and surprising to see where it can lead. From her course on Understanding Violence, she has become an academic adviser to a documentary about Ebola in Sierra Leone, which is set to premiere on the PBS series POV.

And over time, Coursera courses can be edited and shaped, keeping material fresh. After her course on violence was already online, Scully learned former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, University Distinguished Professor at Emory, was available to add an interview to the curriculum. She jumped at the chance. Now, a portion of the course features Carter discussing his work to end violence and in support of womens rights.

Those interested in learning more about the Coursera experience or about MOOCs as public scholarship are encouraged to contact the CFDE at 404-727-5269 or Parisi at stephanie.parisi@emory.edu.See more photos from the students and faculty members who recently traveled to Havana for a week.

For some students at Emorys Oxford College, traveling to Georgia to attend school is an adventure in itself. But for a handful of Oxford students, experiencing a spring-break trip to Cuba was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Bridgette Gunnels Spanish class, Evolution of Revolution, deals with the Cuban Revolution, teaching Cuban history through the study of film, literature, in-person interviews with the local Cuban-American population, and historical texts. The class began in January with discussion of these topics, and then in March during spring break, students saw the land for themselves  a first for the school.

This was my first trip out of the country, and I expected it to be incredible, amazing and completely mind-boggling, all of which Cuba was, exclaims Erin Carter, a sophomore from Valdosta, Georgia, studying Spanish. I feel like part of the college experience is to travel, and I wanted to go to a country I did not know much about and learn about Cubas experiences and history from the perspectives of the Cuban people.

The class studies how Cuba has evolved and changed from around 1900 through the revolution to the present day, which still includes censorship and lack of technology.

On the trip, 10 students, Gunnels and two other Oxford faculty traveled to Havana for a week, staying in a residence that usually houses small community farmers who are traveling for business. They ate at restaurants most often at lunch when they were traveling around the country, but the staff at the residence cooked them breakfast and dinner using food mostly from the small farmers who stay there.

For one student, the trip was extremely personal. Amanda Rivas, a sophomore from Orlando, Florida, is studying neuroscience, behavioral biology and Spanish. Her dad was born in Cuba, and he and his family fled to the United States in 1979 as political refugees. Now with the political situation between the U.S. and Cuba, she says visiting Cuba is extremely difficult for her, her dad and their Cuban-born family members.

My family was torn on me going (on the trip), Rivas admits, adding that visiting Cuba through her school is basically the only way she could do so. (They said) it would be very anti-American and (the Cubans) wouldnt be happy to hear that my family was from Cuba.

Although her grandparents especially were against her going to Cuba and her family told her not to mention her family history to anyone in Cuba, Rivas decided to take the trip and even share with a few locals her heritage.

It was the opposite of what I expected, Rivas says, adding that the first person she told was one of their tour guides, who was brought to tears because she felt there is hope that other Cubans would return to the country, too. It was a very eye-opening experience. They were incredibly welcoming and loving. I knew I had to see it for myself.

Rivas, co-president of Ole, the Oxfords Hispanic organization, says the trip was extremely emotional and life changing.

From the moment I got off the plane, I was crying because I was there and my family wasnt and couldnt be, she recalls. (A trip like this) really gives hope to Cubans.

Uniquely Cuban perspectives

While on their trip, the students and faculty heard from government and academic officials, a Cuban sociologist, an art historian from the University of Havana, Cuban artists and religious healers, among others.



They werent hearing from the American voice. They were hearing from an actual Cuban and that is critical, says Gunnels, assistant professor of Spanish. We were able to interact with uniquely Cuban voices and perspectives, from the talks with dignitaries to the Cuban-produced video montages about Playa Giron. These resources are unavailable on U.S. soil, and thus contribute greatly to the caliber of the experience.



In addition to taking day trips to the Bay of Pigs and Matanzas, they also visited the Cuban Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of the Revolution, which Gunnels feels students benefited the most from seeing.

All of the exhibits are curated from the Cuban perspective, which presents students with optimal opportunities to compare historical perspectives and narratives, she says.

Daniel Huff, a sophomore from Denver, Colorado, majoring in Spanish, physics and astronomy, says the trip gave him a more realistic experience  something more concrete than hearing about Cuba in history class or in the news. He enjoyed seeing the culture, hearing music that he especially loved, talking to people that he otherwise would never meet, and exploring the land.

He says one of the most surprising things was how much the Cubans socialize and how mobile they are.

They spend a lot of time outside of their homes and interacting with one another, Huff notes.

Sharing experiences

For two students, this was their first trip outside of the United States.

I had only heard it was a great vacation spot before I took this class, says Niah Thomas, a sophomore from Addison, Illinois, who studies Spanish, German and linguistics at Oxford. I wasnt sure what to expect. While I had heard about the underdevelopment of the country, I wasnt prepared for what I encountered. I saw so many old-fashioned cars. It was surreal.

Before taking the class and visiting Cuba, she felt ignorant about the problems of other countries, but she admits she felt free and relaxed while she was on the trip.

While the first day without Wi-Fi was tough for me, after that, I preferred not to have it, she recalls. I had so much more fun, and I learned so much more when my head wasnt buried in my phone.

She says she enjoyed getting to know the locals, who were nice and willing to share their feelings.

I liked getting to know them and talking about what was normal in their culture and what they valued, she says, adding that they werent consumed with their appearances. They also were very interested in learning about American culture, so I was happy to share my experiences as well.

The class continues at Oxford until the end of the semester.Millions of Americans choose to supplement their Original Medicare benefits with additional coverage that helps to cover the gaps. Medigap plans in America are standardized, and for decades, Medigap Plan F has been a top seller. This is largely because it covers all of the deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that would normally be your responsibility after Original Medicare pays its share. Beneficiaries insured with a Plan F policy pay nothing for doctor visits, lab work, surgeries, hospital stays, and much more.

This type of first-dollar coverage provides huge peace of mind to Medicare recipients as they age because their costs are predictable. If there is an illness that requires extensive treatment, they don't need to worry about what kind of bills will be showing up in their mailbox.

However, in 2020, this will be changing because Plan F and Plan C are being discontinued.

Why Plans Are Being Discontinued

In 2015, Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. Part of this legislation will outlaw the sale of Medigap plans (on or after January 1st, 2020) that pay for the Part B deductible to a newly eligible Medicare beneficiary. In 2018, the annual Part B deductible is $183.

Since Plan C and F both pay for this deductible, they will no longer be available to new beneficiaries. The reasoning behind the law is that Congress doesn't want people to have plans that pay for literally everything because that might encourage people to access medical care more often.

Individuals who know they must pay for their own Part B deductible once a year might think twice about visiting the doctor for a minor ailment. Fewer doctor visits equal less spending by Medicare itself.

To be sure, there are many people who don't agree with the thinking behind this. Opponents of the legislation pointed out that Plans C and F cost more than other Medigap plans. So, if someone has the funds to actually purchase first-dollar coverage, why shouldn't they be able to?

Nonetheless, the legislation passed, so we must all abide by it.

Considerations for Your Plan Choices

One silver lining in this change is that people who are already insured by a Medigap Plan C or F will be able to keep their coverage. It is only new enrollees who will not have the option to buy it.

Therefore, this leaves many current Medicare enrollees with some decisions to make: enroll in Plan F now so you can keep it or switch out of Plan F before it is discontinued.

Beneficiaries who stay insured on these plans could find that after 2020, the rates for these plans will begin to creep up. This is certainly possible, as the block of insured individuals will be aging with no new and younger policyholders joining the group.

However, people with Plan F will still be able to shop their policy when rate increases happen. If they find another Plan F with better rates, they can switch if they are able to pass the medical underwriting to do so. In some states, including California and Oregon, individuals with Medigap policies have a short annual window for 30 days after their birthday to change to an equal or lesser Medigap policy without any underwriting.

Some beneficiaries are choosing to leave Plan F now and enroll in other Medigap plans that are not going away. Plan G is a good example. It covers all the same services that Plan F does except for the Part B deductible. Although Plan G policyholders will have to pay the Part B deductible if they incur any medical services, the premiums for Plan G are often considerably lower, making that plan a good value either way.

Soon-to-be Medicare enrollees should review pricing and coverage for various options before choosing. It's important also to consider the costs of Medicare itself so that you can be sure you've adequately saved for the costs of healthcare in retirement.

Regardless of where you plan to retire, the number one factor in ensuring that you can retire on your terms is your 401(k). Make sure that your 401(k) is maximizing its potential with this free analysis that checks your fees, fund mix, and other factors to help you hit your retirement goals.

Photo iStockphoto.com/Double_VisionLONDON (AP)  Britain's Natural History Museum has disqualified a photograph from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition after concluding that the image of an anteater moving toward a termite mound at night involved a taxidermy specimen.

The photograph taken in Brazil's Emas National Park won the "Animals in their Environment" category in 2017.NORWALK  Ever since Marissa Howlett started going to school, her parents have encouraged her to fulfill a dream they werent able to achieve: to graduate from college.

The youngest of three, Howlett will be the first in her family to go to college in the fall. She has decided on Trinity College in Hartford, where she plans on getting a biology degree and going to medical school afterward.

She reflected on how she got to this point on a recent afternoon, while sitting in the living room with her parents  all three of them wearing blue and gold Trinity College T-shirts.

They quickly agreed the many nights of studying and an early morning commute from their Bridgeport home to the Center for Global Studies at Brien McMahon High School were worth it in the end.

Its been a journey for her, said her mother, Marvalyn.

But I would do it all over again, Marissa Howlett added.

Marissa Howletts dream is to become a doctor, travel around the world and eventually set up a clinic in Jamaica, where some of her relatives still live. Her parents dream is for her to be happy and to succeed in life, achieving far more than they were able to without a college education.

Education was important in their families but was limited to a few, her parents said, since their families couldnt afford to send all of their siblings to college. The father, Raymond, grew up as the oldest of seven and had to put his education on hold, so he could take care of his younger siblings. Marvalyn Howlett had to postpone her education after her older and younger siblings died at an early age, becoming a surrogate to their children.

Without a college degree, both had to work odd jobs to make ends meet since they moved to the U.S. in the late 80s and early 90s. This is a lifestyle they hope Marissa will be able to break away from.

All I want her to do is to be herself and whatever comes out of the end product is OK with me because its all about her, not about us, Raymond Howlett said. Shes not doing anything for us, shes doing it for her.

And even though I didnt get to go college myself, as long as she reach her goal in life or graduate from college, I can be at peace with myself in terms of, you know, I sacrificed myself for them to go to that other level, Marvalyn Howlett added.

Marissa Howlett said she couldnt have gotten into college without the support of her parents, school community and the Stamford-based Matthew Gaffney Foundation, which guides students from low-income families in Fairfield County through the college acceptance and financial aid process.

Through the foundations help, Howlett received a $68,000 annual scholarship and is one of 11 students the foundation has helped get into colleges from the beginning of their junior year through its 18-month program. Students who are accepted go on college visits, receive one-on-one SAT sessions and get help with college applications, among other services.

Since the foundations inception in 2002, more than 100 students have gained acceptance to and financial aid from colleges across the country  with more applicants each year, executive director Margaret Benedict said.

The foundation received 300 applications this year, compared to several they received during its first year, she said. This year, the foundation is supporting 15 students, 10 of which are from Norwalk High and two from Brien McMahon.

We not only show them they can get into these great schools but we make it possible for them to graduate to become a part of society, Benedict said. And if were going to help people get out of poverty, were going to have to get them out of college and get a degree that can change their lives and their familys lives.

While its hard to tell whether the number of first-generation college students has increased in general, Benedict said the foundation has been able to reach more of them by partnering with Brien McMahon, Norwalk High School and other schools around the area.

This partnership helped identify students in need like Solomon Zapata, a senior at Norwalk High School who received a full ride to Lehigh University through the foundation. He plans on studying bioengineering in the fall so he can eventually find or create a new metal more flexible than titanium.

This has become his ultimate goal in life after his father got into an accident several years ago and had to get titanium bolts and rods to stabilize his back.

His fathers injury and his parents sacrifice in leaving Colombia for a new life in the U.S. are what motivate him to succeed in college and beyond, Zapata said.

I took that as I would have to repay them for all the sacrifices theyve done for me and my brother, Zapata said.

This is also true for Doug Mattos, a senior at Center for Global Studies, another student supported by the foundation. He is going to Lafayette College in Pennsylvania with a $72,000 annual scholarship with plans to study either mechanical engineering or computer science.

When he asked his father, Fernando, whether it was worth the sacrifice to leave Portugal to move to the U.S., his father nodded without hesitation, saying in Portuguese that it doesnt matter what he chooses to do as long as he is happy.

My mom always jokes around, Get the degree at least for me. Ill hang it up on my wall, Doug Mattos said, laughing.

Im making sure that their sacrifice, all the stuff that theyve given up, isnt going to waste, he said. I guess that kind of like feels like an obligation as having immigrant parents  we just want to make them proud because theyve given so much for us to be here and thats the only way you can really think of truly repaying them for all the sacrifice theyve given us.

The same applies to James Roberts, although his parents arent immigrants. Family, in general, played a big part in his decision to go to college even though his parents seemed to have done just fine without a degree, he said.

The Norwalk High School senior didnt think about higher education until seventh grade, when his older sister went off to college. That time was also full of drastic changes that made him feel like he needed to put forth more effort in school  his parents divorce, Hurricane Sandy and the realization that he needed to be a role model for his younger brother.

So he started looking into colleges early on and discovered his interest in biomedical engineering at Norwalk High, around the time he lost his grandfather, who had difficulties with his pacemaker. This, along with his fathers encouragement, pushed him to pursue a career related to the development of prosthetic limbs and other devices.

Last year, he successfully built a prosthetic arm with several of his classmates for a 6-year-old. The child ended up using the arm so much that it broke, so Roberts built another one earlier this year.

My dad really pushed me in the direction of going to college. He said because of how competitive the job field is becoming, college is necessary, Roberts said. He wanted me to take the step further, because you always want better for your kids.

skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2568; @stephaniehnkimU.S. marshals Monday arrested 34-year-old New Haven man on a murder charge after he fled the state following a daylight shooting that killed a 35-year-old man.

Elias Jamar Rivers, of 1551 Chapel St., faces charges of murder, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon and carrying a pistol without a permit. Rivers arrest record goes back to September 2000, said Officer Dave Hartman, a New Haven police spokesman. Rivers himself had been shot Feb. 7, 2017, in a case that unsolved  likely due to what detectives called Rivers lack of cooperation, Hartman said.

On April 11, 2018, at 12:21p.m., New Haven police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1500 block of Chapel Street and located the victim, Eric Lewis. He was pronounced dead Yale New Haven Hospital a short time later.

During the course of their investigation, Rivers was identified as a suspect, Hartman said, and on April 20, New Haven police requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force in tracking down Rivers .

Through investigative resources the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force and New Haven Police Department believed that Rivers had fled the state and was hiding out in the Raleigh, (North Carolina area), Hartman said in a news release.

On Monday, U.S. Marshals here requested assistance from their counterparts in Raleigh, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Brian ONeill said in a release, and within hours Rivers was taken into custody in Mount Olive, North Carolina, a small township about 70 miles southeast of Raleigh,

Rivers was held in lieu of $2 million bail pending extradition to Connecticut.

Veteran homicide Detective Michael Wuchek secured the warrant. Police did not disclose a motive in the slaying.

Police Lts. Brett Runlett and Karl Jacobson praised the great deal of work put in by New Haven detectives and the speedy work of the U.S. marshals.

This is team-work, said New Haven police Chief Anthony Campbell. Its so very important that we can report this news to the victims family. I commend all of those that put in such a heartfelt effort to close this case.NEW HAVEN  Mayor Toni N. Harp is featured in Mays edition of Essence Magazine as one of the African American women leaders who is an agent of change for her community.

Harp, who was joined by 18 other African American women mayors from across the country, was one of the women selected for the magazines Woke 100 list that recognizes African American women who are proven change agents, shape-shifters and power players across the nation and beyond.

Harp posed with the other mayorsincluding those of Washington, D.C.; Atlanta, Georgia; and Charlotte, North Carolinaunder a portrait of abolitionist Frederick Douglass during a visit to D.C. Jan. 26 this year held at the Hay-Adams hotel.

When I think about all of the people these mayors represent and the impact they can have on the political thinking in America, it blows my mind, Harp said in the article. What occurs to me is that this is just the beginning  a beginning that indicates something has changed in America. One, that women are considered leaders, particularly African-American women, and that Black women are leaders in large cities and small cities are trusted to take care of the overall political apparatus of that community.

The mayors discussed their political journeys, shared stories, and passed on sage advice and lessons learned, according to the Essence article. Each mayor brought the unique challenges and rewards of leading their constituency to the room, but were all moved by one common idea. Black women must lead.

The article celebrates the women as capable leaders who are breaking through barriers and tackling a number of political issues, especially structural systems that affect marginalized communities and women, the Essence post said.

The story follows up on the Year of the Black Woman Mayors article the magazine published in 2017 that highlighted the number of Black women entering politics.

Now in her third term, Harp was the first woman elected mayor of the city. She previously was a longtime state senator, who served as chairwoman of the powerful Appropriations Committee. She took on President Donald Trump early this year when she and others boycotted a scheduled White House appearance after the Justice Department sent letters to 23 jurisdictions seeking more cooperation from so-called sanctuary cities. Trump noted Harps absence during the meeting.

Harp, a Democrat, confirmed at the time that she decided not attend the meeting after learning 23 cities were being cited by Trumps administration over their role as sanctuary cities. The Associated Press reported the letters sent threatened to issue subpoenas if cities dont turn over documents proving theyre not withholding information over immigration status of people in custody.In a few days it is a day for celebration. Its Cinco de Mayo, and coincidentally, it is my birthday. The day celebrates Mexicos victory over France in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. What I find interesting is that it is believed the day is celebrated with more gusto here in the United States, than in its native country, although it is a big celebration in Puebla. Here, it has become a celebration of Mexican heritage, culture, and of course, food and drink; similar to how we recognize Irish culture on St. Patricks Day. The 5th of May, is a day many prepare Mexican-inspired fare for a party, and a batch of margaritas to wash it all down; this year especially, since it falls on a weekend! To help you make Saturdays fiesta unique and mouth-watering, these party-perfect recipes will do the trick.

For those who wish to go out and enjoy Mexican food and have some fun, restaurants, and not only Mexican ones are planning festivities and menus that go beyond guacamole, chips, and margaritas.

My cooking inspiration comes from blogs, food manufacturers websites and of course, cookbooks. These featured recipes are from Rio Luna, a company manufacturing canned organic jalapenos and peppers and McCormick.

I am a fan of Mexican hot chocolate, so when I saw the recipe for Jalapeno Brownies, I knew it would be perfect for a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Those who enjoy chocolate and the heat of jalapenos, this recipe from Rio Luna is a must.

Jalapeno Brownies

 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 can (4 ounces) Rio Luna jalapenos, pureed

1 teaspoon vanilla

 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

 teaspoon baking powder

Powdered sugar (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, jalapenos and vanilla until blended.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; add to egg mixture. Mix just until combined. Pour into a greased 8-by-8-inch baking pan.

Bake 15-20 minutes, or until brownies pull away from sides of pan easily. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving for added flavor and enhanced presentation.

I suggest for those who might just a touch of heat, use a little less of the jalapenos.

Easy Cheesy Taco Dip

1 pound lean ground beef (substitute ground turkey if preferred)

1 package McCormick Cheesy Taco Mix

 cup milk

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese

Optional: garnish such as sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes

Brown meat in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Drain fat. Stir in seasoning mix and milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce to low; simmer 2 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Spread cream cheese in a shallow microwaveable dish. Top with eat mixture. Microwave on high for 45 seconds to a minute or until cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips and optional garnish.

Taco Tater-Topped Casserole

1 pound lean ground beef

1 package McCormick Taco seasoning mix

2 cups salsa

2 cups frozen corn

1 cup frozen chopped bell pepper and onion blend

1 cup water

1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

1 pound frozen fried potato nuggets

Optional toppings: chopped avocado, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream or lime wedges.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown beef in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Drain fat. Stir in seasoning mix, salsa, frozen vegetables and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in beans and 1 cup of the cheese until well blended. Spoon into greased 13x9 inch baking dish. Top with potato nuggets. Bake for 25 minutes or until potato nuggets are golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with remaining cup of cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Serve with desired toppings.

For the recipe for Cheesy Taco Empanadas, visit https://bit.ly/2qXT5Lp

What chef would you like me to interview? Which restaurant recipes or other recipes would you like to have? Which food products are you having difficulty finding? Do you have cooking questions? Send them to me: Stephen Fries, professor and coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College, at gw-stephen.fries@gwcc.commnet.edu or Dept. FC, Gateway Community College, 20 Church St., New Haven, 06510. Include your full name, address and phone number. (Due to volume, I might not be able to publish every request. For more, go to stephenfries.com.)

CULINARY CALENDAR

Consiglios Murder Mystery Dinner Taking Mom Out May 4, doors at 6 p.m., dinner and show at 7, Consiglios Restaurant, 165 Wooster St., New Haven, reservations at 203-865-4489, http://bit.ly/2cyB02Y. $55 includes dinner and show (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). That phrase takes on a whole new meaning when you bring her to an interactive mystery party! There may be more than one victim this time!

A Taste of Greece, May 5, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m., Saint Barbara Church Social Hall, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, 203-795-1347. Features the well-known cuisine of the church. Treat your taste buds to Moussaka, Spanakopita, Gyro, Pastitsio, Greek Salad, Souvlaki, Baklava, Greek coffee. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer with your meal. Eat-in or Take-out. Food Items range from $4 to $13. Dessert from $1 to $3. Free admission and free parking. www.saintbarbara.org

The Art of Pairing Wine and Cheese, May 8, 6-7:30 p.m., Caseus Fromagerie Bistro, 93 Whitney Ave., New Haven, 203-624-3373, $45. Ever wonder just how we come up with our pairings and why they work? Join us as we demystify the art of pairing. Tickets at https://bit.ly/2JYkzcl

Consiglios Cooking Demonstration and Dinner: May 10, 6:30 p.m., Consiglios Restaurant, 165 Wooster St., New Haven, 203-865-4489 (reservations required), $75 (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Learn how to make beef carpaccio, beet and asparagus salad with tarragon vinaigrette, salmon over spring vegetable Risotto, Buddino (Italian Butterscotch Pudding) Class also offered May 17 and 31.

Gathering of the Bines Beer Festival , May 19, two sessions, noon-3:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm, Two Roads Brewing Company, 1700 Stratford Ave., Stratford, Tastings of beer from 45+ breweries. Local food trucks will be selling food. $35 for general admission and $15 for designated drivers. 203-335-2010, Details and tickets at https://bit.ly/2r3VqEt.Consider the world's official figures on some of the major issues facing humanity. According to the United Nations, roughly 793 million people are undernourished; 767 million live in extreme poverty; and 2 billion do not have a safely managed water drinking service.

The global jobs situation? According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), unemployment is only 5.6%. That's "only" about 260 million people. That feels low considering that for the past decade, Gallup's World Poll surveys have continued to show that the entire world wants a good job.

The problem lies in how the world defines and measures unemployment. The ILO recommends a broad framework of labor force statistics to national statistics offices worldwide. Most countries collect these data using surveys.

These surveys ask people questions like, "Did you work 30 or more hours in the past week?" Then they ask whether they worked for an employer or themselves. If they aren't employed, people are asked whether they are looking for work. The resulting data become the official employment statistics for the country.

You might assume that the world's poorest countries have the highest unemployment rates and the richest countries have the lowest. Not according to the official unemployment figures. Some poorer countries such as Cambodia or Belarus boast some of the lowest unemployment rates in the world.

Rich countries such as France or the greater eurozone have at least three times the rate of unemployment of those poorer countries. In fact, there is no statistical relationship between GDP per capita and unemployment across all countries.

Here is the heart of the problem. Think of subsistence farmers in Africa or people selling trinkets on the street in India. Did they work 30 or more hours in the past week? Absolutely. Though their work is hardly meeting their needs, they still have what global agencies define as work. They are officially self-employed, which means they are not unemployed.

The reason official unemployment figures appear so low in some of these poorer countries is that so many of the truly unemployed are considered self-employed. In the developing world, the self-employed make up roughly 30% of the workforce. This can be confusing because when we hear "self-employed," terms such as "small-business owner" or "entrepreneur" come to mind.

However, most of those categorized as self-employed in the developing world aren't small-business owners or entrepreneurs. When you look at who lives on less than $2 a day, the self-employed appear almost identical to the unemployed. This is because most of these self-employed jobs aren't really jobs.

So, What Is a Good Job?

Let's consider a real job or a good job -- the type of job the whole world wants -- as at least 30 hours per week of consistent work with a paycheck from an employer. Based on this definition, 1.4 billion out of the world's roughly 5 billion adults have a good job.

So who are the other 3.6 billion? About 1 billion people are self-employed; about 300 million work part time and do not want full-time work; about 400 million work part time but want full-time work; 260 million are unemployed; and the rest are out of the workforce. Not all of the self-employed are hopelessly unemployed, but we can conservatively estimate that at least half of them are.

Those 500 million added to the 400 million part-time workers who want full-time work and the unemployed total roughly 1 billion people who are truly unemployed. That figure of about 1 billion, which is just shy of one-third of the entire world's adult workforce of 3.3 billion, would put global unemployment closer to 33% than to the 5.6% that the ILO estimates.

Measuring Whether People Love or Hate Their Jobs

There is another problem with current jobs metrics: There is no figure that measures the quality of people's jobs.

I recently spoke with a global economist about measuring the quality of jobs. She told me her organization was hoping to accomplish this using two metrics: pay and benefits. The problem is that neither metric measures whether people love or hate their job. When people have a job they hate, they are more likely than people who do not work at all to rate their lives poorly.

One way to help quantify those intangibles is to ask people about their jobs and their work. Gallup does this through a metric known as employee engagement. Using a short list of questions, we categorize workers into one of three categories: engaged, not engaged or -- worst of all -- actively disengaged.

People who are engaged at work or, in other words, have a "great job," can do what they do best, have the equipment to do their jobs effectively, and have a strong sense of mission and purpose in their work.

Gallup asked our engagement questions worldwide and found that between 2015 and 2016, out of the 1.4 billion adults who have good jobs, roughly 16% are engaged. Out of a global workforce of an estimated 3.3 billion adults who are working or looking for work, then, only 7% or 214 million people have a great job. This means about 3 billion people who want a great job don't have one.

The dream of men and women around the world is to have a good job and, ultimately, a great job. Yet only 214 million people are realizing this dream. Global leaders need to make "great job" creation a top priority. Using better metrics to understand the real jobs situation is a start.

The 2018 Global Great Jobs Briefing is the latest of Gallup's recent reports on the global workplace. The briefing updates the real jobs situation in 128 countries and shows where the greatest gaps remain between the good and great jobs that people want and need.

It complements the State of the Global Workplace report, which provides countries, leaders and organizations with actionable advice on what they need to close these gaps.

Find out how your country rates on good and great jobs in the 2018 Global Great Jobs Briefing.

Learn what countries, leaders and organizations can do to create great jobs in the State of the Global Workplace report.

##SPEEDBUMP##North Augusta, SC (29841)

Today

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 81F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.Patents and IP licensing

The NRC is looking for Canadian industry partners to fully exploit our R&D solutions. Licensing opportunities can be discussed by contacting NRC.IPModels-ModelesPI.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or by exploring some of our technologies on ExploreIP, Canadas IP Marketplace.Cannes International Film Festival Emerging Filmmakers Selection Life in Color Stars New York Film Academy Acting Grad Ioanna Meli

May 1, 2018 Life in Color is an official selection in the 2018 Cannes International Film Festival Emerging Filmmakers category, starring New York Film Academy (NYFA) Acting for Film alum Ioanna Meli.





As The American Pavilion Emerging Filmmakers Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival describes , the special event has offered opportunities for students worldwide to showcase their works for the Cannes Festival and Film Market since 1989, with only the top 27 of the films selected to screen.will screen as a part of the Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ Showcase on Sunday, May 13, 208, from 4-6 p.m -- and Ioanna Meli will be in attendance.Directed by Bishal Dutta,tells the story of an aging, closeted gay man with Alzheimers who struggles against his strong-willed daughter to hold on to the memory of the long lost love of his life. Along with the prestigious honor of screening at Cannes, the film has shown as part of the Silicon Beach Film Festival in LA.

LIFE IN COLOR - Trailer from Bishal Dutta on Vimeo.

2018, 21 min., USA, Drama/LGBTQDirector: Bishal DuttaWriters: Bishal Dutta, Matt McClellandProducer: Olivia ShapiroCast: Bart McCarthy, Ioanna Meli, Sean McBrideWorking with the team and developing the role of Beth, the daughter, was one of the most rewarding experiences Ive had as an actor so far, Ioanna Meli told NYFA. Beths torment in trying to understand her father and the childhood she was deprived of, while fighting her own beliefs, was a challenging journey to go on to. And to be honest, I always feel a little extra lucky getting to work with directors as generous as Bishal Dutta -- his direction was insightful and clear, yet allowed for the building of the characters and the relationships between them to develop organically.Meli has previously appeared in The Rockspromo, along with numerous other short films and TV series, including, andAnthony Scaramucci, the Wall Street investor whose short tenure as President Trumps White House communications director elevated him to national prominence, is not going to sell his hedge fund company to a Chinese conglomerate after all, the two companies announced on Monday.

The conglomerate, HNA Group, is closely tied to the Chinese government. In a joint statement, HNA and Mr. Scaramuccis firm, SkyBridge Capital, said the two sides had agreed not to pursue the deal, but would still work together to try to sell SkyBridges offerings to Chinese investors.

Mr. Scaramucci didnt respond to requests for comment. In a recent interview, he said he was excited to be back working at his hedge fund company, and Mondays statement said he would be serving as the firms co-managing partner.

HNA, which is on shaky financial footing after an international acquisition spree, agreed in January 2017 to buy Mr. Scaramuccis stake in SkyBridge. Mr. Scaramucci founded the company to place investors money into a selection of hedge funds.In a ruling with potentially sweeping consequences for the so-called gig economy, the California Supreme Court on Monday made it much more difficult for companies to classify workers as independent contractors rather than employees.

The decision could eventually require companies like Uber, many of which are based in California, to follow minimum-wage and overtime laws and to pay workers compensation and unemployment insurance and payroll taxes, potentially upending their business models.

Industry executives have estimated that classifying drivers and other gig workers as employees tends to cost 20 to 30 percent more than classifying them as contractors. It also brings benefits that can offset these costs, though, like the ability to control schedules and the manner of work.

Its a massive thing  definitely a game-changer that will force everyone to take a fresh look at the whole issue, said Richard Meneghello, a co-chairman of the gig-economy practice group at the management-side law firm Fisher Phillips.As the power elite of Washington filed out of the White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday, chattering about the rough-and-tumble set by the comedian Michelle Wolf, the White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, was invited to pose for a portrait with her fellow honorees on the dais.

Ms. Wolf smiled for the camera. But Ms. Sanders declined, not wanting to appear in a photo alongside the comedian, according to two people who described the exchange.

It was an early ripple of the tsunami to come. Ms. Wolfs punch lines about Ms. Sanders and Kellyanne Conway, another prominent woman in the Trump administration, set off a high-dudgeon debate that raised the possibility that Saturdays edition of the nearly 100-year-old dinner could be the last of its kind.

It will not surprise you to hear that my email inbox is overflowing with advice on how to improve the dinner, Olivier Knox, the incoming president of the White House Correspondents Association, said in an interview on Monday. He reeled off the possibilities now on the table: No entertainer. No comic. A serious speaker. Maybe a musician. Maybe dont televise it.TUESDAY PUZZLE  Jacob Stulberg returns with a puzzle that might slow you down a bit every once in a while. I call those points where you have to stop and think about what you are doing speed bumps because the ideal solve is one where you can just cruise right through from start to finish.

To be fair, there are speed bumps in every puzzle, and they differ for everyone based on our wheelhouses, dont they? But today  in certain places, at least  we will share those slowdowns.

Before we talk about the puzzle, however, I wanted to share a fascinating Medium article by Ismail Ali Manik called How to Think Like an Astronaut. Mr. Maniks article pulls some of the ideas from Col. Chris Hadfields book An Astronauts Guide to Life on Earth, highlighting Colonel Hadfields opinions on why its important to be mentally flexible, as well as why your perspective when it comes to training for something is critical to your success. Colonel Hadfield even compares training for space travel to solving The New York Times Crossword:

The secret is to try to enjoy it. I never viewed training as some onerous duty I had to carry out while praying fervently for another space mission. For me, the appeal was similar to that of a New York Times crossword puzzle: training is hard and fun and stretches my mind, so I feel good when I persevere and finish  and I also feel ready to do it all over again.

So read the article, get yourself motivated, and then come back here and lets get solving.

Tricky Clues

There is some tough stuff in here for a Tuesday, but it was all gettable if you worked the crossings. Im looking at you, NUEVO LEON, TONGA, ILYA Kovalchuk and Stanley ELKIN.

I made my way into the puzzle with LISA Simpson, Mazel TOV!, OASIS, Edgar ALLAN Poe, CEVICHE and TONI Morrison. There were others that were easy, but those gave me the foothold I needed to really get going  at least until Mr. Stulberg got me to slow my roll.The Supreme Court held that official action must involve concrete and formal government actions or decisions and not mere political courtesies, like setting up a meeting.

The appeals court ruled that the jury instructions at Mr. Silvers trial were erroneous, and that a properly instructed jury might not have convicted him. Prosecutors vowed to retry both former New York lawmakers; Mr. Silvers trial went first.

In one scheme outlined for the jury, prosecutors said Mr. Silver had arranged to have the State Health Department award two grants totaling $500,000 to Dr. Taub. In return, the government alleged, Dr. Taub sent cancer patients with legal claims to a law firm, Weitz & Luxenberg, which sent a portion of its fees to Mr. Silver.

Dr. Taub was Silvers golden goose, the prosecutor, Mr. Williams, said.

Dr. Taub said on Monday that before he began referring cases, he was told by a mutual friend that Shelly wants cases, adding, That was the wording that I had heard.

In a second scheme, the government charged that Mr. Silver arranged to have the two developers, Glenwood Management and the Witkoff Group, send tax business to a law firm, Goldberg & Iryami, which also gave Mr. Silver a portion of its fees. Mr. Silver then supported real estate legislation that benefited the developers, prosecutors said.

Mr. Silver, a Democrat who represented the Lower East Side of Manhattan, served for more than 20 years as the Assembly speaker. He had no rivals, no peers in the Assembly, Mr. Williams said. And because of that tremendous power, he was practically untouchable. But he was also corrupt.

In the courtroom, Mr. Silver was attentive and at times animated. He shook hands and chatted with people he knew in the seats behind him. At one point, he approached the three artists who would be sketching him, his arms out and palms out, and asked in his thick New York accent, How we doin, huh?Try to remember, if you can, how astonishing it was on Jan. 6, 2017, when Americas intelligence community made public its finding that Russia had intervened in our election to help Trump. Imagine if wed known then just a fraction of what we know now, like the November 2015 email exchange between Felix Sater, a Trump associate and convicted felon with ties to Russian organized crime, and the Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, recently the subject of an F.B.I. raid. Sater boasted, Buddy, our boy can become president of the U.S.A. and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putins team to buy in on this. We still dont know what Sater meant by this. Republicans have shown a staggering lack of interest in finding out.

Imagine if, as we were learning about Russian measures last January, wed also found out about the Trump campaign chairman Paul Manaforts offer to deliver briefings to a Russian oligarch to whom he was deeply in debt. And if wed known that one Trump campaign adviser, George Papadopoulos, had been in frequent communication with someone who claimed to be from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that the F.B.I. suspected another campaign adviser, Carter Page, of being a Russian agent.

What if wed also known that the Republican operative Paul Erickson wrote to a senior Trump campaign official about the back channel to the Kremlin hed been cultivating through the National Rifle Association, and that Donald Trump Jr. met with Ericksons Russian contact at the N.R.A.s 2016 convention? I cant help thinking that it would be harder to explain away the Trump campaigns treachery if wed been forced to reckon with it all at once.

Since the election, there have been so many revelations about Trumps Russia ties that its impossible to keep track. I sometimes wish that we would have just found out about the June 9 meeting, and that would have been it, Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, told me. He was speaking, of course, about the Trump Tower meeting between a Russian delegation and leaders of the Trump campaign, ostensibly arranged so the Russians could deliver dirt on Hillary Clinton as part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump, as an email to Trump Jr. put it.SAN FRANCISCO  For years, Cubeyou made a business out of personal data on Facebook. The company had unfettered access to Facebook users information, which it gathered up through quizzes and later sold as reports to clients.

But three weeks ago, Cubeyous relationship with Facebook soured. The mighty social network, which was dealing with a backlash over how it had not done enough to protect user privacy, cut off Cubeyou after a CNBC report said that the small data analytics company had misled people into believing its quizzes would be used for nonprofit academic research. Instead, the report said, the data was sold to marketers.

Federico Treu, Cubeyous chief executive, told The New York Times that his company had done nothing wrong, and that it had followed Facebooks rules in disclosing that it was using profile data for both academic and business purposes. He said Cubeyou was just collateral damage as Facebook has overzealously scrambled to show that it cares about data privacy.There are few theatrical venues more Off Broadway than a 15th-floor room inside the federal courthouse on Pearl Street in Manhattan. But lawyers discussed with a judge a Monday whether that may be the venue where Aaron Sorkins anticipated new production of To Kill a Mockingbird is first performed.

The executor of the estate of Harper Lee, who wrote the beloved novel, has complained that Mr. Sorkins adaptation is not faithful to the spirit of the book, as the producers of the upcoming Broadway show had promised it would be. One part of the legal dispute was before Judge Analisa Torres of Federal District Court in Manhattan who on Monday set a date of June 4 for a trial that could determine whether the producers have broken their pledge.

Afterward, lawyers for both sides discussed with a magistrate judge, Stewart Aaron, whether a performance for a jury might be employed in the proceedings over the dispute, which is being waged simultaneously in New York and Alabama.

The executor of Ms. Lees estate filed a suit in Alabama in March, seeking a finding that the script has strayed too far from the novel. But the plays producers asked for that suit to be dismissed, then sued the executor and the estate in New York this month, saying the Alabama suit had threatened the future of the production. The only way to avert a catastrophic loss, they said, and rescue the play would be for a trial in New York to quickly resolve the dispute.WASHINGTON  Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel investigating Russias election interference, has at least four dozen questions on an exhaustive array of subjects he wants to ask President Trump to learn more about his ties to Russia and determine whether he obstructed the inquiry itself, according to a list of the questions obtained by The New York Times.

[Read the questions here.]

The open-ended queries appear to be an attempt to penetrate the presidents thinking, to get at the motivation behind some of his most combative Twitter posts and to examine his relationships with his family and his closest advisers. They deal chiefly with the presidents high-profile firings of the F.B.I. director and his first national security adviser, his treatment of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and a 2016 Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and Russians offering dirt on Hillary Clinton.

But they also touch on the presidents businesses; any discussions with his longtime personal lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, about a Moscow real estate deal; whether the president knew of any attempt by Mr. Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to set up a back channel to Russia during the transition; any contacts he had with Roger J. Stone Jr., a longtime adviser who claimed to have inside information about Democratic email hackings; and what happened during Mr. Trumps 2013 trip to Moscow for the Miss Universe pageant.

Mr. Trump said on Twitter on Tuesday that it was disgraceful that questions the special counsel would like to ask him were publicly disclosed, and he incorrectly noted that there were no questions about collusion. The president also said collusion was a phony crime.Roy Moore, the former Senate candidate from Alabama who has been accused of pursuing sexual and romantic relationships with teenagers, sued four of his accusers on Monday, alleging that they had defamed and conspired against him.

In a lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Etowah County, Ala., where Mr. Moore lives, he accused the women  Leigh Corfman, Debbie Gibson, Tina Johnson and Beverly Nelson  of committing libel and slander by making statements which were false, malicious, and made with intentional or reckless disregard of the truth and with the intent that those statements be published to others, including through state and national media.

Those statements caused harm to the reputation and character of Judge Moore and also to his wife Kayla, lowered their standing in the community and discouraged members of the community from associating with them, the lawsuit said.

Mr. Moore is seeking compensatory damages for lost income and professional opportunities, as well as punitive damages.WASHINGTON  More than 6,700 Defense Department employees reported being sexually assaulted in the 2017 fiscal year  the highest number since the United States military began tracking reports more than a decade ago, according to Pentagon data released on Monday.

The new data showed a 10 percent increase of military sexual assault reports from the previous fiscal year. The uptick occurred amid a Marine Corps scandal over sharing nude photos and heightened public discourse about sexual harassment in American culture.

Pentagon officials sought to portray the increase as reflective of more troops and military civilians trusting commanders and the militarys judicial system enough to come forward.

In all, 6,769 people reported assaults for the 2017 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30. It was the largest yearly increase since 2014 and the most reports since the Pentagon started tracking the data in 2006.iStock/Thinkstock(PHOENIX) -- "Now it comes down to the hard work of being a citizen, an active, engaged citizen," Joe Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association, told the striking teachers from a stage in front of the Capitol. "And so you've got to tell your story. The story of your students. The story of this movement."



About 50,000 public-school teachers in Arizona began their strike on Thursday. They're seeking a 20 percent increase in pay and $1 billion in educational funding, including increases to salaries of school support staff.



Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has proposed granting teachers a 20 percent raise by 2020 and budgeting an additional $100 million for new textbooks, building improvements and support staff. The governor proposed increasing educational funding by $371 million over five years.



The teachers have insisted Ducey hasn't showed them his proposal's fine print, even as lawmakers began debating it Monday.



"We've not seen a lot of trust with the legislative process, and the governor so far," Thomas told ABC station KNXV-TV on Monday.



He said it was unclear how long the strike will last and that a lack of transparency throughout the process wasn't helping matters.



"If we see the legislative bills early and can have an understanding of them, then maybe that moves us back toward the classroom," Thomas said.



Public educators in Arizona rank 46th in the U.S. in teacher pay, earning about $12,000 less than the national average of $59,660, according to a 2018 report by the National Education Association.



Arizona spends about $4,500 less than the national per-pupil average of about $12,000, ranking 48th, according to the NEA report.



The Arizona teacher's strike is the latest by educators across the country who've said they're fed up with cuts to educational funding. Oklahoma, West Virginia, Kentucky and Colorado have all seen recent teacher strikes.

Copyright  2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.Posted by Mark Williams | May 1, 2018





The biggest news for April vehicle sales is that GM is no longer releasing monthly sales numbers  at least, publicly  which is likely to send ripples across the auto industry (until now, Tesla has been the only automaker that didn't report monthly sales numbers). Instead, GM will release sales numbers to the public on a quarterly basis. This means that we won't be able to provide sales numbers for the Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado, and GMC Sierra and Canyon.

Although monthly auto sales reporting has been around for close to a century, some in the auto industry have complained that it puts too much pressure on the dealers to sell more vehicles than they would otherwise. Every automaker has an incentive plan designed to encourage dealerships to sell as many vehicles as possible in a month. That has led some dealerships and brands to be more "creative" about how they hit those targets and receive their incentive bonuses from the manufacturers. And, of course, there are stories of some dealerships resorting to game playing to pad those numbers.

What does all this mean for PickupTrucks.com's monthly sales story? As you can see, we've provided an abbreviated list of April's best-selling pickups, leaving the GM trucks off. Clearly, we'll do something different with this story going forward, possibly reporting sales every quarter followed by an in-depth sales analysis. As always, we're open to suggestions about what you'd like to see in our coverage of pickup sales, so feel free to let us know in the comments section below. In the meantime, we'll be working with our analytics department to see what alternatives are available.

Regarding the sale numbers we do have for April, Ford continued its upward sales trend in the full-size class while just about everyone else struggled. Likewise, the mid-size Toyota Tacoma is having a monster year, selling more pickups after four months than at any other time in its history, according to Toyota. Not surprisingly, the Nissan Frontier is also having a good year, up more than 25 percent over last April.

Cars.com graphic by Paul Dolan; manufacturer imagesTo target a whole group of people as being subject to greater suspicion, based purely on race and national origin, and in advance of any facts or evidence, goes against the fundamental American ideals of the presumption of innocence, due process and equal protection for all. It also fans the flames of hysteria, the group said in a statement.

Administration officials have been debating restricting visas offered to Chinese nationals for months as part of the broad package of measures targeting China economically. But the new plan under discussion by the White House would be a much more targeted measure, and one with potentially big consequences for American industry. While the Obama administration also proposed barring foreign students from company-sponsored research at American universities with national security implications, the Trump administrations measures could apply more broadly to private research facilities as well as new products and technologies.

The United States already restricts who can work on sensitive technology. Researchers on projects deemed classified are carefully vetted and must obtain security clearances. The next level down are research projects that are subject to so-called export controls  including many with potential military applications, such as computer programs and hardware that might be used to model nuclear explosions. Universities and companies working on this material need to obtain a special license from the government to employ foreign researchers.

These products do not need to leave the United States to fall under export rules. All it takes to trigger export controls is for citizens from certain countries  including China, Russia and many former Soviet republics  to be involved in almost any way. That ranges from physical possession of the product to written descriptions and even verbal discussions of it. The administration is considering broadening the range of goods and services traded with China that would be subject to these so-called deemed export rules.

If the proposal is approved by the Commerce Department, and ultimately by Mr. Trump, American companies and universities would be required to obtain special licenses for Chinese nationals who have any contact whatsoever with a much wider range of goods  making it harder for Chinese citizens to work on a range of scientific research and product development programs.

Fueling the push are instances like the one involving Ruopeng Liu, a Chinese citizen and a promising student at Duke who was helping to develop a cloak that shields objects from a broad spectrum of wave frequencies. The professor leading the Pentagon-funded lab, David R. Smith, became suspicious of Mr. Liu, who seemed intent on collaborating with old colleagues in China, and even invited them to tour the lab and photograph Dukes equipment.WASHINGTON  The Trump administration said on Monday that it would delay a decision to impose steel and aluminum tariffs on the European Union, Canada and Mexico for another 30 days, giving key allies a reprieve as the White House tries to extract concessions from trading partners who have resisted those demands.

The extension reflects concerns by the Trump administration of a swift retaliation on American products by European Union nations, and will also give the Trump administration more breathing room to work on a separate trade battle with China.

The 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminum were set to go into effect on Tuesday and had set off a global scramble by nations trying to secure permanent exemptions. The administration, which granted temporary exemptions to a handful of countries in March, said it had reached initial agreements with Argentina, Australia and Brazil that would allow them to avoid the tariffs, at least for now. Details of those agreements will be finalized in the next 30 days, the White House said.

President Trumps decision puts off a move that could have enraged key American allies at a delicate moment, as the United States heads toward tricky negotiations with North Korea and is considering abandoning the Iran nuclear deal over the objections of European Union leaders. Despite the presidents tough stance on trade, many of his advisers are leery of initiating trade clashes that could destabilize stock markets and put other political goals at risk, like updating the North American Free Trade Agreement. The White House is also dispatching a delegation of top officials to Beijing this week to try to soothe tensions in its trade battle there.MELBOURNE, Australia  Cardinal George Pell, the Vaticans third-highest-ranking official, must stand trial on several charges of sexual abuse, an Australian court ruled on Tuesday, promising to prolong a case that has already dragged on for months, and which many see as a moment of reckoning for a church racked by scandal.

Belinda Wallington, a Melbourne magistrate, found there was sufficient evidence for prosecutors to bring the cardinals case to trial, ending a two-month pretrial hearing, in which witnesses described abuse they said took place decades ago.

But the majority of charges against the cardinal were either withdrawn or dismissed, including several of the most serious allegations, which were said to have taken place in a playground, on an altar, on a mountaintop and during a 1970s screening of Close Encounters of the Third Kind in Ballarat.

[Read about why we cant let the public know more about criminal cases in Australia.]

Cardinal Pell, 76, is the Vaticans de facto finance chief and the most senior Roman Catholic official to be charged with crimes of sexual abuse. He was granted leave by the pope to return to Australia to conduct his defense.Cardinal George Pell, the Vaticans third-highest-ranking official, will stand trial on several charges of sexual abuse from multiple complainants, an Australian court ruled on Tuesday.

The slow-moving case  charges were filed in June  has been a test of both Australias justice system and the Vaticans efforts to hold clerics accountable after decades of abuse scandals.

It is occurring in a country where where defamation law favors plaintiffs, where criminal law protects defendants more than it does in many other countries, and where a number of legal standards restrict reporters ability to publish information related to criminal cases.

Heres a guide to why many of the details of Cardinal Pells case may remain obscured, and to what we know about the cardinal and the case so far.Although Ms. May repeatedly clashed with Paramount while making A New Leaf  she later sued the studio  the movie is flat-out great. In one of his best performances, Walter Matthau plays a bankrupt snob who schemes to marry a clumsy heiress and botany professor played with sneaky charm by Ms. May. Paramount took the film away from her, softening it (in her version, the Matthau character kills several people), but its genius remains. John Cassavetes was such a fan of Ms. May that he appeared alongside his frequent collaborator Peter Falk in her fantastic Mikey and Nicky, about a small-time hood in trouble who calls an old friend for help.

To grasp how women and men are treated differently even in movie histories all you have to do is read about Ms. May. Her problems with Hollywood  she went over schedule, shooting miles of film  are legendary but rarely, if ever, are they framed as a matter of her auteurist prerogative, as they often are when male artists take on the Hollywood barbarians. (The author of a monograph on The Godfather  its director, Francis Ford Coppola, also famously fought Paramount  deems Ms. Mays three-hour cut of A New Leaf un-releasable, thereby siding with the studio, and describes her character as homely and Matthaus as an aging gentleman.)

For the most part, the female directors featured in A Different Picture worked outside of Hollywood, including in New York, where filmmakers like Shirley Clarke (Portrait of Jason) had long been part of an energetic counter-cinema. Claudia Weills wonderful Girlfriends was independently produced there (some of the money came from government arts councils) before it was picked up for distribution by Warner Bros. A great Melanie Mayron plays a photographer who faces loneliness after her female roommate moves out. In its insistent focus on a woman whose identity isnt solely determined by her relationships with men, Girlfriends isnt just thrilling  its radical.

Another New York story is Joan Micklin Silvers Hester Street, a drama set on the Lower East Side in 1896 with a luminous Carol Kane as a newly arrived Orthodox Jewish woman whose assimilated husband has no use for her. Ms. Silver also wrote The Frontier Experience, an underseen 25-minute film directed by Barbara Loden set in 1869 Kansas. Ms. Loden plays a pioneer who  after her husband dies  fends for herself and her children. By turns awkward and elegant, the film is further evidence of a directing career that could have been. Ms. Loden  who until the recent resurrection of Wanda was often treated as a footnote in film histories  died in 1980 at 48.BERLIN  As virtual reality breaks into the art world at all levels, a host of questions about curation, conservation and commercial value is still being explored.

The Berlin-based artist Olafur Eliasson said that we were only in the Stone Age or prehistoric period for the medium.

There is a new space out there where a lot more people will have access to artistic experience, he said last week in a panel discussion here at the Art Leaders Network hosted by The New York Times. He added that the quality of the glasses is getting so much intensely better over the three years he has been experimenting with virtual reality.

The technology is far from ubiquitous, but companies such as Samsung, Google and Microsoft are invested in its future, and some recent studies forecast rapid growth for virtual- and augmented-reality headsets in the years ahead.Demanding, difficult, uningratiating: Such is the public persona of the choreographer Sarah Michelson. You have to be aware of this reputation, carefully tended over years of performances, interviews and public statements, to feel the surprise of her new work May 2018/\ at Performance Space New York. The Sarah Michelson in it is likable, endearing.

Which is not to say that the show is for everyone. As ever, Ms. Michelson makes clear that a show with wide appeal would be for her a form of apostasy. This work, like the earlier ones to which it alludes, is clogged with her individual iconography and other cryptic features that seem intended for a select audience of insiders. But at least she seems to be having fun this time, cracking herself up.

Much of what is endearing arises from the core subject matter: aging. Im old, she yells over and over in a raspy voice, demanding that we look at her hands, her legs. (She was born in 1964.) Im sad, she screams. My sadness has a shape.BERLIN  We choose what is intense, even if we dont like it, said Jonas Burgert, an artist based in Berlin, pausing, bemused, in front of a stainless steel buffet unit spouting luridly pigmented water on the gallery floor.

Mr. Burgert is one of seven Berlin artists who organized Ngorongoro II, a four-day exhibition of works by more than 150 contemporary artists that coincided with the 14th edition of Gallery Weekend Berlin, which closed on Sunday. Ugliness was no barrier to inclusion, he added.

Named after the predator-packed crater of an extinct volcano in Tanzania, Ngorongoro II was held in Mr. Burgerts sprawling 65,000 square foot studio complex in the north of Berlin. It was the second iteration of a radical exhibition concept that in 2015 attracted 15,000 visitors, according to the organizers.

Mr. Burgert pointed to Patrick Will and Caspar Wulfing, the young creators of the installation Kates Canteen, sitting outside in the sunshine. They work as assistants for Anselm Reyle, he said, referring to a fellow Berlin artist and friend, who had created a nearby group of large ceramic sculptures. Mr. Burgert added approvingly that Mr. Reyles pieces looked rather nice, but when you get close, theyre really ugly.For the artist Stephen Posen, the 1960s were promising indeed. He was a kid from St. Louis who went to Yale and impressed people with his painting ability, coming of age alongside schoolmates who were future art stars: Richard Serra, Chuck Close and Brice Marden.

By the early 1970s, his trompe loeil paintings of fabric-covered still lifes were being featured at Documenta and the Whitney Museum of American Art. The New York Times critic John Canaday, citing two meticulously executed canvases that depicted cloth-covered photographs, compared him to Vermeer, in a rave.

But around 1980, with the art world encouraging him to keep zigging, Mr. Posen zagged, taking a hard turn away from the virtuoso draughtsmanship that had made his name. These may have been wanderings on side roads, as Mr. Posen put it, or there could have been a much deeper ambivalence about his own work. I pulled away from being packaged, said Mr. Posen, now 78, seated in his SoHo home and work space. And that was the same year that his son, Zac Posen, the fashion designer, was born.Philip Tinari

Director, UCCA, Beijing

I moved to Beijing in 2001. I arrived the week before 9/11, right out of college to study Chinese. Whats allowed Beijing to become a global art center in these past 18 years: Its about the fact that there is a significant community of artists, but its also about an ecology that kind of builds on itself year after year.

So if you look around today you have institutions, you have auction houses, you have galleries, you have media, you have critics, you have independent curators, and you have collectors. And you need all of these ingredients, and they tend to impact each other in a sort of positive feedback loop.

Marc Glimcher

President and chief executive, Pace Gallery

Why are art galleries expanding, why are they opening galleries all over the world? Its driven by the community dynamics that they dont want to come to us. They dont want this exclusive experience.

Theyre very happy to come to us, but they want to see us come to them. So we started going to Palo Alto about almost 15 years ago.The requested page is currently unavailable on this server.

Back to [RTHK News Homepage]I never had the empathy for people who lacked confidence. I had so much of it that I didnt know what it was like to be without it. He added: It was incredible because it was forced humility. Previously, I wouldve looked at humility as more of a negative thing. But that humility, he said, gave me time to grow.

On opioids, medication and liposuction

I was drugged out, Mr. West said on TMZ, about the period preceding his hospitalization. I was on opioids. Two days after I got off of opioids, Im errrrrr  Im in the hospital. He said he had been prescribed the pills after undergoing a liposuction procedure. I had plastic surgery because I was trying to look good for yall, he told the staff of the gossip outlet. Didnt want yall to call me fat, so I got liposuction. And they gave me opioids.

Mr. West said he went from taking two pills a day after the surgery to taking seven, but that he was no longer on as much medication. These pills that they want me to take three of a day, I take one a week maybe, two a week. Yall had me scared of myself, of my vision. So I took some pills so I wouldnt go to the hospital and prove everyone right. We are drugged out! We are following other peoples opinions. We are controlled by the media. And today it all changes.

On racism

Mr. West began a diatribe on race by citing new lyrics. I got this rap that says: Parents are the strippers/strip they kids of their confidence/teach white dominance/question your common sense/Ive been washed in tradition, now Imma rinse/hopped off the Amistad and made Im a God.

He went on to explain that the conversation about putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill was the moment that I wanted to use Bitcoin, adding: Its like when you see all the slave movies. Why you gotta keep reminding us about slavery? Why dont you show us  put Michael Jordan on a $20 bill.

In reference to Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X, he added: Man, I know this is going to cause an uproar, but certain icons are just too far in the past and not relatable and thats what makes them safe.Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep  and lets us get paid to watch comedy. If youre interested in hearing from The Times regularly about great TV, sign up for our Watching newsletter and get recommendations straight to your inbox.

Filthy and Mean

The comedian Michelle Wolf has worked on both The Daily Show and Late Night, so Trevor Noah and Seth Meyers were not surprised by the rough-riding, profane speech she gave at the White House correspondents dinner on Saturday.

The speech has drawn criticism for its unapologetic attacks on President Trump and, in particular, jokes involving Sarah Huckabee Sanderss makeup (Wolf said her eye shadow was made of burnt facts).The versatile comedian John Mulaney returns with another Netflix special. And The Insult lands on streaming platforms.

Whats Streaming

JOHN MULANEY: KID GORGEOUS AT RADIO CITY (2018) on Netflix. Its been hard to keep up with John Mulaney. This stand-up comic and former Saturday Night Live writer stars in Oh, Hello on Broadway and the animated series Big Mouth. He also appears in Seth Rogens Hilarity for Charity and recently returned to S.N.L. as a host. In Kid Gorgeous, Mr. Mulaneys third stand-up Netflix special, he revisits awkward family stories from his childhood and shares his favorite introduction of a musical guest on S.N.L.

MOST LIKELY TO MURDER (2018) on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. Adam Pally stars as Billy, a formerly popular high school student who returns to his hometown only to realize hes lost his charm. When Billy learns that his ex-girlfriend Kara (Rachel Bloom, of, coincidentally, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) is now dating the high school outcast (Vincent Kartheiser), he sets out to solve a murder mystery, framing the boyfriend as a killer in an attempt to win back Kara.Instead of The Moralist: Woodrow Wilson and the World He Made, Patricia OToole could have titled her new book The Hypocrite.

After all, as she herself points out, to lay claim to the moral high ground as often and as fervently as President Wilson did during his eight years in the White House was to court charges that he failed to live up to his own principles. He called for an end to secret treaties while negotiating secretly with the Allies in World War I. He declared himself unwilling to compromise with belligerents abroad while showing himself very willing to compromise with segregationists at home. He pursued a progressive economic agenda while approving a regressive racial one. He spoke of national self-determination in the loftiest terms while initiating the American occupation of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

OTooles is the third major biography of Wilson in the last decade, coming on the heels of substantial works by John Milton Cooper Jr. (2009) and A. Scott Berg (2013), an output of Wilsoniana that attests to the 28th presidents complicated  and contested  legacy. OTooles book doesnt purport to be as exhaustive as Coopers or Bergs; her project was born from her interest in World War I, and as she persuasively shows, American foreign policy throughout the 20th century adopted Wilsons war-forged liberal internationalism, in word if not always in deed.

President Richard Nixon cynically used the rhetoric of Wilsonian idealism to escalate the war in Vietnam, saying that his plan would bring the United States closer to Wilsons goal of a just and lasting peace. Wilsons principle of national self-determination  a phrase that his own secretary of state deemed loaded with dynamite  has since been enshrined in the charter of the United Nations.Lost and Found

The discovery of Richard IIIs body under a parking lot in Leicester, England, in 2012 ended the long search for the remains of the 15th-century king, but it also delivered a startling, dissonant reminder: History lies just beneath our feet. Similarly, the past collides with the present in some of the stories in Margaret Atwoods Wilderness Tips. Julie broke up with Connor in the middle of a swamp, reads the first line of The Bog Man, about an affair between a student and her professor that is carried on, in part, near an archaeological dig during which the 2,000-year-old body of a man is unearthed. In The Age of Lead, a televised account of the excavation of another body  this one from a 19th-century Arctic expedition  stirs one womans aching memories of the life and death of her dear, inscrutable, sardonic friend. Atwoods wry and rueful tales bridge the gap between your usual reading habits and your new interest in the natural world.

Claire Camerons evocative novel The Last Neanderthal also interweaves the contemporary with the primeval. Her page turner is anchored by the story of Dr. Rose Gale, who discovers the bones belonging to a pair of bodies (a Neanderthal and a modern Homo sapiens) in a cavern in France, and whose career was inspired by H.G. Wellss description of Neanderthals from The Outline of History. (Wells also wrote a piece of prehistoric fiction, The Grisly Folk.) The most visceral and moving chapters are those devoted to Girl, a Neanderthal cast out from the hearth of the family. Though Cameron signals the connection between the lives of Girl and Rose early on, the suspense lies in the way she laces together their stories.

In 1955, one year after the publication of The Lord of the Flies, its author, William Golding, came out with another novel, this one about early hominids: The Inheritors. Goldings book, like Camerons, tracks Neanderthals at a time when their numbers are dwindling and when they come in contact, albeit uneasily, with humans. However, Goldings strongly sensory work  told primarily from the perspective of Lok, the Everyman  leans more heavily on imagination (including a kind of pictorial telepathy) than on research.

Animal Magnetism

Innovation and fact blend seamlessly in Barbara Gowdys complex, meditative and deeply sad novel The White Bone, told entirely from the point of view of elephants. The intimately imagined social hierarchy and inner lives of the pachyderms are as layered  with spiritualism, intricate relationships among members of the herd and even poems and song  as any human family epic.

Yours truly,

Match Book

Do you need book recommendations? Write to matchbook@nytimes.com.

Check out Match Books earlier recommendations here.He told Hurston about the roughly five years he spent enslaved, how he gained his freedom when Union soldiers appeared one day and told him he didnt belong to anyone anymore, and how he joined together with a group of other former slaves and helped to establish Africatown, a community founded and run by Africans.

Barracoon unfolds largely as a monologue from Lewis, with an introduction and occasional interjections from Hurston. Some days, he didnt feel like talking, so she helped him with chores. Other days, he grew exhausted by her questions and told her she wanted to know too much. At times, he was so overcome by painful memories that he couldnt speak, like when he recalled the day his village was attacked by Dahomey warriors, who beheaded victims they deemed too weak to be sold, and smoked their victims heads to preserve them.

His agony was so acute that he became inarticulate, Hurston wrote.

She would bring him food, a basket of peaches or a Virginia ham, and tell him stories to break the ice. When Lewis was feeling chatty, he could go on for hours, and Hurston cedes the narrative to him for long, meandering stretches.

She wanted us to hear his voice and she kept herself out of it as much as possible, said Alice Walker, who wrote a foreword to Barracoon. She knew it was important for us to hear from him.

Scholars of Hurstons work have long known of the manuscripts existence, but few recognized its significance. Some thought Hurstons historical research was sloppy, even unethical. Before she wrote Barracoon, Hurston detailed her conversations with Lewis in an article published in The Journal of Negro History, titled Cudjos Own Story of the Last African Slaver. Parts of the article borrowed from another scholarly work, Emma Langdon Roches Historic Sketches of the South, without proper attribution, and the appearance of plagiarism cast a shadow over Barracoon. Robert E. Hemenway, who published a biography of Hurston in 1977, treated Barracoon as an extension of the article, and argued that Hurston had taken creative liberties, recreating Lewiss story as an artist rather than as a folklorist or historian.(Want to get this briefing by email? Heres the sign-up.)

Good morning.

Heres what you need to know:

What Mueller wants to ask Trump

 The Times has obtained a list of at least four dozen questions that Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russias election interference, has for President Trump.

Heres our analysis, as well as an annotated list of the questions.

Offering the most detailed look yet at Mr. Muellers investigation, the questions appear intended to shed light on any ties to Russia that Mr. Trump might have, and to determine if he obstructed the inquiry.

 The questions were read by the special counsels investigators to Mr. Trumps lawyers, who compiled the list. That document was provided to The Times by a person outside the presidents legal team, a disclosure Mr. Trump said today was disgraceful.

U.S. delays tariffs for allies

 The Trump administration will give the European Union, Canada and Mexico another 30-day exemption from steel and aluminum tariffs, which would have gone into effect today.F.C.C.: Whats in the public interest?

The Federal Communications Commission has scrutinized a possible T-Mobile-Sprint merger before.

In 2014, SoftBanks founder, Masayoshi Son, met with the chairman of the F.C.C. at the time, Tom Wheeler, and the Justice Departments antitrust chief at the time, Bill Baer. Mr. Sons goal: to convince the regulators that AT&T and Verizon were an oligopoly that had a stranglehold on the United States wireless market. The best way to combat that, Mr. Son argued, was by letting Sprint combine with T-Mobile.

Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Baer rejected the argument, concluding that effectively reducing the wireless market to three major carriers from four would not be good for consumers. The merger made no sense before, and it makes no sense today, the two wrote in an op-ed on CNBC.com last year, as T-Mobile and Sprint resumed merger talks.

Sprint and T-Mobile are now betting that the new F.C.C. chairman, Ajit Pai, feels differently.

A Trump appointee, Mr. Pai has said that he would employ humility in determining which mergers should be allowed to go through. Last year, he pushed the F.C.C. to relax rules limiting how many television stations a broadcaster could own. Weeks later, the Sinclair Broadcast Group unveiled a deal to buy Tribune, a transaction that, if completed, would make the company the most powerful television station owner in the country. (The F.C.C.s internal watchdog has begun an inquiry into that deregulatory push and whether it had been timed to help Sinclair.)

One question is how the F.C.C. will regard Sprint and T-Mobiles argument that they need to fend off new players in the market. The carriers have pointed out that Comcast has begun bundling wireless service with cable television offerings, essentially by reselling access to Verizons network. Charter Communications is expected to unveil a similar service as well.The new deadline may help push along Nafta negotiations with Mexico and Canada, but the European Union is becoming a big problem for Mr. Trumps trade agenda. The bloc has gained another reprieve from the steel and aluminum tariffs and apparently has given up nothing.

That has likely put the European Union in a stronger position, which it may now use in negotiations with the United States to end the tariffs threat. The bloc could use an opening to try forge a narrower version of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. But such an outcome would take many months to finalize and probably would not look like a win for Mr. Trumps America First agenda.

And the European Unions stance has hurt Mr. Trumps tariffs strategy in another crucial way. The tariffs were said to be a cudgel to persuade allies to back the United States in its trade actions against China. The European Union, which shares some of the United States frustrations with Chinas trade practices, may eventually back Mr. Trump against China. But the longer the tensions between the European Union and the United States persist, the less likely it is that they align.

Indeed, the divide the tariffs created between the United States and its allies, and Mr. Trumps willingness to delay them, may be strengthening Chinas resolve. The countrys trade negotiators are preparing to reject two major demands of the United States, for instance.

Mr. Trump famously said trade wars are easy to win. But, as he is finding out, this is not the case when they are fought on three fronts at once.

 Peter Eavis

The E.U., Mexico and Canada got a reprieve. Now what?

With his administration delaying tariffs on steel and aluminum from those partners by another 30 days, President Trump has so far avoided starting a multinational trade war with key allies. But is there any progress toward a permanent accord with them?

And the delay poses a risk, per Ana Swanson of the NYT:

It could fuel criticism that Mr. Trump is more bark than bite and increase the pressure on the White House to squeeze concessions from other nations.

The E.U. is still demanding a permanent exemption, and said the extension prolongs market uncertainty.Still, many of Durhams African-American residents feel they have little control over how it transforms.

City officials say that they are aware of the problem, and that maintaining a sense of inclusion and diversity is important to them.

We dont want a downtown where only rich people and white people feel comfortable, said Jillian Johnson, mayor pro tempore on the City Council. Left to its own devices, this market will trend to the people who have the most money to spend. In order to make downtown accessible and comfortable, there has to be more of an intentional push to maintain some of that racial and socioeconomic diversity.

But Kathryn L. S. Pettit, a researcher at the Urban Institute, said that the sooner city leaders began to act, the better. Land costs can rise steeply with time, she said, reducing the options if the city waits too long to make decisions.

The city needs to examine the best uses of its land that would benefit a variety of residents, Ms. Pettit said. It is also important for the city to be as transparent as possible in all of its land-use decisions, particularly with big parcels, she added, because that can help head off disagreements and the sense of being left out.

Other solutions are available, said Derek Hyra, a professor of public administration and policy at American University and the author of Race, Class, and Politics in the Cappuccino City. He pointed to a program proposed by a District Council member in Washington that would provide grants to help longtime businesses remain and stay competitive.

Professor Hyra has also observed projects in which developers agreed to accommodate local businesses because of pressure from activists and nonprofit organizations.

Grassroots organizations have to get involved, mobilized, and have to put pressure on developers and politicians to divert money to small businesses, he said. It wont just naturally happen.FRANKFURT  American allies did not bother to conceal their annoyance Tuesday with the Trump administrations last-minute decision to delay punitive aluminum and steel tariffs by a month, in their view leaving a sword of Damocles hanging over the global economy.

In Europe, the reprieve was seen not as an act of conciliation or generosity but instead as another 30 days of precarious limbo that will disrupt supply networks and undermine what has been an unusually strong period of growth.

European leaders, normally circumspect, are openly irritated that President Trumps protectionist assault is aimed at them despite decades of military alliance and shared values. The region has pushed for a permanent exemption to the American trade penalties, and threatened retaliation otherwise.

They find it absurd that Mr. Trump is risking a trade war with Europe, the United States biggest trading partner, rather than joining forces to rein in Chinese trade practices they both oppose. And the European Unions cautious, often ponderous approach to policymaking is now clashing directly with Mr. Trumps unpredictability and aggressiveness.LONDON  When two huge brands decide to merge, the focus is usually on whether prices will go up and whether workers will lose jobs.

That was the case this week when two major chains in Britain, Sainsburys and Asda, said they were planning to join forces, potentially creating the countrys biggest supermarket operator. The companies did the usual dance: Groceries would be cheaper, stores would stay open, employees would keep their jobs.A coalition led by California sued the Trump administration over car emissions rules on Tuesday, escalating a revolt against a proposed rollback of fuel economy standards that threatens to split the countrys auto market.

In a lawsuit filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, California and its coalition  16 other states and the District of Columbia  called the Environmental Protection Agencys effort to weaken auto emissions rules unlawful and accused the agency of failing to follow its own regulations, and of violating the Clean Air Act.

States representing 140 million Americans are getting together to sue Outlaw Pruitt  not Administrator Pruitt, but Outlaw Pruitt, Gov. Jerry Brown of California said at a news conference, referring to Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency.

This is about health, its about life and death, Governor Brown said. Im going to fight it with everything I can.Also on Tuesday, new details emerged about the lobbying of the E.P.A. by J. Steven Hart, the lobbyist whose wife had last year rented a $50-a-night condo to Mr. Pruitt. Congressional investigators on Tuesday provided The New York Times with an email in which Mr. Hart asked Mr. Pruitt for help in getting three people appointed to the E.P.A.s prestigious Science Advisory Board. They had been recommended by Smithfield Foods, a company that was a client of Mr. Harts lobbying firm, and its Smithfield Foundation, a charitable subsidiary.

The email was sent in August 2017, a few weeks after Mr. Pruitt had moved out of the apartment, but at a time when he still owed money to Mr. Harts wife.

Representative Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey, the leading Democrat on the House committee that helps oversee E.P.A. operations, called the email further proof that Administrator Pruitt has consistently misled Congress and the public about the extent to which the special interests providing him with gifts have sought specific favors from E.P.A. in return.

The E.P.A. press office did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for Williams & Jensen, the lobbying firm that Mr. Hart left last month, did not respond to a request for comment.

The departures of Mr. Perrotta and Mr. Kelly from the E.P.A. come as some of Mr. Pruitts top staffers privately have begun expressing frustration with his stewardship of the agency. When asked at a congressional hearing last week about the spending and the ethical questions hovering over his tenure, Mr. Pruitt denied knowledge of the decisions, blaming them instead on his senior staff.

As the investigations into Mr. Pruitt have grown, so has scrutiny of Mr. Perrotta and Mr. Kelly. Neither responded to emails or phone messages seeking comment on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr. Pruitt on Tuesday praised his two former aides, while Democrats seized on their resignations to renew calls for Mr. Pruitt to step aside.Not all cities have stood strong. A Milan branch of the kosher restaurant chain BaGhetto heeded the orders from Israel and pulled the artichoke. (Their rabbi is more rigid, a waiter at the branch in Romes ghetto said with a shrug.) But in the face of a stiff-necked Israeli rabbinate, the citys Jews reasserted what they say is a basic principle of kosher law: that Jewish communities around the world can decide for themselves whether their fruits and vegetables are cleaned in a way that keeps them kosher.

There is no pope, Mr. Pavoncello said.

Some argued that the hard overlapping petals of their preferred mammole, romanesco and cimaroli artichokes seal out insect eggs and other invasive species. One local rabbi, Umberto Piperno, said in an interview that Jewish Roman women know how to inspect the artichoke, and better than the rabbis.

But in order to keep the artichokes clean and kosher the world over, Rabbi Piperno hopes to patent an ultrasound flying-bug repellent he is developing; it works, he said, like a veritable Iron Dome for artichokes.

Other Romans deferred to the higher authority of the citys chief rabbi, Riccardo Di Segni, who prepared the Jewish-style artichokes in a Happy Passover video message, and once said, We are the people of the artichoke, not only the people of the Holocaust.When you sit down for breakfast (or lunch, or dinner  see, all day) at La Mercerie, you will get, in addition to a menu, a card printed with small line drawings of every piece of tableware in the cafe, and its price. If you are very taken by the rustic washed linen napkins you can buy a set for $104. For $275, there is a small teapot from a Danish potter who has supplied Noma. If this is outside your budget, you can still use them at La Mercerie for an hour or two before you have to give them back, like a rented tux of rustic washed linen.

As borrowed lifestyles go, its a pretty nice one. Many of the servers are dressed in high-waisted, loose-legged trousers and flowing white dress shirts, as if they were in costume for a Fred Astaire movie. Meanwhile, the customers never seem to be rushed or out of sorts, and I started to wonder if they were all extras being paid to sit there looking serene. Or maybe eating next to a room full of expensive vases, Swedish sheepskins, enormous woven baskets and antique tables makes everybody feel as if they are one of the exhibits in a small museum.

The theme of the merchandise is craft  its all handmade  and Ms. Rose has taken this to heart in her kitchen. La Merceries chicken bouillon is simmered and skimmed just the way it should be. Marked by balance and brightness, it is oolong tea to bone broths double espresso. Also in the bowl are an egg with a liquid yolk and, down at the bottom, a flock of herb-pasta butterflies, each one the size of the tip of your pinkie.

Ms. Roses pastries are already some of the finest in the city. Croissants have crisp whorls on top that you can count like tree rings; the savory ones are filled with ham and Comte, or broccoli and cherry tomatoes in custard, which may not sound good but is.

More exotic is the tourteau fromage, a palm-size cheesecake with a blackened, domed top. Born in Poitou-Charentes, it looks something like a Boston cream doughnut, but its interior is a moist, fine-crumbed cake that tastes, just barely, of fresh goat cheese. Ms. Rose serves it with a poached apricot in star-anise syrup. If you are a serious pastry watcher, you will want to add it to your life list.Headliner

ARATA The chef Matthew Kenneys stock-in-trade is vegan cooking, though he prefers the term plant based. His latest restaurant, his 14th globally and fifth in New York, looks to Japan. It sits next door to the vegan pizzeria Double Zero, and the Mexican place Bar Verde, both of which list him as a partner. Arata, which has sleek, minimalist decor, will serve kimchi pancakes; several salads; rice cakes with long beans and sugar snap peas; tempura mushroom hand rolls; and steamed buns with mushrooms, eggplant and other fillings tucked inside. Assorted ramen and udon bowls will brim with ingredients like chickpeas, smoked tofu, Sichuan tempeh sausage and baby bok choy. A cacao matcha tart is one of the desserts. The bar will mix inventive cocktails that feature vegetables, as well as classic drinks. Its not surprising that all this comes with a wellness message. (Opens Friday): 67 Second Avenue (East Fourth Street), 212-658-1948, matthewkenneycuisine.com.

Opening

YAMADA CHIKARA NEW YORK Youll need a scorecard for this. Chikara Yamada, who owns the restaurant Yamada Chikara in Tokyo, is opening his first American outpost, Yamada Chikara New York. Mr. Yamada worked at El Bulli, in Spain, so molecular gastronomy and international flavors inform his Japanese food. A parade of fried skewers called kushiage are the focus of the 10- to 12-course omakase ($180), for which the finale is a matcha tea ceremony. (Wednesday): 249 East 49th Street, 646-952-0364, yamadachikara-ny.com.

PRIMOS This suave Art Deco bar was installed in the Frederick Hotel, a vintage property that was the Cosmopolitan. Martinis and cocktails that involve absinthe, vodka and coffee are a specialty: 129 Chambers Street, 917-512-3432, primostribeca.com.

CHICHA CAFETIN AND COCKTAILS Vanessa Palazio and Adam Schneider, the couple who owned Little Muenster, drew from Ms. Palazios Nicaraguan background for this new spot, which merges street food like quesillos (corn tortillas with cheese and toppings) and Nicaraguan guacamole with hard-cooked egg. Also on the menu are churrasco steak, salpicon rillettes made with shredded short rib, and black clams poached in coconut milk. The bar, run by their partner Marshall Altier, relies on iterations of rum. Nathan Meshberg, who owns the hot sauce company Fort Greene Farms, is another partner. The colorful 60-seat restaurant and bar is in a repurposed warehouse space (Wednesday)): 198 Randolph Street (Gardner Avenue), Bushwick, Brooklyn, chichanyc.com.In an interview on Tuesday, Ms. Techamuanvivits first day leading the restaurant, she said she was meeting with the hotel groups lead engineer and kitchen designer, getting acquainted with the flow of the kitchen and observing how things run as she figures out exactly where to update or restructure the line.

On Wednesday, she plans to travel north to visit some farms and connect with new producers.

Ms. Techamuanvivit will order new equipment and plan a renovation of the kitchen  which is about 3,500 square feet  and 70-seat dining room, temporarily closing the restaurant down the road before Nahms official reboot. Its going to be a slow transition, she said, and there will be no major changes until then.

Nahms large kitchen team of 24 full-time cooks and six stagiaires remains about the same as it was during Mr. Thompsons tenure, with the exception of its head chef, Prin Polsuk, who left earlier this year. Ms. Techamuanvivit has named a new head chef, Suraja Ruangnukulkit, who goes by Jan. (She noted that the title of head chef in Thailand is interchangeable in the United States with chef de cuisine.)

I know I have a contribution to make to this conversation about Thai food, said Ms Techamuanvivit, aware of her predecessors legacy. And Im not afraid to work my way out of anyones shadow.Federal authorities said on Tuesday they were issuing 13 warning letters to companies that sell vaping products like liquid nicotine in packaging that may appeal to children, including products that resemble juice boxes and candy.

The joint action by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission is the latest step by the federal government to crack down on the vaping industry, particularly on devices that are popular with teenagers.

Last week, F.D.A. officials said they had started an undercover sting operation targeting retailers that sell the popular Juul products to minors and had asked the maker, Juul Labs, to turn over documents related to marketing practices and health research.

The action on Tuesday, against a group of manufacturers, distributors and retailers, focused on products that the agencies said were aimed at underage users or could be accidentally ingested by children. The products, sold through multiple online retailers, have names like One Mad Hit Juice Box, sold by NEwhere Inc., and Vape Heads Sour Smurf Sauce, sold by Lifted Liquids, which look like Warheads candy.Farewell, carefree days of summer.

The number of people getting diseases transmitted by mosquito, tick and flea bites has more than tripled in the United States in recent years, federal health officials reported on Tuesday. Since 2004, at least nine such diseases have been discovered or newly introduced here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not suggest that Americans drop plans for softball games or hammock snoozes. But officials emphasized that its increasingly important for everyone  especially children  to be protected from outdoor pests with bug repellent.

New tickborne diseases like Heartland virus are showing up in the continental United States, even as cases of Lyme disease and other established infections are growing. On island territories like Puerto Rico, the threat is mosquitoes carrying viruses like dengue and Zika.

Warmer weather is an important cause of the surge, according to the lead author of a study published in the C.D.C.s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.American howitzers appear to be making a resurgence after nearly two decades of frequently being relegated to other duties. The 2019 Army ammunition budget allocates more than $376 million toward the purchase of high-explosive and Excalibur rounds, which have been fired more frequently in the fight against the Islamic State than in the previous 40 years. The move is striking, given how marginalized artillery was in Americas post-9/11 wars.

A decade ago, as a freshly minted Army artillery officer trained in the fundamentals of setting up and firing howitzers, I could compute ballistics by hand and correct the fall of artillery shells using just a pair of binoculars and a radio. Artillery fired often during the invasion of Iraq and the drive toward Baghdad in 2003. Yet when my first unit deployed to Iraq in 2008, we traded in our self-propelled howitzers for armored trucks and spent the next 12 months of that deployment essentially acting as infantry troops. In the years after the invasion, the United States Army viewed artillery as secondary to having as many soldiers as possible running patrols, staffing guard towers and escorting convoys of supplies.

The same went for Afghanistan, where for years after Sept. 11, many artillery batteries fired few, if any, high-explosive rounds. The rules of engagement were tight, and insurgents typically did not expose themselves in ways that made them easy targets.As the former director of the N.S.A. and the C.I.A. under George W. Bush, youre part of a crop of ex-intelligence leaders who have recently joined the cable-news circuit. Why? Were being talked about far more, so we need to have more of a direct dialogue. Were not totally enthused by that. Secrecy is key to successful espionage.

So how do you see your role in the media? You and others are out there, frankly, being coy in talking about whats going on with this White House. Well, I wouldnt use the word coy. I mean, there are limits to what you can say.

Your new book, The Assault on Intelligence, suggests that President Trump ignores information from the intelligence community that he disagrees with and embraces information that suits his policy needs. Isnt that the case with most presidents? Intelligence sets the boundaries of legitimate policy discussion, so that decision-making is based on an agreed objective view of truth. But the Muslim ban, for example, was based on a view of an apocalyptic danger to the United States from immigrants. None of that was true.

What does that mean for analysts who have to brief this White House? Im not in the room, but the meetings have been described to me as fairly chaotic  the presidents mind jumps from intelligence to the press to policy to the press back to intelligence. One fellow who briefed President Trump early on said, If we could have recorded the conversation and made a transcript, it wouldve sounded like a James Joyce novel.Corporate branding first emerged as a practical measure. In the 1920s, the rise of American consumer culture produced a glut of products that couldnt be differentiated from one another on sight. The branding that emerged around them has, at points, had a glimmer of utility to it, serving as a way to establish the authenticity and reliability of a particular thing from a particular source. But the idea of a brand rapidly spread beyond that seal of quality and subsumed a whole constellation of sentiments a company might provoke in a person, many of them wholly abstracted from the product itself. In her 1999 book, No Logo, Naomi Klein presents the acceleration of corporate branding as a kind of hollowing out: Companies that used to manufacture wares or harvest foods  that used to sell things  became brands, which sell ideas. Actual production processes became secondary, outsourced to far-flung subcontractors. The brands real investment was to imbue the products with meaning. Nike isnt a running-shoe company, Klein wrote in the 10th-anniversary edition, it is about the idea of transcendence through sports.

At its core, branding is a process of humanization: It imbues companies with personalities. Often the personification is overt. Once there were Aunt Jemima and Betty Crocker; now theres the Trump Organization and Fenty Beauty. As the celebrity adman Bruce Barton once said: Institutions have souls, just as men and nations have souls. A company with a soul becomes relatable, but in a deceptive way: The more we think of it as a brand, the more our focus shifts away from things like labor practices and supply chains and onto issues of narrative and identity.

So Wendys, which used to be personified by a little red-haired girl or by its founder, Dave Thomas, is now personified by a social-media team renowned for its ability to tweet like a rude teenager. But if companies have come to act more like people, the reverse is also true: Now people act like companies, carefully monitoring the meanings we project into the world. The brand management of the Wendys team happens right alongside that of actual teenagers, who shape their images to attract attention and good will. Build up enough of those things, and a person, much like a company, can become profitable. A blockbuster persona like Rihannas might translate into the marketability of a $59 body luminizer; a Bachelor contestants persona might be limited to endorsing herbal supplements on Instagram; a popular internet figure might simply crowdfund to cover expenses. Companies still try to sell us things, but now were encouraged to pitch ourselves to them, too. A lifestyle brand, after all, is just a regular brand that appeals to peoples personal brands  which, in turn, are increasingly organized around courting relationships with lifestyle brands. It all collapses into branding.

Personal brand was coined by a writer named Tom Peters in a Fast Company article, The Brand Called You. This was in 1997, as lifestyle branding was beginning to emerge: All kinds of products, Peters wrote, are figuring out how to transcend the narrow boundaries of their categories and become a brand surrounded by Tommy Hilfiger-like buzz. At the end of the essay, he plugged his new CD-ROM.The young woman rubbed her eyes. The numbers and letters on her computer screen jumped erratically. So did the world around her. This had happened before, but late at night when she was tired, never in the middle of the day. The light from the screen suddenly seemed too bright. And her headache, the one that was always present these days, tightened from a dull ache to a squeezing pressure on the back of her head and neck. Nearly in tears from pain and frustration, the 19-year-old called her mother. She couldnt see; she couldnt drive. Could her mother pick her up from work?

The problems with her eyes began in grade school. Two years earlier, she nearly went blind. All she could see on the left was a rim of light. Everything else was blocked by a big black spot. And then a black dot appeared in her right eye as well. Her parents took her to see many eye doctors, only to be told that there was nothing wrong. One doctor told them that she had emotional blindness. The young womans vision somehow got a lot better on its own, and though the black dot still obstructed some of her vision, for the last eight months shed been able to drive  so important in this small mountain town an hour north of San Diego.



Problems in the Brain?

Now she couldnt see for what seemed like a different reason. The young womans mother arranged for her to go to San Diego to see a neuro-ophthalmologist  a doctor who specializes in vision problems that originate in the brain. When they got to the office, though, the young womans vision and headache had returned to their imperfect but baseline state. She told the doctor that her symptoms were least intrusive in the morning; standing and walking seemed to make everything worse. Come back later, the doctor instructed. Mother and daughter walked around and shopped. When a couple of hours later the daughters eyes started jumping and her headache worsened, they hurried back to the office.

The doctor took one look at the young womans eyes and told her she had nystagmus. Its a failure in the parts of the brain that allow our eyes to stay focused when the object being observed or the observer moves. Problems in the inner ear  where head position is perceived  are the most common cause of nystagmus, usually accompanied by vertigo. Persistent nystagmus is worrisome because it can indicate abnormalities in other parts of the brain, primarily the cerebellum  the chief coordinator of all movement. The doctor sent the patient to the Sharp Memorial Hospital emergency room for an M.R.I.; it would reveal if a clot or mass in the brain was causing the nystagmus.Helen Ochisor drove the yellow taxi in the morning. Her husband Nicanor took it in the afternoon.

They rarely saw each other during the week. She was asleep when he got home after a long night of driving. They exchanged a quick hello while handing off the taxi.

Immigrants from Romania, the couple had bought their New York City taxi medallion nearly three decades ago. Lately, it had been difficult to find fares. Her husband worked 12-hour shifts, but brought home less money. He was worried about the plunging value of their once-lucrative medallion and frustrated about Ubers takeover of the industry.

On a cold day in March, Mr. Ochisor hanged himself in his garage in Queens. His family blames the growing hopelessness he felt over his fortunes as a taxi driver.

It depressed him, it irritated him, it probably angered him  maybe all three, his son Gabriel Ochisor said in an interview at the familys home. It was definitely a factor. Otherwise, we cant piece together any other factor.Despite a series of recent setbacks, prosecutors said on Tuesday that they intend to retry a Brooklyn man in the 2003 murder of a New Jersey college student, setting up another courtroom battle in a case that has already seen a two-week trial, numerous appeals and countless hearings.

In February, the long-running legal saga of the man, John Giuca, was upended when a state appeals court tossed out his guilty verdict, ruling that the Brooklyn district attorneys office withheld evidence from his initial lawyer and relied on testimony from a witness who lied during the murder trial in 2005. Twenty-one at the time, Mr. Giuca was convicted with a friend, Antonio Russo, of killing the student, Mark Fisher, after a raucous night of drinking in Manhattan ended at a party at Mr. Giucas home in Prospect Park South, Brooklyn.

Now 34, Mr. Giuca maintained his innocence throughout more than 13 years in prison, and in the months he has since spent in jail on Rikers Island, where he was moved after the appeals court threw out his conviction. In the wake of the appellate ruling, prosecutors said they still believed he was guilty and had enough evidence to convict him again. At a hearing on Tuesday in State Supreme Court in Brooklyn, the prosecutors repeated that position, adding that even now  15 years after Mr. Fishers death  they were continuing to investigate the case in preparation for a second trial.

Mark A. Bederow, a lawyer who has handled Mr. Giucas serial appeals, has already cast doubt on the district attorneys chances at a second trial. In court on Tuesday, he repeated his own position, saying that the prosecutors on the case were sitting three months later in an even weaker position than in February. One of the witnesses the prosecution called at the first trial, a jailhouse informant named John Avitto, was discredited by the appeals court, Mr. Bederow noted. Another potential witness, Angel DiPietro, a then-college student who left the house party not long before Mr. Fisher was killed, has an unusual conflict of interest, he said: She now works for the district attorneys office.The new plan would give priority for 25 percent of the seats at all the districts middle schools to students who score below grade level on the state tests. Because test scores closely track socioeconomic status and race, the plan would likely increase the number of poor and minority students at schools that are now out of reach for many disadvantaged families.

The video in Mr. Carranzas tweet captured a meeting about the plan that was held last week at Public School 199, a high-achieving elementary school, where most of the students are white or Asian. In it, some parents erupted at the idea that their children might be shut out of the most popular schools.

Youre talking about telling an 11-year-old, You worked your butt off and you didnt get that, what you needed or wanted, a woman yells. Youre telling them, Youre going to go to a school thats not going to educate you in the same way youve been educated. Life sucks!

But Irene Butler, who has four grandchildren in the districts public schools, welcomed the idea. Her grandson is in sixth grade at West Prep, but she said she would have considered other schools if the plan had been in place for him.

A lot of kids are struggling to get through their classes and need help, but are not getting the help they need, Ms. Butler, who is black, said. Having an opportunity to go to some of the higher-performing schools, she added, will also help children from getting frustrated and dropping out.In some cases China used industrial espionage to just steal innovations from the West. Other moves were more subtle: When China joined the W.T.O. in 2001, it was allowed in as a developing nation, subject to very low tariffs on its exports to our country but permitted to impose high tariffs to protect its own rising industries from U.S. and European competition.

The assumption was that as China grew, and the W.T.O. moved to a new regime, China would quickly cut its tariffs  like its 25 percent tax on car imports, compared with the 2.5 percent tariff imposed by the U.S. But the W.T.O. still has not completed a new trade round and China has refused to voluntarily lower its tariffs.

Moreover, China developed an industrial policy that often bent W.T.O. rules. The government gave away cheap land, and state-guided banks granted cheap loans for new industries, but foreign companies that wanted access to Chinas market were forced to pay to play  to have a Chinese partner and be willing to transfer their advanced technology to them.

As a result, over time, Beijing was able to force multinationals to shift more and more of their supply chains to China, and grow Chinese competitors to Western companies in its protected market, and then, once they were big enough, unleash them on the world as giants.

Even when the U.S. protested to the W.T.O.  as in the case of how China unfairly kept U.S. credit card companies out, then lost the arbitration case at the W.T.O.  China still dragged its feet before following through on promises made 17 years earlier to open up. By then, Chinese companies, like UnionPay, so dominated Chinas credit card market that U.S. companies, like Visa, were left with the crumbs.

Meanwhile, Chinese government-guided companies and investment funds went abroad and began to buy up strategic industries to bring their technology back to China  like Germanys biggest and best robotics company, Kuka.

U.S. and European businesses tolerated all of this because they were still making money in China or were afraid to be frozen out of its massive, growing market  until a couple years ago, when more and more told their governments: This is not working anymore. That ushered in Act III.On Monday morning, Middle East watchers awoke to astonishing news from Israel. A headline in The Jerusalem Post read, Netanyahu to Address Country with Dramatic News About Iran. As the day passed, details remained sparse, but it became clear that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was going to unveil secret evidence of Iranian cheating on the nuclear deal. The timing of the announcement, right after the new American secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, met with Mr. Netanyahu, accentuated its gravity.

Monday afternoon, just a bit behind schedule, Mr. Netanyahu took to the stage next to an enormous screen. The headlines had suggested he would be in his office at a desk or podium to share news of existential importance. Instead, he presented a minor-league TED Talk  and in English, no less. Outside the elite, fewer and fewer people in Israel speak English, so the notion of a countrys leader supposedly addressing his compatriots in a foreign language on a matter of national security added to the weirdness of the performance.

The substance of Mr. Netanyahus allegedly shattering revelation was correspondingly strange. Of greatest interest was the disclosure of a covert operation that spirited Irans nuclear archives out of the country for analysis in Israel. These records, according to Mr. Netanyahu, consisted of 55,000 pages and 183 CDs  an enormous load  which nicely demonstrated what can happen when a resourceful and audacious intelligence community in one country meets staggering carelessness and incompetence in another.

The archive had been stored in what Mr. Netanyahu described as a derelict warehouse in Tehran. The photos he displayed indicated that there did not even appear to be a lock on the door. One wonders how important the Iranians thought these documents were, given the slapdash approach they took to storing them. In any case, the Mossad operation that netted this haul apparently took place in January and President Trump was briefed on it shortly afterward.To the Editor:

In A Time for Big Economic Ideas (column, April 23), David Leonhardt briefly mentions infrastructure as one solution for our woes. How about increasing spending on badly needed projects in every state with unneeded military bases by closing them but keeping the money in the state, shifting it dollar for dollar to any infrastructure projects of the states choosing?

This way you get around politicians reflexive veto on closing unneeded bases. Either reassign the military personnel or allow force reduction through natural attrition. Give first dibs on any new employment to civilians currently working on the bases set to be closed.

Returning the land to the state for development opportunities would also allow the raising of additional revenues through the sale or lease of land and property, sales and use taxes.

The plan is bipartisan, and it lowers unnecessary military spending while increasing domestic economic stimulus without raising taxes. It also reduces a federal presence, which some people object to anyway. Call it the New Deal for the 21st Century or some other sexy thing.To name just a few: When and why did you decide to fire James Comey, the F.B.I. director, who was leading the Russia investigation at the time? What did you mean when you told NBCs Lester Holt that you fired Mr. Comey because this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story? Did you try to persuade the attorney general, Jeff Sessions, to protect you from the investigation? Did you secretly promise to pardon Michael Flynn, the former national security adviser who has pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators about his communications with the Russian ambassador?

The questions are a reminder of just how aberrant this White House has been. No prior president so openly assaulted the rule of law or undermined the integrity of the law enforcement community. In that light, Mr. Muellers questions also provide a measure of comfort that, amid all the chaos and tumult of this administration, career public servants in law enforcement continue to do their jobs, investigating crimes and pursuing justice. It may unnerve Mr. Trump, who has spent his life skirting the law and avoiding full accountability, but this is how the law works. Without saying a word publicly, Mr. Mueller and his team of experienced investigators are showing America how a government premised on the rule of law is supposed to function. The process may seem slow, but that is out of diligence and caution. Its fundamental purpose is truth-seeking  unlike, say, the embarrassing obfuscations of the Republican leaders of the House Intelligence Committee, who last week absolved Mr. Trump and his campaign of any wrongdoing in a 250-page report that reads more like a work of fantasy than a government investigation.

Early Tuesday morning, Mr. Trump tweeted that the leak of Mr. Muellers questions was disgraceful and that it would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened!

Wrong. Obstruction of justice is itself a federal crime  see, for example, Section 1505 of Title 18 of the United States Code  regardless of whether prosecutors can establish an underlying offense. Mr. Trump and his defenders mock it as a process crime, but the rule of law breaks down if people can interfere, with impunity, in law enforcements efforts to do justice. Dont forget that both presidents who have faced impeachment proceedings in the past few decades, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton, were accused of obstructing justice.For antiques or upholstered pieces, she offered another solution: faux-fur throws that can be washed or changed. Erick J. Espinoza, the creative director at Anthony Baratta Design, swears by synthetics and wool felt, which he used for a club chair after adopting Quinn, his 3-year-old rescue dog.

Felt is like steel, he said, noting that he chose the color red because it tends to wear well. All you need is a good felt brush, and youre set. Spills usually bead up on the surface for a while, and if youre quick to dry it up, youll never know anything happened.

Image Annie Selkes basset hounds on her Lyric Paisley rug, which is colorful enough to camouflage stains. Credit... Annie Selke Companies

BUY CHEAP RUGS Because there are so many ways pets can soil a rug, you should look for inexpensive options, Ms. Fenimore said, that will stand up to dirty paws, shedding and heavy wear.

Natural-fiber rugs like sisal or sea grass can be a great option, she noted, as they are affordable, neutral enough for most spaces and can be tossed without too much guilt once they begin to look worn. (Though you might want to start with a small doormat if you are bringing home a puppy with a propensity to chew.)

Annie Selke, who named her rug company after her two dogs, Dash & Albert, makes indoor/outdoor rugs that can be hosed or washed down.

But no matter which rug you select, Ms. Fenimore said, be sure to use a nonskid pad underneath: We all know what happens when the doorbell rings and four paws are running at full speed around a corner and over a rug.Android users: Most Android phones shouldnt run into trouble if someone else tries to activate them with a new account, but to be safe, its a good idea to sign out of your Google account before resetting your phone. Head to Settings > Users & Accounts, tap on your Google account and tap the Remove Account button. If you have a Samusng phone, you should also sign out of your Samsung account from Settings > Accounts > Samsung Account  tap the three dots in the corner and choose Remove Account. (Note that these menus may be slightly different for different phones.)

Securely wipe your data

Once youre sure you have everything backed up, youre ready to erase that data from your device. Take care, though: This needs to be done in a way that ensures the phones new owner cant recover any of your personal information.

When you delete a file from your phone or computer, it isnt actually erased. The device just marks that space free to overwrite with other data. But anyone with easy-to-obtain recovery software can view recently deleted files, which means your personal information is at risk.

Thats one of the reasons encrypting your devices is so important  especially if youre going to erase and sell them. If your device is encrypted before performing a factory reset, any leftover data on the device will appear as a jumbled mess to anyone who tries to recover it, and your personal information will remain secret and safe.

iPhone users: Thankfully, every iPhone since the 3GS is encrypted by default. (In fact, theres not even a way to turn it off.) If you have an iPhone, you can securely erase your device by heading to Settings > General > Reset and tapping Erase All Content and Settings. When the process is finished, it will return you to the Welcome screen you originally saw when you bought the phone.

Android users: Many Android devices are encrypted, but it varies depending on the manufacturer and age of your device. So we recommend a few extra steps before erasing your Android-based smartphone. Head to Settings > Security and look for an Encryption setting. If you see something that says your phone is encrypted, youre good to go  otherwise, tap Encrypt Phone to start the process. (Again, these instructions may be slightly different depending on your phone.)Clinton Kelly, who has dined at the Odeon restaurant in TriBeCa every week for several years, cant recall when he first noticed Roya Shanks, who works there. However, he does recall her dress. She was wearing an outfit unlike anyone in the room  or below 14th Street, said Mr. Kelly, a fashion consultant and TV host, describing it as a kind of patchwork caftan thing that reminded him of The Dinah Shore Show.

He also quickly realized that there was more to Ms. Shanks than her eye-catching ensemble. She has not only a distinct style, but a distinct aura, Mr. Kelly said. Shes so fascinating.

Officially, Ms. Shanks is a manager at the restaurant, famous for its red banquettes, burgers and depiction on the cover (and in the plot) of the novel Bright Lights, Big City. But her role is more central and also more ephemeral than that title.

With its amber lighting and fame-ish clientele, the Odeon has the feel of a theatrical stage set, and it is Ms. Shanks who narrates and to a degree stars in the nightly play, like the Stage Manager in Thornton Wilders Our Town. Standing steady behind a podium as the dinner crowd packs in, showing an artist, actor, rock star to a table, sprinkling what she calls hospitality sugar around the room  Ms. Shanks does it all with a cool, calm authority.Christian Borle will star in the Encores! production of Me and My Girl, from 1937.

Credit... Michael Kirby Smith for The New York TimesAmong scarecrow festivals, thats a reasonably long pedigree. But dont worry if this is your first such rodeo, because the basics of a scarecrow festival are easy to grasp. For around a week each summer (Aug. 11 to 19 this year), Kettlewells residents decorate the benches, lawns, and nooks and crannies of their village with locally crafted scarecrows. Many scarecrows are inspired by historical or literary characters. Political and popular culture figures also appear, and in this way a quiet English village raises an unlikely scarecrow-filled mirror to the global zeitgeist. Last years festival featured a Queen Victoria (accompanied by a sign that read, Lie back and think of England), a David Bowie and at least four President Trumps.

You can guide yourself through Kettlewell with a scarecrow trail map, or you can take a free-range approach, recalling picturesque lines from your favorite English novels as you cross the villages bubbling beck, or stream. When you near the edge of the village  indeed, Kettlewell is so small that you could inadvertently wander out of it in the course of composing a long text message home  you might plan a foray into the Yorkshire countryside thats all around you, perhaps on the Dales Way, a roughly 80-mile-long trail that runs right through the village.Sharon L. Giovinazzo, president and chief executive of World Services for the Blind, was recently walking through an airport with her trained service dog Watson when a pocket pooch growled and then bit him, she said.

The owner apologized and said the dog was her service animal. Ms. Giovinazzo, an Army veteran who lost her sight to multiple sclerosis in 2001, was not having it.

Yeah, yeah. Sure, sure, lady, she recalled telling the owner. Then your animal should be secured and trained not to do that.

Ms. Giovinazzo said the dog was an untrained pet masquerading as a service animal in what advocates for people with disabilities said had become a growing problem in the last few years.Women continue to earn less than men, for a variety of reasons. Discrimination is one, research shows. Women are also likelier than men to work in lower-paying jobs like those in public service, caregiving and the nonprofit sector  and to take time off for children. Employers often base a starting salary on someones previous earnings, so at each job, the gender pay gap continues, and it becomes seemingly impossible for women to catch up.

Women are told they are not worth as much as men, Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote in the Ninth Circuits opinion, before he died last month. Allowing prior salary to justify a wage differential perpetuates this message, entrenching in salary systems an obvious means of discrimination.

What if job applicants dont live in one of the places where asking about salary history is banned? Some experts recommend that they find ways to politely deflect, although refusing to answer an interview question can be risky. Workshops by the American Association of University Women suggest some strategies.

Applicants could turn the question back on the employer by asking for the positions salary range, or what the last person to do the job was paid. Applicants could say something like: I want to learn more about the job first, in order to have a better sense of my salary expectations. Or they could provide context for why theyre declining to share the information, by explaining that it contributes to the gender pay gap.

Salary history bans can also have a less expected effect: When employers dont rely on past pay as a proxy for how valuable someone is, they might consider a wider variety of candidates. A recent working paper was based on an experiment in an online job marketplace: Half of employers could see applicants past pay and half could not. The employers who could not see past pay viewed more applications, asked candidates more questions and invited more for interviews. The candidates they hired had, on average, lower past wages, and struck better deals when they negotiated.The Department of Homeland Security, meanwhile, has sharply cut back on granting a special legal status for immigrant juveniles who have been abused, neglected or abandoned; the program dropped from a 78 percent approval rate in 2016 to 54 percent last year, according to statistics compiled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In New York, Texas and elsewhere, the agency in recent months has also begun revoking this protection for children who had already won it, according to legal aid organizations in the states.

The Justice Department has also issued legal clarification for courts and prosecutors about revoking unaccompanied child status, which allows minors to have their cases heard in a non-adversarial setting rather than in immigration court with a prosecutor contesting them. (The White House has said that it intends to remove this protection altogether, but has not yet done so.)

And the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which provides social services to vulnerable immigrant youth, is now placing all children with any gang-related history in secure detention instead of foster care, whether or not they have ever been arrested or charged with a crime, according to an August memo to the Presidents Domestic Policy Council.

Its law enforcement mission creep, and our office is ill-prepared for it, said Robert Carey, who was director of the refugee agency under President Barack Obama.

A Focus on Gangs

The Trump administration has said that its actions are necessary to stem the tide of violent crime. It has focused on teenagers belonging to or associated with the Salvadoran-American street gang MS-13, which has been linked by the police since 2016 to at least 25 homicides on Long Island  a testing ground for many of the presidents new policies.

About 99 of the more than 475 people arrested in the New York City area during ICE raids for gang members had come to the U.S. as unaccompanied children, a representative for the agency said.

To fortify the loophole narrative, official announcements of these ICE actions often point out that a number of those arrested were in the process of applying for various forms of child protection.WASHINGTON  Since Hurricane Marias deadly rampage last September, the Education Department has doled out tens of millions of taxpayer dollars in disaster relief to colleges and universities supposedly affected by last years hurricanes.

Only a fraction has gone to institutions where the storm had its most profound impact: Puerto Rico.

Instead, elite institutions like New York University and the University of Southern California have received aid, as have Liberty University, the Christian school in Virginia run by President Trumps ally Jerry Falwell Jr., and Grand Canyon University, a Christian, for-profit college in Arizona. Some of those universities have been clear about why they took the money  N.Y.U. had already enrolled Puerto Rican students temporarily displaced by the storm when the Education Department forwarded funds to defray the costs. Others, like Grand Canyon, have refused to explain with any detail.

And while Puerto Ricos share of the aid was roughly in line with states also affected by last years hurricanes, like Florida, the devastation is not at all comparable.

Here, no one was spared, said Carmen J. Cividanes-Lago, executive director of the Association of Private Colleges and Universities of Puerto Rico (ACUP), a nonprofit member group of private higher education institutions that serve more than 114,000 students in Puerto Rico.SAN JUAN, P.R.  Thousands of demonstrators joined a general strike in the capital of Puerto Rico on Tuesday that ended in mayhem after the police fired tear gas and pepper spray to end a tense standoff with some of the protesters.

The demonstrators gathered to oppose school closings, university tuition increases and potential cuts to pensions and other benefits. As the island rebuilds in the wake of Hurricane Maria, which devastated the economy and prompted an exodus of Puerto Ricans left with few options, the protesters said they feared that looming austerity measures would decimate what remained of the islands middle class and force even more residents to leave.

Were overwhelmed, said Carlos Cofino, a 20-year-old political science student, as he prepared to march. We need to express our indignation and let the government know that there are people who are suffering.PAICHO, Uganda  Just after dawn, Patrick Ogik placed a wooden yoke over the bulging necks of his two oxen and attached a metal plow behind them, the ropes, fraying from wear, tied to the animals.

The 44-year-old farmer guided the oxen to a fallow field, where he was preparing to plant peanuts in a tiny patch of land he owns outside Paicho, a village in northern Uganda.

As the metal plow drove through the soil, it struck something hard. Mr. Ogik reached down and pulled the metal casing of a mortar shell from clumps of soil. He wiped the surface with his hand.

This one was spent, he explained, though he has sometimes come across live ammunition. He tossed it aside and continued his work.MEXICO CITY  The message that circulated on social media earlier this year  most Mexicans would have to re-register within days if they wanted to vote in the presidential election  set off a low-level panic on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms.

The thing is, it wasnt true.

The source remains unclear. But whether the message was a dirty tricksters attempt to undermine the system or just an ill-informed public service effort, the anger and uncertainty it generated represented an early skirmish in the battle over disinformation in this years fiercely contested election season.

What candidates do on social media will be decisive, said Carlos Merlo, managing partner of Victory Lab, a marketing firm dedicated to spreading viral claims, saying they must respond quicker than ever to combat disinformation.

There is a lot at stake in the July 1 vote: over 3,400 elected positions at the local, state and federal levels, more than in any other election in Mexican history. The biggest prize is the presidency, with five candidates on the ballot competing to succeed President Enrique Pena Nieto for a six-year term.SAO PAULO, Brazil  A high-rise tower in Sao Paulo, Brazil, collapsed early Tuesday after a fire raged through the building and spread to two other structures nearby. At least one person was believed to have died.

The collapsed building, which reached more than 20 stories high, was a former federal police facility that was inhabited by about 150 squatters, city officials said, but it appeared that the vast majority of them escaped the blaze.

The blaze highlighted the shortage of affordable housing in the city. Marcio Franca, governor of Sao Paulo state, estimated that 150 downtown buildings in the city are illegally occupied by squatters, living in substandard conditions.

A person was trapped on an upper floor and was calling for help when the building collapsed, and it is very likely that the person was killed, a spokesman for the Sao Paulo Fire Department said. He said firefighters had conducted interviews with many people who had lived in the building intermittently, trying to determine whether anyone else might have been inside when it collapsed.Speaking in Amman, where Japan announced grants of up to 1.63 billion yen, about $15 million, to help Jordan support an influx of Syrian refugees, Mr. Abe said he planned to discuss all aspects of the future development of relationships between Japan and China, and Japan and South Korea at the meeting next week. He added that he would push for more concrete actions from North Korea to flesh out the commitment to denuclearization that Mr. Kim discussed with Mr. Moon in historic talks in the border village of Panmunjom last Friday.

Of the three leaders convening in Tokyo next week, Mr. Abe, who has lately been dogged by influence-peddling scandals at home, is perhaps most in need of a domestic boost. Undoubtedly, all three leaders will want to talk about advancing the North Korean peace process. But the unusual personality and style of President Trump is an equally urgent topic.

A lot of the stimulus for this diplomacy in northeast Asia is certainly the North Korean threat, said Mireya Solis, co-director of the Center for East Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution. But they are also dealing with this president, who is in so many ways changing the parameters of U.S. foreign policy.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for the three leaders to discuss commercial ties, at a time when the United States is threatening a trade war with China and has recently renegotiated a two-way trade agreement with South Korea.

It will be the first visit to Japan by Mr. Moon since he was elected president last May, and the first visit to Tokyo by a South Korean president in more than six years. Mr. Li would be the first Chinese premier to visit Japan in eight years.HONG KONG  The Dominican Republic says it has established ties with China, a move that furthers the international isolation of Taiwan, with which it simultaneously severed diplomatic relations.

The decision was announced by Flavio Dario Espinal, an adviser to the government of the Dominican Republic, and the foreign ministers of China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique on Tuesday morning in Beijing.

Mr. Espinal emphasized the likelihood of increased trade after establishing formal relations with China, which has the worlds second largest economy, and the prospect of making the Dominican Republic a destination for Chinese tourists.

He said that despite not having official ties, trade between the two countries was worth about $2 billion, making the Dominican Republic Chinas second-largest trading partner in Central America and the Caribbean.MOSCOW  The governing party in Armenia thwarted the opposition leaders effort to become prime minister on Tuesday, setting the stage for continued upheaval as street protesters ratchet up their efforts to force the ruling elite to loosen its grip on the country.

In an extraordinary session of Parliament, the opposition leader, Nikol Pashinyan, urged the Republican Party, which has the most lawmakers, to install him as prime minister, warning that if they did not, they would face a political tsunami on the streets.

When all but one member of the party voted against him anyway, Mr. Pashinyan called for a national strike starting Wednesday to paralyze roads, railroads, airports, schools and public services.

In the Armenian Republic there is no power that can stand against you, he told a cheering crowd of tens of thousands of supporters gathered on Republic Square in central Yerevan, the capital, where many had spent more than eight hours watching live broadcasts of the speeches in Parliament.Over more than two decades, Jean-Noel Frydman built France.com into a thriving business, selling tours online to Paris, Burgundy, the Riviera and other popular French destinations.

But on March 12, his business vanished.

That was the day the French government prevailed in a yearslong effort to seize the coveted domain name, persuading the company that had long managed it, Web.com, to hand it over.

It was a shock to have everything that Ive worked on for almost 25 years get destroyed overnight, said Mr. Frydman, who was born in France and is a dual French-American citizen. In one minute, its all gone, without any kind of heads up.

Now, Mr. Frydman, who says he stands to lose millions of dollars in profit without the site, is fighting back  by taking France to court in America.BUDAPEST  Less than four weeks ago, Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary won re-election after promising to seek moral, political and legal amends from his opponents.

Four days later, something strange started to happen in the Hungarian court system. A flurry of judges began resigning in quick succession from the National Judicial Council, the main bulwark against executive interference in the judiciary.

Mr. Orbans party maintains there is nothing untoward about the departures. But his critics fear that the judges are resigning under pressure from allies of a newly emboldened Orban administration with the intent of further bringing the judiciary to heel.

The situation wasnt good before, said Zsuzsa Sandor, a former senior judge, but its now going to get worse.BRUSSELS  The European Union is largely about money  who gives it, who gets it and why. In the face of a challenge to European democratic values from Poland and Hungary, Brussels is naturally turning to money to get at least some leverage over the popular, populist governments there.

The struggle at the heart of the European Union has infused what would normally be a humdrum moment in the life of its bureaucracy  the publishing of its proposed long-term budget on Wednesday  with novel importance.

How the European Union disperses its money will be hashed out over months  debated, amended and approved by the leaders of the member states and by the European Parliament, too.

But suddenly at stake in the tedium is whether the money that richer states transfer to poorer ones  long seen as a means of democratizing former dictatorships, like Portugal, Spain or Greece  is instead enabling new ones, namely in Poland and Hungary, among the top money-getters in the European Union.LONDON  From her doorstep in the exclusive Knightsbridge district of London, Christine Cotter dismissed the idea of voting for Britains opposition Labour Party in elections on Thursday, describing its left-wing leader, Jeremy Corbyn, as a dreamer whose policies would bankrupt the country.

But in the rare spring sunshine, Ms. Cotter added that, even in her area of multimillion-dollar properties, not everyone shared her views about Labour.

There is fear that they could win in Westminster, said Ms. Cotter, referring to her affluent borough, which will be among those to hold local council elections on Thursday. She noted Mr. Corbyns following among younger voters: Hes selling a dream, said Ms. Cotter, 71, a semiretired psychotherapist.

In theory, the voting on Thursday is about local, not national, issues, but with Britains electorate in a volatile mood, the results will be watched closely. Were the Conservative Party of Prime Minister Theresa May to lose control of bastions like Westminster or the borough of Wandsworth, it could embolden those opposed to leaving the European Union and renew speculation about a challenge to Mrs. May, whose leadership has been questioned since she lost her parliamentary majority in June.LONDON  Arthur Edwards, a photographer for The Sun, has spent four decades tagging along after members of Britains royal family. He sprinkles his conversations with recollections of kindnesses bestowed on him over the years: a jocular telegram from Prince Charles in 1981, a thoughtful phone call to his granddaughter from Princess Eugenie in 2013.

But raise the subject of Prince Harry, whose May 19 wedding to the American actress Meghan Markle will be the highlight of the year for much of the British media, and Mr. Edwardss face clouds over. Hes become  its no secret  hes become very withdrawn. He doesnt say good morning to us anymore, Mr. Edwards said. Hes upset with us generally.

If Mr. Edwards had hopes that Prince Harry would be in a forgiving mood as the wedding approached, they were banished when Kensington Palace announced details of the medias access to the ceremony: Specifically, there will be almost none.TEHRAN  Iran blocked Telegram, the most popular messaging app in the country, on Tuesday, claiming the service used by 40 million Iranians endangers national security.

It was just the latest in a series of moves by the Iranian authorities to limit use of the app, part of a tug of war between hard-liners and President Hassan Rouhani, who has long campaigned for more freedom on social media.

The hard-liners complain that Telegram poses dangers because Irans censors have no control over it. In a statement posted on the news website Mizan, which is associated with the countrys conservative judiciary, a prosecutor accused Telegram of supporting terrorists and other hostile groups.

The minister of information and communication technology, Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, at 35 the youngest member of Mr. Rouhanis cabinet, said on Twitter that trying to stop technology was pointless.Augmented reality is a new approach to digital storytelling that we are exploring. Read about how to use it on your phone or tablet here.

Augmented reality is a new approach to digital storytelling that we are exploring. Read about how to use it on your phone or tablet here.

Missions to Mars

In July 1965, the Mariner 4 spacecraft flew past Mars and took the first close-up image of another planet, a series of numbers that impatient engineers colored by hand.

Ticker tape image of Mars, colored by NASA engineers. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Dan Goods

Since then, Earth has sent 18 spacecraft to try to land on Mars or its larger moon, Phobos. Five never made it, four crashed into Mars and two failed after landing. Only seven touched down softly and survived to take their own photographs.

The first photograph taken on the surface of Mars, by Viking 1 on July 20, 1976. NASA/JPL

NASAs InSight spacecraft launched on May 5 and is scheduled to land on Mars on Nov. 26.The latest round of promotions at Ashurst has proven a good one for Australian lawyers.

Ten of the 24 new partners are in Australia while a further 3 are from elsewhere in Asia Pacific making a 54% share for the region. The other 46% are from Europe.

The new Australian partners are:

* Emma Butler, Digital Economy, Melbourne

* Camilla Clemente, Restructuring and Special Situations, Sydney

* Stuart D'Aloisio, IP/Media, Melbourne

* Karen Dwyer, Digital Economy, Sydney

* Justin Jones, Competition, Melbourne

* Krista Payne, Projects, Sydney

* Catherine Pedler, Dispute Resolution, Perth

* Caroline Smart, Global Markets, Sydney (not yet admitted in Australia, expected June 2018)

* Kathy Srdanovic, Employment, Sydney

* Sanjay Wavde, Tax, Sydney

"We have had another year of strong profitable growth and this has enabled us to make a significant number of promotions across our offices and practices, commented managing partner Paul Jenkins. I am also very pleased that we have exceeded our gender target for new partner promotions this year, which reflects the firm's focus on identifying, supporting and developing the pipeline of female leaders.

New dispute mechanism needed post-Brexit says Law Society

With the UKs withdrawal from the European Union edging ever-closer, the Law Society in England & Wales says there needs to be a new disputes mechanism.

At the moment disputes are handled by the European Court of Justice (CJEU) and, as an EU member, weve had judges sitting in that court and UK lawyers representing clients, said Law Society president Joe Egan.A 22-year-old man sentenced to jail for six months for burgling apartments after kicking in the doors has had that sentence suspended on appeal by Portlaoise Circuit Court.

Before the court was Luke Dunne (22), Canal Court, Portarlington.

He previously appeared before the District Court in March, where he was given a six month sentence by Judge Catherine Staines.

During the appeal against the sentence at the circuit court recently, State solicitor, Mr Donal Dunne gave evidence that on January 4 this year, a number of apartment doors were kicked in at Huguenot House Apartments in Portarlington.

The appellant, Luke Dunne, and two other males were found inside one of the apartments with a number of items in the floor.

The appellant was searched and a machete type knife was found on him, hidden in his underwear.

Another apartment was also broken into and property was disturbed, said Mr Dunne.

The appellant was arrested and made admissions to the gardai.

The appellant had 16 previous convictions.

Defence, barrister Ms Louise Troy said the appellants friend had lived in an apartment in the complex and the appellant and other friends would sometimes stay there.

The two nearby apartments broken into were in a dilapidated state and unoccupied, said Ms Troy.

Defence went on to say that the machete her client had was one found in the apartment

She said the appellant had cooperated fully with the gardai.

The appellant, originally from Clondalkin, now had the promise of a job and had brought 235 compensation to court.

He deeply apologised, said Ms Troy, and had made positive rehabilitative efforts.

Judge Keenan Johnson asked the State were the apartments dilapidated, to which he was informed that the landlord had secured the apartments but the State did not have a note whether the apartments were dilapidated.

The apartments were unoccupied at the time.

Judge Johnson said that kicking in doors like this was a serious offence.

He noted that the appellant was a young man with a considerable number of previous convictions, mostly for drugs and road traffic matters.

Saying he would adopt the carrot and stick approach, Judge Johnson increased the sentence from six months to nine months, and suspended it for five years on condition the appellant enter a peace bond.

The judge also directed that the 235 compensation go to the owner of the apartments, and ordered the appellant to make a donation to the local branch of the St Vincent de Paul within 12 months.

When the original six-month sentence was imposed in the district court, Judge Catherine Staines declared: Kicking in someones door and stealing their property is not acceptable.

She said that Dunne had appeared before her on numerous occasions and she had given him opportunities before.

Defence, Mr Declan Breen said that a friend of the accused had been renting an apartment in a building which was in bad need of repair, with a large number of apartments derelict. His friend, with whom the accused occasionally stayed, had difficulties with his landlord and a dispute over rent arose.

On the day of the offence the accused left the building with friends, but came back and on the way through the building they randomly went into an apartment.

Mr Breen said this was a spur of the moment decision. A radio and speakers were in one of the apartments, which the accused did not know about until he went in. He had no intention to steal, said Mr Breen, but the accused was pleading to trespassing.

Mr Breen said the accused had moved to Laois from Clondalkin at the age of ten, later becoming involved in the drug scene.Pictured: Senator Lankford visits with students in an American government class. OBU photos by Heather Horner.

U.S. Senator James Lankford Visits Bison Hill May 1 May 1, 2018

United States Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma paid a visit to the campus of Oklahoma Baptist University Tuesday morning, May 1.

While on campus, he spent time visiting with students in an American government class and answering their questions. He likewise held a question and answer session with OBU faculty and visited with administrators and staff as well.

Lankford is no stranger to Baptist life in Oklahoma. Before his time in Congress, from 1995 to 2009, he served as director of student ministry at the Baptist Convention of Oklahoma and director of the Falls Creek Youth Camp, the largest youth camp in the United States, with more than 51,000 individuals attending each summer. He works to integrate his core values of personal faith, local decision-making and opportunity for every person, regardless of their background.

After serving four years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Lankford was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014 to complete an unexpired term and re-elected to a full six-year term in 2016.

As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, he fights unnecessary and burdensome regulation and advocates for a more restrained federal government. He also serves on numerous other Senate committees, including Appropriations, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Select Committee on Intelligence and Indian Affairs.

Lankford lives in Edmond with his wife Cindy. They have been married for 25 years and have two daughters: Hannah and Jordan. He enjoys spending time with his family, sport shooting and reading.Telangana lockdown likely to be extended till June 7? KCR to take call after Cabinet meet on May 30

Anti-BJP front: KCR to meet Akhilesh Yadav today

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The opposition parties are trying hard to stitch an alliance to take on the mighty BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, who has been meeting several leaders of the regional parties, will on Wednesday (May 2) meet Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav in Hyderabad, said reports.

K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday (April 29) met DMK president M Karunanidhi at his residence and dined with MK Stalin while the two spoke to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee over the phone.

KCR had said after the meeting, "We have been sharing ideas with Mamata Banerjee. We will also meet Chandrababu Naidu. We are good friends. The parties who are going to join us and who will leave us is a decision that will be taken in the future. I was lucky to have Karunanidhi's blessings as he is one of the tallest leader of the country."

Stalin too said that his party "endorsed" the efforts of Mamata Banerjee to bring together various parties against the BJP, News 18 reported.

Mamata Banerjee had in March met Sonia Gandhi and both leaders held discussions on plans to stop the BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Banerjee, who was in Delhi for a few days in March, had said that the Congress should help the 'anti-BJP' front which the regional parties are trying to forge. Banerjee is leaving no stone unturned to galvanise the opposition parties for a united fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

On March 27, the TMC supremo visited Parliament and met leaders of several opposition parties, including Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena parliamentarian Sanjay Raut. A week before that, TRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao called on Banerjee in Kolkata and both stressed on the need for a front comprising of regional parties to stop the BJP. KCR had earlier called for a non-BJP and non-Congress front.

Is this new front in making keen to include the Congress or not is something that needs to be seen. They may have been reduced to less than 50 seats in the Lok Sabha, but Congress is still a national party and seen as principle opposition to the BJP. Senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily had last month said that any attempt form an anti-BJP front without Congress is "not desirable"....'BJP worked against giving Yeddyurappas son a ticket', says Siddaramaiah

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

There is a possibility that I may become the chief minister of Karnataka again as the elections are being held under my leadership, Siddaramaiah said. Speaking at Vijaypura, he said he could not say that only he could become the CM if the Congress comes to power in the state.

Siddaramaiah once again reiterated the point he had made earlier and said that he is sure that the BJP and JD(S) are in a tacit agreement with each other. "I have records to prove that H D Kumaraswamy had travelled with Amit Shah on the same flight," he added.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said it would have no impact at all. He also spoke about why Yeddyurappa's son, Vijayendra was not given a ticket from Varuna. He said that several BJP leaders, particularly Anant Kumar Hegde had worked against him to ensure that he was not given a ticket.

Karnataka Assembly Election dates Date of notification April 17 Last date to file nominations April 24 Last date to withdraw nominations April 27 Date of polling May 12 Date of counting May 15CBSE Class 10th Results 2021: Board likely to declare results soon; here's how to check your roll number

CBSE Class 10, 12 results 2018 on May 26

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The CBSE Class 10 and 12 results 2018 will be declared soon. The results once declared will be available on the official website.

An official of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has said that the re-test of the Class 12 Economics paper, held on April 25, nearly a month after it was leaked, will not delay declaration of results. The results are expected to be declared on May 26.

"The results will be declared on time as the evaluation is in advanced stage despite re-exam of economics paper. We have rigorously followed up with schools to send more evaluators than the required number," a senior Board official said.

There were also reports of the CBSE's Class 10 mathematics paper being leaked, but the board decided against its re-test, saying class 10 was just an "internal segment" of school education system.

The reports of leak of the CBSE papers had caused disappointment among students across the country last month. In Delhi, students held protests accusing the CBSE of negligence and demanded immediate action against the guilty.

According to Delhi Police, the class 12 economics paper was leaked on 23 March - three days before the scheduled date of the examination.

Investigators made arrests in several parts of the country in connection with the case, including in Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh.

They claimed to have arrested the main conspirators behind the leak from Una in Himachal Pradesh. The three people were staffers of a school in the town.Even Jinnah contributed to nation before partition, says UP Minister SP Maurya

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Amid the uproar over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), BJP leader and UP Minister Swami Prasad Maurya on Tuesday said the contribution of Pakistan's founder before partition cannot be ignored.

This remark comes at a time when BJP MP from Aligarh Satish Gautam asked AMU Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor an explanation for displaying the photo of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the institution.

"Jin maha-purushon ke yogdaan is rashtra ke nirmaan mein raha hai, yadi unn par koi ungli uthaata hai to ye ghatia baat hai. Desh ke batwaare se pehle Jinnah ka yogdaan bhi iss desh mein tha (It is bad that fingers are being raised on people who have contributed to nation's development. Before the partition, even Jinnah had contributed to nation)," Maurya told the media.

In a letter addressed to the VC, Gautam has asked that what the compulsion was of putting his picture in the campus.

"It is fine if Jinnah has been revered in Pakistan after Partition. But his portrait should not be put up here in India," said Aligarh MP.

"The university should instead celebrate the contributions of Raja Mahendra Pratap and Sir Syyed Ahmed who played a crucial role in establishing the university," he added.

The portrait was installed in 1938 before Partition, at the peak of Muslim League campaign for a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

Reacting to Gautam's letter, former AMU students' union president Faizul Hassan said that Jinnah's picture was placed in the institute in 1938, much before the partition. "There is no program or chapter on Jinnah that is taught in the university," he added.

Current AMUSU president Mashkoor Ahmad Usmani said, "Jinnah was a hero of undivided India". He said Jinnah's photo was there as he had been given the lifetime membership of the body before Independence. He said that Gautam should have written to the AMUSU as the photo was on display at the AMUSU hall. "We would have given a befitting reply to him," he said.'Jinnah did not want separate country for Muslims', says Farooq Abdullah

Explain compulsion of putting Jinnahs picture in AMU: BJP MP asks VC

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

BJP MP from Aligarh Satish Gautam has asked AMU Vice Chancellor of Tariq Mansoor an explanation for displaying the photo of the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the institution.

In a letter addressed to the VC, Gautam has asked that what the compulsion was of putting his picture in the campus.

"It is fine if Jinnah has been revered in Pakistan after Partition. But his portrait should not be put up here in India," said Aligarh MP.

"The university should instead celebrate the contributions of Raja Mahendra Pratap and Sir Syyed Ahmed who played a crucial role in establishing the university," he added.

The portrait was installed in 1938 before Partition, at the peak of Muslim League campaign for a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

Reacting to Gautam's letter, former AMU students' union president Faizul Hassan said that Jinnah's picture was placed in the institute in 1938, much before the partition. "There is no program or chapter on Jinnah that is taught in the university," he added, a Times of India report said.

Current AMUSU president Mashkoor Ahmad Usmani said, "Jinnah was a hero of undivided India". He said Jinnah's photo was there as he had been given the lifetime membership of the body before Independence. He said that Gautam should have written to the AMUSU as the photo was on display at the AMUSU hall. "We would have given a befitting reply to him," he said.

AMU administration also maintains that AMU Students' Union is an autonomous body. Early this year, an AMU research scholar joined Hizbul Mujahideen, forcing police to raid the varsity premises.Fayaz Kagzi, the Jeddah suicide bomber who ran Indian Mujahideen

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

DNA reports have suggested that the Jeddah bomber was an Indian. Saudi Arabia has confirmed that the bomber was an Indian who went by the name Fayaz Kagzi.

Indian officials confirmed that they received information about the bomber and said that he was Kagzi. Recently the National Investigation Agency which had Kagzi on its wanted list had told a court that he was dead. On July 4, 2016, a blast took place in Jeddah in which two security officials were injured. Kagzi is wanted in several cases in India and is said to be the mastermind of the Jeddah attack as well.

India has several years back initiated extradition proceedings against Kagzi, who is a resident of Beed in Maharashtra. His name first cropped up during the Aurangabad arms haul case in which Abu Jundal, an accused in the 26/11 case was also involved.

This man who was wanted by the Indian agencies in connection with the Aurangabad arms haul case of 2006 was an important player in the overseas operations of the Indian Mujahideen. The name of Kagzi figures in the interrogation report of Lashkar-e-Tayiba operative Abu Jundal and the various call records attributed to IM operative Yasin Malik also suggest that this is the man that India ought to have in its custody.

Kagzi had been instrumental in handling the Indian Mujahideen from Saudi Arabia. In fact Abu Jundal one of the controllers of the 26/11 attack was sent from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia to assist Kagzi in the operations of the Indian Mujahideen.

The agencies had analysed at least 480 calls made by Indian Mujahideen boss Yasin Bhatkal and had found that most of them were made to Kagzi. Kagzi and his associates were seen to be controlling the IM operations. Apart from arranging funds for their operations, Yasin had also discussed recruitments and also providing a safe hideout for some of the operatives who were on the radar of the Indian agencies.

Kagzi played a very important role in the operations of the IM. He played mentor to Jundal and had also trained Mirza Himayat who is an accused in the German Bakery blasts case. Kagzi who was based in Saudi Arabia had a control over two other bases which were set up for the IM.Hours after challenging Army Major with mothers milk jibe, terrorist Sameer Tiger gunned down

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

On Monday, the Forces in the Kashmir Valley took down a dreaded terrorist of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Sameer Tiger. A close aide of Burhan Wani, he was tasked with taking the Kashmir battle to the second level. Under his leadership, several youth had been recruited and it may be recalled that recently a picture of him holding an M4 Carbine had surfaced.

He was a dangerous terrorist who had been trained locally. He was a known face on the social media and would post several controversial statements urging the youth to raise arms. He was among the top 11 terrorists of the Valley and also part of the infamous team that Wani had built. Tiger was one of the last surviving terrorists of the team and on Monday he was gunned down by the Army.

Just hours before he was killed he had threatened Major Rohit Shukla of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles. The video in which he made the threat was circulated by the social media team of the Hizbul Mujahideen. In 2016, he was booked for stone pelting. He was 21 at that time.

He rose in the ranks of the Hizbul Mujahideen soon and had gone on to become a lethal terrorist. He was graded A++ by the Army and was on the hit-list for long.

In the video clip, Tiger is heard handing out a threat to Major Shukla. He says, "If you have drank your mother's milk then come forward." Hours later the Major and Tiger was face to face with each other. Major Shukla took Tiger down, but in the bargain suffered bullet injuries. He has been admitted to the 92 Base Hospital in a critical condition.Indias daughters under attack: 5-year-old girl raped, killed by neighbour in Jharkhand

India

oi-Oneindia Staff

By Oneindia Staff

Ranchi, May 1: Continuing with India's never-ending rape and murder of girls, one more minor has been reportedly raped in Dhanbad, Jharkhand on Saturday by her neighbour.

After committing the crime, the accused killed the victim too, reported ANI on Tuesday. The accused in the case has been arrested, added ANI. "Jharkhand: A 5-year-old girl allegedly raped & killed by her neighbour in Dhanbad on April 28. Accused arrested," tweeted ANI.

Jharkhand: A 5-year-old girl allegedly raped & killed by her neighbour in Dhanbad on April 28. Accused arrested. pic.twitter.com/t49ScvTLoh  ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2018

In the last few days, cases of rapes of minor girls have been reported from almost every corner of the country with mind-boggling frequency. Angry citizens of the country protested on roads in various parts of the country over the horrific rape cases reported from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao.

Both the cases caught the attention of the nation because of its barbarity and open support for the accused from a section of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After its "studied silence" over crimes against women, especially minor girls, the Narendra Modi government approved the ordinance to allow courts to award death penalty to those convicted of raping girls under 12 recently.

The ordinance has got mixed reactions as many feel that laws hold no meaning if the authorities do not bring cases of rape to justice. Recently, a six-month-old infant was raped and killed in Madhya Pradesh's Indore. A school-going girl in Assam was also raped and set on fire recently. The girl has died. A three-year-old girl was recently raped in Chhatarpur, Chhattisgarh.

In spite of rising rape cases of minors, some BJP leaders are still making insensitive and outrageous comments on the Kathua rape case where an eight-year-old girl was gang-raped and killed by eight men.

On Monday, after taking oath as the new deputy chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta called the rape in Jammu's Kathua a "small incident". However, after facing backlash, Gupta said the media misinterpreted his statement.

Speaking to the media, Gupta said that the Kathua rape is a small incident and it should not be given too much importance. "It (Kathua rape and murder) was a small thing. We have to be careful in the future that such incidents are not repeated," Gupta told reporters.Is trouble brewing within the BJP in Karnataka?

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Is all ok within the Karnataka BJP? The absence of B S Yeddyurappa from much of the campaign trail by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off speculation and questions are being asked if all is ok within the party.

The first signs of trouble emerged after Yeddyurappa's son, Vijayendra was denied a ticket from the Varuna constituency. This led to a spate of protests and his followers took out a bike rally on Sunday urging the voters to exercise the NOTA option. They held placards with the Lotus symbol upside down.

Yeddyurappa will attend only one rally to be addressed by Modi in the Chamarajanagar district. After that Yeddyurappa will visit other constituencies and continue campaigning for other candidates.

The other point of contention has been the Reddy brothers, Janardhan Reddy to be specific. Yeddyurappa shared the stage with Reddy and this invited heavy criticism from the Congress. The incident took place a few days after BJP president, Amit Shah had said that the party has nothing to do with Reddy.

Amidst the criticism, Yeddyurappa went on to say that having the Reddys around will be beneficial for the party. This too did not go down too well with the national leadership which has said that Reddy is campaigning for his friend Sriramulu and not the BJP. A couple of days later, Yeddyurappa too made a similar comment and said that the campaign by Reddy was for his friend Sriramulu who is contesting both from Molakmuru and Badami.

While the BJP announced Yeddyurappa as its chief ministerial candidate very early, there is now talk of what could happen in case of a coalition. If the BJP has to seek the support of the JD(S) in the event of the party falling short, then there would be a cloud on Yeddyurappa's candidature. The JD(S) may not want Yeddyurappa as the CM in case it has to lend support to the BJP.

The fact that Yeddyurappa would not take part much in the Modi led campaign has also caught the attention of the Congress. Karnataka Home Minister, Ramalinga Reddy said that Yeddyurappa would face the same fate that L K Advani did. He will be totally sidelined after the elections, Reddy also said. He also said that all does not look well within the BJP.

BJP sources however rubbished this and said that it is a deliberate ploy to keep Yeddyurappa out of most of Modi's campaign. There is no point in putting all your resources in one place especially when there is so little time for the elections, he said. While Modi would address rallies, Yeddyurappa would campaign for other candidates. Even Amit Shah would campaign separately in other constituencies, the BJP leader also said.

Karnataka Assembly Election dates Date of notification April 17 Last date to file nominations April 24 Last date to withdraw nominations April 27 Date of polling May 12 Date of counting May 15PM Narendra Modi hands over keys to 75,000 beneficiaries of central housing scheme in UP

Karnataka elections: How Modi narrowly avoided the Chamrajanagar jinx

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his Karnataka campaign from Santhemaranahalli village on Monday, rumours are rife that Karnataka BJP campaign managers have planned the public meet at Santhemaranahalli village instead of Chamrajanagar district to avoid jinx attached to the city.

It is not clear whether BJP campaign managers intentionally avoid holding the rally in Chamrajanagar or PM Modi did know about this age-old belief.

But, the jinx attached to Chamrajanagar is well known in the political circle. It is believed that politicians lost power after a visit to Chamarajanagar town. There are examples which prove superstition attached Chamrajnagar to be true.

It is said former CMs D Devaraj Urs, R Gundu Rao, Ramakrishna Hegde, SR Bommai, Veerendra Patil and Kumaraswamy lost power soon after visiting the town. Even former CM H D Kumaraswamy was the last CM to visit the town in June 2007 and a couple of months later, the JD(S)-BJP government fell.

On the other hand, former CMs across political parties did not visit the city out of fear of losing power. Former CMs S Bangarappa, M Veerappa Moily, HD Deve Gowda, JH Patel, SM Krishna, N Dharam Singh, BS Yeddyurappa and DV Sadananda Gowda avoided visiting Chamarajanagar.

When Chamrajnagar was carved out of Mysore district in 1998, then CM JH Patel inaugurated it at a function organised in MM Hills in Kollegal, 40 km from Chamarajanagar.

However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Chamarajnagar to prove the superstition wrong. In fact, he pulled up media for glorifying superstition. In public function, Siddaramaiah said, "Media keeps warning chief ministers of losing power if they visit Chamarajanagar. Me still in power despite visiting Chamarajanagar 11 times as the chief minister has shut the media up."

Chamarajanagar is the southernmost district in Karnataka. It was carved out of the original larger Mysore District in the year 1998. Chamarajanagar town is the headquarters of this district.

Karnataka Assembly Election dates Date of notification April 17 Last date to file nominations April 24 Last date to withdraw nominations April 27 Date of polling May 12 Date of counting May 15Karnataka elections: Will Modi find his mojo back?

India

oi-Maitreyee

Bengaluru, May 1: Karnataka has suddenly become the 'connoisseur' of all eyes, at least politically. There is an awful lot at stake for several national and regional leaders in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections 2018.

The media (mainstream) hype surrounding the elections to the 224-member Karnataka Assembly on May 12 is a proof that big names, big money are currently driving every aspect of life in the otherwise non-newsy (again from the point of view of national media) southern state.

Welcome to Karnataka where the Assembly election results on May 15 will definitely make or break many political careers. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, incumbent Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah to former Karnataka CM BS Yeddyurappa, all are hoping that everything goes off well for them in the elections to redeem their political careers.

Of course, for Rahul and Yeddyurappa, it is perhaps the last election to prove their political relevance in the future, although both are on the opposite sides of the aisle. Similarly, for Modi and Siddaramaiah, who are adversaries in the upcoming polls, losing is not an option.

Siddaramaiah is facing anti-incumbency wave, and the fact has been well-acknowledged by the Congress itself by asking the incumbent CM to contest elections from two constituencies-- Chamundeshwari and Badami. Do we need to say anything more?

Coming to PM Modi, the BJP's superstar campaigner, whose very presence ensures the party's win in any elections, is currently facing one of the toughest phases in his almost four-year-long regime at the Centre.

His critics say "Modi wave is waning". His die-hard fans oppose such "sweeping" remarks against their "hero", but away from strobe light, they too admit that all is not well with the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre.

The BJP government is facing flak over multiple issues including lack of jobs, astronomical hike in fuel prices, rising rapes and murders of minors and lack of cash to name a few. And the buck stops with Modi.

PM Modi is trying his best to avoid accepting the faults in his government by maintaining an eerie silence over all sensitive subjects, but as they say "yeh public sab janti hain (the public in India knows everything well)".

If Modi has to restore faith in his administration, then he needs to be honest and direct with the voters. The series of public rallies to be attended by Modi in Karnataka, beginning from Tuesday, provides him with the platform to speak his "Mann ki Baat".

But the question is what will Modi speak? Will Modi again blast the Congress? Will he admit that the country has been divided into two camps, thanks to some of his BJP colleagues who never stop making communally-charged remarks? Will he promise achhe din (good days) to voters in Karnataka? On top of all these, the biggest question is whether Modi matters to Karnataka or not.Man gets divorce and Rs 50,000 relief after being attacked by wife

India

oi-Staff

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Taking stringent note of a complete misuse of the law by a lady, the Bombay High Court granted a man divorce and also directed the lady to pay him Rs 50,000 as cost.

The man narrated his ordeal before a Division Bench of the High Court following which he was awarded divorce on the grounds of cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act. He told the court that the harassment suffered at the hands of his wife during their decade-old relationship had caused him duress and also tarnished the reputation of his family.

The couple got married in 2006 and were living at Nariman Point. A year after the marriage, the wife is alleged to have slapped her mother-in-law who was suffering from cancer. She also assaulted the husband.

A few months later she filed a case alleging dowry harassment, following which the husband and his father are detained by the police. The family got relief in the case. In the year 2009, husband files for a divorce and then the wife files criminal cases against her brother-in-law.

She alleged that her brother in law had sent goons to molest her. The case, however, fell flat when it was ascertained that the brother in law was in the sessions court applying for anticipatory bail in another case that she had lodged. The Bench held that there was no substance in the FIR and this complaint clearly amounts to cruelty.

The Bench struck down the order of the Family Court which had refused to grant a divorce and also asked the husband to pay maintenance of Rs 15,000. The High Court, however, upheld a portion of the Family Court's order which had directed the husband to pay monthly maintenance to the couple's son who lives with the wife. The Bench said that the trial court was wrong in examining each case independently rather than looking at the case in its totality.100% electrification of households likely to be completed by year end

Modis 100 per cent electrification claim is jumla says Chidambaram

India

oi-Staff

By Oneindia Staff Writer

The claim of 100 per cent electrification by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a complete 'jumla,' former union minister, P Chidambaram has said.

Addressing the Youth Congress national executive meeting, the former finance minister also alleged that the government was "destroying" jobs and the economy and said unemployment will be the "number one issue" against the present regime in 2019 elections.

The government had said yesterday that all villages in the country now have access to electricity and this target has been achieved ahead of the deadline.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi had said, "28th April 2018 will be remembered as a historic day in the development journey of India. Yesterday, we fulfilled a commitment due to which the lives of several Indians will be transformed forever! I am delighted that every single village of India now has access to electricity."

"That is a jumla again, a complete jumla," Chidambaram said.

Stating that there are some 5.97 lakh villages in the country, Chidambaram accused the Modi government of taking credit for complete rural electrification although the UPA government electrified lakhs of villages in the country during 2004-2014.

"It's like somebody makes the ice cream puts it in a cup, someone comes and puts a cherry on it and says I made this ice cream. He comes in, electrifies last 18000 villages and says that its a great achievement of my government. I have electrified all the villages," the Congress leader said.

Chidambaram said the Youth Congress members should ask the prime minister through social media about who electrified 5.80 lakh villages in the country.

He also attacked Modi government for "destroying" jobs with measures like demonetisation and GST, claiming the two steps led to "massive" unemployment in the country.

"This government completely killed demand. What little remained was killed by demonetisation, what little enterprise was there, was killed by the GST. Demonetisation and GST practically killed all micro, bulk of small and at least 40 percent of the medium industries and thousands and thousands of jobs were destroyed," he said.

Chidambaram said the Congress will focus on small and medium industries, exports and farm sector for job creation when asked about party's stand on the employment issue.

"We will not do the things that he (Modi) is doing. No Congress Prime Minister or Finance minister can ever dream of something utterly foolish like demonetisation," he said.

He said there was unemployment even in the UPA regime from 2004-2014, but not the "angst" in youth that is now spilling over roads and thousands of supporters of young leaders like Jignesh Mewani and Hardik Patel were a case in point.Karnataka: Will Congress not allow Kumaraswamy to be CM for full 5-year term?

Is it chief minister Kumaraswamy or chief manager of Congress Ktaka ATM? BJP has an answer

All is well between Congress, JD(S)? Kumaraswamy meets Rahul as Karnataka waits for full cabinet

PM Modi praises HD Deve Gowda in Udupi rally

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised political pundits by lauding Janata Dal (Secular) and party supremo H D Deve Gowda in the second election rally held at MGM College Grounds in Udupi on Tuesday.

PM Modi attacked Congress Rahul Gandhi for his comment on former PM HD Deve Gowda. PM Modi said, "There might be political differences between parties but civility and respect should be maintained. Whenever former PM Deve Gowda Ji visits me in Delhi I always welcome him with respect and always give him time. The way Rahul Gandhi talked about him recently is shameful."

PM Modi lauded HD Deve Gowda as one of the tallest leaders in the country. PM Modi's out of the blue of comment on HD Deve Gowda comes at a time when Congress labelled JDS as 'B-team of the BJP' in this election.

However, HD Deve Gowda a day before categorically said that he would not form a post-poll alliance with the BJP. He said, "I will disown HD Kumaraswamy if he joins hands with the BJP after the election."Sweating on an extremely chilly day: How cops got to Kathua rape accused

Court directs registration of FIR against members of SIT that probed 2018 Kathua gangrape-murder case

'Sir, speak up. Dont let future Indians ask, Why was he silent?', Prakash Raj to Bachchan

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The multilingual actor Prakash Raj has urged Superstar Amitabh Bachchan to speak up against hatred, bigotry and violence tearing into the vitals of India. Prakash Raj requested Big B in a 25 minutes facebook video published on Churmuri blog run by senior journalist Krishna Prasad.

"You are a big guy, Sir. We respect you a lot. Don't let future generations ask, 'When society was in danger, why were you silent?'" Prakash Raj said in a Facebook broadcast.

Prakash Raj urged Bachchan Sr:

"You are a great voice, Sir. You are rich enough to lose. That's what richness is.

"Speak up, Sir. I request you to speak up. Don't give me reasons, don't give me excuses that I'm old, i don't want to get into it.

"You are a wonderful man. You have read poetry. You're a sensitive man. We need your voice.

"They can't take away a thing from you, because I don't believe you are supporting them. But by not voicing [your thoughts] you are not helping us."

On Bachchan's silence on the brutal kidnapping, rape and murder of a girl in Kathua Praksh Raj said:

"I felt let down when I heard that. It's your right to speak or not to speak. Sometimes you have to speak.

"Yes, it is disgusting. Talking about it is not disgusting. It could be my daughter. It could be anybody's daughter."

Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador of the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' program.IAF officer arrested on rape charges in Coimbatore, sent to judicial custody

Coimbatore's IAF rape case: Victim subjected to 'two finger test' at academy, pressurised to withdraw complain

The man who chose India over Pakistan: Former IAF chief Idris Hasan Latif no more

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

Former Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif, passed away at a private hospital here today. He was 94.

Latif, who was the chief of the IAF from September 1978 to August 1981, was admitted to the hospital on April 25 with aspiration pneumonia, sources said.

He was critically ill and underwent treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital, where he passed away at 4.30 pm, they said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharam took to Twitter to condole the demise.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif. Our deepest condolences to his family & friends. The nation will be always grateful for his exemplary service," she tweeted.

The funeral would take place today at a cemetery in the old city of Hyderabad, the sources said.

Born on June 9, 1923, at Hyderabad, Idris Hasan Latif was educated at the Nizams College in the city. He joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1941 at the age of 18 and was commissioned in 1942.

On completion of his training at Ambala, he was posted in Karachi, in undivided India, where he flew vintage biplanes like the Wapiti, Audaxes and Harts, on Anti-Submarine flights over the Arabian Sea, according to an Indian Air Force website.

During 1943-44, he was one of the few Indian pilots to be seconded to the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, where he underwent training on more contemporary aircraft like the Hurricane and Spitfire.

He returned to India in 1944 and took part in the Burma campaign.

At the time of Partition, he chose IAF though he was reportedly urged by some to join the Pakistan Air Force. During the 1971 War, Latif was still the (Assistant Chief of Air Staff) ACAS (Plans).

He was keenly involved in flying to the front line squadrons and getting first-hand information on the progress of the war and the requirements of the units if any.

Latif was in the Eastern Sector at Shillong when the surrender in East Pakistan took place.

He was involved fully in the re-equipment and modernisation plans of the air force and he convinced the government to approve the procurement of the Jaguar strike aircraft, a proposal which was lying dormant for over eight years.

He also held negotiations with the Russians and saw the induction of the MiG-23 and later, the MiG-25 aircraft into the IAF, according to the website.

After his retirement in 1981, he held the posts of Governor of Maharashtra and Indian Ambassador to France.The meet at Nankana Sahib: Tracing the ISI-Khalistan bond

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

The fact that the ISI has taken it upon itself to revive Sikh militancy was evident in the meeting between Lashkar-e-Tayiba chief, Hafiz Saeed and a group of Pakistani Sikhs in Nankana Sahib.

While it was said that the meeting was held to urge the Sikhs to vote for the Milli Muslim League, a political outfit floated by Saeed, Intelligence Bureau officials point out that this place has been a hotbed of activity since 2005.

During the meeting, Saeed, whose outfit has sheltered and trained Khalistani terrorists said, " "Sikhs are a brave nation but atrocities are being committed against it in India". Saeed further said the Pakistani government also does not raise a voice because it wants India's friendship. "Pakistan is ready to sacrifice anything for the sake of seeking friendship with India," he said.

The ISI with the help of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba had decided to revive Sikh militancy in 2001. First it sheltered all those who had fled India. Then camps were set up where they were sheltered and trained.

The Lashkar-e-Tayiba and the Babbar Khalsa International had set up a common office outside Nankana Sahib, a small town in sub divisional head quarter of Shekhupura in west Punjab in Pakistan.

During the various meetings, the ISI would try to link the Sikhs and Muslims. They would say that both had a common enemy and that was India. Both Sikhs and Kashmiris must fight to liberate from India, the ISI had also said.

In 2001, a group of Sikhs had visited Pakistan. It was at that time that the ISI created the Sikh Muslim Itehad Federation to carry forward the anti-India plan. Through this forum several recruitments were made and training imparted.

The ISI also went on to form the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee. This panel was headed by Lieutenant General Javed of the ISI. The primary role of this committee was to invite Sikh youth from Punjab and then rope them in for their operations.

Another outfit called the World Muslim Sikh Federation had been formed. This had become a common group for the BKI, Dal Khalsa, ISI and Lashkar-e-Tayiba. This outfit aimed at purely propagating ideology and had the nature of a political forum,

The ISI then went on to set up the International Sikh Muslim Friendship Organisation had its offices in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. According to dossiers, these organisations conducted several meetings with youths, trying to convey to them that their lives would be better only if Kashmir an Punjab were separated from India.

For years now the ISI has been aiming at creating a common ground between Sikhs and Muslims. In this regard the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee too had been formed. It was under this committee that discussions would take place.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Tuesday, May 1, 2018, 16:48 [IST]Siddaramaiah hits back at PM Modi's '2+1' formula, reminds him of 2014 elections

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Responding to Modi's "2+1" formula jibe, Siddaramaiah reminded the PM that he too contested from 2 parliamentary seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha seats.

A minute after Modi's speech, CM Siddaramaiah took to Twitter and wrote "Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM @narendramodi ? Of course you are a 56-inch man, you would have some clever explanation!! Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70!," Siddaramaiah tweeted.

Was it fear that drove you to contest from 2 parliamentary constituencies (Varanasi & Vadodara) Mr. PM @narendramodi ? Of course you are a 56 inch man, you would have some clever explanation!!



Forget 2 seats, Sir. Worry about the fact that your party will not cross 60-70! https://t.co/Hr3V5x6sDE  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 1, 2018

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Congress has tweeted its own play on PM Modi's '2+1' jibe. "BJP's 'Corruption Formula' to Loot Karnataka. 2 + 1 = 2 Reddys and 1 Yeddy. Why don't you talk about this formula Modi," tweeted Karnataka Congress:

BJP's 'Corruption Formula' to Loot Karnataka



2 + 1 = 2 Reddys and 1 Yeddy



Why don't you talk about this formula Modi ? #2Reddy1Yeddy pic.twitter.com/K8JRhVA16f  Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) May 1, 2018

Addressing a rally in Chamarajanagar Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah for his decision to contest from two seats in the 2018 state assembly polls.

"I was reading the papers and saw a 2+1 formula in Karnataka. This is a version of family politics in Karnataka. This is the innovation of the CM of Karnataka. He is fearing defeat so changing seats, fighting two seats. And, in his old seat he has sent his son," PM Modi said while launching his campaign blitzkrieg in the poll-bound state.

Siddaramaiah is contesting from Chamundeshwari constituency in Mysuru and also from Badami constituency in Bagalkot district as well. Siddaramaiah's son Yatindra is contesting from Varuna in his first state election.

Modi hits out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, says if you don't follow Manmohan Singh's advice, at least follow your mother Sonia Gandhi's advice. "Your mother said we will provide electricity to all households by 2009, you were in power till 2014, what happened to that promise," said PM Modi.

The Congress president recently dared me that if he (Rahul Gandhi) speaks for 15 minutes in Parliament, I won't be able to sit for the entire duration there. That he will speak for 15 minutes is a big thing in itself. And that I will not be able to sit for 15 minutes reminds me, 'Wah kya scene hai', he said.

"I dare you to speak for 15 minutes without having a paper in your hands, about the achievements of your Congress government in Karnataka. That will help the Karnataka people decide," he added.

Polling for the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12, and results will be declared on the 15th of the month.World united in what they expect Taliban to do for recognition in Afghanistan, says White House

Report says White House chief of staff called Trump an 'idiot'; Kelly denies

International

pti-PTI

Washington, May 1: White House Chief of Staff John Kelly flatly denied calling US President Donald Trump an "idiot" as claimed by a news report by NBC news. The report, based on multiple unnamed sources from the White House, alleged that Kelly has referred to Trump as "an idiot" multiple times to underscore his point.

The retired general immediately refuted the allegations.

"I spend more time with the President than anyone else and we have an incredibly candid and strong relationship. He always knows where I stand and he and I both know this story is total BS. I am committed to the President, his agenda, and our country," he said.

"This is another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump and distract from the administration's many successes," Kelly said in a statement.

Hours later, Kelly was joined by President Trump himself on Twitter to refute such an impression of the White House.

"The Fake News is going crazy making up false stories and using only unnamed sources (who don't exist). They are totally unhinged, and the great success of this Administration is making them do and say things that even they cant believe they are saying. Truly bad people!" said the US President, who now has over 51 million Twitter followers. "The White House is running very smoothly despite phony Witch Hunts etc," he said.

"There is great Energy and unending Stamina, both necessary to get things done. We are accomplishing the unthinkable and setting positive records while doing so! Fake News is going "bonkers!" Trump said.

NBC said that Kelly has eroded morale in the West Wing in recent months with comments to aides that include insulting the president's intelligence and casting himself as the saviour of the country.

"The officials said Kelly portrays himself to Trump administration aides as the lone bulwark against catastrophe, curbing the erratic urges of a president who has a questionable grasp on policy issues and the functions of government," the news channel said.

"He doesn't even understand what DACA is. He's an idiot," Kelly said in one meeting, two officials who said they were present told NBC News.

"We've got to save him from himself," the channel reported Kelly as having said. Meanwhile, three other White House spokespersons told NBC that they do not believe that Kelly ever called Trump an idiot.

PTIToday is May Day: Why is it celebrated on May 1

International

oi-Shubham

By Shubham

Today is May 1, May Day or International Workers' Day. There are people who think the origin of this day took place in a socialist country like the former Soviet Union or Cuba but that is not true. The origin of International Workers' Day occurred in the United States - considered the capital of world capitalism.

However, though May 1 is observed primarily as a day dedicated to labourers across the globe, there have also been other occasions like Beltane festival and maypole dance that had their connections with May 1 and signify the celebration of rebirth and fertility.

Coming to the International Workers' Day, the working class in the late 19th century was in a relentless fight to achieve working days with eight hours of labour. Working conditions in those days were poor as they were unsafe and did not have any time limits.

Deaths were also frequent and the workers started an agitation demanding eight hours of work without any pay cut in the early 1860s and it was only in the 1880s that the protesters were able to unite themselves and proclaim an eight-hour working day. Their employers did not approve of this but yet the workers went ahead with it.

It was an era when socialism was gaining foot and the labour class found it attractive and saw capitalism as a system that only sided with the employers. Several socialist bodies came up in the later half of the 19the century to fight for the workers' liberation and although the prevalent political process was against their interests, the indomitable socialists disregarded the political system and process and took upon anarchism and targeted the hierarchy.

They made their own labour unions and at its national convention in Chicago in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, which later became the American Federation of Labor, declared that a legal day of labour would have eight hours and it would start from May 1, 1886. In 1885, the body reiterated the demand although many had still seen the proclamation as a moderate one. Yet, the movement gained strength.

Then, as May 1, 1886, approached, the mood turned more sombre as even calls for armed confrontation with the capitalists and police were given. Chicago braced for the consequences.

Then on D Day, more than 3 lakh workers in 13,000 business centres across the US walked off to celebrate the first May Day. The anarchists fired up the working class's imagination and they became the enemies of the capitalist class at once.

Though the first May Day went off peacefully, violence broke out on May 3 at McCormick Reaper Works between the demonstrators and the police. Clashes went on for months as the lawkeepers harassed and beat up protesting steel labourers.

There was even an instance of police firing at an agitated demonstration in which the protesters were throwing rocks. At least two demonstrators were killed in the clashes.

It was the next day, May 4, when the actual disaster struck. Some anarchists, who were upset with the May 3 incident, called a public meeting in Haymarket Square in Chicago to discuss the brutality committed by the police.

The police were informed that inflammatory language was being used at the meeting though it was not and personnel arrived on the spot and started dispersing the crowd. At this instance, somebody threw a bomb at the police and the latter retaliated by firing at the crowd. Seven to eight civilians and an equal number of police officers died in the riots. Several were injured.

Eight people were arrested and convicted of murder though only three of them were present at the place of the rioting at Haymarket Square and could be seen even when the bomb was thrown. The trial was controlled by the business leaders and the justice which was delivered was a mockery. Four of them were hung while one killed himself in the jail. The remaining three were pardoned in 1892.

The US doesn't observe May 1 as Labour Day

Today, on May Day, the martyrs of the Haymarket massacre are remembered and the day is observed as an official holiday in over 60 countries. Today, as an irony, the US doesn't observe the day even though it originated on its soil. The reason being the Americans' allergy to anarchism and communism had roughly started around that time.

USA's take on labour day and May 1

The US has its own Labor Day which is celebrated on the first Monday of September following the Pullman Strike of 1894, hence detaching itself with the celebration of the international workers' day.

In 1958, the then US president Dwight D Eisenhower declared May 1 to be observed as "Law Day" to celebrate the role of law in the creation of the US and to further alienate left-wing radicalism.Evolution Gaming Reports Revenue and Profit Growth in Q1

Published May 1, 2018 by Florin P

Evolution Gamings operating revenues grew by 30% in Q1 2018, with a stronger performance at the end of the period.

Evolution Gaming has unveiled its operating revenues for the first quarter of 2018. Between January and March, these grew by 30% up to 51.6 million, while EBITDA also grew by 29%. Not surprisingly, the profits increased as well and now sit at 16.5 million for these three months. The companys CEO Martin Carlesund was the one to break the news and told the media that the positive numbers are in line with their expectations.

The company has invested significant amounts in a new production hub located in Tbilisi, Georgia. This February, Evolution Gaming launched seven new products, which were unveiled at the ICE events. They are on expansion path and the increase in revenue and profits is likely to propel their ambitious plans for 2018. Growth and profitability increased especially at the end of the Q1, as the company posted better numbers compared to January.

Growing Demand for Live Casino Games

Evolution Gaming is one of the global leaders in live dealer casinos and their positive numbers reflect on the industry as a whole. Both at a European level and worldwide, players are paying more attention to live dealer casino games. The Asian markets are the main drivers of growth and they are expected to play a positive role in 2018 and beyond. As the live casino games industry is booming, it is expected that more operators will be willing to invest in online games with real dealers.

Evolution Gaming has spent a lot of money on their new games and studios and the return on investment was spectacular. Their Q1 numbers should provide their peers with the impetus to do the same and invest in live dealer games. Competition is already intense in this line of work and Evolution Gaming is trying to maintain and even expand their lead.Click the photo to write a caption and have a chance to win a free subscription to the Norfolk Daily News.

Algerian agri-food experts have rang the alarm bell as to the state of dependence on imports that threatens Algerias food security.

Agriculture expert AKli Moussouni told Algerian website TSA that officials in the country are selling lies to people by claiming that Algeria produces 70% of its food needs.

It is totally irresponsible to hide the truth. We import most of vegetable fat, sugar, processed products, almost all pulses, cereals, milk, meat  etc, he said.

Moussouni deplored that more than 3 million hectares remain squandered in Algeria, noting that Algerias agri-food industry has never used domestically produced goods.

Algerias agriculture does not produce goods that can be transformed, he said, noting that the countrys agri-food factories rely on imported agricultural products.Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.

The office of the Attorney General was established by the Judiciary Act of 1789 as a part-time job for one individual. George Washington chose the first attorney general, Edmund Randolph, one of the lesser-known Founding Fathers. Randolph was selected as one of eleven delegates to represent Virginia at the Continental Congress in 1779, and served as a delegate through 1782. During this period he also remained in private law practice, handling numerous legal issues for George Washington among others.

As delegate from Virginia to the Constitutional Convention, at age 34, Randolph introduced the Virginia Plan as an outline for a new national government. He argued against importation of slaves and in favor of a strong central government. Randolph additionally proposed, and was supported by unanimous approval by the Convention's delegates, "that a National Judiciary be established" (Article III of the Constitution established the federal court system). The Articles of Confederation lacked a national court system for the United States and relied solely on state courts.

The Constitution Did Not Establish the Office of Attorney General

or the Justice Department

The Constitution does not mention the attorney general, the Justice Department or the FBI. In 1789 we were a developing nation with a small population without the need for a large legal bureaucracy.

The Office of the Attorney General and the Justice Department have evolved over the last 240 years. At first, the "Justice Department" had one part-time employee (Mr. Randolph). Now it has more than 100,000 employees, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

President Trump's firing of James Comey, and his intent to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, demonstrate that we need an independently elected attorney general to run the Justice Department. An independent Justice Department will not be subject to Presidential influence or control.

Experience of the States

As we elect attorneys general in nearly every state, we should elect the United States Attorney General. The office of Attorney General has been a political, not legal, position for far too long.

An elected attorney general would be independent of the White House--he or she could not be fired by the President. The elected attorney general would be responsible to the people who elected him or her. As the FBI is part of the Justice Department, the elected attorney general would appoint the head of the Bureau.

Of the 50 state attorneys general, 43 are elected. In five states the attorney general is appointed by the governor (Alaska, Hawaii, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Wyoming). In Maine, the attorney general is selected by secret ballot of the legislature and in Tennessee, the state Supreme Court appoints the attorney general.

Real Independence

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who recused himself from the Russian inquiry, nonetheless assisted President Trump in his removal of James Comey as head of the FBI. Neither the Attorney General, nor President Trump, had the right to fire the FBI director. Eighty-two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Franklin Roosevelt's firing of an FTC Commissioner. Humphey's Executor v. United States, 295 U.S. 602 (1935). Director Comey, like Commissioner Humphrey, was appointed for a designated term and could only be fired for cause. The cause cited by the President was clearly subterfuge--the real reason was to stop Comey's investigation of the Trump campaign's connection with Russia. James Comey could have filed suit to challenge his termination, but has apparently decided not to challenge President Trump's actions, and to publish his side of the story in his book, A Higher Loyalty.

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The logic is perfectly simple, obscured only by 150 years of obfuscation.

Large companies can do without any one worker. If they negotiate with one worker at a time, they hold all the cards, and have no motivation to listen, only to dictate. But they can't do without a labor force. If their workers come to them with one united front, then management has to negotiate on an equal footing.

Management has seen this reality, and has done everything legal and illegal to squelch labor organizations. Peaceful protests have been broken up with police horses and nightsticks, the Haymarket massacre of 1886. Workers were locked into a burning building, the Triangle Factory in 1911. Labor leader Eugene Debs was jailed for holding strikes that were inconvenient for the employer. Joe Hill was murdered for writing songs that were too effective for inspiring collective action. (Listen!) Lately, the whole idea that labor should be free to organize is tainted with innuendos about foreign influence and associations with communism and Stalin's atrocities.

Since Ronald Reagan, labor unions have lost influence in America, and America -- all of us, workers and capitalists and teachers and artists -- all of us are suffering because the middle class is collapsing. They're still at it, with militarized police forces, and the full and illegal use of FBI agents paid to to subverting movements for social justice. The collapse of Occupy a few years ago was cynically engineered by the Obama Administration.

Organized labor was once the soul of the Democratic Party, which has now slipped comfortably into the pocket of Wall St.

Organized labor means so much more than union rules and higher wages. It means living in a society where ordinary people have freedom and dignity. Without organized labor, democracy may not survive. International Workers of the World, unite!Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.

From Strategic Culture

We can only hope that Damascus escapes the fate of being the Sarajevo of the 21st Century, as US historian Daniel Lazare warned in a recent media interview.

Sarajevo is synonymous with the trigger that ignited World War I in 1914, which led to over 10 million deaths. It saw the demonic birth of modern wars of mass destruction.

Lazare contends that the American, French and British air strikes on April 14 are just the "first step in a far more aggressive US military campaign against Syria."

He added: "The US cannot leave Syria, it will never leave Syria, greater US military aggression is to come... Damascus is the Sarajevo of the 21st Century."

History rarely repeats itself exactly. But history certainly can rhyme, so to speak, meaning that repetition of approximate patterns are discernible.

Exactly a century after the very first world-wide, industrial-scale war ended in 1918, there is a real risk of a similar conflagration erupting in Syria. Only, if this were to happen, the danger of escalation is even greater, given that potential combatants have nuclear weapons.

It is not inevitable that history repeats, or even rhymes. It is not inevitable that Syria's seven-year war will explode into an international war. But nevertheless the danger is proximate.

As with Sarajevo in 1914, the burgeoning configuration of rival powers is present. All it would take is for one spark to ignite the powder keg of forces.

One such spark was the US, French and British air strikes against Syria earlier this month. Syria and its allies, Russia and Iran, denounced the military attack as an aggression, a violation of international law owing to the alleged pretext of revenge for a chemical weapons incident on April 7 near Damascus was patently fraudulent.

The tragedy of the looming conflict in Syria is that few politicians or citizens would want an all-out war to eventuate, knowing that the consequences could be so utterly horrific.

There is every reason to believe that US and Russian military commands are maintaining close communications to avoid any accidental clash in Syria, and thus avoid a confrontation.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in a lengthy interview with Russian media, said that Moscow had warned Washington about "red lines" in Syria, which he said the American side abided by when it conducted the air strikes earlier this month. There were no casualties and the minimal extent of damage suggest that the air strikes were more for show than for any real military purpose.

Lavrov also said that he was confident the present American and Russian leaderships would not allow an escalation of conflict in Syria.

The foreign minister said: "Speaking about the risk of a military confrontation, I feel absolutely confident in assuming that the militaries will not allow this, and of course neither will President Putin nor President Trump. They are leaders, after all, elected by their people and responsible for their peace."

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By Dave Lindorff

Following a brief hearing in Philadelphia yesterday, Court of Common Pleas Judge Leon Tucker, learning that the Philadelphia District Attorney's office had thus far failed find and turn over, in response to his earlier order, any documents showing a role by former District Attorney Ron Castille regarding the department's handling of an appeal by then death-row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal, adjourned the hearing until Aug. 30. The judge acted to give Abu-Jamal's attorneys time to depose a former DA employee about a still unlocated memo apparently composed by her for then DA Castile concerning Abu-Jamal's case.

Later, an attorney from the DA's office stood outside on the sidewalk amidst a scrum of TV cameras and said, "We haven't found any evidence so far that Judge Castille played any role as DA in Abu-Jamal's appeal of his conviction. It was just a run-of-the-mill appeals process."

If one wanted evidence of how absurd that assertion was -- that the appeal of a 1982 murder conviction and death sentence for the slaying of a white police officer by one of the city's leading African-American journalists, himself police critic and former member of the city's Black Panther Party, was anything but a prime political concern for District Attorney Castille, whose office had the responsibility of preventing any challenge to sentence -- all one had to do was try to get into the courtroom on Monday.

I tried. Some 100 or so supporters of Abu-Jamal had shown up at 7:30 in the morning outside the county courthouse on Filbert St. near City Hall to protest his continued incarceration. They then lined up when doors opened to shuffle their way through security in the court building and then up to the 11th floor to line up again at the entrance to the small courtroom Number 1108. By the time I got there, along with many other journalists and interested parties, we found ourselves unable to get into the courtroom. But a lot of police officers, even those arriving later than us, had no trouble gaining entry.

The sheriff's deputy standing guard in her flak vest at the courtroom entrance, and another guarding a side entrance to the courtroom, saw to it that plenty of cops in uniform, fully equipped with their sidearms and tasers, were allowed inside to sit in the spectator benches and put pressure on the judge and the attorneys from the DA's office. When anyone left the courtroom, the sheriff controlling access still barred other citizens waiting in the hallway from replacing them. But if a cop left the courtroom, another would freely enter. Over at the side door, other officers were also occasionally being allowed to enter. Clearly space was being reserved in the courtroom for police at this hearing.

In general, police officers are not supposed to wear their uniforms when they are off duty, although in some cities they are allowed to do so if they are doing some security job where the department has specifically authorized them to wear the uniform. Otherwise no. But here they were -- even a burly Highway Patrol motorcycle cop decked out ostentatiously in his knee-high leather boots, motorcycle jacket, and '30s-era aerodynamic motorcycle officer's cap.

So that raises the question of who dispatched these officers to sit in the courtroom and to hang out in the hallway. Philly cops don't provide court security, a task assigned to Sheriff's Department. So either the Philly Police Department sent them over and they were there on official duty, collecting paychecks to hang around in the hall or sit in the courtroom looking grim and angry, or they were organized by the Fraternal Order of Police, the police union which, like Ahab pursuing his White Whale, has been dedicated to having Abu-Jamal executed or, since 2011 when his death sentence was finally tossed out on Constitutional grounds, to seeing that he never gets out of jail.

Of course, if individual cops, or even a group of cops, want to go sit in a courtroom as citizens to observe the proceedings or to provide moral support to the slain Officer Daniel Faulkner's widow (who was also in attendance), they can, like any other citizen. But that's not what was happening here. Rather, these cops were being allowed to come into the court in their uniforms, either illegally if they were off duty, or at taxpayer expense if they were officially on the job (though off their beats), and they were being given special consideration in getting seats.

That's not equal justice at work. But it is evidence that this case, even today, long after Ron Castille moved on from District Attorney to State Supreme Court Judge and ultimately to Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court, where he helped to reject Abu-Jamal's appeal of his conviction, refusing to recuse himself despite his obvious role as DA from 1986-91 in overseeing the opposition to that appeal, (Castille was elected to the state's Supreme Court in 1991, and retired as Chief Justice in 2014.)

This is important because back in 2016, in a case called Williams vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the US Supreme Court ruled that a Pennsylvania death-row defendant, Terry Williams, deserved a new sentencing hearing because Castille, who as DA had supervised the prosecution of his case when Williams was just a 17-year-old being tried as an adult for murder, later ruled on his appeal as a Supreme Court Judge -- voting as part of the court majority to restore Williams' death penalty after it had been revoked. Now Abu-Jamal's legal team is arguing that the Williams case precedent should also apply to both Abu-Jamal and a number of other cases where Castille corruptly played the role of both prosecutor or supervisory prosecutor and of appellate judge. They argue that Abu-Jamal should get a whole new round of appeals at least back to his initial Post Conviction Relief Act hearing in 1995.

If he can prove that case to the judge's satisfaction, Abu-Jamal could restart his appeals with a new PCRA, where new evidence of his innocence could be presented, possibly leading to an overturning of his conviction or to a new trial.

The throng of cops sent to sit that courtroom Monday, all committed to seeing to it that doesn't happen, give the lie to the Assistant DA's curb-side assertion that during Castille's tenure as District Attorney, Abu-Jamal's appeal was just a "run-of-the-mill" affair and nothing that Castille as DA would have bothered himself with.

Sure he wouldn't have. If the case is still such a hot-button issue today, 37 years after the Faulkner shooting and 36 years after Abu-Jamal's conviction, it certainly was a hot issue in the four to eight years after the trial that Castile was serving as Philly's DA.



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From Common Dreams

The great tragedy of the horrifying specter of another Middle East war is that it is wholly fabricated by the US administration

The Iran nuclear deal is on the verge of sinking on May 12, when Donald Trump will decide whether or not to waive the nuclear-related sanctions, as the deal calls for. While the world is cheering the upcoming meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jung Un (including Trump's fans calling for a Nobel Peace Prize), Trump is needlessly and recklessly driving our nation down a path toward war with Iran -- and neither Congress nor the American people seem to care.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, fearing the consequences of a broken deal, visited the White House. Macron tried to appease Trump by suggesting new agreements to the deal, something Iran's government views as ludicrous. According to Iranian president Hassan Rouhani -- who has been subjected to enormous domestic criticism for striking a deal with Washington only to see the US threaten to back out so quickly: "We will not add anything to the deal or remove anything from it, even one sentence. The nuclear deal is the nuclear deal."

Instead of appeasing Trump's irrational stance, European leaders could have declared that they would side with Tehran by invoking a dispute resolution mechanism in the agreement, which could buy another 45 days to convince the United States to stay in the deal. They would have done better warning Trump they would invoke trade penalties if the United States tried to enforce sanctions on oil imports from Iran.

Instead, they left empty-handed and remained quiet when the US president, in their presence, continued to call the agreement "insane" and "ridiculous." At a press conference with Merkel by his side, Trump virtually threatened to bomb Iran if it tried to develop nuclear weapons.

This is something Trump's new National Security Adviser John Bolton advocated in a 2015 New York Times opinion piece entitled "To Stop Iran's Bomb, Bomb Iran," where he proposed a US or Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear reactors. "An attack [on Iran's nuclear facilities] need not destroy Iran's entire nuclear infrastructure, but by breaking key links in the nuclear-fuel cycle, it could set back its program by three to five years," Bolton mused, adding, "The United States could do a thorough job of destruction, but Israel alone can do what's necessary."

How would Iran respond? Iran and its allies, such as Hezbollah, could retaliate by attacking both Israeli and US troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and on military bases throughout the Middle East. The conflicts that have consumed the Middle East for the past 16 years would get infinitely worse, and drag the United States deeper into the abyss.

This is precisely where Trump's team seems to be headed. Newly installed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in his first week on the job, traveled to Saudi Arabia and Israel -- Iran's greatest adversaries and opponents of the nuclear deal -- calling for concerted international action against Iran.

While Saudi Arabia just bombed a Yemeni wedding as part of its relentless, 3-year attacks that have been killing, maiming and starving millions of Yemenis, Pompeo ignored Yemen and instead concurred with the Saudi rulers that Iran "destabilizes this entire region." Pompeo also failed to mention that it is the Saudi's extremist Sunni ideology, not Iran's Shiism, that forms the theological underpinnings of radical terrorist groups from al-Qaeda to ISIS.

In Israel, Pompeo and Netanyahu complained that the nuclear deal does not do enough to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear-weapons capability, saying nothing about Israel's totally illegal nuclear arsenal. Israel has been advocating for the US military to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities, even though Israel has several hundred nuclear weapons of its own and Iran has none. And while Israel has refused to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty and would never allow inspections of its nuclear facilities, Iran has joined the treaty and has agreed to the most intrusive inspections ever devised.

Israel immediately followed Pompeo's visit by striking an Iranian-linked target in Syria on April 30, killing 11 Iranian s and ratcheting up regional tensions.

The great tragedy of the horrifying specter of another Middle East war is that it is wholly fabricated by the US administration. The Iran deal is a good one (it would be amazing if Trump could negotiate as good a deal with North Korea) and Iran is fully complying with its end of the bargain. The International Atomic Energy Agency has said so in 10 consecutive reports. America's European allies have said so. So has a recent State Department report and Trump's own Defense Secretary James Mattis, who, by the way,told a congressional committee that keeping the nuclear agreement intact was in the US national interest.

The party that has not been in compliance is actually the United States. The deal requires that the signatories allow Iran's reintegration into the global economy. At a NATO summit last May, Trump tried to persuade European partners to stop making business deals with Iran. The Trump administration has also been blocking permits for companies to engage in commercial transactions with Iran.

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From Our Future

By supporting corporate-friendly candidates and policies, Congressional Democratic leaders are be moving closer and closer toward open warfare with their party's base.

There is a real need to raise money, of course. But the party's leaders have chosen to raise and spend money in ways that conflict with voters and render it all but ineffective as a force for much-needed change.

Under the best-case scenario, the party's establishment is heading toward a Pyrrhic victory. And other, grimmer scenarios are possible.

A majority of Democratic voters, led by black, brown, and female Democrats, told pollsters in a recent study that they supported "movements within the Democratic Party to take it even further to the left and oppose the current Democratic leaders." A new study by Data For Progress shows that "the Democratic Party's base has moved left" and that voters overall "are ready for unabashed progressive politicians."

And yet, as if determined to block their own party's progress, House Democratic operatives have been attacking progressive candidates in public and working to undermine them in private.

The party's antipathy for progressive candidates and ideas seems to grow more conspicuous with each passing day. The party's penchant for "centrist," corporate-friendly candidates has long been the subject of Washington cocktail-hour talk, but a series of news reports has placed it squarely in the public eye.

First, there was the smear attack against Laura Moser, who is running in a Texas congressional primary. In language worthy of the cheapest Republican hit job, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) called Moser a "Washington insider" and accused her of disliking life in Texas. (Moser had expressed antipathy for her hometown, not the state, saying "that (was) a story for another day.") A DCCC spokesperson called Moser "unqualified" and doubled down on the deception with a comment about "Laura Moser's outright disgust for life in Texas."

Moser responded with an attack on "party bosses" in "smoke filled rooms" who are "trying to tell Texas what to do," and was rewarded with a fundraising surge that almost certainly helped her win a spot in her district's upcoming runoff election.

More recently, The Intercept published the contents of a secretly-recorded tape in which Steny Hoyer, the second-highest ranking House Democrat, openly acknowledges that the party was intervening in a Colorado primary on behalf of corporate lawyer Jason Crow. In the tape, Hoyer repeatedly asks Crow opponent Levi Tillemann to leave the race.

As the Philadelphia Inquirer's Will Bunch points out, the party's infrastructure is working against elements of the very anti-Trump resistance that represents its greatest hope for victory. Nevertheless, Hoyer defends the practice of intervening in local Democratic primaries.

"Staying out of primaries sounds small-D democratic, very intellectual, and very interesting," said Hoyer, who claimed the result would be that "somebody wins in the primary who can't possibly win in the general."

House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi defended Hoyer after the Tillemann tape became public, calling it "a conversation about the realities of life."

"What's important in all of this is that one in five children in America lives in poverty, goes to sleep hungry," said Pelosi. "That's what makes this election so urgent, for our children. So if the reality is that some candidates can get into the general [more] than others, then that's a clear-eyes conversation."

Hoyer's contemptuous dismissal of democratic governance as "intellectual" and "interesting," and Pelosi's defense of his actions, obscure a "reality of life" that is nearly as important as the principle that primary voters should choose their own candidates: The Democratic establishment has been notoriously terrible at picking winners.

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It's tempting to refer to the fallout from Michelle Wolf's White House Correspondents' Dinner monologue as virtue signaling ("the conspicuous expression of moral values done primarily with the intent of enhancing standing within a social group") but that gives it too much credit. There's a lot more noise than signal involved. The only real signal here seems to be that some people either can't take a joke or won't pass up an opportunity to feign outrage.

Most of the post-dinner heartburn centers around Wolf's pokes at White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. From some accounts, one might reasonably assume that Wolf simply took the stage, said a bunch of mean things about Sanders, and walked off to mixed moans and applause.

In fact, Wolf spent about a minute and a half, out of nearly 20, on Sanders. Oddly, I have yet to hear any conservatives complaining that Wolf (by way of putting recent misogyny scandals in perspective) called out the late Senator Ted Kennedy as a murderer, or slammed the Democratic Party for perpetually stealing defeat from the jaws of victory.

I watched the monologue (twice -- the first time I forgot to time Wolf's remarks on Sanders) and found it incredibly tame by comparison to a Friar's Club Celebrity Roast, or to any random five minutes from the oeuvres of Gilbert Gottfried, Sarah Silverman, or Doug Stanhope.

As one honest conservative commentator, Katherine Timpf, points out at National Review, there's plenty of hypocrisy on both sides: Those who gave Donald Trump a pass on his ugly jabs at Rosie O'Donnell and others lack standing to whine about Wolf's meanness, and vice versa. And at least Wolf has the excuse that she's a working comedian, not a president or presidential candidate.

Was she funny? That's in the eye of the beholder, but it's the only worthwhile question to ask about a comedian and her routine. I thought Wolf landed a few fun punches, but I'd be disappointed if I had paid a cover charge to watch this particular set at a comedy club. TV means I didn't have to spring for a ticket or gag down the rubber chicken dinner, so I got my money's worth. And I never turn down an opportunity to listen to put-downs of politicians and their flacks.

Perhaps the best example to follow here is that of Sarah Huckabee Sanders herself. At The Daily Caller, Benny Johnson relates that after sitting through the scorching from Wolf, Sanders attended an MSNBC after-party (she's obviously a glutton for punishment), all smiles, instead of crying in the beer that the dutiful daughter of a Baptist preacher probably doesn't drink.

It's good to see that SOMEONE can take a joke.Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too.

This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com.

Almost 17 years after Washington's war on terror was launched, de'j vu all over again hardly sums up the situation. Still, it's a place to start. Take a headline from nearly a decade ago -- July 2009, to be exact. By then, the American war in Afghanistan (the second Afghan War of our era) was already years old and not exactly going well. "U.S. Marines pour into Helmand," went that headline, "in biggest offensive against Taliban for five years." That July, in the first year of the Obama administration, more than 4,000 Marines were being dispatched to the heartlands of Helmand Province to secure Afghanistan's major opium-poppy-growing region. That was, of course, nearly eight years after the Bush administration had declared the country "liberated" by an American invasion. By the fall of 2014, after five more years of fighting the Taliban and advising Afghan security forces in Helmand -- and hundreds of American deaths -- those troops were finally withdrawn from "one of the few bright spots in the Afghan war." However, a corrupt Afghan government and its security forces, filled with "ghost soldiers" and "ghost police" (mostly paid for with U.S. funds), couldn't even hold onto their paychecks, no less the parts of the province that had been "liberated" from the Taliban and the remarkably irrepressible opium trade that went with it. Slowly, much of the province fell back into Taliban hands as opium farming only spread and flourished.

And so in January 2017, headlines like this one began popping up: "U.S. Marines headed back to Taliban hotspot 2 years after pullout." And not long after, several hundred Marines were indeed rushed back into a Helmand that seemed on the verge of falling to the Taliban. In January 2018, a second rotation of Marines was sent in (a number of whom had been deployed to the same province before 2014, undoubtedly giving that de'j vu feeling a deeply personal meaning) and soon after you got headlines like this: "Inside the Marines' new mission in Afghanistan: Taking back territory previously won."

Imagine, then, the headlines still to come in 2020 or beyond in what has now, in American military lingo, become not permanent war but "infinite war" across significant stretches of the planet. One thing not to wait for: headlines like "Taliban defeated, Helmand Province completely in government hands." To put this twenty-first-century version of American war in context, consider the truly long view offered by a man who gained such a vantage point firsthand, TomDispatchregular and former Vietnam War correspondent Arnold Isaacs. Tom

Why Can't the World's Best Military Win Its Wars?

Americans Need to Rethink War and Look Honestly at Ourselves and Our Friends

By Arnold R. Isaacs "This time, they think they have it right." So declared an Associated Press story reporting an upbeat assessment by this country's top military officer at the end of a five-day visit to Afghanistan earlier this spring. Marine General Joseph Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was heading home from the war zone, the AP reporter wrote, "with a palpable sense of optimism" about the U.S.-supported war against Taliban and Islamic State fighters there. Light at the end of the tunnel, perhaps? The story didn't say whether any of the reporters listening to General Dunford asked why it had taken more than 16 years for the world's leading military power to come up with the "fundamentally different approach" that the general believes has put U.S. and Afghan forces on the path to success. (None of the changes he mentioned really sounded fundamental, either.) Still, it's a question worth asking: If Americans are right in ceaselessly telling themselves that theirs is the most powerful country the world has ever seen and that their military is the "greatest fighting force ever," as President Trump calls it, should it have been this hard and taken this long to find a way -- if they really have -- to defeat enemies whose war-making resources are a tiny fraction of ours? As has happened often during our current conflicts, that piece of news from Afghanistan got me thinking about an earlier war that I witnessed first-hand as a correspondent for the Baltimore Sun during its final three years. In Vietnam, as in subsequent American wars, the United States and its local allies had staggering advantages in all the conventional measures of military strength, yet failed to win. It makes me wonder: If U.S. political and military leaders and the American public remembered Vietnam more honestly, if painful truths hadn't been cloaked in comforting mythologies, might this country have responded more intelligently and effectively to the violent challenges we've faced in the current century? Consider, for example, the persistent story that America lost in Vietnam because U.S. troops fought with one hand tied behind their backs -- because, that is, the politicians were "afraid to let them win," as Ronald Reagan once put it. The implication is clear: we could and should have won that war by doing more of what we were already doing or keeping at it longer (and should do the same in other conflicts, if military force does not seem to be succeeding). But did the United States really lose in Vietnam for lack of force? Not Exactly a Limited War Plenty of facts suggest otherwise. Take the amount of destructive power the U.S. employed. "Devastating conventional firepower unparalleled in military history," a study by the Army's logistics command called it, adding that, along with extraordinary tonnages of air and ground ordnance, American commanders fought with virtually no restrictions on mobility, equipment, or supplies: "The logistics scene was characterized by almost unlimited supply, remarkable high operational readiness rates as applied to equipment, a seemingly endless flow of ammunition and petroleum, and immunity for the most part from external fiscal restraints." Even to one who heard a bit of the gunfire from time to time, the statistics on U.S. firepower are mind-boggling. Pentagon records show that, for long periods, the American military and Saigon government forces fired ammunition at rates up to an astonishing 600 times higher than the enemy's -- 100,000 tons of ground munitions a month for all of 1969, for example, compared to just 150 tons from the Communist side. In 1974, with U.S. forces no longer directly engaged in combat and allied South Vietnamese commanders moaning nonstop about shortages caused by reductions in American military aid, Saigon's forces still used 65 tons of ammunition for every ton fired by the enemy.

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From Paul Craig Roberts Website

It is up to Europe whether or not the Earth dies in nuclear Armageddon.

European governments do not realize their potential to save the world from Washington's aggression, because the western Europeans are accustomed to being Washington's vassal states since the end of World War 2, and the eastern and central Europeans have accepted Washington's vassalage since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Vassalage pays well if all the costs are not counted.

By joining NATO, the eastern and central Europeans permitted Washington to move US military presence to Russia's borders. This military presence on Russia's borders gave Washington undue confidence that Russia also could be coerced into a vassal state existence. Despite the dire fate of the two finest armies ever assembled -- Napoleon's Grand Army and that of Germany's Wehrmacht -- Washington hasn't learned that the two rules of warfare are: (1) Don't march on Russia. (2) Don't march on Russia.

Because of Europe's subservience to Washington, Washington is unlikely to learn this lesson before Washington marches on Russia.

Washington in its hubristic idiocy has already begun this march piecemeal with the coup in Ukraine and with its attacks on Syrian military positions. As I wrote earlier, Washington is escalating the crisis in Syria.

What can stop this before it explodes into war is eastern and central Europe's decision to disengage as enablers of Washington's aggression.

There are no benefits to Europe of being in NATO. Europeans are not threatened by Russian aggression, but they are threatened by Washington's aggression against Russia. If the American neoconservatives and their Israeli allies succeed in provoking a war, all of Europe would be destroyed. Forever.

What is wrong with European politicians that they take this risk with the peoples that they govern?

Europe is still a place of beauty constructed by humans over the ages -- architecturally, artistically, and intellectually -- and the museum should not be destroyed. Once free of Washington's vassalage, Europe could even be brought back to creative life.

Europe is already suffering economically from Washington's illegal sanctions against Russia forced upon Europeans by Washington and from the millions of non-European refugees flooding the European countries fleeing from Washington's illegal wars against Muslim peoples, wars that Americans are forced to fight for the benefit of Israel.

What do Europeans get for the extreme penalties imposed on them as Washington's vassals? They get nothing but the threat of Armageddon. A small handful of European "leaders" get enormous subsidies from Washington for enabling Washington's illegal agendas. Just take a look at Tony Blair's enormous fortune, which is not the normal reward for a British prime minister.

Europeans, including the "leaders," have much more to gain from being connected to the Russia/China Silk Road project. It is the East that is rising, not the West. The Silk Road would connect Europe to the rising East. Russia has undeveloped territory full of resources -- Siberia -- that is larger than the United States. On a purchasing power parity basis, China is already the world's largest economy. Militarily the Russian/Chinese alliance is much more than a match for Washington.

If Europe had any sense, any leadership, it would tell Washington good-bye.

What is the value to Europe of Washington's hegemony over the world? How do Europeans, as opposed to a handful of politicians receiving bags full of money from Washington, benefit from their vassalage to Washington? Not one benefit can be identified. Washington's apologists say that Europe is afraid of being dominated by Russia. So why aren't Europeans afraid of their 73 years of domination by Washington, especially a domination that is leading them into military conflict with Russia?

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Michelle Wolf gave a hell of a performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. She made a lot of people uncomfortable. The question is why? Wasn't Seth Meyers just as blunt? Well, we know that women who execute outside of the rails tend to get criticized from both men and women. But Michelle Wolf did more than that. She went after the entire political/media cabal with a touch of how it operates within this corrupt economy. For that, she. must be delegitimized.

It is shameful that it took a Conservative Republican, Ana Navarro to come out with a full-tweeted defense of Michelle Wolf. Mika Brzezinski, a supposed Progressive, instead of support, demanded an apology.

I'm here to make jokes. I have no agenda. I'm not trying to get anything accomplished. So, everyone that's here from Congress, you should feel right at home.

I'm 32 years old which is an odd age -- 10 years too young to host this event and 20 years too old for Roy Moore. He almost got elected. Yeah.

I know there's a lot of people that want me to talk about Russia and Putin and collusion. But I'm not gonna do that because there's also a lot of liberal media here and I've never really wanted to know what any of you look like when you orgasm.

It is kind of crazy that the Trump campaign was in contact with Russia when the Hillary campaign wasn't even in contact with Michigan.

I know I would drag him here myself but it turns out the President of the United States is the one p*ssy you're not allowed to grab. He said it first. Yeah.

People call Trump names all the time. And look, I could call Trump a racist or a misogynist or xenophobic or unstable or incompetent or impotent, but he's heard all of those and he doesn't care. So tonight I'm gonna try to make fun of the president in a new way, in a way that I think will really get him. Mr. President, I don't think you're very rich.

Trump is so broke he has to fly' failed business class. Trump is so broke he had to borrow money from the Russians and now he's compromised and not susceptible to blackmail and possibly responsible for the real collapse of the Republic. Trump is also an ideas guy. He's got loads of ideas. He wants to give teachers guns. And I support that because then they can sell them for things they need, like supplies.

A lot of people want Trump to be impeached. I do not because just when you think Trump is awful you remember Mike Pence. Mike Pence is also very anti-choice. He thinks abortion is murder. And yeah sure you can groan all you want. I know a lot of you are very anti-abortion, you know unless it's the one you got for your secret mistress.

I did have a lot of jokes about cabinet members. But I had to scrap all of those because everyone has been fired.

Paul Ryan also couldn't make it of course. He's already been circumcised. Unfortunately, while they were down there they also took his balls.

Democrats are harder to make fun of because you guys don't do anything. People think you might flip the House and Senate this November. But you guys always find a way to mess it up. You're somehow gonna lose by 12 points to a guy named Jeff pedophile Nazi doctor.

We should definitely talk about the women in the Trump administration. There's Kellyanne Conway. Man, she has the perfect last name for what she does. You guys gotta stop putting Kellyanne on your shows. All she does is lie. If you don't give her a platform she has nowhere to lie.

And of course, we have Sarah Huckabee Sanders. We are graced with Sarah's presence tonight. I have to say I'm a little star-struck. Every time Sarah steps up to the podium I get excited because I'm not really sure what we're gonna get -- you know, a press briefing a bunch of lies, or divided into softball team. "It's shirts and skins and this time, don't be such a little b*tch Jim Acosta." I actually really like Sarah. I think she's very resourceful. Like she burns facts. And then she uses that ash to create a perfect smoky eye.

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I usually do not blog when I am mad. But I am doing so now because I do not want to be calm when writing this. As a black man, this story makes me sick. I am tired of those of us trying to make a difference being called out for race-baiting when we are exposing the clear and present danger racial bias is to people of color but specifically black men.

I just came across this story in my feed from RawStory.

A black former Obama administration staffer had the police called on him while moving into his new apartment in New York City. Darren Martin moved back to his hometown after spending several years working in the White House and on Capitol Hill, but his homecoming was complicated after a neighbor reported him Friday as a possible burglar, reported WPIX-TV. "Somebody called the cops on me in my own building," Martin said in a video streamed live on his Instagram account. Officers came to the Upper West Side building to investigate a possible burglary in progress, and the 911 caller warned Martin was carrying a "large tool" that appeared to be a weapon. [Video embed at here]

What is so pathetic about this incident is that it appears this is a gentrified neighborhood. Many up North, in their narrative, attempt to make racism a Southern thing. It isn't. It is an American thing, a worldwide thing.

It is time to penalize people who put the lives of black men and others in danger based on their racist, biased fears. Their fears are not the problem of black men or people of color. It is a disease they would do well to seek help for before they continue fertilizing the people-of-color killing fields.

Reality shows us continuously that police all over the country are trigger happy with encounters with people of color, specifically black men. To my white friends, please note the following. Whenever you call the police, and you specify the person you fear is doing something wrong is black, or a person of color, compounded by the statement that they are carrying a weapon, please remember you could become an involuntary accessory to murder along with a cop that is unlikely to pay the price for said error.Global Military Personal Protective Equipment Market: Research Report Analysis, size, sales and Forecast by 2024

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Military personal protective equipment has become a crucial and standard element of soldier equipment. One of the major factor driving the market is the increasing role of ground troops in different parts of the world such as Iraq, Afghanistan and India among others. The demand for military personal protective equipment is anticipated to be driven by modernization initiatives undertaken by several large defense spenders globally and various internal security threats, such as organized crime and terrorism among others.One of the major factor driving the market is the increasing role of ground troops in different parts of the world such as Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq among others. As of 2014, there were 8 active military conflicts and 10 official wars known by the United States. In addition, there were also other violent clashes relating 64 countries and 576 separatist and militias groups. In 2016, in wars between Syria and Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Lake Chad basin and Yemen helps the military personal protective equipment market to grow at a high CAGR which in turn is expected to boost the market.Request For Report Sample:Body armor (IBA), improved outer tactical vest (IOTV), advanced combat helmet (ACH), pelvic protection systems (PPS), life safety jacket, military combat eye protection (MCEP) and others sectors are the various product types of the military personal protective equipment market. Among various product types of the military personal protective equipment market body armor (BA) is the held the major market share in 2015 and expected to be the same during the forecast period of 2016  2024.The military personal protective equipment market has been segmented on the basis of application into army, air force, navy and others. Among various application of the military personal protective equipment market army held major market share in 2015 followed by navy and is expected to be remain the same during the forecast period of 2016  2024. Several countries are focusing on manufacturing better military personal protective equipment such as lightweight under suits, ballistic inserts, combat helmets and advanced night vision equipment that provide the benefits of enhanced protection and comfort to ground, navy and air forces. In 2015, the market is expected to be dominated by North America followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. In addition, Asia Pacific occupies more than 20% of the global market share, is driven by developing economies such as India, South Korea, Japan and China among others which are performing soldier modernization programs.Request For Report Discount:By geography, the military personal protective equipment market is classified into five regions namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. In 2015, North America holds the largest market share in the military personal protective equipment followed by Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. However, in 2024 Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the largest market for military personal protective equipment market followed by North America. China held the largest share for the military personal protective equipment market in Asia Pacific in 2015. It is also expected to experience healthy growth in the coming years. Growing research and development activities started by different research organizations acts as a driving factor of the market. In addition, growing concerns over the safety and protection of the forces is expected to propel the growth of the market.Key players profiled in this report include 3M Ceradyne (United States), ArmorWorks (United States), Eagle Industries Unlimited Inc (United States), BAE Systems (United Kingdom), DSM Dyneema (United States),Armorsource (United States), Du Pont (United States), Honeywell Advanced Fibres and Composites (United States), Revision Military Inc. (United States) and GentexCorporatio Corporation (United States) among others.Report Analysis:The segments covered in the Military Personal Protective Equipment market are as follows:Global Military Personal Protective Equipment Market: By ProductType Body Armor (IBA) Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) Pelvic Protection Systems (PPS) Life Safety Jackets Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) OthersGlobal Military Personal Protective Equipment Market: By Application Army Air Force Navy OthersAbout Us:Research Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trends.Contact Us:Research Report Insights101 Maimuna ApartmentKoliwada Vasai West,Mumbai-401201Email: sales@researchreportinsights.comWeb Site:Live Oak, FL  May 1, 2018  Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) held its 81st annual meeting on Saturday, April 28th at the Suwannee County Agricultural Coliseum in Live Oak. The event was attended by about 700 people, including SVEC member-owners and their families and guests.



Last year, we saw proof of just how well the cooperative system works, said SVEC Board of Trustees President Hugh Hunter in his speech. CEO Mike McWaters added details about the co-ops recent achievements in the context of the organizations five core values: safety, member experience, outreach to community, reliability and economic viability. He made special note of the 1,291 consecutive days worked without a lost-time injury and the volunteer projects employees completed for non-profits ARC North Florida and Vivid Visions. McWaters also told those present that the lights came on 99.96% of the times a member flipped a switch in 2017, and member service representatives answered about 26,000 calls during the year. Finally, he mentioned that members pay the same amount per kilowatt-hour in 2018 as they did in 2017.

Board of trustees Secretary Tim Steichen told the audience that the board of trustees has authorized a return of about $775,000 in capital credits to members this year. SVEC has returned about $13.5 million in capital credits to its members since the co-op was founded in 1937.

Three of SVECs trustees were up for re-election at the meeting. Tyler Putnal was re-elected in District 4, Sidney Lord in District 5 and Andy Walker in District 6.

Courtesy of Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC)Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market Analysis 2018 Globally: by Key Manufacturers, Countries, Type, Application and Forecasts to 2023

Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market

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Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Report covers the present situation and the development prospects of the Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Industry for 2018-2023. Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market examination reports give a profitable wellspring of wise information for business strategists and aggressive investigation of Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment showcase.Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market report examinations the business potential for each land area in view of the development rate, macroeconomic parameters, buyer purchasing designs, showcase request and supply situations. It furnishes the Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment business review with development examination and cutting edge cost, income, request and supply information.In this report, the global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Ask for Sample Report@The major players covered in this reportAastedLatini-Hohberger DhimantecLoyndsBuhlerTanis ConfectioneryRobert BoschCandy DetectiveMiranda Automation Private LimitedFood Processing TechnologyBaker PerkinsBrowse complete report with table of content and list of figures@On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCoating & Enrobing EquipmentForming & Depositing EquipmentExtrusion EquipmentTempering EquipmentOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingHard CandyFudgeFondantToffeesLollipopsCaramelsJelliesSome Major Points from table of contentChapter One: Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment1.2 Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Coating & Enrobing Equipment1.2.4 Forming & Depositing Equipment1.2.5 Extrusion Equipment1.2.6 Tempering Equipment1.3 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Segment by Application1.3.1 Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Hard Candy1.3.3 Fudge1.3.4 Fondant1.3.5 Toffees1.3.6 Lollipops1.3.7 Caramels1.3.8 Jellies1.4 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)Chapter Two: Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, ExpansionChapter Three: Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Confectionery and Candy Processing Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)ContinuedFor discount click here@About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019For More PRs:Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:Myanmar Insurance Industry Market 2017 - Opportunity, Driving Trends and deep study 2022

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Myanmar Insurance Industry MarketSynopsis'Governance, Risk and Compliance  The Myanmar Insurance Industry' report is the result of extensive research into the insurance regulatory framework in Myanmar.It provides detailed analysis of the insurance regulations for life, property, motor, liability, personal accident and health, and marine, aviation and transit insurance. The report specifies various requirements for the establishment and operation of insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country.Click here for sample report @SummaryThe report provides insights into the governance, risk and compliance framework pertaining to the insurance industry in Myanmar, including:An overview of the insurance regulatory framework in Myanmar.The latest key changes, and changes expected in the countrys insurance regulatory framework.Key regulations and market practices related to different types of insurance product in the country.Rules and regulations pertaining to key classes of compulsory insurance, and the scope of non-admitted insurance in Myanmar.Key parameters including licensing requirements, permitted foreign direct investment, minimum capital requirements, solvency and reserve requirements, and investment regulations.Details of the tax and legal systems in the country.Scope The report covers details of the insurance regulatory framework in Myanmar.The report contains details of the rules and regulations governing insurance products and insurance entities.The report lists and analyzes key trends and developments pertaining to the countrys insurance regulatory framework.The report analyzes the rules and regulations pertaining to the establishment and operation of insurance businesses in the country.The report provides details of taxation imposed on insurance products and insurance companies.Key Highlights The Insurance Business Supervisory Board supervises and regulates the Myanma insurance industry under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue.Composite insurance is permitted in Myanmar.The government of Myanmar does not permit foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance industry. However, the government is planning to open up the industry for foreign insurers by permitting 100% FDI.The placement of non-admitted insurance is not permitted in the Myanma insurance industry.Motor third-party liability insurance, accident insurance and professional indemnity for insurance brokers are the key classes of compulsory insurance in Myanmar.Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions2 GOVERNANCE, RISK AND COMPLIANCE2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution2.2 Latest Changes in Regulations2.3 Legislation and Market Practice by Type of Insurance2.3.1 Life insurance2.3.2 Property insurance2.3.3 Motor insurance2.3.4 Liability insurance2.3.5 Marine, aviation and transit insurance2.3.6 Personal accident and health insurance2.4 Compulsory Insurance 212.4.1 Accident insurance for travellers 212.4.2 Motor third-party liability insurance 212.4.3 Social security insurance 222.5 Supervision and Control 242.5.1 The Ministry of Finance and Revenue 242.5.2 The Insurance Business Supervisory Board 24.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaResidential Elevators Global Market 2018- Competitive Landscape, Strategies, Share, Trends, Segmentation, Growth Forecast 2023

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The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Residential Elevators industry market by types, applications, players and regions. This report also displays the 2013-2023 production, Consumption, revenue, Gross margin, Cost, Gross, market share, CAGR, and Market influencing factors of the Residential Elevators industry in USA, EU, China, India, Japan and other regionsMarket Analysis by Players: This report includes following top vendors in terms of company basic information, product category, sales (volume), revenue (Million USD), price and gross margin (%).ThyssenKruppOtisMitsubishiHitachiCibesAritcoStannahFujitecRAM ManufacturingOronaKoneInclinatorYungtay EngineeringTerry LiftsBarduvaYunchengKleemanDongnanSigmaCanny ElevatorRequest a Sample Report @Market Analysis by Regions: Each geographical region is analyzed as Sales, Market Share (%) by Types & Applications, Production, Consumption, Imports & Exports Analysis, and Consumption Forecast.USAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaSouth AmericaSouth AfricaOthersMarket Analysis by Types: Each type is studied as Sales, Market Share (%), Revenue (Million USD), Price, Gross Margin and more similar information.Platform LiftsCabin LiftsOther LiftsMarket Analysis by Applications: Each application is studied as Sales and Market Share (%), Revenue (Million USD), Price, Gross Margin and more similar information.Private HomePublic SpaceTable of Content1 Residential Elevators Market Overview1.1 Product Overview of Residential Elevators1.2 Classification of Residential Elevators1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.2.4 Type 41.3 Applications of Residential Elevators1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.3.4 Application 41.4 Global Residential Elevators Market Regional Analysis1.4.1 USA Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.2 Europe Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.3 Japan Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.4 China Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.5 India Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.6 Southeast Asia Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.7 South America Market Present Situation Analysis1.4.8 South Africa Market Present Situation Analysis1.5 Residential Elevators Industry Development Factors Analysis1.5.1 Residential Elevators Industry Development Opportunities Analysis1.5.2 Residential Elevators Industry Development Challenges Analysis1.6 Residential Elevators Consumer Behavior Analysis2 Global Residential Elevators Competitions by Players2.1 Global Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Players2.2 Global Residential Elevators Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Players (2017-2018)2.3 Global Residential Elevators Price (USD/Unit) by Players (2017-2018)2.4 Global Residential Elevators Gross Margin by Players (2017-2018)3 Global Residential Elevators Competitions by Types3.1 Global Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Types3.2 Global Residential Elevators Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Type (2013-2018)3.3 Global Residential Elevators Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2013-2018)3.4 Global Residential Elevators Gross Margin by Type (2013-2018)3.5 USA Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.6 China Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.7 Europe Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.8 Japan Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.9 India Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.10 Southeast Asia Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.11 South America Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.12 South Africa Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type4 Global Residential Elevators Competitions by Applications4.1 Global Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.2 Global Residential Elevators Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Applications (2013-2018)4.3 Global Residential Elevators Price (USD/Unit) by Applications (2013-2018)4.4 Global Residential Elevators Gross Margin by Applications (2013-2018)4.5 USA Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.6 China Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.7 Europe Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.8 Japan Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.9 India Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.10 Southeast Asia Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.11 South America Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.12 South Africa Residential Elevators Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications5 Global Residential Elevators Production Market Analysis by Regions5.1 Global Residential Elevators Production (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Regions5.1.1 USA Residential Elevators Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.2 Europe Residential Elevators Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.3 China Residential Elevators Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.4 Japan Residential Elevators Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.5 India Residential Elevators Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.6 Southeast Asia Residential Elevators Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.7 South America Residential Elevators Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.8 South Africa Residential Elevators Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.2 Global Residential Elevators Production Value (Million USD) and Share by Region (2013-2018)5.3 Global Residential Elevators Price (USD/Unit) by Region (2013-2018)5.4 Global Residential Elevators Gross Margin by Region (2013-2018)ContinuedAccess Complete 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.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaTonsil Cancer Market Forecasts 2023  Industry Shares and Revenue Analysis in 2018 Report

Tonsil Cancer Market

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The Global Tonsil Cancer Market is expected to grow at the CAGR of ~4.6% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 3396.3 million by 2023.Tonsil Cancer is a type of head and neck cancer which develops in the parts of throat and just behind the mouth. Tonsil cancer is also known as the cancer of oropharynx. One of the common symptoms of tonsil cancer is sore throat while some other symptoms are fatigue, hoarseness or a change of voice while speaking, ear pain, bleeding from your mouth, and weight loss. People who drink and smoke have almost double chances of tonsil cancer. Many times tonsil cancer is connected with a virus associated with sexual contact known as human papillomavirus (HPV).Increasing incidence of tonsil is major driver for the market while other factors such as increasing awareness about this disorder, the introduction of the new treatment or therapies and rising demand from emerging markets of Asia as well as Latin America drives the growth of the global market. New research to cure tonsil cancer is another key driver for the market. The global tonsil cancer market is growing moderately and is expected to continue its growth over the forecast period.The global tonsil cancer market is expected to grow at the CAGR of ~4.6% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 3396.3 million by 2023.Key Players in the Global Tonsil Cancer MarketSome of the key players in this market: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), Amgen Inc. (US), Novartis AG(Switzerland), Abbott (US), Beckman Coulter Inc. (US), Debiopharm Group (Switzerland), AbbVie Inc. (US), Bayer AG (Germany, and others.Get Exclusive Sample Copy @The global tonsil cancer market is segmented on the basis of type, which comprises squamous cell carcinoma, salivary gland cancer, lymphoma, mucosal melanoma, sarcomas, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, Peripheral Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET), and others. Sarcomas is further sub-segmented into chondrosarcoma, liposarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and others.On the basis of diagnosis, the market is segmented into physical exam, imaging tests, removing a sample of tissue for testing, and others. Imaging tests is further sub-segmented into Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and others.On the basis of treatments, the market is segmented into surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, rehabilitation, and others. Surgery is further sub-segmented into transoral surgery, transoral robotic surgery, open surgery, reconstructive surgery, and others. Radiation therapy includes external beam radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy, and others. Chemotherapy is further sub-segmented into alkylating agents, plant alkaloids, antitumor antibiotics, antimetabolites, topoisomerase inhibitors, miscellaneous antineoplastics, and others.On the basis of end user, it is segmented into hospitals & clinics, medical research centers, academic institutes, and others.Regional Analysis of the Global Tonsil Cancer MarketThe Americas dominate the global market for the tonsil cancer. North American countries like US dominates the market while Latin America region is also growing significantly in this region. The US is one of the top revenue generating countries in the global tonsil cancer treatment. Increasing number of patients with tonsil cancer is major driver for this market. North America is holding major market share due to some major factors like easily available treatment facilities, extended insurance cover, and adoption of advanced therapies to cure tonsil cancer.Europe is the second largest market for tonsil cancer. This region is mainly divided into Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Germany is the largest while UK is the fastest growing market in Europe for tonsil cancer. As per the data published by Cancer Research UK, the incidence rate of head and neck cancer per 1,00,000 population in UK is 11,449 and cases are more in male than female. Availability of advanced healthcare facilities and high expenditure on healthcare are driving the growth for the market.Asia Pacific region is one of the high potential market for healthcare sector. This region is showing exceptional growth in almost every product and services mainly related to medical field. Increasing cases of tonsil cancer, growing awareness among the patients and rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure are driving the market growth. Relatively low cost healthcare facilities are attracting patients from various high-income nations to get affordable treatments which boosting medical tourism in this region. Government is providing various subsidies and other facilities to improve public health as well as increasing use of insurance facilities are major driving forces for this market.Lack of awareness of the disorder and limited availability of required healthcare facilities are major restraints for the Middle East & Africa tonsil cancer market due to which this market is expected to have limited growth during the forecast period.Major TOC for Global Tonsil Cancer Market:1 Report Prologue2 Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Market Structure2.4. Market Segmentation3 Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size Estimation3.5 Forecast Model4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Mega Trends4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators..ContinuedAsk to Expertise @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.PuneBahraini Insurance Industry Market Trends, Size and Growth Analysis 2017 To 2022

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Bahraini Insurance Industry MarketSynopsis'Governance, Risk and Compliance  The Bahraini Insurance Industry' report is the result of extensive research into the insurance regulatory framework in Bahrain.It provides detailed analysis of the insurance regulations for life, property, motor, liability, personal accident and health, and marine, aviation and transit insurance. The report specifies various requirements for the establishment and operation of insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country.Click here for sample report @SummaryThe report provides insights into the governance, risk and compliance framework pertaining to the insurance industry in Bahrain, including: An overview of the insurance regulatory framework in Bahrain. The latest key changes, and changes expected in the countrys insurance regulatory framework. Key regulations and market practices related to different types of insurance product in the country. Rules and regulations pertaining to key classes of compulsory insurance, and the scope of non-admitted insurance in Bahrain. Key parameters including licensing requirements, permitted foreign direct investment, minimum capital requirements, solvency and reserve requirements, and investment regulations. Details of the tax and legal systems in the country.Scope The report covers details of the insurance regulatory framework in Bahrain. The report contains details of the rules and regulations governing insurance products and insurance entities. The report lists and analyzes key trends and developments pertaining to the countrys insurance regulatory framework. The report analyzes the rules and regulations pertaining to the establishment and operation of insurance businesses in the country. The report provides details of taxation imposed on insurance products and insurance companies.Reasons To Buy Gain insights into the insurance regulatory framework in Bahrain. Track the latest regulatory changes, and expected changes impacting the Bahraini insurance industry. Gain detailed information about the key regulations governing the establishment and operation of insurance entities in the country. Understand key regulations and market practices pertaining to various types of insurance product.Key Highlights The Bahraini insurance industry is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain. The government of Bahrain allows 100% foreign direct investment in the insurance industry. Composite insurance has not been permitted in Bahrain since April 1, 2005; however, composite insurers established prior to April 1, 2005 are permitted to operate. Motor third-party liability and workers compensation insurance are mandatory in Bahrain. Non-admitted insurance is prohibited in Bahrain; However, reinsurance companies can operate in the country on a cross-border basis only.Table of ContentsTable of Contents1 INTRODUCTION1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions2 GOVERNANCE, RISK AND COMPLIANCE2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution2.2 Latest Changes in Regulation2.3 Legislation and Market Practice by Type of Insurance2.3.1 Life insurance2.3.2 Property insurance2.3.3 Motor insurance2.3.4 Liability insurance2.3.5 Marine, aviation and transit insurance2.3.6 Personal accident and health insurance2.4 Compulsory Insurance2.4.1 Motor third party liability insurance2.4.2 Professional indemnity insurance for insurance brokers and insurance consultants2.4.3 Social insurance law2.4.4 Liability for ships with respect to oil pollution2.4.5 Health insurance scheme for national employees and expatriates.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaEgg Allergy Market 2018 Growing with CAGR 6.5% | Upcoming Challenges, Treatments and Growth Prospects by Regions to 2023

Egg Allergy Market

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The report predicts the Global Egg Allergy Market to grow with a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period of 2017-2023. The study on Egg Allergy Market covers the analysis of the leading geographic such as America, Europe, Asia-Pacific. The report on Egg Allergy Market is a comprehensive study and presentation of drivers, restraints, challenges, demand factors, market size, forecasts, and trends in the Global Egg Allergy Market over the period of 2017 to 2023.Egg allergy is defined as an allergic reaction induced due to immunological nature of egg proteins. The condition includes other allergic syndromes as well such as atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic esophagitis. Egg allergy is more prevalent in children and can outgrow before adolescence.Increasing prevalence of egg allergy, consumer awareness and improved allergy diagnosis, increasing incidences of asthma, and increasing incidences of asthma promote the growth of Egg Allergy Market. As per the study published in Pediatric Clinics of North America journal in 2014, the prevalence rate of egg allergy in German children is 0.0004%, 0.6% in children from Mexico, and 1.6% in Danish children. In the United States, 1.3% of prevalence rate was reported.It is estimated that egg allergy market is expected to grow at a CAGR 6.5% during the forecast period of 2017-2023.Get Sample Copy of Report @Key Players of Egg Allergy MarketSome of key the players in the Egg Allergy Market are Genentech, Inc., Novartis AG., Pfizer Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer AG, Abbott, Astellas, Sanofi, Merck & Co., Inc., Creative Diagnostic Medicare Pvt. Ltd., and ImmuneTech.Regional Analysis of Egg Allergy MarketThe Americas dominate the Egg Allergy Market owing to the increasing consumer awareness among people, and high healthcare expenditure. According to the study published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal in 2013, the overall cost incurred by the food allergy in the United States was nearly USD 25 billion annually.Europe holds the second position in an Egg Allergy Market. It is found that increasing incidence of egg allergy due to egg protein will drive the market in Europe region.Asia Pacific represents the fastest growing Egg Allergy Market owing to the increasing innovation in allergen-free food products, and increasing per capita spending on healthcare.Segmentation of Egg Allergy MarketThe Egg Allergy Market is segmented on the basis of diagnosis, treatment & management and end-users.On the basis of diagnosis, market is segmented into skin-prick test, atopy patch test (APT), blood test, oral food challenge, and others, on the basis of treatment & management, market is classified into Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), Medication, and others. Medication is further segmented into antihistamins, epinephrine shots, and others and On the basis of end-users, market is segmented into hospital & clinics, diagnostic centers, research & academic institutes, and others.Get Prime Discount on Report @Some Brief Table of ContentChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 OpportunitiesTOC ContinuedIf you have specific Requirement, ask to our Experts @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), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureHadapsar, Pune  411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comTextile Chemicals Market  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast by 2023

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The global textile chemicals market is expected to showcase a stable growth during the forecast period (2017-2023). The growing demand for apparels in emerging economies and the increasing middle-class income are the driving force for the growth of the textiles chemicals market.Request to Get the Sample Report :Textile Chemicals are an integral part of various commercial and industrial sectors, where any sort of fabric is used in operation. The textile chemicals are in huge demand owing to the enormous growing production of apparels and rising demand for home furnishings, floor coverings and smart textiles globally.The textile chemical products range from coatings and sizing chemicals, colorants and auxiliaries, finishing agents and surfactants. The coatings and sizing chemicals dominated the market in the product type segment owing to their excellent properties to increase the strength and abrasion resistance of yarns.The textile chemicals market on the basis of application is segmented as apparels, automotive textiles, geo-textiles, home furnishing, industrial textiles, smart textiles and others. The home furnishing application dominated the segment, the growth of the home furnishing segment will be attributed to the remarkable growth of the construction industry in the developing economies.The major restraints observed in the study includes increasing popularity for bio-based textiles, increasing labour cost in emerging economies and rising environmental concerns for the use of textile chemicals in developed countries.Access Report Summary with Detailed TOC at :Manufactures in the industry are undergoing continuous R&D to come up with cutting-edge advancement in the industry. Some of the key players in the global market include OMNOVA Solutions Inc., The DyStar Group, The Dow Chemical Company and Kiri Industries Limited.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:P&S Market Research347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-Free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:Mozambican Insurance Industry Market size and Key Trends in terms of volume and value 2017

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Mozambican Insurance Industry MarketSynopsis'Governance, Risk and Compliance  The Mozambican Insurance Industry' report is the result of extensive research into the insurance regulatory framework in Mozambique.It provides detailed analysis of the insurance regulations for life, property, motor, liability, personal accident and health, and marine, aviation and transit insurance. The report specifies various requirements for the establishment and operation of insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country.Click here for sample report @SummaryThe report provides insights into the governance, risk and compliance framework pertaining to the insurance industry in Mozambique, including:An overview of the insurance regulatory framework in Mozambique.The latest key changes, and changes expected in the countrys insurance regulatory framework.Key regulations and market practices related to different types of insurance product in the country.Rules and regulations pertaining to key classes of compulsory insurance, and the scope of non-admitted insurance in Mozambique.Key parameters including licensing requirements, permitted foreign direct investment, minimum capital requirements, solvency and reserve requirements, and investment regulations.Details of the tax and legal systems in the country.Scope The report covers details of the insurance regulatory framework in Mozambique.The report contains details of the rules and regulations governing insurance products and insurance entities.The report lists and analyzes key trends and developments pertaining to the countrys insurance regulatory framework.The report analyzes the rules and regulations pertaining to the establishment and operation of insurance businesses in the country.The report provides details of taxation imposed on insurance products and insurance companies.Reasons To Buy Gain insights into the insurance regulatory framework in Mozambique.Track the latest regulatory changes, and expected changes impacting the Mozambican insurance industry.Gain detailed information about the key regulations governing the establishment and operation of insurance entities in the country.Understand key regulations and market practices pertaining to various types of insurance product.Key Highlights The Mozambican insurance industry is regulated by the ISSM.Key classes of compulsory insurance include motor third-party liability, aviation liability, and professional indemnity cover for insurance brokers and agents.Composite insurance is permitted in Mozambique.100% foreign direct investment is permitted in the Mozambican insurance industry.Non-admitted insurance is permitted by the ISSM only when domestic insurers do not provide cover.Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions2 GOVERNANCE, RISK AND COMPLIANCE2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution2.2 Latest Changes in Regulation2.3 Legislation and Market Practice by Type of Insurance2.3.1 Life insurance2.3.2 Property insurance2.3.3 Motor insurance2.3.4 Liability insurance2.3.5 Marine, aviation and transit insurance2.3.6 Personal accident and health insurance2.4 Compulsory Insurance2.4.1 Motor third-party liability insurance2.4.2 Social security system2.4.3 Professional indemnity insurance for insurance intermediaries2.4.4 Aviation liability insurance2.4.5 Liability insurance for ships with respect to oil pollution2.4.6 Workmen's compensation insurance.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaLiquid Fertilizer 2018 Global Industry Key Players - Agrium ,Yara International ,K+S Aktiengesellschaft, SQM ,Kugler Company Market Analysis And Forecast To 2025

Global Liquid Fertilizer Market

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Global Liquid Fertilizer MarketIn this report, the global Liquid Fertilizer market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Global Liquid Fertilizer market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingAgriumYara InternationalIsrael Chemical Ltd. (ICL)K+S AktiengesellschaftSQMKugler CompanyHaifa ChemicalsCompo ExpertAgroliquidPlant Food CompanyRequest a Sample Report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Liquid Fertilizer in these regions, from 2013 to 2025 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoNitrogenPhosphorusPotashMicronutrientsOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingCereals & GrainsFruits & VegetablesOilseeds & PulsesTurf & OrnamentalsForagePlantation CropsTable of Contents-Key Points CoveredGlobal Liquid Fertilizer Market Research Report 20181 Liquid Fertilizer Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Liquid Fertilizer1.2 Liquid Fertilizer Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Liquid Fertilizer Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Liquid Fertilizer Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Nitrogen1.2.4 Phosphorus1.2.5 Potash1.2.6 Micronutrients1.3 Global Liquid Fertilizer Segment by Application1.3.1 Liquid Fertilizer Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Cereals & Grains1.3.3 Fruits & Vegetables1.3.4 Oilseeds & Pulses1.3.5 Turf & Ornamentals1.3.6 Forage1.3.7 Plantation Crops1.4 Global Liquid Fertilizer Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Liquid Fertilizer Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Liquid Fertilizer (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Liquid Fertilizer Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025).7 Global Liquid Fertilizer Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Agrium7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Agrium Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Yara International7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Yara International Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Israel Chemical Ltd. (ICL)7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Israel Chemical Ltd. (ICL) Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 K+S Aktiengesellschaft7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 K+S Aktiengesellschaft Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 SQM7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 SQM Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Kugler Company7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Kugler Company Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Haifa Chemicals7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Haifa Chemicals Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Compo Expert7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Compo Expert Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Agroliquid7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Agroliquid Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Plant Food Company7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Liquid Fertilizer Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Plant Food Company Liquid Fertilizer Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.10.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinued.Complete Report Details @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Spinal Implants Market Dynamics 2018: Worldwide Pivotal Players are Globus Medical, RTI Surgical, Integra LifeSciences, and Captiva Spine, etc. - Forecast to 2023

Spinal Implants Market

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The report titled Global Spinal Implants Market 2018 Research Report implements an exhaustive study on Market Research Future. This Report Cover market size, growth rate, opportunities, market Dynamics and Factor Analysis. And also cover the other information such as Spinal Implants market trends, Top players, chapter-wise Description followed by various user perceptions and Forecast till 2023.Get Sample copy @Market Scenario:Spinal Implants are used to treat spinal deformities such as isthmic spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is usually a common problem in men and women over 50 years of age. With the increasing age, structural changes occur to the spine which include joint issues, slip disk, and increasing stiffness of the tissue supporting the spine. This leads to the development of spinal deformities or impairment.Moreover, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, one in every four individuals suffers from chronic low back pain. Additionally, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), the expense of treatment for low back pain is a prominent cause of economic burden at the individual as well as national levels.Factors such as rising occurrence and prevalence of spinal ailments, development of safer technology and cost-effective spinal devices, and increasing demand for minimally invasive spine surgery are driving the growth of the spinal implants market. Conversely, factors such as high procedural costs, stringent regulatory guidelines for the approval of new medical devices, and lack of reimbursements in developing countries are hampering the growth of the global spinal implants market. The Global Market for Spinal Implants is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 5.5% during the forecast period, 20172023.Key Players:Some major players in the global spinal implants market include Medtronic, plc (Ireland), Depuy Synthes Inc. (Johnson & Johnson) (U.S.), Stryker Corporation (U.S.), NuVasive, Inc. (U.S.), Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (U.S.), Globus Medical, Inc. (U.S.), Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (U.S.), Orthofix International N.V. (Netherlands), K2M Group Holdings, Inc. (U.S.), RTI Surgical, Inc. (U.S.), Amedica Corporation (U.S.), Exactech Inc. (U.S.), Integra LifeSciences (U.S.), LDR Holding Corporation (U.S.), Quandary Medical LLC (U.S.), AESCULAP (U.S.), Alliance Spine (U.S.), Apollo Spine (U.S.), Premia Spine (Israel), Ascendx Spine (U.S.), A-Spine (Taiwan), Back 2 Basics Spine (Canada), Accel Spine (U.S.), SI-BONE (U.S.), Captiva Spine Inc. (U.S.), Centinel Spine (U.S.), Life Spine (U.S.), SpineGuard (France), NLT Spine (U.S.), Paradigm Spine LLC (U.S.), Precision Spine (U.S.), Reliance Medical Systems (U.S.), Spinal Solutions Inc. (U.S.), Spine Frontier (U.S.), Spineart Geneva SA (Switzerland), and others.Segmentation:The global spinal implants market is segmented on the basis of product, procedure, and material.On the basis of product, the global spinal implants market is segmented into spinal fusion devices, non-fusion devices/motion preservation devices, Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) treatment devices, spinal bone stimulators, spine biologics, and others. The spine fusion segment is divided into thoracolumbar devices, cervical fixation devices, interbody fusion devices, and others.The spine fusion segment is categorized into thoracolumbar devices, cervical fixation devices, interbody fusion devices, and others. The thoracolumbar devices segment is divided into anterior lumbar plates, lumbar plates, pedicle screw, rods, hooks, wires and cables, crosslinks, and others. The cervical fixation devices segment is further classified as anterior cervical plates, hook fixation systems, plates and screws, clamps, wires, and others. The interbody fusion devices segment is further classified as non-bone interbody fusion devices, bone interbody fusion devices, and others.The non-fusion devices/motion preservation devices segment is categorized into dynamic stabilization devices, artificial discs, annulus repair devices, nuclear disc prostheses, and others. The dynamic stabilization devices segment is further classified as interspinous process spacers, pedicle screw-based systems, facet replacement products, and others. The artificial discs segment is further classified as artificial cervical discs, artificial lumbar discs, and others.The Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF) treatment devices segment is categorized into balloon kyphoplasty devices, vertebroplasty devices, and others.The spinal bone stimulators segment is categorized into non-invasive spine bone stimulators, invasive spine bone stimulators, and others. The non-invasive spine bone stimulators segment is further classified as pulsed electromagnetic field device, Capacitive Coupling (CC) and Combined Magnetic Field (CMF) devices, and others.Avail Amazing Discount @The spine biologics segment is further classified as spinal allografts, bone graft substitutes, cell-based matrix, and others. The spinal allografts segment is further classified as machined bones allograft, demineralized bone matrix, and others. The bone graft substitutes segment is further classified as bone morphogenetic proteins, synthetic bone grafts, and others.On the basis of procedure, the global spinal implants market is classified into open surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS), and others.On the basis of material, the global spinal implants market is classified into titanium, titanium-alloy, stainless steel, plastic, and others.Regional Analysis:The global spinal implants market consists of four regions, namely, America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.Americas dominated the global spinal implants market owing to the technological innovation, advancement in manufacturing processes, and contribution of nanotechnology to the pharmaceutical packaging market.The European region is the second largest market owing to the increase in geriatric population and the increasing demand for spinal implants and devices for the treatment of spinal disorders. Asia Pacific is the emerging market in the global spinal implants market owing to the rising obesity cases, increasing healthcare expenditure in developing nations, increasing government funding, the presence of a large patient population, and growing awareness about novel spine treatment techniques.Some Points from TOC:Chapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentChapter 5. Market Factor Analysis.TOC CONTINUEDList of Tables:Table 1 Spinal Implants Industry Synopsis, 20172023Table 2 Spinal Implants Market Estimates & Forecast, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 3 Spinal Implants Market, By Region, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 4 Spinal Implants Market, By Configuration, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 5 Spinal Implants Market, By Application, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 6 Spinal Implants Market, By End-U.S.Er, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 7 North America Spinal Implants Market, By Configuration, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 8 North America Spinal Implants Market, By Application, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 9 North America Spinal Implants Market, By End-U.S.Er, 20172023, (USD Million)Table 10 U.S. Spinal Implants Market, By Configuration, 20172023, (USD Million).CONTINUEDFor Customization on this Report, Ask to Expert @List of Figures:Figure 1 Research ProcessFigure 2 Segmentation Of The Spinal Implants MarketFigure 3 Segmentation Market Dynamics For Spinal Implants MarketFigure 4 Global Spinal Implants Market Share, By Configuration 2016Figure 5 Global Spinal Implants Market Share, By Application 2016Figure 6 Global Spinal Implants Market Share, By Region, 2016Figure 7 Americas Spinal Implants Market Share, By Country, 2016Figure 8 Europe Spinal Implants Market Share, By Country, 2016Figure 9 Asia Pacific Spinal Implants Market Share, By Country, 2016Figure 10 Middle East & Africa Spinal Implants Market Share, By Country, 2016.CONTINUEDAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune  411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comBracing for the presidents tweets about this. Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

Chief of Staff John Kelly reportedly likes to call President Trump an idiot, has averred that women are more emotional than men, and, most alarmingly, had to persuade the president not to withdraw all troops from the Korean Peninsula on a whim, NBC reported on Monday.

The report comes amid months of tensions between Kelly and Trump. The general, who has largely failed in his task to instill order at the White House since he replaced Reince Priebus last summer, has fallen far out of favor with Trump, and is much less influential than he once was on policy matters. Whether NBCs sources spoke to the outlet in hopes of pushing Kelly out for good is unclear  some officials told NBC hed be gone by July  but the president is unlikely to react kindly to any questioning of his all-powerful brain. For his part, Kelly has denied the story, calling it total BS and another pathetic attempt to smear people close to President Trump.

Some of the storys most noteworthy revelations, below:

Kelly Thinks He Needs to Save Trump From His Own Stupidity

The officials said Kelly portrays himself to Trump administration aides as the lone bulwark against catastrophe, curbing the erratic urges of a president who has a questionable grasp on policy issues and the functions of government. He has referred to Trump as an idiot multiple times to underscore his point, according to four officials who say theyve witnessed the comments.

Three White House spokespeople said they dont believe its accurate that Kelly called the president an idiot, adding that none of them has ever heard him do that or otherwise use that word.

As a president, its always a good sign when multiple members of your staff have been known to insult your intelligence in no uncertain terms.

Kelly Is From the Mad Men School of Gender Relations

Current and former White House officials said Kelly has at times made remarks that have rattled female staffers. Kelly has told aides multiple times that women are more emotional than men, including at least once in front of the president, four current and former officials said. And during a firestorm in February over accusations of domestic abuse against then-White House staff secretary Rob Porter, Kelly wondered aloud how much more Porter would have to endure before his honor could be restored, according to three officials who were present for the comments. He also questioned why Porters ex-wives wouldnt just move on based on the information he said he had about his marriages, the officials said.

Yes, this does sound bad. But how to cover for Kelly while making the White House sounding like a completely inhospitable place for women? Well

The White House spokespeople said they havent seen Kelly have a negative effect on the morale of women staffers. If anything, they said during meetings Kelly is the bigger gentleman who steps in when aides use foul language to note a lady is present and similarly says he shouldnt use foul language in front of a lady if hes used an expletive. The spokespeople, who would not speak for the record, said its possible Kelly may have said women are more emotional than men, with one of them agreeing that generally speaking, women are more emotional than men.

Unlike President Trump, who would never be driven by anything besides cold logic. Speaking of which 

Trump Almost Withdrew All Combat Troops From South Korea

He has also pushed back against the president on some foreign policy and military issues, current and former White House officials said.

In one heated exchange between the two men before Februarys Winter Olympics in South Korea, Kelly strongly  and successfully  dissuaded Trump from ordering the withdrawal of all U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula, according to two officials. For Kelly, the exchange underscored the reasoning behind one of his common refrains, which multiple officials described as some version of Im the one saving the country.

Wait, what??? If this terrifying anecdote is true, Kelly deserves at least some credit for preventing utter political chaos over the last few months.

Kelly Thinks Trump Doesnt Know What DACA Is

Kelly held a series of meetings in his office with White House officials during negotiations with lawmakers on funding for the presidents border wall and a resolution on a program  known as DACA  that allows some people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children to remain in the country, according to four officials who either attended or were briefed on the meetings.

He often used the settings to express concern that Trump would agree to a deal thats not hardline enough on immigration and criticized the presidents knowledge of the issues to underscore his point, the officials said.

He doesnt even understand what DACA is. Hes an idiot, Kelly said in one meeting, according to two officials who were present. Weve got to save him from himself.

DACA fact-check: true.

And now we wait for President Trumps no-doubt cool-headed reaction to these disclosures. Start refreshing twitter.com at your leisure.Fleet Management Market 2018-2023 Ongoing Trend | Growing at Remarkable CAGR of 22% with Fleetmatics Group PLC, Verizon Telematics, Trimble, WorkWave LLC, Zonar Systems, I.D. Systems, and Cisco

Fleet Management Market 2018

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Fleet Management Market 2018Fleet Management Market Share, Size, Trends, And Business Opportunity Analysis Report 2018 include historic data, with forecast data to 2023. Fleet Management Market report is helpful for future strategy development, and to know about Market Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, And Global market size, share, Growth, Trends, key players forecast to 2023Global Fleet Management Market Information Report by Deployment Type (Cloud, On-Premises, Hybrid), by Management type (Driver Management, Asset Management, Operation Management), by Connectivity Type (Satellite Navigation, Cellular System), by Services (Managed Services, Integration and Deployment services, Professional services) and by Regions - Global Forecast To 2023Get Sample Report of Fleet Management Market@Market Scenario:Fleet management is the process of managing vehicle fleet in an organization. Mismanaging a vehicle fleet can have significant effect on an organized operation. Fleet management typically includes vehicles such as trucks, cars and corporate fleets, commercial and freight aircrafts, buses and trams and also container ships. Fleet management includes operations such as vehicle tracking, mechanical diagnostics and also driver behavior. Furthermore, vehicle tracking and diagnostics include risk management, fuel management, telematics and accident management. Fleet management is predominantly used in sectors such as oil and gas, chemicals, mining, construction, retail and logistics, utilities, public and private transport, waste management and service sectors.The market is driven by the continuous increase in the demand for logistics and transport. The determiners of the growth of the market are the fluctuating fuel costs, connectivity issues, demand to meet pollution targets and operational efficiency. With fleet management, organizations can have better access to plan maintenance of vehicles, enhanced driver safety, proper routing of fleets that can all ultimately lead to effective operations of the fleet. Adding to that, vehicle connectivity and smart transportation are increasingly helping organizations to ensure safety operations of the fleets. Fleet management also helps in higher efficiency, consistent performances and ultimately reduced costs.Fleet Management Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 22% during the forecast period.Key Players:The key players of global fleet management markets are Fleetmatics Group PLC (U.S.), Verizon Telematics Inc.(U.S.), Trimble Inc. (U.S), WorkWave LLC(U.S.), Zonar Systems, Inc. (U.S.), I.D. Systems, Inc. (U.S), and Cisco Systems, Inc. (U.S.).Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:The key strategies followed by most companies within the global Fleet Management market are that of new product development.On January 2017, Bridgepoint had acquired Zenith, who is vehicle fleet management company. The acquisition will allow the company to focus on both the corporate car and consumer markets from funding company cars or commercial vehicles. This will provide fully outsourced fleet management services.On August 2016, Verizon had entered in the agreement to acquire Fleetmatics. The acquisition will enable them to become leading provider of fleet and mobile workforce management solutions across the globe.On December 2017, Cisco announced the intent to acquire Cmpute.io in order to enhance existing CloudCenter features and accelerate the product features to boost the product line.In 2016, ARI began offering the fleet health card, which helps fleet managers identify problematic vehicles that have the biggest impact on cost and reliability. ARI has received the 2015 International Fleet Industry Award for its unique unbundled fleet management solutions, which deliver complete cost transparency.Fleet Management Market  SegmentationThe Global Fleet Management Market is segmented in to 4 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation by Deployment Type : Comprises Cloud, On-Premises, and HybridSegmentation by Management Type : Comprises driver management, asset management, and operation managementSegmentation by Connectivity Type : Comprises satellite navigation and cellular systemSegmentation by Services : Comprises managed services, integration and deployment services, and professional servicesSegmentation by Regions : Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.The report for Global Fleet Management 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, 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.Get Complete Report Details of Fleet Management Market@Table of Content1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology3 Arket Dynamics4 Global Fleet Management Market, By Deployment Type5 Global Fleet Management Market, By Management Type6 Global Fleet Management Market, By Connectivity Type7 Global Fleet Management Market, By Services8 Regional Market Analysis9 Competitive Analysis.ContinuedCONTACT US:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312sales@marketresearchfuture.comAbout Us: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 the prime objective to provide optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies depending on products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments enables our clients to know more consequently do more, which gives them answer for their each and every important question. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industrySmart Factory Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Market Share, Market Growth, Market Trends and Forecast 2018  2025

Smart Factory Market

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Smart Factory Market investigation reports give a significant wellspring of quick information for business strategists and focused examination. It furnishes the Smart Factory business review with development investigation and cutting edge cost, income, Demand and supply information. Real Manufacturers Analysis of Smart Factory MarketThe global Dental Software market is valued at XX million USD in 2017 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2023.This report offers an overview of the market trends, drivers, and barriers with respect to the Dental Software 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 Dental Software market by by Functioins, and application. Detailed analysis of key players, along with key growth strategies adopted by them is also covered in this report on Dental Software market is valued at XX million USD in 2017 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2023.Ask for Sample Report@The major players covered in this report 3D Diagnostix Corp. (USA) ABEL Dental Software (USA) Amann Girrbach (Austria) Anatomage (Italy) ARTIGLIO SNC (Italy) B&B DENTAL (Italy) BTI Biotechnology Institute (Spain) Dentsply Sirona (USA) DOF, Inc. (Korea) Drive Dental Implants (France) EasyRx (USA) EGS (Italy) Elite Computer Italia (Italy) Genoray (Korea) GO2CAM INTERNATIONAL, SAS (France) imes-icore (Germany) Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland) Kavo (UK) LED Dental (USA) Navadha Enterprises (India) Nemotec (Spain) Nobel Biocare Services AG (UK) Ormco (USA) Owandy Radiology (USA) Schutz Dental GmbH (Germany) SICAT (Germany) Software of Excellence (UK) VATECH (Korea) Wieland Dental + Technik GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) Zirkonzahn (Italy)Browse complete report with table of content and list of figures@Main types of productsDental Software Market, by FunctioinsPlanningDesignManagementDiagnosticOther (Visualization, Simulation, Manufacturing)Dental Software Market, byDental Software Market, by Key ConsumerDental OfficesDental LaboratorySome Major Points from table of contentChapter One: Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source1.2.1 Secondary Sources1.2.2 Primary Sources1.3 DisclaimerChapter Two: Dental Software Market Overview2.1 Market Coverage2.2 Global Dental Software Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-2017Chapter Three: Dental Software by Key Players 2013-20183.1 Global Dental Software Sales Volume Market Share by Key Players 2013-20183.2 Global Dental Software Revenue Share by Key Players 2013-20183.3 Global Key Players Dental Software Key Product Model and Market Performance3.4 Global Key Players Dental Software Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceContinuedFor discount click here@About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019For More PRs:Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:Global Dredging Market: In-Depth Evaluation on Growth, Share, Size and Trends Until the end of 2022

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Market Research Reports Search Engine delivers yet another unbiased, comprehensive and insightful report titled Dredging Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017-2022). In this report, the global dredging market is explored in great detail, and the market dynamics have been covered comprehensively. Further, analysis of the data over different parameters has been done in order to arrive at market numbers concerning the global dredging market. Besides, competition landscape of the global dredging market is also covered in this report, giving information about the key companies operating in the global dredging market.View Sample Copy of Report @Report StructureIn the first part of the report, the executive summary and the introduction are given. The executive summary gives a summary of the global dredging market, providing pertinent market numbers that are most significant, which include the historical CAGR growth from 2012 till 2016 and the forecasted CAGR from the year 2017 till 2022. Information about lucrative markets from the point of view of leading revenue share and highest CAGR are also given in the executive summary.In the introduction section, the dredging activity is defined in detail so that the report readers are clear about the scope of this market.The next section of the report gives information on the key dynamics of the dredging market. Key points covered in this section include the global economy, fiscal stimulus and bottom line of enterprises.In the subsequent section of the report, information is given on the cost structure analysis and pricing analysis of the global dredging market. Information about the trade outlook and flow, value chain assessment and profitability margins are also given in this section. An analysis on the market presence of key participants (intensity map) is also offered in this section.Market SegmentationThe next part of the report comprises global dredging market analysis and forecast by application, customer type and region. This section of the report contains important market numbers in the form of year-on-year growth comparison, market share comparison and revenue comparison. The global dredging market is also analysed across key regions- North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan, APEJ and MEA.For More Info, Read Complete Report with TOC @Competition LandscapeThe last section of the report contains the competition landscape, where leading market players operating in the global dredging market are profiled in detail. This information is in the form of company overview, product overview, key financials and key developments pertaining to that particular company. The competition landscape also features the SWOT analysis of the selected companies, which gives the report readers information about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and the threats that such companies operating in the global dredging market are facing. The competition landscape is an invaluable part of the report as it contains all the necessary information to study the leading companies operating in the global dredging market and how they implement their strategies and vision to stay in the pole position in this highly competitive market.The next part of the report comprises global dredging market analysis and forecast by application, customer type and region. This section of the report contains important market numbers in the form of year-on-year growth comparison, market share comparison and revenue comparison. The global dredging market is also analysed across key regions- North America, Latin America, Europe, Japan, APEJ and MEA.Competition LandscapeThe last section of the report contains the competition landscape, where leading market players operating in the global dredging market are profiled in detail. This information is in the form of company overview, product overview, key financials and key developments pertaining to that particular company. The competition landscape also features the SWOT analysis of the selected companies, which gives the report readers information about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and the threats that such companies operating in the global dredging market are facing. The competition landscape is an invaluable part of the report as it contains all the necessary information to study the leading companies operating in the global dredging market and how they implement their strategies and vision to stay in the pole position in this highly competitive market.Research MethodologyThe report on the global dredging market is backed by an exhaustive research methodology that relies on both primary and secondary research to gain all the necessary insights into the global dredging market. This report is validated several times by the team of diverse, expert analysts of Market Research Reports Search Engine using proprietary tools so that it can be used as an authoritative source by the esteemed clients of Future Market Insights.Have Any Query Click Here @About Market Research Reports Search EngineMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research 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.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:Construction in Oman Market 2018 Trend, Segmentation and Opportunities Forecast To 2021

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SynopsisIn real terms, the Omani construction industry registered an average annual growth rate of 9.4% during the review period (20122016). This growth was supported by the governments Eighth Five-Year Development Plan 20102015.The countrys construction industry will continue to expand in real terms over the forecast period (20172021). Despite low oil prices, the government is focusing on the development of transport infrastructure, energy and utilities facilities, and affordable housing.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Government investments in sea ports, railway lines, airports and special economic zones under the Ninth Five-Year Development Plan 20162020 and the Oman Vision 2020 are expected to drive growth in the industry over the forecast period.The government is focusing on the development of energy and renewable energy power plants across the country under Oman's National Energy Strategy 2040, with the aim of meeting rising electricity demand with low greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly, the government is planning to produce 25.0% of total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2020.SummaryConstruction in Oman, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021 report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Omani construction industry, including: The Omani construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity Analysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in Oman Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the Omani construction industry Profiles of the leading operators in the Omani construction industry Data highlights of the largest construction projects in OmanScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Oman. It provides: Historical (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) valuations of the construction industry in Oman using construction output and value-add methods Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by project type Breakdown of values within each project type, by type of activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition) and by type of cost (materials, equipment and services) Analysis of key construction industry issues, including regulation, cost management, funding and pricing Detailed profiles of the leading construction companies in OmanReasons to Buy Identify and evaluate market opportunities using standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies. Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts. Understand the latest industry and market trends. Formulate and validate strategy using critical and actionable insight. Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures. Evaluate competitive risk and success factors.Key Highlights The governments focus on railways is expected to drive growth in the infrastructure construction market over the forecast period. Under Omans Ninth Five-year Development Plan 20162020, the government is planning to invest OMR5.06.0 billion (US$13.015.6 billion) to construct a 2,135km rail network by 2020. The development of affordable housing in the country under the government's Vision 2020 program is expected to drive growth in the residential construction market over the forecast period. Under Vision 2020, the government is planning to spend OMR80.0 million (US$207.7 million) annually to ease the affordable housing deficit. The government is focusing on developing water infrastructure with the aim of expanding and reinforcing water distribution and transmission systems. Under the National Water Sector Master Plan it plans to invest OMR2.5 billion (US$6.5 billion) to increase the total length of the water distribution network. With the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the government is focusing on developing renewable energy infrastructure. Accordingly, it plans to build 1.0GW of solar power plants as a public-private partnership for an investment of OMR769.0 million (US$2.0 billion) in Duqm by 2020. The government aims to attract foreign manufacturers in an effort to diversify the countrys economy and reduce reliance on oil and natural gas. Accordingly, in May 2016, it signed an agreement with China to build the China-Omani industrial park in Duqm, on an area of 1,172ha, by 2022.Table of Content: Key Points1 Executive Summary2 Industry Outlook2.1 Commercial Construction2.2 Industrial Construction2.3 Infrastructure Construction2.4 Energy and Utilities Construction2.5 Institutional Construction2.6 Residential Construction3 Key Issues and Developments4 Market Data Analysis4.1 Construction Output and Value Add4.1.1 Construction output by project typeContinuedGet in touch:LinkedIn:Twitter:Facebook:Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. 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 ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaContraceptive Drugs Market Dynamics 2018  Paramount Growth Seen in Healthcare Sector with Janssen Global Services | Mankind Pharma | the Female Health Company, etc. and Foreseen to 2023

Contraceptive Drugs Market

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Global Contraceptive Drugs Market 2018 Research Report implements an exhaustive study on Market Research Future. This Report Cover market size, growth rate, opportunities, market Dynamics and Factor Analysis. And also cover the other information such as Contraceptive Drugs Market trends, Top players, chapter-wise Description followed by various user perceptions and Forecast till 2023.Global Contraceptive Drugs Market  OverviewThe global contraceptive drugs market is showing the moderate growth; mainly due to increase to avoid unwanted pregnancies and their complication. Moreover, increasing incidence of STIs and the rapid increase in population. Most of the countries around the world are facing the issues of unintended pregnancy by adolescents, especially in developing region. According to report published by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, around 21 million girls aged 15 to 19 years and 2 million girls aged under 15 years become pregnant every years in developing regions. Moreover, around 16 million girls of aged 15 to 19 years and 2.5 million girls of aged 16 years give birth each year in developing regions.Avail Sample copy of the report @Companies are showing much interest toward the contraceptive drugs market, as they feel there are huge opportunities and gaps between the market demand and supply of effective drugs. Thus, companies are investing more into research and development activities to introduce better drugs in the market. The development has been made by Pfizer in September 2015, when they announced that Sayana Press (medroxyprogesterone acetate), is now available to women in the United Kingdom (UK) for administration by self-injection, after getting the approval from UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Many companies such as, Merck & Co., Inc, Pfizer Inc, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer AG, Allergan plc, Janssen Global Services llc., Mankind Pharma Ltd. , Piramal Enterprises Ltd, and Reckitt Benckiser Plc are working to introduce best drugs in the market. All these development help market to get quality drugs and fulfill unmet requirement.Top Players:Merck & Co., Inc (US), Pfizer Inc (US), Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Israel), Bayer AG (Germany), Allergan plc. (Ireland), Janssen Global Services llc. (US), Mankind Pharma Ltd. (India), Piramal Enterprises Ltd (India), Reckitt Benckiser Plc (UK), Church & Dwight (US), The Female Health Company (US), Mayer Laboratories (US), Cooper Surgical (US).Contraceptives drugs refers to the medicines that are used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptives drugs consists one or more synthetic female sex hormones, if they contain both estrogen and progestin are known as combined oral contraceptives (COC) and if they contain only progestin are known as progestin-only contraceptives (POP). Both of them have different pattern to prevent pregnancy, combined oral contraceptives (COC) which includes both estrogen and progestin, restrain the normal process of releasing egg from an ovary (ovulation) and by altering the lining of the uterus in result it is unable to support a fertilized egg. Whereas in progestin-only contraceptives (POP) mainly just change the viscosity of mucus and thin the endometrium. The factors which drive the market of contraceptives drugs are increasing need of population controls and increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. According to report published by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016, more than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide. Additionally, report suggest that more than 500 million people are estimated to have genital infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV).Global Contraceptive drugs Market - Regional AnalysisThe market of contraceptive drugs is much higher in the Americas region owing to increasing awareness among the people and high incidence rates of abortion. According to the report published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015, around 229,715 babies were born from women aged between 15 to 19 years.Europe is also considering the huge market for contraceptive drugs players, owing to the increasing government support and awareness about healthcare industries, and well developed technology. Moreover, companies from these region are more into export to the developing region which increase the market share around the globe.Avail Amazing Discount @Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa region are considering the big market. Whereas country like India and china of Asia Pacific region are considering fastest growing region due to the high rate of incidence of teen pregnancy. According to WHO, adolescent birth rates is 45 births per 1000 women in South-Eastern Asia and 7 births per 1000 women in Eastern Asia. Additionally they are open to adopt new treatment option from a developed country, this gap between the developed and developing countries will present significant growth opportunities for the contraceptive drugs market players in the coming years.Top 5 Reasons to Purchase this Report:Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent development activities.Market Strategic Business Influence Data.Market Research Future recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations.Market share analysis of the top industry players.Market forecasts for a minimum of 5 years of all the mentioned segments, Trends and the regional markets With SWOT Analysis.Table of Content:1 INTRODUCTION1.1 DEFINITION1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY1.2.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE1.2.2 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS1.2.2.1 ASSUMPTIONS1.2.2.2 LIMITATIONS1.3 MARKET STRUCTURE:2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2.1 RESEARCH PROCESS:2.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH2.3 SECONDARY RESEARCH:3 MARKET DYNAMICS3.1 DRIVERS3.2 RESTRAINTS3.3 OPPORTUNITIES3.4 MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS4 MARKET FACTOR ANALYSISCONTINUEDFor Customization on this Report, Ask to Expert @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.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune  411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comSodium Amide Market 2018|Industry Size & Manufacturers Analysis: BASF SE,Chemos GmbH,Synbtharo Fine Chemicals GmbH,Hangzhou Dayangchem

Sodium Amide Market, Sodium Amide Market size, Sodium Amide Market share, Sodium Amide Market trends, Sodium Amide Market stat

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Sodium Amide Market 2018 Industry report gives a comprehensive account of the Global Sodium Amide market. Details such as the size, key players, segmentation, SWOT analysis, most influential trends, and business environment of the market are mentioned in this report.Sodium Amide Market: Growing Demand From The Textiles And Pharmaceuticals Industries Is Projected To Drive The Market GrowthMarket Overview:Sodium amide is an aggressively reactive inorganic compound. It is used primarily in the dye preparation, organic synthesis and in deprotonating of alkynes, weak acids, esters, and ketones. It is also used as a catalyst in synthesis of hydrazine and sodium cyanide. Hydrazine is used as a part of rocket fuel in space exploration, gun propellants and as a precursor to most of the pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and insecticides. Sodium amide is majorly used for the production of indigo dye, which is used in textile coloring. The global textile and apparel market size is likely to reach USD 2.6 trillion by 2025. However, the handling difficulty, extreme reactivity, and environmental hazards are likely to restrain the market growth over the review period.Sodium Amide Competitive Analysis:BASF SE (Germany), Chemos GmbH (Germany), Synbtharo Fine Chemicals GmbH (Germany), Hangzhou Dayangchem (China), Kinbester (China), KHBoddin GmbH (Germany), Natrizen Chemical Pvt Ltd (India), Nansense Labs Ltd (India), Jinxiang Chemical Factory (China) and Hongze Xinxing Chem Co. Ltd (China) among others.Get a Sample Copy of this Report @Sodium Amide Market Segmentation:The global sodium amide market is segmented on the basis of applications, end use industry, and region. On the basis of the applications, the market is divided into catalyst, dyes, deprotonating agent, dehydrating agent, and others. The sodium amide is used as a catalyst in synthesis of sodium cyanide and hydrazine. They are further used in the gold extraction and rocket fuel respectively. The synthetically produced indigo dye from sodium amide is the purest form of indigotin with less impurities than the natural indigo, which is driving the market growth to some extent.Based on the end-use industry, the sodium amide market is segmented into the textile industry, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and others. The textile industry is dominating the market due to rapidly growing demand, limited product range, and subject to rapid obsolescence. Apart from the textiles industry, sodium amide is used as an initiator in most of the pharmaceuticals production. It is one of the prominent ingredients in pesticides and insecticides. The change in agricultural land use pattern demands fertilizer usage for increased productivity and better crop yield, which gives rise to the sodium amide market.Intended AudienceSodium amide market manufacturersTraders and Distributors of Sodium amide marketProduction Process IndustriesPotential InvestorsRaw Material SuppliersNationalized LaboratorySodium Amide Regional AnalysisThe global sodium amide market is studied for five major regions: Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Within the Asia Pacific, China and India account for a notable share of sodium amide consumption due to rapidly growing dyes and textile industries. Followed by the Asia Pacific, North America and Europe have significant consumption of sodium amide in the coloring of jeans and denim. The growing population plays a key factor in the rising demands for textiles, resulting in the growth of the sodium amide market.Sodium Amide Segmental AnalysisThe global sodium amide market is segmented by its applications, end-use industry, and region. By the applications, the sodium amide market is segmented into catalysts, dyes, deprotonating agent, dehydrating agent, and others. On the basis of the end-use industry, the global sodium amide market is segregated into textile industry, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, organic synthesis, and others.Full report on Sodium Amide Market report spread across 137 pages, profiling 20 companies and supported with tables and figures available @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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comGlobal Batteries Market: 2018 Industry Analysis By Battery Type, Application, Region, and Size, Share Trends

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Batteries Market 2018 research report provides, opportunities in the global Batteries market with compressive information on the market drivers, restraints, growth factors, key company SWOT analysis, with regional forecast to 2023. Batteries Market growing at moderate CAGR from 2018 to 2023.Key Companies in Batteries analyzed are for market analysis are:Exide Technologies, Douglas Battery, East Penn Manufacturing Co., Johnson Controls Inc., The Furukawa Battery Co. ltd, Zhejiang Haijiu Battery Co. Ltd, Chaowei Power Holding ltd, Camel Group and Fengfan Co. Ltd.Get Sample Copy of Batteries Market Research Report 2018 at:Batteries Global Market Overview:Batteries is a device that provide the electric energy to automobiles for starting, lighting and ignition. Rising the demand of hybrid, semi-hybrid and fully electric vehicles will drive the global battery market. Also adoption rate of these batteries in passenger vehicle is increasing which will drive this market. However, safety issues related to battery usage may hamper the growth of global battery market.Study Objectives of Batteries Market:To provide insights about factors affecting the market growthTo Analyze the Global Batteries Market based on various factors such as supply chain analysis, and Porters five force analysisTo provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to regions and their respective key countriesTo provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospectiveTo provide country level analysis of the market for segments by Battery Type, and Application,To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the marketTo track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, merger and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Batteries Market.Market Segmentation:Global Batteries Market Segmented on the basis ofBy Battery TypeLead acidLithium ionNickel metal hydrideNickel cadmiumBy ApplicationTwo/Three WheelersElectric CarsHeavy VehiclesOthersBy RegionsNorth AmericaSouth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificMiddle East & AfricaRegional Analysis of Batteries Market:North America region dominates the global Batteries market, because increasing eco-friendly initiatives & raising the production of technologically advanced vehicles. This region will grow at good pace during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific region will show a significant growth during the forecast period. Factors like rising the disposable income and rising the demand of commercial & passenger vehicles, will drive the global batteries market.The report for Global Batteries 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, 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.Table of Contents:1 Executive Summary2 Scope Of The Report2.1 Market Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Definition2.2.2 Research Objective2.2.3 Assumptions2.2.4 Limitations2.3 Research Process2.3.1 Primary Research2.3.2 Secondary Research2.4 Market Size Estimation2.5 Forecast Model3 Market Landscape3.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis3.1.1 Threat Of New Entrants3.1.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers3.1.3 Threat Of Substitutes3.1.4 Segment Rivalry3.1.5 Bargaining Power Of Buyers3.2 Value Chain/Supply Chain Analysis4 Market Dynamics4.1 Introduction4.2 Market Drivers4.3 Market Restraints4.4 Market Opportunities4.5 Market TrendsContinuedEnquire More On This Report:About Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312sales@marketresearchfuture.comMenieres Disease Market Global Reflecting a CAGR of ~5.4% during 2018 - 2023

Meniere?s Disease Market

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The Global Menieres Disease Market is growing moderately and is expected to continue its growth during the forecast period. Global Menieres disease market is expected to grow at the CAGR of ~5.4% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 6380.3 million by 2023.The prevalence and incidence of Menieres disease is increasing. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, there are around 615,000 Americas who are suffering from Menieres disease. This number is continuously growing every year. According to Massachusetts Eye and Ear (An international center for treatment and research and a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School), approximately 60,000 new cases of this disease are diagnosed annually.Companies are working on this disease by investing in research and new product development that can cure this disease. Top pharmaceutical companies like F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Novartis AG and Pfizer Inc. are exploring new options for the treatment of Menieres disease. These companies have already started clinical trials for this disease. US based company Otonomy Inc. raised USD 115 million in 2014 for clinical trials for drug that can quiet the overexcitement of the signalingbetween nerve cells in the cochlea that is linked to tinnitus. Otonomy Inc. is also testing a steroid gel to treat Menieres disease.Increasing awareness of this disorder is another important factor for the market growth. Some other factors such as technological advancement, introduction and rapid adoption of therapies are also leading the market growth. Increasing demand from emerging markets of Asia and Latin America are creating smooth path for the market growth.Key players for global Menieres disease market:Auris Medical (Switzerland), Jubilant Cadista (US), Otonomy Inc.(US), Prestige Brands Holdings, Inc. (US), Sound Pharmaceuticals (US), The Ear Company (Canada), WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corporation (US) and others.Get Sample copy atSegments:Global Menieres Disease Market has been segmented on the basis of diagnosis which comprise of hearing assessment, balance assessment, blood tests, imaging test, and others. Balance assessment is sub-segmented into Videonystagmography (VNG), Rotary-chair testing, Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) testing, posturography, video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), Electrocochleography (ECoG), and others. Imaging test includes Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and others.On the basis of treatments, the market has been segmented into medication, noninvasive therapies & procedures, middle ear injections, surgery, and others. Medication is sub-segmented into motion sickness medications, anti-nausea medications, and others. Noninvasive therapies & procedures is further sub-segmented into rehabilitation, hearing aid, meniett device, and others. Middle ear injections are further sub-segmented into gentamicin, steroids, and others. Surgery is further sub-segmented into endolymphatic sac procedure, vestibular nerve section, labyrinthectomy, and others.On the basis of end user, it is segmented into hospital and clinics, medical research centers, academic institutes, and others.Regional analysis of global Menieres disease market:Considering the global scenario of the market, the Americas are the largest market for Menieres disease. The Americas mainly include North America and Latin America. North America is the dominating region not only in Americas but also in global market. US is the top contributor in North America region. Some major factors like investment in research and development, and technological advanced are driving the growth for the market. Europe is the second highest revenue generating region in global Menieres disease market. Europe is mainly divided into Eastern Europe and Western Europe. More developed countries of Western Europe like Germany, France and UK are holding major market share while the East European countries are also growing significantly. Due to developing healthcare infrastructure, increasing awareness, increasing healthcare expenditure, and growing adoption of new devices and treatment options, Asia Pacific region is the fastest growing in global Menieres disease market. Middle East & Africa is expected to grow slower than the global average. Middle Eastern countries like UAE and Saudi are dominating this market, it is mainly due to availability of top class medical facilities, high income and government support to improve public health.Brief ToC for Menieres Disease Market1 Report Prologue2 Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Market Structure2.4. Market Segmentation3 Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size Estimation3.5 Forecast Model4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Mega Trends4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators5 Market Factor Analysis5.1 Value Chain Analysis5.2 Porters Five Forces5.3 Demand & Supply: Gap Analysis5.4 Pricing Analysis5.5 Investment Opportunity AnalysisContinuedApply for Discount atAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMRFR has the distinguished objective of providing the optimal quality research and granular research to 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 answer your most important questions.Our Research Analysts are eager to share their knowledge and assist you in refining market research parameters, choosing right market studies, and evaluating both the market scope and the research methodologies of varied segments.We bridge the gap between our clients and their clients by identifying and decoding just the target group, while generating leads with the highest accuracy.Years of research into diverse fields of work has ingrained within us, a proficiency so distinguished that our industry-specific specialists identify with your business ideas and feel the pulse of your challenges and opportunities. This enables us for providing assistance, through our consulting and strategic consulting services, in informed managerial decision making. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industries, WantStats Research and Media often conducts industrial visits for its research analysts. Relevant inputs from various established market participants, help our clients make significant contribution in respective markets are a huge motivation for all of us to endlessly furnish quality. We depend greatly on profound insights into complex realms of our study.PuneInsights on Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Market and Forecast Assumptions for the Period 2017  2025

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In order to study the various trends and patterns prevailing in the overall market for fully automatic coffee machine, Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) has included a new report titled Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Market to its wide online database. This research assessment offers a clear insight about the influential factors that are expected to transform the global market in the near future. Readers can access the regional as well as segment-wise analysis for acquiring precise information about the global market structure.Get Exclusive Sample Copy @Fully automatic coffee machines automatically grind the coffee beans, tamp it, and extract the coffee. Only the bean hopper is to be filled and, if the machine is not connected to a water line, water inlet is added to a reservoir. It includes the bean-to-cup philosophy. Fully automatic coffee machines are manufactured by a number of large-scale companies boasting well-established manufacturing units, from where they are packaged and supplied globally. Majority of products supplied globally are made by Europe-based companies.According to the report, revenue generated from the global fully automatic coffee machine market is estimated to be valued at roughly US$4,288.6 mn by the end of 2017 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.8% over the forecast period. If the numbers hold true, the market is expected to be valued at approximately US$5,359.2 mn by the end of 2025.Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Market: SegmentationBy HoReCa Type, the fully automatic coffee machine market is segmented into Quick service restaurants and the Full service restaurants. Both the segments are expected to significantly grow due to the rising cafe culture, advent of westernization, changing preferences on eating habits and increasing tourism resulting in growth of quick service and full service restaurants globally.On the basis of price point, the Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market can be segmented into Less than US$ 2000, US$ 2000-4000, US$ 4000-6000 and more than US$ 6000. The market is likely to grow in APAC and MEA region where the rising millennial population is giving rise to cafe culture as well as simultaneous demand for fast food.Browse Full Report with Table of Content, List of Table and Figures The report includes market share of each segment according to the region with analysis towards market trends respectively. A section of the report highlights Fully Automatic Coffee Machines restraints. It also provides a market outlook for 20172025 and sets the forecast within the context of the Fully Automatic Coffee Machines, including the new product developments as well as better product offerings in the Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market. This study discusses key trends of the Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market, as well as analyses the degree to which drivers and restraints are influencing the global market.Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Market: Competitive DynamicsIn the final section of the report, a competitive landscape has been included to provide report audiences with a dashboard view. Key categories of providers covered in the report are Fully Automatic Coffee Machines key players of the global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market. Detailed profiles of the providers are also included in the scope of the report to evaluate their long-term and short-term strategies, key offerings and recent developments in the Fully Automatic Coffee Machines space.Key players in the global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market includes Bravilor Bonamat B.V., Wilbur Curtis Co., N&W Global Vending S.p.A., Franke Holding AG, Rex-Royal AG, Group SEB, Gruppo Cimbali SpA, BSH Home Appliances Corporation, JURA Elektroapparate AG, Rancilio Group S.p.A., Animo B.V., DeLonghi Group, Eversys AG, Crem International AB and Bunn-o-matic Corp.In addition, it is imperative to note that in an ever-fluctuating global economy, we not only conduct forecasts in terms of CAGR, but also analyze on the basis of key parameters such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth to understand the predictability of the market and to identify the right opportunities. Also, another key feature of this report is the analysis of all key segments in terms of absolute dollar. This is traditionally overlooked while forecasting the market. The market value and volume is used to identify the potential of the global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market.Key Segments CoveredHoReCa TypeQuick Service RestaurantsFast Food RestaurantsCafeteriasCarryout RestaurantsFull Service RestaurantsFine Dining RestaurantsCasual Dining RestaurantsHotel & Club FoodservicePrice PointLess Than US$ 2,000US$ 2,000- US$ 4,000US$ 4,000  US$ 6,000More Than US$ 6,000RegionNorth AmericaLatin AmericaEuropeAPACMEAAbout MRRSEMarket 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.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Global Automotive Intelligence Park Assist System Market Investigation & Development Forecast during 2017  2025

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Market Research Report Search Engine (MRRSE) recently announced the addition of a new research study to its comprehensive collection of research reports. The research report, titled Automotive Intelligence Park Assist System Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025 offers a detailed analysis of the market providing insights into the market dynamics that are expected to influence the overall market positively in the next few years. Furthermore, the product segmentation, drivers, barriers, key geographical segments, and the competitive scenario of the global Automotive Intelligence Park Assist System Market have been elaborated upon in the research report.To Get Sample Report Click Here @The significant increase in the traffic flow, leading to a substantial rise in the number of road accidents, is influencing the global market for automotive intelligent park assist systems remarkably. With the increasing concerns among people over safety and comfort across the world, the automobile manufacturers are encouraged to combine automotive intelligent park assist systems into their vehicles, resulting the considerable rise in the demand for automotive intelligent park assist systems across the world.In the years to come, the key vendors of automotive intelligent park assist systems are projected to focus aggressively on upgrading their models in order to strengthen their presence in the market through integrating product differentiating technologies into vehicles. In 2016, the worldwide market for automotive intelligent park assist systems offered an opportunity worth US$22.30 bn. Analysts estimate it to rise at a healthy CAGR of 6.76% and reach a value of reach US$38.53 bn by the end of 2025.Demand for Semiautonomous Parking Assist Technology to Remain HighBased on the type of technology, the global market automotive intelligent park assist systems for autonomous parking assist and semiautonomous parking assist are the main segments of this market. In 2016, semiautonomous parking assist technology emerged as the segment leader, accounting for 60% of the market share, in terms of revenue.Although the scenario will almost be same in the near future, the autonomous park assist segment is expected to demonstrate a higher growth rate. Autonomous park assist technology is projected to find significant application in North America and Europe in the years to come.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @By component, the global automotive intelligence park assist system market is segregated into ultrasonic sensor, camera, and ultrasonic sensor and camera. In terms of revenue, the ultrasonic sensor and camera constituted more than 55% market share in 2016 and are expected to remain dominating over the next few years.Presence of Established Players in U.S. to Ensure North Americas DominanceGeographically, the global automotive intelligence park assist system market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America emerged as the leading regional market for automotive intelligence park assist systems in 2016 with a share of more than 32%. Researchers expect the scenario to remain so in the near future. The uptake of advance automotive technology and the presence of global manufacturers in the U.S. will boost this regional market substantially.Europe closely follows North America with nearly same market share. As Europe is known to the automotive hub, most of the advanced components find their invention centers located in European countries. Furthermore, the level of acceptance towards advanced driver assistance systems is fairly higher.The market for automotive intelligence park assist system is highly consolidate as each of the regional market is dominated by a select number of players. Toshiba Corp., Valeo, and Hitachi Ltd. are some of the leading players in this market. Robert Bosch GmbH, Continental AG, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Delphi Automotive LLP, Siemens AG, Magna International, and Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA are some of the other prominent market participants.About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research 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.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:Trump thrilled crowds with his Muslim travel ban talk during the 2016 campaign. Now its really complicating his actual travel ban. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

During the Supreme Courts oral arguments last week over a suit against the Trump administrations third travel-ban order, the most important principle protecting the president from a finding that his order was fatally tainted by an unconstitutional discriminatory intent was the notion that a president is no longer identified with the things he said as a private citizen. But it was obvious that his judicial defenders would be relieved if hed repudiate the nasty religious prejudice he had embraced as a candidate by advocating a Muslim ban.

As Politico reports, Trump was asked if hed do that, and rejected the idea categorically:

Theres no reason to apologize. Our immigration laws in this country are a total disaster. Theyre laughed at all over the world, theyre laughed at for their stupidity. And we have to have strong immigration laws, Trump said, when asked at a news conference about the Supreme Court comments. So I think if I apologize, wouldnt make ten cents worth of difference to them. Theres nothing to apologize for.

His Justice Department attorneys seem to have anticipated that by arguing that the administration was implicitly abandoning the Muslim ban idea by framing the travel ban geographically. But an explicit abandonment? No dice.

This leaves two explanations of Trumps posture, neither of which is very comforting (or for that matter, mutually exclusive). The first is that he is pathologically incapable of admitting error. This possibility has been repeatedly aired on the many, many occasions he has been caught in a lie or a factual mistake or an exaggeration or a flip-flop. As the Washington Posts John Wagner noted late last year, its a pattern weve seen over and over:

Since his emergence as a presidential candidate, he has repeatedly refused to accept blame for setbacks or admit hes made a mistake. Instead, the president is quick to try to shift responsibility, deny he ever did something in the first place or otherwise dissemble.

Many politicians (and other people) have this tendency to a limited or even an abundant extent. Trump stands in a small category of dangerous people in making it a near-invariable habit. And needless to say, hes in a job where (a) regularly lying and (b) being unable to admit mistakes and hence correct them are serious occupational handicaps.

The other rationale for refusing to repudiate the Muslim ban pledge is, of course, arguably worse: a belief that the political value of appealing to religious prejudice offsets the legal peril of loudly and proudly advocating a blatant violation of a fundamental constitutional right. And from Trumps narrow point of view, you could see him making that devilish calculation. So what if a five-four majority of the Supreme Court decides that anti-Muslim bigotry has fatally tainted his travel ban? It just validates Trumps claim that unelected judges are denying the people the policies they want and deserve. And its all the more reason he needs a second term in the White House to get some more real conservatives on the Court and rid the country of this pointy-headed politically correct thinking, along with Roe v. Wade and other judicial activist decisions.

I personally think both of these factors are interacting to keep Trump from apologizing for his campaign demagoguery. Which is why we will be hearing more of it whenever its convenient for him.Growth of Energy Management System Market Trends, Share, Industry Size, Opportunities and Forecast 2017-2021  Research Nester

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Energy Management System Market: Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2021Energy Management System Market OverviewAn energy management system (EMS) is a computer supported tools used by machinists of electric efficacy networks to supervise, regulate and enhance the performance of the transmission or generation system. An energy management system (EMS) also benefits to make the decision of data driven and supplements organization level operation and fiscal decisions.Request Report Sample @Market Size and ForecastThe Global Energy Management Systems Market was valued at USD 25.48 billion in the year 2014 and is anticipated to reach USD 56.59 billion by 2022, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.46%. North America accounted for 42% of total market income in the year 2014 and the regions EMS market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 22.12% to reach $19.24 billion in the year 2021.Europe Energy Management Systems market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 22.58% to reach $18.36 billion in the year 2021. Asia Pacific Energy Management System market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 29.81% to reach $15.54 billion in the year 2021.Buy This Premium Reports Now @Growth Drivers and challengesFactors like increased productivity, looking for ways to minimize the operational cost, up-surged acceptance etc. have helped the Global Energy Management Systems (EMS) to expand its horizon. In addition to that, increased concerns over energy availability, limitations on access to energy in remote areas have drawn the business houses and governments attention to formulate strict policies on the efficient use of energy. Limited expertise, High switching cost, slow process in government approvals and paper works are some of the major challenges for the global Energy Management System market.For more details visit @Research Nester is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting, serving clients from 120+ countries across the globe. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided a right guidance at a right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decision so as to avoid future uncertainties.Contact for more Info:Name:- Ajay Daniel1820 Avenue M, Suite# 1113,Brooklyn, New York 11230Email: ajay.daniel@researchnester.comU.S. +1 646 586 9123U.K. +44 203 608 5919Scope in Smart Watches Market: Industry Player, Price, Revenue, Share, Trends and Forecast Until 2022

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A freshly compiled business intelligent report, titled Smart Watches Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2022 has been publicized to the vast archive of Fact.MR online repository. This 170-page study delivers all the vital details and information required to know about smart watches market current as well as future prospects. The analysts of the study have gone through extensive research methodologies in order to generate data and information that reflects the latest market undercurrents and industry trends. For a deeper understanding of the market, a sub-category level analysis has been elaborated, by which readers and investors of the report will able to know that where the market stands to gain.Request for Sample Report-A smart watch is a computerized device which has a touchscreen display along with special features which keeps the wearer updated not only with time and date but also other facts such as news, emails, missed phone calls etc. and it is worn on the wrist like a normal watch. It runs on various operating systems such as Android, Tizen, and Linux etc. According to Fact.MRs research report on the global smart watches market, the market is anticipated to reach a value more than US$ 61 Bn by 2022 reflecting a moderate CAGR during the forecasted period of 2017-2022.Standalone Smart Watch Segment Poised to Show Good Pace; but Companion Smart Watch Surpasses allThe standalone smart watch segment by product type is poised to show the highest growth rate during the period of forecast. However, the companion smart watch segment has a higher market share by revenue with comparatively less growth rate. Companion smart watch segment dominates all other segments in terms of market share. Standalone segment, which is the second largest segment following companion smart watch segment, is expected to register the highest CAGR of 4.3% in the product type category.LCD Resembles Strength Whereas OLED Represents GrowthThe OLED segment by display type is expected to show higher growth rate than any other segment by display type and is anticipated to reach a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2022. The LCD segment has a slower growth rate but has the highest market share by revenue, thereby dominating the global market. The decision between OLED, LCD and SAMOLED is difficult to make as all these segments hive minor differences in their market shares in global smart watches market.E- Commerce is the Need of the DayThe e-commerce segment by distribution channel shows higher growth rate to register a CAGR of 4.1% during the period of forecast and also expected to gain a higher BPS by the end of 2022. The franchised outlets segment dominates the global smart watches market by reflecting the highest market share by revenue and this trend is poised to continue throughout the period of forecast.Tizen Moves at Fast Speed; watchOS Shows Similar SpeedThe Tizen segment by operating system shows highest growth rate yet a small market share. Following Tizen the watchOS segment grows at a similar speed but has the highest market share by revenue and reflects a market share of 48.9% and this trend is bound to grow as years pass by. It is also expected from this segment to reflect a higher gain in BPS by the end of 2022.Competition TrackingThe report also profiles companies that are expected to remain active in the expansion of the global smart watches market through 2022, which include companies like Alphabet Inc., Apple, Inc., Beijing Xiaomi Technology Co., Fitbit, Inc., Fossil Group, Inc., Garmin International, Inc., LG Electronics, Inc., Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and Sony Corporation.Browse Full Report with TOC-Table of Content:1. Global Smart Watches Market  Executive Summary2. Global Smart Watches Market Overview2.1. Introduction2.1.1. Global Smart Watches Market Taxonomy2.1.2. Global Smart Watches Market Definition2.2. Global Smart Watches Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20222.2.1. Global Smart Watches Market Y-o-Y Growth2.3. Global Smart Watches Market Dynamics2.3.1. Drivers2.3.2. Restraints2.3.3. Trends2.4. Supply Chain2.5. Cost Structure2.6. Pricing Analysis2.7. Raw Material Sourcing Strategy and Analysis2.8. List of Distributors2.9. Key Participants Market Presence (Intensity Map) By Region3. Global Smart Watches Market Analysis and Forecast By Product Type3.1. Global Smart Watches Market Size and Forecast By Product Type, 2012-20223.1.1. Companion Smartwatch Smart Watches Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20223.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region3.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region3.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region3.1.2. Standalone Smartwatch Smart Watches Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20223.1.2.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region3.1.2.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region3.1.2.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By RegionContinued.Check Discount on This Report-About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized Retail & Consumer Goods 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.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web:Sweetened Condensed Milk Market Analysis, Top Key Players | Nestle, FrieslandCampina, Santini Foods, DANA Dairy (Switzerland), GCMMF, Arla Foods

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Market Scenario:Sweetened condensed milk is produced majorly from cow milk. The water is removed from cows milk through a heating process and then blended with a right amount of sugar to create a rich, thick and smooth texture. Sweetened condensed milk is used to provide sweetness and a rich creamy texture to some desserts. It is a source of calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A and trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals. Moreover, sweetened condensed milk has a longer shelf life. They are available in flavored as well as unflavored form.Sweetened condensed milk provide rich and creamy texture along with sweetness for which it is gaining acceptance in various food dishes globally. It is also used to sweeten beverages, mainly coffee. Many countries in Asia and Europe prefer sweetened condensed milk in beverages including coffee and tea which is driving the growth of the market.Growing confectionery industry and increasing demand for dairy products is supporting the growth of sweetened condensed milk market. The long shelf life of the product is having a positive impact on the growth of the sweetened condensed milk market. The key players are constantly making efforts to come up with new flavors in the market which is adding fuel to the growth of the market. However, high calorie and fat content in sweetened condensed milk may hamper the growth of the market. Though, companies are introducing low calorie or fat-free sweetened condensed milk to overcome the restraint.Receive a Sample Report@Key PlayersSome of the key players profiled in the global sweetened condensed milk market are Eagle Family Foods Group (U.S.), Nestle (Switzerland), FrieslandCampina (The Netherlands), Santini Foods (U.S.), DANA Dairy (Switzerland), GCMMF (AMUL) (India), Arla Foods (Denmark)Key FindingsNew Zealand, the Netherlands, the U.S., Germany, and France are the major exporters of sweetened condensed milk market.The major importers of sweetened condensed milk from the U.S. are Mexico, Philippines, Indonesia, Viet Nam, and ColombiaSegmentsOn the basis of type, sweetened condensed milk is segmented into flavored sweetened condensed milk and unflavored sweetened condensed milk. Among them, the flavored sweetened condensed milk segment is growing at a fast rate. New innovations in flavors by the key players are driving the growth of this segment.Based on the packaging material, sweetened condensed milk market is segmented into glass, plastic, metal, and others. Among all, the metal segment is dominating the market followed by the glass segment.On the basis of the distribution channel, sweetened condensed milk market is segmented into supermarket and hypermarket, convenience stores, food and beverage specialist, and others. Among them, the super market and hypermarket are dominating the market. Availability of wide range of products followed by the convenience of finding all products under one roof is driving the growth of this segment. However, increasing consumption of sweetened condensed milk in food and beverage industry is expected to grow the food and beverage specialist segment over the forecast period.Access Report Details @Regional AnalysisThe global sweetened condensed milk market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world (RoW). North America is dominating the market followed by Europe. High consumption of desserts in North America is driving the growth of sweetened condensed milk in this segment. In Europe, Germany, France, and Switzerland are the major contributors to sweetened condensed milk market.Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a substantial rate over the forecast period. China and India are the major contributors to the growth of sweetened condensed milk market in Asia Pacific. However, increasing consumption of sweetened condensed milk in beverages in developing countries is boosting the growth of this market in Asia Pacific. Brazil is anticipated to be the major contributor of sweetened condensed milk in rest of the world.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comKey Research Findings on Bus Transmission System Market Presented for the Period 2018-2027

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As per the current market trends and the promising nature of the bus transmission system market, it can be estimated that the future holds positive outcomes. In order to provide a deep insight about the concerned market, Fact.MR would be publishing a resourceful analysis that will enclose knowledge about the regional market size, revenue and opportunity status. Readers will be offered the privilege to decode various facets of the market during the period 2018 to 2027, together with the active access to secondary and primary research methodology. Furthermore, various segments of the market associated to product, application, end-user etc., would also be present in this intelligent research report.Request TOC of this Report-Prominent players participating in the manufacturing of transmission system have been profiled in this report. Additionally, analysis of key companys product portfolio, key financials, SWOT, and key strategies to gain competitive advantages have been included in the report. Some of the leading market participants profiled in the report include Mercedes, MAN SE, Iveco, Volvo, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland. In addition, key developments and innovations of these companies have been incorporated in this report.Buses are the essential form of rural and urban passenger transport across the globe. Growth in population, rising focus on environmental issues, and shifting mobility patterns are changing face of public transport. They also play a crucial role in connecting various modes of urban transit. Further, buses are one of the most affordable mode of passenger transport. As developing economies around the globe focus on revamping their public transport infrastructure, it is highly likely that reliance on personal modes of commute, such as cars and two-wheelers will witness a decline. Demand for buses that are fuel-efficient, light-weight, and comfortable is likely to gain traction during the assessment period.Bus Transmission Market: Key Developments in Competitive LandscapeCurrently, tourism industry is experiencing a strong growth due to increases number of foreign and residential tourists and it is the largest end-user of transmission systems. To accommodate increasing requirement of buses from tourism sector, manufacturers are focusing on increasing their production capacity. For instance, Ashok Leyland has lined up series of investments for the year ahead which will be utilized for the development of new vehicles and to improve technology. The automotive giant has recently started construction of new production facility in Andhra Pradesh. This manufacturing facility is likely to be utilized for the manufacturing of buses and trucks.Bus Transmission Market: Key Product LaunchesToyota has developed a new manual 6-speed transmission system, especially for European market. The key feature of this advanced transmission system is its lower weight and reduced size. According to Toyota, the new system is 7 kgs lighter and 24 shorter as compared to existing versions. The system is touted as one of the smallest transmission across the globe. Owing to its reduce size and weight, it is likely to offer better fuel-efficiency. This transmission system comes equipped with intelligent manual transmission controls (iMT) that ensures smooth gear shift by automatically adjusting engine revolutions when changing gears. The innovations in the development of bus transmission systems are likely to open new avenues of growth for market participants.To know more @ Global Bus Transmission System Market, visit Bus Transmission System Market Opportunities for Market ParticipantsGovernment offices, private schools, various companies and hospitals provide transportation facility to their employees, students and patients. Increasing competition between private companies to provide transportation facilities to their employees will further increase demand for buses which ultimately will influence demand for transportation system. In addition, retail e-commerce packaging and transportation is gaining high traction owing to rapidly growing e-commerce industry. Transportation of goods is usually carried out through trucks. Thereby, increasing demand for trucks will positively influence the growth of transmission system market.However, stringent government regulations regarding green environment combined with growing awareness related to use of battery-operated vehicles among people will cause manufacturing of diesel-operated vehicles. On the other hand, this trend will result in increased adoption of electric-buses, bringing opportunities for vehicle manufacturer to develop efficient and more powerful transmission system for electric-buses.Bus Transmission System Market: Key RestraintsDriving on congested roads and heavy traffic continues to be a challenge for bus drivers. The challenge becomes more pronounced when drivers are using manual transmission systems. Although automatic transmission systems have reduced these challenges to an extent, high cost of such systems continues to be a barrier to widespread adoption. Further, low mileage of automatic transmission systems as compared to manual transmission systems is another key deterrent. The maintenance cost of automatic transmission systems is also higher, due to which manual transmission systems continue to be the preferred option, especially in developing countries.Overall, the research study bus transmission system market offers in-depth analysis on the key factors that are likely to shape this landscape for the period 2018-2027. Readers can expect holistic analysis and insights on the strategies adopted by key players in this market. The insights offered in the report can help stakeholders in gaining a holistic perspective on the future of bus transmission market.Pre-book Global Bus Transmission System Market Forecast Report-About Fact.MRFact.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.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web:E-Drive Market: 2018 Global Trends, Opportunities, Size, Share, Key Players, and Regional Forecast To 2023

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E-Drive Market 2018 research report provides, opportunities in the global E-Drive market with compressive information on the market drivers, restraints, growth factors, key company SWOT analysis, with regional forecast to 2023. E-Drive Market growing at moderate CAGR from 2018 to 2023.Key Companies in E-Drive analyzed are for market analysis are:Siemens (Germany), Hitachi (Japan), Robert Bosch (Germany), Continental (Germany), ZF Friedrichshafen (Germany), HYUNDAI MOBIS (South Korea), AISIN SEIKI (Japan), Magna (Canada), Schaeffler (Germany), MAHLE (Germany), GKN (UK), BorgWarner (US), Infineon (Germany), Dana (US), Linamar (Canada), American Axle (US), AVL (Michigan), PUNCH POWERTRAIN (Belgium), WRIGHTSPEED (US) and TM4 (Canada).Get Sample Copy of E-Drive Market Research Report 2018 at:E-Drive Global Market Overview:Global E-Drive for automotive market Information Report by Application (E-Axle, Wheel Drive), Vehicle Type (Power Electronics, E-Brake Booster, Inverter, Motor, Battery), By Drive Type (4 wheel Drive, Rear Wheel Drive, All Wheel Drive), and by Regions - Global Forecast To 2023.The global market for E-Drive has been witnessing significant growth in recent times. The growing vehicle production across the globe, has been powering the growth of the market. In addition, stringent regulatory norms, especially in Europe have fueled the growth of the market. Due to the rapidly rising demand for high fuel efficiency, E-drive system has evolved to provide better performance in the vehicle. Manufacturers of E-Drives are competing to develop fuel efficient systems without compromising on the performance of vehicle.Automatic transmission is preferred over the manual transmission, the reason behind the inclination towards automatic transmissions being fuel efficiency, increased power, and better comfort level. Besides these factors, the governments of various countries have also taken initiatives to increase the sales of E-Drive. Countries such as India, Singapore, Indonesia, Brazil, and the MEA region, the government has planned to invest more and welcomed several E-Drive manufacturers to set up manufacturing plants. Companies such as Tesla Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors and others are leading the race to roll out E-Drive soon. Apparently, the other developing countries have also taken the same initiatives to boost up the production of E-Drive.Scope of the reportThis study provides an overview of the global continuous E-Drive industry, tracking market segments across the categorized four geographic regions. The report provides a five-year forecast for the market size in terms of value for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the world. The scope of the study segments the global continuous E-Drive market based on vehicle type, technology and fuel.Regional Analysis of E-Drive MarketWith the global economy undergoing an uplift, major emerging countries such as China, India, Thailand, and Indonesia, are becoming manufacturing hubs for global automotive players. As a result of increasing prosperity in the emerging economies, people are increasingly able to afford their own cars, particularly in emerging Asian economies such as China and India. In order to tap these rising consumer automobile preferences, leading global automotive players such as Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, and Ford, are entering into new emerging markets for business expansion. As the global auto-manufacturers continue to expand into growing and emerging markets, the demand for E-Drive is expected to rise.Asia Pacific is the second largest region in the global E-drive market owing to factors such as growth in the production of passenger cars and LCV in the developing economies of the region. Many OEMs are keen to open their production facilities in this region, especially in the emerging nations such as China and India. The market has been experiencing rapid growth in the last two years owing to the rising sales of passenger cars, emerging economies, and technological advancements, are giving a thrust to the E-Drive systems market. Rampant rise in vehicle production in the Asia Pacific region is also expected to be contributing majorly in the growth of the E-Drive market.Intended Audience:Manufacturers of E-DriveRaw material suppliers for E-DriveAutomotive OEMsGovernment and research organizationInvestment bankers and M&A ConsultantsCompany Information:Profiling of 10 key market playersSWOT analysis, and strategy information of top five players in the marketCompetitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesThe report for Global E-Drive 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.Table of Contents:1 Executive Summary2 Scope Of The Report2.1 Market Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Definition2.2.2 Research Objective2.2.3 Assumptions2.2.4 Limitations2.3 Research Process2.3.1 Primary Research2.3.2 Secondary Research2.4 Market Size Estimation2.5 Forecast Model3 Market Landscape3.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis3.1.1 Threat Of New Entrants3.1.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers3.1.3 Threat Of Substitutes3.1.4 Segment Rivalry3.1.5 Bargaining Power Of Buyers3.2 Value Chain/Supply Chain Analysis4 Market Dynamics4.1 Introduction4.2 Market Drivers4.3 Market Restraints4.4 Market Opportunities4.5 Market TrendsContinuedEnquire More On This Report:About Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312sales@marketresearchfuture.comGlobal Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017  2022

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A freshly compiled business intelligent report, titled Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Research Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2022 has been publicized to the vast archive of Fact.MR online repository. This 170 page study delivers all the vital details and information required to know about peptide based infection therapeutics market current as well as future prospects. The analysts of the study have gone through extensive research methodologies in order to generate data and information that reflects the latest market undercurrents and industry trends. For a deeper understanding of the market, a sub-category level analysis has been elaborated, by which readers and investors of the report will able to know that where the market stands to gain.Request for Sample Report@APEJ to Show Tremendous Activity as Compared to EuropeThe Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region is expected to show a rapid growth rate and is expected to register a CAGR of 8.7% during the period of forecast. The main reasons for this kind of growth is the strict government regulations for the upcoming players, higher number of pharmaceutical companies, increased foreign direct investment and development of technologies. Moreover, the government encourages to increase the investment in the healthcare industry to discover and invent new methods and technologies to better the health of the patients and enhance patient outcome. Following Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region, Europe regions also shows good growth rate in the global peptide based infection therapeutics market.Online Pharmacies to Show Robust Growth Rate, Would Just be an UnderstatementThe online pharmacies segment by distribution channel is anticipated to show exponential growth rate to register a CAGR of 9.2% throughout the period of forecast, 2017 to 2022. This growth can be attributed towards the increasing awareness of the online concept, its effectiveness, reliability and convenience. However, this segment, still being in its nascent phase, has less market share as compared to other segments in the distribution channel category. The online segment is also expected to experience a higher gain in the BPS by the end of 2022. The online pharmacies segment reflects the highest growth in the North America region rate as compared to other regions during the period of forecast.Hospital vs. Retail Pharmacies, a Touch Call to MakeHospital pharmacies segment enjoys the highest market share by revenue thereby dominating the global market, as per market observations in 2016 and 2017. This trend could keep up with the growth rate that it reflects. However, the retail pharmacies segment shows a higher growth rate, yet less market share. It is anticipated to reflect a higher growth rate and poised to register a CAGR of 7.9% during the period of forecast of 2017 to 2022. The regions favoring the growth of the hospital pharmacy segment is APEJ followed by Europe. APEJ is also favorable for retail pharmacies segment, in fact the growth of retail pharmacies in this region is the highest as compared to other regions, as per anticipations. Asia-Pacific excluding Japan expected to stay strong with respect to all the segments by distribution channel, except for the online pharmacies segment which finds better shelter in North America region.Competition TrackingThe report also profiles companies that are expected to remain active in the expansion of the global peptide based infection therapeutics market through 2022, which include Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Merck & Co., Inc. and Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals.Browse Full Report with TOC@Table of Contents:Global Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market  Executive SummaryGlobal Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Overview2.1. Introduction2.1.1. Global Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Taxonomy2.1.2. Global Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Definition2.2. Global Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20222.2.1. Global Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Y-o-Y Growth2.3. Global Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Dynamics2.4. Regulations2.5. Supply Chain2.6. Cost Structure2.7. Average Pricing Analysis2.8. Epidemiology2.9. Key Participants Market Presence (Intensity Map) By RegionGlobal Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Analysis and Forecast By Drug3.1. Global Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Size and Forecast By Drug, 2012-20223.1.1. Telaprevir Peptide Based Infection Therapeutics Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20223.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region3.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region3.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By RegionContinued.Check Discount on this Report@About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized healthcare 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.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Insights on Global Grain and Cereal Crop Market Offering Trends, Share, Size, Growth Until the End of 2027

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As per the current market trends and the promising nature of the grain and cereal crop market, it can be estimated that the future holds positive outcomes. In order to provide a deep insight about the concerned market, Fact.MR would be publishing a resourceful analysis that will enclose knowledge about the regional market size, revenue and opportunity status. Readers will be offered the privilege to decode various facets of the market during the period 2018 to 2027, together with the active access to secondary and primary research methodology. Furthermore, various segments of the market associated to product, application, end-user etc., would also be present in this intelligent research report.Request TOC of this Report-A newly compiled research report by Fact.MR offers valuable perspectives on the global grain and cereal crop protection market and detailed insights pertaining to its growth prospects over the forecast period, 2018-2027. In-depth insights provided in the report highlight the impact of technological developments on the overall growth of the global market and major challenges faced by key manufacturers. On the basis of current market developments and trends traced in the global market, the report provides accurate analysis and predictions on the grain and cereal crop protection market.The report acts as a comprehensive business document for the leading market players operating in the global market of grain and cereal crop protection. BASF SE, Bayer CropScience, FMC, and Dow AgroSciences are some of the leading market participants identified in the global market. Other prominent market players include Du Pont, Syngenta AG, Sumitomo Chemical, Valent Biosciences, and Makhteshim Agan Industries. Valuable insights compiled in the research report offer crucial information pertaining to the marketing strategies adopted by the key market players over the years.Grain and cereal crop protection is gaining significant prominence in the commercial industry. With the growing global population and economy, demand for high-quality crops and food products has continued to remain pervasive across countries. In addition to the food industry, growing production of biofuels has also fuelled demand for crops globally. To remain at the forefront of the global market, modern farmers are concentrating on shifting their focus from production in terms of quantity towards quality. As the need for healthy and nutrition-dense food products persist in the global food industry, modern farmers are diverting their investments towards advanced technological solutions to boost quality production.Grain and Cereal Crop Market: Product Launch and Innovation to Expand Customer BaseUnprecedented occurrence of precipitation and extreme weather conditions can damage the agricultural produce. With the growing need to protect the crops from unprecedented precipitation, harmful insects, fungi, and extreme weather conditions, leading manufacturers such as Bayer CropScience and Dow AgroSciences are concentrating on developing innovative crop protection solutions. In order to improve the yield of crop production, Bayer CropScience has developed a global network of in-house breeding station along with the external partners to offer higher yield under local spoil conditions and climate that are able to withstand extreme stress and weather conditions.In addition, major manufacturers such as Dow AgroSciences is focusing on diversifying its product portfolio to expand their customer base globally. The manufacturing company is focusing on offering innovative protection solutions that include herbicide, insecticide, fumigant, and fungicide technologies to the ranchers and farmers for controlled growth due to insects. Also, key companies such as EPFL spin-off Embion Technologies has recently launched soluble fiber powder for lowering the level of sucrose content in a range of food products and reduce cardiovascular and cholesterol-related risks.To know more @ Global Grain and Cereal Crop Market, visit Grain and Cereal Crop Market: Novel Technological Solutions to Create Lucrative Growth OpportunitiesWith the rapid growth in technological advancements, modern farmers are shifting their focus towards adopting novel techniques such as robotic and AI farming technology. Implementation of digital and precision farming techniques, farmers and ranchers can conveniently identify the diseases that are degrading the quality of the crops and encouraging farmers to utilize small volume of pesticides in a precise manner.In order to bridge the gap between technology and farmers, leading companies such as AgriApp Technologies Pvt. Ltd. are focusing on developing innovative solutions for improved crop output. AgriApp Technologies Pvt. Ltd is an Android-based application that offers accurate, easy, and fast access to latest insights on the agricultural sector. With the implementation of innovative technological solutions, major companies are focusing on attaining a competitive edge in the competitive market.Grain and Cereal Crop Market: Strategic Acquisition to Reflect Positively Towards GrowthOn the backdrop of effective marketing strategies adopted by major market players, the growth of the global market is likely to remain positive. For instance, recently a leading manufacturing company based in India, Crystal Crystal Crop Protection Ltd has recently acquired three major seed brands from Swiss agribusiness Syngenta AG. The company acquired fodder sorghum, pearl millet, and sorghum brands from Syngenta AG to improve its position in the competitive market.Also, a major chemical manufacturing company, Omnia Holdings has recently announced that it has acquired Oro Agri SEZC Limited, which is a global agri-chemical company. Through the acquisition, the companies are focusing on developing and agriculture biological business in order to meet the growing requirements of environment-friendly AgriBio products. In coordination with Oro Agri, the company will focus on expanding its distribution footprint across regions. With the production of AgriBio, the company is focusing on offering innovative solutions for improved nutrition and crop protection. Biostimulants, biofertilizers, and biopesticides are some of the AgriBio products offered by these companies.Pre-book Global Grain and Cereal Crop Market Forecast Report-About Fact.MRFact.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.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.com/Web:Seychellois Insurance Industry Market to Observe Significant Growth by 2017

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Seychellois Insurance Industry MarketSynopsisGovernance, Risk and Compliance  The Seychellois Insurance Industry' report is the result of extensive research into the insurance regulatory framework in Seychelles.It provides detailed analysis of the insurance regulations for life, property, motor, liability, personal accident and health, and marine, aviation and transit insurance. The report specifies various requirements for the establishment and operation of insurance and reinsurance companies and intermediaries.The report brings together Timetrics research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on prevailing insurance regulations, and recent and upcoming changes in the regulatory framework, taxation and legal system in the country. The report also includes the scope of non-admitted insurance in the country.Click here for sample report @SummaryThe report provides insights into the governance, risk and compliance framework pertaining to the insurance industry in Seychelles, including: An overview of the insurance regulatory framework in Seychelles. The latest key changes, and changes expected in the countrys insurance regulatory framework. Key regulations and market practices related to different types of insurance product in the country. Rules and regulations pertaining to key classes of compulsory insurance, and the scope of non-admitted insurance in Seychelles. Key parameters including licensing requirements, permitted foreign direct investment, minimum capital requirements, solvency and reserve requirements, and investment regulations. Details of the tax and legal systems in the country.Scope The report covers details of the insurance regulatory framework in Seychelles. The report contains details of the rules and regulations governing insurance products and insurance entities. The report lists and analyzes key trends and developments pertaining to the countrys insurance regulatory framework. The report analyzes the rules and regulations pertaining to the establishment and operation of insurance businesses in the country. The report provides details of taxation imposed on insurance products and insurance companies.Reasons To Buy Gain insights into the insurance regulatory framework in Seychelles. Track the latest regulatory changes, and expected changes impacting the Seychellois insurance industry. Gain detailed information about the key regulations governing the establishment and operation of insurance entities in the country. Understand key regulations and market practices pertaining to various types of insurance product.Key Highlights The FSA is the government regulatory body responsible for supervising and regulating the Seychellois insurance industry. Composite insurance license is not issued by the FSA; however, a professional reinsurer may carry out both life and non-life insurance business. In addition, an insurer whose one class of insurance business is incidental, in terms of premium income, to the principal insurance business may be authorized by the FSA to carry out both life and non-life insurance business. The government permits 100% foreign direct investment in the Seychellois insurance industry. Insurance policies issued in the country are exempt from premium taxes. The placement of non-admitted insurance is not permitted.Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 What is this Report About?1.2 Definitions2 Governance, Risk and Compliance2.1 Legislation Overview and Historical Evolution2.2 Latest Changes in Regulation2.3 Legislation and Market Practice by Type of Insurance2.3.1 Life insurance2.3.2 Property insurance2.3.3 Motor insurance2.3.4 Liability insurance2.3.5 Marine, aviation and transit insurance2.3.6 Personal accident and health insurance2.4 Compulsory Insurance2.4.1 Social security system2.4.2 Motor third-party liability insurance2.4.3 Aircraft passengers, baggage and cargo liability insurance2.4.4 Liability insurance for ship owners2.4.5 Liability for ships with respect to oil pollution.ContinuedFor Detailed Reading Please visit @Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaGlobal Retinal Vascular Occlusion (RVO) Market Accretes Dramatically With a Whooping CAGR of ~9.5% by 2023; Asserts MRFR

Retinal Vascular Occlusion Market

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Market Research Future published a research report on "Global Retinal Vascular Occlusion (RVO) Market" and predicts that Global Retinal Vascular Occlusion (RVO) Market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR of 11.48% during the forecasted period. The Retinal Vascular Occlusion (RVO) Market report is an expert analysis report explores the industry growth, analysis, size, share and demand supply.Retinal Vascular Occlusion (RVO) is the build-up of fluids in the retina of the eye due to blood clot obstruction, which prevents it from properly filtering light. RVO may result in a sudden loss of vision and is a common vascular disorder and one of the most common causes of vision loss across the globe. RVO is the second most common cause of blindness after diabetic retinopathy. Unilateral RVO affects approximately 80%-85% cases with bilateral RVO affecting the rest. RVO has an incidence rate of 2.2 cases per 1000 of general population older than 40 years and 5.4 cases per 1000 of general population older than 64 years.Rising demand due to growing geriatric population, increasing screening, greater emphasis on restorative procedures, rising safety, and success of retinal vein occlusion treatment, and others are the major driver of the market. The market may experience lag in the growth due to the complications such as the risk of bleeding, infections, pain, especially during surgery, the high cost of retinal vein occlusion treatment, poor healthcare penetration, especially, the ophthalmic segment, and others.Get PDF Sample Copy of Report @The Global Retinal Vascular Occlusion Market is expected to reach USD 20.7 billion by 2023, and the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~ 9.5 % during the forecast period 2017-2023.Global Retinal Vascular Occlusion Market PlayersSome of the key players profiled in the report are Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals LLC, Novartis AG, Pfizer, Inc., AstraZeneca PLC, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Johnson & Johnson, Teva pharmaceutical industries, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and others.Global Retinal Vascular Occlusion Market Regional AnalysisThe Americas account for a significant market share owing to high expenditure on the health care, especially, of the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the greater number of ophthalmology procedures due to greater healthcare penetration in the U.S. and Canada drives the retinal vein occlusion market.Europe is the second largest market in the world due to growing pharmaceutical industry and healthcare penetration. The European market growth is led by countries such as Germany and France. Germany is expected to be the fastest growing market over the assessment period due to its large pharmaceutical and microsurgery devices industry.Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly; China and India are likely to lead this market due to the fast-growing healthcare sector and large unmet needs over the forecast period. South East Asian countries such as China, India, and Malaysia are projected to contribute highly to the market growth.Get Prime Discount on This Premium Report @Some Brief Table OF ContentChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentChapter 5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.2 Value Chain AnalysisTOC Continued.If You Have Query, Inquire @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), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureHadapsar, Pune  411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comDrug Adherence Packaging System Market - Global Structure, Size, Trends, Analysis and Outlook 2018-2025

Drug Adherence Packaging System 2018

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On  Drug Adherence Packaging System Market - Global Structure, Size, Trends, Analysis and Outlook 2018-2025.Description:This report studies the global Drug Adherence Packaging System market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Drug Adherence Packaging System market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.This report focuses on the global top players, coveredWestRockOmnicellGenoaParataAmcorMedicine-On-TimeCHUDYDrug PackageGlobal FactoriesPearson MedicalGet a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoUnit-dose Packaging SystemsMulti-dose Packaging SystemsMarket segment by Application, Drug Adherence Packaging System can be split intoHospitalRetail PharmaciesLong-term Care FacilitiesMail-order PharmaciesOthersReport Details @The study objectives of this report are:To study and forecast the market size of Drug Adherence Packaging System in global market.To analyze the global key players, SWOT analysis, value and global market share for top players.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, end use and region.To analyze and compare the market status and forecast between China and major regions, namely, United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Rest of World.To analyze the global key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth...Table Of Contents  Major Key PointsGlobal Drug Adherence Packaging System Market Size, Status and Forecast 20251 Industry Overview of Drug Adherence Packaging System1.1 Drug Adherence Packaging System Market Overview1.1.1 Drug Adherence Packaging System Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Drug Adherence Packaging System Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.2.1 United States1.2.2 Europe1.2.3 China1.2.4 Japan1.2.5 Southeast Asia1.2.6 India1.3 Drug Adherence Packaging System Market by Type1.3.1 Unit-dose Packaging Systems1.3.2 Multi-dose Packaging Systems1.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Hospital1.4.2 Retail Pharmacies1.4.3 Long-term Care Facilities1.4.4 Mail-order Pharmacies1.4.5 Others2 Global Drug Adherence Packaging System Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Drug Adherence Packaging System Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)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 WestRock3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2 Omnicell3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.3 Genoa3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.4 Parata3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.5 Amcor3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.6 Medicine-On-Time3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.7 CHUDY3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.8 Drug Package3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Drug Adherence Packaging System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)..4 Global Drug Adherence Packaging System Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)5 United States Drug Adherence Packaging System Development Status and Outlook6 Europe Drug Adherence Packaging System Development Status and OutlookContinue..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT 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.All the news thats fit for advancing the far-rights agenda in Tennessee.

For much of American history, nonpartisan political reporting enjoyed a status roughly analogous to that of alcohol-free beer  a wholesome alternative to the standard that most nonetheless regarded as a contradiction in terms.

Throughout the 19th century, most newspapers boasted an explicit partisan affiliation that was by no means quarantined to their op-ed pages. An outlets political allegiance would largely determine the tone, selection, and placement of its stories  and, in many cases, the very facts of them. The Los Angeles Times aversion to printing news that reflected poorly on the GOP was so great, the paper declined to report the outcome of the 1884 presidential election for days after Grover Clevelands victory.

Many credit ethical progress for the fact that such papers eventually adopted a commitment to objective reportage. But much of the change can be chalked up to economics: In the 19th century, many papers couldnt generate enough revenue from advertising to cover their operating costs, and thus, relied on subsidies from political parties to keep the presses rolling. But the rise of mass-market retailers provided journalistic outlets with new sources of revenue  and with them, new incentives. Department stores wanted to sell goods to Democrats and Republicans alike, and directed their ad dollars to newspapers that could reach a broad, bipartisan audience. Thus, in the 20th century, objectivity was good for the news business.

In the 21st century, virtually nothing is. The market conditions that made it possible for newspapers to compete in the eyeball-gathering business  while staying true to a civic-minded mission of providing accurate, unbiased reporting on political events  have collapsed. So long as advertisers had few alternative platforms for reaching consumers, local newspapers could afford to prioritize their civic function above optimizing their utility as attention-gathering platforms (which is to say, they could afford to print reports about developments in the state legislature instead of running pages and pages of cat pictures and swimsuit models). But Facebook and Google have leveraged economies of scale  and techniques of mass surveillance  to match eyeballs to products far more efficiently than journalistic enterprises ever could.

Now, as the business model that sustained newspapers in the 20th century fades, the 19th-century model and its accompanying journalistic norms might be making a comeback. News outlets are no longer optimal tools for influencing mass consumer behavior; but they remain an excellent means of exerting political influence. As Politico reports:

In March, Congresswoman Diane Black, a top candidate for governor in Tennessee, put out a campaign ad that seemed at first glance to be utterly textbook: a scene of President Donald Trump embracing her played while a quote from a local news outlet is displayed in the foreground: President Trump to Rep Diane Black: You Came Through on Tax Reform, it read, citing a headline from the Tennessee Star.

Close watchers may have had just one question: What is the Tennessee Star?

 Launched in February 2017, the Star is part of a growing trend of opaque, locally focused, ideological outlets, dressed up as traditional newspapers. From the Arizona Monitor to the Maine Examiner, sites with names and layouts designed to echo those of nonpartisan publications  and with varying levels of credibility  have emerged across the country, aimed at influencing local politics by stepping into the coverage void left by the collapsing finances of local newspapers.

The Star has successfully gained traction among the Tennessee political elite, raising questions over whether the current news climate is ripe for these type of Breitbart-like local sites to proliferate across the country.

Critically, the Tennessee Star isnt just posing as a local newspaper, its also executing the core function of one  or at least, the core function of a partisan paper in the 19th century:

Its coverage goes deep on local political news  with stories on a variety of races as well as legislative minutiae, alongside a healthy dose of commentary  all from an anti-establishment, right-wing perspective. For instance, Randy Boyd, Blacks more mainstream opponent in the Republican gubernatorial primary, has been mocked on the site as La Raza Randy, for his stance on immigration. The site has gained attention, in part, because cutbacks at mainstream outlets have limited what they can cover.

The outlet was founded by a pair of conservative activists who see the publication primarily as a tool for influence (as opposed to profits). And in the small world of Nashville politics, a site that garners 7 million page views per year can exert quite a bit. That makes the low-cost, low-overhead publication an enticing investment opportunity for well-heeled right-wing ideologues  while also attracting ad dollars from Republican campaigns.

The Star is already contemplating an expansion into Pennsylvania and Ohio. And it wouldnt surprising if it  or something like it  did set up shop in those battlegrounds. The Stars model makes sense: Partisans and ideologues will always have an interest in bankrolling local political reporting. Commercial advertisers never really did.

Of course, the idea that the future of local political reporting will look a lot like its distant past  if the Know-Nothing papers of yore had been optimized for SEO  is a bit unsettling. In an interview with Politico, Tennessee Star co-founder Steve Gill insists that, name aside, his outlets ideology is too transparent to mislead anyone. But social science suggests otherwise. Fox Newss biases are hardly subtle. And yet, in presenting itself as a formally fair and balanced news network, the channel has moved the minds of many independent and Democratic viewers in its direction. In a landmark study published in the American Economic Review last year, Emory University political scientist Gregory Martin and Stanford economist Ali Yurukoglu estimated that if Fox News were never founded, the Republican presidential candidates share of the two-party vote would been 3.6 points lower in 2004 and 6.34 percent lower; which is to say, without Roger Ailess network, John Kerry may well have been president.

If baby Breitbarts rise from the ashes of local newspapers  while Sinclair Broadcast Group continues gobbling up local television stations  the benefits to the Republican Party could be substantial. One of the biggest mistakes that those who downplay the role of money in politics make is to focus on campaign contributions as the sole mechanism through which the wealthy undermine self-government. Very few people can afford to fund news outlets at a loss for the sake of advancing an ideological cause. But billionaires can; and Rupert Murdoch and Sheldon Adelson do.

In some respects, the 19th-century model of journalism fulfilled its civic function. As the historian Mark Wahlgren Summers wrote of the era, The truth was not suppressed. It was simply hard to get in any one place. Further, by addressing the public as citizens  and imploring them to take specific political action  the partisan press might have encouraged higher levels of civic engagement than its objective successor, which often depicted politics as an elite game, and its readers mere (savvy) spectators. In the 19th century, voter turnout rates in American elections (among the enfranchised population) was far higher than in the 20th.

Ideally, our society will recognize that fact-based local reporting is indispensable to our democracy  and fund it as a vital public good, through some mix of federal subsidies and private philanthropy. But things are likely to remain decidedly less than ideal in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. And a democracy in which both parties fund biased, but aggressive and factually accurate, local political reporting would be far better than one in which little-to-no such reporting exists. Thus, left-leaning billionaires and interest groups should probably start preparing to enter the local media fray themselves. The economics of local news might no longer sustainfair political reporting  but balanced is still within reach.Cardiac Assist Devices Market: Global Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2013 to 2016 and Forecast 2017 to 2024

Cardiac Assist Devices Market

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Cardiac Assist Devices Market overview:Global cardiac assist devices market is expected to grow at significant rate owing to increase in cases heart failure around the world. Cardiac assist devices are one of promising treatment option for heart failure patients. Market players are focused on vertical integration in order to develop innovative products. For instance, in October 2013, Sunshine Heart Inc. (changed name to CHF Solutions Inc.) collaborated with Minnetronix Inc. to develop transcutaneous energy transfer system to power the companies fully- implantable C-Pulse heart assist system. For instance Medtronic Plc. has expanded its product portfolio in cardiac assist devices market by the acquisition of HeartWare International, Inc. in June 2016. Similarly in October 2015, St. Jude Medical, Inc. (acquired by Abbott Laboratories) acquired Thoratec Corporation to strengthen their heart failure market portfolio.A sample of this report is available upon request @Cardiac Assist Devices Market Dynamics:Rising prevalence of cardiac disorders, surge in geriatric population and technological developments in cardiac assist devices, which minimize the chances of infection and improved efficiency enables attract demand for cardiac assist devices. In addition, rising number of cases of heart failure and shortage of donors for late stage heart failure patients expected to boost the cardiac assist devices market during the forecast period. However, factors such as availability of alternative treatment options such as pace makers and heart transplantation expected to hinder the cardiac assist devices market growth. Furthermore chances of infection, high cost of devices and stringent regulatory procedures expected to act as restraints for the growth of the market over the forecast period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Market Scope: Cardiac Assist Devices MarketGlobal cardiac assist devices market are segmented based on type of product, flow rate and end userBased on the type of product, cardiac assist devices market is segmented into Ventricular Assist Devices (VDS)o External Ventricular Assist Deviceso Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVDS)o Biventricular Assist Deviceso Right Ventricular Assist Devices Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps Total Artificial HeartBased on flow rate, cardiac assist devices market is segmented into Continuous Flow PulsatileBased on end user, cardiac assist devices market is segmented into Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centres OthersNeed more information about this report @Global Cardiac Assist Devices Market Region Overview:Global cardiac assist devices market is segmented into following regions, viz. North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and Europe. North America is expected to be major market for cardiac assist devices owing to factors such as growing awareness in patients about the cardiac assist devices, well established healthcare infrastructure and favourable reimbursement policies. Europe cardiac assist devices market expected to grow at significant rates owing to increase in growing heart related diseases and rising geriatric population. Asia-Pacific expected to grow at notable rates owing to developing healthcare infrastructure and growing awareness in patients.Cardiac Assist Devices Market Competition Assessment:Some of the players in global Cardiac Assist Devices are Calon Cardio-Technology Ltd. (UK) SynCardia Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Medtronic (U.S.), Berlin Heart GmbH (Germany), CHF Solutions, Inc. (U.S.), Teleflex Incorporated (U.S.), MAQUET GmbH & Co. (Germany), Abiomed (U.S.) and Abbot Laboratories (U.S.).Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Contact to Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152  160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US):+1-866-598-1553Website @Dessert Wine 2018 Global Market By Key Players : John D. Taylor's, Patron, Dekuyper, Wild Turkey , Baileyse, Gran Gala - Analysis and Forecasts 2025

Dessert Wine Industry

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On  Dessert Wine 2018 Global Market By Key Players : John D. Taylor's, Patron, Dekuyper, Wild Turkey , Baileyse, Gran Gala - Analysis and Forecasts 2025.Description:This report studies the global Dessert Wine market status and forecast, categorizes the global Dessert Wine market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.In 2017, the global Dessert Wine market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of xx.x % between 2018 and 2025.The major manufacturers covered in this reportJohn D. Taylor'sPatronDekuyperWild TurkeyBaileyseGran GalaUNICUMHiram WalkerBERENTZENMassenezGet a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comGeographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaThe regional scope of the study is as follows:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeRest of Asia-PacificEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalySpainRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilArgentinaRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaTurkeyRest of Middle East & AfricaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoSauternesNatural SweetMistelleOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingCorporate HospitalityGovernment ReceptionFamily DinnerOther ApplicationsReport Details @The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Dessert Wine sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025).Focuses on the key Dessert Wine manufacturers, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks...Table Of Contents  Major Key PointsGlobal Dessert Wine Market Research Report 20181 Dessert Wine Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Dessert Wine1.2 Dessert Wine Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Dessert Wine Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Dessert Wine Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Sauternes1.2.4 Natural Sweet1.2.5 Mistelle1.3 Global Dessert Wine Segment by Application1.3.1 Dessert Wine Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Corporate Hospitality1.3.3 Government Reception1.3.4 Family Dinner1.3.5 Other Applications1.4 Global Dessert Wine Market by Region (2013-2025).7 Global Dessert Wine Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 John D. Taylor's7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Dessert Wine Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 John D. Taylor's Dessert Wine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Patron7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Dessert Wine Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Patron Dessert Wine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Dekuyper7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Dessert Wine Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Dekuyper Dessert Wine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Wild Turkey7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Dessert Wine Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Wild Turkey Dessert Wine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Baileyse7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Dessert Wine Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Baileyse Dessert Wine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Gran Gala7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Dessert Wine Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Gran Gala Dessert Wine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 UNICUM7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Dessert Wine Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 UNICUM Dessert Wine Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview.8 Dessert Wine Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersContinue..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT 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.Impressive Growth of Surgical Robots Market by Control Mechanism, Robotic Surgery Approach and Application Forecasts with Google Life Sciences, Stryker Corporation, TransEnterix and Mazor Robotics

Surgical Robots Market

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The Global Surgical Robots Market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa. America accounts the largest market for surgical robots which is followed by Europe. Increasing financial capability of hospitals, strategic collaboration with assurance companies, growing demand for minimally-invasive surgeries and increasing prevalence of diseases like cancer, neurological disorders and many more has led to the growth of this market in America and Europe. Germany is the major contributor for the Europe surgical robots market. In 2016, Germany surgical robots market was USD 1,157.6 million. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region. Presence of emerging economies like India, China and Republic of Korea has boosted the growth of this market in Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific surgical robots market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.36 % forecast period from 2018-2023.Surgical Robots Market Segmentation:Global Surgical Robots Market is segmented on the basis of control mechanism into direct telemanipulator and computer control. On the basis of robotic surgery approach they are supervisor-controlled robotic surgical system, shared control robotic surgical systems, telesurgery systems, robotic radiosurgery systems and on the basis of application they are segmented into general surgery, cardiac surgery, gynecologic surgery, colorectal surgery, urologic surgery, head and neck surgery and other.Premium Sample Report Available @Global Surgical Robots Market Players:Key players profiled in the report are Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Google Life Sciences, Stryker Corporation, TransEnterix, Mazor Robotics, Hansen Medical and othersStryker one of the largest medical technology companies in the world headquarters in US. In 2013, Stryker has acquired MAKO Surgical Corp., a pioneer in the advancement of robotic arm assisted surgery in orthopaedics. Stryker has got the FDA approval for MAKO total knee application in 2016.Intuitive Surgical, Inc manufacturer of world class robotic surgical systems. Da Vinci Surgical System is the most preferred system. Recently in 2017, this company has got approval for new da Vinci X Surgical System which will provides lower-cost, robotic-assisted surgical option for hospitals, surgeons.Mazor Robotics is a medical device company and manufacturer of a robotic guidance system for spine surgery. In 2017, Mazor Robotics got FDA approval for its Mazor X Align software which will help Mazor Robotics to align leverage Mazor Robotics extensive experience in pre-operative planning, image processing, computerized anatomy recognition, and registration of different imaging modalitiesThese major players are entering into new mergers and acquisitions and FDA approvals to increase their share in the market place. FDA approvals is the most used strategy by the companies as this industry is new and growing the market players are innovating their technology by expanding their approach in different therapeutic areas.Get Your Customized Report @Main TOC for Surgical Robots Market Research Report - Global Forecast To 2023:1. Report Prologue2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary research3.4 Market Size EstimationContinuedAvail Prime Discount @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comCrystalline Solar Cells 2018 Global Market By Key Players : Yingli, Sharp, JA Solar, Jinko Solar , Motech, Gintech Energy - Analysis and Forecasts 2025

Crystalline Solar Cells Market

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On  Crystalline Solar Cells 2018 Global Market By Key Players : Yingli, Sharp, JA Solar, Jinko Solar , Motech, Gintech Energy - Analysis and Forecasts 2025.Description:This report studies the global Crystalline Solar Cells market status and forecast, categorizes the global Crystalline Solar Cells market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China, and other regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa).The global Crystalline Solar Cells market is valued at xx million US$ in 2017 and is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx.x % between 2018 and 2025.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comThe major manufacturers covered in this reportYingliSharpJA SolarTrinaJinko SolarNeo Solar PowerMotechSanyo SolarGintech EnergyCanadian SolarHareon SolarHanwhaKyocera SolarTongWei SolarSolarWorldSunPowerEging PVGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanOther RegionsThe regional scope of the study is as follows:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeRest of Asia-PacificEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalySpainRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilArgentinaRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaTurkeyRest of Middle East & AfricaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMono-Si CellMulti-Si CellOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingResidentialCommercialIndustrialReport Details @The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Crystalline Solar Cells capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Crystalline Solar Cells manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks...Table Of Contents  Major Key PointsGlobal Crystalline Solar Cells Market Research Report 20181 Crystalline Solar Cells Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Crystalline Solar Cells1.2 Crystalline Solar Cells Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Crystalline Solar Cells Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Crystalline Solar Cells Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Mono-Si Cell1.2.4 Multi-Si Cell1.3 Global Crystalline Solar Cells Segment by Application1.3.1 Crystalline Solar Cells Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Residential1.3.3 Commercial1.3.4 Industrial1.4 Global Crystalline Solar Cells Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Crystalline Solar Cells Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025).7 Global Crystalline Solar Cells Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Yingli7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Crystalline Solar Cells Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Yingli Crystalline Solar Cells Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Sharp7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Crystalline Solar Cells Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Sharp Crystalline Solar Cells Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 JA Solar7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Crystalline Solar Cells Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 JA Solar Crystalline Solar Cells Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Trina7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Crystalline Solar Cells Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Trina Crystalline Solar Cells Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Jinko Solar7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Crystalline Solar Cells Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Jinko Solar Crystalline Solar Cells Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Neo Solar Power7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Crystalline Solar Cells Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Neo Solar Power Crystalline Solar Cells Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Motech7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Crystalline Solar Cells Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Motech Crystalline Solar Cells Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview.8 Crystalline Solar Cells Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersContinue..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT 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.Dental Prosthetics Market 2018-2023 Forecasts by Size, Shares, Industry Analysis and Forecasts | Exclusively Available at MarketResearchFuture.com

Dental Prosthetics Market

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The Global Dental Prosthetics Market has been evaluated as moderately growing market and it is expected that the market will continue to grow similarly in the near future. Dentistry is one of the oldest medical profession and it became more defined and professional after 1700s. Dental prosthetics is also known as prosthodontics. Dental prosthetics are used for replacement of missing or damaged teeth. This replacement either temporary or permanent according to need. Growing overall population and increasing demand for dental care treatments are leading the growth for the dental prosthetics market. Rapidly increasing aging population is another important driver for the dental prosthetics market, because after certain age, elderly people may face some dental problems and it is necessary to take some dental treatments.Worldwide Dental Prosthetics Market Overview:The Global Dental Prosthetics Market is poised to have a steady growth in upcoming years. CAGR wise, the market is expected to develop at the rate of above 5.3% from 2018 to 2022. It is estimated to earn more than USD 5657.2 million by 2022. The Global Dental Prosthetics Market has been evaluated as moderately growing market and it is expected that the market will continue to grow similarly in the near future. Dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions and it became more defined and professional after 1700s. Dental prosthetics is also known as prosthodontics.Premium Sample Report Available @Increasing consumer awareness is major driver for the growth of the market. Cosmetic dentistry is one of the niche sub segment of dentistry and is growing rapidly. Consumers are becoming more conscious about oral health and appearance for which they are opting for cosmetic dentistry. Dental prosthetics manufacturers are spending huge money on R&D to develop new and innovative product for the market which is causing competition among the companies. Growing dental tourism is a key factor for the growth of the market. Increasing per capita income, increasing expenditure, and growing middle class population are driving the growth for the dental prosthetics market. Hospitals are also providing advance facilities to the patients which is helping them to attract more number of patients. Dental Prosthetics Market was around US$ 3882.4 million in 2016 and it is expected to reach US$ 5659.4 million by 2023 at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period.Global Dental Prosthetics Market Players:There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market all over the globe. Henry Schein, Inc. (US), DENTSPLY Sirona (US), 3M (US), Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland), Zimmer Biomet (US), Nobel Biocare (Part of Danaher corporation) (US), Ivoclar Vivadent AG (Liechtenstein), Osstem Prosthetics (South Korea), Planmeca OY (Finland), CAMLOG Biotechnologies AG (Switzerland)Worldwide Dental Prosthetics Market Regional Analysis:Considering the global scenario of the market, North America region is believed to be the largest market for Dental Prosthetics. Moreover the European market is also growing and second largest market for Dental Prosthetics. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at fast rate in the market of Dental Prosthetics during the forecasted period. Middle East and Africa is likely to have a limited but steady growth in the market.Demand Your Customized Report @1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of Study1.3 Research Objective1.4 Assumptions & Limitations1.4.1 Assumptions1.4.2 Limitations2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research3 Market Dynamics3.1 Introduction3.2 Growth Drivers3.2.1 Increasing Number of Dental care3.2.2 Increasing Per Capita Income In Emerging Markets3.2.3 Rising Dental Tourism3.2.4 Increasing Cosmetic dentistry treatments3.3 Restraint3.3.1 Cost of Dental Procedures3.3.2 Grey Market of Dental Prosthetics3.3.3 Slow Adoption Of New Technology3.4 Opportunities3.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis4.1.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers4.1.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers4.1.3 Threat of New Entrants4.1.4 Threat of Substitutes4.1.5 Intensity of Rivalry4.2 Price Strategy Analysis4.3 Supply Chain Analysis4.4 Value Chain Analysis4.4.1 Primary activities4.4.2 Supporting Activities5 Global Dental Prosthetics Market, By Type5.1 Denture5.2 Crown5.3 Bridges5.4 Veneer5.5 Abutment5.6 InlaysTOC Continued!About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comWorldwide Halitosis Treatment Market Forecasts by 15.8% CAGR Till 2023 | Exclusively Available at MarketResearchFuture.com

Halitosis Treatment Market

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The Global Halitosis Treatment Market is segmented into four regions: Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa. Americas account for a significant market share owing to extensive use of oral healthcare products, rising prevalence of periodontal diseases and technological advancement. Majority of market players in the U.S are engaged in the manufacturing of oral care products such as mouth washes, oral sprays, toothpastes, etc.The Global Halitosis Treatment Market is segmented on the basis type of halitosis, indication, diagnostic test and drug treatment. On the basis of type of halitosis, the markets are segmented into pathological halitosis and others. Pathological halitosis includes oral pathological halitosis and extra oral pathological halitosis. Other types include physiological halitosis.Premium Sample Report Available @On the basis of indication, the market is segmented into respiratory, liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, systemic, and others. Respiratory segment is further sub-segmented into sinusitis, tuberculosis, emphysema, pharyngitis, pneumonia, and others. Liver segment is further sub-segmented into liver failure, gall bladder diseases, and others. Kidney segment is further sub-segmented into Uremia. Gastrointestinal segment is further sub-segmented into esophageal reflux, stomach cancer, malabsorption, and pharyngitis. Systemic segment is further sub-segmented into diabetes.On the basis of diagnostic test, the market is segmented into halimeter, gas chromatography, BANA test, -galactosidase activity assay, and other tests.On the basis of drug treatment the global halitosis treatment market is segmented into antacids, antiseptic, ranitidine and other drugs. Other drugs available of the treatment of halitosis are Cetylpyridinium chloride and Cimetidine.Global Competitive Analysis:Companies are transforming the sector in a major way which has led to an accelerated the growth pace of the sector. The industry players in the segment are utilizing their primary resources to initiate a trend of solid, volume-driven growth that has been observed in the market with the development of different varieties of product types. The firms are also aiming to capture a considerable share of the market segment as early as possible by experimenting with various advantage points. The best long-term growth opportunities for this sector can be harnessed by ensuring ongoing process improvements and maintaining financial fluidity to invest in the optimal strategies. Some of key players profiled in the report are Colgate-Palmolive Company (U.S), All USA Partners LLC (U.S), Dr. Harold Katz, LLC (U.S), Rowpar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S), Abbott (U.S) and Listerine (U.S).Detailed Regional Analysis:The halitosis treatment market globally covers four main regions namely America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The Americas account for a substantial market share owing to escalating frequency of gum diseases and wide-ranging use of oral care products such as toothpastes, mouth washes, mouth sprays, etc. Europe is the second largest market in the world following Americas, whose progress can be attributed to a surge in awareness related to halitosis and the products available for its treatment. Additionally, growing demand for new oral care products are positively influencing the markets growth.Asia Pacific region is projected to grow briskly due to mounting occurrence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, kidney or liver failure within the increasing population. Rising geriatric population levels who are suffering from these diseases have also contributed to the market growth rate. In the Middle East & Africa, the industry is expected to witness a moderate growth rate due to poor financial conditions and lack of awareness about oral health.Get Your Customized Report @Major TOC Halitosis Treatment Market:1 REPORT PROLOGUE2 MARKET INTRODUCTIONS2.1 INTRODUCTION2.2 SCOPE OF STUDY2.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE2.4 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS2.4.1 ASSUMPTIONS2.4.2 LIMITATIONS2.5 MARKET STRUCTURE3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: HALITOSIS MARKET3.1 RESEARCH PROCESS3.2 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION3.2.1 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS3.3 FORECAST MODELTOC ContinuedAbout US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comMicrogrid Market Expected to Witness High Growth over the Forecast Period 2017- 2024

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MaketStudyReport.com adds a New Microgrid Market Research Report for the period of 2017-2024 that shows the growth of the market is rising at a Steady CAGR to 2024.Growing off-grid networks across developing nations will complement the microgrid market outlook in next few years. Favorable government norms pertaining to integration of renewable energy technology coupled with ongoing measures to electrify rural and urban areas will foster the microgrid market share. Power reliability, economic competitiveness, relatively low power cost and reduced T&D losses are some of the key parameters which will boost the product adoption.Global Microgrid Market will exceed USD 19 billion by 2024, according to a new research report. Rising concerns toward energy security coupled with increasing adoption of sustainable energy sources will stimulate the Japan microgrid market. Government backed extensive research and development projects along with implementation of virtual private networks (VPPs) to mitigate emergency crisis will further embellish the business outlook. In 2017, Panasonic in collaboration with Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry planned to build Solar PV powered microgrid to provide electricity to 117 homes in western Japan.Get sample Copy of this Report:Deployment of captive power generation as a key alternative to the regulated electricity supply in industrial sector will positively impact the business growth. Regulatory inclination to maintain central grid stability coupled with growing measures toward security of power supply will fuel the microgrid market. Rapid technological advancements in line with the development of efficient energy storage systems and control distribution units will further complement the industry outlook.Natural gas as a fuel is set to witness strong growth on account of increasing exploration of unconventional sources across the U.S., China and Russia. Ongoing adoption of fuel as a low emission substitute to conventional source will foster the microgrid market. In August 2016, Capstone Turbine signed a deal with the government of China to supply microturbine for 10 MW microgrid network.Utility microgrid market is set to grow owing to the rapid industrialization and urbanization across the emerging economies. Escalating high-end electricity consumption backed by the presence of new HVAC and heavy load machinery systems in the industrial sector will foster the business growth.The U.S. microgrid market is set to reach over 2 GW by 2024. Growing deployment of sustainable energy sources to reduce the dependence on existing electric networks will positively encourage the industry dynamics. Increasing investments across clean energy sources in the country will further propel the business landscape. According to IEA in 2016, the U.S. invested over USD 250 billion toward development of various energy sources across the nation.Eminent players across the microgrid market include ABB, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Advanced Microgrid Solutions, Emersion, GE Alstom, Honeywell, EnSync Inc, Caterpillar, Viridity Energy Inc, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Exelon Corporation and Power Analytics Corporation.More Report At:Related Report:Global Microgrid Technology Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022This report focuses on the Microgrid Technology 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.About Us: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.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:News:Automotive Parking Radar Market by Technology, Application & Geography  Analysis & Forecast to 2023

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Worldwide Automotive Parking Radar Market 2018 research report presents a professional and complete analysis of Global Automotive Parking Radar Market on the current situation.This report studies the Automotive Parking Radar market. Parking Radars (or Parking Sensor) are designed to alert the driver about obstacles while parking or reversing. The use of display along with parking Radar gives a more precise look to understand quickly about the obstacle in terms of distance and representation.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Automotive Parking Radar Market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, types and applications.Request for a Sample Copy of Automotive Parking Radar Market Report @Automotive Parking Radar Market Segment by Top Manufacturers Including:Bosch, Denso, Fujitsu Ten, Continental, Autoliv, Delphi, ZF, Valeo and Hella.An inherent sub-vertical of the Automotive Industry space, Automotive Parking Radar market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2018-2023, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Table of Contents:Global Automotive Parking Radar Market OverviewGlobal Automotive Parking Radar Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal Automotive Parking Radar Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal Automotive Parking Radar Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal Automotive Parking Radar by CountriesGlobal Automotive Parking Radar Market Segment by TypeGlobal Automotive Parking Radar Market Segment by ApplicationAutomotive Parking Radar Market Forecast (2018-2023)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionMarket Segment by Type, coversForward and Rear ViewMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into:Passenger Vehicle and Commercial VehicleThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Automotive Parking Radar market.Chapter 1, to describe Automotive Parking Radar Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Automotive Parking Radar, with sales, revenue, and price of Automotive Parking Radar, 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 Parking Radar, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Automotive Parking Radar market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Automotive Parking Radar sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor more info @Related Reports: -2018-2025 Automotive Parking Radar Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and ApplicationsThis report studies the Automotive Parking Radar market status and outlook of global and United States, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and United States market, and splits the Automotive Parking Radar market by product type and application/end industries.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:More Report at:Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Industry Report 2018 Global Market Share, Trend & Growth Forecast to 2023

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Global Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Report 2023 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.Electric vehicle battery pack is providing driving force by consuming the power and it is installed in the electric vehicle. Electric vehicle battery pack designed for Electric Vehicles (EVs) is complex and vary widely by manufacturers and specific application. However, they all incorporate a combination of several simple mechanical and electrical component systems which perform the basic required functions of the pack.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, types and applications.Request for a Sample Copy of Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Report @Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Segment by Top Manufacturers Including:BYD, Panasonic, CATL, OptimumNano, LG Chem, GuoXuan, Lishen, PEVE, AESC, Samsung, Lithium Energy Japan, Beijing Pride Power, BAK Battery, WanXiang, Hitachi, ACCUmotive and Boston Power.An inherent sub-vertical of the Automotive Industry space, Electric Vehicle Battery Pack market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2018-2023, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Table of Contents:Global Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market OverviewGlobal Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal Electric Vehicle Battery Pack by CountriesGlobal Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Segment by TypeGlobal Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Segment by ApplicationElectric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Forecast (2018-2023)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionMarket Segment by Type, coversLithium Ion Battery, NI-MH Battery and Other BatteryMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into:PHEVs and BEVsThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Electric Vehicle Battery Pack market.Chapter 1, to describe Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Electric Vehicle Battery Pack, with sales, revenue, and price of Electric Vehicle Battery Pack, 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 Electric Vehicle Battery Pack, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Electric Vehicle Battery Pack market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Electric Vehicle Battery Pack sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor more info @Related Reports: -Global Electric Vehicle Battery Pack Market Professional Survey Report 2018This report studies Electric Vehicle Battery Pack 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.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:More Report at:Tuesday 1 May 2018 12:15pm

New research led by University of Otago scientists indicates there is increasing evidence that whale and dolphin watching activities can have detrimental effects on the populations they target.



Spinner Dolphins off coast of Egypt. Photo: A. Cesario (HEPCA)

The study Behavioural responses of spinner dolphins to human interactions has been published recently by the Royal Society Open Science.

Researchers from Italy, Hong Kong and the Falkland Islands also contributed to the study, alongside Dr Maddalena Fumagalli and Professor Liz Slooten of the University of Otagos Department of Zoology, plus Professor John Harraway of Otagos Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

The research focused on populations of spinner dolphins off the coast of Egypt, where there is a variety of regulations concerning tourist interactions with dolphins between different areas. The study focused on three areas, one with no tourism, one with controlled, and one with uncontrolled tourist activities. Lead author Dr Fumagalli, who conducted the research as part of her PhD at Otago, says this provided an ideal experimental setting, as the inclusion of a control site where there was no tourism provided a comparison of the effect of tourism on the dolphins at the other two locations.



Dolphin tourism off coast of Egypt. Photo: V. Cucchiara (HEPCA and Liquid Jungle Media)

This species displays a particular ecology, with resting and sleeping confined to the daylight hours and the shallow, protected, waters of reefs lagoons. Our findings showed that human interactions in these lagoons caused disruptions to the dolphins resting patterns, says Dr Fumagalli.

She adds that at Samadai Reef, where there are restrictions on how close boats and swimmers are allowed to approach the dolphins' resting area, the rest needs of the dolphins appear to be met. However the situation at the site of unlimited tourist access is worrisome.

Where activities are not regulated, dolphins may find it impossible to rest. This is cause of great concern because the repeated sleep and rest loss can affect the well-being of the animals, and lead to reduced efficiency in feeding, defence, mating and nurturing, among others, eventually resulting in population decline or displacement, says Dr Fumagalli.

While this study concentrated on dolphins off the coast of Egypt, Dr Fumagalli says that her knowledge of and exposure to the New Zealand situation was also important. The idea that these countries can benefit from each others lessons learned is summarised by Professor Slooten.

While Egypt can learn from New Zealand in terms of limiting the number of boats and visits, licences, and codes of conduct, New Zealand can learn from Egypt in terms of the area-based approach, with zones for boats, zones for swimmers and zones with only dolphins, Professor Slooten explains.

It is time to act upon the scientific evidence on the effects of dolphin watching on wild animals. The literature on this topic is abundant and clear. We should discourage any unregulated increase in dolphin tourism and recommend to apply a precautionary principle to ensure full protection to dolphin groups while they engage in critical behaviours such as calving, feeding and resting, and well before impacts on individuals become evident and populations are compromised. In the Egyptian case, a science-informed management scheme including a time-area closure system was very effective in safeguarding the dolphins resting needs while allowing tourism fruition, Dr Fumagalli says.

Dr Fumagalli says that dolphin watching can be a great experience provided it is carried out with respect and a basic understanding of the animals behaviour and, most of all, it is initiated and led by the dolphins themselves. She recommends regulations be designed on a case-by-case basis, and where regulations are missing or compliance is low she urges representatives and legislators to design new management schemes and monitor their efficacy.

For further information, contact:

Maddalena Fumagalli

Recently completed her PhD at University of Otagos Department of Zoology

Tel +41765006114

Email Madda.fumagalli@gmail.com

Liz Slooten

Department of Zoology

University of Otago

While attending a conference in Europe, until 10 May:

Tel +386 51 859 047

After 12 May:

Mob 027 447 4418

Email liz.slooten@otago.ac.nz

John Harraway

Department of Statistics

University of Otago

Tel 03 479 7782

Email john.harraway@otago.ac.nz

Mark Hathaway

Senior Communications Adviser

University of Otago

Mob 021 2795016

Email mark.hathaway@otago.ac.nzA peek at the White Houses rigorous copyediting process. Photo: Pool/Getty Images

Weve become so accustomed to typos in publications from the Trump White House that misspelling a foreign leaders name or putting the wrong date on a condolence statement for a former first lady barely warrant a snide tweet. But the White House Press Office did manage to get peoples attention on Monday night when it responded to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus presentation arguing against the Iran nuclear deal with a statement declaring that Iran currently has a secret nuclear-weapons program.

These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people, said the statement from Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

Netanyahu certainly wanted to leave people with a sense that Iran wasnt adhering to the terms of the agreement (see the slide that said in huge letters Iran lied, and the accompanying tweet), but the prime minister presented no evidence that Tehran is, at this moment, working on a nuclear weapon or violating the deal in any way.

Without offering any apology to those who thought the U.S. was going to war with Iran, the White House corrected the line to the past tense when the statement was posted online: Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people.

FLAGGING: The White House adjusts its statement on Iran to say Iran had, not has, a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried & failed to hide from the world... pic.twitter.com/np623Cl02x  Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) May 1, 2018

When asked for clarification, the White House said it was a clerical error, but some pundits still werent satisfied.

The Obama WH had a rule that any substantive revisions to statements couldn't merely be adjusted online, as this was. The corrected version had to be formally re-issued. I doubt we'll be seeing that from this WH even though this is a correction of huge consequence. https://t.co/KAKcXDgJVM  Ned Price (@nedprice) May 1, 2018

They say it was a "clerical" error. How does a statement of this import, putting the White House at odds with the entire U.S. intelligence community, get sent out so carelessly? And why did they correct it on the website but not issue a new statement? https://t.co/keIYugLH1p  Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) May 1, 2018

But whatever, its not like* Trump just brought on a national security adviser who promoted false information to justify the war in Iraq, and has made it very clear that hes interested in bombing Iran.

* Correction: Trump totally did.Law enforcement worked alongside conservation officers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more than six hours Monday to corral a black bear in a Midland neighborhood.

At 9:04 a.m., the Midland Police Department received its first call of a black bear spotted in the area of Jefferson Avenue and Chapel Lane.

The 200-250 pound bear, suspected to be male, was walking around the grounds of Jefferson Middle School and climbing fences in the neighborhood adjacent to the school.

Jefferson students were not at school Monday because Midland Public Schools had the day off.

At about 9:45 a.m. the bear climbed into a backyard in between Harper Lane and Nakoma Drive where it appeared to be dozing off in a shady spot for an hour before a conservation officer shot it with a tranquilizer gun  for the first time.

Susan Kirkby, a resident on Harper Lane, saw the bear climbing her neighbors' fences before it settled into a calmer state in the backyard.

"It's kind of exciting," Kirkby said. "It had been laying in a backyard. The bear is not aggressive."

Members of the media and a crowd of community members were gathered in Jeol Marty's yard Monday morning when police informed him there was a bear in his backyard.

"I just can't believe it," the 22-year-old said. "I have a friend from Colorado texting me about a story they saw about the bear here."

The bear attracted at least 60 community members trying to catch a peak of it. Neighbors were even climbing onto roofs to get a better view of the bear.

"I've worked here for 14 years and haven't heard of anything like this," said Midland Police Community Relations Sgt. Chris Wenzell. "Our main intention is safety of the bear and residents."

There has been bear sightings in Midland County before, but nowhere near a more heavily populated subdivision, Wenzell said.

The bear spent Monday roaming through a few backyards, climbing a tree and eventually it wandered into a resident's garage as Midland police officers, sheriff deputies, animal control officers and Department of Natural Resources officers kept an eye on it .

The bear was tranquilized at least four times before it ran into a garage on Harper Lane and collapsed. From there, it was secured in a cylindrical DNR bear trap cage at 3:45 p.m.

Originally, officers thought they would only have to tranquilize the bear only one or two times. After being tranquilized for a second time, the bear scaled a tree about 20 feet before receding back to the ground in a backyard.

The streets of Harper Lane and Nakoma Drive were shut down while the bear was being contained.

Officers said they believe it will be transported to state land, possibly in the Upper Peninsula.The black bear spotted in a Midland subdivision that was eventually captured Monday was taken to a state forest in Grayling.

The bear evaded Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel for more than six hours and was tranquilized six times. Finally, the bear retreated into a garage on Harper Lane and was put in a bear trap at about 4 p.m. and transported to Grayling and released at about 6:30 p.m., said Barry Sova, wildlife technician at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Sova is the one who shot the bear with tranquilizer. Everything worked out well, and the bear "is in good health," but unfortunately the bear had to be tranquilized more than anticipated, Sova said.

"We checked him over and he looked healthy," Sova said.

The bear, who some referred to as "Harper" or "Nakoma" because of the streets he spent time on, is male, 2 or 3 years old, and weighs 225-250 pounds, Sova said.

Part of the difficulty with corralling the bear was that it had just come out of hibernation, Sova said, and its metabolism was sped up.

"We could see the drugs working, his head bobbing and licking his lips," Sova said. "But he wasn't going all the way under because of his high metabolism."

The bear's adrenaline was working against the drugs, making the drugs less effective. To avoid delivering an overdose of tranquilizer, three different types of medicine were used on the bear, Sova said. They were also cautious to wait long enough between dosages.

"In the morning, he had run well over a mile through all the neighborhood, came across US-10 and was jumping over fences," Sova said. "He was rather excited."

Black bears in neighborhoods are common occurrences up north, but because towns are smaller its usually easy to chase them out of town, Sova said.

Because of the large crowd of community members that came out to watch the bear on Monday, the Midland Police Department, Midland County Sheriff's Office and Midland County Animal Control's presence was valuable in assisting with containing the bear, Sova said.

"All the departments, we all worked really well together and it was good the people and the press were able to be safe," Sova said.Employees for Quad/Graphics are very thankful for the recent 2017 tax reform. U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Midland, visited the company on Monday to discuss tax reform.

As a result of the tax reform, we were able to put $22 million into the employees stock option, Quad/Graphics Plant Manager Harry Iafrate told Moolenaar. We also did a 401K match last year.

Iafrate took Moolenaar on a tour of the company that is the No. 1 printer of magazines in North America.

"The technology is incredible," Moolenaar said. "The way they are able to meet the needs of customers all over the country and their employees are very friendly, engaged in their work and very proud of the work they are doing."

Iafrate enjoyed his visit with the second-term congressman.

"Its awesome to have the congressman here. A lot of people drive right by the plant and dont know what we do. We actually did the Derek Jeter commemorative book when he retired right out of this plant," said Iafrate of the plant that sits at 1700 James Savage Road.

Following the tour, Moolenaar and Iafrate talked with Quad/Graphics Director of Government Affairs Pat Henderson, via telepresence, where again the discussion turned to tax reform.

Early on we were very much opposed to tax reform, Henderson said.

The reason for the initial opposition came due to the possible inclusion of the Border Adjustment Tax by Republicans. The BAT would tax imports and subsidize exports, which would hurt the printing industry that relies heavily on imported paper from Canada.

The Hill, a political newspaper and website published in Washington, D.C., stated that the BAT would be a $5 trillion tax hike on consumers.

The GOP dropped the controversial plan last June before adopting the 2017 tax reform in December.

If the BAT would have gone into effect, it would have meant an increase in taxes of $89 million for us, Henderson said.A Midland County sheriffs deputy spent early Monday morning checking the Sanford area after a report of a bright object in the sky.

A media log entry states the deputy was sent to a Lee Township home about 2 a.m. for a report of a bright object in the sky that appeared to have impacted the ground in Sanford. The deputy spoke with a witness who described what sounded like a meteor, the log entry states.

The deputy was in Sanford when the call came in and had not seen anything unusual. The deputy checked the Sanford area again without finding anything.

Only one call was received on the incident.Who could have guessed nomination via tweet would cause so many problems? Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc.

In response to the misconduct allegations that led White House physician Ronny Jackson to withdraw his nomination to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs, the White House has insisted that he was adequately vetted and theres no evidence to back up the claims. President Trump has even threatened Senator Jon Tester for releasing a summary of the allegations the Veterans Affairs Committee received from more than 20 people.

But now CNN reports that top White House officials were already aware that there were concerns about Jacksons behavior because another physician complained about his conduct regarding Second Lady Karen Pence. Vice-President Mike Pences doctor was so alarmed by the incident that he wrote three memos and reported it up the chain of command, all the way to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly.

The memos allege that on September 8, 2017, Karen Pence had to be taken from Camp David to Walter Reed Hospital due to an undisclosed medical issue. Pences physician, who CNN agreed not to identify, said that while Jackson is responsible for caring for Trump, he intervened in the situation with Karen Pence, leading to an inadvertent disclosure of SLOTUSs medical information in a situation where ultimate discretion was of utmost importance.

The memos go on to allege that Jackson briefed multiple parties on the White House staff without specific consultation from the physician to the vice-president, which may have disclosed Pences private medical information.

Karen Pence asked her doctor to tell the VPs top aide, Nick Ayers, about the incident, and have him relay the information to Kelly. The physician said he briefed Ayers about the breach of her patient information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Ayers informed Kelly and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joe Hagin, and they said the doctor should report it through the usual medical and military chain of command.

The VPs physician said Jackson told him it is not always possible to adhere to HIPAA at the White House, and argued that he must be involved in any medical issues that arise at Camp David. He said Jackson confronted him after he raised concerns about the breach and was intimidating and aggressive. The doctor said Jackson told him to let things go  if I am to succeed in my career.

White House staffers were reportedly caught off guard when Trump tweeted that he wanted his personal physician to lead the VA, but if true this would mark the second time that the White House defended a staffer against misconduct allegations top officials heard about months earlier. As with the claims against White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter, a source said Kelly and other top staffers were provided with the memos about Jackson in the fall.

Tom Crosson, a Defense Department spokesperson, said Monday that the Pentagons inspector general has received the allegations and is looking into the issue further to see if a formal probe is necessary. The office, he added, is assessing what investigations and reviews have already been conducted related to these issues, any jurisdictional issues that may relate to the allegations, and the scope of the allegations and complaints related to these issues.

While it was reported on Sunday that Jackson will no longer serve as Trumps physician, the White House walked that back on Monday, saying hes still on active duty and there are no personnel announcements at this time.Its a large world, filled with felonies big and misdemeanors small. And so I prefer to write long columns. But sometimes a short, sharp word is necessary. The Democratic Party is suing WikiLeaks and they shouldnt. As Glenn Greenwald wrote last week in The Intercept:

The Democratic National Committee filed a lawsuit this afternoon in a Manhattan federal court against the Russian government, the Trump campaign, and various individuals it alleges participated in the plot to hack its email servers and disseminate the contents as part of the 2016 election. The DNC also sued WikiLeaks for its role in publishing the hacked materials, though it does not allege that WikiLeaks participated in the hacking or even knew in advance about it; its sole role, according to the DNCs lawsuit, was publishing the hacked emails.

As Greenwald points out, the Dems claim that WikiLeaks is liable for damages it caused when it willfully and intentionally disclosed the DNCs communications  would mean that any media outlet that publishes misappropriated documents or emails (exactly what media outlets quite often do) could be sued by the entity or person about which they are reporting.

After the Manning releases in 2010, the Obama Justice Department wanted to sue WikiLeaks. However, they couldnt prove that anyone from WikiLeaks had actually stolen documents. They knew that suing WikiLeaks would have infringed on press freedom. Sue WikiLeaks, and you have to sue the Washington Post as well.

The DNC has no such qualms now.

Do me a favor: Forget for a moment that entire Dem playbook since Trumps election has been to cover and post-facto justify their own failure. Forget the Partys incredible blame-shifting. Forget the corruption of the Dem leadership, forget their brazen attempt to blackmail and boot out progressive activists. Forget how the modern DNC doesnt care about all fifty states, how they enable Trump when theyre not raising money off of him. Forget the nauseating spectacle of this once-great party peddling itself to red-baiting rubes.

Im dead serious. Forget all of that for a moment, and focus on the suit:

What the hell are they doing?

Like the Republicans, the Dems are too in love with the national security state, too indoctrinated with the romance of the virtuous empire. This is has been true since the Wilson Presidency. Obama handed out leak-related charges than the all other presidential administrations combined. But this lawsuit feels different.

Greenwald is quite right. Apart from the externalities of the suittheyre sore about losingthis is wrong on a philosophical, moral, and Constitutional level.

Im not naive about the party. But since Watergate, the Dems have had a central, unstated pretense: remember Nixon? Were not like that. Remember The West Wing? Were those guys!

That was the consolation for progressives  that the Dems, whatever their failings, whatever their Hamptons addiction, stood for the right things, sort of. And one of the things they supposedly stood for was a vigorous press.

If you want a foundation myth of modern institutional Boomer liberalism, go watch Spielbergs The Post, where Graham and Bradlee decide to publish the Pentagon Papers and save the country. As Greenwald notes in his piece, it is extremely common for media outlets to publish stolen or hacked or illegal material. Maddow published part of Trumps tax returns in 2017. The Post published an internal memo from the Trump campaign. The Access Hollywood tape. How many times have secret company documents been leaked to the Wall Street Journal? You can make your own list: the Panama Papers. Chelsea Manning. Edward Snowden. Seymour Hershs entire career. How many intelligence dossiers, how many Internet company memos have seen the light of day because the press were free to publish ill-gotten goods? Its the Pentagon Papers all the way down, fam.

And now, the Democratic Party says its no go?

This entire time, have the Dems only been serious about press freedom because its been Times and the Post?

Or perhaps, they think its different because its WikiLeaks, and WikiLeaks means Assange, and Assange means Trump?

Anyone with a functioning medulla knows that Julian Assange is a chode-rich swamp fish with the morals of a bordello madam. Assanges principal purpose in life is to save his own ass; thats his god, as the last two years have made depressingly clear.

But heres a leak for you: Assanges failings are irrelevant.

If you remember how media companies work, most media owners dont run companies for charity. They do so for profit. If their money-hunting doesnt invalidate their newspapers good works, then why should Assanges pardon-hustling ruin WikiLeaks?

Hell, Assange could be the Zodiac Killer, if Ted Cruz didnt already hold that honor. It would change nothing about the importance of WikiLeaks. Ill go further. It wouldnt have mattered in Daniel Ellsberg had sold the Pentagon Papers to pay for angel dust. The Papers remain the Papers, and the Papers needed to be read.

In this country, in every country, the press and the powerful are at war over information. We journalists fight governments, who want to protect their secrets. We fight corporations, who want to profit from the same. A civilization that runs on bureaucracy is more effective but also more vulnerable: paper and data leaks out. Our job is to catch them in the act. Press freedom demands the publishing and promulgation of illegal material. They dont teach you that in Sunday School or Columbia J-Class, but thats the truth. All important secrets eventually see the light; the Democrats should do likewise.Last week South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un met at the border between the two countries to sign a historic agreement that provides a framework for cooperation and denuclearization which will, per terms in the agreement, lead eventually to the end of the decades-long Korean War. Sensational as this headline is, it also presents several obstacles and uncertainties, a major one being the wishes and interests of the United States, which, in spite of prevailing thought, might actually impede the peace process.

To be sure, over the last three months peace negotiations between the North and South have delivered a number of firsts for the two nations, still technically at war. They reopened direct bilateral talks and fielded a joint Olympic team. Kim has made persistent diplomatic overtures to other countries with stakes in the region, including a trip to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and a covert meeting with Mike Pompeo, soon to be our new Secretary of State. Hes got a meeting ahead with Donald Trump. The North Korean leader has also offered to have international observers come watch his government dismantle a major nuclear test facility.

A real and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula would be a remarkable achievement, and perhaps the one truly good thing to happen to the U.S. on Trumps watch, but its far from certain. First, its not clear that Trump can even handle negotiations. His ego is a massive liability, and Kim is all too happy to see Trump lay claim to nonexistent victories. Negotiations havent begun and hes already let his ego get ahead of himself in two tweets. This first one simply isnt true: North Korea hasnt technically agreed to anything, and Trump misunderstands what denuclearization means to them.

And this one suggests Trumps ego will blow this deal just like hes blown other deals.

Kims plan is obvious: Trump, with the figment of the Nobel Prize and another vanquishing of Obama foremost in his mind, is almost guaranteed to over-commit too early and too loudly (and probably inaccurately) to a peace deal. This will, of course, weaken Trumps ability to make new demands when Kim shifts his position down the line, and it will give North Korea (and China) more leverage. At minimum, then, we can expect Kim to withdraw from Trump concessions on sanctions while he perhaps makes superficial changes to his nuclear program. Hes not giving up his weapons, and its quite possible the whole deal goes bust. At most, Kim will strike a multilateral peace deal that flatters Trump short-term and more or less hands East Asia over to China in the long run. Trump will be fine with this, because he only sees the short term and he only cares about himself. Kim Jong Un would happily endure Trumps ignorant boasts for a few months, knowing long-term the U.S. will be pushed out of the region.

So its not at all clear yet whether an end to the Korean War will be good for America in the long run. Peace on the peninsula will be without doubt a remarkable achievement, but peace doesnt have to go our way, and lots of things can go wrong even if North Korea begins dialing back its nuclear capability. The U.S. lacks the necessary regional diplomatic strength, ability, and legitimacy to broker and enforce an agreement on our terms, and China will likely step in. Both China and the United States, participants in the war, must sign any formal treaty to end the war, and Russia and Japan also hold major stakes in the future of the Korean Peninsula.

To understand how the end of the Korean War might also mean the end of American dominance in Asia, heres a quick look at what the region wants out of a deal, country by country. Trumps problem is he wont care about what other countries care about: As long as he gets his headlines, the rest of the deal doesnt matter. But the end of the war isnt written in the headline. Its in the fine print.

1. Peace. Yes, peace. Despite the way we frame North Korea as a warmongering wild card, they dont actually want

war. That would be mass suicide. Kim wantsfor a number of reasons, including not getting assassinated or overthrown in a coupto make his country more prosperous and open up to international markets. Hes promised this to his people since taking control of the country in 2012, and the best way forward is not through war, but through creating a stable and secure diplomatic and economic framework.

2. Denuclearization. All countries want denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but this terms means different things to different countries. The U.S., of course, wants North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons immediately. But to North Korea, denuclearization means the entire peninsula: It will give up its nukes (so it says) only if the U.S. also gets its nukes out of the region. Donald Trump showed his ignorance of this basic demand in a recent tweet that claimed, falsely, that North Korea agreed to denuclearization. But they havent, because what weve seen so far, including the agreement the two Koreas just signed, havent defined what that word means. My bet is North Korea will use this disagreement as an excuse to keep its nuclear weapons: But the U.S. wont give up theirs!?

3. A strong economy. We focus on North Koreas threats and nukes, which is all our president talks to the American people about, but the whole reason North Korea wanted nuclear weapons was to help achieve the larger long-term goal of turning the countrys economy around. KJU is garbage by almost every possible human measure, but he does want prosperity. He studied in Switzerland and has a fairly good understanding of the West. He knows he cant stay isolated and hope to surviveliterally: he faces coups and assassination. But also, KJU has made this consistent and clear from his very first speech as leader: He wants to rebuild the North Korean economy. But of course, to get there he needs:

4. To get rid of sanctions. Trump is right in that the sanctions currently on North Korea are some of the most restrictive the international community has ever applied. Kim certainly feels the pinch, and he wants them lifted. The minimum goal of these negotiations, it seems, would be to strike some sort of placeholder deal where the international community and North Korea each make good-faith concessions to each other while a larger deal is in the works. This would likely mean lifting sanctions on North Korea to incentivize it to give up its nuclear program. And yes, if that sounds familiar, youre not crazy: Its the Iran deal.

But that brings us to

5. Nukes. Its not likely North Korea will give up the very thing that brought us to the table in the first place. KJUs nukes are two things: a point of pride for his country; and insurance against a U.S. invasion. If North Korea can hit the U.S. with a nuclear missile, it effectively eliminates any threat of war. The U.S. wont risk San Francisco to save Seoul.

And dont sleep on this key detail: In Kims New Years speech (the one about the nuclear button on his desk) he didnt verbally threaten South Korea with war. He offered South Korea peace, and directed the nuclear threat at the United States, and only at the United States. And that segues to another major point:

6. Weaken U.S. friendships in the region. Kim doesnt trust us or like us, and he doesnt want us around. So, like any evil manipulator worth his salt, hes trying to turn our old friends against us. Weve committed to South Koreas defense for decades, but Kim, by targeting the U.S. directly, is testing the limits of that commitment. South Korea and Japan have lived for decades under the very real threat of a catastrophic war, but until now the U.S. hasnt faced that same direct threat from North Korea. Sure, the U.S. says they love you, but are they willing to take a nuke for you?

KJUs bet is that we wouldnt be. And hes right.

More broadly, though, KJU probably sees Trumps disdain for diplomacy as giving him his best shot at winning the peace. This is why Kim has been trying to appear so gracious to South Korea, but not to the United States. The Trump administration hasnt exactly made friends in the region: Hes threatened nuclear war several times, which makes our allies nervous, and even after a full year in office he still doesnt have an ambassador to South Korea. Its no accident Kim has been doing almost all the negotiation on bilateral terms with South Korea, without U.S. officials present. Its also striking that South Korea hasnt yet insisted on bringing U.S. officials to sit in on any of these talks. South Korea might actually be warm to the idea of slowly moving beyond the era of U.S. regional hegemony, which would be great for Kim, whose big goal is:

7. To Strengthen China. This is Kims end game: Show South Korea he can work with them and honor his commitments; make the U.S. diplomatically and militarily irrelevant; and create (or let Trump create) a leadership vacuum in East Asia that gives China an opportunity to step up. Two things to note: China is North Koreas only friend; and Kim wouldnt pursue peace if he thought itd be good for the United States. Hed only do it if he thought itd be overall bad for usand good for China.

What China wants is important, because theyll have to sign any peace treaty. Theyve got leverage, then, and if theyre getting ready to take the U.S. head-on in a trade war, we can expect theyll also go hard at our interests here.

1. Peace. No one wants nuclear war in their backyard. And in event of any war, China would be committed to trying to secure their interests. We dont know exactly what theyd do, either, whose aid they would come to first, but its ugly for everyone.

2. A secure and peaceful border. North Korea and China share a border, and both have troops stationed there. China wants to minimize any chance of conflict, but it also wants to guard against waves of defectors.

3. A stronger, more open North Korean economy. China stands to benefit directly when its ally and black market trading partner rejoins the legit global economy. This also offers China a way to exert more influence on regional markets, bending east Asia a little more to its interests. China can take advantage of this window to strengthen its hand and weaken the U.S., and it already seems confident it can succeed here. A New York Times article yesterday said talks about Trumps new tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum are in danger of falling apart.

4. No U.S. nukes in the region, and a general drawdown of U.S. military presence in East Asia. Remember that China needs to sign any peace treaty. It will likely advocate for the full denuclearization of the peninsula. This opposes the U.S.s position, but China has little interest in a treaty that helps the U.S., especially at Chinas expense. Any treaty will concern the interests of the U.S. and China as much as any other nation, and either or both country could stall or even tank them if theyre not happy. Expect China to use this treaty to extract demands from the U.S.

5. Weaken U.S. influence and broker peace. China will also try to leverage the Trump administrations weakness on peace as a reason South Korea and Japan should be wary of any treaty. Trump is a nut, theyll basically say, who has repeatedly threatened nuclear war and, remarkably, still hasnt put in place an ambassador to South Korea, the most important party. Theyll use this to further delegitimize the U.S. in the region and present themselves as the natural and trustworthy alternative. Of course, none of this will be said publicly or written in any terms. Publicly theyll smile and applaud Trump as he tosses rose petals on himself. Privately, though, they might be distancing themselves. This will lead to a long-term economic victory and a stronger East Asian economy made in the shape of China, independent of the U.S.

Japan, however, which mistrusts China, will be a tough sell.

Japan wants three main things out of a treaty:

1. Peace. For the same reasons as every country in the region, Japan doesnt want a war. Theyre within range of North Koreas nukes, and have been called out as targets. War is a major and terrifying risk.

2. Denuclearization of North Korea. This would obviously be a necessary component to peace.

3. U.S. security. Perhaps as much as South Korea, Japan wants the U.S. there for protection, against both North Korea and possible Chinese aggression. We have a long and committed friendship to Japan, but Trump, however, hasnt exactly been treating Japan too well. Were burning bridges, and that might push Japan toward China, and South Korea might follow them, for similar reasons.

1. Peace. Duh.

2. No North Korean nukes.

3. U.S. protection. For the last several decades the U.S. military has guaranteed South Korea protection from North Korea, which since the 80s has had several thousand mortars aimed at the South Korean capital of Seoul right now. If Kim wanted, he could incinerate Seoul within a matter of hours, no nukes necessary. In other words, North Korea has held Seoul hostage for a while now, which has served as a major but not certain check on a U.S. invasion. South Korea will likely make it difficult for any treaty to push the U.S. military out of the region. However, South Korea also needs

4. The U.S. to agree on denuclearization. Its important to note that the recent peace agreement, though it commits the two countries to denuclearization, didnt include too many specifics about how and when North Korea would denuclearize, nor what North Korea would get in the deal. It only confirmed the common goal of realizing, through complete denuclearization, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

Two questions: What is common? And what is complete?

This sets up conflicts. To North Korea, complete means getting rid of the U.S. Does South Koreas common interest align with this, or indicate it would be open to agreeing with these terms? This is critical because if North Korea offers to denuclearize completely only if the U.S. does the same in the region, Trump must make a choice. If he doesnt agree to these terms, he can tank the deal and Kim can point to the U.S. as being the unreasonably militaristic country: Its our fault it didnt go through.

At the same time, if the U.S. does back down then it telegraphs that were not willing to sacrifice San Francisco to protect Seoul. And remember: China must agree to the terms of the treaty, and they dont want U.S. nukes around any more than South Korea does.

1. Peace? Until now it could be said without doubt that the U.S. wants peace. War is still off the table, though, because it would be unimaginably devastating for the U.S. military, Seoul, American citizens in South Korea, all of East Asia, and the global economy. But Trump himself (and new NSA John Bolton) doesnt seem to necessarily want it that way. I still have confidence, though, that the costs will outweigh any perceived benefits to military conflict, which is now more true than ever given North Koreas missiles can perhaps now reach U.S. cities. Will we still go all out to protect South Korea and Japan? Not so clear.

2. Peace Prize? This is what Trump wants. As mentioned before, of course, his ego is his biggest weakness. Hes going to promise too much too quickly, and make himself seem like the person solely responsible for the deal. Then when Kim reneges on some terms, Trump will be willing to give up a lot more simply to save face. With Trumps ego distracted, the rest of the region can set the real terms.

2. Denuclearization, sorta. Weve strictly maintained that North Korea must denuclearize completely, but weve never had that on the table ourselves. Weve also promised to keep our military in the region to guarantee protection and check North Korean advance. Well therefore resist any demand to remove our nukes and troops, but that runs the risk of making us seem too bellicose. Thats especially true if South Korea calculates it would be worth a peace long in the making.

3. Domination. Weve guided and guaranteed the economic development of East Asia, through trade and our clout as by far the largest global economy. The United States is directly responsible for the rise of Japan and South Korea, and they have a long-standing friendship with us.

So that is what it comes down to: We dont want to forfeit our influence in the region, but any treaty will almost certainly weaken our position, and under Trump this is even more likely. It will likely also expose on the global stage our hypocrisy about military and nuclear policy. North Korea has likely planned this out, and will use peace, of all things, to drive a wedge between the U.S. and the other East Asian countries. China has every incentive to seize the same opportunity and assert itself as the dominant country in the region.

Kim Jong Un doesnt trust us any more than we trust him. There are plenty of reasons on all sides that a treaty could fail, but if you look to the long term, a successfully negotiated Trump deal might be even worse. At least, for us.Lenovos Thinkpad X1 Yoga takes the companys legendary business laptop design and turns it upside-down, thanks to its 360-degree hinge. We unbox the X1 Yoga and show off all of its cool features. Prices start at $1,484.10 on Lenovos website.

The attention to detail starts with a keyboard that locks flush with the tray in tablet mode, so you dont have to worry about typing accidentally. The display has a webcam that you can close with the slide of a switch. While a 19201080 display is standard, you can move up to a 4K HDR display thats sure to be dazzling (if hard on your battery life). Speaking of battery life, Lenovo claims up to 15 hours on this unit, which will be amazing if true. Did we mention it meets military standards for dust and water resistance? Stay tuned for our review of this thoughtfully designed laptop.Facebook returned to its roots at the F8 developer conference on Monday, announcing several new features designed to connect its user base, rather than worry them about how much data it was slurping up. Several new features were announced, including Watch Party, Instagram video chat, and even a Facebook Dating app. Watch out, Tinder.

How will Facebook change? Heres what you need to know. (For a list of everything,, see Facebooks blog post.)

Note: On the hardware front, the Oculus Go standalone mobile VR headset is now available worldwide for $199 on Amazon.

1.) Facebook Dating

Dating? On Facebook? You could sayits complicated. Facebook wants to establish a platform for long-term relationships by letting you find your next ex on its platform, Facebook execs told developers at F8.

Facebook With Facebook Dating, youll create a totally separate profile thats not visible to your friends.

And how will it let you do this? People will be able to create a dating profile that is separate from their Facebook profileand potential matches will be recommended based on dating preferences, things in common, and mutual friends, according to Facebook. That means that Facebook is going to take all those likes for obscure bands that you probably dont like any more and use them to find you your next life partner. At least it will just use your first name. Did we mention that it needs data to do that?

You can follow the stock price of Tinder parent Match Group as it falls off a cliff.

2.) Watch Party

Lets say that your friend is testifying before Congress. Zuckerberg introduced Watch Partya way of importing a video stream into Facebook, and then organizing a chat room around itwith a big grin, implying that answering questions from the nations lawmakers was just another mildly embarrassing event that was overshared.

Facebook Cant make it over to a friends house? Watch it over the Internet!

Collectively watching movies online has been tried in the past but Facebook might have the reach to finally pull it off. But remember when livestreaming a video on Facebook was a thing? Will that be replaced with Watch Party?

3.) Clear History

Facebook has always dragged its heels on letting you escape its clutches. While Microsoft offers numerous privacy controls to minimize its data use, Facebook said its building a tool called Clear History, which will allow you to be able to see what data Facebook has collected from apps and websites, and allow you to purge it, too. Zuckerberg warned users that Facebook wont be as good without that additional data, but at least youll have better control over whats being shared.

Facebook How easy will the Clear History feature be to find, we wonder?

Naturally, Facebook will still provide apps and websites with aggregated analytics. We can do this without storing the information in a way thats associated with your account, Facebook said. Okay then.

Clear History is due in next few months, most likely after all the criticism of Facebooks privacy practices has simmered down.

4.) Instagram video chat

Many people dont realize that Instagram is owned by Facebook, which is probably why Messenger-style video chats are coming to Instagram.

5.) AR effects for Instagram

At 2017s F8 conference, Facebook announced its AR camera platform. With AR Studio creators will be able to design face filters and world effects and share them to their IG followers.

6.) WhatsApp group calling

After youve launched video and voice calling, where do you go from there? Group calling will be coming to WhatsApp in the months ahead, Facebook said.

7.) Translations via M Translations

Facebook used to use Microsoft Bing for translations, but now its going to use its own M Translations engine via the Marketplace feature. Its just Spanish-to-English for now, but Facebook hopes to add more in the future. Since the M stands for Messenger, it should arrive on Messenger over time.

Facebook Facebook Translations cover just English to Spanish, for now.

8.) Crisis Response

Remember when Mark Zuckerberg virtually toured Puerto Rico, strolling through scenes of destruction? Now youll have a chance to contribute those scenes as they happen! In all seriousness, this last feature does have some utility, as crowdsourced footage has become an invaluable way of reporting on events in real time. The Crisis Response feature will be rolling out later this year, as a way of sharing information ranging from road closures to real time outages.

Correction: Facebooks Translations will be initially called M Translations.A Guatemalan Town Rediscovers Its Identity Through Art

Story and photos by Shelley Seale

A town on the shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala injects new energy in the community by making its buildings as colorful as its traditional clothing.

Coming into the town of Santa Catarina Palopo, in the highlands of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, what you notice first are the vibrant colors. Most of the buildings along the main street and square are striking, in deep, varied hues of blues and greens; interspersed with pops of red and yellow to form intricate patterns and designs.

The energy in the small village is just as vibrant, and palpable. Locals greet each other and visitors warmly on the streets. You can feel the joy and the pride that emanates from Santa Catarinas citizens. And the colorful buildings have a lot to do with it.

Situated along the shore of Lake Atitlan, three miles away from the popular tourist destination of Panajachel, Santa Catarina Palopo was once a sleepy town of 5,000 people, most of them indigenous and dependent on waning agricultural work. But the art project Pintado Santa Catarina Palopo, responsible for the rich colors that the buildings are swathed in here, has transformed the town into a destination on its ownas well as a thriving place for its citizens to be proud of.

Indeed, it shows the power that arteven a simple coat of paintcan have to change lives.

Painting as Pride Spreads North

The Pintado initiative in Guatemala was inspired by a similar project in the favelas of Brazil. Its the brainchild of Guatemala City native Harris Whitbeck, who has spent his life vacationing in and visiting the picturesque towns that dot the peaceful Lake Atitlan shores, with the dramatic volcanoes rising up above it all. On a visit to Brazil, Harris became enamored of the Favela Painting Foundation that was turning the slums into a living art installation.

Two Dutch artists, Dre Urhahn and Jeroen Koolhaas, started the Brazilian project as a way to use art as a powerful weapon to catalyze social change, and create a sense of ownership and beauty in the favelas.

Harris knew that something similar could be done in Santa Catarina Palopo.

The first step was inviting Urhahn and Koolhaas to Guatemala to share their ideas and experiences. The artists agreed, arriving in Santa Catarina in October 2016 where they conducted a 12-day lab with twenty local community leaders. Besides sharing their knowledge and vision from Brazil and providing inspiration for the Guatemalan Pintado effort, Urhahn and Koolhaas helped the community to decide on their color palette and designs.

From Guatemalan Clothing to House Walls

This is where the unique heritage of not only Guatemala, but also Santa Catarina and its Kaqchikel Maya indigenous traditions, came into play. One of the most striking and instantly recognizable characteristics of the region is the blue huipil, or blouse, which has been worn prominently by local women since the 16th century. That deep azure blue was chosen as the primary color for the Pintado project, with secondary colors found in their clothing, textiles and topography to complement it.

Guatemala is, first of all, beautiful in its landscapes and its people, Koolhaas said. The colors that are everywhere, the clothing, the houseseverything is full of color.

As for the designs that would be used, they would also find inspiration in local culture. Symbols such as volcanoes, flowers, maize, Mayan-styled butterflies and the national bird of Guatemala, the quetzal, were incorporated.

A non-profit organization was formed, Asociacion Pintando el Cambio, consisting of Harris and his niece, Melissa Whitbeck; lead designer Diego Olivero; local leaders Alfredo Maul and Sylvia Moreira; and Claudia Bosch and her daughter, Maria Cristina, The Boschs own the nearby luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel, Casa Palopo, which is a major supporter of the project.

A team of six masons and painters and a residing architect were hired by Asociacion Pintando el Cambio to kick off the process. The group had a lofty mission: To transform the lives of the inhabitants of Santa Catarina Palopo through an artistic intervention that generates a sense of belonging, community pride and a climate of citizen involvement.

In the end, that is exactly what happened.

Since the project got underway in mid-2017 with its first painting job, the entire central square of the town, Pintado has sparked development, job opportunities, pride, and empowerment in its citizens. After the first few families came on board to paint their homes, more families began adding themselves to the list, eager to have their homes or businesses beautified. Every family or business that participates selects their own color and design from the palette and patterns that represent the towns ancient textiles usually found woven on the garments of the indigenous people. Participants must also work on the painting project alongside association members and their neighbors.

Beauty Spreads Like an Idea

At first, the idea of the project left many unsure about participating, Melissa Whitbeck said. But once they started seeing the first houses painted, or seeing their next-door neighbors getting involved, painting their homes with colorful murals, the residents that were hesitant at first began to enjoy the idea and wanted to participate as well.

The Pintado project has also increased tourism awareness. After the first few dozen homes were painted in 2017, word began to spread. Casa Palopo implemented it as a cultural exchange and service project through the inn, inviting guests to participate in a painting project and tour the town, meeting some of its residents. Shops, cafes and artisans have seen tourist numbers and their business increase.

Its really about finding ways to help them feel more dignified, about what they can do, Melissa said.

The project has helped to team up public and private sectors to develop tourist lookout points, develop ancestral paths, provide tourism training, and improve the school, healthcare center and water system. The goal is to paint all of the approximately 800 buildings in town. Around 50 have been completed so far and there is a wait list of about 150 homes for completion through 2019.

"While it is projected that itll take two or three more years to complete, you can already see a considerable difference in the town, Melissa said. The coloring of the buildings/homes (that are currently just grey, cemented structures), is believed to improve the quality of life of the people. Uplifting the peoples mood and encouraging them to be proud of where they come from."

Its a sentiment echoed by Claudia Bosch of Casa Palopo. The sustainability of our communities is essential for its proper development, she said. This is the reason why we love being part of and getting involved with the Pintando Santa Catarina Palopo project, through which we ensure the growth, education and development of our community through painting and art.

The transformation of Santa Catarina Palopo has far exceeded that of colorfully painted buildings. It has instilled a sense of ownership and community among its citizens, brought new work and entrepreneurial opportunities, and created a place of beauty for residents and visitors alike. Perhaps most importantly, it has rejuvenated the cultural identity of the town and its proud people.

Shelley Seale is a professional freelance writer, editor, and author based out of Austin, Texas. She has written for National Geographic, USA Today, Globe Pequot Press, CNN, AOL, BootsnAll Travel and Andrew Harper Traveler, among others. She is also the author or a contributing author of six books. See more at tradingplacesglobal.com.

Related Features:

Unreached Realities in Guatemalan Mangroves - Luke Maguire Armstrong

Handmade in Oaxaca - Tim Leffel

Village of The Dolls in Skikoku - Judith Fein

A Hermit's Prayer on Salvation Mountain - James Michael Dorsey





See other Central America travel stories from the archivesHabitat for Humanity's goal is to provide a hand up in addition to shelter

GaylordConservatives may have to give up their dream of going after Social Security and Medicare. But its not clear theyll ever embrace a positive agenda for big government. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

For a relative whippersnapper (hes 38), Reihan Salam has been writing about the relationship between the Republican Partys policy agenda and its electoral coalition for a long time. Back in 2005, he and (nowNew York Times columnist) Ross Douthat penned an influential essay entitled The Party of Sams Club, which argued that the GOPs pro-corporate, libertarian domestic policies were poorly aligned with the partys actual white working-class base. Later expanded into a book (entitled Grand New Party), their hypothesis became one of the foundational works of the so-called Reformicon movement, which typically called for more middle class (and family-) oriented economic policies and a pullback on corporate support for liberalized immigration.

As I noted when Donald Trump first emerged as a serious threat to win the GOP presidential nomination, Trumpism was like a cruel parody of what Salam and Douthat were talking about:

[L]ike a very bad joke (You call that Sams Club Republicanism? Heres Sams Club Republicanism!), along came a presidential candidate who represented what many in the white working class really wanted: not just a GOP Establishment figure who paid their economic interests lip service, but someone who violently opposed liberalized immigration policies along with the pro-trade, entitlement reform orthodoxy of wealthy GOP elites, and articulated a fear of cultural change and national decline that most well-off Republicans, continuing to prosper during the current economic recovery, could not begin to fathom.

This development clearly horrified Salam, who promptly said he hated Trump and would not vote for the nominee of his party (while pledging to stay and fight for its redemption). But even as the orthodox conservatives he once criticized for disrespecting the white working class quickly accommodated themselves to Trumpism in most of its particulars, Salam is still looking for a populist path that isnt just Trumps racially soaked demagoguery. And now he thinks he may have found it in a future Republican adjustment to Democratic populism.

Democrats are finally, Salam believes, beginning to compete for the white working-class vote they have lost in recent decades:

Their hope, as I understand it, is that blue-collar voters who dissent from the partys social liberalism will nevertheless embrace its economic populism, which would compare favorably with the faux populism of Trump. It is a strategy that makes sense. Its worth remembering, however, that Republicans can make adjustments of their own.

One of those adjustments, Salam hopes, is to begin to think more positively about the kind of universal benefit programs white working-class voters strongly support, instead of simply counting on building resentment towards nonuniversal welfare.

[T]here is considerable evidence that Donald Trumps white working-class supporters maintain a distinction between universal social-insurance programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, and means-tested social-welfare programs, such as SNAP and TANF. Whereas the former are seen as benefiting deserving workers, who have paid into the system over the years, the latter are often resented as programs that chiefly benefit the idle poor. Republican policymakers can thus go in one of two directions: either make means-tested social-welfare programs more punitive, to make life more difficult for supposed shirkers, or transform them into more universal programs, so they are of greater benefit to the (putatively) more deserving majority. Thus far, Republicans have been emphasizing the former over the latter. But in a few years time, I suspect that will change.

That will happen, Salam thinks, because old-school right-wing welfare-bashing wont successfully compete with a Democratic Party willing not only to defend but to expand Social Security and Medicare.

While Salam briefly discusses a less-means-tested SNAP program and that hardy Reformicon staple of a greatly expanded child tax credit as possible avenues for positive appeals to the white working class, its not at all clear that either Republican voters or elites are going to be very receptive. As Salam himself notes, conservative populists tend to think of retirement programs like Social Security and Medicare not as offering benefits conferred by government, but as acknowledging benefits earned by a lifetime of contributions and work. In other words, its not the absence of means-testing that makes them universal or popular. To the extent that white working-class voters think of minorities and/or the very poor as shiftless, tossing them into the same boat as everyone else wont necessarily help, and for that matter, work requirements that dont exclude people from benefits may not be that popular, either.

And its hard to discern any likely trend in Salams direction among Republican pols and ideologues, either. Right now orthodox conservatives have made their peace with Trump  and given up considerable ground on trade and immigration  via a deal that gives them tax cuts, deregulation and periodic efforts to pare back welfare in one form or another. Part of the deal is that conservatives wont make suicidal attacks on Social Security and Medicare. But thats not the same as being interested in some positive agenda of new or expanded entitlements that somehow benefit the needy without alienating the white working class.

Unless a lot of things change at both the elite and rank-and-file levels, Republicans are probably stuck with a domestic-policy strategy of resisting big government when it benefits Democratic constituencies, accepting it when it benefits Republican constituencies, and hewing to the traditional side of culture-war topics. As Reihan Salam has explained very well, healthy political parties dance with the ones that brung em to the ball. Wall Street has probably done about all the accommodating of the white working class that its going to do. So those still unhappy with the mix should probably take a longer look at the options the other party offers.MENTIONS:

Valldal is a small village on the West Coast of Norway known for its amazingly juicy strawberries is also a world-class mountain biking destination. It's a natural choice for our Sweet Protection photo shoot. Last summer you might have seen Sweet Protection ambassador Mads Makken Haugen biking on what looks like the edge of the world in Norways west coast town of Geirangerfjorden. Playing host to some of the most dramatic landscapes anywhere, Geirangerfjorden is a popular tourist attraction with its unique fjords, abundant waterfalls and towering mountains.However, less than an hour away you can escape the throngs of cruise ship tourists for a quieter place with world-class mountain biking and the juiciest strawberries you will ever taste. Some would say it's mountain bike paradise on Earth, others just call it Valldal.Placed between the two main tourist attractions of Trollstigen and Geirangerfjorden, Valldal was for a long time a hidden gem mostly enjoyed by the locals. Due to its location in a small valley away from the coast, Valldal is often a couple of degrees warmer than its neighbors (hence the extraordinary strawberry situation), making it the perfect summer outdoor adventure location. And indeed, it is. At least if you enjoy mountain biking.Mountain biking on the West Coast is tough. There are no lifts to take you to the top. And with some climbs rising so quickly, this is definitely hike-a-bike territory, meaning youll have to earn your turns in the summertime, too. However, riding on the West Coast is spectacular and well worth the effort. If you arent convinced by the views at the top, the ride down is guaranteed to win you over.Whether you prefer smooth, flowy trail or a more technical ride, Valldal offers it all. The quality ride, small-town coffee shop, strawberry fields, fjords and unique mountain views make it sound like a cliche, but its not. Its Valldal.Hike-a-bike territory.But definitely worth the effort.There's no such thing as bad weather. Every day is a single-track kind of day!Don't let a little rain stop you. Try the Hunter series from Sweet Protection if youre in need of an upgrade.This was the perfect location for our Sweet Protection photo shoot. We wanted the views, the unique terrain and the best trails. Here captured in front of the famous Romsdals Horn.Another upside of our choice of location, is the fact that you will never run out of water. Waterfalls are not a rare sight, and the water quality is first class.All photos taken by Dan Milner for the Norwegian brand Sweet Protection.From tours to premieres to full-length classics, this is an exciting week in ballet. Weve rounded up programs by Tulsa Ballet, BalletNext, National Ballet of Canada, Pennsylvania Ballet, Charlotte Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet, as well as an evening of dance and music curated by Damian Woetzel and featuring some of ballets biggest stars, to give you a sense of whats happening on ballet stages this week.





Tulsa Ballet

This Oklahoma-based company is heading east for a five-day run at The Joyce Theater in New York City, opening March 6. Their first time at the Joyce in 9 years, the company is bringing a world premiere by resident choreographer Ma Cong as well as works by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Helen Pickett. Check out a preview below.





BalletNext

Former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Michele Wiless company BalletNext returns to New York Live Arts on March 6 after a year-long hiatus as Wiles welcomed the birth of her first child. The program features four new works choreographed by Wiles (one co-choreographed by and performed with deaf dancer Bailey Anne Vincent). The company has been posting lots of behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage on Instagram, as well as glamorous shots by dance photographer Nisian Hughes.









DEMO by Damian Woetzel: Now



On March 7 Damian Woetzel presents an evening of recent dance commissions at The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Ballet stars Sara Mearns and Patricia Delgado will perform alongside a number of modern dance artists; Mearns will dance Alexei Ratmanskys solo Fandago and Delgado will perform in two works by postmodern choreographer Pam Tanowitz. Catch a glimpse of Mearns fiery solo in the video below (skip to 2:27).

National Ballet of Canada



From March 8-18, National Ballet of Canada presents the classic Sleeping Beauty. Their version was choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev in 1966 and was first performed by NBoC in 1972. Need a quick refresher on the story? The company put together this fun animated synopsis.

Pennsylvania Ballet

Pennsylvania Ballet is following the story ballet trend this week with the company premiere of Marius Petipas Swan Lake, running from March 8-18 at the Academy of Music. While the company has performed shortened or re-imagined versions in the past, this is their first time presenting the full-length original, re-staged by artistic director Angel Corella. Check out those turns!

Charlotte Ballet



On March 9 Charlotte Ballet is presenting the American premiere of The Most Incredible Thing, the fairytale pop ballet choreographed by Javier de Frutos to music by the Pet Shop Boys. Running through March 18 in Charlottes Knight Theater, this retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fable is sure to thrill audiences. Check out the compilation of rehearsal footage below, or this full length video of the production performed in London in 2011.

The Joffrey Ballet



This is certainly the season for Romeo and Juliet, and The Joffrey Ballet is no exception. On March 9 the Chicago-based company is bringing their production, choreographed by Krzysztof Pastor, to The Music Centers Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. The following day theyll also open their production of Orpheus and Eurydice, directed and choreographed by John Neumeier, in collaboration with the L.A. Opera. Theyll be in L.A. through March 25.Donald Trump meets with Russian diplomats in the Oval Office shortly after his inauguration. Photo: Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

Would any defense lawyer advise @realDonaldTrump to meet with SC Mueller? In the absence of any evidence of collusion, why? asks conservative pundit Hugh Hewitt. No collusion = end of inquiry. The idea that Robert Mueller has no evidence of collusion, and that he has instead diverted his interest into the secondary crime of obstruction of justice, has been taken up by Trump and repeated on the right so frequently it has settled into seeming hardened fact.

Of course, what Mueller knows about collusion and what the public knows about collusion are two different things. Even we mere civilians have access to a great deal of information on cooperation between the Trump campaign and Russia. Whether this body of information amounts to proof of collusion is something you could dispute if you took an especially stringent definition of the terms proof and collusion.

You might know that a man ran into a building with a gun, then a person was shot in the building, and then the man ran out. All this would be evidence he committed the murder, while perhaps falling short of proof. Proof is a very high standard to meet. But evidence of collusion? Theres simply no question that there is evidence. Lots and lots of it.

Paul Manaforts lawyers adopted a version of the Trumpian defense, that the Mueller probe is a fishing expedition for unrelated crimes. The Department of Justice answered this with a legal filing specifically affirming that he is investigating whether Manafort committed a crime or crimes by colluding with Russian government officials with respect to the Russian governments efforts to interfere with the 2016 election.

What do we know about Manafort? We know he ran the campaign of a pro-Russian candidate on behalf of Russia previously; that he had taken on massive debt to a foreign patron, Oleg Deripaska; that Deripaska was working on behalf of the Russian governments foreign policy; that Manafort accepted his position as Trumps campaign manager for free; and that he hoped his work for Trump would help him get whole with Deripaska.

Does that prove Trumps campaign manager was working with Russia? No, but it certainly counts as evidence.

Want more evidence? Okay. Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos met with a Russian agent who told him he had dirt on Hillary Clinton, later boasted that Russia had obtained damaging Clinton emails, and lied to the FBI about his contacts with Russia. That would also qualify as evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.

Peter W. Smith, a veteran Republican political operative, attempted to obtain stolen Clinton emails and told the people he contacted in pursuit of these emails he was working on behalf of the Trump campaign. When one of the cybersecurity experts he contacted warned Smith that his work might involve collusion with Russia, it did not dissuade him at all. That also seems like evidence.

Trump confidant Roger Stone reportedly knew about stolen Clinton emails, emailed with the person who had the stolen material, publicly flaunted his advance knowledge of these emails, and also spoke regularly with Donald Trump during the period when he had this knowledge. It is a virtual certainty Stone colluded with Russia on the email hack, and highly probable he made Trump an accessory after the fact.

Then of course there is the 2016 Trump Tower meeting. I would argue that the publicly available information pertaining to that episode amounts to proof of Trump campaign collusion with Russia. You have a Russian agent dangling Russian assistance in the election (part of Russia and its governments support for Mr. Trump), and the offer of help being accepted (if its what you say I love it). It doesnt even matter to what degree or even whether the offer was actually followed through. If you take a meeting to plan a crime, and the crime later happens and you benefit, you are an accessory to the crime whether or not you participated after the meeting.

But even if you dont consider the Trump Tower meeting to be absolute proof of collusion, it is certainly evidence of collusion. It was, after all, a meeting held for the express purpose of furthering cooperation  or, as it were, collusion  between the Trump campaign and Russia. And there is no reason to believe that the publicly available evidence of this meeting  which Trump and his family have lied about, repeatedly  contains the entire extent of the information about it.

The report from Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee reports that, on June 6, 2016, Donald Trump Jr. made two phone calls with Emin Agalarov. In between those two calls  which, based on emails he exchanged around that time with Rob Goldstone, indicate Trump successfully arranged the meeting during the calls  Donald Jr. made another call. Phone records show the call, at 4:27 p.m., was to a blocked phone number. Corey Lewandowski told the House Intelligence Committee that Donald Trump had a blocked phone number. Despite the [Democratic] Minoritys repeated efforts to obtain home or cell phone records for then-candidate Trump to determine whether the blocked call was Trump Jr.s father, Democrats report, the Majority was unwilling to pursue the matter.

This has not attracted nearly enough attention. There is clear forensic evidence to show that Donald Trump, Jr. called somebody, quite likely his father, while he was rushing to set up the Trump Tower meeting. House Republicans blocked an effort to prove that Donald Trump was the person he called.

Trumps own rhetoric after the meeting provides more evidence he was briefed on the Russian offer to provide dirt on Clinton. Trump promised to deliver a major speech within a few days. Trump promised he would be discussing all of the things that have taken place with the Clintons. I think youre going to find it very informative and very, very interesting.

The Republican narrative has embraced the fantastical interpretation first that there is no public evidence of collusion, and the even more delusional offshoot belief that Mueller therefore has no private evidence of collusion. The intent of saying this, of course, is to enable Republican efforts to obstruct or eventually end the probe, which they can justify on the grounds that there was no evidence of collusion anyway. And they are advertising in advance their intent to declare Trump innocent of wrongdoing regardless of how damning the final indictment may be.(Updated May 2 with comments from CCDCOE).

On April 29, the Russian state news agency Sputnik cited two experts who claimed that the April 14 airstrikes carried out by the United States, Britain and France on Syrian government targets violated international law.

The Sputnik article referred to a news story in the Sydney Morning Herald, which quoted Lieutenant Colonel Kris van der Meij, a Dutch lawyer who works at the Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence (CCDCOE), a body accredited by NATO. Van der Meij previously worked as a legal adviser for NATO.

Van der Meij was quoted as saying he and his colleagues at the CCDCOE do not agree with the British governments claim that the strikes were legal under international law if they were carried out to alleviate overwhelming human suffering -- in this case, resulting from the Syrian regimes chemical attacks on civilians.

A representative from the CCDCOE later told Polygraph.info that Van der Meijs comments "were taken out of context" -- that Van der Meijs spoke of the concepts without specifically speaking of the Syrian conflict. The newspaper has not responded publicly yet, but even considering the CCDOE assertion, the Polygraph.info "verdict" does not change. ,

According to Van der Meij, there are only three formal legal justifications to use military force -- in self-defense, in accordance with a U.N. Security Council resolution, and at the invitation of a recognized government. He also clarified that while there was much discussion about formalizing the use of humanitarian intervention as a justification for military action, nothing has been adopted yet because different parties disagree on what constitutes legitimate humanitarian intervention.

An official with the U.S. State Department responded with a statement Monday calling the strikes "justified, legitimate and proportionate" stating that Russia was complicit in the Assad regime's "use of chemical weapons in violation of international law."

"This is a problem that has only been exacerbated by Russia's persistent refusal to use its influence with Syria to bring an end to the regime's continuing, unacceptable use of chemical weapons, and by Russia's vetoes of U.N. resolutions on Syria," the U.S.official said.

And U.N. officials, in the past, have directed accusations of war crimes at Syria and Russia.

"Let us be clear: Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing. They know they are committing war crimes," U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said at the time of attacks on Aleppo in 2016.

The Sputnik article also cited Christine Chinkin, a professor of international law at the London School of Economics, and Mary Kaldor, a professor of global governance also at LSE, who jointly criticized British Prime Minister Theresa Mays justification for the attack in an open letter to the publication Open Democracy.

The two authors noted that while a number of international law experts support the concept of humanitarian intervention, it has not been formally recognized. Furthermore, they pointed out that while the attacks on Syria may be considered a legitimate response to the Assad regimes use of chemical weapons, not only were they in violation of international law, it is also difficult to argue they alleviated human suffering since they were extremely limited strikes.

The arguments put forward by Chinkin and Kaldor in their open letter have been echoed by other experts. For example, Craig Martin, a security fellow at the Truman National Security Project, wrote an article stating that while the so-called Responsibility to Protect has been invoked to justify interventions like the one in Kosovo in 1999, it has not yet been codified as international law. Martin writes there is little doubt the Assad regime in Syria has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the last two years.Yet, he argued that if military intervention is not lawful, then it represents nothing more than vigilante justice.

During his announcement of the strikes, U.S. President Donald Trump explained the United States' rationale behind the strikes.

"The purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread, and use of chemical weapons," the president said.

At the U.N. April 14, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley repeated the rationale.

"The targets we selected were at the heart of the Syrian regimes illegal chemical weapons program. The strikes were carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties," she said.

"We did not give diplomacy just one chance. We gave diplomacy chance after chance." she added in her statement.

Still, experts on international law do not agree with U.S. and British. assertions of legality, though they acknowledge that this is a separate issue from the question of whether such a strike is morally justified.

There is no UNSC no resolution; its a sovereign state; its an internal matter- theres no conventional justification, Tom Ginsburg, who teaches International Law at the University of Chicago, told Polygraph.info. The responsibility to protect is a doctrine of uncertain status. Its been invoked on a couple of occasions. The U.S. position on it has been uneven. I cant really see how it would be legal. Thats all separate from whether its moral or a good idea. We have to separate positive law from these other issues.

William Partlett, an associate professor of law at the University of Melbourne, also criticized the missile strikes lack of legality, noting that the failure of Western countries to abide by international law sets a bad example.

In fact, it becomes far harder - if not impossible - for the United States, the UK, and France to condemn the use of force by other countries when they themselves grossly flaunt it, Partlett wrote. So if we care at all about the rules-based order, we should worry about ignoring international law constraints on the use of force. Otherwise we are admitting that [the] international legal regime on the use of force has completely broken down.Congrats YBN Almighty Jay!

Just when you thought news about Blac Chyna was simmering down after her beef with her baby daddy, Rob Kardashian and his family late last year, the stripper-turned-model-turned-reality-star-turned-whatever's next is making headlines again. If you remember, Chyna went after the Kardashians in late '17 for "damaging her brand" after her ex posted nude pics of her on social media and the family "verbally and physically abused" her. But it looks like the lady has moved on to an 18-year-old  rapper YBN Almighty Jay, her current main squeeze.

i1.wp.com

She is reported to be pregnant by the fella  barely an adult himself  and he's over the moon. As Page Six quoted him, "I don't wear condoms. . . I would not want to fk a bitch I did not want to get pregnant. If Chyna got pregnant, I would keep that st like 'ohh daddy love you,' I love that ass.'" If that's not romance, then cupid's a con artist.



This will be Chyna's third child. She has a 5-year-old son, King Cairo, with her ex, Tyga, and a 17-month-old girl, Dream, with Kardashian. And baby makes three. So does YBN Almighty Jay in terms of Chyna's "baby daddies."

the-hollywood-gossip-res.cloudinary.com

Like an episode of Maury, Chyna's wild love life only gets wackier as she supposedly matures. And by the way, Chyna met her teenage boyfriend on Christian Mingle. Almighty, indeed.



Stay tuned for more Chyna baby news. "Bump" watchers can be sure to see/hear more from the pair as their relationship (and Chyna's belly) grows. In hindsight, Kris Jenner should have kept that reality show, Rob & Chyna on the air. This story would surely bring in better ratings than Rob's sock line sales.

the-hollywood-gossip-res.cloudinary.com

Melissa A. Kay is a New York-based writer, editor, and content strategist. Follow her work on PopDust as well as sites including TopDust, Chase Bank, P&G, Understood.org, The Richest, GearBrain, The Journiest, Bella, TrueSelf, AMC Daycare, and more.

POPDUST | Read More Kardashian-related News

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RECAP | 'Keeping up with the Kardashians' returns to BravoIts 1951, and Marlon Brando has just strolled onto the set of a crummy New Orleans apartment to do a scene with Vivien Leigh in front of the rolling cameras. You watch him say the lines, watch his face change and his hands move, and a new sensation wriggles around in your belly. Theres something about him. Something potent and electrifying that you cant name. Hes a star, and you want to watch him. You want to be him, maybe  or be in his bed.

Perhaps its Angelina Jolie who floats your boat, or Ryan Gosling. You cant say why, but you love to see their movies, to scroll through fancy studio stills of them on the Internet. Even those who examine culture with a critical eye have favorite stars, whether or not theyd actually buy a tabloid mag when someone in particular is on the cover. Its related to the guilty pleasure somehow: the guilty gaze. We should be wiser than the crowd, shouldnt invest in celebrity culture and instead stand back to analyze and interpret. But for the right personality, were all Beatlemaniacs, completely undone in the presence of that certain something.

Star studies, a subspecialty in film scholarship, is sort of a philosophical, highbrow version of reading Us Weekly and People: an examination of the interaction between us normies and the people we watch on screens large and small. What do we see, what do we love, when we watch Humphrey Bogart? How did he create fame out of who and what he is and does, and how is that fame different than what, say, Meryl Streep sets forth? What do they have in common? Whats the purpose of their fame in the lives of their fans, and whats the metaphysical role that a beloved actor plays in a film? Take Jack Nicholson, for instance  for decades, hes been playing tiny variations on the role of Jack Nicholson. Thats what audiences like about him, whereas we want other actors to play actual parts with distinct and discrete characteristics. Whats up with that? Star studies geeks have engaged with puzzles like these as vividly as any nun has considered God.

And for nuns and monks of cinema, Gods Like Us: On Movie Stardom and Modern Fame (Anchor, 2013), is a scriptural marvel. Its a history of American stardom written by Boston Globe film critic Ty Burr, but its also an extended meditation on celebrity, on identity, on where the two cross and chemically react. Its a wending way that traces whats happened over the course of the century that cinema has existed to get us where we are now. Its enormously fun to read, too.

Although Burr doesnt offer many concrete answers to star studies inquiries in Gods Like Us, he provides an awful lot of material to work with when kneading through the subject. He also dances and twirls through the history of movie stardom, telling the tale with wit and colloquial language and with a genuine sense of the fun of it all. Crucially, he helps to clarify the reason that movie stars are so fascinating to sophisticated audiences who should know better than to be ensorcelled by a pretty face.

[T]hese are human beings whose flaws we in the audience suspect and ignore, torn as we are between venerating the larger projection and wanting to pull down the screen The ongoing mistake of the moviegoing public is to confuse the two and to ascribe great psycho-mythic power where there is usually only very good playacting. This is the mistake that fuels fan mail, Web shrines, and celebrity stalkers alike  that the star is exactly who we see  and it masks the ignored but necessary pleasures of the ordinary.

Yet for the viewer in the know, the viewer who is aware of stars humanity but is nevertheless bewitched, its the tension inherent there that keeps us in the audience. Heres a young lady named Jean Harlow:

Jean Harlow in Dinner at Eight (1933) (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images   2012 Getty Images) (IMDB)

Pictures like this, of classical Hollywood glamour, offer the impression of immortal creatures sculpted from clay and silver nitrate, rather than humans born and painted and frozen into a state of beauty by a photographers camera. Harlows body was of flesh, we know, because it failed her and she died. She had a life not inherently unlike any womans, in that she laughed and slept and read books and made love and ate food and excreted it. But the glory and power in this picture belies those incontrovertible facts about her.

The clash between these two identities, between Harlow as goddess and Harlow as human, is part of what mesmerizes, whether the picture is of Harlow or Clark Gable or Joan Crawford or Bogart. We know, as we know that the sun is a mass of incandescent gas, that they were human, but look at Gable:

Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind (1939) (IMDB)

He makes the sun seem to be nothing more scientific than a star.

This underlying awareness of stars humanity is what keeps the thoughtful audience going back to the movies, back to the tabloids, back to glossy coffee-table books that display the miracle of retouching more than anything else. Their larger-than-life quality is whats so magnificent about movie stars, and its a quality no sensible fan would trade for a glimpse of the real human. The pictures cant be real, but the people depicted are. Intelligent consumers can no longer fall for the lie of stars immortality, and that is what allows stars to maintain their power in pictures decades after their names have faded.

Although its title, Gods Like Us, expresses the precise nature of this tension, Burrs book goes much deeper. The final chapter asks challenging questions about the mirrors in which we now largely reside, about what the century-long culture of celebrity has wrought.

And what does it do to us to live from childhood in this warm and enveloping culture of Narcissus, one in which the real world  the one you can walk out into and smell and taste and touch  becomes less important than the endless self-images we invent in the effort to locate our actual selves?

. . .

The unhooking of persona from identity in the digital age represents an ultimate Warholization, with our various manufactured online selves just a piece of the mirror into which we peek. [This] calls into question that singular root-file identity itself.

The piquant relationship between movie stars (human) and their personas (immortal), and the strange divide between public persona and genuine identity, are the twin engines of Burrs book. He argues that ordinary folk have used celebrities public personas to construct their own identities for as long as there have been celebrities (i.e., since 1909). This is not an inherently harmful practice, but it can veer into troubling alleys, as perennial fan stalking stories testify.

Since fame has never been closer at hand than at present, with the relatively new and universally accessible platforms of reality TV and viral popularity, the definition and the meaning of fame have mutated more rapidly in the recent past than ever before  even into strange shapes that the more old-fashioned among us no longer find pleasing. Burr does not judge this kind of stardom, he merely examines it. For those of us who cant look away from the sun, his careful study is exactly the kind of guilty gaze we need.Bless the folks at 3D Film Archive. For several years, theyve been restoring the products of the great 3D scare of the 50s and apparently wont stop until every last obscurity has been resurrected like a throbbing disembodied brain. More power to them, and this Blu-ray is a model of how to assemble an enjoyable package around a feature thats almost designed to disappoint the unwary, not to mention the wary.

The Maze is based on a short novel by Maurice Sandoz that featured illustrations by Salvador Dali. According to Tom Weavers fascinating commentary, the novel was based on a 19th Century legend about Scotlands Glamis Castle, which you may recall was once lorded over by Macbeth. Local lore reported that the castles lord or scion was deformed in some way and kept hidden from public view. As Weaver points out, this practice is mirrored even in 20th century examples of Englands royal family, so it doesnt seem like a stretch.

The novel reveals a bizarre explanation involving an evolutionary hybrid, and the film does its best to present this idea literally in its ooga-booga climax. To most modern eyes, this absurd pay-off to a slow, teasing movie is more likely to provide giggles and eye-rolling as the movie drops straight into camp territory. Weaver reads from prominent reviews of 1953 that indicate the original 3D audiences found it effective enough when the revealed creature started jumping into their laps, or so it seemed, and in truth the picture was a hit.

As scripted by Dan Ullman and designed and directed by the great William Cameron Menzies, the project displays a straight-faced absurdity, stressing gothic atmosphere in a plot that feels stretched even at 80 minutes. Much of the film is narrated by Aunt Edith (Katherine Emery), who hovers in a high-ceilinged room addressing the camera about events of a year ago in a had I but known manner typical of Mary Roberts Rineharts woman-centered gothic suspensers. While Weaver speculates on the 3D reasons for the voluminous head space around Aunt Edith, I think Menzies just loved high ceilings.

Anyway, Edith looks on as her niece Kitty (Veronica Hurst) trades coy banter with fiance Gerald MacTeam (Richard Carlson) as they go diving into pools and attending nightclubs where acrobatic dancers fling a lass into the camera. The revelry is cut short when Gerald learns his uncle is dying and he must repair to Scotland for his inheritance. All at once the wedding is off without explanation, and spunky Kitty decides to drag Aunt Edith to Scotland to surprise Gerald and get to the bottom of the mystery.

One of the films most admirable qualities is Kittys unconventional strength and determination, partly born of love for Gerald and perhaps partly of a sense of entitlement thats let everything go her way before. This headstrong element, which makes her the viewers surrogate as she goes Nancy Drew-ing into spider-webbed passages and the titular hedge maze, is hamstrung by the scripts requirement that nothing be revealed too quickly. Even the self-possessed Aunt Edith is required to do a lot of screaming and fainting at inopportune moments to drag the plot out further.

Kitty faces a newly rude, adamantine Gerald who shows the makings of a Bluebeard and refuses to say anything except that she should leave as soon as possible. His two servants are equally sullen and boys-clubby, making the whole atmosphere both mysterious and tiresome. The two supposed lovers treat each other as enemies in a series of counter-games that make you wonder about any hope for their relationship, even if the castle werent hiding an Awful Secret.

Weaver observes that Kitty may be the first 50s horror and sci-fi heroine. It feels possible, and she also foreshadows the tormented and curious candle-bearing corridor-wandering brides of the 60s Italian gothics, as often played by Barbara Steele, thus cementing the link between those films and the Rinehart tradition.

Walter Mirisch would become a very distinguished producer. This is part of his apprenticeship at Allied Artists (formerly Monogram), and he and the overqualified Menzies oversee a low-budget project that makes maximum use of a handful of big shadowy sets: a wall, a staircase, huge fireplaces. Menzies was into size and knew what to do with it. So did photographer Harry Neumann, who spent a long career in B films, and this crystalline image scanned in 4K makes even the flat version look swell beyond its budget. Both 3D and flat versions are included, so even non-3D players can show the film.

If the feature can cause viewers to shift in their seats during its longeurs, which account for most of the running time, theres hardly enough time to listen to Weavers fun-packed commentary. He gives a thorough rundown of production details, the cast members, the original novel, the lengthy attempts to get this story filmed since the 40s, and its similarity to future efforts like 1954s Creature from the Black Lagoon (another 3D item starring Carlson) and 1959s The Alligator People. As a side note, Ill inject that its not likely to have had any impact on the Russian Amphibian Man (1962), as thats derived from a 1928 novel by Alexander Belyaev, but you never know.

A generous researcher, Weaver cedes the floor to Bob Furmaneks discussion of the 3D restoration issues, Robert J. Kiss detailed appreciation of Marlin Skiles non-bombastic score (with its prominent harp), and David Schecters account of the films release history.

Veronica Hurst, still alive, is briefly interviewed and says nothing beyond recalling that everyone was nice to this young British girl and kept taking her out to dinner. She also mentions visiting the family of American boyfriend William Sylvester. Weaver points out that they got married and Sylvester starred in Gorgo (1960) and Devil Doll (1963). For that matter, he was in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

On a story level, The Maze is a silly movie. On a production level, its a silly movie with class. On the level of 50s-era 3D and horror history, its a silly movie that deserves to be taken as seriously as Weaver and his colleagues do, even though theyre aware of its shortcomings and never try to pass it off as a neglected masterpiece. The paradox is that taking the film seriously is what underlines its fun.Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight with light rain possible. Low 73F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.Marco Rubiowelcome to Indivisible? Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images

Virtually no one in the United States approves of the Republican Partys fiscal priorities (beyond the donors and interest groups who dictate them).

The notion that the federal government should not intervene in the health-care market to guarantee universal affordability  which is to say, that it should not make the healthy and rich subsidize care for the sick and the poor  is deeply unpopular. Most Americans would rather violate the tenets of Ayn Rands philosophy than allow insurance companies to condemn working-class cancer patients to preventable deaths.

Illustration: Center for American Progress

Similarly, most Americans did not look at their nations economy last year  with its record-high corporate profits, stagnant wage growth, and steadily growing population of retirees dependent on Social Security benefits  and think: Congresss top priority should be to increase the net worth of corporate shareholders and business owners by awarding them hundreds of billions in deficit-financed tax cuts.

For these reasons, when Republicans tried to sell the public on their make health care less affordable for the many, so as to make equities more valuable for the few agenda last year, they did not describe it in those terms. Rather, most opted to grossly misrepresent what their policy goals actually were.

Take Trumps first Health Secretary Tom Price. In advocating for the presidents health-care bill last June, Price insisted that the goal of the legislation was to bring down health-care costs for all Americans (as opposed to clearing budget space for supply-side tax cuts). As an example of how the bill would accomplish this, Price cited its repeal of Obamacares individual mandate.

Well, the individual mandate is one of those things that actually is driving up the cost for the American people in terms of coverage, Price told ABC News. So what were trying to do is make it so Obamacare is no longer harming the patients of this land. No longer driving up costs. No longer making it so theyve got coverage, but no care. And the individual mandate is one of those things.

Now, the individual mandate was one of the few genuinely unpopular parts of Obamacare. But there is broad public support for the policys core function: By imposing a tax penalty on adults who went without insurance, the mandate encouraged healthy Americans to enter the insurance marketplace, and thus, helped bring down premiums for the sick.

Price didnt claim that the individual mandate actually worked to increase premiums because he was confused about the facts; he did so because it was politically inadvisable to share those facts with the public. But dont take my word for it  take his:

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price used to say that Obamacares individual mandate increased health-care costs. Now hes saying Congress decision to repeal it could actually increase costs.

 There are many, and I am one of them, who believes that that actually will harm the pool in the exchange market because youll likely have individuals who are younger and healthier not participating in that market, he said. And, consequently, that drives up the cost for other folks in that market.

As Voxs Dylan Scott notes, in this instance, the Price is right:

Right now, Dave Dillon with the Society of Actuaries is projecting a 2.5 to 7.5 percent increase for 2019 rates because of the mandates repeal. The Urban Institute, combining the mandates repeal with President Trumps expansion of skimpier short-term plans, estimates that premiums will rise by nearly 20 percent on average nationwide.

And Republicans were no more forthright in their arguments for the Trump tax cuts. The president and his party insisted that their number-one priority on tax reform was to help the American worker. To reconcile their middle-class tax cut branding with their bills regressive substance, Republicans insisted that showering cash on corporations was the most efficient way to stimulate job creation and wage growth. Marco Rubio voted for a bill that was sold on these terms  after campaigning for the presidency on a plan that was broadly similar.

In an interview with The Economist last week, Rubio confessed that the official rationale for his partys corporate tax cut was bogus.

There is still a lot of thinking on the right that if big corporations are happy, theyre going to take the money theyre saving and reinvest it in American workers, Rubio said in. In fact they bought back shares, a few gave out bonuses; theres no evidence whatsoever that moneys been massively poured back into the American worker.

Rubio is right. As Voxs Emily Stewart notes:

A Bloomberg analysis found that about 60 percent of tax cut gains will go to shareholders, compared to 15 percent for employees. A Morgan Stanley survey found that analysts estimate 43 percent of tax cut savings will go to stock buybacks and dividends, while 13 percent will go to pay raises, bonuses, and employee benefits. Just Capitals analysis of 121 Russell 1000 companies found that 57 percent of tax savings will go to shareholders, compared to 20 percent directed to job creation and capital investment and 6 percent to workers.

Surely, Rubios inconsistency on this score wasnt the product of cowardly mendacity, but simply an honest mistake: After all, its not like there were any historical precedents the Florida senator could have consulted before parroting his partys supply-side gospel last year.Trump likes lots of pictures in his briefings. Photo: JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images

In a special address on Monday, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented what he described as shocking, indisputable evidence that Iran had lied about its covert nuclear weapons program in the past and continued to preserve and expand its nuclear weapons knowledge for future use after signing the 2015 deal with six world powers to halt its nuclear activities.

Netanyahu was speaking on primetime Israeli television, but his presentation was delivered primarily in English and appeared targeted to a daytime audience in the U.S. (and perhaps an audience of one, residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.) rather than to his fellow Israelis. If so, it certainly had its intended effect, causing President Donald Trump to declare that he was 100 percent right about the failings of the nuclear deal, less than two weeks ahead of his next chance to derail it.

Much like Netanyahus previous dire warnings about Irans nuclear ambitions, however, this one is being hugely oversold. The trove of Iranian documents recently obtained by Israeli intelligence, most of which date to before the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was adopted, do not constitute proof that Iran either has violated or intends to violate it. Several experts and European diplomats pointed out that the Israeli prime minister had not revealed anything they didnt already know, nor did he provide a proverbial smoking gun to show that Iran was making an end run around the JCPOA. If Mossad had found slam-dunk proof of noncompliance in their brazen heist of Irans nuclear archive, surely Netanyahu would have included it in his PowerPoint. That he didnt suggests that they havent.

The nuclear deal is an imperfect document, to be sure, as agreements signed between adversaries usually are, but right-wing criticism of it tends to proceed from the false premises that the Obama administration was unaware of Irans past behavior and unconcerned that the JCPOA would not prevent Iran from engaging in nuclear activity in perpetuity. Of course we knew that Iran was pursuing a covert nuclear weapons program prior to 2015: Thats why we made them agree to stop it.

It also takes some chutzpah for the prime minister of Israel  whose own nuclear program involved lying to the international community, duping American nuclear inspectors, and possibly stealing highly enriched uranium from the U.S., and who has never acknowledged that programs existence  to accuse another country of engaging in this particular kind of duplicity. But surely Netanyahu feels that the choices Israel made in its pursuit of the bomb were justified for the sake of its national security, given that it has always been surrounded by enemies.

Iran, which has been under persistent, explicit threat of attack from Israel, Saudi Arabia, and a certain nuclear superpower that spent most of the past two decades occupying two of its neighbors, probably feels the same way about continuing its ballistic missile tests and preserving its ability to restart its program in case the U.S. president makes good on his repeated threats to abrogate the JCPOA.

In other words, countries lie about their nuclear programs; its practically part of the job description. Once again, a lack of cognitive empathy toward Iran makes it impossible for the U.S. and our ally to understand the perfectly reasonable motivations behind some of Tehrans decisions, which are not radically divergent from how most countries behave.

If Tehran failed to come clean about its past activities to the International Atomic Energy Agency, thats something the IAEA should investigate. However, as James Acton, co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment of International Peace, explains in an interview with the New Republic, everyone involved in drawing up the JCPOA knew Iran was lying when it said it never had a nuclear program. Not having to admit to lying was one of the carrots the Iranian government was offered for signing the deal.

Even if everything Netanyahu presented on Monday is verifiably true, it does not follow logically that the nuclear deal was poisoned from the get-go and should be abandoned. Notably absent from his speech was any assertion that the JCPOA is not working or that Iran is currently developing a nuclear weapon or otherwise failing to fulfill its obligations under the deal. In fact, if Iran really does have a plan for rapidly developing a nuclear weapon at the ready, that only underscores the importance of keeping the deal alive so that international inspectors can verify that the country has not put that plan into action.

Nonetheless, the Trump administration and right-wing media immediately latched onto Netanyahus denunciation as though it were actual evidence of the deals failure, Irans arch-villainy, and Barack Obamas malignant ineptitude all wrapped up in one tidy package. Trump is coming up on a May 12 deadline to recertify Irans compliance with the deal, which he now appears even less likely to do than he was last month, despite the pesky absence of evidence that Iran is actually noncompliant.

To say that this all sounds like orchestrated propaganda to justify a war the administration has already decided to pursue is among the more believable of conspiracy theories. Whereas at past deadlines, the marginally better angels of his administration have stayed Trumps hand, his top foreign-policy advisers are now John Bolton, who has been champing at the bit to bomb, bomb Iran for years now, and Mike Pompeo, who hates Islam, also wants to go to war with Iran, and just so happened to be in Riyadh on Sunday bashing the deal alongside Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir.

If Trump does decertify the JCPOA and reimpose sanctions on Iran, the deal is dead. At first, Iran would relish the opportunity to look more reasonable than the U.S., and would surely say it intended to uphold the deal along with the core European countries, Russia, and China. Slowly but surely, however, more hawkish elements within the Iranian political establishment would win the argument that a nuclear weapon was their only hedge against an American invasion. No longer benefiting from the rigorous inspection regime imposed by the deal, wed be much less likely to observe Iran resuming its nuclear activities until it was too late to stop them.

There arent a lot of good alternatives to the JCPOA, although the myth of a better deal will forever be another conservative anti-Obama shibboleth. The only alternative to working within the parameters of the existing agreement to keep Iran verifiably nuke-free is the war of Boltons and other unreconstructed neocons fever dreams.

War with Iran is easy for Trumps enablers in Jerusalem and Riyadh to contemplate: both Israel and Saudi Arabia are already engaged in proxy wars with Iran. Israel is believed to have carried out a strike on a Syrian arms depot on Sunday that killed 11 Iranians, and is now threatening to strike Iran directly if its forces or proxies in Syria target Israel itself. Before Trumps advisers urge him to act on the basis of Mondays revelations, they should consider whether Netanyahu isnt trying to drag the U.S. along on a disastrous military misadventure of his own.PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-01 08:52:03

Global Cryptocurrency Broker BCB Group Partners with Privus to Integrate World-Class Client Security Solutions

BCB Group

Bridget Greenwood

+ 44 7917 713 625

bridget@bcbgroup.io

BCB Group, a leading global cryptocurrency broker catering to the bespoke needs of institutional clients, today announced that it is partnering with Privus to integrate best-in-class privacy and security technology into its digital client trading communications platform.

Swiss-based Privus, a world leader in privacy and security technology, develops full-spectrum solutions to ensure the security of digital communications. Privuss SecurLine service will further support BCB Groups trading communications with clients, continuing to ensure that the highest levels of security are in place when processing clients personal and financial information, and enhancing peace of mind when operating across the spectrum of cryptocurrency trading and investments.

BCB Group CEO Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie commented, Our aim has always been to provide the highest levels of service to our clients through bringing the best practices of traditional financial services into digital currency markets. This move underlines our mission to be a world-class partner to institutions globally when making decisions in the cryptocurrency arena  both in terms of effective service levels, and from a security perspective.

Henrique Correa da Silva, CEO, Privus, said, The opportunity to work with a first-rate company in the cryptocurrency market is an important step in consolidating our position as a global reference in digital privacy and security.

About BCB Group:

https://bcbgroup.io

The information contained in this press release is intended for use and publication by journalists and should not be relied upon by private investors or any other persons to make financial decisions. Furthermore, the material contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation of an offer, or an inducement to buy or sell cryptocurrencies or any equivalents either generally or in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. All of the views expressed about the markets, cryptocurrencies and stakeholders in this press comment accurately reflect the personal views of BCB Group. While opinions stated are honestly held, they are not guarantees and should not be relied on. The information or opinions provided should not be taken as specific advice on the merits of any investment decision. Investments in cryptocurrencies are not currently regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your capital is at risk when investing in cryptocurrencies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180430005

Global cryptocurrency broker BCB Group partners with Privus to integrate world-class client security solutionsPR-Inside.com: 2018-05-01 08:10:20

FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for SolGold plc--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Bishopsgate, London (FSCWire) - SolGold plc (TSX:SOLG). has issued a press release with the following headline:Key Board and Executive AppointmentsTo 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 SolGold plc, 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/SolGold plcSource: SolGold plc (TSX: SOLG, AIM: SOLG, OTC Pink: SLGGF)Date: May 01, 2018Time: 2:10 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of SolGold plc 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 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-01 10:02:01

Kunal Patel joins PGIM Fixed Incomes London office

MEDIA:

Claire Currie

973-802-4040

claire.currie@pgim.com

PGIM Fixed Income today announced that Kunal Patel, CFA, has joined the firms London office, as a vice president covering U.K. pension funds, insurance companies and consultants. Patel will report to Sarah McMullen, Principal, head of U.K. Client Advisory.

Patel was most recently a vice president at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), based in London, where he was responsible for coverage of investment consultant firms, and U.K. pension client relationships spanning pooled fund and segregated investments across a range of strategies. Prior to PIMCO, Patel was with Deutsche Bank Debt Capital Markets group providing tailored advice to corporate clients on debt financing, balance sheet management and risk management. He was responsible for corporate client coverage of U.K. Treasury teams and mid-market corporate clients in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Kunals knowledge and experience across the fixed income markets makes him an outstanding partner to add value for our clients and continue our growth in the U.K., said McMullen.

Patel received a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Management from University of Oxford, Worcester College, and an MBA with a concentration in finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

About PGIM Fixed Income

PGIM Fixed Income, with $709 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2017, is a global asset manager offering active solutions across all fixed income markets. The company has offices in Newark, N.J., London, Tokyo and Singapore. For more information, visit pgimfixedincome.com.

About PGIM and Prudential Financial, Inc.

With 15 consecutive years of positive third-party institutional net flows, PGIM, the global asset management businesses of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), ranks among the top 10 largest asset managers in the world with more than $1 trillion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2017. PGIMs businesses offer a range of investment solutions for retail and institutional investors around the world across a broad range of asset classes, including fundamental equity, quantitative equity, public fixed income, private fixed income, real estate and commercial mortgages. Its businesses have offices in 16 countries across five continents. For more information, please visit pgim.com.

Prudentials additional businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities and retirement-related services. For more information about PGIM, please visit pgim.com. For more information about Prudential, please visit news.prudential.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180501005PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-01 12:47:03

TORONTO, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lydian International Limited (TSX:LYD) ("Lydian" or the "Company") announced today that Howard Stevenson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lydian and a member of the Board, has resigned effective May 1, 2018.

Gordon Wylie, Chairman of Lydian, commented on behalf of the Board, "We thank Howard for his contributions to Lydian over the past four years and his dedicated service that has been instrumental in bringing Lydian's Amulsar Gold Project into the final stages of construction. The Board wishes Howard well in his future endeavors."

Lydian also announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Joao Carrelo as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board, effective May 1, 2018. Mr. Carrelo is a senior mining executive with over 34 years of international experience in the mining and resource sectors. He currently serves as a non-executive director on the boards of TMAC Resources Inc. and Lucky Minerals Inc. His experience includes the management of underground and open pit projects and operations, with exposure to precious metals, base metals, coal, and industrial minerals in Latin America, Europe, India, and Africa. Mr. Carrelo previously served as President, CEO and Director of Eco Oro Minerals Corp. from 2012 to 2014, as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lundin Mining Corporation from 2007 to 2012. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Hons.) in Mining Engineering from the University of Newcastle Upon-Tyne in the United Kingdom and a Master of Business Administration Degree from the European Management School in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Wylie added, "We welcome Joao to Lydian as he brings essential and relevant experience that will be instrumental in completing the construction and development of the Amulsar Gold Project. Mr. Carrelo also has a clear understanding of the growth and value drivers that will enable our Company to prosper going forward."

Mr. Carrelo stated, "I look forward to leading the Lydian team through Amulsar's transition from construction into production, as well as executing the Company's strategic growth objectives to build a world-class gold mining company."

The Board and the entire Lydian organization remain committed to bringing Amulsar into production in 2018 for the benefit of all stakeholders and continuing the Company's ongoing dedication to health, safety, and the environment.

About Lydian International Limited

Lydian is a gold developer focusing on construction at its 100%-owned Amulsar Gold Project, located in south-central Armenia. Amulsar will be a large-scale, low-cost operation with production expected to begin in 2018. Gold production is targeted to average approximately 225,000 ounces annually over an initial 10-year mine life, making Lydian one of the largest gold producers to emerge during 2018. Open pit mining and conventional heap leach processing contribute to excellent scale and economic potential. Estimated mineral resources contain 3.5 million measured and indicated gold ounces and 1.3 million inferred gold ounces as outlined in the Q1 2017 Technical Report. Existing mineral resources beyond current reserves and open extensions provide opportunities to improve average annual production and extend the mine life. Lydian is committed to good international industry practices in all aspects of its operations including production, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility. For more information and to directly contact us, please visit www.lydianinternational.co.uk .

For further information, please contact:

Gordon Wylie, Chairman

+1 720-307-5080 Doug Tobler, Chief Financial Officer

+1 720-307-5087

Or: moreinfo@Lydianinternational.co.uk

Caution regarding forward-looking information

Certain information contained in this news release is "forward looking". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "will", "would", "should", or "occur" or the negative or other variations of such terms. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements with respect to: the realization of mineral resource estimates and the timing of development of the Amulsar Gold Project, including the expected start date of gold production; the expected and estimated cost of operations and capital costs at the Amulsar Gold Project; the current Amulsar Gold Project construction schedule, the commitment to and implementation of good international industry practices; the expected gold production from, and life of mine of, the Amulsar Gold Project; and the expected mining methods at the Amulsar Gold Project. Statements concerning mineral resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking information to the extent that they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered when the property is developed.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, without limitation: changes in gold and silver prices; adverse general economic, market or business conditions; failure to achieve the objectives of the future exploration and drilling programs; regulatory changes; as well as "Risk Factors" included in the disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results and future events could materially differ from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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: Lydian International Ltd. via Globenewswire

PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-01 15:04:01

DUBLIN - May 1, 2018 - Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), the global leader in medical technology, today announced expanded paid family leave benefits to allow for greater employee flexibility when balancing work and family priorities. Effective May 1, 2018, all full-time and part-time U.S. employees will be covered under the Medtronic Family Care Leave policy - a single, broad benefit that covers a wide range of family care leave needs, from time spent bonding with a new child, caring for ill family members, or caring for family after a spouse, child, or parent is called to active military duty.

The Medtronic Family Care Leave benefit allows up to six weeks of time away from work. For birth mothers, this benefit is in addition to maternity benefits; when combined with accrued paid time off, a new mother may be on leave for up to 18 weeks and paid at 100 percent for the full leave.

"These expanded benefits support our employees and their families in various life stages and make it possible for employees to dedicate their full attention to the people who matter most when needed," said Omar Ishrak, Medtronic chairman and chief executive officer.

Previous Medtronic policies allowed for 5-7 weeks of paid leave for birth parents, one week for non-birth parents, and four weeks for compassionate leave to care for or support a terminally ill family member.

"We listened closely to what our employees were saying, and the needs they described," said Carol Surface, Medtronic chief human resource officer. "We believe we have created a benefit that goes well beyond current practice in the U.S. and affords Medtronic employees the valuable time they need with their families at critical times in their lives."

While the Family Care Leave policy today applies to all regular U.S. employees, Medtronic is currently evaluating benefit structures and country-specific employment laws and regulations globally to determine opportunities for additional policy changes to apply outside the United States.

About Medtronic

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world's largest medical technology, services and solutions companies - alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 84,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals and patients in more than 160 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

-end-





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: Medtronic plc via Globenewswire

PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-01 12:30:43

FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for New Age Farm Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - New Age Farm Inc. (CSE:NF). has issued a press release with the following headline:New Age Farms Wholly Owned Subsidiary, We Are Kured, to Introduce Generation 2.0 Ceramic VaporizerTo 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 New Age Farm 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/New Age Farm Inc.Source: New Age Farm Inc. (CSE: NF, FWB: ONF, OTC Pink: NWGFF, WKN: A12C9F, ISIN: CA64157D1087)Date: May 01, 2018Time: 6:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of New Age Farm 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 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)PR-Inside.com: 2018-05-01 12:03:01

ST. LOUIS, May 01, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE:SF) today announced that its European subsidiary, Stifel Europe, has raised 1.3 billion pounds in the first quarter for clients, more than any other investment bank in the London markets. This growth represents a more than fivefold increase in capital raised for clients compared to the first quarter of last year.

Stifel captured an industry-leading 19% share of all U.K. equity deals during the January through March period, according to data from Dealogic. Stifel acted as bookrunner on three of the five largest fundraises of the quarter, including the initial public offering of Energean Oil & Gas and share placings by Secure Income REIT and PRS REIT. In total, Stifel acted on 11 transactions.

"We are very pleased with our performance over the first quarter and our market-leading position in equity funds raised across the London markets," said Eithne O'Leary, President of Stifel Europe. "We continue to broaden the range of products and services we offer clients with a view to being able to present them with a range of financing solutions across equity, debt, and hybrid instruments that are tailored to their precise needs. Our ability to move agnostically between equities and debt is a competitive advantage, which together with deep sector expertise, makes Stifel Europe the obvious choice for companies in the mid-market space."

"This is a significant accomplishment for Stifel, particularly for our team in London, and underscores the returns we are seeing from continued investments made in this important market," noted Victor Nesi, Co- President of Stifel and Head of Stifel's Institutional Group. "Our pipeline is robust, and we look forward to continued success in our European business."

Stifel Company Information

Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE:SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel's broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated; Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Century Securities Associates, Inc., and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company's broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank & Trust offers a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company's website at www.stifel.com.

Media Contact

Neil Shapiro

(212) 271-3447

shapiron@stifel.com

Investor Relations Contact

Joel Jeffrey

(212) 271-3610

investorrelations@stifel.comThat President Hillary Clinton would have been an immense improvement over President Donald Trump is a no-brainer to Democrats. But the 2018 midterms would have been perilous for her party. Photo-Illustration: Daily Intelligencer; Photos: Getty Images

It is perfectly natural for Democrats to think of the midterm wave election they are hoping for in November as representing a righteous repudiation of the particular characteristics of the 45th president  his constant lies and provocations, his manifest lack of respect for the rule of law, his perpetual racial and ethnic appeals, his chaotic approach to decision-making, and his oppressively omnipresent personality. But in fact, the kind of midterm backlash to the White House that appears to be shaping up is entirely normal, even if Trump is not.

To recapitulate: the party that controls the White House almost always loses House seats in midterm elections. There have been just three exceptions in the last century (in 1934, 1998, and 2002), all of them occurring when the president had unusually high job approval ratings and when something else unusual was going on (the Great Depression, for which Republicans were persistently blamed, in 1934; the impending impeachment of Bill Clinton in 1998; and a security-conscious reaction to 9/11 in 2002). When the presidents party is in theory over-exposed in the House by recent success (e.g., the big Republican wins of 2010 and 2014), the odds of losses are even higher. And while there is a less systematic carryover to Senate elections because of the high variability of the particular class of 33 or 34 senators up in any one midterm, an anti-White House midterm wave affects those outcomes, too  particularly with partisan voter polarization steadily increasing.

So had Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz or John Kasich won in 2016, wed almost certainly be looking at a very good Democratic midterm performance this year, albeit probably one with lower levels of fear and anger among the Democratic voters flocking to the polls.

And the flip side of that reality is plain as well: Had Hillary Clinton eked out an Electoral College victory in 2016, we would almost certainly be looking at a very good Republican midterm in 2018.

The size of that hypothetical GOP advantage when it comes to the House or down-ballot races is debatable, and largely dependent on things we can never know. Presumably the economy would be doing relatively well, as it was in much of Barack Obamas second term. But in the partisan climate that existed before the 2016 election (Lock her up! Lock her up!), and that would have been intensified by divided control of the federal government and the certainty of perpetual investigations and accusations aimed at a chief executive the GOP loves to hate  the odds of a President Hillary Clinton being able to accomplish a whole lot, or enjoying robust job approval ratings, would have been vanishingly low. And that would have very likely translated into at least modest, and perhaps larger than modest, House losses, and consolidation of the already large GOP advantages in governorships and state legislatures (a big deal as the next decennial round of redistricting grows nigh).

The Senate landscape for 2018 in a new Clinton administration would have been potentially catastrophic for Democrats. As FiveThirtyEights Nathaniel Rakich observes, this is the most vulnerable Democrats have been in a Senate cycle since at least the 1980s:

2018 could be not just bad, but a veritable armaggeddon for Senate Democrats. They should count their lucky stars that their worst-case map looks like its going to coincide with their best-case turnout environment.

Even so, matching their best post-1990 Senate overperformance (in 2012) would leave Democrats with a net loss of two seats this autumn. And if the wind was blowing the other way, as it undoubtedly would have been had Clinton won in 2016, Democrats could have lost virtually all their red-state senators (heavily concentrated in the class up for reelection this year), leaving the party at a disadvantage in the upper chamber for a long time.

One bad election cycle for this class could virtually eliminate red-state Democrats from the Senate in one fell swoop. That would give Republicans something like a 20-seat majority in the upper chamber  probably too wide for Democrats to overcome in any single future election cycle. Our current sense that the Senate could switch hands in any given election year would be no more, potentially emboldening the Republican majority to pass more conservative policies. In order to regain control, Democrats would not only need to rebuild their standing in red states from the ground up but also sustain that success over multiple election cycles.

Add in some marginal considerations like the fact that with a Clinton presidency Jeff Sessions would not have resigned a Senate seat Democrats subsequently captured in a strange special election, and the Clinton won scenario could have endangered even routine Senate confirmations for her and possibly for future Democratic presidents. And a bad 2018 midterm for Democrats could have made confirmation of a Supreme Court appointment  the big, permanent prize associated with control of the White House  extremely difficult and perhaps even impossible.

Democrats fundamental problem in the Senate, of course, is the institutions small-state bias; given the current demographic foundations of both parties, there is a built-in GOP advantage. Rakich estimates that all other things being equal, Republicans should control 62 Senate seats. It is rarely discussed, but the same factors give Republicans a natural majority in state governments, which in turn have a disproportionate control over U.S. House and state legislative redistricting. All the interminable and redundant talk about Democrats collapsing outside Washington to a considerable extent reflects an illusion caused by the disproportionate power of conservative states. At the moment, a fifty-fifty national electorate logically means about a sixty-forty GOP margin in the Senate and in state governments controlled.

In that context, Democrats really need a great 2018 midterm, both to avoid an almost irreversible disadvantage in the Senate, and to give it a fighting chance to do well during the momentous redistricting cycle just on the horizon. For reasons that have almost nothing to do with her leadership abilities and other sterling qualities, a President Clinton would have made a great 2018 midterm for her party extremely unlikely, and a debilitating defeat quite possible. (The same would have been true, to be clear, with a President Sanders or a President Biden). A President Trump could make an inevitably bad midterm for his party really bad.

So for Democrats and for others horrified by the 2016 results, there was a silver lining to the dark, dark clouds surrounding the countrys future when Trump was elected. If during the Trump presidency we can avoid war, economic calamity, systemic government-backed racial or ethnic discrimination, or a sickening slide into authoritarianism, then in the long run his election might be good for his opponents. If the 2018 results undermine his currently solid support within the GOP, there could even be a bonus.The United States and Nigeria have commenced discussions to bring down barriers limiting fluid trade relations between the two countries.

The United States President, Donald Trump, disclosed this in Washington DC on Monday while hosting his Nigerian counterpart, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on a working visit.

Mr Trump said the move to remove the trade barriers between Nigerian and the United States was part of a larger plan by his administration to expand trade and commercial ties with African nations to create jobs and wealth.

The United States is currently working to expand trade and commercial ties with African nations, including Nigeria, to create jobs and wealth in all our countries, Mr Trump said during a joint press briefing after a private meeting with President Buhari at the White House.

We hope to be the economic partner of choice for nations across the continent and all around the world. Nigeria is one our largest partners in the region. We look forward to growing our trade relations based on the principles of fairness and reciprocity, he said.

He described Nigeria as a valued and good friend, saying he looked forward to working with President Buhari to deepen the cooperation between Nigerian and the U.S. as well as forge even closer partnership.

U.S. is committed to working alongside Nigeria as we seek a future of strength, prosperity and peace for both our countries, Mr Trump said.

Mr Trump, who noted that his government has been giving Nigeria over $1billion in aid every year, pledged to do more.

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari and U.S. President Donald Trump

He commended the Buhari administration for several steps taken to fight corruption and improve Nigerias business climate.

He said these measures by the government would make it easier for U.S. companies to invest in the Nigerian economy, assuring that his administration would be committed to investing substantially in Nigeria if that level playing field could be created for the two countries.

U.S. deeply values and appreciates Nigerias role as a strong democratic leader in the region. I thank President Buhari for Nigerias leadership and partnership in the fight against terrorism. Hes been a real leader, Mr Trump said.

He acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria to the effort to combat terrorism in African, noting that apart from Nigeria being one of the first African nations to join the coalition to defeat ISIS, the Nigerian forces are currently leading regional efforts against ISIS in West Africa.

Besides, he said, Nigeria was also leading African nations in the fight against Boko Haram terror group that has killed several innocent civilians and kidnapped thousands of women and children.

Mr Trump assured that the U.S. government was committed to combat both jihadists groups and smuggling throughout the world, particularly in Africa .

U.S. is helping Nigerian partners by facilitating intelligence cooperation and providing training and military equipment to Nigerian forces, including the recent decision to sell 12 US A29 military aircrafts, the first ever sale of American military equipment to Nigeria to improve the countrys ability to target terrorists and protect civilians, he said.

He, however, expressed concern over the spate of religious violence in Nigeria, particularly the burning of churches, killing of innocent civilians and persecution of Christians and urged the Nigerian government to take steps to arrest the situation.

We encourage Nigerian leadership, the federal and state governments to do everything in their power to immediately secure the affected communities and protect innocent civilians, including Muslims and Christians.

President Buhari commended Mr Trump for his leadership in the effort to bring peace around the world, particularly between North and South Korea, saying he was looking forward to similar support to Nigeria to combat the menace of terrorism.

The president said Nigeria would be ready to partner with the U.S. government to remove all barriers hindering trade relations between the two countries so as to promote economic development between the two countries.The Federal Ministry of Health has banned the importation of codeine as active pharmaceutical ingredient in Nigeria.

The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, gave the directive to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in his office on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the ministry.

The directive ordered NAFDAC to immediately stop further issuance of permits for the importation of codeine.

This implies that codeine related drugs will not be imported or produed in the country any longer.

A feature by the BBC was recently aired showing the traumatic and stimulating effects of codeine on the Nigerian youth and how the substance is being abused across the nation.

According to the statement, the directive became necessary due to the gross abuse of the drug in the country.

In its stead, the minister said, codeine containing cough syrups should be replaced with Dextromethorphan, which is less addictive.

Codeine is a active pharmaceutical ingredient used in preparation of cough syrups. Unfortunately, the drug has been abused and used as stimulants or ecstasy drugs by mostly youth.

The minister also directed the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, (PCN) and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labelling and audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups in the country.

The sale of codeine containing cough syrup without prescription across the country was also banned.

According to the statement, the NAFDAC had an emergency meeting with the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group (PMGMAN) to inform them that there is an embargo on all new applications for registration of codeine- containing cough syrups. Applications for renewal has also been abolished.

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has been directed to continue enforcement activities on Pharmacies, Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors Shops and outlets throughout the country, it stated.

The NAFDAC was also directed to fully carry out its functions among others: to regulate and control the manufacturing, distribution and sale of drugs, including inspection at points of entry of drugs, drug products and food for compliance with the new directive.

The minister stated that the ministry shall ensure collaboration among regulatory agencies namely, NAFDAC, PCN, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), for effective implementation of extant Acts, regulations, policies and guidelines on codeine control and usage.

Furthermore, these agencies shall work together to increase pharmacovigilance around codeine, tramadol and other related substances of abuse, Mr Adewole stated.

The ministry said the federal government through the health ministry shall partner with National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), football celebrities, members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Performing Musicians of Nigeria and other celebrities to drive national campaign against drug abuse.

The FMOH shall ensure that drug treatment intervention for victims of substances abuse shall be undertaken across the spectrum of health care delivery system in the country, Mr Adewole stated.

He stated that civil society organisations shall be strengthened to deliver effective sensitisation, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation services.

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Finally, Mr Adewole restated the commitment of government to ensure the full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline (NDDG) by January 1, 2019.The police have confirmed 24 worshippers were killed in a twin-explosion on Tuesday at a mosque in Mubi, Adamawa State, North-east Nigeria.

The blasts occurred while worshippers were holding the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer.

The police spokesperson in the state, Othman Abubakar, a superintendent of police, said the first of the blasts occurred at about 1:00 p.m.

While people were evacuating the victims of the first blast, another explosion occurred, he told PREMIUM TIMES.

As I am talking to you now, 24 persons are confirmed dead. The scene has been cordoned-off by the Anti-bomb squad and other security personnel, Mr Abubakar said.

Eyewitnesses had earlier reported that many lives were lost and several persons injured.

The explosion was allegedly triggered by a teenage boy wearing a suicide vest.

Garba Habu, a local resident, said he counted over eight corpses at the scene.

A boy of about 18-19 -years wearing a suicide vest was said to have entered the mosque along with other worshippers. Immediately after the prayers, he detonated the bomb, he said.

Another resident, Isa Danladi, said he was about to leave his house near the mosque when he heard the blast

Many people died on the spot and several others were taken to hospital with severe injuries, he said.

The mosques roof was blown off. The prayer was mid-way when the bomber detonated the explosives. This is obviously the work of Boko Haram, he said.

Haruna HammanFuro, head of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, described the blast as devastating, saying there were high casualties.

It was a twin-blast and the detail is sketchy but we are in touch with our partners of Red Cross and others that are helping now.

For now dead bodies are being evacuated and those injured have been taken to hospitals. Right now we are on our way to Mubi, he said.

There was a suicide attack last November on a mosque at Kunu Araha, a northern suburb of Mubi, which also killed dozens of woshippers.

No group has claimed responsibility for Tuesdays carnage but many believe Boko Haram to be behind it.

The insurgents briefly overran Mubi in late 2014 as they rampaged across North-east Nigeria, seizing towns and villages in a quest to establish an Islamic state.

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The insurgents changed the towns name to Madinatul Islam, or City of Islam , during their occupation.

But it has been peaceful since the Nigerian military and civilian militias ousted recovered the town, which is a commercial hub and host of the Adamawa State University.

In recent months, Boko Harams activities had been concentrated in the far north of the state around Madagali, near the boundary with Borno State.

There have been repeated suicide bombings in the area, which lies close to the Sambisa Forest in Borno where the militants had a base.

Boko Haram fighters are also said to be hiding in the Mandara mountains in the east of Adamawa State and on the border with Cameroon.The death toll in the bomb explosion in a mosque in Adamawa State has risen to 27, the state government said.

The government also said 56 people were injured in the twin blast in a Mubi town.

The state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Ahmad Sajoh, made this known in a statement on Tuesday evening.

He said the 56 injured persons were on admission in a hospital.

Mr Sajoh said the blast occurred inside a mosque in Kasuwan Gwanjo (second hand clothes market).

While condemning the satanic, cowardly and dastardly act, His Excellency Sen. Mohammed Umar Jibrilla Bindow, the executive Governor of Adamawa State, had ordered the immediate provision of medical supplies and mobilization of medical officers to the general hospital in Mubi.

In addition, the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) had been ordered to supply food and non-food items to the hospital to cater for victims and victims relations.

Mr Sajoh urged people to donate blood to help injured victims. He asked residents to be more vigilant and reiterated the governments commitment to the protection of lives and properties of all citizens.

Earlier, the police in Adamawa told PREMIUM TIMES 24 worshippers were killed in the explosion which occurred while worshippers were holding the Zuhr (afternoon) prayer at about 1:00 p.m.

While people were evacuating the victims of the first blast, another explosion occurred, the spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES.

Eyewitnesses had earlier reported that many lives were lost and several persons injured.

The explosion was allegedly triggered by a teenage boy wearing a suicide vest.

Garba Habu, a local resident, said he counted over eight corpses at the scene.

A boy of about 18-19 -years wearing a suicide vest was said to have entered the mosque along with other worshippers. Immediately after the prayers, he detonated the bomb, he said.

Another resident, Isa Danladi, said he was about to leave his house near the mosque when he heard the blast

Many people died on the spot and several others were taken to hospital with severe injuries, he said.

The mosques roof was blown off. The prayer was mid-way when the bomber detonated the explosives. This is obviously the work of Boko Haram, he said.

Haruna HammanFuro, head of Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, described the blast as devastating, saying there were high casualties.

It was a twin-blast and the detail is sketchy but we are in touch with our partners of Red Cross and others that are helping now.

For now dead bodies are being evacuated and those injured have been taken to hospitals. Right now we are on our way to Mubi, he said earlier on Tuesday.

This is not the first attack on a mosque in Mubi.

There was a suicide attack last November on a mosque at Kunu Araha, a northern suburb of Mubi, which also killed dozens of worshippers.

No group has claimed responsibility for Tuesdays carnage but many believe Boko Haram to be behind it.

The insurgents briefly overran Mubi in late 2014 as they rampaged across North-east Nigeria, seizing towns and villages in a quest to establish an Islamic state.

The insurgents changed the towns name to Madinatul Islam, or City of Islam during their occupation.

But it has been peaceful since the Nigerian military and civilian militias recovered the town, which is a commercial hub and host of the Adamawa State University.The police in Bayelsa have launched a manhunt after an aide to Governor Seriake Dickson was shot dead in a suspected assassination operation overnight.

Ebikimi Okoringa was inaugurated as an adviser to the governor last month, but he has not yet been assigned an office.

He was killed at about 1:00 a.m. Tuesday in his hometown in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, about 20 kilometres north of Yenagoa, the state capital.

Bayelsa police commissioner, Don Awunah, told PREMIUM TIMES he had ordered a manhunt for the suspects, adding that the police are treating the matter as a homicide.

We understand that he had a brief altercation with some people shortly before he was murdered, Mr Awunah told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Tuesday night. We have launched a manhunt for the suspects.

Two administration officials who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES under anonymity from Yenagoa Tuesday night said they suspected that Mr Okoringa was assassinated.

The incident comes six months after an AIT reporter escaped assaasination in the state.

Patience Owei was returning from a church programme at dusk on October 8 when she was assailed and shot by thugs in downtown Yenagoa. The police said at the time that they were treating the case as armed robbery because the suspects bolted with Ms Oweis handbag which contained her telephones and other belongings.

Mr Dickson condemned the attack and said the state would cover the bill for the journalists care at a specialist hospital.

Yet, the case raised new fears about the safety of media practitioners and other residents in Bayelsa, especially as it occurred only a few months after a radio journalist was fatally shot by gunmen.

Famous Giobaro was a reporter for Bayelsa Radio until his assassination on April 16. The police said the matter would be investigated, but no updates had been provided ever since.

Bayelsa information commissioner, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, conveyed the sadness of Mr Dickson and his cabinet about Tuesdays development, adding that the state would ensure a thorough investigation.

The government is the deeply pained by the news of his death, Mr Iworiso-Markson told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Tuesday night. The governor would work with security agencies to ensure a full-scale investigation into the matter.

At the appropriate time, their findings would be made public, the commissioner added.The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described President Muhammadu Buharis performance at the Monday meeting with US President Donald Trump as embarrassing.

The party, in a statement by its spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the presidents visit as embarassing because he (Buhari) completely failed to project the economic interests of the nation before the American government and the world.

The PDP said the stance by the U.S. that it had not been investing substantially in Nigeria owing to the unconducive economic climate under the Buhari administration is alarming but further proves the partys position.

The U.S.would be investing substantially in Nigeria if Nigeria could implement a level-playing field that we asked for, Mr Trump had said.

He however noted that Nigerias agriculture, food security, power and infrastructure would get attention from the U.S., as well as bilateral trade commitments.

It was alarming that President Buhari buckled in bilateral negotiation and failed to address the issue of the drop in the U.S. purchase of our crude oil, which is the main stay of our economy.

Nigerians and the business community were aghast when President Buhari could not market our crude oil to his American counterpart even when in the course of question and answer session, a leeway was provided for him, he off-handedly declared that he cannot tell America what to do.

Also President Buhari had no answers to President Trumps stance that the US has not been investing substantially in Nigeria owing to unconducive economic climate under his administration, further confirming the stand of the PDP that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is running a moribund economy, the PDP said.

The party also also said the revelation that the U.S. supports Nigeria with $1 billion annually was disturbing as Mr Buhari only confimed that Nigeria received $500 million last year.

We had expected President Buhari, as the African Champion on Anti-Corruption, to immediately respond to President Trump on the whereabouts of the shortfall of $500 million.

It is also inexcusable that President Buhari had no answers to the security situation of daily bloodletting and mass killings in Nigeria, which President Trump described as horrible. Instead, he restricted himself to his script, which was silent on the issue.

By this, the American government has summarily indicted President Buharis government on its failure to ensure security of lives and property of citizens.Fareed Zakaria, a journalist and host of a public affairs programme on CNN, said on Monday that President Donald Trump was exaggerating when he complimented Nigerias natural beauty during a White House press briefing with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Trump had drawn outrage earlier this year when reportedly described African countries and Haiti as shithole during a meeting on immigration. The American leader denied the reports.

I would like very much to visit Nigeria. It is an amazing country, Mr Trump said when asked whether he had plans to visit Nigeria during Mondays briefing. In certain ways, I hear from the standpoint of the beauty of a country  theres no country more beautiful.

But Mr Zakaria disputed Mr Trumps claim when he appeared on CNN shortly after the presser, saying it was an exaggeration since no one had ever hinted him about Nigerias beauty in the past.

I have to confess, people have said many things about Nigeria over the years that Ive been following international affairs  I dont think anyone has said that Nigeria is beautiful, Mr Zakaria said.

Mr Zakaria said South Africa or Botswana, perhaps, had received such praises, but not Nigeria, expressing doubt about whether Mr Trump actually believes Nigeria is beautiful.

That was one of those classic Donald Trump  shall we call it  exaggerations, the journalist said.

He, however, walked back the comments following social media backlash.

Re: My reaction earlier to the Presidents comment on Nigeria, Mr Zakaria said. Ive visited Nigeria several times. Love the country. Agree it has many beautiful places. Most especially, I love the people.

Re: My reaction earlier to the President's comment on Nigeria: I've visited Nigeria several times. Love the country. Agree it has many beautiful places. Most especially, I love the people.  Fareed Zakaria (@FareedZakaria) April 30, 2018A group of civil society organisations has accused the Nigerian government of failing in its responsibility to end killings in parts of the country resulting from clashes between herders and farmers.

Lamenting that the killings were being carried out with impunity, the group said it would set up the Nigeria CSO Crisis Action on the Middle Belt to gather evidence towards bringing perpetrators of atrocities to account.

Abiodun Baiyewu, Country Director of Global Rights, and Otive Igbuzor, Executive Director of African Center for Leadership Strategy and Development, stated this on Monday at a press briefing in Abuja on recent killings in the Middle Belt of Nigeria.

Farmer/herder conflict and communal clashes have been widespread in the middle belt region for years and have now become an everyday event.

States affected by these crisis are Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Kaduna and Kogi amongst others.

The governor of one the affected states, Samuel Ortom of Benue, said on Monday only five of the 23 local government areas of the state have not recorded attacks by herders.

The group said the government has abdicated its constitutional duty of providing security. It lamented that no one had been made to account for the killings, as the authorities have instead been giving excuses and passing blames.

It said civil society members had decided to come together to set up a citizens initiative to help the affected communities.

You are not alone, the injustice you suffer is our collective shame and pain, the group assured the victims.

As civil society, we thereby commit ourselves to action to address evidence gathering for possible accountability for mass atrocities in the Middle Belt of Nigeria as well as for humanitarian action to alleviate the suffering of the victims.

For this purpose, we have resolved to establish a Nigeria CSO Crisis Action on the Middle Belt to explore collaborative and complementary options for constructive action on the crisis of mass killings in the region.

The group demanded from the government an end to impunity, provision of humanitarian aid to communities displaced by the crisis, and an end to proliferation of small arms in the region and the country.

It also called for an urgent accounting of the missing and dead and an estimation of the loss and to mobilise resources and partnership to make possible for people of good will to bring the crisis to an end.

The group said it would organise a national day of mourning and remembrance later this month in memory of all the lives that have been lost, and called on Nigerians to participate in the event.As Nigerians celebrate the 2018 Workers Day, some media unions have urged the 16-member technical committee on minimum wage inaugurated by the federal government to expedite action on its assignment.

The unions, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, urged the committee to understand the urgency of its assignment to workers and the nation at large.

The theme of the 2018 Workers Day is: Role of Labour Movement in National Development: dare to struggle, dare to win.

Adebayo Thomas, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censor Board, said the implementation of the new minimum wage would ease the problem of poverty facing Nigerian workers.

He, however, commended the government for the success recorded over time by recovering the bad economy it inherited.

I know that priority of government is the welfare of the masses and I know the government is doing all it can to make every worker happy.

We need the government to focus more on agriculture and creative arts in other to put back the nations economy on the fore front of development.

Mr Thomas commended media agencies for the reportage of government activities, showcasing the true story of what government has been doing.

Kabir Tsanni, the National President of Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) commended the federal government on its commitment in making sure that minimum wage was implemented.

Our main expectation now is for the government to look into the issue of minimum wage, we are waiting to hear from the government the outcome of their meeting with stakeholders, to make Nigerian workers smile again.

We workers need to look inward and review our activities and strive to do our best in our primary place of assignment to remain one united family.

Stella Okoh-Esene, chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT, said that its expectation was for government to look into the issue of minimum wage and media salary without further delay.

Journalists are seriously suffering we need government to look into the issue of media salary, knowing the various challenges facing journalists on a daily basis, she said.A former Deputy-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, on Tuesday urged Nigerians to be actively involved in the process of nation building in order to have a better country.

Mr Moghalu, presidential aspirant, made the call while speaking at the 11th edition of The Platform in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the programme with the theme Get Involved was organised by the Covenant Christian Centre.

Mr Moghalu said the current problems facing the country would find quick answers if citizens contributed their quota to the nations development.

He said Nigerians were justified to complain about a number of issues based on disappointments by leaders resulting in dashed hopes.

Mr Moghalu pointed out complaining and managing would not solve any problem until Nigerians got involved in the process of choosing the leaders they desired.

The former CBN chief added that the real power lies with the people and urged Nigerians to use the power to bring about change.

There is no power greater than the power of the people. The power to change belongs to the people.We can get the kind of nation we desire if we use our power, he said.

Mr Moghalu, however, said it would be difficult for people to get the leadership they deserved if they did not partake in the electoral process.

He urged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards so that they could vote leaders of their choice.

Mr Moghalu said Nigeria belonged to everyone, pointing out the passiveness of citizens had unfortunately allowed some few people to claim ownership of the country.

In his speech, a leadership expert and presidential hopeful, Fela Durotoye, noted that the country had suffered rot in all sectors consistently for about 50 years.

He blamed the problems on poor leadership and followership as well as erosion of the country s values.

He, however, said the situation could be changed for the better if Nigerians made the decision to make the change happen.

Mr Durotoye said rather than continue to blame the past generations for the parlous state of affairs, the current generation of Nigerians could brave the odds and bring solutions.

Very soon,the old generations would be no more and the problems might still be here. So this generation of Nigerians should strive to be a great generation.

A great generation is a generation that solves problems not the one that transfers burden to the next generation. A great generation is a generation that acts and the one that passes problem solving techniques to the next one, he said.

Mr Durotoye said the change that everyone desired was possible if everyone got involved in achieving it.

He therefore urged Nigerians to participate in the electoral process by voting and engaging people in government.

Also speaking, Charles Omole, a leadership expert and lawyer, said it was wrong for anyone to believe that Nigerian politicians behaved differently from those in other parts of the world.

He said politicians were the same all over and their preoccupation was always to control power and resources.

Mr Omole however said the reason why things worked better in other climes was because of strong institutions, respect for rule of law and more effective competition in the democratic space.

He said the country would be better if all these were entrenched in the polity and people participated in the electoral process.

Participation in the process is not about obtaining PVCs alone, it is also about contesting in elections with the objective to make a change, he said.

In his speech, Francis Adebayo of the Harvest Place (Church) said getting PVCs was not enough to participate in the electoral process.

He said citizens needed to vote and monitor the process and continue to engage leaders on good governance.

Mr Adebayo said the need to be part of nation building made him contest as for an electoral position in the last election.

Although I lost, but I have no regrets. My advice is that we should all participate in the process to deliver the change we desire, he saidBeats me! Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

For months President Trumps legal team has been battling with Special Counsel Robert Mueller over whether the president will sit for an interview, and under what conditions the chat might occur. Now the New York Times has published a list of the four dozen or so questions Mueller would like Trump to answer.

The questions mostly cover topics Mueller is already known to be investigating, such as Trumps reasons for firing FBI director James Comey, why he publicly attacked Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and what he knew about Don Jr.s meeting with Russians in Trump Tower. While they provide insight into the special counsels case, theres only one truly surprising question: What knowledge did you have of any outreach by your campaign, including by Paul Manafort, to Russia about potential assistance to the campaign? So far there have been no public reports about Trumps former campaign manager asking Russia for help.

The biggest mystery stemming from the questions is why were reading about them now. There was some initial speculation as to which side leaked them, but an accompanying Times piece explains the questions were read by the special counsel investigators to the presidents lawyers, who compiled them into a list. That document was provided to the Times by a person outside Mr. Trumps legal team.

Times reporter Michael Schmidt elaborated on MSNBC, seeming to confirm that the document came from Trumps side (which makes sense because Muellers team has not been known to leak).

NYT's Michael Schmidt @nytmike on where these 49 Mueller questions for Trump came from. pic.twitter.com/ZonYyBNu9p  Maddow Blog (@MaddowBlog) May 1, 2018

Still, why would someone close to Trumps legal team want to release a road map of the presidents potential missteps? Here are the leading theories.

To Convince Trump Not to Do the Interview

Trump has said publicly that hes looking forward to talking with Mueller, and hes reportedly said in private that hes champing at the bit to sit for the interview. Trump seems to think the special counsels probe will come to a speedy end if hes given the opportunity to explain himself, but no sane lawyer would agree.

Indeed, Schmidt reports that when Muellers team previewed the questions in March, it convinced Trumps lead lawyer at the time, John Dowd, that he absolutely should not participate. (Mueller can probably compel Trump to talk, but the legality of subpoenaing a sitting president is tricky). Schmidt writes:

When Mr. Muellers team relayed the questions, their tone and detailed nature cemented Mr. Dowds view that the president should not sit for an interview. Despite Mr. Dowds misgivings, Mr. Trump remained firm in his insistence that he meet with Mr. Mueller. About a week and a half after receiving the questions, Mr. Dowd resigned, concluding that his client was ignoring his advice.

So perhaps Dowd, who would have access to the questions and seems to fit the description of person outside Mr. Trumps legal team leaked the document to the Times. Trump puts a lot of stock in things he hears on TV, and it wouldnt be the first time advisers tried to sway him by leaking to the press. Former Obama ethics czar Norm Eisen thinks that may be whats happening:

This almost certainly comes from team Trump--current or past members. Why would they leak? Pure speculation but I think they need help in persuading Trump NOT to talk to Mueller, and are counting on the outcry. They may be afraid to oppose on own since Trump wants 2talk.  Norm Eisen (@NormEisen) May 1, 2018

And both he and conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt argued that the questions show Trump should avoid talking to Mueller:

I helped witnesses decide whether to talk to prosecutors for decades. Now that we know Mueller's questions, I believe that Trump is unlikely ever to answer them unless subpoenaed--and then his answer will be "I take the Fifth." No wonder Dowd quit. https://t.co/LWo7G916Jl  Norm Eisen (@NormEisen) May 1, 2018

Would any defense lawyer advise @realDonaldTrump to meet with SC Mueller? In the absence of any evidence of collusion, why? There is a constitutional objection to the very idea of obstruction in the dismissal of Mr. Comey. No collusion = end of inquiry. https://t.co/XyBCucDpMQ  Hugh Hewitt (@hughhewitt) May 1, 2018

But theres a piece that doesnt fit. The Times reported earlier this month that Trumps lawyers were drafting a proposal that would have allowed him to be interviewed, but then the raid on Trump fixer Michael Cohen damaged trust with the special counsels office. CNN said the raid made Trumps team reevaluate whether he should do the interview. If Trump was already leaning against cooperating with Mueller, why launch a risky public campaign to argue that point?

To Convince the Public That Mueller Is Biased

Perhaps the goal isnt to convince Trump that Mueller is up to no good, but the public. After struggling to find a lawyer to replace Dowd, on April 19 Trump announced that his friend Rudy Giuliani would lead his legal team. Giuliani talked about bringing the investigation to a quick resolution:

just talked to Giuliani who said his role on Trump team is limited. He worked with Mueller at DOJ & as NYC Mayor (Mueller at FBI) He hopes knowing Mueller can help bring the investigation to conclusion, saying it "needs a little push." How soon? "maybe a couple of weeks"  Dana Bash (@DanaBashCNN) April 19, 2018

Since then it seems there have been more leaks coming from the Trump team:

Leaks about the Mueller teams interactions with the Trump legal team seem to have picked up since Rudy joined the crew  Sam Stein (@samstein) May 1, 2018

And this latest disclosure comes days after Giuliani met with the special counsel, then subtly cast doubt on his credibility, telling The Wall Street Journal that he needed to suss out Muellers intentions (though theyve known each other for decades). Does the special prosecutor really have an open mind? Giuliani asked. Were trying to assess their good faith.

Mueller has said he needs to talk to Trump before he can wrap up his report on potential obstruction of justice. Establishing corrupt intent is often key to charges of obstruction of justice, but Trumps legal team may be trying to convince the public that Mueller is trying to trap Trump by asking him overly broad questions like What was your opinion of Mr. Comey during the transition?

If thats the idea, its already worked on Sean Hannity. After declaring on Monday nights broadcast that I am told by my sources tonight that the New York Times is full of crap, he suggested Mueller was the source of the leak (despite what the Times article says), and argued that federal prosecutors have no business questioning the presidents intent.

How stupid is it? They want to get in the presidents mind? Did you ever think of firing Mueller? When he never fired Mueller, and he has every right to fire Mueller, constitutionally, Hannity fumed.

To Convince Congress to Stop Mueller

That other topic Hannity was bemoaning in a fact-free fashion brings us to a third theory: perhaps Muellers questions were leaked in order to put pressure on Republican lawmakers to shut down the special counsels probe, before its too late.

In recent weeks Trumps conservative House allies escalated their months-long battle with Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversees the Russia probe. Though Rosenstein caved in to their demands by releasing the Comey memos, on Monday they said they were still unsatisfied with his response to document requests, and have drafted articles of impeachment against him to use as a last resort.

The Washington Post notes the draft articles probably wouldnt garner sufficient support in Congress, but maybe Muellers questions were released to convince more Republicans that his investigation should be reined in before it causes any more damage to the Trump administration. Trumps own lawyers seem to think hes incapable of not perjuring himself, and weve already seen him give inconsistent, incriminating answers to simple questions like why did you fire Comey?

Of course, its possible Muellers questions were leaked to accomplish multiple goals. Maybe the plan was to make Hannity even angrier than usual, and let him convince Trump, his House allies, and other Fox News viewers that Mueller cant be allowed to ask the president to explain himself.ADVERTISEMENT

President Muhammadu Buhari has again called on Nigerian youth to seize opportunities in agriculture, a sector of the economy he said is already proving to be the bedrock of the nations new economy.

According to a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the president made the call on Monday at Blair House, Washington DC, at a meeting with the chief executive officers of six American agricultural companies and their Nigerian counterparts, after his White House engagements with President Donald Trump.

Mr Buhari again lamented the challenges of the countrys youth bulge, with sixty per cent of the population below 30 years.

He said Nigeria must help its young people plan their future and urged the youth to explore opportunities easily accessible in agriculture because, agriculture is the future.

Stressing that planning in Nigeria must take into consideration the factors of climate and a bulging youth population, Mr Buhari also promised to promote skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship among the young population.

We realised, rather belatedly that we ought to have been investing in agriculture. We are now aiming at food security because of our large population. Our youths, the ones who have gone to school and even those that have not, should go to the farm, to earn respect for themselves.

Agriculture is providing jobs for millions of our citizens and we are doing well towards the attainment of food security and jobs. The media may not appreciate the work we are doing but we will shock them by the success we are recording, he said.

Mr Buhari welcomed the several investment proposals being put in place by the Americans and their Nigerian counterparts.

According to the statement, among proposals brought up for discussions were the three million tons fertilizer by Dangote, the largest in Africa coming on stream in July, to be followed by another one to produce 1.4 million tons of the commodity; a large-scale modern seed production company, and weed and pest management and chemicals products companies by the Americans.

President Muhammadu Buhari

Others the statement listed are the Burger King food chains plans to integrate local farmers in livestock production, Heinz tomatoes production with backward integration of Nigerian tomato farmers; and another company coming to set up a local branch to facilitate merchandising of commodities, which will establish a link between the Nigerian producers and the global market.

It said a tractor manufacturing company, John Deer, also unfolded plan to establish an assembly plant to produce 10,000 tractors in four years in Nigeria. It said the proposals will all come with jobs for Nigerians.

In a second business meeting same day, President Buhari brought together Nigerian businessmen and their American counterparts from the U.S Chamber of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa, (CCA.)

The U.S Chamber, on behalf of its three million member-companies which included General Electric, Chevron, Proctor and Gamble and Boeing aircraft manufacturers, expressed happiness with improved security in the Niger Delta, reforms in the economy leading to ease in doing business, and the war the administration is waging against corruption.

Several of the oncoming plans were disclosed to the President who demanded concrete plans and an aggressive timetable for their actualization.

He envisaged that the investment schemes will lead to a lot of new opportunities for the Nigerian youth.ADVERTISEMENT

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has expressed concern over what it described as unequal treatment of workers based on their HIV status in the workplace.

The unequal treatment of workers based on their HIV status in the workplace is a clear breach of their right to gainful employment, the agency in a statement Monday signed by its Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, said.

The statement which was to mark this years Workers Day also explained that a 2012 study of stigma among people living with HIV in Nigeria showed that 26 per cent of those surveyed had lost a job or source of income in the past year due to HIV-related stigma

The pandemic of HIV/AIDS has become one of the most critical workplace issues in our time. There is clearly a need to protect the rights of people living with HIV while promoting access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support within the workplace, Mr Aliyu said.

People living with HIV/AIDS have a fundamental right to work, just like everybody else. Stigma and discrimination are potent threats to this right and they undermine the opportunities for people to obtain decent employment, he noted.

The agency said it has continued to collaborate with the International Labour Organisation, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and other partners to ensure that employers of labour are aware of and comply with the provisions of the National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS (2013) and the National HIV/AIDS Anti-Discrimination Act (2014).

It further called for a speedy implementation of the HIV Workplace Policy and Anti-Discrimination Laws.

The aforementioned Act makes provisions for the prevention of HIV and AIDS-based discrimination and protects the fundamental human rights and dignity of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS in Nigeria.

The official HIV prevalence by UNAIDS in Nigeria is 3.2 per cent among the adult population, giving a total estimate of 3.4 million Nigerians living with HIV.The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has described Nigerias policy on education as outdated and needing immediate and holistic review.

He said a review of the policy was necessary to ensure young Nigerians could be prepared for the challenges of of the 21st century.

The governor spoke on Monday while delivering the 4th Distinguished Guest Lecture of the University of Medical Science, in Ondo.

During the lecture titled, Transforming Nigerias Educational System : Looking back and Looking Forward, Mr El-Rufai said the current policy on education was deficient in view of the present-day realities and emerging issues affecting the education sector.

I think that fundamental reforms are needed in education and I think what the Federal Ministry of Education needs to do is to lead in reviewing the national policy on education, which is already forty or fifty years old, he said.

In my view, it is out of time; in the twenty-first century so much has changed in education, but there is a need to sit down and get experts in the subjects to look at what is happening in the educational policies of countries in the world: what is changing.

Professions are dying and new ones are coming up. Our curriculum and policies on education are all grounded in the twentieth century, while we are in the 21st, there is a need for a holistic review of that.

The governor advocated a policy that would recognise and adopt one of the languages spoken in the country as a medium of instruction in the nations institutions.

Of course, associated to that is the quest of language, should we still be teaching from primary to university in English Language? What can we learn from other countries that teach in their own indigenous languages up to university level?, he said.

They teach from primary to tertiary institutions in their own languages and they have gone to space. China is competing with America and will soon overtake America as the largest economy in the world.

They are dominant force in ICT, defence yet they are taught in Chinese. Is there something we can learn there? Are we slowing down our development by insisting that the only language of the educational communication is English?

This national policy should look at issues like this and come out with policy on education that will prepare young people of Nigeria for the 21st century because right now the education we are giving them may not be fit for purpose for 21st century to compete globally.

He said since he became governor in Kaduna state, education had been developed while the problem of girl child marriage had been reduced drastically in the state.

He said this was possible through the enactment of laws that made education compulsory in the state while children between the ages of six and 16 years should be in school.

The Vice Chancellor of UNIMED, Friday Okonofua, said Mr El-Rufai was picked for the lecture because of the reforms he embarked upon in the education sector in Kaduna State.The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has assured Nigerian workers that the Buhari-led administration is not ignoring their demands of better working conditions.

He gave the assurance while speaking at the 2018 Workers Day celebration at the Eagle Square in Abuja on Tuesday as he explained the implementation of the new national minimum wage.

Nigerian workers from different agencies and unions converged at the Eagle Square on Tuesday morning to mark May Day as well as make their demands known to representatives of the Federal Government.

The theme of this years May Day celebration is Role of Labour and Workers in National Devolvement: Dare to Struggle and We Dare to Win.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in November 2017 set up a 30-member tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee for the negotiation of a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

Mr Buhari had said the inauguration of the committee followed the recommendation of a technical committee put in place after the increase in the price of petrol in 2016. He added that the current minimum wage being used in the country had expired.

The new wage is expected to take effect from August 2018.

The vice president said the argument for a new national minimum wage cannot be protested because it is the minimum amount of compensation that an employee must receive for putting in his or her labour.

This administration has no intention of ignoring the demands of labour.

It is my hope that the tripartite committee will work to enable the federal government to send an executive bill on a new national minimum wage to the National Assembly for passage into law as soon as possible.

He called on all members of the Labour Union to remain united and cooperate with the federal government.

Mr Osinbajo also stated that security in the nation is a collective responsibility as he urged Nigerians to cooperate fully with security agencies to help bring the perpetrators of criminal acts to justice.

He urged Nigerian workers to pray as well as have faith in Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, commended the trade unions for the battles won over the years.

He enjoined workers to join the federal government in its fight against corruption.

This would be battle worthwhile as the output would stand the test of time and majorly contribute to national development, he said.

Earlier in his remark, the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, warned the minimum wage committee against missing the timeline for its implementation.

He explained that workers are creators of wealth and should be treated as such as well as celebrated. He vowed that the NLC will continue to fight until the new wage is implemented.

The benefits of new minimum wage cannot be over-emphasised. An increase in the minimum wagw will pull many workers out of poverty, he said.

He also lamented the high rate of unemployment and poverty in the country, adding that Nigeras economic structure does not provide the enabling space for mass industrialisation imbued with the capacity for sustainable jobs.

Mr Wabba further urged the government to track and diligently prosecute all corrupt persons in and outside the government. He warned against unlawful and illegal withholding of contributory pension deductions from workers salaries and not remitting to their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

Mr Wabba condemned the sack of hundreds of teachers in Kaduna State and the fact that they were denied their rights to protest.

Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES spoke with some Nigerian workers to find out their agitations. These were all centered on the new minimum wage as well as security in states affected by insurgency.

Chris Nwankwo, a civil servant, said, Im just more concerned about the implementation of the new minimum wage. They should do it and help Nigerian workers. They should also focus on providing adequate security in Benue and all those other states affected.

Dayo Adewale, also a civil servant, requested for per-hour wages from the Federal Government.

If you want to help workers in this country, they should just start paying by the hour. Set an amount and pay so. So if as a civil servant, you work for eight or nine hours, you know how much youre making.

Do this and youll know Nigerian youth are not lazy, he said.The founder of Daar Communications PLC, Raymond Dokpesi, has filed separate charges against the federal government for including his name on a list of alleged looters of its treasury.

In a suit dated April 30 and filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Mr Dokpesi is asking the Minister of information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, as well as his counterpart in the justice ministry, Abubakar Malami, to pay N5 billion as damages for alleged defamation of his character.

Mr Dokpesi is also demanding a refund of N50 million which he described as the cost of instituting the charges.

In a similar motion, Mr Dokpesi asked the court to issue an order enforcing his fundamental rights, allegedly abused by the defendants.

Following the publication of the list of alleged looters of governments treasury, where Mr Dokpesi was accused of embezzling N2.1 billion, his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, wrote a pre-litigation letter seeking a retraction of the publication and threatening a law suit if his demands were not heeded.

The list released in two batches by the federal government contained a number of politically-exposed persons accused of embezzling public funds. Most of those in both lists were members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Although Mr Dokpesi is facing trial for alleged diversion of N2.1 billion, the Daar Communications Chairman has denied any involvement in the crime.

In the defamation suit, Mr Dokpesi cited quotes from a press briefing organised by the information ministry wherein a reference was made to his ongoing trial, stressing that the briefing was solely intended to discredit his personality.

He accused the defendants in the suit of causing him trauma and loss of trust among well-meaning Nigerians.

Mr Dokpesi also asked the court to stop the defendants from further publishing anything relating to the alleged defamatory remarks mentioned in the suit.

In the fundamental rights suit also dated April 30, Mr Dokpesi is asking the court to determine if the remarks related to him during the press briefing by Mr Mohammed did not amount to an abuse of his fundamental rights, as enshrined in sections 36 (5) of the Constitution; a violation of the provisions of section 133 (4), (5) and (9) of the Criminal Code Act, as well as section 155 of the penal code laws of the federation, 2004.

Mr Dokpesi is also asking the court to determine whether Mr Mohammed had the legal authority to pronounce him (Dokpesi) a public looter, without an order of court, to that effect.

He wants the court to issue an order nullifying the media publications where the said remarks were made.Governor Muhammadu Bindow of Adamawa has urged stakeholders and other members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to forgive him, if he wronged them.

Mr Bindow made the plea Monday at a stakeholders meeting in Yola to discuss the upcoming party congress.

If I offended any of you here please forgive me. I didnt do that deliberately, Mr Bindow said.

The governor assured all the stakeholders that he has no candidate for the coming party congresses, and urged all those seeking positions to go and mobilise support.

My administration is ready to work with all those elected in the congresses, he stressed.

Mr Bindow expressed satisfaction with the turnout of stakeholders from various interest groups in the state and urged for more unity in the party.

Speaking at the occasion, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, stressed the need to abide by the party guidelines for hitch free congresses.

We are one family and must not allow internal political bickering to affects our party in the state.

We won in 2015 general election and shall win in 2019, but we need to create a situation that would make it much easier for us to win again, Mustapha said.

In his remarks, the APC National Vice Chairman North-East, Mustafa Salihu, lauded the stakeholders for putting aside their differences to attend the meeting and urged contestants to show sportsmanship.

We must work to retain government at all levels; we need to put all our personal interests aside for our party, Mr Salihu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that former SGF, Babachir Lawal, who also attended the meeting however criticised the meeting for not discussing the issue of zoning ahead of the congresses.

According to him, the APC constitution promotes zoning of positions particularly in diverse states like Adamawa and he wonders why the issue was not discussed.

(NAN)The Adamawa Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Yerim, has confirmed that two male suicide bombers were involved in Tuesdays twin bomb attacks in Mubi town.

Mr Yerima, who spoke to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the first blast was in a mosque around the second hand clothes market during afternoon prayer, while the second was outside the mosque.

The first blast was in a mosque while the second suicide bomber detonated outside the area when people around were rushing to escape, Mr Yerima said.

The commissioner said so far, information reaching him indicated that about 20 people were seriously injured, and had been taken to the Mubi General Hospital.

I am yet to get the details of death for now, Mr Yerima said.

The state government later confirmed 27 people died from the explosion with about 56 injured and hospitalized.

The government also asked residents of the state to donate blood to help the injured victims.

Tuesdays explosion occurs few months after another in a Mosque last November in Mubi that claimed about 50 lives.A judicial advocacy group, Access to Justice, has criticised the Kaduna State Government over its decision to file criminal charges against the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Mr El-Zakzaky and three others are facing an eight count charge of homicide linked to the December 2015 clash between the Shiite group and officers of the Nigerian Army.

At least 348 members of the Islamic group and one soldier died during the clash as the former allegedly blocked the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

The commitment of the Kaduna government to pursuing after justice for one life lost in the clashes between the army and IMN members, and not for more than 348 persons, is blatantly immoral, constitutionally and ethically, and repugnant to every precept of a democratic government, Joseph Otteh, Director, Access to Justice, said in a statement on Sunday.

It is a revulsive and reviling social apartheid policy that ranks one life intrinsically superior to an aggregate of others. It is a horrifying expression of prejudice and disdain against persons on account of their association.

Our government now cherry picks the lives, the rights and the people it would defend, and those that are, in its opinion expendable.

Joined as defendants alongside Mr El-Zakzaky in the suit are Zeenah Ibrahim, Yakubu Katsina, and Sanusi Kokori.

According to the prosecution, the defendants are charged with offences ranging from road blockages with dangerous weapons, homicide, unlawful assembly, and blocking roads to prevent movement of the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff.

IMN protesters

The Justice Mohammed Garba Judicial Commission of Enquiry (JCE) set up by the Kaduna State Government to investigate the incident found that at least 348 members of the IMN were killed during the clashes and buried in secret mass graves.

In its report, the commission noted that, The force used by the Nigerian Army resulting in the death of the 349 IMN members was disproportionate.

While the JCE recommended the prosecution of IMN members who were involved in the killing of Cpl. Dan Kaduna Yakubu, it indicted the General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army 1st Division in Kaduna, Adeniyi Oyebade, a Major General, and A.K. Ibrahim, a Colonel, who led the operation that culminated in the deaths of IMN members.

The commission further recommended the criminal trial of both officers as well as the trial of other army officers who partook in the killings while noting that: The high number of casualties cannot be justified.

Mr Otteh said although the Kaduna State Government had begun prosecution of 259 Shiite members for the murder of the soldier, Kaduna Yakubu, a corporal; no soldier had been brought to trial for the killings of hundreds of IMN members despite the recommendations of the JCE.

The leader of IMN Sheik El Zakzaky, who has lost two of his sons to earlier killings by the military in Kaduna in 2014, has been in detention since December 2015, without charge, and in spite of court orders for his unconditional release, he said.

It is deeply unfortunate and troubling that the Kaduna government has now elevated to an instrument of state policy, the bare-faced social injustice of turning victims of a vicious, brutal murderous aggression into its perpetrators, and treating the aggressors as victims and using the resources of the state and tax payer money to pursue these reprobate discriminatory and recriminatory prosecutions.

This is an ominous, foreboding cloud hanging over the rule of law in Nigeria. Our fundamental values as a constitutional democracy are being gravely threatened and imperilled.

The Kaduna government does not have a moral or constitutional right to arraign El Zakzaky and others for homicide trial when it is not ready to prosecute and bring to justice, also, soldiers who summarily, wilfully and atrociously killed hundreds of Nigerians at their pleasure.The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, said the free basic education policy in the state is saving parents N3 billion every year.

A statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity on Monday, said the removal of hidden fees and levies have helped parents bring more children to school.

According to the statement, Mr El-Rufai made the disclosure in a speech on education reforms in Nigeria which he delivered on Monday at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State.

The statement said the enrolment in public primary schools has doubled from 1.1 million in 2015 to about 2 million in September 2017.

The governor said that teachers are the most important factor in inspiring their pupils, and therefore the welfare of teachers is a priority for his government, along with fixing the inherited legacy of dilapidated schools, Mr Aruwan said.

Mr El-Rufai lamented the slide in standard of education noting that as more people go to school, the quality of education appears to be declining.

Over 11,300 newly recruited teachers have now resumed in their schools of posting, as a believer in the equality of opportunity, Nigeria must be able to give every citizen quality education, he said.

Mr Aruwan said the governor has been fixing the inherited problems of dilapidated schools, many without desks and chairs.

This was the beginning of the conversations that resulted in the World Bank approving the $350 million concessionary Programme for Results facility for Kaduna State on 20th June 2017, he said.

He said the governor argued that teachers are central to progressive educational outcomes noting that the state government intends to meet its target of 25,000 new teachers and take steps to enhance the salary and welfare status of teachers.

The steps being taken range from waiving personal income tax to enhancing teacher pay, investing in their continuous training and providing free housing for teachers posted to rural areas, he said.

The statement said the country cannot neglect public education if it wants progressive outcomes for all citizens.

A file photo of the school feeding programme

It is the poorest that send their children to public primary schools. We cannot allow the perverse situation of declining educational standards as more people go to school to persist, the statement said .

Mr El-Rufai said the government has a duty to provide globally-competitive education for every citizen as it must invest in preparing the next generation for a world in which technology has disrupted the old certainties.

The governor called for a review of the national curriculum to reflect this shift, and a change in teaching methods from rote learning to an emphasis on teaching children to think, exposing them to ICT and prioritising knowledge over certificates.The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has congratulated the leadership and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state on the commemoration of 2018 Workers Day.

The governor made the remark in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan.

Mr El-Rufai said that every society must inculcate respect for hard work and the value of labour and that society must uphold and cherish all who work with commitment, doggedness and dedication to the common good.

The governor who noted that no society can develop without a productive work force, thanked workers in all sectors for making a great contribution to the progress of Kaduna State, Mr Aruwan said.

The government stated that the implementation of many initiatives to reform the public service and education owes much to the support and cooperation of our work force. The Kaduna State Government is committed to empowering the public service as the facilitator of good governance. This entails that persons with skill be recruited and valued, and merit respected as a primary consideration.

Workers as citizens live in a society that requires the delivery of pubic goods like Education and Healthcare. Government will continue to invest in human capital by improving our schools and hospitals, providing for the vulnerable and promoting policies that advance the common good. The government congratulates all workers on this important day.SoulCycle instructor Bevin Prince said, The only time you should ever think about your underwear is when you are putting them on, echoing the feeling among many women I spoke to that the best workout underwear are ones you forget youre even wearing. For that frictionless comfort, Prince will only wear this Lululemon style on the bike, loving how it feels like a second skin that moves with my body.

The Bandhawear thong is also the favorite of my self-confessed workout aficionado friend, who in any given week can be found doing some combination of spinning, running, boot camp, Pilates, and barre. She loves that they never bunch or ride up, no matter how shes moving, and she even takes them on skiing and hiking trips. Theres also a bikini version.

[Editors note: Lululemon has discontinued its Mula Bandhawear underwear line, but underwear from its current activewear underwear lines  InvisiWear and UnderWear  are both available for $18.]ADVERTISEMENT

There was excitement in Enugu State as workers and pensioners in the state converged on the popular Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, to mark the 2018 Workers Day celebration, where they celebrated the good works of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The excited public and civil servants and retirees, including private workers, through the addresses presented separately by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Virginus Nwobodo, represented by his deputy, Maurice Eze and his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, respectively eulogized Governor Ugwuanyi for his exemplary leadership style and labour-friendly disposition in the state.

They stated that the governors friendly disposition to their welfare was the first of its kind since the inception of this state, saying: We will continue to say we have never had it any better before now.

The workers and retirees reiterated their stance on their earlier endorsement of Governor Ugwuanyis re-election in 2019, stressing that the reason for the clamour for continuity is based on the outstanding performances of Your Excellency.

They highlighted the remarkable achievements of the governor that have impacted positively on their lives such as prompt payment of monthly salaries/pensions, other allowances to state public and civil servants; absorption of 54% of total cost of 100 housing units at Elim Estate allocated to workers; payment of outstanding arrears of salaries, pensions, and allowances to Local Government Staff, through prudent utilization of 100 per cent of LG share of the Paris Club Refunds; promotion of teachers and recruitment of over 4000 school teachers as well as elongation of terminal grade of qualified primary school teachers to level 16.

Other achievements, according to the organized labour include, payment of 13th Month salary as Christmas bonus to the state workers; elaborate infrastructural developments of both urban and rural areas of the state through unique fiscal management of the states meager resources; transformation of the education, agriculture and health sectors, other areas of governance which have improved the quality of lives of the people of Enugu State; approval of payment of arrears of salaries of 731 former staff of some state parastatals and also, the regularization of 42 casual staff of the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane Enugu, as permanent staff of the institution, among others.

The jubilant workers and pensioners, who marched to commemorate the event to the delight of the governor and other officials in the audience, added that we are happy to celebrate the good days now, where salaries and pensions are paid without lobbying, saying:  All thanks to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Gburugburu).

Your Excellency, we celebrate your prudent management of the state resources which reflects in the provision of democracy dividends at the state, local government and community levels. The cordial relationship that exists between the Executive and the Legislature, and the peace and security in Enugu State should be emulated by other state governors, the workers stated.

They also appreciated Governor Ugwuanyi for ensuring adequate security of lives and property in every nook and cranny of Enugu State, thereby making the state about the safest place to live in the entire country.

The labour unions also commended the administrations empowerment programmes in the state that cuts across the workers, traders and communities, maintaining that the ongoing transformation in the state is very glaring and has projected Enugu State presently as the best state in Nigeria.

Most celebrated is the recent State Executive Council approvals for setting aside of N100 million monthly for the payment of gratuity to retired civil servants; biometric capture for 80 staff of ESWAMA absorbed in the civil service; payment of the sum of N82.7 million being deductions from workers salaries by the state government as National Housing Fund contributions between 2000 and 2004 but not remitted to the Federal Mortgage Bank.

While making some demands, the workers thanked the governor for the much his administration has done for them and prayed God to continue to grant you good health, abundant wisdom, knowledge and grace, to continue your good work to His glory and the service of humanity.

In his address, Governor Ugwuanyi, who felicitated with the workers in the state and all over the world, also joined them in the celebration, saying: We are here to commemorate the sacrifices and contributions of the Nigerian worker to the development of the nation and particularly, to express our solidarity and sincere gratitude to the great workers of Enugu State.

According to him, I have come here as one of you because I am also a worker and I want to thank you all for your prayers and for the wonderful support, cooperation and understanding that you have continued to offer us as we strive to fulfill the mandate that the good people of Enugu State had graciously given to us.

While thanking the workers and pensioners for the awards and laurels that you have kindly conferred on me and also for your votes of confidence and endorsement for another term in office, the governor reiterated his administrations commitment to their welfare, urging them to remain steadfast and approach their duties with zeal and commitment so that collectively, we can build the Enugu State of our dreams.The Ebonyi Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the death of one of its officers from head injuries, sustained during a reprisal attack by some commercial motorcyclists in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that crisis erupted in Abakaliki on April 26 when a police sergeant, Onyebuchi Nweke, shot and killed a commercial motorcyclist, Ejike Offim, over alleged refusal to offer him N50.

The town was enveloped in protests by commercial motorcycle riders who engaged the police in bitter clashes that resulted in serious injuries to seven police officers.

Loveth Odaa, the commands Public Relations Officer (PPRO), told NAN that the deceased officer, Monday Ekong, an inspector, died from head injuries sustained in the clashes.

Ms Odaa, who noted that the officer hailed from Akwa Ibom, said the command spent over N1.6 million for his treatment before he died last Friday in a hospital in Enugu.

The hospital demanded for N3 million for his treatment and the amount we spent covered expenses from the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) to the hospital he was referred to in Enugu.

The protesters pelted the officers with concrete stones which resulted in the serious head injuries he sustained and left other officers seriously injured.

We are presently in the court of public opinion and asking the public if we would be right to charge the arrested protesters with murder, she said.

She added that she was nearly lynched by the mob that day on her way to a radio station to appeal for calm on the part of the protesters.

My vehicle was, however, seriously damaged because we were imploring the commercial motorcyclists to be calm and maintain peace as a result of the incident, she said.

The spokesperson noted that the loss of the officer and severe injuries to the others was uncalled for as the officer who shot Mr Offim is currently facing prosecution.

The officer has been tried departmentally, dismissed from the force and has been charged to court over his act, she said.

Governor David Umahi had on Monday during an enlarged security meeting of stakeholders and heads of security agencies in the state, announced the death of the officer.

Mr Umahi noted that the incident was unfortunate as the government would critically review the situation to prevent recurrence.

We have seen that two wrongs cannot make a right with the Commissioner of Police (CP), dismissing the erring officer over his actions.

The officer is not from another tribe but an Igbo man and the press is not reporting this incident or the other police officers that were injured.

I commend the CP for his mature handling of the matter as the state government would assist in the dead officers burial, he said.

An official of the commercial motorcyclists union in the state, who pleaded anonymity, urged the police to immediately release his members arrested over the protest.

We have the right to protest the killing of our member over N50 because there is no law in the country which stipulates that we should offer money to the police while carrying out our duties, he said.

(NAN)The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has warned the state workforce to be wary of fifth columnists as the 2019 election approaches.

He said the mission of this group, whose membership he did not elaborate on, is to lead them (workers) on the path of ignominy and unnecessary confrontation with the authorities.

Mr Amosun gave the caution in his speech at the 2018 Workers Day ceremony held at Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta.

The governor admitted that the government is still owing substantial deductions and gratuities of the workers, but pledged that the issues will be addressed.

Let me seize this opportunity to state that, as the electioneering is fast approaching, I urge you not to downplay the provisions of the Public Service Rule and other extant laws. As law-abiding citizens, continue to exercise your civic rights and duties in line with the provisions of constitution and purge yourselves of fifth columnists whose only mission is to lead us on the path of ignominy and unnecessary confrontation, he said.

The governor, who is currently in the United States with President Muhammed Buhari on an official visit was represented by his deputy, Yetunde Onanuga.

He explained that his administration has never hidden the financial fortunes as well as challenges confronting it.

Our administration has, as a matter of deliberate policy from inception, has striven for transparency and utmost sincerity in its relationship with workers and their leaders. The financial fortunes as well as challenges confronting Government are never hidden. We appreciate the maturity of labour leaders in their appreciation of our open-door policy and friendly disposition to workers welfare.

He said since the inception of his administration, it has successfully built a mutual and symbiotic relationship with workers.

We have ensured that salaries are paid against the odds of uncertain and fluctuating federal allocations. We have not neglected our senior citizens in their vulnerable years. Pensions continue to be paid without fail. All these, despite the fact that Ogun State has one of the largest work-force among the States of the Federation and probably the best salary scale, Mr Amosun said.Workers in Ondo and Ekiti states on Tuesday charged the state governors, Rotimi Akeredolu and Ayo Fayose, respectively, to pay their salary arrears as they are currently suffering under poor economic conditions.

The Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Raymond Adesanmi, in his May Day address, urged Mr Fayose to prioritise the payment of salaries and pensions.

He also told the governor that workers and pensioners were experiencing serious hunger as a result of eight months of unpaid salaries by the state government.

The venue of the May Day rally at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, was scanty, a situation attributed to the financial conditions of the workers whose salaries had not been paid for several months.

Workers in the state are hungry, so I call on the governor to pay outstanding salaries owed the workers which include five months for the civil servants, eight months for the local government workers and six months for higher institutions in the state, Mr Adesanmi said.

The labour leader also called on Mr Fayose to pay gratuity and pensions for all the senior citizens that were affected.

The governor had announced the promotion of 40,100 workers covering three years promotion arrears in the civil service between 2015 and 2017.

In his remarks, Mr Fayose called on the workers to challenge the federal government not to oppress Ekiti State in the scheme of things, saying the federal government was sitting on the commonwealth of the state.

He said the labour leaders should look into the books of the federal government for transparency in governance, particularly as regarding allocation to states.

Every state is suppose to get its own share of the extra dollars on the sales of oil in the country, but the FG is not giving the state its due allocation, Mr Fayose said.

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose

Your interest would be my priority until my last day in office; I would not leave the state as a debtor governor in Ekiti.

In Ondo State, the NLC chairperson, Bosede Daramola, called on Mr Akeredolu to pay their three months salary and 20 per cent balance of October 2016 and leave allowance of 2017.

She also called on the state government to as a matter of urgency, sanitise the educational system, saying that adequate attention should be given to all the states technical schools for total overhauling and repositioning.

Mrs Daramola also used the opportunity to call on the Ondo State House of Assembly to identify with the aspirations of Nigerians by displaying the courage to vote yes for local government autonomy in Nigeria.

However, the governor said it was not the right of the workers to be paid leave bonuses, saying it would be paid at a more convenient time.

The remark by Mr Akeredolu angered the workers, who expressed their anger by walking out of the arena where the May Day rally held.

The workers also chanted songs as the governor made efforts to deliver his address.

Their efforts to move closer to the governor to further vent their anger was curtailed by security operatives present at the event.

I need not remind workers that this administration inherited a huge debt portfolio when it assumed office last year, said Mr Akeredolu.

It is also a notorious fact that a heavy burden of salary arrears of seven months was on the State. We promised to offset all arrears owed. We have been able to keep the promise, partly.

Four months out of the seven months salary arrears owed have been paid so far. We have paid salaries till date.

The current state of affairs is depressing. We are far away from our destination, even if we have found the right path. The journey to redemption is arduous, no doubt. All of us must show sufficient commitment to drag the state out of poverty.

The practice of near-total dependence on Federal Allocation must change. Other states can afford to be complacent, not our dear Ondo State whose peoples industry contributed immensely to the countrys GDP in the past.

It is a tragic irony that some people now refer to our State as a civil service enclave where governance has been reduced, virtually, to payment of salaries, allowances, grants and subventions.

The retrogressive attitude of over-dependence on oil revenue has had its debilitating effects on the polity. It has exposed even the workforce to a charge of indolence. It has rendered claims based on perceived entitlements suspect.

We appeal to workers to adopt a new attitude towards the business of governance. It is only this progressive partnership which holds a true redemptive promise, the governor said.Ahead of Saturdays governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, an aspirant, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Tuesday declared that he was not stepping down for anyone as being speculated in some quarters.

The former Lagos State Commissioner for Information, who addressed delegates for the primary in Ado-Ekiti, described as  laughable the rumour making the rounds that he had stepped down.

He said there was no reason for him to quit when he was convinced that he had a good chance of clinching the partys ticket.

Mr Bamidele stated that with the assurances given by the APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, and other leaders of the party at a meeting held in Lagos on Friday, he had no reason to doubt the credibility of the process.

He said he expected the party leaders to conduct a free, fair and credible primary that would produce a strong candidate that would be able to defeat the ruling Peoples Democratic Party candidate.

It will be tragic for APC to lose after passing through this stress; so we must do the right thing for us to get the right result.

I have traversed all the 177 wards and I am now visiting all the 16 local governments in search of delegates.

At 54, if I want to step down, I wont waste time, energy and money moving around. I will not even pretend in telling the public about it

Let me say that I am on the field, in the race and on Saturday, we are looking forward to getting the ticket by the grace of God, he said.

Counselling the delegates on the choice of candidate they should vote for, Mr Bamidele said they should choose someone who has the acceptability and clout to win as well as the knack to organise the party and make it a formidable force.

APC needs an experienced person and someone with scientific understanding of what has gone wrong in Ekiti and how to resolve it.

 I have been commissioner for over 10 years in executive arm, I have been a member of House of Representatives and I am also a lawyer, which falls within the judicial arm

I will not in any way disappoint if given the ticket because I am a loyal party man and I know how to work with everybody to get the useful result, he said.

On the sincerity of members of the John Odigie-Oyegun-led National Working Committee to conduct credible primary, Mr Bamidele said: I have no reason to doubt their integrity.

All the aspirants had gone through screening and as we were doing this, we were given a copy of delegates list each. We all know who will vote on Saturday.

With this, I dont envisage that anyone would try to tamper with the list or see anyone trying to do accreditation at another location different from where they will vote which can give opportunity to transport fake delegates to the venue.

The NWC, National and zonal leaders as well as the aspirants have agreed on some pacts and I believe these shall be allowed to prevail in this election.

(NAN)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.



Viera-Newton soaking in Beautycon. Photo: Courtesy Olivia Kooyman

Ive been told over and over by friends in the beauty industry that I absolutely must meet Moj Mahdara. When we were finally introduced, I immediately understood why. Mahdara is not just the CEO of Beautycon, a media company that hosts the biggest beauty convention in the United States, shes also hilarious, oozes with insight, and is an entrepreneurial force of nature.

Beautycon, for the unfamiliar, is an annual two-day festival held in New York, London, and Los Angeles thats attended by beauty obsessives, cosmetic and wellness brands, and the internets most influential beauty gurus, all there to attend panel discussions, meet-ups, and brand activations. In other words, its like Disneyland, but with Mario Dedivanovic instead of Mickey Mouse and Becca Cosmetics instead of the Matterhorn. The festival started as an invite-only event, but one of Mahdaras first decisions when she became CEO in 2015 was to open it up to the public, allowing any beauty-devoted person (willing to pay between $50 and $2,000) to attend.

I linked up with Mahdara the morning of Beautycons second day, an hour before the Javits Center opened its doors. It was my first time attending Beautycon, and I was panicked by how much there was to see and do, from a fireside chat with Paris Hilton to a manicure station by Floss Gloss. But Mahdaras makeshift office was a calm place; Mahdara, reclined on a sofa, ensured me that the madness that is Beautycon starts to feel normal after only a few minutes on the floor. So we got to talking, about her favorite products and what its like to create an event for some 16,000 obsessive beauty lovers.

Mahdara: [Pointing at my Sketchers DLites] how long do you think the large, orthopedic shoe fad is going to last?

I think we have like six months left?

Fair enough. So dont double down on the Balenciaga ones? I considered it.

No, no. Pro tip: Get them from Skechers. Theyre only like $45, and then you wont feel guilty about purchasing a wild-card shoe. If you get the Balenciagas, youll have to wear them for the rest of your life. Anyway, when do you hit the floor?

As soon as they [points to her team] let me hit the floor.

[Addressing the team] Holding her back! How dare you! What do you do when you get out there?

I like to go up to random families. Like yesterday, I met this very elegant woman in her late 40s; she had a massive handbag and was herding her kids around Beautycon. And her kids had bags of stuff and were totally decked out in sparkly eye shadow, which was adorable. Everyone is so nice. I noticed the admission line was insanely long, so I went to see if people were grumpy. But everyone was so sweet and friendly. I saw people introducing themselves, gassing each other up, saying, Oh, I love your hair, or, I love your nails!

Viera-Newton and Mahdara. Credit: Olivia Kooyman.

Speaking of which, lets talk products. What are your cant live without products.

Okay. So, I love True Botanicals. Their vitamin C serum is so amazing. I struggle with dark spots, and this has helped my skin so much with getting rid of them. It just makes my skin look so bright and happy.

I am obsessed with R+Co  everything by them.

I love their dry shampoo. Its so good. I just tried it for the first time at my friends house, and it held my hair all day long. It was the best.

Im addicted to their mouse and their pomade. Especially for short hair, its amazing. Like you said, it just holds all day long. Have you tried Dr. Dennis Gross? I just tried it for the first time and Im freaking out.

Their Alpha Beta Peel?

Yes!

A classic. Truly a great exfoliant, one of the best. And, so damn travel-friendly! Throw it in your gym bag; throw it in your weekend bag. Quick, easy, effective.

Im obsessed with collagen right now. Ive been trying all the collagen masks I can get my hands on. Im super excited about all these science-heavy products.

Speaking of innovative, science-heavy products, have you tried the Kush Mascara from Milk Makeup with CBD in it?

Yes, I tried it last night. First of all, its amazing. My lashes looked so long and thick. But also, the packaging  the packaging.

Oh my god, I know. It looks sleek and sexy.

It has this very heavy, aluminum packaging. You know when something is just so weighty and rewarding to feel, and you know its going to make you just gravitate toward it in your makeup bag over and over again? Thats how I feel about that.

Do you tend to stick to the same routine, or do you like to change it up and try new stuff?

I try to test out a handful of new things at least once a month.

Do you feel like thats a responsibility that you have? I totally have that as a beauty writer. I feel like I have to try every new thing that comes out.

My office is full of beauty junkies, and I pay very close attention to what everyone in the office is using and loving. But no, I dont sit at home and swatch colors on my arm all day.

The author enjoying a manicure by Floss Gloss. Credit: Olivia Kooyman.

I, on the other hand, am obsessed with color swatching. The Kardashians are so good at it  they just make these perfect rectangles with lipstick on their arms.

Right! Its always like thick at the top and thinner down below. Speaking of the office, Fenty recently sent us this whole box full of goodies, which was incredible, but its also instigating this, like, ravenous, Lord of the Flies moment in our office where just chaos ensued. It was crazy, as soon as the box opened, it was almost like the table came out, the lights turned out, a table appeared, and swatching was happening everywhere. Our content team is not playing when it comes to swatching.

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The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.LAKE ZURICH, Ill., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO) today announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share. The dividend will be paid on June 20, 2018, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on June 1, 2018.

About ACCO Brands Corporation

ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world's largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products. Our widely recognized brands include Artline, AT-A-GLANCE, Derwent, Esselte, Five Star, GBC, Hilroy, Kensington, Leitz, Mead, Quartet, Rapid, Rexel, Swingline, Tilibra, Wilson Jones, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, can be found at www.accobrands.com.

SOURCE ACCO Brands Corporation

Related Links

http://accobrands.com

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world's largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products, today reported its first quarter results for the period ended March 31, 2018.

"First quarter results demonstrate the strength and balance of our more diversified global business," said Boris Elisman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACCO Brands. "I am especially pleased with the growth of our EMEA region, where the Esselte acquisition is driving organic sales growth and profit improvements."

First Quarter Results

Net sales increased 13% to $405.8 million from $359.8 million in the prior-year quarter driven by the additional month of sales from Esselte and foreign exchange. Excluding the effects of the acquisition and foreign exchange, comparable sales decreased 4%, primarily due to declines in the North America segment. Net income was $10.4 million, or $0.09 per share, including $6.3 million of restructuring and integration charges. This compared to net income of $3.6 million, or $0.03 per share, in the prior-year quarter, which included $0.3 million of refinancing-related charges and $6.8 million of transaction, integration and restructuring charges. Adjusted net income increased to $8.9 million, or $0.08 per share, from $4.9 million, or $0.04 per share, in the prior-year quarter. The increase in adjusted net income was primarily driven by the Esselte acquisition.

Business Segment Highlights

ACCO Brands North America - Sales decreased 5% to $165.6 million from $174.9 million in the prior-year quarter. The additional month of sales from Esselte added 1% to sales, or $0.9 million, and foreign exchange added 1%. Comparable sales decreased 6%, or $11.1 million, due to customer inventory reductions and lost placements. Operating income decreased to $2.9 million from $5.8 million in the prior-year quarter. Adjusted operating income decreased to $4.7 million from $7.2 million in the prior year primarily due to lower gross margin.

ACCO Brands EMEA - Sales increased 60% to $154.5 million from $96.5 million in the prior-year quarter. The additional month of sales from Esselte added 44%, or $42.7 million, and foreign exchange added 14%. Comparable sales increased 2%, or $1.6 million. Operating income increased to $14.1 million from $3.6 million in the prior-year quarter, and adjusted operating income increased to $17.4 million from $5.5 million, due to the acquisition and higher gross margin.

ACCO Brands International - Sales decreased 3% to $85.7 million from $88.4 million in the prior-year quarter. The additional month of sales from Esselte added 1%, or $0.6 million, and foreign exchange added 3%. Comparable sales declined 7%, or $5.7 million, as growth in Brazil was offset by lower sales in Australia and Mexico. Operating income decreased to $5.8 million from $10.1 million in the prior-year quarter and adjusted operating income decreased to $6.6 million from $10.7 million in the prior-year quarter, due to lower sales and higher distribution costs associated with warehouse and systems consolidation driven by the Pelikan Artline integration in Australia.

Business Outlook

The company is reiterating its outlook for 2018 revenue, adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow. The company expects 2018 sales growth of approximately 2% and adjusted EPS growth of 12-15%, a range of $1.33-$1.37 per share, assuming a normalized tax rate of 28%. Free cash flow is expected to be approximately $180 million.

Webcast

At 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today, ACCO Brands Corporation will host a conference call to discuss the company's results. The call will be broadcast live via webcast. The webcast can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of www.accobrands.com . The webcast will be in listen-only mode and will be available for replay for one month following the event.

About ACCO Brands Corporation

ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world's largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products. Our widely recognized brands include Artline, AT-A-GLANCE, Derwent, Esselte, Five Star, GBC, Hilroy, Kensington, Leitz, Mead, Quartet, Rapid, Rexel, Swingline, Tilibra, Wilson Jones, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, can be found at www.accobrands.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted operating income, adjusted earnings per share, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow, effective tax rate and comparable net sales at constant currency. We have included a description of each of these measures and a reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure in the tables attached to this press release.

We use the non-GAAP financial measures both in the internal evaluation and management of our business and to explain our results to stockholders and the investment community. Senior management's incentive compensation is derived, in part, using certain of these measures. We believe these measures provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of our underlying operational results and trends, facilitate meaningful comparisons and enhance an overall understanding of our past financial performance and our future prospects. The non-GAAP results are an indication of our baseline performance before gains, losses or other charges that we considered to be outside our core operating results.

The non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items that may have a material impact upon our reported financial results such as unusual income tax items, restructuring and integration charges, acquisition-related expenses, foreign currency fluctuation, and other one-time or non-recurring items. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the directly comparable GAAP financial measures and should be read in connection with the company's financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP.

This press release also provides forward-looking non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share, adjusted free cash flow and normalized tax rate. We do not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking adjusted earnings per share or tax rate to GAAP because the GAAP financial measure is not accessible on a forward-looking basis and reconciling information is not available without unreasonable effort due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such a reconciliation, including adjustments that could be made for restructuring, integration and acquisition-related expenses, the variability of our tax rate and other charges reflected in our historical numbers. The probable significance of each of these items is high and, based on historical experience, could be material.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth, operating strategies and similar matters are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are generally identifiable by the use of the words "will," "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," and similar expressions, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty or obligation to update them. Because actual results may differ materially from those suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on them when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the company's securities.

Our business outlook is based on certain assumptions, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These include, without limitation, assumptions regarding the timing, cost and synergies expected from integration of acquisitions; the impact of the recent changes in U.S. tax laws; changes in the macro environment; fluctuations in foreign currency rates and share count; changes in the competitive landscape and consumer behavior; as well as other factors described below.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are: the concentration of our business with a relatively limited number of large customers; consumer spending decisions during periods of economic uncertainty or weakness; risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations; challenges related to the highly competitive business environments in which we operate; our ability to develop and market innovative products that meet consumer demands; our ability to grow profitably through acquisitions and expand our product assortment into new and adjacent categories; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions and achieve the financial and other results anticipated at the time of acquisition, including synergies; the failure, inadequacy or interruption of our information technology systems or supporting infrastructure; risks associated with a cybersecurity incident or information security breach; our ability to successfully expand our business in emerging markets which generally expose us to greater financial, operational, regulatory and compliance and other risks; the effects of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; risks associated with the changes to U.S. government policies, including increased import tariffs or quotas and other changes in trade relations and policies; the impact of litigation or other legal proceedings; the risks associated with outsourcing production of certain of our products, information systems and other administrative functions; the continued decline in the use of certain of our products; risks associated with seasonality and raw material, labor and transportation availability and cost fluctuations; our failure to comply with applicable laws, rules and regulations and self-regulatory requirements and the costs of compliance; the sufficiency of investment returns on pension assets and risks related to actuarial assumptions; any impairment of our intangible assets; risks associated with our indebtedness, including our debt service obligations, limitations imposed by restrictive covenants and our ability to comply with financial ratios and tests; the bankruptcy or financial instability of our customers and suppliers; our failure to comply with customer contracts; our ability to secure, protect and maintain our intellectual property rights; product liability claims or regulatory actions; our ability to attract and retain key employees; the volatility of our stock price; material disruptions at one of our or our suppliers' major manufacturing or distribution facilities resulting from circumstances outside our control; and other risks and uncertainties described in "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and in other reports we file with the SEC.

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets



(unaudited)



(in millions of dollars) March 31,

2018

December 31,

2017 Assets





Current assets:





Cash and cash equivalents $ 122.7



$ 76.9

Accounts receivable, net 316.1



469.3

Inventories 294.5



254.2

Other current assets 51.5



29.2

Total current assets 784.8



829.6

Total property, plant and equipment 657.1



645.2

Less: accumulated depreciation (376.8)



(366.7)

Property, plant and equipment, net 280.3



278.5

Deferred income taxes 132.9



137.9

Goodwill 667.9



670.3

Identifiable intangibles, net 838.1



839.9

Other non-current assets 50.7



42.9

Total assets $ 2,754.7



$ 2,799.1

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity





Current liabilities:





Notes payable $ 0.7



$ 

Current portion of long-term debt 42.0



43.2

Accounts payable 188.6



178.2

Accrued compensation 40.4



60.9

Accrued customer program liabilities 98.5



141.1

Accrued interest 6.8



1.2

Other current liabilities 112.1



113.8

Total current liabilities 489.1



538.4

Long-term debt, net 908.4



889.2

Deferred income taxes 174.8



177.1

Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations 268.3



275.5

Other non-current liabilities 149.1



144.8

Total liabilities 1,989.7



2,025.0

Stockholders' equity:





Common stock 1.1



1.1

Treasury stock (33.9)



(26.4)

Paid-in capital 1,999.1



1,999.7

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (467.4)



(461.1)

Accumulated deficit (733.9)



(739.2)

Total stockholders' equity 765.0



774.1

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,754.7



$ 2,799.1



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (In millions of dollars, except per share data)



Three Months Ended

March 31,





2018

2017 (A)

% Change Net sales $ 405.8



$ 359.8



13% Cost of products sold 278.3



248.9



12% Gross profit 127.5



110.9



15% Operating costs and expenses:









Selling, general and administrative expenses 101.8



94.2



8% Amortization of intangibles 9.3



8.0



16% Restructuring charges 4.7



1.5



213% Total operating costs and expenses 115.8



103.7



12% Operating income 11.7



7.2



63% Non-operating expense (income):









Interest expense 9.4



9.8



(4)% Interest income (1.0)



(1.3)



(23)% Non-operating pension income (2.2)



(2.1)



5% Other (income) expense, net (0.6)



0.7



NM Income before income tax 6.1



0.1



NM Income tax benefit (4.3)



(3.5)



23% Net income $ 10.4



$ 3.6



189%











Per share:









Basic income per share $ 0.10



$ 0.03



233% Diluted income per share $ 0.09



$ 0.03



200%











Weighted average number of shares outstanding:









Basic 106.8



108.3





Diluted 110.0



112.4

















Dividends per common share $ 0.06





















Statistics (as a % of Net sales, except Income tax rate)







Three Months Ended

March 31,





2018

2017



Gross profit (Net sales, less Cost of products sold) 31.4 %

30.8 %



Selling, general and administrative expenses 25.1 %

26.2 %



Operating income 2.9 %

2.0 %



Income before income tax 1.5 %

 %



Net income 2.6 %

1.0 %



Income tax rate (70.5) %

NM







(A) 2017 historical data has been restated for ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. This new standard requires presentation of all components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, other than service costs, in an income statement line item outside of a subtotal of income from operations. This has resulted in the reclass of $2.1 million of income out of operating income into the account "non-operating pension income" for the period ending March 31, 2017.

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)



Three Months Ended March 31, (in millions of dollars) 2018

2017 Operating activities





Net income $ 10.4



$ 3.6

Amortization of inventory step-up 



0.9

Loss on disposal of assets 0.1





Depreciation 9.0



9.0

Amortization of debt issuance costs 0.5



1.4

Amortization of intangibles 9.3



8.0

Stock-based compensation 3.2



2.4

Changes in balance sheet items:





Accounts receivable 162.0



165.3

Inventories (43.5)



(31.2)

Other assets (8.0)



(0.8)

Accounts payable 8.8



(4.3)

Accrued expenses and other liabilities (78.7)



(73.4)

Accrued income taxes (12.7)



(15.5)

Net cash provided by operating activities 60.4



65.4

Investing activities





Additions to property, plant and equipment (8.0)



(5.2)

Proceeds from the disposition of assets 



0.1

Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired 



(292.6)

Net cash used by investing activities (8.0)



(297.7)

Financing activities





Proceeds from long-term borrowings 21.5



412.0

Repayments of long-term debt (11.6)



(94.4)

Borrowings of notes payable, net 0.7





Payments for debt issuance costs 



(3.4)

Dividends paid (6.4)





Repurchases of common stock (9.1)





Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation (7.4)



(9.2)

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 5.3



1.4

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities (7.0)



306.4

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 0.4



1.3

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 45.8



75.4

Cash and cash equivalents





Beginning of the period 76.9



42.9

End of the period $ 122.7



$ 118.3



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information (Unaudited) (In millions of dollars, except per share data)

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of certain Income Statement information reported in accordance with GAAP to adjusted Non-GAAP Information.



Three Months Ended March 31, 2018

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017





Reported

% of

Adjusted

Adjusted

% of

Reported

% of

Adjusted

Adjusted

% of

% Change

GAAP

Sales

Items

Non-GAAP

Sales

GAAP

Sales

Items

Non-GAAP

Sales

Adjusted Gross profit $ 127.5



31.4 %

$ 



$ 127.5



31.4 %

$ 110.9



30.8 %

$ 0.9

(A.1) $ 111.8



31.1 %

14 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 101.8



25.1 %

(1.6)

(A.2) 100.2



24.7 %

94.2



26.2 %

(4.4)

(A.2) 89.8



25.0 %

12 % Restructuring charges 4.7







(4.7)

(A.3) 







1.5







(1.5)

(A.3) 







NM

Operating income 11.7



2.9 %

6.3



18.0



4.4 %

7.2



2.0 %

6.8



14.0



3.9 %

29 % Other (income) expense, net (0.6)











(0.6)







0.7







(0.3)

(A.4) 0.4







NM

Income before income tax 6.1



1.5 %

6.3



12.4



3.1 %

0.1



 %

7.1



7.2



2.0 %

72 % Income tax expense (4.3)







7.8

(A.5) 3.5







(3.5)







5.8

(A.5) 2.3







52 % Income tax rate (70.5) %









28.0 %





NM











32.0 %







Net income $ 10.4



2.6 %

$ (1.5)



$ 8.9



2.2 %

$ 3.6



1.0 %

$ 1.3



$ 4.9



1.4 %

82 % Diluted income per share $ 0.09







$ (0.01)



$ 0.08







$ 0.03







$ 0.01



$ 0.04







100 % Weighted average number of shares outstanding: 110.0











110.0







112.4











112.4











Notes for Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information (Unaudited)

A. "Adjusted" results exclude restructuring charges, amortization of the step-up in value of finished goods, transaction and integration expenses associated with the acquisitions of Esselte Group Holdings AB ("Esselte") and Pelikan Artline, other one-time or non-recurring items and all unusual income tax items, including income taxes related to the aforementioned items; in addition, income taxes have been recalculated at a normalized tax rate of 28% for 2018 and 32% for 2017.

1. Represents the adjustment related to the amortization of step-up in the value of finished goods inventory associated with the acquisition of Esselte in 2017.

2. Represents the elimination of transaction and integration expenses associated with the acquisitions of Esselte (in 2018 and 2017) and Pelikan Artline (in 2017 only).

3. Represents the elimination of restructuring charges.

4. Represents the write-off of debt issuance costs and other costs associated with the Company's refinancing in the first quarter of 2017 related to the Esselte acquisition.

5. Primarily reflects the tax effect of the adjustments outlined in items A.1-4 above and adjusts the company's effective tax rate to a normalized rate of 28% for 2018 and 32% for 2017. The lower normalized tax rate for 2018 is primarily due to the effect of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Company's estimated long-term rate remains subject to variations from the mix of earnings across the Company's operating jurisdictions and changes in tax laws.

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited) (In millions of dollars)

"Adjusted EBITDA" represents net income after adding back depreciation; stock-based compensation expense; amortization of intangibles; interest expense, net; other (income) expense, net; and income tax benefit. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes the amortization of the step-up in value of finished goods inventory, transaction, integration and restructuring charges. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income reported in accordance with GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA.





Three Months Ended

March 31,







2018

2017

% Change Net income $ 10.4



$ 3.6



189 %

Inventory step-up amortization 



0.9



(100)%



Transaction and integration expenses 1.6



4.4



(64)%



Restructuring charges 4.7



1.5



213 %

Depreciation 9.0



9.0



 %

Stock-based compensation 3.2



2.4



33 %

Amortization of intangibles 9.3



8.0



16 %

Interest expense, net 8.4



8.5



(1)%



Other (income) expense, net (0.6)



0.7



NM



Income tax benefit (4.3)



(3.5)



23 % Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) $ 41.7



$ 35.5



17 %













Adjusted EBITDA as a % of Net Sales 10.3 %

9.9 %





Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow (Unaudited) (In millions of dollars)

"Free Cash Flow" represents cash flow from operating activities less cash used for additions to property, plant and equipment, plus cash proceeds from the disposition of assets. "Adjusted Free Cash Flow" excludes transaction and integration expenses. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities reported in accordance with GAAP to Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow.



Three Months Ended

March 31, 2018

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2017

2018 Guidance Net cash provided by operating activities $ 60.4



$ 65.4



$ 216













Net cash (used) provided by:









Additions to property, plant and equipment (8.0)



(5.2)



(36)

Proceeds from the disposition of assets 



0.1





Free cash flow (non-GAAP) 52.4



60.3



180













Transaction and integration expenses - cash 1.6



2.4



4

Adjusted free cash flow (non-GAAP) $ 54.0



$ 62.7



$ 184



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Business Segment Information and Reconciliation (Unaudited) (In millions of dollars)



2018

2017

Changes

Reported

Net Sales

Reported

Operating

Income

(Loss)

Adjusted

Items

Adjusted

Operating

Income

(Loss) (B)

Adjusted

Operating

Income

(Loss)

Margin (B)

Reported

Net Sales

Reported Operating Income (Loss) (A)

Adjusted Items

Adjusted

Operating Income (Loss) (B)

Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) Margin (B)

Net Sales $ Net Sales % Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) $ Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) % Margin Points























































































Q1:

















































ACCO Brands North America $ 165.6



$ 2.9



$ 1.8



$ 4.7



2.8%

$ 174.9



$ 5.8



$ 1.4



$ 7.2



4.1%

$ (9.3)

(5)% $ (2.5)

(35)% (130) ACCO Brands EMEA 154.5



14.1



3.3



17.4



11.3%

96.5



3.6



1.9



5.5



5.7%

58.0

60% 11.9

216% 560 ACCO Brands International 85.7



5.8



0.8



6.6



7.7%

88.4



10.1



0.6



10.7



12.1%

(2.7)

(3)% (4.1)

(38)% (440) Corporate 



(11.1)



0.4



(10.7)











(12.3)



2.9



(9.4)











(1.3)





Total $ 405.8



$ 11.7



$ 6.3



$ 18.0



4.4%

$ 359.8



$ 7.2



$ 6.8



$ 14.0



3.9%

$ 46.0

13% $ 4.0

29% 50



















































Q2:

















































ACCO Brands North America

















$ 280.6



$ 51.7



$ 2.8



$ 54.5



19.4%











ACCO Brands EMEA

















128.5



(0.6)



8.5



7.9



6.1%











ACCO Brands International

















80.9



4.0



3.9



7.9



9.8%











Corporate























(11.8)



0.8



(11.0)

















Total



















$ 490.0



$ 43.3



$ 16.0



$ 59.3



12.1%































































Q3:

















































ACCO Brands North America

















$ 290.3



$ 49.6



$ 0.7



$ 50.3



17.3%











ACCO Brands EMEA

















140.3



7.8



3.3



11.1



7.9%











ACCO Brands International

















101.6



11.2



1.6



12.8



12.6%











Corporate























(11.9)



1.7



(10.2)

















Total



















$ 532.2



$ 56.7



$ 7.3



$ 64.0



12.0%































































Q4:

















































ACCO Brands North America

















$ 253.2



$ 45.3



$ 0.9



$ 46.2



18.2%











ACCO Brands EMEA

















177.5



21.2



3.8



25.0



14.1%











ACCO Brands International

















136.1



25.6



0.1



25.7



18.9%











Corporate























(14.8)



2.6



(12.2)

















Total



















$ 566.8



$ 77.3



$ 7.4



$ 84.7



14.9%































































YTD:

















































ACCO Brands North America $ 165.6



$ 2.9



$ 1.8



$ 4.7



2.8%

$ 999.0



$ 152.4



$ 5.8



$ 158.2



15.8%











ACCO Brands EMEA 154.5



14.1



3.3



17.4



11.3%

542.8



32.0



17.5



49.5



9.1%











ACCO Brands International 85.7



5.8



0.8



6.6



7.7%

407.0



50.9



6.2



57.1



14.0%











Corporate 



(11.1)



0.4



(10.7)











(50.8)



8.0



(42.8)

















Total $ 405.8



$ 11.7



$ 6.3



$ 18.0



4.4%

$ 1,948.8



$ 184.5



$ 37.5



$ 222.0



11.4%



































































(A) 2017 historical data has been restated for ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2018. This new standard requires presentation of all components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, other than service costs, in an income statement line item outside of a subtotal of income from operations. This has resulted in the reclass of $8.5 million of income out of operating income into the account "non-operating pension income/costs" for the annual period ending December 31, 2017. (B) See "Notes for Reconciliation of GAAP to Adjusted Non-GAAP Information (Unaudited)" for a description of adjusted items on page 8.

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries Supplemental Net Sales Change Analysis (Unaudited)





Percent Change - Sales



GAAP Non-GAAP















Comparable Net Sales Change $'s (A) (In millions of

dollars)





















Comparable



Net Sales

Currency







Net Sales



Change

Translation

Acquisition



Change (A) Q1 2018:



















ACCO Brands North America

(5.3)%

0.5%

0.5%

$(11.1)

(6.3)% ACCO Brands EMEA

60.1%

14.2%

44.2%

1.6

1.7% ACCO Brands International

(3.1)%

2.7%

0.7%

(5.7)

(6.5)% Total

12.8%

4.7%

12.3%

$(15.2)

(4.2)%



(A) Comparable net sales excluding acquisitions and with current period foreign operation sales translated at prior year currency rates.

SOURCE ACCO Brands Corporation

Related Links

http://www.accobrands.com

The secret to their flattering shape: the low vamp. Photo: courtesy of the retailer

It took me 25 years, but Ive finally found the perfect pair of shoes for summer  even if Im just staying in town. Shoes during the summer can be trying: Sandals seem perfect at first, but most of them are way too flat to walk in for any amount of time. Sneakers are having a moment, but they have always made me feel like a backpacker headed for a hostel, and ballet flats are often too narrow in the toe to be comfortable for me. Then, on a whim, I bought a pair of Minnetonka Thunderbirds while clicking around the Vermont Country Store website, home of old-lady favorites since 1946. (But of course you can get them on Amazon, too.)

The navy ones, which have the sole and shape of a boat shoe, are my favorite.

Made by the Minnesota-based Minnetonka since 1955, the mocs are stylish in that slightly off, quirky-aunt sort of way. (Drew Barrymore is a fan, which pretty much says all you need to know.) Theyre attractive against almost all odds. And though I get compliments every time I wear them, compliments dont matter if theyre not comfortable, which these really are. Made of ultrasoft, pliable leather, they formed themselves to the shape of my foot after just a few wears without blisters or raw spots in the process. I find that theyre surprisingly versatile, too, as cool with ankle-cropped jeans as with midi-skirts. I always wear them without socks and they never ever stink (though if you are prone to sweaty feet, get yourself a pair of these genius machine washable terry-cloth insoles, which can be taken out and tossed in the wash every so often).

Ive figured out what makes them so sneakily charming: They flatter the foot because the vamp (the part of the shoe that covers your toes) is low, which helps create a long, unbroken line. A higher-vamped shoe (like a sneaker) tends to chop the leg up, making the ankle just a bit stumpy. The white pair is a cross between Keds and old-school nurses shoes, though my favorites are the dignified navy version. They also come unbeaded if thats more your speed. Just devote some time for short jaunts to break them in before committing a full day to exploring in them  the leather is flexible, but you cant rush the process.

Minnetonka Thunderbird II Moccasin $45 You can get the gray suede version like the model whos dangerously dangling her feet out the window, too. $45 at Macy's Buy

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The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.COLUMBUS, Ga., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac, the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite in the United States, is creating a fresh perspective in the marketplace by combining its voluntary benefits experience with true group fundamentals through the launch of its latest group disability product.

"With the introduction of the new group short- and long-term disability products, the depth and breadth of Aflac's offerings on behalf of our policyholders continue to climb," said Stephanie Shields, vice president of Premier Broker Solutions at Aflac. "By adding to our already extensive voluntary plans and value-added services, we are creating value not only for our customers, but also for our broker partners, while meeting the needs of certificate holders and providing an affordable solution for large employers, as well."

Aflac's expansion of its group disability product offerings is highly customizable, allowing insureds to create or match any existing plan to meet their needs. This latest group disability offering is a continuation of Aflac's ongoing strategy to offer relevant products by partnering with a turnkey reinsurer for support and expertise in underwriting and administration.

Aflac seeks to change the benefits conversation by simplifying the message and helping people understand how to choose the protection that is right for them. This latest group disability offering aligns with the company's ongoing commitment to support employees in their time of need and during their recovery journeys.

To learn more about Aflac's suite of disability products, visit aflacgroupinsurance.com.

About Aflac

When an insured gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast. For more than six decades, Aflac insurance plans have given insureds the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the leader in voluntary insurance sales at the worksite. In Japan, Aflac is the leading provider of medical and cancer insurance and insures 1 in 4 households. Aflac insurance products help provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. For 12 consecutive years, Ethisphere has recognized Aflac as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. In 2018, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America for the 20th consecutive year and included Aflac on its list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 17th time. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac visit aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol.

Aflac Group products are underwritten by Continental American Insurance Company (CAIC). CAIC's affiliation with the value-added service providers is limited only to a marketing alliance, and CAIC and the value-added service providers are not under any sort of mutual ownership, joint venture or are otherwise related. CAIC makes no representations or warranties regarding the value-added service providers and does not own or administer any of the products or services provided by the value-added service providers. Each value-added service provider offers its products and services subject to its own terms, limitations and exclusions. Value-added services are not available in Idaho or Minnesota. State availability may vary. CAIC, a proud member of the Aflac family of insurers, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aflac Incorporated.

Media contact  Kristen Fraser, 706.580.3813 or [email protected]

Analyst and investor contact  David A. Young, 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667, FAX 706.324.6330, or [email protected]

SOURCE Aflac

Related Links

http://www.aflac.com

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- AJC's Latino Jewish Leadership Council (LJLC) will visit Puerto Rico this week on a fact-finding and solidarity mission. The May 2-5 visit, cohosted by the Jewish Community of Puerto Rico, will allow Jewish and Latino leaders from across the United States to witness first-hand the status of aid delivery and rebuilding.

"The enormous challenges Puerto Ricans are confronting nearly seven months after Hurricane Maria devastated the American island compels us to ensure that Washington takes substantive action to address the urgent needs of our fellow citizens," said Dina Siegel Vann, Director of AJC's Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs (BILLA).

The LJLC is comprised of a prominent group of U.S. Jews and Latinos. Convened by AJC, the Council works to further strengthen Latino-Jewish cooperation in advocating for issues of shared concern and values cherished by both communities. At its January meeting in Washington, D.C., the Council discussed extensively the Puerto Rico crisis and visited Capitol Hill to advocate for more concerted and urgent action.

During the visit to Puerto Rico, LJlC members, as well as other prominent Latino and Jewish leaders participating in the mission, will meet with Governor Ricardo Rossello, Puerto Rico Secretary of State Luis Gerardo Rivera Marin, Speaker of the House of Representatives Carlos Johnny Mendez Nunez, as well as members of the Senate, the business community and civil society.

"Our visit will further empower us, Jews and Puerto Ricans, to more strenuously advocate for a longterm response to the dire situation on the island," said Siegel Vann.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org

CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Energy, a leader in home energy efficiency, announced today that Will Doyle, Allied's President and John Kane, Allied's Building Sciences Expert presented at the Home Performance Coalition National Conference on April 23 -26 at the Marriott Downtown in Philadelphia, PA.

Doyle presented on quality assurance in home performance, addressing topics such as remote monitoring and best practices for assessments and installations. Kane presented on Home Energy Score, a method of measuring a home's energy efficiency using specific metrics and rating systems.

Both Doyle and Kane are Drexel University graduates. As classmates, they decided to pursue a career in home energy efficiency after working on an energy efficiency class project together. Doyle founded a home performance business upon graduating Drexel. After 10 years of building Allied into a leading home performance provider, they are considered industry experts, frequently being asked to speak at conferences and seminars.

"The Home Performance Coalition is a cornerstone organization for a rapidly growing home performance industry," said Doyle. "We are proud to support HPC and to be part of their mission to improve home efficiency and homeowner health and well-being," he added.

The Home Performance Coalition (HPC) is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that advances the residential energy efficiency market through research, education, and policy analysis. HPC works with industry leaders in the home performance and weatherization industries and collaborates with like-minded organizations to help ensure all homes are healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient. For more information on HPC visit their website at www.homeperformance.org/

For more than a decade, Allied Energy has helped homeowners make their homes more comfortable, safe and energy efficient. As a partner of the New Jersey Clean Energy Program and an Energy Star Contractor of the Year, we educate homeowners in home performance, advocate for them to receive the maximum state funding for improvements and implement the best home energy solutions. For more information about Allied Energy, please visit www.aliedenergyexpertrs.com

SOURCE Allied Energy

Related Links

http://www.homeperformance.org

SAN ANTONIO, TX, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Alternate Health Corp., ("Alternate Health") (CSE:AHG) (OTCQB:AHGIF), an international leader in software solutions for the medical cannabis industry, announced today a proposed plan that it believes will substantially increase shareholder value through a spinoff of the Company's blockchain payment systems, Alternate Health Labs subsidiary and other non-cannabis assets into a new corporation that will apply to be listed on a major American exchange.

"We have received an extremely high level of interest in Alternate Health's new blockchain solutions for our laboratories and payment processing systems," says Dr. Michael Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Alternate Health. "We believe these technologies represent the future of both the Fintech and healthcare industries, with the potential to open up new business opportunities in some of the world's most valuable markets."

Proposed Fintech / Healthcare Company

Alternate Health has taken a leadership position in blockchain financial and healthcare solutions. A key product is the company's Zi App Blockchain Payment Gateway. Originally designed to facilitate digital payments in cannabis, this system has earned overwhelming interest as a payment solution for even larger markets, like multi-level marketing, commercial leases and equipment rentals. The new company would be free to negotiate licensing and strategic partnerships without the association of cannabis.

"As it stands, we feel these assets are undervalued in the context of the cannabis company, so we are seeking a platform to launch our technology in new markets beyond the scope of Alternate Health's cannabis focus," says Dr. Murphy. "An uplisting would give us the shareholder value and market liquidity to take on these exciting market opportunities and deliver shareholders an additional opportunity for a strong return on their investment."

Alternate Health Labs would also be included in the new company, since it forms another revenue-generating, non-cannabis asset. The new company would be able to negotiate greater referral contracts for the business, while applying its expertise in blockchain development to software and management systems across the healthcare industry.

Alternate Health's Future in Cannabis

Spinning off the company's blockchain payment and laboratory assets is expected to have a dramatic impact on Alternate Health's cannabis businesses. This process will free up the company to immediately focus on generating revenue from of our CBD products, with Alternate Health already pursuing production and distribution deals in California, Canada and Mexico. A cannabis-focused Alternate Health will also be free provide software services to recreational markets across the United States and Canada.

"We expect this change will position Alternate Health's cannabis assets for explosive growth as we are free to expand our operations into production and distribution," says Dr. Murphy. "This restructuring would allow us fully monetize all our cannabis assets, including software, CBD products, patented delivery systems and education."

Proposal Specifics

While still subject to board and regulatory approval, including shareholder approval if required, the plan would see all cannabis-specific assets remain in Alternate Health. This includes the subsidiaries of Alternate Health Inc., Alternate Medical Media, LLC, and Alternate Health Life Sciences, LLC. Alternate Health USA Inc. and Alternate Health Labs Inc.* would be spun off to form a new public company, which would apply to be listed on an American exchange.

Alternate Health is in the process of preparing complete and representative prospectuses for the proposed spin-off. Separating the companies will materially affect the company's financial projections for 2018. For this reason, management would like to retract previously reported projections for 2018 and, in the near future, issue revised projections for the new companies. For the first time, the company will report projections for individual business lines as opposed to the company as a whole. Alternate Health's goal is to make these projections available to the public in six to eight weeks.

*Note: The spinoff of the Company's laboratory business would affect Alternate Health's previously stated revenue projections, and once the details of the spin off plan are confirmed, the Company will update on how the plan is expected to impact previously disclosed revenue projections.

General terms of the proposed plan:

NewCo will apply to be listed on an American exchange.

Management will seriously consider legal and accounting advice to create an ownership structure that best maintains shareholder valuations, while maximizing tax efficiencies.

As a preliminary plan, no timetable has been set and final agreements are still subject to board, shareholder and regulatory approval and considerations of tax, corporate and securities matters in the United States and Canada .

About Alternate Health

Alternate Health Corp. (CSE: AHG,OTCQB: AHGIF) Alternate Health has established multiple arms-length operations within the medical cannabis industry, each of which drives consumers, data and strategic opportunities to the company's other verticals. This sophisticated cross-integration of the company's enterprises has positioned Alternate Health as one of the only cannabis companies that delivers consistent revenue and intellectual property without growing, manufacturing or distributing the cannabis plant. Through its software solutions, data analytics, and patented delivery systems, Alternate Health's goal is to be the global authority on scientific and clinical support for cannabis in regulated markets. Alternate Health is well positioned to reinvest internal operating cash flow in its platform over the long term, creating an attractive investment profile for its shareholders.

Alternate Health resides in the cannabis sector along with companies like GW Pharmaceuticals, AXIM Biotechnologies Inc., Canopy Growth Corporation, and Aphria Inc. Alternate Health is differentiated from other cannabis companies by its focus on ancillary services for patients, healthcare professionals and regulatory providers rather than selling a commodity. For more information about Alternate Health Corp., visit www.alternatehealth.com.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations, business prospects, financing plans and spin off plans, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Alternate Health Corp.

Related Links

http://www.alternatehealth.ca/

PHILADELPHIA, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest scientific organization representing psychology in the United States, announced a new partnership with the peer review platform Publons, a Clarivate Analytics company. APA will pilot Publons' Reviewer Recognition service across 30 of their core journals.

Publons' Reviewer Recognition Service integrates with all peer review submission systems, providing peer reviewers instant recognition for their contributions, in full compliance with journal review policies. During the pilot, experts who peer review for APA's participating journals can instantly add records of their reviews to Publons with the click of a button. This added recognition lets APA reviewers effortlessly maintain a verified record of their peer review contributions for promotion and funding applications.

The pilot also provides APA with access to exclusive tools and insights designed to help them better understand and serve their peer review community.

The pilot builds on promising organic demand for the service, with over 1,800 APA reviewers having already manually added more than 6,000 review records to Publons.

Rose Sokol-Chang, Journal Publisher at the American Psychological Association said: "The American Psychological Association is enthusiastic about working with Publons to recognize the hard work of our reviewers. Publons offers the right balance between recognition and confidentiality, and we're excited that journal reviewers will have the ability to display their contributions to psychological science."

Laura Harvey, Head of Publisher Relations at Publons added: "Publons mission is to speed up research by utilizing the power of great peer review, a goal shared by the American Psychological Association. Through our new partnership we are pleased to help the American Psychological Association utilize our novel partner tools and cross-publisher insights to better understand and manage their peer review processes, whilst giving their reviewers recognition for all of their hard work."

Academics interested in reviewing for participating APA journals will be able to connect with an editorial member through the click of a button on the journal's profile page. For more details on the partnership and to see a list of participating journals, visit: https://publons.com/in/apa/.

About American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes nearly 115,700 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives. The APA Journals program publishes 89 journals, including on behalf of the APA divisions and other national and international societies. For more information, please visit apa.org and apa.org/pubs/Journals

About Publons

Publons works with researchers, publishers and research institutions to speed up science and research by harnessing the power of peer review. Publons is partnered with more than 50 of the world's leading scholarly publishers, helping over 360,000 researchers to track more than 2-million peer reviews. Publons, founded in 2013 and now part of Clarivate Analytics, has offices in Wellington, New Zealand and London, UK. For more information, please visit: publons.com

Follow Publons on Facebook and Twitter:

https://twitter.com/publons

https://www.facebook.com/publons

About Clarivate Analytics

Clarivate Analytics is the global leader in providing trusted insights and analytics to accelerate the pace of innovation. Building on a heritage going back more than a century and a half, we have built some of the most trusted brands across the innovation lifecycle, including Web of Science, Cortellis, Derwent, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet. Today, Clarivate Analytics is a new and independent company on a bold entrepreneurial mission to help our clients radically reduce the time from new ideas to life-changing innovations. For more information, please visit clarivate.com.

Media Contact

Jo Wilkinson, Publons

[email protected]

SOURCE PublonsBOSTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Teledentistry Association (ATDA) launched in an effort to shape the conversation around the practice of teledentistry as a tool to increase access to care for millions of Americans through the use of innovative technological advancements. The ATDA aims to be a source for education and a home for synergy between industry, academia and end-users of teledentistry. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the ATDA plans to develop guidelines for establishment of Standards of Care in teledentistry practice.

The Association is led by Executive Director Dr. Marc Ackerman, DMD, MBA, FACD. Dr. Ackerman is the Director of Orthodontics at Boston Children's Hospital and an assistant professor of developmental biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He has published several books in addition to numerous peer-reviewed articles in dentistry, orthodontics and professional ethics.

"The immediate goal of the ATDA is to educate dental professionals and the public about the benefits of teledentistry," said Dr. Marc Ackerman, Executive Director of the ATDA. "Teledentistry has the ability to help patients get access to needed dental care they deserve, both affordably and conveniently. It's our mission to modernize access to care through teledentistry with advocacy for the implementation of innovative teledentistry guidelines and solutions."

The ATDA has also released its first position paper titled, Teleorthodontics and Doctor-Directed at Home Clear Aligner Treatment. In an effort to clarify some misconceptions about teleorthodontics, this position paper presents the most up-to-date evidence in support of this mode of treatment.

The list of corporate partners of the American Teledentistry Association can be found below:

Clinical Box

Heartland Dental

Rhinogram

SmileDirectClub

About the American Teledentistry Association

The American Teledentistry Association's (ATDA) mission is to increase access to dental care through advocacy for and the implementation of innovative teledentistry guidelines and solutions. The ATDA welcomes innovation and understands that technologies are always changing, we aim to stay ahead of the trends in order to best serve patients and our members. The ATDA champions teledentistry as a growing industry and is committed to remaining at the forefront.

For more information, please visit www.americanteledentistry.org

CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE American Teledentistry Association

Related Links

www.americanteledentistry.org

BOSTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- American Well, the leading telehealth provider in the U.S., today launched AW11, a new telehealth experience for providers offering video visits to their patients.

The company is making it even easier for providers to deliver care virtually by enhancing the on-platform experience through a newly redesigned provider interface, expanded product features for system-wide telemedicine offerings in the hospital setting and the ability to deliver telehealth directly from within an EMR.

"Telehealth is expanding rapidly by way of consumer adoption. As a result, there's a heightened sense of urgency to tighten the integration into provider workflows, as the two are so deeply intertwined," said Roy Schoenberg, MD, MPH, CEO at American Well. "As telehealth transitions from an urgent care consumer app to an ecosystem where clinical services are distributed digitally, deep assimilation into the provider day-to-day reality, supporting systems and practicing lifestyle becomes pivotal for adoption and growth. In a nutshell  this is what AW11 is all about."

New and enhanced provider app features will include:

EMR direct embed option to bring American Well's comprehensive telehealth visits directly into an EMR workflow, allowing providers to continue documenting without having to open a separate app.

to bring American Well's comprehensive telehealth visits directly into an EMR workflow, allowing providers to continue documenting without having to open a separate app. Improved workflow efficiency with a redesigned provider interface and more intuitive experience; beautiful new in-app visuals; automated enrollment to get providers up and running on platform quickly.

with a redesigned provider interface and more intuitive experience; beautiful new in-app visuals; automated enrollment to get providers up and running on platform quickly. Expanded geographic reach through a new "global home" feature that gives providers a seamless way to see patients from across practices on American Well's platform and exchange services system to system. Providers can start by using telehealth with their own patients, and later choose to expand their practice to serve consumers across the country.

"Feedback from our beta partners has been incredibly positive," said Katie Ruigh, SVP of Product at American Well. "Provider experience is crucial to telehealth expansion, and creating experiences that delight this community is an important part of our mission. We welcome this feedback and have invested heavily in R&D to reflect these research-driven insights."

Earlier this week, American Well announced plans to acquire Avizia, the lead player in acute care telehealth.

This acquisition brings to American Well a comprehensive acute care capability, including the best in class hospital-based cart lineup and custom software workflows for more than forty clinical specialties, including telestroke and tele-behavioral health. The move will enhance options available to clients across American Well's diverse telehealth ecosystem, including health systems, health plans, consumer aggregators, and health care service innovators, enabling clients to choose one comprehensive single platform solution.

American Well is exhibiting at the American Telemedicine Association Annual Meeting on April 29-May 1 in Chicago. Visit booth #605.

About American Well

American Well is the leading telehealth platform in the United States, connecting the nation's largest hospitals, insurers, employers, and consumer technology companies for the purpose of delivering healthcare anywhere. Highly-rated by KLAS for "ease of use" in the 2017 Telehealth Virtual Care Platforms report,*American Well is transforming healthcare by creating a first-of-its kind telehealth marketplace, the Exchange, to deliver medical care seamlessly through technology. With its strong partnerships in the U.S. and global markets, as well as its direct-to-consumer service Amwell, the company connects millions of people to the doctors they trust for live video visits for everything from urgent care to chronic care management and lifestyle support.

American Well's software platform has the built-in capability for hospitals and healthcare providers to deliver care digitally, reaching beyond geography, with wrap around turn-key services and customization to extend care beyond the four walls of a hospital and into the hands of consumers. With a decade of experience, American Well powers telehealth solutions for over 75 health systems, 140 unique telehealth use cases and 55 health plan partners covering 147 million lives, helping 1 in 3 Americans get the care they need, when and where they need it most. For more information, please visit AmericanWell.com.

American Well, Amwell and The Exchange are registered trademarks or trademarks of American Well Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

*Telehealth Virtual Care Platforms 2017, September 2017,  KLAS 2018 www.klasresearch.com

Media Contact:



Catherine Anderson

617-840-6213

[email protected]

SOURCE American Well

Related Links

http://AmericanWell.com

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- America's SBDC is excited to announce that the Boulder SBDC in Colorado and seven SBDC clients from around the country were acknowledged as national winners or finalists at this year's National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C. In addition to the five national winners 17 SBDC clients won Small Business Person of the Year awards for their state. National Small Business Week honors America's 28 million small businesses and their entrepreneurial, innovative and resilient spirit that serves as the backbone of the American economy. The Small Business Administration (SBA) acknowledges 2018 National Small Business Week awardees for 14 different categories ranging from research and development, exporting, outreach, contracting, lending, disaster recovery to manufacturing.

In making the announcement, SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said: "My goal is to help more of our nation's small business owners be aware of the resources available to them through the SBA. We want more entrepreneurs to think of the SBA as the go-to resource for access to capital, valuable resources, business know-how, and the right expertise for each stage of their business lifecycle. That's how we can continue to help power the engine of our economy," McMahon said.

"It's a pleasure to recognize the achievements of small business and the diversity and strength they bring to our economy, in particular our amazing SBDC clients. America's SBDCs are proud to be a part of their story and to help them make their dreams a reality. But don't forget that SBDCs are there for every small business, every week!" said Charles "Tee" Rowe, America's SBDC President & CEO.

NATIONAL WINNERS & FINALISTS



2018 Small Business Development Center Excellence & Innovation Winner

Boulder SBDC

Boulder, CO

Sharon King, Director

2018 Exporter of the Year

Serenity Gardner, COO

Jason Gardner, VP of Marketing

SeaDek

(Florida SBDC)

2018 Prime Contractor of the Year

Christopher Carl Weil, President & Owner

Weil Construction Inc.

(New Mexico SBDC)

2018 Dwight D. Eisenhower Award

Brad Lewis, Corporate Director of Supplier Diversity

Hensel Phelps Construction Co.

(Colorado SBDC)



2018 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Small Business Disaster Recovery

Janice Goldsmith Jucker, President

Robert Brian Jucker, Vice President

Three Brothers Bakery Inc.

(Texas Gulf Coast Network SBDC)

2018 Small Business Person of the Year  National Finalists

1st Runner-Up

Douglas Tate, President & CEO

Alpha Technologies, Inc.

(West Virginia SBDC)



2ND Runner -Up

Jasper Riddle, President & Winemaker

Noisy Water Winery & Cellars

(New Mexico SBDC)

For more information on additional SBDC State, Regional and District National Small Business Week Winners visit our website; www.AmericasSBDC.org.

About America's SBDC: America's SBDC represents the Nation's 63 Small Business Development Centers, a national network of partnerships uniting higher education, state and local nonprofit economic development organizations, private enterprise and government. It is the Small Business Administration's largest partnership program, providing management and technical assistance to help Americans start, run and grow their own businesses. Learn more at www.AmericasSBDC.org.

April Youngblut | (703) 408-5403

SOURCE America's SBDC

Related Links

http://www.AmericasSBDC.org

ROHNERT PARK, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameritech Financial is a document preparation company that helps federal student loan borrowers navigate income-driven repayment plans. The company provides each client with a financial analysis and document preparation services related to applications and recertifications for enrollment in income-driven repayment plans. Ameritech Financial works with and on behalf of borrowers to help them move toward a more successful student loan repayment circumstance.

"We're about maximizing borrower success when it comes to staying current on their loans and maintaining affordable payments," said Tom Knickerbocker, executive vice president of Ameritech Financial. "Ameritech Financial provides guidance where many borrowers might feel lost."

That guidance specifically applies to income-driven repayment, which is a type of repayment plan offered by the Department of Education. Ameritech Financial is an independent, private company that is not affiliated with the Department or any government agency or loan servicer. Ameritech Financial is in a unique position to help borrowers tap into the resources they deserve to help with their repayment, and assists in completing applications for specific repayment programs.

Income-driven repayment plans are available to many kinds of federal loan borrowers, but they require an application and yearly recertification if a borrower wishes to remain in the plan. Borrowers are free to apply to the plans by themselves, but for those who need additional assistance in the selection and application process, they can call on Ameritech Financial to provide guidance. Ameritech Financial can counsel borrowers which plan might make the most financial sense for them as well as help out with all the attendant paperwork.

"Finding your way to an optimal repayment situation can be difficult," said Knickerbocker. "Ameritech Financial is a resource for borrowers who want to hire professionals who can help them find better repayment options, often more affordable repayment options, to make their loans more manageable."

About Ameritech Financial

Ameritech Financial is a private company located in Rohnert Park, California. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of consumers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation to apply for federal student loan repayment programs offered through the Department of Education.

Each Ameritech Financial telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA).

Ameritech Financial prides itself on its exceptional customer service.

Contact

To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact:

Ameritech Financial

5789 State Farm Drive #265

Rohnert Park, CA 94928

1-800-792-8621

[email protected]

Related Links

Ameritech Financial home page

SOURCE Ameritech Financial"Excellence is not an exception; it's a prevailing attitude," said Janet Duffy, Aeronautics vice president for Supply Chain Management, quoting Collin Powell. "Our success in supporting our customers' needs is highly dependent on the stellar performance of our suppliers. The top two percent of Elite Suppliers represent the standard of excellence of A&D performance in 2017, enabling us to deliver innovative, affordable and agile supply chain solutions that exceed customer expectations."

Ascent Aerospace will host representatives from Lockheed Martin at their Macomb campus in Michigan on May 17, for an awards ceremony recognizing the large team at Global Tooling Systems that worked together to achieve this honor. Following the presentation of the award, there will be a facility tour of Ascent's campus, including the company's new demonstration cell, which features a new, state-of-the-art robotic fastening system for automated assembly of aircrafts.

Across Michigan, Ascent Aerospace employs more than 600 aerospace professionals and operates almost one-half million square feet of production facilities. The company provides intelligent production tooling and automated fastening systems along with integration and engineering services to deliver turnkey assembly lines for aircraft. Ascent works with OEM, Tier 1 and Tier 2 airframers in the commercial aerospace, business aviation, general aviation, defense, space launch and satellite industries. Visit www.ascentaerospace.com for more information.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Company Contact

Ms. Courtney Sturniolo, Marketing Manager

[email protected]

Tel: +1 714 389 1361

Mobile: +1 949 382 0962

SOURCE Ascent Aerospace

Related Links

http://www.ascentaerospace.com

Two surfers head out on Oahu. Photo: Julie Thurston Photography/Moment Editorial/Getty Images

Sun, surf, and relaxation: If you booked a vacation to Hawaii, thats likely what youre coming for. But Oahus a big place with a lot of enticing coastline, so we tapped two locals to help you navigate. Traci Bush spent her childhood accompanying her father Ted, an original founder of the Waikiki BeachBoys, on canoe excursions. Today, she runs operations at Waikiki Beach Services, which offers surf lessons and outrigger canoe rides from Honolulus most heavily trafficked beach. Joseph Serrao, meanwhile, is the co-founder of Salvage Public, a modern menswear brand known for its surf-gear-meets-streetwear aesthetic. What follows are their beachiest suggestions for Waikiki and beyond.

Three Ways to Waikiki

Surfers off Waikiki Beach. Photo: Hiroyuki Matsumoto/Getty Images

Dig into the history

My favorite part of Waikiki is the half-mile stretch between the Moana Surfrider and Halekulani hotels. Near the area where the bright pink Royal Hawaiian Resort sits now, there was once a human-sacrificial heiau [a Hawaiian temple or sacred place], which in ancient Hawaii meant it had a lot of mana, or power, resting in the ground. The ocean in front of the Halekulani is called Kawehewehe and was known as an ancient healing spot. Sick or injured people would come from around the island to bathe in the waters here. Traci Bush

Learn to surf

Waikiki is the best place to learn to surf. Before the commercial development of the land here, Apuakehau stream emptied into the bay. The freshwater inhibited coral growth in this area, making a nice sandy bottom. So if you fall off your board, youre falling into sand, not sharp coral or a reef. Breaks like Baby Royals, Canoes, and the Sandbar in front of the Royal Hawaiian are perfect for beginners. The surf break is close to the shore, so youre not paddling far out, and you have lifeguards everywhere. It makes for a very safe experience. Traci Bush

Sail into the sunset

On the north and east sides of the island, youll see the sky getting darker but you wont see the actual sun setting beneath the horizon like in Waikiki. If you can grab a surfboard and watch the sunset from the water, that would be even better! Maitai Catamaran and Kepoikai II offer sunset sails; their catamarans pull right up onto the beach. They usually play reggae or Hawaiian music and serve Mai Tais, beers, and soft drinks onboard. Traci Bush

Further Afield

Diamond Head. Photo: Pete Orelup/Getty Images

Catch a break

Diamond Head is my go-to beach since Im more of a townie. Its a five-minute drive from Waikiki, which gets pretty chaotic. There are a handful of fun surf breaks here. Cliffs is a beginner-to-intermediate wave with an inside section, but the main peak still has its fair share of experienced locals, since it can be a solid right-handed wave when the tide and winds are ideal. Diamond Head gets windy, which really weeds out the crowds. Its a small beach but pretty empty for being so close to town. You have to walk down a dirt trail to reach it and that deters more casual beachgoers. Swimming can also be tough, since the reef starts right away. But walk down the beach in either direction and youll eventually find small swimming holes with sandy patches you can call your own. Joseph Serrao

Sunrise at Lanikai Beach. Photo: Leigh Anne Meeks/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Rise with the sun

Lanikai Beach sits on the east side of the island and catches the first sunlight of the day. There is plenty of neighborhood parking with beach-access alleyways. Theres also a hike above Lanikai called Pillbox Trail [along Kaiwa Ridge], with several lookout points for a more elevated view of the sunrise. Its a beginner hike but stay focused on your feet, as the initial part is steep and slippery due to overuse and erosion. Joseph Serrao

Makapuu tide pools. Photo: Michael Schwab /Getty Images

Go snorkeling in hidden tide pools

The Makapuu tide pools are another great spot on the east side of the island. Theres one really large but very shallow pool thats good for snorkeling. You can see fish of all sizes and colors, and there are always hermit crabs to play with. Theres a beautiful view of Rabbit Island in the distance and bathrooms and showers at the nearby Makapuu Beach. Tip: Bring your own umbrella and lots of drinking water, as there is no shade here. Traci BushSYRACUSE, N.Y., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspen Dental today announced its fifth annual Day of Service event, which provides free dental care to our nation's veterans, will be held on Saturday, June 9. During the annual event, dentists and teams from approximately 500 Aspen Dental offices will provide free dental care to thousands of veterans.

Like millions of other Americans, veterans can struggle to find oral health care when they need it, as they are not eligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Administration unless they are 100% disabled, have a service-related mouth injury or were a prisoner of war.





Aspen Dental is working to close this gap through its Healthy Mouth Movement, a community-giving initiative that provides free dental care and oral health education to veterans. Since the launch of the Healthy Mouth Movement, approximately 10,000 dentists and their teams from Aspen Dental practices across the country have volunteered their time and donated over $10 million in dentistry to over 17,000 veterans and people in need.

"Day of Service means so much to me because I've seen firsthand how difficult it is for veterans to access the dental care they desperately need," said Dr. Jere Gillan, an Aspen Dental practice owner in Florida and U.S. Air Force Veteran. "I'm honored to be part of an organization that is so committed to making a difference in the lives of some very deserving people  our nation's veterans."

Norman Crabbs is one such veteran who has been touched by the Healthy Mouth Movement. "I hadn't been to a dentist since I served in the Army, and for a really long time I couldn't smile without being embarrassed," said Crabbs, a Vietnam veteran who will be receiving free care as part of these efforts. "I can't thank the doctors at Aspen Dental enough for giving me back my smile. I could never have afforded all the services I needed and now I can't wait to show my new friends at the Aspen Dental office the photos of me smiling at my 50th high school reunion this summer."

Starting today, veterans can call 1-844-277-3646 (1-844-ASPENHMM) to find a participating Aspen Dental office in their community and schedule an appointment during the annual Day of Service on June 9. Advance appointments are required. During the Day of Service, Aspen Dental dentists and teams treat the most urgent needs of each veteran to ensure they are relieved of any dental pain, including anything from fillings and extractions to basic denture repairs. Routine cleanings and exams are also provided.

In addition to the efforts of local volunteers on the Day of Service, the Healthy Mouth Movement is also reaching veterans through its MouthMobile, a 42-foot long fully equipped dentist office on wheels that travels state to state providing free care to veterans in communities where care may not be easy to access. It has traveled to more than 30 states over the past four years.

More information about Day of Service and the Healthy Mouth Movement can be found at www.HealthyMouthMovement.com.

About Aspen Dental Offices

Aspen Dental-branded practices are committed to breaking down the barriers to better dental care, better smiles and better lives by making dentistry easier for patients. With more than 660 offices in 37 states, Aspen Dental practices provide a wide range of general dentistry and denture-related services and offer patient-friendly programs and services, including convenient locations, onsite labs and extended hours. Together, Aspen Dental practices cared for more than 1.7 million patients in 2017.

About Aspen Dental Management, Inc.

With an innovative model that takes care of non-clinical business and administrative services so that providers are free to focus on patient care, the team at ADMI is driven by one overarching purpose: To care for the people who care for the patients. ADMI makes it easier for clinicians to have the careers they've always dreamed of, delivering care to their patients with the support of a team of experienced business professionals who are committed to making their practices a success. Support provided by ADMI includes services and recommendations related to finding the right locations, leasing, acquiring equipment, accounting and marketing.

SOURCE Aspen Dental

Related Links

http://www.aspendental.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of its mission to improve Parkinson's research and care, and accelerate development of new and better treatments for Parkinson's disease, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) announced the latest round of clinical centers selected to receive funding through The Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders.

The announcement was made at a New York City "Fellowship Symposium Day" attended by MJFF Board member Lily Safra and 25 of 29 total Edmond J. Safra fellows and fellowship Directors.

Launched in 2014, MJFF's Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders annually awards funding to five international academic medical centers to train one new movement disorder clinician-researcher (respectively) over a two-year period. By the year 2021, the program aims to graduate 20 new movement disorder specialists around the world to care for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and connect the dots between their patients and important research discoveries.

The centers selected to train the Class of 2021 are:

Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia

, Northwestern University , Chicago, Illinois

, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

University of L u beck, L u beck, Germany

beck, L beck, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

An advisory committee selected awardees based on several criteria, including the quality of clinical education and the depth and breadth of research opportunities. Each institution will now identify a fellow who will begin two years of training in July 2019. Fellows work directly with mentors  esteemed movement disorder specialists in their own right  who model and teach the skills necessary for a career as a clinician-researcher.

"This program signals our commitment to Parkinson's research and care, and we're honored to collaborate with our longtime partner and supporter the Edmond J. Safra Foundation," said Todd Sherer, PhD, CEO of The Michael J. Fox Foundation. "Building an international network of movement disorder specialists is critical to driving research momentum and better addressing the considerable care needs of those living with Parkinson's."

Fellowship Symposium Day Advances Parkinson's Research and Care Agenda

The Fellowship Symposium Day provided a forum for Edmond J. Safra fellows and their mentors to learn from each other and leading Parkinson's researchers, as well as to explore potential career paths in movement disorders. Ken Marek, MD, the principal investigator of the MJFF-sponsored Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), spoke about the impact of this observational biomarker study on the PD research landscape and clinical trial design. The five graduating fellows in the Class of 2018 talked about their past two years honing clinical abilities and leading research to understand their patients' diseases, discover diagnostic tests, and evaluate treatments to ease symptoms or stop disease progression. At a luncheon attended by Lily Safra, fellows shared their patient care experiences and research progress made possible by participation in the program.

"The Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders has given me the time to get to know my patients and find out the symptoms and problems that matter to them," said David Breen, BSc (Hons), MBChB, MRCP (Neurol), PhD, fellow at Toronto Western Hospital in Ontario, Canada. "I feel truly privileged to have learned from my patients, colleagues and mentors through this program."

Read more about the graduating fellows and their career paths.

Watch a video about the fellowship program.

Movement Disorder Fellowship Addresses a Growing Need

Seeing a movement disorder specialist  a neurologist with extra training in diagnosing and treating Parkinson's and other movement disorders  is one of the keys to living well with Parkinson's. These physicians have the knowledge and experience to balance complicated medication regimens, integrate the latest therapies and round out a person's care team with other experts. When also skilled as researchers, movement disorder specialists use insights from their patients to inform studies toward improved understanding of disease and treatments. People with Parkinson's who see specialists typically report feeling more informed and better equipped to manage their disease.

Yet not everyone sees a movement disorder specialist because there aren't enough of them, and this disparity is growing. Estimates hold that 6 million people across the world are living with Parkinson's and this number will double by 2040.

To provide care for this population and continue research toward better understanding of Parkinson's, therapies and a cure, The Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders is bridging the gap in funding to train movement disorder specialists and build the global base of clinician-researchers.

"This program is serving a critical need," said Lily Safra, chairwoman of the Edmond J. Safra Foundation and member of the MJFF Board of Directors. "More expertly trained movement disorder specialists means more doctors to care for people with Parkinson's and lead research toward better therapies and a cure."

A Devotion to Advancing Parkinson's Research and Care

Late banker and philanthropist Edmond J. Safra's namesake foundation has long made Parkinson's disease care and research top priorities. Mrs. Safra, chairwoman of the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, has been an MJFF Board member since 2001.

In addition to generous gifts to centers and programs providing direct care to people with Parkinson's disease, Mrs. Safra and her foundation have driven vital scientific investigation into new treatments. The fellowship is the latest among many partnerships between the Edmond J. Safra Foundation and MJFF, including the Edmond J. Safra Core Programs for PD Research, one of MJFF's central grantmaking avenues to support high-impact Parkinson's research projects.

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $800 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. For more information, visit us on the Web , Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

About the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation

Edmond J. Safra, one of the 20th century's most accomplished bankers and a devoted philanthropist, established a major philanthropic foundation to ensure that individuals and organizations would continue to receive his assistance and encouragement for many years to come. Under the chairmanship of his beloved wife Lily, the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation draws continuing inspiration from its founder's life and values, and supports hundreds of organizations in more than 40 countries around the world. Its work encompasses four areas: Education; Science and Medicine; Religion; and Humanitarian Assistance, Culture and Social Welfare. The Foundation has provided significant funding for Parkinson's disease research and patient care at dozens of hospitals and institutes in places as varied as Natal (Brazil), Toronto, New York, Grenoble, Paris, London and Jerusalem.

For more information, visit www.edmondjsafra.org.

SOURCE The Michael J. Fox Foundation

Related Links

www.michaeljfox.org

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Beam Dental, the innovative provider of small and medium-sized business dental benefits, announced a partnership today with Wellthie, a small group national benefits marketplace with medical and ancillary coverage like dental, to provide brokers one convenient place to sell to small businesses. Brokers can quote premier Beam plans on the Wellthie platform starting immediately in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Washington, with more states coming soon.

Beam Dental Wellthie

Beam is reimagining dental care by incorporating dental hygiene behavior into policy pricing while delivering best-in-class support and service. All of Beam's SmartPremium plans offered through Wellthie are customizable and include Beam Perks, a subscription service that delivers everything members need for great dental care every six months. It includes the sonic-powered and Bluetooth-connected Beam Brush, specially formulated Beam toothpaste, custom refill heads and high-quality ribbon floss. The benefit of these perks goes beyond good dental health. The better a group brushes, the lower their premiums will go.

"Beam Dental is changing the dental benefits game by offering innovative products, modern tech and smart pricing  all the while making implementation, admin and winning more business easier for broker partners," said Alex Frommeyer, Beam's co-founder and CEO. "Offering Beam's SmartPremium plans through Wellthie's world-class technology was a natural fit and we're excited to watch this collaboration result in positive growth for both companies."

"Wellthie provides a holistic and better benefits-selling experience for brokers by combining multiple lines of coverage in one platform. We are providing brokers with a modern and flexible technology that offers more value to their small business customers and transforms the way they sell  a win-win for Beam, their brokers, and the small business owners," said Sally Poblete, founder and CEO of Wellthie.

To learn more about the Beam Dental  Wellthie partnership or how to access Beam Dental plans through Wellthie, please visit Wellthie.com.

About Beam Dental

Beam Dental is a dental benefits company that offers employers a fundamentally unique approach to coverage by incorporating dental hygiene behavior into policy pricing. All of Beam's plans also include Perks, a quarterly subscription service with an electric toothbrush, replacements heads, toothpaste, and floss. Beam delivers world class support and service to all members, making easy to find and access dental services with the tap of a finger from a broad, nationwide network of dentists.

About Wellthie

Wellthie is a leading provider of next-generation technology solutions to help insurance carriers and brokers thrive in the retail age. The company's cloud-based sales optimization platform modernizes the way brokers sell insurance to small businesses and individuals. Learn more about Wellthie at https://www.wellthie.com

Press Contacts:

For Beam Dental:

Andy Hutter

Dir. Of Partnerships

Beam Dental

[email protected]

For Wellthie:

Stacy Callahan

Astonish Media

[email protected]

917-972-1101

SOURCE Beam Dental; Wellthie

Related Links

https://www.wellthie.com

INDIANAPOLIS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bell Techlogix, a leading IT managed services and solutions company, today announced the addition of two new executive leaders for key roles in the company that position Bell Techlogix to continue to automate, innovate and deliver highly secure solutions for their clients.

Mr. Dale Dye joins Bell Techlogix as Senior Vice President for Digital Workplace Services. Dale comes to Bell Techlogix with 28 years of experience in driving high levels of client satisfaction, industry leading operational metrics and productivity, as well as experience with implementing the latest automation tools to drive innovation and transformation for clients. Mr. Dye has held previous roles leading global operations at both ADP as well as at Unisys prior to joining Bell Techlogix.

Mr. Marc Othersen has been named Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Bell Techlogix. Marc most recently has been an advisor to corporate CISOs and boards providing guidance and perspectives on strategic information security matters. He has managed Information Security programs for companies such as Eli Lilly, Hess Corporation, LyondellBasell, and META Security Group. Mr. Othersen has served on several advisory boards for information security technology companies and is an active speaker at key industry and information security events.

"We are excited to announce the addition of some very talented individuals to lead critical and strategic functions for our company. Strengthening our leadership positions Bell Techlogix to continue our growth as an organization and provide high quality service to our clients," said Ron Frankenfield CEO for Bell Techlogix.

About Bell Techlogix:

Bell Techlogix, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, provides transformational Next Generation Digital Workplace and Infrastructure Management solutions to large and mid-market enterprises, as well as the public sector. With services that build, integrate and support the next wave of operational transformation Bell Techlogix provides a true client partnership and an enhanced digital experience. Bell Techlogix provides a flexible approach that is globally capable but locally oriented that will systematically allow you to achieve growth, cost-savings and acceleration of your business.

For more information on Bell Techlogix, please visit us on the web at www.belltechlogix.com, follow us on Twitter @BellTechlogixHQ, like us on LinkedIn or Facebook.

SOURCE Bell Techlogix

Related Links

http://www.belltechlogix.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Krane Funds Advisors the investment advisor for KraneShares China-focused exchange traded funds (ETFs) is proud to announce that the KraneShares MSCI China Environment Index ETF (NYSE: KGRN) was named best new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ETF of 2017 by ETF.com, a leading authority on exchange traded funds.

The annual ETF.com awards are designed to recognize the people, companies and products driving the ETF industry forward and delivering new value to investors.

As ETF.com noted, "KGRN is the first ESG ETF specifically designed to capitalize on the Chinese clean energy boom. China is already the world's largest and fastest-growing market for renewable energy, and the country plans to spend $360 billion by 2020 to build out its clean-energy capacity even further. The fund tracks Chinese companies of all sizes and industries, so long as they derive at least half their revenues from eco-friendly products and services1."

KGRN is benchmarked to the MSCI China IMI Environment 10/40 Index. The Index is based on five key Clean Technology environmental themes: Alternative Energy, Sustainable Water, Green Building, Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency. Company selection is based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) data from MSCI ESG Research. MSCI is a leading provider of ESG research and indexes according to the 2016 Independent Research in Responsible Investment (IRRI) survey of 1,200 participants conducted by SRI Connect and Extel.

About Krane Funds Advisors, LLC:

Krane Funds Advisors, LLC is the investment manager for KraneShares ETFs. Our suite of China focused ETFs provides investors with solutions to capture China's importance as an essential element of a well-designed investment portfolio. We strive to provide innovative, first to market strategies that have been developed based on our strong partnerships and our deep knowledge of investing. We help investors stay up to date on global market trends and aim to provide meaningful diversification. Krane Funds Advisors, LLC is majority owned by China International Capital Corporation (CICC).

1.) "And The 2017 ETF.com Awards Winners Are " ETF.com, 3/22/2018

Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds' full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting www.kraneshares.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its stated objectives. The Funds are subject to political, social or economic instability within China which may cause decline in value. Fluctuations in currency of foreign countries may have an adverse effect to domestic currency values. Emerging markets involve heightened risk related to the same factors as well as increase volatility and lower trading volume.

Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. Internet companies are subject to rapid changes in technology, worldwide competition, rapid obsolescence of products and services, loss of patent protections, evolving industry standards and frequent new product productions. Such changes may have an adverse impact on performance. The fund is non-diversified.

Although the information provided in this document has been obtained from sources which Krane Funds Advisors, LLC believes to be reliable, it does not guarantee accuracy of such information and such information may be incomplete or condensed.

The KraneShares ETFs are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Company (SIDCO), which is not affiliated with Krane Funds Advisors, LLC, the Investment Adviser for the Fund.

SOURCE Krane Funds Advisors, LLC

Related Links

http://kraneshares.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BioTrackTHC kicks off 2018 with a strong first quarter. Within those 90 days, the company secured two government contract renewals, acquired two new government contracts, introduced two valuable integrations for its commercial software, launched an Amazon cloud-based version of its commercial software, began the merger process with Helix TCS, opened a Spanish-speaking office in Puerto Rico, and earned an Outstanding Service Award for its efforts in transitioning Washington State licensees onto their new traceability system.

Both the State of Illinois and the State of Hawaii renewed their respective commitments to BioTrackTHC's government seed-to-sale traceability solutions, extending each government contract's terms, and enabling BioTrackTHC to continue to serve in these key, growing cannabis markets. In addition to these two contract renewals, the company was also awarded traceability contracts in both Arkansas and North Dakota, bringing the company's total to nine (9) active seed-to-sale traceability contracts.

Value enhancing capabilities were also added to BioTrackTHC's commercial business software through new integrations with ancillary service providers MainStem and DataOwl. Mainstem offers a web-based platform that provides cannabis business operational supplies at wholesale prices, conveniently accessed directly within the BioTrackTHC user-interface. DataOwl offers an integrated, multi-channel customer experience tool that offers targeted text messaging programs, in-store menu displays and online ordering capabilities. These integrations will create value beyond seed-to-sale tracking by driving incremental revenue and reducing operating costs for BioTrackTHC's customers. With these integrations completed in Q1 2018, the company has already begun a phased rollout to their 2000+ customer locations and is currently working on additional strategic integrations for this year.

Having successfully transitioned or launched nearly all of its government traceability solutions to the Amazon Cloud because of its security and scalability, BioTrackTHC began offering an Amazon cloud-based version of its commercial business software in Q1 2018 with a launch group of 20 enterprise-level clients.

In March of 2018, the company announced that a merger process had been initiated with Helix TCS, a cannabis security and transportation company. The merger will afford both companies access to one another's established resources, providing them each with the additional support needed to improve on their current offerings and increase value to end-users.

With the company's April launch of Puerto Rico's Traceability System, BioTrackTHC opened an office on the island to support the local medical cannabis industry. The office, which employs Spanish-speaking residents, augments the company in supporting its growing need for bilingual support and implementation for Spanish-speaking businesses.

Following the expiration of BioTrackTHC's first government traceability contract with the State of Washington, the company assisted the majority of Washington's licensees in transitioning onto the state's new traceability system. As a result of those efforts, BioTrackTHC was nominated and selected for an Outstanding Service Award by The Cannabis Alliance.

"2018 has been about focusing our efforts on getting back to seed-to-sale basics, at doing what we do best, and we are already starting out strong," said Patrick Vo, President and CEO of BioTrackTHC. "We thank our government and commercial clients for their continued confidence in us, and we look forward to bringing additional functionality and integrations in 2018 that will meaningfully impact the success of our customers."

About BioTrackTHC

Bio-Tech Medical Software, Inc., through its BioTrackTHC division, develops and provides effective, cutting-edge technology solutions for the emerging medical and recreational cannabis industry. Visit www.biotrack.com for more information, email [email protected] or call 1-800-797-4711 to order software. Follow us onFacebook,Twitter andLinkedIn for important updates and relevant industry news. BioTrackTHC currently holds 9 government contracts and operates in over 2000 locations across 28 states, D.C., and 4 countries. Bio-Tech Medical Software, Inc. is a privately-held company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

CONTACT:

Jeff Gonring

BioTrackTHC

(303) 324-1022

[email protected]

https://www.biotrack.com

SOURCE BioTrackTHC

Related Links

http://www.biotrack.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It's time to throw out the broom, dustpan, mop and bucket and streamline the cleaning routine with the new BISSELL CrossWave Pet Pro. Not only does CrossWave Pet Pro vacuum and wash floors at the same time, it also seamlessly switches between cleaning sealed hard floors and area rugs. This latest innovation from BISSELL is designed specifically for homes with pets and includes features that make staying on top of pet messes no chore at all.

Pet hair, one of the most challenging pet messes to manage, is no match for the tangle-free brush roll that can handle hair up to eight inches long. For other messes like cat litter or food and water dish spills, CrossWave Pet Pro sucks the debris right up while the cleaning solution simultaneously and gently washes the floor. And because CrossWave Pet Pro has a two-tank system, the cleaning solution and dirty water never mix for a fresh, clean pass everytimea feature the classic mop and bucket doesn't offer.

"Pets are part of the family. We know, because they're part of our families, too," said Carolyn Pearson, Product Manager at BISSELL. "We also know that pets make messes that can add time to your daily routine and sometimes require multiple tools to clean up afterCrossWave Pet Pro eliminates that. It is just one of many BISSELL pet cleaning products we've introduced so you can love your pet without worrying about the mess."

Key features of CrossWave Pet Pro include:

Multi-Surface Pet Brush Roll minimizes pesky hair wrap, tackling hair up to eight inches long.

minimizes pesky hair wrap, tackling hair up to eight inches long. Smart Touch Controls make switching between cleaning hard floors and area rugs seamless.

make switching between cleaning hard floors and area rugs seamless. Two-tank system separates fresh water/formula mix from dirty water and a strainer in the dirty tank traps pet hair for easy emptying.

separates fresh water/formula mix from dirty water and a strainer in the dirty tank traps pet hair for easy emptying. Multi-Surface Pet with Febreze Freshness Formula is Earth-friendly and safe for pets and kids, containing no heavy metals, phosphates or dyes. This concentrated formula has the power to remove tracked-in dirt, mud and more.

As part of its commitment to pets, for each CrossWave Pet Pro purchased, and then activated on www.bissell.com, BISSELL will donate $10 to BISSELL Pet Foundation to help find every pet a forever home. Founded by Cathy Bissell, BISSELL Pet Foundation provides much-needed financial assistance to animal welfare organizations to give homeless pets the second chance they deserve by finding every pet a loving home.

To learn more about CrossWave Pet Pro, please visit www.bissellcrosswave.com. CrossWave Pet Pro is available at retailers nationwide with a MSRP starting at $299.99.

About BISSELL Homecare, Inc.

For 140 years and counting, Michigan-based BISSELL Homecare, Inc. has developed innovative floor care solutions that make cleaning easier. As the top-selling brand in floor care appliances, based on NPD unit sales, BISSELL understands that fuller lives often mean more messes, and that convenient cleaning tools help us embrace life's messier moments. Now in its fourth generation of family leadership, the company supplies households across the globe with vacuums, sweepers, carpet-cleaning machines, hard floor cleaners and cleaning formulas. For more on the BISSELL complete line of floor care products, visit https://www.bissell.com.

About the BISSELL Pet Foundation

BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters and to support organizations dedicated to the humane care and treatment of animals through pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and foster care. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BISSELL Pet Foundation is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. The foundation has partnered with more than 2,000 shelters and rescues in every state in the U.S.. BISSELL donates up to $10 to BISSELL Pet Foundation for each pet product purchase. In 2017 alone BISSELL donated more than $1 million to support the life-saving work of the foundation. For more information visit: www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

*Febreze is a registered trademark of The Proctor and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH, used under license by BISSELL Homecare, Inc.

SOURCE BISSELL Homecare, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.bissell.com

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueVine announced today that it has secured a $200 million asset-backed revolving credit facility with Credit Suisse, one of the world's leading financial services providers. BlueVine will use the capital to expand its highly-successful business line of credit product.

BlueVine, the leading provider of working capital financing to small and medium-sized businesses, also said it is raising its business line of credit limit to $250,000. Earlier this year, the company doubled its invoice factoring credit limit to $5 million. BlueVine's total funded volume since founding is expected to top $1 billion in 2018.

"We continue to grow stronger as a technology-enabled financing provider for small businesses addressing their everyday funding needs," BlueVine Founder and CEO Eyal Lifshitz said. "We're helping thousands of entrepreneurs reach their business goals with an easy-to-use platform that gives them fast and convenient online access to working capital."

Ana Sirbu, BlueVine's Chief Financial Officer, said the new financing will continue to fuel BlueVine's momentum as a leading player in the FinTech business lending market.

"Capital markets partnerships are critical to our ability to scale and effectively serve our expanding customer base. This financing will support our next phase of growth," she said. "We continue to build a business for the long-term by offering the best working capital financing solutions to business owners."

For more information on BlueVine's business line of credit, please visit BlueVine.com.

About BlueVine

BlueVine provides flexible working capital financing to small and medium-sized businesses, giving them quick access to funds needed to purchase inventory, cover expenses, or expand operations.

A fintech pioneer, BlueVine developed a fully-online cloud-based platform for invoice factoring, revolutionizing the 4,000-year old financing system that allows businesses to receive cash advances on outstanding invoices. BlueVine also offers Flex Credit, business line of credit financing issued by Celtic Bank, a Utah-chartered Industrial Bank, Member FDIC. Flex Credit is based on 6-month and 12-month payment terms. Based in Redwood City, Calif., BlueVine has raised more than $400 million in equity and debt funding and is funded by Lightspeed Venture Partners, 83NORTH, Correlation Ventures, Citi Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Rakuten Fintech Fund and other private investors.

CONTACT: Amberly Asay, 1-801-4619776, [email protected]

SOURCE BlueVine

Related Links

https://www.bluevine.com

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Blush & Whimsy is excited to announce that they have been invited to the 71st annual Cannes Film Festival to be part of the Cannes gifting suite. The festival will be held this year from Tuesday, May 8 through Saturday, May 19. Blush & Whimsy will provide its signature color changing lipsticks and launch two new products, their Oscar Blush and Royal Blush, while at Cannes. Blush & Whimsy will be live streaming on Facebook from Cannes from May 8 to May 12.

Blush & Whimsy

Event producer and gifting veteran, Nathalie Dubois, operates the DPA Cannes Gift Suite out of the Carlton Hotel, which is its 11th year. During its history, the gifting suite has been visited by celebrities including Charlize Theron, Richard Gere, Sharon Stone, Morgan Freeman, Scarlett Johansson, Carey Mulligan, Susan Sarandon, and many more.

"We're honored and excited that those attending the Cannes Film Festival will be able to experience the magic of our lipsticks for themselves," says Micaela Brown, founder and chief inspiration officer of Blush & Whimsy. "Our company has had such an amazing award season with our lipsticks included at both the Grammy Awards and the Academy Awards gifting suites. Being at Cannes is another amazing experience we are looking forward to attending."

Blush & Whimsy lipsticks are nothing short of magical. With the goal of creating a universally inclusive product, Blush and Whimsy's lipstick line changes color based on the pH and temperature of an individual's skin for a shade that is uniquely theirs. The FDA-approved lipsticks  which are not tested on animals  are made with luxurious ingredients such as cocoa butter, botanical extracts, and lavender oil.

The company was launched by Brown with a focus on social entrepreneurship and promoting inclusion of all in their product lines. She launched the company on the foundation that everyone is beautiful, and it's by celebrating what makes each person different that will redefine the meaning of true beauty.

Blush & Whimsy also supports the social good. The company has partnered with Adelante Development Center, Inc. in New Mexico to handle all of their packaging, fulfillment, and shipping. Adelante provides individualized support services for over 1,000 New Mexicans with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities as well as disabled veterans and the elderly. Brown is excited to be working with wonderful differently abled people doing incredible work.

For more information about the company along with Blush & Whimsy's complete catalog, visit BlushWhimsy.com.

About Blush & Whimsy

Founded in 2016 by Micaela Brown, Blush & Whimsy is a New Mexico startup offering their first product line, a color changing lipstick that interacts with the pH and temperature of each individual's lips to create a pink that is uniquely theirs. The company can be followed on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @BlushWhimsy.

Media Contact

Micaela Brown

Email: [email protected]

blushwhimsy.com

Related Images

image1.jpg

image2.jpg

image3.jpg

Related Links

Find Your Magic at BlushWhimsy.com

Blush & Whimsy on Facebook

SOURCE Blush & WhimsyLocation of the Namekara vermiculite mine

Black Mountain Resources Limited has decided to sell its license for the Namekara vermiculite mine in Manafwa in exchange for a debt relief of about $4.2 million from one of its shareholders.

The company has struggled to pay off its debts, explaining that demand for vermiculite, a key mineral used as a fertilizer, had slumped on the international market.

The market conditions for consistent sales of vermiculite products have impacted on the companys ability to achieve the intended cash flow from the Namekara vermiculite mine as initially intended, and the company has been unable to consistently service its debt obligations (without extensions).

Given this, and subject to shareholder approval, the company proposes to dispose of its 100 per cent interest in the Namekara Vermiculite Mine, Black Mountain Resources announced recently.

In March, after releasing its annual report, Black Mountain Resources confirmed that it had entered into a restructuring Heads of Agreement with its major creditor Richmond Partner Masters Limited, under which it will dispose of its wholly owned subsidiary Namekara Mining Company Ltd and its Namekara Vermiculite Mine. The sale of the license will see Black Mountains debt drop to $460,000.

The sale of the license comes less than five months after the company exited the mining industry in the USA, where it held some silver assets, claiming it needed to focus on developing the Namekara mine.

The sale is bound to take the development of the Nameraka mine a couple of steps back even though some specialists consider the large flakes of vermiculite at the site to be world-class. Richmond Partners Master is now scouting for a mining company that can take up the Namekara vermiculite license.

Black Mountain Resources has now instead said it will concentrate on the phosphate resources and other minerals at the nearby Busumbu mine for which it controls a 75 per cent interest in a mining license.

Black Mountain says it plans to invest at least $1 million each year for the next three years in the Busumbu phosphate project, taking it into commercial production within two years.

The company considers the Busumbu project to be one of two world-class phosphate deposits in Uganda.

jeff@observer.ugNEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WomenCorporateDirectors Foundation (WCD) hosts its annual Global Institute and Visionary Awards Dinner, bringing together top women board chairs, board committee chairs, CEOs, and other directors from all over the world.

Twitter: @WomenCorpDirs, #WCDboards

When: Family Business Governance Institute  May 8

Global Institute daytime sessions  May 9-10

Visionary Awards Dinner  evening of May 9

Where: New York City

Theme: "Deglobalization: How to Succeed in an Era of Radical Insecurity"

Why: As companies face shifting trade, marketplace, cultural, and geopolitical challenges during threats of deglobalization, boards are seeking guidance for the long-term health of their companies. The Institute addresses these areas of uncertainty in sessions including:

Shareholder Activists, NGOs, and Other Outside Interests

Agrimagination: Exploring Opportunities around the Interrelationship Between Food and Technology

Industrial Futures: Using Machines to Reach the Next Level of Productivity

The Future of Cities and What It Means for Business

Decision-Making in the Visionary Boardroom

The Digital Disruption of Industries: What Your Board Needs to Know

In a special pre-Institute day of programming, WCD is hosting its Family Business Governance Institute, designed for women CEOs, directors, and shareholders of family businesses with revenues in excess of $100 million.

The Visionary Awards will honor CN Railway, Dot Foods, NextEra Energy, Maggie Hanson-Muse, and Susan Stautberg, founder and chair emeritus of WCD.

Media credentials

To apply for media credentials to cover this event, please contact Suzanne Oaks Brownstein or Trang Mar of Temin and Company at 212-588-8788 or [email protected].

About the WCD Foundation Global Institute

The WomenCorporateDirectors Foundation (WCD) 2018 Global Institute is an unprecedented opportunity for global board directors to share corporate governance and business strategies and to build partnerships with a purpose, in a private, invitation-only setting. The Institute is a high-powered idea forum exploring compelling issues on the minds of today's board directors and their companies. Sponsors of WCD include KPMG, Spencer Stuart, Pearl Meyer, Vinson & Elkins, Latham & Watkins, Marsh & McLennan, The Center for Audit Quality, and Marriott. Global Institute sponsors include JPMorgan Chase, Sullivan & Cromwell, St. John Knits, Equilar, and NextEra Energy.

SOURCE WomenCorporateDirectors Education and Development Foundation, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.womencorporatedirectors.org/

GOLDEN, Colo., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Market, the rotisserie cooking and contemporary home style meal experts, today announced that Frances Allen has been named as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Ms. Allen succeeds George Michel upon his retirement.

With a proven track record of concept revitalization and growth in the restaurant industry, Ms. Allen joins Boston Market from Jack in the Box, where she has served as President since October 2014. Prior to Jack in the Box, Allen spent four years as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Denny's, helping lead the successful Denny's turnaround through the 'America's Diner' repositioning. Prior to that she played a pivotal role elevating the Dunkin' Donuts brand from a beloved regional to a national brand. She has also held leadership roles with Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, PepsiCo, and Frito-Lay.

"Serving as CEO of Boston Market has been an honor and the highlight of my career," said Michel. "I would like to thank the entire team for their tireless effort and commitment to making Boston Market a success and a great place to work. Frances is both a strategic and operational leader and I am confident that Boston Market will benefit greatly from her deep experience and expertise."

"I am delighted to join the Boston Market team and lead this great company into its next chapter of strategic growth, brand building and culinary innovation," said incoming Chief Executive Officer Frances Allen. "No other restaurant concept is more responsible for the rising popularity of rotisserie cooking and we see significant runway for further building the Boston Market brand. I am proud to lead a team whose top priority is serving high-quality, delicious, healthy and affordable home style rotisserie meals to our guests."

Allen added, "Under George's leadership, Boston Market launched its "Quality Guarantee," which acts as a continued commitment to all guests that Boston Market will serve all-natural and fresh, never frozen, gluten-free, whole chicken with no added hormones, steroids, antibiotics or MSG. In addition, we have become the first national chicken-specialty chain to reach the goal of serving our customers 100 percent antibiotic-free rotisserie chicken. These commitments to transparency, ethical business practices, and quality are critical to building trust and brand loyalty with today's consumer. We will build on the strong legacy that Boston Market has established since the 1990s to further improve our relevance with today's busy families."

An English native, Allen grew up in the town of Basingstoke. She graduated from the University of Southampton in 1983, studying Math and Actuarial Sciences, and briefly served as an Officer in the Royal Army Corps, attending Officer Training at Sandhurst Military Academy. She started her career in Advertising in London before moving to Asia and then the USA.

About Boston Market

At Boston Market, dinner is always ready. Headquartered in Golden, Colorado, Boston Market Corporation has given time back to busy families and individuals for more than 30 years with quality, home style rotisserie meals at a convenient value in more than 450 U.S. locations. Known as the experts in rotisserie cooking, the company prepares fresh chicken and all natural turkey in signature rotisserie ovens and features an extensive selection of home style sides and made-from-scratch cornbread. As one of the country's largest providers of catering services, Boston Market offers convenient, same-day orders and delivery for corporate and personal events of all sizes. In January 2017, Boston Market officially launched its "Quality Guarantee," which acts as a continued commitment to all guests that Boston Market will serve all-natural and fresh, never frozen, gluten-free, whole chicken with no added hormones, steroids, antibiotics or MSG. For more information, visit the company's website at www.bostonmarket.com. For the latest news and deals, follow @bostonmarket on Twitter or join us on Facebook.

Media Contact

Seth Grugle, ICR

646-277-1200

[email protected]

SOURCE Boston Market

Related Links

https://www.bostonmarket.com

PETALUMA, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It's important in any company for employees to feel valued. Satisfied employees produce higher quality work and are more loyal than others who simply complete tasks for a paycheck. Feeling needed can contribute to satisfaction, but feeling indispensable can lead to undue stress. Brandon Frere, CEO and Entrepreneur, suggests that business leaders strive for balance in their workforce.

"Employees need time off to recharge their batteries, but if they feel like they have to work during those breaks it becomes counterproductive," said Frere. "That's why it's important to have backup systems in place for when your employees need to take the time away."

Employees who feel like no one can step in and take over for them when they miss work may feel undue pressure to always be available. They might skip sick time, work outside office hours, and delay vacations. Employers can make some changes, big and small, to make sure that employees can disconnect from work when they need to. It might start with respecting business hours. By limiting communication outside those hours, employees may feel less pressure to work then.

The bigger step is to plan for the time when employees will be unavailable. This might require training others to be able to take over in their place temporarily. Or it might mean automating some of their work, which can also free them to focus on other priorities. However, automating jobs to replace employees can worsen work ethic of those remaining. Frere suggests automating to support employees and aid them in their work.

"The trick is to establish these processes without making the employee feel less needed," said Frere. "The thing I love about automating someone's work is that it frees them up to be creative and innovate to the benefit of the company. That's what I focus on when I put such changes in place."

About Frere Enterprises

Brandon Frere is an entrepreneur and businessman who lives in Sonoma County, California. He has designed and created multiple companies to meet the ever-demanding needs of businesses and consumers alike. His company website, www.FrereEnterprises.com, is used as a means to communicate many of the lessons, fundamentals, and information he has learned throughout his extensive business and personal endeavors, most recently in advocating on behalf of student loan borrowers nationwide.

As experienced during his own student loan repayment, Mr. Frere found out how difficult it can be to work with federally contracted student loan servicers and the repayment programs designed to help borrowers. Through those efforts, he gained an insider's look into the repayment process and the motivations behind the inflating student loan debt bubble. His knowledge of the confusing landscape of student loan repayment became a vital theme in his future endeavors, and he now uses those experiences to help guide others through the daunting process of applying for available federal repayment and loan forgiveness programs.

Related Links

Frere Enterprises home page

SOURCE Frere Enterprises

Related Links

https://brandonfrere.com

ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SCLogic, a leading provider of in-building logistics software, announced today that mailing industry expert Bruce E. Little, Vice President of Emerging Markets at SCLogic, will be hosting the following seminar at the National Postal Forum (NPF) 2018:

Put Your Tracking System to Work  Introducing Your In-Building Logistics Platform

Go ahead, ask me about in-building logistics.

A sophisticated tracking system will allow facility decision makers to implement advanced logic to streamline workflows, automate and manage workplace requests, create and display in-app analytics to measure utilization, SLA's, and performance, close the accountability gap with concrete data points, and conform to compliance regulations with role-based access, permissions, and security.

This workshop will help facilities managers illustrate how they are improving not only their own department, but also supporting companywide initiatives such as increasing business service transparency, making better use of valuable resources, improving SLA standards, addressing demands for environmental sustainability, and bringing meaningful metrics to the enterprise stack.

Types of workflows discussed: digital requests, interoffice requests, package tracking, facilities requests, workspace reservations, concierge services, and files/records requests.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018, 1:30-2:30PM

About Bruce E. Little

As Vice President of Emerging Markets, Bruce is responsible for developing international business as well as managing channel partners. He has over 20 years of experience in the mail and package tracking industry, including owning his own business, MBL Data Systems. Bruce joined the SCLogic team in 1999 as the Vice President of Channels and has also held the titles of Vice President of Sales and General Manager before becoming the Vice President of Emerging Markets. Bruce has presented at many industry conferences such as NPF, MAILCOM, NACAS C3X, and NACUMS.

About SCLogic

Founded in 1996, SCLogic is a leading provider of the innovative in-building logistics platform, Intra, that leverages the latest scanning, printing, mobile computing and wireless technologies. The company has thousands of enterprise, government, and university users around the world. SCLogic, is headquartered in Annapolis, MD, with offices in New Jersey, Texas, Florida, and California. For more information about SCLogic, please visit http://www.SCLogic.com.

Media Contact

Ashley Cleveland

Vice President of Marketing

Phone: 888.700.7027

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE SCLogic

Related Links

http://www.sclogic.com

DALLAS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Brusniak Law, PLLC, a leading tax litigation practice, today announced that Olufisayo ("Fisayo") Oketunji, a nationally recognized trial lawyer with a highly diverse legal background, has joined the firm. He will be based in the Washington, D.C. office. For the past three years, Mr. Oketunji has served as the District of Columbia Assistant Attorney General of Tax and Finance, representing many of Washington D.C.'s most complex, high-profile ad valorem commercial property tax assessment lawsuits.

Prior to his tenure at the Attorney General's office, Mr. Oketunji was the Managing Partner of Celestin & Oketunji, a full-service law firm assisting clients with corporate matters, civil and criminal litigation, real estate, intellectual property, and employment matters. He also practiced at Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP, an international law firm headquartered in New York City, where he worked in securities law, mergers & acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and regulatory compliance for Fortune 500 companies. Mr. Oketunji holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and received his Juris Doctor degree from Howard University, where he served on the Howard Law Journal.

"Adding a highly qualified and experienced litigator like Fisayo Oketunji will support our accelerated growth across the Mid-Atlantic region," said Kory L. Ryan, Managing Partner of Brusniak Law. "His history of success practicing commercial real estate law in the public and private sectors will provide our clients higher levels of value and results."

"I am excited to join the outstanding professionals at Brusniak Law, and I look forward to representing the firm's rapidly expanding client portfolio with effective commercial real estate litigation," said Mr. Oketunji.

About Brusniak Law

Brusniak Law is a Texas-based national property tax litigation firm with clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to local businesses. More information about Brusniak Law can be found at txtax.com.

SOURCE Brusniak Law, PLLC

Related Links

http://txtax.com

BYTON represents the first Chinese company to join Global Automakers, which reflects the company's global footprint with facilities in the U.S., China and Europe variously dedicated to R&D, manufacturing, design and business operations. Global Automakers is an industry group that brings together the top minds from the U.S. operations of auto manufacturers, suppliers, mobility innovators and other industry stakeholders to advance the state of personal transportation. The Association supports its membership by working to create an optimal policy environment for competition, innovation and free trade.

"Our acceptance into the Global Automakers group is strong recognition for BYTON as a driving force in the new era of smart mobility," said Dr. Carsten Breitfeld, CEO and Co-Founder, BYTON. "We look forward to working with this important group to highlight not just BYTON's R&D leadership in the US, but also its global footprint as a technology company pushing the envelope for what is possible with a passenger vehicle."

"Global Automakers' growing and diverse membership reflects the innovation that is happening in the automotive space," said John Bozzella, President and CEO for Global Automakers. "We are excited to have new entrants, like BYTON, join the Association in envisioning fresh ways of addressing society's transportation needs."

About BYTON

It is not about refining cars. It is about refining life.



BYTON aspires to build premium intelligent electric vehicles for the future. Its crafted cars integrate advanced digital technologies to offer customers a smart, sage, comfortable and eco-friendly driving and mobility experience.



BYTON aims to create a premium brand rooted in China that has a global reach. Its global headquarters, intelligent manufacturing base and R&D center are located in Nanjing, China, while its North American headquarters, devoted to intelligent car experience, autonomous driving, whole vehicle integration and other cutting-edge technologies, is based in the Silicon Valley. The company's vehicle concept and design center is located in Munich. BYTON also has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong to handle external affairs, marketing, sales, design and investor relations.



BYTON's core management team is made up of the world's top experts from China, Europe and the U.S., all of whom have held senior management positions in such innovative companies as BMW, Tesla, Google and Apple. Their expertise covers automotive design, automotive engineering and manufacturing, electric powertrain, intelligent connectivity, autonomous driving, user interface and supply chain management, among other industry sectors, the sum of which represents BYTON's strengths in manufacturing premium automobiles that are equipped with high quality internet technologies.



As an innovation-driven startup, BYTON has completed its series A financing. Current shareholders include BYTON's founding team, Harmony Auto, Auto Investments, League Automotive Technologies, Legend Capital and industrial investment fund in Jiangsu, China and Chengdu Group, among other investors.



Official website: www.byton.com

CONTACT

Jim Cameron

628-235-2103

[email protected]

SOURCE BYTON

Related Links

http://www.byton.com

GLENDALE, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- California Credit Union (CCU) has announced the recipients of its Spring 2018 Teacher Grants assisting educators in funding innovative learning opportunities for their students. Each recipient will receive $500 to use towards their class projects.

The Spring 2018 CCU Los Angeles County Teacher Grant recipients include:

Daniela Fritz , Leichman Career Prep & Transition Center, Reseda

, Leichman Career Prep & Transition Center, Phillip Goehle , Edgewood , West Covina

, , Claudia Jessel , Belvedere Middle School, Los Angeles

, Belvedere Middle School, Kristine Kilgore , James Jordan Middle School , Winnetka

, , Margaret Miller , Willenberg Special Education Center, San Pedro

, Willenberg Special Education Center, Pilar Munoz , King Middle School , Los Angeles

, , Marisela Padilla , Ellen Ochoa Learning Center, Cudahy

, Ellen Ochoa Learning Center, Michelle Choi Swensson , Carson Street Elementary, Carson

, Carson Street Elementary, Carson Michael Yamashiro , Walnut High School, Walnut

, Walnut High School, Walnut Martin Yaney , PUC Lakeview Charter HS, Sylmar

"California Credit Union is honored to continue our commitment to Los Angeles schools and students through our Teacher Grant Program," said California Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "The energy and passion of these educators is remarkable as they outlined creative ways to support hands-on projects that inspire their students. We wish these teachers continued success in their classrooms."

The credit union grants were used to help fund a wide variety of programs illustrating the commitment teachers bring to their classrooms and communities, such as:

Combating school violence

Student recognition/affirmation

Community sustainability

Peer-based socialization for special education students

Solar energy

Plant/animal life cycles

Aquaponic agriculture

Butterfly lifecycles

Non-fiction reading resources

Since the creation of the program in 2012, California Credit Union has awarded $65,000 in teacher grants to benefit students throughout Los Angeles and San Diego. Up to 20 grants are awarded bi-annually in the spring and fall. Any full-time classroom teacher in Los Angeles and San Diego County can apply for a grant for a program that has clearly defined learning objectives tied to students' academic needs, displays creativity in education, and targets a significant number of students. Visit ccu.com for more information.

About California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of $3 billion, California Credit Union has 24 branches throughout Los Angeles and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit ccu.com for more information.

SOURCE California Credit Union

Related Links

http://www.ccu.com

EMSD supports the community outreach efforts of the University's Frost School of Music including the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program , which provides mentors to local students both in musical skill development and positive guidance on life choices. Programming is provided to ten underserved public schools and after-school programs in the Miami area, and the interaction with students has had immeasurable outcomes in student success. In sponsoring a concert during the Frost Music Live! Signature Series, EMSD continues that interaction by inviting some of the students to attend the performance and experience the excitement first-hand.

This year, Canon Solutions America sponsored the four-time GRAMMY nominated John Beasley's MONK'estra, performed by the Frost Concert Jazz Band. The new Frost Music Live! Signature Series runs from September through April, expanding the school's prior month-long Festival Miami. This is the third year EMSD has sponsored the concert series at the Frost School of Music.

"Being exposed to the arts is so critical for inspiration and well-being, so when I met Donna E. Shalala and heard that Canon was sponsoring my performance with the Frost Concert Jazz Band, my heart opened up widely. Young musicians need these performance experiences to be better musicians. Young audiences and the community need these opportunities to see creativity in the making. Everyone in turn benefits," stated John Beasley.

The goal of Frost Music Live! is to provide access to high-quality music at affordable prices. Each season, the series presents 20-30 concerts featuring GRAMMY award winning and nominated guest artists, faculty, and student ensembles.

"Each year, I look forward to attending the Frost Music performance and experiencing the best music Miami has to offer," said Canon Solutions America's Valerie Belli, the Vice President of the Enterprise Managed Services Division, who hosted the event on the company's behalf. "The Frost School of Music's commitment to the community is wonderful. This event is truly unique amongst our activities with the University of Miami."

More about the University of Miami / Enterprise Managed Services Division Alliance:

In 2013, the Enterprise Managed Services Division embarked on a long-term relationship with the University of Miami that began with implementing technology and services to meet the needs of their vast and multi-faceted student, faculty, and administrative environment. Collaborating with various stakeholders at the University, the program continues to evolve across four core areas: sponsorship, philanthropy, student advancement, and community engagement.

With assistance from Canon Solutions America, the Enterprise Managed Services Division helps support the University of Miami's Frost School of Music by providing funding for the school's community outreach efforts, which includes the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra at the Frost School of Music and the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach program.

To learn more, please contact the Higher Education Advisory Team (HEAT)

About Canon Solutions America, Inc.

Canon Solutions America provides industry leading enterprise, production, and large format printing solutions, supported by exceptional professional service offerings. With the technology offerings of the Canon and Oce brands,Canon Solutions America helps companies of all sizes find ways to: improve sustainability, increase efficiency, and control costs in conjunction with high volume, continuous feed, digital and traditional printing, and document management solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canon U.S.A., Inc., Canon Solutions America is headquartered in Melville, N.Y. and has sales and service locations across the U.S. For more information on Canon Solutions America, please visit csa.canon.com.

About Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

The Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music at the University of Miami is one of the largest, most comprehensive and relevant in all of higher education. With over 700 students and 100 faculty it a top choice for instrumental, keyboard, contemporary, jazz, and vocal performance as well as composition, music business, music education, music engineering technology, music therapy, and more. The mission of the Frost School of Music is to foster musical leadership by providing an innovative, relevant, and inspiring education; advance performance, creativity and scholarship; and enrich the world community with meaningful outreach and brilliant cultural offerings. For more information on the Frost School of Music, please visit frost.miami.edu

Canon is a registered trademark of Canon Inc. in the United States and elsewhere. Oce is a registered trademark of Oce-Technologies B.V. in the United States and elsewhere. All other referenced product names and marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.

 2018 Canon Solutions America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Canon Solutions America, Inc.Website:

http://csa.canon.com

For sales info/customer support:

1-800-815-4000 Editorial Contact:

Conor Febos

631-330-4109

[email protected]

SOURCE Canon Solutions America

Related Links

https://csa.canon.com

A strategic executive with almost 20 years of management experience leading businesses both domestically and internationally, Gail is "Big 4" trained in controls, financial reporting and deal valuation. She has served as a trusted advisor to Boards of Directors and Executive Leadership teams for a vast range of companies ranging from start-ups to billion-dollar corporations.

Gail comes to Cedar having previously served as Chief Financial Officer of several other companies, including, Motus Integrated Technologies, Inuvo and Pamida Stores. She is a CPA who received her BS in Accounting from Nova Southeastern University and her MBA from Boston University.

"Gail is a high impact executive with a proven track record of improving the bottom line through revenue growth and cost containment," said Chris Cowger, President and CEO, Cedar Electronics. "Gail's big picture and innovative thinking with expertise in deal valuation, structuring and negotiation will be essential as Cedar Electronics continues to evolve and expand its brands both here in North America and globally."

"I am excited to join the Cedar team with such iconic brands," said Gail Babitt. "I look forward to partnering with the leadership at Cedar to continue to expand our product offering while ensuring we have best in class products, delivery and customer service."

About Cedar Electronics

Cedar Electronics Corporation, a leading global supplier of mobile and consumer products, possesses a portfolio of industry leading electronics brands including Cobra Electronics, ESCORT and Snooper. With locations in North America, Europe and Asia, Cedar is the largest designer & marketer of radar detection systems at every price point in every sales channel and the industry leader in Citizens Band radios. Cedar continues to aggressively grow its portfolio with an ever-expanding family of products that include dash cams, power inverters, portable jump starters, driver alert and information applications and more.

Media Contacts:

Chris Kooistra

Cedar Electronics

(773) 972-0691

[email protected]

SOURCE Cedar ElectronicsIndias Tata Consulting Engineers, which is currently assessing whether Umeme Limited has satisfied governments conditions, is expected to continue with its assignment even after a recent letter by President Museveni questioned the impact of the power firms 20-year concession, writes JEFF MBANGA.

Tata was commissioned by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and is to analyse the performance of Umeme, especially its investment in the network.

The Indian company is expected to hand over the report to ERA within the next two months. Thereafter, ERA is expected to use the report to set parameters for Umeme for the next six years starting 2019.

Tatas assessment comes at a time when some industry players got the president to cancel Umemes contract. The lobbyists, according to different sources, are said to have influenced President Musevenis recent letter.

Negotiations between ERA and Umeme over new terms of its concession, which is expected to wind up in 2025, are slated to start in July this year. Some of those negotiations are expected to focus on how the two calculate the investments that are supposed to be recouped from the power tariff, which is currently a bone of contention.

The process of reviewing Umemes contract is critical and nearly everyone should be interested because it ultimately determines how much is paid for electricity.

In 2011, ERA hired South Africas Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa Ltd (PB) to review Umemes performance. The report questioned some of Umemes investment figures, which were to be recouped from the power tariff.

The report showed that there were less investments by Umeme than what was being factored into the tariff. Umeme disputes the contents of that report. Nevertheless, ERA used some of PBs findings to justify its push for a modification of Umemes license.

The financial impact of PBs report came to light recently when Umeme released its accounts for 2017, where it showed that it had recorded an impairment provision of more than $31 million due to the modification of its license.

The modification of Umemes license, which was done in May last year, means the company lost some revenue from the capital investments it made in energy purchases from Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited.

Umemes net profit for 2017 dropped to $9.8 million, from $38.6 million in 2016 partly due to the high financing costs.

MPs meet Umeme over investments

Meanwhile, Selestino Babungi, the Umeme managing director, put up a spirited defence of the companys impact on the power industry during a recent meeting with legislators from parliaments Natural Resources committee, saying much of the criticism against the company was unfair.

Top of the legislators concerns were the power tariff and the energy losses. They blamed Umeme for failing to bring down both figures to fairly acceptable levels.

The legislators were meeting different players from the power industry at Lake Victoria Serena resort to take stock of the current situation, where more energy projects are expected to come on line amid challenges in the power distribution network.

Umeme officials said the burden of bringing down both the power losses and the power tariffs cannot be solely left to the company. They said there is need for intervention from other institutions.

Alex Byaruhanga, the chairperson of the Natural Resources committee, said the targets are being missed. He said: By now, technical losses should be at around seven per cent, according to the original agreement.

Babungi admitted that the losses and tariffs were still high but that the company was playing its role in influencing a drop.

We are here to tell the MPs that they should come up with stringent laws for power thieves; secondly, people are complaining of higher tariffs, the regulator should explain that, he said.

A lot of Umemes 2018 budget is a continuation of the work the company had been carrying out in 2017. Described as work in progress, Umeme is to spend $49 million for this component. A substantial amount of this is expected to go in improving the network.

The meeting at Serena also touched the tetchy issue of whether Umemes concession should be renewed. There was discussion on whether Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited had the capacity to take over.

Joseph Katera, the managing director at UEDCL, told the parliamentarians that the company can handle Umemes task, although they lacked the kind of investment capital that was needed for the network.

jeff@observer.ug

Twitter: @jeff_mbangaPETALUMA, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- It's true that to start a business, great entrepreneurs need to give everything they've got. Creating and maintaining a successful business is usually not about going half-way. So yes, that requires energy, enthusiasm and drive. But in our youth-obsessed culture, we often think this means someone has to be barely 20 years old if they want to get ahead in business, and it's just not true. Brandon Frere, a founder and CEO of Frere Enterprises and multiple ventures, applauds entrepreneurs who are founding businesses at every age.

"For some people, their twenties is when they strike gold, but others may use that time to figure out their lives, develop skills and build their knowledge," said Frere. "More and more founders who are 40, 50 and above are emerging and I love that we are moving away from this idea that there's only one age to become successful. Don't get me wrong, some people who were early successes are my heroes, but that's just one kind of story."

After a decline in entrepreneurship in general in the United States, the country is actually in a small rebound. More people are starting businesses than they have been for the past five years. And entrepreneurs of all sorts are speaking about their journeys to business success later in life.

"People are slowly coming back to business as a viable option and that's good for all of us," Frere continued. "This little renaissance is a great opportunity to remind folks that a new chapter is not beyond their reach. And not just for entrepreneurs. I like to encourage innovation and advance potential in people at every age."

About Frere Enterprises

Brandon Frere is an entrepreneur and businessman who lives in Sonoma County, California. He has designed and created multiple companies to meet the ever-demanding needs of businesses and consumers alike. His company website, www.FrereEnterprises.com, is used as a means to communicate many of the lessons, fundamentals and information he has learned throughout his extensive business and personal endeavors, most recently in advocating on behalf of student loan borrowers nationwide.

As experienced during his own student loan repayment, Mr. Frere found out how difficult it can be to work with federally contracted student loan servicers and the repayment programs designed to help borrowers. Through those efforts, he gained an insider's look into the repayment process and the motivations behind the inflating student loan debt bubble. His knowledge of the confusing landscape of student loan repayment became a vital theme in his future endeavors, and he now uses those experiences to help guide others through the daunting process of applying for available federal repayment and loan forgiveness programs.

FrereEnterprises.com

Related Links

Frere Enterprises website

SOURCE Frere Enterprises

Related Links

http://www.FrereEnterprises.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- We are very pleased to announce that Charlie Dreifus celebrated his 20th anniversary at Royce & Associates, LP and as portfolio manager of Royce Special Equity Fund on May 1, 2018. A $10,000 investment made at the Fund's 5/1/98 inception would have been worth $59,120 on 3/31/18 versus $41,116 for the same $10,000 investment in the Russell 2000 Index over the identical time period.

Charlie manages the Fund using a distinctive absolute value approach that he began to hone 50 years ago when he first embarked on his career as a professional investor, which has also included managing small-cap portfolios at Oppenheimer & Co. and Lazard Freres & Co.

His approach is perhaps best distinguished for deriving methods from three respected financial thought leadersBen Graham, Warren Buffett, and accounting legend Abe Briloffand melding them into his own unique investment approach.

From Ben Graham, Charlie learned to invest with a margin of safety by focusing on valuation and understanding balance sheets while Buffett's approach taught him the importance of overall company quality and managements that are good stewards of capital.

Abe Briloff, who was both Charlie's teacher and dear friend, showed him how scrutinous attention to accounting issues can reveal important insights into corporate culture, ethics, and governance.

Chuck Royce, Chairman and Portfolio Manager of Royce, said, "I knew how talented an investor Charlie was almost immediately after meeting him more than 40 years ago. We were thrilled to have him join us 20 years ago and feel even better for those investors who have been with Charlie over that period."

Charlie has received distinguished awards over his career including Morningstar Domestic Manager of the Year for 2008. His Royce Special Equity Fund has also received recent accolades from both Morningstar, "The Case for Royce Special Equity Fund," and Barrons, "Time to Buy this Small- Cap Value Fund."

Looking at the current market, Charlie remains firm in his belief that many of his holdings could be potential takeover targets for both strategic buyers and private equity firms. He recently said, "The latter are under pressure to deploy their record sums of cash while many strategic buyers face rising raw material costs, which the purchase of a competitor offers many ways to reduce. For a potential suitor, inexpensively valued companies with little or no debt should be attractive purchase candidates."

Important Disclosure Information

Performance and Expenses as of March 31, 2018 Average Annual Total Returns (%) FUND YTD1 1-YR 5-YR 10-YR SINCE INCEPTION

(5/1/98) Special Equity -5.00 2.80 7.40 8.76 9.05 Russell 2000 Index -0.08 11.79 11.47 9.84 7.35 Annual Operating Expenses: 1.17% 1 Not annualized.

All performance information reflects past performance, is presented on a total return basis, reflects the reinvestment of distributions, and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate, so that shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when redeemed. Shares redeemed within 30 days of purchase may be subject to a 1% redemption fee, payable to the Fund, which is not reflected in the performance shown above; if it were, performance would be lower. Current month-end performance may be higher or lower than performance quoted and may be obtained at www.roycefunds.com. Operating expenses reflect the Fund's total annual operating expenses for the Investment Class as of the Fund's most current prospectus and include management fees and other expenses.

This material is not authorized for distribution unless preceded or accompanied by a current prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. Royce Special Equity Fund invests primarily in small-cap and micro-cap stocks which may involve considerably more risk than investing in larger-cap stocks. (Please see "Primary Risks for Fund Investors" in the prospectus.) As of 3/31/18 the Fund invested a significant portion of its assets in a limited number of stocks, which may involve considerably more risk than more broadly diversified portfolio because a decline in the value of any one of these stocks would cause the Fund's overall value to decline to a greater degree. (Please see "Primary Risks for Fund Investors" in the prospectus.)

The thoughts and opinions expressed in this material are solely those of the persons speaking as of May 1, 2018 and may differ from those of other Royce investment professionals, or the firm as a whole. There can be no assurance with regard to future market movements.

The performance data and trends outlined in this material are presented for illustrative purposes only. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Historical market trends are not necessarily indicative of future market movements.

About Royce & Associates, LP: Royce & Associates, LP, is a small-cap equity specialist offering distinct investment strategies with unique risk/return profiles designed to meet a variety of investors' needs. For more than 40 years, our strategies have focused on active, risk-conscious investing driven by deep, fundamental company research. Chuck Royce, the firm's founder and a pioneer of small-cap investing, enjoys one of the longest tenures in the industry. Royce & Associates, LP is a subsidiary of Legg Mason Inc. (NYSE: LM). Royce Fund Services, Inc., the Fund's distributor, is a member of FINRA and the SIPC.

For Morningstar's 2008 "Domestic-Stock Fund Manager of the Year" award, Morningstar awarded managers based on their fund's 2008 performance, long-term performance through year-end 2008, fund assets, and investment strategy consistency. Morningstar also looked for managers who "are great stewards of shareholders' interests and who stay with their proven strategies rather than follow investing trends.

Frank Russell Company ("Russell") is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell's express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. The Russell 2000 is an unmanaged, capitalization-weighted index of domestic small-cap stocks. It measures the performance of the 2,000 smallest publicly traded U.S. companies in the Russell 3000 index. The performance of an index does not represent exactly any particular investment, as you cannot invest directly in an index.

SOURCE Royce & AssociatesFARMINGDALE, N.Y., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Charlotte's Speakeasy has opened on historic Main Street in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York. Since the opening of Charlotte's Yogurt in 2014, owners John & Nick DeVito had big plans for their building's basementto restore the lower level to the speakeasy it had been during Prohibition. Leah Plevrites of studioBIG, who also designed Charlotte's Yogurt, designed the interiors, brand, signage, and menus to balance the glamour and grit of a clandestine speakeasy.

Charlotte's Speakeasy in Farmingdale, New York. Photo by Harriet Andronikides Charlotte's Speakeasy in Farmingdale, New York. Photo by Harriet Andronikides

The design of the speakeasy carries through the colors and character of the yogurt shop and the historic wood-frame building that houses both establishments. Upstairs, sunny yellows and blues convey charm and hospitality; downstairs, glamorous gold and rich navy act as their sultry, adult relations.

To enter the speakeasy, guests enter the yogurt shop, locate a white bookcase at the end of the yogurt wall, and say the week's password. A doorman pulls a bust statue to reveal the secret entrance. The first glimpse is a dramatic glass chandelier hung above the stairs, set against mirrored wallpaper and reclaimed 1920s tin ceiling tiles lining the staircase wall. Once downstairs, ceramic wood-look tiles in a herringbone pattern subtly direct patrons to the bar.

Guest pull up custom-upholstered metal high-back chairs to the bar, gather in luxurious banquettes or in lounge furniture, or sit at dining tables for food and drinks. Solid wood columns removed to open up the space were reused as the top of the bar. The lighting above the bar references vintage liquor bottlesa fixture that looks like it could have been created by a resourceful speakeasy owner.

Custom antiqued mirrors above the left side of the bar visually expand the space. To the right, cork penny tile and fleur-de-lis wallpaper serve as a backdrop to the wine wall. The fleur-de-lis pattern continues into the Charlotte's Speakeasy logo, inspired by the pattern of original tin ceiling tiles salvaged on site. Leftover pieces of tin ceiling were reused as menu covers.

Refined navy velvet drapery on the back wall adds softness, improves acoustics, and reveals a cinderblock wall that adds another reference to an ad-hoc speakeasy location. Additional references to the location's storied history include vintage pictures of Farmingdale, the building, and the owners' ancestors.

The basement's wide exit stairs in the backthrough which patrons in the 1920s may have escaped during police raidslead to a new vestibule and large outdoor patio opening this spring.

Additional images and information available by request.

Contact:

Abigail Carlen

9174532165

[email protected]

SOURCE studioBIGMINNEAPOLIS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CleanChoice Energy, a renewable energy company that provides 100% clean electricity to customers across the country, has launched CleanChoice Energy Community Solar in Minnesota with more than 42 megawatts of community solar capacity. The new capacityavailable for both commercial and residential customersis being supplied by eight community solar farms owned and operated by Cypress Creek Renewables. The farms will increase the number of residential community solar subscribers in Minnesota by as much as 50%providing community solar opportunities to thousands of new residential customers. CleanChoice Energy Community Solar customers in Minnesota have the opportunity to save money on their utility bills with no upfront costs. The clean energy produced at the solar farms will save more than 20,000 tons of global warming pollution every year.

"We're excited to be expanding solar choice in Minnesota. The state is the national leader for community solar and these new farms mean thousands of more Minnesotans can support local clean energy while saving money on their utility bills," said Tom Matzzie, CEO of CleanChoice Energy. "Community solar makes it easy for Minnesotans to support solar without a big upfront investment or a home construction projectinstead they can sign up online and promote local solar in just a few minutes."

"Our partnership with CleanChoice Energy is a win for consumers in Minnesota," said Cypress Creek Renewables CEO Matthew McGovern. "Affordable solar energy is now more accessible to homes and businesses throughout the state. We are thrilled at the prospect of bringing more local community solar online in the future."

Minnesota community solar customers will sign up for community solar online at CleanChoiceEnergy.com/Minnesota. CleanChoice Energy allows customers to sign up in less than ten minutes and manages ongoing customer engagementall fully digital and completely online. The eight farms serve residents living in the following counties: Anoka, Benton, Blue Earth, Carver, Chicago, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Faribault, Freeborn, Grant, Hennepin, Isanti, Kandiyohi, Le Sueur, McLeod, Martin, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Mower, Nicollet, Pope, Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns, Steele, Stevens, Swift, Waseca, Washington, and Wright.

The CleanChoice Energy Community Solar platform, announced in April, was developed by the company's "Labs" Division with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative. The company has grown quickly since its 2013 customer-facing launch to become one of the largest direct-to-consumer renewable energy providers in the United States, serving customers in 27 utilities.

About CleanChoice Energy

CleanChoice Energy is a renewable energy company empowering utility customers to cut emissions and support clean energy. The company provides renewable electricity to customers by supporting regional wind and solar farms in markets where customers have an energy supply choice, and selling that clean power to homes and businesses. CleanChoice Energy makes it easy for customers to support local solar development by enabling them to participate in community solar markets. CleanChoice Energy is a Certified B Corporation, a member of the American Sustainable Business Council and the U.S. Green Building Council, and is certified with the highest available rating by Green America's Green Business Network, the first and largest network of socially and environmentally responsible business. For more information or to become a customer, visit www.cleanchoiceenergy.com.

About Cypress Creek Renewables LLC:

Cypress Creek Renewables believes solar energy makes the world safer, cleaner and better. Our team solves problems to successfully develop, build and operate solar facilities across the United States. With 2.2. gigawatts of solar energy deployed in more than a dozen states, Cypress Creek Renewables is one of the country's leading solar energy companies. For more information about Cypress Creek Renewables, visit http://www.ccrenew.com.

SOURCE CleanChoice Energy

Related Links

cleanchoiceenergy.com

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. and DAWSONVILLE, Ga., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. ("CoastalSouth" or the "Company") (OTCQX: COSO), the parent company of CoastalStates Bank ("CSB") and First Citizens Financial Corporation ("FCFC"), the parent company of Foothills Community Bank ("Foothills"), announced today the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which FCFC will merge with and into CoastalSouth. Following completion of the merger, Foothills will become part of CSB and will continue to be led by its existing management team of John L. Lewis and Steven F. Smith.

"We are very excited to announce our partnership with Foothills and our expansion into North Georgia," said Steve Stone, Chief Executive Officer of CoastalSouth and CSB. "Following our recapitalization of CoastalSouth in July 2017, we have focused on executing our strategic plan through a combination of organic growth, the establishment of new lines of business, and expansion into new markets. Our management team has great familiarity with the Dawsonville and Cumming markets, as well as years of experience working with the Foothills management team. We hold a great deal of respect for John, Steven, and the rest of the Foothills team, and we are excited to provide them with additional capital resources to continue to serve their customers. Like CSB, Foothills is LOCAL, and proud of it."

John Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of FCFC, stated, "We are very pleased to combine with CSB given the similarities in our culture and our shared commitment to community banking. Our customers, employees, and communities will benefit from being part of CSB, and we look forward to growing our combined franchise in North Georgia. Additionally, our Forsyth and Dawson markets will continue to grow and prosper under the existing leadership of Daniel Baker and Adam Smith, respectively."

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, each share of common stock of FCFC issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be converted into the right to receive 0.0330 shares of CoastalSouth common stock or $0.52 in cash (depending upon certain share ownership thresholds). The conversion ratio is based upon a price per share of CoastalSouth common stock of $15.75, and the total transaction value equates to approximately $11.6 million based on this price per share.

The proposed merger has been approved by each company's Board of Directors and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018. Completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the approval of FCFC's shareholders.

Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P. acted as the financial adviser to FCFC, and Troutman Sanders acted as its legal counsel. CoastalSouth was represented by the law firm of Alston & Bird, LLP.

About CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. About First Citizens Financial Corporation CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: COSO), a Virginia corporation, is a bank holding company established in 2003 and headquartered in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. CoastalSouth, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CoastalStates Bank, offers a variety of financial resources to help clients achieve their goals, including commercial, consumer, and mortgage banking products and services. CoastalStates Bank conducts banking operations through four full service branches in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, South Carolina, as well as offices in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia. As of March 31, 2018, the Company had approximately $442 million in total assets. For additional information regarding the Company and CoastalStates Bank visit www.coastalstatesbank.com. First Citizens Financial Corporation is a one bank holding company established in 2006 in Dawsonville, Georgia. Foothills Community Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Citizens Financial Corporation with $95 million in total assets, operates two full service community bank offices located in Dawsonville and Cumming, Georgia.

Contact:

Stephen R. Stone

Chief Executive Officer

CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc.

(843) 341-9937

SOURCE CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc.; First Citizens Financial Corporation

Related Links

http://www.coastalstatesbank.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial technology company CommonBond today released the results of one of the most comprehensive employee financial wellness benefits studies to date. This research revealed the extent to which student debt affects employees' financial wellness, as well as how companies are meeting  or not meeting  the financial wellness needs of their employees.

The study included over 1,500 workers across five industries, in addition to more than 500 human resources executives. By comparing the perspectives of these groups, this research reveals the effects of student loan debt in the workplace, and how human resources teams can improve the financial wellness of their employees. Its key findings include:

Student debt cuts across all age groups, including parents who are taking out loans for their children. Almost 75 percent of all workers have taken out loans to fund their own education, while 21 percent of workers expect to take out a loan for a child or other family member's education in the next five years. This debt has a serious impact on well-being: employees with student debt were nearly twice as likely to be stressed about their personal finances.

Almost 75 percent of all workers have taken out loans to fund their own education, while 21 percent of workers expect to take out a loan for a child or other family member's education in the next five years. This debt has a serious impact on well-being: employees with student debt were nearly twice as likely to be stressed about their personal finances. Human resources executives prioritize benefits for employees without student debt. For employees with student debt, student loan repayment is the most-requested financial wellness benefit; however, human resources teams rank student loan repayment as their third priority.

For employees with student debt, student loan repayment is the most-requested financial wellness benefit; however, human resources teams rank student loan repayment as their third priority. Employees do not think their benefits are as innovative as human resources executives believe. Seventy-one percent of human resources executives see their benefits offering as innovative, compared with 50 percent of employees.

Seventy-one percent of human resources executives see their benefits offering as innovative, compared with 50 percent of employees. Student loan benefits attract talent, retain employees, and improve work performance. Seventy-eight percent of employees with current or future student loan debt want their employer to offer this benefit, and 65 percent of employees over age 55 in these categories want the same.

"From this study, we've learned that student loan debt affects a much larger proportion of the workforce than previously realized," said Leigh Gross, vice president, partnerships at CommonBond. "Our data also shows that financial wellness programs that feature student loan benefits can increase employee engagement and retention, regardless of age group. From this research, we hope to develop new initiatives that enable human resources executives to offer effective financial wellness benefits, and better engage top talent in this competitive marketplace."

CommonBond is a leader in higher education financing, with its CommonBond for Business platform offering the most complete student loan benefits solution for employers. CommonBond for Business includes an industry-first student debt evaluation tool, student loan financing and refinancing, and an employer-led student loan repayment benefit. The company has over 250 CommonBond for Business partners.

To download a white paper of this research, visit http://commonbond.co/the-missing-benefit/whitepaper.

About CommonBond

CommonBond is a financial technology company on a mission to give students and graduates more affordable, transparent, and simple ways to pay for higher education. The company offers refinance loans to college graduates, new loans to current students, and a suite of student loan repayment benefits to employees through its CommonBond for Business program. By designing a better student loan experience that combines advanced technology with competitive rates and award-winning customer service, CommonBond has funded over $1.5 billion in loans for its tens of thousands of members. CommonBond is also the first and only finance company with a "one-for-one" social mission: for every loan it funds, CommonBond also funds the education of a child in need, through its partnership with Pencils of Promise. For more information, visit www.commonbond.co.

SOURCE CommonBond

Related Links

http://www.commonbond.co

KARLSKRONA, Sweden, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Compuverde today announced a joint solution with Mellanox Technologies that delivers a unified platform supporting file, block and object storage. The solution combines Compuverde's software-defined storage with Mellanox's 10/25/40/50/100Gb/s Ethernet technology to provide true linear scalability and performance for up to hundreds of nodes, millions of IOPS and exabytes of data in a single cluster.

Mellanox's non-blocking switches and network adapter cards with hardware storage acceleration operate in unison with Compuverde's unique, patented and fully balanced storage architecture for an all-in-one, massively scalable solution.

Easy to deploy: The tested and trusted solution from Compuverde and Mellanox eliminates trial and error.

The tested and trusted solution from Compuverde and Mellanox eliminates trial and error. High-performance networking: The Mellanox Ethernet solution ensures virtually no latency or "clogging" when the system automatically balances and keeps itself synchronized. The workload becomes bound to the CPU and not I/O.

The Mellanox Ethernet solution ensures virtually no latency or "clogging" when the system automatically balances and keeps itself synchronized. The workload becomes bound to the CPU and not I/O. Supporting all storage types: The unified software-defined platform supports file, block and object storage to manage both structured and unstructured data.

The unified software-defined platform supports file, block and object storage to manage both structured and unstructured data. Faster than traditional storage and similar storage solutions: All disks and all storage nodes work in parallel with no central orchestration and no costly bottlenecks.

All disks and all storage nodes work in parallel with no central orchestration and no costly bottlenecks. Pay-as-you-go: The ability to start small and scale out on demand ensures efficient and optimized growth, without the need for migration or throwing out existing hardware. This makes the solution affordable and lowers total cost of ownership.

Stefan Bernbo, CEO and founder, Compuverde, said: "Organizations need to be able to scale storage rapidly to meet today's data demands, but that usually introduces latency as well as high costs. Our unique storage architecture, combined with Mellanox's networking expertise, results in an efficient, high-performance storage platform that anyone can afford."

Rob Davis, VP of Storage Technology, Mellanox Technologies, said: "Companies don't just need more storage; they need better storage. We're proud to pair our end-to-end Ethernet interconnect solution with Compuverde's smart, versatile storage architecture. It creates an all-in-one, future-proof storage solution that will serve customers for years to come."

About Compuverde

Compuverde is an established provider of software-defined storage, delivering enterprise-grade general vNAS file systems, hyper-converged virtualization and hybrid cloud support. Founded by a team of storage and software experts in 2008, Compuverde delivers cost-efficient, hardware-agnostic, scale-out solutions to both large consumer brands and industrial business-to-business players. Compuverde is currently deployed worldwide with service providers, telecom, banking, media and insurance companies. Compuverde's patented unified solution offers the most flexible, user friendly and cost-efficient SDS solution in the storage market, and easily scales to hundreds of nodes, exabytes of data and billions of files. Global by demand, Swedish by design. For more information, please visit: www.compuverde.com.

Supporting Resources:

Read the solution brief: http://compuverde.com/media/160222/SB_Compuverde_Mellanox.pdf.

Click to Tweet: [email protected] CompuverdeSDS & @mellanoxtech Create Scalable, Unified Storage Solution: https://tinyurl.com/yder7any #SDS

PR contact:

Shannon Shamoon

Nadel Phelan, Inc.

831-440-2408

[email protected]

SOURCE Compuverde

Related Links

http://www.compuverde.com

Concierge Auctions kickstarted the year by continuing to showcase its dominance in the Hawaii market. Hale Ohia Kai and its neighboring buildable lot sold in cooperation with Carrie Nicholson and Randy Ripley of Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, who have partnered with Concierge Auctions on over 40 transactions since 2010.

One of the top sales in the quarter was Arc en Ciel, a retreat located near the tranquil fishing village of Soufriere, on the coveted West Coast of Saint Lucia. Built by renowned architect Lane Pettigrew, the estate - a main house, cottage and buildable lot - sold Without Reserve as part of the firm's February Sale in cooperation with Angad Singh of Morne Fortune, Castries, St Lucia.

"Our family first put our property on the market in 2008, and after nearly 10 years, we decided to pursue another method to sell our home. We were impressed with Concierge Auctions from beginning to end, with the team's reliability, transparency, honesty and drive to sell our property," stated the seller, Richard Tudor. "The firm's business model is fantastic and allowed us to work closely with the team and be involved throughout the process. The team's outreach efforts went beyond what any real estate agent could do on their own, and we found committed buyers in just a short amount of time."

Another notable sale was Timber Creek Ranch, a 402-acre ranch and 26-acre lakefront parcel in the heart of East Texas. The sale marked the firm's second time selling the property. Businessman Steve Robinson purchased the property in 2015, along with an additional 82 acres, and partnered with the firm again this year on the opposite side as the seller. The auction took place in cooperation with Kyle Crews of Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

"This was my sixth time working with Concierge Auctions and they continue to impress with their global marketing reach," Crews said. "Without hesitation, I would fully recommend the team's services to any luxury property seller who is looking to move on and/or downsize from their property."

"Our success over the past quarter demonstrates our dominance in the global luxury real estate market," stated President and Co-Founder Laura Brady. "We have achieved nearly $2 billion in sales since our inception 10 years ago and are continuing in our trajectory of exponential annual growth."

Coming up, Concierge Auctions will be hosting its second annual Summer Sale featuring an exclusive selection of premier properties that will specifically target high-net-worth Chinese buyers. The firm will once again partner with media powerhouses The Wall Street Journal and Mansion Global to accelerate the sale through a high-impact global outreach campaign, which will kick off with a series of custom launch events in Shanghai and Shenzhen. Bidding will be open from June 26-29th and hosted via the Concierge Auctions online marketplace, conciergeauctions.com, allowing prospective buyers to participate in real-time from anywhere in the world.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a remarkable property through Concierge Auctions, call +1.212.658.1404. Concierge Auctions offers a commission to the buyers' and sellers' representing real estate agents. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details.

About Concierge Auctions

Concierge Auctions is the largest luxury real estate marketplace in the world. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, the company has generated nearly $2 billion in sales and is active in 38 U.S. states/territories and 19 countries. Concierge curates the best properties globally, matches them with qualified buyers, and facilitates transparent, market-driven transactions in an expedited timeframe. The firm owns what is arguably the most valuable, ultra-high-net-worth client list in real estate and has been named one of America's fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine for the past four years. As part of Concierge Auctions' Key for Key giving program in partnership with Giveback Homes, each sale results in a new home built for a family in need.

Contact:

Kari Neering [email protected]

Chanelle Kasik [email protected]

212-257-1500

SOURCE Concierge Auctions

Related Links

https://www.conciergeauctions.com

BEIJING, April 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Concord Medical Services Holdings Limited ("Concord Medical" or the "Company") (NYSE: CCM), a leading specialty hospital management solutions provider and operator of a network of radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging centers in China, today announced that it filed its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. An electronic copy of the annual report on Form 20-F can be accessed on Concord Medical's investor relations website at http://ir.ccm.cn and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders may receive a hard copy of Concord Medical's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 free of charge upon request. Requests should be submitted to http://ir.ccm.cn.

About Concord Medical

Concord Medical Services Holdings Limited is a leading specialty hospital management solutions provider and operator of a network of radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging centers in China. As of December 31, 2017, the Company operated a network of 44 centers with 30 hospital partners that spanned 29 cities and 18 provinces and administrative regions in China. Under long-term arrangements with top-tier hospitals in China, the Company provides radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging equipment and manages the daily operations of these centers, which are located on the premises of its hospital partners. The Company also provides ongoing training to doctors and other medical professionals in its network of centers to ensure a high level of clinical care for patients. For more information, please see http://ir.ccm.cn.

For more information, please contact:

Concord Medical Services

Ms. Carol TIAN (Chinese and English)

+86 10 5903 6688 (ext. 608)

[email protected]

SOURCE Concord Medical Services Holdings LimitedThe 2018 Hot List identifies big brands breaking out of traditional molds to open properties that fit the boutique aesthetic of a specific region, such as the Hollywood-ready Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills or the all-white bungalows at the Hilton's Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club in Belize. Wellness is moving from a niche reason to travel to a more holistic part of the journey. For example, travelers to the Rosewood Phuket in Thailand and Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland are relishing in customized meditation treatments and outdoor facials by local wellness gurus. Some hotels are also staking their claim as neighborhood 'town squares,' becoming more than just a place to rest your head, but where locals gather and graze.

"Our annual Hot List is an all-encompassing review and selection of our favorite new hotel openings of the past year," said Pilar Guzman, editor-in-chief of Conde Nast Traveler. "By celebrating the very best, we hope to help set a standard for those who follow so that when we return decades down the road, we will still recognize and be transformed by these places."

The Hot List winners are selected as part of a rigorous vetting process by 37 Conde Nast Traveler editors and experts. The group of scouts are armed with a survey that's been developed and refined over the past 22 years, with questions that get at the practical, the emotional, and even the sociological aspects of a property. The Conde Nast Traveler staff then cull nearly a thousand pages of hotel dossiers to determine the final list. This year, we visited 426 hotels and landed on 102 extraordinary properties that made the cut.



The 2018 Hot List is prominently featured on Conde Nast Traveler's website in The Bests and celebrated in the May/June issue on newsstands nationwide May 8.

About Conde Nast Traveler

As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Conde Nast Traveler is the global citizen's bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. Conde Nast Traveler is the most trusted and celebrated name in travel with 6 National Magazine Award wins and 26 nominations in its 30-year history. Advertising Age named Pilar Guzman Editor of the Year in 2014 and CNTraveler.com attained 3 Webby Awards in 2015. For more, visit www.cntraveler.com.

SOURCE Conde Nast Traveler

Related Links

http://www.cntraveler.com

President Yoweri Museveni has defended the government's controversial move to import Cuban doctors saying he refused to be "blackmailed" by the ever striking Ugandan medical doctors, who're constantly demanding higher salaries.

Government intends to import at least 200 Cuban doctors, in a plan that was first mooted during the doctors' strike over poor pay and poor working conditions last year.

Museveni inspecting some of the materials an exhibition stall in Sembabule

Speaking at the Labour Day celebrations in Sembabule, Museveni said the Uganda Medical Association leadership thought they could create a crisis in Uganda, when, last year they 'incited' medical personnel around the country to lay down tools.

"I wanted to bring Cuban doctors because our doctors behaved very badly, unprofessionally. They tried to incite doctors to abandon patients so that patients die. But fortunately, many of the doctors refused to leave their patients and I congratulate them. It was only few bad ones that boycotted patients - thinking that they will create a crisis for Uganda but they failed." he said.

"When we were under that blackmail [of doctors strike], I said, no, I cant be blackmailed. If necessary, we shall import doctors to bring discipline to this crooked behaviour of people who say they are doctors; when in fact, they behave as if they aren't doctors...Selfish people, these are the ones we cant tolerate. You cant lecture me about working for Uganda. The NRA, we fought for no pay for many years and when we won victory we have been working for low pay all this time." he added.

The doctors went on strike on November 6, 2017 - demanding for higher pay and better working conditions - paralysing health services allover the country. They called off the strike about two weeks after government made some minimum irreducible demands.

Uganda Medical Association (UMA) president, Dr Ekwaro Obuku then warned government that, failure to fulfil some of the demands cabinet committed itself on, will trigger off another industrial action. Today the medical interns have laid down tools over government's failure to pay them their allowances for the last two months. But Museveni said, a striking doctor is an enemy of the people and his government will treat them as such.

"A doctor of who goes on strike is not a doctor, hes an enemy of our people and we shall treat him as such. In fact I was restrained [last year during doctors strike], I wanted to go back to the bush but some people [restrained me]. I therefore dont want to hear that nonsense. I have been working for Uganda for almost 55 years either for low pay or for no pay but am here." he a seemingly tough Museveni said.

Government says it plans to pay each Cuban doctors $1,500 (about Shs 5.4 million) per month. A local senior consultant doctor gets Shs 4.5 per month. Ugandan doctors have demanded that the 200 slots for the Cuban doctors be advertised so that Ugandan doctors with similar specialities are given priority and the Cubans only be given the job if there are no qualified Ugandan.



Last week while addressing journalists in Kampala, UMA president Dr Obuku Ekwaro opposed the importation of Cuban doctors arguing that the conditions in Uganda do not warrant government to import Cuban medical specialists and consultants.

Uganda has over 1,500 specialist doctors registered with Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council. Dr Ekwaro says however that the reasons specialists aren't available in regional and rural hospitals are what motivated last year's doctors' strike.



He noted that the comprehensive cost of importing Cuban doctors is likely to outweigh the benefits citing that the imported medical workers will dig into taxpayers' money to cater for their housing, transport (airfare), salary and security.



Uganda graduates over 150 specialist doctors annually with now 530 specialists in training in the five universities in the country and over 150 subspecialists sent to India, Canada, USA and Italy.



In the recent past, Cuban doctors were instrumental in setting up Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) in the 1990s and have helped train over 1000 medical doctors in Uganda.

UNGRATEFUL CIVIL SERVANTS

Meanwhile, Museveni reiterated that he will not be held hostage by civil servants who are always demanding salary increments. He said they should copy his example because wielding authority is better than high salaries.

Museveni said other civil servants should emulate people like him and the soldiers who work for little or no pay

"I heard some people talking nonsense if you increase the salary of the science teacher, me the headmaster, I will get a smaller pay than the salary of the science teacher. Now that is very bad for my status. That is his problem, status. I am the president of Uganda, I get a low pay. I get Shs 3.6 million and even the Shs 3.6 million I accepted it in 1996 because the MPs tricked me.

I was getting Shs 150,000 from 1986 to 1996There are some public servants who get Shs 40 million, Shs 50 million but you try to challenge my authority, you will see. Authority doesnt depend on salary, I have a low pay but I am the president of Uganda." he said.

Museveni said, instead the 400,000 public servants should be grateful for pensionable jobs that they have been offered because they just constitute 1% of the total population who are not employed by government. He wondered how public servants can demand for higher salaries yet they are enjoying driving on tarmacked roads that run across all the borders of the country.

He said there's nothing his government is doing that has not been well thought through. He added that instead of demanding for higher salaries, workers should be creating means on how to start manufacturing goods that Uganda is importing from abroad so there's balance of trade. He said this would in turn create jobs for the many youth graduates.

Additional reporting by URNTAMPA, Fla., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AACSB InternationalThe Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) announces today that Georgia Southern University has extended its accreditation in accounting and Texas A&M University has extended its accreditation in business and accounting. Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide.



For over a century, AACSB Accreditation has been synonymous with the highest standards in business education, and has been earned by less than 5 percent of the world's business schools. Today, 810 institutions across 53 countries and territories have earned AACSB Accreditation. Further, 186 institutions hold supplemental AACSB Accreditation for their accounting programs.



"AACSB congratulates each institution on their achievement," said Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB. "Every AACSB-accredited school has demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curricula development, and student learning. The intense peer-review process exemplifies their commitment to quality business education."



Achieving accreditation is a process of rigorous internal focus, engagement with an AACSB-assigned mentor, and peer-reviewed evaluation. During this multi-year path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to align with AACSB's accreditation standards. These standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation; student, faculty, and staff as active participants; learning and teaching; and academic and professional engagement.



To achieve accounting accreditation, an institution must first earn AACSB Business Accreditation. Then, in addition to developing and implementing a mission-driven plan to satisfy the business accreditation quality standards, accounting accreditation requires the satisfaction of an additional set of standards specific to the discipline and profession of accounting. Once accreditation is achieved, each institution participates in a five-year continuous improvement peer-review to maintain high quality and extend its accreditation.



For more detailed information about AACSB Accreditation, please visit aacsb.edu/accreditation.



About AACSB International

As the world's largest business education alliance, AACSB InternationalThe Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and professional development services to more than 1,600 member organizations and more than 800 accredited business schools worldwide. With its global headquarters in Tampa, Florida, USA; Europe, Middle East, and Africa headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, AACSB's mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education. For more information, visit aacsb.edu.



SOURCE AACSB International

Related Links

http://www.aacsb.edu

Amanda Sharp, co-founder Frieze, said: "It's wonderful to see brands interacting with art and supporting artists. For 27 years Frieze has promoted the most interesting artists in Frieze Magazine and at Frieze Art Fairs and we are always looking for innovative ways to enhance the work that galleries do to support artist careers. Collaborations like Frieze and LIFEWTR have the potential to create new opportunities for emerging artists and bring their work to a huge new audience."

This newly formed global partnership begins at Frieze New York, with LIFEWTR unveiling its latest design series, Art Beyond Borders. The brand's fifth series highlights artists who are inspired by multiple cultures and showcases artwork that embraces intersections of culture  from languages and travels to experiences and commonalities  creating a curious and open-minded dialogue to bridge divides, uniting people around the world.

The Art Beyond Borders Series provides a canvas to expose cross-cultural perspectives and leverage art as a medium to spark and foster understanding and unity, with the work of three artists, Laercio Redondo, AIKO and Yinka Ilori:

Laercio Redondo  A Brazilian-born artist who brings Latin influences to his Nordic-based work engages with culture's collective memory and its impact on society. His work is often based on the interpretation of specific events in relation to a city, its architecture and its historical representation.

 A Brazilian-born artist who brings Latin influences to his Nordic-based work engages with culture's collective memory and its impact on society. His work is often based on the interpretation of specific events in relation to a city, its architecture and its historical representation. AIKO  Born and raised in Tokyo before moving to NYC, she is recognized in the art world as one of the most exciting emerging artists. Her large-scale works, which unite Western and Eastern cultures, are installed in many cities around the world.

before moving to NYC, she is recognized in the art world as one of the most exciting emerging artists. Her large-scale works, which unite Western and Eastern cultures, are installed in many cities around the world. Yinka Ilori  Based in London , Ilori is an artist and designer who focuses on revitalizing and reinterpreting vintage furniture, inspired by the traditional Nigerian parables and African fabrics that surrounded his childhood looking to connect people throughout the world through the storytelling of his work.

The LIFEWTR Series 5 bottles are now available in the U.S. in four sizes: 20oz (NEW) 500ml (NEW), 700mL and 1L, as well as multipacks. For more information please visit www.LIFEWTR.com.

Frieze New York

The LIFEWTR x Frieze partnership begins with a robust activation at Frieze New York, May 4 6, where LIFEWTR will host two engaging talks around the theme of Art Beyond Borders in the LIFEWTR Lounge. Derek Blasberg, writer, host of CNN Style and Vanity Fair's 'Man on the Street,' will moderate a discussion with artists Yinka Ilori, Chloe Wise and curator Isolde Brielmaier. Alyse Archer-Coite, Director of Culture and Programming at A/D/O, will moderate a discussion with artists Raul De Nieves, Tschabalala Self and Jordan Nassar.

As part of the partnership, The LIFEWTR Fund will return to Frieze New York this year, supporting the acquisition of a significant work for the Brooklyn Museum. Launched in 2017, the fund made possible the Museum's acquisition of Untitled (1971) by Virginia Jaramillo, a work currently featured in the international touring exhibition, "Soul of A Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power." The LIFEWTR Fund will enable the Museum to apply a total of $100,000 to purchase a work from the fair for its permanent collection. The esteemed 2018 selection panel, including the Brooklyn Museum's Shelby White and Leon Levy Director, Anne Pasternak; Deputy Director & Chief Curator, Jennifer Chi; along with curators Eugenie Tsai, Catherine Morris, Ashley James and Carmen Hermo, will visit the fair on May 2, with their decision announced later that day. The fund is chaired and organized by Osminkina.

Additionally, the family of more than 15 LIFEWTR artists from around the world from the brand's Series 1  5 will attend Frieze New York to experience a range of highly-curated, immersive advancement programming.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

LIFEWTR: Katie Cwayna / [email protected] / 231-638-2461

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $63 billion in net revenue in 2017, 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.

About Frieze

Frieze is the world's leading platform for modern and contemporary art for scholars, connoisseurs, collectors and the general public alike. Frieze comprises three magazinesfrieze, Frieze Masters Magazine and Frieze Week and four international art fairsFrieze London, Frieze Masters, Frieze New York and Frieze Los Angeles. Additionally, Frieze organizes a program of special courses and lectures in London through Frieze Academy.

Frieze was founded in 1991 by Matthew Slotover and Amanda Sharp, with the launch of frieze magazine, the leading international magazine of contemporary art and culture. In 2003, Sharp and Slotover launched Frieze London art fair, which takes place each October in The Regent's Park, London. In 2012, they launched Frieze New York, which occurs each May in Randall's Island Park, and Frieze Masters, which coincides with Frieze London in October and is dedicated to art from ancient to modern. In 2018, Frieze announced the launch of Frieze Los Angeles, which will open February 1417, 2019 at Paramount Pictures Studios, Los Angeles.

SOURCE PepsiCo

Related Links

http://www.pepsico.com

LA JOLLA, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Crypto Asset Management, LP ("CAM") is proud to announce and welcome two new executive officers. David Mathews will serve as Chief Legal Officer and Kyle Chaykowski as Chief Financial Officer. They will be adding their talents and expertise to CAM's La Jolla, California office.

David Mathews will be responsible for overseeing the firm's regulatory compliance programs, managing legal resources and activities and advising on legal aspects of investment product design and structure.

He joins the CAM team with 20+ years' legal and regulatory experience in the financial services industry, focusing primarily in the alternative investments space in support of sponsors and distributors of hedge funds, commodity funds and US-registered investment funds pursuing "liquid alts", private equity and other non-traditional investment strategies.

Prior to joining CAM, David served 12+ years as General Counsel and CCO of the Altegris Companies, and before that was in-house counsel to a California-based hedge fund of funds manager. David also practiced law with Shearman & Sterling in Washington, DC., and from 1991 to 1998, was an attorney with the SEC in both the Enforcement and Investment Management Divisions. David's background also includes experience as in-house counsel for the insurance affiliate of the Investment Company Institute, the trade association for the mutual fund industry, and experience in general corporate and securities law matters with law firms in Dallas, TX. David earned a BS in Finance from Oklahoma State University and a JD from Pepperdine University School of Law.

Kyle Chaykowski will be responsible for managing the firm's finances, including financial planning, management of financial risks, record-keeping, and financial reporting. Kyle is also a member of CAM's ICO Investment Committee.

He joins the CAM team with 10+ years' of financial and investment management experience in hedge funds, private equity and venture capital strategies in sectors including cryptocurrencies, biotechnology, real estate, technology and lifestyle/hospitality.

Kyle started his career as an auditor at Deloitte, one of the largest accounting organizations in the world before transitioning into the investment management space as Vice President of Tang Capital Management. He also holds a CPA license and a BS from the University of San Diego.

Crypto Asset Management, LP is a fund and asset management company located in La Jolla, California. Its primary activity is managing a diverse portfolio of crypto assets.

SOURCE Crypto Asset Management, LP

Related Links

https://www.crypto-asset-management.com

HIAWATHA, Iowa, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Group Inc., a leading designer/manufacturer of rugged computer hardware, acknowledged its global sales network achievements at the company's Technology Summit event in Hiawatha, Iowa, April 23  26, 2018.

The Technology Summit brings together Crystal Group's inside sales team, management, engineering and marketing with its worldwide manufacturer's representatives and resellers to discuss product advances, market trends and selling strategies. New product demonstrations offered a hands-on opportunity to learn details of the latest compute solutions for land, air and sea applications requiring rugged, dependable performance  including autonomous, power distribution, electronic warfare, combat, and cyber security.

Strategic partners Intel Corp. and Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS company, presented the latest product roadmaps and value selling approaches for the diversified defense, aerospace, commercial, and industrial sectors Crystal Group serves.

"The Crystal Group extended sales force represents many of the highest achieving sales professionals in our industry," said Robert Haag, Crystal Group's vice president of sales & marketing. "Their integrity and performance continue to reach incredible milestones for Crystal Group and the customers we serve. This Summit is a multifaceted occasion of performance recognition, learning, networking, and strategizing  in person  with our sales partners across the world."

Crystal Group awards were presented to domestic and international channel partners for sales increases and outstanding performance. Winners included:

Highest Revenue Increase 2018

CentraMark  Houston, Texas

Flex  Tel Aviv, Israel

New Strategic Customer Award

CentraMark  Houston, Texas

Flex  Tel Aviv, Israel

Most Strategic Win

Mission Technologies  Bloomington, Minnesota

Mersys A.S.  Ankara, Turkey

10 Years of Partnership

PSI Solutions  Federal Way, Washington

Salesmanship Award

Shawn Thomas of CentraMark  Houston, Texas

During the Technology Summit attendees received a sneak peek at Crystal Group's new 111,500 sq. ft. facility that is nearing its completion target of Q3 2018. The company broke ground for the new building at the Technology Summit a year ago. The factory portion of the building is expected to be operational in July.

About Crystal Group Inc.

Crystal Group Inc., a technology leader in rugged computer hardware, specializes in the design and manufacture of custom and commercial rugged servers, embedded computing, networking devices, displays, power supplies, and data storage for high reliability in harsh environments. An employee-owned small business founded in 1987, Crystal Group provides the defense, government and industrial markets with in-house customization, engineering, integration, configuration management, product lifecycle planning, warranty, and support services.

Crystal Group products meet or exceed IEEE, IEC, and military standards (MIL-STD-810, 167-1, 461, MIL-S-901); are backed by warranty (5+ year) with in-house support; and are manufactured in the company's Hiawatha, Iowa, USA, facility certified to AS9100C:2009 and ISO 9001:2008 quality management standards. crystalrugged.com

 2018 Crystal Group Inc. All rights reserved. All marks are property of their respective owners. Design and specifications are subject to change.

SOURCE Crystal Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.crystalrugged.com

"Experts say the average amount of water you need per day is about 3 liters (13 cups) for men and 2.2 liters (9 cups) for women," said Larry Holzman, senior vice president of North America, Culligan International. "As Culligan celebrates National Drinking Water Month, we are sharing tips on how to drink enough water and to ensure that the water you drink is good for you."

Five easy ways to stay hydrated this summer and year-round:

Bring Water on the Go. Going to work, the park, the pool or the library? Wherever you are headed, always take a reusable water bottle with you. This goes for your people too. Have each member of your household choose their own water bottle and label it with their name. Allowing young children to select a water bottle donning their favorite superhero or princess provides added incentive to take frequent water breaks. Set the water bottles in a high traffic area or close to the door so you don't forget them when leaving home. And refill, refill, refill whenever empty. Drink Good Water. Not all water is created equal. Filling your reusable bottle with filtered water can ensure it not only tastes better, but is better for you. Culligan offers a variety of home filtration or reverse osmosis (RO) systems that work to remove toxins, heavy metals, and bio and industrial contaminants, along with foul tastes and odors from your home's tap water. While installing such system used to require a dedicated faucet that meant drilling a hole in your counter or losing a soap dispenser, the Culligan ClearLink PRO alleviates this need. ClearLink PRO is a wireless control system that delivers Culligan filtered water from your main faucet with the touch of a button. The wireless button can be placed virtually anywhere making access to great tasting water easier and less conspicuous than ever. Establish a Drinking Routine. If you have trouble remembering to drink water, establish a drinking routine. Start your day with a glass of water, followed by a glass at and between each meal, and a glass before bed. Or, drink a small glass of water at the beginning of each hour. Establishing a drinking routine is an easy way ensure that you reach the recommended water intake each day. Increase Intake with Workouts. A good rule of thumb is to drink water before, during and after a workout. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you exercise or engage in any activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to compensate for fluid loss. An extra 1.4 to 2.5 cups of water should suffice for short bouts of exercise, but intense exercise lasting more than an hour requires more fluid intake. How much depends on how much you sweat and the duration and type of exercise. And, don't rely on water fountains, be sure to bring your reusable water bottle to workout sessions. Load Up on Fruits and Veggies. Fruits and vegetables are high in water content and an excellent way to complement water intake and stay hydrated. Before eating, be sure to rinse produce under filtered water to safely clean and maintain the health benefits. Watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries are among fruits with the highest water content. For vegetables, it's cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, celery, tomatoes and zucchini. Fruits and veggies are also easy to serve at home and eat on the go.

"Hydration is a lifestyle change that will not only help you get more enjoyment out of summer, but can benefit your health year-round," said Holzman.

For more information about Culligan ClearLink PRO and Culligan water treatment products, including water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for business, or to find your local Culligan representative visit www.culligan.com.

*According to Health.com

About Culligan International

Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan International is a world leader in delivering water solutions that will improve the lives of their customers. The company offers some of the most technologically advanced, state-of-the-art water filtration products. Culligan's products include water softeners, drinking water systems, whole-house systems and solutions for business. Culligan's network of franchise dealers is the largest in the world, with over 800 dealers in 90 countries. Many Culligan dealers have valuable equity in their communities as multigenerational family owners of their franchises. For more information visit: www.culligan.com.

Media Inquiries

Sandy Sapp Cheryl Georgas Culligan International L.C. Williams & Associates [email protected] [email protected] 847.430.1423 312.565.4614

SOURCE Culligan International

Related Links

http://www.culligan.com

LEHI, Utah, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivint Solar, Inc. (NYSE: VSLR), a leading full-service residential solar provider, announced that Dan Black, chief legal officer, executive vice president and secretary at Vivint Solar, received the Corporate Counsel Award from Utah Business. Since joining Vivint Solar in September 2012, Black has played an instrumental role in enabling the company to become one of the largest residential solar providers in the country.

The Corporate Counsel Awards recognize exceptional in-house attorneys who serve within businesses, nonprofit organizations and other private-sector organizations. Black has been recognized as one of the attorneys who exhibits excellence within their roles, models high ethical standards and has a track record of successful outcomes for their organizations.

"Dan is an important member of my team and I want to congratulate him on this award and thank Utah Business for recognizing Dan and Vivint Solar with this award," said Vivint Solar CEO David Bywater. "Dan does great work and is helping Vivint Solar achieve our mission of bringing affordable clean energy to Americans throughout the country."

In his role, Black leads Vivint Solar's legal division as well as its consumer compliance, energy regulatory, equity administration, and licensing departments. Since its initial formation, he has helped the company keep solar power affordable for its customers by staying ahead of consumer legislation and regulatory matters affecting the residential solar market.

Utah Business recognized the 2018 honorees at an awards ceremony at The Grand America Hotel on April 26. They are also featured in the magazine's latest issue.

About Vivint Solar

Vivint Solar is a leading full-service residential solar provider in the United States. With Vivint Solar, customers can power their homes with clean, renewable energy and typically achieve significant financial savings over time. Offering integrated residential solar solutions for the entire customer lifecycle, Vivint Solar designs and installs the solar energy systems for its customers, and offers monitoring and maintenance services. In addition to being able to purchase a solar energy system outright, customers may benefit from Vivint Solar's affordable, flexible financing options, power purchase agreements, or lease agreements, where available. For more information, visit www.vivintsolar.com or follow @VivintSolar on Twitter.

Press Contact

Helen Langan

Senior Director of Communications

385-202-6577

[email protected]

SOURCE Vivint Solar

Related Links

https://www.vivintsolar.com

LAS VEGAS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dell Technologies World --

News summary

No.1 market leader in global hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) system sales advances portfolio after 145% reported worldwide revenue growth in 2017 1

Dell EMC VxRail adopts advanced technologies, including NVMe and 25Gbps networking connectivity, to greatly speed access to data and applications

Dell EMC VxRack SDDC simplifies management and improves performance, built on VxRail hardware with Dell EMC PowerEdge 14 th generation servers

generation servers Dell EMC VxRail and VxRack SDDC offer clear path to adopt VMware-based private, hybrid and multi-clouds

Full story

Dell Technologies is launching new hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) advancements to further simplify customer IT transformations with more powerful systems. New Dell EMC VxRail Appliances and VxRack SDDC Systems further extend Dell EMC's HCI global systems sales leadership1 with adoption of advanced technologies and the latest innovations from Dell EMC and VMware. The combined technologies can accelerate customers' abilities to transform to modern, multi-cloud environments.

"As HCI systems are increasingly being used for core data center applications, customers are adopting VxRail and VxRack SDDC as the foundation for deploying clouds of all types," said Ashley Gorakhpurwalla, president and general manager, Dell EMC Server and Infrastructure Systems. "These technologies, co-developed by Dell EMC and VMware, offer a simple and clearly defined path to private, hybrid and multi-clouds to help our customers transform their IT infrastructure to free up valuable staff time while enabling IT to be the enabler for faster, nimbler businesses."

Results of the ESG 2018 IT Transformation Maturity Study, sponsored by Dell EMC and released this month, demonstrate that:

An overwhelming majority of transformed companies98%use either converged infrastructure (CI) or HCI, and 86% report using both

Transformed companies report running an average of more than 35% of their applications on CI/HCI, quantifying their operational expenditure savings at 25% on average

Organizations running cloud-like IaaS are operating on-premises infrastructure more than two and a half times as cost-effectively as public cloud alternatives

According to IDC, global HCI system sales surpassed $3.7 billion in 2017 vendor revenue, up 64.3% from 2016, as the fastest growing segment of the overall converged systems market. Dell EMC led all vendors in global HCI systems sales in 2017, with a 27.1% revenue share while growing 145% year over year at a rate more than 2.25 times faster than the overall industry.1 Meanwhile, IDC predicts the HCI solutions market will reach $10.3 billion by 2022.

Dell EMC VxRail and VxRack SDDC adopt advanced technologies as ideal foundation for multi-cloud strategies

Dell EMC VxRail, the top selling Dell EMC HCI solution from the world's leading HCI systems portfolio, is now even more flexible and powerful with the addition of several advanced technologies. VxRail continues to set the standard for simplifying and modernizing VMware environments, regardless of where an organization is on their IT transformation journey.

Continuing to be integrated with VMware vSAN and vSphere software, new VxRail advancements include the adoption of:

NVMe cache drive options future-proof enhanced performance with dramatically lower latency and higher performance than existing SAS based cache drives

Powerful Intel Xeon Scalable Processors, supporting up to 1.5TB of RAM per CPU socket for 2x more memory (up to 3TB per node)

NVIDIA Tesla P40 GPU accelerators providing 2x performance and 50% more users for high-end graphics use cases such as those needed by CAD developers and designers

New 25GbE networking provides the most aggregate bandwidth of any other HCI appliance and up to 50% more networking connectivity options than the previous generation 2

Support for the Dell EMC Networking S4112-ON half-width, 10 and 25 GbE Open Networking switch, a space-saving top-of-rack switch, purpose-built for software-defined data center environments

New simplified management experience with VxRail Manager Events consolidation and viewing in VMware vCenter

New VxRail STIG Compliance Guide and automated scripts harden the storage, virtualization and networking components to accelerate deployments of secure infrastructure

Additionally, for customers looking to build a complete Software-Defined Data Center using VxRail as a building block, they can use the guidance of the latest VMware Validated Designs (VVD). Using the guidance of VVD for SDDC 4.2 for VxRail, customers can more easily architect an SDDC with complete NSX and vRealize functionality with less risk.

Dell EMC VxRack SDDC is the ultimate infrastructure foundation for realizing a multi-cloud vision. It is the only turnkey cloud platform, based on VxRail hardware, built on 14th generation PowerEdge servers, delivered with integrated networking, and powered by VMware Cloud Foundation and Dell EMC software. VxRack SDDC delivers the simplest path to a hybrid or multi-cloud approach with an automated elastic cloud infrastructure at rack scale. Updates to VxRack SDDC, the most advanced VMware Cloud Foundation integrated system2, meet a variety of customer cloud use cases with:

New, more powerful configurations built on VxRail hardware with the latest Dell EMC PowerEdge 14 th generation server platforms, designed for HCI deployments, to accelerate IT services and application delivery

generation server platforms, designed for HCI deployments, to accelerate IT services and application delivery New enhancements for VDI with support for NVIDIA graphics processing cards

The latest VMware Cloud Foundation 2.3 with newly integrated cloud management and automation for on-premises IT-as-a-Service (IaaS) and more flexibility to scale with heterogeneous server support

Exclusive SDDC automation and serviceability extensions integrated with VMware Cloud Foundation that extend the management experience and simplify cloud-ready operations

Availability

Dell EMC VxRail Appliances and Dell EMC VxRack SDDC Systems updates are available globally now.

Customer quotes

Russell Phillips, vice president, Facilities and Development, Celtic Manor Resort

"Celtic Manor is experiencing a time of considerable expansion with the new International Convention Centre Wales opening in 2019 and further hotel plans in the pipeline. By implementing Dell EMC VxRail Appliances on latest 14th generation PowerEdge servers into our data centers, we have seen amazing performance with existing applications. Management and monitoring has become more streamlined with one console allowing the team to concentrate on new technologies to enhance our business. The support is superb with only one number to call, and we now have a clear simple path for future storage expansion and compute. VxRail has been a great asset to our business growth plane, removing many technology barriers in one fell swoop."

Ryan Deppe, network operations supervisor, Cianbro Corporation

"Dell EMC VxRail, built on a set-it-and-forget-it model, has played a substantial role in our ability to transform our IT. VxRail appliances have allowed my team to be more focused on business driven IT projects, creating innovations that drive the business and responding quickly to any requirements from our executive team or board. We've moved away from a 'keep the lights on' mentality to devoting more energy into aligning IT with our strategic business operations."

Analyst quote

Eric Sheppard, research vice president, Enterprise Servers and Storage, IDC

"Hyper-converged systems continue to be the fastest growing segment of the converged systems market as enterprises and industries worldwide are bolstering adoption rates to simplify their IT infrastructures. The growth of HCI has key significance to the larger cloud ecosystem, creating possibilities of tighter integration between technologies. As the leading provider of HCI systems globally, Dell EMC's latest advancements, in partnership with VMware, offer even greater benefits to businesses look to transform modern and multi-cloud environments."

Partner quote

Yanbing Li, senior vice president and general manager, Storage and Availability Business Unit, VMware

"Dell EMC VxRail Appliances and VxRack SDDC, co-developed by Dell EMC and VMware, provide turnkey technologies that enable organizations to quickly and easily use their VMware vSAN and VMware Cloud Foundation deployments. Customers can use these advanced solutions to rapidly modernize their data centers."

Additional resources

About Dell Technologies World

Dell Technologies World 2018 brings together the power of seven technology leaders committed to making the digital transformation real. Join us April 30 - May 2 in Las Vegas, learn more at www.delltechnologiesworld.com or follow #DellTechWorld on Twitter.

About Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies is a unique family of businesses that provides the essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future, transform IT and protect their most important asset, information. The company services customers of all sizes across 180 countries  ranging from 99 percent of the Fortune 500 to individual consumers  with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative portfolio from the edge to the core to the cloud.

Copyright  2018. All Rights Reserved. Dell, Dell EMC, Pivotal, RSA, Secureworks, Virtustream, VMware and the Dell Technologies logo are trademarks of Dell Technologies in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

1 Source: Ranking based on revenue from IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Converged Systems Tracker, 4Q17, April 3, 2018

2 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis using publically available competitor specs as of April 2018.

SOURCE Dell Technologies

Related Links

http://www.delltechnologies.com

Introducing Dell EMC PowerMax, the world's fastest storage array built for mission-critical applications of today and tomorrow

PowerMax engineered with end-to-end NVMe, ready for Storage Class Memory (SCM) and NVMe over Fabrics

Dell EMC VxBlock System 1000 will support end-to-end NVMe with PowerMax for extreme performance without compromise for mission-critical applications

Dell EMC XtremIO adds native replication, new entry point X-Brick system at up to 55% lower cost than previous generation and support for VxBlock 1000

Sneak peek of new Dell EMC PowerEdge MX infrastructure coming soon

Full story

Dell Technologies is launching several new breakthrough Dell EMC storage and server products backed by a comprehensive services portfolio. Raising the bar yet again to power up the Modern Data Center, these new products are designed to address a wide range of traditional and emerging data center workloads to help customers drive better business outcomes.

As organizations race to capitalize on the benefits of emerging technologies ahead of their competitors, they are faced with new demands that require IT modernization to achieve higher levels of performance and automation in the data center. According to a recent ESG global survey commissioned by Dell EMC and Intel of 4,000 IT decision-makers, 81% agree if they do not embrace IT Transformation, their organizations no longer will be competitive in their markets.

"The Modern Data Center is the proving ground for our customers to gain a digital advantage over their competition and achieve better business outcomes," said Jeff Clarke, vice chairman, Products & Operations, Dell. "Dell EMC is delivering the Modern Data Center innovations that our customers require, with new solutions that are engineered using future-proof technology to take on the data center challenges of today and to support the next big thing that our customers are imagining for tomorrow."

From consulting to deployment and support, from managed services to education, Dell EMC Services are available to help drive the rapid adoption and optimization of the Modern Data Center, making it easy for customers to integrate new technology and make it a productive component of their business.

Dell EMC PowerMax

Dell EMC's PowerMax, the future of enterprise-class storage, is architected with end-to-end NVMe and a built-in, real-time machine learning engine. Building on the legendary architecture and capabilities of Dell EMC's flagship storage system, PowerMax is the world's fastest storage array1, delivering up to 10M IOPS2 and 50% better response times3  2x faster than the nearest competitor4.

Architected with end-to-end NVMe to support NVMe-over-Fabrics and high-speed, low-latency Storage Class Memory (SCM)5, PowerMax is not only fast, smart and efficient, but also engineered to handle the world's most demanding application workloads.

In addition, the PowerMax OS includes a built-in machine learning engine, which makes autonomous storage a reality, leveraging predictive analytics and pattern recognition to maximize performance with no management overhead. Built-in machine learning is the only cost-effective way to leverage SCM. Dell EMC is also the only company that can provide this level of storage software intelligence  currently analyzing 425 billion data sets in real time6 across its high-end All-Flash customer base.

PowerMax also includes inline deduplication and enhanced compression providing up to 5:1 data reduction7, while delivering industry-leading security, protection and resiliency. It achieves greater than "six nines" availability8 to help ensure zero downtime of business-critical applications.

Storage solutions are increasingly being consumed within converged infrastructure, namely the Dell EMC VxBlock System 1000. As the industry's leading provider of converged infrastructure systems9, Dell EMC offers expanded options for VxBlock 1000 customers who can benefit from fast, smart and efficient storage with new support for PowerMax with end-to-end NVMe and XtremIO X2 All-Flash arrays. This means that the VxBlock system breaks the physical boundaries of traditional CI and offers enterprises even greater simplicity and flexibility to help accelerate their IT and digital transformation efforts.

To speed implementation of PowerMax or VxBlock in their environment, customers can take advantage of Dell EMC ProDeploy Plus services for up to 66% faster deployment10 and up to 49% fewer technical support calls.11 Customers can also choose ProSupport Plus for consistent best-in-class support delivered across their environment and up to 75% faster service request response time.12

Dell EMC XtremIO Replication and new entry price point

XtremIO X2 All-Flash arrays gain major updates with the new XIOS 6.1 operating system, including delivering the industry's most efficient replication across a wide area network (WAN)13. X2 metadata-aware native replication is highly efficient and provides an added level of data protection for application workloads. XtremIO replication sends only unique data to the remote site to minimize bandwidth requirements by 75% or more14, enabling potential network cost savings. XtremIO replication requires up to 38% less storage space15 at disaster recovery sites and operates with predictable performance to achieve recovery point objectives of 30 seconds16.

Dell Technologies also introduced a new Dell EMC X2 entry model for customers, at up to 55% lower cost than the previous generation17. Designed with XtremIO's unique metadata-centric architecture with full data services including inline data reduction (in-memory space-efficient copies, deduplication and compression), XtremIO can also achieve over "five nines" availability,18 offering customers enterprise-grade capabilities that start at midrange prices.

Dell EMC PowerEdge MX

Dell EMC will preview PowerEdge MX, a new modular infrastructure solution for the modern data center. Designed with Dell EMC's kinetic infrastructure, PowerEdge MX will enable customers to flexibly configure and optimize their IT infrastructure for new and emerging workloads.

Available in the second half of 2018, PowerEdge MX will bring new levels of flexibility to IT, ideal for dense virtualization, software-defined storage and networking, network functions virtualization (NFV) and big data analytic environments.

Availability

Dell EMC's Modern Data Center solutions PowerMax and XtremIO X2 with native replication, as well as VxBlock System 1000 with XtremIO X2, are available now. VxBlock System 1000 with PowerMax support will launch this summer. Dell EMC PowerEdge MX has planned global availability for the second half of 2018.

Additional resources

About Dell Technologies World

Dell Technologies World 2018 brings together the power of seven technology leaders committed to making the digital transformation real. Join us April 30 - May 2 in Las Vegas, learn more at www.delltechnologiesworld.com or follow #DellTechWorld on Twitter.

About Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies is a unique family of businesses that provides the essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future, transform IT and protect their most important asset, information. The company services customers of all sizes across 180 countries  ranging from 99 percent of the Fortune 500 to individual consumers  with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative portfolio from the edge to the core to the cloud.

Copyright  2018. All Rights Reserved. Dell, Dell EMC, Pivotal, RSA, Secureworks, Virtustream, VMware and the Dell Technologies logo are trademarks of Dell Technologies in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

1 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis of published bandwidth of the PowerMax 8000 versus competitive mainstream arrays, March 2018.

2 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis of Random Read Hits Max IOs Per Second (Within a single array) for the PowerMax 8000, March 2018.

3 Based on Dell internal testing using the Random Read Miss benchmark test in March 2018, comparing the PowerMax 8000 against the VMAX 950F with SAS Flash Drives. Actual response times will vary.

4 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis of Random Read Hits Max IOs Per Second for the PowerMax 8000 compared to IBM FlashSystem A9000R, March 2018. Actual performance will vary.

5 NVMe Over Fabrics and SCM coming soon.

6 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis of installed VMAX3/VMAX All Flash capacity, March 2018.

7 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis of dedupe and compression for a PowerMax array, March 2018. Actual data reduction will vary.

8 Availability will vary based on configuration and operational conditions.

9 According to IDC WW Quarterly Converged Systems Tracker, Q4 2017, April 2018 Vendor Revenue

10 Based on a November 2017 Principled Technologies Test Report commissioned by Dell EMC comparing in-house deployment vs. Dell EMC ProDeploy for Enterprise deployment service for Dell PowerEdge R730 servers, Dell Storage SC9000 and SC420 and networking components. Actual results will vary.

11 Based on a July 2017 internal analysis of support data from Feb. 2016 through June 2017 for Dell EMC PowerEdge, Dell EMC Networking and Dell EMC SC/SCv/PS/PowerVault Storage devices comparing support calls within the first 90 days in units that were self-installed vs units that utilized ProDeploy/ProDeploy Plus. Actual results may vary.

12 Based on a March 2018 internal analysis of service requests from August 2017 to March 2018 for Dell EMC Storage and Data Protection products comparing service requests for products with ProSupport Plus for Enterprise vs. products without it. Actual results may vary.

13 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis, March 2018.

14 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis, February 2018. Assumes 4:1 data reduction.

15 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis, February 2018, with XtremIO Replication for fan-in 4:1 central DR site topology.

16 Based on Dell EMC internal testing, February 2018 with 10 hours continuous replication run and retention policy of four snapshots in four minutes.

17 Based on Dell EMC internal analysis between X1 vs. X2-T models, February 2018 ($/GB Effective).

18 Based on Dell EMC internal testing, March 2018.

SOURCE Dell TechnologiesLAS VEGAS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Dell Technologies World --

News summary

New Dell Wyse 5070 offers multiple OS, configuration and deployment options

5070 offers multiple OS, configuration and deployment options Dell EMC VDI Complete Solutions now includes Dell EMC PowerEdge 14 th generation infrastructure and simplified configuration options

generation infrastructure and simplified configuration options Companies embrace new ways to procure, deploy and manage virtual desktops and apps

Full story

Dell Technologies is unveiling the new Dell Wyse 5070 thin client, the company's most versatile and scalable thin client platform that enables organizations to select just the right configuration based on their employees' needs. In addition, Dell Technologies is expanding Dell EMC's VDI Complete Solutions, powered by VMware Horizon, to include support for 14th generation PowerEdge server infrastructure and virtualized graphics options for high-performance workloads. Both solutions lower the barrier to VDI adoption, making it easier than ever for organizations to plan, deploy, and run desktop and application virtualization within their IT environments.

Dell Wyse 5070 thin client provides unprecedented options and True 4K multi-display technology

Yesterday's thin clients had one configuration and little support for peripherals, browser-based solutions and unified communications. This meant that most organizations had to deploy a range of thin clients and PCs based on user profiles and workloads. Now, Dell has dramatically simplified standardization on a single thin client platform across the enterprise, making it easier for IT to deploy, and helping extend the security, cost and manageability benefits of thin clients for organizations.

The Wyse 5070 thin client is Dell's most versatile thin client ever produced with more than 1,600 factory configurations available. This versatility allows customers to procure the right solution for their workforce without over-equipping or overspending. Customers can choose just the right core components from processor, graphics and memory options, and match them with specialized options with support up to six displays. From a single platform, the 5070 can scale to support task workers, knowledge workers, and even high-end, workstation-level use cases. Main benefits include:

Software and application versatility: Customers can install the 5070 in a Citrix, Microsoft or VMware virtual workspace environment with the choice of Dell's own Wyse ThinOS or ThinLinux operating systems or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. It also supports commonly-used, web-based productivity applications such as Office365 and Google Docs.

Customers can install the 5070 in a Citrix, Microsoft or VMware virtual workspace environment with the choice of Dell's own Wyse ThinOS or ThinLinux operating systems or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. It also supports commonly-used, web-based productivity applications such as Office365 and Google Docs. Forward-looking features: The Wyse 5070 is packed with features for today and tomorrow's office environments including support for true 4K graphics ( 4K resolution on multiple monitors at 60Hz) for multimedia and graphics-intensive applications. The range of connectivity options includes multiple integrated DisplayPorts, USB 3.1 Type C and wired and wireless connectivity. Physically compact, the 5070 features 21 ports and slots for remarkable expandability.

The Wyse 5070 is packed with features for today and tomorrow's office environments including support for true graphics ( resolution on multiple monitors at 60Hz) for multimedia and graphics-intensive applications. The range of connectivity options includes multiple integrated DisplayPorts, USB 3.1 Type C and wired and wireless connectivity. Physically compact, the 5070 features 21 ports and slots for remarkable expandability. High-end performance at a mid-range price: Dell is setting a new standard for price/performance. The 5070 represents a step function in performance while its price remains comparable to its predecessors. Further, it offers greater performance and more options at a better price than its primary competitors.

The new Wyse 5070 thin clients can be managed through Wyse Management Suite, an advanced thin client management solution that lets organizations centrally configure, monitor, manage and optimize their Wyse thin clients. The solution can be used either as an on-premises or cloud-managed solution, or a combination of both, with an easy-to-use interface.

Dell EMC VDI Complete Solutions now supports 14th Generation PowerEdge server infrastructure

Dell EMC has expanded its VDI Complete Solutions offer to include new features that our customers are demanding the most. VDI Complete Solutions now includes support for Dell EMC PowerEdge 14th generation servers based on Dell EMC VxRail and vSAN Ready Nodes. The solution also adds NVIDIA Quadro virtual Data Center Workstation (Quadro vDWS) software and NVIDIA Tesla P40 GPUs for professional, workstation-class workloads. For endpoints, VDI Complete features the newest Wyse thin clients and OptiPlex PCs, including the new Dell Wyse 5070. These enhancements enable organizations to deliver a predictable, high-quality experience for end users.

Organizations are continually challenged with empowering their mobile workforce with secure endpoints and providing access to critical business data, all while controlling cost. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) addresses these problems but has traditionally faced long planning cycles, significant upfront investments, and inconsistent user experiences across locations and devices. Dell EMC VDI Complete Solutions reduces the barriers to adoption of desktop and application virtualization technologies by making it easier to buy, deploy and manage with streamlined support and predictable pricing. The solution is now even easier to buy with customizable, bundled options that make it easy for organizations to select the configurations best suited for their specific use cases.

Availability

Dell EMC VDI Complete is available now in the U.S. and select countries around the world

Wyse 5070 thin client will be available in June 2018 in the U.S. and select countries around the world starting below U.S. $450

Quotes

Jay Parker, President, Dell Client Product Group

"Organizations today want the security and consistency of desktop and application virtualization with the option to scale up on power and performance. They asked and we delivered with 14th generation PowerEdge servers and NVIDIA Tesla P40 graphics. And with the Wyse 5070, we're changing the definition of the thin client altogether by providing multiple options based on their needs  all based on a single platform that can be tailored to meet the needs of a task worker all the way up to power users requiring multi-display technology and workstation-class performance."

Shankar Iyer, Sr. Vice President and General Manager, Desktop Products, VMware

"Dell and VMware, together, continue to make it easier than ever for customers to deploy and manage desktop and application virtualization with a complete end-to-end solution. We are continuing to build upon the initial success of Dell EMC VDI Complete Solutions, powered by VMware Horizon, by delivering what customers are looking for: more power and performance, while controlling cost and complexity."

Additional resources

Learn more about VDI Complete at vdicompletesolutions.com

Learn about the benefits of thin clients at thinclientbenefits.com

Wyse 5070 on video

Wyse 5070 on Direct2DellEMC

Follow the latest news from @Dell

Follow the latest in cloud client-computing news from @DellWyseVDI

About Dell Technologies World

Dell Technologies World 2018 brings together the power of seven technology leaders committed to making the digital transformation real. Join us April 30 - May 2 in Las Vegas, learn more at www.delltechnologiesworld.com or follow #DellTechWorld on Twitter.

About Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies is a unique family of businesses that provides the essential infrastructure for organizations to build their digital future, transform IT and protect their most important asset, information. The company services customers of all sizes across 180 countries  ranging from 99 percent of the Fortune 500 to individual consumers  with the industry's most comprehensive and innovative portfolio from the edge to the core to the cloud.

Copyright  2018. All Rights Reserved. Dell, Dell EMC, Pivotal, RSA, Secureworks, Virtustream, VMware, vSAN Ready Nodes and Horizon and the Dell Technologies logo are trademarks of Dell Technologies in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Dell TechnologiesFLINT, Mich., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. (NYSE: DPLO), executives will attend the 43rd Annual Deutsche Bank Health Care Conference in Boston.

Interim CEO Jeff Park, President Joel Saban, and Chief Financial Officer Atul Kavthekar are scheduled to present at 12:50 p.m. ET Wednesday, May 9.



A live audio-only webcast of the presentation and related materials will be available on the investor relations section of Diplomat's website at ir.diplomat.is. The webcast and presentation materials will be online for 90 days.

About Diplomat

Diplomat (NYSE: DPLO) is the nation's largest independent provider of specialty pharmacy serviceshelping patients and providers in all 50 states. The company offers medication management programs for people with complex chronic diseases and delivers unique solutions for manufacturers, hospitals, payers, providers, and more. Diplomat opened its doors in 1975 as a neighborhood pharmacy with one essential tenet: "Take good care of patients and the rest falls into place." Today, that tradition continuesalways focused on improving patient care and clinical adherence. For more information, visit diplomat.is.

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Terri Anne Powers, Vice President,

Investor Relations

312.889.5244 | [email protected]

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jenny Cretu, Senior Vice President,

Pharma Services and Marketing

810.768.9370 | [email protected]

SOURCE Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.diplomat.is

Even as the clock ticks down to the bid submission deadline set by Fortis Healthcare Limited (FHL), which is today afternoon, revised proposals continue to pour in.

The Munjal-Burman combine has just presented the FHL board with a "revised investment proposal" to invest Rs 1,800 crore directly, without any due diligence. Its previous offer proposed a direct infusion of Rs 1,500 crore, so the new deal is significantly sweeter.

Of the proposed investment amount, Rs 800 crore will be invested through preferential issue of equity shares and the balance through preferential issue of warrants, based on FHL's current business and financial position.

"Hence, including the warrant subscription amount, our upfront investment into the Company (FHL) will be Rs 1,050 crores," said the offer letter from Hero Enterprise Investment Office led by Sunil Kant Munjal and Burman Family Office. It added that the allotment and pricing of the preferential issue of equity shares will be at Rs 167 per share, "or as per SEBI ICDR guidelines, whichever is higher", while that for the warrants shall be at Rs 176 per share, or as per the said guidelines. "The exercise of the warrants by us will be timed in a manner that will enable the Company to meet its liquidity requirements," said the offer letter.

In exchange, the Munjal-Burman combine wanted three board seats. The suggested action plan outlined in the letter also proposed a strategic sale of the SRL Diagnostics unit after divesting FHL's stake in it.

Significantly, the letter stated that its offer is valid till May 15, and if FHL allowed any other suitor to conduct due diligence within this window, the new proposal will be subject to findings of their own similar exercise.

Earlier this morning, Malaysian hospital chain IHH Healthcare Berhad also upped its offer for FHL by 9 per cent. "We now wish to reiterate our seriousness and commitment to an investment in the Company [FHL] by enhancing the Revised IHH Proposal," it said in a letter to FHL's board of directors. The fresh proposal offers an immediate equity infusion at a share price of Rs 175 apiece, up from its previous offer at Rs 160 per share.

The "Enhanced Revised Proposal" further proposed a subsequent equity infusion subject to satisfactory completion of the due diligence process. The letter added that all other terms and conditions of the previous offer shall apply and set a deadline of May 15 for FHL to revert, post which the new offer will stand withdrawn. This, incidentally, is the fourth offer it has made to FHL in three weeks.

Clearly, the FHL board's decision to postpone the deadline for new/revised bid submissions has paid off big time. The big question is whether TPG-Manipal will now be prompted to further sweeten its own offer on the table. The expert advisory committee set up by FHL to evaluate the binding bids is now scheduled to share its recommendations with the board ahead of its May 10 meeting.DETROIT, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Electric priced its inaugural offering of green bonds yesterday. The $525 million in bonds will finance "green" investments, including low-carbon projects like renewable energy and energy efficiency. DTE is the fifth investment-grade energy company in the nation  and the first company in Michigan  to sell green bonds.

"Green bonds will help finance our low-carbon investments, which will enable us to continue moving Michigan toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future," said Gerry Anderson, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy. "This is a tangible way for investors to demonstrate their commitment to the environment, and is one of many steps in our aggressive plan to reduce carbon emissions by more than 80 percent by 2050. We're proud to be among the first energy companies to offer this green investment option."

With a maturity of 30 years at an annual fixed coupon of 4.05 percent, a DTE Electric green bond helps:

Fund the development and construction of solar arrays and wind farms , including the transmission infrastructure to support renewable energy facilities

, including the transmission infrastructure to support renewable energy facilities Strengthen energy efficiency programs to help Michigan residents and businesses save energy and reduce bills

"A fundamental transformation in the way we produce power in Michigan has already begun," Anderson added. "As DTE moves toward cleaner energy sources, we are focused on maintaining reliability and keeping energy affordable for our customers."

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan and a natural gas utility serving 1.3 million customers in Michigan. The DTE Energy portfolio includes non-utility energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, natural gas pipelines, gathering and storage, and energy marketing and trading.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Company has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC with respect to the securities and the offering referred to in this communication. The offering of such securities may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you may obtain a copy of the prospectus and the prospectus supplement by calling Barclays Capital Inc. toll-free at 1-888-603-5847, BNP Paribas Securities Corp. toll-free at 1-800-854-5674, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated toll-free at 1-800-294-1322 or TD Securities (USA) LLC toll-free at 1-855-495-9846.

SOURCE DTE Energy

Related Links

http://www.dteenergy.com

SALT LAKE CITY, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- England Logistics, one of the nation's top freight brokerage firms, has been awarded Best of State 2018 in the Business Services  Freight/Logistics division. Companies are recognized based on their level of excellence in endeavors, usage of innovative approaches or methods and contribution to a better quality of life in Utah. All award winners will be recognized at the Best of State Gala held on May 17, 2018 at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

"Our team is diligent in providing customized and quality service to each customer," stated Jason Beardall, president of England Logistics. "We are honored to have our efforts recognized by the Best of State Program."

The Best of State Program annually awards companies in ten divisions after careful analysis by a panel consisting of over 100 judges. Each member of the Best of State judging panel is considered an industry leader or expert in the division they are selected to judge.

A complete list of the rankings can be viewed at http://bestofstate.org/winner2018_business.html.

About England Logistics

England Logistics offers a vast portfolio of non-asset based transportation solutions including full truckload services, intermodal, dry and cold chain LTL, parcel, global logistics, and complete supply chain management. England Logistics is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive national and international opportunities to qualified candidates. The company is recognized among the "50 Best Companies to Sell For" by Selling Power magazine and "Training Top 125" by Training magazine. Each completed transaction with England Logistics is matched with a contribution toward a meal for a hungry child through the company's One initiative to end childhood hunger. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the company also has offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Detroit, Michigan; Greeley, Colorado; and Portland, Oregon. To become part of England Logistics' team call 866-476-7012 or visit www.englandlogistics.com. To learn more about the One initiative visit www.oneagainstchildhoodhunger.com.

Media Contact

Wendy Barclay

801-656-4718

[email protected]

SOURCE England Logistics

Related Links

https://www.englandlogistics.com

PHOENIX, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Envoy America, a specialized ridesharing program that offers accompanied transportation plus assistance and companionship for seniors and patients, announced today that it had received the distinctive Dementia SMART Award from the Dementia Society of America. This award recognizes and celebrates businesses and organizations large-scale efforts to be more Dementia-friendly in their offerings.

All Envoy America Drivers are offered Dementia training and certification, after a rigorous education day is completed under the instruction of Jan Dougherty, MS, RN, FAAN, CEO and Founder, TravAlz and Former Director, Banner Alzheimer's Institute.

If a person is living with Dementia, it doesn't mean he or she can no longer participate in meaningful activities; but it does require planning to ensure safety and enjoyment for everyone.

"Traveling is a complete disruption of routine, which is a key stabilizing factor in one's day-to-day life," said Jan Dougherty, CEO, and Founder, TravAlz. "For someone who is often confused and unaware of their surroundings, travel can be very disorienting and difficult to handle. Envoy America's drivers are now trained specifically on how to interact with people living with various forms of Dementia. This training provides an extension of the healthcare services that allows travel to go as smoothly as possible."

A fundamental part of the Envoy America's mission is to help seniors stay independent, healthy and socially active  all without getting behind the wheel of a car. The company has delivered pioneering service, which has made a real difference to people living with Dementia, and their caregivers in a range of different settings.

"We could not be prouder and more honored to receive the Dementia Society of America's distinctive Dementia SMART award," said K. C. Kanaan, Chief Executive Officer, Envoy America. "The award is an outstanding tribute to the superb work the Envoy America drivers and management team in delivering best-in-class transportation services to empower the lives of those living with Dementia and their caregivers."

Dementia Society's Kevin Jameson, President, and Chairman, said, "We applaud the driver-training efforts that Envoy America has implemented. It helps those living with Dementia continue to be active, get out and about, and do it in a way which is meaningful, respectful and sensitive to an individual's needs. Envoy America's services can go a long way toward creating greater peace of mind for all those involved."

Over the last 30 months, the Envoy America team has embedded working with people living with Dementia at the heart of their service. They have delivered services to thousands of people with Dementia in several states, including Arizona, Texas, Washington, New Mexico and Illinois. This work has manifested itself in many ways from people living in their own homes to those in senior living communities and hospital care.

About Envoy America:

Envoy America's mission is to help seniors, stay independent, healthy and socially active  all without getting behind the wheel of a car. Envoy America is the fastest growing rideshare company in the US that is solely focused on seniors and people that cannot or should not drive. Envoy America is preferred by senior passengers and drivers for its safe and friendly experience. It is committed to affecting positive change for the future of seniors. Envoy America is partners with American Cancer Society and American Medical Response/Access 2 Care. Envoy America is currently operating in Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Santa Fe, Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, Albuquerque, and Chicago. For more information, visit www.envoyamerica.com visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EnvoyAmerica/ To schedule a ride or to learn more about Envoy America, please call 888-375-5558 or visit www.envoyamerica.com.

About Dementia Society of America:

Pennsylvania-based Dementia Society of America (DSA) is the nation's leading all-Dementias awareness organization. Also, DSA provides an information hotline (1-800-DEMENTIA), and an easy-to-use, web-based locator which can assist families and individuals in finding valuable support near to them (DementiaSocietyResources.com). DSA underwrites, through its Ginny Gives Program, non-medical activities focused on: music and singing; dance and movement; the visual arts, touch, and sensory stimulation. Lastly, the Dementia Society's Dementia SMART Award Program provides recognition to those that serve the Dementia community through exemplary care, innovation and research. You can learn more about the Society at www.dementiasociety.org.

SOURCE Envoy America

Related Links

http://www.envoyamerica.com

"Firefly Aerospace is greatly appreciative that NASA and the USAF support the transition of SLC-2W to a commercial launch site dedicated to the launch of Firefly vehicles," said Firefly CEO Dr. Tom Markusic. "SLC-2W has been an incredible asset for US space missions for over 50 years. We are humbled and honored that Firefly Alpha and Beta launch vehicles will be adding many successful missions to the already storied history of SLC-2W."

30th Space Wing Commander, Colonel Michael S. Hough, stated: "We are excited to be currently working with a new launch provider, Firefly, at Vandenberg Air Force Base. This is a new commercial space lift provider seeking to launch commercial satellites from SLC-2W."

Firefly's Director of Launch, Brad Obrocto, added: "Converting an active government launch site to commercial operation is substantially less complex and costly than the greenfield development of a new launch site, saving Firefly years of facility development and substantial capex dollars. This enables Firefly to stay on track for Alpha's first flight by the third quarter of 2019 and ramp up to monthly launches by the end of 2020. The accommodation of Firefly launch by the USAF significantly enhances Firefly's ability to service the full spectrum of government and commercial customers from one location and advances Firefly's vision of 'Making Space for Everyone.'"

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE

Firefly is developing a family of launch vehicles to provide industry-leading affordability, convenience and reliability for dedicated light to medium lift launches. Firefly's Alpha and Beta vehicles utilize common technologies, manufacturing infrastructure and launch capabilities, providing LEO launch solutions for up to one and four metric tons of payload respectively. Alpha and Beta will provide the space industry with access to frequent launches at the lowest cost/kg, enabling ambitious commercial and exploration missions from LEO to the moon. Headquartered in Cedar Park TX, Firefly has additional presence in Washington, D.C., Dnipro, Ukraine and Tokyo, Japan. Firefly is financed by Noosphere Ventures of Menlo Park, CA.

Contact

Eric Salwan

512-277-6959

[email protected]



Related Links

http://www.fireflyspace.com

SOURCE Firefly Aerospace, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.fireflyspace.com

IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- First Team Real Estatethe fastest-growing real estate brokerage in Southern California during Q1 2018is pleased to announce a merger with Sonnocco Real Estate Group, an initiative that will bring the organization's signature brand of real estate service to the Long Beach area and its surrounding markets.

Founded in 2012 by Bill Larson and Phillip Mazzoccotwo accomplished industry veterans who recognized the Long Beach area's need for a real estate organization that prioritized the client experience over corporate strategySonnocco Real Estate Group has since grown to include a total of 42 experienced agents, driving over $120 million in sales each year.

"When we founded Sonnocco Real Estate Group, our primary objective was to introduce a real estate company that really and truly centered on the client above all else," Larson remarked. "While just about every real estate brokerage in the world claims to offer a higher caliber of service than the next, in reality the larger companies tend to focus more on the business itself. First Team is completely unique in that it's a large brokerage, yet a truly independent one whose agents enjoy both the resources of a corporate giant and the transparency and values of a smaller boutique. We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with this outstanding organization, and are confident that we'll now be able to give our clients an even better experience buying and selling homes."

According to Michael Mahon, President of First Team Real Estate, this merger of like-minded professionals amplifies the company's efforts toward making a difference in the communities its associates and clients call home.

"The rationale behind our decision to merge with Sonnocco Real Estate Group was simplewe can accomplish more for our communities and our clientele by working together," Mahon explained. "This new partnership empowers Sonnocco Real Estate Group's associates to leverage our strengths as Southern California's largest independent brokerage, and to bring the abundant homeownership opportunities in the Long Beach markets to our global network."

In addition, First Team's commitment to making a difference in the communities it serves has also driven explosive growth for the organization, which added more than 243 associates and $810,000,000 in active inventory in Q1 2018.

"Our company culture, which is rooted in our ongoing commitment to improving the communities we represent, continues to attract the industry's best agents and brokerages, all of whom we're thrilled to welcome into the First Team family," he stated.

Founded by Cameron Merage 44 years ago in the community of Huntington Beach, First Team Real Estate is recognized as Southern California's largest independent brokerage with nearly 2,000 associates, 8,450 homes sold, and sales volume in excess of $5.8 billion in 2017.

To learn more about First Team Real Estate, call 888.236.1943 or visit firstteam.com .

SOURCE First Team Real Estate

Related Links

http://www.firstteam.com

MINNEAPOLIS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fish & Richardson has received the 2018 Leadership Award from Minnesota Women Lawyers (MWL), which is presented each year to one law firm that excels at enhancing the status, influence and effectiveness of women lawyers in the legal profession. Fish received its award at MWL's 46th Annual Meeting on April 27, 2018.

Fish was singled out for this high profile award for its innovative programs and policies to attract, retain and promote women at the firm. This includes having a flexible culture that does not require "face time" for success, generous reduced hour policies, top-of-the-market parental leave benefits, and strong support for working mothers and parents. Fish also has many programs geared towards advancing women in its workplace including its long-time EMPOWER Women's Initiative and the client development LEAD program.

"We are thrilled to receive this award from Minnesota Women Lawyers in recognition of our efforts. We are very proud of the work we've done, and continue to do, to make Fish the most diverse and inclusive workplace possible," said Fish principal Teresa Lavoie, who chairs the firm's EMPOWER program and is a member of the Compensation Committee. "We set the bar very high for ourselves and are always looking for new ways to make Fish an exceptional place for women to work."

In 2018, women represented 50% of the attorneys promoted to equity principal and 45% of the attorneys promoted to non-equity principal. Women also play a meaningful role in the firm's governance. The nine-member elected Management Committee includes two women (one of whom is Hispanic), and the five-member elected Compensation Committee includes two women.

Fish & Richardson is a global intellectual property firm offering patent prosecution, counseling, and litigation; trademark and copyright prosecution, counseling, and litigation; and commercial litigation services. Established in 1878, and now 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 No. 1 ranked U.S. patent litigation firm, handling nearly three times as many cases as our nearest competitor; a powerhouse patent and trademark prosecution firm; a top-tier trademark and copyright litigation firm; and the most-active firm at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Fish continues to win cases worth billions in controversy  often by making new law  for the world's most innovative and influential technology leaders. For more information, visit 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

Former Emmy Award-winning reporter, Matt Kozar, has released his debut novel ANGELS ON THE BRIDGE, a story inspired by the death of his brother.

The bright headlights from the muscle car blind James St. George  no time to get out of the way. The 23-year-old braces for impact, but instead of pain, he falls into a confusing, nauseous trance and is awoken by a teenager dressed like a surfer. The stranger says his name is Chuck and explains that he's a spirit guide.

Together, they cross over to the other side where they meet God and learn that death is not the end of the soul's journey. God offers James three choices that will dictate his fate in the afterlife and teach him about love, understanding, forgiveness and compassion. Seeking a new adventure, James chooses a most arduous task, one that transports him into a place of darkness and despair where he must learn to outsmart evil, while acting as a spirit guide for the man who killed him.

ANGELS ON THE BRIDGE explores the idea that there's a lesson in all of life's experiences and seeks to answer the question: why do bad things happen to good people?

ANGELS ON THE BRIDGE is published by Little Jerry Publishing and is available on Amazon, Kindle, iTunes, Nook, and in bookstores. The cover art was created by Joseph Kindya, a Brooklyn-based tattoo artist and co-owner of "Brooklyn Ink."

About the Author: Matt Kozar is a former broadcast journalist, who reported for TV stations across the country, most recently in New York City at WCBS-TV and CBS News. In 2010, he received a regional Emmy award for his work. He studied journalism at Columbia University and economics at Brown University. Matt lives outside of New York City. He's written extensively about drunk driving.

For More Information: www.mattkozar.com

Media Inquiries: [email protected]

ISBN 978-0-692-98094-1

243 Pages / $11.99 Paperback

SOURCE Little Jerry Publishing

Related Links

http://www.mattkozar.com

VANCOUVER, B.C., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Freightera, North America's rapidly growing online freight marketplace, celebrated its 4th birthday today as it booked over 10,000 shipments. This marks a period of expansion for Freightera, including going live with rates from Canadian National, the second Class 1 railroad Freightera has made available through its online quoting and booking platform.

Freightera

Freightera has emerged as the leading source of instant less than truckload (LTL) freight quotes for the Canadian, cross-border and US markets. "Based on our research, we have 5 times more transport companies per lane than anyone else in Canada, noted Freightera Founder and CEO Eric Beckwitt, "and our US and cross-border coverage is even more extensive and growing fast."

"Thousands of businesses in the US and Canada are switching to Freightera to take advantage of a combination of great prices, vast lane inventory, instant quotes and excellent service," added Eric Beckwitt. Over 100 customers have given Freightera 5- and 4-star reviews for pricing and service, a huge accomplishment in an industry suffering from lack of care.

Freightera currently offers over 16 billion instant rates covering 23,000 North American communities and is expanding at an average of 500 million rates per month. Hundreds of new carriers are joining the platform each year. In the last year, Freightera signed all Class 1 railroads and added an initial inventory of refrigerated LTL and FTL to the platform.

When complete, Freightera will allow business shippers get instant quotes and ship freight between any two locations on earth. The system will cover all transportation modes, air, ocean, rail, and road, and automatically find the lowest cost, lowest emission or highest service quality options.

Freightera is a major promoter of green shipping, with over 80% of loads booked in the platform via SmartWay certified carriers or rail. In addition to CN Rail, which operates the largest rail network in Canada and the only transcontinental network in North America, Freightera offers direct rates from CSX, which serves major markets in the Eastern United States and has access to over 70 ports along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. In May Freightera will go live with CP Rail, which connects Eastern and Western Canada, the NE US and Midwest.

Freightera's Link2Rail initiative, which automates the connection between trucking companies and rail, is designed to make rail shipping more accessible to businesses. It will connect trucks to rail terminals for long-distance transport, and transfer freight back to trucks for last mile delivery.

Freightera's CEO Eric Beckwitt wrote the thought leadership article on the green future of freight for the 2016 G7 Summit version of Climate Change: The New Economy and is featured in the same publication for this year's G7 Summit in Canada. As he presented at the COP22 UN Climate Change Conference in Marrakech, and discussed at COP23 Bonn, everyone benefits when increasing efficiency leads to lower transport costs and reduced emissions. In Freightera's Lower Emission Freight Marketplace, created in cooperation with SmartWay and Natural Resources Canada, highly efficient SmartWay certified transport companies and rail carriers thrive, rising to the top of Freightera's search based on price and service quality, and offering shippers emissions reduction as a secondary benefit to cost savings.

About Freightera

Freightera is creating a unified global marketplace for freight shipping. Starting in North America, Freightera is automating freight transportation and increasing operating margins for carriers and businesses shipping freight. Freightera creates partnerships and systems and promotes new technologies that allow businesses to find the best price and lowest emission transportation options. Over 7,000 manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers in the US and Canada use Freightera for 24/7 online access to billions of all-inclusive freight rates and instant freight booking. For more information, see freightera.com.

Media Contact

Zhenya Beck

Phone: (800) 886-4870

Email: [email protected]

Related Images

freightera-celebrates-10-000.png

Freightera celebrates 10,000 shipments

happy-4th-birthday-freightera.png

Happy 4th Birthday, Freightera

Birthday card for Freightera

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxkN-_VNRG8

SOURCE Freightera"Enevate is an impressive company now completely focused on EVs with their pure silicon-dominant Li-ion battery technology to improve performance of EV batteries and lower the cost of EVs," said Vishal Sapru, Research Manager at Frost & Sullivan. "Enevate has taken the new EV-chemistry batteries quite far towards commercialization and engagements with top EV battery and EV automotive companies worldwide."

"It is an honor to accept this award from a recognized global organization like Frost & Sullivan," says Robert A. Rango, Enevate's CEO. "The entire Enevate team is excited to be recognized by Frost and Sullivan. Our customers see the promise of the technology and the impact it can have on the important and emerging electric vehicle market."

Enevate recently introduced its HD-Energy Technology for EVs using its pure silicon-dominant anodes composed of 100% active material, which is free from inactive binder additives and better than graphite. Enevate's licensees can quickly ramp up production from reference Li-ion EV cell designs optimized with Enevate's anodes and technology.

Many consumers hesitate in purchasing an EV because of anxiety related to drive distance, time to charge, and overall upfront costs. However, Enevate's consumer-friendly HD-Energy Technology for EVs presents a seismic shift in EVB technology. Specifically, Enevate's technology allows EVs to add more than 240 miles of range with only a five-minute charge, which is essentially the same range conventional cars achieve with one tank of gasoline. These advantages will allow consumers to use EVs the same way they use gasoline cars but with better performance.

"Enevate's revolutionary technology presents a watershed moment in the evolution of EVs by making them as usable and accessible as conventional gasoline cars, thereby alleviating the concerns of hesitant buyers," said Sapru.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that develops a product with innovative features and functionality that is gaining rapid acceptance in the market. The award recognizes the quality of the solution and the customer value enhancements it enables.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Frost & Sullivan

For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, thereby resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.

About Enevate

Enevate Corporation, in California USA, develops and licenses advanced silicon-dominant Li-ion battery technology that revolutionizes the electric vehicle (EV) market by breaking down barriers to EV adoption. Enevate's pioneering work on silicon-dominant anodes and cells has resulted in its breakthrough HD-Energy Technology.

Investors include Mission Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Tsing Capital, Infinite Potential Technologies, Presidio Ventures  a Sumitomo Corporation company, CEC Capital, Lenovo, Samsung Ventures, and other strategic investors. Enevate, the Enevate logo, HD-Energy, and eBoost are registered trademarks of the Enevate Corporation. To learn more about or to license Enevate's industry-defining battery technology, visit www.enevate.com.

Frost & Sullivan Media Contact:

Samantha Park

P: 210.348.1001

F: 210.348.1003

E: Sam[email protected]



Enevate Media Contact:

Katie Ray

P: 480.426.8204

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Related Links

http://www.frost.com

"We are especially excited to host this year's Conference, as we are actively engaged in rolling out our global distribution strategy," remarked Yu Jun, President of GAC Motor. "GAC Motor is a young brand full of vitality. We will stay true to our mission to strive for success. Together, we will construct long-term partnerships with our dealers and contribute to mutual development and success."

Many dealers present at the event commented that the Conference deepened their knowledge and understanding of GAC Motor's product quality, manufacturing capability and strategic goals. After the event, the distributors were full of confidence in their cooperation with the company.

GAC Motor is making fast and steady progress exploring the global automobile market. It has established mature sales channels and service systems in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE, where it has become a leading Chinese automobile brand in sales volume with mid- to high-end products. Thanks to its high-quality products, GAC Motor has gained continuous popularity in Nigeria, Africa. As of now, the company has expanded to 14 countries across five regions including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and the America and has been crowned the "Best Chinese Car Brand" in multiple overseas markets.

With strong international operations and growing popularity and brand influence, GAC Motor's expanding presence in emerging markets marks just the beginning of the company's larger-scale plans for the global market. GAC Motor plans to reach 18 countries by the end of 2018. It strives to explore markets along the "Belt and Road" regions, as well as the U.S. and European markets.

"We are steadily creating a long-term future plan and are progressing towards the goal of building a world-class brand with all of our global partners, which will allow us to go forward into the next decade and beyond," said Yu.

In the coming year, GAC Motor will focus on brand building, operation systems perfection and team building, in order to attract more customers to experience the power and performance of GAC Motor as well as to improve overall customer satisfaction.

Earlier this year, GAC Motor exhibited at NAIAS for the fourth time and debuted at the NADA Show, receiving wide attention in the global automobile industry. Through the platforms of the world's top auto shows, GAC Motor has been able to further integrate global resources while promoting the brand internationally.

At the recent Auto China 2018, GAC Motor was invited by the senior executives of NAIAS and the Paris Motor Show to join their upcoming events. The company will also participate in the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Moscow International Auto Show later this year.

"Our vision is to become a world-class brand and a global enterprise, "said Yu, "GAC Motor looks forward to an open, inclusive and win-win partnership with our dealers. Let's walk hand in hand with great sincerity. Together we can explore the broad global market and draw an even more beautiful new blueprint!"

About GAC Motor

Founded in 2008, Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor CO., LTD (GAC Motor) is a subsidiary of GAC Group which ranks the 238th among the Fortune Global 500 companies. The company develops and manufactures premium quality vehicles, engines, components and auto accessories. GAC Motor has now ranked the first among all Chinese brands for five consecutive years in J.D. Power Asia Pacific's China Initial Quality Study SM (IQS), demonstrating the company's quality-centric strategy from innovative research and development (R&D), manufacturing to supply chain and sales & services.

For more information, please visit:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GACMotor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gac_motor

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/gac_motor

SOURCE GAC MotorDaily News Podcast: Walmart cuts Brazil business to focus on India

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Why duty-free shops at Indian airports may not offer the cheapest rates in future

Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) threatened to implement GST on duty-free shops. According to a representative of Flemingo, the largest operator of duty-free shops in India, if the AAR decision is implemented, the price of duty-free goods other than liquor could go up by 9-14%.



GoAir sues former MD for allegedly stealing sensitive info, sharing with rival IndiGo: Report

Low-fare airline GoAir has reportedly sued former managing director Wolfgang Prock-Shauer who joined the rival airline IndiGo in February for allegedly sharing confidential information about the airline with its competitor. A Mint report suggested that GoAir submitted some papers in the Bombay HC on February 13, saying Wolfgang stole these papers and shared them with IndiGo, the country's largest airline, reported Mint.



Walmart cuts Brazil business to focus on India

Walmart Inc's urgency to stem market share losses to rivals around the world is driving it to partner with local players in the UK and India, even as it scales back in some other markets like Brazil. The world's largest retailer is in talks to merge its UK arm ASDA with J Sainsbury Plc in which it will hold a minority stake. Walmart is also looking to acquire a majority stake in India's leading online retailer Flipkart for $10 billion to $12 billion after years of underperformance in the country. The moves underscore Walmart's renewed focus on catching up with competitors, ranging from grocer Aldi Inc to Amazon.com Inc, in key international markets. The retailer's underperforming international business contributed less than a quarter to its total revenue of $500.3 billion in fiscal 2018.



Venezuela's offer to India: Buy crude oil at 30% discount but through cryptocurrency

Venezuela, a South American country with the largest oil reserves in the world, has apparently offered India a deal of 30 per cent discount on crude oil, if India decides to buy it through digital currency. Venezuela's blockchain-based digital currency Petro is the world's first state-backed virtual currency that recently tied up with a Delhi-based digital currency exchange Coinsecure. The bitcoin trading company will now sell oil-backed cryptocurrency Petro in India. Launched last year by the Venezuelan government, Petro is set to be formally recognised after the presidential elections in the country on May 20. Petro was put on pre-sale on February 20, following which the digital currency has raised over $3.8 billion so far. Venezuela's blockchain department had sent a team of experts to India in March, after which the deal was struck with Coinsecure, reported Business Standard, quoting company's CEO Mahit Kalra saying "Venezuela wanted Petro as a cryptocurrency on Coinsecure".



Govt not considering cutting excise duty on petrol, diesel

The government is not considering cutting excise duty on petrol and diesel yet as rates have not touched levels that could trigger such an action, said Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg. State oil firms have not revised petrol and diesel price for almost a week now. This after petrol price hit a 55-month high of Rs 74.63 a litre and diesel rates climbed to a record high of Rs 65.93. In an interview to PTI, Garg said oil prices can impact the government's fiscal maths if they result in a spike in rates of domestic cooking gas (LPG) - the only commodity that is subsidised now.



NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesys (www.genesys.com), the global leader in omnichannel customer experience and contact center solutions, has announced the winners of its 13th annual Genesys Customer Innovation Awards on the opening day of CX18, the industry's premier customer engagement event, which runs May 1-4 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Genesys Customer Innovation Awards recognize industry leaders in achieving exceptional customer experience and remarkable customer service innovation and transformation. This year, Genesys is celebrating eight industry leaders in six award categories. Genesys customers partners and employees submitted nearly 100 nominations featuring customer experience trailblazers from around the world. Finalists were evaluated by an executive panel of judges, including industry analysts and past Customer Innovation Award winners.

"Once again, we are thrilled and impressed with the level of ingenuity, excellence and stellar business outcomes demonstrated by our Customer Innovation Award Winners," said Tom Eggemeier, president of Genesys. "We celebrate these industry leaders that rely on Genesys technology to help them connect every moment with their customers and produce the kinds of results organizations need to thrive today."

The winners of the 2018 Genesys Customer Innovation Awards are:

The CX Globetrotter  Emirates Airline

Best global rollout of the Genesys Customer Experience Platform The CX Innovator  Bradesco Next

Best omnichannel customer success story The CX Pioneer  AFFINBANK, QuinStreet and VIPKID

Best new customer  breaking silos with a fast deployment The CX Mover  Westpac New Zealand

Best cloud customer migration and/or deployment The CX Visionary  Heineken Mexico

Best success story of switching to Genesys from another platform The CX Game Changer: Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator

Best Story of Making a Difference with CX Technology

Winners were also evaluated for their participation in the Genesys Customer Advocacy Program (GCAP), an online forum for customers to promote successful transformation initiatives, gain insights into industry news and trends, and network with thought leaders and peers on best practices.

CX18 is the annual Genesys conference that gathers together the strongest ecosystem of solutions, customers, partners and technology pushing the boundaries and future of customer experience.

Follow the excitement at CX18 on social media using the hashtag #CX18.

About Genesys

Genesys powers more than 25 billion of the world's best customer experiences each year. Our success comes from connecting employee and customer conversations on any channel, every day. With 11,000 companies in more than 100 countries trust our #1 customer experience platform to drive great business outcomes and create lasting relationships. Combining the best of technology and human ingenuity, we build solutions that mirror natural communication and work the way you think. Our industry-leading solutions foster true omnichannel engagement because they perform equally well across channels, on-premises and in the cloud. Experience communication as it should be: fluid, instinctive and profoundly empowering. Visit genesys.com on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and the Genesys blog.

2018 Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Genesys and the Genesys logo are registered trademarks of Genesys. All other company names and logos may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

Contacts:

Rachel Faulkner

Genesys

[email protected]

+1 317-715-8109

Lisa Hawes

Sterling Communications

[email protected]

+1 408-395-5500

SOURCE Genesys

Related Links

http://www.genesys.com

DEARBORN, Mich., April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ghafari Associates, Engineering News-Record Midwest's "2017 Design Firm of the Year," is proud to announce that it has acquired Concept Design Group, an award-winning architectural and interior design firm based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The acquisition will expand Ghafari's Western Michigan presence, broaden Concept Design's reach to international markets, and provide enhanced services and resources to the clients of both firms.

Founded nearly 30 years ago, Concept Design is a professional architectural and interior design firm specializing in commercial, corporate office, law, multi-family, hospitality, retail, restaurant, and mixed-use facility projects. Ghafari has identified the commercial market and corporate spaces as key to its future growth, and has expanded organically to support recent successes in this arena.

"As part of our strategic plan, we are expanding our core corporate and commercial expertise, as well as our geographic reach. Joining forces with Concept Design enables us to enhance our design capabilities and corporate / commercial portfolio, while also affording their team the opportunity to grow professionally," said Kouhaila Hammer, president + CEO of Ghafari Associates.

Stephen Fry, founder and president of Concept Design, added, "The additional resources this union brings will broaden the range of services we provide, including full facility engineering and process engineering. Obviously, it deepens our bench strength and positions us on a faster path toward serving clients beyond Western Michigan. This opens up a lot of new opportunities for our clients and our team."

Fry will continue to lead the Grand Rapids office, serving as president of that office. He and Thomas Tooley, Concept Design's senior vice president will also join Ghafari's Management Team. The unit will be known as "Concept Design, a Ghafari Company" during the transition period. The firm and employees will remain in their current office.

The addition of the new Grand Rapids location will bring Ghafari's total number of offices to 15.

About Ghafari

Ghafari is a global full-service engineering, architecture, process design, consulting, and construction services firm. With 15 offices across the globe, the firm supports clients in sectors such as aviation, corporate / commercial, education, government and institutional, healthcare, automotive and industrial / manufacturing. Ranked 7th in Office Sector Engineering and #4 in Airport Facilities by Building Design + Construction, and #3 in Manufacturing by Engineering News-Record, Ghafari has proven to be an industry leader. More information on Ghafari and its services can be found on www.ghafari.com.

Media Contact

Catherine Noyes

Ghafari Associates

Chief Marketing Officer

+1.419.351.9600

[email protected]

SOURCE Ghafari Associates

Related Links

http://www.ghafari.com

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Glidewell Dental, a leading technological innovator in restorative dentistry for 48 years, announced today the release of BruxZir Esthetic Solid Zirconia for dental crowns & bridges. An all-new formula developed from the industry-leading BruxZir Solid Zirconia, BruxZir Esthetic zirconia is a strong and profoundly beautiful material unique enough to represent a new category of dental ceramic.

Glidewell Dental

Benefiting from advancements in Glidewell Dental's proprietary colloidal fabrication process, BruxZir Esthetic zirconia exhibits natural vitality and enhanced shade consistency, resulting in incredibly lifelike restorations. Along with its impressive aesthetics, the material boasts an average flexural strength of 870 MPa and requires minimal tooth preparation of only 0.7 mm.

"BruxZir Esthetic zirconia is simply the most beautiful material we've ever produced," said Jim Glidewell, CDT, the company's founder, president and CEO. "And with its demonstrated strength, doctors and their patients no longer have to compromise function or esthetics when selecting that all-important restoration in the anterior."

Upon its release in 2009, the original BruxZir Solid Zirconia offered dentists an all-ceramic alternative to traditional PFM restorations, which have a well-documented history of chipping and fracture in parafunctional situations. Though billed as "more brawn than beauty," original BruxZir zirconia also served as a tooth-colored alternative to full-cast and occlusal gold restorations.

Less than a decade later, BruxZir Solid Zirconia has been prescribed for more than 14 million restorations, spearheading a global shift from full-cast and porcelain-veneered restorations to monolithic ceramic crowns & bridges. Original BruxZir Solid Zirconia remains the only zirconia material with eight years of clinical validation by independent researchers Rella and Gordon J. Christensen of the venerable Gordon J. Christensen Clinicians Report (CR Foundation; Provo, Utah  cliniciansreport.org).

"The proof is in the science," said Mike Selberis, chief technology officer at Glidewell Dental. "While the incredible demand for BruxZir zirconia has spawned numerous attempts at mimicking its class-leading performance, the proprietary processing developed by our engineers and scientists to enhance the material's strength and translucency continues to set BruxZir zirconia apart from a sea of generic imitators."

Mr. Glidewell added, "With this achievement, I'm again humbled by the efforts of our research & development teams, who are committed to providing the very best in restorative material performance at an affordable price."

As part of this announcement, Glidewell Laboratories, the restorative division of Glidewell Dental, has indicated that it will no longer offer its BruxZir Anterior material, converting these prescriptions to the stronger, more translucent BruxZir Esthetic zirconia. Alongside BruxZir Esthetic restorations, the lab will continue to offer original BruxZir Full-Strength zirconia where prescribed for maximum durability.

Priced at $109 per unit, BruxZir Esthetic crowns & bridges will feature Glidewell Laboratories' no-fault remake policy and full seven-year warranty, to ensure satisfaction and confidence long after seating.

To learn more about the release of BruxZir Esthetic Solid Zirconia, dentists can call Glidewell Dental at 800-854-7256 or visit bruxzir.com.

About Glidewell Dental

Glidewell Dental is among the world's largest providers of custom restorative services and is recognized as an industry-leading material and device manufacturer. Established in 1970 in Orange County, California, Glidewell Dental continues to build on its storied history of technological innovation and continuing education, committed to making comprehensive, high-quality treatment more accessible to patients in the U.S. and internationally. For more information, please visit glidewelldental.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Eldon Thompson

Sr. Director, Marketing

Glidewell Dental

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Glidewell Dental

Related Links

http://glidewelldental.com

DUBLIN, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Angiography Device Market Research Report,Insights, Opportunity, Analysis, Market Shares And Forecast 2017 - 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global angiography device market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecasted period.

Angiography device market is used in the healthcare industry for detecting the disease through techniques such as MRA & CT. In Addition, prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, growing geriatric population, shifting of preferences from traditional X-ray angiography to magnetic resonance imaging and consciousness about the benefits related with diagnosis and treatment are the significant factors which increases the demand for this market. This change in preference due to the benefits related such as reduced risk of radiation exposure facilitated due to non-invasive methods using magnetic field and radio waves is projected to enhance the market demand for angiography devices.

Aging population, prevalence of cardiovascular disease and rising awareness programs, conferences related to digital angiography devices majorly contributes to the growth of the global connected mining market during the forecast period. However, lack of reimbursement and high cost are the factors that restrain the growth of the global connected mining market during the forecast period.

Geographically Angiography device market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and RoW. The global angiography devices market is led by North America as it attained major market share followed by Europe due to technological advancement and innovation the healthcare industry.

However, the Asian market is projected to increase with the highest growth during forecasted period due to procedure volumes (caused by huge aging population and rising number of patients with cardiovascular disease symptoms). Countries like China, India and Japan are primarily led by the market growth owing to the increase in large patient population and rising investments by private and public sector to deliver improved healthcare services are creating huge growth prospects in this market.

The growth in the global angiography device market is also influenced by the presence of major market players such as St. Jude Medical, GE healthcare, Medtronic, Shimadzu Corporation, Covidien, Cordis Corporation, Siemens, Royal Philips Electronics, Inc., Toshiba Medical Systems, Boston Scientific Corporation and Abbott Labs.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction

1.1. Executive Summary

1.2. Estimation Methodology



2. Market Overview

2.1. Global Angiography Device Market: Evolution & Transition

2.2. Market Definition & Scope

2.3. Industry Structure

2.4. Regulator Framework

2.5. Total Market Analysis

2.6. Estimation Analysis

2.7. Strategic Analysis

2.8. Competitive Analysis

2.9. Strategic Recommendations & Key Conclusions



3. Market Determinants

3.1. Market Drivers

3.1.1. Aging Population And Prevalence Of Disease Likely To Increase Demand For Diagnostic Procedures

3.1.2. Occurrence Of Cardiovascular Disease

3.1.3. Awareness Programs, Conferences Likely To Propel The Digital Angiography Devices Market

3.1.4. Government Investments To Boost The Market

3.2. Market Restraints

3.2.1. Lack Of Reimbursement

3.2.2. Expensive Method For The Patient

3.3. Market Opportunities

3.3.1. Growing Investment Potential In Immature Emerging Market

3.3.2. Technological Advancements To Spur The Angiography Devices Market

3.4. Market Challenges

3.4.1. High Cost Of Digital Angiography Devices And Instruments

3.4.2. Product Recalls



4. Market Segmentation

4.1. Global Angiography Device Market By Technology 2014-2023 ($ Million)

4.1.1. Market Definition And Scope

4.1.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology

4.1.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments

4.1.4. Opportunity Matrix

4.1.5. Market Segmentation

4.1.5.1. Global X-Ray Angiography Market

4.1.5.2. Global Ct Angiography Market

4.1.5.3. Global Mr Angiography Market

4.2. Global Angiography Device Market By Products 2014-2023 ($ Million)

4.2.1.1.1. Market Definition And Scope

4.2.1.1.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology

4.2.1.1.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments

4.2.1.1.4. Opportunity Matrix

4.2.1.1.5. Market Segmentation

4.2.1.2. Global Angiography System Market

4.2.1.3. Global Catheters Tube Market

4.2.1.4. Global Guide-Wires Market

4.2.1.5. Global Balloons Market

4.2.1.6. Global Contrast Media Market

4.2.1.7. Global Vascular Closure Devices Market

4.2.1.8. Global Accessories Market

4.3. Global Angiography Device Market By Application 2014-2023 ($ Million)

4.3.1. Market Definition And Scope

4.3.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology

4.3.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments

4.3.4. Opportunity Matrix

4.3.5. Market Segmentation

4.3.5.1. Global Diagnostic Market

4.3.5.2. Global Therapeutic Market

4.4. Global Angiography Device Market By Procedure 2014-2023 ($ Million)

4.4.1. Market Definition And Scope

4.4.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology

4.4.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments

4.4.4. Opportunity Matrix

4.4.5. Market Segmentation

4.4.5.1. Global Coronary Angiography Device Market

4.4.5.2. Global Micro-Angiography Market

4.4.5.3. Global Non-Coronary Angiography Market

4.4.5.4. Global Other Procedures Market

4.5. Global Angiography Device Market By Indication2014-2023 ($ Million)

4.5.1. Market Definition And Scope

4.5.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology

4.5.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments

4.5.4. Opportunity Matrix

4.5.5. Market Segmentation

4.5.5.1. Global Known/Suspected Cad Market

4.5.5.2. Global Valvular Heart Disease Market

4.5.5.3. Global Congenital Heart Disease Market

4.5.5.4. Global Congestive Heart Failure Market

4.5.5.5. Global Other Conditions Market

4.6. Global Angiography Device Market By End-Users 2014-2023 ($ Million)

4.6.1. Market Definition And Scope

4.6.2. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology

4.6.3. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments

4.6.4. Opportunity Matrix

4.6.5. Market Segmentation

4.6.5.1. Global Hospitals Market

4.6.5.2. Global Diagnostic Centers Market

4.6.5.3. Global Academic Research Laboratories Market



5. Competitive Landscape

5.1. Key Strategies

5.1.1. List Of Merger And Acquisition

5.1.2. List Of Joint Ventures

5.1.3. List Of Product Launches

5.1.4. List Of Partnership



6. Geographic Analysis

6.1. Decision Support Database & Estimation Methodology

6.2. Comparative Analysis Across Market Segments

6.3. Opportunity Matrix

6.4. Global Angiography Device Market By Region 2014-2023 ($ Million)



7. Company Profiles



Abbott Vascular (US)

Boston Scientific Corporation ( U.S)

Carestream Health (U.S)

Cordis Corporation (A Jnj Company) (Us)

Esaote ( Italy )

) Fujifilm Holdings ( Japan )

) Ge Healthcare ( United Kingdom )

) Hitachi Medical Corporation (U.S)

Hologic ( U.S)

Jude Medical (US)

Medtronic Inc.( US)

Philips Healthcare ( Netherlands )

) Shimadzu Corporation ( Japan )

) Siemens Healthcare ( Germany )

) Toshiba Corporation ( Japan )

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2vc3gp/global?w=5





Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

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NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- About Automotive Laser Headlight System



Laser headlights are laser-assisted headlight with filaments (halogens or Xenons) and ionizable gases replaced by laser diodes and phosphorous lens.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04068932



Technavio's analysts forecast the global automotive laser headlight system market to grow at a CAGR of 137.77% during the period 2018-2022.



Covered in this report

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global automotive laser headlight system market for 2018-2022. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.



The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:

 Europe

 China

 US

 ROW



Technavio's report, Global Automotive Laser Headlight System Market 2018-2022, 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

 OSRAM

 AUDI

 BMW

 ZKW Group

 SORAALASER



Market driver

 High energy efficiency of laser headlights as a benefit for the end consumers and OEMs alike

 For a full, detailed list, view our report



Market challenge

 The cost factor is a concern for the end customers

 For a full, detailed list, view our report



Market trend

 Automotive OEMs going for cooptation

 For a full, detailed list, view our report



Key questions answered in this report

 What will the market size be in 2022 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?



You can request one free hour of our analyst's time when you purchase this market report. Details are provided within the report.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p04068932



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.



__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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DUBLIN, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Dental Implants and Prosthesis Market by Type, Material, Type of Facility, and Region - Global Forecast to 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global dental implants and prosthesis market is projected to reach USD 13.01 Billion by 2023 from USD 9.50 Billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 6.5%.

The growth of dental implants market is driven by the growth in the geriatric population and corresponding age-related dental diseases, rising prevalence of tooth decay and periodontal diseases in the overall population across the globe, increasing willingness to adopt dental cosmetic surgery, and the growing number of implant placing dentists.

However, the high cost of premium dental implants and limited reimbursement, and high risk of tooth loss associated with dental bridges may expect to hinder the growth of this market during the forecast period.



This market comprises of dental implants market and dental prosthesis market, and is further segmented by type of facility and region. The dental implants market is further segmented by material, design, type, and price. By material, titanium dental implants accounted for the largest share of the market in 2017, owing to the benefits offered by titanium implants, such as high biocompatibility, strength, rigidity, greater strain-bearing capacity, and greater corrosion resistance properties.



By price, the dental implants market is segmented into premium dental implants, value dental implants, and discounted dental implants. The premium dental implants segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2017. The large share of premium implants is attributed to the higher adoption of these implants in developed countries such as the US, Germany, and Japan.



By type, the dental prosthesis market is segmented into dental bridges, dental crowns, dentures, abutments, veneers, and inlays & onlays. The dental bridges segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2017, owing to its cost effectiveness as compared to the dental implants and the fact that it can be used as alternative to the single tooth implant.



On the basis of type of facilities, the dental implants and prosthesis market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, dental laboratories, and other facilities. The hospitals and clinics segment held the largest share of the dental implants and prosthesis market in 2017. The large share of this segment is attributed to the increasing number of dental hospitals and clinics in developing countries, growing consolidation of dental clinic chains in Europe, and the growing number of group dental practices in North America and Europe.



Geographically, the global dental implants and prosthesis market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Europe holds the largest share of this market in 2017. This is primarily due to the increase in the aging population, increasing government expenditure on oral healthcare across Europe, rising adoption of dental cosmetic treatments, increased penetration of value dental implants, and the high reimbursement rate on prosthetic products as compared to other regions. Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.



Straumann (Switzerland), DENTSPLY Sirona (US), Zimmer Biomet (US), Danaher Corporation (US), Henry Schein (US), and OSSTEM Implant Co. (South Korea) dominated the global dental implants and prosthesis market. Some of the other players competing in dental implants market are AVINENT Implant System (Spain), DIO Corporation (South Korea), Merz Dental (Germany), Bicon (US), Shofu Dental Corporation (Japan), Thommen Medical (Switzerland), and Southern Implant (South Africa).

Key Topics Covered



1 Dental Implants Market: Introduction

1.1 Objectives of the Study

1.2 Market Definition

1.3 Market Scope

1.3.1 Markets Covered

1.3.2 Years Considered for the Study

1.4 Currency

1.5 Stakeholders



2 Dental Implants Market: Research Methodology

2.1 Research Data

2.1.1 Secondary Data

2.1.1.1 Key Data From Secondary Sources

2.1.2 Primary Data

2.1.2.1 Key Data From Primary Sources

2.1.2.2 Key Industry Insights

2.2 Market Size Estimation

2.2.1 Bottom-Up Approach

2.2.2 Top-Down Approach

2.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation

2.4 Market Share Estimation

2.5 Assumptions for the Study

2.6 Limitations



3 Dental Implants Market: Executive Summary



4 Dental Implants Market: Premium Insights

4.1 Dental Implants and Prosthetics Market Overview

4.2 Asia Pacific: Dental Prosthetics Market, 2017

4.3 Dental Implants and Prosthetics Market: Geographic Growth Opportunities

4.4 Dental Implants and Prosthetics Market: Geographic Mix

4.5 Dental Implants and Prosthetics Market: Developing vs Developed Countries/Regions



5 Dental Implants Market: Overview

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Market Dynamics: Impact Analysis

5.2.1 Drivers

5.2.1.1 Rising Incidence of Dental Diseases

5.2.1.1.1 Dental Caries and Other Periodontal Diseases

5.2.1.1.2 Edentulism

5.2.1.2 Increasing Demand for Cosmetic Dentistry

5.2.1.3 Growing Dental Tourism in Emerging Markets

5.2.1.4 Increasing Disposable Income in Developing Countries

5.2.2 Restraints

5.2.2.1 High Cost of Dental Implants and Limited Reimbursements

5.2.2.2 High Risk of Tooth Loss Associated With Dental Bridges

5.2.3 Opportunities

5.2.3.1 Low Penetration Rate of Dental Implants in Developing Countries

5.2.3.2 Increasing Investments in CAD/CAM Technologies



6 Industry Insights

6.1 Industry Trends

6.1.1 Increasing Market Consolidation

6.1.2 Rising Focus on Product Development and Launches

6.1.3 Rising Number of Industry-Academia Collaborations

6.2 Porter's Five Forces

6.3 Pricing Analysis of Dental Implants

6.3.1 Premium Implants

6.3.2 Value Implants

6.3.3 Discounted Implants



7 Dental Implants Market

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Dental Implants Market, By Material

7.2.1 Titanium Implants

7.2.1.1 Titanium Implants Market, By Procedure

7.2.1.1.1 Two-Stage Procedures

7.2.1.1.2 Single-Stage Procedures

7.2.1.2 Titanium Implants Market, By Connector

7.2.1.2.1 External Hexagonal Connectors

7.2.1.2.2 Internal Hexagonal Connectors

7.2.1.2.3 Internal Octagonal Connectors

7.2.2 Zirconium Implants

7.3 Dental Implants Market, By Design

7.3.1 Tapered Dental Implants

7.3.2 Parallel-Walled Dental Implants

7.4 Dental Implants Market, By Type

7.4.1 Root-Form Dental Implants

7.4.2 Plate-Form Dental Implants

7.5 Dental Implants Market, By Price

7.5.1 Premium Implants

7.5.2 Value Implants

7.5.3 Discounted Implants



8 Dental Prosthetics Market

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Dental Bridges

8.2.1 Dental Bridges Market, By Type

8.2.1.1 3-Unit Bridges

8.2.1.2 4-Unit Bridges

8.2.1.3 Maryland Bridges

8.2.1.4 Cantilever Bridges

8.3 Dental Crowns

8.4 Dental Bridges & Crowns Market, By Material

8.4.1 Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal

8.4.2 All-Ceramics

8.4.3 Metal

8.5 Dentures

8.5.1 Partial Dentures

8.5.2 Complete Dentures

8.6 Abutments

8.6.1 Definitive Abutments

8.6.2 Temporary Abutments

8.7 Veneers

8.8 Inlays and Onlays



9 Dental Implants and Prosthetics Market, By Type of Facility

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Hospitals and Clinics

9.3 Dental Laboratories

9.4 Other Facilities



10 Dental Implants & Prosthetics Market, By Region

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Europe

10.2.1 Germany

10.2.2 Italy

10.2.3 Spain

10.2.4 France

10.2.5 UK

10.2.6 Switzerland

10.2.7 Rest of Europe

10.3 North America

10.3.1 US

10.3.2 Canada

10.4 Asia Pacific

10.4.1 South Korea

10.4.2 Japan

10.4.3 China

10.4.4 India

10.4.5 Australia

10.4.6 Rest of Asia Pacific

10.5 Latin America

10.5.1 Brazil

10.5.2 Argentina

10.5.3 Mexico

10.5.4 Rest of Latin America

10.6 Middle East & Africa



11 Dental Implants Market: Competitive Landscape

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Product Portfolio Matrix

11.2.1 Dental Implants Product Portfolio Matrix

11.2.2 Dental Prosthetics Product Portfolio Matrix

11.3 Revenue Analysis (2017)

11.4 Geographic Reach of Top Market Players (2017)

11.5 Market Share Analysis

11.6 Competitive Situations and Trends

11.6.1 Product Launches

11.6.2 Agreements, Partnerships, and Collaborations

11.6.3 Acquisitions

11.6.4 Expansion



12 Company Profiles

12.1 Institut Straumann AG

12.2 Danaher Corporation

12.3 Dentsply Sirona Inc.

12.4 Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.

12.5 Henry Schein Inc.

12.6 Avinent Implant System

12.7 Osstem Implant Co. Ltd.

12.8 Bicon LLC

12.9 Adin Dental Implant Systems

12.10 DIO Corporation

12.11 Thommen Medical AG

12.12 Southern Implants



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/q2qdhb/global_dental?w=5

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716



SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com

TULSA, Okla., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The demand for fresh produce has grown substantially in recent years. To meet this important need, GoFresh sister company Lloyd's Cuts was created to fulfill the growing demand for convenient, value-added fresh-cut produce. After building a brand new, state-of-the-art processing facility in 2017, Lloyd's Cuts is excited to finally announce its grand opening.

GoFresh Lloyd's Cuts

Lloyd's Cuts recognized the need for a local and regional presence for freshly cut, value-added products in the Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas region. By providing products that are cut fresh locally and have next day shipping, the company is poised to provide the freshest products available in the Midwest. The difference in quality, taste, and appearance provided by Lloyd's Cuts is easy to see.

With a wide range of support for a broad clientele base, Lloyd's Cuts manufactures both full-line foodservice packaging and specialized, on-demand smaller packs for both schools and retail. Currently, the company specializes in custom-cut and on-demand fresh-cut fruits and vegetables that may be sliced, diced, chopped, cubed, or shredded.

As a sister company of GoFresh, Lloyd's Cuts is able to consistently give their clients the best and freshest food products possible with the same great service they have grown to expect. Because they are vertically integrated, customers are able to contact one supplier to receive both fresh-cut produce or any other restaurant or produce products needed. The Lloyd's Cuts family invites you to taste their products and see the quality for yourself to experience difference that they can make.

For more information on Lloyd's Cuts and the services we provide, please visit https://lloydscuts.com/. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (833) 834-6644. We look forward to answering any questions that you may have!

Media contact:

Matthew Maennche

[email protected]

800-725-1151

SOURCE GoFreshPALO ALTO, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rubrik, the Cloud Data Management Company, today announced that Grove Bank & Trust, a community bank based in South Florida, has deployed Rubrik's Cloud Data Management platform to automate backups, reduce daily management times by 20x, and demonstrate compliance with industry regulations.

Grove Bank & Trust, the oldest continuously operating bank in Miami Dade County, delivers checking, savings, lending, financial planning, insurance, and investment services to customers through its offices in southern Florida.

The bank's IT team relies on technology to deliver top-tier service to customers while supporting rapid growth and managing expenditures. Grove Bank & Trust's legacy backup solution was unreliable, cumbersome to manage, and often resulted in failed backups. These inadequacies placed Grove Bank & Trust at risk of being non-compliant with industry regulations, and caused concern about the potential loss of valuable data as the region began preparations for Hurricane Irma.

After deploying Rubrik, Grove Bank & Trust was able to:

Gain peace of mind that all the company's data was protected, and went through Hurricane Irma confident that 100 percent of its systems were backed up.

Reduce daily management from five hours to less than 15 minutes; freeing up team members for other strategic tasks.

Conduct global search and instant recovery to find and recover files in less than ten minutes.

Demonstrate compliance to industry regulators with Rubrik Envision, Rubrik's customizable visual analytics and reporting tool.

Reduce costs significantly, and achieve a full return on investment within one year.

Comments on the News:

"Rubrik helped solve our backup issues and gave us confidence that we're set up for success going forward," said Sergio Garcia, chief information officer at Grove Bank & Trust. "We just went through Hurricane Irma, and we were not the least bit concerned about our ability to recover because we were sure that we had 100% of our system backed up. Working with Rubrik gave me a peace of mind that I never experienced with my old vendor."

"Heavily regulated industries, such as financial services, have to ensure compliance with a host of complex laws," said Arvind Nithrakashyap, co-founder and chief technology officer at Rubrik. "Rubrik Envision provides Grove Bank & Trust with a simple solution to obtain detailed business intelligence and allows Sergio's team to be confident in their ability to prove compliance to regulators."

Resources

[BLOG] Grove Bank & Trust is Hurricane-Ready with Rubrik

[CASE STUDY] Grove Bank & Trust is Hurricane-Ready with Rubrik

[DATA SHEET] Rubrik Envision

About Rubrik

Rubrik delivers instant application availability with data protection, search, analytics, archival and copy data management in the Hybrid Cloud. Enterprises benefit from Rubrik's market-leading Cloud Data Management platform with simplicity, instant data access, app mobility, policy-driven automation, ransomware protection, and analytics at scale. For more information, visit http://www.rubrik.com and follow @rubrikInc on Twitter.

About Grove Bank & Trust

Grove Bank & Trust was founded on July 12, 1926 and is the longest-running bank in Miami-Dade County. Grove Bank & Trust provides boutique banking, commercial and wealth management services to individuals, families, businesses, endowments and foundations. Grove Bank & Trust has five banking centers in Miami-Dade County including: Aventura, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, and South Miami. For more information, contact Grove Bank & Trust's corporate headquarters at 2701 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, Florida 33133 by telephone at 305.858.6666 or visit our website at www.grovebankandtrust.com.

SOURCE Rubrik

Related Links

https://www.rubrik.com

DUBLIN AND BOSTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthXL, a data-driven, global digital health collaboration platform announced today that the company is celebrating its four-year milestone anniversary with the recent addition of new community members from the healthcare, pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors. Bayer, GuideWell Innovation and Siemens Healthineers are the latest organizations to join the HealthXL platform, leveraging the opportunity to access and contribute industry thought leadership insights, cultivate meaningful partnerships and actively participate in the critical conversations that are shaping the future of modern health.

"We are thrilled to welcome Bayer, GuideWell Innovation and Siemens Healthineers to HealthXL, especially at such an exciting and pivotal time for the company," said Martin Kelly, CEO of HealthXL. "Over the past four years, our team is proud of what we have accomplished to create the world's leading digital health collaboration platform. We look forward to introducing a number of new information sharing capabilities and functionalities in the near future to further drive collaboration between our members."

Launched in 2014 in Dublin, HealthXL has a mission of helping the industry define and deliver the vision for healthcare in the digital age. Since its formation, the Irish organization has grown to become the leading global platform for exchanging healthcare industry insights, ideas and strategies to revolutionize the delivery of modern healthcare. As of May 2018, the company has built a membership base that totals over 3,500 organizations and individuals across continents including industry visionaries, clinicians, investors, researchers and entrepreneurs.

"At Bayer, innovation and collaboration sit at the heart of our company's DNA, and we are always looking for new opportunities to exchange insight into our experiences and best practices with our industry peers," said Eugene Borukhovich, global head, digital health incubation & innovation at Bayer. "The HealthXL platform provides our team with a unique capability to actively engage in conversations related to the opportunities the healthcare space presents today and work hand in hand with other organizations to define the roadmap for where digital health is headed tomorrow."

As a digital heath collaboration platform, HealthXL brings together the people, thinking and technology needed to drive innovation to address complex healthcare challenges. The company offers members a combination of industry research and evidence-based viewpoints from its premier community of experts.

"Given the complexities of healthcare, no single organization can tackle the industry's most critical issues without collaboration. The HealthXL platform allows us to tap into the collective thinking of leaders in pharma, life sciences and digital health, as well as clinicians, researchers and entrepreneurs with the goal of shaping insights, driving innovations and leading the change in modern health," said Maynd Jolly, head services global strategy and innovation, Siemens Healthineers. "We are excited to be part of the conversation, and more importantly, part of the team identifying the solutions for overcoming the sector's most pressing challenges."

Bayer, GuideWell Innovation and Siemens Healthineers join already existing HealthXL members on the platform including but not limited to Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bupa, Cardinal Health, Carnegie Mellon University, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Cleveland Clinic, CSIRO, , GE Ventures, IBM, ICON, Imperial College Health Partners, Johnson & Johnson, MCRI, Northwell Health, Novartis, Partners HealthCare, Philips Respironics, ResMed, Roche Diagnostics and Silicon Valley Bank.

HealthXL hosts up to four Global Gatherings a year with agendas curated to drive debates and nurture innovation on an international level. The events bring together the company's extensive member base, which includes people with the ideas, resources and desire to contribute to the evolution of healthcare. To learn more about the HealthXL Global Gatherings, the community and how to get involved with the platform, please visit https://healthxl.com. Additionally, the company's executive team travels all over the world to speak at some of healthcare's most prestigious events. To find out where they are headed next, please connect with the company on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About HealthXL

HealthXL is a data-driven global digital health collaboration platform, bringing together the people, thinking and technology needed to drive innovation to address complex healthcare challenges. Offering a combination of industry research, international gatherings and evidence-based viewpoints from the company's select community of experts, members are able to directly access and contribute thought leadership insights, cultivate meaningful partnerships to drive change and actively participate in the most critical conversations and strategies that are shaping the future of modern health. The HealthXL community comprises healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device industry visionaries, clinicians, investors, researchers and entrepreneurs. Member organizations revolutionizing the delivery of healthcare today include but are not limited to Roche, Partners Health, IBM, GuideWell Innovations and Novartis. For more information, please visit us at https://healthxl.com or engage with us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Jessy Green for HealthXL

[email protected]

401-490-9700

SOURCE HealthXL

Related Links

https://healthxl.com

Vodafone and Idea Cellular might be in the process of a merger but that does not hamper the former's contribution to the aggressive competition from Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.

Vodafone has now launched two new plans for its subscribers across various circles in a bid to take on rivals Airtel and Jio. The two recharge packs of Rs 511 and Rs 569 offer 2GB data 3G/4G data and 3GB 3G/4G respectively on a daily basis, both for a validity period of 84 days.

The Rs. 511 pack provides unlimited local and STD voice calls and 100 SMS per day along with the data while the Rs 569 pack gives the same voice calls and SMS benefits with 3GB 3G/4G daily usage offer. These offers are however currently only available in selected circles - Maharashtra (excluding Mumbai) and Goa, Gujarat and Kerala.

The plans are a big step to allure the subscribers, given the rising subscription of Jio and the ever increasing competition from Airtel as well. The Rs. 511 pack is basically providing 168 GB worth of data while the Rs 569 pack is providing 252 GB data for a period of 84 days. Vodafone also offers 1.4 GB per day for 90 days in a plan priced at Rs 509 and 3.5 GB per day with a Rs 549 plan valid for 28 days. Airtel recently launched a plan worth Rs 219 that offers 1.4 GB for 28 days with unlimited voice calls, SMS and hello tunes.

The only close recharge packs to Vodafone's Rs 511 is Jio's prepaid plan of Rs. 448 with same voice calls and data benefits and is also valid for 84 days.

Airtel has its own plan to counter the 2GB per day deals. Recently they launched a Rs 499 plan that offers 2GB 3G/4G per day for 82 days with same voice calling and SMS offers.

While the 2GB data per day plan falls in line with offers provided by competition, the 3GB data per day is the deal to look out for. The Rs 569 pack as no other teleco is providing 3GB data for such alluring price and validity. Data users looking for an alternative to broadband connections or with heavy data usage can opt for this pack. With this new pack, it will be interesting to see how other major players in the league react to the plan.SAN DIEGO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hifinite today announces a strategic partnership with Smart Meter and its iGlucose platform at the ATA Conference in Chicago. Hifinite empowers healthcare partners like Smart Meter by providing an integrated patient engagement, connectivity, reimbursement, education, and remote monitoring platform as a service (PaaS) technology stack. The new relationship will allow patients and physicians treating diabetes to capture glycemic levels and blood sugar monitoring data and store it to the cloud.

Hifinite licenses its platform, helping healthcare organizations to reduce costs, improve outcomes, and create efficiencies in care delivery. Hifinite's vision is to make healthcare engaging, affordable, and more accessible by introducing new innovative digital health technology solutions like Smart Meter's iGlucose Diabetes Management Solution to its partner network.

"This strategic partnership with Smart Meter (iGlucose) exemplifies how leading-edge technology companies create exponential benefit to its constituents through creative integrated approaches," Mohammed Memon, CEO for Hifinite said today in Chicago.

Hifinite and Smart Meter, an innovative data, collections and solutions company, the creator of Cell-enabled iGlucose diabetes management solution, are exhibiting together at the American Telemedicine Association's 25th Annual Conference and Expo, being held April 29May 1, 2018 at McCormick Place. Together, the two companies will demonstrate the power of how seamless, real-time data integration of diabetic management solutions from iGlucose will help doctors and patients. The partnership adds to Hifinite's dynamic remote monitoring telehealth platform, hiCare.

Cliff McIntosh, CEO of Smart Meter said, "Our cell-enabled iGlucose System is a perfect solution for people with diabetes, their caregivers, clinicians, and those providing remote monitoring services, Cellular connectivity allows data to be automatically transmitted in real time to a secure cloud platform. iGlucose eliminates the frustration surrounding unreliable Bluetooth technology currently used to transmit healthcare data and provides a simple, reliable tool, delivering real-time information."

About Hifinite

Please visit us at www.hifinite.com

SOURCE Hifinite

Related Links

http://hifinite.com

HILLSDALE, Mich., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillsdale College hosted journalist Heather Mac Donald, contributing editor at City Journal and Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, as the College's spring 2018 Eugene C. Pulliam Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Journalism.

"We were pleased to have Heather Mac Donald visit Hillsdale College this semester and offer her expertise to our students," said John J. Miller, director of Hillsdale's Herbert H. Dow II Program in American Journalism. "She is one of America's great investigative journalists and her experience is an asset to our students as they learn the craft."

As a Pulliam Fellow, Mac Donald joins a list of notable journalists who have lent their skills to Hillsdale College, including Kimberley Strassel and P.J. O'Rourke, among many others. Pulliam Fellows enjoy a two-week residency on Hillsdale's campus and teach a one-credit course in the journalism department. Fellows also consult with students who work on Hillsdale's student newspaper, The Collegian.

Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and contributing editor at City Journal, and her writing has been published in many national outlets, including Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The New Criterion, The Los Angeles Times and The New Republic. She has authored many books on culture, race and law. Her latest work is The War on Cops. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Yale University, a master's from Cambridge University and a law degree from Stanford University.

For more information about Hillsdale's Eugene C. Pulliam Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in Journalism, click here.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is an independent liberal arts college located in southern Michigan. Founded in 1844, the College 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 3.7 million. For more information visit hillsdale.edu.

SOURCE Hillsdale College

Related Links

http://www.hillsdale.edu

HILLSDALE, Mich., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillsdale College congratulates senior Daniel Cody on winning the 2018 Edward Everett Prize in Oratory in the 18th year of the annual speech competition.

"Every year, we look forward to this competition and the impressive performances from our students that it brings to center stage," said David Whalen, Hillsdale College provost. "We congratulate Daniel on this recognition of his hard work and dedication to excellence."

The competition was judged by Hillsdale College president Larry P. Arnn, professor of politics Thomas West and professor and chairman of politics Mickey Craig. Beginning with 21 applicants, Cody was one of five finalists who presented speeches in the contest's final round on March 20. Each finalist presented a memorized, 10-minute speech on the topic "National Security and Privacy: Principles for Achieving a Just Balance." Cody's winning speech focused on the need for policies to clarify and limit government use of surveillance.

Other finalists included senior Jacob Weaver, who won second place; junior Shiloh Carozza, who won third place; freshman Taryn Murphy; and junior Ellen Friesen.

Thanks to an endowment from the Saul N. Silbert Charitable Trust, Hillsdale College hosts the competition for the Edward Everett Prize in Oratory each year to encourage Hillsdale students in the development of public discourse skills. All undergraduates in good standing may compete for cash prizes of $1,000 for third place, $2,000 for second place and $3,000 for first place. For more information, click here.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is an independent liberal arts college located in southern Michigan. Founded in 1844, the College 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 3.7 million. For more information visit hillsdale.edu.

SOURCE Hillsdale College

Related Links

http://www.hillsdale.edu

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

First Quarter 2018 Highlights

Net income was $350 million compared to $92 million in the prior year period and $287 million in the prior quarter.

compared to in the prior year period and in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $405 million compared to $260 million in the prior year period and $360 million in the prior quarter.

compared to in the prior year period and in the prior quarter. Diluted income per share was $1.11 compared to $0.31 in the prior year period and $1.00 in the prior quarter.

compared to in the prior year period and in the prior quarter. Adjusted diluted income per share was $0.96 compared to $0.45 in the prior year period and $0.76 in the prior quarter.

compared to in the prior year period and in the prior quarter. Net cash provided by operating activities was $111 million . Free cash flow generation was $56 million .

. Free cash flow generation was . Balance sheet remains strong with a net leverage of 1.3x.

Completed share repurchases of approximately $103 million through April 19, 2018 , and approximately $347 million remains on the existing share repurchase authorization.

through , and approximately remains on the existing share repurchase authorization. Expanded the Polyurethanes downstream business with the acquisition of Demilec, a leading North American polyurethane spray foam producer, which was completed on April 23, 2018 .





Three months ended



March 31,

December 31, In millions, except per share amounts

2018

2017

2017













Revenues

$2,295

$1,932

$ 2,203













Net income

$ 350

$ 92

$ 287 Adjusted net income(1)

$ 237

$ 110

$ 186













Diluted income per share

$ 1.11

$ 0.31

$ 1.00 Adjusted diluted income per share(1)

$ 0.96

$ 0.45

$ 0.76













Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$ 405

$ 260

$ 360













Net cash provided by operating activities











from continuing operations

$ 111

$ 70

$ 304 Free cash flow(3)

$ 56

$ 23

$ 190













See end of press release for footnote explanations

Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) today reported first quarter 2018 results with revenues of $2,295 million, net income of $350 million and adjusted EBITDA of $405 million.

Peter R. Huntsman, Chairman, President and CEO, commented:

"We have started 2018 fully engaged in executing the priorities that we have outlined to our shareholders. Our core business continues to perform well. All of our divisions improved over the previous year and we continue to expect all divisions will finish this year stronger than last year. Our continued focus on free cash flow produced cash generation well ahead of last year and puts us fully on pace to achieve our 2018 target of $450-$650 million.

"As we announced in the previous quarter, we have initiated a share buyback program. Through April 19, 2018, we spent $103 million on buybacks at an average price of $29.45 per share. We also announced the closing of the Demilec acquisition. This acquisition will provide further downstream growth while generating stronger margins and stability. We will continue to pursue the prudent deployment of capital to create further shareholder value."

Segment Analysis for 1Q18 Compared to 1Q17

Polyurethanes

The increase in revenues in our Polyurethanes segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017 was due to higher average selling prices and higher sales volumes. MDI average selling prices increased in response to continued strong market conditions. MTBE average selling prices increased primarily as a result of higher pricing for high octane gasoline. MDI sales volumes increased due to increased demand across most major markets. MTBE sales volumes increased due to increased demand for MTBE. The increase in segment adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher MDI margins as well as higher MTBE margins.

Performance Products

The increase in revenues in our Performance Products segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017 was due to higher average selling prices and higher sales volumes. Average selling prices increased primarily due to strong market conditions across several of our derivatives businesses and in response to higher raw material costs. Sales volumes increased in our amines, maleic anhydride and ethylene glycol businesses. The increase in segment adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher volumes and margins.

Advanced Materials

The increase in revenues in our Advanced Materials segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period in 2017 was due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower sales volumes. Average selling prices increased largely in response to higher raw material costs and the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar against major international currencies. Sales volumes increased across most markets in our core specialty business but were more than offset by lower sales volumes in our wind market. Segment adjusted EBITDA increased due to higher specialty sales volumes and lower fixed costs, partially offset by higher raw material costs.

Textile Effects

The increase in revenues in our Textile Effects segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017 was due to higher sales volumes, partially offset by lower average selling prices. Sales volumes increased in textile chemicals, particularly in our Asia and South America regions. Average selling prices decreased primarily due to product mix effect, partially offset by the impact of a weaker U.S. dollar against major international currencies. The increase in segment adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher sales volumes, lower fixed costs and certain credits during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Corporate, LIFO and other

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, segment adjusted EBITDA from Corporate and other for Huntsman Corporation was a loss of $43 million which was flat with the prior year period 2017.

Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Our former Pigments and Additives segment, now known as Venator, is classified as held for sale on our balance sheet and treated as discontinued operations on our income statement. Please refer to the Form 8-K we filed on October 31, 2017 with certain restated historical financial data. Huntsman currently owns 53% of Venator's outstanding shares.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Outstanding Debt

During the quarter we generated adjusted free cash flow of $56 million compared to $23 million a year ago. As of March 31, 2018, we had $1,249 million of combined cash and unused borrowing capacity compared to $1,247 million as of December 31, 2017.

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we spent $55 million on capital expenditures compared to $51 million in the same period of 2017. We expect to spend approximately $325 million on capital expenditures in 2018.

Through April 19, 2018, we have spent approximately $103 million to repurchase approximately 3.5 million shares. We currently have approximately $347 million remaining on our existing share repurchase authorization.

On April 23, 2018, we completed the acquisition of Demilec. We funded the purchase price of $350 million, plus customary working capital adjustments, with available liquidity.

Income Taxes

During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded income tax expense of $53 million compared to $19 million during the same period in 2017. In the first quarter 2018, our adjusted effective tax rate was 19%. Our 2018 adjusted effective tax rate will be approximately 20% - 22%. We expect our long-term adjusted effective tax rate will be approximately 23% - 25%.

Earnings Conference Call Information

We will hold a conference call to discuss our first quarter 2018 financial results on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Call-in numbers for the conference call: U.S. participants (888) 713  4213 International participants (617) 213 - 4865 Passcode 755 496 16#

In order to facilitate the registration process, you may use the following link to pre-register for the conference call. Callers who pre-register will be given a unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. You may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time. To pre-register, please go to: https://www.theconferencingservice.com/prereg/key.process?key=P8QQKLTUE

Webcast Information

The conference call will be available via webcast and can be accessed from the company's website at ir.huntsman.com.

Replay Information

The conference call will be available for replay beginning May 1, 2018 and ending May 8, 2018.

Call-in numbers for the replay: U.S. participants (888) 286 - 8010 International participants (617) 801 - 6888 Replay code 29385180

Upcoming Conferences

During the second quarter a member of management is expected to present at:

Wells Fargo Industrials Conference on May 8, 2018

TPH Hotter 'N Hell Conference on May 15, 2018

KeyBanc Capital Markets' Industrials and Basic Materials Conference on May 30, 2018

Deutsche Bank's Annual Global Industrials and Materials Summit on June 6, 2018

Vertical Research Partners Global Materials Conference on June 14, 2018

A webcast of the presentation, if applicable, along with accompanying materials will be available at ir.huntsman.com.

2018 Investor Day

Huntsman will host a meeting for investors and analysts on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., local time in New York City. The agenda for the meeting will include a review of the company's business strategy and an in-depth discussion of each of the company's businesses. Presenters will include Peter Huntsman, Chairman, President and CEO, and other business leaders. Contact [email protected] for more information or to RSVP. A live webcast and presentation materials will be available the day of the event at ir.huntsman.com. A replay of the webcast will be available following the presentations.

Table 1  Results of Operations













Three months ended



March 31, In millions, except per share amounts

2018

2017









Revenues

$2,295

$1,932 Cost of goods sold

1,755

1,542 Gross profit

540

390 Operating expenses

242

219 Restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs

2

9 Operating income

296

162 Interest expense

(27)

(48) Equity in income of investment in unconsolidated affiliates

13

- Other income, net

7

4 Income before income taxes

289

118 Income tax expense

(53)

(19) Income from continuing operations

236

99 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax(4)

114

(7) Net income

350

92 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

(76)

(16) Net income attributable to Huntsman Corporation

$ 274

$ 76



















Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$ 405

$ 260 Adjusted net income(1)

$ 237

$ 110



















Basic income per share

$ 1.14

$ 0.32 Diluted income per share

$ 1.11

$ 0.31 Adjusted diluted income per share(1)

$ 0.96

$ 0.45









Common share information:







Basic shares outstanding

241

237 Diluted shares

246

243 Diluted shares for adjusted diluted income per share

246

243









See end of press release for footnote explanations

Table 2  Results of Operations by Segment

















Three months ended







March 31,

Better / In millions

2018

2017

(Worse)













Segment Revenues:











Polyurethanes

$1,222

$ 953

28% Performance Products

603

533

13% Advanced Materials

279

259

8% Textile Effects

200

188

6% Corporate and eliminations

(9)

(1)

n/m













Total

$2,295

$1,932

19%













Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1):











Polyurethanes

$ 261

$ 144

81% Performance Products

102

84

21% Advanced Materials

59

54

9% Textile Effects

26

21

24% Corporate, LIFO and other

(43)

(43)

0%













Total

$ 405

$ 260

56% n/m = not meaningful

























See end of press release for footnote explanations

Table 3  Factors Impacting Sales Revenue

























Three months ended



March 31, 2018 vs. 2017



Average Selling Price(a)















Local

Exchange

Sales Mix

Sales







Currency

Rate

& Other

Volume(b)

Total





















Polyurethanes

15%

7%

(3)%

9%

28% Performance Products

8%

3%

(8)%

10%

13% Advanced Materials

2%

7%

2%

(3)%

8% Textile Effects

(3)%

4%

2%

3%

6% Total Company

8%

6%

(4)%

9%

19%























(a) Excludes sales from tolling arrangements, by-products and raw materials. (b) Excludes sales from by-products and raw materials.

Table 4  Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures













































Income Tax









Diluted Income



EBITDA

Expense

Net Income

Per Share



Three months ended

Three months ended

Three months ended

Three months ended



March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31, In millions, except per share amounts

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

































Net income

$ 350

$ 92









$ 350

$ 92

$ 1.42

$ 0.38 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(76)

(16)









(76)

(16)

(0.31)

(0.07)

































Net income attributable to Huntsman Corporation

274

76









274

76

1.11

0.31 Interest expense from continuing operations

27

48























Interest expense from discontinued operations(4)

9

-























Income tax expense from continuing operations

53

19

$ (53)

$ (19)















Income tax expense from discontinued operations(4)

20

3























Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations

82

76























Depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations(4)

-

30























Acquisition and integration expenses

1

3

-

(1)

1

2

-

0.01 EBITDA / Income from discontinued operations, net of tax(4)

(143)

(26)

N/A

N/A

(114)

7

(0.46)

0.03 Noncontrolling interest of discontinued operations(1)(4)

55

3

N/A

N/A

55

3

0.22

0.01 Certain legal and other settlements and related expenses

7

-

(1)

-

6

-

0.02

- Amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses

17

19

(4)

(4)

13

15

0.05

0.06 Restructuring, impairment and plant closing and transition costs

3

9

(1)

(2)

2

7

0.01

0.03

































Adjusted(1)

$ 405

$ 260

$ (59)

$ (26)

$ 237

$ 110

$ 0.96

$ 0.45

































Adjusted income tax expense(1)

















$ 59

$ 26







Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

















76

16







Noncontrolling interest of discontinued operations(1)(4)

















(55)

(3)









































Adjusted pre-tax income(1)

















$ 317

$ 149









































Adjusted effective tax rate

















19%

17%





















































Income Tax









Diluted Income



EBITDA

Expense

Net Income

Per Share



Three months ended

Three months ended

Three months ended

Three months ended



December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31, In millions, except per share amounts

2017

2017

2017

2017

































Net income

$ 287













$ 287





$ 1.17



Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(41)













(41)





(0.17)





































Net income attributable to Huntsman Corporation

246













246





1.00



Interest expense from continuing operations

31



























Interest expense from discontinued operations(4)

11



























Income tax expense from continuing operations

(14)





$ 14



















Income tax expense from discontinued operations(4)

26



























Depreciation and amortization from continuing operations

84



























Acquisition and integration expenses

2





(1)





1





-



EBITDA / Income from discontinued operations, net of tax(4)

(94)





N/A





(57)





(0.23)



Noncontrolling interest of discontinued operations(1)(4)

31





N/A





31





0.13



U.S. tax reform impact on noncontrolling interest

(6)





N/A





(6)





(0.02)



U.S. tax reform impact on tax expense

N/A





(52)





(52)





(0.21)



Gain on disposition of businesses/assets

(1)





-





(1)





-



Loss on early extinguishment of debt

18





(7)





11





0.04



Expenses associated with merger

10





(9)





1





-



Certain legal and other settlements and related credits

(12)





4





(8)





(0.03)



Net plant incident costs

3





(2)





1





-



Amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses

18





(5)





13





0.05



Restructuring, impairment and plant closing and transition costs

7





(1)





6





0.02





































Adjusted(1)

$ 360





$ (59)





$ 186





$ 0.76





































Adjusted income tax expense(1)

















$ 59











Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

















41











Noncontrolling interest of discontinued operations(1)(4)

















(31)











U.S. tax reform impact on noncontrolling interest

















6













































Adjusted pre-tax income(1)

















$ 261













































Adjusted effective tax rate

















23%













































See end of press release for footnote explanations

Table 5  Selected Balance Sheet Items













March 31,

December 31, In millions

2018

2017



















Cash

$ 453

$ 481 Accounts and notes receivable, net

1,407

1,283 Inventories

1,203

1,073 Other current assets

262

262 Current assets held for sale

3,060

2,880 Property, plant and equipment, net

3,117

3,098 Other assets

1,201

1,167









Total assets

$ 10,703

$ 10,244









Accounts payable

$ 993

$ 964 Other current liabilities

533

569 Current portion of debt

36

40 Current liabilities held for sale

1,721

1,692 Long-term debt

2,298

2,258 Other liabilities

1,353

1,350 Total equity

3,769

3,371









Total liabilities and equity

$ 10,703

$ 10,244

Table 6  Outstanding Debt













March 31,

December 31, In millions

2018

2017



















Debt:







Senior credit facilities

$ -

$ - Accounts receivable programs

184

180 Senior notes

1,964

1,927 Variable interest entities

105

107 Other debt

81

84









Total debt - excluding affiliates

2,334

2,298









Total cash

453

481









Net debt- excluding affiliates

$ 1,881

$ 1,817

Table 7  Summarized Statement of Cash Flows













Three months ended



March 31, In millions

2018

2017









Total cash at beginning of period(a)

$ 719

$425









Net cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations

111

70 Net cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations(4)

52

23 Net cash used in investing activities - continuing operations

(69)

(47) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities - discontinued operations(4)

(67)

24 Net cash used in financing activities

(86)

(31) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

16

5







- Total cash at end of period(a)

$ 676

$469









Supplemental cash flow information - continuing operations:







Cash paid for interest

$ (12)

$ (36) Cash paid for income taxes

(26)

(8) Cash paid for capital expenditures

(55)

(51) Depreciation and amortization

82

76









Changes in primary working capital:







Accounts and notes receivable

(104)

(55) Inventories

(105)

(109) Accounts payable

36

83









Total cash used in primary working capital

$ (173)

$ (81)

































Three months ended



March 31,



2018

2017 Free cash flow(3):







Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 111

$ 70 Capital expenditures

(55)

(51) All other investing activities, excluding acquisition and disposition activities(b)

-

4









Total free cash flow

$ 56

$ 23



















Adjusted EBITDA

$ 405

$260 Capital expenditures

(55)

(51) Capital reimbursements

1

1 Interest

(12)

(36) Income taxes

(26)

(8) Primary working capital change

(173)

(81) Restructuring

-

(9) Pensions

(31)

(15) Maintenance & other

(53)

(38)









Total free cash flow(3)

$ 56

$ 23





(a) Includes restricted cash and cash held in discontinued operations. (b) Represents "Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired", "Cash received from purchase price adjustment for business acquired", and "Proceeds from sale of business/assets".

Footnotes



(1) We use adjusted EBITDA to measure the operating performance of our business and for planning and evaluating the performance of our business segments. We provide adjusted net income because we feel it provides meaningful insight for the investment community into the performance of our business. We believe that net income (loss) is the performance measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP") that is most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income. Additional information with respect to our use of each of these financial measures follows:





Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted income (loss) per share, as used herein, are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.





Adjusted EBITDA is computed by eliminating the following from net income (loss): (a) net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax; (b) interest; (c) income taxes; (d) depreciation and amortization; (e) acquisition and integration expenses; (f) income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax; (g) noncontrolling interest of discontinued operations (h) loss (gain) on disposition of businesses/assets; (i) loss on early extinguishment of debt; (j) expenses associated with merger; (k) certain legal and other settlements and related expenses (credits) (l) net plant incident costs (credits); (m) amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses (gains); and (n) restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs (credits). The reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) is set forth in Table 4 above.





Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted diluted income (loss) per share are computed by eliminating the after tax impact of the following items from net income (loss: (a) net income attributable to noncontrolling interest; (b) acquisition and integration expenses, purchase accounting adjustments; (c) impact of certain foreign tax credit elections; (d) income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax; (e) discount amortization on settlement financing associated with the terminated merger; (f) loss (gain) on disposition of businesses/assets; (g) loss on early extinguishment of debt; (h) expenses associated with the merger; (i) certain legal and other settlements and related expenses (credits); (j) net plant incident costs (credits); (k) noncontrolling interest of discontinued operations; (l) amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses (gains); and (m) restructuring, impairment and plant closing costs (credits). The income tax impacts, if any, of each adjusting item represent a ratable allocation of the total difference between the unadjusted tax expense and the total adjusted tax expense, computed without consideration of any adjusting items using a with and without approach. We do not adjust for changes in tax valuation allowances because we do not believe it provides more meaningful information than is provided under GAAP. The reconciliation of adjusted net income (loss) to net income (loss) is set forth in Table 4 above.



(2) Pro forma adjusted to exclude the sale of our European differentiated surfactants business to Innospec on December 30, 2016 as if it had occurred at the beginning of the relevant period.



(3) Management internally uses a free cash flow measure: (a) to evaluate the Company's liquidity, (b) to evaluate strategic investments, (c) to plan stock buyback and dividend levels and (d) to evaluate the Company's ability to incur and service debt. Free cash flow is not a defined term under U.S. GAAP, and it should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flow provided by operating activities less cash flow used in investing activities, excluding acquisition/disposition activities and non-recurring separation costs. Free cash flow is typically derived directly from the Company's condensed consolidated statement of cash flows; however, it may be adjusted for items that affect comparability between periods.



(4) During the third quarter of 2017 we separated our Pigments and Additives division through an Initial Public Offering of Venator Materials PLC; Additionally, during the first quarter 2010 we closed our Australian styrenics operations. Results from these associated businesses are treated as discontinued operations.

About Huntsman:

Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2017 revenues more than $8 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 75 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in approximately 30 countries and employ approximately 10,000 associates within our four distinct business divisions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.

Social Media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain information in this release constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, including any delay of, or other negative developments affecting the ability to implement cost reductions and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses and realize anticipated cost savings, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

SOURCE Huntsman Corporation

Related Links

http://www.huntsman.com

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- IGEL, a world leader in endpoint management software for the secure enterprise, will demonstrate how it is stepping boldly into the future of end user computing through its portfolio of simple, smart and secure endpoint management solutions in Booth #202 at Citrix Synergy 2018, taking place May 8-10 in Anaheim, Calif.

"Citrix Synergy is one of our most important events of the year," said Jed Ayres, President and CEO, IGEL North America. "This year, we are returning to the event as a Platinum level sponsor and look forward to networking with our current and prospective customers and partners while demonstrating how they can harness the power of our software-defined endpoint management solutions to optimize the end user computing experience. Key initiatives for IT enterprises in which IGEL has the ability to be a significant enabler include securing the endpoint, migrating to Windows 10 and cloud onboarding. We invite attendees to join us in our Booth Innovation Theater, breakout sessions and happy hours being held throughout the event to learn more."

Turning IT Pros into IT Ballers

In 2018, IGEL is giving away $120,000 and helping IT pros become IT Ballers by demonstrating how they can improve operations, save money and increase security when they leverage IGEL's innovative, software-defined endpoint computing solutions. Through December 19, there will be six opportunities to win $20,000. The first IT Baller giveaway winner will be selected on Thursday, May 10 at Citrix Synergy 2018. To enter the IT Baller sweepstakes, participants must complete a short survey at www.igel.com/itballer-contest/

Citrix Synergy attendees can enter to win on-site when they attend any one of the IGEL Citrix Synergy innovation theater presentations featuring guest presenters from IGEL ecosystem partners including AMD, Citrix, Imprivata, Lakeside, Nutanix, NVIDIA, UniPrint, VMware, and others; score highest on the 'virtual' race car game powered by IGEL, NVIDIA and Citrix; receive a golden ticket for wearing IT Baller swag during the event; or, take the IT Baller survey. Complete contest details are available at: https://www.igel.com/itballer/.

IGEL OS-Powered Endpoint Solutions Are Citrix Ready

IGEL has been working with Citrix for more than 15 years, and as a Citrix Ready partner, remains committed to developing new and innovative ways in which to collaborate with Citrix to enhance the end-user computing experience.

IGEL solutions that have been verified as Citrix Ready include IGEL OS-powered Universal Desktop (UD) thin and IZ Series zero clients and all-in-one thin client solutions as listed on the Citrix Ready Marketplace. Verified IGEL OS UDs support HDX Insight providing end-to end visibility for ICA traffic passing through NetScaler ADC. Additionally, IGEL offers the Universal Management Suite (UMS) and IGEL Cloud Gateway (ICG) to facilitate the management of any IGEL-OS powered device wherever it may be. With more than 7,000 settings and hundreds of templates to choose from, IGEL delivers IT have unparalleled control that is simple and quick to configure.

Among IGEL's Citrix Ready solutions being demonstrated during Citrix Synergy 2018 are the IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS); the IGEL Universal Desktop Converter (UDC); the IGEL Universal IGEL UD Pocket micro client, winner of a Gold Stevie Award in 2017 American Business Awards; IGEL OS-powered Universal Desktop (UD) thin clients; and, Samsung all-in-one thin client solutions. IGEL will also demonstrate the recently introduced IGEL UD7 featuring integrated AMD Embedded R-Series SOC with AMD Radeon R5 Graphics and multi-monitor support for 4K displays at 60Hz.

IGEL and Lakeside Software Team to Enhance Endpoint Visibility

IGEL is teaming with Lakeside Software at Citrix Synergy to demonstrate the capabilities of the Lakeside Software SysTrack Virtual Channel for IGEL OS in IGEL Booth #202. Designed to augment visibility into IGEL OS-powered endpoints, SysTrack leverages a virtual channel to provide IT organizations with a robust set of workspace analytics that gathers endpoint metrics such as CPU performance, system memory, disk usage, peripheral devices, network connectivity and latency directly from the enterprise's IGEL-powered endpoints. Next, SysTrack directly ties the collected data to the endpoint's active Citrix VDI sessions and presents IT organizations with telemetry they can then use to monitor, analyze and optimize their IGEL and end-user computing (EUC) environments.

Customer and Partner Engagement and Education at Citrix Synergy

Throughout Citrix Synergy 2018, IGEL will be hosting invitation-only meetings with the IGEL Customer Advisory Council (CAC), the IGEL Marketing Advisory Council (MAC), the IGEL Partner Advisory Council (PAC), and quarterly business reviews with its Platinum level partners.

Citrix Synergy attendees are also invited to attend the IGEL Technical Bootcamp session on Monday, May 7 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, where they will have an opportunity to earn IGEL Certified Engineer (ICE) status through this intensive, one-day training course. For more information or to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/igel-technical-boot-camp-at-citrix-synergy-tickets-43732167089. The IGEL Technical Bootcamp session will be followed by the IGEL Community Happy Hour with Douglas Brown, IGEL's Global Technology Evangelist from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. To register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/igel-community-happy-hour-with-doug-brown-tickets-43759434647.

On Wednesday, May 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Douglas Brown and Christian Drieling, Senior Systems Engineer for IGEL will present a breakout session, "SYN150: A Software-Defined Approach to Managing and Securing the Endpoint." For more details, visit https://citrix.g2planet.com/citrixsynergy2018/event_agenda#content.

For more information on IGEL at Citrix Synergy 2018, visit https://www.igel.com/synergy/. To experience the capabilities of the IGEL OS, Universal Desktop Converter (UDC) and IGEL Universal Management Suite (UMS), download here, or request free evaluation hardware. To locate an IGEL partner, visit https://www.igel.com/find-a-solution-provider/.

IGEL on Social Media

Twitter: www.twitter.com/IGEL_Technology

Facebook: www.facebook.com/igel.technology

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101270758605662221044

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/igel-technology

IGEL Community: http://slack.igelcommunity.com

IGEL Community on LinkedIn: http://www.igelcommunity.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/IGELTechnologyTV

About IGEL

IGEL delivers powerful unified endpoint management software that is revolutionary in its simplicity and purpose-built for the enterprise. The company's world-leading software products include the IGEL OS, Universal Desktop Converter (UDC), IGEL Cloud Gateway (ICG), IGEL UD Pocket (UDP) and Universal Management Suite (UMS). These solutions enable a more secure, manageable and cost-effective endpoint management platform across nearly any x86 device. Additionally, IGEL's German engineered and manufactured thin, zero and all-in-one client solutions deliver the industry's best warranty (5 years), support (3 years after end of life) and management functionality. IGEL enables enterprises to precisely control all devices running IGEL OS as well as Windows OS from a single dashboard interface. IGEL has offices worldwide and is represented by partners in over 50 countries. For more information on IGEL, visit www.igel.com.

SOURCE IGEL

Related Links

http://www.igel.com

ATLANTA, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- November will be the biggest month for make-up artists, enthusiasts and industry leaders in Atlanta with the long-awaited arrival of the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS), Nov. 17 and 18 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

For the first time ever, Atlanta will host IMATS, the greatest celebration of make-up artistry. Beauty, motion picture and make-up effects leaders will share their secrets and demonstrate the latest techniques and innovations.

With many of the best make-up brands in the industry and amazing discounts, IMATS Atlanta will be the ideal place to shop, connect, get inspired and play with the latest products ahead of the holiday season.

For over 20 years, IMATS has delivered an incredible experience, and the first IMATS in Atlanta will be just as exciting. Beauty experts such as Derrick Rutledge, Oprah's personal make-up artist, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Denise and Janice Tunnell, DeShawn Hatcher, Sam Fine and others will speak at Atlanta's first IMATS.

Also, runway, editorial, film and television make-up expertssuch as Romero Jennings, Joel Harlow, Jonah Levy, Matthew Silva, Mimi Choi, Saj Mack, Sian Richards and Stephanie Andersonwill share their newest techniques and career advice.

Long before there was Syfy's Face Off there was the IMATS Battle of the Brushes! International students will race to create winning looks and take-home cash and prizes. Themes this year are Wildwood Warrior for beauty/fantasy and Victorian Emporium for character make-up.

Kryolan Professional Make-up and NYX Professional Makeup will be show sponsors this year.

Additional speakers to be confirmed. Visit imats.net for tickets, details on education and more.

Produced by Make-Up Artist magazine, IMATS is also held annually in Los Angeles, New York, London, Toronto, and Vancouver, British Columbia. For more IMATS and make-up industry updates, connect with IMATS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Qualified press outlets interested in personal interviews with Mimi Choi or Executive Producer Michael Key, or seeking press credentials, please visit: imats.net/press/. Press registration deadline is Oct. 17.

Media Contact:

Heli Del Moral

(360) 882-3488, ext. 102

[email protected]

SOURCE International Make-Up Artist Trade Show

Related Links

http://www.imats.net

CHICAGO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- La Kart Marketing is pleased to announce the release of economic promotional packages with the aim of integrating social networks, content and advertising. These modular packages were designed to adapt to the needs and budget of small businesses that, just like corporate executives, are seeking ways to develop their personal brand and promote a successful career: whether by publishing a book, being part of a corporate council or offering a series of seminars.

Founder and strategist Paula Otero shares that the packages were inspired after meeting hundreds of entrepreneurs and business owners over a 4-year period and discovering that their greatest obstacle was promoting their business or themselves as professionals in a comprehensive fashion and with a consistent image.

La Kart Marketing has successfully launched campaigns of this kind for companies and executives. There was an "aha!" moment when Paula realized that there was no one actually providing such professional help for small businesses and executives seeking to raise their profile. What was missing on the market were modular packages that are easy to understand and put to use, at prices that are affordable for this substantial market segment. "There are lots of companies and professionals that get stuck at a certain level because they don't know how to keep on promoting themselves due to limited resources."

"There's a whole market that isn't being served, waiting for skillful companies like La Kart Marketing that can integrate executives' needs with the advanced strategies that today's technologies can provide," Otero notes.

There are now more than 3.3 million Latin businesses, and despite the fact that they're growing at a higher rate than the national average, they have a tendency to be on the smaller side, many of them generating less than $100,000 in annual income.

"My goal is to get resources to reach these small businesses so they can compete in a world where the quality of the message, content and positioning are keys to keeping on growing," Otero concludes.

La Kart, a boutique advertising firm, was founded in 2014 by the renowned marketing and advertising executive Paula Otero, a proud native of the beautiful port city of Acapulco in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.

SOURCE La Kart Marketing

Related Links

http://www.lakartnet.com

WASHINGTON and PORTLAND, Maine, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asset Leadership Network (ALN) and 4tell Solutions, LP (4tell) announced today the publication of ASSET MANAGEMENT IN HIGH PERFORMANCE ORGANIZATIONS  A Roadmap to High Performance: ISO 55000 and a Management Systems Approach to Asset Management. The paper is an in-depth study of the origins, evolution, and successes of the international standard for asset management known as ISO 55000. The authors make the case for ISO 55000 as a roadmap for those who want to build or maintain a HPO.

Jim Kavanagh, CEO of 4tell, says, "Today's business environment and distributed asset portfolios benefit greatly from a global industry standard. ISO 55000 supports a consistent framework for asset management and empowers organizations to benchmark overall portfolio performance and align capital investments with their core mission."

The paper was co-authored by Jack Kelly, ALN Senior Fellow for Federal Programs, and Michael Hardy, Director at 4tell and ALN Senior Fellow for State and Local Government, to provide teams with the management context, specific guidance and actionable steps they need to achieve success using the ISO 55000 management systems standard for asset management.

"I wish ISO 55000 had been in place while I was at OMB," says Jack Kelly, a 36-year veteran of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. "It would have provided very valuable guidance for all of the management reform projects on which I worked. I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to participate in creating a document that will make the standard accessible to a broad community of potential users. I think the white paper does that.

An electronic version of the publication is available at no cost to public sector teams, institutions, corporate organizations and others interested in unlocking the secret to becoming a HPO by reinventing the organization's relationship to asset management. Download

About Asset Leadership Network: The Asset Leadership Network is an organization composed of asset management industry leading organizations representing asset holders, professional and standards organizations, and solutions providers that support and help private industry, public organizations and government entities realize value from their assets through the application and practice of the ISO 55000 Asset Management set of standards and global asset management best practices. (www.assetleadership.net)

About 4tell Solutions, LP: 4tell develops Capital Asset Performance Software that allows organizations to eectively align their deployment of capital with business goals and mission objectives following the principles set forth in ISO 55000. The foundation is the 4tell Platform which addresses the need for owners, executives, managers, engineers, service providers, consultants, and others to be able to compile and leverage shared capital asset data on behalf of the organization. 4tell develops products that drive eciencies and enhance value from specic industry standard practices and business processes. (www.4tellsolutions.com)

SOURCE 4tell Solutions, LP

Related Links

http://www.4tellsolutions.com

"We urge everyone to do a compassionate ACTION for chickens, on or around May 4th," says Karen Davis, president of United Poultry Concerns which promotes the compassionate and respectful treatment of chickens and other domestic fowl.

"A library display, a vegan open house, an informative blog post, or simply talking to family and friends about the plight  and delight  of chickens are great ways to stick up for chickens," Davis says.

To honor International Respect for Chickens Day, activists are organizing creative actions across the U.S. and the world including an International Respect for Chickens Day at Good Earth Natural Foods in Fairfax, CA and International Respect for Chickens Day at the White House in Washington DC on Saturday, May 5th. In May, we are advertising for chickens on Philadelphia's commuter rail line into New Jersey featuring a mother hen protecting a rescued chick under her wing proclaiming "What Wings Are For."

Chicago activists will celebrate International Respect for Chickens Day with a Rally to End Slaughter at a Chicago live poultry market in a "hipster" neighborhood, and in Minneapolis a special event will Celebrate International Respect for Chickens Day at Chicken Run Rescue with award-winning independent documentary filmmaker Sam Sprynczynatyk and Producer Medora Frei, who will show clips and give a brief presentation about their upcoming film, Kindred Creatures, featuring several Minnesota/Wisconsin sanctuaries including Chicken Run Rescue.

"Happy chickens are cheerful birds," says Karen Davis, who maintains a sanctuary for chickens in Virginia. "Chickens love the earth and sun, yet millions are sitting in filthy dark buildings on crippled legs breathing polluted air, as documented in my book Prisoned Chickens, Poisoned Eggs. My article 'The Social Life of Chickens' shows who chickens truly are  vibrant, personable, earth-loving, friendly birds."

United Poultry Concerns urges people to celebrate chickens on the planet instead of the plate. For information, visit United Poultry Concerns at http://www.upc-online.org.

SOURCE United Poultry Concerns

Related Links

http://www.upc-online.org

Key strategies businesses are using to stay on top of the legislation  which entails everything from a lower corporate tax rate to expensing certain capital investments  include conducting training (42 percent), upgrading financial systems (34 percent) and bringing in subject matter experts (33 percent). More than one in five CFOs (21 percent) said their companies are hiring full-time staff to prepare to meet the new requirements.

View an infographic showing the full results on preparedness for the new tax law.

CFOs were asked: "How prepared is your company to handle tax accounting reform changes?" Their responses:

Very prepared 32% Somewhat prepared 56% Not very prepared 9% Not at all prepared 3%

100%

CFOs were also asked, "How is your company preparing to meet the demands of the new tax accounting reform changes?" Their responses*:

Conducting training 42% Upgrading financial systems 34% Bringing in subject matter experts 33% Hiring full-time staff 21% Other 15%

*Multiple responses permitted.

Businesses looking to hire professionals to help prepare for the tax changes may find it difficult. More than nine in 10 CFOs (91 percent) reported at least some challenges finding skilled professionals.

"Companies need to move quickly to get the right people and teams in place, provide training, and upgrade systems to ensure a smooth transition to the new tax mandates," said Steve Saah, executive director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting. "Acting fast to make necessary hires takes on greater importance, given today's low unemployment rates and talent shortages."

Saah added, "Change not only gives businesses the opportunity to look under the hood to ensure they're in compliance, it also allows them to determine if there's room for improvement, additional savings or the ability to layer in staff to help."

Other key takeaways from the Robert Half Finance & Accounting research:

The top four U.S. markets hiring full-time staff to ensure readiness for tax reform are the San Francisco Bay Area , San Diego , St. Louis and Cleveland .

, , and . The following four cities are the least prepared, according to CFOs in those areas: Minneapolis , Des Moines , Cleveland , and St. Louis .

, , , and . The top industries planning to bring on full-time staff include finance, insurance and real estate (32 percent), and business services (28 percent).

Larger companies (1,000 employees or more) are slightly more prepared than smaller companies (20-249 employees).

About the Research

The survey was developed by Robert Half Finance & Accounting and conducted by an independent research firm. It is based on responses from more than 2,000 CFOs from a stratified random sample of companies in more than 20 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas.

About Robert Half Finance & Accounting

Founded in 1948, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, a division of Robert Half, is the world's first and largest specialized financial recruitment service. The company has more than 300 locations worldwide. For more information, visit roberthalf.com/finance. For finance and accounting management and career advice, visit our blog.

SOURCE Robert Half Finance & Accounting

Related Links

http://roberthalf.com

From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As...BOSTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The five John Hancock closed-end funds listed below declared their monthly distributions today as follows:

Declaration Date: May 1, 2018 Ex Date: May 10, 2018 Record Date: May 11, 2018 Payment Date: May 31, 2018

Ticker Fund Name Distribution

Per Share Change From

Previous

Distribution Market Price as

of 4/30/2018 Annualized Current

Distribution Rate at

Market HPI Preferred Income Fund $0.1400 - $20.45 8.22% HPF Preferred Income Fund II $0.1400 - $19.84 8.47% HPS Preferred Income Fund III $0.1222 - $17.78 8.25% PDT Premium Dividend Fund $0.0975 - $15.15 7.72% HTD Tax-Advantaged Dividend

Income Fund $0.1380 - $22.16 7.47%

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund

Premium Dividend Fund (the "Fund") declared its monthly distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "PDT Plan"). Under the PDT Plan, the Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount equal to $0.0975 per share. This amount will be paid monthly until further notice.

Distributions under the PDT Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized long-term capital gains, net realized short-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital.

The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of not incurring federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of not incurring federal excise tax on ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular monthly distributions.

The Board may amend the terms of the PDT Plan or terminate the PDT Plan at any time.

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (the "Fund") declared its monthly distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "HTD Plan"). Under the HTD Plan, the Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount equal to $0.1380 per share. This amount will be paid monthly until further notice.

Distributions under the HTD Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized long-term capital gains, net realized short-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital.

The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of not incurring federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of not incurring federal excise tax on ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular monthly distributions.

The Board may amend the terms of the HTD Plan or terminate the HTD Plan at any time.

*****

A portion of a Fund's current distribution may include sources other than net investment income, including a return of capital. Investors should understand that a return of capital is not a distribution from income or gains of a Fund. As required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, a notice with the estimated components of the distribution will be sent to shareholders at the time of payment if it does not consist solely of net investment income. Such notice will also be posted to the Funds' website at www.jhinvestments.com . The notice should not be used to prepare tax returns as the estimates indicated in the notice may differ from the ultimate federal income tax characterization of distributions. After the end of each calendar year, investors will be sent a Form 1099-DIV informing them how to report distributions received during that year for federal income tax purposes.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.

About John Hancock Investments

John Hancock Investments provides asset management services to individuals and institutions through a unique manager-of-managers approach. A wealth management business of John Hancock Financial, we managed more than $155 billion in assets as of December 31, 2017 across mutual funds, college savings plans, and retirement plans.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were over C$1 trillion (US$829 billion) as of December 30, 2017. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

SOURCE John Hancock InvestmentsJACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson Vision today presented new data on the discovery of antioxidant properties of the ultraviolet (UV) blocker in ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. Two studies presented at the medical congress demonstrated that Norbloc, the UV-blocker in all ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses, also behaved as an antioxidant and provided a protective effect to a tear film component that can be taken into the lens during wear.

"It has long been established that ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses, in addition to offering excellent vision correction, provide benefits to contact lens wearers by helping protect their eyes from UV rays," said Dr. Charles Scales, principal scientist and leader of the Scientific Evidence Team within Global Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. "This new research through two different experimental models showed that the same component that provides UV blocking also provided antioxidant protection," he continued. "In these studies, Norbloc exhibited antioxidant properties greater than many known biologically significant antioxidants. This is important, new scientific information for eye care professionals given the heightened consumer interest in health and antioxidants," Scales said.

Also in this study, within the lens, Norbloc provided a protective effect from oxidation of a tear film lipid, which may support the comfort observed with ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses.

In one laboratory study (poster #B0074), the antioxidant capacity of Norbloc was compared to 10 known antioxidant compounds using Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC), a method widely used in the food and beverage industry. The ORAC test demonstrated that Norbloc has a very high antioxidant capacity, with an ORAC score four times higher than Vitamin E, an essential vitamin and antioxidant obtained through nutrition and used in certain commercial applications. The antioxidant capacity of Norbloc was significantly higher than nine out of the 10 antioxidant materials tested.

In a second study (poster #B0084), two experimental silicone hydrogel lens formulations were prepared with and without Norbloc. Using an experimental lipid model, the study examined to what extent a tear film lipid absorbed into a senofilcon A silicone hydrogel material oxidizes or degrades. After exposure to different doses of hydrogen peroxide and UV light, lenses that did not contain Norbloc showed statistically higher amounts of oxidative degradants compared to the lenses that did contain Norbloc.

Johnson & Johnson Vision intends to submit these data for future publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Johnson & Johnson Vision

Johnson & Johnson Vision, through its operating companies, is committed to improving and restoring sight for patients worldwide. Since debuting the world's first disposable soft contact lens in 1987, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. has been helping patients see better through their world-leading ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses portfolio. In 2017, with the addition of Abbott Medical Optics Inc., the Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision business, Johnson & Johnson invested further in eye health by expanding into cataract surgery, laser refractive surgery (LASIK) and consumer eye health. Serving more than 60 million patients a day across 103 countries, Johnson & Johnson Vision is committed to helping more people in more places improve or restore their sight. Dual headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and Santa Ana, California, Johnson & Johnson Vision has more than 10,000 employees worldwide. For more information about Johnson & Johnson Vision, visit us at www.jjvision.com. Follow @JNJVision on Twitter and Johnson & Johnson Vision on LinkedIn.

+Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye.

WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

Important Safety Information for ACUVUE

ACUVUE Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. Complete information is also available from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., by calling 1-800-843-2020, or by visiting www.jnjvisionpro.com.

ACUVUE is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. 2018

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.jjvision.com

CHICAGO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), the leading independent provider of maintenance support and financial services to the aviation industry, has released the JSSI Business Aviation Index for the first quarter of 2018. The index tracks utilization of approximately 2,000 business aircraft worldwide and reports average flight hours flown on a monthly basis by region, industry and cabin type. Flight hours in the first quarter of 2018 were at the highest level in any first quarter since 2008.

"The end of 2017 saw the highest flight hour activity since the peaks of 2008. While the first quarter of the year often sees a material drop in flight hours, the first quarter of 2018 dropped only 0.3 percent," said Neil W. Book, president and CEO of JSSI. "This strong start to 2018 is a positive sign and indicator for global markets," added Book.

The JSSI Business Aviation Index tracks and reports on the global flight activity and utilization of business aircraft, including jets, turboprops and helicopters. Unlike commercial aviation, which is largely driven by consumer spending, business aviation is a tool needed for efficient travel to conduct core business activities. This utilization data ultimately provides useful insights into the state of global economic conditions.

Key findings in the first-quarter data include:

Average flight hours increased 2.9 percent year to date. Average aircraft utilization of 27.97 hours for the first quarter represents the highest level during this period since 2008.

Many of the nine industries within the latest index reported significant year-over-year increases in the first quarter. The growth was primarily driven by the aviation sector, which saw an 8.4 percent increase in flight activity compared to the same period last year. The healthcare sector reported a similar increase of 8.3 percent and the power and energy sector also reported an increase of 7.3 percent. The largest year-over-year decreases were seen in the consumer goods sector, with an 8.3 percent reduction in activity, and the manufacturing sector, which reported a decrease of 10.4 percent.

Seven key regions are sampled in the index. Significant year-over-year increases were reported in Europe , with a 12.3 percent increase in average flight hours; and South America , with an 8.2 percent increase. Decreases were seen in Asia-Pacific , with a drop in average flight hours of 5.4 percent; and the Middle East , with an 11.7 percent decrease.

, with a 12.3 percent increase in average flight hours; and , with an 8.2 percent increase. Decreases were seen in , with a drop in average flight hours of 5.4 percent; and the , with an 11.7 percent decrease. The largest quarter-over-quarter increases in flight activity were seen in the Middle East , with a 5.3 percent increase in average flight hours; and South America , with a 3.6 percent increase. Activity decreases following the final quarter of 2017 were seen in Central America , with a 13.1 percent decrease; Africa , with an 8.4 percent decrease; and Asia-Pacific , with a 0.6 percent decrease.

, with a 5.3 percent increase in average flight hours; and , with a 3.6 percent increase. Activity decreases following the final quarter of 2017 were seen in , with a 13.1 percent decrease; , with an 8.4 percent decrease; and , with a 0.6 percent decrease. North America flight hours remained stable with a slight increase in average flight hours of 0.6 percent quarter over quarter and a decrease of 1.8 percent year over year.

For a full copy of the latest JSSI Business Aviation Index, visit https://jetsupport.com/insights/.

About Jet Support Services, Inc.

For nearly 30 years, Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), has been the leading independent provider of maintenance programs to the aviation industry, covering virtually all makes and models of aircraft, engines, and APUs. JSSI provides its customers with comprehensive, flexible and affordable financial programs and tools for managing the often unpredictable costs of operating and maintaining nearly all types of turbine-powered aircraft, including business and commercial jets, turboprops and helicopters. As the creator of the revolutionary Tip-to-Tail Program, JSSI is the only single source provider of this trademarked service. JSSI serves customers globally and manages maintenance services through its worldwide infrastructure of certified technical advisors.

Other JSSI Services:

JSSI Parts gives clients the advantage of JSSI buying power and expertise as one of the largest purchaser of parts and maintenance services in the aviation industry.

gives clients the advantage of JSSI buying power and expertise as one of the largest purchaser of parts and maintenance services in the aviation industry. Jet Engine Leasing offers engine- and APU-leasing solutions. JSSI owns several rental assets for hard-to-locate platforms and can source rental assets for almost anything that flies.

offers engine- and APU-leasing solutions. JSSI owns several rental assets for hard-to-locate platforms and can source rental assets for almost anything that flies. AMP is JSSI's dedicated Asset Monitoring Platform (AMP), available to aviation lenders as a tool to assist in the mitigation of risk and the management of financed aircraft.

is JSSI's dedicated Asset Monitoring Platform (AMP), available to aviation lenders as a tool to assist in the mitigation of risk and the management of financed aircraft. JSSI Advisory Services utilizes JSSI's technical expertise and global network to inspect aircraft, perform ASA-certified appraisals, assist with maintenance cost planning, manage maintenance events, and provide insurance claims management.

SOURCE Jet Support Services, Inc.

Related Links

http://jetsupport.com

Karen is an entrepreneur, business owner, and the mom of two boys. She holds a U.S. patent for the Green Glove Dryer, a product she created to solve the problem of soggy gloves during the wet winter months. Karen's innovative product has been featured on ABC's World News Tonight and HSN, and she's received recent attention for her donation of 500 Green Glove Dryers to classrooms in her community.

In addition to running her own business, Karen actively volunteers her time to Western Michigan University students and faculty to talk about entrepreneurship, innovation and owning/operating a business. She speaks frequently to groups of students to explain the success and failures and how each step of life is a learning adventure.

"The 2018 Mothers of the Year from across the country are incredible women who serve valiantly at home, at work, and in their community," said American Mothers President, Connell Branan. "Karen is an outstanding example of the power that moms possess, providing inspiration, innovation, love and leadership to her family and community."

American Mothers, Inc. will award a Golden Rule Grant in Karen's name to the 525 Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol and prescription drug misuse and abuse. Karen will also receive a new washing machine and dryer from Whirlpool, USA.

Nominations for 2019 Mother of the Year will be accepted Mother's Day through November 15 at AmericanMothers.org.

About American Mothers, Inc.

American Mothers, Inc. (AMI) is a nonprofit organization that recognizes the important role of motherhood through educational programs and community outreach. On an annual basis, American Mothers, Inc. selects the National Mother of the Year and recognizes Mothers of Achievement from candidates across the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For more information about the organization, visit http://www.americanmothers.org. Follow AMI on Twitter and Instagram at @AmericanMothers or on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmericanMothers.

SOURCE American Mothers, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.americanmothers.org

"We are thrilled to partner with Kathy Ireland and her incredible team. kathy ireland Worldwide is a global leader in brand management, and Kathy's brilliance in guiding and helping to grow brands is simply legendary. Named one of the most influential people in the licensing, furniture and fashion industries, Kathy has built a business that now encompasses over 17,000 products, which is extraordinary. As we look to expand the reach and awareness of YourHome1Source.com , there isn't a better brand leader and partner in the U.S. today than kathy ireland Worldwide," says Stockell.

"What Sean and the Your Home Digital Team have built is truly a masterpiece in progress," says Kathy Ireland, Chair, CEO and Chief Designer of kathy ireland Worldwide. "YourHome1source, is a one-stop shop for homeowners, home buyers, and everyone who is looking for a trusted, reliable, robust digital home intelligence venue. Whether it is the purchase process, which entails so many steps or a home improvement project, even re-designing one's home, all can be an overwhelming event for many people. It is a must-visit site, and a great honor to serve as Editor and Educator in Chief for this incredible company. Sean and the Your Home Digital Team have made it simple and easy. Now, home buyers, homeowners, and all those with home-interest will find all home services on one site, as well as informational content from top home industry experts, designed to inform and educate. Sean and his team are mavericks in the true sense of the word, and all of us at kiWW are looking forward to working with them disrupting the home industry in powerful ways."

A home buyer's advocate, Stockell has extensive knowledge of the home buying, building, and remodeling industries; having guided thousands of families through the home buying process during his 31-year career in community and mortgage banking. Stockell began developing his digital platforms in 2008 as an omni-channel solution and one stop shop to serve homeowners, homebuyers, home service providers and home industry leaders.

Today, YourHome1Source.com is a content leader and powerful resource for homeowners. The Your Home Digital network allows home buyers and home owners to find all home services on one website, without cost, email registration, or the requirement to answer questions. Additional integrated portals consist of Your Home Study, an online library with hundreds of original home-topic articles and more than 30 home resource books, Your Home Savings App, which offers instant savings on home services and rewards through more than 200,000 U.S. retail locations, Your Home TV, which has hundreds of informational videos on more than 30 home topics, and Your Home SuperStore, an online shopping channel which showcases more than 40 categories of home products.

ABOUT kathy ireland Worldwide (kiWW)

kiWW is listed as one of the most powerful brands in the world by License Global Magazine. Kathy Ireland is named one of the 19 most influential women in licensing by License Global magazine and according to Fairchild Publications, Kathy Ireland is one of the 50 most influential people in fashion. Furniture Today names Kathy one of the most influential leaders in the furniture industry. Kathy graces the cover of Forbes Magazine twice (2012, 2016). kiWW is responsible for billions of dollars in retail sales. kiWW is the recipient of multiple awards including several Good Housekeeping Seals. Kathy and kiWW support many non-profits including: YWCA Greater Los Angeles for which she is an Ambassador, Dream Foundation, Providence Educational Foundation, 911 for Kids/AEF, and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Kathy is named an Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

ABOUT YourHome1Source.com, America's Resource on Homeownership.

YourHome1Source is the optimal online resource for home buyers and home owners. No registration required, no questions, no zip code search restraints, no unwanted emails or calls. Visitors freely and conveniently browse all home-related information to find ideas, advice, home products and home remodel solutions. The site features original content home industry articles, how-to, what-about, emerging products, home trends, etc. Visitors can view hundreds of short videos on more than 30 home categories on Your Home TV, a dedicated portal within YourHome1Source. Tools & Resources: The site also features home plans, topical books, expert tips, home budget worksheet, mortgage calculator, photo galleries, outdoor ideas & products, interior decor, home furnishings, and checklists on home loans, home buying & selling, and home building.

SOURCE YourHome1Source.com

Related Links

https://www.yourhome1source.com

BALTIMORE, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RPS Solutions LLC, a company dedicated to providing home ownership assistance to first-time home owners of Baltimore, finalized a contract on Friday April 27, 2018 for a property located at 9112 Bengal Road. The 3 bedroom, two story property built in 1960, sits on a 6,510 square foot lot and features more than 2,000 square feet of living space built in a modern-retro design.

The acquisition of this property, and future properties, aids RPS Solutions LLC's mission to distribute home ownership across the city of Baltimore at affordable prices.

Led by Kevin Seawright - founder of RPS Solutions LLC, the company has made great strides towards achieving its goal of healthy community development by availing affordable and custom housing to the diverse community of Baltimore, including those who lack access and resources to afford quality housing options.

In last year, the firm partnered with the NCST (National Community Stabilization Trust) to improve their ability to empower medium and low income earners in the community with affordable home-ownership options. The partnership, which is a nonprofit development program, is expected to increase home buying rates by introducing readily affordable property to first-time home buyers. With this relationship, the RPS Solutions firm is able to acquire locally available real estate property through NCST early before they are marketed widely to external buyers.

Speaking during the announcement of the partnership with NCST, Kevin Seawright said that the partnership would benefit the local economy of Baltimore and strengthen its community by increasing affordable home buying options. Seawright was verbal in his confidence that the partnership is beneficial to the entire Baltimore community.

The NCST nonprofit organization rehabilitates and restores abandoned and vacant real estate property across the United States. Since 2009, the NCST has been commissioning restoration and demolition of property where deemed fair, while facilitating productive community based reuse of vacant property. More than 23,000 properties across the country have been allocated to nonprofit buyers with the goal of community development and improvement of lives.

RPS Solutions LLC

RPS Solutions LLC is a firm founded by Kevin Seawright in 2015 as a joint partnership, that is dedicated to acquiring, renovating and providing affordable real estate property to low and middle income earners of the community of Baltimore, Maryland and its surrounding counties. The firm constitutes of a team of highly qualified and experienced personnel in diverse fields of study such as finance, business and management.

RPS Solutions LLC has enriched people's lives by providing custom modified homes for homeowners with special needs, seniors, families or those that lack the capacity to own quality homes. The company firmly believes that affordable houses and community development programs improve the residents' economic status, therefore revitalizing the community and significantly boosting the economy.

RPS Solutions LLC has acquired, renovated and distributed several real estate properties within Baltimore and surrounding counties over the last three years.

Kevin Seawright

Kevin Seawright is the founder and a managing partner of RPS Solutions LLC, a company that offers a variety of service in the real estate industry including development, asset acquisition and management. Seawright is a management professional with years of experience managing and overseeing private and government organizations and projects in real estate development, and public education.

Currently in Newark, New Jersey, Kevin Seawright is a professional in accounting and project management. He has worked as a senior board member for Babe Ruth Museum, and has been an active member of several societies for administrative professionals.

Seawright has academic qualifications in business related fields, human resource and management, including a Masters in accounting from Almeda University. Seawright uses his vast knowledge and experience to empower his local Baltimore community with strategic and affordable allocation of resources. Follow Kevin on Twitter, and on LinkedIn.

SOURCE RPS Solutions LLC

Related Links

http://rpssolutionsllc.com

SANTA ANA, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kush Bottles, Inc. (OTCQB: KSHB) ("Kush Bottles" or the "Company"), a leading provider of packaging, supplies, vaporizers, accessories and branding solutions for the regulated cannabis industry, announced today it has partnered with MainStem, a technology-based ancillary product distribution company for the regulated cannabis industry, to be the inaugural partner for MainStem's Vendor Program (MVP).

Through its partnership with MainStem, Kush Bottles will be able to tap into the dedicated MainStem customer base to distribute its ancillary cannabis products through a centralized sales platform that users can access directly from the 'BiotrackTHC' software, a leading seed-to-sale compliance software, they use to run their businesses. MainStem is launching its MainStem Affiliate Program (MAP) with BiotrackTHC. MAP places MainStem's marketplace directly into the software that industry businesses use to run their operations everyday. MainStem's marketplace streamlines the supply chain by allowing vendors, such as Kush Bottles, to easily showcase their array of products while MainStem manages the ordering process and logistics, allowing vendors to focus on order fulfillment and customers to focus on running their businesses.

"This technology is being adopted by many states because of how it provides a detailed level of monitoring for their entire supply chain. We expect to see more states implement this and by partnering with MainStem, we are getting access to the 2000+ cannabis businesses that use the BioTrackTHC software through MainStem's platform. This centralized platform is extremely valuable and enables us to more easily and efficiently serve the needs of the industry from seed to sale," said Nick Kovacevich, CEO and Chairman of Kush Bottles.

"We are excited to build off this success by launching MVP with Kush Bottles so that the growing cannabis industry can have direct access to Kush's diversified suite of products and solutions through software that the companies are using every day. Our customers can compare prices from different suppliers, purchase all their needs from one location, and get back to focusing on running their business," says Alen Nguyen, MainStem CEO.

To be added to the distribution list, please email [email protected] with "Kush" in the subject line.

About Kush Bottles



Kush Bottles, Inc. (OTCQB: KSHB) is a dynamic sales platform that provides unique products and services for both businesses and consumers in the cannabis industry. Founded in 2010 as a packaging and supplies company for dispensaries and growers, Kush Bottles has sold more than 1 billion units and now regularly services more than 5,000 legally operated medical and adult-use dispensaries, growers, and producers across North America, South America, and Europe. The Company has facilities in the three largest U.S. cannabis markets and a local sales presence in every major U.S. cannabis market.

Kush Bottles aims to be the gold standard for responsible and compliant products and services in the cannabis industry. Kush Bottles has no direct involvement with the cannabis plant or any products that contain THC.

The Company has been featured in media nationwide, including CNBC, Los Angeles Times, TheStreet.com, Entrepreneur, and business magazine Inc.

For more information, visit www.kushbottles.com or call (888)-920-5874.

About MainStem

MainStem, a technology-based ancillary product distribution company in the regulated cannabis industry, is the leading comprehensive marketplace in the industry, with over 5,600 products for cannabis businesses to choose from. The company integrates its marketplace into industry software providers to maximize its customer reach and simply the procurement process for industry businesses.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking within the meaning of applicable securities laws. While these forward-looking statements represent the Company's current judgments, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the Company's management only as of the date of this release. Please keep in mind that the Company is not obligating itself to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements in light of new information or future events. When used herein, words such as: "potential," "look forward," "believe," "dedicated," "building," or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements made by the Company herein are often discussed in filings the Company makes with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), available at: www.sec.gov, and on the Company's website, at: www.kushbottles.com.

Kush Bottles Contacts

Media Contact:

Anne Donohoe / Nick Opich

KCSA Strategic Communications

212-896-1265 / 212-896-1206

[email protected] / [email protected]

Investor Contact:

Phil Carlson / Elizabeth Barker

KCSA Strategic Communications

212-896-1233 / 212-896-1203

[email protected]

MainStem Contacts

Investor Contact:

Craig McCallum

MainStem

[email protected]

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Kush Bottles, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.kushbottles.com

Other speakers included Andrew Romanoff, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, and Jordan Yates, a 19-year-old University of Northern Colorado student. Yates' recent post "My Depression's Name Is Sam," received more than 12,000 likes on the website Quora, and was featured on The Mighty, an online publication focused on empowering people with a variety of medical conditions.

Like Lynne, Yates emphasized that mental health is simply another component of health in general.

"Everyone faces mental health challenges. Our mental health is just another part of our overall health, and it's time we treated it that way. It's time we saw mental health as all of our responsibility," Yates said. "That can't start until we talk about it."

Yates is a spokesperson for the Let's Talk Colorado campaign, a community-based effort encouraging Coloradans to talk to someone they know about their own mental health. The initiative comprises more than 20 public and private health organizations and community groups, including Romanoff's Mental Health Colorado.

The campaign's bilingual website, www.LetsTalkCO.org, contains tips on how to reach out to others and talk about mental health, and a toolkit of resources to help individuals and groups address the subject within their family, community group or organization.

Partner organizations for Let's Talk Colorado include:

9Health Fair, Aurora Mental Health Center, Boulder County Public Health, Broomfield Public Health, Centura/Denver South Group, Children's Hospital Colorado, Clinica Family Health, ClinicNet, Community Reach Center, Denver Public Health, Doctors Care, Douglas County Government, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Jefferson County Public Health, Mental Health Center of Denver, Metro Community Provider Network, SCL Health, Sheridan Health Services, and Tri-County Health Department.

Contact:

Tom Skelley

Evolution Communications

303.356.6926

[email protected]

SOURCE Lets Talk Colorado

Related Links

http://letstalkco.org

Simply order the LifeEar CORE by phone or online, insert in one ear, use the free LifeEar iOS or Android app to create a personal hearing profile based on your ability to hear a series of tones, and repeat with the other ear. Then  for the first time ever - the app will enable two levels of customization to tailor the settings to your personal hearing strengths and weaknesses. It will:

Automatically calculate and program your optimal settings via Bluetooth, using an algorithm that considers the hearing profile created by the app as well as your age and gender

using an algorithm that considers the hearing profile created by the app as well as your age and gender Allow do-it-yourself fine-tuning for different listening environments, using an advanced settings option that can change the amount of noise reduction and high/low frequency settings for each environment with a few taps

While the app check isn't a substitute for a professional hearing test, the personalization that it makes possible provides better hearing correction than other over-the-counter options for consumers who cannot afford high-end hearing aids. The LifeEar CORE's lower cost stems from the elimination of middleman markups and brick-and-mortar locations operated by traditional hearing aid dispensers.

Hearing profiles can be repeated at regular intervals to determine whether the LifeEar aids need to be reprogrammed to accommodate age-related hearing changes. The company's support team can provide assistance by phone or email if needed.

The LifeEar CORE also offers:

The ability to discreetly change volume or listening environment (Automatic, Quiet, Conversation or Restaurant) from the LifeEar app, enabling easier and less conspicuous adjustments than using the small buttons on the hearing aid

(Automatic, Quiet, Conversation or Restaurant) from the LifeEar app, enabling easier and less conspicuous adjustments than using the small buttons on the hearing aid Top-of-the-line audio quality , including dual directional microphones that automatically adapt to the user's surroundings without amplifying background noise, layered noise reduction that improves the user's hearing experience even in crowds, and more

, including dual directional microphones that automatically adapt to the user's surroundings without amplifying background noise, layered noise reduction that improves the user's hearing experience even in crowds, and more A 45-day risk-free trial with a 100% moneyback guarantee

Free lifetime customer assistance to answer questions and provide adjustment assistance

Additional details and purchase information are available at www.lifeear.com.

About LifeEar

LifeEar is dedicated to developing innovative, high-quality hearing solutions that are affordable, intuitive, easy to use, discreet, comfortable and personally adjustable using new smart technologies, making hearing correction more accessible to millions of consumers. LifeEar has extensive expertise in the global hearing market products, and its U.S. products are distributed by the largest direct-to-consumer hearing aid company in the country. For more information, visit www.lifeear.com.

SOURCE LifeEar

Related Links

http://www.lifeear.com

INDIANAPOLIS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and Indiana University's Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI announced today the launch of a new neighborhood-based, data-driven pilot in Indianapolis to help address the high incidence of diabetes. Building on similar efforts Lilly has developed in lower-income communities in Mexico, India and South Africa, the $7 million, five-year program will focus on three Indianapolis neighborhoods with significant health disparities and high rates of diabetes: the Coalition of Northeast Neighborhoods, Northwest Neighborhood and Near Westside Neighborhood.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8312151-lilly-diabetes-impact-project/

Life expectancy in these three communities can be 14 years lower than in neighborhoods just 10 miles away. The lower life expectancy rate is largely due to health disparities and is similar to rates seen in countries such as Iraq and Bangladesh.

This pilot in Indianapolis neighborhoods will target people with diabetes or at risk for the disease. The three communities were selected based on high prevalence of diabetes, socio-economic factors and highly engaged community members and organizations.

Globally, 425 million people have diabetes, with a prevalence rate of 8.4 percent. In the three target neighborhoods in Indianapolis, an estimated 10,000 people live with diabetes, and prevalence rates are as high as 17.5 percent.

"Despite all our strengths and assets, Indiana ranks 38th among states for overall health status," said Dave A. Ricks, Lilly chairman and CEO. "Through this effort, we are applying what we've learned from our global health work in underserved communities around the world with the expertise of our local partners and the passion of the people living in these neighborhoods. Together we're going to find new solutions for closing these health disparity gaps."

Lilly and Indiana University's Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI are implementing the pilot with Eskenazi Health, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Indianapolis (LISC) and the Marion County Public Health Department. Borrowing from Lilly's global health efforts, the pilot will deploy a model that uses newly hired community health care workers to help identify people with diabetes and connect them with quality care. In addition, community members will help identify and propose solutions for cultural, social, environmental, economic and policy barriers that increase the risk for diabetes, such as the lack of healthy food options and public spaces for exercise.

"This cross-sector, community-focused partnership lies at the heart of our mission to translate research into solutions that improve lives," said Nasser H. Paydar, Chancellor of IUPUI. "By investing in the fabric of these three Indianapolis communities through diabetes prevention and management, we will be working to improve health outcomes in Indiana and hopefully beyond."

Lilly and its partners are testing the hypothesis that the implementation of a multi-pronged community health worker model will reduce complications for those with diabetes and reduce risk factors for people at high risk of developing diabetes by:

Increasing screening-seeking behavior for those at high risk

Improving access and continuity of care for people with diabetes

Fostering a physical and social environment that supports diabetes control and prevention, such as better access to healthy food and exercise options.

The pilot uses Lilly's global health framework, which includes studying key research questions, reporting what works and what doesn't, and then using the data to advocate for the scale up of the most effective solutions. The program will contribute to Lilly 30x30, the company's goal to create new access to quality health care for 30 million people in underserved communities every year by 2030.

The pilot has the potential for adoption by the Eskenazi Health system in Indiana, as well as other communities and health systems across the U.S. It also directly supports the newly signed Indiana bill that requires the development of a statewide strategic action plan to significantly reduce the prevalence of diabetes.

"Eskenazi Health has neighborhood health centers in each of these communities," said Dawn Haut, M.D., a pediatrician and CEO of Eskenazi Health Center, the primary care division of Eskenazi Health. "We're eager to deepen our partnership with the residents of these neighborhoods to improve education about diabetes and to connect people to the care they need. We think this approach has broad application across our entire Eskenazi Health system."

"I worked hard to pass the new Indiana diabetes legislation because I do not want the next generation of kids to grow up in a food desert with no healthy choices at our markets and too little information about diabetes," said Indiana State Representative Vanessa Summers. "This is the type of public-private-community collaboration we need to address complex challenges like diabetes."

People living in the three Indianapolis communities can sign up to receive information about the diabetes pilot by visiting diabetes.iupui.edu.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly is a global health care leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and www.lilly.com/newsroom/social-channels. CR-LLY

About IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI

Committed to advancing the public's health and well-being through education, innovation and leadership, the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health is known for its expertise in biostatistics, epidemiology, cancer research, community health, environmental public health, health policy and health administration. As Indiana's premier urban research and health sciences institution, IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) is home to over 30,000 students and offers more than 300 Indiana University and Purdue University undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. IUPUI is dedicated to advancing the intellectual growth of Indiana through research and creative activity, teaching, learning, and community engagement.

SOURCE Eli Lilly and CompanyDouglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the American Authors Association

Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the Military Writers Society of America.NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- LongTail Alpha LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser and CFTC-registered commodity pool operator and commodity trading adviser that focuses on adding value to portfolios during volatile markets, is pleased to announce that Kendall P. Miller Jr., CFA, has joined the firm as a portfolio manager.

Mr. Miller previously served as an executive vice president and multi-asset portfolio manager at PIMCO in Newport Beach, where he has served for the past 21 years in a variety of functions, including working with the firm's Investment Committee and regional portfolio committees. In addition, he was lead portfolio manager on PIMCO's $100 billion G10 currency hedge overlay funds platform, and designed and facilitated the evolution of the trading, accounting and risk analytics structure since the product's inception in early 2000s. Mr. Miller also oversaw equity derivatives execution for all portfolios in PIMCO's main Newport Beach Office, including for tail risk-related portfolios.

"I am joining LongTail to apply my broad portfolio management and trading expertise to help build a premier investment management firm, both through utilization of the latest technologies and in working alongside some of the brightest and motivated professionals in the industry," said Mr. Miller.

LongTail Alpha Founder and Chief Investment Officer Vineer Bhansali, Ph.D., said: "I previously worked with Ken and know that he brings passion, intelligence and creativity to everything he does. Ken is a seasoned portfolio manager and trader with a wealth of experience in cross-asset portfolio strategies including FX, fixed-income, and equity derivatives. LongTail Alpha is thrilled to welcome Ken to the firm."

Today's annoucement follows the appointment in February of Nobel Laureate Harry Markowitz as a research adviser to LongTail Alpha. Markowitz, who is known as the "father of Modern Portfolio Theory" for his pioneering work on investment portfolio selection, was awarded the Alfred Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1990. Markowitz is the principal of Harry Markowitz Company, and an adjunct professor at the Rady School of Management, University of California San Diego.

Prior to PIMCO, where Mr. Miller worked closely with clients in the Official Institutions and Government Pension channels, he was a Senior Financial Analyst at ABN AMRO Bank N.V./LaSalle National Trust in Orange, CA. He was also a software engineer at Capital Management Sciences Co. in Los Angeles, and a technical applications designer at Martin Marietta Corp. in New Orleans.

Mr. Miller, a Chartered Financial Analyst, earned an MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. In addition to his business and academic achievements, Mr. Miller is an accomplished competitive triathlete who has completed the San Francisco Bay swim from Alcatraz Island.

About LongTail Alpha LLC

LongTail Alpha was founded in 2015 by Vineer Bhansali, following his departure from PIMCO in December of 2015. LongTail Alpha believes that sustained portfolio performance comes from expecting the unexpected, and from positioning portfolios to earn yield while maintaining convexity. The firm bases its investment decisions on a proprietary framework based on academically rigorous research, positioning for both "left-side" or negative tail risks and "right-side" or positive tail risks, and by seeking to optimize performance by combining market positions and risk allocation across asset classes. LongTail Alpha is a member of the National Futures Association and is registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, and operates as an independent entity in Newport Beach.

Disclaimer: This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any securities or investment products sponsored by LongTail Alpha, LLC, and is intended for informational purposes only. All investments in securities involve a risk of loss of capital and no guarantee or representation can be made that an investment will generate profits or that an investment will not incur a total loss of invested capital. Furthermore, nothing herein is intended to imply that LongTail Alpha, LLC's investment strategies may be considered "conservative", "safe", "risk free" or "risk averse." Only qualified investors may invest. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

SOURCE LongTail Alpha LLCCAMPBELL, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Society for Information Display (SID) has announced further details regarding exciting programming for its upcoming Display Week International Symposium, Seminar and Exhibition, in Los Angeles, Calif. During the keynote session on Tuesday morning, May 22, a prestigious group of industry visionaries will delve into forward-looking topics including OLEDs' role in the "Internet of Everything," reactive display technology for advanced AR/VR systems, and how new display materials can help enable a more sustainable world. On Wednesday, May 23, an invaluable glimpse into the mindsets of top industry leaders will be provided in two dynamic back-to-back afternoon panels: "CEO Forum: Lessons Learned" and "Taking on the World: Women in Tech."

"Display Week, now in its 55th year, is nearly unparalleled in its longevity. The electronic information display industry has seen more change in the last decade than in the last 50 years, contributing to the event's ongoing appeal to the global value chain/ecosystem," said Sri Peruvemba, chair of marketing for SID. "Each year, the keynote session taps into subjects that are top-of-mind for attendees, who represent companies throughout the electronic display ecosystem. For 2018, we are bringing back our Women in Tech Forum, which debuted last year to rave reviews, with a dynamic new group of participants. In addition, we are unveiling our first-ever CEO Forum featuring lessons learned from industry leadership. These sessions  together with the exhibition, seminars, symposia, and targeted-topic conferences scheduled throughout the week  will be sure to spark attendee interest and discussion."

Keynote Session  8:20-10:20 a.m., May 22

VIsionox CEO Deqiang Zhang will kick off the keynotes with a talk titled "OLED Leading to New Experience of Display." Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) made their debut 31 years ago thanks to the pioneering work of Eastman Kodak engineers Ching Tang and Steven Van Slyke. In the three decades since this breakthrough, advancements in OLED have enabled construction of flexible displays, helping make screen truly ubiquitous. Dr. Zhang will touch on these advancements, including the role that OLED displays will play as the "Internet of Everything" era continues to advance.

Next, Douglas Lanman, director of computational imaging for Oculus Research/Facebook, will turn the discussion toward the growing augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) markets in his address, "Reactive Displays: Unlocking Next-Generation VR/AR Visuals with Eye Tracking." Today's head-mounted displays offer superior personal visual experiences compared to past direct-view. In particular, sensing elements with individualized eye tracking are helping improve fields of view and offer greater possibilities to designers. Dr. Lanman will discuss the concept of reactive displays and how they may impact VR/AR technology going forward.

The third keynote, "Blue LEDs and Transformative Electronics for Developing a Sustainable Smart Society," will be delivered by Nobel Laureate Hiroshi Amano, director of the Center for Integrated Research of Future Electronics at Nagoya University and a professor in the university's Institute for Materials and Systems for Sustainability. Dr. Amano will explore how gallium nitride (GaN) and related nitride-based materials can contribute to reductions in greenhouse gases, and will discuss the opportunities these materials afford for replacing conventional semiconductors in new display systems.

Afternoon Forums  2:30-5:30 p.m., May 23

CEO Forum  2:30-3:30 p.m.

This panel session will provide an insider's view of what it takes to succeed, as some of the industry's top leaders share stories from their journeys through the tech world and talk about their plans to ensure that they and their organizations remain successful.

Moderator: Sri Peruvemba, Head of Marketing, SID

Panelists:

Frank Christiaens , Chairman and CEO, CLEARink Displays

, Chairman and CEO, CLEARink Displays Helge Seetzen, Ph.D., CEO and General Partner, TandemLaunch, and SID President-Elect

Paul Travers , Founder, President and CEO, Vuzix

, Founder, President and CEO, Vuzix Ross Young , Founder and CEO, Display Supply Chain Consultants

Women in Tech Forum  4:00-5:00 p.m.

The electronic display industry is filled with female pioneers and professionals who have made outstanding contributions to technology. This year, more than ever, is an ideal time to hear this diverse panel of movers and shakers provide their unique perspectives about what makes the industry tick, how they've gotten to where they are, and what more the tech world needs to do to continue enabling women from all walks of life to rise to their potential.

Moderator: Tara Akhavan, Founder and CEO, IRYStec, and Marketing Vice-Chair for SID

Panelists:

Robinne Burrell , Chief Digital Product Officer, Redflight Mobile/Redflight Innovation

, Chief Digital Product Officer, Redflight Mobile/Redflight Innovation Poppy Crum , Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Dolby Laboratories, and Adjunct Professor, Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics and Program in Symbolic Systems, Stanford University

, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Dolby Laboratories, and Adjunct Professor, Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics and Program in Symbolic Systems, Rosalie Hou , CEO, ELIX Wireless Charging Systems, Inc.

, CEO, ELIX Wireless Charging Systems, Inc. Nadya Ichinomiya , Director of Information Technology, Sony Pictures, and Co-founder, Women in Tech: Hollywood

, Director of Information Technology, Sony Pictures, and Co-founder, Women in Tech: Jeanine Jue , Head of Developer Evangelism, Samsung SmartThings Cloud

Don't miss out on these exciting events  register today to secure your spot at Display Week 2018.

About Display Week 2018

The 55th Display Week, presented by the Society for Information Display (SID), will take place May 20-25 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif. Display Week is the world's leading event focused on emerging electronic display technologies  their advancement, integration into products, and commercialization. Display Week attracts attendees from the entire ecosystem of R&D, engineering, design, manufacturing, supply chain, marketing, sales and financial, as well as commercial and consumer end-user markets. It delivers unparalleled learning opportunities, market-moving trends, sourcing, roadmaps-to-market, and connections for career and business growth. To attend Display Week, or to join SID go to www.DisplayWeek.org. For information on exhibiting and event sponsorship: Americas & Europe, contact Jim Buckley by email at [email protected], or call (203) 502-8283; Asia, contact Sue Chung by email at [email protected], or call (408) 389-9596.

About SID

The Society for Information Display (SID) is the only professional organization focused on the display industry. In fact, by exclusively focusing on the advancement of electronic display technology, SID provides a unique platform for industry collaboration, communication and training in all related technologies while showcasing the industry's best new products. The organization's members are professionals in the technical and business disciplines that relate to display research, design, manufacturing, applications, marketing and sales. To promote industry and academic technology development, while also educating consumers on the importance of displays, SID hosts more than 10 conferences a year, including Display Week, which brings industry and academia all under one roof to showcase technology that will shape the future. SID's global headquarters are located at 1475 S. Bascom Ave., Ste. 114, Campbell, CA 95008. For more information, visit www.sid.org.

SOURCE Society for Information DisplayEAST HANOVER, N.J., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pazoo, Inc. (OTC: PZOO) is pleased to announce that this week on May 2, there will be a preliminary State review that will inspect the MA & Associates, LLC (DBA: MA Analytics) testing laboratory. The lab is moving ever closer to establishing itself as an elite testing laboratory to state and locally approved Nevada customers.

The State is coming into the lab for a preliminary review. This is one of the final steps needed before MA Analytics can be open and become revenue generating. State officials will be coming into the lab this week to asses all areas of the lab, its staff, and its procedure and protocols. We will announce to the public in a future press release the results of the review.

About Pazoo, Inc.

Pazoo, Inc. is focused on health, wellness and safety. Through our investment in MA & Associates LLC, in connection with the projected opening of the lab, Pazoo will provide industry leading laboratory testing of cannabis. Upon its opening, the lab will provide best-in-class laboratory testing of cannabis and cannabinoids to protect consumers from impurities, contaminants and other irregularities.

Safe Harbor Statement

This update includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Pazoo, Inc. or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Pazoo, Inc.NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Coney Art Walls and Live On Air Events announce the launch of a new Sunday Dayclub: Magic Carousel Sundays, which will officially open on Sunday May 27th, 2018, steps from the world-famous Coney Island boardwalk. The Art Walls space will be transformed each Sunday into a lush, open-air oasis, featuring renowned DJs from across the globe, a massive turf lawn, bars, tables and daybeds, to welcome music lovers and partygoers back to Brooklyn's new and improved Coney Island Amusement Park and Beach.



"Magic Carousel Sundays will showcase world-renowned DJs in this special and unique venue," said Larry Hyland, Operator of the Coney Art Walls. "We are thrilled to bring this beach-side, Amusement Park/Festival atmosphere to the heart of the New Coney Island" said Joe Barbour, Managing Director of Live On Air Events, which is partnered with the Coney Art Walls to create the series.



Memorial Day Weekend plays host to the Grand Opening of Magic Carousel Sundays on May 27th with the highly energetic and wildly entertaining Australian DJ/Producer, Timmy Trumpet. The Trumpet playing performer jumped 37 spots on the DJ Mag list to #43, due to his unique combination of live music and DJing. Joining Timmy is Breathe Carolina, the live duo behind hits like "Rhythm is a Dancer," "Blackout," "DYSYLM" and "Moon."



Sunday, June 3rd, Producer/DJ Duo, Vinai brings an Italian wave of big room house to the Magic Carousel Stage. The brothers, now ranked #32 in the world by DJ Mag, have produced numerous hit tracks, including R3hab collab "How We Party," which has garnered over 126 million views on YouTube.



Lil Jon, one of the most recognizable figures in music and pop culture, hits the stage on June 10th with his electric DJ set. With timeless hits like "Get Low" (Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz) as well as being featured on Usher's "Yeah" and, more recently, DJ Snake's "Turn Down For What," Lil Jon has cemented his name into the minds of fans the world over. After a return to his DJ roots, a wildly successful residency at the Wynn/Encore in Las Vegas earned him Las Vegas Resident DJ of the year.



For tickets and table reservations and additional information please visit www.magiccarouselsundays.com

Media Contact:

Sara Cooper

Sara Cooper PR

209-559-4966

[email protected]



SOURCE Magic Carousel Sundays

Related Links

https://www.magiccarouselsundays.com

MILFORD, Conn., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernoulli, a leader in real-time connected healthcare, announced the successful go-live of its advanced Bernoulli One clinical surveillance, medical device integration (MDI), and real-time data analytics platform at four acute care hospitals within Main Line Health, a not-for-profit health system near Philadelphia. Bernoulli One was integrated into the health system's new electronic health record (EHR) system.

"This is one of the largest technological implementations in the history of Main Line Health," said Troy Brailo, the health system's EHR Applications Manager. "Bernoulli has been an outstanding partner during the implementation. The education and information they provided us on the complexities of medical device integration were invaluable."

The integration occurred at Lankenau Medical Center, Paoli Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital and Riddle Hospital. It will impact more than 450 beds across the sites, including intensive care units, emergency departments and neonatal intensive care units.

Bernoulli One offers detailed data schemes, functional assessment and clinical support for a broad range of medical devices from every major manufacturer and uses a standard HL7 interface and the existing network infrastructure to capture, clarify and share distributed data into a variety of interfaces and EHR systems automatically. The solution's FDA Class II clearance means it can be used for active patient monitoring as well as secondary alarm management.

Bernoulli One also offers the lowest overall cost of ownership, with a single system management controller that does not require expensive add-ons, easy plug-and-play connectivity, the highest level of patient data security and privacy, integrated clinical mobility and positive patient association.

"Achieving medical device connectivity is a major initiative for health systems like Main Line," said Janet Dillione, CEO of Bernoulli. "We are very excited to play a significant role in Main Line's ability to capture and utilize meaningful and accurate data, in real-time, for insightful clinical decision support and improved patient outcomes."

Main Line Health is a not-for-profit health system that serves Philadelphia and its western suburbs, with 10,000 employees and more than 2,000 physicians on staff. It has been awarded "Most Wired" by the Hospitals & Health Networks and the American Hospital Association for the last eight consecutive years.

About Bernoulli Health

The mission of Bernoulli Health is to improve patient safety in real time. Since 1989, Bernoulli has developed solutions including the all-inclusive Bernoulli One platform. A single solution for continuous patient health monitoring and clinical surveillance, medical device integration, and real-time data analytics, there are no other solutions as advanced as Bernoulli One. The Bernoulli software helps save patient lives as it continuously detects deteriorating patient conditions and notifies clinicians of potential events. This results in improved patient observation and provider workflows. Bernoulli has achieved FDA Class II clearance for use in both patient monitoring and secondary alarm management. Bernoulli headquarters are in Milford, CT. For more information visit www.BernoulliHealth.com, email [email protected], or call 800-337-9936.

About Main Line Health

Founded in 1985, Main Line Health is a not-for-profit health system serving portions of Philadelphia and its western suburbs. Main Line Health's commitmentto deliver advanced medicine to treat and cure disease while also playing an important role in prevention and disease management as well as training physicians and other health care providersreflects our intent to keep our community and ourselves well ahead. A team of more than 10,000 employees and 2,000 physicians care for patients throughout the Main Line Health system.

At Main Line Health's core are four of the region's most respected acute care hospitalsLankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Paoli Hospital and Riddle Hospitalas well as one of the nation's recognized facilities for rehabilitative medicine, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Main Line Health system also includes Mirmont Treatment Center for drug and alcohol recovery; Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice, which includes skilled home health care, hospice and home infusion services; Main Line Health Centers, primary and specialty care, lab and radiology, and other outpatient services located in Broomall, Collegeville, Concordville, Exton and Newtown Square; Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, a biomedical research organization; and Main Line HealthCare, one of the region's largest multispecialty physician networks.

Main Line Health is the recipient of numerous awards for quality care and service, including System Magnet designation, the nation's highest distinction for nursing excellence, the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Performance Excellence (MAAPE) Excellence Award, and recognition as among the nation's best employers by Forbes magazine. Main Line Health is committed to creating an environment of diversity, respect and inclusion and has proudly embraced the American Hospital Association's #123forEquity Pledge to Act to eliminate disparities in care. We are dedicated to advancing patient-centered care, education and research to help our community stay healthy. To learn more, visit mainlinehealth.org.

Media contact:

Matt Schlossberg

Amendola Communications for Bernoulli

(630) 935-9136

[email protected]

SOURCE Bernoulli

Related Links

http://www.bernoullihealth.com

HONOLULU, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Matson, Inc. ("Matson" or the "Company") (NYSE: MATX), a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, today reported net income of $14.2 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2018. Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 was $7.0 million, or $0.16 per diluted share. Consolidated revenue for the first quarter 2018 was $511.4 million compared with $474.4 million reported for the first quarter 2017.

Matt Cox, Matson's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Matson is off to a good start to this year with both Ocean Transportation and Logistics exceeding expectations for the quarter. Our year-over-year improvement in Ocean Transportation was primarily the result of lower vessel operating costs, a higher contribution from SSAT, higher volume in our Alaska service and the timing of fuel surcharge collections, partially moderated by lower volume in China and continued competitive pressure in Guam. In Logistics we saw improved performance in almost all service lines."

Mr. Cox added, "For 2018, we continue to expect improvements in each of our core tradelanes with the exception of Guam and China. In Guam, we expect to face continued competitive pressure, and in China we continue to expect modestly lower volume coming off an exceptionally strong 2017. As a result of the first quarter performance, we now expect Matson's 2018 operating income to be modestly higher than the level achieved in 2017."

First Quarter 2018 Discussion and Outlook for 2018

Ocean Transportation: The Company's container volume in the Hawaii service in the first quarter 2018 was 1.9 percent lower year-over-year due primarily to lower eastbound volume as westbound volume was essentially flat. The Hawaii economy continues to be strong, supported primarily by healthy tourism activity and low unemployment. The Company expects flat-to-modest volume growth in 2018, reflecting a solid Hawaii economy and stable market share.

In China, the Company's container volume in the first quarter 2018 was 22.2 percent lower year-over-year largely due to two fewer sailings and lower volume during the Lunar New Year period. Matson continued to realize a sizeable rate premium in the first quarter 2018 and achieved average freight rates moderately higher than the first quarter 2017. For 2018, the Company expects pricing to remain as favorable and to approximate the average rate achieved in 2017 and volume to be modestly lower compared to the levels achieved in 2017.

In Guam, as expected, the Company's container volume in the first quarter 2018 was lower on a year-over-year basis, the result of competitive losses. For 2018, the Company expects a heightened competitive environment and lower volume than the levels achieved in 2017.

In Alaska, the Company's container volume for the first quarter 2018 was 10.1 percent higher year-over-year, primarily due to an increase in northbound volume mainly related to the dry-docking of a competitor's vessel and one additional sailing. For 2018, the Company expects volume to be modestly higher than the level achieved in 2017 with improvement in northbound volume, partially offset by lower southbound seafood-related volume due to a moderation from the very strong seafood harvest levels in 2017.

As a result of the first quarter performance and the outlook trends noted above, the Company expects full year 2018 Ocean Transportation operating income to be modestly higher than the $128.8 million achieved in 2017. In the second quarter 2018, the Company expects Ocean Transportation operating income to approach the level achieved in the second quarter 2017.

Logistics: In the first quarter 2018, operating income for the Company's Logistics segment was $2.3 million higher compared to the operating income achieved in the first quarter 2017 due to improved performance across almost all of the service lines. For 2018, the Company expects Logistics operating income to be moderately higher than the $20.6 million achieved in 2017. In the second quarter 2018, the Company expects operating income to be moderately higher than the level achieved in the second quarter 2017.

Depreciation and Amortization: For the full year 2018, the Company expects depreciation and amortization expense to be approximately $132 million, inclusive of dry-docking amortization of approximately $36 million.

EBITDA: The Company expects full year 2018 EBITDA to be lower than the $296.0 million achieved in 2017.

Interest Expense: The Company expects interest expense for the full year 2018 to be approximately $23 million.

Income Tax Expense: In the first quarter 2018, the Company's effective tax rate was 42.0 percent, which includes a non-cash tax adjustment of $3.3 million resulting from a reduction in the alternative minimum tax receivable under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. For the balance of 2018, the Company expects its effective tax rate to be approximately 28 percent.

Capital and Vessel Dry-docking Expenditures: In the first quarter 2018, the Company made maintenance capital expenditure payments of $13.1 million, capitalized vessel construction expenditures of $57.7 million, and dry-docking payments of $4.6 million. For the full year 2018, the Company expects to make maintenance capital expenditure payments of approximately $68 million, vessel construction expenditures (inclusive of capitalized interest and owner's items) of approximately $388 million, and dry-docking payments of approximately $18 million.

Results By Segment Ocean Transportation  Three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with 2017





























Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2018

2017

Change

Ocean Transportation revenue

$ 379.3

$ 370.0

$ 9.3

2.5 % Operating costs and expenses



(354.8)



(354.7)



(0.1)

0.0 % Operating income

$ 24.5

$ 15.3

$ 9.2

60.1 % Operating income margin



6.5 %

4.1 %



































Volume (Forty-foot equivalent units (FEU), except for automobiles) (1)























Hawaii containers



35,700



36,400



(700)

(1.9) % Hawaii automobiles



16,800



13,800



3,000

21.7 % Alaska containers



17,400



15,800



1,600

10.1 % China containers



11,900



15,300



(3,400)

(22.2) % Guam containers



4,900



5,400



(500)

(9.3) % Other containers (2)



3,100



2,100



1,000

47.6 %

_______________ (1) Approximate volumes included for the period are based on the voyage departure date, but revenue and operating income are adjusted to reflect the percentage of revenue and operating income earned during the reporting period for voyages in transit at the end of each reporting period. (2) Includes containers from services in various islands in Micronesia and the South Pacific, and in Okinawa, Japan.

Ocean Transportation revenue increased $9.3 million, or 2.5 percent, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to higher fuel surcharge revenue and higher volume in Alaska, partially offset by lower volume in China and lower revenue in Guam.

On a year-over-year FEU basis, Hawaii container volume decreased by 1.9 percent primarily due to lower eastbound volume; Alaska volume increased by 10.1 percent primarily due to an increase in northbound volumes mainly related to the dry-docking of a competitor's vessel and one additional sailing; China volume was 22.2 percent lower primarily due to two fewer sailings and lower volume during the Lunar New Year period; and Guam volume was 9.3 percent lower due to increased competition.

Ocean Transportation operating income increased $9.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to the favorable timing of fuel surcharge collections, lower vessel operating costs, a higher contribution from SSAT, and higher Alaska volume, partially offset by lower volume in China, lower revenue from Guam and higher terminal handling costs.

The Company's SSAT terminal joint venture investment contributed $10.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to a $4.9 million contribution during the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase was nearly equally attributable to improved lift volume and one-time items.



Logistics  Three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with 2017





























Three Months Ended March 31,

(Dollars in millions)

2018

2017

Change

Logistics revenue

$ 132.1

$ 104.4

$ 27.7

26.5 % Operating costs and expenses



(127.9)



(102.5)



(25.4)

24.8 % Operating income

$ 4.2

$ 1.9

$ 2.3

121.1 % Operating income margin



3.2 %

1.8 %











Logistics revenue increased $27.7 million, or 26.5 percent, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to higher highway and intermodal brokerage revenue.

Logistics operating income increased $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared with the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase was due primarily to higher contributions from highway brokerage and freight forwarding.

Liquidity, Cash Flows and Capital Allocation

Matson's Cash and Cash Equivalents decreased by $6.1 million to $13.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018. Matson generated net cash from operating activities of $29.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $4.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. Capital expenditures, including capitalized vessel construction expenditures, totaled $70.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared with $24.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. Total debt increased by $46.5 million during the three months to $903.6 million as of March 31, 2018, of which $867.1 million was long-term debt.

For the twelve months ended March 31, 2018, Matson's Net Income and EBITDA were $239.2 million and $305.8 million, respectively. The ratio of Matson's Net Debt to last twelve months EBITDA was 2.9 as of March 31, 2018.

As previously announced, Matson's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share payable on June 7, 2018 to all shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 10, 2018.

Teleconference and Webcast

A conference call is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. EDT when Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Joel Wine, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss Matson's first quarter results.

Date of Conference Call: Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Scheduled Time: 4:30 p.m. EDT / 1:30 p.m. PDT / 10:30 a.m. HST

Participant Toll Free Dial-In #: 1-877-312-5524

International Dial-In #: 1-253-237-1144

The conference call will be broadcast live along with a slide presentation on the Company's website at www.matson.com, under Investors. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call through May 8, 2018 by dialing 1-855-859-2056 or 1-404-537-3406 and using the conference number 7994169. The slides and audio webcast of the conference call will be archived for one full quarter on the Company's website at www.matson.com, under Investors.

About the Company

Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia. Matson also operates a premium, expedited service from China to Southern California and provides services to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific. The Company's fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and custom-designed barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson's transportation network throughout the continental U.S. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, Asia supply chain services, and forwarding to Alaska. Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com.

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation

This press release, the Form 8-K and the information to be discussed in the conference call include non-GAAP measures. While Matson reports financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), the Company also considers other non-GAAP measures to evaluate performance, make day-to-day operating decisions, help investors understand our ability to incur and service debt and to make capital expenditures, and to understand period-over-period operating results separate and apart from items that may, or could, have a disproportional positive or negative impact on results in any particular period. These non-GAAP measures include, but are not limited to, Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") and Net Debt-to-EBITDA.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements," within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation those statements regarding earnings, operating income, profitability and cash flow expectations, fleet renewal progress, fleet deployments, economic effects of competitors' services, expenses, rate premiums and market conditions in the China service, trends in volumes, economic growth and construction activity in Hawaii, economic conditions in Alaska, lift volumes at SSAT, vessel deployments and operating efficiencies, and effective tax rates. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement, including but not limited to risks and uncertainties relating to regional, national and international economic conditions; new or increased competition or improvements in competitors' service levels; fuel prices and our ability to collect fuel surcharges; our relationship with vendors, customers and partners and changes in related agreements; the actions of our competitors; our ability to offer a differentiated service in China for which customers are willing to pay a significant premium; the imposition of tariffs or a change in international trade policies; the ability of the shipyards to construct and deliver the Aloha Class and Kanaloa Class vessels on the contemplated timeframes; any unanticipated dry-dock or repair expenses; any delays or cost overruns related to the modernization of terminals; consummating and integrating acquisitions; changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; competition and growth rates within the logistics industry; freight levels and increasing costs and availability of truck capacity or alternative means of transporting freight; changes in relationships with existing truck, rail, ocean and air carriers; changes in customer base due to possible consolidation among customers; conditions in the financial markets; changes in our credit profile and our future financial performance; our ability to obtain future debt financings; continuation of the Title XI and CCF programs; the impact of future and pending legislation, including environmental legislation; government regulations and investigations; repeal, substantial amendment or waiver of the Jones Act or its application, or our failure to maintain our status as a United States citizen under the Jones Act; relations with our unions; satisfactory negotiation and renewal of expired collective bargaining agreements without significant disruption to Matson's operations; war, terrorist attacks or other acts of violence; the use of our information technology and communication systems and cybersecurity attacks; and the occurrence of marine accidents, poor weather or natural disasters. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This release should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the SEC through the date of this release, which identify important factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this release. We do not undertake any obligation to update our forward-looking statements.

MATSON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

















Three Months Ended



March 31, (In millions, except per-share amounts)

2018

2017 Operating Revenue:











Ocean Transportation

$ 379.3

$ 370.0 Logistics



132.1



104.4 Total Operating Revenue



511.4



474.4













Costs and Expenses:











Operating costs



(439.3)



(411.8) Equity in income of Terminal Joint Venture



10.5



4.9 Selling, general and administrative



(53.9)



(50.3) Total Costs and Expenses



(482.7)



(457.2)













Operating Income



28.7



17.2 Interest expense



(5.0)



(6.3) Other income (expense), net



0.8



(0.8) Income before Income Taxes



24.5



10.1 Income taxes



(10.3)



(3.1) Net Income

$ 14.2

$ 7.0













Basic Earnings Per-Share:

$ 0.33

$ 0.16 Diluted Earnings Per-Share:

$ 0.33

$ 0.16













Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:











Basic



42.6



43.0 Diluted



42.9



43.4













Cash Dividends Per-Share

$ 0.20

$ 0.19

MATSON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

















March 31,

December 31, (In millions)

2018

2017 ASSETS











Current Assets:











Cash and cash equivalents

$ 13.7

$ 19.8 Other current assets



255.1



246.2 Total current assets



268.8



266.0 Long-term Assets:











Investment in Terminal Joint Venture



96.7



93.2 Property and equipment, net



1,215.0



1,165.7 Goodwill



323.7



323.7 Intangible assets, net



222.4



225.2 Other long-term assets



161.3



173.7 Total long-term assets



2,019.1



1,981.5 Total assets

$ 2,287.9

$ 2,247.5













LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY











Current Liabilities:











Current portion of debt

$ 36.5

$ 30.8 Other current liabilities



239.1



255.5 Total current liabilities



275.6



286.3 Long-term Liabilities:











Long-term debt



867.1



826.3 Deferred income taxes



291.6



285.2 Other long-term liabilities



171.2



171.5 Total long-term liabilities



1,329.9



1,283.0













Total shareholders' equity



682.4



678.2 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$ 2,287.9

$ 2,247.5

MATSON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)



















Three Months Ended March 31,

(In millions)

2018

2017

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:













Net income

$ 14.2

$ 7.0

Reconciling adjustments:













Depreciation and amortization



23.6



24.6

Deferred income taxes



6.4



2.9

Share-based compensation expense



2.7



2.6

Equity in income of Terminal Joint Venture



(10.5)



(4.9)

Distribution from Terminal Joint Venture



7.0





Other



(0.6)



(2.6)

Changes in assets and liabilities:













Accounts receivable, net



(14.5)



(8.4)

Deferred dry-docking payments



(4.6)



(15.1)

Deferred dry-docking amortization



9.2



11.5

Prepaid expenses and other assets



8.2



(1.1)

Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities



(11.0)



(13.3)

Other long-term liabilities



(0.2)



0.8

Net cash provided by operating activities



29.9



4.0

















Cash Flows From Investing Activities:













Capitalized vessel construction expenditures



(57.7)



(1.3)

Other capital expenditures



(13.1)



(22.9)

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment



1.0





Cash deposits into Capital Construction Fund



(53.5)





Withdrawals from Capital Construction Fund



53.5





Net cash used in investing activities



(69.8)



(24.2)

















Cash Flows From Financing Activities:













Repayments of debt and capital leases



(2.5)



(2.6)

Proceeds from revolving credit facility



117.4



100.0

Repayments of revolving credit facility



(68.4)



(56.0)

Proceeds from issuance of capital stock



0.2



0.4

Dividends paid



(8.7)



(8.3)

Repurchase of Matson common stock







(0.7)

Tax withholding related to net share settlements of restricted stock units



(4.2)



(7.1)

Other







0.1

Net cash provided by financing activities



33.8



25.8

















Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents



(6.1)



5.6

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period



19.8



13.9

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period

$ 13.7

$ 19.5

















Supplemental Cash Flow Information:













Interest paid, net of capitalized interest

$ 5.3

$ 6.5

Income tax paid, net of income tax refunds

$ 0.2

$ 0.4

















Non-cash Information:













Capital expenditures included in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities

$ 0.7

$ 2.4



MATSON, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Net Debt to EBITDA and EBITDA Reconciliations (Unaudited)

NET DEBT RECONCILIATION





March 31, (In millions)

2018 Total Debt:

$ 903.6 Less: Cash and cash equivalents



(13.7) Capital Construction Fund - cash on deposit



(0.9) Net Debt

$ 889.0 EBITDA RECONCILIATION





























Three Months Ended









March 31,

Last Twelve (In millions)

2018

2017

Change

Months Net Income

$ 14.2

$ 7.0

$ 7.2

$ 239.2 Add: Income taxes



10.3



3.1



7.2



(99.6) Add: Interest expense



5.0



6.3



(1.3)



22.9 Add: Depreciation and amortization



23.4



24.4



(1.0)



99.4 Add: Dry-dock amortization



9.2



11.5



(2.3)



43.9 EBITDA (1)

$ 62.1

$ 52.3

$ 9.8

$ 305.8

_______________ (1) EBITDA is defined as the sum of net income plus income taxes, interest expense and depreciation and amortization (including deferred dry-docking amortization). EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (as determined in accordance with GAAP), as an indicator of our operating performance, or to cash flows from operating activities (as determined in accordance with GAAP) as a measure of liquidity. Our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to EBITDA as calculated by other companies, nor is this calculation identical to the EBITDA used by our lenders to determine financial covenant compliance.





Investor Relations inquiries: News Media inquiries: Lee Fishman Keoni Wagner Matson, Inc. Matson, Inc. 510.628.4227 510.628.4534 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Matson, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.matson.com

IRVINE, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total April U.S. sales of 23,056 vehicles, representing a decrease of 4.6 percent versus April of last year. Year-to-date (YTD) sales through April are up 14.8 percent versus last year, with 107,051 vehicles sold. With 24 selling days in April 2018, versus 26 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 3.4 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

Key April sales notes:

A mix of the new 2018 Mazda6, now with the option of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T gasoline turbo engine, and the previous-generation model led to a sales increase of 29.3 percent year-over-year (YOY), with 2,909 vehicles sold in the month of April.

Mazda CX-9, Mazda's seven-passenger crossover SUV, finished the month up 0.2 percent YOY, with 2,138 vehicles sold. Sales of the Mazda CX-9 are up 8.5 percent YTD.

Sales of Mazda's CX-line remain strong, with CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9 collectively reaching 14,585 vehicles sold in the month of April. This number represents a decrease of 0.2 percent YOY, and an increase of 8.1 percent YTD.

Among Mazda CX-line buyers, Mazda's i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive option continues to be a favorite, with 63.0 percent of customers choosing the AWD option in April.

Mazda reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales of 4,090 vehicles in April, marking an increase of 14.7 percent YOY.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported April sales of 4,190 vehicles, up 9.0 percent versus April of last year.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.



Month-To-Date

Year-To-Date























April April % % MTD

April April % % YTD

2018 2017 Change DSR

2018 2017 Change DSR























Mazda3 4,725 5,980 (21.0)% (14.4)%

24,380 26,586 (8.3)% (8.3)%

Mazda5 - 1 - -

- 6 (100.0)% (100.0)%

Mazda6 2,909 2,249 29.3% 40.1%

10,441 12,941 (19.3)% (19.3)%

MX-5 Miata 837 1,319 (36.5)% (31.3)%

2,803 4,701 (40.4)% (40.4)%

CX-3 1,135 1,147 (1.0)% 7.2%

5,472 4,861 12.6% 12.6%

CX-5 11,312 11,334 (0.2)% 8.1%

54,129 35,708 51.6% 51.6%

CX-9 2,138 2,134 0.2% 8.5%

9,826 8,432 16.5% 16.5%























Total Vehicles









































CARS 8,471 9,549 (11.3)% (3.9)%

37,624 44,234 (14.9)% (14.9)%

TRUCKS 14,585 14,615 (0.2)% 8.1%

69,427 49,001 41.7% 41.7%























TOTAL 23,056 24,164 (4.6)% 3.4%

107,051 93,235 14.8% 14.8%













































Selling Days 24 26





101 101



















































SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Related Links

http://www.mazdausa.com

Attendees had the opportunity to listen to presentations on CBD and its many health and wellness benefits by Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus, HempMeds Brasil Vice President Caroline Heinz, HempMeds Brasil Director of Medical Affairs Junior S. Gibelli, HempMeds Vice President of Latin America Raul Elizalde and clinical researchers Dr. Carlos G. Aguirre-Velazquez and Dr. Luiz Fernando Fonseca.

"HempMeds has a well-recognized global presence and a part of maintaining that presence is to connect influential leaders from different countries to continue to learn about cannabis and CBD," said HempMeds Brasil Vice President Caroline Heinz. "We're happy that these doctors were able to travel all the way from Brazil for our event."

HempMeds Brasil was the first company authorized by ANVISA to import a CBD-based product into Brazil for those suffering from various specific medical conditions.

"Having recently traveled to Brazil, it is nice to have these prominent medical professionals visit our home offices and provide them with personal interaction with some of our key international leaders," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. "We will continue to host home-and-home symposiums like this to help spread our knowledge on this amazing supplement and help increase global access."

About HempMeds Brasil

HempMeds Brasil currently has three cannabis products approved for importation into Brazil as a prescription medication for Epilepsy, Parkinson's and Chronic Pain. The company had the first-ever cannabis product allowed for import into Brazil and its products are currently subsidized by the Brazilian government, under their health care system, for all three medical indications listed above. HempMeds Brasil is working on additional approvals for multiple indications.

About Medical Marijuana, Inc.

We are a company of firsts. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com.

To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here.

Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products.

FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURES

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties. The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. The Company does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act. The Company does sell and distribute hemp-based products.

CONTACT:

Public Relations Contact:

Andrew Hard

Chief Executive Officer

CMW Media

P. 888-829- 0070

[email protected]

www.cmwmedia.com

SOURCE Medical Marijuana, Inc.

Related Links

https://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Messiah College today announced that beginning June 1, 2018, students will be able to pay for a portion of their education with a new financing model designed to align the cost of college with students' career outcomes after graduation. Known as an income share agreement (ISA), the new program will reduce the up-front cost of tuition in exchange for a set percentage of students' income after graduation over a set period of time.

Founded in 1909, Messiah College serves more than 2,700 undergraduates and has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal, and the Princeton Review as a top college in the northeast. Under the terms of the college's ISA program, participating students will pay between 3 - 3.5% of their post-graduation income for a set period of time. Payment will be waived for Messiah graduates whose annual salary is less than $25,000, alleviating the burden of payment for those who make less than expected after graduation. In addition to serving Messiah College undergraduates, income share agreements will also be available to graduate students in the occupational therapy and physical therapy programs.

"The Messiah College community is committed to preparing students for lives of service and leadership," said Dr. Kim S. Phipps, president of Messiah College. "Because income share agreements adjust the amount of payment depending on income, our new ISA program will increase access and affordability for both current and prospective students, and enable our graduates to pursue their chosen career path without the anxiety that so often accompanies student loan debt."

Messiah College's new ISA program will be designed by Vemo Education, an education technology company that partners with higher education institutions to develop, launch and implement income share agreements. In 2017, Vemo powered $23 million of ISAs at a cross-section of colleges, universities and other education institutions, including Purdue University, Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania, and Clarkson University in New York.

"Rising costs and skyrocketing debt have put higher education out of reach for too many students  particularly lower-income and nontraditional students for whom higher education is a critical driver of economic mobility," said Tonio DeSorrento, Founder and CEO of Vemo Education. "Messiah College is joining a community of higher education innovators pioneering a new approach to student finance that can build college-going aspiration and better align the interests of students and institutions."

In partnering with Vemo Education, Messiah College is one of the first two private colleges in Pennsylvania to launch an ISA program after the model was recognized by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) as an innovative financing option for Pennsylvania's higher education institutions.

About Messiah College

Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Mechanicsburg, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg.

About Vemo Education

Vemo Education's mission is to help higher education institutions empower their students by developing customized, value-oriented student financing programs. Providing a full-service approach to its partners, Vemo has invested in the infrastructure required to design, price, originate, disburse and service income-based payment products. Vemo's management team has extensive experience in education finance and the financial aid sector. Learn more at www.vemo.com.

SOURCE Vemo Education; Messiah College

Related Links

http://www.vemo.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Miami Grill sizzles like South Beach due to an aggressive growth strategy that keeps fueling franchise expansion. The brand continues to transition to the upscale, fast casual format of Miami Grill, with a South Beach vibe and an "Everything Goes" menu.

Franchisee owners gathered in April for the semi-annual Town Hall meeting and celebrated the outstanding financial results of 2017 and Q1, 2018. The meeting, which had record attendance is a testament to the dedication being put into the brand by both corporate and their franchisees. As presented by Melanie Satisky, the company's CFO, first quarter comparable restaurant sales and transactions continue to produce record-level results for the fast-casual chain. The momentum of 2017 has continued into 2018 with sales and transactions at a blistering pace in 2018.

According to Black Box Intelligence, a financial performance benchmark company for the restaurant industry, the industry's same-store sales were up eight-tenths of a percent in March and transactions were down 2.1 percent. By comparison, Miami Grill experienced a 10.9 percent positive same-store swing and a 10 percent increase swing in transactions for the same period.

First Quarter results for the restaurant industry for same-store sales were up slightly at one-tenth of a percent and a decline of 2.7% for transactions. By contrast, according to Satisky's presentation, Miami Grill saw a staggering 14.2 percent same-store positive sales swing and an impressive 12.5 increase in transactions. Equally impressive for Miami Grill is same-store comparable sales have been positive in 52 of the last 54 months.

According to Richard Chwatt, Miami Grill's CEO & President, "Our continued emphasis on upscaling and enhancing the brand, restaurant renovations, strong restaurant operations, strategic marketing campaigns, leading-edge technology and a growing partnership with UberEats as well as other third- party delivery companies has all resonated with our guests and resulted in our stellar performance."

Miami Grill's partnership with UberEATS has contributed an 11 percent incremental revenue stream system-wide. Check averages for UberEATS are 40 percent greater than current guest check averages, far surpassing Miami Grill's financial goals for the delivery platform.

The brand has continued to expand both domestically and internationally with a concentrated development targeted to Central and North Florida, where the chain recently entered the Jacksonville market. Restaurants are under construction at the Standard/University of Florida, Gainesville, One Daytona, Orlando, and Green Acres.

Contact:

Jackie Maceda, Marketing Director

Phone: 954-623-6031

[email protected]

About Miami Grill

South-Florida based Miami Grill is the hottest fast-casual concept to hit the market, developed by the same owners as Miami Subs, Miami Subs Capital Partners 1, Inc. and key equity partner, Armando Christian "Pitbull" Perez. Miami Grill and its "Everything Goes" concept embody the taste and sensations of South Beach and provide a diverse menu, unlike any other chain in the category. For franchising and other information, visit www.miamigrillfranchise.com and www.mymiamigrill.com.

SOURCE Miami Grill Corporation

Related Links

http://mymiamigrill.com

Australia's oldest scientist plans to fly to Switzerland next week to end his life through voluntary euthanasia.

Goodall, one of Australia's oldest scientist, hasn't been diagnosed with any disease but sufffers from a deteriorating health, so he has secured a fast-track appointment to get help to die.

"I greatly regret having reached that age", the ecologist told broadcaster ABC on his birthday earlier last month. It's not sad particularly.

A fundraising campaign by Exit International to upgrade Goodall's flight class for the long journey from Perth, along with that of his helper, had exceeded its target of 15,000 Australian dollars (9,368 euros).

But that legislation, which takes effect from June 2019, only applies to terminally ill patients of sound mind and a life expectancy of less than six months.

Waffle House backs workers who called police on black woman

When they arrived, witnesses told them that Chikesia Clemons had indicated she might have a gun and might shoot people. Once inside, they watched a surveillance video from the Alabama Waffle House, before Clemons' controversial arrest.

Novedades para Maradona sobre su continuidad como DT en Al-Fujairah

Por el momento, Maradona no ha salido manifestarse ni a dar explicaciones de lo ocurrido. Ahora, el club tiene la oportunidad de lograr el ascenso con un repechaje.

Por 13 razones estrena teaser de la segunda temporada

Hace un ano, Selena Gomez , productora ejecutiva del programa, revelo en Instagram que habria una segunda temporada . Mas alla de esto, los detalles de la nueva temporada son escasos.

Assisted suicide is illegal in most countries and was banned in Australia until the state of Victoria legalised the practice past year. Voluntary euthanasia is legal in Switzerland.

Exit International said it was unjust that one of the country's "oldest and most prominent citizens" should have to travel across the globe "to die with dignity".

Prof Goodall has been a member of the organisation for nearly 20 years and will fly out of Perth on Wednesday, accompanied by an Exit International nurse to an assisted suicide organisation in Basel.

Dr Nitschke, who burnt his practising certificate in 2015 to protest against Medical Board conditions on his registration, said it was a shame Prof Goodall had to undertake an arduous trip to have a peaceful death at the time of his choosing. "My personal opinion is if we reason there's a right to life, then everyone has a right to dispose of it", he has reportedly said.

Prof Goodall made worldwide headlines in 2016 when the university reversed a decision to kick him out of his office on campus amid concerns his long public transport commute was a health risk.Fun, informative videos from Huggies Little Swimmers will feature the entire Phelps family and show how they safely play in the water, from gearing up for Beckett's first swim to fun water games like "Little Surfers" and "talk to the fish". Families around the world are encouraged to share their own water play moments using the hashtag #WaterPlaybook.

"Sharing our love for the water with Boomer last year was very special for Nicole and me," said Michael Phelps. "We are looking forward to enjoying the water as a family of four during Beckett and Boomer's first summer together and are excited to partner with Huggies Little Swimmers to create the ultimate #WaterPlaybook for babies so they can be confident and comfortable in the water too."

"Huggies is thrilled to partner with the Phelps family again to encourage child parent bonding in the water," said Rebecca Dunphey, president of Kimberly-Clark Baby and Child Care North America. "Whether having fun in the pool, running through sprinklers or enjoying a day at the beach, playing with water is great fun for parents and children alike."

Huggies Little Swimmers swimpants are designed to help babies thrive during water play, featuring a unique absorbent material that doesn't swell and easy open sides for a comfortable, adjustable fit.

The campaign will feature entertaining videos with Michael, Nicole, Boomer, and Beckett, along with ideas for families to safely play in the water all year long. The best moments will be shared in the 2018 Water Playbook, showcasing all the memories a family can build together with great water play and Huggies Little Swimmers.

Be sure to check out Michael, Boomer, and Nicole Phelps' social channels, in addition to Huggies' Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest content and visit www.Huggies.com for more product details.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Viva and WypAll, hold the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build stronger communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's 146-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Monica Gonzales/Octagon

Phone: 310-854-8378

[email protected]

Brook Smith/Kimberly-Clark

Phone: 972-281-1481

[email protected]

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark

Related Links

http://www.kimberly-clark.com/

ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Organizers of the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) today announced the highly anticipated list of companies that will present at the 37th annual event, which will be held May 15-16 at the Marriott Resort in Ypsilanti, Mich. A total of 32 companies, representing the best of the emerging growth companies in the Midwest that are actively seeking funding, will showcase their ventures to an audience of more than 400 top-tier investors, entrepreneurs, researchers and business executives.

The companies come from across the Midwest, as well as California, Colorado and Kansas, spanning the life sciences and technology industries. MGCS will also feature a dedicated tech transfer pitch track with presenters from the University of Notre Dame, University of Minnesota, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State University, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.

The full list of this year's presenting companies is available on the event's website. Among these are:

OXX - designs and manufactures rugged-appliances for use in the world's most challenging environments for the job site or weekend adventure.

- designs and manufactures rugged-appliances for use in the world's most challenging environments for the job site or weekend adventure. Trillium Secure - an Internet of Things cybersecurity venture focused on protecting mission-critical automotive and IoT networks from malicious cyber attack.

- an Internet of Things cybersecurity venture focused on protecting mission-critical automotive and IoT networks from malicious cyber attack. Collabtic - a collaboration platform for the printing and imaging industry.

- a collaboration platform for the printing and imaging industry. Novadiol - a biopharmaceutical company developing patent-protected drugs at reduced risk and development expense.

- a biopharmaceutical company developing patent-protected drugs at reduced risk and development expense. NoMo Diagnostics - a real-time concussion diagnostic for athletes and military, powered by miniaturized EEG and novel biosensors that monitor brainwaves.

- a real-time concussion diagnostic for athletes and military, powered by miniaturized EEG and novel biosensors that monitor brainwaves. SpinTech - builds MRI processing software that enables enhanced visualization, identification and quantification of unseen biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, traumatic brain injury and dementia.

In addition to company presentations, this year's event will feature a keynote address from Wendell Brooks, senior VP at Intel Corporation and president of Intel Capital, as well as panel discussions on venture capital and tech transfer topics led by industry experts. Online registration is available until 11:59 p.m. EST Friday, May 11, and on-site registration opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15 at the Marriot Resort.

The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium, hosted by the University of Michigan Ross School of Business' Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance, is the longest running university-based venture fair of its kind. For more information on the event, visit www.MichiganGCS.com.

About the Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

The Michigan Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) is the original university-based venture investment fair, which was first held in 1981. This decades-old nationally attended event is the largest Midwest fair of its kind that brings together venture capital investors, business angels, start-up companies, university tech transfer officers and research faculty. MGCS provides an opportunity for participants from the venture capital community to connect with Midwest start-ups seeking funding and to learn about emerging innovations that span tech and the life sciences. MGCS is presented by the Center for Venture Capital & Private Equity Finance and the Zell Lurie Institute at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

SOURCE Michigan Growth Capital Symposium

Related Links

http://www.MichiganGCS.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Datagran, a disruptor of the global digital advertising model, today announced the appointment of Greg Jensen, a former Microsoft executive, to its newly created position of Chief Product Officer. He will report to Datagran founder and CEO Carlos Mendez Solano, and will be based in Silicon Valley.

Jensen will be responsible for product development and partnerships to help drive Datagran's business strategy and growth. He will also provide the company's executive team with technical expertise in program management, analytics and user experience.

"Greg's proven leadership in the software industry is a strong asset for Datagran's growing executive team," said Carlos Mendez Solano, founder and CEO of Datagran. "He has led major product launches that have resulted in growth at both a Fortune 10 company and an emerging startup. This expertise will be instrumental as Datagran builds momentum as a disruptive force in the marketing industry."

Jensen has nearly 30 years of experience in engineering, product marketing, and product management and development. He joins Datagran from Microsoft Corporation, where he was Group Program Manager, leading teams delivering mobile products across multiple platforms. Previously, Jensen was Senior Director Product Management in Microsoft's Cloud and Enterprise division. Prior to Microsoft, he was Chief Technology Officer for Saflink Corporation in Bellevue, Washington.

At Datagran, Greg will take the reins of the company's product suite, including the tools adOptimizer, adCreator, adAnalyzer and bigdataAnalysis. These combined products form a sophisticated, yet easy to use suite built on Artificial Intelligence that provides marketing teams a smarter, more transparent way to target and execute digital campaigns without the need to hire large, expensive media agencies.

Datagran's toolkit saves time and money by using automation to optimize digital campaigns; using data to make and improve creative assets; analyzing performance and presenting results to marketers in real-time; and predicting future campaign performance through more relevant audience targeting. The company guarantees a cost reduction of 20 percent for each campaign based on cost per referrals and is already providing an average savings of 50 percent for customers.

"Datagran's ability to help brands and media companies dramatically reduce costs, save time and use marketing resources more efficiently is causing them to reconsider the need for traditional agencies. We are helping customers to execute their own campaigns and providing direct access to critical information that increases the success of their marketing efforts," said Jensen. "My aim is to deliver great products that will drive Datagran's continued growth and success."

Jensen earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering at California Institute of Technology.

Please click HERE for a high resolution image file of Greg Jensen.

About Datagran

Datagran makes it easy to become a marketing genius. Selected by JP Morgan Chase and Endeavor as a "High Potential Startup," its unique marketing toolkit has improved digital results for brands like Subway, BIC and Coors Light and others, while also helping most companies cut ad spending by an average of 50 percent. Datagran has more than 70 employees and is in twelve locations across Europe, North, South and Central America. Investors include Telefonica and Quake Capital partners. To learn more visit www.datagran.io.

SOURCE Datagran

Related Links

https://www.datagran.io

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association (IFA) Foundation announced today it is accepting applications for its annual NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, a worldwide contest that engages millennial entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses through the franchise model, and the only business incubator in the world focused on franchising. Since the inception of the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, nearly 2,000 millennial entrepreneurs from more than 75 countries have applied. Applications will be open through Aug. 31, 2018 at www.NextGenFranchising.org.

"The NextGen in Franchising competition is truly a one-of-a-kind program that continues to evolve year after year as we identify business concepts worldwide that have the potential to grow through franchising," said David McKinnon, CFE, 2nd vice chair of the IFA Foundation and chair of the NextGen in Franchising Committee. "Being the only competition and business incubator tailored to help millennial business owners grow their concepts through franchising, NextGen provides unparalleled resources and access to seasoned leaders in the industry. We established the competition to not only drive the success of the next generation of franchisors, but also to fuel the growth of the overall franchising community. Each year we are blown away by the quality of applications we receive and are extremely excited to learn about the emerging businesses that are ready to take the next step in 2019. "

The NextGen in Franchising Global Competition is open to companies that have been operating for 1-5 years, have the potential to scale through franchising, and with founders ages 21-35.* Twenty winners will receive a trip to the IFA's 59th Annual Convention in Las Vegas from Feb. 24-27, 2019; a spot at the NextGen in Franchising Summit, a two-day educational and networking program for next generation entrepreneurs at the IFA Annual Convention; an accelerator program with industry leaders and CEOs; an opportunity to participate in the final round of the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition for a chance to win a monetary investment to help grow their business; and opportunities to network with leading franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers, as well as other young entrepreneurs.

Winners of the 2018 NextGen in Franchising competition had the opportunity to present their business concepts to Shark Tank star Daymond John who led a panel of judges for the final round of the Global Competition in Phoenix, Arizona. The 2018 NextGen in Franchising Global Competition winners hailed from eight countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Australia, Kenya, Nicaragua, Uganda and Hungary. Clean Juice, founded by husband-and-wife team Landon and Kat Eckles, was named the 2018 grand prize winner.

"My husband and I are indebted to the resources and ongoing support we have received since competing at the NextGen in Franchising competition earlier this year," said Kat Eckles. "We've stayed in touch with many of the judges and have formed strong mentor/mentee relationships which have already positioned our company to have the bandwidth needed to grow Clean Juice rapidly through franchising. We highly encourage entrepreneurs to apply to this incredible program."

The NextGen in Franchising program is made possible due to the generosity of its donors and sponsors, which include David McKinnon, the founding sponsor; the Stewart & Jane Bainum Fund; Lawrence "Doc" Cohen, Doc & Associates; Choice Hotels Foundation; J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation; Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements; Charlie Chase, FirstService Brands; Aziz Hashim, NRD Holdings; Joe Bourdow, Valpak; the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation/Subway; Tony Valle, ELM Perform; Dave Mortensen, Anytime Fitness; and Melanie Bergeron, Two Men & A Truck Intl.

To apply for the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, visit NextGenFranchising.org. For more information, please contact Chelsea Bear at [email protected] or call (954) 893-9150.

About the IFA Foundation

Celebrating 35 years of education, research and excellence, the International Franchise Association (IFA) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and supported through the generous contributions of IFA members and others. The Foundation's mission is to advance franchising and the free enterprise system by increasing the knowledge and professional standards of all members of the franchising community; educating the next generation of franchise practitioners; increasing recognition of franchising's key role in the free enterprise system; and providing comprehensive information and research about important developments and trends in franchising.

About the International Franchise Association

The International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 745,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.9 million direct jobs, $713.2billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.

* Age at time of application; company must have been founded after April 2013.

Contact:

Chelsea Bear

Fish Consulting

[email protected]

954-893-9150

Gionne Jones

IFA Foundation

[email protected]

202-662-0772

SOURCE International Franchise Association

Related Links

http://www.NextGenFranchising.org

"Visiting Mimi's Cafe is a tradition for many families to celebrate special occasions, and our Mother's Day menu offers great value and delicious meals the whole family can enjoy," said Mimi's Senior Director of Marketing Tiffany McClain. "We have multiple options for families this Mother's Day, beginning with our Brunch at 7 a.m. or with our special 3-course menu beginning at 11 a.m."

The Mother's Day menu offers guests the choice of soup or salad, entree and dessert starting at $18.99. Choices are:

Choice of a house salad, Caesar salad or cup of soup

Choice of entree:

Slow Roasted Turkey, hand-carved with mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread dressing, fresh vegetables and orange-apple cranberry relish



Quiche Lorraine with hickory-smoked bacon, aged Parmesan, Swiss cheese and green onions



Fire-grilled Shrimp Brochette Skewers with a classic salt and pepper rub



Asian Chicken Chopped Salad with a slow-roasted chicken breast, red & green bell peppers, mandarin orange, basil, cilantro, chopped cabbage and romaine lettuce tossed in sesame dressing with fried wontons and sesame seeds



Mushroom Brie Burger with sliced sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions and melted Brie on grilled sourdough



Chicken Cheddar Mac with pulled chicken in a rich cheddar sauce with crumbled bacon, penne pasta and Parmesan crust

For an additional $2 , guests can select Grilled Atlantic Salmon for their entree

, guests can select Grilled Atlantic Salmon for their entree Choice of dessert including decadent Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding or Molten Lava Cake

Guests can complement their meals with signature Mimi-mosas, including its White Peach Mimosa (a Korbel Champagne split with orange juice and the classic Bellini flavor of white peach), $6 house wine or specialty coffees for an additional charge.

Mimi's special Mother's Day kid's prix fixe menu includes a choice of entree, side and drink paired with a celebratory scoop of ice cream for dessert, for $8.99. Kids will enjoy learning about Mimi's new furry friends, Elle and Pierre with its interactive Kid's Menu and activity sheet. Families can capture the day with their moms and take photo selfies with a special cut out with Elle and Pierre.

Those who dine with Mimi's for Mother's Day will receive a free entree with second entree purchase offer to use on a following May visit.

Mother's Day reservations are recommended. For locations, complete menu and hours of operation, visit www.mimiscafe.com.

About Mimi's

Founded in 1978 by Arthur Simms, who was stationed in France during World War II, Mimi's is a neighborhood cafe offering fresh, hand-prepared American-French comfort food and bistro classics for breakfast all day, lunch, dinner and special celebrations. Now owned by Dallas-based Le Duff America Inc., the North American subsidiary of global bakery-cafe leader Groupe Le Duff, headquartered in Rennes, France, Mimi's has 84 locations in 16 U.S. states. Mimi's sources the freshest ingredients, inspiring their scratch-made French bistro classics and American comfort food. A full menu and more information is available at www.mimiscafe.com.

Media Contacts:

Sara Hundley or Curry Heard

SPM Communications

[email protected] or [email protected]

817-329-3257

SOURCE Mimis

Related Links

http://www.mimiscafe.com

GIBC Digital will establish the office with an initial $2.5 million investment. The investment will enable the hire of 50 people to do both local and regional work focused on automation, cyber security, and data intelligence. In addition to this direct investment, the company will invest another $1 million of its resources into training its new employees. It has been estimated that for each skilled job created, another 2.5 jobs will result in the local non-tradable, service, and tourism sectors, which would mean a projected economic impact of over $10 million in the first year alone. It is GIBC Digital's plan to expand its Bahamas operations to over 150 employees and build a state-of-the-art data and artificial intelligence center within three years, resulting in an expected economic impact of $50 million by 2020.

The company's CEO, Greg Wood, said, "We are hiring local people and providing them with the skills they need to be part of the digital workforce. We aren't just creating jobs; we are creating in-demand, high-paying careers. The positive economic impact for Bahamians will be incredible."

When asked why they chose The Bahamas for expansion, Wood said, "We are excited to be a part of the Minnis Administration's vision to make Grand Bahama a tech hub. Ten years from now, it will be thought of as the Silicon Valley of the Caribbean. This is the perfect time to be part of the growth and reinvigoration that's taking place here."

Wood continued, "We have been working closely with Minister of State for Grand Bahama, Senator Kwasi Thompson and his team, and they have been tremendously helpful. They are committed to making Grand Bahama a business-friendly environment."

About GIBC Digital

In 2011, Greg Wood began what would become GIBC Digital, a global, digital-transformation facilitator that is focused on providing data intelligence, automation and cyber security solutions. GIBC Digital is headquartered in New York with offices in Boston, Stamford, Tampa, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Bahamas office opening in May 2018 plans to hire an additional 50 people in the Bahamas.

SOURCE GIBC Digital

Related Links

http://www.gibcdigital.com

MIAMI, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MO Tecnologias LLC, a leading Fintech who has developed an innovative patent-pending proprietary credit scoring technology and loan management platform, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Blackstone Merchant Services, Inc., a leading Merchant Services Company providing a complete end-to-end prepaid and payment processing program to its network of businesses in the US, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Blackstone will begin offering this Merchant Cash Advance program to the merchants affiliated in its network. Furthermore, Blackstone will integrate the MO MCA application in various point of sale systems and platforms.

"Over the past two years, MO's innovative proprietary credit technology has been adopted by major Financial Institutions, Service Companies and other Fintech's in many Countries in Latin America, and we now look forward to enter the North American market with a great partner such as Blackstone," comments Paolo Fidanza, MO Tecnologias Co-Founder & CEO, "Blackstone has built a reputation for its end-to-end merchant solutions for retailers in the US and now with the unique MO Merchant Cash Advance offering, it will be able to allow its network of stores to access pre-approved cash advances 24/7 with immediate digital withdrawal from a Mobile App/Web Portal, without the requirement to present additional documentations, and without impacting their traditional credit rating with credit inquiries."

"For over 20 years, Blackstone has offered innovative merchant solutions to businesses through its comprehensive proprietary platform which includes complete merchant solutions from credit/debit processing, prepaid products and toll payment solutions through a multitude of terminals, web based applications and point of sale systems," said Janet Sancho, Blackstone President. "We have seen many Merchant Cash Advance solutions, but MO is unique in its onboarding approach, which pre-approves Merchants for cash advances without the need to submit additional documentations and without consulting traditional credit bureaus. Our network will be pre-screened to easily access working capital when they need it and then repaying it with small daily installments that are deducted automatically from their future deposits."

Blackstone and MO plan to roll out the MCA offer within the next 90 days.

About MO Tecnologias LLC

MO Tecnologias LLC is a leading Fintech who has developed an innovative patent-pending proprietary credit scoring technology and loan management platform which uses AI & machine learning. Without the need to know the identity of the user, MO processes numerous data points and calculates a credit score within seconds, pre-approving the user. The MO loan issuing & management platform can serve and admin credit to persons or small businesses via multiple channels, including Smart Mobile App, Web Portal, POS Terminal, M-Pos, USSD, SMS, Transport Cards, and Pre-Paid & Debit Cards.

MO has operations in USA, Colombia, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, and Mexico.

For more information please visit: www.motecnologias.com

Sara Guerra

Telephone: +57 3176405083

Email: [email protected]

About Blackstone Merchant Services, Inc.

Established in 2000, Blackstone Merchant Services has successfully managed to bring a complete end-to-end prepaid and payment processing programs to all retailers regardless of their size. Our comprehensive proprietary platform provides complete merchant solutions from credit/debit processing, prepaid products and payment solutions through a multitude of terminals, web-based applications and point of sale systems. Blackstone consistently provides merchants with competitive prepaid and processing rates to meet all of their prepaid and payment processing needs. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Blackstone serves thousands of clients throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information please visit: www.BlackstoneMerchant.com

Alexandra Durand

Telephone: +1 305-639-9590 ext 2207

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE MO Tecnologias LLC

Related Links

http://www.motecnologias.com

Modern Pop frozen fruit bars are the world's first frozen fruit bars to list whole delicious fruit as the first ingredient, across all of their flavors. Hence "Putting Fruit First." The better-for-you brand prides itself on offering a product with the more whole fruit, minimal ingredients, and less sugar than an apple. "These are the product attributes which we believe won over major retailers like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Wegmans," claims CEO, Julie Podolec.

"We're very excited to be executing upon our vision of creating and commercializing a product that bridges the gap between health and indulgence in the frozen category, and thrilled to be partnered with the amazing funds backing Modern Pop," said Brad Podolec, Co-Founder.

"We are proud to support Modern Pop as the brand navigates new growth opportunities in 2018," said Filipp Chebotarev, Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Cambridge Companies SPG. "The company is invigorating the frozen fruit bar space with real ingredients and exceptional flavors and we at Cambridge Companies SPG are thrilled to be a part of Modern Pop's next chapter as they continue to develop and expand."

The idea originated after founders and new parents, Julie and Brad Podolec failed at several attempts to find a frozen fruit bar they felt comfortable giving their teething infant. Options in their grocer's freezers fell short. They contained too much sugar, not enough fruit and too many hard to pronounce ingredients.

Julie has even larger aspirations for the brand. "Modern Pop is more than just a fruit bar company. We're doing our best to weave the Southern California lifestyle into a foods brand. It's done in apparel, we see no reason why it can't be done in foods!"

Available in six varieties: Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Pomegranate, Pineapple, Mango, Tropical and Fruit Punch, Modern Pop is re-inventing the American classic.

Follow the fun on Instagram and Facebook

SOURCE Modern Pop, Inc. [email protected]

SOURCE Modern Pop, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.themodernpop.com

The U.S. government said Monday it will take another 30 days to decide whether to impose tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum from the EU, Canada, and Mexico, extending a period of uncertainty for businesses in those regions. The exemptions were due to expire Tuesday. It could also be seen by political analysts as the latest issue on which Trump's bark has proved worse than his bite.

The administration has also reached agreements in principle on tariffs with Australia, Argentina and Brazil and they will also receive a 30-day extension so details can be finalized.

The Commission, which coordinates trade policy for the 28 European Union members, acknowledged Trump's decision but said the European Union should be permanently exempted from the tariffs since it was not the cause of overcapacity in steel and aluminium. Now, the US and its biggest economic partner will seek to iron out trade disagreements while bolstering joint efforts to counter Chinese practices that both sides say hurt their industries-a strategic economic aim for the two allies.

Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP for Aberavon, home to Port Talbot steelworks, said: "The only thing that President Trump has achieved through this delay is to cause further uncertainty and confusion".

If the European Union is subject to tariffs on the 6.4 billion euros ($7.7 billion) of the metals it exports annually to the United States, it has said it will set its own duties on 2.8 billion euros of US exports of products ranging from makeup to motorcycles.

"Overcapacity in the steel and aluminium sectors does not originate in the European Union... This can not be a unilateral transatlantic action by the Americans".

New Report Provides 2011-2018 Overview of China Containerized Solar Generator Market

This independent 170 pages report guarantees you will remain better informed than your competition. The report also covers the market size of the China Electric Vehicle AC Charging Station .

Ducati launches new Monster 821 in India at Rs 9.51 lakh

However, at Rs 9.51 lakh ex-showroom, the pricing of the new Monster 821 is still on the higher side, compared to the competition. While red is standard colour variant, the Monster 821 will also be available in black and yellow paint schemes.

Formula 1: La muerte de Senna, a 24 anos

Si, sabemos que el adios del piloto Ayrton Senna en los circuitos dejo conmocionados a millones de fanaticos del deporte motor. Despues de varias carreras, triunfos y exitos, su historia termino en el fatidico GP de San Marino .

Trump has said the United States may stop imposing such tariffs if trade deficits with the partner concerned are going to shrink.

"This issue is far from over, we've always said that these tariffs are not the answer to the challenges in the global steel market, and we will continue to make the case for a negotiated solution, not a damaging trade war", he said. But tariffs are likely to be imposed on steel and aluminum imports from Japan.

"In all of these negotiations, the administration is focused on quotas that will restrain imports, prevent transshipment, and protect the national security".

"A further extension to the European Union exemption gives us a little more breathing room to continue discussions and find a way through the current impasse to reach a permanent agreement that works for all parties". If all the exemptions were ended, it would have deepened the impact of the tariffs on American companies that use steel and potentially affect financial markets.

Beijing is frustrated with Mr. Trump's threats to impose tariffs on $150 billion in Chinese goods and dismayed by suggestions in the West that China has a weak bargaining position.

In the run-up to the May 1 deadline, the United Kingdom was engaged in last-ditch efforts to prevent the tariffs from being introduced. However the exports represent 5% of SA's production and this equates to 7 500 jobs in the steel supply chain, the department said."Our research shows that over 60% of people are concerned with the amount of sugar in juice. Parents want a juice that provides the taste they've come to expect from Mott's, with less sugar stress," said Kelly Stephenson, Director of Brand Marketing for Mott's. "Mott's Sensibles is a testament to our commitment to give parents solutions to help their families be their very best. Mott's is committed to developing innovative products that continue to address consumer's needs and are ultimately approved by our consumers."

Mott's Sensibles is available in three delicious flavors  Apple Raspberry, Apple Pineapple and Apple Cranberry  each with 100% apple juice, coconut water and a splash of vegetable juice.

Mott's is bringing Mott's Sensibles straight to parents and kids in New York City. Look out for the Mott's truck for an opportunity to sample the new flavors on Tuesday, May 15th.

Mott's Sensibles is available at local grocers and mass retailers nationwide in 64 ounce multi-serve bottles and 8-packs of 6 ounce juice pouches. Each 8-ounce serving contains 90 calories and 18g of sugar versus 110 calories and 27g of sugar in other 100% apple juice [2].

For more information and delicious recipes, visit Motts.com and follow @Motts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

About Mott's

Mott's, a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS), is the nation's leading producer of branded apple sauce and apple juice. Since 1842, Mott's has proudly created delicious and nutritious products for adults and children. Mott's continues to provide "simple solutions" to meet the needs of today's busy families. Mott's is available in a variety of juice and sauce offerings, including Mott's Original, Mott's for Tots, Mott's Medleys, Mott's Healthy Harvest Sauce and Mott's Snack & Go Applesauce Pouches. DPS is a leading producer of flavored beverages, marketing Mott's and 50-plus other beverage brands across North America and the Caribbean. For more information, visit Motts.com or DrPepperSnapple.com. For the brand's latest news and updates, follow Mott's at Facebook.com/Motts or Twitter.com/Motts.

[1] Compared to 100% apple juice.

[2] Based on a market analysis of the current 100% apple juice market.

SOURCE Mott's

Related Links

https://www.motts.com

ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Did you come home to find that your pet destroyed the house AGAIN? The nation's leading property maintenance, repair and improvement franchise, Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, shows all kinds of pet owners they are not alone by celebrating National Pet Month this May with the second annual "My 'Pet' Peeves" photo contest.

To enter the "My 'Pet' Peeves" photo contest, visit: https://apps.facebook.com/my-contests/mrhandymanpetpeevescontest and submit a photo of a pet's yard damage, annihilated shoes, in-home destruction, naughty behavior, or just their cute face by Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. CT. Dogs, cats, horses, hamsters, reptiles, bunnies, turtles, and more are welcome. Mr. Handyman will reward five random winners with a $250 PetSmart gift card to spoil their pets.

"According to a recent survey, over 65 percent of American households own a pet. But there are times when the joy of pet ownership is overridden by the serious destruction pets can cause on one of our largest investments  our homes," said Mr. Handyman President J.B. Sassano. "Our professional Mr. Handyman technicians have helped homeowners nationwide install pet doors, repair floors and replace trim and screens to accommodate their furry friends. We're thrilled to bring back this photo contest during National Pet Month to allow pet owners everywhere to share in each other's disappointment and laughter in our pets' crazy antics."

Additionally, Mr. Handyman offers the following tips to assist pet owners with common pet problems:

Repair Chewed Drywall : To fix drywall that may have been gnawed at by a puppy or anxious dog, scrape loose debris from holes or dents and cover with fast-drying spackle. Let dry for at least 24 hours and conceal repairs with a bit of touch-up paint. While small bite holes are easy to camouflage, years of covering damage can eventually lead to uneven drywall.

: To fix drywall that may have been gnawed at by a puppy or anxious dog, scrape loose debris from holes or dents and cover with fast-drying spackle. Let dry for at least 24 hours and conceal repairs with a bit of touch-up paint. While small bite holes are easy to camouflage, years of covering damage can eventually lead to uneven drywall. Protect the Floors: Pets can damage hardwood floors simply by walking on it. Protect hardwood by maintaining claw length and keeping area rugs around the house for pets to lie on. Fix minor scratches with floor cleaner and protective finish. Clean the scratch with a damp cloth, scrub the cleaner over the scratch, and repeat with a clean cloth to rinse away hardwood cleaner.

Pets can damage hardwood floors simply by walking on it. Protect hardwood by maintaining claw length and keeping area rugs around the house for pets to lie on. Fix minor scratches with floor cleaner and protective finish. Clean the scratch with a damp cloth, scrub the cleaner over the scratch, and repeat with a clean cloth to rinse away hardwood cleaner. Safeguard Wood: Wood is often a target for pets who chew or scratch. The easiest protection plan is to add plastic sheeting or PVC tubing around table and chair legs to prevent claw and bite marks. Save doors by adding clear, plastic sheeting.

To learn more about the "My 'Pet' Peeves" photo contest or to find other helpful tips from Mr. Handyman, visit www.mrhandyman.com/blog. You can review this year's contest rules at: https://www.mrhandyman.com/photo-contest-official-rules/.

About Mr. Handyman

Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, is North America's leading commercial and residential property maintenance, repair and improvement company. With more than 200 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, Mr. Handyman is recognized as one of the fastest growing service-oriented franchise systems and handyman service. Acquired by Dwyer Group in 2015, Mr. Handyman is part of Neighborly, a community of professional service experts, leveraging Dwyer Group's 19 service brands, 17 of which support a different franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv, Glass Doctor, The Grounds Guys, Five Star Painting, Molly Maid, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Handyman, Mr. Rooter (Drain Doctor in the UK), ProTect Painters, Rainbow International, Locatec, Window Genie, Neighborly, Bright & Beautiful, and Countrywide Grounds Maintenance. Collectively, these independent franchise concepts offer customers worldwide a broad base of residential and commercial services. In addition, Dwyer Group operates glass shops in New England under the Portland Glass and Cumberland County Glass brand names. Additional information about Neighborly can be found at www.GetNeighborly.com. For more information about Mr. Handyman, visit www.MrHandyman.com and to learn about franchising opportunities with the brand, visit http://franchise.mrhandyman.com.

Media Contact: Rachel Shaykin, Fishman PR, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected]

SOURCE Mr. Handyman

Related Links

https://www.mrhandyman.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuberger Berman, a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager, announced its entry into the broader specialty finance industry with the formation of Neuberger Berman Specialty Finance group ("NBSF"). The firm manages $299 billion in assets, of which $60 billion is alternative investments for institutions and individuals.

NBSF seeks to identify assets within the consumer, small business, and bridge loan segments in order to build short duration, income producing credit portfolios for its clients. The group will partner with high-quality originators who have strong underwriting and servicing capabilities. Utilizing the latest financial technology, NBSF will strive to create diversified portfolios with robust risk protection. The group will leverage strong internal research and data to best position portfolios for the current economic climate.

Peter Sterling has joined the firm to serve as the Head of Neuberger Berman Specialty Finance. NBSF efforts will be enhanced by collaboration with Samuel Porat, Managing Director, who is responsible for alternative income strategies at Neuberger Berman as well as David Kupperman and Jeff Majit, who co-manage the firm's hedge fund solutions team.

"NBSF is well positioned to become a global leader within specialty finance," said Mr. Sterling. "Building the business within Neuberger Berman's existing infrastructure gives us several competitive advantages on top of our team's existing relationships and experience. As the alternative credit industry has matured, access to high-quality deals and strong investor partnerships will be a key ingredient to success."

Prior to joining NBSF, Peter Sterling ran alternative lending at Coastland Capital ("Coastland") and served as its President. At Coastland, Mr. Sterling formulated the investment strategy and deployed several hundred million dollars while developing deep sourcing relationships from the venture, commercial banking, and private investment communities. Mr. Sterling has also invested in commercial and consumer non-performing loan portfolios and was previously a credit arbitrage portfolio manager at several hedge funds including Marin Capital, KBC Alternative Investments, and was initially hired into D.E. Shaw's Financial Products group.

"We see quite a few investment opportunities with the potential to earn attractive returns with a significant yield component," said Samuel Porat. "The technological forces that are disrupting the travel, media, retail and other industries are also changing the way we bank and access capital. We feel that this growing trend that can continue at a sustainably rapid pace," said David Kupperman.

About Neuberger Berman

Neuberger Berman, founded in 1939, is a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager. The firm manages a range of strategiesincluding equity, fixed income, quantitative and multi-asset class, private equity and hedge fundson behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors globally. With offices in 20 countries, Neuberger Berman's team is more than 1,900 professionals. For four consecutive years, the company has been named first or second in Pensions & Investments Best Places to Work in Money Management survey (among those with 1,000 employees or more). Tenured, stable and long-term in focus, the firm fosters an investment culture of fundamental research and independent thinking. It manages $299 billion in client assets as of March 31, 2018. For more information, please visit our website at www.nb.com.

All information is as of March 31, 2018 unless otherwise indicated and is subject to change without notice. Firm data, including employee and assets under management figures, reflects collective data for the various affiliated investment advisers that are subsidiaries of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Firm history/timeline includes the history of all firm subsidiaries, including predecessor entities and acquisitions.

This material is being issued on a limited basis through various global subsidiaries and affiliates of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. Please visit www.nb.com/disclosure-global-communications for the specific entities and jurisdictional limitations and restrictions.

The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

 2018 Neuberger Berman Group LLC.

All rights reserved.

Media Contact: Alex Samuelson, 212.476.5392, [email protected]

SOURCE Neuberger Berman

Related Links

http://www.nb.com

"Hancock Bank and Whitney Bank came together as one organization in 2011, but the story really began 100 years earlier," said President and CEO John M. Hairston. "Our new brand celebrates the history and enduring relationship between our two banks. It also affirms our passionate commitment to helping people achieve their financial goals and dreams. More than 4,000 associates carry on that mission every day," said Hairston.

The new brand precipitates the bank's official name change to "Hancock Whitney Bank" on May 25, 2018. The first transaction between Hancock Bank and Whitney Bank occurred May 25, 1918, and led to decades of mutual support and, ultimately, the decision to merge.

This week, new signs with the new logo start going up at Hancock Whitney headquarters, regional offices, 200-plus financial centers, and more than 260 ATMs. In the next 60 days, clients will see brand updates to online and mobile banking, debit and credit cards, and checks. They can still use their same accounts and card numbers under the same terms and bank with their same local bankers.

"Since the 1800s, we've sustained the Honor and Integrity, Strength and Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility to keep our bank strong and depositors safe," said Chief Operating Officer Shane Loper. "Our new brand incorporates those core values as the foundation of everything we do to create opportunities for people and the communities we serve."

About the brand elements

The new brand unites many aspects of Hancock Whitney's story, reflecting timeless values and a contemporary look to the future.

"The name 'Hancock Whitney' unifies two century-old brands with tremendous respect and equity," said Chief Marketing Officer Dan Marks. "The primary badge-like logo symbolizes our longstanding commitment to communities and clients. The center emblem incorporates a stylized 'HW' of five shapes representing our five core values. The top-right arrow points to an optimistic spirit and the potential of our strong future together with clients, which is inherent in our mission."

Perhaps most significant is the tagline tied to the new brand: "Your Dream. Our Mission."

"Every day, our associates deliver 5-star service to help people achieve their financial goals and dreams. Earning our clients' confidence by honoring our founding promise is why we can stay strong and grow together with the people, businesses, and communities we serve," Marks emphasized.

Read and hear more about the 100-year relationship between Hancock and Whitney at https://www.hancockwhitney.com/insights/100-years-in-the-making-how-the-hancock-whitney-story-began. See a 30-second Hancock Whitney brand announcement at https://youtu.be/t9F3i6-CZp0 and subscribe to Insights at www.hancockwhitney.com for more brand and banking news.

About Hancock Whitney

Since the late 1800s, our name has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Part of Hancock Holding Company's Gulf South financial services family, bank offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; certain insurance services; and mortgage services. The company also operates a loan production office in Nashville, Tennessee.

BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation's leading independent bank rating and analysis firm, has recommended Hancock Whitney as one of America's most financially sound banks for 114 consecutive quarters as of December 31, 2017. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.

SOURCE Hancock WhitneyPhilips Air Purifier Series 5000i provides superior performance, with identification and removal of odors and gases 1 in extra-large rooms up to 454 square feet, while helping users track current air quality with simple visual cues. Backed by cutting-edge AeraSense technology, Philips Air Purifier Series 5000i uses a multi-stage active filtration system to capture 99.97% of allergens such as pollen and dust mites 2 , in addition to gases and odors. With a dual sided air intake, Philips has two sets of each of the following filters:

Pre-filter: removes larger dust and hair

True HEPA filter: removes ultrafine particles as small as 0.3 microns 2

Active carbon filter: absorbs gasses including volatile organic compounds and odors

"We wanted to introduce families to a new superior approach to air purifying without compromising size and efficiency," says Eline de Graaf, Marketing Director for Philips. "Philips Air Purifier Series 5000i offers the ability to control the quality of air anywhere in the home. With new app connectivity features and visual cues for real-time access, families can feel confident that their home's air quality is the best it can be."

Philips Air Purifier Series 5000i offers visual reassurance of air quality with simple visual cues via unique numerical index and corresponding color ring so families can feel confident that even the smallest particles are properly filtered. The four color design visually presents indoor air quality by color cues  from blue (good) to red (poor). The monitoring system indicates potential risk of air allergens and displays the density level of detected gases.

Families are also able to customize the air purifier to their needs with special modes such as the Extra-sensitive Allergen mode, which detects the slightest change in allergen level and responds instantly to return allergens to a safe level, and Sleep Mode, which dims display lights and operates in near-silence for clean air while you sleep.

Philips Air Purifier Series 5000i connects to the new Air Matters app to provide real-time access to indoor and outdoor allergen levels, historical tracking, advice, and tools to reduce airborne allergens at home effectively. Air Matters is available for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Philips Air Purifier Series 5000i will have the ability to connect to Amazon Alexa in Spring 2018 for even more convenience at home.

Visit Philips.com for more details about Philips Air Purifier Series 5000i and the full range of air purifier and humidifier options from Philips.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips' health technology portfolio generated 2017 sales of EUR 17.8 billion and employs approximately 74,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

1 Does not reduce or absorb carbon monoxide gas. Keep gas appliances well ventilated.

2 Removes 99.97% >0.3microns particles of the air that passes through the filter: tested in 3rd party lab.

SOURCE PhilipsDALLAS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Niteo Products, LLC, a portfolio company of Highlander Partners, L.P., announced today the acquisition of the automotive chemical products portfolio sold under the Motor Medic brand from RSC Chemical Solutions. Founded in 2015, through the acquisition of the Valvoline car care assets from Ashland, Inc., and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Niteo is a leading manufacturer and marketer of automotive fragrance, appearance and performance products.

The Motor Medic suite of automotive chemical products, including motor flush, starting fluids, fuel additives, transmission fluids, oil additives, injector cleaners, power steering fluids, and cooling system fluids, provides Niteo with another leading brand that is highly complementary to its existing product portfolio. The products are offered in hardware, convenience, mass merchants and automotive retailers throughout North America and internationally. The acquisition of Motor Medic furthers Niteo's comprehensive automotive chemical product offering and strengthens its complete car care lineup for retailers. The Motor Medic manufacturing and operations will be conducted from Niteo's existing facilities in Hernando, Mississippi.

Cameron Evans, CEO of Niteo, said, "The addition of the Motor Medic brand family of products will enhance Niteo's breadth in the automotive chemicals and functional fluids category, adding a strong brand alongside Niteo's existing product offering. We are excited to leverage the brand and continue growing the business."

Jeff L. Hull, President and Managing Partner of Highlander and Chairman of Niteo, added, "The addition of Motor Medic to our growing family of brands further reinforces our strategy to build a leading business in the automotive fragrance, appearance, performance and maintenance chemical markets. Closing our sixth acquisition in this space within the last three years further validates our intent to utilize acquisitions to complement our organic growth efforts. We continue to evaluate numerous other potential transactions and expect to close additional acquisitions in the future."

About Niteo

NITEO is a premier formulator, manufacturer and marketer of automotive fragrance, appearance, performance and maintenance chemical products under several leading brands including: Ozium and Scents, along with a license for the Glade brand in the automotive air care category; AP Formulators and Trans-Mate in the car wash chemical category; CarBrite, Hi-Tech and Trans-Mate in the detail, dealership and auto auction appearance category; and the Pyroil and Cyclo brands, along with a license for the Valvoline & MaxLife brands, in the automotive maintenance and performance chemical category. Niteo offers a comprehensive line of air care products, waxes, polishes, compounds, dressings, soaps, cleaners, solvents, paints and dyes, as well as fuel additives, parts cleaners, starting fluids, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and other functional fluids. For more information, visit www.niteoproducts.com.

About Highlander Partners

Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with over $2.0 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience, including basic manufacturing, food, chemicals, building materials, consumer products, and others. Highlander Partners uses a "buy and build" investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow organically and through acquisitions. For more information, visit www.highlander-partners.com.

SOURCE Highlander Partners, L.P.

Related Links

http://www.highlander-partners.com

ASBURY PARK, N.J., April 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kevin Hoagland never gives up.

Faced with a devastating injury as a teen, the New Brunswick native went on to start the Central Jersey Spinal Cord Association in his hometown  and raise more than $1,500,000 for research at The Spinal Cord Injury Project at Rutgers University, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Association.

"Kevin Hoagland is the living embodiment of the adage that in every crisis there is an opportunity," says John Keegan, chairman emeritus of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. "He dedicated his life to those who suffered from spinal-cord injuries by seeking a cure for paralysis. The New Jersey Hall of Fame is proud to honor him as its Unsung Hero this year."

Hoagland, 58, will receive his award May 6 at the Hall of Fame's 10-year anniversary induction ceremony.

"I am honored and humbled to be receiving the Unsung Hero Award from the New Jersey Hall of Fame," Hoagland says. "Thank you to my family and friends for their continued support of my endeavors."

Also to be honored that Sunday night are:

Mikayla Simanski of VOORHEES HIGH SCHOOL ( Hunterdon County ) and Mark Steinberg of LIVINGSTON HIGH SCHOOL ( Essex County ) as the winners of the Arete Scholarship Fund. Each senior will receive a $5,000 scholarship. "Arete" is a concept that Plato , Socrates and Aristotle referred to more than 3,000 years ago, in reference to actualizing one's highest sense of self with a moral excellence of character.

of ( ) and of ( ) as the winners of the Arete Scholarship Fund. Each senior will receive a scholarship. "Arete" is a concept that , Socrates and Aristotle referred to more than 3,000 years ago, in reference to actualizing one's highest sense of self with a moral excellence of character. Essay winners Morgan Beaudoin , a sophomore at JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL ( Morris County ); and Alyssa Fogg , a fifth-grader LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK SCHOOL ( Salem County ). Students were asked to nominate potential inductees to the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Morgan nominated her late grandfather, Dominic Silvestri , who, after being widowed, raised four children. Alyssa nominated two-time U.S. Soccer Olympian Tobin Heath, who grew up in Basking Ridge .

Hoagland is known for saying: "Don't give up. Don't ever give up." And it's clear that he lives up to his favorite saying.

In 1978, at the age of 18, Kevin broke his neck in an accident at home. Since then, he has:

Founded the CJSCA, to raise funds for scientific research in the U.S. that is dedicated to finding a cure for paralysis. http://cjsca.net/

Through the association provided more than $750,000 in financial assistance to people with spinal-cord injuries in central New Jersey .

in financial assistance to people with spinal-cord injuries in central . Served as chairman of the Mayor's Committee For A Barrier-Free New Brunswick.

SOURCE New Jersey Hall of FameNEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Creedmoor Psychiatric Center campus is home to a large cohort of adults either living in mental health residential programs or receiving services in one of the treatment programs on the grounds. The highest volume of behavioral health-related 911 calls in New York City stem from the Creedmoor campus; many of which result in an emergency department visit at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJ) or other emergency departments.

Within its initial six months, a behavioral health crisis de-escalation program at the campus has already led to a reduction in the amount of emergency department (ED) visits stemming from the location. The program launched on July 15, 2017 as a result of a partnership between Northwell Health (a principal partner of the Nassau Queens Performing Provider System (NQP)) and Transitional Services for New York (TSINY).

From July 2017 through January 2018, the program's Local Emergency Assistance and Diversion (LEAD) Team  a team made-up of two social workers, a peer counselor, and a program director  had a total of 211 encounters with campus patients, of which, 205 were successfully de-escalated without a subsequent ED visit. Since the Team is housed on-campus, it typically sees better call response times than EMS (Emergency Medical Services) or campus security.

"We noticed that a large quantity of behavioral health-related ED visits at Long Island Jewish Medical Center come from the location," says Megan Grella, program manager, Northwell Health. "As an NQP principal partner and participant in the New York State Department of Health's DSRIP (Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment) program, it makes sense for us to implement a program in which patients could be treated on the Creedmoor campus, and only present to the emergency department in a true emergency."

The LEAD Team responds to crisis calls placed by patients and on-campus clinicians when individuals are experiencing serious emotional distress that would otherwise result in an ED visit. The Team triages the situation, provides skilled interventions targeted at de-escalating a crisis in place, and provides linkages or transportation to crisis endpoints other than the ED. Also, in the case of a Creedmoor campus patient presenting at the LIJ ED, ED clinicians alert LEAD Team members who then follow-up with the patient after hospital discharge in an effort to help them remain healthy and out of the hospital.

"The LEAD Team is a prime example of how active collaboration among diverse stakeholders results in program innovations with a true impact on the community," says Daniel Donoghue, chief operating officer, TSINY. "This project built upon the successful collaboration among the New York City Department of Health and Mental Health, New York State Office of Mental Health, Northwell Health, the New York City Police Department and Transitional Services. The LEAD Team plugged a key gap in the crisis response system in New York City, reducing the need to utilize the 911 system in response to mental health crisis, and allows the FDNY, NYPD, and local hospitals to allocate their resources elsewhere."

The LEAD Team is working with the NYPD and campus providers to help educate on placing a call to the LEAD Team instead of 911 in certain circumstances. The Team also receives calls through word-of-mouth among patients.

About NQP

The Nassau Queens Performing Provider System (NQP) is one of 25 Performing Provider Systems in New York State participating in the New York State Department of Health's Delivery System Reforming Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Program. NQP is led by NuHealth/Nassau University Medical Center, in alliance with Northwell Health's Long Island Jewish Medical Center and Catholic Health Services of Long Island, and consists of more than 8,400 partner organizations that have come together to better serve the health needs of the community through the DSRIP program. Our goal is to redesign the way health care is delivered to people with Medicaid in our community by closing critical gaps in the continuum of care and reducing avoidable hospital use by 25% by 2020.

Contact:

Tom Melillo

Communications Director, NQP

516-296-2177

[email protected]

SOURCE Nassau Queens Performing Provider System

Related Links

http://www.i-newswire.com

CALGARY, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - OBSIDIAN ENERGY LTD. (TSX/NYSE  OBE) ("Obsidian Energy", the "Company", "we", "us" or "our") received notification from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that we have regained compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standard regarding the price of Obsidian Energy's common stock.

The Company had received notification regarding the price deficiency on March 12, 2018. The NYSE requires that the average closing price of a listed company's common stock be no less than US$1.00 per share over a consecutive 30 trading day period and close above US$1.00 per share on the last trading day of the month to regain compliance. The Company has been notified by the NYSE that it has cured the price condition and regained compliance with all NYSE continued listing requirements as of April 30, 2018.

As outlined in our Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement, the Company will withdraw the share consolidation proposal at the Annual and Special Meeting on May 11, 2018 (the "Meeting") based on the Company regaining compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standard. The withdrawal of this resolution will not affect the validity of the form of proxy enclosed with the Meeting materials, nor the validity of any proxy that has been otherwise already properly submitted. Shareholders still wishing to complete and submit a proxy in relation to the Meeting do not need to indicate their voting instructions on the resolution regarding the share consolidation.

First Quarter Results & Meeting Details

The Company will be releasing its 2018 first quarter financial and operational results before markets open on Friday May 11, 2018. There will be no conference call accompanying the release, as the Company's Meeting is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. MDT (12:00 p.m. EDT) later that morning. The Meeting will be held in the Acadia Ballroom of the Marriott Downtown Hotel, located at 110 - 9th Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta.

At approximately 10:10 a.m. MDT, and following the formal portion of the Meeting, Mr. David French, President and CEO, will address shareholders and discuss the Company's 2018 first quarter financial and operational results. The Company will host a question and answer period subsequent to the presentation.

To listen to a live broadcast of the presentation and the question and answer period, please access the following URL:

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/1652072/0971A412DE063422C87144C72F6938B1

A replay of the audio webcast will be available two hours after the meeting on our website at www.obsidianenergy.com.

Electronic copies of our Management Information Circular, Proxy Statement, financial statements, news releases, and other public information are available on our website at www.obsidianenergy.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

Obsidian Energy shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OBE".

SOURCE Obsidian Energy Ltd.

Related Links

https://www.obsidianenergy.com/

SEATTLE, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OfferUp, the largest mobile marketplace in the U.S. for local buying and selling, today announced the official launch of shipping. The new feature allows buyers to discover millions of unique items from across the country, and enables sellers to connect with more buyers for faster and easier selling.

"We know that the OfferUp community loves buying and selling in their own communities and it's that passion that has driven us to become one of the fastest growing mobile marketplaces in the industry," said Nick Huzar, co-founder and CEO of OfferUp. "Many of our users depend on OfferUp to earn or save money, and therefore see our marketplace not just as an app, but as a way of life. Though we continue to be local at heart, shipping was the next logical step for our business because successful transactions is what keeps our users coming back everyday."

With shipping, OfferUp's core local buying and selling experience does not change, but gives users the opportunity to discover more value and make their best deals. What OfferUp's early testers had to say about shipping:

OfferUp is my go-to app where I conduct most of my business, and now that they have shipping, I plan on leaving eBay and Amazon behind. I sell electronics and shipped a motherboard to a buyer in New York the other day, and we were both pleased with how quick and easy it was. I plan on selling everything through OfferUp from here on out. - Brett Robins, Salt Lake City, UT

I have a couple of different vehicles -- a three-wheeler and a two-wheeler -- so getting parts for them in Vegas alone is hard. I can't often find the parts I need here, so I was excited to see that OfferUp now gives me access to parts from all over the country. And I'm sorry to say, but I hate the BS that comes with Craigslist, and all the scams. It's not like that on OfferUp. - Lorenzo Garcia, Las Vegas

"They've hit the nail on the head with shipping. OfferUp is a great way for people to sell their own personal items for a much cheaper price, which there's definitely a market for. They could easily overtake eBay, considering [eBay's] seller charges can be anywhere between 13%-20%." - Drew Black, Hilliard, OH

OfferUp's shipping feature comes on the heels of the strongest marketplace engagement they've seen to date, with over 42 million unique people using the app in the last 12 months. The company also recently announced enhancements to the user experience, delivering tools and programs for buyers and sellers including easy scheduling, nationwide Community MeetUp Spots, and reputation and review enhancements. In the coming months, the company will be rolling out even more features in the app that make buying and selling faster, easier, and more trusted.

Shipping is now available to users in the contiguous 48 States who have the latest iOS and Android versions of the app. Any item that is 20 lbs or less and meets USPS regulation can be shipped. Listing items locally and nationally is free, though OfferUp charges a small fee based on the final sale price of the item, only charged once the sale has successfully completed. Buyers will pay for the cost of the item plus the associated shipping cost based on the item's weight.

Visit https://blog.offerup.com to learn more.

About OfferUp

OfferUp is dedicated to building the simplest and most trustworthy way for people to buy and sell in their communities. As the largest and fastest growing mobile marketplace for local buyers and sellers in the U.S., the company offers iOS and Android apps that make selling an item as easy as snapping a picture from your mobile device. The privately held company is based in Bellevue, WA and backed by top investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Warburg Pincus, GGV Capital, T. Rowe Price, Tiger Global, Coatue and Allen & Company. For more information, visit www.offerup.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE OfferUp

Related Links

https://www.offerup.com

About Me Scott Because prophetic scriptures are found throughout the bible, it is obvious that a comprehensive, systematic approach would be useful, if not necessary, for the understanding of prophecy. Past prophecies have been fulfilled in a literal manner, as confirmed by the dating of these writings and historical records of confirmation. These past prophecies also serve as a model of how to interpret future prophecies. A literal view of prophecy clearly indicates a certain sequence of events will occur within a single generation, concluding with the Tribulation and Second Advent and these events will be obvious. The prophetic signs appear to be present in this generation and we believe these signs are revealed in the news from around the world. View my complete profileJACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- One Call, the nation's leading provider of workers' compensation care management services, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Acelity, an advanced wound care company, to deliver iOn PROGRESS Remote Therapy Monitoring to patients with difficult to heal wounds.

People with hard to heal wounds may require extensive negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the home. It has been observed that in some cases because of the elongated healing times, these patients may be non-compliant with therapy, thus further extending the wound's time to closure, potentially resulting in avoidable emergency room visits and hospital admissions.

iOn PROGRESS Remote Therapy Monitoring is the first system to deliver continuous at-home monitoring for patients prescribed NPWT in the home. It works in conjunction with the ACTIV.A.C.  System to monitor adherence and securely transmit data to the iOn PROGRESS Care Network, a group of highly-trained individuals who interact with patients to drive proper utilization. Through One Call's vast network of home health providers, the device will increase engagement between patients and their care-givers when real-time dips in adherence are observed, which can help them understand the importance of therapy compliance and provide important data to clinicians.

"Pairing Acelity's digital health technology and unparalleled wound care solutions with our extensive home health network and equipment and device offering allows One Call to offer a truly holistic approach to wound management," said Will Smith, chief product officer at One Call. "Remote therapy monitoring puts the patient at the center of the solution and provides clinicians with the intelligence necessary to help improve the overall patient experience and positively impact healing outcomes."

About One Call

One Call is a growing healthcare network management company and the nation's leading provider of specialized solutions to the workers' compensation industry. We are passionate innovators providing comprehensive solutions that deliver more efficient and cost-effective claims resolution through an expansive network of high quality providers. One Call has locations throughout the United States and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. For more information, visit www.onecallcm.com or follow One Call on Twitter @onecallcm.

About Acelity

Acelity L.P. Inc. is a global advanced wound care company committed to developing innovative healing solutions for customers and patients across the care continuum. Our unsurpassed product portfolio is available in more than 90 countries and delivers value through solutions that speed healing and lead the industry in quality, safety and customer experience. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Acelity employs nearly 5,000 people around the world.

Media Contact: Jessica Taft

One Call, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE One Call

Related Links

https://onecallcm.com

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The OPNFV Project, an open source project within The Linux Foundation that facilitates the development and evolution of Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) components across various open source ecosystems through reference platform development, integration, deployment, and testing, today announced the availability of the sixth OPNFV platform release, OPNFV Fraser. Making the mission of OPNFV more operationally relevant, Fraser advances the state of NFV around cloud native applications and new upstream project integration while continuing end user support as they deploy and test virtualized networks.

By increasing support for cloud native applications and providing access to readily deployed NFV infrastructure on demand, OPNFV provides the platform and tooling required by developers with whom end users are actively collaborating to validate, integrate, onboard, and test NFVI, VIM, VNFs, and network services. With a new level of maturity that brings the industry even closer to true cloud native integration that can be leveraged by cloud providers, Fraser has deepened its testing capabilities around functional, performance, stress, and benchmark testing. The release also brings new carrier-grade features around monitoring, service assurance, networking, and dataplane acceleration. With these updates, Fraser strengthens the project's position as the nexus point for collaboration across networking ecosystems.

"Since inception, OPNFV has been the place for industry collaboration with upstream communities, which has grown even more with the Fraser release," said Heather Kirksey, VP, Community and Ecosystem Development, The Linux Foundation. "With more mature cloud native integration and expanded testing and collaboration, OPNFV delivers the tools needed for end users to validate and test new network services."

Key updates in OPNFV Fraser include:

Advancing the support for cloud native NFV. Fraser expanded cloud native NFV capabilities in nine different projects, more than doubled the number of supported Kubernetes-based scenarios, deployed two containerized VNFs, and integrated additional cloud native technologies from the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) relating to service mesh (Istio/Envoy), logging (fluentd), tracing (opentracing with Jaeger), monitoring (Prometheus), and package management (gRPC). These updates move the cloud native capabilities from basic container orchestration to include operational needs for cloud native applications. Additionally, the FastDataStacks project takes advantage of FD.io work to incorporate the VPP dataplane into Kubernetes networking capabilities to enable cloud native network-centric services.

Fraser expanded cloud native NFV capabilities in nine different projects, more than doubled the number of supported Kubernetes-based scenarios, deployed two containerized VNFs, and integrated additional cloud native technologies from the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) relating to service mesh (Istio/Envoy), logging (fluentd), tracing (opentracing with Jaeger), monitoring (Prometheus), and package management (gRPC). These updates move the cloud native capabilities from basic container orchestration to include operational needs for cloud native applications. Additionally, the FastDataStacks project takes advantage of FD.io work to incorporate the VPP dataplane into Kubernetes networking capabilities to enable cloud native network-centric services. More mature testing. OPNFV continues to focus on the real-world deployment needs of service providers by expanding test case coverage and scope. Testing projects in Fraser see a robust increase in test cases. Functest, the OPNFV functional testing project, now permits use of its framework with other open source projects such as ONAP. This avoids duplication, reduces VM size, and accelerates the creation of additional test cases. Functest also added test cases to cover Kubernetes and Clover and made it easier and faster to run functional tests. Also in support of real-world needs, performance test projects extended the Day 0 performance testing to long-running performance testing as Day N operational issues become more real for service providers.

OPNFV continues to focus on the real-world deployment needs of service providers by expanding test case coverage and scope. Testing projects in Fraser see a robust increase in test cases. Functest, the OPNFV functional testing project, now permits use of its framework with other open source projects such as ONAP. This avoids duplication, reduces VM size, and accelerates the creation of additional test cases. Functest also added test cases to cover Kubernetes and Clover and made it easier and faster to run functional tests. Also in support of real-world needs, performance test projects extended the Day 0 performance testing to long-running performance testing as Day N operational issues become more real for service providers. Continuous Integration (CI) updates enable increased community hardware utilization, which in turns speeds up the testing process. Fraser includes the latest versions of upstream projects and advanced dynamic CI with the introduction of metadata descriptor specifications for Scenarios, PODs, and installers that will make hardware allocation for scenarios dynamic and automated. The XCI cross-community project made additional cloud-native strides by initiating CI/CD integration work with the CNCF Cloud CI project.

enable increased community hardware utilization, which in turns speeds up the testing process. Fraser includes the latest versions of upstream projects and advanced dynamic CI with the introduction of metadata descriptor specifications for Scenarios, PODs, and installers that will make hardware allocation for scenarios dynamic and automated. The XCI cross-community project made additional cloud-native strides by initiating CI/CD integration work with the CNCF Cloud CI project. New carrier-grade features are added, specifically in the areas of monitoring, service assurance, networking, and dataplane acceleration. Specific new features include:

are added, specifically in the areas of monitoring, service assurance, networking, and dataplane acceleration. Specific new features include: The Doctor project, in conjunction with OpenStack, whose collaboration was instrumental in achieving this milestone, introduced an infrastructure maintenance use case for zero VNF downtime. Similarly, Barometer continued to expand the monitored items list and plugin support. The Calipso project added support for Kubernetes and physical/physical-virtual switch connections across heterogeneous environments.



The SFC, SDNVPN, FastDataStack, and Parser projects added new features around networking and dataplane acceleration.



The IPv6 project now supports clustering, simplifying network configuration, and is exploring IPv6 container networking.

Supporting Operator Deployments

Orange and China Mobile have used OPNFV continuous integration (CI) pipeline and testing projects to create an NFV onboarding framework within their organizations. Orange uses OPNFV for NFVI and VIM validation, VNF onboarding and validation, and network service onboarding. China Mobile uses OPNFV for their Telecom Integrated Cloud (TIC) to continuously integrate, onboard and test NFVI, VIM and VNFs; and full network service onboarding and testing based on OPNFV is on their roadmap.

"Orange sees OPNFV as the right vehicle to create and end-to-end solution to certify VNFs, NFVI reference architecture, and integration with ONAP," said Jehanne Savi, Executive Leader of the AII-IP and On-demand Networks Programmes, Orange.

What's Next

The fifth OPNFV Plugfest will be co-located with ETSI at their location in Sophia Antipolis, France on June 4-8, 2018. Testing will include ETSI test cases and will focus on interoperability of the OPNFV platform in deployment, network integration, VNF applications, and more. Both OPNFV members and non-members are welcome to attend.

The recently announced OPNFV Verification Program (OVP) had four graduates in its first iteration (Huawei, Nokia, Wind River, ZTE) and is recruiting more vendors and network operators to participate in the next version of the test suite and program.

The virtual central office (VCO) demo is expanding into residential services with a virtualized Mobile Network use case, including vRAN for the LTE RAN as well as vEPC for a minimum viable mobile access network configuration. The demo will be featured at the Open Networking Summit Europe event, September 25-27 in Amsterdam.

The seventh OPNFV release, Gambia, due out end-of-year or early 2019, will include a slew of new projects. Areas of focus are expected to feature C-RAN (cloud radio area network), AUTO (ONAP automated OPNFV), edge cloud, and Capstone (certificate management service), among others.

More information about OPNFV Fraser is available at https://www.opnfv.org/software/downloads.

About The Linux Foundation

The Linux Foundation is the organization of choice for the world's top developers and companies to build ecosystems that accelerate open technology development and commercial adoption. Together with the worldwide open source community, it is solving the hardest technology problems by creating the largest shared technology investment in history. Founded in 2000, The Linux Foundation today provides tools, training and events to scale any open source project, which together deliver an economic impact not achievable by any one company. More information can be found at www.linuxfoundation.org.

The Linux Foundation has registered trademarks and uses trademarks. For a list of trademarks of The Linux Foundation, please see our trademark usage page: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/trademark-usage. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Additional Resources

Get Involved in OPNFV

Download OPNFV Fraser

OPNFV Resources

OPNFV Blog

Media Inquires

Jill Lovato

The Linux Foundation

[email protected]

SOURCE OPNFV Project

Related Links

https://www.opnfv.org/

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced Integra Resources Corp. (TSX-V: ITR;OTCQX: IRRZF), a company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. Integra Resources upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB Venture Market.

Integra Resources begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "IRRZF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

"We congratulate, and are pleased to welcome, Integra Resources to our OTCQX Best Market," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "Integra Resources joins a robust roster of Canadian companies that benefit from cross-trading their shares and providing a premium market for accessing U.S. investors."

"We are excited that Integra now trades on the OTCQX market. The OTCQX market will provide greater access to U.S. shareholders interested in investing in gold companies with U.S. based assets," noted Integra Resources President and CEO George Salamis. "Integra's DeLamar Gold and Silver Project is located in Idaho, one of the top rated jurisdictions in North America with a rich history of mining and exploration."

Integra Resources was sponsored for OTCQX by Dorsey & Whitney LLP, a qualified third-party firm responsible for providing guidance on OTCQX requirements and recommending membership.

About Integra Resources Corp.

Integra Resources Corp. is a development-stage company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in the Americas. The primary focus of the Company is advancement of its DeLamar Project, a brownfield asset consisting of the neighboring DeLamar and Florida Mountain Gold and Silver Deposits, in the heart of the historic Owyhee County mining district in south western Idaho. The State of Idaho is consistently ranked as a top mining jurisdiction in North America, with an established mining community, skilled workforce and excellent infrastructure. The first exploration program in over 25 years is currently underway on the DeLamar Project with more than 20,000 meters planned for 2018. The management team is comprised of executive officers from Integra Gold Corp., a mining company which was acquired in 2017 for C$590 million.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]

SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.otcmarkets.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced K92 Mining Inc. (TSX-V: KNT;OTCQX: KNTNF), which is focused on advancing the Kainantu Gold Mine, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. K92 Mining Inc upgraded to OTCQX from the OTCQB Venture Market.

K92 Mining begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "KNTNF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

"Congratulations to K92 Mining on upgrading to the OTCQX Best Market," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "Trading on OTCQX will enable K92 Mining to provide further transparency and increase visibility among its shareholder base, as the company grows its business."

K92 Mining was sponsored for OTCQX by J.P. Galda & Co., a qualified third-party firm responsible for providing guidance on OTCQX requirements and recommending membership.

About K92 Mining Inc.

K92 Mining achieved Commercial Production from the Kainantu Gold Mine located in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea in January 2018. Production is focused on the high grade Kora Deposit. The Company has an extensive underground drilling and exploration program aimed at significantly expanding the known Kora resource, while also evaluating the expansion of the capacity of the Kainantu Mine to double the current production levels. Regionally, K92 has exploration leases covering over 400 square kilometres surrounding the mine and is actively exploring for extensions of known deposits and high-grade vein systems in the immediate vicinity of the Mining Lease. In addition, the Company has an extensive exploration program aimed at systematically evaluating the numerous identified porphyry copper gold targets in its leases as well as identifying new ones.

About OTC Markets Group Inc.

OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors.

To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS.

Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

Media Contact:

OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected]

SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc.

Related Links

http://www.otcmarkets.com

As stated in Gartner's February 2018 Critical Capabilities for Software Test Automation , "Software test automation tools are evolving beyond core capabilities to support automated test-case generation, emerging AI-driven test-set optimization and intelligent test maintenance Application leaders that are responsible for modernizing application development should: Evaluate and map potential tools against their use cases and technologies  and the skill sets needed to support them  and prepare to acquire more than one test automation tool to address all of them."

The Smart API Test Generator solves this core problem facing software development organizations today. In today's software projects, up to 80% of testing time is spent either executing manual UI tests or fixing automated UI tests that have broken as a result of application change. As a result, manual testing isn't keeping pace with development, and while organizations know that API tests can more precisely pinpoint the root cause of defects because they are closer to the code, easier to automate, and more resistant to application change, due to the higher learning curve and specialized skills required to adopt API testing, organizations tend to lean on UI testing and fail to realize the benefits of API testing.

With the release of the Smart API Test Generator, Parasoft SOAtest is solving the API testing adoption problem by helping organizations bring this critical testing practice into their testing strategy as a simple extension of their existing manual testing efforts. Controlled by an easy-to-deploy browser extension, the Smart Generator monitors underlying API calls that are made while a user is manually testing an application, and then uses artificial intelligence to discover patterns and understand relationships between those API calls in order to create fully-automated, scriptless API test scenarios that users can interact with without knowing how to code an API test. Once built, those API tests are automatically imported into the industry-leading Parasoft SOAtest, which enables users to parlay their tests into a comprehensive API testing strategy, using SOAtest's visual tooling, test flow logic, and data solutions to cover more application logic and build complete end-to-end tests, paving the way for more test maturity and automation.

"Testing at the API layer represents a sweet spot on the testing pyramid, but until now it has been underutilized by most organizations due to the wall of knowledge required to understand and fully test the API," explained Chris Colosimo, Parasoft SOAtest Product Manager. "With the new Smart API Test Generator, we have simultaneously enabled the broader testing community to jump over that wall and empowered the power-user to accelerate their testing efforts so that organizations can fully unlock the potential of API testing. And all you have to do to get started is install a plugin on your browser."

To learn more about Parasoft SOAtest Smart API Test Generator, you can attend a live webinar on May 24th - Automate API Testing with Artificial Intelligence, with Theresa Lanowitz from voke Research, where we will showcase the Smart API Test Generator and discuss how it solves today's accelerated development and test challenges.

About Parasoft:

Parasoft provides innovative tools that automate time-consuming testing tasks and provide management with intelligent analytics necessary to focus on what matters. Parasoft's technologies reduce the time, effort, and cost of delivering secure, reliable, and compliant software, by integrating static and runtime analysis; unit, functional, and API testing; and service virtualization. Parasoft supports software organizations as they develop and deploy applications in the embedded, enterprise and IoT markets. With developer testing tools, manager reporting/analytics, and executive dashboarding, Parasoft enables organizations to succeed in today's most strategic development initiatives  agile, continuous testing, DevOps, and security.

SOURCE Parasoft

Related Links

http://www.parasoft.com

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/684491/eQualified_Aerospace_System.jpg )



Charles Parker, Honeywell: "This is the first event I'm aware of to focus on the future of the aerospace special process workforce. I am looking forward to talking through the issues with others from the industry and from academia to see how we can go forward together."

This is a free event taking place at The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (London) on June 21, 2018 (2.30pm - 5.30pm). A similar event is planned for October 24, 2018 in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Registration is now open

Register for the event in London online at goo.gl/67txH5 or contact Hannah Godfrey at [email protected] or via telephone on +44(0)870-350-5011.

Addressing A Challenging Situation

There is a critical shortfall of qualified special process personnel in the aerospace industry, as well as a skills gap created by an increasingly globalised workforce. This has increased pressure on all organisations to reduce the time required to train new personnel and ensure they achieve adequate standards of competency at all levels.

Mark Binfield, UTC Aerospace: "For those not yet involved in this area, this is a great opportunity to network and learn about how the industry intends to utilize the framework of eQualified to address the difficulties we all face with the recruitment, training and qualification of aerospace special process personnel."

Be Part of the Solution

Richard Blyth, Rolls Royce: "eQualified represents a way to safeguard and improve our training and qualifications, which ultimately impact on the future success of our organisations as a whole. Everyone who participates will be contributing to a legacy of helping future generations with aerospace process quality."

The industry has joined together to create eQualified, a special process personnel qualification program. Using the combined technical expertise of the participating organizations, eQualified:

Develops free special process Bodies of Knowledge: documents which capture the knowledge and skills required by personnel operating in specific special process areas

Validates personnel competency through theoretical and practical assessments

Approves training providers to deliver technical courses aligned with the Bodies of Knowledge

About eQuaLified

eQuaLified is a global industry-managed system for qualifying special process aerospace personnel. eQuaLified leverages the combined knowledge of aerospace industry experts to develop and maintain special process Bodies of Knowledge (baseline knowledge and experience required to be considered competent for a target position) and examinations, which form the desired global aerospace industry standard for special process activities.

PRI is a global provider of customer-focused solutions designed to improve process and product quality by adding value, reducing total cost and promoting collaboration among stakeholders in industries where safety and quality are shared goals. PRI works closely with industry to understand their emerging needs and offers customized solutions in response. Learn more at http://p-r-i.org/professional-development/qualifications/ or contact PRI at [email protected]

Media Contact

Joanna Kennedy

Manager, Marketing and Communications

Performance Review Institute

Telephone: +44(0)870-350-5011

Direct Line: +44(0)207-034-1246

Mobile: +44(0)7595-206-861

SOURCE Performance Review InstituteBROOKLYN, N.Y., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconic and award-winning photographer Jay Maisel is pleased to announce the launch of his new website, www.jaymaisel.com

The website has seven photographic collections, prefaced with his thoughts about some of the never-before-published photos of his travels in 35 countries and trips across the United States. The collections include photographs of Jazz greats including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, as well as images of Maisel's life at his former residence at 190 Bowery, and street photography throughout Manhattan.

For those wondering what the legendary photographer has been doing since the sale of his former residence at 190 Bowery in 2015, he says, "I now spend my time looking at all the stuff I shot on film over the years. I enjoy going back over all the work. I feel very lucky to be able to have the chance to edit all the work that I never had time to edit because I was always shooting."

Mr. Maisel has reviewed hundreds of thousands of 35mm Kodachrome slides and selected his favorite images for publication. The Kodachrome images span 46 years, from 1954 to 2000. After 2000, Jay exclusively shot digital.

The website also contains links to video interviews and editorials about Jay's thoughts on photography.

All of the images on the new website are available for purchase as signed limited edition fine art prints. Visitors can also purchase signed copies of his most recent books: Light Gesture and Color, It's Not About the F-Stop, and Jay Maisel's: New York in the '50's.

About Jay Maisel

Jay studied Graphic Design with Leon Friend at Abraham Lincoln High School. He then studied painting with Joseph Hirsch, and attended Cooper Union. He received his BFA at Yale where he studied Color with Josef Albers.

Since he stopped taking on commercial work in 1995, Jay has continued to focus on his personal work. He has developed a reputation as a giving and inspiring teacher as a result of extensive lecturing and photography workshops throughout the country. He also hosted workshops at his residence at the Germania Bank in New York City, from 2008-2015, instructing approximately, 640 students over eight years. He continues to sell prints, which can be found in private, corporate, and museum collections.

Media Contact: Matt Dean | 212-431-5013 | [email protected]

SOURCE Jay Maisel Photography

Related Links

http://www.jaymaisel.com

Captured on the beaches of Miami, the perfect backdrop for a collection inspired by art deco, a calling card of the city's art and architecture. Sexy cutouts, geometric motifs, curvilinear forms, and sharply defined silhouettes allow Ashley's latest Swimsuits For All collection to stand out. Consistently ahead of the trend, this collection is sure to be a star of the summer beach scene in every city.

"This campaign is different than any other I have worked on throughout my entire career," says Ashley Graham. "I hope these images instill a fearless belief in everyone to be happy in their own skin and enjoy living in the moment, no matter who is watching."

The Ashley Graham x Swimsuits For All Summer 2018 collection will be available on SwimsuitsForAll.com beginning May 1, 2018. The 9-piece collection, inspired by the art deco style reminiscent of the 1920s, includes a black one-piece with strategic crisscross front straps and a gold-beaded bikini, among others. Prices are between $102-$120, sizes range from 4-22.

About Swimsuits For All

Swimsuits For All believes that summer is more than a season; it's a feeling. Embodying a 74-degree state of mind all year long, they provide beautiful swimsuits in sizes 4-34 for every swim adventure. As the online swimwear leader since 2005, Swimsuits For All is known for swimsuits with superior construction, expert fit and innovative designs. Additionally, they carry a line of chlorine resistant swimsuits and workout wear that retains its shape and fabric quality for extra pool time. Through perfect-fitting swimwear catered to every body, Swimsuits For All inspires women of all ages, shapes and sizes to be confident and carefree in the swim they're in. For more information, visit swimsuitsforall.com or Instagram.

About FULLBEAUTY Brands

FULLBEAUTY Brands Inc. is the fashion authority for plus size women and men seeking fashion inspiration, style advice, and clothing tailored to their individual needs. Proprietary brands under the FULLBEAUTY Brands Inc. umbrella include: Woman Within, Roaman's, Jessica London, Swimsuits For All, KingSize, BrylaneHome, and fullbeauty.com, an online marketplace that offers a curated collection of countless brands and thousands of products, serving as the premier fashion and lifestyle destination for women in sizes 12 +.

SOURCE Swimsuits For All

Related Links

http://www.swimsuitsforall.com

TAMPA BAY, Fla., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- President Trump's Executive Order rescinds the unconstitutional ban on low-cost Short-Term-Medical (STM) health insurance from the Obama Administration. HHS Secretary Alex Azar on FOX News said, "Many times this new option is 1/3rd the price of Obamacare." Blue Cross Association wrote, "If short-term plans are allowed to be sold as a long-term alternative to regular health insurance, they will attract healthier consumers away from regular insurance risk pools and endanger people's access to comprehensive coverage."

President Trump Option Less Stress

Short-Term-Medical (STM) or the President Trump Option (PTO) doesn't pay for expensive alcohol or drug rehab expenses. This is a reason the insurance is less expensive. Insurance expert Ron Greiner said, "Most consumers prefer to have alcohol and drug rehab as a non-covered expense if they can save $1,500/month in family premiums. The President Trump Option (PTO) will last for a year in most states and it is the perfect tool to take the consumer from year to year between Obamacare Open Enrollments."

Another reason the PTO is less expensive is because people can use "Healthy Discounts." Ron said, "People who are diagnosed with cancer don't get "Healthy Discounts" and the lowest premiums. This is the way insurance is supposed to work; you get it before you get sick." Azar said, "Some people find the Obamacare plans unaffordable and they are shut out of the marketplace." Azar insisted, "We are talking about the 28 million forgotten men and women who do not have insurance and were promised affordable insurance. President Trump with his Executive Order demanded that we come up with solutions and options like this for affordable individual health insurance for people."

America is in crisis because of Obamacare. Obamacare has produced $50,000 family premiums for many baby boomer families in 2018. Ron said, "If your wife had cancer 15 years ago you will spend everything to maintain insurance on her. Farmer bankruptcies are up and one reason is high prices for Obamacare. Self-employed people rely on individual insurance and Obamacare is causing them great stress. Farmers are killing themselves in record numbers. Farmers take their lives at high rates  currently, higher rates than any other occupation." Ron added, "If your cancer is over 5 years old your insurability window has popped wide open and you again qualify for "Healthy Discounts" with the low-cost President Trump Option."

At PresidentTrumpOption.com a video says, "The cheapest Obamacare plan for a 30-year-old couple with 2 children in Iowa City costs $2,066/month. The President Trump Option is less than 1/8th the price, less than $260/month." Ron explains, "The Trump Administration is correct that the cost is 1/3rd the price of Obamacare but younger people can save more." Ron asks, "If families of 4 can get insurance for less than $260/month; why are Iowa City teachers charged $720/month to add one child to the school's insurance? It's because of the ridiculous over-pricing of employer-based insurance. At PresidentTrumpOption.com we provide individual insurance for this child for $71/month, less than 1/10th the price."

Greiner said, "Blue Cross Association doesn't want the President Trump Option because not only is it a low-cost alternative to Obamacare but it is also a low-cost alternative to employer-based insurance which is the Blue's cash cow. Exactly like Obamacare causes stress for farmers the President Trump Option targets stress to Blue Cross CEOs."

It is well documented that THE TEAM at PresidentTrumpOption.com trained Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary Dr. John Graham at the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) in Individual Medical (IM), Short-Term-Medical (STM), Life Insurance and tax-free HSAs.

Greiner says, "Join the TEAM. We are appointing agents and managers in our states from Portland, ME to Portland, OR."

The HSA was passed by one vote in Congress. The TEAM supports Adam Putnam for Governor of Florida because it was his vote that created the tax-free HSA.

About the TEAM: The TEAM enrolled the USA's 1st tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) in 1996 during the Original Pilot Test of Medical Savings Accounts (MSA). The Team had the national account with 7-Eleven stores on the 1st day of MSAs and the 1st enrollee was Mike Foster. The TEAM enrolled the 1st tax-free MSA in Medicare in 2007.

Media contact:

Ron Greiner

[email protected]

727-943-8118

SOURCE President Trump Option

Related Links

http://PresidentTrumpOption.com

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --As the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether a small business can legally deny goods or services to same-sex couples based on the owner's religious beliefs, a national survey out today from the nonpartisan PRRI as part of its American Values Atlas (AVA) finds broad opposition to this policy. The survey also finds emerging consensus in support of same-sex marriage, with most religious groups and all major ethnic and racial groups now supporting it.

Based on approximately 40,000 interviews conducted across 2017 and all 50 states, the survey explores support for religiously based refusals, same-sex marriage, and nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people.

A clear majority of Americans (60 percent) oppose allowing small business owners in their state to refuse service to gay and lesbian people if doing so would violate their religious beliefs. Just 33 percent of Americans support such claims. Attitudes have remained stable since 2015, when 59 percent of Americans opposed allowing such service refusals.

Nearly all major religious groups believe small business owners should not be allowed to refuse service to gay and lesbian people for religious reasons. White evangelical Protestants and Mormons, each with 53 percent support, are the only major religious groups among whom a majority support allowing religion-based service refusals.

The survey also finds a substantial increase in support for same-sex marriage since the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry. Today, 61 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage. Only 30 percent are opposed.

While conventional wisdom holds that people of color oppose LGBT rights, today a majority of all racial and ethnic groups favor allowing same-sex couples to marry legally. Since 2013 there has been a double-digit increase in support for same-sex marriage among white (53 percent vs. 63 percent), black (41 percent vs. 52 percent), and Hispanic (51 percent vs. 61 percent) Americans. Majorities of smaller racial and ethnic groups also support same-sex marriage today, including Asian-Pacific Islander Americans (72 percent), Native Americans (56 percent), and those identifying as multiracial or with another racial and ethnic group (66 percent).

More information, including methodology and analysis, can be found here.

SOURCE PRRIKlapper was an award-winning writer and editor who worked for The Associated Press for 13 years, covering many of the biggest stories in world affairs and reporting from more than 70 countries. He will be bringing his expertise on communications and global policy to Qorvis' Washington, D.C. office, where he will provide strategic counsel and execute media outreach for key clients.

"Brad has special experience and insight on policy issues and will be a great asset and advisor to clients," said Michael Petruzzello, Qorvis president.

"I'm thrilled to be joining a team that is known for its global reach and many of the smartest people in the industry. I look forward to helping Qorvis continue to meet all the needs of its clients and find even more ways to grow," Klapper said.

The hiring reflects Qorvis' growing business in the Middle East and Europe, and robust demand for its unique brand of strategic communications and bespoke client offerings. Qorvis's full range of services enables it to offer clients an integrated approach that yields more efficient, effective public relations strategies.

Klapper, 39, had been the AP's national security editor in Washington, overseeing the newswire's U.S. military, diplomacy and intelligence coverage.

As a journalist, he was State Department correspondent during the tenures of Secretaries of State John Kerry and Hillary Clinton, breaking major news stories on the Iran nuclear deal, Syria civil war, Arab-Israeli peace efforts, U.S.-Cuban rapprochement and U.S.-Russian relations. He came to Washington from Geneva, Switzerland, where he focused on global trade and economics.

Klapper was honored by the New York chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for a 2009 project on child mining of gold in Africa and international supply chains.

He holds a B.A. in History from Haverford College in Pennsylvania, and a Masters of Advanced International Studies from the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna, Austria. He is a member of the Diplomatic Academy's Alumni Hall of Fame.

Qorvis, a part of MSL, is Publicis Groupe's bespoke public affairs and services offering. The team of specialized individuals develops strategies that are about more than traditional public relations, advertising and social media concepts. The corps of highly qualified consultants deploys Publicis resources to provide the personal one-on-one service and public diplomacy expertise that is essential for providing positive outcomes to global challenges.

SOURCE QorvisDALLAS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 3, 2018, the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance will host former white supremacist Christian Picciolini at its nationally renowned Upstander Speaker Series event.

Christian Picciolini will share the inspirational story of his life, from his involvement with a white supremacist movement at age 14, to his rise to become the group's leader at age 16, to his decision to renounce his ties to the American neo-Nazi movement at age 22. He will speak at 7 p.m. at the Communities Foundation of Texas, 5500 Caruth Haven Lane, Dallas, TX 75225. Visit DallasHolocaustMuseum.org/news/events for tickets and information.

In 2011, he co-founded Life After Hate, an organization dedicated to providing the knowledge necessary to implement long-term solutions that counter all types of racism and violent extremism. Picciolini now visits schools and community organizations to counter extremism and help radicalized individuals disengage from extremist movements. Most recently, Picciolini founded Free Radicals, a global nonprofit organization that works with individuals and their families to separate them from hateful ideologies.

"We are so grateful to have an Upstander like Christian Picciolini tell his powerful story of redemption at our next Upstander Speaker event," said Mary Pat Higgins, Museum president and CEO. "Christian's presentation will give us the opportunity to explore the depths of racism through the lens of someone who spent years within the movement. Our hope is that Christian's testimony will inform and touch the community in a lasting, meaningful way. The new Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum now under construction will allow us to further explore these kinds of topics."

A TEDx Talk presenter in 2017, he is a Regional Emmy Award winner, a past contributor for CNN and CBS Evening News, and the author of the memoir White American Youth: My Descent into America's Most Violent Hate Movement and How I Got Out (Hachette Books, 2017).

The Dallas Holocaust Museum's mission is to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference. In 2017, the Museum broke ground on a state-of-the-art, 51,000 square foot permanent home in the historic West End of downtown Dallasthe Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, to be completed in the fall of 2019.

SOURCE Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and ToleranceNEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Renovation Brands, the parent company of multiple fast-growing home improvement brands, announced today that it has selected Bread as its strategic technology partner to provide consumer financing. This innovative tech partnership will enable the brands to tap into Bread's seamless financing solution and improve access for customers through affordable payment options.

"We are extremely excited to partner with Bread and integrate a consumer financing program that will allow us to tailor the solution to our product set and individual brand dynamics. We pride ourselves on our exceptional service, and offering Bread allows us to better serve our customers by providing affordable options to pay over time," said Marc Sieger, Chief Executive Officer of Renovation Brands.

The financing solution will roll out across many of its sites over the next month. Consumers turn to Renovation Brands for niche home renovation products ranging from fireplaces to tin ceilings to custom cabinets. Online brands such as Electric Fireplaces Direct, American Tin Ceilings, RTA Cabinet Store, and Mantels Direct have all built a name for themselves as leading players in its niche and are trusted sources of both service and quality goods.

"Renovation Brands' portfolio of diverse home improvement brands and commitment to customer service and transparency is the perfect match for Bread," said Josh Abramowitz, CEO of Bread. "We are excited to partner with Renovation Brands and offer powerful consumer financing solutions to help drive incremental sales while providing consumers with flexible payment options and simple, easy-to-understand terms."

Bread, a leading platform for pay-over-time solutions, allows shoppers to finance their purchases in low monthly installments. Bread's white-label capabilities and full-funnel solution, which allow retailers to offer financing anywhere on their e-commerce site  not just at checkout  will enable websites within the Renovation Brands portfolio to offer financing earlier in the shopping journey to boost AOV, increase conversions, and lift sales.

About Renovation Brands

Renovation Brands serves both residential and commercial customers in the renovation space. With a distinct focus and competence in the digital space, Renovation Brands is a top e-retailer. Renovation Brands is currently comprised of eight specialty e-commerce brands. Consumers, as well as professional clients - including architects, designers, builders, and property managers, use these brands to achieve superior renovation products and service.

About Bread

Bread is a leading platform for pay-over-time solutions that help merchants reach more customers by allowing them to offer financing online. Merchants partner with Bread to transform the shopping journey and offer diversified loan products that boost sales, increase AOV, and improve the customer experience. Bread integrates seamlessly with numerous e-commerce platforms and is a full-funnel white-label solution designed to optimize conversion and offer a seamless customer experience. To learn more, please visit getbread.com.

Contact Information:

For more information regarding this press release or Renovation Brands, please contact [email protected] or call (256) 765-2171, ext. 297.

SOURCE Renovation Brands

Related Links

http://www.renovationbrands.com

Shawn Whitaker of MLS Data Tools based in Boise, Idaho and Robert Humphreys of Predicted Property based in British Columbia, Canada, were the Innovation winners. They were flown in to present their breakthrough ideas that leverage artificial intelligence and automation at the summit, built on top of a standardized RESO data set that was provided to them by Austin Board of REALTORS  , CoreLogic, and RESO.

Summit host Jeremy Crawford, CEO of RESO, honored 19 individual members, eight Chairs of RESO Workgroups and a key committee, as well as four RESO leaders for their outstanding personal contributions with 2018 Spring Tech Summit Awards. Crawford noted that collectively these individuals contributed "thousands of annual volunteer hours to RESO Workgroups, and RESO's mission, which is moving us closer to RESO's vision of a streamlined real estate industry."

Crawford honored the following 2017 RESO leadership:

Art Carter , CRMLS, Chair ( Greater Los Angeles, CA ) : Recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication

: Recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication Alon Chaver , HomeServices of America, Vice Chair ( San Francisco, CA ) : Recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication

: Recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication Richard Renton , Triad MLS, Treasurer ( Greensboro / Winston-Salem, NC ) : Recognized for outstanding dedication and service

: Recognized for outstanding dedication and service Michael Wurzer , FBS creators of Flexmls, Secretary ( Fargo, ND : Recognized for outstanding dedication and service

Crawford then honored the chairs of seven RESO Workgroups and the RESO Technical Committee, including:

Rob Larson , CRMLS ( Greater Los Angeles, CA ) : Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as Data Dictionary Workgroup Chair

: Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as Data Dictionary Workgroup Chair Paul Stusiak , Falcon Technologies ( Vancouver, BC ) : Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as RETS 1x Workgroup Chair and Transport Web API Workgroup Co-Chair.

: Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as RETS 1x Workgroup Chair and Transport Web API Workgroup Co-Chair. Mark Bessett , CRMLS ( Phoenix, AZ ): Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Universal Property Identifier (or you can use UPI but that might not be understood) Workgroup Chair

Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Universal Property Identifier (or you can use UPI but that might not be understood) Workgroup Chair Greg Moore , RMLS ( Portland, OR ) : Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the R&D Workgroup Chair

: Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the R&D Workgroup Chair Chris Lambrou , MetroMLS ( Greater Milwaukee Area , WI) : Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Internet Tracking Workgroup Chair

: Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Internet Tracking Workgroup Chair Scott Petronis , eXp Realty ( Albany, NY ) : Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Transport Web API Workgroup Chair / Co-Chair

: Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Transport Web API Workgroup Chair / Co-Chair Rick Trevino , Metrolist ( Sacramento, CA ) : Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Payloads Chair

: Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Payloads Chair Chad Curry , CRTLabs at the National Association of REALTORS ( Chicago, IL ): Recognized in appreciation for outstanding service as the Technical Committee Chair

"These leaders generously donated their time, talent and energy to the common cause of advancing RESO's mission," said Crawford. "The tremendous support their companies have provided in lending RESO their best and their brightest has accelerated our industry contributions. It is because of our massive volunteer support that we are having a dramatic impact on the real estate industry," he added.

On behalf of each Workgroup Chair, Crawford gave award recognition to 18 individual RESO members whose contributions went "well above and beyond" throughout 2017 he said, including:

Shaun York , Homes.com ( Tallahassee. FL ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Internet Tracking Workgroup

: Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Internet Tracking Workgroup John Thummel , Black Knight ( Kansas City, MO ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Internet Tracking Workgroup

): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Internet Tracking Workgroup Cal Heldenbrand , FBS ( Fargo, ND ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Internet Tracking Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Internet Tracking Workgroup Trent Gardner , ListTrac ( San Diego, CA ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Internet Tracking Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Internet Tracking Workgroup John Breault , MLS PIN ( Boston, MA ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Research & Development Workgroup

: Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Research & Development Workgroup Sam Westelman , Coldwell Banker ( Hanover, NH ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Research & Development Workgroup

: Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Research & Development Workgroup Cass Herrin , Moxi Works ( Seattle, WA ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Research & Development and Payloads Workgroups

: Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Research & Development and Payloads Workgroups Lori Coburn , Metrolist ( Sacramento, CA ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Payloads Workgroup

: Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Payloads Workgroup Tim Kramer , FBS ( Fargo, ND ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Universal Property Identification (UPI) Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Universal Property Identification (UPI) Workgroup Jonathan Mabe , Zillow Group ( Seattle, WA ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Universal Property Identification (UPI) Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Universal Property Identification (UPI) Workgroup Matt Casey , CRS Data ( Knoxville, TN ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Universal Property Identification (UPI) Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Universal Property Identification (UPI) Workgroup Josh Darnell , kurotek ( San Francisco, CA ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API Workgroup Darrell Sher , Upstream ( San Francisco, CA ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API Workgroup Sergio Del Rio , Templates 4 Business ( Vancouver, BC ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API Workgroup

: Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API Workgroup Patrick Williamson , My Florida Regional MLS ( Maitland, FL ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Data Dictionary Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Data Dictionary Workgroup Melissa King , My Florida Regional MLS ( Maitland, FL ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Data Dictionary Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Data Dictionary Workgroup Gayle Ludemann , MRED ( Chicago, IL ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Data Dictionary Workgroup

Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Data Dictionary Workgroup Ashish Antal , MLSListings ( Sunnyvale, CA ) : Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API Workgroup

: Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API Workgroup Paul Hethmon , CoreLogic ( Knoxville, TN ): Recognized for outstanding personal contributions to the Transport Web API and Research & Development Workgroups

"Those who can do, and those who can do more volunteer," said Crawford. "Volunteers are the roots of what keeps RESO strong and growing. These are exceptional individuals who collective efforts are shaping real estate data standards for the future. We hope that when others see the huge impact their contributions are having on our industry, they'll join in and become more involved in our Workgroups," he added.

RESO Workgroups are open to all members, meet monthly typically via conference calls and in person at twice-yearly RESO conferences. The RESO Fall Conference is in Milwaukee, Oct. 16-18, 2018. Details about each Workgroup and how to join can be found online at https://www.reso.org/committees-and-workgroups.

Innovation Winners

Predicted Property, founded by Robert Humphries, collects micro insights from predictive speech analytics enhanced by artificial intelligence to give agents intelligence on properties and improve their ability to close sales. Tapping into the RESO provided data feed, he discovered that standardized data can be used to surface actionable data points about properties that match clients' interests. The result is a more efficient and cost-effective lead generation tool for agents.

MLS Data Tools, created by Shawn Whitaker, developed software that solves for the tremendous amount of technical labor that is required to aggregate MLS data nationwide using automation. Its white label software and tools can significantly decrease the amount of time startups, brokers, and agents would spend aggregating RESO standardized data that powers industry solutions.

ABOUT RESO

The mission of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) is to create and promote the adoption and utilization of standards that drive efficiency throughout the real estate industry. RESO was incorporated in November 2011 as an independent, not-for-profit trade organization that was previously a section of the National Association of REALTORS. RESO has more than 750 active members, including NAR, multiple-listing services, real estate associations, brokerages and industry technology providers. For more information, visit www.reso.org. Contact RESO via email at [email protected].

Media contacts:

Kevin Hawkins | WAV Group for RESO

[email protected] | 206-866-1220

SOURCE RESO

Related Links

http://www.reso.org

ROCKWALL, Texas, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Resourcing Edge, an industry-leading, Certified Professional Employer Organization, with offices in the Polaris area of Columbus, is highly excited to present the Resourcing Edge Job Fair at LifeTown Columbus.

The Resourcing Edge Job Fair provides an unprecedented opportunity for 300 middle and high school students with a spectrum of disabilities to interact with more than 30 community employers. Students develop and practice the skills necessary to obtain competitive community employment, from promoting their own skills to prospective employers to envisioning future job possibilities upon graduation. The Resourcing Edge Job Fair is the capstone to the year-long LifeTown Mentoring Program with a focus on discovering job-specific skills, resume writing, completing applications and interviewing. Tim Kinnear, President of Resourcing Edge, expressed the importance of the LifeTown program, stating "early development of the life skills LifeTown teaches not only provides a valuable foundation, but doing so in a fun, safe environment builds a lifelong desire to succeed and continue their learning. We're proud to support this unique initiative."

Among employers, there is an increasing awareness that people with disabilities represent a diverse labor pool with a wide range of backgrounds and experience and are capable of meeting or exceeding performance standards. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected there will be an approximate 10 percent increase in the number of jobs available to individuals with disabilities between 2012 and 2022 so now is the time to prepare students to enter the workforce.

"While students with special needs are graduating from high school at higher rates than at any other time in history, only 38 percent of adults with disabilities are employed," says Esther Kaltmann, LifeTown Columbus Director. "The ability of individuals with special needs to enter the workforce is largely dependent on their non-academic life, social and pre-employment skills. Learning how to make and keep appointments, successfully interview and compete for jobs, and becoming a self-advocate for the first time are tangible skills that make the difference between a life dependent on others with a government benefits-driven existence and a life with the freedom to make career and lifestyle choices," adds Kaltmann. "Resourcing Edge is ahead of the curve in understanding trends for employers and we are honored to partner with them in increasing the percentage of people with disabilities in the workforce."

Resourcing Edge, along with sponsoring the job fair, will work with the attendees to showcase opportunities available in the community and develop interview skills through one on one sessions with a variety of specialized HR Services personnel. "Students leave with confidence and abundant resources, knowing that there are businesses in Columbus that will give them a chance to live fulfilling lives," says Esther Kaltmann, LifeTown Columbus Director.

About Resourcing Edge Holding Company LLC

Resourcing Edge is an industry leader in human capital management solutions, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge tools, helping businesses manage, develop and retain a talented team, ensuring compliance, minimizing risks and freeing up precious time and resources. To learn more, please visit us at www.resourcingedge.com or call Executive Vice President of National Sales and Marketing, Ron Cleboski, [email protected] at (214) 771- 4411.

About LifeTown Columbus

Established in 2008, LifeTown Columbus is a 5,000 sq. ft. realistic indoor village designed specifically for children with special needs to practice important life, social and pre-employment skills through role-play. Developed in consultation with parents of children with special needs, therapists, educators and professionals, LifeTown teaches the transitional skills necessary for adult independency in a supportive environment with nine venues including a realistic Huntington Bank, Deli, RiteRug Movie Theater, Fit for Life Medical Center. Last school year, LifeTown provided 5,626 visits to 1,345 unique students in 80 schools across 20 districts and 6 private schools in and around central Ohio. For more information, visit http://www.lifetowncolumbus.org.

Related Images

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LifeTown Columbus

LifeTown Columbus Logo

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Resourcing Edge

Resourcing Edge Logo

Related Links

Resourcing Edge Website

SOURCE Resourcing Edge

Related Links

http://www.resourcingedge.com

RIVERSIDE, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rue Ratings Best Attorneys of America invites The Law Office of Zulu Ali's Principal and Founder, Zulu Ali, to become a lifetime charter member of "Best Attorneys of America" representing California as one of the state's top 100 lawyers.

ATTORNEY ZULU ALI

Less than one percent (1%) of the attorneys in the US have been invited to become members of this distinguished group. Rue Ratings defines a "best attorney" as an individual with an "extraordinary level of legal expertise, competency, professional reputation and ethical standards." Membership is extremely selective, carefully screened, and limited to the most qualified and accomplished attorneys in the United States. Rue Ratings' Best Attorneys of America is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence.

Attorney Ali, a native of Shelbyville, Tennessee, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who served with the Marine Security Forces. After graduating from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Attorney Ali served as a sworn police officer with the City of Shelbyville, City of Lewisburg, and Vanderbilt Police Departments, respectively. Attorney Ali currently hosts the radio talk show "Justice Watch with Attorney Zulu Ali" on NBC news affiliate station KCAA in Redlands, California.

Attorney Ali opened the Law Offices of Zulu Ali with a focus on representing persons accused of crimes and seeking criminal justice, immigrants, victims of discrimination, and persons seeking civil justice.

Attorney Ali was also named to the Top 100 Lawyers by the prestigious National Black Lawyers-Top 100; The National Trial Lawyers  Top 100 Lawyers; Premier Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys, also known as the National Academy of Jurisprudence; and Top 10 Attorneys for client satisfaction in criminal law, immigration law, and personal injury by the American Institute of Legal Counsel.

Attorney Ali was honored by the National Action Network with the Vanguard Award as one of Los Angeles' 100 Most Influential African Americans.

Attorney Ali earned a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in African Studies from Regents College through a consortium with Tennessee State University and a Juris Doctorate from Trinity International University Law School.

Attorney Ali is a devoted husband and father; he lives in Southern California with Charito, his wife of over 32 years. Their four adult children and three grandchildren also live in Southern California.

Contact:

Zulu Ali

9518098382

[email protected]

SOURCE Law Offices of Zulu AliAUSTIN, Texas, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RVshare, the world's largest RV rental marketplace, which closed a $50mm round of funding earlier this year, has added two key members to its management team. Former HomeAway and Expedia executive Morgan Larkin joins the company as its Vice President of Business Operations and Taher Hassonjee, a former venture capitalist at JumpStart, Inc. now serves as the Director of Business Development at RVshare.

Larkin comes from vacation rental giant HomeAway, an Expedia-owned brand, where she worked for more than 10 years. She most recently held the position of Director of Strategy and Operations. She previously also served as HomeAway's Director of North American Operations and managed the BedandBreakfast.com business. Larkin brings to RVshare expertise in leading marketplace business at scale and cross-functionally, particularly in sales, revenue generation and marketing. She also served on the board of leading Canadian vacation rental platform, CanadaStays.

"When it comes to operating a travel marketplace at scale, Morgan has managed everything from sales floors to Super Bowl commercials. She is equal parts innovator and operator, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone with as deep a set of skills when it comes to scaling a company like this," says CEO Jon Gray.

Hassonjee comes from Cleveland-based venture firm JumpStart Inc, where he helped invest its fund starting in 2014. His work included sourcing deals for the firm, leading diligence processes for prospective companies, and supporting portfolio company CEOs. Prior to working at JumpStart, Hassonjee served as the Deputy Finance Director for a Congressional campaign where he improved the organization's fundraising efforts and advised on campaign strategy.

"Taher brings a talent set to RVshare that is invaluable during this hyper-growth stage where one of our biggest bottlenecks is vetting the opportunities that are presenting themselves to us," says RVshare Founder and President Joel Clark.

"With recent fundraising, RVshare is now able to focus on big initiatives that will catapult RVshare forward in this quickly growing space; however RVshare can't do that without hiring the best possible people. Both Morgan and Taher have the expertise to take this marketplace business to the next level," added Gray.

Morgan Larkin will operate out of RVshare's Austin, Texas office, and Taher Hassonjee will operate out of the company's Akron, Ohio office.

About RVshare (www.RVshare.com): Founded in 2013, RVshare is the world's first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, serving more than 60,000 RV owners across the US. With thousands of satisfied customers and a broad inventory ranging from travel trailers to luxury motorhomes, RVshare has the perfect RV for your vacation, tailgate, or temporary lodging needs.

SOURCE RVshare

Related Links

http://www.rvshare.com

HONOLULU, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SAMKOO HAWAII, LLC president and developer, Timothy Yi, today announced that CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii has been made the official and exclusive listing broker for its latest development, The Central Ala Moana. The Central Ala Moana is a first-of-its-kind housing development in Honolulu, in which 60 percent of the units will be allocated as affordable housing. Equipped with state of the art appliances and premier market property, this new project is a groundbreaking development for affordable housing in Hawaii.

"We're honored and excited to work with such a major developer and help Hawaiians improve their overall quality of life by having access to brand new, modern homes that they otherwise may not have been able to afford," shared Abe Lee, broker / owner, CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii. "Our team works relentlessly to serve home buyers and sellers in Hawaii, and we are thrilled to see our hard work pay off and have the opportunity to exclusively list the homes within this landmark development."

Under the leadership of Abe Lee and principal broker, Sandra Sakuma, CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii has over 150 agents in their Honolulu office. The duo has a combined 70 years of experience in the real estate industry in Hawaii, and their hard work and leadership has culminated in this opportunity to provide over 500 units of affordable housing to Hawaiians.

"The Central Ala Moana is such an important project because we're changing the paradigm of affordable housing in Hawaii, and we're working hard to help the local community achieve their goals of owning a home in a central and urban area of Honolulu," said Yi. "We decided to name CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii as the exclusive listing broker because of Abe Lee's values and ethics both as a person and a leader  and his commitment to serving the people and community in Hawaii."

The Central Ala Moana is set to break ground in Spring 2019, with an estimated completion date set for 2021. This is SAMKOO's second affordable housing project in Hawaii, and is one of the few private development projects where over half of the units are allocated to first time homebuyers under affordable housing guidelines.

"Abe and his team have always shown a passionate commitment to their local community, and we congratulate CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii as they embark on this exciting journey with SAMKOO and The Central Ala Moana," said Nick Bailey president and chief executive officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "At Century 21 Real Estate, we encourage System members to always give 121%, and Abe and his team exemplify how hard work can go a long way."

About CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii

CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii is a full-service real estate company, serving the buyers and sellers of Oahu. The office is located at 1585 Kapiolani Boulevard. Suite 1533, Honolulu, HI 96814

CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of Century 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21 brand, comprised of approximately 8,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 80 countries and territories worldwide with more than 118,000 independent sales professionals.

Media Contact:

Lauren Nickl

MullenLowe for CENTURY 21 iProperties Hawaii

617.226.9766

[email protected]

SOURCE CENTURY 21 iProperties HawaiiPORT WASHINGTON, N.Y., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandata Technologies, the leading provider of Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) software, announced today its Chief Executive Officer Tom Underwood will present on the Federal Cures Act EVV mandate and how it will impact Self-Directed Care Programs. Mr. Underwood will be joined by two of Sandata's clients that administer Self-Directed programs; Help at Home, LLC of Illinois, and Concepts of Independence, Inc. of New York.

Underwood's presentation is part of the Applied Self-Directed EVV Showcase, held on Monday, May 7, 2018 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard, Illinois. "We're thrilled to take part in this EVV Showcase with our clients. Leveraging the Sandata solution, our clients will share the value Self-Directed providers have experienced by implementing EVV technology into their business."

Sandata has provided EVV services for Self-Directed Care programs for over 10 years, and currently supports over 30,000 Self-Directed clients. In January 2014, Sandata deployed a statewide EVV solution for the Illinois Department of Human Services, a Self-Directed program.

In the CMS August 2017 EVV presentation, CMS emphasized that PCS services in Self-Direct programs are included in the Cures EVV mandate, and should include the following key considerations:

Accommodate PCS service delivery locations with limited or no internet access;

Avoid rigid scheduling rules as self-directed services often do not require schedules and are known for accommodating last minute changes based on participant needs;

Allow participants to schedule their services between the participant and the worker;

Accommodate services at multiple approved locations for each participant; and

Allow for multiple service delivery locations in a single visit.

The Sandata EVV solution for Self-Direction meets all of these considerations. We understand the challenges in deploying EVV for Self-Direct programs, and bring our experience and lessons-learned to each engagement. Our flexible EVV empowers each participant to have control over their long-term care delivery while automating manual efforts. Our Santrax Self-Directed Care offering is specifically designed for the unique aspects of a Self-Directed Care delivery model. While the technology leverages the same infrastructure and support as is deployed for traditional homecare, the solution is specifically tailored to meet the needs of participants who receive care in the community.

About Sandata Technologies, LLC

Sandata Technologies is a leading U.S. provider of home care solutions that enable government agencies, Managed Care Organizations, and home care providers to manage and optimize the delivery of services. Sandata's suite of products includes Santrax Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), a market leading time and attendance product; Santrax Agency Management and Santrax Payer Management, web-based software solutions with features including voice biometrics to perform speaker verification, and a jurisdictional solution for states and other payers, Santrax Member Management, an ADA Section 508 compliant member portal for self-directed members to view, modify and approve worker timesheets. Sandata has over 3,500 agency clients nationwide with its products supporting 1.8 million caregivers and nearly 200,000 visits on a daily basis.

SOURCE Sandata Technologies, LLC

Related Links

http://www.sandata.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Business School announced today that Santander Universities has pledged more than $850,000 to support the training and development of entrepreneurs in Latin America and New York City. The funding will be directed specifically to two prestigious and landmark entrepreneurship programs at Columbia Business School: the Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness in Latin America Program (ECLA), which has long enjoyed support from Santander; and the Columbia-Harlem Small Business Development Center (CH-SBDC), which has launched a new project to help entrepreneurs hone their storytelling capabilities and develop their personal and professional brand narratives. This support builds on both organization's longstanding commitment to helping entrepreneurs thrive globally and locally.

"Santander has been a critical partner and the ECLA Program's lead sponsor since its inception, and we remain tremendously grateful for their support of our program," said Nelson Fraiman, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia Business School and Faculty Director of the ECLA Program. "With their latest investment, the ECLA program is poised to deepen and expand the impact we have on leading entrepreneurs in the Latin American market."

"We are incredibly grateful to Santander for extending their support of entrepreneurs here at Columbia Business School," said Kaaryn Nailor-Simmons, director of the CH-SBDC. "Small business owners regularly seek out the CH-SBDC for guidance on a wide range of business strategy and operations issues, and this support will allow us to bring a new dynamic to those who participate in the Center's activities."

"Santander is thrilled to continue our support of the ECLA program and excited to start a new partnership with the Columbia Harlem SBDC," said Gwen Robinson, Santander Bank's Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. "These incredible programs help businesses gain the skills, tools, and network needed to prosper in a competitive landscape. In addition to this charitable contribution, Santander's Business Banking team will be lending their professional expertise at various SBDC events, directly helping local entrepreneurs grow their businesses."

About the Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness in Latin America (ECLA) Program

The ECLA Program was launched in 2010 exclusively for CEOs and founders of mid-sized Latin American companies seeking specialized training to expand their businesses and compete in today's changing global environment. Housed in the School's Jerome A. Chazen Institute for Global Business, the program delivers a well-rounded curriculum taught by Columbia's premier faculty from across many disciplines. Over a 13-month period, the program combines classroom and online training, implemented projects guided by faculty members, and one international study tour to provide an unparalleled curricular and community experience. By harnessing local entrepreneurs' innate creativity and energy and combining it with a curated and well-rounded curriculum delivered by one of the world's most prestigious MBA programs, the ECLA Program has become a crucible for growth, expansion, and success across borders throughout Latin America and beyond.

About the Columbia-Harlem Small Business Development Center (CH-SBDC)

The CH-SBDC serves small business owners and entrepreneurs in Upper Manhattan. Since its launch in 2009, the CH-SBDC has built a powerful reputation among its constituent community as the go-to provider of high- impact training workshops, unique entrepreneurial education programs, and highly effective one- to-one counseling. Each year, the CH-SBDC delivers a compelling array of programs and services to more than 400 small business clients that invest more than $6 million into the local economy and generate or save over 300 jobs. More recently, the CH-SBDC has opened its doors to clients of other New York City SBDCs for programs including a Pitch Workshop Series and Competition  broadening its impact even further and establishing itself as a leader in the City's technical support provider community. The Center recently celebrated a milestone in its remarkable trajectory when it earned the top overall SBDC rating among the eight SBDCs serving New York City.

About Santander Bank

Santander Bank, N.A. is one of the country's largest retail and commercial banks with $74.5 billion in assets. With its corporate offices in Boston, the Bank's approximately 9,600 employees, over 600 branches, more than 2,000 ATMs and 2.1 million customers are principally located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Madrid-based Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) - one of the most respected banking groups in the world with more than 125 million customers in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. It is managed by Santander Holdings USA, Inc., Banco Santander's intermediate holding company in the U.S. For more information on Santander Bank, please visit www.santanderbank.com.

SOURCE Columbia Business School

Related Links

http://www.gsb.columbia.edu

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Screenvision Media, a national leader in cinema advertising, announced the launch of "Corner Stories" today, its latest nationwide promotion in time with National Small Business Week. The "Corner Stories" programming  created by Screenvision Media's in-house creative team, 40 Foot Solutions  provides a behind-the-scenes look into small business owners making a difference in their communities. Beginning May 3, 2018, local businesses can nominate themselves for the chance to appear in the inaugural "Corner Stories" segment as part of Screenvision Media's Front & Center preshow. The winning spot will debut on July 4 and continue to air across the company's national footprint for the entire month.

"Small businesses are an integral part of the community and moviegoing experience. In fact, according to our proprietary research, more than half of moviegoers support their communities by shopping local," said Katy Loria, chief revenue officer, Screenvision Media. "We recognize the importance these businesses play in our local communities and work to actively champion them. By elevating local businesses to the national stage we're extending their story to a larger audience and building their community beyond the screen."

According to BIA/Kelsey's U.S. Local Advertising Forecast for 2018, small businesses will spend up to $150 billion on advertising this year. Screenvision Media recognizes that these businesses face a myriad of challenges and choices when it comes to marketing themselves and aims to provide easier access to the big screen through the "Corner Stories" initiative. All nominations will be reviewed by Screenvision Media's Reel Local Advisory Panel judges, including Greg Grunberg, actor, podcast host and entrepreneur, Clint Wisialowski, vice president of sales, Marcus Theatres, and Russell Allen, vice president of operations, Allen Theatres. Together they will pick the small business that will appear in Screenvision Media's inaugural "Corner Stories" segment.

"Our 'Corner Stories' program is a turnkey platform that enables us to showcase small business owners and tap into moviegoers' powerful affinity toward local businesses," said Matt Arden, senior vice president and executive creative director, Screenvision Media. "Based on our proprietary research, 46 percent of moviegoers enjoy learning about locally owned businesses and nearly three quarters of them believe it's important to support local communities. The impact of the big screen is undeniable and we're excited about the prospect of getting more small businesses involved."

"Before acting and podcasting, I owned and ran a few small businesses. I know just how hard it is to connect and thrive on a local level using a deep-rooted connection to the community in lieu of charts and projections," said Greg Grunberg. "We have a lot to learn from these men and women who are building their American dream. I couldn't be more excited to work with Screenvision Media to create this incredible opportunity for small businesses of all kinds. The value that they provide to their local communities is extensive and there's no better way to increase that impact than through celebrating them on the national stage."

To launch the initiative, Screenvision Media is hosting a booth at the Small Business Expo in New York City on May 3, 2018, where businesses can nominate themselves. Their presence will include a live taping of a podcast version of "Corner Stories" with special guest Greg Grunberg, as well as panel discussions with Screenvision Media's Reel Local Advisory judges and small business evangelists. The New York Small Business Expo will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. For more information, visit www.svcornerstories.com.

Media Contact:

Caitlin Wiig  Olson Engage for Screenvision Media

212.656.9143

[email protected]

ABOUT SCREENVISION MEDIA

Headquartered in New York, N.Y., Screenvision Media is a national leader in cinema advertising, offering on-screen advertising, in-lobby promotions and integrated marketing programs to national, regional and local advertisers, and providing comprehensive cinema advertising representation services to top-tier theatrical exhibitors presenting the highest-quality moviegoing experience. The Screenvision Media cinema advertising network is comprised of over 15,000 screens in 2,300+ theatre locations across all 50 states and 94% of DMAs nationwide; delivering through more than 150 theatrical circuits, including 7 of the top 10 exhibitor companies. For more information: http://screenvisionmedia.com/.

SOURCE Screenvision Media

Related Links

http://www.screenvision.com

IRVING, Texas, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 2,000 Dallas-Fort Worth area students are expected to participate in SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc.'s first Community Day at Mountain View College on Thursday, May 17, 2018.

SER - Jobs for Progress National, Inc. Announces Community Day May 17, 2018

Community Day was added as part of SER National's STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Mathematics) programs and as interest in SER's year-round Robotics Program has grown. SER's program is a hands-on educational experience, led by engineering students and professionals. The program also enhances middle and high school students' academic, technical and leadership skills.

Former migrant worker turned NASA astronaut and engineer Jose M. Hernandez, who decided as a high school senior that he wanted to travel into space, will be the featured keynote speaker. Fernando Rosario, President and Founder of Exeqpath, a leadership development company, also will address the students.

Community Day will follow a two-day SER Robotics & Drone Competition, held as part of SER's Annual Conference, May 15-16 at the Crowne Plaza-Dallas, 14315 Midway Road, in Addison. This year, 350 students from six area middle and high schools are expected to compete.

Community Day will also feature a job fair, where young people will have an opportunity to apply for jobs, internships and co-ops or work-study programs. Workshops and displays from an array of corporations and the Armed Forces, including the U.S. Army, Naval Academy, Air Force, NASA, CIA, FedEx, Charter, and Comcast will also be presented.

"We believe the U.S. Army and America's educators have a common goal and we are committed to working together to motivate, educate, train and develop today's youth to be leaders, decision makers and citizen-contributors that achieve life-long success," said Lieutenant Colonel James E. Zoizack, Commander for the U.S. Army Dallas Recruiting Battalion. "The Army offers great educational programs such as March2Success and the ASVAB Career Exploration programs.

"We have other programs that are anchored in fitness training, leadership, character development, education readiness, internships and STEM programs. These tools are ways the Army gives back to the community and the Nation we serve."

For more information about this grant or other SER National programs, please contact Rafaela Schwan via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at (469) 549-3694, or by fax at (469) 549-3684.

About SER National  SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. (SER National) was created in 1964 by a collaboration of the League of United Latin American Citizens and the American GI Forum. Since then, SER National has played a key role in the nation's workforce and education service delivery systems focusing on underrepresented and underserved populations. Today, SER National annually serves over 1,200,000 individuals through its national network. SER is the Spanish verb for "to be" and an acronym for Service, Employment, and Redevelopment. SER National's mission is to formulate, advocate, and implement initiatives that will result in the increased development and utilization of America's human resources, with emphasis on the needs of Hispanics, in the areas of education, training, literacy, employment, affordable housing, business, and economic opportunity. SER's vision is to enable underserved populations to fully participate in the socio-economic mainstream and achieve equal access and parity in society. To learn about SER National's programs, please visit www.ser-national.org.

Media Contact: Emma Trevino

Tel.: (469) 549-3649

Fax: (469) 549-3683

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ser-national.org

SEQUIM, Wash., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Downloads of the "Shepherd Shield" personal security app have topped 14,000 and people are sharing photos and tips intended to assist law enforcement and other users.

The app is offered by Security Services Northwest, a multi-dimensional security company headquartered on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. Shepherd Shield provides alerts when a subscriber comes in close proximity to a threat area.

"People are using our Report It function almost every day," says Joe D'Amico, SSNW President and owner since 1986. "We've had tips from students who are concerned about suspicious behavior around their schools. A tip about a would-be school shooter led to the FBI's involvement. We've received, and sent to local police, a photograph of an alleged heroin deal taking place near an elementary school."

There are Shepherd Shield app users in all 50 states and seven other countries. The most consistent activity is coming from Florida, New York, Texas, California and Washington, D'Amico says. The range of "Report It" activity includes fires, traffic accidents, suspicious activity, natural disasters and even sibling rivalries.

Shepherd Shield has a customized choice of categories, including high crime areas, active shooter alerts, terrorist threats, weather emergencies, and more. It helps people traveling in unfamiliar places, and while in their own neighborhoods.

The company's training services have been utilized by a church and private businesses as Shepherd Shield staff help facility managers apply a layered approach to security by using the necessary tools, resources and mindset to deny, repel and protect against intruders. Lockdown procedures, emergency evacuations and self-defense tactics are taught.

"We're pleased with how the Shepherd Shield app is performing, even though we're still improving and adding to the functionality," D'Amico says. "We are also exploring our next steps in our expansion of Shepherd Shield, which includes venture capital investment."

ABOUT

Security Services Northwest is an independently owned company founded in 1977 and doing business in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Services include armed and unarmed security officers, patrol services, installation and monitoring of alarm and camera systems, call center and dispatch services, and specialized maritime security for Department of Defense assets.

Contact: Joe D'Amico

1-877-220-8129

[email protected]

SOURCE Security Services NW

Related Links

http://shepherdshieldapp.com

"We are pleased with the initial results and positive response to the program. We also congratulate our first-year operators for running their small businesses and bringing an exciting array of local products and services to the airport," said Brett Kelly, Vice President, Fraport Maryland. "This successful pilot opens the door for more local startups and small businesses at the airport."

This year, two or more new local entrepreneurs or small business owners will be invited to participate. Following an application process, the selected retailers will receive 12-month leases for a kiosk along one of the airport's busiest concourses. They will also receive additional resources, training, and sales and marketing support.

"LaunchPad gives local startups an opportunity to do business in one of the region's most dynamic retail environments, exposing their brand to millions of visitors in BWI Marshall Airport," adds Ricky Smith, executive director of BWI Marshall Airport. "Our customers can support these local operators and experience the best of Baltimore and Washington."

Applications are being accepted through Friday, May 11. To learn more and to submit an application, please visit: https://www.launchpadbwi.com/.

Developed by Fraport Maryland and The Maryland Aviation Administration, LaunchPad is also supported by The Greater Baltimore Urban League's Entrepreneurial Program.

Connect with Fraport USA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Fraport USA

Fraport USA is the developer and manager of the retail, food and beverage operations at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport and Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. A leading airport concessions model in North America, Fraport USA ranks among the highest for per-passenger spending and receives accolades for innovation and customer service. For information, visit fraport-usa.com. Fraport USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide, the global airport company based in Frankfurt, Germany. For more information about Fraport AG, visit fraport.com.

SOURCE Fraport USA

Related Links

https://www.fraport-usa.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

NetworkNewsWire Editorial Coverage

Venture capitalists have been placing enormous bets on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These high-tech batteries now power everything from smart phones and power tools to electric vehicles. Demand for lithium is certain to surge as vehicles become greener, new devices flourish and electricity becomes cleaner. In a testament to the immense opportunity created by the batteries' versatility, venture capital firms have already pumped a record $1 billion-plus into battery technology this year, more than double all of last year's total (http://nnw.fm/3TuqE). Surging demand and inadequate market supply have intensified the hunt for new sources of this critical mineral by Lithium Chile, Inc. (TSX-V: LITH) (OTC: LTMCF) (LTMCF Profile) and other interested mining companies such as Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB), Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC) (TSX: LAC), FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SQM).



Lithium has myriad uses, from lubricating grease to fabricating glass and traditional ceramics, but most important is its use in the development of high-density storage batteries. Indicative of its importance, Goldman Sachs identified lithium as "the new gasoline," essential to fueling the burgeoning electric vehicle market. The transformative impact of lithium-based batteries is likely to be greater than the titanic shift that occurred when society transitioned from whale oil to petroleum-based energy sources. Little wonder that smart money is piling into the sector.



Some of the money is earmarked for research on new technology, but by far the largest recent capital influx has poured into existing lithium-ion battery technology, and nothing is more critical to this essential energy source than lithium. The market has grown from $244 million in 2014 to more than $394 million in 2017. That's only the beginning of a burgeoning industry - its 17.4 percent annual growth is expected put the market at over $684 million within the next four years (http://nnw.fm/d5ZRK).



A Race for the Prize



Unabated demand and material shortages have driven up prices and sparked a global quest for new sources of lithium. Located in the heart of the world's foremost reserves for the metal, Lithium Chile, Inc. (TSX-V: LITH) (OTC: LTMCF) is well positioned to exploit the market imbalances and sky-rocketing demand. Chile is currently the largest producer of lithium in the world and first in lithium reserves. Lithium Chile is developing one of the largest lithium-rich exploration portfolios in the country encompassing more than 148,000 hectares (over 570 square miles) across 15 properties. Their land acquisition began in 2015, exploration got underway in 2017, geochemical programs are complete, geophysics is underway, and the company is targeting 2018 for drilling and an initial resource estimates on two projects.



Through strategic acquisition, Lithium Chile has amassed the largest lithium land package in Chile of any private operating company. Utilizing over 26 years of mining experience in the country, Vice President of Exploration and Chief Geologist Terry Walker has spearheaded the company's procurement of vast prime lithium resources. An extraordinary field geologist, Mr. Walker can precisely identify the status, ownership and viability of every claim in the country with nothing more than GPS coordinates. Current land prices hover around $1,500 per hectare, but Mr. Walker's acumen and experience proved invaluable Lithium Chile accumulated large tracts of prime lithium-bearing properties well before the land rush for only $3 per hectare.

The company's potential lithium resources are held in salar brines, which are underground reservoirs containing high concentrations of dissolved salts, such as lithium. Testing on Lithium Chile properties has shown some of the highest sample grades reported throughout Chile. The typical lithium concentration needed for production in the United States is between 190 and 200 milligrams of lithium per liter. Some of Lithium Chile's properties have tested at more than 1,000 milligrams per liter, and one sample returned 1,400 milligrams per liter taken within three feet of the surface.



Lithium Chile's wholly owned assets include 66 square kilometers on the Salar de Atacama, Chile's largest mineral salt flat, which is the source of about 30 percent of the world's lithium production. The Salar de Atacama offers multiple competitive advantages in lithium production, including good infrastructure, high concentrations of salar brines, low processing costs, superior evaporation rates and favorable year-round weather. Chile also is mining friendly and provides a clear, streamlined permitting process that contributes to the country being the lowest-cost lithium producer in the world.



Priority Prospects



Field testing has identified multiple high-priority target areas at Lithium Chile's Salar De Atacama and Salar Ollague properties where near-surface brine values of up to 1,330 milligrams per liter of lithium and 1140 milligrams per liter of lithium, respectively, have been discovered. Drilling is expected to commence this year (http://nnw.fm/85Lu2). Steve Cochrane, president and CEO of Lithium Chile, commented, "We are delighted with the discovery of such impressive drill target areas at Atacama and Ollague. The results also follow the recent discovery of a 60km2 target area at another of our top Chilean projects - Helados. . . .We have an aggressive multi-project drill program planned for this year, which includes all three of these exciting projects, and we look forward to sharing drill results as they come through."



Cochrane has more than 36 years of investment industry experience and helped raise over $500 million for public companies in various industry sectors including mining. Totally committed to company success, Mr. Cochrane and his clients are "all in," and his extensive capital market experience will be an inestimable asset as Lithium Chile continues rollout and expansion of its development strategy. The management team is rounded with seasoned professionals in finance and resources including Executive Chairman Al J. Kroontje and directors Ken Booth and Andrew Bowering. The company is well funded and driven by a top-tier team with more than 150 years of combined experience in finance, mining exploration and development in the natural resources sector.



A Competitive Field



Among the world's major lithium producers, Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB) is the largest and derives nearly 39 percent of its total revenue from lithium sales. Long a global leader in the specialty chemical business, Albemarle's lithium business segment mines lithium and converts it into different forms along the value chain, such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, or value-added specialties such as butyl lithium and lithium aluminum hydride. With its acquisition of Rockwood Holdings in 2015, the company now controls one of the only operating lithium brines in North America and operates one lithium brine in Chile. ALB also holds a 49 percent share in Talison Lithium in Australia and plans to expand production there in 2019 under a joint venture.



Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC) is focused on development of two lithium development projects: the Cauchari-Olaroz project located in the Jujuy province of Argentina and the Lithium Nevada project located in northwestern Nevada. Its segments are Organoclay, Lithium Nevada, Cauchari-Olaroz and Corporate. Its geographical segments are Canada, the United States, Germany and Argentina. The Cauchari-Olaroz project is a lithium brine mineral project. The Lithium Nevada project is a smectite clay-based lithium project.

Primarily serving the agricultural industry, FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) provides solutions to enhance crop yield and quality by controlling a broad spectrum of insects, weeds and disease, as well as providing pest control to nonagricultural markets. The company's lithium products are utilized in energy storage, specialty polymers and pharmaceutical synthesis. FMC has been in business for over a century and acquired a significant portion of DuPont's Crop Protection business in 2017. FMC employs approximately 7,000 people throughout the world and operates its businesses in two segments: FMC Agricultural Solutions and FMC Lithium.



Chile-based Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE: SQM) is an intriguing player in the global scramble to secure greater supplies of lithium. SQM produces over 45,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent per year and plans to expand lithium carbonate capacity to 63,000 metric tons in 2018. In addition to lithium, the company produces specialty plant nutrients, iodine derivatives, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and industrial chemicals. The Chilean government announced it plans to block the possible $4 billion purchase of 32 percent of the company by Tianqi Lithium Corporation and any other Chinese company. The deal was blocked to prevent China from controlling the lithium resources needed by electric car makers.



From the very first spark of fire forward, humans have sought out new energy sources. At each step along the way, quality of life improved. There's little doubt that lithium will play a major role in powering the future and it appears to be just the beginning of another major transformation in the way we live.



For more information on Lithium Chile, visit Lithium Chile, Inc. (TSX-V: LITH) (OTC: LTMCF).



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SOURCE NetworkNewsWireARLINGTON, Va., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Members of the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) will visit Capitol Hill on June 5-6 for the Specialty Chemical Industry Fly-in, where they will share key insights about the industry and how government policies impact their ability to remain competitive and positively influence the U.S. economy.

"We are excited about the opportunity our members will have to meet with lawmakers and federal regulators to discuss critical issues impacting the specialty chemical industry," said Robert F. Helminiak, Vice President, Legal & Government Relations. "Our members are innovative by nature, and the products they make improve our society and economy in a profound way. It is essential for our members to have an opportunity to voice their thoughts and concerns about policy issues and share ideas about ways they can better work together with lawmakers and regulators on areas of mutual interest."

This year's Fly-In also provides new programming opportunities for SOCMA members. "On June 5 we will meet with federal agency staff such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Small Business Administration and U.S. Trade Representative," said Helminiak. "In the afternoon, we will host internal SOCMA committee meetings for our International Trade, Environmental, Health and Safety and Government Relations Steering committees. And, we will end the day with a reception in the Rayburn House Office Building, where Congressmen and Senators will be invited to mingle with our members."

On June 6, SOCMA will be on Capitol Hill, conferring with lawmakers about issues important to their businesses, including how their companies benefit the communities and the local economy within their districts. They will also participate in thematic meetings with congressional committee staff, where the dialogue will revolve around specific legislative issues affecting SOCMA members and the specialty chemical industry such as trade, including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), China and the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB), and Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) reauthorization.

Find more information on the Specialty Chemical Industry Fly-In here.

About SOCMA

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) is part of a $300-billion industry that's fueling the U.S. economy. Our members play an indispensable role in the global chemical supply chain, providing specialty chemicals to companies in markets ranging from aerospace and electronics to pharmaceuticals and agriculture. www.socma.com.

Contact:

Jenny Gaines

Senor Director, Marketing and Communications

(571) 348-5110

[email protected]

SOURCE Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates

Related Links

http://www.socma.com

Sound Start was introduced at Finney Elementary, located at 3950 Byrd Street, San Diego, CA, a VH1 Save The Music grant recipient school. Sound United CEO, Kevin Duffy, outlined Sound United and VH1 Save The Music Foundation's commitment to restoring music programs domestically and abroad. Finney Elementary School in the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) is among 80 schools across the country to receive grants from VH1 Save the Music Foundation during the 20172018 school year to help kids, schools and communities realize their full potential through the power of making music.

CVESD Superintendent Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D., noted that an arts education enriches the lives of both students and community. "We're already seeing the impact," Dr. Escobedo said. "The arts help strengthen students' social development. An arts education prepares young people for success in the 21st century workplace, fostering collaboration, communication, critical-thinking, and creativity. These are essential skills in developing the 'whole child' and enriching the city of Chula Vista. We couldn't be happier in growing our partnership with VH1 Save the Music Foundation, thanks to the support of Sound United."

"Musicians are the lifeblood of Sound United. Tight school funding often nixes the arts first when tough financial decisions are being made, our aim to is to help fix that problem," said Kevin Duffy, CEO of the Sound United. "Our ultimate goal is to continue bringing joy to the world through music by empowering future musicians with the instruments they need to create. We are so pleased to partner with VH1 Save the Music Foundation and help ensure the future is still filled with music."

"VH1 Save The Music is thrilled about this comprehensive partnership with Sound United's new Sound Start foundation," said Henry Donahue, Executive Director for VH1 Save The Music. "Nearly one in three American public school students don't have access to music education during their school day, and Sound Start's commitment to deliver 10,000 instruments over the next several years will make real progress toward eliminating that gap."

About Sound Start

Sound United's Sound Start Foundation is ensuring the rock stars of tomorrow have instruments today. Introduced in 2018, Sound Start's mission is to donate 10,000 musical instruments to children in need worldwide by the 2020-21 school year. The foundation will leverage a percentage of Denon, Polk Audio and Definitive Technology sales and direct donations to raise the funds necessary to purchase musical instruments. Sound Start is also a beneficiary of Forte for Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as the charitable foundation for DEI Holdings Inc., Sound United's parent company. Forte for Children has raised over $5 million in support of local youth since its inception in 2001. More information about Sound United's Sound Start can be found at www.soundstartfoundation.org.

About Sound United

Sound United is a division of DEI Holdings with an award-winning portfolio of audio brands that deliver industry-leading home theatre and personal audio listening experiences for a wide-range of consumers. Each brand provides an expansive array of audio products that includes high-end and custom installation audio, to mid-tier markets that cover loudspeakers, sound bars, AV receivers, wireless multi-room music systems, Bluetooth speakers, amplifiers, turntables and headphones.

Dedicated to artfully reproducing audio for listeners and enthusiasts around the world, Sound United is comprised of Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, Classe, Definitive Technology, Polk BOOM, HEOS, and Boston Acoustics. Each brand offers a unique approach to bringing home theatre and music to life. Whether it's through the legendary heritage of Denon, the classic sound of Polk Audio, the premium performance of Definitive Technology, the highly-sought-after amplification of Marantz, the action-inspired form factors of Polk BOOM, the wireless home audio solutions of HEOS, or the accessible performance of Boston Acoustics, Sound United is your sound  so listen.

To learn more about Sound United and its brands, visit www.soundunited.com.

About VH1 Save The Music

VH1 Save The Music Foundation, Inc. is a New York 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps kids, schools, and communities realize their full potential through the power of making music. Founded in 1997, the Foundation uses a comprehensive model to restore music programs in public schools, and has donated $54 million worth of new musical instruments to over 2,000 public schools around the country  impacting the lives of millions of public school students. Learn more about us and our efforts at www.vh1savethemusic.org

About the Chula Vista Elementary School District

The Chula Vista Elementary School District is the largest Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 6 district in California. CVESD serves more than 29,600 students at 46 schools in southern San Diego County. In 2010, the District and the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory first partnered to launch the "Community Opus Project" as an after-school program at two schools with high populations of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. Community Opus grew to six campuses. Then, the Board of Education, noting the program's success, allocated $15 million over three years to employ Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) teachers across the District. This meant arts instruction would occur as part of the school day! Today, 78 VAPA teachers provide programs in Music, Dance, Theater, and Media/Visual Arts. The investment in VAPA was among the services funded by the District's Local Control and Accountability Plan.

SOURCE Sound United

Related Links

http://soundunited.com

CHICAGO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SPLICE Software announced today that TMC, a global, integrated media company, has named its Emergency Management Solutions as a 2017 CUSTOMER Workforce Optimization Innovation Award winner.

The solutions have two components:

Data-Driven Dialogs let users issue critical automated voice messages to deliver catastrophe warnings, post-catastrophe service updates, branch closure notifications and more, keeping customers and other stakeholders informed. The collaborative IntView  dashboard from SPLICE allows users to visualize weather and social event data in real time, integrating information from partners like IBM Watson, AccuWeather, the Weather Channel and Twitter for a holistic view. By leveraging the power of crowd knowledge, AI and big data, users can make more informed decisions. Welli  allows users to geolocate team members with an interactive mobile program, ensuring that crews are safe and ready to deploy. With timely confirmation of team location and status, emergency managers can activate plans with confidence and engage in two-way communication to update status and ensure readiness as events unfold. Together, these enhancements make SPLICE Software's Emergency Management Solutions a critical ally when seconds matter.

"Emergencies happen, and your business resiliency will be tested. How you handle it both internally and externally says a lot about your culture," said Tara Kelly, President & CEO of SPLICE Software. "We use big data and AI to give you a head start, then we help ensure your team members are safe and accounted for, giving you the ability to deploy your workforce to the most urgent customer issues while keeping customers informed. After all, we believe in data for good."

The 2017 CUSTOMER Magazine Workforce Optimization Innovation Award recognizes vendors that are advancing the call center, CRM and teleservices industries one solution at a time. The award highlights products which enable their clients to meet and exceed the expectations of their customers.

"On behalf of both TMC and CUSTOMER magazine, it is my pleasure to honor SPLICE Software with a 2017 Workforce Optimization Innovation Award," said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. "Its Emergency Management Solutions have proven deserving of this elite status and I look forward to continued innovation from SPLICE Software in 2018 and beyond."

About SPLICE Software

SPLICE Software blends art & science in creating stronger connections and improving the customer experience for insurers, bankers, and retailers. Our cloud-based Dialog Suite uses Big Data & Artificial Intelligence to deliver personalized Voice & SMS messages at critical moments along the customer journey; allows you to connect with customers via their channels of choice; and, enables you to collect and manage customers' permissions and preferences so you can personalize, test and measure like never before. For more information on SPLICE, visit our website, connect via LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter at @SPLICESoftware.

TMC's CUSTOMER Magazine

TMC's CUSTOMER magazine premiered in September 2012 and is the industry's definitive source for news, product information, and strategies for communications that engage customers and potential customers. Each issue of CUSTOMER includes news and insights on the latest developments in agent training, analytics, ERP, IVR, social CRM solutions, mobile apps, workforce management and more. Please visit http://customer.tmcnet.com for more information.

About TMC

Global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. This presents branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities for vendors/sellers.

For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com.

SPLICE Software Contact:

Kate Weckerly

Public Relations

330-858-5149

[email protected]

TMC Contact:

Stephanie Thompson

Manager

203-852-6800, ext. 139

[email protected]

SOURCE SPLICE Software

Related Links

http://www.splicesoftware.com

NEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SpotX, the global video advertising and monetization platform, today announced it will be leveraging total and incremental campaign reach reporting that offers demographic breakouts based on Nielsen's audience data for connected TV (CTV). This marks the first time a digital supply-side platform (SSP) has leveraged Nielsen analytics for CTV.

As viewership continues to increase on connected TV devices, having independent measurement of ads is more important than ever. SpotX will help advertisers understand their total campaign audience, leveraging SpotX's ad exposure data and Nielsen's panel data. This unique offering allows SpotX to share campaign level audience measurement data with their clients, including insights on Reach, Frequency, and GRPs of CTV campaigns by Nielsen Demo, alongside those of traditional TV if part of the same campaign.

Brands that run CTV campaigns on SpotX will be able to understand the unduplicated and incremental reach of a campaign's ads on connected TV and linear TV using Nielsen metrics. Additionally, SpotX can use Nielsen analytics to provide a deeper understanding of CTV advertising alongside linear TV, desktop, and mobile devices.

"Trusted third-party measurement in CTV has historically been the number-one barrier to entry for advertisers, and media buyers need measurement to make smarter CTV investment decisions," said Mike Shehan, co-founder and CEO at SpotX. "We're thrilled to work with the industry leader to address this need for buyers while simultaneously creating more opportunities for publishers to monetize connected TV inventory, stimulating wider adoption for CTV overall."

Austin, Texas-based Proof Advertising is the first SpotX advertiser to pilot this solution for Travel Texas, an organization dedicated to marketing Texas as a tourist destination in out-of-state domestic and international markets.

"We intuitively know that combining connected TV with traditional TV allows us to reach incremental audiences," said Ly Tran, associate partner and Chief Media Officer at Proof Advertising. "For our client, Travel Texas, we jumped at the chance to start using Nielsen's unique CTV and Linear TV reporting with SpotX because it's a needed solution that will make us smarter and enable us to better understand how our ad total spend reaches an unduplicated audience reach on TV and beyond."

About SpotX

SpotX is the leading global video advertising platform that enables media owners and publishers to monetize premium content across desktop, mobile and connected TV devices. As a modern ad server with programmatic infrastructure, data enablement, and monetization solutions for OTT, outstream, and addressable TV, SpotX gives media owners and publishers the control, transparency, and actionable insights needed to understand buyer behavior, manage access and pricing, and maximize revenue. SpotX also provides advertisers with a direct pipeline to premium supply and innovative solutions for optimizing media efficiency, reach, and audience targeting. With best-in-class technology purpose-built for video, SpotX's holistic, brand-safe solution is employed by some of the largest media owners and publishers in the world including fuboTV, Microsoft Casual Games, Newsy, Samba TV, Sling TV, Vudu and partners with a variety of different companies within the digital video ecosystem including comScore, DoubleVerify, Integral Ad Science, JW Player, MediaMath, MOAT, Nielsen, Oracle, The Trade Desk, and more.

Headquartered in Denver, SpotX has nearly 600 employees in 24 offices worldwide including Amsterdam, Hamburg, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, and Tokyo. In October 2017, RTL Group completed its 100% acquisition of SpotX which is currently combining its business with smartclip, a sister company. Learn more at www.spotx.tv and follow @SpotX on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:

Tammy Blythe Goodman

SpotX

+1-303-345-6671

[email protected]

SOURCE SpotX

Related Links

http://www.spotx.tv

















In a surprise and potentially far-reaching victory for Benjamin Netanyahu, the Knesset on Monday evening gave the prime minister the authority to declare war or order a major military operation by consulting only the defense minister, and not via a full cabinet vote as the law had previously required. Sixty-two Knesset members voted the dramatic proposal into law, beating out the 41 opposition MKs who opposed it claiming that the language of the law effectively gives free reign to the prime minister by removing all oversight.

According to the new law, in extreme circumstances, military operations can be authorized by the prime minister and defense minister alone and will not need a vote by cabinet ministers.





The law does not specify exactly what those circumstances may be, or who will determine them, saying only that the case will apply, if the issue is necessary due to urgency.

































The White House said late Monday that the trove of information released earlier in the day by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, until last week director of the CIA, said the documents were authentic and much of it was new to US experts.

The statement comes after Netanyahus broadcast in which the prime minister revealed that Israel had obtained 100,000 secret Iranian documents pertaining to the program.









The United States is aware of the information just released by Israel and continues to examine it carefully, the White House said. This information provides new and compelling details about Irans efforts to develop missile-deliverable nuclear weapons, it said. These facts are consistent with what the United States has long known: Iran has a robust, clandestine nuclear weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people.

























Officials tell NY Times Iran will likely wait to respond against Israel until after upcoming elections in Lebanon, where ally Hezbollah is fielding candidates





An overnight missile attack against weapons storage bases in Syria destroyed some 200 surface-to-surface rockets, a regional official told The New York Times Monday. The official, from the regional alliance of Iran, Syria, Iran and its proxy Lebanese terror group Hezbollah, said the strikes killed 16 people , including 11 Iranians.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group, missile strikes hit two military targets in Aleppo and Hama provinces late Sunday.

































Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Monday Tehran will respond to the strikes against its facilities in Syria. "Now for every your strike you will get retaliatory strikes," Khamenei said. The Supreme Leader warned that "the era when after delivering strikes the adversary managed to avoid a response is over." The statement was a response to a missile strike on positions of the Syrian army and armed units of Shia militias fighting alongside with Damascus. A Syrian military source earlier told the SANA news agency that the strikes were carried out overnight to Monday against the outskirts of Hama and Aleppo. According to Sky News Arabiya TV, the strike destroyed a large depot with Iranian weapons 10 km to the west of Hama (220 km from Damascus). The report said there were deaths among the Syrian forces and Iranian military advisers.





























The explosion in Syrias Hama province late Sunday night, which has been attributed to an Israeli airstrike, registered 2.6 on the Richter scale  a small earthquake, the kind that wont knock down a building, but might knock a picture off your shelf. The epicenter of this tremor was a military base south of the city of Hama, which is connected to the Syrian militarys 47th Brigade and has been identified by Syrian opposition sources as being under Iranian control and housing a weapons depot.

Casualty reports from the strike varied, ranging from 16 to 38 people killed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that there were 26 fatalities, most of them Iranian.





In general, the concern in Jerusalem is that precise medium- and long-range missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles  like the armed one that Israel says entered its airspace in February  or sophisticated air defense systems will make their way into Syria or to Hezbollah in Lebanon. If Israeli intelligence spots such a shipment, the countrys decision-makers must determine if the risk of retaliation outweighs the threat posed by the incoming system in question. Do we confront Iran before it has these capabilities, or do we wait? Yadlin said.

































Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei threatened the United States and its allies during a Monday speech to workers leading up to International Workers Day. The remarks came in response to a Sunday attack on a base in Syria that killed a number of Iranians. Khamenei told a crowd of "thousands of laborers and entrepreneurs" from across Iran that the United States is trying to pit Muslims against one another, according to the leader's official website. "The US incites the Saudis in order to create conflict in our region. Why don't they incite the Zionists? Because they want Muslims to fight against Muslims," Khamenei reportedly said. Sunday night, an airstrike on was conducted against the 47th Brigade of the Syrian Arab Army, a unit made up of Iranian forces and forces from Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based international army that has been fighting for the government in Syria. The attack hit a military base somewhere between Hama and Homs killing 18 Iranians, according to the Jerusalem Post. However, Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing an official from the Iran-Hezbollah-Syria coalition, said 16 people were killed, including 11 Iranians.







SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Starboard Commercial Real Estate, privately owned and locally-based San Francisco commercial real estate firm, is pleased to announce the sale of 318 N. Sunrise Avenue in Roseville, CA.

The 24,750 square foot property was purchased for $4,511,000 by a San Francisco-based investor and is located in the Centre Pointe Regional Shopping Center, in between Home Depot and Fitness Evolution. The building is currently leased to Pet Club.

The deal was led by Richard Gumbiner, broker associate with Starboard Commercial Real Estate. According to Gumbiner, the 100 percent leased NNN investment is located at a prosperous retail intersection with Hwy 80 visibility, and provides long-term stable income to the investor with minimal management obligations.

"Conditions are still favorable to find NNN leased investment properties. Cap rates have improved and financing is still readily available at attractive rates," shared Gumbiner. "Investors who are experiencing challenges with rent control, management, or excessive operating expenses should consider whether a NNN leased investment is more appropriate to their investment goals."

The city of Roseville has a diverse economy that allows the city to thrive. The most dynamic industries in the city are technology, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, and retail. Shopping plays a vital role in the economy of Roseville, which has the thirteenth highest retail sales of all California cities.

The city is also considered a regional shopping destination, with the Westfield Galleria at Roseville being the main shopping center in the city and the second largest shopping mall in Northern California.

For a full list of Starboard's current listings, visit www.starboardnet.com/listings.php.

About Starboard Commercial Real Estate

Starboard Commercial Real Estate is the largest independently owned commercial real estate company in San Francisco, California. Starboard was established in 1991 with a unique vision of what a commercial real estate firm should be. With a combined total of 55 years representing landlords and tenants, members of the firm are devoted to serving clients with the highest ethics and professionalism. By implementing the latest technology, Starboard combines innovative market techniques with hard work, pursuing every opportunity to meet its clients' commercial property goals. Our brokers are highly qualified professionals supported by skilled support staff and a full-service in-house graphic and website design team. Our brokers have access to critical information on existing tenants in San Francisco and more than 1,814 office buildings and over 103 million square feet of office space throughout San Francisco.

In 2000, Starboard became the San Francisco member of TCN Worldwide Real Estate Services, a national affiliation of independent real estate firms located in more than 200 markets with 62 offices in 8 countries, including North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Using national and international real estate expertise, Starboard provides clients with local know-how on a global scale. Hans Hansson, managing principal, previously served on TCN Worldwide's Board of Directors and served as regional vice president for two years. For more information, visit www.starboardnet.com.

Media Contact:

Natalie Wolfrom

PR for Starboard TCN Worldwide

415-609-7092

[email protected]

SOURCE Starboard Commercial Real Estate

Related Links

http://www.starboardnet.com

LAFAYETTE, La., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Stone Energy Corporation (NYSE: SGY) ("Stone" or the "Company") today announced that the Company closed the transaction contemplated under the previously announced Asset Purchase Agreement dated April 27, 2018 to purchase a 100% working interest in the Ram Powell Unit, and related assets, from Shell Offshore Inc., Exxon Mobil Corporation, and Anadarko US Offshore LLC.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking and are based upon Stone's current belief as to the outcome and timing of future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities or results that Stone plans, expects, believes, projects, estimates, or anticipates will, should, or may occur in the future, including future production of oil and gas, future capital expenditures and drilling and completion of wells, and future financial or operating results are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking numbers are approximate. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, the timing, extent, and volatility of changes in commodity prices for oil and gas; operating risks; liquidity risks, including risks relating to our bank credit facility and the Company's ability to access the capital markets; political and regulatory developments and legislation, including developments and legislation relating to our operations in the Gulf of Mexico basin; risks related to our previously announced combination with Talos Energy LLC; and other risk factors and known trends and uncertainties as described in Stone's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). For a more detailed discussion of risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, Stone's actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Stone assumes no obligation and expressly disclaims any duty to update the information contained herein, except as required by law.

Stone Energy is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana with an additional office in New Orleans. Stone is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of properties in the Gulf of Mexico basin. For additional information, contact Kenneth H. Beer, Chief Financial Officer, at 337-521-2210 phone, 337-521-9880 fax or via e-mail at [email protected]

SOURCE Stone Energy Corporation

Related Links

http://www.stoneenergy.com

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- StorageMart, the world's largest privately-owned self storage company, is expanding the self storage options in Clive and Des Moines with over 100,000 square feet of rentable space and 785 total units.

Columbia, MO-based company StorageMart proudly announced today the opening of two new self storage facilities in Clive and Des Moines, IA. The facilities are conveniently located, with one off Hackley Drive in Des Moines and the other on 94th Street in Clive. The new facilities offer easy access, with single level buildings and drive-up access to every unit, and represent a sizable portion of the self storage options in the area with over 100,000 square feet of rentable space and 785 units. The two new facilities bring the total number of StorageMart locations in the area to 19.

"We're growing again and are well on our way to hitting 300 stores by 2021," said Cris Burnam, StorageMart President. "We're excited to open two more locations in Clive and Des Moines and look forward to bringing easy, clean storage service to more people."

Additional great features at the new location include individual PIN-code access and video camera monitoring.

About StorageMart

StorageMart started with a single store in Columbia, MO and has grown to be the largest privately-owned, family operated storage company in the world. StorageMart is led by the Burnam family, which has been in the storage industry for three generations. Dedicated to providing easy, clean and friendly service to each and every customer, StorageMart is also committed to giving back to the many communities it calls home through their Store it Forward program. In 2017, the company donated more than $159,000 to charities, in addition to donating over $370,000 in free rent to charities throughout the US, UK and Canada. Find out more at www.storage-mart.com.

Contact: Sarah Little, [email protected]

SOURCE StorageMart

Related Links

http://www.storage-mart.com

WAYNE, Pa., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tekni-Plex, Inc. has acquired Commodore Plastics and Commodore Technology under a newly-formed subsidiary, Dolco LLC. Both businesses are based in Bloomfield, New York.

Commodore Plastics is known for its wide range of traditional and custom polystyrene (PS) foam trays, including padded food processor, supermarket and industrial trays. Commodore Technology manufactures PS foam extrusion systems, dies, thermoformers, trim systems and other molds and equipment to support its sister company's production requirements. It also sells its equipment to manufacturers outside North America.

Going forward, both entities will become part of Dolco Packaging, a Tekni-Plex business. Dolco is known as the largest producer of foam egg carton trays in the United States. It also produces standard and custom PS trays for food processing, fruit and other applications, as well as PET egg cartons and mushroom tills, making the acquisition complementary to Dolco's existing portfolio.

"Tekni-Plex already has significant tray manufacturing capability via its Dolco business unit. The acquisition will allow us to benefit from Commodore's extruder and thermoforming equipment technology, as well as increase our manufacturing footprint. That puts us in a position to provide even more solutions to our customers," explained Paul J. Young, president and chief executive officer, Tekni-Plex.

The Commodore purchase is the eighth acquisition Tekni-Plex has made in the past four years, supporting its strategy to grow its business via both organic and acquisition paths. Tekni-Plex has a solid track record of successful business integrations, having acquired companies with innovative plastic and rubber products to further drive growth.

About Tekni-Plex, Inc.

Tekni-Plex is a globally-integrated company focused on developing and manufacturing innovative packaging materials, medical compounds and precision-crafted medical tubing solutions for some of the most well-known names in the medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, household and industrial, and food and beverage industries. Tekni-Plex is headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and operates manufacturing sites across eight countries worldwide to meet the needs of its global customers. For more information visit www.tekni-plex.com.

SOURCE Tekni-Plex, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.tekni-plex.com

TemperPack's manufacturing personnel is the driving force behind its ability to produce hundreds of thousands of insulated box-liners each week. This experienced, nimble crew allows the company to bring R&D innovations from concept to production, providing the best products available for specific client needs.

The larger space also allows for management to rethink logistical workflows within the facility to maximize output. "Our team takes pride in designing state-of-the-art production facilities that reflects our company's strong commitment to safety, quality and operational excellence," commented Charles Vincent, TemperPack's CTO. "The Carolina Avenue facility, equipped with an optimized plant layout and production workflow, is geared towards supporting the next phase of growth of TemperPack." This planned approach to operations is a template that TemperPack looks to reproduce in other locations as the company continues to grow.

The new facility is also the company's first step in shifting toward a large-scale manufacturing operation by bringing more of the supply chain in-house. This effort to become a more fully integrated company will allow TemperPack to grow even faster and supply their clients with the best insulating products at a scale previously unattainable.

About TemperPack

Founded in 2015, TemperPack solves thermal packaging problems through sustainable design. The company was born out of a desire to reduce the amount of unsustainable packaging that correlated with the rising world of e-commerce delivery. They specialize in bringing custom solutions for clients to scale in the perishable food and life sciences industries. Today, TemperPack operates two facilities in Virginia and Nevada and is rapidly expanding its reach in the perishable and cold chain shipping market, all with the goal of reducing the amount of packaging that ends up in landfills.

Media Contact

John Briney, TemperPack

[email protected]

Related Links

http://www.temperpack.com

SOURCE TemperPack

Related Links

http://www.temperpack.com

WOBURN, Mass., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Terrafugia Inc. announced its partnership with CEVT (China Euro Vehicle Technology AB) to collaborate on a variety of developments to bring the first flying car to market. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) acquired Terrafugia in Fall 2017, extending access to collaborate with its subsidiary companies.

"The combination of CEVT's advanced engineering capabilities and automotive experience with Terrafugia's expertise in innovative air mobility will take Geely to the sky providing vehicles for both ground and air transportation," said Chris Jaran, CEO of Terrafugia.

CEVT is supporting Terrafugia's first vehicle, the Transition, with the development of a clutch-box, advanced CAE analysis and high-tech safety systems. With this relationship, Terrafugia will benefit from the long automotive engineering experience and expertise in Gothenburg and Sweden.

CEVT was established by Geely Holding in 2013 as an engineering and development center for future C-segment cars addressing the needs of both Volvo Cars and Geely Auto Group. Today, CEVT is Geely's leading innovation and development center in Sweden.

"At CEVT we have some of the best skilled resources in the mobility engineering disciplines. We have until now mainly been focusing on developing amazing new cars. With this new collaboration we see a huge advantage and opportunity taking our experience into new fields of mobility transportation. Terrafugia is a very exciting project for CEVT and we feel proud to be given the opportunity to support this collaboration," says Mats Fagerhag, CEO of CEVT in Sweden.

For more information on the Transition visit http://www.terrafugia.com/the-transition/.

About Terrafugia, Inc.:

Terrafugia, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding), a global automotive group that owns several well-known international automotive brands. Founded in 2006 by five award-winning MIT graduates, Terrafugia's mission is to create practical flying cars that enable a new dimension of personal freedom. Today, Terrafugia's team of experienced engineers, designers, certification experts, and business professionals combines aviation and automotive expertise in pursuit of a common vision to disrupt the transportation industry. Terrafugia's first product, the Transition, will enter the market in 2019. Terrafugia's next generation concept is the TF-2, a VTOL aircraft for cargo and passenger loads. To learn more please visit, www.terrafugia.com.

CONTACT

Terrafugia CEVT Danielle Kershner Malin Willbro [email protected] [email protected] +1 781-491-0812 ext.128 +46 729 88 85 43

SOURCE Terrafugia, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.terrafugia.com

HOUSTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Texan Bank, a local, community bank with locations throughout the Houston area, increases momentum with new accolades.

Texan Bank has received recent recognition for their philanthropic work with nonprofit organizations across Houston and is the recipient of the Texas Bankers Foundation 2018 Cornerstone Award for their work with the group foster home Kidz Harbor. Kidz Harbor is based in Liverpool, TX and houses 50 to 80 children at any given time. Texan Bank has built closets, collected supplies, helped clean up the facilities after Hurricane Harvey, and organizes donation drives and fundraising events every year for the children. One foster child called an event thrown by Texan Bank "the best day of her life." The goal of the Cornerstone Awards is to recognize and reward Texas banks that have made a commitment to be a cornerstone of their communities. This is the 16th year the Texas Bankers Foundation has recognized Texas banks for their community involvement through this competition. Kristi Koncaba, president & COO, will accept the award on May 3 at the Texas Bankers Association's 134th Annual Convention.

Texan Bank also celebrates an award-winning workplace culture. Shortly after being named a Best Place to Work in Houston in 2017 by the Houston Business Journal, Texan Bank was also recently named a Best Place to Work in Texas in 2018 by Texas Monthly Magazine. "Our employees are the backbone of Texan Bank, as they are essential to our customers' satisfaction and the continued growth and success of Texan Bank. Our culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and doing the right thing the right way make the environment at Texan Bank one we are all proud to be part of," stated CEO Kenny Koncaba. Ranked #11 in the small employer category, the winners are chosen based on employer benefits and policies as well as employee satisfaction.

About Texan Bank

Based in Houston TX, Texan Bank is a full-service, local community bank offering business and personal banking with four locations across Houston, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, and Friendswood. Purchased in 2011 by Friendswood Capital Corporation, Texan Bank serves its communities through doing business the right way and inspiring employees through servant leadership.

For more information, visit www.texanbank.com.

SOURCE Texan Bank

Related Links

http://www.texanbank.com

BEDFORD, Texas and MEDFORD, Mass., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- INVO Bioscience, Inc. (OTC: IVOB), a medical device company granted FDA clearance for the first Intravaginal Culture System, INVOcell, today announced that Dr. Kevin Doody, MD and Dr. Kathleen Doody, MD, founders of The Center for Assisted Reproduction (Care Fertility), discussed the advantages of their "Effortless IVF" process and the prominent role of INVOcell in the process. They were guests on Good Morning Texas on Dallas' KFAA-TV last week on Thursday, April 26, 2018 in recognition of National Infertility Awareness Week. Based in Bedford, Texas, The Center for Assisted Reproduction has been a pioneer of assisted reproductive technologies in the north Texas region.

Dr. Kevin Doody, said, "Our Effortless IVF program is different in a number of ways from traditional ("in-vitro fertilization") IVF programs. It's more accessible; it's more affordable; and more natural. Normally with traditional IVF there would be numerous office visits and blood draws leading up to egg retrieval and significantly driving up costs. In our Effortless IVF program, we combine the INVOcell technology with a streamlined monitoring approach which reduces the office visits to a fraction of what they are with traditional IVF; making it easier and more affordable  by about half the cost of conventional IVF. We believe that INVOcell opens the door to a broad new audience of couples looking to start or expand their families."

INVOcell has the ability to significantly transform the way in which doctors assist infertile patients to become pregnant in a simpler, more natural and cost-effective manner. INVOcell is a patented medical device used in the treatment of infertility that enables egg fertilization and early embryo development to take place in the woman's body, in vivo. The simplistic INVO can be easily performed in an appropriately trained physician's office without the need for expensive overhead.

"We have seen many patients who would like to undergo IVF treatment, but the time and financial requirements of the procedure can be prohibitive," commented Dr. Kathleen Doody. "With the development of the new INVOcell device, we are able to greatly reduce the cost of treatment by virtually eliminating all lab costs. The INVOcell device is a new product that allows the incubation period of IVF treatment to take place inside the prospective mother, rather than in a lab."

On the best candidates for Effortless IVF, Dr. Kathleen Doody, concluded, "While age is always an independent predictor of success  younger women having the higher pregnancy rates - we've had success with women into their 40s with Effortless IVF."

Care Fertility is conducting a drawing for a complementary Effortless IVF treatment cycle for a qualified couple. It includes the initial evaluation from the Care Fertility staff, the medications used to stimulate the ovaries, and the Effortless IVF cycle itself. Those wishing to enter the drawing can do so at www.effortlessivf.com. The winner will be announced on May 5, 2018.

The full interview can be seen at: https://www.wfaa.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/good-morning-texas/care-fertility-presents-a-new-solution-for-infertility/287-8108516

About The Center for Assisted Reproduction (Care Fertility)

Co-founded in 1989 by Drs. Kevin Doody and Kathleen Doody, The Center for Assisted Reproduction has been a pioneer of assisted reproductive technologies in the north Texas region with several firsts including the first ICSI pregnancies and the first to successfully implement a blastocyst culture system. CARE Fertility also had the first pregnancy in the region with a pregnancy following embryo biopsy and pre-implantation genetic testing for cystic fibrosis. The Center is an independent facility which includes a CLIA certified endocrine / andrology laboratory, a CAP certified embryology (IVF) laboratory and an accredited ambulatory surgical center (ASC). Unlike other clinics, egg retrievals are performed in the safety of an accredited surgical center onsite at CARE. The Center has longstanding relationships and has contracted with virtually all major managed care organizations allowing patients to get referrals with relative ease. For more information, please visit: https://www.embryo.net/.

About INVO Bioscience

We are a medical device company focused on creating simplified, lower cost treatments for patients diagnosed with infertility. Our solution, the INVO Procedure, is a disruptive new technology. The INVO Procedure is a revolutionary in vivo method of vaginal incubation that offers patients a more natural and intimate experience. Our lead product, the INVOcell, is a patented medical device used in infertility treatment and is considered an Assisted Reproductive Technology ("ART"). The INVOcell is the first Intravaginal Culture ("IVC") system in the world used for the natural in vivo incubation of eggs and sperm during fertilization and early embryo development, as an alternative to traditional In Vitro Fertilization ("IVF") and Intrauterine Insemination ("IUI"). Our mission is to increase access to care and expand fertility treatment across the globe with a goal to lower the cost of care and increase availability of care. For more information, please visit https://invobioscience.com/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This 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. The Company invokes the protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategies, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, as well as statements that include words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include those set forth in our filings at www.sec.gov. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

INVO Bioscience, Inc.

Kathleen Karloff, CEO

978-878-9505 ext. 504

[email protected]

SOURCE INVO Bioscience, Inc.

Related Links

http://invobioscience.com

CHICAGO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to combat gun violence, the Chicago Sun-Times is launching a new campaign called "31 bullets" that identifies 31 specific actions Illinoisans can take to address this issue locally and nationwide. Developed in partnership with Ogilvy, one of the world's largest marketing communications companies, the goal of the 31-part series is to educate Americans and inspire them to take action to counter the negative effect that these bullets create.

The first "bullet" in the "31 bullets" campaign is aimed at the discussion around guns in classrooms. The Chicago Sun-Times created a short film that followed seven local Chicago educators  including a pre-school teacher and a military combat veteran  to a firearms training class. Guided by a former police officer, the teachers learn how to safely hold and shoot a gun.

Gun violence is a complex topic with many victims and stories. The namesake of the "31 bullets" campaign is based on the sobering fact that an estimated 10 billion bullets are sold in the United States every year  that's 31 for every man, woman and child.

The remaining 30 "bullets" in the campaign will be developed with input from the public and revealed throughout the month of May on https://31bullets.suntimes.com/. The campaign acknowledges that there is not one, simple answer, but hopes that with more education, the public can take practical steps to help lawmakers reform state and national gun legislation.

For more information on the 31 bullets initiative, watch this video and visit the website: https://31bullets.suntimes.com/

Media Contact:

Tara Mullins

Ogilvy

212-880-5243

SOURCE OgilvySEATTLE, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 98point6 today announced the launch of its on-demand primary care service to deliver personalized consultation, diagnosis and treatment to patients across the country. The service enables primary care beyond what's ever been possible, combining innovative AI technology with board-certified physicians to deliver affordable and high-quality care right to a patient's smartphone. 98point6 physicians are currently seeing patients in 10 states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. 98point6 will roll out the service to patients in all 50 states and Washington D.C. by the end of 2018, reinventing primary care coast to coast.

Primary care is a necessity for all, serving as the front line for healthcare and disease prevention. However, seeing a doctor is increasingly difficult with an average wait time of 24 days just for an appointment. Coupled with rising medical costs, patients are left wondering whether they need the treatment enough to warrant the time and cost. These factors have led to patient disengagement, with more than 21 percent of adults not having a primary care physician, and are the driving forces behind 98point6  for all the times you want to see a physician but can't.

To provide patients primary care anytime and anywhere, 98point6 leverages machine learning and automation, helping doctors optimize and complete tasks that don't require direct physician interaction. Rather than having doctors ask administrative questions, gather patient history or chart information, 98point6's AI technology does it for them. Patient profiles are automatically built and the 98point6 system learns from each visit, avoiding redundancy.

From there, 98point6 board-certified physicians take over and engage with the patient via private and secure in-app messaging to diagnose, treat and answer any health-related questions, no matter how large, small or embarrassing. Patients will then receive a personalized care plan detailing their diagnosis and treatment, including prescriptions and labs as needed.

"There are far too many people that aren't getting the primary care they need, and that's a problem. Our mission is to make primary care accessible and affordable, inspiring early and frequent use, leading to better overall health and material cost of care savings," said Robbie Cape, CEO and co-founder of 98point6. "The ubiquity of smartphones, combined with consumer expectations for simple, life-changing solutions underscores the opportunity for on-demand care. 98point6 meets consumers where they are through private, text-based primary care that's available when and where they need it."

Now, anyone 18 years and older  whether they have health insurance or not  can download the 98point6 app and receive unlimited access to primary care for 12 months for a one-time introductory fee of $20. That's a full year of primary care services for less than the cost of a typical copay.

For employers, 98point6 increases primary care utilization among those not actively or appropriately engaged in their healthcare. Employees can now access primary care in between meetings, during their commute or while getting ready in the morning. Similar to the consumer pricing model, 98point6 offers a low subscription fee for employers, resulting in little to no cost for employees while enabling earlier medical intervention and reducing overall cost of care.

One of the country's preeminent children's hospitals, Seattle Children's, recently became a 98point6 customer and will roll out the service to their employees later this month.

"Seattle Children's is committed to providing top quality care to those in need, and that includes the health and well-being of our highly valued team members," said Myra Gregorian, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Seattle Children's. "98point6's solution allows us to provide an additional layer of care that complements current healthcare plans and fits within our team's busy lifestyle."

To begin using 98point6, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create a secure account, and the doctor will see you right now.

For additional information, please visit www.98point6.com.

About 98point6

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seattle, 98point6 is pioneering a new approach to primary care. By pairing deep technology with board-certified physicians, our vision is to make primary care more accessible and affordableleading to better health and reducing the cost of care. We meet consumers where they are by offering private, text-based diagnosis and treatment via a mobile app. For employers, 98point6 increases primary care utilization among those not actively or appropriately engaged in their healthenabling earlier medical intervention and improving employee productivity. 98point6 is available on the Apple App Store, Google Play and at www.98point6.com.

CONTACT:

Bryan Gibbs

Barokas PR

1-973-713-4709

[email protected]

SOURCE 98point6

Related Links

https://www.98point6.com

LONDON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- KEY FINDINGS

The global Internet of Things (IoT) in Healthcare market is anticipated to evolve at a CAGR of 29.09% throughout the forecasting years 2018-2026. The growing funding for IOT healthcare solutions is one of the major factors responsible for the growth of the market across the globe.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5381499



MARKET INSIGHTS

The IoT in healthcare is a network of devices that record the data and is able to connect by integrating vital data connected to a central control and command server.The global Internet of Things (IoT) in Healthcare market is segmented into components, application, and end-users.



In the components segment, the medical device is dominating due to the increasing penetration of connected medical devices in the market.Telemedicine leads the application segment by capturing largest market share in 2016.



Also, the growing adoption of telemedicine is expected to be the key driver for the growth of IoT in healthcare market. The in-patient monitoring market is the fastest growing segment, primarily driven by increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases etc. that require hospital admission and constant care for treatment. The hospitals lead the end-user segment in the IoT in healthcare market by capturing largest market share in 2016. The high adoption of connected medical devices such as IVD devices, physiological monitors, and wearable's is also positively impacting the market. However, lacked skilled professional is majorly declining the market demand across the globe.



REGIONAL INSIGHTS

On the basis of region, the global market for Internet of Things (IoT) in Healthcare is classified into four major regions like North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of world.North America leads the global IoT in healthcare market by capturing largest market share in the global IoT in healthcare market.



The market in North America region is primarily driven by high healthcare expenditure coupled with sound ICT infrastructure that promotes seamless integration of IoT devices in healthcare.Asia-Pacific IoT in healthcare market is growing at the highest pace during the forecast period 2018-2026.



Aging population, increasing healthcare expenditure, demand for quality healthcare treatment regime, government policies aiding investment in healthcare sector, and growing internet penetration are the major factors driving the IoT in healthcare market in the Asia Pacific region.



COMPETITIVE INSIGHTS

The major companies presence in the global market are Apple Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., GE Healthcare, Google Inc., Honeywell Life Care Solutions, IBM Corporation, Intel Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V, Medtronic Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Proteus Digital Health, Inc., Qualcomm Incorporated, Sap Se, St. Jude Medical Inc. (Acquired By Abbott Laboratories), and Stanley Healthcare.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5381499



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers



For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +1 (718) 213 4904

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

Related Links

http://www.reportbuyer.com

ORRVILLE, Ohio, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The J.M. Smucker Company (NYSE: SJM) (the "Company" or "Smucker") today announced plans for the retirement of Barry C. Dunaway, President, Pet Food and Pet Snacks. He will be succeeded by David J. Lemmon, President, Canada, International and U.S. Away From Home. In addition, upon receipt of regulatory approval and closing of the planned acquisition of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, LLC ("Ainsworth"), Jeffrey Watters, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ainsworth, will be named Senior Vice President and General Manager, Ainsworth, and will support the integration of the company into the Smucker pet food business as a key member of the pet leadership team.

A veteran of more than 30 years with The J.M. Smucker Company, Mr. Dunaway has led the Pet Food and Pet Snacks business since March 2016, following the Company's acquisition of Big Heart Pet Brands in March 2015. Prior to leading the pet business, he served as President, International and Chief Administrative Officer. While leading corporate strategy and development, Mr. Dunaway was instrumental in the acquisition and integration of numerous transformational, bolt-on, and enabling transactions resulting in the Company's significant growth. His retirement is effective July 31.

"Throughout his career, Barry Dunaway has made significant contributions to increasing the scale of our Company and expanding the breadth of our categories and brand portfolio," said Mark T. Smucker, Chief Executive Officer. "He has been instrumental in our growth strategy, including acquiring and building our pet business, now one of our core business areas. He has been a steward of the values that have contributed to our Company's culture and long-term success. We are grateful for his contributions over three decades and for the role he will play in the coming months to plan for the seamless integration of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition."

A 24-year veteran of the Company, Dave Lemmon was named to his current position in August 2017, having served previously as Vice President and Managing Director of Canada and International from 2012 to 2016 and Vice President and Managing Director, Canada, from 2007 to 2012. Prior to leading the Canadian business, he held various sales and marketing leadership roles within the Company. He joined Smucker in 1994 from Colgate Palmolive.

"Dave Lemmon is one of our most experienced General Managers, with a proven track record of delivering strong results and growing the businesses and brands under his management," said Mr. Smucker. "In addition to his deep understanding of the Smucker portfolio and organization, he has extensive experience developing and managing customer relationships across a range of categories and brands, including pet food and pet snacks. We are delighted to have such a strong leader  of organizations, people and transformational change  as the head of this important business."

Jeff Watters joined Ainsworth in 2009 as Executive Vice President. As President and Chief Executive Officer, he had oversight of the company's fast-growing portfolio, including its flagship brand, Rachael Ray Nutrish. Mr. Watters came to Ainsworth from Del Monte, where he served as Senior Vice President of the company's Pet Products division and Managing Director of Star-Kist Seafood after joining in 2002 as part of a spinoff from Heinz. Earlier in his career, Mr. Watters worked in brand management with The Clorox Company and in sales and customer marketing with Kraft Foods Inc.

"We are also grateful to have Jeff Watters' strong leadership and vast experience with pet food and snacks as we continue to grow the Ainsworth business, pending closing of the acquisition," said Mr. Smucker. "Jeff's exceptional management capabilities, proven track record of growing businesses, and delivering results are well known, and we could not have a better partner as we lay the foundation for the next phase of growth in our pet business."

Mr. Lemmon will assume his new responsibilities on June 25, at which time Mr. Dunaway, the current pet leadership team, and Mr. Watters (pending closing of the Ainsworth transaction) will report to him. Until his retirement, Mr. Dunaway will serve as Executive Advisor, Pet. Mr. Watters' team at Ainsworth will continue reporting to him.

In his new role, Mr. Lemmon will continue reporting to Mr. Smucker. Organization announcements regarding leadership of Canada, International and U.S. Away From Home will be communicated at a later date.

About The J.M. Smucker Company

For 120 years, The J.M. Smucker Company has been committed to offering consumers quality products that bring families together to share memorable meals and moments. Today, Smucker is a leading marketer and manufacturer of consumer food and beverage products and pet food and pet snacks in North America. In consumer foods and beverages, its brands include Smucker's, Folgers, Jif, Dunkin' Donuts, Crisco, Pillsbury, R.W. Knudsen Family, Hungry Jack, Cafe Bustelo, Martha White, truRoots, Sahale Snacks, Robin Hood, and Bick's. In pet food and pet snacks, its brands include Meow Mix, Milk-Bone, Kibbles 'n Bits, Natural Balance, and 9Lives. The Company remains rooted in the Basic Beliefs of Quality, People, Ethics, Growth, and Independence established by its founder and namesake more than a century ago. For more information about the Company, visit jmsmucker.com.

The J.M. Smucker Company is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein, except for the following, which are used under license: Pillsbury is a trademark of The Pillsbury Company, LLC and Dunkin' Donuts is a registered trademark of DD IP Holder LLC.

Dunkin' Donuts brand is licensed to The J.M. Smucker Company for packaged coffee products sold in retail channels such as grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, and drug stores. This information does not pertain to Dunkin' Donuts coffee or other products for sale in Dunkin' Donuts restaurants.

SOURCE The J.M. Smucker Company

Related Links

http://www.jmsmucker.com

LONDON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

touchENDOCRINOLOGY are pleased to announce that their journal European Endocrinology has been accepted for indexing on PubMed and PubMed Central.

(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/515766/Touch_Medical_Logo.jpg )



The journal's Editor-in-Chief, Abd Tahrani commented "I am delighted that European Endocrinology has received PubMed-indexing, which will increase the exposure of content from this excellent journal". Watch the full announcement from Prof Tahrani here.

European Endocrinology is a peer reviewed, open access journal, specialising in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important developments in the field. Editorials, special reports, case reports and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals. The journal has been published since 2007 and is already indexed in databases such as SCOPUS, EMBASE and Google Scholar.

Barney Kent, Group Managing Director at touchENDOCRINOLOGY continued "This is a great step forward for the journal and we are excited to see how European Endocrinology develops over the coming years. We would like to thank our expert Editorial Board for all of their help and support over the past few years".

European Endocrinology welcomes authors to submit their work here, and author information is available at touchENDOCRINOLOGY.com.

touchENDOCRINOLOGY (a division of Touch Medical Media) publishes European Endocrinology, a peer-reviewed, open access, bi-annual journal specialising in the publication of balanced and comprehensive review articles written by leading authorities to address the most important and salient developments in the field of endocrinology. The aim of these reviews is to break down the high science from 'data-rich' primary papers and provide practical advice and opinion on how this information can help physicians in the day to day clinical setting. Practice guidelines, symposium write-ups, case reports, and original research articles are also featured to promote discussion and learning amongst physicians, clinicians, researchers and related healthcare professionals.

www.touchENDOCRINOLOGY.com

Touch Medical Media is a trading name of Touch Digital Media Limited, a private limited company registered in England and Wales at The White House Mill Road, Goring, Reading, England, RG8 9DD with registered number 08197142.

For inquires please contact:

Nicola Cartridge - Editorial Director

+44-(0)-207-193-3186

[email protected]



Leading the Debate on the Advances in Healthcare

SOURCE touchENDOCRINOLOGYDuring the first V9 conference in Thailand, vivo Thailand's project manager demonstrated how vivo FunMoji uses a phone's front camera and microphone to accurately capture changes in users' facial expression and voice, creating cute ten second 3D animated expressions. FunMoji will track and record movement and voices in real time. After users finish recording their FunMoji, they can send it to their friends through various messaging apps including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, Viber, WeChat, and more.

To start using FunMoji in a conversation, click on the emoji icon at the top right of your keyboard. Select one of the four emoji styles and start recording by pressing the red button. You can record up to 10 seconds. Press the same button again to finish creating your FunMoji. Hit "Share" to send your new FunMoji to your friends and family.

TouchPal's exclusive technology for the V9 makes it different from the Animoji and AR emoji feature in the iPhone and Samsung S9 respectively. Because TouchPal's AR emoji feature is integrated within the keyboard itself, users can access it instantly for any conversation, making chatting more fun and interesting. With the support of apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, Viber, and Wechat, TouchPal has effectively utilized technology to improve the lives of its users.

SOURCE TouchPalU by Kotex addresses need for period products, serves as founding sponsor of Alliance for Period Supplies

U by Kotex With U, She Can program donates 2 million period products to those in needThe first-day-of-issue ceremony for the blue United States Air Mail Forever stamp, pictured above, took place today at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Followers of the U.S. Postal Service's Facebook page can view a video of the ceremony at facebook.com/USPS . News about the stamps can be shared with the hashtags #AirMailStamps and #USAirMail .

"The stamp we're here to celebrate is a beautiful reminder of the imprint of United States Air Mail on today's world," said U.S. Postal Service Vice President of Supply Management Susan Brownell who dedicated the stamps.

Brownell spoke of how this groundbreaking service is credited with establishing the foundation for America's modern-day aviation industry. "The Wright brothers opened this country's eyes to what could be possible," she added. "Fifteen years later, with the first airmail flights, the Post Office helped turn that possibility into reality."

Joining Brownell to unveil the stamps were Dr. Bill Harris, Deputy Director, Air Force History and Museums Policies and Programs; Elliot Gruber, Director, Smithsonian National Postal Museum; and Nancy Pope, Head Curator, Smithsonian National Postal Museum.

Harris spoke of the history of aviation, noting the significant contributions of the early pilots. "Challenges would be great," he said. "But this didn't dampen the spirits of the pilots who innovated and experimented daily with tactics and landing procedures. After all, what cargo could be more precious than letters to loved ones!"

A second stamp (red) will be issued in College Park, MD on Aug. 11, 2018. The stamp will commemorate United States Air Mail as an official function of the Post Office Department.

Both stamps, printed in the intaglio print method  a design transferred to paper from an engraved plate  depict the type of plane typically used in the early days of airmail, a Curtiss JN-4H biplane. The biplane was also featured on the 24-cent stamps originally issued in 1918 to commemorate the beginning of regularly scheduled airmail service.

The stamp design evokes that earlier period. The stamp designer and typographer was Dan Gretta; Greg Breeding was the art director.

Background

On May 15, 1918, in the midst of World War I, a small group of Army pilots delivered mail along a route that linked Washington, Philadelphia, and New York City  initiating the world's first regularly scheduled airmail service. The blue stamp, released May 1, 2018, commemorated the pioneering spirit of the brave pilots who first flew the mail in the early years of aviation.

The United States Post Office Department, the predecessor to the U.S. Postal Service, took charge of U.S. Air Mail service later that summer, operating it from Aug. 12, 1918, through Sept. 1, 1927. Airmail delivery, daily except Sundays, became part of the fabric of the American economy and spurred the growth of the nation's aviation industry. The red stamp commemorated this milestone.

Both stamps, printed in the intaglio print method  a design transferred to paper from an engraved plate  depict the type of plane typically used in the early days of airmail, a Curtiss JN-4H biplane. The biplane was also featured on the stamps originally issued in 1918 to commemorate the beginning of regularly scheduled airmail service. The stamp design evokes that earlier period.

For airmail service to succeed in the early days of flight, the Post Office had to develop profitable routes, such as between New York and Chicago, and establish the infrastructure for safely making night flights. It set up lighted airfields and erected hundreds of airmail guide beacons between New York and San Francisco so that by 1924 regularly scheduled, transcontinental flying was possible, day and night.

Airmail delivery, daily except Sundays, became part of the fabric of the American economy and spurred the growth of the nation's aviation industry.

The United States Air Mail stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp that will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one ounce price.

Stamp ideas welcome

The public is encouraged to submit stamp suggestions. Visit the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee website for details on the stamp selection process and instructions for submitting suggestions in writing. Due to the time required for research and approval, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to the proposed release. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject.

Customers may purchase the United States Air Mail Forever stamps, along with other philately at The Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724) and at Post Office facilities nationwide. A variety of stamps and collectibles also are available at ebay.com/stamps, on the official US Postal Services webpage.

Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks

Customers have 120 days to obtain first-day-of-issue postmarks by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Office facilities, at The Postal Store usps.com/shop or by phone at 800-STAMP-24. They must affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in envelopes addressed to:

United States Air Mail Forever Stamps

USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services

8300 NE Underground Drive, Suite 300

Kansas City, MO 64144-9900

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for postmarks up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, customers are charged 5 cents each. All orders must be postmarked by Aug. 29, 2018.

Ordering First-Day Covers

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamps and stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the USA Philatelic Publication and online at usps.com/shop. Customers may register to receive a free USA Philatelic Publication online at usps.com/philatelic .

Philatelic Products

Philatelic products for this stamp issue are as follows:

477606, Press Sheet with Die-cut, $60.

477610, Digital Color Postmark Keepsake (set of 4), $16.95.

477616, First-Day Cover (set of 4), $3.76.

477621, Digital Color Postmark (set of 4), $6.60.

477630, Ceremony Program (random single), $6.95.

477633, Panel, $10.95.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm.

For reporters interested in speaking with a regional Postal Service public relations professional, please go to about.usps.com/news/media-contacts/usps-local-media-contacts.pdf. Follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/usps), Instagram (instagram.com/uspostalservice), Pinterest (pinterest.com/uspsstamps), LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/usps), subscribe to our channel on YouTube (youtube.com/usps), like us on Facebook (facebook.com/usps) and view our Postal Posts blog (uspsblog.com).

For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.

Washington, DC: Michael Hotovy

202.636.1245

[email protected]

National: Sara Martin

202.268.8386

[email protected]

usps.com/news

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

Related Links

http://www.usps.com

CHICAGO and SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- UpCity, the leading online marketplace for growth-minded small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) seeking vetted marketing agencies and professionals, announced its 2018 Top Agencies in San Francisco. The ratings comprise a variety of different areas of business expertise and the list represents best-of-class regional providers.

The complete list can be found here.

Top agencies are determined based on the UpCity Rating, a proprietary system including the number and quality of customer reviews, certified local market presence, as well as depth of expertise in focused marketing areas. These varied areas include Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising, website design, public relations, video production and much more.

UpCity's proprietary review/accreditation methodology functions like Match.com does for dating or Open Table for reviews. Local market SMBs need a trusted, credible/convenient source of service providers in the digital space and UpCity provides that source. The Top Agency list saves time for San Francisco businesses, and provides a simple way to find the trusted marketing experts they need in today's competitive environment.

"Through rigorous eligibility and qualification validation at the local market level, the 2018 Top Agencies in San Francisco have shown their commitment and excellence in serving their market's businesses," notes Dan Olson, CEO and Co-founder of UpCity.

"UpCity has added a tremendous amount of value to the San Francisco and Bay Area business community, linking agencies like mine with area businesses which are looking to grow. It's been valuable to us to be part of the UpCity marketplace and we are honored to be recognized as one of the top agencies in San Francisco," cites Noel Ledesma, CEO, Likeable Advertising & Creative Agency.

About UpCity

Now in its seventh year,UpCity covers 300+ local US markets and Canada, ranging from major cities, like New York, to cities of approximately 75,000 people. With 150,000 small-to-medium businesses coming to its marketplace monthly and having vetted and validated over 15,000 agencies, UpCity is the most trusted, and most turned-to, source for local businesses seeking digital marketing agencies and professionals to help them meet expansion and customer acquisition goals.

UpCity helps agencies grow and run their businesses, via strategic counsel, scalable revenue and marketing services, and operations tools.

CONTACT: Jim D'Arcangelo, SVP, Growth Marketing [email protected] 215.520.7579

SOURCE UpCity

Related Links

http://www.upcity.com

SYLMAR, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vallarta Supermarkets, one of the nation's largest Hispanic supermarket chains has announced it is contributing $110,000 to local education organizations to support Latino students seeking a university or college education in markets the company serves.

With Vallarta Supermarkets' roots founded upon an immigrant family success story, the company values its customers and is proud to serve as a beacon for all, immigrant and non-immigrant, seeking quality grocery products and services. That beacon extends to our team members as well, many who like the founders, have strong immigrant roots and depend on their employment with Vallarta Supermarkets to provide for their families.

"Given our company's immigrant roots, we recognize the importance of family, hard work and education. Consequently, we made a decision to contribute $110,000 toward scholarships for Latino students," said Rick Castillo, Marketing Director of Vallarta Supermarkets. "Many of our customers came to this country seeking the American Dream of a better life for themselves and their families. We want to help our customers obtain that dream."

Vallarta Supermarkets will contribute a total of $110,000 to the following organizations:

The Hispanic Education Foundation - $10,000

Fresno Unified School District  $10,000

Oxnard Community College  $10,000

College  Youth Leaders Education Foundation - $10,000

Hancock College - $10,000

Southwestern Community College  $10,000

 Antelope Valley College - $15,000

- Victor Valley College - $10,000

- TELACU Education Foundation - $25,000

"We will be using multiple platforms to inform our customers of our scholarship contributions in local markets including: Vallarta Supermarket's website, social media, and employee briefings," Castillo continued. "We hope our customers will take advantage of this wonderful educational opportunity."

About Vallarta Supermarkets: Since 1985, Vallarta Supermarkets has grown to a total of 50 stores throughout different counties in California (Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Tulare, Orange and Fresno). The Gonzalez family has adhered to their strong work ethic and has made it part of their company culture ensuring that all their team members, more than 8,000, strive for excellence.

Contact: Rick Castillo

(818) 966-6942

SOURCE Vallarta SupermarketsWYNYARD, UK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

First Quarter 2018 Highlights

Net income attributable to Venator of $78 million compared to a net loss of $16 million in the prior year period

compared to a net loss of in the prior year period Adjusted EBITDA of $157 million compared to $49 million in the prior year period

compared to in the prior year period Diluted earnings per share of $0.73 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.85

and adjusted diluted earnings per share of Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations was $51 million , free cash flow was $(15) million or $23 million excluding the impact of Pori

, free cash flow was or excluding the impact of Pori $10 million of adjusted EBITDA benefit captured from our Business Improvement Program in the first quarter of 2018

Subsequent Developments

$236 million (191 million) of insurance proceeds received in the second quarter of 2018 representing the final payment and the full extent of our policy limits





Three months ended



March 31,

December 31, (In millions, except per share amounts)

2018

2017

2017 Revenues

$ 622



$ 537



$ 528















Net income (loss) attributable to Venator

$ 78



$ (16)



$ 68

Adjusted net income(1)

$ 91



$ 9



$ 65

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$ 157



$ 49



$ 118















Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1)

$ 0.73



$ (0.15)



$ 0.64

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)

$ 0.85



$ 0.08



$ 0.61















Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations

$ 51



$ 21



$ 157

Operating free cash flow(3)

$ 23



$ (37)



$ 85

Free cash flow(3)

$ (15)



$ (37)



$ 80





See end of press release for footnote explanations

Venator Materials PLC ("Venator") (NYSE: VNTR) today reported first quarter 2018 results with revenues of $622 million, net income attributable to Venator of $78 million and adjusted EBITDA of $157 million.

Simon Turner, President and CEO of Venator, commented:

"Our first quarter results highlight continued titanium dioxide pricing momentum, a seasonal improvement in volumes and further benefit from our $90 million Business Improvement Program.

"Titanium dioxide industry fundamentals remain favorable and supportive of an elongated cycle. We are working closely with our customers and expect a more modest pricing environment as we target ongoing margin stability. We are well positioned to manage and pass on raw material headwinds.

"We continue to make progress on the construction phase of our complex Pori project. Our current estimate for the self-funded portion of the reconstruction and commissioning remains within the range of our previous guidance of $325 to $375 million."

Segment Analysis for 1Q18 Compared to 1Q17

Titanium Dioxide

The $71 million, or 18%, increase in revenues in our Titanium Dioxide segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to a 23% increase in average selling prices, a 10% improvement driven by the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates, primarily against the Euro, partially offset by a 15% decrease in sales volumes. The increase in selling prices reflects continued improvement in business conditions for TiO 2 , allowing for an increase in prices globally. Sales volumes decreased primarily as a result of the fire at our Pori, Finland manufacturing facility and as a result of plant closures as part of our restructuring programs. Excluding the impact of the fire at our Pori plant and the impact of plants closed as part of our restructuring programs, sales volumes increased by 2%.

Segment adjusted EBITDA of our Titanium Dioxide segment increased by $95 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. This improvement was primarily a result of higher revenues, $7 million from the sale of carbon credits and $8 million of EBITDA benefit from our Business Improvement Program, partially offset by increases in raw material and other direct costs.

Performance Additives

The increase in revenues in our Performance Additives segment of $14 million, or 9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to a 7% increase in average selling prices, a 6% improvement driven by the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by a 1% decrease in volumes and a 3% decrease due to less favorable mix and other. The improvement in selling prices was primarily in certain color pigment and functional additives product lines, where we raised prices to offset increases in raw material costs.

Segment adjusted EBITDA in our Performance Additives segment increased by $3 million, or 14% compared to the same period in 2017, due to the increase in revenue and a $2 million increase due to savings from our Business Improvement Program, partially offset by increases in raw material costs.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and other represents expenses which are not allocated to our segments. Losses from Corporate and other were $10 million lower than the same period in the prior year as our costs to operate as a standalone company are lower than those costs historically allocated to us from Huntsman.

Update on Pori

Currently, 20% of the site's prior total capacity is available for production. We are focused on restoring an additional 40% of capacity as quickly as possible to reach an aggregate 60% of former site capacity for manufacturing of our higher value specialty products. This reconstruction process entails a series of mechanical construction phases with a concurrent rolling commissioning. Subject to the pace of our progress during commissioning, we expect some of this additional capacity to be producing finished product during the second half of this year, and the remaining specialty capacity to be restored and producing finished product during 2019. Based on current market and economic conditions, associated costs and projected returns, we intend to rebuild the commodity production capacity of the facility, but do not currently expect it to produce product prior to 2020. We continue to estimate the self-funded portion of the reconstruction and commissioning remain within the range of our previous guidance of $325 to $375 million.

Tax Items

We recorded income tax expense of $20 million and income tax benefit of $4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Our tax expense is significantly affected by the mix of income and losses in tax jurisdictions in which we operate. We expect our adjusted long-term effective tax rate will be approximately 15% to 20%. We believe the impact of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 on our adjusted long-term effective tax rate will not be material, given the low percentage of our global pre-tax income earned in the United States. We expect our cash tax rate will be between 10% to 15%.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $223 million compared with $238 million as of December 31, 2017. In addition, we have in place an undrawn asset based revolving credit facility available for our working capital needs and general corporate purposes with an available borrowing base of $263 million.

As of March 31, 2018, net debt was $529 million compared to $519 million as of December 31, 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, capital expenditures, excluding Pori, were $20 million. We continue to expect total capital expenditures, excluding Pori, to be approximately $120 million in 2018.

Earnings Conference Call Information

We will hold a conference call to discuss our first quarter 2018 results on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. ET.



Call-in numbers for the conference call:

U.S. participants 1-866-807-9684

International participants 1-412-317-5415

(No passcode required)



In order to facilitate the registration process, you may use the following link to pre-register for the conference call. Callers who pre-register will be given a unique PIN and separate call-in number to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. To pre-register, please go to:

http://dpregister.com/10118623

Webcast Information

The conference call will be available via webcast and can be accessed from the company's website at venatorcorp.com/investor-relations.

Replay Information

The conference call will be available for replay beginning May 1, 2018 and ending May 8, 2018.



Call-in numbers for the replay:

U.S. participants 1-877-344-7529

International participants 1-412-317-0088

Passcode 10118623

Upcoming Conferences

During the second quarter of 2018, a member of management is expected to present at the Goldman Sachs Basic Materials Conference on May 15, 2018 and the Deutsche Bank Global Industrials and Materials Summit on June 6, 2018. A webcast of the presentations, if applicable, along with accompanying materials will be available at venatorcorp.com/investor-relations.

Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

Venator will hold its 2018 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 3.00 p.m. local time, at the offices of Latham & Watkins LLP, 99 Bishopsgate, London, United Kingdom, EC2M 3XF. Shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 20, 2018 will be entitled to vote at the meeting.

Table 1  Results of Operations





Three months ended



March 31, (In millions, except per share amounts)

2018

2017 Revenues

$ 622



$ 537

Cost of goods sold

454



465

Gross profit

168



72

Operating expenses

51



60

Restructuring, impairment, and plant closing and transition costs

9



26

Operating income (loss)

108



(14)

Interest expense, net

(10)



(12)

Other income

2



1

Income (loss) before income taxes

100



(25)

Income tax (expense) benefit

(20)



4

Income (loss) from continuing operations

80



(21)

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax





8

Net income (loss)

80



(13)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

(2)



(3)

Net income (loss) attributable to Venator

$ 78



$ (16)











Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$ 157



$ 49

Adjusted net income(1)

$ 91



$ 9











Basic earnings (loss) per share

$ 0.73



$ (0.15)

Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1)

$ 0.73



$ (0.15)

Adjusted earnings per share(1)

$ 0.86



$ 0.08

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)

$ 0.85



$ 0.08











Common share information(1):







Basic shares outstanding

106.4



106.3

Diluted shares

106.8



106.3





See end of press release for footnote explanations

Table 2  Results of Operations by Segment





Three months ended







March 31,

Better / (In millions)

2018

2017

(Worse) Segment Revenues:











Titanium Dioxide

$ 456



$ 385



18 % Performance Additives

166



152



9 % Total

$ 622



$ 537



16 %













Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1):











Titanium Dioxide

$ 143



$ 48



198 % Performance Additives

24



21



14 % Corporate and other

(10)



(20)



50 % Total

$ 157



$ 49



220 %



See end of press release for footnote explanations

Table 3  Factors Impacting Sales Revenue



Three months ended

March 31, 2018 vs. 2017

Average Selling Price(a)













Local

Exchange

Sales Mix

Sales





Currency

Rate

& Other

Volume(b)

Total Titanium Dioxide 23 %

10 %

 %

(15) %

18 % Titanium Dioxide - adjusted(c) 26 %

10 %

2 %

2 %

40 %



















Performance Additives 7 %

6 %

(3) %

(1) %

9 % Performance Additives - adjusted(c) 7 %

6 %

(3) %

 %

10 %



















Total Company 18 %

9 %

 %

(11) %

16 % Total Company - adjusted(c) 21 %

9 %

1 %

1 %

32 %



(a) Excludes revenues from tolling arrangements, by-products and raw materials (b) Excludes sales volumes of by-products and raw materials (c) Reflects lost volumes as a result of the impact of the fire at our Pori plant and closure of our Calais, Umbogintwini, St. Louis and Easton sites

Table 4  Reconciliation of U.S. GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures





EBITDA

Income Tax

(Expense)

Benefit (2)

Net Income

(Loss)

Diluted Earnings

(Loss) Per Share(1)



Three months

ended

Three months

ended

Three months

ended

Three months

ended



March 31,

March 31,

March 31,

March 31, In millions, except per share amounts

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017 Net income (loss)

$ 80



$ (13)











$ 80



$ (13)



$ 0.75



$ (0.12)

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(2)



(3)











(2)



(3)



(0.02)



(0.03)

Net income (loss) attributable to Venator

78



(16)











78



(16)



0.73



(0.15)

Interest expense, net

10



12

























Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations

20



(4)



(20)



4

















Depreciation and amortization

34



30

























Business acquisition and integration expenses

2







(1)







1







0.01





Separation expense, net

1















1







0.01





Net income of discontinued operations





(8)















(8)







(0.08)

Amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses

3



4











3



4



0.03



0.04

Net plant incident costs





5







(1)







4







0.04

Restructuring, impairment, plant closing and transition costs

9



26



(1)



(1)



8



25



0.07



0.24

Adjusted(1)

$ 157



$ 49



$ (22)



$ 2



$ 91



$ 9



$ 0.85



$ 0.08



































Adjusted income tax expense (benefit)(2)

















$ 22



$ (2)









Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax

















2



3









Adjusted pre-tax income(1)

















$ 115



$ 10









Adjusted effective tax rate

















19 %

N/A















EBITDA

Income Tax

(Expense)

Benefit (2)

Net Income

(Loss)

Diluted Earnings

(Loss) Per Share(1)



Three months

ended

Three months

ended

Three months

ended

Three months

ended



December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31, In millions, except per share amounts

2017

2017

2017

2017 Net income

$ 70







$ 70



0.66

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(2)







(2)



(0.02)

Net income attributable to Venator

68







68



0.64

Interest expense

11













Income tax expense from continuing operations

24



(24)









Depreciation and amortization

32













Business acquisition and integration expenses

3



(1)



2



0.02

Separation expense, net

7







7



0.07

U.S. income tax reform

(34)



16



(18)



(0.17)

Amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses

4







4



0.04

Restructuring, impairment, plant closing and transition costs

3



(1)



2



0.02

Adjusted(1)

$ 118



$ (10)



$ 65



0.61



















Adjusted income tax expense(2)









$ 10





Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax









2





Adjusted pre-tax income(1)









$ 77





Adjusted effective tax rate









13 %







See end of press release for footnote explanations

Table 5  Selected Balance Sheet Items





March 31,

December 31, (In millions)

2018

2017 Cash

$ 223



$ 238

Accounts and notes receivable, net

452



392

Inventories

482



454

Prepaid and other current assets

93



85

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,444



1,367

Other assets

304



311

Total assets

$ 2,998



$ 2,847











Accounts payable

$ 402



$ 401

Other current liabilities

269



244

Current portion of debt

9



14

Long-term debt

743



743

Non-current payable to affiliates

34



34

Other liabilities

304



306

Total equity

1,237



1,105

Total liabilities and equity

$ 2,998



$ 2,847



Table 6  Outstanding Debt





March 31,

December 31, (In millions)

2018

2017 Debt:







Senior Notes

$ 370



$ 370

Term Loan Facility

366



367

Other debt

16



20

Total debt - excluding affiliates

752



757

Total cash

223



238

Net debt - excluding affiliates

$ 529



$ 519



Table 7  Summarized Statement of Cash Flows





Three months ended



March 31, (In millions)

2018

2017 Total cash at beginning of period(a)

$ 238



$ 30

Net cash provided by operating activities(a)

51



22

Net cash used in investing activities(a)

(67)



(59)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(a)

(8)



41

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

9



1

Total cash at end of period(a)

$ 223



$ 35











Supplemental cash flow information:







Cash paid for interest

$ (19)



$ (2)

Cash paid for income taxes

(15)



(2)

Capital expenditures

(73)



(19)

Depreciation and amortization

34



30

Changes in primary working capital:







Accounts and notes receivable

(50)



(4)

Inventories

(12)



(1)

Accounts payable

7



6

Total cash (used in) provided by primary working capital

$ (55)



$ 1











Three months ended



March 31, (In millions)

2018

2017 Free cash flow(3):







Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations

$ 51



$ 21

Capital expenditures

(73)



(19)

Cash received from (investment in) unconsolidated affiliates, net

6



(3)

Other investing activities excluding transactions with former parent and cash flows related to sales of businesses/assets





(36)

Non-recurring separation costs(b)

1





Total free cash flow

$ (15)



$ (37)











Adjusted EBITDA

$ 157



$ 49

Capital expenditures excluding cash paid for Pori rebuild

(20)



(19)

Cash paid for interest

(19)



(2)

Cash paid for income taxes

(15)



(2)

Primary working capital change

(55)



1

Restructuring

(9)



(26)

Pensions

(3)



(4)

Maintenance & other

(13)



(34)

Operating free cash flow

23



(37)

Net cash flows associated with Pori

(38)





Total free cash flow(3)

$ (15)



$ (37)





See end of press release for numbered footnote explanations

(a) Includes discontinued operations (b) Represents payments associated with our separation from Huntsman

Footnotes

(1) Our management uses adjusted EBITDA to assess financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, net, income tax (benefit) from continuing operations, depreciation and amortization, and net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, after eliminating the following: (a) business acquisition and integration expenses; (b) separation expense, net; (c) net income of discontinued operations net of tax; (d) amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses; (e) net plant incident (credits) costs; and (f) restructuring, impairment, plant closing and transition costs. We believe that net income (loss) is the performance measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP that is most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA.





We believe adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in assessing our ongoing financial performance and provides improved comparability between periods through the exclusion of certain items that management believes are not indicative of our operational profitability and that may obscure underlying business results and trends. However, this measure should not be considered in isolation or viewed as a substitute for net income or other measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Moreover, adjusted EBITDA as used herein is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation. Our management believes this measure is useful to compare general operating performance from period to period and to make certain related management decisions. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by securities analysts, lenders and others in their evaluation of different companies because it excludes certain items that can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry. For example, interest expense can be highly dependent on a company's capital structure, debt levels and credit ratings. Therefore, the impact of interest expense on earnings can vary significantly among companies. In addition, the tax positions of companies can vary because of their differing abilities to take advantage of tax benefits and because of the tax policies of the various jurisdictions in which they operate. As a result, effective tax rates and tax expense can vary considerably among companies. Finally, companies employ productive assets of different ages and utilize different methods of acquiring and depreciating such assets. This can result in considerable variability in the relative costs of productive assets and the depreciation and amortization expense among companies.





Nevertheless, our management recognizes that there are limitations associated with the use of adjusted EBITDA in the evaluation of us as compared to net income. Our management compensates for the limitations of using adjusted EBITDA by using this measure to supplement U.S. GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting the business rather than U.S. GAAP results alone.





In addition to the limitations noted above, adjusted EBITDA excludes items that may be recurring in nature and should not be disregarded in the evaluation of performance. However, we believe it is useful to exclude such items to provide a supplemental analysis of current results and trends compared to other periods because certain excluded items can vary significantly depending on specific underlying transactions or events, and the variability of such items may not relate specifically to ongoing operating results or trends and certain excluded items, while potentially recurring in future periods, may not be indicative of future results. For example, while EBITDA from discontinued operations is a recurring item, it is not indicative of ongoing operating results and trends or future results.





Adjusted net income is computed by eliminating the after-tax amounts related to the following from net income attributable to Venator Materials PLC ordinary shareholders: (a) business acquisition and integration expenses; (b) separation (gain) expense, net; (c) U.S. income tax reform; (d) (gain) loss on disposition of businesses/assets; (e) net income of discontinued operations; (f) certain legal settlements and related expenses; (g) amortization of pension and postretirement actuarial losses; (h) net plant incident (credits) costs; (i) restructuring, impairment, plant closing and transition costs. Basic adjusted net earnings (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing adjusted net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Adjusted diluted net earnings (loss) per share reflects all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period increased by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding as dilutive securities. For the periods prior to our IPO, the average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted adjusted net income per share was based on the ordinary shares that were outstanding at the time of our IPO. Adjusted net earnings (loss) and adjusted net earnings (loss) per share amounts are presented solely as supplemental information.



(2) The income tax impacts, if any, of each adjusting item represent a ratable allocation of the total difference between the unadjusted tax expense and the total adjusted tax expense, computed without consideration of any adjusting items using a with and without approach. We do not adjust for changes in tax valuation allowances because we do not believe it provides more meaningful information than is provided under U.S. GAAP.



(3) Management internally uses a free cash flow measure: (a) to evaluate the Company's liquidity, (b) to evaluate strategic investments, (c) to evaluate the Company's ability to incur and service debt. Free cash flow is not a defined term under U.S. GAAP, and it should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations and used in investing activities. Free cash flow is typically derived directly from the Company's consolidated and combined statement of cash flows; however, it may be adjusted for items that affect comparability between periods. Free cash flow is presented as supplemental information.

About Venator

Venator is a global manufacturer and marketer of chemical products that comprise a broad range of pigments and additives that bring color and vibrancy to buildings, protect and extend product life, and reduce energy consumption. We market our products globally to a diversified group of industrial customers through two segments: Titanium Dioxide, which consists of our TiO 2 business, and Performance Additives, which consists of our functional additives, color pigments, timber treatment and water treatment businesses. We operate 26 facilities, employ approximately 4,500 associates worldwide and sell our products in more than 110 countries.

Social Media:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/VenatorCorp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/venatorcorp

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/venator-corp

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements represent Venator's expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the expected results described in this press release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Venator's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including any delays in reconstruction or commissioning of our Pori, Finland manufacturing facility or losses for business interruption or construction costs that exceed our coverage limit applicable to the fire at that facility.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, Venator does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Venator to predict all such factors. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in Venator's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC, and in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.The risk factors and other factors noted therein could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

SOURCE Venator Materials PLC

Related Links

http://www.venatorcorp.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- You don't need to travel to Europe to explore a romantic, renowned wine region reminiscent of Tuscany, Italy  it's available along the California Highway 1 Discovery Route. Take a road trip to Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande Valley wine regions where green vineyards and golden rolling hills cover the landscape. These wine regions off scenic Highway 1 include many boutique, off-the-beaten-path wineries offering excursions, history, culture and romance among more than 2,000 acres of vineyards and 27 wine tasting rooms. Similar to Tuscany, the region offers the perfect growing climate  warm sunny days that turn into cool coastal nights perfect for wine tasting and world-renowned events like the Chardonnay Symposium, World of Pinot Noir and Harvest on the Coast.

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Public Relations Executive

818-585-8641

[email protected]

www.mentalmarketing.com

SOURCE California Highway 1 Discovery RouteNEW YORK, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- VNUE, Inc. (OTCQB: VNUE) announced today that it has signed its first radio monitoring agreement utilizing its patent-pending Soundstr technology, with Radio Operations International (ROI). The deal will utilize the tech to provide accurate music play reporting to reduce licensing costs to radio stations, and also to increase transparency to all stakeholders.

VNUE's Soundstr is an innovative hardware and cloud computing solution that will not only help bars, restaurants and venues to reduce licensing costs, but also radio stations, many of whom pay far more than their fair share for blanket music licenses.

"In many cases, radio stations are vastly overcharged for their license agreements by performing rights organizations (PROs)," said Zach Bair, CEO of VNUE. "By leveraging Soundstr, our goal is to ensure that there is a transparent method for tracking every single song play, and relating that back to each PRO for the appropriate representation and accounting. At the end of the day, this means that everyone is paying their fair share and no more, and most importantly, artists are being properly compensated."

The deal with ROI targets to have at least several Soundstr Pulse units deployed by July and up to 100 by the end of the summer. There is an initial charge for the Soundstr proprietary hardware, and a monthly recurring charge for monitoring and reports provided to each station, which they then correlate back to their billing in order to facilitate better licensing.

Bair continued, "We envision creating a substantial recurring revenue model that will build over time as we penetrate the market."

Chip Morgan, CEO of ROI, said "Radio stations have been promoting music for almost 100 years and have paid blanket fees to PROs in expectation that the fees would be equitably distributed to artists. With this new technology, radio stations can track both live and recorded song data automatically and use the data in negotiations with the performing rights organizations and artists they play."

There are about 15,000 radio stations in the US market. Estimates put the potential market size for VNUE monthly fees to about $54M in the US, and about half a billion worldwide, which is a fraction of what stations pay for blanket licenses. This figure does not include other general licensing (bars, restaurants, etc.), which account for as much as $3B or more in royalties collected by the PROs.

For more information about the Soundstr technology, visit www.soundstr.com.

About VNUE, Inc. (www.vnue.com)

VNUE, Inc., (OTC: VNUE) is dedicated to further monetizing the live music experience for artists, labels, writers, and publishers, with products such as its set.fm platform, exclusive license partner and "instant live" pioneer DiscLive, and Soundstr, which helps businesses pay fairer music license fees based on actual music usage. The veteran entrepreneurs, artists and songwriters behind VNUE are passionate about the future of their industry and ensuring that rights holders' value is not lost amid always-changing technology. VNUE's team has produced live content and created experiential products for over 15 years for artists and companies including Father John Misty, The Pixies, Blondie, EMI, Capitol Records, and more.

SOURCE VNUE, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.vnue.com

Dan Meridor, former Deputy Prime Minister of Israel, who spoke on behalf of the international panel of judges that selects the recipients, noted that recent immigration has "awakened" xenophobia and racism, which "contradicts Jewish tradition to welcome the stranger." Lubell, Meridor added, lives up to this tradition.

The Charles Bronfman Prize is an annual award of $100,000 presented to humanitarians under 50 whose innovative work informed by Jewish values has significantly improved the world. It was created by Charles Bronfman's children as a surprise 70th birthday present in 2004.

After he received the Prize from Charles Bronfman, Lubell, who launched the Welcoming International initiative and will move to Berlin to help integrate immigrants and refugees globally, noted, "There are 250 million immigrants and refugees in our world, more than any time in history, and they are increasingly blamed for a host of society's ills. This scapegoating of foreigners, paralleled by the growth of anti-Semitism, must be recognized and confronted."

Yet there is reason for hope, Lubell said during a conversation (photo) with Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS. Younger people now "experience more diversity," particularly in their schools, than the older generation, so they have fewer concerns about immigration.

The second reason springs from Lubell's experiences creating welcoming communities from the bottom up. "We prepare a fertile soil" that enables immigrants to be integrated and the long-term residents to resist the "demagoguery" against immigrants. "We see the success of local efforts spreading from city to city, and the 'value of contact' between the two groups in changing perceptions."

Kasar Abdulla of Nashville, a native of Kurdistan of Iraq who became a refugee at six, lived in a camp in Turkey before settling in the US and who helped Lubell found Welcoming Tennessee, described her troubles resettling and how these contacts helped immigrants and long-term residents come together and thrive.

"Immigrants have made this country great," Charles Bronfman says. "We must welcome those who come to our shores."

Media Contact ; Martin Irom, [email protected], 212-362-5260, 516-567-4348

SOURCE The Charles Bronfman Prize

Related Links

http://www.thecharlesbronfmanprize.com

Net income (loss) available to limited partners for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $65.9 million, or $0.38 per common unit (diluted), with first-quarter 2018 Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $272.1 million and first-quarter 2018 Distributable cash flow(1) of $231.4 million.

WES previously declared a quarterly distribution of $0.935 per unit for the first quarter of 2018. This distribution represented a 2% increase over the prior quarter's distribution and a 7% increase over the first-quarter 2017 distribution. The first-quarter 2018 Coverage ratio(1) of 1.05 times was based on the quarterly distribution of $0.935 per unit.

"Our first quarter results highlight the sustained growth in the DJ and Delaware Basins," said Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Fink. "We and Anadarko continue to execute the largest midstream capital program in our history, and I am pleased to report that the program remains on schedule. We continue to anticipate a significant acceleration of Delaware Basin volumes during the second half of this year."

The Partnership also announced that it has secured the right to participate in two long haul crude pipelines from the Permian Basin: a 20% interest in Enterprise's Midland-to-Sealy pipeline and up to a 15% interest in Plains' Cactus II pipeline from West Texas to Corpus Christi.

(1) Please see the tables at the end of this release for a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP measures and calculation of the Coverage ratio.

"These projects are outstanding business opportunities given our outlook for Permian Basin oil production relative to takeaway capacity," said Mr. Fink. "We are updating our 2018 outlook for capital expenditures, including equity investments, to a range of $1.35 billion to $1.45 billion to reflect our expected participation in these projects. Furthermore, we expect to fund our capital program without accessing the equity capital markets while maintaining investment grade credit metrics."

Total throughput attributable to WES for natural gas assets for the first quarter of 2018 averaged 3.6 Bcf/d, which was 5% above the prior quarter and 8% below the first quarter of 2017. Total throughput for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets for the first quarter of 2018 averaged 258 MBbls/d, which was 8% above the prior quarter and 53% above the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to throughput from the DBM water systems, which commenced operation during the second quarter of 2017.

Capital expenditures attributable to WES, including equity investments but excluding acquisitions, totaled $298.2 million on a cash basis and $323.4 million on an accrual basis during the first quarter of 2018, with maintenance capital expenditures on a cash basis of $16.4 million.

WESTERN GAS EQUITY PARTNERS, LP

WGP indirectly owns the entire general partner interest in WES, 100% of the incentive distribution rights in WES and 50,132,046 WES common units. Net income (loss) available to limited partners for 2018 totaled $101.0 million, or $0.46 per common unit (diluted).

WGP previously declared a quarterly distribution of $0.56875 per unit for the first quarter of 2018. This distribution represented a 4% increase over the prior quarter's distribution and a 16% increase over the first-quarter 2017 distribution. WGP received distributions from WES of $125.3 million attributable to the first quarter of 2018 and will pay $124.5 million in distributions for the same period.

CONFERENCE CALL TOMORROW AT 11 A.M. CDT

WES and WGP will host a joint conference call on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time) to discuss first-quarter 2018 results. Individuals who would like to participate should dial 877-883-0383 (Domestic) or 412-902-6506 (International) approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled conference call time, and enter participant access code 8107313. To access the live audio webcast of the conference call, please visit the investor relations section of the Partnership's website at www.westerngas.com. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the website for two weeks following the call.

Western Gas Partners, LP ("WES") is a growth-oriented Delaware master limited partnership formed by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation to acquire, own, develop and operate midstream assets. With midstream assets located in the Rocky Mountains, North-central Pennsylvania, Texas and New Mexico, WES is engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing and transporting natural gas; gathering, stabilizing and transporting condensate, natural gas liquids and crude oil; and gathering and disposing of produced water for Anadarko, as well as for third-party producers and customers. In addition, in its capacity as a processor of natural gas, WES also buys and sells natural gas, NGLs and condensate on behalf of itself and as agent for its producer customers under certain of its contracts.

Western Gas Equity Partners, LP ("WGP") is a Delaware master limited partnership formed by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation to own the following types of interests in WES: (i) the general partner interest and all of the incentive distribution rights in WES, both owned through WGP's 100% ownership of WES's general partner, and (ii) a significant limited partner interest in WES.

For more information about Western Gas Partners, LP and Western Gas Equity Partners, LP, please visit www.westerngas.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements. WES and WGP's management believes that their expectations are based on reasonable assumptions. No assurance, however, can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this news release. These factors include the ability to meet financial guidance or distribution growth expectations; the ability to safely and efficiently operate WES's assets; the supply of, demand for, and price of oil, natural gas, NGLs and related products or services; the ability to meet projected in-service dates for capital growth projects; construction costs or capital expenditures exceeding estimated or budgeted costs or expenditures; and the other factors described in the "Risk Factors" sections of WES's and WGP's most recent Forms 10-K and Forms 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in their other public filings and press releases. Western Gas Partners, LP and Western Gas Equity Partners, LP undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

WESTERN GAS CONTACT

Jonathon E. VandenBrand

Director, Investor Relations

[email protected]

832.636.6000

Western Gas Partners, LP Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures

Below are reconciliations of (i) net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP (GAAP) to WES's Distributable cash flow (non-GAAP), (ii) net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP (GAAP) and net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP ("Adjusted EBITDA") (non-GAAP), and (iii) operating income (loss) (GAAP) to Adjusted gross margin attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP ("Adjusted gross margin") (non-GAAP), as required under Regulation G of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Management believes that WES's Distributable cash flow, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted gross margin, and Coverage ratio are widely accepted financial indicators of WES's financial performance compared to other publicly traded partnerships and are useful in assessing its ability to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures and make distributions. Distributable cash flow, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted gross margin and Coverage ratio, as defined by WES, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Therefore, WES's Distributable cash flow, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted gross margin and Coverage ratio should be considered in conjunction with net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP and other applicable performance measures, such as operating income (loss) or cash flows from operating activities.

Western Gas Partners, LP Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures, continued

Distributable Cash Flow

WES defines Distributable cash flow as Adjusted EBITDA, plus interest income and the net settlement amounts from the sale and/or purchase of natural gas, condensate and NGLs under WES's commodity price swap agreements to the extent such amounts are not recognized as Adjusted EBITDA, less Service revenues  fee based recognized in Adjusted EBITDA (less than) in excess of customer billings, net cash paid (or to be paid) for interest expense (including amortization of deferred debt issuance costs originally paid in cash, offset by non-cash capitalized interest), maintenance capital expenditures, Series A Preferred unit distributions and income taxes.





Three Months Ended

March 31, thousands except Coverage ratio

2018

2017 Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP to Distributable cash flow and calculation of the Coverage ratio







Net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

$ 149,363

$ 101,889 Add:







Distributions from equity investments

28,954

22,567 Non-cash equity-based compensation expense

2,152

1,246 Non-cash settled interest expense, net (1)



71 Income tax (benefit) expense

1,502

3,552 Depreciation and amortization (2)

76,116

69,049 Impairments

148

164,742 Above-market component of swap agreements with Anadarko

14,282

12,297 Other expense (2)

143

45 Less:







Recognized Service revenues  fee based (less than) in excess of customer billings

(494)

 Gain (loss) on divestiture and other, net

116

119,487 Equity income, net  affiliates

20,424

19,461 Cash paid for maintenance capital expenditures (2)

16,434

11,122 Capitalized interest

4,054

816 Cash paid for (reimbursement of) income taxes

(87)

189 Series A Preferred unit distributions



7,453 Other income (2)

777

427 Distributable cash flow

$ 231,436

$ 216,503 Distributions declared (3)







Limited partners  common units

$ 142,683



General partner

78,450



Total

$ 221,133



Coverage ratio

1.05 x





(1) Includes amounts related to the Deferred purchase price obligation - Anadarko. (2) Includes WES's 75% share of depreciation and amortization; other expense; cash paid for maintenance capital expenditures; and other income attributable to Chipeta. (3) Reflects cash distributions of $0.935 per unit declared for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Western Gas Partners, LP Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures, continued

Adjusted EBITDA Attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

WES defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP, plus distributions from equity investments, non-cash equity-based compensation expense, interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, impairments, and other expense (including lower of cost or market inventory adjustments recorded in cost of product), less gain (loss) on divestiture and other, net, income from equity investments, interest income, income tax benefit, and other income.





Three Months Ended

March 31, thousands

2018

2017 Reconciliation of Net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP to Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP







Net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

$ 149,363

$ 101,889 Add:







Distributions from equity investments

28,954

22,567 Non-cash equity-based compensation expense

2,152

1,246 Interest expense

39,283

35,504 Income tax expense

1,502

3,552 Depreciation and amortization (1)

76,116

69,049 Impairments

148

164,742 Other expense (1)

143

45 Less:







Gain (loss) on divestiture and other, net

116

119,487 Equity income, net  affiliates

20,424

19,461 Interest income  affiliates

4,225

4,225 Other income (1)

777

427 Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

$ 272,119

$ 254,994 Reconciliation of Net cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP







Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 241,596

$ 192,616 Interest (income) expense, net

35,058

31,279 Uncontributed cash-based compensation awards

589

37 Accretion and amortization of long-term obligations, net

(1,378)

(1,101) Current income tax (benefit) expense

171

424 Other (income) expense, net

(782)

(430) Distributions from equity investments in excess of cumulative earnings  affiliates

8,013

3,453 Changes in assets and liabilities:







Accounts receivable, net

28,648

1,513 Accounts and imbalance payables and accrued liabilities, net

(27,075)

29,940 Other items, net

(9,015)

15 Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interest

(3,706)

(2,752) Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

$ 272,119

$ 254,994 Cash flow information of Western Gas Partners, LP







Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 241,596

$ 192,616 Net cash used in investing activities

(294,168)

(252,434) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

495,184

(175,797)





(1) Includes WES's 75% share of depreciation and amortization; other expense; and other income attributable to Chipeta.

Western Gas Partners, LP Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures, continued

Adjusted Gross Margin Attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

WES defines Adjusted gross margin as total revenues and other (less reimbursements for electricity-related expenses recorded as revenue), less cost of product, plus distributions from equity investments, and excluding the noncontrolling interest owner's proportionate share of revenue and cost of product.





Three Months Ended

March 31, thousands

2018

2017 Reconciliation of Operating income (loss) to Adjusted gross margin attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP







Operating income (loss)

$ 188,126



$ 138,392

Add:







Distributions from equity investments

28,954



22,567

Operation and maintenance

88,279



73,760

General and administrative

14,132



12,659

Property and other taxes

12,382



12,294

Depreciation and amortization

76,842



69,702

Impairments

148



164,742

Less:







Gain (loss) on divestiture and other, net

116



119,487

Proceeds from business interruption insurance claims





5,767

Equity income, net  affiliates

20,424



19,461

Reimbursed electricity-related charges recorded as revenues

15,453



13,969

Adjusted gross margin attributable to noncontrolling interest

4,324



3,876

Adjusted gross margin attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

$ 368,546



$ 331,556

Adjusted gross margin attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP for natural gas assets

$ 325,872



$ 301,505

Adjusted gross margin for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets

42,674



30,051



Western Gas Partners, LP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)





Three Months Ended

March 31, thousands except per-unit amounts

2018

2017 Revenues and other







Service revenues  fee based

$ 338,419



$ 307,814

Service revenues  product based

22,593





Product sales

75,937



206,525

Other

219



1,854

Total revenues and other

437,168



516,193

Equity income, net  affiliates

20,424



19,461

Operating expenses







Cost of product

77,799



189,359

Operation and maintenance

88,279



73,760

General and administrative

14,132



12,659

Property and other taxes

12,382



12,294

Depreciation and amortization

76,842



69,702

Impairments

148



164,742

Total operating expenses

269,582



522,516

Gain (loss) on divestiture and other, net

116



119,487

Proceeds from business interruption insurance claims





5,767

Operating income (loss)

188,126



138,392

Interest income  affiliates

4,225



4,225

Interest expense

(39,283)



(35,504)

Other income (expense), net

782



430

Income (loss) before income taxes

153,850



107,543

Income tax (benefit) expense

1,502



3,552

Net income (loss)

152,348



103,991

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

2,985



2,102

Net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

$ 149,363



$ 101,889

Limited partners' interest in net income (loss):







Net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP

$ 149,363



$ 101,889

Series A Preferred units interest in net (income) loss





(28,174)

General partner interest in net (income) loss

(83,439)



(68,162)

Common and Class C limited partners' interest in net income (loss)

$ 65,924



$ 5,553

Net income (loss) per common unit  basic and diluted

$ 0.38



$ 0.01

Weighted-average common units outstanding  basic and diluted

152,602



134,448



Western Gas Partners, LP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

thousands except number of units

March 31,

2018

December 31,

2017 Current assets

$ 733,247

$ 254,062 Note receivable  Anadarko

260,000

260,000 Net property, plant and equipment

6,063,547

5,730,891 Other assets

1,756,528

1,769,397 Total assets

$ 8,813,322

$ 8,014,350 Current liabilities

$ 477,697

$ 424,333 Long-term debt

4,176,346

3,464,712 Asset retirement obligations

147,082

143,394 Other liabilities

137,349

10,900 Total liabilities

$ 4,938,474

$ 4,043,339 Equity and partners' capital







Common units (152,602,105 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017)

2,842,612

2,950,010 Class C units (13,505,277 and 13,243,883 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively)

784,105

780,040 General partner units (2,583,068 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017)

185,812

179,232 Noncontrolling interest

62,319

61,729 Total liabilities, equity and partners' capital

$ 8,813,322

$ 8,014,350

Western Gas Partners, LP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)





Three Months Ended

March 31, thousands

2018

2017 Cash flows from operating activities







Net income (loss)

$ 152,348

$ 103,991 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities and changes in assets and liabilities:







Depreciation and amortization

76,842

69,702 Impairments

148

164,742 (Gain) loss on divestiture and other, net

(116)

(119,487) Change in other items, net

12,374

(26,332) Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 241,596

$ 192,616 Cash flows from investing activities







Capital expenditures

$ (302,297)

$ (125,944) Contributions in aid of construction costs from affiliates



1,310 Acquisitions from third parties



(155,287) Distributions from equity investments in excess of cumulative earnings  affiliates

8,013

3,453 Proceeds from the sale of assets to third parties

116

34 Proceeds from property insurance claims



24,000 Net cash used in investing activities

$ (294,168)

$ (252,434) Cash flows from financing activities







Borrowings, net of debt issuance costs

$ 1,337,525

$ (11) Repayments of debt

(630,000)

 Increase (decrease) in outstanding checks

(6,684)

1,024 Proceeds from the issuance of common units, net of offering expenses



(158) Distributions to unitholders

(216,586)

(185,565) Distributions to noncontrolling interest owner

(3,353)

(3,370) Net contributions from (distributions to) Anadarko



(14) Above-market component of swap agreements with Anadarko

14,282

12,297 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

$ 495,184

$ (175,797) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

$ 442,612

$ (235,615) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

78,814

357,925 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 521,426

$ 122,310

Western Gas Partners, LP OPERATING STATISTICS (Unaudited)





Three Months Ended

March 31,



2018

2017 Throughput for natural gas assets (MMcf/d)







Gathering, treating and transportation

816

1,443 Processing

2,755

2,442 Equity investment (1)

152

162 Total throughput for natural gas assets

3,723

4,047 Throughput attributable to noncontrolling interest for natural gas assets

96

109 Total throughput attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP for natural gas assets

3,627

3,938 Throughput for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets (MBbls/d)







Gathering, treating, transportation and disposal

124

44 Equity investment (2)

134

125 Total throughput for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets

258

169 Adjusted gross margin per Mcf attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP for natural gas assets (3)

$ 1.00

$ 0.85 Adjusted gross margin per Bbl for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets (4)

1.84

1.98























(1) Represents WES's 14.81% share of average Fort Union throughput and 22% share of average Rendezvous throughput. (2) Represents WES's 10% share of average White Cliffs throughput, WES's 25% share of average Mont Belvieu JV throughput, WES's 20% share of average TEG and TEP throughput, and WES's 33.33% share of average FRP throughput. (3) Average for period. Calculated as Adjusted gross margin attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP for natural gas assets (total revenues and other for natural gas assets less reimbursements for electricity-related expenses recorded as revenue), less cost of product for natural gas assets, plus distributions from WES's equity investments in Fort Union and Rendezvous, and excluding the noncontrolling interest owner's proportionate share of revenue and cost of product), divided by total throughput (MMcf/d) attributable to Western Gas Partners, LP for natural gas assets. (4) Average for period. Calculated as Adjusted gross margin for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets (total revenues and other for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets less reimbursements for electricity-related expenses recorded as revenue), less cost of product for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets, and plus distributions from WES's equity investments in White Cliffs, the Mont Belvieu JV, TEG, TEP and FRP), divided by total throughput (MBbls/d) for crude oil, NGL and produced water assets.

Western Gas Equity Partners, LP CALCULATION OF CASH AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION (Unaudited)

thousands except per-unit amount and Coverage ratio

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2018 Distributions declared by Western Gas Partners, LP:



General partner interest

$ 3,681 Incentive distribution rights

74,770 Common units held by WGP

46,873 Less:



Public company general and administrative expense

832 Interest expense

1,063 Cash available for distribution

$ 123,429 Declared distribution per common unit

$ 0.56875 Distributions declared by Western Gas Equity Partners, LP

$ 124,518 Coverage ratio

0.99x

Western Gas Equity Partners, LP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)





Three Months Ended

March 31, thousands except per-unit amounts

2018

2017 Revenues and other







Service revenues  fee based

$ 338,419

$ 307,814 Service revenues  product based

22,593

 Product sales

75,937

206,525 Other

219

1,854 Total revenues and other

437,168

516,193 Equity income, net  affiliates

20,424

19,461 Operating expenses







Cost of product

77,799

189,359 Operation and maintenance

88,279

73,760 General and administrative

14,964

13,476 Property and other taxes

12,382

12,294 Depreciation and amortization

76,842

69,702 Impairments

148

164,742 Total operating expenses

270,414

523,333 Gain (loss) on divestiture and other, net

116

119,487 Proceeds from business interruption insurance claims



5,767 Operating income (loss)

187,294

137,575 Interest income  affiliates

4,225

4,225 Interest expense

(40,346)

(36,033) Other income (expense), net

817

446 Income (loss) before income taxes

151,990

106,213 Income tax (benefit) expense

1,502

3,552 Net income (loss)

150,488

102,661 Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

49,483

26,721 Net income (loss) attributable to Western Gas Equity Partners, LP

$ 101,005

$ 75,940 Net income (loss) per common unit  basic and diluted

$ 0.46

$ 0.35 Weighted-average common units outstanding  basic and diluted

218,933

218,929

Western Gas Equity Partners, LP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

thousands except number of units

March 31,

2018

December 31,

2017 Current assets

$ 735,818

$ 255,210 Note receivable  Anadarko

260,000

260,000 Net property, plant and equipment

6,063,547

5,730,891 Other assets

1,756,528

1,770,210 Total assets

$ 8,815,893

$ 8,016,311 Current liabilities

$ 506,021

$ 424,426 Long-term debt

4,176,346

3,492,712 Asset retirement obligations

147,082

143,394 Other liabilities

137,349

10,900 Total liabilities

$ 4,966,798

$ 4,071,432 Equity and partners' capital







Common units (218,933,141 units issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018, and December 31, 2017)

$ 1,041,066

$ 1,061,125 Noncontrolling interests

2,808,029

2,883,754 Total liabilities, equity and partners' capital

$ 8,815,893

$ 8,016,311

Western Gas Equity Partners, LP CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)





Three Months Ended

March 31, thousands

2018

2017 Cash flows from operating activities







Net income (loss)

$ 150,488

$ 102,661 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities and changes in assets and liabilities:







Depreciation and amortization

76,842

69,702 Impairments

148

164,742 (Gain) loss on divestiture and other, net

(116)

(119,487) Change in other items, net

13,554

(25,945) Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 240,916

$ 191,673 Cash flows from investing activities







Capital expenditures

$ (302,297)

$ (125,944) Contributions in aid of construction costs from affiliates



1,310 Acquisitions from third parties



(155,287) Distributions from equity investments in excess of cumulative earnings  affiliates

8,013

3,453 Proceeds from the sale of assets to third parties

116

34 Proceeds from property insurance claims



24,000 Net cash used in investing activities

$ (294,168)

$ (252,434) Cash flows from financing activities







Borrowings, net of debt issuance costs

$ 1,337,517

$ (11) Repayments of debt

(630,000)

 Increase (decrease) in outstanding checks

(6,684)

1,024 Proceeds from the issuance of WES common units, net of offering expenses



(158) Distributions to WGP unitholders

(120,140)

(101,254) Distributions to Chipeta noncontrolling interest owner

(3,353)

(3,370) Distributions to noncontrolling interest owners of WES

(94,272)

(84,172) Net contributions from (distributions to) Anadarko



(14) Above-market component of swap agreements with Anadarko

14,282

12,297 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

$ 497,350

$ (175,658) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

$ 444,098

$ (236,419) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

79,588

359,072 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 523,686

$ 122,653

SOURCE Western Gas Partners, LP; Western Gas Equity Partners, LP

Related Links

http://www.westerngas.com

"As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring WGU as a leader in the industry," said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA."WGU has raised the bar of excellence, and we are truly honored by their contributions within all distance learning constituencies."

The USDLA Awards were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite, and blended learning delivery technologies. As the nation's leading distance learning organization, the USDLA presents its International Awards annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs.

"WGU represents the finest examples of online programs, best practices, and leadership in our field. The depth and breadth of the USDLA membership allows us to engage with leaders from higher education, K-12, industry, military, and government who daily demonstrate the power of distance learning. We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence," said Mr. Pat Cassella, President of USDLA.

Mr. Ken Conn, Chair of USDLA Board of Directors noted that, "This year's award winners represent many of the most innovative leaders in the field of distance learning."

WGU was recognized for creating programs that are innovative, comprehensive, and effective. WGU pioneered competency-based education, which measures learning rather than time spent in class. Students complete courses as soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered the subject matter, enabling them to move quickly through material they already know and spend more time on what they still need to learn. Designed to meet the needs of busy, working adults, students have 24/7 access to online learning resources and receive regular one-to-one faculty support, providing a more personalized and engaging learning experience.

About USDLA

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry. http://www.usdla.org

About WGU

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves 97,000 students nationwide and has more than 106,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 21 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

Follow WGU:

http://www.facebook.com/wgu.edu

http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university

http://twitter.com/wgu

http://www.youtube.com/WesternGovernorsUniv

http://google.com/+wgu

http://news.wgu.edu/news/news.xml

Contact for media inquiries:

Joan Mitchell  VP of Public Relations

801-428-5463

[email protected]

Contact for enrollment information:

866-225-5948

wgu.edu

SOURCE Western Governors University

Related Links

http://www.wgu.edu

BETHESDA, Md., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- White Star Investments new offices opened at 7904 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland today. The firm completed a custom build out of the entire second floor office space. The first floor is occupied by White Star tenant, fast-casual restaurant Dog Haus.

White Star's 2018 investment strategy is solely focused in the District of Columbia. Recent acquisitions include:

500 8th Street SE, DC (4,000 sq ft on Barracks Row - vacant).

4209 9th Street NW, DC (11,500 sq ft occupied by DC Courts).

1134 19th Street NW, DC (4,200 sq ft occupied by Donburi).

"Our investments into the District of Columbia represent White Star's strategy of acquiring irreplaceable assets within the city limits," said Principal, Rueben Bajaj.

"We believe DC is poised for even more growth in the near future and years to come," said Bajaj. While DC is growing, Bajaj cautions, "While White Star's investment strategy is aggressive, not every opportunity can turn to gold. Investors need to take a look at the entire investment strategy and not just the bottom line."

About White Star Investments:

White Star Investments is a privately owned real estate investment and operating firm based in Bethesda, Maryland. White Star specializes in acquiring under-marketed retail real estate investments and proactively building asset value.

At White Star our goal is to be the most innovative owner and developer of quality real estate assets in the markets. Our ability to achieve this goal is rooted in our commitment to quality. It is our belief that quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intentions, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution. This commitment to quality extends to our people, our projects, and our process.

www.whitestarinvestments.com

Contact:

Colleen Woodside

[email protected]

240-223-4830

SOURCE White Star InvestmentsSecond Place: Foothill High School, California WC Teacher: Jeremy Detamore



Third Place: Lincoln High School, Oregon WC Teacher: Rion Roberts



52 classes representing 35 states came to the nation's capital to participate in the academic competition where students demonstrate their knowledge of the Constitution before simulated congressional committees made up of state supreme court judges, constitutional scholars, lawyers, public officials and We the People alumni.

The panel of judges tested the expertise of the classes on the six units of the "We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution" textbook: What Are the Philosophical and Historical Foundations of the American Political System? How Did the Framers Create the Constitution? How Has the Constitution Been Changed to Further the Ideals Contained in the Declaration of Independence? How Have the Values and Principles Embodied in the Constitution Shaped American Institutions and Practices? What Rights Does the Bill of Rights Protect? and What Challenges Might Face American Constitutional Democracy in the Twenty-first Century?



More information on the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program is available at http://www.civiced.org/national-finals-2018 and http://www.civiced.org/programs/wtp

The We the People Program is administered by the Center for Civic Education. More information about the Center can be found at http://www.civiced.org

The 2018 We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals is partially funded by the tremendous effort of teachers, students, parents, and We the People state coordinators to secure community sponsors. Funding is also provided by the Center for Civic Education, state donors, and the Fund for Freedom and Democracy in honor of the Honorable Patricio M. Serna, retired justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court.

The competition results were announced at an awards ceremony Monday evening before an audience of more than 1,400 students, teachers, coordinators, judges and other program participants.

For a list of all the awards and winning schools please visit: http://www.civiced.org/2017-finals-awards

SOURCE The Center for Civic Education

Related Links

http://www.civiced.org

DALLAS, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The loss of a loved one can be exceptionally trying on a family, particularly without the love and support of people to help them navigate the challenges of the grieving process. This is why Issachar Group Founder, Bryan McMillan, has established Families with Holes, Inc.; a foundation dedicated to providing families the help, hope and options they need to make it through what is a tremendously painful experience.

Based in Southlake, Texas, Families with Holes, Inc., has but one important mission: to provide grieving families the network of professional, qualified support, comfort, and counseling they need to begin the journey back to living their own unique purpose.

Families with Holes offers family members of all ages a committed and compassionate source of support. Their network of qualified therapists, counselors, and physician can provide both a warm shoulder and a helping hand during the grieving process.

As someone who has experienced significant loss over the course of his life, Bryan McMillan understands the extensive pain and suffering that comes with tragedy, including the considerable strain such vacancies can place on the health and strength of the family.

At age 26, McMillan lost his mother to breast cancer, followed by the sudden death of his father to a heart attack three short years later. Shortly thereafter, the then-36-year-old father-of-three lost Jennifer, his wife of ten years, to acute lymphoblastic leukemia, leaving Bryan searching for answers for how best to guide his young family through such a harrowing series of tragedies.

Fortunately, Bryan McMillan and his children were able to find hope, and the ability to cope, with the help of private counseling with Christian counselors, as well as attending peer support groups at The WARM Place, a grief support center for children located in Fort Worth, Texas (https://www.thewarmplace.org). This support system provided a critical, much-needed sense of stability to his family.

Following the tragic, unexpected death of his oldest son, Chase, in 2016, McMillan and his family were once again facing overwhelming heartbreak and loss. Devastated and in great pain, McMillan and his loved ones were once again able to find a source of solace, comfort and support through God, well-qualified therapists, and professional counselors focused on navigating them through such uncharted territory.

It is these close and personal experiences with loss, and with the coping process, that led Bryan McMillan to build Families with Holes. Having faced so much significant loss in such a brief period of time, McMillan knows how hard it can be for families to walk the path of grief alone, which is why Families with Holes looks to provide the warm embrace, the helping hand and the open ear families need to rediscover their unique purpose and potential.

As Founder of Families with Holes, Bryan McMillan understands that while pain after loss is inevitable, suffering is optional.

About: Bryan McMillan currently serves as the President of a global medical device company, is the founder of The Issachar Group, an executive consulting firm located in Southlake, Texas, and is a member of the Board of Directors at the University of Texas at Dallas School of Biomedical Engineering. He and his family are members of Gateway Church, Southlake, Texas.

Contact:

Tabiatha Purgerson

Families with Holes

[email protected]

SOURCE Families with Holes, Inc.VALHALLA, N.Y., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rectangle Health and The Digital Office (TDO) have partnered to help TDO increase their customer payment compliance and eliminate complicated billing statements.

TDO, a California-based software company that provides practice management systems for endodontists, had grown increasingly concerned about high fees and frustrations with their former payment processor. Rectangle quickly implemented an automated payment processing solution and within 24 hours, TDO customers began accepting payments from patients.

TDO reduced administrative fees to their offices nationwide with fast implementation and no startup fees, and Rectangle Health's frictionless payment solution was a prime factor in this upgrade. TDO now enjoys convenient payment workflow that's integrated with TDO's practice management system and their endodontists' patients can make payments easily.

Rectangle's integrated system makes the payment process as efficient as possible, allowing patients options to pay via text or online and the ability to use credit cards and Apple, Android or Samsung Pay at point of service. Patients can also set up a payment plan for large balances. Rectangle's system delivers electronic signature capture to contract for outstanding balances with a proprietary pre-authorized healthcare form.

"TDO is an innovative and quality-centered company, which makes our partnership with them so exciting," says Michael Peluso, general manager for Rectangle Health. "By using our software, TDO's customers benefit from the same frictionless, easy payment experiences they have in other industries. At the same time, endodontists can significantly streamline internal processes for collecting from patients."

"We are happy to announce our integration with Rectangle Health. To continually offer new and beneficial services to our users, TDO Software has developed an integration with Rectangle Health," says Luiz Motta, CEO of TDO Software. "Rectangle Health can provide customized, comprehensive patient payment solutions for your practice right from the Ledger in TDO. We are excited for this new payment processing solution and are sure that our users will benefit from this."

Endodontists proudly refer to themselves as "specialists in saving teeth"; Rectangle Health professionals are specialists in saving time and money -- and adding convenience.

About Rectangle Health

Rendering high administrative costs obsolete, Rectangle Health abolishes redundant processes and eliminates implementation and integration fees. Rectangle Health is a division of Retriever Medical/Dental Payments LLC, a leading healthcare payment and premium processing company. Founded in 1992, the company is headquartered in Valhalla, New York.

About TDO

TDO is the most widely used endodontic software in the world and has built a community of quality-centered endodontists united in their search for excellence. TDO's goal is not to be good, but to be extraordinary. The company's headquarters is in San Diego, California.

For more information, contact Kate Sirignano, 860-863-5861.

Related Images

rectangle-health-logo.jpg

SOURCE Rectangle Health

Related Links

http://rectanglehealth.com

BOSTON, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Workable announced the release of its GDPR Feature Pack, designed specifically to help customers meet key recruiting requirements of The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Using their new package of tools, Workable customers can prepare for GDPR now.

"We've seen a huge increase in questions and urgency relating to GDPR," said Rachel Bates, Workable's SVP of Sales and Marketing. "These questions are coming from European customers, and from global companies with European operations or the potential of hiring in Europe. There's clear demand in the market for tools to help recruiters and hiring teams manage their GDPR compliance. We've developed and released this new package of features in advance of the deadline so our customers can take the lead."

With the 25th May deadline and threat of financial penalties fast approaching, Workable customers can use the new feature pack to put candidate data in order and embed new processes now.

Key features include:

A customizable Privacy Notice for recruitment. This is automatically sent to both sourced and active candidates.

This is automatically sent to both sourced and active candidates. An optional, candidate consent check-box . Under GDPR's legitimate interest caveat, candidate consent is implied. But, for customers wanting to seek active consent, a check-box can be included on every Workable-generated application form.

. Under GDPR's legitimate interest caveat, candidate consent is implied. But, for customers wanting to seek active consent, a check-box can be included on every Workable-generated application form. An auto-delete feature. This automatically removes candidate data based on chosen time frames, significantly lowering the risk of illegal data being stored.

This automatically removes candidate data based on chosen time frames, significantly lowering the risk of illegal data being stored. A right to erasure option. Using this, candidates can control and delete their own information.

"Workable is a global company," said Rob Long, VP of Product Strategy at Workable. "No other applicant tracking system supports so many SMB and midsize companies in so many different countries. Thousands of our customers are based in Europe or run European operations. They all rely on Workable. We felt it was only natural for us to take a lead on GDPR because we're the leading global ATS. We wanted to make sure our customers have the best tools available as early as possible so they're well prepared from day one, and can grow and remain compliant from there."

GDPR's mandate is simpleto give Europeans more control over how their personal information is used. But meeting that mandate and demonstrating compliance presents complex challenges for recruitment, an industry so heavily reliant on candidate data.

Workable supports GDPR-compliance as standard, which means users can meet GDPR requirements using any Workable account. But for recruiters with more complex hiring needs their newly-released GDPR Feature Pack offers an automated, global solution. Available as part of their PRO plan, it specifically targets all of GPDR's recruiting requirements to promote compliance quickly and efficiently. The feature takes seconds to activate and once set-up runs by default across whole accounts.

"Our starting point when designing Workable's GDPR features was that GDPR compliance shouldn't make the day-to-day job of hiring harder," said Thanos Markousis, Workable's VP of Operations. "We went with a 'set it and forget it' approach. Instead of requiring our customers to regularly take various actions in order to comply, we've built a highly configurable, automated process that, once set up, promotes compliance without leaving room for human error."

About Workable

Workable is the most popular applicant tracking system, with 24/7 global support. Over 6,000 companies worldwide trust Workable to streamline their hiring. Their intuitive, all-in-one hiring software helps companies source the best talent, communicate more effectively and scale faster. From posting a job to sourcing candidates using People Search, their powerful inbuilt search engine, Workable provides the tools to manage multiple hiring pipelines. Transparent communication, organized candidate profiles, structured interviews and a full reporting suite give hiring teams the information they need to make the right choice. Workable is available for desktop and mobile.

SOURCE Workable

Related Links

http://workable.com

HOLMDEL, N.J., May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- WorkWave (www.WorkWave.com), a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for the field service and last mile delivery industries, today announced its participation in the NJ Tech Council's Future Forum and Winners' Circle on May 2, 2018 at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ. WorkWave will be speaking on a panel discussing a customer centric future and Software Engineer Veronica Granite will be recognized as an Innovator to Watch and a Rising Star in STEM.

WorkWave to Participate in NJ Tech Council's Future Forum

The Future Forum illustrates innovations that will transform the future. The morning sessions will focus on healthcare technology and the afternoon sessions will focus on novel technologies at the Innovation Forecast, which highlights innovation throughout the region from small to large companies. This year's program will focus on voice and AI technologies, and will be attended by corporate innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, developers, advisors and students.

"WorkWave is committed to supporting the thriving technology community here in New Jersey, and we are thrilled to be participating in this year's event alongside fellow innovators throughout the state," said Chris Sullens, CEO of WorkWave. "We are proud to be part of this vibrant and flourishing group and look forward to sharing best practices with our esteemed peers throughout the Forum."

WorkWave's UX/UI Designer Shawn Weston will be participating in a panel during the event, titled "A Customer Centric Future," where he will be discussing how to plant the seeds of user-centered thinking within an organization. Shawn focuses on feature design and overall user experience for PestPac, WorkWave's industry-leading pest control software solution.

One of WorkWave's top software engineers, Veronica Granite, will also be recognized as an Innovator to Watch and Rising Star in STEM. Veronica has made a large impact at WorkWave in just five months, and always executes a solution with creativity and care.

"It is an honor to be recognized as an Innovator to Watch and a Rising Star in STEM," said Veronica. "Technology has always been one of my passions and being able to make my passion a career has been incredible. I am looking forward to continuing to grow my career in software engineering through continuous learning, curiosity and creativity."

At the Winners' Circle, WorkWave will be hosting a recruiting table where prospective employees can learn about WorkWave's culture, available positions, and opportunities to grow professionally in a rapidly growing company.

For more information on this year's event, please click here.

About WorkWave

WorkWave, an IFS company, is dedicated to simplifying the complexity of running field service and other fleet-based businesses, large or small - a $45+ billion market worldwide. The company's suite of solutions, which include PestPac, WorkWave Service, ServiceCEO, WorkWave Route Manager, WorkWave GPS, GPS Heroes and ContactUs, allow WorkWave clients to easily attribute and automate sales and marketing activities, improve their back office efficiency and increase their visibility into field operations through a single, easy to use interface. WorkWave's platform provides its 8,000+ clients an unprecedented level of business insight and information, enabling them to increase efficiency, increase revenue and provide a 5-Star customer experience. Founded in 1984, WorkWave has been recognized with multiple awards for its outstanding growth and culture, including the Inc. 5000, SaaS Award, and Best Place to Work by NJBiz & Inc. Magazine. For more information, visit www.workwave.com.

About IFS

IFS develops and delivers enterprise software for customers around the world who manufacture and distribute goods, maintain assets, and manage service-focused operations. The industry expertise of our people and solutions, together with commitment to our customers, has made us a recognized leader and the most recommended supplier in our sector. Our team of 3,500 employees supports more than ten thousand customers worldwide from a network of local offices and through our growing ecosystem of partners. For more information, visit: www.IFSworld.com.

About NJ Tech Council

The New Jersey Tech Council provides business development, education, networking and recognition opportunities as well as advocacy for the state and region's technology businesses. By collectively representing tech, life science and tech-related companies and organizations as well as the professional firms that support them, the Tech Council has the unique ability to:

Offer opportunities to learn, network and grow Recognize and promote member companies and their leadership Nurture the tech and STEM talent pipeline critical to growth Provide access to financing sources and additional resources Advocate and support public policy which strengthens our ecosystem

Founded in 1996, the Council is a private, nonprofit membership organization, which supports the tech, innovation, and entrepreneurial ecosystems across the state and region. It is among the largest and most respected trade organizations of its kind nationwide.

Contact Brittany Kinsella Email [email protected] Phone 800-762-0301 x617 Website www.workwave.com

SOURCE WorkWave

Related Links

http://workwave.com

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ZeroCater, a leading provider of office catering and snacks, has raised its Series B funding of $12 million, led by Cleveland Avenue LLC*, with participation from Romulus Capital and Struck Capital. Today, the company announces it will expand office snacks and catering to new markets in 2018, becoming the single food provider for various Fortune 500 companies throughout the United States.

Click to Tweet @ZeroCater Raises $12M to Expand Snacks, Catering and Kitchens to the Fortune 500. #ZeroCaterGoesNational https://ctt.ec/UTJ4L+



By expanding nationwide and targeting the Fortune 500 with its snacks and catering offerings, ZeroCater is paving the way to become the sole food provider for companies of all sizes. This expansion, along with the launch of its office snacks product last year, situates the company to compete well in the $144 billion corporate foodservices market. By combining industry-leading technology, people and operations to give customers the food they love, ZeroCater provides a superior food experience that other foodservice providers can't match.

"Our investment in technology enables us to execute flawlessly through data-driven operations, give companies real-time visibility into their office food programs, and gain insight from every customer to give them the food they love," explained Arram Sabeti, founder and CEO of ZeroCater.

ZeroCater is well-positioned to take advantage of evolving corporate cultures that cater to a millennial workforce. A recent study by Fidelity showed that, on average, millennials would be willing to take a $7,600 pay cut in exchange for a better work environment. This value shift means that employees are choosing to work for companies that build a better culture by bringing people together, often over food. A recent survey by ZeroCater showed that 88% of employees consider employer-provided catering and snacks an important benefit.

"As we continue to expand our Cleveland Avenue portfolio, we're confident in our investment in ZeroCater because of its emerging leadership in technology, food innovation and customer service," said Don Thompson, founder and CEO of Cleveland Avenue, a private equity and venture capital fund focused on the food industry.

ZeroCater deploys technology throughout its operations to connect with customers and vendors, enabling end-to-end control over the food experience. The company collects feedback after every meal using a variety of channels, including its dashboard, emails and physical terminals located at the client site. ZeroCater's technology also gives its customers insight into that same employee feedback along with data on company spending, consumption and more. By enhancing its visibility, ZeroCater gives customers greater insight and control over their food programs and spending. The company's account managers also partner closely with customers to ensure every aspect of the food program is running flawlessly. Through its technology and people, ZeroCater can provide companies the food every employee loves.

Prior to its Series B, ZeroCater reached more than $250 million in sales with only $5.6 million in outside capital. From the start, Sabeti has been incredibly strategic with funding and has remained focused on capital efficiency and building a profitable business. With this round of funding, ZeroCater will rapidly expand snacks and catering nationally in its quest to become the largest B2B food provider in the world. The company is also adding new members to its board: Justin Kan, entrepreneur and CEO of Atrium; J. Skyler Fernandes, managing director of investments at Cleveland Avenue; and Krishna K. Gupta, founder and managing partner at Romulus Capital.

ABOUT ZEROCATER

With a mission to build a better workplace through food, ZeroCater is on the path to becoming the #1 food company serving the workplace. Founded by Arram Sabeti in 2009, ZeroCater has become a leading provider of office catering and snacks, serving companies including Dropbox, Fandango, RetailMeNot and Salesforce. Technology, people, operations and top-notch food partners allow for ZeroCater's seamless process and provide customers with in-depth insight into their food programs. ZeroCater provides office catering and snack services in San Francisco; New York; Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Austin and Los Angeles, with plans to expand nationally in 2018. For more information visit zerocater.com. Follow @ZeroCater on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

ABOUT CLEVELAND AVENUE

Cleveland Avenue, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm that accelerates and strategically invests in innovative restaurant, food and beverage concepts and emerging brands. *Cleveland Avenue is the general partner of the Cleveland Avenue Food and Beverage Fund I. Visit us at www.clevelandave.com and @CleveAveLLC on Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE ZeroCater

Related Links

http://www.zerocater.com

The ASX-listed residential developer Desane has won its court battle against the NSW government's proposed low value compulsory acquisition of its development site in Rozelle for the construction of the WestConnex motorway. Justice Hammerschlag ruled the government's notice to acquire Desane's development site at 68-72 Lilyfield Road in Rozelle had no statutory effect. "Compulsory acquisition of private property is no light matter. "Complying with the requirements of s 15 is not a matter of difficulty, and it is not too much to ask of an authority of State given power to interfere with such rights," the judge ruled. Desane will keep the land to progress the residential development of its $100 million 200-apartment project, its chairman Professor John Sheehan advised. "I refer to Darryl Kerrigan in the movie The Castle," Professor Sheehan said after the court judgement. "The court basically threw out the case." "They were being mean and tricky and trying to steal the property from us. They conveniently overlooked the LEP [Local Environmental Plan]." Click here to enlarge. "The bigger picture is that is is simply due to cost overruns, and the government is looking at value capture," he added. They will acquire some sites on the fringe and get a development application... to offset the cost overrun," he said. "It begs the question why some of these properties on the edge of infrastructure projects are being acquired," he told The Australian Financial Review adding that evidence revealed that the site was merely being considered for a car park. From day one, Desane questioned the true purpose of RMS proposed acquisition of our Rozelle property , Professor Sheehan officially advised shareholders his ASX notification. We are pleased that Justice Hammerschlag has found that the PAN issued by RMS was of no effect.

"If a land owner compulsorily to be dispossessed is entitled to know precisely what the land is needed for a public purpose, that entitlement must stem from elsewhere," Justice Hammerschlag said in his judgment. "If there is no such entitlement, the land owner might never learn why his land is to be taken, an outcome which would be dissonant with the right in point of justice [articulated by Dixon CJ]."

"I conclude that the proposed acquisition notice of no statutory effect for failure to state the public purpose for which the property is to be acquired."

Late last year the Supreme Court of New South Wales ordered a mediation with the NSW government and various government agencies related to their proposed compulsory acquisition of the developers site in Sydneys Rozelle

The NSW state government and the Roads & Maritime Services were ordered by the NSW Supreme Court to disclose documents justifying the compulsory acquisition.

Desane Properties Pty Ltd was represented in the proceedings by the Honourable Ron Merkel QC, David Pritchard, SC, and Stewart Levitt of Levitt Robinson Solicitors.

RMS had throughout known that Desane wished to negotiate a solution which obviated the necessity for the permanent taking of the whole of the property.

His honour noted what appeared to be the most developed plan at the time of the PAN shows only a use of a sliver of the property for a utilities corridor.

"An easement would no doubt have sufficed to achieve this requirement absent the parkland commitment," Justice Hammerschlag ruled.

"The same can be said of any works deep beneath the property.

"In my view, it is improbable that RMS would have sought to acquire the entirety of the property (which it currently values at over $20 million) where only a sliver of it would be used, but for its open space and green parkland purpose."

His Honour noted "i n contrast to its somewhat amorphous purpose for acquiring the property to be used as a construction site, from at least 21 July 2016 RMS has had the unqualified and fixed purpose to acquire the Property to provide 10 hectares of open space and green parkland as publicly committed to by the Government

.

"The PAN was given to effectuate that purpose.

"That purpose is ulterior to the purpose for which the PAN could properly have been given," he ruled.If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity.

PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move.The evolving state of the publishing supply chain, questions about the use and potential of blockchain technology, and a renewed debate over the practice of returns, were among the topics highlighted at the annual meeting of the Book Industry Study Group, held April 27 at the Harvard Club in New York City.

This years meeting featured panels focused on three specific areas of the book publishing supply chain (publishers, distribution, and retailing). The meeting also offered a fourth panel celebrating innovative book professionals featuring, among others, Noelle Santos, founder of the Lit. Bar, a new bookstore set to open in the South Bronx this summer, and who is also the moderator of PWs retailers Facebook group.

In remarks opening the meeting, Maureen McMahon, president and publisher of Kaplan Publishing, and BISG chair; laid out the challenges facing BISG as the book industry continues to be transformed by technology.

McMahon cited the growing interest around blockchain technology and a corresponding sense of industry confusion over its application to publishing. (Im not ready to think about it,she quipped). Blockchain is a secure and transparent network technology generally associated with cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, that is now being touted as a platform for distributing content in the future.

BISG executive director Brian OLeary presented preliminary results of a 25-question survey on the State of the Supply Chain conducted in March/April (a formal detailed report is slated to be released in May). Among the findings in the survey: responders said retailers face the biggest challenges in todays book marketplace followed by publishers and distributors. Responders also said one of the biggest areas of concern was maintaining high quality metadata; and that the biggest challenge facing their specific organizations is the ability to adapt quickly to a changing marketplace.

The first panel of the day focused on publishers, and echoed some of the BISG surveys findings: were in a metadata arms race, said Kent Watson PubWest executive director. The publisher panel also sparked a renewed debate over the issue of returns (the book trades consignment business model) and the ability of retailers to return unsold stock.

Acknowledging that hes a new comer in the book industry, Stephen Day, senior v-p, supply chain, global operations at Pearson, nevertheless expressed surprise at the practice, calling returns, old fashioned, and an unimaginable, business practice, though he stopped short of offering what would replace it. Indeed Days copanelist, Watson responded that returns are part of this business. I dont see them going away, though I wish they would.

Day also brought up concerns over the issue of piracy, though not only electronic piracy, but the need for better warehouse and supply channel security for physical books. Pearson, Day said, has instituted a unique ID system that places a digital marker (not the ISBN) on each physical book.

Wiley Publishing v-p, strategy, planning and development Peter Balis provided one of the better summations of the issues surrounding the supply chain, explaining that books are not the only game. The term is out of place. Its not a consistent thing anymore. The supply chain [represents] a lot of pieces that we use to build products that arent a traditional book.

The issue of returns reappeared, so to speak, at the distribution panel, which featured IPG CEO Joe Matthews, and OverDrive CEO Steve Potash, among others. Dane Neller, CEO of the Shakespeare & Co indie bookstores, and founder of the in-store POD publishing platform, On Demand Books, set the tone for the panel, declaring that the supply chain is broken.

Neller explained that while it works for big, large quantity frontlist books, the supply chain doesnt work so well for backlist or smaller books. Returns, he said, are great but its a false economy, explaining that his stores are always out of stock of 20-30% of the titles he feels he needs

Not surprisingly, he cited the potential of POD technology to solve the problem, calling for the increased use of in-store digital printing to provide customers with books that may not be immediately available on the bookstore shelves. Neller complained that most publishers were still reluctant to freely allow the use of POD technology for their books.

The technology is there to print books in the store. The industry must rethink how books are delivered, Neller said. While Matthews said that IPG uses POD printing in many of its distribution centers, he also said that publishers were deterred because of the higher unit cost to produce POD books. But Neller was quick to challenge that conventional notion, explaining that returns also include hidden costsamong them the costs of additional shipping and handling, and the loss of a sale when a retailer cant deliver a titlethat can far exceed that of the POD manufacturing unit price.

Nevertheless, Neller was bullish on retail, citing a renaissance in independent retailing. He urged publishers to focus on how consumers consume, and called for the bundling of content in any way consumers want, e-book, paper, or audiobook.

The retailers panel featured ABA CEO Oren Teicher, who cheerfully chided publishing consultant Mike Shatzkin (who was in attendance) over a prediction he made eight years ago that projected the inevitable decline of indie booktores. Eight years later stores are growingthanks to the enthusiasm of people like Noelle Santosand older stores are selling to younger, tech savvy owners, Teicher said.

And he said the percentage of sales of books via physical bookstores is growing. Were still here, but challenges remain, including the rise of online shopping and new minimum wage laws, Teicher said.

The retailing panel also turned its attention to millennial consumers (generally those born in the 1980s and 1990s), a perplexing (and overgeneralized) demographic that seems to confound retailers. David Barker, senior v-p of ReaderLink Distribution Service, which distributes books to mass market retailers, said the millennial customer wants, genuine and honest experiences, they dont like ads, and they respond to social media.

In many way, millennials represent an opportunity for indie bookstores. Noah Genner, president and CEO of BookNet Canada, said millennials rely on word of mouth recommendations, they plan their purchase and they want value and they discover books online more than any other demographic group.

They want experiences, events, a place to hangout, Teicher said. And as much as they use technology, some millennials want an alternative to digital culture, and that includes print books.

The annual meeting also honored three book industry innovators, who all received the BISG innovator Award. in addition to the Bronx bookseller Noelle Santos, awards were presented to Margret Aldrich, media programming manager at Little Free Library, and to Susan Robbins, cofounder and chair of Project Cicero.

In addition, the BISG lifetime achievement award was renamed to honor the late Sally Dedecker, and it was presented this year to Michael Bamberger, general counsel for Media Coalition, the First Amendment rights organization, and the BISG Industry Champion Award was presented to Diane Degener of LSC Communications.In a first phase, the Spanish company will analyse Canal 13s current structure and design different business alternatives, eyeing the outsourcing of broadcasting services.After months of negotiations, Spains Grupo Secuoy a and Canal 13 have signed a consultancy agreement through which the company will first point out business solutions for the channel, the broadcaster said in a release.The main goal is to reduce the networks expenses in order to compensate the drops in revenues registered over the last years. In the last four years, Canal 13 has lost over $85 million, according to local media.Through outsourcing, Spains broadcasting market increased competitivity, companies grew and workers increased their opportunities. Networks improved their financial results and focused on their core businesses: programming and content distribution, added Canal 13.Through this move, Group Secuoya strengthens its position in Chile, where it already had an agreement with the production house FabulaBroadcaster NBCUniversal has teamed up with Google to produce virtual reality (VR) content using Jump, the search and online video giants platform for VR video capture.





NBCUniversal and Google will collaborate on at least ten multi-episode VR productions that will allow fans to go inside scenes and allow them to look around. These will include original video from Saturday Night Live, Bravo Medias Vanderpump Rules and SYFY WIRE, with more NBCUniversal networks, channels and shows to follow in the coming months, including projects from E!, NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, SYFY, Telemundo and USA Network.The Jump experiences combine high-quality VR cameras and automated stitching. The snippets will be made available on YouTube, and can be viewed on the web or using any mobile phone. Consumers can also watch in VR using Google Cardboard or Daydream View. Future VR experiences will also be available in VR180, a new VR format providing 4K, three-dimensional video.We are constantly looking for opportunities to bring consumers new ways to experience content from across the NBCUniversal 3 portfolio, said Ron Lamprecht, EVP, NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. This partnership combines the creative expertise of NBCUniversal with Googles VR capabilities to create these engaging experiences. We look forward to working with Google and YouTube on more collaborations like this in the future.The first available VR bit a 360-degree tour of Lisa Vanderpumps recently opened Hollywood dog rescue center, Vanderpump Dogs. Fans will get a VIP tour from Lisa herself who will show viewers every detail, from her trademark pink walls to the doggie biscuit bar. Guest appearances include Tom Schwartz, Katie Maloney, and their dogs Gordo and Butter."NBCUniversals networks and shows have a proven track record of high-quality storytelling that audiences cant get enough of, said Amit Singh, VP, Business & Operations, VR & AR at Google. Bringing them to VR lets fans connect with that content in a whole new way. NBCU's teams were able to easily capture engaging VR content using the latest VR Jump cameras. And with YouTube, audiences can experience it on any device, bringing them closer to their favourite series.This article is based on Episode 20 of The Little Red Podcast with Gerry Groot of the University of Adelaide. Were also pleased to announce The Little Red Podcast is a finalist in this years Australian Podcast Awards, in the News and Current Affairs category.

Xi Jinpings radical overhaul of the Chinese bureaucracy is not, as Xinhua would have you believe, just about streamlining government administration and reducing red tape. A host of state agencies that once stood between the public and the Chinese Communist Party have been done away with.

One of the chief beneficiaries is the United Front Work Department (UFWD), the same department whose influence operations have made headline news in Australia.

Government bodies, including the Religious Affairs Bureau, the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, and the State Councils Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs, have been absorbed by the UFWD. While the nameplate of these offices will likely be maintained for foreign consumption, the move demonstrates the importance Xi places on the partys nearly century-old United Front strategy.

The strategy was developed during the 1920s and 1930s to ensure the survival of the CCP, to undermine the Nationalists from within, and to raise funds among the diaspora. Mao nominated it as one of the three magic weapons that brought victory in the civil war, yet held a deep suspicion of cadres involved in United Front work.

It involved collaboration with those outside the natural constituencies of the party, such as capitalists, intellectuals, and religious leaders. The mission was a simple wartime approach: win over or eliminate. Ironically, cadres who tried to defend United Front allies after the CCP took power, such as revolutionary leaders Liu Shaoqi and Zhou Enlai, soon found themselves in Maos cross hairs.

While the recent rise of the UFWD was in train under Hu Jintao, what was once only paid lip service has been given higher status under Xi. The UFWD now outranks the CCPs Organisation Bureau and Propaganda Department. The University of Adelaides Gerry Groot argues that Xi has made his endorsement absolutely clear by appearing at numerous United Front functions:

It shows every official downstream that if Xi is taking it seriously, we should too. Now theyre going to be called to account. With the anti-corruption campaign and all these other imperatives, to be seen to be not doing something will be seen to be a political act.

This is not merely a shift in the winds direction  Xi has added 40,000 cadres to the UFWDs ranks. Given that Chinas substantial aid program was until last month run by less than 100 officials in the Department of Foreign Aid, this is a staggering increase of personnel in a system where the party strictly controls the nomenklatura.

Attention has understandably focused on the UFWDs designs abroad, with Xi vowing to fight the bloody battle against our enemies  with a strong determination to take our place in the world. Yet coupled with the partys newfound intolerance for religious expression and ethnic separatism, this boost in the stocks of the UFWD may have more profound effects within Chinas borders.

Groot sees parallels with the United Fronts approach to capitalists in the 1950s, which moved from peaceful coexistence and different forms of ownership to assimilation and confiscation when Mao declared socialism realised in 1956. Under Hu and Jiang, religious and ethnic expression was tolerated, and even encouraged. Not so under Xi.

Groot speculates that Xis confidence in the social, political, cultural, and economic dominance of Han China is such to believe the CCP can force assimilation:

That might explain why those 40,000 people were employed, to help push this transition through.

To understand the complicated implications of United Front work for Australia, I encourage you to listen to the episode. Rather than naming the UFWDs foot soldiers in Australia  ground covered by Clive Hamilton and Alex Joske in their submission to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security  Groot offers the example of the fictitious Australian Association for Buddhists from Guangxi to illustrate the importance of plausible deniability for UFWD activities in Australia:

It could represent all those people, or it could only represent a couple of people. A lot of these groups are created by entrepreneurs who try to parlay community associations into political influence in Australia. Or theyre doing it deliberately to curry favor with the United Front Department and get benefits that way.

If you have something specific say on Chinese Muslims, [and] theres a discussion in Australia about policy in China regarding Muslims, then the tendency of the Australian media is to balance. So theyll look for a community organisation to balance the claims of someone else, and they naturally come to these sorts of organisations, which then endorse the party line.

Its a wonderful advantage for the United Front Department because it allows all sorts of plausible deniability.

Denials about UFWD operations in Australia are sure to continue. Sharp divisions are emerging among policymakers and scholars about how serious a threat UFWD operations pose: one scholars threat to sovereignty is anothers panicky comments.

Its important for China scholars to keep an open mind and not to line up neatly along friendenemy lines. If China scholars continue to feel the need to launch ad hominem attacks on those who disagree with their views about CCP influence operations, nothing will please the UFWD more.

Dr. Graeme Smith hosts The Little Red Podcast, is a research fellow at the College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University and a visiting fellow at Sun Yatsen University's Centre for Oceania Studies. His research interests include local politics in rural China, China's engagement with the Pacific and the geopolitics of search engines.

This article appeared originally at Lowy Institute's the interpreter.WE HAVE ADDED NEW TOOLS INTO THE WORLDS TOOL SHED, IN ORDER TO SALVAGE THE CONCEPT OF PROPORTIONALITY IN THE USE OF FORCE.

Non-violent coercive tools were also enhanced, including various features of the Chapter VI and Chapter VII mandates of the UN Security Council that range from mediation to economic sanctions. As a result, even cases of aggression, annexation, and failure to respect international law have also been somewhat subdued in their ability to legitimize a counter-attack. Given that the escalation of war among great powers would be too risky, non-violent tools of coercion become all the more attractive. The modernization of weapons explains why the reasons for waging war might become fewer, and why war might be replaced with other solutions whenever possible. Otherwise, we might imagine absurd propositions of violence. Strategic nuclear weapons to stop a genocide in Rwanda? Carpet bombing Shanghai in retaliation for currency manipulation? The potency of war is such that the limited aims that led to minor conflicts, occasionally escalating to major conflicts during pre-industrial times, are no longer matters for war to settle. We have added new tools into the worlds tool shed, in order to salvage the concept of proportionality in the use of force.

But is there really anything that would in fact be proportional to our modern capacity to kill and destroy? There are likely as many answers to this question as there are people who would answer it. But, according to Arendt, there is nothing that could be rationally justified. The rationalization process needs to happen externally to the concept of war, thus her reference to a deus ex machina. We understand why there would be much fewer reasons to fight, when the tools power becomes analogous to swatting a fly with a rocket propelled grenade, but it does not explain why this would not undermine the role of freedom in the equation as well, just like all the others. Arendt was right to look to the role of modern weapons, but she stopped short explaining the underlying phenomenon at play.

Industrialization, she explains, caused wars to become far too destabilizing to political regimes, and she offers the examples of the Franco-Prussian War and the Russo-Japanese War, which were immediately followed by the overthrow of the Second Empire and the Revolution of 1905 on the defeated sides.[3] There was apparently a connection between the modernity of weapons and political collapse operating in a single direction: defeat in modern war leads quickly to absolute political annihilation if not because of the war itself, then because of its denouement.

Carl von Clausewitz painted by Karl Wilhelm Wach (Wikimedia)

We must turn to Clausewitz and Fichte to uncover the solution to the problem raised by Arendt. Fichte came up with the term absolute war to explain why a people in revolution against a tyrant will not be stopped by a compromise. Their objective is non-negotiable, because the demand is total: to annihilate the existing political hierarchysomething a political hierarchy is necessarily unwilling to give up.[4] Clausewitz, who read and commented on Fichte, further developed absolute war to create a totally conceptual term meant as an imagined ideal of what a war could be if it were freed of all possible limitations such as limited objectives, the fog of war, friction, etc.[5.6]

The goal here was to imagine the limitless nightmare of pure, unimpeded escalation. This ultimately allowed Clausewitz to objectively demonstrate wars political element, since he could show the tendency of wars towards such extremes, or away from them and towards standstills, was in either case the result of an act of policy.[7] By encompassing all possible variants of war that exist between these two poles, Clausewitz could validly claim all wars are the continuation of policy by other means. More importantly for our subject at hand, what remains of both versions of the concept absolute war is its revolutionary aspect. Clausewitz was using his version to try to understand why the French Revolution so destabilized Europe and why Napoleon rose to become a God of War, suggesting at times that Napoleon embodied the closest thing the world had ever seen to this absolutethough he hesitated in making the point.[8,9]

THE FIRST WORLD WAR REVOLUTIONIZED EUROPE. THE SECOND WORLD WAR REVOLUTIONIZED THE WORLD. MODERN WAR IS REVOLUTION.

The difference between these wars and those since the industrial revolution was that to become extreme in the time of Clausewitz and Fichte, a war had to be revolutionary in scope, it had to mobilize mass armies, and eventually inch its way in the direction of absolute war. Extremes were achieved through escalation and the political will to do so as a reciprocation of action between two opponents. The development of the modern war machine, however, meant the extremes would hereafter become the starting point, not the end point or the direction of war. After the industrial revolution, and all the more so since the Second World War, war contains an absolute element the very moment it is waged because the power of destruction invested in the military apparatus is revolutionary in scopethe destructiveness is too great for any government to withstand.

This complete turnaround, far from undermining Clausewitzs conclusions, actually reaffirmed them all the more vehemently. After the First World War, three Great Powers collapsed and faded away from history. The fourth was so crushed, though not extinguished, that it came back with a vengeance. After the Second World War, the losing side was occupied and imposed new constitutions to avoid any such resurgence. The entire world map was redrawn within a decade or two, and the international diplomatic and economic systems were founded (and we are after all still living in 1945 in some ways). The First World War revolutionized Europe. The Second World War revolutionized the world. Modern war is revolution.

This is the key. Revolution is at the root a quest for freedomit binds and unites people and generates their sense of collectivity and expression. I revolt, therefore we are, wrote the existentialist Albert Camus, paraphrasing Descartes metaphysical starting point.[10] Revolt does indeed generate something higher than ourselves in our mind. Once war becomes a revolutionary toolone that makes or breaks governments, like Gaddafi, Hussein, or the Taliban, because of the sheer disproportionate firepower of itthen it should not come as a surprise that, as Arendt stated, freedom stands out as a deus ex machina that gives meaning to it all. It is a reciprocal relationship. Modern wars revolutionary and absolute character seems to require the concept of freedom to be intelligible, because otherwise, the means and the ends would be impossible to connect in a way that we could rationalize...which is not to say it is rational in itself, but rather that we can wrap our minds around it if we so choose.

Whether we look to South Sudan or Crimea, the action of separating the former or annexing the latter, both were equally proclaimed in the name of the right to self-government and the freedom of minorities from the oppression of the majority. Even the currently popular principle of Responsibility to Protect is nothing more than a new branding on an old concept: freedom from oppression. We may question the validity of the claims all we want, but the fact remains that the claim is the tool of legitimization, because it is the only publicly acceptable and rationally arguable stance that can be taken in implementing the destructive violence that technology has unleashed. No other reason would fly.

THE METAPHYSICS OF FREEDOM

Freedom is akin to a space one is attempting to occupy. It has an inherently military aspect to it: set conceptual borders; limit incursions into them. To claim freedom for yourself or for your group implies that you already perceive someone else in the equation from which you will take it. It brings us back to the popular adage: your right to swing your fists ends where my nose begins. It is a very thin red line. There are as a result strategic benefits to fighting for freedom as opposed to fighting for a system of laws or a larger vision of society, be it liberal, communist, or Sharia. This alone explains at least part of its universal uptake.

Once harm is identified, or even just a hypothetical harm, freedom from it will serve a double purpose. The first is that it identifies the enemy or the target. Your demand to be free from a nosebleed clarifies in your mind who you suspect is trying to give you one, but more importantly, it liberates your conscience from a passive reaction to it. Suddenly, you allow your mind to identify the other not as your comrade or brother. They are not your equal. They are not a holder of rights. They are the enemy and this jump in the thought process allows you in turn to claim and enact your right to raise a fist and aim squarely for their nose.

The labeling effect of freedom can equally be found in the name Boko Haram, the jihadist insurgency in Nigeria responsible for kidnapping hundreds of girls from their school dormitory. The words boko haram roughly translate to western and non-Islamic education is a sin. The potency of their call to arms is derived from their attempt to legitimize the existence of a space or territory where this external influence is extinguished, but also it identifies the enemies outside the territory as well as enemies within.

Boko Haram (Africa Express)

To understand why the labeling effect is not as strong in the case of fraternity and equality for example, we must dive a bit deeper into the distinction between the three parts of the French devise. This comes down to our intuition in the face of subjective concepts and objective concepts, or the difference between our reactions towards feeling something and knowing something. When I recognize that something is subjective, but undoubtable, because it is entirely within me, I know it to be true. The purest feeling of fraternity would be the love I feel for my immediate family. There is no doubt in my mind and I can be content just knowing it. In the case of equality, it is the exact opposite. It is totally objective and measurable: I dont feel it, I experience it as fact. One man is rich, the other is poor. If I can count it I can know it. One man has the right to a fair trial by a jury of his peers as well as a lawyer, while the other is sentenced without a hearing and without an ounce of proof. Though I arrive at it for completely opposite reasons, one purely subjective, the other purely objective, my knowledge of equality and fraternity concludes itself in an intuitive kind of certainty. And certainty calms rather than excites the mind.

Sketch of Sren Kierkegaard (Wikimedia) Unlike the first two, freedom has a specific feature to it that is analogous to how the theologian Kierkegaard described the existence of God, which is objectively uncertain.[11] Both are relational concepts instead of being purely internally subjective or purely externally objective. Both require a leap of faith in order to achieve a certainty that, while it is not necessarily true, is nonetheless true to me. One must believe the other intends on punching their face, because until the action is done, there will always be doubt regarding the intention. And even if the action were done, the intention could remain challengeable: it was an accident, I thought you were someone else. But there is more to it. Freeing a people or a territory also demands a belief in the fact that things will be better once this action has been successful. The allegorical freedom we channel and incarnate is a sort of ghost, it is a promise regarding the future, a spirit that one can attach themselves to and die for heroically and selflessly, because there is some promised land ahead. The willingness in modern republics to wage war, despite the damages it may inflict, occurs because we believe in and elevate freedom as a greater good that is conceptually detached from the material world, and therefore justifies harm and destruction within the material world. This, however, only becomes real or materialized when we take it upon ourselves to incarnate this pseudo-divinity.[12] In religion or freedom, our objective uncertainty encourages us to seek out solace in the certainty of others through consensuswe evangelize others to feel less alone in our beliefs. We propagate our ideas to strengthen their validity in our minds and those of our followers and brothers in arms. That is why a quest for freedom, much like a crusade, can spread and ignite an entire population, because it thrives on propaganda. When modern secular republics are fighting religious extremists, both may have a thoroughly distinct idea regarding what constitution will best serve the peoples interest and the likelihood of a sustainable peace, but ultimately this question is not at the forefront of the fight. The legitimation processes built on religion are in fact very similarly constructed in our minds as those built on freedom. Jihadist groups are simply building on both simultaneously, thus superimposing their legitimation effects. An important reflection that must be had in order to break the two apart is how the international community can successfully offer an alternative promise of freedom that will be as compelling as it is credible and concrete, so as to compete with the allegorical figures leading the insurgency. The difficulty is that freedom is not a singular concept. It is fraught with paradox. When do claims for collective freedom become threats to individual freedoms? What good is political freedom on paper if human security and access to basic requirements of life are such that there would be no way to make any use of it as a tool for improving ones situation? Freedom can easily become a senseless abstraction if it is not built into societal structures that generate human development. QUESTS FOR IRRATIONAL OR LIMITLESS CONCEPTS OF FREEDOM LEAD TO EQUALLY IRRATIONAL AND LIMITLESS CONCEPTS OF WAR. And then there are chimerical concepts of freedom, like the anarchist demandfor all of freedom, nothing but freedom, absolute freedomwhich are not only emboldened, but also void of any applicable, measurable, physical delivery mode. When objectives are immaterial, where does the fight end? Quests for irrational or limitless concepts of freedom lead to equally irrational and limitless concepts of war. They defined what freedom they wantedan abstract question that leads to abstract answersbut actually, the only questions regarding freedoms we should ask are which freedoms and how? CONCLUSION Freedom remains a ghost insofar as it is used merely as an ectoplasm attached to war superficially, to justify actions that may not in fact be justifiable at the core, to shout a mere slogan in the hope it may silence other interests a state may have in waging it, but would prefer no one noticed. Freedom only becomes material, real, and rational when it goes beyond a mere promise for the future, and becomes something we can actually grasp, enjoy and most of all, use as a tool of self and collective betterment. The thing to remember is that while freedom has all the attributes of a god of war, it also has all those of a creator, a builder, and an enabler. It becomes a matter of choice to which of these incarnations we pray.The latest report by the Special Investigator General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) indicates that the Talibans control of districts as of the end of Jan. 2018 remains virtually unchanged. The Taliban continue to maintain its grip on half of Afghanistan, despite U.S. militarys reinvigorated effort to force the group from its strongholds.

The U.S. Department of Defense and Resolute Support (RS), NATOs command in Afghanistan, provides the district control data to SIGAR. SIGARs data is dated as of Jan. 31, 2018.

According to the SIGAR report, the Afghan government controls or influences 229 of Afghanistans 407 districts (56.3%). The Taliban controls or influences 59 districts (14.5%). The remaining 119 districts (29.2%) are contested.

There is little change between this quarter and last, when a U.S. military spokesman noted that approximately 56% of the countrys 407 districts are under Afghan government control or influence, 30% remain contested, and approximately 14% are now under insurgent control or influence. (Note: Last quarter, the U.S. military and Resolute Support only released a country-wide statistic and did not declassify district-level assessment. After pressure from SIGAR, the military released the information and claimed the classification was due to a human error.)

FDDs Long War Journal has tracked the status of Afghanistans districts since the summer of 2015, six months before the U.S. military and Resolute Support began releasing data to SIGAR. LWJ maintains that the U.S. military provides the most optimistic outlook of the Talibans strength and disposition, using a more complex categorization system to obscure the full extent of insurgent control.

Resolute Support/SIGAR has five assessment levels: insurgent controlled, insurgent influenced, contested, government influenced, and government controlled. LWJ does not maintain an influenced assessment for the districts, and simply has three assessment levels: insurgent controlled, contested, and government controlled.

LWJ considers the influenced assessment to equate to contested. The reasoning is that if the Taliban wield influence in, say 30% or 70% of a district, the end result is the same. Neither the government, nor the Taliban, fully control the district.

Additionally, SIGARs data is dated as of Jan. 31, 2018, while LWJs data is current as mid-April 2018, when the last full review was conducted. Changes to individual districts are updated as new information is obtained (for instance, on April 28, the Taliban overran the Qala-i-Zal district center in Kunduz province; the current status of this district is Taliban controlled).

According to LWJ, the Afghan government controls 159 districts (39%), the Taliban controls 39 districts (9.5%), and 200 districts (49%) are contested. LWJ was not able to determine the status of 9 districts (2%).

Therefore, according to LWJs data, the Taliban controls or contests 239 of Afghanistans 407 districts, or 59%.

Notes on LWJs methodology to determine status of a district:

The data and research behind this are based on open-source information as well as data provided by SIGAR/Resolute Support in Jan. 2018. This is a living map that LWJ frequently updates as verifiable research is conducted to support control changes. Any Unconfirmed district colored orange has some level of claim-of-control made by the Taliban, but either has not yet beenor can not be independently verified by LWJ research. A Contested district may mean that the government may be in control of the district center, but little else, and the Taliban controls large areas or all of the areas outside of the district center. A Controlled district may mean the Taliban is openly administering a district, providing services and security, and also running the local courts.

In Jan. 2018, LWJ incorporated district data provided by SIGAR/Resolute Support. LWJ used the following methodology to reconcile SIGAR/Resolute Supports information with LWJs data:

 If RS/SIGAR assessment of a district matches LWJs assessment, there are no changes.

 If RS/SIGAR identified a district as Insurgent Controlled and LWJ identified as contested, LWJ assessed the district as Insurgent Controlled (based on review of available information).

 If RS/SIGAR identified a district as Insurgent Influenced and LWJ determined as Contested, LWJ will assess the district as Contested.

 If RS/SIGAR identified a district as Contested and LWJ has no determination, LWJ accepts RS/SIGARs assessment and identifies the district Contested.

-If RS/SIGAR identified a district as GIRoA Influenced, and LWJ has information there is significant Taliban activity in the district, LWJ assesses the district as Contested.

 If RS/SIGAR identified a district as GIRoA Influenced, and LWJ cannot see evidence of Taliban activity, LWJ assesses the district as GIRoA Controlled.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Alexandra Gutowski is a military affairs analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

This article appeared originally at FDD's Long War Journal.The first White House Correspondents Dinner was held in 1921, at the Arlington Hotel in Washington, D.C., a couple blocks north of the presidential residence. The events purpose was practical: to inaugurate the new officers of the group that had been formed to advocate for the interests of the journalists who kept the public informed about the doings of the American presidency.GOYANG, South Korea (AP)  In a historic summit more striking for its extraordinary images than its substance, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in set aside a year that saw them seemingly on the verge of war, grasped hands and strode together Friday across the cracked concrete marking the Koreas border.

The sight, inconceivable just months ago, may not erase their failure to provide any new measures on a nuclear standoff that has captivated and terrified millions, but it allowed the leaders to step forward toward the possibility of a cooperative future even as they acknowledged a fraught past and the widespread skepticism that, after decades of failed diplomacy, things will be any different this time.

On the nuclear issue, the leaders merely repeated a previous vow to rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons, kicking one of the worlds most pressing issues down the road to a much-anticipated summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump in coming weeks.

Still, the summit produced the spectacle of two men from nations with a deep and bitter history of acrimony grinning from ear to ear after Kim walked over the border to greet Moon, becoming the first leader of his nation to set foot on southern soil since the Korean War. Both leaders then briefly stepped together into the North and back to the South.

The summit marks a surreal, whiplash swing in relations for the countries, from nuclear threats and missile tests to intimations of peace and cooperation. Perhaps the change is best illustrated by geography: Kim and Moons historic handshake and a later 30-minute conversation at a footbridge on the border occurred within walking distance of the spot where a North Korean soldier fled south in a hail of gunfire last year, and where North Korean soldiers axe-murdered two U.S. soldiers in 1976.

Standing at a podium next to Moon after the talks ended, Kim faced a wall of cameras beaming his image live to the world and declared that the Koreas are linked by blood as a family and compatriots who cannot live separately. The leaders also vowed to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization, something theyve said before.

The latest declaration between the Koreas, Kim said, should not repeat the unfortunate history of past inter-Korean agreements that only reached the starting line before becoming derailed.

What happened Friday should be seen in the context of the last year  when the United States, its ally South Korea and North Korea threatened and raged as the North unleashed a torrent of weapons tests  but also in light of the long, destructive history of the rival Koreas, who fought one of the 20th centurys bloodiest conflicts and even today occupy a divided peninsula thats still technically in a state of war.

Trump tweeted later Friday, KOREAN WAR TO END! and said the United States should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea! Both Koreas agreed to jointly push for talks this year with the United States and also potentially China to officially end the Korean War, which stopped with an armistice that never ended the war.

Many will be judging the summit based on the weak nuclear language. North Koreas nuclear and missile tests last year likely put it on the threshold of becoming a legitimate nuclear power. The North, which has spent decades doggedly building its bombs despite crippling sanctions and near-constant international opprobrium, claims it has already risen to that level.

South Korean conservative politicians criticized the joint statement as letting North Korea off the hook by failing to secure a clear commitment on nuclear disarmament. Liberty Korea Party Chairman Hong Joon-pyo denounced the summit as a show camouflaged as peace.

But the Koreas made inroads on a raft of other points of friction between them. Moon agreed to visit Pyongyang, North Koreas capital, sometime in the autumn, and both leaders said theyd meet on a regular basis and exchange calls via a recently established hotline.

They agreed to settle their disagreement over their western maritime border by designating it as a peace area and securing fishing activities for both countries. They said theyd open a permanent communication office in the North Korean border town of Kaesong and resume temporary reunions of relatives separated by the 1950-53 Korean War.

I feel like Im firing a flare at the starting line in the moment of (the two Koreas) writing a new history in North-South relations, peace and prosperity, Kim told Moon as they sat at a table, which had been built so that exactly 2018 millimeters separated them, to begin their closed-door talks. Moon responded that there were high expectations that they produce an agreement that will be a big gift to the entire Korean nation and every peace-loving person in the world.

Kim acknowledged the widespread skepticism over their summit. We have reached big agreements before but were unable to fulfill them. ... There are skeptical views on whether the meeting today will yield meaningful results, Kim said. If we maintain a firm will and proceed forward hand in hand, it will be impossible at least for things to get worse than they are now.

Kim, during their talks, joked that he would make sure not to interrupt Moons sleep anymore, a reference to the Norths drumbeat of early-morning missile tests last year, according to Moons spokesman, Yoon Young-chan. Kim also referred to a South Korean island that North Korea attacked with artillery in 2010, killing four, saying the residents of Yeonpyeong Island who have been living in fear of North Korean artillery have high hopes the summit will help heal past scars. Kim said hed visit Seouls presidential Blue House if invited.

The historic greeting of the two leaders, which may be the images most remembered from the summit, was planned to the last detail, though the multiple border crossings may have been impromptu. As thousands of journalists, who were kept in a huge conference center well away from the summit, except for a small group of tightly controlled pool reporters at the border, waited and watched, Moon stood near the Koreas dividing line, moving forward the moment he glimpsed Kim, dressed in dark, Mao-style suit, appearing in front of a building on the northern side. They smiled broadly and shook hands with the border line between them. Moon then invited Kim to cross into the South, and, after Kim did so, Moon said, You have crossed into the South, but when do I get to go across? Kim replied, Why dont we go across now? and then grasped Moons hand and led him into the North and then back into the South.

Moon then led Kim along a blindingly red carpet into South Korean territory, where two fifth-grade students from the Daesongdong Elementary School, the only South Korean school within the DMZ, greeted the leaders and gave Kim flowers. An honor guard stood at attention for inspection, a military band playing traditional Korean folk songs beloved by both Koreas and the South Korean equivalent of Hail to the Chief.

They then took a photo inside the Peace House, where the summit took place, in front of a painting of South Koreas Bukhan Mountain, which towers over the South Korean Blue House presidential mansion and where dozens of North Korean commandos trying to assassinate the then-dictator in Seoul were killed in 1968. Kims sister, Kim Yo Jong, was by Kims side throughout the ceremony, handing him a pen to sign a guestbook, taking the schoolchildrens flowers from his hand and scribbling notes at the start of the talks with Moon.

Expectations were generally low on the nuclear issue, given that past so-called breakthroughs on North Koreas weapons have collapsed amid acrimonious charges of cheating and bad faith. Skeptics of engagement have long said that the North often turns to interminable rounds of diplomacy meant to ease the pain of sanctions  giving it time to perfect its weapons and win aid for unfulfilled nuclear promises.

Advocates of engagement, however, say the only way to get a deal is to do what the Koreas tried Friday: Sit down and see whats possible.

The White House said in a statement that it is hopeful that talks will achieve progress toward a future of peace and prosperity for the entire Korean Peninsula. ... (and) looks forward to continuing robust discussions in preparation for the planned meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks.

___

AP writers Kim Tong-hyung, Hyung-jin Kim and Eric Talmadge contributed to this report.If political power can be defined as the ability to accomplish your objectives and prevent ones adversaries from accomplishing theirs, no one in memory has been as powerful as Sen. Mitch McConnell, including our recent presidents. He is the premier strategist and tactician of his era, and probably the toughest negotiator as well. For the past 10 years, the Senate -- and therefore Washington -- has worked effectively only in brief periods when McConnell allowed it to work. Much more often, gridlock and dysfunction were his order of the day, and the year.

McConnell has been a formidable Republican leader, but never a Senate leader. The great Senate leaders  Mike Mansfield, Everett Dirksen, Howard Baker, Robert Byrd  created, and maintained, a Senate based on trust, mutual respect and bipartisanship. They were all partisans, but they never lost sight of the Senates responsibility to take collective action in the nations interest. They engaged in good faith, working across the aisle in the Senate, and with the president, whether he was a Republican or a Democrat.

McConnell knows what the Senate should be. He has made admirable statements about how only the upper chamber can produce legislation that will command broad national support because it is the place where the majority and minority must come together to hammer out compromises to find common ground. In the deeply personal statement that begins his 2016 memoir, The Long Game, he sternly reminds his readers: People are not elected to the Senate to get everything they want. This is not an all-or-nothing place. And these are not the type of people that we want to be the leaders in the Senate, or of anything else.

By his own standard, McConnell should not be a leader in the Senate, or of anything else. The Senate was in long, gradual decline when McConnell and Democrat Harry Reid became its leaders, but its accelerating downward spiral in the last decade coincides 100 percent with McConnells tenure and tactics as leader. On his watch, the Senate has become a bitter, partisan, broken institution devoid of trust, which has forfeited public confidence and self-confidence.

McConnells defenders readily acknowledge that hes no Howard Baker or Bob Dole, but claim that hes the right leader for these harsh, partisan, uncompromising times. But McConnell, coming up on 12 years in Senate leadership, doesnt just reflect the times. More than any other political figure, with the possible exception of Newt Gingrich, McConnell shaped these partisan times by choosing to reject virtually every possible opportunity to move the country ahead on a bipartisan basis.

He united the Republican minority in the Senate through six years of constant obstruction to the Obama presidency, starting with the shameful act of opposing the economic stimulus legislation in early 2009 when America teetered on the edge of a second Great Depression. It is hard to conceive of any other Senate leader who would have behaved that way. It was exactly the opposite of the strong leadership that McConnell provided in October 2008, just three months earlier, to pass the TARP legislation, to save the banking system. The only thing that had changed was that a Democrat had become president.

In 2015, when McConnell finally achieved his life goal and became majority leader, almost overnight the Senate quickly began moving legislation on a bipartisan basis. It wasnt that difficult once the principal obstructionist became a constructive player. The Senates comeback lasted one year and one month, ending when Justice Antonin Scalia died, descending into partisan bitterness after McConnell announced that the Senate would not consider any nominee put forth by President Obama during his final year in office.

In 2017, now working with a Republican president, the obstructionist became a steamroller. There is no precedent for McConnells relentless assault on the Affordable Care Act, making repeated attempts to ram through legislation threatening the health care of Americans and making drastic cuts in Medicaid, without hearings, committee consideration, amendments, or consultation with any of the diverse affected interests. He also bypassed the usual need for 60 votes on major legislation by abusing the reconciliation process. When McConnell fell short of votes, he repeatedly pledged to move on to other business, only to come back with yet another version of ACA repeal. Even Senate Republicans were angered, but their leader kept them in line, benefiting from the tribal politics that he has done so much to create.

Criticism of McConnells leadership inevitably produces the response: What about Harry Reid? In my view, Reid was an excessively partisan leader who made some serious mistakes. But for eight long years, Reid was the Democratic leader with the enormous responsibility of advancing the legislative program of an elected, and re-elected, president. In contrast, all McConnell had to do was obstruct. In our system, both President Obama and Harry Reid had reason to believe that they would get some degree of minority party cooperation. But under McConnell, they got none.

This isnt a family business that McConnell is driving into the ground; its the Senate, the rock of the republic. As a constitutional crisis arising from the special counsels Russia investigation hurdles toward us, a real question exists as to whether the Senate is strong enough to play the role the Founders assigned it: checking an overreaching president. I am confident that many Republican senators will put country first if the special counsels report presents a damning picture of obstruction of justice, and collusion with Russian interests. Even Mitch McConnell may decide this is one case where the national interest coincides with Republican political interests. But the Senate will not make a sustained recovery until McConnell no longer leads it.Good morning, its Tuesday, May 1, 2018. On this date 57 years ago, the Kennedy White House hosted an invitation-only soiree called simply An Evening With Robert Frost.

The event took place in the State Department auditorium, where John F. Kennedy held many of his press conferences, for the simple reason that in the 1960s Washington had few suitable public venues for formal events. Three years earlier, Congress had passed legislation, signed by President Eisenhower, to fund and construct a National Culture Center.

By the time it opened in 1971, it would be called the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, but that was 10 years in the future, after assassins had robbed America of a president, and his brother, as well Martin Luther King Jr. Little wonder, then, that Jacqueline Kennedy would look back on this time and think of the glorious days epitomized by the mythical time and place called Camelot.

In a moment, Ill have more on the fleeting events of this evening in 1961. First, Id first point you to RealClearPolitics front page, which presents our poll averages, videos, breaking news stories, and aggregated opinion columns spanning the political spectrum. We also offer original material from our own reporters and contributors, including the following:

* * *

Trump-Tester Dust-Up Could Heat Up MT Senate Race. Caitlin Huey-Burns has the story.

Cybersecurity Podcast 2: NATO and the Next Great Battlefield. Andrew Walworth interviews experts in the field of cyber defense.

Privacy Rules Wont Fix Real Problem in Facebook Scandal. Scott Wallsten argues that plans to address the Cambridge Analytica revelations miss a larger, and more concerning, point.

McConnells Broken Senate. Ira Shapiro asserts that the Kentucky lawmaker has been a formidable Republican leader, but never a Senate leader.

Untangling the Myths of Red Lines in Syria. In RealClearDefense, Christopher Bolan examines Obama-era pronouncements and inaction.

New NAFTA Must Protect Intellectual Property. In RealClearPolicy, Charles Boustany urges lawmakers to use trade negotiations as an opportunity to boost IP protections for innovative products such as new medicines.

Does the Media Cover School Choice Fairly? In RealClearEducation, Frederick M. Hess, R.J. Martin, and Brendan Bell spotlight research on the impartiality of reporting and editorial coverage of the controversial issue.

The Staying Power of Citizen Kane. In RealClearHistory, Brandon Christensen explores the sociopolitical commentary of what many consider the best film ever made.

A Fifth-Generation Circus Performers Close-Up. Kinga Philipps gets to know aerialist Viktoria Grimmy in RealClearLife.

* * *

Camelot, the enduring Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe Broadway musical, opened at the Majestic Theatre seven weeks before John F. Kennedys inauguration. It would run until early 1963, the year of JFKs death. Starring Julie Andrews as Queen Guinevere, Richard Burton as King Arthur, and Robert Goulet as Sir Lancelot, Camelot tells of how the mythical kingdom in the British Isles began with gaiety and promise only to end in death and tragedy.

Although its easy to see how Jacqueline Kennedy would see a parallel between Camelot and the sudden end of her familys storied Thousand Days in the White House, it was probably an exaggeration to say President Kennedy liked that kind of music, or even knew the songs. But Jackie Kennedys love of the arts was genuine, and her husbands Cabinet included cultured Americans only too happy to showcase the worlds great artists to a receptive public. The formal name of the Evening With series that began 57 years ago tonight was the Presidents Cabinet Artist Series.

Among those Cabinet officials were Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon, whod been Dwight Eisenhowers ambassador to France, and Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall and his wife, Lee. It was Udall who officially co-hosted the May 1, 1961 program with Robert Frost -- after serving a glass of sherry to the famous 87-year-old poet in the secretary's private dining room.

Neither the president nor the first lady were present for the first Evening With event, but Frost, the New England poet whod recited at the Kennedy inauguration, apparently didnt mind. Frost was always willing to perform at the drop of a hat -- in this case literally. In a book about Stewart and Lee Udalls contribution to the arts, former Udall aide L. Boyd Finch re-creates the scene as the poet approached the stage:

Frost was wearing a tuxedo that in the strong light appeared to be green with mold, and he carried a grey fedora. He needed a place to leave the hat, but none was immediately evident. Lining the hall were enclosed telephone booths reserved for the media covering Kennedy press conferences, each marked with a name. New York Times, Associated Press, Tass, Reuters, Washington Post, and so forth. Frost read the names aloud as he passed, then abruptly turned and walked back to the booth of Tass, the Soviet press agency. Placing his hat on the seat inside, he brightly remarked to me, It ought to be safe here.

After the tragedy in Dallas, the Cabinet gradually changed, and the impetus behind the artist series dissipated. Attempts were made to keep it going under JFK's successor, and for a while those efforts succeeded. But those magical evenings eventually ran aground on shoals of bad news from Southeast Asia.

A decade later, as he contemplated the hope of the Thousand Days, Stewart Udall penned a poem titled On the Hillside at Arlington, which ended with this stanza.

Then why do we stir our griefs

Or yearn for cancelled constellations

When we know all meteors

Sign the sky once -- only once?

This echoed the lament of Jackie Kennedy, who told Theodore White that her husbands death evoked in her the signature line from Camelot: Dont ever let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot.

By clicking here you can see and hear that title song performed nostalgically, many years after the show closed, by Richard Burton.

To end this mornings missive on a more upbeat note, I found another number from that musical, sung by Julie Andrews in the role of Guinevere, a song that ushers in the hope of spring and the first day of May. It seems especially appropriate this year, when spring weather finally seems to have arrived. Enjoy the Lusty Month of May.

Carl M. Cannon

Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics

@CarlCannon (Twitter)

ccannon@realclearpolitics.comThe Right Lesson to Take From the Alfie Evans Tragedy

The baby Alfie Evans has died. Born in Liverpool with a degenerative brain condition, Alfie had been in a semi-vegetative state for over a year. Against his parents' wishes, the hospital took Alfie off ventilation.

The parents had wanted to move him to a Vatican hospital in Rome that would have kept him on life-support. But the British hospital refused to release the baby, deeming further treatment "futile."

Foes of national health care in this country latched on to this tragic case for political purposes. A Heritage Foundation headline called it "A Sordid Lesson in Government-Controlled Health Care."

Actually, it was the opposite. It was an inspiring example. Britain's government-run health care system had given this working family's baby nearly two years of intensive First World medical care at no charge to the parents. It desperately tried to save Alfie.

In a crashing irony, conservatives in the U.S. called for keeping Alfie on life-support while pushing to dismantle what little health coverage many Americans have. Under President Trump's leadership, they work tirelessly to drain the Affordable Care Act of the funds it needs to stay afloat. They have no plausible replacement.

Britain's National Health Service is truly socialized medicine. Unlike the Canadian system, where the government picks up the bills but doctors work for themselves, medical professionals in Britain are public employees.

NHS critics make valid points. But if Britain's leaders ever attempted to replace their government-run program with a system like ours, there would be riots in the streets. British Prime Minister Theresa May, a Conservative, noted that many of the people protesting with Alfie's parents were also demanding more funding for the NHS.

The folks at Heritage routinely try to weasel out of their opposition to universal coverage by implying that there are ways to get there other than by "total government control" of health care. This is true. Obamacare was one of those ways. Many countries do it through multi-payer systems mixing government and private insurance.

What they all have in common, however, is guaranteed coverage for everyone. And that's not going to happen without a strong government hand at the levers.

For many Britons siding with Alfie's mother and father, the issue was parents' right to make medical decisions for their children. Under British law, parents can be overruled when their preference on care risks harm to a child. They can take the matter to various courts. Alfie's parents did, to no avail.

Heritage's Robert Moffit tried to swing the discussion back to the imagined evils of government-run health care. "If you reduce medical judgments to political or bureaucratic decisions," he wrote, "you can expect arrogant and cruel, often heartless and incompetent, decisions."

But the medical judgments in Alfie's case were made by medical professionals. Doctors at the Alder Hey Children's Hospital had scans showing "catastrophic degradation of (Alfie's) brain tissue." They determined that leaving the baby tied to wires and tubes with no hope of improvement would have been "unkind and inhumane."

When death came, the tide went out on the naked politicizing of this tragedy. Alfie's father thanked the hospital staff "at every level for their dignity and professionalism during what must be an incredibly difficult time for them too."

Although Pope Francis had joined Christian activists in supporting the parents' case, Catholic bishops in England and Wales did not join him. The health care system was doing God's work, too.

Both sides in the Alfie Evans story were heartfelt in their concerns. And in the end, both sides had to acknowledge how much medical care their government bestowed on a grievously brain-damaged baby.As a Democrat running for re-election in a state Donald Trump won by 20 percentage points, Jon Tester should have been among the most vulnerable incumbents in the upper chamber this year, but Republican recruitment troubles, a lackluster primary, and the state's recent history of ticket splitting allowed the U.S. Senate race in Montana to float below the national radar.

That all changed last week when the two-term lawmaker made himself a highly visible blip on the presidents screen.

After Tester detailed allegations against Adm. Ronny Jackson that prompted his eventual withdrawal as Trumps nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, the president lashed out at the accuser on multiple high-profile occasions, casting a bright light on the contest.

Republicans have the burden and uncertainty of a crowded primary, and they won't know who will take on Tester until votes are cast on June 5. But GOP operatives in the state hope the president's active disparagement of the incumbent through a twitterstorm, a television interview, a press conference with a foreign head of state, and a campaign rally in the Midwest will undercut Tester's calling card as a Democrat who can work with Trump.

"This is one of those things where you have such a large megaphone with the White House and the president, and I don't think the president is going to stop," said one Montana Republican. "For the president, this is a personal mission. He's extremely pissed."

Indeed, Trump's irritation over Jackson's withdrawal -- which raised bipartisan questions about the administration's vetting process -- is palpable. He has gone so far as to call on Tester to resign and claimed to "know things about Tester that I could say, too, and if I said them, he would never be elected again." Over the past few days, Trump provided enough commentary on the red-state Democrat to be used in Republican campaign ads for the rest of the cycle.

But the president's attention span is short and the news cycle moves and morphs quickly. By Monday night, for example, focus had shifted to a report that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly has called the president an "idiot."

Additionally, Montana Democrats argue that the Jackson vetting saga shows Tester was simply doing his job for his military-heavy state and working to prevent what lawmakers in both parties viewed as an inexperienced nominee to lead the all-important VA.

"The challenge for Republicans is they are putting a spotlight on something Montana veterans support Senator Tester doing and shining a spotlight on an action the Republican chairman of the [Veterans Affairs] Committee agrees with," said a Democratic operative following the race.

Chairman Johnny Isakson declined to join Trump in attacking Tester, the panels vice chairman. "Every senator has the right to exercise their options," he said, according to CNN. Isakson also noted that he and Tester wrote a letter to the White House inquiring about the charges against Jackson, and "we never got that response back, and that's why we didn't have the hearing."

Last week, Tester brought forth allegations from over 20 current and former military personnel who claimed Jackson, who has been the White House physician during the Obama and Trump administrations, freely doled out prescriptions, created a hostile work environment, drank on the job and crashed a government vehicle. Jackson denied the charges, but withdrew his nomination last Thursday, saying he did not wish to be a distraction for the administration. The Secret Service was unable to corroborate the allegations.

In a statement, Tester said, "It's my duty to make sure Montana veterans get what they need and have earned, and I'll never stop fighting for them as their Senator."

Trump has portrayed the situation as rife with politics, and placed the blame, at least publicly, on the states senior senator.

Republicans running against Tester are following Trump's lead, and took issue with his handling of the vetting process during a primary debate last week. "Jon Tester very conveniently brought information up against a man who was getting ready to be considered for secretary of the VA when that information seems like it was available for quite some time," said state auditor Matt Rosendale, seen as the frontrunner in the primary.

"We have our own senator from Montana who bullied a fine man to the point he decided to pull himself out of the confirmation process. ... This was wrong," said former state Rep. Albert Olszewski. Billings Judge Russ Fagg said Tester "pre-judged" Jackson, and businessman Troy Downing argued the incumbent went public with "unsubstantiated claims."

Republicans acknowledge that the Senate race could take multiple turns between now and November, but they see the president's attacks as way to contrast Tester's votes with Trump's agenda.

"He is in a state Trump won by 20 points and he has now caught the ire of the president," said one Montana Republican strategist. "I think this allows folks to pile on a little bit to show where he has been breaking with Trump. [Tester] put a spotlight on himself in the wrong way."

Unlike some of his other red-state Democratic colleagues, Tester has voted with the president the least, according to analysis by the website 538. He voted against secretary of state nominee Mike Pompeo last week, for example. He also voted against a temporary funding measure to reopen the government, arguing that Washington could not afford to continue operating on short-term budgets.

Republicans argue that record shows Tester to be out of touch with voters, but Democrats say it reflects an independent streak necessary to win in the state. While Trump won Montana overwhelmingly in 2016, Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock was re-elected that year. Tester won his race by four points in 2012 while then-President Obama lost it by 13.

In his first television ad of the cycle, Tester touted 13 bills he authored that have been signed by the president. In it, he holds up his left hand, which is missing three fingers from a childhood machine accident. "Im out of fingers, he says in the spot, "but Im not finished getting things done for Montana.

It's the kind of message that shows why Tester is a difficult opponent for Republicans even in a state that looks favorable for the party on paper. Of the 13 bills, eight of them deal with accountability at the VA and improving health care and benefits for veterans, successes Trump himself has touted. The campaign has also pointed to stories over the past few days of veterans supporting Tester's stance on Jackson.

But that's also why Republicans in the state believe Trump's open criticisms of the lawmaker over the episode have the potential to help flip the Senate seat.

"This has the potential for this to be one of those crystalizing moments," said the Montana Republican operative. "It's going to put a question mark and open conversation and create a lot of doubt on an area that there wasn't one."The Economist, a news magazine of British pedigree, devoted a recent cover to an obituary. The stiff in question is the GOP, once the party of Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt but now decidedly that of Donald J. Trump. He has taken it over. He demands personal loyalty, refuses to abide dissent and rules by whim. For the once Grand Old Party, its mascot is no longer the elephant but the chicken, and its parade march is the grovel. Watch most Republicans do it.

Trump's way of governing and his almost absolute lack of political principles is often referred to as "Trumpism." This is a dandy term, because it moves us past the temptation to say "fascism" -- the subject of countless articles and books, including two important ones. The respected Dutch public intellectual Rob Riemen calls his book "To Fight Against This Age: On Fascism and Humanism," while Madeleine Albright, as befits her admirably direct style, comes right out and says it: "Fascism: A Warning."

But to Americans the term fascism is off-putting. It comes freighted with all sorts of baggage that does not describe Trump. Foremost, he is not an anti-Semite. Jew-hatred was the sine qua non of the most prominent fascist movements, particularly Germany's, where the murder of Jews was of the highest priority. Italy, where the term fascism originated, followed suit.

Trump has an authoritarian bent, but as his Jewish friends can attest and the conversion of his daughter to Judaism proves, he lacks fascism's most recognizable feature. Michael Cohen, I dare say, would not take a bullet for a Jew-hater.

So the term "Trumpism" works best because it describes something uniquely American. It's true that nations all over the world have moved to the authoritarian right, but China, Russia, Poland, Hungary and others are returning to their histories. These nations were never democracies for very long. America is different. The closest thing we previously had to Trump was Huey Long, the 1930s-era governor and then senator from Louisiana. He had the makings of a dictator, but he was killed before he could mount a presidential campaign. Long, to his credit, actually had a program.

Trumpism has no such program. He sometimes mentions jobs, but that's just a talking point. His most consistent reference points are his own grudges. For all his wealth, Trump is a bundle of insecurities and resentments. In that way, he validates similar feelings in others. If they loathe the establishment, so does he. If they loathe foreign aid, so does he. If they misunderstand trade agreements, so does he. If they fret over an America that is less white and more tolerant of homosexuality and immigrants, then so does he. If they recoil from a news media that talks the PC language they abhor, so does he. They are him. He is them. That's the program.

If Trumpism needs an emblem, I suggest a bust of Ted Cruz. The Texas senator was once renowned as a congressional iconoclast, a team player for his own team only, and widely disliked as a result. During the presidential primaries, Cruz hit his stride, denouncing Trump as an "utterly immoral" "pathological liar," "serial philanderer" and "sniveling coward." Trump, of course, responded in kind, even suggesting that Cruz's father was somehow linked to John F. Kennedy's assassination.

No matter. In a recent issue of Time magazine, Cruz revealed his new-found admiration for Trump. His joy at the Trump administration could hardly be contained. The article is a model of "sniveling" political cowardice.

Trumpism did not come out of nowhere. The GOP has long reviled the so-called mainstream media. Trumpism is Sarah Palinism updated. It is the GOP's acceptance of white racism -- the reason segregationist Strom Thurmond left the Democratic Party -- and is an extreme version of Reaganism and his dictum that "government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." In a way Ronald Reagan did not intend, that is certainly the case now.

Does Trumpism have a future beyond Trump himself? Maybe. The woods are thick with Trumps-in-waiting, but none so far have his celebrity mojo. More likely, America's political immune system will kick in and install a more conventional government. But Trump -- with his tweets, his vulgarity, his appeal to bigotry, his insults, his carefree ignorance and his ability to maintain himself as an addictive spectacle -- has changed things forever. Trump is where the end begins. He will be gone, but Trumpism will remain.

(c) 2018, Washington Post Writers GroupFormerly nicknamed the Grand Old Lady in mining circles, Durban Deep officially ceased its operations in 2001. But the 12-million ounces of gold still believed to be un-mined in the area have drawn thousands of low-income migrants, mostly from Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Many have moved into Durban Deep's abandoned bungalows on leafy streets once inhabited by wealthy white mine employees.

According to figures from 2011, the last time a nationwide census was done in South Africa, there were 744 people living within the former mine village itself, but the surrounding settlements of Matholesville and Sol Plaatje, both of which are largely sustained by illegal mining in the Durban Deep area, had populations of approximately 15,000 and 25,000 respectively. These populations are likely much higher today.Athens, GA (30605)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High around 75F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.Turning the ship before it hits the icebergSPRING SPIRITS

By

NF Ambery

LITCHFIELDSaturday nights weather was a mild 60 degrees and a large pink full moon hung in the cloudless night sky. In other words, it was a beautiful night for the Spring Spirits event at the Litchfield Distillery at 569 Bantam Road.

The annual spring fundraiser, attended by 55 people, included a live jazz performance by the Albert Rivera Consortium, cocktails, hors doeuvres, desserts and live and silent auctions, all to benefit the annual Litchfield Jazz Camp.

Overseeing the event was Vita Muir, founder and executive director of Litchfield Performing Arts.

We have playing with the band tonight a drummer who is a jazz aamp alumnus and who is 16 years old, she said, prior to the auction, emphasizing for the audience the tangible good that is found in donating to the Jazz Camp.

Organizers said the $75-per-ticket spring fundraiser was expected to raise approximately $20,000 for the summers 22nd annual Litchfield Jazz Camp. The camp hosts 350 residential and day students age 13 and up to study jazz. This years camp will be held at The Gunnery, a private coeducational boarding school in nearby Washington, in July. The camp culminates at the Litchfield Jazz Festival at the Goshen Fairgrounds, scheduled this year for July 27-29.

Previous spring fundraisers have included 2017s Spirits of Love Valentines Day event at the Lichfield Distillery and parties at a donors home in Washington.

Muir said before the event: I dont need to talk to you about the current state funding climate. Especially now, we need to do everything we can do to keep the core mission of the camp: To accept kids who cant afford it. We have a history of never once turning away any student because of finances. Muir said each year anywhere between 15 and 20 percent of students attend the camp via scholarships.

Guests sampled local wines and bourbons, tasted gourmet chocolates, and sampled a collection of hors doeuvres including crab cakes, beef tenderloin crostini and pork-and-gnocchi cakes, as well as various desserts  cannolis, lemon squares and fruit tarts  all provided by Ciesco Catering Company of Torrington.

One speaker prior to the live auction, Justin Wilbur of Ridgefield, attested to the jazz camps effectiveness on his own son.

Our son came to us at age 10 and said he was a really good drummer and wanted to study at the Camp, Wilbur said. Upon going to the camp, he found out that many other students could play other instruments besides drums, and he was put on the low end of skill sets.

Instead of being discouraged, that made the young drummer more determined, his father said.

Whereas another kid might have said Screw it, it was a credit to the camp that it encouraged him to rise to the challenge and to learn more, Wilbur said. Since then, he has been taking private drum and piano lessons, and we just got a piano for him. What could have been a crushing experience to our son became a challenge, and we credit the camp for it, because it is truly all about the music.

Litchfield Performing Arts coordinator Ellie Lambert, managing director Tegan Ryan, and WNPR journalist John Dankosky auctioned five vacation and class packages. A Premier Litchfield Jazz Festival Package with a brunch, drinks, and concert tickets for two to the July shows, finally sold for $700.

Every time Vita asks me to participate, I have to say yes, Dankosky told the crowd between auctions. I have seen a lot of kids go through the program and learn how to play music and have careers.

Amid animated bidding, Dankoskys wife, sitting in the back of room, won the bid for a Spanish Getaway Package that included seven nights staying at a private residence on Costa Brava along the coast of Spain, for $1,800.

Is there anyone who would like to bid on the next item who is not married to me? Dankosky joked with the crowd. National Public Radio after all is public.

Other auctioned vacation packages and classes included a cooking class and dinner for up to 10 people taught by celebrity chef Chris Prosperi of Simsburys acclaimed restaurant Metro Bis; an Adirondacks Retreat for six people in an Indian Lake, New York, home, sold for $1,500; a six-person sunset boat cruise and dinner at Muirs Tyler Lake house in Goshen, auctioned for $1,000; and a Holland America Cruise for seven days along the Caribbean and Mexico, was auctioned for $2,100.

Some silent auction items displayed on a table in front of the stacks of bourbon barrels against the Distillerys walls, included an Andover Classic Wines Basket valued at $110; a jazz show at Waterburys Palace Theaters Poli Club ($250); and a soprano saxophone and lesson from jazz camp teacher and musician Dane Ballou ($600). A nearby Giving Tree, was festooned with typewritten paper tags that included donations by individuals and companies, such as $500 donated from the Arthur J. Miller Scholarship Fund.

Jazz Camp volunteer Lisa Cruse of Sharon commented, Our spring fundraiser is always a great event, and this is a great space for a party and, surprisingly, for music acoustics.

Following drinks and dessert, Peter Adomeit, president of Litchfield Performing Arts, made a valedictory short speech, thanking the guests for their contributions.

For tickets and information about the jazz camp and the Litchfield Jazz Festival, go to https://litchfieldjazzfest.com and https://litchfieldjazzcamp.comPunjab to get first consignment of 250 buses out of total 842 buses this month, informs Raja WarringThousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong and Macau on International Workers' Day on Tuesday to campaign for better pay and benefits for their lowest-paid and most vulnerable workers.



Thousands flocked to a march organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) to government headquarters, while hundreds of workers from the pro-democracy Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU) accused the government of colluding with businesses, and failing to protect employees.



Both groups were protesting the lack of standard working hours and lack of work-life balance, while pro-democracy groups called for collective bargaining and a universal pension scheme.



FTU vice-chairman Lee Che-kin called for an end to the practice of deducting severance and long-service payments from workers' pension funds.



A protester and bus driver surnamed Pang said he wants to see a minimum wage and a limit to the number of hours he can be expected to work.



A bitter row has erupted between bus operators Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and the drivers union over allegations of inadequate driver training, since 19 people died in a bus crash in February.



"We are fighting for a minimum wage and for shorter working hours, with more rest time to spend with our families," Pang said. "It's not good for our health, and there's no time to go hiking or swimming or anything. All we do is get home and sleep, until the next shift."



"It's gotten to the point where we don't even pass our health checks; our shifts should be limited to 11 hours a day, not 13 hours a day," he said.



Meanwhile, a construction worker surnamed Leung accused developers of importing cheaper labor from outside Hong Kong, forcing local workers out of a job.



"A lot of people just spend their lives asleep at home, especially the skilled workers, because it's been made so there isn't enough work for them," Leung said. "There are a lot of people in this industry who had too many projects to choose from just a couple of years ago ... because they've now trained a lot of [migrant workers] to do those jobs now."



A protester surnamed Cheng called for guaranteed rest days for the whole working population.



"The way things are going right now, one generation has to meet the costs of two generations," he said. "There should be a basic guaranteed pension for elderly people from all social classes."



Wealth gap



CTU chairwoman Carol Ng said the government has yet to live up to its promises to do more for a growing rich-poor divide in Hong Kong.



Last year, outgoing chief executive Leung Chun-ying vowed to strengthen social security, expand medical subsidies for the elderly, and to abolish a rule allowing severance packages to be funded from employers' former contributions to employee pensions.



But Ng said little has changed since his successor Carrie Lam took over.



"They talk, but they don't act," Ng said. "They frequently capitulate to protest from the commercial sector."



She said the government had promised to phase out the practice over the course of a decade, but had given scant thought to the elderly working class who would be on the wrong side of the cut-off point.



"Who is going to subsidize them? They are only interested in subsidizing the employer; everything favors the employer, while Hong Kong's workers have to work till they drop," she said. "That is what workers are facing in the year 2018."



Pro-Beijing unionist Stanley Ng agreed.



"The deduction of severance packages from the Mandatory Provident Fund needs to stop as soon as possible," Ng said. "We see that the government is sincere about doing this, and we note that the commercial sector keeps moving the goalposts, probably to try to drag the process out."



"But there is a social consensus here, and I hope that employers won't go against society, and against protection for the retirement benefits of ordinary workers," he said.



Macau



Across the Pearl River Delta in Macau, hundreds of gaming sector employees took to the streets to demand better working conditions, albeit in a much smaller demonstration than in previous years in the former Portuguese enclave.



The protesters submitted a petition letter to government officials calling for benefits on a par with the civil service, including the same housing allowances and pensions.



Pro-democracy lawmaker Au Kam San told RFA that the sector, which accounts for a large slice of economic activity in the city, has seen downward pressure on wages in the past 10 years, with a huge pool of potential applicants, however.



"There is no difficulty in recruiting employees. Many people apply for these jobs, so there is no need to make big adjustments to salaries," Au said. "The general public is generally ... able to survive through social welfare, so while people here may not like government policies, their lives aren't greatly affected by them."



"People here tend to be pretty conservative," he said. "If they aren't struggling to get by, then they will be less motivated to participate in social movements."



But labor activist and former lawmaker Ron Lam said people are also less likely to attend demonstrations if they see little chance that the status quo will change as a result.



"The sense of powerlessness in society may be relatively high right now," Lam said. "In 2008, the community ... asked the government to deal with the issue of flood prevention, but 10 years later, nothing has actually happened."



Lam said many people had suffered from flood and storm damage during Typhoon Tiange last August.



"People feel that more senior officials need to be held accountable ... maybe people's sense of powerlessness stems from this," he said.



Reported by Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.A strike by crane drivers in China's construction industry spread nationwide ahead of International Workers' Day on Tuesday, as operators demanded a pay raise through strike action in a number of cities.



Crane operators around the country had also planned further action on Tuesday, a day traditionally set aside to honor the workers of the world, with local police placed on alert in some places, sources said.



Strikes for pay increases were recorded in Yulin and Chongzuo in the southwestern region of Guangxi, and Qingzhen in the southwestern province of Guizhou, with similar strikes and protests reported in Huai'an in the eastern province of Jiangsu, and Xiamen in the southeastern province of Fujian, a Hong Kong-based NGO reported.



According to the China Labour Bulletin (CLB) Strike Map, crane operators were also striking for subsidies, overtime pay, and holidays in the northwestern province of Gansu, higher wages and overtime pay in Xiantao, Hubei, and for overtime, wage increases, and against wage arrears in Hengyan in central Hunan province.



Similar disputes were also seen in Zhumadian, Henan, and in Nanchang in the eastern province of Jiangxi, CLB said.



Witnesses told RFA that many of the striking crane workers took to the streets with banners highlighting their demands, but that protests were quickly suppressed by police in many areas.



Henan crane operator Huang Xin said he knew of more than a dozen strikes in the province, while police had moved in to suppress a similar protest in Henan's Zhengzhou city.



"Crane operators have gone on strike in more than a dozen counties in Henan, but it's not just in Henan," Huang said. "This has also happened in Guangxi and Shandong province. Strikes have happened in more than a dozen provinces that we currently know of."



"Some people in Zhengzhou were arrested; I heard more than 20 people," he said. "The police took them away."



High risk, low pay



Huang said the crane operators feel that their pay is too low for such high-risk work, and are complaining of a total lack of paid overtime or rest periods.



"For example, if we are required to work for eight to nine hours, and then work more overtime at night, there will be no extra pay," Huang said. "You can work overtime until two o'clock in the morning, and the boss won't care. You will still have to work tomorrow as well."



"There are no health or social security benefits, no pension ... and no extra payments for working in the extreme heat of summer," he said. "When a project is completed, we lose our jobs, and then we have to start over again at another site."



Crane operators told RFA their monthly salary is 5,500 yuan, and unpaid overtime drives down their hourly rate dramatically.



"We have to work nine hours a day, and there are no rest days on Saturdays and Sundays," a crane worker from Jiangxi surnamed Chen told RFA. "There are also no guarantees that we will be able to take leave at Chinese New Year."



Crane operators were planning a further nationwide strike on Tuesday, sources told RFA.



Government censors have rapidly deleted social media posts about the industrial action, while police have moved in to "maintain stability" and prevent further unrest on International Workers' Day, they said.



Calls to the Zhenzhou municipal police department and the Hunan provincial police department rang unanswered on Tuesday.



Rules not followed



China's ruling Chinese Communist Party amended its labor laws in 1995 to require employers to pay staff for overtime, and to stick to a five-day working week, as part of its commitments to join the World Trade Organization.



But very few Chinese companies implement those requirements on the ground.



While collective bargaining has always been the most useful tool for the protection of workers' rights, according to labor activists, the Chinese Communist Party continues to crack down on nongovernment groups (NGOs), especially those involved in the country's nascent but unofficial labor movement.



Chinese NGOs work on issues that affect millions of ordinary people daily, including domestic violence and discrimination, child welfare, labor disputes, and environmental pollution.



But NGOs that work on human rights or civil liberties issues and rely on foreign funding are being targeted for police supervision, and those who lead strikes are often detained on public order charges.



Reported by Wong Siu-san and Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Shi Shan for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.United Nations Security Council diplomats who visited northern Rakhine state on Tuesday called on Myanmar to conduct what they called a proper investigation into atrocities against the Rohingya during a military crackdown.

Thousands of Rohingya were killed during the crackdown launched late last August in response to deadly attacks on police outposts by Muslim militants, while others say their communities endured torture, rape, and arson at the hands of security forces.

Both the U.N. and United States have said that the campaign, which forced nearly 700,000 Rohingya to flee to safety in Bangladesh, amounted to ethnic cleansing.

The U.N.s 15 permanent envoys spent two days in Myanmar to assess the situation on the ground in Rakhine state amid a program to begin repatriating Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh.

"[I]n order to have accountability there must be a proper investigation, Karen Pierce, Britains ambassador to the U.N., told reporters during a news conference following the delegations visit to Rakhine state.

Myanmar can set up such a probe through an International Criminal Court (ICC) referral or by holding its own comprehensive inquiry, she said.

An ICC prosecutor asked the international tribunal in April to rule on whether the court can exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh, even though Myanmar is not a member of the ICC.

Myanmar and Bangladesh have signed an agreement for the voluntary return of refugees who are eligible for repatriation pending verification. The program was slated to begin in late January but has been beset by delays.

We need to start on that

The U.N. and rights groups have asked Myanmar to guarantee the safety and basic rights of the Rohingya, who are considered illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and subject to systematic discrimination. Many have said they remain afraid to return.

It is very important to improve the security conditions for the return of the refugees [and] also improve cooperation with international organizations, particularly the United Nations, said Security Council President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra. We also mentioned the importance of the investigations regarding what happened there before the refugees went to Bangladesh.

Myanmar has yet to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme and U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) on working together on the repatriation of refugees. The UNHCR has already signed a separate similar agreement with Bangladesh.

Maansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, Kuwaits permanent representative at the U.N. and a member of the delegation, expressed confidence that the agreement would be signed, adding that the U.N. wants Myanmar and Bangladesh to speed up the repatriation process.

Pierce said the delegation wants to help the Myanmar government with implementing the recommendations on Rakhine state issued by an earlier panel chaired by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, as well as support the signing of the MoUs.

That commissions report called for reviews of the countrys 1982 Citizenship Law, which prevents the Rohingya from becoming citizens, an end to restrictions on the Muslim minority to prevent further violence in the region, and the closure of internally displaced persons camps in Rakhine state.

We believe if the MoUs can be signed quickly and U.N. agencies be given unconditional access, that will be the best thing to do for the scale of the problem  the absolute scale of having to get  so many refugees back home in security and safety so they can practice their livelihoods over time, Pierce said. Even if it takes a long time, we need to start on that.

UN Security Council members (from left) Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi from Kuwait, Gustavo Meza-Cuadra from Peru, Joanna Wronecka from Poland, and Karen Pierce from Great Britain speak at a press conference in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw, May 1, 2018. Credit: AFP Their attitude will change

Tin Maung Swe, secretary of the Rakhine state government, told RFAs Myanmar Service that the delegations perception of the crisis may have changed after its visit.

Because there was a planned meeting between the U.N. security team and local [Rakhine] ethnics, they learned that the truth is different from what they have heard, he said. They got to know about what really happened in Rakhine state, and because they have seen and know the truth, we think their attitude will change at least a little.

Aye Lwin, a Muslim representative on the Annans advisory commission, met with the delegates in Rakhine state and urged them to ask the international community for support for Myanmar.

I told them that Myanmar needs positive help from the international community, he told RFAs Myanmar Service after the meeting. We need to find a new way because we are facing many hardships when it comes to solving problems.

I told them that if the international community, including U.N. agencies, can give positive suggestions to Myanmars policymakers, there will be some good results, said the Muslim leader and founder of the interfaith group Religions for Peace Myanmar.

Aye Lwin also reminded the delegates that refugees living in makeshift shelters in Bangladesh as well as in Myanmar will face a major risk from floods and landslides during the fast-approaching monsoon season.

We all know that people from Bangladeshs refugee camps cant return home in the short term, so they need to be in the proper shelters during this season, he said.

Aye Lwin also told the diplomats that the level of trust among the Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists needed to be strengthened to implement the recommendations of the Annan commission because both communities remain suspicious of the other.

An impartial judgment

Nyo Aye, chairwoman of the activist organization Rakhine Womens Network, met with the diplomats for only 15 minutes to discuss the contentious relationship between Muslims and Buddhists in Rakhine state.

They asked us why we hate each other and how we can get along with each other again, she told RFA. We replied that we [ethnic Rakhine] are always careful and still have a relationship with them [Muslims] in the region.

We told them that the hatred between us grew because of the international media as they spread false news about the situation in Rakhine state, she said.

Nyo Aye informed one delegate that some of the refugees the U.N. team saw in displacement camps in Bangladesh before visiting Myanmar were not all from Rakhine state, but were Bangladeshis who themselves live in the camps. She did not say how she knew the refugees were Bangladeshis.

I also told her that now that she had seen both the situations in Bangladesh and in Rakhine, I hope you can form an impartial judgment about them.

On Monday, the 15 diplomats met with State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and other government officials.

Before they began their two-day visit to Myanmar, the delegation members spent three days in Bangladesh visiting refugee camps and meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Reported by Min Thein Aung, Nay Rein Kyaw, and Wai Mar Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.Fifteen ambassadors from the United Nations Security Council arrived in Myanmar on Monday to begin an investigation of the violence carried out against the Rohingya in Rakhine state during a military crackdown that drove 700,000 members of the Muslim minority group to Bangladesh.

The delegation, led by Security Council President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, met with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and military commander-in-chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing after visiting vast displacement camps in Bangladesh where the Rohingya refugees live. Theplomats are slated to head to northern Rakhine state on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Aung San Suu Kyi said Myanmar is ready to accept Rohingya refugees who have been approved for repatriation after officials verify that they lived in Rakhine state before the crackdown, according to a statement issued by her office.

She also said that Myanmar needs Bangladeshs cooperation to expedite the repatriation process and that the country should submit completed repatriation application forms to Myanmar without further delay.

Aung San Suu Kyi also discussed the governments provision of humanitarian assistance to all people, the need to build trust in communities, the citizenship process for returning Rohingya, the closure of displacement camps that house Rohingya, the issuance of National Verification Cards for returning refugees, and the enforcement of the rule of law in Rakhine state.

When the diplomats met with Min Aung Hlaing, they asked him about the security situation in Maungdaw and Buithdaung  two of the three townships where the crackdown occurred  the repatriation process, projects on which Myanmar can work with U.N. agencies in Rakhine, and the militarys willingness to act in accordance with the law in the state.

Min Aung Hlaing responded that the army is the only institution that can protect the country and that it will take action against anyone who violates rules and laws.

The Rakhine crisis occurred because of Muslim militants whom he referred to as terrorists carried out deadly attacks on 30 police outposts on Aug. 25, 2017, and caused other violence in the northern part of the state, he said.

Myanmar is ready to accept back Rohingya refugees according to an agreement it signed with Bangladesh last November, and the army is ready to work with other institutions according to the governments directions, Min Aung Hlaing said.

He also told the delegation that the army has been taking action against soldiers who have been found guilty of raping Rohingya girls and women during the crackdown.

The military stands accused of human rights violations that include indiscriminate killings, rape, torture, and arson in Rohingya communities. Both the U.N. and the United States have said that the campaign amounted to ethnic cleansing.

Min Aung Hlaing told the U.N. team that international organizations must be fair to local ethnics  meaning ethnic Rakhine Buddhists  when performing humanitarian work in Rakhine and that they should study the documents and photos that the Myanmar army has provided to them to learn about the on-the-ground situation.

A comprehensive look

Pyone Kaythi Naing, a National League for Democracy lawmaker in the lower house of the national parliament, said the diplomats had planned to meet with six legislators but had to cancel because of a flight delay on account of bad weather.

She also suggested that the delegation meet with various communities and civil society organizations in Myanmar.

Because the situation in Myanmar is very sensitive and complicated, they need to look comprehensively at the issues from different angles and perspectives, she said. The important thing for us is explaining the issue to them in a way that will foster a solution and resolve problems and not create more complications.

On Tuesday, the U.N. delegation will go to Maungdaw township by helicopter to visit refugee repatriation centers and ethnic Rakhine and Muslim villages, said Maung Maung, deputy director of the Information and Public Relations Department of Rakhine state.

The delegation members will return to Rakhines capital Sittwe in the evening and then head to Myanmars capital Naypyidaw.



Things are going slow

Earlier on Monday, the U.N. delegation met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh at the end of its three-day visit to the country and expressed concern that progress on resolving the Rohingya refugee crisis was moving slowly.

Myanmar should act in accordance with the agreement it has signed with Bangladesh, Hasina said during the meeting, according to Ihsanul Karim, the prime ministers press secretary who relayed the comment to BenarNews, an online affiliate of RFA.

Hasina also told the delegation that the repatriation of the refugees should be done under the supervision of the U.N. and that she expects China, Russia, India, and Japan, to play a major role in resolving the crisis.

We have been concerned that things are going slow, Gustavo Meza-Cuadra told a press conference at the airport in Bangladeshs capital Dhaka before the delegation left for Myanmar. That is the reason the Security Council is hereOn our arrival New York, we will continue our discussions. This is one of the issues that is on the top of our agenda.

Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, Kuwaits permanent representative at the U.N. and a member of the delegation, told the media that the situation cannot remain without solutions.

We are determined to find an end and a solution for this crisis he said. We are not expecting to have to easily solve this problem very quick[ly]. But all the parties should show commitments to solv[ing] it as soon as possible.

We cannot remain silent about it, and when we go back to New Yorkwe will try to explore ways and means to speed up the implementation of the agreement signed between Bangladesh and Myanmar for [the] safe, free, and voluntary and dignified return of the refugees, he said.

Reported by Min Thein Aung and Wai Mar Tun for RFAs Myanmar Service and by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.Hundreds of workers took to the streets in Myanmar on Tuesday to call for a living wage, while in Laos marchers asked for social welfare benefits and better protection for citizens working abroad, sources said.



Meanwhile, in Cambodia, workers gathered but were forbidden to march, sources in the country said.



Around 700 workers marched in central Myanmars Mandalay city on May 1 to demand higher pay and workers rights, asking that a new minimum wage of 4,800 kyat (U.S. $3.6) per day proposed in March and approved by the countrys National Assembly be formally announced.



Protesters also called for stronger legal penalties to be imposed against business owners found guilty of exploiting or abusing workers.



In a May Day speech, Myanmar President Win Myint said that the new wage called for by the countrys National Committee for the Minimum Wagea Ministry of Labor group made up of labor representatives, workers, and employerswould be confirmed within days.



Speaking to RFAs Myanmar Service, though, workers and labor leaders urged immediate action.



According to the presidents speech, the salaries of government workers have already been raised, and commodities will cost more, Min Thet Htway, a central executive committee member of the Central Workers Union, said.



But we workers will be in trouble, starving and in debt, he said. This is why we have spoken again and again about settling the minimum wage rate.



Still not enough



And even the new proposed wage may not be enough on which to live, Zarchi Win, a labor leader from the No. 1 Garment Factory, said.



Workers have asked that the minimum wage be set at 5,600 kyats [U.S. $4.2] per day, but the Minimum Wage Committee has now set it at 4,800 kyat, she said.



When the Committee made its announcement, factory owners stopped paying us the extra wages for skilled labor that we had been paid before, which means that all workers will be paid at the same rate.



But everything is getting more expensive, day by day, she said.



Although we have a civilian government now, nothing is changing for the workers, and we have even lost our rights, Ma Hla Hla, a worker at a seafood factory, said, adding, Rents are being raised, and we cant support our parents anymore.



Laws protecting workers from abuse by employers must now also be strengthened, added Tharr Gyi, an activist with the 88 Generation Open Society Group, calling existing protections very weak.



There is no provision for jailing business owners if they are found guilty of crimes, he said. And the fines imposed on them are just like pocket money for their kids, so they are not afraid to break the laws.



Few have benefits



Also on Tuesday, workers in Laos marched in a rally organized by the state-controlled Lao Federation of Trade Unions to thank the government for raising the minimum wage, now set at 1.1 million kip (U.S. $120) per month in a move announced today.



Speaking to RFA, though, a factory worker in the capital Vientiane called the raise good, but not enough.



We pay not only for our food but also for water, electricity, and rent, which are getting higher all the time. We need at least $240 a month, he said.



Meanwhile, at least 60 percent of Lao workers are now uncovered by pension benefits or health care provided by their jobs, a member of the government-run trade union told RFA.



Many companies only pay a salary, and dont provide insurance coverage or health care, a worker in Xayaburi province said. Wed like to have those benefits, too, for when we have to go to the hospital.



I receive only a salary, a truck driver for a private company in Laoss Khammouane province agreed. I get no benefits at all.



Security, restrictions



Meanwhile, in Cambodia, workers celebrated Labor Day in the capital Phnom Penh under tight restrictions imposed by government authorities who allowed them to assemble but said they couldnt march.



Workers were also banned from raising banners or setting up loudspeakers when the event began at 7:00 a.m., Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC) president Ath Thun told RFAs Khmer Service, adding that his group has requested that a minimum wage, already set for factory workers, be extended to workers in the countrys construction, tourism, and transport industries.



A heavy security presence at the site had meanwhile frightened event participants, Soeung Senkarona, a spokesperson for the ADHOC rights group, told RFA.



Trade union representatives and workers wanted to march to present their petitions and express their feelings, but they couldnt act on their wishes.



This had intimidated workers and trade union leaders and violated their rights to freedom of expression, he said.



Reported by Khaymani Win and Thinn Thiri and translated by Khet Mar for RFAs Myanmar Service. Also reported by RFAs Lao and Khmer services with translations by Max Avary and Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Richard Finney.Slovakia may have inadvertently assisted Vietnams secret police in spiriting away a former state oil executive who was allegedly kidnapped from Germany, according to media reports and sources, who say fallout from the incident has cast a shadow on a trade deal between Vietnam and the EU.



Germany has accused Vietnam of kidnapping Trinh Xuan Thanh, the 52-year-old former head of PetroVietnam Construction (PVC), from a Berlin park on July 23 last year and taking him home by force to face charges of mismanagement and embezzlement. Thanh, who had been seeking asylum in Germany, was sentenced by a Vietnamese court to two terms of life in prison in January.



Last week, Germany put on trial a Vietnamese-Czech man identified as Long N.H., 47, who prosecutors say rented a Volkswagen Multivan T5 in Czech Republics capital Prague and drove it to Berlin, where armed men dragged Thanh and a female companion into the vehicle. They say Long returned the vehicle to Prague the same day.



German media recently reported that Vietnams Minister of Public Security To Lam met with Slovakias former Interior Minister Robert Kalinak at the Borik Hotel in Slovakias capital Bratislava on July 26, 2017three days after Thanhs alleged kidnappingand that members of his delegation included suspects believed to have taken part in the abduction.



The reports suggested that in facilitating the meeting, Slovakia may have aided Vietnamese secret police in absconding with Thanh, whether knowingly or not.



In response to the reports, Slovakias Interior Ministry issued a statement acknowledging the meeting and expressing concerns that the hour-long talks might have been a cover for something other than working purposes.



The Interior Ministry said the Vietnamese delegation had faced undisclosed scheduling changes and that Slovakian officials offered a government plane to fly them from Prague to Bratislava, and then Moscow, without providing details about who was aboard the flight.



If the information provided by the German authorities is confirmed, we will view that as a manifestation of gross unfairness on the part of the Vietnamese partner, as an abuse of our hospitality for other than friendly relations, and as a destabilisation of the well-functioning bilateral relations between the two countries, the ministrys statement said, adding that the meeting was prearranged.



The ministry said it has been cooperating with German investigators and was also communicating with Vietnam to review passenger manifests for the flights in question.



Le Trung Khoa, editor in chief of Germany-based thoibao.dean online Vietnamese newspaper that has been covering Thanhs caserelayed further details of the one-hour meeting between Lam and Kalinak to RFAs Vietnamese Service, saying news of Slovakias involvement in the abduction had made the situation quite tense.



Police minister To Lam  had a brief meeting with Slovakias interior ministerhis group consisted of 12 members, including high-ranking officials of the police ministry such as the deputy director of the ministrys intelligence department [General Duong Minh Hung], who the German government accuses of involvement in kidnapping Trinh Xuan Thanh, he said.



Minister To Lam asked Slovakias interior minister to lend the Vietnamese delegation an airplane for their trip. [Kalinak] just resigned [in March] and he has said that he doesnt know if Trinh Xuan Thanh was on the airplane or not, but he suspects the plane may have had been used for an illegal purpose.



Bilateral relations



While Vietnam insists that Thanh returned home voluntarily to face embezzlement charges, Germany has condemned his alleged kidnapping as a scandalous violation of its sovereignty, and has expelled two Vietnamese diplomats and summoned the ambassador several times over the incident.



Le Dang Doanh, an economist based in Vietnams capital Hanoi and a member of the Committee for Development Policy under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), recently told RFA that Thanhs case has cast a shadow on the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the EU.



Vietnam and the EU enjoy good economic relationsthey dont compete with one anotherand some 20 percent of Vietnamese exports go to the EU, making it one of Vietnams largest trade partners, he said.



For the long-term benefits of workers, I hope that both sides will eventually sign an FTA, but the reality is that it is very unlikely to be passed in the near future, as the two sides have a lot of difficulties to overcome.



But Vu Quang Viet, an economist who formerly worked with the U.N., told RFA that Thanhs case was not significant enough to derail a major trade agreement.



Normally, the passage of a trade agreement does not depend on human rights issues, Viet said.



Most businessmen and governments see things that wayhuman rights issues can delay passage for a period of time, but at some point, everything will return to normal, he said, noting that Vietnams poor human rights record had done nothing to prevent the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement between Vietnam and 10 other nations in March this year.



Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.The U.S. government's watchdog on Afghanistan says the number of Afghan security forces has decreased by nearly 11 percent during the past year as security in the country has deteriorated.

In a quarterly report to the U.S. Congress that was released on May 1, the Special Inspector-General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said the number of troops in the Afghan National Defense and Security forces (ANDSF) totaled an estimated 296,400 people in January.

That was a drop of 10.6 percent compared to the same month in 2017.

The authorized strength of the ANDSF is 334,000, including personnel in the army, air force, and police.

The United States and NATO have been attempting for the last 17 years to build the capacity of Afghan security forces so that it is able to defend and hold territory.

But SIGAR says the Afghan government now controls only about 56 percent of the territory in the country.

"Building up the Afghan forces is a top priority for the U.S. and our international allies, so it is worrisome to see Afghan force strength decreasing," SIGAR chief John Sopko said.

With reporting by ReutersYEREVAN -- Armenia's parliament has voted against Nikol Pashinian as the country's next prime minister in a narrow 55-to-45 vote, prompting him to call on supporters to stage a general strike starting on May 2.

The vote at a special session of parliament on May 1 came shortly after Vahram Baghdasarian, parliamentary faction leader of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), announced that his party would vote against Pashinian.

Pashinian responded to the vote by calling on citizens across the country to join a general strike beginning at 8:15 a.m. on May 2 and strengthen his negotiating position on opposition demands that he be appointed as the next prime minister.

Speaking to tens of thousands of supporters gathered at Republic Square in central Yerevan after the legislature's vote, Pashinian said all workers should stop going to their jobs and all students should stop attending their classes beginning on May 2.

He also called for protesters to continue "nonviolent, peaceful acts of civil disobedience" -- including the blocking of all roads and highways in the country and the closure of railroads and airports.

In remarks in the legislature, Pashinian said the HHK's parliamentary faction had "destroyed itself irreversibly" by "announcing war against its own people" and refusing to support his candidacy.

Under Armenia's constitution, the failure of parliament to confirm a prime minister triggers a second vote by the legislature that has been scheduled for May 8.

Baghdasarian and Pashinian both indicated that they would take part in negotiations before that vote.

If parliament on May 8 fails again to confirm a prime minister, the legislature would automatically be dissolved and early general elections would be scheduled with the Republican-led acting government in charge of the electoral process.

Pashinian insists that only an interim government led by a "people's candidate" -- himself -- can organize and conduct parliamentary elections that are free, fair, and transparent.

Pashinian led more than two weeks of antigovernment protests that forced Republican leader Serzh Sarkisian to step down as prime minister after he had served as president for a decade.

Term limits forced him to leave, but lawmakers quickly elected him as prime minister in April, a move that came after legal changes that weakened the presidency's power while bolstering the prime minister's.

The protests brought thousands of Armenians out into the streets who complained that the new system would have allowed pro-Moscow Sarkisian to remain the former Soviet republics leader indefinitely.

They also accused Sarkisian and his HHK of widespread corruption and failing to raise living standards.

The May 1 vote in parliament was assailed by angry shouts and waving fists from tens of thousands of people who stood in central Yerevan's Republic Square throughout the day watching the parliamentary proceedings on a large screen television.

The 42-year-old Pashinian was the only candidate in the May 1 vote. He secured the support of all opposition factions in the 105-seat parliament, but the HHK controls a majority of 58 seats.

Speaking to lawmakers ahead of the vote, Pashinian said "the Republican Party's attempts at thwarting this ballot will start a political tsunami."

In the run-up to the vote, the HHK had said it would not hinder the election of Pashinian if the other factions in parliament supported his candidacy.

But parliament deputy speaker and HHK spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov said on May 1 that he was not pleased with what he heard in a meeting with Pashinian a day earlier.

"Given the meeting we had yesterday, I am sure Mr. Pashinian cannot be the prime minister," Sharmazanov told reporters on May 1.

Pashinians Yelk faction has nine seats in the 105-seat parliament. The Tsarukian Alliance has 31 seats and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) has seven. But to be elected, Pashinian needed at least 53 votes.

Pashinian said that he sees fresh parliamentary elections as the way forward once a new government is formed.

"It would be necessary to hold an early parliamentary election after an interim government is formed. Mechanisms of the early election should be devised as soon as possible. This election is unavoidable. It would be the final stage of the people's victory," he said.

With reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, Interfax, and TASSThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it has "no credible" evidence Iran was working on developing a nuclear "explosive device" after 2009 and that the UN's nuclear watchdog considered the issue "closed" after it was presented in a report in December 2015.

The 2015 report "stated that the agency had no credible indications of activities in Iran relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device after 2009. Based on the director-general's report, the board of governors declared that its consideration of this issue was closed," the IAEA said in a statement on May 1.

"In line with standard IAEA practice, the IAEA evaluates all safeguards-relevant information available to it. However, it is not the practice of the IAEA to publicly discuss issues related to any such information," it added.

The IAEA statement comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on April 30 that Israel had documents that showed new "proof" of an Iranian nuclear-weapons plan that could be activated at any time.

Under an agreement in 2015 with world leaders, Iran curbed its enrichment of uranium for nuclear fuel to ease concerns it could be put to use in developing bomb material. In return, Tehran won relief from most international sanctions.

Since then, UN nuclear inspectors have repeatedly reported that Iran is heeding the terms of the deal.

European states have dismissed the significance of documents, while the United States welcomed them as evidence of Iranian "lies."

Iran has accused Netanyahu of being an "infamous liar" over the allegations, which come as the United States is considering whether to pull out of an atomic accord with Tehran, which has always rejected allegations that it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic program was solely for civilian purposes.

"The documents show that Iran had a secret nuclear-weapons program for years" while it was denying it was pursuing such weapons, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said late on April 30 as he returned to Washington from a trip to Europe and the Middle East.

"What this means is [Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers] was not constructed on a foundation of good faith or transparency. It was built on Iran's lies," Pompeo said, adding that the trove of documents Israel said it obtained on Iran's so-called Project Amad to develop nuclear weapons before 2004 contain "new information."

"The Iranians have consistently taken the position that they've never had a program like this. This will belie any notion that there wasn't a program," Pompeo said.

Netanyahu made his dramatic announcement less than two weeks before the May 12 deadline for U.S. President Donald Trump to decide whether he will withdraw from the deal, which requires Iran to curb some of its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

Reuters reported on May 1 that according to a senior Israeli official, Netanyahu informed Trump about the evidence during a meeting in Washington on March 5 and that the U.S. president agreed Israel would publish the information before the May 12 deadline.

The White House on May 1 said the United States "certainly supported" efforts by Netanyahu to release intelligence about Iran's nuclear program.

In a May 1 interview with CNN, Netanyahu said he did not seek war with Iran, but it was Tehran "that's changing the rules in the region."

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said in a statement on May 1 that accusations Tehran lied about its nuclear ambitions were "worn-out, useless, and shameful" and came from a "broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits."

"How convenient. Coordinated timing of alleged intelligence revelations," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter, adding that the Israeli claims were "ridiculous" and "a rehash of old allegations."

'This Shows Why Deal Needed'

European powers also said they were not impressed by the nearly 55,000 documents that Netanyahu claimed would prove that Iran once planned to develop the equivalent of "five Hiroshima bombs to be put on ballistic missiles."

"We have never been naive about Iran and its nuclear intentions," a British government spokesman said, adding that that was why the nuclear agreement contained a regime to inspect suspected Iranian nuclear sites that is "one of the most extensive and robust in the history of international nuclear accords."

"It remains a vitally important way of independently verifying that Iran is adhering to the deal and that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful," the British spokesman said.

Britain, France, and Germany are the three European powers that signed the deal, along with Russia, China, and the United States.

European officials said the documents provided by Israel contained no evidence that Iran continued to develop nuclear weapons after the 2015 deal was signed, so they indirectly confirm that Iran is complying with the deal.

France's Foreign Ministry said on May 1 that the Israeli information could be a basis for long-term monitoring of Tehran's nuclear activities, as the information proved the need to ensure the nuclear deal and UN inspections remained.

A German government spokesman said Berlin will analyze the materials provided by Israel, but added that the documents demonstrate why the nuclear deal with its mandatory inspections must be maintained.

"It is clear that the international community had doubts that Iran was carrying out an exclusively peaceful nuclear program," the spokesman said. "It was for this reason the nuclear accord was signed in 2015."

Netanyahu also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 30, who afterward said in a statement issued by the Kremlin that the nuclear deal remains of "paramount importance to international stability and security, and must be strictly observed by all its signatories," the Russian state-run news agency TASS reported.

The White House welcomed the Israeli announcement, saying that Tel Aviv had uncovered "new and compelling details" about Tehran's efforts to develop "missile-deliverable nuclear weapons."

"The United States has long known Iran had a robust, clandestine nuclear-weapons program that it has tried and failed to hide from the world and from its own people," the White House said.

The jousting over the Israeli announcement came as Trump repeated his strong opposition to the deal, which he called a "horrible agreement."

"In seven years, that deal will have expired and Iran is free to go ahead and create nuclear weapons," Trump said at the White House. "That is not acceptable."

Many observers have concluded that Trump will move to withdraw the United States from the nuclear deal on May 12.

Trump did not say on April 30 what he will do, but he rejected a suggestion that walking away from the Iran deal would send a bad signal to North Korea as it negotiates with Washington over the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

"I think it sends the right message" to Pyongyang, Trump said.

With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, and ReutersArmenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinian has urged lawmakers to elect him as the country's interim prime minister. In a speech to parliament ahead of the May 1 vote, Pashinian said political change in Armenia was "unavoidable and irreversible." Pashinian has been leading mass street protests since mid April. He was the only candidate for prime minister following the resignation of Serzh Sarkisian on April 23.Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg to protest against government attempts to curtail Internet freedom -- marching defiantly while more than 100,000 other Russians took part in the traditional May Day parade.

Moscow's Federation of Trade Unions said about 120,000 people marched from Red Square on the main streets of the Russian capital on May 1 to mark May Day.

The May Day parade has become a highly orchestrated show of power by Russian authorities and the ruling United Russia party in recent years, with demonstrators refraining from criticizing the government.

But demonstrators this year marched through the streets to protest the government's ban on the popular messaging app Telegram.

About 10,000 people rallied in Moscow on April 30 to protest the blocking of Telegram, chanting that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is a thief!"

The event was organized by the Libertarian Party of Russia, which has called the attempts to block Telegram "a national shame."

Opposition politician Aleksei Navalny, who spoke at the April 30 Moscow rally, has scheduled another demonstration for May 5.

Based on reporting by AP and RFE/RL's Russian ServiceThe United States has decried the killing of journalists in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan and accused the militants of trying to undermine the country's upcoming elections by attacking the "cornerstone of democracy."

"We strongly condemn yesterday's suicide bombing in Kabul," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters on May 1.

"Afghanistan's press corps is a powerful illustration of how that country has transformed," Sanders said. "There is absolutely no justification for such a senseless and heinous act."

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Twitter called the twin suicide attacks that killed at least 25 people including nine journalists in Kabul on April 30 "senseless and barbaric."

"Independent media is a cornerstone of democracy," he said. "Despite today's attack, the vibrant media landscape that has developed in Afghanistan will endure."

Pompeo added that "we will not turn blind on this." The Islamic State (IS) extremist group claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed the most media workers ever in a single attack in Afghanistan.

The twin blasts came little more than a week after an April 22 suicide blast claimed by IS that killed 60 people at a voter registration center in Kabul.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the attacks were aimed at undermining Afghanistan's electoral process ahead of parliamentary elections in October.

Mattis on May 1 told reporters at the Pentagon that the United States will stand by the Afghan people and the Kabul government.

"The murder of journalists and other innocent people is a great testimony to what it is we stand for, and more importantly what we stand against," he said.

"We'll stand by the Afghan people, we'll stand by the Afghan government and the NATO mission will continue as we drive them to a political settlement," Mattis said

The killings occurred when multiple journalists covering a suicide bombing in the Shash Darak area of Kabul were hit by a second blast set off by a suicide bomber carrying a press pass and pretending to be a reporter, officials said.

Among those killed were two RFE/RL journalists, a woman training to become an RFE/RL reporter, and AFP's chief photographer in Kabul. The other journalists killed were working for Afghan media.

"Where media are in danger, all other human rights are under greater threat," the U.S. Embassy in Kabul said.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "outraged."

"The deliberate targeting of journalists in the attack highlights once again the risks media professionals face in carrying out their essential work," the UN chief said through a spokesman.

"Those responsible for such crimes must be swiftly brought to justice," Guterres added.

Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah also called it "an attack on democracy and an effort to silence the voice of the voiceless," while President Ashraf Ghani called it an example of "war crimes."

A BBC Afghan reporter was killed separately on April 30 in Khost Province on the border with Pakistan.

"Actions like this one only strengthen our steadfast commitment to the people of Afghanistan," said General John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

"This tragedy reminds us of the danger that our teams continually face on the ground and the essential role journalists play for democracy," AFP chief executive Fabrice Fries said.

Afghanistan was already considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with at least 20 killed last year. Last week, unidentified gunmen shot a journalist in the southern city of Kandahar.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan, AFP, AP, and ReutersDr Alan Billings

ALMOST one in four people do not trust South Yorkshire Police, according to a survey.

An independent survey of 4,400 people living in South Yorkshire, which was commissioned by Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings, found that 78 per cent of respondents had trust in South Yorkshire Police, while 22 per cent did not.

The Public Views and Experience of Policing and Criminal Justice in South Yorkshire survey was designed to "seek the views of the diverse and less-engaged communities" and "establish levels of trust and confidence among those communities", said a PCC spokeswoman.

Media reports and social media have the strongest influence on perceptions of SYP, according to the report.

It stated: "Social media is significantly more likely to influence under-25s, whilst legacy issues (Hillsborough, Orgreave, Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal) are more influential to over 35s.

"Legacy issues are significantly more likely to influence the perception of White British and Asian residents.

Over a fifth of those from Rotherham (24 per cent) and Sheffield (21 per cent) said their perception of SYP was influenced by "legacy issues".

A total of 38 per cent of people in Rotherham said they saw police officers or PSCOs at least once a week - the lowest figure in the county.

Less than half of people living Rotherham (49 per cent) were satisfied with the level of uniformed police presence in their area - again the lowest figure in the county.

Just over half of people in Rotherham (55 per cent) rated the police force as good or excellent which was the lowest approval rating in the county and around one in 10 residents have been a victim of crime in the last 12 months with the most likely occurrence being in Rotherham.

A total of 78 per cent of people were confident of receiving a good service and 76 per cent had confidence in the force compared to 72 per cent in England and Wales.

Almost nine out of ten (87 per cent) had support for South Yorkshire Police and eight out of ten (82 per cent) believed South Yorkshire Police had integrity.

The survey said groups with the highest confidence levels "were members of the black community and young people (those aged under 35)".

The highest levels of concerns raised were in relation to drugs, gangs and anti-social behaviour.

Dr Alan Billings said: There are clearly some areas where improvements can be made, in particular around the victim journey and in the legacy areas.

However, I am assured that work being undertaken as part of the neighbourhood policing strategy to improve engagement and communication with communities will go a long way to improving perceptions of the force and understanding of the work being done.

This survey is unique in the sheer size of people surveyed from hard-to-reach communities. The sample size of 4,400 people is large in its scale and diversity and provides an excellent sample of views of the public about their police force.

Asst Chief Constable David Hartley said: It is encouraging to read that public confidence levels among our hard-to-hear communities are very high and this feedback is due praise for our officers, who are dedicated to their vocation and providing excellent public service.

However, it is clear that there is still work to be done, particularly around victims of crime, who expressed less confidence in the police than people who had not been victims."

He added: New structures are being implemented to enable staff to deliver excellent victim care and we are confident this will improve the victim journey.

To read the full survey click here.PRODUCTION at South Yorkshires speciality steel plants has soared by almost two-thirds since being taken over by Liberty House a year ago.

Jon Bolton (pictured), chief executive of Liberty Steels UK, said the Rotherham and Stocksbridge plants were on target to continue their strong comeback.

He reported that, since taking possession of the business, now called Liberty Speciality Steels, the group had created 300 new jobs and boosted production of high-grade steels from 179,000 tonnes-a-year in 2016/17 to 292,000 tonnes this year.

They aim to reach an output of more than a million tonnes a year by 2020.

Steels from the 2,000-worker Yorkshire plants and their support centres in Lancashire and the Midlands are sold throughout the world for highly-specialised applications such as aerospace, automotive and industrial equipment.

Mr Bolton said there were still challenges ahead, not least for the industry as a whole to become greener, more innovative and more integrated with the manufacturing supply chain, as well as attracting and train a new generation.

Liberty uses the Greensteel approach pioneered by the GFG Alliance, which involves making steel with limited carbon production and uses renewable energy to recycle scrap metal.

He added:  As chief executive of Liberty Steel UK, I am proud to say we now employ over 3,000 people in UK steel production.

Our Rotherham operation has 1.3 million tonnes of liquid steelmaking capacity and our aim is to build nationwide Greensteel production capacity of five million tonnes over the next few years.

Its exactly a year since Liberty acquired Speciality Steels and what a year it has been, re-opening various assets including a furnace, a small bloom caster and a coil line so that we can ramp up production and increase sales into bar markets.

This could not have been achieved without the dedication of our people and their passion for securing the future of the industry in the region as well as our collaboration with stakeholders such as government and trade unions.

For me, the future relies on attracting new people into the industry and investing in their skills.

Last year, we took on 26 graduates and apprentices, this year we are recruiting 30 more, and we continue to reach out to students through our industrial cadet programme.

Mr Bolton said: We took over these South Yorkshire plants at the most difficult of times for the industry, but I believe we are doing the right things and that this industry now has a bright and sustainable future in the UK.That means a tital of nearly 80,000 square kilometers (31,000 square miles) and nothing was yet found. However, examining again all the information detained in the case, a 25,000-square-kilometer (9,650-square-mile) area most likely to contain the missing aircraft had been identified. This is a new hope and everyone at Ocean Infinity remains absolutely determined for the remainder of the search, Ocean Infinity chief executive officer Oliver Plunkett said in a statement. Flight 370 disappeared March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing with 239 people aboard. No transmissions were received from the aircraft after its first 38 minutes of fligh.

The governments of Malaysia, China and Australia called off the nearly three-year official search in January 2017. If Texas-based Ocean Infinity company could find the wreckage or black boxes of the aircraft within 90 days the Malaysian government pledged to pay uo to $70 million. Ocean Infinity uses up to eight autonomous vehicles capable of operating in depths up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). Ocean Infinitys search could be halted before mid-June due to weather conditions at sea.NDTV sells 7.38% stake in subsidiary to landlord of Delhi office

Media firm NDTV has sold 7.38 percent stake in subsidiary Red Pixels Ventures to A R Chadha And Co, the landlord of its office premises in the national capital, to meet working capital requirements and pay outstanding rent. "The board of directors of the company...considered and approved transfer of up to 7.38 percent stake of the company at the rate of Rs 59,824 per equity share in Red Pixels Ventures Ltd (RPVL), a material subsidiary of the company, to A R Chadha And Co (India) Pvt Ltd, the landlord of the office premises in New Delhi," NDTV said in a BSE filing. NDTV and NDTV Convergence currently hold 37.04 percent and 55.57 percent, respectively, in RPVL.



"Transfer of aforesaid shareholding by the company will be reduced basis the exercise of the tag along right by other shareholders of RPVL. The sale proceeds will be utilized by the company for working capital including in relation to the payment of outstanding rent by the company," the company added. Last year, NDTV said it had initiated a turnaround plan to bring down costs and improve profitability. NDTV has also been exiting from non-core business verticals. In September, its shareholders had approved the sale of its automobile e-commerce firm Fifth Gear Ventures to Autobyte Pvt Ltd. It owned and operated automobile e-commerce portal carandbike.com. In June, they had approved the sale of its Indian wear e-commerce firm NDTV Ethnic Retail to Nameh Hotels & Resorts.Lalu Prasad alleges political conspiracy as AIIMS discharges him

The AIIMS today discharged RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, saying his condition has improved significantly, even as the former Bihar chief minister alleged a "political conspiracy" behind his discharge. The Rashtriya Janata Dal president also wrote to the institute's director, asking him to continue his treatment at the facility till he recovers fully. Supporters of Prasad created a ruckus in the hospital premises protesting the AIIMS' decision, with his party alleging that there is a conspiracy to "murder" their leader by "forcing him out" of the premier hospital even though he continues to suffer from various ailments. During the ruckus, the supporters broke a glass door, abused the security guards and administration officials, hospital sources alleged.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi met Prasad at AIIMS today and enquired about his health. The RJD chief, who has been serving a jail term in connection with the fodder scam, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on March 29 for specialized treatment. The AIIMS, in an official statement today, said, "Lalu Prasad was referred from Ranchi Medical College to AIIMS for management of his acute medical condition. He has improved significantly and as per the advice of the medical board constituted for his treatment, he is being referred back to Ranchi Medical College for management of his chronic issues. He is currently stable and is fit to travel." The RJD chief had been admitted to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi on March 17 over complaints of uneasiness while he was lodged at the Birsa Munda Jail. Prasad has been serving a jail term since December 23.

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Congress president Rahul Gandhi met Prasad at AIIMS

Prasad, who was kept in a VIP room of the old private ward of the hospital, has written to the director of AIIMS, saying that he should not be relieved from AIIMS, Delhi and sent back to RIMS since the latter lacks facilities for proper treatment of his ailments. Citing various ailments such as heart problems, diabetes, kidney infection, high blood pressure, the RJD supremo, in his letter to the director, said doctors should not act under pressure from certain individuals or political parties. Urging the AIIMS director to allow him to continue his treatment at the institute till his recovery, Prasad said the AIIMS administration will be held responsible if something untoward happens to him after he is sent back to the hospital in Ranchi. His party MP Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav alleged that the AIIMS appeared to be acting under the pressure of central agencies like the CBI. "It seems there is a conspiracy to murder him. Why they are discharging him when he is not fit yet," Yadav said. The former Bihar chief minister has been convicted in four fodder scam cases since 2013 -- the latest being the Dumka treasury case, in which a special CBI court sentenced him to 14 years in jail.As per latest reports, Honda is working upon 2 new SUVs which will be based on the new Amaze platform (internally known as 2UA), which has been developed considering the requirements of an SUV, like having the capacity to house larger tires, something which all SUV customers desire.

The two new SUVs are being made specifically for the Indian market and are expected to make their debut post 2020. The first one would be a sub-4 metre compact SUV, which would compete with the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon and the Ford Ecosport.

This SUV could possibly replace the WR-V which would have had completed around 5-6 years in the market by 2020. Additionally, the new SUV would be able to compete at a more aggressive price-point compared to the WR-V, which is based on the Jazz/City platform, making it more difficult for Honda to have price as an advantage.

The second model will be a Hyundai Creta rival, possibly stretching to around 4.3 metres. It could come along with a 7-seat configuration as the 2021 Creta is expected to offer a seating capacity for 7.

Both the SUVs shall be using the existing powertrain options, the 1.2 litre petrol motor for the sub-4 metre compact SUV and the 1.5 litre petrol unit for the full-grown SUV. The 1.5 litre diesel engine is expected to do duties in both the SUVs, albeit in different states of tune.

It is to be noted that Honda has announced its plan to launch six new models by 2020 and we are excited for all of them! The latest upcoming launch is of the Amaze, which we recently drove. Find out more about our first impression about it here.[ISLAMABAD] The spread of the silver leaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, to Pakistans non-cotton farming areas poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity and food security, say the authors of a new study on the farm pest.

Published online (10 April) in Acta Tropica, the study, conducted by researchers from China and Pakistan, involved large-scale sampling across the country to determine the spread of whitefly species to the crops it infests. The researchers applied mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene sequencing to genetically determine the species.

Agricultural science community is deeply concerned over findings of the new study  the countrys food security challenges have further intensified Ehsan-ul-Haq, principal scientific officer and entomologist, NARC

Startlingly, we found the presence of five different cryptic species in all agro-ecological zones of the country. These include Asia II-1, Asia II-5, Asia II-7, Asia II-8 and MEAM-1, says Zujian Wu, study author and dean at the College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.

Wu tells SciDev.Net that of all the five species, Asia II-1, previously reported from a few areas, was found to have spread across the country, accounting for 88.7 per cent of sequenced samples.

Based on the mtCOI sequences and genetic distance analyses, the diversity of Asia II-1 was found to be much greater than all other cryptic species, he adds.

The authors say that the whitefly is the most disastrous of pests that attack economically important plants. Besides damaging host plants through phloem feeding or secreting honeydew, it promotes the growth of fungal pathogens and whitefly transmitted geminiviruses (WTGs) that cause massive crop losses.

WTGs are notorious for damaging important crops including vegetables, cereals, fruits and ornamentals in the tropics and subtropics of South Asia, central, north and south America, and the West Indies, Wu says.

Entomologists at Pakistans National Agriculture Research Council (NARC) tell SciDev.Net that nationwide pervasiveness of the whitefly means that food and cereal crop output is now at great risk.

Agricultural science community is deeply concerned over findings of the new study  the countrys food security challenges have further intensified, says Ehsan-ul-Haq, principal scientific officer and entomologist at NARCs Integrated Pest Management facility in Islamabad.

Presently, the pest has found 60 host plants and transmitted WTGs to around 23 vegetable, cereal and ornamental crops. Haq blames increased humidity and inefficient pesticide application by farmers for the spread of the whitefly.

Abdul Rehman, deputy director of programmes at CABI Pakistan (CABI is the parent organisation of SciDev.Net), says the whitefly has rapidly developed resistance to chemical pesticides so that no single treatment method works against this pest.

Rehman recommends integrated pest management involving biopesticides and parasite predators of the whitefly, as well as removal of weed species that harbour the pest for lasting control.



This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Asia & Pacific desk.Australian researchers have compiled a world-first conclusive synthesis of the environmental and social impacts of globalisation -- using sophisticated computation to provide a bird's eye view of the displacement of wealth-driven consumption into offshore production -- highlighting effects such as increased child labour and environmental degradation at the area of production that may not be seen easily but can have far-reaching consequences.

Drawing on an increasingly large pool of data -- a substantial part of which underpins important relationships initially discovered by the University of Sydney's Integrated Sustainability Analysis (ISA) team -- the study for the first time unveils the extent to which developed countries are outsourcing environmentally and socially burdensome production to poor countries.

Technological advances in footprinting, otherwise referred to as consumption-based accounting, are led by ISA and a handful of organisations globally. The research is set to complement the current production-based focus by closing accounting loopholes.

This new overview study, conducted at the University of Sydney and UNSW Sydney, shows that overall about a third of environmental and social impacts from consumption in wealthy nations is displaced to developing countries, and this trend in outsourcing responsibility is increasing.

The findings are published today in the leading journal Nature Geoscience.

University of Sydney Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Duncan Ivison, said the important work could play a role in helping achieve some of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

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"This important and ground-breaking area of research being developed by our world-leading Integrated Sustainability Analysis group is a perfect example of the social impact that researchers can have," Professor Ivison said.

Co-author Professor Manfred Lenzen, who heads ISA from Sydney's School of Physics, said that social impacts were a relatively new area of research, but findings painted a global picture of masters and servants. "Many citizens of rich countries require the work of up to five poor people to satisfy their consumption," Professor Lenzen said.

"Rich consumers like us are implicated in pollution and inequality all over the world, and people in poor countries bear the brunt of our large environmental and social footprints."

Associate Professor Tommy Wiedmann, the study's lead researcher from UNSW Sydney and ISA, said indirect effects facilitated by often complicated supply-chains were mostly hidden from consumers, who generally do not know where the raw ingredients of their purchases stem from.

"Carbon emissions are still accounted for on a territorial basis," explained Associate Professor Wiedmann.

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"This means that if a country moves from producing goods domestically to importing them from China, its carbon footprint decreases -- leading politicians to think that the country is cleaning up its act."

Such a convenient myth was debunked when Associate Professor Wiedmann, then with the Stockholm Environment Institute, and Professor Lenzen, were involved in a study to establish the UK's carbon footprint, prompting the BBC to declare the UK 'in delusion' over its emissions, and forcing the UK's Environment Minister to explain earlier statements praising the country's decarbonisation.

Professor Lenzen concluded: "Our new research clearly points towards a need for so-called consumption-based accounting -- where a country's environmental score includes its imports -- and as such leaves no room for loopholes."

The synthesis paper, published today, includes:

Employment -- Masters v Servants: For each Swiss person, three people work elsewhere to support their lifestyles. In Madagascar, 7 in 10 locals work full-time to produce exports for affluent people.

Air pollution: An increase in health impacts in China come from air pollution linked to production for people in the United States.

Water scarcity: Almost 80 percent of the EU's consumption of scarce water occurs outside its borders, with the largest pressure exerted in the stressed Indus Delta straddling Pakistan and India.

Biodiversity: US consumption exerts threats to marine life in Southeast Asia; and biodiversity in southern Brazil -- such as deforestation of the Amazon for soy production.

Resources: Outsourcing to developing countries has meant most developed countries did not need to improve resource productivity in the past few decades.

Child labour: In 2011/2012, almost 1 million children in India worked for exports alone.

Safety: Per 100,000 workers in global supply chains, occupational health and safety incidents lead to the loss of US$2 million, 27,000 working days, 4,800 injuries and 12 deaths per year.

Inequality: Many developed countries exhibit a large inequality footprint because their imports stem from production with highly unequal wages, gender inequality and corruption.

About the GMRIO research:

Much of the groundwork for global multi-regional input-output models (GMRIO) was developed and through collaborative work led by the University of Sydney's group Integrated Sustainability Analysis (ISA).

"Things really kicked off in 2010 with a $10,000 seed funding from the University's International Program Development Fund, which we used to bring together the leading researchers and their expertise on modelling international trade," explains Professor Lenzen.

The key groups in GMRIO modelling are: ISA at Sydney, University of Groningen Netherlands, University of Leiden Netherlands, Purdue University USA, OECD Paris, NTNU Norway.

During the course of this latest research published today, the ISA team used supercomputers to untangle complex international trade routes. What they found was that traded goods embodied a substantial amount of emissions, water, pollutants and resources. In addition, a pattern emerged: environmental pressure in poor countries is often associated with export goods that are ultimately consumed by affluent countries.

Although the importance of such displacement of carbon emissions -- also referred to as carbon leakage -- has been known for some years, the researchers have now amassed evidence in terms of environmental issues such as air pollution, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, raw material and energy depletion, and nitrogen emissions.

Interestingly, it is also social impacts that rich consumers are connected to. Based on the work of many of ISA's PhD students, the team is now able to quantify our implication in child labour , global inequality , occupational injuries and deaths , civil war , and poverty worldwide.By treating living cells like tiny absorbent sponges, researchers have developed a potentially new way to introduce molecules and therapeutic genes into human cells.

The technique first compresses cells in a microfluidic device by rapidly flowing them through a series of tiny "speed bumps" built into the micro-channels, which compresses out small amounts of fluid -- known as cytosol -- from inside the cells. The cells then naturally recover and refill themselves, sucking up surrounding fluid and pulling in macromolecules or genes mixed into it. Though the abrupt collisions can reduce cell volume by as much as 30 percent, the cells rapidly rebound and less than five percent of cells experience viability loss.

The new technique is known as cell volume exchange for convective transfer, or cell VECT. It is believed to be the first compression process to prompt highly transient cell volume exchange by utilizing the ability of cells to lose and rapidly recover their cytosol. The research, which was supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and Wallace H. Coulter Foundation, was reported online April 17 by the journal Materials Today.

"We are taking advantage of an intrinsic mechanical property of cells," said Anna Liu, a Ph.D. candidate in the laboratory of Associate Professor Todd Sulchek in Georgia Tech's Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering. "When cells are compressed suddenly over a period of microseconds, they lose some of their volume. The cells are exchanging volume with the fluid around them, and that's what allows them to convectively take up macromolecules from their environment."

The technique could be useful for cell transfection, in which a target gene is introduced into human cells to cause behavior that the cells wouldn't ordinarily exhibit, such as expression of a protein. There are a number of existing techniques for introducing genetic material into living cells, including the use of specially-designed viruses, but existing techniques have significant disadvantages.

A broad range of therapeutic and diagnostic applications could benefit from introduction of large molecules, which could also be used as markers for quality control purposes in cell manufacturing. "There are a lot of reasons to want to deliver molecules to the interior of cells, but there are not a lot of good ways to do it," said Liu, who is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.

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The researchers discovered the compression and volume change phenomena while developing techniques for sorting cells according to their mechanical properties. In their microfluidic devices, compression forced softer cells to move in one direction, while stiffer cells took a different path. Though the research focused on cancer detection, it also produced a new understanding of what happens to cells when they are compressed rapidly.

"Our technique doesn't depend at all on the properties of macromolecules to do the work," Liu explained. "The activity is all caused by the convective influx of fluid volume back into the cells. The molecules in the fluid are just along for the ride, which allows us to transfer molecules without regard to their size or properties."

Speed of compression is critical. If cells undergo compression over longer periods of time, they can deform gradually and maintain their volume. The entire cell VECT compression and relaxation process takes milliseconds, causing the cells to deform suddenly without conserving volume. Yet the process has little to no effect on cell viability. "We have done a variety of tests to see if cell viability, function and gene expression are altered, and we haven't seen any significant differences," Liu said.

The researchers have studied a wide range of human cell types, from prostate cancer to leukemia cells, and even primary T cells. They began with delivering a polysaccharide, dextran, and followed up with proteins, RNA and plasmids. To explore the limits of the technique, they used cell VECT to move 100-nanometer particles into cells.

Beyond transferring therapeutic and diagnostic macromolecules that are now difficult to introduce into cells, the technique could allow larger macromolecules to be delivered to cells, opening new possibilities for cell engineering and therapies.

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"Cell VECT means we are no longer limited by the size of the cargo that a virus can carry," said Alexander Alexeev, an associate professor in the Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and a collaborator on the research. "This may open a new way for researchers to engineer living cells using more complex molecules. Cargo size would no longer be a critical issue."

By introducing labeling molecules into cells, the cell VECT technique could also provide a reliable and reproducible quality control technique for manufacturing processes that generate therapeutic cells, Sulchek noted.

In future work, the researchers plan to develop a better understanding of how the technique works, study the parameters of the process -- and observe cells over long periods of time to make sure there are no ill effects.

"There is still a basic science understanding that we need to develop," Sulchek said. "We'd like to characterize what leaves the cells, and under what conditions they leave. We want to know how fast things return, what are the limitations of that return, and where they go in the cell when they do return."

In addition to those already mentioned, the research included Muhymin Islam, Nicholas Stone, Vikram Varadarajan, Jenny Jeong, Samuel Bowie and Peng Qiu of Georgia Tech and Edmund K. Waller of Emory University.

This work was supported by the NSF Stem Cell Biomanufacturing IGERT, the Wallace H. Coulter Translational Partnership Research Award, the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Scholars Award, NIH award 1R21CA191243-01A1, and the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. DGE-1650044.The ancient genomes of the Tsimshian indigenous people left tell-tale markers on the trail of their past, revealing that at least 6,000 years ago their population size was on a slow but steady decline.

The American Journal of Human Genetics published the findings, which draw from the first population-level nuclear DNA analysis of a Native American group from ancient to modern times.

"The finding contradicts a popular notion," says John Lindo, a geneticist in Emory University's Department of Anthropology and first author on the paper. "There is this idea that after Native Americans came in through the Bering Strait that they were all expanding in population size until Europeans showed up. At least for this one population, we've shown that was not the case."

A boon in next-generation DNA sequencing technology has opened the possibility to explore the evolutionary history of different populations. "Ancient nuclear DNA analysis is a relatively new field," Lindo says. "Not until recently have we had methods to sequence an entire genome quickly and inexpensively."

Nuclear DNA provides information on an individual's lineages going back hundreds of thousands of years. Lindo is one of the few geneticists looking at ancient whole genomes of Native Americans. He is especially interested in understanding how the genomes of their different populations evolved over time.

"Their evolutionary histories are radically different," Lindo says. "Over thousands of years, various Native American populations have adapted to living in every ecology throughout North and South America, from the Arctic to the Amazon. That's about as an extreme as you can get for differences in environments."

The Tsimshian people historically lived in longhouses in coastal British Columbia and southern Alaska where they harvested the abundant sea life. Lindo and his colleagues sequenced the genomes of 25 living Tsimshian people and 25 ancient individuals who lived in the same region between 6,000 and 500 years ago, and confirmed that they were a continuous population through time.

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In a previous paper, drawing from the same data set, they found a dramatic shift between the two time periods in a class of genes associated with the immune system, suggesting a strong evolutionary pressure on the population to adapt to pathogens. A demographic model indicated a crash in the Tsimshian population size of about 57 percent during the early-to-mid 19th century. That finding fitted with historical accounts for how smallpox, introduced by European colonization, devastated the Tsimshian population during two epidemics within that timeframe.

The current paper looked at broader genetic variations between the ancient and modern DNA. An analysis showed both how the variation declined slowly in the ancient population before the collapse, but has since recovered.

"After a population collapse, only a subset of the genetic diversity remains," Lindo says. "We find a more nuanced story, that despite the population collapse, the genetic diversity of modern Tsimshian people varies significantly."

Intermarriage with other Native American groups and non-native populations increased the genetic diversity of some of the modern-day Tsimshian people so that it is near the levels prior to their population collapse, the analysis showed.

"A population with relatively high genetic diversity has a greater potential to fight off pathogens and avoid recessive traits," Lindo says. "It exemplifies the benefits of gene flow between populations, especially following catastrophic events such as the small pox epidemics that the Tsimshian endured."

Senior authors on the paper are Michael DeGiorgio from Pennsylvania State University and Ripan Malhi from the University of Illinois. The paper's coauthors include Tsimshian representatives Joycelynn Mitchell and Barbara Petzelt from the Metlakatla Treaty Office in Prince Rupert, Canada.

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Malhi, a leader in forging trusting relationships between genetic researchers and indigenous people, was a mentor to Lindo, who earned his PhD at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Lindo is continuing that tradition of building trust and working closely with indigenous populations. His ancient DNA research at Emory integrates the approaches of ancient whole genomes, statistical modeling and functional methods.

One of his projects is focused on genetic fluctuations to help understand ancient adaptions in various Native American populations. He is currently working with 10 different tribes from throughout North America.

"Community engagement is essential when working with indigenous communities," says Lindo, explaining that he first meets personally with a tribal community to talk about how a genetic study might add to their knowledge of their own history.

"I listen to their stories and how they are working to keep their cultures alive," he says. "One elder from a southwestern tribe told me that his grandfather was taken away in the early 1900s because he was a shaman and Christianity was swelling through the area. Each tribe's stories are different but they are all powerful, and sometimes difficult, stories to hear."

Most ancient DNA analyses have come out of Europe, where more ancient DNA labs are based and cold temperatures have helped preserve specimens.

Lindo wants to bring some of the same insights that those of European ancestry are gaining about their past to Native Americans.

"I'd like to disentangle this idea that Native Americans are part of a singular race," he says. "I want to help Native American tribes to reclaim knowledge of their very ancient evolutionary histories -- histories that have been largely wiped away because of colonialism."If you're a parasite and want to spread out a little in Amazonia, then you better be cool with riding around in a variety of different birds, a new study found.

The Amazon region of South America is one of the most diverse tropical forest ecosystems on Earth, but an Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University study showed that in the blood parasites that cause malaria, bird hosts and the region's physical geography play significant roles in the spread and diversity of these parasites.

A team led by Alan Fecchio, a former postdoctoral researcher at the Academy, and Jason Weckstein, PhD, an associate curator of the Ornithology at the Academy and an associate professor in Drexel's College of Arts and Sciences, looked into two groups of haemosporidian parasites: Plasmodium and Haemoproteus.

"Plasmodium infection and distribution patterns are principally shaped by geography, whereas Haemoproteus patterns of diversity and distribution are primarily shaped by their host evolutionary relationships," Weckstein said of the findings from his study, published in Ecography.

They found that the ability to switch to new bird host species was the prime indicator of regional diversity in haemosporidian parasites. Furthermore, Fecchio and colleagues found that Plasmodium, in particular, were more widespread, which makes sense because they are "generalists" that can latch onto several different types of birds.

Haemoproteus, however, are limited in the types of birds they can infect. As such, they don't get spread around very much.

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But if Plasmodium can hop into a bunch of different birds, what keeps them from being everywhere in this region? Birds can fly anywhere, right?

Well, it's not as simple as that.

"Early 19th century Amazonian explorers Henry Walter Bates and Alfred Russel Wallace noted that major Amazonian rivers often appeared to form barriers to dispersal for birds, primates and other organisms," Weckstein said. "As a result, if one compares the faunas found in areas flanking most Amazonian rivers, a large portion of the species will be different on opposite banks."

Although the Amazon River is the most recognizable to most, there are many rivers in the Amazon region -- such as the Xingu, the Tapajos and the Madeira. These make up roughly eight recognized areas of endemism in the region.

And, as it turns out, some of these birds just don't have the endurance to make the trip across these rivers. Others might just have no reason to.

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"Some birds never leave the dark understory of the forest and, thus, will not even cross small rivers, streams or open pastures," Weckstein said. "Scientists have even conducted experiments and found that these understory birds fatigue and are unable to cross large expanses of open space, such as open water."

For comparison, some rivers in Amazonia are 10 to 20 times wider than the Delaware River at the spot where the Benjamin Franklin Bridge spans it in Philadelphia.

So even though Plasmodiumcan jump into multiple kinds of birds, if those birds are all staying put, so is the Plasmodium.

Although the study focused mainly on bird parasites, it provides another building block to understanding microorganisms that affect humans, too, like malaria. After all, human malarial parasites are also members of the Plasmodium genus.

"This work helps us to understand the transmission of these parasites between species and how that may play an important role in their evolution," Weckstein explained. "Thus, it helps us to characterize the ecology of pathogen dispersal and host switching events, which is critical to understanding many of our own human pathogens."An innovative book distribution program that provides free children's books in low-income neighborhoods, combined with supportive adults who encourage reading, can boost children's literacy and learning opportunities, finds a new study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

"Both physical and psychological proximity to books matter when it comes to children's early literacy skills," said Susan B. Neuman, professor of childhood and literacy education at NYU Steinhardt and the study's lead author. "Children need access to books in their neighborhoods, as well as adults who create an environment that inspires reading."

Reading aloud to children has been touted by experts as a key to developing skills early in life that translate to later academic success. In fact, a 2014 position statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics called for parents to read aloud to their infants starting from birth.

At the heart of these recommendations is the assumption that all children have the opportunity to learn from a selection of high quality, age-appropriate books. However, a recent NYU Steinhardt study of three major cities shows that access to books remains a significant barrier to reading with children; many poor neighborhoods were found to be "book deserts," or communities with limited to no access to children's books.

Other prior research shows that creating both physical and psychological proximity to books helps get them into the hands of children. For example, creating reading corners in classrooms that are accessible and attractive encourages children to engage with books. From a psychological perspective, people help shape the setting for a child's literacy development through, for instance, reading to children or engaging them in rich dialogue around books.

The current study, funded by JetBlue and published in the journal Urban Education, examines a community-wide effort to promote greater access to books through a book distribution program in neighborhoods identified as "book deserts." Four low-income neighborhoods -- three in Detroit and one in Washington, D.C. -- received with vending machines that dispensed free children's books over the summer months, a time when children traditionally have less access to books.

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The vending machines held children's books, provided by Random House Children's Books, in slots arranged by age ranges. Similar to a snack machine, an individual could review the selections, press a button, and a book would be dispensed free of charge. Book titles were selected to reflect a variety of genres, including fiction and nonfiction, as well as multicultural themes and authors. Selections changed every two weeks to encourage people to return to the machine.

The study was designed to capture how, why, and in what ways these machines were used. Neuman and her coauthor, Jillian Knapczyk, used several measures to examine how greater access to books and adult support for book reading functioned within these communities.

The researchers studied the vending machine sites, the traffic patterns around them, and conducted brief interviews with individuals using the machines. They also assessed children's school readiness skills before the vending machines were installed and again at the end of the summer, and had parents complete questionnaires. They sought to determine the influence of adult support on children -- for instance, children who visited the vending machines with a teacher and independently visited with their parents or grandparents were identified as receiving high adult support.

The researchers found that providing greater access through close physical proximity to books and greater adult support for book reading enhanced children's opportunities to learn.

Throughout the summer, the vending machines were heavily used, distributing more than 64,000 books over the eight-week period -- 26,200 to unique, one-time users and 38,235 to return users. Often two or three books were selected in a single visit.

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"Our study provides a vivid counterpoint to the view that low-income parents are less inclined and less interested in their children's early education. This study challenges that view and provides an alternative scenario, recognizing that providing access to resources -- reaching families where they are -- and encouraging adult support may be a key enabler toward enhancing parent engagement and children's early literacy development," Neuman said.

Children who had the highest adult support -- visiting a machine with both a parent and with a teacher from the childcare center -- seemed to thrive and slightly gain throughout the summer. They saw a boost in their school readiness skills, and were able to recognize more book titles (suggesting greater exposure to books) than other children with less adult support.

In analyzing traffic patterns, the researchers found that an average of 180 people passed by a vending machine over a two-hour period, suggesting that the machines were highly visible. Despite the sizable traffic flow, not all passersby took advantage of the machines: 60 percent used them, while 40 percent did not.

Interviews revealed that those who used the machines enjoyed reading, and appreciated the opportunity to have books more accessible in the community. Parents and grandparents were highly influential in encouraging children to select books. Those who didn't select a book most often cited a lack of interest in reading. In other words, the physical proximity of books did not convert non-readers into readers, and changes in the environment alone may not be enough to motivate those who do not enjoy reading.

"Our findings suggest that only having one side of the equation -- access to books or adult support -- is insufficient. Rather, both are necessary. Without access to books, one cannot read to children; without adult supports, children cannot be read to," said Neuman.

JetBlue's Soar with Reading program has donated nearly $3 million worth of books to children in need, including in the communities where this study was conducted.As an ASU graduate student, Rachel Yoho wanted to push the boundaries of renewable energy research. What she didn't fully anticipate is that it would also lead her to questioning how climate change is taught in today's universities.

In the Biodesign Center for Environmental Biotechnology, led by director and ASU Regents' Professor (and recent Stockholm Water Prize winner) Bruce Rittmann, she found a welcome home to make her research thrive.

There, she focused on microbes that were giving the renewable energy field a literal jolt. For her dissertation work, led under the guidance of mentor Cesar Torres, she published several groundbreaking papers on advances in microbial fuel cells, which turn waste into electricity through a bacterial biofilm that has the ability to grow and thrive on an electrode.

"They breathe the metal, and give us electrons for energy in the process," said Yoho.

But while pursuing her Ph.D., she also became interested in the art of teaching science and earned a certificate in scientific teaching in higher education.

Among the most polarizing issues encountered in science and society today is the topic of global climate change. Despite nearly universal scientific consensus that it is indeed real and caused by us, the American public and politicians continue to be skeptical of the science.

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She was inspired by her science education courses to ask research questions that reflected the interdisciplinary nature of her lab-based research in the Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology at ASU's Biodesign Institute. So, when she started examining the topic of climate change in introductory science courses by pouring over introductory science textbooks, Yoho was surprised by the paucity of materials devoted toward subjects like global warming, climate change and renewable energy applications.

"In a cutting-edge research lab, we are used to looking at things across disciplines," said Yoho, who now performs research and teaches at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. "Within the educational environment, I wanted to see how different disciplines approach topics, and so, we looked at the terminology and content of textbooks, which are likely the most well-established and well-respected first or second stops for information in undergraduate education."

The introductory textbooks were also chosen because they "represent the intersection of teaching to non-scientists (popularization of science) and training for future scientists."

Now, in new research published in the journal Environmental Communication, Yoho and co-author Rittmann examined more than the 15,000 combined pages from current editions of 16 of the leading physics, biology and chemistry undergraduate textbooks published between 2013 and 2015.

They found that less than 4 percent of pages were devoted toward discussing climate change, global warming, related environmental issues or renewable energy applications.

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In addition, the research team found:

While they observed a large variation for individual books, biology textbooks had on average the largest number of pages discussing the effects of climate change, but still less than 2 percent, while chemistry textbooks showed the largest variation, and physics books have an average of less than 0.5 percent of total pages;

The greatest content is in the final third of the book for biology and chemistry, which supports a general trend in education in that "applications" usually are addressed towards the end of a course of study, building on a firm foundation of content knowledge;

Among the three disciplines, the least emphasis was placed on renewable energy technologies in the biology textbooks examined. Characteristically, alternative fuels and other technologies related to the transportation sector are emphasized heavily in chemistry and physics;

Nuclear energy, which was addressed separately, is found on less than 1 percent of textbook pages and unfavorably represented.

"The terms we included were not just limited to a keyword search, but also involved going page by page through each of the textbooks. We looked for related topics like any applications and discoveries related to fossil fuels, and renewable energy technologies like wind and solar," said Yoho.

They noted that climate change, global warming, fossil fuels, renewable energy, and nuclear energy are not often a focus of the textbooks or course for these disciplines. Furthermore, these topics may not even be the focus of a single unit in one of these courses and are unlikely to be a primary factor in the selection of the course textbook.

However, these cross-cutting topics of socio-scientific debate represent important societal and environmental contexts for developing informed and productive citizens.

"The discussion within these traditional, compartmentalized science disciplines has implications on introductory-level science education, the public perception of science, and an informed citizenship," said Rittmann.

Going forward, they think perhaps it's time for introductory sciences to be more explicit about some of these pressing topics that span multiple disciplines.

"It's a difficult balance in an introductory course," said Yoho. "There's so much information to cover in a short time. However, our students are facing these issues inside and outside of the classrooms. Our communities feel the impacts of our energy decisions and climate." Some discussion can go a long way towards preparing students. "A next step might be to focus on the terms and content we discuss, as well as the potential role of these topics in introductory education," she added.

"However, no single discipline can tackle this alone," wrote Yoho in the paper. "While the traditional disciplinary lines influence specific discussions, the overall trends reveal a relatively small percentage of pages allotted to the topics related to energy technologies, climate change, and related environmental issues across the disciplines."

By documenting that large textbooks devote relatively few pages to these pressing societal issues, this research calls into question the effectiveness of the information provided to students in introductory materials.The 'deep learning' computers in Anant Madabhushi's diagnostic imaging lab at Case Western Reserve University routinely defeat their human counterparts in diagnosing heart failure, detecting various cancers and predicting their strength.

But Madabhushi -- even as he gladly touts three recent examples of apparent cyber superiority played out in his lab -- also dismisses any implication of a coming future when such machines replace pathologists and radiologists.

"There's initially always going to be some wincing and anxiety among pathologists and radiologists over this idea -- that our computational imaging technology can outperform us or even take our jobs," said Madabhushi, whose center has made significant diagnostic advances in cardiovascular disease and also brain, lung, breast, prostate and head and neck cancers since opening in 2012.

Madabhushi, the F. Alex Nason Professor II of biomedical engineering at the Case School of Engineering, contends that his research is not only introducing invaluable diagnostic tools, but also helping to identify those patients with less aggressive disease who may not need more aggressive therapy.

Since 2016, Madabhushi and his team have received over $9.5 million from the National Cancer Institute to develop computational tools for analysis of digital pathology images of breast, lung and head and neck cancers to identify which patients with these diseases could be spared aggressive radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

"It's not so much that we were able to 'beat' the pathologist or the radiologist, but rather that the machine was able to add value to what they can offer," he said. "There is desperate need for better decision-support tools that allows them to serve patients, especially in places where there are very few pathologists or radiologists.

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"By providing them with decision support, we can help them become more efficient. For instance, the tools could help reduce the amount of time spent on cases with no obvious disease or obviously benign conditions and instead help them focus on the more confounding cases."

Those tools have been producing exceptionally accurate results at Madabhushi's Center for Computational Imaging and Personalized Diagnostics (CCIPD) at Case Western Reserve.

Consider three recent examples:

1. The computational-imaging system in Madabhushi's lab correctly predicted with a 97-percent accuracy which among 105 patients were already showing evidence of pending heart failure. By comparison, two pathologists were correct 74 percent and 73 percent, respectively. The results were recently published in the journal PLOS ONE.

2. Madabhushi and co-investigators -- supported by a $608,000 U.S. Department of Defense, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program grant -- show that while human radiologists could flag up to half of all nodules that show up in a CAT scan as "suspicious" or "indeterminate," about 98 percent of those nodules actually turn out to be benign. In a recent study published in the Journal of Medical Imaging, Madabhushi and his group showed that their computational imaging technique was between 5-8 percent superior compared to two human experts in distinguishing benign from malignant lung nodules on CAT scans.

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3. In an international study of prostate cancer scans in the U.S., Finland and Australia, the computational imaging algorithms outperformed their human counterparts in two ways, detailed in a study recently published in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In more than 70 percent of cases where radiologists missed the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, the machine algorithm caught it. In half of cases where radiologists mistakenly identified the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer on a MRI scan, the machine was able to correctly identify that no clinically significant disease was present. "This is all very exciting data for us, but now we need more validation and to demonstrate these results on larger cohorts," Madabhushi said. "But we really believe this is more evidence of what computational imaging of pathology and radiology images can do for cardiovascular and cancer research and practical use among pathologists and radiologists."

Radiomics and Pathomics: The tech behind the triumph

So, what exactly are these supercomputers doing that humans can't that creates such a wide margin in diagnostic success?

The short answer could be said for virtually all computer advantages in the last half century: The machines do work at far greater speed and volume.

The precise difference here is that the diagnostic imaging computers at the CCIPD can read, log, compare and contrast literally hundreds of slides of tissue samples in the amount of time a pathologist might spend on a single slide.

Then, they rapidly and completely catalogue characteristics like texture, shape and structure of glands, nuclei and surrounding tissue to determine the aggressiveness and risk associated with certain diseases.

This is where the 'deep learning' comes in: From all of that, they create algorithms which can look beyond what the human eye can see in comparing and contrasting those multitudes of images. Finally, they are working toward predicting everything from how aggressive a disease is going to be to whether a scanned nodule is likely to even turn cancerous.

In the end, all of this new information should help pathologists and radiologists with the interpretations of slides and scans, but more critically can help clinicians make more-informed treatment recommendations.

Madabhushi said that can help a single pathologist do her work more efficiently by more accurately triaging patients by true need for care -- or provide hope to an entire nation.

"I always use the example of Botswana, where they have a population of 2 million people -- and only one pathologist that we aware of," he said. "From that one example alone, you can see that this technology can help that one pathologist be more efficient and help many more people."Now, geologists have discovered a likely culprit: major volcanism, as revealed by a widespread pulse of mercury. The study was led by geologist Grzegorz Racki of the University of Silesia, Sosnoweic, Poland. "Up until now the main debate on this mass extinction has been what the main direct cause was," explains Racki. "We provide the first clear evidence for volcanism." The study was published online ahead of print in GEOLOGY on 26 April, 2018.

The team analyzed rocks from Morocco, Germany, and northern Russia, all dating from the same short geologic interval 372 million years ago, just before the Frasnian-Famennian boundary. In addition to being spread across two continents, the rocks varied from black shale, grey shale, to limestone, and ranged from a few centimeters to a few meters thick. Yet they all shared one particularly striking characteristic: a sharp mercury peak hundreds of times higher than background.

In other mass extinctions, elevated mercury has been closely linked to big-time volcanic episodes. In fact, points out Racki, mercury has become to Earth-based catastrophes what iridium is to extraterrestrial-based ones. "Mercury as a geochemical fingerprint of volcanism appears decisive in the new stage of mass extinction studies," he says.

"Now we can say that all of the 'Big Five' mass extinctions coincide with major volcanic events," adds co-author Paul Wignall, with the University of Leeds in England. "Until our discovery, this (late Devonian extinction) was the major exception."

So far, the actual smoking gun -- a large region of age-appropriate volcanic rocks -- has yet to be unearthed. Racki suggests that the leading candidate may be in Russia, although telltale volcanic rocks have apparently either been eroded away or deeply buried.

That absence actually provides another take-away from the study, says Wignall. "It's possible to discover evidence for giant volcanic episodes, using trace metals in sediments, even when the lavas themselves may have long vanished," he says.When it's hot and dry, mosquitoes like nothing more than the refreshing taste of you.

Biologists with the University of Cincinnati discovered that female mosquitoes bite not only to get the protein they need to lay eggs but also to quench their thirst during a drought. Now researchers are trying to find out just how often mosquitoes must bite to stay hydrated, which could help doctors fight illnesses such as malaria.

The findings were published May 1 in Scientific Reports.

"It makes sense," UC biology student and study co-author Elise Didion said. "We find the highest transmission rates of West Nile virus during droughts because mosquitoes may use blood meals to replace the water they lose."

The researchers presented the study in January at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology conference.

Mosquitoes often pose a nuisance and disease threat after rains when they can lay eggs in standing water. But UC's research found that dry conditions provide little protection from the biting pests.

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Because of the diseases they carry, mosquitoes are the deadliest animal threat by far to people. Malaria alone kills more than 400,000 people per year. About half of the world's population is at risk of infection. And mosquitoes carry a host of other fatal or debilitating diseases, including yellow fever, dengue and encephalitis. In the United States, mosquitoes have been known to spread viruses such as West Nile, Eastern equine encephalitis and Zika.

Every new detail about their physiology and behavior could help health agencies fight mosquito-borne illness, UC biology professor Joshua Benoit said.

"It will make for better modeling for when disease outbreaks occur," Benoit said. "When it's dry, it might be easier for a mosquito to locate a host than limited supplies of water or nectar."

The new insights into mosquito behavior came about serendipitously, researchers said.

UC students were studying a batch of thirsty, dehydrated mosquitoes when some escaped from a vial.

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"They noticed the mosquitoes were unusually aggressive," Didion said. "They were all trying to bite."

Benoit and his students study mosquitoes in their biology lab, where adults of six species are sequestered in large mesh boxes in a room kept at a balmy 82 degrees. Each box has a source of water and nectar and a place to lay eggs to create a constant supply of lab specimens.

"It's like the Ritz-Carlton in there," UC student Gabriela Nine joked.

Researchers studied the common house mosquito, Culex pipiens, for the dehydration study. But the lab also is home to the more aggressive Aedes aegypti, the species most likely to spread diseases such as Zika, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Female mosquitoes typically need the protein found in blood to lay eggs. Students warm a capful of chicken blood covered in a thin membrane that mimics animal skin.

Mosquitoes are sensitive to carbon dioxide in animal breath, one of the fun ways they can follow you down a trail. Didion said she breathes into their mesh cage at feeding time to stimulate their appetites. Even so, just a few of the more than 1,000 mosquitoes in the cage responded by landing on the metal disk.

Benoit said what's surprising about mosquitoes is how infrequently they will seek a blood meal when they have ample water and hydration.

"Normally only 5 or 10 percent of female mosquitoes will feed at any time, depending on the species," he said. "Dehydration has a big impact on whether they feed normally or not."

In their study, dehydration prompted as many as 30 percent of female mosquitoes to seek a blood meal.

The researchers theorized that dehydration would lead to a suppressed metabolism, reduced activity and decreased blood feeding in the northern house mosquito. But surprisingly, they found that conditions of dehydration increased the propensity of mosquitoes to land and feed on a host. Meanwhile, mosquitoes with ready access to water did not seek blood meals at a higher rate when exposed to similar temperature and humidity.

The students put their theories to the test in natural but controlled conditions at the UC Center for Field Studies, a sprawling research center outside Cincinnati. Researchers released adult mosquitoes in a large mesh enclosure called a mesocosm that mimics conditions they would find in nature.

After more than a week, researchers introduced a membrane-covered disk of blood that mimics a bird or animal host. Researchers then collected blood-feeding mosquitoes on two occasions -- a day after it rained and a day after a dry spell -- to see what physiological differences they could detect in the two groups, along with random non-feeding mosquitoes they also sampled.

The biologists found that dehydrated mosquitoes in the mesocosm were more likely to seek a blood meal compared to mosquitoes that were not thirsty.

Benoit and his biology students collaborated with UC mathematical sciences professor Yanyu Xiao, who came up with models that predicted biting rates and the resulting disease transmission under varying weather conditions.

"I had been working on mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and West Nile, so it was the perfect match for me to expand my research network," Xiao said.

Xiao said to track mosquito-borne illness, you have to understand human demographics, too.

"In my literature review, I found that typical disease infection wasn't over the summertime but in transitory times when water levels shrink and the flowers dry up," she said. "Look at the daily pattern of rainfall and seasonal drought." Xiao says the study of those two patterns proves when mosquitoes are "really looking for human blood."

Mosquitoes are a personal nemesis for her wherever she goes, whether it's Florida or Canada, Xiao said.

"The mosquitoes in Alberta are giant. The first time I went to a conference there, I took a walk along the river after my presentation. After that I couldn't see, my face got bitten so badly," she said.

Benoit said it does not take long for mosquitoes to become dehydrated to the point where they might seek a blood meal.

"We saw the behavioral effects within two or three hours under low humidities and higher temperatures," Benoit said. "It was completely changing their behavior."

Similar behavioral changes were observed in two other species of lab mosquito that were exposed to dehydrating conditions.

UC student and study co-author Christopher Holmes said this research holds the promise of saving lives.

"If we know how mosquitoes react to drought, we can better predict when you'll see a disease outbreak," Holmes said. "It's a step in the right direction toward understanding how the environment affects mosquitoes, which we really can't answer right now."

A warming climate could mean more frequent and longer periods of drought in areas where mosquitoes pose a health threat.

"You could see effects on mosquitoes that probably will be exacerbated with the increasing frequency of drought, increasing duration and increasing severity," Holmes said.The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that on April 30, 2018, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts entered a default judgment in an ongoing enforcement action against Christopher R. Esposito, the owner and Managing Director of Lionshare Ventures, LLC (Lionshare), in a case involving an alleged scheme to defraud investors by misappropriating investor funds and concealing the ownership and control of a publicly traded company. The court also entered a final judgement by consent on December 11, 2017, against another defendant in the case, Rene Galizio.

The SEC's complaint, filed on May 26, 2016, alleged a two-part scheme involving Esposito, Lionshare, and several co-defendants. First, Esposito raised more than $550,000 in investor funds through an unregistered offering of Lionshare securities and then misappropriated $375,000 for his personal benefit. According to the complaint, Esposito spent almost $300,000 of the funds raised on personal expenses and used $75,000 to acquire control of a Massachusetts-based, publicly traded company, Cannabiz Mobile, Inc., by purchasing all of its convertible debt.

In the second phase of the scheme, the SEC's complaint alleged that Esposito and Lionshare, together with co-defendant Anthony Jay Pignatello of Manhattan Beach, California, concealed Esposito and Lionshare's de facto control of Cannabiz and a large percentage of Cannabiz's securities in order to evade SEC Rule 144, which limits securities sales by certain company affiliates, such as control persons. Esposito allegedly did this by, among other things, installing co-defendant James Gondolfe as the sole officer and director of Cannabiz - even though Esposito and Lionshare secretly controlled the company - to make false statements in Cannabiz's public filings with the SEC and other documents. According to the SEC's complaint, Esposito paid third-party stock promoters to tout Cannabiz stock in order to increase its price and trading volume. Both during and after this promotional campaign, Esposito sold significant amounts of Cannabiz convertible debt to others for a profit of almost $304,000. Esposito, Pignatello, and Galizio also allegedly sold millions of shares of Cannabiz stock directly into the public market for a profit.

The final judgment, which was entered against Esposito by default by the Honorable Allison D. Burroughs of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, enjoins Esposito from future violations of Sections 5 and 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The judgment also orders Esposito to pay, on a joint and several basis with Lionshare, disgorgement and pre-judgment interest in the total amount of $1,107,413 and a civil penalty of $160,000. Additionally, the final judgment against Esposito bars him from acting as an officer or director of any issuer that has a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and permanently bars him from participating in an offering of a penny stock.

On December 11, 2017, the Court entered a final judgment by consent against Galizio. That judgment enjoined Galizio from future violations of Section 5 of the Securities Act and ordered her to pay disgorgement of $22,500 and a civil penalty of $7,500. The judgment also barred Galizio from participating in an offering of a penny stock.

The court previously entered final default judgments against Gondolfe and Cannabiz on January 27, 2017 and against Lionshare on April 14, 2017.

The SEC's litigation in this matter continues against Pignatello.The Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it has obtained a final judgment in a fraud case against a promoter of a pyramid scheme targeting Latino communities.

The final judgment, entered on April 27, 2018 by a federal district court in Boston, Massachusetts, permanently enjoins Randy Crosby from violating Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 and imposes a conduct-based injunction. The judgment orders Crosby to pay $294,014 in disgorgement, but that is deemed satisfied by an order requiring Crosby to transfer certain assets to settle an adversary action against Crosby filed by Stephen Darr, the Chapter 11 Trustee of TelexFree LLC, TelexFree, Inc., and TelexFree Financial, Inc. in the bankruptcy case and through a payment plan. In settling the SEC's charges, Crosby admitted that he was a promoter of TelexFree, appearing in promotional videos that were posted on YouTube and making daily marketing presentations.

The SEC has previously obtained final judgments by consent against TelexFree's co-owner and president and its CFO, its international sales director and another promoter of TelexFree, who also was ordered to jail for civil contempt arising from his repeated violations of court orders.

The SEC's litigation continues against TelexFree, its other co-owner, and the remaining promoters of the alleged TelexFree pyramid scheme.On April 17, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York approved settlement agreements between the SEC and defendants William "Billy" Walters, whom the SEC charged with insider trading, and Thomas C. Davis, who tipped material nonpublic information to Walters.

In its complaint, filed on May 19, 2016, the SEC alleged that Davis, then a board member of Dean Foods Company, owed Walters money. According to the SEC complaint, Davis regularly shared inside information about Dean Foods with Walters in advance of market-moving events, using prepaid cell phones and other methods in an effort to avoid detection. The SEC further alleged that, while Walters made millions of dollars using the confidential information to engage in insider trading, he provided Davis with almost $1 million and other benefits to help Davis address his financial debts. The SEC action was stayed, in part, pending the outcome of a parallel criminal proceeding.

In the parallel criminal proceeding, Walters was convicted of securities fraud and wire fraud and Davis pled guilty to those same offenses, among others. Following the conclusion of the criminal case, the SEC obtained the recently approved settlements from Walters and Davis. The settlement with Walters (1) permanently enjoins him from violating Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and (2) orders him to pay disgorgement of $19,004,429.26 and prejudgment interest of $3,552,429.20, but will deem that obligation satisfied if the conditions specified (relating to the parallel criminal proceeding against Walters) occur. The settlement with Davis (1) permanently enjoins him from violating Exchange Act Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 thereunder and (2) prohibits him from acting as an officer or director of any issuer that has a class of securities registered pursuant to Exchange Act Section 12 or that is required to file reports pursuant to Exchange Act Section 15(d).

The SEC also voluntarily dismissed its claims against relief defendants The Walters Group and Nature Development B.V, entities controlled by Walters, based on Walters's settlement agreement with the SEC.

For further information, see Press Release No. 2016-92, May 19, 2016.Former state senator and San Francisco mayoral candidate Mark Leno sought to distance himself Monday from a new online ad supporting his campaign that was paid for by outside interest groups.

The ad, which began circulating over the weekend, was paid for by an independent expenditure committee called San Francisco for All of Us, Supporting Mark Leno for Mayor. Its chief donors are Equality California, a statewide LGBTQ-rights group that endorsed Lenos campaign in March, and United Here Local 2, a union representing hotel employees.

Leno has repeatedly worked to make campaign finance  and his vocal rejection of independent expenditure committees  a centerpiece of his campaign. Hes also been acutely critical of one of his rivals in the race, Supervisor London Breed, for refusing to sign his fair campaign pledge, which calls on all candidates in the mayors race to publicly denounce, renounce and reject all independent expenditures made on my behalf or against any other candidates.

Zoe Kleinfeld, a spokeswoman for Lenos campaign, said Leno continues to abide by the pledge, and has asked Equality California and Local 2s members to support his candidacy by contributing directly to his campaign and refraining from participating in outside expenditures.

Lenos critics, however, pounced on the ad and accused Leno of breaking his fair campaign pledge. Breeds camp has also repeatedly highlighted the fact that Leno had benefited from spending by outside groups during his previous campaigns for the Assembly and state Senate.

Given his long history with SuperPACs, the pledge was hypocritical of Leno to begin with, Tara Moriarty, a spokeswoman for Breeds campaign, said in a statement. Now that hes broken his own pledge in the campaigns closing weeks, its become not only hypocritical, its desperate.

Lenos campaign also sought to draw a distinction between the groups spending on his behalf, compared with those spending on behalf of Breed.

One of the primary functions of unions, LGBTQ and tenants organizations is to elevate their endorsed candidates into office. This is a stark contrast to the special-interest objectives of a select few billionaires who single-handedly bankroll city elections, Kleinfeld said.

Statue saga goes on: The effort to take down a deeply controversial statue that critics say celebrates the subjugation of American Indians will face a major test next month.

On June 13, the citys Board of Appeals will consider granting the citys Arts Commission and Historic Preservation Commissions request for one more hearing to make its case for removing the Early Days statue.

The statue, one of five bronze sculptures that make up the Pioneer Monument in San Franciscos Civic Center, depicts a vaquero and a missionary towering over a fallen and nearly naked Indian man. A growing chorus of critics, including Mayor Mark Farrell, have called for the statues removal.

The Arts Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission both approved measures to put the statue into permanent storage, but their efforts were halted last month after the Board of Appeals sided with a Petaluma attorney who protested the statues removal. The attorney, Frear Stephen Schmid, argued that the Historic Preservation Commissions decision was inconsistent with the citys standards for removing or altering historic artifacts.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

The Board of Appeals largely agreed, concluding that the Historic Preservation Commission erred in approving the statues removal because removing Early Days would change the Pioneer Monuments historic character.

The Board of Appeals is expected to render a decision immediately on whether to grant a rehearing after listening to the Arts and Historic Preservation commissions and from Schmid. Granting a rehearing takes a supermajority  four of the boards five members would have to vote yes.

 Dominic Fracassa

Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cityinsider@sfchronicle.com, dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfcityinsider @dominicfracassaThere were enough noodles, meatballs, cold cuts, salads and smoked salmon at Specs on Sunday afternoon to feed half of North Beach, which was a good thing because it seemed like half of North Beach showed up.

The famous Specs Twelve Adler Museum Cafe celebrated its 50th anniversary last week  it opened April 26, 1968  with a party Sunday. While a 50th birthday seems like a milestone worth raising a glass to, the late Richard Specs Simmons was a guy who never let any anniversary pass by without paying tribute to the characters  poets and merchant marines and taxi drivers and book dealers  who kept his joint afloat, said his daughter, Ellie Simmons.

Its basically to thank our regulars for keeping us going all year, Simmons said. Its a family party.

On Sunday afternoon, the food covered the big round table in the back where the poets gather on Wednesday nights. Regulars spilled into the alleyway. Bar regulars like Gail Gilman, Tony Ryan and Jessica Loos lugged in buckets of ice, and scurried in and out of the back room clearing empty trays and bringing in new ones.

Specs Simmons, an irascible unrepentant lefty who was born in Boston in 1928, died in October 2016. But his legacy is honored every day at the dim, shopworn bar. His politics, interests and sense of humor are reflected in the bars decor  the shipping flags from around the world, the IWW Wobbly union memorabilia, the whale eardrum, the giant crab shell, the mummified whale penis, the life rings from ancient ships, the historic mugshots, the drunk tank key from when the citys Hall of Justice was in Portsmouth Square.

Janet Clyde, co-owner of Vesuvio across the street on Columbus Avenue, stopped by to pay tribute. I miss Specs  the man, Clyde said.

Mason Trinca / Special to The Chronicle 2018

The two bars have been connected from the start. Specs cooked and poured drinks at Vesuvio before he opened his own place. He met his wife, Sonia, at Vesuvio. Even today, at least one bartender, the retired music critic Tony Lioce, works shifts at both establishments.

Its like one bar with two living rooms, like two separate wings to the house, Clyde said. Specs keeps us real. Its a working mans bar, a working womans bar.

There was at least one celebrant there Sunday who attended Specs opening on that April Friday in 1968, when LBJ was president and students at Ohio State University seized the administration building.

That was Serena Bardell, who had met her husband at Specs in 1976. Bardell said shes always made an effort to cook something up for the annual Feast of Specs. She recalled the first time she ever made meat loaf  it was for the 10th anniversary party. This year she made an organic vegan dish with four kinds of beans and barley and habaneros and garlic and onions, and I think that is it.

Taste it before the bums get their hands on it  its really pretty good, she said. Im a bit of a cook.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Despite Specs death, its been a good year for for the bar. It earned legacy status through the citys business preservation program. And it signed a 10-year lease with the property owner, ensuring that it will be around for the 60th anniversary.

On Sunday, Supervisor Aaron Peskin delivered an official proclamation and was given a white yarmulke that Specs had left behind.

Its part of the fabric of North Beach, not just a bar, not just a funky San Francisco institution, Peskin said. Its been part of the neighborhood scene for 50 years, and some of the characters have been here since the start.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineenHoping to gain control over the surging motorized rental scooter industry that landed in the city a few weeks ago, San Francisco officials adopted a plan Tuesday to limit the number of standup two-wheelers that companies would be permitted to drop on the streets.

The citys Municipal Transportation Agency also voted to charge any rental electric scooter companies applying to do business in San Francisco annual permit fees and require them to file plans on how they intend to keep their scooters from obstructing sidewalks. The vote was 5-0.

The one-year test program allows a maximum of five rental scooter companies to operate in the city at once and caps the total number of scooters allowed at 1,250 spread among the companies, for the first six months and 2,500 over the following six months.

Firms would be required to pay a $5,000 permit application fee and, if a permit were granted, a $25,000 annual fee plus they must put $10,000 into an endowment fund to cover future violations.

All of these fees are meant to make sure we can administer a program without a cost to taxpayers, said Ben Jose, an MTA spokesman.

Now Playing: Electric scooters by companies like Lime, Spin and Bird have taken over San Francisco streets and sidewalks. They're controversial - and we tested one out for a quick ride. Video: Alix Martichoux / SFGATE

The scooters, which are silent and can reach speeds of 15 mph, created a buzz after an estimated 2,000 of them were deposited in the city by three firms  Spin, LimeBike and Bird  at the end of March without notice.

They became an instant hit with people who had a mobile phone app to unlock them and were willing to pay a $1 rental fee  and 15 cents a minute  to ride them, from BART or Caltrain to work, across town to a meeting or a ballgame or to lunch.

But the scooters sudden arrival, without city approval, also set off a storm of criticism over riders zipping around pedestrians on sidewalks, parking them in a way that blocked portions of sidewalks, and riding them without helmets. Pedestrians, merchants and politicians cried foul and demanded action.

City officials responded with a coordinated attack. The Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance giving the MTA the right to require permits and regulate scooters. Public Works officials impounded hundreds of scooters they said were parked blocking sidewalks or entryways.

And City Attorney Dennis Herrera issued cease-and-desist orders against illegal operations, including riding on and blocking sidewalks, and required scooter firms to tell his office how they planned to satisfy the law.

As the two-year plan was being aired publicly Tuesday, much of the debate was over the proposed cap on scooters. No one knows exactly how many scooters are currently scattered around the city, but estimates range as high as 4,000. A Bird spokesman said at Tuesdays meeting that his company had 2,000 on the streets and sidewalks that morning.

Jerri Diep, a community organizer with Chinatown TRIP, a transportation group, said 2,500 scooters were too many. Scooters are already crowding sidewalks, making it difficult for seniors and others with mobility problems to walk.

Its just too much, she said. Theyre parking and riding on sidewalks, and its very dangerous.

David Goulden, a San Francisco resident and bicyclist, disagreed, saying that if the MTA wants to meet its goals of getting more people out of cars, it needs to have enough scooters on the streets.

If somebodys deciding between an Uber and a scooter, and the nearest scooter is six blocks away, theyre going to call Uber, he said.

Several speakers objected to the perceived arrogance of the scooter companies, saying their bad behavior in not applying to the city before introducing their two-wheelers should not be overlooked when its time to issue permits.

Its time to set a new precedent where we say we are no longer going to reward bad actors, said Peter Papadapoulos of the Mission Economic Development Agency.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Directors agreed, voting to allow past behavior by the companies to be considered when permits are being issued. Bird, LimeBike and Spin are not guaranteed permits, Jose said.

Rental scooter firms, meanwhile, filed letters with the City Attorneys office late Monday promising to make stronger efforts to educate their riders about the law, and proper scooter etiquette.

All offered relatively similar promises, but only Birds came from its law firm, which contended the company is operating legally and cannot control the behavior of its users.

A defendant is not liable for a public nuisance where some of its customers illegally misuse its product, even if some level of misuse is foreseeable in the abstract, wrote attorney Margaret Carter from the OMelveny law firm in Los Angeles.

But Bird and the others said they would post the rules of the road prominently on their scooters as well as on the apps used to rent them: Dont ride on sidewalks, do wear a helmet, dont park blocking sidewalks. They also said they would post a toll-free number on each scooter for people to report improperly parked scooters that the companies would then come out and remove.

Spin said it would require users to scan a drivers license to rent a scooter and would ask them to rate how well the previous user parked the device. LimeBike promised to give away helmets and require users to take photos of their parked scooters at the end of a ride. Bird also said it would ask riders to take pictures of their parked scooters and would encourage them to park at nests, locations on private property where multiple scooters can be parked.

John Cote, spokesman for Herreras office, said the companys responses will be reviewed and discussed with various city departments.

Our goal has always been to ensure that innovation does not come at the price of public safety, Cote said. These scooters could have a role in San Franciscos transportation picture if theyre used lawfully. That includes being parked in the right place, ridden in the right place and following all terms of the pending permit program.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuanSan Francisco city officials are planning to expand a pilot program that brings high-speed Internet service and digital skills training to residents living in public housing.

Since January, the city has provided free Internet access, on-site computer labs offering digital literacy training and hardware repair services to residents of the Robert B. Pitts and Hunters Point West public housing sites.

Together the locations contain 313 housing units, and both locations were selected based on a needs assessment. And now, citing the success of the pilot program, city officials are working on a plan to expand similar services to five additional public housing sites by the end of the year. The specific locations are still being worked out.

We need to make sure those individuals that need a leg up in our city and in our society are on a level playing field with everybody else. Internet access is just table stakes, said Mayor Mark Farrell, who has long emphasized the need to expand access to Internet services for those who might not be able to afford it. An estimated 100,000 San Franciscans lack reliable Internet access at home.

We have to do everything possible in San Francisco to close the digital divide, Farrell said.

The free Web connections are being provided by Monkeybrains, a San Francisco Internet service provider. Google has also donated 100 Wi-Fi devices that are being distributed to residents who complete a two-hour workshop on basic Internet skills and how to use the Web to access employment, education and health resources.

The donation of Google Wi-Fi devices helps get our neighbors connected and is a step in the right right direction as we aim to minimize the digital divide, said Rebecca Prozan, Googles head of public affairs in California.

 Dominic Fracassa

A memorial: Brian Quinn took the harsh lessons of sleeping in parks as a homeless teenager in the East Bay and turned them into motivations. He overcame his struggles on the street to become a member of the U.S. Army and a San Francisco State University graduate who eventually ran shelter and housing programs in San Francisco for people who were homeless just like he had been as a kid.

Courtesy S.F. Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

When he died of natural causes on April 22 in San Francisco at age 46, he was overseeing the expansion and implementation of the citys five Navigation Centers, specialized one-stop shelters where street people can move in 24/7 and get intensive case management. In his honor, the city will name his last project  a sixth Navigation Center set to open on Division Street this month  after him.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

I have rarely met a person who had such a positive impact on so many homeless people as Brian did, said his longtime friend and colleague in homeless-aid endeavors, Jeff Kositsky, head of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. This was his calling.

Whether it was being a case manager or doing complex analysis for a supportive housing project, he was always helping to change and save peoples lives. He had a huge heart, Kositsky said.

A public memorial will be held for Quinn at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Kelly Cullen Community center, 220 Golden Gate Ave. in San Francisco.

 Kevin Fagan

Email: cityinsider@sfchronicle.com,

dfracassa@sfchronicle.com kfagan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfcityinsider

@dominicfracassa @KevinChronCalifornia and 16 other states on Tuesday sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over its efforts to weaken or freeze fuel economy improvements in cars, with Gov. Jerry Brown casting the move as essential to fighting climate change.

The suit opens yet another front in the ongoing legal battle between Brown and the Trump administration over immigration and environmental policies. The complaint also takes direct aim at EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, whom critics accuse of trying to gut his own department from within.

Pruitt last month moved to reconsider fuel economy standards for the years 2022 through 2025, requirements set by the Obama administration and closely modeled on Californias clean-car regulations. By 2025, those standards require the fleet-wide average mileage for cars and light trucks to nominally top 50 miles per gallon (though the actual number is lower due to credits and loopholes). Pruitt argued that the rules were too stringent and could greatly increase car costs for consumers.

Brown and other California officials on Tuesday called Pruitts decision arbitrary and therefore illegal, saying the administrator was trying to change a regulation without supporting evidence.

At one point referring to the administrator as Outlaw Pruitt, Brown said Pruitt and President Trump want Americans to buy more gasoline. He slammed both for ignoring global warming science, which holds that rising greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels are heating the planet. In California, well over a third of greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation.

Climate change is not a joke, the fires, the floods, the rising sea levels, Brown said, at a press conference in Sacramento. This is real stuff, and if Pruitt doesnt get it, if Trump doesnt get it, theyve got to go.

The EPA declined to comment, issuing a statement saying the agency would not discuss pending litigation.

California has now filed 32 lawsuits against the Trump administration, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Tuesday. Of those 16 or 17 concern environmental issues, he said. The coalition of states behind Tuesdays suit  along with the District of Columbia, which also joined  represents 140 million people and about 43 percent of the U.S. auto market.

The world is not flat, pollution is not free, and the health of our children and the future are not for sale, Becerra said at the press conference with Brown.

California has a long history of battling the federal government over auto mileage requirements.

Since 1970, the state has held a waiver under the federal Clean Air Act to impose its own air pollution regulations that can be more stringent than national rules. A 2002 California law extended that principle to greenhouse gases from cars, tightening mileage requirements as a way to cut emissions.

The law provoked a long legal fight including automakers and the George W. Bush administration, which argued that the federal government alone had the authority to set fuel economy standards. California eventually prevailed, and President Obama announced in 2009 that he would take Californias standards nationwide, as one of his first major actions on climate change.

Automakers sent Trump a letter after his 2016 election asking to revisit the auto standards for the years 2022 through 2025, in which mileage requirements are set to rapidly ramp up. The fuel economy program already called for re-evaluating those years to determine if the requirements were still appropriate, and shortly before Trumps 2017 inauguration, the Obama administration announced that the requirements would stay in place.

On April 13, the EPA published in the Federal Register a notice that the agency intends to withdraw that determination.

The Administrator determines that the current standards are based on outdated information, and that more recent information suggests that the current standards may be too stringent, the notice read.

Last week, several news outlets reported that the EPA and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration are considering freezing mileage standards at 2020 levels and either sidestepping or revoking Californias ability to set its own standards. The lawsuit filed Tuesday, however, focuses solely on the April 13 notice in the Federal Register and not on the possible threat to Californias waiver.

Automakers have argued that Americans enduring love of trucks and SUVs  and limited embrace of electric cars, which tend to be more expensive than comparable gas-powered models  make it difficult to attain the 2025 standards. Since the current wave of electric cars first hit the market in late 2010, just over 378,000 have been registered nationwide, more than half of them in California.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

Consumer research shows that the monthly payment is the top concern when car-shopping, the Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers lobbying group argued in an April 2 statement, after Pruitt said he would revisit the mileage requirements. So, to ensure ongoing fuel economy improvement, the wisest course of action is to keep new vehicles affordable so more consumers can replace an older car with a new vehicle that uses much less fuel  and offers more safety features.

And yet, car companies also want to avoid having to meet two different mileage standards within the United States. And while the alliance has welcomed efforts to revise the standards, not all of its members agree. The top executives of Ford, for example, in March called for more flexibility in the fuel economy program but argued against a rollback.

An alliance spokesman did not return a request for comment Tuesday.

Brown said Tuesday that scaling back mileage improvements would, in the end, hurt American automakers more than help them.

Other countries, he said, are planning to produce more-efficient cars and shift consumers away from vehicles that burn fossil fuels. American manufacturers will need to do the same in order to compete in the global market.

If America cant do it, I believe China and other countries will, and what will happen is what happened to the solar industry, Brown said. America will not have a major auto industry on the path that Trump and Pruitt have laid down.

In addition to California and the District of Columbia, the suit is backed by Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSFAs Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg tries to shift the conversation away from the company's ongoing privacy woes and to new technologies at its F8 developers conference in San Jose, politics continues to cast a pall over the event.

Zuckerberg spent two days testifying before Congress last month. Now, the British Parliament could formally summon him to speak if he does not voluntarily appear, according to a letter sent by one of its members to Facebook.

The F8 conference kicked off with a speech by Zuckerberg  you can see highlights below. The Chronicle's Benny Evangelista will bring more updates from San Jose throughout the day.

12 p.m.: And that's a wrap! The keynote is over. Check back on sfchronicle.com and on Twitter for more news from F8.

11:50 a.m.: Hugo Barra, a former Google executive who now runs Facebook's virtual reality efforts,is talking about Oculus Go. The VR headset will also come in a version with bigger storage, costing $249. It can access a new feature called Oculus TV, essentially a big virtual living room with the digital equivalent of an 188-inch TV monitor, with live and on-demand programs. It launches this month, including ESPN, Netflix, Hulu and Showtime. Also, Oculus is partnering with toy maker Hasbro to create VR versions of popular board games Boggle, Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit.

The Oculus Go is covered with some sort of fabric, and it looks far less geeky than the Oculus Rift. The design is reminiscent of Google's last phone VR headset, the Daydream.

11:03 a.m.: There are 1.4 billion people using Facebook Groups every month. Facebook's Chris Cox highlighted one started by Chicago-based journalist Lola Omola, Females in Nigeria, which has 1 million members. They are making improvements, like a new Groups tab, that will make it easier to use and discover Groups.

10:57 a.m.: Chris Cox, one of Zuckerberg's top lieutenants who oversees Facebook's products, explained more about Dating on Facebook, which might give other dating apps a run for their money. A Facebook member can create a separate dating profile, using just their first name, and it won't show up on their news feed or be visible to friends. Through that profile, the member can browse events and groups in their city, based on their interests. "It mirrors the way people actually date," Cox said.

If the member sees an event he or she is intersted in, they click on it, unlock it and see other members who are also using the dating feature and planning to attend. They can then send private text messages, not connected to Messenger or WhatsApp.

"We hope this will help more folks meet and find partners," Cox said.

Benny Evangelista writes: "Zuckerberg ended his portion of the keynote obviously trying to rally the developers, trying to get them pumped. The cheers from the audience showed it worked."

10:35 a.m.: That's a wrap on Zuckerberg's remarks.

10:34 a.m.: Zuckerberg says he believes the company's responsibility is to "to keep people safe but to also keep building. We are here to build things to bring people together."

"The best part of what you do isn't on Facebook, it's the relationships you build and what you can do together," he says. "That's what this is all about."

"We need to keep this idea alive and that's why we are all here at F8 together," he says, adding how he feels it is important to bring the world closer together, build communities and connect people.

In a rhetorical crescendo, Zuckerberg exhorts the assembled developers to "keep bulding."

10:30 a.m.: Zuckerberg talks about augmented and virtual reality features for Messenger. Augmented reality, which overlays digital imagery over the real world, lets him give himself bunny ears, for example, a feature which his young daughters love, he says.

With virtual reality, "Our goal here is to create this real feeling of presence," Zuckerberg says.

And in an Oprah-like gesture, Zuckerberg says all F8 attendees will receive an Oculus Go virtual reality headset. An audience member yells out, "Thank you!"

10:27 a.m.: Zuckerberg acknowledges that Jan Koum, WhatsApp's co-founder and CEO, has resigned, thanking Koum for what he has done.

Group video calling is coming to WhatsApp, as are features for businesses. This appears to be the way Facebook will make money off of WhatsApp, which has long touted itself as an advertising-free chat app.

10:25 a.m.: Facebook is adding video chat and augmented reality to Instagram.

10:23 a.m.: Note from Business Editor Owen Thomas in San Francisco:

"This is the pivot. Zuckerberg has reframed the conversation from privacy and data misuse to Facebook's products."

10:20 a.m.: 200 million people list themselves as "single" on Facebook. So Facebook's going to build a dating feature. Zuckerberg says it's meant for "meaningful relationships ... not hookups."

"I can't tell you how many times where a couple will come up to me and say they met on Facebook," Zuckerberg says.

He also mentions new social commerce features.

10:17 a.m.: Facebook has been criticized for not benefiting its users.

Zuckerberg says studies have found that more passive, solitary experiences don't bring the same benefits that social experiences do. So it's adding a feature to make watching video on Facebook more social, called Watch Party.

"Let's say your friend is testifying in Congress, for example," he says, to laughter in the audience. "Now you can bring your friends together, and laugh together, and cry together. Some of my friends actually did this. Let's not do that again anytime soon!"

He's also adding more features for groups.

"Every great community has engaged leaders," Zuckerberg, adding he wants to give more tools for people to be community leaders.

10:12 a.m.: Zuckerberg says what happened with Cambridge Analytica "was a major breach of trust."

Benny Evangelista points out: "So far he's not saying much that he hasn't said before." But this audience of developers is a different one.

"I believe that most of you are focused on doing good things," Zuckerberg says.

He says that these changes will help strengthen the developer platform  the set of tools and interfaces programmers use to build websites and apps that tap into Facebook  in the long term.

He demonstrates the new "Clear History" feature that he posted about earlier in the day.

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He notes that it could affect a user's Facebook experience if they choose to clear their browsing history. "Your Facebook won't be quite as good as it relearns your preferences," Zuckerberg says.

10:11 a.m.: Zuckerberg is talking about fighting fake news, pointing to the 20,000 people Facebook soon plans to employ reviewing content.

Next, he talks about fake accounts. He says they are fighting this with AI tools, content reviewers and verifying large pages with sensitive ads.

10:09 a.m.: Now Zuckerberg is talking about election interference, citing efforts in various countries as well as the Alabama special election. (He's mentioned these before, including in his Congressional testimony.)

"We will never be unprepared for this again," Zuckerberg says he told his team after learning about the extent of Russian election interference. He says that since then, his team has been more prepared with new artificial intelligence tools that took tens of thousands of fake account before they can do anything.

"We are focused on this," Zuckerberg says, citing upcoming elections in Mexico, Brazil, India and Pakistan.

10:00 a.m.: The keynote begins with a video montage showing news clips about Cambridge Analytica, the data-mining firm implicated in the leaking of as many as 87 million Facebook users' personal information.

Zuckerberg talks about the need to maintain "a sense of optimism" and talks about the good that has been done, such as organizing relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey.

The hard part, amid the scandal, he said, "was figuring out how to move forward on everything else we need to do, too."

"What would we lose if Facebook went away?" he asks. When Facebook was getting started, he says, "You could find just about anything" online except for "what matters most"  people.

"Our relationships is what matters most to us," he says."

"I believe we need to design technology to help bring people closer together," he says. And, in a nod to the crowd of developers, he says "we can't do this alone."

9:30 a.m.: Shortly before the conference gets underway, Facebook announced it plans to offer its users a way to erase information that shows what websites and apps they engaged with.

"This feature will enable you to see the websites and apps that send us information when you use them, delete this information from your account, and turn off our ability to store it associated with your account going forward," wrote Erin Egan, Facebook's chief privacy officer.

If a Facebook user chooses to delete his or her history, activity on websites and apps will still get aggregated in analytics from Facebook, but Facebook won't link the user's activity on those websites and apps to the user's account, the company said. Egan said it will take Facebook months to build this tool, called "Clear History."

CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post that he realized after testifying in Congress that he "didn't have clear enough answers to some of the questions about data."

"We're working to make sure these controls are clear, and we will have more to come soon," Zuckerberg said.

He said that he believes the Clear History control is one users should have. "It's something privacy advocates have been asking for -- and we will work with them to make sure we get it right," he wrote.

Wendy Lee and Benny Evangelista are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: wlee@sfchronicle.com, bevangelista@sfchronicle.comDespite tougher enforcement, turning San Francisco apartments into Airbnb units remains highly lucrative. Two landlords reaped more than $700,000 in profits during 11 months of illegal rentals, despite an injunction barring them from the practice, according to a motion filed Tuesday in San Francisco Superior Court.

San Francisco originally acted against the landlords, Darren and Valerie Lee, several years ago when it discovered that they had evicted tenants and then turned a two-unit property into short-term rentals, court documents show. In May 2015, the couple paid $276,000 in penalties and fees and agreed to an injunction forbidding them from offering illegal short-term rentals.

But the Lees almost immediately ignored the injunction and in fact made a mockery of it, according to the new motion filed by City Attorney Dennis Herrera. The couple took far-reaching, devious steps to continue their illegal rentals, engaging friends and relatives as surrogates to list 14 apartments on Airbnb, the motion said. It seeks to fine the Lees $5.5 million, force them to abide by the original injunction, and add three years to it, making its end date 2023.

This couple broke the law, got caught, pledged to stop, and then turned around and did it again  only this time with an elaborate ruse to try to hide their tracks, Herrera said in a statement, saying the Lees deceit, fraud and greed is breathtaking.

The couple engaged in this illicit practice for at least 11 months after the injunction, the motion said, though their 14 properties no longer appear on Airbnb or other sites catering to tourists. While the couple originally listed on both Airbnb and HomeAway/VRBO, the current complaint mentions only Airbnb. The vacation-rental company is not accused of wrongdoing.

The Lees attorney, John C. Brown III, said the motion relies on many inaccurate facts.

San Francisco has struggled with tourist rentals in private homes since Airbnb took off in its hometown. The city now has strict new laws requiring anyone offering short-term rentals to register, proving they are a permanent resident. Under a legal settlement, Airbnb and rival HomeAway/VRBO kicked off thousands of unregistered rentals this year.

Airbnb said in a statement that it has zero tolerance for bad actors and pointed to its agreement with San Francisco to remove unregistered hosts.

The Lees case encapsulates arguments made by housing advocates: Renting to tourists is so profitable that landlords are willing to flout the law to do so, which erodes the citys supply of permanent housing. It also underscores difficulties in catching scofflaws before the city gained new enforcement powers. Herrera said the investigation required scouring reams of records, exhaustive legal practice, and plenty of shoe-leather detective work by his staff and the citys Office of Short-Term Rentals.

The Lees efforts to evade detection, as detailed in the motion, are straight out of the Pink Panther playbook. Valerie Lee and her attorney took city inspectors on a tour of eight properties, all arranged to appear as if a tenant lived there, the motion said.

But each apartment had identical staging: the same Costco food items scattered about, the same arrangement of dirty breakfast dishes in every kitchen sink, same personal products in each bathroom, same damp towels artfully draped over doors as though someone had recently showered, the same collection of shoes and clothes in closets, and same houseplants in each apartment, the motion said.

The apartments matched photos on Airbnb listings, down to the furniture, light fixtures and appliances.

The Lees submitted faux leases, pretending that they had long-term tenants who were doing the illegal short-term rentals, although the tenants were actually their friends, relatives and employees, the complaint said. All but one of the surrogate Airbnb accounts were created from the same IP address.

Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes

The units are scattered around the city, including in Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, Leavenworth, the Mission and North of the Panhandle.

Many are swank, renting for around $250 to $500 a night. For instance, one described as an exquisitely renovated home, in prime Pacific Heights rented for $395 to $595 a night, with a three-night minimum, according to Herreras 2014 complaint.

Between May 2015 and February 2016, the 14 apartments were booked by Airbnb travelers 533 times for 2,271 nights, at a total rent of $922,812, of which $703,000 went to the Lees and their surrogates. (The rest presumably was Airbnbs commission.)

Before the original injunction was issued, according to the motion, the Lees evicted tenants, including a disabled person, from two rent-controlled apartments they soon rented to tourists, citing the Ellis Act, the state law that allows owners who are leaving the rentals business to evict renters.

San Francisco is seeking a hefty penalty to make sure other landlords understand that the city will come after them.

Let this send a message loud and clear to those looking to illegally profit off our citys housing crisis: Dont try it, Herrera said. We will catch you, and you will pay a steep price. We will make sure that its not worth it.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaidFor 38 years, Craig Coley sat in a California prison, serving time for a rape and double murder he did not commit, while the man accused of being the Golden State Killer lived the normal life Coley should have had.

Now, detectives in Simi Valley (Ventura County) plan to test DNA evidence to see if the crimes Coley was cleared of and pardoned for last November were actually committed by Joseph James DeAngelo, the man police believe is the sadistic rapist and serial killer who left a trail of destruction across California from 1976 to 1986.

Genetic material will be shipped to a laboratory this week to determine whether the DNA evidence collected at the scene where Rhonda Wicht, a 24-year-old waitress and cosmetology student, was beaten, raped and strangled is a match for DeAngelo. An intruder in Wichts home in the early-morning hours of Nov. 11, 1978, also smothered her 4-year-old son, Donald, in his bed.

Coley was wrongly convicted at a time when DNA evidence was not available, and it was DNA that cleared him after his genetic profile did not match the one found at the crime scene.

The case is one of dozens of unsolved murders, rapes and cold cases police across California are rechecking after investigators connected DeAngelo to 12 slayings and at least 45 rapes. The 72-year-old ex-cop, who lived quietly in Sacramento County for 32 years after the last slaying, is being held on double-murder charges in Sacramento. He has been linked by DNA and other evidence to many other crimes, authorities said.

David Livingstone, the Simi Valley police chief, said Monday that he expects results from a laboratory this week or next.

There are similarities in the case, Livingstone said, referring to the fact that the killer broke into the Simi Valley house in the middle of the night, raped the victim and strangled her with a rope. We definitely want to look into it, because he was in the area at the time.

Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press

Coley, a Vietnam veteran who had recently broken up with Wicht, was arrested after he called police to find out what had happened to his ex and her son, both of whom he professed from the beginning to love. He told The Chronicle that they had keys to each others apartments and sometimes did each others laundry.

He said Monday that he worked as a restaurant manager at the time and had been with friends at a Howard Johnsons most of the night, eventually giving a ride home to the busboy, parking at his apartment and going to bed. The only gap in his alibi was between 5 a.m. and 5:20 a.m., when he said he was sleeping.

His first trial ended in a hung jury, but he was convicted in a second trial in 1980 and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

I told them youve got the wrong man. You better keep looking, he said on Monday. They didnt listen to me.

Coley said his father, a police officer, and mother, a teacher, spent every cent they had fighting for his exoneration. His father died in 1988, and all seemed lost until the early 1990s when then-Simi Valley police Detective Mike Bender decided to take a second look at the case.

He said it was obvious from the get-go that it had been a shoddy investigation. He said several other viable suspects were not seriously investigated.

There were just too many red flags  the time frame was wrong; his alibi was great except for that 20-minute window, Bender said. He just could not have done it in that time.

Bender said he was convinced of Coleys innocence when he met him at a state prison in 1991, but his superiors ordered him to stop and threatened to fire him if he continued pursuing the case. Instead, Bender left the department and continued his investigation, urging government agencies to look into the case.

Meanwhile, Coley obtained an undergraduate degree in Bible studies and theology and became a Christian counselor in prison.

Then, in 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown asked the Board of Parole Hearings to conduct an investigation. Livingstone, the new Simi Valley chief, also renewed the departments investigation, ultimately leading to an exoneration and Browns pardon.

The grace with which Mr. Coley has endured this lengthy and unjust incarceration is extraordinary, the governor wrote.

Coley was awarded $1.9 million by the California Victim Compensation Board  the highest award ever paid to an exonerated California prisoner. He is living with Bender and his wife, Cynthia, in the San Diego County town of Carlsbad, where he is still adjusting to life on the outside.

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If DeAngelo turns out to be the real killer, Coley said, he would mostly be happy because it would give closure to the victims family.

I feel really horrible for Rhondas family  her sisters and her brother  having to go through all of this again, he said about his own exoneration. I never got to grieve for Rhonda or Donnie because of this.

But Bender said he is skeptical. The Golden State Killer was in the Simi Valley area, killing Lyman Smith, 43, and his 33-year-old wife Charlene Smith, 39 miles away in Ventura County, but that was almost two years later on March 13, 1980.

Although the murders were similar  the killer used drapery cords to tie the couple before beating them to death with a log from their fireplace  the serial killer to that point had never killed a child as young as Wichts son.

From what Ive seen, his general M.O. matches, but if it doesnt come back as a match, I wont be surprised, Bender said.

If it does match, Coley would have clear justification to wish vengeance on the man whose time he served, but he doesnt plan to fall into that trap.

I wouldnt have a word to say to him. Id just pray for his soul, he said. They ruined my life while he was out there free. It may sound selfish, but I want to spend the time Im out enjoying what Ive missed, in a godly way, and Im not going to let anybody else disturb the time I have left.

Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimriteMichelin-starred San Francisco restaurateur Pim Techamuanvivit has taken the reigns at Nahm in Bangkok, a destination lauded for its Thai cuisine and recently named one of top 50 restaurants in the world. Kin Khao, the Bay Area restaurant she opened to critical acclaim back in 2014, will remain open and unchanged.

Im just going to be splitting my time between San Francisco and Bangkok now, Techamuanvivit told Inside Scoop. I was always curious to step into a restaurant that already exists and find my place.

Honestly, I wouldnt have done this if I didnt think I had my own story to tell.

Nahm opened in London in 2001 before debuting in Bangkok nine years later at the COMO Metropolitan Bangkok hotel under chef David Thompson, seen by some as one of culinary worlds leading authorities on Thai food. Techamuanvivit said Thompson left to pursue other projects.

Prin Polsuk, the restaurants former head chef (which in the U.S. is equivalent to chef de cuisine) left earlier this year and is being replaced by Suraja Ruangnukulkit. The rest of Nahms 24 full-time cooks will remain on staff, Techamuanvivit said.

Techamuanvivit has roots in Bangkok, despite not living there full-time. She was born and raised in the city and her parents still call it home, so the idea of running a restaurant there was appealing, she said.

My parents are here, for one thing, so Im never going to look back and regret spending much more time in Bangkok, she said. Plus, I get to learn about and use new ingredients, see new farms, and develop new relationships here.

Renovation plans are in the works for the 3,500-square-foot restaurant, meaning Nahm will temporarily close sometime in the near future to accommodate them.

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What fun would it be if I just came and recreated Kin Khao (in Bangkok)? she said with a laugh. There wouldnt be any fun in that. Heres a chance for me to do fine dining Thai food in a place where it can actually work. This isnt something that could really work in San Francisco.

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillipsNorbert Kniat

Pianist Yuja Wang has canceled five tour dates, including a recital scheduled for Sunday, May 6, at Davies Symphony Hall, because of illness. The San Francisco Symphony, which is sponsoring her San Francisco appearance, said the program would be rescheduled for a date to be determined.

 Joshua KosmanPaul Chinn/The Chronicle

Legislation making swift progress in Sacramento would require the states utilities to take further steps to protect their infrastructure and customers from wildfires and other emergencies. But critics are rightly concerned that the bill would also protect the utilities bottom lines.

The measure, by state Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), primarily addresses emergency planning by state agencies and utilities such as PG&E, which could face costly repercussions if its equipment is found to have played a role in the wildfires that devastated Santa Rosa and other Wine Country communities last year. Among the more troubling aspects of the bill is its final provision, which declares that once a utilitys emergency plan has been approved by regulators, its performance and management shall be deemed reasonable and prudent for all purposes.Minors should not be able to go online to easily buy weapons, tobacco, pornography and other items that they are prohibited from purchasing in a California brick-and-mortar store. Also, Facebook and other Internet sites should not be profiting off the use of a minors name, photo or other personal information without parental consent.

Yes, each of those situations is happening now. An attempt to impose reasonable restraints on those practices, AB2511 by Assemblyman Ed Chau, D-Monterey Park (Los Angeles County), faces a critical vote Tuesday in the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.

The parental consent required by online retailers such as Amazon or social-media sites such as Facebook is ludicrously inadequate. Here is Facebooks boilerplate for consent for the commercial use of a users photos or other content: If you are under the age of 18, you represent that a parent or legal guardian also agrees to this section on your behalf.

Amazon takes a similar see-no-evil approach in its boilerplate.

Under AB2511, an extra step would be required to bring in parental consent, as some responsible sites and retailers already do.

Supporters of the bill point to a KCRA-TV investigation report in which a Sacramento father, Alan Ercolini, arrived home to find an Amazon delivery for his 14-year-old son filled with throwing knives, hunting knives and a BB gun designed to look like a Glock pistol  all of which are illegal for a minor to purchase. The father was frustrated with the evasive answers he received when he contacted Amazon.

Its clear that these practices are not going to stop without a new law.

The California Chamber of Commerce has joined with a united front of tech companies in opposing AB2511. In a letter to the committee, the coalition called it a deeply flawed, unworkable bill that violates the privacy and free speech rights of teenagers. In one particularly laughable line, the letter suggested the bill creates a dangerous incentive to lie about age, reducing online safety.

We trust our state legislators are smart enough to see through such arguments. We also expect them to read the bill, and recognize that it does not impose a highly prescriptive, onerous requirement for parental consent. Rather, it offers leeway for an online endeavor to develop a process that fits its business model while making a good-faith effort to obtain parental consent.

That good-faith effort is not happening now. The silent boilerplate disclosures are a joke, as anyone who has bothered to read them must concede.

The Assembly committee should vote to advance AB2511.

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.

Express your views

Bay Area Assembly members on the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection:

Catharine Baker (R)

Kevin Mullin (D)

Phil Ting (D)

You can find links to contact them and other committee members at http://privacycp.assembly.ca.gov/membersstaffIn 1966, it was legal to openly carry loaded firearms in California  a legacy of the Gold Rush. In Jackson, a Sierra foothills town that retained that eras flavor, one state senator was often seen wearing a holstered pistol.

But a year later, the Legislature abolished open carry. It took a moment of racial dramatics at the state Capitol in Sacramento, where I was a reporter.

One May 3, in 1967, Gov. Ronald Reagan was scheduled for lunch with eighth-grade schoolkids on the Capitol grounds. Hed been elected just a few months before, and the presence of a Hollywood-star-turned politician had increased the size of the press corps.

As the new team for KRON-TV in San Francisco, my cameraman and I were jostling for space on the steps of the staircase that descends to 10th Street on the Capitols west side. Veteran newspaper reporters were grumbling about the trivial picture stories they were now being required to cover.

Then, suddenly, several cars pulled up to the 10th Street curb. As passengers got out, they made no attempt to hide the fact that they were heavily armed.

About two dozen African American men and women, some wearing leather jackets and black berets, started toward the Capitol carrying rifles, shotguns and pistols. They were not holding the weapons in a threatening manner; they were pointing them in the air as they marched into the building. The news horde  with cameras rolling  stumbled backward ahead of them, up the carpeted inner stairs and into the chamber of the Assembly, where a session was under way.

When the armed group entered the chamber, Democrats and Republicans dived under their desks as the president pro tem called for order. Meanwhile, one of the armed men began a harangue about gun control. Speaking to the TV cameras, he denounced the racist California Legislature for keeping the black people disarmed and powerless.

After about five minutes, three State Capitol Police officers showed up at the back of the chamber, and asked the demonstrators to hand over their guns. In a startling gesture, the little army complied.

The officers then led the way to another part of the building. The news crowd followed along, shouting questions: Who are you? What are you here for?

But the armed demonstrators had made their point; they werent talking any more. The Capitol Police determined that the guns were not loaded. (Some reporters accounts said the guns were brought in loaded, and later unloaded inside the Capitol, but I dont remember it that way). Even if they had been, that was legal under state law, so long as they werent pointed at anyone. The demonstrators took their weapons back to the cars on 10th Street, and drove away.

They were gone ... but just for the moment.

The Black Panther Party for Self-Defenses 1967 Sacramento appearance was reported nationally as an invasion by newspapers and TV (KRON included). Bobby Seale, who read the statement indicting the Legislature as racist, would later run for mayor of Oakland.

But the Black Panther Party, founded the year before in Oakland, was engaged in perfectly legal, if unorthodox, lobbying. Its leaders, including Seale and Huey Newton, openly carried loaded guns to protect black people from racist police. In response, Oaklands Republican Assemblyman Don Mulford had proposed a measure abolishing open carry in California. He called it the Panther Bill.

As it turned out, the Panthers opposition was a dismal failure. The Panther Bill  gun control that it was  had the support of the National Rifle Association of the day. The 120-member Legislature (with six blacks, three women, and all the rest white men) overwhelmingly passed the measure. Reagan signed it into law saying, Theres no reason why on the street today a citizen should be carrying loaded weapons.

Today, the NRA advocates guns in all kinds of public places. But open carry is still illegal in California. Now as then, the real issue is not the guns being carried but, rather, who does the carrying.

African Americans are still denouncing police violence. Among the recent victims was Stephon Clark, a young black man armed with a cell phone and gunned down in his grandmothers backyard a few miles south of the state Capitol in Sacramento.

Warren Olney is the host and executive producer of the podcast To the Point. This commentary was written for Zocalo Public Square.San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell complained last week that resistant homeless people remain camped on our streets despite numerous offers of shelter and services. The word resistant suggests that homeless people are stubbornly saying, No, really, I love it here in my tent on the sidewalk, exposed to the elements, with no toilet, no way to keep clean and a daily struggle to survive.

Does he honestly believe people dont want permanent housing? Try guaranteeing housing  affordable, safe, clean and decent housing with support services, rather than a 30- or 60-day stay at a navigation center  and see where these resistant people end up.

To those of us with the advantages of a living wage, housing and adequate psychological stability to cope with our stressors, it may be unimaginable that a person would choose life on the street over a stay in a shelter. But among those resisting shelter offers are people whose severe mental illness and/or untreated responses to trauma (e.g., rape, robbery, assault and prison experience) make it impossible to tolerate group living in close quarters.

Along with these personal barriers are the logistical problems of accepting temporary shelter. Those who stay at a navigation center for the granted period are not guaranteed supportive housing when their time is up. Upon entry, they must give up all but two bags of belongings. This means giving up the things they need to survive on the street. By ignoring these barriers and mislabeling homeless people with the term resistant, we create a population that can be blamed, criminalized and punished for not wanting to take down their tent or structure.

People with substance-abuse disorders dont do well in a shelter setting. It can be difficult to work with a case manager while staving off withdrawal. Shelters and navigation centers can set people up for failure, and some of the people who Mayor Farrell seeks to move have been through the drill before.

There are more homeless people than affordable housing units. The demand for permanent, affordable, supportive housing far exceeds the supply, leaving people with nowhere to go. Temporary shelter is hard to come by, as well. Shelters are full, with long waiting lists (1,038 people on the 311 Shelter List as of April 22).

Navigation centers are mostly full, and unless one is a veteran or meets the San Francisco Priority One requirement of 13 documentable years of homelessness, that person will get a 30- or 60-day stay and return to living on the street.

So we have people living on the street, and now Mayor Farrell is going to clean up by aggressively moving one set of people out of one neighborhood and somehow preventing the return of those or any other homeless people to that area. But those who do not move into shelter or who exit navigation after a 30-day stay will not disappear from our streets. They will return to the places they know best, or if the pressure is too great, go to other neighborhoods.

Farrells actions bypass the federally endorsed, best-practice encampment-resolution process developed by the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, itself funded by the Mayors Office and staffed by people with years of experience in the field. Mayor Farrell is revealing and even acknowledging what homeless people know through experience, and what advocates and service providers have feared.

We have moved from a place of compassion to a one of political exigency. Demonstrating political will by punishing people is now legitimized as part of the political discourse, turning up the volume on the eve of a mayoral election and ensuring that Mayor Farrell makes his mark while in office.

It is unacceptable that people live on the streets in tents, strung out along a fence line. It is worse to punish them because we  as a community, a society, a nation  have not found the political will to provide housing that works for people with very low income and complex needs. We cant bear to see the visible evidence of suffering, of the impacts of our failure, so we move to punishment as a desperate solution, abandoning our community values as we go.

Kate Hellenga is a clinical-community psychologist in San Francisco.Why did working-class voters choose a selfish, thin-skinned, petulant, lying, narcissistic, boastful megalomaniac for president?

With the 2018 midterms around the corner, and prospective Democratic candidates already eyeing the 2020 presidential race, the answer is important because it will influence how Democrats campaign.

One explanation focuses on economic hardship. The working class fell for Trumps economic populism.

A competing explanation  which got a boost this month from a study published by the National Academy of Sciences  dismisses economic hardship and blames it on whites fear of losing status to blacks and immigrants. They were attracted to Trumps form of identity politics: bigotry.

If Democrats accept the bigotry explanation, then they may be more inclined to foster their own identity politics of women, blacks and Latinos. And theyll be less inclined to come up with credible solutions to widening inequality and growing economic insecurity.

Yet the truth isnt found in one explanation or the other. Its in the interplay between the two.

Certainly many white working-class men and women were  and still are  receptive to Trumps bigotry. But what made them receptive? Racism and xenophobia arent exactly new to American life. Fears of blacks and immigrants have been with us since the founding of the republic.

What changed was the economy. Since the 1980s, the wages and economic prospects of the typical American worker have stagnated. Two-thirds now live paycheck to paycheck, and those paychecks have grown less secure.

Good-paying jobs have disappeared from vast stretches of the land. Despite the low official unemployment rate, there are millions who are either too discouraged to look for work or work part-time but want full-time jobs.

When I was secretary of labor in the 1990s, I frequently visited the Rust Belt, Midwest and South, where blue-collar workers told me they were working harder than ever but getting nowhere.

Meanwhile, all the economys gains have gone to the richest 10 percent, mostly the top 1 percent. Wealthy individuals and big corporations have, in turn, invested some of those gains into politics.

As a result, big money now calls the shots in Washington  obtaining subsidies, tax breaks, tax loopholes (even Trump promised to close the carried interest loophole, yet it remains) and bailouts.

The near-meltdown of Wall Street in 2008 precipitated a recession that cost millions their jobs, homes and savings. But the Street got bailed out and not a single Wall Street executive went to jail.

The experience traumatized America. In the two years leading up to the 2016 election, I revisited many of the places I had visited when I was labor secretary. People still complained of getting nowhere, but now they also told me the system was rigged against them.

A surprising number said they planned to vote for Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump  the two anti-establishment candidates who promised to shake up Washington.

This whole story might have been different had Democrats done more to remedy wage stagnation and widening inequality when they had the chance.

Instead, Bill Clinton was a pro-growth New Democrat who opened trade with China, deregulated Wall Street and balanced the budget. (I still have some painful scars from that time.)

Barack Obama bailed out the banks but not homeowners. Obamacare, while important to the poor, didnt alleviate the financial stresses on the working class, particularly in states that refused to expand Medicaid.

In the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton offered a plethora of small-bore policy proposals  all sensible but none big enough to make a difference.

Into this expanding void came Trumps racism and xenophobia  focusing the cumulative economic rage on scapegoats that had nothing to do with its causes. It was hardly the first time in history a demagogue has used this playbook.

If America doesnt respond to the calamity thats befallen the working class, then well have Trumps as far as the eye can see.

A few Democrats are getting the message, pushing ambitious ideas like government-guaranteed full employment, single-payer health care, industry-wide collective bargaining and a universal basic income.

But none has yet offered a way to finance these things, such as a progressive tax on wealth.

Nor have they offered a credible way to get big money out of politics. Even if the Citizens United decision isnt overturned, big moneys influence could be limited with generous public financing of elections, full disclosure of the source of all campaign contributions and a clampdown on the revolving door between business and government.

Trump isnt the cause of whats happened to America. Hes the consequence  the product of years of stagnant wages and big moneys corruption of our democracy.

If they really want to stop Trump and prevent future Trumps, Democrats will need to address these causes of Trumps rise.

 2018 Robert Reich

Robert Reich, a former U.S. secretary of labor, is professor of public policy at UC Berkeley. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at SFChronicle.com/letters.As his latest performance production, 887, gets under way, Robert Lepage assures the audience they wont be seeing any theater. Thats a transparent ruse, of course, as the Canadian writer, director and actor does nothing but create some of the most sophisticated, celebrated theater anywhere in the world.

Its just going to be me talking, and slowly I drag them without them really noticing into a certain form of theatricality and eventually theater takes over, Lepage said from his office in Quebec.

The show is a memory play, with Lepage musing on his childhood in Quebec City during the late 60s and early 70s.

It revolves pretty much around this very trivial story of me trying to learn a script for a poetry recital, but it throws me back to the past, Lepage said.

He also cant help but explore the concept of memory itself  its accuracy and fallibility. Created under the banner of Lepages production company, Ex Machina, the show employs its signature combination of advanced technology and live performance. 887 incorporates old family photos, shadow puppets, archival film footage, even a miniature city block as Lepage tells his story. The production plays Friday and Saturday, May 4-5, at Zellerbach Auditorium.

Writing and performing in what he describes as auto-fiction, Lepage feels more personally exposed than in his previous work even if its not all completely true.

You tell a story thats all based on facts  your real life, Lepage said. But at the same time, its full of lies. The little white lies help make it more interesting theater. It remains a very personal and exposing experience for me, but you twist facts, Lepage said.

As broad and varied as Lepages career has been, hes never made himself the subject of his work before. In the early 1980s he started making theater, writing his own pieces, directing classics while always acting as well. Hes also directed opera around the world including in San Francisco, London, Madrid and New York. Eventually Lepage began making films, staged a couple of tours for the performance-oriented rock musician Peter Gabriel, and put his touch on a couple of Cirque du Soleil productions.

Yet, talking about himself gets complicated.

Its a very liberating form, but at the same time it bares it all, Lepage said. Youre very vulnerable because you cant hide behind a character.

He eases the audience into the show because he doesnt want to look like a stand-up comic. He also wants to avoid nostalgia, though some of the images used are of Lepage and his sister, who is a year younger. As he sifted through the family memorabilia deciding what might be useful, Lepage began realizing how mutable memory is.

We have a very selective memory when it comes to our childhoods, Lepage said.

Once he began projecting photos onto large screens in his rehearsal studio, details emerged adding to his discovery. A Christmas photo of him at 4 years old and his sister at 3 in particular fascinated him.

I saw this picture a thousand times, but when you have it digitized and blown up 30 feet by 15 feet wide, you see these amazing details, facial expressions, fabric of the tapestry, Lepage said. Then that brings you down a rabbit hole, and you start remembering stuff you thought was buried.

The greatest revelation was the most personal in a story which is already intimate by its nature. His sense of his parents individual influence on his character and personality had a reversal while writing the text.

I thought that I had inherited everything from my mom. She was funny, a storyteller, Lepage said.

His father was a taxi driver, a quiet, humble man who worked long hours and didnt talk a lot when he came home. Yet Lepage said his father suddenly filled the space.

It kind of jumps out at you, and I thought, My God he was more central in my upbringing and my life, Lepage said.

His influence was much much bigger than I ever thought it was. And you discover that in your mid-50s, which is kind of odd. It became pretty much about my father, to my surprise.

There are political references because of the era and Quebecs continual identity dynamics.

It was the infancy and adolescence of the big leftist, separatist, sovereignist movements in Quebec, Lepage said.

As a kid, though, Lepage didnt really have political ideas. He couldnt yet vote, and he didnt understand what was happening.

Youre a bunch of questions when youre kid, Lepage said. Why was that? Why was there a bomb there? Who was killed? Who was kidnapped?

The show closes when Lepage is 12, which he feels is just right.

Thats the beginning of your teenage years, and you start to have an opinion; you start to think for yourself a little bit more.

Marcus Crowder is a Northern California freelance critic and writer.

Ex Machina 887: 8 p.m. Friday, May 4; 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5. $24-$98. Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. (510) 642-9988. www.calperformances.orgIt was supposed to be a typical contest to represent an upscale district in San Francisco. One candidate, the moderate incumbent, had the weight of City Hall behind him. The other, a progressive challenger, was trying to win on grit and hustle.

But after the death of Mayor Ed Lee in December, Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, 61, and urban land use attorney Rafael Mandelman, 44, seemed to trade places.

Sheehy, who had been appointed by Lee and had stood by the mayors agenda, was suddenly free to express his own views  including his ambivalence about staying in office. Mandelman, who was once viewed as too liberal to represent an area of techies and homeowners, became the establishment candidate.

Its a weird twist for voters of District Eight  the Castro, Noe Valley, Glen Park and Diamond Heights neighborhoods  who care about clean streets and public safety, and expect their supervisors to act like helicopter parents.

If you look at what makes District Eight supervisors successful, its less about grandstanding, and more about taking care of the day-to-day needs of residents, said Tom Temprano, a supporter of Mandelman. The two sit together on the City College Board of Trustees.

In a race thats become more about personality than ideology, many insiders see Mandelman as the front-runner to win the June 5 election, which will determine who finishes the term of Scott Wiener, who was elected to the state Senate in 2016. There will be another election for the seat in November for a full term, and Sheehy and Mandelman are candidates.

Now Playing: Rafael Mandelman and Supervisor Jeff Sheehy battle to represent the Castro, Glen Park, Noe Valley and Diamond Heights neighborhoods. Video: SFChronicle

Sheehy, whose views on public safety and housing seem to line up better with District Eight voters, has never quite fit the hovering-supervisor personality type. Hes a soft-spoken family man with an activist background, having moved to San Francisco from Texas in 1988 to feel, hes said, safe as a gay man. After a period of couch-surfing and stints working as a bike messenger, Sheehy devoted himself to civil rights activism for AIDS patients. The cause became personal, and more urgent, when Sheehy was diagnosed HIV positive in 1997.

These days, Sheehy lives with his husband and daughter in Glen Park, where he knows which neighbors open their garage for Halloween, and which streets need stop signs and speed bumps.

Am I a political animal? No, he conceded. Im a dad. Im a neighborhood guy. I know the merchants in Glen Park because one of them was my cat sitter, and another used to babysit my daughter  not because I went in to ask if could put up a sign.

Last year, Lee tapped him to fill Wieners seat. Though there were other contenders, Sheehy was seen as the most mature, the most likely to carry on Wieners moderate policies, and the person with the best odds of beating Mandelman, who had run unsuccessfully in 2010, when the seat came up for a vote. Wiener has endorsed Sheehy.

Yet as the campaign picked up, Sheehy broke away from the City Hall apparatus. He ran through two consultants and stopped showing up for events. During a recent meeting with The Chronicles editorial board, the supervisor tossed off controversial ideas about killing district elections and cutting supervisors salaries. At one point, he suggested that he did not care whether he won or lost in June.

And Sheehy slowed down on fundraising. Campaign filings show him with a slight edge in the June primary: $189,952, compared with $173,800 raised by Mandelmans campaign. But Mandelman is far ahead for November, with $150,099 raised  more than three times Sheehys haul of $42,571.

To some, Sheehy seemed re-energized after Lee was gone  not to drive an election campaign, but to voice his opinions about everything wrong with city government. He no longer had an obligation to anyone in Room 200, and he began striking up friendships with former rivals on the progressive wing of the board.

Ed Lees passing was hard on Jeff ... but it also freed him up to be true to himself, said Todd David, a longtime friend and supporter of Sheehy who was the political director of Wieners state Senate campaign.

Sheehy made the crucial swing vote in a progressive play to install Mark Farrell in the mayors office, booting London Breed, who as president of the Board of Supervisors had become acting mayor upon Lees death from a heart attack in December. Breed is the moderate choice for mayor in June, and many of her allies saw Sheehys vote as a betrayal.

For Sheehy, the moment was liberating.

I didnt have to be on someones team any more, he said.

Mandelman, by contrast, appears measured and agreeable. He grew up partly as a foster child, after family members decided his mentally ill mother could no longer care for him. At age 11, Mandelman became a group project for friends and teachers at San Franciscos Brandeis Hillel Day School  and later, Lick-Wilmerding High School  living with whoever would take him in. He went on to earn degrees from Yale and Harvard before graduating from Boalt Hall Law School at UC Berkeley.

Mandelman entered politics as a heart-of-gold progressive, competing against Wiener for the District Eight seat. At that time, he favored a city income tax on upper-class households and opposed a ban on aggressive panhandling. He believed that residents should have a say over the height, scale and design of new development in their neighborhoods.

In 2010, I was running a very progressive campaign about the need to be compassionate and look out for the most unfortunate among us, he said, standing outside a Whole Foods on Market Street recently and greeting passersby. And I was surrounded by people like me, who were trying to make a difference but didnt have a lot of electoral experience.

Since losing the contest to Wiener, Mandelman said he has grown more practical and learned about the complexities of actual governance. As president of the City College board, he voted for budget cuts in 2015 and 2016 to save the school from losing its accreditation, even though it angered the teachers union.

Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle

Hes also rebranded himself as the everywhere-at-once candidate who knocks on every door and answers every phone call  the type of politician who would be there if a tree fell or a pothole needed to be filled.

In a district where residents top priorities are cleaning up sidewalk tents and solving the car break-in epidemic, it seemed imperative that Mandelman move toward the center.

Homeless encampments  the tents  are No. 1, said Gian Gualco-Nelson, a 25-year-old law student who lives in the Castro and was strolling by Whole Foods. Car break-ins are No. 2, he continued. And open drug use  needles  is No. 3.

Mandelman has proposed more shelters and drug treatment centers to help the homeless, as well as tighter conservatorship laws to get mentally ill people off the streets. He wants to reduce property crime by reshuffling the Police Department, so that more officers walk precincts, rather than working in a police station.

Sheehy is also focused on treatment for the mentally ill, and is pressing legislation to force city officials to prioritize them for shelter space. To combat burglaries, he wants to hire more police officers, add foot patrols and emphasize property-crime investigation.

Residents walking up Market Street last week were also anxious about the housing shortage. Susan Sutton, a 53-year-old graduate instructor in the Castro, put escalating home prices at the top of her list of concerns. So did retired teacher Vicki Giannini, who lives in Corona Heights.

Who can even afford affordable housing? Giannini demanded.

Both candidates say they would consider building apartments for working families on the parking lot at Glen Park BART Station and on the Safeway lot at Market and Church Streets. Yet Sheehy is more bullish on housing. He signed the ballot argument for Proposition D, a gross receipts tax that would fund low- and middle-income housing and homeless shelters.

In many senses, Sheehys politics are more in tune with the patchwork of constituents in District Eight  homeowners in Glen Park and Diamond Heights, tech workers near Duboce Triangle, and young families in Noe Valley.

The calculation of political insiders is that Rafael is definitely in the lead, but this is still a historically moderate district, said David, the former political director for Wiener. He noted that District Eight has a lot of older, more conservative voters who live in the hills, and they turn out in high numbers.

But that might not be enough to counter the perception that Sheehy is flagging. A woman pointed that out to Sheehy one evening as he was passing out flyers at Glen Park BART Station.

I just dont see a lot of enthusiasm and action coming from your campaign, she said. And your opponent is all over the place.

As she walked away, Sheehy sighed. Hes made peace with the idea of leaving office in June.

Look, I never thought Id see 40, he said, referring to his HIV diagnosis in 1997. And now I own a little home, I have a family, and Im a supervisor. Its a miracle.

He paused a beat, squinting at a family picture on the back of his campaign flyer  it showed Sheehy and his husband, Bill Berry, in blazers and ties, alongside their 13-year-old daughter, Michelle.

At the end of the day, I have that, Sheehy said.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @rachelswanThe political attack that many expected in Californias gubernatorial campaign against Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa  calling them out for sexual affairs they had while in office  landed Monday.

Whos throwing the punch? An independent expenditure committee supporting Republican businessman John Cox, called Restore Our Values.

The 30-second spot begins with images of a rogues gallery of men recently exposed for sexual misconduct  movie producer Harvey Weinstein, former talk show host Charlie Rose, former Fox News chief Roger Ailes, former Today host Matt Lauer, casino magnate Steve Wynn and former Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn.

The ads narrator states, Powerful men are finally being held to account and punished for inappropriate sexual conduct with women over whom they exercised power.

Gavin Newsom had such a sexual relationship with a woman on his mayoral staff. Antonio Villaraigosa did the same with a reporter assigned to cover him. Newsom and Villaraigosa think the rules shouldnt apply to them. They dont want punishment  they want a promotion. The kicker: Californians deserve better: John Cox for governor.

The backstory: Cox is aiming at Villaraigosa because the two are virtually tied in the latest nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California poll, for second place behind Newsom. Only two candidates from the June 5 primary will advance to the general election.

However, it is questionable whether Restore Our Values has enough cash to ensure that the attack resonates. It has only $64,935 cash on hand and has raised only $106,005. Thats not much when it costs roughly $2 million to keep an ad on the air for a week in a major California market.

Plus it will be interesting to see if this attack resonates in the #MeToo era, given that voters seemed to have forgiven both men. Newsom was re-elected mayor of San Francisco nine months after news of his 2005 affair with his scheduler, who was the wife of his campaign manager, broke in February 2007. Voters subsequently elected him lieutenant governor twice. Villaraigosa was re-elected easily in 2009, two years after news of his affair broke.

Theres a bit of backstage GOP intrigue behind the pro-Cox group.

Its primary funder is Marin County businessman Ken Casey, who contributed $100,000 to the pro-Cox independent expenditure campaign through his company, Professional Investors Security Fund or PISF. Casey wasnt always a pro-Cox. On April 5, PISF contributed $300,000 to Coxs top GOP opponent, Assemblyman Travis Allen, R-Huntington Beach, for a campaign to oppose Californias gas tax.

Instead, according to Restore Our Values co-chairwoman Leigh Teece, Allen used the contribution to promote his own campaign as well as the anti-gas tax. Thats one reason why Casey is now a pro-Cox donor.

We are concerned because Travis betrayed a donor and a friend, Teece told The Chronicle Monday. Instead of spending the money on gathering signatures to get the anti-gas tax on the ballot, Travis took that money and spent it on himself. Our group is about integrity. If hes taking it from a donor and a friend, whats he going to do as a governor?

That is an outright lie, Allen told The Chronicle Monday. If money dictated the outcome of races in California, then Meg Whitman would be governor of California. All of this is just another attempt by the crony pals of John Cox to cover his own inadequacies and record of failure.

 Joe Garofoli

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter @joegarofoliGilbert Klein, a Bay Area music scene eccentric who was a talk show host on KFAT-FM before founding Rock & Bowl, one of the great cultural signposts of the 1980s, has died.

Klein suffered a fatal heart attack on Friday at his home in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. He was 71. His death was confirmed by his sister, Abbi Fox of Tiburon.

When Haight-Ashbury enjoyed its great Renaissance, no place on the strip was hipper than Rock & Bowl, which was presided over by Klein, a hilarious huckster if there ever was one.

We dont attract the pro circuit here, Klein once said while showing a Chronicle reporter around his bowling alley. The lighting was dim and atmospheric in reds and blues, with only the pins brightly lit. The overhead monitors, which would normally project scores, flashed music videos and musical film clips dating back to the 1940s.

Its a nightclub that has bowling, said Klein. You throw things, and knock things down.

It was a concept that drew everyone  from theater producer Carole Shorenstein Hays to Todd Rundgren, who closed a tour there, to Robin Williams, who held cast parties there.

At its peak, Rock & Bowl was so popular that Klein was approached to franchise it at bowling alleys across the country. The deal fell through because Klein had not properly trademarked anything, so it was essentially stolen out from under him. But Klein rolled with it. Hed stolen the concept himself from a club hed visited in Manhattan.

I said, I can do this, and I can do it better, he said.

Gilbert Jay Klein was born Dec. 14, 1946, in Rockaway Beach, N.Y., and grew up in Roslyn, a suburb on Long Island. He was a student at Adelphi University when he first came to San Francisco for the Summer of Love, in 1967. He took to the lifestyle and stayed long past summer.

Finally, his father sent him a plane ticket and demanded he go back to school, said his sister.

After graduating from Adelphi in 1971, Klein returned west to earn his masters degree in education at Sonoma State in 1975. He moved to Marin and taught high school before drifting back into the music scene that was his main interest.

His break came at KFAT, the underground radio station in Gilroy that was just honky-tonk enough to be cool in the late 1970s. Klein, always a talker, was hired to host a daily interview show called Chewing the Fat With Gilbert, which was promoted on posters.

He interviewed anybody, from Hells Angels to Wolfman Jack to a knight of the Ku Klux Klan, said his brother-in-law, Rob Fox, a longtime director at KGO-TV.

Klein also played guitar in a bar band called Buzz and the System, which led to his first foray as a producer, with Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp. It lasted only a few years and it was forgotten on Jan. 27, 1983, the day Klein took the 22 redundant lanes known as Park Bowl and re-opened it as Rock & Bowl, just as the west end of Haight Street caught fire as a nightlife destination.

Crooner Chris Isaak was dressing up in Hank Snow cowboy suits and playing four nights a week at the Nightbreak. Next to it was the I-Beam, the citys premiere live music club. Rock & Bowl had the right mix of hip and kitsch, and Klein would sell out two shifts, of 80 to 100 bowlers each, per night.

Rock & Bowl closed in 1996 when the building was sold. It re-opened as Amoeba Music. By then, Klein was south of the border, bringing a new concept to Baja.

He heard that Rosarito Beach was going to be a casino capital, Fox said. So his plan was to open a bar with a stage for bands so he could be in place when the casinos came. But neither happened, the casinos nor the bar.

With an inheritance from his father, he bought a house with a view of the ocean in a gated community, and there he stayed, living alone with his Akita, Ginger. To fill his time, he wrote a 650-page history of KFAT, Fat Chance, published in 2012.

Klein last visited San Francisco for the Summer of Love exhibition at the de Young Museum late last year.

We were talking back and forth between ourselves, said his sister.

Suddenly there was a crowd around Gilbert, and he told stories about what the Summer of Love was really like for someone who lived it.

In addition to his sister and brother-in-law, Klein is survived by two nieces. A memorial service is pending.

Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_artA man who worked at a Sonoma County vineyard was crushed to death Tuesday while trying to free a tractor from entangled wires, authorities said.

The Sonoma County Sheriffs Office received a call shortly before 8 a.m. from an Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard employee who came upon his deceased co-worker, who authorities identified as Franklin Palacios Carrillo, 34, of Fairfield.

When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered Carrillo had died while attempting to free the tractor from vineyard wire that was entangled in its tilling tines.

What we know is that the wire became entangled in the tines, said Misti Harris, a spokeswoman for the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office. While he was trying to free the wires from the tines, the tiller dropped on the worker.

Cal/OSHA is investigating why the tractor fell on Carrillo, officials said.

The division has six months to issue citations for any violations of workplace safety regulations, Frank Polizzi, a spokesman for the agency, said in an email. Inspections tend to take at least three to four months.

Arrowhead Mountain Vineyard did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Andrew Mariani, co-owner of Scribe Winery, which is located next to Arrowhead, said that he had no further knowledge of the death but was mourning along with the local wine community.

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Its a sad day around here, he said.

Sophie Haigney and Annie Ma are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com, ama@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigney, @anniema15Apple earnings on Tuesday will confirm what most investors have finally accepted: The iPhone X didnt live up to the hype. The results should also provide clues on the companys next strategy for its most-important product.

CEO Tim Cook and other executives have a major prove-me period ahead, beginning with a new sales forecast and a conference call with analysts, GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives said. He and other analysts cut their iPhone sales estimates, and Apple shares were are down almost 8 percent in the past two weeks through Friday.

The stock got a bit of a reprieve on Monday, with RBC analyst Amit Daryanani saying the magnitude of investor negativity is likely overdone. Investors could also still find reason for optimism in the potential for strong growth from Apple services and an upgrade to the companys capital return program. Morgan Stanley said it expects Apple to hike the program by $150 billion to a cumulative total of $450 billion by 2020 and increase its quarterly dividend to 94.5 cents a share from 63 cents.

Recent concerns about Apples iPhone business were fanned by suppliers that reported weak demand for high-end handsets, another sign the smartphone boom that made Apple the most-valuable company is ebbing. Its also under pressure in China, where some consumers are shunning pricey iPhones and local rivals like Oppo and Vivo are grabbing market share.

On Tuesday, Apple is expected to report fiscal second-quarter iPhone unit sales grew just over 2 percent from a year earlier. For the fiscal third quarter, unit sales will be down 5 percent year-over-year, according to average analyst forecasts.

Expectations were higher when Apple launched new phones late last year. However, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus looked similar to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models from about three years earlier. The iPhone X had a bright, edge-to-edge display and 3-D facial recognition, but the $999 starting price was too much for some consumers.

That left a hole in the market for a breakthrough iPhone close to the previous price  and Apple is already working on filling this demand. The company is preparing a new lower-cost iPhone that looks similar to the iPhone X and has some of its most-appealing features.

That lower-priced iPhone X, essentially, should be a successful product. That launch itself could move iPhone sales up 5 percent a year, said Gene Munster, co-founder of Loup Ventures and a longtime Apple analyst. Still, he warned that the days of 15 percent annual iPhone growth are over.

When the X launched last year, Apple paid handsomely for the new Face ID system, stainless steel casing and sharper, more efficient OLED screen technology. The parts cost $115 more than the iPhone 8s, according to a November analysis. That made it difficult to price the product much below $999, without slicing Apples legendary profitability.

The lower-cost iPhone will likely have an LCD display and an aluminum casing. That could bring the price close to $700, a level thats proven successful for many years.

In addition, Apple will launch a giant iPhone with a 6.5-inch screen and an update to the current iPhone X size, people familiar with the matter said.

While results on Tuesday will likely show slower Apple growth, this broader iPhone strategy could revive sales when the new devices come out toward the end of 2018.

For most companies, one product facing growth headwinds wouldnt be a concern. For Apple, the iPhone generates about two-thirds of sales, and the other third comes mostly from products and services best used with an iPhone.

Mark Gurman is a Bloomberg writer. Email: mgurman1@bloomberg.netLyft made major strides with American business travelers, nearly doubling market share at the expense of market leader Uber.

The San Francisco startup accounted for 19 percent of ride-hailing usage among business customers last quarter, up from 10 percent a year ago, according to data from Certify, a travel and expense software provider. Uber still has 81 percent of the market, but the trend suggests missteps by the San Francisco company last year are taking a toll.

Uber said its working with more companies directly on expense billing, which wouldnt be captured in Certifys data. Weve also partnered with Concur, the largest global expense management platform, to deliver a seamless connection for situations where expenses are required, the company said in an email.

Lyft said some of its customers use central billing as well. We will carry this momentum into the rest of 2018 and remain focused on making business travel easy, accessible and affordable, David Baga, Lyfts chief business officer, wrote in an email.

Although Uber remains the leader with both U.S. businesses and general customers, the company is still reeling from a challenging 2017. Hundreds of thousands of users deleted their Uber applications in protest. Meanwhile, Lyft made a concerted effort to go after Ubers corporate business, adding a black car service, striking partnerships and highlighting its friendlier reputation.

The ride-hailing industry continues to grow relative to taxis and rental cars. Just three years ago, rental cars represented half of business travel by ground. Today, Uber and Lyft hold 71 percent, with rental cars at 23 percent and taxis at 6 percent, according to Certify.

Eric Newcomer is a Bloomberg writer. Email: enewcomer@bloomberg.netThe ride-sharing industry continues its inexorable takeover of U.S. business travelers' ground transportation needs, according to a new study  but the market share within that ride-sharing segment is shifting in favor of Lyft at Uber's expense.

The latest quarterly report on business travel spending from Certify  a major provider of expense management software for companies  shows that Lyft's portion of the ride-sharing market has nearly doubled in the past year. In the first quarter of 2018, Lyft's share of what Certify calls the "ride-hailing" market (i.e., app-based providers of rides) was 19 percent, up from 10 percent in the comparable period of 2017, while Uber's share dropped to 81 percent from 90 percent a year ago.

Certify's analysis is based on millions of business traveler spending reports processed through the firm's software.

Lyft's gains are likely due to its recent aggressive courting of big travel management companies and agencies that help corporations manage travel. Most recently, it signed a deal with American Express Global Business Travel providing direct access to nearly 7 million frequent travelers.

Together, Lyft and Uber accounted for 70.5 percent of all ground transportation spending by business travelers in the first quarter of this year, Certify said, vs. 23.5 percent for rental cars and 6 percent for taxis. "That's a big jump from one year ago, when ride-hailing accounted for 59 percent of the market, rental cars had 31 percent and taxis had 10 percent," Certify remarked. As recently as the first quarter of 2014, ride-hailing apps captured a mere 8 percent of the market, vs. 55 percent for rental cars and 37 percent for taxis.

Not surprisingly, the market for ride-hailing is largest in big cities. In San Francisco, Uber and Lyft captured 99 percent of the market in the first quarter of this year, vs. 1 percent for taxis (rental cars weren't included in that part of the analysis, Certify noted). By contrast, ride-hailing took 91 percent of the market in Dallas while Boston and Los Angeles were tied at 89 percent. The highest rate of taxi use was in New York and Chicago, but even in those cities Uber and Lyft captured a 75 percent market share among business travelers.

(The competition from Uber and Lyft has gotten so tough that some taxi drivers in New York have literally been killing themselves, according to one recent report.)

Certify

Certify suggested that Lyft's big recent gains against Uber might be related to internal controversies and management changes at the latter company over the past year. "As Uber experienced change in its senior leadership team and challenges in various markets, Lyft stayed the course and gained market," said Certify president Robert Neveu. "It will be very interesting to see if Lyft is able to maintain this level of usage in the business travel space."

Although both Lyft and Uber now permit tipping of their drivers, Certify found that very few business travelers are doing so  just 6 percent of Uber riders and 2 percent of Lyft customers. The study found that Lyft riders who do tip give drivers slightly less than Uber riders  and that per-trip spending is about $5 less with Lyft than on Uber.

Wait, what? I thought everyone tips Uber and Lyft drivers. Don't you? Please leave your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Read all recent TravelSkills posts here

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Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.A much-anticipated bail hearing for a San Francisco robbery defendant at the center of a landmark legal ruling came to an abrupt halt Tuesday when prosecutors said the victim in the case had agreed to come forward.

Kenneth Humphrey, 64, will stay jailed until at least Thursday, when his alleged victim is scheduled to testify for the prosecution at a new hearing.

Tuesdays curveball is the latest in a months-long battle between attorneys over whether Humphrey should be released before his trial. In January, the First District Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled that his $350,000 bail was excessive because he could not afford to pay it.

The ruling upended the states cash bail system. Judges must now consider a defendants ability to pay when setting bail.

Since high bail has largely been eliminated as a tool to keep defendants jailed, prosecutors in San Francisco have been holding special hearings to ask judges to either order no bail or grant defendants conditional release, similar to probation.

The San Francisco district attorneys office asked that Humphrey be held without bail, arguing that he is a threat to public safety and that his lengthy criminal record makes it likely he will re-offend.

We have an obligation to the public and we firmly believe that public safety needs to be a consideration that the court is able to take into account when making very important decisions about who is released pre-trial, said Max Szabo, a spokesman for the district attorneys office.

Deputy Public Defender Anita Nabha, who represents Humphrey, said her client poses no threat and, if released, has agreed to sign up for ankle monitoring through the San Francisco Sheriffs Department and enroll in a live-in drug treatment program for seniors.

She blasted the district attorneys decision to call on the victim in the case.

This is just a last-ditch effort to try to do away with what we believe is going to be a successful bail hearing, Nabha said outside court.

Humphrey is a retired shipyard worker and has been jailed since his May 2017 arrest on robbery, elder abuse and burglary charges.

He has a long history of drug addiction and criminal activity dating to the 1980s. His most recent arrest came after he allegedly followed a 79-year-old neighbor into the mans apartment, threatened to put a pillowcase over the mans head, demanded money and stole a bottle of cologne. Before that incident, his last previous charge was in 2005.

Humphreys case comes amid several statewide bail reform efforts, including in the legislature and in the federal courts.

Following the appeals court ruling, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon asked the California Supreme Court to review Humphreys case. State Attorney General Xavier Becerra in February decided against appealing the decision.

Gascon said the ruling has hampered his ability to protect the public from defendants who dont meet the state constitutions strict standard of no bail.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffskyA 36-year-old Newport Beach man has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly holding his wife captive and torturing her for hours.

Richard David Schlosser II was arrested in January for the violence against his 65-year-old wife, but new details are becoming public as the case moves forward.

Schlosser is accused of punching, kicking and beating his wife for six hours, reports the Los Angeles Times. He allegedly put a towel down her throat, waterboarded her, beat her with a candelabra, and cut her with scissors.

CRIME NEWS: Double homicide in Oakland leaves man, woman dead

She was hospitalized for her injuries after the January arrest, reports the Times.

Orange County District Attorneys Office

At the time of the arrest, Schlosser was also facing felony charges in Riverside County for a separate domestic violence incident from 2016. He was out on bail.

Schlosser has been charged with torture, corporal injury on a spouse, false imprisonment and criminal threats, reports the Times. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts.

TRAGIC DEATH: Boy, 10, dies after hiding in tumble dryer

He is being held on a $2.05 million bail, according to jail records. His next court appearance is set for August 24.

If convicted, he could receive a life sentence.

Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com.A San Francisco International Airport employee whose co-worker repeatedly turned down his date requests has been charged with murder for allegedly shooting the womans boyfriend to death, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Kevin B. Prasad, 31, of South San Francisco, planned the shooting with an accomplice and could face the death penalty, according to the San Mateo County district attorneys office.

On April 25, Prasad and Hayward resident Donovan Matthew Rivera, 25, followed 31-year-old Mark Mangaccat and his girlfriend back to their home in Daly City, prosecutors said. Prasad told his female co-worker multiple times to dump Mangaccat and be with him instead, but she repeatedly rejected Prasads advances, prosecutors said.

The day of the alleged murder, Mangaccat picked up his girlfriend, who is the mother of their 3-year-old child, from a home in Daly City. Rivera and Prasad were sitting in another vehicle and followed the couple back to their home on Abbot Avenue, according to the district attorneys office.

As Mangaccat backed into a garage, Prasad allegedly got out of his car and fired five to six shots into Mangaccats vehicle, killing the man but leaving his girlfriend uninjured.

Prasad then ran back to the car and Rivera drove them away from the scene, according to prosecutors, who said Rivera was aware they were tracking Mangaccat with the intent to kill him.

Both men were charged with murder and were being held without bail.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJournoCOPENHAGEN  For the first time since 1943, theres a notable risk that no Nobel Prize in literature will be awarded this year.

And thats not because the worlds authors, poets, essayists and other writers have been found wanting.

The painful, though not unprecedented possibility arises from sex abuse and financial crimes scandals involving the Swedish Academy, the body that chooses the Nobel literature winner.

The august academy has admitted that unacceptable behavior in the form of unwanted intimacy took place within its ranks, but its handling of unseemly allegations has shredded the bodys credibility, called into question its judgment and forced its first female leader to resign.

A debate over how to face up to its flaws also divided its 18 members  who are appointed for life  into hostile camps and prompted seven members to leave or disassociate themselves from the secretive group. The latest defection, announced Saturday, has left the prestigious institution with only 11 people to deliberate who should win the 2018 Nobel Prize in literature.

At its upcoming weekly meeting in Stockholm on Thursday, the Swedish Academy could decide to postpone or cancel awarding the prize in literature this year  because its in no shape to pick one. Anders Olsson, the permanent secretary of the academy, hinted at that scenario in remarks to Swedish public broadcaster SR last week.

If the academy does go ahead and chooses a winner for 2018, some experts say the laureates accomplishments could be tainted or overshadowed by a mess they had no hand in creating.

It really depends on who gets it. That person needs to know what the academy has gone through and maybe respond to the crisis, Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, a literature professor with Denmarks Aarhus University, said.

The worlds most prestigious prizes in science, medicine, literature and peacemaking have been withheld 49 times in all since the honors based on the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel began in 1901.

No Nobel prizes at all were awarded during the World War II years of 1940-42. The Nobel literature prize was not given out on seven occasions so far: 1914, 1918, 1935 and 1940-43.

In 1914, 1918 and 1943, neither the peace prize nor the literature prize was conferred, while the science and medicine prizes were presented. In 1935, no literature candidate was deemed worthy of a Nobel, but winners were chosen in the other fields.

Science and medicine Nobels have been awarded every year since 1942, but the Peace Prize was not given in 1972. The economics prize, which is not directly related to Nobels will, began in 1968 and has never not been awarded annually.

The Swedish Academys internal feud was triggered by a sex-abuse scandal linked to Jean-Claude Arnault, a major cultural figure in Sweden who is also the husband of poet Katarina Frostenson, an academy member.

Last fall, a leading Swedish newspaper published sexual misconduct claims from 18 women against Arnault, who runs a cultural center the academy used to help fund. The 71-year-old Arnault has denied the allegations, but police say they are investigating some of them.

Swedish daily newspaper Svenska Dagbladet first reported the multiple allegations against Arnault last year. In April, the newspaper published a story alleging that Arnault pawed Swedens Crown Princess Victoria 12 years ago, letting his hand slide from her neck to her rear. One of the princess aides quickly removed the hand, the paper said, citing three unnamed sources.

Arnault also has been suspected of violating century-old Nobel rules by leaking names of winners of the prestigious award  allegedly seven times, starting in 1996. It was not clear to whom the names were allegedly disclosed.

Some male academy members tried to force Frostenson out for her husbands alleged misdeeds and announced they would not remain part of the group when the vote on their motion failed. For technical reasons, they cant actually resign. Frostenson herself then withdrew on the same day the academys leader, professor and writer Sara Danius, was forced out.

An uproar ensued as observers noted that  despite the worldwide influence of the #MeToo movement  female members of the academy appeared to be paying the price for a mans alleged misdeeds. The academy has since banned Arnault from Nobel events.

Rosendahl Thomsen, a literature professor at Denmarks Aarhus University, said it could be sensible for the academy to postpone the 2018 literature prize until the internal issues are resolved.

Generally speaking, the academy is an institution that thrives on tradition and opacity, he said. It must be modern, but keep some mystique around it at the same time.

The air of intrigue thickened Friday when the financial crimes unit of the Swedish police said it had launched a preliminary probe connected with the Swedish Academy. Police did not elaborate.

Swedish media reported that spouses Frostenson and Arnault are at the heart of the allegations, which focus on grant payments to Arnaults cultural center. The Swedish Academy financed the operations of the Forum center from 2010 until late 2017, when the sex abuse allegations against Arnault surfaced.

The Nobel Foundation itself says the Nobel Prize in literature risks losing its dignity from the scandals.

Rebecca Lundberg, the culture news editor of Swedish broadcaster SVT, has likened the twists and turns to a Greek drama. She has called for a complete overhaul of how the academy, which was established in 1786, is being regulated.

We wont be able to appoint Nobel prize winners if there is no reinterpretation of the statutes, Lundberg told SVT.

Jari Tanner and Jan M. Olsen are Associated Press writers. Associated Press writer Sheila Norman-Culp contributed from London.It all started when Ian Hunter Anderson worked at Linea Caffe, a coffee bar in the Mission District.

Anderson had grown close with customers, especially a group of artists who rented studio space in a store down the street. The building's owner was also a customer. One day, a tenant told Anderson the owner raised rents and the group of artists was being pushed out.

Anderson decided enough was enough.

Like many other baristas in San Francisco, Anderson meets many people throughout the day as part of his job, from all walks of life. He's watched neighborhoods change in real-time. And at Linea Caffe, one passing interaction seemed to capture the essence of a dichotomized neighborhood.

We surveyed baristas from different coffee shops to hear their reflections on working in a divided environment, where wealth and hardship continue to tangle. Their stories are in the slideshow above.

For Anderson, the conflict came into focus when he found out his friends no longer had a home.

"After I found out [the building owner] was making the space unaffordable, I told him I wouldn't serve coffee to him anymore," Anderson said.

The building owner, angry at the accusation, told Anderson he would send his correspondence with the artists over email to prove there was no wrongdoing.

ALSO: Artists are fleeing the Bay Area. Here's where they're going.

Anderson temporarily obliged him; after all, he only had one side of the information. But the building owner never emailed him. He never came in again, either. Instead, Anderson said, he pivoted over to Tiny Warrior Coffee, assuring the baristas he'd help them overtake Linea Caffe in influence and sales.

Tiny Warrior Coffee has since closed. Anderson left Linea Caffe and got a job at Pentacle Coffee, an unassuming coffee shop and art gallery tucked away on a corner on Sixth Street in SoMa. It's a new cafe, but Anderson says the same trend  of growing hostility toward the neighborhood  rears its head through the cafe's doors.

Community, of course, is at a vulnerable state in SoMa. More than 3,655 homeless persons dwell in District Six, which includes SoMa and the Tenderloin. That's almost half of San Francisco's overall homeless population, which was counted in the city's 2017 point-in-time homeless tally as 7,499. Meanwhile, as of spring 2018, the average rent per month for an apartment in SoMa was $3,885.

RELATED: SFPD faces Twitter backlash after 'tackling' tent-filled street in Tenderloin

Lily James, who's worked at at Sightglass Coffee's SoMa outpost for four years, has watched the neighborhood change before her eyes. Hip bars have popped up just as fast as homeless encampments are pushed out in a renewed effort by interim mayor Mark Farrell.

James says the most upsetting thing she encounters is how the homeless are treated  both in conversation and in action.

MORE: Letters reportedly posted at SF tent encampment threaten to burn, beat homeless people

"Everyone seems to want to push them out," James said. "I get that it's a hard thing to see, and it's not the easiest thing to deal with  I've had people scream in my face, coworkers have gotten jumped and one of our managers was spat in the face by a homeless person."

But, she says, the enmity and fear only serves to isolate.

"There's high tensions here," she said. "It just doesn't seem like too much of a community."

More stories are in the slideshow above.

Read Annie Vainshtein's latest stories here. Send her news tips at avainshtein@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @annievainThe first "Ant-Man" flick, starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly and Michael Douglas, primarily depicted the microscopic eponymous hero shrinking and expanding inside a fictional Treasure Island laboratory.

The size-shifting heroes will apparently spend more time on this side of the Bay Bridge in the sequel, "Ant-Man and the Wasp," if the trailer is any indication.

RELATED: 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' trailer showcases action in San Francisco

Based on September's film locations for the San Francisco production  the Embarcadero and Nob Hill, mostly  we already knew that Marvel wanted to showcase the more picturesque parts of the city.

The trailer underscores that, with Ant-Man and the Wasp flipping cars, jumping through windows, and growing buildings out of nowhere.

RELATED: 'Ant-Man and the Wasp' Takes Place During 'Avengers: Infinity War'

See the trailer and stills of the San Francisco shooting locations in the above gallery.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp" debuts in theaters on July 6, 2018.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.

WASHINGTON  The top security official for embattled Environmental Protection Agency head Scott Pruitt abruptly left office ahead of his scheduled questioning before a congressional panel, one of two top aides whose departures were announced Tuesday amid a series of federal ethics investigations of the agency.

In statements, Pruitt gave no immediate reasons why the two men  security chief Pasquale Nino Perrotta and Albert Kelly, a former Oklahoma banker who ran the EPAs Superfund program  were leaving.

Perrotta is due to appear Wednesday for a transcribed interview by staffers of the House Oversight Committee. Committee aides said his resignation was not expected to affect his appearance.

Pruitts spending on security, and some of EPAs security contracts with Perrotta, are among the topics of more than a dozen federal probes involving the EPA under Pruitt, a former Oklahoma attorney general.

Pruitt said Perrotta was retiring, and praised him for hard work and dedication.

Pruitt thanked Kelly for what he said was his tremendous impact in Kellys year overseeing the nations Superfund program, charged with handling the cleanup of toxic waste sites.

Pruitt hired Kelly, an Oklahoma banker, at EPA after federal banking regulators banned the man from banking for life. Regulators have not publicly specified the actions that led to the banking ban. Days ago, Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego., pressed Pruitt for more details about why exactly Kelly had been sanctioned by regulators.

I think Mr. Kelly, if hes willing to share that with you, he should do that, Pruitt said Thursday.

Democrats in Congress asked for federal investigations of Kellys reported loans to Pruitt himself while the two were still in Oklahoma.

Pruitt weathered six hours of grilling from congressional Democrats last week over the steady flow of news reports and announcements of new investigations involving alleged ethical lapses at his agency, including spending for Pruitt on round-the-clock security guards, first-class plane tickets, and a $43,000 soundproof telephone booth.

Ellen Knickmeyer is an Associated Press writer.The Rev. James Cone, a central figure in the development of black liberation theology in the 1960s and 70s who argued for racial justice and an interpretation of the Christian Gospel that elevated the voices of the oppressed, died Saturday. He was 79.

His death was announced by Union Theological Seminary, where he was a distinguished professor. A spokeswoman for the seminary said he died at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Cone was a theologian, minister and author. He described black liberation theology as an interpretation of the Christian Gospel from the experience and perspectives and lives of people who are at the bottom in society  the lowest economic and racial groups.

In an interview in 2008, Cone said that in the 1960s, he saw his faith imperiled by the growing appeal to blacks of the Nation of Islam and the black power movement.

Christianity was seen as the white mans religion, he said. I wanted to say: No! The Christian Gospel is not the white mans religion. It is a religion of liberation, a religion that says God created all people to be free. But I realized that for black people to be free, they must first love their blackness.

For decades, Cone spoke forcefully about racial inequalities that persisted in the form of economic injustice, mass incarceration and police shootings.

That kind of consistency is just rare in American intellectual life, to be focused so unflinchingly on the most vulnerable in our society, said Harvard philosopher Cornel West. James Cone was the theological giant in our midst who had a love affair with oppressed people, especially black people.

James Hal Cone was born on Aug. 5, 1938, in Fordyce, Ark. He graduated from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., with a bachelor of divinity degree and received a masters degree and a doctorate from Northwestern University.

He pointed to the Detroit riots of 1967  a series of violent confrontations between mostly black Detroit residents and police that resulted in the deaths of 43 people  as a turning point that inspired him to challenge white theologians more forcefully. I heard the voices of black blood crying out to God and to humanity, he said last year.

His 1969 book, Black Theology & Black Power, is considered the founding text of black liberation theology. In a 1997 introduction to an updated version of the book, Cone wrote that he wanted to speak on behalf of the voiceless black masses in the name of Jesus, whose Gospel I believed had been greatly distorted by the preaching theology of white churches.

As a professor, he encouraged his students to pursue their own ideas rather than imitating his, said the Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas, an author, priest and the dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary.

He gave many of us the opportunity to study and find our own theological voice at a time when we would not have had an opportunity to do so, Douglas said.

In 2008, black liberation theology made headlines because one of its proponents, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., had been a minister for Barack Obama, then a presidential candidate.

Wrights comments on racial issues became a campaign liability for Obama because he had suggested that the United States was attacked on Sept. 11 because it engaged in terrorism of its own, and that the government could have used the virus that causes AIDS as a tool for genocide against minorities. Obama renounced Wright in April 2008.

The next month, Cone described the theology to the New York Times as a combination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

You might say we took our Christianity from Martin and our emphasis on blackness from Malcolm, he said.

He added that while he disagreed with Wrights more incendiary comments, deep down in all of us is that Malcolm X who cries out in such strong language.

This year, Cone won the Grawemeyer Award in Religion for his most recent book, The Cross and the Lynching Tree, which drew parallels between the crucifixion of Jesus and the lynching of black people in the United States. His recently completed memoir is expected to be published this year.

Cones survivors include his sons, Michael and Charles; his daughters, Robynn and Krystal; a brother, Charles; and two grandchildren.

Jacey Fortin is a New York Times writer.WASHINGTON  Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russias election interference, has at least four dozen questions on an exhaustive array of subjects he wants to ask President Trump to learn more about his ties to Russia and determine whether he obstructed the inquiry itself, according to a list of the questions obtained by the New York Times.

The open-ended queries appear to be an attempt to penetrate the presidents thinking, to get at the motivation behind some of his most combative Twitter posts and to examine his relationships with his family and his closest advisers. They deal chiefly with the presidents high-profile firings of the FBI director and his first national security adviser, his treatment of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and a 2016 Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and Russians offering dirt on Hillary Clinton.The 28-year-old CEO of a controversial biohacking company was found dead in a Washington D.C. spa on Sunday.

The body of Aaron Traywick, CEO and founder of Ascendance Biomedical, was discovered in a spa room on Massachusetts Ave. shortly after 11:30 a.m. Sunday, the Metropolitan Police Department told SFGATE. The investigation remains ongoing. No evidence suggests foul play.

Ascendance employees Andreas Stuermer and Tristan Roberts told Vice News that Traywick was found in a flotation therapy tank. The soundproof tanks are typically filled with body-temperature saltwater to promote "sensory deprivation," which proponents say aids in the exploration of alternate states of consciousness. (Read more about the tanks here.)

"Aaron was a passionate visionary. He seemingly never tired as he brought people together to work on some of the most imposing challenges facing humanity," Roberts said in a statement to Vice. "While many in the biohacking scene disagreed with his methods, none of them doubted his intentions. He sought nothing short of a revolution in biomedicine; the democratization of science and the opening of the flood gates for global healing."

Traywick made headlines in February after injecting himself with an un-tested herpes treatment, a stunt that sent ripples through the biohacking community. Some said Traywick's theatrics gave biohacking  experimenting with genetic material without consideration for accepted ethical standards  a bad rap.

Following the February antics, reports emerged that Ascendance employees had begun distancing themselves from Traywick and his ostentatious methods.

"We all lost touch with him. It was radio silence," Stuermer told VICE in February.

Stuermer and Ascendance could not be reached for comment.

In October Traywick injected a volunteer with a D.I.Y. treatment for HIV, a move that prompted the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a statement that the sale of such D.I.Y. therapies is illegal. Because Ascendance wasn't selling the products, and conducted all testing on volunteers, the company effectively skirted the FDA's strict rulings.

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.A dentist was sentenced today to 20 months in jail after pleading no contest in December to charges of performing unnecessary work on several patients in Daly City and then stealing someone's identity to seek other dental jobs, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

Amishi Patel, 43, was a part-time dentist at Campus Heights Dental Care in Daly City, where she performed unnecessary dental work on at least eight patients between April 2014 and May 2014, prosecutors said.

Among the patients was a then-16-year-old girl who Patel recommended receive 16 fillings. Patel did eight of the fillings before the girl's father became suspicious and took her to another dentist for a second opinion, according to the district attorney's office.

Three subsequent dentists all agreed that the girl had no signs of cavities and did not need any fillings, and said the eight fillings from Patel were performed so poorly that they needed to be replaced, prosecutors said.

The insurance fraud case involving the unnecessary work came to the district attorney's office from the state Department of Insurance, which had contacted by the Dental Board of California that received the initial complaint from the family of a patient.

Patel was charged in February 2017 and a judge ordered her not to practice dentistry as a condition of her release on bail.

However, investigators learned that she had altered the order to make it look like it had been rescinded days later, then used the altered order to gain temporary employment at a dentist's office in Fremont, where she treated four patients, prosecutors said.

Patel also used the license number from a dentist in the area with a similar name to hers to apply for several dentist jobs in Fremont, including one where she had an interview with an undercover officer, prosecutors said.

She pleaded no contest in December to felony insurance fraud, assault, identity theft, and forgery and was eventually remanded into jail last month.

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Donald Ayoob sentenced her this morning to the 20-month jail sentence and eight years of probation. A restitution hearing in the case has been set for June 22, Wagstaffe said.

Prosecutors had sought a sentence of up to five years in state prison.

Patel's defense attorney Jonathan McDougall was not immediately available for comment on the case.

###SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)

The former chief financial officer of a British software company was convicted in federal court in San Francisco Monday of 16 counts of fraud in falsely inflating the company's value before Hewlett Packard Co. bought it for $10.3 billion in 2011.

Sushovan Hussain, 54, a British citizen and former finance director of Autonomy Corp., was convicted by a jury after a two-month trial of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud.

He will appear before U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer on May 4 for scheduling of a sentencing date. Hussain faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and up to 25 years for the securities fraud.

Hussain was CFO of Autonomy from 2001 to 2011.

A year after buying the software company, Palo Alto-based Hewlett Packard announced it was writing off a $8.8 billion loss in the transaction, citing alleged accounting improprieties and misrepresentations.

A federal grand jury charged Hussain with the 16 fraud counts in a superseding indictment in 2017. He was convicted of all the counts.

The fraud including backdating contracts, falsely recording revenue, issuing false and misleading financial reports and making false and misleading statements to auditors, market analysts, regulators and Hewlett Packard, according to the indictment.

Alex Tse, the acting U.S. attorney for Northern California, said in a statement, "The jury verdict affirms that corporate criminals who cook their company's books to the detriment of victims in the United States, and specifically this district, will be held to account in our courts."

Defense attorney John Keker maintained in an opposing statement, "Mr. Hussain defrauded no one and acted at all times with the highest standards of honesty, integrity and competence.

"It is a shame that the U.S. Department of Justice lent its support to HP's campaign to blame others for its own catastrophic failings," Keker said.

As an Autonomy shareholder, Hussain personally gained $7.7 million from Hewlett Packard's purchase of his shares in 2011, according to the indictment, which seeks forfeiture of that amount when Hussain is sentenced.

###

436-7264SANTA ROSA (BCN)

A Lake County man was sentenced today to six years plus 32 years to life in prison for his role in the robbery and shooting of an armored car guard in Windsor and an assault of a police officer in Calistoga in 2016.

Ivan Morales, 25, was sentenced for the premeditated attempted murder of a Loomis armored car guard outside a Chase bank in Windsor, robbery with personal use of a weapon, assault with personal use of a weapon, assault on a peace officer and vehicle theft.

His co-defendant Sergey Gutsu, 25, of Antioch, pleaded no contest during his trial to the attempted murder of a peace officer, robbery, assault, shooting at an occupied vehicle and vehicle theft. He was sentenced to 51 years to life in prison.

The defendants drove to Windsor in a Suzuki that they carjacked in Sacramento and pulled behind the Loomis truck when the guard got out with a moneybag on July 12, 2016.

Three of the five rounds Morales fired from an AK-47 struck the guard, identified only as "Glen" in court. He was not present at the sentencing.

Morales and Gutsu fled with $30,000 in a Chevrolet Suburban to Calistoga where Calistoga police Officer Luis Paniagua collided his patrol car with the Chevrolet. Gutsu got out of the Chevrolet and shot at Paniagua. He was arrested at the scene, and Morales was found later hiding in a culvert before his arrest.

Morales and Gutsu were tried simultaneously by separate juries in Sonoma County Superior Court.

Morales' attorney Emma Dewald asked Judge Patrick Broderick this afternoon to sentence Morales to seven years to life in prison. She said he had a limited prior record compared to Gutsu's record of homicide and robbery convictions.

Deputy District Attorney Chris Brown asked for the six-years plus 32 years to life sentence, and Broderick agreed.

"You were well aware of the power of this weapon and what it could do," Broderick said. "Both of you systematically came up with a plan. I can't say you were the leader. You both planned it with military precision," Broderick said.

The judge noted Morales' past capacity for good as a young hard-working student who had a difficult childhood. He said Morales, however made the wrong choices, and the words in court by a witness to the shooting outside the bank were chilling.

"The witness said, 'They didn't need to do that, he was going to give them the money. He was already compliant. They shot that dude in cold blood,'" Broderick said.

###A San Francisco International Airport employee and his friend have been charged with the fatal shooting in Daly City last week of a man whose girlfriend also worked at SFO, San Mateo County prosecutors said today.

Kevin Prasad, 31, of South San Francisco, and Donovan Rivera, 25, of Hayward, are charged in the murder of 31-year-old Mark Mangaccat last Wednesday, according to the district attorney's office.

That day, Mangaccat drove to pick up his girlfriend, the mother of their 3-year-old child. Prasad, who worked at SFO with her, had been trying to develop a romantic relationship with her and urged her to dump Mangaccat but she had rebuffed his advances, prosecutors said.

Rivera allegedly drove Prasad as they followed Mangaccat from the Daly City home where he picked up his girlfriend to their Abbott Avenue home in Daly City.

As the victim was backing into the garage, Prasad allegedly walked up and fired five to six shots into the car, killing Mangaccat while not hitting the girlfriend, prosecutors said.

Prasad ran back to the car and Rivera drove them away from the scene, but investigators were able to identify and arrest them. The pair made their initial court appearance Monday but did not enter pleas, prosecutors said.

They will return to court on May 8 for appearance of their appointed Private Defender Program attorneys and to possibly enter pleas.

Daly City police have not released any information about the case and referred any inquiries about it to the district attorney's office.

Social media posts about the victim said he and his girlfriend had recently resigned from their positions at the airport and planned to move to Las Vegas.

"He was one of the nicest people," one post read. "I still can't believe it."

Meanwhile, three weeks ago Prasad apparently testified at a San Francisco Board of Supervisors hearing on raising minimum wages for workers, saying he was a security officer at SFO who is also "a veteran and part of the working poor."

The clip of Prasad speaking at the hearing was posted on the Facebook page for Airport Workers United, a union of airport workers.A San Francisco International Airport employee and his friend have been charged with the fatal shooting in Daly City last week of a man whose girlfriend also worked at SFO, San Mateo County prosecutors said today.

Kevin Prasad, 31, of South San Francisco, and Donovan Rivera, 25, of Hayward, are charged in the murder of 31-year-old Mark Mangaccat last Wednesday, according to the district attorney's office.

That day, Mangaccat drove to pick up his girlfriend, the mother of their 3-year-old child. Prasad, who worked at SFO with her, had been trying to develop a romantic relationship with her and urged her to dump Mangaccat but she had rebuffed his advances, prosecutors said.

Rivera allegedly drove Prasad as they followed Mangaccat from the Daly City home where he picked up his girlfriend to their Abbot Avenue home in Daly City.

As the victim was backing into the garage, Prasad allegedly walked up and fired five to six shots into the car, killing Mangaccat while not hitting the girlfriend, prosecutors said.

Prasad ran back to the car and Rivera drove them away from the scene, but investigators were able to identify and arrest them. The pair made their initial court appearance Monday but did not enter pleas, prosecutors said.

They will return to court on May 8 for appearance of their appointed Private Defender Program attorneys and to possibly enter pleas.

Daly City police have not released any information about the case and referred any inquiries about it to the district attorney's office.

Social media posts about the victim said he and his girlfriend had recently resigned from their positions at the airport and planned to move to Las Vegas.

"He was one of the nicest people," one post read. "I still can't believe it."

Meanwhile, three weeks ago Prasad apparently testified at a San Francisco Board of Supervisors hearing on raising minimum wages for workers, saying he was a security officer at SFO who is also "a veteran and part of the working poor."

The clip of Prasad speaking at the hearing was posted on the Facebook page for Airport Workers United, a union of airport workers.

A man died while working with a tractor in Sonoma County this morning, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health confirmed.

The tractor operator was fatally injured at about 7:30 a.m. while cleaning mower equipment at 2340 Napa Road, according to a report that Cal/OSHA received from Walsh Vineyards Management.

Sonoma County sheriff's deputies responded to the accident and found that the worker died after becoming trapped and crushed under a tiller attachment.

The man was originally trying to free vineyard wire from a tractor's tilling tines, according to deputies. Another worker found the man dead under the tiller and notified authorities.

Cal/OSHA is currently investigating the death, and agency spokesman Frank Polizzi said inspections generally take a few weeks to several months. The division has six months to issue citations for any violations of workplace safety regulations.

The department did not provide further information about the victim's identity and sheriff's deputies said the man's family has not been contacted.

A roadway in Sunnyvale has reopened after a fatal crash involving a vehicle hitting a pole this morning, according to the city's Department of Public Safety.

The department issued an advisory shortly before 8 a.m. about the crash, which caused all eastbound lanes of Evelyn Avenue to be closed at Pastoria Avenue.

The department sent out an update shortly before 10:50 a.m. saying the roadway had reopened.

Capt. Shawn Ahearn said no other details about the crash were immediately available.

Two tank cars derailed early this morning in the Shell Oil Yard in Martinez, but stayed upright and did not spill any hazardous materials, a Union Pacific Railroad spokesman said.

The cars derailed around 2:45 a.m. along the Tracy Subdivision in the Shell Oil Yard, Union Pacific spokesman Justin Jacobs said.

No injuries were reported in the derailment, which remains under investigation.

Jacobs said crews were at the scene working to re-rail the cars as of shortly after 7:45 a.m.

A small submarine that had been stolen in Berkeley was found abandoned and adrift, then was towed to Emeryville early Sunday morning, according to police.

Police and firefighters responded to a report of a vessel drifting in the water around 12:30 a.m.

They determined there was no one onboard and towed it to the Emeryville marina.

It turned out to be registered, but police said the owner was unavailable to recover it, so they transported it to a secure location.

A Hercules police officer was injured in a collision while responding to a domestic disturbance call on Saturday night, police said today.

Officers had responded at 8:32 p.m. Saturday to a call in the 1300 block of Sycamore Avenue from someone saying she could hear an altercation between a man and woman that sounded physical, according to police.

An officer was traveling west on Sycamore Avenue through the intersection at San Pablo Avenue with his siren and emergency lights on and collided with a green Kia Soul traveling south through the intersection. The Kia then hit a black Audi that was stopped at the light on eastbound Sycamore Avenue, police said.

The officer was taken to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries and was later released. The Kia driver also was taken to a hospital for injuries not considered life-threatening, while the occupants of the Audi also did not suffer any major injuries, according to police.

No other details were immediately available about the collision or the initial case that prompted the response of officers.

A 17-year-old male suspected of having a gun was arrested Monday afternoon at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country hotel in Santa Rosa, a police sergeant said.

Police responded to the Prince Memorial Greenway around 1:20 p.m. to a report by a passerby of a male with a red backpack who broke up a fight between two young males by pulling out what appeared to be a gun, Sgt. Jeneane Kucker said.

The fight ended and the male with the backpack walked away.

Police arrived and found two adults and two males at the scene. A male who matched the description of the one with the gun ran west down the creek path and into the Hyatt Regency hotel at 170 Railroad St., where he discarded the red backpack, Kucker said.

He was found hiding in an alcove and was taken into custody for outstanding warrants. The gun was not located at the scene, Kucker said.

A 15-year-old male also was taken into custody on outstanding warrants, and 20-year-old Demario Robinson of Santa Rosa was arrested on suspicion of delaying or resisting an officer during a lawful detention, according to Kucker.

The California Department of Education will receive a federal emergency grant of more than $14 million to help schools affected by the North Bay wildfires last year as well as ones in Southern California, department officials said today.

The North Bay wildfires in October closed nearly 600 schools with about 260,000 students, while nearly 135,000 students were displaced in December wildfires in Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties, according to the Department of Education.

The $14.4 million Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations grant is meant to defray costs related to the restarting of schools and re-enrolling of students affected by natural disasters.

Schools can use the funds to repair fire damage, remove debris and pay for mandatory environmental cleanup, department officials said.

"I want to thank the federal Department of Education for recognizing the need to help our schools recover from the terrible fires and thank educators for diligently pursuing the funding," state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said in a statement.

A small earthquake struck early this morning in unincorporated Contra Costa County, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Magnitude 2.6 roughly three miles north of the Diablo area.

No injuries have been reported.

###Police said late Monday night that they're investigating a double homicide in East Oakland.

The crime scene is in the 1400 block of 89th Avenue, near east 14th Street, which is also known as International Boulevard.

It's not yet clear when the deaths were reported, but police announced the grisly discovery just before midnight on Twitter.

Further details were not immediately available.

A Lake County man was sentenced Monday to six years plus 32 years to life in prison for his role in the robbery and shooting of an armored car guard in Windsor and an assault of a police officer in Calistoga in 2016.

Ivan Morales, 25, was sentenced for the premeditated attempted murder of a Loomis armored car guard outside a Chase bank in Windsor, robbery with personal use of a weapon, assault with personal use of a weapon, assault on a peace officer and vehicle theft.

His co-defendant Sergey Gutsu, 25, of Antioch, pleaded no contest during his trial to the attempted murder of a peace officer, robbery, assault, shooting at an occupied vehicle and vehicle theft. He was sentenced to 51 years to life in prison.

The defendants drove to Windsor in a Suzuki that they carjacked in Sacramento and pulled behind the Loomis truck when the guard got out with a moneybag on July 12, 2016.

Three of the five rounds Morales fired from an AK-47 struck the guard, identified only as "Glen" in court. He was not present at the sentencing.

Morales and Gutsu fled with $30,000 in a Chevrolet Suburban to Calistoga where Calistoga police Officer Luis Paniagua collided his patrol car with the Chevrolet. Gutsu got out of the Chevrolet and shot at Paniagua. He was arrested at the scene, and Morales was found later hiding in a culvert before his arrest.

Morales and Gutsu were tried simultaneously by separate juries in Sonoma County Superior Court.

Morales' attorney Emma Dewald asked Judge Patrick Broderick Monday afternoon to sentence Morales to seven years to life in prison. She said he had a limited prior record compared to Gutsu's record of homicide and robbery convictions.

Deputy District Attorney Chris Brown asked for the six-years plus 32 years to life sentence, and Broderick agreed.

"You were well aware of the power of this weapon and what it could do," Broderick said. "Both of you systematically came up with a plan. I can't say you were the leader. You both planned it with military precision," Broderick said.

The judge noted Morales' past capacity for good as a young hard-working student who had a difficult childhood. He said Morales, however made the wrong choices, and the words in court by a witness to the shooting outside the bank were chilling.

"The witness said, 'They didn't need to do that, he was going to give them the money. He was already compliant. They shot that dude in cold blood,'" Broderick said.

A California Highway Patrol officer suffered minor injuries and three other people suffered major injuries in a two-car crash on eastbound Interstate Highway 80 in Fairfield Monday afternoon

The California Highway Patrol first received the report of the crash at 3:40 p.m. about a half mile before Redtop Road.

A white Mitsubishi Mirage crashed into a CHP vehicle that was pulled over on the right-hand shoulder, CHP Officer Dave Harvey said.

The Mitsubishi driver and both their right front and rear passengers were taken to the hospital with major injuries, according to Harvey. The CHP officer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

San Jose police, with the assistance of several other local agencies, arrested 16 people in a large-scale operation on Thursday that targeted a violent criminal gang investigators believe is responsible for a series of crimes.

Several firearms were seized during the arrests, along with ammunition and stolen property, officers said.

Police believe the group to be responsible for seven robberies, six carjackings, 10 burglaries, an assault with a deadly weapon and various other weapon offenses.

Five adults and eleven juveniles, 15 to 17 years old, were detained and booked into Santa Clara County Jail and Juvenile Hall on suspicion of the alleged crimes, according to police.

Alexis Anaya, 19, Jessica Bustos, 18, Diego Diaz, 18, Antonio Gutierrez, 18, and Anwar Mohammad, 21, have been identified as the adults in custody related to the bust. The juveniles' names are being withheld.

All of the people arrested are San Jose residents, officers said.

A second death has been reported as a result of a vehicle crash late Saturday night on southbound Interstate Highway 280 in San Jose, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Santa Clara County medical examiner's office has identified a woman struck by a passing vehicle while waiting in the median after her own crash as 24-year-old Blanca Cabrera.

At about 10:30 p.m., a black 2005 Hyundai Accent was involved in a single-vehicle crash. Two occupants of that vehicle, Blanca and Leo Cabrera, 21, exited and walked to the center median, leaving their car between the first and second lane of the highway near the state Highway 87 interchange, CHP officials said.

Three minutes later, a gray 2014 Nissan Altima was traveling around the speed limit and approached the Cabreras' vehicle stopped in between two lanes. The driver attempted to hit the brakes and turn to the left but was unable to avoid a collision, according to the CHP.

The Altima hit the left side of the Accent and continued to travel toward the direction of the two people who were standing in the center median, about 60 feet away from their vehicle, CHP officials said.

The Cabreras were struck by the Altima, causing Leo to be thrown over the Highway 280 bridge railing and Blanca to fall where she was previously standing in the median.

The impact of the Altima pushed the Accent into a blue 2016 Acura that was traveling at the speed limit in the right-hand lane, ahead of where the Accent had been resting.

Leo was taken to Regional Medical Center of San Jose and Blanca to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where they both succumbed to their injuries.

The driver of the Altima was transported to Valley Medical Center for injuries not considered life-threatening and the driver of the Acura was not injured.

The cause of the original crash that caused the Cabreras to get out of their vehicle has not been released.

Elevators at two San Francisco BART stations started to be staffed with attendants from open to close Monday as part of a six-month pilot program, thanks to a partnership between BART and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

In an attempt to address safety, cleanliness and availability issues, attendants hired through the San Francisco-based organization Hunters Point Family will be monitoring the elevators at the Civic Center and Powell Street stations daily as part of the new pilot program.

The attendants will greet riders and direct people seeking bathrooms to the street level Pit Stop toilets located above both stations, BART and Muni officials said.

"BART has really been focused on what the rider is experiencing and Civic Center is really ground zero for the frustration that riders feel about homelessness, about people that are mentally ill, about feeling unsafe late at night," Bevan Dufty, a member of BART's Board of Directors, said Monday morning at the Civic Center station.

"Having clean and safe elevators makes the whole difference," Dufty said.

"For too long we have heard from some of those riders that the worst part of their trip was the elevator ride," Ed Reiskin, Muni's director of transportation, said.

"This partnership ... will restore dignity to that part of the ride. We want that dignity for riders whether they're in a wheelchair or pushing a stroller or with a suitcase. We want to make sure that not only is it a pleasant ride but a positive experience so they don't have to hold their nose while they're in the elevator or so that they don't have to fear for their safety," Reiskin said.

BART and Muni riders have complained for years about unsanitary and unusable elevators. In 2015, BART attempted to mitigate the problem by replacing the flooring on all 27 elevators throughout the system, making them easier to clean. Splashguards were also put in place along the sides of the elevators to prevent liquids from flowing underneath the floor and damaging equipment.

Hunters Point Family, an organization that empowers youth, adults and formerly incarcerated people, already provides attendants for the Pit Stop public toilets above the Powell Street and 16th Street Mission BART stations.

The organization's founder and co-executive director Lena Miller said the new elevator attendant pilot program is another opportunity for the organization to fulfill its mission of providing support to some of the city's most vulnerable residents.

"San Francisco is faced at the intersection of an opioid and methamphetamine epidemic with homelessness, with extreme poverty and with the impact of mass incarceration," Miller said.

"We are tasked with bringing a sense of security and safety to areas that have become chaotic and we are excited and we are honored to do it," Miller said. "The fact that BART and MTA chose the Hunters Point Family to do this is not lost on us and we are going to work hard to transform this area to a place where everyone can feel safe and everyone can be proud of."

"We need our stations to be accessible, we need to them to be friendly and we need community members taking dominion over these stations," BART director Lateefah Simon of the partnership with Hunters Point Family.

"What a day in San Francisco when you have two of the biggest public agencies in our state, BART and Muni, coming together with a grassroots organization, for over a generation that's been training young men and women to stand up and fight for their new communities," Simon said.

After six months, BART and Muni officials will determine whether the elevator attendant pilot program will continue at Powell Street and Civic Center stations, and whether it will be expanded to other stations.

Engineers from Nebraska-based HDR Inc. are inspecting the Golden Gate Bridge's towers this week to assess the condition of the steel that may need repair, according to the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District.

HDR teams are descending by rope from the top of the towers down to the sidewalks beginning with the west legs of the tower before inspecting the east legs, bridge district spokeswoman Priya Clemens said.

Workers will never be directly over traffic, and scaffolds were installed last week on the sidewalks around the towers to protect people passing below, Clemens said.

Bicyclists should dismount and walk their bikes around the towers. The inspection work is expected to be completed within a week and scaffolding will be removed by May 11.

"Our salty marine environment does its best to corrode the steel," district engineer Ewa Bauer said in a statement. "The inspection teams will look carefully at every rivet and seam to determine what work we need to do to keep this beautiful structure standing."

The Board of Supervisors Land Use and Transportation Committee Monday approved a resolution to protect Treasure Island's Clipper Cove for public use as plans for a private marina are in the works.

The unanimous vote by the committee will send it to the full Board of Supervisors next week for approval.

The 81-acre Clipper Cove is currently reserved for public use and is also home to Treasure Island Sailing Center, which serves more than 4,000 youth and adults annually through its various educational, recreational and sailing programs.

According to advocates with Save Clipper Cove, the cove is the "largest and most well-protected open-water cove" in the city.

"It has been increasing clear to me that Clipper Cove is best served as a space for as many members of the public as possible," Supervisor Jane Kim said. "It is my preference that we keep our commitment to public spaces and public recreation."

During a lengthy hearing before the committee voted, Jay Wallace of Treasure Island Enterprises, the firm sponsoring the marina plan, said the plan was first conceived back in 1996. However, he said over the decades, TIE has scaled back from the initial plan to build a 400-slip marina to the current plan for a 313-slip marina in an effort to accommodate public use.

"We want to see that the kids are safe and that the programs are continued," Wallace said of the sailing center. "In each instance, we shrunk and we shrunk because we had one goal in mind, that the programs continued."

Carisa Harris-Adamson, Board Chair of the Treasure Island Sailing Center, argued that, although considerably smaller than the 400-slip plan, the current 313-slip plan would nonetheless negatively impact the center's programs.

"The access to the beach is really what's critical," she said, explaining that if a marina of that size were built along the cove, it would push student sailors into windier and deeper waters.

In addition to the threat to the sailing center and overall public use, opponents to the marina plan say it would threaten beds of eel grass, an aquatic plant that plays an important role in the Bay's ecosystem.

Monday's vote on the resolution won't the kill the marina plan, but instead will ensure that the plan doesn't interfere with public use, educational programs and the environment.

The resolution was sponsored by Kim and supervisors Sandra Lee Fewer, Aaron Peskin and Jeff Sheehy.

The former chief financial officer of a British software company was convicted in federal court in San Francisco Monday of 16 counts of fraud in falsely inflating the company's value before Hewlett Packard Co. bought it for $10.3 billion in 2011.

Sushovan Hussain, 54, a British citizen and former finance director of Autonomy Corp., was convicted by a jury after a two-month trial of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 14 counts of wire fraud and one count of securities fraud.

He will appear before U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer on May 4 for scheduling of a sentencing date. Hussain faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and up to 25 years for the securities fraud.

Hussain was CFO of Autonomy from 2001 to 2011.

A year after buying the software company, Palo Alto-based Hewlett Packard announced it was writing off a $8.8 billion loss in the transaction, citing alleged accounting improprieties and misrepresentations.

A federal grand jury charged Hussain with the 16 fraud counts in a superseding indictment in 2017. He was convicted of all the counts.

The fraud including backdating contracts, falsely recording revenue, issuing false and misleading financial reports and making false and misleading statements to auditors, market analysts, regulators and Hewlett Packard, according to the indictment.

Alex Tse, the acting U.S. attorney for Northern California, said in a statement, "The jury verdict affirms that corporate criminals who cook their company's books to the detriment of victims in the United States, and specifically this district, will be held to account in our courts."

Defense attorney John Keker maintained in an opposing statement, "Mr. Hussain defrauded no one and acted at all times with the highest standards of honesty, integrity and competence.

"It is a shame that the U.S. Department of Justice lent its support to HP's campaign to blame others for its own catastrophic failings," Keker said.

As an Autonomy shareholder, Hussain personally gained $7.7 million from Hewlett Packard's purchase of his shares in 2011, according to the indictment, which seeks forfeiture of that amount when Hussain is sentenced.

Weather in the San Francisco Bay Area is expected to be sunny today then becoming partly cloudy tonight, with highs around 65 degrees and lows around 52.

Wednesday conditions are expected to be partly sunny and breezy, with mostly clear and breezy weather Wednesday night.

Expect a high around 63 degrees and a low around 52.

###Bay Area voters in June will have the opportunity to decide whether they want to pay another dollar in tolls on seven bridges starting next year, according to the San Francisco County Transportation Authority.

Residents will make the decision by voting on Regional Measure 3, a $4.45 billion measure that is aimed at relieving traffic and improving transit.U.S. Border Patrol staff had a rather interesting animal encounter this week along the border near Brownsville.

On Monday officials working along the Rio Grande River observed three people attempting to enter the United States, according to a press release from the government agency.

TIGER NEWS: Yes, you can own a tiger as a pet in Texas but it's not recommended

One of the people was carrying a sizable black duffel bag.

The people abandoned that bag as they ran to the Mexican side of the border. Upon inspection of the bag officials found a live tiger cub around three or four months old inside it. A picture shared by border officials shows the cat curled up inside it.

The male cub was handed over to Brownsville's Gladys Porter Zoo.

Irma Chapa, communications director for the RGV Border Patrol apparatus, shared a photo late Monday of the cub relaxing at the zoo. Chron.com has reached out to the Gladys Porter Zoo for further details on the young animal's condition.

Spokesperson Cynthia Galvan with the zoo says that the tiger weighs about 28 pounds and when it arrived at the zoo it was severely overheated from the journey. It had also appeared to be sedated in order to be smuggled easier.

"They put it in an ice bath and gave it an IV to normalize its temperature," Galvan says. It's not yet known what the next stop could be for the male cub.

ZOO PLANS: The Houston Zoo announces ambitious plans, additional habitats

"It will likely be placed at a sanctuary or another zoological entity," Galvan says.

U.S. Border Patrol has made a litany of exotic animal seizures over the years, with smugglers attempting to constantly bring animals living and dead inside the country through border stops and airport terminals.

"We have seen individuals in the past trying to smuggle exotic animals into the U.S. for the purpose of selling them and or keeping them as pets," Border Patrol spokesman Carlos Diaz told Chron.com.

Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com.A humble circa-1900 cottage is the cheapest single-family home on the market in San Francisco right now, and a local historian says it could be a relic from the former Ingleside horse racetrack built in 1895.

The cottage at 459 Ralston St. in Merced Heights sits on a generous 3,332 square-foot-lot and is listed for $649,000 (though most SF homes have been selling over asking price lately).

"It's the lot that's the value in this property," says listing agent Robert Tao of Sequoia Real Estate. "Normally, the lots in the area are 2,500 square feet."

The cottage is only 596 square feet and needs a complete overhaul, but Tao says the property offers the potential for a grandiose home and points out that a 4,000-square-foot house was built across the street on a similar-size lot.

The property dates back to a time when a horse racetrack circled the adjacent Ingleside neighborhood, and Woody LaBounty, local historian and a director of the Western Neighborhoods Project, says the home was most likely built to support the track.

"There's no other reason anybody would have a house there," LaBounty says. "But whether a jockey lived there or a hostler, I don't know."

Tao says neighbors told him 459 Ralston was a jockey house, but he hasn't been able to confirm this.

The exact building date of the property is unknown as it was built before the 1906 earthquake when city records were destroyed. Homes built before the earthquake are usually dated circa 1900, and LaBounty says that by looking at photos of the home, he can say, "It definitely dates from before 1905."

The track was originally built in 1895 for horse-racing and later cars sped around its circumference, with Ingleside hosting the first automobile race in California in 1900.

The track shuttered in 1905 and the are was developed with a residential neighborhood in the following years.

What exists there now is a serene enclave of single-family homes, landscaped front yards, sidewalks and street treesresembling a setting you'd expect to find in the suburbs rather than the city.

"It's not as dense, meaning there are no apartments," says Tao. "It's mainly single family homes. It's close enough to all the amenities yet you still have an environment for raising a family. It's definitely up-and-coming. It's walking distance to Stonestown mall and the shops and restaurants on Ocean Avenue."Bill Gates may be one of the richest men in the world (second only to Jeff Bezos as of the latest figures), but you'd never know it from recent reports that he may have just purchased a Chicago home for the (relatively) bargain basement price of $1.25 million.

Granted, that's not dirt cheap. But considering the fact that Gates's net worth hovers around $90 billion, it certainly seems like he's slumming it a little, don't you think?

While none of Gates's sources will confirm the purchase, all signs point to the possibility that the house, located in Hyde Park and bought through a land trust on April 4, is indeed his. According to the Chicago Tribune, Gates's real estate attorney Christopher Carletti is listed on the deed; property tax bills for the house will be sent to a Gates-owned business address in Seattle.

Did Bill Gates just buy this home? realtor.com

Plus? Bill and Melinda's son Rory is college-aged, with rumors flying that he might attend the University of Chicago. If so, he could all but crawl from this house to class, since the campus is pretty much across the street.

So if this house is just a dorm room for their kid (and occasional crash pad for the rents when they come to visit), then this place seems pretty nice. More than a century old, the 3,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, 4.5-bath has been completely rebuilt, boasting first and second-floor terraces, heated floors, and a 3.5-car garage on a large 5,247-square-foot lot. It's also rigged with a five-camera surveillance system, prewired cable/Internet, and sound system with built-in speakers.

In other words, it could be college party centralat least as much as UChicago kids partywhen mom and dad aren't visiting.

The spacious open-plan kitchen realtor.com

'Bill Gates is a modest person'

And besides, Gates, for all his money, is hardly known for lavish purchasesfor himself or his kids.

"Bill Gates is a modest person," says Philip Lang, co-founder of Triplemint. "For the neighborhood, this is an expensive property, and I think given the speculation that he is buying it for his son, he clearly isn't looking to make an ostentatious purchase which might embarrass his son. We see this frequently with our clients in New York, who purchase apartments for their children while they are in college. It can be a great investment, because college towns have consistent demand for real estate. If you look at the fastest-growing cities in the country, many of them are college towns, and student housing is a rapidly growing asset class."

"It makes total sense for Bill Gates to purchase this home" if his son is going to the University of Chicago, agrees Shayan Jalali, a residential sales associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. "Rent in Chicago is high relative to what one could purchase." While this tech tycoon could certainly have bought something more posh, perhaps "he doesnt want to spoil his children by wasting money on frivolous overpriced homes." Way to set a positive example, Bill!

Could this become party central for a bunch of University of Chicago students? realtor.com

Purchasing property for college-bound kids makes sense not only for the billionaires of the world, but regular people, too.

"I think in general, buying a home versus renting for college-bound kids can make great financial senseif they're going to school in the right market where lease rates are higher than owning, without high HOA fees and other monthly costs," Jalali continues. "Also, if the child can only afford to rent a place far away from campus, they would have to spend more time commuting than studying."

Why million-dollar properties are 'bargains' today

Another factor that may have tempted Gates to buy at this modest price point? In Chicago and other mid-priced markets, million-dollar listings have been lingering, which drives down prices to the point that any bargain hunter might be tempted to bite. Even rich people love a deal, right?

With the current marketeven with a lack of inventorywhat we are seeing is that most properties over a million dollars are sitting, as there is not really a large buying group for it," says Ralph DiBugnara, president of Home Qualified and VP at Residential Home Funding. "The largest buying group are millennials, and they don't have the budget for million-dollar properties. So, if you can spend in the millions, most buyers are finding a lot of value and good investment opportunities."

As far as Chicago goes, "It does not appear to be outlandish to spend over a million on a high-end home in the Hyde Park area," adds real estate agent and educator Denise Supplee at SparkRental.com. "Less than one and a half miles away is a home that recently sold for over $1.5 million, 5810 South Harper."

So might Hyde Park be one of those "hot" neighborhoods that's on-the-up-and-up?

"If it was not on-the-up-and-up before, just throw a name like 'Gates' in the mix," Supplee points out, "and it certainly can change the climate."

The post Did Bill Gates Really Buy a Chicago Home This Cheap? This Eye-Opening Inside Tour Explains All appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.Abbas Attar, an Iranian-born photographer who documented cataclysmic events throughout the world, including the Iranian Revolution, and developed a particular interest in the role of religion in them, died on Wednesday in Paris. He was 74.

His agency, Magnum Photos, announced his death. It did not give a cause.

Abbas, as he referred to himself professionally, was known for dramatic black-and-white photographs delivered with a point of view, especially in his book Iran Diary 1971-2002 (2002), a collection of images and text presented as a sort of journal. When the events that resulted in the overthrow of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi in 1979 began, Abbas supported change, but he soon became disillusioned with Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who took over the government.

When the revolution started, it was democratic, the Toronto Star quoted him as saying in 2013. It was my country, my people and my revolution. Then, slowly, it was being hijacked.

A turning point, he said, was the execution of four generals after a secret trial. He photographed their corpses in a morgue.

Something that we learned, he said, is that the extremists always win. That was my main lesson from the revolution. The extremists were prepared to kill, imprison, torture  everything. So they won.

Abbas was born in 1944 in a part of Iran near the Pakistan border. (Little biographical information about him was available.) When he was a boy his family relocated to Algeria; he said that growing up during that countrys war of independence sparked his interest in documenting political events.

He taught himself to use a camera, and among his earliest jobs was working for the International Olympic Committee at the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico. He would return to Mexico in the mid-1980s, taking pictures throughout the country over three years and producing the 1992 book Return to Mexico: Journeys Beyond the Mask.

In the 1970s he worked for the French agencies Sipa and Gamma. Early in that decade he was in Africa, covering the aftermath of the Biafran war in Nigeria and other events. He then found himself back in Iran.

My family is from Iran, he told Vice in 2015, but it isnt as if I felt particularly Iranian back then. But I did feel that things had to change  you cant just have some shah making all the important decisions for an entire country.

As the situation became more unstable and it became clear to him that the revolutionaries were no better than the regime they were replacing, he faced pressures from friends.

They urged me not to show the revolutions negative side to the world, he said. The violence was supposed to come from the shah, not the protesters. I told them that it was my revolution as well, but I still needed to honor my duty as a journalist  or a historian, if you will.

He left the country in 1980 and did not return for 17 years. The revolution, though, had instilled in him an interest in what people throughout the world were doing in the name of God.

It was obvious after two years that the wave of Islamism was not going to stop at the borders of Iran, he said in a video interview with The British Journal of Photography in 2009. It was going much beyond the borders.

He began by examining that phenomenon, resulting in the book Allah O Akbar: A Journey Through Militant Islam (1994), which recounted his travels through 29 Islamic countries.

When youve started with God you might as well stay with him, he said, explaining why he went on to look at Christianity, paganism, Buddhism and more. It was an examination not of personal faith, he said, but of how faith can be deployed and twisted in other spheres.

What Im interested in is the political, social, economic, even psychological aspects of religion, he said, adding, More and more, nations are defining their identities referring to religion.

Information on survivors was not immediately available.

If his work often put him in the middle of trouble spots, Abbas was not necessarily interested in images of blood and weaponry.

Most photographers, when they say theyre war photographers, theyre not really war photographers; theyre battle photographers, he said in the video interview. War does not limit itself to boom-boom, to the battle itself. Wars are very, very complex phenomenons, because they have a source, and it takes a while to come up, then it happens, and there are consequences. Im more interested in the why and the afterwards of the wars.

He played down the part of his work that involved putting himself in harms way.

They say courage  OK, you have to be courageous, he said. But for me courage is a lack of imagination. You cannot imagine that its going to happen to you, therefore you go to the battle.

Neil Genzlinger is a New York Times writer.TIJUANA, Mexico  U.S. border inspectors allowed some of the Central American asylum seekers to enter the country for processing, ending a brief impasse over lack of space. But the migrants who crossed Mexico in a caravan may face a long legal path.

Caravan organizers said eight members of the group criticized by President Trump that traveled from southern Mexico to the border city of Tijuana were allowed in to be interviewed by asylum officers, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not provide a number.

About 140 others were still waiting in Mexico to turn themselves in at San Diegos San Ysidro border crossing, the nations busiest, said Alex Mensing, project organizer for Pueblo Sin Fronteras, which is leading the caravan.

The spirits are high, there was good news for everybody, Mensing said on the Mexican side of the crossing, moments after learning that some were allowed in.

U.S. attorneys who volunteered advice in Tijuana last week warned the Central Americans that parents may be separated from their children and be detained for many months while their asylum cases are pending.

Asylum seekers are typically held up to three days at the border and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If they pass initial screenings by asylum officers, they may be detained or released with ankle monitors while their cases wind through immigration court, which can take years.

Nearly 80 percent of asylum seekers passed the initial screening from October through December, but few are likely to win asylum.

The denial rate for El Salvadorans seeking asylum was 79 percent from 2012 to 2017, according to asylum outcome information from Syracuse Universitys Transactional Records Action Clearinghouse. Hondurans were close behind with a 78 percent denial rate, followed by Guatemalans at 75 percent.

Trump administration officials have railed against what they call legal loopholes and catch and release policies that allow people seeking asylum to be freed while their cases are adjudicated. The president tweeted Monday that the caravan shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions has pledged to send more immigration judges to the border if needed and threatened criminal prosecution. On Monday, the Justice Department said it filed illegal entry charges against 11 people identified as caravan members.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it processed hundreds of asylum seekers in the previous week, many of them Mexican, which contributed to a bottleneck that led inspectors to turn away caravan members since they arrived late Sunday afternoon.

Asylum seekers did not appear to be thrown off the by the delay.

Elin Orrellana, a 23-year-old pregnant woman from El Salvador, said she is fleeing the violent MS-13 street gang, a favorite target of both Sessions and Trump because of their brutal killings in communities in the United States.

Fighting on is worth it, she said.

Elliot Spagat is an Associated Press writer.1 Syria conflict: Syrian state media and a war monitoring group say air strikes in Islamic State-held territory in northeastern Syria have killed at least 23 people. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear if U.S.-led coalition or Iraqi warplanes carried out the attack Tuesday in the Hassakeh province. The Observatory said those killed included 10 children, six women and seven elderly people. The strikes took place in an area where U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led forces are fighting to drive Islamic State from some of the last pockets of territory it controls.

2 High-rise collapses: An abandoned high-rise building occupied by squatters in downtown Sao Paulo caught fire and collapsed Tuesday, sending chunks of fiery debris crashing into neighboring buildings and surrounding streets. Brazilian firefighters said at least one person had been killed in the collapse and that there could be more. The building, a former federal police headquarters, caught fire around 1:30 a.m. local time. Firefighters set up a perimeter and worked to evacuate people. Less than two hours later, as flames engulfed the building, which was at least 20 stories, it collapsed.SAO PAULO  In 2012, Brazilian prosecutors accused Marcos da Rocha Mendes of handing out meat and 50-real bills to secure the 2008 mayoral election in Cabo Frio, a city on the countrys southeastern coast.

A regional electoral court accepted the charges in 2013. But the case has subsequently been shifted to a lower court and then up to Brazils Supreme Federal Tribunal, which began discussing it last year. Six years after charges were filed, the countrys highest court is now deciding if the case should be bounced to yet another tribunal.

This is Brazils foro privilegiado, or privileged standing, at work  the legal concept that gives nearly 55,000 sitting politicians the right to have cases against them heard by a higher court. Its meant to protect officials from politically motivated prosecutions by putting their cases in front of more experienced judges, but in Latin Americas largest nation it has effectively shielded senior politicians from conviction even as the country has made enormous strides against impunity in its watershed Car Wash corruption investigation.

Its exactly people who are the most exposed to the risk of corruption, of illegal activities contrary to the public interest, who are protected by this system, said Bruno Brandao, executive director of Transparency International in Brazil. Its an engine of impunity in Brazil.

The Supreme Federal Tribunals ruling in Mendes case could change all that  by dramatically limiting the current generous interpretation of privileged standing and thus potentially exposing politicians to much swifter justice.

The ruling could come as soon as Wednesday, although justices at past sessions have asked for more time to analyze the issue. So far, eight of the courts 11 justices have made a preliminary vote in favor of some kind of restriction.

Limiting privileged standing would be a major boost to the mammoth Operation Car Wash probe, in which prosecutors have alleged that Brazils government was effectively run like a cartel for years, with politicians doling out favors and state contracts in exchange for bribes and campaign contributions. The investigation has shaken Brazils political system and put dozens of powerful people in jail, including some of the countrys richest men.

But despite Car Washs successes, senior politicians who have the right to have their cases heard at the Supreme Federal Tribunal have been conspicuously absent from the probes record. Instead, many of the corruption investigations most famous defendants have been business executives.

Thats at least partially because of privileged standing, which leads cases against politicians to languish in the justice system because every time a defendant changes jobs, his standing changes and the case moves to a new court.

In the four years since the probe began, the Supreme Federal Tribunal has yet to hand down a single verdict in a Car Wash case. By contrast, regular trial courts have convicted 160 defendants, according to the federal prosecutors office.

Sarah DiLorenzo is an Associated Press writer.YOLA, Nigeria  A pair of explosions killed at least 24 worshipers at a mosque in northeastern Nigeria, with many of the victims caught in the second blast while trying to flee, police said Tuesday.

The attack in Mubi town came a day after President Muhammadu Buhari met with President Trump at the White House and discussed the threat from the Nigeria-based Boko Haram extremist group. Its fighters were quickly blamed for Tuesdays blasts.

Trump said he was pleased to be selling a dozen A-29 Super Tucano warplanes to Nigeria. The sale of the planes, long sought by the Nigerians, had been held up by the Obama administration amid concerns about human rights abuses by Nigerias military, the New York Times reported.

This is the second time in six months that dozens have been killed in an attack on a Mubi mosque. In November, a teenage suicide bomber attacked worshipers as they gathered for morning prayers, killing at least 50 people in one of the regions deadliest assaults in years.

As I am talking to you now, 24 persons are confirmed dead and the scene is cordoned off by anti-bomb squads and other security personnel, said Adamawa state police spokesman Othman Abubakar.

One resident, Isa Danladi, said he had been about to leave his house near the mosque when he heard the blast.

The mosque roof was blown off and the prayer was midway when the bomber, who was obviously in the congregation, detonated his explosives, Danladi said. This is obviously the work of Boko Haram.

Many of the wounded were receiving treatment at hospitals, he said. It was not immediately clear how many people were wounded.

Haruna Hamman Furo, the head of the Adamawa state emergency management agency, described the attack as devastating.

Boko Haram briefly took over Mubi in late 2014 as its fighters rampaged across northeastern Nigeria, seizing towns and villages in its quest to establish a hard-line Islamic state.

The military and civilian militia ousted the extremists from the town, which is a commercial hub near the border with Cameroon.

In recent months, Boko Haram activity has been concentrated in the far north of Adamawa state, around Madagali, near the border with Borno state. That area is not far from the Sambisa Forest area where the extremists had a stronghold.

Boko Haram fighters are also said to be hiding in the Mandara mountains to the east near Cameroon.

Ibrahim Abdul Aziz is an Associated Press writer.MOSCOW  Workers and activists around the world marked May Day on Tuesday with rallies and other events to press their governments to address labor issues.

International Workers Day is a public holiday in many countries, though activities are restricted in some places, sometimes leading to confrontations.

A look at some of the events around the world:

France: Thousands of people marched across the French capital to protest President Emmanuel Macrons economic policies during a May Day event that brought scattered acts of vandalism and arson to Paris.

Several vehicles, including a car, a motorbike and a construction digger, were set on fire. A Renault dealership and another car shop were smashed up, while a McDonalds restaurant was looted and left blackened by smoke.

The Paris march was among protests held nationwide to oppose changes promoted by Macron, who wants to end some worker protections.

Russia: More than 100,000 people came out on the streets on Moscow to march in the traditional May Day parade.

Moscows Federation of Trade Unions said about 120,000 people marched from the Red Square on the main streets of the Russian capital.

Over recent years, the parade became a highly orchestrated show of power by Russian authorities and the ruling United Russia party, with the demonstrators refraining from criticizing the government.

In St. Petersburg, Russias second-largest city, however, Russians unhappy with the Kremlins attempts to curtail Internet freedom joined the official May Day demonstration.

Several hundred people braved the rainy weather and joined the column marching across St. Petersburg to protest the governments ban of popular messaging app Telegram.

Turkey: Police detained dozens of demonstrators during May Day events around Istanbul, most of them protesters who tried to march toward the citys symbolic main square in defiance of a ban.

Turkey declared Taksim Square off-limits to May Day demonstrations citing security concerns. Police blocked roads leading to the square but allowed small groups of labor union representatives to lay wreaths and flowers at monuments there.

Still, small groups of demonstrators, chanting Long live May 1 and Taksim cannot be off limits on May 1 tried to push their way into the square throughout the day, leading to scuffles with police. At least 45 demonstrators were detained.

Major trade unions gathered at a government-designated area in Istanbul for a large rally. At least six people were detained following scuffles with police at a security checkpoint leading to the rally ground.

Taksim holds a symbolic value for Turkeys labor movement. In 1977, 34 people were killed there during a May Day event when shots were fired into the crowd from a nearby building.



CUBA

Communist Party head Raul Castro and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel led a Labor Day parade on Tuesday, the first joint appearance by both leaders since Diaz-Canel was chosen to lead the islands government.

Both arrived at the Plaza de la Revolucion to commence the parade that drew hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom carried posters with the face of former President Fidel Castro.

These are Fidels and Rauls people, and today Diaz-Canels people, the parades official announcer in Havana said.

The Cuban government selected 58-year-old Diaz-Canel as the sole candidate to succeed Castro in April in a transition aimed at ensuring the continuity of the countrys single-party system. It is not clear how much power the 86-year-old Castro will wield.

Both appeared together on a podium along with other leaders of the next generation including Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Vice President Mercedes Lopez Acea.

Other marches held throughout the country also featured banners alluding to Diaz-Canel, in addition to more usual ones of the Castro brothers.



GREECE

Thousands of Greeks are marching through central Athens in at least three separate May Day demonstrations.

Museums were also shut while ferries remain were tied up in port and public transport operated on a reduced schedule in strikes marking labor day.

Police said at least 7,000 people were at the first demonstration in Athens, which was organized by a communist party-led union. The protesters marched by parliament and headed up a major avenue to the United States Embassy.

Another four demonstrations were planned in Greeces second largest city of Thessaloniki in the north.

Trains, the suburban railway, urban trolleys and ferries to and from the islands suspended operations for the day, while buses and the Athens metro system were operating on reduced schedules.



PUERTO RICO

Thousands of Puerto Ricans are marching to protest pension cuts, school closures and slow hurricane recovery efforts as anger grows across the U.S. territory over looming austerity measures.

Tuesdays protest attracted teachers, retirees and unionized workers from both the private and public sector. Mayor of the capital Carmen Yulin Cruz was among those marching.

Concerns that the May 1 protest could grow violent forced the islands biggest mall to close for the day, along with several banks, government agencies and schools.

Puerto Rico is mired in an 11-year recession and trying to restructure some of its $72 billion public debt load as it struggles to recover from Hurricane Maria. About 30,000 power customers remain in the dark after the Category 4 storm struck on Sept. 20.



GERMANY

Berlin police say more than 1,500 protesters have marched through the city rallying against capitalism and racism. The Tuesday night demonstration was tense, but mostly peaceful in comparison to past May Day rallies in the Germany capital.

More than 5,300 officers from across the country were in Berlin to assist local police in maintaining control.

In Hamburg, around 2,200 leftist protesters marched through the city, also without clashing with police as they had done in the past.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of thousands of people in Berlin and across Germany came together to participate in traditional May Day parades.

The German Confederation of Trade Unions, or DGB, held its main event in Nuremberg. Some 6,500 demonstrators cheered as the groups leader, Reiner Hoffmann, said labor unions managed to civilize industrial capitalism some 100 years ago.

Hoffman said unions would also be able to tackle the rapidly changing worlds modern challenges, such as digitalization.

The DGB said some 340,000 people participated in almost 500 May Day events across Germany.



SCANDINAVIA

Danish labor union officials and left-leaning lawmakers started the day with traditional addresses to employees at work places throughout the Scandinavian country. Later in the day, thousands gathered in large parks around the country, despite rain, chilly temperatures and winds, to listen to May Day speeches that often criticized the center-right government.

While May Day was mainly a left-leaning event in Denmark, the right and the left flanks held speeches in Sweden and Norway.

Swedish Social Democratic Prime Minister Stefan Lofven suggested retired people should get more as he toured elderly homes while the center-right opposition rejected the idea. Parliamentary elections in Sweden are scheduled Sept. 9

In Norway, Sylvi Listhaug, a former justice minister until she resigned in March for writing a Facebook post claiming the opposition Labor Party was more interested in protecting the rights of terrorists than the Norwegian people, lashed out at its leader Jonas Gahr Store who heads Norways largest party, for not being folksy, and warned against a weak immigration line.



SPAIN

More than 70 cities across Spain have held May Day marches calling for gender equality, higher salaries and pensions now that the countrys economy is back on track.

The demonstration in Madrid was among the biggest, with thousands rallying behind the slogan Time to win.

CCOO union official Unai Sordo says that a social majority is emerging from the psychosis of the (global financial) crisis in 2008 that hit Spain hard.

Pepe Alvarez, the secretary general of UGT, the other main union in Spain, said that meeting the demands of feminists, youths and pensioners are necessary to redistribute wealth in the country.

Spains economy, the fourth-largest in the 19-country eurozone, has in recent years posted some of the fastest economic growth in Europe.Page Content

Recreational marijuana sales in California started in January, causing many employers in the state to re-evaluate their substance-abuse and drug-testing policies. But the rules governing marijuana and the workplace haven't really changed ... yet.

Employers should note that they don't have to tolerate on-the-job marijuana consumption or intoxication. They should think about recreational marijuana like alcohol, said Walter Stella, an attorney with Miller Law Group in San Francisco. He was speaking at the California State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (CalSHRM) 2018 California State Legislative & HR Conference in Sacramento.

California provides a constitutional right to privacywhich restricts employers from monitoring off-duty conduct. Pre-employment drug testing, however, is generally permitted as long as it is conducted in a fair and consistent manner and administered to all applicants who are applying for a position within a specific job class, Stella said.

In the hiring process, employers are allowed to test for illegal drugs at the applicant stagethough it is unclear if marijuana is "illegal," since it is permitted under state law but remains illegal under federal law.

Stella noted that it is safer to administer pre-employment drug tests only after a conditional job offer has been made. After an offer has been made, employees can test for legal and illegal substances as part of a medical examination.



[SHRM members-only HR Q&A: What laws should companies be aware of when implementing a drug testing program?]

After employees start working, they have a higher expectation of privacyso drug testing should be further limited in most cases to suspicion-based inquiries. Random testing is highly restricted in the state and should be reserved for certain safety-sensitive positions.

Northern California employers must also pay attention to local laws that place additional limits on drug testing. For example, a San Francisco ordinance prohibits random testing altogether. Thus, employers shouldn't use random drug testing at all, unless the city's law is pre-empted by federal requirements (such as the Department of Transportation's random drug-testing rules for pilots and other transportation positions).

Medical Marijuana

"A high priority for California employers is the management of medical marijuana issues in the workplace," said Michael Nader, an attorney with Ogletree Deakins in Sacramento, in an interview with SHRM Online. "Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug that is illegal under federal law, and it is also well-established under California law that employers may rely on federal law in enforcing drug-free workplace policies."

But attitudes toward medical marijuana use are changing. Recently, a number of state laws, as well as courts in Massachusetts and other states, have said that employers can't discriminate against job applicants and employees based on their status as medical marijuana cardholders. Employers in those jurisdictions should engage in an interactive process to determine if a reasonable accommodation can be made in accordance with state disability laws.

"In California we like to be first, and we certainly don't like to be last," noted Michal Kalt, the government affairs director for CalSHRM, during a conference session. So the California legislature is attempting to catch up with what other states have already done.

A proposed law, AB 2069, would amend the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to include anti-discrimination protections for medical marijuana users.

Perhaps more importantly, it would amend FEHA to include reasonable accommodation and interactive process obligations with regard to medical marijuana use; essentially it would treat medical marijuana use the same as lawful opioid use, said Kalt, who is an attorney with Wilson Turner Kosmo in San Diego.

One accommodation might be to provide additional time off from work while using marijuana. On-the-job intoxication can still be prohibitedeven in jurisdictions that require employers to engage in an interactive process with medical marijuana cardholders.

Employers may want to review their policies to ensure that the use or possession of marijuana, including medical marijuana, is expressly prohibited at the workplace, and train supervisors and employees accordingly, Nader said. "Additional efforts to ensure workplace safety should also be considered, especially for employers in industrial settings."Page Content

New York employers will have to provide an interactive forum to satisfy the new law requiring yearly training to prevent sexual harassment. The law takes effect on Oct. 9, and businesses should start preparing now.

Effective workplace training programs benefit employers by ensuring employees know that the policies and procedures exist and that they are familiar with how to use them, said Regina Faul, an attorney with Phillips Nizer in New York City.

The training will need to provide:

An explanation of sexual harassment and specific examples of inappropriate conduct.



Detailed information concerning federal, state and local laws and the remedies available to victims of harassment.



An explanation of employees' external rights of redress and the available administrative and judicial forums for bringing complaints.



The training must be interactivebut the precise definition of "interactive" won't be clear until the state releases its model training. Employers can then choose whether to adopt the model training prepared by the state or develop their own, as long as their policies and training meet or exceed the standards contained in the model, said Melissa Osipoff, an attorney with Fisher Phillips in New York City.

Training Options

New York employers will likely be able to choose between in-person and computer-based training, as long as it is interactive. "Unofficially, the general consensus right now is that it does not have to be in-person training, but there will be formal guidelines published to the Division of Human Rights' website in the next couple of weeks, and it is highly likely that this will be addressed," said Katherin Nukk-Freeman, co-founder of SHIFT HR Compliance Training in Chatham, N.J.

Many organizations, including the state itself, currently provide trainings that are online or web-based, and so, it is anticipated that computer-based programs will still be permitted, she added.

Osipoff noted that in-person trainings can be valuable, because the content can be customized based on the workforce and the company's policies, practices and culture. But there are also a lot of effective computer-based trainings available that are interactive and go beyond simply requiring workers to passively watch a video, she said. Online programs often include quizzes and final reviews, scenarios and small-group discussion questions.

While the model training and guidance is pending, New York employers can look to California law for help determining what "interactive" means. Since 2005, businesses in California with 50 or more workers have had to provide at least two hours of classroom training "or other effective interactive training and education" regarding sexual harassment to all existing supervisory staff every two years and to all new supervisors within six months of their hire or promotion date.

[SHRM members-only toolkit: Complying with California Sexual Harassment Training Requirements]

The California Fair Employment and Housing Council has passed detailed regulations defining and clarifying what "interactivity" and other terms mean for employers in the state, said Patti Perez, vice president of workplace strategy at Emtrain, a California culture tech company. She was a principal author of the California training regulations that went into effect in 2016.

California regulations provide that "interactivity" requires that workers be able to ask questions of the training provider and receive answers within two business days.

Among other forms of training, California law permits "e-learning" sessions, which the regulations define as "individualized, interactive, computer-based training created by a trainer and an instructional designer."

Subject matter experts and instructional design experts are important for the interactivity requirement, because the question-and-answer portion must include replies or guidance provided by these experts, Perez noted.

"The training should include one or more ways to test whether the learners understand the material being taught," she added. This could be done through questions, skill-building activities and the use of hypothetical scenarios with discussion questions. "All of these should be used with the purpose of keeping the learners engaged," she said.

New York City

In addition to the statewide law, employers in New York City with 15 or more employees will have to comply with new citywide harassment-prevention training requirementsincluding that such training discuss the importance of bystander intervention to stop harassment. Although Mayor Bill de Blasio has yet to sign the bill, he is expected to do so soon, and it would take effect on April 1, 2019.

The New York City bill is clearer about what constitutes "interactive training." The text defines this as "participatory teaching whereby the trainee is engaged in a trainer-trainee interaction, use of audio-visuals, computer or online training program or other participatory demonstrations as determined by the commission." The city's law specifically states that training is not required to be live or facilitated by an in-person instructor.

Although the bill provides a general definition of "interactivity," it doesn't specify what activities will satisfy this requirement, especially when the training is conducted through online or e-learning mechanisms, Perez noted. "While New York City might develop its own guidance on these issues, following California's clarifying regulations is probably the safest alternative for now."To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.

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A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!Did you hear the one about the comedian at the White House Correspondents' Dinner?

She delivered the gags and now they want to gag her. Boom, tish!

Comedian Michelle Wolf delivered the traditional ''roasting'' at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Credit:AP

I confess to a bit of performance anxiety in writing a column about humour in the workplace. Youre all expecting me to be funny, but Im actually a very serious finance journalist. I cracked a joke once and had to mend it with superannuation glue.

OK, Ill stop. Humour is really quite a grave business. Deadset.After more than 40 years with the same owner, a corner shop at 157 Carlisle Street has changed hands for $5 million. Savills Australias Nick Peden , Jesse Radisich and Benson Zhou brokered the deal in conjunction with Besser & Co.s Dion Besser on a 4.4 per cent yield. The recently redeveloped building, with a ground-level shop with five modern first-floor apartments, returned total income of $222,937 per annum. In another deal, Mr Radisich, Mr Peden and Mr Zhou sold a double block at 279-281 St George Road in Northcote to a local childcare developer for $4 million. The sale price reached a new benchmark land rate of more than $3,300 per sq m, highlighting unprecedented levels of competition amongst developers, Mr Radisich said. Mr Peden and Mr Radisich, in conjunction with Woodards Blackburns Sam Ejtemai and Julian Badenach , also sold another vacant development block at 1308-1310 Toorak Road in Camberwell for $3.96 million to a China-based developer.

A corner Queen Street retail property has sold for $3.15 million. Brokered by Teska Carsons Gideon Marcus, 248-250 Queen Street sold with vacant possession to a purchaser who will occupy part of the property and lease out the remainder. The 195 sq m retail space on the ground floor of a 10-level office building covers two titles  Lot 1A 246 Queen Street and Lot1B 248 Queen Street.

Mordialloc

A local investor fought off several rival bidders to snap up a Nepean Highway shop for $2.2 million on a tight 3.13 per cent yield. Teska Carsons George Takis, who marketed the property with Michael Taylor, said multiple bids from a 70-strong crowd reflected a robust market for flavour of the month retail. The 220 sq m, two storey building at 622 Main Street sold with two 5-year leases in place returning combined income of $68,860 per annum net.

Clayton

A competitive auction for a restaurant leased to Kung Fu Chef at 301 Clayton Road saw it sell for $1.385 million, some $185,000 over the reserve. Allard Sheltons James Gregson, Michael Ryan and Martin Huang handled the transaction. Mr Huang said the property attracted more than 75 enquiries.A government-backed clean energy financing body is taking a punt on a budget hotel in Melbourne, investing $39 million to help design it to a 5-star energy rating.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), which funds renewable and energy efficiency projects, will invest the $39 million in Pro-invest Groups $125 million Holiday Inn Express hotel development in Southbank.

An artist's impressions of the new Holiday Inn Express in Southbank.

The finance will lift the design standard for the project to include clean energy technologies.

These design changes will result in a 25 per cent drop in the hotels energy use, delivering a substantial energy saving that will provide ongoing benefits for the hotel, carbon-conscious guests and for the environment, CEFC chief executive Ian Learmonth said.Commonwealth Bank's response to an explosive review of its governance and culture will be closely watched, experts have warned, as other banks have already moved to assess the impact on their businesses.

As victims of the banks numerous scandals welcomed the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) report on Tuesday, experts tipped the report would trigger soul-searching in boardrooms around Australia and, more immediately, CBA's big rivals will be required to examine their own operations and report back to APRA.

The detailed expert report - led by former APRA chief John Laker, former consumer czar Graeme Samuel and experienced director Jillian Broadbent - found the bank had a "tin ear" to outside voices, a complacent and reactive culture and that the CBA board failed to properly oversee the bank's senior management.

It was commissioned in August after CBA was sued by regulator Austrac for more than 50,000 breaches of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding laws, as well as a string of other scandals over the past decade.A bitter stoush between Australias second-largest private hospital operator and NSW nurses is expected to be highlighted by the consortium behind a $4.1 billion takeover bid for Healthscope as it works to garner support for the deal.

A consortium led by private equity house BGH, and including Healthscope's biggest shareholder, AustralianSuper, lobbed the $2.36 a share offer on Thursday. Healthscope has described the bid as "unsolicited and conditional".

Healthscope MD Gordon Ballantyne has admitted there are challenges in Healthscope's Victorian business. Credit:Louise Kennerley

Critics of Healthscope's performance in recent times have focused on its delivery of major projects, and its $840 million public-private partnership with the NSW government on Sydney's northern beaches is being closely watched.

The hospital in Frenchs Forest, scheduled to open on October 30, will become the primary hospital for the northern beaches, with the nearby Manly Hospital to close and Mona Vales emergency department to be replaced by a 24-hour urgent care service.Thousands of commercial and industrial leases could fall under the Retail Leases Act after a landmark case about use of a cold storage facility was upheld by the High Court.

In the case, IMCC Group (Australia) v CB Cold Storage, a dispute over land tax and outgoings resulted in a commercial lease changing to retail - and therefore exempt from paying the land tax - because of the ultimate consumer test.

The "ultimate consumer test" effectively widens the definitions of retail, specifically in this case, to include the storage and logistics services used by the tenant's customers

CB Cold Storage ran a coolstore and logistics business out of a warehouse in Laverton, zoned Industrial 2, which was used by a range of businesses and some private individuals.

In 2016, CB Cold Storage attempted to claw back more than $115,000 in outgoings and $58,000 in land tax, water and council rates in a case run in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.Office landlords are riding the crest of the wave of low vacancy and high demand for space, underpinned by population growth across the main capital cities.

The influx of new tenants such as co-working spaces, tech businesses and now education will help underpin the demand for office space, according to landlords.

As a result, CBD office markets are in the hands of landlords with rents at all time highs.

According to JLL which has assessed the volume of unsatisfied capital in Australias office investment market, it estimates that during 2017 there was over $6 of capital chasing every $1 worth of assets.Three leading lights of international literature have used their opening address at the Sydney Writers' Festival to call for new ways of storytelling to celebrate the unheralded lives of ordinary people.

Magazine writer and screenwriter, Alexis Okeowo, challenged the position of the media foreign correspondent as a voice of authority, expertise and objectivity.

The award-winning author of A Moonless, Starless Sky, joined acclaimed novelist Andre Aciman (Call Me by Your Name and Enigma Variations), and award-winning author Min Jin Lee (Pachinko) on stage at Carriageworks on Tuesday night to look at the influence of power on politics, money, sex and identity, and the ability of literature, storytelling and reportage to redress power imbalances in modern times.

''Women of colour were always the subjects, never the storytellers.'': Alexis Okeowo. Credit:Krisanne Johnson

Okeowo has been a foreign correspondent for most of her career having started out of college reporting in Uganda.ABC's television news division has been censured for describing Tony Abbott as "the most destructive politician of his generation".

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) found the ABC breached its impartiality obligations by using this "pejorative" term.

A news segment describing Tony Abbott as 'destructive' has breached industry codes.

In an ABC News report - broadcast nationally on October 10 last year - political editor Andrew Probyn analysed a speech Abbott gave to the conservative Global Warming Policy Foundation.

During the speech, Abbott said climate change was "probably doing good; or at least, more good than harm", and suggested policies to combat it were akin to primitive people once killing goats to appease the volcano gods.Netflix will help viewers of 13 Reasons Why seek-out support services when it screens the series' highly-anticipated second season.

Last year, the streaming giant shunned Australia's best-practice guidelines by not including phone numbers or websites for organisations such as Beyond Blue at the end of distressing episodes.

The stance lead to a rare backlash from peak mental health bodies, with Headspace rapping Netflix over the knuckles and even issuing a warning for those intending to watch the critically-acclaimed series.

Since then, Netflix and the youth health foundation have collaborated to ensure fans are directed to an official website that lists contact details for Headspace  as well as Kids Helpline  ahead of the second season's debut.Almost half the viewers who watched Bachelor in Paradise - which ended on Monday with a surprise twist - were not captured by traditional TV ratings.

For years, the industry measured its success using a simple metric: the average number of people who saw a program, live, in the five major cities.

Sure, some viewers taped their favourite shows on video cassette. Many lived outside the big capitals. But the bulk of any program's audience was reflected in the metropolitan ratings.

Bachelor in Paradise - a spin-off of Ten's Bachelor reality franchise - proves how much this has changed.This was also affirmed by its then president, Sir Roderick Carnegie at the National Press Club during the 1987 election campaign. "The votes of BCA members are their private business and it is disturbing to me and my colleagues that attempts are being made to corral us into party political stances ... The BCA will support sound policies on either side of the political spectrum and argue against unsound policies from whichever party they emerge."

It is not surprising that the BCA policy stances have more often been closer to the Coalition than the ALP but historically both sides have been influenced by BCA advocacy, not the least the Hawke and Keating governments in industrial reforms and opening up the economy. At that time both Opposition leaders, Peacock and Howard, told me they understood and respected BCAs support for the ALP policy reform.

Notwithstanding this, many right wing leaders and their constituencies were deeply critical of the proximity of the BCA and the ALP government in pursuit of these reforms and Howard and Turnbull, as well as Labor leaders, (especially Keating) have harassed Council members for lack of support for their governments agenda.

There have been valid criticisms of BCA performance as it has waxed and waned over the years and at times it has drifted too far from long-term agenda setting towards being just another reactive and self-interested business lobby. Some have felt at times it lacked clout.

It is the mantra of Kroger and others that, apart from it being a political counter-party to the unions, loyalty is owed to the party because the government is the champion of business interests. While inappropriate, this is by no means always the case.BEIJING, April 25: China failed to get India's support for its ambitious Belt and Road infrastructure project at the end of a foreign ministers' meeting of a major security bloc on Tuesday, ahead of an ice-breaking trip to China this week by India's prime minister.



The Belt and Road is Chinese President Xi Jinping's landmark scheme to build infrastructure to connect China to the rest of Asia and beyond, a giant reworking of its old Silk Road.



India has not signed up to the initiative as parts of one key project, the $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, runs through Pakistan-administered Kashmir that India considers its own territory.



Whether or not China will be able to bring India round to Belt and Road will likely be a key measure of the success of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to China to meet Xi for an informal meeting on Friday and Saturday.



But India's foreign minister did not express support for Belt and Road in the communique released after foreign ministers of the China and Russia-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization met in Beijing.



India, along with Pakistan, joined the group last year.



All the other foreign ministers - from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - "reaffirmed support for China's Belt and Road proposal", the statement read.



It gave no further explanation.



The communique otherwise was a broad expression of unity by the ministers on issues ranging from their support for the Iran nuclear deal to the need to combat the spread of extremism.



Modi is coming to China as efforts at rapprochement gather pace following a difficult year in ties between the two neighbors.



The Asian giants were locked in a 73-day military stand-off in a remote, high-altitude stretch of their Himalayan border last year. At one point, soldiers from the two sides threw stones and punches.



The confrontation between the nuclear-armed powers underscored Indian alarm at China's expanding security and economic links in South Asia.



In comments carried on the foreign ministry's website, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said holding the meeting in an informal way meant the two leaders could have a deep exchange of views in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere to promote cooperation.



"This not only will benefit the two countries and two peoples, but will also have an important effect on peaceful development in the region and around the world," the ministry paraphrased Kong as telling Indian media in Beijing.



Modi will visit China in June for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.



China will also have to tread carefully to avoid giving its close ally Pakistan cause for alarm. China on Monday reassured Pakistan that relations between the two countries were as firm as ever and would "never rust".Charlotte, Violet and Olivia Deane are too young to have known their aunty Claire, but the girls are well aware of her sacrifice after seeing her name inscribed on a new memorial wall honouring fire and emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty.

Ms Deane, a former NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service officer, was killed alongside three colleagues in 2000 when a backburning operation in Sydney's Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park went wrong.

Olivia Deane, 5, finds the name of her aunt Claire Deane on a new memorial wall honouring fire and emergency services personnel who have died in the line of duty. Credit:Karleen Minney

Now, nearly 18 years on, their names are immortalised on the new wall in Canberra, among more than 500 from across Australia and New Zealand who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Deane family travelled from Dorrigo Plateau, in northern NSW, to see the wall unveiled at the National Emergency Service Memorial on Tuesday.In the desperate days after her son was shot to death in a south Sydney car park, grief-stricken Hannah Hijazi pleaded for his killer to fess up.

If you were a man, you would have confronted him like a man  and if youre still a man, please come and tell me why, why you shot my son, she wailed in an interview with Channel Nine.

Nearly five years later, the man accused of pulling the trigger still refused her an answer.

Hannah Hijazi, mother of murder victim Bassil. Credit:Janie Barrett

Instead, Joseph Gatt lied about the night he ambushed the teen, right up until a Supreme Court jury convicted him of murder.A tattooist and body modifier who carried out a procedure on a woman in Newcastle has been charged with mutilating her genitals.

Police say the woman, 33, paid the man for a body modification procedure at a Newcastle West business in 2016, but later made a formal complaint of genital mutilation.

Officers from Strike Force Nellievale arrested Brendan Leigh Russell, 37, at his home in Terrigal on the Central Coast about 8am on Tuesday.

He was taken to Gosford police station and charged with a female genital mutilation offence.

Police also searched a business at Erina Fair shopping centre. They said Mr Russell was not a qualified medical practitioner.A $1 billion plan to privatise Sydney's cemeteries by the giant funeral, coffin and cremation company InvoCare in partnership with the Catholic Church has been ruled out by the NSW Minister for Lands, Paul Toole.

Speaking at the opening of a new Jewish cemetery at Rookwood Necropolis on Tuesday, Mr Toole said the government was considering a report on how to create much needed new burial space, but privatisation of cemeteries was not the answer.

Some inner Sydney cemeteries could be exhausted by 2020, according to a projection based on 2015 figures in the Metropolitan Sydney Cemetery Capacity Report. Others could be exhausted by 2026. And across metropolitan Sydney, all cemeteries would be full by 2051 unless further action is taken.

David Knoll of the Jewish Board of Deputies and Rabbi Yoram Ulman during the consecration ceremony at Rookwood Cemetery. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The situation is most dire for those who bury their dead, such as those of the Jewish and Muslim faiths, which now have cemetery space at Rookwood for 10 years at most.Not even blood splattered on the walls of a north-west Sydney hotel room could hint at the horror attack allegedly inflicted on a former Finks bikie gang member late last year as retribution for leaving the club.

It was shortly after 1am on December 18 when cleaners at a hotel in Vineyard, near Windsor, discovered blood up the walls and on the furnishings of a room.

CCTV images from the Vineyard hotel, released by police earlier this year in relation to the alleged attack. Credit:NSW Police

Strike force investigators can now reveal the hotel room had been used by four members of the Finks outlaw motorcycle gang and one female associate, just hours earlier, as they allegedly inflicted a brutal attack on a former member.

A blunt wooden instrument, boiling water and a knife were all used in the alleged kidnapping, sexual assault and serious assault of a former member of the Finks, who police allege was either planning to leave the gang, or was no longer welcome in the gang.A man accused of stabbing his neighbour with a hunting knife in an unprovoked Islamic State-inspired attack has shouted an apology to the victim in court.

Wayne Greenhalgh, 58, was walking home from the shops at Minto in Sydney's south-west on the afternoon of September 10, 2016 when he was stabbed multiple times with a hunting knife, leaving him with serious injuries.

Ihsas Khan, 24, is facing a Supreme Court trial charged with wounding with intent to murder and committing a terrorist act. He has pleaded not guilty due to mental illness.

On Tuesday, the court was played an interview showing Mr Greenhalgh in his hospital bed on the day after the attack.It may not have fired the fatal shot, but a loaded automatic pistol has landed a 29-year-old south Sydney man behind bars after it was seized during the murder investigation of former bikie boss Mick Hawi.

Beau Redmond, the son of Sydney hotelier Geoffrey Redmond, will remain behind bars following his arrest over charges he allegedly possessed a loaded .45 automatic Colt Desert Eagle pistol without a licence.

Former bikie boss Mick Hawi was executed outside the Rockdale Fitness First gym in February this year Credit:Edwina Pickles

While the gun was seized in relation to the murder investigation of Hawi, ballistic officers have confirmed it was not the same weapon used in the shooting outside the Rockdale Fitness First gym.

The former Newington College student was apprehended by police as he attempted to board an international flight from Sydney Airport, one day after the former Comancheros boss was gunned down in the carpark of the south Sydney gym.The death of a popular and outgoing business executive from Sydney's north shore, whose body was found floating in the Lane Cove River on Sunday, is being treated as a homicide.

Homicide squad detectives announced on Wednesday morning that they were investigating the death of Brazilian citizen Cecilia Haddad, 38, who lived in Ryde.

Ms Haddad was last seen at a barbecue on Friday night and her friends last heard from her when she spoke to them by phone or text message on Saturday morning.

Her car was seen outside her unit complex on St Annes Street in Ryde on Saturday afternoon.The Berejiklian government is closing the Powerhouse Museum next year, in what will be a world-first museum eviction and demolition. Yes the shells of the Ultimo site may be left standing, but it is the end of the Powerhouse Museum as we know it, a museum that has brought joy and wonder to millions of visitors.

There is no masterplan for the site, although one can expect another mediocre block of units, or two. A theatre for Broadway musicals is mooted for the exhibition halls that currently hold the treasures of NSW. A few pages of blurb trumpet an Ultimo "creative industries presence" with fashion and design displays. The governments spin doctors must have forgotten this is what we already have in Powerhouse Museum.

The Powerhouse Museum, which will be moved to Parramatta. Credit:Fairfax

No government anywhere in the world has closed a major state museum to move it out of the city to a less accessible location. And no government has ever forced a major museum to give up its historic site, with purpose-designed infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities.

You dont need to be a real estate genius to see the rip-off in swapping an expansive accessible 2.6 hectare city site, fully owned by the museum, for a smaller museum on a flood-prone riverbank at the base of a 50-storey apartment block.And theres little doubt about the ground on which Malcolm Turnbull hopes to fight it: which would you prefer, the tax-cutting, low-taxing Coalition, or tax-raising, high-taxing Labor? Its true  sort of. Labor has announced plans to increase tax collections by clamping down on negative gearing and reducing the discount on capital gains tax, by taxing family trusts as companies, by abolishing cash refunds for unused dividend imputation tax credits and by restoring the Coalitions budget repair levy of 2 per cent of income exceeding $180,000 a year. As well, Labor wouldnt proceed with the Coalitions plan to cut the rate of company tax for big business. Gosh. But its not that simple. Labor does have plans to raise government spending, but these tax measures leave it plenty of scope to offer its own tax cuts to low and middle income-earners. So it plans to raise the taxes mainly of better-off taxpayers, while cutting tax for everyone else.

The main question is whether Labor will content itself with matching Turnbulls tax cuts, or up the ante. If all this is sounding too good to be true, it is. Our problem with deficit and debt hasnt suddenly gone away. Whats departed is the governments worry about it. So we seem about to conduct an election in cloud cuckoo land. Lets forget our financial troubles and have a tax-cut bidding war. Wont that be a nice change. (And not to worry, well come back to earth after the election. Mind the bump.) Its true theres been a significant unexpected improvement in tax collections, but much of thats likely to be a one-off. It still leaves the budget in deficit this financial year and the coming one, plus the year after, so we return to a paper-thin surplus in 2020-21, as long promised. We still face the prospect of 12 budget deficits in a row, with the net public debt peaking at a bit less than $365 billion, and an annual interest bill of up to $15 billion.

And dont get the idea that once we finally get back to surplus well be right, with annual surpluses gradually paying down the debt. In his book, Fair Share, written with Professor Stephen Bell, the former top econocrat Dr Michael Keating reminds us that, on the governments own projections, the budget is likely to stay in surplus for only a few years before falling back into ever-widening deficit. Although the present deficit is equivalent to less than 1 per cent of gross domestic product, the projections from the Intergenerational report of 2015 see it rising inexorably to 6 per cent  about $108 billion in todays dollars - over the following 40 years. Why? Because government spending is almost certain to continue growing strongly, for several reasons. Because of the ageing of the population  the number of retirees is growing much faster than people of working age. Because our demand for more spending on health and education is unlikely to abate. And because, with all its additional benefits, new medical technology gets ever more costly. The projections assume that, within a few years, total federal tax collections are capped at 23.9 per cent of GDP. Take away that cap and the growth in the deficit would be much more manageable. But thats the point. With the publics unquenchable demand for more health and education  and our refusal to countenance major cuts in spending being the sorry story of the Abbott-Turnbull government  taxes must continue to rise. Unless we want to stay in a world of ever-rising public debt.EDITOR'S NOTE: The High Court overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for historic child sex offences in a judgment handed down April 7, 2020. In a unanimous decision all seven High Court judges found Victoria's Court of Appeal should not have upheld Pell's conviction It found the evidence could not support a guilty verdict.

Cardinal George Pell is used to controlling the Catholic Church's immense wealth from the medieval Saint John's Tower on the western edge of Vatican City.

Instead on Tuesday, one of the world's highest-ranked Catholics was the subject of discussions about whether he was a fugitive flight risk. In short, he was being treated as any one of the vast numbers of accused brought before the Melbourne Magistrates Court each day.

The cardinal's barrister, Robert Richter, QC, objected to a bail condition that stipulated his client would not be allowed to visit a point of international departure.EDITOR'S NOTE: The High Court overturned Cardinal George Pell's conviction for historic child sex offences in a judgment handed down April 7, 2020. In a unanimous decision all seven High Court judges found Victoria's Court of Appeal should not have upheld Pell's conviction It found the evidence could not support a guilty verdict.

George Pell will be the most senior Catholic leader to face a jury after being committed to stand trial on multiple historic sexual assault charges.

In a decision that will ring loud through the Vatican and around the religious world, Australia's most senior Catholic and the man who a year ago oversaw management of the Vatican's finances was on Tuesday committed to stand trial on half the charges he faced, involving multiple accusers.

However, magistrate Belinda Wallington struck out a series of serious charges at the start of her ruling, finding there was insufficient evidence for him to be convicted by a jury.A former Perth man who allegedly told a young girl sex with him would be good for her appeared in court on Tuesday for the start of a trial that will hear evidence from his nine alleged victims.

Martin James Cooper, 66, was a cottage "parent" at a childrens hostel in East Victoria Park from the late 1970s to early 1980s.

The trial is expected to run for six weeks.

During that time Mr Cooper is accused of sexually abusing children - both boys and girls - under his care and supervision.

Most of the children, who ranged in age from 11-14 at the time of the alleged offences, were wards of the state living at Warminda Hostel.Telstra users across Australia were left unable to make and receive voice calls for at least three hours on Tuesday due to a major outage on the company's NBN and 4G networks.

The complaints and questions started flooding in on social media around lunchtime, with Telstra saying they became aware of the issue around 1pm.

The company tweeted that the outage is affecting 4G but not 3G. Credit:James Davies

To make matters worse, the company's own outages page was also down at the same time, causing more frustration with customers who wanted answers.Although aspiring politicians would wish it otherwise, you cannot simply order up charisma down at the shop. Nor can a political consultant confect charisma, any more than an advertising agency can contrive ways to imbue a politician with that quality.

Charisma is a talisman that can excuse a politicians' failings, conceal his failures and carry him ever forward. Ask Donald Trump, Viktor Orban in Hungary or Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines. Charisma is distinctly rare, and we need not necessarily be surprised that only one truly charismatic leader has emerged in the chronicle of Australian politics.

NSW premier Jack Lang, circa 1930. Credit:National Library of Australia, vn6300378

Mind you, charisma is usually a mixed blessing in a leader. Happy is the land that can cope with mundane, milquetoast politicians. Charisma is an edgy, sharp-edged attribute, often associated with demagoguery, a temptation to authoritarianism, insincerely overblown promises and a casual resort to violence. We might think ourselves lucky that the sole Australian who qualifies was John Thomas Lang, twice premier of NSW (1925-27, then 1930-32).

The measure of charisma for Lang, "the people's champion, was always his intimately visceral connection to the people themselves. Lang lived on into his nineties.From the outside, public service departments bear comparison to pre-modern nobilities, with their own set cultures and habits lost in the mists of time. Certain departments, particularly state government ones like railways, health or education, consciously look back to their heritage in the 19th century, and have accordingly early modern cultures. As the old joke goes, the NSW police were here before democracy appeared in Australia, and they'll be around after it disappears, too. Australian cultures of power struggle along, as British ones do, in the aftermath of the great (parliamentary) reforms of the 19th century, and share their oddity, fondness for tradition and nostalgia.

Australian public services could learn a great deal from some of the most authoritarian episodes of Russian history.

A transparent bureaucracy's real power structure would be clear to everyone. Credit:Shutterstock

Peter the Great (1672-1725), tsar and first emperor of Russia, founded St Petersburg, encouraged a Russian enlightenment, and made several enduring, autocratic and top-down reforms to the Russian state. Most importantly, he took on the boyars  a class of hereditary aristocrats  in a conflict over rights and privileges, and created a distinctive "service nobility", listed in a Table of Ranks, in which everyone was listed not by birth but by loyalty.

Meritorious service could win promotion, with (at least in theory) potential for commoners to rise to the highest ranks. From active privy councillor down through state councillors to lowly collegiate registrars, every noble had a role and a function to play, with no escape from their duties.So what would Smith like to do to counter the malaise? First, she ponders the possibility of "super portfolios" as a "new way of working for the APS" that would allow a "more joined-up corporatist approach to delivering for the citizen". There's no reflection on the fact that the days of the true super portfolios (the Postmaster-General's Department and the Defence Department until the 1990s) have long gone. Nor is there a sense that Smith has reflected on the experience of the vast amalgamation of departments in the 1980s or read former Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet secretary Michael Codd's excellent paper on that exercise (see the Canberra Bulletin of Public Administration's May 1988 issue). Smith asks if there should be "fewer departments but with a common strategic plan and organisation strategy", whatever that might mean; she provides no cogent answers. As she doesn't draw on commonly accepted principles of machinery of government, such as Codd outlines, her discussion runs into the mud and ends with questions, not answers, and without suggestions about what functions might profitably be amalgamated. The flavour is: when in doubt, reorganise. Second, Smith places great faith in more staff mobility in the public service and interchanges with other employers. "How can we be confident," she asks, "that we are providing well-informed and integrated advice to government ... if the bulk of the APS has only worked in one department?" This, she asserts, "is not a sustainable model for the future". Loading

Such simplistic analysis provides no basis for personnel policy. It doesn't matter if staff spend a lifetime in the Tax Office, Centrelink, customs, naval stores and like functions that make up the bulk of the public service. What may matter is the extent to which the relatively small number of policy personnel can move between agencies whose functions are related, a calculation Smith doesn't seem to have made. Further, she doesn't pause to reflect on what might be inhibiting staff mobility where it counts; that is, the hopelessly Balkanised pay and conditions and the associated debased classification standards that have come with devolved agency industrial relations bargaining. Third, Smith wants a "radical transformation of how we engage with the community we serve". Here, she serves up a mish-mash of things like "open dialogue and user design", getting to better know the community, public servants playing a "broker" role and, God help us, "citizen juries". Her suggestions lack coherence while the crucial of role of ministers in the transmission of community sentiment is overlooked. Smith wonders if "bringing in outside expertise and insights to our deliberations to give us richer understandings of issues and options", notwithstanding misgivings that the generous use of consultants for this very purpose may have degraded long-term policy capacity within departments. Loading And that's about it. It would be nice to see a "burning platform" for public service improvement in Smith's speech; it's not there. Moreover, there are many things relevant to policy development and advising that Smith neglects. For example: The changed nature of relations between ministers and officials, including the effects of ministerial staff and fixed-period appointments for secretaries.

The reduced unity of structure, role and conditions of the senior executive service and the consequent possible effects on policy coordination.

Means for developing a greater esprit de corps among senior staff and ways of improving trust and confidence in relations with ministers.

The placement of policy functions in departments versus the use of independent statutory authorities to provide public policy advice.

The effects of the greater use of consultants and the like to do standard public service work, and what needs to be done to protect effectiveness via merit staffing that avoids nepotism and corruption.

The effects of the long-standing practice of arbitrary efficiency dividends.

The distractions and dubious benefits of accrual accounting.

The structure of central management within the public service and its power to organise public service-wide improvements.

Towards the end of Smith's speech, she says: "If the government agrees to the Innovation and Science Australia 2030 report recommendation to review the APS, it would be the first root-and-branch look at the APS since the mid-1970s to examine whether we are fit for purpose." It probably doesn't matter much that that's merely not true. Nor does it matter that Innovation and Science Australia's recommendation is based on grossly distorted, misleading and meaningless assertions. For example, Innovation and Science Australia (a statutory board) reckons the public sector hasn't seen the same "disruption as the private sector" and that the APS's structure "reflects the 1980s, not the 2000s". Horse shit rarely comes so unrefined. Moreover, the nature of the review suggested by the board (of which Smith is a member) is absurd and does not add up to a "root-and-branch" examination. It says the review should aim to enable "a greater role and capability for innovation in policy development, implementation and service delivery". That is, the board is trying to promote the technique of innovation (that is, to bring in new methods for their own sake), which of itself is no guarantee of good policy and administration and, in many instances, may be inimical to it. Indeed, the profusion of "innovation labs", with which Smith seems pleased, is a depressing omen. The public service is not going to be lifted up on the back of cliches, management fads, change for change's sake and a calculated ignorance of the lessons of experience. Throughout its history, much of the impetus for improvement has come from within the public service, especially from the 1960s to the '80s. At present, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned that this capacity for self-generated reform is on the ebb. If so, an independent, external review should be pursued and it should be kept far away from the shadowy secretaries' APS reform committee, because if Smith's indictments are close to the mark, it has been snoozing at the wheel. That is, it might be part of the problem. And any review certainly should be kept well clear of the kooky, narrow-minded and useless terms of reference proposed by the hapless boffins at Innovation and Science Australia.Labor has vowed to unveil the cost of government outsourcing with reforms forcing agencies to record their contract spending on a central database.

Opposition finance spokesman Jim Chalmers said in a pre-budget speech on Tuesday the government should reveal how much it spends on contractors, consultants and labour hire following deep cuts to public service jobs.

"At the same time as vulnerable people are lectured about tightening their belts they see a government spraying billions of extra dollars on contractors, consultants and labour hire," he said.

Dr Chalmers announced that Labor would overhaul government reporting of its contractor spend with several reforms, including changes forcing agencies to keep records of sub-contractors used.

Departments would have to track the number, length of service and cost of labour-hire firms with government contracts, a reform apparently responding to a parliamentary probe into contractor spending where agencies failed to put a number on their non-public servant workforce.The chair of an inquiry ordered by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull amid the dual citizenship crisis says a constitutional provision banning millions of Australians from being elected to Parliament is broken and should be overturned at a referendum.

In her strongest comments on the issue to date, Liberal senator Linda Reynolds said it was her personal view that the only way to fix section 44 of the constitution - which ended the careers of eight MPs in an unprecedented eligibility fiasco last year and threatens the future of up to four more - was to take it to a referendum.

Her view raises the likelihood Parliament's joint standing committee on electoral matters will also recommend a referendum when it hands down its report shortly, setting up the possibility the vote could be held in conjunction with the next federal election.

Mr Turnbull asked the committee to investigate the dual citizen issue last year. At the time, Mr Turnbull said Australians wanted politicians to "resolve the citizenship issue once and for all" and said the inquiry will help ensure "future Parliaments" are not caught out.

Section 44 prevents any person who is "a subject or a citizen or entitled to the rights or privileges of a subject or a citizen of a foreign power" from running for office. It also bans anyone who has any direct or indirect pecuniary interest with the Commonwealth.Two of the country's leading educators argue David Gonski's review of schooling stops short of the seismic changes needed to bring Australia into the 21st century and rescue vocational education from its "second-class" status.

The much-anticipated review urged greater collaboration between industry and schools, and another review into years 11 and 12 to better cater for students who don't wish to go on to university - a call backed by big business and the federal education minister.

But John Hattie, chair of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, said reform should go even further so that the senior curriculum offered "just as much rigour" in vocational areas such as cooking and panelbeating as it did in academic pursuits.

Melbourne University professor John Hattie says change in the year 11 and 12 curriculum is "pretty damn critical". Credit:Rodger Cummins

Students not planning on going to university were too often "seen as second-class citizens" by schools, Professor Hattie told Fairfax Media.Hundreds of rural workers took part in a spirited celebration of International Workersa Day today in Manika (Latehar District, Jharkhand). This is an annual event, but this year rural workers in Manika were particularly agitated because of the recent injustices they have suffered.

One of them is the stagnation of NREGA wages. It may be recalled that two years ago, on the same day, hundreds of NREGA workers in Manika sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with a five-rupee note to protest against the meagre increase of NREGA wages in Jharkhand, from Rs 162 per day in 2015-16 to Rs 167 per day in 2016-17. The Prime Minister did not respond. The following year, the NREGA wage in Jharkhand was raised by just one rupee (from Rs 167 to 168 per day), prompting NREGA workers to send another protest letter to the Prime Minister with a one-rupee coin. This year, the NREGA wage in Jharkhand was not increased at all.

Another recent injustice is the phenomenon of arejected paymentsa in the NREGA wage payment system. Delays in wage payments have affected NREGA workers for many years, but the rejection of payment orders is largely a new problem, created by the Aadhaar-based payment system. According to the NREGAas management and information system (MIS), close to Rs 500 crores of wage payments were rejected in the last financial year (all-India figure). Further, in Manikaas overcrowded banks, no-one is available to assist NREGA workers as they run from pillar to post for their meagre wages. Widows and old-age pensioners are also victims of this defective payment system.

This ordeal prompted NREGA workers and pensioners in Manika to send a strong letter to Dr. Urjit Patel, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, drawing his attention to the chaos that has spread in the banking system. The letter also demands ten immediate steps to address the problem.

Among other demands raised at the protest are minimum wages of Rs 300 per day for NREGA workers, immediate payment of maternity entitlements (Rs 6000 per child without conditions) under the National Food Security Act, no dilution of the SC/ST Atrocities Act, and strict action against those responsible for the recent murder of the gram Pradhan of Jungur village in Manika Block.

The event began with a march across the town, with the participants wearing black bands to protest against the recent injustices done to NREGA workers and pensioners. The crowd then assembled at the Block office for a public meeting. The meeting started with two minutes of silence in memory of all those who gave their life for workersa rights over the years. Then James Herenj, convenor of NREGA Watch Jharkhand, explained the history and importance of International Workersa Day. Rita Oraon, Birju Ram, Nagina Bibi, Anil Anshuman, Dheeraj Kumar and many others then spoke about the growing attack on NREGA workersa rights, the hardships endured by pensioners as they run from pillar to post for their meagre pensions, and also peopleas efforts to organise for their rights in the area.

Bezwada Wilson, convenor of Safai Karmachari Andolan, was a special guest at this event and spoke at length about the struggles of marginalised people for their rights. He argued that the country is not being run for people like those assembled in Manika today, but for the rich and powerful. The inequality of wealth has become extreme, yet the government keeps making it more extreme by doing the job of privileged interests. He blasted the government for failing to ensure quality education, depriving children of one of their only means of liberation.

This event was an initiative of Gram Swaraj Mazdoor Sangh, a local organisation of rural workers. Aside from hundreds of NREGA workers, pensioners and other rural residents of Manika, the event was attended by many well-wishers as well as representatives of representatives of the CPI(ML), Right to Food Campaign and National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) among other organisations.Beijing: Workers in China are being hooked up with brain-reading devices that feed information about their moods to their employers, raising fears about the privacy of people's most basic emotions.

Electronic sensors that fit into hats and helmets are being used in China on an "unprecedented" scale to read employees' emotions, the South China Morning Post reports, in what firms say is part of a drive to increase efficiency and productivity.

A brain scan. Credit:Fairfax Media/Jessica Shapiro

But the efforts to tap into the data is sparking concerns that companies are reading the minds of their employees, with one Chinese psychology professor warning the move could represent a "whole new level" of privacy abuse.

Although details about how the technology works are not clear, reports suggest devices use sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor brainwaves and detect spikes in emotions such as rage, anxiety and depression. They can be put in safety helmets or uniform hats and stream data to computers accessed by employers.Jakarta: Cambodia's government has one last chance to reverse its slide from democracy into full-blown dictatorship, according to a United Nations-appointed expert.

In a bluntly worded message, the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, Rhona Smith, a British professor, said "no election can be genuine if the main opposition party is barred from taking part".

"Those who currently rule the country have one final opportunity to reverse the current trajectory, and return instead to the constitutional path of multi-party democracy and genuine elections  ensuring a level playing field for all political parties," she said.

Smith's comments come ahead of the July 29 national election and as Cambodia's National Election Committee began the two-week process of registering political parties for the poll.

But according to the Phnom Penh Post, Cambodia's strongman leader Hun Sen told a gathering of students on Monday there was no way the main opposition representation, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, would be allowed to contest the election.London: A British government MP has used parliamentary privilege to claim the founder of a leading pro-Brexit think-thank has links to Russian spies.

Bob Seely, a Tory MP who sits on the Parliament's select committee probing Russian interference, made the explosive claim about New Zealand-born, Monaco-based billionaire Christopher Chandler during debate in the House of Commons.

British MP Bob Seely used parliamentary privilege to make the explosive allegations. Credit:Facebook/Bob Seely

Seely, a former soldier and expert on Russian warfare, has worked on intelligence with the British army and said a handful of MPs had been shown documents they believed constitute a risk to Britain's national security.

"The documents concern Christopher Chandler and his brother. Christopher Chandler is a public figure owing to the Legatum Institute," he said.London: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has been threatened with a legal summons unless he fronts a British parliamentary committee to answer questions about the social networks safeguarding of user data, as well as allegations of Russian interference in the Brexit vote.

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee sent a letter to Facebook on Tuesday demanding that Zuckerberg appear in person in London on May 24.

Last month Facebooks chief technical officer, Mike Schroepfer, appeared before the Conservative committee as part of an inquiry into disinformation and fake news.

But the letter, signed by the committee's chair, MP Damian Collins, said Schroepfers evidence lacked many of the important details that we need.The temporary exemptions were due to expire at 12.01am on Tuesday (2pm AEST).

Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on steel imports and a 10 per cent tariff on aluminum in March but granted temporary exemptions to Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the European Union, Australia and Argentina.

Washington: President Donald Trump has postponed a decision on imposing steel and aluminium tariffs on Canada, the European Union and Mexico until June 1, and has reached an agreement in principle with Argentina, Australia and Brazil, a source familiar with the decision said on Monday.

"The administration has reached agreements in principle with Argentina, Australia, and Brazil, details of which will be finalised in the next 30 days. The administration is also extending negotiations with Canada, Mexico, and the European Union for a final 30 days," the source said on Monday.

Trump also granted a permanent exemption on steel tariffs to South Korea. Trump administration officials have said that in lieu of tariffs, steel and aluminum exporting countries would have to agree to quotas designed to achieve similar protections for US producers.

South Korea's permanent exemption is in exchange for having agreed to cut its steel exports to the US by about 30 per cent.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday that any move by the US to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum would be a "very bad idea" guaranteed to disrupt trade between the two countries.

Trump has invoked a 1962 trade law to erect protections for US steel and aluminum producers on national security grounds amid a worldwide glut of both metals that is largely blamed on excess production in China.Peopleas Tribunal on Attack on Educational Institutions was held at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, on April 11-13, 2018. The tribunal was organised by the Peopleas Commission on Shrinking Democratic Space in India (PCSDS). The jury panel of the tribunal comprised Justice (Retd.) Hosbet Suresh, Justice (Retd.) B.G. Kolse Patil, Prof. Amit Bhaduri, Dr. Uma Chakravarty, Prof. T.K. Oommen, Prof. Vasanthi Devi, Prof. Ghanshyam Shah, Prof. Meher Engineer, Prof. Kalpana Kannabiran and Ms. Pamela Philipose. Prof. Romila Thapar was the Chair of the plenary session of the tribunal.

Testimonies of 120 students and teachers from close to 50 institutions and universities [1] spread across 17 states [2] were considered by the jury panel; 49 testimonies were deposed orally at the tribunal. Along with these testimonies, there were 17 expert submissions [3] on all thematic [4] issues.

Broad observations based on depositions

The centrality of higher education to the survival of Indian democracy, was the theme of the two and a half days of the Tribunal. This why the higher education system must itself be the space where the freedom to think, explore, discuss, and also to dissent, is maximised.Higher education institutions must be open to all sections of society, particularly those marginalised in multiple ways. Ample evidence of the significant deepening of the crisis over the last four years was provided. Alarm bells are ringing loud and clear. Retrieving and rejuvenating the higher education to conform to our constitutional values must be the nationas top priority.

Privatisation of Education

We have observed through depositions made by students, teachers and experts that there is a systematic onslaught on the very idea of higher education in India. The recent decision by the Ministry of Human Resource and Development to grant autonomy to public institutions is an example of how the state is seeking to ensure that students from poor and backward communities are driven to the periphery and denied access to equal, quality and affordable education. In the name of autonomy, vocationalised and market friendly courses are now being promoted.

Consequently, we found that across the country, institutions that once had good representation of SC, ST and OBC students are now in danger of losing their presence,precisely because these institutions have introduced fee structures that are completely unaffordable. We found that students are in a state of desperation. The diversity of representation of students in some of these prestigious institutions are in danger of being undermined by unaffordable fee structures introduced during the recent past.

Along with this are certain entrance models imposed by the Centre that have worked against the interests of local students. A case in point here is that of a brilliant dalit student, Anita from rural Tamil Nadu, who was very keen on studying medicine but couldnat because of the new model of entrance test called NEET. Entrance exams like this is a deliberate attempt to homogenise access to higher education that disproportionallyand negatively impacts SC, ST and OBC students. This is also an attempt to undermine the federal structure. She filed a case in the Supreme Court but lost all hope, her heart and committed suicide when she lost the case.

Structural adjustments in higher education has had many negative impacts on students and teachers. The rising ad hocism of teaching staff has created uncertainty among the teachers and undermined critical thinking of both staff and students. For example, since the mid 80s there have been very few permanent appointments in the universities in Madhya Pradesh and the University of Delhi is believed to have 5000 vacancies at present. This has severely impacted the quality of education and the capacity for questioning. Ironically, when the state had a lower growth rate it was spending more on education.Today the government is abdicating its constitutional responsibility in funding education. Today we are witnessing not only the privatisation of higher education but also its corporatisation. This has impacted directly on countryas literacy level which is stagnating at 75%. In the process, state universities have been reduced to examination boards.

Saffronisation of Education

We have noted that along with this privatisation, there has been a rise of socio-cultural conservatism. Local cultural resources have been appropriated by the Hindutva forces in order to buttress their own presence in local educational institutions. For instance in Assam, there are 500 RSS controlled schools under the name of Shankar Debo Shishu Niketan - 1.6 lakh students are accessing these institutions. The secular philosophy of Shankar Debo has in this way been taken over to project the Hindutva ideology. What we are witnessing is an increasingly homogenous and conformist academic culture.

While essays such as Ramanujanas 300 Ramayanas have been knocked out of the syllabus, the Sanskrit department of the Delhi University is said to be undertaking a athorougha study of history to prove that Aryans were indigenous to India. We were told that RSSas eight point guide to education is now providing the programmatic framework for these shifts. This is impacting both students and staff. An example cited from one of the prominent universities of Uttar Pradesh where teachers who had no academic qualification have been appointed to positions of authority on the basis of their affiliations with Hindutva outfits. What has been extensively documented is that any dissent or opposition to such efforts to distort history has led to severe crackdowns on students and teachers, a trend that has been accentuated since this government came to power. The ABVP has been privileged in many ways within the universities. For instance, in one case in Bihar these students were the only ones who have aacquireda 75% attendance showing how they are privileged in order to disempower other students.

There has been systematic restrictions on student elections and all efforts to form student unions in many states.

Criminalisation of Dissent

From the testimonies given, it became clear that suppression of dissent has taken various forms like legal action, disciplinary action, coercion within the universities against students and teachers on the basis of their dissent. This has often taken the form of denial and diversion of entitled funds to targeted students, teachers and departments. This is done with the deliberate intention by the authorities to create an atmosphere of fear and terror within the academic community. In many cases, with unprecedented presence of police and intelligence are particularly targeting vulnerable students especially Muslims, dalits, women and people from marginalised communities.

By placing like-minded people in high posts in the administration, the authorities are being enabled to execute the commands of the government, to attack dissenting students and professors.

The academic community has been subjected not only to physical brutalities and humiliating discriminatory comments, but also to extensive surveillance, inside and outside the campus. The criminal justice system is being used against students and teachers, the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are being systematically violated and any kind of non-conformity is being criminalised under the guise of one version of nationalism. Labels likeaanti-nationalsa , aterroristsa , adeshdrohia , aenemies of the statea are freely used to intimidate students and teachers.

Structural Marginalisation Based on Caste, Gender, Religion and Region

We have observed that there has been intensification of structural marginalisation of students and teachers belonging to dalit, tribal, religious minorities, north eastern states, Kashmir and gender based discrimination,including persons belonging to the third gender.

Dalit and tribal students are denied sufficient access to institutions of higher education, including hostels. They are subjected to humiliation based on their identities in the campuses. There is double discrimination in the case of Dalits in the form of decrease of quantum of funds along with every day discrimination faced by them due to their caste identity. When it comes to dalit female students, the intersection of caste and gender is an additional discrimination and aggravates the situation. In terms of reservation and benefits for OBC students.

By denying reservation and scholarships to these marginalised groups, the learning system is being closed to these communities. It is outrageous that the educational funds and scholarships for the marginalised section is being used as a political tool to seek electoral gains. The geographical distribution of tribal population restricts their access to higher education severely. As the scholarship polices are being linked with new fiscal policies; it is very clear that the banking sector is now being encouraged to provide educational loans to students while they are being denied scholarships. These loans will not only make them enslaved financially but also become a bonded labourer for several years.

Sexual harassment exists systematically in institutional spaces through discriminatory patriarchal practices and intimidatory tactics to reduce them from participating in political activities. Institutions have gender insensitive practices including the failure to understand the discrimination of queer and transgender.

However, there is a spirit of aRejection of victimhooda among the dalit students.Although they are intimidated they have not given up and are fighting back. During the protests demanding extended hostel timings for girl students in a prominent Uttar Pradesh university, the Vice Chancellor reportedly said that aIt is unnatural for girl students to study at nighta .

Breaking down on internal mechanism like Internal Complaints Committee and Sexual Harassment Committees has led students to seek extra institutional mechanisms like courts for redress. Women students are particularly targeted and intimidated, physically and sexually attacked during public protests, which is a patriarchal act by state agents.

Kashmiri students and teachers are doubly stigmatised for being Muslim and Kashmiri.They are also often dubbed as aanti-nationalsa, aIslamist terroristsa, aPakistani agentsa etc. Systematic racist targeting of students from Northeastern states in public spaces are increasing and they also feel estranged due to their identity as tribals. The attacks and discrimination are primarily racist but have undercurrents of their religious and tribal identities.

The content of knowledge is unfortunately from upper caste teachers in most of the colleges who are attached to majoritarian ideologies and hence classrooms become laboratories where the minds of young students are being moulded in a certain way.There is no diversity in the learning system.

These trends unless addressed pose a profound danger to the very fabric of Indian democracy.

[1] Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Jamia Milia University, Jadavpur University, Presidency University, Kolkata University, National University of Juridical Sciences Kolkata, Guwahati University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences Guwahati, Assam Womens University Jorhat, Assam University Silchar, other colleges in Assam, Banaras Hindu University, Allahabad University, Lucknow University, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Central University Lucknow, Aligarh Muslim University, other universities in Uttar Pradesh, Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai, Film and Television Institute of India Pune, Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai, Mahatma Gandhi University Wardha, MS University Baroda, Central University Gujarat, Gujarat University, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, National Law University Bhopal, Hyderabad Central University, English and Foreign Languages University Hyderabad, Osmania University Hyderabad, Madras University, Pondicherry University, Periyar University Salem, other universities in Tamil Nadu, Patna University, other universities in Bihar, Central University of Haryana, Punjab University, Vanasthali Vidyapith Rajasthan and a few others from Karnataka, Odisha and Jharkhand.

[2] Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan

[3] Prof. Krishna Kumar, Mr. Kanhaiya Kumar, Prof. N Raghuram, Prof. Nandita Narain, Prof. Apoorvanand, Dr. Akhil Ranjan Dutta, Dr. Karen Gabriel, Dr. Abha Dev Habib, Ms. Sucheta Dey, Dr. Surajit Mazumdar, Dr. Partho Sarothi Ray, Adv. Mihir Desai, Adv. Vrinda Grover, Prof. Kancha Ilaiah, Mr. Abhay Xaxa, Dr. Vinita Chandra and Ms. Gertrude Lamare

[4] Impact of privatisation and globalisation on education, distortion of history and syllabus and saffronisation of education, students unions and elections on campuses, criminalisation of dissent and, structural marginalisation in educational institutions based on caste, gender, religion and region.Georgetown, SC (29440)

Today

Scattered thunderstorms developing during the afternoon. High 82F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, overcast overnight with occasional rain likely. Low 71F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.Jeff Bezos at the Blue Origin launch pad with a New Shepard rocket in the background.

Jeff Bezos is an internet entrepreneur and the founder of Blue Origin, a private spaceflight company. The company is known for its work on New Shepard  a reusable suborbital space rocket that includes a crew capsule for future paying passengers.

Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket is counting down for its first crewed flight on July 20, when it will launch Bezos and three others into space.

Related: Blue Origin will launch billionaire Jeff Bezos into space on July 20. Here's how to watch.

New Shepard made a world-first, first-stage rocket landing on land in 2015. Blue Origin is also working on a larger, orbital rocket called New Glenn that is expected to fly sometime toward the end of 2022.

Early years

Born to teenage parents, Bezos had an itinerant childhood that saw him grow up in several U.S. cities. He spent the summers at his grandfather's ranch in Texas.

"His grandfather sparked and indulged Jeff's fascination with educational games and toys, assisting him with the Heathkits and the other paraphernalia he constantly hauled home to the family garage," read a 2004 profile of Bezos in Wired magazine. (Heathkits were do-it-yourself kits for building electronic products.)

"Picture the scattered components of a robot; an open umbrella spine clad in aluminum foil for a solar cooking experiment; an ancient Hoover vacuum cleaner being transformed into a primitive hovercraft."

Bezos' energy for innovation kept his family busy as he was growing up, but his interests did not wane as he got older. Even as a teenager, Bezos wanted to get involved in space  not as an astronaut, but as an entrepreneur. It seemed a heady dream for a teenager in the 1970s and 1980s, but Bezos was determined. First, though, he would need to make a pile of money.

He chose the nascent field of computer science to make his fortune, getting his start working for several companies in the field. In 1994, Bezos founded Amazon with a plan to sell books over the Internet. From humble beginnings in his garage, Bezos expanded his e-business into an empire, selling everything from toasters to clothing to car parts. Amazon also burst into the e-publishing market with the Kindle, and brokered agreements with publishers to sell new electronic books at a reduced price compared to hardcovers.

Jeff Bezos at a speaking engagement. (Image credit: Blue Origin webcast of Jeff Bezos' May 9, 2019 Blue Moon Presentation)

Launching Blue Origin

In 2000, shortly after Bezos was named Time's Person of the Year for his work with Amazon, he turned his attention to space. He founded Blue Origin, which would develop a vertical-takeoff, vertical-landing rocket ship that could pop passengers into suborbital space.

Bezos kept his plans under wraps for years, Space.com previously reported. Most of the company's information came out through mandatory disclosures to the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA as Bezos sought regulatory approvals and funding.

It wasn't until the late 2000s when Blue Origin had a detailed website and promotional materials available on it, in stark contrast to other billionaire-run spaceflight companies, such as SpaceX and Virgin Galactic.

In 2011, Blue Origin faced a major setback, when a vehicle was destroyed during a test. Bezos revealed the failure a week after the fact in a short blog post on Blue Origin's website, explaining that a flight instability affected the angle of attack and ultimately caused the vehicle to crash.

In October 2012, Blue Origin revealed it had conducted a successful rocket escape test, which is a key milestone in rating the spacecraft safe for humans to ride. Although the system is supposed to work on the suborbital spacecraft, the company also plans to use the technology for its orbital flights.

Related: Photos: Glimpses of secretive Blue Origin's private spaceships

A New Shepard launch conducted in December 2019. (Image credit: Blue Origin)

Getting to space

One of Blue Origin's ultimate goals is to commercially launch a rocket called New Shepard  named after Alan Shepard, the first American to fly in space in 1961. The rocket has a crew module, as well as a propulsion section that boosts the ship for the first few minutes of flight.

Related: Infographic: Blue Origin's secretive space vehicle explained

Blue Origin received $22 million in 2011 under NASA's Commercial Crew Development (CCDev) program to spur the development of New Shepard's design and escape system. All told, the company garnered about $26 million from NASA in the first two rounds of funding, but was not included in subsequent rounds. (NASA ultimately selected SpaceX's Dragon and Boeing's CST-100 as the spacecraft to begin bringing crews to the International Space Station.)

The rocket's reusable first stage was the first in the world to touch down safely on land, in 2015, and has made several successful test flights since then. A Dec. 12, 2017, flight successfully carried a mannequin called Skywalker to space and back, as well as performed several revenue-generating experiments.

Related: Blue Origin's amazing NS-11 New Shepard test flight in photos

New Shepard's seventh test launch on Oct. 13, 2020 reached a maximum altitude of 346,000 feet (105 kilometers), Space.com previously reported.

On Jan. 14, 2021, Blue Origin launched its upgraded New Shepard spacecraft for astronauts, the RSS First Step, Space.com previously reported. The capsule reached a maximum altitude of 350,827 feet (106,932 meters), according to Blue Origin. That's about 66 miles (107 km) up, above the traditionally recognized 62-mile (100 km) border of space.

Most recently, on April 14, 2021, the company launched the 15th uncrewed test flight of the reusable New Shepard vehicle, Space.com reported. The mission mimicked what should occur once Blue Origin starts flying passengers. Before the flight, two company employees entered the capsule to practice the procedures that future astronauts will follow before launch; the faux-astronauts then exited the vehicle before the flight, then returned to the capsule to practice post-landing procedures once the capsule returned.

On July 20, New Shepard will carry its first four passengers to suborbital space. The passengers are Bezos, his brother Mark, Mercury 13 aviator Wally Funk, and 18-year-old physics student Oliver Daemen. Daemen is taking the place of the still unnamed auction winner who paid $28 million for a seat on this flight, but had a scheduling conflict.

Related: Jeff Bezos will join passengers launching into space on Blue Origin's 1st crewed flight

Related: Blue Origin will launch an 18-year-old as its final passenger on 1st crewed flight

Work outside of spaceflight

Amazon was named the largest online shopping retailer worldwide in 2013. Bezos received a contract valued at $600 million that year from the Central Intelligence Agency on behalf of Amazon Web Services. He also bought the Washington Post for $250 million, and met with Richard Branson (chair of Virgin Galactic) to discuss commercial spaceflight opportunities.

Bezos sold about 2 million of his Amazon shares in 2016 (worth $671 million and $756.7 million in two separate transactions). The next year, he hired 130,000 new employees over several company distribution centers. He sold about $1 billion in Amazon stock in late 2017, and initiated another sale in early 2018 to raise cash for Blue Origin.

President Donald Trump complained in 2018 that Amazon (and Bezos) were avoiding taxes and accused the company of anti-competitive business practices. The company's share price temporarily fell by 9%. The share prices increased again, however, around the same time that Stanford University showed that Trump had little power to regulate Amazon in the near term.

Additional resources

Learn more about the Blue Origin company on their website.

Keep up with their latest news and announcements by following Blue Origin on twitter.

Find out more about NASA's contracts with Blue Origin on NASA's Blue Origin website.

This article was updated on July 15, 2021 by Space.com Reference Editor Kimberly Hickok.The surface features of the northern and southern hemispheres of Mars are very different. In this topographic map, the northern hemisphere (shown in blue) is mostly smooth lowlands and has experienced extensive volcanism. The southern hemisphere (in orange) has an older, cratered highland surface. This dichotomy could have been caused by a giant impact.

New research has revealed that a giant impact on Mars more than 4 billion years ago would explain the unusual amount of "iron loving" elements in the Red Planet.

Planets form as small dust grains stick together and agglomerate with other grains, leading to bigger bodies termed "planetesimals." These planetesimals continue to collide with each other and are either ejected from the solar system, gobbled up by the sun, or form a planet. This is not the end of the story, as planets continue to accrete material well after they have formed. This process is known as late accretion, and it occurs as leftover fragments of planet formation rain down on the young planets.

Planetary scientist Ramon Brasser of the Tokyo Institute of Technology and geologist Stephen Mojzsis of the University of Colorado, Boulder took a closer look at a colossal impact during Mars' late accretion that could explain the unusual amount of rare metallic elements in Mars' mantle, which is the layer below the planet's crust. Their recently published paper, 'A colossal impact enriched Mars' mantle with noble metals,' appeared in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. [7 Biggest Mysteries of Mars]

When proto-planets accrete enough material, metals such as iron and nickel begin to separate and sink to form the core. This explains why Earth's core is mainly composed of iron, and it is expected that elements that readily bond with iron should also mainly exist in the core. Examples of such 'iron loving' elements, known as siderophiles, are gold, platinum and iridium, to name a few. Just like Mars, however, there are more siderophiles in the Earth's mantle than would be expected by the process of core formation.

"High pressure experiments indicate that these metals should not be in the mantle. These metals don't like being dissolved in silicate and instead they prefer to sink through the mantle into the Earth's core," Brasser tells Astrobiology Magazine. "The fact that we do have them at all means that they must have arrived after the core and the mantle separated, when it became much more difficult for these metals to reach the core."

A 2016 paper by Brasser and colleagues conclusively showed that a giant impact is the best explanation for Earth's high siderophile element abundance.

The amount of siderophiles accumulated during late accretion should be proportional to the 'gravitational cross section' of the planet. This cross section is effectively the cross hairs that an impactor 'sees' as it approaches a target planet. The gravitational cross section extends beyond the planet itself, as the world's gravity will direct an object towards it even when the object was not on a direct collision course. This process is called gravitational focusing.

The earlier paper showed that Earth has more siderophiles in the mantle than it should, even according to the gravitational cross section theory. The scientists explained this by showing that an impact of a lunar-sized body on the Earth (in addition to the event that formed the moon) would have enriched the mantle with enough siderophiles to explain the current value.

Rock-forming elements such as silicon have the highest abundance in the Earth's crust. The rarest are the siderophile "iron loving" elements as most of them have sunk into the core of the planet. However, there are still more iron loving elements in the crust and mantle than there should be. (Image credit: Gordon B. Haxel/Sara Boore/Susan Mayfield/USGS)

An early giant impact

Analysis of Martian meteorites show that Mars accreted another 0.8 percent by mass (weight percent, or wt percent) of material via late accretion. In the new paper, Brasser and Mojzsis show that for Mars to have amended its mass by about 0.8 wt percent in a single impact event required a body at least 1,200 kilometers in diameter.

They further argue that such an impact ought to have occurred sometime between 4.5 and 4.4 billion years ago. Studies of zircon crystals in ancient Martian meteorites can be used to date the formation of the Martian crust to before 4.4 billion years ago. As such, a giant impact should have caused widespread crustal melting and such a catastrophic event must have occurred before the evidence for the oldest crust. If the impact occurred as early in the planet's history as 4.5 billion years ago, then the siderophiles should have been stripped away during core formation. This history provides firm bookend constraints on when the impact happened.

Understanding late accretion is not just important for explaining the siderophile abundance, but also for placing an upper limit on the age of Earth's biosphere.

"During each impact, a small bit of Earth's crust is locally melted," says Brasser. "When the accretion is very intense, almost all of Earth's crust is molten. As the accretion intensity decreases, the amount of crustal melting also decreases. We argue that the earliest time you could form a biosphere is when the accretion is low enough so that less than 50 percent of the crust is molten at any given time."

The surface of Mars also has an unusual dichotomy, which could be explained by a giant impact. The southern hemisphere exists as an ancient cratered terrain, and the northern hemisphere appears younger and smoother and was influenced by extensive volcanism. A giant impact might also have created the Martian moons, Deimos and Phobos, although an alternative theory is that the highly porous Phobos could be a captured asteroid.

The work wasfunded by the NASA Exobiology and Evolutionary Biology program and by the John Templeton Foundation through the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME) origins program.

This story was provided by Astrobiology Magazine, a web-based publication sponsored by the NASA astrobiology program. This version of the story published on Space.com.It takes 512 years for a high-energy photon to travel from the nearest neutron star to Earth. Just a few of them make the trip. But they carry the information necessary to solve one of the toughest questions in astrophysics.

The photons shoot into space in an energetic rush. Hot beams of X-ray energy burst from the surface of the tiny, ultradense, spinning remnant of a supernova. The beams disperse over long centuries in transit. But every once in a while, a single dot of X-ray light that's traveled 156 parsecs (512 light-years) across space  32 million times the distance between Earth and the sun  expends itself against the International Space Station's (ISS) X-ray telescope, nicknamed NICER. Then, down on Earth, a text file enters a new point of data: the photon's energy and its arrival time, measured with microsecond accuracy.

That data point, along with countless others like it collected over the course of months, will answer a basic question as soon as summer 2018: Just how wide is J0437-4715, Earth's nearest neutron-star neighbor?

If researchers can figure out the width of a neutron star, physicist Sharon Morsink told a crowd of scientists at the American Physical Society's (APS) April 2018 meeting, that information could point the way toward solving one of the great mysteries of particle physics: How does matter behave when pushed to its wildest extremes? [10 Futuristic Technologies 'Star Trek' Fans Would Love]

On Earth, given humanity's existing technology, there are some hard limits on how dense matter can get, even in extreme laboratories, and even harder limits on how long the densest matter scientists make can survive. That's meant that physicists haven't been able to figure out how particles behave at extreme densities. There just aren't many good experiments available.

"There's a number of different methodologies that people come up with to try to say how super-dense matter should behave, but they don't all agree," Morsink, a physicist at the University of Alberta and a member of a NASA working group focused on the width of neutron stars, told Live Science. "And the way that they don't all agree can actually be tested because each one of them makes a prediction for how large a neutron star can be."

In other words, the solution to the mystery of ultradense matter is locked away inside some of the universe's densest objects  neutron stars. And scientists can crack that mystery as soon as they measure precisely just how wide (and, therefore, dense) neutron stars really are.

Particle physics in deep space

"Neutron stars are the most outrageous objects that most people have never heard of," NASA scientist Zaven Arzoumanian told physicists at the meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

Arzoumanian is one of the heads of NASA's Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) project, which forms the technical basis for Morsink's work. NICER is a large, swiveling telescope mounted on the ISS; it monitors and precisely times the X-rays that arrive in the area of low Earth orbit from deep space.

A neutron star is the core left behind after a massive supernova explosion, but it's believed to be not much wider than a midsize city. Neutron stars can spin at high fractions of the speed of light, firing flickering beams of X-ray energy into space with more precise timing than the ticking of atomic clocks.

And most importantly for Morsink and her colleagues' purposes, neutron stars are the densest known objects in the universe that haven't collapsed into black holes  but unlike with black holes, it's possible for scientists to figure out what goes on inside them. Astronomers just need to know precisely how wide neutron stars really are, and NICER is the instrument that should finally answer that question.

Quark soup

Scientists don't know exactly how matter behaves in the extreme core of a neutron star, but they understand enough to know that it's very weird.

Daniel Watts, a particle physicist at the University of Edinburgh, told a separate audience at the APS conference that the interior of a neutron star is essentially a great big question mark.

Scientists have some excellent measurements of the masses of neutrons stars. The mass of J0437-4715, for example, is about 1.44 times that of the sun, despite being more or less the size of Lower Manhattan. That means, Morsink said, that J0437-4715 is far denser than the nucleus of an atom  by far the densest object that scientists encounter on Earth, where the vast majority of an atom's matter gathers in just a tiny speck in its center.

At that level of density, Watts explained, it's not at all clear how matter behaves. Quarks, the tiny particles that make up neutrons and protons, which make up atoms, can't exist freely on their own. But when matter reaches extreme densities, quarks could keep binding into particles similar to those on Earth, or form larger, more complex particles, or perhaps mush together entirely into a more generalized particle soup. [7 Strange Facts About Quarks]

What scientists do know, Watts told Live Science, is that the details of how matter behaves at extreme densities will determine just how wide neutron stars actually get. So if scientists can come up with precise measurements of neutron stars, they can narrow down the range of possibilities for how matter behaves under those extreme conditions.

And answering that question, Watts said, could unlock answers to all sorts of particle-physics mysteries that have nothing to do with neutron stars. For example, he said, it could help answer just how individual neutrons arrange themselves in the nuclei of very heavy atoms.

NICER measurements take time

Most neutron stars, Morsink said, are believed to be between about 12 and 16 miles (20 and 28 kilometers) wide, though they might be as narrow as 10 miles (16 km). That's a very narrow range in astronomy terms but not quite precise enough to answer the kinds of questions Morsink and her colleagues are interested in.

To press toward even more precise answers, Morsink and her colleagues study X-rays coming from rapidly spinning "hotspots" on neutron stars.

Though neutron stars are incredibly compact spheres, their magnetic fields cause the energy coming off of their surfaces to be fairly uneven. Bright patches form and mushroom on their surfaces, whipping around in circles as the stars turn many times a second.

That's where NICER comes in. NICER is a large, swiveling telescope mounted on the ISS that can time the light coming from those patches with incredible regularity.

That allows Morsink and her colleagues to study two things, both of which can help them figure out a neutron star's radius:

1. The speed of rotation: When the neutron star spins, Morsink said, the bright spot on its surface winks toward and away from Earth almost like the beam from a lighthouse turning circles. Morsink and her colleagues can carefully study NICER data to determine both exactly how many times the star is winking each moment and exactly how fast the bright spot is moving through space. And the speed of the bright spot's motion is a function of the star's rate of rotation and its radius. If researchers can figure out the rotation and speed, the radius is relatively easy to determine.

2. Light bending: Neutron stars are so dense that NICER can detect photons from the star's bright spot that fired into space while the spot was pointed away from Earth. A neutron star's gravity well can bend light so sharply that its photons turn toward and smack into NICER's sensor. The rate of light curvature is also a function of the star's radius and its mass. So, by carefully studying how much a star with a known mass curves light, Morsink and her colleagues can figure out the star's radius.

And the researchers are close to announcing their results, Morsink said. (Several physicists at her APS talk expressed some light disappointment that she hadn't announced a specific number, and excitement that it was coming.)

Morsink told Live Science that she wasn't trying to tease the upcoming announcement. NICER just hasn't collected enough photons yet for the team to offer up a good answer.

"It's like taking a cake out of the oven too early: You just end up with a mess," she said.

But the photons are arriving, one by one, during NICER's months of periodic study. And an answer is getting close. Right now, the team is looking at data from J0437-4715 and Earth's next-nearest neutron star, which is about twice as far away.

Morsink said she isn't sure which neutron star's radius she and her colleagues will publish first, but she added that both announcements will be coming within months.

"The aim is for this to happen later on this summer, where 'summer' is being used in a fairly broad sense," she said. "But I would say that by September, we ought to have something."

Originally published on Live Science.SNc Channels:



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Apr-30-2018 18:38 TweetFollow @OregonNews UN Slams Speaker of Parliament for Speaking Against Gays and Lesbians Britain will face a big battle in legalizing homosexuality in Ghana

Speaker of the Parliament, Mike Ocquaye Jnr

Photo: thenewghana.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Latest news in Ghana is that a UN official took offence of the sentiments made by the speaker of the parliament concerning homosexuality in Ghana. The official further commented that the LGBT community was large in Ghana. Britain had earlier hinted on aiding the Government on legalizing homosexuality in the country. The homosexuality topic has always been a contentious subject in Ghana, and by the looks of it the issue is way from over. This comes after the intervention of the United Nations in a heated argument and disagreement of the comments made by the speaker of the parliament. The current speaker of the parliament, Mike Ocquaye Jnr, went on record in an open statement claiming never to permit the gay rights within his power as the speaker of the parliament. The UN official, who happens to be the poverty and human rights rapporteur, denounced the remarks by the speaker. He further revealed that the speaker was ignorant of the growth of the gay community in Ghana. The speaker like many of the other Government officials reduced the gay rights as an absurd activity in Ghana that will be not be tolerated. The UN official however felt different as he urged the speaker to be considerate of the gay community in the country. According to the UN official, the LGBT community is rapidly increasing and there needs to be an enforcement of the law to protect their rights and safeguard the interests of the community. The heated debate saw the speaker slander the act of the gay community as he denounced its approval will be a step in safeguarding their human rights. YEN News reports that the UN official was on a fact-finding mission in the country about the human rights and the administrative justice. The statement by the UN official came after the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, spoke on resolving the heated debate in Africa by supporting the countries to legalize gay rights. The Prime Minister, during the Commonwealth Head of States conference held in London, confessed that Britain was at the forefront in the introduction of the anti-gay laws in the country but due to the changing times they were ready to reverse the laws of the land. Britain will face a big battle in legalizing homosexuality in Ghana especially with the presidential ultimatum on declaring homosexuality illegal in Ghana. The stance was clearly made by the minister of information, Mustapha Hamid, who revealed that the legalizing of homosexuality will not be considered in the next 100 years. However, it is evident that the Ghanaian Government is under undue pressure from the Britain Government in considering the reversal of the laws to enforce the human rights of the gay community in Ghana. Source: Salem-News.com Special Features Dept. _________________________________________

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Articles for April 30, 2018 | Articles for May 1, 2018Blue Origin has so far signed up only commercial customers for its New Glenn rocket, but the company's new CEO said initial talks are underway about certifying it for U.S. government missions.

New Glenn is an orbital launch vehicle that is expected to make its first flight around 2020. Its developer is Blue Origin, which is also making the New Shepard launcher and a crew capsule.

New Glenn continues the Blue Origin tradition of naming its boosters after American Mercury astronauts. In this case, Glenn is named after John Glenn, who made the first American orbital flight in 1962 and who returned to orbit in 1998, at age 78, for a space shuttle mission. Glenn was not only the first American to orbit in space, but also the oldest person to fly in space.

Physical statistics

Height: Two-stage version: 270 feet (82 meters) tall. Three-stage version: 313 feet (95 meters) tall

Stages: 2 or 3, including a reusable first stage

Fuel: First stage  liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas. Upper stages: liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen

Capacity: The two-stage version can lift 14 tons (13 metric tons) to geostationary transfer orbit, and 50 tons (45 metric tons) to low Earth orbit.

Blue Origin's New Glenn orbital rocket will come in two versions to fly people in space and will be a towering booster. This Blue Origin graphic shows how the 270 feet (82 meters) and 313 feet (95 m) tall versions of New Glenn measure up to other rockets. (Image credit: Blue Origin)

Development

Blue Origin is traditionally reticent about sharing its plans far ahead of time, but there is some information available about the company and about New Glenn as the rocket continues development.

Blue Origin is currently developing and testing its New Shepard rocket, which also has a reusable first stage but is designed for suborbital flights. In November 2015, it became the first reusable rocket to make a soft ground landing. The company received a contract valued at $3.7 million in 2010 during an early stage of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, and is also working on a crew capsule that would ride aboard New Shepard.

For New Glenn, the rocket's planned launch profile looks like this: It will lift from a launch pad (which in a video released in 2017, looked like Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, where Blue Origin is constructing a complex). Once it is above Earth, the rocket will separate its payload carrier from the first stage. This payload carrier will send a satellite into orbit, while the first stage lands safely on a ship's landing pad.

Blue Origin has already signed a few customers for the rocket. For example, it will put a geostationary satellite into orbit for Eutelsat Communications in 2021 or 2022. It also has contracts with smaller companies OneWeb and the Thailand-based mu Space corporation.

The company has also said it will try to certify New Glenn for national security-related government missions, which right now are largely performed by United Launch Alliance through its Atlas and Delta IV rocket lines. In the distant future, Blue Origin is also working on a possible moon flight program, called Blue Moon.

Interestingly enough, New Glenn isn't the only heavy-lift rocket from a private space company. SpaceX's Falcon Heavy made its debut flight in February 2018, setting up a probable rivalry with Blue Origin that will likely persist as the two new rocket types compete for rockets and customers.Cosmonaut Vladimir Lyakhov flew three missions to three different space stations. On April 19, 2018, he died at age 76.

Soviet-era cosmonaut Vladimir Lyakhov, who logged almost a year in Earth orbit living aboard three different space stations, has died at the age of 76.

The Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, where Lyakhov prepared for his three space missions in Star City, Russia, confirmed he died on Thursday (April 19), noting only that it was sudden.

"A bright memory of him will forever remain in the hearts of his friends and comrades in the service," wrote the training center in a statement. "Lyakhov belonged to one of the first generations of Soviet cosmonauts who wrote many bright pages in the glorious history of the Russian manned space flight." [Space Station Evolution: 6 Amazing Orbital Outposts]

Lyakhov was chosen to train as a cosmonaut in May 1967 with the fourth group of Soviet Air Force candidates.

Lyakhov's first mission assignment was as the commander of the Soyuz 32 spacecraft, lifting off on Feb. 25, 1979 with Valery Ryumin. The eighth mission and seventh successful docking to Russia's Salyut 6 station, Lyakhov and Ryumin comprised the third crew (out of five) to complete a long-duration mission on orbiting outpost.

For 175 days and 35 minutes  an endurance record at the time  Lyakhov and Ryumin staffed the space station alone. A planned mid-mission visit by the Soyuz 33 crew was aborted due to an engine failure. Further, as a fallout from that mission, managers decided to launch the Soyuz 34 spacecraft to bring Lyakhov and Ryumin home to Earth on Aug. 19, 1979 without a crew to replace them.

Lyakhkov's luck with visiting crews did not improve with his second spaceflight to his second space station.

Even before he launched on June 27, 1983 with Aleksandr Aleksandrov aboard Soyuz T-9 to the Salyut 7 outpost, the prior Soyuz T-8 spacecraft with a three-man crew failed to dock at the space station after an antenna was ripped from the vehicle during a launch anomaly.

Once aboard Salyut 7, Lyakhov and Aleksandrov expected a visit by the next Soyuz crew to launch, but that mission's two cosmonauts barely made it off the pad with their lives. The Soyuz T-10a rocket was destroyed in an explosion on the ground; the crew members were saved by the vehicle's escape system.

Lyakhov and Aleksandrov returned to Earth after living on Salyut 7 for 149 days on Nov. 23, 1983.

As it turned out, Lyakhov's first and only successful visiting crew was the one he himself led on what was his third and final spaceflight to yet a third space station. Launched on Aug. 29, 1988, the Soyuz TM-6 spacecraft lifted off for the Mir space station with Lyakhov, Valery Polyakov and Abdul Ahad Mohmand, the first Afghan citizen in space.

Cosmonaut Vladimir Lyakhov training inside a Soyuz spacecraft. (Image credit: Roscosmos)

The sixth crew to fly to Mir, Polyakov joined the outpost's third resident expedition while Lyakhov and Mohmand had just eight days aboard the space station before leaving on Soyuz TM-5 to return to Earth. Lyakhov's last re-entry did not go to plan, though; a misconfigured computer resulted in his and Mohmand's de-orbit burn cutting off early twice. The problem was corrected, resulting in only a day's delay to Lyakhov final homecoming on Sept. 7, 1988.

In total, Lyakhov logged 333 days, 7 hours and 47 minutes in space, including 7 hours and 8 minutes conducting three spacewalks  one outside of Salyut 6 and two outside of Salyut 7.

Vladimir Afanasiyevich Lyakhov was born on July 20, 1941 in Antratsyt in what is today Eastern Ukraine. He served as a test pilot in the Soviet Air Force flying fighter jets prior to joining the cosmonaut corps.

Following his three flights to three space stations, Lyakhov served as the deputy director for cosmonaut training and deputy commander of the cosmonaut corps at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center before he was forced to retire at the age of 53 on Sept. 7, 1994. He was twice named a Hero of the Soviet Union and was awarded two Orders of Lenin, among other honors.

In 1995, Lyakhov took a position as the deputy director of the editorial and publishing firm Rossiya. Three years later, he entered retirement, but continued to remain active as a community leader.

He was married to Zinaida Elisanovna (nee Esmurzaeva) with whom he had two children, Yuri and Olga.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2018 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.SOME TRANSGRESSIONS MAY LEAD TO CONFESSIONS, ON ABCS FOR THE PEOPLEExtraordinary Circumstances  Sandra goes the extra mile for a client when she goes up against the FBI and ends up in one of the most unexpected and compromising situations of her young career. Meanwhile, Roger assigns Kate, Seth and Leonard to work on a highly sensitive case after receiving a tip alleging that the governor of New York is trying to illegally sell a seat in the Senate, on For The People, TUESDAY, MAY 15 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.For The People stars Britt Robertson as Sandra Bell, Jasmin Savoy Brown as Allison Adams, Ben Rappaport as Seth Oliver, Susannah Flood as Kate Littlejohn, Wesam Keesh as Jay Simmons, Rege-Jean Page as Leonard Knox, Ben Shenkman as Roger Gunn, Hope Davis as Jill Carlan, Vondie Curtis-Hall as Judge Nicholas Byrne and Anna Deavere Smith as Tina Krissman.The series from ABC Studios is created by Shondalands Paul William Davies, who executive produces alongside Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and Tom Verica.Extraordinary Circumstances was written by Celia Finkelstein and directed by Steph Green.



Legion 2.04 "Chapter 12" - Review:

Directed by Ellen Kuras, Written by Noah Hawley & Nathaniel Halpern





has been no stranger to mind bending episodes and we were faced with another one here in the form of, as David journeyed into Sydney Barrett's mind to wake her up, as she was proving a little harder to be saved than the rest of his allies. What we ended up with was effectively an origin story for Syd as told to David, who attempts of understand what she wants him to find out about her so they can escape. It was almost like a Bottle episode or even a Groundhog Day-inspired hour, with the amount of flashbacks to the same events that we had over the course of, buthas never been a show to restrict itself to a conventional format like that.The opening sequence - the longest cold open of possibly any Marvel show to date - of Syd's early years which were fantastic, set to a good Bon Iver track -. I found this scene so effective that it was one of my picks for Sunday's Scene of the Week - and I praised the show for its good use of music even though I'm not the biggest fan of Bon Iver. The decision to give more modern music a use here as opposed to the likes of the Rolling Stones and The Who (were respectively were used in Season One) works with the theme of the episode, where we saw The National'sand Tame Impala'sjoin Bon Iver for some spectacular music moments. Once again I have nothing but praise for the music choices that this show uses, and it knows how to use them really well.The episode put David and Syd front and centre for much of its hour as it explored their connection and Syd's character, sending David down the rabbit hole of Syd's past in a much needed Syd-centric episode. As we've largely seen the narrative unfold from David's perspective it's rare that we get a glimpse this big into Syd's mind, both literally and figuratively, so this episode ticked all the right boxes for one of the most compelling characters of the series. Sydney may have taken a little longer than the other characters to be freed from the curse of the monk's chattering plague, but the decision to spend a little longer with Syd was a good one. The scenes set in the gallery of Egon Schiele's work was a nice touch too given how much Schiele plays an important influence on the original character creation of Legion himself in the comics, with co-creator Bill Sienkiewicz using him as an inspiration for his art.Early childhood is especially tough for any mutant, let alone Syd - who doesn't like to be touched due to her powers, and we see the show test what we know about the character so far, and what David knows about her character so far. David believes Syd not being able to touch people is the reason why she's upset, but it's nothing as simple as that, and he hopelessly misses the point multiple times. It helps that the episode almost feels like a response to the criticism of Syd and David's relationship, adding depth to the two characters. As much as Christopher Nolan'sreinforced the message of love being greater than anything else in the universe,offers a nice counterbalance to that, preferring instead to remind us that love won't save us, but it is the thing that's worth fighting for. It's a powerful message that's handled really well through Syd as she gets to show what she believes to her boyfriend in a unique and fascinating way.has not shied away from using movie directors in the past with's Ana Lily Amirpour bringing her own directing talents to episode two, but here we get to see Ellen Kuras, the cinematographer of both Martin Scorsese's, bring her talents to the table in an excellent episode that really made the most out of its fantastic visuals. The scenes that explored Syd's past were presented very well - Syd being bullied at school, dressing up to go to a party and finding a costume that was the right fit for her whilst dancing alone at a punk bar - these were all incredibly stylistic moments that really madestand out.The set piece at the heart ofwas a harrowing and disturbing moment that saw Syd test the full extent of her powers as she attempted to switch places with her mother's boyfriend, really showed how unnervingcan be. It's clear that there is no possible way anything good can come from a situation like this, and it shows that Syd, like everyone else, learns from her mistakes, with this one in particular being a choice that she made without thinking about what the consequences could be. The episode goes a great way in showing us all these incidents that made Syd stronger as a result and helped shape her into the person that she has become today. Life is a war, according to Syd, and love is what they're fighting to save.Of course, in truefashion, chaos is not limited to what we find inside Syd's mind, as when Syd and David wake up, they find themselves in a Division 3 during the middle of an emergency. It appears that Lenny is back - having apparently found a way to break free of the mind of The Shadow King and has come running to Division 13 for help. Met with an armed escort, she's escorted into the building, somehow restored to her own flesh. Is this another trick of The Shadow King? Or is this something else entirely?



This week's recap is going to be double the fun this week with a combined recap/review for Day 457 and Day 464. Day 457 was very lowkey after the previous episodes' jampacked story, while 464 picked the action right back up. Let's start with Day 457.



Day 457



This entire episode was almost entirely taken up by the case of the week, leaving only subplots for Diane and Jay. Diane's was pretty much same old same old, while we got some nice development for Jay; a character I really enjoy and don't know enough about.



An undercover cop, Rashid Clarkson, was shot by a fellow police officer, Detective Whitehead, in the midst of stopping an illegal arms trade. The injury has left him wheelchair-bound. Rashid says Detective Whitehead knew he was an undercover cop, having told him during the chase of a suspect, but Whitehead shot him anyway because, as Rashid believes, he's African American and the detective has a reputation of being racist. It is also rumored that he plants guns on unarmed African American suspects to frame them, something Jay picks up on, which sends him on his episode's journey.



See, Jay has a friend in prison, courtesy of one Detective Whitehead, who planted a gun on this guy when he was arrested for drug dealing. The firm is going to pursue the dropped guns rumor to help in their case against Whitehead, which is good news for Jay and his friend because it means getting justice. He brings in Maia and Lucca to help with this case. They do, with the help of Kurt, who discovers the gun dropped on this guy was taken from evidence on a previous case Rashid Clarkson was on. Somehow this gun went from Rashid to Whitehead. Hmm. Turns out, Rashid and some other officers gave guns to other officers to plant on suspects. Whitehead was one of them. Rashid now says Whitehead shot him because he thought Rashid would turn on him.



Jay thinks this confession is great for his friend, but Adrian instead decides to use this information to cut a deal with Whitehead's lawyer. Rashid (and the firm) agree to keep quiet about Whitehead's involvement in planting guns for eight million. But, That means they can't use that knowledge to help Jay's friend, infuriating Jay. In an amazing scene between Jay and Adrian, Jay angrily confronts Adrian about not caring about justice and only about money. Adrian fires back saying his obligation is to his client first, but it's not good enough for Jay. He's too upset about a corrupt cop getting away with a crime and the firm profiting off of it while an innocent man sits in prison. He calls Adrian a hustler, and Adrian tells him to get out of his office. But Jay will do him one better. He quits. I understand Jay's anger here, but I hope he's not gone for good. I like this dynamic between him and Adrian. The guy obsessed with moral justice versus the guy obsessed with money. It's good.As I mentioned above, Kurt is back this week helping on the ballistics evidence of the case and to serve as a catalyst for Diane going off the rails again. All is going well with him and Diane as they work together until the defense lawyer (Alan Alda!) brings into the court a surprise ballistics expert; Holly Westfall (Megan Hilty!) AKA Kurt's former mistress. And maybe current. It turns out they had drinks recently, which Kurt failed to tell Diane, and Diane is devastated. It sends her back to the bartender that first gave her the means of microdosing to get a refill, and then back to the bed of Tully. Kurt does seem apologetic, although he insists nothing happened between him and Holly this time. When he's later called to the stand to defend his lack of bias in the case, he's forced to go over the hurt he caused Diane, which seems to give Diane some solace. She later tells Tully she doesn't want to see him anymore and needs to find some solid ground. I really hope that happens because this Diane storyline just seems to keep treading the same waters over and over again.As you can see, not a lot happened in this episode outside of this case and the Diane and Jay stuff, so let's move on to Day 464.Day 464.Diane is tasked with helping a Russian student here on a student visa that's been arrested and is being deported for soliciting. Except it's not soliciting, she claims, it's because she's one of the women who was involved in the infamous golden shower scandal with Donald Trump. She's worried if she goes back she'll be killed by Putin. Diane, by the way, does not seem to have found solid ground. The only thing that's changed is before she was like, "I don't care about anything anymore" in a funny way, but now she's back to "I don't care about anything anymore" in a depressed way. Meh. Diane and the other partners take a meeting with her. Her responses lead Diane to believe they are being set up. The woman claims she was told to speak to Diane because she gave a lecture at her school about immigration, but Diane never ended up giving that lecture, or so Diane thinks. But who's setting them up? Project Veritas. As in the organization James O'Keefe started. She thinks they knew the Democratic Committee came to them for impeachment help, and they want a video to show African American lawyers jumping at a chance to impeach trump, making them look like fools.They bring Dominika back to question her. They catch her on her not possibly being at that hotel in Moscow at the same time she was working 1,700 miles away. She is incensed by what they're implying and leaves. Marissa follows her to a rundown apartment building where she is living with her roommate, Miss Haiti, the Miss Universe contestant who introduced Dominika to Trump. She shows Marissa her purse. There's no camera.Marissa reports her findings. That, with Diane suddenly remembering she did speak at that school and the others discovering Dominika had that weekend off from her job and could have been at the hotel suggests to them that she may be telling the truth. They bring this to Ruth Eastman, but she tells them not to do anything. It would be embarrassing for the Democratic party to look like they're grasping at straws. Diane's not satisfied with that because she wants to help Dominika. But she can't help her alone. Enter Jane Lynch again as the FBI agent Madeline. Yay, Jane Lynch. Not a fan of Madeline but I like Jane Lynch.Diane brings Dominika to meet with Madeline. Madeline asks very specific questions about the night in question, questions Madeline knows the answers to (or thinks she does) and comes to the conclusion that Dominika is lying. Their only saving grace would be Dominika's friend Olga, who was also there that night. They arrange a meeting with Olga but Olga doesn't show up. Rachelle, Miss Haiti, calls and reveals that Olga was taken by the INS. However, she was able to send them what looks to be the golden shower tape. They bring it to Ruth, who says she'll look into if it is real and what they can use it for.Julius talks to a Republican friend of his with a contact in the FBI who knows they have the tape and wants them to ignore it. That's how they know there's something to it. But Ruth says they have evidence the video is fake and tells them to drop it again. But something about this "evidence" smells fishy to Marissa so she investigates it. She finds evidence that is contrary to Ruth's. She thinks the tape is real and Diane should do something about it.She does. She gets Julius to tells his friend, who tells Madeline, that Dominika is going public about the tape and is releasing a statement that night. In exchange for Dominika not getting deported, she has to pretend the tape isn't real and is just a porno she made with actors. She does and hands over the USB stick with the tape on it. They say there aren't any copies, but we know that's a lie because in the very last scene we see that Ruth has one too, ready to be used for the 2020 election.In the B plot, we pick back up with Jay's incarcerated friend, Craig. Jay, Maia, and Lucca are pursuing his case but they can't legally represent him because of the conflict of interest with their firm representing Rashid, the corrupt cop helping to drop guns on innocent suspects. So, they need a front lawyer who will do everything they say. In comes Gabriel, a Saul Goodman-like lawyer who is both messy and unethical. He agrees to take the case but only because he's in love with Maia. He's been in love with her ever since she walked through his door two minutes earlier. Gabriel goes to court to get the arrest records of Rashid and Detective Whitehead. He doesn't get them, but he does get some time for leave to file an application determining that Craig is being held illegally. It's a smoke show to get them more time to do something else. Before I go into what happens next, we need to talk about the episode's C plot.Colin needs Lucca's help in his campaign. He has a problem with his Republican opposition, Davey Lion. Normally an election like this would be easy for Colin to snap up because virtually no one cares about it, but this guy's racist, anti-Semitic rhetoric is bringing a lot of attention to it. The Democrats want to make sure they nominate someone who is going to look good to the public. Lucca agrees to pretend to be his loving, wholesome girlfriend in front of Chairman Frank Landau of the Cook County Democratic Party. But as it turns out, they are not worried about Colin's personal relationship, they are worried about his prosecutorial record. 90% of all the cases he's won were against African Americans. He also tends to plea bargain with white defendants and prosecute African American defendants. Uh oh. They think he has a racial bias, whereas they don't think the other possible Democratic candidate has none.Lucca has come up with an idea that solves both Craig's and Colin's problems. Gabriel and Craig go to court for his appeal. Colin steps in for the prosecution. He tells the judge the Department of Justice is looking into Whitehead's cases and requests the release of Craig. The request is granted. Craig gets his freedom and Colin looks good for freeing him and 30 plus other African American inmates.Day 457 was clearly a filler episode, but Day 464 made up for it I think. I do think all of these Trump storylines are overshadowing the show a bit, but they are well put together and I enjoy watching the characters work within these confines. How did you folks enjoy these episodes?New York, April 30, 2018 (SPS) - The resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) by six months represents a turning point in the handling of the Sahrawi issue by the Security Council, said MHamed Khedad, the Sahrawi coordinator with MINURSO.



It is a turning point in terms of the interest attached by the Security Council and international community to the solution of the conflict, Kheddad told APS.



The votes of the majority of the Security Councils members are in the right direction, support the efforts of the UN Secretary Generals personal envoy and call to the implementation of the Councils resolutions reaffirming the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, he added.



The most important thing in this resolution, he added, is the call of the Security Council to the resumption of the UN process and the holding of a fifth round of negotiations without prerequisites and in good faith.



The emissary Horst Kohler will take advantage of the six-month period to put back negotiations on the rails, said Kheddad.



The Sahrawi coordinator underlined that the Council wants to put an end to the status quo in Western Sahara that Morocco and France want it to perpetuate by trying, each time, to postpone it. (SPS)



062/SPS/APSSTAMFORD  It may be that city residents will soon have to rethink how they carry home items they purchase in stores.

Elected officials are writing an ordinance that would ban take-out plastic bags, hoping to add Stamford to the growing list of cities seeking to protect the planet from the ubiquitous sacks made of petroleum that linger in landfills for hundreds of years.

Writing a successful ordinance will mean getting the details right, members of the Board of Representatives Legislative & Rules Committee said at their meeting Monday night.

There are many details, their discussion showed.

City Rep. Charles Pia Jr., R-18, said bringing a reusable bag to a grocery store makes sense, but he wondered how it would work in other types of stores.

We just had a Home Depot open in Stamford. I dont see myself going in there to buy nails with a reusable bag, said Pia, who supports a ban. When you go in a grocery store you pretty much know what what youre going to buy. But in a store like Home Depot, you dont have any idea what you will come out with.

City Rep. Jonathan Jacobson, D-12, who wrote one of the committees two proposals for a bag-ban ordinance, said it would apply only to food establishments.

As now drafted, the ordinance would not include Home Depot, Jacobson said. But it would include a store like Target, since they sell food.

Jacobsons proposal would ban non-recyclable bags and charge a fee for recyclable ones. The other draft, proposed by city Rep. John Zelinsky Jr., D-11, would just ban non-recyclable bags.

Some representatives said large supermarket chains would have an easier time phasing out plastic bags and charging for paper  or giving away reusable bags if they choose  but it would be more difficult for small grocers.

I dont want to harm the mom-and-pop stores  they are the backbone of the community, Zelinsky said. But people can take the reusable bags they get from a Stop & Shop to a mom-and-pop store.

City Rep. Lindsey Miller, D-7, said he visited a number of businesses in his Glenbrook district to ask the owners what they think about a ban.

They said they didnt care, Miller said. I went to a cleaners, liquor stores. One of them told me they pay $34 for 1,000 paper bags, and $36 for 1,000 plastic bags. So I dont think it will be a problem to ban plastic.

Think big

The committee invited business leaders to explain their views. Jackie Lightfield, executive director of the Stamford Partnership, a civic group that acts as a liaison between government, businesses and citizens, said a ban should not take effect the moment its passed.

Businesses need lead time to figure out the logistics of swapping from one type of bag to another and to train employees on how to explain the changes to customers, Lightfield said. I urge you to consider the education component  for the public and the retailers.

City Rep. J.R. McMullen, R-18, said a plastic-bag ban should be statewide, because municipalities set varying restrictions.

Were going to end up with this patchwork of laws from town to town. People dont just shop in the town where they live, McMullen said. Is the Grade A ShopRite in Stamford going to have one set of rules and the Grade A store in Norwalk going to have a different set of rules?

The state should take the lead, Jacobson said, but a proposal to charge a 5-cent tax per bag was brought before the Legislature last year only to die.

It looks like the General Assembly is not going to address this, Jacobson said. Its going to be up to the municipalities. Maybe the patchwork of regulations from city to city will get the state to take it up.

City Rep. Nina Sherwood, D-8, said research shows that plastic-bag use declines most with measures that include a ban on non-recyclable bags along with a charge for recyclable bags. Consumers dont want to pay for bags and begin bringing reusable bags with them to stores, she said.

Consumption declines more when people are asked at the cash register, Would you like to purchase a bag for that? Sherwood said. Why not have Stamford be the city that forges that path? We have to think big. We have an opportunity to be a leader, and I hope this committee does that.

Westport, the first city in Connecticut to act, imposed a straight ban in 2008. Greenwich did the same in March, though it has not taken effect yet. Norwalk is considering a ban now.

Every city must do its part, said city Rep. Virgil de la Cruz, D-2. It has been reported that the United States uses 100 billion plastic bags a year. They can take 1,000 years to decompose, releasing toxins into the soil and water as they do.

These plastics are not only harmful to wildlife. They are harmful to us, de la Cruz said. A blood sample taken from any one of us would show traces of plastic that are linked to cancer, high blood pressure and other diseases. We owe it to ourselves to do this.

Committee members will work on the ordinance at their May meeting and hope to have a draft ready in June, said the chairman, city Rep. Benjamin Lee, D-15. Citizens may weigh in during a public hearing that most likely will take place in July, Lee said.

We have to get it all on one page and whittle our way through it until we get something workable, Lee said.

acarella@stamfordadvocate.com.From pocket-dialing your boss to simply wearing an orange T-shirt, people get fired for ridiculous reasons.

Just take a look at Vicki Walker of New Zealand, who was fired after she sent a company-wide email using capital letters, she says, to help give colleagues instructions for filling out paperwork. Walker sued and received upwards of $17,000 for lost wages. The same goes for the New Jersey-based factory worker who got fired for needing to go home and get his inhaler. In the end, he wound up with $45,000 from the company.

Related: 11 Reasons Talented Millennials Get Fired

Of course, its never fun to get that pink slip. Its even worse when it happens for unjust and strange reasons. Here are 11 of the strangest reasons people were fired.

1. For needing an inhaler

After feeling short of breath due to asthma, former New Jersey-based factory assembly line worker J.D. asked his supervisor at Trane Plant in Hamilton, N.J., if he could go home, which was only three miles from the plant, and get his inhaler. Criticizing him for working slowly, instead, his boss told him to pick up his belongings and leave. J.D. sued the company and was awarded $45,000 for damages and wages.

2. For talking badly about his boss after a pocket-dial

One of many peoples biggest fears is undoubtedly the pocket dial. Whether its to an ex-partner or your boss, its scary imagining certain people listening in on your conversations. Thats exactly what happened to James Stephens of Atlanta. Stephens accidentally pocket-dialed his former boss Mike Coan of Georgia Subsequent Injury Trust Fund, while venting about him to his wife. Instead of hanging up, Coan continued listening in on the conversation for upwards of 12 minutes and as a result, told Stephens he could resign or be fired the following day. Stephens sued Coan for violating his privacy.

3. For wearing orange

At a law firm in Florida, 14 workers were fired for the color of their  shirts. After creating an innocent happy hour tradition of wearing orange shirts on payday Fridays, a group of workers got the pink slip because new management thought it was a form of protest against them. It turns out, the group had been doing this Friday ritual for months -- before new management came into place. As a result, eight of the 14 employees filed a federal complaint against the law firm.

Related: How Getting Fired Could Be the First Step Toward a Better You

4. For typing in all caps

Whether at the start of a new sentence or to emphasize something important, capital letters are necessary in the English language. However, Vicki Walker of New Zealand faced consequences after typing in all caps. In an email that she sent out to colleagues explaining how to fill out certain forms, Walker used a variety of capital letters, and bold and red fonts. While it was her way of helping to explain instructions to colleagues, management saw it as confrontational and fired her. Later, Walker was awarded $17,000 for lost wages and wrongful termination.

5. For posting provocative pictures to her blog

In 2004, former Delta flight attendant Ellen Simonetti was fired for reasons related to her blog, Diary of a Flight Attendant. After months spent writing about life up in the sky, it wasnt until Simonetti posted provocative pictures on her blog while dressed in a Delta uniform that issues arose. Shortly after posting these images, Simonetti was let go for "inappropriate photos in a Delta uniform and changed her blog to, Diary of a Fired Flight Attendant. In an interview with The New York Times, she defended herself by explaining, Gosh, it's a little tiny sliver of my bra, it's not like a bright red push-up bra.  It's not like I worked the flight like that."

6. For creating a cartoon that bashed corporations

After two decades of working as a cartoonist for Farm News, Rick Friday was laid off due to one of his cartoons. The cartoon, which was published in a weekly Its Friday column, featured two farmers chatting, with one saying, I wish there was more profit in farming, and the other replying, There is. In year 2015 the CEOs of Monsanto, DuPont Pioneer and John Deere combined made more money than 2,129 Iowa farmers. After backlash from the corporations mentions, Friday was fired. However, two months later he was rehired after agreeing to apologize to the offended companies.

7. For not charging for cheese

At a McDonalds store in the Netherlands, an employee sold her co-worker a hamburger. Later, the friend asked the employee to add a slice of cheese to the burger. McDonalds fired the employee, saying she should have charged for a cheeseburger instead of a hamburger. Taking the case to a district court, the layoff was ruled too severe of a measure and the fast food chain was ordered to pay the employee more than 4,000 euros in damages.

8. For President Barack Obama's reelection

In 2012, the day after President Barack Obama was re-elected, a Las Vegas-based CEO by the name David fired 22 employees from his then 114-employee company. Claiming that he was preparing for any upcoming taxes and regulations, David told a local radio station at the time, Elections have consequences and he will need to to survive.

Related: What This Company Learned When It 'Fired' All Its Managers

9. For leaving his assigned area to save a life

Upon spotting an older man drowning in unguarded waters, then 21-year-old lifeguard Tomas Lopez left his post to save him. However, after successfully rescuing him, Lopez was fired for leaving his assigned area. Shortly after, his supervisors offered him his job back saying they acted hastily. After declining the offer, and much to his surprise, Lopez was awarded a key to his city, Hallandale Beach, Fla., for his courageous act.

10. For The Harlem Shake

In 2013, a group of 15 miners were fired for their participation in performing the dance craze The Harlem Shake while underground in the Agnew Gold Mine in Australia. While only eight were filmed dancing in the video, the company fired people who were simply watching, calling the entire act a safety issue.

11. For being too hot

In 2010, Debrahlee Lorenzana made headlines after she went to reporters to reveal that her former employer Citibank had fired her for being too hot. According to Lorenzana, she was told that as a result of the shape of her figure, such clothes were purportedly 'too distracting' for her male colleagues and supervisors to bear. Apparently, her male managers gave her a list of unacceptable clothes, and on it were turtlenecks, pencil skirts, fitted suits and three-inch heels. Because she did not agree to these rules, she was fired. Lorenzana could not sue the bank because she had signed a mandatory arbitration clause when she was originally hired.

Related:

The 11 Strangest Reasons People Were Fired

The Founder of Panera Bread: 'I Wish I'd Fired More People'

20 Crazy, Outrageous, Sad and Infamous Last Days at Work



Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedS ir Gerry Grimstone has ruled himself out of becoming the new chairman of Barclays, a potential blow to the bank in the midst of fending off corporate raider Ed Bramson.

The 68-year-old chairs Barclays investment bank and was seen as the most likely candidate to replace John McFarlane.

He instead chose the day of Barclays AGM to say he does not want to be considered. Headhunters from Spencer Stuart are seeking a replacement candidate.

It now looks likely that the new chairman will have to be an outsider.

Sir Ian Cheshire, the former retailer who is chairman of Barclays ring-fenced retail bank, might be a candidate, but regulators are likely to take the view that he lacks sufficient banking experience.

McFarlanes departure date has not been officially announced, but it is thought he would be happy to leave once a suitable chairman is found.

Grimstone is also planning to stand down as chairman of Standard Life Aberdeen where he has been since 2007, suggesting retirement beckons.

Bramson, the US-based activist investor, wants Barclays to spin off its investment bank and return capital to investors.A shley Highfield is suddenly quitting as chief executive of Johnston Press, the publisher behind the Scotsman, Yorkshire Post and the i.

He cited unspecified personal reasons and a desire to shift to becoming a plural non-executive director for his decision to quit after seven years.

He is going quickly  his last day is June 5, when he will be replaced by finance director David King.

After a tough period, Johnston was showing signs of recovery. Last month Highfield noted a return by advertisers to quality titles following increasing concern about Facebook. He said there had been a sentiment shift.

Somewhat to his embarrassment, the shares today jumped 16% to 9.5p on the news. Chairman Camilla Rhodes said: We are sorry that he felt that his personal circumstances required a change at this time.H ere the Evening Standard business team highlights all the major tech news today.

Let's start with the co-founder of WhatsApp.

The messaging service owned by Facebook with more than 1 billion daily users, said he was leaving the company, in a loss of one of the strongest advocates for privacy inside Facebook.

Jan Koums plan to exit comes after clashing with the parent company over WhatApps strategy and Facebooks attempts to use its personal data and weaken its encryption, the Washington Post earlier reported, citing people familiar with the internal discussions.

Its been almost a decade since Brian and I started WhatsApp, and its been an amazing journey with some of the best people, Koum, WhatsApps chief executive, said in a post on his Facebook page.

But it is time for me to move on.

Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg commented on Koums post, saying he was grateful for what Koum taught him about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in peoples hands. Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp.

Facebook has battled European regulators over a plan to use WhatsApp user data, including phone numbers, to develop products and target ads. The plan is suspended, but WhatsApp said last week it still wanted to move forward eventually.

Meanwhile in the UK Concentra Analytics, a company whose software helps companies optimize their staff, has raised 41 million in a funding round led by One Peak Partners and co-investors including Morgan Stanley.

Founded in 2008 by Rupert Morrison, Concentra uses data analytics to model and track a company's operations, allowing it to deploy its staff more effectively, identify skills gaps and streamline job roles.

Joseph Schull, the former head of Europe for Warburg Pincus, also participated in the round, and joins the company as chairman, Morrison said.

The equity raise - the company's first major round after a couple of rounds of seed funding - would help it to extend its international footprint and continue investment in its software-as-a-service solutions, he said.

"We've been cautious to date and that was prudent," he said.

"But we've proved that we can make a profit, we've proved that we can scale and grow and have a world beating product, and now is the time to try and grab the market as fast as possible."

Finally watch out for Apple's results up later.

Wall Street expects the company will report revenue of about $61 billion and iPhone shipments of just under 51 million in the second quarter.D ave Lewis must be feeling grumpy. Just as the Tesco boss was getting the retailer back on track after several miserable years fighting off the discounters, he has been blindsided by a blockbuster deal that will knock the king of food retailing into second place.

Lewis might even be wondering whether the 14 billion merger between Sainsburys and Asda, owned by Americas Walmart, is actually his own fault. It could be that Sainsburys was emboldened by the decision of the Competition and Markets Authority to approve Tescos merger with Booker to come up with his own Asda bombshell.

Only Sainsburys Mike Coupe and Asdas Roger Burnley know the answer to that, but it would be the most delicious irony. They, like the rest of the industry, were stunned that the CMA allowed Tesco to take over Bookers wholesale business because of fears over reduced competition and pressure on suppliers.

That the CMA did not demand disposals from Tesco suggested a more relaxed approach to food retailing after the huge success of German discounters Aldi and Lidl, and the looming presence of Amazon. This time, the CMA will have to be much tougher in investigating the Sainsburys-Asda combo, which will have 31.4% of the market with sales of 50 billion and 2800 stores. It will need to be persuaded that the top two supermarket giants will not have the power to squeeze suppliers or push up prices for customers as together, the new mega-grocer and Tesco, will have almost 59% of the market between them.

Sainsburys and Asda will argue that the old arguments about having four big players to ensure fierce competition are out of date, that the dynamics of the food-retailing market have changed because of the insurgent discounters, Aldi and Lidl, but also the potential of Amazon, which now owns Whole Foods, and has a delivery partnership with Morrisons.

They will also claim that the long-term threat from Amazon  and other online retailers  will be a brake on jacking up prices to customers or squeezing suppliers. They would be right: look at how the internet has ravaged other industries. Its already happening in food. Today the big four  Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and Morrisons  account for 69.3% of the UK market, down from 76.3% five years ago.

The decline of their share is mainly because Aldi and Lidl are growing like Japanese knotweed, spreading into every crack of their rivals business. They now have 7.3% and 5.3% of the market respectively, and have no plans to stop. Aldi aims to double its stores to 1000 over the next few years, and Lidl is opening another 50 or so a year. This suggests that the fierce pressure on grocery margins  down to 2%  will continue, and that the big fours market share will also keep falling.

Then theres Amazon. Everyone is terrified, and rightly so, by what Amazon might do next. When Amazon bought Whole Foods last year, Walmarts shares crashed by several billion dollars within a few minutes. It probably suits the US giant to let Sainsburys take control of Asda in the UK so that it can concentrate on challenging Amazon on its home turf.

In Britain, Amazon owns only nine shops and is experimenting with delivering fresh foods made by Morrisons Pantry business via Prime. Its still tiny in grocery. But it has a huge customer base, and even bigger ambitions to supply and deliver fresh foods to your home  and maybe now your car.

Retail expert Nick Bubb predicts the CMA will allow the merger to proceed, but only after some hectic horse trading over which branches to sell. He says Sainsburys will be hoping for a Goldilocks solution whereby the new group does not have to sell too many stores or too few, otherwise the deal will not be worth pursuing. Thats going to be tricky for the CMA. If it gives in too easily, it will look toothless and there will be a political outcry.L ast night, the House of Lords voted overwhelmingly to give our Parliament more control. Instead of having just a take it or leave it vote on the Brexit deal, MPs and peers would have a say on the key elements of that deal.

These elements affect things as fundamental as our economic future, the price of our food, the quality of our environment and the strength of our human rights.

You would assume that the Brexiteers would approve.

Making sure that decisions affecting our lives are taken in Westminster, not Brussels, was one of their principal arguments for leaving the EU. And as individual MPs, leading Brexiteers such as Jacob Rees-Mogg, Bernard Jenkin and David Davis have always been very particular that when they say Westminster they dont mean Whitehall.

Over many years, on many issues, they have voted consistently to increase parliamentary scrutiny and reduce ministerial discretion. Until now.

Suddenly, like other Brexiteers, they have become converts to the doctrine of untrammelled executive power: Government alone should decide and stuff Parliament.

Theres another thing many of them have recently changed their mind on: the merits of an appointed House of Lords.

Today, they scream that peers have no right to have a say on the biggest issue facing the country because they are unelected.

But six years ago, when the then Coalition government tried to introduce elected lords, many of these Brexiteers voted against.

Mr Rees-Mogg led the Tory rebellion. Mr Jenkin asked why we were replacing the current effective, proven and appointed House with more elected politicians.

Mr Davis added to his record for voting against the Government more than any other Tory MP by joining them in the division lobby.

Now they rail against unelected peers, oppose all attempts to give Parliament more power and stay silent as their colleagues who vote against the Government are called traitors.

Whats changed their mind?

Who runs Labour?

Labour's leaders must be counting their lucky stars this week.

Tory rows and the Home Secretarys resignation have put the Conservatives on the front pages and kept Jeremy Corbyns troubles out of the news.

But with local elections taking place on Thursday, its only fair we take a close look at the opposition, too.

After all, Labour candidates across London are fighting to extend their grip on borough councils, which spend billions on vital services and shape everything from the state of our streets to the cleanliness of the air we breathe.

How they perform matters: and, as the YouGov poll we report today shows, Londoners are increasingly worried by issues such as crime and housing that the Labour Mayor controls.

Loading....

Councils should not be a place for extremists to play ideological games.

Yet thats exactly what is going on in many boroughs which Labour hopes to win this week, such as Wandsworth and Haringey.

Earlier this year Momentum activists in Haringey drove out the old Labour councils respected leader, Claire Kober.

Now, as we report today, they are plotting to pick a new leader in secret  and only once the votes are in.

This is an unacceptable abuse of voters trust.

Haringeys voters are being asked to give the far Left a blank cheque. Labour shouldnt be surprised if many refuse to sign.

Journalists sacrifice

Afghanistan has been at war so long that its journalists have never been able to report on a country at peace.

Many have lost their lives in a courageous battle to report the truth of what is happening there, including 10 this week in the Afghan capital, Kabul , by a bomber disguised as a TV cameraman, and in a second attack elsewhere.

We name them: Yar Mohammad Tokhi, Shah Marai, Ahmad Shah, Maharram Durrani, Abadullah Hananzai, Sabawoon Kakar, Ghazi Rasuli, Nawruz Ali Rajabi, Salim Talash and Ali Salimi.T he phrase a safe pair of hands has acquired a comedic ring when applied to a Government with advanced self-harming tendencies. Amber Rudd is the latest member of Theresa Mays fragmenting team to depart office after a crisis. If the catalogue of other high-profile departures (Damian Green, Priti Patel, Michael Fallon) were down to a run of ill-judgment, Rudds case and its impact on the Cabinet landscape is more complicated.

One of the reasons she struggled was the difficulty of arguing that she had targets  which is what a hostile environment for immigrants setting a high bar for the right to remain suggests  and yet did not have intentions to remove actual people.

The antecedents of this policy lie in the era of May as Home Secretary. So the solution lies in doing what the Prime Minister does least well  namely, accepting that changes are necessary to prevent people like the Windrush generation being caught in a ghastly administrative trap likely to be the result of a sledgehammer approach to immigration.

In essence, Sajid Javid is now one of the strongest characters in the Governments chaotic Marvel universe. He has an outer flank of liberalisers, including Boris Johnson who seeks an amnesty for illegal immigrants in the country for 10 years.

Anne McElvoy

I doubt Javid will go so far because he does not agree with such a sweeping approach. As the child of poor, hard-working Pakistani immigrants, he is more attracted to creating stringent but reliable rules than Johnsonian grand gestures.

Already, as the new Home Secretary, he has signalled that he would like to shift a policy mired in dead-eyed target-setting and deportations to a more responsive one. Changing language and tone, however, will not suffice. He will be judged on what happens, not how it is described.

Points systems for who to let into the UK from outside the EU have many flaws  they are less good at predicting economic success than their advocates assume  but even so, they would be better than this callous mess.

The outgoing Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, foundered in this crisis, but the accusation of being merely a human shield for the Prime Minister is an unfair one. Leaders do have human shields  they come as part of the unspoken kit handed out with the job.

It is a role that can end in tears, as it just did for Rudd, in the wake of many other talented Home Secretaries undone by the job  Charles Clarke was a candidate for Labour leader when it happened to him. In the latest case, it stemmed in large part from being trapped as a liberal Tory in a position in which shaping a more nuanced approach to immigration was actively discouraged.

As the first ethnic-minority minister to take one of the big three roles of state, Rudds successor will have to try very hard to do anything considered sackable. I do not mean that he wont. Ministers are inventive at finding new pratfalls. He does, however, have more room for manoeuvre at the heart of government than any other senior figure  not least given the scratchy relationship between Philip Hammond, the Chancellor, and the PM.

Everything in this Government is affected by or seen through the distorting prism of Brexit. That places Javid under a spotlight over his views on Britains post-EU relations with the customs union and increases his heft in the Cabinets split Brexit Committee, which is due to examine a complicated partnership deal on customs arrangements this week.

''Changing language and tone will not suffice. Javid will be judged on what happens, not how it is described''

Remainers complain this is an absurdly fiddly way around the better solution of not leaving the customs union in the first place, which is true, but not a realistic solution for where we are now. May cannot grant a full concession on shadowing the modern Zoll-verein without provoking an uprising by Brexiteers. Neither, in order to get a vital transition deal nailed with the EU, can she depart very far from it.

So the outcome is in the hands of the Cabinets swing state members  Javid, Gavin Williamson, Jeremy Hunt  who are Eurosceptics-turned-Remainers (Javid) or the other way round (Hunt/Williamson). Altogether, it underlines how little May is in control of the defining events of her tenure.

As a natural Eurosceptic, Javid belongs in the ranks of those who are unenthusiastic about the modern EU, but saw too great a risk in quitting it to finally vote Leave. As such, he sits at a vital intersection of Conservative Party belief and self-doubt.

His personal story is an asset and one he will need to deploy judiciously to help to address the irritation among ethnic minorities this ungainly saga has unleashed. Yet, as one Cabinet colleague quips, Weve heard the Sajid back story. Wheres the front story?

On Brexit, immigration and the choices that make or break senior politicians, he is going to have to decide what that is and tell it clearly.

Cabinet disasters always bring opportunities and the other beneficiary is Michael Gove. The Environment Secretary has supported Javids rise (though he also had his eye on the Home Secretarys chair). He has made himself indispensable to May by dialling down the more shrill elements of his Brexit-ery and focusing energies on how to get the battered Conservative fighting machine through this weeks doubtlessly awful local election results  and gearing up for 2020.

Remove two immediate contenders for the Tory crown  Ruth Davidson, clearly intent on a long game, and Rudd  and the number of credible successors is dwindling fast. (A side-effect is that the immediate Conservative future is highly unlikely to be female-led after May.)

Meanwhile, a bedraggled party is holding out for its Marvel hero. Javid is not just Home Secretary; he is the new recruit to the ranks of desperate hope, with all the baggage that brings.Vanessa Kingori never thought she could be the publisher of Vogue, although Im embarrassed to say that now. A black immigrant born in Kenya, raised in St Kitts, Id never seen someone who looked like me running the commercial side. Not only that, in the magazines 102-year history no previous publisher has been female.

It was Edward Enninful, Vogues new and first male editor, who drew her attention to this. He said, Congratulations youre the first ever woman to do this. I thought, I cant be.

At the time Kingori was publisher at GQ. As a mark of how little changed at Conde Nast (the parent company), the newest staff member in her office had been there seven years. Then: revolution. Vogues editor Alexandra Shulman retired after 25 years, Stephen Quinn, the publisher, after 26, and Nicholas Coleridge, the president of CondeNast, after 28 years. Following them out of the revolving doors of Vogue House in Hanover Square were deputies, directors, section editors, assistants and multiple bag-carriers. One can only imagine them, gloved and in sunglasses, leaving a trail of coloured feathers.

For the past 10 months, Enninful and his new team have been building from scratch. A new-era Vogue to respond to shrinking magazine sales, dwindling advertising revenue and an explosion in online and social media. Good luck! might have been the departing cry from their predecessors.

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Until now, both Enninful and Kingori been quiet. Kingori says they wanted the figures to speak before they did.

Total sales are up 7.5 per cent since Edwards first issue and UK newsstands sales have also increased. Total advertising revenue is up too, fuelled by a 26 per cent increase in digital advertising, and the company reports a 1,033 per cent increase in events and special projects revenue.

Vanessa Kingori and Edward Enninful / Getty Images

Today she allows herself a short smile while stressing they are only at the beginning. We have a lot more to do.

We meet in Vogue House boardroom, deco windows flung open to let in the sultry air. Shes 5ft 11in without heels, so probably six foot today in her Christian Louboutins. Shes towering, a machine, she jokes, who needs the power of food. Later she tells me how, as a young model appearing in a Vivienne Westwood retrospective at the V&A, she skipped lunch in sheer excitement at appearing in front of people like Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, got halfway down the runway in her corset and fainted. When I came round Mick Hucknall was standing over me.

Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman on the front cover of Vogue Feb 2018 (Vogue ) / Vogue

Among her coups at the company so far are persuading a number of megabrands to return  including Nike  as well as bringing in first-timers such as super cool Palace Skate and a sponsorship with Pinterest.

Amazing though it may sound, Louboutin had never advertised in Vogue (or anywhere) so Kingori persuaded him to do a project around his nudes  he has a range for 30 skin tones  to chime with Vogues drive for inclusion.

Although she wears it lightly, Kingori sees her role as political. She describes herself as a child of the Windrush (her mother came to the UK from St Kitts as a nurse aged 17, met her Kenyan father in London, and returned to London when Kingori and her sister were seven and nine).

And one thing was always clear: new era Vogue was about diversity and new frontiers. Enninfuls first cover featured Adwoa Aboah, a mixed-race London model, and the current cover features Halima Aden, the first hijab-wearing model to be used on a cover, as well as nine others from different ethnic backgrounds.

Other magazines have followed, but Kingori is wary. We see this amazing trend to have more diverse faces on covers  and the power of the image is important  but it is only stage one.

Kingori believes in true change: True change from within that is reflected out. So, she asks, whats going on behind the scenes? Are these workplaces diverse? Could we look at what the narrative is  who is writing the narrative? So its not just about the perception of diversity.

Vanessa Kingori attends the Black Magic Awards at Hackney Empire / Getty Images

She is quick to point out that diversity is not just about race. Its about diversity of perspective, which is also about class. (This was briefly a raw nerve: in the post-Shulman exodus, there were unattributed quotes saying the new regime was wiping out posh girls).

But its also about age. Februarys cover with Nicole Kidman was described by one paper as disappointing. Kingori doesnt hide her annoyance. People said, why is there a white woman on the cover when [Enninful] said thered be lots of diversity? We thought, There is! Nicole Kidman is 50! Its not often that you see a woman of 50 as a cover star.

Equally, she says, there were those who criticised Enninfuls appointment of Venetia Scott as fashion director. They said, Oh my God, isnt she old? They thought wed only have kids from Hoxton with blue hair.

Scott is amazing, because she has so many experiences to draw on, anything thats thrown at her shell know what to do. Younger stars might be drawing on newer experiences and trends that you and I dont know about. But the combination is stronger than one or the other. Edward said, This is diversity.

This is what she loves about him. He doesnt mind sticking his neck out, saying, Not everyone will get it but for those who do, its going to mean a lot.

They are friends. Now they work together, travel together, spend hours on the phone. Enninful is hilarious. There is an Edward fan in reception every day and last week an entire trolley of flowers arrived as an expression of thanks from a fan who finds new Vogue makes me feel better about myself.

When I ask about reports of his emotional outbursts  he is said to have cried because he was stuck in Milan when Anna Wintour arrived at London Fashion Week with the Queen  she looks sceptical: Ive never seen him cry.

The Queen attends London Fashion Week AW18 1 /18 The Queen attends London Fashion Week AW18 February 20, 2018 The Queen sits front row next to Anna Wintour to watch Richard Quinn's AW18 show PA February 20, 2018 The Queen sits front row next to Anna Wintour to watch Richard Quinn's AW18 show PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 The Queen sits front row next to Anna Wintour to watch Richard Quinn's AW18 show PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 The Queen sits front row next to Anna Wintour to watch Richard Quinn's AW18 show PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 The Queen sits front row next to Anna Wintour to watch Richard Quinn's AW18 show PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 The Queen sits front row next to Anna Wintour to watch Richard Quinn's AW18 show PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 The Queen sits front row next to Anna Wintour to watch Richard Quinn's AW18 show PA February 20, 2018 The Queen sits front row next to Anna Wintour to watch Richard Quinn's AW18 show PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth II presents the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Richard Quinn PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth II presents the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Richard Quinn PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth II presents the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Richard Quinn PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth look around the showrooms with BFC's chief executive Caroline Rush PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth look around the showrooms with BFC's chief executive Caroline Rush PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth II talks to milliner Harvy Santos as she visits London Fashion Week PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth II talks to milliner Harvy Santos as she visits London Fashion Week PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth II talks to milliner Harvy Santos as she visits London Fashion Week PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth look around the showrooms with BFC's chief executive Caroline Rush PA Wire/PA Images February 20, 2018 Queen Elizabeth look around the showrooms with BFC's chief executive Caroline Rush PA Wire/PA Images

But he is instinctive, she says, with a clear vision: Hes someone who says, I know that is going to work. This may come across as emotional. But nine times out of 10 when hes taken those decisions and some of us might have thought, I dont get that, hes been right.

One model he has featured heavily is Naomi Campbell. In some respects he has reinvented her. While still hugely successful, Campbell had a sketchy reputation  not least because of a string of assaults against various assistants, housekeepers and airline staff. She was also notoriously late  sometimes days late  for shoots.

Enninful decided his passionate, opinionated friend should do interviews for Vogue. He dispatched Campbell to see Sadiq Khan. Kingori says the Mayors office cautiously enquired whether theyd need to schedule extra time.Kingori knows Sadiq: she sits on his Brexit advisory panel and is a huge fan. If I am being honest, she says, I thought, Are they going to have anything in common?

Not only was Campbell on time, the interview was well received. Shortly afterwards, she interviewed Apples designer Sir Jony Ive. More are in the pipeline. The idea of working for Vogue is something Naomi takes seriously. Does she arrive on time? Shes early. Seriously? They were all stunned.

In preparation for a film and fashion party earlier in the year, Campbell accompanied Kingori on recces of venues, had conversations about lighting and guest lists. Everyone in the office was terrified. One assistant sent this lovely note to say: Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be in an office with the lady publisher of Vogue, the male editor of Vogue and Naomi Campbell.

Inevitably, conversation turns to Meghan Markle, another symbol of change and progress, and then to Kingoris sister Patricia, an academic working at Oxford University who has mixed-race children. Kingori volunteers that she is sometimes confused for their nanny. Her son is fair and people are constantly saying to her Oh youve got a great job with him. Hes so lovely.

Meghan Markle: The Duchess of Sussex - style file 1 /110 Meghan Markle: The Duchess of Sussex - style file October 25, 2018 Meghan Markle in Nadi, Fiji on October 25, 2018 Getty Images May 8, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son PA June 8, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Trooping of the Colour PA November 11, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex wore a 1,500 Stella McCartney coat at the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial Getty Images March 2021 Harpo Productions January 07, 2020 The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Visit Canada House, where the Duchess wore a Massimo Dutti slip skirt in an all-brown outfit Getty Images November 9, 2019 Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, arrived in bespoke Erdem Getty Images November 7, 2019 Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex at The Fields of Remembrance in Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn October 25, 2019 Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle Jeremy Selwyn October 22, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the One Young World Summit Opening Ceremony at Royal Albert Hall Getty Images October 2, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits a township with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex to learn about Youth Employment Services Getty Images October 1, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex visiting Action Aid, a gender based violence education club in Johannesbur PA October 1, 2019 Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrives to meet academics and students during a roundtable discussion on female access to higher education with the Association of Commonwealth Universities, at the University of Johannesburg Reuters September 25, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits Woodstock Exchange, a women founders/social entrepreneurs event during her royal tour of South Africa with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Getty Images September 25, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex along with their son Archie meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mrs Tutu at their legacy foundation in Cape Town PA September 24, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits Waves for Change, an NGO supporting local surf mentors to provide mental health services to vulnerable young people living in under resourced communities, with Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (not pictured) at Monwabisi Beach, in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters September 24, 2019 Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, attends a reception for young people, community and civil society leaders at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Cape Town, South Afric Reuters September 23, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, visit Nyanga township, on the first day of their African tour in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters September 12, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives to launch the Smart Works capsule collection Getty Images September 07, 2019 Meghan (R), Duchess of Sussex attends the Women's Singles final match between Serena Williams of the United States and Bianca Andreescu of Canada on day thirteen of the 2019 US Open Getty Images July 7, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the christening of their son Archie Chris Allerton July 4, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex at Wimbledon Championships PA June 29, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox baseball game PA March 11, 2019 At a Commonwealth Day Youth Event Getty Images March 11, 2019 At the Commonwealth Service Getty Images March 8, 2019 Attending the Queen's Commonwealth Trust Getty Images March 5, 2019 At the fiftieth anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales Getty Images February 25, 2019 At a reception with King Mohammed VI of Morocco Getty Images February 24, 2019 At a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Morocco Getty Images February 23, 2019 At Casablanca Airport in Morocco Getty Images January 30, 2019 At the National Theatre Getty Images January 16, 2019 At Cirque du Soleil Getty Images January 16, 2019 During a visit to the Mayhew Getty Images January 14, 2019 During a visit to Birkenhead Town Hall Getty Images December 25, 2018 At the Christmas Day Church service Getty Images December 10, 2018 At the British Fashion Awards Getty Images October 26, 2018 At the Australian Geographic Society Awards Getty Images October 25, 2018 Meghan and Prince Harry attend a state dinner in Tonga Getty Images October 23, 2018 Meghan and Harry in Fiji Getty Images October 28, 2018 Meghan and Harry attending an evening reception at Government House in Wellington Getty Images October 27, 2018 At the Invictus Games Sydney Getty Images October 23, 2018 Attending a state dinner in Fiji Getty Images October 24, 2018 Meghan visits the University of the South Pacific Getty Images October 19, 2018 Meghan and Harry visit Bondi Beach Getty Images October 16, 2018 On the couple's royal tour of Sydney Getty Images October 12, 2018 At the wedding of Princess Eugenie of York to Jack Brooksbank Getty Images July 11, 2018 Visiting Croke Park, Ireland Getty Images July 10, 2018 During a royal tour of Ireland PA July 10, 2018 At the RAF centenary service PA July 9, 2018 At the christening of Prince Louis PA July 5, 2018 At Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception Getty Images June 26, 2018 At the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony Getty Images June 19, 2018 At day one of Royal Ascot Getty Images June 14, 2018 During her first engagement to Cheshire with Her Majesty The Queen Getty Images May 22, 2018 At The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration wearing the Goat Flavia Dress Getty Images May 19, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend an evening reception at their wedding Getty Images April 23, 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at a memorial service at St Martin-in-the-Fields PA April 21, 2018 The couple attend a reception for Invictus Games at Australia House AFP/Getty Images April 21, 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Royal Albert Hall to attend a star-studded concert to celebrate the Queen's 92nd birthday Getty Images April 19, 2018 At a Women's Empowerment reception at the Royal Aeronautical Society Getty Images April 18, 2018 At a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre Getty Images April 6, 2018 At the team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the University of Bath Sports Training Village in Bath Reuters March 23, 2018 Visiting the Titanic Belfast Getty March 23, 2018 Attending an event to mark the second year of youth-led peace-building initiative Amazing the Space PA March 12, 2018 At a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey AFP/Getty Images March 8, 2018 At an International Women's Day event at Millennium Point in Birmingham PA March 8, 2018 At an International Women's Day event at Millennium Point in Birmingham PA February 13, 2018 At Edinburgh Castle, during a visit to Scotland AFP/Getty Images February 13, 2018 With Prince Harry during their visit to Scotland AFP/Getty Images February 1, 2018 Attending the Endeavour Fund Awards ceremony Getty Images January 18, 2018 At Cardiff Castle during a visit to Wales Getty Images January 9, 2018 Arriving to visit Reprezent Radio AFP/Getty Images December 25, 2017 At the royals Christmas Day Church service Getty Images December 1, 2017 On an official visit to Nottingham with Prince Harry Getty Images November 27, 2017 With Prince Harry at the official photocall to announce the engagement Getty Images September 25, 2017 With Prince Harry at a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games Getty Images September 23, 2017 At the Opening Ceremony of the 2017 Invictus Games PA July 14, 2016 At the 'Today' show in New York MediaPunch/Rex Features May 20, 2016 At the pARTy! - celebrating 25 years of P.S. ARTS Getty Images April 27, 2016 At Glamour's Women Of The Year awards in New York Getty Images March 17, 2016 At AOL Build Speaker Series Startraks Photo/Rex Features November 2, 2015 At the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards Getty Images June 24, 2015 At NBC Universal Summer Press day MediaPunch/Rex Features May 14, 2015 At the 2015 NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Upfront Getty Images March 10, 2015 At the Step It Up For Gender Equality event Getty Images February 13, 2015 On her way to MADE Fashion Week Rex Features February 13, 2015 At the Wes Gordon runway show during MADE Fashion Week Getty Images October 28, 2014 At the Elton John AIDS Foundation gala Getty Images October 1, 2014 At RELAIS & CHATEAUX 60th Anniversary Guest Chef Dinner Launch Getty Images September 5, 2014 At an exclusive preview of the Marchesa Voyage for ShopStyle collection Getty Images February 8, 2014 At the Herve Leger By Max Azria fashion show during New York Fashion Week Getty Images January 22, 2014 At ELLE's Annual Women in Television Celebration Getty Images November 19, 2013 At the London Global Gift Gala at ME Hotel Getty Images November 11, 2013 At the world premier of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' in Leicester Square AFP/Getty Images October 2, 2013 At the Gala Tribute for Cate Blanchett during the 51st New York Film Festival Getty Images September 11, 2013 At the Annual Charity Day Hosted By Cantor Fitzgerald And BGC Getty Images September 10, 2013 At the Novak Djokovic Foundation New York dinner Getty Images September 10, 2013 At the Tory Burch fashion show during New York Fashion Week Getty Images September 8, 2013 At the Tracy Reese show during New York Fashion Week MediaPunch/Rex Features September 7, 2013 At the Herve Leger By Max Azria fashion show during New York Fashion Week Getty Images June 16, 2013 At the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards Getty Images May 16, 2013 At the USA Network 2013 Upfront Event Getty Images January 26, 2013 At the Entertainment Weekly Pre-SAG party Getty Images January 24, 2013 At the ELLE's Women in Television Celebration Getty Images January 13, 2013 At NBC Universal's 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards after party Getty Images September 11, 2012 At the FINCA Canada Fundraiser At TIFF 2012 during the Toronto International Film Festival Getty Images September 5, 2012 At the Rising Stars: 2012 Producers Ball during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival Getty Images February 15, 2012 At the USA Network's and The Moth's Storytelling Tour Getty Images August 26, 2010 At the Some Kind-a Gorgeous Style and Beauty Lounge at the Chateau Marmont Getty Images September 18, 2009 At the DPA pre-Emmy Gift Lounge at the Peninsula Hotel Getty Images

Worse, Patricia was held at a British airport because the border police would not believe she was her childs mother. They took her into a room and were asking her son questions like, Do you know this woman? And he was so confused, and quite pressured and scared and he started floundering, so they held them for quite a long time. Luckily her husband is a barrister so it was pretty quickly sorted out.

She was the only black girl in her class at an all-girls convent in Twickenham. But it didnt bother me. I owe my parents a lot. I wasnt afraid of change.

Far more than any racism, she remembers that the headmistress, Sister Brenda, would make them kneel if she passed them in the corridor, and if your skirt didnt touch the floor when you did youd be in detention.

Her mother hated her modelling  She wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer  but she enjoyed working for Vivienne Westwood who told the girls have your own thoughts!, encouraging them to tell her what they really thought of her clothes. Shed say, Do you hate this? Even I dont think I like it.T he weather may be a bit iffy, but spring has officially sprung.

And what better time to celebrate the long (hopefully sunny) days that stretch out in front of us than on the first day of May, otherwise known as May Day.

Countless countries around the world celebrate May Day in their own different ways, but in good old England, the day is a colourful celebration complete with Maypoles and Morris dancing.

Heres everything you need to know about May Day:

What is May Day?

For many people, May Day is used as an occasion to welcome Spring however its roots date far back.

Around the world it has traditionally been observed for different reasons.

The first known May Day took place during the Roman Republic era but it came to be associated with pagans who used the day to welcome summer with bonfires and celebrations.

In Germanic countries, people celebrated Walpurgis Night to mark halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.

Later in the 19th century, May Day was combined with International Workers Day, or Labour Day, when labourers protested for an eight-hour working day.

What are the traditions associated with it?

The maypole in England is perhaps the most famous association with May Day. Thought to have been invented by the Pagans, people would cut down young trees and place them in the ground to mark the coming of summer and then dance around them.

People will often dress up as the May Queen who is thought to represent spring and its likely Morris dancers will perform. Why? Because its a traditional type of English dancing used to celebrate occasions.

Is May Day a Bank Holiday?

May 1 is not a public holiday unless it falls on a Monday.

Therefore, because May Day is on Wednesday this year, the May bank holiday will fall on Monday 6 March.

Launched by Liberal politician and banker Sir John Lubbock in 1871, bank holidays or public holidays were introduced as a way of giving workers respite.

Things to do in London this bank holiday weekend 1 /10 Things to do in London this bank holiday weekend Pergola Paddington re-opening Paddingtons Instagrammable open-air terrace is back for 2019, just in time for the first May bank holiday. Four new vendors will be opening up at the al fresco hotspot this year: Babek Brothers will be serving up their signature kebabs and Honi Poke will offer customisable bowls, alongside Smash Patty  a new burger joint from the Patty & Bun team  while An Choi will boast dumplings and Asian small plates. Model Market On Friday, Model Market will return to the converted 1950s market just off Lewisham High Street for another year. The late night food spot will be open every Friday and Saturday from 5pm-1am until September. New traders setting up shop at the venue include GOAT (by Great British Menu star James Cochran), KraPow, Growlers, Secret Nickys, Phung Kay Vegan and Tucka Burger. They will join returning favourites Wandercrust and Rastawaala. LondonCats: International Show and Expo If you call yourself a cat-lover, this feline-fanatic show at Tobacco Dock is the purr-fect way to spend the long weekend. The furry extravaganza promises a variety of cat-themed stalls as well as appearances from celebrity cats, such Bob from James Bowens memoir A Streetcat Named Bob, and some Insta-famous moggies too. A cat competition will also be running with prizes for categories such as best kitten, best cat and best household pet. Helmi Flick Crafty Fox at Mercato Metropolitano Mercato Metropolitano will host Crafty Fox market this bank holiday. The monthly pitch-up is dedicated to emerging designer makers and artists and their handmade products and boasts all kinds of treats from original ceramics and candles to prints and artworks. The two-day event will also offer a variety of workshops, with card making and plant pot marbling on Saturday and an embroidery session on Sunday. Fertility Festival at Barbican Back for a third year, this festival is the only one entirely dedicated to reproduction and modern families. Fertility and infertility will be the main focus of the event and an eclectic line-up of visual arts, literature, workshops will take guests on a deep dive into the topics. Over the bank holiday weekend the festival will be putting on talks on egg freezing, solo motherhood as well as a discussion on whether a womans reproductive status has become public property. Great Hampstead Bark Off Dog lovers should descend on Hampstead Heath this weekend, for a celebrity-judged dog show for a great cause. The event will see hundreds of dogs (and their respective humans) enter into the competition  all to raise money for All Dogs Matter, a re-homing and rescue charity. The alternative dog-show categories include cutest pup, best child handler, golden oldies, best rescue, Miss Heath and Mr Heath. Elsewhere, aspiring bakers will be able to enter a dog-themed bake sale, which will be judged by author Felicity Cloake. TOAST Cultural Festival Lifestyle brand TOAST is set to host a three-day programme of workshops and activities in Islington this weekend. The festival will have hands-on activities for guests to try, including a botanical drawing class, a potting session and a weaving workshop led by ex-V&A textile resident Sue Lawty. Those looking for light refreshments will also find Taiwanese tea tasting with XU Teahouse as well as a canape and tablescape class with supper club host and author Alexandra Dudley. Alexandra Dudley Craig Charles' Funk and Soul Club at Brixton Jamm A bank holiday weekend is the best time for a big night out, with a whole extra day of recovery. Saturday night will see the actor, DJ and presenter Craig Charles bring the Funk and Soul Club to Brixton Jamm for a day-to-night party. Craig will play two sets  one on the terrace during the daytime and one in the club once the sun has gone down. Matt Cardy/Getty Images Night Tales Hackney haunt Night Tales is back with a bang this weekend, with a three-day bumper bank holiday special, to kick off the summer season. Music across the weekend will be covered by Tom Grainger on Thursday, followed by sets from Theo Kottis, Paramida, Nadia Ksaiba on Friday and Soul Clap and Sunshine Soul on Sunday. The east London sun terrace and beer garden will also be launching a new garden spritz bar, with sharing cocktails in punch bowls for groups to share. Nicky Kelvin Cinco de Mayo at Pop Brixton To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Pop Brixton will throw a Mexican extravaganza on Sunday night, featuring live music, female mariachis, DJs, traditional dance, food and themed decor. London-based dance group Mestizo Folklore will be taking to the stage for some traditional Mexican footwork, while pre-hispanic Mexican dance group Atlachinolli Aztec will explore different elements of Aztec culture through performance. DJs Coco Maria, Gypsy Box and Cal Jader will all take a turn behind the decks to ensure an almighty fiesta. Camille Mack

It was stated that on four days across the year, people shouldnt be expected to do what they wouldnt do on Christmas Day. Now, England has eight bank holidays across the year including Good Friday and Christmas Day and they differ in Ireland and Scotland.

The reason a bank holiday always falls on the first Monday of May is to specifically mark May Day.

Why are riots often associated with May Day?A City worker who posted fake images of an intern on porn websites after she spurned his advances has been jailed.

Davide Buccheri, 25, took photos from his victim's social media and uploaded them alongside pornographic pictures of other women.

He then told company bosses at investment management firm M&G, where they both worked, in an attempt to discredit her.

Buccheri was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison and ordered to pay his victim 5,000 in compensation after the seven-month campaign.

The London School of Economics graduate, of Bologna, Italy, was convicted of harassment at Westminster Magistrates' Court last Friday.

Passing sentence at the court on Tuesday, District Judge Richard Blake said: "I was sure that you, having been spurned by her in a very professional and gentle and understanding way, set about on a course of revenge against her.

"This was a young professional entering her career and was undoubtedly excited about making a step up, and has had all of these issues presented to her.

"This is a 21st century sort of revenge in that you invoked the powers of the internet and social media.

"She will live forevermore with the fear that someone will Google her name and some ghastly website will come up and she will be reminded of the offences that you invoked."

The court previously heard that Buccheri's campaign was waged between September 2016 and May 2017, when the victim was a university student.

The former City analyst was on a salary of 44,000 and even received a bonus of 60,000 in 2016.

But, since leaving the company, only child Buccheri has returned to Bologna to live with his parents, cannot find work, has lost contact with friends, and has been left with just 60 in his bank account.

The judge added: "I recognise that this is a tragedy for you. I still have in mind the image of your father at the back of the court. I am sure this is not the way your parents expected your future to go.

"You are a young man and you're clearly highly intelligent. The consequence of this is to destroy your career as it stood at the time of these events."

The court heard from a probation report how the Italian national was "besotted" with the victim and "framed in his mind a romantic attachment when he met her".

But this was rejected at an early stage, prompting Buccheri to attempt to pursue it further, which saw his repeated advances "met with rejection throughout".

Buccheri previously admitted being "romantically interested" but denied uploading the photos, saying he was only looking at them because he was concerned about the company's reputation.

Defending, Emily Baxter said: "It is clear he developed a complete infatuation with her.

"He did not have the social skills to know what to do with that or the thinking skills to assess the consequences of his actions, or the skills to deal with the rejection that he felt when she politely turned him down."T he father of an EastEnders star said today justice has been done after the solicitor who headbutted him during a 100 million High Court battle was kicked out of the legal profession.

Mohammad Ghadami, 64, was left with a broken nose when veteran lawyer Philip Saunders lunged at him on the first-floor landing of the Rolls Building at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The pair were caught on CCTV squaring up to each other and exchanging words before Mr Ghadami swung his briefcase at Saunders, 70, who retaliated by headbutting him.

Saunders, who was spared a prison sentence over the attack last March, apologised at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal yesterday, but was struck off.

Injuries: Mohammad Ghadami, far left, father of EastEnders star Davood suffered a broken nose in the attack / COLLECT

Edward Nally, tribunal chairman, said the incident was clearly a personal tragedy for Saunders, but added: We have no alternative but to administer the ultimate sanction.

Philip Saunders

The context in which this occurred could not have been less appropriate  in the precincts of the Royal Courts of Justice. We cant see how a solicitor, albeit in a moment of madness, who perpetrated such a violent act, is able to remain on the Roll.

Mr Ghadami, a property developer whose son Davood plays Kush in the BBC soap, said: I hoped he would be suspended and not struck off, I dont want bad things for anyone. But regardless of my feelings, it shows that justice has been done and seen to be done.

He said he still suffered sleepless nights after the attack.

At the tribunal, Saunders blamed the attack on a complete loss of self-control and said: Im respected in my society and in my profession, Im deeply sorry. He claimed that Mr Ghadami had made a vile anti-Semitic slur during the heated exchange on April 7, 2016.

Davood Ghadami, who plays Kush in EastEnders

The two men have been on opposite sides of an acrimonious, long-running High Court battle over a land deal in which Mr Ghadami was claiming 100 million in damages.

On the day of the attack, the court session had ended when Mr Ghadami encountered Saunders on a landing. Mr Ghadami, from Harlow, Essex, was charged with a public order offence over the alleged anti-Semitic slur but the case was dropped after Saunders was convicted.

At trial, Saunders, from Maida Vale, said he had acted in self-defence but was convicted of actual bodily harm and given an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

At the tribunal, he admitted failing to uphold the rule of law and the proper administration of justice, and failing to maintain public trust and confidence in the profession. The panel found he had failed to act with integrity, which he denied.T he wife of a former captain of industry today praised the heroes who saved his life when he was allegedly pushed in front of a Tube train.

Sir Robert Malpas, 90, was left lying on the tracks at Marble Arch station as a train came towards him following the apparently unprovoked attack.

The former chairman of ICI and Eurotunnel was saved by Riyad El-Hassani, 24, who jumped down to haul him back on to the platform.

Another traveller alerted the train driver, while a third tackled the alleged suspect. Today Joan Malpas said her husband was recovering well in hospital after suffering cuts, bruises and two broken bones in his pelvis.

Lucky escape: Sir Robert Malpas was pulled off the tracks /  UPPA Ltd.

Lady Malpas told the Standard: He wants to personally thank everyone who helped him that day, they saved his life. There was the man who pulled him to safety, one who stopped the train and another who tackled the suspect. They were all heroes.

In fact, everyone on the platform was amazing. In the end good conquers all, and the way Londoners and everyone reacted was a credit to human nature.

Sir Robert had been at an ICI pensioners reunion in Marble Arch when the incident happened on Friday.

Casualty: Officers at the scene outside Marble Arch station on Friday / Twitter/@atifnadzir

He hopes to return to the familys Wandsworth home soon, Lady Malpas said, adding that the incident would not stop him using London Underground.

Mr El-Hassani, who works at the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair, said he threw Sir Robert back on to the platform like a sack of potatoes.

He added: I could see the train coming. I barely stopped to think.H undreds of anti-austerity campaigners will descend on the streets of London in protest over Brexit, the Grenfell Tower fire and the Windrush scandal as part of an annual May Day rally.

The event will coincide with a series of strikes around the country  including one by McDonalds workers over working conditions and pay.

It is part of a global International Workers Day in support of employees' rights, human rights and against capitalism, with protests planned across the globe.

Campaigners in the capital will march from Clerkenwell Green to Trafalgar Square.

Protesters will be joined in central London by a series of speakers from British trade unions.

Demonstration: Thousands march to Trafalgar Square to celebrate workers' achievements in 2017 / Anthony Devlin/PA

Organisers said that this years event will be focussing on racism in society, following recent events surrounding the Windrush scandal and immigration.

The event will also consider how to protect the rights of workers following Brexit.

They have also stated that they will be campaigning over issues related to social housing and healthcare.

John McDonnell speaks at a May Day rally in Trafalgar Square

We have seen what unfettered private greed leads to with Grenfell and in the corridors of our hospitals, they wrote.

We fight for a better world based on class justice. We want an end to the society that pours massive riches on the top fatcats whilst cutting our pay and social benefits.

After Brexit we have to fight for our employment and social rights.

We also have to expose the continuing racist attitudes that have most recently been shown up by the treatment of the Windrush generation.

Gallery: May Day around the world 1 /6 Gallery: May Day around the world May Day Russia.jpg Moscow, Russia: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attends the May Labour Day rally of the Russian Trade Unions and United Russia party. May Day Taiwan.jpg Taipei, Taiwan: Students demanding a freeze in tuition increases along side thousands of anti-government protesters demanding higher wages and better treatment during a May Day march. May Day Wiltshire.jpg Wiltshire, UK: Painted faces look on as dancers weave around the maypole at Avebury Stone Circle, where Pagans turned out to celebrate Beltane as the sun rises behind cloudy skies. May Day Berlin.jpg Berlin, Germany: Demonstrators use a trolley during a protest against the rising rents and housing policy. May Day Oxford.jpg Oxford, UK: Two rain soaked women leaving May Day celebrations on Magdalen Bridge. May Day Philli.jpg New York, USA: Occupy Wall Street protesters gather in the Financial District.

The event will be held in memory of Mehmet Aksoy who was killed in Syria whilst filming with Kurdish fighters.D octors and MPs have lashed out at Theresa May after it emerged that she vetoed Cabinet pleas for more doctors from overseas to fill empty NHS posts.

At least three government departments lobbied for a relaxation of visa rules to let in desperately needed doctors, the Evening Standard revealed on Tuesday.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and former Home Secretary Amber Rudd are understood to be among those urging No 10 to lift the quota for special cases such as NHS doctors.

Mrs May has absolutely refused to budge, according to a Whitehall source.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits the Oxley Group in Ulverston, April 30 / REUTERS

Dr Peter Swinyard, chairman of the Family Doctor Association, told the Standard: Its really completely and utterly crazy. We are desperately short of qualified doctors to work in this country.

Hospitals are desperate for them to come, patients need them. To have a bureaucratic block to them coming, I cannot understand it.

We owe a debt to doctors from the subcontinent, they came here in the 1960s when we were in need and we need them again.

If they want to work here we should let them. Patients need doctors, they cannot be substituted for someone who doesnt have a medical qualification."

Amber Rudd was reportedly among those urging Theresa May to lift the quota (Photo Leon Neal/Getty Images) / Getty Images

When we have got a willing work force coming and we are saying go away, its cutting your nose to spite your face," Dr Swinyard added.

I understand we need to control immigration but that refers to unskilled workers who want to come here to benefit without contribution.

After the news emerged, NHS Million tweeted: The NHS is not in safe hands with the current government. In fact it feels like they are actively trying to destroy it.

Rachael Clarke, a palliative care doctor, wrote: Utterly unbelievable. We are short of 10k NHS doctors.

Is @theresa_may SO obsessed with her immigrant crackdown shes happy to deny visas to hundreds of them? When we have patients literally dying on trolleys in corridors?

Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott wrote on Twitter: This is where Theresa May's hostile environment leads. And will continue until the policy is scrapped.

Labour MP Chukka Umunna said: At a time when the NHS is losing a record number of doctors and nurses from the European Economic Area due to the Brexit vote, this is scandalous.

Jonathan Ashworth, also a Labour MP, added: Theresa Mays hostile environment and its impact on the NHS.

"We have 100,000 vacancies in our NHS yet Theresa May refuses to allow the very best international doctors to come here to care for our sick.

Sunder Katwala, of think tank British Future, tweeted: Refusing the NHS visas for doctors is in the national interest says Number 10, while preferring not to actively confirm that the Prime Minister vetoed the Home Secretary and Health Secretary's view that it really isn't!

The issue erupted last week when several NHS trusts went public about fears that patient safety was being put at risk by doctor shortages.

The NHS confederation said seven London trusts had reported that 53 doctors had been denied visas.

More than 30 health trusts in the north west have written to the Government demanding that around 100 junior doctors from India be allowed to work in their hospitals and health centres.

However non-EU visas are limited in supply under Mrs Mays policy of attempting to reduce net immigration to the tens of thousands.

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said he had heard of 400 cases of blocked visas.

He said in a statement on Friday: NHS organisations have been unable to obtain the required permits for months for essential medical colleagues, and we have called on the government to urgently address this serious problem.

We are aware of at least 400 doctors who havent been able to enter the country to take up posts.

"This prolonged inability to recruit non-EEA talent hits us particularly hard  and therefore hits patients hard too.

The Prime Ministers spokesman said the visa system was being monitored.The President was set to decide whether exemptions on steel and aluminium tariffs would continue for the European Union and US allies after a self-imposed deadline passed on May 1.

The White House announced a delay on the decision for 30 days for exports from EU countries, Canada and Mexico, while an agreement was reached in principle with South Korea and Argentina, Australia and Brazil.

The Department for International Trade called the temporary exemption "positive" and said it would continue to work towards making it permanent.

British manufacturers and unions have spoken out about the potential damage tariffs could cause for UK firms and jobs since the 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent tariff on aluminium were first mooted by Mr Trump in March.

Donald Trump slates new US Embassy's London site

A government spokesperson said: "It is positive that the UK has been granted a further exemption to these tariffs.

"We will continue to work closely with our EU partners and the US government to achieve a permanent exemption, ensuring our important steel and aluminium industries are safeguarded.

"We remain concerned about the impact of these tariffs on global trade and will continue to work with the EU on a multilateral solution to the global problem of overcapacity, as well as to manage the impact on domestic markets."

In introducing the tariffs, Mr Trump said his country's industries had been "decimated by decades of unfair trade and bad policy with countries from around the world", adding that trade wars were "good... and easy to win".

Three weeks later, the White House announced temporary exemptions for the EU while negotiations continued.

In the run-up to the May 1 deadline, the UK was engaged in last-ditch efforts to prevent the tariffs from being introduced.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said placing the tariff on UK exports would be "illogical" because some of the specialist products sold to the US are destined for the American military.

Dr Fox was due to hold talks with US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross in an effort to secure a continued exemption for the UK.

At an event in the Palace of Westminster on Monday evening, Dr Fox told reporters: "We believe that while it is understandable why the United States is concerned about Chinese overproduction of commodities such as steel, we think that the best way to deal with it is a multinational framework."

The US approach - claiming it is a "national security" issue - is "inappropriate for dealing with this particular problem", he said.

"In any case, from the UK's point of view, we don't export a lot of steel to the US but what we do export is often high end and some of it goes directly into American military programmes," he added.

"So to put a tariff on the UK on the basis that it is a threat to American national security, when in fact we are actually contributing steel to America's national security would seem, at best, illogical."S ome foreign fighters returning from the conflict in Syria might need to be tried partly in secret to help bring them to justice, Britains terror watchdog has warned.

Max Hill QC said he would not want a proliferation of such trials because of the clash with the principles of open justice.

But he added that following the countrys first secret terror trial three years ago  in which a man suspected of plotting to kill Tony Blair was prosecuted  further part-closed prosecutions might be needed.

They would be for cases where there was heavyweight intelligence but limited evidence of offending overseas.

His comments, in an interview in Germany, highlight the potential challenge faced by British authorities in dealing with the dozens of Islamic State fighters who have yet to return to this country.

Ministers are seeking to ensure that the most notorious  the so-called IS Beatles, Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh  are tried overseas and stripped of their citizenship in a bid to prevent their return.

However dozens of others will be legally entitled to come back. Mr Hill said he expected that the vast majority of these returnees would need to be prosecuted. But to achieve this, he warned, in some cases there might need to be a repeat of the measures used in the landmark trial of Turkish-born London law student Erol Incedal.

At the Old Bailey in 2015 Incedal, 27, was convicted of possessing a bomb-making manual, after a prosecution held largely in secret. During it he was also accused, but cleared, of plotting with an extremist in Syria to kill Tony Blair or carry out a Mumbai-style attack.

Mr Hill said: We do have one recent precedent case for part-closed proceedings in a criminal court, and therefore there may be an argument that with certain returning fighters yet to come, where there is heavyweight intelligence but a lack of evidence, you could make the case for another Incedal-style criminal charge.

He added that there was also likely to be more use of Tpim terrorism investigation and prevention measures to deal with the real phenomenon of returning foreign fighters against whom there was only intelligence not evidence of offending. Tpims are orders placed on terror suspects to monitor them and restrict their movement  such as use of electronic tags, curfews and restriction on travel.

Mr Hill also repeated his previous suggestion that some people, such as radicalised teenagers or schoolgirls might be dealt with by other options rather than court action. But in the vast majority of cases returning foreign fighters will be prosecuted even though weve not yet seen, to its full extent, the return of those who left after the declaration of the [IS] caliphate.

He also used his interview to call for longer maximum sentences to deal with radicalisers such as Anjem Choudary. He suggested that the current maximum sentence available for some offences  such as inviting support for terrorism, which was used to convict extremist preacher Choudary in 2016  should be increased to reflect the true harm such individuals caused.

To find that an individual as significant as that is sentenced to no more than five and a half years suggests it is time for the discretionary maximum to increase, he said.T housands of voters head for the polling station today to vote in the local elections.

There are 4,370 seats up for grabs across 150 councils - across all 32 London boroughs.

As things stand, Labour holds overall control of 20 out of 32 boroughs in the capital.

But there are predictions that they could seize key seats from the Tories - or come close.

Local elections: All you need to know

Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are trying to win back the local authorities of their former stomping grounds whilst holding onto their only council in Sutton.

Vote: Theresa May faces her biggest electoral test since last year's general election / PA

So where are the key battlegrounds in London?

Barnet

The north London borough is a former Tory stronghold, but the party recently lost its majority after councillor Sury Khatri stepped down after eight years.

After the 2014 election, the Tories had a majority of 32 seats to Labours 30 (the Lib Dems had one) and, following Mr Khatris resignation after being deselected by his party, that has been thrown into disarray.

Barnet - in brief Held by Tories since 1964 - minus a period of no overall control from 1994 to 2002 Current seats:Tory, 31, Labour, 30, Ind, 1, Lib Dem, 1

In addition Labour candidates have used frustration over the councils outsourcing of services  gaining it the nickname the easy council  to appeal to voters wanting to protect jobs and improve child services.

The area is, however, home to a huge proportion of Londons Jewish community who may be influenced by the anti-Semitism row within the Labour party.

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Wandsworth

Another Tory stomping ground  favoured by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and held by the party for 40 years.

Wandsworth - in brief Held by Tories since 1978 Current seats: Tory, 39, Labour, 19, Ind, 1, Renew, 1

Many residents who enjoy efficient council services and low tax rates may have become disenchanted with the Government following the Brexit referendum, in which most of them voted to remain.

In the borough, Tory candidates are canvassing on local issues, such as bins, clean streets and no council tax hikes, in an attempt to detract from discontent over national policies.

It would be a huge victory for the Labour party if it managed to prize the borough from its opponents hands. Labour would need big swings to take back control and an increase in Labour councillors is a more likely outcome.

An unknown factor in Wandsworth will be the impact of new anti-Brexit party Renew, which is attempting to woo the Europhile voters.

Some, however, have pointed to Labours win of the Battersea parliamentary seat in last years election as an inkling of what could be to come.

Westminster City

Westminster has been Tory-run since it was created and the Labour party are the self-declared underdogs of the borough.

But the fact that there is even mention of a Labour success in the area is a sign of how potentially devastating the London election results could be for the Tories.

Westminster - in brief Held by Tories since it was created in 1963 Current seats: Tory, 45, Labour, 15

In the 2014 borough election Tories won a 44-16 victory against Labour but the latter made some gains outside of its traditional strongholds and during the 2016 election for London Mayor it closed the gap in more wards.

Following this, there was the Brexit vote and a general election last year, which saw Labours Karen Buck boost her majority in Westminster North, while Conservative Mark Fields majority in Cities of London and Westminster slumped.

The Labour party would, again, need to win huge numbers of votes but is pushing hard on the issues of social housing and the number of EU migrants living in the borough.

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Kensington and Chelsea

K&C is another, like Westminster, that would normally be an easy Tory success.

Kensington and Chelsea - in brief Held by Tories since 1964 Current seats: Tory, 37, Labour, 11, Lib Dem, 2

Following the Grenfell Tower fire, more than a third of the partys councillors are standing down  some of whom were in charge when the tragedy happened.

This clearly weakens the Tory party in an area which already showed signs of become more Labour-minded following the partys success in the general election.

Others argue the mass resignation could be a chance for the Tories to wipe the slate clean and point out that Labour would need a huge swing to win a majority.

Sutton

The only Lib Dem borough  Sutton  is one that the Tories have their eye on, particularly amid public outcry over bin collections and refuse services.

Sutton - in brief Held by Lib Dems since 1986 Current seats: Lib Dems, 43, Tory, 8, Ind, 2

The council has been Liberal controlled since 1986 and is still dominated by the party, which has 43 councillors compared to eight Tories and two independents.

But the Tories came close to seizing the Parliamentary seat of Carshalton and Wallington last year. This, combined with the partys victory over former Lib Dem minister Paul Burstow in for Sutton and Cheam in 2015 has been a cause for optimism among the Tories.

Richmond and Kingston councils

Richmond will be another interesting vote this year after the Lib Dems, who once saw the borough as its flagship council, lost control in 2010.

In the general election, Tory Zac Goldsmith won back his seat off the party by just 45 votes.

The party will also be seeking to regain control of Kingston council from the Tories and have been encouraging EU nationals  who could not vote in the referendum  to vote on Thursday.S adiq Khan was today urged to help disabled people find jobs as a report warned of a huge loss of potential to Londons economy.

Research by the Social Market Foundation found nearly a third of London boroughs saw the gap between non-disabled adults in work and disabled adults in work increase since 2005.

It discovered that the disability employment gap in London was 38.5 per cent. It is higher for those with mental health problems  47.5 per cent.

The gap is the difference between the employment rate for the non-disabled population (85 per cent) and for disabled people (46.5 per cent).

The report found 12 boroughs where the gap widened between 2005 and 2015. It singled out four with an acute difference: Hillingdon (50.86), Bromley (49.34), Croydon (43.2) and Sutton (38.28). Report author Matthew Oakley, a former economic adviser to the Treasury, urged the Mayor to create a disability employment taskforce, with targets to get more disabled people into jobs.

Disabled employment rates are still really, really low even in areas performing well, he said. Thats a huge loss of potential to the economy. He said the gap for people with mental health problems was pretty concerning. He praised the Mayors work with employers through the Good Work Standard. It was not clear why some boroughs had seen the gap widen, he added.

The lowest disability gaps in London were in Richmond, (19 per cent) Lewisham (20) and Merton (30).

About 370,000 disabled Londoners are out of work. The Social Market Foundation suggests Mr Khan should use cash from the UKs Shared Prosperity Fund to set up projects to get people into work. This stream is intended to replace European Structural Investment Funds after Britain leaves the EU.

Nationally, the disability employment gap was 41.5 per cent. The think tank suggests the Government should set up a 1 billion fund to help those on Employment and Support Allowance.

City Hall cited the Mayors economic development strategy, Good Work Standard, and soon-to-be-unveiled equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, as examples of action.H es really impressive. Who is he? said my non-political partner after watching Sajid Javid, the new Home Secretary, at the Despatch Box yesterday. I explained that only six hours before, he had been appointed to a job that had seen his friend Amber Rudd fall on her sword the previous evening. Well, if he can do that after only a few hours, do you think he could be prime minister? came the retort. And thats the question on everyones lips in Westminster.

The first to congratulate Javid on his appointment was the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. He tweeted: I hope we can work together to tackle the tough challenges we face  from making sure our police have the resources they need, urgently dealing with the Windrush scandal, and putting an end to the hostile environment for migrants. Two years earlier it was Javid who was one of the first to congratulate Sadiq on his election as mayor, tweeting: From one son of a Pakistani bus driver to another, congratulations.

The two most powerful and influential British Asian politicians are now on the path to greater power. They are both seen as party leader material, and potential prime ministers. There are a lot of ifs to get through before that even becomes a possibility, but there is little doubt that both politicians have their eye on the top job. Get ready for the Sadiq & Saj show. Its the new double act in British politics.

On the surface, Khan and Javid have much in common. Their respective parents came here from Pakistan in the Sixties, they share a religious background and theyve made it good from humble beginnings. Theyve fulfilled the dreams that their parents must have had for them when they made the decision to emigrate, but there the similarities end.

Sadiq Khan with wife Saadiya / PA

Their politics and personalities couldnt be more different. Khan wears his heart on his sleeve, can be emotional and, on occasion, touchy-feely. Javid, on the other hand, is more formal and, some say, robotic. Cool, calm and collected, he finds public displays of emotion come less easily to him. One Tory MP said to me: Look in his eyes, and theres nothing there. Unkind, perhaps, but a weakness for any politician in a world where emoting in public is expected. Khan can take selfies with the best of them while, with Javid, what you see is what you get.

Sajid Javid appointed as Home Secretary

Politically, they are chalk and cheese. Javid is a proud Thatcherite and doesnt care who knows it. An expensive portrait of her hangs in his ministerial office. He rose quickly up the ministerial ranks, starting as PPS to the Chancellor only 18 months after being elected to the Commons in 2010.

''Their personalities couldnt be more different. Khan wears his heart on his sleeve, Javid is more formal

The Chancellor was impressed and Javid then spent two years as a Treasury Minister before David Cameron promoted him to the Cabinet in April 2014 as Culture Secretary. It was a stratospheric rise, but he was a square peg in a round hole. A year later he was promoted to the Business Department and seemed set for great things.

And then Brexit happened. To the consternation of everyone who knew him, Javid came out for Remain despite having been viewed as one of the leading Eurosceptics in the Cabinet. He justified it by declaring his loyalty to Cameron, saying he was worried about the effect of Brexit on British business.

Rather like Theresa May, he didnt play a huge part in the referendum campaign. With David Cameron gone and the Brexiteers in the ascendancy, Javid disappeared from the lists of future leadership contenders. In a bizarre alliance, he threw in his lot with Stephen Crabb in a brief leadership campaign that fizzled out as quickly as it had been glued together.

Sajid Javid in profile

If Javids rise was meteoric, Khans was anything but. Elected in 2005, he had to wait more than three years to be made a minister. He was a young man in a hurry, and only a few months after being elected he was knocking on the door of the Labour chief whip, Jacqui Smith, asking brazenly why he hadnt been made a minister.

In 2008 he started his rise up the ranks, which culminated in attending the Cabinet as Minister of State for Transport. He became the first Muslim to sit round the Cabinet table.

Unlike Javid, Khan is hard to pigeonhole politically. He does not suffer from ideological certainty and is known for being politically rather flexible. His flip-flopping on supporting (or not) a third runway at Heathrow has become the stuff of legend. But he also has a talent to sniff which way the political wind is blowing. He was the first to spot Ed Milibands potential to become Labour leader in 2010 and ended up running his campaign. His political acuity also led him to run for the Labour nomination to be London mayor, seeing off Tessa Jowell and David Lammy in the process, in a contest which became increasingly bitter.

Sadiq Khan: UK should be honest with US as Trump visits

I remember hosting a hustings on LBC in which Khan and Lammy spent the whole time trading insulting barbs. It was further evidence of Khans streetfighting abilities.

Both men have love-hate relationships with their leaders. Khan hugs Jeremy Corbyn close when he needs to  controversially nominating him as leader  but generally keeps him at a respectful distance. He knows, however, that if he is ever to lead the Labour Party he will need the support of the Corbynistas, so from time to time will say something designed to keep them on side.

''Unlike Javid, Khan is hard to pigeon-hole politically. But he is good at sniffing which way the political wind blows''

Javid ended up supporting Mays leadership campaign, yet has had a very cool relationship with her since. She demoted him to Communities Secretary and he never really forgave her. Indeed, her supporters accused him of plotting to overthrow her. He narrowly escaped being sacked from the Cabinet in the post-2017 reshuffle after clashing with the Prime Minister in Cabinet. Had May got the majority she expected, theres little doubt Javid would now be on the backbenches. On such vagaries are political careers saved.

And then came Grenfell. Khan became the voice of London, ever-present on the scene, empathising, hugging, doing interview after interview all the while knowing he didnt really have many powers to actually do anything. By contrast, Javid stayed in the background, coordinating everything from his ministerial office. He drew a lot of criticism for not being at the forefront of the rescue efforts. In fact he was, but people didnt see it for themselves. Perception is almost as important as reality in these matters, and while a Cabinet Minister naturally needs to concentrate on managing a crisis, Javid needed to be front and centre of informing people via the media about what he was actually doing to handle the crisis.

Sajid Javid with wife Laura / Rex Features

Theres no doubt about Javids competence and talents. He may be an instinctive Conservative, but he also has some ideological grounding. Hes more likely to be found reading the Russian-American novelist Ayn Rand than Doris Lessing. Hes being painted as a centrist, when nothing could be farther from the truth. Yes, hes got liberal views on same-sex marriage and abortion, but in economic terms hes a dry-as-dust Thatcherite.

As Home Secretary, he will be judged on crime and immigration. His brother is a Chief Superintendent in the West Midlands, and it will be interesting to see if he adopts a rather more friendly approach to the police than his two immediate predecessors have. Khan laid down a challenge to the new Home Secretary in his congratulatory tweet and it is already evident that he will be striking a very different tone on immigration. The test will be whether he has the courage and political will to force the Prime Minister to abandon her ridiculous and unachievable pledge to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands and to take students out of the immigration figures altogether.T heresa May faces a new immigration crisis after it emerged that she overruled Cabinet ministers pleading for more doctors from overseas to fill empty NHS posts.

At least three government departments lobbied for a relaxation of visa rules to let in desperately needed doctors as well as specialist staff sought by businesses, the Evening Standard has learned.

The issue erupted on Friday when several NHS trusts went public about fears that patient safety was being put at risk by doctor shortages.

The crisis came as then home secretary Amber Rudd was fighting for her political life over the Windrush scandal  but No 10s hard line meant her hands were tied.

Sources have disclosed that Downing Street was lobbied for several months before the NHS went public to allow a relaxation of the rules. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Ms Rudd are understood to be among those urging No 10 to lift the quota for special cases such as NHS doctors. At the same time Business Secretary Greg Clark was pressing for more exceptions to help firms cope with specialist skills shortages.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May visits the Oxley Group in Ulverston, April 30 / REUTERS

A Whitehall source said Mrs May absolutely refused to budge when asked to lift the cap in recent months.

I think Jeremy and Amber were on the same page on this but No 10 were in a different place entirely, said a separate source. The cap had been reached for several months consecutively and the pressures on business and the health service were building up.

The NHS confederation said seven London trusts had reported that 53 doctors had been denied visas. More than 30 health trusts in the North-West have written to the Government demanding that around 100 junior doctors from India be allowed to work in their hospitals and health centres.

Sajid Javid appointed as Home Secretary

New Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who has dropped the language of hostile environment towards illegal migrants, will now have to decide whether to challenge Mrs May on the issue. A former Business Secretary, Mr Javid is well aware of business concerns. Non-EU visas are limited in supply under Mrs Mays policy of attempting to reduce net immigration to the tens of thousands. Government data shows the quota of Tier 2 visas had been used up for six months in a row and a Migration Advisory Council interim report in March warned that employers in all sectors are concerned about the prospects of future restrictions.

The annual limit for these Tier 2 migrant workers is 20,700 but if the monthly total is exceeded then professionals are refused. Skilled-workers in the shortage categories are given priority for places. Specialist doctors can qualify, as do NHS nurses, who are in short supply, leaving too few visas for ordinary doctors. Sources at the Home Office said Mr Javid would be looking at the issue in due course. Ms Rudd and Mr Hunts office did not respond to requests for comment.

Amber Rudd quit her post as Home Secretary (Photo Leon Neal/Getty Images) / Getty Images

The Prime Ministers spokesman said the visa system was being monitored. It remains essential that we have control in our immigration system and that it works in the national interest, he said.

We are monitoring the situation in relation to visa applications for doctors including the monthly limits through the Tier 2 route. Around one third of places go to the NHS.

Asked whether ministers had asked for the limits to be relaxed for doctors, the spokesman said he did not discuss formulation of government policy.



Tory tensions over Brexit escalated today after the Government suffered a heavy defeat in the Lords. Peers voted by 335 to 244 to give Parliament a decisive say on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox warned the Upper Chamber against thwarting the result of the June 2016 EU referendum and insisted it meant that Britain could not remain in a customs union.

But his arguments were swiftly dismissed by leading rebel Anna Soubry. The former business minister said: The profound irony of Parliament asserting its authority and control and being abused and vilified in the process is breathtaking. It shows how a bunch of ideologically-driven hard Brexiteers will stop at nothing to impose their will on the democratic process against the growing wishes of the people to have a Brexit deal which puts the economy at its heart.B ritain today warned of the dangers of a fresh conflict in the Middle East after Israel unveiled a dossier it claimed was evidence of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Amid escalating tensions, the Foreign Office urged all countries in the region to consider the logical consequence of your next step.

Britain, France and Germany back the nuclear deal struck in 2015 between them, Iran, the US, Russia and China.

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump vowed to pull America out of the deal  the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action  and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus move yesterday to publish the report on alleged Iranian nuclear activity could increase pressure on Washington.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the information showed Irans leaders had lied to their people about a nuclear weapons programme, Project Amad.

But he declined to say if the documents were evidence of a deal violation. Intelligence experts said Mr Netanyahus presentation did not seem to have a smoking gun showing a breach.

Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt said the UK understood Israels anxiety about Irans nuclear ambitions.

But he said Mr Netanyahus intervention made the case for a verifiable agreement where Iran has reduced its uranium stockpile by 95 per cent, its centrifuges by two thirds and has been as recently as February adjudged by the International Atomic Energy Agency to be in compliance with the JCPOA.T he parents of Alfie Evans have asked people to stop editing pictures of their son with angel wings.

The boy's aunt told supporters of "Alfie's Army" official Facebook page that pictures of the toddler with wings and halos shared days after his death were upsetting.

The 23-month-old, who suffered from a degenerative brain condition, died on Saturday at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool days after he was taken off a life support machine.

Sarah Evans told the Facebook group: "Pictures people are doing of Alfie with wings and halos saying RIP Alfie, it's really upsetting Kate so if you want to have a picture of Alfie on your profiles that is fine but none of the above on them please."

Tom Evans and Kate James, the parents of Alfie Evans / PA

Ms James and Mr Evans had challenged the decision to stop Alfie's treatment in the courts and were hoping to take their son to Italy for treatment.

The couple received huge public support.

However a high-court ruling gave Alder Hey the go-ahead to remove his life-support on April 23.

The toddler died on April 28, days after being taken off life-support / Alfies Army Official

The toddler's grieving aunt also thanked people for the flowers and cards sent to the family before adding: "Alfie our warrior is missed beyond belief."

His parents announced his death on Facebook writing: "Our baby boy grew his wings tonight at 2:30am. We are heart broken. Thank you everyone for all your support."

RIP Alfie: floral tributes were brought to the hospital after his death was announced / Getty Images

People flocked to the hospital to leave flowers, cards and toys at Alder Hey Hospital.

One card said: "We fell in love with a little boy we never knew. Alfie will be forever engraved in our heart. Fly high little man."

Alfie Evans protesters try to storm hospital 23/04/2018 1 /6 Alfie Evans protesters try to storm hospital 23/04/2018 Police block protesters from the entrance to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool PA Police block protesters from the entrance to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool PA Protesters gather outside Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool PA Police block protesters from the entrance to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool PA Police block the entrance to Alder Hey Children's Hospital PA Police block protesters from the entrance to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool PA

Pope Francis, who met Mr Evans when he flew to Rome, was among those to send their condolences to the family.

He said on Twitter: "I am deeply moved by the death of little Alfie. Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace."

A spokesman for Alder Hey said: "We wish to express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Alfie's family at this extremely distressing time.

"All of us feel deeply for Alfie, Kate, Tom and his whole family and our thoughts are with them.P rincess Charlotte is celebrating her third birthday days after becoming a big sister for the first time.

The little royal turned three on Wednesday, just over a week after her baby brother Prince Louis was born.

Confident Charlotte delighted the press and waiting fans by waving enthusiastically to people outside the Lindo Wing when she was taken to meet her new sibling for the first time last week.

Whilst her more shy big brother, four-year-old Prince George, nervously looked down and stood close to their father Prince William, Charlotte grinned and spun round to wave at the paparazzi.

Princess Charlotte - In pictures 1 /77 Princess Charlotte - In pictures HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Princess Charlotte joining in a national applause for the NHS as people across the country showed their appreciation for all NHS workers who are helping to fight the coronavirus with Prince Louis and George PA Princess Charlotte pictured at Kensington Palace in the first of three images released to mark her fourth birthday HRH The 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. The Duchess was safely delivered of a daughter at 8:34am this morning, weighing 8lbs 3 oz who will be fourth in line to the throne Getty Images Princess Charlotte arrives for her first day of school Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on 29 September 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images Cheekily looking out from behind Kate as she arrives for school PA Meeting Helen Haslem, the head of the lower school at Thomas's Battersea PA Princess Charlotte runs with a flower in the third picture released to mark her fourth birthday HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Princess Charlotte pictured playing at the Cambridge's their home in Norfolk in the second of three images released to mark her fourth birthday HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Prince George gives his little sister Princess Charlotte a kiss . This photograph was taken by the Duchess of Cambridge in mid-May at Anmer Hall in Norfolk HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Princess Charlotte on her first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School HRH The 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. The Duchess was safely delivered of a daughter at 8:34am this morning, weighing 8lbs 3 oz who will be fourth in line to the throne 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 Getty Images The announcement of the birth of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge's second child outside Buckingham Palace on May 2, 2015 in London Getty Images People take photographs of the official announcement of the birth of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge's second child at the gats of Buckingham Palace on May 2, 2015 in London Getty Images A general view of crowds gathered at Buckingham Palace after the birth of the new princess on May 2, 2015 in London Getty Images 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 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 Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge is pushed in her silver cross pram as she leavesthe 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 Chris Jackson/Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge stand as Prince George of Cambridge looks into Princess Charlotte of Cambridge's pram as they leave the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate after the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn Matt Dunham/Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge speak with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, as they leave the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate after the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn Matt Dunham/Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall leave the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge Chris Jackson/Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge is pushed in her silver cross pram as she leavesthe 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 Mary Turner/Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge plays with a teddy as she is seen at Anmer Hall earlier this month taken by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in Sandringham in November 2015 HRH The Duchess of Cambridge 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 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 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, President of the Football Association, is given an England shirt for Princess Charlotte during a visit to the England Women Senior Team at The National Football Centre at St. George's Park on May 20, 2015 in Burton-Upon-Trent Getty Images Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Charles, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh watch a fly past during the Trooping the Colour, marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall on 11 June 2016 Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge watch a fly past during the Trooping the Colour, marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall on 11 June 2016 Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge watch a fly past during the Trooping the Colour, marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall on 11 June 2016 Getty Images Zara Tindall, Anne, Princess Royal, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Charles, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth II Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Countess of Wessex watch a fly past during the Trooping the Colour, marking the Queen's 90th birthday at The Mall on 11 June 2016 Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte as they arrive at Victoria International Airport, in Victoria, Canada, on the first day of their official tour of Canada PA William, The Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte visit Canada Mark Large/Daily Mail The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron,Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on 24 September 2016 Mark Large/Daily Mail Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on 29 September 2016 in Carcross, Canada Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on 29 September 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images 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 on 29 September 2016 Reuters 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 Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada Getty Images Britain's Princess Charlotte plays with balloons at a children's party at Government House in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Reuters Princess Charlotte of Cambridge plays with a dog named Moose at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on 29 September 2016 in Carcross, Canada Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on 29 September 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge at a children's party for Military families during the Royal Tour of Canada on 29 September 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images 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 01 October 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images Princess Charlotte leaves from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of their Royal Tour of Canada on 01 October 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, 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 01 October 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte on 01 October 2016 PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge arrive to attend the service at St Mark's Church on Christmas Day 2016 in Bucklebury, Berkshire Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge arrive to attend the service at St Mark's Church on Christmas Day 2016 in Bucklebury, Berkshire Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge leaves following the service at St Mark's Church on Christmas Day 2016 in Bucklebury, Berkshire Getty Images Princess Charlotte pictured in Norfolk, England (April 2017) HRH The Duchess of Cambridge The Duchess of Cambridge beckons the bridesmaids and pageboys, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte towards a waiting car following the wedding of her sister Pippa Middleton to James Matthews at St Mark's Church in Englefield, west of London, on May 20, 2017 AFP/Getty Images The Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge look out from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on 17 June 2017 Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge view helicopter models H145 and H135 before departing from Hamburg airport on the last day of their official visit to Poland and Germany on July 21, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany Getty Images The Duchess of Cambridge carries Princess Charlotte of Cambridge as they arrive with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge on day 1 of their official visit to Poland on July 17, 2017 in Warsaw, Poland Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at Warsaw airport to start a 3 day tour on July 17, 2017 in Warsaw, Poland Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 2017 Christmas card photograph Getty Images Princess Charlotte on her first day of nursery at the Willcocks Nursery School HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Princess Charlotte arrives at the Lindo Wing after the birth of his Prince Louis on April 23, 2018 GC Images Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Princess Charlotte plants a kiss on her newborn baby brother Prince Louis in this adorable snap taken by their mother HRH The Duchess of Cambridge 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 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 Princess Charlotte pictured at Kensington Palace to celebrate her 4th Birthday HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Princess Charlotte on a family visit to The Duchess of Cambridge Back to Nature Garden co-designed with Adam White and Andree Davies at the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London Matt Porteous via PA Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge having fun together after the inaugural Kings Cup regatta hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on August 08, 2019 in Cowes Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte greet people as they leave the St Mary Magdalene's church after the Royal Family's Christmas Day service on the Sandringham estate Reuters Charlotte arriving for her first day of school at Thomas's Battersea in September 2019 PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte greet people as they leave the St Mary Magdalene's church after the Royal Family's Christmas Day service on the Sandringham estate PA The Duke of Cambridge, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George taken in Norfolk (2019) by the Duchess of Cambridge PA Princess Charlotte smelling a bluebell at their home in Norfolk in Spring 2019, which was referred to by the Duchess in the 'Happy Mum, Happy Baby' podcast with Giovanna Fletcher. PA Princess Charlotte makes an appearance on The Big Night In paying tribute to frontline key workers during the coronavirus pandemic BBC Kensington Palace The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George attend a special pantomime performance at London's Palladium Theatre, hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the pandemic PA

The princess, who is fourth in line to the throne, is now the Cambridges' middle child.

Charlotte on her first day of nursery school

The past year saw another big change for Charlotte when she started nursery - Willcocks Nursery School, close to her Kensington Palace home.

Charlotte is expected to take a starring role as flower girl or bridesmaid when her uncle Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in just over two weeks' time.

Charlotte posing for a picture taken by her mum / The Duchess of Cambridge via Get

She has already been a bridesmaid for aunt Pippa Middleton, who wed last May.

The princess has a reputation for being feisty compared to her older brother George.

Prince George gives his baby sister Charlotte a loving kiss / PA

Her great-grandmother the Queen remarked how Charlotte likes to look after George, and the Duchess of Cambridge has told how the princess is "the one in charge".

Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana of Cambridge was born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, at 8.34am on Saturday May 2 2015, weighing 8lbs 3oz.

Prince Louis: The royal babys name has been announcedT he Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have formally registered the birth of Prince Louis.

Proud dad the Duke of Cambridge signed the birth register at Kensington Palace this morning, witnessed by Westminster City Council registrar Patricia Gordon.

The document gives the full name of the latest member of the royal family as His Royal Highness Prince Louis Arthur Charles of Cambridge.

William and Kate's third child was born at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington on April 23 at 11.01am, weighing 8lb 7oz.

Signed by the Duke of Cambridge / Dominic Lipinski/PA

The birth certificate lists the date and place of Louis's birth, and also gives the family address as Kensington Palace.

It gives the full name of Louis' father and mother, and under "occupation" they are listed as prince and princess of the United Kingdom respectively.

Royal Gun salute to celebrate the birth of the new royal baby

The duke, who is taking a period off following the birth of his son, simply signs the document William.

Louis, the new Royal baby - in pictures 1 /23 Louis, the new Royal baby - in pictures The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William leave the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital with their new baby boy Reuters The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London Jeremy Selwyn The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London Jeremy Selwyn The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London John Stillwell/PA The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London PA The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London AFP/Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (not pictured) and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London Jeremy Selwyn The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington PA The Duchess of Cambridge with her newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London Jeremy Selwyn The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London PA The Duchess of Cambridge with her newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London PA Wellwishers await the departure of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge with their newborn son from the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cambridge show their newly-born son, their third child, to the media outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital AFP/Getty Images The Duchess of Cambridge outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital PA The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital PA Princess Charlotte of Cambridge turns to wave at the media as she is lead in with her brother Prince George of Cambridge by their father Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives with Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the Lindo Wing Getty Images Town Crier Tony Appleton announces that the Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby boy outside the Lindo wing at St Mary's Hospital in London AP A notice is placed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London to formally announce the birth of a baby boy to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St Mary's Hospita PA Prince William waves as he leaves the Lindo wing at St Mary's Hospita AP The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington PA A waxwork of Queen Elizabeth II sits in a black London taxi as it drives past the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in central London following the news that the Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby boy AFP/Getty Images A general view of the BT Tower as it announces the birth of the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge's newborn son Getty Images

Ms Gordon said: "It has been a great honour to register, and formally welcome the latest addition to the royal family, Prince Louis Arthur Charles.

"This follows a long history of Westminster City Council registering royal births, including Prince Louis' siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte."

Prince Louis' name was the subject of much speculation last week as the couple kept the world waiting for four days before it was finally announced.

Albert and Arthur were among the bookies' favourite for the royal moniker.

His chosen name has family ties as Louis Mountbatten was the uncle of Prince Philip and last viceroy of India.

Everything you need to know about Prince Louis

Charles often referred to the war hero - murdered by the IRA - as his honorary grandfather."

The royal couple proudly introduced their newborn son to the world / PA

Mountbatten counselled Charles on a great many things, most famously his love life.

It was also Mountbatten who had arranged the visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth to Dartmouth Royal Naval College on 22 July 1939.

Louis is also one of William's middle names and the name of 17 kings of France.

Lord Louis Mountbatten - In pictures 1 /11 Lord Louis Mountbatten - In pictures 1965 Admiral of the Fleet Lord Louis Mountbatten (1900 -1979) at the Ministry of Defence, London, after his retirement from the office of Chief of the Defence Staff Getty Images 1923 Lord and Lady Louis Mountbatten attend the wedding of his sister, Lady Louise Mountbatten to Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden at the Chapel Royal, St Jame's Palace, London PA 1922 Lord Louis Mountbatten and Edwina Ashley (later Lady Mountbatten) in India, during the visit of The Prince of Wales PA 1956 Lord Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900 - 1979), Commander of the Mediterranean Fleet, on naval exercises at Malta and Gibraltar Getty Images circa 1970 Lord Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900 - 1979), British naval commander and statesman Getty Images 1959 Admiral of the Fleet Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who took over as Chief of the Defence Staff, sits at his desk at the Ministry of Defence. He replaces Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir William Dickson PA 1957 Earl Mountbatten of Burma of shakes hands with English footballer Johnny Haynes as he goes down the line of the English team which includes Stanley Matthews PA 1947 Lord Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900-1979), takes the salute from the Governor General's bodyguard at Viceroy House in New Delhi, as he takes up his position as Viceroy of India Getty Images 1948 Lord Louis Mountbatten (1990 - 1979), 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the last Viceroy of India and overseer of the partition of India into India and Pakistan Getty Images 1946 Lord Louis Mountbatten speaking at the Royal Marines Association Ball at the Lyceum Ballroom in London PA 1904 Louis Francis Victor Albert Nicholas Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, and Admiral of Fleet, as a young boy in a sailor suit Getty Images

William and Kate proudly introduced their baby son to the world on Monday following his safe arrival.

Then William told reporters that they would "very soon" to hear the name chosen for the little boy.

He jokingly hinted that the newborn may be called Alexander during his public engagement at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday to attend the Anzac Day commemorations.

Both Prince George and Princess Charlottes names were announced two days after their arrivals.

Kensington Palace announced the baby's name on Friday morning.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their son Louis Arthur Charles," Kensington Palace said in a statement.S cotland has become the first country in the world to implement a minimum unit price for alcohol.

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister, hailed the policy, designed to cut alcohol-related harm, as "bold and brave" as it was finally brought in across the country.

The minimum 50p per unit price, delayed for six years by a legal challenge led by the Scotch Whisky Association, has been welcomed by the medical professional and health campaigners as the biggest breakthrough in public health since the ban on smoking in public.

It is estimated the move could save around 392 lives in the first five years of its implementation in Scotland, where on average there are 22 alcohol-specific deaths every week and 697 hospital admissions.

The misuse of alcohol is thought to cost Scotland 3.6 billion each year, or 900 for every adult in the country.

Ms Sturgeon hailed the policy as 'bold and brave' / PA Wire/PA Images

Speaking on a visit to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Ms Sturgeon said: "Scotland is the first country in the world that is being bold enough and brave enough to implement minimum unit pricing.

"The eyes of the world will very much be on Scotland, not just today but as the benefits of this policy start to be seen and felt.

"Already we see countries across the British Isles - Wales and Ireland - looking to follow suit and I'm sure that as the benefits of this policy start to be seen we'll see other countries elsewhere doing exactly that.

"All of the evidence says that minimum unit pricing will reduce deaths from alcohol-related illnesses, reduce hospital admissions and generally reduce the damage that alcohol misuse does to our society.

Medical leaders have joined with a leading children's organisation and a homelessness charity to call for minimum unit pricing (MUP) to also be implemented south of the border.

The changes, coming into effect in Scotland on Tuesday, will drive up the price of bargain booze by setting a floor price below which a unit of alcohol cannot be sold.

It is hoped the move will curb alcohol related death and illnesses, while slashing crime and lessening the burden excessive drinking places on the health service.

The Alcohol Health Alliance UK (AHA), a group of more than 50 medical organisations including the British Medical Association, Royal College of GPs and Alcohol Concern, launched an intervention with the Children's Society and homelessness charity Thames Reach on Tuesday.

They said that a delay of five years could lead to more than 1,000 people dying in England from alcohol-related problems.

MUP would not affect bars and pubs in England, instead pushing up the price of cheap supermarket vodka and super-strength lagers which are popular with street drinkers and other vulnerable groups, the group said.

Chair of AHA Sir Ian Gilmore said: "Cheap alcohol is wrecking lives and livelihoods in England as well as Scotland.

"There are more than 23,000 deaths a year in England linked to alcohol, and many of these come from the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.

"Minimum unit pricing will save lives, cut crime and benefit the public finances. At the same time, pub prices will be left untouched, and moderate drinkers will barely notice the difference under MUP.

"Any delay in implementing MUP in England will only cost lives and lead to unnecessary alcohol-related harm. We urge the Westminster government to act now."'

The Scottish Government has faced calls to go further with policies to tackle the issue, including by increasing the minimum unit price and backing further curbs on the marketing or availability of alcohol.

Ms Sturgeon said the government remained "very open minded to policy ideas", adding: "We need to continue to look at how we do more.

"Within the powers of the Parliament its important that we continue to look at where further action can have a positive impact."

Scotland's chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: "As a nation we drink 40% more than the low risk drinking guidelines of 14 units per week for men and women.

"Prior to the implementation of minimum unit pricing, those 14 units could be bought for just 2.52. This is absolutely unacceptable.

"That is where this new legislation comes in, and I am confident that over the first five years of its operation, minimum unit pricing will reduce the number of alcohol-specific deaths by hundreds, and hospital admissions by thousands."

Tory MSP Miles Briggs said his party would "await with interest" the impact of the policy.

He said: "The Scottish Conservatives supported the introduction of a sunset clause, so that if minimum pricing proves to be ineffective then it can be scrapped."

Labour's Anas Sarwar MSP welcomed the move but said a "comprehensive, fully-funded strategy to tackle problem drinking" was needed.

He said: "Labour has made the case for a Social Responsibility Levy to claw back the windfall supermarkets could make from minimum unit pricing. This cash could be reinvested in our NHS and in preventative public health programmes."

Green MSP Alison Johnstone and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said the government should consider increasing the 50p rate.

Ms Johnstone said: "We're still of the view that Holyrood must revisit the policy in two years' time and consider the possibility of increasing the 50p rate as part of Scotland's continued efforts to reduce the harm caused by alcohol."S tudents at the University of St Andrews in Scotland stripped off and plunged into the sea for a traditional May Day dip as the sun rose at dawn.

Images showed the students posing in their swimwear against the backdrop of a stunning sunrise at East Sands in Fyfe on Tuesday morning.

Plunging into the freezing North Sea at dawn on May 1 is a tradition for students who believe it will bring them good luck for the coming exam period.

The university advises those who do not fancy taking the plunge to look after their friends' clothes on the beach.

Plunging into the freezing North Sea during sunrise is said to give you good luck for the coming exam period / PA

Some students were pictured carrying the Scottish flag as they braved the ritual.

The temperature today in St Andrews is 11 degrees.

The 600-year old university has many traditions. When undergraduate students take their final exams they are greeted by their friends who shower them with cold water.B rits are bracing themselves for a weekend washout as heavy rain and thunderstorms move across large swathes of the country.

Dry and bright conditions will start to give way to wet weather from Saturday with the south of England expected to be the worst affected.

Forecasters have warned that hours of heavy rain are expected to fall in London and the south east on Saturday afternoon.

The deteriorating conditions come after days of unusually hot and sunny weather for May.

Britain basks in the hottest Bank Holiday Monday on record 1 /10 Britain basks in the hottest Bank Holiday Monday on record A woman takes a photo of the wildlife in Regent's Park, London PA A jogger on Brighton seafront as the Bank Holiday Monday PA Sunbathers in Regent's Park PA An elderly couple eating ice cream in the hot weather, in Regent's Park, London PA People enjoying the hot weather in a pedalo in Regent's Park, London PA A woman working on her laptop in the hot weather on a Bank Holiday, in Regent's Park, London PA Paddle boarders enjoy the weather in the sea at Hastings, Britain REUTERS People enjoying the hot weather in a pedalo in Regent's Park, London PA Women reading books in the hot weather in Regent's Park, London PA Paddle boarders enjoy the weather in the sea at Hastings, Britain REUTERS

This week's early May Bank Holiday was the hottest on record as temperatures soared 28.7C in west London.

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson told the Standard: It is a mixed weekend to come. For many areas it will be a dry, bright start but through the day you are going to see rain moving in.

There will be heavy rain in the afternoon in London and the south east and East Anglia.

London will see heavy rain for at least a few hours and there is a low risk of thunder storms.

There will be showers across south west England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and thunder storms in those areas are more likely.

Northern cities including Manchester will experience drier and brighter conditions with a lower chance of showers.

On Saturday, the mercury is expected to peak more than 10C lower than earlier in week, with maximum temperatures of around 16 or 17C.

On Sunday, southern parts of England will continue to experience damp conditions, while other parts of the country will avoid the washout.

Mr Wilson added: On Sunday we are looking at a similar picture. There will be heavy showers in eastern parts of Scotland and southern England, with the areas in between seeing drier, brighter weather.

Temperatures will be much cooler than what we have seen of late, again around 16 or 17C.A former undercover police officer under fire after he embarked on romantic relationships whilst on duty has accused his former Scotland Yard bosses of having selective amnesia".

Jim Boyling, who worked as part of the Metropolitan Police's controversial Special Demonstrations Squad (SDS), is accused of failing to tell the women he was a police mole.

A secret disciplinary hearing is taking place this week over his relationship with a woman known as Rosa, which he claims was genuine and had nothing to do with his deployment.

He said the Met have accused him of misconduct because the relationship was "without a police purpose".

The position of the Met appears to be that a relationship entered into as an operational tactic is acceptable, but a genuine one resulting in marriage and children constitutes misconduct, he said.

He said he and Rosa were a couple from 1999 to 2000, when Mr Boyling left the SDS. In 2001 Rosa tracked him down and they resumed their relationship, having two children and marrying in 2005.

"I was astonished to find, when some elements of our story appeared in the press in 2011, that the Met disclaimed all knowledge," he said.

"I had in fact been discussing it fully with them only a few weeks previously and had made a full written declaration of our marriage to the vetting unit within a week of it taking place.

"We were divorced in 2009, which I again notified in writing to the Met. The Met does a good line in selective amnesia, as indeed they do in selective disclosure."

Another of the women, known as Monica, is taking legal action to try to push the Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute him for alleged sexual offences and misconduct in a public office.

In 2014 prosecutors decided not to charge officers involved in sexual relationships with partners who did not know their true identity, due to lack of evidence.

Monica, who had a six-month relationship with Mr Boyling in 1997 when she was an activist, is the first to take legal action to challenge this decision.

She told the Guardian: "What I went through, and other people went through, is wrong. I was lied to, and I was encouraged to be intimate and sexual with somebody who I would never, ever have got involved with if I had known who he was, if I had known his true motives and I had known his true identity."

Monica only discovered that he was an undercover police officer in 2011.

Mr Boyling, who was an officer for 30 years and retired in April 2015, revealed that both his children with Rosa are "severely disabled with limited life expectancy".

He is not contesting the Met disciplinary hearing because he says he cannot afford to stay in London during the proceedings, and does not wish to drag former colleagues and his ex-wife through the process.

The officer, who is now aged in his 50s, will however, give evidence to the public inquiry into undercover policing.

"I trust that a more accurate picture of police covert operations may emerge from [the inquiry], including perhaps the testimony of others who formed genuine relationships during the course of a deployment lasting several years.

"It seems to me that my case has been handled differently purely in order to satisfy the Met's current press strategy, and the need for Operation Heme to show some sort of return for the millions of pounds of public money they have spent. If you're going to pick on anybody, the family with the terminally ill children will probably be the weakest."A shley Judd is suing Harvey Weinstein for allegedly "blacklisting" her from Hollywood after she rejected his advances.

The actress, 50, claims her career withered because the mogul spread "baseless smears" to The Lord Of The Rings director Sir Peter Jackson to scupper her chance of landing a role in the trilogy.

After the lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles on Monday, Judd said she would donate any damages won to the Time's Up initiative and its legal defence fund to help women fight sexual harassment.

Weinstein, 66, is being investigated by police in London, New York and Los Angeles. He has apologised for his past behaviour but denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.

A spokeswoman for Weinstein denied the claims of Judd and Sir Peter and said the producer would launch a "vigorous defence".

Harvey Weinstein: A representative said the producer would mount a 'vigorous defence' against Judd's claims (Yann Coatsaliou/AFP/Getty Images) / AFP/Getty Images

"The most basic investigation of the facts will reveal that Mr Weinstein neither defamed Ms Judd nor ever interfered with Ms Judd's career, and instead not only championed her work but also repeatedly approved her casting for two of his movies over the next decade," she said.

In December, Sir Peter said he had not cast Judd or Mira Sorvino, who also alleges she was sexually harassed by Weinstein, because of a "smear campaign" by Miramax, which was co-founded by Weinstein.

Rose McGowan doesn't believe Harvey Weinstein will ever be prosecuted

Judd's lawyer, Theodore Boutrous Jr, said in the lawsuit that Weinstein was the "headwind limiting her (Judd's) career" and that he "torpedoed" her opportunity to work on the films by claiming she was a "nightmare" who should be avoided "at all costs".

"With those baseless smears, Weinstein succeeded in blacklisting Ms Judd and destroying her ability to work on what became a multi-billion-dollar franchise with 17 Academy Award wins and many more nominations," Mr Boutrous wrote.

They claim this came after Weinstein sexually harassed her in a Beverly Hills hotel room in around 1996 when her career was still in its infancy.

Weinstein allegedly invited her to his room in the Peninsula under the guise of discussing film roles, but instead asked to massage her as he wore a bathrobe and requested that she watch him shower.

"Ms Judd reasonably believed that Weinstein intended to physically assault her," Mr Boustrous wrote.

"Cornered, and desperate to escape without angering a man who had the ability to end her budding career, Ms Judd engaged in a mock bargain with Weinstein, suggesting that she would consider letting him touch her only if she won an Academy Award in one of his films.

"Weinstein responded, 'When you get nominated.' Ms Judd held firm, saying, 'No, when I win.' And then she fled the scene."

Judd said the first time she became aware of why Sir Peter failed to cast her was when he spoke about the decision last year as dozens of women publicly accused Weinstein of sexual harassment and assault.D onald Trump would be a worthy winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end North Koreas nuclear weapons programme, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has said.

US President Mr Trump is preparing for his own summit with Kim, which he said could take place in the next three to four weeks.

President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace, Moon told a meeting of senior secretaries, according to a presidential Blue House official who briefed media.

The Trump administration has led the global effort to impose strict sanctions on North Korea.

Donald Trump fans calling for him to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in North and South Korea talks

And the US leader has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year over North Koreas development of nuclear missiles capable of reaching the United States.

The South Korean presidents comments came after a rally of Trump supporters demanded he be awarded the peace prize for his role in the recent Korean reconciliation talks.

North Korea's Kim Jon Un meets South Korea's President Moon Jae-in 1 /18 North Korea's Kim Jon Un meets South Korea's President Moon Jae-in South Korean President Moon Jae-in shakes hands with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during their meeting at the Peace House at the truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone REUTERS North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with South Korean President Moon Jae-in EPA North Korean leader Kim Jong Un takes hand of South Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) to cross the military demarcation line Getty Images North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in cross the border line at the border village of Panmunjom in Demilitarized Zone AP North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shakes hands with South Korean President Moon Jae-in Reuters Kim walks with Moon at the Joint Security Area (JSA) on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) EPA North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in inspect an honor guard after Kim crossed the border into South Korea for their historic face-to-face talks, in Panmunjom AP The two leaders meet at the border village of Panmunjom in Paju, South Korea EPA North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in inspect an honor guard after Kim crossed the border into South Korea for their historic face-to-face talks, in Panmunjom AP South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attend the inter-Korean summit Reuters Kim Jong Un (2nd L) and his wife Ri Sol Ju (L) attend a farewell ceremony with Moon Jae-in (2R) and his wife Kim Jung-sook (R) AFP/Getty Images Ri Sol Ju (L), wife of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, and Kim Jung-sook AFP/Getty Images The couple's toast at a farewell dinner at the end of the summit AFP/Getty Images The official dinner at the end of their historic summit AFP/Getty Images An image of flowers is beamed onto the Peace House where the summit had taken place during a closing ceremony AFP/Getty Images Kyu Cho, 27, reads a newspaper with a front page story about the inter-Korean summit REUTERS A woman reads a newspaper with a front page story about the inter-Korean summit REUTERS A man walks past a newspaper featuring a front page story about the summit AFP/Getty Images

The US President, addressing a crowd of supporters in Michigan on Saturday, was describing recent developments on the Korean Peninsula when fans spontaneously started chanting: "Nobel!"

Mr Trump said: "A lot of good things are happening there, lots of good things...I'm not going to give you what's actually going to happen, because we don't really know.

"But I'll tell you one thing: We're not playing games and...it was very rough three or four months ago..."

North and South Korea agree to get rid of nuclear weapons

Audience members then began chanting the word "Nobel", to which the President responded: "That's very nice thank you...'Nobel'...I just want to get the job done."

He continued: "So we are going to have hopefully a very successful negotiation over the next three or four weeks.L abour Day 2018 has been celebrated by Google with one of the search engine websites elaborate Doodles.

The annual public holiday celebrates the working class and labourers and their achievements.

Its origins date back to the late 19th century when the trade union and labour movements were growing in the US.

For most countries, Labour Day is linked to International Workers' Day, which occurs on May 1.

But for many others the day is celebrated on a different date with special significance for the labour movement in that country.

Labour Day is usually marked in celebration on May Day in the UK, which falls on Monday 7 of this month.A man who threw his shoes at George W. Bush during a press conference in 2008 has now reportedly launched an election bid in Iraq.

Journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi, who then worked for an Egypt-based television network, was filmed hurling his footwear at the then-US President during a "farewell" briefing with the press in Baghdad.

Mr al-Zaidi shouted "this is a farewell kiss from the Iraqi people, you dog as he flung both of his shoes towards the presidents head.

The dramatic incident, in which Mr Bush was forced to duck to avoid both of the shoes, was caught on television cameras.

Mr al-Zaidi was arrested jailed for the attempted attack on a visiting head of state and spent nine months behind bars, US media reported at the time.

According to BuzzFeed, 10 years after the shocking incident, he is now running for the Council of Representatives in the countrys parliament.

After leaving the country following his release, the journalist returned there in 2011 to work at charity which aims support those who lost parents during the American occupation of Iraq.

During the dramatic incident in 2008, which appeared on live television, Mr al-Zaidi shouted: This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq.

As he threw the second shoe, he added: This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq.T housands of activists have marched in May Day rallies across the globe in a fight against anti-austerity and poor workers rights.

Huge crowds of campaigners gathered in the likes of Russia, Turkey and Indonesia to mark May 1  known as International Workers Day.

Amazing images showed the vast crowds gather for demos across the world.

Russia

In Moscow more than 100,000 people descended on the streets for an annual parade.

Demonstrators carry red flags during a Communist Rally in Moscow / AP

Moscow's Federation of Trade Unions said about 120,000 people marched from the Red Square on the main streets of the Russian capital to mark May Day.

Several hundred people braved the rainy weather and joined the column marching across St. Petersburg to protest the government's ban of popular messaging app Telegram.

About 10,000 people rallied in Moscow on Monday to protest the blocking of the online service.

Turkey

Turkish riot police scuffle with a group of protesters as they attempted to defy a ban and march on Taksim Square / REUTERS

Police in Istanbul detained more than a dozen demonstrators who tried to march toward Istanbul's symbolic main square in defiance of a ban on visiting the area.

Turkey declared Taksim Square off-limits to May Day celebrations citing security concerns. Roads leading to the square were blocked and police allowed only small groups of labour union representatives to lay wreaths at a monument there.

Still, a group of some 25 people, chanting "Taksim cannot be off limits on May 1" tried to push their way into the square but were rounded up by riot police.

Major trade unions were scheduled to mark the day with rallies at government-designated areas in Istanbul and Ankara

People march in Athens / AFP/Getty Images

Greece

Thousands of Greeks marched through central Athens in at least three separate May Day demonstrations.

Museums were also shut while ferries remained tied up in ports and public transport operated on a reduced schedule due to strikes.

Campaigners march on Athens / AFP/Getty Images

Police said at least 7,000 people were at a demonstration in Athens planned by a communist-led union marching towards the citys US Embassy.

Another four demonstrations were planned in Greece's second largest city of Thessaloniki in the north.

Trains and ferries to and from the Green islands were suspended operations for the day, while buses and the Athens metro system were operating on reduced schedules.

Philippines

About 5,000 people rallied near the presidential palace in Manila to protest the failure of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to fulfil a major campaign promise to end short-term contracts for the countrys employees.

Demonstrators burn an effigy depicting President Rodrigo Duterte as a devil in Manila, Philippines / AP

The protesters also demanded that the government address issues including low wages, unemployment and trade union repression.

South Korea

Thousands of labour union members rallied in downtown Seoul calling for an increase in minimum wage.

They chanted slogans urging the government to implement a 10,000 won (6.79) minimum wage and offer all temporary employees stable work.

The rally was organised by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. The police estimated the crowd at 10,000 people.

The union members also demanded that the government scrap the restructuring of the shipbuilding and automobile industries, and reform the huge conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy.

Indonesia

A May Day rally in Jakarta, Indonesia / REUTERS

About 10,000 workers rallied near the presidential palace in Jakarta to voice their demands.

Most of the workers came from Jakarta and nearby suburbs, but some travelled from West Java and Surabaya.

The protesters urged the government to avoid outsourcing, and to raise their wages. They also asked the government to stop foreign labourers from working in Indonesia, saying it decreases employment opportunities for local workers.

Cambodia

Workers hold Cambodian flags and banners as they rally to mark May Day in Phnom Penh / REUTERS

Riot police broke up a rally of about 2,000 clothes factory workers gathered at a park in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh.

Prime Minister Hun Sun spent May Day with some 5,000 workers just outside the capital.

He thanked the workers by announcing that each of them will receive 50,000 riel (9.05).

Europe

People take part in the traditional May Day rally in Marseille, southern France / AFP/Getty Images

Rallies were held across Europe with demonstrations popping up across France.

Protests took place in Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeux.

Images emerged of huge campaigns held across eastern Europe including in the Ukraine, Prague and the Czech Republic.H undreds of hooded and masked protesters hurled petrol bombs and smashed up shop windows at the start of an annual May Day rally in Paris.

French riot police were forced to use water cannons and teargas as about 1,200 anarchists dressed in black turned up at the planned demonstration by labour unions.

More than 200 people were arrested, the head of the Paris police force, Michel Delpuech, said.

Police had warned of possible clashes with far-left anarchist groups, known as Black Blocs, after a call on social media to make Tuesday a "Revolutionary Day".

May Day 2018: Clashes in Paris - In pictures 1 /23 May Day 2018: Clashes in Paris - In pictures A McDonald's restaurant is hit with petrol bombs thrown by activists during the traditional May Day rally AP A car burns outside a Renault automobile garage during clashes at the May Day labour union march in Paris, France Reuters A CRS riot policeman throws a teargas shell towards protesters during a demonstration on the sidelines of a march for the annual May Day workers' rally AFP/Getty Images A car burns outside a Renault automobile garage during clashes at the May Day labour union march Reuters A protester holds a strip of fireworks as they explode during a demonstration on the sidelines of a march for the annual May Day workers' rally in Paris AFP/Getty Images Protesters run to shelter behind banners as teargas clouds rise during the demonstration AFP/Getty Images A chained activist, with his body painted in black, lifts a fake stone bearing the name of French President Emmanuel Macron and the word "people" on his torso AP Masked protesters hold safety flares during the traditional May Day labour union march in Paris Reuters Masked youth protesters clash with French police forces during a demonstration of workers from the private and public sectors as well as labor unions EPA Protestors gather behind a burning barrier during a demonstration on the sidelines of a march for the annual May Day workers' rally AFP/Getty Images A masked youth protester throws stones in clashes with French police forces EPA Masked and hooded protesters react as they walk behind a banner during the traditional May Day labour union march in Paris Reuters A masked protester walks near a car that burns outside a Renault automobile garage during clashes Reuters Activists clash with riot police during the traditional May Day rally AP A man runs past a burning car and scooter set on fire by activists AP A masked protester throws a rock during clashes in Paris Reuters A firefighter walks past burning cars set on fire by activists during the traditional May Day rally in the center of Paris AP Activists smash windows of a McDonald's restaurant after it was hit with petrol bombs AP Activists wearing gas masks march behind a banner depicting former German philosopher and revolutionary socialist Karl Marx AP An activist smashes the windows of a McDonald's restaurant AP Riot police detain protesters after clashes broke out with activists on the sidelines of the traditional May Day rally AP French riot police forces face young masked protesters EPA A protester holds a French tricolored flag with an anti-Macron slogan outside a destroyed McDonald's fast food restaurant EPA

The protesters smashed the windows of businesses, including a Renault garage and McDonalds restaurant near the Austerlitz station in eastern Paris.

They also ransacked shops, torched cars and scrawled anti-capitalist graffiti on walls. There were reports of rocks being thrown at police.

Hundreds of protesters in hoods and masks turned up on Tuesday (REUTERS) / Reuters

Interior Minister Gerard Collomb condemned the violence and said everything was being done to arrest the culprits.

Cars are set on fire in Paris / AP

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux criticised the protesters for covering up their faces.

"When you have sincere convictions, you demonstrate with your face unmasked," he said. "Those who wear hoods are the enemies of democracy."

A protester is pictured hurling a rock / AP

The protesters chanted anti-fascist slogans, waved Soviet flags and anti-government banners and threw firecrackers.

President Emmanuel Macron, elected last May on a promise to shake up France's economy and spur jobs growth, is locked in a battle with the trade unions over his plans to liberalise labour regulations

A McDonald's restaurant goes up in flames / AP

Railway staff have begun three months of nationwide rolling strikes in a dispute over the government's planned overhaul of state-run railway SNCF.

Discontent with Macron's economic policies has spread beyond the railways and the May Day protests were intended to send a message of defiance to the former investment banker, who is currently on a trip to Australia.

Earlier on Tuesday Macron reiterated that he would not back down on his reform agenda.F ire crews have launched a desperate search for survivors after a tower block caught fire and collapsed in Brazil.

Flames have ripped through the 26-building in Sao Paulo leaving terrified people trapped inside.

Firefighters told Brazilian media at least one person was dead and three were missing, following the inferno which started on the 5th floor of the 26 storey building shortly before 1.30am local time (5.30am BST) this morning.

The building in the city centre was occupied by rough sleepers, according to local reports.

One hundred and sixty firefighters sifted through rubble in the hunt for survivors as the building crumbled.

Sao Paulo fire crews reported at least one victim trapped on the top floor of the building in the Largo de Paissandu district.

Horrified witnesses reported "desperate" people fleeing the blaze onto the streets.

The building collapsed following the blaze / Corpo de Bombeiros da PMESP

Receptionist Flabio Gabia, who works at a nearby hotel, told local newspaper Estadao: "When I went to see what it was, the streets, which were deserted, were filled with desperate people."

Others reported hearing windows shatter as the fire tore through the building.

It is not yet known if anyone else was injured in the fire.W hatsApps billionaire chief executive and co-founder has announced he will quit his role at the Facebook-owned company.

Jan Koums plan to exit the firm comes after he clashed with the apps parent company Facebook Inc over its plans to use personal data and weaken encryption, according to reports.

"It's been almost a decade since Brian and I started WhatsApp, and it's been an amazing journey with some of the best people," Mr Koum said in a post on his Facebook page referring to co-founder Brian Acton.

"But it is time for me to move on." He did not give a date for his departure.

According to the Washington Post, Mr Koums decided to step down because of the messaging services strategy and Facebooks attempts to use its personal data and weaken encryption.

Jan Koum: 'It is time for me to move on' / Facebook/Jan Koum

Responding to Mr Koum's post, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote: "Jan: I will miss working so closely with you. I'm grateful for everything you've done to help connect the world, and for everything you've taught me, including about encryption and its ability to take power from centralized systems and put it back in people's hands.

"Those values will always be at the heart of WhatsApp."

Mr Acton left the messaging service company in September to start a foundation, after spending eight years with WhatsApp.

Stanford alumnus Acton and Ukrainian immigrant Koum co-founded WhatsApp in 2009. Facebook bought WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion in cash and stock.

WhatsApp, a pun on the phrase "What's up?," grew in popularity in part because its messages are stored on users' smartphones and not on the company's servers, making the service more private and difficult to hack.

Concerns about Facebook's handling of personal information have grown since the social network's admission in March that the data of millions of users was wrongly harvested by political consultancy Cambridge Analytica.

Mark Zuckerberg: 'sorry' for Cambridge Analytica Facebook 'breach of trust'

Facebook has taken steps in recent months to generate revenue from WhatsApp, which unlike Facebook's flagship social network does not have advertising.B rad Pitt is reportedly set to produce a film on the Harvey Weinstein investigation.

The Fight Club actor is expected to produce a film on the journalists that exposed the alleged sexual abuses by Harvey Weinstein, which he vehemently denies.

According to E! News, Pitts production company Plan B and Annapurna Pictures have secured the rights to the story of Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.

The pair were recently awarded a Pulitzer prize for their reporting on the investigation for the New York Times which sparked the Times Up and #MeToo movements.

Hollywood romance: Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow at the Oscars in 1996 / Kim Kulish/AFP/Getty

According to the publication, a spokesperson for Annapurna Pictures said: [The] story behind the women who led the investigation itself and will not be about or centred around the man or the men behind the abuse.

It is about how this team of reporters tracked, chased and broke this story.

Denied: The Hollywood director denied all allegations (Yann Coatsaliou/AFP/Getty Images) / AFP/Getty Images

Six months after the scandal, over 80 women have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and abuse, with accusers dating back to incidents from 30-years-ago.

Pitt reportedly confronted Weinstein after a 22-year-old Gwyneth Paltrow, who he was dating at the time, alleged that she had been assaulted by the 66-year-old during a meeting for 1996 film Emma.

Rose McGowan says Harvey Weinstein tried to contact her since she went public with allegations against him

A source told people: Brad threatened Harvey. He got right in his face, poked him in the chest and said, You will not ever do this to Gwyneth ever again.

The news comes after Ashley Judd revealed she is suing the director for allegedly blacklisting her from Hollywood after she rejected his advances.

The actress, 50, claims her career withered because the mogul spread "baseless smears" to The Lord Of The Rings director Sir Peter Jackson to scupper her chance of landing a role in the trilogy.

After the lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles on Monday, Judd said she would donate any damages won to the Time's Up initiative and its legal defence fund to help women fight sexual harassment.L ily Allen has spoken out on her stalker experience, revealing that the man in question "intended to kill me.

The Somewhere Only We Know singer revealed how the actions of her stalker impacted her day-to-day life.

In 2016, it emerged that Allen had been the victim of a targeted stalker for seven years.

Incidents included the man breaking into her home while she slept with the intent to harm her, sending her a swarm of tweets, suicide threats and threatening letters being left at her home and other personal locations.

Alex Gray, 31, from Perth, Scotland was convicted of harassment and burglary at Harrow Crown Court after which he was given an indeterminate hospital order.

Speaking on the George Ezra & Friends podcast Allen said: I had a stalker about two and a half years ago, and it was a really horrendous experience.

He broke into my house, and it later transpired that he did intend to kill me. That really spun me out.

It wasnt validated by the police, they just tried to play it down. It wasnt until the trial that I found out was his intentions were.

She added: Because of the lack of validation from the police, I didnt feel like I could talk to anyone about it  not even my friends or my family.

When a crime is committed, their point of reference to how serious it is, is how the police take it.

The 32-year-old spoke out against the Metropolitan police, claiming she was victim-shamed and made to feel like a nuisance rather than a victim.

She said to Ezra: I just became incredibly isolated. I cut off from everybody. I was spending all of my time at home.T he release date for series two of 13 Reasons Why has been confirmed, with the hit series returning later this month.

The social media account for the Netflix series released a trailer on Monday and revealed that all episodes will be available on 18 May.

In the 90-second clip, the returning characters, including Clay Jensen and Jessica Davis, can all be seen frozen in time with Polaroid pictures floating around them.

In the final frame, Clay  played by Dylan Minnette  is holding a picture that reads The tapes were just the beginning.

13 Reasons Why: The first series was popular for the streaming service / Beth Dubber/Netflix

Earlier this year, it was announced that a new video has been added to the beginning of episodes warning viewers about the potentially distressing content featured in the programme.

The cast-fronted public service announcement points out the very real topics explored in the fictional show, including substance abuse, sexual assault and suicide.

The minute-long clip urges viewers who may be struggling with the content not to watch or to watch with a trusted adult.

It also seeks to reiterates to viewers that the programme wishes to shine a light on these important issues, and also urges those who need it to seek help. The series also have a website for advice.

The video comes after the popular first series, based on a book of the same name, received some criticism for its graphic content.

The drama follows Hannah Bakers decision to take her own life and unravels the events leading up to her death through a series of cassette tapes she left behind.

13 Reasons Why season two drops on Netflix on Friday May 18.Countries & Areas

Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia ZimbabweSergeant major Marius Valentin Ionescu, wounded in Afghanistan along other seven mates on Monday morning, has been transferred on Tuesday to the Regional Medical Centre in Landstuhl, Germany for additional medical investigations and specialized treatment, his health condition being stable, a release by the National Defence Ministry (MApN) sent to AGERPRES informs.

Marius Valentin Ionescu has suffered wounds at his upper right hand, being firstly admitted to the military hospital of Kandahar.

The other seven military with the 30th Battalion Carpathian Vultures Force Protection injured in the incident on Monday checked out and returned to the Romanian battalion's camp, where they are under medical supervision, the release adds.Romania registers record after record year after year at importing flowers, the amount brought to the country in 2016 totalling 88,325 tonnes, while its exports were over 50 times smaller, according to the data published on the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR).

So, in 2014 - 2016 the flower imports' value grew from 75 million euros to 97 million euros, whilst the exports stayed at 2.9 million euros.

Moreover, the area cultivated with flowers in protected spaces has halved in the past years, reaching 52 hectares, after a peak of 117 hectares recorded in 2013.The main flowers supplier of Romania is the Netherlands, a world leader in this field, with a territorial surface five times smaller than Romania's and an almost seven times smaller agricultural area.On April 30, powerful missile strikes were delivered against Syrias military sites in the provinces of Hama and Aleppo. There were casualties, mainly among pro-Iranian forces and Iranian personnel. Nobody took responsibility but it is widely believed that the operation was conducted by Israels Air Force. Israeli officials made no comments but Intelligence Minister Israel Katz said his country would not allow Iran to have military outposts on Syrian territory. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman vowed to use force in response to any attempt by Iran to establish a "military foothold" there. Neither would Israel allow Iran to go nuclear. The Israeli government believes it cooperates with N. Korea to acquire nuclear capability, despite the fact that the IAEA affirms that Tehran abides by its international commitments.

Israel has targeted Iranian-backed militia outposts in Syria before. Technically, Syria remains at war with Israel. The Israeli cabinet gathered for an emergency meeting right after the strikes. The military is getting ready Heron  drones that have just entered service to strike any air defense systems that can counter the Israeli aviation in Syria. Israeli F-15, F-16, F-35 can operate outside the killing zone of S-300 systems (150km) or approach land targets flying at the altitudes lower than 60m. They have AGM-142 Have Nap air-to-surface missiles with a range of 100km and Delilah stand-off cruise missiles to launch strikes at the distance of up to 250km. If Russia delivers its S-300s to Syria, these weapons will be used to neutralize them.

On April 30, arms depots for missiles were prime targets. One of the positions allegedly was an army base Brigade 47 near Hama city, were Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias are based. Syria said it was an act of aggression.

The process of sliding into a wider conflict in Syria sparked by clashes between Israel and Iran is gaining significant traction.

Coincidence or not, the operation was conducted at the time US State Secretary Mike Pompeo was on a visit to Jerusalem and just a few days after Russia announced it was no longer bound by any moral obligations it had before to withhold S-300 air defense systems deliveries to Syria. The US state secretary expressly emphasized the right of Israel to defend itself. He stressed the role of Geneva talks that have so far produced nothing in finding ways to settle the Syrias conflict and purposefully omitted to mention the talks in Astana  the peace process that has produced a lot. The US Centcom commander, General Joseph L. Votel had held talks in Israel just a few days before the state secretarys visit.

There are other very interesting coincidences to provide clues to what is actually happening and why. The April 30 operation was launched at the time direct clashes took place between the US-supported Kurdish-led SDF and the Syrias army. This is a very dangerous turn of events threatening to make US military directly clash with Syrias and Irans forces. Actually, the battle is already waged on at least two fronts.

Now lets look at what the US and Russia each are doing. Washington supports the Israels anti-Iran stance. It approves the use of force and is involved in provoking military conflict in Syria. Israel is not alone when it is bracing up for a conflict with Iran.

The present escalation is taking place after Moscow has undertaken an effort to prevent the worst. The International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues undeservedly received little attention in media but the very fact it was organized demonstrates what the Russias Syria policy is about.

The forum was held on April 25-26 in Sochi, the Russian famous Black Sea resort. Organized by Russias Security Council, the event security officials from 118 countries. It was stated there that some countries played into the hands of extremists in Syria. More participants would have participated if Washington did not apply pressure to reduce their number. The conference opposed the unilateral use of force and neglect of international law in Syria. Nikolai Patrushev, Russias Security Council Secretary, held two separate meetings with representatives of Iran and Israel to discuss the ways to avoid a direct confrontation. As one can see, its Russia, not the US, is applying efforts to mediate and thus avoid the war.

The foreign ministers of Russia, Turkey and Iran met in Moscow on April 28. They disagreed with the opinion of UN Syria Envoy Staffan de Misturas who said in a statement that the Astana process had reached its limits. The parties stressed unity and the need for a broader role of the UN in the efforts to settle the Syrias conflict.

Russia is the only actor fit for the role of a go-between to prevent a war between Israel and Iran and its trying to save lives. US officials talk about the potential conflict as something unavoidable. The comparison of the policies adopted by Washington and Moscow clearly shows who is instigating tensions and who is trying to ease them.The Chinese Army is replacing its Z-8A transport helicopters with the newer Z-20 design. This is unusual because the Z-8A had been used by the army for only six years. The army cited some serious problems it had with the Z-8A, including poor performance, heavy maintenance needs and its tendency to stall in flight. The Z-8 is based on the French SA-321s. China purchased several of these in the early 1970s, and by 1976 were working on reverse engineering them and producing their own, illegal, version. The first flight of the SA-321 clone (called the Z-8) took place in 1985. But only about twenty of the Z-8 have been built since then. Too many technical problems, plus the French were none too happy about this bit of theft and made their displeasure known to the Chinese as well as some willingness to bargain. While negotiating China persisted and in 2010 the Z-8B was in production. At that point, only a dozen were built. A more powerful engine, and hundreds of technical improvements have still not produced a chopper the Chinese army was willing to pay for. The navy was happy with the original SA-321s, and the Z-8 clones, but these operated at sea level. Eventually, China developed an improved Z-8 called the Z-18 that was more reliable and the navy ordered them to replace the Z-8s they had been using. The Z-18 was apparently a success but that was too late for the army which went with the new Z-20, nicknamed the Copyhawk due to its similarity to the American Blackhawk. The Chinese army will order more Z-20s if it succeeds where the Z-8 failed.

The Copyhawk first came to light in 2013 when photos from China showed what appeared to be an American UH-60 BlackHawk helicopter landing at a Chinese military base. This mystery helicopter was promptly dubbed CopyHawk for the Chinese eagerness to copy foreign military gear.

While China has never had any BlackHawks, they did manage to buy 24 S-70s, the civilian version of the UH-60, back in the 1980s (before the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and subsequent arms embargo). The embargo meant a halt to American technical assistance in maintaining the S-70s. Forced to take over those duties China did so successfully and that gave them the confidence to attempt to clone the S-70. Several of these S-70s were known to still be in service as of 2013. The 2013 CopyHawk, on closer examination, was definitely an S-70 variant. There were several obvious differences (mainly in fuselage shape and rotor configuration). Parts of the CopyHawk looked like the new Chinese Z-10 helicopter gunship. In 2013 nothing was known of what engines and electronics were used in the CopyHawk and whether it was just an experimental design or a prototype for a new medium helicopter transport based on the S-70. The 2013 Copyhawks were developmental aircraft and a more recent prototype was spotted in 2016 was a bit different but shortly thereafter the production model called the Z-20 appeared.

China did indeed reverse engineered the S-70 and apparently used some parts taken from the twenty or so S-70s withdrawn from service and used all that to build prototypes of the Z-20 helicopter. China needed a new ten ton class military transport and the CopyHawk would be consistent with other new Chinese aircraft and ship designs since the 1990s, which included complex modern Russian aircraft like the Su-30 and, of course, decades of work using the French SA321 Super Frelon. China is now creating a new vehicle, ships and aircraft designs that take more from the West than long-time source Russia.

In the meantime, you will find some Chinese who will complain to you, quite sincerely, that the Americans based their Blackhawk on a Chinese design. Thats because those S-70s have been featured in Chinese media coverage of the armed forces since the 1990s. This often occurs when the military is called out to help with disaster relief (floods and earthquakes). Those S-70s always show up on the TV news, delivering emergency supplies and evacuating casualties. The crews were Chinese, the paint job and markings were Chinese Air Force and as far as most Chinese are concerned the helicopter was another product of the booming Chinese aviation industry.

The Sikorsky S-70 was a 1970s design that won the competition to replace the older UH-1 "Huey". The army currently has about 2,000 UH-60s and is upgrading the force with the new "M" model. So far, about 2,800 UH-60s have been built. The UH-60 was introduced in 1979. The 11 ton UH-60M can carry 14 troops, or 1.1 tons of cargo internally, or four tons slung underneath. Cruise speed is 278 kilometers an hour. Max endurance is two hours, although most sorties last 90 minutes or less. Max altitude is 5,790 meters (19,000 feet).

The Z-20 is the same weight, size and shape as the UH-60 and S-70. The Z-20 also has two engines and can carry up to fifteen troops or max payload of five ton of cargo. The Z-20 can also carry up to four tons via a sling underneath. The Z-20 has different electronics and different engines. Helicopter engines, like high-performance jet engines, have long been a weak link for China, which has yet to produce models that are comparable with Western designs. For helicopters, China has obtained European models and has been able to build some of those under license. The Z-20 may be using one of the latest Chinese helicopter engine designs, the WZ-10.The Pakistani military has found a new ally in the Pakistani Supreme Court, which has often been caught in the middle as elected politicians and military leaders struggled for control of the government. The military has persuaded the Supreme Court to work with the military to make needed improvements in how Pakistan is run. The Supreme Court wants to crack down on corruption and ineffective government. The military is also corrupt, but not nearly as corrupt as elected politicians and much of the wealth the military has access to is legal, as in generous pay and fringe benefits for the military leadership. The military has also gained control over much of the economy and the military leaders are rewarded (legally) for looking after those operations. In this way, the military makes itself less of a target for the reform minded Supreme Court judges and help by backing up Supreme Court decisions (like recently ousting a prime minister for corruption, as well as some of his ministers). Left unsaid is occasions in the past where the military threatened the Supreme Court with armed resistance to unpopular (with the generals) decisions.

While Islamic terrorist violence is fading away in Pakistan the same cannot be said for the Pakistan sponsored violence in northwest India (Kashmir) where the Pakistani Army defies its elected political leaders and a growing percentage of the population by continuing to support the violence in Indian Kashmir as well as regularly breaking the ceasefire on the Indian border, especially in Kashmir and having troops fire across the border and then blame the Indians for starting it because Indians fire back. This deadly charade is one reason Pakistan is under growing international pressure to behave. The official Pakistani response it that the rest of the world is somehow being deceived by some kind of conspiracy.

A Kashmir peace deal could have been worked out decades ago had not the Pakistani military not decided to use Kashmir as a way to justify their existence and growing wealth. The Pakistani generals are pleased with their progress in Kashmir where violence is up for the third year in a row. So far in 2018 Islamic terrorism related deaths in Kashmir are up about 25 percent from 2017. This scam held up in Pakistan far longer than it did with the Indians but now the Pakistani generals are under growing pressure from Pakistanis, in general, to back off in Kashmir. That is not happening and the Pakistani military has responded by seizing more political and government power in Pakistan. This is making Pakistan more unstable. The problem here is that a lot more Indians are willing to risk war, even nuclear war, to halt the Pakistani military and Islamic terror operations in Kashmir (and less successful Islamic terror efforts throughout India.) A growing number of Pakistani allies are warning the Pakistani military that the violent theatrics and posturing in Kashmir are costing Pakistan a lot of credibility and sympathy. So far the Pakistani generals are not making any changes to their Kashmir strategy. Civilians on both sides of the border report that the violence, especially damage to civilian structures, is worse than the 1990s when this border violence last peaked.

Peace For Me, None For Thee

Pakistan continues to reduce Islamic terrorist violence inside Pakistan. Terror related casualties are headed for the fourth year of sharply reduced violence. The Islamic terror groups hostile to the Pakistani government (mainly the Pakistani Taliban) are now a nuisance, not a threat, inside Pakistan. Most of the remaining terror related deaths are from groups that have been killing for generations. This is mostly about Sunni Islamic terrorists killing Shia and non-Moslems. There is growing Baluchi violence in the southwest but it is no worse now than it has been at times in the past. Meanwhile, the Pakistani military has succeeded in exporting Islamic terrorism to Afghanistan and India (and less successfully to Bangladesh). This is a remarkable (and despicable) achievement but one that the Pakistani military cannot openly take credit for.

There is one Islamic terrorism related achievement the Pakistani military can talk openly about. In 2014, when the army finally decided to shut down sanctuaries for Islamic terror groups not under military control, there were 5,496 Islamic terror related deaths. In 2015 that dropped to 3,682, then to 1,803 in 2016, 1260 in 2017 and so far in 2018 it looks like these deaths will fall to under 700. India, with six times as many people, has had terror related deaths under a thousand a year since 2012 and most of those have nothing to do with Islamic terrorism. Despite the growing popularity (among Moslems) of Islamic radicalism in the last three decades, Moslem majority Bangladesh has been largely free of it. Compared to Pakistan (with a ten percent larger population) Bangladesh still had only six percent as many terrorist deaths as Pakistan during 2017. So far it looks like Bangladeshi terror related deaths will decline even more in 2018, to about three percent of the Pakistani total.

The current head of the Pakistani military, Qamar Javed Bajwa, has expressed an interest in making some kind of peace deal with his neighbors (especially India). Bajwa seems to recognize that he cannot run Pakistan (via another military government) and that the growing tensions with India are indeed dangerous. The Indians have nukes and a track record of defeating Pakistan every time the two nations get into a war. China has openly proclaimed that it is not a military ally of Pakistan so Bajwa realizes he actually is in a weak position that is liable to get worse and end very badly for Pakistan, Bajwa and the Pakistani military. China also openly urges Pakistan to make peace with India. As open to peace talks as Bajwa says he is he cant even admit that he has imposed on himself a lot of difficult restrictions. He cannot admit that Pakistan is sponsoring Islamic terrorism in Afghanistan and India. Then there is the Pakistani history of making peace deals and regularly violating them. No wonder Bajwa sounds worried and unsure what he can do about the mess he and his predecessors have created. In private discussions with Chinese and American officials, Bajwa is called out on his actual policies. Bajwa can deny the accusations from the Americans but the Chinese cannot be lied to. The Chinese support Pakistani lies publicly but privately urge the Pakistanis to face reality before they trigger a nuclear war that would destroy a lot of valuable Chinese investments. To help this peace effort along the Chinese openly deny they are any kind of military ally of Pakistan.

The Pakistan supported violence in Kashmir has become the major public safety issue for India because the other two major sources of disorder (communist Maoist rebels in the east and tribal rebels in the northeast) are very much on the defensive and causing much less disorder.

The Economic Scorecard Then And Now

India expects its GDP to grow by 7.4 percent this year, making it the fastest growing large economy in the world and surpassing long-time champion China. That is a promising trend but its only part of an Indian effort to match the much larger and more developed Chinese economy. Right now India has much less developed infrastructure, an inferior education system, much more corruption and a much less efficient government. All this is nothing new. It was noted in 2017 when India, Pakistan and Bangladesh celebrated the 70th anniversary of British India (and centuries of British rule) being replaced with independent India and Pakistan (which, after 25 years, split into Bangladesh and what is now Pakistan). Today these three nations have a population equal to China but have fared differently when it comes to economic growth. After 70 years India has seen its GDP per capita increase 5.5 times, Pakistan 3.9 times and Bangladesh 2.4 times, Neighbor China saw an increase of 17.9 times. Back in 1947, the GDP per capita in India was 38 percent higher than China while in what is now Pakistan it was 50 percent higher and in Bangladesh 21 percent higher. In 1947 China has just ended four decades of rebellion, civil war, invasion and one more civil war that put the communists in power. During that time British India was much more peaceful and undergoing the industrial revolution and the attendant changes. The Chinese economy didnt grow much more quickly than that of India until the 1980s when the Chinese government decided to give economic (but not political) freedom a chance. India always had political freedom but the economy was crippled by corruption and state control. In the 1990s India introduced more economic freedom but still, like Pakistan and Bangladesh, suffered more from corruption than neighboring China. There were also cultural differences between the four nations but it is interesting to see how the four did after 70 years of independence.

Pakistan is also experiencing high GDP growth now, which is expected to hit 6.2 percent over the next year. This growth is the result of less terrorist violence since 2014 and more Chinese investments. But the Pakistani economy is in much worse shape than Indias. Pakistan also has a higher illiteracy rate (about 50 percent) and more civil disorder in cities and rural areas. Pakistan has always been more violent, suffering about six times more terrorist violence than India. In Pakistan, military spending takes 23 percent of the government budget and is taking more next year. Paying interest on, or repaying, debt takes 30 percent leaving less than half the government budget for everything else. Economic development gets about 15 percent of spending but it isnt nearly enough, especially since a lot of it is diverted or stolen by corrupt officials.

Meanwhile, a former part of Pakistan (East Pakistan now Bangladesh) is outperforming Pakistan and India when it comes to economic growth. The primary reason for this is Bangladesh never adopted Islamic terrorism as a national policy. Quite the opposite, Bangladesh was more like India in forcing the Moslem clergy to refrain from trying to impose Islamic lifestyle rules or form radical groups to impose lifestyle rules that cripple the economy and prevent much progress at all. Bangladesh always encouraged the education of women and widespread employment of women throughout the economy. In a way Bangladesh didnt have a choice. West Pakistan (what is currently Pakistan) had far more economic resources than East Pakistan and Bangladesh had to concentrate on developing the capabilities of its people or be stuck with perpetual poverty.

Bangladesh Versus The Burmese Generals

The biggest problem Bangladesh faces is not Islamic terrorism sponsored by Pakistan (that has been kept under control) but problems created by an independent military in neighboring Burma. The military ran Burma from the 1960s until 2011, when it finally allowed elections to get out from growing international hostility (and sanctions). But like in Pakistan the Burmese military is still an independent (of government control) organization and it played a large role in over 700,000 Burmese Moslems (Rohingya, Bengalis who had been in Burma before the British colonial government left the region in 1948) fleeing to Bangladesh. Burma, or at least the Burmese military and its Buddhist nationalist allies, do not want to take the Rohingya back. But that would leave Burma with a huge refugee population that, even with foreign aid paying for the camps, would be nothing but trouble for Burma.

The 700,000 Burmese Rohingya Moslem refugees in Bangladesh are stuck there and for what appears to be a long time. The Burmese government insists that only validated Burmese residents will be allowed back and the verification process is stalled. Burma is approving less than ten percent of the names Bangladesh presents as authentic Burmese Rohingya. The repatriation back to Burma of was supposed to begin in January 2018 but continued army violence against Rohingya still in Burma made that impossible. Added to that were the administrative problems and so much more. Those Rohingya going back must do so voluntarily but there have been many reports of Rohingya refugee camp leaders putting Rohingya on the will return list even if the refugee does not want to return. This abuse of the lists may have to do with corruption or Rohingya politics. There has been some violence in the camps over this issue and others.

Back in Burma UN officials report that adequate preparations have not been made to handle a large scale return of Rohingya. A further complication is that those Rohingya willing to return want to return to their homes. If their home was destroyed (as many were during the military violence) the returnees want an opportunity to rebuild and for the government to supply money and supplies to make that possible. That would be difficult because in many of the areas Rohingya fled from local officials have treated the former Rohingya property as abandoned and available or resale and reuse. Rohingya refugees are aware of this and will not return until the government clears up the property ownership issues. That happening is considered an impossible dream by all concerned. As a result many Rohingya refugees are seeking new homelands. Bangladesh is not considered a good candidate because the country is already crowded and poor and long the source of illegal migrants to other nations. At the moment Moslem refugees are a hard sell, even in Moslem countries. No one is willing to take a lot of Rohingya and Bangladesh does not like being stuck with these large refugee camps near the Burmese border. Because the Rohingya are Moslem most Moslem nations have been quick to condemn Burma and urge international efforts to force Burma to take back the Rohingya. That has not worked either, just like international pressure on Pakistan has not eliminated Pakistani support for Islamic terrorism.

Pakistani Pushtun Protest

The PTM (Pashtun Tahafuz Movement or Pashtun Protection Movement) is a growing Pushtun nationalist movement in Pakistan. That is where most Pushtuns live but the Pushtuns are a small minority in Pakistan while in Afghanistan half as many Pushtuns are the largest minority in the country and a force to be reckoned with. Pushtuns on both sides of the border also agree that India is more of a friend than the Moslem majority of Pakistan who like to treat India as an enemy (which Indians insist they are not) and Afghanistan as a subordinate nation (which the Afghans do not like at all). India can now trade freely with Afghanistan via a new sea/rail link in Iran and most Afghans prefer this to dependency on Pakistan for access to the rest of the world. Attitudes and alliances are changing and Pakistan and the Taliban they created are the big losers.

April 29, 2018: The leaders of India and China finished two days of meetings in China. This was an informal summit meeting requested by China, which wants to peacefully settle, or at least suspend, some or all of the current disputes it has with India. China would also like to get Indian cooperation for the OBOR (One Belt, One Road) project. Already China is building one land branch through Pakistan and would like to build another branch through India as well as obtain Indian cooperation for a maritime OBOR link via the Indian Ocean. Neither country got all they wanted but the two days of talks did quiet things down between the two most populous nations on the planet and set in motion some efforts to increase economic, diplomatic and military cooperation.

One of the long shot opportunities China sees with India is another customer for Chinese military equipment. Since 2000 India has bought less from Russia, long the main supplier, and depended more on Western nations (mainly the U.S. and Israel). China has become a major threat to customers Russia long believed they had a lock on. China can offer a wider range of inexpensive weapons similar to what Russia has long offered but deliver stuff of higher quality, higher quantity and customized to customer requirements. Moreover, China turns around these orders more quickly. There are still some Chinese weapons suppliers who have acquired some of the bad Russian habits but these are usually bottom feeders supplying the lowest cost stuff to the most desperate customers. China encourages its arms manufacturers to take the high road, except when it comes to practical measures like paying bribes to get the sale and get it delivered. If India and China did not have some many border disputes India would be buying Chinese weapons in place of the increasingly shoddy ones Russia is offering.

April 28, 2018: Pakistan has increased its military spending by an unprecedented 20 percent a year (to $9.6 billion). This was a very unpopular move but seen as essential by the military which is apparently accepting the fact American military aid is gone for good. The military applied a lot of pressure, including threats, to get enough votes in parliament for this large increase. This cause a lot more resentment against the military.

April 23, 2018: Pakistani and Russian officials met in Russia to discuss how much Russia could replace the United States as a military ally and supplier of military equipment. This is a major shift for Pakistan and Russia, which have long been on bad terms. But that has changed, especially with the Americans cutting off military aid for Pakistan because of continued Pakistani support for Islamic terrorists. Russia, like China, is not bothered by that as long as the Pakistani backed Islamic terrorists leave Chinese and Russians alone. While Russia is a poor (literally) replacement as a military supplier and supporter, Pakistan cannot afford to be choosy. Russia and China are allies (of a sort) whereas the same could not be said for the United States and China. Although the American and China are the two largest economies on the planet, Russia is number 12 and declining. Still, the Russian economy is five times the size of Pakistans and able to produce a wide range of military equipment. Since 2014 Russia and Pakistan have formed several military links. Back in late 2014, Russia agreed to sell Pakistan up to twenty Mi-35s helicopters. The Pakistani army has been calling for all the helicopter gunships it can get, as these aircraft have proved a key weapon in the battles against Islamic terrorists in the tribal territories. The Pakistanis were, as always, short of cash. The Russians are not known for offering generous credit terms like they did in the Cold War, but deals can be made if the long term benefit is attractive enough. The Russian offer to sell Pakistan weapons came as a surprise. Thats because India has long been the largest export customer for Russian weapons. But India is becoming disillusioned with Russia as a weapons supplier. Late deliveries, quality problems and inadequate support are all complaints that India finds Russia has no solutions for. So Russia apparently feels free to sell to Indias archenemy Pakistan. After all, Russia has long been the major weapons supplier to the other Indian archenemy; China.

April 22, 2018: Despite a government ban the PTM (Pashtun Protection Movement) held a large demonstration in Lahore and spoke out against the police state tactics the government was using throughout the tribal territories as part of the effort to destroy Islamic terror groups that oppose the Pakistani government (rather than work for Pakistani military). The army has been kidnapping and murdering suspected Islamic terrorists and often killed people who simply didnt want to cooperate with the government or the military. The government refused to allow the PTM to hold the demonstration because of possible threats to PTM leaders. This is what PTM is protesting, the government policy of threatening unofficially and then restricting Pushtun political activities because the Pushtun politicians or protest leaders were in danger.

April 21, 2018: India revealed that it had, in February, withdrawn from the joint development and manufacturing agreement with Russia regarding their Su-57 stealth fighter. That agreement committed India to eventually contribute over $8 billion to developing and building Su-57s. India said they might still purchase the Su-57 once it is ready for sale and might even rejoin joint development efforts. But for now India is writing off nearly $300 million it has already invested but is no longer obligated to spend over $8 billion to develop and manufacture an aircraft they have lost confidence in.

April 20, 2018: In China state owned media pointed out that China and Pakistan are not military allies. Pakistan may be the largest export customer for Chinese weapons and the recent withdrawal of American military aid makes Pakistan largely dependent on China for advanced tech weapons and equipment. China and Pakistan criticize the United States for insisting that Pakistan cut its support for Islamic terrorists like the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network if they want to receiver military aid. Pakistan insists there is no such support for the Taliban and Haqqani, but most of the world disagrees. At the same time China insists that Pakistan keep Chinese personnel and construction projects in Pakistan free of terrorist attack and Pakistan quite visible and competently complies. For Pakistan that is different. China is a business partner.

April 19, 2018: In Pakistan the largest TV network, Geo, was allowed back on the air after being shut down by the military in late March for criticizing the military and the Supreme Court. Apparently Geo management agreed to censorship by the military as the cost of getting back on the air. This is not the first time the military and ISI (military intelligence) have clashed with Geo over press freedom. Back in November 2014 the head of Geo was sentenced to 26 years in prison. He had been convicted of blasphemy for allowing the broadcast of a video the court considered anti-Islamic. Most Pakistanis see this as another example of the army and ISI using their control of some courts to use the blasphemy laws as a form of censorship against those who criticize the army or ISI. Pakistan still has severe blasphemy laws that are mostly used by Moslems against innocent Christians or other non-Moslems. Efforts to repeal these laws, or at least limit their misuse, are violently resisted by Islamic political parties. The Pakistani blasphemy laws are usually only used by Moslems against non-Moslems and when they are used against Moslems it is usually for revenge or political reasons. The laws are unpopular with the majority of Pakistanis. But the minority who do support the laws, are willing to use lethal force to keep the laws on the books. These blasphemy laws were enacted in the 1970s at the behest of the military. The opposition to repealing these laws is violent and fearless. In 2011 the Punjab province governor Salman Taseer was shot dead by one of his own bodyguards because Taseer had openly opposed the blasphemy laws. While no one had ever been executed because of these laws, many are accused and jailed each year, and often condemned to death (and later reprieved). But over 30 of those accused have been murdered by Islamic fanatics, who are a large, and violent, minority of the population.

The ISI had been after Geo since June 2914 and from the start used trumped up charges that the station was guilty of blasphemy. This resulted in the normally anti-ISI civilian government ordering Geo shut down for 15 days in June for slandering the ISI. The station also had to pay a $102,000 fine. The ISI also mobilized Islamic conservative groups to attack Geo and its employees. The military was angry with the Geo TV news channel mainly for accusing the military of being behind an April 19th attack against a prominent Geo TV journalist (Hamid Mir) who frequently criticized the ISI and the army during his Geo show. Mir survived the attack and the army denied it had anything to do with it. Similar attacks have been traced back to the army and ISI in the past. In Pakistan its understood that openly criticizing the ISI or army can have unhealthy consequences. The army first tried using jammers to block Geo from being received on military bases and also banned newspapers that were also making these accusations. The military then mobilized its political and media allies to back this attack on Geo, which resulted in the fake blasphemy charges and repetition of these charges in Islamic and pro-military media. On May 26th Geo surrendered and printed and broadcast a groveling apology to the military and ISI over the issue. That was not enough, nor was the order to have the station is shut down for 15 days. The military and ISI want the increasingly aggressive media to remember that there are some subjects that are simply not covered in Pakistan. Geo was undeterred though and went to court to sue ISI for defamation. The military fought back and managed to get the head of Geo convicted of blasphemy. Eventually Geo agreed to be more sensitive to military complaints about unwarranted criticism. But the military got worse, especially when it formed a partnership with the Supreme Court and Geo felt it essential to report what was going on with this. That, Geo learned, was not allowed.

April 18, 2018: In northwest Pakistan (Kurram) Pakistani troops agreed to move back from disputed territory on the Afghan (Paktia province) border. South of Kurram, adjacent to Khost province in Afghanistan (adjacent to North Waziristan) there was a similar withdrawal of Pakistani forces. This is a temporary fix for the continued disputes over where the Afghan border actually is.

April 17, 2018: In southwest Pakistan (Baluchistan) several Iranian Baluchi separatists based in Pakistan crossed the Iranian border at night and clashed with Iranian border guards. Three Baluchis were killed as were three Iranians. The surviving Baluchis apparently fled back into Pakistan and Iran urged Pakistan to look into the matter.

April 16, 2018: In northwest Pakistan, on the Afghan border (Khost province) there was another clash between Afghan security forces and Pakistani border guards. It was all about Pakistanis and Afghans disagreeing where the border was. Fighting broke out yesterday. At least seven people died, five of them Pakistani and two Afghan border police. One Pakistani border guard was captured. The Pakistani entered an area that the Afghans insisted was on their side of the border and fighting broke out when the Pakistani border guards would not back away. Today a ceasefire was arranged by tribal leaders and Afghanistan returned the bodies of the Pakistani dead and the one captured Pakistani. The Afghan government ordered the army to send additional troops to the border in case the Pakistanis escalated. These clashes are occurring more frequently.

April 15, 2018: In southwest Pakistan (Quetta, capital of Baluchistan) four gunmen on motorcycles fired on Christians coming out of a church and left two of the Christians dead. ISIL later took credit for this attack. ISIL attacks non-Moslems and Shia Moslems frequently and describes it as Gods work.

April 14, 2018: The Afghan security forces are having more success shutting down Taliban smuggling routes from Pakistan. These routes are used to bring in weapons, including explosives, as well as foreign Islamic terrorists. Both bombs and foreign Islamic terrorists are unwelcome in Afghanistan because that means more dead civilians. So it has become easier for the security forces to find out which remote smuggling routes the Taliban are using and disrupt them (at great cost to the Taliban).

April 13, 2018: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), an Islamist political party has called for more mass demonstrations, meant to disrupt the economy until the Islamic radicals get what they want.

April 10, 2018: In northwest Pakistan the army fired more shells across the Afghan border into Kunar province. Some of the fire was directed at a village. This left one civilian dead and one house destroyed. Over 300 people fled their homes to avoid the rockets and shells. When it was all over nearly 200 rockets and shells had been fired. Most had landed in uninhabited areas.

April 9, 2018: China and India are trying to negotiate yet another border dispute, one that was kept quiet until today. In this case Indian patrols caught Chinese troops inside the Indian state of Ladakh (northwest India) twice in March. In one case the Chinese were six kilometers from the border. In both cases the Chinese troops retreated when confronted.TICKERS: AZ, BHP; BHPLF, FCX, KER; KERMF; 7AZ1, RIO; RTPPF

Source: Streetwise Reports (5/1/18)

On the heels of its newly released prefeasibility report, a Canadian mining company gets the green light on fast production on its fully permitted and built Arizona gold mine where the company continues to make high-grade discoveries on its large land package.



Arizona ranks second in the U.S. for mineral production, with copper topping its list of mineral products, followed by molybdenum, which is often found in tandem with copper. A number of large mining companies are active in the state:

The mining behemoth Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX:NYSE) has five mines open-pit copper mines in the state, and is actively exploring the Lone Star project, which is located adjacent to its Stafford project. The company believes that production from Lone Star could begin in 2021 and could have a 20 year mine life. Lone Star would use Stafford's existing infrastructure.

Resolution Copper is developing another copper mine in Arizona that could become the U.S.'s largest copper mine, capable of meeting 25% of the U.S.'s demand each year. The deep mine, over a mile underground, is being built under the historical Magma copper mine. The company is a joint venture between subsidiaries of two mining giants, Rio Tinto Plc (RIO:NYSE; RIO:ASX; RIO:LSE; RTPPF:OTCPK) and BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP:NYSE; BHPLF:OTCPK).

"Kerr Mines' Copperstone project is of significantly higher grade than most of the deposits in the western U.S." - Fundamental Research



Arizona is also seeing zinc exploration. Arizona Mining Inc. (AZ:TSX) recently received, four months ahead of plan, all the permits required to construct two exploration declines at its Taylor zinc-lead-silver project in Santa Cruz County. The project currently has a Measured mineral resource of 15.2 million tons grading 9.6% zinc equivalent; 85 million tons grading 10.5% zinc equivalent Indicated; and 43 million tons grading 11.9% zinc equivalent Inferred.

Gold has a much lower profile than copper and zinc in the state. While visitors can pan for gold along several of Arizona's rivers, larger-scale gold mines are as scarce as water in the Sonoran desert.

That is about to change. Kerr Mines Inc. (KER:TSX; KERMF:OTC; 7AZ1:FRA) has been actively exploring bringing the past-producing Copperstone Gold Mine in western Arizona back to life.

Copperstone, located in mining-friendly Arizona, has a lot going for it. The fully permitted mine is built and there is infrastructure on site. It already has a 300,000 ounce resource, and the land package offers lots of exploration potential.

Copperstone was mined by Cyprus Minerals as a heap-leach surface mine from 1989 to 1993, when it was decommissioned. Between 2010 and 2014, a previous junior mining company developed a small underground operation that was put on care and maintenance due to engineering and financial issues, as well as a downward trending gold price. Some 500,000 ounces of gold have been produced at the mine.

Kerr acquired Copperstone in 2014.

The previous owners of the mine had made large investments in infrastructure and drilling. The existing underground access, mill, surface impoundments and related infrastructure are well built and are in sound working condition, according to the company. The infrastructure investments were made relatively recently and cost the previous operator between CA$50 million and CA$60 million; today they would cost over CA$100 million to replicate, Kerr CEO Claudio Ciavarella told Streetwise Reports.

Kerr over the last six months or so has released some eye-popping drill results. On Feb. 21, the company announced that Copperstone hole KER-17U-50 returned a 7.3 meter drill hole interval with 102.7 g/t gold, an off-the-charts result.

On January 15, Kerr announced an increase of 255% of mineralized extents in the Footwall zone, "including an increase of 223 meters of strike and 91 meters of dip extents compared to previously announced Footwall Zone." The company also noted the discovery of a "new and separate Footwall mineralized zone with 105 meters of strike and 240 meters of dip." This area remains open along strike and dip. The company also noted the presence of copper as high as 2.78%, which could be an additional revenue source for the mine.

And on December 5, Kerr noted that hole KER-17U-12's total interval length is 60.5 feet at 27.0 g/t gold, another high-grade result that also increased the down-dip extension of the deposit.

The company released results from its prefeasibility study on April 10.

According to the prefeasibility study, the 300,000-ounce resource begins beneath an open pit 500-feet deep, and the company's biggest news suggests interesting numbers for future development. Based on the company's recent news release, it expects to jump into production quickly.

A Clear Path to Production

The study shows strong highlights for both the quality and quantity of the gold found in Copperstone. The company announces a base case of $1,250 per ounce of gold, which is about $65 below today's price. With average annual sales of 38,347 ounces gold, the company expects payback of initial capital ($22.7 million) within 2.3 years of a 2019 production start. That low capex of $22.7 million also includes a mine equipment capital lease. With a study life operating margin (EBITDA) of $89 million and an internal rate of return of 40%, the company is confident in starting production next year.

With the infrastructure in place and strong numbers, the company says it has a 95% average of recovering gold using crushing, grinding, and whole ore leach.

CEO Claudio Ciavarella estimated that the company could be looking at 100,000 ounces of gold per 100 vertical feet of its Copperstone project. While the open pit was initially 500 feet deep, the company has added an additional 300 feet. Ciavarella says Kerr Mines could go another 400 to 500 feet deep.

"If this mineralization continues at the same rate, this would mean that we could grow the resources to around the 1,200-1,400-foot level and add another 300,000 to 400,000 ounces in resources," explained Ciavarella.

Kerr Mines' president, Martin Kostuik, shares the excitement: "The results of this PFS display the strong near-term production opportunity for the Copperstone Mine and robust returns for our investors. This is just the beginning."

The company threw out big-picture numbers for the long term. According to the study, the study life operating margin (EBITDA) is $89 million, with an internal rate of return of 40%.

5-Year Projection

The company has identified its first five years of gold production. Per the company's production schedule, the company expects to mine over 1.2 million tonnes in total.

Production Schedule Study Totals Year -1 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 MINE PRODUCTION Ore Mined (tonnes) 802,048 52,089 207,331 219,449 170,688 144,070 8,421 Au Grade (g/tonne) 6.79 7.22 6.70 6.86 6.63 6.83 6.82 Mine Development (meters) 13,295 1,002 5,153 3,613 1,940 1,476 111 Development Waste (tonnes) 487,159 40,203 202,717 139,695 57,501 43,750 3,292 Total Tonnes Mined 1,289,207 92,292 410,047 359,145 228,189 187,821 11,713

"The impressive exploration upside displayed by the 2017 Phase I program, the historical production of over 500,000 gold ounces and the potential to generate solid positive cash flows by identifying the first four years of gold production, all point toward the opportunity of many more years, beyond the Study timeframe, of profitable production," said Kostuik.

Furthermore, the company is pleased that there are 100,000 ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources that were not included in the confirmed mineral resources. According to the company, part of this additional 100,000 ounces of gold is immediately accessible for drilling and potential inclusion during the phase 2, 2018 drill program.

A Copperstone Gold Mine tour video is available here.

Fundamental Research Corp. released an investment analysis for Kerr Mines on April 18. Analyst Siddharth Rajeev noted that "at an average grade of 7.36 gpt (across the resource categories), the Copperstone project is of significantly higher grade than most of the deposits in the western U.S."

Rajeev also expressed the belief that "the PFS was very conservative as it only accounted for 63% of the measured and indicated resource. Also, we believe the current resource and NPV estimates do not account for any upside potential from the ongoing exploration. A newly discovered Footwall zone has potential to be of the same dimensions as the main Copperstone zone."

"Approximately 100 Koz of measured and indicated resources were not included in the reserve estimate, which we believe would have added another 2 to 3 years to the mine life, and potentially $50 million in additional operating profit," Rajeev added.

Fundamental Research has a Buy rating on Kerr and assigns a fair value estimate of C$0.49 per share. The stock currently sits at CA$0.24.

Currently, there are 255 million shares outstanding, with 32% held by management and directors. Eric Sprott has an approximately 7% stake in the company.

Technical analyst Clive Maund on April 10 reiterated Kerr Mines as a strong buy: "It looks like Kerr will break to the upside soon from the current tight range, and it is therefore rated a strong buy here."

Want to read more Gold Report articles like this? Sign up for our free e-newsletter, and you'll learn when new articles have been published. To see a list of recent articles and interviews with industry analysts and commentators, visit our Streetwise Interviews page.

Disclosure:

1) Nikia Wade compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.

2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Kerr Mines. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with Kerr Mines. Please click here for more information. An affiliate of Streetwise Reports is conducting a digital media marketing campaign on this article on behalf of Kerr Mines. Please click here for more information.

3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.

5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article, until one week after the publication of the interview or article. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Kerr Mines, a company mentioned in this article.

Disclosures from Fundamental Research Corp., Kerr Mines Inc., April 19, 2018

The opinions expressed in this report are the true opinions of the analyst about this company and industry. Any forward looking statements are our best estimates and opinions based upon information that is publicly available and that we believe to be correct, but we have not independently verified with respect to truth or correctness. There is no guarantee that our forecasts will materialize. Actual results will likely vary. FRC and the Analyst do not own shares of the subject company. Fees were paid by KER to FRC. The purpose of the fee is to subsidize the high costs of research and monitoring. FRC takes steps to ensure independence including setting fees in advance and utilizing analysts who must abide by CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Additionally, analysts may not trade in any security under coverage. Our full editorial control of all research, timing of release of the reports, and release of liability for negative reports are protected contractually. To further ensure independence, KER has agreed to a minimum coverage term including an initial report and three updates. Coverage cannot be unilaterally terminated.

CliveMaund.com Disclosure:

The above represents the opinion and analysis of Mr Maund, based on data available to him, at the time of writing. Mr. Maund's opinions are his own, and are not a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. Mr. Maund is an independent analyst who receives no compensation of any kind from any groups, individuals or corporations mentioned in his reports. As trading and investing in any financial markets may involve serious risk of loss, Mr. Maund recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction and do your own due diligence and research when making any kind of a transaction with financial ramifications. Although a qualified and experienced stock market analyst, Clive Maund is not a Registered Securities Advisor. Therefore Mr. Maund's opinions on the market and stocks can only be construed as a solicitation to buy and sell securities when they are subject to the prior approval and endorsement of a Registered Securities Advisor operating in accordance with the appropriate regulations in your area of jurisdiction.

Clive Maund: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own shares of the following companies mentioned in this article: None. I personally am, or members of my immediate household or family are, paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this article: None.TICKERS: TK; TLD; TKRFF

Source: The Critical Investor for Streetwise Reports (5/1/18)

The Critical Investor provides an update on funding and exploration at a high-grade zinc project in Peru.





Ayawilca project; drilling location

1. Introduction

Tinka Resources Ltd. (TK:TSX.V; TLD:FSE; TKRFF:OTCPK) came a long way doing its financings without the Canadian brokerages, supported by Sentient and IFC, but finally it was time to let them in as the upcoming/ongoing drill programs, resource estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment demanded a substantial treasury, preferably raised well before it will be needed. The raised amount of no less than C$16.2M is among the highest for base metal explorers for the last year or so, although I believe it had a substantial impact on the share price.

The company also released new drill results for West Ayawilca and Zone 3. For West, the stepout hole was pretty successful, the Zone 3 results didn't return much but this wasn't entirely unexpected, as mineralization was expected more in the vicinity of hole A18-113 (more to the north), of which the assays are coming up soon. What this all might implicate for investors can be read in this update.

All presented tables are my own material, unless stated otherwise.

All pictures are company material, unless stated otherwise.

All currencies are in US Dollars, unless stated otherwise.

Please note: the views, opinions, estimates or forecasts regarding Tinka's performance are those of the author alone and do not represent opinions, forecasts or predictions of Tinka or Tinka's management. Tinka has not in any way endorsed the information, conclusions or recommendations provided by the author.

2. Financings

With the rainy season limiting drill result news flow, and a new cash injection to be foreseen in the not too distant future, most of the attention on Tinka Resources was focused on a new round of financing after the last results on Ayawilca came out in February, as discussed in my latest update. Rumors started swirling around in January about Canadian brokers wanting a piece of the Tinka pie, and coincidentally the share price started sliding soon after this, not in line with the neutral Venture/base metal sentiment:



Share price Tinka Resources 1 year timeframe; source tmxmoney.com

This might not have been that coincidentally, as careful observers of the markets often could notice likewise drop-offs after word gets out (for example, when the company is doing road shows for a financing) a company is going to raise fresh cash. Stock movers like interested parties (banks, brokers, big investors) have a clear incentive to get the lowest price possible on such a financing, and especially if they can get additional warrants they might, for example, even sell (part of) an eventual position and buy back with warrants attached, often getting the shares at a discount, as financings are usually done at a slight discount. In addition to this there was also heavy selling pressure from a sell recommendation of a U.S. newsletter right before PDAC.

The first round of financing was finally announced at March 13, and involved a C$7.008M bought deal @C$0.48 plus a half warrant (@C$0.75 for 12 months). The Canadian syndicate was led by GMP Securities and consisted of Canaccord, Beacon, CIBC and Industrial Alliance, which received 6% commission in cash of gross proceeds. There was a C$1.051M over-allotment option, which was exercised in full, resulting in C$8.059M proceedings, and it was a short form prospectus, meaning that the shares can be sold directly after closing of the financing without the usual four-month hold period.

At the same time, the company was undertaking a non-brokered private placement, which consisted of two tranches, C$5.77M (closed April 9) and C$2.4M (closed at April 27), totaling C$8.17M, under the same terms (@C$0.48 with a half warrant @0.75 for 12 months) except these securities are subject to the usual four-month hold period. The largest shareholder, Sentient Global Resources Fund IV, was a big buyer of this placement, bringing its total holdings of Tinka at 24.7% of outstanding shares, and 23.8% fully diluted. The other big shareholder, International Finance Corporation (IFC), participated in the second tranche as well, exercising its contractual rights regarding the offering, bringing its holdings to 11.5% outstanding and 13.2% fully diluted. On a side note: assuming a finder's fee of 6%, there was a Peruvian broker taking up a participation of about C$653k, so Tinka managed to get some local interest in the end.

The company plans to use the net proceeds of C$16.2M to fund exploration expenditures at the company's Ayawilca project in Peru, an updated resource estimate and a PEA, as well as for other corporate purposes and general working capital. CEO Graham Carman had this to add according to the news release:

"The Company is now fully funded to carry out its planned exploration programs for the next 18 months. Drilling has already been stepped up to three rigs, and we look forward to disclosing the results of the drill programs, and other planned work such as metallurgical tests, as results come to hand."

It is good to see that Tinka doesn't have to go back to the markets for the first 1.5 years. Although there was quite a bit of (future) dilution added because of the relatively low price and the warrants of the last capital raise, which wasn't always appreciated among investors, management did well by pulling the trigger by lack of better offers. The golden rule in mining is always, if you can get the money, you have three priorities: 1. take it 2. take it 3. take it. Management told me they didn't get better offers earlier on, contrary to rumors in the industry, so there is only so much you can do as a junior it seems. The issued and outstanding share count stands at 271M at the moment, and the fully diluted number is about 301M shares.

The markets are digesting this financing now, and it seems to me that the current C$0.46-0.48 levels could be strong bottoms that could provide strong support chart-wise, as I do believe these levels were enforced by selling around the financings.

3. Exploration

The rainy season has ended, and Tinka Resources is ramping up to three rigs again (the third rig is about to commence drilling, in addition to two operating rigs), and might be looking to add one more later on. A new set of drill results came in on April 25 with somewhat mixed results:

Hole A18-110 added a bit of mineralization ([email protected]%Zn), but hardly economic, and hole A18-111 followed up with a 1.30m interval at depth, which isn't economic as well. Hole A18-112 didn't have any significant results, and I must say this was a distinct possibility as a contemplated concept of lateral displacement of mineralization regarding Central and Zone 3 along the large fault (east of Central, running SE-NW) to the north seems to become more and more realistic, notwithstanding the gossans that were discussed in the March update.

By far the most successful hole was A18-114, drilled at West and to the west of the existing mineralization, generating two meaningful intercepts at depth of [email protected]%Zn and [email protected]%Zn. Drill collar locations can be seen here:

Hole A18-114 was drilled as management believed there could be mineralization at depth from the left of the existing West deposit (on a side note: the hole located about 400m north of West is hole A17-105, generating an intercept of [email protected]%Zn). So far only relatively narrow and more near surface veins in sandstone were intersected in 2015 in this area (see news release dated from January 20, 2016):

"Zinc Mineralization (veins):In a major blow to timely rollout of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), special regions and provinces  except Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P)  have refused to finance the incentive package Pakistan offered to relocate dying industries from China.

Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan have refused to provide subsidised loans and land on concessionary terms to developers of planned prioritised Special Economic Zones of CPEC, Board of Investment Secretary Samaira Siddiqui stated in a CPEC review meeting held on Monday.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired the 53rd monthly review meeting.

Road networks under CPEC connecting far-flung areas: SAFRON minister

In addition, the Balochistan Development Authority has also informed the centre that there is no federal land available in Gwadar to set up the federal government-owned SEZ. The Cabinet Committee on CPEC in January this year had decided to establish the SEZ across 50,000 acres.

In May last year, Pakistan approved the Special Incentive Package for the Relocation of Industries from China in order to bring investment in nine SEZs to be set up under CPEC. The package is primarily aimed at those Chinese industrial units declared sunset industries by Beijing and may be relocated to Pakistan, which may create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Iqbals version

Initially, provinces agreed to bear the subsidy for the special incentive package but now some provinces have backed out, said Ahsan Iqbal, the federal planning minister, after the CPEC review meeting.

He said the Board of Investment would now hold a meeting with the finance ministry to review the possibility whether the federal government can pick the cost of subsidies. Iqbal said that there is a plan that wherever the land is expensive the provinces should offer the land on concessionary terms.

However, provinces were of the view that the land is a provincial subject and the federal government cannot dictate terms, adding that the federal cabinet approved the incentive package without homework.

These industrial zones are critical for Pakistans second shot at industrialisation, as CPEC is so far limited to only a few roads and energy projects, which have addressed Pakistans bottlenecks in these areas.

There were three major incentives. The first incentive was that Pakistan will pick 50% of the mark-up cost of loans that investors will take for investment in CPEC zones.

In the second incentive, Pakistan was supposed to pick 50% of the freight subsidy on inland transportation of plant and machinery for installation and development in the priority SEZs. In the third incentive,

the respective provincial governments were asked to provide plots by taking half of the payment in advance and the remaining in four biannual installments.

The K-P government endorsed the package but the other three provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and FATA refused to provide funds.

The package was developed on the demand of China made at the sixth meeting of the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) in Beijing in December 2016.

The provinces refusal could further complicate matters as there is hardly any meaningful progress on the nine sites identified for these zones.

Against nine zones, China is also keen to develop only two to three SEZs and the federal government has prioritised Faisalabad, Dhabji Sindh and Rashakai K-P sites for the development of these zones. K-P and Punjab governments have taken initial action, but the Sindh government has not yet responded, according to the BOIs presentation.

CPEC success proof of Pakistan-China friendship

Chinas formal feedback on the incentive is expected to be received in May after the approval of the NDRC.

However, it has asked Pakistan that the loan markup subsidy should also be available on Chinese currency loans that the developers will take.

ML-I project

The progress on the multi-billion dollar Mainline-I project of the CPEC has also remained at a standstill. Iqbal said that Pakistan has requested China to share terms of the loan that Beijing is expected to provide for the project.

He said Pakistan Railways was also asked to provide details of the feasibility study for vetting.

This month, Pakistan delayed approval of the Mainline-I project after Beijing tagged the phase-I of the scheme at $4 billion, which was $627 million higher than Pakistans estimates.

The difference over the cost and scope of the ML-I project of Pakistan Railways has also blocked the approval of concessionary loan by China, according to officials of the Ministry of Planning. According to the Framework Agreement of the ML-I, China will provide 85% of the project cost as a concessionary loan. The ML-I project has been declared strategically important by both countries.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Monday condemned the remarks by the opposing PML-Ns Rana Sanaullah and Abid Sher Ali against his partys female members.

The PTI chief posted a series of tweets in which he strongly condemned the filthy language used by Rana Sanaullah & Abid Sher Ali against our PTI women.

In the past 30 yrs these people have always disrespected women which is against our religion & culture, he said, as he thanked the women in his party for turning out in large numbers for the Minar-e-Pakistan rally on Sunday night.

Disgusted by & strongly condemn the filthy language used by Rana Sanaullah & Abid Sher Ali against our PTI women. In the past 30 yrs these people have always disrespected women which is against our religion & culture. I want to thank our women for coming out in such huge numbers!  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 30, 2018

"Rana Sanaullah and his fellow cohorts reflect the mindset of the Sharifs & how they look down on women. Scratch the surface and their real face emerges," the PTI chief added.

Rana Sanaullah and his fellow cohorts reflect the mindset of the Sharifs & how they look down on women. Scratch the surface and their real face emerges. https://t.co/PAptflmHM9  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 30, 2018

The PTI held what it called a historic rally at the iconic Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore on Sunday, where its chairman Imran Khan laid out an 11-point agenda prioritising education and health and criticised the ruling PML-N for its policies.Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Tuesday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Zardaris recent statement does not befit the head of a national party, adding that he does not want to engage in a war of words with the former president.

Zardari had claimed on Monday that Nawaz had taken every opportunity to discredit him by making him fight with the establishment while he himself extended a hand of friendship towards them.

In a statement today, Nawaz asked whether Zardari was so innocent that he got duped by him [Nawaz]. He claimed that he sent a message disliking Zardaris remarks during his anti-establishment speech in 2015.

He added that he then cancelled a planned meeting with Zardari the next day.

In his June 16, 2015 speech, Zardari had criticised the establishment and his political opponents warning them that the day his party took to the streets, not just Sindh's, but the entire country's roads will be blocked.

The PML-N supremo then advised the PPP leader not to distort history and avoid mudslinging.

He wondered why Zardari didnt make public his claim that he [Nawaz] advised him to make the remarks.

Why is Zardari now speaking the truth after three years, he asked, asserting that being opposed to former president General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf shouldnt translate into being against an institution.

"To become a part of the government, our conditions were Musharrafs impeachment, restoration of the deposed judges and abolition of the 17th Amendment," Nawaz shared.

Zardari should remember he came to meet me in Raiwind along with a national political figure, recalled Nawaz.

Nawaz claimed he rejected Zardaris proposal to condone Musharrafs action by an act of Parliament, adding that Zardari is aware that he has nothing to do with the NAB action against Dr Asim Hussain and other Sindh government members.

"Zardari said he was acting on my directions. Now he should tell the public whose puppet he is," said Nawaz.

The three-time prime minister then advised Zardari to read the writing on the wall and focus on the upcoming elections and refrain from mudslinging.

Nawaz took establishment's support to become pawn against PPP: Ghani

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader Saeed Ghani hit back at Nawaz Sharif after the former prime minister advised Asif Ali Zardari to refrain from war of words and mudslinging.

Ghani, addressing media earlier today, claimed that Nawaz took the establishment's support to become a pawn against the PPP.

Nawaz did nothing to strengthen the Parliament or political powers, the PPP leader added.This year June 3 marks the middle of month of Shaban in Islamic calendar on which many people celebrate the birth of Savior.

One of the most important religious occasions among Shia Muslims is the 15th of the sixth Islamic month of Shaban which is the birthday of twelfth Imam of Shia Muslims, Imam Mahdi. The occasion of Mid-Shaban is marked by devotion and celebration among Muslims, especially the Shia.

Imam Mahdi, according to Shia belief, was born on July 29, 869 CE (Shaban 15, 255 AH) in Samarra city of Iraq.

Now turning 1146 years old, Imam disappeared in 941 for the second time when aged 71 and his reappearance is associated with bringing justice to the world and ending tyranny and inequality.

Mid-Shaban has special significance for Muslims throughout the world and is celebrated in Islamic countries such as Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Yemen and Iran.

To show their desire for peace and prosperity, Muslims say prayers for emergence of the Imam from Major Occultation during the year and at the summit of it on the birthday of Imam which in 2015 is on June 3.

The awaited Savior is not a solely Shia concept as other religions share the same belief in the final redeemer of the world whom in Zoroastrianism is called Soshyant, and in Abrahamic religions is Messiah.

One of the rituals of the Eve of his birthday is beseeching God to hasten his advent, in addition to sitting gatherings preached by a cleric in which religious principles.

Hidden by God, Imam Mahdi is an important figure for all Muslims and accordingly this is an important event for the people as they arrange their wedding ceremonies on this night to bring a life-long happiness to their marital life. Expectedly, wedding halls are all previously booked for the Mid-Shaban night and it is a night for many openings.

Many studies are conducted on Imam Mahdi, as a restorer of the political power and religious purity of Islam, and the academic discipline devoted to these researches is dubbed Mahdaviat, an Arabic term used for anything related in one way or the other to the Savior Imam Mahdi.

Among the colorful scenes of the night is the illumination of the streets and religious venues with colored lamps which some are moving.

The illuminations in Qom city of Iran and its neighboring region Jamkaran, where, according to Shia narratives, a holy mosque built upon Imam Mahdis order is located, are very popular and many tourists and photographers are attracted to the city for the night.

Birthday ceremony of Imam Mahdi is Iran's biggest festival of lights and happiness across the country and all Shia and Sunni Muslims and even non-Muslims celebrate the event and share their happiness. According to Islamic beliefs, the Savior Imam Mahdi will be accompanied by Jesus Christ PBUH after his reappearance and in his fight against the evil.

Keeping up with the tradition, the people distribute cookies, sweets and juice on the streets greeting the passer-bys by congratulations.

A number of rallies and conferences are held across Muslim countries to commemorate the auspicious occasion, attended by both Shia and Sunni scholars.

Another part of Mid-Shaban ceremonies and celebrations is fireworks the apex of which can be seen in Tehrans Milad Tower which lights the night sky of the capital. "One in four American adults lives with a criminal record -- It's time for them to get a second chance" | Main | Should Prez Trump grant clemency to former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich? 

May 1, 2018

Feds forego capital prosecution for airport mass murderer, allowing guilty plea to LWOP

This new local article from Florida, headlined "Airport shooter Esteban Santiago to plead guilty, spend life in prison," highlights how (jury) sentencing discretion and other procedural rights in capital cases can impact how prosecutors approach charging and bargaining even in horrible murder cases. Here are the details (with my emphasis added), with a bit of commentary to follow:

Esteban Santiago, the man who confessed to fatally shooting five people and wounding six at Fort Lauderdales international airport, has agreed to plead guilty and spend the rest of his life in federal prison. Prosecutors have accepted his offer and are not seeking the death penalty but the judge first wants Santiago to undergo a mental health evaluation to make sure hes legally competent to plead guilty. The decision takes a very expensive and potentially long and emotional trial  followed by years of appeals  off the table. Santiagos documented history of severe mental illness, the fact that he went to the FBI and asked for help two months before committing the mass shooting, his willingness to plead guilty and his military service in the Iraq War were likely among the top factors that affected the decision, experts said. Santiago, 28, had pleaded not guilty to a 22-count indictment in the Jan. 6, 2017 mass shooting at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Ten of those charges carried a potential death sentence or life in federal prison. His change-of-plea hearing is expected to be scheduled in the next several weeks in federal court in Miami. Both sides are due back in court May 23 for a competency hearing with U.S. District Beth Bloom. If the judge is satisfied that Santiago is mentally competent, she would then allow him to plead guilty.... He was briefly hospitalized for psychiatric care in Alaska in November 2016, two months before the shooting. He had driven to the FBI office in Anchorage, asked for help and told agents he was hearing voices and thought the government was controlling his mind. After Santiago surrendered at the airport, FBI agents said he confessed and told them he was programmed to act under government mind control. Later in the interview, he said he was inspired by the Islamic State extremist group, but authorities said no terrorism links have been found.

Though the line highlighted above tells a big part of the story, I still find myself left wondering about what factors played a central role in the sentencing decision-making of federal prosecutors here. I wonder if many or even most of the victims/family members supported this decision to forego a capital prosecution (and also wonder if they at all troubled that this critical decision lingered for 16 months from the time of this awful crime). I also wonder if prosecutors, perhaps concerned about a possible insanity defense and criticisms of mental health care given to veterans, we not even confident about getting a guilty verdict, let alone a death sentence, were this case to go to trial.

Whatever the reasons for the feds decision-making here (which will remain hidden and are essentially unreviewable), this case helps reveal the range of forces that necessarily place brakes on any efforts by the Trump Administration and Attorney General Sessions to make significantly more use of the death penalty. A mass shooting in an airport of nearly a dozen people with five deaths would seem to be a textbook example of a "worst-of-the-worst" offense. But because the defendant can make the case that he is not a worst-of-the-worst offender, federal prosecutors (in a pro-death penalty state) are not even willing to try to secure a death sentence.

May 1, 2018 at 10:36 AM | Permalink

Comments

Is this a global plea agreement, or could Florida try to go for death?

Posted by: Anon AFPD | May 1, 2018 11:29:10 AM

Contrary to your statement, Sessions makes the decision. He put the brakes on himself.

Posted by: whatever | May 1, 2018 11:34:02 AM

whatever, the USA Manual suggests AG Sessions can and does get lots of input from lots of folks inside DOJ. According to USAN 9-10.050: "The decision-making process preliminary to the Attorney General's final decision ... [may include, e.g.,] the recommendations of the United States Attorney's Office or Department component, the Attorney General's Review Committee on Capital Cases (hereinafter the "Capital Review Committee"), the Deputy Attorney General, the Capital Case Section, and any other individual or office involved in reviewing the case."

It is possible AG Sessions would order a capital prosecution against the recommendation of all of these players, but it strikes me a VERY unlikely. That is why I referenced, in plural, the "sentencing decision-making of federal prosecutors here." But you are right to stress that this was, ultimately, the (soft?) decision of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Posted by: Doug B | May 1, 2018 11:48:17 AM

A question I also had, Anon AFPD. I am assuming not, though I also would predict Florida would also be disincline to invest its resources on an uncertain capital prosecution in this case. But one never knows....

Posted by: Doug B | May 1, 2018 11:55:11 AM

"A question I also had, Anon AFPD. I am assuming not, though I also would predict Florida would also be disincline to invest its resources on an uncertain capital prosecution in this case. But one never knows...."

A person recently executed was sentenced to 400 years or something by a prosecution brought by the feds but the state went ahead and brought a capital case anyhow.

The facts are different here, in large part because of his mental status. A "worse of the worst" case is not just a matter of the crime but the offender. The article says the victims' families were consulted. In a range of cases, and this would be true among my own family, there is a split of opinion in these cases among victims regarding the death penalty. I would guess this was the case here too.

Posted by: Joe | May 1, 2018 12:26:10 PM

I really don't know what evidence you have to say his decision making ability is "soft."

Posted by: whatever | May 1, 2018 3:03:03 PM

I wonder how high the bidding will go? As documented on this blog it started out that veterans being granted one free fraud, then it moved on to one free sex offense, then it become one free murder and now it is five free murders. The carnage the military trained people to inflict on foreigners keeps inflicting the home front. I wonder why?

"FBI agents said he confessed and told them he was programmed to act under government mind control.

Correct, the government mind control programming is more politely called "boot camp" which is where they learn to kill. The promising sadists go to officer school which is where killing becomes normalized. The real sick ones wind up in JAG, which is the where killing is intellectually justified.

Posted by: Flower Child | May 1, 2018 3:20:24 PM

whatever,

'soft' in the sense that his ability to say "yes" in the face of a united "no" from the various other parties is greatly restrained (perhaps not in theory but definitely in practice). It would be true regardless of who sits in the AG's chair.

Posted by: Soronel Haetir | May 1, 2018 4:10:09 PM

Again, that's not evidence. That's just your opinion.

Posted by: whatever | May 2, 2018 10:42:16 AM

Post a commentPakistan Embassy in Washington on Tuesday confirmed that a proposed travel ban on Pakistani diplomats in the United States had been delayed.

Last month, the Trump administration communicated to the Pakistani government that its diplomats stationed there could face restrictions in their travel movement if similar limitations on American diplomats in Pakistan were not eased.

The ban that was to be implemented from May 1 would now take effect 10 days later.

A spokesperson for the Pakistan Embassy told: "This is a proposal from the US State Department which is currently under discussion between the two governments. The implementation of the proposal has been delayed till 11 May 2018 and during this period, the two governments are discussing to resolve the matter."

The move, if followed, will push diplomatic relations between the two countries to a new low.

It would be the first time for Pakistani diplomats serving in America to face such travel regulations, whereas past US government have practiced such codes on Russian and Chinese officials.

The warning came out a few weeks ago. Earlier, an official insisted that the warning had nothing to do with last month's fatal road accident in Islamabad, in which a Pakistani citizen was killed after being hit by a US diplomat's vehicle.

On April 7, the vehicle of a defence attache at the US embassy in Islamabad, Joseph Emanuel Hall, ran a red light and rammed into a motorcycle in the federal capital, killing one man on the spot and injuring another.

A day later, US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale was summoned to Pakistan's Foreign Office in Islamabad, where Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua recorded strong protest with the US envoy, who expressed grief over the incident and assured full cooperation from the US embassy in investigating the incident.

Strained ties

Relations between the United States and Pakistan have been strained in recent months over Afghanistan.

Earlier in a tweet on January 1, Trump claimed that the United States had foolishly given Pakistan over $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years.

He also accused Pakistan of thinking US leaders to be fools. "They give safe havens to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!"

Trumps tweet drew a strong reaction from Pakistan. Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan has already refused to 'do more' for the United States.

"We have already told the US that we will not do more, so Trumps no more does not hold any importance," Asif told.

"Pakistan is ready to publicly provide every detail of the US aid that it has received," the minister added.Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says Tehran will not accept any limitation on its nuclear program beyond commitments undertaken as per the nuclear deal with the P5+1 group of countries.

Rouhani made the remarks in a phone call with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on Sunday as US President Donald Trump considers whether or not to scrap the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), on May 12.

Trump is a stern critic of the nuclear deal reached between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the United States, France, Britain, China and Russia - plus Germany. Under the agreement, nuclear-related sanctions put in place against Iran were lifted in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear program.

The US president on January 12 reluctantly agreed to waive sanctions against Iran that were lifted as part of the landmark deal, but threatened to withdraw from the accord if some "disastrous flaws" were not fixed.

He said he wanted America's European allies to use the 120-day period before sanctions relief again came up for renewal to agree to tougher measures and new conditions; otherwise Washington would pull out of the deal.

Other parties to the agreement have all criticized Trumps hostile views, saying the deal is sound and has proven to be functioning.

Earlier on Sunday, the leaders of Britain, France and Germany reaffirmed their support for the landmark nuclear deal with Iran, noting that it is the best way to keep limitations on Iran's nuclear program in place.

According to a statement by the office of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, the French president and German Chancellor Angela Merkel made the remark in separate phone calls with the British premier.

Rouhani further said, The fate of the JCPOA after 2025 will be determined by international law and Iran will not accept any limitations beyond its commitments.

The Iranian chief executive emphasized that the JCPOA is not open to negotiation.

"The sustainability of the JCPOA will strengthen regional security and cooperation The JCPOA is the first important basis of trust between Iran and Western countries," Rouhani said.

He added that the US stance against the JCPOA is a blatant violation of the agreement among the seven countries, noting that Iran has made "very important decisions" in recent days about different economic issues and banking relations.

"We have planned various measures [to counter] any decision the US would make on May 12," the Iranian president pointed out.

He said the current US approach to the JCPOA is a breach of the accord and is aimed at creating ambiguity for different countries and economic enterprises about enhanced cooperation with Iran.

The French president, for his part, reaffirmed the importance of increasing Tehran-Paris cooperation in all areas and said the European Union and France in particular would defend the JCPOA and definitely stay in the deal.

Macron added that remaining committed to obligations under the JCPOA would build confidence and boost security in the region.

France and other European countries are determined to stay in the nuclear agreement, he said, calling on Iran to also remain in the deal.

Macron further emphasized that his country sought a stable Middle East and believed that the JCPOA was an important model for solving problems in this region.

Speaking at the US Congress Wednesday on the final day of a three-day state visit to Washington, Macron said Paris would not leave the Iran nuclear deal.

The French president added that the JCPOA was not addressing what he called all concerns, but stressed that the deal could not be ditched.

Earlier in April, the European Union reiterated its strong and unequivocal commitment to the full implementation of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran by all sides, saying that preserving the deal was vital.

"The Europeans have always made it clear, the European Union has always made it clear that for us, keeping the agreement in place is vital. It is a strategic interest for the European Union and we will stick to it," EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, told reporters ahead of the bloc's Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.A rescue mission is under way to find survivors after a tower block in Brazil collapsed during a huge fire.

One person has been confirmed dead and several more are feared dead or trapped after screams for help were heard from the top floor of the building in Sao Paulo.

The tower block was occupied by rough sleepers and a number of people are thought to be trapped in the rubble, authorities said.

Firefighters were alerted at 1.30am local time (5.30am in the UK). More than 170 firefighters are at the scene, along with a civil defence response team and the army.

The tower block was occupied by homeless people



The tower block collapsed with people trapped in the rubble

It is not clear how many people were in the building at the time but 50 families are registered as living in the block, according to local media.

Firefighter Andre Elias told Globo TV that they expected to find more victims but did not know how many.

Local workers said the former Federal Police building was 26 storeys tall and occupied by groups of homeless people.

Flabio Gabia, a receptionist at a nearby hotel, said: "When I went to see what it was, the streets were filled with desperate people.

"I heard several people shouting."

The building was occupied by rough sleepers



The building was said to be occupied by rough sleepers

The blaze is understood to have started on the third floor and then spread rapidly to the levels above.

A neighbouring building was evacuated as the flames spread and the area has been sealed off by police.

Frederick Ludwig, a pastor at a nearby church, said he had been warning authorities for years about the appalling conditions for people living in inside the building.When something goes wrong up a mountain or on a lake or in a paddock, New Zealands rescue helicopters are there.

Thats why Westpac is using this years Chopper Appeal to highlight the role of helicopter crews in our rugged, rural and remote outdoors  a place Westpac describes as Chopper Country.

More than 7000 missions were undertaken by local rescue helicopters last year including 203 in the Bay of Plenty region.

The Chopper Appeal aims to raise funds and continued awareness for the rescue helicopter services with all donations going back to the region they are collected from.

Westpac NZ General Manager of Consumer Bank and Wealth Simon Power says the helicopters mean the difference between life and death for many New Zealanders.

Westpac has been a big supporter of the choppers because theyre there for Kiwis when something unexpectedly goes wrong.

They allow us to still do the things we want to do, from living in remote locations to exploring the far reaches of our beautiful country.

That might mean going tramping in the Waiokea Gorge or rafting down the Kaituna River.

The funding for this invaluable service comes from individuals in the community, fundraising activities, and sponsors like Westpac - a proud supporter for over 35 years.

Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter base manager/pilot Liam Brettkelly says rescue helicopters save lives.

Its a really simple, straightforward fact. But to save lives they need money. And thats where you come in.

The people we rescue are just like you. They are someones mum, daughter, friend, work-colleague, next-door neighbour. And all these people have one thing in common - they never thought theyd need a rescue helicopter.

Running throughout May, the Westpac Chopper Appeal is supported by fundraising activities in schools and community centres, as well as a nationwide street appeal on Friday May 18.

Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Appeal, and distributes all of the funds raised back to donors local rescue helicopter trust.

Go to https://www.chopperappeal.co.nz for more information and to donate.A lawyer linked to New Zealands first convicted human trafficker has been found guilty of fraud.

Mohammed Idris Hanif was convicted for offences relating to knowingly providing false and misleading information to Immigration New Zealand.

Hanif had provided legal service to convicted human trafficker Faroz Ali in 2014.

Ali was found guilty in 2016 - the first conviction for human trafficking in New Zealand.

INZ says that Hanif provided false and misleading information to it on visitor visa applications submitted on behalf of Fijians who were trafficked into New Zealand by Ali.

Evidence presented in a four-day trial at the Manukau District Court proved Hanif knew that the actual reason for the Fijian victims to remain in New Zealand was to work for Ali, says INZ.

INZ says Hanif submitted on five separate occasions visa applications including the false and misleading information.

The applications said the Fijian workers were genuine tourists and wanted to stay in New Zealand longer to sightsee and visit family and friends.

"In reality, Hanif fraudulently assisted the Fijian victims to apply for visitor visas so they could remain working for Faroz Alis business."

Hanif admitted to assisting with visa applications when questioned by immigration investigators but said he was unaware it was for them to continue working for Ali.

INZ assistant general manager Peter Devoy says Hanifs involvement was solely to commit fraud.

"We will not tolerate people committing immigration fraud and todays outcome reflects this,."

Hanif will be sentenced on August 3 at Manukau District Court.

The Fijian workers have since returned home.

- Stuff.co.nzClick the image above to watch the video

The weather forecast today is for an often cloudy day with a chance of showers, becoming fine in the afternoon. Also southerlies developing.

Its a two-clothing layer day today with a high of 22 and an overnight low of 12 degrees. Humidity is 100 per cent.

High tide is a 8.15am and low tide is at 2.25pm. with a sea temperature of 19 degrees. Sunset tonight is at 5.27pm.

If youre going fishing the next best fish bite time is between 3.30 and 6.30pm.

In NZ history on this day in 1893 Richard John Seddon became premier following the death of John Ballance.

Immortalised as King Dick, Seddon dominated the New Zealand political landscape for the next 13 years. He remains this countrys longest-serving prime minister.

In 1955 five Vampire aircraft of No. 14 Squadron carried out the RNZAFs first combat strike since the Second World War against guerrillas in the Malayan jungle.

In world history on this day in 1486, Christopher Columbus convinced Queen Isabella to fund an expedition to the West Indies. In 1927 Adolf Hitler held his first Nazi meeting in Berlin. In 1931 the Empire State Building opened in New York.

In 1941 the film Citizen Kanedirected and starring Orson Wellesopened in New York. In 1944 the Messerschmitt Me 262, the first combat jet, made its first flight.

In 1948 North Korea was established. In 1961 Fidel Castro announced there will be no more elections in Cuba. In 1986 the Tass News Agency reported the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident.

Today is the birthday of Louis-Marie-Hilaire Bernigaud, a French chemist who invented artificial silk, known as rayon.He was born in 1839. Its also the birthday of James Graham. Born in 1878 he became the inventor of the first naval aircraft-carrying ship and first man to film a total eclipse of the Sun.

Its also the birthday of Joseph Heller, the American author who wrote Catch 22. Born in 1923, he once wrote "When I grow up I want to be a little boy."

To get involved in some of the many activities happening around the Bay, please check out our Whats on page.

Have a great day!It happens every year, and this year it will be on May 17. Thats when Finance Minister Grant Robertson will announce the Budget 2018.

Grant says this years Budget will set out the Coalition Governments plan to transform the economy.

He says it will help rebuild neglected public services so that we can improve the living standards of all New Zealanders.

We came into Government with different priorities and a plan to address the social and infrastructure deficits which built up as a result of nine years of underfunding and poorly targeted policies.

We made a strong start to ensuring a fairer New Zealand with the 100 Day Plan and our December mini-Budget, which reversed tax cuts so that we could focus on those who needed support the most.

Grant says Budget 2018 will build on this with investments to rebuild the foundations of our critical public services so that New Zealanders receive the healthcare, education, housing and support for their communities that they expect and deserve.

This Budget is the first step. It will take more than one Budget to fix nine years of neglect. New Zealanders will see on Budget Day  17 May  how this plan is set out.

They will also see that through our careful fiscal management, we are able to fund our plan.

We are meeting the Budget Responsibility Rules. That means Budget 2018 will deliver a surplus, and surpluses in subsequent years. We owe it to future generations to be fiscally responsible, given the risks New Zealand faces in terms of natural disasters and global economic shocks.

Since coming into Government we have also been careful to ensure that all Government spending and investments fit with our plan. This is why I asked Ministers to review their budgets for policies which do not fit with our priorities. Within five months we have been able to reprioritise nearly $700 million of spending over the next four years.

We also made it clear before the election that we will crack down on tax dodgers, extend the bright-line test and end negative gearing for property investors. We are also finalising work started by the previous government to ensure foreign and multi-national companies pay their fair share of tax in New Zealand.

As a result of these changes to make our tax system fairer, and our initial reprioritisation drive, we have freed up about $1.4 billion of funding over the next four years which will be re-invested in this Governments priorities, says Grant.

Budget 2018 begins a transformation that must happen if we are to deliver to New Zealanders an improved quality of life for decades to come.

Our plan will ensure we transition to an economy that is more productive, more sustainable, and more inclusive, and which is focussed on improving the living standards and wellbeing of all New Zealanders now, and into the future.Police will be cracking down on speeding outside of schools next week in a campaign that coincides with Road Safety Week.

Acting Western Bay of Plenty road policing manager Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter says every week is about road safety for his team, but next week there will be a particular focus on schools.

Well be encouraging motorists to watch their speed and keep an eye out for kids who might run out into the road, he says.

We usually do it the first week of every term, but as schools stagger their starting days its just easier to wait until next week this term.

He says their campaign in Term One generally yielded a positive result, although heavy traffic around the city played a part in keeping speeds down.

Otumoetai Primary School has the road works, so that slowed everyone down, which was very good. But Mount Maunganui College was very bad, as usual. I think 120 were caught over the speed limit in an hour and a half  more than one a minute.

The speed limit on that stretch of Maunganui Road is 50km, and Wayne says most of those caught were doing between six and 15km over the limit.

It is so dangerous around that area with kids on bikes and crossing the road.

He says police also receive a lot of complaints from schools about parents parking on double yellow lines.

Aquinas College has complaints about parents parking and doing U-turns outside the school. Tauriko School is normally a problem, too, but its so congested there with roadworks no one can do anything wrong at the moment.

People have to be aware if they do stop and park on yellow lines, anyone can make a complaint to us or the council, and they can be issued a ticket.

At the end of the month, local police will also be running a graduated licence campaign, targeting people driving on the wrong licence.

That includes learner drivers without a licensed driver as a passenger, or restricted drivers with passengers.Voters have strongly rejected the idea of a museum for Tauranga in the referendum held in conjunction with the 2018 by-election.

Provisional results show 40.6 per cent in favour and 59.4 per cent against.

Roughly the same number of people voted Yes to each proposed site (Cliff Road and Willow Street), with 7528 voting for Cliff Road and 7300 for Willow Street.

Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout says the result was closer than he had personally anticipated, particularly given the significant capital and operational budget associated with the museum.

"I am pleased that the museum referendum created a greater level of interest in the by-election itself, and the voter turnout is greater than would have normally been expected for a by-election," he says.

"This was the first time in New Zealands history that a referendum was also available with an on-line voting option. I believe this is the way of the future and will enhance our local government democracy and public engagement."

He says although the referendum is non-binding, the results will be given serious consideration by elected members.

"Given the referendum result I wouldnt propose the museum to be totally off the table, but I do believe there should be significant changes to the current museum proposal. It really needs to be more affordable both in terms of capital spend and ongoing operational expenditure.

"I believe it is vital that Tauranga has a number of places and amenities to recognise and celebrate our rich history and heritage. By better understanding our past we can move more confidently into our collective future.

"I sincerely thank every resident who has campaigned either for or against the museum, and exercised their democratic right to vote on this important issue."

The voter turnout rate in the referendum is 30.21 per cent, being 28,878. This excludes votes in transit to the processing centre and special votes. The progress update of the votes that have been received and processed today are as follows and available here. Feds forego capital prosecution for airport mass murderer, allowing guilty plea to LWOP | Main | "Revisiting the Role of Federal Prosecutors in Times of Mass Imprisonment" 

The question in the title of this post is prompted by this notable new commentary authored by Kristen McQueary for the Chicago Tribune. Here are excerpts:

Former Illinois first lady Patti Blagojevich is back in the spotlight, pulling every lever to convince President Donald Trump to award clemency to her imprisoned husband. In several media interviews, she has tried to build camaraderie with Trump by painting former Gov. Rod Blagojevich as a victim of FBI targeting and an overzealous prosecution.

That is sure to get Trumps attention. But the better play might be appealing to Trumps inside knowledge of the swamp  the trading of favors and campaign contributions between politicians and special interest groups. Trump knows it well. He was part of it. Nobody knows politicians better than I do, Trump said during a meeting with the Tribune Editorial Board in June 2015, shortly after he announced his candidacy for president. He was in town to speak to the City Club of Chicago and the editorial board invited him to stop by. He did, along with son Donald Jr.

During the meeting, we asked him about Blagojevich, who by then had been in prison for three years. The two had met on the set of Celebrity Apprentice in 2010 while the former governors corruption case was winding through the courts.

Heres what Trump said then: It was good having him on. I found him to be, I can only speak for myself, I found him to be a very nice guy. Not sophisticated. Had little knowledge of computers and things and you know we found that out  We found him to be very nice, Trump said. Now, he was under a lot of pressure at that point.

I think thats an awfully tough sentence that he got for what supposedly he did, Trump said. Because what he did is what politicians do all the time and make deals.

Boom. What politicians do all the time. That has been the most compelling defense of Blagojevich throughout his controversial arrest, double trial and convictions. The feds placed two bugs and six wiretaps on his home telephone, his campaign office phone and his cellphone, and also bugged his friends and chief of staff. How many other politicians would end up in prison if the government listened to their conversations?

Yes, at two trials Blagojevich was rightfully found guilty on a total of 18 corruption counts for, among other things, trying to trade an Illinois U.S. Senate seat appointment for personal gain. Blagojevich deserved to go to prison. He lied to the FBI about a firewall that he claimed existed between his campaign fund and his government responsibilities. He tried to shake down campaign donors by withholding legislation they sought from state government....

Blagojevich has served six years of a 14-year sentence. Isnt that enough?

Trump could grant him clemency and consider time served as punishment enough for what Blagojevich plotted. Remember, prosecutors arrested him before any transactions occurred. They got him primarily on intent, not completion. They also indicted Blagojevichs brother to squeeze him but dropped the charges for the second trial, an admission that perhaps they were overzealous in their pursuits....

Trump knows the swamp. He was the real estate mogul with a fat checkbook before he was president of the United States. Plenty of politicians courted him and vice versa. Will he look sympathetically on a fellow swamp thing? He might. He should.Irish Knowledge Development Box Off To A Slow Start

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

01 May 2018

Fewer than 10 companies have claimed tax relief under Ireland's new Knowledge Development Box (KDB), the Finance Minister has said.

Paschal Donohoe was asked to provide parliament with information on the number of companies availing of the KDB and the cost of the scheme.

The KDB regime has been available for companies with accounting periods commencing on or after January 1, 2016. Companies have a maximum of 24 months to make a claim for KDB relief.

Donohoe said that "a small number of companies (less than 10) with accounting periods ended on or before December 31, 2016, have claimed KDB relief." He added that the tax cost of these claims to date is around EUR5m (USD6.1m).

The Government had originally expected the KDB to cost EUR31m in 2016, with the "full year cost" rising to EUR50m.

Donohoe stressed that, "given the large amount of documentation that is necessary, it is anticipated that more companies will make use of the 24-month time frame available."

"As such, more claims in respect of the year ended December 31, 2016, may be made by September 2018."

The KDB covers income that arises from patents, copyrighted software, and, in the case of smaller companies, other intellectual property that is similar to an invention that could be patented. An eligible company can claim a deduction equal to 50 percent of its qualifying profits. This means that, in effect, these profits are taxed at 6.25 percent. Ireland's headline corporate tax rate is 12.5 percent.Phone maker BLU has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over accusations that it allowed a Chinese third-party service to harvest its user data.

Back in 2016, security firm Kryptowire reported that BLU was one of several budget Android handset manufacturers running software from Shanghai Adups Technology Company.

The FTCs press release states that BLU had a contract with Adups to issue security and operating system updates to its devices. But the phones were sending a massive amount of user datamuch more than was claimedback to Adups. Kryptowire said the info was used to help manufacturers and carriers track customer behavior and for ad purposes.

Some of the data harvested included the complete content of text messages, real-time location data, call and text logs with phone numbers, contact lists, and lists of apps used and installed on BLU handsets.

Following the Kryptowire revelations, BLU issued a statement to its customers assuring them that Adups was no longer collecting masses of data, but the FTC alleges that it continued to allow ADUPS to operate on its older devices without adequate oversight.

Under the proposed settlement, BLU and its co-owner and president Samuel Ohev-Zion must implement and maintain a comprehensive security program that prevents similar security risks in current and future devices, while also refraining from misrepresenting the extent to which they protect the privacy and security of personal information. Additionally, BLU will be subject to third-party assessments of its security program every two years for the next twenty years. It appears that the company escaped any financial penalties.California tech companies from San Diego to Silicon Valley are hosting about 30 senior information technology officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security this week to highlight the region's latest work in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, big data analytics and other technologies.John Zangardi, the department's chief information officer, led the group scheduled to visit Qualcomm Webroot and Illumina on Monday and today. The IT group is also visiting companies in the Silicon Valley."You don't typically see large government organizations in the world of information technology bringing their whole team to one place to see what the latest technologies are," said retired Rear Adm. Ken Slaght , head of San Diego's Cyber Center of Excellence , an industry trade group that helped organize the tour.While several local companies were considered, the Cyber Center of Excellence and San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. picked nine local firms to highlight the diversity of technologies being developed in the region."They wanted to come out and talk to the Qualcomm folks to find out where 4G and 5G was headed in the future," Slaght said. "We had the opportunity to expose them to companies you would not normally associate with information technology, like Illumina. But they are doing extraordinary things with artificial intelligence and big data. There is a lot of interest in that."DHS is budgeted to spend about $6.8 billion on information technology in fiscal 2018 as it embarks on several system modernization projects."My strategic objectives are simple," Zangardi said in a statement. "We are moving the DHS network to a managed service, consolidating our security operations centers and moving to the cloud, and we can't accomplish any of these without industry."Zangardi previously was CIO with the Navy Department and acting CIO for the Department of Defense. Over the years, he has brought his IT personnel to tour Bay Area tech companies. San Diego was included last year for the first time at the behest of Pat Sullivan, executive director of the U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) center, Slaght said.During the San Diego tour, DHS personnel got briefings on cybersecurity, robotics, machine learning, data analytics and life sciences.In addition, the Caribbean island leads the list of Latin American countries with the highest percentage of people vaccinated. | Read More"The West was made by violent, uncomplicated men."

Sergio Leone

Sergio Leone came from a filmmaking family, was a true cinephile and cut his teeth working on dozens of features including Ben Hur and The Nuns Story (both 1959). He directed his first film, The Colossus of Rhodes, in 1961 before moving on to the genre that would define his career: the western.

While they may not have been the first spaghetti westerns, his Dollars films are certainly the best known  they paved the way for Clint Eastwood to break Europe and for Leone to have an enduring influence on later cinema. With hundreds of westerns coming out of Europe during the 60s and early 70s, Leones were some of the best and most distinctive; he was unafraid to go against the grain of American westerns when it came to the depiction of violence and expressing his Italian neo-realist influences.Police have arrested 14 men in relation to raids across Melbourne, linked to offences allegedly committed by the Comanchero Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang.

Searches happened early this morning at suburbs including Essendon, Greenvale, Dallas, Hastings, Bullen, Mill Park and Gladstone Park. All 14 men arrested will be interviewed.

"Todays warrants were part of the investigation into a shooting which occurred in Greenvale shortly after midnight on 25 March this year," police said.

"Police have also been investigating allegations of blackmail and extortion linked to that shooting."The magistrate found the evidence was credible, there was no sign the accusers colluded on what they told police or that the influence of media reports  notably a report on the ABC's 7.30 program before charges were laid  contaminated evidence. These questions and the evidence of the complainants, Ms Wallington ruled, were matters for a jury. Asked to enter a plea, Cardinal Pell, 76, stayed seated behind his lawyers but said in a loud, clear voice: "Not guilty." Details of the charges have not been revealed since they were laid and the cardinal first denied them. Ms Wallington struck out allegations Cardinal Pell sexually assaulted an accuser in a Ballarat cinema during a screening of Close Encounters of the Third Kind and at other locations in Ballarat, because there were inconsistencies in the complainant's account and "a fundamental defect in the evidence" overall, related to other witnesses and historical records. The magistrate also struck out one allegation that the cardinal sexually assaulted an accuser at the pool, because the complainant was an "unsatisfactory witness". The charges that were struck out were the most serious .

But the decision to commit Cardinal Pell to trial on the others will ring loud through the religious world. Before he was charged, Cardinal Pell was overseeing Vatican finances. Credit:Ken Irwin The cardinal is widely considered the third-highest official in the Catholic Church, a man who less than a year ago, when Victoria Police charged him, oversaw the finances of the Vatican and the Holy See. Now, not only is his career in tatters, he faces jail if found guilty. Pope Francis granted Cardinal Pell time to fight his case, but won't get his treasurer back until late this year at the earliest, as the cardinal cannot leave Australia as part of his bail. The Pope has said he would wait for justice to take its course, but it is not known how long he is prepared to wait. After Ms Wallington left the bench, some people at the back of the court clapped. Up until then, the loudest noise in the court had been reporters feverishly typing once the cardinal was committed, and the odd mobile phone not turned to silent.

But outside, some people seemed euphoric. One man sang, spontaneously making up a song about the cardinal, while a woman called for three cheers for the magistrate. Some jeered the cardinal as he walked out of the building, straight-faced, with a barrier of police on either side, and into a waiting car. Police provide a barrier for the cardinal as he leaves the Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Credit:Jason South Cardinal Pell is due to return to court on Wednesday, but this time on the other side of William Street, before a County Court judge for a directions hearing to determine a date for his trial. Robert Richter, QC, the head of the defence team, on Tuesday flagged an application for his client to stand in separate trials given the differences in the allegations.

How the media reports the trial is also to be determined. Cardinal Pell's case has been extensively covered by world media, and that will continue when he fronts a jury. Mr Richter said on Tuesday he was happy for the media to report that the "most vile" of the allegations had been struck out. However it is not known what his attitude will be to reporting the trial. During the committal hearing, Mr Richter was combative with witnesses during cross-examination, and later defended that "brutality" by arguing it was necessary at times "in order to expose perjury". Another occasion he accused Ms Wallington of being biased against him, but apologised for the remark. The Holy See released a statement late Tuesday evening in which it said Cardinal Pell's leave as the Vatican's treasurer would continue into the next stage of court proceedings. "The Holy See has taken note of the decision issued by judicial authorities in Australia regarding His Eminence Cardinal George Pell," it read.Former AFL coach Mark Bomber Thompson had 135 grams of MDMA stashed alongside Cats memorabilia inside a hidden, locked room with coded entry from the bedroom of his Port Melbourne apartment, a court has heard.

The premiership coach, 54, appeared worn in the dock on Tuesday evening as Melbourne Magistrates Court heard details of the seven charges laid against him which included the alleged trafficking of ecstasy and ice, each of which carry maximum jail terms of up to 15 years.

Mr Thompson's surprise arrest came after he voluntarily attended a police interview hours earlier, unaware of his pending apprehension.

The illicit drugs, both MDMA and ice with a potential street value of more than $50,000, were detailed to a packed courtroom where police labelled him a flight risk due to his access to sizeable amounts of money and a yacht.Free TAFE courses designed to meet skills shortages and attract students back to the beleaguered sector formed a central plank of the Andrews government's election-year budget.

The government revealed that it would spend $172 million making 30 priority TAFE courses and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses free from 2019.

These include certificates for mental health, disability, education support and even salon assistants.

More than 28,000 students enrolled in these courses last year.More disturbing details of the brutal and premeditated murder of a Perth father-of-one at the hands of neo-Nazi followers have been revealed in court ahead of the offenders' sentencing.

Alan Taylor was murdered in his Girrawheen home in April 2016, bludgeoned to death while he slept.

Alan George Taylor was killed in his Girrawheen home.

Melony Attwood, Robert Edhouse and Corey Dymock stood trial in the Supreme Court of Western Australia earlier this year.

Attwood and Edhouse were found guilty of murder following a four-week trial.A Coalition backbencher has criticised the "soothing" approach to school reforms being adopted by the government, arguing teachers should spend eight hours at work each day, get just four weeks' annual leave, and should not be marking or doing class preparation at home.

Prominent Queensland MP Andrew Laming has also said the expert brought in to advise successive governments, businessman David Gonski, had ducked these "industrial" rigidities in order to avoid "World War III" with teachers unions.

Dr Laming even suggested Mr Gonski told governments what they wanted to hear, meaning he told Labor how much extra money could be ploughed in and then told the Coalition how it could be spent.

But he said Mr Gonski had ignored the critical area of longstanding formal and informal work arrangements of teachers including excessive holiday periods which mirrored those of the children they teach.Watch out scalpers, theres a new cop on the beat  literally. State budget fine print reveals new ticket cops will soon be patrolling events such as the AFL grand final.

Ticket reselling is increasingly common at concerts and sporting events, with scalpers snapping up huge tranches of tickets and then selling them on sites such as ViaGoGo for vastly inflated sums.

The state government announced its intention to combat scalpers last year with new legislation that made it illegal to sell tickets at pumped-up prices at some declared events, including the grand final.

Thats always been a tricky proposition to police and why there is new funding announced today for authorised ticketing officers.Treasurer Tim Pallas at the state budget announcement. Credit:Chris Hopkins

Treasurer Tim Pallas declared a dazzling day for Victoria on Tuesday as he handed down his all-important and big spending election-year budget.

But its the voters in Victorias regions and Melbournes outer suburbs who will have the last word on that, as well as the final verdict on the Andrews governments first four years, when the state goes to the polls in November.

The Premier and his Treasurer have crafted a budget for the 'burbs and the regions as Labor looks to the marginal seats where Novembers contest will be won and lost and tries to counter criticism that this has been an inner city-centric government.Red-light and speed cameras are set to reap $371 million from Victorian drivers next financial year. Credit:Pat Scala

Victorians are set to cough up $785 million in fines to bolster the state governments coffers in the coming financial year.

Red-light and speed cameras are set to hit $371 million, while police on-the-spot fines will generate $150 million in 2018-19, Tuesdays state budget has revealed.

Non-traffic and court fines are expected generate a further $124 million.

The budget showed toll road fines are forecast to hit $140 million, up from an estimated $119 million in the current financial year.The Kim dynasty pursued nukes as the country's top priority because it believed that the bomb would provide a twin guarantee  a guarantee of Kim family political survival at home and a guarantee against US-led invasion from abroad. In other words, Kim Jong-un believes that North Korea finally has won its long struggle for security. As a senior official in the Trump administration put to me in a background briefing last October: "At the beginning of this year Kim said 'this is the year we make our deterrence equal to the US deterrence'. There is a good chance he will reach the end of the year and say 'we have done it'." The official was exactly right. This time it is different for a couple of other reasons, too. Said the Trump official: "For the first time, the American public has felt the threat of North Korea's warheads. That has never happened before. But the American people are not thrilled about the military solution because of the responses that Kim might make." The problem is now one of America's homeland security. This means that, for the first time, a US president has a powerful domestic political incentive to make a deal and to make it stick.

And this time it's different because there is Donald Trump. He has already transformed the Korean situation. For one, he was breathing "fire and fury" at Pyongyang in a manner that only Pyongyang had ever done before. His unpredictability is a motivation for Kim to take the initiative rather than leave it in the hands of the US president. And so he has. For another, Trump has led the world  including China  in imposing tougher, tighter sanctions on North Korea. Kim said at his summit with Moon that now that peace was agreed, his priority would turn to economic development. Translated  remove the sanctions, give me money and do it now! Finally, Trump's politics put him in a position to do a deal that no earlier president would have contemplated. David Asher explains: "The US is not eager to pull back from the Korean peninsula, but the US is willing to pull back. It's very easy to pocket a victory here for a president who ran on an isolationist platform." Trump could give North Korea what it has always wanted  a guarantee that the US will not attack and a withdrawal of the US troops based in South Korea, currently about 30,000. These troops have been South Korea's guarantee of US protection for the past 65 years.

In return, Kim would need to promise complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation. In short, to destroy his nukes. "Why wouldn't Trump take this deal?" Asher says. "It would relieve a lot of problems for him. And we wouldn't have our troops effectively held hostage on the Korean peninsula any more. So if Kim refuses to honour the deal and fails to denuclearise down the track, we would have absolutely no disincentive to attack. Ironically, once our troops are removed, our ability to attack goes up." But any such US withdrawal would change fundamentally the balance of power in Asia. It would weaken the US and its allies, strengthening China. "Some people in the US government don't care about the balance of power," says Asher, an elliptical reference to officials including Trump himself. Japan would be tempted to step up its rearmament already under way and perhaps even go nuclear for its own protection. The country most exposed would be South Korea, without any security guarantee from the US, vulnerable to the whims of the Kim regime and Kim's big ally, China. South Korea's President Moon seems so keen to embrace the North and begin the long-cherished reunification of the two Koreas that he is prepared to trust his nation's security to Pyongyang and Beijing.Bogota: Hundreds of suspected victims of modern slavery were rescued in a major crackdown on human traffickers in 13 countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Interpol said on Monday.

About 350 possible victims of sexual exploitation and forced labour were discovered and 22 people arrested this month in an Interpol-led swoop in nations such as Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Jamaica and Venezuela, the global police organisation said.

An Interpol officer talking with a woman in a goldmine in the Mazaruni region, Guyana. Credit:Interpol

Men, women and children were discovered working in nightclubs, farms, mines, factories and open-air markets, having been lured across borders by traffickers targeting desperate and vulnerable people with promises of a better life, Interpol said.

"What traffickers don't advertise are the working conditions their victims will be subject to once their final destination is reached," Cem Kolcu of Interpol said in a statement.Tijuana: Central Americans who travelled in a caravan through Mexico to the border with San Diego have begun turning themselves in to US authorities to seek asylum in a challenge to the Trump administration.

The migrants began applying for protection at the nation's busiest border crossing on Monday, US time, after immigration officials said the facility didn't have space to accommodate the group.

US Customs and Border Protection didn't say how many were allowed in late on Monday but project organiser Alex Mensing of Pueblo Sin Fronteras (People Without Borders) said there were eight.

It marked the end of a month-long journey by foot, freight train and bus for the migrants, many of whom are fleeing violence in their home countries.Mazda Reports April 2018 Sales Results







IRVINE, Calif. (May 1, 2018)  Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total April U.S. sales of 23,056 vehicles, representing a decrease of 4.6 percent versus April of last year. Year-to-date (YTD) sales through April are up 14.8 percent versus last year, with 107,051 vehicles sold. With 24 selling days in April 2018, versus 26 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 3.4 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

Key April sales notes:

A mix of the new 2018 Mazda6, now with the option of the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T gasoline turbo engine, and the previous-generation modelled to a sales increase of 29.3 percent year-over-year (YOY), with 2,909 vehicles sold in the month of April.

Mazda CX-9, Mazdas seven-passenger crossover SUV, finished the month up 0.2 percent YOY, with 2,138 vehicles sold. Sales of the Mazda CX-9 are up 8.5 percent YTD.

Sales of Mazdas CX-line remain strong, with CX-3, CX-5 and CX-9 collectively reaching 14,585 vehicles sold in the month of April. This number represents a decrease of 0.2 percent YOY, and an increase of 8.1 percent YTD.

Among Mazda CX-line buyers, Mazdas i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive option continues to be a favorite, with 63.0 percent of customers choosing the AWD option in April.

Mazda reported Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) sales of 4,090 vehicles in April, marking an increase of 14.7 percent YOY.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported April sales of 4,190 vehicles, up 9.0 percentversus April of last year.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Terry Gross, Michelle Wolf.

After a cycle of outrage, defense, and think pieces about Michelle Wolfs White House Correspondents Dinner monologue, weve finally arrived at her interview with the woman, the myth, the legend herself  Terry Freakin Gross.

Wolf, whose new Netflix series conveniently airs at the end of the month, appeared on Fresh Air to discuss the controversy surrounding her routine  of which she says she wouldnt change a single word.

Im very happy with what I said, Wolf told Gross when asked if she had any regrets. And Im glad I stuck to my guns.

Wolf also addressed the gendered aspect of the criticism, saying that perhaps the organizers didnt know what they were getting into and underestimated what her material would contain. I think sometimes they look at a woman and they think, Oh, shell be nice, Wolf said. If youve seen any of my comedy, you know that Im not.

Theres also been an extended debate over whether Wolf took a shot at Sarah Huckabee Sanderss looks because of a smoky-eye joke. [Editors note: AhhhHHH.] Wolf denies this, saying, I made a conscious effort not to write any jokes about any womans looks into this speech. Similarly, she said that her joke comparing Sanders to Aunt Lydia on The Handmaids Tale, was also not about physical appearance. To look at that and think I was insulting Sarahs looks, you had to want me to be insulting Sarahs looks, Wolf said. I was talking about her personality and I think it says a lot about our society that you would immediately think I was talking about her looks rather than her personality. She also pointed out that she openly insulted both Mitch McConnell and Chris Christies looks, but that didnt seem to drum up any opposition.

Listen to the full interview here, so you can periodically nod and say excellent question, Terry to yourself.Why have a baby? For a woman in her 20s or 30s whos accustomed to living independently, who feels no religious or familial obligation to bear children, the answer comes down to the vagaries of desire: Do you want it, does the other person, how badly?

The simpler question might be Why not have a baby? Here, the obvious practical issues  money, time  are easier to weigh. How to pay for the baby, who will watch the baby, where to put the baby, will the baby get in the way of everything else? And this assumes a partner on hand; without one, challenges multiply. Theres also the prospect of impending climate apocalypse, which at least one woman I know has cited as reason enough not to procreate.

Practical matters, however, do not concern the writer Sheila Heti, who takes up the problem of whether to have a baby in her engrossing new autobiographical novel, Motherhood. I lived only in the greyish, insensate world of my mind, she writes, and in this setting, the question is something more like this: What does it mean to have a baby? From there, a cascade  does a baby make you happy, what kind of woman has a baby, what kind of woman doesnt have a baby, how does a baby change you, is having a baby selfish or is it selfless, is not having a baby a way to avoid real work, real meaning, real life  or is that what having a baby does?

Motherhood dwells within this uncertainty to an extent that will exasperate some readers as surely as it will animate others. I am only one reader, and yet Ive found myself in both camps: I read it the first time and felt profoundly, irresistibly annoyed; I wanted to keep thinking about it enough that I wanted to read it again. The second time I felt startled and embarrassed by the things Id missed the first. In the months that followed, I began waving it under friends noses like smelling salts, eager to observe the reactions it provoked. Moms of small children loved it, and moms of small children rolled their eyes. People who couldnt get through Hetis last novel devoured this one. A friend in her late 30s, navigating the same straits Heti describes, didnt want to go anywhere near it. Then she did, and said how glad she was to have changed her mind. Shed been feeling so alone in her uncertainty  Motherhood was the friend that I wanted to talk to.

In April, I met Heti at the Lakeview Restaurant in Toronto; I had a beer and she ordered a double Scotch. The Lakeview is a 24-hour diner Heti chose for its enclosed, quiet booths. They turned out not to be quite as enclosed as shed remembered but still provided a suggestion of privacy  womblike, that is, but not too womblike. Bruce Springsteen was playing.

Heti is a Canadian writer who first attracted widespread attention in the United States with her 2012 novel How Should a Person Be? The book incorporated real emails and tape-recorded conversations as well as first-person narration from a character named Sheila, a writer, focusing on her friendship with a painter named Margaux. The book was polarizing  in The New Yorker, James Wood called it hideously narcissistic  but also found prominent admirers. In March, when the New York Times anointed a new vanguard of 15 female writers steering literature in new directions, it included Heti. In the accompanying note about How Should a Person Be?, critic Dwight Garner praised her ability to write prose that feels like actual, flickering, unmediated, sometimes humiliating thought.

Women in Clothes, the 2014 book Heti edited with Heidi Julavits and Leanne Shapton, drew together hundreds of womens responses to a survey about what they wear and why, compiling an encyclopedia of female self-presentation. It also gave Hetis interest in intimate observation an outlet more accessible than her novels and went on to become a best seller.

One good thing about being a woman is we havent too many examples yet of what a genius looks like, Heti wrote in How Should a Person Be? This was sort of a joke, as she had to explain to a credulous interviewer at the time: The next line is, It could be me.  But one good thing about this view of female genius is the way it proposes seeing gender: not as a basis for oppression but as a source of possibility.

Motherhood joins How Should a Person Be? and Women in Clothes to form what might be read as a field guide to womanhood in a particular literary-bohemian milieu. Heti started the book after entering her 30s, when her uncertainty about motherhood had begun to feel like limbo. She remembers a conversation in this period with the writer Sarah Manguso, who became a mother in the course of their friendship and whose 2015 memoir, Ongoingness, deals with the early days of parenthood. Manguso told her that actually having a baby felt like a relief after the long time of wondering whether shed have a baby. I remember thinking consciously, Oh, I need to stay here longer, Heti told me. This is a place to write about.

When I spilled beer on my phone during my lunch with Heti, she worried about whether it was one of the waterproof ones (hers is not) and wiped up my mess with a napkin. In the course of our time together, she also worried that I might be hungry after traveling (she recommended the poutine), advised me on the best time to call a cab (earlier than I thought), and urged me to use my umbrella, since I lacked a hat in the rain. That evening, in the bathroom of the suburban public library where she was giving a lecture, she offered me a Clif Bar from her purse. I accepted.

Im surprised that Ive written three books about or for mainly women, Heti said over the poutine. Gender can be a source of possibility, but it can also be limiting when it becomes the only lens through which people see your work. While certain readers applauded How Should a Person Be? for championing female friendship, this was not something Heti especially set out to do. One of her inspirations for the book was My Dinner With Andre, but all anyone ever wanted to ask her about was Girls. Two friends talking for a long time about art? she said of the 1981 Louis Malle classic. Like, why did that not once come up?

The Lakeview Restaurant is a ten-minute walk from Hetis apartment, where she lives with her boyfriend and her Rottweiler, Feldman (puppyish, but with a name that makes him sound like an old Jewish man). Two big brown rabbits, Bun and Bun-Bun, occupy the front yard. Heti has lived in Toronto her whole life, save for two short stints in Montreal, and in her writing, the city often sounds like a place where government health care has fostered the fantasy version of college life: where friends all live cheaply nearby and run into each other, drink, go on long walks, have long talks, and undertake projects. At 41, Heti herself  fair and faintly elfin, with overgrown bangs  could pass for a grad student. The community she describes combines artistic seriousness with a playful sense of humor and a constant appetite for conversation, argument, and collaboration.

I think that part of the reason I like collaboration so much is because its something unexpected coming in, and you have to stretch yourself to absorb it, she told me. In writing the new book, she wanted to be more alone than shed been when she was working on How Should a Person Be? and tape-recording her friends. But I didnt want to be that alone. I didnt want to be so alone that there was no surprise, you know? Motherhoods unnamed narrator begins by asking questions while she flips three coins  two or three heads, yes; two or three tails, no  in a modified version of the I Ching. Is this book a good idea? she begins. Yes, say the coins, daring the reader to disagree.

Her characters encounters with a tarot reader and a psychic are a similar intrusion of the unexpected, though Heti also hopes they provide a sense of desperation. You dont go to tarot readers or psychics when everythings going well, she said. Its always evidence of rock-bottom.

I feel like a draft dodger from the army in which so many of my friends are serving.

At first, Motherhood was supposed to look something like Women in Clothes. Heti imagined a collection of interviews with women about having children, or not. (There was also a time, once shed reimagined the book as a novel, when she thought it might incorporate the comments on Daily Mail articles about mothers; she read them obsessively.) In the books final form  fragmentary, cyclical, a collection of scraps and dreams  conversations still echo throughout. The narrator talks about motherhood with other women inexhaustibly: younger women, older women, women her age, women with babies, women with frozen eggs, women with regrets. Miles, the narrators boyfriend, seems surprisingly peripheral to all this. He has a daughter from a previous relationship and tells her hell have a child with her if she wants  but its her decision and she has to be sure. Motherhood, in this book, exists most of all as a force that shapes womens lives and their relationships with one another.

Heti approaches the subject with an observers curiosity more than a deliberate agenda. Growing up, she remembers feeling distant from the received version of femininity: The word mother, for example, seemed to refer to a way of being female that just I never identified with.

One of the women the narrator speaks with in the novel, an American writer, tells her that whenever she meets women their age, the first thing she wants to know is whether they have children, and if not, whether they plan to  Its like a civil war: Which side are you on? Yet this sense of the trenches transcends mommy wars cliche. The experience of childbirth and new motherhood  even just the question of motherhood  comes to look like a female proving ground; something like what war has been to male writers. (Reviews have compared Rachel Cusks motherhood memoir A Lifes Work to a war diary and Elisa Alberts motherhood novel After Birth to The Red Badge of Courage.) Life-or-not-life stakes loom. Like soldiers nudging each other into battle, we nudge each other into relationships, the narrator reflects at one point. Stay there, we say. Dont run from the front lines. The encounter with human life in extremis gives rise to a kind of camaraderie, but its a dark one, and shes contemplating it from the outside. I feel like a draft dodger from the army in which so many of my friends are serving, says the narrator, just lolling about in the country they are making, cowering at home, a coward.

Foremost among the women the narrator contemplates is her mother, a Hungarian immigrant and a doctor who, in her daughters memory, is always working and always crying. As in Hetis own life, the narrators father handled the bulk of child rearing. Growing up with this particular mother has left her uncertain whether children can ever be a pleasure rather than a source of pain. The inherited focus on work (My mother works hard, and I work hard, too, she writes) means that a particular concern is how having a child might affect her life as a writer. She goes to dinner with a pregnant friend whos anxious that the narrator is progressing in her work while she falls behind in her own: Stop making things! this friend says in a panic. But, on the other hand, the narrator wonders, Could I ever hope to be a good enough writer  capture on the page what being human felt like  if I had not experienced motherhood?

In the meantime, as she scrutinizes the tea leaves of her mood, she finds herself increasingly isolated. I had always thought my friends and I were moving into the same land together, a childless land where we would just do a million things together forever, she thinks. Instead, one by one, the ice floe on which we were all standing was broken and made smaller, leaving me alone on just the tiniest piece of ice, which I had thought would remain vast  It never occurred to me that Id be the only one left here.

If the novel has a climax, it arrives when the Sheila stand-in shows her manuscript about motherhood to her mother and gets to hear her response. This fulfills the narrators emerging sense that motherhood, for her, might be bound up more in her relationship to her mother and grandmother than in producing some future child.

I found myself curious what my own mother might make of the book  as a woman who wasnt sure shed be a mom but then was, as a woman currently campaigning for grandchildren. I sent her a PDF to read on her iPad. She called me after shed finished.

Youre not going to like this, my mom warned me when I asked what she thought. But why didnt she go on the drugs sooner?

Ah, yes: the drugs. Midway through the book, the narrator begins to recognize a connection between her moods and her menstrual cycle. Theres a pattern, it turns out, to the violent internal weather systems shes endured, and online she finds a community of women whose experiences mirror her own. In some cases, these women take antidepressants to alleviate their symptoms. She gets a prescription herself. Everything changes. How was it possible that antidepressants were legal? she wonders, experiencing free-floating joy on her walk home from the grocery store. Did half the country walk around feeling this way  sparkling with ease and light?

This happens near the books end, and while the remaining 40 pages arent necessarily nonstop sparkle, things do get a lot easier. Previous moments  Outrun your tears like an athlete every day, she once told herself  appear in a new light. Were they signs of existential struggle or were they symptoms?

My mothers personal approach to motherhood dictates treating symptoms whenever possible. But, in answer to her question, the delay  on the part of the character or the author  seems understandable. If you are accustomed to using your own thoughts and emotions to make sense of the world (if, for example, you are a novelist whose work mines autobiography), what could be more unnerving than the suggestion that your thoughts and emotions cant be trusted  that you might be an unreliable narrator of your own life? This, perhaps more than any coin toss or collaborative partnership, is cause to wrestle with the unexpected. Near the end of Motherhood, the narrator wonders what it means for a story to hinge on chemical intervention: I dont know what kind of story it is.

From one angle, Hetis resistance to clear answers can look like a cop-out; from another, like a novelist taking full advantage of her medium  of fictions right to be slippery. (The fact that Hetis fiction draws so directly on her life can make this possibility easy to miss.) Or maybe Motherhood foils my abilities as a critic: I like the book as a catalyst for thought, and admire its ability to withstand sustained consideration.

Heti hesitated to include the drugs in the book. I kept putting it in and taking it out, she said. She did not want to end the book with a pharmaceutical deus ex machina, in which antidepressants fly in like Superman. The critic Dave Hickey, a friend, convinced her she should: You gotta put them in, because its true, she remembers him saying. Oh, okay, she thought. That makes it really simple. Shed fixated anxiously on the question of motherhood, but relinquishing her relentless anxiety did not make the question less real. It sort of lets the end of the book happen, Heti said.

Throughout Motherhood, in her wariness of motherhood, the narrator is on guard: against the possibility that a baby could change her, or that her body could have an agenda at odds with her own. Acquiescing to the mysteries of hormones and brain chemistry doesnt persuade her to have a baby, but she does find herself accepting the inevitable helplessness of life with a body  of being something besides a grayish, insensate mind. A baby changes everything, but so do SSRIs, and so does the passage of time.

When I was writing the end of the book, it felt very clear to me that the question was solved, Heti said  in the book, she does not have a baby. And then as soon as the book was done, I was back in the nonfictional world. In the nonfictional world, the question remained. She started the book when she was 33; now she was 41. She had lived seven more years without a baby, and her life was fine: She was happy. When I was younger, I think that I felt like I could only live one way, and I had to figure out which of those one ways it was going to be, she said. She now felt she could live either way and be fine. I have no anxiety about making the wrong decision.

Theres also something about every year getting closer to death, she said and laughed. Its not like I have to live through eternity with whatever decision I make. Its only another 30 years  Its just until you die, and thats not that far away. Its a bit of a lighter feeling, somehow.

Motherhood is out today by Henry Holt.

*This article appears in the April 30, 2018, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now!Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan addresses lawmakers during a parliament session to elect an interim prime minister in Yerevan, Armenia May 1, 2018. (Reuters/Vahram Baghdasaryan/Photolure)

Armenia Protest Leader Warns of Turmoil If He Is Blocked From Power

YEREVANArmenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan urged supporters to take to the streets on Tuesday, May 1, to pressure parliament to choose him as prime minister, and warned of a political tsunami if ruling officials stays in power.

Pashinyan led days of protests that forced veteran leader Serzh Sarksyan to step down as prime minister last week, and is the sole nominee to take over the role. But he needs approval from a parliament dominated by Sarksyan supporters.

As tens of thousands of people gathered in central Yerevan, Pashinyan told lawmakers before a vote on his candidacy that Sarksyans backers in the ruling Republican Party should not snub the Armenian peoples demands for change.

You would think that in the situation that has unfolded conclusions would have been drawn, but the Republican Party has started to play cat-and-mouse with the people, said Pashinyan, who had swapped his usual camouflage T-shirt for a suit and tie.

Addressing Republican Party officials, he said: Your behaviour, treating the tolerance of the people as a weakness, could become the cause of a tsunami.

I turn to the nation of the Republic of Armenia and every citizen of the Republic of Armenia, Pashinyan said in speech broadcast live on two big screens to the crowd in the capitals central Republic Square.

Dont stay at home, and right now, go out into the streets if you have not done it yet  Flood out onto the streets and the squares of the capital and other towns in the republic.

Supporters in the square waved the Armenian flag and carried balloons in the national colours. They blew horns and chanted Nikolprime minister!

Im sure we will win today, Armenia will win! said Suren Gevorkyan, a 19-year-old student wearing a T-shirt with Pashinyans portrait.

Pashinyan has received the support of opposition parties which together hold 47 seats in the 105-seat legislature, but he will require a majority to win.

If Pashinyan does become prime minister, it would signal a dramatic shift in power in ex-Soviet Armenia, which has been dominated by the same cadre of leaders since the late 1990s.

The country of around three million people borders Turkey and Iran and is locked in a simmering territorial conflict with another neighbour, Azerbaijan.

Armenia is closely aligned with Moscow, and is home to Russian military bases.

Officials in Moscow have been watching the turbulence in Armenia closely for signs it could follow the pattern of Georgia and Ukraine, where popular revolts installed leaders who pulled their countries out of Moscows orbit.

Pashinyan, a 42-year-old former newspaper editor, said in his speech to parliament on Tuesday that, if elected, he would maintain a close relationship with Moscow.

By Hasmik Mkrtchyan and Margarita Antidze

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Putin Responds to Speculation of New Cold WarTaiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu arrives during a press conference in Taipei on May 1, 2018. - Taiwan said it was 'deeply upset' after the Dominican Republic, one of its few remaining official allies, established diplomatic relations with China and cut ties with the island. (Sam Yeh/AFP)

As Dominican Republic Chooses Relations With China, Taiwan Says Beijing Is Only Antagonizing the Taiwanese People

As the Dominican Republic cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and switched its recognition to Beijing, Taiwan vowed to defy this latest encroachment and said that Beijings plot to deprive Taiwan of international space would only antagonize the Taiwanese people and fuel their resolve to resist.

The Caribbean state announced late on April 30 that it has established diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China and cut ties with Taiwan. Before that, the Dominican Republic was one of only 20 countries in the world that still maintained formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

We have taken the decision to establish diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China, with the conviction that this decision will be extraordinarily positive for the future of our country, the Dominican Republic official statement read.

Despite not being formally recognized by the majority of countries in the world and being excluded from the United Nations, Taiwan maintains official diplomatic relations with a limited number of countries that recognize Taiwan instead of China. With the departure of the Dominican Republic, now only 19 countries remain on the list.

According to a Taiwanese media report, intelligence gathered by Taiwans diplomatic network had warned in late February that Beijing was upset over the apparent upgrading of U.S.Taiwan relations, especially the passage of the Taiwan Travel Act, which it had vehemently opposed. The Chinese regime planned to punish Taiwan by snatching away the democratic island nations last remaining diplomatic allies.

In response to the Dominican Republics decision, Taiwans foreign minister Joseph Wu said on May 1 that such a move is deeply unfortunate and also said that Taiwan strongly condemns Beijings plot to take away its diplomatic allies.

Wu also said that Beijings aggressive action will only further push away the people of Taiwan, a majority of whom already favor maintaining political separation from China for as long as needed, while a significant number of those even desire to assert Taiwans status as an independent sovereign country.

In a statement, Taiwans foreign ministry also warned that Beijing had a track record of luring Taiwans allies away with lucrative offers of foreign aid, only to renege on those promises after they cut ties with Taiwan and switched recognition to Beijing. Costa Rica and the African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe are listed as two examples of countries that have been duped by the Chinese regime.

Chinas Communist Party regime considers Taiwan a part of its territory and insists on a one-China policy that precludes any international space for Taiwan. It has been constantly putting pressure on Taiwans remaining diplomatic allies. Just last year, Panama cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and switched recognition to China.

Over the past two decades, every departure of Taiwans remaining diplomatic allies has consistently been met with outrage and defiance from the Taiwanese public, with politicians and commentators usually expressing anger and resentment toward Beijing.The Chinese regime's J-10 fighter jet performs at an airshow in Changchun, Jilin province of China on Sept. 12, 2015. The jet includes technology stolen from the United States. (STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Exclusive: Pentagon Technology Found Its Way to the Chinese Military

Sumitomo Electric Lightwaves fiber-optic technology now helps power the Chinese regimes weaponry

The Chinese regimes fifth-generation fighters, state-of-the-art naval cruisers, and soon-to-be-launched aircraft carriers are more deadly than they otherwise would be because they are equipped with advanced fiber-optic cable originally built for the Pentagon, according to a U.S. military intelligence officer.

The saga of this cable is part of a bigger story of how American military technology ends up with the Chinese regimes military, an issue the Trump administration is seeking to address with sanctions and new legislation.

Fiber-optic technology transfers large amounts of information at very high speeds. It is a dual use technology, one used in both civilian and military sectors.

For public use, fiber optics carry telecom data, such as internet communications. For the military, fiber optics are used in ships, jets, and other systems to transmit high volumes of data. In a battle, the speed of these systems can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

A development contract was awarded by the Pentagon to a Japanese-owned company based in North Carolina, known as Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, to develop a next-generation fiber-optic cable. After the company developed the technology for the U.S. military, however, it began selling the fiber optics to private companies. Through its offices in Beijing, Sumitomo sold this technology to Chinese telecom companies ZTE and Huawei.

Anything we sell China  should be evaluated on whether that technology could end up killing our troops.  Richard Fisher, senior fellow, International Assessment and Strategy Center

ZTE and Huawei have been no strangers to controversy. ZTE was sanctioned, and Huawei is under investigation for selling forbidden technologies to Iran. Both companies also have connections to the Chinese Communist Partys military, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).

A U.S. military intelligence officer speaking anonymously said that not long after Sumitomo sold this U.S.-funded fiber optics to ZTE and Huawei, the PLA got its hands on it.

The officer said he had seen intelligence that confirmed PLA military equipment is using the same fiber optics commissioned by the Pentagon.

It wasnt stolen. It was for civilian, or nonmilitary, purposes, he said. In China, it is being used for naval and for aircraft, like the J-10 jet, the high-end destroyers, cruisers, as well as for these evolving carriers.

Sumitomo Electric Lightwave has been the leading edge of developing highly advanced fiber optics for shipboard use, as well as for fighter jets and drones.

Some of the technology has inadvertently come into control of ZTE and Huawei.

A Quiet Arms Race

When it comes to advances in military equipment, underlying technologies such as fiber optics also need to keep pace to make the weapons systems effective. The officer noted that between nations, its a constant race to keep up with the development of systems such as fifth-generation fighter jets and shipboard weapons that process massive amounts of data. If you, as an adversary, have access to that technology, you see generations of development.

The core issue of fiber optics is the ability to transmit data rapidly. Each new generation speeds it up. The faster you can transmit, the better it is, he said, and added that there is light-years [worth] of difference between fiber optics technology today and that of 30 years ago.

According to Richard Fisher, a senior fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center, advanced fiber-optic cables such as those developed by Sumitomo, would be very attractive to the PLA.

To grasp the significance of fiber optics to military technology, Fisher noted that its important to understand a bit of history.

In a battle, the speed of these systems can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

In the 1970s, fighter jets moved to fly by wire technology, in which pilots controlled the planes by electric rather than hydraulic signals. Fisher said that for the fighter jets, this allowed for a radical increase in maneuverability.

The next development was with the introduction of fiber optics, referred to as fly by light technology. He said, Compared to fly by wire, fiber-optic cable allows for much more rapid and far greater transmissions of data.

Modern fighter radar and electronic warfare systems are dealing with data loads that are orders of magnitude greater than radar and electronic systems of the 1980s, Fisher said. The ability to move data faster could mean the difference in who calculates a fire solution first and shoots down the other guy.

The officer said the same applies to missile systems. The quality of rapid communications and high-speed data transmission is critical for effective missiles, and anti-ship missiles, and whatever missiles you can think of.

Technology Transfers

According to an intelligence memo obtained by The Epoch Times, the Sumitomo technologies may have also been transferred to Iran. It states, In Iran, the products ended up sometime between May 2009 and December 2009 with Isfahan Optics Industries, part of state-owned defense operation.

It says these technologies are believed to be a substantial quantity of FTTx Service Drop cable and about 30 (or many more) of the Type 39 Alignment Splicer. The memo notes there is limited information on the exact quantities that were transferred.

It says the products made their way to Iran first through Malaysia, then through Dubai. It includes unconfirmed analysis on four additional companies believed to have been involved with the transfers to Iran.

The officer made clear that Sumitomos previous dealings with ZTE and Huawei do not appear to have been illegal. Yet, he said, the problem of dual-use technologies finding their way into hostile hands is becoming one the United States can no longer ignore.

The suppliers, there is nothing nefarious about themthey are not trying to do something bad, he said. Among the problems is that after technology is sold in a country like China, technology suppliers dont know how it will be used, since there is no requirement for companies to know their end users.

He noted several additional cases. One involved a company selling technology to Iran for high-value specialty metal alloys. Although the initial use of the technology was benign, he said, The exact same stuff can be used to build similar components for nuclear weaponsthese were dual-use.

Another case was a Shanghai steel company that was obtaining metal technologies from Western companies. The technologies were then used for PLA weapons programs.

The issue here is, there is no restraint to using technology in questionable environments, he said.

One of the biggest culprits in this whole scheme is President [Bill] Clinton, because he freely allowed China access to advanced military technology, like the W88 nuclear warhead. There were no restrictions.

The [CCP] gained 25 years of development by getting U.S. technology for free.

Regarding the case of a Pentagon-financed program ending up in the PLAs hands, the officer said that the Beijing office of Sumitomo should have at least made the attempt to see who the true end user is  Japanese companies, U.S. companies, whatever, know that a transfer technology could be used for all kinds of things.

He said its a common problem in China that a foreign company working there does so with the knowledge that the Chinese Communist Party will obtain their technology. The moment you insert technology into China, its lost, he said.

Fisher shared a similar perspective, saying, The Chinese military-industrial complex is constantly scouring the earth for top-of-the-line technologies that can be applied to military systems China is developing.

Huawei and ZTE are cats paws for Chinese Communist Party domination, and we should treat them as such in every conceivable way.

The reality of Chinas pervasive civil-military integration policies means that anything we sell to China will be evaluated for military exploitation.  Anything we sell China  should be evaluated on whether that technology could end up killing our troops.

Sanctions

In addition to employing sanctions, the Trump administration is proposing legislation that will make it more difficult for Chinese telecommunication companies to sell their products in the United States. The proposal would forbid money from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal Service Fund from being spent on technology or services of companies deemed a national security threat to U.S. communication networks and supply chains.

The U.S. Department of Commerce also recently announced that ZTE is banned for seven years from purchasing components from U.S. manufacturers as punishment for illegally selling telecommunications equipment that used American technology to Iran and North Korea.

Huawei could soon face similar sanctions and is now allegedly being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice for violating sanctions on Iran.

ZTE and Huawei did not respond to requests for comment sent by email.

Sumitomo could not be reached for comment by telephone.French Museum Discovers Disturbing Truth About Its Collection

A museum in the South of France that is dedicated to the work of Etienne Terrus, a close friend of Henri Matisse, has discovered that more than half of its collection is fake.

Experts found that 82 of the 140 paintings attributed to the Catalan artist at the Terrus museum in Elne, near the Spanish border, were not actually painted by him.

Local French media reported that the paintings featured buildings that were constructed after the artists death in 1922.

Doubts about the authenticity of the paintings were raised several months ago by the art historian Eric Forcada.

On one painting, the ink signature was wiped away when I passed my white glove over it, Focada said to AFP. At a stylistic level, its crude. The cotton supports do not match the canvas used by Terrus. And there are some anachronisms.

Following the alert from Focanda, experts concluded that 82 of the paintings were fakes.

The artworks, acquired by the local council over a period of 20 years, are thought to have cost about 160,000 euros ($193,000).

Art market analyst Ivan Macquisten said that it is likely that the paintings were forged locally.

About 80 works, bought over a period of 20 years, that tells me that the museum had easy access to the source. Its probably a local source, he said.

It might be someone purporting to be a relative or friend of the artist, or somebody who is purporting to be a serious collector. If it comes from more than one source, I suspect those sources would be very closely related.

The findings came to light after the Terrus museum had reopened on April 27 following renovation work.

Yves Barniol, the local mayor, described the finding as a catastrophe.

I put myself in the place of all the people who came to visit the museum, who saw fake works, who took a ticket of entry, whatever the price. It is unacceptable, Barniol said, during interviews on April 27. I hope we can find those responsible.

Recommended Video: President Trump Visits FranceSecretary of State Mike Pompeo shakes hands after disembarking from his plane as he arrives at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman on 29 April, 2018. (Photo by AHMAD ABDO / AFP) (Photo credit should read AHMAD ABDO/AFP/Getty Images)

Israel Intel Proves That Iran Deal Was Built on Lies, US State Secretary Says

The trove of Iranian documents obtained by Israeli intelligence proves that Iran has lied to the world about its nuclear program, according to a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The documents obtained by Israel from inside of Iran show beyond any doubt that the Iranian regime was not telling the truth, Pompeo said. The documents show that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program for years.

In an April 30 television appearance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented what he said were Iranian documents obtained in a daring Israeli intelligence operation that prove Iran had been developing nuclear weapons before the 2015 deal that it signed with the United States and world powers.

Netanyahu informed President Donald Trump about evidence of a past secret Iranian nuclear arms program in March, a senior Israeli official said.

Trump agreed Israel would publish the information before May 12, the date by which he is due to decide whether the United States should quit the nuclear deal with Iran, the Israeli official said.

As the presidents May 12 deadline to fix the Iran deal approaches, I will be consulting with our European allies and other nations on the best way forward in light of what we now know about Irans past pursuit of nuclear weapons and its systematic deception of the world, Pompeo said.

Tehran, which denies ever pursuing nuclear weapons, dismissed Netanyahu as the boy who cried wolf and called his presentation propaganda.

Tzachi Hanegbi, the Israeli minister for regional development and a Netanyahu confidant, said the presentation was meant to provide Trump with the grounds to bolt the deal.

What the prime minister did last night, was to give Trump ammunition against the European naivete and unwillingness regarding Iran.  Tzachi Hanegbi, Israeli minister for regional cooperation

In 12 days a huge drama will unfold. The American president will likely pull out of the deal, Hanegbi said in an interview with Israeli Army Radio.

What the prime minister did last night, was to give Trump ammunition against the European naivete and unwillingness regarding Iran.

Under the nuclear deal struck by Iran and six major powersthe United States, the UK, China, France, Germany, and RussiaTehran agreed to limit its nuclear program in return for relief from economic and other sanctions.

Trump gave the UK, France, and Germany a May 12 deadline to fix their failure to address Irans ballistic missile program, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and sunset clauses under which some of its terms expire, or else he will reimpose U.S. sanctions.

A senior Israeli official said that Israel had known about the Iranian archive for a year, gotten ahold of it in an intelligence operation in February, and informed Trump about it at a meeting in Washington on March 5.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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President Trump Says Change Must Come From Within For Peace In Middle EastMajor Update on Migrant Caravan at the US-Mexico Border

Eleven people who are said to be part of a Central American migrant caravan seeking asylum in the United States have been arrested for illegally entering the country.

Two Salvadorans, six Hondurans, and three Guatemalans were charged with illegal entry, a law enforcement official told the Fox News Channel.

Ten face misdemeanor charges and one will face a felony, Fox reported.

President Trump wrote on Monday night that the caravan that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are.

He added, Yet Democrats like Jon Tester continue to support the open borders agendaTester even voted to protect Sanctuary Cities. We need lawmakers who will put America First.

The migrant caravan that is openly defying our border shows how weak & ineffective U.S. immigration laws are. Yet Democrats like Jon Tester continue to support the open borders agenda  Tester even voted to protect Sanctuary Cities. We need lawmakers who will put America First.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 30, 2018

Another 18 people were detained, but it isnt clear if they will faces charges.

When respect for the rule of law diminishes, so too does our ability to protect our great nation, its borders and its citizens, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said, NBC San Diego reported. The United States will not stand by as our immigration laws are ignored and our nations safety is jeopardized. U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman and his team should be commended for quickly filing illegal entry charges for individuals apprehended along the southwestern border. We will continue to work with our partners in each U.S. Attorneys Offices to aggressively pursue prosecutions of criminal illegal entry.

Criminal complaints said that the defendants entered the United States at a time and place other than whats designated by immigration officers.

Lets discuss the 600 LB elephant in the room: MEXICO ALLOWED the migrant caravan to travel 2,400 Miles unimpeded. Its high time Secretary Pompeo reads Mexican Ambassador Gutierrez the riot act: if they ever allow this to happen again, this will severely effect trade relations. pic.twitter.com/hiZOE6kAXl  David Burke (@ConservativeTht) May 1, 2018

They also eluded examination and inspection by immigration officers, NBC reported.

The American Dream has beckoned immigrants from across the globe because of the promise that prosperity and success are within reach for all, said United States Attorney for the Southern District of California Adam L. Braverman in a statement. Those immigrants have contributed their voices and perspectives to make up our uniquely American experience. But the foundation for the American Dream, and what allows our democracy to flourish, is commitment to the rule of law. These 11 defendants face charges now because they believed themselves to be above the law. Those seeking entry into the United States must pledge fidelity to the law, not break them, or else face criminal prosecution.Barry Kolevzon and his wife attended Shen Yuns evening performance at The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College SUNY in N.Y., on April 22.

After watching Shen Yun, they found themselves entranced by the orchestra.

[The music] is very soothing. It gets to you after a while.  [performers] can all be synchronized, all day, and do these fantastic flips, in line with the music. said Barry Kolevzon, co-founder and managing partner at The Nessa Group. And I wonder why it gets to you. But as you go and you listen to it, you fall in the mood that it brings. It is very powerful.

Shen Yun performances are accompanied by a live orchestra, which blends traditional Chinese and Western instruments.

According to its website, Shen Yun uses ancient Chinese instruments such as the delicate pipa. It came about during the Tang Dynasty. The pipa has been known as the king of Chinese instruments.

I am right up front. And I leaned over and looked in and saw the traditional Chinese instruments, said Tom Beeby, Chief Creative Officer at Beeby Clark+Meyler. I thought that was a very nice touchvery authentic. The music makes me feel very happy and energetic, and very focused on watching the dance.

From a creative perspective, I thought all the various art forms spoke to each other perfectly in each of the pieces.

Kolevzon was also amazed by the synchronicity of the dancers, and the scenes of Chinese landscapes depicted on the digital backdrop.

I think the way it was coordinated with the movie in the background [digital backdrop], coordinating what was going on stageit was very powerful.Terry Neese, CEO at the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City. After the evening show on April 20, she spoke about what stood out.

The performance is really remarkable. The poise, the dynamism of the interaction with everyone thats on stage, the music is just incredible. I find it very thrilling, said Neese. I am shocked at the energy, the ability of the performers on stage to be in the air all at the same time and all of a sudden they are on the floor. It is really remarkable what they do.

Shen Yun specializes in classical Chinese dance. The company was founded with a mission to revive and spread Chinas divinely inspired history. The dancers are accompanied by a live orchestra.

As Shen Yun explains, for thousands of years classical Chinese dance was spread through folk traditions, imperial court performances, and ancient theater.

Its just tremendous to be able to see how they dont speakbut you can determine with the way they move their body what is actually happening in the story. So they are telling a story. Thats a true, remarkable story, Neese added.

I thought it was living poetry. Each story was magnificent and well portrayed, said David Althouse, a published writer. And I loved the dance portrayal of each of the stories. Its beautiful.

Story-based dance is one of the ways Shen Yun portrays Chinese traditional culture. According to its program book, Shen Yun performs stories from ancient legends, to those set in modern-day China. All of the performances display traditional Chinese values.

Those stories were very meaningful and they touch on all of the important things to all of us around the worldlove, devotion  loyalty, and God, said Althouse. The important things in life are God, and family, and faith.

The message that I got was to not forget the spiritual sideto stay focused on that, and not to get too wrapped up in the modern day, and to remember where weve come from, said Megan Vance Ochs, vice president of John Vance Auto Group & Vance Insurance.

It is something I have never experienced before  having the opportunity to see this is an incredible adventure. And Im just very honored to be able to sit in the audience, Neese added.WeChat, the most popular messaging app in China, displayed on a phone in New York City, on Oct. 4, 2016. (Matthew Robertson/The Epoch Times)

More Evidence WeChat Is Recording Private Messages for Beijing to Spy on Users

More evidence has emerged to support the widely held suspicion that Chinas most popular messaging app, WeChat, is recording private messages between users, data which is then accessible by the Chinese regime, despite the apps insistence that it is not spying on the 1 billion people worldwide who use it.

In a WeChat public post first published on April 28, the anti-corruption taskforce of Chaohu, a small city in Chinas Anhui Province, boasted that it had made a breakthrough in an investigation of a corruption case by retrieving relevant WeChat messages that had been deleted on a suspects phone.

The Chaohu Municipal Discipline Inspection and Supervision Commission in March retrieved a series of deleted WeChat chat messages from a suspect, hence enabling investigators to be more adaptive in the interrogations and allowed progress to be made in completing the investigation, the now-deleted post said.

The post is a rare admission by the Chinese regimes judicial agency that it could access private WeChat messages even after users have deleted the corresponding chat history on the phone, which would indicate that the messaging app is storing private data elsewhere.

Among Chinese netizens, many are again wondering whether their WeChat messages are being recorded and are not private at all.

Tencent, the Chinese tech giant that owns WeChat, responded to the incident by posting a statement on April 29 stating that WeChat does not store any chat histories and that only users phones and computers would have access to messages they sent out.

Article 21.3 of Chinas new cybersecurity law, enacted in 2017, specifically mandates that internet companies monitor and retain selected network data for no less than six months. However, as early as 2000, a similar mandate existed in prior internet regulations, according to Wen Yunchao, a Chinese internet activist who now resides in New York.

Keeping a Record of Everything

The dominance of WeChat in China has been widely attributed to the companys close collaboration with the Chinese regime in implementing self-censorship and surveillance mechanisms. WhatsApp and other international messaging apps that might have competed with WeChat have mostly been blocked or otherwise forced out of Chinas massive market.

Unlike other messaging apps such as WhatsApp, WeChat does not provide end-to-end encryption between users. Instead, WeChat employs what it termed transport encryption that encrypts messages only between the user and WeChats servers, often located in Tencents data centers in Shanghai.

As a consequence, all WeChat private messages, even those among international users of WeChat, go through these servers in China before they are delivered. In addition to the extra security vulnerability such a process introduces, it also means that WeChat servers in China essentially keep a record of all messages.

A man walks past an advertisement for the WeChat social media platform at Hong Kongs international airport, on August 21, 2017. (Richard A. Brooks/AFP/Getty Images)

For its part, Tencent has consistently insisted that its WeChat servers delete the content of a message once it is received by the intended user. However, The Epoch Times reported last September that WeChat had updated the wording of its privacy policy agreement, which implies that the company freely shares private user messages with the Chinese regimes law enforcement agencies.

WeChat would retain, preserve or disclose users data to comply with applicable laws or regulations, the new user agreement says. Because the Chinese regimes law enforcement agencies and security apparatus do not need a search warrant to seize a citizens property or private data, the regime would essentially have access to just about everything WeChat users send through the app.

A 2016 survey by Amnesty International that ranks the worlds most popular messaging apps in terms of privacy protection for users gave WeChat a score of 0 out of 100, meaning that users of WeChat receive little or no encryption for their communications and that the app is completely exposed to censorship and surveillance.

WeChat has recently exceeded 1 billion accounts worldwide, a benchmark that points to the apps popularity and dominance in China. WeChat has also grown outside of China, as a large number of Chinese migrants, students, and travelers around the world use it overseas.

Inside China, WeChat has extensive working relationships with all levels of the Chinese state and has become an essential platform used in daily microtransactions, such as taxi-hailing, news services, and food delivery, among other uses.North Korea Also Seen Dismantling Border Loudspeakers After South Koreas Announcement

SEOULSouth Koreas Ministry of Defence said Tuesday it sees signs that North Korea has started dismantling its loudspeakers that blared propaganda across the border.

The apparent move comes after South Korea said a day earlier it would remove its loudspeakers, starting on Tuesday. They are some of the first practical, if small, steps towards reconciliation following Fridays summit between the leaders of the two nations.

As a goodwill gesture ahead of the summit, South Korea had turned off its loudspeakers that broadcast a mixture of news, Korean pop songs and criticism of the North Korean regime, which Pyongyang had previously said was an act of war.

We see this as the easiest first step to build military trust, South Korean defense ministry spokeswoman Choi Hyun-soo said. We are expecting the Norths implementation.

South Korea resumed its blaring of propaganda into North Korea after its fourth nuclear test in early 2016. The North was quick to respond, organising its own propaganda to drown out the louder broadcast from the south.

The northern time zone was created in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of Koreas liberation from Japanese rule after World War Two.

South Korea and Japan are in the same time zone, nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

The actions come after Fridays historic summit at which South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the Norths leader Kim Jong Un agreed to end hostilities and work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Much now hinges on Kims upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the meeting could happen over the next three to four weeks.

Any deal with the United States will require that North Korea demonstrate irreversible steps to shutting down its nuclear weapons programme, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

A flurry of diplomacy is unfolding in the lead-up to that meeting, with China saying it will send the governments top diplomat, Wang Yi, to visit North Korea on Wednesday and Thursday this week. China is the Norths main ally.

And over the weekend, South Koreas spy chief visited Tokyo to brief Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Kim To Invite Experts for Nuclear Test Site Shutdown

Kim also told Moon during the summit he would soon invite experts and journalists from the United States and South Korea when the country dismantles its Punggye-ri nuclear testing site, the Blue House said on Sunday.

North Korea has conducted all six of its nuclear tests at the site, a series of tunnels dug into the mountains in the northeastern part of the country. Some experts and researchers have speculated that the most recent  and by far largest  blast in September had rendered the entire site unusable.

But Kim said there were two additional, larger tunnels that remain in very good condition beyond the existing one, which experts believe may have collapsed.

By Hyonhee Shin

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Lanterns Light up Taiwan Sky For First Full Moon in Lunar New YearObama White House Holdover Smeared Trump Veteran Affairs Pick: Report

The person who initiated a slew of allegations against Rear Admiral Ronny Jackson was a holdover from the previous administration, according to report by investigative reporter Sara Carter.

Jackson, the physician for the past three presidents, was nominated by President Donald Trump to head the Veteran Affairs Department.

But then Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.) circulated a list of anonymous allegations against Jackson, including claims that Jackson created a hostile work environment and in some instances behaved unprofessionally. Tester said the allegations came from Jacksons current and former colleagues.

Jackson called the allegations completely false and fabricated, but still withdrew, saying the situation has become a distraction for Trump.

The main allegations came from Dr. Jennifer Pena, according to four administration officials account to Carter.

Pena has been with the White House Medical Unit since 2014 and was last year assigned by the unit as a physician to Vice President Mike Pence.

Pena has had a long-standing feud with doctor Jacksonshes very jealous that hes been consistently promoted. This isnt about being a whistleblowerthere are other procedures for that. She went up to the hill and she spoke with approximately twenty-five Democratsshes a holdover in the White House and didnt want Jackson to be nominated, one of the officials said.

None of the allegations against Jackson have been substantiated. On the contrary, some of the allegations have been checked and denied by the Secret Service and the White House. Many who have known and worked with Jackson have since spoken out in his defense denying having seen any of the alleged behavior.

Theres also no sign any of the allegations have been reported before or shown up during the FBIs thorough background checks on Jackson.

Jackson, 50, has worked as a presidential physician since the Bush administration and has been the lead doctor for Trump as well as former President Barack Obama. He is well-liked by both Republican and Democratic administration officials.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Jackson was on the job at the White House on Thursday but it was not immediately clear whether he would resume his post as the top White House physician.

The Iraq war veteran gained national attention after he was attacked by media organizations in January following his annual assessment of Trumps health. Jackson had said Trumps health was excellent and that he had no concerns over the presidents cognitive ability, which ran counter to the narrative much of the media were trying to portray of Trump.

Trump criticized Tester for smearing the physician.

Allegations made by Senator Jon Tester against Admiral/Doctor Ron Jackson are proving false, Trump wrote on Twitter Saturday morning, April 28. The Secret Service is unable to confirm (in fact they deny) any of the phony Democrat charges which have absolutely devastated the wonderful Jackson family. Tester should resign.

Allegations made by Senator Jon Tester against Admiral/Doctor Ron Jackson are proving false. The Secret Service is unable to confirm (in fact they deny) any of the phony Democrat charges which have absolutely devastated the wonderful Jackson family. Tester should resign. The..  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018

.great people of Montana will not stand for this kind of slander when talking of a great human being. Admiral Jackson is the kind of man that those in Montana would most respect and admire, and now, for no reason whatsoever, his reputation has been shattered. Not fair, Tester!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018

The great people of Montana will not stand for this kind of slander when talking of a great human being. Admiral Jackson is the kind of man that those in Montana would most respect and admire, and now, for no reason whatsoever, his reputation has been shattered. Not fair, Tester!

The Veterans Affairs Department has long been under fire for the quality of healthcare it provides veterans. During his election campaign, Trump vowed to clean it up.

Trump fired former Veteran Affairs Secretary David Shulkin in March after concerns about unauthorized travel expenses.

Testers seat will be contested in the Nov. 6 midterms. Trump carried Montana in the 2016 elections with over 56 percent, compared to Hillary Clintons less than 36 percent.

Trump told Fox & Friends over the phone on Thursday that he liked Jackson as a candidate in part because he isnt a politician. After this experience, however, he said his new candidate, yet to be announced, has political capabilities.

Trump later posted an update on Twitter.

Secret Service has just informed me that Senator Jon Testers statements on Admiral Jackson are not true. There were no such findings. A horrible thing that we in D.C. must live with, just like phony Russian Collusion. Tester should lose race in Montana. Very dishonest and sick!

Secret Service has just informed me that Senator Jon Testers statements on Admiral Jackson are not true. There were no such findings. A horrible thing that we in D.C. must live with, just like phony Russian Collusion. Tester should lose race in Montana. Very dishonest and sick!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 28, 2018

Ivan Petchoukov and Reuters contributed to this report.

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I Was a Communist SlaveOil Pares Losses as Israel Lines up Iran Announcement

LONDONOil steadied on Monday, paring early losses after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would make an announcement later in the day about the nuclear deal with Iran.

Brent prices have gained around 6 percent this month, buoyed by expectations the United States will renew sanctions against Iran, which is the third-largest producer within OPEC.

U.S. President Donald Trump has until May 12 to decide whether to restore the sanctions on Iran that were lifted after an agreement over its disputed nuclear programme.

Brent crude futures were last down 2 cents at $74.62 a barrel by 1422 GMT, up from a session low of $73.47.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were last down 9 cents on the day at $68.01 a barrel, having recovered from an intraday low of $67.17.

Netanyahu will make a televised announcement at 1700 GMT in what his office said would be a significant development regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran.

Israel has long opposed the agreement. Washingtons major European allies have urged the Trump administration not to abandon it and argue that Iran is abiding by its terms.

The price of oil has risen to its highest since late 2014 this month, driven by concern over the potential for disruption to Iranian crude flows, but analysts say the degree of uncertainty hanging over the deal means the market is extremely sensitive to any developments.

Until May 12, youre not going to see any significant downward correction, PVM Oil Associates strategist Tamas Varga said. Reimposing U.s. sanctions is not a foregone conclusion just yet.

Fresh sanctions on Iran could result in a reduction of the countrys oil exports, which would strain global supplies even more, especially given the discipline of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their partners in sticking to an agreement to limit output.

Things are not quite the same as in the previous decade, when Iran was regarded as a menace and a threat. Over the last three-four years Iran has behaved itself  according to everybody, said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of energy consultancy Trifecta.

Oil fell earlier in the day after a weekly report showed U.S. drillers added five oil rigs in the week to April 27, bringing the total count to 825, the highest since March 2015, General Electrics Baker Hughes energy services firm said.

Crude production in the United States has grown by more than 25 percent since mid-2016 to a record 10.59 million barrels per day (bpd). Only Russia currently produces more, at around 11 million bpd.

By Amanda Cooper

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President Trump Says Change Must Come From Within For Peace In Middle EastPunished for Her Faith, 75-Year-Old Former Doctor Forced to Wear Monitoring Devices While Under House Arrest

Chinese police have escalated their surveillance of an elderly doctor who once served in a Chinese military hospital.

Gu Xinfang, 75, from Nanjing City in southern China, practices Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, a meditation discipline with the fundamental tenets of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

Like many other adherents of the practice, Gu noted improved physical and mental well-being after practicing Falun Gong. Arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other ailments she had faded away, according to Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website that serves as a clearinghouse for information about the persecution of the practice in China.

On Oct. 15, 2015, Gu was arrested by local police officers and members of the local 610 officea Gestapo-like secret police force established specifically to carry out the persecution of Falun Gongwhile on her way to the food market, according to Minghui.org.

The security officers also broke into Gus home and confiscated two computers, a printer, a laminator, cash totaling around 17,000 yuan ($2,600), and other personal items.

In 1999, former Chinese Communist Party leader Jiang Zemin launched a nationwide persecution of Falun Gong, believing that the groups popularityby 1999, up to 100 million practicing Falun Dafa, according to Western media outlets that quoted Chinese officialscould undermine the Partys authority.

Thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been arrested and imprisoned for their spiritual belief. Gu has been persecuted since 2015.

The Qixia District Court found Gu guilty of filing a criminal complaint to sue former leader Jiang for his persecution of Falun Gong. This was despite a new set of guidelines from the Supreme Peoples Court in 2015 that allowed practitioners to name Jiang directly responsible for the abuses they suffered. More than 200,000 Chinese Falun Gong practitioners and their families have filed criminal complaints against Jiang since then, according to Minghui.org.

Gu was detained for 10 months in Nanjing Detention Center. Her then-75-year-old husband was left at home alone.

In July 2016, Gu was released back home, with a court sentence of house arrest for more than two years.

Right before the Communist Partys important conclave, the 19th National Congress, took place in October 2017, Gu was taken to a local detention center and detained for a month. Dissidents typically face heavier persecution around politically sensitive times such as the 19th National Congress.

On April 1, 2018, police officers and other security agents went to her home and forced her to wear electronic wristbands, leg cuffs, and other electronic monitoring devices. They also told her they had added one more year to her house arrest sentence.

Her total sentence will end on October 15, 2019, when she is almost 80 years old.

More than 4,000 Falun Gong adherents are confirmed to have died as a result of torture and abuse while in custody, although the real number is believed to be much higher due to the difficulty of getting information out of China, according to the Falun Dafa Information Center, the groups press office. In addition, large numbers of practitioners have been murdered for their organs, which are then used in Chinas organ transplantation industry, according to independent researchers.

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How Doctors in China Turn into MurderersSlow-Acting Poison Used on BP Boss in Russia, Former Employee Claims

A slow-acting poison was used in Russia to send a message to the chief executive of BP back in 2008, a former employee of the British oil giant has claimed.

TNK-BP was a joint venture by BP in Russia, run at the time by current BP chief executive Bob Dudley.

Ilya Zaslavskiy, who worked for TNK-BP for four and a half years, told the Telegraph on April 30 that BP had carried out extensive lab tests showing that Dudley had been poisoned in Russia.

The poisoning had to be done by professionals to make sure that Dudley did not die. They just wanted to give him a message. It was definitely done by professionals who could administer this poison over weeks, he told the newspaper.

They did extensive lab tests in Britain and it was confirmed that the poisoning had taken place in Russia. His blood showed signs of poisoning. I have now had this confirmed by a good source close to Dudley and I have no reason to doubt it.

TNK-BP was later sold to Russian state-owned energy company Rosneft for 12 billion, five years after Dudley had left.

BP has never given any official response to the rumours that first came to light in a 2014 New Yorker article that chief executive Dudley fled Russia in 2008 fearing hed been poisoned. According to media reports, BP has declined to respond to the latest claims by Zaslavskiy.

Zaslavskiy is now head of research at the Free Russia Foundation, an anti-Putin think tank in Washington, and a fellow with the Chatham House policy institute in London. He said the source confirmed the poisoning to him in 2016.

But who definitely carried out the poisoning, I dont know, he said. I dont know the substance. I dont know any of that. My source wasnt open to talk about this.

Only the Russian intelligence had the expertise to administer a toxin capable of slowly harming, but not killing, Dudley, he believes.

The whole idea was to oust Bob Dudley and about 150 western managers, Zaslavskiy said.

He said that the poisoning was to send a message to Dudley, who had been too stubborn to cave in to other forms of pressure from the authorities.

He thought he could run the company because he had the law on his side so he stuck it out in Moscow.

After the diagnosis, Dudley left Russia secretly and quickly, he said.

The claim comes just two months after former Russian agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned in the British city of Salisbury with Novichok, a military grade nerve agent developed by Russia.

The British government concluded that it was highly likely that Russia was behind the poisoning. With no credible explanation from the Russian authorities, Prime Minister Theresa May on March 14 announced the expulsion of 23 diplomats working as Russian intelligence officers.

Her actions were echoed by punitive diplomatic expulsions from other nations including the United States.

Russian authorities have denied any involvement in the poisoning of Skripal and his daughter.

In 2006, former Russian agent-turned-British citizen Alexander Litvinenko died of polonium poisoning 21 days after coming into contact with the radioactive substance over tea in a Mayfair hotel in London.

A later official inquiry, published in 2016, concluded that he had been poisoned by Andrey Lugovoy and his associate, Dmitri Kovtun.

When Mr. Lugovoy poisoned Mr. Litvinenko, it is probable that he did so under the direction of the FSB, wrote the chairman of the inquiry Sir Robert Owen in the conclusion of the report. I would add that I regard that as a strong probability.

According to the Telegraph, a senior source at BP said: TNK-BP was an extremely successful business financially. It was also extremely noisy at that time. Certainly, at various times life was made difficult and it was difficult to operate. But we are not going to comment whatsoever about Bob.

Certainly pressure was put on him using regulatory means and things like that. But nobody will ever comment about these allegations of poisoning.

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Putin Responds to Speculation of New Cold WarSouth Korean President Moon Jae-in (R) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shake hands at the truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, South Korea, April 27, 2018. (Korea Summit Press Pool/Pool via Reuters)

South Korean President Says Trump Should Win Peace Prize

President Donald Trump should win a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to resolve the North Korean crisis, according to South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

A yearlong campaign by the Trump administration to pressure North Korea, using economic sanctions, diplomacy, and a credible military threat, resulted in North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un announcing last month that he would abandon his countrys nuclear weapons program.

Additionally, Kim and Moon made history on April 27 when they met on the dividing line between the two countries, agreeing to work on a peace deal and complete denuclearization of the North.

Kim has also said he will allow international observers and journalists to observe the closure of one of North Koreas nuclear sites. And, in a sign of goodwill, North Korea says it will return to the same time zone as Seoul and Tokyo by moving its clocks forward by half an hour.

President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace, Moon told a meeting of senior secretaries, according to a South Korean official who briefed media.

Moons Nobel prize comment came in response to a congratulatory message from Lee Hee-ho, the widow of late South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, in which she said Moon deserved to win the prize in recognition of his efforts, South Korean officials said.

President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace.  South Korean President Moon Jae-in

Both South Korean and Japanese officials have credited Trump for the progress.

South Koreas Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha told CNN: Clearly, credit goes to President Trump.  Hes been determined to come to grips with this from day one.

Trump was able to get Chinese leader Xi Jinping to agree to impose stricter sanctions on the North, severely impacting the North Koreas economy.

In the first quarter of this year, according to Chinas official customs data, total trade between China and North Korea dropped to $483 million, a nearly 60 percent drop from $1.2 billion in the same quarter last year.

Trump himself is expected to meet Kim himself in late May or June to negotiate the Norths complete denuclearization.

During a speech in South Korea in November last year, Trump offered Kim a path forward.

North Korea is not the paradise your grandfather envisioned. It is a hell that no person deserves, Trump said. Yet, despite every crime you have committed against God and man, were ready to offer, and we will do thatwe will offer a path to a much better future.

It begins with an end to the aggression of your regime, a stop to your development of ballistic missiles, and complete, verifiable, and total denuclearization.

In late November, North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile, which, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis, had the ability to reach any country around the world.

The full range of methods used by the Trump administration to pressure North Korea has not been discussed publicly, but it was revealed last month that CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who is now secretary of state, had already met with Kim in person.

The sharp turn in North Koreas trajectory, after decades of threats to attack the United States and its allies South Korea and Japan, is a major win for global peace.

A key doctrine of Trumps presidency is peace through strength, in which a credible military threat is used to preserve peace.

In March, Congress passed a federal budget that includes around $700 billion in defense spending, up more than $100 billion from 2016.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on April 29 that Trump will maintain a pressure campaign of harsh sanctions on North Korea until Kim scraps his nuclear weapon program.This Heartbreaking Photo of Siblings After an Accident Is Moving ThousandsHeres the Sad Reason Why

Two siblings from Texas were reunited for the first time after an accident that took the lives of their parents and 2-month-old sister.

The heartbreaking moment when 5-year-old Zachary Clemens greeted his 8-year-old sister, Angela Clemens, for the first time in three weeks was captured on camera on Wednesday, April 25.

The photo of the emotional union has moved the hearts of thousands of people who were devastated to learn about the fatal motor accident that occurred on Highway 87 earlier this month on April 7.

Yesterday, [Zachary] was able to leave his bed and get into the wheelchair for the first time. He and Angie were able to see each other for the first time. Angie has had a lot of brain injuries, but yesterday she was able to read and sing with us, Teresa Burrell, the childrens great aunt said in a Facebook post.

They are able to touch each other for the first time since the accident.

The pairs brothers, Wyatt, 4, and Nicholas, 2, also survived the car crash and were also recovering in hospital.

The Clemens family were involved in a head-on crash when they were heading back from a family outing. The familys Chevrolet Suburban was hit by an oncoming Chevrolet Tahoe after the driver of that vehicle lost control and veered onto the wrong side of the road, KTXS-TV reported.

The childrens parents, Jim Alan Clemens, 31, and Karisa Brianne Clemens, 29, along with their two-month-old sister Juliana, were tragically killed in the accident.

The four surviving children were taken to Shannon Medical Center, and then transferred to Cook Childrens Medical Center in Fort Worth.

Angela, who recently woke up from a coma, suffered various brain injuries. Zachary suffered a broken back, while Wyatt suffered strokes following the accident and is paralyzed on his left side. Little Nicholas was fortunate to escape the accident with only minor injuries.

Burrell has been providing updates on the childrens conditions and their recovery journey. In her latest posts, the three older children were photographed sitting in wheelchairs holding hands while celebrating their great aunts birthday.

Best birthday gift EVER. Seeing these 3 children all together at last. Angela sang happy birthday to me. It wasnt long ago that we wondered if she would be able to talk. We are still praying for our Zachery but this picture makes my heart so happy, Burell said.

Two fundraisers have been started to raise money for the children and the family to assist with medical bills and memorial costs. Their Facebook fundraiser has raised more than $134,600 of their $250,000 goal, while their Youcaring fundraiser has raised $55,400 of their $100,000 goal, as of writing.

The driver of the Tahoe, Monique Deion Austin, 23, also suffered serious injuries, reported the news station. Austins 1-year-old son, who was also involved in the accident, is expected to be okay.

From NTD.tv

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A Mother Shares the Story of Her Sons Heroin OverdosePresident Donald Trump hosts a joint press conference with President Muhammadu Buhari (not pictured) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on April 30, 2018. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Trump Slams Leak of Special Counsel Questions to New York Times

President Donald Trump described Tuesdays leak of questions from the special counsel probe as disgraceful and slammed the ongoing investigation by Robert Mueller as a witch hunt based on a made up, phony crime.

The New York Times published a set of questions meant for Trump reportedly from the office of the special counsel. The newspaper did not cite its sources. The leak is the latest in a series of disclosures from Mueller probe, a deviation from the customary practice of withholding the details of ongoing investigations.

So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media, Trump wrote on Twitter. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I seeyou have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!

So disgraceful that the questions concerning the Russian Witch Hunt were leaked to the media. No questions on Collusion. Oh, I seeyou have a made up, phony crime, Collusion, that never existed, and an investigation begun with illegally leaked classified information. Nice!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 1, 2018

It would seem very hard to obstruct justice for a crime that never happened! Witch Hunt! Trump added.

Special Counsel Mueller has been investigating allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia for nearly a year. Muellers appointment was prompted by memos leaked by former FBI Director James Comey. Comey has been referred for criminal investigation because the memos contained classified information.

Several leaks from Muellers probe became the subject of newspaper articles days before officials announcements, prompting some observers to ask if Mueller is playing politics with his prosecution.

Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy criticized Mueller in October for leaking to the news media.

In the only conversation Ive had with Robert Mueller, I stressed to him the importance of cutting out the leaks, Gowdy, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, told Fox News. Its kind of ironic that the people charged with investigating the law and the violations of the law would violate the law.

A yearlong Russia probe by the House Intelligence Committee concluded that neither Trump nor anyone in his campaign colluded with Russia, according to a final report released last week. The report did find that leaks from the intelligence community after Trumps inauguration damaged national security and potentially endangered lives.

At the core of the collusion allegations is the so-called Steele dossier, a compilation of opposition research on Trump funded by the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee. In addition to its biased origins, the claims within the dossier remain unverified despite intense scrutiny by the media, three separate government investigations, and a private probe funded by far-left billionaire George Soros and a secret group of Silicon Valley moguls.

Trumps lawyers have been negotiating the details of a potential interview between the president and Mueller. The newest member of Trumps legal team, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, signaled that he intends to end Muellers probe in a matter of weeks.

Recommended Video: President Trumps Weekly Address on April 27, 2018US Top Court Rejects Constitution Pipeline Over New York Permit

WASHINGTONThe U.S. Supreme Court on Monday dealt another setback to a proposed natural gas pipeline running from Pennsylvania to New York, rejecting Constitution Pipeline Cos bid to challenge New York states refusal to issue a needed water permit for the project.

The high court left in place an August 2017 ruling by the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in favor of the state. Partners in the 125-mile (201-km) pipeline project include Williams Cos Inc, Duke Energy Corp, WGL Holdings Inc and Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

The U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which regulates pipelines, first approved construction of the project in 2014 and then again in 2016, conditional upon other approvals.

Constitution, which filed with FERC to build the pipeline in 2013, separately sought water quality certification with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation in August 2013. But the state denied the application in April 2016, saying the company failed to provide sufficient information to determine whether the project would comply with the states water quality standards.

Constitution appealed that decision to the 2nd Circuit, but lost. The Supreme Courts refusal to hear the companys appeal of the 2nd Circuits ruling does not necessarily kill the project. The company has separately petitioned FERC to overturn the state agencys decision. In March, the federal regulator gave itself more time to consider the issue.

If built, the pipeline would transport 0.65 billion cubic feet per day of shale gas. New York uses on average about 3.6 bcfd of gas.

By Lawrence Hurley

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19 Years Later, New Yorkers Remember Historic April 25 Appeal in ChinaMADISON  As we get deep enough into spring so we finally dont feel were sliding backward, the fall and winter concert series season begins to draw to a close  and the Fire In The Kitchen Concerts is no exception.

But Fire In The Kitchen organizer Charlie Shafer still has a card or two up his sleeve  and hes pulling out a good one to present The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc  music from way up north  in the North Madison Congregational Church May 5.

The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc is a fiddle trio from Norway, Sweden and the Shetland Islands (north of Scotland) who have been playing mesmerizing fiddle music together since 2009.

They are Olav Luksengard Mjelva from Norway, Anders Hall from Sweden and Kevin Henderson from the Shetland Islands.

Its a rare treat when three fiddlers from the far north, Norway, Sweden, and the Shetland Islands, get together and combine all three traditions into one exceptional package, Shafer said in an email.

Critics of classical music marvel at their skill and the complexity of the arrangements, but deep down, they have a penchant to really want to rip, he wrote. When award-winning artists from the series past call up and insist we host these three, we listen. And we too, were amazed.

The rhythms and tunes have an infectious, yet unusual drive to them, Shafer said. Fans of classical music to old-time fiddling will be in awe of the skills and compositions on display.

Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for kids of high school age and below. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 203-668-3735 or go to http://fireinthekitvchen.org.

As always is the case with Fire In The Kitchen concerts, there will be free Ashleys ice cream served after the show, as well as the opportunity to meet and speak with the artists.

mark.zaretsky@hearstmediact.comHARTFORD  Though Republicans let their opposition to the expense of new judicial appointments be known, the House voted nearly unanimously to promote Supreme Court Justice Richard A. Robinson to chief justice Monday evening.

If the Senate also approves his nomination, Robinson would become the states first African-American chief justice. He would fill the seat that was most recently held by Chief Justice Chase T. Rogers, who retired from the bench in February.

A Stamford-born Stratford resident, Robinson, 60, was nominated for the chief justice job by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy after Republican claims of judicial activism and a 19-16 Senate vote stopped Supreme Court Justice Andrew McDonald from becoming the states first openly gay chief justice.

Robinsons name was floated as a more desirable nominee by Republicans even before the Senate vote and repeatedly after.

The president of the Stamford branch of the NAACP from 1988 until 1990, Robinson won 146 yes votes in the House Monday, with no representatives voting against and four not voting. The vote follows unanimous approval of Robinsons nomination by the Judiciary Committee.

Republicans supported Robinson so that the Judicial Branch would have a leader to help it sort out issues like understaffing, said Rep. Rosa Rebimbas, R-Naugutuck, ranking member of the Judiciary Committee.

The House also overwhelmingly voted to approve Superior Court Judge Steven D. Ecker, 56, of New Haven. If the Senate confirms him along with Robinson, Malloy will have named six of the seven members of the state Supreme Court.

But the bipartisan support for Robinson and Ecker came on the heels of several party line votes on early Superior Court nominees earlier in the afternoon. House Republicans voted as a bloc against many lower court judge appointments. A Democratic majority in that chamber meant the nominations still passed the House.

In total, Malloy appointed 31 individuals as judges this year. Republicans argued that without a balanced budget, the state should not add more judges to its payroll.

Right now the proverbial house is on fire, fiscally, said Rep. Tom ODea, R-New Canaan. This is not the time for us to be putting more judges on the bench when we cant even secure the safety of our current judiciary and have it at the proper staffing levels.

As of Monday, because of retirements and resignations, the Judicial Branch has 32 vacated judgeships, already funded by the state, said Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, chair of the Judiciary Committee.

If all of Malloys nominees are appointed, the Judiciary will have 179 judges at the end of Malloys term in November, Tong said. By comparison, at the end of Republican Gov. Jodi Rell in 2011, the Judiciary had 193 judges.

Republicans and Democrats disagreed over the net cost of these judicial appointments to the state.

The legislature should find money for the judgeships, Tong said, because Justice delayed is justice denied.

Republicans questioned whether there was another work to occupy the judges. They said that the money would better be spent on court support staff like clerks, marshals and monitors. The Judicial Branch is now operating with 620 fewer employees than two years ago, Tong said.

Its unsustainable, said Rebimbas.

emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunsonNORWALK  During the first sunrise of May, the waves across the Norwalk Harbor rippled orange and pink. On board the Spirit of the Sound, a team from the Maritime Aquarium readied to find out exactly what was going on underneath the harbors silvered surface.

There are over 100 bays and harbors in the Long Island Sound, and theyre data gaps, explained Peter Linderoth of Save the Sound, a program of the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Its difficult for managers and monitors of water quality to get into these bays and harbors. But theyre very important for the public because theyre generally where we interact with Long Island Sound.

While the group issues a report card on the health of the Sound every year, that report card does not include the bays and harbors where people swim, boat and fish. Historically, comparing the state of inlets around the Sound was challenging because they were monitored by different groups with different methods. But a recent initiative is working to change that.

Save the Sound is standardizing water studies on both sides of the Sound, from Eastchester Bay in the Bronx to Wequetequock Cove in Stonington. The standardized process, called the Unified Water Study, launched last year and provides monitoring equipment, training and other resources to participating organizations. This year, the number of monitors have nearly doubled, with eight new groups coming on board. In the Norwalk Harbor, the Maritime Aquarium and Harbor Watch are sampling the outer and inner harbor, respectively.

Once upon a time, the banks of streams and rivers pouring into the Sound were lushly lined with forest and other vegetation, which served as a buffer protecting the water from pollution. Today, theres much less surface area covered in the plant matter necessary to filter out fertilizers, pet poop and other nutrients before they can wash into water. Those nutrients continue working as fertilizers once theyre in the water, where they nurture phytoplankton  sometimes in greater quantities than animals can consume. When that happens, the excess plankton become fodder for decomposers, which use up oxygen, suffocating fish and other sea life.

To find out exactly what was going on in the outer Norwalk Harbor, the team had an instrument fitted with multiple probes that could measure temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, depth and turbidity, or cloudiness, at the same time. They carefully lowered it into the water and took wrote down the measurements.

As the crew circled to the five coordinates where they sample twice a month from May through October, they passed at least three osprey nests and over a dozen lions mane jellyfish. At the last stop, Staff Scientist David Hudson pulled up a bucket of water for extra testing. It was filled with another type of jellyfish, small and crystal clear. He drew out a syringe of the water and forced it through a glass fiber filter. Left behind was a visible layer of chlorophyll, grayish in color.

This is a really important organism for the oyster industry because everything lives on this, Hudson said. All of the filter feeders either live on this or live on things that live on this.

The chlorophyll is a way measure of phytoplankton, and maintaining a healthy balance of it is vital to the harbors health. Thats what the Unified Harbor Study hopes to monitor. After the second year of data is collected, Save the Sound can begin looking for trends; Linderoth said of the data will be publicly available.

That balance allows the food web becomes more productive, Hudson said. That means theres more fish that we want to eat, and the whole web is bigger, all the way up to whales, dolphins, sharks.

rschuetz@hearstmediact.com; @raschuetzMany people have talked about the need for more research into the potential of medical marijuana. But a foundation in California is backing the talk.

The Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation has given $4.7 million, the largest private gift ever for medical marijuana research in the United States, to fund research at the Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) at the University of California, San Diego, on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) compounds to treat autism. CBD is a chemical ingredient in marijuana that is non-psychoactive. In other words, it doesnt cause the high feel.

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Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder

The university plans to focus on severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which the CMCR said affects about one in every 68 children, especially boys. Symptoms include seizures and crippling anxiety. The 30 children in the clinical trial, all between 8-12 years old, will have a diagnosis of moderate to severe autism. Otherwise, they will be in good health. The study will begin in 2019. The study has three main goals:

Determine if CBD is safe and tolerable and whether it helps with the symptoms of ASD

Determine whether and how CBD alters neurotransmitters and/or improves brain connectivity

Determine whether biomarkers of neuro-inflammation, also associated with ASD, are altered by CBD

Scott Badesch, president of the Autism Society of America, told the San Diego Union Tribune that there are parents who swear that this is effective -- but it needs to undergo scientific research.

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Federal Roadblocks

Because marijuana is a Schedule I illegal drug under federal law, research into marijuana has been infrequent in the U.S. The university got around this roadblock by going directly to the private foundation for the grant money.

The Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation was founded by the late CEO of Norvell Technology, Ray Noorda, and his wife, Tye. Noorda ran Norvell from 1982 to 1994. The foundation partnered on the donation with Wholistic Research and Education Foundation.

Researchers do not yet understand the exact causes of autism. But some of the symptoms include lower levels of the mood-regulating brain chemical serotonin and irregular organization of the patients brain networks. Some studies to have found CBD can correct neurotransmitters and enhance the activity of neurotransmitters that elevate mood and enhance memory. Igor Grant, CMCR director, said that the study will finally give researchers a chance to study both the positive and negative effects of CBD.

Follow dispensaries.com on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest cannabis news.

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Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reservedHARTFORD  A Washington state man has pleaded guilty in a credit card fraud scheme perpetrated in Wilton from December 2016 to February 2017.

John H. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that 28-year-old Elijah Chin, of Federal Way, Washington, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Hartford to fraud and identity theft offenses stemming from a credit card fraud scheme.

Between December 2016 and February 2017, Chin was involved in a scheme in which credit card accounts were opened electronically using personal identifying information from Connecticut residents.

After the credit card issuers mailed credit cards to the victims home addresses, Chin took the cards directly from victims mailboxes and then used the credit cards to purchase gift cards, prepaid cards and other items. In total, Chins scheme totaled $63,941 at various retail establishments in Connecticut, according to court documents and statements made in court.

Wilton police arrested Chin on related state charges on Feb. 22, 2017, when police caught him with numerous fraudulently issued credit cards, prepaid cards purchased with the fraudulently obtained credit cards and mail addressed to Connecticut residents.

Chin pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years. He is to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on July 23, 2018.

The investigation included participation from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wilton Police Department and Ridgefield Police Department.Love and Ruin

By Paula McLain

Ballantine. 388 pp. $28

---

Meeting Ernest Hemingway was probably the worst thing that ever happened to Martha Gellhorn.

But perhaps she engineered their first encounter herself. I've always thought it was no accident that Gellhorn, an accomplished international journalist, turned up in Sloppy Joe's, the favorite Key West bar of the young celebrity novelist.To show up on purpose would not be out of character for Gellhorn, the heroine of Paula McLain's latest biographical novel, "Love and Ruin."

In McLain's telling, Martha and Ernest are drawn to each other by their passion for Republican Spain, which is fighting Franco for its democratic existence. Against this backdrop, the two are soon in love, though Ernest is still married to Pauline Pfeiffer, the "other woman" who was the doom of his first marriage to Hadley Richardson.

McLain's 2011 novel about Hadley, "The Paris Wife," struck a deep chord with readers. Hadley and Ernest made their home in Paris in the 1920s, a magical time and place for a magical couple. "The Paris Wife" portrays Hadley as the soul of gentleness and innocence. It's a romantic tale and a compelling one. Readers can't help rooting for Hadley and bemoaning the disappearance of their Eden.

This new novel about Ernest's relationship with Martha is unlikely to evoke the same kind of response. Martha is another finely etched heroine, but of an entirely different sort. She is independent and ambitious, and her career comes first - something she learns the hard way. In "Love and Ruin," we see Martha determined not to be an appendage to her famous partner, though she is not above using her connection to situate herself advantageously.

Martha says that from the start her quest has been "to live my own life, and not anyone else's." But she is mightily distracted by the forceful presence of a handsome writer at the top of his game and the prospect that together she and Ernest could form an unbeatable journalistic and literary team.

McLain tries to spin this into an attempt to "have it all" - she anachronistically uses those very words - and, I'm afraid, has her protagonist"lean in." Unfortunately, in her attempt to make the story timely and to set Martha up as a relatable heroine, she sometimes slips into melodrama. At one point, for instance, Martha says that Ernest's "hands reached inside my field jacket and he kissed me in a crushing way. I couldn't breathe, and didn't care." Martha will come to learn that being able to breathe is not a negotiable condition.

Martha and Ernest marry only in the last third of the novel, almost in time for her to know better. There are plenty of red flags: Ernest's slovenliness, his liquor consumption, his towering sense of entitlement and his occasional roughness with Martha, as when he calls her a "whore" for planning a lecture tour promoting the Spanish cause in the States. The writing is on the wall when Martha takes an assignment to cover the Red Army in Finland, thereby breaking a not-so-mock agreement never to leave Ernest alone to pursue a story.

Though some idyllic months follow at the Finca Vigia, the Hemingways' tropical bungalow outside of Havana, the end of their marriage is in view. Indeed, Ernest complains that he has "married one woman and now seems stuck with another." When Martha calls in the local vet to fix some of the tomcats hanging around, Ernest accuses her of trying to emasculate him.

McLain successfully turns Martha's story into a romantic quest and Martha into a romantic heroine - though not a traditional one. Her active agency in her own fate offers a more attractive trajectory than that of Hadley, who just gets left behind. The book closes with Martha at Dachau and Belsen just before V-E Day. Freed from her connection to Ernest, her life is subsumed into a larger struggle, her presence - passionate and ambitious - established on a world stage.

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Dearborn's most recent book is "Ernest Hemingway: A Biography."GODFREY  Seniors from Edwardsville and Metro East Lutheran high schools were among 211 of the region's "best and brightest" to be honored Thursday during the 30th annual Silver Medallion Academic Excellence Awards Banquet, held Thursday at Lewis and Clark College.

Seniors being honored included 45 from EHS and four from MELH.

"We think it's a wonderful event," said Edwardsville School District Superintendent Lynda Andre "It's a very, very nice way to recognize students who are high academic achievers. We don't have enough opportunities to do that, so we're very pleased."

She also said it gives them a chance to let people know where they will go after graduation.

"It gives them a chance to shine," she said.

The event honors the top 8 percent of students from 21 local high schools, and also honors a teacher and scholastic athletes of the year. A total of 211 students were listed, including EHS senior Kennison Adams.

"I think it's an amazing opportunity and a great honor," said Adams. "I'm really excited to be here. It's just really neat to see how many kids have worked so hard, and I'm excited we're going to celebrate that."

She plans to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Adams added that it took "a lot of hours of studying and homework and projects, just trying to stay on top of it all. It's been worth it."

"I'm very honored to be here and I'm glad I get to share this with my classmates," she added.

The idea behind the program is to honor high academic achievers.

"When this was started in 1989 the thought process was there were all kinds of banquets to recognize student athletes," said long-time emcee Jim Shrader, publisher of The Telegraph. "There was really nothing in place that recognized scholarships. The students, if they were not valedictorian or salutatorian, there was nothing."

By recognizing the top 8 percent they were "able to go a little deeper" in recognizing students.

He also noted that one of the people he gave a Silver Medallion to more than 25 years ago, Melissa Erker, now plays a major role in the program.

Erker, director of government and community affairs at the Wood River Refinery, is a Civic Memorial High School graduate and received a silver medallion in 1991.

She made dinner introductions as part of the program, taking the place of refinery Manager Jerry Knoyle, who was unable to attend.

"What I think is so amazing is we have an opportunity to recognize this talent," she said before the ceremony. "We really celebrate them and encourage them to come back to the community.

"I hope these students here think about that," she added. "They have lots of aspirations and dreams, and we have lots of room for them here to do things too."

Kent Scheffel, vice president of enrollment services at LCCC, said the program is important to the college.

"We view it as a great event because we work so closely with the high schools," he said. "It's good for the students, it's good for the parents and it's good for the community, so we're glad to be involved."

He also acknowledged it gave them a chance to show off the community college to a large number of prospective students.

"We just like this one because it gives a chance to really recognize the students and gives them the opportunity to let people know where they're going and what they plan to major in. You really get to see the best and the brightest."

Many students said they were "excited" to participate.

"I think it's really great they get together and show how much they respect the students who put forth the effort to keep their grades like that," said Parker Allen, an Edwardsville High School senior being honored that night.

Like others, he said it was not easy getting there.

"It's definitely a lot of work," he said. "To be in the top 8 percent you have to take honors level classes and advanced classes, that's a lot of work."

Civic Memorial English and psychology teacher Christiann Wiest was honored as the Teacher of the Year. Retiring Bunker Hill Superintendent Dr. Victor Buehler was also honored.

Civic Memorial's Kameron Denney won the male scholar athlete award, with Carlinville's Taylor Wills winning the female scholar athlete award.

Participating schools included Alton, Bethel Christian, Brussels, Bunker Hill, Calhoun, Carlinville, Carrollton, Civic Memorial, East Alton-Wood River, Edwardsville, Gillespie, Greenfield, Jersey Community, Marquette Catholic, Metro-East Lutheran, Mississippi Valley Christian, Mount Olive, North Greene, Roxana, Southwestern and Staunton high schools.

In addition to The Telegraph, sponsors were Olin Corp., Phillips 66, Global Brass and Copper Inc., Lewis and Clark Community College, Phillips 66 and 1st MidAmerica Credit Union.

The Teacher of the Year Award was sponsored by Liberty Bank, and the Scholastic Athlete of the Year Awards were sponsored by Carrollton Bank.